Results tagged ‘ Roy Oswalt ’

Big week for Angels & their search for a starter

The Angels want to add a starter. It’s more likely that they don’t have the chips to acquire a premium one, but they’re doing their due diligence anyway.

This week could be a big one with regards to that pursuit.

This is the week when the erratic Ervin Santana will make two tough starts (against the Tigers on Monday and against the Rangers on Saturday), this is the week more will be known about the health of Dan Haren (he’ll make a rehab outing today, and if all goes well, he could start against Texas on Sunday), and this may be the week that dictates how aggressive Jerry Dipoto is in his pursuit of another rotation arm.

We’re now 15 days away from the July 31 non-waiver Trade Deadline. And the more time passes, the less likely it seems that the Angels can acquire a guy like Zack Greinke or Cole Hamels.

First, there’s the fact each of their teams would like to resign them. The Phillies, Paul Hagen writes, are entering a critical stage with Hamels. The Brewers, according to Adam McCalvy, pushed back the struggling Greinke to give him a blow (making him less appealing on the trade market and more likely to be retained, perhaps?).

Second, there’s the whole “assets” thing. The Angels don’t have a lot of that to give up. As one executive said, if they’re going up against the Rangers for a starter (T.R. Sullivan says Roy Oswalt’s effectiveness could determine how aggressive they get) it would be “like taking a butter knife to a gunfight.” The only heavy artillery the Angels carry is Peter Bourjos, the high-upside center fielder who’s without an everyday role but is a big part of their long-term plans. Dipoto has continued to stress that the Angels will not trade Bourjos, but things can certainly change. The only way I see them giving him up is if it’s for a starting pitcher they can resign — not one who’s going to walk away in two months and leave them with nothing.

And that brings me to the third reason — the new CBA. The extra Wild Card has put more teams in the race for the playoffs, making less of them sellers in July. But a bigger reason for a possibly slow market could be that the only players who bring back Draft pick compensation upon signing with another club are those who spent the previous full season with the same team. For example, if a team trades for Hamels and he signs elsewhere, that team gets no additional Draft picks in 2013. If he stays with the Phillies and he signs elsewhere, the Phils do get the compensation. One scout said the trade market so far is “extra quiet” and “not much is happening” yet. No surprise there.

Of course, there are other, more-attainable starters out there (Wandy Rodriguez and Ryan Dempster come to mind). Will the Angels go outside of themselves to add another front-line guy?

It may depend on how this week goes.

– Alden Gonzalez

Reds deny Oswalt rumors

The topic of Roy Oswalt and the Reds being a potential match hasn’t gone away in the past several weeks, despite the denials from general manager Walt Jocketty. Rumors flared up again over the weekend as other clubs appear to be declining their interest. The Cardinals were the latest team to reportedly back off.

Speaking by phone on Tuesday from Goodyear, Ariz., Jocketty emphatically denied the Reds were in on Oswalt.

“The media has been putting us into it. I’m tired of it,” Jocketty said. “I try to be upfront with you guys. I’ve gotten a lot of calls from people. I’m not saying something couldn’t ever happen but there’s nothing to lead me to believe we will sign him.”

“I don’t know where he’s going. We haven’t had any serious discussions with him. We’ve had no contact with that player.”

On another topic — the Reds are no closer to an extension with 2B Brandon Phillips

“Not really,” Jocketty said. “We really haven’t had a chance to talk with them. Hopefully in the next few weeks, it’s something we can address.”

Jocketty said he did not believe Phillips’ side had set any deadline for talks ending before the season starts.

“I think this could go on for a while,” Jocketty said.

– Mark Sheldon

Keep an eye on Rockies pitching, Barmes discussions could occur today

As MLB.com reported last week and as the Denver Post reported last night, the Rockies’ wide-ranging search for an innings-eating starting pitcher, or two, includes standout free-agent right-hander Roy Oswalt (4-0, 2.25 ERA in five career starts at Coors Field).

The Post reported that the Rockies won’t trade for the Astros’ Wandy Rodriguez, who want quite a bit in return. But just about any young, accomplished starter is on the radar — the Marlins’ Ricky Nolasco and Anibal Sanchez, and the Rays’ Jeff Neimann and Wade Davis. All have been Rockies targets before. The Rockies are interested in their one-time No. 1 pitcher Jeff Francis and Kevin Millwood, who finished last season in purple pinstripes, as well as, according to the Post, Paul Maholm.

The Rockies are dangling left fielder Seth Smith in trade talks for either a pitcher or a second baseman, or both. That helps explain the pursuit of Grady Sizemore, who is recovering from right knee surgery but, according to his agent, will be ready to start Spring Training and to start the season.

