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Archive for the ‘Trades’ Category

Michael Young hit .277 with eight home runs and 67 RBIs in 2012. He has spent his entire 12-season career with the Texas Rangers. (AP Photo/Ben Margot)

UPDATE (2:34 p.m.): Young has announced he is leaving Texas for Philly and Josh Lindblom has been informed that he is a Ranger. The deal is done. Announcement expected this afternoon.

After three days of waiting, Michael Young made a decision. He simply got an offer he couldn’t refuse.

The Phillies agreed to trade for the infielder with the intention that he would start at third base next season. Young has a full no-trade clause in his contract, and because of his 12 season with the Texas Rangers, had the right to veto any trade. The Rangers did their part to make sure this deal went through by letting Young know from the start he wouldn’t be more than a backup in Texas.

After weighing the decision to play full-time in Philadelphia or remain a backup in the only city he’s known for his entire career, Young has agreed to waive his no-trade clause for a trade to the Phillies, according to Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News.

The Phillies will get Young and a considerable amount of cash, according to earlier reports, for relief pitcher Josh Lindblom and Double-A reliever Lisalverto Bonilla.

Grant noted in his report that the piece that many were waiting for – Young to waive the clause – is done, but there is some serious financial factors being worked out at this moment and also possible pending physical that may keep the deal from being announced soon. But there is speculation that the deal will be announced today.

Ben Revere hit .294 in 124 games with the Minnesota Twins in 2012. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)

Turns out the Phillies were busy at the Winter Meetings. After Ruben Amaro Jr. left Nashville this morning with nothing happening, the Phillies have since made a trade for a centerfielder.

Ben Revere, a 24-year-old outfielder who played his first two-plus seasons with the Minnesota Twins. In 2012, he hit .294. Revere doesn’t have power – no home runs in 254 games – but he is a great defensive outfielder and a huge threat on the bases. Clearly the Phillies were looking for a guy to set up the big guns and they have done that. Additionally, Revere will fill the void in centerfield that the Phillies needed to fill.

Going to Minnesota in the deal is starting pitcher Vance Worley and one of the team’s top pitching prospects, Trevor May.

As several have noted, the Phillies now need a third baseman – and talks are hot with Texas for Michael Young – a corner outfielder and an eighth-inning set-up pitcher.

More will be known throughout the day, so stay posted. And check back tomorrow for analysis of the deals made today.

UPDATE (2:12 p.m.): Worley and Revere have each commented on the trade. Here’s their quotes.

Worley: ”I didn’t see it coming. I’m over here at Citizens Bank Park, I just finished working out, and I got the news. So I guess it is just time to pack it up and head over to Minnesota and just keep working on getting healthy for the season.”

Revere: ”I was working out when I got the call. The Philadelphia Phillies is a great organization. I’ve been playing against them. Played against them this year when I was with the Twins. Their fan base is great. Everything about them is great. They’ve got great players, great coaches and it’s going to be a good time to be over there playing for them.”

Wilton Lopez went 6-3 with a 2.17 ERA in 2012 with the Houston Astros. The Phillies have acquired the relief pitcher for prospects according to reports. (AP Photo/Pat Sullivan)

One of the areas on the Phillies’ offseason to-do list has been addressed in a pretty sizable way.

Wilton Lopez, who served as the Houston Astros’ closer in 2012, has been acquired by the Phillies in exchange for prospects according to multiple reports. The prospects included in the deal are unknown at this time.

Lopez pitched in 64 games with a 6-3 record and 2.17 ERA for the Astros. He saved 10 games in 13 save opportunities. Among some of Lopez’ top numbers are a low walk rate – just 1.6 per nine innings and a total of eight in 2012 – and lower home runs allowed totals – just four last season and 0.7 per nine. Granted, the low home run count comes in the pitcher-friendly Minute Maid Park. Citizens Bank Park is much different.

