NFT: Tuesday MLB Trade Deadline Thread

and Braves the reported "favorites" for Denorfia

are rebuilding, but if they trade Lester and Lackey, whose going to pitch?

Buchholz? What a disaster he's turned into.

Doubront? See Buchholz.

Rubby De la rosa and Alan Webster?

I feel like last year's success (short-term deals) has lulled the Sox into a false sense of bravado they don't need any long-term deals.

Dealing Lester would be a mistake IMO. Lackey, at his cost would be too.

Jimmy Nelson to rent Lester sounds like insanity to me unless they work out a contract as part of the deal (doubtful)

they can sign Lester anyway (no QO for an in-season deal) and Scherzer if they want to.

dealing Lackey would be idiotic unless they get the moon in return.

dealing Lackey makes little to no sense unless they get a MONSTER return. His team option is amazing for Boston.

although I highly doubt that he will be paid the league minimum next season, at least if he pitches for Boston. The more likely scenario is that they extend him slightly in such a way as to boost next year's salary with a friendly second year. OTOH, having Lackey cost-controlled at a low rate, assuming he doesn't follow through on a hinted retirement if the option is enforced, gives him tremendous value as a trade piece. Perhaps even more than Lester who will be capped by being a rental.

Mike Carp and Johnny Gomes could also move. Carp has requested a trade. Likely for only low value. Andrew Miller should bring in a good return, although he also is a rental. If I were Cherington, I would make a good offer to Miller now and extend him and trade Koji in stead. Koji should bring a really good return.

Was mentioned by Sherman as a possibility

Seattle's staff would be insane.

is from WA too so I'm guessing they would make a big push to keep him as well.

quotes a friend of Lester's saying "no chance" he signs with Boston. Not sure if that includes after the season.

even if traded?

I was just going to post that iI don't see who would want to trade for Lester and give anything up if he's willing to resign there after the season ends.

and Lester himself saying that he has no aversion to it. I can see him saying he'd come back right now, because he doesn't know any other team. He might like it once he gets away to a new environs. OTOH, there is so much history with the Sox that the affinity for them could be real and maybe he would come back at something slightly less than the very highest bid (which I would expect to be NYY, unless he gets traded to LAD). I think a lot will depend on the tenor of his leaving if he gets traded or how the season and warmth of a last place team fits if he stays.

without any real information

They are trying to keep their own at a bargain. If not, they let him go(and will probably tell the papers that he beats children).

In all seriousness, they are good at getting their own guys to accept below market value deals to stick around.

was he was no longer going to negotiate during the season, after they had made some progress and exchanged offers.

It makes sense, he's been lights out this year and to get this close to free agency I don't blame him.

Lackey's pricetag is not nearly as beneficial as it is for a small-market team. A legit 3 or 4 pitching for peanuts helps the Brewers more than the BoSox. If they can address positions of need with the return or add another solid prospect to the system it wouldn't be a terrible move. Next season may not be much better than this one, as they'll probably be giving pretty regular reps to four position players who are first or second year players. But it's a way to establish themselves on a firm footing going forward.

was they'd package lackey and lester - lackey to offset the "rental" aspect of lester and get a better return.

there is the threat, as mentioned, that Lackey would retire instead of playing for 500k, so he'd probably want something done financially with the acquiring team to get a deal done.

I think, especially as the deadline approaches, the value of both separately will exceed the package. I also think at least one team will overpay for Lester, rental-be-damned if it looks like there is a lot of competition.

From the Sox perspective, I would trade one or the other but not both. If it was Lackey that was traded, I would buckle and pay Lester market value. Otherwise, they are looking at losing a pick and going for Scherzer or something. No way would it be Buccholz and rookies next year.

Remember, they are likely to be protected. They'll lose a 2nd rounder, which matters, but not the 1st.

but the main point is that they would still need to bring a top level vet arm.

How much more than Niese or Gee would the Sox want? Assuming a resigning is negotiated in advance.

Also a trade of Lester makes him more appealing in the winter without the first rounder attached to him.

NO!

on Adrian Beltre?

Heard he's a hot commodity as a bat

Also what the hell happened to Bryce Harper??

In comment 11785290 Shecky said:

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How much more than Niese or Gee would the Sox want? Assuming a resigning is negotiated in advance. Also a trade of Lester makes him more appealing in the winter without the first rounder attached to him.

