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Archives for June 2007

Yanks Interested In Hillenbrand

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Don’t ask me why, but the Yankees are interested in trading for benched Angels DH Shea Hillenbrand.  At $6.5MM with attitude issues and little defensive (plus questionable offensive) value, Hillenbrand is not exactly a hot commodity.  I imagine the Angels would not be asking for much and would probably eat some salary.

The Yankees tossed around the idea of signing Hillenbrand last winter, but ultimately decided to go with Josh Phelps and Doug Mientkiewicz.  Mientkiewicz may not return until August after wrist surgery.  The Yankees have actually been using Miguel Cairo at first base.  I don’t care what kind of defense he plays, that ain’t right. 

Acquiring Hillenbrand would be odd, because Phelps pretty much is Hillenbrand but cheaper.  The Yankees’ offense has been very good, ranking first in the AL in OBP and second in SLG.  But upgrading first base would still result in even more runs scored, never a bad thing. 

That’s why the Yankees should pursue an actual upgrade.  Carlos Pena, Mark Teixeira, Todd Helton, and Dmitri Young could all be options.  The expensive guys are obviously long shots.  The Yanks could also go after Rich Aurilia or Mark DeRosa as mentioned here.  Underachievers/bench guys like Jorge Cantu, Aubrey Huff, Kevin Millar, and Ben Broussard may be possibilities as well.

Mailbag: Braves CF

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Nick from Salt Lake City, Utah writes:

If the Braves lose Andruw Jones this offseason, what is the likelihood that Atlanta picks up a quality major league center fielder? Who could it be and what would be the price?

The chances are very good that the Braves pick up a solid center fielder to fill Andruw’s void.  And I’d say it’s about 80% that Jones leaves the Braves after this season.

The Braves could try an internal option for center field in 2008, Brandon Jones.  Jones will be 24 at that point.  He’s a fine athlete with speed, range, and a good arm.  However, the Braves have been using Jones in left field at Double A this year and probably envision him playing that position in the bigs.

Turning to the crop of free agent center fielders, Ken Rosenthal has repeatedly mentioned Mike Cameron as a possibility for 2008.  Cameron lives outside of Atlanta apparently.  Though he will turn 35 in January, the Braves might need to give three years and $30MM to secure Cameron.  That’s not a lot less than Andruw Jones was making annually, but his contract was a huge bargain.

If things get out of hand with the Cameron bidding – and that’s a legitimate possibility – the Braves could turn to Eric Byrnes, Aaron Rowand, Milton Bradley, or even Corey Patterson or Kenny Lofton.  They’ve got options.

It should be noted that Tim Hudson’s salary jumps from $6MM in 2007 to $13MM in 2008.  John Smoltz goes from $8MM to $14MM.  Mike Gonzalez and Rafael Soriano will get decent arbitration raises. 

Swapping Jones for Cameron and holding all else equal could still take the Braves’ payroll from $87MM this year to $100MM in ’08.  Or they could let Bob Wickman go and keep it in the low 90s.   

Dukes Trade Coming Soon?

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The Devil Rays have a new-look outfield, with Delmon Young in center, Jonny Gomes in right, and Elijah Dukes on the bench.  Gomes just homered today and could really take off as a 30 home run guy if he plays every day.

Marc Topkin of the St. Petersburg Times hinted this morning that if Dukes didn’t start today, his departure may be imminent.  He didn’t, and Rocco Baldelli may be back by Friday.  Some sort of action with Dukes at that point seems likely, whether a release, demotion, or trade.  Jim Bowden’s recent "character is extremely important" comment to the Washington post seems to indicate he’s not interest in Dukes despite initial reports.

However, that comment may mean nothing.  Dmitri Young choked his 21 year-old girlfriend last year, and Bowden signed him.  Most likely Bowden just needs to sit with the player and feel convinced that he is reformed.

Dukes would still be a great fit for the Marlins, baseball-wise.  The Rays were said to be looking for a solid reliever in return for Dukes, but that was a few offenses ago. 

Angels After Tejada Again

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Yesterday, Ken Rosenthal said only that Miguel Tejada might become available, and that the Angels have a need.  Now another source, Joseph A. Reaves of The Arizona Republic, says the Halos are making another run at Tejada.

