May 2008

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Odds and Ends: Posada, Uribe, Wise, Red Sox

Today's links... Jorge Posada could rejoin the Yankees as early as Wednesday (a few reports suggested Tuesday). Kat O'Brien of Newsday says the Yanks will hold on to both Jose Molina and Chad Moeller for "a while" after Posada returns, but as Peter Abraham points out on the LoHud Yankees blog, the Yankees have a real need for a set-up man now that Joba Chamberlain is starting. Juan Uribe has been activated from the 15-day DL, and although Ozzie Guillen said he wasn't guaranteed playing time, they had to make room on the roster nonetheless. DeWayne Wise was designated for...   Continue Reading

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Speculating on Sexson, Hatteberg

Geoff Baker of the Seattle Times writes of "mounting speculation" about Richie Sexson's situation with the Mariners and "a growing call among fans" for Seattle to acquire recently DFA'd Scott Hatteberg from the Reds to replace him. The Mets are reportedly also in the mix for Hatteberg, who was designated on May 27. Hatteberg is 38 and hitting .173. He did, however, hit .310 last year. Sexson, only 33, is struggling to clear the Mendoza line at present. The struggle began last year when he hit .205 in 121 games. However, of his 31 hits this year, nine have been...   Continue Reading

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Odds And Ends: Duncan, Mather, Huntington, Trachsel, Rusch

A few notes to wrap up what I've come across this Saturday: The Hardball Times has an interview with Pirates GM Neal Huntington. It's plenty long. He talks about the dynamics in dealing with his former team, the Cleveland Indians. Steve Trachsel might be on his way out with the Orioles. Tough to argue against that move. As I mentioned in an earlier post, the O's are in the cellar, and might not climb out for the rest of 2008. Chris Duncan down, Joe Mather up. Could Mather be the piece that rounds out a powerful outfield? Or could he...   Continue Reading

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Possible Sellers: Detroit Tigers

Once again, we're only two months into the season, and a lot can change between now and July. Using a familiar anecdote, the Yankees were 22-29 last May 31, and ended up being the best team in baseball in the second half. So while they looked like possible sellers on May 31, when July rolled around that would no longer be the case. The Detroit Tigers have a similar possibility this year. Touted by a to-be-unnamed ESPN analyst as having the best offense in baseball history, the Tigers have faltered in 2008. They're 23-31, good for fourth place in the...   Continue Reading

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Possible Buyers: St. Louis Cardinals

Viva El Birdos has a piece up about the Cardinals' surprise rise to contention this season. A potent question is raised within: Should the Cards be content with merely contending, or should they be gearing up for a real shot at the Cubs? It's not the easiest of decisions. They're just 1.5 games back of the Cubs on the day we wrap up the season's second month. But there are plenty of places this could go wrong. For instance, Ryan Ludwick is currently the team's second best hitter. There is little in the outfielder's past that suggests he can maintain...   Continue Reading

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Transaction Roundup: Athletics, Medders, Pena, German, Brower

I woke up to a ton of small transactions this morning, so let's lead with them. In MLBTR-friendly transactions, the A's designated Lenny DiNardo and Kevin Melillo for assignment. The team made a bevy of other moves, though, recalling Travis Buck, Brad Ziegler, and Carlos Gonzalez, placing Joey Devine, Mike Sweeney, and Ryan Sweeney on the 15-day DL, and activating Kiko Calero and Eric Chavez from the DL. Brandon Medders, recently DFA by the Diamondbacks, has cleared waivers and has been assigned to AAA. Brayan Pena, recently DFA by the Braves, has been claimed by the Royals. Rangers RHP Franklyn...   Continue Reading

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Odds And Ends: Weaver, Mulder, Pena, Giambi

Here are a few random notes from the MLBiverse... Paul Hagen is reporting that the Mets are interested in acquiring a first baseman and/or a corner outfielder. Hagen says that Omar Minaya is rumored to be interested in Kevin Millar, Jason Bay and Xavier Nady. Hagen must share a source with Dan Graziano, who mentions the same trio. Might Aaron Heilman be used as bait? According to the minor league deal that Jeff Weaver signed with the Brewers, if he was not called up by this Sunday he could ask for his release. The Brewers and Weaver's agent, Scott Boras,...   Continue Reading

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Draft Roundup

More draft action for you today. ESPN's Keith Law has an excellent draft overview, and it's not behind the subscriber wall. I wonder what kind of traffic ESPN would get if they freed up all their content. Law also has his top 30 projections, if you're a subscriber. Is Rick Porcello a problem? Matthew Futterman implies that teams like the Brewers couldn't possibly afford him. But the Crew spent $42MM on Jeff Suppan.   Continue Reading

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Heyman On the Rockies and Holliday

The idea of the Rockies trading Matt Holliday this summer is not a new one. Ken Rosenthal speculated on the possibility two weeks ago. Today, Jon Heyman goes a little deeper. While he feels trading Holliday is certainly possible, there are at least a couple of executives who think it is unlikely. To sum up: The Rockies are tied for the worst record in baseball and several executives are now wondering if they will be willing to trade Garrett Atkins and/or Holliday. Willy Taveras and Brian Fuentes will almost certainly be made available. One GM thinks that last year's mid-season...   Continue Reading

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Several Giants Relievers Available

