Conor Jackson Showcased For White Sox?
You may have noticed Conor Jackson oddly playing left field last night. On the surface, the idea was just to get Jackson, Mark Reynolds, and Chad Tracy into the same lineup against Dave Bush.
However, Phil Rogers of the Chicago Tribune reports that the Diamondbacks’ real motivation was to showcase Jackson for the White Sox. Left field is the only place the Sox could use him.
Rogers writes that while the D’Backs scouted Jose Contreras, they’re after Jon Garland or even John Danks. Javier Vazquez‘s name did not come up, but wouldn’t it be crazy to see the Chris Young trade reversed? [As the always sharp commenters immediately noted, Vazquez has a no-trade clause allowing him to block trades to all nine AL/NL West teams. But it would still be cool to see the trade reversed.] Baseball America had some interesting thoughts on the impending Young/Justin Upton center field logjam today (the On The Brink section).
Rogers also adds that the D’Backs would trade right fielder Carlos Quentin. Quentin is 10 for 22 since his return to Triple A Tucson. Keep in mind that he was dealing with a small labrum tear in his left shoulder in the beginning of the season, which probably contributed to his poor play.
Either player would be a nice pickup for the Sox, who desperately need outfielders for 2008. If you’re a PECOTA fan, here are the projections for ’08 in the AVG/OBP/SLG format:
Jackson: .305/.389/.512
Quentin: .288/.380/.491
Josh Byrnes and Kenny Williams work well together, and match up nicely for another deal this summer.
Byrnes Offers Discount, Hopes To Stay With Arizona
Eric Byrnes is having a fine season, even correcting the one knock on his offense. He’s on pace to easily set a career high in walks, and his .363 OBP would stand as a career best. And of course the 31 year-old is endearing to fans with his style of play and personality. Now he’s offering the Diamondbacks a home team discount on a contract extension.
Jack Magruder of the East Valley Tribune says preliminary talks have already taken place. The Arizona Republic has Byrnes comparing himself to various outfielders who snagged five-year contracts for $9-14MM annually. Byrnes would be willing to backload the contract.
Magruder doesn’t think the D’Backs could commit even $8MM annually to Byrnes, which would be a large discount in itself. Throw in the scary five-year commitment and something has to give. Ultimately I imagine Arizona might do 4/32, but Byrnes would really be selling himself short. He could probably get $11-12MM annually on the open market. With all the outfield talent in Arizona, I still think they’ll let him go.
White Sox A Match For Orlando Hudson
Speculating has been going strong for quite a while now that the White Sox have interest in Diamondbacks second baseman Orlando Hudson. As Yahoo’s Tim Brown explains, Josh Byrnes and Kenny Williams talk often and Byrnes could use a starting pitcher.
As I mentioned earlier, the D’Backs have cheap options at second base if they’re willing to sacrifice some defense. Or the Sox could just include Tadahito Iguchi in the deal. The White Sox would basically be acquiring Hudson for 2008. He would certainly fit the bill of Major League talent Williams desires, and he’d strengthen the team defensively. Byrnes could go after Mark Buehrle or Jose Contreras, or even re-acquire Javier Vazquez. I think an additional prospect aside from Hudson would be required for Buehrle or Vazquez. Maybe Dustin Nippert.
Orlando Hudson Expects To Leave Arizona
In a radio interview Monday afternoon, Diamondbacks second baseman Orlando Hudson indicated that he doesn’t expect to remain with the team for his career or even the next few years. His agent has at least had extension discussions with the D’Backs’ front office though. Hudson is eligible for free agency after the 2008 season.
2006 was a breakout season for Hudson, but he just keeps getting better. He’s going to obliterate his career high in walks, and he’s hitting for more power than ever. And he’s known as one of the best defensive second basemen in the game. The only problem? Since joining the Diamondbacks, Hudson has hit .311/.391/.495 at home but .273/.341/.421 on the road.
