Baseball: MLB Rumors

Red Sox still hoping to re-sign stars

The red sox have denied claims that they are not doing their best to re-sign their top stars.GM Theo Epstein spoke to Bob Hohler of the Boston Globeand said that they are doing their best to sign Martinez,Lowe,Garciaparra and Varitek to new contracts.

Zito may jump ship to the Mets

San Fransico Chronicle columnist Glen Dickey writes that Zito could be the most likely of the A's big three to leave in the offseason and rejoin former A's pitching coach Rick Peterson in New York.


Frugal Pirates may have to deal young guns

Pittsburgh Tribune Review columnist Joe Starkey writes that the Pirates may have to say goodbye to more of their young stars if they don't start spending more money. Kris Benson, Oliver Perez and Jason Bay could follow Brian Giles out of town.





[Edited on 18/5/04 by TRD]

i dunno if Zito would be so fast as to leave the A's he is doing great on that tema.

Anybody know the mets record this season

Yeah i was a bit shocked about that. I couldn't really see him going to the mets, maybe somewhere else but not them.

Bonds unlikely to retire anytime soon
San Jose Mercury News

Will Barry Bonds retire after next season? Mercury News columnist Tim Kawakami doesn't think so. Kawakami writes that Bonds "has a tendency toward large statements about his future that are almost immediately out of date, irrelevant and basically forgotten".


Varitek, Lowe talks may be on hold
Boston Globe

The Red Sox may not get deals done with Jason Varitek and Derek Lowe until this winter. The Globe's Bob Hohler reports that agent Scott Boras has "all but ruled out" continuing contract talks with the Red Sox during the season.


White Sox may deal for bullpen help
Daily Herald

The White Sox may make a midseason deal to bolster their bullpen. Daily Herald columnist Barry Rozner writes that Jose Mesa, Braden Looper, Danny Graves and Rocky Biddle could be available.


Marlins looking for relief
Miami Herald

The Marlins are shopping for a reliever. The Herald's Kevin Baxter reports that the Marlins could deal Abraham Nuñez to the Reds for John Riedling.


Boone could sign with Dodgers
Los Angeles Times

The Times's Jason Reid reports that the Dodgers could sign Aaron Boone. Sources say that Dodgers GM Paul DePodesta feels that Boone would be a "good fit" at second.

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Red Sox failed to sign Pedro to discount deal
Boston Globe

Globe columnist Gordon Edes writes that Pedro Martinez offered to sign a contract with the Red Sox last year that included a hometown discount. A source told Edes that Martinez talked to the Sox about a three-year deal that would have been worth between $2 million to $3 million less per season than his current deal.


Orioles may target Ordonez
Daily Herald

White Sox outfielder Magglio Ordonez could sign with the Orioles in the offseason. The Daily Herald's Scot Gregor reports that the Orioles are rumored to have made signing Ordonez their "No. 1 priority".


Don't bet on Beltran coming to Houston
Houston Chronicle

The Astros are unlikely to deal for Royals outfielder Carlos Beltran. The Chronicle's Richard Justice reports that the chances of the Astros acquiring Beltran are "probably zero".


Dodgers in hunt for Boone
Orange County Register

Several teams appear to be interested in signing Aaron Boone. The Register's Bill Plunkett reports that the Dodgers, Yankees and Mariners are believed to be among the teams eyeing Boone.


Reds deny Riedling deal in works
Cincinnati Enquirer

The Enquirer's John Fay reports that the Reds have denied talk that they're about to deal John Riedling to the Marlins. The rumored deal had the Reds swapping Riedling for Abraham Nunez.

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Soriano deal a bad idea

Dallas Morning News columnist Tim Cowlishaw doesn't think that the Rangers should deal Alfonso Soriano. Cowlishaw is worried that the Rangers may decide to part with Soriano if the Red Sox or the Yankees come calling.

