11:43pm: The Rangers are scouting the Cubs, MLB.com's T.R. Sullivan reports, and perhaps not just because of Kottaras. The Cubs also have infielders Darwin Barney and Donnie Murphy. The Rangers like Barney better, Sullivan writes.
4:50pm: In the wake of Soto's injury, the Rangers are considering acquiring George Kottaras of the Cubs, Bruce Levine of 670TheScore.com tweets. Kottaras currently projects to back up Welington Castillo in Chicago, but the Cubs are reportedly considering rostering John Baker instead. Kottaras, 30, hit .180/.349/.370 in 126 plate appearances for the Royals last year. In response to Soto's injury, the Rangers have already signed Chris Snyder to a minor-league deal.
The Rangers also looked at Brewers second baseman Rickie Weeks today, Tom Haudricourt of the Journal Sentinel tweets. As Haudricourt notes, Weeks' $11MM salary could be an impediment to a trade. Weeks hit .209/.306/.357 in 399 plate appearances with the Brewers last year.
12:08pm: Texas has checked in with several clubs with catching depth, including the Yankees, tweets Buster Olney of ESPN.com. Though Francisco Cervelli may be available, Olney says that there does not appear to be a fit between those two clubs.
10:50am: The Rangers have had trade talks in a bid to add depth at catcher and/or second base, Jon Morosi of FOX Sports reports on Twitter. The expected starters at those two spots — catcher Geovany Soto and second baseman Jurickson Profar — are each expected to miss ten to twelve weeks to open the year.
While it would be pure speculation to guess at possible trade partners in this kind of scenario, we can look at the available free agent pool for other alternatives. With the list growing as final roster decisions are made, Texas could look to players like Tony Abreu, Ronny Cedeno, or Cesar Izturis for the middle infield. Meanwhile, available catching options include recently-released players like Ramon Hernandez, Chris Snyder, and Yorvit Torrealba.
Of course, as Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports wrote yesterday, it could be that the greater concern is with the state of the rotation. That is all the more true now, with this morning's report (via Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News) that ace Yu Darvish will miss his Opening Day start and undergo an MRI to determine the cause of his stiff neck.
Charlie Wilmoth contributed to this post.
Lavarnway would be a perfect and affordable fit for Texas
In terms of salary, he’s affordable. With the Red Sox wanting young talent for him and the Rangers already feeling depleted on depth and minor league prospects, it’s maybe not how they want to use their resources right now.
Their minor league farm is hardly depleted.
I said the Rangers feel that way. Help yourself to any of the many articles this week wherein Jon Daniels says he regrets the Garza trade because it hurt their minor league depth and left them thinner than they like. I didn’t mean depleted as in barren, but is it thinner than they like? Well he said it is.
Add Miguel Olivo also. Am pretty sure he refused MiLB assignment at LA?
Correct.
That’s the third team he’s left on bad terms, though. You really want to call that guy?
Tryouts like in the movie “Invincible?”
Can Mark Wahlberg handle 2B?
Donny Murphy basically IS Mark Wahlberg
I would say pastornicky is a possibility but I don’t know if the braves want to miss his bench bat or if the rangers would want his defense.
is he going to be cut? Or are you talking about a trade?
Possible trade, braves already pegged him as one of the final roster spots.
Russell Wilson will save the day again!
(Or not.)
LOL.
Brian Ward is an amazing catcher! CS 47%-52%
They definitely need a backstop that can throw guys out. Forget the bat,we need the Defense.
JP certainly is not very defensive minded. I still want to see Chirinos given a shot. I think he is capable.
I’m hoping the change of scenery will do JP good..he murders the ball in Texas.
well, he will be catching what may be one of the less exciting rotations I can recall. LOL.
Go get Maicer Izturis from the Jays and you get a backup middle infielder for a bag of balls and a lobster dinner
Cardinals might as well give them Garcia since for some reason it seems he will never get a chance in St. Louis.
truly is sad, kid has game.
truly is sad, kid has game.
