2014 Trade Deadline Thread

[Guest]

Cross Colorado Rockies star Michael Cuddyer off the many potential trade-target lists.

In an extremely weak market for hitters, Cuddyer's likely unavailability is a big blow to teams that have interest.

Cuddyer, a proven veteran hitter whose versatility is a major bonus, was questionable as a trade target since suffering a broken shoulder a month ago. It was never clear if he would be ready to play before the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline. But beyond the injury, which is due to be looked at after the Rockies return from their next trip July 21, there are two more good reasons Cuddyer won't be going anywhere.

For one, owner Dick Monfort wants to keep him, as he suggested in a recent Denver Post interview. For another, the baseball people in this case are said to agree.

Cuddyer, a terrific professional who was batting .317 when he suffered a non-displaced fracture of the glenoid socket, is a very easy guy for bosses to love, and that is the case here. The Rockies instead will try to re-sign him, though Cuddyer recently told the Post they haven't reached out yet.

It would actually make some sense, if he proves healthy later this month, to try to deal Cuddyer at the deadline, then try to bring him back in wintertime. But Colorado people so much enjoy having Cuddyer around to aid the Rockies' young players that they don't believe it's even worth trading him. Even in a weak market, a rental hitter, even a very good one, probably wouldn't draw an elite prospect, they figure.

Cuddyer can start his rehab if an MRI after July 21 shows his shoulder is healing. If can make it back onto the field this month, it will be for the Rockies organization, not anyone else.

http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/writer/...m-in-offseason

Foolish in my mind to risk losing Cuddyer for nothing, especially when you are at the bottom of the division.

[Guest]

The Mariners and Rays have been discussing potential deals involving star utility-man Ben Zobrist, as Seattle looks to bulk up its offense and shore up its roster for a playoff run, sources confirm.

According to Jon Morosi of FOXsports.com, Seattle also has talked about the Rays' superstar pitcher David Price as well as Zobrist, and such a combo certainly would transform the Mariners. However, to this point, Zobrist has been the main focus of the talks, with those discussions going on for weeks, league sources say.

Younger utility-man Nick Franklin is someone who's come up in talks with the Rays, and he'd fit Tampa as someone who might be able to do some of the things Zobrist does. He is from Orlando, and wouldn't mind a move closer to home.

The Mariners are interested in fortifying their lineup, and also have talked about the Twins' Josh Willingham, the White Sox's Dayan Viciedo and the Phillies' Marlon Byrd, though a trade for Byrd, whose four-team no-trade clause includes Seattle, is said to be “less than likely” now by a league source.

One reason that Byrd isn't a likelihood is because he has expressed a deep preference to stay in Philadelphia, and people with Mariners ties wonder whether Price's own geographic preferences would ultimately discourage Seattle from making a big play for the star lefthander.

Price's agent Bo McKinnis told Ken Rosenthal at the winter meetings that Price wouldn't sign an extension in Seattle, and while Price said at the All-Star gathering Monday he'd leave those comments to his agent, he suggested he loves the south or somewhere near his Tennessee home. He kiddingly named the Nashville Sounds as his favorite team in answer to a question about his preferred locale.

The Mariners' ownership group is “very big” on bringing in players who want to be in Seattle, especially if they're committing huge dollars to such a player, someone with ties to the Mariners pointed out. Talks about Price broke down in the winter after the Mariners declined to include top pitching prospect Taijuan Walker, and possibly also Price's preference, though Seattle's current standing as the second wild-card team could make them somewhat more aggressive.

As for Zobrist, he'd make a nice fit for the Mariners, who need more consistent right-handed pop. Though he isn't having his best year -- he's hitting .266 with six home runs -- he'd also provide more veteran leadership in an improving but young clubhouse.

Zobrist is manageable in terms of dollars, as he makes $7 million this year, then $7.5 million next year with a $7.5-million option for 2016 (with a $500,000 buyout).

The Mariners are in good shape in terms of having a stockpile of prospects to trade. Young hitter D.J. Peterson is someone whose stock is on the rise, though he presumably wouldn't go anywhere unless it was a really big deal.

http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/writer/...-include-price

I don't think Seattle will give up the pieces for Price, even though with their performance they have a window with him. Zobrist is a realistic option and would be a great fit for them.

[MVPete]

Hate to see Zobrist go but it's probably time. Either way I hope we see some trades go down in the next week and a half that spice things up .

[Guest]

The strong belief, based on talks so far with the Phillies, is that the team would much prefer to trade Cliff Lee than Cole Hamels.

But, as one rival GM said, "Cliff Lee isn't pitching. So how can you make a deal for him today?"

That is a fair point, but Lee is expected back soon from an elbow issue that has sidelined him for a few weeks, and it's possible he could pitch in two or three games that could amount to a showcase for the star left-hander.

The asking price, meantime, is said to be very high for Hamels ... if the Phillies will even trade him. Hamels, operating on a six-year, $144 million deal, is 3-5 with a 2.93 ERA.

