Archives for March 2011

Rangers Still Asking A Lot For Michael Young

By Tim Dierkes | March 14, 2011 at 9:34am CDT

The Rangers still want top prospects in return for infielder Michael Young, reports ESPN's Buster Olney, and "don't want to eat as much of the $48 million still owed to Young over the next three years." Olney's sources view Young as a $6-7MM player (presumably per year) as opposed to the $16MM per year he's owed. The Diamondbacks reportedly expressed interest in Young in the first week in March, and other teams have come up in a speculative sense, but there seems to be a gulf between the Rangers' perception of Young's value and that of possible suitors.

Young requested a trade in early February, saying, "I've been misled and manipulated." Rangers GM Jon Daniels is on the other end of the dispute. Young said last month that the trade request had nothing to do with his role, but "a lot of things led up to this point." The Rangers signed third baseman Adrian Beltre in January and acquired Mike Napoli later that month.

Young can veto trades to all teams except the Cardinals, Yankees, Twins, Astros, Rockies, Dodgers, Angels and Padres until May, when his 10-and-5 rights kick in and his approval will be needed for any deal. Since Young requested the trade, I'm guessing he'll be flexible if the Rangers do find a match. It may be in their best interest to hang on to him with Beltre on the mend from a calf injury.

Out Of Options 2011

By Tim Dierkes | March 14, 2011 at 8:01am CDT

The following 40-man roster/60-day DL/restricted list players have less than five years of service time and are out of options. That means they must clear waivers before being sent to the minors. I've excluded players on multiyear deals.

Angels
Rich Thompson, Jason Bulger, Brandon Wood, Bobby Wilson, Alberto Callaspo

Astros
Alberto Arias, Nelson Figueroa, Jeff Keppinger, Humberto Quintero, Ryan Rowland-Smith, Angel Sanchez

Athletics
None

Blue Jays
Dustin McGowan, David Purcey, Jo-Jo Reyes

Braves
Joe Mather

Brewers
Brandon Boggs, Luis Cruz, Sean Green, George Kottaras, Kameron Loe, Chris Narveson, Wil Nieves, Manny Parra

Cardinals
None

Cubs
Jeff Baker, Koyie Hill, Max Ramirez, Geovany Soto, Jeff Samardzija (no-trade clause)

Diamondbacks
Juan Gutierrez, Juan Miranda, Tony Abreu, Carlos Rosa

Dodgers
Xavier Paul, Blake Hawksworth, Hong-Chih Kuo, Ronald Belisario, Hector Jimenez

Giants
Travis Ishikawa, Nate Schierholtz, Andres Torres

Indians
Shin-Soo Choo, Jensen Lewis, Jayson Nix, Rafael Perez, Mitch Talbot

Mariners
Cesar Jimenez, Garrett Olson, David Pauley, Josh Wilson, David Aardsma, Jack Cust, Brandon League, Jason Vargas

Marlins
Edward Mujica, Leo Nunez, Brian Sanches, Emilio Bonifacio

Mets
Nick Evans, Chin-lung Hu, Manny Acosta, Luis Hernandez, Pat Misch, Taylor Buchholz

Nationals
Tyler Clippard, Alberto Gonzalez, Tom Gorzelanny, Mike Morse, Henry Rodriguez

Orioles
Jeremy Accardo, Robert Andino, Jake Fox, Jeremy Guthrie, Jim Johnson, Felix Pie, Rick VandenHurk

Padres
Mike Adams, Chris Denorfia, Jarrett Hoffpauir, Cameron Maybin, Dustin Moseley, Eric Patterson, Tim Stauffer, Joe Thatcher

Phillies
Wilson Valdez

Pirates
Jose Ascanio, Kevin Hart, Charlie Morton, Chris Resop, John Bowker, Joel Hanrahan, James McDonald

Rangers
Nelson Cruz

Rays
Adam Russell, Sam Fuld, Elliot Johnson, Matt Joyce

Reds
Jose Arrendondo, Bill Bray, Homer Bailey, Fred Lewis, Nick Masset

Red Sox
Darnell McDonald, Matt Albers

Rockies
Felipe Paulino, Jose Morales

Royals
Gregor Blanco, Melky Cabrera, Luke Hochevar, Mitch Maier, Lucas May, Brayan Pena, Robinson Tejeda

