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Odds & Ends: Dodgers, Overbay, Hawpe, Lilly, Marlins

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Links for Friday…

  • Dylan Hernandez of The Los Angeles Times says (via Twitter) that Dodgers GM Ned Colletti hasn't asked anyone to waive their no-trade clause, which would include Manny Ramirez.
  • Lyle Overbay was pulled from tonight's game in the 6th inning, and Jon Paul Morosi of FoxSports.com says there has been trade interest in the Jays' first baseman recently. However, Overbay left for precautionary reasons as he's been feeling under the weather according to MLB.com's Jordan Bastian (Twitter links).
  • Rob Bradford of WEEI.com reports that Brad Hawpe chose the Rays over the Red Sox was because there was "a perceived better fit in terms of guaranteed playing time."
  • The Dodgers placed Ted Lilly on waivers today, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports (on Twitter). ESPN.com's Jayson Stark reported yesterday that the Dodgers aren't inclined to trade Lilly.
  • Yahoo's Jeff Passan reports that Marlins president David Samsom directed millions of dollars to owner Jeffrey Loria. Samson has said publicly that he did no such thing, but Passan contests that "what Samson said was so provably false that it was akin to a 3-year-old trying to hide his peas under a pile of mashed potatoes."
  • Stephen Strasburg will probably need Tommy John surgery, according to the Nationals.
  • Mark Feinsand of the New York Daily News says the idea of Joe Girardi leaving the Yankees for the Cubs this offseason is "pure insanity," since the Yankees will always provide Girardi with the chance to win.
  • However, Cubs sources confirmed to Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times that the Cubs will pursue Girardi to manage, possibly as the leading candidate, if he is available.
  • Padres GM Jed Hoyer told MLB.com's Corey Brock that he and Red Sox GM Theo Epstein joked about the inevitable Adrian Gonzalez rumors last winter. As Brock shows, those rumors are a thing of the past for the first place Padres.

Odds & Ends: Heilman, Overbay, Delgado, Reds

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As Nationals fans cross their fingers about Stephen Strasburg, here's some news from around the majors…

  • Aaron Heilman is looking forward to his first taste of free agency, reports MLB.com's Andrew Pentis.  Heilman said that he and his agent hadn't had any talks yet with the Diamondbacks about a new contract.
  • Lyle Overbay thinks he has a chance of returning to the Blue Jays next season, writes Jordan Bastian of MLB.com.  Given the Overbay trade rumors we've been hearing all year, this would certainly be a surprise, especially since the Jays have given Adam Lind a few starts at first recently.
  • Carlos Delgado has been placed on the seven-day disabled list by the Triple-A Pawtucket Red Sox, reports Sportsnet New York's Ben Wagner (via Twitter).  Delgado is experiencing soreness in his back and left hip, not his twice-operated on right hip.  The slugger signed a minor league contract with Boston on August 7.
  • Hal McCoy of the Dayton Daily News thinks the Reds should "make signing Bronson Arroyo a priority," implies that 2010 is Ramon Hernandez's last year in Cincinnati and gives some other opinions in a fan mailbag.
  • Was Khalil Greene the biggest loss for the Rangers this season?  Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News thinks so, given the team's ongoing depth problems.
  • Ricky Nolasco's contract extension talks with the Marlins may be on hold.  Josh Friedman and Craig Mish of The Ticket 790AM radio report (via Twitter) that the Florida right-hander may miss the rest of the season with a partially-torn meniscus. 
  • Dontrelle Willis has been promoted to Triple-A Fresno, and Andrew Baggarly of the San Jose Mercury News tweets that Willis is a candidate to join the Giants when the rosters expand on September 1.
  • LaTroy Hawkins will undergo arthroscopic surgery on his right shoulder, reports MLB.com's Adam McCalvy.  It's unknown if the scope will reveal more severe damage, but Hawkins says he plans on pitching in 2011.  Since signing a two-year, $7.5MM contract with Milwaukee last December, the injury-plagued Hawkins has made just 18 appearances for the Brewers, posting an 8.44 ERA.

Discussion: The Nationals’ 2011 First Baseman

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Adam Dunn's defensive limitations are under scrutiny again today after a pair of plays he failed to make in last night's 1-0 loss to Philadelphia, writes Ben Goessling of MASN.com. It's "no secret," according to Goessling, that as the Nationals decide whether or not to extend Dunn past this season, his defense is one of their primary concerns.

Dunn's prowess at the plate is undisputed; with 31 home runs and a slash line of .266/.354/.557 this year, The 30-year-old is poised to match or top last year's .267/.398/.529, 38-homer campaign. And his defense at first base has actually improved, according to UZR. Playing the infield on a full-time basis for the first time this season, Dunn's UZR/150 is only slightly below average, at -1.3. Still, UZR is a statistic best evaluated over multiple seasons, and Dunn's career numbers aren't flattering.

