Pavano to Phillies?

With the Phillies pitching rotation still in ruins, the Phillies front office may start asking around for available pitchers. One of those guys could very well be Indians pitcher Carl Pavano. Pavano has won six of his last eight starts, throwing at least seven innings in the past three, including a complete game.

Pavano is 6-4 on the year with a 4.63 ERA in 12 starts with a 1.26 WHIP. If he can stay healthy, he would make for a nice addition to the Phillies rotation. 

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Nationals DFA Cabrera

After starting the year 0-5 with a 5.85 ERA, the Nationals have designated Daniel Cabrera for assignment. Cabrera has a pretty good fastball, but cannot command his secondary pitches, which has lead to 35 walks to just 16 strike outs. Cabrera will be 28 tomorrow, and will likely find a job somewhere soon.

I would think the Cardinals would be a good landing spot. Pitching coach Dave Duncan is the best pitching coach in baseball, having success with several pitchers that were considered busts. Other spots for Cabrera include the Padres and Indians.


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DeRosa to A's or Cardinals?

Indians third baseman Mark DeRosa is drawing interest from several clubs. The St. Louis Dispatch suggests the Cardinals could look to add DeRosa as a utility player, or at least at third base until Troy Glaus can return. DeRosa is hitting .253 with 6 home runs in 39 games this season, and the Indians would benefit from him getting on hot streak right now.

The Indians are looking for major league ready pitching to help in the bullpen. The Athletics are pretty deep when it comes to their bullpen, so a trade is possible. Mike Wuertz has a 2.08 ERA in 20 games this season, but he plays a pivotal role in the A's bullpen and may not be available.

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Mets Serious About DeRosa

FanHouse has confirmed that the Mets have engaged the Indians in talks concerning Mark DeRosa. DeRosa would be a huge upgrade over current utility man Ramon Martinez. DeRosa is hitting .253 with 6 home runs and a .319 on-base percentage in 39 games this season.

The value he brings a team is both on and off the field. DeRosa can play first, second, third, and shortstop adequately, and is a solid corner outfielder. Off the field, DeRosa is a great clubhouse guy and leader, who can handle the media at ease. The Mets do not have much depth in their minor league system, so it will interesting to see what type of package they put together. 

The Indians should ask about Brad Holt, 21, who is 2-1 with 3.99 ERA in six starts this season. Holt projects well long term and is showing some tendencies of a front of the rotation starter. His strikeout-to-walk ratio is 34/8, and he hasn't walked more than 2 since his first start, when he gave up 4.

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Red Sox Need To Find DH Replacement

We're now a month and a half into the season and David Ortiz is still struggling at the plate. He is hitting .203 with 0 home runs and a .317 on-base percentage. He can't hit anything but a fastball, and he struggles catching up to that depending on the pitcher. Ortiz is the only DH without a homerun, and is slugging just .293.

The Red Sox are 2.5 games out of first and will need to pick it up if they want to stay in contention. Ken Rosenthal suggests the Red Sox trade Clay Buchholz for Rangers prospect Justin Smoak or Cardinals prospect Brett Wallace. The Red Sox could approach the Indians about Victor Martinez. They are looking for major-league ready pitching in return and could ask for Buchholz or Bowden. Martinez is hitting .400 with 7 home runs in 155 at-bats.

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Quick Hits: DeRosa, Martinez, Cubs, Peavy

Quick Hits:

• Indians third baseman Mark DeRosa has been linked to a couple teams in the past couple days. There is some speculation that DeRosa could go to the Mets. However, the Mets are playing awful defense and DeRosa isn't the best fielder. He is versatile, but he isn't spectacular at any position.
• Indians first baseman/catcher could be made available also, and he would probably draw a lot of interest. He has a 7.2 millon dollar contract, and is hitting .401 so far this season. The Mets could also take a look at him.
• It was April of 2007 when the Cubs were put on the market and it looks like the sale will be finalized sometime in July. Just in time for a big blockbuster deal, perhaps. 
• Stay tuned for Part III of my exclusive interview with Jake Peavy. 

