Yankees Rumors

Which Teams Took On Salary At The Deadline?

By Ben Nicholson-Smith | August 3, 2009 at 12:41pm CDT

As the trade deadline approached, we heard many writers and executives suggest teams would be unable to add payroll this year. Here's a breakdown of the teams that added at least $1MM in salary to their 2009 payrolls this summer. All totals are approximate:

The Cardinals added $2.9MM to the team's payroll when they traded for Mark DeRosa and $3.7MM when they added Matt Holliday for a total of $6.6MM.
The Red Sox added $4.5MM between the Victor Martinez and Adam LaRoche deals.
Acquiring Jarrod Washburn added about $3.6MM to the Tigers' payroll.
The White Sox added $2.8MM in salary when they made the Jake Peavy deal.
The Giants added $2.1MM in the Freddy Sanchez trade.
The Phillies added $2MM in the Cliff Lee deal.
The Rockies added $1.9MM in the Rafael Betancourt and Joe Beimel deals.
The Brewers took on $1.4MM by dealing for Felipe Lopez.
The Braves took on $1.3MM to add Nate McLouth.
The Twins added $1.25MM in salary by trading for Orlando Cabrera.
They didn't take on much salary, but between the Eric Hinske deal and the Jerry Hairston Jr. acquisition, the Yanks added $1.1MM.
The Dodgers added about $1MM when they dealt for George Sherrill.

In total, 12 teams added payroll, but only one took on more than $5MM. The prognosticators were right about one thing: teams didn't take on much payroll. However, few predicted 12 teams would take on salary at the deadline. Looks like many teams set economic concerns aside when presented with the chance to win.

Rosenthal’s Full Count Video: Yankees, Dodgers, Pirates

By Mike Axisa | August 1, 2009 at 5:56pm CDT

The tireless Ken Rosenthal of FoxSports.com has a new Full Count video up. Let's dive in…

Yankees GM Brian Cashman told Rosenthal that he was "very aggressive" going after pitching help, whether it be high-end starters, low-end starters, or relievers. "I was on all of it," Cashman said.
Cashman specifically targeted Jarrod Washburn, but the Mariners asked for top prospect Austin Jackson in return. The Yankees were also "one of several clubs" to inquire about Felix Hernandez.
Rosenthal says Heath Bell was their primary target among relievers, as the idea was to make him the primary setup man for Mariano Rivera, and possibly put Phil Hughes or Alfredo Aceves back into the rotation.
The Dodgers "never got close" in their attempted blockbuster for Adrian Gonzalez and Bell. The deal would have helped Los Angeles' rotation by shortening the game from the back end with another elite reliever.
They still have issues in the rotation however, as Jason Schmidt topped out at 87 last night. Only two National League clubs have gotten fewer innings out of their starters than the Dodgers.
We won't know the true result of the Pirates' firesale until 2011 or 2012, but the early returns on the Jason Bay trade are not good. Rosenthal says the Rays may have been willing to pay more for Bay at the time, possibly including the since-traded Jason Hammel and/or Edwin Jackson in a package.
Hitters and relievers will be in "ample supply" during the August waiver period, but quality starting pitchers … not so much. Doug Davis might be one of the best available starters, and the Diamondbacks will need to be realistic about a return since they are unlikely to offer him arbitration after the year.
There was "precious little action" on Davis in July. When Rosenthal mentioned to a club official that the offers for Davis might not be much better in August, the official responded "they can't be much worse."

Yankees Still Hunting For Starters?

By Eddie Schmid | August 1, 2009 at 9:22am CDT

After a drubbing to Sergio Mitre last night, Yankees skipper Joe Girardi admitted that the team is hurting for depth at the back end of their rotation, reports Marc Carig at the Newark Star-Ledger:

"I'm not sure we have a lot of options at this point," Girardi said. "[Mitre's] got to get it done."

The Yankees weren't able to make a move for pitching before the 4 p.m. deadline yesterday, but Carig provides this quote from GM Brian Cashman:

"I think over the years, this trade deadline is no longer even in existence… The waiver stuff is not going to prevent deals in August. Guys are going to get through because people are going to be afraid to claim and get stuck with money that they can't afford. And so the July 31 trade deadline is more of a fictitious one now, anyway."

Girardi reportedly said Friday he does not believe the dealing to be finished on the Yankees' end. So who would make sense in a deal? And why is Paul Byrd still unsigned?

