Trade Deadline Countdown

[Guest Edgy DC]

Six days of teams re-tooling remain.

I'm a stand-pat man.

[willpie]

I'm mostly in stand pat territory, though I wouldn't scream and shout too badly if they picked up a second baseman (even Soriano if that's all they could get; Freddy Sanchez is probably too much to ask, but I can't shake the feeling that Matsui and Cairo are strictly backup options) or that Shoppach kid. We do have (questionable) starting pitching to spare, especially if Trax comes back in a timely fashion.

[Guest Yancy Street Gang]

I don't want to be trading any prospects, but, if possible, I'd deal one of the starting pitchers for a first baseman or a second baseman who can hit.

[Guest Edgy DC]

Yeah, I agree that our redundancy in starting pitching is probably our best resource for dealing.

Anyhow, if you would, post any announced deals leading up to the deadline here.

[Guest Rotblatt]

I have nothing to announce, but would like to agree with the Keep Our Prospects notion. Although PTBNL from AAA would be fine--peeps like Basak and Aybar and DeFelice, etc--if it helps us get a deal done for a young catcher or first baseman who can help next year, I'm fine giving up a middling player having a nice AAA season.

I think we're set for this year. The Piazza/Castro combo looks like it'll be at least league average over the rest of the year, and if Mientkiewicz struggles, I'd have no problem using bringing up Valent and using him or platooning him with Woody.

I don't think we should trade for a 2B. If we're not happy with Cairo, let's try using one of our prospects at AAA--Lambin or Hernandez might be ready for a shot.

[Guest Johnny Dickshot]

If we are going to try Hernandez at 2B I'll ask what we're waiting for. Cairo is so obviously not a positive for this squad -- fields poorly, hacks like crazy. I'm driving the Ray Durham bus, people, climb aboardick. We're dropping off Brian Bannister

[smg58]

I'm still for giving next year the higher priority, but sacrificing too much from this year no longer looks prudent. Maybe Roberto Hernandez for Shoppach, as was discussed in a different thread, or finding a taker for Glavine, but that's as much major-league talent I'd deal without getting a clear upgrade in return.

I'm not sure Durham can field the position well enough to be worth it. I think Bannister can get us more than that.

I'd love to deal Matsui, but I think the Ponson/Nevin situation tells us what we could expect for him.

[Guest Edgy DC]

Nothing happens to Matsui until after he's activated, and that looks to be after the deadline. Though he could be moved after the deadline in a waiver deal. That's not what this thread's about, though.

I'm not only about standing pat, I particularly don't want veteran bullpen help, thanks.

[Guest ScarletKnight41]

Especially Jose Mesa. Say No Way to Jose!

[duan]

FWIW: [cross posted in rehab thread] - perhaps a deal with Texas for pitching *might* make sense.

Will Carroll is reporting that Kaz Matsui may be done for the season - meaning the Kent & Soriano rumours might have turned up a notch.

[Guest Johnny Dickshot]

That he won;t be returning is not a big surprise given the reports, but what does he have to say about the injury?

[Guest Yancy Street Gang]

Here's what the Daily News is saying about Soriano:

'Sori' situation heats up

GM Omar Minaya expects to be a buyer before Sunday's trade deadline, and the Mets' interest in former Yankees All-Star second baseman Alfonso Soriano is "hotter than people think," said a source close to the situation.
The Mets and Rangers spoke earlier this season, but Texas requested Double-A outfield prospect Lastings Milledge at the time, scuttling any potential deal. Texas' current asking price, according to another source, is "a lot more than that."

Mets sources wouldn't characterize their interest level yesterday, but it is no secret the slugging Rangers would like to upgrade their rotation. And the Mets could have a surplus with injured starter Steve Trachsel slated to be activated shortly after the deadline. There also have been rumblings in recent days that the Mets are considering obtaining Dodgers lefty Odalis Perez, whom they briefly pursued as a free agent last winter.

More recently, the Astros and Twins have been in dialogue about Soriano, though contact with Houston faded, according to one AL source. And the Twins recently obtained Bret Boone.

The Mets also attempted to obtain Soriano, who has 24 homers and 66 RBI, early in the 2004 season.

I'm not surprised to hear that the Rangers are asking "a lot more than that." It's a seller's market. Players won't come cheap.

[Guest Yancy Street Gang]

And here's what the Fort Worth Star-Telegram is saying:

Soriano could be involved in Mets deal

By T.R. SULLIVAN
Star-Telegram Staff Writer

ARLINGTON - The Rangers and the New York Mets engaged in serious talks concerning second baseman Alfonso Soriano this week.

