Rangers Designate Mark Hamburger For Assignment
The Rangers designated Mark Hamburger for assignment, Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports (on Twitter). The move clears a 40-man roster spot for Roy Oswalt, who joins the team tonight.
The Rangers acquired Hamburger from the Twins for Eddie Guardado in 2008. The 25-year-old right-hander appeared in five games for the Rangers last year and has spent this season at Triple-A, where he has a 6.55 ERA with 7.3 K/9 and 4.2 BB/9 in 45 1/3 innings.
Rangers Release Brad Hawpe
The Rangers have released Brad Hawpe from Double-A Frisco at the veteran's request, reports Danny Knobler of CBS Sports (via Twitter). Hawpe signed a minor league deal with Texas in the offseason, was released by the team in late March and then re-signed a week later to another minor league contract. According to Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram (Twitter link), Hawpe told the Rangers "he's not close to being able to help big-league team."
Hawpe underwent Tommy John surgery on his throwing shoulder last June after posting a .231/.301/.344 line in 216 plate appearances for the Padres. He has played in 16 games in the outfield for Frisco (plus 19 as a DH), and has a .260/.382/.382 line in 152 PAs with the Double-A affiliate. Hawpe's health and his comments about his current ability level are a red flag but he will still likely get some looks from teams in need of a left-handed bat.
Rangers Sign Willie Eyre
The Rangers signed right-hander Willie Eyre to a minor league deal, MLBTR's Tim Dierkes has learned. Jason Cole, who first reported the signing, notes that the Rangers are assigning Eyre to Triple-A Round Rock (Twitter link).
The Orioles recently released Eyre, who had been pitching for their Triple-A affiliate. The 33-year-old has a 4.95 ERA with 4.7 K/9 and 3.6 BB/9 in 163 2/3 MLB innings over the course of four seasons with the Twins, Rangers and Orioles. He pitched in the Rangers' organization from 2007-10.
Quick Hits: Gio, Phillies, Rangers, Burnett
Brayan Pena's attempt to stretch a single into a double in the 9th inning drew a throw from the outfield and allowed Jarrod Dyson to score from third with the game-winning run in the Royals' 4-3 result over the Brewers tonight. It was Kansas City's second unusual walkoff victory in as many nights, as they won on a bases-loaded walk from Mike Moustakas on Wednesday. The Royals picked up the sweep against Milwaukee, winning all three games by one run.
Here's the latest from around the majors…
- The Nationals' trade for Gio Gonzalez was the "best deal anyone made last winter," a rival scout tells Danny Knobler of CBS Sports. "They didn't get him cheap, but he can dominate, and how many starters can you say that about?" The Nats look like the big winners of the deal thus far, given Washington's first-place position and Gonzalez's Cy Young Award-caliber numbers since joining the team.
- David Murphy of the Philadelphia Daily News breaks down what the Phillies could possibly receive for some of their top assets on the trade market.
- The Phillies, Brewers, Cubs, Astros and Red Sox are positioned to dominate the rumor mill leading up to the trade deadline, predicts Ken Davidoff of the New York Post.
- Despite injuries to Alexi Ogando and Koji Uehara, Rangers GM Jon Daniels "still feels good" about his bullpen, reports Anthony Andro of FOX Sports Southwest (Twitter link).
- A.J. Burnett has brought both veteran leadership and quality pitching to the Pirates, writes Tyler Kepner of the New York Times. “It was important for our guys to see a guy that’s brought in and it’s not a trading-deadline deal where you have a guy for two months,” said manager Clint Hurdle. “We brought in a guy for two years. He can go ahead and unpack his bags. He’s going to be around, he can be involved, be engaged.”
- Tigers GM Dave Dombrowski outlines his team's pursuit of Roy Oswalt to John Lowe of the Detroit Free Press. Dombrowski said the Tigers were prepared to meet Oswalt's salary demands in the offseason but the veteran just didn't want to pitch in Detroit. Oswalt's representatives contacted Dombrowski again once the season began and Oswalt was without a team, but the Tigers had already moved on with Drew Smyly in the rotation.
