If The Marlins Decide To Sell
After losing their last two games, the Marlins are now seven games out in the NL East. The team had an interesting July, shipping off Jorge Cantu on the 30th and acquiring Will Ohman the following day. Their playoff chances stand at 5.8%, according to Baseball Prospectus, so it's not time to fold 'em yet. But if the Marlins do decide to sell later this month, what can they offer?
Forget about trades of Dan Uggla or Ricky Nolasco. The Marlins would like to extend the pair this winter, and August wouldn't be an ideal time to deal them anyway. Closer Leo Nunez probably will not be traded this month either.
Cody Ross could become available. The versatile 29-year-old outfielder is hitting .274/.326/.414 on the season, but has shown more power in the past. There's been speculation the Marlins might intend to non-tender Ross after the season, making a trade the best course if they fall out of contention. For that reason I'd expect them to wait to place Ross on waivers. The Phillies and Red Sox might still be interested, and there's also the possibility of a team claiming him with an eye on next year.
The Marlins could flip Ohman, though there are other southpaws out there who have been tougher on lefties. Wes Helms could be moved, though the Marlins are said to be high on him. Reliever Jose Veras would be interesting to some clubs, given his 94 mph fastball and 12.4 K/9. Veras cleared waivers in April, but teams are more desperate now.
Adam Dunn Placed On Waivers
Nationals slugger Adam Dunn was placed on waivers today, according to ESPN's Buster Olney. This was an entirely expected and standard move by Washington, as hundreds of players will hit the waiver wire this month. Teams have 48 hours to make a claim on Dunn. Once word of the winning claim comes in, things may get interesting, but there's a good chance the Nationals pull him back.
For a reminder on how waiver trades work, click here.
Odds & Ends: Westbrook, Beltre, Oliver Perez
Eight years ago today, the Diamondbacks signed amateur free agent Carlos Gonzalez out of Venezuela. Two major trades later, CarGo is establishing himself as a star in Colorado. Links for Tuesday…
- ESPN's Jerry Crasnick runs through a slew of August trade candidates, including Manny Ramirez, Johnny Damon, and Chone Figgins.
- The Padres originally intended to acquire Jake Westbrook for themselves, reports Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports.
- Dave Cameron of FanGraphs wonders how teams will value Adrian Beltre on the free agent market this winter.
- The Mets won't try to convince Oliver Perez to accept a minor league assignment again, according to Andy Martino of the New York Daily News. The Mets still don't plan on releasing Perez, preferring him to take a roster spot.
- The Braves released Willy Taveras from their Triple A club, according to the International League transactions page.
Athletics Claim Jeff Larish
The Athletics claimed minor league corner infielder Jeff Larish off waivers from the Tigers, reports MLB.com's Jason Beck. He'd been designated for assignment on Friday to clear a spot for Jeff Frazier. To make room for Larish on the 40-man roster, the A's designated infielder Adam Heether for assignment.
Larish, 28 in October, hit .275/.373/.497 at Triple A this year, his third stint at the level. He was coming off September wrist surgery. He's played both infield corner positions in his minor league career, as the Tigers moved him to third base once he became blocked by Miguel Cabrera at first. Before the 2009 season, Baseball America ranked Larish fifth among Tigers prospects (just ahead of the recently-traded Wilkin Ramirez). BA called Larish a "polarizing player among scouts," praising his raw power but questioning his batting stance, ability to cover the outside part of the plate, and problems hitting breaking pitches.
Tigers’ Season Hanging In The Balance
The Tigers open up a four-game set with a doubleheader against the division-leading White Sox today. The series represents a crucial chance to gain ground, but a White Sox sweep would close the door on Detroit's season. One AL exec told ESPN's Jerry Crasnick the Tigers "would have to be pretty far back for something to happen" in terms of GM Dave Dombrowski trading veterans, but ten-plus games out might qualify, in my opinion.
On Wednesday, the Tigers gave up a pitching prospect to acquire Jhonny Peralta, with the Indians paying most of the infielder's salary. Detroit's only deadline day move was to ship Wilkin Ramirez to the Braves.
Should Dombrowski decide to sell off his impending free agents, he can shop Johnny Damon, Brandon Inge, Jeremy Bonderman, Gerald Laird, and Peralta. Carlos Guillen, signed through next year, may also be expendable. Ryan Raburn is another trade candidate, though perhaps such a deal is better suited for the offseason. Magglio Ordonez should clear waivers, but it's hard to imagine a team acquiring him as he recovers from a broken ankle.
Damon should draw interest if he's made available. He sports a .281/.373/.432 line, and he raked in July. He's been battling back spasms, but is in today's lineup. About $2.7MM remains on his $8MM contract, and he has no-trade protection.
Brandon Inge is ahead of schedule in returning from a broken left hand. For teams looking for a solid glove at the hot corner, Inge could fit. Bonderman might be able to fill a fourth starter role, especially in the National League. The $4.2MM owed to him would obviously be prohibitive; the Tigers would have to assume much of it.
