OK, one more cleaning of the notebook before I begin the job for which I get paid...
The Dodgers have offered Manny Ramirez a contract with the second-highest annual average value among current players, Dodgers GM Ned Colletti told reporters about an hour ago. That means a salary between's Alex Rodriguez's average of $27.5 million and Johan Santana's average of $22.9 million.
It's believed the offer is only for two years, and Colletti said there's an option.
Obviously, this offer isn't going to get it done, not at this point, and I'm guessing that Joe Torre is telling Colletti, "Forget about Manny, let's work on Sabathia."
The Yankees have spoken with the White Sox about their interest in Nick Swisher. The person with whom I spoke about this stressed to me that the talks were extremely preliminary. The White Sox are not looking to dump Swisher, contrary to some reports out there. They'd much rather unload someone like Jermaine Dye, Paul Konerko or Jim Thome, although those are three challenging assignments.
So stay tuned on this one. If the Yankees strike out on Mark Teixeira, and if the White Sox can't get anything done elsewhere, then maybe this advances. For now, though, it's but a whisper. And thanks to Dennis for prompting me to ask this question.
As for Brad Penny, Dennis, he's not going to be atop anyone's list. But the Yankees aren't in a position to rule out anyone - well, besides Carl Pavavno.
The Yankees have met with Scott Boras to discuss Teixeira. They also have interest in Derek Lowe. A friend of Lowe's predicted to me today that Lowe would wind up coming back East. Reggie Jackson recently saw Lowe at a golf tournament in California and gave a recruiting pitch.
The Mets have spoken with Paul Kinzer, the agent for Francisco "K-Rod" Rodriguez.
The White Sox are not anxious to unload Javier Vazquez.
Omar Minaya, on Manny Ramirez: "He's an offensive player. He's been a very good player. But for us, where we are right now, where is it we're going to invest? Our priority right now is we have to address our pitching. We have to look at that first. (Ramirez) is a free agent, but today we have to look at how to improve our starting pitching and our relief pitching.”
Minaya also said that Fernando Martinez would play winter ball in the Dominican Republic, and that he would probably begin 2009 at Triple-A Buffalo.
The Mets have let go scout Jerry Krause, who is best known for being the Chicago Bulls' general manager, but who worked the past few years as a baseball scout, first with the Yankees and then the Mets.
Brian Cashman said that he has interest in bringing back Andy Pettitte, and he knows that Pettitte feels the same way. "Typically, that's two good steps to getting it done. But we're not there yet."
Cashman stressed that one of his goals is to improve team defense, which is why Jason Giambi is on the backburner for now.
New Mariners GM Jack Zduriencik, asked whether he would interview Willie Randolph for his managerial opening, said, "Possibly. Possibly." Zduriencik interviewed Randolph for the Brewers' opening a couple of weeks ago, before Zduriencik got his new gig.
Angels GM Tony Reagins, on whether his team had the wherewithal to sign both CC Sabathia and Mark Teixeira: "There’s a chance that could happen, but it’s unlikely."
I haven't paid attention to the Gold Glove Awards since 1999, when Rafael Palmeiro won one for playing 28 games at first base.
Thanks to this site for the photo.
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Comments (6)
Konerko has 2 years and $24 million left on his contract. Dye makes $11.5 million next year with a mutual option for $12 million in 2010 with a buyout of $1 million. Meanwhile Thome has a club option for $13 million next year with a buyout of $3 million. Ken, any word if the White Sox will pick the club option on Thome?
Thome vested his option, Dennis.
Is it true that during these meetings GM's and advisors have been bowling and playing basketball?
Yes. Part of industry bonding.
Ken, it is shameful that Manny Ramirez intentionally lost games for the Red Sox and attempted to harm a senior citizen and is going to make 10 million or so on the deal.
When Pavano signs his two year deal and the blog is mine for a day, please remind me to write about this!!
Ken - the NY Post is reporting that the Yankees and Brewers are working on a deal for Cameron with Melky, Betemit and a minor league pitcher going back to Milwaukee. Any of that sound familiar to you?
Swisher wouldn't be a bad fall back if Tex goes somewhere else - though I might prefer Billy Butler of the Royals who appears to have no place to play with the trade for Mike Jacobs.