Emilio Bonifacio Rumors

Nationals Release Lo Duca, Lopez

The Washington Post is reporting that the Nationals released both Paul Lo Duca and Felipe Lopez following tonight's game. The move was made to free-up space on the roster for Elijah Dukes and Emilio Bonifacio. Lo Duca was hitting .230/.301/.281 in 139 at bats this season and made $5MM on a one-year deal. Lopez was hitting .231/.303/.309 in 324 at bats and was in his final arbitration-eligible season, making $4.9MM. Cork Gaines writes for RaysIndex.com and can be reached here.   Continue Reading

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Rauch Ramifications

Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic has an article today about the implications of the Diamondbacks' acquisition of reliever Jon Rauch. The loss of second baseman Emilio Bonifacio doesn't exactly change the D'Back's plans, as they were skeptical on his ability to become a regular anyway. Still, people are asking whether they'll try to re-sign Orlando Hudson. Piecoro says Hudson is expected to test the free agent market, and doesn't seem likely to offer a discount. His salary should exceed $10MM. If Hudson leaves, the D'Backs could either look for a new second baseman or shift Mark Reynolds over there...   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Darvish, Giles, Teixeira

Today's link roundup... I was a guest on Get Sports Radio yesterday to talk about the Reds. Click here to download an mp3 of the show. NPB Tracker notes that 21 year-old phenom Yu Darvish threw 165 pitches last night. GM Dave Dombrowski says the Tigers are definitely not sellers. They're undecided on whether to buy or stick with internal options. The Tigers' approach to the relief market may hinge on Freddy Dolsi's fatigued shoulder. Buster Olney says the Mets and Padres have discussed right fielder Brian Giles. He'd earn $11MM in '09 if traded. However, Joel Sherman doesn't think...   Continue Reading

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Rosenthal's Latest: Teixeira, Burnett, Sherrill

Here's the latest from Ken Rosenthal, who should probably take a vacation in August. The D'Backs inquired on Mark Teixeira, but a trade is unlikely. Tex might be the best available hitter, as Matt Holliday seems likely to stay put. The Rockies scouted Nick Adenhart's last start. The Angels have more interest in Brian Fuentes than Holliday. Tons of scouts converged on Camden Yards last night to watch A.J. Burnett and George Sherrill pitch (those hoping to see Sherrill were disappointed). The Cardinals, Phillies, Yankees, Brewers, Marlins, Dodgers, and Tigers all had scouts there to watch at least one of...   Continue Reading

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Rosenthal's Latest: Laird, Washburn, Nady, Bay

Ken Rosenthal has more new material. I've updated the post, as Rosenthal updated his. The Yankees are looking for catching - Rosenthal and Jon Heyman do not agree with Peter Abraham. Rosenthal says the Yanks have expressed interest in Gerald Laird and Miguel Olivo. The Rangers want young pitching for Laird, however. Jarrod Washburn's limited no-trade protection includes the Yankees. He might want compensation to waive that, putting him out of the Yanks' price range. Washburn, a Boras client, wouldn't mind pitching in New York though. The Mariners are looking for young pitching for him. It sounds like the Yankees...   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Bedard, Hudson, Inoa, Varitek

Let's dig through today's links. Cork Gaines takes a look at the Rays most likely to be traded. According to Ken Davidoff, the Rockies have been scouting Yankees pitching prospect Humberto Sanchez. He'd be a more reasonable return for Brian Fuentes. Erik Bedard's MRI came out clean, but it's still hard to see him in a big league game before August. Dan Haren used to follow every trade rumor on the Internet, but Justin Duchscherer doesn't monitor the hot stove buzz. Shane Victorino is aware of the rumors, but wants to stay in Philly. With Emilio Bonifacio gone, Scott Bordow...   Continue Reading

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Tim Brown's Latest: Peralta, McPherson, Putz

Yahoo's Tim Brown posted a new column this evening. The Nationals got an OK return for Jon Rauch, acquiring second baseman Emilio Bonifacio. That could set the pace for reasonable reliever prices. The Indians are listening on Casey Blake, Paul Byrd, and Jamey Carroll, as you know. Jhonny Peralta isn't off-limits either. Here's a new name of interest for the Dodgers: Marlins minor league third baseman Dallas McPherson. He'll be 28 soon, and carries a .287/.400/.650 line with 32 home runs in 314 Triple A at-bats. This could be the second time McPherson blasts 40 home runs in a minor...   Continue Reading

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Jon Rauch Traded To Diamondbacks

According to Baseball Digest Daily, the Diamondbacks acquired reliever Jon Rauch from the Nationals for second baseman Emilio Bonifacio. Bonifacio was ranked sixth among D'Backs prospects heading into the season. He's hitting .302/.348/.387 in Triple A currently. He's incredibly fast and plays above-average defense. The D'Backs get a fine late-inning reliever in Rauch; I thought Jim Bowden would ask for more. Rauch is signed cheaply through 2010 and has been an above average reliever for several years now.   Continue Reading

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Heyman's Latest: Bay, Rivera, Chacon

New column from SI.com's Jon Heyman. Fresh Jason Bay rumors: the D'Backs and Cardinals are in pursuit. The Mets and Rays have kicked the tires as well. Heyman believes the Pirates want Emilio Bonifacio from the D'Backs, and maybe Colby Rasmus from the Cards. At any rate, the price will be steep with Bay signed for '09. Juan Rivera is a "surprise target" of the Mets, though they've had interest in him since March. Rivera will be hard to acquire, though, because he's gaining playing time for the Angels. Heyman believes Shawn Chacon will win his grievance and get paid...   Continue Reading

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