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Archives for July 2010

Cardinals Sign Seth Blair

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The Cardinals formally announced the signing of supplementary first rounder Seth Blair, according to MLB.com's Matthew Leach (via Twitter). The Cards selected the 21-year-old right-hander 46th overall in last month's draft. Three years ago, the A's selected Blair in the 47th round, but he attended Arizona State instead.

The Cardinals signed Blair for $751,500, according to Baseball America's Jim Callis.  That matches MLB's slot recommendation.

Earlier in the week, we heard that the Cards were close to finalizing an agreement with Blair, so tonight's news is no surprise. Click here for the complete list of top picks to sign.

Cardinals Targeting Jake Westbrook

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The Cardinals are targeting Jake Westbrook, rival teams tell ESPN.com’s Jayson Stark. The Cards are no longer pursuing Aaron Cook or Livan Hernandez, since they’re focused on the Indians right-hander. However, Stark hears that there’s just a 50% chance of a trade.

The Indians don’t want to absorb salary in a deal, but Westbrook will make about $4MM between now and the end of the season. He also obtains a $2MM bonus if the Indians trade him.

The Cardinals have been looking for an innings eater and Westbrook fits that description. The 32-year-old has posted a 4.65 ERA in 127.2 innings, with 5.1 K/9 and 3.1 BB/9. Westbrook is scheduled to face the Blue Jays tomorrow.

Blue Jays May Keep Downs; Asking Price Still High

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6:51pm: The Blue Jays aren't lowering the asking price for any of their relievers, according to ESPN.com's Buster Olney (via Twitter). Toronto's front office has told teams around the league that they'll keep their relievers, offer arbitration and receive draft picks if they don't see offers they like, according to USA Today's Bob Nightengale (via Twitter).

3:12pm: Rival teams believe the Blue Jays may end up keeping Scott Downs, according to ESPN.com’s Jayson Stark. Jays GM Alex Anthopoulos continues to drive a hard bargain, so the Blue Jays may keep the lefty and offer him arbitration after the season. 

At least one team might meet Toronto’s demands. The Twins, who traded top catching prospect Wilson Ramos for Matt Capps, haven’t stopped pursuing Downs, according to Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports (on Twitter). However, the Twins are “not likely” to acquire Downs as it stands now. The Red Sox are not at the forefront of the Downs discussions, according to Sean McAdam of CSNNE.com (Twitter link).

Downs may be pitching in Toronto after the deadline passes, but the Blue Jays are likely to lower their asking price for relievers Kevin Gregg and Jason Frasor.

Odds & Ends: Lowell, Perez, Zambrano, Ross

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Links for Friday, with less than 24 hours before the deadline…

  • The Pirates acquired minor league outfielder Mitch Jones from the Braves, according to MLB.com's transactions page. David O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution says the Braves obtained cash in return (Twitter link).
  • The Rangers are the only team that has slight interest in Mike Lowell, according to Sean McAdam of CSNNE.com (via Twitter).
  • The Mets shopped Oliver Perez today, according to Jon Heyman of SI.com (Twitter link).
  • The Cubs are resigned to the fact that if they want to trade Carlos Zambrano, it will have to happen in the winter, according to ESPN.com's Buster Olney (on Twitter).
  • Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports will believe that Cody Ross is unavailable once the deadline passes tomorrow. Until then he's a skeptic (Twitter link).
  • Teams like Joe Beimel, but are only offering the Rockies non-prospects, according to Troy Renck of the Denver Post (on Twitter). The Rockies are shopping Randy Flores.
  • GM Doug Melvin and assistant GM Gord Ash explained to MLB.com's Adam McCalvy that the Brewers look for "plus" fastball velocity, quality breaking pitches, solid arm action and delivery and height in the pitchers they pursue.
  • The Rangers are talking to rival teams to determine if there's interest in Rich Harden or Scott Feldman, according to T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com.
  • The Astros wanted Chad Billingsley in exchange for Roy Oswalt, according to Dylan Hernandez of the LA Times (Twitter link). The Dodgers countered with a four-prospect offer, but the Astros preferred the Phils' offer.
  • The Royals aren't making much progress on deals, according to ESPN.com's Jayson Stark (Twitter link).
  • I answered questions from Neil Keefe and broke down the trade deadline in detail at WFAN.com.

Rockies Not Likely To Trade Cook Or Hawpe

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6:00pm: The Rockies are telling teams they can't move Hawpe right now no matter what, according to ESPN.com's Jayson Stark (Twitter link).

1:55pm: The Rockies aren’t likely to move Aaron Cook or Brad Hawpe, but Troy Renck of the Denver Post reports that Colorado is looking for MLB-ready prospects if they deal either player (all links on Twitter). Earlier today, Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports reported that the Rockies would deal Cook for a bullpen piece and a prospect.

