March 2012 - Baseball Wiretap
Thome Headed To Orioles
Jim Thome is headed to the Orioles, whose struggling offense is in dire need of some punch.
Thome was traded from the Phillies on Saturday for two minor leaguers, right-hander Kyle Simon and catcher Gabriel Lino.
Mets Could Target Street, Lidge
The Mets need bullpen help and some candidates are beginning to emerge.
The team has begun to pursue Padres reliever Huston Street as well as free-agent Brad Lidge, according to sources.
Carpenter Back On Track, Throws For 10 Minutes
Chris Carpenter returned to a bullpen mound on Friday for the first time since experiencing a temporary setback in his recovery from nerve-related shoulder weakness.
The right-hander threw for about 10 minutes from a bullpen mound in 102-degree heat.
Carpenter, who was within five days of beginning a minor-league rehab assignment when confronted by renewed weakness last Sunday in Kansas City, said Friday he believes himself back on course.
"I think they have a little better feel of what's going on and I think the trip to Dallas was worthwhile," Carpenter said.
Rays, Yankees Not Interested In Thome
The Phillies could trade Jim Thome to an American League team, where the aging slugger could serve as a designated hitter.
According to sources, the Rays and Yankees are not among the teams interested.
Tigers Have Had Interest In Marcum Previously
The Tigers had interest in right-hander Shaun Marcum during the offseason that the Brewers acquired him.
Marcum could be a trade target for Detroit if he is healthy.
Executive: Trade Market Is 'Woefully Thin'
A major league executive has labeled this summer's trade market as a weak one.
"There is just not very much movement at all," one executive said. "I count only six teams that are ready to sell."
The executive listed the Cubs, Astros, Rockies, Athletics, Mariners and Twins as sellers.
Cubs, Soler Make Nine-Year Deal Official
The Cubs have finally gotten Jorge Soler's signature on a nine-year, $30 million contract.
The pact became official just two days before the deadline for international signings.
As of Monday, the maximum that can be given out for international signings is $2.9 million, per terms of the newest collective bargaining agreement.
Chicago was concerned that a contract wouldn't be finalized.
"Fear is probably too strong of a word, but I think we're glad to get it done," Cubs general manager Jed Hoyer said.
"We only had a couple days to spare here. We're glad to get it finalized. I think his agents worked really hard on his residency. I don't think we even know all the details of what they went through to get him a work authorization, to get him residency. But they did a good job and got him signed in time."
Source: Carlos Lee Could Veto Trade To Dodgers
The Dodgers have pursued Carlos Lee, but the Houston slugger may veto a trade to Los Angeles, according to a source.
Lee admitted that Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow told him his name has come up in recent trade talks with the Dodgers.
Since he has a limited no-trade clause, Lee would have to approve the deal.
Lee has told the Astros, though, that he doesn't want to waive the no-trade clause.
Price Exits With Back Tightness, Expects To Make Start
David Price was pulled before the eighth inning on Friday night because of lower back tightness.
The left-hander insists that despite the injury, he'll make his next start.
"I'll be pitching in five days," he said definitively.
The injury happened in the seventh inning of Tampa Bay's 4-2 victory over Detroit when Price forced slugger Prince Fielder to ground out to short.
He stayed in to face Delmon Young, who popped out to first to end the inning.
"I just felt it after the fastball to Fielder," Price said. "It just tightened up on me a little bit. ... It was just something to be careful with."
Dodgers Are Pursuing Carlos Lee
The Dodgers are in pursuit of Carlos Lee, according to a report.
The Astros are looking to move the first baseman in the final season of his six-year, $100 million contract.
The Dodgers are among the 14 teams included in his limited no-trade clause, according to a person with knowledge of Lee's contract.
His permission would be required to send him to Los Angeles.
Thome Happy, But Would Listen To Trade Interest
Jim Thome is happy to be a Phillie, but said on Friday night that he will listen to trade interest as the July 31 deadline approaches.
Lidge Undecided On Pitching In 2012
Brad Lidge, released by the Nationals earlier this week, said he has yet to decide if he will try to come back and pitch for another team in 2012.
Jeter Passes Ripken Jr. On Hits List
With a leadoff double against the White Sox on Friday night, Derek Jeter moved past Cal Ripken Jr. and into 13th place on the all-time hits list.
Darvish Doesn't See Himself As All-Star
Yu Darvish is tied for the American League lead in wins (10) and fourth in strikeouts (106).
Dickey Becomes First In Majors To 12 Wins
R.A. Dickey helped lead the Mets to a 9-0 win over the Dodgers on Friday night, earning his 12th win of the season.
Hill Hits For Second Cycle Of Season
The Diamondbacks infielder also singled, doubled, tripled and homered on June 18 against the Mariners.
Cubs Using Jimenez Deal As Guide In Garza Talks
The Cubs will demand two young, controllable players with big upside.
Blue Jays Still Looking Like Buyers
Toronto has given little indication that they will look to trade potential free agents Edwin Encarnacion and Kelly Johnson.
Pujols Has First Four-Hit Game Since September
Albert Pujols collected four hits against the Blue Jays on Thursday night, his first effort of that kind since Sept. 20, 2011.
Bautista Having Historic Month At Plate
Jose Bautista has hit 14 home runs in the month of June, giving him a total of 26 for the season.
Martin Perez Will Start On Saturday
Martin Perez will make his first major league start on Saturday when the Rangers play the Athletics.
Dempster Won't Return Until After Break
Ryan Dempster has been on the disabled list since June 13 with a strained lat muscle.
RealGM's MLB Team Rankings Through 6/29
The Rangers have an improving pitching staff, the Yankees are starting to hit when they should and the Giants haven't allowed a run in four games.
Burnett Wins In Eighth Straight Start
The Pirates got another strong outing from A.J. Burnett on Thursday as the right-hander won his eighth-straight start.
Martinez Won't Play Until September, If At All In 2012
After undergoing an MRI on his left knee, the best case scenario for Victor Martinez would be a mid-to-late September return to the Tigers.
Rockies Shut Down De La Rosa
The possibility exists that Jorge De La Rosa will not pitch this season.
Wells Unlikely To Waive Full No-Trade Clause
He didn't completely rule out the possibility that he would allow a trade, but it probably would require an ideal fit.
Towers Comfortable With Arizona's Pitching Depth
The Diamondbacks aren't going to look to trade for a starting pitcher in the coming weeks despite recent injuries to their starting rotation.
Dodgers Have Scouted Bryan LaHair
Like a number of teams, Los Angeles has concerns about the first baseman's defense.
Utley Will Play Two, Sit One As Precaution
Chase Utley made his 2012 debut on Wednesday night as he deals with knee trouble.