The Mets first rounder has a good chance of being protected again, but I wouldn't sign Lester. If the Mets want to add pitching I'd trad for Price.

Trade I'd like to see happen: De La Rosa to the Yankees in exchange for right-handed pitching prospect Luis Severino and 3B/LF prospect Dante Bichette Jr. That deal would give the Yankees a legitimate chance of giving Derek Jeter one last shot at another title. De La Rosa is one of the most underrated left-handed starters in baseball and has the makeup and character to handle the New York market during a pennant race. I would then like to see the Yankees turn around and send shortstop prospect Abiatal Avelino to the Twins for Josh Willingham.

I agree. But the cost would be substantial higher, no? In prospects. Dollars. and in years.

Either would be huge. We go from maybe having the great staff we plan to build around. To HAVING. The great staff. A lefty. Front end known commodity. Who makes trading the young arms for a bat easier to eventually swallow
Harvey
Lester
Wheeler
DeGrom
Thor/Montero/Matz/Gorski/Hefner/whoever...
I like that starting five a LOT. Especially with our young pen.

.

find it hard to believe Texas would get enough for it to be worth dealing Beltre. The guy is quietly an excellent candidate for the HOF, showing zero signs of decline and short years. Texas is awful this year but they have so much invested in Darvish, Choo, Fielder, Andrus etc, I find it hard to believe they are going to dismantle what they have. Their injury situation this year has been absolutely ridiculous.

They lost Perez, Fielder, Moreland, Holland, Profar all for basically the entire season.

"5 trades that should happen" are always ridiculous.

would cost a lot more.

I'd trade Thor, Flores and Plawecki for Price and Zobrist (on the condition the Mets can negotiate an extension for Price - not sure if that's in the ballpark for what Price wold cost. Seems comparable for what the Mets gave up for Santana.

the rotation would be the best in mets history (Maybe?)

Price
Harvey
Wheeler
Niese
Gee
deGrom
Colon (until he's dealt)

trade for an expensive pitcher when they have cheap ones in abundance who are better?

it would make sense for the Mets to trade prospects to get Price. Lester would make sense to sign as an FA if the Mets traded something like Niese/Thor/Plawecki/Flores to CO for Tulo (or a similar but lesser package for Cargo).

for Willingham isn't insane if the Yankees are "going for it". The other deal is ridiculous.

In comment 11785363 SethFromAstoria said:

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trade for an expensive pitcher when they have cheap ones in abundance who are better?

Are they better?

Price is an ace. Best case thor is too, but wasn't Humber "an ace" wasn't Pelfrey "an ace"?

others have been potential aces too.

Price is.

That's why you trade for him.

is insane under any circumstances.

"going for it" is itself insane if you're the Yankees, though. This simply isn't a very good team. Tanaka's individual brilliance is why they're over .500, and it's not likely that he takes the mound again this season.

Niese plus for Lester. Sign him 5/$100 or whatever it is he is worth.
Colon for anything. Niese and Colon free up $18 of the $20 by adding Lester.

Gee (plus?) to the Rockies for Dickerson in LF. Gee will make 6-8mm in arbitration next year. Also clear CY next year is another $7mm. So adding Lester and Dickerson is SAVING us net about $12mm so far.

Talk to Texas about a SS. I'd be more than happy taking on his contract for a coue if B prospects. Or one A prospect. $12mm saved above, add $15mm for Andrus. Increased payroll by $3mm.

I then trade Murphy (plus) for a Joc Pederson type of prospect. Save $10-$12mm a year there. Increase of $3mm is now a $9mm decrease!! Depending on what prospects you had to give up, if we still have the ammo I go hard after Stanton or Goldschmidt to finish it off.
Trade Grandy if we turn out to get lucky to have a gout of OF, which I wouldn't count on.

Not much of a farm left. But we are serious contenders. It's all doable. And on a light payroll for the next 3 years. At that point our young A ballets are hopefully major league ready to start replenishing the teAm.

how is Avelino for Willingham not insane?

Beltre is 10th all-time in the history of the sport in fWAR at 3b. Barring an absolutely stunning decline he will retire no worse than 8th and 7th (passing Brooks Robinson) is possible. Fangraphs has him as the 4th greatest defensive 3b ever behind Robinson, Boyer and Buddy Bell. Quite a career.

he's a 19 year old SS very, very far away from the majors with 1 homer in 148 professional games. I'm not advocating the Yankees make such a trade but teams "going for it" have to pay the prices. Hate to tell you baseball "experts" wouldn't lose their minds if such a trade was made.

