Rosenthal’s Latest: Teixeira, Dodgers, Washburn
Ken Rosenthal spoke before today’s Yankees-Red Sox game on Fox and had a few items for the Hot Stove…
- The Braves have yet to decide if they are going to be buyers or sellers at the deadline. If they do decide to sell, they will start taking bids for Mark Teixeira. Earlier this week we heard from Jayson Stark that the Rays, Red Sox, Dodgers, Angels and Yankees have contacted the Braves about Teixeira. Today Stark told us that we can scratch the Rays off that list. Rosenthal adds the D-Backs to the list and says they make the most sense, but it is unlikely that they will be willing to offer the right players.
- The acquisition of Casey Blake means the Dodgers will probably not seek a better bat to play shortstop.
- The Yankees and Mariners have yet to discuss who the Yankees would give up for Jarrod Washburn.
Cork Gaines writes for RaysIndex.com and can be reached here.
Rauch Ramifications
Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic has an article today about the implications of the Diamondbacks’ acquisition of reliever Jon Rauch.
- The loss of second baseman Emilio Bonifacio doesn’t exactly change the D’Back’s plans, as they were skeptical on his ability to become a regular anyway. Still, people are asking whether they’ll try to re-sign Orlando Hudson. Piecoro says Hudson is expected to test the free agent market, and doesn’t seem likely to offer a discount. His salary should exceed $10MM.
- If Hudson leaves, the D’Backs could either look for a new second baseman or shift Mark Reynolds over there and consider a third baseman. Take a look at the free agent market – options are limited at both positions. Perhaps a trade could be explored.
- Closer Brandon Lyon is a free agent after the season as well, and seems likely to leave. The D’Backs have plenty of in-house replacement options, starting with Rauch. Lyon will join free agent closers such as Brian Fuentes, Trevor Hoffman, Francisco Rodriguez, and Kerry Wood. It’s easy to see Hoffman and Wood staying put, leaving three solid options.
- Piecoro talked to team officials who downplayed the recent Mark Teixeira rumblings.
Odds and Ends: Darvish, Giles, Teixeira
Today’s link roundup…
- I was a guest on Get Sports Radio yesterday to talk about the Reds. Click here to download an mp3 of the show.
- NPB Tracker notes that 21 year-old phenom Yu Darvish threw 165 pitches last night.
- GM Dave Dombrowski says the Tigers are definitely not sellers. They’re undecided on whether to buy or stick with internal options. The Tigers’ approach to the relief market may hinge on Freddy Dolsi‘s fatigued shoulder.
- Buster Olney says the Mets and Padres have discussed right fielder Brian Giles. He’d earn $11MM in ’09 if traded. However, Joel Sherman doesn’t think Giles is on the Mets’ radar.
- Learn about the PITCHf/x system in a Josh Kalk Q&A.
- D’Backs beat writer Nick Piecoro doesn’t think there’s much to the Mark Teixeira rumors.
- ESPN’s Keith Law isn’t impressed with Emilio Bonifacio. He’s also not a fan of the Cristian Guzman extension.
- RotoAuthority finds a Tim Lincecum–Johnny Cueto parallel for fantasy baseball players to consider.
Rosenthal’s Latest: Teixeira, Burnett, Sherrill
Here’s the latest from Ken Rosenthal, who should probably take a vacation in August.
- The D’Backs inquired on Mark Teixeira, but a trade is unlikely. Tex might be the best available hitter, as Matt Holliday seems likely to stay put.
- The Rockies scouted Nick Adenhart‘s last start. The Angels have more interest in Brian Fuentes than Holliday.
- Tons of scouts converged on Camden Yards last night to watch A.J. Burnett and George Sherrill pitch (those hoping to see Sherrill were disappointed). The Cardinals, Phillies, Yankees, Brewers, Marlins, Dodgers, and Tigers all had scouts there to watch at least one of the pitchers.
- Rosenthal says trade interest in Burnett "remains minimal," as teams fear the pitcher’s contract.
- The Orioles are taking a look at the Brewers’ Triple A team, but it is believed that they are reluctant to part with more prospects.
- The A’s chose first baseman Chris Carter over Emilio Bonifacio in the Dan Haren trade.
Rosenthal’s Latest: Laird, Washburn, Nady, Bay
Ken Rosenthal has more new material. I’ve updated the post, as Rosenthal updated his.
- The Yankees are looking for catching – Rosenthal and Jon Heyman do not agree with Peter Abraham. Rosenthal says the Yanks have expressed interest in Gerald Laird and Miguel Olivo. The Rangers want young pitching for Laird, however.
- Jarrod Washburn‘s limited no-trade protection includes the Yankees. He might want compensation to waive that, putting him out of the Yanks’ price range. Washburn, a Boras client, wouldn’t mind pitching in New York though. The Mariners are looking for young pitching for him. It sounds like the Yankees aren’t willing to eat the entire contract and send good prospects.
- The Yankees may explore other trades, and are said to have interest in A.J. Burnett and Bronson Arroyo.
- The Nationals were apparently locked in on a second baseman for Jon Rauch, perhaps explaining why they traded him for just Emilio Bonifacio. The jury is still out on the speedy young infielder.
- The White Sox explored a scenario where they would’ve acquired Brian Roberts from Baltimore, traded Orlando Cabrera to the Dodgers, and moved Alexei Ramirez to shortstop. That obviously didn’t work out. The Sox may be currently trying to decide whether to part with third baseman Josh Fields, their best trade chip and third baseman of the future.
