Rumors
White Sox In Serious Discussions For Edwin Jackson
1:14am: The White Sox are in "serious discussions" for Jackson, tweets Rosenthal. Chicago would send Hudson and another prospect to the D'Backs in the proposed deal.
12:26am: The White Sox are looking into acquiring Edwin Jackson from the Diamondbacks, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports. Although the Sox have been linked peripherally to Jackson for much of the week, reports to date have indicated that Chicago's only interest in the right-hander would be as a chip to facilitate a three-way Adam Dunn trade. Rosenthal suggests, however, that the Sox may be interested in acquiring and keeping Jackson, rather than flipping him.
While Chicago covets Dunn, they are becoming less convinced they'll be able to work out a deal with the Nationals before Saturday's deadline. As such, they've been focusing more on bolstering their starting rotation. Rosenthal writes that the Sox are exploring other pitchers in addition to Jackson, as they look to replace the injured Jake Peavy.
Peavy's current replacement in the rotation, Daniel Hudson, could be a key piece in a potential trade for Jackson, according to Rosenthal.
Red Sox Have Explored Trades For Many Relievers
FRIDAY, 1:03am: Theo Epstein has discussed multiple possible trades with former Red Sox assistant GM and current Padres GM Jed Hoyer, according to Peter Abraham and Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe. The Globe duo believes Boston could have interest in a reliever like Joe Thatcher, and, given the team's excess of outfielders when Jacoby Ellsbury returns, they may match up with San Diego. THURSDAY, 12:59pm: Though they're on his no-trade list, the Red Sox asked the Brewers about Trevor Hoffman, tweets Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports. Rosenthal adds that the Brewers are not inclined to move Hoffman. Meanwhile they're...Morosi On Giants, Downs, Myers, Tigers
Let's check out the latest updates from Jon Paul Morosi at FOX Sports.... The Giants continue to search for a left-handed reliever, with Jeremy Affeldt and Dan Runzler injured. While we've heard the club had been eyeing lefties such as Will Ohman and Scott Downs, Morosi indicates that, like every other team that has inquired on Downs, the Giants weren't enthused by Toronto's asking price. CSNBayArea.com's Mychael Urban (via Twitter) reports that the Giants are "working hard" to complete a trade tonight, though there's no indication of whether it would be for bullpen help or another piece. Starters like Ted...Rangers Inquired On Josh Johnson
While the Rangers and Marlins were working out the trade that sent Jorge Cantu to Texas, the Rangers also took a chance to "reach for the sky" and inquired on the availability of Josh Johnson. According to MLB.com's Joe Frisaro, the Rangers were willing to offer their top three prospects, but were told the Marlins' ace is "unmovable."
Johnson, 26, signed a four-year extension worth $39MM with Florida in January, virtually eliminating him as a possible trade chip for the near future. Given his performance this year, which includes a 1.72 ERA over 141.1 IP, Johnson figures to be even more untouchable now than he was at the time of the extension.
Adam Dunn Rumors: Thursday
The latest on Adam Dunn, with more updates to come throughout the day... The Nats are believed to have requested either Gordon Beckham or both Daniel Hudson and Dayan Viciedo in exchange for Dunn, tweets Heyman. That price was too high for the Sox, who told Beckham he wouldn't be on the move this week. The price for Dunn is high, but not ridiculous, according to Heyman (via Twitter). The White Sox and Rays are still involved. The Giants have minimal interest in Dunn at his current price, according to Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports (Twitter link). Morosi notes...
