Jason Bay Rumors

Matt Holliday Trade Roundup

It seems that the Rockies will send left fielder Matt Holliday to the A's for Carlos Gonzalez, Greg Smith, and Huston Street soon (assuming Smith's elbow checks out). While the A's were rumored to be in the mix for Holliday, the trade still comes as a surprise to most. Let's round up today's links on the topic. Nick Cafardo says the Red Sox were briefly involved in talks for Holliday. ESPN's Peter Gammons says Beane first engaged the Red Sox on Jason Bay before moving on to Holliday. Troy Renck says Holliday is flying to Oakland today to meet with...   Continue Reading

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Red Sox Rumors: Bay, Tazawa, Kawakami, Lugo

Collecting today's Red Sox rumors and links... Nick Cafardo says the Red Sox did not meet with C.C. Sabathia's agent and he doesn't appear to be in their plans. The Sox are eyeing southpaw reliever Billy Traber, according to WEEI's Alex Speier. Scott Boras believes Derek Lowe would be a good fit in Boston or New York. Nick Cafardo says Lowe would like to return to Boston, maybe even at a slight discount. Jason Bay's agents say he's loving Boston and is open to a contract extension. When asked about the possibility of Manny Ramirez signing with the Yankees, Red...   Continue Reading

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Massarotti On The Red Sox

Tony Massarotti of the Boston Globe takes a look at the upcoming offseason for the Red Sox. Massarotti says the Sox have had internal discussions about Mark Teixeira, which is not a surprise. The Red Sox definitely have the money for him. Signing Tex would necessitate trading Mike Lowell and moving Kevin Youkilis to third base. Lowell is owed $24MM over the next two years, and he has no-trade protection. He had hip surgery recently and is expected to be ready for spring training. My guess at possible suitors: the White Sox, Indians, Twins, Angels, Brewers, Reds, Dodgers, and Giants....   Continue Reading

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Red Sox Review

Red Sox GM Theo Epstein spoke to the press yesterday, resulting in a slew of articles in the Boston papers. Tony Massarotti of the Boston Globe runs through the team's entire 25-man roster. Michael Silverman of the Boston Herald looks at Epstein's to-do list, as does Joe McDonald of The Providence Journal. Paul Kenyon of the Journal looks at the team's minor free agents. An overview of various common topics: Jason Varitek. Silverman sees an effort to re-sign him for one or two years, while McDonald thinks he will look for three or four. Massarotti thinks things could get nasty...   Continue Reading

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Cafardo's Latest: Salty, Renteria, Pudge

Let's take a look at the latest column from Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe. The Red Sox are "intrigued" by Rangers catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia (I believe they have been for some time). Jamey Newberg would like to see Clay Buchholz in a Rangers uniform, but admits the deal would have to be expanded. The Red Sox will not have to pay the $3MM buyout on Edgar Renteria if the Tigers decline his $11MM option for '09. The free agent market for shorstops is weak, but the Tigers will probably look elsewhere given Renteria's .269/.318/.375 showing. Cafardo wonders if Jason...   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Kazmir, Thomas, Sweeney

We'll kick it off with a few links today and add more bullets periodically. Cole Hamels feels that he handled his contract renewal last year immaturely. Over at The Hardball Times, Geoff Young looks at the best compensation picks of the 20th century. Geoff Blum's '09 option vests with one more plate appearance. Bronson Arroyo has a plan to make the Reds competitive. Matthew Cerrone explains Carlos Delgado's '09 option. Jeff Passan on the Cardinals' brilliant signing of Ryan Ludwick. Baseball Prospectus profiles #26-50 on their list of players to build a team around. Twins reliever Brian Bass accepted a...   Continue Reading

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Rosenthal's Latest: Holliday, Fuentes, Kotsay

Ken Rosenthal posted a new Full Count video this weekend. Rosenthal believes the Rockies are "almost certain to trade Matt Holliday this offseason." Should be a hot topic at the Winter Meetings in December. Rosenthal says to watch out for smaller-revenue sleepers on Holliday like the Nationals, Royals, and Blue Jays. Holliday, a Boras client, is set to earn $13.5MM in '09 before he hits free agency. Rockies closer Brian Fuentes has yet to hit the waiver wire, but he will soon. Rosenthal wonders if the Dodgers would win the claim if their record is worse than Arizona's when Fuentes...   Continue Reading

