12/08: Hot Stove: Rafael Soriano, Jason Marquis, Backup Catcher, Chien-Ming Wang, Mike MacDougal, Johnny Damon, Kelvim Escobar
Posted by: Patrick
Rafael Soriano: Steve Adams at MLB Trade Rumors reports that reliever Rafael Soriano has accepted arbitration from the Braves, taking himself off of the free agent market. Soriano had been mentioned in connection with the Yankees, but it was thought to be a different acquisition because he is a Type-A free agent and the team would have to surrender a draft pick to sign him. Before the decision had been made Braves GM Frank Wren said he expected them to request a trade if they accepted arbitration. That said, Joel Sherman at the Post says the Yankees have no interest in trading for Soriano. Via Chad Jennings and Tim Dierkes.
Jason Marquis: Chad Jennings mentioned that Brian Cashman flew to the Winter Meetings with agents Seth and Sam Levinson and discussed their client, free agent starting pitcher Jason Marquis. Pitching for Colorado, he was 15-13 with a 4.04 ERA. But, it's unclear if the Yankees have any interest in him.
Backup Catcher: Cashman told Jennings that the team was not in any rush to find a backup catcher. "Cervelli can do that job, he said. "Right now, I'm not focused on backup catcher. We have Posada. We have Cervelli. That doesn't mean I won’t look at it."
Chien-Ming Wang: Though he is likely to be non-tendered, Jennings reports that the official decision has not yet been made. Cashman will be reviewing his most up to date medical information before the call is made.
Mike MacDougal: Without citing a source, George A. King III at the Post says that the Yankees may consider Mike MacDougal as an option as they fill out the bullpen. The pitcher will need to be non-tendered by the Nationals for that to happen and Jayson Stark reports that there is a "good chance" that that will happen. He was 1-1 with 20 saves and 1 blown save and a 3.60 ERA in 52 games with Washington last season. He started the year with the White Sox and was 0-0 with a 12.46 ERA in 5 games before being let go. Via Dierkes.
Johnny Damon: Sports Illustrated's Jon Heyman says that the Yankees are expected to offer Johnny Damon "about" $20 million over two years. If that doesn't work, the team could turn to Mike Cameron, Jermaine Dye or maybe Marlon Byrd. Via Ben Kabak.
Kelvim Escobar: Finally, Sherman reports that the Yankees and Mets both have checked in with Kelvim Escobar, who may attempt to demonstrate his health in Venezuela this month. Via Joseph Pawlikowski.
Jason Marquis: Chad Jennings mentioned that Brian Cashman flew to the Winter Meetings with agents Seth and Sam Levinson and discussed their client, free agent starting pitcher Jason Marquis. Pitching for Colorado, he was 15-13 with a 4.04 ERA. But, it's unclear if the Yankees have any interest in him.
Backup Catcher: Cashman told Jennings that the team was not in any rush to find a backup catcher. "Cervelli can do that job, he said. "Right now, I'm not focused on backup catcher. We have Posada. We have Cervelli. That doesn't mean I won’t look at it."
Chien-Ming Wang: Though he is likely to be non-tendered, Jennings reports that the official decision has not yet been made. Cashman will be reviewing his most up to date medical information before the call is made.
Mike MacDougal: Without citing a source, George A. King III at the Post says that the Yankees may consider Mike MacDougal as an option as they fill out the bullpen. The pitcher will need to be non-tendered by the Nationals for that to happen and Jayson Stark reports that there is a "good chance" that that will happen. He was 1-1 with 20 saves and 1 blown save and a 3.60 ERA in 52 games with Washington last season. He started the year with the White Sox and was 0-0 with a 12.46 ERA in 5 games before being let go. Via Dierkes.
Johnny Damon: Sports Illustrated's Jon Heyman says that the Yankees are expected to offer Johnny Damon "about" $20 million over two years. If that doesn't work, the team could turn to Mike Cameron, Jermaine Dye or maybe Marlon Byrd. Via Ben Kabak.
Kelvim Escobar: Finally, Sherman reports that the Yankees and Mets both have checked in with Kelvim Escobar, who may attempt to demonstrate his health in Venezuela this month. Via Joseph Pawlikowski.
Rob A from BBD wrote: