The Trade Rumors Thread

[ThomasTomasz]

The St. Louis Cardinals started the season with Ryan Franklin(notes) as its closer. That changed when he blew four of his first five opportunities and then went on the disabled list.
The team has been having some luck with Fernando Salas(notes) in the role. As of last night's victory, he's gone 10-for-10 in all the chances he's gotten.
But that hasn't stopped the Cards from being one of the teams inquiring about what it might take to snag San Jose Padres closer Heath Bell(notes), according to ESPN.
The 33-year-old Bell will be a free agent at year's end and has 14 saves and a 1.96 ERA so far this season.

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/rumors/...t=AnLqjdKsed9G4X.IV9S4sHwRvLYF?urn=mlb-359253

http://twitter.com/#!/Buster_ESPN/status/75760835422732288

 

[ThomasTomasz]

Before last night's game, Washington Nationals leadoff hitters had a combined .195 batting average this season. No wonder the team is in last place in the National League East.
So MLB.com has it that the team is searching for a trading partner that will send it someone who can lead off and play center field. The site also notes that the team "is willing to overpay in order to get what it wants."
The Washington Post heard that the Nats were talking to the Houston Astros about acquiring Michael Bourn(notes), but that didn't go anywhere.
The 26-year-old Roger Bernadina(notes) has been getting most of the starts at center this year for the Nats. He's hitting .244 with one home run so far this season.

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/rumors/...t=Akixch2Ok.yLPKc7GTsQbbURvLYF?urn=mlb-359214

http://twitter.com/#!/AdamKilgoreWP/status/75697342585643008

 

[ThomasTomasz]

As the Nationals slide further toward irrelevance in the standings, their veteran players will draw more and more consideration as trade pieces. The most prominent might be veteran Ivan Rodriguez, a Hall of Fame caliber catcher still playing elite defense at 39 who is the final year of his contract.

The Nationals, though, will not part with him for a pittance, and they are not actively seeking out a trade for him. General Manager Mike Rizzo made clear today, in a phone conversation with Boz, that it will not be easy to trade Rodriguez.

“To move him, it would have to be a good deal that helps us long term, not a quick fix trade for offense to get us to the time when Ryan Zimmerman is back,” Rizzo said. “Pudge would be a big piece for a contending team if they needed a catcher.”

Rodriguez, hitting .211/.259/.342, has seen his playing time steadily diminish as he has become the backup for rookie Wilson Ramos. Rodriguez has started five of the Nationals’ last 15 games.

Still, Rizzo sees value both in Rodriguez’s on-field contributions and off-field attitude. Rodriguez has gracefully accepted his station with the Nationals, eager to help Ramos and never complaining about his shrinking responsibility.

“We still need him here,” Rizzo said. “His value to us has only risen since he got here and especially this year. The way he’s worked with Wilson Ramos, he’s proved it’s not show or B.S. He’s embraced the city of Washington. He wants to stay here. So, somebody would have to come up with a piece that would help us in our long-term future.”

The possibility of trading Rodriguez became particularly feasible when the defending champion Giants lost Buster Posey to a broken leg last week.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs...for-a-quick-fix/2011/05/30/AGQCLzEH_blog.html

 

[EmpireWF]

No concrete rumors but it's pretty much a 99.9% guarantee the Mets move SS Jose Reyes and OF Carlos Beltran before the deadline.

They would also LOVE to be able to move RP Francisco Rodriguez because he has a clause in his deal where if he finishes 55 games (think it's 55), he's guaranteed $17 million in 2012. For him to agree to a trade, whatever team would have to sign him to an extension....so I assume if the Mets want to get rid of him, they'd have to offer up some money too.

 

[NAHSTE]

Gonna be interesting to see if the Braves deal any of their surplus of young arms for an OF bat to help the anemic offense.

 

[spiker]

mlbtraderumors.com is an awesome website. It's pretty comprehensive when it comes to compiling the trade rumors around the league.

 

[Warner2BruceTD]

No concrete rumors but it's pretty much a 99.9% guarantee the Mets move SS Jose Reyes and OF Carlos Beltran before the deadline.

They would also LOVE to be able to move RP Francisco Rodriguez because he has a clause in his deal where if he finishes 55 games (think it's 55), he's guaranteed $17 million in 2012. For him to agree to a trade, whatever team would have to sign him to an extension....so I assume if the Mets want to get rid of him, they'd have to offer up some money too.

The Reds would love to have Reyes, but they don't want to sign him long term to some ridiculous contract, so the high trade price for a rental is too steep for them. The Mets want a package that exceeds the FA compensation they would receive if he walks, and from what I heard Walt Jocketty was telling people the price is waaaay too high.

 

[strahanfan92]

Everyone forgets Reyes' health issues. Guy whose game is based around his speed with a big history of leg problems, idk can't justify him getting the huge deal he wants.

 

[G-men]

i hear the Yankees are looking to shop A-Rod and Jeter

 

[Mogriffjr]

No concrete rumors but it's pretty much a 99.9% guarantee the Mets move SS Jose Reyes and OF Carlos Beltran before the deadline.

They would also LOVE to be able to move RP Francisco Rodriguez because he has a clause in his deal where if he finishes 55 games (think it's 55), he's guaranteed $17 million in 2012. For him to agree to a trade, whatever team would have to sign him to an extension....so I assume if the Mets want to get rid of him, they'd have to offer up some money too.

Beltran will be moved, that's almost a guarantee.

From what I'm hearing from the boards, from Adam Rubin and beat writers, Reyes may NOT get dealt. Even now, there's talk of "possibly" dealing Wright, but that's just hearsay. For now, I put Reyes trade talk being 50/50. Beltran 99%, K-Rod around 75%.

 

[Mogriffjr]

Everyone forgets Reyes' health issues. Guy whose game is based around his speed with a big history of leg problems, idk can't justify him getting the huge deal he wants.

Biggest myth in sports...his big history of leg problems.

04 he had the hammy issue.

05, 06, 07 and 08 he played full seasons. 09 he had the hamstring/calf problem (and I blame Mets incompetent medical staff for misdiagnosing this injury and making him essentially out for the year). LAst year was his thyroid, completely different from his legs.

Yes his game is mostly his speed, but don't forget his excellent bat control and lack of strikeouts. He's never had over 82 strikeouts in a season, right now he has 18/19 BB/K ratio and hitting .335. He also plays a premier SS defense so he's top 3 in baseball, right along with Tulo.

 

[Sven Draconian]

I would be giddy if the Tigers traded for Reyes, pushed Peralta over to 3rd and let Brandon Inge collect unemployement. Improved defense at a key spot and improved offense.

Not sure they have the finances though.

 

[EmpireWF]

Yeah, Reyes' leg issues are history, hasn't dealt with them in some time. Last year's missed games was not due to the leg. He's so important to the club he's on, he deserves to get a monster pay day.

No doubt Wright would be easier to move (assuming his back doesn't deteriorate anytime soon) with a much more manageable contract.

I guess the Mets could just let Reyes walk and get the 2 picks....especially if they're set in getting a big package back for him. It's obvious unless a team is desperate, there's no reason to give up the farm for a guy who's intent on hitting free agency.

 

[Buzzman]

I would be giddy if the Tigers traded for Reyes, pushed Peralta over to 3rd and let Brandon Inge collect unemployement. Improved defense at a key spot and improved offense.

Not sure they have the finances though.

I would not want to be stuck with the contract he will want. It'd be like Carlos Guillen all over again.

 

[killgod]

Reyes can stay the fuck in the NL thank you very much. I don't need this shit in the fucking AL East, we have enough talent there thanks.

 

[ThomasTomasz]

Beltran will be moved, that's almost a guarantee.

