Archives for July 2011

Soria Can Block Trades To Dodgers, Rockies, Braves

By Ben Nicholson-Smith | July 13, 2011 at 7:42pm CDT

The Dodgers, Rockies and Braves have replaced the Tigers, Cubs and Cardinals on Joakim Soria's no-trade list, according to Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports.com (on Twitter). The reliever can still block trades to the Yankees, Red Sox and Phillies with his no-trade clause, which would provide him with leverage in the unlikely event of a proposed deal.

The asking price for Soria is "exorbitant," according to Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star, who hears that Royals officials have never had upper-level talks about the closer with the Yankees.

Soria, 27, has a 4.03 ERA with 7.8 K/9 and 2.8 BB/9 in 38 innings this year. He had a difficult May during which he briefly lost the closer's job, but has recovered to post a 14K/2BB ratio since with just one earned run allowed in 16 innings in June and July.

The reliever’s 2012 option vests at $6MM if he finishes 55 games this year (he has finished 26 games so far). The Royals also have an $8MM option for Soria in 2013 ($750K buyout) and an $8.75MM option for 2014 ($750K buyout). Keep up with Soria and every other MLB closer at closernews.com.

Astros Sign Harold Arauz

By Mike Axisa | July 13, 2011 at 7:11pm CDT

The Astros have signed right-hander Harold Arauz for $300K, reports Ben Badler of Baseball America. The 16-year-old from Panama was named MVP of the Dominican Prospect League All-Star Game in May.

In a subscriber-only scouting report, Badler notes that the 6-foot-4 righty sits in the high-80's with his fastball. He's said to have "a clean delivery and throws strikes with some feel for his secondary stuff." The Astros had previously signed Dominican shortstop Luis Reynoso for $700K.

Brewers Seek Boost On Left Side Of Infield

By Ben Nicholson-Smith | July 13, 2011 at 6:23pm CDT

The Brewers aren't done trading yet. They're working to improve the left side of their infield, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports. The Brewers want a definite upgrade over shortstop Yuniesky Betancourt or third baseman Casey McGehee, but they aren’t close to making a deal, since few quality infielders are available in trades.

Jamey Carroll isn’t available now and J.J. Hardy will likely sign an extension with the Orioles, according to Rosenthal. The Brewers would like to obtain a player with a good glove and they can consider adding payroll on a case-by-case basis.

Brewers shortstops (Betancourt, Craig Counsell and Josh Wilson) have combined to rank 28th in MLB with a .267 OBP. Brewers third basemen (mostly McGehee and Counsell) rank 28th in MLB with a .206 average, a .264 OBP and a .277 slugging percentage. Betancourt has a .237/.255/.342 line while McGehee checks in at .223/.279/.315.

NL Central Notes: Sandberg, Pirates, Rasmus

By Ben Nicholson-Smith | July 13, 2011 at 6:00pm CDT

On this date three years ago, the newly acquired C.C. Sabathia homered and pitched a complete game to help the Brewers beat the Reds 3-2. The Brewers' latest acquisition, Francisco Rodriguez, probably won't get too many chances to swing the bat this summer, but he could help Milwaukee reach the playoffs again…

Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg told ESPN Chicago's "The Waddle & Silvy Show" that he wants to manage in the Major Leagues and would consider returning to Chicago if the Cubs asked him to manage at some point. Sandberg, who was a candidate for the Cubs' managerial opening over the winter, now manages Philadelphia's Triple-A affiliate. ESPNChicago.com has highlights from the conversation.
The Pirates announced that they have signed fourth round pick Colten Brewer and eighth round pick Jason Creasy. Now that they've signed the pair of high school right-handers, Pittsburgh has locked up 16 players from last month's draft.
The Rockies like Colby Rasmus, but don't match up well with the Cardinals on a potential trade, according to Troy Renck of the Denver Post (on Twitter). The Cardinals might be willing to trade Rasmus, who ranks 41st on Dave Cameron's annual list of players with the most trade value at FanGraphs.com.
Joe Strauss of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch said in a chat today that the Cardinals would most covet Jeremy Hellickson in a potential trade involving Rasmus and the Rays.

