2008 MLB Transactions - July 31

[Hache Man]

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD> Ken Griffey Jr. - OF - White Sox</TD></TR><TR><TD> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>White Sox acquired outfielder Ken Griffey Jr. from the Reds for RHP Nick Masset and second baseman Danny Richar.</TD></TR><TR><TD> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>The White Sox made a splash by bringing in a Hall of Famer. Whether they're really any better is still to be determined. Their outfield defense sure gets a whole lot worse with Griffey returning to center field, and now they have Paul Konerko potentially losing a whole bunch of playing time. Nick Swisher figures to play first most of the time, with Konerko often reduced to playing against lefties. Griffey brings his .245/.355/.432 line to the more difficult league. He's in just as good of a home run park as he was before, and it's possible his numbers are in for a modest boost the rest of the way. Still, he's arguably a below average regular at this point.
Jul. 31 - 3:58 p.m. ET</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

 

[Hache Man]

Re: 2008 MLB Transactions - July 31

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD> Clay Rapada - RP - Tigers</TD></TR><TR><TD> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>Tigers recalled LHP Clay Rapada from Triple-A Toledo.</TD></TR><TR><TD> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>Rapada was demoted in mid-June despite going 2-0 with a 3.46 ERA and 10/5 K/BB ratio in 13 innings. He'll resume his role as a left-handed specialist after posting a 2.45 ERA and 30/11 K/BB ratio in 22 innings at Triple-A.
Jul. 31 - 11:34 a.m. ET</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

 

[Hache Man]

Re: 2008 MLB Transactions - July 31

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD> Todd Jones - RP - Tigers</TD></TR><TR><TD> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>Tigers placed RHP Todd Jones on the 15-day disabled list with shoulder soreness.</TD></TR><TR><TD> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>Jones revealed recently that he's been pitching through shoulder soreness for over a month and the problem apparently worsened Wednesday. Now the Tigers might think they need additional relief help even after acquiring Kyle Farnsworth. An impending free agent, the 40-year-old Jones may be done in Detroit.
Jul. 31 - 11:36 a.m. ET</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

 

[Hache Man]

Re: 2008 MLB Transactions - July 31

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD> Arthur Rhodes - RP - Marlins</TD></TR><TR><TD> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>Marlins acquired LHP Arthur Rhodes from the Mariners for RHP Gaby Hernandez.</TD></TR><TR><TD> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>Rhodes was holding lefties to a .195 average and holding his own against righties while being using primarily as a specialist for the Mariners. He'll take some of the pressure off Renyel Pinto and likely prove to be a significant upgrade from Taylor Tankersley as the second southpaw in the Florida pen.
Jul. 31 - 12:33 p.m. ET</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

 

[Hache Man]

Re: 2008 MLB Transactions - July 31

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD> Taylor Tankersley - RP - Marlins</TD></TR><TR><TD> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>Marlins optioned LHP Taylor Tankersley to Triple-A Albuquerque.</TD></TR><TR><TD> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>His latest stay in the majors lasted just three days, as Tankersley goes to make room on the roster for Anibal Sanchez.
Jul. 31 - 11:03 a.m. ET</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

 

[Hache Man]

Re: 2008 MLB Transactions - July 31

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD> Anibal Sanchez - SP - Marlins</TD></TR><TR><TD> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>Marlins activated RHP Anibal Sanchez from the 15-day disabled list</TD></TR><TR><TD> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>He's scheduled to complete his comeback from Tommy John surgery by starting Thursday against the Rockies, which will be his first MLB action since May 2 of last season. Sanchez went 2-0 with a 2.89 ERA in five minor league rehab starts.
Jul. 31 - 11:05 a.m. ET</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

 

[Hache Man]

Re: 2008 MLB Transactions - July 31

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD> Alberto Arias - RP - Astros</TD></TR><TR><TD> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>Astros claimed RHP Alberto Arias off waivers from the Colorado Rockies.</TD></TR><TR><TD> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>The team optioned him to Triple-A Round Rock. The 24-year-old posted a 2.63 ERA in 13 2/3 innings for the Rockies earlier this season, but had a 4.73 ERA in 45 2/3 innings at Triple-A. He had a 41/16 K/BB ratio in the minors, but he doesn't have a great shot at long-term success in the majors.
Jul. 31 - 4:13 p.m. ET</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

 

[Hache Man]

