MLB Trades That Happened Over The Weekend

Texas Rangers add Mike Adams and Koji Uehara.
The Rangers have a lot of problems when it comes to their bullpen, so adding to of the best set up men certainly helps. Their combined stats are: 95 innings, 51 hits, 111 strikeouts, 17 walks. Also they control them for next year too.

Hunter Pence to Philadelphia Phillies
How do the Phllies constantly make awesome moves. They gave up some pretty good prospects but Pence fills a huge void in a what is a surprisingly bad Phillies line up. Pence will most likely take Raul Ibanez's spot out there, Ibanez is terrible in the field and is batting around .260. I like the deal.

Doug Fister and David Pauley to Detroit Tigers
Another move I'm in favor for, with Brad Penny being awful and the Tigers constantly having to call up some prospect to get rocked every 5th day, this should put a stop to the bleeding. Fister is 3-12, but remember he's on Seattle who is allergic to runs, he also has a 3.33 era and about 90 Ks. David Pauley should fit some of the bullpen void as well.

Ubaldo Jimenez to Cleveland Indians
I like this move for the Indians, a lot of people are saying that they gave up too much by involving top prospect Drew Pomeranz and Alex White, however, Ubaldo is 27, is coming off a 19 win season and flirts with 200 Ks a year. He could be an Ace for Cleveland who need a top of the line rotation guy. They have him for the next 3 years at a relatively cheap price. Like the aggressiveness by Cleveland.

Michael Bourn to Atlanta Braves
Good fit for the Braves who need an OF and need speed. They got both and didn't give up that much.

Why Wouldn't The Yanks Trade For Ubaldo, More Importantly Why Would The Rockies?

So it's been rumored that the Yankees have a hard on for Ubaldo Jimenez and that the Rockies are entertaining it. The Rockies supposedly asked for Jesus Montero C, Ivan Nova P, Manny Banuelos P and Dellin Belentes P (All of the Yankees top prospects). That deal is a little absurd, but if your the Rockies so is trading a 27 year old stud, who maybe struggling a little this year, but is a year removed from a 19-8, 2.88 era, 218 K year.

I get it from the Yankees standpoint, they need to make a splash because they aren't that great pitching staff wise and need to fill the hole, but I'm a little confused from the Rockies. If they got that haul it could be justified, but I would expect that type of deal if you were talking Troy Tulo, but we aren't.

The only reason the Rockies would be entertaining this would be if they know something we don't. If they noticed a trend with Jimenez. I mean he's having an off year, but he would instantly be CC's 1B if he went to New York, and would be good insurence if CC opted out and happened to sign elsewhere (not going to happen).

For some reason I believe the Yankees trade for him at the deadline and it cost Banuelos, Montero and Nova.

Jorge De La Rosa Is Donzo

Jorge De La Rosa had sustained a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his left elbow. The injury is expected to require Tommy John surgery and sideline De La Rosa for the rest of the season.

Believe it or not, Jorge De La Rosa is a really good pitcher and very important for the Rockies. De La Rosa was the Rockies' top pitcher so far with a 5-2 record and a 3.51 ERA and 52 Ks. He was coming off his first career complete game when he got hurt.

This will certainly make the Rockies a buyer during this years trading deadline as they are most certainly going to be in the NL West playoff hunt.

Please, Not The Millwood Road (UPDATED)

One veteran under consideration, a major-league source indicated Wednesday night, is righthander Kevin Millwood. The Sox were said to be inquiring whether Millwood would be willing to first pitch in Pawtucket, giving the Red Sox a chance to evaluate him further.

Peter Gammons of NESN was the first to report the team's interest in Millwood.

I know we lost 2 pitchers but lets not do this to ourselves. We were laughing at the Yankees when they did this, lets not put ourselves in the same position. Kevin Millwood sucks, last year he was a whopping 4-16 with a 5.10 ERA. I'm fine with Wake and Aceves at the back end of our rotation until Lackey and Dice come back. Or if we are to get a pitcher lets acquire a good one or decent one like one of the White Sox guys or fuck it trade our farm for Felix. Yea, I'm going fantasy baseball, lets trade the rest of our farm system for Felix. Anything but Millwood.


