Here are some Hot Stove odds and ends…
- Marc Topkin reports that the Rays have shown interest in Marlins shortstop Yunel Escobar, who caused a bit of stir this past season by writing a gay slur on his eyeblack during a game. [TampaBay.com]
- In the same report, Topkin says the Rays remain interested in re-signing Ben Francisco.
- We have already heard some chatter about the Rays and Nationals talking trade. Now Jon Heyman reports that the Nationals are interested in James Shields. [CBS Sports]
- The Houston Astros have their eyes on Carlos Pena to be their first DH in the AL. [Chron.com]
- This is a weird one: Adam Rubin says the Mets contacted the Rays about trading for Joel Peralta whom the Rays just re-signed as a free agent. So, instead of just giving up money for the pitcher, they want to give up money and prospects? [ESPN.com]
- Jon Paul Morosi says the Rays are one of several teams that have shown interest in reliever Mark Lowe. [Fox Sports]
- Joe Torre calls James Loney “a mystery” offensively. [TBO.com]
- Scott Kazmir is throwing 90-94 and drawing “a lot of interest” from “multiple teams.” [Jon Heyman]
2 Comments
Not sure how you came to that conclusion regarding the Mets and Peralta based on the Rubin article.
A source indicated the Mets pursued 36-year-old right-hander Joel Peralta, but have found the asking price too high. Peralta signed with Tampa Bay at $3 million per season through 2014, then has a series of team options.
That becomes this?
Adam Rubin says the Mets contacted the Rays about trading for Joel Peralta whom the Rays just re-signed as a free agent. So, instead of just giving up money for the pitcher, they want to give up money and prospects?
“New York inquired about Joel Peralta, but found Tampa Bay’s asking price too high.”
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2012/12/mets-targeting-vinnie-pestano.html#vsVuSEevtfXp01eV.99