Re: 2008 MLB Transactions - July 31

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD> Chris Britton - RP - Yankees</TD></TR><TR><TD> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>Yankees recalled RHP Chris Britton from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.</TD></TR><TR><TD> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>Britton fills the bullpen spot vacated by Kyle Farnsworth in the Ivan Rodriguez deal. He allowed one run in seven innings before being placed on the disabled list with a pulled ribcage muscle in June. He had a 1.80 with a 23/6 K/BB ratio in 25 innings at Triple-A.
Jul. 31 - 4:01 p.m. ET</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

 

[Hache Man]

Re: 2008 MLB Transactions - July 31

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD> Chad Moeller - C - Yankees</TD></TR><TR><TD> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>Yankees designated catcher Chad Moeller for assignment.</TD></TR><TR><TD> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>Moeller became expendable after the team acquired Ivan Rodriguez. He hit .227/.310/.333 with a homer and eight RBI in 75 at-bats for the Yankees this season.
Jul. 31 - 3:57 p.m. ET</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

 

[Hache Man]

Re: 2008 MLB Transactions - July 31

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD> Alberto Gonzalez - SS - Nationals</TD></TR><TR><TD> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>Nationals acquired shortstop Alberto Gonzalez from the Yankees for RHP Johnny Nunez.</TD></TR><TR><TD> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>Interesting. This would have made more sense for the Nationals before they extended Cristian Guzman. Now they have a nice defensive-minded utilityman for next year, but one who shouldn't ever be a regular for a contender. They should have kept their high-upside arm and simply gone out and gotten a veteran backup over the winter.
Jul. 31 - 4:17 p.m. ET</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

 

[Hache Man]

Re: 2008 MLB Transactions - July 31

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD> Daniel Cabrera - SP - Orioles</TD></TR><TR><TD> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>MLB suspended RHP Daniel Cabrera six games for throwing at the Yankees' Alex Rodriguez in Tuesday's game.</TD></TR><TR><TD> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>Cabrera's history is probably catching up to him here. It also doesn't help that he targeted a Yankee, and it seems obvious that MLB pays far more attention when these incidents involve the Yankees and Red Sox. We don't disagree with the penalty, but if Cabrera did the same thing in a game against the Royals, it probably would have gone unnoticed by the powers that be.
Jul. 31 - 6:16 p.m. ET</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

 

[Hache Man]

Re: 2008 MLB Transactions - July 31

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD> Daniel Cabrera - SP - Orioles</TD></TR><TR><TD> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>MLB suspended RHP Daniel Cabrera six games for throwing at the Yankees' Alex Rodriguez in Tuesday's game.</TD></TR><TR><TD> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>Cabrera's history is probably catching up to him here. It also doesn't help that he targeted a Yankee, and it seems obvious that MLB pays far more attention when these incidents involve the Yankees and Red Sox. We don't disagree with the penalty, but if Cabrera did the same thing in a game against the Royals, it probably would have gone unnoticed by the powers that be.
Jul. 31 - 6:16 p.m. ET</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

 

[Hache Man]

Re: 2008 MLB Transactions - July 31

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD> Jason Bay - OF - Red Sox</TD></TR><TR><TD> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>Red Sox acquired outfielder Jason Bay from the Pirates and sent Manny Ramirez to the Dodgers and outfielder Brandon Moss and RHP Craig Hansen to the Pirates in a three-team deal.</TD></TR><TR><TD> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>The talking heads will get bent out of shape because the Red Sox are trading a superstar for a guy who can go unrecognized everywhere except Pittsburgh and Canada. However, Bay only trails Ramirez by 30 points of OPS this year, which doesn?t even account for the difference in ballparks, and they?re upgrading on defense on the basepaths. On the other hand, Bay has never had to play in the AL and in such a high-profile situation. Also, he hasn?t fared well in interleague play. If Bay could be counted on to keep hitting like he has all year, then he?s probably an upgrade from Ramirez. However, we wouldn?t bet on that. He doesn?t lose much if any fantasy value ? he?s in a great situation for RBI and Fenway Park should be kind to him ? but we?re guessing his OPS will drop a bit. One saving grace for Boston: Bay will make just $7.5 million next season. With Ramirez and Curt Schilling coming off the books, the Red Sox should be big-time players in free agency.
Jul. 31 - 6:22 p.m. ET</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

 

[Hache Man]

