Mario-Rijo
07-27-2007, 03:53 PM
Just some tidbits I p/u from Buster Olney's chat. Some Reds related some not so much, but it all intertwines doesn't it? It should give us all a good indication of whether or not a team is dealing and who they want/will give up or not.
(Posted before the Linebrink deal, Sources are good!)
Chris (madison): Hey Buster, Doug Melvin recently shot down the trade rumors surrounding Dunn to Milwaukee (thank god, that would be an unneeded addition). Are you hearing anything else out of Brewers camp concerning trades? What are they targeting, since there isn't a glaring hole anywhere on the roster?
Buster Olney: Chris: Talked to Doug the other day, and they are looking for relief help; they've had to work their bullpen a lot in the first half, and they're looking for some kind of experienced reliever to help... That's more important than a hitter.
TEX PART I
Dan (Boston): Hey Buster, I heard the Sox are showcasing Lester tonight and maybe looking to trade him for Tex. Any truth?
Buster Olney: Dan: No, don't think so. I think they're just trying to upgrade the rotation -- although am hearing today that the asking price for Teixeira is dropping; the perception of a couple of rival executives is that the Rangers are intent on making the best deal and moving on (think Padres, Sheffield, 1993...)
TEX PART II
Matt, Philly: If what you're saying is true about Texeira, wouldn't the Yankees stand a pretty good chance in swinging that deal? Assuming they're interested (they must be). I mean, they've got a lot of secon-tier prospects having great years surrounded by hype (Alan Horne, Jeff Marquez, Chase Wright). You think you could just throw a lot of B-level pitching at the Rangers and it'll stick?
Buster Olney: Matt: -- Yankees have been told they must include either Hughes or Chamberlain in any Teixeira deal, and that won't happen.
TEX PART III
Dan (NY): So basically Buster, if what you say is true...it will cost the Yankees a top prospect for Tex, but for other teams, it will come down to the best offer on the table?
Buster Olney: Dan: I wish I could give you a better answer about how the price for Teixeira is going down, but that's what some execs are saying; the last word I got on the Yankees/Rangers talks, however, was that Texas was saying that either Chamberlain or Hughes would have to be involved. That could change, of course... GMs are talking a ton these days. Remember how last year, the Phillies kept saying, no, no, no on Abreu to the Yankees, and then at the last second, they capitulated, in order to dump him. That's the most important development in the Teixeira thing, at this point -- the perception is that the Rangers seem intent on cutting and running, making their best deal possible and moving on. He makes sense for Atlanta, in particular.
(Says alot about the Twins)
Greg (MN): Who is on the Twins' radar? Please say a 3B or DH-type.
Buster Olney: Greg: You've probably seen this -- they've activated Rondell White.
(NO Kyle Lohse in the ATL?)
Shar (Durham): Buster, as always, great work lately. What is the Braves' biggest priority: SP, RP, or 1B? Until last night I thought it was a starter, but I think Reyes/Carlyle is a workable 4/5, and the bullpen (Wickman and Soriano mostly) has been scarily hittable. Or should they go hard after Teixiera/Dmitri Young?
Buster Olney: Shar: Offense. There is a sense that the Braves aren't enamored with the high prices for mediocre pitching, and are looking to upgrade their offense. That said, my colleague Peter Gammons had a note yesterday that Chicago and the Braves talked about Renteria/Garland...
(Busy Guy, but why are GM's calling him?)
Buster Olney: I'll be right with you guys... GM call...
(Why deal for anyone if Rodney and Zumaya are on the way?)
Adam (Detroit): Buster, can I get a response? Do you see the Tigers picking up a middle reliever such as Eric Gagne or Joe Nathan?
Buster Olney: Adam: They're talking about it, but I don't know if they'll necessarily pull the trigger, because they are optimistic about getting Rodney back in a couple of weeks, and Zumaya back on Sept. 1. My guess is that yes, they'll get one of the many relievers available on the market...
(Oooh, this as always will get the natives restless)
Clint (Cincinnati, OH): Buster, Can you talk at legth about Adam Dunn's future in Cincinnati? Is there anyway that he could end up staying long term and being a cornerstone of that franchise? This is what I am hoping will happen and hopefully why he hasn't been dealt yet.
Buster Olney: Clint: Here's the problem for the Reds -- Dunn is perceived as a star in Cincinnati, and execs with other teams view him as a dangerous but flawed hitter, and a subpar defensive player. So while the Reds want good return for Dunn, other teams are privately saying that he's not worth a trade package. Tough situation...
(Is this good or bad, I vote good?!)
Kyle (Philly): Is Arroyo on the market? Where might he be going? I hear he loves cheesesteaks. We all know Livan loves cheesesteaks but I dont think his long balls and Citizens Park would mix well.
Buster Olney: Kyle: Teams have asked about Arroyo, and find the prices to be really high...
(Are they really counting on Wood to solidify anything?)
Kenton (Indianapolis): Buster, are the Cubs looking to make any moves before the deadline? What position do they need to improve the most?