In comment 11785368 pjcas18 said:

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In comment 11785363 SethFromAstoria said: Quote: trade for an expensive pitcher when they have cheap ones in abundance who are better? Are they better? Price is an ace. Best case thor is too, but wasn't Humber "an ace" wasn't Pelfrey "an ace"? others have been potential aces too. Price is. That's why you trade for him.

Point I was making is who is not doing well enough to stay right now? Who is not pulling their weight on that side of the ball? Enough that we want to bring in someone else's high priced reject?

Callis doesn't have Avelino as a top 20 prospect in the Yankees system. Let's not go crazy here, regardless if you like him or not.

so how is trading a shortstop prospect helping the yankees?

has been terrible two years in a row. I wouldn't trade anything for him

Lefty ace of the defending champs is now a reject?
Wonder what you think of the Rockies reject SS and Marlins reject RF?

hasn't been good in years. I wouldn't trade anything for him.

In comment 11785384 SethFromAstoria said:

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In comment 11785368 pjcas18 said: Quote: In comment 11785363 SethFromAstoria said: Quote: trade for an expensive pitcher when they have cheap ones in abundance who are better? Are they better? Price is an ace. Best case thor is too, but wasn't Humber "an ace" wasn't Pelfrey "an ace"? others have been potential aces too. Price is. That's why you trade for him. Point I was making is who is not doing well enough to stay right now? Who is not pulling their weight on that side of the ball? Enough that we want to bring in someone else's high priced reject?

I doubt Colon is here next year, Niese and Gee are both injury concerns and Harvey is coming off TJ.

I'd love a top 3 of Price, Harvey and Wheeler, if deGrom is legit that's a formidable top 4. the bullpen looks good and it then allows the Mets to trade Gee or Niese or Montero for a SS or OF. Matz is the wild card, he's older, but less experienced because of the injuries, but he could be on the doorstep too, so it's not like leaving the farm system barren.

I think Price is more attainable and a surer bet to play out his contract that Tulo.

.

said there is a 200% markup on David Price. I don't think he is getting traded based on that. Maybe it will be easier in the off season.

how many teams are calling about Willingham one has to assume teams think he can help them right? Willingham's 118 OPS+ would rank #2 in the Yankees lineup just behind Gardner. To suggest he couldn't help is silly. SHOULD the Yankees be going for it is a different argument.

is the cost I pass. I like his upside too much to trade for Willingham.

he sucks ass

Gardner 120 OPS+
Willingham 118
Teixeria 116
Ellsbury 111
Beltran 99

you wouldn't do the deal is one thing, it's not a "crazy" price for a solid bat however.

In comment 11785339 pjcas18 said:

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In comment 11785290 Shecky said: Quote: How much more than Niese or Gee would the Sox want? Assuming a resigning is negotiated in advance. Also a trade of Lester makes him more appealing in the winter without the first rounder attached to him. The Mets first rounder has a good chance of being protected again, but I wouldn't sign Lester. If the Mets want to add pitching I'd trad for Price.

I doubt mets first round pick will be protected the way they are playing there looking at a close to 500 finish

would rank #1 on the Yankees in wRC+, #2 in wOBA and currently would rank 10th in baseball in LF in wRC+ and 9th in wOBA.

pick likely won't be protected. Too many really bad teams.

We dont need a guy that never gets hits but will get on base. We need someone to drive home guys. Gardner, Ellsbury and even Jeter are getting on base, but nobody is driving them home.

but understand why they have to. YES ratings, ticket sales, and so on. Willingham would help, and seems like the type of player the Yanks have been trading for...guys that don't cost us a ton of top prospects but offer us incremental improvement.

all well and good but don't you think a player you describe also costs significantly more than a guy whom Jim Callis didn't rank im the Yankees top 20 prospects this week? Callis is no schlub and the Yankees have a good/solid system but not 20 studs deep good.

then the Yankees shouldnt do anything.

knows less about the Yankee system than most of the serious fans here.

as much as he sucks would be a significantly better #2 hitter with his stats this year than Jeter.

Don't act like Jeter is not a big problem in the 2 hole, he is.

Only two in the lineup carrying their weight are Gardner and Ellsbury, and neither one of those are lighting the world on fire, they are just playing pretty well.

