SB Nation Kansas City - MLB Trade Deadline: Kansas City Royals Among List Of Losers For Not Dealing Enoughhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48935/kc-fave.png2011-07-31T15:21:18-05:00http://kansascity.sbnation.com/rss/stream/20377052011-07-31T15:21:18-05:002011-07-31T15:21:18-05:00MLB Trade Deadline: Kansas City Royals Among List Of Losers For Not Dealing Enough
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<p>You hate to beat a team when they’re down, but the one thing that has several <span class="caps">MLB</span> analysts curious is why in the world Dayton Moore would stand pat at the <span class="caps">MLB</span> deadline when it means he will get absolutely nothing for several guys who are currently on the roster with no long-term value for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.royalsreview.com/">Royals</a>? Simply put, names like <span>Kyle Davies</span>, <span>Jeff Francis</span> and even <span>Melky Cabrera</span> or <span>Jeff Francoeur</span> should not be Royals at this point, especially the pitchers.</p>
<p>If the trade rumors were correct that some teams were at least interested in talking about Davies and Francis, especially, then there’s no reason to not shop them for at least a moderate prospect or future considerations if someone was willing. Neither pitcher remotely fits the long-term plans for the Royals unless Francis is wanting to sign some major extension. Jeff Francoeur has come out publicly stating that he wants to remain in KC, so that’s one thing, but Francis is another entirely.</p>
<p>The reality is that if someone like <span>Jason Marquis</span> has a market at the deadline, then Francis definitely has one. Francis might have a 4-11 record, but that’s no fault of his own. Instead, the starter has made 22 starts with a 4.38 <span class="caps">ERA</span> to show for it. He’s been one of the rare steady points on the Royals starting staff, and the Royals could have definitely some kind of trade bounty for him.</p>
<p>As for Davies, if the Royals could have received something — anything! — for Davies, then they should have pulled the trigger. He’s been absolutely miserable on the mound for the entire season save for one or two starts that Dayton Moore must have committed to memory.</p>
<p>Cabrera is having a career-year which could have brought some nice trade haul at the deadline, so with Moore having kept him, I’m going to assume that he didn’t receive something worth losing Cabrera for, who is a keeper for next season as well. Still, trading only <span>Mike Aviles</span> and <span>Wilson Betemit</span> doesn’t fully take advantage of the situation the Royals are in and fails to maximize the deadline.</p>
https://kansascity.sbnation.com/kansas-city-royals/2011/7/31/2307846/mlb-trade-deadline-kansas-city-royals-head-list-of-losersMatt Conner2011-07-31T14:53:09-05:002011-07-31T14:53:09-05:00MLB Trade Deadline: Pittsburgh Pirates Reportedly Set To Add OF Ryan Ludwick From San Diego Padres
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<p>After the rumored deal fell through that the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.gaslampball.com/">San Diego Padres</a> were sending <span>Ryan Ludwick</span> to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.letsgotribe.com/">Cleveland Indians</a>, the Padres are now keeping Ludwick in the National League by sending him to another team at the <span class="caps">MLB</span> Trade Deadline looking for some power in their line-up, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bucsdugout.com/">Pittsburgh Pirates</a>.</p>
<p>The Pirates have been looking for some muscle in their line-up and already added <span>Derrek Lee</span> from the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.camdenchat.com/">Orioles</a>, and it seems they’re willing to move another prospect to SD, although the person is unknown at this point. All that’s coming out are rumors that the Pirates and Pads are in discussions to make the deal happen today, which is the deadline to do so before all players must clear waivers for a trade — a process that can become political as one team tries to keep another from getting an asset by claiming him.</p>
