Results tagged ‘ Ty Wigginton ’

A busy Rox weekend

– Two free agent targets appear headed elsewhere, with outfielder Grady Sizemore reportedly having reached an agreement with the Indians and onetime Rockies infielder Clint Barmes reportedly headed to Pittsburgh to rejoin his old Rox manager, Clint Hurdle.

The Sizemore situation was a race against time. Signing him was somewhat predicated on trading left fielder Seth Smith. The plan to trade Smith was to fill the second base hole or one of the starting pitching holes. Although there have been stories about talks with the Braves about infielder Martin Prado and the Rockies have been debating trying to pry former Gold Glove second baseman Orlando Hudson from the Padres, not much in the way of real negotiation had materialized.

But with all the health reports on Sizemore positive after a postseason knee surgery (he had surgery on the other knee in 2009), teams decided to move quickly. The team that knows him the best, the Indians, figured the price was right and made the move.

The Rockies see Smith as an asset, so it’s not as if they’re dying to trade him. They’d deal him, but not in a trade that they aren’t totally comfortable making. To trade Smith now, the Rockies need a viable alternative in left, whether that player comes in the same trade or the Rockies end up with a left fielder through other means. Or they can just keep Smith.

“We like Seth Smith — he’s a good player for us,” Rockies general manager Dan O’Dowd told me the other day.

Barmes would have made a lot of sense. He played shortstop last year for the Astros, and will do so for the Pirates. If the Rockies could have signed him, he would have offered a high-quality replacement if Troy Tulowitzki were to be injured.

If the Rox don’t find a second baseman, some combination of Jonathan Herrera, Chris Nelson and Eric Young Jr. would have to suffice at second. Both have experience at short, and can move over in case of injury to Tulowitzki.

Since Tulowitzki is a big shortstop who never takes it easy, it would be nice to have someone of Barmes’ ability to plug into the position. It would give manager Jim Tracy peace of mind when he wants to rest Tulowitzki during the season.

It’s a concern, but the Rockies aren’t going to build their offseason strategy around protecting themselves from a longterm injury to Tulowitzki. Replacing him for a few days for a nagging injury is one thing. A long absence is something else.

“If we lost Tulowitzki for a long period of time, we’re in trouble,” O’Dowd said. “I don’t know of many teams that can withstand losing their best player for a long period of time.”

– The Rockies dealt veteran utility man Ty Wigginton to the Phillies on Sunday for a player to be named.

While it’s nice to have a vet to come off the bench, the Rockies might be covered with a younger player. They liked the offensive work of late-season call-up Jordan Pacheco, and Tracy used Pacheco at first base and third base — essentially the same way he used Wigginton.

Stewart not in lineup for opener

Rockies third baseman Ian Stewart was healthy enough to be on the roster for the Friday afternoon opener against the D-backs, but not healthy enough to start.

Ty Wigginton, signed as a free agent during the offseason, gets the start at third, and Jose Lopez, acquired in a trade with the Mariners, will start at second.

There had been talk of infield utility man Jonathan Herrera, who had an outstanding spring, (.371, four triples) getting the nod, possibly ahead of Lopez, but that was not to be. Herrera will be a versatile hitter off the bench.

Here’s the lineup:

Dexter Fowler, CF

Seth Smith, RF

Carlos Gonzalez, LF

Troy Tulowitzki, SS

Todd Helton, 1B

Ty Wigginton, 3B

Jose Lopez, 2B

Chris Iannetta, C

Ubaldo Jimenez, P

– Thomas Harding

O’s MacPhail: “no shortage” of activity

Fresh off this week’s general manager meetings, Orioles president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail said the organization’s wants and needs haven’t changed and called the two-day meetings “helpful on a few different levels” in assessing what Baltimore will do this offseason.

“People have different timetables, but we don’t necessarily control those,” MacPhail said when asked when the Orioles first move may come. “We’ve had the discussions that we needed to have.”

While he declined to name specifics, MacPhail said there was “no shortage of activity” in Orlando, Fla., both on the trade market and in conversations the organization had with free agents on its wish list.

