Papelbon Claimed Off Waivers

Red Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon was placed on waivers by the team and was claimed by an AL team, the identity of which is currently unknown. There are a lot of people that are making a big deal out of this, but it is really nothing. It was just a formality by the Red Sox, and there is no way Papelbon will be traded, especially with an important series against the Yankees coming up.

I believe Papelbon will be the Red Sox closer next season and then walk. There is really no reason not to ride out his contract with the team, and by then I think he will be basically done anyways. I love Bard as much as anyone, but the fact is I still trust Papelbon, and there is no reason to throw a kid into the closer situation unless Papelbon really falters, or gets hurt.

Bruins looking To Ward

"The Carolina Hurricanes didn't plan to put Aaron Ward on re-entry waivers, hoping a team would pick up his full salary. But now it appears they will, which means the Canes and the claiming team would each be responsible for half his salary. His cap his is $2.5 million this season, half of that is $1.25 million and since half the season is over, the number comes out to about $700,000.

The Boston Globe writes that it's an "enticing" number and that the Bruins might be tempted to jump at it.

"Boston's mounting injuries on the backline, especially with Mark Stuart sidelined with a fractured sternum, could have GM Peter Chiarelli interested, especially at Ward's Building 19 discount price," the Globe writes, adding that Detroit, San Jose and Chicago might also be looking Ward's way (ESPN)."

With all the injuries the Bruins have had to their defense you would think they would have to be looking at this. Ward was very good for the Bruins, and though he is having a terrible season I think that has a lot more to do with Carolina being terrible then it does with him falling off. Ward and Chara were very good together, so I think he could fit right back in to the Bruins defensive plans quickly, and the price looks to be right...

Chargers Waive Chambers

"The San Diego Chargers lost patience with wide receiver Chris Chambers and waived him Monday, according to ESPN.com's Adam Schefter, freeing Chambers to sign with another team. He was replaced in the Chargers' lineup two weeks ago after not making a play on four balls thrown his way. Chambers has nine catches for 122 yards and a touchdown, but had clearly fallen out of favor with quarterback Phillips Rivers (ESPN)."

Chambers is a tough guy to figure out. He has the physical tools to be a solid player, but has never really been on the same page as Rivers. He is only 31 years old, so I am sure that someone will pick him up, but since he hasn't really done anything since 2005 I wouldn't hold my breathe for any kind of incredible comeback.

If I had to guess where he will end up.... I would say either Patriots or Ravens.

Rockies Get Jose Contreras

"The Colorado Rockies acquired right-hander Jose Contreras from the Chicago White Sox on Monday night for cash and minor leaguer Brandon Hynick (Sportsline)."

This is an interesting deal. Contreras at times is excellent, but he is way to inconsistent, but since he is going to the NL (aka the minor leagues) he might do well. The Rockies didn't really give up anything and they needed another arm, so I like this deal for them...

Wagner Deal All But Dead (UPDATE: Maybe Not?) (UPDATE: Wagner Is A Red Sox)

"The deal that would send Mets reliever Billy Wagner to the Sox appears to be coming to a halt. After Wagner threw a scoreless inning yesterday in New York (with Sox assistant general manager Allard Baird present, according to The New York Times), Wagner said he believes he will stay put. "My gut tells me I'm going to Florida now," Wagner told reporters in New York, a reference to the Mets' next road trip. "Unless something changes, I'll probably be a Met." The Sox have a deadline to complete the waiver transaction by 1:30 p.m. today (Boston.com)."

Wagner is going to use his no trade clause, because the Red Sox will not guarantee that they won't pick up his option or offer him salary arbitration. If they were to offer him arbitration that would mean any team that tries to sign him would have to give the Sox draft picks, which would hurt his value. Wagner wants to get to 400 saves, and does not want to be a setup guy next season. This is really too bad, because I think a hard throwing lefty would fit in perfectly to the Sox bullpen. The deadline is at 1:30pm today, so we'll keep you posted if anything changes...


***UPDATE***

"With just minutes remaining approaching a 1:30 p.m. deadline, a source familiar with the Red Sox pursuit of Billy Wagner said a short time ago that talks are still alive and that Wagner is now considering accepting a deal to Boston (Boston.com)."

There is only 1/2 hour to get this deal done, but it seems like it is much more alive then it was this morning. Check back in around 1:30 and we should have another update...


***UPDATE 2***

It is really starting to look like Wagner is coming to the Sox. A major league source told the Globe's Nick Cafardo that a trade sending Billy Wagner to the Red Sox is "looking good".

Then Newsday's David Lennon tweeted this...

