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Archives for June 2012

Red Sox Notes: Loney, Dodgers, Youkilis, Middlebrooks

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Here are some Red Sox-related items as we keep track of the latest news on Kevin Youkilis..

  • Dodgers first baseman James Loney says that he isn't preoccupied with rumors of the club possibly acquiring Youkilis from the Red Sox, writes Dylan Hernandez of the Los Angeles Times.  The 28-year-old will be a free agent at the end of the year and said that he hopes to remain with the club.
  • Even though Youkilis hadn’t been told anything about his future yesterday, he seemed resigned to the idea of leaving Boston, writes Peter Abraham of the Boston Globe.  However, the veteran wouldn't totally rule out the possibility that he may remain with the club beyond the deadline.  "I’m still here," he said. "I’m not dead."
  • Trading Youkilis to make room for the younger Will Middlebrooks only makes sense for the Red Sox, opines Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe.  The 23-year-old has a .331/.368/.592 slash line in 152 plate appearances this season.

Cafardo On Garza, Lowrie, Greinke, Red Sox, Liriano

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The rest of the baseball world is waiting for the Yankees to get old, but so far that hasn't happened, writes Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe.  "They’ve been saying that ever since I’ve been around," said Yankees GM Brian Cashman. "They said it after 2001. They said it after we were reshuffling in 2003, and in 2004, my therapist said I wasn’t supposed to talk about it. After 2009, we can’t be winning with older guys…So I’ve always heard it. As long as we’re winning, people can keep saying it."  Here's more from today's column..

  • About six teams have been in contact with the Cubs consistently regarding Matt Garza: the Braves, Tigers, Cardinals, Red Sox, Jays, and Royals.  Epstein is looking for a great package to part with Garza as he is the club's biggest chip.  However, teams have some concern over whether the pitcher can control his emotions.
  • The Tigers could be heavily in the mix for Astros shortstop Jed Lowrie and Detroit would likely move him to second to fill a need.  Cafardo wouldn't be shocked if he is on the Phillies’ radar as well. Houston has a few other chips in Brett Myers, Brandon Lyon, and Wandy Rodriguez that could help contenders.
  • When teams ask about Zack Greinke's availability, they are getting "not yet" from the Brewers.  However, Cafardo writes that he'll be available as soon as they get the right offer because there doesn’t seem to be any chance of Milwaukee signing him long-term. 
  • There has been a lot of talk about Scott Podsednik being used as a trade chip but Cody Ross and Daniel Nava could also be made available by the Red Sox.
  • Francisco Liriano's recent pitching has made him a viable trade chip for the Twins.  It would still be hard for a contender to trust him, but that doesn’t mean he won’t be moved.
  • A National League talent evaluator thinks the Mets should give some thought to trading R.A. Dickey while his value is skyhigh.  The Mets don't have the money to make the deadline upgrades that they need, so they could instead continue with their three- or four-year plan by making the right-hander available.

Rosenthal On Greinke, Youkilis, Podsednik, Giants

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Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports has his latest edition of Full Count up.  Let's dive in..

  • It's still too early to know if Zack Greinke will still be a member of the Brewers after the trade deadline.  The club expects Shaun Marcum back as soon as next weekend and Jonathan Lucroy back after the All-Star break.  The Brewers feel that they're obligated to listen on offers for all players but at the same time don't need to be the aggressors just yet.
  • The Indians appear to be on the periphery of the Kevin Youkilis sweepstakes but still aren't certain if they want to squander their limited resources on a player who is far from a sure thing.  While Johnny Damon is hitting much better as of late, their biggest needs are in leftfield and in the starting rotation.
  • The Red Sox will face interesting positions once all four of their left-handed hitting outfielders are back in action.  Things could get interesting with Scott Podsednik, who could be a trade candidate if Daniel Nava is still hot.  The Reds are one team that could be in the mix as they seek a leadoff hitter.
  • The Giants would like to add to their offense but some of their people aren't sure if it's worth compromising their defense.  The obvious position to upgrade is second base but Ryan Theriot has hit better as of late.