The Ervin Santana and Erick Aybar for Tejada trade last year was nixed by O’s owner Peter Angelos.  With Tejada apparently in the midst of a significant power decline (his SLG is down to .421), maybe the Orioles would be more open to the same trade. Tejada makes $12MM this year, $13MM in ’08, and $13MM in ’09.

Tejada would of course have to be convinced to play third base, and Bill Stoneman would have to finally pull the trigger on a deal involving good prospects.

Even if Tejada slugs around .450 this year, he’s still be far, far better than what the Angels have gotten from their third basemen.  Chone Figgins, Maicer Izturis, and others have combined for a .235/.280/.296 line at the position. 

Unless he’s included in the deal, a Tejada acquisition would leave top prospect Brandon Wood without a spot on the Angels until 2009, when Orlando Cabrera’s contract is up.

Gagne’s List

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We know Rangers closer Eric Gagne has some kind of no-trade protection in his contract, but further details were unknown.  Jon Heyman of SI.com recently clarified a bit.

Apparently Gagne has given the Rangers a list of 12 teams he can be traded to.  Heyman says that almost all of those allowable 12 are not in contention or would have no motivation to trade for him.  Heyman also believes that the Tigers, Indians, and Phillies are not among the 12 allowable teams.  So if one of those wants Gagne, they’ll need his approval and his salary will escalate.

Meanwhile, Bill Madden of the New York Daily News speculates that Lou Piniella might urge Jim Hendry to acquire Gagne to solidify the Cubs’ bullpen.

Mailbag: Matt Clement

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Let’s get this mailbag thing rolling, see if anyone enjoys it.  You can send me mailbag questions at mlbtraderumors@gmail.com.

This question comes from Yochai of Brookline, MA:

What’s the deal with Matt Clement? What are the Red Sox’s plans in regards to him? Are they basically going to wait until his contract expires or are they actually waiting for him to come back to pitch?

Clement underwent shoulder surgery last September.  An exploratory procedure found labrum and rotator cuff damage, and that was repaired. Clement’s agent has compared the work done to that of Saints QB Drew Brees.  Serious stuff.

Back in November, Clement was making positive progress in his rehab and hoped to return to action by the All-Star break.  He threw for the first time in February.  He was up to 105 feet in the last report in April, but wasn’t close to throwing off a mound.  According to that report, he was setback free and ahead of schedule. 

Unfortunately I can’t find a word in print about Clement since the April 25th Boston Herald article.  Maybe injury gurus Will Carroll and Rick Wilton can dig something up, or a reporter can just ask Terry Francona.

Clement is earning $9.5MM this season in the last year of his contract.  My guess is that the Red Sox will take their time with him and treat him as a complete luxury.  If he’s able to pitch competitively sometime around August, he’s going to have to prove himself in the minors first.  Will his velocity still be there?  By the time Clement returns, Jon Lester may be in the rotation in place of Julian Tavarez.  If not, and everyone else is healthy, Lester will be the sixth man. 

I can definitely see Clement pitching in the bullpen to re-establish himself.  If the Red Sox clinch a playoff berth, maybe they’d rest a rotation member and give him a start or two.  It will mainly be an audition for the 2008 season, during which Clement will be 34.  No doubt he will hook on somewhere as a free agent if his arm is still attached.  Let’s say $3 mil plus a ton of incentives.  I’m rooting for him and I have my Clement goatee ready.

Rosenthal’s Latest Video

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Ken Rosenthal has a new video up at FOXSports.com for your viewing pleasure.  My summary:

  • As you know, Eric Gagne and Akinori Otsuka are drawing strong interest across baseball.  The only team named by Rosenthal is the Yankees, and in a roundabout way.  He simply said that the Rangers have been scouting the Yanks. 
  • Both the Dodgers and Angels would love to add a power-hitting third baseman.  The problem is, there’s not much about there.  Rosenthal says Troy Glaus, Mike Lowell, and Miguel Cabrera are all currently unavailable.  One who might become available and could play third is Miguel Tejada.  My own speculation on some possible second-tier trade candidates at third base (some long shots included): Jose Bautista, Mark Reynolds, Chad Tracy, Ty Wigginton, Melvin Mora, and Wilson Betemit. 
  • Michael Barrett could be on his way out of Chicago, mostly because of his defense.  Rosenthal names the Marlins and Rockies as interested parties.

