Loose End Rumors

It's been a while since I have posted. So I will sort out the news by Team.

Atlanta Braves-

First was the bad news that Mike Hampton again has falling to an injury while trying to make a comeback from 3 injury plagued seasons. While pitching in the first inning in the Mexican Winter League he apparently put a strain on his hamstring and thus stopped his comeback and will be shelved until pitchers report in January. Hampton entering his final year in a $121 million contract. As the braves see it now and as do i, they don't expect him to be in the rotation this year. This in fact now limits it down to two individuals for the 5th spot: Jair Jurrjens and Jo-Jo- Reyes. I hope Mike can make a recovery but I highly doubt he can come back. Good luck to Mike with his new team next year or with what ever new endeavors he pursues.

On to the rumor mill, A report with the Boston Herald, says the Braves are interested in a 4th outfielder. They named Bobby Kielty as this outfielder. Bobby coming off a injury year also hit the final homerun of the World Series and was a hero as the Sox won that game 4-3. Kielty's move should stem on the fact if the Sox gain Santana for Crisp, and or Ellesbury and other players. He thinks that his fate in the BoSox organization is if Crisp is there or not and then he'll make that decision. Kielty would make a good addition to the Braves but the thing is we already have platoon in LF with Jones/Diaz. But If we are making a trade move for Crisp we might have to move Diaz and or Jones, I believe that It would be a nice package to send Diaz/Jones/and a Pitching prospect to Boston for the combo of Bobby Kielty and Coco Crisp. That way LF and CF are set and CF is easily a stopgap.

Ron Mahay, is still being considered by the Braves but with the Yankees and Mets involved it looks like the bidding could keep the Braves out of the negotiations. Ron Mahay with the Braves went 1-0 with a 2.25 ERA with 23 Ks and 16 BB in 60 innings. Mahay would be a welcome sight back in Atlanta but with bidding for RP FA it probably wont happen. I predict a 2 yrs/$12 million contract for Mahay with the NYY.

Detroit Tigers-

Well It looks like good old Kenny isn't totally ready to accept the $8 million deal with the Tigers just yet. We are still waiting on Kenny Rogers to negotiate a deal with DD before the Winter Meetings. Kenny says he needs time to get situated as his own free agent. I think he still wants a one year $10 million contract. Kenny needs to cool down after his injury plagued season last year, he should take that $8 million easily maybe negotiate for incentives, and maybe he is doing that now but I don't know. We need Kenny for a year and we also need his leadership for the younger kids.

As for our new reliever corp, It looks like we lost out on the Herges sweepstakes as the Rox have signed him for a year. We are now going for LaTroy Hawkins for a multi year deal. I'm not sure about this deal. Sure Hawkins had a phenomenal post season and a decent 2-5 3.42 ERA this season but still a 34 year old getting a multi year contract who is already possible on the decline(especially strikeouts 1.8 Ks/9 innings) is not a very wise. Did we not learn from the Mesa disaster from last year. LaTroy for one year would be very valuable but two or more years, I'm not to sure about that. Guess we shall see.

Apparently the Interest in Octavio Dotel has cooled since Dotel seems to be wanting $12 million two year contract. Dotel's health risk and not reaching the 100 game plateau combined the last three seasons, do not meet the ends. Dotel would still be a good risk for us, but a one year deal worth less then $5 million would not spark an interest with the injury plagued Dotel.

Finally for both the Braves and the Tigers interest in Kei Igawa, is there. Why the Braves are interested is possible to replace the now injured Mike Hampton, The Tigers may want him for depth in case Miller falters or actually for the 5th spot for the rotation. Other then that the Braves are set for their rotation and Dave Dombrowski has said once Rogers is signed they will not pursue a SP.

That is it for now.

