Selling Off The Mariners
So it’s been a bit Mariners heavy today at MLBTR. It makes sense, though. They currently own the worst record in baseball, yet have some chips that could be valuable to contending teams. Geoff Baker of the Seattle Times takes a look at a few teams that might be interested in buying what the M’s are selling.
- Jason Varitek is hitting poorly. Kevin Cash is doing worse. Could the Sox pick up one of the M’s catchers? Baker notes that Jamie Burke could catch Tim Wakefield and probably hit better than Cash. Or, what about Kenji Johjima? Baker mentions that he could take over for Varitek, who will be a free agent, next year. Problem is, Johjima is hitting even worse this year.
- With Hideki Matsui’s knee barking, could the Yanks be interested in Raul Ibanez? I think they’d opt to bring in Barry Bonds if Matsui’s knee doesn’t heal up soon. Not mentioned by Baker, but speculated by yours truly, the Yanks might show some interest in Richie Sexson as a defensive backup first baseman.
- Plenty of teams need relievers, and the Mariners have a few. Baker names Mark Lowe, Sean Green, and Arthur Rhodes as available parties. Just about any team in contention might be interested, though Baker names the Braves and the Rays.
Odds And Ends: International Signings, Lo Duca, Ichiro, ChiSox
Here’s a list of loose links (sink ships) from today:
- The A’s officially inked Michel Inoa for $4.25MM.
- Corey Brock of MLB.com has a piece on the Padres’ international signings. More here from the man himself, Paul DePodesta.
- The Marlins are still looking for a catcher, and one of their former guys might be available. That would be Paul Lo Duca. With the Nats out of it, could they swap Lo Duca within the division? And would they assume part of Lo Duca’s remaining salary? Keep in mind that MLB.com’s Joe Frisaro said yesterday that the Marlins were "not serious" about Lo Duca.
- Ozzie Guillen is completely content with the current White Sox team. Other than an underperforming and injured Paul Konerko, they’re looking solid.
- Sam Mellinger goes over the Royals trade options. It’s full of the usual suspects: Mark Grundielanek and Ron Mahay. He also mentions Esteban German, who in the past might have intrigued teams as a solid utility player, but who has dropped off considerably in 2008.
- The best way to rebuild the Mariners? Trade Ichiro, says Scott Miller.
New Mariners GM Could Be Selected By Gillick
Scott Miller of CBS Sportsline has an interesting tidbit today. While the Mariners are still searching for a permanent replacement for dismissed general manager Bill Bavasi, the current ownership group might not be the ones to make the call. Instead, Miller relays a rumor that Hiroshi Yamauchi, current controlling owner of the M’s and retired head of Nintendo, wants to sell off his share. Chris Larson, current minority M’s owner and Microsoft exec, is a highly interested party. The idea is for him to form an investment group to purchase Yamauchi’s shares. One of the partners, though, is a familiar face.
That is former Mariners GM Pat Gillick, he who presided over the Mariners powerhouse teams during the turn of the century. According to the rumor, he would be placed as head of baseball operations, and would select the new GM himself. Currently the general manager in Philadelphia, Gillick has announced his plans to reire at the end of the season. So it’s unlikely he names himself general manager.
Another little bit at the end of the article: The current ownership extended catcher Kenji Johjima this April because they wanted to "take care of him before getting out." It further suggests that Bill Bavasi and company were against the extension, likely because of Jeff Clement‘s presence.
So, M’s fans, would you welcome Gillick back into the fray?
Odds and Ends: Phillips, Chacon, Hewitt, Griffey
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.
Rosenthal’s Latest: Padilla, Manny, Beltre, Dunn
Rumor man Ken Rosenthal has a new column up.
- At least three teams have inquired on the Rangers’ Vicente Padilla: the Mets, Yankees, and Brewers. Jon Daniels is looking for "quality young pitching."
- Manny Ramirez‘s $20MM option for ’09 isn’t a lock. It’s a tough call – .900 OPS players on one-year deals don’t grow on trees.
- Rosenthal suggests David DeJesus or Melky Cabrera would be nice fits for the Diamondbacks, who aren’t looking for a rental. He also speculates on names like Brian Giles, David Dellucci, and Randy Winn. Note: Rosenthal is playing GM here, not relaying inside info of trade talks.
- Rosenthal believes Matt Stairs would be a nice addition for the Dodgers, and notes that the Dodgers and Blue Jays have spoken. The Jays’ direction for ’08 is still uncertain though.
- Still sounds like it’d take a "knockout offer" to pry Rich Harden loose from the A’s.
- The A’s are said to like Mariners third baseman Adrian Beltre. He can block trades to eight unknown clubs though.
- Adam Dunn isn’t generating much trade interest yet.
- KC’s Ron Mahay is "drawing significant interest." The trade market for lefty relievers is fairly robust.
Rosenthal’s Latest: Beltre, Washburn, Escobar, Duchscherer
Ken Rosenthal brings us his latest Full Count video:
- Rosenthal thinks the Mariners should consider dealing Adrian Beltre along with Erik Bedard by the deadline. The A’s and Dodgers would be interested in the 29 year old. Also, Jarrod Washburn‘s stock is rising.
- If Kelvim Escobar makes a strong return to the Angels rotation, Jon Garland could wind up on the trading block. As it stands, Escobar is slated for relief duties initially.
- 30 year old Justin Duchscherer could be Billy Beane’s best trade piece. His sparkling 1.99 ERA in combination with his being signed through this year for only $1.2MM make him a very palatable option.
Ichiro Unlikely To Be Dealt
Larry Stone of the Seattle Times runs through the Mariners situation as sellers. He considers Richie Sexson, Jose Vidro, Kenji Johjima, Miguel Batista, and Carlos Silva as untradeable due to either performance or contract, or both.
Stone also doesn’t see Ichiro Suzuki going anywhere:
"The hot topic is Ichiro, who has a limited no-trade clause in his contract. The big question is whether he has a de facto full no-trade clause coming from Japan. The industry belief is that Hiroshi Yamauchi, calling the Mariners’ shots from Kyoto, would never allow Ichiro to be dealt. I believe that, too."
He entertains the possibility that Ichiro could get himself traded out of Seattle if he requested a trade himself, but all indications are that he is committed to remaining in Seattle.
Ken Rosenthal confirms this in his latest Full Count video, adding that if Seattle ownership wasn’t equally committed to Ichiro, they would have dealt him last year before signing him to a 5-year $90MM contract.
Stark’s Latest: K-Rod, Burnett, Oliver Perez, Bedard
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
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.
Heyman’s Latest: Mariners, Brewers
Let’s take a gander at Jon Heyman’s latest column at SI.com.
- Heyman says three GMs who would have interest in Ichiro Suzuki have been told he’s not available. Nonetheless, Heyman suggests trading the face of the franchise would be the best way to shake things up in Seattle.
- The Mariners have other valuable trade commodities: Erik Bedard, Raul Ibanez, and Adrian Beltre. Most of the team’s other vets aren’t valued highly, though Jarrod Washburn has strung together three decent starts. Felix Hernandez would draw a ton of interest, but the Mariners aren’t expected to make him available.
- The Brewers’ have a host of quality prospects to use as trade bait. However, MLB.com’s Jim Molony did say yesterday that he didn’t expect a major acquisition.