Mets Inquire On Buehrle, Lidge

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Dan Graziano of the Newark Star-Ledger writes that the Mets have inquired as to the availability of starter Mark Buehrle as well as reliever Brad Lidge.

According to Graziano, a Buehrle acquisition would allow the Mets to move Jorge Sosa to the bullpen, helping two areas at once.  Apparently Omar Minaya has been a big Buehrle fan for a while.  Something involving Lastings Milledge would make a ton of sense.  Would a Mike Pelfrey or Philip Humber be required as well? 

Kenny Williams and Omar Minaya have matched up a couple times before, when Minaya was GM of the Expos.  The Sox plucked Bartolo Colon and Carl Everett from the Expos in separate deals, sending away Rocky Biddle, Orlando Hernandez, Jon Rauch, and Gary Majewski.  With over a month to spare, it sounds like Williams will sit back and see what offers come to him.  On the other hand, the acquiring team can’t afford to wait.

Graziano says the Mets believe Lidge would be very comfortable working behind Billy Wagner, his former mentor.  The availability of Lidge is still in question however.

Orioles To Become Sellers?

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Jeff Zrebiec’s article for the Baltimore Sun this morning discusses the possibility that the Orioles start selling off veteran parts as we approach the trading deadline.  He specifically names Scott Williamson, Corey Patterson, Jay Gibbons, and Steve Trachsel as trade candidates.

In a related note, Gotham Baseball’s Mark Healey spoke to an industry source indicating that the Mets might be interested in trading for Williamson and Jay Payton.

Williamson makes $900K this year, with additional incentives based on his number of games.  Patterson, a Scott Boras client, makes $4.3MM and is a free agent after the season.  His terrible hitting this year will cost him what could’ve been a decent payday.  The Gibbons contract is ugly: $5MM this year, $5.7MM in ’08, and $6.2MM in ’09.  Trachsel earns $3.1MM this year plus a $4.75MM club option for ’08.  Finally, Payton makes $4.5MM this year and $5MM in ’08.

The Orioles could really go nuts if they wanted to, dumping off contracts and veterans.  Miguel Tejada, Melvin Mora, Kevin Millar, Ramon Hernandez, Danys Baez, Aubrey Huff, Chad Bradford, and Jamie Walker could be sent packing.  If they were to commit to a rebuilding year in ’08, the Orioles have players to fill almost any team’s needs.  Of course, trading all those vets would amount to admitting how many mistake contracts the Orioles have on the books.

Sheehan On Adam Dunn

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Joe Sheehan of Baseball Prospectus gives his analysis on some Adam Dunn trade suitors.  And it’s a free article.

Is Dunn really a lightning rod for criticism in Cincinnati?  I’d like to see what those who live there think.  I feel that in this day and age Dunn is mostly appreciated for his strengths.

Sheehan’s top five fits for Dunn, in order of likelihood, are the Twins, Angels, Yankees, Padres, and A’s.  As Sheehan alludes to, Terry Ryan and Bill Stoneman don’t make this type of trade. 

What’s more, the Angels would have a serious logjam with Dunn.  You don’t move Casey Kotchman off first, leaving the DH and left field spots for Dunn.  You’d rotate the DH spot between Dunn and Vlad, and the left field spot between Garrett Anderson, Reggie Willits, and occasionally Dunn.  Someone’s losing some playing time in the deal, and Vlad is probably getting less time at DH to rest.  Use of Dunn on the field probably compromises the defense.  An Anderson injury could make this less of a problem.  Another thought: a coworker of mine suggested that the Angels give up some quality prospects for their bat, but force the inclusion of Shea Hillenbrand in the deal.  Not a bad idea.

Interesting to note that Sheehan calls Chase Headley unavailable.  Not sure if that is based on some inside info.  I had speculated yesterday that Headley’s callup could be a showcase.

Sheehan’s idea of the Yankees for Dunn makes a ton of sense, but they would have to assemble a prospect package without any real alluring name.  Well, Joba Chamberlain might be somewhat alluring.  It sounds like Wayne Krivsky would ask for Robinson Cano though. 

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