Archives for June 2009

Draft Roundup: White, Tejada, Fuentes

By Ben Nicholson-Smith | June 11, 2009 at 9:05am CDT

Here are some updates on the draft as we enter its final day…

The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports that the Indians will develop their first round pick, Alex White, as a reliever.
Astros GM Ed Wade told Jose de Jesus Ortiz of the Houston Chronicle that the team's selection of shortstop Jiovanni Mier doesn't mean Miguel Tejada's about to be moved. Mier had said a scout told him the Astros would get rid of Tejada.
MLB.com's Jonathan Mayo points out that more high school arms were selected than usual. Seven of the first 19 picks were prep pitchers.
Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic reports "indications" that the D'Backs will be able to sign their second and third highest picks, A.J. Pollock and Matt Davidson, soon.
Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel says the Brewers could sign first round pick Eric Arnett soon with a bonus of about $1.2MM.
As Mike Fitzpatrick of the AP reports, Carlos Beltran has high hopes for his cousin, Reymond Fuentes, who was drafted by the Red Sox in the first round.

Closer Report

By Tim Dierkes | June 11, 2009 at 8:35am CDT

Over at RotoAuthority, I have the latest on each of the 30 closer situations. Check it out so you can get all the saves in your fantasy league.

Draft Day 2 Roundup: Mets, Indians, Red Sox

By Eddie Schmid | June 10, 2009 at 9:09pm CDT

Writers are rolling in the draft recaps. Let's see if we can't keep up with a few:

The Mets took a majority of pitchers and outfielders, says MLB.com's Tim Britton.
The Angels' second day was highlighted with University of Washington QB Jake Locker, says MLB's Lyle Spencer.
The Dodgers snagged Jeremy Wise, Big 12 player of the year and one of three catchers in their draft, according to David Ely at MLB.com.
20 of the Indians' 30 draft choices were pitchers this year, notes Anthony Castrovince.
The Red Sox took mostly pitchers, but struck an even balance between high school and college talent, note Joe McDonald and Daniel Barbarisi at the Providence Journal.
According to Wayne Staats at MLB.com, Pirates GM Neal Huntington says 21 of the 30 players drafted have asked for six figures.
B.J. Rains recaps the Cardinals' second draft day, which erred on the side of college talent after a few high-upside prep school picks on day one.
The Marlins aimed to restock their pitching, says David Villaveciencio at MLB.com.
ESPN's tireless Keith Law recaps Day 2 for a few teams, including the Pirates and A's (subscription req'd).

Discussion: Are White Sox Buyers or Sellers?

By Eddie Schmid | June 10, 2009 at 7:39pm CDT

The Chicago Tribune's Mark Gonzales got a hold of White Sox GM Kenny Williams to discuss the team's recent woes, losing seven of nine and sitting five and half games out of first place. When asked if he'd break up the team if the losing streak continued, it appeared he'd be taking a "wait-and-see approach":

"Hard decisions always have to be made. But very clearly, we are in a transitional phase, and if this team shows me at some point they don't pick it up at some point (sic), yeah, I'm going to have do some things that maybe aren't going to be the most popular but in the best interests of the club."

He says such decisions are "a little ways away." But with Ozzie Guillen's prediction that Carlos Quentin won't be back until past the All-Star Break, the 27-32 Sox could make moves sooner rather than later.

The Sox still have a few stagnant performers who could be primed for breakout–Alexei Ramirez comes to mind–but if you were GM, would you act as a buyer or seller? As a buyer, what deals would make sense to help them contend? As a seller, who would be the first pieces to go?

Pirates Acquire Chris Snelling

By Eddie Schmid | June 10, 2009 at 6:21pm CDT

According to beat reporter Jen Langosch at MLBlogs, the Pirates have acquired outfielder Chris Snelling from the Padres for future considerations. He'll be assigned to Triple-A Indianapolis.

Snelling, 27, had signed a minor-league deal with the Pads in March. He's put up a .760 OPS in 93 games on various teams dating back to 2002.

