Free Agent Update
June isn't typically a big month for free agency, but few teams seem willing to make their players available, so we could see clubs turn to the free agent market to add depth for the stretch run. Here are updates on a few of the players who could help contending teams the most:
- Pedro Martinez – We heard all about Pedro last week and now we have a list of teams that won't sign him. The Angels, Dodgers and Yankees aren't interested, the Nats and Brewers didn't see him throw, the Rangers think he's too pricey and the Rays only have interest in him as a starter. Could the Cubs or Cardinals offer him a deal?
- Ben Sheets – He's not far enough along to be talking contract, but the Rangers have maintained contact with him. The Dodgers, Tigers, Angels and, ironically, the Brewers are among the teams that could use another starter.
- Paul Byrd – There's been little reported interest in Byrd, but he says he's ready to go and waiting for calls. Last year he averaged six innings for 30 starts and kept his walk rate under two per nine, so he could be a solid pickup.
- Wily Mo Pena – Not the difference maker teams dream about adding, but he has pop and is still just 27. We haven't heard anything since the Mets released him the other day.
- Javier Valentin – Valentin, who was released along with Pena, played respectably in a part time role as a catcher in Cincinnati for the past five seasons, posting a .755 OPS in over 400 games.
Indians Acquire Jose Veras
The Indians have acquired reliever Jose Veras from the Yankees for cash considerations, according to a team press release. The Yankees designated Veras for assignment last week after he disappointed in 25.2 innings of work. Veras struck out 18, but allowed 37 baserunners.
Orioles Acquire Michael Aubrey For PTBNL
As MLB.com's Anthony Castrovince reports, the Orioles acquired Michael Aubrey from the Indians for a player to be named later. The Indians drafted him 11th overall in 2003, only to see Aubrey struggle with injuries.
He made his major league debut last year, posting an OPS of .613 for the Indians in 13 games. Aubrey has 22 extra base hits and a .292 batting average at Triple A Columbus this year.
Odds And Ends: El Duque, Feliz, Cubs
More links for Wednesday afternoon…
- CBS Sports reports that Orlando Hernandez is set to begin pitching for the Rangers' Triple A team in Oklahoma City.
- The Rangers are preparing another Triple A pitcher for the major league staff, but this one's two decades younger than El Duque. Neftali Feliz is now pitching out of the bullpen, according to Evan Grant of D Magazine.
- Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports says the Cubs hope to get Aramis Ramirez back in action before determining whether they will make a deadline deal.
- Who knew the Braves added John Halama to their minor league system? Check out Baseball America's latest minor league transactions for more.
- MLB.com's Jonathan Mayo breaks down the pro debuts of some 2009 draftees.
- Phillies prospect Jason Donald isn't letting the rumors about his future distract him, according to Scott Lauber of the News Journal.
- Be sure to follow MLBTR on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook while you're at it.
Dodgers Want Pitching, Content To Keep Pierre
Bill Shaikin of the LA Times reports that Dodgers GM Ned Colletti doesn't yet know whether he'll be able to add a big contract this summer. He hasn't spoken with the McCourts about the team's ability to take on salary yet . Here are a few other points Colletti made:
- The Dodgers would like to acquire a starter or a reliever.
- It's hard to anticipate which they'll go after since, as Colletti says, "It's not like you're going to a buffet."
- The Dodgers aren't eager to trade Juan Pierre, as he provides depth and adds competition to the outfield mix.
Braves’ Search For Bats Limited By Payroll
Braves GM Frank Wren told ESPN.com's Buster Olney that the Braves would consider adding a hitter, but may be unable to make a deal because few teams have financial flexibility. Wren said he's been impressed with his team's hitting recently, but he remains open to adding a bat that fits the Braves' needs.
Odds And Ends: Crisp, Benitez, Webb
On this day in MLBTR history, the Padres hadn't decided whether to be buyers or sellers. A lot's changed since last year, but many teams face a similar dilemma now. Here are some links for the morning…
- Coco Crisp will miss the rest of the season with a torn labrum, according to Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star.
- Andy McCullough of the Star-Ledger reports that former MLB closer Armando Benitez is pitching for the Newark Bears, hoping for another shot in the big leagues.
- Prospect Bryce Harper knows he's "not LeBron yet," according to the AP.
- Mark Teixeira says he loved playing in Atlanta and still considers it a "home" of his, according to MLB.com's Mark Bowman.
- D'Backs first rounder A.J. Pollock will begin his pro career in Class A South Bend, according to MLB.com's Jesse Sanchez.
- Jeff Wilson of the Dallas Morning News says the Rangers want to improve their 'pen.
- A pair of starters may not pitch again this season. Nick Piecoro says Brandon Webb may need shoulder surgery and Mike DiGiovanna says Kelvim Escobar has a "deep ache" in his shoulder.
- Click here to listen to my discussion with the Benchwarmers on 590 KFNS in St. Louis last night.
Rockies Looking For Pitching
Rockies GM Dan O'Dowd told Dave Krieger of the Denver Post something we've heard a lot of recently: there just aren't that many sellers right now. Here are the details from Krieger's column:
- Winners of 17 of their last 19, the Rockies are looking to improve their rotation and their 'pen.
- O'Dowd isn't sure anyone in the NL other than the Pirates, Nationals and Padres would engage in trade talks right now.
- The Rockies could move Jorge De La Rosa to the bullpen if they acquire a starter.
- Garrett Atkins and Yorvit Torrealba are available, but haven't drawn much interest.
Rosenthal On Strasburg, Arroyo, Zobrist
Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports says most believe the Nationals will sign Stephen Strasburg to a record deal of about $15-18MM this summer. Here are the details:
- Rosenthal describes doomsday scenarios for the Nationals and Strasburg to show that the two sides need to come to an agreement.
- The Reds can't even consider dealing Bronson Arroyo until Edinson Volquez returns. If Homer Bailey comes up and pitches well, it would be easier for the Reds to part with a starter.
- If Akinori Iwamura can return this year, Ben Zobrist may become a super utilityman again. Rosenthal wonders if the AL OPS leader is more valuable when he plays multiple positions.
- The Brewers, who would like to add pitching, could talk with the Braves, who have had interest in Corey Hart in the past.
- Nobody's interested in Jeff Francoeur, but the Braves have enviable pitching depth that would entice the Brewers.
Sherman On Phillies, Rockies, Marlins
Joel Sherman of the New York Post explains how Jason Marquis and Ryan Spilborghs almost became Phillies and names a dangerous NL East team:
- A few weeks ago the Phillies and Rockies seriously discussed a deal that would have sent Marquis and Spilborghs to the Phillies for J.A. Happ and prospects.
- The Phillies would have acquired an innings eater and a righty bat, while the Rockies would have shed payroll and acquired young talent.
- The Rockies began an extended hot streak after the trade talks began, so they decided not to make the deal.
- Colorado is now quietly in search of a veteran reliever.
- Some believe the Marlins are a threat to win the NL East because of their talented young rotation.
- Sherman reminds us that the Marlins have "one of the most aggressive, successful front offices in the majors."