Tops on that list is a corner infield power bat, making players like Adrian Beltre, Paul Konerko, Victor Martinez and Adam Dunn attractive, as well as Carlos Pena and Adam LaRoche. 

The Orioles would also like to add a veteran starter and a few bullpen arms and, although they have money to spend -with only Nick Markakis, Brian Roberts, Michael Gonzalez and Brian Matusz owed money next season — their wealth of young pitching makes for an attractive trade partner.

As for the criticism that the Orioles are moving too deliberately while other teams wheel and deal, MacPhail -who hasn’t been “too surprised” by any of the early trades — makes no apologies for how he conducts offseason business.

“What’s important at the end of the day is that the moves are the ones that help the club,” he said. “Whether they move fast or slow is less impactful than whether they are right.”

The Orioles, who lost seven players to free agency this winter, continue to have discussions with the respective agents of right-hander Koji Uehara and infielders Ty Wigginton and Cesar Izturis about a possible return to Baltimore. Whether that happens with Uehara and Wigginton could come down to a matter of contract length, with Wigginton and Izturis’ fate in Baltimore tied to what specific bat(s) the Orioles bring in.

While the organization expressed initial interest in Japanese infielder Tsuyoshi Nishioka, it’s doubtful they get involved in the bidding and even less likely that they win exclusive negotiating rights.  While Izturis left a hole at shortstop, the Orioles aren’t too keen on what the asking price of Nishioka will amount to and would prefer to spend their money elsewhere.

–Brittany Ghiroli

Roundup: The Tigers have arrived to the GM Meetings

It was the Marlins who staked their claim in Orlando on Tuesday, when they traded Dan Uggla to the Braves and agreed on a three-year contract with John Buck. Wednesday is the day of the Tigers, apparently. The club agreed on a three-year, $16.5 million contract with setup man Joaquin Benoit, according to reports. Also, Detroit is said to be going after power-hitting lefty outfielder/first baseman/potential designated hitter Adam Dunn.
SI.com first reported the two sides were quickly coming together on a
deal, but ESPN.com followed up by saying nothing is imminent just yet.

Here’s more from the second full day of the General Managers Meetings …

* Diamondbacks new general manager Kevin Towers is apparently kicking the tires on a potential trade of franchise player Justin Upton.
The Red Sox, according to USA Today, are said to be the ideal
candidate, but the New York Post wrote that the Marlins and Rays — and
perhaps the Yankees — are prime candidates.

* White Sox chairman Jerry Reinsdorf confirmed to the Chicago Sun-Times that he would’ve let manager Ozzie Guillen go
to the Marlins if they would’ve given up the specific high-level player
he sought. Reinsdorf didn’t say who, but he denied it was Mike Stanton.

* In need of a lefty bat, the White Sox have engaged in talks with Hideki Matsui,
according to SI.com. Matsui expressed interest in a return to the
Angels, but they’d like to keep DH a revolving door with so many
veterans in their lineup. 

* Six to eight teams have spoken to free-agent starter Carl Pavano, according to The Washington Post, which names the Nationals as one of them. The Marlins, a source told MLB.com, are another.

* The Athletics traded speedy outfielder Rajai Davis to the Blue Jays in exchange for Minor Leaguers Trystan Magnuson and Daniel Farquhar, the club announced. Toronto also released right-hander Shawn Hill.

* The Rockies have expressed interest in A’s third baseman Kevin Kouzmanoff, according to The Denver Post, which added that Jose Lopez, Jorge Cantu and Ty Wigginton are also on the club’s radar.

* Brandon Webb is also reportedly drawing interest. According to
ESPN.com, the Dodgers, Pirates, Twins and Rangers have shown interest in
the right-hander.

* Seven to eight teams are reportedly interested in Jorge de la Rosa,
who is one of the top free-agent starters once you get past Cliff Lee.
The Rockies are a team that would like to keep him, but not if he gets an offer eclipsing four years.

– Alden Gonzalez

Does Wigginton stay?

Ty Wigginton has been considered the Orioles best trade chip for months now, but he could end up staying put at the Trade Deadline. Why?

