Latest Mark Buehrle Trade Rumors

Mark Buehrle is a popular man right now, and I've decided to cover today's trade rumors in a bullet point format.

• Barry Rozner of the Daily Herald thinks the Dodgers would be a fine fit for Buehrle, given the loss of Jason Schmidt and their bevy of top prospects.  Given that ten teams are looking at Buehrle and we've only confirmed five, talks may already be occurring between Ned Colletti and Kenny Williams.
• Ozzie Guillen tries to defend against detractors: "A lot of people say, 'Oh, they quit. Oh, they should make an offer to Buehrle.' They did, I think."  The Daily Southtown notes that the offer was a meager three years, $30MM.  The Sox made that offer at the height of Buehrle's ineffectiveness.
• The New York Post says the Mets will only trade for Buehrle if they get a 72-hour window to sign him.  Rosenthal said on Friday that that's not happening.  The Mets' urgency to acquire a starter is related to how Pedro Martinez looks in coming weeks.
• Ken Davidoff of Newsday says that while the Mets and Yankees are confirmed among the ten interested clubs, neither plans to offer "serious prospects" for Buehrle.  That seems to mean that Lastings Milledge, Philip Humber, Mike Pelfrey, Joba Chamberlain, and Phil Hughes are out.  Davidoff shows that Omar Minaya and Kenny Williams have clearly been talking, and confirms Omar's interest in Jose Contreras.   
• Joel Sherman thinks the Mets are in on Buehrle for two reasons: in case the price surprisingly plummets, and to raise the price for Atlanta.
• Adam Rubin says all veteran Sox pitchers are available - except Jon Garland.
• You may have noticed that Kenny Williams recently issued a nondenial of the Buehrle-to-Boston rumor, saying "Not today."  The Red Sox weren't amused by that, and a deal is not close.  The Boston Globe agrees, adding that Boston won't part with Clay Buchholz or Jacoby Ellsbury.  Nonetheless, Troy E. Renck of the Denver Post thinks the Red Sox are the favorite for Buehrle, and they'd sign him to a contract extension.
• Bryan Burwell of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports on chatter that the Cardinals have offered Anthony Reyes, John Rodriguez, and one prospect for Buehrle.  Burwell would make the deal, even if that prospect is Bryan Anderson.
• GM Doug Melvin in response to Ken Rosenthal's Buehrle-to-Brewers rumor: "This is the month for Internet rumors."  Damn straight, Doug.  Actually, July and December are the big ones.  Melvin says he hasn't talked to Kenny Williams, in reality.  Maybe Melvin wouldn't part with Yovani Gallardo or Ryan Braun for Buehrle, but another prospect has emerged in Manny Parra.  Parra tossed a perfect game in Triple A last night.

Comments

[Teetz]

Reyes in the American League and pitching at the Cell. Guh!

[Teetz]

Is it the White Sox that refuse to let a team have a 72 hour window to sign Buehrle? Doesn't that seem dumb? A rental player wouldn't fetch nearly as much as a starting pitcher assured to be on the team for at least 5 1/2 years. I would say the price of prospects between the two is almost doubled in value.

[beauhoopman]

Depending on who else they are able to dump, the White Sox may be able to resign Buerhle this offseason, especially if none of the marquee offensive players want to come to Chicago. That seems to be the reason for the 72 hour window denial.

[Blutarski]

Yes, Anderson is the only thing in the deal for the Sox so that won't get it done.

Rasmus alone would get it done.

KW is going to hold out for one elite prospect. These teams are posturing saying they won't give one up - some of them won't but the hungry teams will and then a deal will get done.

It might take 3 or 4 more weeks or the 11th hour until some team coughs it up.

[Blutarski]

I've got to disagree with you there,Beau, the Sox aren't going to even seriously try to re-sign Buehrle.

He gone. Get used to it.

[Kramerica Industries]

"The feeling grew Monday night that Chicago White Sox left-hander Mark Buehrle would be traded to the Boston Red Sox"

http://test.denverpost.com/rockies/ci_6228566

"Bench coach Joey Cora was telling starting pitcher Mark Buehrle he could stay at his brother’s house when the inevitable trade comes down. Alex Cora is an infielder with the Boston Red Sox"

http://www.dailyherald.com/sports/story.asp?id=326338

Ken Rosenthal is going to be on WEEI in about 1 hour I'm interested to hear what is hearing.

Some people seem to think the mets are the favorite because they will overpay but some people think the Red Sox are the favorites

[RotoAuthority]

Nice find on those links Kramerica. I am going to add the Denver Post on to the post.

Definitely stop by and let us know what Rosenthal had to say.

