Mike Axisa | MLB Trade Rumors

Outrighted To Triple-A: Scott Richmond

By Mike Axisa | July 23, 2011 at 1:53pm CDT

Here are today's outright assignments…

The Blue Jays have outrighted Scott Richmond to Triple-A according to the Pacific Coast League transactions page. MLB.com's Gregor Chisholm notes that the 31-year-old lefty had been designated for assignment earlier this week. Richmond has made 18 starts for Toronto's Triple-A affiliate this year, posting a 6.80 ERA with 7.2 K/9 and 4.5 BB/9 in 95 1/3 innings. He retired the only batter he faced with the Jays on a fly ball back in April.

Yankees Rumors: Adams, Sabathia, Pitchers, Igawa

By Mike Axisa | July 23, 2011 at 12:54pm CDT

It's scorching hot in New York, but not as hot as the trade rumor circuit. Here are the latest Yankees' rumors…

There's a "big gap" between what the Padres are asking for Mike Adams and what the Yankees are willing to pay, reports ESPN's Buster Olney (on Twitter). He says a deal is unlikely.
In today's Insider-only blog post, Olney writes about CC Sabathia's impending opt-out clause, saying that the exclusive negotiating period between the end of the World Series and the start of free agency will be crucial to the team's efforts to bring back their ace.
Bob Klapisch of The Bergen Record says (on Twitter) that the Yankees are still leaning towards not trading for a starter even though Phil Hughes got hit around by the Athletics last night. Their next option is summoning Ivan Nova back from the minors.
Yankees GM Brian Cashman told Bill Pennington of The New York Times that he negotiated deals in 2008 and 2009 that would have let Kei Igawa return to Japan, but the lefty refused both times. Cashman also said he was prepared to trade Igawa to the Padres in 2007 after San Diego claimed him off waivers, but "ownership was not willing to let him go yet."

Blue Jays Designate Jo-Jo Reyes For Assignment

By Mike Axisa | July 23, 2011 at 12:17pm CDT

The Blue Jays have designated Jo-Jo Reyes for assignment according to the team (on Twitter). The move frees up a roster spot for Wil Ledezma, who was called up from Triple-A.

Reyes, 26, posted a 5.40 ERA in 110 innings across 20 starts this season. He struck out 5.2 batters per nine innings while walking 2.9 per nine. Opponents hit .306 off of him, the highest batting average against in baseball. Ledezma pitched to a 4.63 ERA in 46 2/3 relief innings for Toronto's Triple-A affiliate, though he struck out 63 while walking just 18 during that time.

Mets Notes: K-Rod, Starters, Capuano

By Mike Axisa | July 23, 2011 at 11:12am CDT

Carlos Beltran is getting most of the attention, but there are still plenty of other Mets that could be dealt before the deadline. Here's the latest from Flushing…

Before trading Francisco Rodriguez to the Brewers, the Mets spoke briefly to his former agent (Paul Kinzer) about reworking the closer's contract to include a "bi-level mutual option" according to SI.com's Jon Heyman (on Twitter).
Adam Rubin of ESPN New York hears that the recent signings of Miguel Batista and Gustavo Chacin don't necessary mean the Mets will trade a starting pitcher (Twitter link). Both Batista and Chacin are starting for the team's Triple-A affiliate.
Andy Martino of The New York Daily News reports (on Twitter) that it is "unlikely" the Mets will move any players other than Beltran, even free agents to be like Chris Capuano. They have interest in re-signing the lefty, who has a 4.16 ERA in 110 1/3 innings.

Minor Moves: Vazquez, Diamond

By Mike Axisa | July 23, 2011 at 8:48am CDT

Let's keep track of all the day's minor moves here…

The Blue Jays have released infielder Ramon Vazquez according to the Pacific Coast League transactions page. The 34-year-old hit .288/.367/.363 in 90 Triple-A plate appearances after signing a minor league deal in mid-June.
The Twins released right-hander Thomas Diamond according to the International League transactions page. Diamond, 28, pitched to a 8.25 ERA with 10.1 K/9 and 5.6 BB/9 in 24 innings for Minnesota's Triple-A affiliate after landing a minor league contract last month.