Quick Hits: Teahen, Soler, Ethier, Hamilton, Youkilis
The Dodgers officially announced their five-year, $85MM extension with Andre Ethier this afternoon on a day that featured lots of draft news. Here are some of Tuesday’s non-draft-related links, starting in Los Angeles…
- Mark Teahen can opt-out of his minor league contract with the Nationals if not called up by June 15th, MLBTR has learned. The 30-year-old has hit .293/.347/.404 with Washington's Triple-A affiliate while playing all four corner spots.
- Jorge Soler is still in the process of securing a visa prior to officially signing with the Cubs, reports MLB.com's Carrie Muskat (on Twitter). That could take about a week.
- The Dodgers’ deal with Ethier could eliminate them from the Josh Hamilton sweepstakes after the season, ESPN.com’s Buster Olney writes (Twitterlinks). This could limit Hamilton’s leverage with the Rangers whenever the sides resume contract talks.
- Olney points to the abundance of quality outfielders nearing free agency and suggests it makes sense for the players to accept deals now instead of waiting for what could be a buyer’s market.
- There are no new developments in contract discussions between Cole Hamels and the Phillies or Zack Greinke and the Brewers, Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com reports (on Twitter).
- GM Sandy Alderson told Ken Davidoff of the New York Post that the Mets haven't drawn up plans to buy or sell this summer. Davidoff suggests that the Mets could decide to stay the course at the upcoming trade deadline.
- One scout watched Kevin Youkilis play and wasn’t impressed, Danny Knobler of CBSSports.com reports (on Twitter). "For what he costs, he can't do anything," the scout said.
Mike Axisa contributed to this post.
Rangers To Sign Brinson, Gallo, Wiles
3:54pm: Brinson obtained a $1.625MM bonus, according to Callis via Twitter.
3:18pm: Wiles obtained a $975K bonus, Jim Callis of Baseball America tweets.
2:12pm: The Rangers have agreed to terms with their top five selections from the amateur draft, according to ESPNDallas.com. First round selection Lewis Brinson and compensation round selections Joey Gallo and Collin Wiles are among the players who have agreed to terms with the Rangers. Gallo obtains a considerable bonus of $2.25MM, according to ESPN.com's Keith Law (on Twitter).
The Rangers picked Brinson, a high school center fielder, with the 29th overall selection in last week's draft. They chose Gallo, a high school third baseman, with the 39th overall selection and chose Wiles, a high school right-hander, with the 53th overall selection. MLB recommends bonuses of $1.625MM, $1.325MM and $955K for the 29th, 39th and 53rd selections, respectively.
Draft Signings: Dodgers, Reds, Tigers, Rangers
MLBTR has updated lists of which first and supplemental first round picks have agreed to terms. Here are the latest notable draft signings from the second round and beyond…
- The Dodgers have agreed to terms with sixth round selection Joey Curletta for $172K, MLBTR has learned. Curletta has impressive right-handed power and a strong throwing arm, but he's a slow runner, according to Baseball America.
- The Reds signed fifth rounder Mason Felt to an over-slot deal worth $318K, Jim Callis of Baseball America reports (on Twitter). The high school left-hander has the potential for a plus fastball and curve. The Reds signed a number of other selections, John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer reports.
- The Tigers have signed third rounder Austin Schotts for $389K, Callis tweets. The high school shortstop has very good speed and some power, according to Callis.
- The Rangers signed second round pick Nick Williams for $500K, Callis tweets. Williams, a high school outfielder, has great tools despite his inconsistent spring performance, according to Callis.
- The Rangers signed another second round pick, Jamie Jarmon, for $602K, Callis tweets. NFL teams were interested in the athletic high school outfielder.
Cardinals Claim John Gaub Off Waivers
The Cardinals have claimed left-hander John Gaub off of waivers from the Rangers, according to Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram (via Twitter). Gaub was designated for assignment on Thursday to create room on the 40-man roster for Tanner Scheppers.
The 27-year-old posted a 3.42 ERA with 12.2 K/9 and 6.5 BB/9 in 50 Triple-A appearances for the Cubs last season. Gaub pitched in 16 games for the Rays' Triple-A affiliate and 5 for the Rangers' Triple-A team this year.
