2009 Major League Trade Deadline Discussion

[Party]

According to FOXSports.com's Ken Rosenthal, the Dodgers and Indians are in serious discussions about a trade that would send Cliff Lee and Victor Martinez to the Dodgers for a package including either Clayton Kershaw or Chad Billingsley.

James Loney would also be involved, which makes sense because Martinez would play first base most of the time in L.A. We imagine that the Indians would prefer Kershaw, who will be a lot cheaper than Billingsley over the next few years. It's certainly be a fascinating trade if it gets done. Jul. 26 - 4:47 pm et

http://www.rotoworld.com/content/Headlines.aspx?sport=MLB&hl=270698

[Marlinsfan4lyfe]

I dont know if i would give up Kershaw, but Cliff Lee and Victor Martinez are pretty hard to pass up on.

[MiamiHomer]

Highly unlikely it would go down because I would assume CLE is asking for Kershaw but damn if it did.

[jOOj]

They need to add a pitcher, not swap a young one for an older one.

Trading Kershaw or Billingsly would be silly.

[Metes]

Yeah I don't see the point in swapping a Billingsley or Kershaw for Lee, considering both are much younger and have much more upside (whereas Lee can really only go down from here).

[Marlinsfan4lyfe]

Kershaw is their future ace, i wouldnt swap my future ace for an older pitcher

[MiamiHomer]

The Rays and Red Sox are each discussing blockbuster deals with the Indians for both Cliff Lee and Victor Martinez, according to Joel Sherman of the New York Post. Here are the details and the rest of Sherman's rumors:

The Rays would deal Wade Davis, but the Red Sox are hesitant to deal Clay Buchholz.
The Phillies, Brewers and Rangers have interest in Lee and the Giants have interest in V-Mart.
One executive is "1,000%" confident the Indians will move Lee and Martinez to free up money.
An AL executive says the Phillies will acquire Lee, Roy Halladay or Jarrod Washburn by Friday afternoon.
The Padres may be more willing to deal Heath Bell than expected. As one official says, Bell will be an expensive closer on a bad team if the Padres don't trade him.
The Yankees have been interested in Bell, whose value is higher than ever.


Rays, Red Sox Talking Blockbusters With Tribe (http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2009/07/rays-red-sox-talking-blockbusters-with-tribe.html)

[Omar]

What are their contracts like?

[Ramp]

Cliff Lee lhp
4 years/$15M (2006-09), plus 2010 club option

* 4 years/$15M (2006-09), plus 2010 club option
o signed extension with Cleveland 8/06
o replaced 1 year/$0.4062M deal signed 3/06
o $1M signing bonus
o 06:$0.75M, 07:$2.75M, 08:$3.75M, 09:$5.75M,
10:$8M club option ($1M buyout)
o price of 2010 option increases to:
+ $9M with Cy Young in 2008 (met) or 2009
+ $8.75M with 2nd or 3rd in Cy Young vote in 2008 or 2009
o award bonuses: $0.1M for All Star selection, $0.25M for Cy Young, $0.15M for 2nd or 3rd in Cy Young vote, $75,000 for 4th or 5th in Cy Young vote

Victor Martinez c
5 years/$15.5M (2005-09), plus 2010 club option

* 5 years/$15.5M (2005-09), plus 2010 club option
o signed extension with Cleveland 4/05, replacing 1 year/$0.3721M deal signed 3/05
o $1M signing bonus
o 05:$0.5M, 06:$0.8M, 07:$3M, 08:$4.25M, 09:$5.7M, 10:$7M club option ($0.25M buyout)
o if traded, 2009 salary increases to $6.2M and 2010 club option increases to $7.5M
o 2010 option may increase up to $1M ($0.1M each for Gold Glove or All Star selection, $0.5M for MVP ($0.25M for 2nd place in vote, $0.1M for 3rd-5th)
o award bonuses: $50,000 each for Gold Glove, Silver Slugger, LCS MVP; $0.1M for All Star start ($50,000 for All Star selection); $0.1M for WS MVP; $0.2M for MVP ($0.15M for 2nd or 3rd in vote, $75,000 for 4th or 5th)

fun!

[nny]

So I would guess that means cle is giving up on '10
--------------------
they're an example of what happens when shit happens

they're core was so awesome too but it was like everything fell apart

[MiamiHomer]

Jeff Fletcher of AOL FanHouse hears that the Reds are close to making a deal after top team officials spoke on a conference call this morning. The Reds, fifth in the NL Central, are sellers and have pitchers like Bronson Arroyo, Aaron Harang and Francisco Cordero who could all appeal to teams seeking pitching.
The Dodgers have interest in Arroyo and Harang, but only if their pursuit of Cliff Lee falls through. The Reds would likely have to take on salary in any deal involving Harang or Arroyo.

More from MLBtraderumors.

[Omar]

fun!
Definitely think we should be in the running for them, then. I mean, what's there to lose (except a chance at the playoffs)?

