Dan Mennella | MLB Trade Rumors

Poll: The Padres And Heath Bell

By Dan Mennella | August 4, 2011 at 5:04pm CDT

It came as something of a surprise when the Padres retained closer Heath Bell at Sunday's non-waiver trade deadline. A pending free agent on a small-market club, Bell was considered the favorite among relievers on this July's trade market to find a new home.

However, no suitor could meet the Padres' asking price, apparently, which is reported to have been some player (or players) the Friars deemed to be of equal value to the two compensatory draft picks they'd receive in the offseason if Bell were to sign elsewhere after turning down arbitration.

The situation has grown complicated for the Padres, however, as Buster Olney of ESPN.com and Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com explained in separate pieces today. After the deadline, Bell said he'd accept arbitration if the Padres offered it to him, which would not be cost effective for a team on a tight budget. After all, Bell, 34 in September, could earn as much as $12-13MM in 2012 after another trip through arbitration.

The Padres also don't seem especially inclined to offer him a long-term deal — even at a discount — because he's said since Spring Training that he'd take one, and yet none has come to fruition. The others options are to trade him this month after putting him on waivers, which is not easy and compromises bargaining leverage, or to perhaps release Bell after going through arbitration if the price is exorbitant, a scenario put forth by Tom Krasovic of Inside The Padres.

If you're wondering about the fantasy ramifications of this situation, check out the post I wrote up today over at CloserNews.com.

Anyway, what would you do if you were the Padres?

CloserNews.com Is Looking For Writers

By Dan Mennella | August 1, 2011 at 10:05am CDT

Last year, we created the @closernews Twitter feed, a must-follow for fantasy junkies who are looking for an edge in the saves and holds categories. Presently, it has 8,800 followers and is still growing. Then, in July, we officially launched CloserNews.com, a place where we could expound on all the information found in the Twitter feed.

After only a few few weeks, the early returns on CloserNews.com are promising, and now we're looking for a few motivated, strong writers to contribute to the site as we build it into a must-read for fantasy fans.

Ideal candidates will:

have some college education
be familiar with Twitter and RSS feeds
be baseball and fantasy experts
be strong writers whose copy requires minimal or no editing

This position is unpaid with the potential to become paid as the site grows. So, it's probably best for someone who is breaking into sportswriting — either as recent or soon-to-be grad, or someone changing careers.

If interested, please submit a writing sample to closernewshelp@gmail.com. The piece should be roughly 300 words and written in a style similar to the posts published at CloserNews.com. It can be a reaction to news or an original analysis piece. As well, tell us briefly about yourself and why you'd be a good fit.

The Trade Deadline At CloserNews.com

By Dan Mennella | July 31, 2011 at 4:30pm CDT

In conjunction with the popular Twitter feed @closernews, CloserNews.com had its firm launch in July, which proved to be both an exciting and extremely busy time. Because of the wealth of high-profile relievers who were candidates to be dealt before today's 3 pm CT non-waiver trade deadline, there was no shortage of material to cover, regardless of which deals ultimately came to fruition. Chasing saves, after all, sometimes demands hitting the waiver wire in anticipation of a bullpen shakeup, so it can be a chess match of considering all the speculative moves in advance.

Here's a look back at the month that was at CloserNews.com — the deals that were done, some that weren't, and the closer-related fantasy fallout.

The Brewers acquired Francisco Rodriguez from the Mets. K-Rod waived his option, seemingly clearing the path for him to steal some save opps from John Axford, but it hasn't played out that way.
Many expected Bobby Parnell to close for the Mets in K-Rod's stead, but the job ultimately went to Jason Isringhausen, whom the Mets said early they wouldn't trade.
The Cardinals acquired Marc Rzepczynski and Octavio Dotel, and moved starter Kyle McClellan to the bullpen, setting up a potential closer-by-committee.
The Rangers pulled off two notable acquisitions. First, they dealt for Koji Uehara of the Orioles, then they added Mike Adams of the Padres. It looks like both right-handers will set up for closer Neftali Feliz, however.
The Marlins were rumored to be selling closer Leo Nunez, but those talks died down, and the Fish may in fact keep Nunez into 2012. Edward Mujica would have been the handcuff, according to manager Jack McKeon.
The Tigers acquired setup man David Pauley from the Mariners, probably diminishing his value in holds leagues.
The Mariners considered trading closer Brandon League but ultimately decided against it.
The Nationals were mulling a deal with the Twins involving closer Drew Storen in their pursuit of a center fielder, but it never came to fruition.
Rays closer Kyle Farnsworth, who has reinvented himself the past couple years, was a trade candidate, but with a favorable team option in 2012, Tampa Bay kept him.

Mets Sign Michael Fulmer

By Dan Mennella | July 24, 2011 at 11:09pm CDT

The Mets have signed supplemental first round round pick Michael Fulmer for $937.5K, according to Jim Callis of Baseball America. The sides first agreed to terms on June 24, which Fulmer announced on Twitter.

