March 2010 - Baseball Wiretap
Nunez Is Plan B At SS For Yankees
The Yankees have a Plan B at shortstop should they not come to terms with free-agent Derek Jeter on a new contract.
The 23-year-old Eduardo Nunez is their fallback option, writes ESPN.com's Buster Olney.
If Jeter was to shock the baseball world by signing with another team, New York is comfortable with Nunez's above-average defense and they would use the saved money to augment their starting rotation.
Cardinals Acquire Theriot From Dodgers
The Cardinals have acquired infielder Ryan Theriot in a trade with the Dodgers, according to Jon Morosi of FOX Sports.
St. Louis is sending Los Angeles pitcher Blake Hawksworth to complete the deal.
Texas Signs Yoshinori Tateyama
The Rangers signed free agent pitcher Yoshinori Tateyama on Tuesday to a one-year contract with two years of club options.
Tateyama, a right-hander who turns 35 next month, will be competing for a bullpen spot.
Cashman To Dress As Elf, Rappel 22 Stories
Yankees general manager Brian Cashman is scheduled to rappel from the 350-foot Landmark Building in Stamford, Conn., this weekend as a celebrity guest elf.
Wearing a full harness and dressed in an elf costume, Cashman will jump off the 22-floor building. There is no protective netting.
Cashman, who lives in nearby Darien, volunteered to take part after witnessing the event last year.
White Sox Are Pierzynski's Top Choice
A.J. Pierzynski said he's talking to several teams, but the free-agent catcher remains open to the possibility of returning to the White Sox.
"We're talking to the White Sox and some other teams," Pierzynski said Tuesday on "The Waddle & Silvy Show" on ESPN 1000. "We're trying to get the best deal, and go from there.
"Everyone knows the White Sox would be right up there as my first choice, with all that I've been through in the city and with the people and everything, so hopefully we can get something worked out. But we'll see what happens."
Feliciano To Decline Arbitration
Reliever Pedro Feliciano will decline the Mets' arbitration offer and continue to pursue free agency, according to his agent.
Feliciano, 34, earned $2.9 million last season. He potentially stood to make $4 million or more on a one-year deal had he accepted.
Rangers Deny Contacting Pettitte
The Rangers are denying a report that they have reached out to free-agent left-hander Andy Pettitte.
The New York Daily News reported on Monday that Texas president Nolan Ryan had contacted Pettitte.
However, Rangers sources denied contacting Pettitte and said the only contact between Pettitte and the club was when the lefty called Ryan after the ALCS to congratulate him.
Jeter's Agent Hasn't Made Formal Proposal
The agent for free-agent shortstop Derek Jeter hasn't yet made a formal proposal to the Yankees, according to a source.
Jeter, agent Casey Close and Yankees officials met in Tampa, Fla., about two weeks ago to start discussions but they haven't talked in more than a week.
The Yankees have offered Jeter a three-year, $45 million deal, but the shortstop hasn't yet countered.
Yankees Close To Re-Signing Rivera
The Yankees and free-agent closer Mariano Rivera are closing in on a new contract that will pay him $17 million.
Rivera, 41, is seeking a two-year deal but the Yankees have not yet agreed to go beyond one more season.
New York, however, doesn't appear to have a problem giving Rivera a raise over his $15 million salary in 2010.
De La Rosa Returning To Rockies
The Rockies have agreed to terms on a deal with left-handed pitcher Jorge De La Rosa, pending a physical.
It's a two-year, $21.5 million contract with a player option that, if exercised, guarantees De La Rosa $32 million.
If the left-hander forgoes free agency and exercises the option, the Rockies receive a fourth-year club option for $11 million.
Mets In Advanced Talks With RHP Chris Young
The Padres declined Chris Young's $8.5 million option earlier this month.
Rockies, Tulowitzki Close To Mega-Deal
The Rockies and Troy Tulowitzki have reportedly agreed to a seven-year, $134 million extension.
A's To Meet With Berkman
The A's are set to meet with free agent Lance Berkman on Tuesday.
Report: Ryan, Rangers Going After Pettitte
The New York Daily News is reporting that Nolan Ryan has reached out to Andy Pettitte, in an effort to recruit him.
Rangers Sign Torrealba
The Rangers signed catcher Yorvit Torrealba on Monday to a two-year deal.
Posey, Strasburg Headline Topps Rookie All-Star Team
The Topps Company announced their 52nd annual Major League Rookie All-Star team on Monday.
Mets Listening To Offers For Reyes
Jose Reyes will likely remain with the Mets, but they could pull the trigger on a deal if the right package is proposed.
Rangers, Mark Lowe Agree To Terms
Texas has given Mark Lowe a one-year, $1.2 million deal.
Talks Between Yanks, Rivera Going Smoothly
The Yankees and Mariano Rivera are close in talks on a deal as New York is more likely to meet the closer's demands than those of Derek Jeter.
Uribe, Dodgers Close To Deal
The Dodgers are close to stealing Juan Uribe away from the Giants.
Yankees Want Jeter To Take 'Reality Potion'
Neither the Yankees nor Derek Jeter are budging from what they want in contract talks.
Giants' World Series Share Worth $317K
A full share for the champion San Francisco Giants was worth $317,631.29.
Werth Not Close To Any Agreement
There is no deadline for Jayson Werth to make a free-agent decision.
Source: Yankees Never Upped Jeter Offer
It was reported on Sunday night that New York added $5 million to their recent offer to Derek Jeter.
Dodgers Eyeing Juan Uribe
Juan Uribe helped San Francisco win the World Series.
Cubs, Nationals Looking At Pe?a
Carlos Pe?a is coming off a disappointing season, but he's still getting some free-agent attention.
Crain May Be Hottest Reliever On Market
Jesse Crain is drawing interest from as many as eight teams.
Webb Could Be Fallback For Twins
Brandon Webb is being targeted by a number of teams looking for a low-cost option.
Vazquez Turned Down Two-Year Offer
Javier Vazquez turned down a two-year, $20 million from a team other than the Marlins.
Giants Have Contacted Jeter's Agent
Derek Jeter's agent, Casey Close, also represents catcher Buster Posey.