Right now a deal doesn't appear imminent because the Rangers want three players and at the top of their list is outfielder Lastings Milledge, a Double A outfielder and a former No. 1 pick.

The Rangers have not been actively shopping Soriano but are willing to listen, and the Mets have been interested in the All-Star second baseman for some time. The Rangers are also drifting toward the selling mode now that they're one game below .500.

The Mets have been using utility infielder Miguel Cairo at second base while Kaz Matsui is on the disabled list with a bruised knee. Matsui has been a disappointment anyway, hitting only .234, and the Mets went into Sunday's game eighth in the National League in runs scored.

They are also interested in the Dodgers' Jeff Kent.

Milledge was hitting .302 with 18 stolen bases in 62 games in Class A before being promoted to Double A on July 11. The Rangers asked about him earlier this season and were turned down.

The Rangers' ambitious demands are keeping a deal from getting made. Sources said the talks are hotter than both teams are letting on, but there is still no guarantee that it could get done. The position of both sides could change as the deadline nears.

[Guest Rotblatt]

Please for the love of God don't sign Soriano.

[Elster88]

It all depends on the deal. I wouldn't touch a single player in the farm system, but I'd trade one of the excess starters for him.

[Theoldmole]

I can't believe, with starting pitching at the premium it always is at, that the Mets don't have what it takes to make a good deal.

[metirish]

Phil Nevin rejects trade to Baltimore.

[soupcan]

There was a guy in my fraternity named Phil Nevins.

I'd do Soriano for Zambrano and/or Heilmann/Seo. Would not give up Milledge for him.

I'd give up Glavine and/or Hernandez for Shoppach.

If those names aren't enough to get those deals done (one or the other not BOTH deals) then I'm cool with standing pat.

[Elster88]

I'd rather have Kent than Soriano. He can play first for the rest of this year, and we can try to get rid of Kazuo (sorry Kaz) in the offseason, and then put him at second for next year. We can go out and get a big bat for first for next year.

Gives us some breathing room to try to get rid of our logjam in the middle infield in the offseason. Instead of either having to clear out that mess before the deadline (or being forced to have two second basemen on the bench), we can put Kent at first and still improve our offense. I guess I'm less into this if Kaz is really out for the season.

Of course, I still wouldn't give up young talent or minor leaguers. I would spend more of Fred's money though.

[Guest Johnny Dickshot]

Let's trade for all of Soupy's frat brothers: Phil Nevins, Alfonso Sorianos, and Kelly Shoppachs. Then we'll kick their ass in foosball after the game.

[Guest Rotblatt]

By all accounts, Soriano shouldn't be playing 2B any more, he's going to cost around 9M next year, and he hasn't been able to hit away from Arlington the last two years. Yes, he hit 16 HR away from Arlington last year, but he also batted like .240 with a .290 OBP.

It just doesn't make sense to me to target him at all, regardless of what we give up for him. Well, Glavine for Soriano might be okay . . .

I've heard Petit for Baez rumors, which makes me want to scream. Our pen isn't that bad. If we can't find a 1B or a young catcher, we should sit still.

[Guest Edgy DC]

Improving the pen seems to be what people do around this time.

I know it'll make you scream. I want it not at all also.

Just be ready for it to happen.

I'm thinking it's more likely that they'll trade a minor league outfielder for a veteran reliever.

[Elster88]

metirish wrote: Phil Nevin rejects trade to Baltimore.

Is this official? On ESPN.com they were wondering how long it would take him to make up his mind.

[smg58]

Yep it's official.

Yes, the Padres probably would take Matsui for Nevin and eat the payroll difference.

No, Nevin wouldn't come here either.

Honestly, except possibly for Jason Schmidt, I see nobody available worth expending good bargaining chips for, and the Mets need to move starting pitching more than they need to acquire it anyway. The ballpark shift would make Dunn so-so and Soriano flat-out mediocre, so let somebody else empty their farm system while we look for bargains. As for Sean Casey, my gut tells me we'll get as much from Mintky the rest of the way, and finding next year's first baseman can wait till the offseason.

[Guest Edgy DC]

Not advocating, but is anybody talking about Mike Sweeney.

I'd rather have a lefty and one who walked more, but maybe he's an option?

Kansas City has traded off a whole generation of young sluggers, it seems. They're left with their white guy who wears a C on his shoulder. I imagine they're not in a rush to move him for less than the package of prospects I don't want the Mets to think about offering.

