Rumor roundup: Yanks open to dealing Miller
The leaves have begun to change color, and the offseason rumor mill is beginning to turn. Here is a collection of some of the top Hot Stove stories around baseball:
• Yankees general manager Brian Cashman told CBSSports.com that he's "open to all ideas" on the offseason trade market, including potentially dealing standout closer Andrew Miller. The pricetag would be high for Miller, but the Tigers, D-backs, Red Sox, Astros and Blue Jays are among the teams looking for a closer.
Miller is entering the second year of a four-year, $36 million deal. He does not have a no-trade clause in his contract.
• There's a good chance one of the postseason's biggest stars will have a new home next year. Daniel Murphy, who hit seven home runs in his first nine postseason games en route to being named the National League Championship Series Most Valuable Player, received a one-year, $15.8 million qualifying offer from the Mets, but he's expected to explore other options.
That may include the Rockies, who are reportedly interested in signing Murphy as a first baseman, according to FOXSports.com.
Colorado turned down its portion of the $9 million mutual option on Justin Morneau.
• Some chips may start to fall with the Twins winning the negotiating rights to Korean first baseman Byung Ho Park. The $12.85 million winning bid was announced Monday, and the New York Post now says the Twins have a decision to make about former MVP Joe Mauer.
Mauer has switched from catching to playing first base, and his production has also declined (he's 32, three years older than Park). A lot hinges on Miguel Sano learning to the play the outfield, which would ease the logjam and allow Mauer and Park to possibly split time at designated hitter/first base.