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Rickie Weeks Out For Season

Brewers second baseman Rickie Weeks will miss the remainder of the season with a wrist tear. Weeks, who was hitting .272 with 9 home runs, was just starting to live up to his high expectations. 

"I was enjoying myself watching him play," Macha said. "This is one tough guy, a grinder, very intense. It's a shame."

The Brewers must scramble to fill the spot, which will go to Craig Counsell for now. They could talk to the Indians about utility man Mark DeRosa. They worked together a big trade last season and DeRosa would give manager Ken Macha a lot more options on the field. 

To read more on DeRosa, click here.

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Indians Could Shop Pavano, DeRosa - Not Lee

The New York Post suggests that the Indians would likely shop Carl Pavano or Mark DeRosa before they consider trading Cliff Lee. Both Pavano and DeRosa are in walk years and have bargain contracts, making them attractive to teams who may not have unlimited money to spend. DeRosa is able to play first, second, third, and the corner outfield spots, and can be slotted in several different spots in the lineup. He is a team player who emerged as a team leader in the Cubs clubhouse in just two seasons before he was traded for three prospects.

 The Giants could be a possible landing spot for DeRosa. He could fill in all across the infield as well as platoon in left with Fred Lewis. Not only that, but if they let DeRosa walk, they could land a draft pick in the 2010 draft. As for Pavano, he could be an option for the Marlins, who have already been linked to Brad Penny. But Pavano has a 6.33 ERA in 8 starts, and probably doesn't have much value.

The Indians would be smart to wait to shop Lee until after the season. This gives them the opportunity to scout young prospects, some of whom who may get an opportunity to play for their parent club. Not only that, but teams may be more willing to trade than sign a free agent, making him much more appealing. He will make 8 million dollars in 2010, a very modest contract for an ace.

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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)

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Would The Indians Fire Wedge?

The Indians are currently 6.5 games out of first, and have lost 3 of their last 10 games. Wedge isn't all too concerned about his status, he is more focused on getting his team turned around. 

"I'm the manager," he said. "It is my fault. I'm not out there playing, but I'm the manager of this team, and I'm responsible for this club. I try to stay out of the way when things are going well and take full responsibility when they're not going well. The bottom line is, we're a better club than what we're showing and how we're playing. That has to be a direct reflection on me." 

This time last year, the Indians were 19-19, but that was when they had C.C. Sabathia and Cliff Lee, who was in Cy Young form. The Indians are hitting just .246 with runners in scoring position and the bullpen owns a 6.18 ERA so far. Wedge turned the team around last year to finish with an 81-81 record, so I suspect the Indians will give him another opportunity to turn them around before he is let go. 

It would make sense to bring in someone from the outside if he needs to be replaced. The team is still young and if they do indeed need to go in another direction, then it should be with someone with a fresh thinking. Guys like Alan Trammell of the Cubs or Willie Randolph of the Brewers could take a look at the job openings. John Farrell of the Red Sox is another good option, and Mike Hargrove, who is retired, would make for a nice reunion in Cleveland. He could also set up the return of Manny Ramirez, who was managed by Hargrove in Cleveland. But that is a long ways a way. Wedge's seat isn't as hot as we think, or as Indians fans may want it to be.

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Time To Trade?

Here are five guys whose team would benefit from trading them sooner rather than later:

5. Ichiro Suzuki, Mariners
- Ichiro is one of the best hitters in the game, and has shown it by compiling a .330 career average in nine seasons. He has had over 200 hits in each of his nine seasons and has scored at least one hundred runs as well. However, teammates have complained about Ichiro and there have been published reports that teammates openly do not like him. Making him available could bring in a couple top prospects, as well as clear up payroll and a problem in the clubhouse. Waiting until you need to trade Ichiro would probably mean the return would not be as good as it would be this season.

