Friday, December 15, 2006

Wells offered $120 million extension by Toronto Blue Jays

All-Star center fielder Vernon Wells was offered a contract extension worth more than $120 million making it the sixth-largest contract in baseball history. The general manager of the Toronto Blue Jays, J.P. Ricciardi, would not give a specific amount as to how much the extention would be worth but did say it will be between $126 million to $136 million and would extend seven or eight years.


If they cannot reach an agreement, the Blue Jays might trade Wells, but Ricciardi didn't give any details on when he wanted to finish the deal.

Thursday, December 14, 2006

Daisuke Matsuzaka agreed to a six-year contrat with the Red Sox

Matsuzaka signed a six year contract with the Boston Red Sox worth $52 million Wednesday afternoon. The pitcher has high expectations from the Red Sox; scouts from the organization seen Daisuke play dozens of times; they say, "He has plus stuff across the board" and a 96 mph fastball that tops off his arsenal. While Boston is optimistic for this import, Matsuzaka is not the most major-league ready player to come out of Japan. On the other hand, Daisuke arrived in Japanese professional baseball like LeBron James did in the NBA. It will be interesting on how Daisuke Matsuzaka will impact the Boston Red Sox next season.

Wednesday, December 13, 2006

Matsuzaka possible to play for Red Sox
Matsuzaka may be able to play for the Red Sox as early as next season. The star pitcher for Seibu Lions reportedly is flying to Boston, a good sign that both Daisuke Matsuzaka and the Red Sox have reached an agreement. An official with knowledge of the negotiations said, "You should assume a deal is close or done."

A few days prior, Scott Boras would not allow Matsuzaka to take a physical unless both the pitcher and Boston had reached a preliminary agreement. The MLB team has a deadline of midnight Thursday to reach an agreement.

The Red Sox bid $51.1 million last month for the rights to negotiate with Matsuzaka. If Matsuzaka and Boston reaches a deal, the bid will be paid to the Seibu Lions of Japan. If they do not reach a deal, Matsuzaka will not be eligible until he becomes a free agent next November.

Tuesday, December 12, 2006

Gagne reaches an early agreement with the Rangers

Eric Gagne the reliever for the LA Dodgers has reached an agreement Tuesday with the Texas Rangers on a one-year contract worth about six million dollars. While there is no official announcement, a person familiar with the negotiations has confirmed the agreement. The deal will give Gagne the opportunity to earn around five million more in performance bonuses.

Eric Gagne became the closer for the LA Dodgers in 2002. He had 52 saves and an ERA of 1.97 in 77 games that he closed for the Dodgers that year. The 2003 season, Eric won the Cy Young Award presented to the best pitcher of the season. In 2004, he saved 45 games.

Gagne became a free agent last month when the LA Dodgers declined his twelve million dollar option for 2007.