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Archives for August 2010

Could The Dodgers Switch To Sell Mode?

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Having lost six in a row, the Dodgers have slipped to nine games out in the NL West and seven out in the wild card.  We're only a couple of days removed from the July trade deadline, but you have to wonder if the Dodgers might be inclined to switch to sell mode later this month.

The Dodgers were labeled trade deadline winners by some, mostly because they added multiple veteran players in Scott Podsednik, Ted Lilly, and Octavio Dotel.  The cost was Blake DeWitt and a handful of decent prospects.  What's done is done, though, and GM Ned Colletti can only look forward.  If at some point this month he determines the Dodgers are not contenders in 2010, it makes sense to turn around and shop Podsednik, Lilly, and Dotel.  Podsednik and Dotel figure to void their 2011 options and hit the open market.  And although Lilly profiles as a Type A free agent and the other two as Bs, recent history suggests the Dodgers may not be willing to offer arbitration to any of them.

If Colletti's focus turns to 2011, the Dodgers could shake up the August trade market.  Manny Ramirez, Hiroki Kuroda, Vicente Padilla, Ronnie Belliard, Reed Johnson, and Jeff Weaver are also free agents after the season.  Colletti could clear significant payroll space for next year by trading some of these players or even just handing over contracts if they're claimed.  He could also get a jump on trading catcher Russell Martin, who is a candidate to be traded in December.

25 Potentially Available Relievers

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Contenders are almost always on the lookout for bullpen help after the All-Star break.  The Rays, Red Sox, Phillies, and Reds are a few clubs that may continue the hunt into August.  Here's a look at who might be available, including their 2010 salaries, 2011 buyouts, and no-trade protection. 

