April 2007

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Brian Anderson Trade Near?

Between Ozzie Guillen's words and actions, it's safe to say he does not like Brian Anderson. I don't know if it's BA's attitude or something else, but he's had his chance and he's not getting another one with the White Sox. He did get 365 ABs last year, so you can't say he didn't get a legitimate shot. Anderson seemed to be making some progress offensively in July and August of '06, but regressed in September. Nathaniel Whalen of the Daily Southtown reads between the lines, and thinks a change of scenery might make sense here. Anderson's minor league record..   Continue Reading

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Jason Jennings Negotiations Tabled

According to Astros GM Tim Purpura, the team has curbed contract extension talks with impending free agent starter Jason Jennings. A major factor preventing further talks is that Jennings is currently on the DL with elbow tendinitis. The MRI showed a lack of ligament damage, but the Astros are going to want a test drive before throwing down $40MM+. Jennings began 2002 as the Rockies' fifth starter, but ultimately won the ROY with a 16 win season. He managed to keep his arm healthy for the next four seasons while working in a pitchers' hell. The Red Sox wanted to..   Continue Reading

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Braves Extend John Smoltz

John Schuerholz, the Braves' "homeboy upstairs," came through with a contract extension for ace pitcher John Smoltz today. A March report questioned whether Smoltz would remain a Brave, and the pitcher publicly considered moving on from the Braves last August. But now he'll finish his career with Atlanta, which just feels right. Basically Smoltz is guaranteed a fair-market $14MM next year, with additional options based on innings pitched. He said in the past he wouldn't sign any more team-friendly deals, but this one does lean towards the Braves. They're only obligated to him if he stays healthy and makes 30+..   Continue Reading

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Trading Rich Harden

Rich Harden's name first popped up in trade rumors in December. John Delcos spoke with Mets GM Omar Minaya and indicated that the A's starter was surprisingly available, perhaps for a package of Lastings Milledge, Aaron Heilman, and Philip Humber. Ken Rosenthal later indicated that it was Dan Haren the Mets really wanted. A confusing situation all around. Buster Olney brought the rumor back to life today in his blog with some informed speculation. He thinks that if Harden could stay healthy for a month or two, there could be a huge market for him at the deadline. He's locked..   Continue Reading

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Let's Make A Deal: Jarrod Saltalamacchia

Double A catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia is a rare player: a bona fide top prospect at the position. The Braves might be able to maximize his value not by switching Salty or Brian McCann to first base, but by trading the minor leaguer. Saltalamacchia is off to a hot start after a lost '06, and one team especially interested in acquiring a young catcher is the Tigers. As a 22 year-old in Double A, Salty is at the perfect stage in his career as the Tigers would be able to exercise Pudge's 2008 option and have Saltalamacchia ready to take over..   Continue Reading

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Sockgate

This is another one of those "I know it's not a trade rumor, but..." type things. Orioles play-by-play guy Gary Thorne asserted last night on the air that Curt Schilling's sock wasn't actually bloody, but was painted red for PR effect. It sounds far-fetched, but Thorne insists he heard it from Doug Mirabelli. Mirabelli angrily denied this. Schilling has yet to respond to the allegation on his blog. As an unbiased, mildly interested third party, I say it was blood. I suppose if we really wanted to be sure they could run some tests on the sock fairly easily. But..   Continue Reading

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Cubs Done With Prior?

Three newspapers, one message: Mark Prior's future with the Cubs is in doubt. You can ask Paul Sullivan, Gordon Wittenmyer, or Bruce Miles. Prior recently had shoulder surgery with Dr. James Andrews, and he'll accrue no Major League service time this year. You have to wonder if the Cubs sending Prior to Triple A initially was done with this in mind. Now, Prior won't be eligible for free agency until after the 2009 season. Should the Cubs cut ties with Prior and non-tender him this winter, or should they invest just a few million more to see if he can..   Continue Reading

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Who's Catching For Mets In '08?

Paul Lo Duca's contract is up after this season. As you may recall, Lo Duca's reps brought up the idea of an extension at the Winter Meetings in January, but the Mets didn't want to discuss it yet. Lo Duca, 35, makes $6.25MM this season. We know catchers don't age well; there's a decent chance Lo Duca tanks in 2008 (if not this year). PECOTA might throw him another $5-6MM for '08, but that's about it. The Mets are right to hesitate. Assuming they cut him loose, they could look internally for their new backstop. Ramon Castro might be able..   Continue Reading

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Miguel Cabrera's Trade Preference

Enrique Rojas's April 20th article on Miguel Cabrera slipped under my radar, but he snagged some interesting quotes from one of the game's best players. Cabrera mentioned that if he was traded, he'd prefer to play with Albert Pujols on the Cardinals. Now there's a 1-2 punch to be reckoned with. That's Ruth-Gehrig-esque. Cabrera also said he wouldn't like to play for the Yankees because of the rules. Additionally, he wants to remain at third base and continue to improve his defense. Cabrera won't become a free agent until after the 2009 season. His salary jumped from $472K in 2006..   Continue Reading

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Linebrink Long Shot For Phillies

What's the deal with Scott Linebrink? Is he in line for a contract extension, or is he a top trading chip for the Padres? MLBTradeRumors helps you sort it out. A history of rumormongering: 7/31/06: Gordon Edes writes of a three team deal where the Red Sox would've gotten Linebrink and Julio Lugo while giving up Mike Lowell and prospects. This was a wild day though...even Alfonso Soriano to Boston surfaced at one point. 1/26/07: Buster Olney first brings up the possible Aaron Rowand for Linebrink deal. 2/24/07: Tom Krasovic mentions past and present interested parties in the Phillies, Red..   Continue Reading

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