Earlier this morning we saw a report that indicated that Erick Threets may be available for the right price. Now, according to Andrew Baggarly, the Giants have made most of their middle relievers available as well as a couple of pitchers in Triple A. The Giants have informed other clubs that relievers Tyler Walker, Jack Taschner and Vinnie Chulk are available in fair-value deals. The club also is soliciting offers for Erick Threets and Brad Hennessey, who is starting for Triple-A Fresno. Walker, Chulk and Hennessey are all arbitration-eligible at the end of the season. Chulk is having the best...   Continue Reading

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The Center Fielder Market

Any decent center fielders out there for trade? It's a thin market; let's explore. Coco Crisp, Red Sox. Believe it not, he's the best-hitting CF available. Crisp is signed through '09. Brandon Moss and Bobby Kielty are both on minor league rehab assignments. When they're healthy, Crisp trade talks may resume. Ryan Freel, Reds. Freel is a strong candidate to be moved, if a team will take on his $4MM salary for '09. I'm sure Corey Patterson is available too. Willy Taveras, Rockies. Once Matt Holliday and Brad Hawpe return, the Rockies could entertain offers for Taveras. The Rox could...   Continue Reading

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Cristian Guzman To Wait On Contract Talks

MLB.com's Bill Ladson has some info on impending free agent shortstop Cristian Guzman. Apparently there will be no extension talks with the Nationals until after the season, a decision made by both sides. Ladson's source indicates that Guzman might be willing to cut the Nats a break since he was injured for much of his current four-year deal. That break might translate to a two-year contract. We'll see if Guzman still feels the same after the season. In my Free Agent Stock Watch post on Guzman, I mentioned him as a cheaper alternative to Rafael Furcal. Furcal is looking questionable,...   Continue Reading

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Stark's Latest: Braves, Robertson, Igawa

Jayson Stark has a new Rumblings and Grumblings column up. Let's take a look. While Greg Maddux is not out of the question, the Braves are more interested in a younger starter they can control for multiple years. One possibly available starter who hasn't gotten much buzz: Nate Robertson. The 30 year-old southpaw hasn't pitched well since '06, and he's signed through 2010. The Mariners will probably talk about Miguel Batista and Jarrod Washburn, but not Erik Bedard. No big surprise there. Both Batista and Washburn are signed through '09. Stark rattles off a bunch of available relievers. Mostly names...   Continue Reading

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Mayo's Latest: Alvarez, Orioles, Cashner

MLB.com's Jonathan Mayo has some draft tidbits tonight. The idea has been floated that the Rays could draft Pedro Alvarez with an eye on moving Evan Longoria to second base down the road. Alvarez's position really shouldn't be a concern - Carlos Pena might be gone by the time he's ready. Mayo's heard buzz that the Rays have narrowed it down to Alvarez or Buster Posey, despite what Tim Beckham's dad said. Standard speculation is that the O's are looking at Brian Matusz and Justin Smoak, but Mayo's heard there might be a non-Beckham dark horse. The White Sox have...   Continue Reading

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Twins Add Breslow

According to Joe Christensen, the Twins claimed lefty reliever Craig Breslow off waivers from the Indians. Breslow, a 27 year-old Yale graduate, has bounced around and only compiled 36.2 innings in the bigs. His control needs some work, but he may be useful.   Continue Reading

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Left-Handed Power Options For Cubs

Lou Piniella seemingly wouldn't mind a left-handed power hitter on his team, even if he's not complaining about it. It's fair to assume the Cubs are locked in at first base, third base, and left field. That makes the left-handed power pursuit much more challenging. We can probably rule out Adam Dunn, Raul Ibanez, Chad Tracy, Barry Bonds, Aubrey Huff, and Hank Blalock. Kosuke Fukudome could be shifted to center field, but none of these guys could handle right regularly. I came up with three possibly available players who can play right field, somewhat. I'm thinking of Eric Hinske, Milton...   Continue Reading

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The Left Fielder Market

Today let's see which left fielders may be on the trade market in the coming months. I'll limit it to players who have actually played left this year. The Indians, Mets, and Cardinals could be looking for help at the position. Pat Burrell, Phillies. Maybe the Phils' surging offense could spare Burrell once Jayson Werth returns from the DL. They're much more likely to hang on to Burrell though. Jason Bay, Pirates. The resurgent Bay (.290/.410/.541) is one of the crown jewels of the trade market. The Bucs were right to wait on trading him. Since the acquiring team gets...   Continue Reading

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Mets, Mariners Interested In Hatteberg

THURSDAY: MLB.com's Marty Noble says the Mets have already discussed Hatteberg internally. They could move quickly to sign him after he clears waivers, but Marlon Anderson's injury is a factor here. Additionally, the Mariners are "actively pursuing" Hatteberg. The Ms actually started Miguel Cairo at first last night. WEDNESDAY: According to Ken Davidoff of Newsday, "the Mets have some, but only some" interest in recently-designated first baseman Scott Hatteberg. Davidoff says the Mets will wait until Hatteberg clears waivers and then perhaps see if Hatteberg is open to a minor league deal. Hatteberg is a left-handed hitter who succeeds against...   Continue Reading

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Beckham A Top Two Lock?