He didn't have Judge top 3 on their prospect list.

is he plays at a park where hitters go to die.

He is definitely a guy who teams would love to take a chance on.

it's not like YS is some great park for righties.

In comment 11785430 DanMetroMan said:

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pick likely won't be protected. Too many really bad teams.

How many are protected? top 10?

Right now, at 4 games under .500 the Mets pick tied for 10th with the White Sox.

I feel like a second half swoon is coming. I'm not hoping for it, but history shows it happens.

cmon. Ranking Judge 5th in the system is some ridiculous reach? If anything it's a positive to the Yankees system. Not having a guy in a top 20 says a whole lot more than having a guy 5th vs. 3rd or 4th.

In comment 11785401 Shecky said:

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Lefty ace of the defending champs is now a reject? Wonder what you think of the Rockies reject SS and Marlins reject RF?

Why are they trading them?

because they don't like to pay their own players market value when it's time for them to get paid. If the player doesn't sign for a hometown discount, they move on.

In comment 11785453 SethFromAstoria said:

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In comment 11785401 Shecky said: Quote: Lefty ace of the defending champs is now a reject? Wonder what you think of the Rockies reject SS and Marlins reject RF? Why are they trading them?

To get something for him before they lose him in a free agency bidding war resulting in an overpay - for Lester.

Price is being traded because he's going to get a ton in arbitration and then he'll be a FA, the Rays can't afford him.

In comment 11785453 SethFromAstoria said:

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In comment 11785401 Shecky said: Quote: Lefty ace of the defending champs is now a reject? Wonder what you think of the Rockies reject SS and Marlins reject RF? Why are they trading them?

So in your book Mike Piazza was a Marlins/Dodgers reject? You could at least pretend not to troll people....

In comment 11785453 SethFromAstoria said:

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In comment 11785401 Shecky said: Quote: Lefty ace of the defending champs is now a reject? Wonder what you think of the Rockies reject SS and Marlins reject RF? Why are they trading them?

Seth. Is that a serious question??

In a chat with reporters, Mets GM Sandy Alderson acknowledged that the club has an opportunity to do a “thing or two,” but wouldn’t bet on something happening between now and the deadline, writes Anthony DiComo of MLB.com. Alderson said that at some point he might be willing to use his top prospects in a blockbuster trade, but said that it would have to be “the right time for the right player under the right circumstances.”
Earlier today, Jeff Passan reported that the Mets would move Noah Syndergaard in a deal for Troy Tulowitzki, but David Lennon of Newsday (on Twitter) hears that the Mets will not include him in any type of trade. Lennon cautions that things can change, but that’s the thinking at this moment.
Daisuke Matsuzaka, who landed on the disabled list on Friday with right elbow inflammation, should resume tossing a baseball in three or four days, manager Terry Collins said, according to Adam Rubin of ESPNNewYork.com. The right-hander could possibly be among the starters on the trade block this week.

who said Cano would have to be a 1B in the majors?

Even if the have a protected pick, they would lose a second round pick and the associated slot money.
Best case scenario is he is traded so he can't be offered a QO. But the bidding war would likely get too high then.

not to derail the thread, but the MLB draft is a ridiculous crapshoot.

as of 2010, top 10 picks have a 40% change of being a "successful" MLB player. Just 40%.

2nd round is under 10%. I'd lose a 2nd round pick in a heartbeat, top 10 I'd need someone special.

the Red Sox are not short on cash. Why don't they want to pay the guy? And why do we want to pay the guy instead of paying what we have? If we were on the edge of a World Series, ok maybe then I get it. But why would we take someone from a team in a similar spot as us and give them any talent back in the process?

What I am asking is not trolling or being stupid. In fact I find the idea of the Mets trading for Lester to be insane and a waste of discussion. But I'm trying to understand the point of view.

Calling him a reject is not quite the right way to put it. I think you can say that paying a starter at the back end of his prime a huge amount of money isn't prudent for an ascending team building around youth.

That being said, I don't see the Mets and Red Sox as similar situations. The Mets are ascending, the Red Sox are breaking down and rebuilding.

In comment 11785510 SethFromAstoria said:

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the Red Sox are not short on cash. Why don't they want to pay the guy? And why do we want to pay the guy instead of paying what we have? If we were on the edge of a World Series, ok maybe then I get it. But why would we take someone from a team in a similar spot as us and give them any talent back in the process? What I am asking is not trolling or being stupid. In fact I find the idea of the Mets trading for Lester to be insane and a waste of discussion. But I'm trying to understand the point of view.

