Morosi’s Latest: Orioles, Cardinals, Rangers
FoxSports.com's Jon Paul Morosi writes that with the Orioles buried in fifth place in the AL East, look for the team to start moving some of their veterans. Morosi cites an "industry executive" who says that several teams have called about Aubrey Huff and Luke Scott, both lefthanded bats with some thump. He suggests that the Reds, Tigers, Giants and Braves could match up in a deal, noting that the Tigers pursued both Huff and Scott three years ago.
Here's the rest of Morosi's rumors:
- Triple-A outfielder Wilkin Ramirez is one of Detroit's best trade chips.
- Morosi echoes reports that the Cardinals are looking for a bat.
- One scout says that Miguel Tejada's defense has been better than most give him credit for. I can't imagine that will play a big role in determining his trade value, though.
- Texas is looking for an upgrade for their rotation, and would likely be in on Cliff Lee and Roy Oswalt if they are made available.
- It's increasingly unlikely that the Red Sox will make a move for a shortstop with Nick Green holding his own and Jed Lowrie close to returning from a wrist injury.
Cardinals Looking To Add Bat, But No Deal Imminent
Joe Strauss of The St. Louis Post-Dispatch spoke to Cardinals president Bill DeWitt Jr., who acknowledged that the team is looking to add another bat, but says not to expect a move anytime soon.
"There are possibilities here and there, but nothing compelling," DeWitt said regarding a middling pool of available trade possibilities. "There remain some clubs that now perceive themselves in the race that may fall out and move talent. But you can't be certain of the market."
Strauss mentions that the Indians, A's and Astros all have been playing better of late, so they could be the clubs that DeWitt is referring too. He also acknowledged that the team's better than expected attendance gives them some financial flexibility "if the right situation were to occur."
The Cards have been connected to Miguel Tejada recently, but it's unknown if the team has that kind of flexibility.
Mets Acquire Javier Castillo
Bart Hubbuch of The New York Post tweets that the Mets have acquired infielder Javier Castillo from the White Sox, and have assigned him to Triple-A Buffalo. The 25-yr old Castillo hit 262-.319-.387 in 182 plate appearances for Triple-A Charlotte this year, playing third base exclusively. He also has experience at shortstop, but hasn't played the position regularly since 2006. No word on what Chicago receives in the deal at this time.
Castillo has never played in the big leagues.
Diamondbacks Sign Supplemental First Rounder
KTAR.com's Craig Grialou reports that the Diamondbacks have agreed to terms with California high school third baseman Matt Davidson, the 35th overall pick in last week's draft. Davidson was Arizona's third selection, one of five players they drafted before the end of the supplemental first round. Bob McManaman of The Arizona Republic says Davidson was given a tour of Chase Field and took batting practice with the big league club after signing.
Financial terms of the deal are unknown, but MLB's recommended slot bonus for the 35th overall pick is expected to be right around $1MM.
Orioles, Cardinals Interested In Sano
Jeff Zrebiec of The Baltimore Sun reports that the Orioles will attend a three day workout for Dominican prospect Miguel Angel Sano later this month. John Stockstill, the O's director of international scouting, confirms the team's interest:
"We've seen him a few times, but it gets back to our commitment of seeing the top players," John Stockstill said. "We're going to make sure we give him a thorough look and evaluation. We have legitimate interest, but we have to be sure of what we're seeing."
The Orioles worked Sano out just over a week ago, but apparently they still want to see more. Meanwhile, Dejan Kovacevic of The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette passes along word that the Cardinals have also scheduled a workout for Sano later this week. It certainly looks like it will be a very competitive market for the 16-yr old shortstop, by our count no fewer than 12 teams have expressed interest in the youngster.
You can follow all of the Sano rumors here.
Braves Acquire John Halama
According to a press release, the Braves have purchased lefthander John Halama from the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs of the independent Atlantic League. Halama pitched to a 2.05 ERA in 66 IP while working as a starter, and was named the league's pitcher of the month in both April and May. He last pitched in the big leagues in 2006, allowing 51 baserunners in just 29.1 IP for the Orioles.
