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.

Update: Freel Traded to Cubs

The Orioles and Cubs have completed a trade that would send utility player Ryan Freel to the Cubs for outfielder Joey Gathright. It was originally reported that Gathright was being demoted, but the two teams were able to pull off a quick exchange after he cleared waivers. The deal is cash-neutral, a source told Foxsports.com's Ken Rosenthal. So the Orioles will pay Ryan Freel's 3.3 million dollar salary and the Cubs will pay Joey Gathright's 800,000 dollar salary.

Freel gives the Cubs someone familiar with the division, having played with the Reds for six seasons prior to be traded to the Orioles in the Ramon Hernadez deal. He is very versatile, and we'll fit right in with teammates Reed Johnson and Aaron Miles, who all are defensive minded and aggressive at the plate. The irony behind this trade is that Felix Pie, who was traded to make room for Gathright, and Gathright are now teammates on the Orioles.

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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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Nats, Zimmerman Close To Extension?

The Nationals are reportedly closing in on a big extension with third baseman Ryan Zimmerman. Talks are progressing, and the sides are confident that they will hammer out the remaining issues in short time. Zimmerman, who averaged 22 HR in his first two seasons, is believed to be asking for a six year deal worth 66 million dollars, similar to the one Nick Markakis received from the Orioles.

In 8 games this season, Zimmerman is hittin .243 with 2 HR in 37 at-bats.

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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.

Kovacevic: Wieters Should Be A Pirate

Pirates beat writer Dejan Kovacevic of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette has a nice piece out on what the Pirates would look like right now if they had drafted Matt Wieters in June 2007 instead of Daniel Moskos. Moskos struggled last season in 29 games, posting a 5.95 ERA. Moskos still has the makings of a very good pitcher, but Matt Wieters and Pedro Alvarez, along with Andrew McCutchen and Jose Tabata would look a lot more promising considering Wieters is expected to join the Orioles next month while Moskos is still in Single-A.

This story was approved by MLB Rumors.

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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Cubs Cut Gaudin, Option Samardzija

After a spring where nothing went his way, Chad Gaudin was given his release from the Chicago Cubs. Gaudin, who had a 6.26 ERA in 24 games for the Cubs, gave up 19 earned runs in 16.1 innings pitched. He is 25, so he will probably get picked up really soon. The Rockies, Orioles, and Padres could all look into adding him. The move allows the Cubs to keep Rule 5 pick David Patton, who was taken from the Rockies in December. The Cubs also optioned Jeff Samardzija to Triple-A, allowing them to keep Angel Guzman as well. Guzman is coming off a pretty rough spring having given up 10 earned runs in 12.1 innings pitched. However, Guzman, 27, had loads of potential when he is younger and the Cubs want to see if he that talent is still there as a reliever. 

Sending Samardzija to Triple-A takes nothing away from the fact that he had a terrific spring. He has what it takes to pitch at the next level, it's just that the Cubs just want him to be able to start regularly and get comfortable before they need him full time. I think it is smart move that will pay off for Samardzija and the Cubs in the long run.

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Orioles Have Interest In Fogg

The Orioles reportedly have interest in right handed pitcher Josh Fogg, the Denver Post is reporting. Fogg's opt out date was Friday, but he can still opt out if he a team shows interest. The Orioles interest is "mild," but they may look to add Fogg considering they have three question marks (Eaton, Hendrickson, and Alfredo Simon) rounding out their rotation.

If nothing comes together, Fogg said he would report to Triple-A Colorado Springs.

This story was approved by MLB Rumors.

Marlins Trade For Penn

The Marlins traded second baseman Robert Andino to the Orioles for pitcher Hayden Penn. Both Penn and Andino have long term upside, so it will be interesting to see how they adjust to the change. Both players were out minor league options, so it's safe to say that both Penn and Andino will make their respective Opening Day rosters. 

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Orioles Place Rich Hill On DL

Orioles pitcher Rich Hill has been placed on the disabled list, orioles.com is reporting. Hill was acquired from the Cubs earlier this offseason, but is still behind dealing with a sore left elbow. The lefty, who has shown better command this spring, will likely rejoin the team in the second or third week or April.

Mark Hendrickson will likely fill in for the time being. 

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Hayden Penn On The Market?

Orioles pitcher Hayden Penn is out of options, meaning he must make the Orioles or be put on waivers, meaning they would likely lose him. Penn has averaged a run an inning so far this Spring, and his development hasn't gone as planned. Penn could certainly benefit from a switch to the NL, but he is 24 and the Orioles may want to hold on to him. The Padres have had interest in Penn before, so a trade for him is likely if put on the market for a good price.

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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.

