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Wednesday's buzz from the GM meetings

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Updated Nov 12, 2009 7:38 AM ET
     
 
The World Series may still be fresh in your mind, but MLB GMs are already focusing on next season. Thankfully, Ken Rosenthal and Jon Paul Morosi are on the ground in Chicago with all the latest gossip and buzz. Note: All times listed are ET. Monday's buzz | Tuesday's buzz

Yanks, Cashman have alternatives to Damon — 10:19 p.m.

Yankees general manager Brian Cashman does not dispute agent Scott Boras' assertions about free-agent left fielder Johnny Damon's value to the Yankees. Cashman, however, will not lack for a top-of-the-lineup alternative if Boras and Damon insist upon on a longer contract that the Yankees are willing to offer. Free agent Chone Figgins, 31, is more than four years younger than Damon. He could replace Damon in left and combine with Derek Jeter to give the Yankees a similar 1-2 punch at the top of their order. Cashman, however, places great value on players who succeed in New York — something that both Damon and fellow Yankees free agent Hideki Matsui already have done. Some agents and executives, viewing Melky Cabrera and Brett Gardner as little more than spare outfielders, actually believe the Yankees should focus more on center field than left. Curtis Granderson obviously would be a fit if the Tigers indeed were willing to move him. But while Granderson hit a career-high 30 homers last season, his on-base percentage dropped from .365 to .327 and his slugging percentage from .494 to .453. He also was a liability against left-handers, batting .183-.245-.239. The Yankees long have had interest in free agent Mike Cameron, who could be a one-year stopgap until top prospect Austin Jackson is ready for the majors. Or, they could stay with Cabrera and Gardner in center and sign Damon or Figgins — or pursue more of a slugger such as Matt Holliday or Jason Bay to play left field.

Sources: Vizquel not returning to Rangers — 9:39 p.m.

Free-agent shortstop Omar Vizquel will not be back with the Rangers, major-league sources say. Vizquel, 42, had 195 plate appearances last season, and is looking for the same type of utility role. He would prefer a higher-profile team, one source says.

Bradley-for-Burell being discussed, but money's an issue — 9:35 p.m.

The Cubs and Rays continue to discuss a Milton Bradley-for-Pat Burrell trade, but money remains a major obstacle. Burrell will earn $9 million next season, while Bradley is owed $21 million over the next two years. The Rays want the Cubs to pay the vast majority of the difference. The teams are a mere $2 million to $3 million apart over the two years, one source said. The source described the negotiations as "worse than Chinese water torture." Another said, "I wish cattle prods were legal."

Source: Betemit expected to sign with Royals — 6:34 p.m.

Veteran utility player Wilson Betemit is expected to sign a minor league contract with the Kansas City Royals, one major league source told FOXSports.com. Betemit spent part of the 2009 season with the White Sox, after the Yankees included him in the Nick Swisher trade. But he batted only .200 in 20 games and didn't play in the majors after June 2. Then he went to Class AAA and hit .241. Betemit, a switch hitter, has primarily played third base in the major leagues but has experience at all four infield positions. The Royals could view him as a low-cost alternative to the versatile Mark Teahen, who was traded to the White Sox last week. Royals general manager Dayton Moore is familiar with Betemit, 28, from their time together with the Atlanta Braves. Betemit had his best seasons with the Braves in 2005 and 2006.

Will Tigers listen to Granderson offers? — UPDATED 6:12 p.m.

An executive of another club confirmed the Tigers are willing to listen to offers for Curtis Granderson, who has been considered a franchise center fielder. Still, one Tigers official said he would be "surprised" if the team traded Granderson. Multiple sources told FOXSports.com on Tuesday that the Tigers are telling other clubs that they will consider trade proposals for a number of their players, including starter Edwin Jackson. The New York Post reported on its website Wednesday that Granderson is available. Falling revenues and escalating salaries are forcing the Tigers to control costs. They had a payroll of more than $130 million this year, and club president/general manager Dave Dombrowski said this week that he doesn't know yet what the figure will be for 2010. Granderson made his first All-Star team in 2009 but had an inconsistent year overall. He batted .249, his lowest average in a full major league season, and struck out 141 times. But he also hit 30 home runs and finished with 71 RBIs. Granderson, 28, is signed through 2012, with a $13 million club option for 2013. At present, there is a $25.75 million guarantee left on his contract. His salary next year is very reasonable: $5.5 million. The Tigers don't have an obvious internal replacement for Granderson, although Ryan Raburn has experience in center. So, Dombrowski would likely insist on receiving a premium center fielder as part of the package. And that would be a reasonable request. "I would think," said one executive with a team looking for outfield power, "they could get a ton for him."

