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• Five teams could have interest in Swisher

  December 05, 2012 by KenRosenthal

  Five teams have interest, or potential interest, in free-agent Nick Swisher, according to major-league sources.

  Those teams are the Cleveland Indians, Seattle Mariners, Baltimore Orioles, Boston Red Sox and San Francisco Giants

  The Red Sox would have to move center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury before making a deal for Swisher. The Giants could pursue Swisher if they decide to spend on the left fielder after committing combined a $78 million to retain pitcher Jeremy Affeldt, outfielder Angel Pagan and second baseman Marco Scutaro. However, the Giants more likely to go with Gregor Blanco and a platoon partner in left.

  Swisher is a switch-hitter who can play first base or outfield; his versatility adds to his appeal.

  The Indians made a $44 million, four-year offer to Shane Victorino, before the OF made a deal Tuesday with the Red Sox.

  — Ken Rosenthal and Jon Paul Morosi

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• Moyer Pitches Way Into Potential Comeback

  March 28, 2012 by TracyRingolsby

  Jamie Moyer has pitched well enough to earn a spot in the Rockies rotation.

  The decision as to whether he will become the oldest starting pitcher to ever appear on an Opening Day lineup, however, is on hold.

  The question is how Moyer, at the age of 49, will bounce back from extended pitching efforts.

  Coming off four perfect innings in which he threw only 45 pitches against San Francisco on Friday night, Moyer got a better test of durability in a four-inning, 92 pitch battle with the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday.

  Moyer said he felt strong at the end of the outing, and Rockies manager Jim Tracy said he was impressed with how Moyer battled. The big question is how will Moyer feel when he reports to the ballpark on Thursday.

  "I have no issue with Jamie's arm,'' said Tracy. "How his legs bounce back is an important aspect. I feel we need to do all the homework we can to answer the question.''

  And before a final decision is made, the Rockies are going to want to see him pitch again in spring training, most likely Monday against Seattle, and then see how he responds on Tuesday.

  If a decision had to be made today, it would seem Moyer would make the team, but for the Rockies, given the uncharted territory Moyer is exploring, the more they can watch, the better off they are.

  Wednesday, after all, was more than twice as many pitches as Moyer had thrown in a game this spring, and he did miss all of last season recovering from Tommy John surgery.

  Moyer was missing off the plate by a small margin against the White Sox, and Tracy gave Chicago credit for showing the patience it did. Moyer, however, said he felt the game was a good test for him. He allowed three runs in the four innings of an 8-3 Rockies win.

  "Not every game is going to be like (the one against the Giants),'' said Moyer. "There are days you have to push your way through it. There are days you have to battle. I enjoy pitching that kind of game.''

  Moyer, in fact, lobbied to pitch a fifth inning, but given the limited pitch count of his previous appearances, Tracy did not want to stretch Moyer too far.

  And his commitment to what's ahead was apparent when it was mentioned no starting pitcher the age of 49 or older had ever won a game.

  "I intend to win more than one game,'' he said. "If age had a bearing on my decision I wouldn't be doing this.''

  — Tracy Ringolsby

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• Marlins likely, but not certain to keep Ramirez

  December 05, 2011 by JonPaulMorosi

  Miami Marlins president of baseball operations Larry Beinfest indicated it’s likely — but not certain — Hanley Ramirez will remain with the team after the expected signing of shortstop Jose Reyes.

  Beinfest was circumspect in discussing his plans Monday, since the team has yet to formally announce Reyes’ six-year, $106 million contract. But when asked how the signing of a new shortstop would impact Ramirez, the incumbent shortstop, Beinfest said: “If something like that happened, he would change positions. If and when we acquire a shortstop, we’ll address that. Hanley wants to win. We’d like to provide the pieces around him to help him win.”

  Ramirez has a strong preference to remain at shortstop, sources say, but he intends to handle the matter with the Marlins professionally. He has not requested a trade. One major league source said Ramirez is likely to move to third base.

  Beinfest was asked if Ramirez had suggested he would prefer a trade to switching positions.

  “Whatever Hanley and I talk about, we’ll keep between Hanley and I,” Beinfest said. “I can only tell you he wants to win. We’re going to try to help him out.”