Tigers
Don Kelly, Brad Thomas

Twins
Alexi Casilla, Jose Mijares, Glen Perkins, Delmon Young

White Sox
Philip Humber, Brent Lillibridge, Jeff Marquez, Sergio Santos

Yankees
Romulo Sanchez, Boone Logan

Thanks to the following people for contributing information: Kevin Baxter, Gregor Chisholm, Brewerfan.net, Steve Gilbert, Nick Piecoro, Chris Haft, Corey Brock, Bill Ladson, Jenifer Langosch, Rob Bradford, Troy Renck, Bob Dutton, Bill Shaikin, John Lowe, Mike Axisa, and Ben Nicholson-Smith.

Quick Hits: Looper, Turpen, Moyer, CBA, Nationals

By Luke Adams 2 | March 13, 2011 at 10:47pm CDT

Our condolences go out to the friends and family of Mitchell Page, a former outfielder and hitting coach who passed away Saturday. Page was the runner-up to Eddie Murray in a close vote for AL Rookie of the Year in 1977 and, more recently, served as a hitting coach for the Cardinals and Nationals. Here are today's links:

According to Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times, scouts watching the Cubs this weekend "seemed more interested in what [Braden] Looper’s status was than whether the fat-salaried [Carlos] Silva could be had." If things don't work out with Chicago, however, Looper would likely just return to his family.
One of the Yankees' Sunday roster moves involved returning Rule 5 pick Daniel Turpen to the Red Sox, as Chad Jennings of the Journal News notes.
Jamie Moyer still intends to attempt a comeback in 2012, writes Phil Sheridan of the Philadelphia Inquirer. Moyer, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery, is realistic about the factors working against him: "I want to give this a chance and see what happens. If it doesn't work out, so be it."
CBA talks are ahead of schedule, with the second round of collective bargaining set to occur in the next few weeks, according to MLB.com's Barry M. Bloom.
Adam Kilgore of the Washington Post explains why the Nationals aren't considering releasing Nyjer Morgan.
In another article for the Post, Kilgore says the Nationals are having trouble evaluating Rule 5 pick Elvin Ramirez due to health issues.

AL Central Links: Chisenhall, Milledge, Buehrle

By Steve Adams | March 13, 2011 at 10:11pm CDT

Some links for your Sunday reading pleasure…

Jason Donald's hand injury inspires Paul Hoynes of the Cleveland Plain Dealer to ask whether the Indians would consider starting Lonnie Chisenhall's service clock as soon as Opening Day.
Lastings Milledge, who was the youngest free agent available this past winter, is off to a good start with the White Sox, says Brett Ballantini of CSNChicago.
Mark Buehrle won't keep pitching for money or milestones, writes Dan McNeil of the Chicago Tribune. If he keeps pitching beyond 2011, it'll be with a contender and in a place that's comfortable for his family.
Jhonny Peralta isn't fretting his transition back to the shortstop position, writes MLive.com's Dick Scanlon.
Hoynes answers plenty of reader questions in this Q&A for the Plain Dealer, and address issues such as the prospect hauls for departed All-Stars and maximizing trade value. He also opines that Orlando Cabrera could become a mid-season target for the Phillies if Chase Utley's injury is serious enough.

MLBTR Originals: 3/6/11 – 3/13/11

By Luke Adams 2 | March 13, 2011 at 8:13pm CDT

Here's a rundown of MLBTR's original content from the past week….