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Stark's Latest: Manny, Fuentes, Livan, Dunn

ESPN's Jayson Stark has a new Rumblings and Grumblings column up. Some teams won't go anywhere near Manny Ramirez given the way he exited Boston. Opinions range on whether he'll get two, three, or four years this winter. Will he turn it off again after signing a long-term deal? And will other players use the same strategy to escape their contracts? The Rays are likely to stand pat, despite recent injuries. Rockies players haven't hit the waiver wire yet; Dan O'Dowd plans to wait until month's end. Stark wonders whether the Cards could win a claim on Brian Fuentes. Not...   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Bay, Clement, Fuentes, Cabrera

We've got plenty of links today. There is speculation that Andruw Jones could be sent back to the minors. Joel Sherman wonders if MLB should've gotten involved when Manny Ramirez decided to orchestrate his own exit. Kind of reminds me of Gary Sheffield intentionally botching plays to force a trade out of Milwaukee in '92. Gordon Edes stands by his report that Manny pledged to give full effort if the Red Sox dropped his options. That phone call between Scott Boras and Theo Epstein occurred within an hour of his trade to the Dodgers. Jon Heyman takes us inside the...   Continue Reading

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Week in Review: 7/27 - 8/2

We saw the non-waiver trade deadline come and go this week, and plenty of action to go along with it. Let's recap the big moves of the week: The Dodgers, Pirates, and Red Sox completed a three-team, blockbuster trade that sent Manny Ramirez to Los Angeles, Jason Bay to Boston, and Andy LaRoche, Bryan Morris, Craig Hansen, and Brandon Moss to Pittsburgh. The Pirates got a pretty nice haul, and while Bay won't necessarily replace Manny's production, he's much more affordable, signed through '09, and doesn't disrupt the clubhouse. The Dodgers add the big bat they need for a push...   Continue Reading

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Odds And Ends: Braves, Orioles, Redding, Dunn, Ryan

A few more post-deadline notes from the MLBiverse... Apparently the Braves tried to get involved in the Jason Bay sweepstakes in the last hour before the deadline. Andy MacPhail feels that the Orioles will actually be more active in August than in July. Jeff Zrebiec and Dan Connolly suggest that several players, including Kevin Millar, Jay Payton and Ramon Hernandez could be had in August. MacPhail also noted that while there "was a pretty high bar set" for teams asking about Brian Roberts, MacPhail made it clear that Roberts was not off-limits and suggested that a deal this winter is...   Continue Reading

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Ibanez Trade Unlikely

6:10pm: Just to wrap up Toronto's brief venture into the Bay sweepstakes (since it was first reported in this post)...the Jays backed out when the Pirates asked for Shaun Marcum and top prospect Travis Snider. 5:36pm: Geoff Baker has some more details on the failed deal with Toronto although he still is not sure who was offered for Ibanez. Baker has quotes from JP Ricciardi that says it was the Mariners that backed out of the deal. Baker then goes on to speculate that the aquisition of Ibanez was a marketing tool to convince the fans in Toronto that the...   Continue Reading

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Manny To Dodgers, Bay To Red Sox

4:05pm: Peter Abraham says Manny's team options were removed and he has agreed to decline arbitration. 3:58pm: Let's sort through this wild trade. For 1.3 years of Bay, the Pirates receive LaRoche, Morris, Hansen, and Moss. Moss becomes the regular left fielder, LaRoche takes over at third until Pedro Alvarez is ready. When that happens, they might have a good problem on their hands. Future Pirates' outfield: Moss, McCutchen, McLouth. The pitchers are a couple of live arms at this point. The Red Sox might be downgrading a bit with Bay replacing Manny, but they get Bay next year for...   Continue Reading

