Rumors for August, 2011
Padres designate Pat Neshek for assignment
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The San Diego Padres have designated Pat Neshek for assignment, according to a Tweet by Dan Hayes of the North County Times.
Neshek was claimed off of waivers by the Padres in March 2011. In 25 appearances for the Padres this season, the right-handed pitcher was 1-1 with 20 strikeouts in 24 2/3 innings.
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Phillies release Jack Cust and Aaron Heilman
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The Phillies have released Jack Cust and Aaron Heilman, Matt Gelb of the Philadelphia Inquirer reports.
Both Cust and Heilman were in the Minor Leagues providing the Phillies organizational depth and looked like potential September call-ups when they were signed.
Cust was signed only eight days ago to a minor league deal, but hit only .250 in 23 Triple-A plate appearances. Cust hit only .213 with three home runs and 23 RBIs in 67 games for the Mariners this season which is where he played prior to joining the Phillies.
Heilman signed a minor league deal last month with the Phillies after being release by the Diamondbacks where he posted a 6.88 ERA is 32 appearances out of the bullpen. Heilman then joined the Phillies Triple-A team where he sported a 8.38 ERA in 9 1/3 innings.
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Yankees and others interested in Rich Harden
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According to Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle, the New York Yankees and other playoff contenders have expressed interest in Oakland Ahtletics’ starting pitcher Rich Harden. The Yankees have attended the past two starts made by Harden.
Harden was originally dealt to the Boston Red Sox at the July trade deadline, but the Sox had second thoughts after looking over Harden’s medical records.
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Pirates extend OF Jose Tabata for six years
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In an article by Enrique Rojas of ESPNdeportes.com, a source tells him that the Pittsburgh Pirates have extended the contract of outfielder Jose Tabata for six years. Additionally, Tabata had left his former agency, ACES, Inc.
Here’s was Rojas had to say:
“Tabata’s new deal with the Pirates is guaranteed through the 2016 season and includes a restructuring of his contract for 2011. The team has options for 2017, 2018 and 2019 for a total of $37.25 million.
His salary increases to $500,000 this season, along with a $1 million signing bonus in 2011. Tabata will make $750,000 in 2012, $1 million in 2013, $3 million in 2014, $4 million in 2015 and $4.5 million in 2016.”
Tabata would have been arbitration-eligible for the first time in 2014.
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Yankees claim Laffey off waivers- Designate Molina for assignment
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The New York Yankees have claimed left handed relief pitcher Aaron Laffey off waivers from the Seattle Mariners Mark Feinsand of the New York Daily News reports. The left hander will join the Yankees tomorrow in Minnesota.
The team also designated catcher Gustavo Molina for assignment to make room for Laffey, adds Feinsand.
Laffey is 1-1 with a 4.01 ERA in 42.2 innings in 36 games for the Mariners in 2011.
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Pirates and Jose Tabata nearing a 6-year deal
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According to a source close to Enrique Rojas of ESPNDeportes.com, the Pittsburgh Pirates and Jose Tabata are nearing a six-year contract extension.
Rojas later adds that the deal includes a $1MM signing bonus, and his salary in 2011 would increase to $500K. He would then earn $750K in 2012, $1MM in 2013, $3MM in 2014, $4MM in 2015, and $4.5MM in 2016.
The deal also includes three option years which are valued at $22.5MM combined.
Tabata is hitting .264/.351/.362 with 4 HR’s and 17 RBI’s in 265 AB’s for the Pirates in 2011.
Cubs fire GM Jim Hendry
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The Chicago Cubs have fired General Manager, Jim Hendry, according to Patrick Mooney of CSNChicago.com. He adds that Randy Bush has been named interim GM.
Last week, we learned that the team was planning to keep Hendry as their GM. The Cubs currently rank fifth in the NL Central 18.5 games back with a 54-70 record.
During Hendry’s tenure, the Cubs were 749-748, one game above .500 and won three division titles(2003, ‘07, ‘08).
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Could Johnny Damon be a fit for the Phillies?
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The Philadelphia Phillies are looking for a left handed hitter, and the possible candidates include Jim Thome and Jason Giambi. Though both of them have not been placed on waviers yet.
Giambi said he doesn’t mind being traded as long as he can re-sign with the Rockies next season. The Twins were waiting for Thome to reach the 600 HR’s plateau in order to make a decision whether to move him or not.
Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports believes though, that when they get placed on waivers some rival team will claim them just to prevent the Phillies from getting either of them. Rosenthal does suggest that Johnny Damon could be a possibility for the team. He has already cleared waivers and he will be owed a reasonable $830,000 at the end of August.
The 37-year old Damon is hitting .263/.316/.398 with 10 HR’s and 51 RBI’s in 452 AB’s for the Rays in 2011.
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Isringhausen, Hairston and Byrdak to remain with Mets
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A source familiar with the waiver process told ESPNNewYork.com, as reported by Adam Rubin, that the Mets are planing to keep Jason Isringhausen, Scott Hairston and Tim Byrdak for the reminder of the season.
Even though they all will be free agents at the end of the season, the team will have to keep them given the fact that they were pulled back from waivers.
Rubin adds that Jason Bay, Chris Capuano, D.J. Carrasco, Willie Harris and Angel Pagan have all cleared waivers and could be traded to any Major League team.
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Boston Red Sox designate LHP Randy Williams for assignment
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According to Nick Cafardo of The Boston Globe, the Red Sox have designated left-handed pitcher Randy Williams for assignment to make room for Ryan Lavarnway on the roster.
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