Heyman On Teixeira

With the trading deadline a mere two months away, we have to drum up some big names on which to speculate.  The advent of no-trade clauses and the valuation of young pitching seems to have resulted in fewer blockbusters.  Mark Teixeira seems to be this summer's big name. 

We last speculated about Teixeira two weeks ago.  The Orioles and Nick Markakis were discussed, as well as the fit for the Angels.  The Nationals were seen as a long shot.  Jon Heyman has talked to some baseball execs on this topic, and he's got more ideas.  Heyman adds the Red Sox, Yankees, and Dodgers to the mix as well.

The Yanks seemingly wouldn't mind adding a major slugger at first base, and Heyman's source doesn't think they want Todd Helton.  But unless the Yanks revert to their old ways and trade The Franchise - Phil Hughes - a Teixeira acquisition seems unlikely.  The Yankees don't have other elite pitching prospects.  They would have to go to more established players.  The Rangers don't have a fit for Robinson Cano, though Chien-Ming Wang and his groundballing nature could work.

There's no real reason for the Red Sox to give up the farm for Teixeira, unless they just want to keep him from the Yankees.  I don't see it. 

The Dodgers I see as a strong player.  James Loney plus one of their top-rated starting pitching prospects and it's a done deal.  I'm not sure Nomar can handle third base these days, but I don't see that problem preventing a trade.   

Back to the Orioles - as much as Teixeira is dying to play for them, he's not going to take a big discount and the price in young players will be high.  Then again, if the O's could work something out involving Daniel Cabrera but not Markakis, that gamble could work for both clubs. 

The Angels are a fantastic fit, but when has Bill Stoneman ever made a trade like this?  I guess there's a first time for everything.

Let's not count out the Mets, Braves, or Tigers, either.

Comments

[ca!i sty!e]

Loney + Tomko + minor leaguer, seal the deal.

Otherwise move Nomar anyways! If he gets hurt we have loney to cover first...I don't see the problem!

[Adam Hobson]

Considering that the Yankees have been rated by more than one media organization, including Baseball Prospectus, as having the best pitching farm system, how is it again that only Phil Hughes is their only elite prospect?

Besides, does Teixeira even warrant an elite prospect?

He plays a nice first base, but it is still first base, and it seems that his real value is more attuned to last year's performance than 2005's.

If the Yanks, seriously wanted him, I think a deal could get done involving two B-level pitching prospects, (especially if they have ground ball tendencies), such as an Alan Horne, Brett Smith or Jeffrey Marquez and then Melky Cabrera or Eric Duncan.

Not saying that this is going to happen, but I don't see Teixeira worth an elite prospect.

[J.L.]

Yeah, I'm sure the Rangers want Tomko. Tomko can't even pitch well in Dodger Stadium. It would probably have to be something like Loney, Elbert, and a couple other throw-ins. I'd do it.

[mymrbig]

I'm always surprised the Giants aren't mentioned in rumors like this. They could really use another power bat either in front of or behind Bonds. First is fairly weak for them (Klesko/Aurilia). I don't know what their financial situation is, but having Teixeira for 2 years seems ideal for making 1 last push at a championship with Bonds on the roster.

Obviously, they should not even consider giving up Lincecum or Cain. I'm not familiar enough with their farm system to know if they have anything else that might interest the Rangers. Could they build a package around Jonathan Sanchez and some lower-level prospects with a high ceiling?

If they could somehow swing a deal like this, they would have Cain, Lincecum, Zito, Lowry, and Morris as their rotation for the rest of this year and next year. Plus they would have Teixeira to either (1) get on base in front of Bonds or (2) protect Bonds.

Granted, the rest of their team isn't something to fall in love with, but their pitching would give them a good chance at contending. Zito as a #3, Lowry as #4, and Morris as #5 is really a very good back-end of a rotation. It is also freakishly overpaid and could very well keep them making a run at someone expensive like Teixeira!

[Mr_Punch]

"Considering that the Yankees have been rated by more than one media organization, including Baseball Prospectus, as having the best pitching farm system, how is it again that only Phil Hughes is their only elite prospect?"

Their are only so many ELITE pitching prospects in the game. You can probably count them on one hand.

