If The Athletics Become Sellers
Having lost 12 of their last 13 games, the A's are eight games back in the AL West. It's time to discuss their potential trade offerings.
- David DeJesus has been playing right field in recent years, but he has plenty of experience at the other outfield positions. At .239/.319/.373 in 236 plate appearances, his contract year has not gone as hoped. He did hit well in May. DeJesus is affordable at $6MM, and will appeal to any contender seeking a top of the order outfielder who bats left-handed. Our latest Elias rankings have DeJesus on the cusp of Type A status in the AL, but I'm not sure the A's would offer him arbitration.
- Second baseman Mark Ellis is on the DL with a strained right hamstring. His $6MM salary will be prohibitive unless he starts raking upon his return. With Jemile Weeks and Scott Sizemore joining Oakland's second base mix, shopping Ellis makes sense if he gets healthy.
- Left fielder Josh Willingham is another $6MM Athletic. At .235/.315/.423, he's having the worst year of his career as he heads toward free agency. Willingham is more firmly a Type A free agent than DeJesus, and given how the free agent market values power an arbitration offer seems more feasible for him. Willingham should be one of the better available right-handed bats.
- The A's could break up their entire starting outfield, as Coco Crisp ($5.75MM salary) is also an impending free agent. Like Willingham, Crisp is helping some fantasy teams offensively but is not getting on base thus far. Crisp's ability to play center field sets him apart. The Braves are often mentioned as a potential fit.
- Hideki Matsui might be tough to move, as a DH hitting .216/.268/.332. If he doesn't show signs of life over the next six weeks, a release is more likely than a trade.
- First baseman/outfielder Conor Jackson could be a complementary piece for someone if the A's assume part of his $3.2MM salary. Jackson can still get on base a little bit but his modest early-career power seems gone.
- Relievers are always a trade deadline hot commodity, and Oakland's pen has a 3.25 ERA despite their leading innings guy, Brian Fuentes, checking in at 4.71. The A's might have a chance to bail on Fuentes' contract, which pays $5MM next year. Their other big relief signing, Grant Balfour, has produced better results despite shaky control; he earns $4MM in 2012. Both relievers have club options for '13. Michael Wuertz, who has been excellent, has a club option for '12 and a more modest salary. The A's could also consider moving a pair of arbitration eligible relievers in Craig Breslow and Brad Ziegler.
- We've covered the Cubs, Padres, Pirates, Twins, and Astros as potential sellers previously.
Phillies Looking At Right-Handed Hitting Outfielders
The Phillies are "already looking at right-handed hitting outfielders," tweets ESPN's Buster Olney after talking to a rival evaluator. At 4.05 runs per game, the Phillies' offense ranks seventh in the National League. The team's OPS against left-handed pitching ranks 11th, with Ryan Howard, Jimmy Rollins, Ben Francisco, and Carlos Ruiz among those under .700.
Phillies GM Ruben Amaro Jr. cautioned this month, "You will not see a major move this year." Amaro has made similar claims in the past before authoring big additions, and there has been much debate about whether to believe him this time as the team flirts with the luxury tax payroll threshold. ESPN's Jayson Stark wrote in May that the Phillies have been "telling other teams they can only talk about hitters making no more than about half of [Hunter] Pence's $6.9 million."
Granted, trade partners can kick in cash or take back a bad contract, but only if the Phillies include better prospects. The Astros sent the Phillies $11MM in the Roy Oswalt trade, but Amaro told MLB.com's Todd Zolecki this is "not the same sort of situation." A few available right-handed hitting outfielders making $3.5MM or less include Jeff Francoeur, Matt Diaz, Marcus Thames, as well as switch-hitter Melky Cabrera. More interesting names such as Pence, Carlos Quentin, Ryan Ludwick, Josh Willingham, and Delmon Young are all under $7MM, and I wouldn't rule them out based strictly on salary.