Ahem: There are several decent b/u catchers available – Hernandez makes a lot of sense. Eric Bedard was released by his team – could make a nice back end starter. As far as 2b go: maybe a trade with Seattle involving Nick Franklin (What about Odor?)-
Odor needs a lot of work in the minors. No need to rush him for the first part of the season. Franklin to me would cost a lot for a temporary solution.
Then we bite the bullet and go with Rosales at 2B until Profar comes back and find some guy to just play as Rosales’s backup–actually too bad they couldn’t convince MY to come back for 3-4 months out of retirement,
I would love MY back but I think he is content. At least at this point. His itch will come back but it may be too late. Rosales is an ugly proposition, but there isn’t much else in house. Lillabridge I thought was a solid idea but that doesn’t seem to be working out. Keeping Jeff Baker would have been nice but from what I have heard, he was a negative source in the clubhouse.
Did Profar Die? He’s out for a couple months maybe 3…not for life? Profar/Andrus long term at 2b/ss there is no room for Franklin. He’s a long term everyday starter who when Profar returns now sits on the Bench. Franklin would cost way more than desired in prospects for. when he’s going to be a bench player.
Matt Harrison is the Rangers sixth starter. The A’s have depth both at catcher and second base but suddenly need starting depth. Try to get John Jaso and Nick Punto for Harrison but settle for Stephen Vogt and Albereto Callaspo.
No way they can afford to move Harrison who, when healthy, is the #3 guy.
when healthy, he’s a #2 imo. A healthy Harrison for Donaldson is the only option and that’s far fetched. Donaldson to take over 3B duties in 2 years when Beltre hits the DH.
I can agree with that #2 notion. I just don’t see the Rangers being in a position to trade him.
To do what with Donaldson? Play him at catcher? He’s an above average defensive 3B now. The catcher ship has sailed.
who mentioned Donaldson as a Catcher? I clearly said a Harrison trade would have to include Donaldson. Obviously this won’t happen so this is merely theoretical.
Donaldson was top 5 in WAR last year and he isn’t even arbitration eligible yet. It would take more than Harrison to land him.
Simply put, the Rangers would expect a Donaldson type and the A’s would kindly reject and expect more.
i would cough up more than Harrison for sure. Dude is gonna be tough.
How do Rangers fans feel about a trade partner in the Cubs? I am sure they have a back up catcher that is expendable and Barney would be a great addition defensively/good bench guy when Profar comes back
I really think grabbing one of the released catchers makes more sense. Depending on the asking price for a backup catcher, I am not sure its a great idea. Barney would be a nice addition but at what cost would that come?
You are probably right on the catchers. But wouldn’t that also be fair to say about 2nd base too then? 10-12 weeks (although not a huge chunk of season) is a pretty fair amount and can make a big difference. I do not think Barney would cost a whole lot given his offensive struggles.
I think overall, they will see what becomes available and will pay a fee versus a prospect, even if its a low level guy. But I would not totally rule out this from happening as you said it. I just don’t think Odor needs to be up yet but if they allow him to start, I can live with it. I don’t see Rosales as viable, Lillibridge I am not clear will make the team or not, but he doesn’t make one fill warm and fuzzy inside.
Odor isn’t on the 40 man. You put him on the 40 man and then you start his waiver clock. That reduces his years of team control.
He could be sent back down when Profar is healthy to make sure he didn’t acquire a full year of service time. I can’t see the Rangers rushing him like that, though.
The fact is he’s not even on the 40 man at this time so no options are even necessary. He gets assigned to the minors this year, not optioned.
Cubs lack catching depth. Not a good trade partner there.
I can’t see how the whitesox are not in the mix here. The sox have flowers of phegly that could be a solid platoon with JPA. And beckham or Ramirez should be moved because the amount of infielders the sox have in the minors that are ready to play in the bigs. Plus they will more than likely not cost much in a trade.
