Hot Rumors Take the Chill off Winter

Jason Michael Barker

The weather outside may be frightful, but what better to heat up the winter than some poppin' fresh off-season rumors? And we promise not to dwell on Roger Clemens. Too much.

We begin in Boston, where LF/1B Gregg Jefferies has expressed interest in playing next season. Jefferies, traded to Anaheim late last season, would fit right in with Boston's weak-hitting outfield. Speaking of outfielders, Rickey Henderson's days in Oakland are over with the A's signing of Tony Phillips. Seattle and the Mets have both been in pursuit of Henderson, although New York is the favorite at this point thanks to their willingness to offer him more than a one-year deal.

When Delino DeShields fled to Baltimore, the Cards were left with a gaping hole at 2B, and they don't appear ready to give the job to one of their numerous middle infield prospects. St. Louis may be interested in Carlos Baerga, who spent the last two-plus seasons with the Mets. Someone mentioned Joey Cora, but we laughed at him. Another possibility is Milwaukee's Fernando Viña, who has asked GM Sal Bando for a trade. With top prospect Ronnie Belliard waiting in the wings and ready for the bigs, Viña has become an expendable member of the Brew Crew.

Desperate for pitching help, the Marlins and Devil Rays are both considering signing Orel Hershiser, who has expressed interest in finishing out his career somewhere near his Florida home. "The Bulldog" needs just ten victories to reach 200 for his career, and despite his age (40 last September) he's still capable of pitching 200 solid innings.

Another chiseled veteran, C Terry Steinbach, is being courted by the Chicago White Sox, who are looking for a tutor for their two young receivers, Josh Paul and Robert Machado. It's estimated that the venerable Steinbach could account for nearly 3% of the offense the Sox lost in Albert Belle and Robin Ventura.

The Reds are contemplating signing 3B Tim Naehring, who was not offered a contract by the Red Sox. Naehring, who was born in Cincinnati, has not played since undergoing elbow surgery 17 months ago, but has a good bat and a solid glove. The Reds' other option at third is Aaron Boone, younger brother of the recently departed Bret Boone.

The biggest trade talk this offseason is, of course, Roger Clemens. With a deal now inevitable, the only questions remaining are what team, and when. Currently the list of suitors includes Texas, Houston, Cleveland, and the Yankees, while Baltimore, who lost out on free-agent Kevin Brown, may re-enter the bidding. With so much interest in the five-time Cy Young winner yet no trade, one wonders if GM Gord Ash is holding out for too much in return. Ash is also shopping P Woody Williams and OF Jose Cruz Jr. to anyone who will listen, with Seattle rumored to be interested in Cruz.

The Mariners are also reportedly interested in Chad Curtis of the Yankees, in an effort to solidify a shaky outfield which currently consists of Ken Griffey Jr. and a cast of thousands. Meanwhile, the Yanks are trying to move 3B prospect Mike Lowell, blocked by the re-signing of Scott Brosius. Seattle needs a third baseman, New York has an extra one... hmm.

Boston is also in the rumor news, with GM Dan Duquette looking to add an outfielder and a starting pitcher. The two names which have popped up are Montreal's Rondell White and Kansas City's Kevin Appier. While the Royals would love to rid themselves of Appier's $5M salary, Montreal GM Jim Beattie seems content to hold on to White until an overwhelming offer comes along.

The expansion clubs are in the rumors as well. With their recent free-agent signings (Randy Johnson, Armando Reynoso, Todd Stottlemyre), Arizona finds itself with a glut of starting pitchers. They'd like to move either Brian Anderson or Omar Daal for help in the outfield, although it will be hard to find enough production to offset the signing of Steve Finley.

Meanwhile, Tampa Bay's signing of Jose Canseco sees the Rays with an overabundance of DH-types: Paul Sorrento, Fred McGriff, and Canseco. There's talk of moving Sorrento to RF, which frankly seems silly. If the move doesn't work out, look for either he or McGriff to be shopped.

Finally, SS Barry Larkin has once again asked to be traded, and this time there's a list: Los Angeles, Texas, St. Louis, San Diego, and the Cubs. The Mets are also interested, but Larkin hasn't given the OK for a trade to New York. Larkin's list has problems, though -- LA already has Mark Grudzielanek, Texas just re-signed Royce Clayton, and San Diego re-signed Chris Gomez. While Larkin is clearly better than any of those players, there are obstacles to his being traded to those teams.

Oh, and the Braves are trying to move LF Ryan Klesko, but that's hardly new news.

about the author

Jason Michael Barker heard a rumor too, but for some reason he's holding out on us. He might be willing to pass it along if you ask nicely when you email him, but don't hold your breath.