Zack Greinke getting a send off from some Brewers teammates. Not the most flattering picture. Could they not have retaken it before posting it for the world to see? Greinke looks deranged ... but maybe he's just happy to be leaving the Brewers.
Showing posts with label Trades. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Trades. Show all posts
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Zack Greinke, Serial Killer
I'm not judging, well actually I am, but this gem was floating around twitter last night.
Zack Greinke getting a send off from some Brewers teammates. Not the most flattering picture. Could they not have retaken it before posting it for the world to see? Greinke looks deranged ... but maybe he's just happy to be leaving the Brewers.
Zack Greinke getting a send off from some Brewers teammates. Not the most flattering picture. Could they not have retaken it before posting it for the world to see? Greinke looks deranged ... but maybe he's just happy to be leaving the Brewers.
Friday, July 27, 2012
Greinke off to the AL West
According to ESPN.com the Milwaukee Brewers are set to trade SP Zack Greinke to the Los Angeles Angels. Greinke has been the source of many trade rumors leading up to the July 31st Trade Deadline but the Brewers made an effort to re-sign him in recent days. Clearly those talks went nowhere and the Brewers felt the best move would be to trade Greinke.
Greinke returns to the AL after spending the last year and a half in the NL. Prior to his time with the Brewers Greinke spent 7 seasons pitching for the Kansas City Royals including the 2009 season when he was the AL Cy Young winner.
The Angels are in need of rotation help as Ervin Santana is struggling mightily this season. Through 19 starts and 111 IP Santana has an ERA of exactly 6.
Greinke returns to the AL after spending the last year and a half in the NL. Prior to his time with the Brewers Greinke spent 7 seasons pitching for the Kansas City Royals including the 2009 season when he was the AL Cy Young winner.
The Angels are in need of rotation help as Ervin Santana is struggling mightily this season. Through 19 starts and 111 IP Santana has an ERA of exactly 6.
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Marlins trade 3B Hanley Ramirez to the Dodgers
In the off-season the Miami Marlins stole all the headlines. They dropped Florida and became Miami. Construction was completed on a new, expensive, retractable roof stadium. They unveiled a new look, debuting four new uni's, in this brilliant new stadium. Then came the spending. The Marlins lavished millions upon millions on free agents, attracting some of the biggest names available to South Beach. They signed Heath Bell, Mark Buehrle and Jose Reyes, among others. The latter forced the move of Hanley Ramirez to 3B, something he made very public he was not interested in. It was supposed to be a grand coming out party for the newly dubbed Miami Marlins. Instead things have gone terribly wrong.
Early Tuesday morning Ramirez was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers along with reliever Randy Chaote for SP Nathan Eovaldi and a minor leaguer.
It's a shocking move, even amidst rumors teams were lining up to acquire the SS turned 3B.
The Dodgers made their own headlines early in the season when an ownership group, lead by Magic Johnson, purchased the team from Frank McCourt. The winning big was reported to be over $2 billion.
Surprisingly the Dodgers have had a good season, much of it in first place in the NL West. They've struggled recently falling 2.5 games back of rival their, state and division, rival San Francisco Giants.
The offense has been the Dodgers achilles heel all season ranking at or near the bottom is virtually every major offensive category.
The addition of Ramirez should help, although it didn't do the Marlins much good for the first 4 months of the season. The Marlins were among the worst offenses in baseball along with the Dodgers.
The Dodgers new ownership made it clear they were willing to spend money from the very beginning and now they've dropped a ton more cash. Ramirez is due $15.5 million in 2013 and $16 million in 2014. The Dodgers are assuming the entire contract with no financial remuneration from the Marlins.
It's a surprising turn of events involving two of the franchises who made some of the biggest splashes in the off-season. Many would have expected their records to be reversed and the Marlins the buyers and Dodgers the sellers at the deadline.
It's funny how the best laid plans often change once the games are played. Ramirez and Reyes on the left side of the Marlins infield looked as though it was a sure thing. Anything is far from sure in MLB. That much is definite.
Early Tuesday morning Ramirez was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers along with reliever Randy Chaote for SP Nathan Eovaldi and a minor leaguer.
It's a shocking move, even amidst rumors teams were lining up to acquire the SS turned 3B.
