Blue Jays Acquire Darwin Barney
2:53pm: The Blue Jays will send Double-A catcher Jack Murphy to the Dodgers to complete the trade, Bill Plunkett of the Orange Country Register tweets. Murphy, 27, has spent the year in Double-A New Hampshire. He owns a slash line of .220/.309/.315 through 328 plate appearances this year.
9:05am: The Blue Jays announced that they have acquired Darwin Barney from the Dodgers in exchange for a player to be named later or cash considerations. As a post-August 31st acquisition, Barney will not be eligible for postseason play.
Barney, 29, appeared in two games for the Dodgers this season and spent the rest of the season in Triple-A. At Oklahoma City, Barney slashed .277/.325/.354 with four homers and seven steals across 96 games. For his career, Barney has a .245/293/.336 major league batting line in parts of six seasons with the Cubs and Dodgers.
Of course, the 2012 National League Gold Glove Award winner has more of a reputation for his defensive work than his hitting. For his career, Barney owns a strong 12.9 UZR/150 rating at the second base position. He also has 149 2/3 innings experience at shortstop, where he has graded out with a 40.0 UZR/150, albeit in a very limited sample size.
Barney will join the Blue Jays in New York for today’s contest against the Yankees.
MLBTR Originals
A look back at the original reporting and analysis found on MLBTR the last seven days:
- On this week’s edition of the MLB Trade Rumors Podcast, Jeff Todd and Steve Adams discussed the Nationals’ disappointing season before looking ahead to the offseason and their 2016 roster. A new episode of the MLB Trade Rumors Podcast will be released every Thursday and can be accessed on iTunes, SoundCloud, and Stitcher.
- Recently, MLB Trade Rumors launched a brand new official Instagram account:@TradeRumorsMLB. Each day, we’re sharing conversation-inspiring images about the hottest topics in baseball. From there, we invite you to give us a like, weigh in with your thoughts in the comments section, and even share the link with a friend. So, what are you waiting for? If you don’t have an Instagram account, this is the perfect excuse to sign up and get one. Follow us on Instagram today!
- In the latest edition of the MLBTR Mailbag, Steve fielded questions on the KBO, the Reds’ core, R.A. Dickey, and more.
- The Phillies aren’t on anybody’s list to contend next season, but there are reasons to feel optimistic about the future of the club, Brad Johnson writes. Brad laid out some of the key things that the Phillies need to do this winter, including finding a resolution to the Ryan Howard situation.
- If Marco Estrada doesn’t have the qualifying offer hanging over him, he could get a lot of interest as an under-the-radar choice for a team that misses out on the big names in the first or second tier of free agent arms, Mark Polishuk writes.
- Submarine pitcher Darren O’Day is poised to hit the open market as one of the best late-inning arms available and Jeff checked in on his stock to see what kind of deal he could fetch.
- The Reds need to maximize the value of Aroldis Chapman, Jeff writes.
- Steve ran down three major needs that the Brewers will have this offseason.
- If you missed out on this week’s chat with Steve, you can get caught up by reading the transcript here.
D’Backs Notes: Goldschmidt, Watson, Pitching
On Sunday morning, D’Backs GM Dave Stewart spoke with Jim Bowden and Jim Duquette of MLB Network Radio about a number of topics. Here’s a look at some of the highlights..
- Stewart told Bowden and Duquette (audio link) that he thinks it’s unlikely that Paul Goldschmidt or his team will approach him about an extension this offseason. Of course, Stewart & Co. would like to get a long-term deal done with Goldschmidt and Stewart plans on talking to his camp to get a “lay of the land” and figure out what kind of deal they’re seeking. Stewart added the first baseman “deserves to wear this uniform for as long as he wants to.”
- The GM also admitted that he would like to hammer out a long-term pact with A.J. Pollock. In fact, Stewart has already huddled up with Tony La Russa and the other top execs in the front office to prep for negotiations. Last month, the outfielder was candid about his desire to work out an extension, so the feeling is mutual. The 27-year-old will have over three years of service time by the end of the season, making him eligible for arbitration for the first time, and putting him on pace to become a free agent after 2018. The only recent extension for an outfielder with between three and four years of service time is that of Michael Brantley, who signed a four-year, $25MM deal with one option prior to the 2014 season.
- Stewart said (Twitter links) that he has yet to receive any calls from clubs looking to interview team exec De Jon Watson. Stewart said that he is perplexed by the lack of interest Watson has received as a GM candidate this year. “I think DeJon would be an outstanding candidate. I think he’s ready [to be a GM]. He’s done an outstanding job here,” the GM said.
- Not a huge surprise, but Stewart says that he is determined to try and find a frontline starter this offseason (link).
Blue Jays Designate Scott Copeland For Assignment
The Blue Jays have designed Scott Copeland for assignment, as Shi Davidi of Sportsnet tweets. The move will create room for the newly acquired Darwin Barney on the team’s 40-man roster.