Hudson makes $3.9MM this year, and during this upcoming winter he can be compared to his peers in the arbitration process. I’m not an expert on that but I think that’s how it works. Comparing Hudson to Chase Utley – who will make $7.5MM in ’08 – is a stretch. But I would not be shocked to see Hudson earning $5-6MM next season. He’ll be 30 years old at that point.
Alberto Callaspo, Mark Reynolds, and maybe even Scott Hairston are potential replacement options, if the Diamondbacks are willing to take a hit on defense. Josh Byrnes may elect to trade Hudson this offseason. The White Sox, Braves, Mets, or Astros could be interested. The Rockies wanted to trade for him way back in ’02. The Yankees and Mariners apparently inquired back in ’03. The Royals and Rangers expressed interest in ’05.
Hudson seems like an interesting character. Funny story – he was sent to Triple A in ’01 for saying J.P. Ricciardi looked "like a pimp." (Though to be fair, Hudson was also having a poor spring). Regardless, his six-year old minor "makeup issue" pales in comparison to Callaspo’s.
Gagne/Otsuka Suitors
Teams are lining up to pluck away the top two members of the Rangers’ bullpen, and Jon Daniels is in "listening mode."
MLB.com’s T.R. Sullivan has the scoop: the Diamondbacks, Cubs, Red Sox, and Yankees are the top suitors for Eric Gagne. The Mets, Braves, Phillies, Tigers, and Brewers are focused on Akinori Otsuka. And the Tribe likes both relievers.
Benefits of Gagne: he can be unhittable and he’ll give you two good draft picks after the season. Plus he seems to be finally healthy. The Indians, despite their interest, are not on Gagne’s list of 12 teams he can be dealt to without his consent.
The benefit of Otsuka is that you have him through 2009. That’s why the Rangers are more likely to hang on to him. Conversely, a team like the Mets would prefer him because he’s not a rental.
Rosenthal’s Latest
Ken Rosenthal has a new column up. A summary appears below.
- Rosenthal thinks the Tigers are unlikely to acquire Eric Gagne or Akinori Otsuka, perhaps preferring to look at internal options. That’s a shame, as I think they really need to add someone.
- The White Sox won’t be granting a 72 hour negotiating window if they trade Mark Buehrle. Strictly a rental. That could limit the market for him, but Kenny Williams will come up with at least one quality prospect.
- The Dodgers don’t seem likely to trade for Adam Dunn or Jermaine Dye, but could go after Mark Teixeira. Dye seems most likely to end up in the NL West somehow, but only if he is healthy and hitting.
- Possible Dontrelle Willis suitors: the Rockies or Diamondbacks. They’ve got the young trading chips, and the need in the present day. The Rox could offer Aaron Cook plus prospects, and the D’Backs could try Livan Hernandez and youngsters. If the D’Backs dare offer up Justin Upton, the Marlins would jump. Of course, D-Train needs to be healthy and the Marlins would need to fall out of contention.
- Barry Bonds‘s agent really doesn’t see a trade happening. Well, no one does, but it’s fun to speculate. Rosenthal thinks only the Yankees could accomodate him.
- Aside from the Pirates and Padres, the Astros, Cardinals, and Rangers could go after Milton Bradley.
- Rosenthal has a GM source who thinks the Reds could wait until this winter, exercise Adam Dunn’s $13MM option for ’08, and then trade him. Dunn, however, would gain no-trade protection until June 15, 2008 and then be able to block 10 teams thereafter.
- Troy Glaus isn’t going anywhere. Even if the Jays wanted to trade him, his contract is prohibitive.
- The Indians or Rockies could trade for Octavio Dotel for bullpen depth. Dotel is developing into a fine trading chip for Dayton Moore, just as planned. The Tribe has had interest in Dotel in past offseasons.
