Another week has come and gone and although no turkey has been eaten yet, teams are gobbling up free agents on the open market. Rumors are beginning to swirl and trades are starting to be discussed as the framework for deals are starting to form. Here is everything you need to know in the baseball world:
NEWS:
The Pirates will have a new shortstop next season. The team announced the signing of Clint Barmes to a two-year $10.5 million deal today.
Justin Verlander’s fireplace mantel will be quite decorated come the holidays, as he was announced as the American League MVP by the Baseball Writers Association of America. He was also named the 2011 AL Cy Young award winner. The last pitcher to win the MVP award was hall-of-famer Dennis Eckersley in 1992.
In some truly unfortunate news, Mariners outfielder Greg Halman was found stabbed to death in his home by Dutch police and his brother has been arrested as a suspect. The 24-year-old was found in a home of the Dutch port city of Rotterdam.
Gerald Laird will return to Detroit next season, signing a $1 million deal over one year.
We will “getting Wiggy with it” much more often, as former-Met Ty Wiggington was acquired by the Philidelphia Phillies for a player to be named later, or cash. Makes you wonder why the Mets didn’t take a flyer for that price. With the rate our infielders get hurt, he could have been a decent pickup.
Will the A’s finally be able to relocate to San Jose? Bud Selig is trying to speed the possibility up, FoxSports reports. Selig will be meeting with the San Francisco Giants within two weeks, sources say.
The Indians and Grady Sizemore are “tying up loose ends” on a possible deal, Jon Heyman tweets.
Dale Sveum was named the Chicago Cubs new manager, after being interviewed for both the Red Sox and the Cubs’ vacancies. After losing out on Sveum, the Sox appear poised to make a run at Bobby Valentine (see below).
The Twins continue to shore up their roster, this time adding catcher Ryan Doumit on a one year deal.
Jim Crane’s $610 million purchase of the Astros from former owner Drayton McLane was unanimously approved by Major League Baseball’s owners on Thursday. The deal was contingent on the owner agreeing the move the team to the AL, which should occur sometime around 2013.
With the addition of the Astros to the AL West, MLB will add extra Wild Card team to each league. While no choice was made on how this new Wild Card will be chosen, Bud Selig’s committee is said to like the idea of a “one-game playoff” format.
RUMORS:
The Braves have inquired about the availability of Eduardo Nunez, The Daily News reports. The Yanks have expressed interest in Jair Jurrjens and are exploring a deal that would be built around the shortstop.
Multiple teams have kicked the tires of A’s reliever Andrew Bailey. Ad of right now, the Mariners, Phillies and Reds have popped up in conversation, and ESPN’s Buster Olney believes the A’s will “definitely” move the closer this offseason.
Speaking of the A’s, someone seems to be listening to me, as the Marlins have targeted Gio Gonzalez.
The Nationals are hot on Mark Buerhle and have made him the top free agent target. A contingent, led by GM Mike Rizzo, visited the left-hander at his home in St. Louis today. Adding Buerhle’s veteran presence to stabilize the team’s young roation seems to be the logic behind the move.
Omar Minaya is fielding job offers from “several” clubs, including the Padres – who are considering him from an advisor’s role. I’m sure Minaya is hoping Adam Rubin doesn’t hear about these jobs…
The Angels, who have been mostly quiet this offseason, are said to have interest in one of the top free agent starting pitchers on the marker – C.J. Wilson. While the pitcher “doesn’t appear to…sign very soon,” there are eight or nine teams interested in the left-hander.
The Cubs and their new front office are not holding back. The new regime is telling teams they will listen to trade offers for “everyone” this winter. Should the Mets look into the price for someone like Matt Garza?
The Red Sox are looking for the magic of the ‘stache to right their ship in 2012 and have interviewed Bobby Valentine for a second time regarding their managerial opening. I’m jealous the team might have convinced Bobby to get in the dugout once again.
METS:
Earlier this week, the Mets and Rockies were said to have been discussing a possible Mike Pelfrey for Huston Street swap. Apparently, Street’s name has caught on as the Orioles and Blue Jays have inquired about the closer’s availability.
Many fans have speculated that the Mets might be interested in free-agent closer Jonathan Broxton. Well, if they are, they will not be alone as 10 teams have shown interest in the closer.
Jon Heyman has predicted that in the end, Jose Reyes will land a $120 million deal over six-years. Does anyone else think that’s a little high? Even so, if the number even comes close to that, we can kiss Jose goodbye.
The Padres have expressed interest in dealing infielders Jason Bartlett and Orlando Hudson this offseason. Hudson, who is perpetually-linked to the Mets every offseason, could finally have his chance to play in Queens.
The Mets have been linked to Endy Chavez this offseason, and many fans seem to be excited with the idea of bringing back the 2006-hero. We all know the team could use a good fourth-outfielder.
Maybe the Mets will be able to hit homeruns soon…
The Diamondbacks have discussed the possibility of non-tendering starting pitcher Joe Saunders this winter. Now there is a name the Mets should truly look into.
The Mets are one of many teams who have interest in free agent shortstop Jack Wilson. Other than his defensive ability, I can’t figure out why.
