Rockies Acquire Mitchell Boggs, Designate Gardner
The Rockies have acquired Mitchell Boggs from the Cardinals in exchange for international bonus slot money, according to announcements from both clubs. The Cards will get the Rockies' int'l slot bonus No. 4, according to Scott Miller of CBSSports.com (on Twitter), which amounts to $206K, according to Jim Bowden (on Twitter). The Rockies tweet that they have designated pitcher Joe Gardner for assignment to clear space for Boggs on the 40-man roster.
Boggs, 29, hasn't been sharp in 14 and 2/3 innings this season but has a history of doing much better at the big league level. From 2008 to 2012, the right-hander owns a 3.80 ERA with 6.7 K/9 and 3.8 BB/9 fro the Cardinals.
Gardner, 25, posted a 7.01 ERA for Double-A Tulsa in 2013, with 8.77 K/9 and 4.56 BB/9. After pitching mostly as a starter at the Double-A level in 2012, he has served as a reliever in 2013. The Rockies acquired Gardner from the Indians in 2011 in the Ubaldo Jimenez deal. Troy Renck of the Denver Post noted earlier today (via Twitter) that Gardner was on waivers.
The Cardinals get a significant bump in space to spend on international prospects, as they entered the period with just $2.06MM in total, according to BA. The list of Cardinals international signees already includes Venezuelan outfielder Carlos Talavera ($500K) and Dominican shortstop Hector Linares ($400K).
Charlie Wilmoth contributed to this post.
NL Notes: Francoeur, Rockies, Giants
Outfielder Jeff Francoeur, who was recently released by the Royals, has interest from three teams, including the Reds, Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports tweets. The exact details of any negotiations are unclear, but a new contract for Francoeur, who was hitting .208/.249/.322 in 2013 after having struggled in 2012, would almost certainly be a minor-league deal. Here are more notes from around the National League.
- Roy Oswalt of the Rockies left his start on Sunday with a strained hamstring, leaving Colorado looking for pitching, Troy Renck of the Denver Post tweets. Renck writes that it will be a seller's market for arms, however, making acquiring starting pitching difficult. The Rockies were reported to be interested in Ricky Nolasco before the Marlins dealt him to the Dodgers. While the Rockies are still technically in the playoff race, though, they're five games below .500 and in third place, so it's fair to wonder whether they'll be as motivated to pay heavily for shorter-term upgrades as other teams might be.
- The Giants are unlikely to make dramatic changes despite their recent struggles, Mike Bauman of MLB.com writes. After winning two of the last three World Series, the Giants are currently 40-47. "These are our guys, though," says manager Bruce Bochy. "These guys have done a lot of good things here. You know [the slump] feels like it's been forever, but it's been maybe three weeks. It's getting long, but still, they are our guys and we're going to stay behind them." Bauman notes that Chad Gaudin recently returned to the Giants' rotation and that reliever Santiago Casilla and starter Ryan Vogelsong could soon return from injury as well.
Dodgers Notes: Nolasco, Marmol, Rockies
After weeks of hearing that the Marlins were desperate to move Ricky Nolasco and wanted to find a trade partner ASAP, the Dodgers stepped up and grabbed him for a trio of pitching prospects and got some additional international bonus slot money in the swap. Here's the latest out of Los Angeles following yesterday's trade..
- General Manager Ned Colletti & Co. felt that Matt Garza wasn't worth the prospect cost at this time, so they went with Nolasco instead, tweets Jim Bowden of ESPN.com. The Dodgers continue to be aggressive in several trade discussions. Bowden adds (link) that the Dodgers' priority is finding a back-end power arm and then another starter.
- The Dodgers filled a major need with their acquisition of Nolasco, writes Scott Miller of CBSSports.com. Back in spring training, everyone wondered how the Dodgers could fit eight starting pitchers into five rotation slots. In July, rotation depth was a major need for Los Angeles.
- While the Dodgers' acquisition of Carlos Marmol made headlines, their real motive in the deal was securing extra space to spend in the international market, writes Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times. The Dodgers don't plan to have a this high of a payroll forever and the additional bonus money will help them develop their own talent in the long-term.
- The Rockies talked with the Marlins about Ricky Nolasco and even though they liked him, paying roughly $5.6MM for a rental was never in the cards for them, tweets Troy Renck of the Denver Post.
Dodgers Sign Ian Stewart
The Dodgers have signed third baseman Ian Stewart, tweets Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com. Since being jettisoned by the Cubs, Stewart was most recently rumored to be in discussions with the Yankees, who USA Today's Bob Nightengale says (Twitter link) were finalists for Stewart along with the Marlins and Rockies. While contract details have not yet been reported, all signs point to the deal being a minor league contract.