"Announcement coming shortly on Wagner. Looks like the trade to Boston is going to happen."

We'll let you know when/if it becomes official.


***UPDATE 3***

Welcome to the Red Sox Billy Wagner...

"A major league source told the Globe's Tony Massarotti that the Red Sox and Mets have agreed in principle on a deal that would bring Wagner to Boston for two players to be named later. The Red Sox will not pick up Wagner's $8 million option for 2010 but will retain the right to offer Wagner arbitration, meaning they would get two compensatory draft (Boston.com)."

I think this is a great move for the Sox. They have basically 0 risk, and now they have a hard throwing left hander. Hopefully Papelbon doesn't go off about this, but fuck him. He should just keep his mouth shut.

Sounds Like Wagner Isn't Coming To Red Sox

"If Jonathan Papelbon still has any concerns about Billy Wagner replacing someone in the Red Sox' bullpen, they may prove moot, since it's looking increasingly unlikely that the 38-year-old lefthander will be coming to Boston. According to a report by FoxSports' Ken Rosenthal, the Red Sox chances of acquiring Wagner, whom they claimed on waivers from the Mets on Friday, are in "serious jeopardy" after the club rejected Wagner's two conditions for waiving his no-trade clause (Boston.com)."

There are basically 2 things that Wagner wanted from the Sox...

1. Assurance that the Red Sox will not pick up his $8 million club option for next season.
2. Red Sox not offer salary arbitration, thus making him a more appealing option as free agent since the team signing him would not be required to forfeit draft picks.

The Sox have reportedly shot down those request. The deal still could get done, but you have to wonder if Papelbon and Delcarmen's bitching had something to do with this. Listen, if Wagner is healthy, how could he not help the Sox. Boston only has 1 lefty in the bullpen, but I am sorry I would take Wagner rather then adding someone like Lopez. I think Papelbon needs to keep his fucking mouth shut, and that goes for Delcarmen too. If Delcarmen was pitching better then maybe they wouldn't have to go out looking for help. I would like to see this get done, if the Sox don't have to give up much...

Red Sox Get Alex Gonzalez

"The Red Sox have completed a trade with the Cincinnati Reds, bringing shortstop Alex Gonzalez back to Boston. Gonzalez is not expected to join the team until tomorrow in Texas, according to his agent, Eric Goldshmidt. The most likely move would involve the Sox releasing infielder Chris Woodward to make room for Gonzalez on the roster (Boston.com)."

Listen the Sox are basically get 0 offense from the SS position, so getting someone who can play some of the best defense in the MLB is a great move. He is only batting .210, but once again the Sox don't have a utility infielder with Lowrie out for the foreseeable future. This is a move that will go under the radar, but it improves Boston's defense a lot.

Smoltz Clears Waivers

"John Smoltz, the veteran righthander who was designated for assignment Friday after eight underwhelming starts with the Red Sox, has cleared waivers, according to ESPN.com's Buster Olney. Smoltz, who won 210 games and saved 154 during his stellar 20-year career with the Atlanta Braves, was just 2-5 with an 8.33 earned-run average for the Sox. He was designated for assignment after allowing nine hits and eight earned runs in 3.1 innings during the Red Sox' 13-6 loss to the Yankees Thursday night.

The Red Sox have until this Sunday to release Smoltz, trade him, or send him to the minors. If he is sent to the minors, it probably would be to prepare him to work out of the bullpen in September. He is due to remainder of the $5.5 million, one-year deal he signed in January. There has been speculation that other clubs would be interested in signing the 42-year-old once he cleared waivers, among them the LA Dodgers and Texas Rangers (Boston.com)."

I said it before and I'll say it again, call me crazy, but I think Smoltz is coming back to the Sox. I know there are other teams out there that he could start for, and trust me it makes sense. Still, i think he has too much pride, and doesn't want to leave the Sox this way. I expect him to take the trip to the minors, and start working out as a reliever, so that in September when the rosters expand he can get another shot to prove the Sox right about signing him. I could be way off, but I truly believe that will happen...

Harang, Arroyo Clear Waivers

"Reds starters Aaron Harang and Bronson Arroyo have cleared waivers, according to a FoxSports.com report. The decision to pass on the veteran pitchers would indicate that teams are unwilling to pick up their salaries at full price. Harang is under contract for next season at $12.5 million and Arroyo at $11 million (ESPN)."

Harang was supposed to be the next great thing in Cincy a couple years back, but he has fallen on his face with a 6-13 record and a 4.43 ERA. Arroyo is just as bad with a +5.00 ERA, so I really don't expect either of these guys to be traded unless some team really needs a 5th starter, and the Reds are willing to eat some of those crazy salaries...

