Draft Notes: Hultzen, Lindor, Bush, Pirates
Alex Rodriguez, the first overall pick 18 years ago, has an .845 OPS after a two-hit game in Oakland today. Here's the latest on this year's draft, as we await another first overall pick…
- Teams are hearing that the asking price for Virginia left-hander Danny Hultzen is $13MM, according to Jim Callis of Baseball America (on Twitter).
- High school shortstop Francisco Lindor will hold a private workout for the Diamondbacks tomorrow, according to MLB.com's Steve Gilbert (on Twitter). Arizona selects third and seventh overall in this year's draft.
- Lindor, a high school shortstop, is being strongly considered by teams with top five picks, including the Mariners (who pick second overall) according to Jason A. Churchill of ESPN.com. Lindor could end up as a speedy switch-hitter with some power and an elite glove.
- What do Matt Bush, Wade Townsend and Colt Griffin have in common? They're among the worst ten single-digit draft picks of the decade, according to Kevin Goldstein of Baseball Prospectus.
- In this week's edition of Ask BA, Jim Callis of Baseball America says the Pirates will likely select Rice third baseman Anthony Rendon, UCLA righty Gerrit Cole or Hultzen. At this point, it's a matter of "reading the tea leaves," since Pittsburgh's intention remains unclear.
Quick Hits: Matsuzaka, Kroon, Maine, Mariners
On this date in 1975, Nolan Ryan won his 100th career game in style, pitching his fourth no-hitter and tying Sandy Koufax's record (a mark Ryan would later eclipse). Here are the latest links from around the Major Leagues…
- Daisuke Matsuzaka is leaning toward Tommy John surgery, according to Yahoo's Tim Brown (Twitter link). Dr. Lewis Yocum found a significant tear in Matsuzaka's elbow and the right-hander will now discuss his options with the Red Sox.
- In honor of the many intriguing draft-eligible college pitchers, Jerry Crasnick of ESPN.com reviews nine current MLB pitchers who didn't spend much time in the minor leagues.
- Marc Kroon, who was a candidate to make the Giants' Opening Day roster, has decided not to opt out of his Triple-A contract, according to Andrew Baggarly of the San Jose Mercury News. The 38-year-old has not appeared in the Majors since 2004, but he has a 3.10 ERA with 11.1 K/9 and 4.4 BB/9 in 20 1/3 innings at Triple-A this year. It would be great to see the 1991 second rounder get another chance in the big leagues.
- Similarly, John Maine is staying in Triple-A instead of exercising his opt-out with the Rockies, according to Troy Renck of the Denver Post (on Twitter).
- Geoff Baker of the Seattle Times says it's time for the Mariners to make a move and find some "players who can square up on a ball more than a couple of times per week."
D’Backs Acquire Lucas May
The D'Backs have acquired Lucas May from the Royals for right-hander Andrea Pizziconi, according to Jack Magruder of FOXSportsArizona.com (Twitter links). May will likely provide depth at Triple-A Reno.
The Royals acquired the 26-year-old backstop from the Dodgers in last summer's Scott Podsednik trade. The 2003 eighth rounder has a .176/.263/.329 line in Triple-A this year, though his minor league track record suggests he's capable of more. May posted an .831 OPS last year and has a career .258/.320/.432 line in nine minor league seasons.
Pizziconi, a native of Italy, signed with the D'Backs as a non-drafted free agent. The 19-year-old posted a 2.57 ERA with 5.0 K/9 and 3.5 BB/9 in 49 innings at Rookie Ball and Low-A Ball last year.
Brandon Inge Picks Up Ten And Five Rights
As of today, Brandon Inge has ten years of big league service. They've all been with Detroit, so the third baseman now has ten and five rights, which means the Tigers now need Inge's permission to trade him.
Inge, who signed a two-year, $11.5MM deal last offseason, now has limited trade value, so the point is mostly moot from a transactions standpoint. The 34-year-old has a .215/.284/.291 line 178 plate appearances into the season. Inge's calling card has always been power, but he has just nine extra base hits this year. He told MLBTR last month that he hopes to wear the old English 'D' for a long time.
Orioles Appear Poised To Spend This Winter
The American League East appears to be as strong as always this year, but the Orioles have something to look forward to despite their last place 24-29 record. Orioles people are saying they’ll have significant money to spend after the season, according to Danny Knobler of CBS Sports. Manager Buck Showalter wants a first baseman who can hit in the middle of the order and Prince Fielder may be the team’s top target, according to Knobler.
When MLBTR’s Tim Dierkes examined the team’s contract issues, he estimated that the Orioles could have over $18MM to spend on 2012 salaries without raising payroll (before accounting for players earning the MLB minimum). Derrek Lee, Baltimore's current first baseman, hits free agency after the season, so a need will emerge barring a trade or a surprise performance from a minor leaguer (2010 minor league player of the year Joe Mahoney has been on the DL twice and has limited experience above Class A).