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Jason Bay Rumors: Thursday

3:29pm: Bay to the Dodgers? Jennifer Langosch says it's possible. 3:00pm: Rosenthal has a source saying Bay to the Rays is off "unless a miracle happens." He has Bay headed to Boston once again. 2:43pm: MLB.com's Jonathan Mayo says there is no done deal - the Rays might not make Brignac available. 2:11pm: MLB.com's Bill Chastain with the scoop - the Rays have acquired Jason Bay for Reid Brignac and Jeff Niemann. The Rays haven't confirmed it yet though, and Rosenthal says the Bucs want to replace Niemann with other prospects. I wonder if Bay would DH for the Rays....   Continue Reading

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Manny Ramirez Rumors: Thursday

3:26pm: Many people are emailing saying Jon Heyman is reporting Manny to the Dodgers. 3:08pm: Aaaaaand...it's dead again. 3:02pm: Rosenthal stirs things up: the three-headed Manny-Bay-Hermida deal is back on. 2:46pm: Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe says the three-way is dead, while the Dodgers are in play. Gordon Edes of the Boston Globe says to count out the Dodgers on Manny. Guess these guys aren't cube-mates. 1:31pm: Heyman says the Dodgers are back in the mix for Manny but the Marlins aren't out of it. 1:17pm: Nick Cafardo doesn't buy the "dead" talk. However, the Pirates may have turned...   Continue Reading

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Adam Dunn Rumors

THURSDAY, 10:33am: SI.com's Jon Heyman says the Reds seek players such as Jeff Niemann and Jeremy Hellickson in a Dunn trade. Niemann probably could be had. WEDNESDAY, 10:13pm: Finally, some Dunn rumors. ESPN's Jayson Stark says the Rays are talking with the Reds about Dunn, though he's their Plan B to Jason Bay. I imagine Dunn would DH for the Rays. 9:25pm: According to SI.com's Jon Heyman, the Diamondbacks offered Chad Tracy to the Reds for Adam Dunn. He says another NL team has also inquired on Dunn. However, GM Walt Jocketty said a few hours ago he hadn't talked...   Continue Reading

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Marlins, Red Sox, Pirates Talking Manny Trade

12:03am: Baseball Prospectus' Kevin Goldstein believes the Pirates will end up with Stanton, Tucker, and Hermida. 11:21pm: Heyman says there's some prospect haggling but the teams are optimistic a deal will get done. The Marlins and Red Sox seem certain to make a swap, while the Pirates are trying to enhance their part. They are still at risk of being replaced by another club. Gordon Edes of the Boston Globe thinks a deal may be close, but not done. So we've got journalists on both sides of the fence, but everyone seems optimistic. 10:33pm: The Palm Beach Post says a...   Continue Reading

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Jason Bay Rumors: Wednesday

8:37pm: Bay doesn't seem to be on the Cardinals' radar. However, talks continue with Tampa Bay according to John Perrotto. Bay could also end up in Boston in a three-team deal. 5:59pm: Jayson Stark reports that the Rays and Pirates haven't had much dialogue today, and that talks have slowed. The Pirates have backed off just a bit, but may want to see what happens with Manny Ramirez in case they can get the Red Sox interested. 3:16pm: Kovacevic has more. Brignac and Jeff Niemann's names are coming up in the Tampa Bay talks. ESPN's Jayson Stark heard the same,...   Continue Reading

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Pirates Rumors: Grabow, Bay, Wilson

Dejan Kovacevic of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette has the latest Pirates buzz. Lefty John Grabow is drawing interest from the Rays, Cardinals, Phillies, Red Sox, and Angels. Grabow gave up a couple of homers in his last outing; he missed time earlier this month with arm fatigue. The 29 year-old southpaw is under team control through '09. Calls are still coming in on Jason Bay and Jack Wilson, though the Rays are backing off on Bay. Kovacevic says the Red Sox might provide competition for the Dodgers in the Wilson sweepstakes. The Bucs interestingly called up shortstop Brian Bixler when Adam...   Continue Reading

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Pirates Owners Did Not Kill Bay-Braves Trade

