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Joe Koshansky

Brewers Claim Joe Koshansky

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Joe Koshansky's time as a Ranger didn't last long.  According to MLB.com's Adam McCalvy, the Brewers claimed the first baseman today and optioned him to Triple A Nashville.  Tony Gwynn Jr. will join him there, as he cleared waivers.

Koshansky, 27 in May (just like me!), hit .300/.380/.600 at Triple A in '08, enjoying the friendly Security Service Field in Colorado Springs.  His road line was .253/.340/.515.  Greer Stadium, home of the Nashville Sounds, is much different.

Gwynn, 26, hit .275/.328/.331 in Triple A last year.  Baseball America liked his defense back in their '07 Handbook.

Rangers Claim Joe Koshansky

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MLB.com's T.R. Sullivan writes that the Rangers have claimed first baseman Joe Koshansky off waivers from the Rockies.

Koshansky, 26, led the minor leagues with 121 RBI last year. He also swatted 31 home runs while hitting .300. He's been added to the Rangers' 40-man roster and is expected to begin the season at Triple-A Oklahoma as the starting first baseman.

Redding For Taveras Trade Is Off

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5:14pm: Troy Renck says a source close to Redding said he did not fail his physical.  So if his report and Rojas’ report are both true, Taveras failed his.

WEDNESDAY, 4:08pm: ESPN’s Enrique Rojas says a Taveras for Redding swap fell apart when one of the players failed a physical.

TUESDAY, 10:28pm: Bill Ladson talked to a source who said Taveras was not part of the talks with the Rockies today.

10:21pm: Sheinin says the Nats are apparently the ones who balked at the Redding-Taveras swap.

9:45pm: Troy Renck says this trade is dead for now.  Joe Koshansky was discussed at one point, he notes.

9:28pm: Tracy Ringolsby says (story has been removed) a Tim Redding for Willy Taveras swap is close but some details still need to be worked out.  Dave Sheinin considers it an exchange of non-tender candidates.

Blocked Prospects: Joe Koshansky

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25 year-old first baseman Joe Koshansky played for the same University of Virginia team as Ryan Zimmerman and Mark Reynolds. Like Reynolds he was drafted in 2004, falling (to the surprise of some) to the sixth round (pick 190).

He’s moved steadily through the Rockies system and in 2005 was named Baseball America’s Rockies Minor League Player of the Year after hitting .291/.373/.603 with 36 home runs in 453 A ball at bats. He’s maintained similar averages at Double-A Tulsa and Triple-A Colorado Springs, although his power has steadily declined.  On top of that, Koshansky plays at the highest elevation of any pro park in the country. 

He’s also a bit of a stikeout artist — once every four plate appearances through his minor league career. In this sense he’s the antithesis of Todd Helton, the guy currently occupying first for the Rockies. Unless Helton (signed through 2011 for a mountain of money) goes into severe mid-30s decline or is injured Koshansky is officially blocked at first.

Koshansky has said he’s open to moving to a corner outfield position, but with Brad Hawpe having signed an extension, and ongoing talks to sign Matt Holliday long term, a switch to the outfield is even less likely than getting past Helton. For the time being he’s stuck in Colorado Springs where he’s currently leading the team in both HRs and total bases to go along with a .441 OBP.

Time to cast this line out and see who’s biting. With Franklin Morales off to a terrible start and Mark Redman being Mark Redman, one would think the Rockies might be on the lookout for a starter come July. Flipping Koshansky could be the ticket.  The Rox were able to snag a couple of live arms back in ’06 when they traded Ryan Shealy to KC. 

Aaron Shinsano writes for East Windup Chronicle.

Molony’s Latest: Willis, Encarnacion, Sowers

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MLB.com’s Jim Molony has his daily rumor summary up; check it out.  New rumors:

  • Molony’s sources say the Marlins are now listening to offers for Dontrelle Willis.  Might as well – what if the Mariners decide to offer Adam Jones?  Many folks remain enamored of Willis’s talent, if not his recent numbers.
  • The Cardinals could shop Russ Springer or Juan Encarnacion.  Springer is unlikely to be traded, however, because he has his son going to a specific school in St. Louis and the Cardinals respect that.  Encarnacion is hitting decently at .293/.329/.471; it might be high time to unload the $6.5MM he’s owed next year.
  • Something seems to be going on in Cleveland; GM Mark Shapiro has been in Buffalo watching Jeremy Sowers and Aaron Laffey.  Laffey was nearly called up recently.  Not much talk about trading Sowers previously, but he might be an interesting chip.  He’s similar to Kevin Slowey. They might find success in the NL.
  • The Tigers sent scouts to watch Joe Koshansky and Ian Stewart of the Rockies (rumor originated in the Denver Post).  Not sure how those two teams match up, but a cheap Koshansky might be worth a look for Detroit at first base next year.  Unless Carlos Guillen moves over.
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