Official MLB Trade Rumors - News Thread

* Braves To Keep Teixeira?

http://www.ajc.com/blogs/content/sh...ies/2008/07/19/braves_must_keep_teixeira.html

According to Terence Moore of the Atlanta Journal Constitution, the Braves are apparently sticking to their guns and going forward as buyers, not sellers.

Moore writes:

The Braves could dramatically tumble out of it quickly if they struggle against the Marlins and Phillies in upcoming series', but Moore feels they wouldn't mind the draft picks or even the chance to re-sign Teixeira if it meant remaining competitive.

 

Ray Durham Traded To Brewers

Keith Law says the Giants got single-A outfield prospects Darren Ford and Steve Hammond in exchange for two months of Durham.

Buster Olney's reporting the Brewers have acquired Ray Durham. It's not yet known what they received in return, although according to the Milwaukee Sentinel, OF prospect Darren Ford was removed from his class-A Brevard County starting lineup yesterday "with indications he is being traded." MLBTR covered movement on this yesterday.

Durham, a switch hitter, brings his bat to the Brewers bench and could take over Rickie Weeks' spot on the depth chart if Weeks continues to struggle in the second half.

 

* Japanese Free Agents For '09

http://eastwindupchronicle.com/gentlemen-start-your-engines/

East Windup Chronicle points us to a list of some of the more interesting Japanese players who will be free agents after this season. Most of these guys are around 32-33 years old.

Here's who we've got:
Koji Uehara, SP/RP - NPB Tracker profiles him here.
Tomohiro Nioka, SS - We wrote a little bit about Nioka in October of '07.
Kenshin Kawakami, SP - East Windup Chronicle profiled him for us last year.
Hitoki Iwase, RP - That same post also covered Iwase.
Masahiro Araki, 2B - Hit .263/.296/.302 in '07 - not much with the bat.
Hirokazu Ibata, SS - Hit .296/.368/.393 in '07.
Ryoji Aikawa, C - Hit .302/.369/.353 in '07.
Tatsuhiko Kinjoh, OF - Hit .284/.349/.427 in '07.

 

Free Agent Compensation

Here's a reminder of how free agent compensation works in baseball, with Adam Dunn as the example.

The Reds have the choice of offering Dunn arbitration after the season. If Dunn accepts, the Reds get him for '09 at a salary determined by the arbitration process. He's earning $13MM in '08 and having a typical year, so the process would result in an even higher salary for '09. (Occasionally a player accepts arbitration when the team didn't expect him to, like Greg Maddux and the Braves in '02.) If the Reds don't offer Dunn arbitration, he becomes a free agent and the Reds get nothing.

A player can either be classified as Type A, Type B, or nothing based on his stats from the previous two seasons. Dunn should rank as a Type A since the classification formula looks at PA, AVG, OBP, HR, and RBI for 1Bs, OFs, and DHs (4 out of 5 ain't bad for Dunn).

If the Reds offer Dunn arbitration, he may decline because he prefers to play elsewhere or prefers to seek a multiyear free agent contract. If he declines the Reds' offer and signs elsewhere, the Reds will receive two draft picks.

Let's say the Yankees sign Dunn. The Reds will then receive one '09 draft pick from the Yankees. If the Yankees have, say, the 22nd overall pick next June, the Reds get that in addition to their own normal first round pick. The Reds also get a supplemental draft pick squeezed in between the first and second round of the draft.

The Reds only get the Yankees' first-round pick if it falls between #16-30. The first 15 picks are protected. So if the Nationals sign Dunn, the Reds are kind of screwed because they do not get the Nats' #2 overall pick. Instead, they get the Nats' second round pick and the supplemental pick.

A free agent can also be classified as a Type B based on his stats from 2007-08. This might happen with Jon Garland. Say the Angels offer him arbitration and he declines and then signs with the Dodgers. The Dodgers would not give up any draft picks, but the Angels would get an extra pick between the first and second round.

Third possibility - the free agent is not classified as Type A or B, and there is no draft pick compensation.

Over the years, many quality players have been drafted as the result of free agent compensation. Recent examples include Conor Jackson, Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Glen Perkins, Huston Street, Phil Hughes, Clay Buchholz, Jacoby Ellsbury, Joba Chamberlain, Colby Rasmus, and Ian Kennedy.

