MLB Rumors

MLB.com put some clarification on rumors that the Brewers could relocate to Orlando, Florida. 

Brewers vice president of communications Tyler Barnes said that speculation is absolutely false.

"The reporter or whoever else is putting that out there should do his homework," Barnes said. "It's irresponsible. We just finished ninth in attendance, we have one of the best ballparks in baseball and an owner who is totally committed to the [Milwaukee] area."


The rumors started after an Orlando political candidate, Armando Gutierrez, started another effort to bring a baseball team to central Florida.  The St. Petersburg Times suggests the Rays will also come up in that conversation. 

An SI.com report from Saturday suggests the Yankees have given Johnny Damon a deadline to decide whether he wants to come back for less money.  According to the report, Damon had the weekend to rethink things.  The deal was for a few million guaranteed.

However, the chances are still slim Damon will re-sign so look for the club to move on one of the remaining free agents if Damon declines.

According to a report in Michigan Live , Tigers' GM Dave Dombrowski is leaning toward using left-hander Phil Coke, obtained from the New York Yankees in the Curtis Granderson-Edwin Jackson deal, as the fifth starter behind Justin Verlander, Rick Porcello, Max Scherzer and Jeremy Bonderman.

"I think he’ll get the chance to lengthen out his arm and compete for the fifth spot," said Dombrowski, adding Coke still could end up in the bullpen.

Starting makes sense for Coke if Joel Zumaya remains healthy and joins Bobby Seay and Ryan Perry in late-inning relief.

The Pioneer Press speculates now that the Twins have dealt with all the arbitration-eligible players, they could be on to negotiations with Joe Mauer.  However, insiders say there have been no serious talks yet.

Jeff Wilson, special contributor to te Dallas Morning News , reports that only final details remain in an agreement for sale of the Rangers to a a group of investors which includes Pittsburgh sports attorney Chuck Greenberg and team president Nolan Ryan. Wilson also said his sources revealed the deal should be complete with days. 

The group is believed to include Dallas billionaire Ray Davis in addition to Tom Hicks.

Former All-Star closer Eric Gagne told a French Canadian radio station that he has a tryout with the Phillies in Arizona, as reported by the Philadelphia Daily News .

Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. did not respond to two attempts for comment.

Amaro previously said the Phillies would continue to look for low-risk, high-reward players to bolster a bullpen that struggled with injuries and inconsistency last season.

Gagne told reporters earlier this offseason that he would accept a nonguaranteed, minor league contract.

Earlier this offseason, Albert Pujols said the Cardinals should first address Matt Holliday before turning attention to his deal.  However, the St. Louis Post-Dispach reports that Pujols' stance has changed slightly.

The three-time NL Most Valuable Player insists he remains in no hurry to discuss a long-term contract extension and is open to the possibility of pursuing free agency after the 2011 season.

Pujols said, "Right now, we've got a couple years. I don't need to worry about that right now. Right now, my job is to let my agent do the talking. We're open to talking about it. But I tell you: When the season starts, we're not talking about it."

According to the Baltimore Sun , Orioles president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail remains more focused on adding another third baseman to the team's corner infield mix, increasing the likelihood that he could sign either Joe Crede or have a reunion with Miguel Tejada.

The Orioles signed Garrett Atkins last month partially because of his ability to play either third or first, but MacPhail reiterated that the organization's plans for Atkins haven't changed -- to have him stay at first.

"Crede is an option, but in our view, he's not the only option," MacPhail said. "We've primarily talked to free-agent [third basemen]. We're not completely out of the trade business, and we're still also very much involved in the first base market as well."