President of baseball operations Andy MacPhail and the rest of the front office will have multiple needs to address and Fielder figures to be looking for at least $22MM per season on a multiyear deal, since that’s similar to what Mark Teixeira and Adrian Gonzalez obtained. It’s worth noting that the O’s expressed some interest in Teixeira when he hit free agency after the 2008 season (though the first baseman later said their bid didn’t compare with his other offers).
New York Notes: Colon, Reyes, Beltran, Wright
Six Yankees lead All-Star balloting at their respective positions in the early going: Mark Teixeira, Robinson Cano, Alex Rodriguez, Derek Jeter, Russell Martin and Curtis Granderson (who's second among outfielders to Jose Bautista). Here's the latest on the Yankees and their cross-town rivals:
- Bob Klapisch of the Bergen Record points out that the Yankees have no incentive to dig for answers from Bartolo Colon, who had stem cells injected into his shouder and elbow before signing with them last offseason. The commissioner's office seems to know that Colon is beyond their reach, but MLB officials believe Colon should have disclosed what had happened when he signed with the Yankees.
- One GM suggested to Joel Sherman of the New York Post that Mets fans shouldn't expect too much in possible trades for Jose Reyes and Carlos Beltran. The return for players on the brink of free agency hasn't historically been overwhelming, the GM said, pointing to the 2008 deal that sent Teixeira from Atlanta to the Angels for Casey Kotchman. On the other hand, Matt Holliday was traded for Brett Wallace the next summer.
- Maybe Fred Wilpon was on point when he said David Wright is not a superstar. Rival executives tell Sherman that the third baseman would work best as the third or fourth-best player in a lineup.
Heyman On Dodgers, Mets, Rendon, Red Sox
The Dodgers have had unofficial conversations with Matt Kemp and Andre Ethier about long-term deals, according to Jon Heyman of SI.com. GM Ned Colletti would like to lock both outfielders up instead of letting them hit free agency after the 2012 season. Here are the rest of Heyman’s rumors:
- Though it’s hard to imagine Dodgers owner Frank McCourt signing either player long-term given his current financial issues, MLB seems hopeful that they can find a new owner for the team if and when it's necessary.
- Proposed Mets limited partner David Einhorn will have the chance to increase his share of the team from 33% to 60% after five years, according to Heyman. Majority owner Fred Wilpon could then block Einhorn and repay him his $200MM while allowing him to keep 16.5% of the team. Heyman hears that the Wilpons won’t allow Einhorn to become majority owner. Various reports about the value of the deal circulated over the weekend.
- Anthony Rendon’s draft stock is again rising, according to Heyman. The Mariners, who select second, could choose the Rice third baseman if the Pirates pick UCLA righty Gerrit Cole first overall. If the Pirates take Virginia lefty Danny Hultzen with the top pick, Rendon and Cole figure to be Seattle’s top choices.
- The Red Sox could look to acquire an outfielder if J.D. Drew’s nagging injuries persist.
- The Nationals are suggesting that they will have a high asking price for Ivan Rodriguez.
Orioles Designate Jake Fox For Assignment
The Orioles designated first baseman/catcher/left fielder Jake Fox for assignment to open a spot on the active roster for lefty Brian Matusz, reports Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore Sun. Derrek Lee will return from the DL soon, and Fox acknowledged recently his role with the Orioles was unclear. The team told Fox they'll attempt to trade him, tweets Zrebiec.
The Orioles acquired Fox, 28, in June of last year from the Athletics for Ross Wolf. Fox hit .209/.255/.426 in his Orioles career across 157 plate appearances. He did lead MLB with ten Spring Training homers though.
The move drops the Orioles' 40-man roster count to 39.
Mariners Release Manny Delcarmen
Reliever Manny Delcarmen asked for and received his release from the Mariners' Triple-A club, tweets Rainiers radio announcer Mike Curto.
Delcarmen, 29, signed a minor league deal with the Mariners in February after being non-tendered by the Rockies, despite a Major League offer from an NL team. He was reassigned to the minors in March and posted a 5.14 ERA, 7.4 K/9, 3.9 BB/9, and 0.6 HR/9 in 28 Triple-A innings.
Potentially Available Starting Pitchers
There could be as many as a dozen sellers when the trade deadline approaches in late July. Almost everyone else will be seeking starting pitching; let's take a look at who might be available.
- Jeremy Guthrie, Orioles: On May 29th, Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe wrote, "The Baltimore people insist Guthrie is going nowhere, that he’s very much a part of the team’s plans. But not many are buying it." The 32-year-old righty earns $5.75MM this year and is under team control for 2012.
- John Danks, White Sox: Danks had a rough month of May, and his SIERA sits at 4.62. Given his track record I think the Sox will keep him in the rotation and wait for him to turn things around. He's under team control through '12 and should earn a good buck next year. It'd make sense for GM Kenny Williams to listen, but Danks would be tough to move with Edwin Jackson and Mark Buehrle up for free agency after the season.
