July 2010

Peralta dealt to the Tigers for Class A lefty

By Anthony Castrovince/MLB.com
The Indians have dealt veteran third baseman Jhonny Peralta and cash to the Tigers for Class A left-hander Giovanni Soto.
Peralta joins an injury depleted Tigers team looking to get back into the thick of the AL Central race. The Tigers lost Brandon Inge to a broken bone in his hand.
Peralta is making $4.6 million this season. No word yet on how much of his remaining contract the Indians are picking up.
Peralta batted .246 with 23 doubles, seven homers and 43 RBIs for the Tribe this year. He is a career .264 hitter over eight seasons with the Tribe. He made the move from shortstop to third base last year.
Soto, 19, has spent this season with Class A West Michigan, going 6-6 with a 2.61 ERA in 16 starts. He has struck out 76 and walked 25 in 82 2/3 innings and hasn’t allowed more than three earned runs in any of his 16 starts. 
Luis Valbuena has been called up from Triple-A Columbus to take Peralta’s active roster spot.

Yankees balk at Joba for Downs

The Yankees have interest in trading for Blue Jays lefty Scott Downs, but not at the prices Toronto is requesting, the New York Post reported Wednesday.
The newspaper said that the Blue Jays asked for right-hander Joba Chamberlain, who has struggled in his eighth-inning role and is on the verge of being bounced out of it with Dave Robertson pitching well. The Yankees debated parting with Chamberlain in talks with the D-backs for Dan Haren, but do not appear to be primed to do so for Downs.
When the Red Sox contacted the Blue Jays about Downs, a source told the newspaper that Toronto asked for highly regarded infield prospects Casey Kelly or Jose Iglesias.
The 34-year-old Downs would fill a need for the Yankees with Damaso Marte on the disabled list and Boone Logan as the only left-handed option in the bullpen. The Post also again noted the Yankees have spoken to the Orioles about infielder Ty Wigginton.
– Bryan Hoch

All quiet with the Reds

It’s been crickets and tumbleweeds around the Reds during this final week before the Trade Deadline. (That means it’s been quiet). General manager Walt Jocketty confirmed as much on Wednesday morning.

“It’s quiet. I don’t expect anything to happen, not with us,” Jocketty said. “A lot of times it doesn’t start to escalate until the last few days. Maybe when we get back home, it might change.”

Jocketty has been making and taking calls this week but nothing has gotten to the interesting phase it seems.

“Not a lot but a few. Talking to other clubs, there’s always some outlandish proposals,” he said. “The sense I get from other clubs is two factors. People don’t want to give up their young prospects and clubs don’t want to take on additional payroll. That makes it hard to make a deal. Again, that may change closer to the deadline.”

Even if it’s quiet — Jocketty has pulled off deadline trades each of the last two seasons that no one saw coming. Last year, the Reds acquired Scott Rolen minutes before the deadline and in 2008, the Reds dealt Ken Griffey Jr. to the White Sox.

— Mark Sheldon

Rockies could be playing into seller status

Tuesday night’s 4-2 loss to the Pirates put the fading Rockies in a precarious position when it comes to their approach to the non-waiver trade deadline. There is increasing speculation that the Rockies could turn into sellers.Joel Sherman of the New York Post reported that the Rockies have been quietly shopping veteran right-hander Aaron Cook. As The Denver Post reported, Cook is due $9.5 million next yeatr but his salary goes up by $1 million if he’s traded. There also is an $11 million mutual option with a $500,000 buyout for 2012. The Denver Post also mentions second baseman Clint Barmes, right fielder Brad Hawpe and pitchers Jorge De La Rosa and Joe Beimel. The Denver Post also reported that the Rockies have inquired about Cubs infielder Ryan Theriot, although it’s not clear what his role would be since shortstop Troy Tulowitzki has returned from the disabled list

Francoeur: “I want to be here”

Dogged in late 2008 by a series of rumors intimating that he did not enjoy playing in Queens, Mets outfielder Ryan Church reported to Spring Training the next year sporting an “I Love New York” t-shirt.

Jeff Francoeur, the man for whom the Mets traded Church last season, is heading down a similar path.

Mere days after telling both the Daily News and the Post that he would welcome a trade elsewhere — read: Kansas City — if it would result in increased playing time, Francoeur nixed that talk following Tuesday’s victory at Citi Field.

“I want to be here,” Francoeur said. “I’ve said it from Day 1, I like it here. I enjoy playing. It’s a fun place to play. It’s a crazy place to play, but it’s a fun place to play.”