I doubt the yanks could get Tex for less than Hughes, but you never know. Keep in mind that the Rangers are not a team hurting for money, getting hamstrung by one player's salary. This isn't Todd Helton and the Rockies. The only reason to trade Tex is to get excellent (Elite), young players in return.

The Dodgers make the most sense to me. They are loaded with young talent,and have the money (and I'm sure the Rangers would rather send Tex to the NL).

All in all, I won't be surprised if a Tex trade happens, and I surely won't be surprised if it doesn't happen.

[gtliles]

I think the Dodgers make the most sense - honestly, I think LA should make the move if they can get Tex for Loney and any pitching prospect other than Kershaw.

I'll speculate on the Tigers here, just for the hell of it. Miller and Thames for Teixeira seems reasonable to me - would probably give Detroit the best lineup in baseball, without downgrading their current pitching staff. Meanwhile, Texas gets a very useful, underrated OF in Thames, and a future ace in Miller.

[speedchaser9]

I wonder if Billy Beane will concoct some crazy 5-way trade with the Texas, Yankees, Orioles, Rockies, and themselves. Helton to NY, Tex to Orioles, etc.

This would keep the Angels from getting any of the talent.

[scatterbrian]

I don't see the Rangers giving Teixeira to anyone within their division. The Angels could really use his bat, but they need help at 3B and LF. They seem committed to Kotchman at first.

[bravesbeast]

my guess is that the only way the braves make a trade like this is if andruw is involved, as his salary going to the rangers would free up the money to sign tex long term, but we would have to give up a pitching prospect as well (harrison, jo jo reyes, davies, james probably aint available.) I do not thing any of those pitching prospects are among the higher rated one on texas's list, and plus I would imagine texas wants prospects in return, even though they could target andruw in the offseason, they more than like want to use tex to gain a replacement and a pitcher, which makes the dodgers and loney the front runners.

[morisato]

Teixiera does merit an elite prospect as he is one of the top first baseman in the game.

The Rangers would probably consider a deal within their division, but only if the Angels are willing to give up the farm, which is out of practice for Stoneman.

The Rangers won't target Jones in the off-season. From what I've read in the media, Torii Hunter will be in a Ranger Uniform come next season.

Daniel Cabrera as part of a deal to the Rangers? Are you stoned?

[RotoAuthority]

"Daniel Cabrera as part of a deal to the Rangers? Are you stoned?"

Why do people write things like this?

[morisato]

Oh calm down. It was a comment made in a jest, that's all.

In any case, here's a thought I would like to pose to you:

If the Red Sox were to make a offer to Teixeira, a pitching prospect would almost certainly have to be included. Of the three Red Sox pitching prospect, which would likely be given up: Lester, Buchholz, or Bowden?

[quintjs]

About the only reason for the Red Sox to do this - Manny.

But Youkilis has been on fire recently, and so is Mike Lowell. 1B/3B are not area's of concern for Boston at the moment.

Dodgers seem like a good option, and of course the Angels should finally do something.

[breakingben]

the red sox could give manny up and move youk to left and tex to 1st but would have to include someone else but there are many options. a prospect or pena or crisp with jacoby waiting in the minors. but then if they don't get lowell after this year then youk moves back to 3rd and the sox could pick up a OF in the off season. Ichiro wouldnt mind playing for the sox i bet.

[giantspwner187]

I agree in that the Giants should be in the talks as well. Note they traded with Texas for Galarraga a few years back, just off the top of my head for previous trades.

Financially, the Giants have a lot of money to spend if they want to bring in a huge bat for years to come. They have Bonds(15.8 mil with escalators to 20), Benitez(7.6 mil), Feliz(5.1 mil), Vizquel (4 mil), and more relievers and backups totaling about $5 mil coming off contracts this year, so the total should end up around $40 million open dollars. Zito's contract only goes up $4.5 million next year, so it seems likely the Giants would pursue a big name to keep the fans after Barry leaves.

I know they have been linked to Ichiro in the past, but the emergence of Fred Lewis, the reemgerence of Randy Winn and the contract to Dave Roberts make it unlikely that they would spend large amounts of money on a speed guy. What the Giants have been craving for years is a left-handed power hitter, either a first baseman or right fielder to play along with Barry. Tex, a switch hitter, would fill the Giants need for a first baseman and a left-handed power hitter, so he seems like a possibility.