[metirish]

Can he stay healthy?, I think that might be a problem ,plus he makes a lot of money, I think.

[duan]

Will Carroll's Latest update on Soriano

"Posted Tuesday, July 26, 2005, 10:28 a.m.: Jamey Newberg breaks down the rumor mill on Alfonso Soriano nicely. The Rangers are still giving a lot of 'no comment' responses, but the current consensus is that they're asking for Lastings Milledge, Yusmeiro Petit, and would love to get Mike Cameron into the deal somehow. This trade will percolate a while before any real action. The Twins are also inquiring about Soriano as they get ready to move on from the Bret Boone experiment."

In all seriousness, Petit & Milledge just seems WAY too much.

[Guest Yancy Street Gang]

This morning the Daily News was indicating that Soriano talks were breaking down because the Rangers were asking too much.

If that's true, I'm glad the Mets are showing restraint.

[Guest Johnny Dickshot]

Here's the article duan reported Will Carroll reported on. Good job tracking down all the rumors...


07/26/05


The Newberg Report: July 26, 2005
By Jamey Newberg



THE NEWBERG REPORT

For a guy who is commonly speculated to be dealing with an attention
deficit, Alfonso Soriano sure isn't letting this avalanche of trade
rumblings distract him one bit.

Soriano is certainly a special enough offensive player that he was going to
be among the game's more attractive trade targets if Texas decided to shop
him, regardless of what kind of run he was on. But the way he's raking
right now, he's undoubtedly the top available hitter on the market.

Sitting in baseball's top 10 in total bases for the season, Soriano is
hitting .293/.341/.524 in July, and he's not only reaching base at a greater
rate than in any other month but also on pace to have his fewest strikeouts
for a month this season. In the Rangers' 12 games since the Break, he's
hitting .347/.396/.673 with four bombs and 12 RBI.

And the way the Rangers have played in those same 12 games -- three wins and
nine losses (seven to Oakland) -- has sort of answered the big question
facing the team at the Break: whether to be buyers or sellers. Texas has
gone from chasing three teams in the Wild Card race, just a couple games
back, to having a better record than only three American League teams. If
the season were to end today, the Rangers would be involved in a coin flip
for the 11th pick in the draft.

There's still more than two months to play, and stranger things have
happened, but the trade deadline is only five days away, and the Wild Card
era has naturally reduced the number of teams deciding in July to look to
the following season. The Rangers, as I've proposed, are in a position to
take advantage of the market and sell at a premium. And if the reports
coming out of the East Coast are to be believed, that's exactly what John
Hart is trying to do.

My proposal two weeks ago, when asked by a local writer to come up with a
realistic deal for Soriano that I would like to see Texas make, I suggested
the Mets would be the ideal trade partner, and that I'd ask for outfielder
Lastings Milledge and righthander Yusmeiro Petit.

I'd add Adrian Gonzalez to the deal if New York would include Mike Cameron,
and if necessary I'd probably throw in Juan Dominguez: Soriano, Gonzalez,
and Dominguez for Cameron, Milledge, and Petit.

According to media accounts the last few days, the Mets seem in fact to be
the club most likely to step up to land Soriano -- and the whispers that
second baseman Kaz Matsui's knee injury may be so bad that he won't return
this year would seemingly make the likelihood even greater.

Here are the latest reports:

1. T.R. Sullivan and Kathleen O'Brien, Fort Worth Star-Telegram: Sullivan
wrote on Sunday that Texas wants a big league player and two quality
prospects, including Milledge. O'Brien wrote today that Hart said there's
"nothing going on." She adds that the Mets aren't willing to come close to
the Rangers' proposal and though they might make righthander Victor Zambrano
available, Texas would want Milledge and possible a second prospect added to
the package.

2. Evan Grant, Dallas Morning News: Hart isn't looking to trade Soriano, but
New York sent a scout to Arlington to watch Soriano over the weekend.
(Thought: It would stand to reason that the Rangers' decision not only to
call Gonzalez up but start him once at first base in the A's series had
something to do with New York's presence.) Grant suggests that a deal could
possibly yield some combination of Zambrano, righthander Aaron Heilman, and
Petit.

3. Peter Gammons and Jayson Stark, ESPN: The Rangers want Cameron, Heilman,
Milledge, and one other top prospect.

4. David Lennon, Newsday: Texas is asking for Milledge and Petit, but the
likelihood of that deal getting done is "increasingly doubtful."

