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Thanksgiving is that special time of year to load up on turkey, wash it down with wine and devour all the rumors, gossip and scintillating buzz around baseball.
I understand if it’s the most exertion you can muster as the week progresses.
In any case, what follows is the latest scuttlebutt around MLB circles. So arm yourself with a figurative knife and fork and dig right in.
Last Updated: November 26, 2015 at 1:53 p.m. ET
November 26, 2015
- The Ben Zobrist market continues to be akin to a congested bazaar where everyone clamors for one item. Jon Heyman has the latest with the Cardinals still eager to nab the versatile player: "The Cardinals have reached out to Ben Zobrist, sources say.While there are said to be as many as 20 teams in the mix, they are believed to be among the more interested teams, as they love his versatility, especially on the infield."
- Ozuna is going. He's not going. He's going. He's not going. As of the most recent reports, he isn't all that close to departing Miami. Joe Frisaro states: "Marlins outfielder Marcell Ozuna is garnering plenty of trade interest from a number of teams, but no deal is considered imminent, according to a source."
- Pedro Alvarez would like to take his bat elsewhere. Heyman reports: "Pedro Alvarez, seeking a change of scenery, has told folks he believes this is the right time for a trade. And the Pirates probably would agree if they can find the right trade partner."
November 25, 2015
- Buster Olney states the Red Sox have a giant mound of cash with David Price's name on it (convenient) if the star wants it: "Among some executives involved in the David Price bidding, there is an expectation that the Boston Red Sox will generate the highest offer for the left-handed pitcher."
- Jerry Crasnick chimes in with offseason eager beavers the Seattle Mariners: "The Mariners are working on a trade to acquire Marlins OF Marcell Ozuna, according to MLB sources." Clark Spencer follows the assertion with some specifics: "And two pitchers the Marlins could be looking at are LH Roenis Elias and RH Nate Karns, per sources."
November 24, 2015
- The Angels like their leather. According to Fox Sports’ Jon Paul Morosi, the team has eyes on acquiring Jason Heyward: “The Angels aren’t ruling out a pursuit of free agent Jason Heyward, sources tell Ken Rosenthal and me. And if the Angels sign Heyward, they’d likely move Kole Calhoun from right field to left.”
That would be a ridiculous arsenal of corner outfielders, however Morosi measures things a bit: “It’s important to note the Angels are only in the preliminary stages of their search for an everyday outfielder. But Heyward is among the many possibilities for new general manager Billy Eppler.” - That Ben Zobrist is so hot right now:
Heard at least 11 teams have shown considerable interest in FA INF/OF Ben Zobrist but that #Angels and #Dodgers are not among them.
— Mike DiGiovanna (@MikeDiGiovanna) November 25, 2015
- Per Ken Rosenthal, the Giants are good and interested in John Lackey: "Add
#SFGiants to list of teams interested in Lackey, per sources. Giants, like most clubs seeking pitching, examining wide range of options." This follows an earlier report from the Boston Globe's Nick Cafardo: "The Cardinals may feel they’ve gotten the best out of Lackey, but they have kept their toes in the water. The Red Sox also inquired, but their priority is finding an ace. Lackey wants to stay in the NL, and the Cubs and Giants may have the best shot of signing him."
- If you were heading to the market and needed a Mark Trumbo, it seems one may be available. Jerry Crasnick tweets: "Several rival execs said they expect #Mariners GM Jerry Dipoto to trade Mark Trumbo this winter. Another bat on the market." Crasnick continues, "Trumbo is expected to make about $9M in 2016. Huge power, but not a great fit in Dipoto's revamp of #Mariners roster."
- Lastly, you can close the book on that Robinson Cano melodrama, for the moment at least. MLB.com reports: "Mariners general manager Jerry Dipoto refuted a report in The New York Daily News on Monday that second baseman Robinson Cano is unhappy and wants out of Seattle, saying the situation is 'quite the opposite' after speaking with one of Cano's agents."