Rosenthal On Reyes, Hardy, Blue Jays, Padres
As always, good reading from Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports…
- The Mets would listen to an offer for shortstop Jose Reyes if the suitor "bowled them over," according to Rosenthal's source, but they're not currently looking to trade him. Rosenthal says the Mets "might be growing more flexible" as to what they're willing to offer Reyes for an extension. The team initially hoped for three years and $45-50MM, which they now realize isn't happening. I can see Reyes getting a Jayson Werth-type contract on the open market, but 60% of the Mets' season remains.
- ESPN's Adam Rubin discussed the Reyes topic recently, writing "it now appears highly likely the Mets will keep Reyes at the trading deadline, take their chances trying to re-sign him as a free agent next offseason, then take the draft picks if he ends up elsewhere."
- Rosenthal says the Orioles want to discuss an extension with shortstop J.J. Hardy before season's end, and The Baltimore Sun's Jeff Zrebiec quotes Andy MacPhail on his aim to start talks before the All-Star break. The 28-year-old Hardy, who is hitting .287/.363/.473 on the season in 147 plate appearances, would be a nice two-year bridge to top prospect Manny Machado. Of course, Hardy's agent at LSW Baseball knows that his client could get more than two years on the open market if his client remains healthy and keeps hitting. If the O's do extend Hardy before July 31st, it will strengthen Sandy Alderson's position if he decides to move Reyes.
- Rosenthal believes the Blue Jays and Padres, both enduring losing streaks, will soon have to put aside notions of contending.
Badler Examines July 2nd Class
Less than thrilled by your team's draft haul? Don't forget about the July 2nd class of international players. This year's group is an improvement on the 2011 class, writes Ben Badler of Baseball America. He names the Yankees, Blue Jays, Rangers, Royals, Mariners, Pirates, Red Sox, and Reds as teams that could be active in the international market. Badler's info on a few of the top prospects:
- Outfielders Ronald Guzman, Elier Hernandez, and Nomar Mazara could challenge Miguel Sano's $3.15MM record for a Dominican hitter, writes Badler. The Rangers, Red Sox, and Blue Jays have been connected to Guzman and the Royals are the frontrunner for Hernandez.
- Speedy Venezuelan shortstop Wilmer Becerra has been linked to the Cardinals, Twins, and Athletics, says Badler. Becerra is projected by many to move to the outfield.
- Mexican righty Roberto Osuna, nephew of Antonio, is a top prospect who is currently pitching in the Mexican League. The 15-year-old is battling all kinds of former big leaguers. Venezuelan righty Victor Sanchez is another one to watch, according to Badler.
- Key MLBTR posts are translated into Spanish at our Rumores De Béisbol site, which has a unique Latin American focus with features such as Hits Latinos. Tell your Spanish-speaking friends!
Twins Face Roster Crunch
The Twins may activate two position players from the 60-day DL this week in Joe Mauer and Tsuyoshi Nishioka. Since the team's 40-man roster is full, they will have to clear two spots.
Jesse Lund of Twinkie Town tackled the issue this morning, providing his informed speculation. Lund seems to be leaning toward catcher Rene Rivera as one player who will be designated for assignment, a logical choice. The other player will probably be a position player as well, so Jason Repko and a few others are on notice. The Twins don't have a strong candidate to be transferred to the 60-day DL, and this isn't the ideal time to trade Kevin Slowey, who is recovering from an abdominal strain.
Prospects Dealt In July Of 2009
Aaron Poreda being designated for assignment prompted me to wonder what's become of all the notable prospects dealt in July of 2009. Let's take a look.
- Al Alburquerque, acquired by Rockies from Cubs for Jeff Baker. The Rockies cut Albuquerque loose, and he signed a Major League deal with the Tigers in November. He's worked around a high walk rate to produce very strong results in 20 2/3 relief innings this year.
