Indians Prefer Infield Acquisition?

Paul Hoynes of the Cleveland Plain Dealer believes the Indians' preference to be to acquire an infielder, if they are to explore the trade market. If so, they might pass on discussing potentially available outfielders such as Ken Griffey Jr., Adam Dunn, and Jason Bay. However, Hoynes notes the Indians' past interest in Dunn. Hoynes believes the Brian Roberts rumblings could resurface, perhaps a month or two from now. Peter Gammons suggested in April that the Orioles' decent start might cause Peter Angelos to mandate retention of Roberts. Some other possibly available infielders: Garrett Atkins, Nick Johnson (perhaps six weeks...

Teams Scouting Griffey, Dunn

If the Reds slip out of contention in May, Walt Jocketty might begin to field offers for corner outfielders Ken Griffey Jr. and Adam Dunn. Both are paid well and have at least some control over trade destinations. According to MLB.com's Jim Molony, "a few teams are having their scouts keep an eye" on the pair in case they become available. The standard speculation for Griffey is that he could be traded back to Seattle after he gets his 600th home run with the Reds. Junior might be a nice boost in right field for the Ms if Wladimir Balentien...

Rosenthal's Latest: Krivsky, Scherzer, Edwin Jackson

Ken Rosenthal has a new column up; let's take a look. Rosenthal gives a good refresher on July trade candidates; pretty much the names you'd expect. Reasons for Wayne Krivsky's firing are discussed. By the way check out John Fay's blog for some candid final comments from Krivsky. One interesting note is that he had no extension talks with Adam Dunn. The D'Backs could use Max Scherzer to strengthen their bullpen, or they could shop Chad Tracy for a reliever. Rosenthal wonders whether the Nationals might consider the under-30 segment of the next free agent class. Plenty of teams continue...

Rosenthal's Latest: Crede, Lofton, Millwood, Dunn

Ken Rosenthal has a new Full Count video up; let's discuss. Despite his .268/.330/.537 start, the White Sox would still entertain trading Joe Crede if it'd help the big league team. This is a change from their apparent springtime willingness to deal him for prospects. The most likely desire would be pitching, if the Sox can find a suitor. Jake Peavy put on his GM hat, suggesting the Padres sign Kenny Lofton. Rosenthal likes the idea, but notes that Kevin Towers will first turn to his farm system. I discussed some future trade candidates for San Diego in my latest...

Free Agent Stock Watch: Adam Dunn

Adam Dunn will be a free agent after this season. So it's a safe bet that Dunn is going to have a career year and will cash in this winter, right? Not so fast. Dunn, who has hit exactly 40 home runs in each of the past three seasons, has only two so far. But that's not what makes Dunn's 2008 start so interesting. This season, Dunn's OBP is a robust .418, but his batting average is an anemic .191. How do we account for this dichotomy? Quite simply, Dunn has walked more than usual. So far, he's walked 19...

Burrell Enters Contract Year

All sorts of players are entering contract years, and it's become a popular Spring Training topic. Pat Burrell mentioned over a month ago that he'd love to re-sign with the Phillies. Todd Zolecki chronicles Burrell's trials and tribulations over nine years playing for the Phils. He's set to earn $14MM this year, finishing up the extension Ed Wade engineered. Other major power threats in Burrell's free agent class: Mark Teixeira, Adam Dunn, and perhaps Manny Ramirez. Dunn, by the way, hasn't had any extension talks with the Reds.

Dunn's Option Likely To Be Exercised

The Cincinnati Enquirer's John Fay reports that the Reds are likely to exercise Adam Dunn's $13MM option for 2008, based on comments from club CEO Bob Castellini. What's more, an extension is not out of the question. Last we'd heard, it was "hard to see" the Reds picking up the option. Back in August, the Enquirer noted that the Reds would either pick up the option and trade Dunn or just not exercise it. Dunn, however, gets full no-trade protection until June 15th if the Reds exercise his option. He might have to be convinced to approve a deal this...

Nats Just Messing With Reds On Dunn?

John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer has an interesting tidbit today: did Jim Bowden engage Wayne Krivsky in talks about Adam Dunn just to string him along and waste his time? Fay's source says Bowden never intended to trade for Dunn, but strung Krivsky along in some sort of childish maneuver. The Reds still have a pending grievance regarding reliever Gary Majewski, who they believe was damaged goods when they received him. Is bad blood lingering, or can the two clubs play nice? Chris Needham doesn't buy Fay's story.