But for a team that needs bullpen help, an area that is far from a guarantee, the Phillies are taking a big chance. That’s an encouraging sign considering there has been very little to get excited about this offseason. But, as many baseball reporters have indicated, this week could be a big one for the Phillies. This could be only the beginning.

Perhaps Ben Francisco's finest moment as a Phillie came after his three-run home run in Game 3 of the NLDS this October. Francisco was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays for reliever Frank Gailey. (AP Photo/Tom Gannam)

He was the forgettable piece that came with Cliff Lee in 2009, and just never clicked. Less than one season after trying to settle with Ben Francisco as their starting right fielder, he has been traded to the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for left-handed reliever Frank Gailey.

Francisco may be best remembered for his three-run home run in Game 3 of the NLDS this past Postseason, but otherwise was pretty forgettable as a Phillie. He rarely saw playing time late in the 2011 season, and thus, this move is understandable. The Phillies have been looking for some relief help, even on a minor league level, and this helps fill it. Plus, with bench signings like Ty Wigginton, Laynce Nix and Jim Thome, the Phillies didn’t appear to have a place for Francisco.

Gailey, a 26 year-old lefty, posted a 3.41 ERA in 74 innings at Double-A and Single-A ball this past season. Gailey is a native of the Philadelphia area, so this is a homecoming of sorts for the reliever.

Overall, this is nothing earth-shattering. The Phillies needed to make space on the bench, and they added a local product in return. Francisco never really seemed to find the same kind of connection most players have on the Phillies. So, after two and a half seasons as a Phillie, Francisco is off to Toronto.

Ty Wigginton has played for six different teams, including the Colorado Rockies in 2011. (AP Photo/Danny Moloshok)

In an effort to build up their bench, and have several suitable backups, the Phillies decided a trade was their best option this time around.

The Phillies have acquired utility infielder Ty Wigginton from the Colorado Rockies for a player to be named later or cash considerations.

Wigginton was supposed to earn $4 million next season from the Rockies. The Phillies and Rockies will split that salary, meaning that the Phillies will owe Wigginton $2 million next season. Wigginton has an option for 2013. If the Phillies decide to exercise it, they may owe the Rockies another $100,000 or another player. If they decline the option, the Rockies will pay part of Wigginton’s $500,000 buyout.

Wigginton, 34, hit .242 in the 2011 season with 15 home runs and 47 RBIs. Wigginton is a career .262 hitter with 158 home runs and 548 RBIs.

Ty Wigginton hit .242 with 15 home runs and 47 RBIs in 2011 with the Rockies. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)

The Phillies’ deal for Wigginton may be a sign that they have given up on signing Michael Cuddyer. Wigginton can play many of the same positions Cuddyer does, having experience in the outfield and the corner infield positions. He has occasionally played second base as well.

The Phillies needed a minor player to fill many spots. It looked like Cuddyer was that guy, granted at a much higher price. Still, many think that this move leaves the door open for moves the Phillies really want to make this offseason. Could this help the Phillies make an offer to Jimmy Rollins? Will the money saved on an extra outfielder with infield talent be used toward an extension for Cole Hamels?

Signs certainly point to the status quo for the Phillies. The so-called outfield void may be filled by John Mayberry Jr. The only other position that needs filling is shortstop. With the extra money, Rollins could be easier to bring back, especially since there is really a lack of interest in players like Rollins.

The Phillies don’t have much work left to do this offseason. But with not much activity going on in the free agent market, the Phillies plan already seems to be laying out for them. With the Winter Meetings fast approaching, more should start to develop then, but stay posted anyway. It’s the offseason, and anything could happen at any moment.

G Fiume/Getty Images

With Ryan Howard out for at least two weeks, possibly three, the Phillies made a move for a first baseman. His name is not Adam Dunn, but he is a solid replacement for a depleted lineup. Mike Sweeney, first baseman for the Seattle Mariners, is joining the Phillies. The Phillies will give up a player to be named later, and cash considerations. Charlie Manuel acknowledged the trade, and said Sweeney will fill in as regular first baseman until Ryan Howard can return.