Tim Dierkes analyzed the extensions the Rockies awarded to Troy Tulowitzki and Carlos Gonzalez, reviewed Legacy Sports Group's offseason, explored possible Plan Bs for Chase Utley, named some candidates to be released this month, and wondered which reliever might be next in line for an extension like Matt Thornton's.
Tim also looked back at this winter's mutual options, previewed March's trade possibilities, and identified Jo-Jo Reyes as a trade candidate.
Ben Nicholson-Smith's original articles this week examined two different ways to build an elite rotation, Kyle McClellan's role in St. Louis, starting pitchers linked through arbitration, the Rangers' first basemen, Kevin Slowey and the Blue Jays, the oldest $100MM players, the challenges facing AL East clubs in June's draft, and Adam Wainwright's 2012/2013 options. He also discussed the Twins' bullpen over at FanGraphs.
The White Sox were the lone installment in our Offseason in Review series.
Top college prospect Gerrit Cole answered MLBTR's questions about his pitching repertoire, his decision not to sign with the Yankees, and the upcoming draft.
Our Make or Break Year series continued with a look at Matt Capps.
Mike Axisa compiled another edition of Baseball Blogs Weigh In and shared an interesting piece on baseball's highest-paid players in 1990, 2000, and 2010.
With Oliver Perez potentially facing his release, we hopped in the time machine to see what pundits said about the southpaw's contract when he first signed long-term with the Mets.
Zach Links wondered whether the Astros and Angels make sense as trade partners, opening the topic up for discussion.
Most free agents have signed by March 11th, but that doesn't mean it hasn't historically been an eventful day for transactions, as Mark Polishuk writes.
This week's chat transcript can be found here.

Week In Review: 3/6/11 – 3/13/11

By Luke Adams 2 | March 13, 2011 at 6:04pm CDT

As we continue to follow the spring's positional battles and injury reports, let's recap the major hot stove headlines from the past seven days….

The Phillies negotiated deals to keep both Charlie Manuel and Ruben Amaro Jr. around for a few more years. Manuel signed a two-year extension and Amaro Jr. finalized a four-year contract with the club. In other front office news, Dodgers VP and assistant GM Kim Ng left the team for a job with Major League Baseball, while Chuck Greenberg will no longer be a part of the Rangers' organization.
Two playoff contenders agreed to multiyear extensions with players this week – Matt Thornton signed a two-year guarantee with the White Sox, and Ryan Hanigan and the Reds agreed to a three-year deal.
Jason Castro's season-ending injury has the Astros searching for catching help. Signing Robinson Cancel was a start, but Houston still seems willing to stretch its payroll to add another backstop. Jesus Flores and Drew Butera were two potential options the Astros looked into.
The Astros' NL Central rivals in Milwaukee will also have to replace an injured player (Zack Greinke), though the Brewers appear to have enough internal depth to wait out Greinke's return. Speaking of the former Cy Young winner, we heard this week that it would've taken the Rangers five young players to acquire Greinke from the Royals.
Teams have called the Royals about Alex Gordon and the Red Sox about Mike Cameron.
Adds and drops this week included the Royals claiming Robert Fish, the Blue Jays claiming Cesar Cabral, the Phillies releasing Robb Quinlan, the Nationals releasing Cla Meredith, and the Rockies parting ways with Chad Moeller.
The Blue Jays, Brewers, Athletics, and Yankees signed international players to six- or, in the Yankees' case, seven-figure contracts.
It appears safe to invest in Felix Hernandez and David Wright jerseys. Mariners GM Jack Zduriencik said, unsurprisingly, that King Felix is unavailable, while Wright said he can't imagine ever asking the Mets to trade him.
Trade rumors continued to swirl around Michael Young, with the Diamondbacks among the teams linked to the Rangers infielder this week.
Oliver Perez's time in New York could be nearing an end. The Mets are evaluating the lefty's spring outings before deciding whether or not to waive him.
The Twins seem open to trade offers for Kevin Slowey, and the Blue Jays may be interested.
Finally, a fond farewell to Brendan Donnelly and Gregg Zaun; both players announced their plans to retire. Bengie Molina wasn't quite as decisive, but said he's also retired, "for now."

Bell Would Accept Discount To Stay With Padres

By Steve Adams | March 13, 2011 at 2:17pm CDT

Heath Bell has gone as far as saying it would be his "dream" to stay in San Diego on a long-term deal. We've also heard that the two sides will discuss a multiyear deal this Spring, and if that's not enough for Padres fans, the 33-year-old closer said in an MLB Network Radio interview today that he'd accept less money to remain a Padre.

"I definitely would take less just to sign [in San Diego] just because it's the Padres and I want to stay here," said Bell. "I'm very open to take a discount but it has to be knowing that I'll be able to stay here and not what happened to Jake Peavy. Even though Jake had a no-trade clause, [the Padres were] just pushing to get him out. I really don’t want that to happen" (all Twitter links).

