Tony Clark Rumors

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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Odds and Ends: Roberts, Clark, Vidro, Manny

Time for today's link collection. Geoff Baker on "The Ichiro Conundrum." Peter Schmuck assesses the Orioles' trade candidates, noting that several clubs are interested in Brian Roberts. Paul DePodesta on the Tony Clark trade. Mariners beat writers are stunned that Jose Vidro is still on the roster. Manny Ramirez drew a six-figure fine for his altercation with the team's traveling secretary. It's suggested that Ramirez showed his displeasure by laying down for an at-bat against Mariano Rivera. UPDATE: Gordon Edes looked into this and found the fine to be much smaller and the at-bat to be of no concern to...   Continue Reading

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D'Backs Acquire Tony Clark

2:37pm: Turns out the Padres will get a Single A pitcher for Clark: Evan Scribner. 1:41pm: ESPN's Buster Olney says it's a done deal. 12:04pm: According to Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic, the D'Backs "appear to be closing in" on a trade for first baseman/pinch-hitter Tony Clark. It would be for a Double A pitching prospect, and could get done today. Piecoro says Clark will apparently waive the $500K bonus he was to receive upon a trade. Clark almost re-signed with Arizona last winter. He was known as a clubhouse leader in his previous stint with the D'Backs.   Continue Reading

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Rosenthal's Latest: Holliday, Burnett, Rauch, Ibanez

Ken Rosenthal has a new Full Count video up. The Angels are not interest in Matt Holliday, while the Dodgers and Red Sox "could play" on him. Rosenthal names the Nationals as an "intriguing dark horse," saying they've been checking up on Holliday. They like the idea of having him for '09, and could even entertain signing him long-term. The Phillies have minimal interest in A.J. Burnett, plus they're on his 15 team no-trade list. Rosenthal notes that Burnett nearly signed with the Cardinals a few years back, but their interest is not mutual. Jon Rauch is a hot commodity,...   Continue Reading

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Padres Rumors: Maddux, Wolf, Clark

Padres beat writer Corey Brock has the latest on the team's trade candidates. GM Kevin Towers recently told Greg Maddux which teams have expressed interest in him. The Professor will ponder his options over the break, since he controls his fate with a full no-trade clause. Possible suitors like the Cubs and Brewers may have backed off, I imagine. As expected, Randy Wolf is drawing interest. Tony Clark could be moved within a few days, with Arizona the rumored suitor. The Padres are only looking to move veterans, and want prospects in return.   Continue Reading

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D'Backs Interested In Tony Clark

According to Tom Krasovic of the San Diego Union-Tribune, the Padres' callup of first baseman Bryan Myrow increases the likelihood of a Tony Clark trade. Myrow, 31, hit .324/.455/.502 in 87 Triple A games. Granted, he's had multiple stints at Triple A. But Myrow is a Paul DePodesta favorite who has never gotten a legitimate shot in the bigs despite mastery of Triple A. DePo had this to say about Clark on his blog: Tony is the type of player that you'll often see moved at the deadline. He's a veteran player who has been very successful coming off the...   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Ponson, Inge, Papelbon

Let's round up some Monday morning links. The Cardinals are taking another look at Sidney Ponson. Insert your own punchline in the comments. Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore Sun could see the O's making a minor trade for a veteran second baseman if they acquire Ronny Cedeno but not Eric Patterson in a Brian Roberts deal with the Cubs. Brandon Inge is trying his best to talk his way out of town. The Dodgers' recently reported nibble hasn't been publicly shot down, so that's a plus. South Side Sox thinks speedy infielder Eugenio Velez is the type of player the...   Continue Reading

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Tony Clark Won't Be Back With D'Backs

MLB.com's Steve Gilbert talked to free agent first baseman Tony Clark recently, learning that the Diamondbacks have pulled their two-year offer to him off the table in light of their recent moves. The acquisition of Chris Burke eliminated the bench spot that might've gone to Clark. While a few teams mentioned the idea of a full-time role, Clark hasn't received other concrete offers. The Rangers have acquired Ben Broussard, so they're probably out on Clark. The Rays will get their leadership from Cliff Floyd. The Twins probably don't have room for Clark anymore. The Dodgers may still have their eye..   Continue Reading

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Should Cubs Add Tony Clark?

Word comes today that Tony Clark is willing to waive his no-trade clause if that's what the Diamondbacks want. The Cubs are the obvious fit - should they go after him? I vote yes. The Cubs' offense was barely acceptable before Derrek Lee went down, and now it's just plain feeble. This club cannot be backed into playing Neifi Perez regularly once again. Clark is probably worth a win or two in Lee's two month absence, and that easily justifies the $2MM owed to him through 2007. Josh Byrnes is a shrewd GM, however, so Hendry has to try not..   Continue Reading

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