Fantasy Baseball and MLB News, Rumors and Injury Updates

MLB Players in the News

December 3, 2009 @ 09:43:28

First Baseman

1B | Chad Tracy | Free Agent | Free Agency News
Rockies.MLB.com's Thomas Harding reports the Colorado Rockies will likely have internal discussions about signing free-agent 1B Chad Tracy as a reserve.

1B | Carlos Delgado | Free Agent | Free Agency News, Fantasy
Bart Hubbuch, of the New York Post, reports the New York Mets are interested in re-signing 1B Carlos Delgado to a one-year deal.

Second Baseman

2B | Jamey Carroll | Free Agent | Free Agency News
The Boston Herald reports the Boston Red Sox have expressed interest in free-agent IF Jamey Carroll (Indians).

2B | Placido Polanco | Free Agent | Free Agency News
Updating an ongoing story, SI.com's Jon Heyman reports the Philadelphia Phillies are expected to finalize a three-year, $18 million deal with free-agent 3B Placido Polanco (Tigers) Thursday, Dec. 3.

2B | Orlando Hudson | Free Agent | Free Agency News, Fantasy
The Boston Red Sox may go after free-agent 2B Orlando Hudson (Dodgers) if unable to sign free-agent SS Marco Scutaro (Blue Jays), according to The Providence Journal.

2B | Alberto Callaspo | Kansas City Royals | Fantasy
Bob Dutton, of The Kansas City Star, reports the Kansas City Royals are not shopping 2B Alberto Callaspo, but are willing to listen to offers from other teams, according to general manager Dayton Moore. "We certainly have an excess in our middle infield as it pertains to second base," Moore said. "Other teams certainly recognize some excess there. So if there's a matchup with another team, we'll certainly be open-minded to try to make a deal that works for everybody."

2B | Scott Sizemore | Detroit Tigers | Injury News, Fantasy
Lynn Henning, of The Detroit News, reports Detroit Tigers 2B Scott Sizemore's (leg) broken fibula is healing as expected, and he is still expected to be ready for Spring Training. He is still walking around with the help of crutches. "It seems to be coming along pretty good," Sizemore said. "I'll be meeting with the doctors Thursday, Dec. 3. But they've told me I have a pretty good chance of being ready for the start of Spring Training."

2B | Dustin Pedroia | Boston Red Sox | Fantasy
Ian Browne, of MLB.com, reports the Boston Red Sox still see 2B Dustin Pedroia as their second baseman, despite reports that they might be willing to move him to shortstop next season. The team has not told him that it is a scenario on the verge of happening. The Red Sox are still in the process of trying to find another shortstop.

Shortstop

SS | Marco Scutaro | Free Agent | Free Agency News
Augusto Cardenas, of the Diario Panorama, a Venezuelan newspaper, reports the Boston Red Sox have requested the medical records for free-agent SS Marco Scutaro (Blue Jays).

SS | Luis Rodriguez | Cleveland Indians | Transaction
CBSSports.com reports the Cleveland Indians signed free-agent RP Mike Gosling (Indians) and SS Luis Rodriguez (Padres) to a minor league deals Wednesday, Dec. 2. Terms of the deals were not disclosed.

SS | Miguel Tejada | Free Agent | Free Agency News, Fantasy
Jose de Jesus Ortiz, of the Houston Chronicle, reports free-agent SS Miguel Tejada (Astros) has made it clear that he is willing to move from shortstop to third base. He is also up for returning to the Houston Astros next season.

Third Baseman

3B | Joe Crede | Free Agent | Free Agency News
SI.com's Jon Heyman reports the Houston Astros are interested in free-agent 3B Joe Crede (Twins).

3B | Melvin Mora | Free Agent | Transaction, Free Agency News, Fantasy
The Baltimore Sun reports the Baltimore Orioles have declined arbitration for four of their free agents, 3B Melvin Mora, RP Danys Baez, C Chad Moeller and SP Mark Hendrickson. All four can still re-sign with the team.

3B | Brian Buscher | Cleveland Indians | Transaction
MLB.com's Kelly Thesier reports the Cleveland Indians signed free-agent 3B Brian Buscher (Twins) to a minor league deal Wednesday, Dec. 2. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

3B | Mark DeRosa | Free Agent | Free Agency News, Fantasy
Ken Rosenthal and Jon Paul Morosi, of FOXSports.com, report the San Francisco Giants are being aggressive in their pursuit of free-agent 3B Mark DeRosa (Cardinals), according to one source.

