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Archives for June 2007

White Sox Planted Buehrle To Boston Rumor

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Keith Law, on ESPNEWS yesterday, reported that the Mark Buehrle-to-Boston rumor is bogus and almost certainly planted by the White Sox front office.  Couldn’t hurt to try, unless the plant damages relations with the Red Sox in the future.  This type of practice is probably more common than we realize, though.

Furthermore, Tony Massarotti of the Boston Herald says the Red Sox are out of this thing (if they were ever really in it).  By the way, the reason for the refusal to allow a 72-hour negotiating window:  Buehrle’s likelihood of signing with St. Louis after the season.    

A loyal MLBTR reader, summing up Ken Rosenthal’s recent comments on WEEI, noted that the Yankees are not actually involved on Buehrle.  A GM always wants the Yankees and Red Sox involved when conducting a player auction, but it looks like that’s not the case with Buehrle.  Perhaps the Mets-Braves rivalry can be exploited instead.

Another Buehrle note – R.J. Anderson of D-Rays Bay informs me that radio host Dan Sileo of 620 WDAE has a source indicating that the Devil Rays are interested in Buehrle.  This doesn’t make much sense on the surface with the Rays out of contention.  However, maybe Andrew Friedman and Co. will offer players that they value less than the two compensatory draft picks.  That could be the main motivation, with the ancillary benefits of sparking the fanbase and having Buehrle around for three months to work with the younger pitchers.      

Let ‘Em Walk

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Dave Cameron of U.S.S. Mariner posted a fantastic piece last Wednesday, arguing against the widespread assumption that the Mariners would end up with nothing if they fail to trade Ichiro in July and he leaves for another team via free agency.  I just found the post now via Jonah Keri.

Cameron’s point is that the value of two compensatory draft picks is often overlooked by fans.  I have to admit that in the past I have kind of ignored this aspect.  I was critical of Jim Bowden’s non-trade of Alfonso Soriano last summer, but it was a fine decision.  Unless Bowden was offered a can’t-miss prospect – and he wasn’t – it made sense to let Soriano walk.

Cameron noted that Billy Beane has used compensatory picks to great advantage, snagging tons of fine players that way.  Cameron even speculates in the comments that Beane could attempt to acquire Mark Buehrle this summer with no intention of signing him.  Beane did this with Ray Durham in ’02.

Latest Mark Buehrle Trade Rumors

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Mark Buehrle is a popular man right now, and I’ve decided to cover today’s trade rumors in a bullet point format.

  • Barry Rozner of the Daily Herald thinks the Dodgers would be a fine fit for Buehrle, given the loss of Jason Schmidt and their bevy of top prospects.  Given that ten teams are looking at Buehrle and we’ve only confirmed five, talks may already be occurring between Ned Colletti and Kenny Williams.
  • Ozzie Guillen tries to defend against detractors: "A lot of people say, ’Oh, they quit. Oh, they should make an offer to Buehrle.’ They did, I think."  The Daily Southtown notes that the offer was a meager three years, $30MM.  The Sox made that offer at the height of Buehrle’s ineffectiveness.
  • The New York Post says the Mets will only trade for Buehrle if they get a 72-hour window to sign him.  Rosenthal said on Friday that that’s not happening.  The Mets’ urgency to acquire a starter is related to how Pedro Martinez looks in coming weeks.
  • Ken Davidoff of Newsday says that while the Mets and Yankees are confirmed among the ten interested clubs, neither plans to offer "serious prospects" for Buehrle.  That seems to mean that Lastings Milledge, Philip Humber, Mike Pelfrey, Joba Chamberlain, and Phil Hughes are out.  Davidoff shows that Omar Minaya and Kenny Williams have clearly been talking, and confirms Omar’s interest in Jose Contreras.   
  • Joel Sherman thinks the Mets are in on Buehrle for two reasons: in case the price surprisingly plummets, and to raise the price for Atlanta.
  • Adam Rubin says all veteran Sox pitchers are available – except Jon Garland.
  • You may have noticed that Kenny Williams recently issued a nondenial of the Buehrle-to-Boston rumor, saying "Not today."  The Red Sox weren’t amused by that, and a deal is not close.  The Boston Globe agrees, adding that Boston won’t part with Clay Buchholz or Jacoby Ellsbury.  Nonetheless, Troy E. Renck of the Denver Post thinks the Red Sox are the favorite for Buehrle, and they’d sign him to a contract extension.
  • Bryan Burwell of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports on chatter that the Cardinals have offered Anthony Reyes, John Rodriguez, and one prospect for Buehrle.  Burwell would make the deal, even if that prospect is Bryan Anderson.
  • GM Doug Melvin in response to Ken Rosenthal’s Buehrle-to-Brewers rumor: "This is the month for Internet rumors."  Damn straight, Doug.  Actually, July and December are the big ones.  Melvin says he hasn’t talked to Kenny Williams, in reality.  Maybe Melvin wouldn’t part with Yovani Gallardo or Ryan Braun for Buehrle, but another prospect has emerged in Manny Parra.  Parra tossed a perfect game in Triple A last night.