If they don’t make a trade at the keystone position, they could look to the past and pursue Clint Barmes, who played for the Astros last season but had spent all is previous seasons with the Rockies. Barry Meister, Barmes’ agent, will arrive at the MLB General Managers meetings in Milwaukee today. Although there have been internal discussions about Barmes — who is attractive to the Rockies because he can move to shortstop if Troy Tulowitzki needs a break or is banged up — there had not been negotiations as of yesterday. Barmes is receiving interest at a shortstop and a second baseman, and is open to playing each spot.

Potential trade targets are the Braves’ Martin Prado and the Padres’ Orlando Hudson, with the Rockies already having had discussions with the Braves.

In the coming weeks, watch for the Rockies to seriously explore dealing right-handed reliever Huston Street, who is guaranteed $8 million next year. Rafael Betancourt ended up supplanting Street as closer late in the regular season.

– Thomas Harding

Report: Royals to meet with Oswalt’s agent

In the market for starting pitchers, the Royals are taking a look at free-agent Roy Oswalt and are expected to meet with his agent during the General Managers Meetings going on in Milwaukee, according to ESPN.com’s Jerry Crasnick.

Oswalt was 9-10 with a 3.69 ERA for the Phillies last season but was limited to 23 starts by back problems. Despite that, the 34-year-old right-hander’s agent, Bob Garber, is looking for a long-term deal.

That probably wouldn’t be a logical move for the Royals who are trying to avoid long-term commitments to veterans who might not fit in the optimistic future of a very young club. But general manager Dayton Moore has made it clear that he’s willing to explore all possibilities.

The Yankees, Nationals and Diamondbacks reportedly have interest in Oswalt. Garber also represents free agent starter C.J. Wilson but he seems  far out of the Royals’ price range.

–Dick Kaegel.

Roundup: Trade Deadline comes and goes


That’s it. The non-waiver Trade Deadline has now passed, and the dust
has settled. Several big-name players — like Cliff Lee, Roy Oswalt,
Dan Haren and Lance Berkman — wound up switching teams, while
several notable trade candidates — such as Adam Dunn, Jayson Werth,
Scott  Downs, Brett Myers and Prince Fielder –
stayed put. 

Here’s a look at what did
happen Saturday … 

* The Dodgers acquired the best remaining starting pitcher on the
market, post-Oswalt, by swinging a deal for Lilly of the Cubs in
the afternoon. In the deal, the southpaw — a free agent after this season and
making $12 million in 2010 — infielder Ryan Theriot and $2.5 million go to Los Angeles, while infielder Blake
DeWitt and Minor League right-handed-pitching prospects Kyle Smit
and Brett Wallach head
to Chicago. 

* The Cardinals officially acquired Indians pitcher Jake
Westbrook in a three-team deal with the Indians and Padres. Westbrook
was scratched from his Saturday start as the deal was set into motion. The
Padres acquired Ryan Ludwick from the Cards, while Padres prospect
Cory Kluber was sent to
Cleveland and pitcher Nick Greenwood went to St. Louis.

* The Yankees made some big moves (surprised?). They solidified the designated-hitter role by
getting Berkman from the Astros, bolstered their outfield with the
acquisition of Austin Kearns from the Indians, and on Saturday, added an arm to the bullpen by getting
another Cleveland piece, closer Kerry Wood (acquired for a player to be
named later or cash). 

* A few other relievers were dealt just before the 4 p.m. ET Deadline.
Coveted left-hander Will Ohman went to the Marlins in exchange for Minor
League right-hander Rick VandenHurk; Pirates closer Octavio Dotel
was dealt to the Dodgers for right-hander James
McDonald and Minor League outfielder Andrew Lambo; Dotel’s
teammate, lefty Javier Lopez, was sent to the Giants for a couple of Minor
Leaguers; and the Giants got Ramon Ramirez from the Red Sox. 

* Just before the Deadline, the Red Sox got catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia from the
Rangers in exchange for two prospects — right-hander Ramon Mendez and
first baseman Chris McGuiness — and a player to be named later or cash. 

* The Braves bolstered their bullpen and got some needed help in
the outfield by swinging a last-minute deal with the Royals, one
that brought right-hander Kyle
Farnsworth and outfielder Rick Ankiel (along with cash
considerations) to Atlanta in exchange for outfielder Gregor Blanco,
right-hander Jesse Chavez and Minor League lefty Tim Collins. 

* The Diamondbacks acquired outfielder Ryan Church,
infielder Bobby Crosby and reliever D.J. Carrasco from the
Pirates in exchange for catcher Chris Snyder and Minor League shortstop Pedro
Ciriaco. 

* Looking to strengthen their bullpen, the
Rays nabbed veteran right-handed reliever Chad Qualls from the D-backs. 

* In what would have been a true Deadline blockbuster, FoxSports.com is reporting on Saturday that
the White Sox had been trying to acquire Manny Ramirez from the Dodgers,
but the Dodgers didn’t bite on the first attempt. 