From what I'm hearing from the boards, from Adam Rubin and beat writers, Reyes may NOT get dealt. Even now, there's talk of "possibly" dealing Wright, but that's just hearsay. For now, I put Reyes trade talk being 50/50. Beltran 99%, K-Rod around 75%.

Very true. I was meaning to post this earlier but forgot, but here is what ESPN NY had on the take:

Jose Reyes and David Wright have only worn New York Mets uniforms in their major league careers.

That is highly likely to change next season. Yet it is not a foregone conclusion that Reyes is the one who will be gone. General manager Sandy Alderson instead may choose to deal Wright next offseason, a source familiar with the organization's thinking told ESPNNewYork.com.

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"It will be a very ticklish situation because of what David has meant to the team for so long, but that's not a concern of Sandy," the source said. "There will be some capital there to spend on Reyes if they choose to go that direction. Now, he can't obviously get monster money. If Reyes wants monster money, no, the Mets won't keep him."

Alderson has indicated he is likely to approach Reyes' agents before the trading deadline to gauge how much the shortstop may be seeking as a free agent. The GM also will listen to trade offers before July 31.

"But it has to be a great deal" to trade Reyes at the deadline, the source predicted.

The widespread public expectation has been Reyes is all but assured of getting traded at the deadline.

But, the source said, the more likely scenario is for the Mets to complete the season with both Reyes and Wright. Then, if the Mets can re-sign Reyes to a deal of perhaps five years or less -- their hope is an unrealistic three years -- they may be able to come to an agreement next offseason. If not, they could offer Reyes arbitration and collect two draft picks, likely including a first-rounder.

The new collective bargaining agreement may abolish first-round picks as compensation for losing a free agent, but the current agreement -- which expires Dec. 11 -- is expected to still govern free-agent compensation for next year's draft.

"I think they'll go to him and they'll request a home-team discount," the source said. "He's got reasons to stay. The flights between New York and the Dominican are easy. He'd be the man. That's for sure, if that's what he wants."

Reyes also has a home on Long Island and children in school.

However, inking Reyes essentially would force the trading of Wright, according to the source. That's because after adding whatever Reyes commands to the 2012 salaries of Johan Santana ($24 million) and Jason Bay ($16 million), the source predicted the Mets will not have the means to retain Wright at $15 million as well.

A Wright trade would be expected to occur during the offseason, not before the July 31 trade deadline. He is under the Mets' control for two more years, including a $16 million team option for 2013.

One major obstacle, according to a source, would be convincing chief operating officer Jeff Wilpon that parting with Wright would be the prudent thing to do. He is said to have a strong regard for Wright, both on and off the field -- far more so than for Reyes.

Said the source: "If they wanted to move Wright, there's no better time to move him than now, because there still will be teams out there thinking, 'Well, David Wright was sabotaged by the stadium. He's still a good player. He'd be a good fit where he doesn't have to be the guy,' which he's been here for so long. So they can get some return on Wright. Plus the fact that he has two years left on his deal, so you're not talking about long-term financial damage for any team that does pick him up."

Was Fred Wilpon's comment to The New Yorker about Wright being a nice guy and very good player but not a superstar trying to prepare the fan base for the third baseman's departure? Not so, said the source, who called it "diarrhea of the mouth" rather than a calculated maneuver by the 74-year-old Wilpon.

Meanwhile, all of this likely is playing into incoming minority partner David Einhorn's hands. If the Mets go through a rebuilding process or fans otherwise stay away because of the trading of one of the faces of the franchise -- whether it's Wright or Reyes -- that would be a further drag on revenue. And that would make it more difficult for the Wilpons to stave off Einhorn's future option to become majority owner.

http://sports.espn.go.com/new-york/mlb/news/story?id=6612729

Either way, both players come with baggage. The Mets did not need Wright's back to go out. And with Reyes, I know that the leg injuries are in the past somewhat, but you've got to be realistic- Reyes is likely going to try to get a Carl Crawford deal. There is NO WAY I give that to a player that has not hit over 20 home runs, whose biggest asset is speed, is closing to 30 and who has had some leg issues.