[MiamiHomer]

Definitely think we should be in the running for them, then. I mean, what's there to lose (except a chance at the playoffs)?

Cleveland is asking for ALOT.

[Beef]

Definitely think we should be in the running for them, then. I mean, what's there to lose (except a chance at the playoffs)?

Mike Stanton or Logan Morrison

[Ramp]

weird rumor out there is Hammer to Cincy

that would be great (for his power atleast)... even if I'd rather him in the pennant race

[nc42dad]

They need to add a pitcher, not swap a young one for an older one.

Trading Kershaw or Billingsly would be silly.

It would be a homecoming for Billingsley. He is from Defiance, OH. Him and Jon Niese (Mets prospect) were on the same high school team! FYI

[Maybin]

Ryan Garko was traded to the Giants

http://twitter.com/injuryexpert/statuses/2881576740

http://twitter.com/ed_price/statuses/2881469461

[MiamiHomer]

Nice pick up.

[m26555]

Cleveland is asking for ALOT.
Yeah. I think they were asking for Kershaw and Loney from the Dodgers. God only knows what they would ask from us in that case.

[tjfla]

Ryan Garko was traded to the Giants

http://twitter.com/injuryexpert/statuses/2881576740

http://twitter.com/ed_price/statuses/2881469461

Guess Victor Martinez will be staying in Cleveland

[Maybin]

Guess Victor Martinez will be staying in Cleveland

They still have Laporta in the Minors. He can play first.

[Fish and Chips]

and they called up andy marte, who was tearing up AAA
.330ba .970 OPS 18 hrs with 66 RBIs

[nny]

I was going to say babip inflated and he'll fall on his face again but he's babip is actually only .350. He's not walking much but he's also not King much and obviously bunch uh hrs. massive LD%

maybe he really is back

[MiamiHomer]

12:59pm: The rays have shopped Scott Kazmir to the Mets and Rangers, according to Joel Sherman. The Rangers turned down an offer from the Rays and the Mets just had initial interest. The Rays would consider dealing Kazmir, Carlos Pena and even Carl Crawford to free up enough salary to make a blockbuster deal for Martinez and Lee.

The Rays still have interest in Halladay.

yaoza

[Omar]

Can we get Carl Crawford?

[MiamiHomer]

I wish.

[Ramp]

I wonder if we would bat him leadoff or stick with our 1-2 dynamo

[MiamiHomer]

I wonder if we would bat him leadoff or stick with our 1-2 dynamo

He would sit on the bench actually.

[Beef]

I wonder if we would bat him leadoff or stick with our 1-2 dynamo

I had a conversation bout this yesterday. We gon trade Coghlan in the deal and get Arroyo and Crawford will go elsewhere.

Emilio, Arroyo, Hanley, Cantu, Uggla, Ross, Carrol, Helms, Baker

Deal with that

[Ramp]

atleast Carroll would be playing everyday!

[Beef]

Sorry, we gettin some guy named Carrol

[Ramp]

Jamey :(

[MiamiHomer]

1:33pm: ESPN.com's Jayson Stark hears that the Pirates plan on dealing Freddy Sanchez and Jack Wilson this week. The Giants could be suitors for Sanchez and the Red Sox have considered Wilson in the past.

Pirates just shipping everyone out.

[nny]

Pirates just shipping everyone out.

Hunnington is making his team

Like Z's doing in Seattle

Pirate fans need to stop bitching

HEY THEIR DISMANTLING OUR .400 WIN TEAM!!! WHAT ASSHOLES WE NEED TO KEEP THOSE PLAYERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! jackasses
--------------------
Jamey :(

also these posts made me lol

[MiamiHomer]

Oh yeah I know. Wasn't it more that the Pirates players were upset lol.

[nny]

Oh yeah I know. Wasn't it more that the Pirates players were upset lol.

Both. I lol'd at the pirate players though lol

[FishFanInPA]

Mark Kotsay to the WHite Sox for Brian Anderson.

umm ok

[Branch]

Well the Sox don't really need him now that they have LaRoche, do they now :fip? (I was using that to refer to you, not as an emote)

[MiamiHomer]

4:50pm: ESPN.com's Buster Olney reports that the Phillies and Indians are doing extensive background work on minor leaguers to prepare for a possible Lee trade. The Indians want top pitching that could contribute in the majors soon. Kyle Drabek would appeal to the Indians, but the Phillies have been reluctant to trade Drabek, even for Halladay.

However, the Phillies may have enough high-upside pitching to meet the Indians' demands without including Drabek.

Those damn Phillies.
--------------------
Rob Bradford at WEEI is reporting that the Red Sox are close to a deal that would net Cliff Lee from the Indians for Michael Bowden, Josh Reddick and another prospect. Stay tuned.

