Heyman On GMs, Mulder, Bay, Reds
SI.com's Jon Heyman identifies the GMs facing the most pressure heading into the second half of the season and passes along some rumors, too:
- Despite "occasional rumblings" about Omar Minaya's job security, injuries are to blame for the Mets' disappointing start, so Minaya's bosses aren't about to blame him for the season.
- The Nats plan on hiring a permanent GM soon and acting GM Mike Rizzo is in the running for the position.
- Giants GM Brian Sabean saved one of his best showings for his walk year. He's put together a playoff contender and a talented crop of minor leaguers just as his deal's about to expire.
- Royals GM Dayton Moore and Braves GM Frank Wren are expected to have some time to work with.
- It doesn't look like Indians GM Mark Shapiro will ascend to club president this year.
- Heyman likes the Phillies' acquisition of Pedro Martinez.
- Mark Mulder could be the next pitcher to sign, as he's 95% ready, according to his agent.
- Heyman thinks the Red Sox will be able to lock Jason Bay up once they start talking extension.
- Look for the Reds to continue their hunt for outfielders.
Victor Martinez Wants To Retire As An Indian
Victor Martinez never wants to leave the only organization he's known in his 11 pro seasons, according to Paul Hoynes of the Cleveland Plain Dealer. V-Mart says he wants "to retire as an Indian" and can't envision himself in another team's uniform.
Indians Release Matt Herges
The Indians released reliever Matt Herges, according to a team press release. They designated him for assignment ten days ago to make room for Winston Abreu. Herges allowed fewer hits than innings pitched in his 25.1 innings, for an ERA of 3.55. Now we'll see if a team looking for relievers, like the Angels or Marlins, picks him up.
Odds & Ends: Bruce, Ozzie, Indians
Another round of links for those still hanging around on Saturday evening…
- Reds outfielder Jay Bruce broke his right wrist sliding for a ball tonight, and is heading back to Cincinnati to be examined according to MLB.com's Mark Sheldon. The Reds were looking to add a bat before the injury, so it stands to reason that they'd ramp up those efforts now.
- White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen said he doesn't "think we’re going to give up three or four players, key players, for the future, just to rent a player for year," according to Mark Gonzales of The Chicago Tribune. Ozzie then admitted that GM Kenny Williams is the one calling the shots when it comes to trades.
- Paul Hoynes of The Cleveland Plain Dealer rounds up the signing bonuses for the Indians second through tenth round draft picks. First rounder Alex White remains unsigned.
Odds & Ends: Halladay, Rays, Indians, Rockies, Draft
With another round of deals today, we're reminded that the trade deadline is just three weeks away. Here's some evening linkage…
- Joe Haggerty rounds up Peter Gammons' weekly appearance on ESPN Radio's Mike & Mike this morning. Among many other topics, Gammons touched on Roy Halladay, saying that he believes "there’s about a 20 percent chance that Halladay gets traded."
- MLB.com's Zach Schonbrun writes that Rays owner Stuart Sternberg says the team is unlikely to cut payroll during the season, assuming they stay in the hunt of course.
- The Indians aren't so lucky. Paul Hoynes of The Cleveland Plain Dealer says that when "it comes to setting next year's payroll, the Indians are going to be looking to cut corners because of the economy." He mentions Rafael Betancourt and Kelly Shoppach as candidates to be moved because of their salaries.
- The Denver Post's Troy Renck says the Rockies are unlikely to move Ryan Spilborghs and "aren't in a hurry" to trade Garrett Atkins.
- Team president Frank Coonelly refuted a report saying that the Pirates had "essentially completed a deal" with fourth round pick Zack Dodson, according to Dejan Kovacevic.
- Roch Kubatko of MASNsports.com reports that the Orioles have signed four more draft picks.
Odds And Ends: Pujols, Pirates, Marlins
Links for Friday…
- Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports says the Cardinals would lock Albert Pujols up to an extension as soon as possible in a perfect world.
- Bud Selig told Rick Hummel of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch that Pujols, Derek Jeter and Trevor Hoffman are among baseball's best ambassadors.
- Their interest in Miguel Angel Sano is on hold, but that's not stopping the Pirates from being aggressive in Latin America. Dejan Kovacevic of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette passes along descriptions of six Pirates signees.
- Greg Cote of the Miami Herald says the Marlins need to acquire a closer, even if it means giving up Cody Ross, Jeremy Hermida or Dan Uggla.
- MLB.com's Mark Bowman reports that possible trade candidate Javier Vazquez will miss his next start with an abdominal strain.
- Joe Christensen of the Minneapolis Star Tribune asks his readers whether the Twins should trade for Freddy Sanchez.
- The Indians signed second rounder Jason Kipnis, according to a team press release.
- MLB.com's John Torenli reports that Padres prospect Mat Latos pitched five perfect innings last night.
Indians Interested In Gobble, Not Ryan
Paul Hoynes of the Cleveland Plain Dealer says that the Indians are not interested in signing BJ Ryan even though they nearly signed him four years ago. Instead, Hoynes says the Indians are interested in Jimmy Gobble, who was just designated for assignment by the White Sox. If the Indians do acquire Gobble, Hoynes says the lefty would be assigned to AAA. Gobble allowed 14 hits and seven walks in 12 innings this season, striking out ten.
Alyson Footer of MLB.com also reports that Ed Wade said the Astros do not have any interest in signing Ryan, or Pedro Martinez for that matter.
One Year Ago: Sabathia Trade Completed
One year ago today, the Brewers and Indians officially announced the trade that sent C.C. Sabathia to Milwaukee for Matt LaPorta and others. The deal worked perfectly for the Brewers, who made the playoffs thanks to 13 dominant starts by Sabathia, including seven complete games and three shutouts. The Brewers also received two compensation picks for losing Sabathia in free agency, which they used last month to select Kentrail Davis and Maxwell Walla.
Odds And Ends: Rays, Hairston, Escobar
Even more links for your Monday afternoon…
- Jon Heyman of SI.com hears that the Rays signed Venezuelan third baseman Cesar Perez for $1MM. The "kid can play," according to Heyman.
- Ben Badler of Baseball America reports that the Indians agreed to terms with two players: a shortstop and Angel Berroa's cousin, who's a pitcher.
- ESPN.com's Rob Neyer doesn't see Scott Hairston in the lineup of the next A's playoff team.
- MLB.com's Mark Bowman says he doesn't get the sense the Braves have any desire to deal Yunel Escobar.
Heyman On Street, Indians, Pedro, Davis
Jon Heyman of SI.com lists his mid-season award winners, led by Albert Pujols and Joe Mauer. Here are Heyman's latest rumors:
- Huston Street alone is worth more on the trade market than Matt Holliday. Dan O'Dowd must be happy with his return, which also included Carlos Gonzalez.
- Jhonny Peralta, Kerry Wood and Carl Pavano are all available.
- Indians GM Mark Shapiro believes he can still get a fair return for Cliff Lee if he deals him a year from now, a few months before the lefty is scheduled to become free agent.
- One executive says the Royals are "pushing" Brian Bannister as a trade candidate. However, they're reluctant to deal Gil Meche and Joakim Soria.
- Pedro Martinez intends to sign soon. We know the Phillies are scouting him. Could there be a match in Philly? The Rays are "thought to be in the mix," while the Yankees are not, even with Chien-Ming Wang's injury.
- There's apparently been "little progress" between the Brewers and D'Backs regarding Doug Davis.
- Nolan Ryan is part of one group trying to buy the Rangers.