NL West Notes: Ramirez, Pence, Giants, Padres
Just over a year ago, the Dodgers announced their presence as big-money acquirers by trading for infielder Hanley Ramirez. While Ramirez has battled injury at times, he has certainly re-established himself as a top-line big leaguer with a .315/.367/.544 line to go with 21 home runs and 14 stolen bases in the last year. As ESPN's Mark Saxon explains, Ramirez has seemed energized since donning Dodger blue and has been on fire since returning from a DL stint in early June. He remains under team control for 2014 at a cost of $16MM. On the other hand, the primary piece that Los Angeles shipped out to acquire Ramirez – pitcher Nathan Eovaldi — has been solid so far in Miami. The 23-year-old currently owns a 3.54 ERA in 40 2/3 MLB innings. Here's more out of the NL West..
- The Giants will listen to offers on Hunter Pence, tweets Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports. At this stage of the season, the club believes that they have to be open to everything. San Francisco certainly likes Pence and wants to keep him long term, but with a lack of offense out there, they could get a very strong return for him. It was recently reported that the Rangers have interest in acquiring Pence.
- Padres stars Chase Headley, Carlos Quentin, and Huston Street are likely to stay in San Diego but it appears that Luke Gregerson will be changing uniforms, writes Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com.
- After Gregerson and Chris Denorfia, the Padres getting the most interest are Street, left-handed reliever Joe Thatcher, and outfielder/first baseman Jesus Guzman, writes Bill Center of U-T San Diego.
- The Giants are searching for their identity as the deadline approaches, writes MLB.com's Andrew Owens. Manager Bruce Bochy has instructed his players to tune out the trade rumors between now and July 31st.
Jeff Todd contributed to this post.
Rosenthal On Young, Rangers, Rios, A’s
Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports posted his latest edition of Full Count. Let's take a look at the highlights..
- The Phillies' direction remains unclear and its possible that they might not even deal Michael Young. His .344 OBP is the highest of any team regular and the return that they would get on him is unknown. Young also has a full no-trade clause, so he can effectively control the process. If he's zeroed in on returning to the Rangers, he can conceivably block deals to other clubs until that gets done. Both sides are interested in a reunion.
- It will be interesting to see if the White Sox actually trade Alex Rios in the days ahead. The Rangers' interest is overstated, Rosenthal hears, and the Pirates wouldn't necessarily want to take on the balance of the outfielder's contract. Things can change, but White Sox might have to wait until the winter to find a palatable deal for Rios.
- The A's remain interested in Jake Peavy, figuring that if they can't fix their offensive issues, they might as well add to their pitching strength. They're not going to part with Sonny Gray or Addison Russell, but if they do acquire Peavy, they could promote Gray to their bullpen and send Tommy Milone down, keeping him in reserve as their No. 6 starter.
- The Blue Jays appear unlikely to make a big move and they're not going to trade Jose Bautista or Edwin Encarnacion unless they can improve their big league club and it's hard to see how trading either would accomplish that. Toronto is far more open to moving Emilio Bonifacio and they're also drawing interest on their relievers. They're also in something of a bind with something on Josh Johnson: they could either take what they can get right now, which isn't much, or risk giving him a qualifying offer this winter and having him accept.
Cubs Listening On Jeff Samardzija
The Cubs are listening on offers for Jeff Samardzija, but the asking price is "high as expected", a source tells Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports (via Twitter). The forward-thinking Cubs aren't likely to part with the promising young hurler, but they're at least open to the idea of getting blown away by an offer.
Samardzija, 28, is controlled through the 2015 season and has two remaining years of arbitration eligibility. The right-hander and the Cubs have explored an extension in the past, but he recently said that he hasn't given a new contract much thought.
The Notre Dame product is enjoying another strong campaign for the Cubs, posting a 3.94 ERA with 9.1 K/9 and 3.4 BB/9 through 21 starts. The Diamondbacks were said to have a great deal of interest in Samardzija as well as Yovani Gallardo in late June.
MLBTR Regular Features
If you're a regular MLBTR reader, you'll be familiar with our chats, Week In Review posts and Baseball Blogs Weigh In feature. Here's some more detail on when you'll see our weekly features and exactly what to expect from them:
- MLBTR Chats - Join Tim Dierkes every Tuesday at 2pm CDT to chat about the latest trades, signings and rumblings around the Major Leagues.
- Baseball Blogs Weigh In - Every Friday, I feature some of the best writing from baseball blogs around the web. Whether it's opinion, stats or something else entirely, you can connect to the best of the blogosphere once a week on MLBTR. If you want to submit a post of yours, you can reach me at zachbbwi@gmail.com.
- Week In Review - It's remarkable how much happens in seven days. Every Sunday night, MLBTR summarizes the week's biggest stories in our Week In Review posts.
- MLBTR Originals - Edward Creech gathers all our original analysis and reporting in one place every Sunday night.
Baseball Blogs Weigh In: Morneau, Santana, Plouffe
On this date last year, Starling Marte homered on the very first pitch he saw in the major leagues when he went yard to deep left-center field at Minute Maid Park off the Astros' Dallas Keuchel. The left fielder was the first Bucs player to hit a home run in his first big league at-bat since Don Leppert accomplished the feat in 1961. Here's this week's look around the baseball blogosphere..