TUESDAY: Dejan Kovacevic of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette talked to sources with the Pirates and Braves, who said there is no truth to the report. New ownership has not vetoed any trades. MONDAY: According to Mark Bowman of MLB.com: A proposed deal, which would have brought Jason Bay to Atlanta in exchange for four Minor Leaguers, was killed when presented to the Pirates owners for approval. Bowman believes Pirates targets might include Brent Lillibridge, Brandon Jones, a talented A ball pitcher, and a marginal position player prospect. He says the Braves will continue to pursue Bay.   Continue Reading

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Mets Unlikely To Acquire Outfielder

Joel Sherman of the New York Post writes about the Mets' unsuccessful search for a corner outfielder. The Mets find the prospect price too high on players such as Raul Ibanez and Jason Bay. They don't seem to care for Adam Dunn or Brian Giles. They don't like Randy Winn's contract or lack of power. And Manny Ramirez is unlikely for numerous reasons. While the Mets are fans of Ibanez, they've made all of their interesting prospects untouchable. The Mets may prefer to use some of those prospects in offseason deals. For now they will stick with the red-hot Fernando...   Continue Reading

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Perrotto's Latest: Ross, Jacobs, Kent, Burnett

Baseball Prospectus' John Perrotto has a new column. The Mets are looking at relievers Huston Street, Brian Fuentes, Arthur Rhodes, and Eddie Guardado. On the radar for outfielders: Jason Bay, Raul Ibanez, and Randy Winn. A new suitor for Fuentes has emerged: the Diamondbacks. Would they really make another move for a reliever? Other known suitors were named here. The Marlins would consider trading Cody Ross or Mike Jacobs for relief help. New name on the Rays' radar: Dodgers second baseman Jeff Kent. They're better off with Akinori Iwamura aren't they? George Sherrill suitors: Cardinals, Tigers, Dodgers, Marlins, and Phillies....   Continue Reading

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Kovacevic's Latest: Pirates, Bay, Grabow

Dejan Kovacevic brings us the state of the Pirates in a nice piece in the Pittsburgh Post Gazette: As we know, the Pirates don't want to trade Jason Bay. Kovacevic writes, "'We'll need to be blown away," one team source said, referring to Bay." The Braves, Mets, Phillies, and A's are the latest to inquire. If the Pirates don't make any more deals, they will of course revisit the possibility in the offseason. Still, any of Bay, Jack Wilson, or John Grabow could remain long-term if the Pirates aren't offered enough any time between now and next season, or if...   Continue Reading

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Odds And Ends: Gammons, Stark, Giles, Royals

And still more minor notes from around the MLBiverse... First from Peter Gammons: Gammons says that the Marlins will not part with Anibal Sanchez for Brian Fuentes and will instead go after Arthur Rhodes. The Cardinals now appear to be the favorite for Fuentes. No teams seem willing to pay the asking price for Jason Bay. The Indians will pay the remainder of Casey Blake's $2MM salary. Next from Jayson Stark: The Mets are also showing interest in Randy Winn, but one official from another club feels Winn is just a backup plan. A couple of random notes: Bud Black...   Continue Reading

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More From Rosenthal: Bay, A's, Mets, Rays

Now we have Ken Rosenthal's regular video contribution... In an interesting twist, Rosenthal says the A's have had regular conversations with the Pirates about Jason Bay. Rosenthal notes the A's are hoping that other teams will balk at the asking price. The Mets are making it clear they will not part with any of their top three prospects Fernando Martinez, Jon Niese and Robert Parnell. Now that Xavier Nady has been traded, the Rays are more interested in acquiring a relief pitcher rather than an outfielder. Cork Gaines writes for RaysIndex.com and can be reached here.   Continue Reading

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Mets Actively Looking For Corner Outfielder

Update 1:39 p.m.: Now that the Dodgers have acquired Blake, the Mets have turned their attention to Brian Giles. Tom Krasovic of the San Diego Union-Tribune reports the Mets are one of three teams that have inquired on the availability of Giles. He also notes that the Mets are often asked about Fernando Martinez, to whom the Padres offered $1MM as an amateur. The Cardinals and Brewers are the other two teams. -- Adam Rubin of the NY Daily News reports the Mets have narrowed their focus on obtaining a corner outfielder. A team insider told Rubin the team could...   Continue Reading

