2008-09 MLB Hot Stove

**Jimbo** · 11-10-2008 08:39 PM

Originally Posted by BillD1984

Braves expected to pursue Burnett and Dempster

Posted on: November 10, 2008 4:06 pm

The
Braves

still believe they have the best offer out there for
Jake Peavy

, even as some people in baseball believe that the
Cubs

are the favorites to land the San Diego right-hander. But even as they try for Peavy, the Braves are also making plans to go after other starting pitchers.
That includes free-agent right-handers
A.J. Burnett

and
Ryan Dempster

, according to sources.
Burnett, who opted out of his contract with the
Blue Jays

, is expected to have many suitors. The
Yankees

, who have more money to spend than anyone else, are sure to be involved.
Dempster is believed to favor a return to the Cubs, who would like to keep their 17-game winner.
But the Braves are serious about upgrading their rotation, as general manager Frank Wren told my colleague Scott Miller at last week's GM meetings in California.
"We need a couple of starters," Wren said. "Maybe even more than that. I'd like to beef up our rotation. That's the area we've been known for."
Wren wouldn't talk specifics, but people who have talked to the Braves say that only
CC Sabathia

is definitely out of their price range. The Braves aren't interested in Ben Sheets, but sources said they will talk about any other free-agent starters.

The Braves better hope that Jir Jirjines is not part of a Peavy package, that would not be a smart move ...

**salsadancer7** · 11-11-2008 08:24 AM

Marlins traded Josh Willingham and Greg Olson to the Nationals. The two players were dealt to the Nationals in exchange for second baseman Emilio Bonifacio, a lightly seasoned 23-year-old with great speed and a good glove, along with a pair of minor-league prospects.

Neither the Marlins nor Nationals would confirm the deal.

But multiple sources said the division rivals agreed to the trade, the second the Marlins have made since the season ended. They traded first baseman Mike Jacobs to the Kansas City Royals last month for right-handed reliever Leo Nuñez.

NEW PHILOSOPHY

The acquisition of Bonifacio, a singles-hitting switch-hitter and defensive whiz in the mold of former Marlins second baseman Luis Castillo, fits with the team's stated desire to improve defensively. The Marlins have been one of the worst fielding teams in the majors the past several seasons.

What remains unclear is how the Marlins intend to use Bonifacio (he can also play the corner outfield positions), and what it means for current second baseman Dan Uggla, whose annual salary is expected to increase to about $5 million through the arbitration process.

Unless overwhelmed by an offer, the Marlins plan to keep Uggla.

Monday's trade will save money for the Marlins, as Willingham and Olsen are due to receive significant raises next season through salary arbitration. Each player could make $2 million to $2.5 million in 2009.

The Marlins are expected to have a payroll of about $35 million next season, an increase from last season's $22 million team but still the lowest figure in the majors.

Olsen has been on the trading block since the season ended, with numerous teams expressing interest in an ''innings eater'' who has never missed a start in his more than three, occasionally tumultuous seasons with the Marlins. Olsen had run-ins with fans, teammates and police in 2007 but made it through the '08 season without incident.

Both he and Willingham, a consistent though unspectacular hitter who was plagued by lower back issues that reduced his playing time, had spent their entire professional careers with the Marlins.

**HD MM** · 11-11-2008 09:19 AM

[ame="http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3694923"]Trevor Hoffman done in San Diego as Padres pull offer - ESPN[/ame]

Hello! Mark Shapiro and the Indians! Get on the phone now!

**BillD1984** · 11-11-2008 09:27 AM

Originally Posted by HD MM

ESPN - Trevor Hoffman done in San Diego as Padres pull offer

Hello! Mark Shapiro and the Indians! Get on the phone now!

Wow, that is a startling development!

**KCK_Halo** · 11-11-2008 11:36 AM

Originally Posted by BillD1984

Wow, that is a startling development!

Not really, Bill. Trev has been trying to get ownership to talk to him for weeks now and they haven't said "boo". Towers kept saying the owners were out of the country, etc. just doing the dance. The Pads are cutting w-a-y back and have even announced cheaper ticket prices next season! WHAT? Even the lowly Pirates said they will maintain the same ticket prices next year. So what does that tell you?

The NL West will once again be the weakest division in all of baseball in 2009.

And, for my money, I would buy Trev on the cheap. He is FAR from the magician he once was. The final line of the contract should read...

"USE SPARINGLY!"

**Paul Wozniak** · 11-11-2008 11:41 AM

Did the Rockies trade Holliday?

**KCK_Halo** · 11-11-2008 12:29 PM

Originally Posted by Paul Wozniak

Did the Rockies trade Holliday?

Sounds like it's getting close, Paul....

Report: Holliday-to-A's a done deal | MLB.com: News

**Jimbo** · 11-11-2008 07:34 PM

Originally Posted by KCK_Halo

Not really, Bill. Trev has been trying to get ownership to talk to him for weeks now and they haven't said "boo". Towers kept saying the owners were out of the country, etc. just doing the dance. The Pads are cutting w-a-y back and have even announced cheaper ticket prices next season! WHAT? Even the lowly Pirates said they will maintain the same ticket prices next year. So what does that tell you?

The NL West will once again be the weakest division in all of baseball in 2009.

And, for my money, I would buy Trev on the cheap. He is FAR from the magician he once was. The final line of the contract should read...

"USE SPARINGLY!"

At 41 you should "USE SPARINGLY!"

Jimbo

**Jimbo** · 11-11-2008 07:46 PM

What pitchers are the Braves talking about sending to SD for Peavy ?
I see the Cubs are looking for a partner to get pitching the Padre's want.

Braves arn't giving Jurjin's as one of them are they ?

Jimbo

**BillD1984** · 11-12-2008 11:55 AM

Rockies Talking Trade With Reds

By Tim Dierkes [November 11 at 8:50pm CST]

8:50pm:
Reds GM Walt Jocketty

says nothing is close with the Rockies; he's talked to a lot of clubs. His snide remark: "They all didn't allow it to get out."
Jocketty talked to the Rockies about Matt Holliday, but it was a short discussion.
7:37pm:
Tracy Ringolsby of the Rocky Mountain News

says the Reds have definite interest in Atkins, but not Torrealba or Taveras. The Reds like the idea of adding Atkins' righthanded bat. They don't like Torrealba's price and Taveras' inability to get on base. Ringolsby says the Phillies, Angels, and Twins are also after Atkins.
3:28pm:
Troy Renck

confirms Rosenthal's report, and also speaks of speculation that the Red Sox will make a run at Chris Iannetta. A long shot to be sure.
Other Rockies notes: Renck says the Rox told people close to Manny Corpas that he's still the closer, meaning Street might be on the outs. Additionally, the Rockies have expressed interest in Carl Pavano.
1:17pm:
Ken Rosenthal

says the Rockies aren't done dealing - they're talking trade with the Reds and other clubs. The Reds like Willy Taveras, Yorvit Torrealba, and Garrett Atkins, with a "definite interest" in Taveras.
Meanwhile the Indians like newly acquired Huston Street and the Nationals are one club eyeing Carlos Gonzalez. Rosenthal says the Rockies figure to hang on to Greg Smith.
It seems we can't yet judge the Holliday trade for the Rockies. It did seem odd that they would acquire a closer and a young center fielder, two positions at which they already had solid options.