Fantasy Baseball and MLB News, Rumors and Injury Updates

MLB Players in the News

December 11, 2009 @ 09:25:30

First Baseman

1B | Logan Morrison | Florida Marlins | Fantasy
Florida Marlins IF Logan Morrison will get a look at first base in spring training, according to The Palm Beach Post. He could be moved to the outfield.

1B | Russell Branyan | Free Agent | Free Agency News, Fantasy
The Baltimore Sun reports the Baltimore Orioles met with the representatives for free-agent 1B Russell Branyan (Mariners) and 1B Adam LaRoche (Red Sox) at the winter meetings, while president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail met with Rex Gary, the agent for free-agent 1B Nick Johnson (Marlins).

1B | Nick Johnson | Free Agent | Free Agency News, Fantasy
The Baltimore Sun reports the Baltimore Orioles met with the representatives for free-agent 1B Russell Branyan (Mariners) and 1B Adam LaRoche (Red Sox) at the winter meetings, while president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail met with Rex Gary, the agent for free-agent 1B Nick Johnson (Marlins).

1B | Adam LaRoche | Free Agent | Free Agency News, Fantasy
The Baltimore Sun reports the Baltimore Orioles met with the representatives for free-agent 1B Russell Branyan (Mariners) and 1B Adam LaRoche (Red Sox) at the winter meetings, while president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail met with Rex Gary, the agent for free-agent 1B Nick Johnson (Marlins).

1B | Chris Davis | Texas Rangers | Fantasy
Updating a previous report, Joel Sherman, of the New York Post, reports the Texas Rangers see Boston Red Sox 3B Mike Lowell serving mainly as a designated hitter for them. He would also push 1B Chris Davis at first base.

Second Baseman

2B | Dan Uggla | Florida Marlins | Free Agency News
The Boston Herald's John Tomase reports Florida Marlins 2B Dan Uggla could become an option for the Boston Red Sox at third base if their talks with free-agent 3B Adrian Beltre (Mariners) fail.

Shortstop

SS | Brandon Wood | Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim | Fantasy
According to The Los Angeles Times, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim probably will open 2010 with IF Brandon Wood at third base, but the slugging prospect isn't necessarily guaranteed an everyday spot. Angels manager Mike Scioscia said utility IF Maicer Izturis, who plays shortstop, second and third, is "a natural to lead off," and if the switch-hitter emerges as the team's best leadoff option, he will probably cut into Wood's playing time at third.

Third Baseman

3B | Adrian Beltre | Free Agent | Free Agency News, Fantasy
The Boston Herald reports the Boston Red Sox may be ready to make a serious run at free-agent 3B Adrian Beltre (Mariners). Beltre's initial asking price is believed to be five years and $65 million, which would represent a $1 million raise on the deal he signed with the Seattle Mariners in 2004. However, Beltre, who turns 31 in April, is unlikely to see that total from any team, with $10 million annually more realistic.

3B | Jorge Jimenez | Florida Marlins | Fantasy
Joe Capozzi, of The Palm Beach Post, reports Florida Marlins 3B Jorge Jimenez, who was selected Thursday, Dec. 10, in the Rule 5 draft, will get a long look at third base during spring training.

3B | Mike Lowell | Boston Red Sox | Fantasy
Updating previous reports, Ian Browne, of MLB.com, reports the framework of a deal between the Texas Rangers and Boston Red Sox that would send 3B Mike Lowell to the Rangers could take another two to three days before being finalized, according to multiple sources. The reason for the holdup is the review of medical information because of Lowell's surgically repaired hip. The trade, which also involves the transfer of likely $8-9 million, must first be reviewed by commissioner Bud Selig. The Red Sox are also looking at the medical records of C Max Ramirez, who had some wrist issues in 2009.

3B | Mark DeRosa | Free Agent | Free Agency News, Fantasy
Alden Gonzalez, of MLB.com, reports the San Francisco Giants have made an offer to free-agent 3B Mark DeRosa (Cardinals), according to The San Jose Mercury News. Yahoo! Sports reports the team has interest in DeRosa because he can play multiple positions, which could keep 3B Pablo Sandoval at third base.

3B | Pablo Sandoval | San Francisco Giants | Free Agency News, Fantasy
Alden Gonzalez, of MLB.com, reports the San Francisco Giants have made an offer to free-agent 3B Mark DeRosa (Cardinals), according to The San Jose Mercury News. Yahoo! Sports reports the team has interest in DeRosa because he can play multiple positions, which could keep 3B Pablo Sandoval at third base.

3B | Pedro Feliz | Houston Astros | Transaction, Fantasy
The Sports Network reports the Houston Astros signed free-agent 3B Pedro Feliz (Phillies) to a one-year deal worth $4.5 million, according to the Houston Chronicle.