Red Sox may bring Beltran to Boston

The Red Sox may try to trade for Carlos Beltran if the Royals decide to deal him before the deadline. The Boston Herald's Karen Guregian reports that the Yankees, Dodgers and Tigers may also be in the hunt for Beltran

Giants may talk contract with Bonds

The San Francisco Chronicle's Henry Schulman reports that the Giants may begin contract talks with Barry Bonds in the offseason. The Giants could sign Bonds to a contract extension that would keep him in San Francisco until 2007.

Vidro, Cabrera may re-sign with Expos

The Montreal Gazette's Pat Hickey reports that the Expos are hoping to sign Jose Vidro and Orlando Cabrera to contract extensions. Rumor has it that Vidro will be the first to agree to a new deal.

Cubs may acquire shortstop

The Cubs could trade for a shortstop to replace Alex Gonzalez. Daily Herald columnist Barry Rozner writes that the Cubs could look to Orlando Cabrera, Angel Berroa, Omar Vizquel or Carlos Guillen for help.

why would the yankees look for soriano again, they jsut dealt him

Rumors don't faze Royals' Beltran
Boston Herald

Rumors that he could be traded to the Red Sox or the Yankees aren't affecting Royals outfielder Carlos Beltran. Beltran told the Herald's Rich Thompson that he is "really just focused in on this year and trying to be a better ballplayer".


Red Sox stars playing for contracts
Providence Journal

Journal columnist Jim Donaldson doesn't think that Red Sox fans should worry about the fact that Pedro Martinez, Derek Lowe, Nomar Garciaparra and Jason Varitek could all be free agents at the end of the season. Donaldson writes that the Red Sox may get a boost from the fact that the four are all playing for new contracts.


Mets haven't talked to Piazza about contract extension
New York Post

Although Mike Piazza will be a free agent after next season, the Mets don't appear to be in any hurry to sign him to a new deal. GM Jim Duquette told the Post's Michael Morrissey that the Mets "haven't even talked about [a contract extension]" with Piazza.


Fans can help Bonds at plate
San Francisco Chronicle

Chronicle columnist Scott Ostler thinks it's time that Giants fans came to Barry Bonds' aid. Ostler suggests that fans start clucking like chickens whenever a manager intentionally walks Bonds.


It's feast or famine for Sosa
Chicago Tribune

Tribune columnist Rick Morrissey writes that the Cubs will have to live with Sammy Sosa's strikeouts if they want him to continue to hit home runs. Although Sosa has hit 547 career home runs, he has also struck out 2,002 times.

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Clucking like chickens...that'd be classic!

Yankees may be looking for starter
New York Daily News

The Yankees may try to swing a deal for another starting pitcher. The Daily News's Anthony McCarron reports that the Yankees could try to acquire Randy Johnson, David Wells, Al Leiter, Jamie Moyer, Freddy Garcia, Ben Sheets, Josh Fogg, Kip Wells or Kris Benson.


Yankees dreaming of Beltran
Bergen Record

The Yankees could also be in the market for a center fielder. Record columnist Bob Klapisch writes that the Yankees are already daydreaming about adding Carlos Beltran to their outfield.


Beltre may be too pricey for Dodgers
Los Angeles Times

Times columnist Ross Newhan writes that the Dodgers may not be able to re-sign Adrian Beltre. Newhan believes that Beltre, who is off to a hot start, could be "pricing himself out of Frank McCourt's highly leveraged operation".


Koskie may not return to Minnesota
Minneapolis Star Tribune

The Star Tribune's La Velle E. Neal III reports that this could be Corey Koskie's last season with the Twins. Koskie will be a free agent at the end of the season and the Twins may not be able to afford to keep him.


Orioles' Hairston could be on the move
Baltimore Sun

Will the Orioles trade Jerry Hairston? The Sun's Joe Christensen reports that both the Yankees and the Dodgers "would love to upgrade at second base".

