ESPN's Buster Olney shared a number of items (via his Twitter feed) about a variety of hot stove topics and rumors…
- The Red Sox might be forced to deal Kevin Youkilis due to a "roster crunch" at the corner infield positions and players returning from the DL. Rival executives, however, think Youkilis currently has "no trade value" so it doesn't make sense for Boston to move him right now.
- The Angels and Yankees are "still waiting for needs to be defined" before exploring trades, while the Red Sox are only focused on acquiring starting pitching.
- Many baseball executives believe the Padres will trade Carlos Quentin, though Olney reports the Padres "would like to" offer Quentin a long-term extension sometime this summer. Olney's phrasing may relate to the uncertain status of the Padres' ownership situation.
- Teams have checked in on Josh Willingham but have been told that he isn't available. Some believe this could change but others believe Twins GM Terry Ryan "is, generally speaking, conservative with in-season deals" so the Twins could hold onto their slugger.
- The Pirates are looking for hitting but thus far found few sellers willing to deal.
- The Dodgers are asking about first basemen as they look to upgrade from James Loney but have "no reason to go crazy" finding a second base replacement for Mark Ellis, who will return from the DL at some point.
- The Rockies aren't seen as a team with much to trade, as their roster is split between "untouchables" (i.e. Troy Tulowitzki) and "role players" (such as Rafael Betancourt).
- Jim Thome could be a trade target for AL teams but Olney believes Phillies GM Ruben Amaro would first ask Thome if changing teams was something the respected veteran would want.
Chase Headley one time.
Jim Thome is the man.
Angels have some players they can move before the trade deadline? Players like Izturis, Callaspo, Santana even Bourjos.
All that needs to happen is a reliable 1B or 3B to get injured long term, and the market for Youkilis will open up.
For god’s sake he’s worth something, it’s just other GM’s trying to drinve the price down. Other teams know that if they keep Midlebrooks and Youk on the roster that only leaves room for 4 outfielders as neither Youk or Middlebrooks can play as middle infielders. I say they keep Youk right up to the trading deadline or beyond if they are not offered something for him.
As far as the Willingham situation goes, everyone should be up for sale for the right price. If some team is desperate and willing to give up a good, solid starting pitcher or prospect you gotta let him go. I love watching Hammer and seeing what he has done for the Twins, but all feelings aside, the Twins will not contend until they can shore up their rotation.
We got a steal of a deal on him. So as it were, we would have to get a great deal to deal him this year. And I mean huge deal, like a couple of A prospects+.
That’s my line of thinking. Hold out for an offer you can’t turn down, and if nobody makes that kind of an offer, then we are lucky to still have him on the team. But I hope they don’t just shut down and not listen to any offers.
Yes sir. Or conversely, trade him for a AAAA relief pitcher. But Billy ain’t here anymore, so that’s a relief!
Terry Ryan needs to at least listen to offers for Willingham.
Just because he’s not shopping Willingham doesn’t mean that Terry Ryan isn’t willing to listen. I suspect that what Terry Ryan is really saying that Josh Willingham isn’t available unless he hears the names of a couple of young, high value, MLB or MLB-ready starting pitchers in the initial pitch.
Terence – Why would the Dodgers get rid of Capuano? Also, who are they going to give up to grab all those guys?