Dan Mennella | MLB Trade Rumors

NL Central Notes: Lopez, Brewers, Snyder

By Dan Mennella | August 27, 2011 at 7:30pm CDT

A few items of note out of the NL Central, where the first-place Brewers owned a 9.5-game lead entering Saturday's action:

Brewers GM Doug Melvin said he's giving infielder Felipe Lopez time to look for a job with another team before he must accept an assignment to Triple-A, tweets Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. Lopez was recently designated for assignment, cleared waivers, and outrighted to Nashville.
Melvin also mentioned that the Brewers were awarded two waivers claims but were unable to reach agreement on trades to acquire the claimed players, Haudricourt reports (Twitter link). It sounds like the claimed players were lefty relievers, according to Haudricourt.
Pirates catcher Chris Snyder, on the DL since June, is hoping to return to action before the season's out, writes Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com. The Bucs hold a $6.75MM option ($750K buyout) on Snyder for 2012, and Langosch speculates that while the Pirates may not find the option attractive, they might be interested in buying it out and re-signing Snyder at a lower cost.

A’s Designate Jerry Blevins For Assignment

By Dan Mennella | August 27, 2011 at 6:03pm CDT

The Athletics have designated lefty Jerry Blevins for assignment, tweets Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle.

As with Blevins' previous three DFAs this season, he is removed from Oakland's 25-man roster but remains on its 40-man, so the move is procedural and does not expose him to other teams. Blevins was removed from the active roster to make room for Graham Godfrey, who was slated to start Game 2 of the Athletics' doubleheader in Boston.

Blevins has shuttled between Oakland and the minors for parts of five seasons, posting a 4.00 ERA, 1.40 WHIP, 8.5 K/9 and 3.6 BB/9.

Indians, Twins In Trade Talks

By Dan Mennella | August 25, 2011 at 11:47am CDT

The Indians and Twins are engaged in trade talks, according to Buster Olney of ESPN.com (via Twitter). The Indians were awarded the claim on Jim Thome, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com. Thome has a full-no trade clause and would prefer to play for the Phillies, however. The Indians are hopeful of working out a deal for Thome, according to Danny Knobler of CBSSports.com.

Thome, 40, played for the Indians from 1991-2002. The newest member of the 600 homer club now has a .248/.357/.485 line with 12 home runs in 238 plate appearances for Minnesota. Cleveland designated hitter Travis Hafner is on the disabled list with a strained right foot, so Thome could be a fit for the Indians, the team for which he hit his first 334 home runs.

Ben Nicholson-Smith contributed to this post.

Initial Reactions To Jered Weaver’s Extension

By Dan Mennella | August 21, 2011 at 10:03pm CDT

The unexpected news of Jered Weaver's five-year extension with the Angels elicited a wide range of responses Sunday night. Here are some of the early takes from reporters and pundits:

The extension is a win for the Angels, tweets Scott Miller of CBSSports.com, as Weaver would have been in line for a big pay day after 2012.
Likewise, Bob Nightengale of USA Today thinks the extension is a "great deal" for the Angels (via Twitter).
It's not a steal for the Angels, according to Keith Law of ESPN.com (via Twitter), but he likes the deal for the team.
Weaver "took control" in his decision to remain in Anaheim long-term, tweets Lyle Spencer of MLB.com.
Ben Nicholson-Smith of MLBTR reminds us that while the contract appears favorable for the Halos, Weaver was still 14 months away from free agency (via Twitter).
Weaver could have commanded a nine-figure deal as a free agent, opines Buster Olney of ESPN.com (Twitter link). Olney commends Weaver for spurning the usual tack of Scott Boras clients, which is to go to free agency (via Twitter).
The no-trade clause in Weaver's deal is a "good get" by Scott Boras, tweets Troy Renck of the Denver Post, who notes that teams typically try to avoid them.
Weaver's deal sets a ceiling for free-agent-to-be C.J. Wilson, according to Evan P. Grant of the Dallas Morning News (via Twitter).
Weaver's extension sets a floor for Cole Hamels' contract talks, tweets Matt Gelb of the Philadelphia Inquirer. Hamels is a free agent after 2012.
Ubaldo Jimenez was seeking a similar deal with the Rockies before being traded to the Indians, according to Renck (Twitter link).

Angels Extend Jered Weaver

By Dan Mennella | August 21, 2011 at 7:48pm CDT

The Angels have signed ace Jered Weaver to a five-year, $85MM contract extension, according to Jon Heyman of SI.com (via Twitter). The deal includes a full no-trade clause, according to Tim Brown of Yahoo! Sports (via Twitter), and various "significant" bonuses for winning the Cy Young and MVP awards and for earning All-Star berths, writes Scott Miller of CBSSports.com.

Weaver, a Boras Corporation client, as MLBTR's Agency Database shows, was slated to hit free agency after 2012, so this extension buys out his final year of arbitration eligibility and four years of free agency at an average annual salary of $17.5MM. He earns $7.37MM in 2011 after losing an arbitration hearing with the Halos prior to this season. Tim Dierkes explained in May that Weaver could have earned as much as $15MM in 2012 after another round of arbitration.

