Here are the latest notes from the game’s eastern divisions:
- Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times checks in on Rays catcher Wilson Ramos, writing that the veteran seems likely to be playing elsewhere within the next few weeks. The burly receiver acknowledges that change is likely coming, though he says his focus is on putting his head down and “trying to do my job.” Topkin notes that there’s at least an argument to be made for the Rays to consider an early deal for Ramos, as there are a few other catchers that could potentially change hands this summer. A deal seems possible at any time, though we haven’t really heard all that much to this point regarding interest in Ramos, who’s slashing a robust .291/.340/.468 with a dozen home runs through 285 plate appearances.
- There are a pair of interesting subscription pieces in The Athletic regarding the rising Phillies. Matt Gelb examines the team’s approach to the deadline, explaining how the changing state of affairs in the NL East — particularly, the recent fall-off of the Nationals — will impact things in Philadelphia. With the Nats now needing to climb out of a significant hole, the opportunity for the Phils to take a division title could certainly increase the appeal of buy-side moves. As the article covers, third base and right field stand out as potential areas for improvement. The club could certainly always look into pitching improvements as well. Meanwhile, Meghan Montemurro documents the Phillies’ efforts to unearth talent in non-traditional countries. It’s all about maximizing limited available resources in the international realm, where the focus has long been on a few Latin American and Asian nations.
- The Yankees will bring up Tyler Wade to take the roster spot created when Gleyber Torres hit the DL, Jack Curry of the YES Network tweets. Wade, 23, has struggled mightily in limited MLB action over the past two seasons. And he has not exactly knocked the cover off of the ball at Triple-A despite carrying good numbers there last year. As Curry notes (via Twitter), however, Wade has been much better in recent weeks. That said, the infielder likely won’t get much of a shot in his return to the majors, as Neil Walker figures to remain ahead of him on the depth chart at second base. Brandon Drury is also a potential option at second, though he has yet to play there in New York.
I noticed today the Phillies have RHP in GCL from New Zealand and last year I noticed a LHP from Moscow, Russia.
Russia ?? It’s collusion lol
Yeah, those who follow baseball in Russia have some hopes on Kuznetsov. Good, talented guy, wish him luck.
Joe Mantegna did a great job building up baseball when he managed the Russian team…
how is Neil Walker still on the Yankees ??
I defended it for a while, and his positional flexibility/reported clubhouse presence is a plus, but he simply doesn’t seem to be a guy that can succeed with limited spurts of playing time. Not sure how to defend Neil walker much anymore.
This. Especially now that Drury is playing 1B, there is no need for him. I will be upset if he plays over Wade or Drury at 2B, considering Wade and Drury are young and have the potential to be impact players at one point in their career while Walkers career is almost over.
Other than possibly SP, do the Yankees currently have any other needs at the major-league level that they could satisfy with a change-of-scenery swap involving Walker?
For instance, would Dixon Machado be any more useful to the Yankees than Walker if DET and NYY were to trade them and enough cash to Detroit to make it an even-money transaction?
No
Ramos is locked in im not sure what the Nats are waiting on but its good for the rest of the NL east
“ . . . not sure what the Nats are waiting on . . . “
Could be a disagreement over price.
He’s not gonna be cheap. Probably gonna cost a decent arm.
I tend to agree with you on Ramos, I’m not exactly sure what the free falling Gnats are waiting on…
There is one thing I think very well could be holding up a deal, and that is Washington not only targeting Ramos, but there is a good possibility that Rizzo is also trying to pry away one of the Rays pitchers….maybe??
Well, if that’s the case, then I can think of a handful of pitchers Rizzo might be targeting…
Off the top of my head, the Rays have about 3 starters that I figure most teams have some level of interest in: Chris Archer, Blake Snell, and Nathan Eovaldi.
Then, a few other less popular names, that are having breakout seasons for the Rays are: Ryne Stanek, Chaz Roe, Jose Alvarado, and Diego Castillo.