The Dodgers made their own headlines early in the season when an ownership group, lead by Magic Johnson, purchased the team from Frank McCourt. The winning big was reported to be over $2 billion.
Surprisingly the Dodgers have had a good season, much of it in first place in the NL West. They've struggled recently falling 2.5 games back of rival their, state and division, rival San Francisco Giants.
The offense has been the Dodgers achilles heel all season ranking at or near the bottom is virtually every major offensive category.
The addition of Ramirez should help, although it didn't do the Marlins much good for the first 4 months of the season. The Marlins were among the worst offenses in baseball along with the Dodgers.
The Dodgers new ownership made it clear they were willing to spend money from the very beginning and now they've dropped a ton more cash. Ramirez is due $15.5 million in 2013 and $16 million in 2014. The Dodgers are assuming the entire contract with no financial remuneration from the Marlins.
It's a surprising turn of events involving two of the franchises who made some of the biggest splashes in the off-season. Many would have expected their records to be reversed and the Marlins the buyers and Dodgers the sellers at the deadline.
It's funny how the best laid plans often change once the games are played. Ramirez and Reyes on the left side of the Marlins infield looked as though it was a sure thing. Anything is far from sure in MLB. That much is definite.
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Pirates Acquire Wandy Rodriguez from Astros
It seems as though every day the Houston Astros are trading another piece off their Major League roster. The Majors worst team is at it once again this time trading Wandy Rodriguez to their division rival Pittsburgh Pirates.
Rodriguez was signed to a 3-year deal before the 2011 season and has a player option for the 2014 season. As a part of the deal the Pirates could recoup as much as $17.7 million from the Astros. Houston will pay half of the $3.4 million Rodriguez is owed this season and $8.5 of the $13 million he's owed in 2013. Should Rodriguez exercise his $14 million player option in 2014, something that seems highly likely at this point, the Astros would pay $7.5 million of it.
It seems like an awful lot of money to hand to the Pirates over a pitcher they could have likely dealt to another team without having to throw in so much money.
It's a very similar move to the one the Pirates made in March to acquire A.J. Burnett from the Yankees. At the time Burnett has two years remaining on his deal and was owed $33 million. The Yankees agreed to ship Burnett to the Pirates along with $20 million to help pay for his New York exit.
It seems teams are really interested in paying the Pirates to take players off their hands. The Pirates couldn't be happier. They're getting talented players at well below market value. It's helping them push the Reds in the NL Central and a host of other teams in the Wild Card as the Pirates look to make the playoffs for the first time since 1992.
In return the Astros will receive minor league pitchers Rudy Owen and Colton Cain, as well as outfielder Robbie Grossman.
It's likely the Astros were willing to send so much cash to the Pirates because of these prospects. All three rank among the Top 20 Prospects in the Pirates system, however none of them rank among the Top 100 Prospects in Baseball.
It's a good move for the Pirates simply because they did not have to part with Top Prospects Jameson Taillon or Geritt Cole. Trade rumors suggested that the Pirates would need to part with one of them in order to acquire pitching at this years deadline.
Wandy Rodriguez doesn't possess the best arm of the available pitchers however acquiring him didn't force the Pirates to mortgage their future as well. A solid move all around for both the Pirates and Astros.
Rodriguez was signed to a 3-year deal before the 2011 season and has a player option for the 2014 season. As a part of the deal the Pirates could recoup as much as $17.7 million from the Astros. Houston will pay half of the $3.4 million Rodriguez is owed this season and $8.5 of the $13 million he's owed in 2013. Should Rodriguez exercise his $14 million player option in 2014, something that seems highly likely at this point, the Astros would pay $7.5 million of it.
It seems like an awful lot of money to hand to the Pirates over a pitcher they could have likely dealt to another team without having to throw in so much money.
It's a very similar move to the one the Pirates made in March to acquire A.J. Burnett from the Yankees. At the time Burnett has two years remaining on his deal and was owed $33 million. The Yankees agreed to ship Burnett to the Pirates along with $20 million to help pay for his New York exit.
It seems teams are really interested in paying the Pirates to take players off their hands. The Pirates couldn't be happier. They're getting talented players at well below market value. It's helping them push the Reds in the NL Central and a host of other teams in the Wild Card as the Pirates look to make the playoffs for the first time since 1992.
