Stark’s Latest: Eyre, Sherrill
ESPN’s Jayson Stark has been burning up the phone lines today. New blog posts can be found here and here.
- Brian Fuentes and Damaso Marte are off the market, but lefty relievers remain plentiful. The Cubs would like to move Scott Eyre, perhaps to an AL club like the Rays, Red Sox, or Tigers. Eyre is in the last year of a three-year contract and can block trades to ten clubs.
- The Orioles would like to pry a young shortstop loose if they are to trade George Sherrill. Erick Aybar, Maicer Izturis, and Jason Donald are names of interest, but the Angels and Phillies aren’t biting.
Stark’s Latest: Ohman, Rhodes
ESPN’s Jayson Stark has some new rumor material.
- Braves lefty Will Ohman is drawing plenty of interest, with the Tigers, Rays, Yankees, and Cardinals named as suitors. Perhaps the Yanks’ interest will diminish now that they have Damaso Marte.
- The Marlins and other clubs may turn to Arthur Rhodes as a more reasonable Plan B if they aren’t able to pry George Sherrill or Brian Fuentes loose.
- Given the emergence of Jeff Samardzija as a power bullpen arm, the Cubs are no longer looking for pitching. They desire a left-handed hitting center fielder, but that might wait until the offseason. It’s probably too early to say whether Jim Edmonds will be considered.
Week In Review: 7/20 – 7/26
This one will be a bit lengthy, which can be expected as the deadline approaches. Here’s a review of some of the major moves and rumors of the last week:
- The Yankees acquired Xavier Nady and Damaso Marte from the Pirates for OF Jose Tabata, RHP Ross Ohlendorf, RHP Dan McCutchen and RHP Jeff Karstens . I agree with Tim that Ian Kennedy would’ve been a better centerpiece, but Tabata is pretty highly-touted himself. Kennedy would have made a more immediate impact, while Tabata is only 19 years old.
- The Dodgers acquired Casey Blake for minor league RHP Jon Meloan and C Carlos Santana. The Dodgers get a nice boost to their lineup without giving up too much, although Santana’s putting together a very impressive season in Class-A ball.
- The Nationals sent Jon Rauch to the Diamondbacks in exchange for minor league 2B Emilio Bonifacio. Rauch adds to a strong bullpen for Arizona, while Bonaficio could become a very solid leadoff hitter in the future for Washington. They may have been able to get more for Rauch, but I personally like the move, regardless.
- The Brewers acquired Ray Durham from the Giants for minor leaguers Darren Ford and Steve Hammond. Rickie Weeks has been a disappointment to an otherwise red-hot club. Can Durham provide a bit more stability? The power’s gone, but he can still get on base.
- The Astros acquired Randy Wolf from the Padres for minor league pitcher Chad Reineke. This one confuses me a little bit; with all due respect, did the Astros forget they were 12.5 games out? I don’t see the logic in buying on a pitcher.
- The Cardinals traded Anthony Reyes to the Indians for minor league pitcher Luis Perdoma. I don’t get this one either. I feel like the Cardinals could have gotten more, despite Reyes’ struggles in the past. The Indians could make this one look like a steal, in my opinion.
- The Yankees are in deep discussion with the Mariners about acquiring Jarrod Washburn. Tim cites Buster Olney and Ken Rosenthal in saying that the Mariners want a top prospect in addition to the salary dump, but the Yankees are only offering a marginal prospect. Can’t say I blame them. A top prospect for an mediocre pitchers who’s due an additional $14MM? Sounds like Seattle’s getting greedy…
- A new, and surprising name surfaced in trade talks: Manny Ramirez. Manny has said he would waive his no-trade clause, and based on interviews, has basically said that 2008 will be his last season in Boston. I can’t see Boston trading their (arguably) best hitter in the middle of a pennant race, however. I’d bet on him finishing out the season.
- Speaking of corner outfielders, the Mets need one, and they know it. Having missed out on Nady and Blake, they will likely zero in on Raul Ibanez. Ibanez makes great sense for them, and the Mariners would obviously like to rebuild. I expect this one to get done.
- There was a report that Roy Halladay came out and told the Blue Jays that he is unhappy in Toronto, which has provoked the Jays to explore their potential options. Halladay’s price would have to be astronomical, I’d think. He’s signed through 2010 and pitching like it’s 2003 all over again. Personal speculation: I think Halladay to the Cardinals with a Colby Rasums centerpiece would make sense.
- Crisitan Guzman signed a two-year, $16MM contract extension. Guzman has revived his career after surgery following an awful 2005. I like the signing for the Nats.