Holy Theo Epstein

[MiamiHomer]

5:40pm: Well isn't this ridiculous. Rob Bradford at WEEI tweets: "I have not reported anything. Somebody is hacking into my account."

lol
--------------------
Multiple people have informed us that Freddy Sanchez was a healthy scratch from the Pirates' lineup tonight, and Henry Schulman at the San Francisco Chronicle is "getting more hints" that a trade is on the horizon, though it's not clear to whom. He cites the Giants and Twins as the top suitors. Stay tuned.

Hope its Min just so SF doesn't get better.

[MiamiHomer]

10:04am: As many readers have noted, Carlos Carrasco, Jason Donald and Lou Marson aren't in the lineup for the Phillies' Triple A team this afternoon. It could be a coincidence, but it's of interest at least, since all are possible trade candidates.

hmmm
--------------------
Now Sportscenter says the Phillies have made a strong push for Cliff Lee.

[m26555]

10:23am: MLB.com's Todd Zolecki hears Marson and Donald were scheduled to get the day off. Jeff Blair of the Globe and Mail hears that Carrasco's absence from the game has nothing to do with Halladay.

Thankfully.

[MiamiHomer]

There were more indications Wednesday that the Philadelphia Phillies' pursuit of Indians pitcher Cliff Lee is heating up.

Three Cleveland Indians scouts -- including the club's director of player personnel, Steve Lubratich, were in Lehigh Valley to watch the Phillies' Triple-A team play an 11 a.m. ET game.

Phillies starter Carlos Carrasco, who has been a subject of talks between the two teams, was abruptly scratched from his start in that game with no explanation from the club.

An official of a team that had been speaking to Cleveland about Lee told ESPN.com Wednesday morning it was his impression that Lee was about to be traded elsewhere, and the Phillies' discussions with Toronto about Roy Halladay have slowed to a trickle in the last 24 hours.

However, a source familiar with the Indians' thinking denied Wednesday that the club was close to any deal, saying "that's news to me." The source said the Indians hadn't exchanged medical reports with any teams regarding any potential trades, and said that while the Indians were still listening on both Lee and catcher Victor Martinez, they still hadn't gotten an offer that was "compelling" enough to say yes.

According to sources who have spoken with officials of both clubs, they've discussed a variety of packages for Lee. One potential package is believed to include Carrasco, a top position-player prospect yet to be determined and two hard-throwing Class A pitchers, Jason Knapp and Trevor May.

Asked if he believed the Phillies could make a trade for Lee without including Kyle Drabek, whom Toronto has insisted upon in any deal for Halladay, one source replied: "If they were going to [trade] Drabek, they might as well do the deal for Halladay."

Phillies officials have continued to tell other clubs they believe they can make a deal for Lee without giving up either their top pitching prospect, Drabek, or their top position-player prospect, outfielder Dominic Brown.

Signs pointing to Cliff Lee deal? (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=4363553)
--------------------
10:52am: Ken Rosenthal and Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports report that Jason Knapp is the centerpiece of the Phillies' offer for Lee. The Phils, who are also involved in talks for Jarrod Washburn, would also deal other pieces to the Indians.

More info.
--------------------
PHILADELPHIA (AP)—Looking for a top starter to bolster their so-so rotation, the Philadelphia Phillies are pursuing reigning AL Cy Young Award winner Cliff Lee(notes).

The defending World Series champion have offered the Cleveland Indians a package of players for Lee, a baseball official familiar with the trade proposal told The Associated Press on Wednesday.

Philadelphia’s offer doesn’t include top pitching prospect Kyle Drabek, the person said on condition of anonymity because negotiations are ongoing. The non-waiver trade deadline is Friday.

The NL East-leading Phillies also had been pursuing Blue Jays ace Roy Halladay(notes), but shifted their attention to Lee because Toronto’s asking price for the six-time All-Star is high.

AP source: Phillies make offer for Indians’ Lee (http://ca.sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news?slug=ap-phillies-lee&prov=ap&type=lgns)
--------------------
http://mlbrumorblog.com/archives/phillies-trade-cliff-lee.php

Says the Phillies acquired Lee but I'm going to wait to see more legit sites come out and report it.
--------------------
11:09am: Rosenthal and Morosi report that the Phillies are discussing a trade for Cliff Lee and possibly another player for Knapp, Carrasco, Jason Donald and Lou Marson.

Must be close.

[m26555]

Lee is a very good pitcher, but he just doesn't instill fear in me, for some reason. If they get him, it will certainly improve the team, but I don't think he'll have near the impact that Halladay would. I mean, yeah, Lee has a nice 3.14 ERA, but he has allowed 165 hits in 152 innings. He's definitely beatable.

[MiamiHomer]

11:41am: Dejan Kovacevic of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette says the Mariners acquire Jack Wilson in the deal.

11:40am: Ed Price of AOL FanHouse hears that the Pirates are getting Jeff Clement from the Mariners along with other minor leaguers.