3B | Chone Figgins | Seattle Mariners | Free Agency News, Fantasy
Ken Rosenthal and Jon Paul Morosi, of FOXSports.com, report the Seattle Mariners are still interested in re-signing 3B Adrian Beltre, according to general manager Jack Zduriencik. 3B Chone Figgins would move to second base if Beltre re-signs.

Catcher

C | Russell Martin | Los Angeles Dodgers | Transaction, Fantasy
The Los Angeles Times reports the Los Angeles Dodgers will tender contracts to all players eligible for the process, which includes hitters like C Russell Martin, OF Matt Kemp and OF Andre Ethier, as well as pitchers like P Hong-Chih Kuo.

C | Max Ramirez | Texas Rangers | Fantasy
Updating previous reports, Ian Browne, of MLB.com, reports the framework of a deal between the Texas Rangers and Boston Red Sox that would send 3B Mike Lowell to the Rangers could take another two to three days before being finalized, according to multiple sources. The reason for the holdup is the review of medical information because of Lowell's surgically repaired hip. The trade, which also involves the transfer of likely $8-9 million, must first be reviewed by commissioner Bud Selig. The Red Sox are also looking at the medical records of C Max Ramirez, who had some wrist issues in 2009.

C | Chris Iannetta | Colorado Rockies | Fantasy
Updating a previous report, Alden Gonzalez, of MLB.com, reports the Colorado Rockies agreed to a three-year extension worth $8.3 million with C Chris Iannetta Thursday, Dec. 10. The club option for his first year of free agency will be worth $5 million, according to The Denver Post.

C | Bengie Molina | Free Agent | Free Agency News, Fantasy
Updating a previous report, Alden Gonzalez, of MLB.com, reports the New York Mets' offer to free-agent C Bengie Molina (Giants) was in the two-year, $12 million range. However, Molina may be looking for a three-year deal.

C | Jason Kendall | Free Agent | Free Agency News, Fantasy
FOXSports.com's Jon Paul Morosi reports the Kansas City Royals are making progress on a deal for free-agent C Jason Kendall (Brewers), according to sources. One source believes the final deal will be worth more than $4 million for two years.

C | Mike Redmond | Free Agent | Free Agency News
Mark Gonzales, of The Chicago Tribune, reports the Chicago White Sox could look at free-agent C Mike Redmond (Twins) as their backup catcher next season.

C | Ryan Doumit | Pittsburgh Pirates | Fantasy
Dejan Kovacevic, of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, reports the San Francisco Giants are interested in trading for Pittsburgh Pirates C Ryan Doumit.

Outfielder

OF | Matt Holliday | Free Agent | Free Agency News
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch's Joe Strauss reports the St. Louis Cardinals met with free-agent OF Matt Holliday's (Cardinals) agent Scott Boras Thursday, Dec. 10, but no offer was made.

OF | Jason Bay | Free Agent | Free Agency News
WEEI.com's Alex Speier reports one club official believes a team offering free-agent OF Jason Bay (Red Sox) a fifth year could get a deal done.

OF | Chris Burke | Cincinnati Reds | Transaction, Free Agency News
CNATI.com's C. Trent Rosecrans reports the Cincinnati Reds signed free-agent OF Chris Burke (Braves) to a minor league contract.

OF | Matt Kemp | Los Angeles Dodgers | Transaction, Fantasy
The Los Angeles Times reports the Los Angeles Dodgers will tender contracts to all players eligible for the process, which includes hitters like C Russell Martin, OF Matt Kemp and OF Andre Ethier, as well as pitchers like P Hong-Chih Kuo.

OF | Andre Ethier | Los Angeles Dodgers | Transaction, Fantasy
The Los Angeles Times reports the Los Angeles Dodgers will tender contracts to all players eligible for the process, which includes hitters like C Russell Martin, OF Matt Kemp and OF Andre Ethier, as well as pitchers like P Hong-Chih Kuo.

OF | Brett Gardner | New York Yankees | Fantasy
Alden Gonzalez, of MLB.com, reports the Chicago White Sox have interest in trading for New York Yankees OF Brett Gardner, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.

OF | Mike Cameron | Free Agent | Free Agency News, Fantasy
Paul Sullivan, of The Chicago Tribune, reports the Chicago Cubs have had preliminary talks with the agent for free-agent OF Mike Cameron (Brewers), but the Cubs are unlikely to add a center fielder until they know how much of OF Milton Bradley's contract they will eat in a trade.

OF | Milton Bradley | Chicago Cubs | Fantasy
Paul Sullivan, of The Chicago Tribune, reports the Chicago Cubs are hoping to trade OF Milton Bradley before Christmas, but said earlier this week that a deal would be done before the end of the winter meetings Thursday, Dec. 10. The Texas Rangers, Detroit Tigers, Oakland Athletics and New York Mets have all pretty much moved on in regards to Bradley.