Stanek is a young, former 1st round pick for the Rays, that can provide a team with a versatile arm capable of starting or pitching from the pen for multiple innings. I’d imagine, with his pedigree, his remaining years of control, and his pretty solid level of success thus far, the Rays are probably looking to either keep Stanek or put an unreasonable price tag on him…So, scratch him off..
The left-handed Alvarado and the right-handed Castillo don’t quite provide the same versatility as Stanek, but both have been highly effective out of the pen for the Rays this year. Both are young and extremely talented relief pitchers, and both are prime candidates to fulfill the Rays future closer or maybe their “opener” role..lol Either way, they’re almost assuredly going to hang onto both young and talented pitchers..Scratch them both off
If Washington is targeting one of the Rays bullpen guys, then it is most likely Chaz Roe. Although, I’m not so sure Roe would make negotiations more complicated, in terms of value…So, who is holding up the Ramos trade!?!
The Rays simply just aren’t trading Snell, he gone. Archer is currently injured and having a pretty unspectacular, mediocre year, so no dice there..That leaves us with Nathan Eovaldi…maybe..
Maybe the Nationals are trying to acquire Eovaldi with Ramos, and the Rays are holding out some hope they can capitalize on Eovaldi’s bounce back season, and are trying to maximize their potential return…? Maybe the two teams can’t agree on a secondary piece or two, while the Gnats try to acquire Ramos and Roe?? Idk…
Regardless, Ramos to Washington just makes too much sense not to have already happened. Now that Washington is rolling down hill with no brakes, they’re just about going to be forced to go ahead and acquire Ramos, filling in their most obvious weakness.
Now, I know most teams are hesitant to acquire a new catcher, when they’re in a playoff hunt. Which makes sense, because they are a little wary of having to take time for their new catcher to build chemistry with their entire pitching staff…HOWEVER, Ramos already knows and has caught a good portion of the Nationals pitchers..He’d have to get to know Hellickson and a good bit of their revamped bullpen, but he’d still have a major leg up as opposed to most other catchers that are traded midseason…
Time will only tell the tale, but I’m expecting the Nationals to acquire Ramos by the end of this weekend. If they don’t make a move for Ramos, nor make any confidence inspiring acquisitions soon, then I don’t have a clue why they’re sitting there stagnant, watching their team falling further and further behind the Bravos and the Phighting Phils..
I find it really hard to believe that the Rays would trade Blake Snell. That would really take a kings ransom. An ace having a breakout year with 5 years of control
Sorry, I didn’t read BF88’s column- should I next time? It seemed like Murray Chass’s old classic’s in terms of length. Thanks.
Ya I had to take breaks between chapters
Mr. Gambini that is a lucid, intelligent well thought out objection…
“Maybe The Nats are trying to acquire Eovaldi with Ramos . . . “
And maybe they’re trying to acquire Boxberger with Realmuto. If the price is the same, I’d go with Door #2. Yes, I know the price for that package from Miami would be expensive, deservedly more so than Ramos and anyone else the Rays have. But do the Rays know that? I’m sure the Nats are looking at several possible moves, we’ll know in less than a month.
yeah, they’re not an ace until they can sustain this level of success over multiple years. remember when people were saying Micheal Fulmer was an ace? one year wonder
baseball 10, all signs indicate that Ramos will be the starting catcher for the AL in the AS Game. I wouldn’t be surprised if he is flipped quickly after the festivities, but I doubt it will happen beforehand. He may end up being the Rays only AS, however that would be a shame since Blake Snell is also certainly deserving of a spot.
You have to think that Snell will get the nod. The dude’s numbers are freakish dominant this season.
Well AJ Hinch is the All-Star manager and Snell has been terrific against the Astros (as well as the rest of the league) so he’s got that going for his hopes…
Matt duffy, wilson ramos, and blake snell are 3 potential rays all stars.