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Phillies, Mariners, Reds Inquired On Ludwick

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The Phillies, Mariners, and Reds are among the teams that have inquired on the availability of Padres right fielder Ryan Ludwick, according to Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports.  The Padres appear willing to move the 32-year-old, who is eligible for free agency after the season.

Ludwick is hitting .255/.322/.393 with nine home runs in 299 plate appearances this year, with most of his production coming in May.  He's been a little better away from PETCO Park, slugging .419 on the road.  Ludwick earns $6.775MM this year, with potentially around $2.2MM remaining on July 31st.  Inquiries from the Phillies and Reds may be a sign that those two clubs can squeeze in a salary of that size.  Ludwick profiled as a Type B free agent the last time we checked, so that will be a factor.

Morosi adds that the Phillies and Cardinals are among the teams that have checked in with Padres GM Jed Hoyer on relievers Heath Bell and Chad Qualls, who will also be free agents after the season (Qualls has a $6MM club option with a $1.05MM buyout).  Morosi expects Mike Adams to be popular as well, but as we've heard before the Padres are inclined to keep him since he's under team control for 2012. 

Finding Backup Catchers Who Can Hit

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Nearly a month after Buster Posey last suited up for them, the Giants are still searching for catching depth. They signed Max Ramirez today, but he figures to provide organizational depth at Triple-A, not an immediate impact in San Francisco.

Eli Whiteside

Eli Whiteside (pictured) continues playing regularly for the Giants, though his offense remains inadequate and the Giants continue seeking reinforcements. A look at backups around the league provides insight into why Whiteside continues playing so often despite his struggles throwing out opposing base stealers and paltry .190 average.

Few teams, if any, have the catching depth to withstand the loss of a player like Posey. The league average catcher is hitting .241/.314/.378 so far in 2011 and that slash line includes starters as well as reserves. The job of a catcher includes calling pitches, blocking balls in the dirt and throwing runners out as well as hitting, but for the sake of simplicity we’ll focus on offense as we examine the caliber of backup catching in MLB.

Victor Martinez (.324/.373/.498 slash line) and Mike Napoli (.221/.344/.493 before he hit the disabled list) are technically backup catchers, though both DH and play first as well. Ramon Hernandez is one of the few backup catchers who can match Martinez and Napoli in terms of offensive production this year. The 35-year-old has seven homers and a .302/.368/.504 line in 155 plate appearances (Ryan Hanigan now starts for the Reds most days). Royals backup Brayan Pena is another one of the reserves with an acceptable batting line this year: .250/.310/.400 in 113 trips to the plate.

Evaluating backups who have fewer than 100 plate appearances is dangerous, since the sample sizes are generally too small to be reliable. With that in mind, here are some other backstops off to decent starts with the bat: Ramon Castro of the White Sox (.211/.274/.404 slash line in 62 plate appearances), Kyle Phillips of the Padres (.239/.327/.413 in 52 PA), Henry Blanco of the D’Backs (.229/.302/.521 in 53 PA), Ronny Paulino of the Mets (.317/.371/.390 in 89 PA), David Ross of the Braves (.327/.411/.551 in 56 PA), Jose Molina of the Blue Jays (.304/.389/.456 in 91 PA), Brett Hayes of the Marlins (.298/.353/.511 in 52 PA) and the injured Jose Morales of the Rockies (.267/.352/.317 in 71 PA).

Those backups are solid hitters, though certainly not Victor Martinez-like offensive forces, and the're best of the bunch. Most teams are getting far less offensive production from their second catcher and many don't even have one catcher who makes significant contributions at the plate.

There aren’t many options for the Giants or any other club that decides to take on the unenviable task of finding catching help this summer. San Francisco is looking to the Rangers for catching depth, since Texas could make a move once Napoli is healthy enough to play. Wilson Ramos’ performance has led to plenty of discussion and speculation about Ivan Rodriguez, though he’s not the most interesting catcher to watch between now and July 31st.

Ramon Hernandez’s .872 OPS will surely appeal to teams and, unlike most clubs, the Reds could conceivably part with a catcher. Hanigan’s emergence has continued this year and Devin Mesoraco, who entered the season as Baseball America's #64 prospect, is destroying Triple-A pitching. The former first rounder has a .322/.402/.546 line for Louisville after a similarly impressive showing in 2010. 