Blogs
lenNY's Yankees: A Bronx Bombers Blog :: Yanks pick up where they left off against Cleveland, cruise to series victory
Following an 8-0 blowout yesterday, the Yankees clinched a series victory against the Indians tonight with an 11-4 win. The offense broke out in the seventh with a seven-run rally, which was more than enough support for spot starter Dustin Moseley. Best of All: Moseley pitched six innings of one-run ball to earn the victo...Lookout Landing :: 7/29: Open Game Thread
Lineup Seattle Mariners @ Chicago White Sox 07/29/10 5:10 PM PDT Seattle MarinersOwens, Curve Catch Some Bad Breaks
You always hear the expression “he only threw one bad pitch” when a pitcher throws an excellent game, with his only blemish being a home run. The problem with this phrase is that the pitcher probably threw a lot of bad pitches, but he only paid for one of them. That wasn’t ... — full article at piratesprospects.com South Side Sox :: This Game Thread Shall Try To Swab The Deck
Lineup Seattle Mariners @ Chicago White Sox 07/29/10 7:10 PM CDTCamden Chat :: GameThread: Orioles (31-70) @ Royals (42-59), 8:10 PM
Rob Carr - APCardinals Best News Links :: Teams Asked Brewers About Jim Edmonds
Multiple clubs have asked Milwaukee about veteran outfielder Jim Edmonds, but Edmonds has told the Brewers he does not want to go anywhere. He particularly would make sense for San Francisco, which is looking for an outfielder who can improve the offense.CBS SportsNew York Yankees vs.Tampa Bay Rays: Battle of the Young Guns
MLB Trade Deadline: Top Five Midseason Pickups of the Last Decade
With July 31 rapidly approaching, teams throughout Major League Baseball are scrambling to bolster their squads for the remaining two months of the regular season, hoping to propel themselves into October baseball. Whether your team is in the market for a middle of the order bat, a veteran utility man to cover for potential injuries or rest a few regulars down the stretch, an ace starting pitcher, or a dependable reliever to add depth to your bullpen, there is likely a player available to suit your needs. Teams have long since determined whether hope remains for their 2010 aspirations or if the club is best served by turning their collective eye toward the future. Do we hold on to the few recognizable names we have to help fill seats over the remainder of 2010 or is it best to jettison those in favor of youth and potential building blocks for the future foundation of the franchise? It's clearly never an easy decision to make, but the time is now to either act decisively or stand pat and take your chances with the squad you've constructed up to this point. Of course, there is always additional maneuvering prior to the August 31 waiver deadline, but that's an entirely different story altogether. A clever deal for the right player can alter the destiny of your team but can also prove fruitless and make the baseball world question your sanity. Occasionally, you end up with a scintillating Randy Johnson at the deadline, as the Houston Astros did in 1998, and other times, you may get a woefully over-matched Denny Neagle like the Yankees did during the summer of 2000. With several high-profile deals already completed, the majority of the deadline dealing may be finished. There are still plenty of rumors floating around several teams and occasionally one team's move forces the other contenders to attempt to counteract their rivals' maneuvers. No one wants to remain stagnant while their potential playoff foes are fortifying their squads. In light of all the recent activity around the league, let's take a closer look at several of the most significant mid-season trades of the last decade.Rangers inquired about JJ
You can file this in the "Worth A Shot" category. MLB.com has learned that in talking to the Marlins about acquiring Jorge Cantu, the Rangers also figured it was worth a chance to reach for the sky. They also inquired to see... — full article at mlb.mlblogs.comMLB Trade Rumors: Twins Trade For Matt Capps, Improve Bullpen
During a year in which pitchers are being sold for remarkably low prices, the Minnesota Twins announced last night that they had traded Wilson Ramos to the Washington Nationals for closer Matt Capps. On the face of things, it seems a very high price to pay for a closer.
Ramos, 22, was one of the most-blocked prospects in baseball. Being a catcher in Minnesota's organization doesn't exactly qualify you for much playing time, and Ramos was a virtual lock to be traded eventually.
That he was only able to bring Matt Capps as a return, though, is disappointing. Many thought Ramos was worth much more than an expensive relief pitcher, but a lot of that can probably be attributed to a fan base overvaluing a prospect's worth.
The fact is, Ramos hasn't helped the Twins out much this year. By hitting a paltry .241/.280/.345 in Triple-A Rochester this season, Ramos' value has either dropped significantly, or Minnesota's front office panicked and sold Ramos for less than he was worth.
Capps is owed around $1.3 million for the rest of this season, and is set for another raise for the 2011 campaign. With Joe Nathan expected to attempt a comeback next year, though, Capps may not even be tendered a contract. If Nathan can make a full recovery, Capps would be a very expensive set-up man, to say the least.
