Berkman’s Preferred Destinations
Despite all the rumors surrounding him and Roy Oswalt, Lance Berkman told Yahoo's Jeff Passan that he doesn't expect to be traded. Berkman has at least $10.6MM remaining on his contract when you include his 2011 buyout, and he realizes that figure scares teams off, especially in this market.
"Teams value their prospects more than they ever have," Berkman said. "I’m 34. I’m not having a great year."
Berkman, who is hitting .238/.340/.392 with six homers, has a no-trade clause, so like Oswalt, he controls his future to an extent. The Angels have a clear need for a first baseman, but Berkman says the Angels "wouldn't be an automatic yes." Berkman would rather go east than west, though that's not his number one consideration.
"There is absolutely no way I would consent to going somewhere that didn’t have a good chance not just to get to the playoffs, but to win the whole thing," he said.
Berkman realizes the Astros are probably not going to pick up his $15MM option for 2011 at this point. Earlier in the month, Jon Heyman of SI.com reported that Berkman would approve a trade if the acquiring team picked up his option.
Odds & Ends: Angels, Brewers, Gordon, Romero
Some links to check out while we wait to see if Jon Garland can help the Padres extend their lead in the NL West…
- Mark Saxon of ESPNLosAngeles.com reports that the Angels may take their time in trading for a first baseman, both to save money and to determine if they need to make a big pickup.
- Brewers' first-round pick Dylan Covey is looking for a $2MM signing bonus, which Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel notes is about $300K higher than MLB's slotted bonus price for a 14th overall selection.
- Haudricourt also reports that Milwaukee's first two picks from the 2009 Amateur Draft (26th overall right-hander Eric Arnett and 39th overall outfielder Kentrail Davis) have both been sent down a level. Arnett posted a 6.87 ERA in 12 starts at the low-A level and is moving down to rookie ball, while Davis goes from high-A to low-A.
- Royals manager Ned Yost tells MLB.com's Dick Kaegel that in spite of Alex Gordon's success at Triple-A, Gordon won't be called back up to the majors until Kansas City can find an everyday space for him.
- Five teams have an interest in outfielder Wilmer Romero in advance of the international signing period opening on July 2, tweets Melissa Segura of Sports Illustrated.
- Chuck Finder of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette thinks the Pirates could spend around $10.5MM to sign their draft class since they "need, and want, to flood…their system with talent."
- The already pitching-rich Braves have "the most talented rotation in the minors" at Advanced-A Myrtle Beach, according to Fangraphs' Marc Hulet.
- MLB.com's Bill Ladson sees Washington pursuing a pitcher and a hitter at the trade deadline, and answers a number of hot stove-related questions in a fan mailbag.
- Dylan Hernandez of The Los Angeles Times says that the Dodgers haven't made any progress towards acquiring Cliff Lee and are balking at the money left on Roy Oswalt's contract.
- Meanwhile, Bill Shaikin of The Los Angeles Times says the Angels could have Paul Konerko today, if they wanted. He adds that if they do make a trade, they might be better off targeting a third baseman.
- A Mets' official indicated that the team won't discuss an extension with Rod Barajas until after the season, tweets Newsday's David Lennon.
- Peter Abraham of The Boston Globe tweets that Ted Lilly was "begging" the Yankees to sign him before the 2007, but they went for Kei Igawa instead.
- Paul Hagen of The Philadelphia Daily News says the Phillies shouldn't expect a trade deadline boost this year because of a depleted farm system beyond Domonic Brown and close to $140MM in salary commitments for 2011.
- Richard Justice of The Houston Chronicle says it might not be until July that the Astros decide to "blow up the roster and start over."
- Jeff Passan of Yahoo! Sports looks at nine starting pitchers who will be on the market this summer, led by Lee.
Amateur Draft Signings: Monday
Several teams announced mass signings of players from the 2010 Amateur Draft today. Here's a round-up of Monday's signings…
- The Angels have signed over 20 of their picks, most notably supplemental round selections Taylor Lindsey and Ryan Bolden.
- According to a team press release, the Mariners have signed 17 of their draft picks. The highest of these picks was Tennesse Tech right-hander Stephen Pryor, taken in the fifth round.
- The Nationals have inked 22 draft picks according a team press release, including 15 of their 25 selections. No, Bryce Harper is not among those who signed on the dotted line.
- The Reds signed 14 draft picks according to John Fay of The Cincinnati Enquirer, including their second, third, and fourth rounders.
- Matt Cerrone of MetsBlog.com reports that the Mets signed 25 draft picks of their own, highlighted by fourth rounder Cory Vaughn (Greg Vaughn's son).
