10.30.2008

Baseball America's Minor League Transactions

From Baseball America:

Minor League Transactions
This week’s installment considers all transactions reported by MLB between Oct. 18-24. The previous installment is available here.

Arizona Diamondbacks
Released: C Craig Ansman

Atlanta Braves
Added to 40-man roster: RHP Luis Valdez

Baltimore Orioles
Removed from 40-man roster: RHP Randor Bierd, RHP Rocky Cherry, C Omir Santos, SS Brandon Fahey, OF Jeff Fiorentino

Boston Red Sox
Removed from 40-man roster: RHP Chris Smith, SS Gil Velazquez
Granted free agency: RHP Chris Smith

Chicago Cubs
Signed: RHP Vince Perkins (Joliet (Northern)), C Danny Fatheree

Chicago White Sox
Released: RHP Luis Guzman, RHP Michael Lucas, LHP Israel Chirino, LHP Wilmer Rojas, C Billy Killian, OF Ronnie Gaines, OF Nick Mahin
Removed from 40-man roster: LHP Andrew Sisco, C Paul Phillips, 2B Jason Bourgeois

Cleveland Indians
Released: RHP Jorge Riera
Removed from 40-man roster: RHP Brian Slocum

Detroit Tigers
Released: RHP Dario Carvajal, RHP Angel Castro, RHP Kelvin Cedano, RHP P.J. Finigan, RHP Hayden Lackey, RHP Santo Mieses, RHP Kyle Pearson, RHP Derek Witt, LHP Danny Zell, C Brandon Harrigan, 3B Carlos Ramirez, OF Luis Arlet, OF Justin Justice, OF Cory Middleton, OF Hayden Parrott

Florida Marlins
Signed: SS Chris de la Cruz

Kansas City Royals
Signed: RHP Matt Wright
Released: RHP Ariel Bonilla

Los Angeles Angels
Added to 40-man roster: RHP Rafael Rodriguez
Removed from 40-man roster: RHP Darren O’Day

Milwaukee Brewers
Signed: RHP Mike Jones, RHP Juan Sandoval

Minnesota Twins
Released: 1B Jakub Hajtmar
Removed from 40-man roster: RHP Julio DePaula, RHP Oswaldo Sosa, C Ryan Jorgensen, 3B Sergio Santos

New York Mets
Removed from 40-man roster: RHP Nelson Figueroa, LHP Adam Bostick, C Gustavo Molina

Philadelphia Phillies
Released: 1B Mike Eylward

Pittsburgh Pirates
Removed from 40-man roster: RHP Yoslan Herrera, RHP Marino Salas

St. Louis Cardinals
Removed from 40-man roster: C Mark Johnson, 1B Josh Phelps
Granted free agency: C Mark Johnson, B Josh Phelps

Toronto Blue Jays
Signed: C Kyle Phillips, 1B Brian Dopirak

Washington Nationals
Signed: LHP Justin Jones
Granted free agency: OF Ryan Langerhans

Renteria's Option Declined

According to the Miami Herald, the Detroit Tigers have officially declined their option for SS Edgar Renteria. The Tigers announced a month ago this move, but had to wait to make it official.

Renteria will most likely be a Type A free agent, so the Tigers could offer him arbitration.

Macha to Manage Brewers

MLB.com is reporting that the Brewers will announce the hiring of Ken Macha as their next manager. The official press conference is for 2:00 pm CST.

Macha previously spend 4 years as the manager of the Oakland Atheletics.

Marlins Jacobs Traded to Royals

The Kansas City Star is reporting that the Royals have acquired 1B Mike Jacobs from the Marlins for RP Leo Nunez.

Jacobs will be the new first baseman for the Royals, who already have multiple options in their system - Billy Butler, Kila Ka'aihue, and Ryan Shealy.

Nunez will fight for a bullpen spot with the Marlins.

New Direction

I'm moving this blog in a new direction...

