Free Agent Rumor - Baseball Wiretap
Steinbrenner Keeping Eye On Sabathia, Burnett
Hank Steinbrenner admitted on Thursday that the Yankees are keeping on eye on pitchers CC Sabathia and A.J. Burnett as the off-season approaches, according to New York Daily News.
Sabathia will become a free agent this winter, and Burnett is expected to opt out of his contract with the Blue Jays to enter the market.
"Everybody is looking at Sabathia and Burnett, not just us," Steinbrenner. "We?ll see. I mean, our main concern is, are their arms going to be okay after this season?"
The Yankees could also look at Sabathia's Milwaukee teammate Ben Sheets.
Cantu Expecting To Cash In On Comeback Season
Jorge Cantu has had a great comeback season, and though he hasn't discussed a contract for 2009, he will surely enjoy a pay raise.
"He sure has put himself in a good position whether it's with us or somebody else," Fredi Gonzalez said. "He's made himself a pretty good commodity."
RealGM Note: Cantu is 258th in season FIC and has a Reina Value of +600%, making just $500k but 'deserving' $3.5 million.
CC's First Choice? Giants
CC Sabathia's first choice when he becomes a free agent is to go home to play for the Giants, one executive who knows him well told SI.com.
The Giants are believed to be more likely to pursue a big bat this winter as they already have quite a few quality starting pitchers such as Tim Lincecum and Matt Cain and have been burned by the monster contract they gave Barry Zito.
Burnett Leaving Toronto?
Toronto righthander A.J. Burnett claims that he hasn't yet decided on whether or not he'll opt out of his contract at the end of the year, according to The Philadelphia Daily News.
However, Blue Jays manager Cito Gaston doesn't appear optimistic about having Burnett return.
"It certainly looks like A.J. won't be here," Gaston said.
Burnett is 16-9 with a 4.51 ERA in 171 2/3 innings this season.
Dempster Will Be The Cubs Biggest Winter Decision
The most important free-agent signing for the Cubs this winter will be Ryan Dempster.
Dempster, who signed a three-year, $15.5 million deal in the final weekend of '05, understands GM Jim Hendry's position.
"I want to play for the Cubs and will just see what happens," Dempster said. "I'm just trying to win a World Series more than anything else."
RealGM Note: Dempster currently is 10th in the MLB amongst starters in season FIC and 'deserves' to be making $15.1 million, giving him a Reina Value of +106%.
Indians, Jays, Mariners Or A's Could Sign Giambi This Winter?
The Indians are one team likely to consider Jason Giambi ? they could sign him to play first base, keep Victor Martinez at catcher and possibly trade catcher Kelly Shoppach for a top-of-the-rotation starter.
Other possibilities for Giambi could include the Mariners, Blue Jays, or A's.
Dunn Wants $100M Contract?
Bronson Arroyo shed some light on what Adam Dunn will be looking for this winter in free agency.
"A little bit because it came after the deadline," said Arroyo when asked if he was surprised by the trade. "But he was going to be moved no matter what. I don't know if he told (the media), but he made it was no secret to us that he was looking for $100 to $120 million contract. I don't think this franchise is going to give out that kind of contract."
Astros: We're Not Interested In Bonds
Even with Carlos Lee on the disabled list, the Astros insist that slugger Barry Bonds isn't an option, according to The Houston Chronicle.
"I don?t see us pursuing that," Astros' General Manager Ed Wade said Sunday.
Lee leads the National League with 100 RBIs, but the team will not take on Bonds' baggage to fill that gap.
"I don?t think that?s a possibility," Manager Cecil Cooper said. "Not that he?s not a good player, (but) I don?t think that?s someone we?re interested in."
Tigers Still Interested In Garcia
The Tigers are one of many teams that still appear interested in free agent starter Freddy Garcia, according to The Detroit Free Press.
He is expected to sign a contract with one of his many suitors within the next few days.
Manny In The Bronx?
Sources close to Manny Ramirez claim that the outfielder would like to sign a free-agent deal with the Yankees this winter, according to The New York Post.
"He wants to play for the Yankees so he can get at the Red Sox," a close friend of Ramirez's told The Post.
Manny will become a free agent after the World Series and is a New York native.
Teams Interested In A's Street?
There have been rumblings that several teams have put in waiver claims on Oakland closer Huston Street.
Nationals Interested In Re-Signing Harris
The Nationals are interested in re-signing infielder/outfielder Willie Harris.
Furcal Wants To Remain In L.A.
Dodgers' shortstop Rafael Furcal would like to sign a contract extension with the team this winter.
Teixeira Doesn't Want To Talk Free Agency
Mark Teixeira has always given a consistent answer when asked about playing for his hometown Orioles.
Agent: Garcia Will Decide Soon
The agent for pitcher Freddy Garcia claims that his client will soon make his decision on where he will sign for the remainder of the season.
Pittsburgh Wants To Extend McLouth, Others
The Pirates are preparing to approach outfielder Nate McLouth, catcher Ryan Doumit, and starter Paul Maholmn regarding contract extensions.
Mets In Running For Garcia
The Mets are in the running for free agent starting pitcher Freddy Garcia.
Mets And Rockies Interested In Livan?
Livan Hernandez, designated for assignment by the Minnesota Twins on Friday, should learn Tuesday whether he has cleared waivers.
Red Sox Waiting To Hear From Borowski
The Red Sox are waiting to hear whether or not former Indians' closer Joe Borowski will accept a minor league contract in their system.
Rockies Interested In Livan
Manager Clint Hurdle planned to talk with GM Dan O'Dowd about Livan Hernandez after Saturday's game.