- Prospect Insider runs down the rookies of the half-year.
- Puckett's Pond wants the Twins to hang on to Justin Morneau.
- Kings Of Kauffman looks at what Ervin Santana might bring the Royals in a trade.
- Royal Revival says there are six potential outcomes to the Santana saga.
- Pinstripe Pundits looks at Trevor Plouffe as a trade target for the Bombers.
- Kingdome Of Seattle Sports has an idea for Tim Lincecum.
- I R Fast breaks down Anthony Ranuado's Pitch F/X data from the Futures Game.
- MLB Reports says the Pirates should at least go for a reliever.
- Baseball Hot Corner has ten Blue Jays that could be on the block.
- Bless You Boys argues that the Tigers could be the biggest losers of the Biogenesis scandal.
- Brew Crew Ball examines Major League Baseball's drug policy.
- MLB Injury News wonders if the Nats can get back on track.
- The Hardball Times explains why Ryan Braun didn't appeal his suspension.
- Through The Fence Baseball talks Chris Davis.
- Inside The Zona looks at options for the D'Backs bullpen.
If you have a suggestion for this feature, Zach can be reached at ZachBBWI@gmail.com.
Stark On Gregerson, Phils, Norris, Santana, Gonzalez
In his latest edition of Rumblings & Grumblings, Jayson Stark of ESPN.com spoke with Skip Schumaker, who wants to see MLB really amp up the penalties for PED use. "The players are in favor of stricter penalties. No doubt," Schumaker said. "And they're also in favor of voiding contracts. Not that I can speak for everybody. I can't. But let's just say that a few of my good friends are high-profile players, and they're in favor of cleaning up the game." Here's more from Stark's column..
- An exec who speaks frequently with the Phillies says they have talked a lot with the Padres about a deal that could send Luke Gregerson and an outfielder to Philadelphia for a package of young players. However, the Phillies appear to be looking for deals that wouldn't require parting with their most advanced prospects. Earlier today, we heard that Gregerson is drawing significant interest.
- Gregerson also appears to be at the top of the list for the Tigers. However, it's going to take at least one big league-ready young player who projects as an immediate contributor for the Padres, in part because Gregerson is under club control for next season.
- While the discussion around the Phillies is framed as a black-and-white decision between buying and selling, execs of two clubs say they're mostly trying to position themselves for the future without giving up on 2013.
- The Braves are more interested in the starting pitcher market than they were before Tim Hudson's injury, but they're no more likely to pay the price for a Jake Peavy, Ervin Santana, Yovani Gallardo or Kyle Lohse. An official of one team who spoke with the Braves said they'd be open to a modest deal similar to their deal for Paul Maholm last year, but they're "not going to trade Alex Wood for any of the guys on this market." Earlier today, MLB.com's Mark Bowman offered a different take, reporting that the Braves are looking at front-line hurlers.
- Three clubs with interest in the Astros' Bud Norris tell Stark that they have a feeling that Houston may just be gauging the hurler's trade value and could be waiting to move him this winter. Those execs said it reminds them of how the Rays used to gauge interest in pitchers like Matt Garza and James Shields in July so they could focus on those teams' systems before dealing them the following offseason.
- Clubs that have checked in with the Royals say Santana is only available for a huge payout. The Royals have openly told the shoppers they've talked to that the only way they'll move Santana is if they "win the deal," and that means they want a second baseman and/or right fielder who can start for them in 2014. Despite their situation, the Royals are telling everyone their priority is to win as many games as possible this season, not cut payroll.
- Clubs that are in on Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez seem to think that the Red Sox are the favorite because they like the idea of spending money on a big-league-ready guy more than overpaying in prospects for a strong pitcher on the trade market. One exec says that he should be in the big leagues by September and be a rotation regular next year.
- The Pirates might not be as focused on Alex Rios as they've been portrayed. Rios' contract, which would increase his base salary to $13MM next season if he's traded, doesn't fit into their payroll. On top of that, other scouts say Bucs scouts have questioned Rios' effort. Stark says Justin Morneau, who they've inquired on, is a name to file away. Even though they'd prefer a right-handed bat who could play right field, they could move Garrett Jones back to right if they deal for a first baseman.
Steve Adams contributed to this post.
Quick Hits: Hudson, Axford, DeJesus, Downs
It's time for MLB to push the trade deadline from July 31st to a later date, opines Dave Cameron of Fangraphs. Cameron argues that with an expanded postseason, many teams are still holding out hope around this time of year that they are still in it and therefore they aren't selling. A new deadline would certainly take some getting used to, but the date has shifted over time. As you ponder Cameron's suggestion, here are some links from around the league…
- Braves pitcher Tim Hudson fractured his ankle against the Mets tonight as he was covering first base and the club announced that he will need to undergo season-ending ankle surgery. Before Hudson's injury, Danny Knobler of CBSSports.com noted that Atlanta had some interest in acquiring another starter.