 

Braves Rumors: Mike Gonzalez, Ohman, Teixeira

Despite recent speculation about Mike Gonzalez's availability, MLB.com's Mark Bowman says the Braves reliever is not going anywhere. Bowman talked to a team official who seemed adamant about keeping Gonzalez. That is no surprise, since Gonzalez is under team control for '09 and Rafael Soriano is of questionable health.

Bowman adds that interest has picked up in another Braves lefty reliever, Will Ohman. The Braves apparently see Ohman as a Type B free agent and want a return better than the supplemental draft pick they could receive by letting him walk.

Similarly, the Braves will keep Mark Teixeira if they can't top the two draft picks they'd receive for him. The risk there would be if Baltimore signs Teixeira and their first round pick is protected.

 

Wolf Trade Reactions

The Padres found an unlikely suitor for lefty starter Randy Wolf in the Houston Astros. Here are the reactions:

Paul DePodesta thinks Chad Reineke might be able to help the Padres soon.

Richard Justice calls it a stubborn move for the Astros, who "threw $3.5MM at a lost season."

MLB.com's Jim Molony wonders if the Astros could shop Wolf in August if the team falls further out of contention.

And Ed Wade quote reveals part of the motivation for the acquisition - the GM says the Astros get their foot in the door in case they want to sign Wolf beyond this season

 

(personally not a fan of this news...but here it is from multiple sources)

Yankees In Trade Talks For Washburn

SI.com's Jon Heyman checks in on these talks. He says the Yankees want to ship Kei Igawa to Seattle, but then the Mariners could see that and raise them a Jose Vidro.

It would probably be easier for the Yankees to eat all of Washburn's contract while just sending the Mariners a marginal prospect.

Dan Graziano of the Newark Star-Ledger reports that the Mariners are scouting the Yankees' Double A club. The Ms aren't big on Melky Cabrera, but may be willing to take minor leaguers if New York takes on all of Washburn's contract.

According to ESPN's Buster Olney, the Yankees are "taking a serious look at Seattle lefty Jarrod Washburn."

Washburn, 34 in August, has a 4.75 ERA in 110 innings this year. For what it's worth, he has a 3.03 ERA in 62.3 innings since May 25th. That's cherry-picking, though - 4.50-4.75 is Washburn's level. He can chew up 190 innings at the back end of a rotation.

Washburn is owed $10.35MM in '09, and has limited no-trade protection. Olney believes it would mainly be a salary dump, and the Mariners might consider something like Kei Igawa and a secondary prospect. Yankees GM Brian Cashman hasn't struck a deal with the Ms since '03, when he worked with Pat Gillick on an Armando Benitez for Jeff Nelson swap.

 

I would prefer the yanks not pick up the tab on Washburn and not panic for '08.

Our farm system is loaded with potential....and I dont think a Jarred Washburn type should have a higher value that some of these guys.

Humberto Sanchez, Andrew Brackman, Ross Ohlendorf, Jeffrey Marquez, and that doesnt mention known young guys like Hughes, and Kennedy.

Heck, I like the gamble signing of Eric Milton far more than these trade talks.

 

I will have to reserve full judgment until the official deal goes down and we can judge exactly what Yanks give up. I am hoping for no deal as it stands right now.

 

Ponson in pinstripes is a sickening site.....(not production in the W's, just the fact he is wearing them)

I am hoping Ian Kennedy is brought back up soon if for nothing else to give him more MLB innings. He starte horrible this year, but ended last year nicely...so thats a wash for me as a young arm. I want him and Hughes to get more MLB starts and innings so we can be more ready for '09 too.

 

Yankees acquire Nady from Pirates

News: According to MLB.com, the Pirates traded OF Xavier Nady to the Yankees on Friday, swapping him and left-handed RP Damaso Marte for right-handed pitcher Ross Ohlendorf and three prospects: pitchers Phil Coke and George Kontos and outfielder Jose Tabata.

Love this more than the Washburn rumors.

 

Jayson Stark brings us a few more tidbits from the Hot Stove...

