DISCUSSION OF THE WEEK: MLB TRADE DEADLINE

[TheGame]

Cubs manager Lou Piniella announced today that he'll retire after the season.

IS IT JUST ME OR DOES IT SEEM LIKE HE'S BEEN THERE LONGER THAN 4 YEARS?

If your asking Cubs fans. Then yes it seems like a lot longer 

I would be shocked if Ryne Sandberg did not replace him

[HOVA]

Cubs manager Lou Piniella announced today that he'll retire after the season.

IS IT JUST ME OR DOES IT SEEM LIKE HE'S BEEN THERE LONGER THAN 4 YEARS?

If your asking Cubs fans. Then yes it seems like a lot longer 

I would be shocked if Ryne Sandberg did not replace him

I wonder if Bobby Valentine turned down the Marlins because he knew this job would be opening up. 

[HOVA]

Phillies Discussing Major Trade

9:38pm: There are indications that the Phillies are working on a major trade for a starting pitcher, according to ESPN.com's Jayson Stark (via Twitter). The team would move Jayson Werth in a related trade if they acquire a pitcher, according to Stark, who notes that the Phils have spent lots of time exploring a Roy Oswalt deal (Twitter link). ESPN.com's Buster Olney hears that the Phillies are working to acquire a frontline pitcher (Twitter link).

The Phillies recently optioned Kyle Kendrick to the minors and lost Jamie Moyer to an elbow strain, so they could use starting pitching depth. GM Ruben Amaro Jr. hinted today that the club could acquire a starter by Saturday. The Phils have already committed $135MM to next year's payroll, so adding an expensive arm like Haren or Oswalt would take some maneuvering.

[Oscarxena]

Phillies Discussing Major Trade

9:38pm: There are indications that the Phillies are working on a major trade for a starting pitcher, according to ESPN.com's Jayson Stark (via Twitter). The team would move Jayson Werth in a related trade if they acquire a pitcher, according to Stark, who notes that the Phils have spent lots of time exploring a Roy Oswalt deal (Twitter link). ESPN.com's Buster Olney hears that the Phillies are working to acquire a frontline pitcher (Twitter link).

The Phillies recently optioned Kyle Kendrick to the minors and lost Jamie Moyer to an elbow strain, so they could use starting pitching depth. GM Ruben Amaro Jr. hinted today that the club could acquire a starter by Saturday. The Phils have already committed $135MM to next year's payroll, so adding an expensive arm like Haren or Oswalt would take some maneuvering.

They desperately have to do something and if moving Werth will help, I'm willing as a Phillie fan to give him up. Werth is 31 years old and last year he was able to play 159 games but before that he only played 134 games for Philly and I think he has been a valuable asset to Philly but I think his sell point is high right now. The Phillies have been in an overall hitting slump for much of the year, let's face facts and despite the injuries that they have suffered, that is no excuse. The Phillies have Ben Francisco in the wings that can fill Werth's spot with what I believe would not be a dropoff as long as he gets consistent playing time. Oswalt would give Philly that guy that if they qualify for the playoffs, makes them a contender based on a rotation of Halladay, Hamels and Roy O. The Phils are only four games out of the Wild Card spot and seven games out of first place in the East and if they can add Oswalt for 12 starts or so and getting Utley back, I think they will be able to make their run. I'll miss Werth but if he is the key piece, I say to trade him. Also, Werth is a FA after this year and it is unlikely that the Phils would be able to sign him so if they can get someone like Oswalt although expensive, would be better off for the organization next year.

 

[TheGame]

Phillies Discussing Major Trade

9:38pm: There are indications that the Phillies are working on a major trade for a starting pitcher, according to ESPN.com's Jayson Stark (via Twitter). The team would move Jayson Werth in a related trade if they acquire a pitcher, according to Stark, who notes that the Phils have spent lots of time exploring a Roy Oswalt deal (Twitter link). ESPN.com's Buster Olney hears that the Phillies are working to acquire a frontline pitcher (Twitter link).

