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McAdam On Red Sox Trade Possibilities

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Yesterday, Sean McAdam of The Providence Journal posted an article discussing trade possibilities for the Red Sox.  Let’s discuss.

  • It seems that the Red Sox will add a bullpen arm despite the fine work of Manny Delcarmen.  Apparently they want someone with experience.  Eric Gagne doesn’t seem likely, nor does Brad Lidge.  Instead, Chad Qualls, Dan Wheeler, and maybe Salomon Torres or Scott Linebrink could be acquired.  The focus is said to be on the Houston relievers.  Wheeler seems like a solid buy-low option.  You can add Octavio Dotel to the radar as well.  And let’s throw Brian Fuentes into the mix.  UPDATE: Today, McAdam added Damaso Marte as a reliever the Red Sox like.  He says the price for Torres is "way too high" at present.  And according to the Boston Globe, Drayton McLane will not even consider moving Lidge.
  • The Sox would get involved on a top-flight starter like Roy Oswalt or Dontrelle Willis.  Calling Willis "top-flight" is a stretch, but that’s what McAdam said.  They also like Jon Garland, if they can pry him loose for a reasonable price.  Other available starters don’t seem markedly better than internal options.
  • The Royals would love to pawn Reggie Sanders off, but the Red Sox don’t have interest.  Instead, they could reacquire Kevin Millar or even go after Jermaine Dye.  Is Dye really a perfect fit, though?  Wouldn’t his acquisition make he and J.D. Drew part-time players?  That wouldn’t be good for the clubhouse.  UPDATE: McAdam says today that this playing time issue will indeed thwart a trade.  On the Millar front, the Boston Globe debunks that rumor on the basis that the Sox want someone who can play center field.
  • Speaking of people who can play center field, the Boston Herald mentions Randy Winn and Dave Roberts as possibilities.  The fans would love a Roberts acquisition, I imagine. 
  • The trade Mike Lowell/acquire Mark Teixeira scenario is highly unlikely.
  • The Boston Globe is saying that the Red Sox are "actively shopping" Wily Mo Pena.  I discussed Wily Mo in a post yesterday.  The Boston Herald today said that he might be the trading chip for a deal with Houston.

Rosenthal’s Latest: Lohse, Hunter, Contreras

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The latest trade and signing rumors from Ken Rosenthal:

  • Rosenthal believes Alex Rodriguez’s ability to play shortstop could increase the number of suitors.  Take a look at the free agents – there may not be a single viable option at short this winter.  Still, the number of suitors for Rodriguez is severely limited by his massive contract requirement.  Not too many clubs aside from the Yankees and Red Sox can get in on $240MM over eight years or whatever.  The lack of available, reasonably priced shortstops could compel the Braves and Orioles to aggressively shop Edgar Renteria and Miguel Tejada.
  • As a 29 year-old free agent starter with decent stuff, Scott Boras could sell Kyle Lohse as the next Gil Meche this winter.  Meche’s work in the season’s first three months would only aid the wishcasting.  I put up a little Lohse history here, writing that his deal will likely fall somewhere between Jason Marquis and Meche.  Other free agent starters who will be under 30 for the 2008 season: Carlos Zambrano, Jason Jennings, Joe Kennedy, and Byung-Hyun Kim.
  • Rosenthal believes the Rangers will bid on Torii Hunter this winter unless they acquire a proven center fielder this summer.  He mentions that Jon Daniels set his sights on Shane Victorino but the Phils would rather trade Michael Bourn.  Unless the Rangers get a proven guy they will still go after Hunter.
  • The Mariners scouted Jose Contreras and Matt Morris recently, but both were lousy.  I still think Jennings could sneak in there as the best available starter, but he too hasn’t pitched well in July.  Definitely seems like the Mariners will snag some kind of starter.
  • Rosenthal disputes Evan Grant’s report of the Brewers and Indians showing interest in Kenny Lofton.  The Brewers are getting Bill Hall back soon and the Indians have some outfielders on the road to recovery as well.  Perfect, this frees him up for the Cubs!
  • Rosenthal mentions the same teams I did for Kevin Millar, but sees an August deal as a possibility.  Waiting until August doesn’t seem to make sense for the Orioles, as things get trickier then.
  • The Padres could trade Scott Linebrink in order to make payroll room for a starter.  Or they could just sign Brian Lawrence.  I discussed some other options for the Friars here.

