MLB Chatter Thread

[E_D_Guapo]

They are probably ok. Both did little tonight so they probably stuck with their swing. My boy Cespedes though...

You're screwed! Cespedes is doomed to fail for the rest of the season!

He was a great addition to the derby though. I know he isn't having a great season at the plate but his raw power has never been in question and figured to play nicely in a competition like this.

 

[Deuce]

Chris Davis cut his hand and it was gushing blood?

 

[E_D_Guapo]

Chris Davis cut his hand and it was gushing blood?

Feh. Probably wasn't his blood. Probably the blood of someone he smacked in the mouth for wishing injury on him.

 

[Deuce]

Feh. Probably wasn't his blood. Probably the blood of someone he smacked in the mouth for wishing injury on him.

I'm not positive, but I believe I saw him run a "Clear" substance onto the wound.

 

[E_D_Guapo]

I'm not positive, but I believe I saw him run a "Clear" substance onto the wound.

 

[Carp]

Trade Market For Starting Pitchers
By Tim Dierkes [July 16 at 9:45am CST]

Two prominent mid-rotation starters have already been dealt this month, with the Orioles acquiring Scott Feldman (and giving up another starter in Jake Arrieta) and the Dodgers picking up Ricky Nolasco. The Red Sox, Indians, Rangers, Nationals, Diamondbacks, and Dodgers could be in the hunt for starting pitching, with other contenders potentially jumping in on the better names. Let's see what the market offers as the July 31st trade deadline approaches.

Rentals

Matt Garza (Cubs), Tim Lincecum (Giants), Josh Johnson (Blue Jays), Phil Hughes (Yankees), Jason Marquis (Padres), Edinson Volquez (Padres), Erik Bedard (Astros), Aaron Harang (Mariners), Mike Pelfrey (Twins), Joe Saunders (Mariners)

These available starting pitchers will be free agents after the season. Garza appears a lock to be dealt, and seems likely to command a top 50 prospect or equivalent young player as the centerpiece. With over $7MM remaining at the deadline, trading Lincecum would be complicated. Johnson and Hughes would likely generate solid interest on the market.

Controllable Starters

Yovani Gallardo (Brewers), Kyle Lohse (Brewers), Bud Norris (Astros), Joe Blanton (Angels), Kevin Correia (Twins), Lucas Harrell (Astros), Barry Zito (Giants), Kevin Slowey (Marlins), Carlos Villanueva (Cubs), John Danks (White Sox), Vance Worley (Twins), James McDonald (Pirates), Alfredo Aceves (Red Sox), Ricky Romero (Blue Jays)

All of these players can be controlled beyond 2013 given their contracts or arbitration status, not that teams would necessarily be thrilled by the prospect. Gallardo and Norris seem to be the names to watch here.

Currently On The DL

Jake Peavy (White Sox), Jason Vargas (Angels)

Peavy is projected to return from a displaced rib fracture Saturday against the Braves, so he could make three starts to prove his health prior to the deadline. He's under contract for next year, and would jump to the top of the short list of potential difference-makers. Vargas had surgery to remove a blood clot in his left armpit and is expected to return before the deadline.

Other Possibilities

Cliff Lee (Phillies), James Shields (Royals), Ervin Santana (Royals), Jeremy Guthrie (Royals), R.A. Dickey (Blue Jays), Jeff Samardzija (Cubs)

These pitchers are not currently believed to be available, but it wouldn't be a total shock to see one of them traded this month. Lee is the best pitcher named in this post, though he has no-trade protection and is owed more than $70MM through 2015. The Royals probably are not inclined to gut their rotation, though it would make sense to entertain offers for Santana if they are beyond the value of a supplemental round draft pick, as he is eligible for free agency after the season. Dickey and Samardzija are controllable beyond this year, but it would be silly for their teams not to listen.

For the large-salaried players such as Lincecum, Danks, and Zito, keep in mind that trades can happen in August as well if they clear waivers or are claimed.

Check out our other posts in the trade market series here.

 

[Rev]

Jon Heyman of CBS Sports reports that the Rangers aren't willing to include Martin Perez in a trade for Garza. The Red Sox are said to be "thinking about" Garza and would be a major threat if they entered the fray, according to Heyman. Boston has many pitching prospects acquired by Theo Epstein during his time as the team's GM. The Diamondbacks are in the mix as well, though they may prefer Jake Peavy. The Cubs are likely to place more emphasis on ceiling than proximity to the Major Leagues, according to Heyman, with a slight preference for pitching as opposed to position players.