I don't think your viewpoint is wrong. I just had an issue with your terminolgy. Calling elite players "rejects" undermines the rest of your post, even if you make good points.

I think Lester makes sense as an FA to sure up our rotation if we gut some of the farm to get an all-star bat. I think it would be silly to trade for him in the next day or two.

In comment 11785487 pjcas18 said:

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not to derail the thread, but the MLB draft is a ridiculous crapshoot. as of 2010, top 10 picks have a 40% change of being a "successful" MLB player. Just 40%. 2nd round is under 10%. I'd lose a 2nd round pick in a heartbeat, top 10 I'd need someone special.

PJ - I agree with you and your point. I just don't ignore losing a second round pick and the slot money. Not as valuable as a 1, but also to not completely discount a 2.

In comment 11785510 SethFromAstoria said:

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the Red Sox are not short on cash. Why don't they want to pay the guy? And why do we want to pay the guy instead of paying what we have? If we were on the edge of a World Series, ok maybe then I get it. But why would we take someone from a team in a similar spot as us and give them any talent back in the process? What I am asking is not trolling or being stupid. In fact I find the idea of the Mets trading for Lester to be insane and a waste of discussion. But I'm trying to understand the point of view.

I was suggesting to trade for Price, not Lester, maybe it's splitting hairs and means the same thing to you.

But the Rays are in a different situation from Boston in they can't afford their stars.

And what's different is in Price's case he has a year of arbitration left (2015), before he's a FA, so you can't just sign him in the off-season.

Like others, I was thrown off by the term reject.

Let me explain my thinking. Hitters are massively expensive right now, yet Lester seems attainable. I have zero problem giving up a 3/4 pitcher like Niese who will soon cost half the price of Lester (plus prospects). we are adding a top of the rotation lefty who is used to winning. And is protection in case Harvey returns as a 2 and not a 1. Third, it takes the pressure off Wheeler. He is a 3 now, doesn't need to be an ace. Same with deGrom and whoever becomes our 5.

Financially I show above how it's done. Con and Niese make what Lester will make. We have a glut of pitching anyway. Lester makes trading young arms for a bat a lot easier. Less maybes in the rotation. You can now trade Gee and Murphy and young arms for big bats. Again, the financials. Gee and Murphy are about to start making big money. So in my scenario. Spending on an ace like lefty, it saves you money with the corresponding moves.

We don't have to agree. But you asked for the how and why I think Lester makes sense.

if you were getting another season, much less three or four, it would be a different issue entirely. That's why the asking price for Hamels is astronomical even though his contract is anything but team-friendly.

have made the best offer to the Phillies for Hamels. Some rumors are saying its Piscotty, Martinez, and Miller.

However, I believe the Phillies are going to want Taveras, which I doubt St. Louis parts with.

I don't want a pitching prospect heavy package for Hamels ... after all TINSTAAPP.

The Cardinals have been jerking Taveras around this year. Calling him up to sit mostly on the bench. Sending him down then calling him up again and not giving him significant at bats ahead of Craig even though Craig is having a terrible year. If they are not going to give him at bats he should be at AAA. I wonder if the Cardinals are souring on Taveras.

my use of the term reject was for effect because these are situations where these good players or formerly great players are not going to be extended by their teams, so I question the logic of why the Mets would "rescue" these teams by taking their overpriced bloated players. In fact I think its like the opposite of the ideal scenario. And I guess in addition, I find it weird to even suggest that a team with like 9 possible quality starters, 3 or 4 of whom are like ace/number 2's would even consider replacing those players with other team's high priced players who are not wanted anymore.

The end.

We have one ace. And several potentials. In this case, I take the "known" because we are giving up a 3/4 in Niese. Not Thor. Not wheeler. Not DeGrom.

In comment 11785561 SethFromAstoria said:

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my use of the term reject was for effect because these are situations where these good players or formerly great players are not going to be extended by their teams, so I question the logic of why the Mets would "rescue" these teams by taking their overpriced bloated players. In fact I think its like the opposite of the ideal scenario. And I guess in addition, I find it weird to even suggest that a team with like 9 possible quality starters, 3 or 4 of whom are like ace/number 2's would even consider replacing those players with other team's high priced players who are not wanted anymore. The end.