- Ryan Webb, acquired by Padres from Athletics in Scott Hairston deal. Webb became the key player for the Marlins in the November 2010 trade that sent Cameron Maybin to San Diego. He's been useful for Florida, racking up groundballs, though a mid-90s heater often generates a K/9 above 6.5. Sean Gallagher, the player to be named later in that trade, was later acquired by the Pirates and has struggled.
- Roque Mercedes, acquired by Diamondbacks from Brewers in Felipe Lopez deal. Lopez was a pretty valuable player two years ago. Since the deal, Mercedes toiled with Arizona's Double-A club and eventually returned to the Brewers in December by way of a waiver claim. The Brewers designated him for assignment in February and he cleared waivers.
- Brandon Allen, acquired by Diamondbacks from White Sox for Tony Pena. The D'Backs let Allen compete for the first base job this spring, but he's remained at Triple-A. The 25-year-old has shown a propensity to draw walks in the hitter-friendly league and awaits a shot at a starting job.
- Daniel Cortes, acquired by Mariners from Royals in Yuniesky Betancourt deal. Cortes hasn't gotten much of a big league look in the Mariners' pen yet; he's had issues here and there with hits allowed and walks in the minors since the trade.
- Hunter Strickland, acquired by Pirates from Red Sox in Adam LaRoche deal. Strickland appears to be on the DL for the Pirates' High-A team; he hasn't pitched this year. The Bucs also acquired infielder Argenis Diaz in the deal; he signed with the Tigers after being non-tendered.
- Connor Graham, acquired by Indians from Red Sox for Rafael Betancourt. Graham is currently on the disabled list for the Indians' Double-A team and hasn't pitched this year.
- Brett Wallace, acquired by Athletics from Cardinals in Matt Holliday deal. The A's later sent Wallace to the Blue Jays for Michael Taylor, who eventually sent him to Houston for Anthony Gose. He's found a home as the Astros' starting first baseman and owns a .304/.376/.440 line this year.
- Scott Barnes, acquired by Indians for Ryan Garko. The lefty is part of the Tribe's Triple-A rotation.
- Nathan Adcock, acquired by Pirates from Mariners as part of the Ian Snell/Jack Wilson deal. The Royals snagged Adcock in the latest Rule 5 draft, and he's trying to stick as a member of their bullpen.
- Tim Alderson, acquired by Pirates from Giants in Freddy Sanchez deal. The Pirates drew praise for the acquisition, but Alderson was demoted to High-A in July of last year. He made it back to Double-A this year as a reliever and has been useful statistically.
- The Indians' Cliff Lee haul from the Phillies: Jason Knapp, Carlos Carrasco, Jason Donald, and Lou Marson. Knapp missed much of last season with a shoulder injury. The Indians are handling him carefully, but he'll begin his season at High A soon and remains highly regarded. The others have reached the bigs, and Carrasco is a member of the team's big league rotation.
- Josh Bell, acquired by Orioles from Dodgers in George Sherrill deal. Once considered Baltimore's third baseman of the future, Bell was unimpressive in the Majors last year and hasn't done enough at Triple-A.
- Kevin Hart and Jose Ascanio, acquired by Pirates from Cubs in John Grabow/Tom Gorzelanny deal. Hart is recovering from a torn labrum, while Ascanio was designated for assignment this month.
- Zach Stewart, acquired by Blue Jays in Scott Rolen deal. Stewart has been OK as a member of the Jays' Double-A rotation and still seems to have big league potential.
- The Indians' haul from the Red Sox for Victor Martinez: Justin Masterson, Nick Hagadone, and Bryan Price. Masterson owns a 3.18 ERA as the ace of Cleveland's rotation. Hagadone was converted to the bullpen and has scuffled a bit since being promoted to Triple-A. Price works out of the Double-A team's bullpen.
- The Mariners' return from the Tigers for Jarrod Washburn: Luke French and Mauricio Robles. French is struggling in the team's Triple-A rotation, while Robles is on the DL for elbow surgery.