Red Sox Pass On Guzman

"ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney reports that Nationals shortstop Cristian Guzman cleared waivers and nobody claimed him. The Red Sox were interested in making a waiver claim on Guzman but then decided against it, the Boston Globe reported Sunday. The Red Sox have been searching for a shortstop after Jed Lowrie reinjured his left forearm and went on the disabled list (ESPN)."

The reason the Sox did not jump at this chance was because of the price tag. Guzman is due about $8 million, and the Sox just did not feel that he is worth it. This doesn't mean that it is over though, as Guzman can now be traded to anyone. The Sox might try to pull off a deal where the Nationals eat part of his contract. We have heard nothing solid yet, but something to keep an eye on...

Red Sox Looking To Cristian Guzman?

"The Red Sox were interested in making a waiver claim on Nationals shortstop Cristian Guzman but then decided against it, the Boston Globe reported. The Red Sox have been searching for a shortstop after Jed Lowrie reinjured his left forearm and went on the disabled list. The Globe said the Red Sox still could work out a deal for Guzman if he goes unclaimed (ESPN)."

Guzman is hitting .317 this year, but don't get too carried away, as his OBP is only .337. He has only 12 BBs while striking out 56 times. Still the Sox are in such desperate need for a SS anything is worth a try. As much as I love Nick Green, he is not the answer, and has really been in a slump for awhile now. I really think this story is going to turn into something true over the next week.

Orioles Firesale Looming

"The next team to unload a veteran player could be the Orioles. The Baltimore Sun is reporting that Aubrey Huff, Melvin Mora and Danys Baez have cleared waivers, which would allow the Orioles to make a deal without it being blocked by a claim from a third team. All three players are in the final guaranteed years of their contracts (ESPN)."

All 3 of these players have value, so this is a very smart move by the Orioles. You would have to think with the recent struggles of the Red Sox bullpen that they will at least take a look at Baez, but he sucks, so I hope they don't. Huff could be a solid contributor even though he is no where near what he was doing last year, and Mora is always primed (when healthy) to going on a tear. Keep an eye on what the Orioles do here as they continue to build for the future.

Alex Rios Put On Waivers?

"The clock may be ticking on Alex Rios' tenure in Toronto. ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney said in his blog that some team has claimed Rios on waivers and we will know by early Tuesday afternoon whether the Blue Jays outfielder will become theirs. Buster says there is lots of evidence that the claiming team is the White Sox, but stressed that the information is informed speculation that is not yet confirmed. Blue Jays general manager J.P. Ricciardi told the Toronto Star nothing is happening with Rios, but Buster notes that J.P. smartly used the presented tense. White Sox general manager Ken Williams sidestepped talk about Rios over the weekend. "A lot of players get claimed every day. Why is this a big deal?" Williams told the Chicago Tribune (ESPN)."

Rios is a good player, but he is not the player the Jays thought they were getting when they gave him a huge contract. Now with the Jays out of the playoff hunt they need to dump some of their payroll. Rios has a lot more value on the open market then a guy like Wells, so that is why he would be the one put on waivers, because a team like the White Sox would love to grab him. Rios is still somewhat young (28), so he could be worth the risk if you have the money. With the addition of Peavy, and if the White Sox actually do get Rios, they could be a playoff, since they are only trailing the Tigers by 3 games...

Celtics Put Pruitt On Waivers

"The Celtics have placed guard Gabe Pruitt on waivers after choosing not to pick up the option year on his contract. Pruitt, who played in 47 games last season, was projected as a backup for starting point guard Rajon Rondo, but was relegated to a bit role after the February acquisition of Stephon Marbury. "We like Gabe but he was not going to get a chance to play much with Marquis (Daniels) coming in," Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge said. "He has a bright future and this will give him a chance to play elsewhere (Boston.com)."

DP reported that this was most likely going to happen this week. Basically Gabe is gone. It will be interesting to see if he gets picked up by another team at some point. My guess is that he will. I am still waiting to see if the Celtics sign Lester Hudson, who they drafted this year...

Tigers Put Sheffield On Waivers

Sheffield is having a terrible year, and now is pissed off because the Tigers don't play him everyday. When I say everyday I don't mean that he is playing like twice a week. He has played in 36 of 43 games since coming off the DL, and I think the Tigers have had enough (sound familiar?). The only reason this is interesting at all is because of all the injuries that have been happening in the AL playoff race. Still, I don't see any team putting a claim in for him, unless the Tigers are willing to pay a big part of the 14 million he is due next year.

-BMack