[beauhoopman]

You may be right Blutarski, Chicago radio is where I heard the 72-hour window speculation. If not for that reason though, then why not allow the window? Teetz is right about the added value it would bring.

[jza1218]

Maybe because they know that the 72 hour window would be valuable time wasted.

They might agree on the trade only to see it fall through three days later due to Buerhle's refusal to sign with his new team.

Instead, they're willing to take a loss in trade value so that they can just get a trade done without have to go through multiple contract negotiations.

[Blutarski]

I can't imagine this deal being done this early.

There's no reason that the Red Sox have to overpay even if Schilling is injured. Their lead is big enough.

The Mets should do it because Pedro is pretty much done and they are not playing well right now and their lead is small.

Kenny should wait it out and be patient unless someone really makes a huge offer.

[Teetz]

"Instead, they're willing to take a loss in trade value so that they can just get a trade done without have to go through multiple contract negotiations."

That'd seem kind of silly. The White Sox have 36 days to complete a deal and they aren't, in any way, the desperate team here. I haven't seen too many complications in years past with the time window to extend a traded player and I wouldn't anticipate one with Buehrle going to a big market team.

[bigbaddbobbyjenks]

in my gut, i say buehrle goes to atlanta and the mets get contreras. its been said the mets would give up more to get contreras than buehrle cuz of the contract situation im guessing. boston, in my mind, wont give up enuf cuz of their serious lead. as long as enuf rumors are spread about so many other teams, that should drive the price up high and atlanta will definitely pay it cuz they desparately need him the most i think. getting rid of contreras and buehrle to the mets and braves should net us a very good return, in my mind.

[Kramerica Industries]

I like to argue against the argument that the Red Sox should not overpay for a starter because of there large lead. So the Red Sox should not do there best to add to an already world series contender? Why not? The goal is to win a world series and if Mark Buehrle can bring another championship to Boston then you have to go for it.Now I'm not saying that the Red Sox should trade the farm but what is the problem with actually going for it.Dont trade Bucholz or Ellsbury but everyone else is fair game.

[beauhoopman]

A lot depends on Schilling. If he's seriously hurt, then the Red Sox would be well served to make a move. Wakefield and Lester and Tavarez are more than comparable, but I wouldn't want to give them the ball in the ALCS against Verlander or Bonderman. But again, that all depends on Schilling.

[jza1218]

"That'd seem kind of silly. The White Sox have 36 days to complete a deal and they aren't, in any way, the desperate team here. I haven't seen too many complications in years past with the time window to extend a traded player and I wouldn't anticipate one with Buehrle going to a big market team."

I'm not denying that they have a lot of time to work out a deal, but perhaps they just don't want to waste their time if they know that Buerhle is deadset on becoming a Cardinal (or whatever team he wants to go to) this offseason. It's not a sign of desperation, but just simply a GM (who is known to be stubborn in his ways) just choosing not to go that route because he already knows the outcome.

[Blutarski]

Exactly, Kramerica. The Red Sox don't want to trade either of their 2 best prospects because they are not that desperate.

That's why someone else will get Mark. If I'm Kenny and Theo says that to me, my repsonse is call me when you change your mind. If he's still here, we'll talk.

[Kramerica Industries]

He I understand were you are coming from but in the end the ultimate goal is to win and i wouldn't be surprised to see the Red Sox overpay(they will not trade Bucholz but maybe Ellsbury) to achieve the goal of WINNING.

[bravesbeast]

I completely agree with Kramerica, if the Red sox have the prospects and money to get Burhele for the long-term, by all means go ahead and do it. I am pretty sure that a package could be done without bucholz or ellsbury, but if it costs one of them, the Red Sox will have the money to get a young gun at the position they give up. I know that is not a good enough reason to give up a great prospect, but it always helps when you know you will always have enough money to stay in contention.

I hope the braves do not get into a bidding war with the mets. For one, the Braves do know they do not have as attractive an offer as the mets could possibly have, and another thing is that the braves know the mets probably will not trade away those attractive pieces. I know Schuerholz as traded away prospects in the past, but in recent history, trading away prospects for rentals has come back to haunt us (Marquis, Minor, Wainwright, and Colon all could be of great use at the moment). For that reason, I think the braves will stress the depth of middle infield prospects we have, which the strength of our farm system and a weakness in the White Sox system, in talks about Buehrle. If it appears that is not good enough to get him, I think the Braves will just pass. And, also remember, JS is very good at getting a guy who no one really thinks is available until we acquire him, so I am excited to see what we can do. Another item the braves should be on the market for is a consitient high average guy, like maybe a freddy sanchez from pittsburg, for the simple fact that our offense is too inconsitient currently to be considered a World Series Contender. I know this contrasts to previous posts I have made about the braves not needing offensive help, but it appears that the current lineup production has proven me wrong. Have a good one!