Deadline Roundup: Mets, Washburn, Nats, Rays

By Ben Nicholson-Smith | July 31, 2009 at 4:53pm CDT

Two Cy Young Award winners were traded this deadline and neither one of them was Roy Halladay. It's been a wild few days. Here's a recap of the action and here are some more details and reactions:

Omar Minaya told Bart Hubbuch of the New York Post that the Mets couldn't find a trade partner because of what other teams were asking for.
MLB.com's Jonathan Mayo says Aaron Thompson is a pretty good return for Nick Johnson. it sure beats losing him for nothing after the season.
Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports that the Mariners told the Yankees they had to give up an Austin Jackson-type player for Jarrod Washburn, who was dealt to Detroit.
The Brewers were told they'd have to surrender Manny Parra, Alcides Escobar or Mat Gamel for Washburn, Sherman reports.
Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports that Washburn is open to returning to the Mariners in the offseason, when he hits free agency.
Tigers GM Dave Dombrowski tells MLB.com's Jason Beck that the Tigers were "not close at all" to completing any other moves.
Marc Topkin of the St. Petersburg Times says the Rays will look for help on the waiver wire in August.
Any bobblehead collectors? Tomorrow night is still Victor Martinez bobblehead night in Cleveland, according to MLB.com's Anthony Castrovince.
The Phillies, Cardinals, Red Sox and Tigers are Jon Heyman of SI.com's deadline winners. His losers? The Nats and Royals.

Yankees Acquire Jerry Hairston Jr.

By Tim Dierkes | July 31, 2009 at 2:17pm CDT

The Yankees acquired Jerry Hairston Jr. from the Reds, according to Joel Sherman of the New York Post. Ken Davidoff of Newsday (via Twitter) says the Reds will receive minor league catcher Chase Weems.

Tigers Acquire Jarrod Washburn

By Tim Dierkes | July 31, 2009 at 10:27am CDT

The Tigers acquired pitcher Jarrod Washburn from the Mariners, according to Mike Salk of ESPN radio in Seattle. Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports agrees, saying the Mariners will get pitcher Luke French and another prospect. MLB Network tells us the other prospect is pitcher Mauricio Robles. Ed Price of AOL Fanhouse (via Twitter) suggests the Tigers may not be done. They'd like to add a hitter.

Washburn, a Scott Boras client and free agent after the season, projects as a Type B. If the Tigers offer arbitration to Washburn after the season and he signs elsewhere, they'll get a supplemental draft pick. The risk is that he could accept and the Tigers would owe him more than $10MM in 2010. Washburn has about $3.8MM left on his current contract, and the Tigers will presumably take all of that.

Washburn has a 2.64 ERA in 133 innings this year, so if he keeps it up to any extent he'll give the Tigers a strong front three with Justin Verlander and Edwin Jackson. The Tigers have a two-game lead over the Twins in the division, so every win counts.

SI's Jon Heyman reports that the Yankees are pessimistic about making a big move, with Washburn off the table.

Jarrod Washburn Rumors: Friday

By Tim Dierkes | July 31, 2009 at 9:32am CDT

The Mariners are eight games out, but we're still not sure whether they'll trade starter Jarrod Washburn within the next five hours. He does project as a Type B free agent, so they could get something for him after the season. Here's a look at yesterday's Washburn chatter, which involved the Yankees, Tigers, and Brewers.

Today Jon Paul Morosi and Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports tell us the Tigers have spoken to Seattle about Washburn, but may not have the goods to pull off any big deal (especially in the position player department). SI's Jon Heyman says the Ms asked for catcher Jesus Montero from the Yankees for Washburn and were rebuffed. ESPN's Jayson Stark says Austin Jackson was another Mariners target.

Odds & Ends: Yankees, Rockies, Tigers

By Tim Dierkes | July 31, 2009 at 7:41am CDT

Deadline day links!

Joel Sherman of the New York Post explains that "stricter financial parameters are in place right now" for the Yankees, because of their winter signing of Mark Teixeira.
ESPN's Keith Law evaluates the George Sherrill and John Grabow trades.
Aside from their interest in Baltimore's Mark Hendrickson, Troy E. Renck of the Denver Post says the Rockies would like a left-handed bench bat.
John Lowe of the Detroit Free Press writes about the Tigers' needs.
Joe Strauss of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch talked to Cardinals GM John Mozeliak, who suggested a deal for relief help today is unlikely.
The Rays claimed 24 year-old catcher Jose Lobaton off waivers from the Padres, according to Marc Topkin of the St. Petersburg Times.

Roy Halladay Rumors: Thursday Night

By Ben Nicholson-Smith | July 31, 2009 at 1:04am CDT

1:04pm: Rosenthal and Morosi report that the Blue Jays are asking for Holland, Justin Smoak and two other prospects.

11:47pm: Heyman reports that the Rangers had a "pretty decent chance" to acquire Halladay today. With just over 15 hours to go, the Rangers' chances appear to have decreased in recent hours, Heyman says.

10:52pm: Sources tell Grant that the Rangers have asked the Jays to pay a significant amount of Halladay's 2009 salary in a potential trade. Ryan confirmed that the team would need ownership approval to make a trade for Halladay.

9:59pm: Rangers president Nolan Ryan told Bob Nightengale of USA Today that the Rangers are pursuing Roy Halladay, but says it's premature to predict whether a deal will happen.

Ryan confirmed to MLB.com's T.R. Sullivan that the Rangers have had discussions with the Jays "for awhile and there have been names talked about."

9:27pm: Ricciardi is "not saying definitively" that Halladay will remain a Blue Jay, according to ESPN.com's Jayson Stark. However, the GM says it's looking more and more like Halladay will stay put.