  Asked if he envisions Ramirez on his Opening Day roster in 2012, Beinfest replied, “I’m not going to talk specifically about players, if they’re going to be here or not.”

  If the Marlins were to make Ramirez available via trade, the Braves, Red Sox, Astros, Brewers, Phillies, Cardinals, Giants and Mariners are among the teams that could upgrade at shortstop.

  — Jon Paul Morosi and Ken Rosenthal

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• DeRosa looking for opportunity

  December 02, 2011 by KenRosenthal

  Free-agent infielder Mark DeRosa spoke with Nationals manager Davey Johnson on Thursday night and said he came away encouraged by the conversation.

  The Nationals are one of several teams interested in DeRosa, who missed significant time with the Giants the past two seasons due to a left-wrist injury that required two surgeries.

  DeRosa, 36, said that the Nationals, Rangers, Indians, Pirates all have spoken with his surgeon. He also said that the Giants have expressed interest in bringing him back, even though he did not give them the expected return on a two-year, $12 million free-agent contract.

  He just wants another chance.

  “It’s not like I’m looking for an everyday job, even though (playing) will be my goal going to the yard every day,” DeRosa said Friday.

  “I just think I can be a difference-maker on a team, not only on the field, but in the clubhouse. I’ve been on a lot of winning clubs in my 13 years.

  “I definitely understand the concerns. If it wasn’t for my wrist getting banged up two years ago, I wouldn’t be in this position.”

  DeRosa hit effectively after coming off the disabled list last Aug. 5, batting .367/.439/.388 in 57 plate appearances. He is aware of the large number of modestly skilled infielders that have signed two-year contracts. He believes he still has something to offer.

  “I battled back. I had a great September. I would like the opportunity for my career to continue,” DeRosa said.

  “I just think the story is not finished yet.”

  — Ken Rosenthal

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• Market for J. Hairston heating up

  November 22, 2011 by KenRosenthal

  Infielders have been the hottest commodity in the early stages of the free-agency period.

  Now it’s Jerry Hairston’s turn.

  The Dodgers, Brewers and Giants are among the clubs showing interest in Hairston, major league sources say.

  Hairston, 35, spent last season with the Nationals and Brewers, posting a .727 OPS in 376 plate appearances, then going 15 for 39 (.385) with four walks and six doubles for the Brewers in the postseason.

  He plays second base, shortstop and third, as well as all three outfield positions, and each of the interested teams likely would use him in some type of super-utility role.

  Six free-agent infielders — Aaron Hill, Clint Barmes, Mark Ellis, Jamey Carroll, Willie Bloomquist and John McDonald — have signed two-year contracts this offseason.

  The money in those deals ranged from $3 million for McDonald to $11 million for Hill. Hairston, who was on a one-year, $2 million contract last season, likely will get a significant raise.

  The Brewers have made Hairston a one-year offer, one source said, but might prefer to invest in a full-time free-agent shortstop such as Jose Reyes or Jimmy Rollins rather than make Hairston part of their solution at the position.

  Hairston could protect the Giants both at second and short; second baseman Freddy Sanchez is coming off surgery on his right shoulder and shortstop Brandon Crawford is unproven.

  The Dodgers likely would play Hairston all over the field. They signed the oft-injured Ellis to play second and plan to use the inexperienced Dee Gordon at short. Hairston also could see time in their outfield.

  — Ken Rosenthal

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• With Lincecum, Giants face choice of two extremes

  November 17, 2011 by KenRosenthal

   

  Tim Lincecum told the San Francisco Chronicle in September that he was comfortable going year to year with his contract.

   

  The Giants, who control Lincecum for two more years, want to sign him long-term.

   

  The solution?

   

  It might be one extreme or the other.

   

  Lincecum, coming off a two-year, $23 million contract, said he would be comfortable on a one- or two-year contract.

   

  The Giants might need to make him a monster offer – one of say, six to eight years – to persuade him to sign a longer deal.

   

  “It depends on how they come after me,” Lincecum told the Chronicle. “If it’s aggressive, obviously I want to take that into consideration and talk about it with my agent and see what he thinks is good. I haven’t dismissed anything.”