Catcher

C | Ivan Rodriguez | Free Agent | Free Agency News
SI.com's Jon Heyman reports free-agent C Ivan Rodriguez is likely to decline the Texas Rangers' arbitration offer.

C | Henry Blanco | Free Agent | Free Agency News, Fantasy
Updating a previous item, free-agent C Henry Blanco (Padres) reportedly has taken a physical with the New York Mets as a precursor to signing a free-agent deal, according to The New York Daily News.

C | Chad Moeller | Free Agent | Transaction, Free Agency News, Fantasy
The Baltimore Sun reports the Baltimore Orioles have declined arbitration for four of their free agents, 3B Melvin Mora, RP Danys Baez, C Chad Moeller and SP Mark Hendrickson. All four can still re-sign with the team.

C | Gregg Zaun | Free Agent | Free Agency News
Ken Rosenthal and Jon Paul Morosi, of FOXSports.com, report the Colorado Rockies are showing interest in signing free-agent C Gregg Zaun (Blue Jays), according to major league sources.

C | Jarrod Saltalamacchia | Texas Rangers | Injury News, Fantasy
Richard Durrett, of ESPNDallas.com, reports Texas Rangers C Jarrod Saltalamacchia (arm) was removed from a game in the Dominican Winter League Wednesday, Dec. 2, after feeling pain in his arm. He had surgery in September and was diagnosed with Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. "Looks like he swung and hurt himself a bit," said Dean Treanor, Toros del Este manager. "(He had) tingling down his arm and numbing. We had to get him out of there. Hopefully he will be all right."

C | Brian Schneider | Philadelphia Phillies | Transaction
Doug Miller, of MLB.com, reports the Texas Rangers were targeting Philadelphia Phillies C Brian Schneider before he signed with the Phillies.

C | Jesus Montero | New York Yankees | Fantasy
Doug Miller, of MLB.com, reports the New York Yankees are being called "bystanders rather than aggressive pursuers" in the sweepstakes for Toronto Blue Jays SP Roy Halladay. The Blue Jays have told the Yankees that they would like P Phil Hughes, P Joba Chamberlain, C Jesus Montero and OF Austin Jackson in a potential deal, but they aren't exactly asking for all four, according to the New York Post.

C | Carlos Santana | Cleveland Indians | Injury News
Paul Hoynes, of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, reports the Cleveland Indians have cut C Carlos Santana's (illness) winter ball season short because he came down with the flu. General manager Mark Shapiro said Santana lost nine pounds and did not feel right when he tried to return. The team said Santana is fine now.

C | Ryan Doumit | Pittsburgh Pirates | Fantasy
Jordan Bastian, of MLB.com, reports the Toronto Blue Jays have "mild" interest in trading for Pittsburgh Pirates C Ryan Doumit, according to FOXSports.com. The talks have not reached a serious stage.

Outfielder

OF | Xavier Nady | Free Agent | Free Agency News
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Dejan Kovacevic reports the Pittsburgh Pirates have made initial inquiries on free-agent OF Xavier Nady (Yankees) and RP Ron Villone (Nationals).

OF | Donavan Tate | San Diego Padres | Injury News
The San Diego Union-Tribune's Bill Center reports San Diego Padres first-round pick OF Donavan Tate (jaw) suffered a broken jaw that required surgery last weekend following an ATV accident near his Georgia home. Tate's jaw was reportedly fitted with a plate and wired shut. The Padres believe he will be ready by spring training.

OF | Milton Bradley | Chicago Cubs | Fantasy
Phil Rogers, of The Chicago Tribune, reports the Chicago Cubs are looking to trade OF Milton Bradley before any deal that would bring Detroit Tigers OF Curtis Granderson to Chicago. The club would have to move OF Kosuke Fukudome from center to right to make way for Granderson.

OF | Curtis Granderson | Detroit Tigers | Fantasy
Phil Rogers, of The Chicago Tribune, reports the Chicago Cubs are looking to trade OF Milton Bradley before any deal that would bring Detroit Tigers OF Curtis Granderson to Chicago. The club would have to move OF Kosuke Fukudome from center to right to make way for Granderson.

