Winter Meetings:

i think that because we have Figgins playing 3B, everybody assumes that every possible available 3B is on our radar.

don’t read into it.

I think it’s funny that the Mets are offering a three-year deal to Frankie, which is what the Angels offered over a year ago (3-years, $34 mil). Suck it, Frankie.

Here’s an interesting note, from MLBTR:

“Also, ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick notes that the Tigers considered trading for Angels catcher Mike Napoli before they acquired Laird. The price for Napoli was too high.”

I wonder who the Ninja asked for in return. Any speculation?

That the Tigers have MUCH to offer outside of Rick Porcello, who’d never be exchanged for Naps.

I don’t think we’re in a position to be trading Napoli at all, as Mathis has proven he’s not a starting MLB catcher.

Peavy on Angels’ radar

08:34 AM ET
Don’t discount the Angels as a player for Jake Peavy, with the chips – young shortstop Brandon Wood, righty Ervin Santana – to give to San Diego. They’d love to use Chone Figgins as their Tony Phillips, playing various positions, so Colorado third baseman Garrett Atkins could be on the radar. Catcher Jeff Mathis is trade bait.

Boston Globe

I don’t see the Angels giving up Santana, but you never know. What does the Boston Globe know anyway?

Rays interested in JR

JR would have been a nice, inexpensive option in LF for the Angels. Due to the leg injury and limited playing time, he probably only gets a 2-year deal worth about six to eight million dollars (total, not per year).

http://www.metsblog.com/2008/12/08/relief-pitcher-mets-offer-k-rod-a-2-yr-deal/

Mets offered a 2-year, $12 mil/per deal.

http://www.fannation.com/si_blogs/hot_stove/posts/30643-teams-asking-about-rangers-young

I thought it was kind of bizarre…I just dont see the Angels trading good, young pitching within the division and the Rangers trading Michael Young to 08 AL West Champs. Maybe they are thinking of a more permanent move of B Wood to 3B? Trade bait for middle infield? This week is such a great teaser for getting amped up for the Spring!

LAS VEGAS – He is a decision-maker for a team that wants to be in the mix for free agent Mark Teixeira, but he has no illusions regarding the chances that Teixeira will sign with his team.

"I think he’ll sign with the Red Sox," the official said. "They want him. They have a good relationship with [agent Scott] Boras, and in the end, they have the dollars to make it happen."

I hate this

Gammons on Manny

3. How can Scott Boras ask for more than two years for Manny Ramirez?
That’s what Manny wanted when he wanted out of his Boston contract, and while one might wonder about Ramirez’s losing interest, the fact is that he is in better shape now than he was when he signed with the Red Sox. His work at Athletes’ Performance Institute last winter was legendary (API was closed for the week between Christmas and New Year’s and he got a key to get in and do his work), and right now he’s at the API/Dr. James Andrews facility in Gulf Breeze, Fla. “The work Manny did for his core and his agility completely changed him,” says former North Carolina coach Mike Roberts, who oversees much of the baseball-related operations for API. “It is amazing what he’s done for his body.”

One of Manny’s best baseball friends says he believes he will stay focused, especially if he could get to a place like Anaheim. “Right now he’s really obsessed with 600 homers (Ramirez has 527), and when he gets to 600, he may get obsessed with 700.”

don’t kill the messenger:

from espn

“…Ibanez also is on the radar screen of the Braves and Angels. But the Braves have their pursuit of all their outfield options on hold until they find out whether they can sign pitcher A.J. Burnett. And the Angels would pursue Ibanez only if they fail to land their primary offensive target, Mark Teixeira.”