Category: Dailies
Angels assessing Halladay, other arms
With an owner, Arte Moreno, who obviously doesn’t worry about rolling the dice – recall the Mark Teixeira acquisition last year at this time — the Angels remain actively involved in the Roy Halladay sweepstakes. But they can’t be too optimistic.
The Jays clearly are asking for the moon and the stars, judging by the package they rejected in the Phillies’ counter-proposal according to ESPN.com: southpaw A.J. Happ and three highly-regarded prospects from Triple-A Lehigh Valley, outfielder Michael Taylor, pitcher Carlos Carrasco and shortstop Jason Donald. It is believed the Jays would insist on one of the Angels’ young starters – Joe Saunders, Ervin Santana or Jered Weaver – along with Brandon Wood and several other premium prospects.
Weighing against such a dramatic and costly move are several factors. One, the Angels are 20 games above .500 with the third worst team ERA in the American League, but the pitching has been much improved of late with Sean O’Sullivan and Matt Palmer delivering quality work in the No. 5 slot. John Lackey has shown in his past eight starts that he’s back in prime form as a lead dog in a rotation
Finally, they don’t have to look too far to recall how much valuable talent the Mariners surrendered to land Erik Bedard from Baltimore. All-Star center fielder Adam Jones alone, in reflection, wasn’t worth it, and there’s a possibility Wood could reach something approaching that level with consistent playing time.
There are other front-line starters who could appeal to the Angels by Friday’s non-waiver Trade Deadline, including the Indians’ Cliff Lee and the Reds’ Aaron Harang and Bronson Arroyo. The Reds also have several set-up men – veterans Arthur Rhodes and David Weathers and young right-handers Nick Masset and Josh Roenicke – the Angels could find attractive at a lesser price tag than a durable starter. Roenicke, who throws in the mid-90s, is the nephew of Angels coach Ron Roenicke.
The Reds reportedly would be interested in an everyday shortstop and power. Maicer Izturis’ brilliant play of late might be taking him out of trade consideration, but the Angels are loaded in the middle infield. Sean Rodriguez, with superior defensive tools and 23 homers in 75 games at Triple-A Salt Lake, could have huge appeal in Cincinnati with his powerful right-handed bat, along with outfielder Terry Evans (21 homers in 94 games at Salt Lake).
— Lyle Spencer
Interest still being shown in Snell
What to do with Ian Snell? There may not be any biggest discussion/dilemma in the Pirates’ front office right now. One month ago, the right-hander asked for a demotion to Triple-A, certainly not something you hear a player asking about every day. He also has expressed little interest in coming back to Pittsburgh. Since going to Triple-A Indianapolis, Snell has been unbelievable. He has allowed just two earned runs in 32 1/3 innings (five starts). He has 43 strikeouts and 12 walks.
So it’s no surprise that a number of clubs have already contacted the Pirates to see what it would take to land Snell.
The Yankees are the latest and have a scout at Indianapolis’ Victory Field on Sunday to watch Snell’s start. Though their level of interest in Snell isn’t known, it’s no secret that New York is in the market for a starting pitcher to replace Chien-Ming Wang in the rotation. Obviously, Snell is being looked at as a potential option.
A week ago, GM Neal Huntington made it clear that he does not plan on selling Snell low, even though no one is sure that Snell will ever be able to be successful in Pittsburgh because of the still-present friction between he and the organization based on how he left last month.
“Teams are still hoping to bottom fish and we’re still not ready to just give the guy away,” Huntington said. “At this point, his four or five strong outings haven’t increased his value [externally]. We’re not talented enough and deep enough as an organization to just give away a player that has Major League ability, as challenging as it can be sometimes.”
Still, the Pirates would prefer not to pay Snell’s $4.25 million guaranteed salary next season. And if the Yankees (or any other interested club for that matter) see Snell as a fit, maybe they’ll be willing to part with enough of a package to entice Pittsburgh and solve this problem.
— Jenifer Langosch
Padres holding onto Gonzalez, Bell … for now
Here’s a story that will be up live on MLB.com and Padres.com today.