- Houston's signing of Mike Kvasnicka, the 33rd overall selection, became official today. In addition to Kvasnicka, an Astros team press release also announced three other signings, including seventh-round selection Roberto Pena.
Mike Axisa also contributed to this post.
Astros, Rangers Getting Close To Oswalt Deal?
5:16pm: Jon Daniels tells T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com that "there is no truth" to the Oswalt speculation.
4:36pm: ESPN's Buster Olney hears from a highly placed source that there's nothing to the Oswalt to Texas rumors (Twitter links). He adds the it doesn't make sense for them to pursue the highest paid starting pitcher on the market not just given their financial situation, but also when the market is flush with starters.
4:01pm: A source tells NBCSports.com's Craig Calcattera that the Astros and Rangers are "getting close" to having a Roy Oswalt deal in place. It's not clear who Houston would receive in the deal, but the package of players is more or less agreed too.
However, Texas' financial situation is the sticking point, as the Rangers are trying to convince MLB to allow them to take on the roughly $27MM left on Oswalt's deal. MLB currently has a line of credit to cover expenses out to the Rangers, who are in bankruptcy. As Calcattera explains, it's unclear if the bankruptcy court must approve any new obligations.
The 32-year-old Oswalt has indicated that he will waive his no-trade clause to go to a contender, and the Rangers are currently a half-game up in the AL West. He's posted a 3.16 ERA with 8.6 K/9 this year, his highest mark since his rookie season. The $27MM left on his deal is broken down into $9M for the remainder of this season, $16M next year, and a $2MM buyout of his $16MM option for 2012.
The Rangers' team ERA is middle of the pack at 4.12, but their starters have thrown just 362.1 innings, among the lowest in the league. Oswalt has fired off six straight years of at least 30 starts and 181.1 innings, so he'd fit comfortably at the top of their rotation.
Astros Sign Mike Kvasnicka
MONDAY, 2:44pm: The signing is official according to a team press release. MLB.com's Jonathan Mayo tweets the deal is worth $936K.
SATURDAY, 10:37pm: The Astros have reached a deal with supplemental draft pick Mike Kvasnicka, a source tells Brian McTaggart of MLB.com. The University of Minnesota product was taken with the 33rd overall pick.
Kvasnicka, a catcher in college, is expected to sign in the next few days. The Astros plan on moving him to third base while allowing him to catch occasionally. ESPN's Keith Law ranked Kvasnicka as the 49th best player in the draft.
With first round pick Mike Foltynewicz also having agreed to a deal, Houston will now try to lock down their remaining unsigned first rounder, Delino DeShields Jr. Foltynewicz was taken with 18th pick while DeShields was grabbed with the eighth overall selection.
Heyman’s Latest: Lee, Oswalt, White Sox, Nady
Jon Heyman has a new column up at SI.com, so let's dive on in…
- Cliff Lee and Roy Oswalt are the two big name pitchers available on the trade market, but their value is very different because of the money owed to them. "At the end of the day," says one AL exec, "I don't think Houston will be able to move the entire (Oswalt) contract and get premium players back."
- Another AL executive noted that Lee has proven that he can be successful in the American League and will fetch two draft picks at the end of the season.
- The Red Sox turned down a straight up Lee for Clay Buchholz offer last year.
- The Yankees are happy with their rotation at the moment, but they plan on putting in a call in the coming days just in case they are "pleasantly surprised" by Seattle's asking price. Oswalt, meanwhile, isn't even on their radar.
- Some wonder if the Dodgers are saving money for a big score, but GM Ned Colletti will be hard pressed to acquire either Lee or Oswalt without ownership approval.
- The Cardinals might not be willing to take on Oswalt's deal with Albert Pujols' free agency rapidly approaching.
- The Mets might not want to give up the prospects to acquire another frontline pitcher, though the Rangers would be able to work Lee's salary into the budget.
- Heyman also goes through and offers some opinion on other teams that could use one of the two aces, including the Reds, Phillies, and Angels.
- Kenny Williams would like to fire Ozzie Guillen according to one person close to the team, but owner Jerry Reinsdorf is too loyal to let it happen.
- A trade of Xavier Nady to open up the Cubs' outfield logjam seems likely.
Oswalt Would Accept Trade To The Mets
Roy Oswalt would accept a trade to the Mets according to a "player who is friendly" with the Astros' ace, reports Mike Puma of The New York Post. The Mets' "veteran fiber" appeals to Oswalt according to Puma's source, however his hefty price tag makes it extremely unlikely the team will be able to pursue him.