   

  Lincecum, 27, won the 2008 and ’09 National League Cy Young awards and has since committed to a fitness regimen that should improve his chances of long-term success.

   

  The Giants also are trying to reach a new contract agreement with their other premier right-hander, Matt Cain, who is eligible for free agency at the end of next season.

   

  “We’re going to stay engaged with both of them,” Giants assistant general manager Bobby Evans said. “It’s a matter of finding common ground. Our interest in both of them goes beyond this coming season.”

   

  The outcome of the Giants’ negotiations with their two star pitchers almost certainly will influence their pursuits of free agents such as outfielder Carlos Beltran.

   

  The team’s top priority is keeping Lincecum and Cain into the latter part of the decade.

   

  -Ken Rosenthal and Jon Paul Morosi

   

   

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• Sources: Giants willing to deal Jonathan Sanchez

  November 05, 2011 by JonPaulMorosi

  In an effort to free up money so they can pursue offensive upgrades, the Giants are willing to trade starter Jonathan Sanchez, according to major-league sources.

  The Giants have one of the best (and most expensive) starting rotations in baseball. One rival executive projected that, including salary arbitration awards, the team’s six returning starters – Sanchez, Matt Cain, Tim Lincecum, Ryan Vogelsong, Madison Bumgarner, and Barry Zito – could combine to earn as much as $60 million in 2012. That is roughly half of the team’s payroll.

  When including the bullpen – with well-compensated relievers like Brian Wilson, Jeremy Affeldt, and Javier Lopez – San Francisco is on track for perhaps the highest pitching expenditure (by percentage of payroll) of any team in the major leagues.

  So if the Giants are to sign a significant hitter while maintaining a payroll around $120 million, they will probably need to part with one current starter.

  Sanchez is the most expendable. He’s likely to earn around $6 million next year before becoming a free agent after the 2012 season. But his value is at a low point, coming off a season in which his walk rate peaked while he threw barely more than 100 innings because of injuries and wildness.

  Sanchez performed like a No. 5 starter this season, but other teams will need to weigh whether the motivation of a contract year will help the left-hander return to the form he showed while having a career year (13-9, 3.07 ERA, 193 1/3 innings) for the champion Giants in 2010.

  -- Jon Paul Morosi

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• Bell is in the Padres' court

  August 24, 2011 by KenRosenthal

  Waiver claims often amount to a game of chicken. The latest example: the San Francisco Giants’ reported claim of San Diego Padres closer Heath Bell.

  The Padres declined to trade Bell before the non-waiver deadline, frustrated by the offers they received from interested clubs.

  At the time, the Padres wanted at least the equivalent of two high draft picks, knowing they would receive such compensation if they offer Bell salary arbitration this offseason.

  Since then, however, Bell has said he would accept arbitration. He could get as much as $12 million in the process, or nearly one-fourth of the Padres’ expected payroll for 2012.

  So, here we go again.

  The Giants’ claim, first reported by ESPN.com, must be resolved by 1 p.m. ET Friday. The Padres can keep Bell, trade him or allow him to leave on a waiver claim.

  Might the Padres lower their asking price, knowing how badly Bell wants to stay in San Diego? And might the Giants make a stronger than expected push for Bell, knowing that two of their top relievers, closer Brian Wilson and setup man Sergio Romo, are ailing?

  A general manager of another club recently said he would not offer much for 10 to 15 innings of Bell, particularly with approximately $1.25 million remaining on the closer’s contract.

  The Padres would find it difficult to defend accepting a weak offer for Bell. Then again, it might beat the alternative — keeping him and potentially paying him big money next season.

  — Ken Rosenthal

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• Sources: At least 5 teams “in play” for Upton

  July 26, 2011 by JonPaulMorosi

  At least five teams are “in play” for Rays outfielder B.J. Upton, major-league sources told FOXSports.com.

  The Indians, Giants, Braves and Pirates are among the suitors, sources say.

  The Royals aren’t seriously pursuing Upton, a source said, because they have prospect Lorenzo Cain in the minor leagues as their likely center fielder of the future. The Pirates and Reds are also looking for outfield bats, but their level of interest in Upton is unclear.

  Meanwhile, the Brewers, Rangers, and Phillies — all of whom are seeking outfielders — aren’t in talks with the Rays about Upton.

