10/31/11

Hot Stove: - Chien-Ming Wang, Davey Johnson, Paul Maholm, Fausto Carmona, Derek Lee


Rizzo confirmed that the team had been discussing a deal to bring Chien-Ming Wang back to D.C., though he said clearly, "I wouldn't describe it as imminent or close, but we're still communicating and we still have a mutual interest for Chien-Ming to sign with the Nationals." As for the other free agents, the Nats' GM explained that decisions would be made on their futures, "When we get a manager, when our coaching staff is on board, we'll discuss it with them and see which direction we want to go, not only with those two, but with the rest of the ballclub and how to construct the roster."

GM Mike Rizzo: - After a series of discussions, it became obvious that the Nationals would be best served if Davey Johnson would continue as manager.  Davey’s remarkable connection to the clubhouse and D.C. community during the season’s final three months was well received. His baseball acumen coupled with a proper off-season of planning, including a full regiment of Spring Training, should put our players in a position to succeed in 2012.

Pirates declined LHP Paul Maholm's $9.75 million option for 2012. Maholm posted a solid 3.66 ERA and 1.29 WHIP in 26 starts this season, but he eventually had to be shut down with a shoulder strain and there's some concern about his ability to repeat such a high quality stat line in 2012. The 29-year-old left-hander should draw multiple bids on the open market this winter. http://www.rotoworld.com/headlines/mlb/344699/baseball-headlines?r=1

Indians exercised RHP Fausto Carmona's $7 million option for 2012. Carmona posted a rough 5.25 ERA and 1.40 WHIP in 32 starts this season, but the Indians will take the $7 million risk and hope that he bounces back in 2012. The right-hander has the talent to turn it around. - http://www.rotoworld.com/headlines/mlb/344705/baseball-headlines?r=1

We have our first trade of the 2011-12 offseason!  The Indians acquired Derek Lowe from the Braves, tweets John Kreger.  The Braves will pay all but $5MM of Lowe's $15MM salary, tweets ESPN's Buster Olney.  Olney says the Braves will receive 23-year-old High-A lefty reliever Chris Jones in return for Lowe - http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2011/10/indians-acquire-derek-lowe.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

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