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Re: Articles
Posted: Mon Jul 25, 2016 7:15 pm
by J.R.
Guess the Skankees GM likes the Cubs GM more than Cleveland's?
Re: Articles
Posted: Mon Jul 25, 2016 7:49 pm
by seagull
Looks like the team that has the longest WS drought is willing to spring for an upcoming FA player for a pennant run and the team with the second longest WS drought is not.
Re: Articles
Posted: Tue Jul 26, 2016 9:32 am
by civ ollilavad
I'm hopeful that we make our offer for a different return piece. Yankees probably don't want to deal Miller too but I'd like him.
Re: Articles
Posted: Tue Jul 26, 2016 9:36 am
by civ ollilavad
Here's a BA podcast on trade deadline deals done or to-be-done,
http://www.baseballamerica.com/majors/t ... m0etrfw.97
First note is that most think Cubs
overpaid since it's a 3-month rental. But BA likes it for both sides.
Re: Articles
Posted: Tue Jul 26, 2016 9:41 am
by Vic P.
It will interesting to see if Chapman has the mental makeup to pitch in games late into October and November.
Re: Articles
Posted: Wed Jul 27, 2016 8:10 am
by civ ollilavad
Here's a BA podcast on trade deadline deals done or to-be-done,
http://www.baseballamerica.com/majors/t ... m0etrfw.97
First note is that most think Cubs
overpaid since it's a 3-month rental. But BA likes it for both sides.
They're finally get around to looking at trade possibilities for other competing teams; we'll get to the Indians in a little while.
They start discussion of the AL Central by saying Royals and Chisox are likely to be sellers not buyers. Wade Davis may be traded. Tigers might want to buy but don't have many prospects to buy with. Which takes us to Cleveland about 28 minutes into it if you want to skim ahead. We get a few minutes of discussion and their points are:
1. Indians have the pieces to make a deal.
They cite Frazier, Zimmer, Bradley, Mejia, Aiken, McKenzie, Sheffield, Hillman
2. Very tough call whether they will or should because:
a. Revenue-constrained team
b. Are good now and good prospects are not far away so can stay good without much addition
c. If they go "too deep" in trades, they'd be mortgaging their future 2-3 years ahead
3. Can afford to trade a couple of their top 5, but not more.
4. Can trade one of Z or F since they have both.
5. Unique strength: solid pitching. Everyone else is trading for pitching.
Re: Articles
Posted: Wed Jul 27, 2016 6:30 pm
by J.R.
Vic P. wrote:It will interesting to see if Chapman has the mental makeup to pitch in games late into October and November.
Good point. I was wondering about that, too.
Re: Articles
Posted: Wed Jul 27, 2016 7:16 pm
by joez
No doubt in my mind.
Before he became a major league ball player, Chapman would stalk the mound and stare down the umpire with every ball the was called. That was his only flaw at home and during international competition. He's grown up a lot since those days.
Let's face it, the Cubs did what they had to do to give themselves a chance to win the world series. Hector Rondon (RH) and Chapman (LH) give Maddon and the Cubs a dynamic back end of the bullpen. If the Cubs are going to defeat the Mets, they have to match the Mets pen man for man. They are on the verge of doing that. It was their downfall last year. If Nathan can come back, things will start to stack up for their bullpen.
Re: Articles
Posted: Thu Jul 28, 2016 10:02 pm
by joez
2016 MLB Trade Deadline Preview: Cleveland Indians
Cleveland Indians: 49-31, 1st in the AL Central
The Indians have been the talk of baseball since mid-June, and reached the peak of a 14-game winning streak after a thrilling 19-inning win in Toronto Friday. The Tribe have one of the best rotations in all of baseball, with all five starters boasting ERAs at or below the 3.50 mark and Danny Salazar leading the pack with a stellar 10-3 record and 2.22 ERA.
Cleveland has a wide lead (seven games) on the Royals as of this weekend, and appears, along with the Orioles and Rangers, as one of the strong favorites in the American League. Considering the White Sox’ hot start and the Royals being defending champions, it’s an impressive feat for a Cleveland team that made only tepid moves this winter (Mike Napoli, Rajai Davis, Juan Uribe and Joba Chamberlain being the most significant).
Despite the big lead, there have been some areas of weakness for the Tribe. The outfield lacks depth in the wake of Michael Brantley’s injury and steroid suspensions for Marlon Byrd and Abraham Almonte, though Tyler Naquin has been fantastic in his first major-league stint and Lonnie Chisenhall has stepped in nicely. Brantley is expected back sometime in the second half, meaning the Indians’ most significant addition could already be within their organization.
What moves have they made so far?
Cleveland has already made three trades this season, with one proving to have an impact at the big-league level. Two of the deals were minor, as the club shipped lefty Giovanni Soto to the Cubs and former prospects James Ramsey and Zach Walters to the Dodgers after designating them for assignment.
The team’s most important trade to this point has been the addition of catcher Chris Gimenez, who was acquired from the Rangers for cash in early May. Though Gimenez has hit just .200/.250/.300 in 28 games, he has helped stabilize the pitching staff and has been cited as a big factor in the improvements of starter Trevor Bauer.