The Phillies recently optioned Kyle Kendrick to the minors and lost Jamie Moyer to an elbow strain, so they could use starting pitching depth. GM Ruben Amaro Jr. hinted today that the club could acquire a starter by Saturday. The Phils have already committed $135MM to next year's payroll, so adding an expensive arm like Haren or Oswalt would take some maneuvering.

They desperately have to do something and if moving Werth will help, I'm willing as a Phillie fan to give him up. Werth is 31 years old and last year he was able to play 159 games but before that he only played 134 games for Philly and I think he has been a valuable asset to Philly but I think his sell point is high right now. The Phillies have been in an overall hitting slump for much of the year, let's face facts and despite the injuries that they have suffered, that is no excuse. The Phillies have Ben Francisco in the wings that can fill Werth's spot with what I believe would not be a dropoff as long as he gets consistent playing time. Oswalt would give Philly that guy that if they qualify for the playoffs, makes them a contender based on a rotation of Halladay, Hamels and Roy O. The Phils are only four games out of the Wild Card spot and seven games out of first place in the East and if they can add Oswalt for 12 starts or so and getting Utley back, I think they will be able to make their run. I'll miss Werth but if he is the key piece, I say to trade him. Also, Werth is a FA after this year and it is unlikely that the Phils would be able to sign him so if they can get someone like Oswalt although expensive, would be better off for the organization next year.

 

You guys have a young OF prospect in the minors. It's almost a given that Werth is not in the plans for next year. It's rare that a contender gives up a big piece like Werth in a trade. But it makes sense in this case.

[HOVA]

White Sox "Trying To Accelerate" Talks For Fielder
By Tim Dierkes [July 21 at 1:23pm CST]
The White Sox are "trying to accelerate" talks with the Brewers for Prince Fielder, tweets Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports.  Unsurprisingly, Rosenthal says the problem is that the Brewers view Daniel Hudson as only a No. 3 or 4 type.  Yesterday ESPN's Buster Olney wrote that the Brewers' "clear preference will be for young power pitching."  Olney tweets today that the Sox "probably can't make a deal unless they offer Gordon Beckham in the package."

Just yesterday, Rosenthal tweeted that the Sox were not on Fielder due to financial concerns and the difficulty matching up.  The market for Fielder appears to be picking up, as evidenced by Rosenthal's tweet today that the first baseman is generating more calls than Corey Hart.  MLBTR provided a full profile of the Fielder market yesterday.

[HOVA]

I GUESSING THAT IF THE SOX GET FIELDER HE WILL PLAY A LOT OF DH IF NOT EXCLUSIVELY.  

I DON'T KNOW ENOUGH ABOUT HIS DEFENSE, BUT I'M GUESSING HE ISN'T BETTER THAN KONERKO OR KOTSAY AT FIRST BASE.  

JJ WOULD PROBABLY KNOW MORE ABOUT HIS DEFENSIVE ABILITIES. 

[TheGame]

A source tells Jon Paul Morosi of FOXSports.com reports that the Red Sox, Giants and Padres are among five teams interested in David DeJesus.
We have heard the Red Sox and Giants for well over a month now, but the Padres are a relatively new suitor. DeJesus, 30, is batting .320/.386/.446 with five homers and 37 RBI in 350 at-bats with the Royals this season. With his fantastic defense, he would be a nice fit in PETCO. Keep in mind that DeJesus's contract contains a very affordable $6 million club option for next season

[TheGame]

Things are going to get wild between now and the July 31st trade deadline, so in an attempt to wrench some bit of order from the chaos, we've put together a list of who we reckon to be the top 25 trade targets and a little blurb about their current state of play.  We'll update this bad boy a couple of times a day between now and zero hour, so be sure to check back for the latest dirt on baseball's most movable commodities.

