Rockies Looking To Add Before Deadline
The Rockies are seeking to upgrade their bullpen, starting rotation, and corner infield situation, sources tell Troy E. Renck of The Denver Post.
Colorado seems to be fond of Marlins second baseman Dan Uggla, but as we learned earlier today, the Marlins don't seem inclined to deal the two-time All-Star. Further putting the kibosh on the possibility of him ending up in Colorado, Tracy Ringolsby of Inside The Rockies says (via Twitter) that the club hasn't been in pursuit of Uggla since last winter.
The club likes Uggla's teammate, Jorge Cantu, and they're keeping an eye on Baltimore's Ty Wigginton. The Rockies could make a move for a rental prior to the trade deadline and make a bigger splash heading into the August 31st waiver deadline.
Meanwhile, the Rockies are looking for relief help. The club has interest in Toronto's Kevin Gregg and Pittsburgh's Octavio Dotel. However, it will be difficult for Colorado to land either player. Gregg's friendly contract option this offseason gives his club the option of picking him up for $4.5MM in 2011 or keeping him through 2012 for $8.75MM. Renck feels that Dotel could be hard to pry away from the Pirates as he is their only closer, but keep in mind that Evan Meek has been one of the game's best relievers (1.05 ERA, 8.5 K/9, 2.5 BB/9) in a set-up capacity and could probably fill the role despite his lack of experience. Still, Renck feels Colorado will look for a rebound candidate instead.
The Rockies would like to upgrade their rotation, but they're not going to overspend for a "fourth-starter type". Houston ace Roy Oswalt won't waive his no trade clause to come to Colorado, but Arizona's Dan Haren could be a possibility. However, Haren's price could be too high for the club.
Cafardo On Gonzalez, Oswalt, Lilly, Ramos
Padres first baseman Adrian Gonzalez will eventually end up with another club, writes Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe. The reality of a seven- or eight-year deal at more than $20MM per season in a market as small as San Diego remains a long shot. If Gonzalez, who is under contract through 2011, reaches free agency, he'll be preferred over fellow slugger Prince Fielder, who is also in that free agent class. Let's see what else Cafardo has for us..
- Orioles infielder Ty Wigginton's right-handed bat and versatility make him attractive to the Yankees, Reds, Rays, and Angels. Wigginton likes playing in Baltimore but wouldn't mind being in a playoff race.
- A major league source wonders if Roy Oswalt will get too picky about to which teams he would approve a trade. We've already heard that Oswalt won't approve a trade to the White Sox or Tigers. One talent evaluator says that Oswalt can succeed in the American League.
- That same talent evaluator told Cafardo that Ted Lilly will encounter problems with a move to the American League. Therefore, he would make more sense for a team like the Mets, who are said to have interest.
- Twins catcher Joe Mauer has been playing through a few undisclosed injuries, in part because he feels the need to live up to his enormous contact. The club has been dangling catcher Wilson Ramos in a trade for a prime pitcher but they're now less inclined to deal him due to concerns about their franchise player.
- The Red Sox watched Mark Prior throw in Arizona, but a team source says that they won't sign him.
Marlins Likely To Keep Uggla
There are indications that the Marlins are not leaning toward trading Dan Uggla, according to MLB.com's Joe Frisaro. Florida may even sign the second baseman for 2011, his final season of arbitration. The club has yet to determine if they will seek a long-term contract in the offseason, however.
The Rockies have been interested in Uggla for quite some time and their interest has been ramped up since Troy Tulowitzki broke his wrist in mid-June. While it seems like the Fish will hang on to their two-time All-Star, Frisaro notes that the club has a policy of listening to possible offers on just about anyone on their team.
As we've heard in recent weeks, there are other members of the Marlins who are trade candidates. Cody Ross could change uniforms before the deadline and the Braves seem to be one of the most interested clubs out there. Third baseman Jorge Cantu could be moved as he may be too rich for the Marlins' blood when he hits free agency this winter. Even veteran Wes Helms has heard his name in trade talks as the Yankees appear to be interested.
Indians Designate Hernandez For Assignment
The Indians have designated Anderson Hernandez for assignment, according to Anthony Castrovince of MLB.com (via Twitter). The move was made in order to clear a spot for 22-year-old right-handed pitcher Jeanmar Gomez.
The switch-hitting infielder struggled at the plate with Cleveland this season, hitting .246/.270/.295 in 63 plate appearances. This marks the second time this season that Hernandez has been DFA'd by the Tribe. Cleveland designated the 27-year-old for assignment in April, though he cleared waivers almost a week later.
Hernandez will report to Triple-A if he clears waivers, tweets Paul Hoynes of The Plain Dealer.
Dodgers Have No Intention Of Trading Kemp
The Dodgers have no interest in trading outfielder Matt Kemp, GM Ned Colletti told Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times. Some have suggested that the club get rid of the embattled slugger, but Colletti says that he wants to keep him for the long haul.
"I've never floated his name," the General Manager said. "He's a gifted, five-tool player. He's getting better and better. He's had a tough couple of months. It's a baseball career. It's not a baseball two months.
"I have no intention of moving him."