I’d rather trade Beckham and I think Texas would prefer him since he is making about half less than Alexei.
I agree with brian…I would trade Gordon to Texas
and what should the Rangers trade in return?
I mentioned Yorvit Torrealba yesterday, but I doubt he would want to come back on just a one year deal unless he starts the majority of the games–which he won’t since he’ll platoon with Arencibia. In retrospect, too bad the Rangers didn’t throw all those prospects at the Astros for Jason Castro last year instead of Matt Garza.
hindsight’s 20-20 right?
Always.
I think a guy nobody has mentioned in this post, Kelly Shoppach would be as good of a fit as Torrealba TX. Shoppach will control the running game, play good defense and give good power, neither Torrealba, or Shoppach is going to hit for average so might as well get someone who can at least hit for some power, but Shop is exactly like Arencibia.. Both of them will make you sick looking for anything other than K’s, HR and good defense.
I could see that, but the reason I mention Torrealba over Shoppach or anybody else is the obvious one–Yorvit was a Ranger and knows most of the coaches and pitchers. It’s strictly a plus for familiarity.
Hey, my old JR High buddy Shoppach. He is looking for work, he is local, so I’d think your on to something.
Already in Farm system Alfaro give him a shot because he’s future.
A Shoppach/Arencibia tandem could hit 35 HR… with 225 K and a .195 BA.
Quit talking about Mark Reynolds with 162G played like that…
The Cubs owe the Rangers a favorable trade or two, the 2 teams might be able to work out something more reasonable for Barney.
Or Valbuena at 2B. Plus a non-exciting but a pick from Kottaras/Whiteside/J Baker would be a solid stop-gap at both positions. A live arm in A/AA with a little upside in return might just get it done.
Valbuena makes a ton of sense. 2B is his natural position, he’s had a great spring, and he’s being squeezed out at 3B in Chicago by Olt.
Barney could be had for almost nothing.
Braves have Laird and Ugla. Pick up most of Ugla’s salary and throw in a prospect and I think a deal could be made. Maybe Martinez or Asher.
Keep dreaming, no one is picking up “most of Ugla’s salary.”
That’s fine, I’m sure the braves would eat some but it would cost a better prospect
How about Uggla from some BBQ to be named later?
why would Texas want Uggla? The Rangers have already added plenty of salary this off-season.
They shouldn’t. I just want BBQ.
so what happens to Profar in 13 weeks? Is Beckham that low cost now days?
Maybe they can Beckham time at third too with Beltre DHing to keep him healthy. The Sox have a lot of guys coming up that play middle infield. I can’t really see the Sox commanding much for Beckham.
As long as you do not expect it to be Franklins BBQ that is too good for Uggla.
Kevin Frandsen is now available.
Catching issue semi-resolved.
Wait for Descalso to get DFA’d
Enjoy life with JPA as your starting catcher! He will probably come out and hit some monster bombs and then send you into deep depression during one of his major slumps.
I think the manager in Toronto depressed JPA. The change of scenery might do wonders for him
I think a line of .240/.280./.460 with 25 HR is within reach for him in Texas
I think the expectation was a .200 hitter whom can hit a long ball. I bet we get at least that much.
What do you guys think the Yankees can get from the Rangers for Phelps, Cervelli, and Nunez? If anything at all.
4 pallets of Ian Kinsler t-shirts.
I’ll include three more Nelson Cruz pallets. But all seriousness, I don’t see mucha fit with NY. They can overcome these two injuries. We are talking a .220 hitting catcher and an unproven 2b hitting in the 8 hole. It hurts of course but it’s not a death sentence.
