Possible Destinations For Sabathia
Paul Hoynes of the Cleveland Plain Dealer weighs in on the different teams that could land CC Sabathia.
- Yankees: Despite Ken Davidoff’s report yesterday that the Yankees would not land Sabathia, Hoynes notes that the Yankees are desperate for an ace but acknowledges that they may wait until the off-season.
- Phillies: Hoynes points out that Sabathia’s first big league manager was Charlie Manuel, but the Phillies may not have enough in the system.
- Cubs: Hoynes feels that Lou PIniella would trade for Sabathia right now if he could.
- Red Sox: Hoynes feels the Sox are more likely to wait until the off-season.
- Rays: Hoynes notes that the Rays have the pieces in the farm system to land Sabathia, but wonders if they are willing to rent a player for a playoff push.
- Angels: Hoynes points out that Sabathia is from the west coast and the Angels may have a better chance of resigning him.
Hoynes also talked to scouts about what the Indians can expect to receive if they do decide to trade the free agent-to-be.
One scout said that "they could get two young players that were at or close to the big-league level that they could control for a while" while a second scout speculates the bounty could be " two and three prospects, depending on whether that team could sign Sabathia to an extension before he becomes a free agent this winter."
Davidoff: Sabathia Not Likely For Yankees
Ken Davidoff provides a reality check to Yankees fans this morning, explaining that Brian Cashman is just lukewarm on C.C. Sabathia (and considers Phil Hughes untouchable). The Yankees will hang around in the talks, but they are not the frontrunner. Peter Abraham says the Yanks have six weeks to make a trade, which could be for a lesser pitcher like Paul Byrd or Randy Wolf.
Davidoff says about 20 teams have expressed interest in Sabathia, including the Yankees and Mets. The Red Sox, Cubs, and Dodgers have also been linked. According to Davidoff, Mark Shapiro will eventually narrow his list to four or five teams and then get serious. The Dodgers are one club that has both the need and the goods to make a deal. Who’s your favorite?
Chien-Ming Wang Injury Repercussions
We don’t cover injuries here at MLBTR. But with Chien-Ming Wang‘s possibly season-ending foot injuries, I’ve already received a boatload of emails from Yankees fans asking what’s next.
The starting pitching market has already changed since our June 4th post – Sidney Ponson has been released, Miguel Batista demoted to the bullpen, and Odalis Perez, Jeremy Bonderman, and Brad Penny are hurt. Plus, the Tigers are coming around.
That leaves plenty of viable names for the Yankees to consider, though. Reasonable acquisition targets include Joe Blanton, Rich Harden, Erik Bedard, Derek Lowe, C.C. Sabathia, Randy Wolf, Kevin Millwood, Vicente Padilla, and Paul Byrd. Most of these pitchers would probably be an upgrade over the team’s internal options. The Yankees have multiple young pitchers and outfielders considered to be among the top 100 prospects in the game who could be used as trade chips. Freddy Garcia could also be a consideration; he may be back by late August and only costs money.
River Ave. Blues discussed replacement options this morning, but Brian Cashman says "there is no trade market at the moment."
C.C. Sabathia Rumors
This topic isn’t going anywhere. Let’s take a look at today’s C.C. Sabathia rumors.
- Scouts were in Cleveland yesterday to watch him pitch, though Paul Hoynes doesn’t identify the teams.
- With Chien-Ming Wang‘s season in peril, the Yankees’ interest in Sabathia has increased according to Tyler Kepner.
- In his Mock Blockbuster series, Dayn Perry suggests the Cardinals should trade Colby Rasmus and Bryan Anderson for Sabathia.
- Nick Cafardo talked to an AL GM who is skeptical that Sabathia will be dealt.
Gammons’ Latest: Sabathia, Dunn, Harden
ESPN’s Peter Gammons has a new blog post up.
- The Indians are "thoroughly scouting" eight teams that may be interested in C.C. Sabathia, including the Yankees, Red Sox, Cubs, and Dodgers (the Mets may be another). Gammons agrees with Ken Rosenthal that Mark Shapiro may trade Sabathia soon to maximize his value. Gammons does not see the Yanks jumping in with Phil Hughes or a multi-prospect offer, unless Chien-Ming Wang‘s injury forces their hand. He does not think the Cubs or Phillies have the goods, but suggests the Rangers as a dark horse.
- If the Cubs don’t have enough for Sabathia, Plan B could be Randy Wolf, Greg Maddux, or even Erik Bedard. The Padres and Mariners have been informed of the Cubs’ interest.
- Gammons seems to indicate that Mark Teixeira could be available if the Braves fall out of the race (although Tex is not mentioned by name).
- The Dodgers may have been open to trading Brad Penny, but his shoulder injury puts the kibosh on that.
- Adam Dunn‘s whifftastic ways scare the Red Sox, who might pass even if David Ortiz needs surgery. Gammons suggests Josh Willingham would be a better fit.
