MLB Hot Stove 2005-06

[sahyder1]

MLB Free Agents 2005-2006

Based only on players currently under a contract through the 2005 season.

(x) = club option for 2006

(m) = mutual option for 2006

(Y) = player option for 2006

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

AMERICAN LEAGUE

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

Paul Byrd, RHP

Jason Christiansen, LHP (x)

Bengie Molina, C

Tim Salmon, OF

Jarrod Washburn, LHP

Baltimore Orioles

Eli Marrero, OF

Rafael Palmeiro, 1B

B.J. Ryan, LHP

Sammy Sosa, OF (x)

B.J. Surhoff, OF

Boston Red Sox

Johnny Damon, OF

Tony Graffanino, 2B

Matt Mantei, RHP

Kevin Millar, 1B

Bill Mueller, 3B

Mike Timlin, RHP

John Olerud, 1B

Mike Myers, RHP

Mike Stanton, LHP

Chicago White Sox

Carl Everett, OF

Paul Konerko, 1B

Cliff Politte, RHP (x)

Frank Thomas, dh

Cleveland Indians

Jose Hernandez, 2B

Kevin Millwood, RHP

Bob Wickman, RHP

Detroit Tigers

Bobby Higginson, OF

Jason Johnson, RHP

Fernando Vina, 2B

Jamie Walker, RHP (x)

Rondell White, OF

Dmitri Young, 1B

Kansas City Royals

Brian Anderson, LHP

Jose Lima, RHP

Eli Marrero, OF

Matt Stairs, OF

Scott Sullivan, RHP (x)

Minnesota Twins

Joe Mays, RHP

New York Yankees

Kevin Brown, RHP

John Flaherty, C

Tom Gordon, RHP

Tino Martinez, 1B (x)

Felix Rodriguez, RHP

Rey Sanchez, 2B

Ruben Sierra, OF

Bernie Williams, OF

Al Leiter, LHP

Hideki Matsui, OF

Alan Embree, LHP

Oakland Athletics

Octavio Dotel, RHP

Erubiel Durazo, 1B

Scott Hatteberg, 1B (x)

Jay Payton, OF

Ricardo Rincon, LHP

Seattle Mariners

Shigetoshi Hasegawa, RHP

Jamie Moyer, LHP

Pokey Reese, 2B (x)

Dan Wilson, C;

Tampa Bay Devil Rays

Charles Johnson, C

Alex Gonzalez, SS

Travis Lee, 1B

Eduardo Perez, 1B

Danys Baez, RHP

Texas Rangers

Sandy Alomar Jr, C

Doug Brocail, RHP

Richard Hidalgo, OF

Kenny Rogers, LHP

Tristen Stegman, RHP

Steve Karsay, RHP (x)

Toronto Blue Jays

Gregg Zaun, C (x)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NATIONAL LEAGUE

Arizona Diamondbacks

Royce Clayton, SS

Jose Cruz Jr, OF

Matt Herges, RHP

Shawn Estes, LHP

Kerry Ligtenberg, RHP

Tim Worrell, RHP

Atlanta Braves

Kyle Farnsworth, RHP

Julio Franco, 1B

Rafael Furcal, SS

Todd Hollandsworth, OF

Brian Jordan, OF

Tom Martin, LHP

Raul Mondesi, OF

Eddie Perez, C

Jay Powell, RHP

John Thomson, RHP (x)

Gabe White, LHP

Chicago Cubs

Jeromy Burnitz, OF (m)

Nomar Garciaparra, SS

Neifi Perez, SS

Mike Remlinger, LHP

Glendon Rusch, LHP (Y)

Todd Walker, 2B (x)

Cincinnati Reds

Jason LaRue, C

Ramon Ortiz, RHP

Joe Randa, 3B

David Weathers, RHP (x)

Colorado Rockies

Desi Relaford, 2B

Florida Marlins

Antonio Alfonseca, RHP (x)