Are they buyers or sellers?
The Indians are obvious buyers, though will differ from every most other deadline buyers due to the fact they won’t be looking for starting pitching. After floating controllable starters like Carlos Carrasco and Danny Salazar in trade talks over the last two years, Cleveland won’t discuss trades involving rotation pieces this year.
The most glaring area of need for the Indians is the outfield, despite the solid production from Naquin, Chisenhall, Davis and Jose Ramirez. The eventual addition of Brantley could turn out to be the team’s key outfield move, though they will almost certainly gauge the robust outfield market for potential additions. Prospects Clint Frazier and Bradley Zimmer also may be in the mix for promotions.
An outfield addition would force Ramirez back to third base, providing an upgrade over the struggling Juan Uribe. Of course, Cleveland could look to solve that problem by acquiring a third baseman and keeping the surging Ramirez in left field.
Cleveland has gotten almost zero production from behind the plate so far, as Yan Gomes is slashing .180/.214/.346 through 60 games. There will be some available offensive-minded catchers as well, so the club could make a move there. Bullpen help may also be in the cards, despite the group’s strong performance so far this year.
Who will they target?
If the Indians do decide to make an outfield move, there are plenty of options available. Jay Bruce of the Reds would make some sense, and has already expressed a willingness to waive his no-trade clause for a potential move to Cleveland (and other contenders). Josh Reddick (Athletics) and Nick Markakis (Braves) will also be available, though Cleveland may opt for a lesser move if and when Brantley comes back.
Cleveland has also been linked to Athletics third baseman Danny Valencia, who is arguably the top third baseman available this summer. Valencia is also drawing interest from the Royals, who will likely be a direct competitor for the Indians if they decide to pursue third base help. Trevor Plouffe (Twins) and Yangervis Solarte (Padres) could be fits as well.
Predictions
The Indians could really go two ways at the trade deadline, either by standing pat or making significant moves. Their entire strategy seems to rely on the status of Brantley, who would be a major addition at a critical time of the season.
Though Brantley publicly seems to be progressing well, there has been a cloud of doubt in baseball circles about the severity of his injury and his prognosis for returning this season. The recurring nature of his shoulder issues may force the Indians’ hand in making a deal, with options like Bruce and Reddick readily available on a strong market for outfielders.
Re: Articles
Posted: Thu Jul 28, 2016 10:08 pm
by joez
Brewers catcher Jonathan Lucroy is perfect fit for Cleveland Indians, but it all boils down to prospects
By Zack Meisel, cleveland.com
Email the author | Follow on Twitter
on July 28, 2016 at 1:30 PM, updated July 28, 2016 at 1:49 PM
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The man representing the tying run stepped into the batter's box on Wednesday afternoon and promptly bounced into a game-ending twin killing.
Perhaps Roberto Perez is still ridding himself of some rust, but he has collected all of one hit in 22 at-bats this season. (Small sample size acknowledged.)
The man representing the winning run approached the plate in the bottom of the ninth on Tuesday. Fortunately for the Indians, they only needed Chris Gimenez's bat to produce a well-placed bunt. Gimenez executed it to perfection, and the guy with the .522 OPS ended up on second base after an errant throw permitted the tying run to score.
Baseball has an uncanny way of shining the spotlight on those who struggle. For the Indians, the catcher position has served as a source of offensive ineptitude this season.
Tribe catchers rank last among the league's 30 teams in WAR, at minus-1.1. Only one other team (Tampa Bay) has received negative WAR from its crop of catchers. Indians catchers also rank last in batting average (.168) and on-base percentage (.216) and rank second-last in slugging (.288).
The Indians and Brewers have engaged in dialogue about Milwaukee catcher Jonathan Lucroy, among other players. The Rangers, Mets, Red Sox and Astros have been mentioned as possible suitors for Lucroy as well. The Tigers reportedly joined the fray this week, though Detroit's barren farm system would seemingly make the Indians' adversary a long-shot.
The Tigers have zero entries on Baseball America's midseason top 100 prospects list. The Indians, on the other hand, have seven: Clint Frazier, Bradley Zimmer, Brady Aiken, Bobby Bradley, Justus Sheffield, Francisco Mejia and Mike Clevinger. The Brewers would want to tap into that group of prospects.
The Indians' interest in Lucroy should be a no-brainer. The 30-year-old is an ideal fit. A two-time All-Star with dazzling offensive numbers (.300/.361/.486 slash line), defensive versatility (he can shift to first base next year if Mike Napoli walks) and an incredibly team-friendly contract ($4 million this year, $5.25 million club option next year) doesn't often find its way onto the trade market.
It likely all boils down to the Brewers' price tag. Should the Indians meet Milwaukee's demands before Monday's non-waiver trade deadline passes?
Outwardly, the Indians have claimed to be content with their catching situation, which has Perez and Gimenez splitting the duties while Yan Gomes recovers from a separated shoulder.