The price for Raul Ibanez may be too high for the Mets as Stark reiterates what we heard previously, that Fernando Martinez and Jon Niese are not available...Ken Rosenthal added Robert Parnell to that list of untouchables.

The Mets may no longer be in the running for Brian Fuentes as they are not willing to part with Aaron Heilman.

Stark says other relief pitchers the Mets have shown some interest in include Cla Meredith, Chad Bradford and Jeremy Affeldt.

The Dodgers are said to be interested in several relief pitchers, including Fuentes, George Sherrill, David Weathers and Alan Embree, but they are not interested in Huston Street.

The other possibility is Greg Maddux, who would allow the Dodgers to move another starter to the bullpen.

The Indians' primary goal now is to deal Paul Byrd.

 

Ken Rosenthal spoke before today's Yankees-Red Sox game on Fox and had a few items for the Hot Stove...

The Braves have yet to decide if they are going to be buyers or sellers at the deadline. If they do decide to sell, they will start taking bids for Mark Teixeira. Earlier this week we heard from Jayson Stark that the Rays, Red Sox, Dodgers, Angels and Yankees have contacted the Braves about Teixeira. Today Stark told us that we can scratch the Rays off that list. Rosenthal adds the D-Backs to the list and says they make the most sense, but it is unlikely that they will be willing to offer the right players.

The acquisition of Casey Blake means the Dodgers will probably not seek a better bat to play shortstop.

The Yankees and Mariners have yet to discuss who the Yankees would give up for Jarrod Washburn.

Ken Rosenthal just reported during the Fox telecast that the deal is now being held up by the Mariners demand for a top prospect in addition to the Yankees taking the remainder of Washburn's contract.

 

Agreed....

More From Rosenthal: Bay, A's, Mets, Rays

In an interesting twist, Rosenthal says the A's have had regular conversations with the Pirates about Jason Bay. Rosenthal notes the A's are hoping that other teams will balk at the asking price.

The Mets are making it clear they will not part with any of their top three prospects Fernando Martinez, Jon Niese and Robert Parnell.

Now that Xavier Nady has been traded, the Rays are more interested in acquiring a relief pitcher rather than an outfielder.

 

Dejan Kovacevic brings us the state of the Pirates in a nice piece in the Pittsburgh Post Gazette:

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08209/899899-63.stm

As we know, the Pirates don't want to trade Jason Bay. Kovacevic writes, "'We'll need to be blown away," one team source said, referring to Bay." The Braves, Mets, Phillies, and A's are the latest to inquire.

If the Pirates don't make any more deals, they will of course revisit the possibility in the offseason. Still, any of Bay, Jack Wilson, or John Grabow could remain long-term if the Pirates aren't offered enough any time between now and next season, or if the Pirates don't appear to be "legitimately competitive" in the first half next year.

The Xavier Nady/Damaso Marte deal was initially reported to revolve around Phil Coke and George Kontos; however, one of those was diagnosed with a damaged labrum, seemingly Coke.

Ross Ohlendorf is expected to join the Bucs rotation after three or four starts in Triple-A.

A fun fact from Kovacevic: "If the Pirates could have traded Nady and Marte straight up for Jose Tabata last winter, Huntington said, 'We would have done it in a heartbeat.'"

 

Yankees Eyeing Bannister?

Should the Jarrod Washburn deal fall apart, the Yankees are exploring an alternative in Brian Bannister for Melky Cabrera. Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star writes,

"Nothing appears imminent, but the framework for a deal seems to exist because New York has already shown a willingness to part with [Melky] Cabrera. Add this: The Royals nearly obtained Cabrera in a trade-deadline swap two years ago for veteran outfielder Reggie Sanders before Sanders suffered an injury."

In this scenario, David DeJesus moves to left to make room for Cabrera in center. And Mark Teahen would get back to his natural position at first base. Cabrera is making $461,200, only $40,200 more than Bannister, and both are set to reach arbitration after this season.

The Yanks prefer Washburn but are in negotiations after the Mariners rejected an offer of Cabrera and Kei Igawa for the lefty veteran. Seattle might want Brett Gardner as well as for the Yankees to take on all of Washburn's $14MM contract through next year.

 

Jarrod Washburn Rumors

The Jarrod Washburn talks seem to be plodding along.

