MLB Trade Deadline/Rumors

[BillD1984]

Well, it's that time of year again.

With Cliff Lee now off the market, it appears Dan Haren and Roy Oswalt could be the big fish as far as starting pitching goes.

As for coveted bats, Prince Fielder, Raul Ibanez, Corey Hart and Adam Dunn COULD be available.

 

[BillD1984]

Tigers Interested In Stephen Drew

By Ben Nicholson-Smith [July 10 at 11:22am CST]
SATURDAY, 11:22am: Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic heard from a Diamondbacks' source that there have been no discussions with the Tigers regarding Drew in the past week.
MONDAY, 1:12pm: The Tigers are looking for middle infield help and are interested in Stephen Drew, according to Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports. The Tigers could use a shortstop and Drew is one of the many Diamondbacks interim GM Jerry Dipoto will consider dealing before July 31st.
Drew, who won’t hit free agency until after 2012, makes $3.4MM this year. The 27-year-old is hitting .268/.336/.409 and appears to be an above-average defender. Drew has made just four errors this year and UZR/150 suggests he defends better than most shortstops.
However, Drew has missed time with a sore left knee, so the Tigers would likely need to be assured that the shortstop is healthy before making the D’Backs a compelling offer. Since Adam Everett's release, Ramon Santiago and Danny Worth have been playing short for the Tigers, who are tied for first place with the Twins.

 

[BillD1984]

Brewers Listening On Prince Fielder, Corey Hart

By Luke Adams [July 10 at 7:55pm CST]
The Brewers are listening to offers on Prince Fielder and Corey Hart, tweets ESPN.com's Buster Olney. The tweet echoes a similar report by Jeff Fletcher of AOL FanHouse, though Olney suggests that the Brewers have no interest in moving Rickie Weeks.
Fletcher reported that the Brewers were entertaining offers for Fielder because they don't expect to be able to re-sign him when he hits free agency in 2011. Olney offers similar thoughts in two more tweets, indicating there's a very slim chance Milwaukee could afford to lock up the Scott Boras client to an extension. Boras figures to be looking for a contract larger, in both years and dollars, than Ryan Howard's five-year, $125MM deal. Earlier this season, Fielder and Boras turned down an extension offer similar to Howard's, according to Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (Twitter link).
Meanwhile, the Giants have been the team most frequently linked to Hart, though the last rumor we heard had the Brewers asking for more than San Francisco was willing to pay. Hart will earn $4.8MM this year, while Fielder is making $10.5MM. Each player will be eligible for arbitration for the last time in 2011 before becoming free agents.
In a final tweet, Olney adds that David Bush could also be an interesting trade chip for the Brew Crew if they go into sell mode. Bush, who will be eligible for free agency this winter, has a 4.23 ERA in 17 outings this year, including a 2.74 mark since his seven-run blow-up in Minnesota on May 21st.

 

[salsadancer7]

...wow! How can you say no to 5 years, $125 million??!!

 

[BillD1984]

...wow! How can you say no to 5 years, $125 million??!!

I was thinking the same thing when I read that!

 

[Jimbo]

Tigers Interested In Stephen Drew

By Ben Nicholson-Smith [July 10 at 11:22am CST]
SATURDAY, 11:22am: Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic heard from a Diamondbacks' source that there have been no discussions with the Tigers regarding Drew in the past week.
MONDAY, 1:12pm: The Tigers are looking for middle infield help and are interested in Stephen Drew, according to Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports. The Tigers could use a shortstop and Drew is one of the many Diamondbacks interim GM Jerry Dipoto will consider dealing before July 31st.
Drew, who won’t hit free agency until after 2012, makes $3.4MM this year. The 27-year-old is hitting .268/.336/.409 and appears to be an above-average defender. Drew has made just four errors this year and UZR/150 suggests he defends better than most shortstops.
However, Drew has missed time with a sore left knee, so the Tigers would likely need to be assured that the shortstop is healthy before making the D’Backs a compelling offer. Since Adam Everett's release, Ramon Santiago and Danny Worth have been playing short for the Tigers, who are tied for first place with the Twins.

Personally, I don't see what Steven Drew would offer the Tigers that they don't already have, he only hits .270, so thats not much of an improvement over what they already have.

 

[Ramy]

Walt Jockety says they will be players in the trade market for players. I don't really know what they need other than a #1 pitcher since that is all they don't have, but with having 4 #2 pitchers I don't see the need to get anyone.

 

[Hart5150]

...wow! How can you say no to 5 years, $125 million??!!

Scott Boras, that's how. Swear these guys work for him, not vice versa like it should be.

 

[hallrk]

Walt Jockety says they will be players in the trade market for players. I don't really know what they need other than a #1 pitcher since that is all they don't have, but with having 4 #2 pitchers I don't see the need to get anyone.

Bullpen help would be nice. They all have been shaky this season. Cordero seems to be running on fumes. Wouldn't hurt to pick up another hitter considering how bad their offense was the last two games.

