Rocco Baldelli piques Sox' interest

[shawnhillegas]

Tampa has to move him or Crawford. They need a spot for Upton and Dukes will need a spot in mid-May. I don't understand how this team is run. You have twice the talent of any organization when it comes to young outfielders, you have NO pitching, and yet the Rays act stubborn and dont seem to be actively shopping him.

[kwolf68]

Just to put an idea on value...The Rays offered Baldelli to Philly for Cole Hamels. That gives you an idea what we'd need to give up.

[southsider2k5]

So his injuries are ligament and tendon injuries? That isn't good. Not to accuse anyone of anything, but aren't those typical steroid injuries?

[hitlesswonder]

Tampa's asking price is insane for Rocco. From the sounds of it, they'd want two top prospects like Fields and Broadway.

 

I'd trade Fields and Broadway for Baldelli in a heartbeat. In another system, Fields and Broadway would be way down on a list of top prospects. Fields makes Borchard's K rate look pretty and he's had all of one very good halfseason in a bandbox in AAA. From all reports, Broadway is a one-pitch pitcher who doesn't throw hard or strike people out and he's given up more than a hit per inning in the minors. Baldelli is an actual major league baseball player.

 

I think the Rays would want more for Baldelli. Rotoworld said they wanted Cole Hamels from PHI or Adam Loewen and Chris Ray from BALT. The latter deal would be like giving up McCarthy and Jenks from the Sox. I think that might be too much.

[RockRaines]

So his injuries are ligament and tendon injuries? That isn't good. Not to accuse anyone of anything, but aren't those typical steroid injuries?

They are calling both freak accidents, but yeah it could be perceived that way. He also had some hamstring issues this year as well. I think at one point in his career TB was trying to make him a power hitter, and now have settled that Crawford has more power and Baldelli is more the lead off type.

[Steve9347]

From the St. Petersberg Times

 

Those knocking on Rays' door looking for Baldelli

Outfielder's contract makes him attractive to many. Rays make pitch to closer Dotel.

 

By MARC TOPKIN

Published December 6, 2006

 

LAKE BUENA VISTA - The Devil Rays made an offer to free-agent closer Octavio Dotel and talked in detail about some other veteran relievers, but the most buzz at the winter meetings Tuesday was about the offers they were entertaining for centerfielder Rocco Baldelli.

 

Word that Baldelli was a hot commodity spread quickly throughout the lobby of the Disney Dolphin resort, then all the way to Bonita Springs, where Baldelli was attending a players association board meeting.

 

Friends had been filling him in on the rumors, which include everything from logical possibilities such as the Orioles, Rangers, Red Sox and White Sox, to some odd fits, such as the Phillies and Tigers, to some dead ends, such as the Marlins, with whom the Rays apparently had significant differences of opinion.

 

"I guess I've been around long enough to know that you can't pay attention to the rumors, that it's a waste of time to worry about it," said Baldelli, 25. "I don't really anticipate anything happening. ... I've been working out in Tampa, I expect to win a lot of games this season in Tampa, and if the situation changes I'll deal with it. I'm a Devil Ray, and I'm happy to be a Devil Ray."

 

What makes Baldelli so valuable to teams is not just his talent, but his modest long-term contract, which pays him $750,000 next season and a maximum of $26-million over five seasons.

 

"I didn't think about getting traded when I signed that contract," Baldelli said. "I signed with the Devil Rays, and I thought I'd probably be there a good while."

The Rays aren't going to part with him easily, seeking several top young players who will immediately help the big-league team. With the Orioles, for example, their primary interest would be in closer Chris Ray, a 24-year-old Tampa native who saved 33 games last season, is likely to make around $400,000 in 2007 and won't be a free agent until 2011.

 

Rays executive vice president Andrew Friedman said there is interest in several of their players likely Jorge Cantu, Carl Crawford and Delmon Young and wouldn't discuss specifics, but he did say some of the trade offers would impact their need to sign a veteran reliever.

 

They made what is likely to be a one-year offer to Dotel with an option and incentives, hoping to take advantage of his desire to be a closer. Dotel, 33, saved 36 games for the Astros and A's in 2004 but had Tommy John surgery in 2005 and struggled in a 14-game stint last season with the Yankees, allowing 18 hits and 11 walks in 10 innings. Several, and perhaps as many as 10, other teams are also pursuing Dotel. The Rays have also had serious discussions with reps for Russ Springer and David Riske.