I'm sure everyone has seen me pimping MLBTradeRumors.com. I was thinking that there needs to be a complementary site for transactions.

Well, here it is. I'm going to get it up and running in a few days. I'm keeping all of the older posts, but I'll be removing all the tags.

8.18.2008

That's all Folks

Well, I'm been offered an opportunity to turn Tailgate Crashers into something better - I'm going to try to get the content up to a decent standard. So, I won't be posting here any longer. All content will be on Tailgate Crashers.

One last thing I need my readers to do is give me some feedback of the current site (http://tailgatecrashers.com/). What needs improvement? What is the site lacking?

Also, we are looking for reliable writers; submit samples to my e-mail listed at the top of the page.

8.07.2008

Trade Deadline Part 2

Here's the 2nd part of the trade deadline moves. It includes everything upto the deadline. Waiver deals will be covered next time.

The Pirates trade Xavier Nady and Damaso Marte to the Yankees for Jose Tabata, Ross Ohlendorf, Dan McCutchen, and Jeff Karstens - Many have said this trade was a bad deal for the Pirates, but I kind of like it. Nady was having a career year and Marte is one of the best lefty relievers available, but Pittsburgh picked up a potential impact bat and depth to their weak system. The main key for this deal is if Tabata's power comes back - he suffered a wrist injury last season and his power took a major hit. Karsten is already paying dividends in the Pirates rotation (2 great starts) and hope Ohlendorf will soon. McCutchen will be a nice bullpen piece in the future.
Advantage - Yankees, until we see how Tabata develops.

The Cardinals trade Anthony Reyes to the Indians for Luis Perdomo - The Cardinals (and their philosophy of pitching to contract and using a sinkerball) have ruined Anthony Reyes. He's a power pitcher that didn't fit their system. Instead of letting him pitch his game or trading him earlier in his career, they essentially made him worthless. The Indians have a potential 3 starter if Reyes rebounds in his new organization. Perdomo is a live arm with command problems; he's also a little old for splitting time between Hi A and Double A.
Advantage - Indians.

The Indians trade Casey Blake to the Dodgers for Jon Meloan and Carlos Santana - Blake, a free agent at the end of the season, was a dump to a contender that needed help at third. He'll be the starter now for the Dodgers, after losing faith in Blake DeWitt and Andy LaRoche. Blake should see similar production, if not slightly better, in the Dodgers lineup. Meloan was a dominant reliever, but has struggled this year; he was moved to the rotation because he has 5 solid pitchs. Santana is a well rounded catcher - he can hit well and is a good defensive catcher; he is currently in the top 10 of RBIs, runs, doubles, walks, and OBP in all the minors.
Advantage - Neither.

The Braves trade Mark Teixeira to the Angels for Casey Kotchman and Stephen Marek - The Braves got no where near the return on Teixeira that they gave up, but this isn't a bad package. I expect Teixeira to see a small increase in numbers for the rest of the season, from moving from a pitcher park to a more neutral park. Kotchman is the first baseman that has been lacking in Atlanta for a while (besides Tex, since he was only there for a year). Marek is an intriguing relief prospects, which should fit in well in the Braves organization.
Advantage - Angels.

The Tigers trade Ivan Rodriguez to the Yankees for Kyle Farnsworth - I was a little shocked by this deal; I know Detroit was planning no Inge taking over as catcher after the season, but I didn't expect them to move Rodriguez now. He's instantly an upgrade for the Yankees, since Posada is done for the season. Fransworth has had success with the Tigers in the past and they need the help in the bullpen.
Advantage - Yankees.

The Mariners trade Arthur Rhodes to the Marlins for Gaby Hernandez - The Mariners got a B-level prospect for a scrap-heap project - not a bad return for a non-roster invitee. Marlins needed a solid lefty and were happy with a Rhodes rental.
Advantage - Mariners.

