Quick Hits: A-Rod, Phillies, Rangers, Angels
Alex Rodriguez believes the Yankees do not want him to return this season, and perhaps ever again, a source told Wallace Matthews of ESPNNewYork.com. The source says that A-Rod thinks the Yankees are deliberately slowing his return to their active roster in the hope they can have him declared medically unfit to play this season, enabling them to recoup the bulk of his $28MM salary through insurance. "Alex thinks there's something really off about this situation," the source said. "Here we have a doctor declaring him fit to play. You think they would be happy about that." Recently, Rodriguez tweeted that he was excited to have the green light from his doctor to play games again and Cashman responded to Matthews' colleague Andrew Marchand by saying, in slightly sharper language, that Rodriguez should keep that sort of thing under his hat. Here's more from around baseball..
- The Yankees could be a trade partner for the Phillies, opines Jim Salisbury of CSNPhilly.com. Chase Utley, Carlos Ruiz, and Michael Young could be of serious interest to the Yankees, who are in the market for catching and corner-infield help. A baseball exec tells Salisbury that the Yanks have already kicked around Ruiz’s name as a possible upgrade behind the plate.
- The Rangers are in the market for a starting pitcher if there is a significant upgrade available, writes T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com. Daniels likes his young starters and wants to see what happens with Alexi Ogando and Colby Lewis, but he did acknowledge he will consider trading for starting pitching. He added that he expects ownership to support any major moves the Rangers attempt, if there is extra finances involved.
- Angels GM Jerry Dipoto asserts that he is neither a buyer or a seller as the deadline approaches, writes MLB.com's Alden Gonzalez. “I don’t see drastic paths. We have a roster of veteran players, most of whom are under club control, a very talented offensive club, pitching staff is evolving, some pending free agents, many others under club control. We’ll assess as we go," said the GM.
NL West Notes: Giants, Dodgers, Gonzalez, Rockies
The Giants are hoping to get back to the .500 mark as they take on the Dodgers tonight and one might expect them to be eager to upgrade their roster for a late-season push. However, we learned earlier today that San Francisco isn't planning to make a deal anytime soon. At this stage, GM Brian Sabean believes that the asking price is simply too high for the desirable players on the block, but that can certianly change as we approach the deadline. Here's more out of the NL West..
- The Dodgers are determined to find an upgrade at third base and their pitching over the next five weeks, tweets JIm Bowden of ESPN.com. The Dodgers have given Juan Uribe a great deal of time in the hot corner this season and so far he has responded with his best offensive season in a while, hitting .268/.356/.399 over 50 games.
- Speaking of the Dodgers, they had multiple scouts watching Cuban right-hander Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez in his most recent game, according to Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports (via Twitter). The Dodgers are reportedly one of several clubs interested in Gonzalez and Red Sox GM Ben Cherington recently watched him throw in person.
- The word in the scouting community is that Gonzalez could get as much as $60MM across five years, writes Danny Knobler of CBSSports.com.
- Any trade the Rockies make would likely happen after All-Star break in the two weeks before trading deadline on July 31st, tweets Troy Renck of the Denver Post.
NL East Notes: Marlins, Nolasco, Nats, Phillies
The Marlins are looking to trade Ricky Nolasco ASAP and they figure to have plenty of suitors given the lack of quality starting pitching on the block right now. Earlier tonight we learned that Miami has told other clubs that they have teams willing to take on all of the ~$6MM owed to Nolasco between now and the end of the season. The Dodgers, Giants, and Rockies are all fond of the right-hander and there should be even more clubs getting in on him in the coming days and weeks. Here's more out of the NL East..
- Nationals GM Mike Rizzo plans to let his club get healthy before he starts getting involved in trades, writes Adam Kilgore of the Washington Post. “We’d like to get a big, left-handed bat. His name is Bryce Harper,” Rizzo said. “He’s on the horizon. We’d like to get a right-handed hitting catcher named Wilson Ramos. He’s on the horizon.” Kilgore notes that the Nats have the financial flexibility to add a starting pitcher, but the club instead wants to see what Dan Haren looks like when he returns.
- The Phillies face tough deadline choices, writes Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports. Team CEO David Montgomery sounds like he's inclined to keep Cliff Lee, but also says that he's willing to listen on anything. Montgomery also conceded that the fans' attachment to the club's core veterans factors into their unwillingness to part with them.
- While teams have been wary of Nolasco in the past, the Marlins hurler is now a guy worth getting since he's a better starter than at least one guy in every rotation, writes Jeff Sullivan of Fangraphs. The column's title is also reminiscent of a Troy McClure movie title, which is a bonus.