Pirates trade Wilson.

[m26555]

11:45am: Kovacevic says the Mariners acquire Wilson and Ian Snell for Clement, Ronny Cedeno, Aaron Pribanic, Brett Lorin and Nathan Adcock.

Done deal.

[PitchingWinsGames]

Solid deal for the Pirates

[tjfla]

Solid??? Great deal for Pittsburgh

Got rid of Wilson who they were gonna give away last year and a pitcher who they put in AAA for a C/1B,replacement SS and 3 pitchers

[Metes]

But getting Ronny Cedeno is epic fail for the Pirates.

[PitchingWinsGames]

Solid??? Great deal for Pittsburgh

Got rid of Wilson who they were gonna give away last year and a pitcher who they put in AAA for a C/1B,replacement SS and 3 pitchers


I try to keep my inner pirate fan subdued...

[MiamiHomer]

I thought Seattle were sellers and it makes even less sense since they are offering up Washburn.

[Metes]

I thought Seattle were sellers and it makes even less sense since they are offering up Washburn.

With this trade, in conjunction with Beltre coming back in a week, it looks like the M's are buyers. Washburn is staying put.

[tjfla]

Got me looks like buyers. Unless they are gonna deal Washburn for ML ready guys? Could always try to get a Mat Gamel and stuff for him from Milwaukee

Jack Wilson new SS
Ian Snell replaces Washburn in rotation?

[nny]

Jack Wilson and Ian Snell are going to be around for more than this year. Just because they were buying for next year doesn't mean they won't be selling this year. Not saying they'll do one or the other, but just saying.

And clement is rather overrated. He's good but not great and he loses a lot of value if he can't stay behind the plate. I don't really know about the pitchers who got sent over but cendeno is nothing special either. Couple babip inflated AAA stints and guy got overrated big.

[MiamiHomer]

12:03pm: Gordon Edes and Tim Brown of Yahoo report that the Phillies appear to be "on the verge" of acquiring Cliff Lee from the Indians for Carrasco, Knapp and at least two of Donald, Marson and Michael Taylor.

I hate seeing them get even better.

[tjfla]

Jack Wilson and Ian Snell are going to be around for more than this year. Just because they were buying for next year doesn't mean they won't be selling this year. Not saying they'll do one or the other, but just saying.

And clement is rather overrated. He's good but not great and he loses a lot of value if he can't stay behind the plate. I don't really know about the pitchers who got sent over but cendeno is nothing special either. Couple babip inflated AAA stints and guy got overrated big.

They got a good deal tho. Clement can play 1B and backup Doumit. Cedeno backup 2B/SS and about 5mil cheaper than Wilson and 3 young arms.

Then they still got Freddy Sanchez to deal.

[Metes]

Cedeno is an absolute abortion. He should not be viewed as any kind of get for Pirates. He is worse than Bonifacio.

[tjfla]

I hate seeing them get even better.

Heard it might be all 3 just in case Jason Knapp's shoulder is worse than they thought
--------------------
Cedeno is an absolute abortion. He should not be viewed as any kind of get for Pirates. He is worse than Bonifacio.

It is not like he is gonna be the Starting SS of a Playoff team,its Pittsburgh. Would rather have a Ronny Cedeno then a Luis Cruz,Ramon Vasquez, or Brian Bixler.

They will let him play there this year and Argenis Diaz will be ready next year

[nny]

and clement playing 1b really drops his value

I don't know anything about the 3 pitchers sent but

Jack Wilson is a good SS because he's one of the best defensive SS's and it's easily been shown that Z is building a defensive first team (and doing it right, unlike Beinfest)

and Snell might fall on his face again but guy has a lot of talent

[MiamiHomer]

12:28pm: Kovacevic hears that the Pirates are contributing a "significant amount" of cash in the deal.

Add that.
--------------------
12:29pm: Joel Sherman of the New York Post hears that the two sides are "very close" to completing a deal.

Concerning the Phillies-Indians.
--------------------
12:38pm: MLB.com's Todd Zolecki hears that Ben Francisco would also come to Philly in the possible deal.

Add on to Lee rumors.

[Ramp]

where are these quotes from

[MiamiHomer]

MLBtraderumors.com

[Ramp]

Phillies have agreed to a deal with the Indians

[PitchingWinsGames]

The pitchers the Pirates got:

Pribanick 22 @ A, 59-31 K:BB ratio, 1.255 WHIP in ~90 IP (Career)
Lorin @ A 148-50 K:BB ratio, 1.121 WHIP in ~ 140 IP (Career)
Adcock 21 @ Aadvanced 261-159 K:BB ratio, 1.5 WHIP in ~ 100 IP (Career)

BA says Adcock has the best curveball in their system

So, looks to be more depth

[MiamiHomer]

1:24pm: Kovacevic reports that the Pirates will pay nearly all of the money owed to Wilson and Snell this year. The Mariners will pay each player $400k.

