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Dodgers Sign Ozuna, Look To Stay Active

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Ken Gurnick from MLB.com writes that the Dodgers signed veteran utility player Pablo Ozuna today. The White Sox designated Ozuna for assignment on July 8 to make room for Paul Konerko when he returned from the DL. He elected to become a free agent after clearing waivers. Ozuna had posted a mediocre line of .281/.313/.328 in 69 plate appearances for the White Sox this year.

Luis Maza was designated for assignment to make room for Ozuna, Gurnick writes. Maza was called up as a quick shortstop fix earlier in the year, but had posted an abysmal .228/.278/.282 line through 79 ABs with the Dodgers.

Manager Joe Torre refers to Ozuna as a "safety net" at three positions, and also expects the Dodgers to continue to be active over the next 10 days:

"I know Ned [Colletti, general manager] is on the phone, trying to make our club better," Torre said. "Chances are, we’ll be active. Having said that, we’re trying."

Gurnick mentions that the Dodgers are hesitating to bring pinch-hitting specialist Mark Sweeney off the DL, perhaps signaling that an additional move is near on the horizon. General Manager Ned Coletti said that with shortstop options limited in Rafael Furcal’s absence, his desire to acquire a run-producing third baseman would intensify.

Personal speculation: Adrian Beltre is available, and the Twins look to have thrown in the towel on their attempt to acquire him, but the asking price there is quite high. Minnesota could still offer competition to the Dodgers in an attempt to acquire a third baseman. Here’s a look at the third base market.

Casey Blake’s name has been tossed around with the Dodgers. Hank Blalock could be another option, if he can remain healthy and return to his old self. His great run from 2003-2005 seems like a long time ago at this point, but a turnaround would be a tremendous boost to the Dodgers’ lineup.

Heyman’s Latest: Street, Durham, Holliday

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SI.com’s Jon Heyman just posted a new column.

  • The Brewers and White Sox inquired on A’s closer Huston Street.  However, A’s GM Billy Beane said "there is nothing going on" in regards to Street.  The Sox were linked to both Street and Jon Rauch today, so Kenny Williams is clearly monitoring the relief market.
  • Heyman says the Rays have not discussed Street with the A’s, and the Dodgers "aren’t believed to be heavily involved."
  • Heyman is on board with the recent rumors about Ray Durham and Jack Taschner possibly heading to Milwaukee.
  • Heyman also confirms Ken Rosenthal’s report of the Phillies’ interest in Matt Holliday.  He agrees that these talks have cooled, but notes a good relationship between GMs Dan O’Dowd and Pat Gillick.  Gillick and O’Dowd have matched up for three deals, two occuring while Gillick worked for the Mariners.
  • The Dodgers continue to consider shortstop a priority.  Heyman wonders if Cristian Guzman would be a fit, especially if extension talks sour.  Jack Wilson and David Eckstein are other possibilities.

Nationals Rumors: Guzman, Rauch, Holliday

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MLB.com’s Bill Ladson has the goods on the Nationals.

  • The Nationals are currently negotiating with Cristian Guzman’s agent on a possible extension.  Last month, the Nats proposed a two-year extension.  It’s thought that Guzman might make some concessions given how little he gave the Nats in the first three years of his current contract.  But if the two sides can’t reach an agreement soon, the Nats may choose to trade Guzman.
  • Ladson also reports that the White Sox and Rays are scouting closer Jon Rauch.  Rauch, you may recall, came up as a starter with the Sox and was traded to the Expos in ’04.  Kenny Williams made that deal with Omar Minaya.
  • Ladson’s source confirmed mild interest in Colorado’s Matt Holliday.  Ladson notes Jim Bowden’s fondness for Adam Dunn as well.  However, the source considers the infield a greater need for the Nats.

Odds and Ends: Nady, LaHair, Garcia, Bonds

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Baseball is back today, but rumors are a bit light.  We’ll kick it off with odds and ends.

Sherman’s Latest: Adenhart, Burnett, Niese, Ibanez

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Joel Sherman of the New York Post has been digging up rumors left and right – here, here, and here in recent days.  Let’s discuss.

