Results tagged ‘ White Sox ’

Roundup: White Sox land slugger Dunn

The White Sox netted one of the free agent market’s biggest bats, Adam Dunn, on Thursday as the Hot Stove kicked into high gear with Thursday’s 11:59 p.m. ET non-tender deadline looming. 
Chicago has agreed to terms with the slugger pending a physical, according to multiple media reports. Dunn’s deal is reportedly for four years and $56 million.
The Athletics also reportedly had interest in signing Dunn, who hit 38 home runs for the Nationals last season. 
Dunn’s deal could signal the end of Paul Konerko’s tenure in Chicago as the club might not be inclined to keep two high-priced veteran first baseman on the roster.  
Elsewhere, the Red Sox will welcome back veteran backstop Jason Varitek in 2011, according to multiple published reports. Varitek, 38, reportedly agreed to a two-year deal worth $2 million plus incentives.
Varitek projects to be a good fit alongside several young Red Sox catchers, including Jarrod Saltalamacchia.
Varitek isn’t the only player who after Thursday is set to return to his previous club. The Braves agreed with utility man Eric Hinske on a one-year deal, plus an option for 2012. Financial terms of the deal weren’t made public. 
Hinske, 33,  figures to be a left-handed pinch hitter for the Braves again in ’11, and could occasionally spell rookie first baseman Freddie Freeman.
“It’s a perfect fit,” Braves veteran catcher Brian McCann told MLB.com.  ”There are a lot of guys who are going to be excited to hear about this.”  <p>
Another utility player, Jeff Baker, agreed to a deal of his own on Thursday that will keep him in Chicago for the 2011 season. Baker, acquired in 2009 from the Rockies, will reportedly make $1.175 million in 2011, according to a FOXSports.com report.
Baker’s signing came hours before the deadline for club’s to offer unsigned players under their control a contract for next season. Baker hit .272 last season for the Cubs and proved especially valuable against left-handed pitching, batting .350.
While these players will stay put for next season, free agent Hisanori Takahashi could be on the move — to a different league and a different coast. 
The left-handed pitcher is close to a multi-year deal with the Angels, the New York Times reported on Thursday. 
The Angels had been clear about desiring some veteran bullpen help and the veteran pitcher could help fill that void. Takahashi proved effective in a variety of roles last season for the Mets, going 10-6 with a 3.61 ERA. 
– Bailey Stephens

Roundup: Tigers snatch V-Mart from Red Sox

The arbitration deadline was expected to rule the day, but
it wound up being the Tigers that made the big splash. In a rather surprising
turn of events in this offseason, coveted free-agent catcher Victor Martinez
said no to the Red Sox and wound up agreeing to a four-year,
$50 million contract with the Tigers.

The agreement, which a baseball source confirmed to MLB.com, is probably still pending a
physical and should be completed shortly.
At that point, the Tigers would officially be able to add Martinez to a middle
of the lineup that includes fellow Venezuelan Miguel Cabrera.

Here’s more from around the league Tuesday …

* After a bounce-back year that saw him make $3 million, Aubrey Huff inked
a two-year contract reportedly worth $22 million with the Giants. The
deal also includes a club option for 2013.

* Diamondbacks general manager Kevin Towers told MLB.com’s Steve Gilbert that
of all the clubs expressing interest in outfielder Justin Upton, only
“two or three” teams have the players to make a deal work. Towers
says he seeks Major League-ready players in return, not just prospects.

* The Yankees prefer to give standout free-agent closer Mariano Rivera
just a one-year deal worth upwards of $18 million, according to Yahoo! Sports.
But Rivera, 41 next week, seeks two guaranteed years at that rate.  

* As for the Yankees’ other aging pitcher, Andy Pettitte is leaning towards a return to the Bronx, according to the Twitter account of Newsday’s Kevin Davidoff.

* And as for the free-agent pitcher the Yankees hope to land, an industry source told Yahoo! Sports on Monday that New York offered Cliff Lee a six-year contract worth nearly $140 million. But Lee seeks a seventh year.

* Jarrod Washburn, the 36-year-old left-hander who sat out all of last season, “continues to generate interest as a free agent,” according to Yahoo! Sports. The Brewers are believed to be one of the teams that have contacted his agent.