Olney On Hamels, Hamilton, Quentin
The free agent market will feature an unusually strong class of outfielders this coming offseason, ESPN.com’s Buster Olney writes. Josh Hamilton leads a group that includes Michael Bourn, Andre Ethier, Melky Cabrera, Shane Victorino, B.J. Upton and Carlos Quentin. However, teams are looking to avoid unnecessary long-term commitments, so it may not be possible for all of these players to cash in. Here are more notes from Olney:
- Cole Hamels’ contract talks with the Phillies remain dormant, Olney reports. Hamels is on track for free agency after the season, when he’ll be the top starting pitcher available.
- One general manager suggested the Orioles could become aggressive bidders for Hamilton, who will likely command an annual salary of $20MM-plus. "But [at that price] I don't think he's got a lot of places to go," the GM told Olney.
- Some MLB officials guesstimate Quentin could be in line for a deal in the four-year, $48MM range if he stays healthy and keeps hitting. Four years and $60MM isn’t out of the question, according to those officials.
- Personally I see Quentin signing for two or three years at an average annual value of $6-9MM. He'll turn 30 before the offseason, his defense isn't particularly well-regarded and injury questions persist, so I believe he'd do well to match Josh Willingham's three-year, $21MM deal.
Quick Hits: Manny, Wolff, Marin, Rangers
It was on this day in 1966 that the Mets made one of the most infamous draft blunders in history, taking Steve Chilcott with the first overall pick of the June amateur draft. Chilcott became the first #1 pick to never play a game in the Major Leagues, while the A's fared a bit better with the #2 selection — Reggie Jackson.
Let's check out some news from around baseball as we prepare for some interleague action…
- Athletics GM Billy Beane said no decision has been made about releasing Manny Ramirez, reported Joe Stiglich of the San Jose Mercury News, though Beane also wasn't sure when or if Ramirez would be called up to Oakland. Ramirez has completed his 50-game suspension but has been hampered by a leg injury and isn't hitting well in Triple-A.
- In a radio appearance on 95.7 FM The Game, Athletics managing general partner Lew Wolff said that he wants to keep the team in the Bay Area and his ownership group has no plans to sell the A's. Wolff predicted that in five years, the A's would be playing in a new stadium in San Jose. (All links at to Twitter.)
- The Orioles have signed third-round pick Adrian Marin, as announced by Marin himself on his Twitter page. Marin is a high school shortstop who was originally committed to the University of Miami.
- The Rangers announced the signings of 18 draft picks, including all of their selections between the fourth and tenth rounds.
- The Tigers shouldn't trade top prospect Nick Castellanos in an effort to win this season at the sake of the minor league system, writes Jamie Samuelsen for the Detroit Free Press.
- ESPN's Keith Law examines how teams' first-round draft picks fit in among their organizations' other top prospects.
- The Twins have hurt themselves by not dealing veterans at the trade deadline in recent years and shouldn't make that same mistake again this season, opines Jim Souhan of the Minneapolis Star Tribune. Souhan does name a few players, however, he thinks the Twins shouldn't deal: Jared Burton, Glen Perkins, Jamey Carroll and Josh Willingham.
- Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports takes an early look at the trade deadline in his latest Hot Corner video, naming the Twins, A's, Padres and Cubs as the few clubs who are clear sellers, with the Cubs "probably the biggest seller out there." Rosenthal also thinks the Astros will likely join this group as they want to get rid of their high-priced veterans, though Houston is playing well right now.
- In terms of potential sellers, Rosenthal names the Brewers, as they could look to move Zack Greinke, Shaun Marcum and/or Francisco Rodriguez if they fall out of contention. The Phillies "are kind of hanging on a precipice" in the tough NL East and unless they get more concrete news about the health of Ryan Howard, Chase Utley and Roy Halladay, Philadelphia could become sellers as well and look ahead to 2013.
- Fredric Horowitz has been hired as the arbitrator between Major League Baseball and the MLB Players' Association, reports the Associated Press. Horowitz replaces Shyam Das, who was fired in the wake of his decision to lift Ryan Braun's 50-game suspension for a positive drug test.