***UPDATE***

Sorry DP, it's Millwood time, as the Red Sox signed Kevin Millwood. They also signed lefty Franklin Morales from Colorado and designated Hideki Okajima for assignment. We all know Millwood sucks. He throws like 85 MPH, so I'm not going to waste my breathe. Morales isn't anything special either, but the Sox needed a lefty and Okajima is all wasted up. Morales is just 25, but he has trouble with his control at times. Last year though he was able to hold lefties to a .171 batting average, so hopefully he can have some value.

Where Do You Rank Troy Tulowitzki?

I was watching ESPN's First Take this morning and they brought up an interesting question. Where do you rank Troy Tulowitzki in terms of the top position players in the game. In his last 40 games, dating back to last September 3, Tulowitzki has 22 home runs. Prorate that over the course of 162 games, that's a pace for 89 home runs, and over 200 RBIs. That's insane. Is he really this good or just really hot?

It's tough for me to answer this, because it's not like I sit back and watch a lot of Rockies games. I know from back in the day that Colorado can inflate numbers, which thinner air and what not, but this guy is going off. On top of that he is a SS, which makes this even more incredible. Not that I expect numbers like this from anyone, but it is less surprising when someone like Pujols does this then a SS. Look at the SS in the AL for a second. Who is the best? Jeter? Yuck, it is really ugly.

For me Pujols is still number 1 even with his slow start, but if this guy keep playing like this (.364 7 HRs 14 RBIs) it's going to be hard to keep him out of the discussion.

So what do you think? Where do you rank Troy Tulowitzki?

2011 MLB Preview: Colorado Rockies

2010 Record: 83-79

Pitching:
Ubaldo Jimenez started last year like a guy who was a lock for the Cy Young, although he slowed down the Rockies ended up going 22–11 in games in which he started. Jorge De La Rosa is the #2 guy and is OK, but not great. We have been waiting for him to breakout for a couple years now, and he never seems to. Last year he 8-7 with a 4.22 ERA, he did win 16 games in 2009, but has always had an ERA above 4.2. Behind him is Jhoulys Chacin, who really could end up being the key to this team. The 22 year old went 9-11 last year with a 3.28 ERA and averaged over a strikeout an inning. He has the talent to be an ace, so if he can develop the Rockies rotation will look a lot better. The back of the rotation is where Rockies fans should start getting concerned. Aaron Cook was terrible in an injury plagued season going 6-8 with a 5.08 ERA. The Rockies need him to go back to what he was in 2008 when he went 16-9 with a 3.96 ERA, but age 32 he is starting to get to the point where that might be asking to much. Jason Hammel is their 5th guy, and fits that role well (10-9 with a 4.81 ERA in 2010), and seems to be consistent (10-8 4.33 ERA in 2009). Not a bad bullpen with Houston Street closing and Matt Belisle/Rafael Betancourt setting him up.

Hitting:
The Rockies have some exciting young players on offense in shortstop Troy Tulowitzki (26), and outfielder Carlos Gonzalez (25). What the Rockies need is Dexter Fowler to come through for them this season. He should be batting leadoff, and this will be his 3rd full year in the majors. He has the speed, but needs to steal more then he did last year (2010 13 SBs, 2009 27 SBs). Like I said Tulowitzki and Gonzalez will caryy this lineup, but they could be so much better if Ian Stewart can improve and find the power he had in 2009, and Todd Helton can find the fountain of youth. Overall I do think this is a good lineup and with so many young players they should improve from last season.

Overall:
This is a really good and young team. I have some questions about the backend of their rotation, but I think they will be OK. Todd Helton is washed up and they should really use an upgrade at 1st, but the rest of the lineup is solid, so runs shouldn't be a problem. The Rockies seem to make the playoffs every other year, so I think the trend continues, but they need to find a way to win on the road (52–29 at home, 31–50 on the road), but I attribute some of that to the fact that they are a young team (and their stadium).

2011 Record: 93-69

Baseball News

Here is the latest from around the MLB...

