Erik Bedard Rumors

Graziano's Latest: Sherrill, Arroyo, Rhodes, Zaun

Dan Graziano of the Newark Star-Ledger has a new Trade Winds column. Graziano notes how incredible the Erik Bedard trade could look for Baltimore if they spin George Sherrill for prospects. He names the Cardinals, Rays, Marlins, and Red Sox as suitors. The Mets fear Sherrill's price tag, while the Yankees don't expect a deal within the division. The Yankees haven't spoken to the Reds about Bronson Arroyo (although based on previous reports, they have scouted him). The Yanks aren't likely to sign Barry Bonds, and aren't terribly thrilled with the catching market. Fernando Martinez's possible injury could increase the...   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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Week in Review

Another week in the history books! Here's a look back from July 13-19: The Phillies acquired Joe Blanton from the A's for a package of three minor leaguers: Adrian Cardenas, Josh Outman, and Matthew Spencer. Cardenas and Outman were the Phils' #2 and #4 prospects. Personally, that seems like a lot to bring a pitcher who's already struggling to a much smaller park. Blanton is a much better pitcher than he's showed this season, however. Francisco Rodriguez will test the free-agent market this offseason. I don't think anyone would be surprised to see K-Rod sign a record-setting contract for a...   Continue Reading

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Bedard Going Nowhere Fast

10:30pm: Riggleman is now saying there is a chance the Ms get Bedard a start in late July against the Rangers. Regardless, his injury came at a poor time and a trade seems unlikely. 2:30pm: Tightness in Erik Bedard's left shoulder did not improve over the All-Star break, so the team won't start him before the July 31st trade deadline in an attempt to showcase him for other teams. "We're not looking at trying to pitch him before the 31st. The 31st is irrelevant with a guy who's got a tender arm," Seattle manager Jim Riggleman said. Bedard will try...   Continue Reading

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Bedard Trade Unlikely

According to the AP, the chances of the Mariners trading Erik Bedard are slim. Bedard is currently on the DL with a shoulder injury. At best, he'll be able to make one start before the trade deadline. The AP notes that players on the disabled list can only be traded with commissioner approval. I asked ESPN's Keith Law about this today; he told me all trades are subject to commissioner approval. So Bedard's DL status isn't technically an issue, but his health is obviously crucial to any suitor. The Mariners can always take their time getting Bedard healthy and shop...   Continue Reading

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Mariners Rumors: Rhodes, Bedard, Washburn

Mariners beat writer Geoff Baker has a new blog post up this morning about the team's trade candidates. In a well thought-out piece, Baker names Arthur Rhodes, Erik Bedard, Jarrod Washburn, Raul Ibanez, and Adrian Beltre as the most likely to go (in that order). A few highlights from the post: Solid lefty relievers are available - mainly Brian Fuentes and Damaso Marte. But the price is reportedly high for both, leaving the 38 year-old Rhodes as a fine alternative. Plus, the '08 Mariners can live without him. Baker indicates that both Bedard and the Mariners favor a trade. However,...   Continue Reading

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Stark's Latest: Burnett, Nady, Greinke, Burrell

FRIDAY: We have an update to Stark's column - he is now saying that Burnett does have veto power over 15 teams. THURSDAY: Let's take a look at Jayson Stark's latest over at ESPN.com. The Phillies and Yankees both made failed runs at CC Sabathia. The Phils wouldn't include Carlos Carrasco or Lou Marson, while the Yanks insisted on a negotiating window. The Phils are looking at Erik Bedard and A.J. Burnett by default, while neither of those pitchers makes sense for the Yankees. The Yanks checked in on Aaron Harang, but that's a moot point since he's ailing. Despite...   Continue Reading

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The Phillies-Bedard Situation

The Phillies-Erik Bedard situation is an intriguing one. The details: As you know, the Phillies have had longstanding interest in the lefty. Bedard recently appeared on a Philadelphia radio show, an odd choice given that he avoids the Seattle media. Possible conflict of interest: what if Pat Gillick trades a bevy of prospects to the Mariners for Bedard, and then gets a high-ranking position with the Ms in '09? Will Carroll notes that Rich Harden, A.J. Burnett, Randy Wolf, and Bedard all carry injury risk. However, the Phillies do not seem concerned about Bedard's health. He says Gillick wants Bedard...   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Bedard, Teixeira, Longoria, Durham

