Phillies Acquire Mike Sweeney
The Phillies acquired Mike Sweeney from Seattle for a player to be named later or cash considerations, according to a Mariners press release. The 37-year-old has six homers and a .263/.327/.475 line for the Mariners this year. However, Sweeney has been on the disabled list since late June with back spasms and was just activated.
He'll presumably become a pinch hitter and occasional first baseman for Charlie Manuel's Phillies once Ryan Howard returns from the DL. Until then, Manuel told reporters that he'll use Sweeney regularly at first base. He made five All-Star teams as a first baseman/DH, but has only played 25 innings in the field this year.
Sweeney makes just $650K this year before becoming a free agent, so there won't be a ton of money changing hands in the deal. If the Mariners obtain a player instead of cash, they'll likely get a fringe prospect, but GM Jack Zduriencik says he wanted to see Sweeney play for a contender and will be "pulling for him to succeed in Philadelphia.”
The deal means all 14 American League teams and every NL team with a worse record than the Phillies passed on Sweeney. It's possible that every NL team passed on him, but that cannot be verified.
Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports first reported the deal on Twitter.
Poll: Are The Dodgers Still In It?
The odds are against the Dodgers, but they aren't necessarily out of contention. As MLBTR's Tim Dierkes showed, the Dodgers could shift from buy mode to sell mode if they don't start playing better. How imperative is a turnaround? They trail the division-leading Padres by 9.0 games and the Wild Card-leading Giants by 7.0 games. Baseball Prospectus' postseason odds report calculates that the Dodgers had a 3% chance of making the playoffs this morning.
The team acquired Ted Lilly, Scott Podsednik and Octavio Dotel before the July 31st trade deadline, but they have lost six consecutive games and are 54-52. Manny Ramirez should return from the DL, but he recently suffered a setback, according to Steve Dilbeck of the LA Times. Once Manny's healthy, he and Ned Colletti's deadline acquisitions could combine to turn the team around, but there are no guarantees. Tell us what you think:
Are the Dodgers contenders?
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Odds & Ends: White Sox, Mariners, Lowell, Myers
More links for Tuesday, as Mike Lowell returns to the Red Sox lineup and blasts a homer over the Green Monster…
- White Sox minor league hitting coordinator Jeff Manto told Paul M. Banks of the Sports Bank that prospect Brandon Short has "some of the fastest hands we have in the organization," when discussing Chicago's prospects.
- Mariners GM Jack Zduriencik told the AP that Don Wakamatsu is the team's manager for the foreseeable future. "We are trying to win baseball games with Don running the ship," Zduriencik said (link at CBS Sports).
- The Red Sox told Lowell they won't release him, according to Alex Speier of WEEI.com (via Twitter). Speier notes that the Yankees were on Lowell's no-trade list (Twitter link).
- The Astros wanted Ruben Tejada and Bobby Parnell from the Mets for Brett Myers, according to Peter Gammons (Twitter link).
- The Mets released Ramon Ortiz Sunday, according to the International League transactions page. GM Omar Minaya signed the right-hander back in June.
- Yahoo's Jeff Passan explains how Barret Loux is a casualty of the rule that guarantees teams a future pick if they fail to sign their first rounder. The D'Backs first rounder has an uncertain future after a failed physical.
- MLB.com's Jonathan Mayo shows how some prospects have performed since switching organizations before the July 31st trade deadline.
- Pat Andriola of FanGraphs explains the Nationals' choices with Adam Dunn, who hit waivers today.
Three Decisions: Matt Guerrier
Matt Guerrier currently projects as a Type A free agent under the Elias Rankings. When he hits free agency after the season, the Twins will have a major decision to make: is Guerrier worth an offer of arbitration? Depending on what GM Bill Smith does, Guerrier will have his own a choice to make and so will baseball's other teams. Here's a breakdown of the three possible decisions, starting with the Twins:
The Twins' Decision
If Guerrier maintains his Type A status, he will have the potential to bring the Twins two top picks in the 2011 draft. For that to happen, Guerrier would have to turn arbitration down and sign with another club.
The right-hander has led the league in appearances each of the past two seasons and has a 2.89 ERA this year with 6.0 K/9 and 2.7 BB/9. It's another solid season for the 32-year-old Ohio native, and he'd fit well in many bullpens.
Guerrier is making just 3.15MM in 2010 and hasn't had an exceptional career before this point, so he would presumably make something like $4MM if he accepts arbitration. The Twins have already committed $72MM to their 2011 payroll and that figure doesn't include Matt Capps' expected raise through arbitration. The Twins, who will pay Joe Nathan $11.25MM next year, may hesitate to commit even $4MM to Guerrier, who's good, but not irreplaceable. They could decide not to offer arbitration and forgo the potential draft picks, but if they do offer arb, Guerrier will have to make a decision of his own.
Guerrier's Decision
If the Twins offer arbitration, Guerrier and his agent would have to decide whether to accept the offer, like Rafael Betancourt and Rafael Soriano did last year, or turn it down. Some relievers, like Juan Cruz, have had trouble finding jobs after turning down arb because of their Type A status, so Guerrier could simply accept, since he's not a household name. He and his agent will have from December 1st to December 7th to decide.