Two years ago, Peavy's name headlined trade rumors for what seemed to be an eternity, as his contract had become too burdensome for the Padres to handle. He was nearly traded to the White Sox once and vetoed the deal. At the trade deadline though, Peavy changed his tune and was sent to the south siders (after several more months of trade rumors).

Bell's 89 saves over the last two seasons lead all of baseball, and he owns a 10.6 K/9 and 2.32 ERA through 139 2/3 innings to go along with them. If a deal can't be worked out, Bell will likely be the most desireable name on an impressive list of free agent relievers.

Royals Acquire Robert Fish

By Steve Adams | March 13, 2011 at 1:27pm CDT

The Royals have claimed lefty Robert Fish from the Yankees on outright waivers, according to a team press release. In order to make room for Fish on their 40-man roster, Kansas City has moved right-hander Henry Barrera to the 60-day disabled list.

The Yankees selected Fish, 23, in the Rule 5 Draft this past December out of the Angels organization. Fish was lights out in High-A last season through 16 innings, allowing just two runs and striking out 25. He was torched upon a promotion to Double-A though, primarily due to allowing nine homers through 42 1/3 innings pitched. The result was an unsightly 8.93 ERA, but he maintained his big-time strikeout numbers, posting a K/9 of 10.4.

For his career, Fish has posted a strong 9.1 K/9 through 365 2/3 minor league innings, but he's also allowed far too many baserunners; he's walked 4.2/9 and allowed 9.5 H/9.

Red Sox Notes: Gonzalez, Buck, Matsuzaka

By Luke Adams 2 | March 13, 2011 at 12:38pm CDT

When the Red Sox acquired Adrian Gonzalez three months ago, he was recovering from shoulder surgery and wasn't a lock to be ready for Opening Day. Yesterday, having not experienced any setbacks, Gonzalez played in his first game of the spring, a strong sign that his rehab has been a success. Speaking to reporters today, the slugger suggested he doesn't expect his health to be an issue this season. In fact, he wants to play in all 162 games, writes Alex Speier of WEEI.com.

"I'm a first baseman," said Gonzalez. "How much energy do you really put out there? I don't steal bases. I don’t run fast. I play first base. As long as my legs can take it, I'm good."

Cafardo’s Latest: Young, Pedro, Red Sox, Hatteberg

By Luke Adams 2 | March 13, 2011 at 11:40am CDT

The Phillies' health issues and the Red Sox' depth makes the two teams logical trade partners, says Nick Cafardo in his newest column for the Boston Globe. The Red Sox have spare infielders and outfielders they could offer Philadelphia to offset the injuries to Chase Utley and Domonic Brown. While the Sox and Phils are already the Vegas favorites to meet in the 2011 World Series, Cafardo wonders if a trade between the two sides could help that matchup happen. Here are the other items of interest from the Globe's Sunday Baseball Notes:

If the Rangers were willing to eat some salary, a Michael Young deal "could be made" with the Cubs. As we heard this week, the Cubs probably can't afford to take on Young's contract, but, despite his defensive shortcomings, he would make some sense for Chicago at second base.
Pedro Martinez says he's in good shape and has yet to rule out pitching somewhere in 2011. He thinks it would take him about six weeks to get ready if he were to make a comeback.
Cafardo cautions that the Red Sox' starting pitching depth isn't as strong as it seems. Given Daisuke Matsuzaka's performance this spring, Cafardo thinks it would be prudent to keep Tim Wakefield around, just in case.
The Red Sox are seeking a big-league-ready catcher they can keep in Triple-A in case of injury. Cafardo speculates that Rangers backstop Kevin Cash, a player the Sox have "always loved," could be a fit.
Matt Albers is out of options, making him potential trade bait for the Red Sox. As Cafardo points out, the Sox would rather avoid exposing the right-hander on waivers to a team like the Rays.
Scott Hatteberg is currently working as a special assistant to Billy Beane in Oakland. Agent Joe Urbon feels that Hatteberg's future could include a job as a manager, a possibility the former Athletic sounds willing to explore. "It’s something I could envision down the road," Hatteberg said. "As a catcher, you’re always involved in so many facets of the game that you get an idea of what it’s like."

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