Thursday, December 11, 2008

Winter Meetings Day 3 Updates

- Dave Sheinin says the Nationals offered Mark Teixeira eight years and $160MM

Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore Sun says the Orioles met with Boras last night and apparently made an offer. However, Peter Schmuck says the nine-year, $180MM report was "met with incredulity from O's officials."

- According to Yahoo's Tim Brown, the Phillies are close to signing Chan Ho Park. He says the Phils may view him as a starter. Park's average fastball velocity jumped from 88.4mph in '07 to 92.6mph in '08, leading some to label him a sleeper.

- According to Mike DiGiovanna of the L.A. Times, the Cubs inquired on Chone Figgins. Figgins could theoretically fill Mark DeRosa's superutility role, though DeRosa seems likely to stay put. DiGiovanna says the Angels won't be sure of their needs until they sort out the Mark Teixeira and Brian Fuentes situations.

- MLB.com's Jim Street confirmed the deal. The Mariners give up Putz, Green, and Reed and get Heilman, Chavez, Carp, and Gutierrez. The Indians give up Gutierrez and get Valbuena and Smith. The Mets give up Heilman, Chavez, Carp, and Smith to get Putz, Green, and Reed.

The Mets succeeded in overhauling their bullpen without giving up premium pieces. Assuming Putz and K-Rod are healthy, they'll be playing seven-inning games.

The Mariners can try Heilman the rotation, and add good outfield depth. I'm kind of lukewarm on the Indians' benefit.


- The Dodgers have had internal discussions about extending their contract offer to Manny Ramirez to three years.

Dan Graziano's source suggests "there is a push by some members of the Yankees' organization to make a play for free-agent outfielder Manny Ramirez."

- Ken Rosenthal says the Yanks are offering $91MM over five years. He also learned that the Yanks will not sign both Burnett and Lowe - just one of them and then possibly other free agent pitchers. Similar to Crasnick's note below.

- Gordon Edes agrees, Lowe is not on the verge of signing. He does have offers in hand from the Yanks and Phillies, with the Mets and Red Sox in talks. The Brewers made contact but are considered a long shot. Edes says Lowe's desire to return to Boston has been overstated. Edes says the two offers are in the four-year, $65MM range, and a fifth year could clinch it.

- The Tigers are set to acquire Edwin Jackson from the Rays for outfielder Matt Joyce.

- The Royals hope to clear payroll to make room for Furcal, preferably by trading Jose Guillen. Orlando Cabrera is their backup plan. The Royals would eat some money to move Guillen, but predictably the market is "almost nonexistent."

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