Brewers Acquire Francisco Rodriguez

By Ben Nicholson-Smith | July 13, 2011 at 5:20pm CDT

The Brewers surprised some people by trading for Shaun Marcum and Zack Greinke last offseason and it turns out GM Doug Melvin wasn't done dealing for impact pitchers. The Brewers and Mets announced that Milwaukee has acquired Francisco Rodriguez and cash for two players to be named later. The Mets will choose the players from a list of five Brewers minor leaguers by a date in September, tweets MLB.com's Anthony DiComo.

“Francisco has been one of the best relievers in the game for many years,” Melvin said in a statement. “He is a high-quality arm who will be a tremendous asset to our bullpen as we prepare for the final months of the regular season and playoffs.”

The Brewers obtained almost $6MM in the deal, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports (on Twitter). The Mets pay slightly less than half of the $4.9MM Rodriguez earns in 2011 and will be responsible for the $3.5MM buyout for his 2012 option.

The 29-year-old has a 3.16 ERA with 9.7 K/9, 3.4 BB/9 and a 52% ground ball rate in 42 2/3 innings of relief this year. Those aren't the only numbers that matter for Rodriguez and the Brewers, however. He has finished 34 games and a clause in his contract dictates that his $17.5MM option for 2012 becomes guaranteed if he finishes 55 games this season. Otherwise, the Mets will pay for a $3.5MM buyout and Rodriguez will hit the open market.

Rodriguez, who signed a three-year $37MM free agent contract after saving 62 games in 2008, recently hired Scott Boras. The agent suggested earlier in the week that his new client would be unlikely to accept a trade to one of the ten teams on his no-trade list if it meant becoming a setup man. Melvin told Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that manager Ron Roenicke will decide how to use Rodriguez and current closer John Axford depending on the situation.

It's not the first time that Melvin has made the first major trade of the summer. Back in 2008, he acquired C.C. Sabathia from the Indians in a deal that helped send the Brewers to the postseason for the first time since 1982. The 49-43 Brewers are now tied with the Cardinals atop the National League Central standings, one game ahead of the Pirates and four games ahead of the Reds.

Jon Heyman of SI.com first reported the move (Twitter links). For our instant take on the fantasy baseball ramifications of this deal for the Brewers and Mets, check out Dan Mennella's post at CloserNews.com, and be sure to follow @closernews on Twitter.

Photo courtesy Icon SMI. First published Tuesday, July 12th at 10:58pm.

Rockies, Blue Jays Sign Venezuelan Pitchers

By Ben Nicholson-Smith | July 13, 2011 at 5:00pm CDT

The Rockies and Blue Jays each agreed to terms with a 16-year-old pitching prospect from Venezuela, according to Ben Badler of Baseball America. Colorado agreed to terms with right-hander Antonio Senzatela and the Blue Jays agreed to sign right-hander Manuel Cordova. Neither player's bonus is known.

Senzatela has a projectable body and can touch 93 mph, according to Badler's subscriber-only report. His breaking ball is below average at this point, but that didn't stop the Rockies and Phillies from showing interest.

Cordova falls short of 90 mph on the radar, but some scouts project him as a power arm of the future. The Blue Jays have also signed Venezuelan prospect Wilmer Becerra, Dominican shortstop Dawel Lugo and Venezuelan outfielder Jesus Gonzalez since the international signing period opened on July 2nd, as Badler points out.

Giants Can Spend, Seek Impact Hitter

By Ben Nicholson-Smith | July 13, 2011 at 4:37pm CDT

The Giants have payroll flexibility and are hoping to obtain a middle-of-the-order hitter, regardless of position, according to Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports (Twitter links). Carlos Beltran earns $18.5MM this year, so he isn't a fit for every contender, but the Giants are among his most serious suitors.

The Giants are willing to consider 'rental players,' who hit free agency after the season. Beltran, whose contract expires this fall, has indicated that he won't be surprised if the Giants acquire him. The switch-hitter has a no-trade clause, but he has said he would waive it under the right circumstances.

GM Brian Sabean told Chris Haft of MLB.com that "the need to look for offense is obvious." Though Sabean doesn't expect many impact bats to be available this summer, there's lots of room for improvement in San Francisco's lineup.

