Pirates Notes: Trades, Penn, Chulk, Russell
Dejan Kovacevic of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette has the highlights from Pirates GM Neal Huntington's weekly media address. Let's take a look:
- Huntington says that the Pirates have moved beyond "prospect gathering" mode. If a "good baseball trade" presents itself, Huntington will make it, but according to the general manager there are several players that he's not motivated to move.
- Huntington says he's trying to move forward with their group of young talent. He cites the Brewers' rise from second-to-last to second place in the middle of the decade thanks to the likes of Prince Fielder, Ryan Braun, Rickie Weeks, and Corey Hart (and don't forget Yovani Gallardo) in saying it takes a solid core to turn an organization around.
- The club is pleased with the changes made to its scouting, signing, player development, and evaluation processes, but obviously was hoping for a better record than their 31-59 mark to date.
- On Hayden Penn likely leaving the organization to pitch in Japan, Huntington said part of him wanted to say no and keep him in the Pittsburgh organization, but it was ultimately too hard to stand in Penn's way.
- Vinnie Chulk is another pitcher within the Pirates organization who may be transitioning to Japanese ball.
- Huntington shoots down rumors that manager John Russell's job may be tied to the club's performance on their current 10-game homestand: "When you hide behind imaginary sources that aren't going to go on the record, you can say anything you want," he told Kovacevic.
- Huntington says Russell shouldn't be used as a scapegoat, because ultimately, responsibility for the club's performance falls on his own shoulders.
Rockies Looking To Add Before Deadline
The Rockies are seeking to upgrade their bullpen, starting rotation, and corner infield situation, sources tell Troy E. Renck of The Denver Post.
Colorado seems to be fond of Marlins second baseman Dan Uggla, but as we learned earlier today, the Marlins don't seem inclined to deal the two-time All-Star. Further putting the kibosh on the possibility of him ending up in Colorado, Tracy Ringolsby of Inside The Rockies says (via Twitter) that the club hasn't been in pursuit of Uggla since last winter.
The club likes Uggla's teammate, Jorge Cantu, and they're keeping an eye on Baltimore's Ty Wigginton. The Rockies could make a move for a rental prior to the trade deadline and make a bigger splash heading into the August 31st waiver deadline.
Meanwhile, the Rockies are looking for relief help. The club has interest in Toronto's Kevin Gregg and Pittsburgh's Octavio Dotel. However, it will be difficult for Colorado to land either player. Gregg's friendly contract option this offseason gives his club the option of picking him up for $4.5MM in 2011 or keeping him through 2012 for $8.75MM. Renck feels that Dotel could be hard to pry away from the Pirates as he is their only closer, but keep in mind that Evan Meek has been one of the game's best relievers (1.05 ERA, 8.5 K/9, 2.5 BB/9) in a set-up capacity and could probably fill the role despite his lack of experience. Still, Renck feels Colorado will look for a rebound candidate instead.
The Rockies would like to upgrade their rotation, but they're not going to overspend for a "fourth-starter type". Houston ace Roy Oswalt won't waive his no trade clause to come to Colorado, but Arizona's Dan Haren could be a possibility. However, Haren's price could be too high for the club.
Cafardo On Gonzalez, Oswalt, Lilly, Ramos
Padres first baseman Adrian Gonzalez will eventually end up with another club, writes Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe. The reality of a seven- or eight-year deal at more than $20MM per season in a market as small as San Diego remains a long shot. If Gonzalez, who is under contract through 2011, reaches free agency, he'll be preferred over fellow slugger Prince Fielder, who is also in that free agent class. Let's see what else Cafardo has for us..
- Orioles infielder Ty Wigginton's right-handed bat and versatility make him attractive to the Yankees, Reds, Rays, and Angels. Wigginton likes playing in Baltimore but wouldn't mind being in a playoff race.
