Post by Troy (Cubs) (LM) on Jan 12, 2014 3:41:17 GMT
Rumors and Rumbings Around the League: 1/11/14
By: Clayton Meder and Troy Cavell - [9:44 PM, EST]
Uproar in LA
- Dodger ownership is not happy with current General Manager Jesse McCourt, and the start to his tenure in Los Angeles. Magic Johnson and co. were not happy to see high priced superstars leave in Adrian Gonzalez, Matt Kemp, and Zack Grienke. New ownership made it a point that they were here to win at any cost, with the signing and trading for many high priced players. That is the exact opposite strategy new GM McCourt has taken thus far, as he has dealt most hefty salaries, and has loaded up on prospects. The Dodgers appear headed for a mediocre season in 2014, barring an unforeseen splash in the free agent, or trade market. But with a deep farm system and a core of Kershaw, Medlen, Puig, and Hanley, they appear set for the future.
- In other Dodger news, the team has been pushing Cameron Maybin hard to teams seeking outfield help. Maybin is owed 7.25 million through 2016, with an option for 2017. Any trade involving Maybin would be considered a gamble. The former can't miss prospect has yet to find his bat, with a career .248 average, and he only played in 14 games in 2013 due to injury.
Free Agency Frenzy
- Many notable free agents have agreed to terms early in the stages of the offseason. Jose Dariel Abreu signed the biggest deal of the offseason thus far, at 18M a season in Houston. However, it may not be long before that gets surpassed, as Robinson Cano reportedly has 26M a year offer from Miami, with Texas right in the mix. The Mets may be a log shot as well, but spent 13M a year on Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez, hampering their financial flexibility. The Masahiro Tanaka sweepstakes will soon begin, as he announced that he will sign at the end of this month. The Cubs, Astros, Rangers, Marlins, Mets, White Sox and Dodgers are all interested suitors.