Beimel talks step up
After what seemed like a holding pattern a week ago, talks have picked up in recent days for free agent left-handed reliever Joe Beimel, including from the Tigers.
At least a half-dozen teams had expressed interest. Now, Detroit is one of multiple teams that have stepped up talks regarding Beimel, who had a 5-1 record and 2.02 ERA with the Dodgers this year while holding left-handed hitters to a .210 batting average over the last three seasons.
"Talks are becoming more active, interesting and focused," agent Joe Sroba wrote in an email Wednesday evening.
Part of the appeal involves the rest of the market. The Angels' decision to offer arbitration to lefty Darren Oliver took some clubs out of the running for Oliver, preferring not to lose a first- or second-round Draft pick for the Type A free agent. Whoever signs Beimel will not have to give up a pick for it.
Talks are expected to continue into next week's Winter Meetings, but Sroba left open the possibility that his client could sign ahead of time if a team makes a pre-emptive move.
Other teams linked to interest in Beimel include the Reds and Rockies, though the Reds supposedly had not engaged in talks as of Wednesday.
-- Jason Beck
At least a half-dozen teams had expressed interest. Now, Detroit is one of multiple teams that have stepped up talks regarding Beimel, who had a 5-1 record and 2.02 ERA with the Dodgers this year while holding left-handed hitters to a .210 batting average over the last three seasons.
"Talks are becoming more active, interesting and focused," agent Joe Sroba wrote in an email Wednesday evening.
Part of the appeal involves the rest of the market. The Angels' decision to offer arbitration to lefty Darren Oliver took some clubs out of the running for Oliver, preferring not to lose a first- or second-round Draft pick for the Type A free agent. Whoever signs Beimel will not have to give up a pick for it.
Talks are expected to continue into next week's Winter Meetings, but Sroba left open the possibility that his client could sign ahead of time if a team makes a pre-emptive move.
Other teams linked to interest in Beimel include the Reds and Rockies, though the Reds supposedly had not engaged in talks as of Wednesday.
-- Jason Beck
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