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Garza Likely To Be Traded This Week

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9:54pm: ESPN's Jim Bowden hears that there is an 80% chance Garza is dealt before his next start (Twitter link).  The Cubs have an off-day on Thursday and Jeff Samardzija is scheduled to start on Friday, so Garza's next start could come on Saturday at the earliest.  Bowden also listed the Diamondbacks as a possible Garza suitor, the first time we've heard that team in the mix, as well as the usual suspects of the Rangers, Nationals, Red Sox, Rockies and (to a lesser degree) the Indians.

12:51pm: Kaplan is hearing that Garza will be moved by Saturday, though the Cubs will still make sure that someone meets their price as opposed to rushing a trade. One AL scout tells Kaplan that the Cubs are in a "phenomenal spot to land a tremendous deal" because Garza has looked so strong of late (Twitter links).

12:46pm: Following his recent string of success, teams are willing to engage Cubs president Theo Epstein and GM Jed Hoyer in serious trade talks over the All-Star break, according to David Kaplan of CSN Chicago. A former general manager told Kaplan on Sunday that it's become "crystal clear" to other teams that Garza is at 100 percent.

A second "significant industry source" told Kaplan that the Rangers, Blue Jays and Indians are all involved in talks for Garza, but that the Cardinals are the dark horse in the pursuit of Garza. St. Louis saved loads of money by letting Albert Pujols walk, and their farm system is rife with high-upside prospects. Hoyer and Epstein will have no problem dealing Garza within the division, writes Kaplan, though he cautions that the Cardinals themselves (as well as the Pirates) may be hesitant to deal top prospects to a division rival.

Garza, 29, has a 3.17 ERA with 7.9 K/9, 2.5 BB/9 and a 39.8 percent ground-ball rate in 71 innings for the Cubs this season, his final year before free agency.

Garza Informed He’ll Likely Be Traded

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11:35pm: Garza denies being informed he will likely be traded, MLB.com's Carrie Muskat tweets.

3:30pm: The Cubs have informed Matt Garza he will likely be traded after contract talks failed to produce an extenstion, reports Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com. The Rangers and Indians, according to Heyman, are clearly interested in Garza while the Red Sox are waiting upon some clarity on the return of injured starter Clay Buchholz. The Cardinals, meanwhile, are believed to be a stealth player for the fifth-ranked free agent on MLBTR's 2014 Free Agent Power Rankings. Yesterday, we learned the Blue Jays are "front runners" in the Garza trade derby, but Heyman writes there is little to no evidence, at the moment, they are actively involved.

Heyman reports the hangup in the negotiations between Garza and the Cubs is over the average annual value of the deal. Just last night, Garza still pegged the odds of returning to Chicago as 50/50.

AL Notes: Rangers, Blue Jays, Orioles, Rodriguez

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If you're looking for some interesting reading late into this Saturday night, you might try one of these two pieces. Recent Rangers acquisition and all-time great hitter Manny Ramirez may have remade himself over three months in Taiwan, writes Sam Graham-Felsen, or he may have just kept being Manny. Either way, with a strong start to his Triple-A assignment, Ramirez could be close to a fascinating return to the bigs. Just as unlikely, if not moreso, is the path of Blue Jays reliever Steve Delabar from washout to All Star; Harry Pavlidis of the Washington Post has the story. Elsewhere in the American League …