Rounding up today's links... Live chat here today at 2pm CST. Geoff Baker has a link and commentary on Erik Bedard's Philadelphia radio appearance. I'm with Baker - this was an odd choice by Bedard, who typically avoids the media. According to Ken Rosenthal, the Brewers are interested in the Giants' Ray Durham and Jack Taschner. MLB.com's Mark Bowman believes the Braves will shop Mark Teixeira if they decide they can't contend. They're currently six games out. Dave Cameron concluded his MLB Trade Value series at FanGraphs. He considers Evan Longoria the most valuable asset in the game, partially because...   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Jack Wilson, Victor Zambrano, Bedard

Time to round up some non-Sabathia links. The Dodgers are restructuring their offer for Pirates shortstop Jack Wilson, according to Ken Rosenthal. Kevin Baxter of the L.A. Times has sources who believe at least one general manager is under suspicion as part of the Dominican player bonus-skimming investigation. Additionally, MLB might look into the Michel Inoa signing on the Rangers' behalf. The Yankees plan to scout starter Victor Zambrano. He'll be 33 soon, and has a 9.45 ERA in 40 Triple A innings. Geoff Baker of the Seattle Times talks about Erik Bedard, who is now the best available southpaw...   Continue Reading

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Stark's Latest: Harang, Bedard, Hardy, Weeks, McLouth

Brand new column from ESPN's Jayson Stark. Stark explains why he feels the trade deadline is overrated. I guess it all depends on what you expect from it. You may recall Walt Jocketty's Reds untouchables list from a few weeks ago. It did not include Aaron Harang. While the Reds might listen on Harang, there wouldn't be any kind of discount. The Mariners have pushed Erik Bedard to the backburner, focusing on shopping other veterans. They're also not dying to move Raul Ibanez at the moment. The Brewers might be willing to include J.J. Hardy or Rickie Weeks in a...   Continue Reading

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Latest On C.C. Sabathia

The latest on the C.C. Sabathia Sweepstakes... Indians GM Mark Shapiro said yesterday "it's pretty obvious" that his team is in sell mode. There's no new information on the team's reported attempt to sign Sabathia to an extension before actively shopping him. The Phillies have scouted both Sabathia and Erik Bedard in recent weeks. The Mariners attempted to observe Phils prospect Carlos Carrasco last night, but he was scratched with shoulder stiffness. With Brett Myers in the minors, GM Pat Gillick is trying not to look desperate. Yesterday ESPN's Buster Olney heard that the Rays and Red Sox "essentially have...   Continue Reading

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Stark's Latest: K-Rod, Burnett, Oliver Perez, Bedard

It's Thursday, and that means it's time to dig in and feast on Jayson Stark's latest rumor-packed column. The Braves have shifted their focus from starting pitching to an impact bat in left field. Stark suggests Raul Ibanez, Jason Bay, and Xavier Nady would make sense. Matt Holliday would be too costly; Adam Dunn is not mentioned. We have seen the surprising rumor that the Angels could pursue C.C. Sabathia. However, Stark's sources are in agreement with Bill Plunkett - the Angels are likely to stand pat. Francisco Rodriguez wants four years and more than $60MM, a dangerous record-breaking commitment....   Continue Reading

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Heyman's Latest: Mariners, Brewers

Let's take a gander at Jon Heyman's latest column at SI.com. Heyman says three GMs who would have interest in Ichiro Suzuki have been told he's not available. Nonetheless, Heyman suggests trading the face of the franchise would be the best way to shake things up in Seattle. The Mariners have other valuable trade commodities: Erik Bedard, Raul Ibanez, and Adrian Beltre. Most of the team's other vets aren't valued highly, though Jarrod Washburn has strung together three decent starts. Felix Hernandez would draw a ton of interest, but the Mariners aren't expected to make him available. The Brewers' have...   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Bedard, Griffey, Minaya

A very nutritious Odds and Ends for lunch: Mariners fans are coming to grips with the lapse in judgment that was the Erik Bedard trade. Prospect Insider's Jason A. Churchill takes a look at the possible market for Bedard. Ken Griffey Jr. told the New York Times that he doesn't know where all those Tampa Bay Rays rumors are coming from. “I haven’t even thought about Tampa Bay or any other team. My focus is on what is going to happen tonight — not the what-ifs.” The Mets hired former Reds GM Wayne Krivsky as a special assistant to GM...   Continue Reading