WASHINGTON – Padres general manager Kevin Towers said he is getting a “ton of calls” from other teams regarding the availability of Adrian Gonzalez and Heath Bell, though he’s still opposed to making a deal involving either player.
Towers is a never-say-never kind of guy, which means he won’t come out and simply state that the Padres won’t deal Gonzalez or Bell, but at this point he’s not inclined to move his first baseman and closer as the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline nears.
“You’re always need to listen, but it would have to be the right deal,” Towers said.
Towers wouldn’t go into specifics but stated that he’s held conversations with several opposing general managers in recent weeks about the two All-Stars. Unless Towers is floored by a proposal, Gonzalez and Bell aren’t going anywhere.
“I’m actually getting more calls on Heath than Adrian,” Towers said. “That’s because most clubs are looking for strength in the bullpen.”
Towers said the conversations he’s had with other teams could prove valuable if during the offseason the Padres reconsider moving Gonzalez or Bell.
“If nothing happens, it’s useful in the offseason,” Towers said.
The Padres, who have already traded outfielder Scott Hairston and reliever Cla Meredith this month, might still make a deal or two before July 31.
“I could see a couple of smaller deals,” Towers said.
— Corey Brock
Twins making push for middle INF and bullpen help
The Twins have two wishes as the Trade Deadline approaches later this week — to add a middle infielder that can fill the No. 2 spot in the lineup and to add a solid late-inning option to the bullpen.
Joe Crede’s recent shoulder injury has only seemed to increase the Twins desire to add another infielder — one with offensive potential — and perhaps that’s why the club’s pursuit of A’s shortstop Orlando Cabrera has started making headlines in recent days.
The club has been talking with the A’s since earlier this week about Cabrera and both sides have expressed real interest in completing a deal. Manager Ron Gardenhire said publicly on Saturday that he likes Cabrera and that he’s asked some of his players about the shortstop — including Crede who was a teammate of Cabrera’s in Chicago last year.
The A’s have been eager to deal Cabrera, but one reason a deal has not yet been done is that the Twins also have been trying to add reliever Michael Wuertz into the package. Wuertz has reportedly been coveted by many teams — including the Angels — but the A’s haven’t necessarily been willing to move him. However if they can get a better package back for the two players, perhaps Oakland might be willing to move the reliever as well. Clearly it would be a great move for the Twins since it would address both of their needs.
Cabrera isn’t a prototypical No. 2 hitter in that his on-base percentage isn’t quite as high as the Twins would like. But the feeling of the club is that he would provide an upgrade from the options the club has now for the spot.
The Twins inquired earlier this month about the Pirates’ Freddy Sanchez but Pittsburgh’s asking price appeared to be a little higher than the Twins were willing to pay. That hasn’t discouraged the Twins have checking in on Sanchez again, as he would be the ideal offensive fit and he plays second base. Still, right now it seems the Twins chances of making a deal are better with a club like Oakland.
There have also been reports that the Twins have inquired about Toronto’s Marco Scutaro. But of course that option will hinge largely on whether the Blue Jays are able to move Roy Halladay. Since that might not be known until closer to the deadline, it’s no surprise that the Twins appear to be focusing their efforts elsewhere at the moment.
— Kelly Thesier
Sheffield mum on a potential deal
Other than Pedro Feliciano, the Met seemingly most likely to be traded would be Gary Sheffield,
currently under contract for the league minimum of $400,000.
Sheffield, who is also on the Tigers payroll for vastly more money, signed on with the Mets
in April for two reasons: he already had a house in New York, and he
wanted to play for a contender.
Three months later, he still has a house in New York — but he’s no
longer playing for a contender. And so if the Mets were so inclined to
nab a prospect for their $400,000 investment, now would be the time to
do so.
Trouble is, the Mets on Saturday placed Sheffield on the 15-day disabled list
with a right hamstring strain. Any team that takes
him would have to stomach that gamble — though it’s admittedly not much of one
considering his salary.
