April 2008 - Baltimore Orioles Wiretap
Baltimore Interested In Richie Sexson
The Baltimore Orioles are apparently interested in signing Richie Sexson.
Club officials apparently have had at least one conversation with Sexson's agent Casey Close although the depth of their interest is uncertain.
RealGM Note: Sexson had a Reina Value of -97%, as he was ranked 850th in season FIC and 'deserved' to make just $390k.
Hendrickson, O's Close To Agreement
The Orioles are reportedly close to reaching an agreement with left-hander Mark Hendrickson, according to MASNsports.com.
The report said that any deal would be pending a physical examination and that an announcement could come early in the week.
Hendrickson, who began his career with Toronto, posted a 7-8 record and a 5.45 ERA last season with the Marlins.
Orioles Could Deal For Blalock?
The Orioles and Rangers discussed a trade involving Hank Blalock during the winter meetings.
Blalock would play first base and DH for Baltimore.
With Teixeira Gone, Orioles Looking At Dunn
After losing out in the Mark Teixeira sweepstakes, the Orioles could enter the race to sign Adam Dunn.
Dunn has hit forty or more home runs in five straight seasons, but it is believed that his price might have to come down a little bit in order to enter Baltimore's price range.
Orioles president Andy MacPhail claims that while the team will like to upgrade overall, their focus has shifted slightly.
"We did not allow this to sidetrack our other endeavors," MacPhail said. "We're focusing on our pitching and catching primarily at this point."
Teixeira Announcement Today?
A major league baseball source has told The Washington Times' Thom Loverro that there will be an announcement today regarding the future of free agent first baseman Mark Teixeira.
The Red Sox are believed to be the team that will sign Teixeira.
Teixeira Signing Close, But Team Is A Mystery
A Mark Teixeira signing appears imminent and is expected before Christmas, but it is not clear which team he will select. The Red Sox, Nationals and Orioles, and perhaps the Yankees are in the mix for the switch hitting first baseman.
The likely deal is expected to be for close to $180 million.
Baltimore Looking At Coste To Fill Void
The Orioles are looking for a veteran catcher to serve as a bridge to top prospect Matt Wieters, and are looking at Chris Coste.
Coste hit .263 with nine home runs and 36 RBIs for the World Champion Phillies in 2008, playing in 98 games.
Teixeira's Decision Could Come Soon
Mark Teixeira's decision could come soon with as many as four teams rumored to be in the running for his services.
The Red Sox, Nationals, Angels, and Orioles have been the most interested parties from the beginning.
The source believes the Red Sox remain in the lead for Teixeira's services in spite of the statement by principal owner John Henry on Thursday night that "it seems clear that we are not going to be a factor."
Nats, Cabrera Agree To One-Year Deal
The Nationals and pitcher Daniel Cabrera have agreed to terms on a one-year deal, according to baseball sources.
Cabrera was 8-10 with a 5.25 ERA for the Orioles this past season.
The Nationals reportedly beat out the Mets and Pirates for Cabrera's services.
Sources: Teixeira Deal Would Take $184M
Red Sox executives returned from negotiations with Mark Teixeira's representatives on Thursday believing that it'll take upwards of $184 million to land the slugger.
It is believed that Boston principal owner John Henry's comments about the team "pulling out" of the race to sign Teixeira is a falsehood.
No Yankee Offer To Tex Or Manny; Cameron Trade Appears Dead
The Yankees are unlikely to enter the sweepstakes for Mark Teixeira.
Boston Believed To Lead Teixeira Derby
The Red Sox are believed to be in the lead in the race to sign free-agent slugger Mark Teixeira as the sweepstakes intensifies.
Sources: Teixeira To Orioles Unlikely
The Orioles have reportedly fallen behind in the race to sign Mark Teixeira, who doesn't appear willing to give the team a hometown discount.
Teixeira Decision Coming Soon?
Free agent slugger Mark Teixeira is reportedly close to making a decision on where he will play next season.
Izturis Signs Two-Year Deal With Orioles
Shortstop Cesar Izturis has signed a two-year deal with the Orioles.
Orioles Cut Ties Inconsistent Cabrera
The Orioles declined Friday to offer Daniel Cabrera, an arbitration-eligible starter, a contract for 2009, which makes him a free agent.
Orioles: We Have A Shot At Teixeira
The Orioles believe they are in the running to land free-agent first baseman Mark Teixeira, despite a huge offer from the Nationals and fellow suitors like the Red Sox and Angels.
Shortstop Izturis, Orioles Agree On Deal
The Orioles have signed free-agent shortstop Cesar Izturis to a deal reportedly worth $6 million over two years.
Nationals Could Offer Teixeira $200M Over 10 Years
The Nationals and Orioles are both willing to pay Mark Teixeira $20 million per season.
Reds And O's Reach Deal On Freel For Hernandez Swap
The Reds have reached preliminary agreement with the Orioles on a trade that will send catcher Ramon Hernandez to Cincinnati for outfielder Ryan Freel and two prospects.
Extension Talks Between O's And Markaskis Broken Off
Contract-extension talks between the Orioles and their star right fielder Nick Markakis have broken off.
Peavy Deal Won't Be Easy For Cubs
If the Cubs are going to acquire pitcher Jake Peavy, it will take some seriously maneuvering by GM Jim Hendry.