  • Brian Fuentes, Angels (LHP) - $9MM.  The Angels are eight games out with a 2.5% shot at the playoffs.  If they give up on the season, unloading some of Fuentes' contract makes sense.  He's pitched decently and flashed the ability to neutralize lefties in various seasons. 
  • Brandon Webb, Diamondbacks (RHP) - $8.5MM.  Webb may try to come back as a reliever, but the latest word is of a skipped bullpen session.  A trade seems a long shot.  Gil Meche fits into this boat as well, but he's owed big money in 2011. 
  • Trevor Hoffman, Brewers (RHP) – $7.5MM, $500K buyout, can block trades to 25 teams.  Perhaps Hoffman would prefer to close out the season with a contender.  He was decent in June and July.  On July 28th, Hoffman told MLB.com's Adam McCalvy he hasn't thought about the trade possibility and he's comfortable in Milwaukee. 
  • Fernando Rodney, Angels (RHP) - $5.5MM in '10 and '11.  Maybe the Angels view Rodney as their closer for 2011, or maybe they'll acknowledge his flaws and try to escape the contract. 
  • Scott Linebrink, White Sox (RHP) - $5.5MM, no-trade protection.  He's been homer-prone, but has whiffed a batter per inning.  A trade back to the NL with the Sox picking up most of the tab could work. 
  • Scot Shields, Angels (RHP) - $5.35MM.  The lifelong Angel is healthy this year but the numbers haven't been there. 
  • Koji Uehara, Orioles (RHP) - $5MM.  He battled an elbow strain but has pitched well in limited samples.   
  • David Riske, Brewers (RHP) – $4.5MM, $250K buyout.  Back from Tommy John surgery, Riske hasn't been terrible. 
  • George Sherrill, Dodgers (LHP) - $4.5MM, arbitration-eligible for '11, cleared waivers in July.  It's difficult to find a silver lining in Sherrill's season. 
  • Brandon Lyon, Astros (RHP) – $4.25MM in '10, $5.25MM in '11, $5.5MM in '12.  The major difference from last year: groundballs are down.  The Astros are stuck with this contract.
  • Rafael Betancourt, Rockies (RHP) - $3.775MM in '10 and '11.  His strikeout and walk rates are fantastic, but he allows tons of flyballs and home runs.  Betancourt may be a popular trade target this month. 
  • LaTroy Hawkins, Brewers (RHP) – $3MM in 2010, $4MM in '11.  He's had a couple of scoreless appearances since coming off the DL July 30th from a shoulder injury.  He'd need several more to spark interest. 
  • Pedro Feliciano, Mets (LHP) - $2.9MM.  Too many walks against righties, but remains death to lefties.  His likely Type B status may be a factor in the Mets' decision. 
  • Jason Frasor, Blue Jays (RHP) – $2.65MM.  The Blue Jays could still trade Frasor now if they'd prefer not to risk offering him arbitration for a potential draft pick after the season. 
  • Aaron Heilman, Diamondbacks (RHP) - $2.15MM.  Heilman is Arizona's de facto closer, not that he's pitched well in terms of peripheral stats. 
  • Todd Coffey, Brewers (RHP) – $2.025MM, arbitration-eligible for '11.  He'd be a reasonable seventh-inning addition for a contender. 
  • Brian Tallet, Blue Jays (LHP) – $2MM, arbitration-eligible for '11.  He's been solid against lefties this year, so maybe the Jays will eat some money and send him off. 
  • Tony Pena, White Sox (RHP) – $1.2MM, arbitration-eligible for '11 and '12.  This isn't what the Sox had in mind when they traded Brandon Allen for Pena, but they might consider moving him now rather than non-tendering him after the season. 
  • Mark Hendrickson, Orioles (LHP) - $1.2MM, $1.2MM club option for '11 with $200K buyout.  Handles lefties, comes cheap, really tall – what's not to like?
  • Miguel Batista, Nationals (RHP) - $1MM.  The Nats may prefer to keep him around as Stephen Strasburg's understudy.
  • Manny Delcarmen, Red Sox (RHP) - $905K, arbitration-eligible for '11 and '12.  The Red Sox seem willing to move him, but perhaps they'll want to add someone first. 
  • Joe Beimel, Rockies (LHP) - $850K.  His 2.81 ERA is nice, but his other numbers predict rougher times. 
  • Elmer Dessens, Mets (RHP) - $700K.  Another case of a good ERA and bad peripherals. 
  • Chad Gaudin, Yankees (RHP) - $700K.  Could be expendable if Alfredo Aceves returns.
  • Joel Peralta, Nationals (RHP) – $400K, arbitration-eligible for '11.  Small sample, but he's pitched well aside from a wealth of flyballs. 
  • Note: the wheels are already in motion for potential trades of Chris Resop and/or Chan Ho Park.

Waiver Trade Candidates: NL Central

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The NL Central picture: the Reds and Cardinals are in the race, and the Brewers, Astros, Cubs, and Pirates are out.  Waiver trade candidates:

Reds closer Francisco Cordero will probably clear waivers, though he's unlikely to change teams.  I view Bronson Arroyo as a similar case.  The Reds could use the depth Aaron Harang will provide when he returns from the disabled list from back spasms, though the chance to shed the remainder of his contract would be appealing.

Newly acquired Cardinal Jake Westbrook might clear waivers, not that he'll be dealt again.  Kyle Lohse should make it through, if he returns from forearm surgery this month.  Skip Schumaker, signed at $2.7MM for next year, could clear waivers as well.

The Brewers should expect Randy Wolf, Trevor Hoffman, David Riske, and LaTroy Hawkins to clear waivers.  Perhaps GM Doug Melvin will try to place the a few of the relievers with contenders.  Dave Bush and Jim Edmonds are two who might be claimed.

The Astros can count on Carlos Lee, Pedro Feliz, and Brandon Lyon clearing waivers.  Most likely Brian Moehler, Tim Byrdak, and Geoff Blum will clear as well.  Perhaps one of the cheaper veterans will be dealt.

A host of Cubs figure to clear waivers: Alfonso Soriano, Carlos Zambrano, Kosuke Fukudome, and Derrek Lee.  Of that group I'd say Fukudome has the best chance of going.  Aramis Ramirez may get through.  He was starting to heat up but recently aggravated a thumb injury.  There's a good chance Xavier Nady clears waivers and is traded.

