MLB Offseason Potential Signings/Trades Thread

[gladdyontherise]

Indians Interested In Jason Kubel: MLB Rumors - MLBTradeRumors.com

The Indians are interested in free agent outfielder Jason Kubel, according to Paul Hoynes of the Cleveland Plain Dealer. Cleveland claimed Kubel on waivers in August and they are still considering ways of obtaining outfield depth.

Kubel, 29, posted a .273/.332/.434 line for the Twins in 2011, adding 12 homers and 21 doubles. He's a Type B free agent and it appears highly unlikely that he'll cost a draft pick, even if the free agent compensation system changes under the upcoming collective bargaining agreement.

Would be a bad move for Cleveland, so i'd love for them to sign him

[gladdyontherise]

Tigers Nearing Deal For Catcher: MLB Rumors - MLBTradeRumors.com

The Tigers are close to signing a catcher, according to Ken Rosenthal and Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports. Free agent Kelly Shoppach is one of the team's targets.

EDIT: Looks like the Tigers are about to sign Gerald Laird

[key2win]

I know he wont take it, but here is the offer from the Marlins.

The Marlins have reportedly offered Pujols a nine-year, $225 million contract, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports.

Albert Pujols: Marlins Make Big Offer - MLB - Yahoo! Sports

[gladdyontherise]

Reports have actually said the oppposite saying the 9 year deal was for under $200 million. Have to factor in no tax on his money if he went to the Marlins

[gladdyontherise]

Heyman On Rangers, Pujols, Fielder, Nunez: MLB Rumors - MLBTradeRumors.com

The Rangers are still saying that the odds are remote for them to make a run at Albert Pujols or Prince Fielder this offseason, says Heyman (via Twitter). The club's focus now is to try to lock up Josh Hamilton as the outfielder will hit free agency after 2012.

The Braves have long been interested in Yankees shortstop Eduardo Nunez but the Bombers will have to part with much more to land Jair Jurrjens in a trade, Heyman tweets.

Would be smart for the Rangers to get something done with Hamilton and the Yankees would be smart to try and get Jurrjens, so they probably won't.

[gladdyontherise]

Rockies Interested In Jonny Gomes: MLB Rumors - MLBTradeRumors.com

With Michael Cuddyer and Josh Willingham looking for three-year contracts, the possibility exists that the Rockies will shift their focus to a more powerful platoon player to pair with Seth Smith. With that in mind, the Rockies have expressed interest in free agent outfielder Jonny Gomes, according to Troy E. Renck of The Denver Post.

The Rockies were in on Grady Sizemore but with the centerfielder on the cusp of a one-year deal with the Indians the club is now exploring other options. Using Gomes with Smith in a platoon would be an affordable solution. Last season, Gomes hit .209/.325/.389 with 14 homers.

Rockies are interested in all the lesser players it seems lol

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Cafardo On Red Sox, Ortiz, Saunders, Oswalt: MLB Rumors - MLBTradeRumors.com

Whether the Diamondbacks tender Joe Saunders a contract or not, he becomes an interesting possibility for the Red Sox as a back-of-the-rotation starter. MLBTR projects that Saunders is in line for $8.7MM in arbitration this year and readers' opinions were split on whether or not the hurler would be tendered.

Cubs GM Theo Epstein will listen to offers on Matt Garza and just about anyone on his team in order to replentish his farm system.

Roy Oswalt’s agent, Bob Garber, spoke to Red Sox GM Ben Cherington last Wednesday. The Sox could use his leadership in the rotation but the veteran's price could be prohibitive.

Cafardo opines that the Cubs should give up outfielder Tyler Colvin to the Red Sox to wrap up their Theo Epstein compensation talks.

It wouldn't suprise me to see the Dbacks let Saunders walk. I think Oswalt pitching for Boston would be a trainwreck. Colvin I thought was suppose to be pretty good, guess things changed.
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Pads Feel It'll Be Easier To Deal Bartlett Than Hudson: MLB Rumors - MLBTradeRumors.com

Earlier this week we heard that the Padres hope to trade either Jason Bartlett or Orlando Hudson this offseason, and today Dan Hayes of The North County Times heard from a source that the team believes it will be easier to trade Bartlett because of his contract. The Padres think they'd have to eat part of Hudson's deal to get actual prospects back.

Padres already want to trade Bartlett after getting him a year ago? lol

[bakemeister52]

Still got an idea the BoSoxs and/or Yankees still have a big trade coming up!

[gladdyontherise]

Latest On Boston's Managerial Search: MLB Rumors - MLBTradeRumors.com

The Red Sox's search for Terry Francona's replacement is drawing to a close, though yesterday we heard that the team won't make a final decision over the weekend. They don't plan on conducting any further interviews. Here's the latest on Boston's managerial search...

The search is down to two finalists according to John Tomase of The Boston Herald: Bobby Valentine and Tigers' third base coach Gene Lamont. Blue Jays' first base coach Torey Lovullo is out of the running.