Dejan Kovacevic talked to Tim Beckham's father, Jimmy. Jimmy Beckham says the family has met only with the Rays and Pirates, and he expects his son to be drafted by one of those two clubs. I'm surprised they are so certain. Isn't it possible that the Rays draft Buster Posey and the Bucs opt for Pedro Alvarez?   Continue Reading

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Astros DFA Borkowski, Sign Jorge Sosa

To make room for Wandy Rodriguez's return from the DL tonight, the Astros designated reliever Dave Borkowski for assignment. They also signed righty Jorge Sosa to a minor league deal. Borkowski, 31, makes $800K this year. His 2.67 K/BB (21 innings) this year wasn't bad, but he allowed too many hits and home runs. Sosa, 30, was designated for assignment and then released by the Mets earlier this year. $2MM down the tubes for the Mets.   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Bruce, Ensberg, Boone, Weaver

Plenty of links for today. Indians top prospect Adam Miller is pretty much done for the season. '09 free agent shortstop Orlando Cabrera and manager Ozzie Guillen are not getting along. Peter Bendix explains the savings the Reds get by waiting to promote Jay Bruce. Morgan Ensberg is a DFA candidate, while LaTroy Hawkins may be getting there. Bret Boone's comeback attempt has ended. Jeff Weaver (6.69 ERA in Triple A) can ask for his release if not called up by June 15th. Hank Blalock may not be in the Rangers' long-term plans. The Indians designated Jorge Julio for assignment.   Continue Reading

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Crasnick On Remaining Free Agents

ESPN's Jerry Crasnick examines the status of nine free agents: Sammy Sosa, Kenny Lofton, Reggie Sanders, Jeff Cirillo, Royce Clayton, Steve Finley, Freddy Garcia, David Wells, and Damian Miller. Lofton is likely to find a job; he's healthy and played reasonably well last year. The Cubs still might be a fit. Seems that Garcia probably won't reach a big league mound until September; auditioning for teams may take place in July. Miller received calls from the Yankees and Padres, but he's still taking a Brewers or nothing stance.   Continue Reading

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Draft Roundup

All kinds of good draft info surfacing today. Let's take a look. MLB.com's Jonathan Mayo projects the top 30 picks. College closer Andrew Cashner moves up the rankings to the Rangers at #11, among other changes. Mayo has even heard a rumor that the Marlins could consider Cashner at #6 instead of Kyle Skipworth. Back on May 16th, Baseball America chose the Tigers for Cashner at #21. Mayo sees the Rangers at #11 and the Yankees at #28 as possibilities for Boras advisee Gerrit Cole. MiLB.com has compared Cole to Kyle Farnsworth. Baseball America suggested Cole could slip to the...   Continue Reading

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Rosenthal's Latest: Sabathia, Bay, Wolf

Hot stove guru Ken Rosenthal has a new column up. Rosenthal tosses around some fun ideas in case the Indians want to trade C.C. Sabathia for another free-agent-to-be. Presumably they'd target a slugger in return. Rosenthal applauds the Pirates' decision not to sell low on Jason Bay this winter. Signed cheaply through '09, Bay may have more trade value than Adam Dunn (in my opinion). Randy Wolf is expected to be "among the most available Padres." The 31 year-old southpaw sports an 8.2 K/9. A strong, healthy June would give Wolf's trade value a boost.   Continue Reading

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Sammy Sosa To Retire After WBC?

ESPN's Enrique Rojas, quoting the Dominican paper Hoy, writes that Sammy Sosa intends to retire after playing in the next World Baseball Classic (to be held in March '09). Sosa's quotes are confusing: "There's something that I wish to state very clearly: I'm not looking for a job. In fact, I have told my agent that he should stop offering my services to MLB teams. I'm not retired. I remain highly focused and not begging for a contract." I think Sosa's point is that he is still willing to play for an MLB team, but only if they come to...   Continue Reading

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Could Livan Hernandez Become Available?

Charley Walters of the St. Paul Pioneer Press doesn't exactly say that the Twins are willing to trade Livan Hernandez. Here's what he wrote: It's too early, with the Twins still in contention. But starter Livan Hernandez's trade value probably won't be higher than it is now, and it will be interesting to see whether the right-hander, 33, is dealt for some power by the All-Star Game in July. Hernandez has interesting numbers. He has the second-lowest strikeout rate in baseball, coupled with the fifth-worst hit rate. To counter that, Hernandez has the 10th-best walk rate. Walter's suggestion that Hernandez...   Continue Reading

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Gammons On Available Pitchers

ESPN's Peter Gammons names ten starting pitchers who could be available in the coming months. We'll try to devise a comprehensive list when we get to the position in our Trade Market series. Gammons' trade possibilities: Paul Byrd, Jeremy Sowers, Derek Lowe, Rich Harden, Odalis Perez, Brett Tomko, Jarrod Washburn, Zach Duke, Vicente Padilla, and Kevin Millwood. Byrd, Lowe, Perez, and Tomko will be free agents after the season. Sowers and Duke are the kids. Harden is the oft-injured ace. Washburn, Padilla, and Millwood bring burdensome contracts. Gammons also five "unlikely, but not impossible" scenarios. He suggests A.J. Burnett, Bartolo...   Continue Reading

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Yankees Sign Ben Broussard

According to the AP, the Yankees have signed first baseman Ben Broussard to a minor league deal. He'll head to Triple A. Broussard, 31, was acquired along with his $3.85MM salary by the Rangers in December. 89 plate appearances convinced the Rangers to pay Broussard to go away. Broussard, when he's going good, can be decent against right-handed pitching.   Continue Reading

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Padres Acquire Baek

The Padres and Mariners worked out a minor trade, as they have many times in the past. The Padres acquired Cha Seung Baek for Jared Wells. Baek was in the 10-day limbo period after being designated for assignment. Paul DePodesta explains that the Padres have been eyeing Baek for some time. Baek, 28, has a 4.96 ERA in 168.2 career innings for the Mariners. His best asset has been respectable control. The Ms signed Baek out of Korea for $1.3MM in '98. Baseball America said back in '05 that Baek succeeds by locating a full five-pitch repertoire. He had Tommy...   Continue Reading