* Arbitration Day is in full swing. So far, Jayson Werth, Adam Dunn, Adrian Beltre and Paul Konerko have been among the ranked free agents being offered arbitration, while Derek Jeter, Mike Lowell, Manny Ramirez and Johnny Damon have been among those who have not. The deadline is 11:59 p.m. ET.

– Alden Gonzalez 

Roundup: The Tigers have arrived to the GM Meetings

It was the Marlins who staked their claim in Orlando on Tuesday, when they traded Dan Uggla to the Braves and agreed on a three-year contract with John Buck. Wednesday is the day of the Tigers, apparently. The club agreed on a three-year, $16.5 million contract with setup man Joaquin Benoit, according to reports. Also, Detroit is said to be going after power-hitting lefty outfielder/first baseman/potential designated hitter Adam Dunn.
SI.com first reported the two sides were quickly coming together on a
deal, but ESPN.com followed up by saying nothing is imminent just yet.

Here’s more from the second full day of the General Managers Meetings …

* Diamondbacks new general manager Kevin Towers is apparently kicking the tires on a potential trade of franchise player Justin Upton.
The Red Sox, according to USA Today, are said to be the ideal
candidate, but the New York Post wrote that the Marlins and Rays — and
perhaps the Yankees — are prime candidates.

* White Sox chairman Jerry Reinsdorf confirmed to the Chicago Sun-Times that he would’ve let manager Ozzie Guillen go
to the Marlins if they would’ve given up the specific high-level player
he sought. Reinsdorf didn’t say who, but he denied it was Mike Stanton.

* In need of a lefty bat, the White Sox have engaged in talks with Hideki Matsui,
according to SI.com. Matsui expressed interest in a return to the
Angels, but they’d like to keep DH a revolving door with so many
veterans in their lineup. 

* Six to eight teams have spoken to free-agent starter Carl Pavano, according to The Washington Post, which names the Nationals as one of them. The Marlins, a source told MLB.com, are another.

* The Athletics traded speedy outfielder Rajai Davis to the Blue Jays in exchange for Minor Leaguers Trystan Magnuson and Daniel Farquhar, the club announced. Toronto also released right-hander Shawn Hill.

* The Rockies have expressed interest in A’s third baseman Kevin Kouzmanoff, according to The Denver Post, which added that Jose Lopez, Jorge Cantu and Ty Wigginton are also on the club’s radar.

* Brandon Webb is also reportedly drawing interest. According to
ESPN.com, the Dodgers, Pirates, Twins and Rangers have shown interest in
the right-hander.

* Seven to eight teams are reportedly interested in Jorge de la Rosa,
who is one of the top free-agent starters once you get past Cliff Lee.
The Rockies are a team that would like to keep him, but not if he gets an offer eclipsing four years.

– Alden Gonzalez

White Sox considering Matsui

With an eye toward left-handed power production, the White Sox have engaged free agent Hideki Matsui in conversation, according to Jon Heyman of Sports Illustrated. Matsui, 36, is coming off a solid season as the Angels’ primary designated hitter and would be an excellent fit in Chicago’s lineup. The cozy dimensions of U.S. Cellular Field also would have appeal to the legendary slugger from Japan.

Matsui expressed an interest in returning to the Angels, but they prefer to keep the DH open to a revolving cast of weapons. Matsui handled his occasional assignments in left field capably in ’10 and was running better than he has in several years. He could handle a start a week, maybe two, in left without a problem. – Lyle Spencer 

Renteria would like to finish with STL or FLA

Now that he has put off plans to retire after being named World Series MVP, veteran shortstop Edgar Renteria is looking for new employment. Recently, he told reporters at his native Colombia in Spanish: “I’d like to end my career in St. Louis or Florida [with the Marlins].”

Renteria came up with the Marlins and was a World Series hero for them with the game-winning hit in 1997. After three years in South Florida, he spent the next six seasons as a member of the Cardinals (ironically, he made the last out with them in the 2004 World Series against the Red Sox).

This past season, the 34-year-old Renteria went on the disabled list three separate times, temporarily lost his starting job and was limited to a career-low 72 games, before famously catching fire in the World Series to salvage his season in a big way.