Fulmer, a right-handed pitcher out of Deer Creek High School in Oklahoma, was ranked the No. 45 overall prospect by Baseball America and was selected by the Mets at No. 44 overall. Callis reports the deal is the largest for a player outside of the first round of this year's draft. The $937.5K is $160.8K more than the commissioner's office's recommended slot amount of $776.7K for the 44th overall pick.

The Mets were awarded the compensatory draft pick at No. 44 when left-handed reliever Pedro Feliciano, a type B free agent, signed with the Yankees last offseason. Fulmer was committed to play college ball at Arkansas.

Quick Hits: Trade Market, Giambi, Pirates

By Dan Mennella | July 24, 2011 at 10:45pm CDT

Some late-night linkage as the Reds walk off on the Braves on a Drew Stubbs blast …

The trade market is slow taking shape this year, and one GM tells Scott Miller of CBSSports.com that too many teams are intent on making the perfect trade or scared of making a bad one. Miller also suggests that trade talks were slow this weekend because many top executives were in Cooperstown, N.Y., for induction ceremonies at the Baseball Hall of Fame.
The Rockies may trade first baseman Jason Giambi before the deadline, though Troy Renck of the Denver Post wouldn't be surprised if Colorado were to re-sign the slugger in the offseason (via Twitter).
Pirates GM Neal Huntington says asking prices are high for a bat, and he thinks potential trade partners are using the Bucs' first successful season in nearly two decades as leverage, according to Laura Myers of MLB.com.

Poll: Beltran Or Upton?

By Dan Mennella | July 24, 2011 at 9:30pm CDT

Tonight's post regarding the emergence of B.J. Upton on the outfield trade market has already prompted a lengthy, and still growing, discussion thread among our faithful readers.

In short, the Mets have new competition in their quest to trade their premium outfielder, Carlos Beltran, in the form of the Rays and Upton. Because of the complicated circumstances surrounding a potential Beltran trade, interest is shifting toward Upton, according to Ken Rosenthal and Jon Paul Morosi of FOXSports.com.

Beltran might be more attractive because he's a better hitter than Upton. However, questions remain about Beltran's defense in the outfield, as he's probably best suited for work in a corner spot. As well, he's a free agent at season's end, and his contract includes a stipulation that he may not be offered arbitration, meaning teams will be reluctant to part with top prospects for a two-month rental who won't yield compensatory draft picks. Upton, meanwhile, is a better defender, is a pure center fielder, and is under team control through 2012.

If you were a team searching for an outfielder, would you pursue Beltran or Upton?

Rays Saying They Won’t Trade James Shields

By Dan Mennella | July 24, 2011 at 8:32pm CDT

The Rays are telling teams that they won't trade starter James Shields, according to Danny Knobler of CBSSports.com (via Twitter).

It seemed all along that there was a better chance of Shields remaining in Tampa than being traded. Jon Heyman of SI.com reported earlier today that some teams "remained hopeful" despite the Rays telling the Yankees that Shields wouldn't be traded. Jayson Stark of ESPN.com wrote on Friday that B.J. Upton was more likely to be traded than Shields, and Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com wrote on Wednesday that the Rays could trade Shields in the offseason rather than now.

Of course, this could be a ploy by the Rays to jack up their asking price. Tim Dierkes examined this possibility last week, as John Perrotto of Baseball Prospectus reported that the Rays had quietly been letting teams know that Shields was available at the right — presumably a very high — price.

Shields is in the midst of a career year, posting a 2.53 ERA, 1.011 WHIP, 8.7 K/9 and 2.3 BB/9 in the tough AL East. Barring a catastrophic final two months or an injury, his trade stock should remain pretty high in the offseason, should the Rays choose to shop him. He's under contract through 2011, and the Rays have club options on him for 2012-14.

MLBTR Originals: 7/17/11 – 7/23/11

By Dan Mennella | July 24, 2011 at 8:03pm CDT

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

A list of players with 10-and-5 rights, by Tim Dierkes.
The price to acquire Padres reliever Mike Adams prompted a post by Tim.
Tim looked at starting pitcher trade candidates by SIERA.
The Royals have a handful of trade candidates, and Tim correctly identified Wilson Betemit as one.
Don't sleep on the wounded as potential trade candidates. Tim had a look at those guys.
Tim compiled the respective wish lists for each contender based on published reports.
The latest Elias rankings update was posted, courtesy of Ben Nicholson-Smith.
Howard Megdal had his usual humorous look at Columbia Lions who've reached the bigs.
Tim conducted the weekly MLBTR chat. Check out the transcript in case you missed it.
MLBTR is the place to be for all things trade deadline. Here's a refresher on how to get around the site, and here are our Twitter, Facebook and RSS feeds.
Mike Axisa rounded up this week's best from the baseball blogosphere. Among the hot topics: Derrick Hall, Carlos Beltran, Clint Barmes and the Cubs.