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MLBTR Live Chat

Click here to read today's chat transcript.   Continue Reading

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Reds Designate Hatteberg

1:42pm: It's done - the Reds have designated Hatteberg for assignment to make room for Bruce. 9:30am: The Reds haven't announced the corresponding move to Jay Bruce's callup yet. John Fay wonders whether they'll opt to designate Scott Hatteberg for assignment, noting his well-diminished role on the team. I speculated back in April that Hatteberg might be a good replacement for Carlos Delgado or complement to Richie Sexson. Corey Patterson has to be worried as well, since Bruce is expected to take over as the regular center fielder. Patterson is hitting just .201/.242/.354 in 155 plate appearances.   Continue Reading

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The Third Baseman Market

Looking to fill a need at the hot corner? Here is MLBTR's rundown of the possibly available third basemen. Garrett Atkins, Rockies. It seems that the Rockies will listen on Atkins, who will reach free agency after the 2010 season. The Indians may have interest. Dallas McPherson, Marlins. Jorge Cantu is getting the job done for the big club, while McPherson is hitting .283/.378/.604 with 15 home runs in Triple A. Joe Crede, White Sox. Despite all the springtime rumors, it seems unlikely that the first-place Sox would trade Crede. Josh Fields could be a valuable trade chip, though. Kevin...   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Ivan Rodriguez, Hall, Street

Time for today's link roundup. MLBTR live chat here at 2pm CST, don't miss it! Ivan Rodriguez expects to play ball beyond this season. Bill Hall isn't happy with the Brewers' callup of Russell Branyan. Hall is hitting .220/.292/.418 in 196 plate appearances. He's signed through 2010. Susan Slusser ponders the future of A's relievers Huston Street, Alan Embree, Santiago Casilla, and Joey Devine. Might be tough to deal anyone unless the team drops out of contention. Part 2 of AN's Billy Beane interview.   Continue Reading

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Jay Bruce To Debut Tomorrow

According to Baseball Digest Daily, the Reds will promote top prospect Jay Bruce tomorrow. The 21 year-old is mashing to the tune of .364/.393/.630 in Triple A. Said Rob Neyer today: "Has there ever been a more obvious call-up in the history of the sport?" Bruce's promotion may signal the end of Corey Patterson in Cincinnati.   Continue Reading

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The Shortstop Market

Many shortstops are having disappointing seasons, at least offensively. What does the trade market offer at this position? Jack Wilson, Pirates. He's set to come off the DL tomorrow following a calf strain. Given the performance of his replacements, the Bucs may hang on to Wilson for the sake of respectability. Plus, they're not out of contention. Wilson is signed through '09 and has a limited no-trade clause. Alex Gonzalez, Reds. If Jeff Keppinger can return in late June and Gonzalez is ready in July, he could be dealt. It'd be tough - he's signed through '09. Cristian Guzman, Nationals....   Continue Reading

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Julian Tavarez To Sign With Brewers

MONDAY: Tom Haudricourt reports that the Brewers are set to sign Tavarez for bullpen depth. SUNDAY: The Boston Globe's Nick Cafardo writes that Bartolo Colon, a close friend of Julian Tavarez, said Tavarez told him that he would prefer to pitch for the New York Mets. Tavarez was recently DFA'd by the Red Sox and elected free agency rather than accepting an assignment to Triple A Pawtucket. Tavarez could make sense for the Mets in many roles. Jason Vargas and Matt Wise have been ineffective in limited use, while Mike Pelfrey has been very inconsistent over the first two months...   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Pokey, Lowe, Boss

Before you fire up the grill, check out these links. Dayn Perry has an enjoyable series at Baseball Prospectus called Mock Blockbuster. He proposes trades that would benefit both teams. His latest: Greg Maddux and Brian Giles for Jordan Schafer. Rays Index wonders whether Eric Hinske or Gabe Gross could be expendable once Willy Aybar returns. Joe Capozzi remembers Mike Piazza's five game stint as a Marlin. Pokey Reese sighting! Ned Colletti told struggling free-agent-to-be Derek Lowe the Dodgers aren't slamming the door on him coming back. The Red Sox signed an Australian teen named Boss Moanaroa. Athletics Nation chats...   Continue Reading

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Draft Roundup

All kinds of draft links today. Baseball America explains the basics in their How The Draft Works column. Baseball Prospectus' Kevin Goldstein gives his take on each of the first twelve picks. Keith Law: the Nationals invited Zach Collier to work out, the White Sox are eyeing Brett Wallace, the Marlins may like Eric Hosmer, and Tanner Scheppers is getting a second opinion. Jim Callis names high schoolers/Boras clients Hosmer and Gerrit Cole as possible wild cards who could head to college. Callis also talks about Casey Kelly as a possibility for Cincy. Derrick Goold on the Cardinals' "signability board."   Continue Reading

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Bill Bavasi's Job Secure

Yesterday, Mariners president Chuck Armstrong said the team had no discussions about bringing in a new GM or manager. For now, Bill Bavasi and John McLaren's jobs are secure despite the team owning the worst record in baseball. John Hickey says Bavasi will explore the trade market but doesn't expect much. Reds beat writer Hal McCoy again made the point yesterday that Ken Griffey Jr. won't be dealt. A summary of Bavasi's offseason moves: Selected R.A. Dickey in the Rule 5 draft. Sent Ben Broussard to Texas for Tug Hulett. Signed Carlos Silva to a four-year deal. Signed Miguel Cairo,...   Continue Reading