- A major league source wonders if Roy Oswalt will get too picky about to which teams he would approve a trade. We've already heard that Oswalt won't approve a trade to the White Sox or Tigers. One talent evaluator says that Oswalt can succeed in the American League.
- That same talent evaluator told Cafardo that Ted Lilly will encounter problems with a move to the American League. Therefore, he would make more sense for a team like the Mets, who are said to have interest.
- Twins catcher Joe Mauer has been playing through a few undisclosed injuries, in part because he feels the need to live up to his enormous contact. The club has been dangling catcher Wilson Ramos in a trade for a prime pitcher but they're now less inclined to deal him due to concerns about their franchise player.
- The Red Sox watched Mark Prior throw in Arizona, but a team source says that they won't sign him.
Marlins Likely To Keep Uggla
There are indications that the Marlins are not leaning toward trading Dan Uggla, according to MLB.com's Joe Frisaro. Florida may even sign the second baseman for 2011, his final season of arbitration. The club has yet to determine if they will seek a long-term contract in the offseason, however.
The Rockies have been interested in Uggla for quite some time and their interest has been ramped up since Troy Tulowitzki broke his wrist in mid-June. While it seems like the Fish will hang on to their two-time All-Star, Frisaro notes that the club has a policy of listening to possible offers on just about anyone on their team.
As we've heard in recent weeks, there are other members of the Marlins who are trade candidates. Cody Ross could change uniforms before the deadline and the Braves seem to be one of the most interested clubs out there. Third baseman Jorge Cantu could be moved as he may be too rich for the Marlins' blood when he hits free agency this winter. Even veteran Wes Helms has heard his name in trade talks as the Yankees appear to be interested.
Indians Designate Hernandez For Assignment
The Indians have designated Anderson Hernandez for assignment, according to Anthony Castrovince of MLB.com (via Twitter). The move was made in order to clear a spot for 22-year-old right-handed pitcher Jeanmar Gomez.
The switch-hitting infielder struggled at the plate with Cleveland this season, hitting .246/.270/.295 in 63 plate appearances. This marks the second time this season that Hernandez has been DFA'd by the Tribe. Cleveland designated the 27-year-old for assignment in April, though he cleared waivers almost a week later.
Hernandez will report to Triple-A if he clears waivers, tweets Paul Hoynes of The Plain Dealer.
Dodgers Have No Intention Of Trading Kemp
The Dodgers have no interest in trading outfielder Matt Kemp, GM Ned Colletti told Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times. Some have suggested that the club get rid of the embattled slugger, but Colletti says that he wants to keep him for the long haul.
"I've never floated his name," the General Manager said. "He's a gifted, five-tool player. He's getting better and better. He's had a tough couple of months. It's a baseball career. It's not a baseball two months.
"I have no intention of moving him."
Teams will unquestionably inquire on Kemp as the Dodgers look to upgrade their rotation at the deadline. However, with injuries to Manny Ramirez and Reed Johnson, it wouldn't be wise to deal the 25-year-old at this time.
Kemp, who has appeared in every game this season despite being briefly benched by manager Joe Torre, is having a down year by his standards. In 400 plate appearances, the center fielder has a slash line of .258/.313/.463 with 16 homers. His defense has taken a tumble as well, as demonstrated by his -29.9 UZR/150.
Odds & Ends: Parker, Hawpe, Loux, Giants, Orioles
Saturday night links as Livan Hernandez takes the loss against the Marlins, his first team…
- Troy Renck of The Denver Post spoke to Clemson reporters, who indicated that Rockies' first round pick Kyle Parker could decide on his future by Monday or Tuesday (four different Twitter links). Parker is choosing between baseball and football, and it's a matter of how much Colorado is willing to exceed MLB's recommended slot bonus of $1.5MM to sign him. The Rockies would be able to pay out his bonus over five years thanks to MLB's provision for two-spot athletes.
- Meanwhile, Brad Hawpe is making his first career start at first base tonight, and Renck says proving he can play the position would go a long way towards keeping him in Colorado beyond this season (Twitter links). The Rockies won't pick up his $10MM option for next season, but they do value his bat and his leadership.
- Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic sees the Diamondbacks either signing Barret Loux at a discount or not signing him at all, and using the savings on some tough-to-sign players they drafted in the lower rounds. Loux, the sixth overall pick in last month's draft, recently failed his physical due to a shoulder issue.
- Giants' manager Bruce Bochy indicated that he'd rather not sacrifice a starting pitcher in a trade for a bat, according to John Shea of The San Francisco Chronicle.
- Peter Schmuck of The Baltimore Sun wonders when the trade deadline will be something more than a time when the Orioles just sell off veterans.
- The Marlins have signed second round pick Rob Rasmussen, according to MLB.com's Joe Frisaro. Terms of the deal are unknown, but MLB's recommended slot bonus for the 73rd overall pick is estimated at $500K. Florida has now signed nine of their top 15 picks, though first rounder Christian Yelich remains unsigned.
Blue Jays Designate Nick Green For Assignment
The Blue Jays have designated utility infielder Nick Green for assignment, tweets MLB.com's Jordan Bastian. The move frees up a roster spot for Shaun Marcum, who is coming off the disabled list.
The 31-year-old Green hit .154/.214/.154 in 14 plate appearances with Toronto. They signed him last month after he opted out of his minor league contract with the Dodgers.
Rizzo Doesn’t Like Offers For Dunn
Nationals' GM Mike Rizzo doesn't like the offers he's received for Adam Dunn, a person close to the team told MLB.com's Bill Ladson and Faran Fagen. As a result, the source doesn't believe the team will trade the first baseman before the July 31st non-waiver trade deadline. It is unclear exactly which teams have approached Rizzo and made an offer for the lefty power threat.
Dunn has said he is frustrated by not having a contract extension already in place, but as far as we know he hasn't asked for any kind of trade. The Yankees and White Sox are among the teams known to covet him, but there are certainly plenty more out there given the decrease in homeruns and offense in general around the league. Dunn is on pace for 39 bombs this year, which would make this the sixth consecutive year he's hit between 38 and 40.
The Latest On Mike Lowell
The Red Sox have close to a full lineup of players on the disabled list, but the forgotten man in that group seems to be third baseman Mike Lowell. Prior to hitting the shelf with soreness in his surgically repaired hip, the 36-year-old Lowell hit just .213/.308/.350 in very sporadic playing time due to the presence of Adrian Beltre and Kevin Youkilis, plus David Ortiz's resurgence.
Lowell told ESPNBoston.com's Gordon Edes he has given up hope that the team will release him so he can find work elsewhere.
"I don’t know if it’s specifically because I might beat them, I just don’t think they want me to go to another team while they pay my salary,’’ Lowell said. “At this point, they’re not going to get anything [in a trade]. You’re going to get a subpar prospect at best. There’s too much time left in the season, they’re not going to get money."
There is still $5.3MM left on Lowell's contract this season, after which he'll be a free agent. In his own words, Lowell will "clear waivers in two seconds" because of that salary, so the July 31st trade deadline doesn't really apply to him. The Red Sox can let his market develop in August if they want.
Lowell did back off when asked about retirement, telling WEEI.com's DJ Bean that he's "thinking short term" for the time being. Back in April he indicated that he'd almost certainly call it a career after this season.
The immediate plan is for Lowell to get a cortisone shot in his hip on Monday, then head to Triple-A Pawtucket for a rehab assignment beginning Thursday. He expects the shot to help with flexibility, and Brian MacPherson of The Providence Journal says it could even allow him to play in 2011.
Despite his injury and ineffectiveness, several teams remain interested in acquiring the former World Series MVP. The Rangers have been connected to Lowell more than any other team, but the Twins, Angels, Mariners, and White Sox have also popped up as potential suitors this season. Regardless of who acquires him, the Red Sox will almost certainly have to pick up most of his salary.