- Edwin Jackson, White Sox: EJax has been his inconsistent self this year, posting some strong efforts but also allowing 10.5 hits per nine innings. If he's sent to the bullpen, some team might have a chance to buy low.
- Jeff Francis, Royals: Francis has been healthy and has performed acceptably for the Royals this year. He'll earn only $4MM if he hits all his incentives, so the price is right for any contender. The Royals may also deem Kyle Davies and Bruce Chen expendable, if they get healthy.
- Carl Pavano, Twins: Pavano earns $8MM this year and $8.5MM in 2012. His declining strikeout rate makes you wonder if he's more of a 5.00 ERA than a 4.00 guy, but I still think he'd generate mild trade interest.
- Francisco Liriano, Twins: Liriano is appealing for his ace upside, and he expects to return next week from a DL stint for shoulder inflammation. Liriano is more than a rental, and he'll be a wild card if the Twins make him available.
- Kevin Slowey, Twins: Slowey is rehabbing an abdomen strain, after which he'll return to Triple-A and to starting. The flyballing right-hander sounds like he wouldn't mind a trade, and with his stock down he might not require much.
- Mike Pelfrey, Mets: Pelfrey is looking like Pavano with worse control. Though he's under team control through 2013, his salary is already close to $4MM and he could get pricey in arbitration.
- R.A. Dickey, Mets: The knuckleballer can be controlled affordably through 2013, and the Mets probably prefer to retain him. But he is showing that last year was not a fluke and he would draw trade interest.
- Chris Capuano, Mets: Capuano has been solid, though I'm not sure how much of their rotation the Mets want to dismantle. Capuano may be the most expendable since he's a free agent after the season. He'd be a nice fit for a team with a big ballpark.
- Livan Hernandez, Nationals: Hernandez continues to get it done with his 84 mile per hour fastball. He's earning a base salary of only $1MM on an extension signed last August. I imagine he'd prefer to stay and the Nats won't be especially motivated to move him.
- Jason Marquis, Nationals: Marquis is earning $7.5MM and is more likely to go. He seems recovered from last year's elbow injury, but he's yet another low-strikeout mid-4.00 ERA innings guy.
- Paul Maholm, Pirates: Maholm seems likely to be moved. He's making a modest $5.75MM and would be owed another $750K if his $9.75MM club option for 2012 is declined. He's useful, but with a 3.18 ERA he's pitching over his head.
- Kevin Correia, Pirates: Correia's ERA is deceiving as well, as his strikeout rate is a career low 3.8 per nine. He's shown his best control too, however. Correia is owed a modest $3MM next year.
- Ryan Dempster, Cubs: Dempster posted a strong May after a brutal April. He's a horse, and unlike many pitchers listed here he's a strikeout pitcher. However, he can block any trade. Dempster earns a hefty $13.5MM this year and has a player option at $14MM for '12. If the Cubs kick in some money, Dempster approves a trade, and the option situation is resolved, he'd be a nice pickup.
- Carlos Zambrano, Cubs: At about $18MM this year and next, the Cubs would have to contribute some serious cash to move their former ace. Plus, he has a full no-trade clause. Z has shown career-best control this year, but groundballs are down and he appears to be a mid-4.00s ERA guy now.
- Brett Myers, Astros: Myers earns $7MM this year, $11MM in '12, and has a $10MM club option with a $3MM buyout for '13. Groundballs are down and home runs are up, and Myers is looking like a well-paid innings guy.
- Wandy Rodriguez, Astros: Wandy would be one of the more appealing pitchers on this list, but he's on the DL for elbow soreness. He's well-compensated and can be controlled through 2014. If he comes back strong the Astros might be well-served to escape his contract if possible.
- Aaron Harang, Padres: Harang's groundball rate is up a touch, and for once his ERA (3.88) is in line with his peripheral stats. His trade value is limited, but at least he's only making $3.5MM plus a $500K buyout.
- Hiroki Kuroda, Dodgers: Kuroda has a full no-trade clause, which was perhaps his reward for only requiring a one-year deal. He'd probably prefer to stay near L.A. He's gone from very good last year to just useful so far this year. He's earning $12MM, so teams looking to add mid-rotation arms will probably look elsewhere.
- Jon Garland, Dodgers: His groundball rate down, Garland is probably worse than his 4.31 ERA suggests. He has an $8MM option for 2012 that vests at 190 innings, but it appears he'll fall short.
- Ted Lilly, Dodgers: Lilly's strikeout rate is down a bit, though last night's effort was encouraging. The homer-prone southpaw remains useful, but he's well-paid through 2013.
- Derek Lowe, Braves: I can't quite see the Braves cashing in on Lowe this summer, though he's been solid this year with added strikeouts and his typical groundball tendencies. At $15MM this year and next, there are more appealing trade targets anyway.
- Erik Bedard, Mariners: Bedard has been healthy and effective this year. He has a $1MM base salary and $6.35MM in performance bonuses. A healthy Bedard would be one of the top available starters, but the Mariners are only a half game back in the AL West.