PLEASE. SIGN. LAMONT.

[gladdyontherise]

Pirates Interested In Aaron Cook: MLB Rumors - MLBTradeRumors.com

The Pirates have shown preliminary interest in free agent righty Aaron Cook, writes Bill Brink of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. About a half-dozen teams have checked in so far, hears Brink, and the Pirates' interest is in the early stages. Cook is represented by Pro Star Management, Inc.

Broxton Likely To Sign Soon: MLB Rumors - MLBTradeRumors.com

Last Sunday it was reported that more than ten teams are interested in the 27-year-old and the Blue Jays are among the teams in the mix. Ben Nicholson-Smith took a look at Broxton's free agent stock in late September and predicted a one-year deal with plenty of incentives.

Broxton is down to a small handful of teams and will choose before the Winter Meetings next week, says ESPN's Jerry Crasnick in a series of tweets. Crasnick says Broxton seeks a one-year deal to re-establish value, and about a dozen teams requested his medical records. The Rangers were in on him before signing Joe Nathan, and the Rockies discussed him as an option if they trade Huston Street. Crasnick thinks the Rays, Marlins, Red Sox, Twins, and Reds could be in the mix.

For a low contract he'd be a good signing.

Cubs Open For Business On Matt Garza: MLB Rumors - MLBTradeRumors.com

Teams have a clear belief that the Cubs are open for business on starter Matt Garza, tweets ESPN's Buster Olney. Some teams expect Garza to be dealt this winter. Earlier this month, USA Today's Bob Nightengale wrote that the Cubs are willing to listen on everyone.

Garza, 28, moved to the National League this year and posted career-bests with a 3.32 ERA and 197 strikeouts. He's under team control for 2012 and '13, and MLBTR projects a salary around $8.7MM for '12.

The Yankees, Red Sox, and Blue Jays, three of teams that had no access to acquiring Garza when he pitched for the Rays in the AL East, figure to inquire with Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer this winter. The Rangers, Rockies, Marlins, Angels, Nationals, Reds, and Dodgers could be other interested parties, and the Twins certainly know Garza well having drafted him in '05.

What will it take to acquire Garza? The Cubs' farm system is light on top-shelf young pitching, based on rankings from Baseball America and Baseball Prospectus. With Manny Banuelos, Dellin Betances, and Martin Perez, the Yankees and Rangers' top arms could be of particular interest to the Cubs.

Cubs will lose out on Garza, they'll end up having gave up better prospects than what they most likely get back.

Morosi On Fielder, Randy Wells, Guthrie: MLB Rumors - MLBTradeRumors.com

Agent Scott Boras has pared down Prince Fielder's sales pitch binder but still has 70 pages worth, he tells Morosi. Morosi says Fielder's suitors are believed to be the Cubs, Nationals, Rangers, and Mariners.

The Cubs are open to moving Randy Wells, indicates Morosi as he lists available starting pitchers. Wells, 29, is under team control through 2014. MLBTR projects him to earn $2.2MM in 2012.

The Angels and Orioles discussed the possibility of a Jeremy Guthrie trade in recent days. Guthrie, 33 in April, projects to earn $8.3MM in 2012 before hitting free agency.

Will be interesting to see who Fielder signs with

[gladdyontherise]

C.J. Wilson Rumors: Tuesday: MLB Rumors - MLBTradeRumors.com

C.J. Wilson visited the Marlins in Miami yesterday and appears to have a visit with another team scheduled this week. Here's the latest on the free agent left-hander:

Wilson asked the Angels for $100MM, according to Jon Heyman of SI.com (Twitter links).

Though agent Bob Garber requested a meeting with the Yankees, the sides haven't scheduled a visit at this point, according to Heyman.

Anyone who pays Wilson $100 mil I'd just do this:

[gladdyontherise]

Tigers Interested In Maicer Izturis: MLB Rumors - MLBTradeRumors.com

The Tigers have interest in trading for Maicer Izturis of the Angels, reports Ken Rosenthal and Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports. Izturis is believed to be next on their wishlist after Martin Prado of the Braves.

The Tigers are looking for upgrades at second base, third base, and in the leadoff spot, three roles Izturis has filled at different times in his career. The 31-year-old hit .276/.334/.388 with five homers and nine steals in 494 plate appearances this past season, playing second, third, and shortstop. He is owed $3.8MM in 2012 and can become a free agent after the season.

No thanks, lets go get Prado.

[gladdyontherise]

Heyman On Reyes, Posada, Bell, Madson, Varitek: MLB Rumors - MLBTradeRumors.com

The Mets would offer Jose Reyes $80MM for five years, but would not guarantee a six or seven-year contract.

Jorge Posada inquired with the Mets about a job and heard the team wasn't interested, according to Heyman. However, agent Seth Levinson told Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports that "there is no truth to that report. None" (Twitter link).

The Marlins met with Bell and seem very aggressive. “This is no publicity stunt,” Heyman writes.

Miami was interested in meeting with free agent closer Ryan Madson, but the right-hander declined, since their offer “wasn’t right.”

