M’s Still Need Long Term Deal For Hernandez
Ryan Divish of The News Tribune says the Mariners must find a way to sign Felix Hernandez to a long-term contract extension. Divish says simply, "There is no pitcher in the organization who is comparable in terms of talent or potential. None. He’s an ace, a front-of-the-rotation horse who doesn’t come around often. And you need to keep him."
Hernandez is making $3.8MM this season and is under club control until 2011. Obviously the M's want to get this done. In March 2008, they reportedly made an offer but talks seemingly stagnated. Before 2008, $15-17MM seemed a fair amount to buy out his arbitration years. So far in 2009, Hernandez's price tag has surely increased and it's scary to think he could improve further. Divish notes,
Holliday, Angels A Good Fit?
Bill Shaikin of the LA Times wonders if Matt Holliday could wind up with the Halos, whether this season or next. Last offseason, Holliday rented a home in Laguna Beach and, says Shaikin,
He notes that Scott Boras' negotiation style "clashes with the quick-strike style of Angels owner Arte Moreno."
Odds & Ends: O’s, Josh Johnson, Yankees, Red Sox
A busy Sunday morning has made for some some discussable items from around the league:
- Rick Dempsey of MASN is excited by the Orioles future and says it is undoubtedly time for the team to trade, highlighting George Sherrill, Jeremy Guthrie, Brian Roberts, Aubrey Huff, and Melvin Mora.
- Carlos Frias of the Palm Beach Post notes A.J. Burnett has regrets over leaving the Marlins and burning his bridges in the process.
- After Josh Johnson beat the Yankees yesterday, Mike Feinsand of the New York Daily News says, "Hope you got a good look, Yankees fans. You may have been watching your future ace."
- River Ave. Blues thinks trading Xavier Nady makes sense despite Buster Olney having said, "The Yankees are unlikely to trade Nick Swisher of Xavier Nady after Nady returns."
- Not a trade rumor, but Manny Ramirez is set to begin a minor-league stint on Tuesday in Albuquerque, says The Tribune-Review.
- Amalie Benjamin of the Boston Globe says (via Twitter, of course) "Daisuke [Matsuzaka] to DL. [Catching prospect] Dusty Brown up with the team for the first time." She continues, "About to talk to Daisuke. Will get quotes to you shortly. [Sox manager Terry Francona] said he doesn't think this will be a two-week DL." While the Sox still have rotation depth, this surely effects any perceived sense of urgency to deal.
Braves Rumors: David O’Brien Discusses
CMSB Media had David O'Brien from the Atlanta Journal Constitution on their radio show yesterday.
O'Brien suggests despite overpaying for Derek Lowe, the deal has worked out favorably for the Braves. O'Brien finds the Braves not acquiring Jake Peavy to be a blessing in disguise and says if the Braves are going to make a move it won't be one that takes on a whole lot of salary.
A quote from the interview:
"It's hard to say because they won't just come out and say, 'We have $7MM to spend.' … They don't want to go past a certain amount and with attendance down, revenues down, I'd be surprised if they took on another big salary. I think they'd have to do more of trading prospects to get a guy, a younger player, who doesn't have a big salary or a guy who's going to be a free agent that doesn't have much left on his contract…"
O'Brien also discusses the John Smoltz fallout, and the worst walk-out music on the Braves ("These guys have no taste in music really."). Give it a listen.
O’Dowd Quells Hawpe Rumors
Rockies GM Dan O'Dowd is snuffing out rumors that the Rockies would trade Brad Hawpe if the price is right, according to Patrick Saunders of the Denver Post. Saunders writes,
The Rockies have six weeks to evaluate their competitive chances before the non-waiver trade deadline. Baseball Prospectus gives the Rockies a 27.5% chance of making the playoffs. Hawpe said he would void his $10MM 2011 club option and become a free agent if he's dealt.
Odds & Ends: Buchholz, Nats, O’s, Rays
A few bits and pieces from around the web:
- According to Daniel Barbarisi of the Providence Journal, the Red Sox are "shrugging off" comments made by Clay Buchholz that may have been blown out of proportion. "Whenever they come to a problem, they seem like they find a way to fix it without me being in the picture. It is what it is — it's frustrating at times," said Buchholz. Terry Francona called the comment one throwaway line in "a really mature interview."
- The AP reports Nats' manager Manny Acta has no worries about being fired despite reports that that he'll be replaced by bench coach Jim Riggleman.
- Eight draft picks were signed by the Orioles, all players selected between rounds 12 and 45, says Dan Connolly of the Baltimore Sun.
- Cheng Sio of MLB.com reports the Rays signed 14 of their draft picks, all collegiate level players taken in the 12th round or later.
Jonathan Sanchez’s Trade Value Dropping
Brian Sabean once said he couldn't imagine trading Jonathan Sanchez. Now he may not be able to. Andrew Baggarly of the San Jose Mercury News says the lefty flamethrower's stock has declined sharply. Baggarly writes:
Baggarly says the Indians reported interest "has cooled" and that teams view Sanchez as more of a bullpen arm. Baggarly adds,
Giants Option Burriss To Triple A
San Francisco just shook things up. Henry Schulman of the San Francisco Gate reports the team optioned Emmanuel Burriss to Triple A Fresno and purchased the contract of Matt Downs, a 25-year old infielder. Burriss had been without a hit since June 4. Schulman writes,
Catcher Steve Holm was DFA'd to make space for Downs on the 40-man.
Discussion: What Should The Tigers Do?
With Carlos Guillen's season in jeopardy due to a disclosed shoulder injury, and the AL Central very much up for grabs, Rob Neyer wonders if the Tigers will now be motivated to trade for an impact hitter. Neyer notes Detroit's left field ranks 13th in the AL in OPS and their internal options are not the solution.
The Tigers are ready to deal and can add payroll, as reported earlier today by Drew Sharp. But do they need hitting or pitching?
Mario Impemba, the Tigers play-by-play announcer thinks the Tigers "have some hard decisions to make in the upcoming weeks or so and I think they'll make them," reports James Schmehl of MLive.com.
It wouldn't be unconscionable to see Dontrelle Willis be released, and for the Tigers to devour his $10MM owed in '09 and $12MM in '10. Armando Galarraga continues to get hit hard. Impemba also notes Rick Porcello's arm needs to be protected and the youngster can't be relied on to throw 200 innings. Yet Impemba feels the Tigers won't win if Miguel Cabrera, Placido Polanco, and Magglio Ordonez don't meet expectations.
It seems logical to slot Zach Miner into the rotation for Willis or Galarraga, but what else can the team do? If a left field power bat is what they need, and they're willing to expand payroll, could Matt Holliday (if available) be a realistic option? Brad Hawpe? Or do they need pitching more? The Tigers are currently in first place, three games up on the Twins in the AL Central.
Jesse Crain Optioned To Triple A
Joe Christensen reports Jesse Crain has been optioned to Triple-A Rochester to make room for Glen Perkins, back from the DL. Crain carries a cumbersome 8.15 ERA and is returning to the minors for the first time since 2004.
Christensen notes that should Denard Span need to go on the DL, "it sounded like the team would promote an outfielder." So Crain may not soon be back. In 2009, he is making $1.7MM in the final year of his 3 year, $3.5MM deal, with one year of arbitration remaining.