Official Free Agent Thread

[DOrtiz4prez]

I'd hate to see Nixon leave, but Hudson is great. He could be a number 1 starter.

 

In other words, if we did it, I wouldn't complain.

[elsrbueno]

Originally posted by ahhchon@Nov 4 2004, 04:02 PM

word is that there will be a nixon hudson trade.... as much as i hate to see it happen the trade will help us more than it will hurt us. we didn't have nixon in the lineup almost all year and did well w/o him. adding hudson into your rotation NEVER hurts..

 

such a bittersweet situation..

 

john

Where did you hear this? I would hate to see Nixon go, especially since he took less $$ to stay here, but Hudson's an amazing pitcher.

[yankeessuck013]

MORE baseball rumors:

-The Red Sox will surely make a pitch for Radke, but the Boston Herald reported Monday that "there appears to be some skepticism about how serious the righty is about playing for any team other than the Minnesota Twins." ... Radke confirmed to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune that the Twins have made his a two-year offer. He also said that negotiations were in the early stages and he didn't expect any thing to be finalized soon. One person familiar with negotiations said the Twins' offer was for two years at between $14 million and $19 million. Radke didn't want to get specific, but said that the offer, "was closer to $14 million than $19 million." He added, "I kind of like the two-year deal thing," he said, "but we're just going to have to work on that and see what they throw on. I'm leaning toward the two years than the three years." ... In a chat on Boston.com, ESPN's Peter Gammons predicts that if talks with Pedro become protracted, the Sox may make a hard run at Radke. The Sox "paid Pedro and Lowe $23M this year. They might be able to get Radke and Pavano for a little less, if Pavano will leave Florida." Gammons also mentioned that Radke was Boston's preference, not Pavano.

 

-The Boston Herald reported the Red Sox could get involved in the hunt for Lieber, whose $8 million option for 2005 was turned down by the Yankees. According to the Herald, "the Red Sox were interested in signing the right-hander when he was coming off of elbow surgery a couple of years ago but the Yankees won that battle."

 

-It's no secret Billy Beane is going to try to shop one of his "Big Three," and the Boston Herald surmised that Zito is the one most likely to be dealt. The Herald also reported "the Red Sox are expected to be among the large number of teams who are going to try to strike some sort of deal with A's GM Billy Beane."

 

-The New York Daily News today reported that Pavano will become the latest subject in the ongoing feud between the Red Sox and Yankees. Both Theo Epstein and Brian Cashman have meeting set up with Pavano’s agent this week. The Palm Beach Post reports that the Marlins are continuing their discussions. The Boston Herald reported that the Sox already have a meeting lined up with Pavano, who has been offered a three-year, $21 million contract by the Marlins but seems intent on testing the market: "I think the Marlins definitely threw a respectable offer out there, but I'm going to see what else is out there,'' he told the Palm Beach Post. ... The Red Sox will very likely make a pitch for his services, but this tidbit from the Miami Herald may make Sox fans cringe: ''New York is a great possibility," Pavano said. "I'm from Connecticut. (The Yankees) are in the thick of it every year.'' Pavano is reportedly second on the Sox priority list in terms of free-agent pitchers. Brad Radke is No. 1.

 

-Reese filed for free agency on Monday. The Globe's Gordon Edes wonders "what about Pokey Reese? He probably doesn't hit enough to match the Sox' criteria, and his old team, the Cincinnati Reds, might want him back to take Barry Larkin's place."

 

-If he is unable to sign with Boston, Martinez gave Dominican newspapers, Hoy and El Nacional a list of managers he would like to play for, leading the way with former manager Felipe Alou in San Francisco. The other managers mentioned were St. Louis’ Tony La Russa and the Chicago Cubs’ Dusty Baker. Still no word from the Pedro camp on Boston's two-year, $25.5 million offer with a $13 million option for 2007 and $2 million in potential performance bonuses. Don't hold your breath, though, the Pedro camp has said all along they'd like to test the free-agent waters. One web site is posting odds on the Pedro derby: Wagerweb.com, an online sports betting site, set the odds on Pedro signing with the following teams: 1. Red Sox 1:3; 2. Yankees 2:1; 3. Mets 3:1; 4. Giants 4:1; 5. Marlins 5:1.