Rockies Sign Reid Brignac
The Rockies have signed Reid Brignac to a minor league deal, according to Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com (via Twitter). The infielder will report to the club's Triple-A affiliate.
Brignac was designated for assignment by the Rockies in May and traded to the Yankees for $75K in cash within the ten day window. However, the veteran elected free agency from the Bombers yesterday, giving Colorado an opportunity to welcome him back. In 98 combined plate appearances for the two clubs, the 27-year-old posted a slash line of.185/.219/.261 this season. For his career, the long-time Rays prospect has a .221/.262/.311 batting line in 814 career plate appearances.
Diamondbacks Outright Josh Wilson
WEDNESDAY: Wilson has cleared waivers and been outrighted to Triple-A Reno, according to the Pacific Coast League's transactions page.
FRIDAY: The Diamondbacks announced that they have designated Josh Wilson for assignment. Wilson is the latest big league player to find himself in limbo as he is the fifth player to be designated for assignment today. The move will allow Arizona to promote right-hander Zeke Spruill.
Wilson, 32, has hit just .200/.262/.300 in 65 plate appearances this year for Arizona. In six big league seasons, Wilson owns a slash line of .225/.278/.317 for the D'Backs, Mariners, Rays, Padres, Nats, Marlins, and Brewers. He has spent the bulk of his major league time playing shortstop but has also seen a significant amount of games at second and third base.
Week In Review: 6/16/13 – 6/22/13
Here's a look back at the week that was at MLBTR:
- The Yankees and Robinson Cano are reportedly far apart on contract talks.
- The White Sox are getting calls on their veterans.
- As we approach the deadline, Chicago's other team is getting ready to sell. Nate Schierholtz, Kevin Gregg, Scott Feldman, David DeJesus, Alfonso Soriano, James Russell, and Matt Garza are among the names that could draw interest.
- The Dodgers and Clayton Kershaw are talking extension.
- The O's are looking to bolster their rotation.
- Carlos Lee announced his retirement from baseball.
- Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez threw for teams and has been declared a free agent.
- The Tigers designated Jose Valverde for assignment after struggling in recent appearances.
- The Astros officially signed Mark Appel.
- The Royals reached agreement with Sean Manaea on a deal.
- Nelson Figueroa has signed with a club in Taiwan.
- The Mariners designated Eric Thames for assignment.
- The D'Backs agreed to sign No. 36 pick Aaron Blair.
- The Dodgers released catcher Ramon Hernandez.
- The Mariners signed Henry Blanco and cut Kelly Shoppach loose.
- The Phillies waived Michael Martinez after designating him for assignment.
- The Rockies acquired Hisanori Takahashi from the Cubs.
- Chris Bootcheck cleared waivers and re-signed with the Yankees.
- Chris Volstad was waived by the Rockies to make room for Roy Oswalt.
- The Mets will keep Bobby Parnell.
- The Rays promoted Wil Myers.
- The Padres released James Darnell.
- The MLBPA granted Jay-Z agent certification.
- The Yankees acquired Brent Lillibridge from the Cubs for a player to be named later or cash.
- The Yankees also completed a trade with the Rangers in which they landed Yoshinori Tateyama.
- The DIamondbacks designated Josh Wilson for assignment.
- The Mets acquired Eric Young Jr. and designated Collin Cowgill for assignment.
- The O's struck a deal with first-round pick Hunter Harvey. They also agreed to a deal with comp pick Josh Hart.
- Nick Ciuffo, the Rays' first round pick, agreed to sign.
- The Twins signed Kohl Stewart, the No. 4 overall pick, for the full slot value.
- The Yanks signed Mike Zagurski to a minor league deal.
- Competitive balance pick Michael Lorenzen agreed to sign with the Reds for $1.5MM.
- Reid Brignac was designated for assignment by the Yanks.
- The Phillies signed first-round pick J.P. Crawford.
- The Bombers acquired Fernando Martinez via trade.
- The Mets called up Zack Wheeler.
- The Padres signed Ben Francisco.
- The Cards signed Oscar Mercado to an over slot deal.
- Braden Shipley signed an under slot deal with Arizona.
- Logan Kensing was DFA'd by the Rockies.
- Suspensions are likely in the Biogenesiscase.
- The Nats could go after right-handed power.
- The O's designated Yamaico Navarro for assignment.
- The Red Sox signed Trey Ball for a little under slot.
- The Rangers got one more international signing in.
- The Braves inked first-rounder Jason Hursh.
- The Mets signed first-round pick Dominic Smith.
