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Agent: Dodgers, Twins leading in Blake pursuit
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Blake, 35, is seeking a three-year contract. He has until midnight Sunday to accept the Dodgers' offer of salary arbitration, but could sign a new deal with the Dodgers or Twins before then.
"We've made progress with both the Dodgers and Twins," McDowell told FOXSports.com. "They've been more persistent and more involved.
"I've had pretty regular conversations with the Indians, but I wouldn't say they've been as persistent as the Twins and Dodgers."
The Indians, who traded Blake to the Dodgers last July, are reluctant to give Blake a three-year deal, major-league sources said. Other teams also are interested in Blake, McDowell said, but not to the extent of the Dodgers and Twins.
Asked if Blake will command a three-year contract, McDowell said, "I would think so. Without anything done, you don't know for sure. But that's the range we've been discussing."
Blake batted a combined .274 last season for the Indians and Dodgers with 21 home runs and 81 RBIs, helping the Dodgers reach the National League Championship Series.
Both the Indians and Dodgers used him mainly at third base, but Blake plays both infield corners and both outfield corners, making him especially valuable in the NL.
The Twins, looking for a third baseman, could be Blake's choice if he wants to return to the Midwest. Blake is a native of Indianola, Iowa.
Member Comments
Blake is a stiff. Strikes out to much and most of his dingers come with no one on. Swung at way to many bad pitches with runners in scoring position.I hope the Twins get him. They were too good last year.
Merc4212/3/2008 10:52:00 AM(Report inappropriate content)
Casey Blake is the epitome of mediocrity, which is why Mark Shapiro, Eric Wedge and Cleveland ownership loved him so much. Trust me, he's really not that good. Look at the average and the K's. Doesn't deserve a 3 year deal. Doesn't deserve anything more than 20% above the league minimum salary. The Twins and the Dodgers will probably offer him both. Luckily, the Indians don't give the 3rd year which means he really is gone!!!! WAHOO!!! The Casey Bloke era has ended (2003-2008). <br /><br />Please, please, please Indians. Don't resign him.
Pharaoh1712/3/2008 9:25:00 AM(Report inappropriate content)
As a White Sox fan, I hope the Twins don't get Blake, because the last thing the White Sox need is the Twins to get another Sox killer.<br /><br />I say this in the utmost respect to the Twins and Twins fans. I think other White Sox fans will agree with me on this...no matter what the Yankees, Angels, Red Sox, etc. do in the off-season, the team that scares me the most every year is the Twins. Of course I also worry about the Indians, Tigers, and Royals, but I pay the closest attention to the Twins as our rivals. I don't care too much about the Yankees, Cubs, Angels, and whoever else outside the division unless they happen to be playing the White Sox at the time. No matter how much talent they lose every year, the Twins stay competitive every year and are always a thorn in the side of the White Sox.<br /><br />So, believe me, with all due respect to the Twins, I really do not want to see the Twins get Blake.
qcbearsfan12/3/2008 8:36:00 AM(Report inappropriate content)
Absolutely right, minntwins. You can't compare the Twins' pursuit of Blake to long shots like Bret Boone or Sidney Ponson. Blake is a quintessential "Twins type of player", and he knows the organization well; I think this is a good stopgap measure while guys like Buscher develop. Blake's ability to play multiple positions could also make him a valuable guy in spelling Morneau, who played every game last season.
adidasman12/3/2008 6:44:00 AM(Report inappropriate content)
this is different than the other Twins "free agents" Hernandez, Ortiz, Ponson, etc... they were trying to come back and become what they once were. Blake is no where near the twilight of his career. I hope they reel him in... sidenote to white sox "objects in your mirror are closer than they appear"
minntwins12/3/2008 6:31:00 AM(Report inappropriate content)
Liked him from the day he got here to L.A. a real "lunch pail" player who shows up every day and every at-bat.<br />He plays with some fire, too. he has a grizzly adams look, but I saw him get riled up a few times at the plate when he thought the ump screwed the call. i was really surprised because it happend more than once-he even got thrown out of one game. Hope the Dodgers can secure him and sew up the third base spot for the next several years. We have been hurting there ever since One Year Wonder Beltre left.
12/2/2008 23:35:00 PM(Report inappropriate content)
Now that the Dodgers have offered arbitration to Blake won't that scare off the Twins?
DocNobz12/2/2008 20:48:00 PM(Report inappropriate content)
I would like to see Casey Blake finish his career with the Indians. I thought he did a great job last year for us at third base. Come on back Casey!
dockdog2612/2/2008 18:20:00 PM(Report inappropriate content)
The Twins should stick to their farm system. Past years: Livan Hernandez (good for a month, done after), Ramon Ortiz (same story), Miguel Bautista, Adam Everett, Mike Lamb, among others. None lasted long....
MinnySports12/2/2008 17:48:00 PM(Report inappropriate content)
Will wonders never cease, the twins doing something in free agency other than trading the talent away.
chatleli12/2/2008 17:20:00 PM(Report inappropriate content)
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