Results tagged ‘ Diamondbacks ’

Roundup: Berkman close to joining Yanks

The Yankees now look poised to land Lance Berkman from the Astros, a source told MLB.com’s Brian McTaggart. 
Berkman has the right to reject any trade as a 10-and-5 player (10 years in the league, five with one team), but he was approached by general manager Ed Wade a couple of days ago with a list of eight teams be to and approved four, including the Yankees. 
According to The New York Post, the deal is done, though it won’t be official until another 24 hours. 
The 34-year-old Berkman is making $14.5 million this season and has a $15 million club option for the 2011 season, with a $2 million buyout. With the Yankees, he’d likely serve as a designated hitter — a revolving door for the club all year — but he can also fill in at first base and in the outfield corners if needed. 
With Saturday’s 4 p.m. ET non-waiver Trade Deadline looming overhead, here’s more from around the league … 
* The White Sox acquired some depth for their starting rotation on Friday afternoon, when they swung a deal with the Diamondbacks to bring right-hander Edwin Jackson to the South Side. In the trade, Chicago parted ways with one of its top pitching prospects, righty Daniel Hudson, and Minor League lefty David Holmberg. 
* The Rangers, in need of second-base help with Ian Kinsler on the disabled list, acquired veteran middle infielder Cristian Guzman for prospects. Guzman is making $8 million in the final year of his contract this season. 
* Baseball sources told MLB.com’s Ken Gurnick that the Dodgers and Cubs have been discussing a deal that would send left-handed starter Ted Lilly back to Los Angeles. The Dodgers would also like to include infielder Ryan Theriot in the deal and would want Chicago to eat up some of Lilly’s remaining contract, according to FOXSports.com. Lilly, the best starting pitcher remaining in the market, has $4.3 million left in his expiring contract. 
* The Blue Jays acquired Mets Triple-A first baseman Mike Jacobs for a player to be named later. Jacobs will report to the Blue Jays’ Minor League affiliate. 

* While looking at what happened today and what could happen before 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, we’ll also look back. Roy Oswalt to the Phillies, Jorge Cantu to the Rangers, Miguel Tejada to the Padres and Matt Capps to the Twins were the biggest moves made prior to Friday, in what has still been a rather slow-moving Trade Deadline. 

– Alden Gonzalez

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

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

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

 

D-backs hesitant to deal both Haren and Jackson

Teams have inquired about RHP Edwin Jackson, but the D-backs would be hesitant to deal both Jackson and Dan Haren.

Jackson’s salary jumps from $4.2 million this year to $8.35 million next year, the final season of his contract. Haren is due $12.75 million in 2011 and 2012 with a club option in 2013 for $15.5 million.

“I think preference would be to keep both or at least one of them,” D-backs team president/CEO Derrick Hall said. “But again anything is possible because if you’re getting enough in return you would have to consider it.”

– Steve Gilbert

What D-backs want in return for Dan Haren

D-backs team president and CEO Derrick Hall acknowledged that the club is listening to offers for ace pitcher Dan Haren, but he made it clear that they did not feel an urgency to move the ace right-hander.

“It would need to be in our opinion an A-plus deal,” Hall said. “I think ideally what we would ask for is Major League ready pitching be it starters and or bullpen and prospects. Volume doesn’t matter, it doesn’t need to be four, five or six guys, it’s really about the quality.”

Hall said that even if the team does trade Haren, it does not mean that it is giving up on contending in 2011.

“I think it depends on what we get in return,” Hall said when asked about possible fan reaction to a deal. “If it appears to be a cash dump, it’s not a good message, which is not what we’re looking to do. As I’ve said before if a deal can’t get done for Haren and he’s on our team next year I’m fine with that. If we can get three or four pieces that can bring value now and are also controllable for a number of years than we’d have to consider it. If we bring in the right pieces and explain ourselves fans will understand that it was a move to improve our team now.”

Haren has two years and an option year left on his current deal. He has a partial no-trade clause that would allow him to reject a trade to 12 teams.

– Steve Gilbert

Roundup: Buzz says Oswalt in, Werth out in Philly

In need of a starter for Saturday’s game, Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. cryptically said Tuesday: “I think we we know exactly what we’re going to do.” Perhaps a starter, like Ben Sheets, Dan Haren, Jeremy Guthrie or Roy Oswalt is headed to Philadelphia? The club optioned Kyle Kendrick to the Minor Leagues that same day, and later that night, veteran Jamie Moyer sustained an injury that will likely put him on the disabled list, so starting pitching is needed in Philly. 

