The Latest Rumors from Day 1
3:00 p.m. MLB Free agency is not like NHL free agency where all of the big names are gone in the first two days. There is even talk that Mark Teixeira may not sign until December.
12:57 p.m.Juan Rivera on the Pirates radar? Indications are the Pirates have interest in former Angels outfielder Juan Rivera. In 89 games last year Rivera hit 12 home runs – 45 RBI’s. Rivera has been injured the past couple seasons but he still has some good baseball left in him.
12:50 p.m. The Nationals are really creating a lot of buzz today. They are believed to be prepared to make a pitch for Adam Dunn, Mark Teixeira and even Manny Ramirez. (In that particular order)
12: 43 p.m. The Orioles are believed to be prepared to offer A.J. Burnett a four year deal in the $58 – $60 million range with Yankees possibily willing to go as high as $65 – $70 million. Reports indicate the Blue Jays have a 4 yr – $54 Million deal on the table. Speculation is Burnett eyes 4 yrs – $60-$62 million to re-up with the Blue Jays
12:30 p.m. Pitchers on the Pirates Radar: Paul Byrd and Odalis Perez are 1A and 1B according to source. Interest in Pavano but it’s believed that interest is not mutual. The Pirates have also made an inquiry on pitcher Braden Looper. Adding a veteran starting pitcher who can eat up innings is their first priority right now.
12:13 p.m. Casey Blake is a player Neil Huntington would love to make a strong play for. Sources expect the Pirates to check in with Blake’s representatives. The Pirates will drastically have to over-pay to sign Blake. It will something along the lines of a three – four deal to lure Blake to Pittsburgh. Complete Longshot
12:12 p.m. The Pirates have checked in with the agents for pitchers Paul Byrd and Carl Pavano. A source told me Pittsburgh may be willing to go three years with Byrd. Pavano is a long shot but the interest is there from the Pirates. Even though a lot of small market teams like the Royals are in on Abreu and Ibanez, the Pirates will likely stay away.
11:13 a.m. – Marlins outfielder Jeremy Hermida remains a target from the Pirates but the Marlins are not too happy with the Pirates dating back to the failed three team trade with the Red Sox at the trade deadline. Reports suggest the Cubs, Nationals, Reds and Rays are interested in Hermida.
10:00 a.m. Buster Olney reports the Yankees initial offer to C.C. Sabathia will be in the $140-$142 range. Many expect the offer could go up to $150 million. The Mets, Dodgers, Angels and Giants have already checked in with Sabathia’s representatives according to reports.
9:35 a.m. Royals to be active? The Kansas City will be browsing the free agent market according to the K.C. Star. The Royals are believed to have interest in outfielder Raul Ibanez and Bobby Abreu. The Royals have also been linked to short stop Rafael Furcal