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Perrotto's Latest: Atkins, Holliday, Howard

Baseball Prospectus' John Perrotto has a new column up; let's discuss the hot stove tidbits. Perrotto wouldn't be surprised to see Clay Buchholz rejoin the Red Sox as a reliever, though some have suggested he'll just remain in Pawtucket. The Red Sox have an embarrassment of starting pitching right now. The Indians are "bringing up Garrett Atkins and Matt Holliday in trade talks." Holliday just hit the DL, but there's plenty of time before the deadline. Perrotto's sources suggest the Phillies may deal Ryan Howard before the '09 season, to avoid his probable large salary. Can you think of any...   Continue Reading

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Kovacevic Chats Draft With Pirates Execs

There's been quite a bit of conjecture that the Pirates will draft Pedro Alvarez with their #2 pick. Alvarez, a Scott Boras advisee, may require a Major League contract. The Bucs' new management team will be making a statement to fans if they pony up for Alvarez. Devan Kovacevic did a Q&A on the draft with Pirates GM Neal Huntington and team president Frank Coonelly. He didn't shy away from tough questions, touching on the Matt Wieters subject. Kovacevic also referenced Alvarez, asking how a player demanding a big league deal would impact the team's draft choice. Said Coonelly: The...   Continue Reading

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No Santana, No Regrets for Red Sox

Earlier this morning, MLBTR noted how Ken Rosenthal doesn't think the Yankees have regrets over not landing Johan Santana despite their would-have-been trade pieces now struggling or injured. Today's Boston Globe discusses the Red Sox similar feelings. Chad Finn not only brings us an amusing baseball card of a young Lou Pineilla, but also shares his relief that Boston did not give up Jacoby Ellsbury, Jon Lester, Justin Masterson, and/or Jed Lowrie for Johan (consequently setting the record for a trade involving the most players with first names beginning with the letter "J"). Referencing Buster Olney's blog, Finn concedes to...   Continue Reading

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Mark Ellis: Stay Or Leave?

Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reiterates Mark Ellis' desire to stay with the A's beyond 2008 but notes, "Testing free-agent waters might be extremely lucrative for Ellis, who is an elite defensive player." Tim recently sifted through the 2B market and thinks it would take something substantial to acquire Ellis. I don't see the A's, who are 27-23, making any sudden moves - at least not with lower profile quantities like Ellis. Come the off-season Mark Ellis, who turns 31 next week, may be torn between signing for a lot less to stay or following Orlando Hudson who...   Continue Reading

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Weaver Staying? Turnbow Not Going Anywhere.

Tom Haudricout of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports Jeff Weaver has a 6.52 ERA in 29 innings in Triple-A Nashville and can ask for his release next Sunday if he doesn't see an opportunity with the Brewers as realistic. Weaver had no spring training, so he's still in rough form. Whether or not that form improves has yet to be determined. The Brewers currently have two struggling starters in Dave Bush and Seth McClung who just replaced Carlos Villanueva in the rotation. In that same piece, we find that Derrick Turnbow has "suffered a near-total command meltdown" in Nashville. In...   Continue Reading

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Rosenthal's Latest: Hunter, Santana, Quentin

It's Sunday again, so we've got some tidbits from Ken Rosenthal's Full Count video: Torii Hunter was courted by the White Sox and Rangers before signing with the Angels this past offseason; however, according to Hunter, he had a meeting scheduled with the Dodgers to discuss taking the spot that Andruw Jones would come to occupy. The Angels signed him, preventing the meeting. As we enter June, the sky is falling in Seattle... Rosenthal doesn't think there's a lot of regret in the Yankee organization for not acquiring Johan Santana. One executive notes Santana's throwing with increased effort this season...   Continue Reading

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Cleveland GM Shapiro Ready To Talk Trades

The Cleveland Plain Dealer's Joe Maxse writes that Indians GM Mark Shapiro will soon be talking to every team in an effort to upgrade his roster. The Tribe have gotten off to a surprisingly slow start in April and May and currently have a 22-26 record, 4 1/2 games behind the first-place Chicago White Sox. While Shapiro concedes that major trades don't usually occur so early in the season, he's already apparently ready to consider all options: "We will get on the phone with every team in the league, although sometimes a trade of magnitude comes down the road. We...   Continue Reading

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Esteban Loaiza DFA'd - Kershaw Called Up

It's a DFA kind of day, I suppose. To make room for the much-anticipated call-up of 20-year old lefty Clayton Kershaw, the Los Angeles Dodgers designated Esteban Loaiza for assignment today. The team now has ten days to either trade him or release him unless Loaiza accepts a demotion to AAA Las Vegas. In his final year of a three-year deal worth over $21MM, Loaiza is guaranteed at least $7MM in 2008, plus has a $375K buyout on a 2009 option. Picked up by the Dodgers after he was waived by Oakland back in August, Loaiza's struggles in the Bay...   Continue Reading

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Jorge Sosa Officially Released

Designated for assignment by the New York Mets back on May 13th, Jorge Sosa was officially released yesterday (bottom of the page) after the team was unable to find any takers on the trade market. Once he was DFA'd, it was a given that he and his $2MM salary would at least clear waivers. Sosa ended up declining an assignment to AAA New Orleans and is now a free agent. Since joining the Mets prior to the 2007 season, Sosa was primarily used as the longman out of the bullpen, during which time he compiled a 4.89 ERA. But a...   Continue Reading

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Odds And Ends: Ramirez, Tavarez, Brewslow, Pena

