Mets Have No Plans To Make A Major Trade
ESPN Radio's Andrew Marchand hears from an MLB official that the Mets have no plans to make major trades right now. (Hat Tip: MetsBlog) Instead, they're content to wait for the returns of Jose Reyes, Carlos Beltran, John Maine, Oliver Perez and Carlos Delgado.
Top Bonus Candidates
Baseball America's Ben Badler predicts which players will receive the biggest bonuses once the international signing period begins tomorrow. As he says, the players are ranked by how much they'll likely receive, not by their talent.
- Miguel Angel Sano
- Wagner Mateo - set to sign with the Cardinals for $3.1MM
- Gary Sanchez
- Guillermo Pimentel
- Jose Vinicio - set to sign with the Red Sox for $2MM
These are the top international prospects and the number to beat is Michael Ynoa's $4.25MM 2008 bonus.
International Free Agent Update
Tomorrow marks the start of the international signing period and ESPN.com's Jorge Arangure Jr. has the latest with just hours to go:
- The Red Sox are big spenders, as they've already set up six-figure deals with three players. Jose Vinicio's $2MM bonus is the biggest, but watch out for Raul Alcantara, who could be the biggest sleeper of this year's group. A rival scouting director said the righty might be better than Michael Ynoa.
- Trainer Edgar Mercedes has a lot of clout on the international scene as a representative for Ynoa, Wagner Mateo and others.
- The recession hasn't stopped teams from spending big.
- If it turns out that Miguel Angel Sano is just 16 look for the Orioles to compete with the Twins and Pirates for his services. Baltimore could out-bid the others, but doesn't have the same personal relationship with the Dominican shortstop.
- Arangure Jr. tweets that the Yankees will announce the signing of catcher Gary Sanchez at a press conference tomorrow evening.
Marlins Considering Bullpen Options
The Miami Herald reports that the Marlins are considering George Sherrill and Luis Ayala as they look to improve an injury-depleted bullpen. There's also confirmation of Jon Heyman's weekend report that the Marlins discussed Joakim Soria and Heath Bell.
Rosenthal On Holliday, Lee, Jays
On the MLB Network, Ken Rosenthal says he wouldn't be surprised to see the Indians deal Cliff Lee. Here are the details and the rest of his rumors:
- There's a good chance Matt Holliday will be dealt, though the A's aren't shopping him now. They say they'd have to be impressed to deal him, but Rosenthal suggests this is just a more subtle way of asking for offers.
- Several GMs believe Billy Beane will trade Holliday this month.
- Rosenthal isn't sure Cliff Lee will be in Cleveland for the rest of the year. He says the Indians aren't going to sign him when he becomes a free agent after 2010, so if someone offers the young top-of-the-rotation starter the Indians are looking for, they could deal their ace.
- Victor Martinez is less likely to be dealt, as the Indians would consider keeping him after 2010, when they're expected to pick up his option.
- There's no chance Vernon Wells gets traded.
- Alex Rios, however, could appeal to some teams as a center fielder, so there's a chance he's moved.
Twins Beginning To Seek Bullpen Help
The Twins are looking for relief pitching, according to MLB.com's Kelly Thesier, but their search is just beginning. Manager Ron Gardenhire's been using R.A. Dickey in the eighth inning, but he'd like one more reliever for the late innings. At this point, Gardenhire says the team will wait to see who becomes available.
Odds And Ends: Pirates, Glaus, Melvin
Happy Canada Day to all of our Canadian readers from our Canadian writer! Now for some links…
- This week's chat will take place today at 2pm CST.
- Joel Sherman of the New York Post says Omar Minaya has been negligent when it comes to filling out his roster with talented role players.
- Troy Glaus is ready to start rehabbing, according to Joe Strauss of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. There's been speculation that the Cards could trade Glaus when he returns, but they could use his bat, too.
- The Pirates signed another Taiwanese high schooler, Hsu Chi-wei, according to East Windup Chronicle.
- Former D'Backs and Mariners manager Bob Melvin will accept an unspecified job with the Padres, according to MLB.com's Corey Brock.
- Jorge Says No! takes a closer look at the Atlantic League to determine which players could make an impact oh a big league roster.
Olney On Pirates, Marlins, Escobar
ESPN.com's Buster Olney says yesterday's Pirates-Yankees trade proves we're looking at a buyer's market this year. The Pirates had to include $400k to shed part of Eric Hinske's salary, and they won't be the only ones including salary relief in trades. Here are the rest of Olney's rumors:
- The suitors for players like Nick Johnson and Josh Willingham may start disappearing if the few teams who can take on salary decide to look elsewhere for help.
- Olney says the Pirates acquired potential success in Lastings Milledge.
- The Marlins are still looking aggressively for relievers.
- Now that Mike Lowell's out, the Red Sox and Rockies seem to match up well for a possible deal that would send Garrett Atkins to Boston for a reliever.
- The Braves are willing to trade Yunel Escobar for a good hitter.
Orioles Sign Matt Hobgood
TUESDAY, 5:08pm: Hobgood received a bonus of $2.42MM, according to PGCrossChecker.com.
SATURDAY, 2:19pm: MLB.com's Spencer Fordin reports the Orioles will introduce Hobgood at a press conference scheduled for 5:30pm ET.
FRIDAY, 4:58pm: The Orioles will sign first round pick Matt Hobgood tomorrow, according to Peter Schmuck of the Baltimore Sun. Schmuck doesn't have the terms of the deal, but they should become available after tomorrow's press conference. Click here to see the bonuses received by some of Hobgood's fellow first-rounders.
Pirates Trade Reactions
Jack Wilson is unhappy with the deal that sent Nyjer Morgan and Sean Burnett to Washington, according to Dejan Kovacevic of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Wilson argues that the majority of the Pirates' recent moves haven't worked out and says many current Pirates won't be around long enough to enjoy any positives from Neal Huntington's changes.