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Archives for January 2008

Sign Up For The MLBTR Feed

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Ever wonder how certain MLBTR readers are able to leave a comment two seconds after I publish a new post?  In most cases, it’s not because they sit on the site constantly refreshing it.  Instead, they use a feed reader.

For example, the free Google Reader "constantly checks your favorite news sites and blogs for new content." So first you download the Reader, then you hit Add Subscription and paste in this URL:

http://feeds.feedburner.com/MlbTradeRumors

It’s really quite easy, and it’s the best way to stay on top of new content at your favorite sites and blogs (including MLBTR!)  If you’re new to feeds, take three minutes and give it a shot.  This is also a good option for those who hate the white on black color scheme (though I may look into the idea of a button that switches it to black on white if you want).

Cardinals Rumors: Ankiel, Molina

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Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch has a new column up this morning regarding the Cardinals’ arbitration-eligible players.  This year they have Rick Ankiel, Yadier Molina, and Todd Wellemeyer.

Goold spoke to Scott Boras regarding Ankiel’s situation, which is definitely a unique one.  Salaries for arb-eligible players are often determined by looking at comparables, but Ankiel doesn’t really have any (Babe Ruth doesn’t quite fit).  Ankiel has four years of service time; he’ll be a free agent after the 2009 season.

Molina has three years of service time, so he’s under team control through 2010.  Goold says a multiyear deal for Molina is likely to be discussed.

Rockies Rumors: Atkins, Holliday, Giles

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Let’s see what’s going on with the Rockies this morning.

The Denver Post’s Troy E. Renck writes about the Rockies’ rising payroll.  They’re going to have to cough up over $10MM extra in 2008 just to retain current arbitration-eligible players like Garrett Atkins, Matt Holliday, Brian Fuentes, and Brad Hawpe.  Holliday might get the biggest bump, around a $5MM increase.  As far as team control, the Rox have Atkins through 2010, Holliday through 2009, Fuentes through 2008, and Hawpe through 2010.  There’s no rush but many of these guys might be trade considerations down the road.

Also, Tracy Ringolsby reports that the Rockies have agreed to a nonguaranteed deal with Marcus Giles.  He’s just insurance though – Jayson Nix is the favorite to play second base.  Nix’s Triple A performance in ’07 was equivalent to a .252/.290/.387 line in the bigs.

Erik Bedard Rumors: Mariners, Reds, Indians

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Erik Bedard staying put in Baltimore this winter?  Maybe not.  Ken Rosenthal and Jason Churchill both busted out brand new material this evening with the latest Bedard chatter.  The upshot is that the Mariners seem to have a decent shot at him.

  • Rosenthal says the Mariners will put Adam Jones, Jeff Clement, and Matt Tuiasosopo in the deal.  He indicates that the Orioles could push to substitute and get one of Tony Butler, Chris Tillman, and Carlos Triunfel.  Looks like Bill Bavasi is sticking to the idea of keeping Brandon Morrow.  Rosenthal hedges his bets, but admits to "growing indications that the teams could be moving closer to a deal."
  • Churchill says something similar: the Mariners and Orioles "may very well be making significant progress."  Churchill sees a package of Jones, Triunfel, and George Sherrill as the likely scenario. 
  • Baseball Prospectus’ Kevin Goldstein recently listed his Top 11 Prospects for the Mariners.  Clement was a five-star, Tillman and Triunfel four-stars, Butler a two-star, and Tuiasosopo an honorable mention.  Jones would be first were he still considered a prospect.
  • Both Ohio teams have interest in Bedard as well, but a trade to the Indians or Reds seems less likely.  The Reds still won’t give up Jay Bruce.

Odds and Ends: Jennings, Saito

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Here are some interesting links to peruse when you get the chance…

Cubs, Indians Interested In Roberts

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Ken Rosenthal is back with a bang, penning a new article about Erik Bedard and Brian Roberts trade possibilities.  We already updated you on the Bedard situation over yonder.