A.J. Burnett, RHP

Jeff Conine, OF

Damion Easley, 2B

Todd Jones, RHP

Jim Mecir, RHP

Guillermo Mota, RHP

Juan Pierre, OF

Ismael Valdez, RHP

Houston Astros

Brad Ausmus, C

Roger Clemens, RHP

John Franco, LHP

Orlando Palmeiro, OF

Jose Vizcaino, SS

Los Angeles Dodgers

Paul Bako, C

Elmer Dessens, RHP (m)

Darren Dreifort, RHP

Jose Valentin, 3B

Jeff Weaver, RHP

Milwaukee Brewers

Ricky Bottalico, RHP

Wes Helms, 1B

Carlos Lee, OF (x)

New York Mets

Miguel Cairo, 2B

Mike DeJean, RHP

Tom Glavine, LHP (x)

Felix Heredia, LHP (x)

Braden Looper, RHP (x)

Doug Mientkiewicz, 1B (x)

Mike Piazza, C

Benito Santiago, C

Steve Trachsel, RHP (x)

Philadelphia Phillies

Terry Adams, RHP

Kenny Lofton, OF

Ramon Martinez, 1B

Todd Pratt, C

Michael Tucker, OF

Ugueth Urbina, RHP

Billy Wagner, LHP

Pittsburgh Pirates

Jose Mesa, RHP (x)

Mark Redman, LHP (m)

Rick White, RHP

St. Louis Cardinals

Roger Cedeno, OF

Einar Diaz, C

Cal Eldred, RHP

Mark Grudzielanek, 2B

John Mabry, OF

Matt Morris, RHP

Mark Mulder, LHP (x)

Al Reyes, RHP

Reggie Sanders, OF

Jeff Suppan, RHP (x)

Julian Tavarez, RHP

Larry Walker, OF

San Diego Padres

Pedro Astacio, RHP

Geoff Blum, 3B

Jeff Cirillo, 3B (x)

Brian Giles, OF

Chris Hammond, LHP

Ramon Hernandez, C

Trevor Hoffman, RHP

Terrence Long, OF

Mark Loretta, 2B (x)

Paul Quantrill, RHP

Dennys Reyes, LHP

Dave Roberts, OF

Rudy Seanez, RHP

Mark Sweeney, OF

Woody Williams, RHP (x)

Eric Young, OF (x)

San Francisco Giants

Moises Alou, OF (Y)

Deivi Cruz, SS

Ray Durham, 2B (Y)

Scott Eyre, LHP

Marquis Grissom, OF

Latroy Hawkins, RHP (x)

Kirk Rueter, LHP

Jason Schmidt, RHP (x)

J.T. Snow, 1B

Brett Tomko, RHP

Randy Winn, OF

Washington Nationals

Preston Wilson, OF

Wil Cordero, OF

Jose Guillen, OF (x)

Esteban Loaiza, RHP

Antonio Osuna, RHP

Edited October 13, 2005 by Testing New Name Feature

[gunnar hendershow]

Baltimore Orioles

Eli Marrero, OF

Rafael Palmeiro, 1B

B.J. Ryan, LHP

Sammy Sosa, OF (x)

B.J. Surhoff, OF

Okay, Eli Marrero I could care less about. If we have him, it's another decent player who can come off our bench. Raffy and Sosa need to hit the road. B.J. Ryan I'd love to see stay so we can give Chris Ray another year of development, but with the money he'll demand I expect him ending up somewhere else. B.J. Surhoff is one of my 5 favorite players ever. I was heartbroken when we traded him a few years back and ecstatic when we got him back. Even if he's not an impact player anymore, he's a guy who can give you some good at bats here and there and unless we sign some megastars he definitely deserves a spot on the team.

Unfortunately, there isn't much we can get this offseason with the Yanks, Sox, and Mets taking up most everyone more than likely.

