Uncategorized News & Rumors

The 2009 All-Star Game is about to get underway at the new Busch Stadium in St. Louis.  We're not expecting a whole lot of rumors during play, but an open thread to discuss the game and/or trade possibilities seems fitting.

• Will the National League finally come out on top?
• Can Albert Pujols rise to the occasion in front of the home crowd?
• Let's hear it, MLBTR community.  I'll be around all night to field questions and make comments.

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With a mere two and a half weeks to go before the deadline, here are your trade candidates at each position:

It's been a while since we last checked in on the playoff odds. Lots of teams say they expect to contend, but let's take a look at which teams have fallen out of the pennant race. These clubs have less than a 10% chance of making the playoffs, according to Baseball Prospectus. 

The Cardinals came into today with the best record in the NL Central, yet GM John Mozeliak is still out there looking for ways to improve his team. Newly acquired Mark DeRosa went down with a torn tendon sheath in his wrist just ten plate appearances into his Redbird career, but the team was still looking to add another bat even before he went down. More recently, we've heard that they're very interested in starter Roy Halladay despite having limited payroll flexibility.

What do you guys think the Cardinals should do? They come into today with the third best team ERA in the game at 3.75, but rank just middle of the pack with 394 runs scored. Should they look to add a big bat to protect Albert Pujols, who will only get fewer pitches to hit in the second half, or bring in another arm to solidify the pitching staff? Do they have the resources to do both?

Giants southpaw Jonathan Sanchez is no stranger to the trade rumor circuit, having been dangling for a big bat since last season. Just over three weeks ago we heard that Sanchez's stock was declining sharply because of his struggles as a starter.

However it's safe to say after last night's no-hit effort that Sanchez's stock is back up, but just how much? One game shouldn't be weighed so heavily, but what should be done isn't always what is done. Could Sanchez get the Gigantes that big bat now? Is he enough to land a Nick Johnson or Adam LaRoche? What do you guys think?

Earlier tonight we noted that the Indians were looking to "cut corners because of the economy" when setting next year's payroll, not something you'd like to hear from the team with worst record in the American League and second worst overall. The Indians have already moved Mark DeRosa, and they have several other desirable pieces in closer Kerry Wood and infielder Jamey Carroll.

However, the Tribe's two best trade chips are reigning Cy Young Award winner Cliff Lee and All Star backstop Victor Martinez, but the club hasn't made it known that either player is available just yet. The team holds options on both players for 2010, totalling $15MM combined.

Given their financial situation for next year, do you think the Indians should deal Lee and V-Mart now and maximize the return, or hold on to them and try to contend next year? Both players would bring significant young and cost controlled piece back, and if GM Mark Shapiro plays his cards right, he could be looking at not one, but two Mark Teixeira-esque hauls here. So, what do you think?

Seeking out the freshest links so you don't have to–don't change the channel, here are some Odds & Ends:

• Mark Bowman at MLB.com gives an extensive look at the Braves' situation, wondering if GM Frank Wren will be a buyer or a seller.
• The AP talked to White Sox GM Kenny Williams, fresh off his recent deal for Tony Pena, who says that low attendance numbers could affect the team's ability to make a big splash at the deadline.
• Anthony Castrovince at MLB.com examines the Indians' return for C.C. Sabathia and wonders if it was enough.
• Ryan Divish at the Tacoma News-Tribune talks Jarrod Washburn, who is doing wonders for his trade value this season.
• Tom Haudricourt at the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel says Ryan Braun finished talking with Doug Melvin, and the controversy over Braun's comments about the team needing a pitcher seem to be behind them.
• Jon Heyman at SI tweets that the Diamondbacks could envision newly-acquired Brandon Allen as their starting first baseman next season.
• Jim Callis at Baseball America examines recent draft pick signings and notes that only two have been above slot, and barely.
• Thomas Boswell at the Washington Post thinks the Nationals are due for a major overhaul.

Time to plug some radio appearances for tonight. I'll be talking trades on three programs, so tune in to one or more if you get the chance:

As you probably heard, the All-Star lineups were announced today. Whether you consider the lineups fair or flawed, a sizeable portion of the talent pool was acquired just this past offseason and will be heading to St. Louis for the festivities next week. Just for fun, let's run through a list of these players–let me know if I missed anyone:

AL

SP Edwin Jackson, Tigers – Acquired Dec. 10, 2008, from Rays for OF Matt Joyce.
RP Brian Fuentes, Angels – Signed Dec. 31, 2008, to 2-year deal worth $17.5MM.
1B Mark Teixeira, Yankees – Signed Dec. 23, 2008, to 8-year deal worth $180MM.

NL

OF Raul Ibanez, Phillies – Signed Dec. 16, 2008, to 3-year deal worth $31.5MM.
2B Orlando Hudson, Dodgers – Signed Feb. 20, 2009, to 1-year deal worth $3.4MM plus incentives.
SP Jason Marquis, Rockies – Acquired Jan. 6, 2009, from Cubs for RP Luis Vizcaino.
RP Francisco Rodriguez, Mets – Signed Dec. 10, 2008, to 3-year deal worth $37MM.