Depends on if the Yankees are looking for someone for this year or in the near future. If for the future, I’d assume the Yankees would ask for someone like Sardinas or Bostick. Not that Texas would give either of them to the Yankees for what you suggested, but Texas has so many SS’s as is and one is under contract still for 7 more years
Better question: why would the Yankees be in a rush to give them up? Cervelli’s looked unbelievable this Spring, both with the bat and with throwing potential base stealers out. Phelps has also looked awesome and is probably only being relegated to the bullpen because they don’t want Michael Pineda (who has looked equally awesome) doing so but all it would take is one injured starting pitcher and Phelps is the first guy to be plugged back into the rotation. Nunez….has looked like Nunez which is to say, the Yankees aren’t going to get a lot in exchange for him in a trade It’s not like the Yankees have a ton of depth to deal from. If they’re going to deal a catcher, the smarter move might be John Ryan Murphy or Austin Romine. In the (not terribly unlikely) event McCann misses any time to injury, Cervelli’s the best guy to step in and start on an every day basis.
The Yankees should go with a six-man rotation to start the season and make a decision based on performance if everybody is still healthy come May 1.
Would the Rangers trade Mitch Moreland to the Brewers for Rickie Weeks, Juan Francisco, and $6MM? If the Rangers don’t want Francisco, the Yankees could give them Austin Romine for him.
Would the Mariners trade Jesus Montero to the Rangers? Who would they want in return?
I’ll answer the easy one first: the Mariners have a surplus of 1B/DH types. Jesus Montero, who is no longer thought of as a catcher, reported to camp about 40/45 pounds overweight. The Mariners GM said publicly, “I have no expectations for Jesus Montero this season”. At this point, I think the Mariners would GIVE Montero away. Okay, maybe that’s a slight exaggeration since he has options and not making any significant amount of cash. There’s no harm in stashing him down at AAA and no reason to give him away for free but he’s in the dog house, make no mistake.
As for the Rangers/Brewers deal, I think the Rangers might want a little more for Moreland than that. He’s clearly the best guy in that deal. Spring training stats mean nothing for a guy who has a secured MLB job but for a guy on the trade bubble like Weeks, a good spring can help make a guy look a little more trade-able. That said, Weeks is hitting .323/.488/.484 with one homer, 3 RBIs, 10 BBs and 7 Ks this spring. Sounds pretty good. That said, his $11 million contract is a lot to swallow, for a player whose skills, many people feel are in decline. Weeks for$5 million? Ehh, might but fair but when Profar makes it back, he is going to start. That was part of the reason the Rangers moved Ian Kinsler this off-season, to open up a spot full time for Profar. That pushes Weeks to the bench and when you only have 4 bench spots, it’s hard to give one up to a guy who has only ever played one position in the major leagues.
From the Yankees side of things, the supposed Romine-for-Francisco idea, gotta say, not a fan. Francisco is a lefty-handed swinging Mark Reynolds (whom the Yankees got a good look at last year): he can hit the ball a ton now and then but he’ll swing and miss more than anything else and he basically just stands in the field and gets hit by the ball now and then. Really, I don’t see how he’s an up-grade over what the Yankees already have in camp. Knowing the wear and tear catchers take during the course of the season, I’d rather have Romine stashed at AAA.
And I don’t see the Yankees (or any one else) going with a 6 man rotation. It just doesn’t seem necessary especially if you get a few rain outs, as is common in April. You don’t want your starters waiting 9, 10 days between starts.
Tanaka is used to pitching with more rest. Kuroda and Sabathia would benefit from extra rest. Nova, Phelps, and Pineda all deserve to start and should get 2-3 each in April to see what shakes out. Most teams don’t have six starters who have good enough stuff to win on a regular basis. That said, I wouldn’t expect this experiment to last very long. The odds on all six pitching well and/or staying healthy is very slim. Phelps can pitch out of the bullpen, but his stuff is wasted there.
The Yankees do not have a backup 1B at the moment and Francisco can play both that position and 3B. Cervelli is going to be the backup catcher and Murphy is going to be the starter at AAA. Romine is expendable. Assuming for a moment that Profar comes back in June or July healthy and productive, the Rangers can rotate him in and out of the DH spot, giving Andrus, Beltre, and Weeks the opportunity to DH as well. By mid-season, having six players who can share five positions will be a good situation.
