Player's Mov'in And Shak'in the News

Jake Peavy SP Padres
The Boston Globe reports that the Red Sox have "some" interest in Jake Peavy, but have "not entertained any substantive trade talks" with the Padres.
Boston isn't on Peavy's approved list of teams, so but the newspaper speculates that could change now that talks with Atlanta and Chicago have broken down.
Source: Boston Globe


Mike Lowell 3B Red Sox

According to the Boston Globe, the Red Sox "would likely spin Mike Lowell to another team" if they sign Mark Teixeira.

Lowell has two years and $24 million remaining on his deal, but is a question mark following October hip surgery.
Source: Boston Globe


Mark Teixeira 1B Angels

The Boston Globe reports that "two general managers who were involved in the Mark Teixeira talks both felt the Red Sox had a leg up."

One general manager said that the Red Sox "have the highest offer on the table" and indicated that Boston's unwillingness to give Teixeira a 10-year contract won't be an issue because "no one's going there." The newspaper notes that the Red Sox don't really have a Plan B if Teixeira signs elsewhere, so they'd be left "with an offense pretty much like the one that ended the season." Of course, they scored the second-most runs in the league last season with 845, including 4.9 runs per game with Manny Ramirez and 5.8 runs per game after trading him.
Source: Boston Globe


Rafael Furcal SS Dodgers

According to the Los Angeles Times, Rafael Furcal will be guaranteed $30 million in his three-year deal with the Dodgers.

Furcal will make $6.5 million in 2009, $8.5 million in 2010 and $12 million in 2011, with a $3 million deferred signing bonus that he'll receive when the contract expires. The deal also includes a $12 million option for 2012 that vests if Furcal has 600 plate appearances in 2011. Braves general manager Frank Wren said Wednesday that he "reached an agreement" with Furcal before he backed out of the deal to return to the Dodgers. Asked about his relationship with Furcal's representatives, Wren said: "That bridge is gone. I don't have to worry about burning it. The bridge is gone."
Source: Los Angeles Times


Offseason player rankings


MLB.com's 2009 player rankings are geared toward standard 5x5 mixed leagues, which feature five hitting statistics (R, AVG, HR, RBIs, SB) and five pitching statistics (W, ERA, WHIP, SV, Ks). Players are listed at positions where they played 10 or more games in 2008. Factors such as track record, upside, age, health and surrounding cast were all considered in determining each player's value. Updates will be made throughout the offseason.

Rankings as of Dec. 17, 2008

MLB.com/Rankings