While it would be nice to have a Capps-Nathan combo in the 2011 bullpen, the duo would combine to make entirely too much money for the impact they could make on the team as a whole. But while it wouldn't be cost-effective to keep both a functional Nathan and Capps next year, the 26-year old reliever from Washington will be available should Nathan not recover from Tommy John surgery.
Expensive though he is, Capps makes the Twins a better team than they were yesterday. Being inserted directly into the ninth inning role, Capps will force the entire bullpen chain down a notch, which should help other Minnesota relievers improve, or, in some cases, take high-leverage innings away from relievers who have no business pitching in them.
Capps has induced quite a few ground balls this year, and has seen a healthy drop in his fly ball rate. The transition from Nationals Park to Target Field will be negligible, so the Twins are hoping Capps can keep batted balls on the ground. Minnesota's infield is much more prepared to handle an increased work-load than the outfield.*
* Minnesota's currently outfield deserves a post of its own. The primary culprit for Baker, Slowey, and Blackburn's poor seasons this year, the outfield could use an infusion of range. As Beth Sickella opined last night on Twitter, the Twins should consider giving Cuddyer a few games at third (once Morneau is healthy again, of course) during starts from Slowey and Baker. This will hurt the infield defense, but allow both Repko and Span to play in the outfield. An interesting idea, to say the least.
By bringing in Capps, the Twins will increase their final win total of the regular season by a fraction of a win, at best. Still, in the very tight American League Central, a division that has required a couple Game 163's, even a fraction of a win could make a huge difference.
Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com
More confirmation
If you read my earlier blog this evening, you saw that Brewers GM Doug Melvin basically said he wouldn't be trading Prince Fielder or Corey Hart because he didn't have to do so and wasn't getting bowled over with offers. — full article at jsonline.com MLB Trade Recap: Biggest Winners, Losers in Thursday's Trades
In a very deadline-type day, three major deals took place less than 48 hours before the clock will strike twelve on potential trades. Which teams got the best deals? Which players will have a greater stretch run impact? Which teams set themselves up for the short term, or the long haul? Here's a brief analysis of the day's big moves:Showalter Takes Orioles Post & Looks To Set Franchise In Right Direction
The Baltimore Orioles have named 54 year-old Buck Showalter their new manager taking over from interim manager Juan Samuel. The former Yankees, Diamondbacks, and Rangers manager had been previously out of baseball since he was fired by Texas in 2006.
Since his time as Yankees manager, Showalter has had a sort of "midas touch" getting the best out of under-performing franchises. When he took over the helm in the Bronx in 1992, the Yankees were far from a championship calibre team.
Showalter turned the over-paid Yankees around by changing the clubhouse atmosphere into one of seriousness and dedication. Along with then general manager Gene Michael, he shipped out veterans who were unwilling to conform to his demanding methods. In 1995, Showalter led the Yankees to their first playoff appearance since 1981 but possibly could have done so the year before if not for the 1994 strike as the Yankees at the time held the best record in the American League.
A falling out with owner George Steinbrenner led to Showalter's exit with the Yankees but the pieces were in place for a championship run as Joe Torre entered their manager's office. Torre deserving got the credit for the future success of the franchise but Showalter had done much of the work in restoring the Bronx Bombers.
He then became the inaugural manager of the newly former Arizona Diamonbacks and with all expansion teams, it takes time to win. Showalter though, was able to do so in his second season in the Arizona desert as the D'Backs went 100-62 and won the NL West. He was booted the following season as Arizona struggled, but again he had set the path to their World Series championship under Bob Brenly.
His next stop was in Texas where he inherited a team of stars that finished the 79-91 while Jerry Narron was at the Rangers' helm. Showalter struggled to the get the Rangers to play as unit for most of his tenure in Texas but found success in 2004. He won the Manager of the Year award as the club finished 89-73 despite a serious lack of pitching and the loss of superstar Alex Rodriguez who was traded to the Yankees. The Rangers fired Showalter after the 2006 season and for once he was unable to breathe life into a struggling franchise.
