December 13, 2004
Walton’s Wanderings
By Brian Walton
Walt extending for Edgar?
Joe Strauss of the P-D is expecting the Cardinals to either increase the value of the four-year deal offered to Edgar Renteria or add an option for a fifth year. But, one of Renteria’s two agents has already left the meetings, indicating that a deal is not near. Implied was the $38 million mark for four years or a fifth-year guarantee is what is desired. Peter Gammons identified Seattle and Detroit as other serious suitors, making bigger offers than St. Louis. The Angels are no longer interested. Lack of conclusion with the Renteria situation seems to be limiting other actions on the part of Jocketty.
More deferred money?
Strauss speculates that Jason Isringhausen and perhaps others will be asked to defer more money to free up room for Edgar. He also notes Izzy’s deferral offer will probably also affect his 2006 option, implying it could be guaranteed now.
Matheny gone
The P-D reports that Mike Matheny has agreed to a three-year, $9 million contract with the Giants and is en route to San Francisco for a Monday announcement.
Revised Hudson offer
The Cards are allegedly pushing Jeff Suppan, Rick Ankiel and Kiko Calero. The A’s reportedly prefer Jason Marquis, Dan Haren or Ankiel plus catching prospect Daric Barton. As a result, it seems the two sides are not close.
Burnett a new entrant
The Miami Herald links pitcher A.J. Burnett to the Cardinals – along with the Yankees, Red Sox, Tigers and Diamondbacks. The latter deal would be yet another variation of the three-way deal with the Yankees getting Randy Johnson.
Yearning for Yan?
The Anaheim Angels are “on the verge” of signing Esteban Yan to a two-year contract for about $3 million says the LA Times. Unbelievable.
Manny on the block again
Various news services state the Red Sox are again trying to trade outfielder Manny Ramirez, this time to the Mets, ostensibly to free up money to acquire other players. Does this have any impact on the Renteria situation? One version of the story has shortstop Kaz Matsui involved. The Mets might get on Renteria if they move Matsui.
Milton maybe not a Yankee
Eric Milton is not leaping at the three-year, $21 million contract proposed by the New York Yankees. As a result, they may pull the offer. Milton wants $8 million per. Eric, take it, man.
Boras cooking deals
Agent Scott Boras is under increasing criticism that not only are his clients not signing, but they are slowing the overall market. His response in the Detroit News is that he expects one or two of his clients to be signed by the end of the day Monday. That could mean Michigan native Derek Lowe or J.D. Drew, to whom the Tigers have already offered $9 million per year. Rotoworld speculates one of them is Kevin Millwood, who would sign an incentive-laden one year deal with either the Cardinals or Braves. Matthew Leach reports that Boras’ Sunday meeting with the Cards was a “full roster evaluation”, but got no specifics.
