More rumors, news, and analysis is always a good thing. Today I’m looking for someone to represent the Philadelphia Phillies.
What am I looking for in this person?
- Solid writing skills and a style that fits with MLBTradeRumors. Basically, I’ll know it when I see it. I’m looking for the same type of analysis you see here every day.
- Someone who can post up-to-the-minute Phillies rumors as they surface. I want a person who follows the Phillies religiously and will have every source (traditional newspapers, high quality blogs, radio) covered. It would make sense to have all the pertinent websites on an RSS reader. You should be near a computer most times and able to hop on and write a post if something happens.
- While this person is probably a Phils fan, objective analysis is preferred. Additionally it would be nice to provide the local vibe/sentiment that people might otherwise not know about. That might sound contradictory but I don’t think it is.
- The benefit to you: a decent-sized audience and a chance to do a little sportswriting. It could be a nice resume-builder and I would be happy to serve as a reference for you. And I will give you some insight on how I do what I do, for what that’s worth.
- Email me at mlbtraderumors@gmail.com if this interests you and explain why you’re the best candidate. I’ll choose one person and unfortunately won’t be able to reply to all. A sample post of a rumor/signing (whether fake or true) might help make your case. Note: long-winded posts are not my style! Brevity is a plus – I like 3-4 paragraph posts.
Rangers With Pitching Surplus?
Jesse Thomas is a writing teacher from Wichita Falls, Texas. He follows the Rangers religiously, and is going to contribute some posts here at MLBTradeRumors.com. Below is his first.
I know it’s something not commonly associated with the Texas Rangers, but an abundance of quality pitching may force Jon Daniels to look at potential trade suitors at the end of Spring Training. The Rangers have no less than five guys competing for the fifth spot in the rotation, and they are overflowing with relievers.
The Rangers had made it clear that they would’ve liked one of their in-house guys to win the starting job. Josh Rupe seemed to be the favorite early on, but has struggled recently. The Rangers brought in veterans Bruce Chen (5-0, 0.72 ERA in winter ball) and Jamey Wright, and they have impressed. However, look for the decision to come down to Wright or Kameron Loe.
Believe it or not, the team is even more crowded in the bullpen. With Eric Gagne as the projected closer and Akinori Otsuka as the setup man, the Rangers have a host of guys, some of whom have no minor league options, competing for one or two spots.
What this all means is that the Rangers will most likely have a few extra pieces at the end of camp. Not superstar quality types, but serviceable major league pitchers. Look for Daniels to trade one or two of these guys for either a backup to Gerald Laird at catcher or a utility infielder if Jerry Hairston or Desi Relaford do not perform. The one fly in the ointment is if a team like Boston or Cleveland in need of a closer blows away Daniels with an offer for Otsuka (32 saves, 2.11 ERA). He’s not shopping the guy, but he will listen to offers.
Cubs To Resume Talks With Zambrano
We have 19 days left until the season starts, ample time for Carlos Zambrano and the Cubs to come to an agreement on a five-year contract extension. According to the Chicago Sun-Times, talks will resume this weekend when Zambrano’s agent returns to Phoenix.
I projected Zambrano at a 3.41 ERA and 1.24 WHIP in my 2007 RotoAuthority Fantasy Guide. Big Z took quite a tumble yesterday in an attempt to score himself a spring training inside-the-park home run. Check out the video here.
Alay Soler, Javy Lopez Released
A couple of guys were released recently, but one should find work shortly.
The Mets released Cuban defector Alay Soler, who did not fit into their rotation plans but was making decent money. Soler, apparently 28, has only made 12 pro starts in this country. It was a cost-cutting move, as Soler would’ve made $620K at Triple A. Seems odd for the Mets to be cutting costs. He looked strong at Double A and below and would be a fine fit with the Nationals.
Javy Lopez was released yesterday by the Rockies. He seems likely to retire unless the Braves will have him. This should open the door for Chris Iannetta to get 400+ ABs.
Luis Castillo A Met In ’08?
The Mets and second baseman Luis Castillo have seemed like a good match for a while now. The South Florida Sun-Sentinel reported today that Castillo nearly signed with the Mets three years ago before the Marlins improved their offer. Additionally, the Mets almost traded for him in November of ’05.
