MLB: Royals contact Pirates?

Inside Pittsburgh Sports MLB Rumor Mill

Daily Updates on the latest rumors around MLB

12/10/08

The Kansas City Royals have made a minor inquiry about Jack Wilson. Nothing substantial other than an inquiry. Their focus remains on Rafael Furcal who is down to four teams, (Royals, A’s, Blue Jays and Dodgers).

According to Jon Heyman of CNNSI, former Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Oliver Perez is believed to be seeking a 5 year contract in the range of $70 million.

Steve Phillips Reports, The Royals, Blue Jays, A’s and Dodgers remain in the mix for free-agent shortstop Rafael Furcal. Kansas City’s front office has asked ownership for more money. The A’s had their offer rejected, but they’re still in it according to Phillips. Furcal appears to be looking for which team will offer the most money. Nice to see small market teams like Royals and A’s in the mix.

Michael Siverman of the Boston Herald reports, the Red Sox have discussed Pirates catcher Ronnie Paulino as a option at catcher.

According to sources the St. Louis Cardinals have check in with the Pirates about the availability of reliever John Grabow.

12/8/08

Ken Rosenthal reports, five teams are showing interest in shortstop David Eckstein. The Pirates who could be in the need of a shortstop, may have interest in Ekstein. The Pirates also remain in the hunt for Mark Loretta.

Interested: DET, BAL, MIN, CLE, LAD?

The Pirates demands remain high for Jack Wilson just like they were at the trade deadline. That may be the main reason Wilson is not traded this off-season The Tigers may be moving on to shortstop Adam Everett who worked out for the Tigers last week. The Dodgers are out of the mix for now despite what local reports may indicate. The Post Gazette reports the Minnesota Twins are emerging as a suitor but their focus remains on Casey Blake. If they miss out on Blake, they could get involved. Cleveland and Baltimore have made what is being described as minor inquiries. The Pirates are hopeful that more teams will get involved.

According to a source, the Pirates are expected to touch base again with the representatives for Odalius Perez. The two sides have discussed a two year deal.

Paul Byrd has been among the Pirates top targets this off season but the veteran pitcher is looking very unlikely to sign with the Pirates. Byrd eyes a return to the National League and despite a connection to Neil Huntington, Byrd’s representatives appear to have their sights set on other cities such as Atlanta, Houston, Colorado and St.Louis.

12/5/08

Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports writes, “The Dodgers are not actively pursuing Jack Wilson, Craig Wilson, Preston Wilson, Enrique Wilson or any other player named Wilson. They spoke to the Pirates about Jack Wilson earlier this offseason, but as reported here earlier, the talks broke down about how much money the Pirates would include in the deal and the third player they would receive along with shortstop Chin-Lung Hu and outfielder Delwyn Young. The Tigers are making a more serious push for Wilson.” what I keep hearing is the Pirates are trying to make it seem like the Dodgers are in hot pursuit of Wilson and that is not the case at all like I wrote last night. Rosenthal is one of the best in business and has a lot of connections out West with teams like the Dodgers and A’s.

According to Jayson Stark, the Atlanta Braves official offer to A.J. Burnett is four years – $60 million with a option for a 5th year

According to Fox Sports Ken Rosenthal the Boston Red Sox have have signed AL M.V.P Dustin Pedroia to a 6 year – $40 million deal

The Atlanta Journal Constitution reports the Atlanta Braves are prepared to make a A.J. Burnett a 5 year offer. Burnett is also being pursued by the Orioles, Yankees, Blue Jays, Red Sox and the Nationals. Burnett has been rumored to be interested in playing in the Maryland area which has sparked interest from the Nationals and Orioles. Source: AJC —

The Pirates have recently been linked to the Florida Marlins in trade discussions and those talks have centered around catcher Matt Treanor. Pittsburgh is also believed to have their eye on pitcher Anibal Sanchez. Sanchez has been oft-injured but is drawing interest from up to 6-8 teams acccording to Miami Herald. The Red and Rockies are believed to be among the 8 teams interested in Sanchez.

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Reports, the Pirates are in talks with free agent reliever Derrick Turnbow. Kovacevic writes that Turnbow stopped pitching in July this year due to a slight labrum tear. Turnbow, 31 in January, hasn’t shown any control since 2005 and there are better options out there than Turnbow.