As the post season winds down and the Texas Rangers await the conclusion of the NLCS to see whom they will face in the World Series, lets take a look at some of the early Hot Stove season news. What you read here will not be exclusive to the Mets and will include most of the top hot stove news.
Joey Votto – Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports, says that GM Waly Jocketty of the Cincinnatti Reds will not rush into a trade involving their young star Joey Votto. Instead, he will wait it out and first see what the market will be for free agents Prince Fielder and Albert Pujols to get a feel for what an extension for Votto would cost.
Jose Reyes – According to Steve Popper of the Bergen Record, if the Mets have any chance to sign Reyes within their exclusive negotiating window, they would have to blow him away with an offer. Popper doesn’t believe that will be the case. Jason Beck of MLB.com thinks the Tigers might go after Reyes and move Jhonny Peralta to third base to make room for him. They have over $25 million freed up with the expiring contracts of Magglio Ordonez and Carlos Guillen.
C.J. Wilson, Yu Darvish – According to Danny Knobler of CBS Sports, Wilson is looking for a $100 million dollar deal this winter. Joel Sherman of the NY Post said the Yankees are not interested in Wilson and neither are the Rangers at that price. Both teams are expected to be the favorites to land soon to be available Yu Darvish from Japan.
Heath Bell – The Padres are only willing to give Heath Bell a two-year, $15-$16MM contract with an option for a third year according to the San Diego Union-Tribune. Bell is looking for a guaranteed three year deal. I don’t think Bell will get nearly as much as some think he will. I don’t see him getting more than a $40 million dollar deal.
C.C. Sabathia – According to Buster Olney who spoke with Sabathia’s agent, the Yankees ace is a virtual lock to opt out of the remaining $94 million on his contract, but will give the Yankees every opportunity to re-sign him. Meanwhile, Olney adds that the Texas Rangers are locked and loaded and ready to make Sabathia a primary target. Two words: Gitt’er Done!
David Wright – Buster Olney says that the Arizona Diamondbacks will be one of a parade of teams who will contact the Mets about the availability of third baseman David Wright. This follows an earlier report in which Troy E. Renck of the Denver Post wrote that opposing executives expect the Rockies to be aggressive in their pursuit of Wright. I don’t see it happening.
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