It could cost Washington in excess of $40MM to lock up Dunn to a multi-year extension, and it's unclear whether they'd want to commit that money to a player some observers feel is more suited to DHing. Additionally, Dunn projects as a Type A free agent and could net the Nats compensation picks if he signs elsewhere. As MLBTR's Tim Dierkes noted, the club figures to offer Dunn arbitration even if they think he may accept, since they could live with having him for one year at around $15MM.

Goessling indicates that the Nats would have some interest in Carlos Pena, who will also be a free agent this winter. Pena isn't as dangerous offensively as Dunn, but he has a similar power stroke and is more adept in the field. Other above-average defensive players available this offseason in an overcrowded first base market include Derrek Lee and Lyle Overbay. Both players have struggled offensively at times this year, but are still helping their teams defensively.

Will concerns about Dunn's defense mean the Nats let him walk this winter? How much money and how many years would you commit to the slugger if you were running the organization? Or would you elect to pursue another corner infielder instead?

Gammons On Papelbon, Ramirez, Overbay

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The venerable Peter Gammons appeared on WEEI's The Big Show to discuss a few Red Sox-related hot stove topics.  WEEI.com's Sam Dykstra has the transcript of some of the interview's highlights…

  • The Red Sox will have a hard time finding takers for Jonathan Papelbon this winter if the club decides to install Daniel Bard as its full-time closer.  Gammons predicts Papelbon will get around $12MM for his final year of arbitration, and doubts that Boston would be able to move Papelbon's entire salary plus get a quality return in a trade.
  • Manny Ramirez in Tampa Bay is Boston's "worst nightmare," according to Gammons.  He says that should Ramirez return from the disabled list and be placed on waivers by Los Angeles, Boston would then be faced with the difficult decision of whether or not to risk putting in a claim on their former slugger just to keep him from ending up as a Ray.  The Red Sox could end up being stuck with the approximately $5.5MM remaining on Ramirez's $20MM salary, not to mention the added baggage that Ramirez could bring back to the Boston clubhouse.  Then again, as Gammons describes it, "it may be that Manny doesn’t realize that he has to play and perform to get another contract. We have no indication that he’s understood that after three trips to the disabled list this year."
  • Lyle Overbay is cited as a backup option at first base if the newly-acquired Carlos Delgado can't find his stroke in the minors.  Overbay has cleared waivers and is free to be dealt to any team, though the Toronto first baseman does have a no-trade clause in his contract.

Players Who Cleared Waivers

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This is a running list of players who have cleared waivers, based on published reports.  Once a player clears waivers, he can be traded to any team (barring a no-trade clause).  This list can always be found in the sidebar under MLBTR Features.

Updated 8-31-10 at 3:50pm.

  • Carlos Beltran, Mets – It's no surprise that Beltran cleared waivers given his massive salary and poor performance since returning from a knee operation. Beltran, who has a no-trade clause, earns $18.5MM this year and the same amount in 2011.
  • Geoff Blum, Astros - The veteran infielder could appeal to teams looking for a utilityman. He has played every infield position in 2010.
  • Dave Bush, Brewers – Bush could provide value as a starter or swingman on a team in need of some innings.
  • Craig Counsell, Brewers – Like Blum, Counsell is versatile enough to play second, third or short.
  • Edwin Encarnacion, Blue Jays – The third baseman has another year of arbitration left, makes a total of $4.75MM this season and has a .305 OBP.
  • Brad Hawpe, Rockies – Hawpe has played a few games at first base this year and can also patrol right. His homer total is down, but he's still a decent hitter.
  • Kelly Johnson, Diamondbacks – Johnson is having a career year and makes just $2.35MM, but the D'Backs aren't anxious to move him.
  • Adam LaRoche, Diamondbacks – LaRoche is hitting well this year and has a history of second-half success. The Red Sox, White Sox or Rays could have interest.
  • Lyle Overbay, Blue Jays – Overbay hits free agency this winter, but doesn't project to be a ranked free agent, so if the Blue Jays want to obtain something for him, now is their chance. Overbay has a no-trade clause.
  • George Sherrill, Dodgers – Sherrill makes $4.5MM this year and has a lofty ERA, so he cleared waivers, as expected.
  • Brian Tallet, Blue Jays – The southpaw might not have been a big enough name to draw a waiver claim, but he should draw some trade interest. After all, left-handed hitters have just a .474 OPS against Tallet.

Lyle Overbay Clears Waivers

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Lyle Overbay cleared waivers, according to Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports. The first baseman has about $2MM remaining on his contract and can veto any trade according to a July report from Morosi. 

The Blue Jays didn't approach Overbay about deals in July, but that could change this month. Injuries to Carlos Pena and Kevin Youkilis could mean the Rays and/or Red Sox have interest. The Rays could get Pena back soon and the Red Sox have another former Blue Jays first baseman – Carlos Delgado – in the minors, but Overbay could be a consideration for both clubs.