Last update: Wednesday, July 21, 2010, 8:30 AM EDT

1. Roy Oswalt: He's owed around $6 million for the rest of 2010 and $16 million next year so he may be hard for anyone to take on, but he's clearly the best pitcher available, and the trade deadline is always about pitching. The Phillies are rumored to be "spending a lot of time" trying to figure out a way to bring him to Philadelphia.

2. Jayson Werth: Free-agency bound and in the midst of a disappointing year. If Philly trades for Oswalt, Werth could be moved out in "a companion trade."

3. Adam Dunn: Also poised for free agency and reportedly in search of a big deal. The White Sox are said to be pushing hard to bring the Big Donkey to Chicago, but the Yankees would love to have him as their DH for the stretch run as well.

4. Prince Fielder: Talks for a nine-figure contract with Milwaukee are going nowhere. No hard rumors on Fielder going anywhere yet, but if the Brewers are going to maximize his trade value, now is probably the best time to move him.

5. Dan Haren: The Diamondbacks are loathe to move Haren, but he could be had if someone's willing to pay a high enough price. Haren has veto-rights on trades to 12 teams and would prefer to stay on the west coast. 

6. Ted Lilly: A free agent after this season. The Dodgers, Mets and Twins have all been linked to Lilly.

7. Brett Myers: A solid season and a cheap contract make him an attractive target. The Mets and Phillies have expressed some interest. An affordable ($8 million) mutual option for 2011 may make him more than a mere rental.

8. Ben Sheets: On a one-year deal and someone who will not bring back any compensation picks when he walks due to missing all of 2009, it seems inevitable that the A's will trade him, even if they're saying otherwise. The Phillies and Twins are potential targets.

9. Jose Bautista: A surprisingly powerful first half has made him an attractive trade target for someone looking for a big outfield bat. The Braves reportedly discussed him while putting together the Yunel Escobar trade, but not a lot of heat surrounds Bautista. Yet.

10. David DeJesus: The Red Sox, Braves and Reds have all been rumored to have interest. One of the only centerfielders currently available, he'll likely come at a high price.

11. Corey Hart: Currently making less than $5 million and under team control through 2011, Hart will be highly sought-after but will cost a great deal in terms of prospects. The Giants and Braves have been rumored to be interested.

12. Cody Ross: Another outfielder in the DeJesus/Hart mold -- useful, relatively cheap but reportedly requiring some significant talent in return. As is the case with every outfielder on the market, the Braves' interest has been noted.

13. Scott Downs: Not the biggest name around, but the Jays' setup man may be the best reliever available at the moment. The Red Sox and Yankees are both interested.

14. Lance Berkman: Still a dangerous bat he (a) still has over $7 million owed to him this year; (b) possesses a full no-trade clause; and (c) has said that he won't drop it unless his new team agrees to pick up his $15 million 2011 option. That's a non-starter for anyone, but if Berkman comes back to reality someone desperate for offense may sniff around.

15. Jake Westbrook: A quality arm poised for free agency, Westbrook is the sort of pitcher who is often moved at the deadline. But salary escalators built in to his contract make him a rather expensive option.  Teams in need of a starter -- the Mets and Dodgers, for example -- may still come calling. 

16. Ty Wigginton: His versatility and fast start thrust him into the rumor pages, but he's fallen off quite a bit since the end of May. Still, a boatload of teams -- especially teams like the Tigers who have suffered injuries -- are interested in prying him away from the Orioles.

17. Fausto Carmona: His improvement, his potential and his reasonable salary -- owed only $6.1 million in 2011 followed by multiple team options -- may make him too valuable for the Indians to trade. But everything can be had for a price. Carmona's just may be really, really high.

18. Octavio Dotel: Every year someone talks themselves into a bad team's closer as they scramble for bullpen help at the deadline. Dotel may be this year's target. A club option for $4.25 million in 2011, but most teams would view him as a rental. The Marlins expressed some interest, but a trade to Florida seems unlikely.

