SB Nation User Blog: raygu

MLB Trade Rumors: Braves Looking To Deal Javier Vazquez And Yunel Escobar??

raygu — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 15:22:23 -0000

More photos » by John Bazemore - AP

1 day ago: Atlanta Braves starter Javier Vazquez works in the first inning of a baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies in Atlanta, Thursday, July 2, 2009. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)

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ESPN's Buster Olney blog post for today includes a rumor that the Braves are looking to deal SS Yunel Escobar and/or starting pitcher Javier Vazquez. In his post, he mentions several teams who the Braves could hook up with in a deal.Olney mentions the Red Sox, Royals, Twins and A's as suitors for Escobar and the Brewers and Dodgers as suitors for Vazquez.

The trade that makes the most sense to me would be Braves GM Frank Wren making a deal with the A's for Matt Holliday. The A's are looking to move SS Orlando Cabrera along with Holliday, so Escobar in a package for both would fill the Braves needs for a big bat and a SS to take over for Escobar.

Olney also offers a deal with the Brewers involving Vazquez and Brewers OF Corey Hart. He mentions the Dodgers interest in Vazquez, and I have to think Dodgers GM Ned Colletti would have to make a serious run for him if he becomes available.

Poll

Should the Braves deal Javier Vazquez and Yunel Escobar for a the big bat they so badly need?

MLB Trade Rumors: Nick Johnson To The Giants?

raygu — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 05:03:07 -0000

More photos » by Bill Kostroun - AP

16 days ago: Washington Nationals' Nick Johnson follows through on a two-run triple as New York Yankees catcher Jorge Posada, left, looks on during the fifth inning of a baseball game Wednesday, June 17, 2009, at Yankee Stadium in New York. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)

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I was listening to Christopher Russo's Maddog Unleashed show yesterday afternoon as he was intereviewing Yahoo.com's Gordon Edes. Edes was quite confident that the Giants were looking for bats and that Nationals first baseman Nick Johnson would land in San Francisco.

It appears that the Nats are cleaning up the house that Jim Bowden built, and it makes sense that they deal Nick Johnson to make room for....for...Brad Eldred? I assume he will be just a fill in at this point as Adam Dunn can easily move over to 1B with Josh Willingham, also rumored to be on the move, taking over in LF. Nyjer Morgan takes over in CF with Willie Harris and Austin Kearns sharing time in RF.

The Giants have one of the better farm systems in baseball, but I don;t see them dealing one of their top prospects for Nick Johnson. More than likely, they may deal recently demoted starting pitcher Jonathan Sanchez for Johnson, which wouldn't be a bad return for the Nationals.

Poll

Is Jonathan Sanchez sufficient return for Nick Johnson?

MLB Trade Rumors: Matt Capps To The Marlins?

raygu — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 03:41:36 -0000

More photos » by Gene J. Puskar - AP

7 days ago: Pittsburgh Pirates closer Matt Capps throws in the ninth inning against the Kansas City Royals in a baseball game in Pittsburgh Friday, June 26, 2009. Capps got his 17th save of the season in the 5-3 Pirates win. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

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Yesterday afternoon, rumors spread that the Pirates are not done cleaning house and that they may make closer Matt Capps available in a trade for a power arm. The first team that came to mind was the Marlins who are back in the NL East race even though closer Matt Lindstrom is on the DL.

The Marlins have a couple of pitching prospects in Ryan Tucker and Jose Ceda who they could trade to get Matt Capps. Here is what John Sickels from www.minorleagueball.com had to say about Tucker and Ceda:

Ryan Tucker, RHP, Grade B: He needs another pitch if he wants to start, but the ceiling stands out as excellent.
Jose Ceda, RHP, Grade B: Yet another high ceiling arm with command issues. Also has to watch weight.

The Marlins would use Capps to close with Leo Nunez and Dan Meyer handling the setup duties. In return, the Pirates would get one of Tucker, who should start at the major league level or Ceda, who could replace Capps as the Pirates closer in 2010.

In 2008, Tucker pitched for AA Carolina, appearing in 25 games, including 12 starts, throwing 91 innings with a 74/37 K/BB ratio, and a 1.58 ERA. This year, he has appeared in only 2 games, both in April, making me thing he is injured.

The fact that the Pirates received Joel Hanrahan from the Nationals leads me to beleive they will deal Capps, and allow Hanrahan to close in 2009.

Poll

Is Ryan Tucker or Jose Ceda enough to get closer Matt Capps?