Odds & Ends: Rockies, Mariners, Astros

By Eddie Schmid | June 10, 2009 at 5:55pm CDT

Some linkage as we enter the post-draft hangover, with more to come:

Troy E. Renck at the Denver Post offers up his theories for the Rockies' reasoning behind choosing Tyler Matzek–a potentially tough sign.
According to Ryan Divish at the Tacoma Tribune News, RHP Denny Stark, who was designated for assignment on Sunday by the Mariners, has cleared waivers and accepted an assignment to Triple-A Tacoma.
So says Zachary Levine at the Houston Chronicle, the Astros have outrighted RHP Geoff Geary to Triple-A Round Rock. He can report there or opt to become a free agent.
La Velle E. Neal III at the Minneapolis Star-Tribune has a handy rundown of all the Twins' picks. Troy E. Renck has a nice one for the Rockies, too.
Chico Harlan at the Washington Post has a transcript of the press conference with Mike Rizzo and new pick Drew Storen.
Keith Law at ESPN has a video recap of the high school talent in this year's draft.

Nats Agree To Terms With Drew Storen

By Ben Nicholson-Smith | June 10, 2009 at 4:09pm CDT

4:09pm: Chico Harlan of the Washington Post says the deal includes a $1.6MM bonus. This is less than the recommended bonus for the slot. Typically players drafted 10th have received bonuses of $2MM or a bit more.

11:13am: MLB.com's Bill Ladson reports that the Nationals have agreed to terms with Drew Storen, who they selected 10th overall in yesterday's portion of the draft. Terms of the deal aren't known. Some believe Storen could make the big leagues quickly, as he was a reliever in college.

Pete McElroy of MASN reports that Storen's open to starting or relieving in the Nationals' system. He struck out 66 batters in just over 40 innings of college ball this year, but he would start if that's Washington's preference.

The Nationals ensured Storen has ample time to develop in the minor leagues by agreeing to terms with him quickly. Negotiations with Stephen Strasburg, their other first round pick, are expected to continue until the August 17th deadline.

Blue Jays Agree To Sign David Dellucci

By Ben Nicholson-Smith | June 10, 2009 at 3:53pm CDT

ESPN.com's Buster Olney reports that the Blue Jays have agreed to sign David Dellucci. The Indians released Dellucci last Monday after he started the season hitting .275/.333/.350. He will report to Triple A and will likely be promoted to the majors soon. The Blue Jays, who obtain Dellucci for the major league minimum, will probably use him as a left fielder and DH against right-handed pitching.

The Rangers also offered Dellucci a minor league deal.

Mets Acquire Chip Ambres

By Ben Nicholson-Smith | June 10, 2009 at 3:28pm CDT

Bart Hubbuch of the New York Post reports (via Twitter) that the Mets acquired Chip Ambres from the Red Sox. Ambres, 29, played three games for the Mets in 2007 before hitting .195 in 24 games for the Padres last year . He's played all three outfield positions in the majors since his 2005 debut with the Royals. The Mets assigned him to Triple A Buffalo.

Heyman On Strasburg, Rockies, Holliday

By Ben Nicholson-Smith | June 10, 2009 at 2:33pm CDT

Jon Heyman of SI.com says Stephen Strasburg stands to make about $15-30MM from the Nationals. Here are the details:

The Nationals would receive the second pick in next year's draft if they fail to sign Strasburg, but this would not be an acceptable consolation prize for the team. First, Strasburg is a unique talent. Secondly, the Nats can't afford to keep pushing back their future.
Strasburg could sit out an entire year as J.D. Drew and Luke Hochevar did, but he'll receive an offer considerably larger than either of those two players, which could be hard to reject.
Heyman doesn't think it's likely that Strasburg would go to Japan if he fails to sign.

Here are the rest of Heyman's rumors:

Mark Shapiro isn't ready to sell his players, but he has many trade candidates if he decides this isn't the Indians' year. Kerry Wood would be a tough sell given his slow start and the $15MM plus remaining on his contract this year and next.
Chad Qualls and Tony Pena could become available, but one NL GM doubts Pena hits the market this year.
Huston Street and Jose Valverde could also become available.
Street, Jason Marquis and Ryan Spilborghs would be the easiest Rockies to deal.
Yorvit Torrealba is available.
Some Yankees people love Mark DeRosa, but the team has no room for him.
Executives still expect Billy Beane to deal Matt Holliday.

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