4. Derrek Lee, Cubs
- Back in October, I wrote about how it was time to trade Derrek Lee. He doesn't have the range or the power that he once had. Lee has needed more time off in the past season and a half, an opportunity that Micah Hoffpauir is making the most of. Since the All-Star break last season (through today), Lee has hit .250 with 8 homeruns. From the 2007 All-Star game to the 2008 All-Star break, Lee hit .305 with 31 homeruns. We need to give Lee till the All-Star break to turn his season around, but now would be the time to start shopping him so if he does turn it around, more teams will be in on him.

3. David Ortiz, Red Sox
- Ortiz is set to be free agent after the 2010 season (12.5 club option for '11), but really doesn't have any trade value at this point. He is available exclusively to AL teams, mostly because his defense is among the worst. Ortiz is hitting just .224 with 0 homeruns and 14 RBI. He has a .338 OBP, but he isn't having much of an impact on the lineup as pitchers are starting to pitch to him. One possible option would be Adrian Beltre, who is making 12 million dollars this season. Because Ortiz has no buyout for his club option in '11, this trade is possible.

2. Garrett Atkins, Rockies
- While I'm sure the Rockies would rather unload Todd Helton, his contract has a full no-trade clause and he 52.3 million dollars left on his contract, plus a 4.6 million dollar buyout. Atkins is hitting just .210 with 3 homeruns in 27 games. He was shopped around to Cleveland and Anaheim last offseason, and could be moved for young prospects. Going after a young pitcher or two would definitely be beneficial for the Rockies future. Atkins would make for a nice corner infielder in Chicago.

1. Cliff Lee, Indians
- 2008 Cy Young winner Cliff Lee got off to a terrible start, but has started to turn it around. While he is 1-5, he has a 3.45 ERA and had given up just seven earned runs in his last five starts, compared to eleven earned runs in his first two starts. The offense needs to come around for him, but he would make for a good midseason pickup. He could be a fall back to teams who miss out on Jake Peavy, is he is made available again.

Honorable mention: Jake Peavy, Hank Blalock.

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Miss DeRosa Much? Cubs Pursuing Freel

The Cubs have reportedly approached the Orioles about utility player Ryan Freel. Freel can play all three outfield positions, second, and third base. The Cubs decided to demote Joey Gathright, likely signaling the end of his time in Chicago. My main problem with this trade is this would not have been a problem if the Cubs kept Mark DeRosa, who instead was traded to the Indians for three minor league prospects.

While DeRosa was a fan favorite, and proved to be a very versatile player, the players the Cubs received in return have some in the front office very excited.

"All three have a chance," Cubs director of player personnel Oneri Fleita said. "Chris Archer has big time stuff, and finding someone who can [potentially] give you 200-plus innings is hard to find. We think he has the ability to do it."

The two other players the Cubs received were John Gaub and Jeff Stevens. Both pitchers are options for call ups if injuries hamper the bullpen, but probably won't be needed until next season.

Freel, who is hitting .133 in 9 games, isn't likely to command more than a minor leaguer. He is making 3.3 millon dollars, some of which will probably need to be taken on by the Orioles in a trade.

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Indians Sign Vizcaino

The Indians are preparing to sign reliever Luis Vizcaino, a source told Ken Rosenthal. Vizcaino, who was released by the Cubs, will only cost the Indians 400,000, with the Cubs picking up his 4 million dollar contract. The Indians own the second highest bullpen ERA (6.65 ERA), and they hope a fresh arm can keep their bullpen from falling apart.


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Indians Promote Three

The Indians have promoted Matt LaPorta, Luis Valbuena, and Josh Barfield from Triple-A Columbus prior to Saturday's game. LaPorta was the key acquisition in the CC Sabathia trade last summer, Valbuena was apart of the Mets-Mariners-Indians trade last offseason, and Barfield came over in the Kevin Kouzmanoff trade from two offseasons ago. LaPorta is hitting .333 with 5 HR in Triple-A, and will compliment lefty Dave Dellucci in the outfield. Valbuena, who is hitting .321 with 3 HR, will serve as a utility infielder.