In the case of price, I believe it's more a case of the TB operating model than the fact they don't want him. Like the Twins with Santana. I don't think any sane person would say the Twins didn't want Santana nor would they say the Rays don't want Price.

that's silly to phrase it that way.

I just believe that in a lot of cases prospects most value is as prospects. Can Thor become an ace? Maybe, but you know Price is an ace.

so if trading Thor to the Rays (plus) and getting back Price works I do it.

I see no failure in that model on anyone's part, no rejects involved, no unwanted players, the only failure is in hindsight (like in the Santana trade) if the prospects fail to provide value to their new team, in which case it only strengthens my perspective.

In comment 11785383 DanMetroMan said:

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he's a 19 year old SS very, very far away from the majors with 1 homer in 148 professional games. I'm not advocating the Yankees make such a trade but teams "going for it" have to pay the prices. Hate to tell you baseball "experts" wouldn't lose their minds if such a trade was made.

Trading Low A prospects (especially injured ones) is a shitty proposition for both teams though, and it always has been. You never get full value because of the information asymmetry (you almost have to assume the player has medical problems) and the gaining team has to hope that three years and some good luck with health from now he can contribute.

In comment 11785343 sinctybldh said:

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Trade I'd like to see happen: De La Rosa to the Yankees in exchange for right-handed pitching prospect Luis Severino and 3B/LF prospect Dante Bichette Jr. That deal would give the Yankees a legitimate chance of giving Derek Jeter one last shot at another title. De La Rosa is one of the most underrated left-handed starters in baseball and has the makeup and character to handle the New York market during a pennant race. I would then like to see the Yankees turn around and send shortstop prospect Abiatal Avelino to the Twins for Josh Willingham.

Severino is untouchable. That would be a 1980s George trade that always kept the Yanks in neutral

everything you said, I agree with. I'm just saying if it came over the wire the Yankees made such a trade Law, Callis, Sickels etc wouldn't react with "wow, the Yankees gave up a stud for a crappy Josh Willingham", in all honesty the Twins would likely be the ones who pass since of the ridiculously high bust factor of a 19 year old A-ball SS.

In comment 11785606 dpinzow said:

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In comment 11785343 sinctybldh said: Quote: Trade I'd like to see happen: De La Rosa to the Yankees in exchange for right-handed pitching prospect Luis Severino and 3B/LF prospect Dante Bichette Jr. That deal would give the Yankees a legitimate chance of giving Derek Jeter one last shot at another title. De La Rosa is one of the most underrated left-handed starters in baseball and has the makeup and character to handle the New York market during a pennant race. I would then like to see the Yankees turn around and send shortstop prospect Abiatal Avelino to the Twins for Josh Willingham. Severino is untouchable. That would be a 1980s George trade that always kept the Yanks in neutral

Severino isn't untouchable, he could be a centerpiece to go out and get a stud like Tulowitzki or Stanton. But you don't deal the best pitching prospect you've had in five or six years to get two months of a good but not great starter is just fucking moronic.

In comment 11785612 DanMetroMan said:

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everything you said, I agree with. I'm just saying if it came over the wire the Yankees made such a trade Law, Callis, Sickels etc wouldn't react with "wow, the Yankees gave up a stud for a crappy Josh Willingham", in all honesty the Twins would likely be the ones who pass since of the ridiculously high bust factor of a 19 year old A-ball SS.

Sure, no dispute here. But it's not a trade that is likely to be made for that reason.

seems to mistake the Rockies ASKING for top pitching prospects for him = the Rockies will GET/deserve to get top pitching prospects for him. I don't fault them for asking, why wouldn't they? But c'mon.

no Severino for Tulo or anyone 30 or over.

In comment 11785638 DanMetroMan said:

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seems to mistake the Rockies ASKING for top pitching prospects for him = the Rockies will GET/deserve to get top pitching prospects for him. I don't fault them for asking, why wouldn't they? But c'mon.

The burden is whether the return is better than a QO (first rounder), and it isn't likely to be.