Reyes is a great talent, and I always enjoy watching him, and when healthy, he's one of the best leadoff guys in the game. But, there is no way I give him a $100 million deal.

 

[Mogriffjr]

Yeah that's the issue...

I've been hanging around a lot of Met fans, and most give off the assumption that we could possibly get him for 6/100...which I'd sign for, because I just believe he's worth that and is a great talent.

Thing is Mike Francessa said Reyes told him he wants Crawford money (but I believe he said he wants Crawford's contract). Now does that mean he wants 7 years? Not sure. Sandy isn't a believer in these long term deals as well...so maybe the most he'd dish out is 5 years I'd assume.

The fanbase is HEAVY to keep Reyes. and I believe besides Wilpon, the team knows how valuable he is to this team. Reyes I believe wants to stay a Met as him and his family is stable here as well as him loving the organization and all. But it all comes down to money.

I don't know what the Mets will do. The story with Wilpon saying the payroll would be below 100 mill would signify the Mets would likely deal Reyes but Sandy has been told the payroll would be more around 120 mill. That means Beltran= gone. K-rod gone. You can sign reyes and keep the payroll around that figure.

 

[EmpireWF]

I'm a bit biased and I've watched him play since he was 20 years old, but I think whomever ends up signing Reyes is getting a great player to add to their line-up and a great shortstop.

The ONLY hesitation on my part would be how long of a contract he wants. He'll be 29 years old next June and if he goes for one of those 6-8 year contracts....oh boy. I could definitely see a lot of teams shying away from getting into a deal where they'll have to pay a 35, 36 year old $15 million or more.

Fuck the playoffs, if the Mets can find a way to keep Reyes long term, I'd consider 2011 a success (amidst all the other failures...but still).

Mo would sign for a 6/100 deal right now...I'd need a bit more convincing because I don't think this team is close to contention within the next year or two. By the time I hope they are, he'd be 31 or 32 years old with two or three more years and all that money coming to him.

But he's such a fun player to watch...

 

[Mogriffjr]

I'm a bit biased and I've watched him play since he was 20 years old, but I think whomever ends up signing Reyes is getting a great player to add to their line-up and a great shortstop.

The ONLY hesitation on my part would be how long of a contract he wants. He'll be 29 years old next June and if he goes for one of those 6-8 year contracts....oh boy. I could definitely see a lot of teams shying away from getting into a deal where they'll have to pay a 35, 36 year old $15 million or more.

Fuck the playoffs, if the Mets can find a way to keep Reyes long term, I'd consider 2011 a success (amidst all the other failures...but still).

Mo would sign for a 6/100 deal right now...I'd need a bit more convincing because I don't think this team is close to contention within the next year or two. By the time I hope they are, he'd be 31 or 32 years old with two or three more years and all that money coming to him.

But he's such a fun player to watch...

I guess it's because I was using the Tulo contract as a basis...but it seems like Reyes agents rather compare players who do similar things like Reyes/Craw than position wise in Tulo/Reyes.

I'ma bit weary giving him Crawford money...but I'ma afraid that maybe what could get him to stay...meh...

Also this fucking Jason Bay is pissing me off, anyone want him...for free???

 

[Ralnakor]

I would not want to be stuck with the contract he will want. It'd be like Carlos Guillen all over again.

Knowing Dombrowski though, it's still possible he'd pay him that much if he could get him. He's the king of overpaying for players, then you just have to hope he comes close to living up to the contract he's handed. **Cough cough**Nate Robertson, Dontrelle Willis et al**cough cough**

That would all hinge on whether he could get Reyes, or if Ilitch even wants to pursue it.