Quick Hits: Upton, Red Sox, Yankees, Dempster
The Yankees have inquired on Diamondbacks outfielder Justin Upton and Joel Sherman of the New York Post opines that GM Brian Cashman should make it happen. Sherman argues that three of their best trades of the past two decades involved landing outfielders in their 20s who had fallen out of favor with their clubs: Paul O’Neill, Curtis Granderson, and Nick Swisher. Upton would fit the profile as some in the D'Backs organization have questioned his heart and motivation. Here's more from around baseball..
- With the Red Sox possibly eyeing some major acquisitions before the deadline, Brian MacPherson of The Providence Journal runs down the movable pieces and the near untouchables in their farm system.
- One National League official told Ken Davidoff of Newsday (via Twitter) that he expects Ryan Dempster of the Cubs to be the "first domino to fall", followed by the Twins' Francisco Liriano.
- The new collective bargaining agreement and the altered free agent compensation system has made this year's deadline harder to figure out that most, writes Tim Britton of The Providence Journal.
- Buster Olney of ESPN.com (via Twitter) opines that while the Astros' purge might make sense from a baseball perspective, it is harmful from a business perspective as it will turn off a large section of fans.
Mets Designate Miguel Batista For Assignment
The Mets have designated Miguel Batista for assignment, according to Andy Martino of the New York Daily News (via Twitter). The Mets' 40-man roster currently stands at 38.
The 41-year-old had a 4.82 ERA with 6.6 K/9 and 6.0 BB/9 in 46.2 innings of work this year. Batista joined the Mets last summer on a minor league deal and inked another with the club in January. For his career, the veteran has a 4.49 ERA with 5.8 K/9 and 4.1 BB/9.
Phillies Designate Jason Pridie For Assignment
The Phillies have designated outfielder Jason Pridie for assignment, the club announced. In a related move, Laynce Nix has been activated from the disabled list.
Pridie, 28, has appeared in just nine games for the Phillies this season after seeing action in 101 games for the Mets in 2011. The outfielder signed with the A's over the winter but didn't play in a game for them following a 50-game suspension for a drug violation. Pridie posted a .231/.309/.370 batting line in 236 plate appearances for the Mets last year.
Cafardo On Hernandez, Upton, Bard, Gordon
As teams scan the trade market for pieces that can make a difference down the stretch, many GMs are experiencing sticker shock, writes Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe. “Some of the demands out there are ludicrous,” said one NL adviser. “We asked about a lefty pitcher and they asked us for our best pitching, best hitting, and a couple of other established players. I said, ‘Are you kidding me?’ That’s why I’m thinking despite all the talking, I’m not sure much is going to get done.” Here's more from Cafardo..
- The Rays have sniffed around on Rockies catcher Ramon Hernandez. The Mets and Nationals are also said to have interest in the veteran, though teams are wary of the $3.2MM owed to him in 2013.
- Diamondbacks rightfielder Justin Upton hasn’t drawn as much interest as expected. The Pirates obviously have a great deal of interest in him but find the asking price was prohibitive. Pittsburgh may also be interested in B.J. Upton of the Rays and they inquired on Billy Butler of the Royals and the Phillies' Shane Victorino.
- The Cubs could be interested in Red Sox pitcher Daniel Bard in a Matt Garza trade. Theo Epstein, Jed Hoyer, and Jason McLeod all have a strong history with the right-hander.
- There hasn't been much news about him in the last week or so, but Red Sox catcher Kelly Shoppach remains a viable option for teams like the Mets in need of a catcher. Boston can afford to part with him as well with Ryan Lavarnway waiting in Pawtucket.
- Cafardo cautions not to dismiss possible interest by the Yankees in Royals outfielder Alex Gordon, with Brett Gardner having surgery.
- The Orioles, Tigers, and Royals are among the teams that have made inquiries on Mariners left-hander Jason Vargas.
Indians Sign J.C. Romero
9:32pm: Romero can opt out of his contract if he is not called up the big leagues by August 15th according to Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com (on Twitter).
4:07pm: The Indians have signed left-hander J.C. Romero to a minor league deal, according to Paul Hoynes of The Plain Dealer (via Twitter). The veteran has been assigned to Triple-A Columbus.
Romero, 36, opted out of his deal with the Orioles and elected free agency last month. The reliever initially hooked on with the Cardinals back in December but was cut loose just six weeks into the season. Romero owns a career 4.15 ERA with 7.2 K/9 and 5.1 BB/9.
Reds Sign Will Ohman
The Reds have signed left-hander Will Ohman, according to Assistant Director of Media Relations Jamie Ramsey (via Twitter). The 34-year-old will report to Triple-A Louisville.