19. Derrek Lee: A no-trade clause complicates things, but the Cubs are going nowhere and Lee is poised for free agency. The Angels seem like a perfect fit, and Lee is from southern California, but so far there has been only tenuous speculation regarding a Cubs-Angels trade.

20. John Buck: Catchers with power aren't a dime a dozen, and with Toronto willing to trade anything that isn't nailed down, Buck is an attractive target. The Red Sox, Yankees and Phillies have been reportedly scouting Buck, but  a better fit may be Detroit.

21. Jose Guillen: His fast start led to a lot of early trade talk, but the Royals may have missed their window on Guillen, who has sunk back into mere competence after his early season highlights. With little defensive value and a high salary (the remainder of a $12 million deal for 2010) he's a far less attractive target than the DeJesuses, Rosses and Harts of the world.

22. Adam LaRoche: Affordable and famous for hot second halves. No heat surrounding him yet, but he is no stranger to deadline deals.

23. Mike Lowell: Reportedly healthy now, able to play either infield corner and no room at all for him in Boston, Lowell would seemingly be a nice fit in Texas, but there have only been modest rumblings of the rekindling of talks between the Rangers and the Sox.

24. Jhonny Peralta: Clearly no longer a part of Cleveland's future, Peralta's ability to play both third and short may pique the interest of teams bitten by the injury bug such as the Tigers or the Rockies.

25. Kerry Wood: A rough early part of the season and a pricey contract scared away many thought would be a robust market for Wood, but recent success and his still-amazing stuff could tempt contenders looking for a setup man. Just placed on the DL with a blister, he'll be eligible again before the end of the month.

[HOVA]

HAD NO IDEA HOW THIS WAS HOW/WHY THE DODGERS LOST LAST NIGHT.  CRAZY

http://deadspin.com/5592645/dodgers-lose-another-one-this-time-to-the-rulebook

[HOVA]

Pedro Martinez won't pitch in 2010, but may return in 2011, according to Enrique Rojas of ESPN Deportes (Spanish link). Michael Silverman of the Boston Herald also reported the news in English.

Agent Fernando Cuza told Rojas that Pedro wants to spend more time with his family in the Dominican Republic at this point. It's not a retirement, since Pedro may pitch in 2011. Rojas reports that a number of teams had interest in Pedro, including the Phillies.

The three-time Cy Young Award winner posted a 3.63 ERA in nine second-half starts for the Phillies last year with 7.5 K/9 and 1.6 BB/9. This season, Phillies GM Ruben Amaro Jr. is eyeing another top starter, Roy Oswalt, but running into some obstacles in pursuit of the Astros ace.

[TheGame]

HAD NO IDEA HOW THIS WAS HOW/WHY THE DODGERS LOST LAST NIGHT.  CRAZY

http://deadspin.com/5592645/dodgers-lose-another-one-this-time-to-the-rulebook

In all my years of watching baseball I have seen that happen numerous times.
But last night was the first time I seen a manager call it out to the umpires.

[HOVA]

HAD NO IDEA HOW THIS WAS HOW/WHY THE DODGERS LOST LAST NIGHT.  CRAZY

http://deadspin.com/5592645/dodgers-lose-another-one-this-time-to-the-rulebook

In all my years of watching baseball I have seen that happen numerous times.
But last night was the first time I seen a manager call it out to the umpires.

Dodgers hitting coach Don Mattingly made a mistake Tuesday night. But the umpires made a mistake, too.

Mattingly, acting as manager after the ejections of Joe Torre and bench coach Bob Schaefer, inadvertently made a second trip to the mound in the ninth inning with one out, the bases loaded and the Dodgers leading by one run.

Giants manager Bruce Bochy alerted plate umpire Adrian Johnson to the violation, and Johnson ordered the automatic removal of closer Jonathan Broxton according to Rule 8.06 of the official baseball rules.

Broxton, however, should not have been forced out of the game, according to major-league officials. Instead, Mattingly should have been ejected and Broxton should have remained in the game for the rest of the at-bat, then automatically removed for another reliever.