The Giants, as expected, declined their $9.5 million option on him shortly thereafter.

Take away one appearance at first base, and Renteria has spent his entire Major League career at shortstop. But some believe he may be able to play third and/or second base, and perhaps come off the bench in the way Omar Vizquel did with the White Sox, until he became the starting third baseman. If the Marlins trade Dan Uggla, they could look in Renteria’s direction.

– Alden Gonzalez

Roundup: Lefty power-hitting 1B, anyone?

He isn’t Adam Dunn or Prince Fielder — don’t give up hope on those guys, either, though — but Carlos Delgado is still out there, without a team, and wants to play. Contending teams are reportedly interested. 

According to FOXSports.com, Delgado — he of 473 career home runs and two hip surgeries since May of 2009 — is drawing interest from the White Sox, while the Mariners, Rockies and Red Sox are possible fits. Of those, Seattle would appear to be a longshot, since the 38-year-old would like to sign with a contending team. 
Delgado’s agent, David Sloane, told FOXSports.com his client has received two Minor League offers and would need a couple of weeks in the Minors to get ready. Delgado wants to play for a team in contention and one that will give him regular playing time, the Web site added. 
Here’s more from around the league … 
* Pedro Martinez, who recently relayed his intention to sit out the 2010 season through his agent, was asked on ESPN’s First Take what it would take for him to come back and pitch this season. This is what he said … 
Right now, it’s going to be hard to do, because I’m really enjoying what I’m doing with my family, and I’m really enjoying helping out the community with my foundation. … The time with my family, I think, is priceless. I’m really enjoying it, and so it’s going to take a lot to bring me out of my house, out of my comfort zone, right now. 
In order for the idle Martinez to be on a postseason roster, he must be picked up before Aug. 31. 
* The Royals designated outfielder Jose Guillen for assignment on Thursday. Guillen was in the last year of a three-year, $36 million contract. Now, Kansas City will have 10 days to trade, release or outright Guillen. Teams like the Giants, Rays, White Sox or Red Sox could be interested. 
* An unknown team has claimed Adam Dunn off waivers from the Nationals, which makes it less likely that the first baseman will be traded, according to FOXSports.com. Washington could now either engage in one-on-one negotiations with that club, or can pull him back. 
* The Mets are open to negotiating a contract extension with shortstop Jose Reyes, according to The New York Daily News. Reyes has a club option for 2011 worth $11 million, but New York is reportedly willing to scrap that for a long-term contract. Negotiations likely won’t be finalized until the end of the season, however. 
* Buck Showalter, the Orioles’ new manager, will earn $1.5 million a year each season through 2013, according to the Twitter account of ESPN’s Buster Olney. 
* Now that the non-waiver Trade Deadline has passed, teams have to first put a player on waivers before trading them. Under that, the Phillies acquired a veteran first baseman in Mike Sweeney from the Mariners — for a player to be named later or cash considerations — the Marlins signed infielder Chad Tracy, and the Pirates claimed a couple of righties in Chris Resop and Chan Ho Park. 
– Alden Gonzalez

Roundup: Trade Deadline comes and goes


That’s it. The non-waiver Trade Deadline has now passed, and the dust
has settled. Several big-name players — like Cliff Lee, Roy Oswalt,
Dan Haren and Lance Berkman — wound up switching teams, while
several notable trade candidates — such as Adam Dunn, Jayson Werth,
Scott  Downs, Brett Myers and Prince Fielder –
stayed put. 

Here’s a look at what did
happen Saturday … 

* The Dodgers acquired the best remaining starting pitcher on the
market, post-Oswalt, by swinging a deal for Lilly of the Cubs in
the afternoon. In the deal, the southpaw — a free agent after this season and
making $12 million in 2010 — infielder Ryan Theriot and $2.5 million go to Los Angeles, while infielder Blake
DeWitt and Minor League right-handed-pitching prospects Kyle Smit
and Brett Wallach head
to Chicago. 

* The Cardinals officially acquired Indians pitcher Jake
Westbrook in a three-team deal with the Indians and Padres. Westbrook
was scratched from his Saturday start as the deal was set into motion. The
Padres acquired Ryan Ludwick from the Cards, while Padres prospect
Cory Kluber was sent to
Cleveland and pitcher Nick Greenwood went to St. Louis.