And it should remain Francoeur’s home for a while, as it appears increasingly unlikely that the Mets will deal Francoeur prior to Saturday’s non-waiver Trade Deadline. Even before this week, the Mets were worried that trading Francoeur would make them vulnerable in the event that Carlos Beltran re-injured his surgically repaired right knee. Now, Jason Bay is out indefinitely with a mild concussion, providing the Mets with a clear reminder of why Francoeur remains valuable to them.

“You like to have good players, and Jeff is definitely a good player,” Mets manager Jerry Manuel said.

In other words, don’t expect him to go anywhere.

–Anthony DiComo

Roundup: Rangers seemingly not done yet

The Rangers already nabbed the big prize of the trade market by snagging Cliff Lee recently, and they’ve reportedly been hot after an infielder, with Jorge Cantu being their primary focus. 
But that may not be all. 
Texas is also keeping its eye on the seemingly depleted market for Roy Oswalt, SI.com and FOXSports.com wrote. Oswalt to the Rangers, however, is still considered a longshot. Oswalt, who has a full no-trade clause, insisted location doesn’t matter, as long as he goes to a contender. The Phillies are still hopeful of obtaining the pricey right-hander, but reports have indicated that the Cardinals — in the same division as the Astros — are pretty much out of the race. 
With Saturday’s 4 p.m. ET Trade Deadline fast-approaching, here’s more from around the league … 
* The Yankees and Red Sox are the favorites to acquire Scott Downs, the most sought-after lefty reliever in the trade market, according to FOXSports.com. 
* According to ESPNChicago.com, six teams are in the running for Adam Dunn: The White Sox, Tigers, Angels, Rangers and two unidentified National League clubs — with one of those likely being the Giants. In order for the White Sox to get him, the Nationals require top pitching prospect Daniel Hudson, plus one of outfielder Jordan Danks, catcher Tyler Flowers and infielder Brent Morel. 

* Cody Ross really wanted to stay with the Marlins. Now, after Chris Coghlan tore his MCL while celebrating on Sunday, Ross may seemingly get his wish, which would deprive the trade market of a valuable outfielder. 

* Cubs third baseman Aramis Ramirez is leaning towards exercising his $14.6 million player option for 2011, according to The Chicago Sun-Times. The news comes as no surprise, considering he likely wouldn’t get anything close to that in the open market at this point. Ramirez, who also has a $16 million club option for 2012, has a pretty good perspective on the Trade Deadline. 
* The Braves reached agreement on a two-year contract extension with backup catcher David Ross, a club source confirmed to MLB.com’s Mark Bowman. Ross, making $1.6 million while in the final year of his contract, will now stay on through 2012. First-string catcher Brian McCann is also signed through 2012, with a club option for 2013. 
* In need of more punch in their lineup, the Giants have been “heavily” scouting Royals outfielder Jose Guillen, Jon Heyman of SI.com and MLB Network wrote via Twitter. Meanwhile, Guillen’s teammate, Scott Podsednik, is also drawing intrigue. FOXSports.com’s Ken Rosenthal wrote via Twitter that Kansas City is being “bombarded” by National League West teams interested in the speedy left fielder. 
* Not only may Ross be staying, but the Marlins are also strongly considering a long-term deal with Dan Uggla, MLB.com’s Joe Frisaro writes. The Diamondbacks, meanwhile, will continue selling, according to MLB.com’s Steve Gilbert. 
– Alden Gonzalez

Cody Ross off the market?

Chris Coghlan’s knee injury has the Marlins reconsidering their trade options. The player who most is impacted is Cody Ross.

For weeks, the club has fielded trade offers for the versatile outfielder. Yet, losing Coghlan, coupled with the team being over .500, has the Marlins leaning towards keeping Ross.

Ross, who is making $4.45 million, has one more arbitration season remaining. For the right offer, the Marlins would consider trading Ross, who has attracted attention from the Braves, Dodgers and Red Sox. But the deal would have to completely make sense.

Also, moving Ross would be a sign they team is throwing in the towel on their chances this season.

Based on how they’re playing, Coghlan’s injury has the Marlins re-evaluating.

Coghlan has a torn left meniscus in his left knee. If surgery is required, he will be out six to eight weeks, which means he could be lost for the rest of the season.

With Coghlan out, prospect Logan Morrison has been called up from Triple-A New Orleans. Morrison and Emilio Bonifacio are expected to split time in left field, replacing Coghlan.