If Weeks has been productive as well, the Rangers will have a lot of options when the trading deadline rolls around. There will most likely be a contending team with a need for a quality 2B. They could also try to package Profar in a deal with the Rays for David Price. If they are successful doing that, they could sign Weeks to an extension.
Francisco is the type of player who gets cut for nothing at this time of year. The Brewers have a roster crunch and they’re not going to carry Francisco, Mark Reynolds and Lyle Overbay. Why should the Yankees part with a player in exchange for a player they could get for free in a week or two? Or, if the Yankees are going to move a player, it would be the out-of-options/veteran player type who doesn’t have a spot on the 25 man roster. Ichiro Suzuki is the type of player they should move. I’m continuously surprised that they haven’t already dealt him to Arizona in exchange for JJ Putz. The money evens out, the D’Backs could use an outfielder and the Yankees could use another veteran presence in the bullpen.
Montero killing the ball in ST so maybe the weight and being off the juice agrees with him. Would be good for the Rangers if they can get him. Pretty dumb on the Mariners part if they sell low
Yankees would be nuts to trade Phelps, and who would back up at C, Romine?
You can never have too much pitching and back up catchers who can hit a bit are invaluable. Also, with that IF they can’t afford to give up any depth, especially when Nunez will only get them a bag of balls..
Dammit Kinsler!
This talk of Weeks is interesting. Surely the Rangers would ask for half of that 11m to be paid for?
It depends on what the Rangers are willing to give up for him. Mitch Moreland makes much more sense as a platoonmate for Mark Reynolds than Lyle Overbay. Moreland for Weeks, Francisco, and $6MM seems like a good deal for both teams.
That just depletes the 1b position a bit more. After Fielder they have nobody. Rosales is said to play 1b but I rather he not make it on the field too often. I have high hopes for Moreland though. So I am biased in the idea of moving him.
Francisco can backup both Beltre and Fielder and DH against RHPs. He is not as good as Moreland, but he is good enough to be a role player and Weeks in a walk year in the Rangers lineup could create some tough choices for Ron Washington when Profar returns.
I didn’t correlate it to be Juan. It’s plausible, I just don’t know the extreme the front office is going to go here. Still worth looking under every rock.
What is bertin actually suggesting?
We trade Moreland for Weeks essentially.
Brett Nicholas can Catch and play 1b. his stats were legit last year in the minors.
What Francisco are you talking about because if you are talking Cervelli that becomes a 3 team huge mess, NO THANKS!!!!!
I would imagine so. As a Brewer fan, I’d be fine getting rid of Weeks. However, I think the organization is going to be hesitant, what with Scooter not being able to hit lefties at all. We do have Elian Herrera who we could bring back up and platoon at 2B with Scooter, though, so it’s definitely worth exploring.
To much of a risk for a Brewers team that wants to compete. They are going to need Weeks. If Bennett falters they will have some massive holes
Its hard to imagine a higher risk player than Weeks.
Yeah, I have to agree with that. I’d be surprised if it’s not a discussion that takes place, though.
Needs to be way more than half, for someone whose skill is diminished and can not hit, may as well stay with Rosales or K. Tanaka or move Kouzmanoff to 2b. Weeks is way to weak to pay any part of 11mm.
Weeks and Fielder were the closest of friends in Milwaukee…I wouldn’t doubt that is where the connection of interest comes from. See 2011 Weeks with Fielder…and since….Maybe the change of scenery with Fielder there turns Weeks around.
Still not worth the price tag involved!!!!!!
Ah, money right? Well you figure 4-5mil. from Milwaukee would still net a non-factor Prospect…unless the guy is maybe in Rk ball/A Ball 3-4years away with upside but also potentially never a ML player.