Phillies GM Ruben Amaro said earlier this week in this space he's "open to anything," suggesting longtime Phillies stars Jimmy Rollins and Chase Utley are least likely to move due to their 10-and-5 trade veto rights.

Lee was 4-4 with a 3.18 ERA before being sidelined. Another issue with Lee is his heavily backloaded contract which guarantees him $48 million through the end of next year and could be worth $63 million through 2016. The '16 option is a vesting option that's likely to vest.

Both Lee and Hamels have no-trades with at least 20 teams on them, but people around the team suggest Hamels is more likely to invoke his, as he wants to remain in Philly. Lee, like closer Jonathan Papelbon, would likely choosing winning over city, they say.

http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/writer/...ee-than-hamels

Lee is likely being moved in August considering he's still out with the elbow injury. Hamels asking price from Amaro is likely too high, so if they move anyone, it's likely Papelbon.

[Guest]

The Orioles came into Saturday with a four-game lead in the AL East despite getting a 4.07 ERA from their rotation, the ninth worst in baseball and the worst in the division. Starting pitching figures to be on their trade deadline shopping list, and they are reportedly having preliminary talks with the Phillies about A.J. Burnett.


Burnett's wife is from Maryland and they live there in the offseason, so he's been connected to the Orioles just about every time he's been a free agent in his career.

The 37-year-old Burnett is 6-9 with a 4.08 ERA in 21 starts and 136 2/3 innings for Philadelphia this year. His strikeout (7.4 K/9) and ground ball (49.6 percent) rates are way down from his last two seasons with the Pirates while his walk rate (3.8 BB/9) is way up. That's not a good combination.

The Phillies signed Burnett to a one-year deal worth $16 million guaranteed in the spring. The contract includes a $15 million mutual option for 2015, though if the team declines their half, Burnett holds a $7.5 million player option for next year, which could complicate things.

Philadelphia has the seventh worst record in baseball at 42-54, coming into Saturday. Veteran left-handers Cliff Lee and Cole Hamels are also said to be on the trade block should the Phillies finally decide to sell.

http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/eye-on-...-burnett-trade

Burnett, added with Jimenez coming back, would kick Gausman and Gonzalez out of the rotation, the two of them are better than Burnett and Jimenez. Adding Burnett doesn't really improve the club in my mind. If they make a move, make it for Cliff Lee or don't make one at all.

[Guest]

The Texas Rangers are conducting a sale of some premium players and are involved in discussions concerning very good players, such as re-emerging bullpen talent Joakim Soria and .300-hitting outfielder Alex Rios. But stars Yu Darvish and Adrian Beltre and very likely even cornerstone shortstop Elvis Andrus, too, won't be going anywhere.

Teams have called about all three big-name players but the Rangers are understandably considering this year an injury-riddled aberration. Since the Rangers intend to compete again next year, they have decided it's pointless to spend time on trade talks involving Beltre, the team leader as well as an All-Star third baseman, and Darvish, one of the game's best pitchers.

It probably isn't a surprise Texas intends to keep its core together. Andrus in particular had been viewed as a more likely trade candidate since the Rangers are well-stocked with young middle infielders, including Luis Sardinas, Rougned Odor and Jurickson Profar, but beyond Profar's upsetting, even exasperating, year-ending injury, the Rangers view Andrus as instrumental to their clubhouse, and in any case want to guard against selling low. Word is, he is "very likely" staying now.

The Tigers are said to be one main pursuer of Soria, who has turned his career around following a second Tommy John surgery (with some irony, he is a rare healthy Ranger now), and who would fit Detroit as a top set-up man and possibly late replacement for veteran closer Joe Nathan, who has shown signs of a drop-off this year. The Pirates, Dodgers and Giants are among other teams that could potentially fit Soria.

Rios, a rare available right-handed bat, should have a nice market, too, with the Mariners, Giants, Blue Jays and Royals among teams that fit. The Mets, who are playing better, are another team that could make sense, if they move into buying mode. One complication: Adding to the year's injury woes, Rios left the game Friday with an ankle sprain, and it's uncertain how long he may be out.

The Mariners, needing a right-handed bat, are said to be discouraged at the moment about their chances in talks with Texas, and while they aren't on his six-team no-trade list, friends say he would prefer not to go so far as Seattle. Rios' agent Paul Kinzer also expressed concern that all the trade rumors may be affecting Rios, who had been among leaders in the .330s a few weeks ago.

Texas, which already has traded reliever Jason Frasor to the Royals, signaling the start of its sale, fully intends to pick up reasonable club options for 2015 on both Soria and Rios. Soria, who makes $5.5 million this year, has an option for $7 million, with a $500,000 buyout, while Rios, who makes $13.5 million this year, has an option for $13.5 million, and a $1 million buyout. Those options add to the value of the players, even Rios, who for years was seen as overpaid (even when the White Sox surprised folks by claiming him on waivers).

