Archives for July 2009

Orlando Hernandez Expected To Become A Free Agent

By Mike Axisa | July 16, 2009 at 7:21pm CDT

MLB.com's T.R. Sullivan says that the Rangers have told Orlando Hernandez that he will not be called up to the big leagues by Monday, which is when El Duque's out clause comes into play. Sullivan says Hernandez is expected to exercise the opt out and become a free agent.

In 11 innings with Triple-A Oklahoma City, all in relief, Hernandez allowed just four hits and four walks while striking out 12 . Sullivan says that he did not show enough velocity or command for the Rangers to think he's ready to pitch in the big leagues.

Roy Halladay Rumors: Thursday

By Ben Nicholson-Smith | July 16, 2009 at 7:10pm CDT

7:08pm: T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com says the Rangers have had discussions with the Blue Jays about Halladay, but sources call it a "long-shot."

5:13pm: Joe Strauss of The St. Louis Post-Dispatch says the Cardinals are now downplaying a potential Halladay trade, mentioning that they have too little pitching and won't include centerfielder Colby Rasmus in a deal.

3:56pm: The Blue Jays told the Yankees and Red Sox they'd prefer to deal Halladay outside of the AL East according to Jon Heyman.

1:21pm: MLB.com's Todd Zolecki heard from a Phillies source who says Halladay's $14.25MM salary is nothing and won't be an issue. The inclusion of Vernon Wells in any trade would be a dealbreaker, however.

12:15pm: One exec told Jon Heyman of SI.com that he would trade Joba Chamberlain for Halladay, but wouldn't give Rick Porcello up for him.

11:07am: We heard that the Angels and Cardinals may have trouble piecing together an offer for Roy Halladay, but assembling an appealing group of players would be even harder for the Tigers. Here are details on Halladay, the Tigers and other suitors for baseball's best available pitcher:

MLB.com's Jason Beck says the Tigers have the financial might to pursue Halladay, even if their young talent begins and ends with Rick Porcello and Ryan Perry.
The Tigers don't have a stable fifth starter, so Halladay would be a massive upgrade for them, but money will not be enough to pry him away from the Jays and the Tigers don't have top prospects in the minors.
I discussed Halladay and other players the Tigers could look to acquire in a Q&A at EyeOfTheTigers.com.
Bill Madden of the New York Daily News says the Yankees need to give up the top prospects to acquire Halladay if the Blue Jays are willing to deal their ace within the division.

Rockies DFA Matt Belisle

By Mike Axisa | July 16, 2009 at 7:06pm CDT

According to Tracy Ringolsby, the Rockies designated righthander Matt Belisle for assignment today. The move was made to clear room on the roster for Manny Corpas, who is returning from an elbow injury. Belisle pitched in 15 games for Colorado this season, putting up a 8.35 ERA in 18.1 IP.

MLB Nixes Yankees Deal With Dominican SS

By Mike Axisa | July 16, 2009 at 6:57pm CDT

Melissa Segura of SI.com reports that Major League Baseball's Department of Investigations has determined that Dominican shortstop Damian Arredondo used a false identity when he signed with the Yankees for $850k earlier this month. Arredondo is not the player's real name and he is older than orginally believed.

By rule, the player formerly known as Damian Arredondo must wait a year before he can sign with another club. Seguara says that in general, MLB is working with authorities to bring criminal charges on those who orchestrate such fraud.

Towers Speaks About Possible Moves

By Mike Axisa | July 16, 2009 at 6:10pm CDT

Padres GM Kevin Towers spoke with Darren Smith of 1090 XX Sports Radio earlier today, touching on a variety of Padre related topics. You can download and listen to the interview by clicking here, but here's a roundup of the rumors…

Towers said he expects to get calls from contending teams about his "experienced players," mentioning David Eckstein, Brian Giles, Henry Blanco, Kevin Correia, Chad Gaudin, Cla Meredith and Mike Adams by name.
He also said it's doubtful that the team would take on salary in a deadline deal, but they might be able to during the offseason.
Depending on how he comes back from injury, there may be interest in Giles. Towers said it's doubtful anything happens before the deadline, but a waiver trade could be made in August. Giles, of course, has a full no-trade clause.
When asked why he wouldn't trade Adrian Gonzalez or Heath Bell before the deadline to bring back as much talent as possible, Towers said "it's not to say we won't." He then mentions that they first need to determine what young players they're committed to keeping here and what they need to bring in from outside the organization, but if someone approaches them about one of those guys "they need to listen."

Royals DFA Tony Pena Jr.

By Mike Axisa | July 16, 2009 at 5:28pm CDT

MLB.com's Dick Kaegel reports that the Royals have designated shortstop Tony Pena Jr. for assignment to make room on the roster for the recently acquired Yuniesky Betancourt. Pena has hit just .156-.178-.192 in 288 plate appearances since the start of the 2008 season.

Red Sox “Desperately” Want To Move Lugo

By Ben Nicholson-Smith | July 16, 2009 at 5:21pm CDT

5:19pm: Citing a major league source, Rosenthal says that the Red Sox "have informed teams that they are willing to assume virtually all of shortstop Julio Lugo's remaining salary in a trade." He also says that Boston realizes Lugo is a sunk cost at this point, and would accept a fringe prospect in return for him.

1:37pm: Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports hears that the Red Sox are trying "desperately" to move Julio Lugo now that Jed Lowrie, Mike Lowell and Clay Buchholz are about to return to the active roster. The Red Sox won't have room for Lugo anymore, so they're looking to trade him. They've been trying to deal him since last year to no avail, so Rosenthal hears the Red Sox could simply release Lugo if they don't find a match.

Lugo makes $9MM this year and the same amount next season, but he's underperforming so the Red Sox would have to pay most of his salary in any deal. While some teams seek middle infield help, it's doubtful that Lugo would appeal to many of them.

Jocketty: Reds “Still Looking For A Hitter”

By Ben Nicholson-Smith | July 16, 2009 at 4:57pm CDT

Now that Jay Bruce is on the DL, the Reds need a hitter more than ever and GM Walt Jocketty is searching for one, according to MLB.com's Mark Sheldon. Jocketty said the Reds won't necessarily get the bat they're looking for, but he says he's "looking for a hitter" anyways.

For now Jonny Gomes and Jerry Hairston will play more, because the Reds don't want to call on prospects Drew Stubbs and Chris Heisey yet. For a look at some names the Reds will consider, check out our trade candidates by position.

Cubs Sign B.J. Ryan

By Ben Nicholson-Smith | July 16, 2009 at 4:16pm CDT

The Cubs signed B.J. Ryan to a one-year deal, according to ESPN Chicago. He will work out in Arizona before reporting to Triple A Iowa, according to the Chicago Tribune, which first reported the team's interest last week.

The Blue Jays released Ryan after a disappointing three and a half year stint that began well, but ends with the Blue Jays paying $15MM between now and the end of next season as he plays in another uniform. The change of scenery could help Ryan, who wasn't bad against lefties this year. However, he allowed a near-1.200 OPS against righties and saw the velocity of his fastball drop for a fourth straight season, according to FanGraphs.

Odds And Ends: Vinicio, Sano, Mets

By Ben Nicholson-Smith | July 16, 2009 at 2:47pm CDT

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