 

Friedman said he wouldn't characterize any of the deals as close, but there was "positive movement on multiple fronts" and "certain things that we're somewhat optimistic about."

 

Also, the Rays won't resume talks with the agent for Japanese infielder Akinori Iwamura until Friday and continue to have interest in free agent Darin Erstad as a first baseman. Infielder B.J. Upton said his sore left shoulder felt "a whole lot better" and he would be ready to move to the outfield if needed.

 

The Rays showed some humor about the reports of their potential interest in free-agent slugger Barry Bonds, which they have not acted on. A handwritten sign in their suite Tuesday said: Welcome media, and Barry Bonds.

 

Marc Topkin can be reached at [email protected] or (727) 893-8801. View his blog at blogs.tampabay.com/rays.

Edited December 6, 2006 by Steve9347

[southsideirish]

QUOTE(fathom @ Dec 6, 2006 -> 09:48 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Tampa's asking price is insane for Rocco. From the sounds of it, they'd want two top prospects like Fields and Broadway.

 

Really? Where did you hear that from? That is insane. From the article I just read they are looking for a veteran starting pitcher for Baldelli.

 

http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews...ts/16174647.htm

 

"The one area where we're covered is in the outfield," Devil Rays manager Joe Maddon said, indicating he'd like a veteran starting pitcher to take some pressure off a young staff led by All-Star left-hander Scott Kazmir. "If something like (a trade) were to happen, we feel that's the one spot we can handle internally."

 

I am trying to figure out if what you say is fact or speculation.

 

 

QUOTE(RockRaines @ Dec 6, 2006 -> 09:56 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I see it as .339 in 2006

.326 in 04 and 03

 

The .368 was in 183 AB's in the lead off spot. That was the first year he was a lead off hitter, spending most of his time in the middle of the order in 03 and 04

 

Could it also be that he ws 21 in 03 and 22 in 04 and that he is getting better as he gains more experience? The guy has a ton of talent with a ton of potential and very high ceiling.

[shawnhillegas]

So his injuries are ligament and tendon injuries? That isn't good. Not to accuse anyone of anything, but aren't those typical steroid injuries?

 

 

Baldelli weighs about 150 pounds and probably can't bench press 200 pounds. If he is a roider, he's doing a pretty bad job. Additionally, steroid injuries typically affect highly utilized muscle (hamstring), as opposed to the ACL, but Gagne might throw that theory down the trash.

Edited December 6, 2006 by shawnhillegas

[southsideirish]

QUOTE(kwolf68 @ Dec 6, 2006 -> 10:10 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Just to put an idea on value...The Rays offered Baldelli to Philly for Cole Hamels. That gives you an idea what we'd need to give up.

 

Ummm, he may have been offered for that, but why would the Phillies wnat that? I have trouble believing this story anyway. They Phillies have a CFer - Victorino - plus they are looking to deal their surplus of OF'ers for starting pitching help themselves. That is just silly. It may be what they are asking for, but if everyone is saying no, then that is not what they will get in return and it is not Baldelli's true price. They are going to have to settle for less than a Cole Hamels. There is no doubt about that.

[Steve9347]

Baldelli weighs about 150 pounds and probably can't bench press 200 pounds. If he is a roider, he's doing a pretty bad job. Additionally, steroid injuries typically affect highly utilized muscle (hamstring), as opposed to the ACL, but Gagne might throw that theory down the trash.

 

listed at 200 lbs there, Chief. Have you ever seen him play?

Edited December 6, 2006 by Steve9347

[southsideirish]

QUOTE(Steve9347 @ Dec 6, 2006 -> 10:14 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

From the St. Petersberg Times

 

If that is really what the Rays are seeking in return - Chris Ray - then Baldelli is staying put. They are highly over estimating his value.

[shawnhillegas]

listed at 200 lbs there, Chief. Have you ever seen him play?

 

 

 

 

 

if that man is 200 pounds, then Sandy Alomar is a good backup catcher. He is built like BMAC, only hes not 6'7"

Edited December 6, 2006 by shawnhillegas

[southsideirish]

QUOTE(Steve9347 @ Dec 6, 2006 -> 10:25 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

listed at 200 lbs there, Chief. Have you ever seen him play?

