Dodgers, Rockies Interested In David Wells
Who wants seven starts from David Wells? Apparently the Rockies and Dodgers do, as both teams have already inquired. Wells is now a free agent.
I say seven starts because Boomer still has a seven-game suspension to serve. We knew from this morning’s Denver Post that the Rockies were considering Wells, though that article cited only "internal discussions." Well it’s external now, baby. The Dodgers were also under heavy speculation with the whole West Coast thing, and now they’re officially in the game.
Dodgers To Scout Contreras On Friday
The White Sox will grant Jose Contreras a showcase start on Friday, in hopes of unloading some of the $20MM owed to him from 2008-09. Contreras hasn’t started since he was bombed by the Yankees on July 31st. According to Chris De Luca of the Chicago Sun-Times, the Dodgers will be in attendance when Contreras goes Friday in Seattle. The Mariners are actually a candidate to acquire him as well.
Contreras has thrown two consecutive scoreless relief appearances, and his last one lasted five innings against those same Mariners after Gavin Floyd was knocked around. I’ve seen that attributed to Don Cooper’s recent tinkering, but can’t find a link to that story.
As I mentioned before – it’s either going to have to be a bad contract swap or the Sox eating half of Contreras’s contract. He’s cleared waivers, so he can be traded anywhere. Here’s a list of others who have cleared waivers, but I don’t see a sensible fit. I’m sure there are many more not on this list though.
Jose Contreras Clears Waivers
The trusty Players Who Have Cleared Waivers post has been updated again. The latest edition: Jose Contreras.
SI.com’s Jon Heyman says Contreras’s last two scoreless outings may put him in a positive light in the eyes of some teams. Heyman specifically names the Dodgers as a team that might get involved.
Still, it was only two appearances, and Contreras is signed through 2009. He makes $10MM in each of the ’08 and ’09 seasons. I imagine the White Sox would have to eat half the contract, or take on a bloated salary in return. How about Nomar? Garciaparra’s $8.5MM salary in ’08 could balance out some of Contreras’s. Nomar could play some third base; Josh Fields could try left field. Just thinking aloud. The Dodgers could also consider trying to pass Rafael Furcal through waivers; he makes $13MM in ’08 and currently sports a .707 OPS.
The ugliest contract on the Mariners belongs to Richie Sexson, but the White Sox would have nowhere to play him. The Braves could try to send Mike Hampton over; would that make sense? Hampton hasn’t pitched in the bigs since ’05 but expects to be ready for the 2008 season.
Where’s David Wells Headed?
Another August, another David Wells trade. Which teams would consider the 44 year-old southpaw?
Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe believes there’s a small chance the Diamondbacks or Dodgers could be interested. Wells’ agent, Gregg Clifton, specifically mentioned the Mets, D’Backs, and Dodgers as teams the pitcher would strongly consider.
However, Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic indicated Friday that the D’Backs "do not appear to have interest" in Wells. Similar story for another West team, the Mariners. Larry Stone of the Seattle Times says the Ms "don’t appear to be interested." Stone says Wells has a strong preference to stay in the NL. I don’t blame him. I wonder if Wells is on Atlanta’s radar.
Dodgers Acquire Mark Sweeney
The Dodgers acquired pinch-hitter extraordinaire Mark Sweeney from the Giants yesterday, which is notable because two rivals hadn’t struck a deal since 1985. The Giants will receive cash or a player to be named later.
The 37 year-old provides a needed left-handed bat, and can play first base and left field. He’s got about $280K left on his contract this year. He can still help against righties off the bench.
Dodgers Considering Troy Percival
ESPN’s Jayson Stark says the Dodgers are "actively exploring" a trade for Cardinals reliever Troy Percival. It would apparently require a mid-level prospect. Percy would be a consolation prize after the Dodgers missed on Octavio Dotel; really, he’s not much worse.
Olney: Dodgers, A’s Still Talking Blanton
ESPN just had Buster Olney on to say that the Joe Blanton to the Dodgers talks are still ongoing. Rosenthal had indicated that the Dodgers’ offer last night fell short.
By the way, I changed the front page of this site to display 30 posts instead of 20, so that you can see everything I’ve written today just by scrolling.
Wilson Betemit For Scott Proctor Trade Completed
According to ESPN’s Buster Olney, the Yankees and Dodgers have completed the rumored Scott Proctor for Wilson Betemit trade.
I give a slight edge to Brian Cashman on this trade, given the volatility of relievers. Betemit I think can still be a capable infield regular.
Dodgers Tracking Cordero and Rauch
Chad Cordero and Jon Rauch are on the Dodgers’ radar, and they would gladly offer shortstop Chin-Lung Hu according to Yahoo’s Jeff Passan.
The Washington Post’s Barry Srvluga confirms the Dodgers’ presence and adds the Mets and Tigers as teams following the relievers. As he mentioned yesterday, Srvluga’s source thinks a trade of one of Cordero or Rauch is likely and the return would be prospects. I’m sure we’ll be hearing much more about this today.
Jon Morosi of the Detroit Free Press ran down the Tigers’ stance on various relievers this morning, but Cordero and Rauch were not mentioned. Morosi doesn’t see the Tigers getting Eric Gagne, C.J. Wilson, or Joaquin Benoit from the Rangers. He also doesn’t think they’re close on Chad Qualls, Kyle Farnsworth, Al Reyes, or Dan Wheeler. Plucking a Pirate reliever in a Jack Wilson trade makes sense.
White Sox Discuss Vazquez, Garland
There hasn’t been much buzz on Javier Vazquez, but as suspected, Kenny Williams is at least willing to discuss him. According to Toni Ginnetti of the Chicago Sun-Times, Williams was discussing Vazquez with the Phillies before the Phils got Kyle Lohse. Pat Gillick and Kenny Williams really get along it seems. It would be interesting to see Vazquez in play over the next 6.5 hours.
SI.com’s Jon Heyman reports some talks surrounding Jon Garland. Heyman says Garland is "by far the best available starting pitcher right now." The Dodgers, Mets, and Diamondbacks have all inquired and found the price unreasonable, however. And don’t forget the Mariners and Yankees, who liked Garland earlier this month.