The Reds trade Ken Griffey Jr to the White Sox for Nick Masset and Danny Richar - Another shocking deal, as the White Sox have a full outfield. They plan on using Griffey in center, which he hasn't played in a couple of seasons (and he hasn't had a healthy season in quite some time while playing center). This pushes Nick Swisher to first and Paul Konerko to the bench. Masset is a league average reliever and Richar is a 4A player - what you'd expect from a salary dump.
Advantage - Neither.

The Yankees trade Alberto Gonzalez to the Nationals for Jhonny Nunez - Why I included this, I don't know. Gonzalez is a bench player. I know almost nothing on Nunez. Neither will make an impact in the Majors.
Advantage - Neither.

The Red Sox aqcuire Jason Bay, the Dodgers acquired Manny Ramirez and cash, and the Pirate acquired Andy LaRoche, Bryan Morris, Brandon Moss, and Craig Hansen - This was the big deal that everyone was expecting, just not like this. Manny's name emerged as a trade candidate right before the deadline. That morning, it was almost certain that he would be a Marlin; after the Marlins balked at including a couple of top prospects, the deal was dead and Bay was headed to Tampa. The Red Sox quickly approached the Dodgers and the deal was done. Boston takes the biggest hit on this, losing one of their most productive players (it also helps the Rays and Yankees), 2 young players, and cash. While Bay is nice, he won't make up for what Manny brought to the lineup. The Dodgers are seeing the upgrade instantly, as Manny is killing the ball right now. He also adds to the log-jam in the outfield. The Pirates pick up a solid third baseman in LaRoche, who is re-united with his brother. I think they'll convert him to the outfield because Neil Walker is almost ready. Hansen has the opportunity to be the Pirates closer; he was drafted as the closer of the future for Boston, but hasn't lived up to billing. Moss is instantly in the outfield and should replace Xavier Nady pretty well. Morris will be in the minors for a while, but had a live arm and adds even more depth.
Advantage - Dodgers, followed by the Pirates.

Now we are at the Waiver Trade Period - a team can still trade players but they have to either clear waivers or be traded to the team that puts a claim on them. This period allows a team to put their whole roster on waivers and not fear losing them; they can pull a player off waivers if a deal can't be worked out or they don't want to move the player. The waiver order is determined by record and league; an AL player on waivers can first be selected by the worst AL team through the best, then the worst NL team though the best. Click here for a better explanation.

Here a few players that have already cleared waivers:
Paul Byrd (Cleveland Indians) - He's a free agent after the season.
Greg Maddux (San Diego Padres) - Also a free agent, Maddux has a no trade clause and has stated he will waive it to say on the West Coast. The Dodgers are a possibility if the Padres eat some of his contract.
Duaner Sanchez (New York Mets) - Velocity is down after some injuries. Signed for 2009.
Scott Schoeneweis (New York Mets) - Pitching well, but owed $3.6MM next year.

Brian Giles was claimed by the Red Sox, but they are part of his limited no trade clause. It's speculated that they claimed him so the Rays or Angels couldn't deal for him.