  — Jon Paul Morosi and Ken Rosenthal

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• Upton: The Beltran alternative for Giants, others?

  July 24, 2011 by KenRosenthal

  B.J. Upton might not be Carlos Beltran, but he’s rapidly emerging as a potential alternative for teams in the Beltran sweepstakes.

  The Giants, while continuing to pursue Beltran, also are showing interest in Upton, according to major-league sources.

  Upton, 27, would be a logical fit for the Giants, upgrading their offense and providing strong defense in center field behind the National League’s top pitching staff.

  Beltran, 34, is a superior offensive force to Upton, but his full no-trade clause and pending free agency make him more problematic as a trade target.

  Upton can be obtained without restriction and is under club control through next season. The Giants and other clubs likely would be more willing to sacrifice prospects for a player they could keep for another year.

  The Indians, a team that showed early interest in Beltran, also is pursuing Upton, sources say. Several other suitors for Beltran - the Braves, Phillies and Rangers – also could target Upton.

  The Giants are using Nate Schierholtz as their primary right fielder. The addition of Upton would give the team three outfielders – Upton, Andres Torres and Cody Ross - for two spots.

  Ross, a right-handed hitter, could platoon in left with Torres, a switch-hitter who has been much stronger from the left side this season. Torres plays all three outfield positions. Upton has played center almost exclusively in his career.

  Playing for the defending World Series champions at sold-out AT&T Park could energize Upton, who occasionally has drawn criticism for his seemingly disinterested play in Tampa Bay.

  Upton also could be motivated by playing in the same division as his younger brother Justin, who is the right fielder for the Arizona Diamondbacks.

  -Ken Rosenthal and Jon Paul Morosi

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• Update on Beltran, Mets

  July 22, 2011 by KenRosenthal

  Believe it or not, outfielder Carlos Beltran isn’t the Mets’ only trade asset. But at the moment, he is dominating the team’s internal and external trade discussions, and not simply because his value is so high.

  Beltran’s full no-trade clause likely will force the Mets to secure a deal several days before the July 31 non-waiver deadline. If Beltran rejects Plan A, the team then will need to act quickly and present him with Plan B.

  The Mets are aware of Beltran’s preferred destinations and comfortable they will secure his approval, sources say. Some in baseball suspect that Beltran wants to stay in the NL, and he told Newsday that he also will weigh two other considerations — the quality of a team’s pitching staff and his reluctance to serve as a DH.

  

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  The Giants, Phillies, Braves are the NL teams showing the strongest interest in Beltran, sources say. The Red Sox, who would use Beltran in right field, also are in the mix. The Rangers like Beltran, but the bullpen is their greater priority.

  Most of the Beltran talks thus far qualify as preliminary, sources say. The Mets expect to know more about each team’s intent by Monday, and after that they will start weeding out the suitors.

  Once the Mets act on Beltran, they can listen more seriously to offers for some of their other players. The team, however, likely will proceed carefully. Club officials do not want to give up on the season entirely.

  The Mets are reluctant to trade reliever Jason Isringhausen, who has value to them as a late-inning reliever and mentor to their younger pitchers. They also are likely to retain catcher Ronny Paulino, who is under club control through 2012, and right-hander Mike Pelfrey, who is down in value and under control through ’13.

  The Mets likely will show a greater willingness to move potential free agents such as left-hander Chris Capuano, left-handed reliever Tim Byrdak, outfielder Scott Hairston and utility man Willie Harris.

  — Ken Rosenthal

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• Worth repeating: Beltran must approve any trade

  July 21, 2011 by KenRosenthal

   Here’s one thing to remember about the Carlos Beltran trade discussions — and maybe the most important thing.

  Beltran has the final say.

  Specifically, Beltran and his agent, Scott Boras, can wield the outfielder’s full no-trade clause to effectively choose his next team.

  If Beltran doesn’t want to go to the American League, as some in baseball suspect, he won’t go to the American League.

  Beltran, 34, hasn’t played in the AL since 2004, a season that he started with the Royals and ended with the Astros.

  

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  If he went to an AL team such as the Red Sox and struggled with the change in leagues, he would lose momentum entering free agency.