MLB Trade Rumors: Roy Oswalt To The Dodgers??

raygu — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 02:39:11 -0000

More photos » by Lenny Ignelzi - AP

Could he be teamed up with Mark Loretta and Brad Ausmus again?

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Last night, I took the chance to listen to the Jayson Stark interview on ESPN radio yesterday afternoon. He ran down several teams and threw a name out there that each team could be/are interested in trading for. One name that did not surprise me was Roy Oswalt to the Dodgers. I speculated about Oswalt to the Dodgers after the Dodgers signed Mark Loretta and Brad Ausmus in the offseason.

Stark did indicate that the Dodgers will be on "the best" starting pitcher that becomes available, so I do not see Dodgers GM Ned Colletti making a deal until one of Roy Oswalt, Cliff Lee, and Jarrod Washburn becomes available.

Right now, I can't see the Astros trading their best pitcher, especially when they are only 4 games out of the lead in the NL Central. The Astros have historically been a very good second half team, so they will wait till the very last day or so before deciding whether to become a buyer or a seller.

There have been no indications of which direction the Astros are headed, but should they become sellers, they could look to the Dodgers who are looking for that veteran ace starting pitcher to carry them into the playoffs and beyond this year.

Dodgers GM Ned Colletti would have to give up some of his young pitching prospects for sure, so one can surmise that AAA starter Scott Elbert, and AAA starter/major league reliever James McDonald will be on Astros GM Ed Wade's radar. In fact, the Dodgers would love to have Wade include middle reliever Latroy Hawkins in a deal should he become available as well. Wade could do well trading Oswalt to re-stock his depleted farm system.

The Astros also have needs at 3B and SS long term, so the Dodgers could throw in AAA 3Bman Blake Dewitt or High A 3Bman Pedro Baez, who will be representing the Dodgers in the Futures game during the All-Star break. Colletti could throw in SS Chin-Lung Hu for good measure.

Would Elbert, McDonald, Hu and Baez be enough in return for ace starting pitcher Roy Oswalt?

Poll

Is my proposed offer of Scott Elbert, James McDonald, Pedro Baez and Chin-Lung Hu enough in return for Roy Oswalt?

MLB Trade Rumors: What Happens To Juan Pierre When Manny Returns?

raygu — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 17:10:10 -0000

More photos » by Lori Shepler - AP

27 days ago: Los Angeles Dodgers' Juan Pierre hits a single against the Philadelphia Phillies during the seventh inning of a baseball game in Los Angeles, Saturday, June 6, 2009. (AP Photo/Lori Shepler)

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I know many teams won't be texting Dodgers GM Ned Colletti asking for Juan Pierre due to his large contract, but there are a few teams who could use him-the Braves, Cubs and Mets.

The Braves need an outfielder in the worst way, and Pierre fits that bill and can also leadoff for them. The Cubs have to be tiring of Alfonso Soriano and his inability to get on base in the leadoff spot, as he is better suited to hit lower in the order. And the Mets have more injuries than any other team in the majors, and what happens if Jose Reyes injures his hamstring again, or is out longer than expected?

What Pierre brings to the table for each team is his speed and his ability to lead off. He will steal plenty of bases, and almost never strikes out. This year, playing LF for the Dodgers, he has performed above expectations, as he is hitting .329-.391-.418 with 21 SBs, 24 RBI and 37 runs scored. The fact that he is getting on base at a .391 clip leads me to believe one of two things: 1) the market for his services HAS to have increased and some team may be willing to take on some of his contract, or 2) maybe he will play in LA more than we all think. I say that because SS Rafael Furcal, the Dodgers leadoff hitter once Manny returns, is having a sub-par year at the plate as evidenced by his .241-.314-.322 slash line.

I think he can help some teams, even the Dodgers, in the 2nd half of the season. Will the Dodgers trade Pierre?

Poll

Will Juan Pierre get traded by July 31st?

MLB Trade Rumors: Matt Holliday To The Reds??

raygu — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 03:32:07 -0000

More photos » by Jeff Chiu - AP

6 days ago: Oakland Athletics' Matt Holliday, left, is tagged out at home by Colorado Rockies' Paul Phillips in the sixth inning of a baseball game on Saturday, June 27, 2009, in Oakland, Calif. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

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Paul Daugherty from the Cincinnatti Enquirer suggests that the Reds can make a statement by trading for A's outfielder Matt Holliday. The Reds, along with the Mets and Braves, are screaming for an outfielder, and Holliday would be perfect for the young Reds lineup.

