As most of you already know the Detroit Tigers have sent Prince Fielder packing to the Texas Rangers in exchange for infielder Ian Kinsler. According to various reports, the deal came together relatively quickly. These reports indicate that the two sides had initial conversations Tuesday afternoon.
Detroit is attempting to clear up payroll in order to sign Max Scherzer to a long-term contract. General manager Dave Dombrowski had the following to say immediately after the deal was announced...
"It makes it (Scherzer deal) perhaps more possible. As we've talked about in the past, we have a lot of stars on our club, They're well paid stars and under any circumstances, even with an owner like Mike Ilitch, you can only be in a position where you have so many of those types of players," Dombrowski told reporters on this evening's conference call. "Does it make it probable? I can''t say that. But it makes it more possible going forward."
The Tigers figure to move MVP Miguel Cabrera to first place with Nick Castellanos taking his spot at third. Detroit still may look for a cheaper power bat to replace Fielder, who hit 55 homers and drove in 214 in his two seasons with the team.
As it relates to the Rangers, they have been aggressively looking at finding a middle-of-the-order bat. Fielder fits that to a T and will immediately provide protection for Adrian Beltre in the middle of the lineup. It also enables Texas to get youngster Jurickson Profar regular playing time. The Rangers are said to still be looking at more power-hitting options, including both Carlos Beltran and Nelson Cruz.
The Kansas City Royals have joined the Toronto Blue Jays in the bidding for Oakland Athletics' righty Brett Anderson, who is said to be available via trade. Anderson, once thought of as a can't-miss prospect, has dealt with numerous injuries in Oakland and is coming off a subpar 2013 season that saw him tally 1-4 record with an ERA over six.
The San Diego Padres signed Josh Johnson to a one-year contract worth about $8 million. It's pretty much a prove-it deal for the injury-riddle, but talented starting pitcher. Johnson started 16 games for the Blue Jays last season, going 2-8 with a 6.00 ERA. He has only started 30-plus games three times in his nine-year MLB career. Johnson is one year removed from posting a sub-four ERA for the Miami Marlins and just four years removed from posting a then NL-leading 2.30 ERA. The 29-year-old righty will look to up his value in a pitcher-friendly ballpark before hitting the open market next season in hopes of a long-term deal.
The New York Post reports that the Yankees are indeed interested in bringing back outfielder Curtis Granderson, who is coming off an injury-plaged campaign that saw him appear in just 61 games. Despite this apparent interest, New York is making a strong play for St. Louis Cardinals power hitter Carlos Beltran, who had another stellar season in 2013. It remains to be seen whether the Yankees and Granderson can get on the same page as it relates to where his value currently stands.
Despite signing Tim Hudson to a two-year, $23 million contract earlier in the week, the San Francisco Giants are apparently interested in signing Bronson Arroyo. With Barry Zito likely departing after his option was not picked up, general manager Brian Sabean seems to be looking for more reinforcements. The Giants already have Matt Cain, Madison Bumgarner, Tim Lincecum and Hudson all etched in stone as starters in 2014.
The interesting dynamic here is that San Francisco really hasn't been linked to any hitters. Considering that it struggled big time on offense last year, that's a major surprise.
Former Toronto Blue Jays and St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Chris Carpenter called it a career on Wednesday. The 15-year veteran finishes his career with four All-Star appearances and one Cy Young Award. He won 144 games, including a career-best 21 back in 2005.
The New York Mets have expressed interest in Phil Hughes, who has spent his entire career with the cross-town Yankees. New York joins the likes of the Oakland Athletics and Kansas City Royals as potential suitors for his services.
Speaking of Oakland, it remains committed to upgrading the outfield. Billy Beane's team is currently in the mix with Rangers outfielder Nelson Cruz, who might be the next big chip to fall on the free-agent market. Oakland is joined by the Seattle Mariners, Royals and Rangers as potential landing spots for Cruz, who served a 50-game suspension this past season for PED use.