- Rich Harden could be a huge acquisition, one of the game’s most dominating pitchers. It’s the same story though – will any team be willing to meet Billy Beane’s asking price given Harden’s injury history?
Sherman’s Latest: Sabathia, Fielder, Marte
The New York Post’s Joel Sherman has a host of rumors in his new column.
- Sherman believes the Indians are leaning toward trading C.C. Sabathia. He names the usual suspects (Yankees, Red Sox, Cubs) but also throws the Brewers into the mix based on the opinion of an "AL talent evaluator."
- Speaking of the Brewers, Sherman believes Prince Fielder will be available "almost definitely in the offseason" and perhaps even this summer. Doug Melvin says he’s not exploring it but never rules out anything. The presence of Mat Gamel and Matt LaPorta plus Fielder’s unwillingness to sign long-term could lead to a deal. Fielder figures to jump up to at least $7-8MM upon reaching arbitration for the first time.
- The Yankees have Damaso Marte atop their list, but the Pirates want something better than two draft picks in return. He’s looking like a Type A free agent.
- Walt Jocketty wants to "clean house." The usual players are named, but Sherman also mentions Bronson Arroyo as a possibility.
Baseball Blogs Weigh In: Sabathia, Durham, Bedard
A few random musings from the Blogosphere…
- In the wake of the recent C.C. Sabathia-to-the-Yankees rumors, River Ave. Blues lays down a few ground rules for commenting on trade rumors.
- Bottom 9 insists that the Indians have the pitching to stay in the race and Sabathia is not going anywhere.
- Indians Confidential is also emphatic that Sabathia is not going to be traded and is still holding out hope that the Indians and Sabathia can agree to a long-term extension.
- Yankees Chick is not anxious to trade away Robinson Cano and/or Melky Cabrera but notes that if the Yankees are going to make a playoff push the pitching staff needs an upgrade.
- Rivera’s Cutter speculates that the Yankees could just trade for Sabathia as a rental and let him leave after the season and take the free agency compensation draft picks.
- Viva El Birdos would like to see the Cardinals upgrade at second base and believe Ray Durham would be a nice alternative if Brian Roberts is unattainable.
- Phillies Nation is not convinced that Erik Bedard would be a nice addition to the Phillies rotation, noting that Bedard has been awful away from the pitcher-friendly Safeco Field.
Cork Gaines writes for Rays Index and can be reached here.
Yankees-Sabathia Chatter
Tyler Kepner of the New York Times believes Victor Martinez‘s injury "will probably lead to a trade of the ace left-hander C.C. Sabathia." He says the Yankees will have "strong interest" if Sabathia becomes available. Kepner also expects the Cubs and Red Sox to be in the mix.
As for a return, Kepner suggests the Yankees could match the Indians’ needs of pitching and infield help. He does not see Robinson Cano as a possibility, though.
According to Baseball America, the Yankees have three Top 100 prospects aside from Joba Chamberlain: Jose Tabata (#37), Austin Jackson (#41), and Ian Kennedy (#45). Others on the fringe of the Top 100 when BA compiled the rankings in March: Alan Horne, Jeff Marquez, and Jesus Montero. Some of these players have seen their stock drop, however. What do you think it’d take to get a deal done?
Odds and Ends: Viciedo, Broussard, Rincon, Threets
Time to round ’em up.
- The A’s are leading the charge for international free agent pitcher Michael Inoa; they could offer him $4MM. All teams have scouted him.
- MLB.com’s Jim Molony names the Astros, Yankees, Cardinals, Angels, Mets, and Pirates as teams considering Cuban defector Dayan Viciedo (assuming he becomes a free agent).
- The Orioles would like to sign Ben Broussard, if he’ll accept a minor league assignment. Broussard if mulling his options and should sign within 24 hours. He could step in if the Orioles trade Kevin Millar.
- Jeff Weaver has been released by the Brewers. Weaver’s lost it; he has a 6.22 ERA in nine Triple A starts.
- The Twins have asked Juan Rincon to accept a minor league assignment. If he refuses, the Twins will be on the hook for his salary and he’ll become a free agent. Rincon’s last decent year was 2006.
- No team was willing to keep lefty reliever Erick Threets in the Majors. He cleared waivers and will head to Triple A as a member of the Giants organization.
- Andy Pettitte wouldn’t commit, but admitted it’d be a "joy and an honor" to pitch at the new Yankee Stadium next year.
- Tigers backup catcher Vance Wilson may retire after a setback in his elbow recovery.
Odds and Ends: Gibbons, Skipworth, Viciendo
Let’s catch up with some more links.
- Jay Gibbons took my advice! He’ll join the independent Atlantic League.
- Mark Shapiro is still holding out hope that the Indians can contend.
- The Marlins are close to signing Kyle Skipworth, the sixth overall pick.
- The Phillies released Steve Kline. Might be time to hang it up.
- MLB told teams not to contact Dayan Viciendo until his situation is resolved. The Reds may look into it after that.
- Peter Abraham ponders scenarios for the Yankees to acquire C.C. Sabathia.