Toronto Blue Jays Rumors

James Paxton's attorneys have filed an appeal of the Kentucky Circuit Court's denial of an injunction against the University of Kentucky.  The request for an injunction was filed as a result of Kentucky's threat to not allow Paxton to play in team games unless he submits to the NCAA's request for an unsupervised interview.  The NCAA is hoping to speak with Paxton after comments by Blue Jays interim president Paul Beeston commented that after drafting Paxton in the 2009 draft, he was unable to speak with him, presumably dealing with Paxton's advisor, Scott Boras, instead. 

James Paxton is looking to play for Kentucky in 2010, not just ride the pine.

Paxton's attorneys are arguing that he should not be forced to testify against himself in a case that could threaten his amateur eligibility.  In a statement issued to the media, Paxton's attorneys said "Make no mistake about it: The Circuit Court found, based upon UK's admissions, that James IS eligible to compete in intercollegiate athletics," Johnson wrote in an e-mail to media on Wednesday afternoon. "However, that court erroneously found that, because the student code of conduct did not apply, James had no due process rights, and therefore that UK could withhold him from competition, in order to extort him to submit to an NCAA interview that it admits it cannot compel him to attend, without any consequence to itself."

This case does not figure to end soon.

Just months after being a supplemental first round draft pick of the Toronto Blue Jays, but not signing, the NCAA is coming after Kentucky pitcher James Paxton.  In early December, the NCAA insisted that Paxton have a one-on-one interview with the NCAA's Director of Agent, Gambling and Amateur Activities, Chance (talk about ironic) Miller, without any representation.  The interview has yet to occur as Paxton's lawyers have filed an injunction against the NCAA and the University of Kentucky from forcing the interview to happen.

According to Paxton, he was informed by a Kentucky employee that he had to submit to the interview and could "not tell anyone, including his parents or counsel, about the interview or the directive that he submit to the interview."  At the time, Paxton's lawyers allege that he was never informed about "the existence or nature of any allegations or miscounduct or wrongdoing against him."

Shortly before the 2009 draft, the NCAA requested the same type of interview with Andrew Oliver who was then suspended.  Ultimately, the case was overturned by the courts and Oliver's status was reinstated.  Paxton has hired Oliver's lawyer in that case, Richard Johnson, as well. 

The point at issue seems to be the NCAA's definition of the right of a player to use the services of counsel in negotiation.  According to the NCAA's arcane definitions of what is an agent and what is an advisor, the only difference between the two is that the latter is not allowed to speak with a team, while the former is.  A junior selected in the MLB amateur draft is not allowed to have an agent, but is allowed to retain an advisor.  Needless to say, the moment after the player signs, his advisor becomes his agent.  

If James Paxton is ruled ineligible, how will that affect his draft status?

Since the injunction, Kentucky has filed a large motion indicating that Paxton's scholarship money and status on the team have never been in jeopardy.  Keith Law of espn.com accurate notes that being on the team and playing are two totally different things. 

Law makes the argument that the NCAA's prohibition of amateur players from using agents to speak to teams on their behalf is archaic and against essentially every other situation in the United States where an individual can retain counsel.  Nevertheless, whatever transpired last July and August, it appears that Paxton's agent, Scott Boras, negotiated directly with the Blue Jays on Paxton's behalf.  With this evidence, the NCAA could rule Paxton ineligible for the 2010 season.  That could have a very dramatic effect on his draft stock.  Paxton would likely leave school and play for an independent professional team.

The Boston Red Sox landed one of the top free agents of the 2010 off season by signing former Angels pitcher John Lackey to a five year, $85M deal, according to Jon Heyman of Sports Illustrated.  Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports had reported earlier in the day that Lackey was in Boston taking a physical.  Though numerous sources are reporting the deal as completed, Jerry Crasnick of espn.com believes that a formal agreement will not be reached until after today. 

Tim Brown from Yahoo Sports reports that the Angels still believe they are in the running for Lackey and that a deal has not been reached between Lackey and the Red Sox.

If the Red Sox do sign Lackey, the move affects the Blue Jays because both former Blue Jay Marco Scutaro and Lackey are Type A free agents.  Because Lackey is the higher ranking free agent, the Angels will receive the Red Sox first round pick, #29 overall, while the Blue Jays will be bumped to the Red Sox second round pick. 

John Lackey appears headed to Boston

The Rule 5 Draft was held today.  Here are the first round picks. Draft picks are listed by the team making the selection, player name and the team he was selected from.

As a reminder, players selected in the Rule 5 draft must remain on the 25-man roster the entire subsequent season or they are returned to the team from which they were taken.