Teams will unquestionably inquire on Kemp as the Dodgers look to upgrade their rotation at the deadline. However, with injuries to Manny Ramirez and Reed Johnson, it wouldn't be wise to deal the 25-year-old at this time.
Kemp, who has appeared in every game this season despite being briefly benched by manager Joe Torre, is having a down year by his standards. In 400 plate appearances, the center fielder has a slash line of .258/.313/.463 with 16 homers. His defense has taken a tumble as well, as demonstrated by his -29.9 UZR/150.
Rosenthal On Yankees, Hart, Haren, Werth
Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports has a new installment of Full Count up. Let's dive in and see what he has for us..
- The Yankees are talking to the Marlins and the two teams could match up in a few different ways. Cody Ross, a right-handed hitting outfielder, would be a perfect fit for the Pinstripes. Trouble is, Ross is a regular for Florida and the Yanks may not want to pay that price for a player they'd only use part-time. Leo Nunez would also make sense for the Yankees in a set-up role but they'll want a lot for him as well. The closer is under team control for two seasons after this one.
- The Braves like Ross as well but their opinions on Corey Hart are mixed. Some Atlanta officials are rather fond of Hart, but others see him as a slightly better version of Jeff Francoeur. If Matt Diaz hits well and Nate McLouth comes back strong, they may not even need the Brewers outfielder. If their guy ultimately is Hart though, it'll be at their price.
- Two of the top starters on the trading block hold no-trade clauses, though they may not be much of a factor. Ted Lilly can reject trades to ten teams, though the only contenders on his list are the Twins and Phillies, who may not even be interested in him. Arizona's Dan Haren can reject deals to twelve clubs, including the Reds. However, a source says that his list is not a factor as he has not been pitching well.
- The Phillies, at the moment, are not playing well enough to make a run at Roy Oswalt. However, they don't expect to fall far enough out of contention to sell. Jayson Werth, Rosenthal says, could be moved in order to improve the team in the short-term and long-term. A Werth-for-Javier Vazquez swap could make sense if the Yankees could acquire another starting pitcher. Cliff Lee, in theory, would have been that guy.
Yankees Interested In Wes Helms
The Yankees are showing interest in Marlins veteran Wes Helms, according to MLB.com's Joe Frisaro. Helms initially signed with Florida when Joe Girardi was managing the club.
Helms' ability to fill in at third base, designated hitter, or pinch hit off of the bench is attractive to the Yanks. The club could be keeping an eye on him as they have scouts on hand for the Marlins' weekend series at home against the Nationals.
In 124 plate appearances this season, Helms has posted a slash line of .243/.298/.391 with three homers.
If Helms, 34, does get traded, there is a strong possibility he could end up returning to the Marlins in 2011. He is a free agent after this season and the organization is high on the veteran.
Talks Between Phillies and O’s Are “Dead”
Talks between the Phillies and Orioles regarding infielders Ty Wigginton and Miguel Tejada are currently dead, a source told Jeff Zrebiec of The Baltimore Sun. Yesterday it was reported that the Phillies have been talking to Baltimore about Wigginton for weeks and might also be interested in Tejada, who could have been a short-term solution at third base.
For now, it seems that the defending National League champs are content with leaving Placido Polanco at third base and Wilson Valdez at second until Chase Utley returns to the fold. However, Zrebiec notes that this could all change before the deadline, especially if the O's reduce their asking price for Wigginton.
Meanwhile, Orioles GM Andy MacPhail says that the club could be in position to make a splash by picking up a big-time player on waivers:
“A claim would be something that would definitely be attractive," the GM said. "The trade for a big-time player, if it’s going to subtract from the core guys you are trying to build around, that becomes more problematic. It’s something you obviously would have to look at.”
Indians Release Mike Redmond
FRIDAY: The Indians released Redmond, according to Paul Hoynes of the Cleveland Plain Dealer (via Twitter).
SATURDAY: The Indians have designated catcher Mike Redmond for assignment, tweets Anthony Castrovince of MLB.com. In his place, Cleveland promoted Chris Gimenez from Triple-A Columbus.
Redmond, 39, has made just two starts since Carlos Santana joined the big league club. In 22 games for the Tribe this season, the veteran has hit .206/.242/.270. For his career, Redmond owns a slash line of .287/.342/.358.
The catcher can retire comfortably if he chooses to do so. Baseball Reference estimates that Redmond has earned roughly $9MM in his 13-season major league career.
Dane Sardinha Clears Waivers
MONDAY: Sardinha cleared waivers and accepted an assignment to the Phillies' Triple A club, tweets MLB.com's Todd Zolecki.
SATURDAY: The Phillies have designated catcher Dane Sardinha for assignment, according to Matt Gelb of the Philadelphia Inquirer (via Twitter). The move was made in order to activate Carlos Ruiz off of the 15-day disabled list.
Sardinha, 31, appeared in 13 games for the Phillies this season. In 40 plate appearances, the Hawaiian hit .205/.225/.487.
Prior to hooking on with Philadelphia's Triple-A affiliate this season, Sardinha spent six years in the Reds' organization and three years with the Tigers.