Headlines

Go To Pro Hockey Rumors
Go To Hoops Rumors

Guardians Rumors

Quick Hits: Ramirez, Indians, Fowler

By | at

Let's take a breather from the draft news with some Quick Hits..

  • Cubs third baseman Aramis Ramirez reiterated his agent's comments from earlier today, saying that he "wouldn't accept a trade", writes Bruce Levine of ESPNChicago.com.  The veteran is in the final year of a five-year, $75MM deal
  • The Indians announced that they released infielder Wes Hodges to create Triple-A roster space at Columbus for Nick Johnson, who joins the Clippers today (Twitter link). Hodges, a 2006 second round pick, had a .219/.276/.325 line at Triple-A this year, though he posted a .270/.308/.430 line with 15 homers there last year.
  • The Rockies probably couldn't move Dexter Fowler for much right now if they wanted to, tweets Troy Renck of the Denver Post.  The centerfielder is hitting .238/.340/.348 so far this year.

Rockies Release Jose Lopez

By | at

JUNE 7TH: The Rockies officially released Lopez, according to their Twitter page.

MAY 26TH: The Rockies designated infielder Jose Lopez for assignment, according to MLB.com's Thomas Harding (on Twitter). It has been a busy night for the Rockies, who sent Felipe Paulino to Kansas City earlier this evening.

Lopez, 27, has played second and third base for the Rockies this year, posting a .210/.234/.290 line. His .264/.295/.396 career line reflects his limited on-base skills and modest power. The 2006 All-Star averaged 15 homers per season for the 2006-10 Mariners.

Earlier tonight, Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports reported that the Rockies were looking to add athleticism to their bench. Lopez, who earns $3.6MM this year, was generating minimal trade interest, according to Rosenthal. Jon Heyman of SI.com notes that the Blue Jays and Indians had some interest in Lopez over the winter (Twitter link).

Quick Hits: Johnson, Tigers, Kouzmanoff

By | at

With the first round of the 2011 draft in the rear view mirror, let's take a look at a few links..

  • Slugger Nick Johnson was in the Indians' clubhouse before tonight's game against the Twins, but skipper Manny Acta says that it doesn't mean that we'll see the veteran promoted to the majors, writes Jordan Bastian of MLB.com.  Instead, the first baseman will be promoted from Double-A Akron to Triple-A Columbus.
  • Because of their signing of Victor Martinez, the Tigers were without a first round pick tonight.  Six months later, Tigers VP David Chadd has no regrets, writes MLB.com's Jason Beck.  The club wound up surrendering the No. 19 overall pick to the Red Sox, who used the pick to take UConn pitcher Matt Barnes.
  • Athletics third baseman Kevin Kouzmanoff was shocked to learn of his demotion to Triple-A tonight, writes Jane Lee of MLB.com.  

Rosenthal On Rangers, Upton, Marlins, Indians

By | at

With only five teams more than seven games out of first place, Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports thinks this year's trade market could play out differently than your usual scenario of struggling teams selling to contenders.  An unnamed general manager tells Rosenthal “It might be more of a reallocation of pieces than classic buying or selling…Parity also means that teams that aren’t close are saying, ‘Next year, it can be us.’ Maybe they buy a two- to three-year asset that they wouldn’t otherwise.”

Here's the latest from Rosenthal on a number of teams looking to fill needs as the pennant races begin to heat up…

  • The Rangers are looking for right-handed relievers and have a number of trade chips to offer other teams.  Rosenthal speculates Texas could offer Taylor Teagarden to the Giants for a righty arm, or possibly Chris Davis to the Padres or another team that is looking for offensive help. 
  • Todd Coffey is drawing interest from the Rangers, and Rosenthal thinks Coffey could be part of a package for Julio Borbon since the Nationals need a center fielder/leadoff hitter type.
  • Of course, Washington is also looking at B.J. Upton to fill that hole in center.  Rosenthal thinks it's unlikely the Rays move Upton, though they could change their minds if the Nats offer Tyler Clippard and a young positional prospect.
  • The Marlins are interested in acquiring veteran bullpen help in exchange for one of their minor league relievers.  Right-handers Jose Ceda, Jhan Marinez and Sandy Rosario have all attracted some attention from other clubs.
  • While "the Indians’ most obvious need remains a quality starting pitcher," Rosenthal also thinks the Tribe could be in the market for right-handed hitting help.  One of Rosenthal's Twitter followers asked if Cleveland could make a move for Hunter Pence, but Rosenthal doesn't think Houston will move Pence and the Indians already have Shin-Soo Choo in right field.
  • The Brewers "would love to add another power arm to their 'pen," as Milwaukee relievers rank 13th in the league in K/9. 
  • The Diamondbacks had an interest in David Purcey before the A's dealt the left-hander to the Tigers on May 27.
  • Bruce Bochy thinks rookie shortstop Brandon Crawford can be a productive Major League hitter, which would seem to lessen the Giants' chances of acquiring Jose Reyes before the deadline or trying to sign Reyes this winter in free agency.
  • Rosenthal "can't see" Jim Hendry returning as the Cubs' general manager given the team's current state.  "Forget about signing a free agent such as the Cardinals' Albert Pujols or the Brewers' Prince Fielder," Rosenthal writes.  "The Cubs are so far gone, they are much more than one player away."  Carlos Pena, John Grabow, Kosuke Fukudome, Kerry Wood and Jeff Baker are all trade candidates this summer; MLBTR's Tim Dierkes recently looked at the values of these players and others on the struggling Cubbies. 

