Here’s the latest from Ken Rosenthal, via a video at FOX Sports:
- At 36-40, the Padres have considered buying as well as selling at the trade deadline. They could pursue a shortstop and left-handed hitter if they buy. If they sell, they could consider dealing Justin Upton, James Shields and Craig Kimbrel. Upton is the only one of the three who’s eligible for free agency after the season, though, and the Padres might not want to tear down entirely, since they’re hosting the All-Star Game next year.
- The Cubs have considered dealing for Mets left-hander Jon Niese, although they might also aim higher. The salary remaining on Niese’s current deal (he’ll make $9MM next year, plus a $500K buyout or $10MM option in 2016) might also be a slight obstacle to trading him.
- The Blue Jays are interested in pitching, but also perhaps in outfield help. Acquiring an outfielder would help the Jays to keep top young player Dalton Pompey in the minors — he’s currently hitting very well for Double-A New Hampshire after struggling in both the big leagues and in Triple-A this year.
- Former Padres manager Bud Black could be a possibility for the Braves if they eventually decide to replace Fredi Gonzalez. Black worked for the Indians front office when current Braves GM John Hart was in Cleveland, and Braves president John Schuerholz traded for Black all the way back in 1982, when Schuerholz was GM of the Royals.
If the Cubs do decide to deal for Niese, that indicates to me that they’re looking to add more than one SP to the rotation and for the depth.
Otherwise Niese does not make sense for this current season and next. I could see it happening if the Cubs make a similar deal to the one they did with Arizona for Montero; The Cubs take on the entire salary and the Mets get two guys from A or maybe AA.
Interesting. I’ve had thoughts of Bud Black being our manager since he was fired. I would be game for that! Fredi should have the letters in his name rearranged to Fired! He is not the manager this team needs. Bud Black would fit our description of a good manager for this team very well. I see a fit!
Playing devil’s advocate – what makes Bud Black the right fit? And yes, I agree we should move on from Fredi, though I’ve been impressed with how this team has looked at times. Fredi would be a good AAA manager.
Fredi took a team that was to suppose to contend for the cellar and took them to a potential playoff team, I think that’s pretty impressive.
Fredi did? No. I think you mean the team that was supposed to be in the cellar is contending DESPITE Fredi. Good players can make a bad manager look good. These are good players a lot of the time, but when they start to fall a little, they show Fredi is an outright joke.
What makes him the right fit? Outside of being a very solid and available manager? No idea….but Ryne Sandberg is available as well.
Not buying Cubs looking at Niese unless it was part of a bigger deal in which Mets were demanding Cubs take him back due to salary- if Cubs wanted to pay Jon Niese 9 million, they would simply pay Travis Wood 4 million more or pay Wada 5 million more–they have 2 Nieses right now for the cost of Niese
If Cubs were in serious talks w Mets before Baez injury then it was w Matz or Syndegard–w other pieces from both sides…
Naw you can’t trade a guy like Baez. It’s gotta be a package around Castro or go big again in FA signings. Baez and Russell are better in all aspects of the game over Castro. Sure Castro is a 3 time all star. (hasn’t started yet and probably never will) he was either an injury replacement at the last minute or a last chance vote. He has reached his peak of power at 15 hrs a year. Baez will be at the 30 hr more at some point Russell is only 21 and will get stronger. He has 5 hrs and 22 rbi in half as many games played and started. If anything at all give him a few games at SS a week. move castro to 2nd. Or use him off the bench. Last night he had an extremely rare clutch hit. Usually he’ll roll over and GIDP or ground into a force out.
Don’t see the Jays going for more outfield depth at this point. Colabello has been amazing with the bat so far, and Carrera solid. Danny Valencia also has hit well in a platoon role. I have no idea what they’ll do with Michael Saunders when he comes back. I don’t see Pompey being at risk of coming back up until September unless Pillar goes down.