Olney Speculation: Dye To Diamondbacks
Buster Olney had an idea today worth discussing. With the Diamondbacks in the thick of a pennant race and Carlos Quentin pressing, how about acquiring Jermaine Dye from the White Sox as a rental?
GMs Josh Byrnes and Kenny Williams seem to get along, matching up on the Javier Vazquez/Chris Young deal in December of ’05 and the smaller Alex Cintron trade in spring 2006. Olney believes Williams is ready to trade Dye now. So far the Padres and Dodgers seem to be the main contenders, so keeping Dye away from those clubs would provide an additional benefit.
Earlier this month Williams said he wouldn’t be trading for prospects, but I don’t think that rules out good young players. The Diamondbacks won’t be returning Chris Young, but they do have expendable quality guys like Alberto Callaspo, Mark Reynolds, and Scott Hairston. However, I have a feeling KW would ask for Micah Owings given the demand for Dye. 25 year-old reliever Tony Pena could be a target as well. Dustin Nippert is another intriguing arm for the White Sox, even if the results haven’t been there recently.
Owings may be off limits or simply too much for an impending free agent. But two of the other players mentioned above would make a nice package for Dye.
Rosenthal’s Latest
Time for another Rosenthal column! Some of this is just a writeup from his recent video; here’s the new stuff.
- A little elaboration on the Adam Dunn to San Diego idea – Rosenthal throws Clay Hensley‘s name into the mix. Hensley has had a rough couple of months, with a nasty blister, a groin strain, and some awful starts. His 54% groundball rate would be a nice fit in Chicago or Cincinnati. Another player I could see catching Wayne Krivsky’s eye is Cla Meredith.
- The Cubs continue to shop Jacque Jones, hoping to slide Felix Pie in every day. Pie is ready for the show, but the Cubs would like something to show for Jones. He is earning $4MM this year and $5MM in ’08. It looked like a bargain after Jones hit .285/.334/.499 last year, but he’s tanked in the Cubs’ crowded outfield. He could fit well with the Padres, a team that doesn’t hit lefties or righties. Jones normally just struggles with lefties. Jacque was born in San Diego, too. Kevin Towers and Jim Hendry matched up for a couple of smaller deals last summer with Todd Walker and Scott Williamson.
- Mike Lowell may leave Boston after this season as a free agent. He’s easily the best affordable 3B on the market. Perhaps the Yankees want him back. Other possibilities include the Dodgers, Giants, Angels, Phillies, and Astros according to Rosenthal. Hard to believe Lowell is so popular and successful after he was a throw-in forced upon the Red Sox in the Josh Beckett deal.
- Eric Byrnes is probably headed out of Arizona, and he’d be a valuable center field addition who won’t break the bank. He’ll be 32 in ’08, and on a reasonable three-year deal could be a better value than Ichiro, Torii, or Andruw. Wouldn’t be surprised to see the White Sox get involved.
D’Backs Sign Max Scherzer
The parallels between Luke Hochevar last year and Max Scherzer this year were striking — both were first-rounders who didn’t sign because they held out for a bigger signing bonus, then pitched for the Fort Worth Cats — but the story ended differently this year. Instead of going back into the draft, Arizona signed Scherzer.
I would imagine Arizona hopes that isn’t the only way the Scherzer story ends up differently than Hochevar’s: Luke isn’t exactly dominating Double-A so far this year. As for the impact on this year’s draft, Scherzer probably would’ve gone higher than 11th (where he was picked in ’06), but this year’s draft class is extremely deep, so every team with a pick in the top 15-20 should be able to grab a top-tier talent.
By Jeff Sackmann
Brew Crew Ball
Randy Johnson Trade Dissected
Steve Gilbert of MLB.com gets an inside look at the Randy Johnson trade. Originally, it was going to be a three-team deal where a mystery AL club would send a first baseman to the Yankees. Perhaps it was Richie Sexson on the Mariners?
Johnson should make his season debut Tuesday against the Padres, Arizona’s main competition in acquiring him this winter.