1. New York Yankees* (from Washington): Jamie Hoffmann, Dodgers
2. Pittsburgh: John Raynor, Marlins
3. Texas^ (from Baltimore): Benjamin Snyder, Giants
4. Kansas City: Edgar Osuna, Braves
5. Cleveland: Hector Ambriz, Diamondbacks
6. Arizona: Zach Kroenke, Yankees
7. New York Mets: Carlos Monasterios, Phillies
8. Florida# (from Houston): Jorge Jiminez, Red Sox
9. San Diego: pass
10. Oakland: Bobby Cassevah, Angels
11. Toronto: Zech Zinicola, Nationals
12. Chicago White Sox: pass
13. Milwaukee: Chuck Lofgren, Indians
14. Chicago Cubs: Mike Parisi, Cardinals
15. Tampa Bay: Armando Zerpa, Red Sox
16. Seattle: Kanekoa Texeira, Yankees
17. Texas: pass
18. Florida: pass
19. San Francisco: Steve Johnson, Orioles
20. St. Louis: Ben Jukich, Reds
21. Colorado: pass
22. Philadelphia: Ken Herndon, Angels
23. Los Angeles Dodgers: pass
24. Boston: pass
25. Los Angeles Angels: pass
26. New York Yankees: pass

* Acquired from Nationals as part of Brian Bruney trade
^ Acquired from Baltimore as part of Kevin Millwood trade
# Acquired from Houston as part of Matt Lindstrom trade

The Tigers, Twins, Braves and Reds did not have picks because their 40 man roster was full.

The number 1 pick of the 2009 Rule 5 Draft, Jamie Hoffmann will now play all of 2010 on the Yankees 25-man roster

Roy Halladay is sure to keep the hot stove stoked all winter long.  Here are today's rumors surrounding the possiblity that the Blue Jays will trade Hallady.

• The Angels have offered Joe Saunders, Erick Aybar and Peter Bourjos to the Blue Jays for Halladay says Bob Elliot of the Toronto Sun.  Jordan Bastian of mlb.com believes that Halladay might not waive his no trade clause to go to Los Angeles.
• Even if they get Halladay, Lyle Spencer of mlb.com reports they might be able to add a second elite pitcher like John Lackey as well.  Angels GM Tony Reagins says that it's "possible, but not likely."
• Jon Heyman of Sports Illustrated notes that the Phillies are in the mix for Halladay.  Jordan Bastain of mlb.com agrees.  Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro, Jr. is playing his cards close to the vest, saying that the Phillies making a trade for a major pitcher is unlikely. 
• Blue Jays general manager Alex Anthopoulos does not believe that Tornoto will move Halladay during the winter meetings.  Buster Olney of espn.com reports that the Jays are still in information gathering mode. 
• The Yankees have inquired about Halladay and and the Blue Jays have reportedly asked for Jesus Montero and either Phil Hughes or Joba Chamberlain and other pieces in return.  Joel Sherman of the New York Post notes that the Yankees are very involved in the Halladay discussions.  The New York/Halladay rumors remind Sherman of the Mark Teixeira situation last year.

Roy Halladay rumors are swirling all over the country

As the Roy Halladay hot stove begins to fire up, the Red Sox hope to take much of the drama out of the situation by acquiring the right handed pitcher before the start of the winter meetings on December 7th, Peter Abraham of The Boston Globe reports.  In return for Halladay, the Jays are reportedly asking for top Sox prospect Casey Kelly and emerging starter Clay Buchholz. 

For the Blue Jays, the move to trade Halladay is not a desire, but more a need based on Halladay's unwillingness to sign an extension with Toronto and hopes to play for a contending team.  With one year left on a three-year, $40M deal that Halladay signed before the 2008 season, the Jays hope to get as much as they can for the perennial Cy Young contender this off season, rather than waiting until July.  They'd also save the $15.75M that Halladay is owed in 2010. 

The Red Sox are not the only team interested in Halladay, not even within their own division.  Despite winning the world series, the Yankees still have holes in their pitching rotation, something they'd be happy to will with Halladay.  The Sox urgency is certainly an effort to get out in front of the Yankees where general manager Brian Cashman is waiting to receive his budget for the 2010 season before making any major moves.  The Blue Jays would likely ask for some of the Yankees top propsects like Austin Jackson or Jesus Montero along with either Phil Hughes and Joba Chamberlain. 

The Red Sox and Yankees will be in hot pursuit of Roy Halladay this off season

The Angels figure to be another team interested in Halladay if they are unable to retain free agent pitcher John Lackey.

Despite all the drama, espn.com's Buster Olney puts the odds of Halladay being traded at only 50/50.

Plenty of rumors to pass along this morning from Nick Cafardo's article in The Boston Globe. 