OF | Angel Pagan | New York Mets | Fantasy
Doug Miller, of MLB.com, reports the Chicago White Sox could be a landing spot for New York Mets OF Angel Pagan, according to FOXSports.com.

OF | Austin Jackson | New York Yankees | Fantasy
Doug Miller, of MLB.com, reports the New York Yankees are being called "bystanders rather than aggressive pursuers" in the sweepstakes for Toronto Blue Jays SP Roy Halladay. The Blue Jays have told the Yankees that they would like P Phil Hughes, P Joba Chamberlain, C Jesus Montero and OF Austin Jackson in a potential deal, but they aren't exactly asking for all four, according to the New York Post.

OF | Fernando Tatis | Free Agent | Free Agency News, Fantasy
Bart Hubbuch, of the New York Post, reports the New York Mets did not offer salary arbitration to free-agent OF Fernando Tatis (Type B). However, he still has a chance to return next season.

OF | Conor Jackson | Arizona Diamondbacks | Fantasy
Ken Rosenthal and Jon Paul Morosi, of FOXSports.com, report Arizona Diamondbacks OF Conor Jackson hit .425 in 94 plate appearances in the Dominican Winter League this year.

OF | Jose Guillen | Kansas City Royals | Fantasy
Ken Rosenthal and Jon Paul Morosi, of FOXSports.com, report the New York Mets are not interested in trading for Kansas City Royals OF Jose Guillen. The Royals have shown interest in acquiring Mets OF Angel Pagan.

OF | Jermaine Dye | Free Agent | Free Agency News, Fantasy
Joe Cowley, of the Chicago Sun-Times, reports the Boston Red Sox are interested in signing free-agent OF Jermaine Dye (White Sox).

OF | Jason Bay | Free Agent | Free Agency News, Fantasy
Gordon Edes, of ESPNBoston.com, reports the Boston Red Sox still prefer trying to re-sign OF Jason Bay over signing free-agent OF Matt Holliday (Cardinals), according to a team source.

OF | Matt Holliday | Free Agent | Free Agency News, Fantasy
Gordon Edes, of ESPNBoston.com, reports the Boston Red Sox still prefer trying to re-sign OF Jason Bay over signing free-agent OF Matt Holliday (Cardinals), according to a team source.

Starting Pitcher

SP | Jason Marquis | Free Agent | Free Agency News
SI.com's Jon Heyman reports free-agent SP Jason Marquis (Rockies) had a falling out with the Colorado Rockies over his reaction to not getting a playoff start. He's unlikely to accept arbitration.

SP | John Lackey | Free Agent | Free Agency News
FOXSports.com's Ken Rosenthal and Jon Paul Morosi report the Seattle Mariners are actively pursuing free-agent SP John Lackey (Angels), according to a source.

SP | Randy Wolf | Free Agent | Free Agency News
SI.com's Jon Heyman reports the Philadelphia Phillies are interested in free-agent SP Randy Wolf (Dodgers).

SP | Andy Pettitte | Free Agent | Free Agency News, Fantasy
The Bergen Record's Pete Caldera reports New York Yankees free-agent SP Andy Pettitte is considered a key cog to the team's offseason plans, and manager Joe Girardi has made it abundantly clear that he wants Pettitte back in pinstripes in 2010.

SP | Noah Lowry | Free Agent | Free Agency News, Fantasy
Dejan Kovacevic, of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, reports the Los Angeles Dodgers are interested in free-agent SP Noah Lowry (Giants).

SP | Roy Halladay | Toronto Blue Jays | Fantasy
Doug Miller, of MLB.com, reports the New York Yankees are being called "bystanders rather than aggressive pursuers" in the sweepstakes for Toronto Blue Jays SP Roy Halladay. The Blue Jays have told the Yankees that they would like P Phil Hughes, P Joba Chamberlain, C Jesus Montero and OF Austin Jackson in a potential deal, but they aren't exactly asking for all four, according to the New York Post.