Mucho Dinero.
--------------------
2:04pm: Joel Sherman of the New York Post hears that the Giants are "definitely getting Freddy Sanchez." The Pirates already traded Jack Wilson today, so they could conceviably lose their entire double play combo in one day.

MLBtraderumors

[Ramp]

Giants going after Freddy Sanchez

Bowker and Franzen are names being thrown around by the Giants

[MiamiHomer]

5:46pm: Henry Schulman at the San Francisco Chronicle is reporting that it's a done deal, Sanchez straight up for a minor-leaguer. Stay tuned for the name.

I'll update once we see who it is.

[FishFanInPA]

Straight up for a minor leaguer? Yikes.

[MiamiHomer]

Not yikes.

5:51pm: Kovacevic is reporting that the minor leaguer is AA pitcher Tim Alderson. This is an impressive haul for Sanchez--Alderson was ranked the #4 prospect in the Giants' system.

[Beef]

I was gon say that Yikes was based on nothing.

[MiamiHomer]

6:19pm: Kovacevic says that no money is being exchanged in the Sanchez deal, which makes it all the more impressive for the Pirates.

Giants really desperate for some type of offense.

[Metes]

Brian Sabean has never been the sharpest tool in the shed

[nny]

Brian Sabean has never been the sharpest tool in the shed

What I love was his statements before that, now post bonds, he wouldn't be trading young guys for shitty veterans anymore

But I guess you never can truly change who you are :hello:

[Longview]

I agree the Pirates got the better end of the deal, but Freddy Sanchez is no slouch.

[MiamiHomer]

They gave up a top 25 prospect in all of baseball to get him though....

[Metes]

They gave up a top 25 prospect in all of baseball to get him though....

For 1.5 years of him, to be exact

[nny]

we're talking about a guy with a career .756 OPS and just a year removed from a .669 OPS, and not all that impressive on defense (career UZR/150 of 4.5, plus minus/150 of -4, average between the two of +0.5)

[MiamiHomer]

I mean jeez...just took a look at Alderson's minor league numbers and I'm really scratching my head as to why the Giants did this.

[Metes]

I mean jeez...just took a look at Alderson's minor league numbers and I'm really scratching my head as to why the Giants did this.

This is the guy who traded Liriano and Nathan for Pierzynski. His stupidity knows few bounds.

[tjfla]

This is what happens when there is a market for a good bat that can play 2B or 3B.

Wish we had 1 of those guys because Houston and Minnesota are still dying to get 1

[Ralph]

The Cincinnati Reds are talking to the Blue Jays about the possibility of acquiring infielder Scott Rolen in exchange for minor-league prospect Yonder Alonso. The first baseman is a product of the University of Miami and carries a big bat. He was the Reds' first pick (seventh overall) in the 2008 draft.
http://soxblog.projo.com/2009/07/dodgers-now-fro.html
that'd be a nice haul for Toronto. Very nice.

[MiamiHomer]

The reds are retarded if they do that.

[FishFanInPA]

Something is definitely going down. Josh Willingham, about 45 minutes before the start of Thursday afternoon's game, has been pulled from the lineup. I know this much: acting GM Mike Rizzo, who's back in DC right now, just placed a call to Jim Riggleman. Not sure what's going to emerge here, but I'll post asap.

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/nationalsjournal/

[MiamiHomer]

Outfielder Josh Willingham was pulled from the Nationals' lineup today, and the Washington Post's Chico Harlan thinks "something is definitely going down."

MLBtraderumors

[Ralph]

RAMP!!! HE'S GETTING OUT

[Metes]

I guess that lady he was talking to finally got him out of there

[Ramp]

RAMP!!! HE'S GETTING OUT

MAYBE HE GON TO A CONTENDERRRRRRRRRRR

[Fish and Chips]

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/nationalsjournal/2009/07/something_brewing_willingham_p.html

OK, so I just got word that Josh Willingham was pulled from the lineup because of a stiff neck, not a trade. He'll even be available to pinch hit. So, apologies for raising the flags on this one. It seemed suspicious, that he was scratched about 45 minutes before the first pitch this afternoon. But Willingham, for now, is still a member of the Washington Nationals.

[MiamiHomer]

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/nationalsjournal/2009/07/something_brewing_willingham_p.html

That was posted in the MLB trade thread.

[Namaste]

I guess that lady he was talking to finally got him out of there



:hugebanana
--------------------
Oh wait:

[MiamiHomer]

12:38pm: Harlan says it's a stiff neck, not a trade.

[FishFF]

:lol

[Metes]

Isn't it ironical

[Ramp]

George Sherrill headed to Dodgers

[tjfla]

George Sherrill headed to Dodgers

Sherill had no chance of coming here after Baltimore kept asking for same thing in Chris Coghlan

Seems they got what they wanted tho-either Josh Bell or Blake Dewitt

Baltimore wanted a young 2B/3B for him

[MiamiHomer]

2:40pm: Yahoo's Gordon Edes says the Orioles are "on the verge Sherrill to the Dodgers for Scott Elbert and Josh Bell." Sherrill, 32, is under team control through 2011. He has a 2.40 ERA with 20 saves in 41.3 innings this year.

mlbtraderumors.