The Mets and Orioles are among the teams showing interest in Jason Varitek, Heyman writes. The Orioles are definitely looking for backup catching help, but it appeared earlier in the week that they were uninterested in Varitek. GM Dan Duquette favors players who could catch every day if necessary.

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I'm gonna go out and say the Marlins are still frauds on the FA market.

Twins Notes: Morneau, Mauer, Cuddyer, Kubel, Capps: MLB Rumors - MLBTradeRumors.com

Twins manager Ron Gardenhire joined 1500 ESPN's Talkin' Twins show last night and said the Twins are attempting to put together a team that can win even if Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau aren’t ready for Opening Day. “I think that's a pretty good idea,” Gardenhire said. “If we have those guys back on the field, which I believe we will... we'll have a heck of a baseball team." Here are more details on the Twins’ offseason plans, via Phil Mackey of 1500ESPN.com:

The team has made offers to some of its current free agents. The Twins are “making a mad effort” to sign Michael Cuddyer and they’d “love to have” Jason Kubel back. However, re-signing both players isn’t necessarily realistic.

Matt Capps struggled in 2011 and could bring the Twins a compensatory draft pick in 2012, but the team is working to re-sign him. Gardenhire would like to bring the right-hander back because he’s a “great teammate and a good pitcher” who pitched through pain in 2011, even though the results weren’t there and “people got frustrated with him.” The 28-year-old posted a 4.25 ERA with 4.7 K/9 and 1.8 BB/9 in 65 2/3 innings in 2011 and his peripheral stats were significantly worse than they were in 2010.

Gardenhire said his entire 2012 rotation is “not necessarily” on the Twins roster just yet.

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What are you if you set your team around $40 million a season that you don't expect to play? The Minnesota Twins!

[key2win]

The Twins cant win with their best 2 players injured. Gardenhire is on something. LOL!

[gladdyontherise]

Heyman On Braves, Wilson, Reyes, Astros, Minaya: MLB Rumors - MLBTradeRumors.com

The Braves want a young outfielder and shortstop plus other players for Jair Jurrjens.

The Yankees have looked at free agent left-hander Mike Gonzalez.

The Nationals will push for C.J. Wilson, according to Heyman. They want a left-handed starter and Wilson appears to be their top target.

The Marlins are optimistic about signing Jose Reyes and they are considering upping their initial bid (it was in the $75-90MM range). The Mets and Marlins appear to be Reyes' two main suitors, but interested teams view the Tigers as a threat to sign the shortstop. “They are good poker players,” one exec said.

The Astros are shopping Wandy Rodriguez, Brett Myers and Carlos Lee. I’d guess it’s unlikely they make a move before they hire a new GM.

The Astros "will do whatever it takes'' to hire Rays executive Andrew Friedman, according to Heyman. Friedman is unsure if he wants to leave the Rays, however.

Jorge Posada would like to play if he can find the right job and Heyman suggests the Marlins are a possible fit for the switch-hitter.

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Not sure why the Braves want to get rid of Jurrjens so badly (other than injury problems) when their rotation has been a bit of a mess in terms of innings pitched.

I'm sure Kerwin wants Washington to sign CJ Wilson!

I'm not sure how to feel about the Tigers possibly getting Reyes. Great player and would love to have him if healthy, but staying healthy is a big thing. Leyland would give him 2 days off a week though so maybe that'd help?

The Astros want someone to take their bad players

Quick Hits: Pena, Zumaya, Soler, Peterson: MLB Rumors - MLBTradeRumors.com

Carlos Pena would be a fit with the Blue Jays, Brewers, Cubs, Mariners, Nationals, Rangers, Red Sox and Yankees, opines SBNation's Rob Neyer. The Yankees tried to claim Pena on waivers last August but the Cubs pulled him back.

Joel Zumaya said the Red Sox expressed an interest in him as soon as he hit free agency, reports MLB.com's Jason Beck. Boston will be one of the 10 or more teams present when Zumaya throws a mound session in two weeks. The right-hander underwent elbow surgery in March and didn't pitch last season.

Also from Rosenthal, the Royals "backed off" pursuing free agent starters due to their large number of minor league pitching prospects and also because the club wants to remain flexible since they know not every young arm will properly develop. The Royals re-signed Bruce Chen and their other major starting acquistion this winter (Jonathan Sanchez) came via a trade.

The Cardinals could make an acquisition or look internally to fill their middle infield needs, writes MLB.com's Matthew Leach, but the team won't know how much they have to spend until Albert Pujols makes his decision.

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Pena will probably sign after Pujols/Fielder sign.

Zumaya is a great pickup, but prefer the Tigers to stay away unless its a minor league deal. He just can't stay healthy

Smart choice by the Royals

[key2win]

Yes I want Washington or anyone other than the Angels to sign Wilson. LOL!

And your team can gladly take Itzuris from the Angels for basically anything. They need a 3B with power like Aramis Ramirez instead of a utility player who plays multiple positions.