This basically admits the Phillies aren’t able to platoon first base with Ross Gload and Cody Ransom, like they have with Ransom and Wilson Valdez at second and third in the wake of Chase Utley’s injury. Or they can’t while they platoon second base. Sweeney is hitting .263 with 6 homers and 18 RBIs. He has missed significant time himself, just being activated from the DL after having back spasms. That was then, though, and now he is a healthy piece to the Phillies’ puzzle. Not only does Sweeney fill the first base role, but, as Howard returns, the Phillies have added a solid bat off the bench, so Sweeney fits more than Dunn. If Howard is out for three weeks, he still returns before the season ends, so where does that leave Dunn, with no opening at first or in the outfield? Pretty much nowhere, because he will likely not accept a bench role. Sweeney will accept that role, plus be the fill-in. Who knows, this could be the little move that makes the Phillies great in the long run for 2010.

AP Photo/Pat Sullivan

Roy Halladay, meet Roy Oswalt. There will be two Roys dealing in the Phillies rotation now, as Roy Oswalt has indeed accepted a trade to the Phillies. The Phillies have been dealing for pitchers you could only dream of getting in a video game. Cliff Lee, then Roy Halladay, now Roy Oswalt. Add in a resurgent Cole Hamels, and a solid Kyle Kendrick and the Phillies may have the league’s best rotation.

The Phillies basically had this deal in place last night. Entering the afternoon, the only thing left was Oswalt’s OK to come to Philly. He was approached with the deal presumably after the Astros’ game last night, so he had several hours to think about the decision. Not many are surprised that with the deal so well put together beforehand, that Oswalt accepted the deal with ease. But, at what cost does the deal come for the Phillies?

Two more prospects are gone in the wake of Oswalt’s arrival. The Phillies are chock-full of Single-A depth, so they sent two of their best to Houston. Anthony Gose, an outfielder, is playing in Clearwater, and with several strong outfielders already in place (Ibanez, Victorino, Werth, Brown) he likely would have waited several years to see the Majors. Jonathan Villar, a shortstop, is playing in Lakewood. Again, with several levels ahead of him before the bigs, he had many years of minor league ball left, as the Phillies look to win now. Joining them is J.A. Happ, the Major-League ready portion of the deal. Happ is the only pitcher in the deal, saving the Phils’ pitching prospects, and gives the Astros what they want.

Oswalt’s season hasn’t been successful, but after seasons of mediocrity from the Astros, it was clear he wanted out of Houston. He is 6-12 with a 3.42 ERA.

Even in losing two young prospects, there are several the Phillies keep. Domonic Brown was untouchable from the start, but the Phillies also retained Jonathan Singleton (Lakewood), a first baseman. Vance Worley (Lehigh Valley), who made his Major-League debut Saturday, was discussed, but remains in the Phillies’ farm system. Also kept, were plenty of pitchers making noise like Austin Hyatt (Clearwater), Trevor May, Brody Colvin (Lakewood), and Justin De Fratus (Reading). Also include first baseman Matt Rizzotti (Reading). The Phillies still, despite three major trades, have plenty of depth in the farm system.

Bob Levey/Getty Images

The Phillies were working toward a deal for Roy Oswalt. That was clearly the number one target for the Phils, and they had a deal in the works. The early reports involved Jayson Werth being traded for Oswalt. Even Astros’ right-fielder Hunter Pence was thrown into a potential deal, if it included J.A. Happ. Instead, it later appeared Happ was destined for Houston, and Oswalt would come in return. The Phillies are even trying to swing a three-team deal between themselves, the Astros, and the Tampa Bay Rays. The Rays would get Werth, for prospects in return to the Phils. Those prospects would be sent to Houston, with Happ, for Oswalt. Oswalt then stepped in, requesting that his 2012 option, worth $16 million, be picked up by the team that acquired him. The Phillies have reportedly balked at the offer, which could completely end talks.

