Wednesday’s Version of Roy Halladay Rumors

During the All-Star game last evening, Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports told Joe Buck that Roy Halladay will almost certainly be traded within the next two weeks. He mentioned that Blue Jay scouts are all over the country researching minor league talent.

STLToday.com reports that the Cardinals are going to make a generous run at the pitcher, but they will not “over do it” for Halladay.

The Bleacher Report featured an article today that explained why the San Francisco Giants should consider signing Halladay.

The Yankees and Red Sox continue to be in the conversation when it comes to potential suitors, though it would likely take a lot for Toronto GM J.P. Ricciardi to deal the ace to a division rival.

Papelbon Not Alone In Ripping Manny

When Bill Reynolds of the Providence Journal learned that Manny Ramirez was traded to the Dodgers and that he was leaving his beloved Red Sox, his very next article began with the words  “The Circus Has Left Town”.

From supposedly cutting across the field to use the bathroom during a game, to his signature dreadlocks, in addition to his power at the plate and star-like talent, Bill Reynolds knows Manny Ramirez will always be Manny Ramirez. For some Manny is a hero, while others continue to throw the controversial player under the bus in disapproval of his actions and attitude.

According to SI.com, Jonathan Papelbon, who is a promoter and seller of the ACAI berry, had a few choice words for Ramirez during an interview in Esquire magazine’s April issue. He is quoted with the following;

“It just takes one guy to bring an entire team down, and that’s exactly what was happening. Once we saw that, we weren’t afraid to get rid of him. … He had to go. It (stunk), but that was the only scenario that was going to work. That was it for us.”

Papelbon also told the magazine that Tim Wakefield, David Ortiz and Jason Varitek now share the same views.

Harold Reynolds (not to be confused with Bill) conducted an interview with Ortiz back on May 13, 2007. Ortiz talked about how special Manny was and what qualities he can bring to a team.

“Manny is the kind of guy that completes everything”, Big Papi said. “Young players will learn from Manny, it’s just good to have this guy around”.

More than a year later on September 17, 2008 we got the opposite reaction from Curt Schilling, who blasted Ramirez considerably saying that the slugger’s “level of disrespect to teammates and people was unfathomable.”

Schilling also continued to speak about how teammates referred to Manny as the “Carl Everett” of the locker room.

Ortiz was also caught going back on his kind words. In November of 2008, Big Papi was quoted saying;

“The Manny situation was a tough situation for the team, for us the teammates, for him as a player,” Ortiz said. “He was trying to get to be out, everybody knows, it’s not news, for the past few years and it was something that it was getting worse and worse and worse every year.”

What caused Ortiz to talk about Manny in such a positive way, then turn 180 degrees against his so-called “friend”? The evidence obviously tell us that the beginning to middle part of the 2008 season may have been Manny’s downfall with the club.

In 2008, the same year in which  Manny tallied his 500th homerun, a few confrontations with traveling secretary Jack McCormick, and a certain slapping incident involving Kevin Youkilis did not help his evolving reputation.

McCormick and Ramirez were arguing over Ramirez’s large game-day request for 16 tickets to a game in Houston, when Ramirez reportedly pushed McCormick to the ground after saying “Just do your job.”

On July 25, after sitting out one game against the Seattle Mariners with a sore knee, Ramirez was originally slated to start against the Yankees. Several minutes before the game, however, he informed manager Terry Francona, through a bench coach, that he would not be playing.

When back in action, Ramirez frequently did not run out ground balls. Assuming that this was due to his displeasure about his contract situation, many Red Sox fans and reporters, including Dan Shaughnessy of the Boston Globe, called for Ramirez to be traded.

“He was on a different train”,  Papelbon said. “It’s like cancer. He had to go!”

If you look at these situations in general, you would have to say that  Papelbon does have a point!  Manny was just being Manny!

Manny does want to finish his career in LA, and we also know he was not happy in Boston and vice versa as his last year with the club dwindled, something Papelbon has not been afraid re-emphasize as common knowledge.

The Manny situation is now in the hands of the Dodgers organization and it is time to GET OVER IT! I am not saying Ramirez will behave from this point on out, but he does seem to be handling himself well as a Dodger.

Papelbon should have offered Manny a bottle of his beloved anti-oxidant Monavie! ACAI to the rescue!

Jason Varitek’s Socks Will Still Be Red!