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Nady, Marte Traded To Yankees

7:25pm: Ken Rosenthal confirms it: minor leaguers Ohlendorf, Coke, Kontos, and Tabata. My impression at first glance: the return is not terribly impressive for Nady and Marte. I don't like the idea of the Bucs taking Tabata as the centerpiece - there is too much projection involved with him. If Ohlendorf and Ian Kennedy could've been had, I would've opted for that. Rosenthal also says the Yankees' talks for Jarrod Washburn are still ongoing. 7:17pm: Baseball Digest Daily says the Pirates will receive Jose Tabata, Ross Ohlendorf, and two other minor leaguers (perhaps Phil Coke and George Kontos, based on...   Continue Reading

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Baseball Blogs Weigh In: Trade Deadline

Some random links as we head toward the trade deadline, from the Blogosphere... One writer at Bugs and Cranks thinks that the Rockies should not lower their demand for Brian Fuentes and feels that the Cardinals are the most likely team to land the closer. UmpBump wants the Rockies to keep Matt Holliday and would prefer moving Garrett Atkins, allowing Ian Stewart to play third. Meanwhile, another writer at Bugs and Cranks wants the Cardinals to pass on Matt Holliday and Jason Bay, but think St. Louis should go after George Sherrill and/or Fuentes. Outs Per Swing does not feel...   Continue Reading

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Carroll's Latest: Duchscherer, Burnett, Ibanez, Cabrera

Will Carroll of Baseball Prospectus has some rumors to consider this afternoon. The Tigers are 5.5 games out, but are still on the fence about buying or selling. Carroll says there's "much more substance to rumors of the White Sox going after Justin Duchscherer" as compared to the one about the A's pursuing Jason Bay. The Phillies could jump back in on A.J. Burnett if the price comes down. Also - could Burnett clear waivers in August? The Rockies' demands for Brian Fuentes might be holding up the relief market. Regarding Raul Ibanez, the Mariners either want to tack Jose...   Continue Reading

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Stark's Latest: Teixeira, Padilla, Sheffield, Beltre

ESPN's Jayson Stark has a new Rumblings and Grumblings up. You may want to grab a glass of water or something, because this is a beast of a column. If the Braves have a bad weekend and decide to trade Mark Teixeira, a deal could come together quickly. Stark says the Braves have already touched base with the Rays, Red Sox, Dodgers, Angels and Yankees. Where Tex fits on the Rays, I'm not sure. Additionally, interest in Will Ohman is said to be "massive." A Jorge Posada move to first base could affect the Yankees' interest in Teixeira this winter....   Continue Reading

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Molony's Latest: Francoeur, Bay, Blalock

MLB.com's Jim Molony has a new column up. The Braves will listen to offers for Jeff Francoeur and Will Ohman, and maybe Mark Teixeira if the Braves struggle in the next week. The Royals are said to be interested in Francoeur. Mike Gonzalez is unavailable. The Braves have scouted Jason Bay and Xavier Nady, in case they decide to become buyers. The Phillies had an exec scouting the Pirates recently. The Phils are looking for a lefty reliever. The Phillies also may be looking at relievers on the Jays and Orioles. Molony rattles off Freddy Garcia suitors: Astros, Cardinals, Phillies,...   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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Pirates Rumors: Wilson, Bay, Nady, Marte, Grabow

Dejan Kovacevic of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette has the latest Pirates hot stove chatter. The Pirates are not opposed to creating a hole at shortstop for the rest of the year by trading Jack Wilson. They would just need the right return. Teams are still calling on Wilson, with the Dodgers confirmed and the Tigers possible. A Jason Bay deal seems less likely - the Pirates' price is high for their star. Xavier Nady and Damaso Marte continue to draw interest, with John Grabow in the mix as well. Nady or Marte would require two prospects each. Nady's suitors are the...   Continue Reading

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Bay Wants To Stay

Jason Bay continues to play like his old self, and with 12 days to the non-waiver trade deadline, interest in the Pirates' slugger is at an all-time high. Speaking to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review's Rob Biertempfel, Bay expressed satisfaction with his performance: "I feel like I've gotten back to that guy who I've been in the past, and that's gratifying. But there's also some trade-talk stuff that comes with it. It's a Catch-22. I knew coming in that it would be this way." The teams that Biertempfel mentioned as showing interest in the left fielder include The Mets, Braves, Rays and...   Continue Reading