Ross is the club’s best defensive outfielder, and he’s been a steady influence on rookie right fielder Mike Stanton. The Marlins are realistic about their playoff hopes, but with the team winning eight of 11 since the All-Star Break has management considering staying the course for the remainder of the season.

The player most likely to be traded is Jorge Cantu. Coghlan has been considered the option to move from left field to third base if Cantu is dealt. Bonifacio is an option to play third, or platoon the position with Wes Helms.

– Joe Frisaro

 

 

More moves likely for D-backs

The D-backs are likely not done dealing yet.

The team would still like to move catcher Chris Snyder and reliever Chad Qualls and are open to dealing first baseman Adam LaRoche.

 
In addition, they will listen to offers on right-hander Edwin Jackson, who will be a free agent after the 2011 season.

“If we could get a player back that could help at the Major League level immediately as well as help restock the farm system we would listen,” Hall said of a possible Jackson deal.

As of Monday afternoon, though, there had been no discussions of a three-team deal for Jackson involving the White Sox and the Nationals.

– Steve Gilbert

 

Wren believes he can strengthen his outfield internally

Braves GM Frank Wren might eventually be persuaded to add some depth to his bullpen before the trade deadline.  But it doesn’t appear that he’s too interested in the mix of available outfielders, namely center fielders, who could be obtained via a trade.

“I think we’re still looking internally at the pieces that we have,” Wren said early Monday evening. “Right now, I’d have to say that’s the way that we’re leaning.”  <p>

As mentioned last week, the Braves have shown little interest in Florida’s Cody Ross.  Whatever interest they may have had in David DeJesus was obviously erased when the veteran outfielder was lost to a season-ending thumb injury last week. 

If Wren sticks to his current plan to go with internal pieces, Melky Cabrera might serve as the primary center fielder over the season’s final two months.   Cabrera has hit .298 while the Braves have gone a Major League-best 44-23 since May 10. 

The Braves haven’t completely given up on Nate McLouth yet.  But if the veteran center fielder continues to struggle, Cabrera and Gregor Blanco, who is currently with the Triple-A Gwinnett roster, will likely receive a bulk of the playing time in center.

- Mark Bowman  

Roundup: Oswalt deal unlikely?

The Roy Oswalt saga continued on Monday as multiple media reports emerged suggesting that both the Cardinals and Phillies looked to be moving away from acquiring the Astros’ ace. The Astros are reportedly looking for a big return, which makes the possibility he’ll be dealt before Saturday’s deadline far from certain.

ESPN.com’s Jayson Stark suggests on Monday that the Astros are understandably hesitant to deal Oswalt to a divisional contender, but even so, Stark isn’t sure they have the prospects to land the ace anyway. 
 
More reports from FoxSports.com emerged on Monday afternoon reporting from an unamed source that Oswalt may not approve a trade to the Phillies. As a result, the report suggested, Oswalt could choose to wait until the offseason and select the highest bidder.

The Dodgers, seen as another viable option for Oswalt, reportedly bristled at the idea of giving up James Loney or Matt Kemp.

But Oswalt is far from being the only key valuable commodity out there. Here’s a look at some other news from Monday.

-With their strong week, the Marlins have reached a point where they are unsure about how they will move forward at the Trade Deadline. One Florida-area beat writer reported on Monday on Twitter, though, that teams are inquiring about Chris Volstad. There was already talk of multiple teams, including the Rangers, interested in Jorge Cantu. So it will be interesting to see where the Marlins land on their decisions.

- Amidst media reports that the Mets and Royals were discussing a possible trade for Jeff Francoeur, MLB.com’s Anthony DiComo reported that the Mets are wary of losing Francoeur and needing another outfielder again if Carlos Beltran should go down. Stark also reported on Twitter on Monday that Kansas City has no interest in Francoeur, Ollie Perez or Jose Guillen or whoever.

- Aside from Ted Lilly, the Cubs have a few other valuable trade chips in Derrek Lee or Kosuke Fukudome. FoxSports.com’s Ken Rosenthal reported on Twitter on Monday that the Cubs would pay part of his $4 million salary and “quite a bit” of $13.5 million salary next year. A source told Stark that it’s unlikely that Lee would OK full-no-trade clause at this point.

Keep checking MLB.com’s Hot Stove Blog for the latest trade rumors heading into Saturday’s 4 p.m. ET deadline!

 

– Bailey Stephens

« older posts | back to blog home | newer posts »
Theme: MLB “pro” | Get a free blog at WordPress.com
Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.

Join 410 other followers