  On the other hand, Beltran’s value would soar if he went to a team such as the Phillies and continued mashing the more familiar pitching of the NL.

  Other considerations could come into play for Beltran as well.

  If he doesn’t want to play for a low-revenue, mid-market team, he won’t go to the Indians or Pirates.

  And if he would rather play in a hitter-friendly park than a pitching-friendly environment, he might veto the Giants.

  Beltran has not made his intentions known, other than to say that he wants to continue playing the outfield. He could do that with certain AL clubs; the Red Sox, for example, would want him to play in right field.

  The Mets are not concerned about obtaining Beltran’s permission for a deal, sources say; GM Sandy Alderson has had at least one conversation with Boras on the subject.

  It is not known whether Beltran has given the Mets a formal list of teams he would approve. It also is not known whether he will require compensation — a bonus, contract extension or some other inducement — to waive his no-trade protection.

  The bottom line: He can impose any stipulations he wants.

  Remember after the 2009 season, when the Blue Jays traded right-hander Roy Halladay to the Phillies? Halladay had a no-trade clause. He wanted to go to Philadelphia. In the end, the Blue Jays made the best deal they could.

  Maybe Beltran will be more flexible. Maybe he won’t.

  Either way, it’s his call.

  — Ken Rosenthal

   

   

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• The Nats: Ready to deal?

  July 18, 2011 by KenRosenthal

  A year ago at the non-waiver trade deadline, the Washington Nationals hit the jackpot, trading a reliever, right-hander Matt Capps, for a potential All-Star, catcher Wilson Ramos.

  Might history repeat?

  Numerous teams are calling on the Nationals’ two top relievers, closer Drew Storen and setup man Tyler Clippard, as well as a lesser right-hander, Todd Coffey, major league sources said.

  The Nats are listening on Storen and Clippard, but will trade one of them only if they can improve long-term by filling a specific need, according to one source with knowledge of the club’s thinking.

  The team’s No. 1 goal is to add a center fielder, preferably one who could bat leadoff. Potential targets include the B.J. Upton of the Tampa Bay Rays, Michael Bourn of the Houston Astros, Colby Rasmus of the St. Louis Cardinals and Denard Span of the Minnesota Twins, sources said.

  A reliever alone – even one as good as Clippard or Storen – probably would not be enough to bring back a center fielder. The Nats, though, also are getting calls on second baseman Danny Espinosa and shortstop Ian Desmond, sources said.

  The team will not trade Espinosa, a candidate for National League Rookie of the Year.

  Desmond could be another story.

  The Nats, if they traded Desmond, would be selling low; his .580 OPS is the worst in the NL. Club officials also are reluctant to give up on Desmond, whom they view as an improving defender, emerging leader and hitter capable of hitting .280 with 12 home runs and 70 RBI.

  However, another dynamic is in play.

  Some club officials would like to move Espinosa to short and promote Triple-A second baseman Steve Lombardozzi to play second, sources say.

  Lombardozzi — the son of former major league infielder Steve Lombardozzi — has a combined .815 OPS at Double-A and Triple-A.

  Desmond, who turns 26 on Sept. 20, ultimately could evolve into a super-utility man for the Nats. But several contenders are weak at short, and few quality players are available at the position.

  The Baltimore Orioles just signed J.J. Hardy to a three-year extension. The New York Mets appear unlikely to trade Jose Reyes.

  Desmond, even with his offensive regression, would qualify as an upgrade for teams such as the Minnesota Twins, San Francisco Giants and Milwaukee Brewers.

  — Ken Rosenthal

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• What K-Rod deal means for Beltran

  July 13, 2011 by KenRosenthal

  The Mets’ trade of reliever Francisco Rodriguez to the Brewers offers insight into at least one aspect of the team’s approach to an even bigger deal – the one involving outfielder Carlos Beltran.

  The Mets sent $5 million to the Brewers, covering the rest of Rodriguez’s salary for this season; the Brewers will be responsible for K-Rod’s $3.5 million buyout.

  With Beltran, who will be owed about $6 million at the July 31 non-waiver deadline, the Mets are equally willing to include a large sum of cash, according to major-league sources.

  In the team’s view, the money already is spent.

