Kevin Youkilis Rumors: Saturday
Yesterday we learned that the White Sox may be best positioned to swing a trade for Kevin Youkilis, who is losing playing time to rookie Will Middlebrooks. The Braves have scouted him in recent weeks though the Pirates are said to have little interest. Here are today's Youkilis rumors, with the latest up top…
- The Pirates are still interested in Youkilis, but the team is not confident in its chances of landing him, sources told Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports (via Twitter).
- Sources indicate that the Indians are a longshot for Youkilis while the Dodgers have had minimal contact with the Red Sox today, tweets Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports. Signs point to the White Sox, Pirates, or another club as the veteran's destination.
- Angels GM Jerry Dipoto told reporters, including Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times (via Twitter) that he is "not involved with [Youkilis]."
- The Indians have been the most serious bidder for Youkilis but the White Sox jumped into the mix yesterday, tweets Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe. Meanwhile, the Dodgers have maintained consistent interest.
- A new source tells Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review (via Twitter) that the Pirates are likely "out" on the veteran at this point.
- The Braves are not in on the Youkilis discussions, tweets Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports.
- The Dodgers are on the "fringe" of talks for Youkilis, reports Dylan Hernandez of The Los Angeles Times (on Twitter). The Pirates continue to be in the mix according to Rosenthal and Morosi (on Twitter).
- Talks are described as "intense" according to Scott Miller of CBSSports.com. He says the Red Sox will pay a significant portion of the $7.5MM or so left on Youkilis' contract in any trade scenario.
- The Rangers checked in on Youkilis at one point according to MLB.com's T.R. Sullivan, but they are "not involved anymore." Texas was concerned that he would be unhappy in a part-time role.
- The Pirates will not surrender a top prospect for Youkilis but they might offer a second tier guy if Boston eats most of his salary, reports Rob Biertempfel of The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review (on Twitter).
- Red Sox team officials discussed potential roster moves in the wake of an impending Youkilis trade last night, reports Peter Abraham of The Boston Globe. That could be an indication that a deal is close.
- Boston will trade Youkilis "sooner rather than later" according to Scott Lauber of The Boston Herald. ESPN's Buster Olney says a deal could come down as soon as today.
- The Red Sox are speaking with multiple clubs and continue to move closer to a deal, reports Ken Rosenthal and Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports. The ChiSox have engaged in "heavy dialogue" with Boston but the Dodgers remain in the mix as well. The Sox prefer to trade Youkilis to an NL club.
Zach Links contributed to this post.
Rangers Designate Mark Hamburger For Assignment
The Rangers designated Mark Hamburger for assignment, Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports (on Twitter). The move clears a 40-man roster spot for Roy Oswalt, who joins the team tonight.
The Rangers acquired Hamburger from the Twins for Eddie Guardado in 2008. The 25-year-old right-hander appeared in five games for the Rangers last year and has spent this season at Triple-A, where he has a 6.55 ERA with 7.3 K/9 and 4.2 BB/9 in 45 1/3 innings.
Rangers Release Brad Hawpe
The Rangers have released Brad Hawpe from Double-A Frisco at the veteran's request, reports Danny Knobler of CBS Sports (via Twitter). Hawpe signed a minor league deal with Texas in the offseason, was released by the team in late March and then re-signed a week later to another minor league contract. According to Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram (Twitter link), Hawpe told the Rangers "he's not close to being able to help big-league team."
Hawpe underwent Tommy John surgery on his throwing shoulder last June after posting a .231/.301/.344 line in 216 plate appearances for the Padres. He has played in 16 games in the outfield for Frisco (plus 19 as a DH), and has a .260/.382/.382 line in 152 PAs with the Double-A affiliate. Hawpe's health and his comments about his current ability level are a red flag but he will still likely get some looks from teams in need of a left-handed bat.
Rangers Sign Willie Eyre
The Rangers signed right-hander Willie Eyre to a minor league deal, MLBTR's Tim Dierkes has learned. Jason Cole, who first reported the signing, notes that the Rangers are assigning Eyre to Triple-A Round Rock (Twitter link).
