AL West Notes: Angels, Hernandez, Hamilton
The lack of talk surrounding the Rangers as compared to other clubs leads Jerry Crasnick of ESPN.com (via Twitter) to believe that they are focused on something big, like acquiring Zack Greinke or Josh Johnson. Here's more out of the AL West..
- The Angels will have to look in-house for help when it comes to their starting rotation, writes Alden Gonzalez of MLB.com. A source with knowledge of the team's thinking described the Angels' chances of acquiring a starter as "below average and diminishing" as the asking prices are too high and the competition for pitching is intense.
- The signing of Cole Hamels to a six-year, $144MM contract is an ominous development for Mariners fans who hope to see Felix Hernandez stay in Seattle, writes Larry Stone of the Seattle Times. Stone writes that the M's need to be wary putting too much of their payroll behind a pitcher.
- Even though the Rangers could see Josh Hamilton walk in free agency, T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com doesn't support the club trading him. The outfielder's current slump has hurt his trade value and on the whole, clubs are in greater need of pitching.
NL East Notes: Mets, Nationals, Marlins, Ramirez
The latest out of the National League East..
- Mets assistant GM John Ricco says the club is still in the market for a reliever and backup catcher, and projects the Mets making a "small" move before the trade deadline, tweets Mike Puma of the New York Post.
- Several Nationals officials have made the trip with the club to Milwaukee as the deadline nears, writes Adam Kilgore of the Washington Post. While it would seem that the Nats are in need of an infielder, Washington manager Davey Johnson believes that the club can fill the gap internally.
- New Dodgers reliever Randy Choate says that it's unfair of Marlins players to blame Hanley Ramirez for the team's struggles thus far, writes Joe Capozzi of the Palm Beach Post. The left-hander was sent to Los Angeles along with Ramirez this week.
Minor Moves: Wise, Ray, Bell
Tonight's minor moves..
- Dewayne Wise cleared waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, but the Yankees outfielder has yet to accept the assignment, according to Mark Feinsand of the New York Daily News (via Twitter).
- The Athletics have released reliever Chris Ray, who was with the club's Triple-A affiliate, tweets Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle. The 30-year-old hooked on with Oakland less than two weeks ago.
- Right-hander Trevor Bell cleared waivers and was released by the Angels today, tweets Alden Gonzalez of MLB.com. The 25-year-old made 19 appearances for the Halos in 2011, posting a 3.41 ERA with 4.5 K/9 and 2.6 BB/9.
Padres Expected To Offer Street One-Year Deal
The Padres are trying to lock up Huston Street and are expected to offer him a one-year deal with an option for 2014, according to Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com (via Twitter). The right-hander is believed to want to stay in San Diego.
Late last week, it was reported that the Padres would make Street available in trades before the deadline if they are unable to sign him to an extension. As it stands now, Street has a $9MM mutual option for the 2013 season.
AL East Notes: Rays, Shields, Red Sox, Oliver
Last night we learned that the Rays discussed a deal with the Angels to send right-hander James Shields to Anaheim for Peter Bourjos, Hank Conger, and possibly Ervin Santana. Here's more on the Rays and other items out of the AL East..
- The Rays are telling teams Rays that they're getting encouraging reports on Evan Longoria and if he's back sooner than originally thought, they'll be less likely to move Shields and others, tweets Jayson Stark of ESPN.com (via Twitter).
- ESPN.com's Buster Olney told Mut & Merloni of WEEI Radio that he doesn't expect the Red Sox to make a move before the deadline, writes Alex Speier of WEEI.com. Olney also said that rumors of Boston being interested in acquiring Hanley Ramirez were overstated, though reports suggested that their intent was to flip him to a third club.
- A league source told Sean McAdam of CSNNE.com that the five most sought-after Red Sox are pitcher Matt Barnes, shortstop Jose Iglesias, outfielder Jackie Bradley Jr., infielder Xander Bogaerts, and catcher Ryan Lavarnway. However, Boston hasn't internally discussed making any of them available, making their chances of landing an elite starter slim.
- The Blue Jays hold a $3MM option on Darren Oliver for next season, but the soon-to-be 42-year-old hasn't thought about whether he wants to pitch in 2013, writes Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.
Reds Interested In Denard Span
The Reds have “kicked the tires” on Denard Span, but have yet to have substantial talks with the Twins, a source with knowledge of the team’s thinking told Ken Rosenthal of the FOX Sports. Cincinnati had scouts with an eye on the outfielder for the Twins' series against the White Sox.
However, Rosenthal opines that potential free agents Shane Victorino and Juan Pierre are probably are more realistic targets for the Reds as they look for a leadoff hitter. Meanwhile, Span's affordable contract could make his asking price higher than it would be for a rental. The 28-year-old will make $3MM this season, $4.75MM in 2013, and $6.5MM in 2014, with a $9MM club option for ’15.