Re: 2008 MLB Transactions - July 31

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD> Jason Bay - OF - Red Sox</TD></TR><TR><TD> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>Red Sox acquired outfielder Jason Bay from the Pirates and sent Manny Ramirez to the Dodgers and outfielder Brandon Moss and RHP Craig Hansen to the Pirates in a three-team deal.</TD></TR><TR><TD> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>The talking heads will get bent out of shape because the Red Sox are trading a superstar for a guy who can go unrecognized everywhere except Pittsburgh and Canada. However, Bay only trails Ramirez by 30 points of OPS this year, which doesn?t even account for the difference in ballparks, and they?re upgrading on defense on the basepaths. On the other hand, Bay has never had to play in the AL and in such a high-profile situation. Also, he hasn?t fared well in interleague play. If Bay could be counted on to keep hitting like he has all year, then he?s probably an upgrade from Ramirez. However, we wouldn?t bet on that. He doesn?t lose much if any fantasy value ? he?s in a great situation for RBI and Fenway Park should be kind to him ? but we?re guessing his OPS will drop a bit. One saving grace for Boston: Bay will make just $7.5 million next season. With Ramirez and Curt Schilling coming off the books, the Red Sox should be big-time players in free agency.
Jul. 31 - 6:22 p.m. ET</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

 

[Hache Man]

Re: 2008 MLB Transactions - July 31

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD> Ryan Freel - OF - Reds</TD></TR><TR><TD> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>Reds transferred outfielder Ryan Freel from the 15-day to the 60-day disabled list.</TD></TR><TR><TD> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>Freel is expected to miss the rest of the season after surgery to repair a torn hamstring tendon.
Jul. 31 - 6:40 p.m. ET</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

 

[Hache Man]

Re: 2008 MLB Transactions - July 31

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD> Ryan Freel - OF - Reds</TD></TR><TR><TD> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>Reds transferred outfielder Ryan Freel from the 15-day to the 60-day disabled list.</TD></TR><TR><TD> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>Freel is expected to miss the rest of the season after surgery to repair a torn hamstring tendon.
Jul. 31 - 6:40 p.m. ET</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

 

[Hache Man]

Re: 2008 MLB Transactions - July 31

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD> Burke Badenhop - SP - Marlins</TD></TR><TR><TD> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>Marlins transferred RHP Burke Badenhop from the 15-day to the 60-day disabled list.</TD></TR><TR><TD> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>Badenhop has been out since mid-June with shoulder tendinitis and wasn't expected back within the next couple of weeks. He could resurface as a reliever in September.
Jul. 31 - 6:36 p.m. ET</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

 

[Hache Man]

Re: 2008 MLB Transactions - July 31

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD> Burke Badenhop - SP - Marlins</TD></TR><TR><TD> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>Marlins transferred RHP Burke Badenhop from the 15-day to the 60-day disabled list.</TD></TR><TR><TD> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>Badenhop has been out since mid-June with shoulder tendinitis and wasn't expected back within the next couple of weeks. He could resurface as a reliever in September.
Jul. 31 - 6:36 p.m. ET</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

 

[Hache Man]

Re: 2008 MLB Transactions - July 31

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD> Manny Ramirez - OF - Dodgers</TD></TR><TR><TD> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>Dodgers acquired outfielder Manny Ramirez from the Red Sox and sent third baseman Andy LaRoche and RHP Bryan Morris to the Pirates in a three-team deal.</TD></TR><TR><TD> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>Ramirez goes to the easier league and presumably will be especially motivated after getting the trade he wanted. However, he?s going from one of the game?s best ballparks for offense to one that can take a toll on a player?s average. At this point, nothing that he does in the final two months would come as much of a surprise to us. As part of the deal, the Dodgers are getting the cash to pay him for the rest of the year (approx. $7 million) and declining his options for 2009 and 2010. They could try to keep him beyond this year, but they?d likely have to find a taker for Andrew Jones and/or Juan Pierre in order to make it happen.
Jul. 31 - 6:24 p.m. ET</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

 

[Hache Man]

Re: 2008 MLB Transactions - July 31

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD> Manny Ramirez - OF - Dodgers</TD></TR><TR><TD> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>Dodgers acquired outfielder Manny Ramirez from the Red Sox and sent third baseman Andy LaRoche and RHP Bryan Morris to the Pirates in a three-team deal.</TD></TR><TR><TD> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>Ramirez goes to the easier league and presumably will be especially motivated after getting the trade he wanted. However, he?s going from one of the game?s best ballparks for offense to one that can take a toll on a player?s average. At this point, nothing that he does in the final two months would come as much of a surprise to us. As part of the deal, the Dodgers are getting the cash to pay him for the rest of the year (approx. $7 million) and declining his options for 2009 and 2010. They could try to keep him beyond this year, but they?d likely have to find a taker for Andrew Jones and/or Juan Pierre in order to make it happen.
Jul. 31 - 6:24 p.m. ET</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