 

-The big news on the Varitek front is that his agent, Scott Boras, told both WEEI and the Boston Globe that Varitek is seeking a five-year deal with a no-trade clause, terms the Red Sox would be unlikely to honor. Any no-trade clause the Red Sox give to any player automatically triggers one in Manny Ramirez’s contract. The Globe's Bob Hohler reported Thursday that there were strong indications the Sox have made re-signing Varitek (along with Pedro) their top priority. Could the Yankees be a potential suitor? According to the Newark Star-Ledger, if the Yankees go after Randy Johnson, they could offer up Jorge Posada to the D-Backs in return. And if they did that, they could try to sign Varitek to replace Posada. In a Tuesday chat on Boston.com, ESPN's Peter Gammons said that "Varitek won't be easy (for the Sox to re-sign), because of Scott Boras, but he loves Boston and they want him. The figuring is that Boras has so many free agents, that a charge at Jason might work early." Gammons also predicted that Varitek could get a four-year deal worth between $36 million and $40 million. "His worth to this team transcends money." ... According the Globe's Gordon Edes, " The Sox offer (to Varitek) is believed to be $24 million for three years and does not include clauses that would make the contract worth less in case of injury or declining performance. If the sides would be willing to meet in the middle, Varitek could remain in a Sox uniform, although if he decides he wants the biggest possible payday, he is the only elite catcher on the market and might be able to name his price

 

-The Boston Herald reported today that contract talks with Cabrera have been closely kept under wraps. In lieu of re-signing the 29-year-old shortstop, the Red Sox have indicated interest in free agent Omar Vizquel, according to the paper. Vizquel hit .291 last season with the Guardians and had a .353 on-base percentage. The Boston Globe reported Friday that the Sox "plan to make a strong pitch next week to Cabrera, who is likely to have a number of other high-profile suitors. But the Sox could hit a snag if they limit their proposal to fewer than three or four years to clear the way for one of their shortstop prospects, Hanley Ramirez or Dustin Pedroia. Cabrera also is a free agent for the first time and expects to make the most of it." ... The Globe's Gordon Edes reported Friday that Cabrera, who made such a vital contribution after being acquired in a July 31 trade, "might price himself out of the Sox market. Cabrera, who was paid $6 million last season and is a free agent for the first time, may be aiming for the $9 million-$10 million-a-year range and may have a built-in market with the Mets, whose new general manager, Omar Minaya, had him in Montreal and loves him."

 

-According to his agent, Kapler is "in love" with both Boston and the Red Sox and has talked to the Sox about staying in Boston. However, the Boston Herald reported Thursday that Kapler is "curious to discover the extent of other teams' interest in him." ... ``We're going to talk to the Red Sox but he wants to see what the other possibilities are, too," Kapler's agent told the Herald. "We're going to start talking seriously later this week.''

[yankeessuck013]

here are some more rumors i found (11/12)

 

- Brad Radke $20 million for two years. Word is Radke could find Boston intriguing.

 

-The Red Sox are interested in third baseman Troy Glaus, especially if they fail to sign free agent Jason Varitek and have to replace him with a catcher with less offensive punch. This is not meant to imply that Glaus is like Varitek with a bat. Glaus wields one of the most dangerous right-handed bats in the game, and he could be the best pure slugger on the free agent market this winter. At 28, he is just entering his prime and he apparently has gotten over right shoulder surgery that limited him to 58 games this season with the Anaheim Angels. Keep in mind, however, that Glaus hit 18 home runs, an average of 11.5 at-bats per home run, the best ratio in the majors this season. With Bill Mueller signed for an affordable $2.5 million this season, the Red Sox would have to either move Mueller from the hot corner to second base or else deal him. Either one would be an acceptable alternative in order to have Glaus, a good third baseman on the field and, especially, in the lineup.