The Pirates don't have many moderate-sized contracts; newly-acquired Chris Snyder could get through waivers.  Ryan Doumit should also clear once he returns from the DL, and he does appear to be a trade candidate.

For our primer on the waiver trade process, click here.

Odds & Ends: Rodriguez, Rangers, DeShields

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Links for Monday, as Jeremy Hellickson makes a smooth transition to the majors…

Waiver Trade Candidates: NL West

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The current NL West picture: the Padres hold a slim lead over the Giants and the Rockies and Dodgers are playoff contenders, too. The Diamondbacks haven't been close to contention for months. Here are some waiver trade possibilities to keep in mind:

Padres bench player Matt Stairs, who was traded two Augusts ago, could clear waivers in spite of his $700K contract because of his .590 OPS. Scott Hairston could see reduced playing time with Ryan Ludwick around and it's possible that his $2.45MM salary would clear waivers. Hairston has a .235/.316/.390 line in 2010.

Barry Zito and Aaron Rowand would both clear waivers, but Zito is an important part of San Francisco's rotation. Rowand has $27MM remaining on his contract, but is hitting just .252/.302/.405. The Giants have enough outfielders to give the 32-year-old up, but no team would claim Rowand given his salary. Edgar Renteria is hitting .284/.346/.376, but he's making $9MM this year, so he could clear waivers. The Giants, who have a club option for Renteria's services in 2011, could get by without him. It's possible that Todd Wellemeyer would clear waivers given his 5.52 ERA, but his $1MM salary is affordable. The Giants have bullpen depth, so they would likely consider parting with Wellemeyer, who is finishing a rehab stint.

Manny Ramirez earns $20MM this year, but the White Sox and Rays showed interest in him last month. Manny could definitely clear waivers in late August if he returns from his calf strain, so he is a player to watch. George Sherrill cleared waivers recently, so teams clearly don't think he's worth his $4.5MM salary. He hasn't pitched well this season, so he will be available. Like Stairs, Garret Anderson would likely clear waivers despite his modest salary ($550K) because of his poor production (.484 OPS).

The Rockies have waiver trade candidates galore, from relievers Rafael Betancourt, Joe Beimel and Randy Flores to bats like Brad Hawpe to role players like Jason Giambi and Melvin Mora. Aaron Cook, who went to the hospital this weekend after getting hit on the foot with a line drive, could appeal to contenders. He'd have to prove he's healthy first, but Cook makes $9MM this year with $9.75MM or more remaining afterwards, so he'd likely clear waivers. He has pitched to a 5.08 ERA this year, but contenders could have interest if his foot is fine and the Rockies keep fading.

Diamondbacks first baseman Adam LaRoche makes a reasonable $4.5MM this year, so it's possible that someone would claim him. It wouldn't be a surprise to see the D'Backs trade LaRoche given the many deals they've already made. Chris Young and Stephen Drew are making reasonable salaries, so they will probably be staying put.

For our primer on the waiver trade process, click here.

Life After The Trade

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We've seen a flurry of trades after months of anticipation. Now, players join new clubs in different cities.

Here’s an obscure baseball trivia question for you. What do John McDonald and Harry Chiti have in common? You’re forgiven if you didn’t know that both men were once traded for themselves. 

But before McDonald worked his way into baseball’s history books, he faced the reality of joining the Detroit Tigers. And back in 2005, playing baseball was the easy part.

“99% of the time it’s a place where it’s like ‘hey I’m at the ballpark, give me my glove, let’s take some grounders, take some [batting practice], even though I’m wearing a different uniform,” McDonald said. “But that other 1% is thinking ‘all right, how much of a burden did I just put on other people in my life?’”