OF | Curtis Granderson | New York Yankees | Fantasy
George A. King III, of the New York Post, reports New York Yankees OF Curtis Granderson will likely hit second in the batting order against right-handed pitchers next season, according to general manager Brian Cashman. "Against right-handed pitchers, he would bat second as of right now," Cashman said. "Against left-handed pitchers, down in the lineup."

OF | Juan Pierre | Los Angeles Dodgers | Fantasy
ESPN's Jerry Crasnick reports the Kansas City Royals have talked to the Los Angeles Dodgers about OF Juan Pierre. However, the Dodgers would have to eat much of Pierre's $18.5 million left on his deal for a trade to work. The Royals might end up looking at free-agent OF Scott Podsednik (White Sox) instead.

OF | Alfredo Amezaga | Florida Marlins | Fantasy
FOXSports.com's Ken Rosenthal reports Florida Marlins OF Alfredo Amezaga is a candidate to be non-tendered.

OF | Michael Taylor | Philadelphia Phillies | Fantasy
Updating previous reports, Todd Zolecki, of MLB.com, reports the Philadelphia Phillies have been named as one of the favorites, if not the favorite, to land Toronto Blue Jays SP Roy Halladay. The Phillies have offered SP J.A. Happ, OF Domonic Brown or OF Michael Taylor in exchange for Halladay, according to FOXSports.com. The Phillies would also have to shed some payroll to make Halladay a fit.

OF | Domonic Brown | Philadelphia Phillies | Fantasy
Updating previous reports, Todd Zolecki, of MLB.com, reports the Philadelphia Phillies have been named as one of the favorites, if not the favorite, to land Toronto Blue Jays SP Roy Halladay. The Phillies have offered SP J.A. Happ, OF Domonic Brown or OF Michael Taylor in exchange for Halladay, according to FOXSports.com. The Phillies would also have to shed some payroll to make Halladay a fit.

OF | Joey Gathright | Toronto Blue Jays | Transaction
The Sports Network reports the Toronto Blue Jays signed free-agent OF Joey Gathright (Red Sox) to an undisclosed minor league deal Wednesday, Dec. 9.

OF | John Raynor | Pittsburgh Pirates | Transaction
The Associated Press reports the Pittsburgh Pirates selected OF John Raynor from the Florida Marlins in the Rule 5 Draft Thursday, Dec. 10.

Starting Pitcher

SP | Ben Sheets | Free Agent | Free Agency News
ESPNChicago.com's Bruce Levine reports the Chicago Cubs have had talks with free-agent SP Ben Sheets' (Brewers) agent Casey Close.

SP | Joel Pineiro | Free Agent | Free Agency News
MASNSports.com's Roch Kubatko reports the Baltimore Orioles aren't interested in free-agent SP Joel Pineiro (Cardinals) after they acquired SP Kevin Millwood, according to Pineiro's agent Adam Katz.

SP | Seth McClung | Milwaukee Brewers | Fantasy
According to The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Milwaukee Brewers RP's Mark DiFelice and Seth McClung may not be tendered contract offers for 2010 by the Saturday, Dec. 12, deadline.

SP | Doug Davis | Free Agent | Free Agency News, Fantasy
Updating a previous item, FOXSports.com's Jon Paul Morosi reports the Seattle Mariners are looking at free-agent SP Doug Davis (Diamondbacks).

SP | Rich Harden | Texas Rangers | Fantasy
T.R. Sullivan, of MLB.com, reports the Texas Rangers officially signed SP Rich Harden to a one-year deal worth $7.5 million Thursday, Dec. 10, with a mutual option worth $11.5 million in 2011. He will receive a base salary of $6.5 million in 2010 with another $3.5 million in incentives that are maximized at 195 innings pitched. Harden will receive a $1 million buyout if his contract is not picked up for the 2011 season.

SP | John Lackey | Free Agent | Free Agency News, Fantasy
George A. King III, of the New York Post, reports New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman met with free-agent SP John Lackey's (Angels) representatives and did not give the impression that Lackey fit into the team's budget or plans.

SP | Justin Duchscherer | Free Agent | Free Agency News, Fantasy
Dejan Kovacevic, of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, reports the Pittsburgh Pirates have had further contact with free-agent SP Justin Duchscherer (Athletics). Duchscherer's price will be set closer to Spring Training, according to a source.

SP | Felix Hernandez | Seattle Mariners | Fantasy
FOXSports.com's Jon Paul Morosi reports there will be no negotiations with Seattle Mariners SP Felix Hernandez on a new contract extension this week. The Mariners extended an initial four-year offer earlier this week.

