The Mariners have placed both Kevin Millwood and Jason Vargas on waivers, and both players are likely to be claimed, reports Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports (Twitter link). As Rosenthal notes, Vargas is owed just over $1MM for the remainder of the season, while Millwood is owed roughly $200K.
The 29-year-old Vargas is appealing for teams looking to improve their rotation in the short- and long-term; he's controlled through 2013 and is arbitration-eligible for the final time this offseason. Shortly before the trade deadline, MLBTR contributor Matt Swartz projected an $8.1MM salary for Vargas in 2013. He's pitched to a 3.71 ERA since that projection, so he likely hasn't damaged his stock any.
Overall, Vargas has a 3.75 ERA, 5.6 K/9, 2.3 BB/9 and 40.8 percent ground-ball rate in a whopping 180 innings thus far. Vargas' average of 6 2/3 innings per start is likely another appealing element of his game. Interested teams are likely wary of Vargas' struggles away from the spacious Safeco Field. His 2.62 home ERA is two full runs lower than his 4.63 road mark.
Millwood, 37, has a 4.28 ERA, 6.2 K/9, 3.0 BB/9 and 45 percent ground-ball rate in 145 innings for the Mariners this season. Unlike Vargas, he's pitched equally well away from Seattle. The former American League ERA champ signed a minor league deal with the Mariners in January and has gone on to become one of the most successful minor league signees of 2012.
Earlier today it was reported that the Dodgers were in the market for a starting pitcher. Los Angeles has been far and away the most aggressive team in this season's trade market, and they were linked to both Seattle hurlers prior to the non-waiver trade deadline.
I would like to see the Mariners extend Vargas… I see him in the future of the team.
The SF Giants should put a claim on Pitchers Jason Vargas and Kevin Millwood. These 2 would put them over the hump.
yes because they play a mean center field…
Dodgers will probably get one of them
Dodgers will get JV.
i have a deep feeling dodgers got one of them hopefully Vargas
Whom could the Dodgers offer in a trade?
Gould and Ames sounds good enough.
After the Billingsley injury, Vargas has Dodgers written all over him.
I would like to see the Pirates claim Vargas and let go of Bedard, or move him to the pen until 40 man rosters. He has one good start then 3 bad ones, pretty much useless.
I doubt we let Vargas go, but Millwood will probably be gone.
you’d gotta figure the Giants and even the Dbacks and Pads would block it though, right?
Why would the pads block it?
vargas is under control for the next year, they’re looking to spend $25M+ next year (would be able to afford) and though they’ll likely finish below .500, they’ve been on the rise since the all-star break. i am not married to the idea of the Padres blocking, but I just don’t see the Dodgers getting him that easily.
gnats cant claim him becos dodgers have a worse record than SF
I agree, bout 25 teams have to pass on him. I’m guessing blue jays will claim him. Giants can’t block it, they have a better record.
Vargas and Weaver…lets reunite the dirtbags on our angels team!
have to believe that maybe dodgers will try to get both…. why not? lilly is hurting again..apparently hurting his back while lifting… so there will be open space for SP
Kind of amazing what impression you can leave on a team after being leading man in a multi-pitcher no-hitter against you. They already have Brandon League too….
The Orioles should have claimed Vargas and not Saunders. Hopefully they get Vargas too.
I imagine that Vargas isn’t really for sale. The Mariners are open to the idea of trading him if someone wows them with an offer, but they’re not looking to part with the guy and will probably extend him this offseason unless some other team makes a stupid offer.
Millwood, on the other hand, I expect to be off the Mariners within a day and a half.
Ned pushing hard for Vargas as we speak (…but it’s Claudio again)
Hope the Dodgers pass on Jason Vargas and hopefully will clears waivers w/ the Washington Nationals as they can use some experienced veteran pitcher for the playoffs and also send Chone Figgins to the Nats to be a backup infielder/pinch runner. In return, the Mariners should acquire first basemen Chris Marrero or infielder Jason Martinson, outfielder Destin Hood, and a player to be named later.