At the time, McDonald’s family had lived in Toronto for about four months and was just becoming accustomed to the city. As soon as the Blue Jays traded McDonald, his wife had to pack the couple’s belongings in Toronto and drive them to Detroit so McDonald would have things to wear on an upcoming road trip. She then returned to Toronto to pick up more boxes and McDonald was playing baseball, so he couldn’t help out.

You might think that rumblings about potential trades made the process difficult for McDonald, but they were the least of his worries five years ago.

“There were no rumors then, I mean there was no website, like [MLB Trade Rumors], but there was a lot of times a guy had an idea,” he said. “I had no idea so the hardest part about it was for your families.”

The Tigers acquired McDonald, already an established big leaguer, before the 2005 trade deadline. Eventually, the Tigers sent none other than John McDonald to Toronto to complete the trade. Like Harry Chiti four decades before him, McDonald was traded for himself.

McDonald jokes that it’s not much better than being traded for a bag of balls, but notes that the Blue Jays definitely got a fair return. More often than not, though, veterans are traded for minor leaguers or major leaguers without much experience.

That’s what happened to Justin Masterson a year ago, when the Indians acquired him in the Victor Martinez deal. Unlike McDonald, Masterson was traded for a big-name player, and he says it’s kind of cool to be part of a trade involving a star.

“Yeah, it makes you feel better than being traded for someone you don’t even know,” Masterson said. “I think there’s something cool to it. Your first time traded is always an interesting experience.”

Interesting?

“Words can’t really describe it,” Masterson said. “There’s no way to tell someone who has never gone through it what it really feels like. There’s a lot of things in life that take place like that, that you can’t really put a word to describe exactly the way it feels.”

He can’t find the rights words to explain what it’s like to be dealt, but he’s sure of one thing. The Indians were welcoming, so joining the team wasn’t hard.

“These days, everyone knows someone,” Masterson said. “You know someone somewhere through some sort of connection, so it makes it a little easier to get connected.” 

Still, the adjustment process continues long after the rumors stop. But that doesn’t mean all players dislike the trade deadline drama. McDonald, for one, doesn't mind it.

“No, because it’s fun,” he said. “You don’t get to play [pro baseball] for very long. You need to embrace all parts of [being an MLB player].”

Tigers Acquire Brandon Jones

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The Tigers acquired Brandon Jones from the Pirates for a player to be named later, according to MLB.com's Jenifer Langosch (Twitter link). Detroit assigned the minor league veteran to AA Erie, so he won't be an immediate addition to the Tigers' injury-depleted lineup.

Back in January, the Pirates claimed Jones from Atlanta, where he spent parts of three seasons. Jones picked up 166 plate appearances with the Braves, hitting one homer and posting a .257/.313/.365 line. In seven minor league seasons, the 26-year-old has shown more power and patience, as his .276/.353/.435 line shows. Jones has spent most of his time in left field, though he can also play right.

Nationals Rumors: Ramos, Capps, Dunn

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Nationals GM Mike Rizzo explained to Ben Goessling of MASNSports.com that he asked for specific players in potential deals and refused to make trades when clubs kept offering different combinations of players that didn't include the Nats' target. Here are other trade-related notes from Rizzo’s exchange with Goessling:

  • The Nationals believe Wilson Ramos will be an everyday catcher in the near future and have confidence that he could be a regular MLB catcher right now.
  • Matt Capps, the player the Nationals traded to obtain Ramos, will get a raise through arbitration next year, but the upcoming pay hike did not compel the Nats to move their former closer.
  • Rizzo says the club wasn’t looking to trade Adam Dunn, and “didn't find the value for him.”
  • The Nationals were not looking to make “a quantity deal” for multiple so-so prospects. Instead, Rizzo wanted impact players.
  • The deadline is fun for fans, but what about executives? Rizzo says he enjoys the trade deadline, since it’s “kind of fantasy baseball in the real world.”

Braves Request Outright Waivers For Chris Resop

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The Braves requested outright waivers for Chris Resop, according to Carroll Rogers of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Outright waivers are not revocable, so the Braves won't be able to pull Resop back if a rival team claims him. If Resop clears waivers, the Braves will open up a 40-man roster spot and Resop will choose between a Triple A assignment or free agency. He is out of options, so the Braves can't send him to the minors without exposing him to other teams.

