Phillies Rumors

Stark’s Latest: Harang, Bedard, Hardy, Weeks, McLouth

By Tim Dierkes | July 3, 2008 at 4:30pm CDT

Brand new column from ESPN’s Jayson Stark.

Stark explains why he feels the trade deadline is overrated. I guess it all depends on what you expect from it.
You may recall Walt Jocketty’s Reds untouchables list from a few weeks ago. It did not include Aaron Harang. While the Reds might listen on Harang, there wouldn’t be any kind of discount.
The Mariners have pushed Erik Bedard to the backburner, focusing on shopping other veterans. They’re also not dying to move Raul Ibanez at the moment.
The Brewers might be willing to include J.J. Hardy or Rickie Weeks in a trade. In our chat today, a commenter wondered whether some kind of Hardy-A.J. Burnett swap could work.
The Tigers are looking ahead, inquiring about various shortstops they might be able to use in ’09 and beyond. Perhaps if they find one they’ll decline Edgar Renteria’s option.
Add the Marlins to the list of Brian Fuentes suitors. One source from another team said the cost for Fuentes is "one good piece."
Stark agrees with recent indications that the Royals aren’t dying to move Ron Mahay. Nonetheless, the Yankees, Marlins, Phillies, and Tigers are named as interested parties.
Pirate outfield chatter: some teams are calling on Nate McLouth, though the Bucs prefer to move Jason Bay or Xavier Nady. Despite earlier reports, Stark says the Bucs could consider trading both. The Rays are "especially interested" in Bay.
Stark talked to one club official who hasn’t heard any indications that the Phillies are willing to trade Shane Victorino. Also possibly off-limits: Double A catcher Lou Marson.
To acquire Rich Harden, a package "would have to at least approach last year’s Dan Haren extravaganza." So, look for him to stay put. Harden’s velocity was down yesterday, by the way.
Brett Myers’ future with the Phillies could hinge on whether they re-sign closer Brad Lidge.
Still no buzz around Adam Dunn.
C.C. chatter: don’t write off the Indians’ attempt to sign him to an extension. "One friend" sees Sabathia as more likely to land on the West Coast than the east if he doesn’t re-sign.

Latest On C.C. Sabathia

By Tim Dierkes | July 3, 2008 at 10:10am CDT

The latest on the C.C. Sabathia Sweepstakes…

Indians GM Mark Shapiro said yesterday "it’s pretty obvious" that his team is in sell mode. There’s no new information on the team’s reported attempt to sign Sabathia to an extension before actively shopping him.
The Phillies have scouted both Sabathia and Erik Bedard in recent weeks. The Mariners attempted to observe Phils prospect Carlos Carrasco last night, but he was scratched with shoulder stiffness. With Brett Myers in the minors, GM Pat Gillick is trying not to look desperate.
Yesterday ESPN’s Buster Olney heard that the Rays and Red Sox "essentially have no interest in completing a trade for Sabathia, because of other concerns."

Odds and Ends: Phillips, Chacon, Hewitt, Griffey

By Tim Dierkes | July 1, 2008 at 5:22pm CDT

Random links for Tuesday.

Interesting news out of Philly…Brett Myers accepted a minor league assignment. The Phils seem likely to acquire a starter this month.
That was quick – the Mets designated Andy Phillips for assignment.
Shawn Chacon cleared waivers and was released without pay, but the players’ association plans to file a grievance. It’s a matter of a million bucks.
The Phillies signed first-round pick Anthony Hewitt, a high school infielder. He’ll get about $1.4MM.
The Cards officially inked top pick Brett Wallace, a college third baseman.
Three scouts watched Reds reliever David Weathers last night. Just throwing it out there, the Marlins are looking for a righthanded reliever.
NPB Tracker discusses Yu Darvish.
The Reds offered Ken Griffey Jr. to the Mariners, and they declined.
Tom Verducci’s article about Tim Lincecum and pitching biomechanics is a must-read.

Latest C.C. Sabathia Rumors

By Tim Dierkes | July 1, 2008 at 10:35am CDT

We’ve entered trade deadline month, with Indians ace C.C. Sabathia front row and center. Let’s discuss.