In return the Astros will receive minor league pitchers Rudy Owen and Colton Cain, as well as outfielder Robbie Grossman.
It's likely the Astros were willing to send so much cash to the Pirates because of these prospects. All three rank among the Top 20 Prospects in the Pirates system, however none of them rank among the Top 100 Prospects in Baseball.
It's a good move for the Pirates simply because they did not have to part with Top Prospects Jameson Taillon or Geritt Cole. Trade rumors suggested that the Pirates would need to part with one of them in order to acquire pitching at this years deadline.
Wandy Rodriguez doesn't possess the best arm of the available pitchers however acquiring him didn't force the Pirates to mortgage their future as well. A solid move all around for both the Pirates and Astros.
Monday, July 23, 2012
Yankees Acquire Ichiro from Mariners
Ichiro is now a Yankee. That's old news already, even though it was reported less than half an hour ago.
Since Brett Gardner went down for the season the Yankees had a need for a (semi) speedy corner outfielder. Unfortunately Ichiro isn't the same player he once was. The now 38-year RF is certainly in the twilight of his career, accepting a trade to the Yankees to facilitate a chance at a World Series ring. A wise move for Ichiro and an honorable move by the Mariners to allow their star the opportunity to leave in search of that ring. The Mariners aren't going to win a World Series in the next two seasons (the likely amount of time Ichiro has left).
So what does the future hold for Ichiro?
Here's an early prediction for you. Ichiro plays out the year with the Yankees. If all goes right by the time he becomes a free agent in November he can add World Series Champion to his long list of accomplishments. Once he hits the free agent market he signs back with the Mariners and finishes his career in the only city he's known (until today).
That's the fairy tale ending.
The only thing stopping it from coming true is the Yankees performance come October.
Since Brett Gardner went down for the season the Yankees had a need for a (semi) speedy corner outfielder. Unfortunately Ichiro isn't the same player he once was. The now 38-year RF is certainly in the twilight of his career, accepting a trade to the Yankees to facilitate a chance at a World Series ring. A wise move for Ichiro and an honorable move by the Mariners to allow their star the opportunity to leave in search of that ring. The Mariners aren't going to win a World Series in the next two seasons (the likely amount of time Ichiro has left).
So what does the future hold for Ichiro?
Here's an early prediction for you. Ichiro plays out the year with the Yankees. If all goes right by the time he becomes a free agent in November he can add World Series Champion to his long list of accomplishments. Once he hits the free agent market he signs back with the Mariners and finishes his career in the only city he's known (until today).
That's the fairy tale ending.
The only thing stopping it from coming true is the Yankees performance come October.
Saturday, July 21, 2012
Astros Continue Fire Sale, Myers to White Sox
The fire sale continues in Houston as the Astros have completed their second trade in as many days. After sending three players to the Toronto Blue Jays on Friday the Astros traded closer Brett Myers to the White Sox on Saturday.
In return the Astros will receive two minor league players and a player to be named later.
This season Myers has pitched exclusively out of the pen after starting 33 each of the last two seasons. He has converted 19 or 23 save opportunities with a 3.52 ERA. He's struck out 20 batters while walking 6 in 30.2 IP.
It was a move the makes a lot of sense for the White Sox. Before acquiring Myers the Sox only had one veteran (Matt Thornton) in their pen. The rest of the pen consisted of extremely green rookies (all with less than 50 career IP). As a group they rank 11th in the AL in bullpen ERA.
The White Sox currently lead the AL Central by a half game over the surging Detroit Tigers.
In return the Astros will receive two minor league players and a player to be named later.
This season Myers has pitched exclusively out of the pen after starting 33 each of the last two seasons. He has converted 19 or 23 save opportunities with a 3.52 ERA. He's struck out 20 batters while walking 6 in 30.2 IP.
It was a move the makes a lot of sense for the White Sox. Before acquiring Myers the Sox only had one veteran (Matt Thornton) in their pen. The rest of the pen consisted of extremely green rookies (all with less than 50 career IP). As a group they rank 11th in the AL in bullpen ERA.