Red Sox fans can now call their catcher “Captain Jason Varitek” once again! According to various news sources, the former Boston catcher has accepted an agreement from the Red Sox and will still be wearing “red socks” for at least one more season. Jon Heyman of SI.com is reporting both sides have reached an agreement on a two-year deal. The first year will be worth $5MM, while the second year includes an option and incentives possibly worth another $5MM for the 2010 season.

The news comes after months of negotiations between Varitek and Red Sox officials. Varitek filed for free agency back on October 31st, 2008 almost three months ago.

It appears as though no specific time was set by either side, however it was made apparent that the Red Sox  wanted an answer by today’s end. Boston.com has reported that the Red Sox actually sent Varitek and his agent a letter via registered mail, serving him with an ultimatum.

An official announcement is expected to be made after Varitek undergoes a physical abiding to Red Sox policies.

Many fans and players including Curt Schilling had hoped for the catcher to return to his home behind the plate despite his lower-than-usual offensive numbers last season.

Jason Varitek was a Type A free agent who rejected the Red Sox’ arbitration offer earlier this offseason. He started 120 games for the Red Sox in 2008, his lowest number of career starts recorded – except in 2006 when injuries played a role.

Red Sox Give Jason Varitek Saturday Deadline

After previous reports were made about the Red Sox making a formal offer to Jason Varitek that supposedly included a deadline, we now know that the former Boston catcher has until Saturday to accept or reject that particular offer. According to the Boston Herald the Red Sox have set a Saturday deadline for Varitek to come to terms on a one-year, $5MM offer. The deal would include a second year with options in 2010.

Varitek is a Type A free agent who rejected the Red Sox’ arbitration offer earlier this offseason. He started 120 games for the Red Sox in 2008, his lowest number of career starts recorded – except in 2006 when injuries played a role.

Varitek and the Red Sox organization have been speaking about his possible return since early November. Even though Varitek will most likely accept an offer as no other teams are currently labeled as suitors-most Red Sox fans are hoping that “tek” will ink his way behind the plate for 2009.

Red Sox Make Offer To Jason Varitek With Deadline

The Red Sox have made it clear that it is “now or never” for catcher Jason Vartiek. According to various news sources the Boston Red Sox have formally made an offer to Varitek, that includes a deadline. The offer is expected to be worth $8-10 million over two years including a club option for $5 million or a $3 million player option for the 2010 season. Details about the deadline have not yet been released.

The offer comes after Varitek and Red Sox owner John Henry took part in a meeting on January 16th. The meeting was initiated by Varitek and agent Scott Boras to discuss the catcher’s future in Boston.

Jason Varitek is a Type A free agent who rejected the Red Sox’ arbitration offer earilier this offseason. He started 120 games for the Red Sox in 2008, his lowest number of career starts recorded – except in 2006 when injuries played a role.

Pitchers and catchers are due to report to Spring Training on Feb. 12.

Red Sox Owner To Meet With Jason Varitek

Jason Varitek and the Boston Red Sox are still trying to plug out an agreement according to multiple MLB sources. The Boston Globe is now reporting that Varitek may meet with club owner John Henry as early as tonight to discuss the catcher’s future in a Red Sox uniform.

Varitek and agent Scott Boras are said to be seeking a long term deal possibly worth 4 years and about $50MM. The catcher was previously signed by the Red Sox at the end of the 2004 season in which Varitek accepted a 4-year deal worth $40MM.

Varitek started only 120 games in Boston last year , his lowest number of career starts recorded, except in 2006 when injuries played a role.

What do we know? We know Boston has made it a priority to fill the position behind the plate. The Red Sox have shown interest in Miguel Montero of the Diamondbacks and possibly Taylor Teagarden of the Rangers. They also have access to a few younger players, one of those being recently acquired Josh Bard-a catcher who began his career with the Cleveland Indians in 2002 and spent a few months previously with the Red Sox in 2006. Bard signed with the ‘Sox on January 2nd with a deal that was worth 1-year, $1.6MM.

RBI Magazine conducted a poll when we first heard about Varitek’s choice to decline arbitration. Out of 584 total votes; 78% (457) believed Jason Varitek will be wearing a Red Sox jersey next year.  68 voters agreed Varitek would be with another team come the 2009 season.

One thing is for sure; the Red Sox seem to be in the spending mood after resigning first baseman Kevin Youkilis earlier today. Do not be suprised if Varitek has a formal offer within the next few days.