 

[Hache Man]

Re: 2008 MLB Transactions - July 31

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD> Edwar Ramirez - RP - Yankees</TD></TR><TR><TD> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>MLB suspended RHP Edwar Ramirez three games for throwing at Kevin Millar's head in Wednesday's game.</TD></TR><TR><TD> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>He's already filed an appeal. If Ramirez was intentionally throwing at Millar, then he should consider himself awfully fortunate that he got just three games. There's simply no excuse for targeting a guy's head/
Jul. 31 - 6:13 p.m. ET</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

 

[Hache Man]

Re: 2008 MLB Transactions - July 31

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD> Edwar Ramirez - RP - Yankees</TD></TR><TR><TD> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>MLB suspended RHP Edwar Ramirez three games for throwing at Kevin Millar's head in Wednesday's game.</TD></TR><TR><TD> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>He's already filed an appeal. If Ramirez was intentionally throwing at Millar, then he should consider himself awfully fortunate that he got just three games. There's simply no excuse for targeting a guy's head/
Jul. 31 - 6:13 p.m. ET</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

 

[Hache Man]

Re: 2008 MLB Transactions - July 31

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD> Frank Thomas - DH - Athletics</TD></TR><TR><TD> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>Athletics activated designated hitter Frank Thomas from the 15-day disabled list.</TD></TR><TR><TD> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>That fills one of the two holes they opened up on Wednesday. Thomas' return as the primary DH will put Jack Cust back in left field for the most part.
Jul. 31 - 6:38 p.m. ET</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

 

[Hache Man]

Re: 2008 MLB Transactions - July 31

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD> Frank Thomas - DH - Athletics</TD></TR><TR><TD> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>Athletics activated designated hitter Frank Thomas from the 15-day disabled list.</TD></TR><TR><TD> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>That fills one of the two holes they opened up on Wednesday. Thomas' return as the primary DH will put Jack Cust back in left field for the most part.
Jul. 31 - 6:38 p.m. ET</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

 

[Hache Man]

Re: 2008 MLB Transactions - July 31

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD> Andy LaRoche - 3B - Pirates</TD></TR><TR><TD> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>Pirates acquired third baseman Andy LaRoche and RHP Bryan Morris from the Dodgers and outfielder Brandon Moss and RHP Craig Hansen from the Red Sox for outfielder Jason Bay in a three-team deal. </TD></TR><TR><TD> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>Pittsburgh is the team that finally makes the deal official. LaRoche is the prize of the trade for the Pirates, even if it?s unclear what his long-term role will be. With Neil Walker and Pedro Alvarez (though he?s yet to sign) also in the organization, the Pirates could try LaRoche at second base or maybe in the outfield at some point. For now, they should make him their everyday third baseman. Jose Bautista can help fill in at first while Adam LaRoche is down and also start in the outfield against left-handers. Go ahead and pick LaRoche back up if he was dropped in your NL-only league. With LaRoche gone from Los Angeles, Blake DeWitt is looking like a better bet for 2009.
Jul. 31 - 6:22 p.m. ET</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

 

[Hache Man]

Re: 2008 MLB Transactions - July 31

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD> Andy LaRoche - 3B - Pirates</TD></TR><TR><TD> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>Pirates acquired third baseman Andy LaRoche and RHP Bryan Morris from the Dodgers and outfielder Brandon Moss and RHP Craig Hansen from the Red Sox for outfielder Jason Bay in a three-team deal. </TD></TR><TR><TD> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>Pittsburgh is the team that finally makes the deal official. LaRoche is the prize of the trade for the Pirates, even if it?s unclear what his long-term role will be. With Neil Walker and Pedro Alvarez (though he?s yet to sign) also in the organization, the Pirates could try LaRoche at second base or maybe in the outfield at some point. For now, they should make him their everyday third baseman. Jose Bautista can help fill in at first while Adam LaRoche is down and also start in the outfield against left-handers. Go ahead and pick LaRoche back up if he was dropped in your NL-only league. With LaRoche gone from Los Angeles, Blake DeWitt is looking like a better bet for 2009.
Jul. 31 - 6:22 p.m. ET</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>