How About Kevin Millar?

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One player who hasn’t gotten much play here at MLBTR is 36 year-old 1B/DH Kevin Millar.  He’s up to a solid .282/.399/.462 on the season, including a 1.063 OPS this month.  Millar might be one of the few players who exhibits a consistent second half trend.  He’s been significantly better after the break in 2004, 2005, and 2006.

Millar has a mere $1.2MM left on his contract this year.  His $2.75MM option for ’08 becomes guaranteed with 475 plate appearances, and he’s on pace for about 500 right now.  He’ll probably pass the 130 game threshold, bringing his ’08 salary to $3.05MM.  Very affordable for solid production and clubhouse presence.

The Yankees would be a logical destination for Millar.  Sean Casey has come alive since a terrible April, so the Tigers probably wouldn’t be interested.  The Twins would be a fine fit at DH.  Angels or Mariners too.  Over in the NL Millar could help the Braves or Diamondbacks at first base. 

Teixeira Trade Talk Continues

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A host of clubs are currently in on Texas first baseman Mark Teixeira, according to Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News.

We’ve heard the most about the Dodgers and Angels competing to acquire him.  However, as Buster Olney notes, both clubs have promising young cheap first basemen.  Though Teixeira has the track record, is he significantly better than James Loney or Casey Kotchman?  Grant says the Dodgers have been scouting the Rangers and could go for one of their relievers as well.  Meanwhile, the Rangers are scouting the Angels.

Grant says additional contenders like Teixeira: the Braves, Red Sox, and Yankees.  Kevin Youkilis has been Boston’s first baseman this year.  However, they could shift him back to third base and trade impending free agent Mike Lowell for something useful.  The Braves and Yankees definitely have room at first base for Tex. 

In the Braves’ case, though, there would truly be nowhere for Jarrod Saltalamacchia to play if he wasn’t included in the deal.  The Braves are in an odd place, with two excellent young starting catchers on the roster.  Atlanta’s strongest need right now is starting pitching, however.  The Baseball Opinion connects the dots and finds a Javier Vazquez acquisition possible.    

Grant believes noncontenders such as the Orioles and Giants could be interested in Teixeira as well.  The Giants could use some star power if they cut ties with Barry Bonds after the season.  Brian Sabean now has the job security to think about the post-Bonds Giants.  The Orioles would be bringing in their hometown boy and could make a corresponding trade of Miguel Tejada.

Phils Targeting Longer-Term Contracts at Trade Deadline

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As the non-waiver trade deadline appears on the horizon, it is natural to focus on players that are just a few months away from free-agency as likely trade candidates.

But that doesn’t mean players who still have a few years left on their contracts won’t be dealt.  Pat Gillick, Phillies GM, recently stated that those are just the types of pitchers the Phillies are interested in acquiring over the next month or so.  From Phillyburbs.com: “We’re looking at guys who would have contracts that run for 2008 and 2009,” he said. “Really, we have to find the right situation. We’re not necessarily looking for a rental player. We want someone who could be a piece for us.”

It makes sense to focus longer-term as Freddy Garcia and Jon Lieber, who are both injured and likely lost for the season, will depart via free agency in the fall.  That leaves Cole Hamels, Adam Eaton, and possibly Jamie Moyer and Brett Myers for the rotation.  But Moyer could retire and Myers may keep his role as closer so the back end of the rotation is by no means set beyond 2007 (heck, it’s not even set beyond the All-Star break).  To make matters worse, there is little to no help on the horizon in the Phillies farm system.  Kyle Kendrick has held his own in recent weeks, but until we see more of him, the jury is out.