- Suitors for Xavier Nady, such as the Rays, Yankees, and Phillies, are balking at Pittsburgh’s asking price. The Bucs continue to insist they’re being reasonable.
- Interestingly, the A’s are still talking to the Pirates about Jason Bay. Rosenthal says a trade seems unlikely.
- The Cardinals had scouts in Baltimore yesterday, and their interest in George Sherrill is well-known. But they might not match up with the Orioles’ needs.
Heyman’s Latest: Nady, Teixeira, Sherrill
Jon Heyman is cranking out a lot of rumorage. Here’s his latest.
- The price has dropped a tad on Xavier Nady, as the Pirates have become more interested in moving him.
- The Braves still might trade Mark Teixeira right before the deadline, and Heyman thinks they can easily beat two draft choices.
- Many teams scouted George Sherrill recently: the Marlins, Dodgers, Cardinals, Phillies, and Brewers.
- Some execs "expressed annoyance" at the D’Backs underpaying for Jon Rauch.
- Heyman says the Yankees are looking for catching, though Peter Abraham doesn’t agree.
- The Twins, Giants, and Dodgers have interest in Hank Blalock, who has a $6.2MM option for ’09.
Odds and Ends: Bedard, Hudson, Inoa, Varitek
Let’s dig through today’s links.
- Cork Gaines takes a look at the Rays most likely to be traded.
- According to Ken Davidoff, the Rockies have been scouting Yankees pitching prospect Humberto Sanchez. He’d be a more reasonable return for Brian Fuentes.
- Erik Bedard‘s MRI came out clean, but it’s still hard to see him in a big league game before August.
- Dan Haren used to follow every trade rumor on the Internet, but Justin Duchscherer doesn’t monitor the hot stove buzz.
- Shane Victorino is aware of the rumors, but wants to stay in Philly.
- With Emilio Bonifacio gone, Scott Bordow thinks the D’Backs should try to sign Orlando Hudson. Bordow would only offer $8MM a year though.
- Paul Hoynes looks at the Indians’ areas of need for the offseason.
- Peter Abraham doesn’t expect the Yankees to pursue a catcher.
- Melissa Segura of SI.com writes about Michael Inoa‘s buscon.
- Patrick Newman profiles Kenshin Kawakami, who should be quite popular this winter.
- Buster Olney expects Jason Varitek to feel a ripple effect from Jorge Posada‘s injury. His sources expect the Red Sox to offer Varitek one or two years at $6-8MM per.
- MLB.com is looking for a fan to guest host their show The Dish.
Tim Brown’s Latest: Peralta, McPherson, Putz
Yahoo’s Tim Brown posted a new column this evening.
- The Nationals got an OK return for Jon Rauch, acquiring second baseman Emilio Bonifacio. That could set the pace for reasonable reliever prices.
- The Indians are listening on Casey Blake, Paul Byrd, and Jamey Carroll, as you know. Jhonny Peralta isn’t off-limits either.
- Here’s a new name of interest for the Dodgers: Marlins minor league third baseman Dallas McPherson. He’ll be 28 soon, and carries a .287/.400/.650 line with 32 home runs in 314 Triple A at-bats. This could be the second time McPherson blasts 40 home runs in a minor league season.
- The Red Sox inquired on J.J. Putz, but the Mariners say he’s not available.
Heyman’s Latest: Holliday, Teixeira, Burnett, Blake
10:19pm: Angels GM Tony Reagins laughed at Charley Walters’ Teixeira rumor, blaming it on…"those bloggers."
11:16am: The latest from SI.com’s Jon Heyman.
- The Rockies and Braves will wait until right before the July 31st deadline to decide whether to trade Matt Holliday and Mark Teixeira. The Rox have been more active calling around about Holliday, though. Heyman notes that Rockies GM Dan O’Dowd has spoken to the Mets, Angels, Phillies, and other teams about him. The Rockies are seven games out, while the Braves are six back.
- The Braves are reportedly making a list of trading partners for Tex, including the Red Sox, Angels, Rays, and D’Backs.
- Charley Walters has a rumor: Teixeira to the Angels for Robb Quinlan and Brandon Wood.
- The Yankees haven’t even considered signing Barry Bonds, despite the Hideki Matsui injury.
- Heyman spoke to a "Yankees person" who is fearful of A.J. Burnett‘s contract. I could see an acquiring team pushing for more certainty by buying out or guaranteeing the contract.
- Heyman considers Manny Ramirez‘s $20MM option for ’09 a bargain. For me, it’s not nearly as clear-cut.
- Omar Minaya is "especially" a fan of Cleveland’s Casey Blake. He would be a great fit for the Mets.
- Heyman is still hearing the rumor about the Mariners trying to lure Pat Gillick for an upper management position next year.
Jon Rauch Traded To Diamondbacks
According to Baseball Digest Daily, the Diamondbacks acquired reliever Jon Rauch from the Nationals for second baseman Emilio Bonifacio.
Bonifacio was ranked sixth among D’Backs prospects heading into the season. He’s hitting .302/.348/.387 in Triple A currently. He’s incredibly fast and plays above-average defense.
The D’Backs get a fine late-inning reliever in Rauch; I thought Jim Bowden would ask for more. Rauch is signed cheaply through 2010 and has been an above average reliever for several years now.