As for the possible packages, the names that have been talked about the most on the radio are Lowry, Morris, and Sanchez. I think that a package combining Sanchez and Lowry with a lower level prospect or maybe even someone like Marcus Sanders who was amazing in double-a before an injury and is coming back now might be able to entice the Rangers. The Giants would be able to spend their open money and resign Tex to a long-term deal, which would make giving up Lowry and Sanchez smarter and easier to do, and would seem probable.

Just my thoughts on the situation. What do you all think about those possibilities?

[GoBoSox420]

I could see the sox interested in Tex, I mean who wouldn't be. I don't think Manny would be dealt, especially just to make room for Tex.

I know Lowell is playing well but he slumps in the 2nd half and frankly adding Texeria to the lineup would be much more valuable. As far as a possible trade, one of Lester/Bucholz/Bowden would have to go, maybe a Crisp/Wmp or another prospect

[DentalPlan]

Still think anyone who trades for Texieira is going to get hosed, unless it's an Alfonso Soriano type trade.

By the way, those names cited by the Yankees guy don't excite. Eric Duncan! Oh boy, welcome to 2004!

[quintjs]

If I am the Red Sox, i avoid this deal, i mean Tex is fine, but not worth trading for. Keep Youk, keep Lowell, keep Lester, Buchholz, Bowden.

Lester has proved he can handle himself, a 4.76ERA 7-2 in your first 15 AL starts, with Cancer is hardly a bad effort (5-0, 2.36ERA in his first 7starts) Buchholz outpitched his idol Clemens the other day in AA, and Bowden looks ok. If those two guys develop into something ok - thats a quality rotation and CHEAP.

Beckett less than 10million, Matsuzaka is less than 10million a year now, Lester min, Buchholz..

Youk, Ortiz, Manny, Drew, Lowell - thats doing pretty well, upgrade in CF, Pedroia is doing well - offense is fine.

Really not sure the Giants want another massive deal right now, Zito isn't looking the greatest deal right now (gee, who saw that coming?)

[ArodSucksAtLife]

"Buchholz outpitched his idol Clemens the other day in AA, and Bowden looks ok."

Bowden has looked nothing short of phenomenal.

1.37 era 0.93 WHIP with a K/BB of 5.75, in Lancaster for gods sakes. That being said, there won't be any major offensive additions to the Sox this year unless some major injury goes down. The only real need they have is a decent RH setup man, so they can be counted out of the Tex sweepstakes.

I can't see Baltimore giving up a Markakis/Garret Olsen package, which Texas would probably ask for, so ship his ass to San Fran for if a Johnathan Sanchez/Fred Lewis deal+ could be worked out.

[MarkH]

This posting is nothing short of non-sense. Texas is going to look to get the upper hand in negotiations and other teams simply aren't going to be willing to deal significant young talent. Texas has always despirately needed pitching talent. I know the Orioles have NO interest in dealing Cabrera or Markakis....Tejada would much likely be dealt if they were actually serious about a trade.Texiera will be available in a couple of years in FA.
...Just wait til then

[finite24]

MarkH, before you go railing the post:

1) realize Orioles ownership covets Teixiera, and has for some time.

2) learn how to spell

That is all.

[MarkH]

LOL...That was without question the weakest response EVER, Finite24.
It's Mark "Teixeira"
Secondly, I am more than aware the Orioles "MEDIA" has written much about alluring Maryland native Mark Teixeira back to Baltimore. I have lived in the area for 30 years. They are not going to deal Cabrera or Markakis for Mark Teixeira when he will be available in a couple of years in free agency. That is all......Rude Loser!

[Adam Hobson]

"Buchholz outpitched his idol Clemens the other day in AA"

I was at that game. He didn't.

The Trenton Thunder have absolutely 0 hitting prospects. Not one of those players will ever reach the major leagues and yet they were still able to get hit after hit off of Buchholz.

I was seriously expecting a shutout with maybe one or two hits total.

Clemens on the other hand, while certainly not on his game, was not exactly trying to win either. He was not throwing the fastball all too often because he was testing out his off speed stuff and getting the rust off of it.