Tom Glavine signs and Rogers speculation

Wow its been 5 long years but the second of the legendary Braves trio has found his way back to Atlanta. Tom Glavine officially signed with the Braves for $8 million one year deal. This a great day for the braves. He will give us a solid #3 starter in the rotation and also mentor the young guys at #4 and #5 spots on the rotation. He seems extremely comfortable as says he doesn't want to be a #1 starter on the staff. He was quoted today saying:

"I don't think I'm that kind of pitcher anymore. There's enough pressure to go out and pitch in this game without the pressures of feeling that every time you go out there that you have to prove to people that you're worth something or worth a certain amount of money. "The last two years, I've forgone options that I had in my contract for more money than I ended up making simply because I don't view myself as a No. 1 guy anymore, and I don't think I should be paid that way. That's just the way that I am. That doesn't mean that I still can't go out there for stretches of time and pitch like a No. 1 guy."

Glavine will be a welcome addition to the Braves staff and organization once again.

Kenny Rogers finally started negotiations again for a deal with the Tigers this time his agent is himself. Rogers was contacted by Dombrowski but DD decided to not talk about what they discussed. That $8 million one year deal looks perfect and maybe add on some treats for Rogers for some extra cash and give him a $9-9.5 million total incentive laden deal. With Glavine signing for $8 million at a discount, one has to wonder if Rogers might do the same thing. Let us hope.

In other Detroit news, the money hungry, money grabbing, Pudge Rodriguez wants to catch til he is 40 years old. That's big but he wont get the big bucks like he used to unless he does something miraculous this season for his last big FA year.

Glavine, Braves near deal

UPDATE 11/18 11:49pm: Its officially unofficial that Tom Glavine is now a Brave. Tom Glavine officially signed a one year non incentive, non bonus, deal for $8 million according to Foxports.com.Though it wont be official until Monday the 40 year old former Brave starter is now back at home. Tom is expected to be the #3 starter for the team and reinforce the rotation along with helping the young talented pitchers the Braves have this year. Well SP is signed now on to the big time vacuum in CF who will the new CF be? One can only hope Wren knows who to go for..... More updates tomorrow.

As I posted on Friday the Braves and Glavine now appear to be nearing a deal set for later today. According to the MLB.com Hot Stove, Glavine is set to have a one year 8 million deal. Although the formal announcement probably won't be til Monday, I will have an update if I hear anything. As for the deal, Glavine will give the Braves a solid innings eating #3 starter that they needed all last season. Chuck was good but is not a #3 caliber starter. Glavine will be that rock that solidifies the rotation in 2008. The Braves will have a very strong rotation for 2008 that should rival any one's rotation in the NL East.

2008 Rotation

1.Hudson
2.Smoltz
3.Glavine
4.James/Jurrjens
5.James/Jurrjens/Hampton/Reyes

That is a very strong lineup that should definitely compete much more strongly then the 2007 rotation. That had a revolving door on #4 and 5 starters. Welcome back Tommy Welcome back to Atlanta.

Rogers cuts Boras and Glavine offer

Two really big stories here. The first is that Scott Boras already having an issue with the A-Rod proceedings, is now official cut off from Kenny Rogers, as Rogers has (and an arguably smart move) fired Boras.

According to MLB.com, Rogers after having an off year with a blood clot in his pitching shoulder was out til mid season and after that had more problems in his pitching elbow which landed him on the DL for most o f the rest of the season and officially with 3-4 in 11 starts in 2007. That is after coming off of a 17-10 season in 2006 with a 3-0, 0.00 ERA in the 2006 postseason. Rogers was given through Boras two offers from the Tigers one reportedly worth 11 million one year deal. Both were turned down by Boras. This was after in September saying Rogers was either going to retire or pitch only with Detroit. Many fans including myself thought that he was double crossing Detroit. With this new news today, it shows that Rogers was really not in the discussion and Boras was really handling all of Rogers offers and negotiations. Now that Rogers is representing himself A offer and contract signing from Detroit is almost an assured thing. Ill even give him that 10 million base salary with 1 million+ incentives just because he is a leader in the rotation and because Boras is gone LOL. Great job Kenny you know where your heart is IN DETROIT!!!

In other news according to MLB.com, the Braves GM Wren has been the first to offer a contract to Tom Glavine. The contract details were not given out but this has been talked about by Clifton who is Glavines agent. He said,

"We will have a counter proposal by Friday evening or Saturday morning."

