Here’s the latest out of the American League:
- The Red Sox could be involved as both buyers and sellers, according to reports from ESPN.com’s Jayson Stark (Twitter links). After inquiring with the Phillies on lefty Cole Hamels, Philadelphia has sent scouts to watch Boston’s Double-A affiliate. Meanwhile, the Red Sox have sent their own “top scouts” to take a look at the Cardinals’ New York-Penn League club over the last few days, suggesting that a deal sending Jake Peavy to St. Louis could still be in the offing.
- Though recent reports may (to some extent) suggest otherwise, Yankees GM Brian Cashman said earlier today that the team’s priority at this point is to add an “offensive piece,” as Bryan Hoch and Jake Kring-Schreifels of MLB.com report. “It still feels like the pitching needs more help, but honestly, the offense has been consistently poor throughout the entire year.” Cashman added that, while second base prospect Rob Refsnyder could be the team’s “second baseman of the future, maybe as early as next year,” he would potentially only see time in the outfield at the MLB level this year and would not represent an immediate upgrade over incumbent Brian Roberts at the keystone.
- Justin Masterson of the Indians may still be working through a rehab assignment, but that has not stopped teams from inquiring as to his availability, Paul Hoynes of the Plain Dealer reports. Hoynes writes that the interest in Masterson suggests both that the trade market for starters is wanting for quality and that teams value players differently, with some potentially willing to bet on a return to the righty’s results from 2013. Of course, as manager Terry Francona notes, a healthy and productive Masterson could also provide a significant boost to Cleveland’s own chances.
- As they peruse the market from the buy side, the Indians are looking for players with future control rather than rentals, tweets ESPN.com’s Jim Bowden. That is unsurprising, given the team’s careful resource management and somewhat long postseason odds.
- We learned earlier today that the Tigers are expected to pursue a left-handed reliever. The club does not appear to be in the market for a left-handed hitting outfielder or an infielder to play on the left side, as Chris Iott of MLive.com reports. “I don’t know that either one of them would be real high on our priority list at this point,” said GM Dave Dombrowski.
- The Angels are unlikely to deal for a starter in advance of the trade deadline, Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports reports on Twitter. Though the club has some payroll available to make an addition, it is hesitant to ship out more prospects after a series of recent moves.
bring up Refsnyder already!
Not anything better then Roberts right now.. Needs more at bats still and more seasoning
Wasn’t he playing RF recently as well? Heck I’d rather have his bat than Ichiro’s right now.
With the way ichiro has been hitting with risp(he hasn’t) I would too but I expect a trade from cashman like a josh willingham
It’s not like the Angels’ prospects have much of a future with the big club beyond filling in as role players and/or emergency options at AAA. There is likely a need for a mid-rotation/back end starter, and they should address it just to be on the safe side.
It’s not like the Angels’ prospects have much of a future with the big club beyond filling in as role players and/or emergency options at AAA. There is likely a need for a mid-rotation/back end starter, and they should address it just to be on the safe side.
This is unrelated, but I keep having ads appear on my mobile phone and tablet which either tell me that my Android is infected with a virus or hijack my iPad and immediately bring me to the App Store to buy a game. If you guys could look into that and rectify that, I’d be highly appreciative.
Will pass that on, thanks for raising it. In the future, you can always reach out via the contact form.
Thanks!
This is unrelated, but I keep having ads appear on my mobile phone and tablet which either tell me that my Android is infected with a virus or hijack my iPad and immediately bring me to the App Store to buy a game. If you guys could look into that and rectify that, I’d be highly appreciative.
Unless the return for Hamels is something like Owens, Swihart, Betts, Ball and Shaw it’s not worth it.
3 top 20 prospects and a 2013 first round pick is a lot to ask for anyone, so I don’t see this trade happening unless Lester is dealt. Cherington has to be smart enough to realize that paying Lester an extra 50-60 mil has better value than gutting a great farm system.
Agreed it would be smarter to lockup Lester, but if they do trade for Hamels it would be crazy expensive. He’s a front of the rotation arm in his prime under control for 5 years. It’s not cheap to acquire those types in trades.
I think Owens, Swihart and another 75-100ish range guy is probably max fair value. Similar return to what Phils gave up for Roy Halladay who was 3 years older in terms of prospect worth at time of trade.
I think that 3rd prospect would need to be in the lower minors. I don’t think it sounds realistic to get 3 highly rated prospects all in AA/AAA.
In terms of the Red Sox I don’t really think any Hamels deal makes sense. They need their prospects to form their next core, they got ‘surprised/lucky’ with last year, but keeping Lester and paying him makes infinitely more sense than depleting assets to add Hamels.
The Indians ‘careful resource management’? That just means their owner is a tight wad, and is in it only for the profits.
I’m starting to believe the Phils are gonna deal Hamels. He’s the one player teams might be willing to meet rubes outrageous demands for.
He’s the most valuable player the Phils have and as such would bring back the most young talent in return. It makes too much sense for Ruben to trade him.
John Lackey for Calhoun and a pitching prospect?
Why are the Red Sox even considering buying. Why? It’s driving me mad.