Copeland, 27, made three starts and two relief appearances with the Blue Jays this season. The right-hander spent the bulk of the season in Triple-A Buffalo, where he pitched to a strong 3.17 ERA with 4.8 K/9 and 2.7 BB/9. The Blue Jays now have ten days to trade, release, or outright Copeland.
As MLBTR’s DFA Tracker shows, Copeland is now one of three players left in DFA limbo along with Cesar Cabral (Orioles) and Danny Dorn (Blue Jays).
Cafardo On Chapman, Ausmus, Red Sox
In today’s column, Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe looked at some potential options Red Sox president Dave Dombrowski can explore to help bolster the team’s bullpen. Among the many names listed is Craig Kimbrel, who might not be made available. San Diego didn’t deal Kimbrel at this year’s deadline, but the Padres likely want to reload with major league players, so Cafardo wonders aloud if the closer could be moved if it helps them at third base, in the outfield, or the rotation. Here’s more from today’s column..
- Will the Reds deal Aroldis Chapman this winter? If they do, it would require a blockbuster package, as Reds exec Kevin Towers tells Cafardo. Last month, Cafardo heard that the Reds were asking for an “incredibly unrealistic” return when the D’Backs and other clubs came calling for the closer at the deadline.
- If the Tigers dismiss manager Brad Ausmus, he might not be unemployed for long. Cafardo hears whispers in the industry that he would be a strong candidate to replace Padres‘ interim skipper Pat Murphy to take the position. Ausmus was a special assistant in San Diego before taking the Tigers job, so there’s certainly a familiarity there.
- Speaking of Detroit, Dombrowski has a history with Ausmus, so Cafardo throws out the Red Sox possibility. A report surfaced last week that the Tigers were planning on firing Ausmus, but GM Al Avila quickly issued a statement declaring that no decision would be made until the season was through. Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports suspects that Ausmus will be dismissed.
- Former Cubs manager Rick Renteria has had some “indirect feelers” from teams concerning managerial jobs, Cafardo writes. Renteria, of course, was displaced in Chicago last October when the club hired Joe Maddon. Renteria is well-regarded around the game and the Cubs were effusive with praise for him when they let officially let him go on Halloween of last year. The Tigers, Marlins, and Padres could all be possibilities for him, Cafardo writes.
- Towers tells Cafardo that he has only heard about possible interest in him “through back channels” and has no idea if he’ll have a GM job next year. “I’m 53 and would love to get back in, but if it doesn’t happen I’m perfectly happy here with Walt [Jocketty]. It’s been fun going through our organization and evaluating our young talent.” Cafardo speculates that Towers, an Oregon native, could be a candidate with the Mariners.
Baseball Blogs Weigh In: Britton, Castillo, Stroman’s
Here’s a look at the best from around the baseball blogosphere this week..
- Camden Depot wonders if Zach Britton can start in 2016.
- When Sid Slid made the case for Rusney Castillo.
- Blue Jays Plus marveled at Marcus Stroman‘s comeback.
- Legends On Deck says the Mets and Yoenis Cespedes are a perfect match.
- Camden Chat wonders what went wrong with the O’s offense.
- TPOP has an idea for a new stat.
- Baseball Hot Corner wonders if it’s time to call it a season on Drew Hutchison.
- Fueled By Sports wonders if A.J. Preller set the Padres back.
- A’s Farm runs down the A’s 2015 minor league hitting & pitching leaders.
- Outside Pitch says Matt Duffy is a legit ROY candidate.
- Reviewing The Brew previewed the Brewers’ upcoming numbers crunch.
Please send submissions to Zach at ZachBBWI@gmail.com.
Quick Hits: Phillies, Puerto Rico, Park
Phillies president Pat Gillick will officially pass the baton to future-president Andy MacPhail in roughly 45 days, writes Jake Kaplan of the Philadelphia Inquirer. However, the first decision of the MacPhail administration was made on Thursday when the club dismissed GM Ruben Amaro Jr. Kaplan provides a look at potential candidates and names Angels assistant GM Matt Klentak as a possible favorite. Klentak, 34, fits plurality owner John Middleton’s suggestion that MacPhail “hire himself.” Klentak was also a favorite of MacPhail while both executives were with the Orioles. Former Reds GM Wayne Krivisky, Royals assistant GM J.J. Picollo, and Yankees assistant GM Billy Eppler are also names to watch.
- Regular season games may return to Puerto Rico in 2016 for the first time since 2004, writes Bill Shaiken of the LA Times. Major League Baseball plans to honor Puerto Rican legend Roberto Clemente in a series between the Pirates and Marlins. Details are as yet unconfirmed per Shaiken’s anonymous source. The visit could include part or all of a four game set between the two clubs. Shaiken also writes about the history of talent development out of Puerto Rico. When the island was included in the Rule 4 draft beginning in 1990, clubs refocused international scouting efforts to Venezuela and the Dominican Republic. Unfortunately, the unintended consequence weakened the popularity of baseball in Puerto Rico.