However, Jose Valverde, Billy Wagner and Mike Gonzalez all found jobs last winter even though the teams that signed them had to give up compensation picks to do so. Those three relievers all had lower ERAs and higher strikeout rates last year than Guerrier has in 2010. However, Guerrier has a lower walk rate than any of those three pitchers had a year ago.
He and his representatives would have to decide whether clubs consider Guerrier an impact reliever who's worth surrendering a top pick for. It seems quite unlikely that Guerrier would turn down arbitration if the Twins offer it, but teams will have to make a decision if Guerrier turns down arb.
Other Teams' Decision
Is Guerrier worth surrendering a first round pick for? To his credit, he has posted ERAs below 3.00 in three of the past four seasons, has an excellent slider and was durable enough to lead the league in appearances in 2008-09. Still, his career-low homer rate is keeping his ERA artificially low, he doesn't strike tons of batters out and reliever performance can be volatile. I'd be surprised if a front office in baseball believed that Guerrier was worth surrendering a first-round pick for.
However, they wouldn't necessarily have to. Teams that sign multiple Type A free agents only give one first rounder away, naturally. Guerrier would only cost a second or third-rounder for clubs that are especially aggressive in free agency, so those teams could have stronger interest.
The Conclusion
If the Twins feel they can afford to have three well-paid relievers in their 'pen, offering Guerrier arb wouldn't hurt. After all, they'd have the chance to obtain a supplementary first round pick and another pick if he signs elsewhere. Guerrier's representatives would likely advise him to accept arb, since there's no guarantee that rival clubs would have interest. If Guerrier turns arb down, he could be in for a Juan Cruz-esque job search unless a team that signs multiple Type A free agents makes him an offer.
Orange County Flyers Sign Mark Prior
The Orange County Flyers of the Golden Baseball League signed Mark Prior, according to MLB.com's Corey Brock (on Twitter). Coincidentally, the signing comes one year after the Padres released Prior. The 29-year-old didn't appear in a game with San Diego and hasn't seen any big league action since 2006.
Prior, the second overall pick in the 2001 draft, auditioned for MLB teams last month, but his stuff was "just all right," according to one veteran scout. It's been a long time since Prior pitched to a 2.43 ERA in 200-plus innings as a 22-year-old, so he'll join the Golden League instead of a major league organization. A number of big leaguers, including Daniel Nava and Scott Richmond have climbed from the Golden League to the major leagues. Now, Prior will attempt to prove the health of his right shoulder and do the same.
Astros Designate Anderson Hernandez
The Astros designated Anderson Hernandez for assignment to make room for Geoff Blum, according to MLB.com's Brian McTaggart (Twitter link). The Astros claimed Hernandez from the Indians in late July, after Cleveland designated him for assignment.
The 27-year-old utility player has appeared at second, third and short this year, and he has also played a game in left field. However, Hernandez has just a .230/.260/.284 line in 77 plate appearances. That isn't far from the .617 OPS he has posted in his six-year MLB career.
Marlins Designate Jorge Sosa For Assignment
The Marlins designated Jorge Sosa for assignment to make room for Sean West, according to Clark Spencer of the Miami Herald (Twitter link). The Marlins, who signed Sosa in April, designated him for assignment in June and outrighted him to the minors after he cleared waivers.
The 32-year-old right-hander has a 5.87 ERA with 4.1 K/9 and 3.5 BB/9 in 15.1 major league innings this year. Sosa relies on a low-90s fastball and a hard slider that he uses about 40% of the time. He has a 45% ground ball rate this year, but that's higher than usual for him and the sample size is small.
It seems unlikely that any club will claim Sosa given his struggles at the major league level. In 46 innings at Triple A New Orleans, he does have a 4.11 ERA with 6.8 K/9 and 2.2 BB/9.
Odds & Ends: Rodriguez, Rangers, DeShields
Links for Monday, as Jeremy Hellickson makes a smooth transition to the majors…
- Ivan Rodriguez told MLB.com's Jesse Sanchez that he isn't thinking about retirement and expects to play two or three more seasons. Pudge is under contract with the Nationals through 2011.
- MLB.com's Hal Bodley names the Yankees and Rangers trade deadline 'winners.'
- Rangers GM Jon Daniels explained his club's approach to the deadline, speaking to ESPNDallas.com's Richard Durrett.
- The Astros may be in good position to sign their first round pick from the June draft. Delino DeShields told MLB.com's Brian McTaggart that his son, Delino Deshields Jr., intends to sign instead of going to college. "He's going to be an Astro," DeShields said. "No doubt."
- Former Astro Lance Berkman told Tim Britton and Didier Morais of MLB.com that adjusting to life in the Bronx after so many years in Houston will take some time.
Waiver Trade Candidates: NL West
The current NL West picture: the Padres hold a slim lead over the Giants and the Rockies and Dodgers are playoff contenders, too. The Diamondbacks haven't been close to contention for months. Here are some waiver trade possibilities to keep in mind:
Padres bench player Matt Stairs, who was traded two Augusts ago, could clear waivers in spite of his $700K contract because of his .590 OPS. Scott Hairston could see reduced playing time with Ryan Ludwick around and it's possible that his $2.45MM salary would clear waivers. Hairston has a .235/.316/.390 line in 2010.