If Milwaukee eats over half you still talking of actually sending a prospect with potential in return imo. Is 6-8mil really breaking the bank for Texas? Also, with the down time for Profar, how many days could it take to send him down to the minors should Weeks be helping the team where Texas regains a year of team control? The big picture is Weeks is a 1year guy Texas can acquire and see gone at the end of the season…or in July/August when Profar or Odor takes over.
Here is more evidence for you since you said look at 2011, I went and did 11-13 .237/.330/.411/.741
OPS+ is 99 so not by much but under league average, only 32 SB , 3 consecutive years total zone rating going down each, need I go on??
He was suggesting look at Weeks numbers while Fielder was on the team and compare them to his stats since and maybe it suggests he played his best ball when his buddy Prince was on the team.
The Cubs should give Kottaras to the Rangers for cash since they got so much talent for the Garza trade bust.
I see Andrus at DH today. Still bothered by the elbow? Rangers might need a SS too.
There is worry about his arm, for sure. See, losing him would be a bigger lossthan the two that drive this topics not saying it doesn’t hurt losing two starters, understand neither are asked to be overly productive players at this point in time. I just think this predicament can and will be overcome. Toss in an Andrus I might worry.
Drew would be great insurance. He could play 2nd base and if anything happened to Andrus move over to SS. Expensive insurance though.
wonder what the asking price is for him these days….
Am i the only one that doesnt see the Rangers getting someone worth starting at either position? The way they covet Profar, they arent going after a bonafide starter potential player. no nick franklin, and i dont see Weeks being an option. If so throw Uggla in that mix. and same for catcher. I mean Soto and Profar are out for 10-12 weeks. not dead. when they come back they will need a place to play.Sign Frandsen and one of the DFA catchers
Absolutely right. Profar is not getting replaced, so they will bide time with something low cost. As for Soto, same thing. If we are talking season long injuries, maybe the need grows exponentially. This is like trading for a top prospect and a serviceable catcher mid season.
Hope the yanks don’t trade Cervi. Can probably get a better return for Romine or Murphy
the Rangers should look into Ramiro Pena from the Braves. Put him at 2B. Should be cheap.
I honestly think the Rangers should not panic, like the media does and should stay internal, even though the options in camp currently are light hitting and average at best defenders. We did sign Chris Snyder to a minor league deal today to help the catching situation, we have several middle infielders that can lightly hold there own!
And maybe the Rangers can convince their 1b coach to catch a game or three along the way….big bad Bengie.
Too bad Freddy Galvis has MRSA
The SD Padres have a surplus. Nick Hundley or Rene Rivera perhaps?
So do Rockies. But I suspect a lot of teams do, depending on how you define “surplus.”
So do Rockies. But I suspect a lot of teams do, depending on how you define “surplus.”
The second base is a big deal for me and the rangers are interested in both brandon phillips from the reds and rickie week from the brewers but the rangers money situation is a problem so if they get one of these two players both the brewers and the reds need to pay at least half of the salaries
Phillips isn’t available anymore unless you’re offering a 2B in return. Reds have no one else to play that position. Maybe a three way with Mariners, though, with Franklin going to Reds …
I’d be intrigued by that.
We can do that for the reds the rangers get Brandon Phillips and the reds get nick franklin
The second base is a big deal for me and the rangers are interested in both brandon phillips from the reds and rickie week from the brewers but the rangers money situation is a problem so if they get one of these two players both the brewers and the reds need to pay at least half of the salaries
Sign Torrealba and Jamey Carroll or Tony Abreu.
Rickie Weeks would destroy baseballs in Arlington.
Hope a deal does get done as a Cubs fan. Trade Barney and Kotaras for some pitching specs. Doing this allows us to use Olt at 3rd, and Valbuena at 2b which is more his natural position or even Benafacio. Also with Baez near Major league ready he could be taking over 2b. The only thing that worries me is about Daniels mentioning the Garza trade and how it will haunt him. Hopefully this doesn’t make him too stingy on the spec side. I think for Barney and Kottaras we can land a solid starting pitcher spec and bullpen spec, both not high regraded specs but high upside guys.