MLB Rumors: Vladimir Guerrero, Todd Helton and the Latest MLB Buzz
Major League Baseball, despite being firmly in the middle of its offseason, continues to have a lot of buzz. Most of it is due to arbitration coming up, as players who are eligible continue to gradually sign with their teams.
There are still 26 players eligible for arbitration. Which of these players seem close to signing deals, and how many who were eligible have now signed? On the free agent market, the Rays have acquired two big names, perhaps leaving Vladimir Guerrero as the biggest non-signee. Where will he end up?
For that matter, where will Armando Galarraga end up? Read on to find out.
Vladimir Guerrero
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I'm going with Guerrero first this time instead of last, now that he seems to be the biggest free agent name left. The big rumor this past weekend was that Guerrero would be going to the Baltimore Orioles. However, Andy MacPhail has said that the report is not accurate.
The Orioles already added a few potential and actual power bats to their lineup this season in Mark Reynolds and Derrek Lee, and putting Guerrero in would cause Luke Scott to move, making for a very crowded outfield.
Darren O'Day
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Speaking of Texas Rangers players, the Rangers have signed Darren O'Day to a one-year deal. O'Day was one of three Rangers players that could still go to arbitration. The deal was for $1.251 million, which was at about the midpoint between what O'Day wanted and what the team wanted to give him originally.
Josh Hamilton and Frank Francisco are the two remaining players the Rangers are trying to sign.
Jorge Cantu
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Yet another 2010 Rangers player is the subject of a possible signing, as Jorge Cantu is being looked at by three teams. The Atlanta Braves, San Diego Padres and Cleveland Indians have expressed interest in the infielder. The Braves and Padres in particular are favorites.
Cantu split last season with the Marlins and Rangers, and can be a very productive power hitter for a team that needs it. The Padres and Indians could sorely use a hitter like him, but he would be valuable to the Braves as well.
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Billy Butler
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In non-Texas Rangers news, the Kansas City Royals have signed Billy Butler to a four-year deal. The big man in the middle of the Royals lineup will get $30 million in all over four years with an option for 2015.
This is a big move for the Royals, as they will have their big power hitter secure who can also hit .300. Hopefully, he'll continue to contribute for them.
Carl Pavano
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Yes, he finally signed with the Twins. That's not so much news, not only because that was a few days ago, but because nearly everyone saw that coming. The big news, instead, comes from the New York Yankees camp.
According to the Boston Globe, the Yankees extended an offer to Pavano for a year and $7 million. What's shocking is that it's the Yankees. Yes, they need some pitching, but after the history the Yankees and Pavano had, any offer is a surprise.
Jonathan Papelbon
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If you thought the lack of an offseason trade meant that everything was fine between Papelbon and the Red Sox, then you're likely mistaken.
Rumor has it that Papelbon will continue to be available for a trade throughout the 2011 season, so if any team's closer suffers injury or becomes ineffective, then expect Papelbon to be moved.
Todd Helton
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After a very bad 2010, it looked as if Todd Helton would be done as an everyday player. However, Helton says he plans to finish his contract, and by extension he plans to continue being an everyday player.
If last year was an anomaly, then this is fine, but if he can't get back to his old numbers, then he'll just be an overpaid first baseman who eventually vanishes, not unlike his backup, Jason Giambi.
Jake McGee
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Jake McGee, the Rays pitcher who made his debut last season, was planning to be a reliever next season, perhaps in a setup role. However, pitching coach Jim Hickey says he will likely be the fifth starter.
It remains to be seen if he will be a starter, but given how bad of shape the bullpen's in and the fact that the Rays have five starters, I still think he'll start in the bullpen, or be a potential spot starter this season.
Manny Ramirez and Johnny Damon
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Manny Ramirez and Johnny Damon are hoping to gain new life in their bats as members of the Tampa Bay Rays, as both players signed contracts. The signing of these two veterans will help to serve two purposes. First, they will be able to provide veteran leadership to the young guys. They'll also help to produce some power left behind by Carlos Pena.
Armando Galarraga
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Armando Galarraga was reported to be traded by the Detroit Tigers sometime this week. As for who might take him, the likely destination seems to be the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Diamondbacks have pieces they could trade to the Tigers, and Galarraga could easily fit into the back end of the rotation, so this seems to be a win on all sides.
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