Nationals Looking At Carmona, Sizemore (UPDATED)

"The Nationals have had "conversations" with the Indians about Fausto Carmona and Grady Sizemore, reports Phil Wood of MASNsports.com. Another source tells Wood the Nats "are working on 'a number' of other trades," as well (MLBTradeRumors)."

Sizemore hasn't been healthy the last two years, and he is due $7.5 million this year, and have a team option of $8.5 million for next year. Rumor has it they are looking to move him. Still, he isn't the main part of this deal for the Nationals.

The Nationals have been looking for another pitching to help out the top part of their rotation. I am not a big Carmona fan, but I do think in the NL he could be very affective. Everything he does just reminds me of an NL pitcher. By that I mean he is a ground ball pitcher, that doesn't strike out a lot of people.

The problem here is that the Nationals farm system is pretty weak when you eliminate guys like Bryce Harper, and Stephen Strasburg. So, it will be interesting to see if they have the prospects to be able to pull a deal like this off.


***UPDATE***

Paul Hoynes of The Cleveland Plain-Dealer says "there's not much meat" to the rumor about Carmona and Sizemore potentially going to the Nationals. MLB.com's Bill Ladson says he's heard the same (MLBTradeRumors).

Carmona To Mets?

There is an interesting rumor going around today that the Mets might try to make a move for Carmona. I think this would be a great deal for the Mets, but I don't see it happening. For one, the Mets have stated that they are very unlikely to trade away their best prospect (Wilmer Flores). Another problem is that Carmona will be tough to get away the Indians, such he has such team friendly options in his deal. Carmona is earning $4.9 million this year and will get $6.1 million in 2011, and then he has 3 option years for 2012 ($7 million), 2013 ($9 million) and 2014 ($12 million). If Carmona continues to pitch well he certainly is worth those salaries.

I don't think the deal will happen, but I do think Carmona would be very good in the NL, and this should be the kind of player that the Mets should be trying to get their hands on.

Also, don't be surprised if you start hearing other teams rumored to be going after Carmona, such as the Dodgers, Rangers, and Phillies.

Red Sox Beat Indians 5-4

The Red Sox destroyed Carmona in the very first inning tonight. Boston scored 4 runs in the 1st on an RBI double by Ortiz, and then 3 RBI singles by Kotsay, Varitek, and Carter. That chased Carmona from the game, but the Sox offense was quieted by the Indians bullpen for much of the game. Paul Byrd blew a 4 run lead, and let up 11 hits, 4 runs in only 5 innings of work. This is not the final outing that Byrd wanted to having going into the postseason. This really leaves the door open for Wakefield to take the 4th spot in the playoff rotation.

The Sox bullpen stepped up must like the Indians did, and shut them down for the rest of the game. Boston was able to get a run in the 8th on a Mark Kotsay RBI double, and that was all the Sox needed as Delcarmen came in and got the save. Delcarmen looked dominant as he has strikeouts on two of the three guys he faced. Boston was hoping to gain a game on Tampa Bay, but the Rays are winning 11-6 over the Orioles in the bottom of the 8th, so that doesn't seem like its going to happen. Either way, other than Byrd's struggles, the Sox have to be very happy with the way they played, as the bullpen looked great, and J.D. Drew was able to get in a couple at-bats.

-BMack

Tigers Indians Brawl

As far as baseball fights go this one was actually good. I actually think I gained some respect for Carmona for standing up to Sheffield. The guy didn't back down at all, and that is saying something since Sheffield is one scary dude.

-BMack

Carmona Signed

The Indians signed Fausto Carmona to a 4 year 43 million dollar deal today. From the Indians perspective, it's a great move. This move also guarantees protection in case they lose C.C. Sabathia in the off-season, so signing a young stud to a somewhat long extension is a smart move.