Could The Dodgers Switch To Sell Mode?
Having lost six in a row, the Dodgers have slipped to nine games out in the NL West and seven out in the wild card. We're only a couple of days removed from the July trade deadline, but you have to wonder if the Dodgers might be inclined to switch to sell mode later this month.
The Dodgers were labeled trade deadline winners by some, mostly because they added multiple veteran players in Scott Podsednik, Ted Lilly, and Octavio Dotel. The cost was Blake DeWitt and a handful of decent prospects. What's done is done, though, and GM Ned Colletti can only look forward. If at some point this month he determines the Dodgers are not contenders in 2010, it makes sense to turn around and shop Podsednik, Lilly, and Dotel. Podsednik and Dotel figure to void their 2011 options and hit the open market. And although Lilly profiles as a Type A free agent and the other two as Bs, recent history suggests the Dodgers may not be willing to offer arbitration to any of them.
If Colletti's focus turns to 2011, the Dodgers could shake up the August trade market. Manny Ramirez, Hiroki Kuroda, Vicente Padilla, Ronnie Belliard, Reed Johnson, and Jeff Weaver are also free agents after the season. Colletti could clear significant payroll space for next year by trading some of these players or even just handing over contracts if they're claimed. He could also get a jump on trading catcher Russell Martin, who is a candidate to be traded in December.
25 Potentially Available Relievers
Contenders are almost always on the lookout for bullpen help after the All-Star break. The Rays, Red Sox, Phillies, and Reds are a few clubs that may continue the hunt into August. Here's a look at who might be available, including their 2010 salaries, 2011 buyouts, and no-trade protection.
- Brian Fuentes, Angels (LHP) - $9MM. The Angels are eight games out with a 2.5% shot at the playoffs. If they give up on the season, unloading some of Fuentes' contract makes sense. He's pitched decently and flashed the ability to neutralize lefties in various seasons.
- Brandon Webb, Diamondbacks (RHP) - $8.5MM. Webb may try to come back as a reliever, but the latest word is of a skipped bullpen session. A trade seems a long shot. Gil Meche fits into this boat as well, but he's owed big money in 2011.
- Trevor Hoffman, Brewers (RHP) – $7.5MM, $500K buyout, can block trades to 25 teams. Perhaps Hoffman would prefer to close out the season with a contender. He was decent in June and July. On July 28th, Hoffman told MLB.com's Adam McCalvy he hasn't thought about the trade possibility and he's comfortable in Milwaukee.
- Fernando Rodney, Angels (RHP) - $5.5MM in '10 and '11. Maybe the Angels view Rodney as their closer for 2011, or maybe they'll acknowledge his flaws and try to escape the contract.
- Scott Linebrink, White Sox (RHP) - $5.5MM, no-trade protection. He's been homer-prone, but has whiffed a batter per inning. A trade back to the NL with the Sox picking up most of the tab could work.
- Scot Shields, Angels (RHP) - $5.35MM. The lifelong Angel is healthy this year but the numbers haven't been there.
- Koji Uehara, Orioles (RHP) - $5MM. He battled an elbow strain but has pitched well in limited samples.
- David Riske, Brewers (RHP) – $4.5MM, $250K buyout. Back from Tommy John surgery, Riske hasn't been terrible.
- George Sherrill, Dodgers (LHP) - $4.5MM, arbitration-eligible for '11, cleared waivers in July. It's difficult to find a silver lining in Sherrill's season.
- Brandon Lyon, Astros (RHP) – $4.25MM in '10, $5.25MM in '11, $5.5MM in '12. The major difference from last year: groundballs are down. The Astros are stuck with this contract.
- Rafael Betancourt, Rockies (RHP) - $3.775MM in '10 and '11. His strikeout and walk rates are fantastic, but he allows tons of flyballs and home runs. Betancourt may be a popular trade target this month.
- LaTroy Hawkins, Brewers (RHP) – $3MM in 2010, $4MM in '11. He's had a couple of scoreless appearances since coming off the DL July 30th from a shoulder injury. He'd need several more to spark interest.
- Pedro Feliciano, Mets (LHP) - $2.9MM. Too many walks against righties, but remains death to lefties. His likely Type B status may be a factor in the Mets' decision.
- Jason Frasor, Blue Jays (RHP) – $2.65MM. The Blue Jays could still trade Frasor now if they'd prefer not to risk offering him arbitration for a potential draft pick after the season.
- Aaron Heilman, Diamondbacks (RHP) - $2.15MM. Heilman is Arizona's de facto closer, not that he's pitched well in terms of peripheral stats.
- Todd Coffey, Brewers (RHP) – $2.025MM, arbitration-eligible for '11. He'd be a reasonable seventh-inning addition for a contender.