Gomes, who batted .165 with a .198 on-base percentage before he suffered the injury, is under contract through the 2019 season, with club options for 2020 and 2021. Lucroy, who has already totaled 2.8 WAR this season, would be an investment through next year. For what it's worth, Lucroy has thrown out 40 percent of would-be base-stealers this season (league average is 29 percent).
There is something to be said for the rapport between the Indians' pitchers and catchers. Corey Kluber required Gomes' presence when he accepted his Cy Young Award in New York two years ago. Gimenez has developed into Trevor Bauer's personal catcher. One player surmised that a host of hurlers would have been unhappy had Gomes received a demotion to Triple-A to work out his hitting woes.
Gomes isn't in the picture now. The hitting woes from the catching position remain, though.
The Indians have a long weekend to attempt to configure a deal with Milwaukee and general manager David Stearns, a former Tribe front-office executive. Will they strike a deal?
Re: Articles
Posted: Thu Jul 28, 2016 10:15 pm
by joez
Report: Mets, Brewers re-engaged in talks about Lucroy
With interest intensifying for Milwaukee Brewers catcher Jonathan Lucroy, the New York Mets have been invited back in the ring. The Brewers have re-engaged in trade talks with the Mets regarding the two-time All-Star, sources tell Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports. There is no indication, however, that a deal is close.
Report: Yankees taking offers on Miller
The Score "The New York Yankees won't say they're selling, but it feels like they're inching towards more deals. General manager Brian Cashman is reportedly taking offers for highly coveted closer Andrew Miller, according to ESPN's Buster Olney.
Reds waiting for teams to get serious about Jay Bruce
Cincinnati Enquirer "It was six days until the Aug. 1 trade deadline when Walt Jocketty sat down with a pair of reporters before Wednesday’s win over the San Francisco Giants. The the Cincinnati Reds president of baseball operations didn’t have much new to report.
Yankees called White Sox about Sale
Today's Knuckleball "With the New York Yankees’ smart trade to land a quartet of young players for 105-mph-throwing rental reliever Aroldis Chapman, some people around the game are now speculating that the Yankees could surprise folks by reversing course and seriously jumping into the Chris Sale sweepstakes.
Astros reportedly surveying market for catcher upgrade
For the Houston Astros to take the next step in contending for a title, the answer may ultimately wind up coming from behind the dish. According to a report by Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports on Wednesday, the Astros are surveying the market for an upgrade at the catcher position and have been monitoring Jonathan Lucroy of the Milwaukee Brewers and Derek Norris of the San Diego Padres specifically.
Mariners have interest in Reds’ Jay Bruce
ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick reports that the Mariners are among the teams that have contacted the Reds about outfielder Jay Bruce. The Mariners enter play Wednesday 51-48, six games out of first place in the AL West and 4.5 games out of the second AL Wild Card slot. Adding an impact bat like Bruce could help in their effort to reach the postseason.
Cubs, A's have discussed Reddick
Having already improved their bullpen this week, adding Aroldis Chapman and Mike Montgomery in separate trades, the division-leading Chicago Cubs are now keen to upgrade their outfield, too, according to Jon Morosi of MLB.com. Specifically, the Cubs have had trade discussions with the Oakland Athletics about right fielder Josh Reddick, the highly coveted 29-year-old who has also drawn interest from the Los Angeles Dodgers and Cleveland Indians.
Giants Acquire Eduardo Nunez
By Jeff Todd | July 28, 2016 at 9:25pm CDT The Giants have announced a deal to acquire Twins infielder Eduardo Nunez, as LaVelle E. Neal III of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune first reported (via Twitter). Lefty Adalberto Mejia is headed to Minnesota in return.
Re: Articles
Posted: Thu Jul 28, 2016 10:41 pm
by joez
WoW! Nunez for Mejia
I think its about time to make a move for both LuCroy and Bruce
Re: Articles
Posted: Thu Jul 28, 2016 11:01 pm
by joez
Giants acquire Eduardo Nunez from Twins
The San Francisco Giants have bolstered their infield depth, acquiring Eduardo Nunez from the Minnesota Twins in exchange for minor league left-hander Adalberto Mejia.
Nunez is hitting .296/.325/.439 with 12 home runs, 15 doubles and 27 stolen bases in 91 games and made the American League All-Star team. Nunez started 49 games at shortstop, 28 games at third base and four games at second base this season for the Twins.
He leaves the Twins leading the American League in stolen bases.
San Francisco has Brandon Crawford entrenched at shortstop but have suffered injuries to second baseman Joe Panik and third baseman Matt Duffy this season. Panik was activated off the DL before Thursday night's game against the Washington Nationals.
The 29-year-old Nunez is making $1.475 million this season and has one more year of salary arbitration eligibility in 2017 before becoming a free agent.
Mejia, 23, is 7-3 with a 2.83 ERA in 18 starts between Double-A Richmond and Triple-A Sacramento this season, with 101 strikeouts and 27 walks in 105⅔ innings. He was rated the No. 93 prospect in baseball in Baseball America's midseason top 100 list.
Re: Articles
Posted: Thu Jul 28, 2016 11:03 pm
by joez
Re: Articles
Posted: Thu Jul 28, 2016 11:06 pm
by joez
Deadline near: How does your GM tick?