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Pirates Rumors: Nady, Marte, Bay

New blog to bookmark: PBC Blog. It comes from Pittsburgh Post-Gazette baseball writers Dejan Kovacevic and Paul Meyer, and already has plenty of good Pirates info up. On to the hot stove chatter: Kovacevic talked to a Pirates official who disputes the reports that the team's asking prices for Xavier Nady, Damaso Marte, and Jason Bay are exorbitant. Kovacevic notes that many of these reports come from New York, and in some cases they're created as tests for rookie GM Neal Huntington. Welcome to the club, Neal! Bay is unlikely to be traded, but Nady and Marte are available. Kovacevic...   Continue Reading

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Heyman's Latest: Yankees, Manny, Bowden, Pudge

SI.com's Jon Heyman has a new column up. Given Richie Sexson's expected part-time role, the Yankees are in the market for an everyday outfielder to replace Hideki Matsui's bat. Barry Bonds is not under consideration. Heyman tosses out names such as Matt Holliday, Xavier Nady, Jason Bay, and Adam Dunn, while noting that the price on most is too high (the Pirates deny this). Heyman is still saying the Cardinals will consider trading Colby Rasmus, despite various denials. The Yanks are also looking to add a #3-4 starter type. Here's a look at the market. Manny Ramirez probably isn't going...   Continue Reading

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Sherman's Latest: Bay, Nady, Holliday, Fuentes, Blake

The New York Post's Joel Sherman is working hard today, filing blog posts here and here. Multiple teams are in the hunt for a right-handed hitting outfielder: the Mets, Rays, and maybe the Yankees. The Pirates are asking for too much for Jason Bay and Xavier Nady, while the Rockies are waiting to see what Bay costs so they can ask for more for Matt Holliday. The Rays' might find their solution internally, with Rocco Baldelli. Holliday as a replacement for Manny Ramirez this winter? Right now it's just a couple of execs speculating to Sherman. The Rockies want either...   Continue Reading

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Jason Bay Rumors Debunked

You may recall Jon Heyman's article from Friday, where the Diamondbacks and Cardinals were said to be among "the most ardent pursuers of Jason Bay." However, Dejan Kovacevic of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette spoke to sources with all three teams - and all of them denied the rumor. Kovacevic has been reporting for a while now that the Bucs prefer to keep Bay, though they'll listen. That remains unchanged. Kovacevic's article describes a hot market for two other Pirates - Damaso Marte and Xavier Nady. Pirates GM Neal Huntington hinted that he might soon trade some of the team's veterans: "We're...   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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Dodgers Looking For Shortstop Help

TUESDAY, 3:49pm: MLB.com's Jim Molony chimes in on the Dodgers' hunt for a shortstop. He says they'll give Nomar Garciaparra a chance, but they are also considering Toronto's David Eckstein. Back on July 3rd, the Baltimore Sun suggested the Orioles were looking at Eckstein. TUESDAY, 8:53am: Dejan Kovacevic puts the brakes on the Jack Wilson-to-L.A. rumor. He says that while Wilson is not untouchable, the Pirates are not likely to trade him. They consider him affordable and do not have a capable replacement. Kovacevic says talks with the Dodgers "seem dormant," and the Dodgers never offered a player from their...   Continue Reading

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Pirates Rumors: Bay, Wilson, Nady, Marte

Dejan Kovacevic of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette sums up the Pirates' trade deadline strategy in today's article. Jason Bay and Jack Wilson are not being shopped. The Bucs like having both under contract beyond this year. It sounds like Neal Huntington would have to be bowled over to move either guy. Xavier Nady and Damaso Marte are the players most likely to go. Nady is under team control for next year, while Marte's $6MM option will be declined. The Pirates are thinking they can decline Marte's option, offer him arbitration, and let him decline to accept. Then they might be able...   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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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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Rosenthal's Latest: Athletics, Phillies