The Orioles recently released Eyre, who had been pitching for their Triple-A affiliate. The 33-year-old has a 4.95 ERA with 4.7 K/9 and 3.6 BB/9 in 163 2/3 MLB innings over the course of four seasons with the Twins, Rangers and Orioles. He pitched in the Rangers' organization from 2007-10.
Quick Hits: Gio, Phillies, Rangers, Burnett
Brayan Pena's attempt to stretch a single into a double in the 9th inning drew a throw from the outfield and allowed Jarrod Dyson to score from third with the game-winning run in the Royals' 4-3 result over the Brewers tonight. It was Kansas City's second unusual walkoff victory in as many nights, as they won on a bases-loaded walk from Mike Moustakas on Wednesday. The Royals picked up the sweep against Milwaukee, winning all three games by one run.
Here's the latest from around the majors…
- The Nationals' trade for Gio Gonzalez was the "best deal anyone made last winter," a rival scout tells Danny Knobler of CBS Sports. "They didn't get him cheap, but he can dominate, and how many starters can you say that about?" The Nats look like the big winners of the deal thus far, given Washington's first-place position and Gonzalez's Cy Young Award-caliber numbers since joining the team.
- David Murphy of the Philadelphia Daily News breaks down what the Phillies could possibly receive for some of their top assets on the trade market.
- The Phillies, Brewers, Cubs, Astros and Red Sox are positioned to dominate the rumor mill leading up to the trade deadline, predicts Ken Davidoff of the New York Post.
- Despite injuries to Alexi Ogando and Koji Uehara, Rangers GM Jon Daniels "still feels good" about his bullpen, reports Anthony Andro of FOX Sports Southwest (Twitter link).
- A.J. Burnett has brought both veteran leadership and quality pitching to the Pirates, writes Tyler Kepner of the New York Times. “It was important for our guys to see a guy that’s brought in and it’s not a trading-deadline deal where you have a guy for two months,” said manager Clint Hurdle. “We brought in a guy for two years. He can go ahead and unpack his bags. He’s going to be around, he can be involved, be engaged.”
- Tigers GM Dave Dombrowski outlines his team's pursuit of Roy Oswalt to John Lowe of the Detroit Free Press. Dombrowski said the Tigers were prepared to meet Oswalt's salary demands in the offseason but the veteran just didn't want to pitch in Detroit. Oswalt's representatives contacted Dombrowski again once the season began and Oswalt was without a team, but the Tigers had already moved on with Drew Smyly in the rotation.
Quick Hits: Teahen, Soler, Ethier, Hamilton, Youkilis
The Dodgers officially announced their five-year, $85MM extension with Andre Ethier this afternoon on a day that featured lots of draft news. Here are some of Tuesday’s non-draft-related links, starting in Los Angeles…
- Mark Teahen can opt-out of his minor league contract with the Nationals if not called up by June 15th, MLBTR has learned. The 30-year-old has hit .293/.347/.404 with Washington's Triple-A affiliate while playing all four corner spots.
- Jorge Soler is still in the process of securing a visa prior to officially signing with the Cubs, reports MLB.com's Carrie Muskat (on Twitter). That could take about a week.
- The Dodgers’ deal with Ethier could eliminate them from the Josh Hamilton sweepstakes after the season, ESPN.com’s Buster Olney writes (Twitterlinks). This could limit Hamilton’s leverage with the Rangers whenever the sides resume contract talks.
- Olney points to the abundance of quality outfielders nearing free agency and suggests it makes sense for the players to accept deals now instead of waiting for what could be a buyer’s market.
- There are no new developments in contract discussions between Cole Hamels and the Phillies or Zack Greinke and the Brewers, Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com reports (on Twitter).
- GM Sandy Alderson told Ken Davidoff of the New York Post that the Mets haven't drawn up plans to buy or sell this summer. Davidoff suggests that the Mets could decide to stay the course at the upcoming trade deadline.
