Baseball Guru
12-16-2004, 04:55 PM
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/sfl-marlins16dec16,0,7624076.story?coll=sfla-sports-front
By Juan C. Rodriguez
Staff Writer
Posted December 16 2004
If Tim Hudson does not open the season in the Marlins rotation, A.J. Burnett will.
According to teams that have spoken with the Marlins, they are interested in trading Burnett only if they can acquire Hudson from the Oakland Athletics. The Marlins are exploring various multiteam scenarios in which they would move Burnett to a club that would in turn ship players to the Athletics.
"At this point, it's no more than talks," said one baseball official familiar with the discussions.
The Marlins were approached during the winter meetings about Burnett, who has one more year of arbitration before qualifying for free agency. Once word spread that the Marlins were receptive to offers, five other teams expressed interest.
Like Burnett, Hudson is eligible for free agency after 2005. He has said that if an extension with the Athletics isn't in place by March 1, he will play out the season and file for free agency. An Auburn product and resident of Apollo Beach, south of Tampa, Hudson's suitors include the Braves, Red Sox, Dodgers and Orioles.
If none of those teams can strike a deal directly with the Athletics, that's where Burnett comes into the equation. The Red Sox and Orioles are among the clubs that spoke with the Marlins about Burnett. If Hudson is beyond their reach, perhaps they would take Burnett and send players to the Athletics in a three-way deal.
After acquiring second baseman Keith Ginter from the Brewers on Wednesday, the Athletics now require a starter and a reliever as part of a package for Hudson.
The Athletics wouldn't be interested in Burnett because they likely would lose him after one season. They covet right-hander Erik Bedard, who the Orioles might be more willing to move if they were granted a 72-hour window to negotiate an extension with Hudson.
Athletics General Manager Billy Beane would not accommodate that request, but the Marlins might not object with Burnett. If the Orioles came to terms with Burnett on a multi-year deal, they would be more inclined to move Bedard and other players to the Athletics, who would send Hudson to Florida.
Such a scenario requires the Marlins to part with some prospects as well. The only one considered untouchable is outfielder Jeremy Hermida.
If Hudson ends up elsewhere, the Marlins are prepared to start the season with Burnett in the rotation.
"There are worse things than having A.J. as your No. 1 starter," said one National League talent evaluator who has spoken with the Marlins, adding they might entertain multi-year opportunities with Burnett once they have exhausted their pursuit of Hudson.
CATCHING ON
The Marlins are discussing a multiyear contract with arbitration-eligible catcher Paul Lo Duca. Though they gave brief consideration to jettisoned left-handed hitting Giants catcher A.J. Pierzynski, they have reservations about his defense.
By Juan C. Rodriguez
Staff Writer
Posted December 16 2004
If Tim Hudson does not open the season in the Marlins rotation, A.J. Burnett will.
According to teams that have spoken with the Marlins, they are interested in trading Burnett only if they can acquire Hudson from the Oakland Athletics. The Marlins are exploring various multiteam scenarios in which they would move Burnett to a club that would in turn ship players to the Athletics.
"At this point, it's no more than talks," said one baseball official familiar with the discussions.
The Marlins were approached during the winter meetings about Burnett, who has one more year of arbitration before qualifying for free agency. Once word spread that the Marlins were receptive to offers, five other teams expressed interest.
Like Burnett, Hudson is eligible for free agency after 2005. He has said that if an extension with the Athletics isn't in place by March 1, he will play out the season and file for free agency. An Auburn product and resident of Apollo Beach, south of Tampa, Hudson's suitors include the Braves, Red Sox, Dodgers and Orioles.
If none of those teams can strike a deal directly with the Athletics, that's where Burnett comes into the equation. The Red Sox and Orioles are among the clubs that spoke with the Marlins about Burnett. If Hudson is beyond their reach, perhaps they would take Burnett and send players to the Athletics in a three-way deal.
After acquiring second baseman Keith Ginter from the Brewers on Wednesday, the Athletics now require a starter and a reliever as part of a package for Hudson.
The Athletics wouldn't be interested in Burnett because they likely would lose him after one season. They covet right-hander Erik Bedard, who the Orioles might be more willing to move if they were granted a 72-hour window to negotiate an extension with Hudson.
Athletics General Manager Billy Beane would not accommodate that request, but the Marlins might not object with Burnett. If the Orioles came to terms with Burnett on a multi-year deal, they would be more inclined to move Bedard and other players to the Athletics, who would send Hudson to Florida.
Such a scenario requires the Marlins to part with some prospects as well. The only one considered untouchable is outfielder Jeremy Hermida.
If Hudson ends up elsewhere, the Marlins are prepared to start the season with Burnett in the rotation.
"There are worse things than having A.J. as your No. 1 starter," said one National League talent evaluator who has spoken with the Marlins, adding they might entertain multi-year opportunities with Burnett once they have exhausted their pursuit of Hudson.
CATCHING ON
The Marlins are discussing a multiyear contract with arbitration-eligible catcher Paul Lo Duca. Though they gave brief consideration to jettisoned left-handed hitting Giants catcher A.J. Pierzynski, they have reservations about his defense.