Hot Stove: Mets, Cubs, Rockies, Mariners

by Eli Greenspan on Nov 12, 2007 7:26 PM EST

This afternoon, I talked with a Special Assistant of the Mets and he gave me an idea of what the Mets will do this off season. First, let's clear the speculation: The Mets are not going after Alex Rodriguez. But they do have interest in some of Boras' clients. I was not told who, but if I had to speculate I would say Eric Gagne, simply because the Mets are looking for an upgrade in their bullpen. As for other free agents, they are nearing a deal with Paul Lo Duca, but there was no indication that the Mets were close to a deal with Luis Castillo. I assume a deal will be announced at the earliest tonight, but probably tomorrow morning. They also plan to explore the market for a starting pitcher, and I believe they are not ruling anyone out just yet. I think the Mets will look at free agent pitcher Livan Hernandez, who is clutch in the playoffs and can rake up innings. He is also the half brother of Mets pitcher Orlando Hernandez which plays into the chemistry factor, something most people overlook. Through trades, all I heard was that they have had talks with teams. As for which players, or what they are asking for, it is unclear. But I assume that they are shopping Mike Pelfrey and Carlos Gomez. The Mets payroll is right around 115 million dollars, but I expect it to go up because I see them looking at White Sox pitchers Jon Garland and Jose Contreras.

Kaz Matsui and Kosuke Fukudome Cubs Update: I have had a lot of questions about this one. The Cubs are supposedly interested in Kaz Matsui, but I have not been able to confirm that report. From what I have heard, the Cubs plan to offer a three year deal to Matsui and play him at second and short. However, they still plan to play Mark DeRosa five days a week at second, third and in the outfield. This means that Ryan Theriot's time might be cut some, but Piniella is known for working in his players into games. As for Fukudome, the Cubs are "very interested" and plan to make an aggressive offer to him. Personally, I think they will look to sign Matsui in the next day or so and use him to lure Fukudome. Beyond that, they will work to sign Kerry Wood while exploring the market for other free agents, possibly Francisco Cordero. I have heard there is some interest in Hitoki Iwase, but again, nothing has been confirmed just yet. Despite the pending ownership sale, the Cubs plan to be fairly active.

What will the Mariners do?: The Mariners are in an interesting spot. They have made it known they plan to upgrade their pitching, and that is why I think might land Carlos Silva. They are looking into pitchers Jon Garland, Dan Haren, Dontrelle Willis, and Roy Oswalt, and will probably have to unload some of their top prospects to bring them in. As for other trades, they will probably look to trade Richie Sexson, maybe to the Rangers for Vicente Padilla to swap bad contracts.

What about the Rockies?: The Rockies are probably on the verge of losing both Matsui and Torrealba. They plan to talk with Michael Barrett this week, and may look in house for a second baseman. It is possible we could see Marcus Giles go to Colorado, or maybe Japanese infielder Tomohiro Nioka. As for a front of the line starter, they have been connected to the Athletics because of their solid farm system. They have several solid pitchers, who could land a pitcher like Dan Haren or Joe Blanton if packaged together. They have also been shopping around Brian Fuentes, but only to gauge his interest around the league.

If you would like an update on your team, just leave a comment and I will find out whatever I can.

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Comments

do you have anything on the Reds? I would imagine they've talked to some FAs and talked to teams about trading pitching. And do you know if they were on of the teams watching Percival?

by Patrick Dorsey on Nov 12, 2007 7:57 PM EST reply actions

What are the Reds up to?

by Anonymous on Nov 12, 2007 8:07 PM EST reply actions

if the mets go near livan or contreras ....

by Anonymous on Nov 12, 2007 8:09 PM EST reply actions

when would you expect fukudome to be signed?

by Anonymous on Nov 12, 2007 8:16 PM EST reply actions

Could you give the lowdown on the Giants? Thanks

by Aaron on Nov 12, 2007 8:22 PM EST reply actions

it depends, I assume he will wait for jones or hunter to be signed so they can set the table for price-but if a team comes in and overwhelms him, he could sign whenever. I think he will come here though, find an agent, if he has not already and talk with teams before getting specific. i say early december.