[thecubsdontcatchtheball]

"I hope the braves do not get into a bidding war with the mets. For one, the Braves do know they do not have as attractive an offer as the mets could possibly have, and another thing is that the braves know the mets probably will not trade away those attractive pieces."

I disagree, with the first part, because the Sox need middle infield help. Iguchi is a free agent, Uribe is inconsistent. The Braves have a ton of middle infielders (Prado, Lillibridge, Escobar, Andrus) and have a couple arms (Lerew, Reyes, Jones) that he could package. And KW loves young arms.

And trading those guys really hasn't "Haunted" the braves. Maybe Wainwright?

[dudewheresmygrl]

I honestly think the Red Sox would balk at any deal involving Ellsbury, Buchholz AND Michael Bowden. Now if you noticed, when Schilling went on the DL the Sox brought up David Murphy, he's not on the same level as Ellsbury, but the Sox obviously brought him up to showcase him. Yes its true they also brought him up to give them an extra player in the NL parks, but it also was to show him off. He was rumored to be moving to the Marlins earlier in the year. If anyone would like a detailed report on the Red Sox prospects, check out

http://soxprospects.com/

[beauhoopman]

This middle infield thing should be stressed. The white sox are DEAD LAST in every possible offensive category here, and their AAA, AA, and high A affiliates are all at or near the bottom of their respective leagues as well. The white sox don't need Bucholz or Chamberlain or Humber nearly as badly as they need someone who can actually hit a baseball. HITTERS, INFIELDERS, OUTFIELDERS, WE NEED THEM ALL!!!! and badly.

[Kramerica Industries]

Hey beauhoopman Jed Lowrie has turned into a great middle Infield prospect for the RED SOX and the Braves are know for there middle infielders Ken Williams will get one.

[darkstar1661]

I have to agree with Kramerica on the importance of Boston doing what they can to win, and just wanted to expand a bit on it.

2007 looks like a year where the Red Sox will have a Yankee-less run into the playoffs. How often does that happen? They almost have to try and win it all at almost any cost, I mean who knows what the Yanks will do in 08.

If NY gets another makeover in the offseason (highly likely) then all of a sudden the BoSox could be hard pressed to make the postseason in 08, not making the most of 07 would be a big mistake and they could regret it within a few months.

Almost any team should do everything they can to win it all when they have the chance, playing in a division with the Yankees means that those chances are harder to come by and it hightens the need for Boston to upgrade where they can.

I would think they should be trying to bring in a starter like Beuhrle/Zambrano and maybe another cheaper CFer like possibly Lofton for the bench depth and to maybe force Crisp to play somewhere near replacement level or be replaced.

Now, I too think they can't give up one of the big2 prospects, but otherwise its kind of a "all in" situation for them right now.

[thecubsdontcatchtheball]

GOOD CALL WITH BOWDEN. I played against him in highschool, and is now absolutely dominating in the minors. Jed Lowrie is who we should be talking about if a deal is to be made with the Red Sox, but he maybe a few years away with the glove.

[bravesbeast]

"I disagree, with the first part, because the Sox need middle infield help. Iguchi is a free agent, Uribe is inconsistent. The Braves have a ton of middle infielders (Prado, Lillibridge, Escobar, Andrus) and have a couple arms (Lerew, Reyes, Jones) that he could package. And KW loves young arms."

When I say that the braves do not have as attractive an offer as the mets, I mean that we do not have as many highly touted prospects as the mets do. i also did point out that I know our strength on the farm is our middle infield depth, and also stated the braves best bet is definitely to stress the middle infield depth we have to the white sox in a trade for Buehrle.

I do not see us givng up any of our young arms, for the simple fact that 3 fifths of our pitching staff has been very incosistient, and our best pitcher is 40 in smoltz, by the time he retires, Harrison and Reyes will be ready to step in.

Also, all of those guys have haunted us in the fact that Wainwright and Marquis could be starting pitching depth, and I think would two better options than what we have in the 4 and 5 slots now, and that minor and colon could be helping us out in the bullpen. My point is that we severely weakened the depth of quality pitching in our farm system by trading away for a year and two months of Drew and Farnsworth, and lack of young pitching options is definitely a hindrance now because we have to continue relying on inconsitient results.

[Kramerica Industries]

dudewheresmygrl, I think you are thinking about David Murphy and the Marlins for Taylor Tankersley.But anyway take this for what its worth-the Red Sox moved Ellsbury to left and had Brandon Moss play center maybe showcasing him for the White Sox? Who knows.

[Kramerica Industries]

Darkstar and bravesbeast i couldnt have said it better.