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Red Sox could ship Kim to Oakland
San Francisco Chronicle

The Chronicle's Susan Slusser reports that the A's are rumored to be interested in Red Sox pitcher Byung-Hyun Kim. The A's had one of their scouts follow the Red Sox on the weekend.


Mariners could make deal to bolster offense
Seattle Times

The Mariners could swap some of their prospects for a hitter. The Times's Bob Finnigan reports the Mariners have "a strong interest" in Carlos Beltran. Todd Helton is also rumored to be available.


Yankees may go shopping for a starter
Newsday

Concerns about struggling starter Jose Contreras could force the Yankees to trade for a pitcher. Newsday's Ken Davidoff reports that the Yankees could target Randy Johnson, Kip Wells or Freddy Garcia


Sosa talks yet to heat up
Chicago Sun-Times

Cubs president Andy MacPhail met with Sammy Sosa's agent yesterday. Although Sosa would like to sign a new deal, the Sun-Times's Mike Kiley reports that the Cubs' contract talks with the slugger "aren't expected to heat up for a while".


GM: Reds 'unlikely' to sign Boone
Cincinnati Enquirer

There is little chance of the Reds signing Aaron Boone. GM Dan O'Brien told the Enquirer's John Fay that the Reds are "unlikely" to reacquire Boone.

Diamondbacks should put veterans on trading block
Azcentral.com

Azcentral.com's FanBoy thinks that the Diamondbacks should deal Luis Gonzalez, Steve Finley, Randy Johnson and Matt Mantei. If the Diamondbacks manage to unload the four veterans, they may be able to afford to re-sign Richie Sexson and add Carlos Beltran or Richard Hidalgo in the offseason.


Red Sox's Ramirez may retire in 2008
Boston Herald

Manny Ramirez is already thinking about retirement. The Herald's Karen Guregian reports that Ramirez could call it quits when his contract expires in 2008.


Boone could sign on with Astros
Daily Herald

Will the Astros sign Aaron Boone? Daily Herald columnist Barry Rozner writes that Boone could be an option for the Astros if they go shopping for a third baseman in July.


Reds should bring back Boone
Cincinnati Enquirer

Enquirer columnist Paul Daugherty thinks that the Reds should sign Aaron Boone. Daugherty wonders why the Reds aren't interested in reacquiring a player "who could be a fixture in their infield for the next five to seven years".

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Red Sox may deal for Beltran
Seattle Post-Intelligencer

The Post-Intelligencer's John Hickey reports that the Red Sox could acquire Carlos Beltran in a three-way trade with the Mariners and Royals. A rumored deal has the Red Sox shipping Byung Hyun Kim and Johnny Damon to the Mariners for Freddy Garcia and prospect Cha Seung Baek. The Red Sox would then trade Garcia to the Royals for Beltran.


Mariners may make changes
Seattle Post-Intelligencer

Post-Intelligencer columnist John Levesque thinks that it's time for the Mariners to make some dramatic changes to their roster. Levesque suggests that the Mariners start by dealing pitcher Freddy Garcia for some prospects.


Tigers could add pitching at deadline
Detroit Free Press

Free Press columnist Gene Guidi writes that the Tigers may look to bolster their pitching staff before the trade deadline. Unfortunately for the Tigers, they may have to battle the Yankees and other big money clubs for pitching help.


Clemens may return next season
Houston Chronicle

Will Roger Clemens retire at the end of the season? The Chronicle's Richard Justice reports that Clemens is likely to return if he feels that he can still compete at a high level.


Twins' Santana could pitch way to big contract
St. Paul Pioneer Press

Pioneer Press Columnist Charley Walters writes that Twins pitcher Johan Santana may be in line for a big payday in the offseason. Walters believes that Santana could "double his $1.6 million salary".

The Red Sox and Mariners are rumored to be working on a possible deal that would send centerfielder Johnny Damon and starting pitcher Byung Hyun Kim to Seattle in exchange for starting pitcher Freddy Garcia and minor-league starter Cha Seung Baek, the Seattle Post-Intelligencer reported Friday.