SP | Roy Halladay | Toronto Blue Jays | Fantasy
Updating previous reports, Todd Zolecki, of MLB.com, reports the Philadelphia Phillies have been named as one of the favorites, if not the favorite, to land Toronto Blue Jays SP Roy Halladay. The Phillies have offered SP J.A. Happ, OF Domonic Brown or OF Michael Taylor in exchange for Halladay, according to FOXSports.com. The Phillies would also have to shed some payroll to make Halladay a fit.

SP | J.A. Happ | Philadelphia Phillies | Fantasy
Updating previous reports, Todd Zolecki, of MLB.com, reports the Philadelphia Phillies have been named as one of the favorites, if not the favorite, to land Toronto Blue Jays SP Roy Halladay. The Phillies have offered SP J.A. Happ, OF Domonic Brown or OF Michael Taylor in exchange for Halladay, according to FOXSports.com. The Phillies would also have to shed some payroll to make Halladay a fit.

Relief Pitcher

RP | Octavio Dotel | Free Agent | Free Agency News
The News Journal's Scott Lauber reports the Philadelphia Phillies have talked to the agents representing free-agent RP Octavio Dotel (White Sox) and RP J.J. Putz (Mets).

RP | J.J. Putz | Free Agent | Free Agency News
The News Journal's Scott Lauber reports the Philadelphia Phillies have talked to the agents representing free-agent RP Octavio Dotel (White Sox) and RP J.J. Putz (Mets).

RP | Hong-Chih Kuo | Los Angeles Dodgers | Transaction, Fantasy
The Los Angeles Times reports the Los Angeles Dodgers will tender contracts to all players eligible for the process, which includes hitters like C Russell Martin, OF Matt Kemp and OF Andre Ethier, as well as pitchers like P Hong-Chih Kuo.

RP | Bob Howry | Free Agent | Free Agency News, Fantasy
The Arizona Republic's Nick Piecoro reports with RP LaTroy Hawkins gone to the Milwaukee Brewers, a few names the Arizona Diamondbacks still are tracking on the free-agent relief market include RP's J.J. Putz, Bob Howry and Brendan Donnelly.

RP | Brendan Donnelly | Free Agent | Free Agency News, Fantasy
The Arizona Republic's Nick Piecoro reports with RP LaTroy Hawkins gone to the Milwaukee Brewers, a few names the Arizona Diamondbacks still are tracking on the free-agent relief market include RP's J.J. Putz, Bob Howry and Brendan Donnelly.

RP | Mark DiFelice | Milwaukee Brewers | Fantasy
According to The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Milwaukee Brewers RP's Mark DiFelice and Seth McClung may not be tendered contract offers for 2010 by the Saturday, Dec. 12, deadline.

RP | Phil Coke | Detroit Tigers | Fantasy
According to Detroit News columnist Lynn Henning, the Detroit Tigers have an interest in SP Phil Coke becoming part of the 2010 rotation if he is up to the challenge.

RP | Charles Nagy | Retired Players | Transaction, Fantasy
The Akron Beacon Journal reports former Cleveland Indians SP Charles Nagy has been named the pitching coach at Triple-A Columbus.

RP | Fernando Rodney | Free Agent | Free Agency News, Fantasy
The Baltimore Sun's Jeff Zrebiec reports the Baltimore Orioles appear to have free-agent RP Fernando Rodney (Tigers) at the top of their want list, as the team remains in search of a situational left-hander and closer.

RP | Rafael Soriano | Tampa Bay Rays | Fantasy
Mark Bowman, of MLB.com, reports Tampa Bay Rays RP Rafael Soriano is likely to be the team's closer going into the 2010 season.

RP | Joel Zumaya | Detroit Tigers | Fantasy
Steve Kornacki, of Mlive.com, reports Detroit Tigers RP Joel Zumaya could be given the chance to win the team's closing duties next year. RP Ryan Perry could also be in the mix.

RP | Ryan Perry | Detroit Tigers | Fantasy
Steve Kornacki, of Mlive.com, reports Detroit Tigers RP Joel Zumaya could be given the chance to win the team's closing duties next year. RP Ryan Perry could also be in the mix.

RP | Jeremy Accardo | Toronto Blue Jays | Fantasy
Dejan Kovacevic, of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, reports the Toronto Blue Jays are discussing a trade for Pittsburgh Pirates C Ryan Doumit, according to an industry source. One source suggested that RP Jeremy Accardo could be part of the deal to acquire Doumit. Accardo is a candidate to be non-tendered by the Blue Jays.

RP | Santiago Casilla | Free Agent | Transaction, Free Agency News
The Sports Network reports the Oakland Athletics released RP Santiago Casilla Thursday, Dec. 10.