  The return for Rodriguez was minimal – two minor leaguers to be named, neither of whom is expected to be a quality prospect. But the Mets believe that Beltran can bring them two or three quality youngsters, depending upon how much money they include in the deal.

  The Giants appear to be active suitors for Beltran – “I guess we’re in talks with them about Beltran,” closer Brian Wilson said after the All-Star G ame. Beltran, though, has a full no-trade clause. Unlike Rodriguez, who could not block his trade to the Brewers, Beltran can effectively choose his next team in conjunction with his agent, Scott Boras.

  The Mets are in discussions with a number of teams on Beltran. It’s possible that Boras might prefer the outfielder to go to the American League and prove he can handle a designated hitter’s role before becoming a free agent. Many in the industry also expect Boras to seek a form of compensation – probably a cash bonus - for Beltran to waive his no-trade clause.

  While the Mets moved quickly on Rodriguez, they aren’t necessarily in a rush on Beltran; they might prefer to wait for the returns of injured shortstop Jose Reyes, third baseman David Wright and first baseman Ike Davis, all of which could happen by the end of the month.

  By trading Rodriguez – and clearing his potential $17.5 million salary for 2012 – the Mets created payroll flexibility for Reyes, a potential free agent whom the team wants to retain.

  The team can spend the second half evaluating Jason Isringhausen, Bobby Parnell and possibly even Pedro Beato as closing options for next season.

  -Ken Rosenthal

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• Giants focus on catchers; Rangers’ Torrealba on list

  June 25, 2011 by JonPaulMorosi

  The Giants have scored the fewest runs in the majors this season. They needed a balk to beat the Cleveland Indians, 1-0, on Saturday afternoon. They could upgrade their lineup in any number of ways.

  Right now, though, they remain focused on acquiring a catcher, major-league sources told FOXSports.com.

  With Buster Posey out for the season, the Giants are using a tandem of Eli Whiteside, 31, and Chris Stewart, 29. Neither is hitting particularly well: Whiteside .221, Stewart .156.

  Sources say the Giants have shown interest in Texas catcher Yorvit Torrealba, who began his career in San Francisco and has been the Rangers’ primary backstop this year.

  But there are two significant roadblocks to a deal: The Rangers can’t seriously consider trading Torrealba until fellow catcher Mike Napoli comes off the disabled list; and the Giants are reluctant to pay the $3.25 million on Torrealba’s contract for next season, when Posey will presumably be back behind the plate.

  Texas would want a bullpen arm in return, a source indicated, and Giants general manager Brian Sabean is said to be reluctant to part with any of his key late-inning relievers. But veteran right-hander Guillermo Mota, with a 3.89 ERA in 37 innings, is available in the right deal.

  The Giants have discussed a number of other catchers internally, sources say, including the Nationals’ Pudge Rodriguez, the Mets’ Ronny Paulino, and the Reds’ Ramon Hernandez. It’s not known if they have made progress on a deal involving any of them.

  Hernandez is an intriguing possibility. This year, Ryan Hanigan has started more games than Hernandez behind the plate in Cincinnati. Meanwhile, Reds catching prospect Devin Mesoraco could become a frontline major-league catcher in the near future. Mesoraco, who just turned 23, has a .936 OPS at Class AAA Louisville this year — including a scalding 1.035 this month.

  If Mesoraco’s first call-up is drawing near, the Reds could become more willing to listen to offers for Hernandez. But Cincinnati would probably need to address one of its biggest needs — starting pitching or shortstop — in order to move him. (And the Giants have been looking for a shortstop themselves, although that’s a lower priority than catching for them.)

  Due to the lack of production elsewhere, San Francisco appears willing to sacrifice defense for offense at catcher more than a National League team normally would. That is particularly true in light of the fact that Whiteside has thrown out only 20 percent of potential base-stealers this year. (Torrealba, by comparison, is at 33 percent.)

  The Giants have one of the best pitching staffs in baseball, but their depth was compromised with the news Saturday that left-handed starter Jonathan Sanchez was placed on the disabled list with left biceps tendinitis. Barry Zito came off the DL to replace Sanchez in the rotation.

  -- Jon Paul Morosi and Ken Rosenthal

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