Don’t assume that Sheffield will be traded, however. In truth, he
probably won’t. No team is going to give up much for a 40-year-old
slugger with injury problems, who can barely play the outfield.
Moreover, from the Mets’ perspective, trading Sheffield would
effectively be waving the white flag. He is their leading home run
hitter, and if the Mets have any remaining designs on streaking toward
a playoff berth, they’ll need him in the lineup to do it. From a marketing perspective, dealing him would be tough.
On the one hand, you have to think that Sheffield wants out. But on the
other hand, it’s hard to believe the Mets have enough incentive to deal
him. For what it’s worth, here’s Sheffield’s take, delivered before he
knew he was headed to the DL:
“I don’t know. I don’t ask those kinds of questions until they happen,
because if I say yeah, or if I say no — either one I say it’s going to be
controversial.”
–Anthony DiComo
Rangers focused on starter, not bullpen
The Rangers, who are staying on the fringe of the Roy Halladay sweepstakes, are focused on trying to acquire an experienced starting pitcher before the Trade deadline.
There has been talk that the Rangers are looking for relief help and Orioles left-hander George Sherrill has been mentioned. But the Rangers bullpen has been outstanding of late, even with Frank Francisco on the disabled list with walking pneumonia. The Rangers expect Francisco back at some point later next week.
Sherrill may be considered an upgrade over Eddie Guardado. But Guardado went into Saturday’s game against the Royals having not allowed a run in his last 11 appearances.
Yes, the Rangers could use Sherrill but club officials acknowledge the minimal upgrade he represents is not worth the price they would have to give up to get him. That’s why, sources said, the Orioles do not view the Rangers as serious trading partners.
If the Rangers can add a starting pitcher, they could move rookie left-hander Derek Holland back to the bullpen and upgrade both areas.
“We could use another experienced starter,” manager Ron Washington said.
Rangers players are still hoping the club will get involved with Halladay. That seems like a long-short but the Rangers are still talking with the Blue Jays and still not completely out of the running. The Rangers have the young prospects – especially pitching – but adding payroll and getting Halladay to accept a trade is another matter.
— T.R. Sullivan
All quiet on the White Sox front
The first major deal of the period leading up to the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline took place Friday, with Matt Holliday moving to St. Louis. As far as the White Sox adding a major piece to their playoff pursuit puzzle, or any piece, for that matter, manager Ozzie Guillen doesn’t see it happening.
“To be honest with you, we haven’t even talked about that,” said Guillen prior to Saturday evening’s game in Detroit. “What we have is pretty good. We got six, seven starters right now.
“Obviously, people have talked about (Roy) Halladay, but we’ve got something going good right now, and for the future very good. To break that up now, that’s a chance you would have to take if you break that up. Right now, everything is quiet with the White Sox. Unless something crazy happens in the next couple hours, we’re going to go with what we have.”
Halladay has been loosely linked to the White Sox due to the aggressiveness of general manager Ken Williams and his utter lack of fear in making the big move to help his team. See Williams’ attempt to acquire Jake Peavy earlier this season, as an example. But with top young players such as Gordon Beckham, John Danks and/or Gavin Floyd figuring to be part of the return package, don’t look for Halladay on the South Side of Chicago.
–Scott Merkin
Tigers not looking at Bradley
The Cubs might like to find a new home for Milton Bradley, but it won’t be Detroit.
The rumor of Tigers interest in the gifted but much-maligned outfielder began with a Twitter from White Sox broadcaster Steve Stone, then picked up steam quickly with a report from a Chicago web site.
That was news to the Tigers. A source with knowledge of the team’s plans said Bradley’s name hasn’t come up in organizational discussions all year. For a team that has been searching far and wide for offensive help, that speaks volumes.
The reasons are numerous. Though the Tigers lost out on Matt Holliday, there remain several outfield/DH types on the market with better numbers and contracts than Bradley, who entered Saturday batting .242 with six home runs and 22 RBIs and is under contract through 2011 with $21 million over the next two years. Even with money kicked in, it would still be a big commitment for a player who would probably be a full-time DH again in the American League.