- The Rangers (as noted before) are shopping around Michael Young, who has asked for a trade. The problem is finding a suitor this late in the offseason. The rumors that was going around the most was that he was going to head to the Rockies, but that changed today, as the Rangers were not happy about what they were going to get back in the deal (Eric Young Jr) and the Rockies don't see to want to give anything more. The Angels were also rumored, but all they have to offer is Scott Kamir and the Rangers are said to have no interest in him. Another team was the Astros, but they have also dropped out because of the price of his contract. So right now there isn't much news on where he WILL go, only where he WON'T go. One team that I think should get involved is the Blue Jays. That just makes a lot of sense to me.

- Speaking of the Blue Jays they are looking to unload Juan Rivera. He was really traded for only to get rid of Wells contract. No word yet on who might be interested. My guess is not many.

- CC Sabathia lost 30 pounds, which should help his surgically repaired right knee.

- The Red Sox signed Alfredo Aceves for about $650K, and is basically just some starting rotation depth and he will most likely be sitting in AAA most of the year.

Michael Young Demands Out Of Texas

"After hearing his name in countless trade rumors and seeing his infield position filled by Adrian Beltre, Michael Young has "grown disillusioned with his diminished role" on the Rangers and wants out of Texas, according to Yahoo's Tim Brown. According to Brown, Texas has told Young that they will push to trade him in the coming days (MLBTradeRumors)."

There had been rumors ever since the Rangers signed Beltre that Young was going to be moved. Most rumors suggest that the Rockies are the most likely landing spot, but today there are also rumors that the Angels have jumped into the mix. The Angels have had a terrible offseason, so adding a bat like Michael Young on top of Vernon Wells would certainly soften the blow. Yet would the Angels be willing to take on another overpaid player (Young is owed $48MM over the next three years)? That seems like a lot for the Angels to take on, but after then taking on Wells silly contract I guess nothing would surprise me.

Carlos Gonzalez Gets A Deal

Carlos Gonzalez and the Rockies reached agreement on Monday evening on an $80 million, seven-year contract as Colorado continued outlaying big sums of money this offseason to sign some of its core players.ESPN

Not bad for a guy who finished 3rd in the MVP voting. Last year he batted .336 with 34 home runs and 117 rbis and he's only 25. In my eyes, this is an absolute steal for the Rockies. If he were to hit free agency this year he would be getting more than Carl Crawford money, so to lock him up until he's 32 at a little over 10 mil a year is great for the Rockies and even a bigger plus figuring he is a Scott Boras client.

Sox Need To Do Right By V-Mart

"Rockies manager Jim Tracy told the Denver Post that the Rockies are looking to add an "impact bat" this offseason. According to the report, the Rockies will target Red Sox catcher Victor Martinez if he is available (WEEI)."

I have a huge fucking problem with this. V-Mart should be locked up, there realy aren't many catchers out there that hit the way he does. Sure 4 years from now he probably won't be a catcher, but neither will Ortiz, so who the fuck cares. His defense isn't the best, but it's also not as people make it out to be.

I understand if the Sox let Beltre walk. He is a classic case of a guying playing for his contract. V-Mart on the other hand plays a premium position, and the Sox just can't afford to lose this guy. There are many first baseman the Sox can take a run at, while moving Youk to 3rd....Konerko, Pena, Dunn, ect through free agency, and obviously Fielder/Gonzalez through a trade.

Bottom line is there is a lot of room for improvement, but this is one position that can be taken care of "in house". Perfect off season would be to resign V-Mart, sign Konerko/Dunn or trade for Fielder/Gonzalez, sign an OF (Crawford/Werth), and fix the bullpen, and maybe some rotation depth.

Rockies Reject Red Sox Trade

According to Peter Gammons the Rockies rejected a trade this week from the Red Sox that would've sent Jed Lowrie to Colorado for catcher Chris Iannetta. Personally, I would've rejected this too if I was the Rockies. Lowrie hasn't played in a over a year, and hasn't shown all that much ability when he has played. As for the Sox, I hope they don't trade for a catcher. I am fine with what they have, and V-Mart is getting closer to returning.

All I want the Sox to focus on is bullpen help, and maybe a power hitting outfielder. That's it, no starting pitching, no catcher, nothing else. Other then that they just need to get healthy...fast.