The White Sox currently lead the AL Central by a half game over the surging Detroit Tigers.
Friday, July 20, 2012
Blue Jays, Astros Open Trading Season with 10 Player Deal
On Friday the Toronto Blue Jays acquired J.A. Happ, Brandon Lyon and David Carpenter. In return the Astros received Francisco Cordero, Ben Fransisco, 4 Minor Leaguers (3 pitchers and a catcher), and a player to be named later.
While it's nice to see teams making moves this particular trade, although large in the number of players, lacks any big names or star power.
Many expected the Astros to clean house as they own the worst record in the Majors and are looking to rebuild.
On the other side of the trade the Jays have been forced to endure numerous injuries to their pitching staff, both in the rotation and in the bullpen.
The interest piece of the deal is J.A. Happ. The Blue Jays originally inquired about his services when they were trying to trade Roy Halladay to the Phillies when former GM J.P. Riccardi was in charge. At the time the Phillies did not want to include Happ. I believe that was back in 2009 when Happ had a 2.93 ERA over 166 IP. Happ was subsequently traded in 2010 in the Roy Oswalt deal.
In parts of three seasons with the Astros Happ has made 59 starts, pitched 332.2 innings and holds a 4.84 ERA.
It's probably a good thing the Blue Jays acquired him now and not as a part of the Halladay deal.
While it's nice to see teams making moves this particular trade, although large in the number of players, lacks any big names or star power.
Many expected the Astros to clean house as they own the worst record in the Majors and are looking to rebuild.
On the other side of the trade the Jays have been forced to endure numerous injuries to their pitching staff, both in the rotation and in the bullpen.
The interest piece of the deal is J.A. Happ. The Blue Jays originally inquired about his services when they were trying to trade Roy Halladay to the Phillies when former GM J.P. Riccardi was in charge. At the time the Phillies did not want to include Happ. I believe that was back in 2009 when Happ had a 2.93 ERA over 166 IP. Happ was subsequently traded in 2010 in the Roy Oswalt deal.
In parts of three seasons with the Astros Happ has made 59 starts, pitched 332.2 innings and holds a 4.84 ERA.
It's probably a good thing the Blue Jays acquired him now and not as a part of the Halladay deal.
Thursday, July 5, 2012
A Change of Socks Was All He Needed
Don't look now Red Sox fans but Kevin Youkilis seems to be finding himself at the plate ever since Boston gift wrapped him and shipped him to the Chicago White Sox. In his 10 games with the other Sox Youk has 12 hits in 39 at bats (.308) including two home runs. He's averaging an RBI a game with the White Sox.
What must be particularly pleasing for White Sox fans is that Youkilis is doing it when it matters most. Last night he hit a walk-off single in the 10th inning to defeat the Texas Rangers and then today in the bottom of the 8th he hit what would end up being the game winning home run. It helped the ChiSox sweep one of the best teams in baseball.
Even more frustrating for Red Sox fans is the fact that Will Middlebrooks has not played a game since July 1st because of a hamstring injury.
Moving Youkilis made a lot of sense at the time. Middlebrooks needed to be in the lineup and Youkilis was flat out struggling. A change of Sox seems to have brought back the Youk of old and likely has some fans in Boston shaking their heads.
What must be particularly pleasing for White Sox fans is that Youkilis is doing it when it matters most. Last night he hit a walk-off single in the 10th inning to defeat the Texas Rangers and then today in the bottom of the 8th he hit what would end up being the game winning home run. It helped the ChiSox sweep one of the best teams in baseball.
Even more frustrating for Red Sox fans is the fact that Will Middlebrooks has not played a game since July 1st because of a hamstring injury.
Moving Youkilis made a lot of sense at the time. Middlebrooks needed to be in the lineup and Youkilis was flat out struggling. A change of Sox seems to have brought back the Youk of old and likely has some fans in Boston shaking their heads.
Carlos Lee is on the Move ... Finally
Over the weekend the struggling L.A. Dodgers had a deal in place to acquire 1B Carlos Lee from the Houston Astros. Instead, on Wednesday night, Lee was dealt to the Miami Marlins.
Lee nixed the deal to the Dodgers as he had a partial no-trade clause written into his Astros contract.
