Cardinals Interested In Tejada

Joe Strauss of the St. Louis Post Dispatch is reporting that the Cardinals have interest in Astros shortstop Miguel Tejada. Tejada is hitting .355 with 6 home runs and 21 doubles in 57 games, and is hitting .378 in the month of June. Tejada is owed 13 million dollars, and the Astros probably would like to clear payroll considering their current financial situation. Watching Miguel Tejada, you know he would be perfect for the Cardinals. The intensity he brings to each game would give the Cardinals another boost, and make them a much harder team to face in the NL Central. 

The Astros could take Khalil Greene with a prospect in return, but with the Astros in last place, they may be better off getting prospects. 

This story was approved by MLB Rumors.

Astros Could Trade Oswalt

The Chicago Tribune is reporting that Astros starting pitcher Roy Oswalt is at odds with manager Cecil Cooper and may be open to a trade. Oswalt has a full no-trade clause and would have to waive it for any trade. In 11 games this season, Oswalt is 1-2 with a 4.62 ERA and 47 strike outs. The White Sox, after missing out on Jake Peavy, could offer a similar package for Oswalt.

Oswalt has three years and 45 million dollars left on his contract, with a 16 million dollar club option with a 2 million dollar buyout. If anyone teams wants to trade for him, they would probably have to guarantee his 2012 club option.


This story was approved by MLB Rumors.

Jake Peavy Rejects White Sox Trade

Padres pitcher Jake Peavy invoked his no-trade clause, rejecting the proposed trade to the White Sox. 

"As of right now, this is the best place for us to be. We made that decision for the time being," Peavy said before Thursday night's game against San Francisco.

Peavy, who is 3-5 with a 3.82 ERA with 69 strike outs, will make his scheduled Friday start versus the Cubs. I wonder if teams now know that the Padres are ready to deal if they will step up and make a big move. The Cubs, Mets, Phillies, Brewers, Astros, Rockies, and Dodgers are the most logical teams based on current situations. 

This story was approved by MLB Rumors.

2009 MLB Draft Order

Here is the order for this years MLB Draft, which is set to take place in June.

1. Washington Nationals
2. Seattle Mariners
3. San Diego Padres
4. Pittsburgh Pirates
5. Baltimore Orioles
6. San Francisco Giants
7. Atlanta Braves
8. Cincinnati Reds
9. Detroit Tigers
10. Washington Nationals*
11. Colorado Rockies
12. Kansas City Royals
13. Oakland Athletics
14. Texas Rangers
15. Cleveland Indians
16. Arizona Diamondbacks
17. Arizona Diamondbacks*
18. Florida Marlins
19. St. Louis Cardinals
20. Toronto Blue Jays
21. Houston Astros
22. Minnesota Twins
23. Chicago White Sox
24. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
25. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim*
26. Milwaukee Brewers
27. Seattle Mariners*
28. New York Yankees*
29. Boston Red Sox
30. Tampa Bay Rays
31. Chicago Cubs
32. Colorado Rockies*

10 - Washington Nationals receive this pick as compensation for not signing 2008 1st Round Pick, Aaron Crow.

# 17 - Arizona Diamondbacks receive this pick as compensation for the Los Angeles Dodgers signing 2B Orlando Hudson

# 24 - Los Angeles Angels receive this pick as compensation for the New York Mets signing Francisco Rodriguez.

# 25 - Los Angeles Angels receive this pick as compensation for the New York Yankees signing Mark Teixeira.

# 27 - Seattle Mariners receive this pick as compensation for Philadelphia Phillies signing Raul Ibanez.

# 28 - New York Yankees receive this pick as compensation for not signing 2008 1st Round Pick, Gerrit Cole.

# 32 - Colorado Rockies receive this pick as compensation for Los Angeles Angels signing Brian Fuentes.

(Courtesy of 2009 MLB Mock Draft)

This story was approved by MLB Rumors.

