Odds & Ends: O’s, Josh Johnson, Yankees, Red Sox
A busy Sunday morning has made for some some discussable items from around the league:
- Rick Dempsey of MASN is excited by the Orioles future and says it is undoubtedly time for the team to trade, highlighting George Sherrill, Jeremy Guthrie, Brian Roberts, Aubrey Huff, and Melvin Mora.
- Carlos Frias of the Palm Beach Post notes A.J. Burnett has regrets over leaving the Marlins and burning his bridges in the process.
- After Josh Johnson beat the Yankees yesterday, Mike Feinsand of the New York Daily News says, "Hope you got a good look, Yankees fans. You may have been watching your future ace."
- River Ave. Blues thinks trading Xavier Nady makes sense despite Buster Olney having said, "The Yankees are unlikely to trade Nick Swisher of Xavier Nady after Nady returns."
- Not a trade rumor, but Manny Ramirez is set to begin a minor-league stint on Tuesday in Albuquerque, says The Tribune-Review.
- Amalie Benjamin of the Boston Globe says (via Twitter, of course) "Daisuke [Matsuzaka] to DL. [Catching prospect] Dusty Brown up with the team for the first time." She continues, "About to talk to Daisuke. Will get quotes to you shortly. [Sox manager Terry Francona] said he doesn't think this will be a two-week DL." While the Sox still have rotation depth, this surely effects any perceived sense of urgency to deal.
Stark On Deadline Deals
ESPN.com's Jayson Stark reports that, with only five teams more than six games under .500, it's a tough time to be a buyer. Here are the details from his latest Rumblings and Grumblings:
- There are many trade candidates in Washingon, but free agent-to-be Nick Johnson is the likeliest to move of them all.
- Adam Dunn's price would be "astronomical" according to one executive.
- One of Danys Baez and George Sherrill will likely be dealt, and it seems more likely that Baez will move. As one official says, "he's throwing great, but he's still Danys Baez."
- The D'Backs would prefer to move prospective free agents, like Doug Davis and Chad Tracy. Stark writes that Davis could fit on the Mets.
- One executive believes Brian Giles "should get released."
- Cla Meredith could bring a decent return for the Padres, who could also move Chris Young and Kevin Kouzmanoff.
- The Royals could move reliever Ron Mahay.
- At this point the Astros still aren't likely to sell. No one expects them to move Roy Oswalt, but Ivan Rodriguez, LaTroy Hawkins and Jose Valverde could be dealt if the Astros decide to sell.
- One official says the Pirates would "love to move Jack Wilson."
- Victor Martinez and Cliff Lee aren't going anywhere, but Mark DeRosa is becoming "more marketable by the minute."
- Matt Holliday will hit the market if the A's don't play very well for the next few weeks. The A's will want the equivalent of a first rounder and a sandwich pick and, because few elite bats are available, at least one exec thinks they'll get a good return.
- The A's are worried he'll accept arbitration if they offer it, but Stark hears that Scott Boras would likely direct Holliday towards a better hitter's park, even if it was for less money.
- The Red Sox aren't in a hurry to deal Brad Penny. If they go for a shortstop, they'd want a short-term fix only.
- The Rockies- definitely not sellers right now- could eventually look to add a setup man.
- Delmon Young is "exceptionally available."
- The Brewers won't discuss dealing Mat Gamel or Alcides Escobar.
- The Rays would like to add a reliever, but they're one of many teams that can't add much payroll.
Rosenthal On Saito, Rangers, Hardy
Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports reports that the Red Sox discussed a trade that would have sent Takashi Saito to Texas for Hank Blalock. The idea lost traction once Josh Hamilton underwent surgery and David Ortiz began hitting better and it's not likely to be revived. However, "several" teams have interest in Saito, who the Red Sox might prefer to deal for a prospect. Here are more details from Rosenthal's column:
- The Rangers remain the leading contenders to sign Ben Sheets.
- They also considered going after Nick Johnson, but are more likely to replace Chris Davis internally if they decide he's not contributing enough at the plate.
- One scout has noticed the Brewers following Erik Bedard and believes they'll make a "strong play" for him.
- J.J. Hardy remains appealing to teams around the league and the Brewers are "constantly" asked about shortstop prospect Alcides Escobar.
- The Red Sox "sniffed around" on a Hardy-Brad Penny swap, but that deal wouldn't work for Milwaukee.
- The Orioles are increasingly willing to deal George Sherrill and Danys Baez.
Rosenthal On Guthrie, Rangers, Glaus
Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports reports that the Orioles would consider dealing Jeremy Guthrie under the right circumstances. Here are the details, along with highlights from the rest of his column:
- Teams have inquired to see if Guthrie, who makes just $650K this year, is available. The Orioles would only move him if they hear "an overwhelming offer."
- The O's are reluctant to move George Sherrill, who's pitching well and remains under team control through 2011.