[CISS]

New York Yankees

Kevin Brown, RHP - He will be gone and I'm glad to see him go

John Flaherty, C - He might stay around only because Johnson likes him

Tom Gordon, RHP - I want the Yanks to resign him

Tino Martinez, 1B (x) - He's gonna retire so yea

Felix Rodriguez, RHP - We need the bullpen help so he might return

Rey Sanchez, 2B - Did he even play this year? He'll prollly retire

Ruben Sierra, OF - I would like for the Yanks to resign him

Bernie Williams, OF - He prolly won't return but I would like to see him resigned just cause it wouldn't feel right without him

Al Leiter, LHP - Prolly gonna retire

Hideki Matsui, OF - The Yanks should resign him if he doesn't go back to Japan

Alan Embree, LHP - He's gone

Edited October 13, 2005 by CISS

[Ananas]

Scott Schoeneweis is apparently trying to convince Jarrod Washburn to come to Toronto. They've also apparently showed interest in A.J. Burnett. Either would be kick ass additions to the lineup, although perhaps what the Jays need most at this point is some home run power.

[sahyder1]

Burnett to Toronto would make sense but let's just hope that's not like the Clement to the Jays one we heard all offseason long last year. I think the money would be well spent on another solid SP. Halladay, Chacin and Burnett as 1-2-3 is very good.

[naiwf]

New York Mets

Miguel Cairo, 2B

Mike DeJean, RHP

Tom Glavine, LHP (x)

Felix Heredia, LHP (x)

Braden Looper, RHP (x)

Doug Mientkiewicz, 1B (x)

Mike Piazza, C

Benito Santiago, C

Steve Trachsel, RHP (x)

I'd only want to see Trachsel and Glavine come back from that list as regulars. If they're willing to use Mientkiewicz and Cairo as defensive specialists/day off type guys they can return too. I think Piazza might come back, though I think DHing for the Angels is his best bet.

We REALLY need to get Wagner or Ryan to close, and at least two more solid arms to complete the bullpen for this offseason to be anything worth noting. If they can swing a deal for Manny that doesn't include Reyes, Jacobs or Wright I'm all for that as well. The Mets could contend for the division title next year with a couple of shrewd moves.

[Guest Locutus of Borg]

Atlanta Braves

Kyle Farnsworth, RHP

Julio Franco, 1B

Rafael Furcal, SS

Todd Hollandsworth, OF

Brian Jordan, OF

Eddie Perez, C

Jay Powell, RHP

Alright, Mondesi is gone already, we all know that. I would say give Thomson another chance since he was out most of this past season injured, but with the extra cash from his departure they could bolster the bullpen a little more. I don't remember seeing White and Martin play, so I don't know their abilities. Powell was decent from what I remember. I kept Perez on, though I'm not sure about that since they've now got two young, reliable catchers in McCann and Estrada. As long as Franco can produce at the plate and work the field occasionally, I'd hold on to him. Farnsworth can work out into being a good closer for the team. Jordan may be worth taking another risk. Hollandsworth I'm unsure of.

The only thing I'm absolutely positive on: the Braves need at least one good starter and probably two good relievers in the off-season.

As for Stottlemyre's resignation from the Yankees, I have heard Leo Mazzoni's name thrown around as a guy on the Yanks' shortlist.

[ACCBiggz]

Cubs will make a big push for Furcal, I'm going to assume. Making it hard for AOL and their anti-Braves monetery help hard to re-sign.

[sahyder1]

Manny to the Mets is a very real possiblity in my opinion. They'll swing that Cameron/Milledge/????(Peit perhaps?). I could see the Mets putting in someone like Seo as well.

As for the Yankees pitching coach situation I'll truly be surprised if Guidry isn't the pitching coach next year. Add to that according to Mike Francesa here in NY Guidry is really close with B.J Ryan. Steinbrenner likes Yankee guys. Guidry will be in pinstripes next year. Look for Mattingly to move over in to the bench coach slot as well.

[Green Demon]

Cleveland Indians

Jose Hernandez, 2B - Let go was supposed to be a good utility player but really didnt do much.

Kevin Millwood, RHP - If Dolan(tight pocketed owner) does open his wallet I hope they bring Millwood back for what he wants(3 years I think) cause he showed that he could come back from injury this year and provide good leadership to a up and coming staff. It does help that he was the AL ERA leader and would have had a lot more wins with more offense at the beginning of the season.

Bob Wickman, RHP - Was the AL Saves leader but did have some slip ups, if he doesn't retire this year I would look at getting him for another short term deal. So even if he does slip a bit more he is gone after next year.