SP | Joba Chamberlain | New York Yankees | Fantasy
Doug Miller, of MLB.com, reports the New York Yankees are being called "bystanders rather than aggressive pursuers" in the sweepstakes for Toronto Blue Jays SP Roy Halladay. The Blue Jays have told the Yankees that they would like P Phil Hughes, P Joba Chamberlain, C Jesus Montero and OF Austin Jackson in a potential deal, but they aren't exactly asking for all four, according to the New York Post.

SP | Rich Harden | Free Agent | Free Agency News, Fantasy
Ken Rosenthal and Jon Paul Morosi, of FOXSports.com, report the Seattle Mariners are showing strong interest in free-agent SP Rich Harden (Cubs), according to two major league sources. Harden is a native of nearby Victoria, British Columbia.

SP | Dustin McGowan | Toronto Blue Jays | Injury News, Fantasy
MLB.com's Jordan Bastian reports Toronto Blue Jays SP Dustin McGowan's (shoulder) status is unknown after he was shut down in October after experiencing shoulder soreness.

SP | Jesse Litsch | Toronto Blue Jays | Injury News, Fantasy
MLB.com's Jordan Bastian reports Toronto Blue Jays SP Jesse Litsch (forearm) will likely be out until July of next season, according to general manager Alex Anthopoulos.

SP | Shaun Marcum | Toronto Blue Jays | Injury News, Fantasy
MLB.com's Jordan Bastian reports Toronto Blue Jays SP Shaun Marcum (elbow, back) is healthy and has been cleared to take on a full workload for the 2010 season, according to general manager Alex Anthopoulos.

SP | Brandon Erbe | Baltimore Orioles | Injury News
Steve Melewski, of the Mid-Atlantic Sports Network, reports Baltimore Orioles SP Brandon Erbe (finger) took some velocity off of his 95-mph fastball this year with positive results. "My purpose now is totally different from what it was," Erbe said. "Velocity has taken a backseat to movement. I'm a more complete pitcher now. Now, I look to get quick outs. If you have the movement and command and you can put the ball where you want to, that's big." Erbe went 5-3 with a 2.34 ERA in 14 starts at Double-A Bowie this season. He was forced to leave the Arizona Fall League early with a sprained right pinky finger.

SP | Jair Jurrjens | Atlanta Braves | Fantasy
Ken Rosenthal and Jon Paul Morosi, of FOXSports.com, report the Atlanta Braves are unlikely to work out a trade for Arizona Diamondbacks OF Conor Jackson. The Diamondbacks will only deal Jackson to receive a young starting pitcher, and the Braves are unwilling to give up SPs Jair Jurrjens or Tommy Hanson, according to major league sources. The Braves haven't even expressed interest in acquiring Jackson.

SP | Tommy Hanson | Atlanta Braves | Fantasy
Ken Rosenthal and Jon Paul Morosi, of FOXSports.com, report the Atlanta Braves are unlikely to work out a trade for Arizona Diamondbacks OF Conor Jackson. The Diamondbacks will only deal Jackson to receive a young starting pitcher, and the Braves are unwilling to give up SPs Jair Jurrjens or Tommy Hanson, according to major league sources. The Braves haven't even expressed interest in acquiring Jackson.

SP | Erik Bedard | Free Agent | Free Agency News, Fantasy
Gordon Edes, of ESPNBoston.com, reports the Boston Red Sox are considering pursuing free-agent SP Erik Bedard (Mariners).

Relief Pitcher

RP | Ron Villone | Free Agent | Free Agency News
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Dejan Kovacevic reports the Pittsburgh Pirates have made initial inquiries on free-agent OF Xavier Nady (Yankees) and RP Ron Villone (Nationals).

RP | Jose Contreras | Free Agent | Free Agency News
The Denver Post's Troy E. Renck reports free-agent P Jose Contreras (Rockies) could sign with the Softbank Hawks soon if SP Justin Germano returns to Major League Baseball. Contreras has been in Japan since Nov. 25, visiting schools for his son Kevin, who is hoping to participate in a baseball exchange program.

RP | Mike Gonzalez | Free Agent | Free Agency News
SI.com's Jon Heyman reports free-agent RPs Rafael Soriano and Mike Gonzalez will decline their arbitration offers from the Atlanta Braves. One general manager called them the most sought-after relievers on the market.

RP | Rafael Soriano | Free Agent | Free Agency News
SI.com's Jon Heyman reports free-agent RPs Rafael Soriano and Mike Gonzalez will decline their arbitration offers from the Atlanta Braves. One general manager called them the most sought-after relievers on the market.

