Rumors from Winter Meetings

[redsrbetter]

Per ESPN.com Blogs:

1:08 p.m., from Buster Olney
• There are whispers that the Twins might decide to hold onto Johan Santana. With a healthy Francisco Liriano alongside him in the rotation, Minnesota would have a fearsome 1-2 punch. If the Twins do some big things in '08, they could find a way to re-sign Santana. If not, they could move him in July, as long as he decides to waives his no-trade clause, but that is no guarantee.

[redsrbetter]

New Report:

1:15 p.m., from Jerry Crasnick
• The Dodgers could be a player in the Andruw Jones market. One source in Nashville said Los Angeles has a two-year, $32 million offer on the table to Jones. Agent Scott Boras is believed to be seeking a deal similar to Torii Hunter's five-year, $90 million contract with the Angels, but that could be a challenge after Jones hit .222 with 26 homers for Atlanta in 2007. The Dodgers are interested in both Jones and Aaron Rowand, but only as relatively short-term signings. Barring a change of heart on the part of owner Frank McCourt and GM Ned Colletti, that probably means three years, max.

• There are indications the Phillies might be willing to go to four years on Aaron Rowand -- or at least three years with a vesting option. Rowand, who hit 27 homers and drove in 89 runs for Philadelphia this season, is looking for a five-year contract. The Phillies offered Rowand salary arbitration to assure themselves of draft pick compensation if he signs elsewhere. But Rowand is generating enough interest on the market that he'll almost certainly decline the offer.

[redsrbetter]

More stuff:

1:33 p.m., from Crasnick
• Now that one of Houston's free-agent targets, Randy Wolf, has signed a one-year contract with San Diego, the Astros could step up their pursuit of Jon Lieber. Ed Wade, Houston's new general manager, was in Philadelphia when Lieber won 17 games for the Phillies in 2005. Agent Rex Gary said eight or nine clubs have expressed interest in Lieber, who went 3-6 last season while making only 14 appearances because of a foot injury.

• Don't be surprised if Washington general manager Jim Bowden moves one of his top relievers, Chad Cordero or Jon Rauch. There's a scarcity of closers on the market, and one agent who talked to Bowden recently said, "You can tell he's itching to get down to Nashville and do something."

[redsrbetter]

Keep them coming:

2:12 p.m.
• The Diamondbacks are close to trading Carlos Quentin to the White Sox for minor league first baseman Chris Carter, MLB.com reports. Carter was drafted out of Sierra Vista High School (Las Vegas) in the 15th round by Chicago in 2005 and is ranked among the White Sox's top 10 prospects by Baseball America.

[henks]

That little blip about Santana/Liriano made this guy pretty happy.

[redsrbetter]

Yep keeping Santana would be huge for you guys. You could still try and deal him to a contender in need at the deadline and still get good value for him.

Good luck.

[redsrbetter]

Jason Jennings, Steve Finley:

• A baseball source says 10-12 teams have inquired about Jason Jennings, who is recovering from elbow surgery. He is expected to begin throwing by spring training and should be ready to pitch sometime next season.


• Steve Finley wants to play in 2008. The 42-year-old outfielder is in Nashville shopping his services and hopes to catch an opportunity.

[redsrbetter]

Bay, Bedard, Kurada:

3:09 p.m., from Steve Phillips • There are rumblings that the Pirates and Indians are talking about a potential Jason Bay trade.


• It seems more and more likely that Erik Bedard will get dealt. Suitors are lining up for the ace left-hander.


• Japanese hurler Hiroki Kurada is getting a lot of attention from clubs as they hear the desires of Kyle Lohse and Carlos Silva.

[love_that_reefer]

Yeah I heard about the Indians being interested in Bay. Kelly Shoppach would be included in the deal.

[redsrbetter]

It would be pretty big for the Indians to get Bay. Shoppach included? Sounds like something is being put together then?

[Halladay_is_God]

what it is with the Indians and Pirates

first Brian Giles to Pittsburgh and now Bay to Cleveland?


come on Toronto get off your ass and step up

[redsrbetter]

Jason Bay would be awesome with Rios and Wells. Who do you deal for Bay though?

[love_that_reefer]

Hell, the Giants should be on the Bay trail. Giants have no power in that lineup right now. That said, I wouldn't give too much for Bay after a down year and his knee troubles. Plus the Pirates just made a terrible deal with the Giants acquiring Morris and all of his paycheck.

[Halladay_is_God]

as much as I want it to happen it won't, GM J.P. Ricciardi is being a dick this off-season and planning not to do much this off-season.

Plus there's a log jam in the OF for the Jays with Rios, Wells, Reed Johnson and Matt Stairs, then Adam Lind in AAA.


what I would give up is a tough question since there is no mention of what Pittsburgh wants or needs

I would be prepared to trade almost anything as long as it didn't include Rios, McGowan, or Halladay.

[redsrbetter]

Yeah that Morris deal was ridiculous, but I think the Bucs were trying to turn Morris around for something else when they got him.