"We really don't have anybody with the exception of Pablo [Sandoval] who's having a good year," manager Bruce Bochy told Haft.

The Giants are 27th in MLB with 332 runs scored this year. Though they have a three game lead in the NL West, no winning team has scored fewer runs.

NL East Notes: Beltran, Braves, Marlins

By Ben Nicholson-Smith | July 13, 2011 at 3:25pm CDT

The Mets made the first major deal of the summer last night, sending Francisco Rodriguez to Milwaukee. Here's the story, here are some related links and here's the latest from the rest of the division…

Mets GM Sandy Alderson told Adam Rubin of ESPNNewYork.com that we shouldn't draw conclusions about the Mets from their decision to trade their high-priced closer (Twitter links). Alderson says he simply wanted to trade Rodriguez before other relievers became available.
Though Carlos Beltran has drawn lots of interest, the Mets aren't actively discussing him with other teams at this point, Alderson told Rubin (on Twitter). The Mets are looking for a "big-time" prospect for Beltran, according to ESPN.com's Buster Olney, who suggests the Mets could keep the outfielder if they aren't offered exactly what they want (Twitter links).
The Braves would like to acquire an affordable right-handed bat without handing over top prospects, according to David O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Marlins president of baseball operations Larry Beinfest told Joe Frisaro of MLB.com that he doesn't expect to make major changes this month. “We never really consider ourselves sellers,” Beinfest said.
At Closernews.com, Dan Mennella explains why Michael Dunn would be worth a look on your fantasy team if the Marlins decide to trade Leo Nunez.

Cardinals Sign Jaime Garcia To Four-Year Deal

By Tim Dierkes | July 13, 2011 at 2:15pm CDT

The Cardinals announced that they signed Jaime Garcia to a four-year deal with two club options, according to the Associated Press (via ESPN). Jon Heyman of SI.com reports that the deal is worth $27.5MM in guaranteed money (Twitter link). Michael Golde of KTRS 550 AM first tweeted a rumor of the Garcia extension last Thursday, with the contract details included.

Garcia, 25, is enjoying another fine season with a 3.22 ERA, 7.7 K/9, 2.5 BB/9, 0.6 HR/9, and 54.5% groundball rate in 117 1/3 innings. He was set to become arbitration eligible for the first time after the season, so it appears that the contract covers his three arbitration years (2012-14) and his first free agent year, with options on two additional free agent years. Garcia is represented by Melvin Roman of MDR Sports Management, having made a change this year.

The deal falls a bit short of the contracts earlier this year for Clay Buchholz and Trevor Cahill, which also featured a pair of club options. Keep in mind that Garcia's first-year arbitration earning power would have been limited by time missed due to '09 Tommy John surgery.

West Notes: Rockies, Padres, Mariners

By Tim Dierkes | July 13, 2011 at 1:48pm CDT

Baseball's western divisions have the Rangers, Angels, Giants, and Diamondbacks as contenders, with the Mariners, Athletics, Rockies, Dodgers, and Padres looking like potential sellers. Today's links:

There's little the Rockies could obtain that would justify trading Ubaldo Jimenez, explains Troy E. Renck of the Denver Post. It was revealed Saturday that the Rockies will listen on their ace, but Renck says Dan O'Dowd is the rare GM who will engage in trade talk that's headed nowhere just to understand other teams' needs.
O'Dowd told MLB.com's Thomas Harding that he's looking for a strike-throwing pitcher who's under team control beyond 2011. The Rockies, who have been eyeing pitching for a while, will look for deals that make sense for the team's present and long-term well-being, O'Dowd says.
The Padres want "impact players in return for their movable pieces," tweets MLB.com's Corey Brock. The Padres' best trade chips are relievers Heath Bell and Mike Adams, though Ryan Ludwick, Aaron Harang, and Chad Qualls should draw interest.
Dave Cameron of U.S.S. Mariner runs through the Mariners' trade chips, led by Brandon League and Erik Bedard.
Righty Doug Mathis is headed for Korea to play with the Samsung Lions, tweets Dan Kurtz of MyKBO.net. To make it official, he'll need his release from the Athletics' Triple-A club. Kurtz notes that Ryan Garko would be released from the Lions to make room.

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