- Ryan Mattheus, acquired by Nationals from Rockies in Joe Beimel deal. Mattheus was outrighted in November but added back to the 40-man roster a few days ago and is a member of Washington's bullpen.
- The Padres' haul for Jake Peavy from White Sox: Aaron Poreda, Clayton Richard, Adam Russell, and Dexter Carter. Poreda was designated for assignment today. Richard had an excellent 2010 in San Diego's rotation and remains a useful starter. Russell was sent to Tampa Bay in the Jason Bartlett deal. Carter was cut by the Padres during the spring and signed back with the White Sox.
- Aaron Thompson, acquired by Nationals from Marlins for Nick Johnson. The former first-round pick was claimed off waivers by the Pirates in December and now pitches for their Double-A club.
List Of First Round, Supplemental Draft Picks To Sign
Below is our list of first round and supplemental draft picks who have signed. The deadline is tonight at 11pm central time.
Last updated 8-16-11 at 1:06am CDT
First round
- Pirates – Gerrit Cole – signed for $8MM
- Mariners – Danny Hultzen – signed five-year, $8.5MM Major League deal
- Diamondbacks – Trevor Bauer – signed four-year, $7MM Major League deal
- Orioles – Dylan Bundy – signed five-year, $6.225MM Major League deal
- Royals – Bubba Starling – signed for $7.5MM
- Nationals – Anthony Rendon – signed four-year, $7.2MM Major League deal
- Diamondbacks – Archie Bradley – signed for $5MM
- Indians – Francisco Lindor – signed for $2.9MM
- Cubs – Javier Baez – signed for $2.625MM
- Padres – Cory Spangenberg – signed for $1.86MM
- Astros – George Springer – signed for $2.525MM
- Brewers – Taylor Jungmann – signed for $2.525MM
- Mets – Brandon Nimmo – signed for $2.1MM
- Marlins – Jose Fernandez – signed for $2MM
- Brewers – Jed Bradley – signed for $2MM
- Dodgers – Chris Reed – signed for $1.589MM
- Angels – C.J. Cron – agreed to sign for $1.467MM
- Athletics – Sonny Gray – signed for $1.54MM
- Red Sox – Matt Barnes – signed for $1.5MM
- Rockies – Tyler Anderson – signed for $1.4MM
- Blue Jays – Tyler Beede – did not sign
- Cardinals – Kolten Wong – signed for for $1.3MM
- Nationals – Alex Meyer – signed for $2MM
- Rays – Taylor Guerrieri – signed for $1.6MM
- Padres – Joe Ross – signed for $2.75MM
- Red Sox – Blake Swihart – signed for $2.5MM
- Reds – Robert Stephenson – signed for $2MM
- Braves – Sean Gilmartin – signed for $1.13MM
- Giants – Joe Panik – signed for $1.116MM
- Twins – Levi Michael – signed for $1.175MM
- Rays – Mikie Mahtook – signed for $1.15MM
- Rays – Jake Hager – signed for $963K
- Rangers – Kevin Matthews – signed for $936K
Supplemental round
34. Nationals – Brian Goodwin – signed for about $3MM
35. Blue Jays – Jacob Anderson – signed for $990K
36. Red Sox – Henry Owens – signed for $1.55MM
37. Rangers – Zach Cone – signed for $873K
38. Rays – Brandon Martin – signed for $860K
39. Phillies – Larry Greene – signed for $1MM
40. Red Sox – Jackie Bradley Jr. – signed for $1.1MM
41. Rays – Tyler Goeddel – signed for $1.5MM
42. Rays – Jeff Ames – signed for $650K
43. Diamondbacks – Andrew Chafin – agreed to sign for $875K
44. Mets – Michael Fulmer – agreed to terms for $937.5K
45. Rockies – Trevor Story – signed for $915K
46. Blue Jays – Joe Musgrove – signed for $500K
47. White Sox – Keenyn Walker – agreed to terms for $795K
48. Padres – Michael Kelly – signed for $718K
49. Giants – Kyle Crick – signed for $900K
50. Twins – Travis Harrison – signed for $1.05MM
51. Yankees – Dante Bichette Jr. – signed for $750K
52. Rays – Blake Snell – signed for $684K