The difference proved critical: Left-hander George Sherrill replaced Broxton and allowed a two-run double to Andres Torres to give the Giants the lead in a game they won, 7-5.

The rulebook, though, offers two conflicting directives:

Rule 8.06(b) states: “A second trip to the same pitcher in the same inning will cause this pitcher’s automatic removal from the game.”

However, Rule 8.06 Comment says: “In a case where a manager has made his first trip to the mound and then returns the second time to the mound in the same inning with the same pitcher in the game and the same batter at bat, after being warned by the umpire that he cannot return to the mound, the manager shall be removed from the game and the pitcher required to pitch to the batter until he is retired or gets on base. After the batter is retired, or becomes a baserunner, then this pitcher must be removed from the game.”

Johnson should have followed the latter directive, allowing Broxton to face Torres, according to the MLB officials. The inning will not be replayed and the umpire will not be disciplined, but the matter will be reviewed, the officials said.

[TheGame]

HAD NO IDEA HOW THIS WAS HOW/WHY THE DODGERS LOST LAST NIGHT.  CRAZY

http://deadspin.com/5592645/dodgers-lose-another-one-this-time-to-the-rulebook

In all my years of watching baseball I have seen that happen numerous times.
But last night was the first time I seen a manager call it out to the umpires.

Dodgers hitting coach Don Mattingly made a mistake Tuesday night. But the umpires made a mistake, too.

Mattingly, acting as manager after the ejections of Joe Torre and bench coach Bob Schaefer, inadvertently made a second trip to the mound in the ninth inning with one out, the bases loaded and the Dodgers leading by one run.

Giants manager Bruce Bochy alerted plate umpire Adrian Johnson to the violation, and Johnson ordered the automatic removal of closer Jonathan Broxton according to Rule 8.06 of the official baseball rules.

Broxton, however, should not have been forced out of the game, according to major-league officials. Instead, Mattingly should have been ejected and Broxton should have remained in the game for the rest of the at-bat, then automatically removed for another reliever.

The difference proved critical: Left-hander George Sherrill replaced Broxton and allowed a two-run double to Andres Torres to give the Giants the lead in a game they won, 7-5.

The rulebook, though, offers two conflicting directives:

Rule 8.06(b) states: “A second trip to the same pitcher in the same inning will cause this pitcher’s automatic removal from the game.”

However, Rule 8.06 Comment says: “In a case where a manager has made his first trip to the mound and then returns the second time to the mound in the same inning with the same pitcher in the game and the same batter at bat, after being warned by the umpire that he cannot return to the mound, the manager shall be removed from the game and the pitcher required to pitch to the batter until he is retired or gets on base. After the batter is retired, or becomes a baserunner, then this pitcher must be removed from the game.”

Johnson should have followed the latter directive, allowing Broxton to face Torres, according to the MLB officials. The inning will not be replayed and the umpire will not be disciplined, but the matter will be reviewed, the officials said.

So Bud is on board with the umps fucking up and not knowing the rules.
Keep up the good work Pud errrr I mean Bud 

[HOVA]

Report: Cards are 'front runners' for Oswalt


Craig Calcaterra of NBC Sports heard from a source Wednesday that the Cardinals are the "front runners" for Astros starter Roy Oswalt.
Calcaterra's source says the Astros have been talking with Cardinals GM John Mozeliak for several days now and that Oswalt would love to pitch in St. Louis. It sounds like a nice fit, but the Cards' farm system is mostly tapped and it's not clear if Mozeliak and Co. would be willing to part with top pitching prospect Shelby Miller. Oswalt has a 3.12 ERA and 1.07 WHIP this season. His current contract runs through 2011 and includes a $16 million option for 2012.

