Knobler On Cardinals, Phillies, Giants
Danny Knobler of CBS Sports identifies the five neediest teams in baseball. No team will be able to acquire big names easily, however, as officials around the league agree that impact arms and bats aren't available with so many teams in the race. Here's a closer look at Knobler's rumors:
- The Cardinals have had less production out of the cleanup spot than just about any NL team and GM John Mozeliak says he's "not ignoring" the issue.
- As one official points out, "thirty teams in baseball could use Mark DeRosa" and the Cardinals could use him most of all.
- Knobler expects the Phillies to continue looking for a starting pitcher. He doesn't rule out Erik Bedard and says the Phils have considered Zach Duke and Paul Maholm.
- The Giants could use a hitter and Knobler hears that Brian Sabean's facing pressure from his superiors to make a move.
- The Brewers could use an arm, as we know.
- Omar Minaya seems more intense than usual, but the many injuries to his players could make it harder for him to justify making one big move. As one Mets official said, the team is in a "bad position."
Heyman On Strasburg, Pedro, DeRosa
Jon Heyman of SI.com lists some of the best and worst starts to the season. Justin Upton and Marco Scutaro are two of the players to make the first list. Heyman's also got some rumors to pass along; here they are:
- It is believed that Stephen Strasburg's people don't want him to pitch in the majors this year.
- Strasburg's agent, Scott Boras, is believed to have mentioned Jose Contreras, who signed for $32MM, and Daisuke Matsuzaka, who signed for $52MM, as comparable players.
- It doesn't sound like former Astros GM Gerry Hunsicker will end up as the Nationals' next GM, though the Nats are said to be considering names other than Mike Rizzo's for the permanent job.
- Heyman says a Doug Davis return to Milwaukee could make sense.
- The Rays would like to add a closer without adding payroll, which will be a challenge.
- Rays GM Andrew Friedman hasn't ruled out Pedro Martinez, but says he's a long shot.
- Heyman hears that the Cardinals and Mets are two of the teams calling the Indians about Mark DeRosa.
Nationals DFA Kip Wells, Call On Clippard
MLB.com's Bill Ladson reports that the Nationals designated reliever Kip Wells for assignment to make room for Tyler Clippard. Wells, a 32-year-old righty, has an ERA of 6.49 in just over 26 innings, with 18 strikeouts and as many walks.
Free Agent Update
June isn't typically a big month for free agency, but few teams seem willing to make their players available, so we could see clubs turn to the free agent market to add depth for the stretch run. Here are updates on a few of the players who could help contending teams the most:
- Pedro Martinez – We heard all about Pedro last week and now we have a list of teams that won't sign him. The Angels, Dodgers and Yankees aren't interested, the Nats and Brewers didn't see him throw, the Rangers think he's too pricey and the Rays only have interest in him as a starter. Could the Cubs or Cardinals offer him a deal?
- Ben Sheets – He's not far enough along to be talking contract, but the Rangers have maintained contact with him. The Dodgers, Tigers, Angels and, ironically, the Brewers are among the teams that could use another starter.
- Paul Byrd – There's been little reported interest in Byrd, but he says he's ready to go and waiting for calls. Last year he averaged six innings for 30 starts and kept his walk rate under two per nine, so he could be a solid pickup.
- Wily Mo Pena – Not the difference maker teams dream about adding, but he has pop and is still just 27. We haven't heard anything since the Mets released him the other day.
- Javier Valentin – Valentin, who was released along with Pena, played respectably in a part time role as a catcher in Cincinnati for the past five seasons, posting a .755 OPS in over 400 games.
Indians Acquire Jose Veras
The Indians have acquired reliever Jose Veras from the Yankees for cash considerations, according to a team press release. The Yankees designated Veras for assignment last week after he disappointed in 25.2 innings of work. Veras struck out 18, but allowed 37 baserunners.
Orioles Acquire Michael Aubrey For PTBNL
As MLB.com's Anthony Castrovince reports, the Orioles acquired Michael Aubrey from the Indians for a player to be named later. The Indians drafted him 11th overall in 2003, only to see Aubrey struggle with injuries.
He made his major league debut last year, posting an OPS of .613 for the Indians in 13 games. Aubrey has 22 extra base hits and a .292 batting average at Triple A Columbus this year.
Odds And Ends: El Duque, Feliz, Cubs
More links for Wednesday afternoon…
- CBS Sports reports that Orlando Hernandez is set to begin pitching for the Rangers' Triple A team in Oklahoma City.
- The Rangers are preparing another Triple A pitcher for the major league staff, but this one's two decades younger than El Duque. Neftali Feliz is now pitching out of the bullpen, according to Evan Grant of D Magazine.
- Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports says the Cubs hope to get Aramis Ramirez back in action before determining whether they will make a deadline deal.
- Who knew the Braves added John Halama to their minor league system? Check out Baseball America's latest minor league transactions for more.
- MLB.com's Jonathan Mayo breaks down the pro debuts of some 2009 draftees.
- Phillies prospect Jason Donald isn't letting the rumors about his future distract him, according to Scott Lauber of the News Journal.
- Be sure to follow MLBTR on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook while you're at it.
Dodgers Want Pitching, Content To Keep Pierre
Bill Shaikin of the LA Times reports that Dodgers GM Ned Colletti doesn't yet know whether he'll be able to add a big contract this summer. He hasn't spoken with the McCourts about the team's ability to take on salary yet . Here are a few other points Colletti made:
- The Dodgers would like to acquire a starter or a reliever.
- It's hard to anticipate which they'll go after since, as Colletti says, "It's not like you're going to a buffet."
- The Dodgers aren't eager to trade Juan Pierre, as he provides depth and adds competition to the outfield mix.
Braves’ Search For Bats Limited By Payroll
Braves GM Frank Wren told ESPN.com's Buster Olney that the Braves would consider adding a hitter, but may be unable to make a deal because few teams have financial flexibility. Wren said he's been impressed with his team's hitting recently, but he remains open to adding a bat that fits the Braves' needs.
Odds And Ends: Crisp, Benitez, Webb
On this day in MLBTR history, the Padres hadn't decided whether to be buyers or sellers. A lot's changed since last year, but many teams face a similar dilemma now. Here are some links for the morning…
- Coco Crisp will miss the rest of the season with a torn labrum, according to Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star.
- Andy McCullough of the Star-Ledger reports that former MLB closer Armando Benitez is pitching for the Newark Bears, hoping for another shot in the big leagues.
- Prospect Bryce Harper knows he's "not LeBron yet," according to the AP.
- Mark Teixeira says he loved playing in Atlanta and still considers it a "home" of his, according to MLB.com's Mark Bowman.
- D'Backs first rounder A.J. Pollock will begin his pro career in Class A South Bend, according to MLB.com's Jesse Sanchez.
- Jeff Wilson of the Dallas Morning News says the Rangers want to improve their 'pen.
- A pair of starters may not pitch again this season. Nick Piecoro says Brandon Webb may need shoulder surgery and Mike DiGiovanna says Kelvim Escobar has a "deep ache" in his shoulder.
- Click here to listen to my discussion with the Benchwarmers on 590 KFNS in St. Louis last night.