- The Astros designated minor leaguer Ross Seaton for assignment.
Rosenthal On Nolasco, D’Backs, Rockies, Gallardo
Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports posted his latest edition of Full Count. Here's a look at the highlights..
- The Rockies and Marlins recently had talks about Ricky Nolasco, but money was an obstacle as he is still owed about $6MM on his deal. The Diamondbacks are another possible destination for the Miami pitcher, and it makes sense that NL West clubs have interest given his success against the Giants and at AT&T Park throughout his career. Nolasco is a native of Southern California, so if the Padres acquire him, he could be open to an extension before he hits the open market this winter.
- The Orioles can forget about acquiring Yovani Gallardo as they are on his ten-team no-trade list and the Brewers would prefer to make a clean deal with no restrictions. Meanwhile, the Brewers' pitchers are getting hot at the right time – Gallardo, Francisco Rodriguez, and John Axford have all looked strong as of late and could draw interest from contending clubs.
- in the likely event that the Twins become sellers, their only untouchable veterans figure to be Joe Mauer and Glen Perkins. Trading the remainder of Justin Morneau's $14MM salary would be helpful, but his lack of power hurts his value.
Cafardo On Morneau, Perez, Cishek, Bard, Papelbon
NIck Cafardo of the Boston Globe asked 30 people from around baseball who they would build their team around, regardless of age or experience. The leading vote-getter was Yadier Molina, with Buster Posey in second place. Here's more from today's column..
- There's a lot of uncertainty in the Twins' organization surrounding Justin Morneau. People wonder what happened to his power, which hurts his trade value. The Twins are a very loyal organization so they certainly won't give him away. If a deal for a prospect comes up, however, they would likely let him go.
- When closer Chris Perez is back in action he may be a piece the Indians would look to move. Despite his troubles, he would draw interest considering the shortage of available closers out there. “If a team can get him and he’s amped up because of a change of scenery, that’s all they’re looking for,” said one special assistant to an American League GM. “It’s all about getting bang for your buck during those two months-plus after you acquire him, if you don’t have to give up a lot of inventory to get him.”
- Speaking of closers, the Marlins' Steve Cishek is garnering attention and the Red Sox seem to have interest. However, clubs will have to consider whether he can handle the adjustment of going to a bigger market like Boston or Detroit.
- One National League GM believes that the Red Sox will have to give up on Daniel Bard at some point if things don't turn around. Because of his natural talent, a lot of teams would line up to trade for him in hopes that a change of scenery would turn him around.
- The Phillies declared last week that Jonathan Papelbon was not available, but Cafardo cautions not to believe it, especially in the wake of his public criticism of teammates.
- Nationals right-hander Drew Storen is an interesting alternative for a team looking for a closer. Storen was the Nationals’ closer two years ago but hasn't been as sharp in 2013 as he was in years past.
- Marlins right-hander Ricky Nolasco could be the first pitcher dealt as we near the deadline, even ahead of Bud Norris. Cafardo says not to be shocked if teams like the Orioles or Giants make a move on him sooner rather than later.
- One scout who saw Manny Ramirez in Taiwan said, “He can still hit with the best of them.” That doesn't mean that a team will be bold enough to sign him, however.
Minor Moves: Volstad, Hughes
We'll keep track of today's minor moves here..
- Right-handed pitcher Chris Volstad cleared waivers and accepted his assignment to rejoin the Rockies' Triple-A affiliate, according to the Sky Sox's Twitter feed. Volstad was waived last week to make room on the roster for Roy Oswalt.
- Left-hander Dusty Hughes has retired from baseball, MLBTR's Chris Cotillo has learned. Hughes, who was released by the Braves in May, posted a 4.99 ERA with a 6.5 K/9 and 4.3 BB/9 in 80 appearances over three major league seasons with the Royals and Twins. The 30-year old will become a coach at a private school.
Edinson Volquez Drawing Interest
Padres pitcher Edinson Volquez is drawing trade interest from other clubs, according to Bill Center of U-T San Diego. A number of teams had scouts at yesterday's game to check out the right-hander in person.
The Orioles could be among those clubs with interest in Volquez and they have "apparently" mentioned the name of former top pitching prospect Jake Arrieta. The 27-year-old had a solid debut campaign in 2010 but has been inconsistent on the hill ever since. One scout suggested the Orioles might also be interested in swapping Arrieto for Anthony Bass.
Volquez, soon to be 30, has an ERA of 5.67 this season with 7.3 K/9 and 4.5 BB/9. The right-hander is earning $5.725MM this season and will be a free agent this winter.