Kevin Youkilis Rumors: Saturday

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Yesterday we learned that the White Sox may be best positioned to swing a trade for Kevin Youkilis, who is losing playing time to rookie Will Middlebrooks. The Braves have scouted him in recent weeks though the Pirates are said to have little interest. Here are today's Youkilis rumors, with the latest up top…

  • The Pirates‬ are still interested in Youkilis, but the team is not confident in its chances of landing him, sources told Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports (via Twitter).
  • Sources indicate that the Indians‬ are a longshot for Youkilis while the Dodgers‬ have had minimal contact with ‪ the Red Sox‬ today, tweets Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports.  Signs point to ‪ the White Sox‬, ‪Pirates‬, or another club as the veteran's destination.
  • Angels GM Jerry Dipoto told reporters, including Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times (via Twitter) that he is "not involved with [Youkilis]."
  • The Indians have been the most serious bidder for Youkilis but the White Sox jumped into the mix yesterday, tweets Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe.  Meanwhile, the Dodgers have maintained consistent interest.
  • A new source tells Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review (via Twitter) that the Pirates are likely "out" on the veteran at this point.
  • The Braves are not in on the Youkilis discussions, tweets Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports.
  • The Dodgers are on the "fringe" of talks for Youkilis, reports Dylan Hernandez of The Los Angeles Times (on Twitter). The Pirates continue to be in the mix according to Rosenthal and Morosi (on Twitter).
  • Talks are described as "intense" according to Scott Miller of CBSSports.com. He says the Red Sox will pay a significant portion of the $7.5MM or so left on Youkilis' contract in any trade scenario.
  • The Rangers checked in on Youkilis at one point according to MLB.com's T.R. Sullivan, but they are "not involved anymore." Texas was concerned that he would be unhappy in a part-time role.
  • The Pirates will not surrender a top prospect for Youkilis but they might offer a second tier guy if Boston eats most of his salary, reports Rob Biertempfel of The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review (on Twitter).
  • Red Sox team officials discussed potential roster moves in the wake of an impending Youkilis trade last night, reports Peter Abraham of The Boston Globe. That could be an indication that a deal is close.
  • Boston will trade Youkilis "sooner rather than later" according to Scott Lauber of The Boston Herald. ESPN's Buster Olney says a deal could come down as soon as today.
  • The Red Sox are speaking with multiple clubs and continue to move closer to a deal, reports Ken Rosenthal and Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports. The ChiSox have engaged in "heavy dialogue" with Boston but the Dodgers remain in the mix as well. The Sox prefer to trade Youkilis to an NL club.

Zach Links contributed to this post.

Quick Hits: Angels, Doumit, White Sox, Tigers

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Trade talk is heating up for a number of clubs, but Angels GM Jerry Dipoto told reporters, including MLB.com's Alden Gonzalez, not to expect much chatter out of the club between now and July 31st.  “We have a 25-man roster right now of guys that are playing particularly well, they’re feeding off each other,” the GM said. “I don’t think it’s imminent that we make any kind of moves, nor do I think that it’s a must.”  It was already hard to imagine the Halos making additions, in part because of their already hefty $154MM payroll.  More from around baseball as Saturday turns to Sunday..

  • Twins‬ Assistant GM Rob Antony told Darren Wolfson of 1500 ESPN (via Twitter) that he'll engage Ryan Doumit's agent in extension talks soon.  Doumit has enjoyed his time in Minnesota and has interest in returning next season.
  • White Sox GM Ken Williams kept mum today when asked about the current climate of the trade market, writes MLB.com's Scott Merkin.  The club has been linked heavily to Red Sox third baseman Kevin Youkilis.
  • Tigers GM Dave Dombrowski must find a way to acquire a solid everyday second baseman and a right-handed power bat, opines Lynn Henning of The Detroit News.
  • Cuban outfielder Yasiel Puig was set to have workouts for teams today for scouts in Mexico but wound up being a no-show, writes Ben Badler of Baseball America.  The 21-year-old has apparently changed representation and will now audition for clubs in Cancun over the next week.