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Stark's Latest: Sabathia, Bedard, Phillies, Freel

It's Thursday, and you know what that means. Time for another installment of Jayson Stark's Rumblings and Grumblings at ESPN.com. Stark runs through a laundry list of candidates for the Mariners' and Mets' manager and GM vacancies. The Indians will not be giving a negotiation window for a team hoping to sign C.C. Sabathia while acquiring him. Erik Bedard is "now officially on the market." Bedard's value has diminished since the Mariners acquired him, however. The Phillies have already inquired on Sabathia, A.J. Burnett, Bronson Arroyo, and Jarrod Washburn. Stark sees Bedard joining that group, but believes it'd require Carlos...   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Fujikawa, Inge, Haren, Jacque

Today's collection of links... SI.com's Jon Heyman does not believe Omar Minaya's job is in jeopardy. New blog to check out: NPB Tracker. Patrick's goal is to provide a reliable source of information on Japanese leagues to an American audience. He's already got a name for us to watch: reliever Kyuji Fujikawa. He'd like to be posted, but that's up to the Hanshin Tigers. Brandon Inge is up for full-time catching in '09, even if it's not his preference. The D'Backs discussed an extension with Dan Haren, but talks broke off. They could rekindle. He's signed cheaply through 2010 already....   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Astros, Reds, Mariners, Mets

Light day for baseball today, with only five games on the docket. Perhaps these links can fill the void. Despite the recent MLB.com article about the Astros' hunt for starting pitching, two Houston Chronicle writers (Richard Justice and Brian McTaggart) are wondering whether the 'Stros should wave the white flag. Interesting post from Larry Stone - he quotes John McLaren calling Erik Bedard a "100-pitch pitcher." Tim Lincecum on his birthday dinner plans: "Give me McDonald's or Pizza Hut." Both fine choices. Joel Sherman busts out a few speculative paragraphs on potential trades for the Mets if they become sellers....   Continue Reading

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Gammons' Latest: Sabathia, Dunn, Harden

ESPN's Peter Gammons has a new blog post up. The Indians are "thoroughly scouting" eight teams that may be interested in C.C. Sabathia, including the Yankees, Red Sox, Cubs, and Dodgers (the Mets may be another). Gammons agrees with Ken Rosenthal that Mark Shapiro may trade Sabathia soon to maximize his value. Gammons does not see the Yanks jumping in with Phil Hughes or a multi-prospect offer, unless Chien-Ming Wang's injury forces their hand. He does not think the Cubs or Phillies have the goods, but suggests the Rangers as a dark horse. If the Cubs don't have enough for...   Continue Reading

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Baseball Blogs Weigh In: Sabathia, Durham, Bedard

A few random musings from the Blogosphere... In the wake of the recent C.C. Sabathia-to-the-Yankees rumors, River Ave. Blues lays down a few ground rules for commenting on trade rumors. Bottom 9 insists that the Indians have the pitching to stay in the race and Sabathia is not going anywhere. Indians Confidential is also emphatic that Sabathia is not going to be traded and is still holding out hope that the Indians and Sabathia can agree to a long-term extension. Yankees Chick is not anxious to trade away Robinson Cano and/or Melky Cabrera but notes that if the Yankees are...   Continue Reading

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Stark's Latest: Holliday, Lofton, Hudson, Greinke

Time to delve into Jayson Stark's latest column for ESPN. The Rockies are 9.5 games out, and if they slip further over the next month they may trade Matt Holliday or Garrett Atkins (not both). If so, they'd be flexible on the number and ages of the players they'd want in return. Aaron Cook will not be traded. Stark talked to one team official who speculated the Pirates could keep their outfield intact in the name of a run at .500. Presumably they'd be doing this for the fans, but diehards would probably prefer a sweet bounty of young players...   Continue Reading

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Jays Cool On Bedard?