The Braves called Resop up on June 15th, partly because he had a clause in his contract that would have forced the club to make him available to its rivals if he wasn't in the majors by that date. He missed time with an oblique injury and only pitched two innings for Atlanta. Resop allowed five earned runs and walked three of the 14 batters he faced. 

His MLB numbers are disappointing, especially considering how well he pitched in the minors this season. Resop posted a 1.84 ERA in 73.1 innings with 9.9 K/9 and 3.3 BB/9 before getting the call to the majors.

Jack Of All Trades: Dave Kingman

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Last month in this space, we detailed the career of Rusty Staub, beloved by many, but a frequently-traded commodity nonetheless. Dave Kingman, it is safe to say, did not share that beloved label in many of the places he played. Still, for a player who hit 442 home runs in his career – a remarkable total given the parks and era he played in – Kingman knew how to pack a suitcase, especially in 1977.

After signing with the Giants as a top draft pick in 1970, Kingman rocketed through the minor leagues, getting to San Francisco by 1971 after hitting 41 home runs in 602 minor league at bats. Despite the power, Kingman did not hit for any kind of average or draw walks, and his batting line reflected that in four seasons with the Giants. He hit .224/.304/.469, which was still good for an OPS+ of 112.

But between the low batting average and poor fielding, the Giants decided to cut their losses just before his age-26 season, selling him to the New York Mets for $150K. This turned out reasonably well for New York.

The Mets got 36 home runs from Kingman in 1975 and 37 home runs in 1976 (including 30 by the All Star break). Even with his absurd 28 walks and 135 strikeouts in 510 plate appearances, Kingman still posted a .238/.286/.506 and an OPS+ of 128 in 1976.

Then came Kingman's odyssey year: 1977. He began with the Mets, but struggled mightily, hitting just .209/.263/.370. On June 15, the Mets traded him to the Padres for Paul Siebert and Bobby Valentine, neither of whom turned into much for New York. 

He was decidedly Kingman-esque for San Diego, hitting .238/.292/.488 for the Padres, with an OPS+ that matched his career mark of 115. Nevertheless, San Diego put him on waivers, and the California Angels selected him on September 6. One hopes he didn't buy a place in Anaheim because, the Angels traded him to the Yankees for Randy Stein and cash nine days later. Kingman then had the odd experience of playing for the Yankees in September without the chance of making the postseason roster. He was ineligible for the playoffs, since he joined the team after August 31.

After Kingman's busy 1977, his salad days quickly arrived and he signed a free agent contract with the Chicago Cubs. His OPS+ went from 131 to 146 to 128 in 1978-1980, and 1979 was by far his best season. Kingman hit .288/.343/.613 with an astounding 48 home runs. But while his OPS+ was strong in 1980, his health limited him to just 280 plate appearances. As a result, Kingman was traded again.

This time, it was back to the Mets for a second tour in Queens. New York acquired him on February 28, 1981 for Steve Henderson and cash. Kingman's batting average dipped lower and lower with the Mets, falling from .221 to .204 to .198 in three seasons. He did lead the National League with 37 home runs in 1982, but his OPS+ of 99 was actually below average. Overall, his OPS+ with the Mets over three seasons was just 102.

After the Mets released Kingman, the A's picked him up and enjoyed the last great Kingman season. In 1984, the slugger hit .268/.321/.505 with 35 home runs before adding 30 home runs in 1985 and 35 more in 1986. Despite those totals, he was unable to find a job in 1987, which is more understandable when you examine his 1986 season line: .210/.255/.431.

Overall, Kingman probably stands as the least expensive source of home runs ever made available on the trade market. For the teams that took advantage – and there were quite a few – the results were often exactly what they should have expected. And only the Cubs, who got him via free agency, can be said to have truly prospered from the collaboration.

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