Week In Review: 7/12/10 – 7/18/10
Baseball lost George Steinbrenner this week, easily its most recognizable owner, and the National League won its first All Star Game in what feels like an eternity (actually 13 years). Let's look back at the week that was…
- This week's big trade featured the Blue Jays and Braves swapping shortstops. Toronto received Yunel Escobar and Jo-Jo Reyes, Atlanta Alex Gonzalez, Tim Collins, and Tyler Pastornicky. Clearly, one team was looking ahead while the other was looking at the present. Reactions to the deal were pretty split.
- The Cardinals gave GM John Mozeliak a three-year contract extension, while Cubs' GM Jim Hendry got a vote of confidence from his team's chairman.
- Several teams are interested in Corey Hart, including the Giants, Rays, and Padres.The Brewers asked San Francisco for Jonathan Sanchez or Madison Bumgarner in exchange for the slugger. The Braves are interested in another righty hitting outfielder, Cody Ross of the Marlins.
- The Padres might need some pitching in addition to an outfielder, and they do not want any rental players. San Diego has not yet had any contract talks with Adrian Gonzalez, and unsurprisingly the Red Sox maintain interest in the star first baseman.
- The Blue Jays made Scott Downs, Jason Frasor, and Kevin Gregg available, and should certainly get some bites. The Reds were looking for some right-handed relief help, so they signed Russ Springer. The Giants and Mariners went to the scrap heap for pitching help, signing Dontrelle Willis and Jamey Wright, respectively.
- The Rockies are looking to add several pieces before the deadline, and have interest in Dan Uggla. The Marlins are likely to keep their second baseman, however. The Dodgers have no intentions of trading Matt Kemp, and Nationals' GM Mike Rizzo doesn't like the offers he's received for Adam Dunn.
- The Orioles are close to hiring Buck Showalter to manage the team, but no official announcement has been made. Orioles' executive Andy MacPhail said that he would be willing to trade his young players, but it would be hard to give them up. Talks with the Phillies about Ty Wigginton and Miguel Tejada are dead.
- The Red Sox have in fact exceeded the luxury tax threshold, which may impact their willingness to take on money at the deadline. They were discussing David DeJesus with the Royals before the news broke, however. David Ortiz is looking for a contract extension.
- The Yankees have their eye on Marlins' utility man Wes Helms, but their crosstown rivals might not make a move to add a pitcher after all. They did try to swap Oliver Perez for Gil Meche, however.
- Philadelphia doesn't expect to add any pitching, and a reunion with Pedro Martinez appears unlikely.
- The Mariners signed a trio of international prospects, while the Blue Jays signed a pair of their own.
- Here's the crop of players that were removed from their team's roster in some way: Dane Sardinha by the Phillies, George Sherrill by the Dodgers, Nelson Figueroa by the Phillies, Armando Benitez by the Marlins, Mike Redmond by the Indians, Fernando Cabrera by the Red Sox, Juan Castro by the Phillies, Mike Lamb by the Marlins, Nick Green by the Blue Jays, Anderson Hernandez by the Indians, Gustavo Molina by the Red Sox, and Casey Daigle by the Astros.
- Ben Nicholson-Smith wrapped up our series on The 2010 Trade Market.
Nothing Imminent For The Diamondbacks
The non-waiver trade deadline is less than two weeks away, and the Diamondbacks figure to be one of the game's biggest sellers given their position at the bottom of the NL West. Despite that, MLB.com's Steve Gilbert says no moves are imminent for the D-Backs, but that doesn't mean interim GM Jerry Dipoto isn't trying.
"It's been a canvassing, finding out where other teams are at," said Dipoto. "Obviously, we've exchanged a lot of rhetoric. I don't think anybody is really in a deal-making mode yet. We've been very open in discussing with teams what we'd be interested in doing."
Dipoto added that the he believes the Cliff Lee trade was the first domino, and expects there to be a flurry of moves over the next 13 days. Arizona has already traded away Conor Jackson and Billy Buckner, and they're sure to find plenty of interest in Kelly Johnson, Adam LaRoche, Edwin Jackson, and Mark Reynolds if they make them available.
Dan Haren's name is out there, but Dipoto is asking for a substantial return: two starters and a reliever. They have no motivation to trade him though, since he's signed through 2012 at a below market rate.
Padres Still Eyeing Hart, May Need Arms Too
Much has been made of the surprising first-place Padres' needs as the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline approaches. It's a known fact that they've relied on tremendous pitching to win in spite of an offense that ranks 27th in the Majors with a .701 team OPS and 21st with 396 runs scored.
The San Diego Union Tribune's Tim Sullivan says that manager Bud Black made a subtle pitch to Corey Hart, a known Padres target, at the Home Run Derby, opining to the Milwaukee right fielder that a lot of his home runs would also have gone out in Petco Park to gauge a reaction. While Hart kept an even keel and simply replied, "Yeah, they would have," Black says he wanted Hart to know that the Padres were interested.
Padres closer Heath Bell also spoke with Hart, and relayed that Hart isn't happy to be on the trading block. If he does get moved, he would like to train in Arizona near his newly-purchased house.
While Hart's 22 home runs would look nice in the middle of the Padres lineup and add some much needed support for Adrian Gonzalez, it's worth noting that the offense may no longer be the club's main focus.
Both Mike Adams and Mat Latos have landed on the disabled list in the past week. While Latos is expected to recover quickly, the Padres will likely be limiting his second half innings.
Padres general manager Jed Hoyer did acknowledge that they have the resources to improve both the offense and the defense, but said that the odds of a significant improvement to both seemed "remote." Any trades that send away cost-controlled young players will require a return that's controlled beyond 2010 for the Padres as well, according to Hoyer, who stressed that financial limitations make cost-control important to San Diego.
Sullivan asked Bell about his personal wish list for acquisitions, and Bell named Hart, Cody Ross, Miguel Tejada, and Milton Bradley before floating a unique idea: acquire Lance Berkman and put him back in the outfield. It's unlikely that Berkman would play a respectable outfield at this point, but the scenario suggests that Bell clearly would like to see a proven, veteran bat added to the lineup.
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.