Expos close to deal with Vidro
Montreal Gazette

"The Expos and second-baseman Jose Vidro have all but agreed on a four-year contract extension, with only the fine print remaining before it is officially announced."

Beltran rumor strikes out
Boston Herald

"General manager Theo Epstein said there is no truth to a report out of Seattle that the Red Sox have discussed a three-team trade with the Mariners and Kansas City Royals that would land Carlos Beltran in Boston."

Johnson downplays his comments
Arizona Republic

"(Randy) Johnson is in the first year of a two-year, $33 million contract and admits he's paid well by the Diamondbacks. Johnson has the right to decline a trade to any team, but he reiterated that his comments Thursday stem merely from his frustration."

Trade talk centers on Damon
Boston Globe

"The most recent swirl of trade conjecture, none of which has been substantiated, involves the possibility of the Sox packaging Damon and Byung Hyun Kim in a three-way deal with the Mariners and Royals. Seattle righthander Freddy Garcia and a minor league pitcher would go to Kansas City, which would ship center fielder Carlos Beltran to Boston."


Bosox May Add Boone
New York Post

"According to industry scuttlebutt, the Red Sox are among the teams talking to (Aaron) Boone, a free agent who is currently rehabbing a knee injury that led to the Yankees releasing him in March."


Trade talks for Sturtze?
Newsday

"In desperate need of a fifth starter until Jose Contreras returns from his exile in Columbus, the Yankees are said to have held serious trade talks with the Los Angeles Dodgers about righthander Tanyon Sturtze."

i thought that boone was with the yankees again?

Doesn't look like it Ben...He is a free agent they never re-signed him.

By all the rumours it looks like plenty of teams are interrested in Beltran.

Mets eyeing Soriano
Bergen Record

"It was termed a routine scouting mission by Mets' officials, who insisted there's no reason to raise an eyebrow. Still, Dave Engle, the club's western region bird dog, was in Arlington this weekend, monitoring, among other things, the irrepressible Alfonso Soriano. Does this mean the Mets are still interested in the former Yankee, now batting .302? Yes and no."

There'll Be A Lineup For Beltran
Hartford Courant

"The Yankees' best shot at Beltran, however, would be in the off-season. Their farm system lacks the level of prospects the Royals could get from other interested teams such as the Padres, Dodgers, Angels, Tigers and even the Red Sox."


Red Sox unlikely to sign Boone
Boston Herald

"Youkilis' ongoing status as the organization's top on-base prospect and third baseman of the future shoots holes in a rumor printed in the New York Post (attributed to `industry scuttlebutt') that the Sox are trying to sign former Yankees third baseman Aaron Boone."


Boone may return to Yankees
Newsday

"Speaking of which, our gut tells us that Aaron Boone - rather than his brother Bret, who also will be shopped by Seattle - will wind up back with the Yankees at second base."

Pedro may be in for rude awakening
Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel

"One baseball man says Pedro Martinez could be shocked at the reception should he hit the open market: 'He's just not a $15 million-a-year pitcher anymore. If [Greg] Maddux wound up taking $8 million a year, I'd say that's about where Pedro should fall. His fastball doesn't go much past 90 mph anymore. He's doing it with guts and brains. Like Maddux.'"

Tigers could sign Lowe
Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel

"With $19 million coming off the books after this season and another $6 million in reserve should they need it this year, the Tigers could be major players on the free-agent market next winter. Already there is speculation they could make a play for Boston's Derek Lowe, a Dearborn, Mich., native."


Will Braves deal Andruw?
Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel

"The Braves already have been told they have to cut another $10 million or so off the payroll for next season. That's one reason why their people are gauging interest in (gulp) Andruw Jones."

Yankees eyeing Penny, Pavano
Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel

"The Yankees would love to get their hands on Brad Penny (arbitration) or Carl Pavano (free agent) but realize they won't unless the Marlins somehow fall from contention."