Weaver's deal is similar in terms to the ones Felix Hernandez signed with the Mariners (five years, $78MM) and Justin Verlander (five years, $80MM) inked with the Tigers prior to the 2010 season, as noted by Heyman (Twitter). The difference, though, is that both Hernandez and Verlander had two remaining years of arbitration eligibility when they signed, whereas Weaver is nearer to free agency with only one remaining. The contract is the largest for a pitcher in Angels history, according to Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times (via Twitter).

As Jeff Passan of Yahoo! notes, the projected class of free-agent starters in 2013 is deep, headlined by Cole Hamels, Zack Greinke, Matt Cain, Shaun Marcum, John Danks, Anibal Sanchez and Francisco Liriano (Twitter link). So, perhaps Weaver and his representatives were motivated to get a jump on that market, as Boras Corporation clients typically go to free agency. Buster Olney of ESPN.com thinks Weaver could have fetched a nine-figure contract on the open market after 2012 (Twitter link).

The 28-year-old right-hander, the No. 12 overall pick in the 2004 draft, is in the midst of a career year, posting a 2.10 ERA (178 ERA+), 7.6 K/9 and 2.0 BB/9. He is among the favorites to win the American League Cy Young Award, along with Verlander and CC Sabathia of the Yankees.

The deal will be announced by the club on Tuesday.

Photo courtesy of Icon SMI.

MLBTR Originals: 8/14/11 – 8/20/11

By Dan Mennella | August 21, 2011 at 7:15pm CDT

A look back at the original pieces we published here at MLBTR last week …

Ben Nicholson-Smith interviewed three GM candidates: Ben Cherington, Al Avila, and Thad Levine.
On Thursday, Tim Dierkes was the first to report that the Pirates were discussing a multiyear deal with Jose Tabata, that it would have three club options, and that he parted ways with his previous agency.
Tim was first to report that the Braves signed righty Juan Jaime to a minor league deal that covers 2012.
The Nationals' decision to pass on Adam Dunn looks smart now, writes Ben.
The Boras Corporation will be busy as always this offseason. Here's a look ahead, courtesy of Tim.
What does it mean when a draft pick signs a Major League deal? Tim has you covered.
We been refreshing this ever-evolving list of players who have cleared waivers and can therefore be traded.
Here's a refresher on the various ways one can enjoy MLBTR.
The latest Elias Rankings Update is out!
Mike Napoli is having a great year on the heels of an offseason in which he was twice traded. Tim recounts those swaps.
Carlos Zambrano isn't the hottest trade commodity these days, but he could feasibly be moved for some other bad contracts, according to Tim.
Tim looked at some lefty relievers the Yankees and Phillies could reasonably acquire.
Being a Type A Free Agent ain't all it's cracked up to be, and Tim looks at which guys that distinction could hurt.
Who might be non-tendered this offseason? Tim has a look.
Here's the transcript to the weekly MLBTR Chat with Tim.
Ben has a closer look at trade candidate Hideki Matsui.
Howard Megdal writes about the similarities between Hunter Pence and Rondell White.
Baseball Blogs Weigh In makes its weekly appearance, courtsey of Mike Axisa. Among the hot topics: Jim Thome, The Draft, and the Angels.

Week In Review: 8/14/11 – 8/20/11

By Dan Mennella | August 21, 2011 at 6:19pm CDT

A look back at the week that was here at MLBTR …

Monday's deadline to sign selections from June's draft came and went, with its usual flurry of last-minute announcements. Here's the complete list of first and supplemental rounders who signed.
The Cubs dismissed longtime general manager Jim Hendry.
The Pirates extended outfielder Jose Tabata and began discussing an extension with second baseman Neil Walker.
The Royals extended outfielder Jeff Francoeur.
The Tigers acquired outfielder Delmon Young in exchange for righty reliever Lester Oliveros.
Cubs right-hander Carlos Zambrano had a grievance filed on his behalf by the MLBPA after being placed on the disqualified list last week.
The Rockies acquired lefty Drew Pomeranz from the Indians to complete the Ubaldo Jimenez trade.
Similarly, the Mariners acquired reliever Chance Ruffin from the Tigers to complete the trade that sent Doug Fister and David Pauley to Detroit.
Rockies starter Jason Hammel became a likely trade candidate this offseason.
The Yankees and other teams were reportedly scouting Athletics right-hander Rich Harden.
The Astros placed three notable players on waivers: Wandy Rodriguez, Brett Myers and Clint Barmes.
The Athletics placed three players — Harden, Craig Breslow and Coco Crisp — on waivers, too.
Braves third baseman Chipper Jones announced he will return for 2012. Former Yankee Orlando Hernandez announced his retirement.
The Mets pulled back Jason Isringhausen, Tim Byrdak and Scott Hairston after they were claimed on waivers.
The Yankees claimed left-hander Aaron Laffey on waivers from the Mariners, designating Gustavo Molina for assignment in a corresponding roster move. They also claimed lefty reliever Raul Valdes from the Cardinals.
The Rangers acquired right-handed reliever Tim Wood from the Pirates.
The Astros acquired Domingo Santana to complete the Hunter Pence trade with the Phillies.
A handful of players were plucked off the scrap heap: The Blue Jays signed Kyle Davies to a minor league contract. The Braves signed Juan Jaime to a minor league contract after he was released by the Diamondbacks. The Braves signed infielder Wes Helms. The Rockies signed left-hander J.C. Romero.
Some other familiar faces were sent packing: The Astros released right-hander Nelson Figueroa. The Indians released outfielder Austin Kearns. The Rockies released first baseman Mike Jacobs. The White Sox released right-hander Brian Bruney. The Phillies released a pair of former big leaguers: Jack Cust and Aaron Heilman. The Yankees released pitchers Buddy Carlyle and Greg Smith.
Seven players were removed from their respective teams' 40-man rosters by being designated for assignment: Randy Williams (Red Sox), Kevin Mulvey (Diamondbacks), Trever Miller (Blue Jays), Luis Lebron (Orioles), Pat Neshek (Padres), Reggie Willits (Angels) and Edgar Gonzalez (Rockies).