Buster Olney: Kenton: Bullpen help, but I wonder if their enthusiasm for making a deal will be tempered if Kerry Wood continues to show progress... No need to overpay if you really think help is on the way.
(Ok no more Kemp or Billingsley talk, But Eithier and Kershaw are still on the table.)
Jeff (indianpolis, IN): Please tell me Colletti dosen't trade away some of these great Dodger prospects for a rent-a-wreck middle reliever/Starter?
Buster Olney: Jeff: The Dodgers have a core of prospects that they don't want to touch. Anybody outside the core, they'll talk about... But I don't think they'll trade Loney or Kemp or Billingsley or LaRoche...
(Oh please this isn't even close, HEY BOSS!!)
Joe (MI): Who's the best prospect? Jay Bruce, Cameron Maybin, or Hunter Pence?
Buster Olney: Joe: I haven't seen Maybin or Bruce in person but hear nothing but good things about them, but on the other hand ... There's not much to not like about Pence, who is a great combo of talent and great makeup. I do wonder what a top hitting prospect would do in Cincinnati's ballpark; that could get ridiculous. Imagine a Miguel Cabrera in Cincinnati?
(And so the world continues to turn)
Jesse (NJ): Buster: Show some M's love. Are the mariners going to make a deal by the deadline and will it make them competitive for the wild card
Buster Olney: Jesse: They're poking around on starting pitching, just in case, but Jeff Weaver has been good of late, so they're not as motivated as they might have been. I think Weaver has allowed 1 earnie or less in five of his last six starts...
(End of debate about Duncan!)
Eric (Flint, MI): Does Shelly Duncan have enough upside and fielding ability that you could see the Yankees staying away from a guy like Hunter and use a rotation of Matsui, Melky, and decent free agent like Byrnes, and Duncan as a fourth for the 2008 season?
Buster Olney: Eric: I have not seen him play on a regular basis, but those who have say he's a DH. Pure and simple.
(Why bother dealing when you are in the catbird seat?)
Phil (Portland, ME): hey buster whats up with now answering Mike's sox question? Theo always gets sox fans thinking he will make a big splash before the deadline, every year we have needs and he backs off in the end, what percent chance would you give him of coming through? and for who?
Buster Olney: Phil: I do think the Sox will do some tinkering, adding someone like a Reggie Sanders or Bobby Kielty, moving Wily Mo Pena, but there really isn't a lot of pressure on them to make a big deal. They've got Lester coming back tonight, Schilling in a couple of weeks, they've got a good solid lead in the division, 15 games left against Tampa Bay... I bet they add a reliever, but I can't imagine them making some big Nomar-like blockbuster this year. We'll see...
(Posted before the Linebrink deal, Sources are good!)
Chris (madison): Hey Buster, Doug Melvin recently shot down the trade rumors surrounding Dunn to Milwaukee (thank god, that would be an unneeded addition). Are you hearing anything else out of Brewers camp concerning trades? What are they targeting, since there isn't a glaring hole anywhere on the roster?
Buster Olney: Chris: Talked to Doug the other day, and they are looking for relief help; they've had to work their bullpen a lot in the first half, and they're looking for some kind of experienced reliever to help... That's more important than a hitter.
TEX PART I
Dan (Boston): Hey Buster, I heard the Sox are showcasing Lester tonight and maybe looking to trade him for Tex. Any truth?
Buster Olney: Dan: No, don't think so. I think they're just trying to upgrade the rotation -- although am hearing today that the asking price for Teixeira is dropping; the perception of a couple of rival executives is that the Rangers are intent on making the best deal and moving on (think Padres, Sheffield, 1993...)
TEX PART II
Matt, Philly: If what you're saying is true about Texeira, wouldn't the Yankees stand a pretty good chance in swinging that deal? Assuming they're interested (they must be). I mean, they've got a lot of secon-tier prospects having great years surrounded by hype (Alan Horne, Jeff Marquez, Chase Wright). You think you could just throw a lot of B-level pitching at the Rangers and it'll stick?
Buster Olney: Matt: -- Yankees have been told they must include either Hughes or Chamberlain in any Teixeira deal, and that won't happen.
TEX PART III
Dan (NY): So basically Buster, if what you say is true...it will cost the Yankees a top prospect for Tex, but for other teams, it will come down to the best offer on the table?
Buster Olney: Dan: I wish I could give you a better answer about how the price for Teixeira is going down, but that's what some execs are saying; the last word I got on the Yankees/Rangers talks, however, was that Texas was saying that either Chamberlain or Hughes would have to be involved. That could change, of course... GMs are talking a ton these days. Remember how last year, the Phillies kept saying, no, no, no on Abreu to the Yankees, and then at the last second, they capitulated, in order to dump him. That's the most important development in the Teixeira thing, at this point -- the perception is that the Rangers seem intent on cutting and running, making their best deal possible and moving on. He makes sense for Atlanta, in particular.
(Says alot about the Twins)
Greg (MN): Who is on the Twins' radar? Please say a 3B or DH-type.