Odd & Ends: Penny, Reds, Nationals, Buchholz
The College World Series kicked off today, with Arkansas knocking off Cal State Fullerton in Game One of the double elimination event. Virginia is taking on LSU tonight. You can see the game on ESPN.
Anyway, here's some Saturday night linkage:
- The Angels have signed nine draft picks, including 48th overall pick Tyler Kehrer according to Mike DiGiovanna.
- Jon Heyman tweets that teams have called the Red Sox about Brad Penny, and even though the Dodgers are looking "they wouldn't take him back."
- John Fay of The Cincinnati Enquirer spoke to Reds GM Walt Jocketty, who said he's looked outside the organization for help, but "there’s not a lot going on right now." Jocketty also said that the team is not looking for a third baseman, despite reports.
- Chico Harlan of The Washington Post says that the Nationals signed righthander Trevor Holder, their third round pick, to a below slot bonus.
- Rockies reliever Taylor Buchholz suffered a setback in his return from a right elbow injury according to Patrick Saunders, and could be out for the year. Could Buchholz's injury impact the Rockies' decision to move closer Huston Street if they maintain their current hot streak?
- The New York Times' Joe Brescia wrote about the Yankees and how they've used Mexico as a source of talent recently.
- Personal fave Chris Britton caught on with the independent York Revolution according to Jim Seip. The Padres released Britton last month after allowed 47 baserunners and had a 10.45 ERA in 20.2 IP between Double-A and Triple-A. (h/t Chad Jennings)
Nationals To Fire Manny Acta
7:31pm: SI.com's Jon Heyman has confirmed that Rosenthal's report is indeed true. Acta will be let go, perhaps as soon as Monday.
5:17pm: Ben Goessling of The Washington Times spoke to team president Stan Kasten about Rosenthal's report. Kasten addressed the report but did not refute it, giving Acta the dreaded vote of confidence:
"We always support everyone here, and we always will. We're all in this together, trying to win everyday, trying to turn it around, and we're going to continue to try it. We know the future is bright, but we're not going to wait for the future to get here. We're going to do everything we can to speed it up. We've done that with kind of a frenetic movement of personnel pieces in the early part of the season. We're going to keep searching for the solution until we find it."
3:23pm: As a couple of commenters have pointed out, Acta is not actually the "youngest active manager in the majors." The Diamondbacks' A.J. Hinch is 35. Our readers are the best.
3:07pm: According to Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com, the Nationals are expected to fire manager Manny Acta as soon as Monday. Bench coach Jim Riggleman will replace him. As Rosenthal reports,
Acta, who at 40 is the youngest active manager in the majors, was hired by the Nats in November of 2006. He's gone 147-231 in two and a half seasons. The Nats have the league's worst record this season at 15-42.
Riggleman has managed for the Padres, Cubs and Mariners, and carries a 522-652 career managerial record. He worked as the interim skipper for the M's last season after John McLaren was dumped.
Donald To Have Surgery, Phils Lose A Trade Chip
6:49pm: The Morning Call's article has been updated to say Donald will miss three to four weeks. which matches Zolecki's report. This would give the Phillies a few weeks before the deadline to showcase a healthy Donald.
5:42pm: MLB.com's Todd Zolecki reports that Phillies' infield prospect Jason Donald will have surgery on Monday to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee. The Morning Call says that he could miss up to six weeks, which means he could be on the shelf until the trade deadline.
Donald was hitting just .230-.293-.324 in 226 plate appearances for Triple-A Lehigh Valley this year, but he's considered one of Philadelphia's best prosects. Just last week we heard rumors of a Brad Penny for Donald swap, but any trade talks involving the 24-yr old shortstop will have to be put on hold now.
Peavy Could Miss Three Months
Scott Miller at CBSsports.com spoke to Padres' head trainer Todd Hutcheson, who said Jake Peavy could be out 8-12 weeks "if things don't come along as fast as we'd like them to." That means Peavy could be out until after the trade deadline, a major blow to a Padres team looking to retool and shed payroll.
It was originally reported that Peavy could miss up to a month, however Miller says that is the best case scenario right now.