This shows that Glavine is the #1 signing the Braves want for starting rotation and the same goes for Glavine as he wants to be a Brave when he retires. This is great for the Braves organization if we can pull this one off without using a lot of money. Glavine should get around 10 million plus incentives and a possible 2009 mutual option. This would help the Braves tremendously and I hope the Braves get Glavine. The veteran presence with Smoltz, and Glavine will help the #4 and 5 starters especially if it is Chuck James/Jo-Jo Reyes/Jair Jurrjens.
They will be helped out tremendously.

In another small trade MLBTR is reporting Oscar "The Vulture" Villarreal was traded to the Houston Astros for CF Josh Anderson. Anderson is not a 5 tool or even a 4 tool outfielder, he definitely looks to be a backup plan in case Wren can not sign or trade for a experienced CF. Anderson hit .358 in the final month of the 2007 season with the Astros but in AAA he hit .258 with 41 stolen bases. He looks like a speedster but his on base percentage of .325 in AAA. So he will need some major help if we can not find anyone else out there for CF. Oscar Villarreal good luck with your new team, wish you the best. You can find more analysis of this trade on BlabberinBraves.

Tigers and Livan Hernandez?

According to Paul Morosi, the Tigers are interested in Livan Hernandez. MLBTR has their analysis, and I completely agree. Hernandez was a Diamondback last year and was a nice innings eater. In fact he has had over 200 innings in the last 9 of the past 10 years. Hernandez would be an interesting acquisition but I am totally against it. Being 33 Hernandez would require around a 3-4 year deal for $33-44 million. That is too much for a pitcher who is in a decline mode. He has had a lot of innings but also given up many runs as well. He went 11-11 last year with a ERA of 4.93. That is not a good #3 or 4 pitcher nor a good choice for the Tigers team chemistry. This acquisition would be not seen as a good signing by the majority of Tigers fans. Still Carlos Silva and Willis are on the Tigers list. I really wish the Tigers would consider Kyle Lohse though.

Braves have cash & other rumors

UPDATE 11/17 1:02am: It has been reported by MLB.com, that Wren and Clifton met on Wednesday but with no offer being made to Glavine to return. Although there was no offer made both sides said they w ere very interested in each other and were going to talk in the next few days possibly about a contract. This is exciting, I'm pretty sure Glavine will be a Braves by next week. Wren sure has changed how some agents treat the Braves. I'm really starting to respect Wren as a GM. Keep the good news coming. Anything else will be up tomorrow.

Well my Tigers ranting for the day is pretty much settled down. But once again the Braves now are on the hunt. According to Tim Tucker of the Atlanta Journal Constitution, the Braves are ready to spend money. Their number one target.

Mark Texeira- The Braves are hoping to get in place a major multi-year deal for Texeira before next seasons FA. Though the club hasn't commented on if they will seek a multi-year deal for Texiera the new money from LibertyMedia and Andruw Jones and Renteria contracts will be in the discussion. I warn you this is not a done deal this is possibilities. I think this is a great thing for the Braves. If Liberty spends a little more on the Braves and the Braves keep on earning a ton of gross from merchandising and ballpark tickets, the Braves should raise their pay role by $10 million for 2009 and have enough for a multi year $90-100 million dollar contract for Texeira. This is what I am hoping on. Texeira hit 15+ HRs for the braves while piling up 66 RBIs. If things go right Texeira could be with us for many years to come. (Here's hoping that he keeps Boras out of the discussion mainly because Tex loves it in Atl.)


In other news, according to MLBTR and Boston media, the braves may hav an eye in the hunt for Mike lowell. This is a nose scratcher. Lowell plays 3B, Chipper plays 3B. Where would be move them. Chipper will not be in LF, and Mike will not play SS. My thinking is that we will have if a deal is reached(rumored $50-60 million 4 years), the infield looks like this.


1B Texeira
2B Escobar/Johnson
SS Chipper
3B Lowell
C McCann
LF Diaz/B. Jones/Johnson
CF B. Jones/FA/Frenchy
RF Frenchy/Johnson/Harris

Now that is kinda wierd but to me thats the only way that this will work. Lowell is also an insurance against Chipper falling to the DL again. Lowell would be great for the team but just not sure where he could go.