Varitek exercises option, will stay with Red Sox — 5:08 p.m.

Red Sox captain Jason Varitek chose on Wednesday to remain with the only team he has known in the major leagues, agreeing to exercise his $3 million player option for 2010. The move came two days after the team declined its $5 million option on the catcher. Varitek's role in Boston was diminished after the team acquired Victor Martinez from the Indians in July. Martinez batted .303 with 23 home runs and 108 RBIs overall this year; he will return as the No. 1 catcher in 2010 on a $7.7 million salary. Varitek, 37, hit a career-low .209 this season. Unless Martinez is injured, Varitek's playing time is likely to continue decreasing. Varitek's 2010 contract includes $400,000 in bonuses at 80, 90, 100, 110 and 120 games played. But the presence of Martinez makes it highly unlikely that he would receive much (if any) of that bonus money.

Giants trying to bring Uribe back in '10 — 2:49 p.m.

The Giants are still talking with infielder Juan Uribe about coming back to the team in 2010, sources said today. Uribe's representatives touched base with Giants general manager Brian Sabean again today as the GM meetings adjourned. The team was satisfied with Uribe's production as a part-time player this year.

Brewers GM: We're not listening to Fielder offers — 2:15 p.m.

Brewers general manager Doug Melvin said he's made clear to other GMs that he's not listening to offers for first baseman Prince Fielder this offseason. Fielder is due to become a free agent after the 2011 season. Melvin said he'd like to pursue a long-term extension with Fielder before Opening Day. Fielder, though, is represented by agent Scott Boras. A hometown discount appears highly unlikely.

Matt Williams added to D-backs staff — 1:33 p.m.

The Diamondbacks named Matt Williams their new first base coach and Bo Porter as third base coach while Glenn Sherlock agreed to remain with the club as the bullpen and catching coach for the 2010 season, the team announced.

Sources: Rockies have no urgency on Hawpe — 1:32 p.m.

The Rockies are listening to offers for outfielder Brad Hawpe but don't have any urgency to move him, major league sources said. Hawpe was an All-Star this year but slumped in the second half. Team officials value his presence in the clubhouse and believe he could succeed Todd Helton at first base in 2012, if he signs a contract extension. If the Rockies were to trade Hawpe, one source said, they would likely want a right-handed-hitting outfielder (similar to Carlos Gonzalez) and a reliable seventh-inning reliever. Hawpe is due to earn $7.5 million in 2010, and his contract includes a $10 million club option for the following year. But if he is traded, Hawpe has the right to void the option and collect a $500,000 buyout. So, he has greater contractual value to the Rockies than anyone else.

Griffey agrees to deal with M's — Updated 1:30 p.m.

Ken Griffey Jr. has agreed to a one-year contract with the Seattle Mariners. The terms of the deal are similar to the incentive-based deal Griffey received in 2009. The 2009 contract was worth a base salary of $2 million with $1.1 million in incentives. Full story...

Source: Jays, M's discuss Overbay deal — 1:15 p.m.

The Jays and Mariners have discussed a trade that would send Lyle Overbay to Seattle, a major league source said today. The Mariners could also re-sign Russell Branyan to play first base. Overbay, who lives in the Pacific Northwest, would welcome a trade from Toronto, where his playing time declined this year. The Jays are discussing Overbay with multiple teams, the source said. They came close to a deal with Arizona in recent days.

Pirates won't go all out for veteran talent — 11:24 a.m.

The Pirates are in better position to spend than they were last offseason, when their only free-agent additions were infielder Ramon Vazquez and outfielder Eric Hinske.
Do not expect them, however, to use all of their available money to acquire veteran talent. The Pirates demonstrated their desire to improve with their acquisition of second baseman Akinori Iwamura from the Rays. Yet, club officials are reluctant to block the ascents of young players as the team rebuilds. So, the Pirates will not necessarily re-invest all of their savings from the trades of second baseman Freddy Sanchez and shortstop Jack Wilson last summer into the major-league roster. As painful as that message is for Pirates fans who have endured 17 straight losing seasons, the team has gone too far to abandon its plan now. For example, the Pirates envision competition among six players — Pedro Alvarez, Andy LaRoche, Jose Tabata, Garrett Jones, Lastings Milledge and Jeff Clement — for their corner infield and outfield positions. Signing a veteran in one of those spots would prevent one or more of those players from getting a full opportunity.