8.04.2008

Transactions: 08/01/2008-08/03/2008

Transactions
Arizona Diamondbacks
Doug Slaten Sent to Minors For Rehabilitation; Jailen Peguero Sent to Minors; Juan Cruz Removed From 15-Day DL (Left oblique strain).
Atlanta Braves
Royce Ring Designated for Assignment; Vladimir Nunez Purchased From Minors; Chuck James Called Up from Minors; Corky Miller Designated for Assignment.
Baltimore Orioles
Brian Burres Sent to Minors; Alex Cintron Removed From 15-Day DL (Strained left hamstring).
Boston Red Sox
David Aardsma Sent to Minors For Rehabilitation; Josh Wilson Traded From Pittsburgh for player to be named; Chris Smith Called Up from Minors.
Chicago Cubs
Angel Guzman Sent to Minors For Rehabilitation.
Chicago White Sox
Joe Crede Sent to Minors For Rehabilitation.
Cincinnati Reds
Aaron Harang Sent to Minors For Rehabilitation; Todd Coffey Sent to Minors; Jerry Hairston Jr. Removed From 15-Day DL (Strained right hamstring).
Detroit Tigers
Clay Rapada Sent to Minors.
Florida Marlins
Andrew Miller Sent to Minors For Rehabilitation; Matt Treanor Sent to Minors For Rehabilitation.
Houston Astros
Felipe Paulino Sent to Minors For Rehabilitation.
Kansas City Royals
Mark Grudzielanek Placed on 15-Day DL (Sprained right ankle); Jimmy Gobble Sent to Minors For Rehabilitation; Jason Smith Purchased From Minors; Yasuhiko Yabuta Designated for Assignment; Josh Labandeira Signed to a Minor League Contract.
Los Angeles Angels
Mike Napoli Sent to Minors For Rehabilitation.
Los Angeles Dodgers
Scott Proctor Sent to Minors For Rehabilitation; Brad Penny Sent to Minors For Rehabilitation; Nomar Garciaparra Placed on 15-Day DL (Strained medial collateral ligament).
Minnesota Twins
Michael Cuddyer Sent to Minors For Rehabilitation; Craig Monroe Designated for Assignment; Livan Hernandez Designated for Assignment; Francisco Liriano Called Up from Minors; Tom Shearn Signed to a Minor League Contract; Randy Ruiz Purchased From Minors.
New York Mets
Eddie Kunz Purchased From Minors; John Maine Placed on 15-Day DL (Strained right rotator cuff); Marlon Anderson Placed on 15-Day DL (Strained left hamstring); Dan Murphy Purchased From Minors; Ramon Martinez Signed to a Minor League Contract; Luis Castillo Sent to Minors For Rehabilitation.
New York Yankees
Brian Bruney Removed From 60-Day DL (Torn ligament, right foot); Chris Britton Sent to Minors.
Oakland Athletics
Dana Eveland Sent to Minors; Dan Meyer Called Up from Minors; Brooks Conrad Sent to Minors; Joey Devine Removed From 15-Day DL (Right elbow inflammation); Gregorio Petit Called Up from Minors; Daric Barton Removed From 15-Day DL (Neck strain); Andrew Brown Placed on 15-Day DL (Right shoulder soreness).
Philadelphia Phillies
Rudy Seanez Placed on 15-Day DL (Right shoulder inflammation); Les Walrond Purchased From Minors.
San Diego Padres
Tadahito Iguchi Removed From 15-Day DL (Separated right shoulder); Chip Ambres Outrighted to Minors; Khalil Greene Placed on 15-Day DL (Fractured left hand).
Seattle Mariners
Jake Woods Purchased From Minors.
St. Louis Cardinals
Matt Clement Removed From 15-Day DL (Recovery from right shoulder surgery); Clement Released; Jaime Garcia Called Up from Minors; Kelvin Jimenez Sent to Minors.
Tampa Bay Rays
Gary Glover Refused Minor League Assignment - Free Agent.
Texas Rangers
Doug Mathis Sent to Minors For Rehabilitation; Travis Metcalf Called Up from Minors; Tommy Hunter Purchased From Minors; Eric Hurley Placed on 15-Day DL (Right shoulder inflammation); Ryan Roberts Sent to Minors; Kason Gabbard Transferred to 60-Day DL (Left elbow inflammation).
Toronto Blue Jays
Jeremy Accardo Sent to Minors For Rehabilitation.
Washington Nationals
Elijah Dukes Removed From 15-Day DL, (Right knee tendon tear); Emilio Bonifacio Called Up from Minors; Paul Lo Duca Released; Johnny Estrada Released; Ryan Wagner Removed From 60-Day DL (Recovery from right shoulder surgery); Wagner Sent to Minors; Felipe Lopez Released; Garrett Mock Sent to Minors.