And finally Glavine's agent spoke with Wren today and I believe they are close to a deal. Though neither came out afterward and spoke to reporters all things that were said is that things went well. The more I think of it, the more I believe Glavine will be the Braves opening day #3 starter. It will most likely be a one year deal worth $10-11 million with incentives and a mutual option for 2009. Is he worth it I don't know but the Braves need an established veteran on the rotation and Glavine seems like a perfect fit.

Tigers pitching worries?

Well last night I was keeping an eye on the hot stove for the Tigers since getting the news that Rogers and Boras declined two Detroit offers according to the Detroit News. This is getting interesting. With the reported offer that Rogers was given indicated that it was $9-11 million offer for one year with incentives. This base salary is waaaaaay to much even for Rogers and his awesome 2006 season. Bilfer at DetroitTigersWeblog gives a detail description of how much Rogers is worth for another season. He indicates that it should be around $10 million. I still think that is too much but with added incentives he is worth the $11 million. Rogers is getting way old and to pay for a pitcher $10 million when he just came off of a injury plagued season, is just ridiculous. Dave Dombrowski needs to start seriously look at signing Silva or Jennings or try for a trade for say a Willis or a Derek Lowe. I will explain what signing those FA or Trades will do to us.

Our rotation must be fixed and soon. If Rogers signed elsewhere, we must sign Silva, or Lohse.

Kyle Lohse- In 2006 after being traded to Philly, Lohse had a great final two months with plenty run support and controlling his pitches. Lohse's numbers for 2006 A)4.58 ERA, 16 HR allowed, and 6-12 record. His Philly stats indicated a much better pitcher with a lineup with run support, 4.72 ERA, 6 HR allowed and 3-0 record. With both Great American Ballpark and Citizens Bank Ballpark being HR parks, I believe Lohse coming here(to Comerica) would be an added bonus and with the run support, he will be a winning pitcher and possibly a great surprise. The cost will be high.

Carlos Silva- He is another high cost FA pitcher. Though he is younger then Lohse, I'm not sure he would be better. His 2006 stats show a very .500 pitcher at best. He had a 13-14 record, with a 4.19 ERA, and only 89Ks. Even so, he would be a average #4 or 5 spot rotation. If we cant pick up Rogers or Lohse then Silva would be the guy.

Andrew Miller- I mean I'm not a Miller hater, but I don’t want Miller in the rotation because he is still I believe a year out from being a major leaguer. We need an established major league pitcher like Rogers and Lohse to round out the rotation this year and then bring in Miller next year. Sign Lohse/Silva to a 4 year deal worth $50 Million. And that will give us a strong rotation til Porcello comes in.

‘08 Rotation

1. Bonderman
2. Rogers?
3. Verlander
4. Silva/Lohse
5. Robertson

‘09 Rotation

1.Bonderman
2.Verlander
3.Silva/Lohse
4.Robertson/Miller
5.Miller/Porcello

‘10 Rotation

1. Verlander
2. Bonderman
3. Miller
4. Silva/Lohse
5. Porcello

Brian Fuentes- For relief, I still like the idea of bringing in Brian Fuentes. He a established reliever and a possible closer type candidate if Jones were to get injured. Brian helped the Rockies in the 7th and 8th innings in the playoffs and was pretty solid. His ‘07 stats are compelling with an 3.08 ERA, with 56Ks in 61.1 innings. His career stats aren't that different with an 3.53 ERA, 398Ks in 359.1 innings pitched. He would do us a favor and would be great in the backup/setup role. He would come as a huge cost coming off of a great year, so not sure how much DD would pay to get him.

Octavio Dotel- From what I heard from MLB.com Hot Stove, the Tigers are in contact with Octavio Dotel's agent. He still have some nasty stuff with his delivery. The only thing that makes me skeptical is the injuries he has had last season and seasons past. Dotel however, if proven healthy would make a fine back up closer and setup man for the Tigers bullpen, and with his injury woes he should come cheap.

I think that looks good, though the cost of Silva and/or Lohse might be too high for The Tigers but they would look good and be good in the old English D.