In Miami Lee will be reunited with his former manager Ozzie Guillen. The two spent a season (2004) together for the Chicago White Sox.
It's a curious decision to choose the Marlins over the Dodgers as Miami is mired in 4th place in the NL East, 9 games back. The Dodgers on the other hand have a 0.5 game lead over the Giants in the West. He must have chose Miami for reasons other than baseball.
The 36 year old Lee will be a free agent at the end of the season.
Lee nixed the deal to the Dodgers as he had a partial no-trade clause written into his Astros contract.
In Miami Lee will be reunited with his former manager Ozzie Guillen. The two spent a season (2004) together for the Chicago White Sox.
It's a curious decision to choose the Marlins over the Dodgers as Miami is mired in 4th place in the NL East, 9 games back. The Dodgers on the other hand have a 0.5 game lead over the Giants in the West. He must have chose Miami for reasons other than baseball.
The 36 year old Lee will be a free agent at the end of the season.
Saturday, June 30, 2012
Astros on the Verge of Trading Carlos Lee
Carlos Lee could soon be a Los Angeles Dodger. According to reports the Astros have agreed to trade Lee they are simply waiting on his stamp of approval on the deal.
Lee has a partial no-trade clause and must accept the trade before he can be dealt.
The Dodgers desperately need the offensive help. They're 15th in the NL in runs scored and have been shutout in 4 of their last 5 games. All-star slugger Matt Kemp has only appeared in two games since May 13th and is still on the DL with hamstring issues.
It seems like a pretty simple decision to me. Lee can move from the 32-45 Astros (who are 10.5 back in the NL Central) to the 43-35 Dodgers (who are 1.0 game back in the NL West).
Unless of course there's something more important than winning ...
UPDATE (3:50 PM): According to ESPN Carlos Lee is likely to veto the deal to the Dodgers.
Lee has a partial no-trade clause and must accept the trade before he can be dealt.
The Dodgers desperately need the offensive help. They're 15th in the NL in runs scored and have been shutout in 4 of their last 5 games. All-star slugger Matt Kemp has only appeared in two games since May 13th and is still on the DL with hamstring issues.
It seems like a pretty simple decision to me. Lee can move from the 32-45 Astros (who are 10.5 back in the NL Central) to the 43-35 Dodgers (who are 1.0 game back in the NL West).
Unless of course there's something more important than winning ...
UPDATE (3:50 PM): According to ESPN Carlos Lee is likely to veto the deal to the Dodgers.
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Sports and Politics Just Don't Mix
I'm not going to start this article out by suggesting I know anything about American Politics, because I don't. I am only 75% sure there is an election this year ... that's how much I care or know. But when politics crosses over into sports that's when I'll throw my two cents in.
Today President Obama was in Boston (campaigning?). It is a well known fact that Obama is a staunch supporter of Chicago sporting teams. Once he went out to the mound at Nationals Park and pulled out a White Sox hat before throwing out the first pitch. Nationals fans weren't too impressed.
(See there's picture proof).
Now back to today, Obama, White Sox, in Boston ... get where this is going?
No, Obama didn't lament his team trading Brent Lillibridge to the Red Sox.
However, if you said Obama ribbed the crowd about the White Sox recent acquisition of Kevin Youkilis you'd be correct.
Now this is where the story gets a little muddled. Depending on who you ask the crowd responded with either "boo", "Youuuuk"' or a mix of the two.
Obama heard it as boo's:
''I'm just saying,'' a smiling Obama told the audience. ''I didn't think I'd get any boos out of here. I guess I should not have brought up baseball. My mistake.''
When Obama conceded, ''You've got to know your crowd,'' he received some laughter.
I'm fine with all that. It's just a bit of lighthearted fun. Sports poke at each other all the time. Why shouldn't the President of U.S. do the same? He was just happy that his team finally has a bat at the hot corner and the Red Sox practically paid the White Sox to take Youkilis off their hands. Comment, boo's/Youk's ... should be the end of the story.
Instead Mit Romney's Press Secretary had to throw some fuel on the fire:
''Maybe the president should have congratulated the team for winning the World Series in 2004 and 2007,'' Andrea Saul said in an email. ''Instead, he chose to mock them for trading away one of its favorite players at a time when the team is struggling.''