Red Sox 13 Rockies 11

Ugly game, but a win is a win. All the credit can go to Dustin Pedroia and his 3 HRs. Dice-K started the game, and he had a normal Dice-K line (5 innings, 2 runs, 5 hits, 4 BBs, 6 Ks), but he also added an RBI single in the 4th.

This game should've been a blowout for the Sox, but their bullpen was just horrible. Delcarmen and Okajima combined to go 2/3 of an inning surrendering 6 runs. That is completely unacceptable. Then going into the 9th, up by two, Boston once again turned to Papelbon who promptly blew his 2nd save in as many nights. The Sox were lucky that Pedroia is on fire going 5-5 with 3 HRs and 5 RBIs.

There is going to be a lot of concern about Papelbon after this game. I am still not overly worried, but this bullpen in general needs to get a lot better, and Boston might have to start considering making a move to bring in another arm.

Anyways, Papelbon was able to calm down in his 2nd inning of work for a 1-2-3 10th inning. With the win the Red Sox are still 2 games behind the Yankees for 1st place in the AL East.

Red Sox @ Rockies Preview

Sox almost proved me right last night before Papelbon decided to poop the bed. Thing won't get any easier tonight as Dice-K takes on Jason Hammel. Hammel's number won't jump off the page at you (5-3 with a 4.05 ERA), but when you take a closer look you see that over his last 5 starts he is 4-0 with a 0.78 ERA.

To make matters worse Hammel is currently riding a streak of 25 1-3 scoreless innings. Still, Boston proved last night they they can hit anyone right now. Even with a subpar outfield Boston is just finding ways to put up runs. I think this will be the case again tonight.

Dice-K is obviously the wild card. This is his first start since coming off the DL. I actually think this helps Dice-K. He seems like he gets worn down easily, so hopefully the time off will have him come out tonight and be fresh.

I think this game will be close, but Boston will get the win and Papelbon will right the ship and get the save.

Boston wins 7-5
Game starts at 8:40 on NESN.


***UPDATE***

The Red Sox are expected to put Mike Lowell on the DL to make room for Daisuke Matsuzaka. That can't be helping Lowell's trade value...

Rockies 8, Red Sox 6

The Sox had come from behind against the best pitcher in baseball, given themselves a 6-5 lead. Even John Lackey contributed to the offense, going 2 for 3 with a double, and scoring the go ahead run. All they needed was a scoreless 9th from Papelbon, and they would have been only the 2nd team to give Ubaldo Jimenez a loss.

Look, Papelbon is still quite clearly this team's Closer. And this was only his 2nd blown save of the season. Then again, it was also his 4th loss. The fact of the matter is, he's not invulnerable anymore. It happens with closers. He has an ERA of 3.64, and a WHIP of 1.21. Not horrible, but not magnificent. So we should expect games like this.

And we should brace for an entire season like this. These guys can find ways to win, like they did against the Dodgers. They can also find ways to lose, like they've done against the Rockies. They are an inconsistent bunch of variables. So try not to get so high when they win 6 in a row, and try not to get so low when they blow a game like this one.

Daisuke returns tonight against Jason Hammel.

-The Commodore

Red Sox @ Rockies Preview

Tough loss last night for the Sox, and tonight it won't get any easier as the Red Sox face the hottest pitcher in the MLB (Ubaldo Jimenez). He has some of the best numbers I have ever seen from an MLB pitcher (13-1 1.15 ERA). The only good news for the Sox is that he was sick last night, and was sent home from the game. Hopefully that means he won't be 100% tonight.

Jimenez has not allowed more then 3 runs in any start, and 2 or fewer runs in all but 2 starts. That means the Sox are going to need a big game from Lackey, who has been much better of late, but still is letting up too many hits, and not getting enough K's.

John Lackey (8-3, 4.53) is 4-0 with a 3.62 ERA over his last 5 starts, but has yet to pitch past the 7th inning in any game. That isn't good for a guy who is known to be an innings eater.

I know I have no reason to say the Sox will win, but I still think they will. I refuse to believe that Jimenez is this good. Maybe it's because I don't respect any Rockies pitcher ever, but I feel the Sox squeak out a win tonight.

Sox win 4-3 (11th)

Game starts at 8:40pm on NESN.

