Open Thread - July Trade Rumors

I don’t think the Tigers would even look at pursuing Rich Harden. As for Haren…it would be great if Detroit could somehow land him seeing as the Tigers would be able to keep him beyond this year at a reasonable salary. Plus, he would be moving from a somewhat hitter friendly park to a more pitcher friendly ballpark in Comerica. The price won’t be cheap, however.

A source tells Buster Olney that the Yankees want a resolution regarding Cliff Lee “before the game” on Friday.

“There has to be an answer before the game,” says the source. According to Olney, the Yankees told the Mariners that their current offer is their last and best offer for the left-hander. Also, there has been no talks of opening a negotiating window on a contract extension for Lee. It’s a bit of a risk to let him hit the open market after the season, but the Yankees would likely have the upper hand to re-sign him, anyway.

Source: Buster Olney on Twitter

Olney just said on ESPN: “We’re right on the one yard line with this deal.”

Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports that the Mets will now “turn strongly” to acquiring Ted Lilly from the Cubs.

According to Sherman, the Astros still want too much in return for Roy Oswalt and will pay too little of his remaining contract. Lilly, 34, will be a free agent after the 2010 season, so he would strictly be a rental. The Mets won’t be alone in their interest.

Source: Joel Sherman on Twitter

Comment: Drayton McLane drives a hard bargain, due somewhat due to consistently over valuing his own players. The Strohs are in no hurry to deal Oswalt, who’s one win away from tying Joe Niekro for the all time wins record among Astros (not saying much, but then they don’t got much right now to talk about). Get closer to the deadline, with Oswalt’s $ 37 to 50 million still on the books, and they may be more motivated. They either eat salary and get a decent prospect, or they let him go for very little, salary and all. The Tigers make a nice fit because they have the payroll available in the near future. There is still the obstacle of a full no trade clause.

According to Ken Davidoff of Newsday, the Mariners have told many interested teams that they are “out of the Cliff Lee sweepstakes.”

The Reds, Twins, Mets, Rangers and Cardinals, among others, have also shown interest in Lee, but it now appears that they will have to find an upgrade elsewhere. Davidoff has also heard that there was a “snag” between the Yanks and M’s for Lee, but all indications point to it getting done.

Source: Ken Davidoff on Twitter

Comment: The rich get richer. And Lee comes with two first round picks if he walks. Picks that can’t be used as compensation for other Type A free agents that the Yankers might decide to hoard.

A source tells Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com that the odds of Javier Vazquez being traded to the Phillies for Jayson Werth is a “50 to 1 shot.”

The same source also describes the Rays as a longshot for Werth. If the Phillies trade the soon-to-be free agent, they will seek an impact player who they can control beyond the 2010 season. As much as the Phillies want pitching, Vazquez will be a free agent after the season, as well. As for the Yankees, they could choose to sit on Vazquez right up until the deadline, possibly moving Phil Hughes to the bullpen until they are able to find the deal they want.

Source: Ken Rosenthal on Twitter

Comment: The theory here is that the Yanks get Lee, which makes Vazquez available, and they flip him for Werth.

DD needs to sack up and get a starting pitcher.

Brett Myers, Javier Vazquez (if the Yanks get Lee), and Dan Haren are others that might be had.

I know his numbers are poor in New York, but he’s always sucked in NY…
And he’s a Free Agent but if he rights the ship away from NY, perhaps he gets to a Type A/B free agent.
I don’t know. Just tossing ideas around!

I would still love to see them go after a SS but I think the window to trade with TB may be closing fast.

That would seemingly make Vazquez available.

Porcello’s start moved, could be related to a trade.

Montero- one of the games top prospects not already in the majors.
 
McAllister- a 22 year old RHP bumped from AA to AAA this year with solid numbers

Adams- an infielder playing mostly 2B, currently has a .900 OBP, and no errors in 36 games at 2B this year.

Yanks get Cliff Lee and the comp picks that go with him if he walks.

2009:$7.5M,
2010:$8.25M,
2011:$12.75M,
2012:$12.75M,
2013:$15.5M club option ($3.5M buyout)

As my fwend bigus dickus says, that’s weeesonable!

http://www.blessyouboys.com/2010/7/9/1561412/foxsports-com-rick-porcello-being

Via MLBTR…

The Mariners are backing off, according to Sherman. The Yankees believe they are no longer in the Lee sweepstakes, as the M’s have gone in another direction (Twitter links).

Hahahahaha!

What a prick!
Seriously? You don’t want to be part of one of the strongest rotations in the league when healthy (the White Sox) or part of a team with an annual Cy Young candidate in Verlander, MVP in Cabrera, good, young players, and a solid rotation?
Where do you want to go Mr. Oswalt?
THE NATIONALS?? Really?
I’ll enjoy watching you fail miserably with Houston.
/rant done

The Rangers will acquire Lee and Mark Lowe for Justin Smoak and three others, according to Sherman (via Twitter).

Seattle gives up Lee, Lowe, and cash (Rangers can’t take on salary)

Texas gives up Justin Smoak, Derek Holland, Jarrod Saltalamacchia and one more

My top 3 who may be attainable at a slightly higher price than an Octavio Dotel-type..
Manny Corpas (COL), Brandon League (SEA), Evan Meek (PIT)

Yunel Escobar headed to Toronto for Alex Gonzalez, among others. Don’t think we ever had much realistic interest in Yunel, but still worth noting

If we’re going to give up one or more of of our stud pitching prospects in a deal or deals, I’d like to know the seriousness of Casey Crosby’s arm difficulties. In three pro seasons, he’s had Tommy John, a great season in low A, and so far this year elbow pain keeping him out until late June, three starts in the GCL (8.76ERA) and now back to the DL.
Fanclub, any inside information?
It would seem that Casey himself probably has no trade value.

“Dan Lunetta, the director of minor league operations, said Crosby has nothing structurally wrong with his elbow. However, he hasn’t been able to pitch pain-free, so the club will comply with doctors’ recommendations that Crosby rest until he begins his normal off-season program.”

Thanks for looking into it. Maybe the Tigs Town guys will have even more info.

Strengthen that arm Casey.

http://www.freep.com/article/20100719/BLOG18/100718025/CBS-Sports-Tigers-tracking-Dan-Haren-Ben-Sheets

Tigers have expressed interest in Haren and Ted Lilly. On the reliever front, Aardsma and Michael Wuertz and Craig Breslow are apparent targets too.
No real tangible inquiries on Drew or Sheets (all speculation i think)

And meanwhile Lynn Henning writes that the Tigers should be sellers instead of buyer at the trade deadline. Article here. (he actually makes a semi-coherent point)

Some bum named Ian Casselberry wrote about it at SB Nation Detroit.

Also, he mentions that the Tigers were scouting Michael Wuertz in Oakland, not Ben Sheets (thank Avila).

Anyone want him back? ;)

No thanks.
And apparently Jose Bautista is being looked at by the Tigers FO (he can play 3rd).
No thanks again. Career year.

The more I want Adrian Beltre to decline his option and to take 5 years, 60mm to come play for us. He’s like Inge, but with a better glove and a far better bat.