The 33-year-old has hit .250/.329/.422 for the season with 13 homers. He isn't projected to qualify as a Type A or B free agent after the season, so draft pick compensation wouldn't be a factor for the Blue Jays in any trade.

Rosenthal On Dunn, Red Sox, Rays, Reds

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Let's dive into the latest edition of Full Count by Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports..

  • Rival executives still can't figure out what the Nats were thinking by not trading Adam Dunn as some believe that they will not re-sign the slugger.  If they dealt him, they would have saved about $4MM in salary and another $2MM in draft pick bonuses.  The players they would have gotten in return would already have minor league track records and would have been closer to the majors.  Though next year's draft figures to be very deep, Rosenthal notes that draft picks take money and time.
  • If Boston stays in contention, they will push hard to get a left-handed bat to complement Lowell at first and Carlos Delgado may just be the beginning.  Even after signing Delgado, the BoSox will continue to scour the market for players such as Adam LaRoche and Lyle Overbay.  Earlier today, we learned that the Red Sox have shown interest in another left-handed hitting first baseman, Chris Davis of the Rangers.
  • Jeremy Hellickson gives the Rays a sixth rotation option for 2011, but that doesn't mean that the Rays will have enough of a surplus for a trade.  They have depth but they're not quite as deep as they were following the 2008 campaign.  Rosenthal believes that they are better off keeping what they have intact and putting one of their starters in the bullpen.
  • Recently, Reds manager Dusty Baker told reporters that the club has approached him about a contract extension.  Logically, he deserves a pay raise based on the team's performance this season.  However, ownership may not want to go that route.  Given the volatility expected in the managerial ranks this winter, the Reds will have plenty of options should they look elsewhere for a skipper.

Blue Jays Haven’t Approached Overbay About Deals

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The Blue Jays are considering many deals, but as of 10am CST, they have not approached Lyle Overbay about any trades. The first baseman points out that the Brett Wallace trade changed the landscape for the Jays, but realizes he’s not the hottest commodity at this year’s deadline.

“The market for a first baseman hitting .250 is not out there,” Overbay told MLBTR. “It just seems like the teams that need them haven’t really done anything or they’ve gone a different way."

The 34-year-old is hitting .251/.326/.421 with 12 homers this season and has a no-trade clause, according to Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports. It seemed likely that Wallace would play first for Toronto in 2011. With the prospect now in the Astros organization, Overbay won’t rule out a return to the Blue Jays.

“That’s something I’m open to,” Overbay said. “I’m open to anything. Being a free agent is for me and my family so I can make the decision according to that.”

But that decision is months away. For now, Overbay is looking ahead to game time.

“After the game starts you don’t really think about [trades] unless you get a guy coming in for you for pinch running like Austin Kearns,” he said.

Lyle Overbay Has No-Trade Clause

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Lyle Overbay has a no-trade clause, according to Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports (via Twitter). The first baseman still has $2.8MM remaining on his $7MM contract and there aren’t many contenders for whom Overbay’s bat would be an upgrade, so Morosi’s source doubts the clause will become an issue this month.

Overbay will become a free agent after the season and the Blue Jays have top prospect Brett Wallace poised to take over at first, but they don't necessarily want to deal Overbay. The 33-year-old has recovered from a slow start and his line now stands at .251/.329/.413, but it’s hard to imagine that contenders other than the Angels would give him much of a look. That said, the no-trade clause is worth noting, since a lot can change in a week.

Discussion: Lyle Overbay

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Much has been written over the last few years about Vernon Wells' immovable contract, but besides that significant commitment to their center fielder, the Blue Jays have a very manageable payroll situation. The only other player on their roster who will earn more than $4.75MM this season is Lyle Overbay ($7MM).

Unlike Wells, who has rediscovered the power stroke that earned him that monster contract in the first place, Overbay is struggling. Hitless in his last 14 at-bats, the 33-year-old has seen his 2010 slash line slip to .200/.281/.337 and has been the target of Rogers Centre boo-birds for most of the season. Manager Cito Gaston finally dropped Overbay in the batting order tonight, slotting him seventh rather than his usual fifth.

Although it's still unclear whether Toronto will be a buyer or a seller this summer, parting ways with Overbay could benefit both the present and future of the club. Top prospect Brett Wallace is hitting .289/.346/.537 with 11 homers in Triple A Las Vegas and not only represents a significant piece of the team's rebuilding plan, but could provide an instant offensive upgrade over Overbay. The Jays are likely postponing a roster decision at least until they can be sure Wallace will avoid becoming a super two player, but that time is fast approaching.

The last time we looked at Overbay's future, we still thought he may have some trade value. Now it seems unlikely that the first baseman, who has approximately $4.9MM remaining on his contract, would attract any interest. Is it best for Toronto to emulate what the Rays did with Pat Burrell and just cut their losses, or can Overbay turn things around? Is the 23-year-old Wallace ready to be an everyday player for a team technically still in contention? How should the Jays handle this situation?

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