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What Does the Sabathia Deal Mean for Everyone Else?
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An intriguing question, for sure. With Milwaukee's two main competitors for both the Wild Card spot and the league's best record also residing in the Central Division, this could start a domino effect of moves which could last a few weeks. Or, it could lead to nothing. There will be ripple effects through not only the National League, but the American League as well. The Los Angeles Angels and Tampa Bay Rays had both been rumored to have had discussions with the Indians regarding Sabathia, they now will have to turn elsewhere for pitching help.
The Chicago Cubs are in a unique situation in that their top minor league prospects are in lower level classifications and in no position to help during a pennant race. The only way the Cubbies can make a move for the stretch run is through trade, and with every other team aware of their predicament, won't be underselling their players to Chicago. Most of the rumors to this point have the Cubs focusing on a starting pitcher, (Sabathia had been mentioned as a possibility here as well), when I look at their roster I see the need for a defensive minded outfielder with some pop. Alfonso Soriano, on the DL with a broken left wrist, will be out at least until the end of July. There's no question his power will be affected by the injury for the rest of the season, as will his stamina on the field and on the bases. While Jim Edmonds has played well since coming over from San Diego, what are the odds he can keep it up til the end of the season. Despite being named an All-Star starter, Kosuke Fukudome's numbers have dropped faster than a cheerleader at homecoming. With Edmonds and Fukudome both lefty swingers, the Cubs market should be from the right side. While prime targets such as Matt Holliday and Jason Bay appear out of their range, second tier guys like Xavier Nady and Juan Rivera could be had with little expenditure.
Staying in the hunt for pitching is still on the front burner, with conversations with Oakland for Rich Harden picking up. The A's would likely demand a package of prospects similar to what they received from Arizona for Dan Haren, the Cubs can't afford that price. Another possibility, actually a likelihood, would be the signing of Freddie Garcia. Garcia hasn't pitched in the big leagues for almost a year, he has been working out and will throw a spotlight session for scouts within the next week or so. Garcia and Cubs manager Lou Piniella have a longstanding good relationship going back to their days together in Seattle, Freddy may lean towards the Cubs when he begins the decision process of where to go.
The St. Louis Cardinals are likely buyers as the deadline approaches, although at a discount level. The impending return of Jason Isringhausen and Adam Wainright will cover their pitching needs, if they get any contribution at all from Mark Mulder in the second half it will be a bonus. Minor tweaking of the bullpen appears all the Cards would be addressing. They are in on the Brian Fuentes talks with Colorado, and have also discussed Rockies set-up man Matt Herges. Any deal with Colorado could also include reserve outfielders Wily Tavares or Scott Podsednik, the Cards would rely on either of them as a fourth OF and as a speed option on the bases.
The other teams in the Central are all sellers, the Pirates have had talks with multiple teams regarding Bay and Nady, and with the Los Angeles Dodgers concerning shortstop Jack Wilson. With Rafael Furcal likely out for the season following back surgery, Dodgers GM Ned Colletti has said "we may be forced to exceed market value" to acquire a shortstop. A possibility which has been moved to the back burner with the news surrounding the Sabathia pickup has the Brewers swapping J.J. Hardy and Tony Gwynn Jr. to the Dodgers for a package of prospects including outfielder Matt Kemp and third baseman Andy LaRoche.
The Philadelphia Phillies solved one pressing need with the signing of closer Brad Lidge to a new three year deal. They've had conversations with the Rockies regarding Fuentes, and as of today appear to be the favorite in acquiring Eric Bedard from Seattle. Mariners scouts have camped out in Reading, PA, the home of the Phils Doulbe A farm club, scouting pitcher Carlos Carrasco, the Phils top prospect. Outfielder Shane Victorino appears to be the second anchor in the deal, with minor league lefty Josh Outman also a possiblility.
Speaking of the Mariners, their whole roster, sans Jeff Clement and Felix Hernandez, can be had for the right price. Raul Ibanez' name is the most popular, with the Angels, Red Sox, and, as of yesterday, the Arizona Diamondbacks in the picture. The Yankees have had discussions around catcher Kenji Johjima and pitcher Jarrod Washburn.
An intriguing and continuing scenario surrounding the Red Sox came to the forefront again within the past twenty-four hours. It's no secret the Sox are a bit put-off by David Ortiz' rehab, or lack thereof. Ortiz seems content to sit by and listen to his own advisors and not the Red Sox medical staff surrounding his injured left wrist. The Bosox' doctors seem to believe his wrist has healed enough to at least begin baseball related exercises as part of his rehab. Light throwing, hitting off a tee is the start point to deciding if his rehab should excellerate, or if Ortiz should shut it down for the season and have what some feel is necessary surgery. Ortiz believes rest to be his best option, but is hesitant to share his progress, leaving the Sox hanging, do they wait and hope he can contribute the last two months, or do they bite the bullet and make a move? Carlos Delgado and Ibanez are two names floating around as possibilities, although another, much bigger name has come up again...Mark Teixeira.
The Sox yesterday sent down Justin Masterson, and will recall for a start on Friday Clay Buchholz. Masterson has pitched well while in the big leagues, a 4-3 record in nine starts, with a 3.47 ERA and a 0.88 WHIP. Buchholz had been injured early in the season, he has been healthy now for over a month, he made his first rehab start for Pawtucket on May 25th. If Masterson had pitched so well, well enough to keep Buchholz in the minor leagues even after his rehab stay had ended, why make the call-up now? Simple, the Sox are showcasing Buchholz for a deal which would get them Teixeira. With Braves CF Mark Kotsay continuing to struggle in his recovery from yet another back injury, a package of Buchholz and Coco Crisp would be the foundation for Teixeira coming to Boston. A transacation of that magnitude would suck for the rest of the American League pennant contenders, especially the Rays, and if the Sox could somehow work out a long term deal with Teixeira as part of the deal, it would suck worse for Kevin Youkilis, whose days in Boston would suddenly become numbered.
The Rays have inquired to Colorado about the likelihood of trading Matt Holliday, the Rockies responded with "sure, providing David Price is in the deal." End of that conversation, although the two teams are in communication regarding Brian Fuentes. A trusted source told me the Padres have had discussions with Tampa regarding Edwin Jackson, Brian Giles' refusal to waive his no-trade effectively ended the conversation.
Tabloids have the Yankees rumored to sign just about everybody, including Madonna. Despite the rumors, the Yankees interest in Sabathia was passing at best, their focus is on pitching without mortgaging their farm system. Discussions have taken place with the Texas Rangers regarding Vincente Padilla, with Kansas City surrounding lefty setup man Ron Mahay, and also with the Rockies and Brian Fuentes. With Johnny Damon on the DL for the first time in his career, and with Hideki Matsui likely facing season ending knee surgery, the Yanks have begun to look for a top of the order run producer capable of playing Gold Glove type defense in center field. The possibility is the Yanks will up the package offer with the Royals, hopeful of landing both Mahay and David DeJesus.
Brian Fuentes may or may not be coming to the Rays in a package deal with a 'Rockies right hand hitting young outfielder'!
And David Price gets to show you youngsters what the re-incarnation of Sandy Koufax looks like...
Ha ha ha ha ahaaaa1!!
Join the Bandwagon, I dare you to enjoy baseball like never before!!!
And other rumors to be leaked indiscriminately!!!
Xavier Nady would look good in rightfield...
whisper, whisper...