Stick to politics, please. You're out of your element here Andrea. Mocking is too harsh a term to describe what Obama did. I wish politicians would just take things a little less seriously. Romney's camp make it sound like Obama's not fit to run a country because, as some people seem to feel, his comments were inappropriate. If you don't like him or his politics that's fine. But don't try to make him out to be a bad President because he's a devout Chicago sports fan (it's not the best choice but hey we all make mistakes).
His comments were far from inappropriate. They were timely and they were funny from one sports fan to another (or a group of them).
Republicans, stop pandering for votes.
Today President Obama was in Boston (campaigning?). It is a well known fact that Obama is a staunch supporter of Chicago sporting teams. Once he went out to the mound at Nationals Park and pulled out a White Sox hat before throwing out the first pitch. Nationals fans weren't too impressed.
Now back to today, Obama, White Sox, in Boston ... get where this is going?
No, Obama didn't lament his team trading Brent Lillibridge to the Red Sox.
However, if you said Obama ribbed the crowd about the White Sox recent acquisition of Kevin Youkilis you'd be correct.
Now this is where the story gets a little muddled. Depending on who you ask the crowd responded with either "boo", "Youuuuk"' or a mix of the two.
Obama heard it as boo's:
''I'm just saying,'' a smiling Obama told the audience. ''I didn't think I'd get any boos out of here. I guess I should not have brought up baseball. My mistake.''
When Obama conceded, ''You've got to know your crowd,'' he received some laughter.
I'm fine with all that. It's just a bit of lighthearted fun. Sports poke at each other all the time. Why shouldn't the President of U.S. do the same? He was just happy that his team finally has a bat at the hot corner and the Red Sox practically paid the White Sox to take Youkilis off their hands. Comment, boo's/Youk's ... should be the end of the story.
Instead Mit Romney's Press Secretary had to throw some fuel on the fire:
''Maybe the president should have congratulated the team for winning the World Series in 2004 and 2007,'' Andrea Saul said in an email. ''Instead, he chose to mock them for trading away one of its favorite players at a time when the team is struggling.''
Stick to politics, please. You're out of your element here Andrea. Mocking is too harsh a term to describe what Obama did. I wish politicians would just take things a little less seriously. Romney's camp make it sound like Obama's not fit to run a country because, as some people seem to feel, his comments were inappropriate. If you don't like him or his politics that's fine. But don't try to make him out to be a bad President because he's a devout Chicago sports fan (it's not the best choice but hey we all make mistakes).
His comments were far from inappropriate. They were timely and they were funny from one sports fan to another (or a group of them).
Republicans, stop pandering for votes.
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Red Sox deal Youkilis to White Sox
A move that has been expected for some time has completed. Everyone seemed to know Youkilis was on his way out of Boston, it was simply a question of where would he end up. On Sunday that question was answered as Youkilis trades in his Red Sox for White ones (not actually since the White Sox actually wear black socks).
On an emotional Sunday Youkilis played his final game for the Red Sox, at home in front of the Fenway faithful. When he was removed for a pinch runner he was given a standing ovation and tipped his cap to the fans. Youkilis received hugs from his teammates as he left the field.
The Red Sox will pay a large portion of Youkilis' remaining contract (which expires at seasons end). In return Boston received RHP Zack Jackson and Utility Infielder Brent Lillibridge. Neither player are likely to see significant playing time for the Red Sox.
On an emotional Sunday Youkilis played his final game for the Red Sox, at home in front of the Fenway faithful. When he was removed for a pinch runner he was given a standing ovation and tipped his cap to the fans. Youkilis received hugs from his teammates as he left the field.
The Red Sox will pay a large portion of Youkilis' remaining contract (which expires at seasons end). In return Boston received RHP Zack Jackson and Utility Infielder Brent Lillibridge. Neither player are likely to see significant playing time for the Red Sox.
Youkilis Trade Appears Imminent
Kevin Youkilis' days in a Red Sox uniform are dwindling and a number of teams appear to have some degree of interest in acquiring his services.
Most reports have narrowed the teams interested in Youkilis to the Chicago White Sox, Cleveland Indians, Atlanta Braves, Pittsburgh Pirates and Los Angeles Dodgers. The White Sox and Pirates appear to be the two most serious suitors.
