Rumors for June, 2011
Mets could go after Scott Kazmir
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General manager Sandy Alderson said that the New York Mets would consider the recently released Scott Kazmir, Andy Martino of the New York Daily News reports.
“We look at everybody who hits the wire, and the same would apply to him,”
Martino reminds us that Alderson is quick to shoot down any rumors about players that he is not interested in.
The Angels released Kazmir on June 15 after posting a 17.02 ERA in 15 1/3 innings of Minor League work this season. With his release, the pitcher takes home $14.5 million this season along with a $2.5 million buyout for the 2012 team option. If the Mets sign him, they only have to pay him the prorated portion of the Major League minimum.
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Rosenthal on: Yankees, Phillies and Rockies
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Here is the latest from Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports via his full count video:
– The Yankees are looking at add a starting pitcher and according to Rosenthal Wandy Rodriguez makes a lot of sense for them. The left handed pitcher is signed through 2013 and has a $13 million option for 2014. The problem for the Yankees is that the Atros will probably ask for top of the rotation value in exchange of Rodriguez, while the Yankees see him as a bottom of the rotation pitcher.
– The Philadelphia Phillies are looking for a right handed hitter and a left handed reliever. They recently said they wouldn’t make any big deals and things have not changed. Besides that, they don’t have a place for a player who requires an everyday role adds Rosenthal. That’s why a player like Ryan Spilborghs makes a lot of sense for the Phillies at this moment.
– The Rockies have been struggling lately, but they still could be either buyers or sellers at the deadline. If they become buyers, they would probably go after a starter that could eat innings, such as Hiroki Kuroda or Kevin Slowey. If they become sellers, closer Houston Street, infielder Ty Wigginton and starter Aaron Cook could be dealt before the deadline.
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Pitchers notes: Bell, Broxton, Lyon and Peavy
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Here are a few notes regarding some Major League pitchers:
– Teams are beginning to accelerate talks with the Padres regarding Heath Bell writes Buster Olney of ESPN. Multiple teams are preparing offers for the Padres closer who according to Olney figures to be among the first big names dealt this summer.
– Jonathan Broxton is expected to begin a rehab assignment with triple-A Albuquerque in a couple of days according to Dylan Hernandez of the Los Angeles Times.
– Astros closer Brandon Lyon will probably require season-ending surgery reports Steve Campbell of the Houston Chronicle. Lyon’s biceps tendon is out of its groove and the condition likely will not improve through rest, rehabilitation or medication says Campbell.
– Jake Peavy could be back in the White Sox rotation by Wednesday according to Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times. Peavy pitched six scoreless innings on Thursday for the White Sox’s Triple-A team.
“Without discussing it with Ozzie and [GM] Kenny [ Williams], it looks like he’s lined up for the last game against the Cubs,’’ pitching coach Don Cooper said. “That’s unofficial, as well as the six-man rotation. But all of that is going to be discussed and probably shook out after the game today or tomorrow. We’ll talk more about it.”
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Yankees sign Dante Bichette Jr.
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The New York Yankees have signed Dante Bichette Jr. according to Marc Carig of The Star-Ledger. Bichette was given a $750,000 signing bonus.
Scouting reports suggest he will move to a corner outfield or maybe third base where he projects to hit for average and power. He is one of the top prep power hitters in the country and has a strong, accurate arm and good hands.
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Orioles designate Jeremy Accardo for assignment
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The Baltimore Orioles have designated Jeremy Accardo for assignment, Brittany Ghirolli of MLB.com reports. The move opens up a spot on the roster for infielder Blake Davis who has his contract selected by the team.
In 24 relief appearances with the Orioles this season, the 29-year-old right-hander was 3-2 with a 4.50 ERA.
Brewers designate Daniel Herrera for assignment
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The Milwaukee Brewers have designated left-handed pitcher Daniel Herrera for assignment, Tom Haudricourt of the Journal-Sentinel reports. Herrera had been with the big league club only for two days to help with the team’s overworked bullpen.