  • While the Cubs' Matt Garza currently pitches in the National League, Bruce Levine of ESPNChicago.com says that he could soon return to the AL. Levine reports that the Rangers and Blue Jays are the "front runners" in acquiring Garza's services for the balance of 2013. Though the Rangers have frequently been mentioned as pursuers of Garza, who figures to be the top starter available, the Jays have generally not been placed atop the list. Nevertheless, Levine says that Toronto has been very active in scouting the righty over his last three starts. As for Texas, Levine says that power-hitting prospect Mike Olt would probably be included in a deal.
  • Another American League club, the Orioles, is likely out on Garza, tweets Buster Olney of ESPN.com. After already dealing for one Chicago starter, Scott Feldman, Baltimore apparently believes that Garza will require too large a commitment in prospects and cash to warrant a deal.
  • If the Yankees were still hoping to get a contribution this year from fallen star Alex Rodriguez, the odds appear to be on the downturn. Bill Madden and Teri Thompson of the New York Daily News report that, after learning today of the nature of MLB's case against him arising out of the Biogenesis scandal, Rodriguez's representatives could be contemplating an attempt at a "plea deal" that could result in a 150-game suspension. (That a "clearly shaken" A-Rod reportedly went on to engage in yet another dust-up with the club over his rehab situation could be another hurdle to his return.)
  • With Rodriguez and possibly other players considering such an arrangement to limit the scope of punishment, and the league reportedly prepared to move aggressively after the All-Star break, it is looking more and more likely that the impact of the scandal will be felt this season. While the potential for a drawn-out process remains, any agreements to bypass the appeals procedure and agree to penalties would presumably result in a more immediate imposition of suspensions.

Blue Jays Sign Brentz, Tellez; Do Not Sign Bickford

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The official signing deadline for this year's draft has now passed, and the Blue Jays made some last-minute splashes. Toronto signed 11th-rounder Jake Brentz for a hefty $700K bonus and 30th-round pick Rowdy Tellez for a record-setting $850K bonus, according to Baseball America's Callis (Twitter links). However, Callis also tweets the team was not able to reach an agreement with first-round pick Phil Bickford, who will attend college at Cal State Fullerton.

Reports that the Blue Jays were unlikely to sign the No. 10 overall pick first surfaced yesterday. The team will now be awarded the No. 11 pick in the 2014 draft as compensation for failing to sign the right-hander. Bickford is the only first-rounder from this year's draft not to sign.

The assigned slot values of all picks after the 10th round is $100K, meaning that the Blue Jays went $750K over slot to sign Tellez and $600K over slot to sign Brentz. Tellez's bonus is the largest ever under the new CBA for a player selected after the 10th round of the draft. However, the Blue Jays' total spend is still within the confines of their draft pool, even without Bickford's money, as noted in Baseball America's draft database.

Tellez ranked 59th on Baseball America's list of Top 500 draft prospects and 99th according to MLB.com's Jonathan Mayo. BA called him the "best left-handed power bat in this year's draft class," noting that he also has a good feel for hitting and moves well for his 6'5", 230-pound frame. While he's seen time in the outfield, Tellez profiles as a first baseman. Tellez is advised by Phil Ortiz of the Primo Sports Group.

Brentz's signing comes just one day after reports stated that he was unlikely to sign. The prep lefty out of Missouri ranked 45th among draft prospects according to ESPN's Keith Law and 80th on BA's Top 500. In fact, Law actually had Brentz ranked ahead of Bickford. Law wrote that Brentz may be "the best pure left-handed arm in the draft class," praising his upper-90s fastball but noting that his curveball is a work in progress. Brentz is advised by Jason Wood of Arland Sports.

Blue Jays Do Not Expect To Sign First-Rounder Bickford

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3:30pm: Jim Callis of Baseball America spoke with a person who is "in the know" on the Bickford situation and confirmed that Bickford is likely to attend Cal State Fullerton. Callis adds that it's not a physical issue preventing Bickford from signing and reminds readers that Bickford's pre-draft asking price was $4.25MM (Twitter links).

Callis also tweets that it's starting to look like the Jays won't sign 11th-round pick Jake Brentz, who was regarded as a second- or third-round talent. Baseball America had ranked Brentz 80th among draft prospects, while ESPN's Keith Law ranked him 45th. Brentz is committed to the University of Missouri. As Callis notes, the Blue Jays may only spend about $2MM on this year's draft.

10:36am: The Blue Jays do not expect to sign first-round pick Phil Bickford, GM Alex Anthopoulos told reporters including broadcaster Mike Wilner (Twitter link).  The issue is not money, adds Wilner.