The White Sox and Tigers are still eyeing Hawpe, so Renck suggests things could get “interesting” if Chicago doesn’t acquire Adam Dunn. The White Sox still appear to have interest in Dunn, but Hawpe’s left-handed bat could be an alternative for GM Kenny Williams. So far this season, the 31-year-old is batting .262/.340/.454 with seven homers.

Lance Berkman, another player the White Sox are considering as an alternative to Dunn, drew interest from the Rockies, who ‘kicked the tires’ on him before their recent skid.

Red Sox Asked About Jim Edmonds

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The Red Sox asked the Brewers about Jim Edmonds, according to MLB.com’s Adam McCalvy. Edmonds isn’t sure that he wants to be traded to a contender, but has received assurances from GM Doug Melvin that the club will present him with potential deals before completing anything.

The 40-year-old is hitting a robust .289/.353/.513 this season with eight homers. Edmonds makes $850K this year and becomes a free agent after the season, so his contract will not be an obstacle for any team. Boston also has interest in other outfielders, including Cody Ross.

Cubs Release Bob Howry

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The Cubs released Bob Howry today to make toom for Carlos Zambrano, according to the team. Zambrano is returning from the restricted list. Howry began the year with Arizona and contributed to the problems that then-manager A.J. Hinch faced with his 'pen. The D'Backs released the righty in May and the Cubs signed him soon afterwards.

In 20.2 innings for the Cubs, Howry posted a 5.66 ERA with 3.5 K/9 and 3.0 BB/9, allowing 29 hits. Despite his history of success with the Cubs, he was no longer worth a roster spot.

Rangers Acquire Cristian Guzman

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4:23pm: The Nationals also acquire Tanner Roark, according to Anthony Andro of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.

3:58pm: The Nats are sending just over $2MM to the Rangers, according to ESPN.com's Buster Olney (on Twitter).

3:23pm: The Nationals will acquire pitcher Ryan Tatusko in the deal, according to MLB.com's T.R. Sullivan (on Twitter).

2:49pm: The Nationals obtain two good pitching prospects who aren't yet major league ready, MLB.com's Bill Ladson told Jim Bowden of Sirius XM Radio (Twitter link).

2:13pm: The Rangers acquired infielder Cristian Guzman from the Nationals for prospects, reports MLB.com's Bill Ladson.  The Rangers were linked to Guzman yesterday when Ian Kinsler hit the DL.  Guzman, owner of 10-and-5 rights, agreed to the trade though it saddened him according to Adam Kilgore of the Washington Post.

Guzman, 32, is hitting .282/.327/.361 in 346 plate appearances on the season while playing second base, shortstop, and right field.  He has $2.87MM remaining on his contract, but it was expected that the Nationals would have to pick up most or all of the tab to move him.

Lance Berkman Rumors: Friday

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Yesterday we heard Lance Berkman could be the next big-name Astro to go, especially with Brett Wallace now in the fold.  The latest:

  • The Yankees are telling teams they can take on salary, but don’t want to hand over prospects, according to Joel Sherman of the New York Post. They’re now taking a long, hard look at Berkman.
  • Berkman would accept a deal to the Yankees, according to Sherman (via Twitter). Earlier today we heard that Berkman would like to play with former teammate Andy Pettitte.
  • The Yankees are seriously considering Berkman, tweets Sherman. Berkman is one of many bats the Yankees are considering, according to Jon Heyman of SI.com (on Twitter).
  • ESPN's Jayson Stark notes that Berkman could be traded in August given his large salary.  He says the White Sox, Yankees, Red Sox, and Rays have checked in.
  • Berkman could be in play for the Yankees under the right circumstances, tweets Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports.  Rosenthal feels Berkman would probably waive his no-trade rights for a chance to reunite with old friend Andy Pettitte.  A word of caution: an exec who talked to Joel Sherman of the New York Post wondered how Berkman would fare in the American League.
  • Are the White Sox in on Berkman, perhaps as a backup plan for Adam Dunn?  Ed Price of AOL FanHouse tweets yes, Bob Nightengale of USA Today tweets no.

Sherman On Oswalt, Harden, Yankees, Padres

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The latest from Joel Sherman of the New York Post:

  • Executives from other teams had no idea the Astros were willing to take on $11MM of Roy Oswalt's remaining $23.5MM.
  • The Mets have discussed Rich Harden internally.  He's a potential August trade candidate.
  • The Yankees have talked to the Rockies in search of a complementary bat, but discussions didn't go anywhere.
  • Officials from multiple teams are upset that the Rangers continue adding salary.
  • The Padres remain in pursuit of a lefty-hitting outfielder.  Sherman wonders if Kosuke Fukudome or Rick Ankiel could be fits.

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