Astros Extend Cooper

The Astros have exercised manager Cecil Cooper's option for the 2010 season, Ken Rosenthal is reporting. Despite a 3-7 start, the Astros feel that Cooper has turned this team around after posting one of the best records in the second half last season. Cooper has a 104-98 record since taking over as the Astros manager, and put up 86 wins last season.

"I appreciate their confidence in me," Cooper said "I do believe we are better and we will continue to get better. We've got some terrific young players coming up and I'm excited to be a part of that next year."

This story was approved by MLB Rumors.

Weekly Roundup

What started as a nice start to another baseball season, we were blindsided with the news that Angels pitcher Nick Adenhart was killed in an automobile accident. Off to a promising start with a six inning shutout performance, the top pitching prospect looked to be blossoming into a true major leaguer. The news of his death was a tragedy, not to mention the three other lives that were taken as well. The Angels, already with their three top pitchers on the DL, are now forced to find a replacement. The Angels held a very nice ceremony for the victims before Saturday's game, and were able to beat the Red Sox in his honor. On a lighter note, there were several young players who had nice weeks, and teams are looking to these guys to build off their strong starts.

Jordan Schafer, Braves: .348 AVG, 2 HR, .423 OBP.

- Schafer has put up great numbers at the plate and has shown off his speed in the outfield. 

Emilio Bonifacio, Marlins: .500 AVG, 1 HR, .517 OBP, 4 SB.

- Bonifacio is off to a great start at third for the Marlins. The talent has always been there, it's poor consistency that has been the problem.

Adam Lind, Blue Jays: .400 AVG, 3 HR, 12 RBI, .419 OBP.

- Entering his third major league season, Lind has taken big strides at the plate. He could play a big role in the Blue Jays playoff hopes this season.

Jeremy Guthrie, Orioles: 2-0 W-L, 2.25 ERA, 5 K, 12 H.

- Guthrie has been an Orioles project for the past three seasons, and he might be putting his stuff together. He did put up 10 wins last season, and is off to a good start this year.

Josh Johnson, Marlins: 2-0 W-L, 0.57 ERA, 1 ER, 15 SO.

- Johnson is a big, hard throwing right hander who combines his fastball with a hard slider. He was able to beat Johan Santana today, and is hoping to lead that young rotation.

Here are some other young players whose first week is something they would like to forget:

John Lannan, Nationals: 0-2 W-L, 10.00 ERA, 10 ER, 3 BB, 9 IP. 

- The Nationals hope Lannan can breakout for the Nationals after putting up 10 wins last season, but he hasn't been able to command his fastball early on.

Scott Olsen, Nationals: 0-2 W-L, 14.63 ERA, 8 IP, 13 ER, 2 HR, 6 BB.

- The Nationals hoped that when they traded for Olsen, he would emerge into a solid top of the rotation starter to lead the Nationals. So far, that hasn't been the case.

Chris Davis, Rangers: .045 AVG, 1 H (22 AB), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 10 SO.

- There is a lot of pressure on Davis to put up big numbers after having a breakout 2008 campaign. So far he has struggled mightily and the Rangers could be scrambling if Davis doesn't pick it up.

Injuries

Brandon Webb, Diamondbacks: 15-day DL, shoulder tightness.

Doug Brocail, Astros: 15-day DL, strained rotator cuff.

Rumors

After Cole Hamels struggled through his first outing, several believe that he is showing the effects of an overworked pitching from last season. Hamels told the Philadelphia Inquirer that he is "fine now."

The Angels may be forced to add another pitcher with Escobar, Lackey, and Santana on the DL. Pedro Martinez is available. The LA Times mentions Anthony Ortega and Darren Oliver asi in-house possibilities.

Dodgers outfielder Delwyn Young is out of options, and several scouts have been watching him during his rehab assignment. The Indians, Pirates, and Phillies are interested.

Minor League Update

Juan Miranda, Yankees (AAA): .474 AVG, 2 HR, 11 RBI.

- The Yankees won't hesitate to recall Miranda if Teixeira goes down for an extended amount of time.

Matt LaPorta, Indians (AAA): .625 AVG, 1 HR, 1 SO, .667 OBP.