Ohman was released by the White Sox earlier this month after being designated for assignment. In 26 2/3 innings for Chicago, Ohman posted a 6.41 ERA with 4.4 K/9 and 1.7 BB/9. The veteran likely came to the Reds at a reasonable rate as he will collect on the $2.5MM owed to him on the backend of his two-year deal from the ChiSox.
Orioles Designate Steve Pearce For Assignment
The Orioles have designated Steve Pearce for assignment, according to Dan Connolly of The Baltimore Sun (via Twitter). Infielder Omar Quintanilla has been added to the 25-man roster in a related move.
Baltimore acquired the first baseman from the Yankees in exchange for cash considerations on June 2nd. The once highly-regarded Pirates prospect posted a .254/.321/.437 slash line in 83 plate appearances for the O’s this year.
Rosenthal On Victorino, Lee, Padres, Ramirez
Here's a look at the latest edition of Full Count from Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports..
- The Indians and Pirates have been linked to most of the big available bats but Cleveland is placing a greater priority on finding a starting pitcher. Johnny Damon has been hitting well this summer and the Tribe doesn't think that they'll be able to top his output via trade. As for the Pirates, they're first in the majors in runs since June 1st and but would like to bolster their OBP. Shane Victorino would make sense for them down the stretch, Rosenthal opines.
- The Dodgers are the one team that could swallow Cliff Lee's contract in a trade, but it's hard to see what the Phillies could gain from such a deal when looking at Los Angeles' thin farm system. Lee could be a strong candidate to be moved as GM Ruben Amaro Jr. looks to build for the future and the hurler can only say no to eight clubs without his permission.
- The Padres are talking about keeping Carlos Quentin, Huston Street, and Edinson Volquez as they're optimistic about their chances next season. Their play of late has been encouraging and they believe that they can be serious players next season when their pitching is healthy again. The one guy who is still likely to go is Chase Headley as he can be replaced with Jedd Gyorko and the offers for him should be strong.
- The Marlins demonstrated their willingness to trade Hanley Ramirez in their talks with the Red Sox and it wouldn't be a surprise to see them step up their efforts before the deadline. The Dodgers, Diamondbacks, A's, Mariners, and Pirates could all use a shortstop or third baseman, but it's not clear if they'd be willing to take on his hefty contract.
White Sox Acquire Brett Myers From Astros
The White Sox have acquired Brett Myers from the Astros, a source tells Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports (via Twitter). Houston announced that they will receive right-hander Matt Heidenreich, left-hander Blair Walters, and a player to be named later for the pitcher. The Astros will also send cash to Chicago, according to the White Sox.
The White Sox are on the hook for just $1MM of the $4.45MM still owed to Myers this year, according to Dan Hayes of CSNChicago.com (via Twitter). Chicago also received money to go towards Myers' salary or possible buyout for next sesaon.
Myers, 31, has a $10MM option for 2013 that will vest if he finishes 45 games and doesn't end the season on the disabled list. To date, the closer has finished 29 games with 35 appearances in total. Rosenthal notes (via Twitter) that Myers has a $500K bonus in his contract for being traded, but it's not yet known which team will pick up the tab.
The veteran has been linked to a handful of clubs recently including the Cardinals and the Mets but the White Sox weren't among the teams rumored to be interested. The right-hander has posted a 3.52 ERA with 5.9 K/9 and 1.8 BB/9 for the Astros this season.
Astros GM Jeff Luhnow has extremely busy this week, having just completed a ten-player swap with the Blue Jays. That deal brought six players to Houston including four minor leaguers and a player to be named later. In total, Luhnow has replenished the Houston farm system with eight prospects through these two deals.
Heidenreich, 21, has a 3.95 ERA with 5.7 K/9 and 1.5 BB/9 in 18 Single-A and Double-A starts this year. Houston announced that the former fourth-round pick in the 2009 draft will be assigned to Double-A Corpus Christi. The 6'5" right-hander boasts a fastball in the low-to-mid 90s and will likely fill out in the years ahead as he weighs in at just 185 pounds.
Walters, 22, has split time between Single-A and Advanced-A this year, posting a 3.96 ERA with 8.6 K/9 and 2.0 BB/9. Prior to this season, Baseball America had the left-hander ranked as the No. 26 prospect in the White Sox organization.
Astros Claim Mark Hamburger Off Waivers
Astros GM Jeff Luhnow announced that the Astros have claimed right-hander Mark Hamburger off waivers from the Padres, according to Brian McTaggart of MLB.com (via Twitter). San Diego designated the 25-year-old for assignment on Thursday.
Hamburger was designated for assignment twice inside of 30 days with the Rangers also DFA'ing him in June. The right-hander owns a career 3.99 ERA and 8.1 K/9 rate in 198 minor league games.