Byrd reportedly insisting his 2016 option be guaranteed to agree to be traded (and why shouldn't he?) If that happens Byrd really needs to send Sandy a gift basket for granting his agent the favor of a ST invite.. from out of baseball (basically) to an "extra" 24.7 million in earnings? Wowzas.

over the top, sure, you can consider such a deal. They aren't. They're currently sporting a rotation of Kuroda, Phelps, McCarthy, Greene and Capuano. Adding Willingham to the lineup isn't going to change that fact. They just aren't good enough for a deal like that to make sense.

needs to have a multi-year horizon.

no disagreement here.

Byrd to the DL, another bat "off" the market.

apparently told the Phillies he will block any trade (Involving one of the 17 teams where he can block) where he isn't promised he will close.

Jim Bowden of ESPN and MLB Network Radio reports (via Twitter) that the Blue Jays, Mariners, Brewers, Cardinals, Dodgers, Orioles and Marlins are all currently in on Lester.

Why would they be in on Lester?

radio here in Boston reported the Pirates too, in a Josh Bell for Lester (main pieces) proposal.

But man, I'd be tempted to take offers for Grandy right now. There are virtually zero bats available, see if someone will blow you away with an offer. Can't hurt to take calls. And move Colon too obviously.

Get a great package in return. Free up $27mm in payroll while ADDING prospects. Then blow away the Marlins with an offer for Stanton in the offseason.

In comment 11785717 Kevin999 said:

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Why would they be in on Lester?

They love to be linked to big names at the last second. Free PR, and the never pull the trigger.

there has been some speculation the Marlins are floating their names involved in players to get the focus off "will they trade Stanton"/give Stanton the impression they are looking to contend going forward.

In comment 11785702 DanMetroMan said:

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no disagreement here. Byrd to the DL, another bat "off" the market.

Where did you read that Dan? No disagreeing, just havent seen it.

Byrd DL story was from a fake account, my apologies.

so it argues in the other direction.

reportedly interested in Byrd due to Marte injury, if they traded for him it would be 2 straight seasons of Marte injury pushing them for a Marlon Byrd trade lol

In comment 11785745 DanMetroMan said:

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Byrd DL story was from a fake account, my apologies.

Rube cant trade him anyways. Amaro is a moron.

In comment 11785751 DanMetroMan said:

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reportedly interested in Byrd due to Marte injury, if they traded for him it would be 2 straight seasons of Marte injury pushing them for a Marlon Byrd trade lol

lol, Pirates should have just resigned him then, i guess amaro blew everyone out of the water with his offer.

tomorrow, which would make sense.

Byrd to the Pirates would be funny. Trade a few prospects for a guy, let him walk at the end of the season, then trade more prospect to get him back.

Wonder if Huntington will revisit his crazy off from last year if he can't get Byrd.

Nick Cafardo þ@nickcafardo · 7m
Yankees working hard on trying to improve rotation and bullpen according to a pair of NL GM's.

good lord.

there has been nothing going on

at 4

Beisbol's Org þ@BeisbolsOrg 2m

Jon Lester has been scratched from tomorrow's start apparently.

In comment 11786137 Dunedin81 said:

Quote:

Beisbol's Org þ@BeisbolsOrg 2m Jon Lester has been scratched from tomorrow's start apparently.

That means a trade with someone is all but agreed

it isn't the Brewers, and the Cards seem more focused on Price. Murray thinks it's the Pirates. Either way some chatter it could get done tonight or early tomorrow.

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Baseball Report þ@NickHamelinMLB 2m

It's becoming more and more likely that Jon Lester will in fact be traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates according to several reports.

Baseball Report þ@NickHamelinMLB 23s

Pittsburgh has emerged as the favorite for Jon Lester followed by the #Dodgers. Several teams are remaining interested.

FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal reports that the Athletics are also "in the mix" for Jon Lester.
It would certainly be a stunner if they were able to land Lester after picking up Jeff Samardzija and Jason Hammel earlier this month. Rosenthal has also reported that the Cardinals, Dodgers and Pirates are in negotiations with the Red Sox regarding Lester. Gordon Edes of ESPNBoston.com also hears that the Blue Jays and Orioles are in on Lester, though WEEI.com's Rob Bradford and Alex Speier are saying those two teams are out of it. Lester has been scratched from Wednesday's scheduled start and is expected to be dealt soon.
Related: Dodgers, Athletics, Pirates, Cardinals
Source: Ken Rosenthal on Twitter
Jul 30 - 12:35 A

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Art school kid who went from topping out at 90 to topping out in triple digits in a year, just signed for $250K (6th round money) with the Twins.
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