Griffey Hopes To Retire A Mariner

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Ken Griffey Jr. finished his return to Seattle with a flourish, smacking a pair of home runs off Miguel Batista in the final game of the Mariners-Reds series.  The performance moved him past Mark McGwire to seventh on the all-time list.  Here’s how it looks now:

1.  Aaron – 755
2.  Bonds – 749
3.  Ruth – 714
4.  Mays – 660
5. Sosa – 601
6.  Robinson – 586
7.  Griffey – 584

Junior should move into sixth very soon.  Griffey has more staying power than Sammy Sosa, and should pass him in due time.  I can see Griffey retiring fourth on the all-time list, passing Mays as well.  He is the man America wishes was chasing Aaron right now. 

Let’s be realistic about Sosa, by the way.  He has a .305 OBP.  He’s having a terrible year, well below average for his position.  Sosa is about the 200th best hitter in baseball right now, based on VORP.  His performance has been roughly on par with that of Alex Cora.  He has been out-hit by many pitchers.  He is a sideshow and should not be starting for any team.   

Anyway, back to Griffey.  He recently created a stir in Seattle, saying he’d like to retire as a Mariner.  However, it was unclear whether he wanted to play another season or two in Seattle or if he just wanted a one-day contract on his last day.

U.S.S. Mariner likes the idea, but hopes it happens in 2009 instead of anytime soon.  Adam Jones and Wladimir Balentien comprise two-thirds of the Tacoma Ranier outfield right now, and the tandem will remain together in Seattle for many years.  There are better ways for the Mariners to spend money and talent right now than bringing Griffey back, even as a DH.

Yankees Interested In Buehrle, Dye?

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According to George King of the New York Post, the White Sox have been scouting Yankee Double A pitchers Ian Kennedy and Joba Chamberlain.  King says to "expect the Yankees to be interested" in Mark Buehrle and Jermaine Dye, which is not the same as saying the Yankees have inquired.

Jon Heyman of SI.com has a source saying the White Sox are seeking Kennedy, Chamberlain, or Phil Hughes.  Heyman’s source also believes that the trio is unavailable. 

My friend and I were trying to figure out how a Dye acquisition would work for New York, assuming Bobby Abreu is not included in the deal.  Maybe Dye in left, Hideki Matsui in center, and Abreu stays in right?  And then Johnny Damon plays first base or DH?  The alternative would be Matsui at first base, but only if Damon is healthy.  It seems a long shot. 

The Yanks do have room for Buehrle in place of Kei Igawa, though Igawa has earned a second chance.  And such an acquisition would shut Phil Hughes out if he were to return in mid-August.  All in all I can see the Yankees poking around because the Red Sox are interested, but I don’t see them getting Buehrle or Dye.  They could be after a number of other lesser White Sox players.

Meanwhile, the Red Sox are treating Buehrle as a want and not a need.  Theo Epstein is in the catbird seat, and my guess is he won’t make a deal if Kenny Williams requires Clay Buchholz.  Sean McAdam says Buchholz and Jacoby Ellsbury are "strictly off-limits." 

Curt Schilling’s health is the wild card; if he turns out to have a major problem within the next few weeks the Red Sox could step up their efforts.

   

Rockies Inquire About Octavio Dotel

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Troy E. Renck of the Denver Post mentioned today that the Rockies have inquired about Royals’ closer Octavio Dotel.  This confirms Ken Rosenthal’s report from Friday.  Rosenthal had also mentioned that the Indians were looking into Dotel.

The Rockies’ interest in a rental reliever like Dotel indicates to me that they won’t be trading Brian Fuentes this year.  Renck spoke of that possibility today in his mailbag, noting that the Phillies, Red Sox, and Yankees have interest in Fuentes if the Rox make him available.  The Rockies are 5.5 games out of the divison lead and 4.5 games out of the Wild Card.  It would be exciting to see them as buyers at the deadline.

