It seems that the first base position is in a holding pattern, with teams exploring their options while waiting for player prices to come down. The Brewers, Rays, and Mariners are all looking for first base help, and if any of those teams make a move it could impact who the Pirates end up with. Here are this morning’s updates from around the league.
**Jon Heyman reports that Milwaukee is waiting for a response from Corey Hart on a possible return.
#brewers waiting for response from corey hart on offer for possible return
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 11, 2013
Hart has said he wants to return to Milwaukee, and there has been talk that he would give them a discount. There were rumors last night that he was close to making a decision on where to sign.
**Heyman also reports that the Rays are casting a wide net in their search, and that includes Mark Reynolds.
#rays are casting wide net in search for 1B types. another free agent who interests them is power bat mark reynolds.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 11, 2013
**As for the Pirates, it looks like they are taking the same approach. Rob Biertempfel writes that they are looking for the “right guy, right deal”. The players Biertempfel mentions are the ones we’ve been hearing about the last few days — mostly James Loney if he comes down in price or Logan Morrison in a trade.
**Joel Sherman updates that the Rays and Pirates are talking about Morrison, which we’ve heard. He also says that the Cubs are looking at him as an outfielder and that Miami is looking for a third baseman.
#Pirates #Rays talking to #Marlins about Logan Morrison, #Cubs too who would play him in OF rather than 1b. Hear Fla prioritizing 3b
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) December 11, 2013
**Tom Haudricourt says that the Brewers are out on Morrison, but that they could get back in on him if Corey Hart says no.
I was told yesterday that #Brewers were out on Logan Morrison. Now speculation is that they will try again if Corey Hart says no.
— Tom (@Haudricourt) December 11, 2013
All good points to me jay. I will be interested in Tim’s reasons
Tim: Agree that Justin Wilson is way too much for Mitch Moreland – I think he can be had cheaper. My thought was Mel Rojas, Jr and add a lower level guy if necessary. But, why not Mitch Moreland? Morland will play almost all of 2014 as a 28 year old. Loney will play most of the year as a 30 year old. Over the past 3 years Loney’s OPS numbers starting from 2011 are .755, .630, and .778. Moreland’s are .733, .789, and .736. Over the last 3 years Loney hits a HR every 48.8 AB’s; Moreland hits a HR every 23.2 AB’s. Loney hits a double every 18.2 AB’s; Moreland doubles every 19.6 AB’s. Loney is expected to get $9 or $10 mil as a FA and Moreland is expected to get $1.5 mil to $2 mil in his first year of Arbitration. Defensively, Loney is probably better, but not by so wide of a margin that it will matter, so why not see this a a solid move by the Pirates.
LoMo I have not even considered because his lack of a mental filter is more than the Pirates want or need.
Tim
Gammons brought up Moreland for Wilson….thoughts??
As someone who doesn’t like Mitch Moreland, I’d say that would be a bad trade.
I wonder if the Mets are desperate enough to donate Ike Davis for Wilson?