MLB Rumors: Jose Bautista, Carl Pavano and the Latest MLB News
We have less than a month until pitchers and catchers start to report, and as a result, players and teams are wrapping up any remaining contracts on both ends. Many players were signed yesterday in hopes of the team avoiding arbitration, yet there are some notable players that will be stating their case for a big contract.
Aside from arbitration news and the retirement of Gil Meche, what else is happening as the winter months wrap up? Who are the Yankees about to sign to a deal? Is Jose Bautista heading to arbitration, and if so how far apart are the two sides? Has Joe Blanton gotten some renewed interest?
For that matter, did Carl Pavano finally sign with the Twins? Read on to find out the latest MLB news.
Arbitration
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All arbitration-eligible players have either been signed by their team, or have begun to state their case as their contract offers pour in.
26 players have decided to go to arbitration in total, and while some players and teams are close enough in their offers that they should be able to think up something (Craig Breslow wants $1.55M, A's are willing to give $1.15M), some teams and players are way off (Rickie Weeks wants over $7M, Brewers won't even give him $5M).
Two major players are currently heading to arbitration, each wanting eight figures. Read on to find out who those two are.
Jose Bautista
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Jose Bautista is the first of the two big names heading to arbitration, as he and the Toronto Blue Jays are far apart in their requests. Bautista is requesting $10.50M, while the Blue Jays have only offered $7.60M.
Since this is Bautista's first year of arbitration eligibility, as well as his first huge season, I expect the amount decided on to be closer to the Blue Jays' end. In his upcoming years of arbitration eligibility, he could probably hit eight figures so long as he continues performing.
Joe Blanton
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After Cliff Lee joined the Phillies, many thought Joe Blanton would be trade bait. A month later, Blanton is still on the Phillies' roster, penned in as that fifth starter. Phillies' GM Ruben Amaro has now said he'll probably remain in Philadelphia through 2011, as the team isn't in a rush to trade him; that's simply a possibility.
If no one's bitten at the offer for Blanton now, then he'll probably stay in Philly, at least for now.
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Todd Coffey
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Todd Coffey, who has spent the past two seasons as a reliever for the Brewers, is near a deal with the Washington Nationals. Is he signs, he will likely serve as the setup man to Drew Storen. He had a 4.76 ERA last year and a 2.60 ERA the year before, so he has the potential to be a reliable setup man.
Andruw Jones
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Andruw Jones looks to be close to signing a one-year contract with the New York Yankees. Now that another fourth outfielder has signed, the Yankees will likely pay close attention to Jones, and this deal will be finalized sooner rather than later, though it's reported that the two sides are still a bit far off on money.
If Jones signs, he'll fill in at the fourth outfield position left behind by...
Marcus Thames
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While Andruw Jones is joining the Yankees, Marcus Thames is leaving. The former Yankees outfielder has signed a one-year, $1 million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The longtime fourth outfielder has never played more than 110 games in a season or fewer than 80 since 2005. With the Dodgers, he'll serve the same role he's been used to the rest of his career.
Armando Galarraga
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The pitcher known for the near-perfect game this past season is now on his way out of Detroit. Galarraga was designated for assignment despite agreeing to a one-year deal after the Tigers signed Brad Penny.
There are many teams that could potentially be in the mix. The Yankees are going to take a look at him. The Rockies, Mariners and Pirates might end up taking a look as well, and the Baltimore Orioles will find their way into discussions because they always do.
Scott Podsednik
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After the Dodgers ruled out re-signing the speedy outfielder, Podsednik has since been looked at by the Toronto Blue Jays as a possible signee. They want to add a leadoff hitter to the mix, and Podsednik certainly fits the bill if they decide to give him a shot. He'll be 35 when the season starts, but he still has the speed to contribute.
Carl Pavano
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According to sources, Pavano and the Twins may have finally agreed to a deal. Finally, something to report besides "Pavano and the Twins are still talking about a contract." Now all they have to do is actually sign it.
Josh Hamilton
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The reigning AL MVP is the second big name that is going to arbitration. He wants a $12 million deal, while the Rangers are only willing to give him $8.7 million. Usually I lean towards agreeing with the team's offers, but in Hamilton's case he's clearly one of the best players in the league when healthy and fully focused, and $12 million for what he brings to the table sounds worth it.
Milton Bradley
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It's a shame. The guy has all the talent but screws up again and again and again. Now, he was arrested this morning on a felony charge and subsequently released. The Mariners are keeping an eye on it, but if he'd guilty then he might be done in the league.
See here for more on that story.
Shin-Soo Choo
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One of the most underrated players in baseball is now in talks for a multiyear deal with the Indians. Both sides would love to see the other stick around, but the problem is the agent, Scott Boras. He'll want as much money as possible for Choo, and the Tribe hates to spend. Either way, locking him up for about $4 million is a bargain.
Vladimir Guerrero
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I always save the best for last and end the buzz with some Guerrero news. Unfortunately for Vlad though, teams are not feeling the same way, and are not really looking at him. He is not lowering his deal and he remains unsigned. At the rate he's going, he could end up like Jermaine Dye last year, who never found a team.
Guerrero's best chance is the Tampa Bay Rays, who need a DH. Unless he lowers his asking price though, they'll go with the cheaper and still decent Manny Ramirez.
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