 

I have seen 6'4" 185. That does not sound like a roider to me. I think Hillegas was exagerrating a bit on purpose to prove a point and to say that he is very skinny - not a roider. However, that is just my opinion.

[Soxfest]

I would not overpay to get him at all.

[KevHead0881]

Really? Where did you hear that from? That is insane. From the article I just read they are looking for a veteran starting pitcher for Baldelli.

 

http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews...ts/16174647.htm

I am trying to figure out if what you say is fact or speculation.

Could it also be that he ws 21 in 03 and 22 in 04 and that he is getting better as he gains more experience? The guy has a ton of talent with a ton of potential and very high ceiling.

 

Well, if Tampa wants a veteran starter, it would have to be Vazquez or Garland, as I doubt Tampa has little use for pitchers with expiring contracts (i.e. Buehrle or Garcia). With that being said, I still think they are looking for young and cheap pitching.

[southsideirish]

QUOTE(KevHead0881 @ Dec 6, 2006 -> 10:33 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Well, if Tampa wants a veteran starter, it would have to be Vazquez or Garland, as I doubt Tampa has little use for pitchers with expiring contracts (i.e. Buehrle or Garcia). With that being said, I still think they are looking for young and cheap pitching.

 

Well someone pointed out that they are asking for Chris Ray, so if that is the case Baldelli is staying in Tampa. The Trib says that Maddon indicates he wants a veteran starter. If it takes Vazquez, who is rumored to be going to the Mets for Milledge, to get Baldelli then I do it. Baldelli>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Milledge. Not even close.

 

The White Sox would be a better hitting, faster, would not lose anything on defense, and would have McCarthy taking over for Vazquez. I don't see how it gets any better than that.

[shawnhillegas]

listed at 200 lbs there, Chief. Have you ever seen him play?

 

 

have you ever seen/heard the Dane Cook Burger King skit where the cashier calls him Chief?

Edited December 6, 2006 by shawnhillegas

[BigSqwert]

have you ever seen/heard the Dane Cook Burger King skit where the cashier calls him Chief?

LOL

 

That's classic...gaylord

Edited December 6, 2006 by BigSqwert

[Frank the Tank 35]

Roto:

 

Along with the Marlins and Orioles, the Braves, Dodgers, Tigers and White Sox are among the many teams pursuing Rocco Baldelli, says FOXSports.com's Ken Rosenthal.

 

The Braves are supposed to be trying to add pitching help, not give it up. However, they could conceivably part with both Kyle Davies and Horacio Ramirez. The White Sox would likely have to surrender Brandon McCarthy. As much interest as there is, there's a pretty good chance that something will get done with one of the teams.

[Controlled Chaos]

He's Italian....I'll take him!!!

[southsideirish]

QUOTE(KevHead0881 @ Dec 6, 2006 -> 10:33 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Well, if Tampa wants a veteran starter, it would have to be Vazquez or Garland, as I doubt Tampa has little use for pitchers with expiring contracts (i.e. Buehrle or Garcia). With that being said, I still think they are looking for young and cheap pitching.

 

The Cole Hamels rumor was false:

 

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/6177726

 

A previous item that said the Rays had floated the idea of Baldelli for Phillies left-hander Cole Hamels was incorrect, according to a major-league source. The Rays have not brought up Hamels' name in discussions.

 

Baltimore Orioles, it doesn't list any names but they are very far apart:

 

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/conte...6120501357.html

 

So they may wish that Baldelli will get them their asking price, but they can wish in one hand and s*h*i*t in the other and see which one fills up first.

 

 

 

 

QUOTE(Frank the Tank 35 @ Dec 6, 2006 -> 10:42 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Roto:

 

There is no way Atlanta is parting with both Davies and Ramirez for Baldelli. There is also no chance the Sox part with McCarthy for Baldelli. If it is Crawford yes, Baldelli, no. It is wishful thinking on TBs part. There is no way they get it.

Edited December 6, 2006 by southsideirish

[Chisoxfn]

I wonder what the Braves could offer for one of our starting pitchers (if in fact they are looking for another starter). I am starting to warm to the idea of Baldelli because I think he has the ability to be a very good player and when healthy he's already a good player, imo.

 

The thing is the Drays seem to be asking for too much and right now we don't really have that much leeway to give up spects. However, with all our starters technically we could still offer up guys like Broadway (plus we have a batch of decent prospects like Harrell, Russell, Egbert that could draw some interest).