Nationals Rumors

Red Sox Have Little Interest In Tejada

By Tim Dierkes | July 28, 2008 at 10:41pm CDT

10:39pm: Richard Justice of the Houston Chronicle says the Red Sox have "almost no interest" in Tejada. Other teams are considering Tejada, but a trade is unlikely.

8:18pm: It’s possible the Tigers are also in the mix for Tejada. They are among many teams scouting the Astros (the Nationals, Mets, Rangers, and Giants are others).

7:04pm: According to ESPN’s Enrique Rojas, the Red Sox and Astros have discussed shortstop Miguel Tejada. Rojas is not sure how far the trade talk has progressed. Tejada seemed open to the idea in a quote given to Rojas.

Tejada is hitting .281/.318/.420 in 431 plate appearances this year. The Astros are hoping a move to the #2 spot in the order will continue to revive his bat. Tejada is owed about $4.6MM more this year, plus $13MM in ’09. It was revealed in April that Tejada is 34 years old rather than 32 as was previously thought.

Theo Epstein and Ed Wade have matched up on trades before, when Wade was working for Phillies. One of those was Jeremy Giambi for Josh Hancock back in ’02.

Odds and Ends: Happ, Igawa, Hawkins, Lowe

By Tim Dierkes | July 27, 2008 at 10:11pm CDT

Rounding up rumors and links from the weekend…

SI.com’s Jon Heyman says the Mariners are asking the Mets for Jon Niese for Raul Ibanez. Not likely.
ESPN’s Buster Olney says the Braves would require Conor Jackson from the D’Backs in a Mark Teixeira deal, but Arizona is not biting.
Another quick hit from Olney: the White Sox are surveying the relief market in the wake of Scott Linebrink’s shoulder injury.
Several readers have written in about Phillies’ lefty J.A. Happ being pulled early from a Triple A start (2.2 scoreless innings) with no sign of injury. Something to keep an eye on, as the Phillies hunt for a lefty reliever on the trade market. UPDATE: Happ may be getting the call to replace Adam Eaton.
Even on the DL, Phil Hughes has been in high demand.
The White Sox let Esteban Loaiza go.
No team claimed Kei Igawa off waivers. Also, the Yankees designated LaTroy Hawkins for assignment.
Ned Colletti on the possibility of trading Derek Lowe: "No."
Jim Bowden and Chad Cordero patched things up, making a re-signing possible this winter.
The emergence of Jeff Samardzija this weekend may make Scott Eyre or Jon Lieber expendable.
At least 20 teams have called about one of the Rangers’ catchers.
Jamey Newberg wrote a few days ago that most likely the only way Kevin Millwood can lock in his $12MM for 2010 will be to pitch 180 innings next year.

Week In Review: 7/20 – 7/26

By Steve Adams | July 27, 2008 at 8:57pm CDT

This one will be a bit lengthy, which can be expected as the deadline approaches. Here’s a review of some of the major moves and rumors of the last week:

