MLB Rumors: Derek Jeter Gone? Dan Uggla To Boston? Cliff Lee To Bronx?
The hot stove season has us awash in MLB rumors. From legendary Yankee Derek Jeter to potential future Yankee Cliff Lee, to Dan Uggla stunning the Marlins, it's already been a busy offseason.
We're running down the free agency rumors on the biggest name free agents in all of baseball, telling you what's on the radar, and where it looks like the biggest names are heading. Let's get started.
Edgar Renteria: World Series MVP Won't Retire, But Where Now?
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Well, it's official: World Series MVP Edgar Renteria is not retiring. According to multiple reports, the shortstop has decided to come back for at least one more season. The only question that remains is: Where will he go?
According to ESPN's Jason Churchill, the most likely suitors for the 34-year-old middle infielder are the Giants, Cincinnati Reds or Houston Astros.
But don't rule out an appearance in the American League for the veteran, either, as numerous ballclubs are looking for a designated hitter or a fill-in shortstop.
Javier Vazquez: Nationals Leading Small Market For Former Yanks Pitcher
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Anyone who watched Javier Vazquez's disasterous 2010 campaign in the Bronx knew the veteran righty was on his way out the door after just one season in New York.
Vazquez would have been a promising pitcher prior to last season, but according to ESPN.com, the 34-year-old's velocity dip has scared many teams away.
Still, there is some interest, as the Washington Nationals appear to want to possibly sign the veteran.
Magglio Ordonez: Who Will Sign Veteran Slugger?
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Veteran corner outfielder Magglio Ordonez is one of the better hitting free-agents out there. The Tigers declined his option for the 2011 season with injury concerns over the 36-year-old's fractured ankle sustained in July.
Despite that, the Tigers are viewed as one of the frontrunners for Magglio's services, according to ESPN's Jason Churchill. The Tigers are actively pursuing free-agent outfielder Carl Crawford, but if they fail on that front, or feel that Ordonez can be signed at a value, they can still have an interest in signing him.
But the Tigers aren't alone in their pursuit of Maggs, as teams like the Angels, Dodgers and even the Phillies are looking for a reliable outfield bat.
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Aubrey Huff: Slugging First Baseman To Return to San Francisco?
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This is a situation where both parties want a deal to happen, it just hasn't yet. Slugging first baseman Aubrey Huff has said he would love to stay with the Giants in 2011, fresh off the team's World Series title.
Giants general manager Brian Sabean has said he plans on making an offer to Huff, and that he would love to see the corner infielder return next season.
Huff hit a team high 26 home runs and drove in 86 runs, also a team high. When both parties want the deal to happen, it typically does, so expect Huff back in a Giants uniform for next season.
Johnny Damon: What's Next For Veteran Outfielder?
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According to a report on ESPN.com, former Tigers outfielder Johnny Damon is more than open to the idea of staying in Detroit, but the team may not be.
According to the report Damon's agent Scott Boras has stated that he wants a multi-year deal for the 36-year-old outfielder, something many clubs are hesitant to give despite Damon's solid 2010 campaign in Detroit.
For many clubs, Damon is further down the list than other veteran bats on the market, and could have difficulty finding a club to give him that two or three-year deal he so desires.
Paul Konerko: Veteran Slugger Heading West?
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Paul Konerko, the long-time first baseman slugger for the Chicago White Sox, could be leaving the South side for new digs in 2011, according to ESPN.com.
The 35 year old hit 39 home runs and batted .312 last season, and has plenty of willing suitors out there, most notably the Arizona Diamondbacks, Boston Red Sox, Washington Nationals and Chicago Cubs. While Konerko isn't the youngest bat on the market, he's certainly one of the more reliable, and he should get a decent one or two-year deal out of this.
Jorge De La Rosa: Talented Yet Injury-Prone Starter Sought By Several Clubs
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Jorge de la Rosa is one of the most talented lefty pitchers available on the 2010 free agent market. He's only 29, and has an incredibly live arm when he's healthy. He's already received numerous calls from interested teams, and could get one of the larger deals of the offseason.
However, a combination of de la Rosa's injury history and his Type A free agent status makes him much less appealing than his talent and upside would suggest, and according to ESPN's Doug Mittler, he might not get the type of deal he wants.
Adam LaRoche: Veteran Slugger Done in the Desert, Where To Next?
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Former Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Adam LaRoche is a free agent once again in 2010, and he's got several potential landing spots, according to ESPN's Jason Churchill.
The veteran slugger could wind up with the Cubs, Nationals, Astros or Rangers, and could even return to Arizona at a lower cost to the team. LaRoche has been a second-half stud for several years, and his power stroke is still strong.
Adrian Beltre: Nothing Yet From Free Agent Third Baseman
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Former Red Sox third baseman Adrian Beltre declined the team's option for 2011, opting to head into the free agent market as a highly coveted potential power bat.
But since the decision, Beltre has barely registered a blip in rumor land, with little to no news coming out about the 31 year old. The Angels are considered a frontrunner, as third base is one of their most glaring holes.
Beltre rediscovered his hitting stroke in 2010, blasting 28 homers and hitting .321. He's considered a hot commodity, but won't come cheap.
Carlos Pena: D.C. in Store For Slugger?
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Former Rays first baseman Carlos Pena was one of baseball's worst hitters in 2010, totalling a .196 average despite hitting 28 homers. However, despite that anemic average, it appears that the Washington Nationals have taken an interest in Pena.