Draft Links: Callis’ Recap, Bonuses, Cubs

By Dan Mennella | August 18, 2011 at 3:00pm CDT

Monday's deadline to sign selections from June's First-Year Player Draft has come and gone, but there's plenty of reactions and analysis still to be had. Here's some of the latest:

Baseball America's Jim Callis has written up a draft recap, the big takeaway being that teams spent a lot of money on amateur players in 2011. Callis lists the biggest deals in the early, middle and late rounds, as well as the notable picks who did not sign. All told, teams spent a record $236MM combined.
If you're into charts, Callis has a whole gang of cool ones within this piece, including the biggest bonuses in draft history, the largest big league contracts in draft history, team bonus expenditures for the past three years, and this year's top 50 bonuses vs. slot. Nice, comprehensive work there by Callis and BA, to compile all that data.
The Cubs were among the big spenders in this year's draft, and it gave us a glimpse into what their long-term plan may be under the ownership of the Ricketts family, writes Phil Rogers of the Chicago Tribune.
Steve Melewski of MASNSports.com wonders, what makes a good draft? He spoke to Callis about it recently, and the answer is fascinating. Only 10-12 percent of the guys who are drafted and signed will make it to the bigs, so if a team can produce two big leaguers in one draft, that year is a success.

Mariners Outright French To Triple-A

By Dan Mennella | August 18, 2011 at 1:58pm CDT

THURSDAY: French has cleared waivers, and the Mariners have outrighted him to Triple-A Tacoma, according to a club release.

SATURDAY: The Mariners have designated lefty Luke French for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster for Wily Mo Pena, according to Greg Johns of MLB.com (via Twitter).

In 31 career big league appearances (25 starts), French owns a 4.99 ERA, 1.50 WHIP, 4.6 K/9 and 3.3 BB/9. The 25-year-old lefty has not yet appeared in the Majors this season, making 23 starts with Triple-A Tacoma.

French was selected in the eighth round of the 2004 draft by the Tigers, with whom he made his big league debut in 2009. He was acquired by Seattle in the deal that sent Jarrod Washburn to Detroit prior to the non-waiver trade deadline in 2009.

League Notes: Selig, Astros, HGH, Draft Slots

By Dan Mennella | August 18, 2011 at 1:45pm CDT

With the owners meeting in Cooperstown, N.Y., this week, there's plenty of administrative items of note to pass along. Here's the latest:

One conversation that has come up frequently at the meetings is how long Bud Selig will remain MLB commissioner and who his successor will be, writes Ken Davidoff of Newsday. Davidoff speculates that the 77-year-old Selig, currently signed through 2012, will serve one more term before stepping down. Davidoff names following as potential successors: former MLB executive Bob DuPuy, Mets GM Sandy Alderson, D'Backs president Derrick Hall, former Braves and Nationals president Stan Kasten, Orioles president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail, and current MLB executive Rob Manfred.
As expected, the potential sale of the Astros from Drayton McLane to Jim Crane wasn't even addressed during the meetings, the Associated Press reports. We learned last night that no one is questioning Crane's viability, but Selig has declined to comment on the exact cause of the holdup, so there is some kind of disconnect here. Ken Rosenthal and Jon Paul Morosi of FOXSports.com examined the situation a couple days back.
In the wake of former Rockies minor leaguer Mike Jacobs' positive test and subsequent release, Selig said today he would like to see HGH testing in the Major Leagues, too, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today (via Twitter). I wondered in that post whether HGH testing would come up during negotiations for the new CBA this offseason, but I think this pretty much answers that. Expect to hear more about it this winter.
Another issue that figures to come up during CBA negotiations is draft slotting. Jayson Stark of ESPN.com reported yesterday that Selig has promised to the owners the implimentation of a hard-slotting system for draft bonuses, whereby each pick would be signed for a predetermined sum. Danny Knobler of CBSSports.com, for one, thinks this is a bad idea, as it will scare away premium athletes like the Royals' Bubba Starling, who could choose to play in the NFL or NBA rather than MLB (Twitter links).

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