There's a long-running rumor that Canada native Erik Bedard will sign with the Blue Jays when he reaches free agency after the '09 season. However, Geoff Baker writes today: But sources in Toronto indicated on Monday that the team has cooled on Bedard and may no longer be interested in acquiring him — now or later. The Jays have had some public-relations issues the past few seasons with A.J. Burnett, a pitcher expected to use an escape clause to opt out of his five-year deal with Toronto after this season. Baker is suggesting the Jays may be reluctant to do...   Continue Reading

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Erik Bedard Speculation

So far, we haven't read any actual rumors suggesting the Mariners will shop Erik Bedard. However, it's become a prevalent discussion topic among the team's beat writers. John McGrath even suggests Phillies GM Pat Gillick should acquire Bedard as his last hurrah. The Phils do have a history of interest in the lefty. Though they don't get much press, the Phillies have three Top 100 prospects in Carlos Carrasco, Adrian Cardenas, and Joe Savery. Gillick could certainly pull off a trade, though it's interesting to note that the Phils have used the same five starters all year. Almost half the...   Continue Reading

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Odds & Ends: Beckham, Bedard, Bonds, Mulder

Lots of high profile players in today's Odds & Ends: The Rays have opened contract discussions with first overall pick Tim Beckham, says Marc Topkin. Phil Rogers of the Chicago Sports Tribune suggests we add Erik Bedard to the list of starting pitchers who may be available at the trade deadline. More appropriately, Rogers also notes the M's will most likely hold on to Bedard through 2009, a far more likely outcome. Also in the longshot rumor department, John Shea of the San Francisco Chronicle speculates on Barry Bonds playing for the Red Sox. Personally, I would predict there's a...   Continue Reading

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Olney's Latest: Bruce, Draft Strategies, Young

Here's Buster Olney's latest blog entry. Olney takes a look back at last winter's rumored Erik Bedard for Jay Bruce trade. Bruce has been living up to his untouchable tag. The Reds have to be happy with the way their young players are developing, but a rotation of Bedard, Aaron Harang, Edinson Volquez, Johnny Cueto and Homer Bailey could rival the Braves of the early 90's. That said, Bruce won't be traded anytime soon. Numerous reports are coming out regarding draft strategies. Here are a few links - Astros, Athletics, Brewers, Pirates, Rangers, Rays and Yankees. Olney also touches base...   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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Should The O's Hang On To Roberts?

Following the Miguel Tejada and Erik Bedard trades, most assumed that the next Baltimore player to go would be Brian Roberts. There were conflicting reports yesterday regarding whether or not the Cubs offered 21-year old reliever Jose Ceda, but today it appears that nothing is imminent. Peter Schmuck of the Baltimore Sun sees no activity either, and offers his opinion that the Orioles may be better off beginning the season with Roberts in the lineup: The chances of the Orioles obtaining full value for him in trade might actually increase if he gets off to a good start, and the...   Continue Reading

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Mariners May Lock Up Several Players

I noticed a John Hickey article from three days ago that hasn't been mentioned here at MLBTR. Hickey notes that the Mariners like to sign players to extensions during spring if possible. He assesses the chances of extensions for Felix Hernandez, Erik Bedard, Kenji Johjima, Raul Ibanez, and Richie Sexson in the article. Johjima, Ibanez, and Sexson are all set to reach free agency after the '08 season. Johjima seems the most likely to stay, though prospect Jeff Clement may be close to big league ready. Sexson is as good as gone, while the decision on Ibanez will likely hinge...   Continue Reading

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Orioles, Dodgers Talking Bedard, Kemp

Earlier this month, we learned that the Orioles will listen to offers for Erik Bedard. Sounds kinda crazy, shopping a potential Cy Young candidate with two years remaining until free agency. But if the Orioles can pick up a couple of younger but still MLB-ready players, so be it. The first connection comes from the Dodgers, who are offering a package centered around -- guess who -- Matt Kemp. Kemp himself won't get this deal done. Tim Brown of Yahoo! Sports lists the usual suspects from the Dodgers: Andy LaRoche (because 93 at-bats is a plenty big sample), Jonathan Meloan,...   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Hunter, A-Rod, Bedard

Sunday morning minor rumor collection... There's always some skepticism from readers regarding Charley Walters rumors. Nonetheless I'll report that he names the Nationals, White Sox, Braves, Yankees, and Dodgers as teams that will bid for Torii Hunter. I don't see the Braves getting involved at $15MM per. And are the Dodgers ready to move Juan Pierre to left field already? The other clubs named seem reasonable. As expected, the Cardinals interviewed Chris Antonetti for their open GM position. No doubt it's an attractive position but you have to wonder what kind of autonomy he'd have with Tony La Russa around....   Continue Reading

