Archives for July 2008

Odds and Ends: Yorman, Hamilton, Ng, Carrasco

By Tim Dierkes | July 4, 2008 at 9:40am CDT

Some odds and ends before you fire up the grill…

The Twins signed their other first round pick, Carlos Gutierrez.
According to Jeff Passan, 15 year-old Venezuelan center fielder Yorman Rodriguez may have already agreed to a deal with the Reds.
MLB.com’s Jim Molony notes that the Phillies’ director of Major League scouting watched a recent Red Sox-Astros game.
Like Brian Bannister, Arizona’s Max Scherzer uses an understanding of BABIP to his advantage.
Josh Hamilton sensed jealousy in the Reds’ clubhouse. Wayne Krivsky says it wasn’t a factor in the trade but that "there were issues in the clubhouse."
Yahoo’s Tim Brown has an article on Kim Ng.
Phillies’ pitching prospect Carlos Carrasco has "mild soreness" in his pitching shoulder.
Jeff Francoeur has been sent to Double A to reboot his swing.
I chatted with Eric DeLash over at his blog. I also answered some questions from The Blog Of Champions.

Freddy Garcia Suitors

By Tim Dierkes | July 4, 2008 at 9:15am CDT

MLB.com’s Jim Molony posted an article yesterday, much of it concerning rehabbing free agent starter Freddy Garcia. Garcia’s showcase is still expected to take place later this month.

We compiled reports and came up with these suitors: the Mets, Red Sox, Braves, Yankees, White Sox, Rangers, Tigers, Rays, Astros, and Cubs. Molony adds the Cardinals, Dodgers, and Twins – giving us at least 13 suitors.

GM Trade History: Brian Sabean

By Tim Dierkes | July 4, 2008 at 8:44am CDT

MLBTR contributor Brendan Bianowicz has finished compiling Brian Sabean’s trade history. Click to download in Excel form. Let us know in the comments if you see any errors or omissions.

Previous GMs in the series:

Orioles Interested In Eckstein

By Tim Dierkes | July 3, 2008 at 7:48pm CDT

According to the Baltimore Sun, citing "industry sources," the Orioles are talking to the Blue Jays about shortstop David Eckstein. The Jays have deemed Eckstein expendable, even though they’re reportedly hunting for a long-term shortstop. Jeff Zrebiec and Roch Kubatko believe it wouldn’t take much to acquire him.

Eckstein, 33, is hitting .273/.360/.348 this year. The Orioles’ shortstops have hit .228/.264/.287 this year collectively.

The O’s have also scouted Juan Uribe and Felipe Lopez. Despite previous reports of "substantive conversations" for Lopez, the Sun says the team’s interest has waned.

Jays Shopping Burnett For Shortstop?

By Tim Dierkes | July 3, 2008 at 5:55pm CDT

5:55pm: Robert MacLeod talked to Jays President Paul Godfrey, who said J.P. Ricciardi is not shopping Burnett but has received calls.

2:23pm: According to Bob Elliott of the Toronto Sun, the Blue Jays are shopping starter A.J. Burnett for a shortstop. Elliott notes that the Phillies and Orioles have had scouts at recent Burnett starts. Neither of those organizations figures to match up on the shortstop front though.

Any contenders with an MLB-ready shortstop to spare? The Cubs have Ronny Cedeno, who may or may not have a future as a regular. The Brewers have J.J. Hardy and Alcides Escobar in the organization. The Braves have Brent Lillibridge, and the Dodgers have Chin-lung Hu. The Dodgers might need to hang on to Hu, however.

Pettitte To Pitch In ’09?

By Tim Dierkes | July 3, 2008 at 4:57pm CDT

From Buster Olney’s blog today:

Heard this: Andy Pettitte may well pitch another season, in 2009.

Pettitte, 36, has a 3.98 ERA in 17 starts for the Yankees this year. He’s well-compensated at $16MM. About a month ago, Pettitte said it would be "a joy and an honor" to pitch at the new Yankee Stadium.

Cubs Eyeing Harden, Wolf?

By Tim Dierkes | July 3, 2008 at 4:41pm CDT

So many diehard Cubs fans hitting up this site…they need their own thread to talk trades. As you know, the Cubs hope to add a starter this month.