The trick will be finding a pitcher who is under contract whose team is far enough out of contention — not only for 2007, but also 2008 — that they would be willing to part with him.  Scanning the standings, it’s hard to envision a scenario, but when it comes to Pat Gillick, it’s helpful to look at his past history since he often brings in players and front office personnel from his previous stops.  Once such stop is Baltimore, and Erik Bedard, who is blossoming into a frontline starter is under control there for two more seasons.  Even though Gillick departed before Bedard was drafted, it’s possible that he was on his radar nonetheless.

If the Orioles don’t feel they can retain Bedard long-term, they might be wise to listen to offers and begin another rebuilding.

Tom Goyne is the author of Balls, Sticks, & Stuff, a Phillies-centric site, and maintains the Phloggers’ Pheeds page, a source for the latest commentary from around the "phlogosphere". Recently, he teamed up with his brother to launch Roto Front Office.

Teixeira Pines For Orioles

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The Mark Teixeira-Orioles love affair continued tonight, as the Rangers welcomed Baltimore to town tonight for a series.  Said Tex about the Orioles:

"In a year and a half, we’ll have some fun conversations.  Baltimore, obviously in the future, is a place I’d love to look at."

Of course, he also said the typical cliches about being a Ranger and wanting to win in Texas.  But you don’t often see a player under contract for an additional year and a half so openly talking about playing for another club.  Teixeira also spoke of his willingness to chat with top Orioles draft pick Matt Wieters to help facilitate a deal.  Both players have Scott Boras as their agent, and both went to Georgia Tech.

You may recall that 40% of the Orioles’ 25-man roster will reach free agency after the 2009 season.  The O’s could backload a Teixeira contract to squeeze him in for the ’09 season.  It is expected that the Orioles would have considerable competition from at least the Yankees. 

Teixeira hopes to rejoin the Ranger lineup one week from now, leaving Jon Daniels two weeks to trade him before the deadline.  There hasn’t been much buzz on him lately.

Stark’s Latest: Tejada, Buehrle, Morris

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Jayson Stark posted a new column for ESPN yesterday; let’s take a glance at the trade rumors therein.

  • Miguel Tejada’s out until August, so that obviously means he won’t be traded this season.  Right?  Wrong – Stark and an AL exec think $30MM or so due to Tejada for the remaining 2.3 seasons on his contract would allow him to pass through waivers.  Miggy could be a hot topic for the August 31st trade deadline.  You may recall that last August Andruw Jones was placed on waivers, claimed, and pulled back.  Andruw called the affair "rude."  Here is a refresher on the waiver trade rules, in case you want to get a head start.
  • Steve Trachsel is the Oriole Stark expects to be traded at the July deadline.  They should move fast, as Trachsel’s stock is plummetting as expected.
  • Stark says Kenny Williams was asking for a ton for Mark Buehrle before extension talks picked up: two of each team’s best three prospects.  Makes sense; ask for that, and then settle for one Grade A prospect if you can get it.  Should Buehrle end up back on the trading block, the White Sox may have to break down and grant that 72 hour negotiating window for an extension.  Stark’s source makes a great point – if Buehrle signs with the Cardinals this offseason, the draft picks going to the team he departs will be the 38th pick and a second-rounder.  Not that thrilling.  But still, the smart money is on a contract extension with the White Sox for Buehrle.
  • Matt Morris is officially on the market, as he should be.  He’s over his head with a 3.39 ERA, but remains a solid, veteran innings eater with over 70 innings of playoff experience.  Morris will make another $5MM this year, $9.5MM in ’08, and $2MM signing bonus due at the end of his contract.  He’s also got a $9MM club option for ’09 with a $1MM buyout attached.  Giants GM Brian Sabean has always been a buyer at the trade deadline, acquiring players like Jason Schmidt, Kenny Lofton, Sidney Ponson, and Randy Winn.  Getting a decent prospect for Morris will be a new situation for Sabean.