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Phils' Attempted Starter Acquisitions

Remember about a week ago, when Pat Gillick mentioned that the Phillies's deal for a #1 or #2 starter had fallen through? I'm received a fair amount of emails on this topic, so I wanted to address it. I talked my Phils source, and he gave me the lowdown. He mentioned that most if not all of these names had previously appeared in the media linked to the Phillies, but I'll present the information anyway. Mark Prior was never the Phillies' number one choice. They've always been lukewarm on him due to his health record. Had the Cubs parted with..   Continue Reading

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Details On Tejada Negotiations

Just got a little bit of info from my White Sox source concerning the now deceased White Sox trade for Miguel Tejada. Word is that the White Sox bowed out late Friday when the Orioles insisted on Brandon McCarthy or Lance Broadway in addition to the other players. It seems Broadway's status pick in the 2005 June draft would've necessitated his inclusion as a PTBNL. The White Sox wouldn't budge, and the deal died. One other new tidbit is that the Orioles changed gears and attempted to engage the White Sox in an Erik Bedard trade. It is speculated that..   Continue Reading

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Cubs Tejada Trade On The Table

An emailer reports that the Cubs are awaiting word from the Orioles on this offer: Cubs get: Miguel Tejada, Erik Bedard Orioles get: Mark Prior, Rich Hill, Corey Patterson This proposal is on the table. The report comes from Bruce Levine on ESPN Radio 1000. The pros and cons of this deal have been debated endlessly on this site. To restate my opinion: this move works as a "win now" move. The Cubs would add something like seven wins, so they'd need some additional upgrades or players outplaying projections to be favored as the division winner. A couple of options..   Continue Reading

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Update: Prior-Tejada Trade

A couple of emailers have informed me of a radio report by Bruce Levine on ESPN Radio 1000. Levine was the first to report the Juan Pierre trade earlier this month. According to the emailers, the Cubs are waiting to hear back from the Orioles (Angelos will be involved) on this offer: Cubs receive Miguel Tejada and Erik Bedard for Mark Prior, Rich Hill, and Corey Patterson. Essentially, Patterson is a non-factor in discussing 2006 value. Hill would also not be likely to add much value to a Major League rotation next year. As I mentioned yesterday, this trade nets..   Continue Reading

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Cubs Willing To Trade Prior?

Ken Rosenthal's got Chicago buzzing: "The Cubs, aggressively pursuing a blockbuster trade for Orioles shortstop Miguel Tejada, are willing to part with a top starting pitcher, most likely right-hander Mark Prior, sources tell FOXSports.com." According to Rosenthal, the talks stalled when the Cubs insisted on receiving Erik Bedard and Tejada without surrendering Felix Pie or a top pitching prospect. A longshot three-way deal involving Manny Ramirez, Tejada, and Prior was also mentioned. As stated here back in November, Bedard is very much available. Bedard is more than a year older than Prior, and is even more fragile. I've projected Bedard..   Continue Reading

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Orioles Hot Stove Hearsay

All sorts of interesting hot stove boiling in the Baltimore area. Here's the latest. Published reports have said that the Orioles have made a two-year offer to 35 year-old starter Paul Byrd. My sources are saying that Byrd is very likely to sign with Baltimore, although it may take three guaranteed years. Nomar Garciaparra at first base? The Orioles are not likely to sign Paul Konerko according to sources, and Nomar is expected to sign a one year deal with an option with the Orioles. Garciaparra would spell Melvin Mora at third and spend time at first and DH as..   Continue Reading

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Bobby Abreu For Erik Bedard And Jay Gibbons

So the John Mabry rumor didn't carry enough heft for you? Looking for something juicer? How about this from a source in the Philadelphia area: The Phillies are apparently talking to the Orioles about sending them Bobby Abreu for Erik Bedard and Jay Gibbons. Abreu was the third-best hitting right fielder in the game in 2005, and the second-best in '04. He'll make $13MM in 2006 and is strangely unpopular in Philadelphia. Abreu is also on the hook for $15MM in 2007 with a $16MM club option for 2008. The '08 option has a $2MM buyout attached. Abreu will be..   Continue Reading

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