Buster Olney: Greg: You've probably seen this -- they've activated Rondell White.
(NO Kyle Lohse in the ATL?)
Shar (Durham): Buster, as always, great work lately. What is the Braves' biggest priority: SP, RP, or 1B? Until last night I thought it was a starter, but I think Reyes/Carlyle is a workable 4/5, and the bullpen (Wickman and Soriano mostly) has been scarily hittable. Or should they go hard after Teixiera/Dmitri Young?
Buster Olney: Shar: Offense. There is a sense that the Braves aren't enamored with the high prices for mediocre pitching, and are looking to upgrade their offense. That said, my colleague Peter Gammons had a note yesterday that Chicago and the Braves talked about Renteria/Garland...
(Busy Guy, but why are GM's calling him?)
Buster Olney: I'll be right with you guys... GM call...
(Why deal for anyone if Rodney and Zumaya are on the way?)
Adam (Detroit): Buster, can I get a response? Do you see the Tigers picking up a middle reliever such as Eric Gagne or Joe Nathan?
Buster Olney: Adam: They're talking about it, but I don't know if they'll necessarily pull the trigger, because they are optimistic about getting Rodney back in a couple of weeks, and Zumaya back on Sept. 1. My guess is that yes, they'll get one of the many relievers available on the market...
(Oooh, this as always will get the natives restless)
Clint (Cincinnati, OH): Buster, Can you talk at legth about Adam Dunn's future in Cincinnati? Is there anyway that he could end up staying long term and being a cornerstone of that franchise? This is what I am hoping will happen and hopefully why he hasn't been dealt yet.
Buster Olney: Clint: Here's the problem for the Reds -- Dunn is perceived as a star in Cincinnati, and execs with other teams view him as a dangerous but flawed hitter, and a subpar defensive player. So while the Reds want good return for Dunn, other teams are privately saying that he's not worth a trade package. Tough situation...
(Is this good or bad, I vote good?!)
Kyle (Philly): Is Arroyo on the market? Where might he be going? I hear he loves cheesesteaks. We all know Livan loves cheesesteaks but I dont think his long balls and Citizens Park would mix well.
Buster Olney: Kyle: Teams have asked about Arroyo, and find the prices to be really high...
(Are they really counting on Wood to solidify anything?)
Kenton (Indianapolis): Buster, are the Cubs looking to make any moves before the deadline? What position do they need to improve the most?
Buster Olney: Kenton: Bullpen help, but I wonder if their enthusiasm for making a deal will be tempered if Kerry Wood continues to show progress... No need to overpay if you really think help is on the way.
(Ok no more Kemp or Billingsley talk, But Eithier and Kershaw are still on the table.)
Jeff (indianpolis, IN): Please tell me Colletti dosen't trade away some of these great Dodger prospects for a rent-a-wreck middle reliever/Starter?
Buster Olney: Jeff: The Dodgers have a core of prospects that they don't want to touch. Anybody outside the core, they'll talk about... But I don't think they'll trade Loney or Kemp or Billingsley or LaRoche...
(Oh please this isn't even close, HEY BOSS!!)
Joe (MI): Who's the best prospect? Jay Bruce, Cameron Maybin, or Hunter Pence?
Buster Olney: Joe: I haven't seen Maybin or Bruce in person but hear nothing but good things about them, but on the other hand ... There's not much to not like about Pence, who is a great combo of talent and great makeup. I do wonder what a top hitting prospect would do in Cincinnati's ballpark; that could get ridiculous. Imagine a Miguel Cabrera in Cincinnati?
(And so the world continues to turn)
Jesse (NJ): Buster: Show some M's love. Are the mariners going to make a deal by the deadline and will it make them competitive for the wild card
Buster Olney: Jesse: They're poking around on starting pitching, just in case, but Jeff Weaver has been good of late, so they're not as motivated as they might have been. I think Weaver has allowed 1 earnie or less in five of his last six starts...
(End of debate about Duncan!)
Eric (Flint, MI): Does Shelly Duncan have enough upside and fielding ability that you could see the Yankees staying away from a guy like Hunter and use a rotation of Matsui, Melky, and decent free agent like Byrnes, and Duncan as a fourth for the 2008 season?
Buster Olney: Eric: I have not seen him play on a regular basis, but those who have say he's a DH. Pure and simple.
(Why bother dealing when you are in the catbird seat?)
Phil (Portland, ME): hey buster whats up with now answering Mike's sox question? Theo always gets sox fans thinking he will make a big splash before the deadline, every year we have needs and he backs off in the end, what percent chance would you give him of coming through? and for who?
Buster Olney: Phil: I do think the Sox will do some tinkering, adding someone like a Reggie Sanders or Bobby Kielty, moving Wily Mo Pena, but there really isn't a lot of pressure on them to make a big deal. They've got Lester coming back tonight, Schilling in a couple of weeks, they've got a good solid lead in the division, 15 games left against Tampa Bay... I bet they add a reliever, but I can't imagine them making some big Nomar-like blockbuster this year. We'll see...