Thankfully, the calendar will soon flip to June, and trade rumors will start to heat up. To tide you over until then, here are a few notes from around the league. Sean McAdam wonders if Manny Ramirez's current slump will affect the team's decision to exercise his $20MM option for 2009. Manny sounded rather confident last month that the team would pick it up. And while it's nearly a given that he'll recover from this month, the Red Sox could read it as a sign of decline. Still, the chances of the option being picked up are still high. A...   Continue Reading

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Indy Leaguer Swapped For 10 Bats

Okay, so this has nothing to do with the major league trade market, but it's a slow morning, and it's kind of entertaining. John Odom was the 44th round pick of the San Francisco Giants in 2003. After three unimpressive seasons -- which seem to involve some injury -- he was released this spring. He latched on with the Calgary Vipers, and independent league team. And then he was traded to the Laredo Broncos for 10 Prairie Sticks Maple Bats. The story actually isn't that straight foward, though. Canada wouldn't let him into the country because of a criminal record....   Continue Reading

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What We Cover

Since I started this website in November of 2005, I've pretty much just covered the topics I wanted to. Here's where we stand currently. Topics MLBTR Covers Trade rumors and completed deals Free agent rumors and signings GM hirings/firings Amateur draft (trying this out for the first time, and liking it) Topics MLBTR Does Not Cover Manager hirings/firings (just never interested me) Callups and demotions, unless they have direct hot stove implications Injuries, unless they have direct hot stove implications Steroids Miscellaneous baseball news (for example stadiums, uniforms, no-hitters, milestones, off the field incidents) I wouldn't say I've never dabbled...   Continue Reading

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The Second Baseman Market

Is your team weak at second base? Perhaps you've been suffering through Asdrubal Cabrera and his .506 OPS? Take a gander at MLBTR's list of available second basemen, and make a deal. Are we missing anyone? Brian Roberts, Orioles. There have been rumblings that Roberts may be off the market. He should be available come July, though. The asking price will be high. Ray Durham, Giants. Sure, you can have him. The power's gone, but he does have a .366 OBP. Since Durham makes $7.5MM, this will just be a salary dump. Ronny Cedeno, Cubs. Cedeno can handle short, too....   Continue Reading

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Baseball Blogs Weigh In: 2008 Amateur Draft

With last year's top pick, David Price, making his pro debut yesterday, we are now two weeks from the 2008 "Rule 4 Draft" and the top of the draft is not as clear this time around. There are five candidates that could go in the top slot: Buster Posey, the FSU catcher; Vanderbilt's third baseman Pedro Alvarez; San Diego lefty Brian Matusz; Southern California high school catcher Kyle Skipworth, and Georgia high school shortstop Tim Beckham. Earlier this week we heard that the Rays were leaning towards Posey or Alvarez, while the Pirates were said to be torn between Alvarez...   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Kershaw, Medders, Tavarez

Hopefully they'll let you leave work early today in anticipation of the holiday weekend. Before you go, here are some random links. RotoAuthority takes a look at Clayton Kershaw, who may be called up soon. Brandon Medders was DFA'd to make room for Doug Davis. Not to be mean, but the 28 year-old reliever doesn't do anything particularly well. The Glendon Rusch signing takes the Rockies out of the Julian Tavarez sweepstakes. Jayson Stark said the Brewers made a run at Tavarez a week ago. Paul Sullivan suggests that Jim Edmonds may be on a short leash in Chicago. Jon...   Continue Reading

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Rangers Talking Long-Term Deal For Hamilton

According to Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News, the Rangers have discussed a long-term deal for center fielder Josh Hamilton internally as well as with his agent. Hamilton, 27, has to be considered the current frontrunner for the AL MVP award. No pair of teammates in the AL has combined for more offensive production than Hamilton and Milton Bradley. Hamilton's arbitration years will be from 2010-12. The Rangers shouldn't be in a huge rush, as Hamilton will make less than a million bucks in '09.   Continue Reading

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Stark's Latest: Young Players, Giles, DeJesus

Jayson Stark's latest Rumblings and Grumblings column is chock full of information. Stark rattles off Dan Uggla, Ryan Howard, Cole Hamels, B.J. Upton, Justin Upton, Russell Martin, Zack Greinke, Prince Fielder, Felix Hernandez, Jeff Francoeur, Jonathan Papelbon, Kevin Youkilis, and Dustin Pedroia as youngsters who do not have long-term deals in the works. With Uggla and Greinke, the opposition seems more on the team's side. With Hamels and Howard neither side wants a long-term deal. With the rest, the player is resisting. The Padres' top trading chip is probably Brian Giles, though a deal would further deplete a weak offense....   Continue Reading

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The First Baseman Market

Next up in the Trade Market series, first basemen. Which ones might be available in the coming months? Let me know in the comments if you have anyone to add. Nick Johnson and Dmitri Young, Nationals. Johnson will be out for roughly a month with a torn wrist tendon, while Young just returned from the DL after a lower back strain. It'll be tough for Jim Bowden to move either of them. Rich Aurilia, Giants. He's heating up this month. He's being paid $4.5MM this year, and it wouldn't take much. Kevin Millar, Orioles. Millar seems to enjoy playing in...   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Griffey, Baek, German, Wells