<p>Ludwick is hitting .238 on the year but plays his home games at Petco which is important to remember. He also has 62 <span class="caps">RBI</span>.</p>
https://kansascity.sbnation.com/kansas-city-royals/2011/7/31/2307785/mlb-trade-deadline-pittsburgh-pirates-reportedly-set-to-add-of-ryanMatt Conner2011-07-31T10:25:56-05:002011-07-31T10:25:56-05:00Cardinals Trade Prospect Alex Castellanos For Dodgers' Rafael Furcal
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.vivaelbirdos.com/">St. Louis Cardinals</a> have made their first move of the deadline weekend, trading for 33 year-old <span>Rafael Furcal</span> previously of the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.truebluela.com/">Los Angeles Dodgers</a>.</p>
<p>Furcal, twice an All-Star, and the National League Rookie of the Year in 2000, is batting just .197/.272/.248 this year in 37 games for the Dodgers, but will add veteran value to a team that has struggled with finding consistency out of <span>Ryan Theriot</span>.</p>
<p>A lifetime .283/.349/.407 hitter, St. Louis in banking on Furcal having something left in the tank to help a team that is six games above .500 at the moment. The switch-hitter has battled injuries this season, twice appearing on the disabled list but as <a target="_blank" href="http://www.stltoday.com/sports/baseball/professional/cardinal-beat/article_48c37338-ba5b-11e0-bfd5-001a4bcf6878.html">Derrick Goold points out at stltoday.com</a>, Fucal has seven hit is his last 18 at-bats.</p>
<p>Furcal will earn about $4 million the rest of this season and is on the books with a $12 million option for next season. The Dodgers are obviously in a financially troubling situation right now and needing to rid themselves of payroll.</p>
<p>Furcal had to approve of the trade to St. Louis.</p>
<p>In return the Dodgers are receiving 24-year old AA outfielder <span>Alex Castellanos</span>. With Springfield, Castellanos is batting .319/.379/.562 with nineteen home runs and 62 RBI. He is a bit of an older prospect in AA, but seems to be a solid return for Furcal.</p>
https://kansascity.sbnation.com/kansas-city-royals/2011/7/31/2305706/cardinals-trade-for-dodgers-rafael-furcalMatthew Hays2011-07-30T21:00:56-05:002011-07-30T21:00:56-05:00Cleveland Indians Going For It All: Looking To Trade Drew Pomeranz, Other Top Prospects For Colorado Rockies Ace Ubaldo Jimenez
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<p>Well the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.letsgotribe.com/">Indians</a> are certainly going after it in the American League Central Division.</p>
<p>The same day that Detroit helped their rotation by picking up <span>Doug Fister</span>, the Indians upped the ante as it appears they will be trading for <span>Ubaldo Jimenez</span> of the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.purplerow.com/">Colorado Rockies</a>. In picking up Jimenez, Cleveland receives a 27-year old 6'4" right-hander with a 56-45 career record with a 3.62 ERA. His FIP is just a bit better at 3.57. Any pitcher with those numbers in Colorado is a solid addition. The <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/TroyRenck" target="_blank">deal is being finalized per Troy Renck of the Denver Post</a>.</p>
<p>Many may think Jimenez has regressed after last season's stellar 19-8 season when he finished with a 2.88 ERA, but his strikeout rate and walk rate are still very near what they were during 2010. Opponents are just hitting better against him, this season a .247 clip where last year batters only averaged .207 against Jimenez.</p>
<p>Veolocity has been a concern in 2011, as his fastball has dropped from 96.1 mph last season to just 93.4 mph this year, while his slider is down three mph, curveball two mph, and changeup one mph.</p>
<p>Dave Cameron at <a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/index.php/is-ubaldo-jimenez-inconsistent/" target="_blank">Fangraphs</a> wrote a piece earlier in the month discussing the challenges Jimenez has faced this season, but doesn't seem to be concerned about any regression or inconsistency.</p>
<p>In return Cleveland has to give up a lot. While it will make the major league club better right now, it's concerning looking at the amount of talent the Indians will be sending to Colorado.</p>