- LaPorta could be playing for the Indians very soon if he continue to swing a big bat.

Tyler Flowers, White Sox (AA): .417 AVG, 1 HR,  2 RBI, .500 OBP

- Flowers is the young power hitter the White Sox hope can fill the shoes of Jim Thome or Jermaine Dye when there time with the team runs out. So far he is looking really good.

David Price, Rays (AAA): 0-0 W-L, 4.91 ERA, 4 SO, 3.2 IP.

- Price will be pitching for the Rays at the major league level really soon. Once he gets comfortable and into more of a routine will the Rays give him the opportunity. 

What to look for next week...

Interviews will start to be scheduled next week.

Rich Harden, who is coming off a solid 10 strikeout performance, will be making his second start of the season. Some think that Harden is already DL bound, so it will be interesting to see if he can string together back to back strong outings.

The Pirates, Cubs, Nationals, Rays, Dodgers, and Mets all have their home openers. 

Tigers pitcher Rick Porcello will make his second start of the season.

 

This story was approved by MLB Rumors.

2009 National League Predictions

National League East

1. New York Mets: 86-76  

2. Florida Marlins: 84-78

3. Atlanta Braves: 84-78

4. Philadelphia Phillies: 83-79

5. Washington Nationals: 64-98

The Mets finally have a strong bullpen that will keep them in games late like it has failed to do the past two seasons. 

National League Central

1. Chicago Cubs: 90-72

2. St. Louis Cardinals: 89-73

3. Milwaukee Brewers: 85-77

4. Cincinnati Reds: 80-82

5. Houston Astros: 76-86

6. Pittsburgh Pirates: 69-93

The Cubs will have a tough season, and could fall apart in September facing the Cardinals, Brewers, Giants, and Diamondbacks in the final two weeks. 

National League West

1. Los Angeles Dodgers: 86-76

2. Arizona Diamondbacks: 82-80

3. San Francisco Giants: 76-86

4. Colorado Rockies: 74-88

5. San Diego Padres: 65-97

The Dodgers are the top team in the division and should be able to hold out, especially if they make another run at Jake Peavy.

National League MVP: Albert Pujols, Cardinals

National League Cy Young: Johan Santana, Mets

National League Rookie of the Year: Jordan Schafer, Braves

National League Manager of the Year: Tony La Russa, Cardinals

NLDS: Cubs defeat Dodgers; Mets defeat Cardinals

NLCS: Mets defeat Cubs

National League Champion: Mets

------------------------------

World Series: Red Sox vs. Mets

Red Sox defeat Mets

This story was approved by MLB Rumors.

Astros Acquire Keppinger

The Astros have acquired infielder Jeff Keppinger from the Reds in exchange for a player to be named later. This likely means that Keppinger will spending the majority of his time at third base with Geoff Blum, the role meant for third baseman Aaron Boone, who is having season ending surgery. Keppinger gives the Astros more options in the infield. Because he is versatile, he gives manager Cecil Cooper the option to pull Miguel Tejada or Kaz Matsui late in a game if needed. 

A solid, low cost addition for the Astros.

This story was approved by MLB Rumors.

Keppinger On The Block?

ESPN.com's Jayson Stark is reporting that the Reds are dangling infielder Jeff Keppinger to rival teams. The Red Sox and Astros have expressed interest, but they are also interested in the Rockies' Jeff Baker. Keppinger is hitting just .145 this spring, but is a career .287 hitter, hitting .332 in 2007. He can play every infield position, and even has some experience in the outfield. 

Keppinger will be 29 in April.

This story was approved by MLB Rumors.