Soria's worth also may have gotten a boost with the deal to send Huston Street to the Angels, which has narrowed the market by removing at least Street and reducing the chance that Joaquin Benoit is traded. San Diego has mentioned to teams a reluctance to gut its whole bullpen back-end, which could leave Soria as the most appealing reliever on the market.

Neal Cotts, who staged a great comeback in Texas the past couple years, is another Rangers bullpen piece with value.

http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/writer/...for-rios-soria

[MVPete]

So the Giants are going to roll with Dan Uggla apparently, so Zobrist is probably not going there.

[Guest]

Uggla cost them nothing, but not a move I would have made. I am a bit surprised that an NL team was willing to add him.

[Guest]

Left-hander Tommy Milone asked the Athletics for a trade after being demoted to Triple-A earlier this month, reports Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports. He lost his rotation spot following the Jeff Samardzija/Jason Hammel trade.

Rosenthal says several teams have called Oakland to ask about Milone, but they are not inclined to move him. They are under no obligation to trade him despite his request. The team prefers to keep the southpaw as rotation depth even after the big deal with the Cubs.

Milone, 27, was 6-3 with a 3.55 ERA in 16 starts for the Athletics this year. He is 31-22 with a 3.74 ERA in 442 2/3 innings for Oakland over the last three seasons since being acquired from the Nationals in the Gio Gonzalez trade. Milone has a 3.33 ERA in 167 2/3 Triple-A innings over the years.

The Athletics are not doing anything against the rules and they're merely taking advantage of a player with minor-league options. It is really unfortunate for Milone, who deserves a big-league rotation spot, but his time will come soon enough. Right now he is stuck serving as the club's sixth starter.

http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/eye-on-...cs-for-a-trade

With Hammel a FA after the year, I can't see Milone being traded. He was having a good year, sucks that he was the odd-man out.

[Guest]

While Phillies star left-hander Cole Hamels remains technically available on the trade market, a rival GM put it this way: "They want the world."

The Phillies have to at least listen on Hamels considering their issues in dealing other big-salaried players and the clear need to begin to retool. But they obviously aren't eager, based on asking prices being heard.

Hamels, 5-5 with a 2.72 ERA this season, has $105 million to go on his $144 million, six-year deal through 2018. There is a $20 million option in 2019, and a $6 million buyout.

Hamels was said in this space to be "barely available," and that really hasn't changed. They would trade him, but only for a haul.

While Hamels has a 20-team no-trade list, he also has been frustrated by the Phillies' recent performance, so he may be accepting of some deals.

Philly has found no market for Ryan Howard or Cliff Lee (who could both pass through waivers and be traded in August, potentially), and limited interest in Jonathan Papelbon and A.J. Burnett. Papelbon has expressed an interest in being traded.

Burnett has a player option for 2015 that could be worth $12.75 million, discouraging teams, while Papelbon has a vesting option for 2016 that could be sticky, as it vests with 100 games finished this year and next, or 55 games finished in '15.

Papelbon and Burnett, like Howard and Lee, are trade candidates for August, as well, since they are unlikely to be claimed on waivers.

http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/writer/...m-is-the-world

Considering Hamels is one of Amaro's last valuable assets he can use to jump-start rebuilding with the Phillies, he has to ask for the world. Even then, it's not the worst thing to have Hamels at the top of the rotation while rebuilding.

[Guest]

Despite being only 3½ games out of a wild-card spot, the Indians are "very willing" to trade Opening Day starter Justin Masterson before Thursday's non-waiver trade deadline, according to Jeff Passan of Yahoo! Sports. Cleveland is looking for young, controllable starting pitching in return.

There is a wrinkle to trading Masterson: He is currently on the disabled list with a knee injury. He is due to return Friday, however, and players can be traded while injured. Jesse Crain went from the White Sox to the Rays while hurt last year, and a few years ago Jake Peavy went from the Padres to the White Sox while on the DL. It's not a deal-breaker, just an obstacle.

Masterson, 29, is due to become a free agent this winter, so he would be a pure rental. The Indians would likely make him a qualifying offer after the season to ensure they receive draft pick compensation if he signs elsewhere, but another team would not be able to make a qualifying offer if he's traded. Simply put, the Indians need to receive something more valuable than a supplemental first-round pick to come out ahead.

In 19 games and 98 innings this season, Masterson is 4-6 with a 5.51 ERA. His walk rate (5.1 BB/9) is way up and his sinker velocity (90.5 mph) is down noticeably from last year (93.1 mph). Despite that, Masterson is missing bats (8.5 K/9) and getting ground balls (58.5 percent). He has also been a workhorse, throwing at least 180 innings every year from 2010-13.

http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/eye-on-...stin-masterson

Can't see the Indians getting enough value to move Masterson either. Hope for the best down the stretch. If he continues to struggle, they could bring him back on a one year deal if they think it's worth it.

[Slateman]

So Amero gets fired, right?