<p>Cleveland will be sending <span>Drew Pomeranz</span>, <span>Alex White</span>, Joe Gardner, and <span>Matt McBride</span> in the trade.</p>
<p>Pomeranz was the first round selection of the Indians last season (5th overall) out of Ole Miss. A big 6'5" 230 lbs lefty, Pomeranz was ranked the 61st best prospect in baseball coming into the season by Baseball America. He was ranked the <a href="http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/prospects/rankings/organization-top-10-prospects/2011/2610943.html" target="_blank">fourth best prospect in the Cleveland system</a>. Recently promoted to Class AA Akron, Pomeranz is 3-3 this season with a sparkling 1.98 ERA. His WHIP was 1.14. In 91 innings with the organization he struck out 112 batters while walking 38.</p>
<p>White, a right-handed pitcher, was the second ranked prospect in the system and 47th overall in baseball before the year began. A 22-year old who played for North Carolina, White was the 15th overall pick in the first round of the 2009 draft. After posting a 1-0 record with a 1.90 ERA in four starts at AAA this season he moved up the big league team where he is also 1-0 with a 3.60 ERA in three starts.</p>
<p>Gardner, 23, is yet another pitcher and was ranked the ninth best prospect in Cleveland's organization. The 6'4" right-handed pitcher is 20-14 with a 3.63 ERA since being chosen in the third round of the 2009 draft. At AA Akron this season Gardner was 7-8 with a 4.99 ERA in addition to rather high 1.59 WHIP in 97.1 innings.</p>
<p>McBride, 26, was taken in the second round of the 2006 draft. He's an outfielder that was currently playing in AAA. For his career he is a .282/.345/.467 hitter. Last season he batted .279 with 21 home runs and 75 RBI. 2009 was his best minor league season thus far when he hit .287 with 18 home runs and 99 RBI. McBride is a marginal prospect, not ranking in the Indians top 10 but could benefit from moving onto a new ball club.</p>
<p>So to cap the trade again, Cleveland is sending three pitchers and an outfielder to Colorado for Jimenez. The three pitching prospects were ranked second, fourth, and ninth among Cleveland prospects per Baseball America.</p>
<p>Pomeranz can't officially be named in the trade until after August 15th, because any player taken in the 2010 draft must wait until one calender year after signing before being moved.</p>
<p><b>UPDATE</b></p>
<p>Though the trade is still likely to go through, <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/Kevin_Goldstein" target="_blank">Kevin Goldstein </a>of Baseball Prospectus has tweeted the deal is not yet official (which we knew), as he says the lackluster start by Jimenez this evening has the two teams still talking.</p>
<p>Continue to stay tuned.</p>
<p><b>UPDATE 2</b></p>
<p>It now appears the start tonight must have really put a dent into the situation as Goldstein says the two teams will continue to talk and nothing will be finalized this evening.</p>
<p><b>UPDATE 3</b></p>
<p>A few conflicting reports as now <a href="http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/6819477/colorado-rockies-ubaldo-jimenez-traded-start-saturday-sources-say" target="_blank">ESPN</a> is reporting the deal as being done. Interesting indeed.</p>
https://kansascity.sbnation.com/kansas-city-royals/2011/7/30/2306262/cleveland-indians-going-for-it-all-trade-drew-pomeranz-other-topMatthew Hays2011-07-30T20:49:35-05:002011-07-30T20:49:35-05:00Boston Red Sox Steal Rich Harden From Oakland Athletics In Best Trade Deadline Deal
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.overthemonster.com/">Boston Red Sox</a> may have silently pulled off the best deal of the <span class="caps">MLB</span> trade deadline, unless the player to be named later is significant. That’s because the pieces of the trade between the Red Sox and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.athleticsnation.com/">Athletics</a> is one-sided with what we know now. In the reported deal, the A’s are sending <span>Rich Harden</span> to the Red Sox for minor league 1B <span>Lars Anderson</span>.</p>