Given the Reds’ depth – they also have highly-touted prospect Yasmani Grandal in the lower minors – and the shortage of catching in MLB, I won’t be surprised if GM Walt Jocketty hears from a number of interested teams this summer. Only so many catchers can hit and Hernandez is a known commodity who’s playing well.

Photo courtesy Icon SMI.

Reds Eyeing Starting Pitching

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The Reds are searching for starting pitchers that they could acquire between now and the end of July, according to Danny Knobler of CBS Sports.com (Twitter links). Cincinnati has interest in Jeremy Guthrie, according to Knobler (though many teams likely have interest in the Orioles’ righty, who has a 3.56 ERA through 91 innings).

The Reds' current rotation consists of Bronson Arroyo, Mike Leake, Johnny Cueto, Edinson Volquez and Travis Wood. However, Arroyo has been hittable and Volquez is walking 5.9 batters per nine innings. Homer Bailey is on the disabled list along with Sam LeCure and Matt Maloney, two occasional starters for Dusty Baker, so internal help could be on the way.

Guthrie figured prominently into Tim Dierkes' list of potentially available starters earlier in the month.

Contenders In Need Of A Shortstop Upgrade

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As many as six contenders are lacking at shortstop.  Let's take a look.

  • Rays:  The Rays have been employing Reid Brignac at shortstop lately, though Elliot Johnson and Sean Rodriguez are also capable.  None of them are hitting, though Brignac's defense is a plus and Rodriguez has some pop.
  • Brewers:  The Brewers have used Yuniesky Betancourt at short, with Craig Counsell pitching in.  The numbers say Betancourt has been terrible both offensively and defensively. 
  • Cardinals:  Ryan Theriot has been manning shortstop for the Cards, and his bat has been more than acceptable.  However, he's probably better-suited defensively for second base.
  • Reds:  They've used the Paul Janish/Edgar Renteria tandem, with the 28-year-old Janish getting more playing time.  Janish is strong defensively, and since the Reds have the best offense in the league they might be able to tolerate his struggles with the bat.  Prospect Zack Cozart is hitting .317/.361/.498 at Triple-A, but the Reds are not at the point of making a move yet.
  • Pirates:  The Bucs have been searching for a long-term answer at short for a while now, but right now they have Ronny Cedeno.  Brandon Wood is showing some signs of life this month, and he could be an option at shortstop.  The Pirates also have Chase d'Arnaud playing well at Triple-A.
  • Giants:  Miguel Tejada was signed as the team's shortstop, but it's rookie Brandon Crawford at present.  He's strong with the glove but doesn't provide much offense and skipped Triple-A upon his call-up.

All four NL Central contenders are weak at shortstop, so if one of the clubs acquires a prize like J.J. Hardy it also takes an option away from direct rivals.  The Orioles aim to talk extension with Hardy before the All-Star break.  If that possibility falls through with time to spare before the July 31st deadline, Hardy will be a hot commodity.

A couple of top options in Jose Reyes and Stephen Drew appear to be off the board, since the Mets and Diamondbacks are in contention.  Jamey Carroll, Clint Barmes, and Rafael Furcal (if healthy) may be available.

Extension Talks For Phillips Not Progressing

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Earlier this week, we heard Brandon Phillips say that it would "be hard" to keep him in Cincinnati, despite his desire to stay there. Phillips said in March that he doesn't want to break the bank with a C.C. Sabathia or Jayson Werth -style contract, but is looking for fair money.

Now, John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer tweets that Phillips says nothing is going on with his extension talks: "It was bothering me earlier," said Phillips. "but now I'm just playing." In a separate tweet, Fay points out that the Reds could simply exercise Phillips' $12MM option, and it sounds like Phillips would be fine with that outcome: "That's a lot of money. I want that guarantee."

GM Walt Jocketty has indicated that the Reds will likely exercise the option, Fay writes in his blog: “He’s got an option. That’s what options are for. We might try to get something done later.”

Phillips turns 30 in ten days, and isn't experiencing his usual level of production, hitting .280/.338/.387 with just four stolen bases entering play today. These factors make it difficult to gauge his value.

