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• The latest on Greinke

  December 05, 2010 by KenRosenthal

  The Blue Jays have contacted the Royals about a trade for right-hander Zack Greinke, and the Royals are intrigued by what the Jays might offer, according to major league sources.

  Here’s the problem: The Jays are on Greinke’s no-trade list, meaning he can't be sent to Toronto without his permission.

  That fact alone doesn't preclude a trade. Players frequently waive no-trade clauses, usually in exchange for some kind of contractual benefit.

  Greinke, sources say, has told the Royals he's willing “to go anywhere.”

  Other clubs, however, are skeptical of that stance.

  “The rule of thumb is that if a player has a team on his no-trade list, it makes it less likely,” one rival general manager says.

  Greinke, 27, has 15 teams on his no-trade list. The Rangers, Braves and Reds are among the clubs with possible interest in him that aren't on the list, sources say. Those teams would face no such obstacle in trading for the Royals ace.

  The Jays possibly could land Greinke if they were willing to part with right-hander Kyle Drabek, outfielder Travis Snyder and another minor leaguer or two, according to the Toronto Sun.

  Such a package would intrigue the Royals, sources say. But the Jays might not be ready to break up their emerging core of young pitchers to take a run at the postseason, even if they could persuade Greinke to join their club.

  Greinke's signed for two more years at $13.5 million per season. He'll become a free agent after the 2012 season.

  -Ken Rosenthal

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• Francisco likely to accept arbitration from Rangers

  November 28, 2010 by KenRosenthal

  Free-agent right-hander Frank Francisco is likely to accept the Rangers’ offer of salary arbitration, giving the team additional late-inning relief options, major-league sources say.

  Francisco, 31, is a Type A free agent. By accepting arbitration, he'd opt for a one-year, non-guaranteed contract with a near-certain raise from his 2010 salary of $3.265 million.

  Other teams have shown interest in Francisco as a closer. However, in recent years, clubs have been reluctant to surrender a high draft pick for Type A relievers who aren't established ninth-inning specialists.

  Of the 14 Type A free agents offered arbitration, right-handers Jason Frasor and Grant Balfour are the most similar to Francisco. Both could accept arbitration, returning to the Blue Jays and Rays, respectively.

  Francisco, who didn't pitch after Aug. 28 last season due to a muscle strain in his right side, likely would resume a prominent role for the Rangers, either as a setup man or closer.

  The Rangers are trying to retain free-agent left-hander Cliff Lee. If they lose him, they might be more likely to move right-hander Neftali Feliz to the rotation, opening the closer’s role for Francisco or someone else.

  The team's also discussed making right-hander Alexi Ogando a starter or closer, depending upon what it does with Feliz.

  Yet another option, if Lee departs, would be to sign free-agent closer Rafael Soriano.

  The Rangers, though, are more likely to spend big on a free-agent hitter such as Vladimir Guerrero, Paul Konerko or Adam Dunn – and supplement the bullpen with a more inexpensive reliever.

  Right-hander Bobby Jenks could be one possibility if he is non-tendered by the White Sox. Free-agent righty Kerry Wood could be another.

  Francisco, 31, posted a 3.76 ERA in 52 2/3 innings last season, striking out 60 and walking 18. He lost the closer’s role to Feliz after blowing saves in his first two opportunities.

  -Ken Rosenthal

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• Gilbert won't pursue Astros ownership

  November 24, 2010 by JonPaulMorosi

  Dennis Gilbert was among the bidders when the Texas Rangers were up for sale this year, but he's not planning to pursue ownership of the state's other major-league franchise.

  Asked Wednesday if he would attempt to buy the Houston Astros, Gilbert told FOXSports.com, “Not at this time.”

  Astros chairman Drayton McLane announced earlier this month that he will sell the franchise, ending his 18-year stewardship.

  “There’s not a finer gentleman in the game than Drayton McLane,” Gilbert said.

  Gilbert was a prominent baseball agent before retiring in 1999. He is currently a special assistant to Chicago White Sox chairman Jerry Reinsdorf and the co-founder of an insurance agency in Beverly Hills, Calif.

  While pursuing the Rangers, Gilbert submitted a bid of more than $500 million. The group led by Chuck Greenberg and Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan purchased the club for $593 million.

