April 2008 - Washington Nationals Wiretap
Nationals Interested In Bradley, Not Manny
Published reports continue to indicate that the Nationals have serious interest in Manny Ramirez, but those reports are false according to a baseball source who asked not to be identified.
The Nationals have often said that they are looking for players for the long term.
According to a baseball source, Washington has serious interest in free-agent outfielder Milton Bradley.
Cabrera Passes Physical, Signs With Nats
Pitcher Daniel Cabrera finalized his one-year, $2.6 million contract with the Nationals after passing a physical on Monday.
Cabrera went 48-59 with a 5.05 ERA in 147 games over five seasons in Baltimore.
Nationals Have Money To Get Manny
The Nationals had well over $100 million on the table for Mark Teixeira, which leads many to believe that the money could be used on Manny Ramirez.
Signing Ramirez would create an interesting draw in Washington, but there is no guarantee that he would play hard for the duration of any contract he signs.
The suitors for Ramirez continue to dwindle as the offseason progresses.
Teixeira Wants To Win Now
Agent Scott Boras believes that the Nationals did everything they could have to land Mark Teixeira, but the Yankees give him a better chance to win.
"I think the Nationals did everything they could do both with their economic commitment, the time and effort that was made in every attempt to bring Mark to Washington," Boras said. "From the ownership level to the baseball level, it was a very concerted and professional approach they took to Mark; he was very impressed with what Washington did. I think the major consideration in the end was that he felt in his career he really needed to be working for a club that would be giving him an opportunity to win now."
Not About The Money? Nats Offered Tex More Money
According to a source close to the situation, Mark Teixeira turned down about $5 million more from the Nationals to sign with the Yankees.
The Nationals would have gone higher, but were never given the chance. Teixeira jumped at Brian Cashman's first offer.
Nationals Sign Patterson, Four Others
The Nationals have signed veteran outfielder Corey Patterson, pitchers Jorge Sosa and Gustavo Chacin, infielder Jose Castillo, and catcher Gustavo Molina to minor league contracts.
If Patterson is added to the 40-man roster, he will get an $800,000, one-year deal, with $25,000 each for 400 and 450 plate appearances.
If Sosa makes the 40-man roster, he gets a split deal, with salaries of $850,000 in the majors and $90,000 in the minors.
If Chacin is added to the 40-man, he would get a $600,000, one-year contract.
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.
Nationals May Have Upped Teixeira Offer
Washington has raised its offer to Mark Teixeira to somewhere in the $178 to $184 million range, according to a report on MASN Online by Roch Kubatko.
There have also been rumors that the Nationals are thinking about increasing the length of the deal to nine or ten years, after their initial proposal had a life of eight.
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.
Nats Determined To Get Teixeira, Change Image
Nationals' owner Ted Lerner is determined to change the organization's image as a penny-pinching, bottom-feeder, and they remain in the race for Mark Teixeira.
Washington officials have refused comment on the amount they have offered Teixeira or the length of a possible contract.
With the Angels having dropped out, and the Red Sox reportedly still involved, the Nationals, Orioles, and Red Sox are still in play for the slugger.
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.
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.
Teixeira Decision Coming Soon?
Free agent slugger Mark Teixeira is reportedly close to making a decision on where he will play next season.
Bradley Also Receiving Interest From Reds, Angels And Nationals
The Cubs and Rays are the teams in strongest pursuit of free-agent outfielder Milton Bradley, who also is drawing interest from the Reds, Angels, and the Nationals.
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.
Manny Frustrated By Lack Of Interest, Considering Retirement?
While this is probably another case of 'Manny being Manny', Manny Ramirez is frustrated with the lack of interest.
Nationals Could Offer Teixeira $200M Over 10 Years
The Nationals and Orioles are both willing to pay Mark Teixeira $20 million per season.
Nationals Mulling Offer For Teixeira
The Nationals are mulling over an offer to free-agent first baseman Mark Teixeira, who is one of the most coveted players on the market.
Rockies Test Nats' Interest In Taveras
The Nationals are reportedly interested in Rockies' outfielder Willy Taveras.
Boras Selling Teixeira And Varitek As Package Deal?
Rival agents believe Scott Boras may try to package two of his clients together as part of a package.
Braves, Nats, Yanks, Angels, And Dodgers Could All Be In On Dunn
Adam Dunn is beginning to find a market for himself.