Draft Notes: Astros, Ruiz, Virant, Rays, Tigers

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Earlier today we learned that the Astros signed fourth-round pick Rio Ruiz for $1.85MM, well over the slot recommendation for his pick.  Here's more on Ruiz and today's other draft signings..

  • Ruiz's signing effectively ends any chance Houston had of inking eleventh-rounder Hunter Virant, writes Jim Callis of Baseball America.  The California high school left-hander dropped in the draft because of his demand for a seven-figure bonus.
  • Rays second-round selection Spencer Edwards announced via Twitter that he has signed with the club.  The Texas high school shortstop was tabbed with the No. 88 pick.
  • The Tigers have agreed to terms with the club's 23rd round draft selection, right-hander Drew Harrison, according to Director of Media Relations Brian Britten (via Twitter).  The University of Oklahoma product stands at 6'4" and was once a coveted prospect for his ability at the plate.

Beltway Notes: Giolito, Nationals, Orioles, Moyer

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Late last week, the Nationals gave first-round pick Lucas Giolito a grand tour of their ballpark, but things have been quiet since between the two parties.  Here's the latest news on the Nats and Orioles..

  • The Nationals are willing to pay a fine in order to sign Giolito but they are not willing to forfeit a draft pick next year, writes Adam Kilgore of the Washington Post.  The Nats signed several of their top ten draft picks under the recommended slot in order to give themselves room to ink the hard-throwing right-hander.
  • Orioles manager Buck Showalter expects Jamie Moyer to continue pitching, tweets Britt Ghiroli of MLB.com.  The 49-year-old asked to be released earlier today and the O's obliged.
  • With the trading deadline roughly six weeks away, Orioles GM Dan Duquette insists that he’s looking to improve the club, writes Rich Dubroff of CSNBaltimore.com.  “We’re in contention. We’re going to do whatever we can to make the playoffs,” he said.

Royals Sending Mixed Signals On Francoeur

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The Royals' willingness to trade Jeff Francoeur has fluctuated greatly in recent weeks, major league sources tell Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports.  An official with another club termed their interest in moving the veteran as "back and forth, every other week."

Francoeur should draw even more interest once Kevin Youkilis is traded as clubs looking for right-handed hitting could turn to the Royals rightfielder instead.  Kansas City is within striking distance in the AL Central but strong play from prospect Wil Myers could motivate the club to move the 28-year-old.

Unsurprisingly, Morosi hears that Francoeur is more available than Billy Butler, who is on a longer-term contract  One source said Kansas City would need a "[Zack] Greinke-type" offer in order to part with Butler.

Pirates Shopping Kevin Correia

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The Pirates‬ have let teams know that pitcher Kevin Correia is available, tweets Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.  The right-hander is making $3MM this season on the backend of a two-year, $8MM pact.

Correia, 31, has a 4.12 ERA with 3.3 K/9 and 2.7 BB/9 through 13 starts this season.  It seems likely that Pittsburgh will look to use their pitching surplus, which includes Correia, to net some offense via trade.  The Bucs' pitching has been banged up recently but will be replenished with the returns of Jeff Karstens and Chris Leroux.

Orioles Release Jamie Moyer

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Jamie Moyer has asked for and received his release from the Orioles, the team announced.  The left-hander had the option to get out of his contract if his contract wasn't selected from Triple-A.

Moyer, 49, has a 1.69 ERA with a 16K/0BB ratio in three starts for Triple-A Norfolk this year.  The Rockies released the veteran earlier this month shortly after designating him for assignment.  Moyer made ten starts for Colorado this year, posting a 5.70 ERA with 6.0 K/9 and 3.0 BB/9 in 53 2/3 innings.

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