The Blue Jays drafted Bickford, a hard-throwing prep righty, tenth overall.  He was a late riser on draft boards.  In their scouting report, Baseball America noted that Bickford "could be a tough sign away from Cal State Fullerton."  The Jays will receive the 11th overall pick as compensation next year if they fail to sign Bickford by tomorrow's 4pm central time deadline.  The Blue Jays are believed to have offered the slot value of $2,921,400, tweets Jon Heyman of CBS Sports.  Toronto previously failed to sign their first-round pick in 2011, Tyler Beede, as well as supplemental round pick James Paxton in '09.

Steve Adams contributed to this post.

White Sox Notes: Hahn, Thornton

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With the second-worst record in the American League and plenty of useful veterans, the White Sox are a clear seller this month.  The team's prime trade chips are Alex Rios, Matt Thornton, Matt Lindstrom, and perhaps Jake Peavy and Jesse Crain when they return from the disabled list.  It's less clear whether the Sox would consider trading Alexei Ramirez, Paul Konerko, John Danks, and Alejandro De Aza.  The latest:

  • "The bulk of our struggles this year have been on the offensive side. That's something we are going to have to improve," GM Rick Hahn told reporters yesterday, including Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune.  Though Hahn wouldn't address trade rumors or the July 31st deadline, Gonzales takes this to mean Hahn will lean toward hitters in making deals this month.  Hahn has dispatched scouts to evaluate prospects from the Braves, Blue Jays, Rangers, and Red Sox, writes Gonzales.
  • The White Sox seek "high-end prospects" for Thornton, a source tells Dan Hayes of CSNChicago.com.  The 36-year-old is having his worst year in recent memory, with a 4.00 ERA, 6.7 K/9, 3.3 BB/9, 1.33 HR/9, and 44.3% groundball rate in 27 innings.  He's been better against left-handed hitters, though they've authored three of the four home runs he's surrendered.  With a $6MM club option for 2014, Thornton can be more than a rental.
  • Regarding the idea of trading ace Chris Sale, Jim Margalus of South Side Sox writes, "Hahn would pretty much have to get two stars back to justify it. Otherwise, it's getting way too cute."  Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports notes today that a large contingent of scouts are watching Sale.

Blue Jays Release Ramon Hernandez

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The Blue Jays released catcher Ramon Hernandez, according to a Buffalo Bisons press release.

Hernandez was designated for assignment by the Rockies in March, then traded to the Dodgers, and then designated by the Dodgers and released in June.  The Blue Jays inked him to a minor league deal, but he appeared in only five games for the Bisons.

Hernandez, 37, was an All-Star with the Athletics in 2003.  With 169 career home runs, he ranks eighth all-time among Venezuelans.  Among those who have caught at least 1,000 games, Hernandez's home run total ranks 22nd all-time.

Matt Garza Rumors: Tuesday

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Righty Matt Garza may have put the finishing touch on his Cubs career last night by allowing one run in seven innings in a win against the White Sox.  The latest on the best available starter:

  • Garza's start was scouted by the Rangers, Indians, Pirates, Blue Jays, and Padres, writes Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports.  Those aren't necessarily suitors for Garza this month, however.  Morosi says the Rangers and Indians are "known to have strong interest," while the Red Sox, Nationals, and Dodgers can't be ruled out.  Morosi believes Garza probably wants to be paid like Anibal Sanchez on his next contract, which would mean a five-year, $80MM deal.  The difference is that Sanchez was coming off three consecutive healthy seasons.
  • Though Garza told reporters last night the possibility of a contract extension is 50-50, few believe it's actually a coin flip.  Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times explains, "Team sources, however, characterize the recent, brief talks as confirmation that the sides aren’t much, if any, closer than they were more than a year ago when they first engaged in talks with little progress."  Garza suggested it would be "one hell of a party" to win with the Cubs, and Wittenmyer does note that team is leaving open the possibility of trading Garza now and talking to him again in the offseason.

AL East Links: Henry, Ellsbury, Davis, Bickford

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Andrew Miller will require surgery to repair ligament damage in his left foot and will miss the rest of the season, Red Sox manager John Farrell told reporters (including Sean McAdam of CSNNE.com) today.  Miller had pitched well out of the Boston bullpen this season, posting a 2.64 ERA, 2.82 K/BB ratio and a whopping 14.1 K/9 in 30 2/3 relief innings, though control continued to be an issue for the southpaw as he issued 17 walks.  With Miller out, the Red Sox could well look into some of the left-handed relief options available on the trade market.