Here's today's link collection. Hal McCoy seems fairly certain that Ken Griffey Jr. will play out the season with the Reds. Dejan Kovacevic has heard that the Pirates are torn between Pedro Alvarez and Tim Beckham at #2. Cha Seung Baek has been DFA'd, and this time he might be claimed. He could have a career as a fifth starter somewhere. John Brattain explains why he feels teams are colluding against Barry Bonds. The Rangers DFA'd reliever Franklyn German; Evan Grant explains why. The Indians claimed reliever Oneli Perez from the White Sox. Baseball America says the six-fingered pitcher has...   Continue Reading

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Royals Sign Horacio Ramirez

Horacio Ramirez has finally hooked on with a team. The Royals signed him to a minor league deal and sent him to extended spring training. Ramirez, 28, had a run as a mildly useful if oft-injured groundball pitcher before the infamous trade to Seattle for Rafael Soriano.   Continue Reading

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Pedro Not Considering Retirement

THURSDAY: Martinez cleared the air today, saying he hasn't considered retirement and (barring a major injury) he wants to pitch two or three more years. TUESDAY: Mets starter Pedro Martinez explained his thinking to Roger Rubin of the New York Daily News. Pedro is feeling good and should be back with the Mets this month. However, he is not under contract past 2008 and retirement is an option. Martinez's father has brain cancer, and he wants to be there for him. Mets starters are fifth in the NL with a 3.89 ERA. Johan Santana and John Maine make a great...   Continue Reading

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Rays Leaning Toward Posey Or Alvarez?

Today from Buster Olney's blog: I talked to a couple of folks with rival teams who say that their understanding is that Tampa Bay is leaning toward picking either Florida State catcher Buster Posey or Vanderbilt third baseman Pedro Alvarez. Olney apparently hasn't heard much about the Rays considering shortstop Tim Beckham, though other insiders such as Jim Callis and Jonathan Mayo have him in the mix. Mayo says "it's still very much in the air" among five candidates for the Rays.   Continue Reading

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Young Red Sox Strike Back

Not every good young player is salivating at the thought of inking a team-friendly multiyear contract. Prince Fielder, Russell Martin, and Casey Kotchman are three who seem fine going year-to-year and maximizing earnings. According to Rob Bradford of the Boston Herald, Dustin Pedroia and Jonathan Papelbon are two more players "intent on bucking what has become a disturbing trend." It's mainly the idea of tossing in multiple team options that bristles the players and their agents. Bradford reports that more experienced agents have voiced their concern about the trend to the Players Association. Papelbon, for one, knows he's an elite...   Continue Reading

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White Sox Interested In Figgins?

THURSDAY: Angels GM Tony Reagins says he hasn't talked to Williams and has no interest in trading Figgins at this time. It may be true that Figgins is on Williams' wish list, but perhaps that's where it ended. WEDNESDAY: Joe Cowley lights up the rumor mill with some rumblings about the White Sox. His source says Kenny Williams is inquiring about leadoff hitters who can play second base, aside from the apparently overpriced Brian Roberts. Williams' main target may be Chone Figgins; he called Figgins "an interesting name." Figgins, 30, is hitting .306/.421/.355 in 145 plate appearances. He's a free...   Continue Reading

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The Catcher Market

As we near June, trade rumors will start to pick up. It's always fun to try to find teams with matching needs. With that in mind, I'm going to profile available players at each position on the diamond. Today we'll start with catchers. Let me know in the comments if you have anyone to add. Ramon Hernandez, Orioles. The O's are playing surprisingly well, but Hernandez is not hitting. He makes $7.5MM this year, $8MM in '09, and has an $8.5MM option for '10 with a $1MM buyout. I imagine the Orioles would like to move that contract. Gerald Laird,...   Continue Reading

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Mayo Draft Mania

MLB.com's Jonathan Mayo is making a splash today, posting a brand new top 20 mock draft. He's also conducting a chat that begins right about now (I'm sure the transcript will be up after). Some interesting nuggets from Mayo's latest mock draft: Mayo isn't so sure the Rays have narrowed it down to Tim Beckham and Buster Posey. There's apparently some buzz that the Nats might consider Zach Collier way up at the ninth pick. Mayo replaces his Tanner Scheppers pick with Yonder Alonso for Houston.   Continue Reading

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Mets Shopping Aaron Heilman?

Adam Rubin of the New York Daily News is hearing buzz from scouts that the Mets are shopping 29 year-old reliever Aaron Heilman. Heilman has a career best strikeout rate in 22.2 innings, but everything else has gone haywire (control, home runs and hits allowed). Rubin says the Mets are looking for a setup man in return. It seems that the best fit would be with a noncontending team that would switch Heilman back to starting. The Nationals (Jon Rauch), Reds (David Weathers), and Pirates (Damaso Marte, John Grabow) might have decent relievers available. Not sure if they'd have interest...   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Royals, Cashman, Tavarez

4:45pm: Updating the Tavarez item - the Boston Herald reports that he's accepted a minor league assignment in order to buy the Red Sox more time in trading him. 10:38am: Here's today's link collection. MLB.com's Dick Kaegel hears the Royals are leaning toward an impact bat in the June draft. Baseball America predicted catcher Buster Posey, while Jonathan Mayo went with first baseman Eric Hosmer. First baseman Justin Smoak is another possibility. Paul DePodesta tells a story about the gamesmanship of the draft. Hank Steinbrenner says there's a chance Brian Cashman will be the Yankees' GM next year, if he...   Continue Reading

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Mike Piazza Retires

Catcher Mike Piazza has decided to retire. I thought he had a little bit left in the tank as a possible DH this year, but it seems that teams did not agree. Piazza finishes with a .308/.377/.545 career line in 19 seasons. He mashed 427 home runs and is a first-ballot Hall of Famer. Dodgers or Mets cap? Marlins?   Continue Reading

