Several Clubs Interested In Smoltz
We touched on this earlier tonight, but let's expand on it a bit. ESPN's Buster Olney is reporting that the Texas Rangers and some National League clubs have expressed interest in acquiring the recently DFA'd John Smoltz, which is an indication that he'll have another opportunity to pitch this year if he's up to it. The other night we heard from Cardinals GM John Mozeliak that they were unlikely to pursue the future Hall of Famer, and it seems unlikely that Boston would made a deal with Texas since the two clubs are in a tight race for the American League Wildcard.
The Red Sox would not only like Smoltz to accept a minor league assignment so he could transition to the bullpen, but they also want to restructure a clause in his contract that pays the righty $35K for every day he's on the Major League roster. Olney mentions that teams like the Dodgers, Cubs, Brewers, and Astros were looking for pitching, but he says that it's "highly unlikely that any NL team would be willing to take Smoltz in a trade without some financial adjustment from the Red Sox, perhaps with Boston kicking in money to pay off a large portion of his base salary and roster bonus." Interested clubs could also wait it out and see if Boston releases Smoltz, when they could sign him for nothing more than the pro-rated minimum.
The 42-yr old Smoltz pitched to an 8.32 ERA in six starts with Boston, but teams will line up to take a chance on a player with his track record and pedigree. Of course, before anyone goes and acquires him, Smoltz will first have to decide if he wants to keep pitching.
Knobler’s Latest: Rios, Tejada, Rays
Danny Knobler from CBS Sports writes that two baseball sources have confirmed to CBS Sports that Alex Rios was claimed on waivers, and one source stated that he was claimed by the White Sox. Knobler says that the Jays will keep Rios if they're not offered enough in return.
Additionally, an unknown team placed a waiver claim on Houston shortstop Miguel Tejada. The Astros have since pulled Tejada back. Any guesses as to who the claiming team was?
Knobler also says that the Rays have been very active in placing claims on any low-salary players, in order to block them from being traded to the Red Sox or Yankees. Knobler says that the Rays, however, are not believed to be the team that claimed Tejada.
Astros To Sign Roy Corcoran
Deadline Roundup: Cabrera, Astros, Nats
More links as we sift through all the trades and slowly realize that there are actual games to be played, too:
- MLB.com's Kelly Thesier passes on a nice line from the Twins' latest addition, Orlando Cabrera. When asked why he's happy to join the team, Cabrera said "Who doesn't like M&Ms?"
- Richard Justice of the Houston Chronicle says the Astros did the right thing by holding onto the players that could help them win this year and the prospects that could help them win in the future.
- The Angels had no restrictions from owner Arte Moreno, but weren't comfortable making any deals, according to MLB.com.
- SI.com's Tom Verducci lists the Tigers, Red Sox and Phillies as his deadline winners.
- Acting GM Mike Rizzo says the Nats are in building mode, not rebuilding mode, acccording to MASN's Pete McElroy. Pretty soon they'll have to be in Stephen Strasburg mode, since they have just over two weeks to sign their top pick.
Astros Release Russ Ortiz
According to Alyson Footer via Twitter, the Astros released pitcher Russ Ortiz. Ortiz's nine earned run drubbing today was apparently the last straw, as his ERA rose to 5.57. The Astros had signed Ortiz to a minor league deal in January and named him the fifth starter in April.
Astros Looking For Pitching
We haven't heard much on the Astros lately. Today ESPN's Jayson Stark says they're looking for pitching, but only "expect to make a deal for another starter only if one 'falls in their lap.'" Astros ace Roy Oswalt recently received an injection to treat a back injury. The Astros are 3.5 games out in the NL Central, 4 out in the Wild Card.
Slow Deadline For The ‘Stros?
As reported by MLB.com's Brian McTaggart, Astros general manager Ed Wade reiterated Sunday that his club isn't likely to make a move before the July 31 trade deadline.
"We're having conversations with clubs, but I don't expect us to be doing much of anything," Wade said. "The key components aren't going to change, and that's the economics and the talent in the system. Those things aren't going to change overnight. If something makes sense we'll pursue it, but there's nothing going on now."
The Astros stand 50-48, two games behind the Cubs in the National League Central. But, as the GM himself noted, Houston already has a fairly high payroll and doesn't want to ship off any major prospects.
Astros DFA Chad Paronto
MLB.com's Alyson Footer tweets that the Astros have designated reliever Chad Paronto for assignment. Paronto got into just two games with Houston, allowing eight baserunners and six runs in just 2.1 IP.
Deadline Strategies: Astros, Pirates
With the deadline rapidly approaching, we'll try to keep you updated on teams' strategies as much as possible. Here's a look at a bit of news from today:
- Don't look for the Astros to make any significant moves. General manager Ed Wade says that the team isn't in position to trade prospects or add salary. Wade states that last year the team had a desperate need for pitching, which resulted in acquisitions of Randy Wolf and LaTroy Hawkins. This season, he's thrilled with both Roy Oswalt and Wandy Rodriguez, while relievers Doug Brocail and Chris Sampson will be coming off the disabled list soon, lessening the need for a move.
- The Pirates aren't sellers, per se, according to Neal Huntington. He says the Pirates are looking to improve the organization and are heading in the right direction, but also notes that many teams get into trouble by inaccurately evaluating themselves.
GM: Astros Will Not Be Buyers
In the midst of a five-team race for the NL Central title, GM Ed Wade told Sirius XM Radio that the Astros will not be buyers this July. They are just 3.0 games behind the division-leading Cardinals, with a record of 45-44.