* The Yankees made some big moves (surprised?). They solidified the designated-hitter role by
getting Berkman from the Astros, bolstered their outfield with the
acquisition of Austin Kearns from the Indians, and on Saturday, added an arm to the bullpen by getting
another Cleveland piece, closer Kerry Wood (acquired for a player to be
named later or cash). 

* A few other relievers were dealt just before the 4 p.m. ET Deadline.
Coveted left-hander Will Ohman went to the Marlins in exchange for Minor
League right-hander Rick VandenHurk; Pirates closer Octavio Dotel
was dealt to the Dodgers for right-hander James
McDonald and Minor League outfielder Andrew Lambo; Dotel’s
teammate, lefty Javier Lopez, was sent to the Giants for a couple of Minor
Leaguers; and the Giants got Ramon Ramirez from the Red Sox. 

* Just before the Deadline, the Red Sox got catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia from the
Rangers in exchange for two prospects — right-hander Ramon Mendez and
first baseman Chris McGuiness — and a player to be named later or cash. 

* The Braves bolstered their bullpen and got some needed help in
the outfield by swinging a last-minute deal with the Royals, one
that brought right-hander Kyle
Farnsworth and outfielder Rick Ankiel (along with cash
considerations) to Atlanta in exchange for outfielder Gregor Blanco,
right-hander Jesse Chavez and Minor League lefty Tim Collins. 

* The Diamondbacks acquired outfielder Ryan Church,
infielder Bobby Crosby and reliever D.J. Carrasco from the
Pirates in exchange for catcher Chris Snyder and Minor League shortstop Pedro
Ciriaco. 

* Looking to strengthen their bullpen, the
Rays nabbed veteran right-handed reliever Chad Qualls from the D-backs. 

* In what would have been a true Deadline blockbuster, FoxSports.com is reporting on Saturday that
the White Sox had been trying to acquire Manny Ramirez from the Dodgers,
but the Dodgers didn’t bite on the first attempt. 

– Alden Gonzalez and Bailey Stephens

Roundup: Berkman close to joining Yanks

The Yankees now look poised to land Lance Berkman from the Astros, a source told MLB.com’s Brian McTaggart. 
Berkman has the right to reject any trade as a 10-and-5 player (10 years in the league, five with one team), but he was approached by general manager Ed Wade a couple of days ago with a list of eight teams be to and approved four, including the Yankees. 
According to The New York Post, the deal is done, though it won’t be official until another 24 hours. 
The 34-year-old Berkman is making $14.5 million this season and has a $15 million club option for the 2011 season, with a $2 million buyout. With the Yankees, he’d likely serve as a designated hitter — a revolving door for the club all year — but he can also fill in at first base and in the outfield corners if needed. 
With Saturday’s 4 p.m. ET non-waiver Trade Deadline looming overhead, here’s more from around the league … 
* The White Sox acquired some depth for their starting rotation on Friday afternoon, when they swung a deal with the Diamondbacks to bring right-hander Edwin Jackson to the South Side. In the trade, Chicago parted ways with one of its top pitching prospects, righty Daniel Hudson, and Minor League lefty David Holmberg. 
* The Rangers, in need of second-base help with Ian Kinsler on the disabled list, acquired veteran middle infielder Cristian Guzman for prospects. Guzman is making $8 million in the final year of his contract this season. 
* Baseball sources told MLB.com’s Ken Gurnick that the Dodgers and Cubs have been discussing a deal that would send left-handed starter Ted Lilly back to Los Angeles. The Dodgers would also like to include infielder Ryan Theriot in the deal and would want Chicago to eat up some of Lilly’s remaining contract, according to FOXSports.com. Lilly, the best starting pitcher remaining in the market, has $4.3 million left in his expiring contract. 
* The Blue Jays acquired Mets Triple-A first baseman Mike Jacobs for a player to be named later. Jacobs will report to the Blue Jays’ Minor League affiliate. 

* While looking at what happened today and what could happen before 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, we’ll also look back. Roy Oswalt to the Phillies, Jorge Cantu to the Rangers, Miguel Tejada to the Padres and Matt Capps to the Twins were the biggest moves made prior to Friday, in what has still been a rather slow-moving Trade Deadline. 