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MLBTR Chat Transcript

You can view today's chat transcript here.   Continue Reading

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Cardinals Eyeing College Pitcher With 13th Pick

The Cardinals have the 13th pick in the June draft. The team's VP of scouting and player development, Jeff Luhnow, says "there's a real possibility that we go college pitcher." MLB.com's Matthew Leach admits that Aaron Crow will probably be gone. Ditto Brian Matusz. Christian Friedrich or Shooter Hunt remain possibilities. Leach also suggests the Cardinals could take one of the many first baseman and move him to the outfield (Yonder Alonso, for example). Baseball America's May 16th mock draft projects the Cards will take Zach Collier, a high school outfielder.   Continue Reading

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Pirates Likely To Draft Pedro Alvarez

John Perrotto of the Beaver County Times chronicles the Pirates' recent draft blunders. So many wasted picks. Under different management, the Pirates could have David Wright, B.J. Upton, Carlos Quentin, Tim Lincecum, and Matt Wieters in the organization. Sounds like a fantasy team. Such hindsight cherry-picking is unfair, but the Pirates should have Upton and Wieters right now. Anyway, the depressing trend of bad picks for the Pirates is likely to change this year. For the first time, the Bucs might give out a Major League contract to a draft pick. That pick would be Pedro Alvarez, who Perrotto believes...   Continue Reading

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Rosenthal's Latest: Victorino, Hatteberg, Paul Byrd

The Padres stuff got its own post; let's see what else Ken Rosenthal has for us today. Rosenthal thinks it makes sense for the Phillies to shop Shane Victorino for pitching, since Jayson Werth is playing well. That'd increase reliance on Geoff Jenkins, though. The Marlins expressed some interest in Victorino last year. Rosenthal expects the Reds to move Scott Hatteberg and a catcher before they get down to the more serious business of mullling offers for Adam Dunn and Ken Griffey Jr. Trading Paul Byrd would make sense for the Indians. Rosenthal says the Brewers, Braves, and Astros "likely...   Continue Reading

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Towers Angry, May Make Changes

Padres GM Kevin Towers got angry last night, pointing out his team's many flaws. He suggested that wholesale changes may be on the way. Minor leaguers would be called up as a group; he doesn't want Chase Headley to feel too much pressure. The Jake Peavy injury might be the nail in the coffin, though at least Peavy's ulnar collateral ligament is said to be intact. Which players would be part of a veteran purge? Greg Maddux. The Padres' highest paid player at $10MM, Mad Dog is calling his own shots at this point. I imagine he'd prefer to stay...   Continue Reading

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Markakis To Talk Extension After Season?

The Orioles have been slow to embrace the trend of signing young players long-term to save money. Granted, they don't have any obvious extension candidates aside from right fielder Nick Markakis. Jeremy Guthrie, maybe, but he's represented by Scott Boras and isn't a star player. Seems too early for Adam Jones. Earlier this month, Buster Olney wrote that the Orioles plan to wait at least three years before talking to Markakis or Jones about extensions. Dan Connolly of the Baltimore Sun has a new article up discussing Markakis' situation. He notes that Markakis' agent hasn't had substantive contract talks with...   Continue Reading

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Free Agent Stock Watch: Ryan Dempster

One player whose stock has risen in '08 is Cubs starter Ryan Dempster. The 31 year-old hadn't started regularly since '03, but he currently sports a 5-1 record with a 2.35 ERA. He's earning $5.5MM in the last year of a three-year extension. Part of Dempster's success can be attributed to his .211 BABIP, lowest in the league. As a team the Cubs have a .277 BABIP, and something around there would be a more reasonable expectation moving forward. On the plus side, Dempster's 55% groundball rate ranks seventh in the NL, and it's helped him keep the ball in...   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Wilder, Vlad, Jose Reyes

Time to round up some links. The White Sox fired scouting director David Wilder and two scouts. Investigators are trying to determine if they skimmed bonuses designated for Latin American prospects. I did a Q&A recently. I forgot, at the time, that Albert Pujols is actually younger than Chase Utley. Imagine if Vladimir Guerrero had been paired with Barry Bonds. Joel Sherman points out that Jose Reyes will be just 28 when his contract is up. Roto Professor chats with prospect guy Jonathan Mayo. Extension talks with Corey Hart have fizzled.   Continue Reading

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Rangers Leaning Toward College Pitcher In Draft

According to T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com, the Rangers "would love to take a high upside college pitcher who could shoot through the system" with their 11th overall pick this June. Sullivan suggests Shooter Hunt, Tanner Scheppers, and Christian Friedrich as possibilities. Scheppers may be out of the picture given the stress fracture of his shoulder. ESPN's Keith Law ranked his top 60 for the draft on May 10th, and he considered the top college pitchers to be Aaron Crow, Brian Matusz, Scheppers, Friedrich, Josh Fields, and Hunt. In their May 16th mock draft, Baseball America picked high school first baseman...   Continue Reading

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Jacque Jones Signs With Marlins

According to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports and Mike Phillips of the Miami Herald, Jacque Jones has reached a contract agreement with the Marlins. It's a no-risk move for the first place Fish, who will pay him the pro-rated league minimum. Jones, 33, hit .165/.244/.253 in 90 plate appearances for the Tigers. Rosenthal and Phillips seem to disagree on Jones' role. Rosenthal says Jones will be a fourth outfielder and bench bat and notes that he'll begin at extended spring training. Phillips sees Jones as the team's starting center fielder.   Continue Reading

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