Glavine and Tiger Roundup

UPDATE 11/14 2:00am:
According to MLB.com Hot Stove, the Tigers have been in contact with the FA Octavio Dotel. This would ultimately safe guard our setup man and also have a emergency closer. Though I do like this possible signing.....Dotel has been injury plagued for many seasons and I'm not sure about how effective he will be. If he can be very effective with minimal injury, he will be an awesome addition but if he is plagued with injury, It will be 2007 all over again.

More on this and Kenny, tomorrow and on possible other deals or signings in respect to our rotation.

UPDATE 11/14 1:35am:
Wow things are moving fast!! According to MLB.com Hot Stove, Boras and Rogers have declined already two offers from the Tigers and Dombrowski. This is almost a finish between the two parties. Dombrowski if he is smart wont offer a third package. As much as I love Rogers thought he was the glue that held us together in 2006, theres now way I would give him and Boras(greedy agent) $10 million for a one year deal. If this is it Good Luck to Rogers and his new team. And as for Boras he is brillant but also a greedy agent that ruins good team chemistry(Tigers-Rogers, Braves-Jones, in '09 Braves- Texiera). For that a big whooping THANKS >:(

Also the Tigers have gotten Danny Christensen in the deal that sent Romon Colon to the Royals. Danny was 5-15 in AA for the Royals so it seems like a baggage for baggage trade we shall see.

More on this tomorrow and on possible other deals or signings in respect to our rotation.

UPDATE 11/13 11:34pm:
According to the Detroit FreePress, Boras in accordance to the Schilling deal, wants a one year/$10 million for his client. To me with his injury plagued season last year that is way to much to sign him for. Boras and Dombrowski needs to negotiate a compromising deal for around $7.5-8.5 million with incentives. This is bad news for the Tigers, as I feel we will not match Boras' offer.


Well today there wasn't much backlash or new news from the Tigers trade yesterday. Jones is expected to platoon with Thames/Raburn in '08. While shipping Jones to the Tigers the Cubs have also given around $2 million in the deal to the Tigers to help pay for his last year contract. I still say this will definitely give us a formidable lineup this year. This also gives us the ability to let Pudge bat 8th, and also puts less pressure on him and Inge. His career numbers of .280/.329/.455, will definitely help out. His 5 HR from last year I believe was a fluke and he will give us around 10-15 HR next year while knocking in around 70 RBIs. The lineup will look somewhat like this:

1. Granderson/Jones
2. Polanco
3. Sheffield
4. Ordonez
5. Guillen
6. Renteria
7. Jones/Granderson/Thames
8. Pudge
9. Inge

In other news, according to Chicagocubs.com former Tiger OF Craig Monroe is now a Minnesota Twin. The Cubs traded him to the Twins for a player to be named later, this move is a move to get some sort of prospect for a player they would not tender this year. Monroe who spent half of 2007 with the Tigers, hit .222/.264/.373 with 11 HR and 55 RBIs. He was an outstanding player but hit a plateau and is I think on the decline. With Minn. fans saying they love the bad trade of Jaques Jones to Detroit is just insane when their own GM just traded for a player on the decline. In any case I give my luck to Monroe and hope he turns it around this year.(except of course against the Tigers.)

For Braves fans, Tom Glavine and the Braves according to MLB.com, are expected to move swiftly through negotiations and sign Glavine to a 1 year deal around $7-9 million with incentives and a mutual option for '09. So good ol' Tommy wants to end his awesome career in a Braves uniform. That is all good but how good will Glavine be? Well he did have the 5th best quality starts in the NL in 2007 with 22. Though he had the 2nd highest ERA (4.45) in his career last year as well. I think the idea of being in a friendly environment in Atlanta, along with competing with his long time teammate and friend John Smoltz will also give him incentive to out pitch John. Glavine will be a great #3 pitcher for Atlanta, this along with no pressure to be the ace of the pitching staff will enable Glavine to pitch unconditionally well without fallout from fans.