Chris De Luca of the Chicago Sun-Times echoes the common sentiment that the Cubs probably don’t have the young players needed to acquire C.C. Sabathia. I mentioned in today’s chat that I thought the only way the Cubs could be seriously considered would be to include Sean Gallagher. You can debate the merits of that.

Beyond Sabathia, De Luca says Rich Harden and Randy Wolf "sit atop their wish list." Jayson Stark noted today that Harden would require quite a bounty. Wolf’s price might be reasonable, but is he enough of an upgrade?

Stark’s Latest: Harang, Bedard, Hardy, Weeks, McLouth

By Tim Dierkes | July 3, 2008 at 4:30pm CDT

Brand new column from ESPN’s Jayson Stark.

Stark explains why he feels the trade deadline is overrated. I guess it all depends on what you expect from it.
You may recall Walt Jocketty’s Reds untouchables list from a few weeks ago. It did not include Aaron Harang. While the Reds might listen on Harang, there wouldn’t be any kind of discount.
The Mariners have pushed Erik Bedard to the backburner, focusing on shopping other veterans. They’re also not dying to move Raul Ibanez at the moment.
The Brewers might be willing to include J.J. Hardy or Rickie Weeks in a trade. In our chat today, a commenter wondered whether some kind of Hardy-A.J. Burnett swap could work.
The Tigers are looking ahead, inquiring about various shortstops they might be able to use in ’09 and beyond. Perhaps if they find one they’ll decline Edgar Renteria’s option.
Add the Marlins to the list of Brian Fuentes suitors. One source from another team said the cost for Fuentes is "one good piece."
Stark agrees with recent indications that the Royals aren’t dying to move Ron Mahay. Nonetheless, the Yankees, Marlins, Phillies, and Tigers are named as interested parties.
Pirate outfield chatter: some teams are calling on Nate McLouth, though the Bucs prefer to move Jason Bay or Xavier Nady. Despite earlier reports, Stark says the Bucs could consider trading both. The Rays are "especially interested" in Bay.
Stark talked to one club official who hasn’t heard any indications that the Phillies are willing to trade Shane Victorino. Also possibly off-limits: Double A catcher Lou Marson.
To acquire Rich Harden, a package "would have to at least approach last year’s Dan Haren extravaganza." So, look for him to stay put. Harden’s velocity was down yesterday, by the way.
Brett Myers’ future with the Phillies could hinge on whether they re-sign closer Brad Lidge.
Still no buzz around Adam Dunn.
C.C. chatter: don’t write off the Indians’ attempt to sign him to an extension. "One friend" sees Sabathia as more likely to land on the West Coast than the east if he doesn’t re-sign.

Odds and Ends: Torrealba, Teixeira, Butler

By Tim Dierkes | July 3, 2008 at 4:25pm CDT

Time to round up some linkage.

The Brewers’ GM, assistant GM, and manager had a long private chat today.
2002’s #1 overall pick, Bryan Bullington, was designated for assignment today by the Pirates. Still can’t believe this guy was picked first overall.
Andy Phillips’ journey continues: he’s back with the Reds.
The Rockies will honor Yorvit Torrealba’s request by listening to trade offers for him. His stock is low, and the Marlins aren’t interested despite their plan to add a catcher.
Mark Teixeira would prefer not to be traded this year. By the way, the Braves are at least considering sending Jeff Francoeur to the minors.
Sam Mellinger explains why the Royals should not trade Billy Butler.

Latest On C.C. Sabathia

By Tim Dierkes | July 3, 2008 at 10:10am CDT

The latest on the C.C. Sabathia Sweepstakes…

Indians GM Mark Shapiro said yesterday "it’s pretty obvious" that his team is in sell mode. There’s no new information on the team’s reported attempt to sign Sabathia to an extension before actively shopping him.
The Phillies have scouted both Sabathia and Erik Bedard in recent weeks. The Mariners attempted to observe Phils prospect Carlos Carrasco last night, but he was scratched with shoulder stiffness. With Brett Myers in the minors, GM Pat Gillick is trying not to look desperate.
Yesterday ESPN’s Buster Olney heard that the Rays and Red Sox "essentially have no interest in completing a trade for Sabathia, because of other concerns."

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