- Danys Baez is more likely to be dealt.
- The Rangers could lose Josh Hamilton for an extended period, but that won't stop them from dealing a bat for a reliever. Rosenthal writes that the Rangers could replace a player like Marlon Byrd or Hank Blalock internally.
- The Rangers will consider pursuing a top starting pitcher.
- The Mariners aren't about to deal anybody away for now. "I think right now we are still in it," GM Jack Zduriencik said. The Mariners are 5.5 games out in the AL West.
- If Troy Glaus proves he can hit, but has trouble playing third upon his return, the Cardinals could deal him to a team in need of a first baseman or DH.
Stark’s Latest: Willis, Peavy, Astros, O’s
A summary of Jayson Stark's latest "Rumblings and Grumblings" column…
- Why did the Tigers bother giving Dontrelle Willis another shot? Frustration, perhaps. "It was pretty obvious, wasn't it?" said one longtime front-office man. "They invested $29 million in the guy. They had $22 million left… They'd already eaten Gary Sheffield's money."
- As for a possible Jake Peavy-to-the-Cubs deal, Stark writes "The Cubs' ownership limbo now looks as if it might stretch until Christmas Eve. So who knows whether Cubs GM Jim Hendry will even be released from captivity in time to pursue another Peavy deal come July."
- The chances of Roy Oswalt, along with a few other of Houston's high profile stars being placed on the trade market this summer? "Based on the history?" an executive of one club said, laughing. "I'd say zero."
- The Orioles should have relievers available come July. Scouts are drooling over Danys Baez, who seems to have regained his form this year with a 2.37 ERA and 0.84 WHIP. Closer George Sherrill could also draw plenty of interest.
Blue Jays, Brian Tallet Avoid Arbitration
According to Troy E. Renck of the Denver Post, the Blue Jays avoided arbitration with reliever Brian Tallet by signing him at $1.015MM for ’09. Tallet, 31, held lefties to a .257/.327/.327 line in 2008.
In other lefty reliever news, MLBTR has learned that George Sherrill will agree to terms with the Orioles today or tomorrow. Sherrill had submitted at $3.4MM while the Orioles countered at $2.2MM.
Odds and Ends: Sherrill, Kubel, Teahen
Links for Wednesday…
- T.R. Sullivan examines the Rangers’ interest level in 25 free agents.
- An article about Nate Silver of Baseball Prospectus.
- Rany Jazayerli suggests the Jeremy Bonderman contract might have been a model for Zack Greinke‘s deal.
- George Sherrill‘s arbitration hearing is set for February 19th. The Orioles are at $2.2MM while Sherrill requested $3.4MM, putting the midpoint at $2.8MM.
- Jack Marshall discusses the ethics of Scott Boras.
- Barry Bloom looks at the remaining free agent starting pitchers and possible suitors.
- Dave Cameron questions the Twins’ recent Jason Kubel contract.
- Sam Mellinger talks about the Mark Teahen second base experiment.
- Will Clark is set to join the Giants’ front office.
Orioles Avoid Arb With Luke Scott
According to Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore Sun, the Orioles avoided arbitration with Luke Scott by signing him at $2.4MM for ’09. George Sherrill‘s case remains unresolved.
Orioles Talking With Luke Scott, Eyeing Ohman
Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore Sun writes about the Orioles’ attempt to sign arbitration-eligible outfielder Luke Scott before figures are submitted on Tuesday. Baltimore’s other arb-eligible players are Nick Markakis and George Sherrill.
The O’s made an offer to Scott’s agent Page Odle on Tuesday, and the offer was countered on Thursday. Odle described it as "pretty positive dialogue."
Zrebiec also learned from Odle that the Orioles remain interested in Will Ohman, as are the Braves, D’Backs, Indians, and Rangers. Ohman has two offers in hand, but not from the O’s.
Regarding Sherrill, MLBTR has learned that the Orioles called his agent yesterday to give a number they were looking at. It was their first contact of the offseason.
J.J. Putz Rumors: Wednesday
2:04pm: Ken Rosenthal says the Cardinals offered Rick Ankiel and a prospect for Putz. The Tigers remain interested as well.
9:23am: According to Jon Paul Morosi of the Detroit Free Press, "the Tigers’ interest in acquiring closer J.J. Putz from Seattle appears stronger than ever." Morosi says the Mariners insist the Tigers include Jeff Larish and Matt Joyce in a deal. If the Ms acquire Larish and are convinced he can play third base, they may be motivated to shop Adrian Beltre. Morosi adds that Brewers and Cardinals have also inquired on Putz.
Brian Fuentes still seems too pricey for Detroit, and Kerry Wood is apparently off the board. Morosi says the Tigers have "mild interest" in Baltimore’s George Sherrill. Joe Beimel remains their top choice among lefty relievers, but the Tigers have yet to offer a contract.