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Michael Cuddyer is open to waiving his limited no-trade clause
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Twins outfielder Michael Cuddyer has been the target of trade rumors since almost April. The Twins are trying to bounce back from an awful start, but if they fail to do so and become sellers, Cuddyer could be the first one to go.
The outfielder though has a limited no-trade clause writes Scott Miller of CBSSports.com. Cuddyer’s clause includes three teams, although he doesn’t remember which ones. “Can’t remember,” he said. “I think Oakland is one. Toronto. And … I’m not sure.”
Cuddyer is in the final season of a three-year, $24 million deal with the Twins and he cares so much about the organization, he would be open to waiving his no-trade clause if it’ll help the team adds Miller.
“I do,” said Cuddyer. “I care so deeply about this team, that if it helps the organization. …”
Cuddyer is hitting .282/.347/449 with 10 HR’s and 27 RBI’s in 234 AB’s this season for the Twins.
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Astros looking to trade Brett Myers and Jeff Keppinger
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The Houston Astros currently have the worst record in the Majors at 25-45, and it looks they will become sellers during the deadline.
Bill Ladson of MLB.com heard today at Nationals Park that the Astros are looking to trade right handed pitcher Brett Myers and infielder Jeff Keppinger. Ladson adds that he doubts the Nationals would have interest in Myers or Keppinger.
Myers is 2-6 with a 5.03 ERA in 14 starts for the Astros in 2011. Keppinger is hitting .301/.329/.370 with 1 HR and 7 RBI’s in 73 AB’s for the Astros this season.
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Carlos Zambrano is willing to waive his no-trade clause
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According to Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports, right handed pitcher Carlos Zambrano said he would waive his no-trade clause if the team wanted to move him.
“If they come to me and want to trade me, obviously it’s because they don’t want me here anymore,” Zambrano told FOXSports.com (via Rosenthal). “I always say that. I’ll be here until the Cubs decide to trade me.”
Earlier today, Bruce Levine of ESPNChicago.com said that Yankees’ scouts recently watched Zambrano pitch during the Cubs’ last 10-game road trip. Levine says that the scouts were top advisers to Yankees general manager Brian Cashman.
The Yankees’ rotation has suffered two big losses with Phil Hughes and more recently Bartolo Colon. A veteran like Zambrano could help the team down the stretch.
Zambrano has a no-trade clause, and has said several times he wants to stay with the Cubs until his deal expires after the 2012 season. Levine though says that Zambrano like any veteran, wants the opportunity to pitch in a World Series before his career is over.
The Yankees could be that opportunity for Zambrano, so there’s a chance he could change his mind and waive his no-trade clause. The right hander has also had success working with the Yankees pitching coach, Larry Rothschild, and that could be an advantage for both sides.
If the Cubs decide to trade Zambrano, and if he waives his no-trade clause, the team could get young talent in return and also get rid of some, if not all of the $27 million left on Zambrano’s contract.
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Injury updates: Hanson, Lowrie, Hafner, Sanchez and Buchholz
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Here’s a running list of injury updates around the Major Leagues:
– Right handed pitcher Tommy Hanson has been placed on the 15-day Disabled List with shoulder inflammation according to Mark Bowman of MLB.com. The MRI showed no structural damage says Bowman.
– The Boston Red Sox have placed Jed Lowrie on the 15-day Disabled List with a shoulder injury, reports Alex Speier of WEEI.com. Lowrie has been having problems with his shoulder since May 29 after a collision with Carl Crawford.
– Designated hitter Travis Hafner has been activated from the Disabled List according to Aaron Gleeman of NBCSports.com. Hafner was sidelined with an oblique injury.
– Eduardo Sanchez was placed on the 15-day Disabled List with a shoulder injury and it’s no sure thing he’ll be ready to return from the DL when eligible on June 28 reports Joe Strauss of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
– Clay Buchholz was pulled out of yesterday’s start against the Rays with lower-back tightness according to Brian MacPherson of the Providence Journal.
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