Ken Rosenthatl on WEEI in BOSTON

1.Buehrle will be traded sooner rather then later. He said it could be tommorro or this weekend.He said soon whatever that means

2.Red Sox are in it as are the Mets, Mariners, and Braves. Outside chance to get him are the Dodgers and Brewers and a few other teams

3.Mets,Braves and Red Sox have what it takes to get him but wont give it up.Yet.

4.He thinks that Chicago will get a good package for Buehrle

5.He says the Yankees are not involved

[dudewheresmygrl]

Yea, so it's been known that Murphy is available, and that the Marlins balked at it. Moss can be had, the Red Sox have no plans for the future with him, in my opinion. Epstein wouldn't mind trading Jed Lowrie, and Moss and/or Murphey and getting Buehrle. And if the Sox get Buehrle and don't extend him, they gain a compensation pick, and Buehrle could get a high draft pick, especially if he goes to the lowly Cards. And if they do extend him, then they have a good left handed starter in their rotation, and it will keep Lester at AAA to develop more.

[darkstar1661]

And KW really has acted like he doesn't want to rebuild but rather keep competing while doing it. A good chunk of their return will probably be guys who can make an impact almost instantly. David Murphy is a good example, someone on the verge of a big league job but on a team not in a possition of giving it this year.

Being a big fan of the ALC I just don't see Williams ever really giving up. He will probably only deal Mark and Dye and possibly a bullpen arm if its a good return, get prospects to insert into the lineup this year in return and use that money saved to fill the holes with big FAs in the offseason...

[thecubsdontcatchtheball]

I havent heard a lot from the Cards, Buerhle's hometown team. I dont believe they have what it takes to get him. Isn't that where he wants to be? He wears St. Louis hats around all the time off the field...

Could that be the reason that the White Sox won't grant the 72 hour window? Do they know that Buerhle may not sign if there's a possibility to go play for St. Louis?

[dudewheresmygrl]

Also, after Tavarez's start last night, and Schilling's age/injury, the would be much more willing to acquire Buehrle and move Tavarez back into the bullpen, a bullpen that really needs a right handed setup man. Delcarman may be the man to fill the hole, but he's still young and Tavarez in the pen would help take some pressure off of Delcarman.

[bravesbeast]

and Kramerica, thanks a lot for posting what Rosenthal said, hopefully the braves can get it done, but I still do agree no one needs to give up too much because it appears Buerhle wants to stay in the midwest and go to the Cards, but it makes for an exciting rest of the week

[quintjs]

Red Sox FO seems to keep things to themselves, so i don't believe many rumors.

Everyone thought Helton was a lock, Talks never got serious, most thought they would resume, never have.
Matsuzaka bid...

Red Sox keep things quiet, and before everyone goes off on a tangent here, just sit back and see what happens.

I personally believe it won't happen. The notion the Red Sox would give Buehrle 5years I think is insane, Sox wouldn't even give Pedro 4, Beckett only got 3. Can't see the Sox giving anyone 5. (Of course Matsuzaka got 6, also a no-trade clause, exceptional circumstances)

With Lester coming back, Gabbard and Hansack in the minors there isn't the need for Buehrle, yes he is an upgrade, but not one worth some top prospects (especially SP/CF/SS - the Red Sox 3biggest needs) What I would call a feel-good upgrade over substantial performance difference. Tavarez had been up until last night.

Buehrle did post an ERA over 6 after the all-star break last year.

If Buehrle signed a 3year extension with the ChiSox today, the Red Sox would have him tomorrow. It is the rent-a-player nature of this that will prevent a deal.

[striker]

For those of you that think teams (Boston) won't overpay because of their lead, you are wrong. The goal is to win the World Series, not just the division. Every team looking at Buehrle could make the playoffs. Boston certainly doesn't want to be the team that passes on him then loses to him in the playoffs/world series. They would look very dumb.

Pitching wins, especially in the playoffs. And Buehrle is a winner.

[Teetz]

Signing Buehrle would be an unprecedented move for the Cards to sign a free agent pitcher to a long term deal with that high a dollar amount.

[astrosfan]

This whole St. Louis thing is way overblown.

Buehrle will go to the team that offers him the best contract this offseason, as he should.

If he were still with the White Sox he could give them or the Cardinals a small discount, but he's going to be the top FA pitcher this offseason and he'll get a Zito-like deal.

[Teetz]

Well said, Astrosfan. There is a misconception that pitchers like Carpenter and Oswalt gave their teams "Team Discounts" by re-signing at less than market value. People forget they didn't sign for market value because they didn't hit the market. A guy signs a contract extension in-season at a lower price for security. The team is taking a chance the pitcher won't get injured in the season.

[ramaboy]

Red Sox had one helluva 2005 draft.