The Reds have trotted out the likes of Laynce Nix, Chris Dickerson and Jonny Gomes in left field this year. Holliday would put those three on the bench or AAA and provide another solid power hitter to the Reds lineup. He would probably bat cleanup behind Joey Votto, Brandon Phillips and Willy Taveras.

What would A's GM Billy Beane want in return for Holliday? Major league ready prospects. Homer Bailey might be a start, and a change of scenery may be the best medicine for Bailey. Throw in CFer Chris Heisey, who was recently promoted from AA Carolina to AAA Louisville, or AA 1B/3B Todd Frazier and the Reds may be able to offer more than the Mets or Braves. Heisey was hitting .347-.426-.572-.998 with 13 HRs, 47 RBI, 13 SBs and a 34/34 K/BB ratio. Meanwhile Frazier is hitting .312-.365-.495-.860 with 7 HRs, 42 RBI and a 34/24 K/BB ratio.

Throw in the fact that Reds GM Walt Jocketty is known for making a big splash at the trading deadline, and the Reds may be the perfect fit for the A's. Plus, Jocketty and Beane are no strangers. They got together on a deal in the past trading Dan Haren and two others for Mark Mulder.

A trade to the Reds could also restore some of Holliday's value in the upcoming free agent market. The Reds have what the Mets and Braves don't have-a stocked farm system. Jocketty may be ready to make a splash.

Poll

Is Homer Bailey and Chris Heisey enough in a deal for Matt Holliday?

MLB Trade Rumors: Adam Dunn To The Mets?

raygu — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 02:44:01 -0000

More photos » by Alex Brandon - AP

Should the Mets have this power hitter on their radar?

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The NY Post quoted Met's manager Jerry Manuel stating that he wants another bat in the lineup should the team drop below .500. I say he should get one even if they don't drop below .500.

The price the Cardinals paid for Mark DeRosa was cheap in my opinion, so the price for a bat like Matt Holliday or Adam Dunn may not be as bad as originally thought. Dunn would come cheaper than Holliday and would provide the Mets with a power bat who can play LF or 1B. Dunn can play 1B until Carlos Delgado returns from the DL in about a month barring any setbacks. Once Delgado returns, he can play LF and bat either 3rd, 4th or 5th in the Mets lineup.

The price for Dunn would more than likely be a young pitcher such as Bobby Parnell or a minor league pitcher, along with taking on the rest of Dunn's contract. Maybe the Mets should deal Bobby Parnell should Oliver Perez prove useful out of the bullpen. The Nationals at this point need as much pitching as possible, no matter what level they are playing. With the recent news that the Nationals are looking to trade the likes of Dunn and Josh Willingham, Dunn should bring the most back as far as talent, and the Mets are desperate for a power bat with Carlos Delgado and Carlos Beltran out for at least another month.

But should the Mets set their sites on Matt Holliday, the price will be more expensive.

Should the Mets "settle" for Adam Dunn?

Poll

Should the Mets trade for Adam Dunn to satisfy manager Jerry Manuel's request for a bat?

NL-Only 5x5 League Trade: Carlos Lee for Dan Haren

raygu — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 16:20:00 -0000

More photos » by ED ZURGA - AP

15 days ago: Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Dan Haren throws in the first inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals, Thursday, June 18, 2009, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)

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In my "big" NL-only 5x5 league, I am currently in 6th place, 0.5 points out of 5th. 7 points out of 2nd and 16 points out of 1st. I am looking at my roster and I see that I have alot of power, take a look:

Carlos Lee

Jake Fox

I am currently 5th in HRs (30 behind the leader and 16 HRs behind the 4th place team), 5th in runs scored (39 runs behind the leader and 11 behind the 3rd place team), and 7th in RBI (28 RBI behind the 5th place team, and 92 behind the leader).

I am in 8th place in Wins (11 wins behind 2nd place team), 5th place in WHIP (.10 in WHIP behind the 2nd place team), and 4th in Strikeouts (65 behind 3rd place team).

I am thinking I can gain some points in the power categories with Manny Ramirez and Edwin Encarnacion returning next week, with Joey Votto returning last week. But, I would like to make up some ground in Wins and WHIP.

My pitching staff is as follows:

Josh Johnson

Ubaldo Jimenez-recently traded for him

Ricky Nolasco

Joel Piniero

Jorge DeLarosa

Jonathan Sanchez

Johnny Cueto

Huston Street

Latroy Hawkins

Should I trade Carlos Lee for Dan Haren or Chad Billingsley? Do I have enough power to make up ground in the power categories even if I trade for pitching?