While manager Jim Leyland has a reputation for working well with players who have been labeled as difficult, he does not like issues that distract from the team. And Bradley, justifiably or not, would have the potential to be a major distraction.
— Jason Beck
Brewers still pushing for Halladay
If the Brewers are indeed “basically out” of the running for Blue Jays ace Roy Halladay, as one national baseball writer wrote on Twitter, it would be news to Milwaukee’s general manager.
“I haven’t been told that we’re out,” Doug Melvin said Friday, when the Brewers began a homestand that takes them to within 24 hours of the July 31 nonwaiver trade deadline. “I was never told that we’re in, either.
“I don’t want to get into who we’re talking to and when we’ve talked. It’s all part of the negotiations.”
After acquiring second baseman Felipe Lopez from the Diamondbacks on Sunday — Lopez missed a second straight start Friday because of a hamstring strain but will be installed as the everyday leadoff hitter once he’s healthy — Melvin’s focus is bolstering a shaky starting rotation that ranked 15th of the 16 National League teams and 27th of the 30 Major League teams with a 4.96 ERA entering the weekend.
The Brewers entered their homestand with a 48-47 record, in fourth place in the NL Central but just 2 1/2 games behind the first-place Cardinals, who made a splash on Friday by acquiring outfielder Matt Holliday from Oakland. Brewers officials have debated internally whether it’s worth digging into the farm system for a second straight season — CC Sabathia cost four prospects last year including 2007 first-round Draft pick Matt LaPorta — to acquire a front-line pitcher. That debate is ongoing, Melvin said.
“It depends what you get, and what you give up,” Melvin said. “That’s what it really comes down to. What you get, what you give up, and how you’re playing at the time that you do it. …
“We’ve still got a good team,” Melvin added. “We just have to put it together. We have to put some consistency together and have a little winning streak.”
– Adam McCalvy
Tigers still looking for a bat
Though Tigers manager Jim Leyland said Carlos Guillen could be their big pre-deadline deal if he finds his old hitting form, team president/general manager Dave Dombrowski said their search for hitting on the trade market doesn’t end now that Guillen is back. They’re still looking for help, and they’ll still be looking at hitters who would fit at designated hitter, even though Guillen is a DH for now.
“I don’t really know that it’ll make a significant difference one way or the other,” Dombrowski said Friday when asked how Guillen’s performance the next week or so would impact their talks. “He’s going to be able to hit. I don’t know how his timing is going to be, but we know he’s a good big-league hitter. We’ll still continue to have talks with clubs, one way or the other.”
That said, Dombrowski added, “We’re looking for a bat. As you start talking with clubs, which we’ve been doing a lot of, a lot of the players that are available are DHs. In our mindset, we think he might have as good of one as anybody. Not that he’s going to be limited to DH in the long run, but right now, he’s ready to hit.”
The Tigers had interest in Matt Holliday before the A’s dealt him to the Cardinals Friday. But at this point, they’re looking at a lot of hitters potentially on the market. CBSSports.com’s Danny Knobler’s reports that a Tigers scout was watching the Nationals, where Adam Dunn ranks as arguably the top bat on the market if GM Mike Rizzo chooses to deal him. Another lower-profile possibility could be Josh Willingham, who fits the power-hitting profile but also fits into a corner outfield spot.
The Tigers are also believed to have looked at hitters outside the outfield/DH types.
That said, Dombrowski emphasized what others have said, that trading for a hitter isn’t a cure-all to the Tigers’ hitting woes.
“I believe [the offense] is better than what it’s been performing. And a lot of it has to come internally. I just think that some guys that we have are better hitters. They’re just not swinging real well right now, for whatever reason. We’ve faced some tough pitching, maybe they’re in a slump, some combination of all of it. I think sometimes you get lost in these situations.
“It’s not like we’re playing bad baseball. We’re just in a hitting funk right now. I think we’ll be OK. I think with Carlos Guillen, that’s a significant addition to your lineup.”
— Jason Beck
Trade Talk 