2009 Houston Astros Projection

C Ivan Rodriguez

.289 AVG, 11 HR, 55 RBI

1B Lance Berkman

.295 AVG, 32 HR, 104 RBI

2B Kaz Matsui

.274 AVG, 7 HR, 42 RBI

3B Chris Johnson

.246 AVG, 9 HR, 58 RBI

SS Miguel Tejada

.292 AVG, 21 HR, 89 RBI

LF Carlos Lee

.294 AVG, 29 HR, 97 RBI

CF Michael Bourn

.248 AVG, 4 HR, 34 RBI

RF Hunter Pence

.303 AVG, 22 HR, 85 RBI

3B Geoff Blum

.233 AVG, 7 HR, 39 RBI

SP Roy Oswalt

16-6 W-L, 3.45 ERA, 168 K

SP Wandy Rodriguez

8-11 W-L, 4.53 ERA, 125 K

SP Mike Hampton

8-9 W-L, 4.57 ERA, 56 K

SP Brian Moehler

7-10 W-L, 4.92 ERA, 73 K

SP Russ Ortiz

4-7 W-L, 5.32 ERA, 34 K

This story was approved by MLB Rumors.

Braves Shopping Pitchers?

MLB.com is reporting that the Braves have received inquires about several of their young pitchers. Pitchers Jeff Bennett, Manny Acosta, and Buddy Caryle are all having decent springs and could be dealt before the season starts. The Braves dealt one of their top prospects Tyler Flowers to the White Sox this offseason, so if they could invest in their future by trading Bennett or Acosta, they would be taking a step in the right direction.

As for teams that could be interested, the Padres, Pirates, and Astros, among others.

This story was approved by MLB Rumors.

Pudge, Astros Make Deal Official

Ivan 'Pudge' Rodriguez and the Houston Astros finalized a one year deal today worth approximately 1.5 million dollars. This deal was rumored earlier in the week and reached closure as Rodriguez passed his physical Friday morning. While many are wary of Rodriguez's health and ability to continue playing at a high level, his play thus far in the spring has eased some of those concerns. Pudge will have his hands full behind the plate with a relatively erratic starting rotation behind ace Roy Oswalt, but has proven in the past he is more than capable of being a leader behind the plate. All in all, this seems like a very good gamble for the Astros and should be a nice place for Rodriguez to play regularly and get an opportunity to show what he has left in the tank.

This story was approved by MLB Rumors.

Astros Close In On Martinez?

Baseball Prospectus is reporting that the Astros are on the verge of signing free agent veteran Pedro Martinez. Astros GM Ed Wade told me, as well as several other outlets, that the Astros had to make serious cutbacks back in December. To think that they are going to sign two future Hall of Famers is a surprise, and should give them some momentum early on in the season.

UPDATE: Astros GM Ed Wade denies the report.

This story was approved by MLB Rumors.

Astros Sign Pudge

The Astros and Ivan Rodriguez have agreed to a one year deal worth 1.5 million dollars, ESPN.com is reporting. The Astros needed to make an addition after seeing their current catchers struggle this spring. With Tejada, Lee, Berkman, and now Rodriguez, the Astros have a very strong lineup that could do some damage in the NL Central.

More details soon.

This story was approved by MLB Rumors.

Guzman to Padres?

Cubs pitcher Angel Guzman is out of options, opening up speculation that he could be on the move before Opening Day. The Padres have been looking to add cheap pitching, and may be willing to part with a low level prospect or cash for him. Guzman was once considered a highly touted prospect for the Cubs, but hasn't been able to put a full season together since dealing with shoulder problems in 2005. Guzman also had elbow surgery in 2007, cutting his seasons short. 

However, Guzman has shown flashes of a good pitcher and is just 27 years old. He played well in Winter Ball, but is having a tough Spring. Other teams that could make a play for Guzman include the Astros, Athletics, Marlins, and Blue Jays, among others.

This story was approved by MLB Rumors.

Pudge Race Heating Up

Free agent catcher Ivan Rodriguez is starting to draw more interest, SI.com's Jon Heyman is reporting. The Marlins, Giants, Twins, and Astros are all interested in Pudge, who is hitting .545 with 2 HR for Puerto Rico in the WBC. The Giants and Twins both have catchers penciled in, but Joe Mauer is getting a second opinion on his back and Rodriguez could start at first with Bengie Molina staying at catcher.

