Sunday Sunday Sunday

While the rest of the world is freaking over the BCS and preparing for another week of NFL football, I'm dedicated to bring you the newest baseball news. Starting last night, The Rockies have been negotiating with FA reliever Rafael Betancourt. The Rockies are rumored to let RHP Josh Fogg (0-2; 3.24 ERA) go. The Rockies want a multi-year deal that will pay him less, but retain him longer( sounds like a perfect world, eh?). Betancourt used to be stud, but after the past 2 seasons, I have my doubts. His ERA has fluctuated throughout his career and looking at the trend, he won't throw under 2.00 for another 2-3 seasons. Lifetime, he's just 26-23 and his ball to strike ratio favors walks. If the Rox can get this done for a cheap price, it'd be fine by me and their fans I'm sure. As of 9:49AM, Beatncourt denied a 2yr/$7M deal. Also, Garrett Atkins will probably be around for awhile due to his high price tag.

The Cubs seem ready to part ways with Rich Harden and Reed Johnson as reported by Luke Adams of mlbtraderumos.com. Harden (9-9; 4.09 ERA) has had some injury-plagued years and didn't turn out to be the player the Cubs were expecting in the trade. I expect only a team desperate for starting pitching would sign Harden, but more than likely his career is looking like Ben Sheets. Johnson has a minute chance of sticking around, but it would more than likely he'd take a sizable paycut. The Cubs will make an effort to re-sign John Grabow(3-0; 3.24 ERA), but are letting Kevin Gregg and Chad Fox walk. Gregg (5-6; 4.72), obtained from Florida last off-season was another player who didn't live up to expectations being bounced from a closer role during the season.

Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports says the Red Sox don't have the pieces to acquire Adrian Gonzalez from the Padres, but they Padres should focusing on trading Heath Bell (6-4; 2.71 ERA). I will agree the Red Sox minor league is very depleted at this point. If the Padres are looking for minor league talent, they will not find it currently in the Sox organization. If the Sox could finagle a deal for Bell, it would vastly upgrade their bullpen, which I think in the playoffs was also a glaring problem. Also, he thinks Josh Beckett should be seeking A.J. Burnett type money. I can't blame him for it because statistically Beckett's track record is better than that of Burnett's. The question is this time next year will the Sox ante up to retain their man?

According to Rosenthal as well, sources say OF Matt Holliday would prefer not play in New York. Money talks Matt, money talks...The Yankees are also being reluctant with Xavier Nady. Nady had an injury plagued season in 2009 ( 7 games; .286 BA), but Nady claims "I can still be a productive player." The Yankees are definitely testing the waters in waiting for Jason Bay and Matt Holliday(despite Holliday's sources) than re-signing the current outfielders.

SP Mark Mulder is rumored to being close to a deal with the Brew Crew. Mulder didn't pitch last season for the Cards. In 2008, he had a 10.80 ERA and 0-0 record in 3 games. If I'm the Brewers, I'm hoping this is a low-risk, high-reward scenario, but in the back of my mind saying this is a bad idea. Mulder has only had one successful season in the NL (2005- 16-8 3.64 ERA). Since then, he's gone 6-10 with a sky high ERA. Basically, the Brewers are playing with fire and can guarantee, they will get burned.

The Astros are prepared to let Miguel Tejada walk and hand 3B to Chris Johnson as reported by The Houston Chronicle. Tejada, played in 158 games last season batting .313 with 14 HRs and 86 RBIs. Not bad for a guy who supposedly "declining." Tejada is very durable and should be a good pick-up for any team looking for a 3B. Would the Phils consider him with his big contract? Indians (Marte hasn't lived up to his hype)? Or The Angels if they lose Figgins? Melvin Mora is rumored to be a possible fit for the Phils, but I can't see them downgrading for Mora, whose definitely in decline (see last 3 season fluctuations in HRs, BA, and games played).

Elsewhere around the league, The Twins are busy negotiating a new extension for C Joe Mauer. Mauer absolutely killed the ball this season batting .365 in the regular season and .417 in the postseason. The Dodgers want to re-sign Vincente Padilla, but his off-feild actions last week are making them think twice. The Jays and D'back's are said to be making progress in the Overbay-Snyder swap.


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