Speculating here, but in Phillips' eyes, "fair" could be something along the lines of Dan Uggla's five-year $63MM contract with the Braves. After all, he's one year younger than Uggla was when he signed his deal, and unlike Uggla, Phillips is a well-reputed defender. While his typical power doesn't match Uggla's, it's still above-average for a second baseman and Phillips has significantly more speed to burn than Uggla.

Another comparable could be Brian Roberts, who signed a four-year $40MM contract with the Orioles at age 31 in 2009. Phillips has been equally as durable as Roberts was prior to his deal, averaging 151 games over his past five seasons compared to Roberts' 150. And, over the previous five years, he's hit .275/.326/.447 to Roberts' .291/.366/.435 in five years prior to his deal. According to UZR, Phillips is a historically better defender than Roberts as well.

If an extension can't be worked out, then the remainder of Phillips' 2011 season will dictate his paycheck in 2012 and beyond. If he continues to slug below .400, the Reds may buy out his option for $1MM and let him explore free agency. If he has a hot summer and regains his power stroke, I can see the Reds exercising his his option and worrying about his next contract over the winter or during the 2012 season.

As Tim Dierkes pointed out in the previously-linked post, Jocketty exercised Bronson Arroyo's $13MM option for 2011 before negating it in lieu of a three-year, $35MM extension this offseason.

Brandon Phillips On His Future In Cincinnati

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ESPN's Amy K. Nelson wrote a feature on Reds second baseman Brandon Phillips, focusing mainly on his interactions with fans via his Twitter account, @DatDudeBP.  Really cool stuff.  But there is an MLBTR-related nugget from a March conversation Phillips had with fans/friends Rachel and Dave Zahniser.  Phillips' Spring Training comments on his future in Cincinnati:

"It's going to be hard to keep me here." On whether he'd be willing to take a pay cut to stay: "I'm not trying to break the bank. I'm just trying to be fair. I don't want Jayson Werth money or CC Sabathia money."

Despite that comment, Phillips has made it well-known he'd like to stay in Cincinnati.  The first issue will be his 2012 club option, worth $12MM with a $1MM buyout.  The $11MM net price feels a bit high, as Phillips' slugging percentage has dipped below .400.  His defense remains well-regarded, so some team would probably find the salary palatable even if the Reds don't.  Jocketty told Nelson he hasn't had internal discussions or with Phillips' agents at ACES about a new deal.

For fans hoping Phillips stays, Jocketty's dealings with Bronson Arroyo are encouraging.  Arroyo's hefty $13MM club option was exercised in November, which was then overwritten as part of a three-year deal heavy on deferrals.

Rosenthal On Reds, Nunez, Edwin Rodriguez

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Here's the latest from FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal in this new Hot Corner video…

  • Of the NL Central contenders, Rosenthal thinks the Reds will be the most active before the trade deadline.  They can deal one of their top prospects (Zack Cozart, Yonder Alonso, Devin Mesoraco) for help, or perhaps promote one or more of those youngsters.  The Reds also have Aroldis Chapman and Homer Bailey's returns on the horizon.
  • The Cardinals will rely on reinforcements in the form of injured players returning from the DL, and while the Brewers are looking for "a hard-throwing reliever," Rosenthal doesn't think Milwaukee will be able to make any major trades since the farm system is thin after the Zack Greinke deal last winter.
  • The bright side of Derek Jeter's injury is that it gives the Yankees a look at Eduardo Nunez, their possible shortstop of the future.  Rosenthal also notes that Nunez could be a potential trade chip.
  • In regards to the rumored realignment plan, Rosenthal says concerns about interleague games being played throughout the year would be addressed by having the majority of AL vs. NL matchups take place towards the middle of the season, as per tradition.  Rosenthal, for his part, is a big supporter of realignment since it will create a more fair playing field in regards to scheduling and the divisional setup.
  • In another video clip, Rosenthal argues that the Marlins shouldn't be quick to fire manager Edwin Rodriguez even though the team is struggling.  The injuries to Hanley Ramirez and Josh Johnson have hampered the team, though as Rosenthal notes, even with this excuse for Florida's slump, it's hard to predict Jeffrey Loria's actions.