Upton Emerging As Alternative Target To Beltran

By Dan Mennella | July 24, 2011 at 6:53pm CDT

While the trade rumors continue to simmer regarding Mets outfielder Carlos Beltran, his full no-trade clause and pending free agency are making talks between the Mets and trade suitors sticky. As a result, Rays center fielder B.J. Upton is emerging as an alternative trade target, according to Ken Rosenthal and Jon Paul Morosi of FOXSports.com.

The Giants, considered one of the leading candidates to land Beltran from the Mets, are among the teams now showing interest in Upton. The Indians, too, are interested, and the Braves, Phillies and Rangers could be, according to Rosenthal. Though Beltran is the superior offensive player of the two, Upton is better defensively and under team control through 2012, and the Giants or other suitors would therefore be more likely to part with a top prospect for him.

San Francisco is using Nate Schierholtz as its primary right fielder presently, so Rosenthal speculates that the addition of Upton to center field could lead to a platoon between Andres Torres and Cody Ross, players with complementary batting splits, in left field.

Earlier this evening, we learned that Beltran has privately told the Mets he will not accept a trade to an American League team, so between that and Upton apparently being made available on the trade market, it would seem Beltran's value may be taking a hit. The Nationals have long been rumored to be interested in acquiring in Upton, and Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe wrote today that the Nats are considering "offering the moon" for Upton.

Week In Review: 7/17/11 – 7/23/11

By Dan Mennella | July 24, 2011 at 6:38pm CDT

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

The Giants acquired infielder Jeff Keppinger from the Astros.
The Tigers acquired third baseman Wilson Betemit from the Royals.
The Pirates signed right-handed reliever Jason Grilli.
The Mets became certain that they won't trade shortstop Jose Reyes.
The Dodgers became "open for business" as sellers.
Padres owner Jeff Moorad reportedly told reliever Mike Adams that he wouldn't be traded, though that was later refuted.
Cubs GM Jim Hendry explained his deadline approach. The North Siders became willing to eat a large chunk of Alfonso Soriano's contract if someone would take him off their hands.
The Giants became the leaders in the sweepstakes to land Mets outfielder Carlos Beltran.
Cardinals GM John Mozeliak called a Colby Rasmus trade highly unlikely, though the rumors persist.
Dodgers starter Hiroki Kuroda was uncertain about waiving his blanket no-trade clause. The Tigers, for one, were interested.
Rays starter James Shields may have become available to trade suitors. The Yankees, for one, checked in on the right-hander. Outfielder B.J. Upton was in the same boat.
The Red Sox expressed interest in signing Jacoby Ellsbury to a contract extension. Boston owner John Henry predicted a quiet deadline for his club.
The Astros showed a willingness to deal outfielder Hunter Pence. The Pirates were among the teams eyeing Pence.
The Mariners signed 16-year-old Venezuelan pitching prospect Victor Sanchez.
The Reds also signed a 16-year-old Venezuelan pitcher, Jonathan Perez. The righty was inked for $825K.
The Pirates were also thought to be interested in Orioles setup man Koji Uehara, as were the Twins. Pittsburgh also discussed a package with the A's involving Josh Willingham and Craig Breslow.
The Braves became intent on acquiring another hitter.
The Reds had a few notable players on their radar: Wandy Rodriguez, Chone Figgins and Coco Crisp. The Indians were also interested in acquiring Crisp.
The Orioles and shortstop J.J. Hardy finalized a contract extension.
The Indians were rumored to be seeking a starting pitcher and an outfielder.
The Rockies became willing to move one of their relief pitchers, including closer Huston Street.
The Phillies and Marlins discussed a trade involving Florida closer Leo Nunez. Philly was also engaged in talks with the Royals regarding outfielder Melky Cabrera.
The Tigers expressed interested in acquiring Orioles starter Jeremy Guthrie. They also expressed interest in Aaron Harang, as did the Tribe.
The Rockies were not actively shoppin Chris Iannetta, but the Indians and Pirates expressed interest in the catcher.
The Red Sox checked in with the A's on right-hander Rich Harden.
The Diamondbacks released reliever Aaron Heilman, who then signed a minor league deal with the Phillies.
A slew of minor transactions came to pass. The Mets signed Fernando Perez. The Orioles acquired Zach Phillips from the Rangers. The Yankees signed Marcus Thames after he was released by the Dodgers. The Mets claimed Mike Baxter from the Padres.
As well, a handful of players were given their walking papers. The Rays designated Adam Russell for assignment. The Orioles designated Chorye Spoone for assignment. The Tigers designated Brandon Inge for assignment. The Nationals designated Chad Gaudin for assignment and then gave him his unconditional release. The Athletics designated Jerry Blevins for assignment. The Indians designated Jared Goedert for assignment. The Mets designated Nick Evans for assignment. The Phillies designated Danys Baez for assignment. The Blue Jays designated Jo Jo Reyes for assignment.

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