 

[stmcld]

The Braves need a bat. But, I think it needs to be an outfielder and I really don't want Dunn.

 

[salsadancer7]

The Marlins need a serious revamping of their bullpen. It has been awful and the reason they are not within 4 or 5 games as opposed to 10 games out. The team ERA is like middle of the road around 4.04....the STARTERS ERA is around 3.20. That bullpen is KILLING them!

 

[BillD1984]

Potentially Available Second Basemen

By Ben Nicholson-Smith [July 13 at 9:50pm CST]
The Phillies, Red Sox, Rockies and Mets could consider adding a second baseman sometime this month. Here are some of the names that may come up in conversation for those teams, sorted from highest 2010 salary to lowest:

• Dan Uggla, $7.8MM (free agent after 2011) - The Marlins haven't officially made him available yet, but the Rockies are interested. Uggla produces every season and 2010 is no exception; he has a .285/.369/.483 line.
• Mark Ellis, $5.5MM ($6MM option for 2011) - There's a good chance the A's keep Ellis, according to Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports. If they decide to part with the 33-year-old, his .278/.347/.356 line and reputation as a solid defender should intrigue teams, though his salary is substantial.
• Ty Wigginton, $3.5MM (free agent after 2010) - Wigginton struggled mightily in June (.594 OPS) and July (.477 OPS), but he does have 14 homers on the season. He has split time between second and first, and can also play third.
• Ryan Theriot, $2.6MM (free agent after 2012) - We have yet to see a clear indication that the Cubs are shopping Theriot and his .278/.317/.313 line.
• Kelly Johnson, $2.35MM (free agent after 2011) - Johnson is hitting .276/.374/.497 with 14 homers. Trade rumors have dogged the 28-year-old all season long, partly because he has hit so well and partly because the 34-55 D'Backs have played so poorly.
• Jose Lopez, $2.3MM ($4.5MM option for 2011) - Lopez moved to third base this year, but didn't bring his bat along with him. His OPS has dropped 150 points to .610 and he has just six homers.
• Adam Kennedy, $1.25MM ($2MM option for 2011) - Kennedy and Cristian Guzman are reportedly drawing interest, though that probably has more to do with Kennedy's experience and versatility than his .643 OPS.
• Jeff Keppinger, $1.15MM (free agent after 2012) - Keppinger, 30, is hitting .284/.335/.385 and has a solid glove, according to UZR.
• Cristian Guzman, Mike Aviles, Alberto Callaspo, Jeff Baker and Andy LaRoche have played some second base this year.
• Free agent Mark Grudzielanek is available.
• Rickie Weeks is not available now, but it's not hard to imagine the Brewers changing their stance.

 

[DodgerKing]

Braves just acquired Alex Gonzalez from the Jays

 

[salsadancer7]

Potentially Available Second Basemen

By Ben Nicholson-Smith [July 13 at 9:50pm CST]
The Phillies, Red Sox, Rockies and Mets could consider adding a second baseman sometime this month. Here are some of the names that may come up in conversation for those teams, sorted from highest 2010 salary to lowest:

• Dan Uggla, $7.8MM (free agent after 2011) - The Marlins haven't officially made him available yet, but the Rockies are interested. Uggla produces every season and 2010 is no exception; he has a .285/.369/.483 line.

• 
  
  The Marlin can actually afford losing Uggla the player, but not Uggla the team leader. They have a couple of good player, Chris Coghlan, last year's rookie of the year, who IS a 2nd basemen. The Marlins also brought up their prize prospect, Mike Stanton. It would be nice if they can trade up for some serious bullpen help and another bat.

 

[BillD1984]

Teams Scouting John Buck?

By Tim Dierkes [July 20 at 9:22am CST]
A slew of scouts attended last night's Blue Jays-Royals game in Kansas City, reports Bob Elliott of the Toronto Sun. The Tigers, Red Sox, Yankees, Twins, and Phillies were represented. The Reds and Mets scouted the Jays over the weekend. Clearly some of this scouting extends beyond normal coverage. Toronto's roster is littered with trade candidates: Scott Downs, Kevin Gregg, Jason Frasor, Jose Bautista, and Lyle Overbay. But several of the aforementioned teams need catching and may have been on hand to observe All-Star catcher John Buck.
Buck had a pair of doubles in the contest, bringing his line to .278/.309/.504 through 265 plate appearances. He's flashed power before, but in this season he's slugged at least .462 in every month. Buck recently turned 30 and will be a free agent after the season. He just sneaks in as a Type B right now. It's not difficult to imagine Buck receiving and turning down an arbitration offer, so his status boosts his trade value. Asher Wojciechowski (Blue Jays) and Drew Vettleson (Rays) were compensation picks at #41 and #42 overall this year, so GM Alex Anthopoulos will presumably aim for a player or package he likes more than that level of draft pick.
Elliott feels that the Tigers, Red Sox, and Reds are teams that might have interest in Buck.