NL Central Notes: Pirates, Astros, Draft Signings

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Of the top eight vote-getters in National League All-Star voting, six are Brewers, Cardinals and Reds.  Ryan Braun leads the way with over 2.23MM votes thus far.  Here are a few items from this star-studded division….

  • The Pirates just acquired Mike McKenry yesterday but they still want to add more catching depth, manager Clint Hurdle tells MLB.com's Jenifer Langosch.
  • Astros owner Drayton McLane wants his team to remain in the National League, reports Richard Justice of the Houston Chronicle.  The 'Stros were rumored to be candidates to move to the AL under a realignment proposal that would even out the AL and NL with 15 teams each.  Of course, McLane is in the process of selling the team to Jim Crane, so McLane's preference wouldn't necessarily be an issue if these realignment plans ever came to fruition.
  • Speaking of Crane, Justice reports (via Twitter) that the new owner will likely officially take over the Astros on July 7 or 8.
  • The Reds announced the signings of 14 draft picks, plus undrafted free agent Phil Bauer from Xavier University.  The highest-selected of these picks is left-hander Tony Cingrani, taken in the third round.
  • The Brewers announced the signings of 14 draft picks and three undrafted free agents (via MLB.com's Adam McCalvy).  Ninth-round outfielder Malcom Dowell is the highest selection to sign.

Badler Examines July 2nd Class

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Less than thrilled by your team's draft haul?  Don't forget about the July 2nd class of international players.  This year's group is an improvement on the 2011 class, writes Ben Badler of Baseball America.  He names the Yankees, Blue Jays, Rangers, Royals, Mariners, Pirates, Red Sox, and Reds as teams that could be active in the international market.  Badler's info on a few of the top prospects:

  • Outfielders Ronald Guzman, Elier Hernandez, and Nomar Mazara could challenge Miguel Sano's $3.15MM record for a Dominican hitter, writes Badler.  The Rangers, Red Sox, and Blue Jays have been connected to Guzman and the Royals are the frontrunner for Hernandez.
  • Speedy Venezuelan shortstop Wilmer Becerra has been linked to the Cardinals, Twins, and Athletics, says Badler.  Becerra is projected by many to move to the outfield.
  • Mexican righty Roberto Osuna, nephew of Antonio, is a top prospect who is currently pitching in the Mexican League.  The 15-year-old is battling all kinds of former big leaguers.  Venezuelan righty Victor Sanchez is another one to watch, according to Badler.
  • Key MLBTR posts are translated into Spanish at our Rumores De Béisbol site, which has a unique Latin American focus with features such as Hits Latinos.  Tell your Spanish-speaking friends!

Rosenthal On Willingham, Upton, Reds, Twins

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It's the middle of June and Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports (video link) says that teams aren't sure if they'll be buying or selling as the deadline approaches..

  • The Athletics certainly look like sellers but they're not ready to just give players away.  Three of their more attractive hitters, David DeJesus, Coco Crisp, and Josh Willingham all make $6MM or less, salaries that are not prohibitive.  The A's can keep all of them, offer them arbitration, and then collect draft picks if they go elsewhere.  Right now, Willingham is the only one of the trio that projects as a Type A free agent.
  • The Rays could sell even while in contention if they believe that they can build something better for the future.  B.J. Upton remains a difficult call for the club.  Desmond Jennings, their top prospect, wouldn't provide as much of an impact.  At the same time, Upton is likely to make more than $6MM next season in arbitration.  Tampa Bay could wait until the offseason to move him but they might get more value if they act sooner.
  • If the Reds wanted to get creative, they could move one of their catchers for starting pitching and promote prospect Devin Mesoraco.  However, the combination of Ramon Hernandez and Ryan Hanigan is one of their strengths and they might not want to disrupt the chemistry between their pitchers and catchers.
  • The Twins are at the bottom of the AL Central but GM Bill Smith says that the team still believes that it's in the race.  It also helps that Jason Kubel, Jim Thome, Tsuyoshi Nishioka, and Joe Mauer are all expected back soon.  Minnesota isn't ready to pack it in just yet, and they're not quite ready to be mid-season sellers.
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