Barry Zito and Aaron Rowand would both clear waivers, but Zito is an important part of San Francisco's rotation. Rowand has $27MM remaining on his contract, but is hitting just .252/.302/.405. The Giants have enough outfielders to give the 32-year-old up, but no team would claim Rowand given his salary. Edgar Renteria is hitting .284/.346/.376, but he's making $9MM this year, so he could clear waivers. The Giants, who have a club option for Renteria's services in 2011, could get by without him. It's possible that Todd Wellemeyer would clear waivers given his 5.52 ERA, but his $1MM salary is affordable. The Giants have bullpen depth, so they would likely consider parting with Wellemeyer, who is finishing a rehab stint.
Manny Ramirez earns $20MM this year, but the White Sox and Rays showed interest in him last month. Manny could definitely clear waivers in late August if he returns from his calf strain, so he is a player to watch. George Sherrill cleared waivers recently, so teams clearly don't think he's worth his $4.5MM salary. He hasn't pitched well this season, so he will be available. Like Stairs, Garret Anderson would likely clear waivers despite his modest salary ($550K) because of his poor production (.484 OPS).
The Rockies have waiver trade candidates galore, from relievers Rafael Betancourt, Joe Beimel and Randy Flores to bats like Brad Hawpe to role players like Jason Giambi and Melvin Mora. Aaron Cook, who went to the hospital this weekend after getting hit on the foot with a line drive, could appeal to contenders. He'd have to prove he's healthy first, but Cook makes $9MM this year with $9.75MM or more remaining afterwards, so he'd likely clear waivers. He has pitched to a 5.08 ERA this year, but contenders could have interest if his foot is fine and the Rockies keep fading.
Diamondbacks first baseman Adam LaRoche makes a reasonable $4.5MM this year, so it's possible that someone would claim him. It wouldn't be a surprise to see the D'Backs trade LaRoche given the many deals they've already made. Chris Young and Stephen Drew are making reasonable salaries, so they will probably be staying put.
For our primer on the waiver trade process, click here.
Life After The Trade
We've seen a flurry of trades after months of anticipation. Now, players join new clubs in different cities.
Here’s an obscure baseball trivia question for you. What do John McDonald and Harry Chiti have in common? You’re forgiven if you didn’t know that both men were once traded for themselves.
But before McDonald worked his way into baseball’s history books, he faced the reality of joining the Detroit Tigers. And back in 2005, playing baseball was the easy part.
“99% of the time it’s a place where it’s like ‘hey I’m at the ballpark, give me my glove, let’s take some grounders, take some [batting practice], even though I’m wearing a different uniform,” McDonald said. “But that other 1% is thinking ‘all right, how much of a burden did I just put on other people in my life?’”
At the time, McDonald’s family had lived in Toronto for about four months and was just becoming accustomed to the city. As soon as the Blue Jays traded McDonald, his wife had to pack the couple’s belongings in Toronto and drive them to Detroit so McDonald would have things to wear on an upcoming road trip. She then returned to Toronto to pick up more boxes and McDonald was playing baseball, so he couldn’t help out.
You might think that rumblings about potential trades made the process difficult for McDonald, but they were the least of his worries five years ago.
“There were no rumors then, I mean there was no website, like [MLB Trade Rumors], but there was a lot of times a guy had an idea,” he said. “I had no idea so the hardest part about it was for your families.”
The Tigers acquired McDonald, already an established big leaguer, before the 2005 trade deadline. Eventually, the Tigers sent none other than John McDonald to Toronto to complete the trade. Like Harry Chiti four decades before him, McDonald was traded for himself.
McDonald jokes that it’s not much better than being traded for a bag of balls, but notes that the Blue Jays definitely got a fair return. More often than not, though, veterans are traded for minor leaguers or major leaguers without much experience.
That’s what happened to Justin Masterson a year ago, when the Indians acquired him in the Victor Martinez deal. Unlike McDonald, Masterson was traded for a big-name player, and he says it’s kind of cool to be part of a trade involving a star.
“Yeah, it makes you feel better than being traded for someone you don’t even know,” Masterson said. “I think there’s something cool to it. Your first time traded is always an interesting experience.”
Interesting?
“Words can’t really describe it,” Masterson said. “There’s no way to tell someone who has never gone through it what it really feels like. There’s a lot of things in life that take place like that, that you can’t really put a word to describe exactly the way it feels.”
He can’t find the rights words to explain what it’s like to be dealt, but he’s sure of one thing. The Indians were welcoming, so joining the team wasn’t hard.
“These days, everyone knows someone,” Masterson said. “You know someone somewhere through some sort of connection, so it makes it a little easier to get connected.”
Still, the adjustment process continues long after the rumors stop. But that doesn’t mean all players dislike the trade deadline drama. McDonald, for one, doesn't mind it.
“No, because it’s fun,” he said. “You don’t get to play [pro baseball] for very long. You need to embrace all parts of [being an MLB player].”