Barfield will provide the Indians with more speed off the bench, as well as a late inning defensive replacement. The Indians overhaul comes after a 9-14 record this season. If they continue to struggle, we may see the Indians trade Cliff Lee or Jhonny Peralta for prospects.

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Indians Shopping Lee?

The Indians may look to shop struggling starter Cliff Lee if he cannot return to 2008 form. Lee, who went 22-3 with a 2.54 ERA last season, is 1-3 with a 5.25 ERA in three games. The Indians have an eight million dollar club option for next season, and may look to trade him to spend that money elsewhere. I think an eight million dollar option on a former Cy Young winner is the type of player you hold on to, especially because their starting rotation is not very strong.

However, if a team comes in and can offer a solid prospect or two and is willing to take on some of the money, it might be hard to pass up. The Diamondbacks, Phillies, and Dodgers could all pursue Lee if he were to become available.

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Manny Wants to Play In Cleveland Again

Manny Ramirez told USA Today that he would like to play for the Indians before his career is over."I would like to play for Cleveland one more time, to go back where I started," said Ramirez. While this is sort of bad timing on Ramirez's part, you have to understand where he is coming from. Ken Griffey Jr. and Jason Giambi received very nice receptions at their respective homes openers, both saying they made the right decision. "I think to go back where you started is everyone's dream," Ramirez said.

Ramirez's words are often misconstrued because of the circus that follows him, but these are obviously genuine feelings. A friend of mine sent me a link to another website with this headline-"Manny Ramirez to Cleveland?"-which was linked to the USA Today article.

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.

 

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2009 American League Predictions

American League East

1. Tampa Bay Rays: 93-69

2. Boston Red Sox: 89-73

3. New York Yankees: 86-76

4. Toronto Blue Jays: 82-80

5. Baltimore Orioles: 73-89

The AL East is going to be a really close race, but the depth the Rays have will keep them on top the whole season. While the Yankees have strong pitching, they are more vulnerable to injuries because of their age.

American League Central

1. Chicago White Sox: 90-73

2. Minnesota Twins: 86-76

3. Cleveland Indians: 83-79

4. Detroit Tigers: 79-83

5. Kansas City Royals: 77-85

The AL Central is up in the air so it is hard to predict, but I expect strides from all teams in the Central. If the Tigers don't hold a fire sale midseason, they could pose a threat for the division. 

American League West

1. Los Angeles Angels: 86-76

2. Texas Rangers: 83-79

3. Oakland Athletics: 78-84

4. Seattle Mariners: 75-87

The Athletics and Rangers both made improvements over the offseason, but the A's young pitching and the Rangers spotty rotation still has them behind the Angels. As for the Mariners, they need to trade their veterans to bring in more young prospects. 

American League MVP: Evan Longoria, Rays

American League Cy Young: Roy Halladay, Blue Jays

American League Rookie of the Year: Matt LaPorta, Indians

American League Manager of the Year: Ozzie Guillen, White Sox

ALDS: Red Sox defeat Rays; White Sox defeat Rays

ALCS: Red Sox defeat White Sox

American League Champion: Red Sox

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Pirates Closing In On Ohman

The Pirates have intensified talks with free agent Will Ohman, the Pittsburgh-Post Gazette is reporting. The Giants, Dodgers, Marlins, Nationals, and Indians are all interested in Ohman, but the Pirates most recent offer is believed to be closest to Ohman's demands. 

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Indians Like Martinez?

The Indians are reportedly interested in Pedro Martinez, the Cleveland Plain Dealer is reporting. The Indians made a play for Pedro Martinez before they acquired Mark DeRosa, who maxed out their payroll. Martinez is playing very well in the WBC, and several teams have entered the race for the veteran. The Dodgers and Mets have shown interest in Martinez, while the Cardinals, Orioles, Pirates have had internal discussions about him. 

Martinez is expected to sign by early next week, giving him time to get ready with his team for the regular season. I expect a one year deal in the 3-4 million dollar range makes sense.

This story was approved by MLB Rumors.