9:23pm: ESPN.com's Buster Olney reports that, as of an hour ago, the Jays had no active talks about Halladay. The Dodgers approached the Jays yesterday, but the two sides aren't in the process of exchanging names.

8:38pm: MLB.com's Jordan Bastian hears that there's "nothing to" the reports that the Rangers are going hard after Halladay.

8:30pm: Evan Grant of D Magazine hears that talks between the Blue Jays and Rangers remain "very serious."

8:17pm: SI.com's Jon Heyman says "nothing seems hot" on the Halladay front, even though many executives would be surprised if the Jays' ace isn't playing for a different team by the weekend.

8:11pm: Sullivan hears indications that the Rangers are willing to take on the rest of Halladay's contract if they can agree on which players to send the Blue Jays. Vicente Padilla, Marlon Byrd and Hank Blalock are free agents after the season, so the Rangers could create space for Halladay's $15.75MM salary by letting the trio of veterans walk after the season.

6:40pm: Ken Rosenthal and Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports hear from a major league source who says the LA Times report below is "not accurate." However, FOX Sports hears that the Rangers have a legitimate chance of trading for Halladay.

6:22pm: So just how much do the Blue Jays want for Halladay? Marlins president David Samson told 790 The Ticket that J.P. Ricciardi wants "two left legs, a right arm and a left cerebellum" for Doc, according to the Miami Herald.

6:06pm: MLB.com's T.R. Sullivan hears that the Rangers have "significant ongoing communications" with the Blue Jays. He also suggests that the Rangers won't let money prevent them from acquiring Halladay if they can do so for a reasonable price.

5:57pm: Bill Shaikin of the LA Times reports that the Dodgers and Blue Jays spent the afternoon "negotiating extensively" over Roy Halladay. Apparently talks aren't "dead" after all. The Dodgers would allow the Jays to get a "haul of prospects" but are trying to acquire Halladay without giving up Clayton Kershaw or Chad Billingsley.

5:38pm: Here are the latest highlights from the incessant stream of Roy Halladay rumors. The Jays aren't talking actively with anyone. Not the Red Sox, not the Yankees, not the Rangers. The Dodgers acquired George Sherrill for a pair of minor leaguers, but they still have enough pieces to tempt the Jays. Like the Angels, they're focused on relievers now. GM J.P. Ricciardi says he has "nothing going on," but won't rule out a trade until the deadline is upon us. On to tonight's rumors:

Ricciardi tells ESPN.com's Buster Olney what he told Jack Curry earlier today: talks are "dead," but the Jays would listen to offers for Doc.

Jarrod Washburn Rumors: Thursday

By Tim Dierkes | July 30, 2009 at 11:05pm CDT

11:05pm: Executives from three teams that have spoken with the Mariners tell ESPN.com's Buster Olney that they get the sense the Mariners won't move Washburn. The Mariners made a request earlier today, without asking for Hughes or Chamberlain, but the two sides haven't spoken since.

10:33pm: Heyman says the Yankees and Mariners are now "talking Washburn." The Yankees won't part with Phil Hughes, Joba Chamberlain, Austin Jackson, Austin Romine or Jesus Montero, but with those exceptions, Heyman says the M's have their pick of Yankees prospects.

9:05pm: Brewers GM Doug Melvin told Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that he expects the Mariners to hold onto Washburn.

8:05pm: Tyler Kepner of the New York Times reports that the Yankees are still talking to the Mariners about Washburn.

Talks with the Yankees are still in their early stages, according to Rosenthal and Morosi, and it's unclear whether the Mariners would actually move Washburn. The Tigers are interested and the Brewers could become involved again, according to FOX's sources.

3:26pm: ESPN's Buster Olney rejects the idea that the Ms asked for Chamberlain or Hughes.

2:19pm: SI's Jon Heyman says that in their initial conversation, the Mariners requested Joba Chamberlain or Phil Hughes for Washburn. That pair and other top Yankees prospects figure to be off limits, but Heyman still sees New York as the favorite. He notes that the Angels would have interest in bringing Washburn back, but the Mariners might balk at the same-division issue.

1:11pm: Ken Davidoff of Newsday says the Brewers are no longer in on Washburn. And the Rangers are seen as a long shot, say Ken Rosenthal and Jon Paul Morosi at FOX Sports. According to La Velle E. Neal III of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, about ten teams have called the Mariners on Washburn.

12:30pm: Lefty Jarrod Washburn would be one of the better available starters, should the Mariners decide to sell. Joel Sherman of the New York Post chatted with Ms GM Jack Zduriencik about the possibility. Jack Z's quote:

"I am not giving this guy away. He is a valuable piece to us. He shouldn't come cheap if he is moved. No one in the league is pitching better than (Washburn). So if we move him, we need to get good pieces. Because if we keep him he is a very, very good piece for us."

Sherman says the Yanks have checked in on Washburn but have not exchanged names. Unlike last year, the Yankees are reluctant to take on salary.

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