Stewart never made it to the bigs this season, as he was outrighted to Chicago's highest minor league affiliate after struggling during an early-season rehab stint. His cumulative line this season (all for Triple-A Iowa) is just .168/.286/.372. In 2012, Stewart managed just a .201/.292/.335 slash for the major league Cubs.
The 28-year-old Stewart had a less-than-amicable end to his tenure in Chicago after being non-tendered but later re-signed by the Cubs this past offseason. He never regained the power stroke that he showed during his time with the Rockies. To add insult to injury to the Cubs, one of the players the club dealt to Colorado for Stewart — 24-year-old infielder DJ LeMahieu — could be in the midst of establishing himself as a big league regular.
Olney’s Latest: Biogenesis, Utley, Wilson, Garza
In his latest column (Insider subscription required and recommended), ESPN's Buster Olney writes that Nelson Cruz is among the players whose free agent stock could be severely impacted by the Biogenesis scandal. If Cruz is cleared of any wrongdoing by that time he will be fine, but if discipline has yet to be handed out, or he receives a suspension near the end of the season, teams will be wary. Cruz's case could be further complicated if the Rangers make him a qualifying offer. Here are a few of the highlights from Olney's excellent piece…
- The Blue Jays are looking for upgrades in their rotation and at second base, and they will be interested in Chase Utley should the Phillies make him available.
- Former Giants closer Brian Wilson is working out in Hawaii and could pitch for teams later this month or in early August.
- The Cubs are "making progress" in trade negotiations surrounding Matt Garza, and they're actively talking with the Rangers, Red Sox, Blue Jays, Indians and Dodgers. They may also still be involved in talks with the Orioles as well as other NL West teams.
- Olney also spoke with his colleague Jayson Stark on today's Baseball Tonight podcast, and they discussed the impact of Biogenesis on pennant races in addition to discussing the upcoming trade deadline (Biogenesis talk begins immediately; trade discussions begin shortly after the 11:00 mark).
- Olney said he'd be "shocked" if Garza was still on the Cubs by the All-Star break, but Stark hears that the Cubs may prefer to wait for a team to meet their price, even if it means waiting until the end of July. Stark and Olney agree that Garza will have the highest price tag of any player on the trade market.
- The Dodgers, Rangers and Rockies are the three teams that are still in the mix on Ricky Nolasco, while the other formerly interested parties are "on the periphery" according to Stark.
Ricky Nolasco Rumors: Wednesday
Last night it was reported that the Rockies, Rangers and Dodgers were the three teams that are "in heavy pursuit" of Marlins right-hander Ricky Nolasco. The 30-year-old's name has been the most frequently mentioned trade candidate of the summer to date, and reports have said that today could be a "soft deadline" by which to trade him. Here's the latest on Nolasco…
- The Yankees are scouting the start as well, Knobler tweets.
- Knobler also tweets that the Rangers have a scout in attendance. The Dodgers don't have a scout there, though Knobler notes that may not be worth reading into.
- Nolasco is pitching for the Marlins right now, and Danny Knobler of CBS Sports tweets that the Giants, Padres and Rockies all have scouts in attendance.
- While the Dodgers are still the frontrunners for Nolasco, about a half-dozen teams are showing interest in Nolasco, writes MLB.com's Joe Frisaso. Nolasco could still be moved before the first pitch tonight, he adds. Frisaro also spoke to an NL scout regarding Nolasco's recent pair of rough outings. The scout downplayed the struggles, telling Frisaro: "He did nothing to not get himself traded."
- All signs point to Nolasco making tonight's start for the Marlins, tweets Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports. In a separate tweet, he notes that rain in the forecast could be an issue. A rainout would buy the Marlins some extra time, as the team has been said to prefer to move him prior to this start.
Draft Notes: Clinton Hollon, Kent Emanuel
Here are today's notable draft-related news items and non-first-round draft signings (all slot information courtesy of Baseball America)…
- The Blue Jays have signed second-round pick Clinton Hollon for a $467K bonus that is just 40 percent of the No. 47 overall selection's assigned pick value, tweets Jim Callis of Baseball America. There was an issue with Hollon's ulnar collateral ligament on his physical, which caused the prep right-hander from Kentucky to sign well below slot. Hollon can touch 95 mph with his heater and has a sharp slider, according to Callis. The extra money should be especially beneficial to the Jays, who have yet to sign first-rounder Phil Bickford. Bickford is one of just five remaining unsigned first-round picks.