[Ralph]

very nice for baltimore.
--------------------
The Dodgers shored up their bullpen Thursday by acquiring Baltimore closer George Sherrill in exchange for two prospects, slugging third baseman Josh Bell and riht-handed pitcher Steve Johnson, according to baseball sources.

The left-handed Sherrill can serve as a set-up man, or share closer roles with Jonathan Broxton.

The Dodgers still are hoping to acquire a starting pitcher and are rumored to still be pursuing Toronto's Roy Halladay in exchange for a package of prospects. -- Ken Gurnick
http://trades.mlblogs.com/archives/2009/07/dodgers_acquire_sherrill.html
No Elbert?

[MiamiHomer]

3:22pm: Via Twitter, Kovacevic says Grabow and Gorzelanny to the Cubs is almost done, while Chris De Luca of the Chicago Sun-Times says they closed the deal for Grabow.

mlbtraderumors

[Longview]

Sometimes the best trades are the ones you don't make.

/Making myself feel better about no moves being made.

[Metes]

Jesus, Pittsburgh is really stripping down to the studs here

That sounded gayer than it is, it is a building construction reference

[MiamiHomer]

ESPN's Peter Gammons is reporting that the Reds have backed off a potential deal for Toronto third baseman Scott Rolen.

Other clubs say they've been told that the Reds need to move money before they add payroll. Rolen has about $3 million in salary left this year and is guaranteed $11 million next year. The Reds have been looking for teams that might want to take on the contracts of Bronson Arroyo ($11M next year, plus a $2M buyout) and David Weathers (about $1M left this year, plus a $400,000 buyout), and they've also been willing to listen to offers on Aaron Harang ($12.5M next year, plus a $2M buyout) and Arthur Rhodes ($2M next year).

ESPN insider

[Party]

ESPN's Buster Olney says the Twins and A's are making progress on an Orlando Cabrera deal.

The Twins missed out on likely top target Freddy Sanchez and Oakland probably doesn't have anywhere else to send Cabrera, so expect this to get done. The A's will almost certainly call up Cliff Pennington to play short after Cabrera goes. Jul. 31 - 1:22 am et

http://www.rotoworld.com/content/HeadLines.aspx?sport=MLB&hl=271305

On the ML side, Cabrera in a Twins uni is a good fit.

[MiamiHomer]

11:56am: Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle says Cabrera to the Twins is "very close."

mlbtraderumors
--------------------
12:08pm: Yahoo's Tim Brown said it was a done deal, with the Twins sending Tyler Ladenorf to Oakland for Cabrera, but then quickly told me it's not done yet.

Must be close though.
--------------------
Now they say it's done.

12:08pm: Yahoo's Tim Brown said it was a done deal, with the Twins sending Tyler Ladenorf to Oakland for Cabrera, but then quickly told me it's not done yet. USA Today's Bob Nightengale, via Twitter, says it's done.

Cabrera, 34, is hitting .280/.318/.365 on the season in 448 plate appearances. He has $1.75MM remaining on his contract, once you factor in a $250K bonus for being dealt. Though he profiles as a Type A free agent after the season, Cabrera's agent wisely negotiated a clause disallowing his club to offer arbitration. So, no draft picks for the team for the loss and no impediment to signing Cabrera from the player's point of view.

[Party]

Done deal. A's got Tyler Ladendorf.

-MLBN

[MiamiHomer]

USA Today's Bob Nightengale via Twitter: the Red Sox are about to acquire Victor Martinez from the Indians.

The damn Red Sox

[McLevin]

!!!

[MiamiHomer]

Update 2:04: Ed Price of AOL FanHouse tweets, that it "looks good" for Victor Martinez to the Red Sox, but still no word on the haul.

Is Clay gone?

[McLevin]

My guess would have to be yes

[Omar]

Maybe it does indeed open the door for us, though San Diego doesn't have to make the deal

[MiamiHomer]

Also, Justin Duchscherer';s rehab start at Sacramento tonight has been scrapped. No reason stated, will try to find out more.

susanslusser's twitter.
--------------------
Mark Saxon of the OC Register thinks an Angels trade may be in the works, with the Halos recalling catcher Bobby Wilson and infielder Sean Rodriguez despite one free roster spot. Of course, someone could be headed to the DL.

I know the Angels were in on Bell rumors.
--------------------
Gammons reporting that at least Buchholz going to the Tribe.
--------------------
They say a 3rd team might be involved or the Red Sox's might just make a minor deal with Adam Laroche.

[Ramp]

Hagadone prob headed to Cleveland too

[Fish and Chips]

are we interested in adam laroche?