Baseball Blogs Weigh In: Hall, Beltran, Barmes, Cubs

By Mike Axisa | July 22, 2011 at 9:03pm CDT

The trade deadline is just over a week away, so let's round up the latest from the baseball corner of the internet…

MLB Reports interviewed Derrick Hall, President and CEO of the Diamondbacks.
NatsGM interviewed Seth Bernstein and Zach Warren, announcers for the Cotuit Kettleers of the Cape Cod League.
The Todd Van Poppel Rookie Card Retirement Plan explains how Jerry Blevins was designated for assignment but remained on the Athletics' 40-man roster.
Redleg Nation says the Reds should get serious about pursuing James Shields.
Tomahawk Talk says the Braves should trade Derek Lowe if the opportunity presents itself.
Brotherly Glove explains what J.J. Hardy's contract extension means for Jimmy Rollins.
D'Backs Central tells us what the Stephen Drew injury means for the Diamondbacks going forward.
Blogging Mets says the Mets shouldn't pay any part of Carlos Beltran's contract to trade him.
CitiField Nine wonders if the Mets could improve their pitching staff by moving Beltran.
Mets Paradise wonders why re-signing Beltran isn't an option for the Mets.
Splice Today thinks the Red Sox should consider adding offense before the deadline.
FanSpeak breaks down the players the Nationals could trade within the next week or so.
Clutch City Nine wonders if Clint Barmes will be the next Astro to go.
Orioles Nation breaks down Koji Uehara as a trade candidate.
COSFBA thinks Adrian Beltre is poised for a big second half.
Cubs Billy Goat Blog looks back at the deals the Cubs made at least year's deadline.
Tomahawk Take lists some under-the-radar observations about the Braves.
Wahoo Blues projected how Jason Kipnis will perform for the Indians.
85% Sports lists some bad Yankees trades from the 1980's.
Through The Fence Baseball looks at the favorites for the Rookie of the Year awards.
The Hardball Times explains why Danny Duffy should improve his performance down the stretch.
The McAuliffe Report compares Josh Reddick's 2011 to Jacoby Ellsbury's 2007.
Infield Chatter wrote about the Twins' recent surge in the AL Central standings.
Lookout Landing explains the problem with sabermetrics.

If you have a suggestion for this feature, Mike can be reached here. Only one email per week, please.

Quick Hits: Mariners, Slowey, Phillies

By Mike Axisa | July 21, 2011 at 11:48pm CDT

Here are some late night links as Thursday turns into Friday…

Ken Rosenthal and Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports spoke to rival executives who believe the only three Mariners off limits in trade talks are Felix Hernandez, Michael Pineda, and Dustin Ackley. Impending free agents like Adam Kennedy, Jack Wilson, and Jamey Wright are certainly on the block, but pitchers Jason Vargas, Brandon League, and Doug Fister would be the most interesting trade candidates.
The Blue Jays scouted Kevin Slowey's minor league rehab start on Wednesday night, tweets Morosi. They've had interest in him since Spring Training.
MLB.com's Todd Zolecki says the Phillies are unlikely to add both a reliever and a right-handed bat before the trade deadline. Healthy returns from Brad Lidge and Jose Contreras could be all the bullpen help they need.

