Padres Rumors: Crisp, Pie, Andruw, Eckstein
Tom Krasovic continues to set the standard for Padres inside information. Today’s column is especially delicious for rumor junkies, with tons of new material to chew on.
- Kevin Towers expects to fill his center field vacancy via trade. He may first want to wait to see if Mike Cameron accepts the team’s upcoming offer of arbitration. Cameron is a Type B free agent. Remember that he will be limited to 137 games in ’07.
- As for trade candidates, Coco Crisp is on the radar but the Padres smartly won’t part with Chase Headley.
- Krasovic notes that Bud Black’s connection with Angels manager Mike Scioscia could play a role now that Trader Bill Stoneman isn’t the GM. Reggie Willits or Nathan Haynes might be in play for the Padres.
- The Padres really seem to like Felix Pie, and could re-open talks that would include Khalil Greene. They’ve asked about Tony Gwynn Jr. of the Brewers in the past. And it does sound like the Royals are willing to talk about David DeJesus.
- Sounds like the Padres will offer Andruw Jones $14-16MM on a one-year contract. Scott Boras hasn’t seemed open to this with Jones, but time will tell.
- The Tigers will have competition from the Padres for Geoff Jenkins. Krasovic envisions a Jenkins/Scott Hairston platoon in left and expects the Friars to make an offer.
- Two starters will be acquired even after Greg Maddux is retained. Rehabbing former Mark Prior and Matt Clement would both like to play in San Diego. There has to be some sort of cosmic rule about having three ex-Cubs in the rotation. That is not recommended. Plus the Padres were on Curt Schilling‘s list. And don’t forget the team’s previous trade interest in Josh Towers, who seems likely to be non-tendered and could be solid in PETCO.
- The Padres could pursue David Eckstein as a second baseman and leadoff man. But that would seemingly block Matt Antonelli for longer than necessary. Plus such a switch wouldn’t be in Eckstein’s best interests financially.
- Towers likes Jason Kendall, perhaps as a backup, but faces opposition in the organization.
- In another article, Towers lends credence to the theory that the Marlins could sign Alex Rodriguez.
Sheehan On Adam Dunn
Joe Sheehan of Baseball Prospectus gives his analysis on some Adam Dunn trade suitors. And it’s a free article.
Is Dunn really a lightning rod for criticism in Cincinnati? I’d like to see what those who live there think. I feel that in this day and age Dunn is mostly appreciated for his strengths.
Sheehan’s top five fits for Dunn, in order of likelihood, are the Twins, Angels, Yankees, Padres, and A’s. As Sheehan alludes to, Terry Ryan and Bill Stoneman don’t make this type of trade.
What’s more, the Angels would have a serious logjam with Dunn. You don’t move Casey Kotchman off first, leaving the DH and left field spots for Dunn. You’d rotate the DH spot between Dunn and Vlad, and the left field spot between Garrett Anderson, Reggie Willits, and occasionally Dunn. Someone’s losing some playing time in the deal, and Vlad is probably getting less time at DH to rest. Use of Dunn on the field probably compromises the defense. An Anderson injury could make this less of a problem. Another thought: a coworker of mine suggested that the Angels give up some quality prospects for their bat, but force the inclusion of Shea Hillenbrand in the deal. Not a bad idea.
Interesting to note that Sheehan calls Chase Headley unavailable. Not sure if that is based on some inside info. I had speculated yesterday that Headley’s callup could be a showcase.
Sheehan’s idea of the Yankees for Dunn makes a ton of sense, but they would have to assemble a prospect package without any real alluring name. Well, Joba Chamberlain might be somewhat alluring. It sounds like Wayne Krivsky would ask for Robinson Cano though.
Padres Showcasing Headley?
The Padres called up Double A third baseman Chase Headley today, and he’ll start against the Cubs. There are many reasons for the cup of coffee: he’s raking, Kevin Kouzmanoff is hurting, and Bud Black doesn’t like Russell Branyan.
I think there may be one additional reason Headley is getting a look: he’s being showcased for a trade. That’s pure speculation on my part, but as far as I can tell Headley is the Padres’ best expendable trading chip. He’s a solid third baseman and he’s in the midst of a power breakout this year. Of course, the Padres could keep both players and move Kouzmanoff to left field one day.
If the Padres are to get involved for a big-name slugger like Jermaine Dye or Adam Dunn, Headley’s name will come up. The White Sox and Reds don’t actually need a third baseman, but players can be moved around.