8.01.2008

Transactions: 07/31/2008

Transactions
Baltimore Orioles
Daniel Cabrera Suspension Announced By League (six games).
Boston Red Sox
Brandon Moss Called Up from Minors - Not to Report; Jason Bay Traded From Pittsburgh for Manny Ramirez in six-player deal; Andy LaRoche Traded From Los Angeles.
Chicago White Sox
Danny Richar Called Up from Minors, - Not to Report; Ken Griffey Jr. Traded From, Cincinnati for Nick Masset & Danny Richar.
Cincinnati Reds
Nick Masset Traded From, Chi. White Sox w/ Danny Richar for Ken Griffey Jr; Ryan Freel Transferred to 60-Day DL (Hamstring surgery, right knee); Danny Richar Traded From, Chi. White Sox w/ Nick Masset for Ken Griffey Jr; Richar Sent to Minors.
Detroit Tigers
Clay Rapada Called Up from Minors; Todd Jones Placed on 15-Day DL (Right shoulder inflammation).
Florida Marlins
Anibal Sanchez Removed From 60-Day DL (Recovery from right shoulder surgery); Taylor Tankersley Sent to Minors; Arthur Rhodes Traded From Seattle for Gaby Hernandez; Burke Badenhop Transferred to 60-Day DL (Right shoulder tendinitis); Robert Andino Sent to Minors.
Houston Astros
Alberto Arias Acquired Off Waivers From Colorado; Arias Sent to Minors; Chad Paronto Designated for Assignment.
Los Angeles Dodgers
Andy LaRoche Called Up from Minors - Not to Report; Manny Ramirez Traded From Boston for OF Jason Bay in six-player deal.
New York Mets
Brandon Knight Cleared Waivers and Sent to Minors.
New York Yankees
Chris Britton Called Up from Minors; Edwar Ramirez Suspension Announced By League (three games); Alberto Gonzalez Called Up from Minors - Not to Report; Chad Moeller Designated for Assignment; Victor Zambrano Signed to a Minor League Contract.
Oakland Athletics
Frank Thomas Removed From 15-Day DL (Right quad tendinitis).
Pittsburgh Pirates
Franquelis Osoria Designated for Assignment; Craig Hansen Traded From Boston for Manny Ramirez in six-player deal; Chris Duffy Designated for Assignment; Andy LaRoche Traded From Boston for Manny Ramirez in six-player deal; Brian Bixler Sent to Minors; Brandon Moss Traded From Boston for Jason Bay in six-player deal.
Washington Nationals
Alberto Gonzalez Traded From NY Yankees for Jhonny Nunez.

7.31.2008

3-Team Deal Completed...

The Manny Ramirez era in Boston has come to a close. Manny has been traded to the Dodgers in a 3 team deal.

Boston receives Jason Bay
Los Angeles receives Manny Ramirez
Pittsburgh receives Andy LaRoche, Bryan Morris, Craig Hansen, and Brandon Moss.

I'd expect LaRoche, Hansen and Moss to be with the big league club right away.

Earlier, Manny was reportedly headed to Florida, but the Marlins would not budge one the prospects they would trade. Pittsburgh then worked a deal with Tampa, to have it fall apart shortly before the deadline. Los Angeles swooped in to help complete the deal.

I think each team came out alright on the deal; LA has a big name for a penant run, while Boston has moved a head ache and a got a suitable replacement, while Pittsburgh got a slew of players that can help now.

Bay staying in Pittsburgh

Jason Bay is staying in Pittsburgh. Apparently the Rays never agreed to dealing Brignac. Once that deal was declared dead, the original 3-way deal was back on. 10 minutes after the deadline, Ken Rosenthal reported that the deal was officially dead...again.

I think Tampa was dragged in the discussions and the prospect names were leaked before the deal was really negotiated. It could have been a way for Pittsburgh to increase what the Red Sox and Marlins were offering.

Manny could still be dealt if he clears waivers (a deal could still come - just because it hasn't been reported yet doesn't mean it hasn't been agreed to and submitted to the Commish for approval); most teams will pass on him due to the $7MM left on his contract this season. Look for Manny's response in the next few days.