<p>On the surface, Anderson seems a good catch. He’s been among Baseball America’s Top 100 prospects the last three seasons. He was No. 87 coming into the 2010 season, but he’s been lackluster both in 2010 and 2011 at the <span class="caps">AAA</span> level. Certainly he’s put up serviceable numbers with .261/.362/.420 line this year that’s nearly identical to last year, but it’s not a cornerstone first baseman like you’d expect.</p>
<p>With almost 1,000 at bats at the <span class="caps">AAA</span> level, it’s clear that Anderson is not the bright future first baseman that everyone believed him to be back in 2009. And now that <span>Adrian Gonzalez</span> is firmly established as the BoSox cornerstone player, Anderson simply has no place to go in Boston. So in essence, Theo Epstein flipped a player he couldn’t use anyway for a guy who is one of the best strikeout pitchers in baseball — health issues or not.</p>
<p>The Red Sox just acquired a dangerous arm for their postseason rotation in exchange for some <span class="caps">AAA</span> fare once celebrated. That’s an incredible trade any way you slice it, so here’s believing the A’s are getting something substantive later on with this one. For now, it’s an absolute steal.</p>
https://kansascity.sbnation.com/kansas-city-royals/2011/7/30/2306481/rich-harden-bolsters-red-sox-rotation-while-not-costing-much-ofMatt Conner2011-07-30T14:09:15-05:002011-07-30T14:09:15-05:00MLB Trade Deadline: Cleveland Indians Look To Add Punch With Padres' Ryan Ludwick
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<p>With the AL Central up for grabs, it’s quite clear that the teams involved are making moves to get better and better. Just after the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blessyouboys.com/">Detroit Tigers</a> made a move to bolster their pitching staff, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.letsgotribe.com/">Cleveland Indians</a> are trying to cement their line-up by adding the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.gaslampball.com/">San Diego Padres</a>’ <span>Ryan Ludwick</span> to their outfield.</p>
<p>Ludwick has struggled since landing in San Diego despite his impressive <span class="caps">RBI</span> total of 62. His total line of .238/.301/.372 doesn’t seem like much help for the Indians, but Ludwick is a better bat than what Petco Park in SD has allowed him to be. Nearly two thirds of his <span class="caps">RBI</span> have come on the road, and his average is 40 points higher away from San Diego as well. He might not be the offensive force he was during his <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.vivaelbirdos.com/">Cardinals</a> days, but Ludwick should add some pop for the stretch run.</p>
<p>He also shouldn’t cost the Indians too much in prospects given the quick rental that he is. San Diego has several other players to deal in the next day before the <span class="caps">MLB</span> trade deadline, so holding out for Ludwick and dragging the feet of the franchise might lose any chance of getting something for Ludwick. Thus, expect Jed Hoyer to take a decent deal for Ludwick and move on to <span>Aaron Harang</span>, <span>Heath Bell</span> and others.</p>
https://kansascity.sbnation.com/kansas-city-royals/2011/7/30/2305761/mlb-trade-deadline-cleveland-indians-look-to-add-punch-with-padresMatt Conner2011-07-30T13:15:45-05:002011-07-30T13:15:45-05:00Royals Trade Rumors: Coming To The Realization Dayton Moore May Stick With His Guys
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<p>We now sit just over a day from the July major league trade deadline and the only part of the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.royalsreview.com/">Kansas City Royals</a> roster that had been moved recently was third basemen turned pine rider <span>Wilson Betemit</span> who was traded to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blessyouboys.com/">Tigers</a> for a pair of low minor league prospects.</p>
<p>It is very likely the fan in me who continually loves to see trades made and players moved that makes today a dissapointment. However as of Saturday afternoon the Royals are still 16 games below .500 and in desperate need of pitching arms for the rotation.</p>
<p>I am starting to come around and see why Kansas City General Manager Dayton Moore may be wanting to hold onto <span>Melky Cabrera</span>. I understand that. After an embarrassing season in Atlanta, Cabrera is putting together a fine .298/.333/.458 season with 13 home runs and 61 RBI. As it stands he is having a career high 3.3 WAR season.</p>