  • The Angels have "hinted at a willingness to build a deal around pitching prospect Nick Adenhart."  This would apparently involve Mark Teixeira or Matt Holliday.
  • The Phillies made an initial offer last week for A.J. Burnett, and the Jays were thoroughly unimpressed.  The Phillies won’t discuss prospects Carlos Carrasco, Lou Marson, or Greg Golson in trades.
  • The Yankees have zero interest in Burnett.
  • The A’s are willing to move Joe Blanton.  He’s not perfect, but he can eat innings and is under team control through 2010.
  • Six games out of the wild card with a league-best offense, the Rangers don’t look like sellers.
  • At least ten teams watched Mets’ Double A starter Jon Niese pitch Saturday.  He’s their top trade chip given the unavailability of Fernando Martinez.
  • The Pirates have their eye on the Yankees’ Ross Ohlendorf, if the Yanks become buyers for players like Damaso Marte or Xavier Nady.
  • Three Raul Ibanez suitors are named: the Diamondbacks, Dodgers, and Red Sox.
  • At least nine teams are monitoring Freddy Garcia: the Yankees, Mets, Astros, Rangers, Royals, Red Sox, Phillies, Tigers, and White Sox.  We’ve seen the Braves, Rays, and Cubs mentioned too.  Garcia’s agent isn’t up for an ’09 option with his client.  A-Rod is said to be pushing for the Yankees to sign him. 
  • Sherman notes a rumor around the game that has Pat Gillick becoming Mariners president next year, and Brian Cashman coming on as his GM.

Odds and Ends: Vizquel, Saito, Burnett, K-Rod

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So many links, so little time.

Odds & Ends: Bonds, Church, Myers, Teixeira

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Some odds and some ends:

  • Ozzie Guillen says "Barry [Bonds] can’t play for my team," according to Joe Cowley from the Chicago Sun Times.
  • The New York Daily News’ Adam Rubin is reporting Ryan Church’s diagnosis was positive and his ability to return may "lessen the pressure" on the Mets to find a replacement.  They will also get Angel Pagan back next week and management’s "not averse" to promoting 19-year old prospect Fernando Martinez in the second half.
  • Matt Gelb of the Philadelphia Inquirer says Brett Myers feels he’s ready to return.
  • The Atlanta Journal Constitution’s David O’Brien notes the Braves are mum on whether they’re buyers or sellers.  If they can prove they’re in it then they will seek a right handed hitter.  If they can’t, then they will entertain offers for upcoming free agents Mark Teixeira and Will Ohman.

White Sox Designate Pablo Ozuna For Assignment

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Paul Konerko is coming off the DL.  To make room for him, the White Sox decided to designate utility man Pablo Ozuna for assignment.  Juan Uribe’s spot is safe for now.

Ozuna, 33, hit .281/.313/.328 in 69 plate appearances this year.  Ozuna had success in ’06, but fractured his fibula in May of ’07 and hasn’t done much since.

Odds And Ends: International Signings, Lo Duca, Ichiro, ChiSox

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Here’s a list of loose links (sink ships) from today:

  • The A’s officially inked Michel Inoa for $4.25MM.
  • Corey Brock of MLB.com has a piece on the Padres’ international signings. More here from the man himself, Paul DePodesta.
  • The Marlins are still looking for a catcher, and one of their former guys might be available. That would be Paul Lo Duca. With the Nats out of it, could they swap Lo Duca within the division? And would they assume part of Lo Duca’s remaining salary?   Keep in mind that MLB.com’s Joe Frisaro said yesterday that the Marlins were "not serious" about Lo Duca.
  • Ozzie Guillen is completely content with the current White Sox team. Other than an underperforming and injured Paul Konerko, they’re looking solid.
  • Sam Mellinger goes over the Royals trade options. It’s full of the usual suspects: Mark Grundielanek and Ron Mahay. He also mentions Esteban German, who in the past might have intrigued teams as a solid utility player, but who has dropped off considerably in 2008.
  • The best way to rebuild the Mariners? Trade Ichiro, says Scott Miller.

White Sox May Trade Juan Uribe

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According to Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times, the Juan Uribe trade talks are rumored to be heating up.  Kenny Williams may be trying to finish a deal before Paul Konerko returns from the disabled list.  Manager Ozzie Guillen talked about finding "the best opportunity" for Uribe, so it’s no secret the Sox are trying to make a trade. 

Uribe, 29, is hitting .215/.269/.341 in 147 plate appearances as a utility infielder this year.  He’s making $4.5MM, so that’ll be an issue.

The Orioles seem the most likely suitor, unless they complete a deal for Felipe Lopez.  The Chicago Tribune’s Mark Gonzales says the Orioles had a scout in attendance for yesterday’s White Sox-Indians game (Uribe did not play).

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