Source: Royals committed to Gordon at third — 11:22 a.m.

Despite acquiring Josh Fields from the White Sox, the Royals are committed to Alex Gordon at third base, a source said today. Fields, instead, is viewed as a possible left fielder if the Royals find a suitable trade for David DeJesus. Fields had some experience in left with the White Sox. DeJesus is a steady hitter who had an off year in 2009. He's set to earn $4.7 million next year, followed by a $6 million option (or $500,000 buyout) in 2011.

Minaya going after, well, everybody — 11:01 a.m.

The Mets plan to pursue virtually every big name on the free-agent and trade markets, from Roy Halladay and John Lackey to Jason Bay and Matt Holliday.
Agents and rival executives, however, are skeptical that the Mets actually will land any of those players, believing that the team ultimately will settle for second-tier talent. Mets general manager Omar Minaya loves to play at the top of the market. And the Mets, coming off a 92-loss season, are not about to tell their fans that they will aim low. Still, the Mets' needs are significant enough that one or two major additions might not put the team in contention. Minaya says he wants to add at least one starting pitcher. The Mets also need bullpen help, and could address catcher, first base, second base and left field. So, look for the Mets to be aggressive early, then perhaps back off when the prices of Lackey, Bay and Holliday rise past ownership's comfort level. Catcher Bengie Molina and outfielder Rick Ankiel are the types of free agents who would be more realistic targets. Last off-season, the Mets made a strong run at free-agent right-hander Derek Lowe, but refused to guarantee him a fourth year and ultimately re-signed lefty Oliver Perez. They could employ the same type of strategy again

Is Japan an option for Matsui? — 10:55 a.m.

In speaking with reporters this morning, agent Arn Tellem, wouldn't discuss the possibility that his client Hideki Matsui would consider returning to Japan. Tellem did say that he believes Matsui, a free agent, will ultimately have a 10-year career in the U.S. major leagues. Next season would be his eighth.

Interest in Uggla ... at third base — 10:51 a.m.

The two teams showing the most interest in Marlins second baseman Dan Uggla would move him to third base. The Giants and Orioles are the clubs in strongest pursuit of Uggla, according to major-league sources. The Red Sox also have inquired, envisioning Uggla as a potential replacement for free agent Jason Bay in left field. Uggla, 29, projects to earn approximately $8 million in arbitration. But in four major-league seasons, he has averaged 30 homers and 90 RBIs. For the Giants, he would represent a more affordable addition than Bay or Matt Holliday. The Giants would play Uggla at third, Edgar Renteria at shortstop, Freddy Sanchez at second and Pablo Sandoval at first. If Uggla went to the Orioles, he could replace free agent Melvin Mora at third base and also fill in at first base and DH. The Orioles, awaiting the arrival of third-base prospect Josh Bell, do not want to block the position long-term. They also are concerned about Uggla's defense at third; their pitching is too weak for the team to give away outs. But the team would benefit from Uggla's right-handed power. If the Marlins trade Uggla, they almost certainly will keep third baseman Jorge Cantu, who also is arbitration-eligible. Cantu, 27, has driven in 195 runs the past two seasons and provides protection for shortstop Hanley Ramirez in the cleanup spot. Emilio Bonifacio likely would replace Uggla at second, with top prospect Logan Morrison perhaps taking over at first.

Sherrill for Jackson a possibility? — 10:33 a.m.

The Dodgers have some interest in Tigers starter Edwin Jackson, who is available. But one source with knowledge of the teams' positions said the sides haven't discussed a trade of Jackson for reliever George Sherrill. Still, a 1-for-1 trade of those players might ultimately make sense for both clubs. A big reason: Sherrill ($2.75 million) and Jackson ($2.2 million) earned very similar base salaries in salary arbitration this year. That should be the case again in 2010, which would enable the cash to balance easily. The Dodgers need a reasonably low-cost starter such as Jackson. The Tigers would like to acquire a late-inning reliever to offset the potential free-agent departures of Fernando Rodney and Brandon Lyon. Detroit had interest in Sherrill as a trade candidate when he was pitching for the Orioles.

Mariners looking to keep ace, add vets? — 10:25 a.m.

One agent who spoke with Mariners general manager Jack Zduriencik this week came away convinced that Seattle will try to add veteran talent this winter — rather than move star pitcher Felix Hernandez. In fact, a starting pitcher is on the Mariners' wish list. "Jack wants to win," the agent said.
Tagged: Tigers, Edwin Jackson, Dodgers, Mariners, Fernando Rodney

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