Draft Links: Rays, Astros, Indians, Diamondbacks

By | at

Earlier today we learned that the Pirates plan to select Gerrit Cole with the number one overall pick in Monday's amateur draft, the first of over 1,500 players that will hear their names called next week. We'll keep track of draft news thoughout the day right here, with the latest up top…

  • The Rays are ready to cash in on their glut of draft picks, writes Tyler Kepner of the New York Times.  Tampa Bay is the first team to have twelve of the top 100 selections in a draft.
  • The Astros are trying to reach a pre-draft deal with Stanford lefty Chris Reed for the 11th overall pick according Frankie Piliere of FOX Sports (on Twitter), though they are denying that is the case (also via Twitter). Baseball America ranked Reed as the 60th best prospect in the draft on their top 200 list.
  • ESPN's Keith Law is hearing "quite a bit" about the Indians being connected to Vanderbilt righty Sonny Gray with the eighth overall pick (Twitter link). Click here to see Ben Nicholson-Smith's Q&A with Gray.
  • Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic hears that the Diamondbacks may be willing to take a player with large bonus demands with the seventh overall pick. That pick is compensation for failing to sign Barret Loux last year and is unprotected, so they won't get another pick if they don't sign the player. For that reason, it's been speculated that they would take a player they know they can sign.
  • Dan Connolly of The Baltimore Sun puts a spotlight on high school righty Dylan Bundy, who is in the mix to be selected by the Orioles, number four overall. Jim Callis of Baseball America has Bundy going to the D'Backs and Danny Hultzen going to O's on his latest draft board (Twitter link).
  • The Red Sox have a unique opportunity on their hands in owning four of the top 40 picks in the draft, writes Ryan Hannable of WEEI.com. Boston had five of the first 47 picks in 2005, selecting Clay Buchholz, Jacoby Ellsbury, Jed Lowrie, Michael Bowden and Craig Hansen. Pretty nice haul there.
  • The Rangers are showing strong interest in prep outfielder Brandon Nimmo from Wyoming with the 33rd overall pick, according to Tracy Ringolsby of FOXSports.com (via Twitter). Nimmo has committed to attend Arkansas.

Stark On Upton, Pirates, Indians, Red Sox, Fox

By | at

One GM told ESPN.com’s Jayson Stark that he’d like to see the season shortened because it’s a mental and physical grind for the players and they could use more rest to regroup. Stark provides and passes along many suggestions, including a national doubleheader day (what’s not to like about that?) and expanding the active rosters beyond 25 players. Here are the latest rumblings from around MLB…

  • Though a couple of American League teams made strong proposals for Justin Upton last winter, D’Backs president Derrick Hall says it’s doubtful that Arizona would be in first place without their 23-year-old right fielder. About two dozen teams expressed interest in the former first overall pick last offseason. Put another way, only five teams weren’t interested.
  • There are signs that the 26-29 Pirates are going to make a run at .500 instead of trading MLB players for prospects this year. One NL assistant GM says he would shoot for .500 to start changing the perception that the Pirates are perennial losers.
  • Though the Indians understand the injury risks for catchers (Carlos Santana missed the end of the 2010 season after a home plate collision), GM Chris Antonetti says his front office appreciates “the potential competitive advantage of getting exceptional production behind the plate.”
  • They’ve already signed Kevin Millwood and now Red Sox are “poking around” for another starter to stash at Triple-A, according to Stark.
  • The Orioles, who designated Jake Fox for assignment this week, are trying to trade him and at least one scout expects them to find a taker.

 

Poll: Which Surprise Teams Will Stay In Contention?

By | at

Memorial Day is behind us and the Indians and Diamondbacks lead their respective divisions. The standings will change between the beginning of June and the beginning of October, of course, but they're now the product of 50-plus games. 

Though the Indians are 32-20, they've lost five of seven games and can't be quite sure what Grady Sizemore and Travis Hafner can offer the rest of the way. Meanwhile, the 30-24 D'Backs could face stiff competition if and when the Rockies and Giants recover from injuries to Jorge de la Rosa and Buster Posey, respectively. Both Cleveland and Arizona are talented, but that doesn't mean 2011 is their year.