- One scout watched Kevin Youkilis play and wasn’t impressed, Danny Knobler of CBSSports.com reports (on Twitter). "For what he costs, he can't do anything," the scout said.
Mike Axisa contributed to this post.
Rangers To Sign Brinson, Gallo, Wiles
3:54pm: Brinson obtained a $1.625MM bonus, according to Callis via Twitter.
3:18pm: Wiles obtained a $975K bonus, Jim Callis of Baseball America tweets.
2:12pm: The Rangers have agreed to terms with their top five selections from the amateur draft, according to ESPNDallas.com. First round selection Lewis Brinson and compensation round selections Joey Gallo and Collin Wiles are among the players who have agreed to terms with the Rangers. Gallo obtains a considerable bonus of $2.25MM, according to ESPN.com's Keith Law (on Twitter).
The Rangers picked Brinson, a high school center fielder, with the 29th overall selection in last week's draft. They chose Gallo, a high school third baseman, with the 39th overall selection and chose Wiles, a high school right-hander, with the 53th overall selection. MLB recommends bonuses of $1.625MM, $1.325MM and $955K for the 29th, 39th and 53rd selections, respectively.
Draft Signings: Dodgers, Reds, Tigers, Rangers
MLBTR has updated lists of which first and supplemental first round picks have agreed to terms. Here are the latest notable draft signings from the second round and beyond…
- The Dodgers have agreed to terms with sixth round selection Joey Curletta for $172K, MLBTR has learned. Curletta has impressive right-handed power and a strong throwing arm, but he's a slow runner, according to Baseball America.
- The Reds signed fifth rounder Mason Felt to an over-slot deal worth $318K, Jim Callis of Baseball America reports (on Twitter). The high school left-hander has the potential for a plus fastball and curve. The Reds signed a number of other selections, John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer reports.
- The Tigers have signed third rounder Austin Schotts for $389K, Callis tweets. The high school shortstop has very good speed and some power, according to Callis.
- The Rangers signed second round pick Nick Williams for $500K, Callis tweets. Williams, a high school outfielder, has great tools despite his inconsistent spring performance, according to Callis.
- The Rangers signed another second round pick, Jamie Jarmon, for $602K, Callis tweets. NFL teams were interested in the athletic high school outfielder.
Cardinals Claim John Gaub Off Waivers
The Cardinals have claimed left-hander John Gaub off of waivers from the Rangers, according to Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram (via Twitter). Gaub was designated for assignment on Thursday to create room on the 40-man roster for Tanner Scheppers.
The 27-year-old posted a 3.42 ERA with 12.2 K/9 and 6.5 BB/9 in 50 Triple-A appearances for the Cubs last season. Gaub pitched in 16 games for the Rays' Triple-A affiliate and 5 for the Rangers' Triple-A team this year.
Olney On Hamels, Hamilton, Quentin
The free agent market will feature an unusually strong class of outfielders this coming offseason, ESPN.com’s Buster Olney writes. Josh Hamilton leads a group that includes Michael Bourn, Andre Ethier, Melky Cabrera, Shane Victorino, B.J. Upton and Carlos Quentin. However, teams are looking to avoid unnecessary long-term commitments, so it may not be possible for all of these players to cash in. Here are more notes from Olney:
- Cole Hamels’ contract talks with the Phillies remain dormant, Olney reports. Hamels is on track for free agency after the season, when he’ll be the top starting pitcher available.
- One general manager suggested the Orioles could become aggressive bidders for Hamilton, who will likely command an annual salary of $20MM-plus. "But [at that price] I don't think he's got a lot of places to go," the GM told Olney.
- Some MLB officials guesstimate Quentin could be in line for a deal in the four-year, $48MM range if he stays healthy and keeps hitting. Four years and $60MM isn’t out of the question, according to those officials.
- Personally I see Quentin signing for two or three years at an average annual value of $6-9MM. He'll turn 30 before the offseason, his defense isn't particularly well-regarded and injury questions persist, so I believe he'd do well to match Josh Willingham's three-year, $21MM deal.