Ken Rosenthal says the Yankees made an offer of an average prospect and absorption of most of his contract. So far no agreement has been reached. Washburn is currently pitching against the Blue Jays in Toronto.

 

Cubs, Hendry Standing Pat

According to Dave van Dyck of the Chicago Sports Tribune, Jim Hendry is comfortable with how the Cubs look going forward.

"'You have to stay on top of it,' Hendry said. 'We got an extra bullpen guy in the trade with Oakland in Chad Gaudin. What you obviously need is for [Kerry Wood] to come back healthy and then everything else usually falls in line. And Samardzija is going to give us a lift.'"

Wood is aiming for Tuesday to be his return date. Along with Gaudin and Sean Marshall in the bullpen, the emergence of Jeff Samardzija may be all they need. Says Lou Pineilla, "If he continues to throw the ball [well], it's almost like trading for a reliever."

On offense, Hendry feels Alfonso Soriano's bat is only going to get hotter. He conclusively adds:

"'We aren't hitting since the break like we want to, but we aren't going to go out and replace our star players because they're having a bad week,' Hendry said. 'And the other players, let's give them their due, the Ryan Theriots, Mike Fontenots, Reed Johnsons and Henry Blancos. Those people are doing more than their fair share. You don't upgrade from that.'"

 

Mets Focus On Raul Ibanez

Adam Rubin of the New York Daily News brings us insight on the Mets' interest in acquiring an outfielder, namely Raul Ibanez, before the deadline:

"The Mets scratched a second name off their list of four primary trade targets when Cleveland dealt Casey Blake to the Dodgers yesterday, one day after Xavier Nady landed with the Yankees. Seattle's Raul Ibanez appears the most logical remaining target, since Pittsburgh seems less inclined to trade Jason Bay after having dealt Nady."

The price tag for Ibanez may be too high for the Mets, but with the Nady and Blake deals being within reason the cost of Ibanez should come down to earth.

 

Manny Ramirez Speculation: Phils, Dbacks, Mets

Theo Epstein told Tim McCarver he'd try to trade Manny Ramirez if he'd waive his 10-and-5 no-trade rights. If Ramirez were to be dealt, he'd most likely require either an extension or reassurance that his $20MM option would not be picked up so he could reach free agency.

Here's some reverb from Epstein's remarks:

Jon Heyman says the Mets have no interest in Manny. His string of bad behavior this year has been undoubtedly a turnoff. They'd rather pursue Raul Ibanez.

The Boston Herald's Tony Masarotti doesn't think the team needs "to find a Hall of Fame-caliber player to replace him anymore because Ramirez no longer is a Hall of Fame-caliber player." He even cites David Murphy as a more productive outfielder since April.

Joel Sherman and Mike Puma speculate on Manny to the Phillies. Manager Charlie Manuel and Manny have remained close since Manuel was his hitting coach in Cleveland. They go on to list Arizona as having interest as well but that Manny might not accept a trade to anywhere but Philadelphia.

 

Mark Teixeira Roundup

More on the Mark Teixeira front: Carroll Rogers of the Atlanta Journal Constitution names four guys the Braves have been reportedly targeting in deals for Teixeira. Nobody new appears, but it's good fodder for conversation:

Kevin Youkilis: Ortiz is healthy and Youkilis has been arguably the Red Sox MVP so far this season, not far off from Teixeira in production. Both sides deny it.

James Loney: Keith Law reported yesterday on the Dodgers as a good fit with the caveat that Loney would have to either be included in the deal or default to the bench. If included, Loney would be a good a catch for the Braves. At age 24, he's getting paid $411,000 to hit .301 and drive in a team-high 57 RBI. He won't hit free agency until 2013. Far be it from me to predict what the Dodgers will do, but Loney has to be at least somewhat untouchable.

Conor Jackson: These rumors have been dispelled for now.

Casey Kotchman: Maybe the only intriguing possibility on this list, Kotchman is 25 and not eligible for free agency until 2012. The Angels dangled him and Joe Saunders in a deal for Teixeira before the Braves one-upped them. The Halos' offense has picked it up this month and Scioscia's saying they don't need help. Still, with the addition of Teixeira, the Angels would be scary.