by Eli on Nov 12, 2007 8:23 PM EST reply actions

yo eli are u sure they going for Livan cause i saw SNY Mets Hot Stove they didnt talk anything but him. But i heard a rumor that mets is trying to get d-train. Is that true because of his low value. that what i heard hopefully u clear this thing up because i want me mets to get SP so we could go to the world series

by Anonymous on Nov 12, 2007 8:44 PM EST reply actions

You have anything on the Dodgers

Thank's

by Anonymous on Nov 12, 2007 8:46 PM EST reply actions

hey did u hear anything about the yankees 3B issue any new contenders or old ones that r not going to happen

by I LIKE EGGS on Nov 12, 2007 8:48 PM EST reply actions

Geez, sounds like the Mets will be a disappointing 85-89 win team again. Replacing Glavine with Livian or Contreras? Can they bring in a right fielder? Why not make a go at Cabrera, or some top free agents, or BOTH (they DO play in NYC and drew 3.7 mill and own their own TV network)? If not, maybe they can bring along some pitching talent for once? What a loser organization. Can I sign up to root for another team? - Another Frustrated Mets Fan

by Anonymous on Nov 12, 2007 8:56 PM EST reply actions

what about the Braves?

by Anonymous on Nov 12, 2007 9:12 PM EST reply actions

dude if u seen the METS hot Stove they didn't say anything about those two pitchers they we talking about mets wish list and mets is going hard for d-train.

by Anonymous on Nov 12, 2007 9:13 PM EST reply actions

hey eli huge fan here i would ask i question that was already asked
did u hear anything about the yankees 3B issue any new contenders or old ones that r not going to happen?
i am a huge yankee fan and any info would be great

by ELI IS THE BEST on Nov 12, 2007 9:32 PM EST reply actions

come eli use those great conntects u have and give that guy wat he wants who will be the yanks 3b

by Anonymous on Nov 12, 2007 9:55 PM EST reply actions

I will get to this in about a half hour, i have a lot of work. dont worry.

by Eli on Nov 12, 2007 10:18 PM EST reply actions

why would you speculate gagne to th mets? just wondering since boras has made it clear gagne is going to sign for a closers role. plus gagne really couldnt seem to handle the pressure of a big market like boston so he probably would not be a good fit in new york

by Anonymous on Nov 12, 2007 10:18 PM EST reply actions

reds giants dodgers braves

yankees 3b situation

all for tomorrow.

come back to find out what is up.

by Eli on Nov 12, 2007 10:46 PM EST reply actions

Yo Elie M's fan here.

Do you really think the M's have a shot of aquiring Haren or Oswalt without giving up Jones?

Clement and/ Or Balentien would probably also have to go too right?

by Bryant on Nov 13, 2007 1:14 AM EST reply actions

Hey what is the chance the Rockies actually sign Michael Barrett?
is there legit interest from both sides?

by justin on Nov 13, 2007 1:33 AM EST reply actions

What are the Angels up to?

by Anonymous on Nov 13, 2007 6:57 AM EST reply actions

so have you gotten anything on the Reds. If you can't find anything I understand. Thank you even if you can't

by Patrick Dorsey on Nov 13, 2007 6:06 PM EST reply actions

Are the Astros doing anything else? Has there been anymore word on possibly Cordero or any other arms?
Are they really willing to trade Oswalt?!?

Thanks

by Rob on Nov 13, 2007 9:31 PM EST reply actions

Oswalt has a no trade clause and would not waive it to go to Seattle. Get a clue and stop posting nonsense.

by Anonymous on Nov 14, 2007 12:50 AM EST reply actions

>>Oswalt has a no trade clause and would not waive it to go to Seattle. Get a clue and stop posting nonsense.>>

Many Scouts have primed the Seattle Mariners for post season glory with the addition of a TOR starter, unlike your Huston Astros..."get a clue"

by Bryant on Nov 14, 2007 3:31 AM EST reply actions