Results tagged ‘ DBacks ’

Roundup: Soriano to Yanks as market starts to thin

Spring Training sits firmly on the horizon with just about a month to go until that special day when pitchers and catchers report. It could be a busy month, though, for several teams who are still looking to add a key piece or two to their roster for 2011.
One of those teams is the Yankees, who pulled by far the biggest move of Thursday, agreeing to terms with reliever Rafael Soriano on a three-year deal, pending a possible Tuesday physical, that would have him set up closer Mariano Rivera — for now — and earn about $35 million. He has opt-out options after each of the first two years of the contract.
 
While pitching is always a valued commodity, some clubs are also looking for a role player; maybe a fourth outfielder or a back-up infielder that will provide a little extra insurance. 
 
Regardless of what they are shopping for, the Hot Stove market is definitely growing thinner at this stage in the game. However, there are still plenty of players out there who could prove to be a gem for one team. 
Here’s a look at the latest updates on the market from around the league: 
- The Padres are on the verge of adding some additional depth to their bullpen, in the form of right-hander Chad Qualls, according to MLB.com’s Corey Brock. Brock reported on Twitter on Thursday afternoon that the Padres are “very close” to a deal with Qualls. 
- Utility man Willie Bloomquist has agreed to a one-year deal, $1.05 million deal with the D-backs, SI.com’s Jon Heyman tweeted on Thursday. The deal also includes a mutual option for the 2012 season. 
- It’s not appearing that outfielder Willie Harris will return to the Nationals in 2011. Harris has two offers at this point, MLB.com’s Bill Ladson tweeted Thursday and neither of them are from the Nats. The two sides haven’t spoken in weeks, Ladson added. 
- Veteran Eric Chavez has worked out recently for the Blue Jays, ESPN.com reported Thursday. Chavez has been working out for teams in Arizona over the past few weeks. The Mariners and Dodgers have also been linked to Chavez at times this offseason.
– Bailey Stephens

D-backs acquire Zach Duke

The Pirates have traded Zach Duke to the Diamondbacks for a player to be named later, the club announced on Wednesday.

Duke had been designated for assignment on Friday, which gave the Pirates a 10-day window to trade the left-hander. He would have become a free agent if Pittsburgh had not made a deal.

Pittsburgh removed Duke from the 40-man roster after deciding that the club would not tender him a contract. The starter was to be arbitration eligible for the third time this offseason and was likely to see his $4.3 million salary increase to around $5 million.

Duke, who was selected by the Pirates in the 20th round of the ’01 First-Year Player Draft, ends his tenure in Pittsburgh with a 45-70 record and 4.54 ERA in 160 games (159 starts). He went 8-15 with a 5.72 ERA last season.

– Jenifer Langosch

Roundup: GM Meetings lighting Hot Stove

The General Managers Meetings are in full swing and so is the Hot Stove. With everyone in one place, the rumors are flying and teams are staying busy. Let’s jump right into a rundown of the hottest news of the day: 
- The Marlins are reportedly close to a deal with free agent catcher John Buck. Nothing official has landed yet, but FoxSports.com’s Ken Rosenthal reported on Tuesday afternon on Twitter that the Marlins were close to signing Buck to a three year deal and SI.com’s Jon Heyman confirmed via Twitter that the two sides were nearing a deal. The South Florida Sun Sentinel reported that the deal is worth between $15 and $20 million. More to come on MLB.com from Alden Gonzalez.
- The D-backs have reportedly let other teams know they will listen on Justin Upton. On Tuesday, Rosenthal reported on Twitter that Arizona would listen on Upton, but the return would have to be “big.” Morosi suggested on Twitter that the Braves might be at the front of the line and would have the talented young arms to go get Upton. There were also rumors that the Red Sox might be interested in Upton, but Peter Abraham of the Boston Globe reported that his source thought it was more “due diligance than actual trade talk.”
- The Yanks are looking to fill some holes in their bullpen and they are reportedly looking toward veteran left-hander Pedro Feliciano, Newsday’s Ken Davidoff reported on Twitter Tuesday. Feliciano has been a busy guy in recent years, leading the NL in appearances in each of the last three seasons. Over that span, he’s tallied a 3.44 ERA. 
- In what’s become somewhat of a saga, the Marlins are reportedly now “aggressively shopping” Dan Uggla, MLB.com’s Joe Frisaro reported on Twitter on Tuesday. The Braves have expressed interest in the second baseman, Dave O’Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constution suggested on Tuesday, joining a list of suitors that also reportedly includes the Cardinals, Blue Jays, Nationals and Tigers. It’s not known though, if the Marlins would be willing to trade Uggla to an NL East foe. 
- It’s looking more and more like Cardinals outfielder Colby Rasmus won’t be moved this offseason as Rosenthal and Morosi quote a source that puts the chances of a Rasmus return at “99 percent.” 
Stay tuned to the MLB.com Hot Stove for updates. 
– Bailey Stephens

D-backs closing in on deal with White Sox

NEW YORK — The D-backs are closing in on a deal with the White Sox that would send Edwin Jackson to Chicago with Daniel Hudson being the centerpiece of what Arizona would receive in return, a baseball source confirmed Friday.

Jackson, who was acquired by the D-backs last winter in a three-team deal that included the Yankees and Tigers, is 6-10 with a 5.16 ERA in 21 starts this year. He threw a no-hitter against the Tampa Bay Rays on June 25.

Hudson, 23, is a highly-regarded pitching prospect, who was called up by the White Sox to take injured hurler Jake Peavy’s place in the rotation. The right-hander was selected by Chicago in the fifth round of the 2008 First-Year Player Draft.

Hudson rose quickly through the Minors. He started at Class A in 2009 before shooting all the way up to the Major Leagues by season’s end.

In nine big league games, including five starts, Hudson is 2-2 with a 4.72 ERA. He is scheduled to start Friday night for the Sox.

If the trade is completed, the D-backs would likely turn their attention to moving closer Chad Qualls and catcher Chris Snyder.

– Steve Gilbert

Haren to Angels for Saunders + 3

Dan Haren, who was rumored to be headed to the Yankees earlier in the
week and had been a hot name throughout July, got his wish to stay on
the West Coast — and also landed in a pennant race. The Angels picked
him up in exchange for pitchers Joe Saunders, Rafael Rodriguez and
Patrick Corbin, along with a player to be named later. More: LAA | ARI

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