The Yankees acquired Xavier Nady and Damaso Marte from the Pirates for OF Jose Tabata, RHP Ross Ohlendorf, RHP Dan McCutchen and RHP Jeff Karstens . I agree with Tim that Ian Kennedy would’ve been a better centerpiece, but Tabata is pretty highly-touted himself. Kennedy would have made a more immediate impact, while Tabata is only 19 years old.
The Dodgers acquired Casey Blake for minor league RHP Jon Meloan and C Carlos Santana. The Dodgers get a nice boost to their lineup without giving up too much, although Santana’s putting together a very impressive season in Class-A ball.
The Nationals sent Jon Rauch to the Diamondbacks in exchange for minor league 2B Emilio Bonifacio. Rauch adds to a strong bullpen for Arizona, while Bonaficio could become a very solid leadoff hitter in the future for Washington. They may have been able to get more for Rauch, but I personally like the move, regardless.
The Brewers acquired Ray Durham from the Giants for minor leaguers Darren Ford and Steve Hammond. Rickie Weeks has been a disappointment to an otherwise red-hot club. Can Durham provide a bit more stability? The power’s gone, but he can still get on base.
The Astros acquired Randy Wolf from the Padres for minor league pitcher Chad Reineke. This one confuses me a little bit; with all due respect, did the Astros forget they were 12.5 games out? I don’t see the logic in buying on a pitcher.
The Cardinals traded Anthony Reyes to the Indians for minor league pitcher Luis Perdoma. I don’t get this one either. I feel like the Cardinals could have gotten more, despite Reyes’ struggles in the past. The Indians could make this one look like a steal, in my opinion.
The Yankees are in deep discussion with the Mariners about acquiring Jarrod Washburn. Tim cites Buster Olney and Ken Rosenthal in saying that the Mariners want a top prospect in addition to the salary dump, but the Yankees are only offering a marginal prospect. Can’t say I blame them. A top prospect for an mediocre pitchers who’s due an additional $14MM? Sounds like Seattle’s getting greedy…
A new, and surprising name surfaced in trade talks: Manny Ramirez. Manny has said he would waive his no-trade clause, and based on interviews, has basically said that 2008 will be his last season in Boston. I can’t see Boston trading their (arguably) best hitter in the middle of a pennant race, however. I’d bet on him finishing out the season.
Speaking of corner outfielders, the Mets need one, and they know it. Having missed out on Nady and Blake, they will likely zero in on Raul Ibanez. Ibanez makes great sense for them, and the Mariners would obviously like to rebuild. I expect this one to get done.
There was a report that Roy Halladay came out and told the Blue Jays that he is unhappy in Toronto, which has provoked the Jays to explore their potential options. Halladay’s price would have to be astronomical, I’d think. He’s signed through 2010 and pitching like it’s 2003 all over again. Personal speculation: I think Halladay to the Cardinals with a Colby Rasums centerpiece would make sense.
Crisitan Guzman signed a two-year, $16MM contract extension. Guzman has revived his career after surgery following an awful 2005. I like the signing for the Nats.
Jorge Posada could be out for the season. The Yankees are looking for catchers. In addition to the names mentioned there, they could take a shot at signing Johnny Estrada, who was DFA’ed by Washington this week. Estrada was terrible in Washington, but has put up solid offensive numbers for a catcher throughout his career.
Brian Fuentes, Huston Street, and George Sherrill are all still potential trade pieces. Fuentes is the most likely to go, I’d say, although the Rockies are asking for quite a bit.
Tim updated the left-handed reliever and left field markets.

Odds and Ends: Mets, Tigers, Rays, Nats

By Alejandro Leal | July 26, 2008 at 1:02pm CDT

Tying up loose ends before lunch:

The Mets are one of three teams that have inquired on the availability of Brian Giles. The Padres may be asking for Fernando Martinez in return.
Larry Brooks of the NY Post, however, thinks the Mets shouldn’t force a trade for an outfielder.
The Tigers will intensify their hunt for relief help if Freddy Dolsi’s shoulder keeps acting up. Dolsi was off since Monday, resting what the team deemed as a fatigued shoulder, and said he felt better after a side session on Friday.
The Rays are still looking for a corner outfielder.
MLB.com beat writer Bill Ladson believes the Nationals could trade Felipe Lopez before Thursday’s non-waiver trade deadline. Regardless, he thinks Lopez will not be with the team next year.
The Brewers are not interested in Jarrod Washburn. Melvin did talk to the Mariners about the left-handed pitcher, but the conversations took place prior to the CC Sabathia trade.

Alejandro A. Leal writes for UmpBump.com. Comments? Rumors? alexo05 [at] umpbump [daught] com.

Rauch Ramifications

By Tim Dierkes | July 25, 2008 at 10:56am CDT

Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic has an article today about the implications of the Diamondbacks’ acquisition of reliever Jon Rauch.

The loss of second baseman Emilio Bonifacio doesn’t exactly change the D’Back’s plans, as they were skeptical on his ability to become a regular anyway. Still, people are asking whether they’ll try to re-sign Orlando Hudson. Piecoro says Hudson is expected to test the free agent market, and doesn’t seem likely to offer a discount. His salary should exceed $10MM.
If Hudson leaves, the D’Backs could either look for a new second baseman or shift Mark Reynolds over there and consider a third baseman. Take a look at the free agent market – options are limited at both positions. Perhaps a trade could be explored.
Closer Brandon Lyon is a free agent after the season as well, and seems likely to leave. The D’Backs have plenty of in-house replacement options, starting with Rauch. Lyon will join free agent closers such as Brian Fuentes, Trevor Hoffman, Francisco Rodriguez, and Kerry Wood. It’s easy to see Hoffman and Wood staying put, leaving three solid options.
Piecoro talked to team officials who downplayed the recent Mark Teixeira rumblings.

