Rumors for May, 2011
Cubs designate Robert Coello for assignment
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The Chicago Cubs have designated right handed pitcher Robert Coello for assignment according to the team official Twitter account. This movement will create room for recently acquired Rodrigo Lopez.
Lopez was acquired yesterday from the Braves. He posted a 2.59 ERA in nine starts so far this season at Triple-A for the Braves
Last season Coello threw 5.2 innings with the Red Sox posting a 4.76 ERA in six games.
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Fan dies after fall at Rockies game in Colorado
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According to P. Solomon Banda of the Associated Press, Robert Semans, 27, has died after he fell about 20 feet and struck his head on the concrete during the seventh inning of a Colorado Rockies game. The man was trying to slide down a staircase railing at Coors Field when he lost his balance.
“You definitely don’t want somebody’s experience at the ballpark to be something like that,” Rockies first baseman Jason Giambi said. “It’s supposed to be uplifting and an enjoyment for the fans. That’s a terrible thing to hear.”
The Rockies said in a statement Thursday that they were deeply saddened to learn of Seamans’ death.
“Our thoughts and prayers remain with the family and friends of this young man as we all grieve for his loss,” the club said.
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Rockies designate Jose Lopez for assignment
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According to MLB.com’s Thomas Harding, the Rockies have designated infielder Jose Lopez for assignment.
Lopez was acquired this past offseason for his bat and versatility. He had played second and third but was hitting only .210 with two-home runs while striking out 14 times.
Lopez is a career .264 hitter, who in 2009 had a career year with 25 home runs with 96 RBIs while hitting .272.
Rockies trade Felipe Paulino to Kansas City for cash considerations
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The Colorado Rockies have traded right handed pitcher Felipe Paulino to the Kansas City Royals for cash considerations according to the Rockies Twitter ccount.
The Royals designated Robinson Tejeda for assignment to create room for Paulino according to the Royals Twitter account.
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Bengie Molina is open to joining the Giants if they call
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In the aftermath of Buster Posey’s injury, we’ve already heard rumors about the Giants contacting the Nationals about Ivan Rodriguez, but according to Andrew Baggarly of the Mercury News, the Giants have another viable option right now.
We’re talking about the catcher who Posey replaced last season, Bengie Molina. Baggarly contacted Molina earlier today to ask him about Posey’s situation, and he provided a few bullet points of his interview with him:
– Molina said “heck yeah” he could put on a uniform tomorrow, but he realizes he’d probably need a few weeks in the minors first to get in game shape. He would “put his mind” into returning and go to the minors if the Giants really wanted him to do so. But he has not received a call from the Giants, and he’s not expecting one because he perceives hard feelings from the front office at how his tenure ended.
– Molina watched the play live on television from his home in Arizona and said he felt sad and sickened. He said the main reason Posey ended up in an awkward position is because he didn’t catch the ball from Nate Schierholtz, and so he didn’t finish his turn toward the runner.
–Molina texted Posey and said he hopes the young catcher will use him as a sounding board as he works through a long recovery.
–When Posey comes back, Molina said he hoped the Giants will be “smart enough to put him at first base or third base. He’s too valuable.”
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Rangers have inquired about Todd Coffey
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The Texas Rangers have inquired about Nationals reliever Todd Coffey reports Bill Ladson of MLB.com. The Rangers are looking for a setup man although the teams are not in serious talks at the moment.
Ladson adds that he has not received an answer from Nationals GM Mike Rizzo, about if the team is willing to part ways with Coffey. The Nationals are one of the worst teams in the National League offensively, so they could consider trading the right hander in order to get a lift in the offensive department.
Recently, we learned that the Rangers also inquired about Padres’ Heath Bell. The soon-to-be free agent Bell would like to stick around San Diego, but it’s to the team’s best interest to get something for him rather than let him walk after the season.
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Astros claim Blake King off waivers from Cardinals
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The Houston Astros have claimed right-handed pitcher Blake King off waivers from the St. Louis Cardinals, according to a team press release.
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Giants asked the Nationals about Ivan Rodriguez’s availability
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Giants catcher Buster Posey suffered a serious leg injury in yesterday’s game and will be out for the rest of the season. With the obvious void now at catcher, the team called the Nationals to ask about Ivan Rodriguez according to Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.
Posey sustained the injury while blocking home plate in the 12th inning of yesterday’s game against the Marlins. Scott Cousins collided with Posey to score the go-ahead run on a sacrifice fly by Emilio Bonifacio.
Back in March, we learned that the Nationals were willing to trade Rodriguez if Wilson Ramos was going to be the everyday catcher. The 39-year-old Rodriguez is signed through the 2011 season for $3 million.
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Are the Twins planning to trade Jason Kubel?
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Twins outfielder Jason Kubel, who is leading the team with a .306 average, can become a free agent at the end of this season. The 29-year old is being paid a very affordable $5.25 million this season.
It has been rumored that the team could deal him if they become sellers at the deadline, and the fact that he hasn’t been approached by the team regarding a long-term deal could reinforce that thinking.
According to Charley Walters of the Pioneer Press, Kubel although reluctant to talk about his contract status is confident the Twins will be competitive next season. But is he going to be around next season to be a part of it? Not sure.
A player like Kubel could help any team in search of a bat and given his modest contract, it would be more than accessible for a lot of teams. The fact that the Twins have not reached out to him regarding a new contract, could be a hint that they might trade him before the trade deadline.
Other possibilities for the Twins include waiting until the end of the season and approach him then with a new contract or let him walk away in free agency.
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Cubs acquire Rodrigo Lopez from the Braves
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According to Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune, the Cubs have acquired Rodrigo Lopez, from the Braves. Sullivan adds that Lopez will join the team in a bullpen capacity.
Lopez signed a minor league deal with the Braves this offseason with an invite to Spring Training.
Lopez had been insurance for the Braves rotation this season at Triple-A. He posted a 2.59 ERA in nine starts so far this season.
Last season, Lopez posted a 5.00 ERA for Arizona while throwing 200 innings with 116 strikeouts.
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