Rosenthal says the Cubs are still the best fit for Roberts, also noting interest from the Mets and Indians. Last we heard, the Cubs’ offer included Sean Gallagher and Matt Murton but not Rich Hill or Felix Pie.  Ronny Cedeno, Sean Marshall, and Donnie Veal could also be in the mix.

Interesting to hear that the Tribe is quietly taking a look at both Roberts and Bedard, just as they were quietly players for Dan Haren.   Bedard could fill the void if C.C. Sabathia were to leave via free agency.  What would a Roberts acquisition mean?  Asdrubal Cabrera to short, Jhonny Peralta to third or traded?

MLBTR On Facebook

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MLB Trade Rumors has joined the 21st century!  I’ve created the official MLBTR Facebook page.

But…um…what now?  I admit, I am new to Facebook.  Do all of you now friend me or something?  If you have a Facebook account and are my friend, are you alerted every time I make a change on mine?  What’s the difference between the wall and the discussion board?  At any rate, this may be a decent way to get an MLBTR forum going without much work.  I know a lot of you have been clamoring for that. 

Anyone have any other ideas how I can use Facebook to add value for current readers, or promote MLBTR and find new readers? 

Colon Missed Last Two Starts?

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UPDATE, 1-7-08 at 9:42pm: Impacto Deportivo says Colon sat out because of reported neck discomfort, though it could be something more serious.

FROM 1-7-08 at 8:44am:

A friend in the Dominican Republic notes that Bartolo Colon has missed his last two starts.  Maybe he’s done showcasing and now awaits an offer; I’m not sure at this point.  Word a few days ago was that Colon had yet to crack 90 mph.

The Royals, Mets, Rangers, and Nationals are some clubs thought to be monitoring Colon.

Orioles Could Re-Sign Corey Patterson

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It seemed the Orioles had no interest in retaining Scott Boras client Corey Patterson.  However, Dan Connolly of the Baltimore Sun reports that the Orioles have renewed their interest in the 28 year-old center fielder.

My guess is that the Orioles backed off when Boras told them his initial demands for Patterson (three years, $24MM maybe?)  But now Patterson is still hanging around and no teams seem to be actively pursuing him. Connolly mentions the Cardinals, Braves, Twins, and Pirates as possible fits, but admits they’re long shots.  Patterson was born in Atlanta.

Patterson has a chance to be a mild bargain if he rediscovers his power stroke.  He’s striking out less and less, which could mean an improvement in batting average.  The offensive bar is pretty low for center field if you play good defense.

The Orioles are still entertaining possible trades that could bring them a center fielder and take them out of the mix for Patterson.  They could get Adam Jones in an Erik Bedard trade, or a "Chicago Cubs outfield prospect" in a Brian Roberts deal.  I doubt this would be Felix Pie.

Dutton On DeJesus/Teahen Trade Value

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Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star took home the Rumor Royalty trophy for the Royals.  We did some Q&A as part of the series.  Click here to read the other parts of the Dutton Q&A.

MLBTR: What would you consider a reasonable trade return for David DeJesus?  Does he have more trade value than Mark Teahen?

Dutton:  DeJesus is a proven, reliable player who is under contract for favorable terms through 2011. In other words, he’s a long-term piece in the club’s plans. Not an All-Star but a good player capable of helping any club.

The Royals are willing to trade him because they have a reasonable alternative in Joey Gathright and have two solid CF prospects (Jose Duarte and Derrick Robinson) who played last year in A-ball. But the only way they trade DeJesus is if they get similar value in return — a young, proven, reliable player with a favorable contract.

That could be a No. 3 starter — someone closer to a No. 2 than a No. 4; a corner-position player with some pop; or a long-term fit at catcher. Personally, I don’t see that deal out there at the moment, but the Royals are willing to listen.

DeJesus should have more trade value, right now, than Teahen because he’s much more of a proven commodity. He also has that club-favorable contract. That said, Teahen has more upside. He can play first, third, left, right and even center. He showed an ability to drive the ball in 2006 before experiencing a power dive in 2007.

Teahen has the tools to be an All-Star, but lots of guys with tools never turn them into skills. This is a big year for Teahen. 

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