• If the Red Sox are able to land John Lackey that could allow them the freedom to trade Clay Buchholz to San Diego for Adrian Gonzalez.
• Speaking of the Red Sox, here's an interesting quote from one AL general manager: "The Red Sox could be the major player this off season if certain things fall together for them.  They still have enough chips in their farm system to make something happen."  Perhaps referring to A-Gone or maybe Roy Halladay.
• The Yankees will be involved in trade discussions for Halladay and seem likely to part with Phil Hughes or Joba Chamberlain.  You have to wonder who the bigger prospect is right now.  Our money is that teams would rather have Hughers over Chamberlain.
• The Twins and Brewers are "very interested" in Carl Pavano.
• John Smoltz is also on Milwaukee's radar, but they'll have competition from the Cardinals, who'd like to see Smoltz return.
• Gary Sheffield would like to return in 2010 and is more flexible about accepting a DH role than in the past.  

John Lackey could be the first domino in a busy off season for the Red Sox

Peter Gammons and Gordon Edes of espn.com give plenty of speculation about how the Red Sox off season will play out.

• Jason Bay is likely to return to the Red Sox for many reasons, but most of all, it's unclear who else will compete with the Red Sox to sign him.  Gammons feels the contract will be in the four years, $64M deal.  Bay recently rejected a four year, $60M-ish deal.  
• Alex Gonzalez seems likely to return to the Red sox, even though they declined his 2010 option.  Marco Scutaro is another option.
• Unless Adrian Gonzalez or Felix Hernandez are available to the Red Sox, a blockbuster trade is unlikely.  Nevertheless, the Red Sox are sure to explore the option of acquiring Roy Halladay again.
• The Red Sox were interested in Cody Ross back in July and may continue to try to acquire the outfielder from the Marlins.  Manny Delcarmen was the rumored compensation for Cody back in July.
• Rich Harden and Ben Sheets are likely free agent targets for the Red Sox.
• While Boston may be a good fit for Aroldis Chapman, neither writer thinks that the Red Sox will make a serious push for him. 

Aroldis Chapman may work well in Boston, but are they interested?

Jayson Stark from espn.com has a new article up with plenty of off season rumors.

• Milton Bradley appears to have three different suitors: Rays, Rangers and Jays. However, Bradley is owed $21M over the remainder of his contact, so the Cubs will likely have to take on a bad contract in return.
• The Marlins had discussions about trading Dan Uggla with the Giants and Rangers.
• Rather than bid on Jason Bay or Matt Holliday, the Yankees seem content to try and resign Johnny Damon or Hideki Matsui.
• Derek Lowe's contract is becoming burdensome for the Braves, especially as they look to extend Javier Vazquez. They'll try to move Lowe and hope to get a hitter in return for him.
• The Phillies are considering Placido Polanco, Mark DeRosa and Adrian Beltre at third base.

Johnny Damon is an off season priority for the Yankees

John Lackey is the only top of the rotation starter available in free agency, but that does not mean he'll be the only ace-level pitcher to change teams this off season.  As teams like the Blue Jays and Braves enter rebuilding phases, big names pitchers like Roy Halladay and Javier Vazquez could are viable trade options.  But, which teams would be interested and able to acquire top pitching talent?  Buster Olney of espn.com evaluates:

Milwaukee Brewers

CC Sabathia is an exhibt of both why the Brewers could be looking for a big name pitcher and why they can't afford to get one.  On one had, it was just a year ago that they offered Sabathia $100M in free agency, perhaps enough to land Lackey.  On the other hand, in order to acquire Sabathia, they seriously depleted their farm system and that makes taking a run at Halladay and Vazquez difficult. 

Texas Rangers

Back in July when Roy Halladay rumors were dominating the headlines, the Rangers were one of the most logical choices for Halladay to be traded to, but financial concerns killed any chance of the move going through.  The Rangers have alleviated their financil difficulty (for now, anyway) and still have a wealth of prospects to trade for Halladay or Vazquez.  Olney mentions that there have been rumors of the Braves and Rangers discussing a deal for Vazquez already.  Even if the Rangers do not want to part with their young talent, Lackey could still be an option for a team that seems to be a pitcher away.

Los Angeles Angels

Whether the Angels resign Lackey or not, they will still be below last year's payroll because of the likely departure of a number of free agents, even after the recent Bobby Abreu  resiging.  Talks between the Angels and Lackey seem to be mild at best, but perhaps the Angels are positioned to make an offer for Halladay.  The Blue Jays are known to be looking for middle infield talent and the Angels have plenty.  Any money not spent on Lackey could be used to sign Halladay to a long-term extension. 

Los Angeles Dodgers

The impending divorce of team owners Frank and Jaime McCourt could change everything, but assuming that the finances of the divorce are not worked out this off-season, the Dodgers could really use another pitcher (as evidenced by how much they struggled in the post-season).  The challenge is, can they acquire someone like Halladay or Vazquez without moving Andre Ethier or Matt Kemp who are untouchable.

Will Javier Vazquez be a Brave in 2010?