Here's some more news from around the AL East…

  • Also from McAdam, Red Sox owner John Henry said that the team had room to add payroll at the trade deadline, if necessary.  "I can't see it being an issue," Henry said. "I suppose there might be some (larger) salaries that we couldn't take on, but it just doesn't come up as an issue."  The blockbuster trade with the Dodgers last summer helped the Red Sox avoid any potential payroll tax issues and left the team with financial room to maneuver this year, Henry explained.
  • Jacoby Ellsbury figures to be one of the top free agents of the 2013-14 offseason and agent Scott Boras will no doubt keep his client in the headlines this winter, but Ellsbury tells WEEI.com's Rob Bradford that he and his agent haven't discussed the future as Boras has let Ellsbury just focus on baseball.  Bradford also talked to notable Boras clients Michael Bourn and Stephen Drew about their own forays into free agency and how Boras dealt with their situations.
  • The Orioles have avoided "the mega-contract business" since the Albert Belle signing, though CBS Sports' Jon Heyman wonders what the team will do to lock up Chris Davis and Manny Machado.  Davis will go through the arbitration process for the second time this winter and is controlled through 2015 while Machado is controlled through 2018 and is still two years away from arb-eligibility.  Davis, for his part, hasn't heard of any extension talks between the team and his agent, Scott Boras.  While the O's have generally avoided big signings, I'd argue that the Adam Jones extension shows that the team won't hesitate to extend its key building blocks.  A multiyear deal for Davis wouldn't be a surprise this winter, though the O's can probably wait for a year or two to explore an extension for Machado.
  • A scouting director tells Bob Elliott of the Toronto Sun that his team considered Phil Bickford to be the top high school pitcher available in this year's amateur draft but the right-hander carried signability issues.  "The family wouldn’t meet with us until 48 hours before the draft and they wanted $3MM," the scouting director said.  The Blue Jays took Bickford with the 10th overall pick, a position that carries an assigned value of a little over $2.921MM, and since the team has saved a lot of bonus pool money, the Jays could afford to meet Bickford's $3MM asking price.
  • We covered some Yankees items as part of a New York Notes post earlier today on MLBTR.

Quick Hits: Green, Rosales, Blue Jays

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The Athletics are set to promote Grant Green for their series in Pittsburgh tomorrow, and the San Francisco Chronicle's Susan Slusser suggests that the move could result in Adam Rosales being designated for assignment. Green is hitting .318/.374/.500 for Triple-A Sacramento, while Rosales is batting .200/.273/.331 for Oakland. The A's could use Green as a right-handed complement to second baseman Eric Sogard, Slusser suggests, particularly since the Pirates will start lefties Jeff Locke and Francisco Liriano in the upcoming series. Rosales, meanwhile, has played sparingly since mid-June. Here are more notes from around MLB.

  • The Blue Jays just signed sixth-round draft pick Matt Boyd for just $75K (compared to a slot value of $250K), which is significant because the Jays have now saved nearly $1.8MM against their bonus pool, Jim Callis of Baseball America tweets. (The Jays also recently signed second-rounder Clinton Hollon for significantly below slot, and several other picks have signed for below slot as well.) The Boyd signing confirms what had already seemed to be the Jays' strategy — the Jays appear to be positioning themselves to land first-rounder Phil Bickford, along with 11th-rounder Jake Brentz and 30th-rounder Rowdy Tellez, all of whom are perceived as being tough signs. Tellez, Callis says, will likely cost the Jays second-round money.
  • Kiley McDaniel of Scout.com confirms (or reports) a number of signings of international players, including a few significant ones not yet mentioned on MLBTR: Kelvin Beltre (Giants, $650K), Rudy Giron (Padres, $600K), Yoan Aybar (Red Sox, $450K), and Adrian Valerio (Pirates, $400K).
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