Ken Davidoff has a nice summary of the situation, agreeing with Buster Olney’s suggestion that the Brewers have the best mix of means and motivation to acquire Sabathia. Olney’s handicap yesterday ranked the Rays, Red Sox, Dodgers, and Cubs behind the Brewers (in that order).
Brewers GM Doug Melvin calls the speculation "just the same old rumors." Still, Melvin would consider moving prospects for a rental and notes that his stacked Double A club has been popular with other clubs.
Yankees GM Brian Cashman does not sound like someone who plans to go all-in to get Sabathia. Gammons says they’ve "lurked."
On the topic of the Cubs, ESPN’s Peter Gammons writes, "They doubt they have enough to get Sabathia, although Hendry constantly touches base with Indians GM Mark Shapiro." Regardless, Gammons expects the Indians to move quickly on Sabathia.
Gammons says the Rangers are out but the Phillies "shouldn’t be overlooked." The Rays? They’ve lurked.

Rosenthal’s Latest: Sabathia, Blake, Greinke, Tejada

By Tim Dierkes | June 27, 2008 at 1:48pm CDT

And now…a fresh Ken Rosenthal column.

An opposing viewpoint: Rosenthal says "any team that acquires C.C. Sabathia would gain an exclusive window to sign him long-term before he reaches free agency." Rosenthal notes that the Brewers and Rays are stacked enough to acquire Sabathia and wouldn’t mind taking draft picks for him after the season.
Casey Blake is drawing trade interest; his versatility is a plus. Rosenthal likes the fit for the Dodgers, Mets, and A’s.
An anonymous general manager tossed out this "trade concept": Adam Dunn to the Dodgers for Juan Pierre, Chin-lung Hu, and cash. Thoughts?
Teams such as the Braves, Phillies, and Brewers have expressed interest in Zack Greinke at some point, but the Royals plan to keep him. He’ll be eligible for free agency after the 2010 season.
Earlier this year the Cubs inquired on David DeJesus, but now they seem content with their Jim Edmonds–Reed Johnson platoon. Maybe talks will be rekindled after the season?
The Astros will talk about any player on the roster without a no-trade clause, which would include Miguel Tejada. Does that mean Jose Valverde, Hunter Pence, and Wandy Rodriguez aren’t off limits?

Rockies Scout A’s-Phillies Series

By Tim Dierkes | June 27, 2008 at 10:05am CDT

According to Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle, the Rockies had two scouts at the recent A’s-Phillies series. The Rox are currently eight games out in the NL West despite a 32-47 record.

The following Rockies have popped up in past rumors: Matt Holliday, Brian Fuentes, Garrett Atkins, Kip Wells, and Willy Taveras. Fuentes has been linked to both the A’s and Phillies. Ken Rosenthal wrote on Tuesday that the Rockies are willing to trade Fuentes regardless of whether they’re in the playoff race.

Stark’s Latest: K-Rod, Burnett, Oliver Perez, Bedard

By Tim Dierkes | June 26, 2008 at 4:41pm CDT

It’s Thursday, and that means it’s time to dig in and feast on Jayson Stark’s latest rumor-packed column.

The Braves have shifted their focus from starting pitching to an impact bat in left field. Stark suggests Raul Ibanez, Jason Bay, and Xavier Nady would make sense. Matt Holliday would be too costly; Adam Dunn is not mentioned.
We have seen the surprising rumor that the Angels could pursue C.C. Sabathia. However, Stark’s sources are in agreement with Bill Plunkett – the Angels are likely to stand pat.
Francisco Rodriguez wants four years and more than $60MM, a dangerous record-breaking commitment. The Halos aren’t even sure if they’d do three years and a vesting option.
There have been no recent extension talks between the Angels and Vladimir Guerrero, but his $15MM option for ’09 is an easy call.
As we’ve written before, A.J. Burnett is like a rental, but worse. He either pitches well and opts out or pitches poorly and you’re stuck with him. Stark adds that despite Burnett’s willingness to pitch for the Cubs, he’s not on their list. The Cubs are still planning a run at Sabathia. The Brewers are also serious about the Cleveland ace.
The Mets might shop Oliver Perez, but I’d be surprised if he draws much interest.
The Blue Jays were already one of Adam Dunn’s ten no-trade teams. His no-trade rights switched from full to ten teams on June 15th.
Bill Bavasi talked to the Reds about bringing Ken Griffey Jr. back to Seattle, but Lee Pelekoudas isn’t interested.
Interesting Indians players who might be available: Rafael Betancourt, Rafael Perez, and Franklin Gutierrez.
The Yankees aren’t interested in Erik Bedard, but the Phillies are. The teams have differing opinions on whether Bedard’s surly demeanor would present a problem.