Along with those guys I also think that the Tribe had Bob Howry as a FA and an option of Ronnie Belliard. I think that the Indians should definatly bring back Howry, he pitch real well all season and if Wickman were to not come back he could possibly take the closer spot. I also think the Indians should definatly pick up the option on Belliard, he is able to provide some quality offense at times and over the past year defesively he has showed that he is one of the top defensive 2nd basemen in the league. If the Indians do increase the payroll like they say they are going to I hope they can go out and get a power hitting 1B or RF such as Konerko. The team really is going to be the same team as this year since everyone is young and at the beginning of contracts so I hope to see them go out for someone and not some of the no name guys they went after last year.

[Guest NYJetFan86]

New York Yankees

Kevin Brown, RHP - Gone

John Flaherty, C - Gone not even RJ will be able to keep him around especially after .133 BA in regular season

Tom Gordon, RHP - Gone due to poor performance in the postseason

Tino Martinez, 1B - Gone despite being a fan favorite

Felix Rodriguez, RHP - Gone

Rey Sanchez, 2B - Gone

Ruben Sierra, OF - Might be resigned

Bernie Williams, OF - Might be resigned

Al Leiter, LHP - Gone

Hideki Matsui, OF - Will most likely be resigned

Alan Embree, LHP - Gone

[sahyder1]

I'd be surprised if Flaherty wasn't brought back. You need a backup anyways.....and he did his part. If you were expecting to turn to him for offense in that lineup there's something wrong. There's a lot of talk here about letting Sierra go and have Bernie in the Sierra role. Gordon said today that he wants to close somewhere next season.

Gordon says he prefers closing to setup

Associated Press

NEW YORK -- Besides a new pitching coach, the Yankees might have to find a setup man, too.

As the AL East champions dealt with their latest postseason disappointment, George Steinbrenner responded Thursday to Mel Stottlemyre's departure, and Tom Gordon said he would consider leaving the Bronx for the chance to be a closer again.

Changes are expected following New York's loss to the Angels in the division series, and they started with the resignation of Stottlemyre. The longtime pitching was critical of Steinbrenner's treatment of manager Joe Torre on Wednesday, when he said he didn't expect to return for an 11th season with the team.

Steinbrenner responded Thursday in a release issued by the team.

"Mel Stottlemyre will always be a Yankee. When I purchased the ballclub more than 30 years ago, he was one of the teams true stars and leaders and, during his 10 seasons as pitching coach, we won six American League pennants and four World Championships. While it is no secret that I can be a very difficult boss, Mel has always conducted himself as a professional and a gentleman. I wish he and [wife] Jean much success and happiness in the future."

Stottlemyre was at Yankee Stadium on Thursday but did not address the media.

The new pitching coach might be working with a replacement for Gordon, who is set to become a free agent.

Gordon has spent the last two years as the setup man for Mariano Rivera, but made it clear Thursday that he would be interested in returning to the role of closer.

"The Yankees will be first but I still would like to close," he said.

An All-Star in 2004, Gordon has pitched well in the regular season but has been a disappointment in the playoffs. He had an 8.10 ERA during last year's AL Championship Series against Boston, and allowed two runs in 2 1/3 innings in the loss to the Angels. Torre bypassed him in Game 4, when he used Rivera for two innings to finish with the Yankees facing elimination.

Gordon began his career as a starter before becoming a top closer. He led the AL with 46 saves in 1998 for Boston, and said saving games is something he wants to do again.

"I had a great time being a setup here," he said. "I enjoyed every day with Mo. I still have in my mind that if I got an opportunity again to close that I want to do that. Closing's always going to be a first choice for me."

The Yankees also will have to make a decision on Tino Martinez. A member of their four World Series championship teams from 1996-00, he returned to the team this season and hit .241 with 17 homers in a part-time role.

Martinez said Thursday at Yankee Stadium that he would like to come back, but would understand if his role, too, is another one of the changes.

"That's just the way the Yankees are," he said. "Everyone knows when you come to the Yankees things can change from year to year. Everybody knows that."

