A’s DFA Dana Eveland; Won’t Lose Him

The A's designated pitcher Dana Eveland for assignment, according to MLB.com's Jesse Sanchez. Oakland called on the 25-year-old lefty to replace Dallas Braden Monday night, but Eveland struggled, allowing four runs and nine baserunners in less than three innings, so he'll return to Triple A.

He faltered in six games for the A's this year, but has fared better in Triple A. His 7-1 record and 3.49 ERA are slightly misleading, but he hasn't allowed many hits or homers in his 12 minor league starts.

As Assistant GM David Forst explains in this MLB.com article, the A's are essentially optioning Eveland to Triple A and aren't at risk of losing him to another club through waivers. He has to clear optional waivers, something no player has failed to do since they were implemented.

D’Backs Ready To Deal

The D'Backs traded Tony Pena to the White Sox yesterday and Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports hears they're not done dealing yet. In fact, they've spent much more time trying to deal Doug Davis, Jon Garland and Felipe Lopez than they spent trying to deal Pena. Chad Qualls seems less likely to be dealt now that the D'Backs have already traded one reliever.

The Brewers are in the market for starters and could have interest in Davis or Garland. The Twins are one of the teams that could add middle infielders, so Lopez could appeal to them. Check out our entire breakdown of the middle infield trade market here.

Rosenthal On Vazquez, Hairston, Teahen

Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports says Javier Vazquez has more value than any available hitter. Here are the details and the rest of Rosenthal's rumors:

  • Not even Matt Holliday or Corey Hart would be fair value for Vazquez, so Rosenthal asks why the Braves would want to trade him at all.
  • The Mets inquired on Scott Hairston, who could have been an affordable stopgap, but balked when the Padres asked for Bobby Parnell.
  • The Marlins offered Gaby Sanchez for Manny Delcarmen, but the Red Sox weren't interested.  
  • The Mariners, Tigers and Rays weren't far from agreeing to a deal that would have sent Edwin Jackson to Seattle and J.J. Putz to Detroit last offseason.  
  • Kevin Towers compares Rule 5 pick Everth Cabrera to Rafael Furcal. 
  • The Royals "do not seem terribly inclined" to deal Mark Teahen 
  • The Pirates covet Eric Young Jr. of the Rockies.  
  • Some predict that the distribution of amateur talent- through the draft and international signings- will be the biggest issue in the next Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Roy Halladay Rumors: Tuesday

4:20pm: Ricciardi told Jon Heyman of SI.com that he wouldn't be doing his job if he didn't at least listen to offers for Halladay.

3:20pm: Ricciardi told ESPN.com's Buster Olney that he prepared his ace for a possible trade. Halladay told his GM that he will listen if Ricciardi decides on a deal and needs approval.

"We're going to see what's out there," Ricciardi told Olney.

Speaking to the Canadian Press, Ricciardi said he's not confident the Jays and Halladay have a future once their current deal expires after next year.

"I'm not so sure payroll-wise where we're going to be able to be after 2010," he said. "I'm not so sure that the player wants to stay here beyond 2010."

1:27PM: Roy Halladay can be had, but any team looking to acquire him will have to part with a number of top young players or prospects. Here are the details on the latest name to become available:

  • Jeff Blair of the Globe and Mail talked to J.P. Ricciardi who repeats that the Jays will listen to offers for Roy Halladay. However, the Jays are only going to trade him for an awesome collection of talent.
  • Jon Heyman of SI.com sees the Phillies and Yankees as early favorites for Halladay, followed by the Angels.
  • MLB.com's Todd Zolecki points out that the Blue Jays "hold all the cards." If they hear a great offer, they can take it; if not, they have their ace around for 2010.

Marlins Won’t Move Top Prospects For Relief

The Marlins are about to sign Scott Williamson to a minor league deal, and they have also shown interest in big league relievers, according to MLB.com's Joe Frisaro. Every potential trade partner has asked for Logan Morrison or Mike Stanton in return, but the Marlins consider the two prospects untouchable.

The Marlins discussed dealing for George Sherrill or Danys Baez of the Orioles, but recently slowed their pursuit of Baez.

Marlins To Sign Scott Williamson

The Marlins are about to add Scott Williamson to their bullpen, according to MLB.com's Joe Frisaro. They're close to finalizing a minor league deal with the 33-year-old righty, who could join new additions Brendan Donnelly and Luis Ayala in the 'pen after a stint in the minors.

Williamson last pitched in the majors with the Orioles in 2007. He spent Spring Training with the Tigers this year, but he didn't make the team and was released by Triple A Toledo in April. His best year may have come in 2004 with the Red Sox, when he allowed just 11 hits in nearly 29 innings, striking out 28. 

Royals DFA Luis Hernandez

Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star reports that the Royals designated Luis Hernandez for assignment to make room for the newly-acquired Ryan Freel. Hernandez, a 25-year-old utilityman, hit .204/.235/.204 in 53 plate appearances for the Royals this year. He spent parts of two years with the Orioles before signing a minor league deal with Kansas City before the season.

Rockies Sign Rex Brothers, Two More

The Rockies signed three picks, including supplemental rounder Rex Brothers, according to Troy Renck of the Denver Post. The Rockies, who selected Brothers 34th overall, haven't disclosed the terms of the bonus they awarded their new pitcher. It figures to be slightly less than the $900k they awarded Tim Wheeler, who they selected two picks before Brothers. Baseball America's Jim Callis reports that Brothers agreed to a $969k bonus.

They also signed second rounder Nolan Arenado and third rounder Ben Paulsen.

Cubs Sale Still Unresolved

TUESDAY, 1:06pm: ChicagoBusiness.com passes on a Reuters report informing us that the Tribune has not reached a final agreement with the Ricketts family or Marc Utay, who submitted a rival bid for the team.

MONDAY, 10:40am: Ameet Sachdev reports on ChicagoBreakingNews.com that Tribune Co. has reached a deal to sell the Cubs and Wrigley Field to the Ricketts family for about $900MM. The deal must now be court-approved and accepted by other MLB owners. Ben Klayman of Reuters hears that the price is slightly lower than the original bid of $900MM.

This move could give the Cubs the financial flexibility to take on salary at the deadline.