From his Full Count video update, Ken Rosenthal brings us a couple bullet points: In contention, the A's suddenly could become a buyer. Rosenthal cites the big names: Matt Holliday, Jason Bay or even C.C. Sabathia, and that the A's certainly have the prospects to pull it off. The Phillies could enter the mix for Sabathia as well; however, they'd have to give up top pitching prospect Carlos Carrasco. Carrasco is the top rated Phillies prospect for the second straight year by Baseball America. By Nat Boyle   Continue Reading

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Odds And Ends: Lo Duca, Cabrera, Nady, Bay

A few more minor notes from the MLBiverse... Jay Gibbons joins the Long Island Ducks. The Giants may have to trade for a long-reliever. Bruce Bochy admits that his team is without a long-reliever and will work to find extra innings from his middle relievers. With Paul Lo Duca coming off the DL, the Nationals will now have three catchers. Chico Harlan feels the Nats will hope that Lo Duca plays well in his return to increase his trade value. Nick Cafardo believes that the White Sox will let Orlando Cabrera walk at the end of the season as a...   Continue Reading

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Pirates To Keep Bay?

Jayson Stark wrote on Thursday that the Pirates could keep their veterans in the name of a run at .500. Dejan Kovacevic doesn't mention that, but rattles off six other reasons the Bucs may choose not to trade Jason Bay this summer. Kovacevic hints that the Pirates could afford to sign Bay to an extension after the '09 season, since outfielders Nate McLouth and Andrew McCutchen would still be quite affordable. Xavier Nady is more likely to go. The Boras client is not expected to re-sign with the Pirates when he reaches free agency after the 2009 season. Trading the...   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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Rosenthal's Latest: Kemp, Bradley, Fuentes, Street

New Rosenthal. Seems like he just put a column out a few days ago. Rosenthal believes the Dodgers would consider trading a young player (especially Matt Kemp) for a slugger. He discusses what it would take to get Jason Bay, Magglio Ordonez, Adam Dunn, or Matt Holliday. This all seems like a bad idea for the Dodgers. There are certainly arguments for the Rangers to keep or even extend Milton Bradley. But Rosenthal thinks he could net "multiple high-end prospects" if Jon Daniels goes the trade route. He says the Rangers could shop some of their veterans while also trying...   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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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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Odds and Ends: Bay, Roberts, Cliff Lee

And here we have some random links I've collected over the past day or so. The Bucs will try to fill their open 40-man spots through low profile moves, not unlike the Jason Michaels one. They won't move Jason Bay or Xavier Nady until they're truly out of it. 4.5 games out of the wild card, they still have a prayer here on May 9th. Keith Law's top 60 prospects list for the June draft has been published. Shortstop Tim Beckham heads the list. Gordon Wittenmyer looks back on the Cubs players rumored to be traded for Brian Roberts. Juan...   Continue Reading

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Pirates Gaining Trade Value

Dejan Kovacevic of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette discusses five Pirates players who were discussed in winter trade rumors. Neal Huntington wasn't satisfied with the offers, and decided to keep Jason Bay, Xavier Nady, John Grabow, and Damaso Marte. Huntington says Nate McLouth's name was only floated as a "trial balloon." Bay, Nady, and Grabow have all increased their value through strong Aprils (in part via their stats, in part via good health). Marte seems to have recovered from a rough start. Let's discuss some possible suitors. Bay is off to a .264/.396/.448 start. The 29 year-old earns earns $5.75MM this year...   Continue Reading

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To Be Dealt: Bay, Nady, Marte, Morris, Wilson

A short but sweet article came out in the Pittsburgh Post Gazette this morning detailing the Pirates' five main trade candidates. No new or surprising names appear on the list but it's a handy roundup for those not up to date on their Bucco news. As we head into the '08 season (tonight!) the Pirates may not be contenders, but they could be difference makers. Jason Bay - $5.75MM in '08, $7.5MM in '09 - I was surprised they didn't deal him in the offseason, but the Pirates are wisely taking a wait and see approach with Bay. Surely he...   Continue Reading

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Blocked Prospects: Steve Pearce