He's viewed as a defensive upgrade over Adam Dunn, the first baseman the Nats are currently wooing, and according to ESPN's Doug Mittler, can be had somewhat cheaper than Dunn.
Brandon Webb: Injured Starter Heading To Washington?
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With former ace righty Brandon Webb's time in Arizona appearing to be drawing to a close, the injured sinkerballer has drawn interest from several clubs, most notably the Washington Nationals, according to ESPN's Doug Mittler.
The righty hasn't pitched anything resembling a full season since 2008, but the talent is there. Still, according to Mittler, don't be surprised to see the righty have to work out for any club he wishes to sign with, much like Ben Sheets did last season.
Grady Sizemore: Indians Star On Trading Block?
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One of the names bouncing around the trade wires is Indians' centerfielder Grady Sizemore.
The talented, but injury plagued Sizemore is due a significant chunk of change in 2011, and with the team attempting to slash payroll, Sizemore is a logical trade candidate.
Potential destinations are wide ranging and varied, but Sizemore is a real candidate to be dealt in 2011.
Vlad Guerrero: Tampa Bay For Aging Slugger?
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Designated hitter/makeshift outfielder Vladimir Guerrero had a renaissance in 2010, finding his power stroke during the regular season, and making him a valuable commodity on the DH market this offseason.
According to ESPN, one of the most logical landing places for Vlad is Tampa Bay, where he and manager Joe Maddon have a relationship dating back to the pair's time together in Anaheim. The 37-year-old slugger is still capable of putting the bat on the ball, but his fielding skills have atrophied terribly, and he's best served as a DH.
Jayson Werth: Outfielder Heading To Boston?
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Outfielder Jayson Werth might be the most complete hitter on the free agent market not named Carl Crawford in 2010. Werth is capable of hitting for average, power and has good speed on the basepaths, making him a highly coveter outfielder.
According to numerous reports, the Boston Red Sox have made acquiring Werth a top priority this offseason, along with fellow outfielder Carl Crawford.
Werth's versatility would make him a welcome addition to a Red Sox team sorely in need of some consistency from the outfield, and the price could be within their range, if they can convince agent Scott Boras that Werth isn't Barry Bonds.
Victor Martinez: Catcher Headed To Motown?
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Red Sox catcher Victor Martinez is considered one of the biggest names in the free agent pool in 2010, and his name has popped up in conjunction with teams ranging from the Angels to the Tigers to the Blue Jays.
According to ESPN.com, Martinez is highly sought after in Detroit and Toronto, both teams who are in need of a talented, veteran catcher who can play first base and DH on occasion.
Martinez is one of baseball's best offensive catchers, and the price tag will be high. However, he lacks defensive skill, and he has a subpar arm.
Adam Dunn: Cubs, Nats In Race For Slugging First Baseman
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Adam Dunn has been one of baseball's best power hitters since he entered the league. He doesn't hit for a ton of average, and strikes out a bunch, but he can hit the ball a mile.
Who could use that? Lots of teams, most notably the Chicago Cubs (who lack a real first baseman at this point), and the Washington Nationals. According to multiple sources, Dunn seems unwilling to sign in Washington, and a move to Chicago seems a logical step.
Carl Crawford: Speedy Outfielder Trying To Find New Home
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Crawford is one of baseball's best baserunners, and he wouldn't be a free agent if Tampa Bay would come watch the Rays play every once in a while.
But, they don't and Crawford's services are available to the highest bidder. According to many sources, Detroit, Boston and the Yankees are currently the leaders to sign Crawford, who stole 47 bases, hit 19 homers and drove in 90 runs while hitting .307 in 2010.
Dan Uggla: Second Baseman Shuns Marlins To Head To Boston?
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Dan Uggla, one of baseball's best-hitting second baseman, stunned the baseball world when he declined the Florida Marlins' four-year, $48 million offer this offseason, instead deciding to become a free agent.
Uggla's destination of choice would seem to be Boston, as numerous media outlets are reporting that both parties would love to see Dan in a Red Sox uniform in 2011.
While Uggla's defense up the middle has been an issue since day one, he could have tremendous value as a third baseman or left fielder, both of which the Red Sox need. He hit 33 home runs and batted .287 in 2010, both career highs. He's in the midst of his prime at age 29, and could give a boost to a Red Sox offense that occasionally lacked punch in 2010.
Cliff Lee: Destined To Be a Yankee?
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Ah yes, the big fish in the free agent pond in 2010. Ace lefty starter Cliff Lee has been dominant over the last four seasons, and now that he's a free agent again, there are two frontrunners to sign him to the massive deal he's sure to get.
One is the Yankees, the favorite right now. They have expressed a desire to make Lee priority number one this offseason, and have the dollars to do it.
The other frontrunner is the Texas Rangers, Lee's team for a good portion of last year. He's expressed a desire to return to Texas, and the new ownership group won't let him go without a fight.
There are other teams in the race, but New York and Texas are the leaders right now.
Derek Jeter: Could This Be the End of His Yankee Run?
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Derek Jeter will be a Yankee for life. Let's get that out of the way now. The 36-year-old franchise heart and soul may have had his worst statistical season ever in 2010, but he's still the leader of this team and a virtual deity in New York.
That being said, sources are saying that these contract talks could get ugly, and both sides have fired warning shots already.
If it gets too bad, and the impossible happens (Jeter doesn't sign), look for the San Francisco Giants to step into the void and sign the aging leader. They have the cap space to do it, and could use his bat in their offense.
The odds of Jeter not staying a Yankee are infinitesimally small. But they're there, and stranger things have happened.
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