 

Which team(s) will contend all season?
Cleveland Indians 42.77% (3,913 votes)
Neither team 28.15% (2,575 votes)
Arizona Diamondbacks 14.70% (1,345 votes)
Both teams 14.38% (1,316 votes)
Total Votes: 9,149

Rosenthal On Betemit, Reds, Indians

By | at

The latest from Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports…

  • The Marlins are "among the teams tracking" Royals third baseman Wilson Betemit.  The 29-year-old is a free agent after the season and has hit .303/.378/.488 in 492 plate appearances in his Royals career.  Betemit is earning only $1MM, so any team could fit him in.  He has experience all around the infield and has dabbled at the outfield corners as well.  MLBTR's Ben Nicholson-Smith discussed his trade candidacy earlier this month.
  • "There is not a lot of pitching to be had. It would be tough to get anyone if we do need someone," remarked Reds GM Walt Jocketty to Rosenthal.  The Reds' rotation has been surprisingly lousy this year, but Travis Wood, Bronson Arroyo, and Mike Leake are not as bad as their cumulative 5.33 ERA suggests.
  • Orlando Cabrera's impact is "very difficult to quantify," Indians GM Chris Antonetti tells Rosenthal.  You have to wonder if O-Cab could provide the same intangibles off the bench, allowing the Tribe to start Cord Phelps or Jason Kipnis at second base.

Draft Notes: Cole, Hultzen, Bradley, Springer

By | at

The draft takes place one week from today; here’s the latest as teams prepare their draft boards for next Monday… 

  • ESPN.com’s Keith Law projects the Pirates to select UCLA right-hander Gerrit Cole with the first overall pick, though he says they’re still seriously in on Virginia left-hander Danny Hultzen and high school outfielder Bubba Starling. It’s too early to rule out Rice third baseman Anthony Rendon either. 
  • The D’Backs could take Hultzen, UCLA right-hander Trevor Bauer or high schooler Dylan Bundy third overall, according to Law.
  • It looks like the Orioles will take an arm fourth overall; they have Bundy, high schooler Archie Bradley and Cole in their sights.
  • If Bauer falls to the Indians, they’ll take him, according to Law.
  • The Cubs “sent a small army” to watch outfielder George Springer at the Big East tournament.
  • The Padres are interested in UConn right-hander Matt Barnes and Vanderbilt right-hander Sonny Gray. 
  • The top three players on one team’s draft board are advised by agent Scott Boras, according to Yahoo’s Jeff Passan.
  • Rendon's stock is down a bit because of a dip in production and injury concerns, writes Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic, but Rendon's coach at Rice, Wayne Graham, expects the third baseman to go within the top two picks.
  • The Giants shouldn't (and won't) alter their draft strategy in response to Buster Posey's season-ending injury, writes Jim Callis of Baseball America in a mailbag.

Quick Hits: Pirates, Reyes, Mariners, Galarraga

By | at

Links for Sunday, after John Danks was unable to get his first win of 2011 this afternoon….

  • It seems likely that the Pirates will place Ryan Doumit on the disabled list after he injured his ankle today, and Rob Biertempfel of The Pittsburgh-Tribune Review says (on Twitter) that Dusty Brown would get called up to replace him since Jason Jaramillo is also hurt. Pittsburgh's 40-man roster is full, so a move will have to be made to accommodate Brown.
  • Andy McCullough of The Star-Ledger reports (on Twitter) that Mets shortstop Jose Reyes was again asked about his contract following today's game. "I've told you like a million times already," said Reyes, an impending free agent. "If [an extension] comes, it comes. If not, I'm going to continue to play."
  • Larry Stone of The Seattle Times spoke to Mariners GM Jack Zduriencik about the upcoming draft, who indicated that he will not draft based on team need and that they have a group of about five players they're specifically targeting for the second overall pick.
  • Bob Cohn of The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review wrote about the importance that decision-making plays into the success of small market teams.
  • Armando Galarraga wasn't pleased about his demotion to Triple-A, writes Chris Gabel of the Reno Gazette-Journal. The right-hander was blunt about why he stayed in the Diamondbacks' organization and accepted his minor league assignment: "The money. They have to pay me $2.3MM to come here."
  • The trade pulled off by the Yankees, Tigers, and Diamondbacks in 2009 was the rare three-way deal that worked out for each team, says Joel Sherman of the New York Post.
  • Asked whether the Indians could pursue Jim Thome this summer, Paul Hoynes of the Cleveland Plain Dealer points out that if the Twins make him available, it likely won't be until after he hits his 600th home run. Hoynes doubts that the veteran slugger is a fit for the Tribe anyway.
  • While the Red Sox committed over $300MM to Carl Crawford and Adrian Gonzalez this year, their smaller investments are also paying dividends, writes Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe.
  • P.J. Walters was removed from the Cardinals' 40-man roster and cleared waivers earlier this weekend, according to Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Show all

MLB Trade Rumors is not affiliated with Major League Baseball, MLB or MLB.com

Do not Sell or Share My Personal Information

hide arrows scroll to top