Odds and Ends: Bonds, Davis, Chulk, Ichiro

By Tim Dierkes | June 26, 2008 at 2:28pm CDT

Time for some random linkage.

I’ll be on XM Radio today at about 5pm CST – channels 176-189 with Mike Ferrin.
The Dodgers signed Jerome Williams – remember him?
Viva El Birdos runs through starting pitchers who might be on the Cardinals’ radar.
Sam Mellinger of the KC Star takes a look at Dayton Moore’s trade record. Meanwhile, Joe Posnanski explains why the Royals should sign Barry Bonds.
Ken Rosenthal doesn’t want to let Ed Wade off the hook in the Shawn Chacon dustup.
Red Reporter thinks the Reds are winning the Edinson Volquez–Josh Hamilton swap.
Rangers first base prospect Chris Davis is getting the call.
Russell Branyan has been training his eyes.
"Unsubstantiated report" – the Phillies might have interest in recently-designated reliever Vinnie Chulk.
Mariners beat writer Geoff Baker expects the team to shop Ichiro.
Buster Olney sees the Rays as a sleeper in the C.C. Sabathia derby.
Omar Minaya defends the Luis Castillo signing.

Odds and Ends: Lieber, Tavarez, Oswalt

By Tim Dierkes | June 25, 2008 at 8:50am CDT

We’ve got mostly smaller stuff today, so let’s kick it off with an odds and ends.

The Mets designated Claudio Vargas for assignment. I’m a bit surprised, I think he’s still a useful pitcher.
Pitcher Jon Lieber may retire after the season. 130+ wins, that’s a nice career.
With Tom Gordon’s shoulder barking, the Phillies’ desire to add a reliever has intensified. Here’s a look at the relief market.
When a 2.93 ERA is considered underperforming, expectations were never reasonable. Anyone else get the impression that if Johan Santana’s record was 10-3 instead of 7-6, there wouldn’t even be a discussion? Joel Sherman believes the Yankees (if under Brian Cashman) would not go six or seven years to sign C.C. Sabathia in light of the Barry Zito and Santana deals. He wonders whether Sabathia could be lured with a shorter term and higher average annual value.
Julian Tavarez chose to become a free agent, surprising the Brewers.
Roy Oswalt reminds us that he has a no-trade clause and hasn’t been approached by management about any deals.
The Adam Dunn-J.P. Ricciardi saga continues.
I chatted with Ryan Henning about the Twins recently.
T.J. Simers and Ned Colletti argue about the GM’s trading track record.
The Pirates are looking for pitching. Brett Tomko anyone? Anyone?
Evan Grant discusses the Rangers’ trade options in his mailbag.

Salisbury On Phillies’ Trade Chips

By Tim Dierkes | June 24, 2008 at 9:31am CDT

Back on June 19th, ESPN’s Jayson Stark said the Phillies had "at least kicked the tires on C.C. Sabathia, A.J. Burnett, Bronson Arroyo, and Jarrod Washburn." He also expected them to inquire on Erik Bedard. Scott Lauber says the Phils have scouted Sabathia, Burnett, Ben Sheets, and Greg Maddux recently.

Jim Salisbury of the Philadelphia Inquirer weighs in this morning on the Phillies’ trade chips. He names Shane Victorino, Jayson Werth, Carlos Carrasco, Lou Marson, Greg Golson, and Adrian Cardenas as Phillies players other teams may covet. However, Salisbury believes Pat Gillick might opt for a midlevel acquisition and hang on to his top young players. Check out our starting pitcher trade market post for ideas.

Salisbury speculates on possible targets aside from the aforementioned names: Roy Oswalt and Rich Harden. Salisbury is speculating with these names, but notes that "the Astros had a high-ranking scout in Philadelphia on Sunday."

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