<p>However Moore continually waxes poetic about <span>Jeff Francoeur</span> who is hitting .271/.323/.458 with the same number of home runs and RBI as Cabrera. The offensive difference is Cabrera is on an upswing and showing promise, while Francoeur still continues to strike out at an alarming 16.6% rate. He may be a good clubhouse guy, but 25 great clubhouse guys isn't exactly going to put wins on the scoreboard.</p>
<p>Sure the return for Francoeur might not be the greatest thing in the world either, but if you can get a marginal starter for Frenchy it should be done. Look at what the Royals found on the scrap heap in Denver when they picked up <span>Felipe Paulino</span> from the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.purplerow.com/">Rockies</a>.</p>
<p>Meanwhile in Omaha, <span>Lorenzo Cain</span> is batting .319/.390/.520 with 12 home runs and 55 RBI for the Stormchasers. Unfortunately he has faults as well, as he has a higher strikeout rate than Francoeur at the moment. But Cain also has a higher ceiling because of his range in centerfield. It would be addition by subtraction.</p>
<p>If you move Cabrera to right field and bring up Cain to cover center, you likely are a better defensive team because of it and you also would have an acquired player to fit in somewhere as well.</p>
<p>We all know what you get with having Jeff Francoeur on your ballclub, and right now that is a record that is 16 games below .500. I am not saying the Royals would find another Paulino type pitcher in a deal, but what is wrong with taking the risk if you know have a similar player in Omaha who is ready to answer the call and fill in.</p>
https://kansascity.sbnation.com/kansas-city-royals/2011/7/30/2305625/royals-trade-rumors-coming-to-the-realization-dayton-moore-may-stickMatthew Hays2011-07-30T10:22:57-05:002011-07-30T10:22:57-05:00Detroit Tigers Trade With Seattle For Mariners Pitcher Doug Fister
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<p>Just as I finished up the previous post, the <a href="https://www.blessyouboys.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Tigers</a> have now traded for Seattle's <span>Doug Fister</span> per Jon Heyman of Sports Illustrated. He<a target="_blank" href="http://twitter.com/#!/SI_JonHeyman"> tweeted that a deal had been reached for Fister</a>.</p>
<p>Fister will certainly help out the Tigers staff in the long run. He is also under team control until 2015. You can throw out his pitching record and notice his stats are still quite solid. Fister is a capable number three pitcher in a good rotation. The deal is better than records indicate.</p>
<p>In making the deal, Detroit also received starter recently turned reliever <span>David Pauley</span> who is 5-4 with a 2.19 ERA and .99 WHIP ins 54.1 innings pitched.</p>
<p>Going to Seattle will be rookie <span>Charlie Furbush</span>, a 6'5" left-hander who was taken in the fourth round of the 2007 draft. The 25-year old was 1-3 this year with Detroit with a 3.62 ERA in 17 games (two starts). He had pitched in 32.1 innings.</p>
<p>Seattle also will receive outfielder <span>Casper Wells</span>, as 26-year old who has batted .286/.341/.490 in 100 big league games. This year he has four home runs and 12 RBI.</p>
<p>Seattle will also be receiving other minor parts in the trade as well. Blogger <a target="_blank" href="http://twitter.com/#!/CoreyEttinger">Corey Ettinger</a>, who has a website called <a target="_blank" href="http://centralinfocus.blogspot.com/">AL Central In Focus</a> believes <span>Duane Below</span> of the Tigers may be involved as well.</p>
<p>This certainly looks to be a win for the Detroit Tigers who are much better than they were yesterday.</p>
<p><b>EDIT</b></p>
<p>It has been confirmed the Mariners will also receive prospect Francisco Martinez in the trade. Just 20-year old, Martinez is already at AA and was batting .282/.319/.405 with seven home runs and 46 RBI for Erie. Martinez is currently play third base.</p>
https://kansascity.sbnation.com/kansas-city-royals/2011/7/30/2305295/detroit-tigers-trade-with-seattle-for-mariners-pitcher-doug-fisterMatthew Hays