 

[BillD1984]

Dodgers Interested In Many Pitchers

By Ben Nicholson-Smith [July 19 at 11:35pm CST]
The Dodgers are interested in a variety of starters and relievers, according to Yahoo’s Tim Brown. They are calling to inquire about Roy Oswalt, Ted Lilly, Dan Haren, Jake Westbrook and Fausto Carmona. At one point, when Josh Byrnes was running the D’Backs, the Dodgers were discussing a deal for Haren, but those talks are no longer active.
The Dodgers have also expressed interest in available Blue Jays relievers such as Kevin Gregg, Scott Downs and Jason Frasor. GM Ned Colletti is attempting to improve his team’s bullpen, since the Dodgers are within striking distance of the NL West lead, though they currently trail the Padres, Rockies and Giants.

 

[BillD1984]

Red Sox Rumors: Relievers, Beltre

By Tim Dierkes [July 20 at 7:56am CST]
Red Sox rumors from those covering the team...

• <LI id="">GM Theo Epstein said he isn't close to any trades, reports Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe. Cafardo lists Scott Downs, Kerry Wood, Kyle Farnsworth, and David Aardsma as potentially available relievers, but says "the Sox aren’t crazy about bringing Aardsma back unless they could do so cheaply." Cafardo lists familiar names on the outfield front in David DeJesus and Cody Ross, while noting that Corey Hart "is likely out of Boston's range." Cafardo does not see the Sox pursuing a starting pitcher.
• MLB Network's Peter Gammons chimes in on Downs, tweeting, "before [the Yunel] Escobar deal, [the Blue Jays] wanted [Jose] Iglesias for Downs." That gives you an idea of the Jays' initial asking price for one of the best available relievers; the Dodgers, Yankees, and Phillies are also known to be interested.
• Gammons also tweets that the Rockies turned down an offer of Jed Lowrie for Chris Iannetta. We learned last night that the Sox are not currently pursuing Iannetta, however.
• Scott Lauber of the Boston Herald confirms yesterday's report that the Sox are interested in Florida's Leo Nunez. However, Lauber writes that, "they believe the Marlins will require a hefty return" for the righty reliever.
• Adrian Beltre is not thinking about his next contract yet, learned WEEI's Alex Speier

 

[salsadancer7]

Red Sox Rumors: Relievers, Beltre

By Tim Dierkes [July 20 at 7:56am CST]
Red Sox rumors from those covering the team...

• <LI id="">GM Theo Epstein said he isn't close to any trades, reports Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe. Cafardo lists Scott Downs, Kerry Wood, Kyle Farnsworth, and David Aardsma as potentially available relievers, but says "the Sox aren’t crazy about bringing Aardsma back unless they could do so cheaply." Cafardo lists familiar names on the outfield front in David DeJesus and Cody Ross, while noting that Corey Hart "is likely out of Boston's range." Cafardo does not see the Sox pursuing a starting pitcher.
• MLB Network's Peter Gammons chimes in on Downs, tweeting, "before [the Yunel] Escobar deal, [the Blue Jays] wanted [Jose] Iglesias for Downs." That gives you an idea of the Jays' initial asking price for one of the best available relievers; the Dodgers, Yankees, and Phillies are also known to be interested.
• Gammons also tweets that the Rockies turned down an offer of Jed Lowrie for Chris Iannetta. We learned last night that the Sox are not currently pursuing Iannetta, however.
• Scott Lauber of the Boston Herald confirms yesterday's report that the Sox are interested in Florida's Leo Nunez. However, Lauber writes that, "they believe the Marlins will require a hefty return" for the righty reliever.
• Adrian Beltre is not thinking about his next contract yet, learned WEEI's Alex Speier

The Marlins are seriously shopping for some relief help and I highly doubt they are gonna give up their closer unless they get some young closer type PITCHERS in return.

 

[HD MM]

It's that time of the year again for the Indians.

Expect Kerry Wood and Jake Westbrook to be available for the right offer.

 

[DodgerKing]

Dodgers Interested In Many Pitchers

By Ben Nicholson-Smith [July 19 at 11:35pm CST]
The Dodgers are interested in a variety of starters and relievers, according to Yahoo’s Tim Brown. They are calling to inquire about Roy Oswalt, Ted Lilly, Dan Haren, Jake Westbrook and Fausto Carmona. At one point, when Josh Byrnes was running the D’Backs, the Dodgers were discussing a deal for Haren, but those talks are no longer active.
The Dodgers have also expressed interest in available Blue Jays relievers such as Kevin Gregg, Scott Downs and Jason Frasor. GM Ned Colletti is attempting to improve his team’s bullpen, since the Dodgers are within striking distance of the NL West lead, though they currently trail the Padres, Rockies and Giants.

The Dodgers are done. They should not waste resources and save them for next year. Hopefully they have either a new owner or the divorce situation is settled by then.