- Brian Tallet, Blue Jays (LHP) – $2MM, arbitration-eligible for '11. He's been solid against lefties this year, so maybe the Jays will eat some money and send him off.
- Tony Pena, White Sox (RHP) – $1.2MM, arbitration-eligible for '11 and '12. This isn't what the Sox had in mind when they traded Brandon Allen for Pena, but they might consider moving him now rather than non-tendering him after the season.
- Mark Hendrickson, Orioles (LHP) - $1.2MM, $1.2MM club option for '11 with $200K buyout. Handles lefties, comes cheap, really tall – what's not to like?
- Miguel Batista, Nationals (RHP) - $1MM. The Nats may prefer to keep him around as Stephen Strasburg's understudy.
- Manny Delcarmen, Red Sox (RHP) - $905K, arbitration-eligible for '11 and '12. The Red Sox seem willing to move him, but perhaps they'll want to add someone first.
- Joe Beimel, Rockies (LHP) - $850K. His 2.81 ERA is nice, but his other numbers predict rougher times.
- Elmer Dessens, Mets (RHP) - $700K. Another case of a good ERA and bad peripherals.
- Chad Gaudin, Yankees (RHP) - $700K. Could be expendable if Alfredo Aceves returns.
- Joel Peralta, Nationals (RHP) – $400K, arbitration-eligible for '11. Small sample, but he's pitched well aside from a wealth of flyballs.
- Note: the wheels are already in motion for potential trades of Chris Resop and/or Chan Ho Park.
Waiver Trade Candidates: NL Central
The NL Central picture: the Reds and Cardinals are in the race, and the Brewers, Astros, Cubs, and Pirates are out. Waiver trade candidates:
Reds closer Francisco Cordero will probably clear waivers, though he's unlikely to change teams. I view Bronson Arroyo as a similar case. The Reds could use the depth Aaron Harang will provide when he returns from the disabled list from back spasms, though the chance to shed the remainder of his contract would be appealing.
Newly acquired Cardinal Jake Westbrook might clear waivers, not that he'll be dealt again. Kyle Lohse should make it through, if he returns from forearm surgery this month. Skip Schumaker, signed at $2.7MM for next year, could clear waivers as well.
The Brewers should expect Randy Wolf, Trevor Hoffman, David Riske, and LaTroy Hawkins to clear waivers. Perhaps GM Doug Melvin will try to place the a few of the relievers with contenders. Dave Bush and Jim Edmonds are two who might be claimed.
The Astros can count on Carlos Lee, Pedro Feliz, and Brandon Lyon clearing waivers. Most likely Brian Moehler, Tim Byrdak, and Geoff Blum will clear as well. Perhaps one of the cheaper veterans will be dealt.
A host of Cubs figure to clear waivers: Alfonso Soriano, Carlos Zambrano, Kosuke Fukudome, and Derrek Lee. Of that group I'd say Fukudome has the best chance of going. Aramis Ramirez may get through. He was starting to heat up but recently aggravated a thumb injury. There's a good chance Xavier Nady clears waivers and is traded.
The Pirates don't have many moderate-sized contracts; newly-acquired Chris Snyder could get through waivers. Ryan Doumit should also clear once he returns from the DL, and he does appear to be a trade candidate.
For our primer on the waiver trade process, click here.
Odds & Ends: Lowell, Cardinals, Mets
On this date in 2001, the Cardinals acquired Woody Williams from the Padres for Ray Lankford. Lankford was useful for the rest of that season, but Williams went on to have an excellent Cardinals career. Links for Monday…
- WEEI's Alex Speier runs through Boston's options with Mike Lowell.
- SI's Jon Heyman lists 31 players he expects to clear waivers.
- The St. Louis Post-Dispatch gathers the opinions of many journalists on the deal that got the Cardinals Jake Westbrook but cost Ryan Ludwick.
- Joel Sherman of the New York Post describes various types of deals the Mets could have considered.
- The Pirates are likely to cover $750K in bonuses for traded players, tweets Dejan Kovacevic of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. They also chipped in $500K in the Octavio Dotel deal.
- Tom Krasovic gives background on pitching prospect Corey Kluber, who the Padres used to facilitate the deal for Ryan Ludwick.
Minor League Transactions: Lumsden, Red Sox
The latest minor league transactions from Baseball America's Matt Eddy…
- The Padres acquired lefty Tyler Lumsden from the Astros for future considerations. The former first-round pick has already tossed over ten innings for the Double A San Antonio Missions. Lumsden was well-regarded a few years ago, ranking fifth among Royals' prospects in BA's '07 Handbook.
- The Red Sox released pitchers Randor Bierd and Kason Gabbard. Bierd came to the Sox in the January '09 David Pauley trade, while Gabbard was sent to Texas in July of '07 in the Eric Gagne deal and later reacquired.
- The Diamondbacks released reliever Saul Rivera. He'd been designated for assignment on June 8th.