Mark Saxon of the OC Register thinks an Angels trade may be in the works, with the Halos recalling catcher Bobby Wilson and infielder Sean Rodriguez despite one free roster spot. Of course, someone could be headed to the DL.
Archives for July 2009
Victor Martinez Rumors: Friday
12:24pm: ESPN's Jayson Stark: "The Rays continued to talk with Cleveland about Martinez Friday afternoon, but clubs they've spoken with say they're more focused on "under-the-radar" bullpen arms." San Diego closer Heath Bell is among those names, but the Rays didn't like the price.
11:49am: MLB.com's Jonathan Mayo (via Twitter) finds a 50% chance of a Martinez trade.
7:44am: Ken Rosenthal and Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports describe the Indians as "pessimistic" about their chances of trading Martinez.
6:36am: Yesterday ESPN's Jayson Stark brought up Victor Martinez as part of a possible three-way trade involving the Red Sox, Indians, and another club. Let's see what's cooking today…
SI's Jon Heyman writes of "brief talks" between the Mets and Indians for V-Mart. However, the Mets prefer to keep their top prospects and probably already turned down an offer from Cleveland. We know this because GM Omar Minaya admitted to turning down two offers for big-time players. Heyman still sees Boston as the favorite for Martinez. Joel Sherman of the New York Post expects some kind of big move out of the Sox today. Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports agrees.
Mariners Rejected Offers For Felix Hernandez
12:22pm: SI's Jon Heyman says the Tigers and Red Sox were among the teams inquiring on King Felix. Rays too, says Joel Sherman of the New York Post via Twitter.
11:14am: The Mariners rejected offers from six different teams for young ace pitcher Felix Hernandez, according to ESPN's Jayson Stark and Peter Gammons. GM Jack Zduriencik admitted he listened, but didn't find anything even worth discussing.
Hernandez, just 23 years old, has a 2.79 ERA in 145.3 innings this year. He's under team control through 2011, but has yet to sign a long-term contract.
Dodgers Acquire Vinny Rottino For Claudio Vargas
ESPN's Amy K. Nelson, via Twitter, passes along a press release saying the Dodgers acquired catcher Vinny Rottino from the Brewers for pitcher Claudio Vargas. Vargas pitched for the Brewers back in '07.
Quiet Market For Arizona Starters
The Diamondbacks have a couple of passable starting pitchers in Doug Davis and Jon Garland, but the market is "remarkably quiet" for them according to Ken Rosenthal and Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports. The writers note that these hurlers might slip through waivers, making August trades possible. Davis earns $8.75MM this year, Garland $6.25MM.
Pirates Willing To Listen
According to Jon Paul Morosi and Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports, the Pirates are "probably, but not necessarily," done dealing. The writers suggest the Bucs will listen on pitchers Paul Maholm, Zach Duke, and Matt Capps, but are not shopping them.
Dodgers & Angels Seek Relievers
FRIDAY, 11:30am: A deal between the Dodgers and Jays for Frasor is unlikely, according to Jon Paul Morosi and Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports.
THURSDAY, 5:13pm: Even after adding George Sherrill, the Dodgers are looking to add relievers, according to ESPN.com's Jayson Stark. They're interested in adding a right-handed setup man. Teams in conversation with the Dodgers say they have interest in Mark Lowe, David Weathers, Matt Capps, Arthur Rhodes and Jason Frasor.
Meanwhile, the Angels are prioritizing relievers over starters, Stark reports. One scout says the Angels are after "premium" relievers. They were considering Heath Bell today and inquired about Chad Qualls only to find that the D'Backs aren't likely to move him.
Tigers Eyeing Luke Scott
Jon Paul Morosi and Ken Rosenthal and FOX Sports say the Tigers may not be done after getting Jarrod Washburn – they "have remained in contact with the Orioles about outfielder Luke Scott." The Tigers technically still have the prospects to pull it off, though the Orioles are asking a lot. Scott is under team control through 2012, and he's hitting .275/.356/.528 on the season.
Tigers Acquire Jarrod Washburn
The Tigers acquired pitcher Jarrod Washburn from the Mariners, according to Mike Salk of ESPN radio in Seattle. Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports agrees, saying the Mariners will get pitcher Luke French and another prospect. MLB Network tells us the other prospect is pitcher Mauricio Robles. Ed Price of AOL Fanhouse (via Twitter) suggests the Tigers may not be done. They'd like to add a hitter.
Washburn, a Scott Boras client and free agent after the season, projects as a Type B. If the Tigers offer arbitration to Washburn after the season and he signs elsewhere, they'll get a supplemental draft pick. The risk is that he could accept and the Tigers would owe him more than $10MM in 2010. Washburn has about $3.8MM left on his current contract, and the Tigers will presumably take all of that.
Washburn has a 2.64 ERA in 133 innings this year, so if he keeps it up to any extent he'll give the Tigers a strong front three with Justin Verlander and Edwin Jackson. The Tigers have a two-game lead over the Twins in the division, so every win counts.
SI's Jon Heyman reports that the Yankees are pessimistic about making a big move, with Washburn off the table.
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