Draft Links: Bauer, Phillies, Carpenter, Gretzky

By Mike Axisa | July 21, 2011 at 11:17pm CDT

Not long after the trade deadline is the draft signing deadline, so let's round up the latest on that front…

ESPN's Buster Olney reports (on Twitter) that the Diamondbacks have made progress in negotiations with first round pick Trevor Bauer. The third overall pick comes with a slot recommendation of $3MM.
The Phillies have signed 11th round pick Tyler Greene, reports Matt Gelb of The Philadelphia Inquirer (on Twitter). Greene, a high school shortstop, received an over-slot bonus after being considered one of the top 100 players in the draft by Baseball America.
The Rays have signed seventh rounder Ryan Carpenter for $200K, reports Jim Callis of Baseball America (on Twitter). MLB's slot recommendation is $150K, so the right-hander from Gonzaga got himself an extra $50K.
Bob Elliott of The Toronto Sun reports that the Cubs have signed seventh round pick Trevor Gretzky to an unknown signing bonus. His father is known for another sport; Wayne is the greatest hockey player in history.

AL Central Notes: Indians, Tigers, Twins, Avila

By Mike Axisa | July 21, 2011 at 7:49pm CDT

The Indians called up top prospect Jason Kipnis today, hoping that his .281/.363/.485 batting line in Triple-A will provide a boost for their big league offense. Let's see what else is going on around the division…

The Indians need a starter and a bat, but Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports says (on Twitter) that they are taking a conservative approach to the trade deadline.
Meanwhile, SI.com's Jon Heyman says (on Twitter) that the Indians' top two trade targets are Hiroki Kuroda and Aaron Harang. Earlier today we heard they were looking at Coco Crisp as well.
The Tigers are still not talking to the Astros about either Wandy Rodriguez or Brett Myers, reports Morosi (on Twitter). Earlier today we heard Houston is "making it clear" that they're willing to move Wandy.
Danny Knobler of CBS Sports reports that the Twins are dipping their toe in the bullpen market, and seek a reliever to pair with Joe Nathan and Matt Capps at the end of the game.
The AL Central is up for grabs, and MLB.com's Anthony Castrovince says the trade deadline could play a big part in determining who eventually wins the division.
ESPN's Jerry Crasnick wrote about the rise of Alex Avila, the Tigers 24-year-old All-Star catcher.

NL West Notes: Giambi, D’Backs, Ubaldo, Kuroda

By Mike Axisa | July 21, 2011 at 7:00pm CDT

The Padres sent Anthony Rizzo back to Triple-A today after he hit just .143/.282/.265 in a 117 plate appearance cameo. MLBTR's Tim Dierkes reports (on Twitter) that Kyle Blanks will get called up to take Rizzo's place after hitting a stout .351/.421/.716 in Triple-A. Let's recap the rest of the news out of the NL West…

"I'd be shocked if we didn’t make some trades," said Padres GM Jed Hoyer to Marty Caswell of XX1090 Sports Radio (Twitter link). "It'd be foolish not to get some prospects … we’re not in a position to have untouchables."
"There's not a lot of starting pitching depth in the trade market that is really appealing to us," said Diamondbacks GM Kevin Towers to MLB.com's Steve Gilbert (Twitter links). They are still focused on acquiring bullpen help.
Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports reports that the Rockies are drawing interest in Jason Giambi (Twitter link). Giambi's preference is to stay with Colorado, and they will consult him before making a move.
The Diamondbacks intend to replace Stephen Drew from within with the likes of Willie Bloomquist, Geoff Blum, and Cody Ransom according Rosenthal (Twitter links). Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports hears that Arizona isn't targeting Jack Wilson of the Mariners.
ESPN's Buster Olney says (on Twitter) that any move the D'Backs make will be geared towards 2012 as well as 2011. They won't trade prime pieces for rental players.
Teams are convinced that the availability of Rockies ace Ubaldo Jimenez is just a Justin Upton-esque "trial balloon," according to SI.com's Jon Heyman (on Twitter). That makes Hiroki Kuroda of the Dodgers the best pitcher on the market, but he may invoke his no-trade clause.
Meanwhile, Rosenthal tweets that Kuroda will decide whether or not to waive his no-trade clause on a case-by-case basis. He won't give the Dodgers a list of teams he'd accept/decline a trade to. MLB.com's Ken Gurnick wrote more on the right-hander's situation.

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