Odds and Ends: Darvish, Giles, Teixeira

By Tim Dierkes | July 25, 2008 at 9:46am CDT

Today’s link roundup…

I was a guest on Get Sports Radio yesterday to talk about the Reds. Click here to download an mp3 of the show.
NPB Tracker notes that 21 year-old phenom Yu Darvish threw 165 pitches last night.
GM Dave Dombrowski says the Tigers are definitely not sellers. They’re undecided on whether to buy or stick with internal options. The Tigers’ approach to the relief market may hinge on Freddy Dolsi’s fatigued shoulder.
Buster Olney says the Mets and Padres have discussed right fielder Brian Giles. He’d earn $11MM in ’09 if traded. However, Joel Sherman doesn’t think Giles is on the Mets’ radar.
Learn about the PITCHf/x system in a Josh Kalk Q&A.
D’Backs beat writer Nick Piecoro doesn’t think there’s much to the Mark Teixeira rumors.
ESPN’s Keith Law isn’t impressed with Emilio Bonifacio. He’s also not a fan of the Cristian Guzman extension.
RotoAuthority finds a Tim Lincecum–Johnny Cueto parallel for fantasy baseball players to consider.

Rosenthal’s Latest: Redding, Laird, Wolf

By Tim Dierkes | July 25, 2008 at 8:53am CDT

Fresh column from Ken Rosenthal.

The Rockies, six games out in the NL West, could certainly become buyers. They offered Clint Barmes for Jeremy Guthrie and were turned down, and continue to monitor Bronson Arroyo and Tim Redding. Closer Brian Fuentes still seems likely to be traded though (the demand: top of the line prospect and a secondary player).
Rosenthal cautions us against judging the Pirates’ new regime too quickly. The deadline will be a good test for them.
The Yankees definitely have interest in Rangers catcher Gerald Laird, but haven’t asked the Royals about Miguel Olivo.
The Astros are unlikely to flip Randy Wolf before the deadline, partially due to lack of interest.

Estrada Designated For Assignment

By Tim Dierkes | July 25, 2008 at 8:35am CDT

To make room for Lastings Milledge, the Nationals designated catcher Johnny Estrada for assignment yesterday. Estrada, 32, signed a one-year $1.25MM deal with the Nats in January. He hit .170/.200/.170 in 55 plate appearances, hobbled by a right elbow injury much of the season.

Estrada doesn’t want to go to the minors, and talked about being ready to go home. It seems unlikely that a contender will pick him up.

Nationals Plan To Non-Tender Chad Cordero

By Tim Dierkes | July 24, 2008 at 7:54pm CDT

7:53pm: We have a quote tonight from Cordero’s agent, Larry Reynolds:

"The timing of discussing non-tendering Chad Cordero is surprising, particularly at this time of the year, but that is the Nationals prerogative. We expect Chad to be fully recovered and if the Nationals decide to non tender him come December we will react accordingly. Chad’s a proven closer, he is working hard to get back on the mound and I am not concerned regardless of what the Nationals decide to do."

10:56am: Odd timing for this. Nationals GM Jim Bowden said last night he plans to non-tender former closer Chad Cordero after the season.

Non-tendering Cordero is a no-brainer for the Nationals. He’s earning $6.2MM this year, so the least they could pay him in ’09 is $4.96MM if they go through the arbitration process. Cordero had labrum surgery on July 8th.

Bowden expressed desire to bring Cordero back on a low base salary with incentives instead. He may have already destroyed his goodwill with Cordero, as the pitcher was shocked and upset by the early announcement.

Yankees Looking At Catchers

By Tim Dierkes | July 24, 2008 at 10:42am CDT

Dan Graziano of the Newark Star-Ledger says the Yankees have inquired on four catchers: Gerald Laird, Paul Lo Duca, Miguel Olivo, and Rod Barajas.

Laird, 28, is expected to rejoin the Rangers Saturday after his hamstring injury. He’s a Boras client with a $1.6MM salary this year. He’s under team control through 2010, and Ken Rosenthal says the Rangers want young pitching for him.
Lo Duca, 36, will be a free agent after the season. He’s got about $1.9MM left on his contract this year. He understands that he’s a strong trade candidate.
Olivo, 30, is splitting time with John Buck in Kansas City. Olivo has hit lefties quite well. He has a $2.7MM club option for ’09. Rosenthal says the Royals are "aggressively shopping" him.
Barajas, 32, is slumping currently. He has a $2.5MM club option for ’09. Eddie Bajek took a stab at projecting the Elias rankings for catchers, and Barajas seems to be right on the border of Type B status. However, he might choose to accept an offer of arbitration. Peter Abraham says that the Blue Jays might be reluctant to trade within the division.

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