Mets After Jose Contreras

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The Mets have kicked the tires on Mark Buehrle, but Jose Contreras may be a more likely acquisition according to the Newark Star-Ledger.  The Mets would prefer not to trade younger players for a rental, and may turn to Contreras because he’s signed through 2009.  I’m sure Kenny Williams would have no problem with that.  I think Contreras would handle a return to New York well.  Lastings Milledge would be more than enough for Contreras, in my mind.

Dan Graziano’s article also confirms that the Braves and Red Sox have been pushing hard for Buehrle.  He says there was "no indication last night that the Yankees were interested in Buehrle."  Of course, Boston’s interest could change that.

The Phillies, meanwhile, have inquired on both Dontrelle Willis and Buehrle and found the price unreasonable.  They’re going to need to acquire a starter one way or another.

Odds and Ends

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  • Sam Mellinger of the Kansas City Star looks back at the Carlos Beltran trade made three years ago by the Royals.  With Mark Teahen and John Buck now regular contributors, the deal can be deemed a success.  There was definitely a point, maybe early ’06, where it looked like a complete bust for Kansas City.  Mellinger snags quotes from all of the principals in the blockbuster three-way trade; check it out.
  • John Lackey has a blog.  This one was really flying under the radar; thanks to Will Carroll for alerting me.  And also I just learned that recently-traded starter Mike Maroth has one.
  • Rod Beck will be missed by many.  This ESPN article from a few years back seems a perfect way to reflect.  Hat tip to Deadspin and The Cub Reporter on that one.

Rosenthal’s Latest – Buehrle To Brewers?

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Ken Rosenthal has a new article, and as usual he’s broken several brand new trade rumors.  A brief summary:

  • Here’s a good one: the Brewers have "kicked the tires" on Mark Buehrle.  You can never have too much pitching, I guess.  It’s a long shot that Doug Melvin could pull it off without involving Yovani Gallardo or Ryan Braun, and he won’t trade those two.  Without either player, the Brewers would pretty much be offering quantity over quality in terms of prospects. My own speculation: Corey Hart might intrigue Kenny Williams, but he’d be hard to part with.
  • Rosenthal estimates ten teams are looking at Buehrle.  He names the Mets, Braves, Mariners, and Cardinals.  Add the Brewers and we’re still five short.  The five Rosenthal doesn’t mention could include the Red Sox, Yankees, Marlins, Rockies, Dodgers, and Phillies.  Just guessing on the last five.
  • The Blue Jays have changed their tune on Troy Glaus – they’ll now listen to offers for him.  It is believed Glaus might waive his no-trade clause to play close to home for the Padres, Angels, or Dodgers.  Glaus is owed about $5.9MM more this year and $12.75MM in 2008.  He also negotiated an $11.25MM player option for ’09 when he was traded to Toronto.  Perhaps to agree to a trade he’d want his deal extended through ’09 for $13MM or so.  Rosenthal says the package for Glaus would likely involve a young third baseman, like Chase Headley, Brandon Wood, or Andy LaRoche.  Such a deal would be hard to ignore for J.P. Ricciardi.  Of the three teams mentioned, Ricciardi has only previously dealt with Bill Stoneman (on the Brad Fullmer trade).
  • Rosenthal says the Cubs are not involved in a trade for Ken Griffey Jr.  The ownership change will prohibit them from taking on his contract.  Rosenthal also mentions that the Cubs are having difficulties finding a taker for Jacque Jones.
  • The Angels still like Adam Dunn, though I still don’t see how he fits into their roster.
  • The prospect going to the Tigers for Mike Maroth won’t be anything special; the point was to unload his $3MM salary. 

Jacque Jones Trade Near?

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According to Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times yesterday, the Cubs are trying to trade another position player by Monday so they can add a 12th pitcher.

That position player probably is our good friend Jacque Jones.  Wittenmyer named the Padres, Rangers, and White Sox as interested parties.  Bruce Miles adds the Mets to the mix.  The Cubs would have to eat some of the $7.2MM or so remaining on Jones’ contract, which runs through 2008.  Another option would be to move shortstop Cesar Izturis, who has about $2.6MM left on his deal (assuming his ’08 option is bought out).

Buster Olney yesterday mentioned that the Cubs were one of the teams in one Milton Bradley, in addition to the Yankees and Padres.  Bradley is still fair game, and the Cubs may be looking to replace Jones with him.

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