2008 Pitching Staff:

1. Tim Hudson
2. Jon Smoltz
3. Tom Glavine?
4. Chuck James/Jair Jurrjens/Mike Hampton
5. Chuck James/Jair Jurrjens/Jo-Jo Reyes/Mike Hampton

I believe that the Braves will compete especially after the addition of Glavine and the Tigers need to shore up their pitching staff in order to make it back to the playoffs because their lineup is now all set.

1st Post -Renteria & J. Jones & Braves needs!!

Hmmm, what a day for me. First ever REAL blog and also the big moves the Tigers decided to make today.

Lets go for the trade. WOW is what I can say about this off season already.

1. Edgar Renteria- An awesome choice and an obvious major upgrade over Casey. I was calling this move ever since July as I knew Casey would be expendable either at the deadline or in the off season. As for the Braves they had an awesome starting shortstop in Yunel Escobar and he has seemed to take a liking to his position. With the thought of being an utility guy behind him and his 11 errors that accompanied that, Yunel sets off to try and make use of a great opportunity. Over on the Detroit side again Renteria is an upgrade defensively for the SS position. Moving Guillen to 1B, I hope will keep his stats high or hopefully higher by resting his knees. The cost was Gorkys(#5 prospect now in the Braves org.) and My baby Tiger Jair Jurrjens.( #3 prospect in the Braves org.) This cost will help the Braves in the future and quite possibly(depending on the undependable health of Hampton,) this year having Jurrjens be the #5 starter. The cost was high for the Tigers but filled a void we needed and with great offensive and defensive capabilities. As for the Braves the return was to fill in farm system holes that were voided after the Salty trade to Texas.

Trade advantage - Even for both teams.

2. And then comes Jacque Jones. Jones is a moderately above average OF who is in his prime, had a down power year(so did the Cubs all season) But this is also his FA year and he wants maximum buck for his talent so he wont be putting up 5 HR numbers this year but being platooned he wont get those 25+ HR he had a while back either. With his platoon ability in LF with either Thames/Raburn Jones is expected to become a solid or potentially loosely great #8 hitter for Detroit's lineup hitting .280-.300 this year. The Cubs in getting Infante, is another story. He hasn't had the chance to actually live to his full potential. As Infante has been on the non-favorable side of Leyland. He is a risky proposition for a everyday starter this season but getting him more AB and Fielding time will allow him to A) get more suitors for him next year, or B) train him for an everyday SS or 2B in '09 for the Cubs. Either way it is a very decent to great trade from DD. This cost of Infante is alright since we are getting a solid OF in Jacque Jones. It was a decent risk trade that I believe we got the better of the two.

Trade advantage - Tigers

3. FA Todd “Rollercoster” Jones was also signed today for 7 million. What can you say hopefully Zumaya will be back and not have to re-learn how to pitch after his accident . Jones will be there as our closer for the first half of the season and probably most of the second half and also mentoring Zumaya the closer role. So was more of an urgent move rather then smart move. And 7 million is a bit steep but I guess after having 3 million fill the ballpark for the first time Illitch wants to spend to have more fans fill Comerica this year lol.

Signing grade ~ B-

Still there are needs:

Tigers

SP-we need someone to fill In #4 or 5 or both depending on if we can sign Rogers again. Someone like Willis through a trade. Or perhaps a signing of Silva, Jennings, or Lohse might get the Tigers what they need.

RP- A setup guy would be awesome. I'm hoping for Brian Fuentes. He pitched great for Colorado this year I'm hoping we can get him and put him in the role Zumaya had for first part and give him some good duties afterward. Plus he would be great for a setup man after Jones is gone and Zumaya is the new closer. Plus Fuentes has closer experience so if Zumaya isn't as dominating as he once was, we still have Fuentes to fall back on to be our closer in ‘09.

Braves

SP- Tom Glavine is rumored to be ready to sign at the end of the weak for the Braves( via MLBTR )

CF- The Braves are in desperate need of a stop gap CF. The only ones i know of that are viable might be David DeJesus or Coco Crisp. Both of these are great CF have speed and leadoff capabilities. But what price are the Braves willing to give up for them. Time will tell.

Cant wait til the winter meetings to see what goes on next. Keep ‘em coming DD and Wren the fans(at least I) am loving these deals. Go Tigers and Braves!!!