Edited October 14, 2005 by Testing New Name Feature

[mattman1624]

Oakland Athletics

Octavio Dotel, RHP

Erubiel Durazo, 1B

Scott Hatteberg, 1B (x)

Jay Payton, OF

Ricardo Rincon, LHP

[sahyder1]

Surprise! A's rehire manager Macha

Associated Press

The Oakland Athletics rehired Ken Macha as manager Friday, just more than a week after they failed to reach terms to renew his contract after three years.

Managerial changes

Detroit Tigers

OUT: Alan Trammell

IN: Jim Leyland

Florida Marlins

OUT: Jack McKeon

IN: --

Los Angeles Dodgers

OUT: Jim Tracy

IN: --

Oakland Athletics

OUT: Ken Macha

IN: Ken Macha

Pittsburgh Pirates

OUT: Lloyd McClendon

IN: Jim Tracy

Tampa Bay Devil Rays

OUT: Lou Piniella

IN: --

The A's announced that the club reached a three-year agreement that will keep Macha under contract through the 2008 season.

Macha led the A's to the AL West title in his first year as manager in 2003, the club's fourth straight playoff berth. But Oakland failed to reach the postseason the past two years despite a 91-win season in 2004 and 88 victories this year.

Macha, 55, called it one of several "massive disappointments" in his seven years with the team when the sides couldn't reach a deal Oct. 5.

The A's interviewed both bullpen coach Bob Geren, a close friend of general manager Billy Beane, and third-base coach Ron Washington for the opening, while Macha interviewed for the vacancy with the Pirates that was filled with former Dodgers manager Jim Tracy. Earlier this week, Rangers pitching coach Orel Hershiser was cleared to interview with Oakland for the manager job.

"It's good to have him back," right fielder Nick Swisher said in a phone interview from his home in West Virginia. "Macha's a great manager and he knows the game. I'm excited for next season to get started. Billy knows what he's doing. Just like everyone else in this organization, he's always going to push us in the right direction."

Messages left for Macha and his agent, Alan Nero, weren't immediately returned Friday.

Macha and Beane have had their tense moments during Macha's tenure, but Macha hoped he would receive some credit for getting Oakland to win this season with young players and an injury-plagued roster.

"Who knows how the rest of baseball views you?" Macha said last week after Beane said there would be no further negotiations to keep the skipper. "I can go home and sleep and know that we used tremendous character to get through this season."

When they parted ways, what turned out to be just a brief hiatus, Beane said the A's had offered a three-year deal with a club option, while Macha had countered with a three-year deal without a club option.

The option would have allowed the A's to decide whether to keep Macha after three seasons.

Macha had said he hoped to return to the A's but declined to discuss specifics of the team's offer, saying money matters are strictly personal. He earned around $630,000 this season.

Nero told The Associated Press he received an offer from Beane on Oct. 3 and then offered two different counterproposals, the second of which brought the sides much closer. Beane said he "verbally" declined the last proposal.

The A's seemed out of it in May when they had two eight-game losing streaks and finished the month with a 7-20 record. Oakland rebounded with another strong second half, overcoming injuries to key players, including shortstop Bobby Crosby and No. 2 starter Rich Harden.

Oakland watched the Angels clinch the AL West on the A's home field for the second straight year.

The A's have almost their entire roster back for 2006.

[TheSqauredCircleMessiah]

I really wish AOL would just die or give the team back to Ted Turner. Rafael Furcal will be added to the list of Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine, Gary Sheffield, Javy Lopez, Mike Remlinger, Chris Hammond of guys AOL has been to cheap to re-sign. The Braves need another starter as Mike Hampton and his $14 billion contract (thank you Colorado) is out untill probably mid-2007. I say bring back Tom Glavine. The guy never should have left. He won 20-games atleast 5 times in Atlanta and a Cy Young award. The guy should finish his career in Atlanta.

As for my hometown Tigers. They need some help. A top line starter and bullpen help and a centerfielder. So, hopefully Dave Dombrowski gets ahold of Mr. I's checkbook and signs a blank check for Johnny Damon, AJ Burnett, and Billy Wagner or BJ Ryan or even maybe Kyle Farnsworth.