The personnel heads who spoke to Joel Sherman of the New York Post picture Garza going to the Rangers, who have the need and the goods to make a deal. 22-year-old southpaw Martin Perez "could be a key element for the Cubs to move Garza to Texas," writes Sherman. The Rangers are not going to give up Perez, writes MLB.com's T.R. Sullivan. He names Neil Ramirez, Carlos Pimentel, Leury Garcia, and Luis Sardinas


---------

Yeah. No way in the world am I including Perez. Out of those mentioned that I would hate losing is Sardinas but then again we are loaded at middle infielders and going to have to move some. Ramirez has come around this year and has worked his way back up to AAA. Dont know much about Pimentel other than reading that he has finally broke through. Would be leary about those two, Ed. Im sure Olt is included and they are working on added pieces??

 

[E_D_Guapo]

Jon Heyman of CBS Sports reports that the Rangers aren't willing to include Martin Perez in a trade for Garza. The Red Sox are said to be "thinking about" Garza and would be a major threat if they entered the fray, according to Heyman. Boston has many pitching prospects acquired by Theo Epstein during his time as the team's GM. The Diamondbacks are in the mix as well, though they may prefer Jake Peavy. The Cubs are likely to place more emphasis on ceiling than proximity to the Major Leagues, according to Heyman, with a slight preference for pitching as opposed to position players.


The personnel heads who spoke to Joel Sherman of the New York Post picture Garza going to the Rangers, who have the need and the goods to make a deal. 22-year-old southpaw Martin Perez "could be a key element for the Cubs to move Garza to Texas," writes Sherman. The Rangers are not going to give up Perez, writes MLB.com's T.R. Sullivan. He names Neil Ramirez, Carlos Pimentel, Leury Garcia, and Luis Sardinas


---------

Yeah. No way in the world am I including Perez. Out of those mentioned that I would hate losing is Sardinas but then again we are loaded at middle infielders and going to have to move some. Ramirez has come around this year and has worked his way back up to AAA. Dont know much about Pimentel other than reading that he has finally broke through. Would be leary about those two, Ed. Im sure Olt is included and they are working on added pieces??

I haven't read anything up to this point that even mentions Perez as an option. I've operated under the assumption that he has never been in play. The reports are that Olt will likely be a part of the package but I'm not really convinced of it. If he is it would lead me to believe that the Rangers have maybe lost some confidence in him or that his value in general has diminished some.

I don't know anything about Pimentel but I'm familiar with Neil Ramirez. Feh. I'd be OK with him as a secondary piece in the deal but he's not centerpiece material at this point. Could still end up being a MLB starter at the back end of a rotation I think but he hasn't proven anything yet and has been in the minors for several years at this point.

 

[NoDak]

I'm an AL guy, but I'd like to see Rivera blow the save here.

And maybe shit his pants on live TV, too.

 

[1bigfan13]

Rivera is "handed" the MVP. Didn't do much to earn it but no one else really stood out.

This was the first time I've watched the All Star game from start to finish in several years.

 

[Rev]

Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez Could Sign Next Week
By Zach Links [July 17 at 7:47pm CST]
The market is taking shape for Cuban pitcher Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez and the right-hander could sign with a club as early as next week, an industry source tells MLB.com's Jesse Sanchez. While teams are working the phones vigorously to land an impact pitcher before the July 31st deadline, Gonzalez could provide a boost to a contender without giving up anything other than money. Scouts believe Gonzalez needs only a few starts in the minors before making his MLB debut and his addition could move the needle as much as finding an arm via trade.

The Cubs, Dodgers, Rangers, and Red Sox are among the clubs that have expressed serious interest in signing the 26-year-old hurler while the Phillies, Blue Jays, and Braves are also in the hunt. Gonzalez, who was cleared to sign with an MLB team earlier this week, could get as much as $60MM over five years.

 

[Rev]

Cubs, Rangers Getting Closer On Garza Deal
By Steve Adams [July 18 at 8:06pm CST]

The Matt Garza rumors have picked up steam in the past couple of days, with ESPN's Jim Bowden stating Wednesday that there's an 80 percent chance he's traded before his next start. On Tuesday, we learned that the Cubs have a slight preference toward pitching prospects as opposed to position players and that the Rangers are unwilling to part with Martin Perez to acquire Garza. Here's the latest on Garza...

One official tells Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports that the Cubs and Rangers are "getting closer" on a Garza trade (Twitter link). Rosenthal adds that third base prospect Mike Olt is "possibly" in play, but the two sides are discussing prospects from multiple levels.
Earlier Updates

The Cubs are asking teams for their "last and best offers" for Garza, tweets ESPN's Buster Olney, and other clubs think he's thrown his last pitch as a Cub. In a separate pair of tweets, Olney adds that while the Rangers don't want to move Perez, they have other pitching prospects such as C.J. Edwards and Luke Jackson that could be of interest to the Cubs. Jackson ranked as the team's No. 6 prospect prior to the season according to Baseball America, while Edwards ranked 14th. Both have had strong minor league seasons.