If the Reds do decide to make a run at Span, they could use left-hander Tony Cingrani to entice the Twins, who are in need of young pitching.
Marlins Notes: Johnson, Ramirez, Red Sox
With Hanley Ramirez in Los Angeles and the Marlins entertaining offers for Josh Johnson, let's check out the latest items out of Miami..
- Two executives who spoke with the Marlins say that the club is willing to move Johnson for a huge return, but would prefer to build with him and a lineup of Giancarlo Stanton, Jose Reyes, and Logan Morrison, according to Joel Sherman of the New York Post (via Twitter).
- Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports opines that the Marlins conned Miami into giving them a brand-new ballpark under the guise of needing more revenue to be competitive, only to revert to their old chop shop ways.
- As offensive as it may be to see the Marlins unload Ramirez's contract to improve their bottom line, there's a lot of baseball sense in their trade, Keith Law of ESPN.com (Insider sub. req'd). He points out that Miami received a solid pitching prospect in Nathan Eovaldi while not having to cover any of Ramirez's contract.
- The Red Sox are among the teams said to be interested in Johnson and former teammate Cody Ross would be happy to see the pitcher in Boston, writes Ian Browne of MLB.com. “I mean, he definitely would help any team,” Ross said. “He’s a bulldog. He’s one of the premier pitchers, an ace. I’ve always said that he is one of the most competitive players I’ve ever played with. He’s a bulldog.”
- Given all of his ups and downs, it's hard to say what version of Ramirez the Dodgers are receiving, writes MLB.com's Anthony Castrovince.
Brewers Looking To Sell
Prior to the Brewers' road trip last week, General Manager Doug Melvin told his staff, "If we lose five out of six, we're selling." Milwaukee has now dropped six-of-six after being swept by the Reds and Phillies, and sources have told Danny Knobler of CBSSports.com that they could start moving pieces as soon as today.
The Brewers are known to be talking to teams about Zack Greinke, but the first trade or trades will likely be less significant. Others who could draw interest include Aramis Ramirez, Corey Hart, and George Kottaras.
Melvin would also love to trade starter Randy Wolf and reliever Francisco Rodriguez, but neither has much value. The Giants had interest in K-Rod at one point but are no longer going to pursue him after two poor outings against the Phillies, sources told Knobler.
Padres Sign Carlos Quentin
The Padres have announced the signing of Carlos Quentin to a contract extension through the 2015 season with a mutual option for 2016.
“We are very pleased to extend Carlos’ contract,” said Executive Vice President/General Manager Josh Byrnes in a statement announcing the extension. “He provides a real threat in the middle of our lineup and brings an intensity and edge to our club. As a San Diegan, he is very invested in the success of the Padres.”
The Padres did not disclose the financial terms of the deal, but Corey Brock of MLB.com tweets Quentin will receive $9.5MM in 2013 and 2014, $8MM in 2015, and, if the 2016 option is picked up, $10MM. In a separate tweet, Brock reports Quentin is guaranteed a $3MM buyout of the option, if he plays over 320 games the next three years. Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports.com writes the deal includes a full no-trade clause, a pivotal stipulation for Quentin.
Quentin's name has popped up quite a bit in trade rumors with the outfielder drawing interest from several clubs including the Pirates, Giants, Indians, and Reds. The outfielder has looked strong this season since returning from knee surgery, hitting .273/.389/.525 with nine homers in 40 games.
Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com, who first reported the agreement, notes that the club viewed Michael Cuddyer, Edwin Encarnacion, and Josh Willingham – who all received three-year deals – as fair comps for the 29-year-old. Of the three, Quentin's deal is most similar to Cuddyer's, whose contract is worth $31.5MM over that span.
In years past, the Padres' financial situation has hampered them from keeping some of their biggest stars, but San Diego was able to retain the outfielder thanks in large part to their new ownership. Both the current group and the incoming group signed off on the deal to keep Quentin in San Diego.
The Padres might not stop with a new deal for Quentin and are looking to lock up right-hander Huston Street next, according to Rosenthal. The club may just look to guarantee his $9MM mutual option for 2013 but the 28-year-old would likely prefer a multi-year pact.
Edwin Jackson To Join Legacy Agency
Nationals right-hander Edwin Jackson is changing his representation, leaving Scott Boras for the Legacy Agency, major league sources tell Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports. With Boras, Jackson signed a one-year, $11MM deal with the Nationals rather than a multi-year pact.
The Legacy partners include Greg Genske, Brian Peters and Scott Parker. They represent C.C. Sabathia, Carl Crawford, and Adam Dunn. For other Legacy clients and client of other agents, check out MLBTR's Agency Database.