[TheGame]

Jeff Passan of Yahoo! Sports reports that the Tigers, Braves and White Sox have also expressed interest in Jose Bautista.
The major league home run leader has also drawn interest from the Giants and other teams could join in as the July 31 trade deadline nears. Bautista has launched 26 dingers and collected 64 RBI this season, but his .238 batting average and .354 on-base percentage are rather uninspiring. Still, he would be a nice addition to any contending club.

[HOVA]

Jeff Passan of Yahoo! Sports reports that the Tigers, Braves and White Sox have also expressed interest in Jose Bautista.
The major league home run leader has also drawn interest from the Giants and other teams could join in as the July 31 trade deadline nears. Bautista has launched 26 dingers and collected 64 RBI this season, but his .238 batting average and .354 on-base percentage are rather uninspiring. Still, he would be a nice addition to any contending club.

Not sure how I would feel about the Sox getting him.

He's having a career year, and the Blue Jays are obviously selling high.  This season could be a fluke.   

There are better options for the Sox, though Bautista would probably be the cheapest to acquire.   

[TheGame]

Tigers are one of the other teams in talks with the Cubs for Ted Lilly

[HOVA]

Buster Olney of ESPN.com reports that the Tigers have serious interest in Dan Haren.

[TheGame]

Buster Olney of ESPN.com reports that the Tigers have serious interest in Dan Haren.

Lilly makes more sense. They have a staff now of 5 right handed starters.
Plus 4 of them are close to the same style of pitcher. They need something to break that up.

[HOVA]

Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star reports that the Angels have acquired infielder Alberto Callaspo from the Royals.
Kansas City will receive major league-ready right-hander Sean O'Sullivan, who has posted a 2.08 ERA and a 0.95 WHIP in 13 innings for the Angels this season, and minor league lefty Will Smith. Callaspo, 27, has posted a .275/.308/.410 batting line, eight home runs and 43 RBI in 349 at-bats this season as the Royals' primary third baseman.

[HOVA]

Zachary Levine of the Houston Chronicle reports that the Twins have joined the chase for Astros starter Roy Oswalt.
It's not all that surprising. The Twins are badly in need of another solid starter due to the struggles of Scott Baker and Nick Blackburn, and Oswalt would most definitely fit right in. But he does have a full no-trade clause and multiple reports have stated that the Houston right-hander is most interested in joining the Cardinals. The non-waiver trade deadline is July 31.

[HOVA]

Buster Olney of ESPN.com reports that the Tigers have serious interest in Dan Haren.

4:05pm: The Yankees, Phillies, Cardinals and Twins are also pursuing Haren, according to Ken Rosenthal and Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports. The D’Backs are not close to a deal with anyone.

[HOVA]

Trade Possible, Nats May Try To Extend Dunn Soon

By Ben Nicholson-Smith [July 23 at 9:57am CST]

Adam Dunn is looking for a long-term deal, and if he and the Nationals can’t agree on his value, the team will likely trade him, according to ESPN.com's Jayson Stark. Dunn would stay in Washington if he and the Nationals can agree to the parameters of a deal, even if they don’t formally announce an agreement. The Nats have the chance to keep Dunn in Washington, so they may try to extend him before the trade deadline, according to ESPN.com's Buster Olney (via Twitter).

Dunn, 31 in November, has 23 homers and a .933 OPS, so he remains one of the game's elite power hitters. Many have suggested that Dunn's poor defense makes him an ideal candidate to DH, but that hasn't prevented NL teams like the Giants from showing interest. The Nats seem reluctant to deal their top players, including Dunn, but the White Sox are definitely interested.
The White Sox also covet Prince Fielder, but Dunn, Adam LaRoche and Lance Berkman (in that order) are the next players on their list, according to Jon Heyman of SI.com (via Twitter).

[HOVA]

I really hope that the Sox don't get Lance Berkman. I think his knees are really starting to become problems.  He is also one of those guys that I wish the Sox would have gotten 5 years ago instead of now or when they did.

Examples:  Andruw Jones, Darrin Erstad, Ken Griffey Jr.