Mike Piazza is done like dinner in Queens. D-U-N, done. He makes $15 million a year and has bad knees and is old. Can you believe this guy is going into his 14th year? I would not at all be surprised to see him go across town to Yankee stadium. He would fit in perfect, he's old, over the hill, and washed up. Would anyone put it past to Big Stein to give Piazza a 2-year deal worth $10 million to split DHing and first base duties with Jason Giambi?

[sahyder1]

TSCM, your never seize to amaze anybody. Do you ever think things through before posting them? Why would the Mets let Glavine go to someone in their division? Hell, they weren't gonna trade him to the Yanks.....what makes you think they'll be willing to hand him over to Atlanta? He was great the second half of the year and the Mets feel they have a good shot at contending next year. This is a nice young team with depth in its starting rotation. Unless the Braves are getting the Mets a power hitting 1B there is no hope for them to Glavine......then again......why the hell would the Braves help the Mets fill their weakness? Get it?

Just exactly how many catchers put up better #s this year then Piazza? 19 HRs and 63 RBIs in 113 games sounds pretty good to me from a catcher. Not to mention his presence in that locker room. Castro has proven to be a worhty backup. I'm sure Piazza would take a 4-5 million + incentives contract with the Mets.

[sahyder1]

Yankees: Matsui waiting on Torre

by Fanball Staff - Fanball.com

Sunday, October 16, 2005

News

Yankees outfielder Hideki Matsui is facing a major career decision in the upcoming weeks, but he's waiting to see what manager Joe Torre has to say before making a move. The Yankees have reportedly offered Matsui a three-year, $31.5 million deal, but he might opt for free agency if Torre does not return. "Yes, it will be one of the factors when I think about my new contract," the outfielder told Newsday. "Of course, it is important who the manager is." Torre will hold his usual year-end news conference in the upcoming week.

Views

Matsui would likely have plenty of suitors were he to hit the open market. We'll continue to monitor the situation.

[Green Demon]

I looked it up on Espn and it was $21 million for 3 years. Also on another subject does anyone know the firstbasemen that are likely going to be on the Market this year. I was just wondering just in case the Indians decided to open up the payroll a bit.

[Jester of Death]

Arizona Diamondbacks

Royce Clayton, SS

Jose Cruz Jr, OF

Matt Herges, RHP

Shawn Estes, LHP

Kerry Ligtenberg, RHP

Tim Worrell, RHP

Honestly, the only one I would want to see back is Royce Clayton, but strictly as a backup.

And how old is this list, Jose Cruz Jr. has been off the D-Backs roster for nearly 3 months.

[sahyder1]

Girardi on verge of accepting Marlins deal

By STEVEN WINE, AP Sports Writer

October 19, 2005

MIAMI (AP) -- New York Yankees bench coach Joe Girardi was on the verge of accepting an offer to become Florida's manager, Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria said Wednesday.

``We're close,'' Loria said. ``We're trying to put it all together and sign a contract.''

Loria said he was optimistic that an agreement would be finalized with Girardi, with an announcement perhaps later Wednesday.

ADVERTISEMENT

Girardi, who also interviewed for the Tampa Bay job, has no managing experience. He spent 15 years as a major league catcher, then went into broadcasting in 2004 and came out of the booth to join the Yankees' staff this season.

Girardi met informally earlier this month with Loria, then met in New York on Oct. 12 with Loria, general manager Larry Beinfest and assistant general manager Mike Hill.

The 41-year-old Girardi would succeed Jack McKeon, who led the Marlins to the World Series title in 2003 but resigned after the team finished a disappointing 83-79 this year.

Girardi was a member of three World Series championship teams with the Yankees before ending his playing career in 2003. He caught two no-hitters with the Yankees and also played for the Chicago Cubs, Colorado Rockies and St. Louis Cardinals.

Among other candidates interviewed by the Marlins were Atlanta Braves bench coach Fredi Gonzalez, Oakland Athletics third-base coach Ron Washington and Tampa Bay coach Billy Hatcher.