– Alden Gonzalez

D-backs closing in on deal with White Sox

NEW YORK — The D-backs are closing in on a deal with the White Sox that would send Edwin Jackson to Chicago with Daniel Hudson being the centerpiece of what Arizona would receive in return, a baseball source confirmed Friday.

Jackson, who was acquired by the D-backs last winter in a three-team deal that included the Yankees and Tigers, is 6-10 with a 5.16 ERA in 21 starts this year. He threw a no-hitter against the Tampa Bay Rays on June 25.

Hudson, 23, is a highly-regarded pitching prospect, who was called up by the White Sox to take injured hurler Jake Peavy’s place in the rotation. The right-hander was selected by Chicago in the fifth round of the 2008 First-Year Player Draft.

Hudson rose quickly through the Minors. He started at Class A in 2009 before shooting all the way up to the Major Leagues by season’s end.

In nine big league games, including five starts, Hudson is 2-2 with a 4.72 ERA. He is scheduled to start Friday night for the Sox.

If the trade is completed, the D-backs would likely turn their attention to moving closer Chad Qualls and catcher Chris Snyder.

– Steve Gilbert

Roundup: Rangers seemingly not done yet

The Rangers already nabbed the big prize of the trade market by snagging Cliff Lee recently, and they’ve reportedly been hot after an infielder, with Jorge Cantu being their primary focus. 
But that may not be all. 
Texas is also keeping its eye on the seemingly depleted market for Roy Oswalt, SI.com and FOXSports.com wrote. Oswalt to the Rangers, however, is still considered a longshot. Oswalt, who has a full no-trade clause, insisted location doesn’t matter, as long as he goes to a contender. The Phillies are still hopeful of obtaining the pricey right-hander, but reports have indicated that the Cardinals — in the same division as the Astros — are pretty much out of the race. 
With Saturday’s 4 p.m. ET Trade Deadline fast-approaching, here’s more from around the league … 
* The Yankees and Red Sox are the favorites to acquire Scott Downs, the most sought-after lefty reliever in the trade market, according to FOXSports.com. 
* According to ESPNChicago.com, six teams are in the running for Adam Dunn: The White Sox, Tigers, Angels, Rangers and two unidentified National League clubs — with one of those likely being the Giants. In order for the White Sox to get him, the Nationals require top pitching prospect Daniel Hudson, plus one of outfielder Jordan Danks, catcher Tyler Flowers and infielder Brent Morel. 

* Cody Ross really wanted to stay with the Marlins. Now, after Chris Coghlan tore his MCL while celebrating on Sunday, Ross may seemingly get his wish, which would deprive the trade market of a valuable outfielder. 

* Cubs third baseman Aramis Ramirez is leaning towards exercising his $14.6 million player option for 2011, according to The Chicago Sun-Times. The news comes as no surprise, considering he likely wouldn’t get anything close to that in the open market at this point. Ramirez, who also has a $16 million club option for 2012, has a pretty good perspective on the Trade Deadline. 
* The Braves reached agreement on a two-year contract extension with backup catcher David Ross, a club source confirmed to MLB.com’s Mark Bowman. Ross, making $1.6 million while in the final year of his contract, will now stay on through 2012. First-string catcher Brian McCann is also signed through 2012, with a club option for 2013. 
* In need of more punch in their lineup, the Giants have been “heavily” scouting Royals outfielder Jose Guillen, Jon Heyman of SI.com and MLB Network wrote via Twitter. Meanwhile, Guillen’s teammate, Scott Podsednik, is also drawing intrigue. FOXSports.com’s Ken Rosenthal wrote via Twitter that Kansas City is being “bombarded” by National League West teams interested in the speedy left fielder. 
* Not only may Ross be staying, but the Marlins are also strongly considering a long-term deal with Dan Uggla, MLB.com’s Joe Frisaro writes. The Diamondbacks, meanwhile, will continue selling, according to MLB.com’s Steve Gilbert. 
– Alden Gonzalez
« older posts | back to blog home | newer posts »
Theme: MLB “pro” | Get a free blog at WordPress.com
Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.

Join 410 other followers