Pierre Requests Trade

Dodgers outfielder Juan Pierre has requested a trade, Dodgers.com is reporting. The Dodgers granted that request by giving his agent permission to explore trade options. Pierre, who has 28.5 million dollars remaining on his contract, said he would be willing to defer a part of his contract to help facilitate a trade. Pierre is coming off his first season in five years where he did not play in every single game. In 281 games with the Dodgers, Pierre has hit .288 with 1 HR and 104 SB. 

When Pierre left Chicago, many thought top prospect and now Orioles outfielder Felix Pie was going to replace him. In turns out that the Cubs could have used the leadoff hitter and the speedy center fielder, but don't expect them to pursue him. I doubt teams will make a serious play for Pierre at this point. While he is a solid player, teams are still giving their young players opportunities, and won't add payroll unless they absolutely have to. 

This story was approved by MLB Rumors.

Orioles Sign Eaton

The Orioles and Adam Eaton have agreed to a minor league deal with an invitation to Spring Training, Roch Kubatko is reporting. Eaton, who was 4-8 with a 5.80 ERA in 21 games last season, was released Friday by the Phillies. If Eaton makes the team, he will cost the Orioles just 400,000 dollars.   

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Orioles Close In On Roberts

The Orioles and Brian Roberts are closing in on a four year extension worth 40 million dollars. Roberts will make 8 million dollars next season, with the new deal kicking in through 2013. Roberts is a career .284 hitter, but has averaged 42 stolen bases over the past three seasons. Roberts has been the subject of trade talks for the past two seasons, drawing interest from the Indians, White Sox, and Cubs, among others.  

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2009 Baltimore Orioles Projection

DH Luke Scott
.264 AVG, 24 HR, 72 RBI
C Gregg Zaun
.227 AVG, 5 HR, 34 RBI
1B Aubrey Huff
.282 AVG, 28 HR, 92 RBI
2B Brian Roberts
.285 AVG, 12 HR, 58 RBI
3B Melvin Mora
.268 AVG, 16 HR, 72 RBI
SS Cesar Iztuis

.264 AVG, 1 HR, 27 RBI

LF Felix Pie

.277 AVG, 14 HR, 56 RBI

CF Adam Jones

.275 AVG, 17 HR, 68 RBI

RF Nick Markakis

.309 AVG, 25 HR, 108 RBI

UT Ty Wigginton

.269 AVG, 21 HR, 60 RBI

C Matt Wieters

.306 AVG, 22 HR, 68 RBI

SP Jeremy Guthrie

11-10 W-L, 4.11 ERA, 115 K

SP Mark Hendrickson

6-8 W-L, 4.72 ERA, 62 K

SP Rich Hill

7-9 W-L, 4.58 ERA, 134 K

SP Koji Uehara

10-8 W-L, 4.30 ERA, 123 K

SP Chris Waters

6-11 W-L, 5.53 ERA, 63 K

SP Radhames Liz

4-9 W-L, 5.22 ERA, 82 K

This story was approved by MLB Rumors.

2009 Preseason Projections

2009 Preseason Projections are coming up in the next week. We'll have a couple other additions coming to the site as well lead into Spring Training, so stay tuned. If you have any ideas or are interested in contributing, email me at mlbrumors@gmail.com.

1. Baltimore Orioles

2. Arizona Diamondbacks

3. Boston Red Sox

4. Atlanta Braves
5. Chicago White Sox

6. Chicago Cubs
7. Cleveland Indians
8. Cincinnati Reds
9. Detroit Tigers
10. Colorado Rockies
11. Kansas City Royals

12. Florida Marlins
13. Los Angeles Angels

14. Houston Astros
15. Minnesota Twins
16. Los Angeles Dodgers
17. New York Yankees
18. Milwaukee Brewers
19. Oakland Athletics
20. New York Mets

21. Seattle Mariners
22. Philadelphia Phillies
23. Pittsburgh Pirates
24. San Diego Padres
25. Tampa Bay Rays
26. San Francisco Giants
27. Toronto Blue Jays
28. Washington Nationals
29. Texas Rangers
30. St. Louis Cardinals

31. 2009 American League Predictions
32. 2009 National League Predictions

2009 AL Champion: Red Sox

2009 NL Champion: Mets

2009 World Series Champion: Boston Red Sox

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Orioles Land Wigginton

The Orioles and Ty Wigginton have agreed to a two year deal worth six million dollars. It was surprising to see the Astros release Wigginton after he hit .285 with 23 HR with 58 RBI in 111 games for the Astros last season. Wigginton will play multiple positions for the Orioles, including 1B, 3B, DH, and outfield. He can even play second base if necessary. 

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Millar in Toronto?

The Toronto Globe and Mail is reporting that the Blue Jays have made a minor league offer to Kevin Millar. The deal includes an invitation to Spring Training, with incentives if he were to make the team. Millar, 37, hit .234 with 20 HR for the Orioles last season. Millar is a very smart player, who is not just familiar with the AL East, but a proven leader in the clubhouse. 

This story was approved by MLB Rumors.