- Jorge Posada could be out for the season. The Yankees are looking for catchers. In addition to the names mentioned there, they could take a shot at signing Johnny Estrada, who was DFA’ed by Washington this week. Estrada was terrible in Washington, but has put up solid offensive numbers for a catcher throughout his career.
- Brian Fuentes, Huston Street, and George Sherrill are all still potential trade pieces. Fuentes is the most likely to go, I’d say, although the Rockies are asking for quite a bit.
- Tim updated the left-handed reliever and left field markets.
Perrotto’s Latest: Ross, Jacobs, Kent, Burnett
Baseball Prospectus’ John Perrotto has a new column.
- The Mets are looking at relievers Huston Street, Brian Fuentes, Arthur Rhodes, and Eddie Guardado. On the radar for outfielders: Jason Bay, Raul Ibanez, and Randy Winn.
- A new suitor for Fuentes has emerged: the Diamondbacks. Would they really make another move for a reliever? Other known suitors were named here.
- The Marlins would consider trading Cody Ross or Mike Jacobs for relief help.
- New name on the Rays’ radar: Dodgers second baseman Jeff Kent. They’re better off with Akinori Iwamura aren’t they?
- George Sherrill suitors: Cardinals, Tigers, Dodgers, Marlins, and Phillies.
- The Blue Jays may offer A.J. Burnett an additional $2MM per year to convince him to stay for 2009-10.
- The Rangers are "expected to be among the top bidders" for CC Sabathia this winter.
More From Stark: Mets, Dodgers, Indians
Jayson Stark brings us a few more tidbits from the Hot Stove…
- The price for Raul Ibanez may be too high for the Mets as Stark reiterates what we heard previously, that Fernando Martinez and Jon Niese are not available…Ken Rosenthal added Robert Parnell to that list of untouchables.
- The Mets may no longer be in the running for Brian Fuentes as they are not willing to part with Aaron Heilman.
- Stark says other relief pitchers the Mets have shown some interest in include Cla Meredith, Chad Bradford and Jeremy Affeldt.
- The Dodgers are said to be interested in several relief pitchers, including Fuentes, George Sherrill, David Weathers and Alan Embree, but they are not interested in Huston Street. The other possibility is Greg Maddux, who would allow the Dodgers to move another starter to the bullpen.
- The Indians’ primary goal now is to deal Paul Byrd.
Cork Gaines writes for RaysIndex.com and can be reached here.
Stark’s Latest: Dunn, Tankersley, Sherrill
ESPN has a new Trade Deadline blog going; here’s the link. Jayson Stark already has two entries up, found here and here. Let’s dig in!
- The Yankees have explored the idea of acquiring Adam Dunn, though they’re reluctant to meet the Reds’ demands.
- The Marlins are proposing the idea of swapping lefty Taylor Tankersley for a more experienced one like Brian Fuentes or George Sherrill. So far, nothing’s cooking. Tankersley, 25, was demoted to Triple A earlier this month after being bitten by the home run bug. He dealt with shoulder tendinitis in early ’07.
- The Rockies instead have their eye on Florida’s Ryan Tucker, a young Double A righty with a mid-90s heater and a 1.41 ERA. I don’t see that happening. Stark says they want to push the bidding closer to the deadline though.
- The Orioles are apparently trying to pry Alcides Escobar or Mat Gamel from the Brewers for Sherrill, but as you know they’re not biting.
Baseball Blogs Weigh In: Trade Deadline
Some random links as we head toward the trade deadline, from the Blogosphere…
- One writer at Bugs and Cranks thinks that the Rockies should not lower their demand for Brian Fuentes and feels that the Cardinals are the most likely team to land the closer.
- UmpBump wants the Rockies to keep Matt Holliday and would prefer moving Garrett Atkins, allowing Ian Stewart to play third.
- Meanwhile, another writer at Bugs and Cranks wants the Cardinals to pass on Matt Holliday and Jason Bay, but think St. Louis should go after George Sherrill and/or Fuentes.
- Outs Per Swing does not feel that the Rays need to add a player like Xavier Nady, but they are also skeptical that Rocco Baldelli can be the right-handed bat the team needs.
- MetsBlog does not see the Mets landing George Sherrill or Huston Street, noting the O’s are asking for too much and the Mets will not meet the A’s demands. MetsBlog also feels the Mets have more obvious holes than relief pitcher.
- River Ave. Blues says the recent success of Ian Kennedy in Triple A has given the Yankees a very big chip in the trade market.
- Drunk Jays Fans says Roy Halladay will not be traded, despite recent reports that the Jays were secretly shopping him.