Showalter now takes over a Baltimore Oriole team that is buried in the AL East and realistically will never compete as they share the division with the powerhouses that are the Yankees, Red Sox, and Rays. The Orioles have been willing to deal away their best talent every year and there isn't much end in sight to the club's misery.
Baltimore hasn't been able to eclipse 70 wins since the 2005 season and Showalter has a huge rebuilding job ahead of him. For the Orioles to finish near .500 over the next three seasons would be a tremendous accomplishment. Especially considering the last time they came near that mark was the 1998 season where they finished 79-83.
Despite the lack of talent available on the Orioles' roster and their inability to lure free agents due to the AL East division being a perennial "three-horse race," Showalter is the sort of manager who can achieve steady progress in Baltimore. It would be foolish to count him out based upon his track record and if owner Peter Angelos is patient, it is possible that Showalter can get the team playing near .500 baseball during his contract that runs through the 2013 season.
To call the Orioles a "stepping stone" might be a bit harsh but it is justified in this case. If Showalter can make decent progress early in his tenure, there is a strong chance contending clubs will come calling for his guidance. Once he gets his feet wet and proves that he still hasn't lost his managerial ability, there is no doubt that Showalter will surface as a hot candidate for future vacancies around baseball.
Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com
Mets Unlikely To Get Ted Lilly
The latest on Cubs lefty Ted Lilly ... A Mets official told Joel Sherman of the New York Post it's "very doubtful" they acquire Lilly. The Mets do not want to take on most to all of the $4.37MM left on Lilly's contract and give up prospects too. As for Brett Myers , the Astros are ... — full article at mlbtraderumors.com
Related Stories:
• Forget about Mets dealing for Lilly and Myers — nypost.com
• MLB Trade Rumors: Twins Turn Eyes From Ted Lilly To Matt Capps — sbnation.com
Joe Testa Minor League Statistics & History
Joseph Leonard Testa Bats: Left, Throws: Left Height: 5' 10", Weight: 175 lb. Born : December 18, 1985 in Jackson, New Jersey, US — full article at baseball-reference.com
Related Stories:
• Evan Reed Minor League Statistics & History — baseball-reference.com
• Jonathan Villar Minor League Statistics & History — baseball-reference.com
News
White Sox extend home win streak to 11
Seven weeks ago, the Chicago White Sox wondered if they'd ever stop losing. These days, they're playing as if the winning will never end - especially at home.Phillies got a great deal in landing Oswalt
The Phillies got one heck of a deal in landing Oswalt.O's big day ends with an extra-inning win
On the day they hired Buck Showalter to be their new manager, the Orioles topped the Royals, 6-5, in 11 innings after Ty Wigginton's sacrifice fly scored Brian Roberts.Big seventh gives Yanks big win over Tribe
As Alex Rodriguez's pursuit of that milestone blast moves to a new city, he is reminded that there's a whole lot of good baseball going on outside his at-bats. Rodriguez went homerless on Thursday, but the Yankees rode a seven-run seventh inning to an 11-4 pounding of the Indians.A-Rod not concerned with homer drought
Alex Rodriguez has taken longer than any of his six predecessors to make the jump from 599 home runs to 600, but as long as the Yankees keep winning games, he could not care less.Yanks give Thames a try at third base
Marcus Thames thought the Yankees might have been joking when they asked him to man third base in the final inning of Thursday's game, an 11-4 win, but he was game to take his chances.Twins acquire Capps, cash from Nats
The Twins have acquired closer Matt Capps and cash from the Nationals in exchange for catching prospect Wilson Ramos and left-handed pitching prospect Joe Testa on Thursday.Twins get reliever Capps from Nats
The Twins have acquired right-handed reliever Matt Capps and cash from the Nationals for catching prospect Wilson Ramos and left-handed pitcher Joe Testa.Marlins' Sanchez tosses one-hitter
Marlins' Sanchez tosses one-hitter
Anibal Sanchez pitched a one-hitter for his first shutout since a no-hitter in September 2006, and Jorge Cantu played his final game for Florida in the Marlins' 5-0 victory over the San Francisco Giants on Thursday.