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 |  | |  | | | | Michael Silverman of the Boston Herald reports that the Red Sox have expressed interest in four of Scott Boras' clients -- Matt Holliday, Mike Gonzalez, Rick Ankiel and Adrian Beltre.
The Red Sox are looking at Holliday as a more expensive alternative should they fail to re-sign Jason Bay. Gonzalez, a left-hander, could presumably take the role of Billy Wagner if he signs as a closer elsewhere. Ankiel is a surprising name, but since they just acquired Jeremy Hermida, also a left-handed outfielder, it's hard to see a fit. Lastly, Beltre would only make sense if the Red Sox find a suitor for Mike Lowell, who has one year and $12 million left on his contract. It's important to understand that this is just the first day of free-agency, so look for the Red Sox to be linked to most, or all, of the major free agents. Source: Boston Herald | | | |  | |  | |
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| | | | | | | Cardinals purchased the contracts of OF Allen Craig, OF Jon Jay, OF Daryl Jones, C Bryan Anderson, 1B Mark Hamilton, RHP Adam Ottavino, RHP Francisco Samuel and LHP Tyler Norrick.
The promotions keep the eight from being selected in December's Rule 5 Draft. Craig, 25, was named the organization's player of the year, batting .322/.374/.547 with 26 home runs and 83 RBI for Triple-A Memphis. Jay, 24, has a .298/.363/.425 slash-line over parts of four minor league seasons. Jones and Anderson, both highly-touted prospects, are currently playing in the Arizona Fall League. Hamilton, 25, managed a .927 OPS between Double-A Springfield and Triple-A Memphis in 2009. Ottavino, Samuel and Norrick have all shown potential, but have struggled with poor command. | | | | | | | |
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| | | | | | | According to FOXSports.com, several teams have shown interest in free agent John Smoltz.
The report names the Cardinals, Dodgers, Mets, Mariners, Astros, Rangers and Orioles among teams with at least some level of interest in the 42-year-old. According to the report, Smoltz is open to being a starter or reliever and some teams have even inquired about him as a closer, said a source. Smoltz was 3-8 with a 6.35 ERA in 2009, but found success after joining the Cardinals, posting a 4.26 ERA, 1.18 WHIP and 40/9 K/BB ratio. Source: FOXSports.com | | | | | | | |
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| | | | | | | Adam Wainwright told 1380 KSLG in St. Louis Wednesday that he believes Matt Holliday will return to St. Louis for the 2010 season and beyond.
"I think he'll be back," Wainwright said. "I know Matt, know his family, and know he wants to back. It's going to take a perfect situation to get him to leave." The comments, however valid, won't sit well with Holliday's agent, Scott Boras, who rightfully seeks top dollar for his clients. If Holliday is looking for the most lucrative deal, he's not likely to find it in St. Louis. But if he's truly happy in the environment and hopes to stay, he can always call off the dogs and sign for a contract that will, either way, be fairly handsome. Source: KSLG 1380 | | | | | | | |
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