That rust is certainly not off yet, but it is not exactly like this was a do or die situation for Clemens. It was a practice session.

[SierraM]

http://redsox.bostonherald.com/redSox/view.bg?articleid=1002868

“I would have more confidence in this kid (Buchholz) starting a major league game tomorrow than the other guy (Clemens),” said one American League scout in attendance for Clemens’ second minor league tune-up for the New York Yankees, a start for the Double-A Thunder in their 4-3, 10-inning loss to the Portland Sea Dogs. “We need one game to win the division and you’re giving me a choice between starting (Buchholz) or Clemens, I’m taking (Buchholz) off of what I saw tonight.”

[ou812jay8]

It's pretty safe to say we can count out the Mets. They have Delgado through 2008, and then they will hand first base over to Mike Carp or Brett Harper. Much cheaper options and they can keep all of the prospects it would take to get Tex.

[quintjs]

Adam, while that is kinda true, Buchholz has had 8AA starts or something, against Roger Clemens, even if Clemens was useless, he still should be better.

The Sea Dogs are hardly loaded with great position prospects either, only 1 cracks the Sox top20 prospects. (#16)

The hit after hit was only in the first inning, and a couple of balls after that managed to fall in for hits, rather than were hit well. No walks.

Anyway, thread is about Teixeria

[boomshwa12]

i bet the scout who said that was the guy who told epstein to draft buchholz

i think roger clemens is overrated as a big game pitcher, but if there's a one game playoff tomorrow between the sox/yanks, with buchholz/clemens on the mound and the division title on the line, you couldn't tell me with a straight face that your taking buchholz.

however he sounds like a fine prospect. the sox have no need for teixeira except to be greedy and possibly block the yankees, who probably don't have enough trade chips anyway. epstein has held onto his prospects this long so he might as well wait for them to reach the majors and see what they're made of.

[ArodSucksAtLife]

"i think roger clemens is overrated as a big game pitcher, but if there's a one game playoff tomorrow between the sox/yanks, with buchholz/clemens on the mound and the division title on the line, you couldn't tell me with a straight face that your taking buchholz."

Consider a brother straight faced.

[SierraM]

My post was in response to the guy that said that Bucholz did not out pitch Clemens. It wasn't meant to be a put down on his career. Just on his performance on the game.

It was clear to everyone in that game that Clemens was out pitched. He was clearly struggling while Bucholz was dominant.

The reason Clemens is making another start in the minors is because he wasn't ready.

[boomshwa12]

i wasn't putting you down SierraM because your point was valid. i just think its hilarious that a guy that's supposed to know baseball as well as the scout should would actually say something like that

[rangersorrobbers]

Umm, getting back to the topic of a Teixeira trade, the Rangers need at least a ready-now Pitcher, and more:

http://rangersorrobbers.wordpress.com/2007/05/29/texas-to-trade-texiera

[Horrorfilmkid]

As a Baltimore fan, I will say that If it were my club to make decisions about and I wanted to shake up my team, I would offer up Garret Olson and Jay Gibbons for Tex.

That would give the Rangers the OF/1B and pitching prospect they are looking for.

It would give Baltimore a solid everyday 1B with some Power.

There would be no discussion of who our outfielders and 1B were which day and what our lineup will look like.

It won't destroy our already shady starting pitching.

Huff and Millar will share giving guys a day off and playing DH.

We lose a pitching prospect and a (when playing regularly) steady bat.

We will gain a Stability in our clubhouse that is not there and hurting us.

Tex is a Baltimore native and will get fans excited to come to the ballpark and root for a hometown boy.

I feel that if we do not trade for him and then offer an extention, getting him as a free agent will be harder and more costly.

With some luck Loewen, Wright and Benson will be 100% at the start of next season giving us Bedard, Loewen, Benson, Cabrera, Guthrie, Burres, Trachsel and Wright as 8 possible starters.

I'd like to see the Orioles carry Burres and Trachsel as longmen and deal out Wright.

The Orioles have starting pitcher depth. Losing Olson when we, on top of the above pitchers, have Hayden Penn in the wings is not a big deal.

The Rangers need a fresh you pitcher and we have them waiting to deal. By spring 2008 the Orioles will be swimming in pitchers they need to deal away.