The Marlins have faith in young catcher John Baker, who is hitting .417 ((8-for-17) so far this Spring. Baker hit .299 with 5 HR last season, and is just 28 years old. The Astros make the most sense for Pudge, but have had to make serious cuts that go back to December, so they might not even have the money to sign Pudge. 

This story was approved by MLB Rumors.

Stock Rising or Falling

The first installment of Stock Rising or Falling for the 2009 season:

Mike Fontenot, Cubs: Fontenot came into Spring Training knowing that he would be competing for the starting job at second against Aaron Miles. Fontenot is hitting .363 (12-33) with 2 HR and six extra base hits so far this Spring, and is playing well at second base.

Brett Anderson, Athletics: Anderson, 21, is off to a good start this Spring and may be on the fast track to joining the Athletics rotation. In 5.2 innings this Spring, Anderson has given up five hits and two earned runs. I think the talk is a little premature, considering his command is still a little shaky, but this guy definitely has a future in the Athletics rotation. 

Netherlands National Team: They defeated the heavily favored Dominican National Team and have become the WBC underdog overnight. 

Stock Falling:

Joe Mauer, Twins: Mauer has been complaining of a sore back, which may put his contract talks on hold. He hasn't played in a Spring Training game yet, and doesn't have a timetable to return either.

J.R. Towles, Astros: Once a highly touted Astros prospect, Towles is being faced with another demotion if he cannot find his swing at the plate. The Astros have considered signing Pudge Rodriguez, but nothing is serious just yet. He is just 1-for-12 this Spring.

Ervin Santana, Angels: Santana has been shut down and may miss Opening Day dealing with his elbow. Santana pitched 219 innings last season, plus 5.1 from the playoffs, as well as 16 innings in the Winter Leagues.

This story was approved by MLB Rumors.

Marlins, Astros Eying Pudge?

Free agent catcher Ivan Rodriguez is still looking for a starting job, and is stating his claim for a job in the WBC representing Puerto Rico. Pudge is 5-for-8 with 2 HR so far this Classic, and has no plans to back off his contract demands. Both the Marlins and Astros are looking at Pudge, but are not willing to meet his demands just yet. Sources have informed me that the Astros are seriously considering Rodriguez because J.R. Towles is struggling (1-for-12) and they do not have an alternate to start there. 

The South Florida Sun-Sentinel is reporting that the Marlins are still interested, but are hoping Pudge will back off his demands. Pudge hit .276 with 7 HR in 115 games last season, and is seeking a one year deal. 

This story was approved by MLB Rumors.

Quick Hits: Atkins, Schilling, Pena, Athletics

Quick Hits:

• Rockies third baseman Garrett Atkins could be traded by the Rockies if he does not improve on his numbers, according to the Denver Post. While he 21 homeruns last season, his BB/K has dropped from 1.04 in 2006 to 0.40 in 2008. His extra base hits have dropped significantly, as has his OBP.  As for who would be interested, it is hard to say. The Astros would be smart to take a look at Atkins, despite a weak farm system.
• Free agent veteran Curt Schilling said he would be open to the idea of playing for the Cubs or the Rays, the Orlando Sentinel is reporting. Cubs manager Lou Piniella said he would be open to the idea and GM Jim Hendry said he would be willing to listen. Schilling in a big game pitcher who could help the Cubs at the bottom of the rotation.
• The Nationals are looking to unload some outfielders, and hope to move Wily Mo Pena, among others, by Opening Day. Pena could make for a decent reserve outfielder, but the Nationals would have to eat most of his salary for a deal to be made.
• The Athletics locked up Orlando Cabrera, but are closing in on an agreement with infielder Nomar Garciaparra, Buster Olney is reporting. Not only that, but they are in negotiations with free agent reliever Dennys Reyes. 

This story was approved by MLB Rumors.

Astros Eye Pudge?

The Astros are reportedly considering free agent catcher Ivan Rodriguez. Rodriguez hit .276 with 7 HR in 115 games for the Tigers and Yankees last season, but has a career .301 average. The Marlins are also interested in Rodriguez, but are standing pat on their price, hoping he will fall in to their hands.

This story was approved by MLB Rumors.