RP | LaTroy Hawkins | Free Agent | Free Agency News
Rockies.MLB.com's Thomas Harding reports the Colorado Rockies could be interested in free-agent RP LaTroy Hawkins (Astros) if RP Rafael Betancourt signs elsewhere.

RP | Fernando Rodney | Free Agent | Free Agency News
Houston Astros Senior Director of Digital Media Alyson Footer reports Houston Astros general manager Ed Wade said the team is interested in free-agent CL Fernando Rodney (Tigers).

RP | J.J. Putz | Free Agent | Free Agency News
Tigers.MLB.com's Jason Beck reports the Detroit Tigers have been rumored to be interested in free-agent RP J.J. Putz (Mets), but there have been no discussions with him yet.

RP | Joel Zumaya | Detroit Tigers | Injury News, Fantasy
Tigers.MLB.com's Jason Beck reports Detroit Tigers RP Joel Zumaya (shoulder) is progressing well from shoulder surgery. "Everything went well," head athletic trainer Kevin Rand said. "He did a pre-throwing program and then played catch up to 90 feet. As a result, we're at a point where we've assimilated him into the normal strength and conditioning program."

RP | Danys Baez | Free Agent | Transaction, Free Agency News, Fantasy
The Baltimore Sun reports the Baltimore Orioles have declined arbitration for four of their free agents, 3B Melvin Mora, RP Danys Baez, C Chad Moeller and SP Mark Hendrickson. All four can still re-sign with the team.

RP | Mike Gosling | Cleveland Indians | Transaction
CBSSports.com reports the Cleveland Indians signed free-agent RP Mike Gosling (Indians) and SS Luis Rodriguez (Padres) to a minor league deals Wednesday, Dec. 2. Terms of the deals were not disclosed.

RP | Phil Hughes | New York Yankees | Fantasy
Doug Miller, of MLB.com, reports the New York Yankees are being called "bystanders rather than aggressive pursuers" in the sweepstakes for Toronto Blue Jays SP Roy Halladay. The Blue Jays have told the Yankees that they would like P Phil Hughes, P Joba Chamberlain, C Jesus Montero and OF Austin Jackson in a potential deal, but they aren't exactly asking for all four, according to the New York Post.

RP | Joey Devine | Oakland Athletics | Transaction
The Associated Press reports the Oakland Athletics agreed to terms on a one-year deal to re-sign RP Joey Devine Wednesday, Dec. 2. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

RP | Brett Myers | Free Agent | Free Agency News, Fantasy
Doug Miller, of MLB.com, reports the Texas Rangers are interested in signing free-agent RP Brett Myers (Phillies), according to ESPN.com. Myers would serve as a relief pitcher.

RP | Bobby Jenks | Chicago White Sox | Fantasy
Scott Merkin, of MLB.com, reports Chicago White Sox general manager Kenny Williams has indicated that RP Bobby Jenks will be the team's closer next season, despite constant criticism regarding Jenks' conditioning. "He's my closer, and I haven't had one trade discussion about him," said Williams.

RP | Jason Grilli | Cleveland Indians | Transaction
Troy E. Renck, of The Denver Post, reports the Cleveland Indians signed free-agent RP Jason Grilli (Rockies) to a minor league deal Wednesday, Dec. 2. He will make $17,500 a month in the minors and $80,000 in the majors.

RP | Billy Wagner | Atlanta Braves | Fantasy
Updating a previous report, Jerry Crasnick, of ESPN.com, reports Atlanta Braves RP Billy Wagner's 2011 $6.5 million option will include a $250,000 buyout.

RP | Kelvim Escobar | Free Agent | Free Agency News, Fantasy
Gordon Edes, of ESPNBoston.com, reports the Boston Red Sox are at the top of teams that free-agent RP Kelvim Escobar (Angels) would like to sign with, according to his agent.

RP | Brandon Lyon | Free Agent | Free Agency News, Fantasy
Jason Beck, of MLB.com, reports free-agent RPs Fernando Rodney (Tigers) and Brandon Lyon (Tigers) are both looking for multi-year deals, and the Detroit Tigers have a shot to re-sign both of them.