ESPN.com wrote about “indications” that the Phillies were in the midst of a “major deal” to acquire a starting pitcher in hopes of salvaging their season on Tuesday night. But on Wednesday afternoon, they followed-up by reporting that Oswalt “could be on the verge of blowing up a potential deal,” since he wants any team that acquires him to guarantee his $16 million option for 2012. For now, the Phillies are balking at that offer. ESPN.com added that it’d probably be J.A. Happ moving in an Oswalt deal, and the club is also looking to move struggling outfielder Jayson Werth (a free agent after this season). 
Astros owner Drayton McLane told MLB.com’s Brian McTaggart that no deal involving Oswalt appeared imminent as of Wednesday morning. Meanwhile, Oswalt — owner of a full no-trade clause — told reporters he hasn’t been approached about any possible trades. 
With less than two weeks remaining until the July 31 non-waiver Trade Deadline, here’s more buzz from around the league … 
* The White Sox, according to FOXSports.com’s Ken Rosenthal, are “trying to accelerate talks” with the Brewers for slugging first baseman Prince Fielder. The problem, Rosenthal notes, is Milwaukee wants a starting pitcher, and they view trade candidate Daniel Hudson as only a middle-of-the-rotation starter. White Sox GM Ken Williams said recently that the market was not to his benefit. 
* The Mets reportedly signed Chad Cordero to a Minor League contract on Wednesday, but they apparently want even more relief help. FOXSports.com wrote that the Mets are currently focused on the relief-pitching market and are eyeing the Pirates’ Octavio Dotel and the Blue Jays’ Scott Downs. 
* Seeking bench strength, the Yankees are looking into the Indians’ Jhonny Peralta and the Marlins’ Wes Helms, according to Rosenthal, who added that the price for Jose Bautista and Ty Wigginton were too high. 
* Pedro Martinez will not pitch in 2010, his agent, Fernando Cuza, told ESPNDeportes.com. But he has not officially retired. 
* The Giants, Tigers, White Sox and Braves have inquired about Blue Jays slugger Jose Bautista, Yahoo! Sports’ Jeff Passan reported via Twitter. 
– Alden Gonzalez

Leyland: “Not a chance” Porcello gets traded

Apparently Tigers manager Jim Leyland found out about the Rick Porcello trade rumor sometime before the game Friday night. He was not happy, and he went off on it after the game.

“There’s a rumor going around, I don’t know if anybody’s read it, about Rick Porcello being traded,” Leyland said. “I want to make this perfectly clear: That is a blatant lie. I don’t even know where it came from. That’s a blatant lie and it’s irreponsible journalism. There’s not a chance that Rick Porcello is going to be traded. That’s a lie. That’s not even speculation. That’s a total lie. That’s very irresponsible journalism. Trust me when I tell you that. …
“That kind of stuff ticks me off real bad, because that’s total BS. Trust me, it’s total BS. There’s not even a chance that Rick Porcello is going to be traded. In fact, Rick Porcello is going to pitch in Cleveland. There’s not a … chance that he’s going to be [traded].”
– Jason Beck

Porcello pushed back at Toledo

The Tigers have moved back Rick Porcello’s scheduled start for Triple-A Toledo from Friday and Saturday, leading to speculation that Detroit could be lining up their onetime prized prospect to pitch in front of scouts at Toledo rather than on the road. Jon Paul Morosi of FOXSports.com presented the idea, as well as team president/general manager Dave Dombrowski’s unwillingness to list Porcello as “untouchable,” and speculated if he could be a piece in a trade for a starting pitcher such as Arizona’s Dan Haren.

It appears, however, that the Tigers’ decision has more to do with having Porcello rejoin the Tigers next weekend rather than pitch for another team anytime soon. The Tigers have a day-night doubleheader next Saturday at Cleveland, and Dombrowski said earlier this week that one of those games would be a spot start either for somebody from the Minor Leagues or a current reliever. Moving him back a day would set him up to pitch Saturday night on six days’ rest.

The Mud Hens have their All-Star break next Monday through Wednesday, so Porcello can’t be slotted to start Saturday on normal rest. Starting Porcello on Sunday night would make more sense that way, but if that game were to be rained out or his outing rain-shortened, the Tigers would have to ponder other options, or which there are few in Toledo.

Porcello has struggled in his last two starts for the Mud Hens, allowing 10 runs on 17 hits over 13 innings combined. Those numbers don’t add up to a strong resume to start in the big leagues again, but the Tigers don’t have a lot of options. It would be a one-time start until Armando Galarraga rejoins Detroit’s rotation July 20.

A Major League source said the Tigers are not shopping Porcello. As for any trade interest with the Diamondbacks, Arizona shortstop Stephen Drew appears to be a more realistic target than Haren at the moment.

– Jason Beck

Roundup: Tigers looking in Drew’s direction?

In search of middle-infield depth and a stable shortstop, the Tigers are “in the market” for the D-backs’ Stephen Drew, according to FOXSports.com. In Drew, the Tigers could improve their offensive production at shortstop — where a revolving door has led to a team-wide .235 batting average heading into Monday — and get a stable presence there. Drew isn’t a free agent until 2012. 

MLB.com reporter Jason Beck believes the Tigers don’t see Ramon Santiago as a long-term solution at shortstop and added: “If they have a chance to add a young shortstop they could keep around for a few years, there’s a good chance they’ll look into it.”
It’s unknown just how closely the Tigers are monitoring the market for Drew — who, like many of his Arizona teammates, is expected to be made available before the non-waiver Trade Deadline — but they’ll also need help at catcher, starting pitching and possibly reliever at some point, and it’s impossible to think they can get all of that. So they’ll have to prioritize. 
Here’s more from around the league … 
* The Rangers, Twins, Yankees and Mets are among the teams most active in discussions for much-desired starter Cliff Lee, according to FOXSports.com. The Cardinals and Phillies all had scouts watching Lee’s Sunday start — when he gave up a run in eight innings to move his ERA to 2.34 — but aren’t considered to have as strong an interest. The Dodgers also had a scout there, and they’re interested, too. 
* The further the Marlins drop out of the race in the National League East, the more likely it is that they become sellers, MLB.com’s Joe Frisaro wrote. The most likely to be jettisoned is probably Jorge Cantu, who is a free agent after this season. So can Nate Robertson, Cody Ross, Dan Uggla and Ricky Nolasco. 
* The Braves signed veteran outfielder Willy Taveras to a Minor League contract recently and assigned him to Triple-A Gwinnett. Taveras was released last week by the Phillies, marking the third time he’s been released this year. 
– Alden Gonzalez
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