Youkilis has been made expendable by the performance of rookie Will Middlebrooks. Middlebrooks has homered in 3 of his last 4 games and has 9 total for the season (Youkilis has 4). The Red Sox are 17-1 in games that Middlebrooks has recorded an RBI.
Youkilis has struggled in recent seasons with a multitude of injuries and numerous trips to the DL. His performance on the field has dipped and he doesn't appear to be the same player that hit 29 and 24 HRs in 2008 and 2009.
Youkilis is owed $12 million for 2012 and his contract runs out at the end of the season (the Red Sox do have a $13 million option that they are certain to decline, at a cost of $1 million). Any trade will almost certainly require the Red Sox to eat a large portion of what is owed to him.
The White Sox seem to be the most interested and the most logical destination for Youkilis. Brent Morel, their starting 3B, is on the DL. Prior to injuring his back he was hitting .177. Fill-in Orlando Hudson hasn't been much better, hitting .160 with the White Sox. Even though Youkilis isn't playing particularly well he'd almost certainly be an upgrade for a team that is 0.5 games out of the lead in the AL Central.
The Pirates also seem to have a serious interest in Youkilis. The Pirates are once again having a solid season and could use an additional veteran presence in their clubhouse. Their current 25 man roster has 8 infielders listed who have a combined 24 years of Major League service. A veteran like Youkilis might help the Pirates young roster from collapsing like they did in 2011. The Pirates were tied for their division lead on July 25th last season before collapsing and finishing 24 games out in the NL Central. The Pirates have shown a willingness to take on slumping veterans with expensive contracts, providing the team they are leaving pays a large chunk of that contract. In February the Pirates acquired AJ Burnett from the Yankees. Burnett was owed $31.1 million over two seasons. The Pirates managed to get $18.1 million of that off Yankees. Burnett is 8-2 for the Pirates.
The Indians, Braves and Dodgers have all contacted the Red Sox but do not seem to be seriously interested.
Most reports have narrowed the teams interested in Youkilis to the Chicago White Sox, Cleveland Indians, Atlanta Braves, Pittsburgh Pirates and Los Angeles Dodgers. The White Sox and Pirates appear to be the two most serious suitors.
Youkilis has been made expendable by the performance of rookie Will Middlebrooks. Middlebrooks has homered in 3 of his last 4 games and has 9 total for the season (Youkilis has 4). The Red Sox are 17-1 in games that Middlebrooks has recorded an RBI.
Youkilis has struggled in recent seasons with a multitude of injuries and numerous trips to the DL. His performance on the field has dipped and he doesn't appear to be the same player that hit 29 and 24 HRs in 2008 and 2009.
Youkilis is owed $12 million for 2012 and his contract runs out at the end of the season (the Red Sox do have a $13 million option that they are certain to decline, at a cost of $1 million). Any trade will almost certainly require the Red Sox to eat a large portion of what is owed to him.
The White Sox seem to be the most interested and the most logical destination for Youkilis. Brent Morel, their starting 3B, is on the DL. Prior to injuring his back he was hitting .177. Fill-in Orlando Hudson hasn't been much better, hitting .160 with the White Sox. Even though Youkilis isn't playing particularly well he'd almost certainly be an upgrade for a team that is 0.5 games out of the lead in the AL Central.
The Pirates also seem to have a serious interest in Youkilis. The Pirates are once again having a solid season and could use an additional veteran presence in their clubhouse. Their current 25 man roster has 8 infielders listed who have a combined 24 years of Major League service. A veteran like Youkilis might help the Pirates young roster from collapsing like they did in 2011. The Pirates were tied for their division lead on July 25th last season before collapsing and finishing 24 games out in the NL Central. The Pirates have shown a willingness to take on slumping veterans with expensive contracts, providing the team they are leaving pays a large chunk of that contract. In February the Pirates acquired AJ Burnett from the Yankees. Burnett was owed $31.1 million over two seasons. The Pirates managed to get $18.1 million of that off Yankees. Burnett is 8-2 for the Pirates.
The Indians, Braves and Dodgers have all contacted the Red Sox but do not seem to be seriously interested.
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