--

I assumed Olt was a given. Guess not. I will cry if Edwards is traded. He is just in Low A but so far he has 160.1 professional innings, 1.68 ERA, 94 H, 207 K, 0 HR.

 

[E_D_Guapo]

Cubs, Rangers Getting Closer On Garza Deal
By Steve Adams [July 18 at 8:06pm CST]

The Matt Garza rumors have picked up steam in the past couple of days, with ESPN's Jim Bowden stating Wednesday that there's an 80 percent chance he's traded before his next start. On Tuesday, we learned that the Cubs have a slight preference toward pitching prospects as opposed to position players and that the Rangers are unwilling to part with Martin Perez to acquire Garza. Here's the latest on Garza...

One official tells Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports that the Cubs and Rangers are "getting closer" on a Garza trade (Twitter link). Rosenthal adds that third base prospect Mike Olt is "possibly" in play, but the two sides are discussing prospects from multiple levels.
Earlier Updates

The Cubs are asking teams for their "last and best offers" for Garza, tweets ESPN's Buster Olney, and other clubs think he's thrown his last pitch as a Cub. In a separate pair of tweets, Olney adds that while the Rangers don't want to move Perez, they have other pitching prospects such as C.J. Edwards and Luke Jackson that could be of interest to the Cubs. Jackson ranked as the team's No. 6 prospect prior to the season according to Baseball America, while Edwards ranked 14th. Both have had strong minor league seasons.



--

I assumed Olt was a given. Guess not. I will cry if Edwards is traded. He is just in Low A but so far he has 160.1 professional innings, 1.68 ERA, 94 H, 207 K, 0 HR.

I don't know that the Cubs are in love with Olt. I read that there might be some concern about the vision problems he had and his poor performance so far at Round Rock. Some scouts are a little down on him now as well. Combine that with the fact that they drafted Kris Bryant, who right now is a third baseman, and Olt might not be overly appealing. They really want some pitching more than anything. I kind of hope they get Olt though because I'd gamble on the upside. Scouting reports say he plays a pretty good third base and he has power potential so I'd be more than happy with him and Edwards (didn't know a thing about Edwards until today when I read a couple articles) for a rental Matt Garza.

 

[Rev]

Heymen is tweeting now that the Rangers are backing off because of the asking price and may turn their attention to Houston and Bud Norris. Who knows whats going to happen now.

 

[Rev]

In addition to their talks with the Cubs regarding Matt Garza, the Rangers are also seeking a right-handed bat, GM Jon Daniels told reporters today (including Todd Wills of ESPNDallas.com). Alex Rios and Alfonso Soriano "have been mentioned as possible acquisitions," according to Wills, who adds that the Rangers aren't yet ready to give Manny Ramirez a chance at the big league level.

From that same piece, Daniels adds that the Rangers aren't panicking over Nelson Cruz's connection to the Biogenesis scandal.

 

[Deuce]

In addition to their talks with the Cubs regarding Matt Garza, the Rangers are also seeking a right-handed bat, GM Jon Daniels told reporters today (including Todd Wills of ESPNDallas.com). Alex Rios and Alfonso Soriano "have been mentioned as possible acquisitions," according to Wills, who adds that the Rangers aren't yet ready to give Manny Ramirez a chance at the big league level.

From that same piece, Daniels adds that the Rangers aren't panicking over Nelson Cruz's connection to the Biogenesis scandal.

There's a good chance he's going to miss the rest of the season. There's a definite reason to panic.

 

[E_D_Guapo]

Heymen is tweeting now that the Rangers are backing off because of the asking price and may turn their attention to Houston and Bud Norris. Who knows whats going to happen now.

9:01am: MLB.com's T.R. Sullivan writes that the Rangers would like to get a deal completed in time for Garza to start for them tomorrow night against the Orioles. The two sides are discussing Ramirez, Olt and Edwards, but the Rangers are unwilling to part with Martin Perez or Luke Jackson. Their refusal on Perez is nothing new, but this is the first report that they're unwilling to part with Jackson.

Meanwhile, Tim Brown of Yahoo Sports tweets that the two sides have not yet gotten to the point of exchanging medical records.

8:22am: Jon Heyman of CBS Sports reports that Rangers minor league right-hander Neil Ramirez has also been discussed in trade talks.

7:01am: The Cubs and Rangers are on the verge of completing a trade that would send Matt Garza to Texas in exchange for "a strong package of prospects," according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports. The two sides have discussed prospects at multiple levels, including third baseman Mike Olt and right-hander C.J. Edwards, as Rosenthal reported last night.

 

[Carp]

I like Byrd, but I see his value increasing as we get closer to the deadline.

 

[Smitty]

I like Byrd, but I see his value increasing as we get closer to the deadline.

What are you thinking of getting for him?

 

[Deuce]

What are you thinking of getting for him?

He's 35 years old. You won't get much.