The Phillies are dealing with several different things. In a way, Ruben Amaro Jr. should scratch the fear behind committing to Oswalt for the next two full seasons, in addition to the remainder of 2010. At the same time, Oswalt has a no-trade clause, and is using it to his full advantage. He ultimately has the final say, and it’s not exactly clear whether he wants to come to Philly or not. He said he is open to the deal, if both sides can get what they want. That would mean committing the $16 million to Oswalt, and as long as the Phillies hold back on that, Roy Oswalt will not be coming to Philadelphia.

AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee

Perhaps we’ve seen the last of Jayson Werth in a Phillies’ uniform. The Phillies are reportedly trying to move the outfielder “very, very aggressively.” The Phillies sent down Kyle Kendrick recently, and then lost another starter last night, as Jamie Moyer went down with an injury that is now said to have an extensive recovery. The Phillies need pitching. Last night, I posted a few of the Phillies options. The top three were Roy Oswalt (Astros), Dan Haren (D’Backs), and James Sheilds (Rays). The Phillies have explored a trade with each. Here are the developments from each player’s respective team.

Astros – In an interesting twist, Houston claimed former Phillie Nelson Figueroa off waivers. They also recently demoted two players for roster moves, and are the closest tied to the Phillies in a trade.

D’Backs – Not much talking was reported between the Phils, but Haren would be willing to move to the East Coast, even though he expressed his preference was staying on the West Coast. This could mean Haren may have already been approached about a deal somewhere on the East Coast, and a deal may be in the works.

Rays – Not much between the two sides again, but the Rays want Jayson Werth. Shields might be a Phillie to fulfill both parties get what they want out of the deal.

The Phillies have may be close to a deal, possibly by this weekend, but Saturday’s starter remains in limbo. J.A. Happ was pulled from his start after three innings, but it’s tough to say whether that fills Saturday’s slot, or will just replace Moyer. Since the Phillies are in need of two starters, Happ is likely not being shopped like the rumors say, but the Phillies are  probably still looking for an additional starter. However, Happ could be leaving too, if the Phillies call Kendrick back up in the wake of Moyer’s injury. That would still leave a slot open, and would allow the Phillies to trade for a pitcher. Welcome to the trade deadline.

AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar

When trade rumors swirl, especially unrealistic ones, teammates usually have fun with the names thrown around. Shane Victorino let Ryan Howard hear it, as Howard answered questions about the false rumor. ESPN released a story on a potential Ryan Howard-Albert Pujols trade yesterday. “Al-bert! Al-bert! Al-bert!” That was the chant Ryan Howard heard from Victorino during his meeting with the press in the clubhouse at Brighthouse Networks Field.

Howard is laughing off the comments and chants of his teammates, and ignoring the rumors. “I don’t really have anything to say about it, to be honest with you, really, truthfully,” Howard said. “I can go back to all the stuff that happened when I was in Double-A and all the talk about trade rumors and that kind of stuff. To be honest, I don’t know anything about anything. I’m not really focused on it. If that were the case, which I don’t know if it is or not or whatever, it is what it is. Just keep going out there and just keep doing your thing. If you do get a call saying you’re traded, just say you’re traded. But until that happens, I’m still a Phillie, I’m still here. So let’s ride it out.”

Ruben Amaro Jr. was quick to deny the rumor yesterday, and added to his comments today. Yesterday, Amaro called the rumor, “unequivocally false.” Today, he sympathized for his star first baseman. “It’s unfair to Ryan,” he said. “It’s unfair to the organization to have to answer the questions.”

Rumors are rumors and that’s all they’ll be to Ryan Howard. This rumor, just happens to be one of the wildest ones we’ve ever heard.