[Maybin]

"1:27pm: FOX now says Clay Buchholz and Daniel Bard are not in this deal."

regarding Victor Martinez Trade

[MiamiHomer]

The Red Sox are on the verge of acquiring catcher Victor Martinez from the Indians, according to a major-league source.

The deal is straight-up between the Red Sox and Indians. No third team is involved.

The Indians' exact return is not known, but the Red Sox did not include either right-hander Clay Buchholz nor right-hander Daniel Bard in the deal, according to a source.

The deal almost certainly will end the Red Sox's pursuit of Padres first baseman Adrian Gonzalez, likely ensuring that he will remain in San Diego.

The Red Sox can use Martinez as a catcher, first baseman and DH. When he plays first, Kevin Youkilis will move to third, spelling Mike Lowell.

In effect, Martinez gives the Red Sox protection against regressions by Lowell, catcher Jason Varitek and designated hitter David Ortiz.

Martinez is hitting .284 with 15 home runs and 67 RBIs. He has made three All-Star teams in his eight years in the league — all in Cleveland — including two of the last three years.

News of the deal first was reported by Bob Nightengale of USA Today.

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/9876546/Source:-Red-Sox-close-to-deal-for-Indians%27-Martinez

[Ramp]

are we interested in adam laroche?

no we are not (ed price, fanhouse)

Masterson part of Victor deal

[MiamiHomer]

MLB network also reporting Clay isn't in the deal.

[Branch]

Victor Martinez and no Clay? No Bard? That's fucking pimp, Theo. You get a gold star sir.

[MiamiHomer]

Talk about a clog up in 1B-3B area (in a good way.)

[Branch]

1:35pm: MLB.com's Jonathan Mayo says (via Twitter) pitchers Nick Hagadone and Justin Masterson are in the deal. Gut reaction: nice haul. Mayo also says the two clubs are looking at additional names to add for Cleveland.

Hmm... A bit sad to see Masterson go but Bard and Buchholz are more talented than him so I can live with it.

[McLevin]

Oh man, fucking awesome deal

Okay I now support Andrew Miller more than Masterson hahaha

[Maybin]

Apparently if this deal goes through, LaRoche would be headed to the Mets.

http://nybaseballdigest.com/?p=13527

[McLevin]

I'm so happy to keep Buchholz too. I know he hasn't delivered at the big league level yet but his potential will continue to make me all hot and sweaty

LaRoche was cool for the week or so but this is a definite upgrade

Maybe the Fish aren't out of the AdGonz sweepstakes quite yet?

[MiamiHomer]

First baseman Adam LaRoche becomes expendable for Boston if they complete the Victor Martinez trade; Jon Heyman of SI tells us via Twitter that the Braves are interested. LaRoche came up with the Braves; they traded him to Pittsburgh for Mike Gonzalez in '07.

MLBtraderumors.
--------------------
2:03pm: Done deal, says Nightengale via Twitter.

About the V-Mart deal

[Ramp]

Bryan Price is third pitcher going to Cleveland in Boston deal

[MiamiHomer]

The Yankees acquired Jerry Hairston Jr. from the Reds, according to Joel Sherman of the New York Post.

2:16pm: LaRoche has been traded to the Braves, according to Yahoo's Gordon Edes.

...
--------------------
The Rockies acquired lefty reliever Joe Beimel from the Nationals, according to Chico Harlan of the Washington Post.

more coming through now.
--------------------
Scott Rolen heading to the reds.

[Ramp]

Rolen accepts deal to Reds, waives no trade clause

[FishFanInPA]

Kotchman for LaRoche doesnt make much sense to me.

[MiamiHomer]

So what happens to Edwin Encarnacion.

[Ecpot]

FUCK, the Red Sox traded for Victor Martinez

Cleveland has traded C/1B Victor Martinez to the Red Sox, SI.com has learned.

The Indians receive three young pitchers in the deal: right-hander Justin Masterson, lefty prospect Nick Hagadone and minor league right-hander Bryan Price.

The Red Sox completed the deal without having to part with either coveted starter Clay Buchholz or hard-throwing reliever Daniel Bard.

The Red Sox are also talking to Atlanta about Adam LaRoche, the former Brave, SI.com has learned. Boston just acquired LaRoche from the Pirates on Wednesday, July 22, but he becomes expendable with the addition of Martinez.

[MiamiHomer]

So what happens to Edwin Encarnacion.

2:56pm: FOX Sports says the Blue Jays will get Edwin Encarnacion and a minor leaguer. Rolen is expected to approve the deal.

ahh

[Flum]

This Kotchman for LaRoche deal is confuses me. What were the Braves thinking?

[Ralph]

This Kotchman for LaRoche deal is confuses me. What were the Braves thinking?

Maybe that Kotchman has no power and Freddie Freeman will take over 1b next season?

