In today's blog post at ESPN (Insider req'd), Buster Olney says that even though the Yankees already have five good starters, the tight race in the AL East is enough to keep them engaged with the Mariners about Cliff Lee. They will probably make an offer at some point, but they're unlikely to land him because they've been philosophically opposed to trading prospects for a player they could just sign as a free agent after the season.
Here are the rest of Olney's rumors…
- Olney's message to any team looking for bullpen help: Good luck with that. There are no difference-making relievers on the market, and guys like Kerry Wood, David Aardsma, and Jason Frasor are no sure things.
- Carlos Zambrano has some value as an innings eater, and the Cubs could probably get a team to absorb $10-15MM of the $45MM left on his deal. If he does get traded, Olney says it would likely be in the offseason.
- People in the Dodgers' organization say there is "little or no hope" that money will be available for the team to make moves.
- Olney doesn't see the Giants and Brewers matching up in a Prince Fielder trade. Matt Cain is a deal breaker given Tim Lincecum's recent struggles, and Jonathan Sanchez or Madison Bumgarner won't be enough.
The lack of good relief pitching on the trade market is one of many reasons why the Royals should trade Soria.
I think you have to hold on to the Mexecutioner. For young teams, having frequent bullpen collapses is extremely demoralizing (see Orioles, Baltimore). I’d trade DeJesus or Guillen if they can find a taker, but I’d look at both Greinke and Soria as core pieces for an improved team if some of their kids develop.
I think you have to hold on to the Mexecutioner. For young teams, having frequent bullpen collapses is extremely demoralizing (see Orioles, Baltimore). I’d trade DeJesus or Guillen if they can find a taker, but I’d look at both Greinke and Soria as core pieces for an improved team if some of their kids develop.
Call me crazy, but if I were the Brewers, I would probably accept Sanchez and Neal for Fielder. Likewise for the Giants. Both have to move on with thier parts. However, I could see the giants adding another prospect in a possible deal.
Call me crazy, but if I were the Brewers, I would probably accept Sanchez and Neal for Fielder. Likewise for the Giants. Both have to move on with thier parts. However, I could see the giants adding another prospect in a possible deal.
I’m confused. Was Olney suggesting that it would take Matt Cain to acquire Prince Fielder for the Giants? That’s ridiculous.
I’m confused. Was Olney suggesting that it would take Matt Cain to acquire Prince Fielder for the Giants? That’s ridiculous.
Zambrano an “innings eater”?? Maybe a couple of years ago. These days it takes him 100 pitches just to get through the 5th inning. Today, he is nothing but a burrito eater (washing em down with plenty of red bulls)
Zambrano an “innings eater”?? Maybe a couple of years ago. These days it takes him 100 pitches just to get through the 5th inning. Today, he is nothing but a burrito eater (washing em down with plenty of red bulls)
Its a good thing Buster sent that message to teams looking for relief help. I’d hate to see what would happen if major league GM’s had no idea the trade market for relievers is thin this year.
As a White Sox fan that watched the Zambrano blow up I have to say that if the Chubbies do not rid themselves of this worthless steaming heap of manure they call their ace then they truly are an organization without a clue. If you cant move him ( which they cant) then youre only course of action is to release him of his contract. Youre more than likely going to have to pay the bulk if not all of his salary anyways so just get rid of him. An outright release is the answer. It is time for Mr. Hands On Ricketts to be hands on and purge this team of its excess fat ( Zambrano, Soriano, Ramirez, Fukodome, Jim Hendry and Sweet Lou). I actually think Pinella is a great manager but this team is just so lazy and overpaid that he cant manage the way he could. Put Sandberg as the manager, re-sign Lee as the face of the club, call up Josh Vitters, trade Marmol for pieces and somehow manage to swing a deal to get Kerry Wood and have him take much less money to play for his old team and you have a feel good kind of story for this downtrodden club. By the way I HATE the Cubs but I like good competitve sports in Chicago so the focus isnt always on the New England/New York market.
The Dodgers should be ashamed of themselves. Complete meltdown is imminent. The minute that Tommy left and the O’malley’s surrendered control, it was over. Get ready, Dodger fans for a long stretch of NO World Series appearances, if the current ownership isn’t gonna bother to invest in their product. WE NEED PITCHING, WE NEED CLIFF LEE or IT’S OVAH. End of story. Mass tradings and mass chaos will ensue in the off-season. I wonder…could we trade, Frank McCourt, Jamie McCourt, Joe Torre, and Don Mattingly for Kirk Gibson and Cliff Lee? Do you think that might be possible?
I forgot to add that we’ll throw in Ned Colletti in the deal, too. Best trade I’ve heard IN YEARS.
To make the deal even SWEETER, we’ll throw in Rick Honeycutt!! BAHAHAHAHAHA, I’m LOSING MY MIND!!!!!!!! Dodgers forever! 🙁
Nothing more can really be said about the Dodgers situation. We basically just need to wait and see what happens with the divorce case in August and how that affects the future of the team. For now, there’s nothing new. Payroll is on lock down.
But honestly, it’s “ovah”? 2 months of Cliff Lee will save the franchise? We could use some pitching, but this team is capable of making it back to the playoffs.
Yeah, I know, I suppose I’m frustrated and being dramatic. It’s far from “ovah”.
Buster Olney can’t possibly think that Cain would have to be traded to get Fielder… Cain is signed to a very team friendly extension, while Fielder is a free agent next year. This hurts my head. Sanchez + a prospect would probably get it done for sure.
After this season, Fielder will have 1 more year of team control, and Sanchez will have only 2 more years of team control. Trading 1 year of Fielder for 2 years of a mid 4 ERA #3 or #4 starter who is older than him? Not gonna happen, unless the prospects make the deal happen.
I agree that asking for Cain is probably too much, but the Brewers would definately ask for MadBum + prospect(s).
Especially considering whoever has Fielder next year will almost certainly gain 2 high draft picks.
On that control or resigning after 2 years of team control issue. The Giants have a decent chance (if they choose) of signing Sanchez after the 2012 season if they choose, unless he all of a sudden gets Scott Boras for an agent, while the only way they will get Fielder signed is to grossly overpay Boras/fielder, or lose him after the 2011 season.
Can’t see Boras taking any chances with one of his prime time players, he’s been waiting for this goose to lay HIS golden egg for a few years and gonna’ make sure he walks as a FA after 2011 regardless, why Milwaukee is looking to move him.
Giants better off waiting for the off season and hoping a cheaper bat like Dunn does not sign with Washington during the season and heading in that direction. They have the makings of a dominant rotation for years to come and hope that Sabean does not make any foolish/shortsighted moves like a Fielder swap to ruin it.
Given the payroll situation, I don’t see the Dodgers making a deal of significance unless it involves Russell Martin or George Sherrill to balance the salaries.
Xavier Paul would be a good dude to throw in, in a trade for Cliff Lee and perhaps a three team trade is in order a la the Manny trade. Your thoughts?