Red Sox Agree to 4-year Contract With Kevin Youkilis

Six weeks after the Red Sox signed Dustin Pedroia for what seemed to be an eternity (until 2014), the Red Sox have finally locked up the first base side by signing Kevin Youkilis for 4 years and a contract worth almost $42 million. Youkilis who will turn 30 this season, was said to have the best season of his career in 2008, hitting .312 with 29 home runs and earning the Hank Aaron Award for his fantastic offensive performance.

The addition of Youkilis will not only add stability to the Red Sox defense, but it will also keep the spark glowing for the Boston offense. An official announcement is expected to be made by the Red Sox organization, pending a physical sometime within the next few days.

Joe Bick, Youkilis’s agent did not believe the sides would ever agree on a contract, but obviously an offer of $42MM for 4 years is tough to turn down in today’s free agent market.

Brewers Trash Idea Of Adam Dunn, Priced Too High?

After chasing down Trevor Hoffman and winning the bidding war against the Dodgers, the Milwaukee Brewers recently signed the well needed pitcher for two seasons that included a club option in 2010. Now a few weeks later, the rumors about the Brewers being interested in free agent Adam Dunn have been shot down right out of the sky. MLB.com’s Adam McCalvy who spoke to Brewers GM Doug Melvin, says that Melvin stated in an interview that the Brewers are no longer interested in the slugger.

Fox Sports recently discussed the possible idea of the Brewers trading Prince Fielder, signing Dunn to replace him, and stretching the budget to acquire another pitcher. However, recent reports have surfaced about Red Sox showing possible interest in Dunn. According to the Chop-N-Change Dunn is seeking more than just an average salary. It is estimated that he will sign for no less than 4 years and $56MM. The Chop-N-Change also reports that Dunn is indeed out the Braves’ price range and for every other team in baseball.

The left-fielder tallied 100 total RBIs for the Diamondbacks last season and banked almost $13 million dollars of the D’backs payroll in 2008. Dunn ranked second in the National League home run totals last season tailing a total of 40.

John Smoltz Headed To Boston; Lowe To Atlanta?

Rumors and news about possible signings and contract specifics have been circulating like “wild fire” this morning.

The Boston, MA (Sports Network) and the Seattle Post are reporting that right-hander John Smoltz is headed to the Red Sox. Smoltz who spent his entire Major League career with the Atlanta Braves had under gone a season ending injury early last season and is not expected to pitch until June 2009.

The agreement between the Sox’ and Smoltz according to MLB.com may be worth $5.5MM and could possibly reach over $10 million with incentives depending on his performance. An official announcement is expected to be made very shortly.

In the wake of the John Smoltz situation, the Atlanta Braves apparently scheduled a meeting with free agent Derek Lowe and are showing significant interest. According to Tony Massarotti of Boston.com, Lowe is scheduled to have a meeting with the Braves later today in Atlanta.

Rumor also has it that Rocco Baldelli is also closer to becoming part of the Red Sox organization. According to the Boston Globe once again, “Rocco Baldelli is scheduled to be at Thursday night’s Boston Baseball Writers dinner at the Westin Waterfront Hotel to accept the Tony Conigliaro Award.”

I am sure Baldelli will have more than just food on his mind while the media is anxious to hear a statement. Fox Sports and Ken Rosenthal have also agreed stating that “Rocco Baldelli is going home to New England“.

If a deal is made between the Red Sox and Baldelli, he may be sharing the field with Jason Bay, Jacoby Ellsbury and J.D. Drew.

More Developments to follow……

Five Teams Interested In Ken Griffey Jr.

Five teams are reportedly interested in one of the most forgotten free-agents this offseason-Ken Griffey Jr. Griffey who just turned 39 years old, batted an uncharacteristic .249 last season.

His low performance last year has been attributed to a knee problem that was caused when Griffey fell over a shoe enclosure in the Red’s clubhouse at the beginning of 2008.

According to SI.com and Griffey’s agent, three American League teams and two National League teams may be interested in the outfielder’s services. Two of the American League teams include the Tampa Bay Rays and the Seattle Mariners for sure. The other three teams have not been mentioned as of today.

Griffey is expected to settle for a short duration contract possibly one to two years max. The future hall of famer is considered to be a possible fit for team looking to fill the DH position if the current outfield is already occupied.

More to follow on “the Griftster”…

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