Manny Deal in Jeopardy

Update 2:40 pm: The proposed 3-team deal is dead. Jason Bay has just been traded to Tampa Bay for prospects Reid Brignac and Jeff Niemann. Manny is still in Boston with 20 minutes left before the trade deadline.

[End Update]

The deal is in jeopardy right now. Some in the Red Sox front office don’t want to trade Manny.

Also, Pittsburgh wants prospects Mike Stanton and Ryan Tucker from the Marlins; Florida is not wanting to include Stanton in the deal.

The Chances of this deal going down are said to be 50/50. Pittsburgh could still deal Bay and Grabow to the Red Sox if the Marlins aren’t involved.

Transactions: 07/30/2008

Transactions
Detroit Tigers
Kyle Farnsworth Traded From NY Yankees for Ivan Rodriguez; Dane Sardinha Purchased From Minors.
Florida Marlins
Daniel Barone Called Up from Minors - Not to Report; Barone Outrighted to Minors.
Houston Astros
LaTroy Hawkins Traded From NY Yankees for 2B Matt Cusick.
Minnesota Twins
Alexi Casilla Placed on 15-Day DL (Torn tendon, right thumb-out for season); Adam Everett Removed From 15-Day DL (Right shoulder tendinitis).
New York Yankees
Ivan Rodriguez Traded From Detroit for Kyle Farnsworth.
Oakland Athletics
Wes Bankston Sent to Minors; Eric Patterson Sent to Minors.
St. Louis Cardinals
Randy Flores Sent to Minors; Chris Carpenter Removed From 60-Day DL (Recovery from right elbow surgery).

7.30.2008

Manny Ramirez to Florida?

Apparently Manny Ramirez is being dealt to the Florida Marlins in a 3 team deal with the Pittsburgh Pirates and Boston Red Sox. Each team would receive:

Pittsburgh - Jeremy Hermida, 3 prospects (2 from Florida, 1 from Boston)
Florida - Manny Ramirez, 1 prospect (from Boston), Cash (most likely covering the rest of Manny's deal)
Boston - Jason Bay, John Grabow

The deal will be finalized and signed off on tomorrow; the prospects are probably still being talked about.

Check back tomorrow for an update.

Transactions: 07/29/2008

Transactions
Arizona Diamondbacks
Jailen Peguero Called Up from Minors; Micah Owings Sent to Minors.
Atlanta Braves
Casey Kotchman Traded From Los Angeles with Stephen Marek for Mark Teixeira.
Cincinnati Reds
Jerry Hairston Jr. Sent to Minors For Rehabilitation.
Colorado Rockies
Alberto Arias Designated for Assignment; Cory Sullivan Purchased From Minors; Scott Podsednik Placed on 15-Day DL, (Fractured hand).
Los Angeles Angels
Mark Teixeira Traded From Atlanta for Casey Kotchman and Stephen Marek
New York Mets
Willie Collazo Sent to Minors; Pedro Martinez Reinstated from Bereavement List; Juan Padilla Released.
New York Yankees
Phil Hughes Sent to Minors For Rehabilitation.
Philadelphia Phillies
Pedro Feliz Placed on 15-Day DL (Lower back inflammation); J.A. Happ Called Up from Minors; Mike Cervenak Called Up from Minors.
Pittsburgh Pirates
Brian Bixler Called Up from Minors; Adam LaRoche Placed on 15-Day DL (Right intercostal strain).
San Diego Padres
Kevin Cameron Removed From 15-Day DL (Right elbow sprain); Cameron Sent to Minors; Chris Young Removed From 15-Day DL (Fractured nose); Chip Ambres Designated for Assignment.
Texas Rangers
Jason Jennings Transferred to 60-Day DL (Right elbow surgery - out for season); Ryan Roberts Purchased From Minors; Hank Blalock Placed on 15-Day DL (Right shoulder inflammation).