– Alden Gonzalez and Bailey Stephens

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

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

Haren Out, Phillies Focus on Oswalt

Dan Haren is headed to Anaheim, which means only Roy Oswalt remains for the Phillies.

The Houston Astros have scouted J.A. Happ‘s latest starts, which indicates he would be packaged in a deal for Oswalt. There have been numerous reports the Phillies would have to trade Jayson Werth to clear salary and gain prospects for Oswalt. MLB.com has heard that is not the case. While the Phillies are exploring trade partners for Werth, they could acquire Oswalt and keep Werth.

If the Phillies cannot get Oswalt, they will try to bolster the bullpen and possibly add an infielder like Ty Wigginton or Miguel Tejada to add some punch to a lineup that is without Chase Utley for four more weeks.

- Todd Zolecki

Roundup: Injuries changing Tigers’ needs?

Aside from the big pitching prizes available before next week’s Trade Deadline, there remains a number of complimentary bats and relief pitchers available on the market. The trade winds are blowing strong especially for these type of players, as MLB.com has reported is the case with Jorge Cantu, Ty Wigginton and other similar pieces.

A rash of injuries in Detroit has left the Tigers in a possible situation where they are forced to entertain more trade offers. MLB.com’s Bill Ladson suggested Sunday on Twitter that Detroit is very interested in Nats slugger Adam Dunn as a possible replacement.

Here are a few more updates from around the league on Sunday:

– As an update to the Dan Haren situation, FoxSports.com’s Ken Rosenthal reported on Sunday that the Yanks remain the most likely landing spot for the D-backs hurler. The Tigers, he points out, as another possible suitor for Haren have bigger issues in the wake of the most recent set of injuries.  As many New York beat reporters pointed out on Sunday, though, the Yankees are only willing to acquire Haren on their own terms and won’t give up too much to get him. The New York Post speculated that the Yanks could be holding off on Haren to ensure they can snag Cliff Lee as a free agent this offseason.

– Still many outlets feel Roy Oswalt is more likely to be moved before the deadline. FoxSports.com suggested on Sunday that the Cardinals and Dodgers were having a hard time matching prospects with the Astros for a potential deal. The report also speculates that the Astros asked for a Major League ready position player from the Dodgers such as James Loney or Matt Kemp.

– Nats pitcher Livan Hernandez told The Washington Post that he’d be more than interested in coming back to the club next season and ending his career there.

– As for relievers, Toronto’s Scott Downs has attracted a great amount of attention on the trade market of late, according to a Twitter report from FoxSports.com’s Jon Paul Morosi.  The competition could be ‘fierce’ for the reliever, Morosi reports. ESPN.com’s Buster Olney followed that with another Tweet later in the day, suggesting that there was a lot of interest in the Blue Jays efforts to shop Downs, with rival teams anxious to see what they’ll recieve for him.

– Bailey Stephens 

Roundup: Haren, Oswalt talks still developing

With now exactly a week remaining until next Saturday’s 4 p.m. ET Trade Deadline, it’s a safe bet that trade talks are beginning to heat up. The talk of the baseball world still is whether the D-backs will swap Dan Haren elsewhere and whether the Astros will trade veteran Roy Oswalt.

Both pitchers continued to be the subject of much speculation on Saturday. After it appeared that the Yankees had emerged as front-runners for the services of Haren on Friday night, ESPN.com reported on Saturday that the Yankees are interested, but they hadn’t gotten any farther than exchanging names with Arizona.  The report suggested the D-backs were asking for Joba Chamberlain along with pitching prospect Ivan Nova and two other prospects — an offer the Yanks balked at.

Many reports key in on the Haren’s $33 million salary for this season, namely who will pay the remainder, as a possible deciding factor in any trade. A Twitter report from ESPN’s Buster Olney suggested there had been no talks between the two clubs on Saturday.

The Cards and Phillies have made their desire to land Oswalt well known, but it remains to be seen if either club is willing to give up the prospects and big-league ready talent necessary to land Oswalt. While the Yanks are in play for Haren, they are reportedly not in the mix for Oswalt, according to FoxSports.com’s Ken Rosenthal.

Here’s a look at other happenings around the Majors on Saturday:

-Gary Matthews Jr. officially opted out of his contract with the Reds after a strong showing with Triple-A Louisville hitting .313. Matthews is reportedly looking for a big league job.

- Ben Sheets, who had been the subject of trade fodder earlier this season, landed on the 15-day disabled list on Saturday with right elbow pain. It’s the same elbow that caused him to miss the 2009 surgery after undergoing surgery. His timetable is unknown, but this could eliminate most trade discussions.

- Brewers outfielder Corey Hart, who injured his thumb in last night’s contest against the Nationals, had his MRI results come back negative on Saturday, according to a tweet from Rosenthal. There have reportedly been many teams interested in acquiring Hart as the Trade Deadline approaches so it’s not clear how this may affect his trade value.

– Bailey Stephens 

 

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