Teams Scouting Yankee Pitching Prospects

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According to Jim Baubach of Newsday, Yankee farmhands Ian Kennedy and Joba "The Hutt" Chamberlain have become quite popular.  The stands become packed with scouts each team either pitches for the Yanks’ Double A Trenton club.

The White Sox sent one of their top pro scouts to watch the Trenton Thunder recently, despite the Yankees’ insistence that Kennedy and Chamberlain are not available. 

All sorts of other teams have been scouting both pitchers, including the A’s, Rockies, and Orioles.  Chamberlain is the upside choice, while Kennedy is the back-rotation command guy.

Mark Teixeira Trade Rumors

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Kat O’Brien of Newsday has the latest Mark Teixeira trade rumors for our perusal.  According to O’Brien, the Yankees, Dodgers, Orioles, Angels, and Braves as said to be interested in the first baseman.

We’ve seen the Angels connected to Teixeira plenty of times, and I still don’t get it.  Why would the Angels move Casey Kotchman, by all accounts a fine fielder, off first base?  The rumors persist, but this does not seem like a fit for the Halos.  They need a third baseman.

With the Yanks, I imagine the stumbling block remains finding a package good enough for Jon Daniels without including Phil Hughes.  I see this as a long shot, mainly because the Red Sox are not rumored to be after Teixeira.  And I just demonstrated why I don’t think the Angels will legitimately chase him.  So the Yankees wouldn’t be in competition with an AL contender for Teixeira (unless the Tigers get involved).  There is no pressing need to give up the farm, even the non-Hughes part of the farm.

The Braves are a dark horse; I think the Dodgers and Orioles will go head to head for Teixeira.  O’Brien mentions that at least eight or nine teams have expressed at least casual interest, so there are a few unknowns here.  If I had to guess, I’d say Teixeira becomes a Dodger or else stays put this summer.

Healey’s Latest

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Mark Healey at Gotham Baseball has long been a solid, underappreciated source of inside information.  He’s got another Rumor Mill up at his site.  My summary follows.

  • The Yankees have an eye on big-name 1Bs like Mark Teixeira and Todd Helton.  But more realistically, they’re looking at Tampa Bay’s Carlos Pena.  He’s got the defense, so even if he regresses to a 20 HR bat it’s a nice pickup.  Healey’s source believes Tyler Clippard is too much but the Rays like Sean Henn.  The Yanks have also inquired about the versatile Ty Wigginton.
  • The Reds, Rockies, and others have been scouting the Yankees’ Double A Trenton affiliate.  Joba Chamberlain, Ian Kennedy, and Brett Gardner are probably the most desirable players on that roster.  Gotham Baseball has previously connected the Yankees to Brian Fuentes and David Weathers.  Another reliever the Yankees like is Chad Bradford, though the O’s price may be too high.
  • Gotham quotes an NL scout who doesn’t believe the Mets will acquire a starter by trading Lastings Milledge, Carlos Gomez, or Fernando Martinez.  That scout believes the return of Pedro will supply the needed boost.  Personally, I can see Milledge going.
  • Some former Mets on the radar: Brady Clark, Jay Payton, and David Weathers.
  • Healey says the Mets sent scouts to look at Randy Winn this weekend.  They must not be pleased with Moises Alou’s progress.  As I mentioned earlier, Winn is signed through 2009.  He has a full no-trade clause this year.  For 2008-09 he can block deals to ten teams.
  • The Pirates have some vets to trade, and have contacted the Mets regarding Shawn Chacon and Damaso Marte.  Marte is quietly having a fine season with a 1.21 ERA and 1.03 WHIP.  Marte earns $2.45MM this year, and $2MM in ’08 with an odd $6MM club option for 2009.  He can also earn incentives based on games finished.
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