Poll

Should I trade Carlos Lee for Dan Haren or Chad Billingsley?

MLB Trade Rumors: Mark DeRosa Traded To The Cardinals

raygu — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 08:24:10 -0000

More photos » by Tony Dejak - ASSOCIATED PRESS

6 days ago: Cleveland Indians' Mark DeRosa hits a grand slam off Kansas City Royals pitcher Jamey Wright in the seventh inning in a baseball game, Tuesday, June 9, 2009, in Cleveland. Jamey Carroll, Victor Martinez and Shin-Soo Choo scored. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)

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The Cardinals have traded reliever Chris Perez and a PTBNL for outfielder Mark DeRosa. DeRosa will probably play 3B for the Cardinals for now. This deal is a shot to the Cubs who were rumored to be looking at DeRosa earlier last week, but more importantly, gives the Cardinals a very good and versatile hitter who can play OF or 3B or 2B.

I wouldn't be surprised to see the Cardinals deal for another outfielder as they have been rumored to be in on A's outfielder Matt Holliday. I don't see DeRosa as the bat needed to protect Albert Pujols, but this move definitely strengthens their lineup. This deal almost certainly means they cannot count on Troy Glaus to return this year.

Poll

Will the Cardinals trade for a hitter to protect Albert Pujols?

Friday's Roto Round Up: Andre Ethier Hits 3 HRs, Yovanni Gallardo Dominates Giants

raygu — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 04:16:59 -0000

More photos » by Hector Mata - AP

7 days ago: Los Angeles Dodgers' Andre Ethier hits a home run during the second inning of a baseball game against the Seattle Mariners in Los Angeles on Friday, June 26, 2009. (AP Photo/Hector Mata)

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I was watching the Dodgers-Mariners game last night, and before the top of 6th inning of every Dodgers game, Vin Scully gives viewers a view into Dodgers history. Well, last night he talked about how Sandy Koufax threw 27 complete games in 1965. He ended his short story with a comment about how different the players were back then. So true. He also mentioned how in one game Juam Marichal threw 227 pitches...in one game! Most pitchers don't throw that in two games now.

C, Geovany Soto, Cubs-it appears Soto is over the shoulder injury that hampered him in April and May, as he hit his 7th HR of the season and drove in 3 runs. He has hit 6 of his 7 HRs in the month of June.

OF, Brett Gardner, Yankees-Gardner went 5 for 6, scored 3 runs, drove in 2 and stole his 17th base of the season. He is hitting .303 with a .374 OBP.

SP, Yovanni Gallardo, Brewers-Gallardo struck out 9 Giants en route to his 8th win of the season. In 7+ innings, he gave up 4 hits, 3 walks and 1 run, as he lowered his ERA to 2.86.

OF, Andre Ethier, Dodgers-Ethier hit 3 HRs and drove in 6 in the Dodgers win over the Mariners. Ethier now has 14 HRs and 49 RBI on the season. Manny Ramirez returns next weekend, and we all know how Ethier hits when Manny is in the lineup.

1B, Aubrey Huff, Orioles-Huff went 2 for 4 with 3 RBI on Friday. He now has 50 RBI on the season. He can help some teams looking to improve at 1B come July 31st.

OF, Ryan Ludwick, Cardinals-Ludwick went 0 for 4 lowering his average to .226 with a .300 OBP. If the Cardinals are serious about winning the NL Central, they have to go out and get someone to protect Albert Pujols. Funny that Matt Holiday is an OFer and is available.

OF, Jay Bruce, Reds-Bruce went 0 for 4 and is now hitting .209 with a .294 OBP. Some people have compared him to Adam Dunn, but Dunn walks.

1B, Adrian Gonzalez, Padres-Gonzalez went 0 for 2 with 2 more walks last night. He may lead the NL in walks this year. Do the Padres trade him now that Jake Peavy is out for the year??

SP, Ricky Romero, Blue Jays-Romero dominated the Phillies over 7 innings to win his 5th game of the season. He struck out 7 and only allowed 3 baserunners. What happened to the Phillies lineup??

CL, Brad Lidge, Phillies-in his first appearance sinvce returning from the DL, Lidge gave up 2 runs on 2 hits and 2 walks. Roto owners should watch to see if Lidge can rebound in his next appearance, otherwise, Lidge may not be completely healthy.

SP, Josh Beckett, Red Sox-Beckett shut out the Braves for 7 innings, allowing only 6 hits and striking out 6, in winning his 9th game of teh season. Beckett lowered his ERA to 3.48.