53. Blue Jays – Dwight Smith Jr. – signed for $800K
54. Padres – Brett Austin – did not sign
55. Twins – Hudson Boyd – signed for $1MM
56. Rays – Kes Carter – signed for $625K
57. Blue Jays – Kevin Comer – signed for $1.65MM
58. Padres – Jace Peterson – signed for $624,600
59. Rays – Grayson Garvin – signed for $370K
60. Rays – James Harris Jr. – signed for $490K
Other notable signings
- Pirates – Josh Bell – signed for $5MM
- Nationals – Matt Purke – signed four-year, $4.4MM Major League deal
- Padres – Austin Hedges – signed for $3MM
- Blue Jays – Daniel Norris – signed for $2.5MM
- Cubs – Dillon Maples – signed for $2.5MM
- Indians – Dillon Howard – signed for $1.85MM
- Cubs – Dan Vogelbach – signed for $1.6MM
- Orioles – Nicky Delmonico – signed for $1.525MM
- Royals - Bryan Brickhouse - signed for $1.5MM
- Cardinals – Charlie Tilson – signed for $1.275MM
- Cubs – Shawon Dunston Jr. – signed for $1.275MM
- Pirates – Clay Holmes – signed for $1.2MM
- Yankees – Greg Bird – signed for $1.1MM
- Giants – Andrew Susac – signed for $1.1MM
- Reds – Amir Garrett – signed for $1MM
Padres Designate Aaron Poreda For Assignment
The Padres designated lefty Aaron Poreda for assignment to clear a spot on the 40-man roster for starter Anthony Bass, reports Sarah Trotto of The Arizona Daily Star.
Poreda, 24, had a 7.31 ERA, 9.6 K/9, 9.3 BB/9, and 0.3 HR/9 in 32 innings for the Padres' Triple-A club this year. Most of the innings came in relief, a role he's been in for the majority of his Padres career. The former first round pick was the key component in Kevin Towers' July 2009 deal that sent Jake Peavy to the White Sox, though Clayton Richard has emerged as the more valuable piece. The Padres also received Adam Russell, who was later sent to the Rays in the Jason Bartlett trade.
Poreda was ranked tenth among Padres prospects prior to the 2010 season by Baseball America. Even then there were concerns about his delivery and control, but he was still considered worthy of a late-inning bullpen future. Since then Poreda has walked more than a batter per inning.
Pirates Designate Wyatt Toregas For Assignment
To make room for catcher Mike McKenry, on the 40-man roster, the Pirates have designated Wyatt Toregas for assignment, writes MLB.com's Jenifer Langosch. Toregas was on the Bucs big league roster for just four days.
In 135 career Triple-A games, Toregas has a .235/.301/.355 slash line with eleven homers. Prior to this season, the 28-year-old catcher had just 19 major league games to his credit, all of which came with the Indians in 2009.
Pirates Acquire McKenry From Red Sox
The Pirates have acquired catcher Mike McKenry in a trade with the Red Sox, a source tells Dejan Kovacevic of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. Boston will receive a player to be named later or cash considerations, according to Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com (via Twitter).
Pittsburgh has been in search of a catcher ever since losing Ryan Doumit and Chris Snyder to the disabled list. Manager Clint Hurdle recently admitted that the club was having a hard time acquiring a catcher as clubs were looking to take advantage of their situation. The club could potentially be without Doumit until the end of July and without Snyder all season.
McKenry, 26, spent the first five years of his career with the Rockies organization before being dealt to the Red Sox in late March. In 127 career Triple-A games, McKenry has a slash line of .268/.337/.425 with 13 homers.