Washburn draws interest despite sitting out 2010
Jarrod Washburn(notes), the 36-year-old left-hander who sat out last season while considering retirement, continues to generate interest as a free agent, according to sources.
The Milwaukee Brewers, whose starters had the second-worst ERA in the National League, are believed to be one of three teams to have contacted Washburn about pitching in 2011.
The Washington Nationals and Florida Marlins also have starting rotation needs and could benefit from Washburn’s veteran sensibilities.
A Wisconsin native, Washburn was 9-9 with a 3.78 earned-run average in 2009, which he split between the Seattle Mariners and Detroit Tigers. His season ended in mid-September because of a knee injury.
Nomura in sticky situation?
Don Nomura, the agent for Japanese right-hander Hisashi Iwakuma, could draw fire from the players’ union for possibly involving himself in the negotiations between the Oakland Athletics and free agent third baseman Adrian Beltre(notes).
During a Sunday night Twitter jag primarily intended to point out the A’s failures in the Iwakuma talks, Nomura at his conclusion added, “B[y the way] A’s couldn’t sign Mr. Iwakuma so they are hunting two free agent pitchers!! I don’t believe them!! Offer to [B]eltre was just a PR.”
Presumably, and in spite of meetings between Beltre, Beltre’s agents and the highest levels of A’s management, Nomura was suggesting the A’s were hoping to placate their fan base with word of an offer to Beltre. ESPNDeportes.com reported last week the A’s had offered Beltre $64 million over five years.
A union representative said he was unaware of Nomura’s comments and would look into them.
Yankees offer Lee six years
An industry source said Monday the Yankees have offered Cliff Lee(notes) nearly $140 million over six years, but Lee continues to hold out for a seventh year. Neither Lee’s camp nor the Yankees would confirm those numbers. The Boston Globe has reported the Yankees offered as much as $120 million over five years. … The Arizona Diamondbacks have been contacted by as many as 20 teams regarding outfielder Justin Upton(notes). Few, however, have the big league-ready arms and position players … and the willingness to share them … to get a deal done. The Diamondbacks and general manager Kevin Towers continue to sort through their options. They’ve targeted the bullpen and bench as areas needing to be rebuilt, and would like to add a contact hitter or two to their lineup.