[Ramp]

2:56pm: FOX Sports says the Blue Jays will get Edwin Encarnacion and a minor leaguer. Rolen is expected to approve the deal.

ahh

that minor leaguer is YONDER ALONSO

good lord

[jOOj]

Wow.

[wanks1212]

what?

what the hell are the reds doing?

[MiamiHomer]

that minor leaguer is YONDER ALONSO

good lord

:fip:fip:fip:fip:fip:fip:fip
:fip:fip:fip:fip:fip:fip:fip
:fip:fip:fip:fip:fip:fip:fip
:fip:fip:fip:fip:fip:fip:fip

[Ramp]

Keith Law says no Yonder Alonso now

[Branch]

Dusty Baker must somehow be behind this colossal ineptitude:mischief

[MiamiHomer]

Keith Law says no Yonder Alonso now

Travis Wood

/just kidding
--------------------
Instead, it'll be Encarnacion, Josh Roenicke, and Zach Stewart heading to Toronto according to John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer.
--------------------
Not sure what to make of this, but SI's Jon Heyman tweeted that Padres pitcher Jake Peavy was dealt to the White Sox again. Heyman is not sure if Peavy OK'd it. He says the Padres get minor leaguers.

lol

[FishFanInPA]

isnt Peavy still out for awhile?

[Ramp]

should be back in August

[Ralph]

should be back in August

Tomorrow is August.!

[¿NICK?]

Hilarious camera issues on MLBN.

[Marlinsfan4lyfe]

Damn, peavy to the white sox

[MiamiHomer]

3:35pm: USA Today's Bob Nightengale, via Twitter, says the White Sox confirmed they just got Peavy. Brock agrees - Peavy approved the trade this time. Peavy is owed $56MM through 2012, or $74MM through 2013 if the Sox exercise his option.

That contract looks like it would have fit perfectly into our budget...too bad.

[m26555]

5:10pm: The Blue Jays and Rangers were talking last night when they found that Halladay wouldn't approve a deal to the Rangers, according to MLB.com's T.R. Sullivan. The sides weren't close to a deal when they found out.

You mean to tell me that they didn't know this beforehand?

[MiamiHomer]

Today was hectic, but imagine how much wilder it would have been if these two deals had gone through:

* Via Twitter, Jon Heyman of SI.com reports that the Padres almost dealt Heath Bell and Adrian Gonzalez to the Dodgers for James Loney, Russell Martin, Blake DeWitt, James McDonald and Ivan Dejesus. Wow.
* Danny Knobler of CBS Sports confirms that the division rivals considered a blockbuster deal involving those players.
* Knobler also says the Rangers and Angels both pursued Heath Bell aggressively this afternoon. The Angels and Padres were discussing Jose Arredondo, Sean O'Sullivan and Sean Rodriguez.
* Brewers GM Doug Melvin says his team was involved in a "big one that didn't happen," according to Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
* The Crew also had interest in Jarrod Washburn and Brian Bannister.
* Melvin says everyone asked the Brewers for Mat Gamel and Alcides Escobar. Since the Brewers didn't want to deal either prospect and don't have the young pitching to offer rival teams, they had limited options.


http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2009/07/failed-deadline-blockbusters.html

[Ralph]

that really would have sucked for San Diego.

[BigGameFish]

Can someone please explain this Alex Rios situation

[MiamiHomer]

Can someone please explain this Alex Rios situation

The Blue Jays, it appears, have three options, and must make a decision by Tuesday, because the waiver period will roll through the weekend:

• They could work out a trade with the team that claimed Rios.
• They could pull him back from waivers, and keep him for themselves the rest of this season.
• They could simply allow the team that claimed him to take him, at no cost.

[Beef]

Edit above post: http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=4384253

Smileyface

[MiamiHomer]

Blue Jays outfielder Alex Rios has been claimed off waivers by the Chicago White Sox, sending him to a contending team and giving Toronto financial flexibility. Blue Jays general manager J.P. Ricciardi announced the move Monday night, about 30 minutes before the Blue Jays were scheduled to play the New York Yankees. Rios was in the initial starting lineup when he learned the news.

CBSsports

[Ramp]

Alex Rios of
7 years/$69.835M (2008-14), plus 2015 club option
* 7 years/$69.835M (2008-14), plus 2015 club option
o signed extension with Toronto 4/4/08, re-working 2008 deal signed 2/5/08 ($3.5M signing bonus remains, 2008 salary reduced from $1.335M to $0.735M)
o 08:$0.735M, 09:$5.9M, 10:$9.7M, 11:$12M, 12:$12M, 13:$12.5M, 14:$12.5M, 15:$13.5M club option ($1M buyout)
o full no-trade clause, 2009-10
o may block trades to 6 clubs from 2011 to end of deal

[Party]

I can poo-poo this trade but I was in favor of bringing Rios here. That and Kenny Williams has defied the laws of gravity before.