Oswalt has indicated that he'll accept a trade anywhere he could contend, and the Mets are currently a game and a half back in the NL East. FoxSports.com's Ken Rosenthal indicated that the Amazin's would be reluctant to part with infield prospect Ruben Tejada in a trade, though it's still unclear what exactly the Astros are looking for in return.
The 32-year-old Oswalt is enjoying one of the finest seasons of his career, with a 3.16 ERA and 8.6 K/9, his highest mark since his rookie season. He's owed just a touch over $9M for the remainder of this season, plus $16M next year with an option for 2012.
Cafardo’s Latest: Red Sox, Brewers, Mariners, Oswalt
In today's notes column, Nick Cafardo of The Boston Globe wonders if the Red Sox would move closer Jonathan Papelbon after the season to open up the closer's role for Daniel Bard. He speculates that the Brewers, Twins, Rays, Braves, and Phillies could be in the market for a closer this winter. Papelbon is scheduled to become a free agent after the 2011 season.
Let's round up the rest of Cafardo's rumors…
- Scott Boras said he undervalued Stephen Strasburg last year, even though he eventually signed the largest contract in draft history. Boras added that being around San Diego State coach Tony Gwynn helped Strasburg become prepared for what lied ahead.
- Cafardo says that New England isn't a high priority area for scouts before the draft because by time they can get out to see the players in the region, it's too late in the game for a cross-checker to confirm anything.
- Cafardo predicts that Jacoby Ellsbury will be traded this offseason. He'll arbitration eligible for the first time after 2010, though he's been battling rib issues basically all season.
- He also remarks that the Red Sox would have to play Mike Lowell if they want to showcase him for a trade. Lowell has received just 50 plate appearances since the end of April.
- Kevin Millwood should become major trade bait as the deadline approaches because he's pitched well and is in the final year of his contract.
- The Brewers would love to make Randy Wolf available, but no one would take him on with more than two years and $24MM left on his deal. Meanwhile, Milwaukee still isn't sure if they'll try to improve their catching situation or become sellers and look towards next season.
- The feeling is that once Seattle trades Cliff Lee, pretty much everyone on their roster not named Ichiro and Felix Hernandez will be available as well.
- Diamondbacks' CEO Derrick Hall isn't happy with his team's performance and has talked about re-evaluating his management staff. They could be major players at the deadline, with Justin Upton representing the only untouchable.
- Cafardo says that the feeling among big league executives is that the Dodgers will not give up the prospects necessary to acquire Roy Oswalt, but they would be okay taking on the money.
- Adam Dunn would be a perfect fit for the Red Sox if they let David Ortiz go after the season, assuming the Nationals don't re-sign him.
Astros Sign Brad Thompson
The Astros have signed righthander Brad Thompson to a minor league deal according to the Triple-A Pacific Coast League transactions. Thompson elected to become a free agent last week after the Royals designated him for assignment.
The 28-year-old posted a 6.41 ERA in 19.2 innings for Kansas City this year, though his strikeout rate was an unimpressive 4.6 K/9. Thompson spent the first five years of his career with the Cardinals, throwing 385.2 innings with a respectable 4.36 ERA.
Odds & Ends: Lee, Rockies, Orioles, Matthews
Some links for Saturday night as we take in some night games..
- Yankees special assistant and former Padres GM Kevin Towers was at Petco Park tonight with Cliff Lee pitching, tweets Corey Brock of MLB.com. However, Brock points out that Towers still lives in San Diego.
- The Rockies have agreed to terms with 11 draft picks, according to Steve Foster of Inside The Rockies. Three of their top ten selections are now in the fold as well as 22nd round pick Mark Tracy, son of manager Jim Tracy.
- Jon Heyman of SI (via Twitter) wonders aloud if Bobby Valentine will want to manage the O's if he's watching them play.
- A major league source told Andy Martino of the New York Daily News that the Angels and Red Sox agreed to swap Mike Lowell for Gary Matthews Jr. last December. However, the Angels changed their minds over concerns about Lowell's thumb.
- After a breakout season in 2009, Wandy Rodriguez is struggling mightily in 2010, writes Brian McTaggart of MLB.com. McTaggart writes that if Rodriguez is unable to rebound, the Astros may have to consider his future with the club after this season.
- O's GM Andy MacPhail says that the club may not finish its managerial search before the end of this season, writes Dan Connolly of The Baltimore Sun. Baltimore has interviewed Bobby Valentine and ex-Indians skipper Eric Wedge thus far.
- Brandon Webb could be valuable trade bait for the D'Backs if he returns healthy, writes USA Today's Bob Nightengale.