- We learned earlier today about how Jung-ho Kang‘s success could influence the earning power of fellow Korean star Byung-ho Park. Travis Sawchik of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review writes about the “paradox” or Kang’s success. When Yoenis Cespedes and Ichiro Suzuki were acquired from their respective markets, they were a relative bargain. They were followed by Jose Abreu and Daisuke Matsuzaka respectively. In both cases, the second player earned substantially more. As such, the Pirates may be pushed out of the market for Park. Sawchik does have a word of caution. Davenport translations suggest Park may only be a roughly .249/.323/.443 hitter with 24 home runs. Teams may want to be careful about investing Abreu or Matsuzaka money in Park.
AL East Notes: Ortiz, Parra, Orioles, Red Sox
Red Sox slugger David Ortiz has hit his 500th career home run. Ortiz, 39, entered the day with 498 home runs. He bashed a pair of homers off southpaw Matt Moore at notoriously pitcher friendly Tropicana Field. He now has 33 home runs at that venue per Roger Mooney of the Tampa Tribune (via Twitter). He’s the 27th player in major league history to reach the vaunted milestone. He could pass Eddie Murray (504 home runs) before the end of the season. Gary Sheffield (509 home runs) may be a stretch.
- The Orioles will probably make a push to re-sign outfielder Gerardo Parra, opines Brittany Ghirolli of MLB.com. The O’s acquired the then hot-hitting Parra from the Brewers at the trade deadline. Since the trade, he’s batted just .227/.256/.380. He’s also popped five home runs with 23 runs scored and 13 RBI in 159 plate appearances. His defensive ability and versatility are bonus points in his favor. MLBTR’s Jeff Todd recently evaluated Parra’s free agent stock, concluding that it was too early to handicap the market for Parra.
- It’s possible that Baltimore won’t re-sign any of their impending free agents, writes Dan Connolly of the Baltimore Sun. The club may find more dollar-for-dollar value by passing on Matt Wieters. Chris Davis is sure to cost a boatload, while Wei-Yin Chen should be in demand as a reliable, left-handed starter. Darren O’Day is coming off an All-Star appearance that could buff his potential earnings. Re-signing Parra will likely depend on the demand for his services. Lastly, the club may view Steve Pearce‘s role as replaceable via a club-controlled asset.
- The Red Sox planned to ride a wave of youthful stars to the pennant in 2014, writes Richard Justice of MLB.com. When Plan A failed, they acquired Pablo Sandoval, Hanley Ramirez, and Rick Porcello to reinforce the 2015 roster and beyond. As we know, the club has also failed this season. Luckily, the youth wave of 2014 is still mostly with the club and starting to make good on its promise. Mookie Betts, Xander Bogaerts, Jackie Bradley Jr., Rusney Castillo, and Blake Swihart have all hit well this year – particularly since July 30. While the Sox undoubtedly have a busy offseason ahead of them, the club-controlled core should provide plenty of flexibility and optimism for 2016.
Jonathan Lucroy Diagnosed With Concussion
Brewers catcher Jonathan Lucroy has been diagnosed with a concussion, writes Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Lucroy sustained the injury while catching last Tuesday but did not experience all of the classic symptoms of a concussion. However, a concussion was still suspected after Lucroy reported dealing with “fogginess.” Today, Pittsburgh-based specialist Micky Collins confirmed the diagnosis of a concussion.
The injury puts the remainder of Lucroy’s season in jeopardy. He missed large swaths of the season on the disabled list, and has disappointed both offensively and defensively. Known as a top pitch framer, he’s fallen from elite to merely above average per StatCorner. With the bat, his .259/.322/.390 line is a big step down from his 2014 performance. His recent numbers suggest he had finally shaken off the rust. Since the middle of August, he’s hit .355/.407/.632 with 13 extra base hits in 86 plate appearances.
Lucroy hopes to return prior to the end of the season, but he acknowledges that concussions can be unpredictable. He takes a pragmatic view of the injury saying, “I plan on [playing]. But…there’s nothing for me to prove. And it’s not like we’re in a pennant race right now.“
Drew Storen Breaks Thumb, Likely Out For Season
Nationals righty Drew Storen broke the thumb on his throwing hand on Wednesday and is likely out for the rest of the season, manager Matt Williams says, via Chelsea Janes of the Washington Post Twitter links). The break occurred when Storen slammed a locker door after giving up a two-run homer to Yoenis Cespedes. According to Williams, Storen tried to throw yesterday, then informed the team his thumb was hurting and headed to Washington to see a doctor.
Storen was terrific as the Nationals’ closer in the first half of the season and still has a respectable overall 3.44 ERA, 11.0 K/9 and 2.6 BB/9. But he has struggled throughout the second half, during which he lost the closer role after the arrival of Jonathan Papelbon. Storen has a 5.82 second-half ERA that has roughly corresponded with (if not entirely caused, obviously) his team’s second-half tailspin. He has a solid 29 strikeouts and eight walks in 21 2/3 innings in that time frame, and without any meaningful loss of velocity, but he’s struggled in high-leverage situations.