- Third-round pick Kent Emanuel received the full slot value of $747,700 from the Astros, according to MLB.com's Brian McTaggart (on Twitter). Callis tweets that the UNC left-hander has good command of his 87-91 mph fastball and features a plus changeup as well.
- Callis also tweets that the Blue Jays ($1.3MM), Astros ($1.077MM), Red Sox ($691K) and Rockies ($491K) are the current bonus pool savings leaders.
Alex Rios’ No-Trade List
The seven-year, $69.835MM extension that Alex Rios signed with the Blue Jays back in 2008 didn't initially contain no-trade protection, but a limited no-trade clause allowing Rios to block trades to six teams kicked in starting in 2009. Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune reports that the six teams to which Rios can block a trade are the Yankees, Diamondbacks, Rockies, Royals, Astros and Athletics.
The Rockies, Diamondbacks and A's are likely set on outfielders, and the Astros certainly aren't looking to buy at this time. However, the no-trade protection against the Yankees and (to a lesser extent) the Royals is significant, as both teams would make sense as suitors for Rios.
The struggling Yankees scored fewer runs than any team in baseball last month (88) and have a dearth of right-handed power. Offense is said to be New York's primary need in trades. The Royals opened the season with Jeff Francoeur in right field but have since designated him for assignment. Recent reports did state that the chances of Kansas City making a big move were "slim," and David Lough has played well in place of Francoeur.
Rangers, Dodgers, Rockies In “Heavy Pursuit” Of Nolasco
9:42pm: The Rangers, Dodgers and Rockies "are in heavy pursuit" of Nolasco, two executives tell ESPN's Jayson Stark. The Marlins are narrowing their focus to getting a deal done quickly, because the team would like to have the returning Henderson Alvarez make tomorrow's start instead of Nolasco. The Marlins are seeking a pair of prospects in return for Nolasco.
Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports adds that the Marlins are looking for prospects as opposed to a return like the Cubs received from the Orioles earlier today when they acquired Jake Arrieta and Pedro Strop for Scott Feldman. Rosenthal opines that there is no sense in the Marlins' insistance that the acquiring team absorb the remaining $5.7MM on Nolasco's deal. The Marlins entered the season with a $36.3MM payroll — the second lowest in baseball — and will easily receive more than that figure in revenue sharing and national TV money.
7:10pm: Jon Heyman of CBS Sports spoke with a Marlins source who emphasized that Nolasco is "not a giveaway." According to Heyman, the Rockies have offered a pair of "pretty decent prospects" but don't want to absorb the remaining salary on Nolasco's deal. Heyman's source suggests that the Marlins also have an offer that is mostly salary relief without offering much in the way of prospects.
5:12pm: The Marlins are beginning to adjust their asking price on Ricky Nolasco, according to ESPN's Buster Olney (on Twitter). The change reflects their desire to move him as soon as possible, according to Olney, who notes that the Dodgers are still the frontrunners.
As recently as last Thursday, the Marlins were said to be looking for a "good" prospect for Nolasco, as well as a willingness to absorb the entirety of the roughly $6MM remaining on his contract for the 2013 season.
Nolasco has been connected to the Dodgers, Rockies, Padres, Giants, Orioles and Rangers, though the Orioles swung a deal for Scott Feldman earlier today, and it's unclear if their interest remains. The 30-year-old has a 3.93 ERA with 7.1 K/9 and 2.1 BB/9 in 105 1/3 innings this season, though he's struggled in his past two outings.
Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports reported last week that Wednesday could be a "soft deadline" to move Nolaco, as the Marlins are hoping to deal him before he makes his scheduled start that day.
Rockies Sign Carlos Herrera
The Rockies have signed Venezuelan shortstop Carlos Herrera for a $1.2MM bonus, according to MLB.com's Jesse Sanchez (on Twitter). The 16-year-old ranked 11th on Baseball America's list of Top 30 international prospects and 15th on MLB.com's Top 30.The Rockies have the third-largest bonus pool this year at $4.21MM.
MLB.com writes that "Herrera is a line-drive hitter and capable defender with the speed to be a very good baserunner and a threat on the bases." Baseball America praises his speed, athleticism and hitting ability while projecting him to stay in the middle of the diamond.
In more Rockies-related news, Ben Badler of Baseball America reports that the team's previously reported agreement with Colombian righty Erick Julio is for $700K. Badler adds that the projectable 16-year-old isn't a power arm now, but should add velocity as he matures and "already shows the makings of a quality curveball and changeup."