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By Tim Dierkes | at
By Tim Dierkes | at
Let’s discuss today’s random links.
By Tim Dierkes | at
Dejan Kovacevic of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette discusses five Pirates players who were discussed in winter trade rumors. Neal Huntington wasn’t satisfied with the offers, and decided to keep Jason Bay, Xavier Nady, John Grabow, and Damaso Marte. Huntington says Nate McLouth’s name was only floated as a "trial balloon."
Bay, Nady, and Grabow have all increased their value through strong Aprils (in part via their stats, in part via good health). Marte seems to have recovered from a rough start. Let’s discuss some possible suitors.
By Tim Dierkes | at
Today marks Paul Konerko’s tenth year of big league service time. Happy anniversary Paul! Konerko’s spent more than the last five seasons with the White Sox; as a result, he’s a 10-and-5 player. He can now veto any trade, and sees himself staying in Chicago at least for the length of his current deal (through 2010).
There were some rumblings in the winter that the Angels might make a play for Konerko, but Kenny Williams denied any trade discussions.
By Tim Dierkes | at
Reds beat writer John Fay talked to Ryan Freel tonight. Freel is not amused about sitting tonight in favor of Corey Patterson. Freel has been hitting well lately, better than Patterson.
Wayne Krivsky shopped Freel around this spring, calling the Twins and other clubs. The lack of interest was no surprise; Freel was coming off a lousy season and earns $7MM over 2008-09. The versatile Freel hits lefties well, and was good for a .360-.370 OBP prior to last season. Still, the Reds would probably have to eat some salary or take some back in order to move Freel.
By Tim Dierkes | at
ESPN’s Keith Law has a new blog post discussing possible bonus demands for a couple of projected first-round picks.
By Tim Dierkes | at
Today’s link compilation.
By Tim Dierkes | at
The Padres are 8.5 games out, and it’s only April 28th. It’s not a good place to be. Obviously they aren’t throwing in the towel yet, but if they have a similarly ugly May a fire sale could be in order. Let’s speculate on some trade possibilities.
By Tim Dierkes | at
David Murphy quotes Phillies GM Pat Gillick as saying he’s still looking for lefthanded relief help. Recently signed lefty Steve Kline is in the mix to fill the role, but isn’t a lock. Kline’s currently with the Phils’ Triple A club.
The Pirates’ John Grabow would be a nice addition; he’s thrown twelve scoreless innings. Damaso Marte is also probably available. Ron Mahay, George Sherrill, Scott Schoeneweis, Jamie Walker, and Royce Ring are other possibilities in my mind. But since the Phils already have J.C. Romero doing a nice job, maybe they’ll just pick up a lower-cost guy like Ray King or Mike Stanton.
By Tim Dierkes | at
According to John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer, first baseman Scott Hatteberg would welcome a trade. Joey Votto, off to a .310/.319/.549 start (AVG/OBP/SLG), seems to have taken Hatteberg’s job. When asked about the situation, new GM Walt Jocketty said he hasn’t had inquiries on the veteran. He makes just $1.85MM, so that won’t be an obstacle.
Hatteberg, 38, hit .310/.394/.474 in 116 games last year for the Reds while facing mostly righties (he’s a lefthanded hitter with a major platoon split). For that reason, Hatteberg wouldn’t pair well with Carlos Delgado on the Mets. He’d be better suited to replace Delgado if the Mets release him. Delgado might have bought himself some time with a two homer game yesterday.
One first baseman who doesn’t hit righties well is Richie Sexson. Hatteberg could be a good fit in Seattle.
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