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Archives for June 2009

Odds And Ends: Cubs, Matsui, Mets

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More links for the afternoon…

  • Don't forget about today's chat, coming up in less than two hours at 2pm CST…
  • This Chicago Sun-Times article blames Jim Hendry for assembling an expensive group of under-performing hitters, but credits him for putting together some solid pitching.
  • Patrick Newman at NPB Tracker passes on some comments made by a member of the Hanshin Tigers front office about the possibility of acquiring Hideki Matsui after the season, when he's a free agent. It sounds like the Tigers will keep an eye on him.
  • Willie Randolph was fired a year ago today. Since then, the Mets have won 87 of 154 games under Jerry Manuel, who's a better communicator than his predecessor and a popular leader, according to Ben Shpigel of the New York Times.
  • Darren Heitner points out that the first rounders to sign so far haven't obtained the recommended limit for their slots. (Hat Tip: THT)

Rockies First Rounder Wheeler Agrees To Sign

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According to Tracy Ringolsby of Inside the Rockies, first rounder Tim Wheeler agreed to terms with the Rockies and is set to begin his pro career. Wheeler, a tall, left-handed hitter, was selected 32nd overall in last week's draft. The Rockies received the pick from the Angels as compensation for losing Brian Fuentes.

The Rockies have signed 13 players other than Wheeler. Tyler Matzek, the high school pitcher the Rockies chose 11th overall, is not one of them. He figures to demand multi-million dollar bonus and isn't expected to sign soon.

Olney On Mets, Holliday, Snell

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ESPN.com's Buster Olney says the Mets have begun discussing which hitters they want to target. Here's what Olney has heard about the Mets, along with the rest of his rumors:

  • It's fair to assume the Mets would like to acquire a "big-time bat."
  • Omar Minaya could pursue Nick Johnson. He already traded for him once as the GM of the Expos.
  • Other players that could play first and hit: Aubrey Huff, Jorge Cantu, Mark DeRosa and Dan Uggla.
  • Uggla's an outside-the-box solution, but the Mets could use his power.  
  • Don't assume the A's will be able to collect compensation picks for offering arbitration to Matt Holliday if they don't trade him at the deadline. Holliday's numbers have fallen off, making him more likely to accept arbitration if the A's offer it. He could make upwards of $16MM, meaning the surest way for the A's to get something back would be to deal him now.
  • Olney says the Rockies don't have interest in Ian Snell. Yesterday John Perrotto suggested they could trade for him.
  • Colorado will likely wait another month before deciding whether to deal Huston Street.  
  • The Mariners don't have to rush their deal-making either, especially since their division looks winnable.  

Tigers Ready To Deal, Can Add Payroll

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The Tigers averaged 11,000 more fans per game last year, but their owner is prepared to add payroll to keep his team in first place, according to Drew Sharp of the Detroit Free Press. Tigers owner Mike Ilitch told GM Dave Dombrowski to do whatever it takes to improve the team, even if it means adding salary.

"What are we going to do? There are a lot of things we can do," Ilitch said. "We're going to try to improve one way or the other."

The Tigers could improve in a number of ways. Dontrelle Willis has not pitched well enough to deserve his rotation spot, and with Carlos Guillen out for at least a month, Detroit's offense isn't at full strength either.

Odds And Ends: Harper, Pirates, Hanley

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Some links for Tuesday morning…

Phillies Looking For Pitching, Can Add Payroll

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Jim Salisbury of the Philadelphia Inquirer reports that the Phillies are working towards adding to a pitching staff that's been weakened by the absence of Brad Lidge and Brett Myers. The team has enough financial flexibility to add payroll, but there's no guarantee Ruben Amaro Jr. will be able to acquire the pitching he covets.

"So many [teams] are looking for pitching," he says. "Wanting to do something and actually doing something are often totally different things."

For now, Amaro says he's "pursuing both" relievers and starters. Salisbury mentions Erik Bedard as a possible fit, though the Mariners would ask for a lot in return and the Phillies would have to be sure Bedard's shoulder is healthy. Amaro says he wouldn't mind adding a lefty to a group of southpaws that includes Cole Hamels, Jamie Moyer, J.A. Happ and Antonio Bastardo. 

Rosenthal On Saito, Rangers, Hardy

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Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports reports that the Red Sox discussed a trade that would have sent Takashi Saito to Texas for Hank Blalock. The idea lost traction once Josh Hamilton underwent surgery and David Ortiz began hitting better and it's not likely to be revived. However, "several" teams have interest in Saito, who the Red Sox might prefer to deal for a prospect. Here are more details from Rosenthal's column:

  • The Rangers remain the leading contenders to sign Ben Sheets.
  • They also considered going after Nick Johnson, but are more likely to replace Chris Davis internally if they decide he's not contributing enough at the plate.  
  • One scout has noticed the Brewers following Erik Bedard and believes they'll make a "strong play" for him. 
  • J.J. Hardy remains appealing to teams around the league and the Brewers are "constantly" asked about shortstop prospect Alcides Escobar.  
  • The Red Sox "sniffed around" on a Hardy-Brad Penny swap, but that deal wouldn't work for Milwaukee.
  • The Orioles are increasingly willing to deal George Sherrill and Danys Baez.  

Discussion: Which Player Coming Back From Injury Helps The Most?

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Last night we had a discussion about which injuries would ultimately hurt their team the most this season, with probably close to a hundred names drawing votes in the comments section. Tonight, let's discuss which currently injured players will help their team the most when they come back.

Manny Ramirez doesn't count because he was suspended, but some examples include Aramis Ramirez, Jose Reyes, Grady Sizemore, John Smoltz, Josh Hamilton, Scott Kazmir, Joey Votto, Jake Peavy, and Jake Westbrook. Who ya got?

Odds & Ends: Izzy, Baez, Nationals

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Some links to peruse as you realize how lame it is when your favorite team has a scheduled off day…

Giants Sign Shingo Takatsu

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According to Patrick at NPB Tracker, the Giants have signed reliever Shingo Takatsu to a minor league contract. He tried out for the team in May, and will report to Triple-A Fresno once his visa paperwork clears.

Takatsu last pitched in the majors for the Mets in 2005. He finished second in the 2004 AL Rookie of the Year voting with the White Sox thanks to a 2.31 ERA and 19 saves.

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