Graziano’s Latest: Sherrill, Arroyo, Rhodes, Zaun
Dan Graziano of the Newark Star-Ledger has a new Trade Winds column.
- Graziano notes how incredible the Erik Bedard trade could look for Baltimore if they spin George Sherrill for prospects. He names the Cardinals, Rays, Marlins, and Red Sox as suitors. The Mets fear Sherrill’s price tag, while the Yankees don’t expect a deal within the division.
- The Yankees haven’t spoken to the Reds about Bronson Arroyo (although based on previous reports, they have scouted him). The Yanks aren’t likely to sign Barry Bonds, and aren’t terribly thrilled with the catching market.
- Fernando Martinez‘s possible injury could increase the Mets’ urgency to find a left fielder. For some reason, Adam Dunn is not in the mix. The Mets are in on relievers Brian Tallet, Jack Taschner, and Arthur Rhodes.
- The division rival Marlins are after Rhodes, as well as Gregg Zaun.
- Graziano says no one denied his rumor that the Blue Jays were quietly discussing Roy Halladay with other teams. The offseason might be a better time to shop him, though.
George Sherrill Rumors
4:50pm: The Baltimore Sun lists the Cardinals, Brewers, Dodgers, Cubs, Reds, Phillies, Marlins, and Tigers as teams represented at yesterday’s Orioles-Blue Jays tilt. The article implies that those clubs were there hoping to scout Sherrill, though a few might have been eyeing A.J. Burnett or both pitchers.
Jeff Zrebiec says the O’s want two or three prospects for Sherrill, who is under team control for a long time.
2:16pm: According to Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, the Brewers are not engaged in trade talks for Orioles closer George Sherrill. The O’s are looking for a shortstop, and the Brewers aren’t willing to part with J.J. Hardy or Alcides Escobar. Makes more sense to wait until Escobar forces their hand, anyway.
GM Doug Melvin told Haudricourt he doesn’t expect to add a reliever this month.
Stark’s Latest: Teixeira, Padilla, Sheffield, Beltre
ESPN’s Jayson Stark has a new Rumblings and Grumblings up. You may want to grab a glass of water or something, because this is a beast of a column.
- If the Braves have a bad weekend and decide to trade Mark Teixeira, a deal could come together quickly. Stark says the Braves have already touched base with the Rays, Red Sox, Dodgers, Angels and Yankees. Where Tex fits on the Rays, I’m not sure. Additionally, interest in Will Ohman is said to be "massive."
- A Jorge Posada move to first base could affect the Yankees’ interest in Teixeira this winter.
- Though Brian Fuentes has many suitors, the Rockies have actually exchanged names with only the Marlins and Yankees. GM Dan O’Dowd has not dropped his price. By the way, Todd Helton‘s injury takes Garrett Atkins off the market. As for Matt Holliday, many execs believe the Rockies will never trade him.
- The Phillies are focused on a left-handed reliever, with Fuentes, Damaso Marte, George Sherrill, and Jack Taschner in the mix.
- The Phillies were scared off by the asking prices on Holliday and Xavier Nady, and never even made an offer. They still could acquire a lesser hitter.
- The Pirates are inspiring much grumbling with high asking prices for Jason Bay, Nady, Marte, John Grabow, and Jack Wilson.
- The Rangers are looking for young, controllable starting pitching. Vicente Padilla is available, with the Tigers and Yankees showing mild interest. Eddie Guardado and Jamey Wright are not available.
- In pursuing Jarrod Washburn, Bronson Arroyo, and Padilla, the Yankees are demonstrating their plan to reduce the prospect price for pitching by taking on a decent-sized contract.
- While A.J. Burnett is "eminently available," no trade talks are cooking. The Jays apparently won’t deal him within the division. Other Jays veterans might be available, though Roy Halladay isn’t among them.
- The Tigers are looking for pitching and a long-term shortstop. They’d be willing to move Gary Sheffield, though they’d have to eat salary.
- Top Rays prospects such as Wade Davis, David Price, and Jeremy Hellickson are off-limits. Rays Index recently ran through the more likely trade candidates.
- The Braves asked the Royals about Jose Guillen, but Dayton Moore is asking for a ton.
- Stark says the Twins’ talks for Adrian Beltre are "far from dead." The Twins are zeroed in on a third base upgrade. Beltre, by the way, has the Dodgers on his no-trade list. Joe Christensen says the Twins have found the asking price prohibitive for various third basemen.
- The Rangers are looking for a young pitcher for Hank Blalock, who is drawing interest from the Twins, Giants, and Dodgers. The Dodgers also like Casey Blake, who is likely to be traded somewhere.