5. Dan Graziano, Newark Star-Ledger: The Rangers want three or four players.
A trade is "increasingly unlikely."

6. Adam Rubin and Peter Botte, New York Daily News: The Rangers, who asked
for Milledge earlier this season, are now demanding "a lot more than that,"
making a deal "increasingly doubtful." (But a weekend story in the
publication said the Mets' interest in Soriano is "hotter than people
think.") Houston and Minnesota have also asked about Soriano.

7. Steve Popper and Bob Klapisch, Bergen Record: Texas asked for Cameron,
Milledge, and righthander Jae Seo for Soriano alone -- and that ended the
talks. Klapisch suggests New York might be wise to offer Milledge and
fellow outfielder Victor Diaz to the Rangers.

8. Mark Hale, New York Post: Texas is insisting on shortstop Jose Reyes as
part of the trade, but New York won't deal him. Post columnist Joel Sherman
notes that Soriano might not be a terribly good fit in Shea Stadium, a
pitcher's park, as he is hitting .322 with a .678 slugging percentage at
Ameriquest Field and just .230/.382 on the road. Those are even more
dramatic splits than he had in 2004, though he was far better at home then
as well: .317/.526 at home vs. .244/.444 on the road.

9. Lee Jenkins, New York Times: Heilman or Seo could be part of the Mets'
offer, and they could also send Miguel Cairo or Marlon Anderson back to give
Texas a stopgap second baseman.

10. Peter Abraham, Westchester Journal News: Texas wants Cameron, Milledge,
and a third player.

I'm on record as suggesting that I think Texas would be better off moving
Soriano, but it's not because I don't value him as a player. To the
contrary: I think he can bring a healthy return in trade because he's so
valuable. And while I cringe at his occasional defensive lapses and his
antics at the plate (regularly admiring shots that end up staying in the
park), there's been nobody I'd rather have at the plate in a big spot for
most of this season, and he's been outstanding at the double play pivot all
year.

But Soriano will command somewhere in the $10 million range from his club
next year, with the leverage of his arbitration eligibility, and I'd like to
see Texas use that money on pitching and possibly a run-producing
outfielder, giving Ian Kinsler the second base job. Will Kinsler produce at
Soriano levels offensively? Absolutely not. But he's just about ready and
should hold his own as a rookie, and if the Rangers wisely spend the money
they save by moving Soriano, this team can be more competitive. In my
opinion.

I love the idea of adding Milledge to this system. He'd be one of our top
two or three position player prospects instantly.

If Texas can put together any deal with the Mets that brings the club
Cameron or Milledge, I'm going to be satisfied. And with five days left
before the conventional deadline, and Omar Minaya on the other end, I'm
happy to see my team playing hardball. We've got the best hitter on the
trade market, and the Mets don't always do the smartest thing.

San Diego's Phil Nevin nixed a deal that would have sent him to Baltimore
for Oriole righthander Sidney Ponson, reviving speculation that the Rangers
might trade Richard Hidalgo or a mid-level prospect to Baltimore for Ponson.

According to Sullivan, Mets catcher Mike Piazza knows his days behind the
plate are numbered and might be interested in coming to Texas to hit.
Sullivan also speculates that the Rangers might be interested in bringing
Atlanta righthander John Thomson back in 2006.

Gammons writes that the Cubs, Rangers, and Yankees are in on Colorado
outfielder Eric Byrnes.

The Detroit News reports that the Rangers are interested in Tiger lefthander
Nate Robertson.

St. Louis remains interested in David Dellucci.

Kenny Rogers pitches tonight for Texas. John Hudgins pitches for Oklahoma.
C.J. Wilson pitches for Frisco, followed by John Danks.

Oklahoma outfielder Will Smith was placed on the disabled list.

Clinton righthander Michael Schlact put up this dazzling line last night: 17
groundouts and one flyout in 6.2 frames. He improved to 8-5, 4.32 by
earning the LumberKing win.

Laynce Nix will miss the rest of the season so he can have surgery on his
non-throwing shoulder, the one he injured in a collision with the wall last
summer. I'll get into the ramifications of the Nix development next time.

Unless there's a Soriano trade to discuss.

[metirish]

Good report...

] love the idea of adding Milledge to this system. He'd be one of our top two or three position player prospects instantly.

yeah and that's why the Mets better keep him

]We've got the best hitter on the trade market, and the Mets don't always do the smartest thing.

Ouch..