Rockies 2 Red Sox 1

Tough loss for the Red Sox last night, as Lester pitched well, but the Sox could not figure out Jhoulys Chacin. Boston had their chances, as Chacin walked 5 batters during his 6 2/3 innings, but they just couldn't pull off the clutch hit they needed.

Lester let up 6 hits, but none of them were hit very hard. Lester had been unbeaten in his last 11 starts, so he was due for some bad luck. Overall I am not too worried about this loss, as the Sox lineup is much different without Ortiz in it, and interleague play is stupid (even though the Sox are 10-3 in interleague play).

It doesn't get any easier tonight as Lackey goes against Ubaldo Jimenez, who is 13-1 so far this year.

With the loss Boston is now 1 1/2 games behind the Yankees for 1st place in the AL East (yet still tied with the Rays for 2nd place).

Red Sox @ Rockies Preview

The last time the Sox were playing in Colorado they were playing for a World Series ring, and with the way the Sox are starting to play they may be playing for another one later this year.

Boston is riding a 6 game winning streak, went 8-1 during their homestand, and now are only 1/2 game back of the Yankees for 1st place in the AL East. The Sox should be able to take care of business tonight, as Jon Lester faces Jhoulys Chacin.

Lester is a big reason for Boston's surge, going 8-0 with a 2.01 ERA in his last 11 starts. He and Buchholz have been the two best pitchers on the Red Sox, and both could be on their way to this year's All-Star game.

The Rockies have also been playing well of late winning 6 of their last 9 games, but are going to have to play without shortstop Troy Tulowitzki, who is out with a wrist injury.

I think Boston wins tonight, as the Rockies recent success has had nothing to do with Chacin, who is 0-4 with a 5.32 ERA in his last four starts.

Red Sox win 8-3
Players of the Game: Pedroia, Lester

Game starts at 8:40pm on NESN.

Red Sox Keeping An Eye On Chris Iannetta

The Red Sox are monitoring Chris Iannetta’s progress in case the Rockies make him available, according to Troy Renck of the Denver Post. He is currently in the minors after struggling with the Rockies, but the Sox have had interest in him for a long time. He hit the ball really well in the minors over his career (.362), and has a hell of an arm (throwing out seven of 13 would-be base stealers). Still, how would he fit on this team.

The Sox do have 2 catchers right now, but I could still see this happening only if the Sox decide to cut ties with Lowell, and either Tek or Ortiz. The Sox could also bring him in and keep him in the minors for a year, since both Tek's and VMart's contracts are up after this season. Anyways, just something that has been rumored a lot, and we'll be keeping an eye on.

2010 DC MLB Previews: Colorado Rockies

Line up:
1. Dexter Fowler
2. Clint Barmes
3. Todd Helton
4. Troy Tulowitzki
5. Brad Hawpe
6. Ian Stewart
7. Chris Iannetta
8. Clint Barmes

The Rockies had a surprising year last year, when they were able to sneak their way into the playoffs with the NL Wild Card title after a disappointing 08 campaign. The Rockies are led by their best player at this point Troy Tulowitzki, followed by the consistent but aging Todd Helton, extremely consistent Brad Hawpe and the speedy Dexter Fowler. This will be the Rockies strong point, because I'm not blown away by their pitching. I'm expecting Dexter Fowler to put a good show on after a great rookie year and the fact that he is speedy means he can score a lot of run with the consistency behind him.

Pitching:
Ubaldo Jimenez (R)
Aaron Cook (R)
Jeff Francis (L)
Jorge De La Rosa (L)
Jason Hammel (R)

Cl: Huston Street

The rotation looks to be a lock headed into the 2010 season, led by breakout star Ubaldo Jimenez (I love his name), Aaron Cook fits into Coors field well figuring he is a sinker ball pitcher and Jorge De La Rosa who finished last year strong but doesn't pitch well in his home ball park. Jason Hammel is mediocre at best and can barely make it out of the 5th and lefty Jeff Francis will be making his comeback after missing all of 2009 due to injury. There are some pretty significant questions about the back end of this rotation. As for the bullpen led by Huston Street, there are no concerns.

I see the Rockies finishing 80-82, which unfortunately won't cut it.

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...