- The Brewers have shipped off Francisco Rodriguez, but Danny Knobler of CBS Sports tweets that plenty of teams are still interested in their remaining bullpen arms such as John Axford and Mike Gonzalez. The Dodgers are among the interested parties, according to Knobler.
- Cubs outfielder David DeJesus is returning just in time to be showcased for the deadline, but club president Theo Epstein doesn't think he's going anywhere, writes Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune. However, he won't make any guarantees. "Does that make him untouchable?" Epstein said. "No, no one is untouchable, but we'll sit and weigh out the options as to what's best for the Cubs. Just because you may listen on somebody doesn’t mean you don’t appreciate everything he brings to the organization."
- Peter Gammons of the MLB Network reports that the Angels are receiving calls on lefty Scott Downs, who is a free agent at season's end (Twitter link). A deal is unlikely to happen, however, Gammons adds.
- One league executive told Jayson Stark of ESPN.com (via Twitter) that he has "no doubt" that the Phillies are buyers after talking to them.
Steve Adams contributed to this post.
Knobler On Rios, Royals, Braves, Rangers
Here’s a look at the latest trade rumblings from Danny Knobler of CBSSports.com..
- We know that the Rangers have interest in Alex Rios, but the Royals also like the White Sox outfielder, Knobler writes. The Royals have been talked about more as sellers and we know that they’re willing to discuss Ervin Santana, but KC has also been looking to add under-control players who could fill their needs in right field or at second base. It’s not clear how much the division rivals have talked, however.
- The Braves need their hitting to improve, but they’re scouring the market for bullpen help, writes Knobler. The main focus has been on finding a left-handed reliever, but they’ve also looked at right-handed bullpen help and even at starting pitchers. Left-handers like the Brewers‘ Mike Gonzalez and James Russell of the Cubs would make sense for them. Marlins lefty Mike Dunn has also been mentioned by some teams, but the Braves have been told he won’t be traded.
- In addition to Rios, the Rangers also have their eye on the Mets‘ Marlon Byrd (Twitter link). Last week it was said that the Mets need to be “overwhelmed” to trade Byrd.
Alfonso Soriano Open To Joining Yankees
Here's the latest on Alfonso Soriano and the potential deal sending him to the Bronx..
- Theo Epstein told reporters that Soriano has been given two or three days to sign off on a deal that would send him to the Yankees, tweets Gordon Wittenmyer of the Sun-Times. "He'll let us know where he'll go, if anywhere. At that point, it's up to us if we want to move forward and finalize a deal," said Epstein, according to Carrie Muskat of MLB.com (via Twitter).
- The veteran has agreed to a list of possible teams that he'll accept a trade to, tweets Bruce Levine of ESPNChicago.com.
- Soriano told reporters, including Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune (via Twitter), that he spoke with Cubs president Theo Epstein about the possibillity of being traded and while nothing is done yet, he sounds as though he's ready to move on and join the Yankees.
- Of all the trade rumors that have been surrounding him, Soriano says that this one is the most real to him, tweets Gordon Wittenmyer of Chicago Sun-Times.
- Soriano isn't sad about the idea of moving on, saying, "I'm 37. I want one more chance to go to the World Series," Sullivan tweets. He wants to finish his contract with the Cubs, but he also wants to win and knows that this team is a few years away from contending, tweets Carrie Muskat of MLB.com.
AL East Notes: A-Rod, Guerrieri, Red Sox, Dickerson
The Alex Rodriguez saga took another strange turn today when the third baseman's handpicked doctor told Mike Francesca of WFAN that the third baseman doesn't have a quad strain and should be able to play, writes Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com. Later in the day, Yankees GM Brian Cashman responded in a press release, saying, "Contrary to the Basic Agreement, Mr. Rodriguez did not notify us at any time that he was seeking a second opinion from any doctor with regard to his quad strain. As you know, it is the Yankees’ desire to have Alex return to the lineup as soon as possible. And we have done everything to try and accomplish this." Here's more out of the AL East..
- Rays pitching prospect Taylor Guerrieri underwent Tommy John surgery today, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. Drafted 24th overall by the Rays in 2011, Guerrieri is ranked as the 64th prospect in baseball by Baseball America. ESPN.com's Keith Law ranks him 47th, while Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com has him at No. 44. In 67 innings this year for the Rays' Class A affiliate, the right-hander had compiled a 2.01 ERA with 6.9 K/9 and 1.6 BB/9.
- Red Sox CEO Larry Lucchino says his team has an obligation to be active at the trade deadline, but that doesn't mean a deal is a certainty, Brian MacPherson of the Providence Journal tweets. While the Sox have been a popular name in trade speculation and have been connected with arms such as the White Sox's Jake Peavy and the Royals' Luke Hochevar, the executive cautions that the team isn't "just building for one year." "There's going to have to be a pretty good deal to extract some of these high-quality prospects we have," Lucchino said (link).
- The Orioles are getting lots of interest in Chris Dickerson and we can expect to see him in the majors somewhere in the next few days, tweets Britt Ghiroli of MLB.com. The O's designated the outfielder for assignment last week.
Aaron Steen contributed to this post.