There’s a few reasons to take into account, namely that yesterday’s trade to move Miguel Tejada was
primarily to clear a space for top position prospect Josh Bell. The O’s
don’t have a first baseman nearly as ready, although Michael Aubrey has been on a tear lately and could earn a call-up to help share a possible platoon with either Jake Fox or Luke Scott.

So
far, the offers for Wigginton aren’t deals that would really improve
the O’s. He would likely get the same type of mid-level prospect
acquired yesterday from San Diego, and his departure would help leave a
significant hole in a Baltimore lineup trying to avoid going down as the
worst team in franchise history.

President of baseball operations Andy MacPhail said yesterday after
the Tejada trade that no more moves were on the immediate docket, and
given that tomorrow at 4 p.m. ET is the deadline, an “immediate move”
would have probably been deemed as something early this morning. Still,
things can change in an instant and the O’s could be moved to move
Wiggy. But with the Tejada trade and the Rangers –thought to be the
front-runners — acquiring Jorge Cantu, I wouldn’t be shocked if he
stays.

What’s becoming increasingly more likely is that the Orioles could trade reliever Will Ohman who
is cheap and a lefty specialist. Particularly with the bullpen nearly
back at full force and Jim Johnson progressing along in Sarasota, the Os
could get a decent return on moving Ohman, who was signed to a Minor
League deal this spring.

–Brittany Ghiroli 

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

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

O’s MacPhail on “slow developing” trade market

Orioles president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail has been fielding calls on the team’s veterans, and said on Sunday that he doesn’t believe Ty Wigginton -believed to be the team’s best trade chip – will lose value based on his pending three-game suspension.

 ”I don’t think that’s going to be impactful for that,” said MacPhail, who called the trade market a slow development that is “prodding along”.

“Everybody is being a little coy right now, myself included,” MacPhail said when asked if he expected the team to make at least one trade before the deadline.

“My own impression is that we have some of these big-target starting pitchers out there who probably have a lot of teams focused on whether they are in or out of that picture or not before they move on to other targets. I think that might be slowing down our market a little.”

The Orioles don’t have any big name pitchers, but Wigginton’s name has been listed in conjunction with at least 10 teams, including the Rangers, Phillies, Twins and Yankees.  He is appealing the suspension handed down after Friday’s ejection, and the punishment could be lessened to a game or two. Wigginton could also drop the appeal and serve the three-game suspension prior to being traded, although the team would prefer to let the process drag out given the O’s short bench.

Third baseman Miguel Tejada has also garnered interest from several teams and reliever Will Ohman, outfielder Corey Patterson and designated hitter Luke Scott all have a chance to be donning another uniform in August.

Starter Jeremy Guthrie’s name has been mentioned in several trade rumors, but it’s believed the Orioles would have to get a significant return to move him. Guthrie is under team control through 2012 and given his recent resurgence he helps stabilize a young and inconsistent O’s rotation.

–Brittany Ghiroli  

Orioles roster moves coming

With the anticipated activation of Brian Roberts and Matt Wieters in the next few days, the Orioles roster is becoming crowded enough that a possible trade could be in the works.

It is believed president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail wanted to wait until Roberts came back before dealing away utility infielder Ty Wigginton, who has been involved in numerous trade rumors. FoxSports.com reported on Thursday that the Yankees think the asking price for Wigginton is too high, and the Phillies have reportedly bowed out of the Wiggy hunt and are content with their in-house infield options.

The Rangers appear to be the leading destination, with the Rockies, Padres, Angels and Giants all teams with reported interest in adding Wigginton’s right-handed bat.

While the Orioles will be sellers at this year’s Trade Deadline, MacPhail told the Baltimore Sun earlier this week that he wouldn’t be opposed to picking up a salary dump

“A
claim would be something that would definitely be attractive,” MacPhail
said. “The trade for a big-time player, if it’s going to subtract from
the core guys you are trying to build around, that becomes more
problematic. It’s something you obviously would have to look at.”

–Brittany Ghiroli

 

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
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