Today I added Castillo to my list of 2008 Free Agents; he ranked 29th. Should Jeff Kent retire, Castillo will compete with Marcus Giles as the best available 2B after this season. Castillo won’t return to the Twins; they have a younger version of him in Alexi Casilla. Actually, Casilla should probably be used at shortstop, but I doubt Castillo returns. I should add that Casilla is going to make a phenomenal fantasy sleeper once he starts – .300+ average, 40+ steals. Just like the Luis Castillo of the late 90s. Put him on reserve in AL-only this year.
Since Jose Valentin’s 2006 season looks just a tad out of line with his recent performances, the Mets may be compelled to trade for Castillo this summer instead of waiting for him to hit the open market.
Yanks Plan On Keeping Pavano
As always, plenty of clubs need starting pitching. As long as everyone is healthy, the Yankees may have a mild surplus once Phil Hughes and/or Tyler Clippard are ready. Whether Andy Pettitte and Mike Mussina can post healthy seasons is unknown, but at this moment everyone is fine. Another open question is whether Kei Igawa can act as a credible fourth starter.
Even oft-injured Carl Pavano is feeling good; he did a decent job against the Red Sox yesterday. It has been speculated for months that the Yankees want to trade the 31 year-old, perhaps this spring.
However, Peter Abraham of the Journal News says Brian Cashman has maintained since winter that he will not trade Pavano. Abraham quotes Cashman as saying he’s not in the business of selling low. The Yanks would prefer not to pick up $10-11MM of the $21MM owed to Pavano over the next two years. If they wait and he and the rest of the Yankee staff has a healthy, effective April, perhaps trade talks will be revisited. Otherwise the Yankees might wait to see what happens with Roger Clemens.
One thing’s for sure – the Yanks won’t finish the season with a Mussina-Pettitte-Wang-Igawa-Pavano rotation.
Bonds May Shoot For 3,000 Hits
Yesterday, Barry Bonds distanced himself from his agent’s outlandish claims, seemingly crowning Alex Rodriguez as the one to watch for the career HR record. Even he realizes that 1,000 home runs is absurd.
Back on February 6th, Tom Verducci’s story had Bonds telling the Giants this winter, through his agent, that he wanted to play in 2008 and probably 2009 as well. Yesterday Bonds sounded more focused on playing this season and emerging healthy. A lot can happen between now and 2009.
The New York Times speculates that Bonds may stick around long enough to reach 3,000 hits. That would require him to play in 2008.
Red Sox Inquire On Armando Benitez
One trade tidbit I missed, assuming it was printed elsewhere: the Red Sox recently inquired about the availability of Giants closer Armando Benitez. As you know, the Marlins were interested earlier this winter.
According to John Shea, Benitez still needs a lot of work to improve his velocity and location (and his location was never that great). Not that Benitez is any great shakes, but I can’t see how the Giants think they have a surplus of relievers. They really don’t have anyone who can take care of the ninth inning; I wouldn’t be surprised to see Tim Lincecum closing by June.
As for the Red Sox, Benitez is the ninth sounds like a disaster in the making. Maybe no more so than Joel Pineiro, but I don’t see the point. I suppose it’d be a reasonable gamble if Boston only needed to cover his salary.
Would White Sox Acquire Lieber?
Phil Rogers throws out the possibility in today’s column, suggesting the White Sox trade for Aaron Rowand and Jon Lieber. Mike MacDougal would probably be involved in such a deal.
After trading away several starters, one would not expect the White Sox to be in the market for starting pitching. Kenny Williams is unpredictable though. And it is true that the Sox scouted Carl Pavano’s last start. It would be interesting to see Liebs return to Chicago, but for the Sox to send their starter surplus to Philly only to get it back seems unlikely.
Rogers thinks the Mets, Cards, Astros, Braves, and Giants would all be nice fits for Lieber. Not sure whether the Phils would want to help the Mets or Braves improve their pitching staffs, however.
Cubs Looking To Deal?
MLBTradeRumors.com has word from a reputable source that the Cubs are looking to make a deal. They are after one more solid player, but I’m not sure what position they’re trying to fill.
A possibly related piece of info is that a Cubs scout was in attendance at a recent Braves/Blue Jays spring game. That pretty much sums up the extent of what I know; anything else would be speculation.
Browsing that box score, I’m not sure what would make sense. Josh Towers is available and was on display, but how does that help the Cubs? Jason Marquis can already post a 5.50 ERA. The Cubs have Jacque Jones to spare, but neither the Braves not the Jays need a right fielder. Take your best guess in the comments; I really don’t know what could be cooking. Please, no Andruw Jones speculation.