 

I would love to have glaus and get rid of bellhorn

 

-Replacing Jason Varitek remains a conundrum. The Red Sox have inquired about a trade for Washington-Montreal catcher Brian Schneider, a 27-year-old defensive stalwart who represents a real offensive dropoff from Varitek. Free agent Mike Matheny, a familiar face from the World Series, intrigues the Red Sox.

 

another interseting rumor following the stanks:

 

-Joe Torre got in some unexpected recruiting when he bumped into righthander Carl Pavano at a golf outing in Florida last week. Pavano, one of the top pitchers on the market, and Torre's brother, Frank, have mutual golf friends in West Palm Beach. Pavano and Joe Torre met for a drink after the outing, according to someone with knowledge of the conversation, and the Yankee skipper talked about what it's like to play in New York.

 

 

and another yankee FAGGAT!

 

-Joe Torre said he had told his 8-year-old daughter, Andrea Rae, that he was going to be Johnny Damon for Halloween. "He scared the hell out of me," Torre said. "I figured it would work on other people, too."

 

 

also the red sox have made an offer to the A's for TIM HUDSON!

 

Peter Gammons-Rumors

[GoRSN.com]

I'd love to lead with my heart and not my head, as I said many years ago that I would sign all the players from a CHAMPIONSHIP team to lifelong contracts if they "ever" won it. This, of course, was said in a drunken stupor after game 6 in 1986(I was a child alcoholic).

 

At any rate, truth is that when you win you get hungry and greedy for more!

 

1)Get Glaus for 3b/1b

2)Sign Tek for 4/32 mil or live with Schneider/Belli and use $ elsewhere

3)I'd take a chance on Pavano as a #3 guy if

4)Sign Pedro at what's already offered...maybe guarantee a discounted 3rd year

5)I trade Nixon all day long for Hudson, but I don't believe that is going to happen

6)Cabby at 6-7mil for 3 years tops or get defense at SS and MAKE sure you get Glaus

7)Lowes gone, kill or trade Millar and keep Minky

 

Glaus, Mueller, Belhorn and Minky are Patriots type players in that they are versatile enough to fill in around the infield in a pinch (and there is always a pinch or two during a 162+ game schedule), IMO only.

[CalvnHobs6]

Originally posted by GoRSN.com@Nov 15 2004, 06:02 PM

I'd love to lead with my heart and not my head, as I said many years ago that I would sign all the players from a CHAMPIONSHIP team to lifelong contracts if they "ever" won it. This, of course, was said in a drunken stupor after game 6 in 1986(I was a child alcoholic).

 

At any rate, truth is that when you win you get hungry and greedy for more!

 

1)Get Glaus for 3b/1b

2)Sign Tek for 4/32 mil or live with Schneider/Belli and use $ elsewhere

3)I'd take a chance on Pavano as a #3 guy if

4)Sign Pedro at what's already offered...maybe guarantee a discounted 3rd year

5)I trade Nixon all day long for Hudson, but I don't believe that is going to happen

6)Cabby at 6-7mil for 3 years tops or get defense at SS and MAKE sure you get Glaus

7)Lowes gone, kill or trade Millar and keep Minky

 

Glaus, Mueller, Belhorn and Minky are Patriots type players in that they are versatile enough to fill in around the infield in a pinch (and there is always a pinch or two during a 162+ game schedule), IMO only.

Thanks for your input, welcome to the site.

[mosox]

I still want to see Pedro stay. As for the Pavano or Radke situation I prefer Radke just because he's an American League pitcher and his numbers don't benefit from facing pitchers. Schilling is the exception but usually National League pitchers suffer when they come over and have to face a DH, such as Vasquez.

[DOrtiz4prez]

Originally posted by GoRSN.com@Nov 15 2004, 05:02 PM

7)Lowes gone, kill or trade Millar and keep Minky

I'll agree with the part about Millar. hahaha