Ryan Church Rumors

Odds and Ends: McLouth, Doumit, Eyre, Bradley

Here's today's link roundup. Nate Silver of Baseball Prospectus rates the best remaining fits for Barry Bonds. The Angels come out on top. The Mets seem pessimistic about Ryan Church returning this season. MLB.com's Jonathan Mayo has the latest buzz on the unsigned draft picks. The Astros dug up a pitcher in the independent leagues who is said to touch 100 mph. He's a 21 year-old righty named Jack Tilghman. The Pirates plan to offer long-term contracts to Nate McLouth and Ryan Doumit. Sean McAdam says the Red Sox still have some interest in Scott Eyre. Dave Cameron can't figure...   Continue Reading

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Sherman On The Mets

Joel Sherman of the New York Post talked to Mets GM Omar Minaya yesterday, gaining insight on the team's plans for the second half. If Ryan Church is able to return (the Mets are cautiously optimistic), the Mets will focus on a righty-hitting left fielder. Raul Ibanez is a lefty, while the prospect price on Matt Holliday and Xavier Nady seems prohibitive. I assume the same applies to Jason Bay. Sherman has mentioned Austin Kearns in the past; he could make sense. The price on Brian Fuentes and similar relievers is also apparently too high. Minaya might prefer not to...   Continue Reading

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Odds & Ends: Bonds, Church, Myers, Teixeira

Some odds and some ends: Ozzie Guillen says "Barry [Bonds] can't play for my team," according to Joe Cowley from the Chicago Sun Times. The New York Daily News' Adam Rubin is reporting Ryan Church's diagnosis was positive and his ability to return may "lessen the pressure" on the Mets to find a replacement. They will also get Angel Pagan back next week and management's "not averse" to promoting 19-year old prospect Fernando Martinez in the second half. Matt Gelb of the Philadelphia Inquirer says Brett Myers feels he's ready to return. The Atlanta Journal Constitution's David O'Brien notes the...   Continue Reading

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Mets Looking For Outfield Help?

A small note from SI.com's Jon Heyman: The Mets appear to be looking for a right-handed-hitting outfielder to platoon with Ryan Church. Presumably the need would be for a lefty-mashing, right-handed hitter. Drunk Jays Fans would like a Reed Johnson rumor started. Pretty good fit. Kevin Millar, Jason Michaels, Matt Murton, and Jay Payton seem to make sense as well.   Continue Reading

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Nationals Looking To Deal

MLB.com's Bill Ladson has the lowdown on the Washington Nationals. They've got several pieces they're looking to move. Chad Cordero and Jon Rauch remain popular names on the market, but it still seems like Jim Bowden is holding out for something amazing. Ladson says Bowden is asking the Mets for Lastings Milledge and Mike Pelfrey in a deal. It is known that the Mets would move Pelfrey in a major trade (per Jayston Stark). Pelfrey would be a great guy for the Nats to acquire; they really need some MLB-ready pitching depth. Another name on the Nats' radar is Double..   Continue Reading

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Rosenthal's Latest: Andruw, Lidge, Gwynn Jr.

Ken Rosenthal has a new Full Count video up at FOXSports for your viewing pleasure. Rosenthal believes that despite Andruw Jones's lousy May and June, he'll still cash in this winter as the best available center fielder. He'll still provide more offense than Torii Hunter in the long run. The Nationals are still asking for the moon in trade talks. If Jim Bowden does start acting reasonable, Dmitri Young, Chad Cordero, Jon Rauch, and Ryan Church could be dealt. Word via Bill Ladson of MLB.com is that only the Braves have inquired on Young. Brad Lidge is expected to remain..   Continue Reading

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Kerry Wood for Vidro & Church?

A new Cubs trade rumor found its way into my inbox this morning courtesy of loyal reader Derek. Yesterday, Jim Williams wrote a column for the Washington Examiner suggesting the Cubs might deal Kerry Wood for Jose Vidro and Ryan Church this spring. He mentions the health issues surrounding both Wood and Vidro and that both players would have to be ready to play. Williams also says Wood's huge contract could be a concern. Looking at the numbers, Wood makes $11MM in 2006 and has a $13.5MM option for 2007 with a $3MM buyout attached. Vidro will make $7MM in..   Continue Reading

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