  Gilbert is a season ticketholder for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Some in the industry view him as a potential Dodgers owner if that club goes up for sale. The Dodgers’ immediate future hinges on the outcome of the divorce case of Frank and Jamie McCourt. A ruling is expected soon.

  -Jon Paul Morosi

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• Olivo draws interest from Rangers, White Sox and Blue Jays

  November 17, 2010 by JonPaulMorosi

  Free-agent catcher Miguel Olivo has drawn varying levels of interest from the Rangers, White Sox and Blue Jays, a major-league source told FOXSports.com.

  The Red Sox could also get involved if they're unable to re-sign catcher Victor Martinez.

  Olivo, 32, is seeking a two-year deal. He posted a better OPS than John Buck over the three previous seasons — .759, compared with .747 — and Buck just agreed to a three-year, $18 million deal with the Florida Marlins.

  Olivo batted .269 with 14 home runs and 58 RBI this year for the Colorado Rockies, but his rights were held most recently by the Blue Jays, who acquired him in a trade with Colorado before declining his contract option.

  -Jon Paul Morosi

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• Hafner sees V-Mart as ideal No. 3 hitter

  November 14, 2010 by JonPaulMorosi

  Free agent Victor Martinez is drawing interest from a number of teams, including the Tigers, Rangers, Blue Jays and Red Sox.

  The possible suitors must consider where Martinez would play, since he could fit into an American League lineup at catcher, first base and designated hitter.

  Then there’s the question of where he would bat. Martinez has made most of his career starts in the No. 3 and No. 4 spots.

  In an e-mail to FOXSports.com, former teammate Travis Hafner offered his take on Martinez’s best role.

  “I think Vic is best suited to hit No. 3 in the lineup,” said Hafner, the Cleveland DH who batted in front of and behind Martinez when both were with the Indians.

  “He’s gonna hit .300 every year with 20-plus HRs and 100 RBIs. He’s also a great clutch hitter and someone you want at the plate in a big spot.”

  Hafner also described Martinez as “one of my all-time favorite teammates.”

  “He loves the game of baseball and brings a lot of energy to the park every day,” Hafner said. “He had a different handshake for everyone on the team. That was one of the ways he got everyone ready to play. Most of all, he wants to win. That rubs off on everyone.”

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• Lee might take his time choosing team

  November 11, 2010 by FOXSports

  As much as the Yankees and Rangers would like a quick resolution to the Cliff Lee sweepstakes, it probably is not going to happen.
  
  The free agent and his agent, Darek Braunecker, intend to meet with clubs besides the Yankees, a major league source said. Those meetings easily could delay Lee’s decision until the winter meetings in early December or even longer.
  
  Yankees general manager Brian Cashman made the first personal contact with Lee, flying to Arkansas on Tuesday night and staying until late Wednesday afternoon. But the calendar for the rest of the month makes a series of such meetings with other teams unlikely.
  
  Next week, GMs and owners will gather for their own meetings in Orlando, Fla. The week after that is a short one because of the Thanksgiving holiday. The winter meetings, also in Orlando, are Dec. 6-9.
  
  Seven to eight teams initially showed interest in Lee, sources said, though some are more serious than others. The list of possible suitors for the left-hander includes the Yankees, Rangers, Nationals, Phillies, Dodgers, Angels and Red Sox.
  
  -- Ken Rosenthal

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• Pirates considering Hurdle for manager?

  October 28, 2010 by FOXSports

  The Pittsburgh Pirates held their last interview with a managerial candidate two weeks ago.

  They, however, have not yet named the new field boss.

  The Pirates obviously have other candidates in mind and the post-season has put their managerial search on hold. Speculation has centered on former Pirates catcher Tony Pena, a coach with the New York Yankees, who were eliminated in the ALCS last week.

  Clint Hurdle, however, is a serious consideration for the Pirates. The former manager of the Colorado Rockies currently is the hitting coach with Texas, which means the Pirates will have to wait until the end of the World Series to pursue him.

  Hurdle would seem to fit the Pirates needs well. He has shown an ability to develop young players, dealing with the learning process, into a contending team in Colorado, where he took over a last-place team committed to building from within and took them to the only World Series appearance in franchise history in 2007. Pittsburgh had the youngest roster in the major leagues last year.

  Hurdle also was the public face of the franchise in Colorado, elevating the Rockies credibility among sports fans, which is a need for the Pirates.

  --Tracy Ringolsby

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