12/6/11

Hot Stove: - Heath Bell, Yoenis Cespedes, Manny Ramirez, Jerry Hairston Jr., Matt Capps


Heath Bell - 3 years, $27M - So, if you believe rumors, and why wouldn't you, they're always true, it appears that the Marlins are going to be signing EVERYONE. You may not want to leave your phone unattended. But, the first notch on their tax-payer funded stadium's over the top dancing dolphin shrine will not be Jose Reyes or Albert Pujols but Heath Bell. Picture this: It's Opening Day. BoonDoogle Stadium is filled to capacity. Kids are clutching their parents legs. They beg. Beg their parents to buy them a brand new, rainbow infused #21 jersey of their favorite closer Heath Bell.  Then you realize Jeffery Loria must be on drugs if he thinks any of aforementioned dream will come true. Alas, Bell should have some good fantasy value. Though, be cautious as he is supported by led footed defenders and will no longer be in PETCO park. Too bad, I hear they have fantastic fish tacos. http://bullpenbanter.com

The chase for outfielder Yoenis Cespedes: That won’t be decided this week because the 26-year-old Cuban defector, already hailed as a franchise talent, is establishing his residency in the Dominican Republic. But Cespedes should be on the market prior to spring training, and industry insiders suggest he might command a $50 million package. The Red Sox, Nationals and Tigers seem the most-serious suitors, but the Marlins, Yankees, Pirates, Phillies, Cubs, Orioles, A’s, Indians and Blue Jays are also showing interest. http://www.kansascity.com/2011/12/03/3300205/10-things-to-watch-at-baseballs.html#ixzz1fbijmN2n

But what team would be interested in a potential distraction like Manny Ramirez? He'll be a DH, for sure. You can eliminate 16 teams right away, as the only way Manny should be in the field is if MLB grants an exemption to let him play left field with Pat Burrell at the same time. One can be true-left field, and the other can be shading-left field. Also, they'd each be strapped with explosives that went off if they ran into each other. Also also, every one of their games would be on pay-per-view. Baseball would be more interesting if I were commissioner. http://mlb.sbnation.com/2011/12/5/2612599/manny-ramirez-free-agent-rumors-rays

Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com reports that the Dodgers have signed Jerry Hairston Jr. to a two-year, $6 million contract. The deal also includes some incentives. Hairston is a fine utility player, but that's a pretty big chunk of change for him. He'll back up at second base, shortstop, third base and all three outfield positions and would be an option to start at short if it turns out that Dee Gordon needs some more seasoning. Hairston, 35, batted .270/.344/.383 with five home runs and 31 RBI over 376 plate appearances with Washington and Milwaukee this season. http://www.rotoworld.com/headlines/mlb/346242/baseball-headlines?r=1

Jon Heyman of SI.com reports that Matt Capps has re-signed with the Twins on a one-year deal that includes an option for 2013. It's not clear if the Twins plan on using him as their closer, but he would probably be the top in-house option at this point. Capps posted a disappointing 4.25 ERA, nine blown saves and a 34/13 K/BB ratio over 65 2/3 innings in 2011, but he's just a year removed from an All-Star season. Giving him a year plus an option isn't a bad move if the financials are reasonable. http://www.rotoworld.com/headlines/mlb/346242/baseball-headlines?r=1

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