The Buzz- Oswalt, Fielder,Willis, Jenks, and More
Welcome to “The Buzz”, this is where you will be informed on a weekly basis of the current rumors going around the Baseball universe. This week we take a look at a couple of potential blockbuster trades that may involve Roy Oswalt, and Prince Fielder. As well as monitoring the imminent release of Dontrelle Willis, a possible trade of Bobby Jenks, and a look at the trading block.
Roy Oswalt: Will He Stay or Will He Go?
Baseball has found it’s new Roy Halladay, who was previously the new Jake Peavy, and it is Roy Oswalt. For, the third consecutive year in the MLB, we could possibly see a top flight pitcher be traded at the trade deadline. In 2008 it was CC Sabathia, in 2009 it was Jake Peavy, and now in 2010 it could be Roy Oswalt.
Despite formally requesting a trade a little over a week ago, it does not appear that Oswalt will be dealt anytime soon. However, over the past few days, we have learned that the Dodgers and Rangers have both inquired on Oswalt. But, given that Texas is not in a position to take on an overwhelming amount of salary while their ownership situation is still in flux, it is fair to say that they probably will not be serious threat to land Oswalt. But again, given the impending divorce of McCourts, who own the Dodgers, it is unlikely that they will be able to take on the $29MM that is still owed to Oswalt.
Oswalt, who has been the victim of poor run support this season, has a 3-6 record with an ERA of 2.35 while averaging 9 strikeouts per 9 innings.
The Prince of a New Town?
Even though it has not grabbed the attention of the public eye just yet, SI’s Jon Heyman reports that many baseball executives believe that there is a real possibility that the Milwaukee Brewers will trade first baseman Prince Fielder this season. For one, it is looking like the chances of Milwaukee being able to retain Fielder when he hits free agency are slim to none, given the fact that Fielder’s current demands for contract extension do not match up well with the Brewer’s budget.
Even though Milwaukee is in the early stages of a very disappointing season right now, moving Prince Fielder does not seem like a logical move for them. At the age of 26, Fielder has yet to hit is true prime year which are usually between 28-32 for a power hitter. With Fielder already showing tremendous power numbers for his career, is it possible that the best is still yet to come. Plus moving Fielder would not bode well for fellow Brewer slugger Ryan Braun, as losing Fielder would definitely hurt Braun’s production. Because, he would loose the protection in the lineup that Fielder gives Braun.
Fielder is off to a sluggish start for the 2010 year as he his hitting .266/.395/.424 while hitting 7 home runs and driving in 19 runs.
The D-Train rolling to the NL?
Reports surfaced today that the Detroit Tigers will designate starter Dontrelle Willis for assignment tomorrow, and assuming that Willis clears waivers, he will then be released. Willis is difficult case to solve if you are a general manager in baseball, because on one hand he is still only 28, and has 22 win season under his belt. But, on the other hand you have the pitcher that has suffered through anxiety problems and control issues with the Detroit Tigers for the past two seasons.
In all reality, Willis will probably end up in the rotation for a national league team, or so says Jon Paul Morosi of Fox Sports. Teams could possibly be interested in Willis are the St. Louis Cardinals, Los Angeles Dodgers, and the Washington Nationals.
The thought of Willis teaming up with highly regarded pitching coach Dave Duncan, and the St.Louis Cardinals is pretty intriguing. Mainly, because of the chance that Duncan will be able to fix whatever is wrong with Willis, as he has done so many times before with the likes of Joel Piniero, Kyle Lohse, and Tod Wellemyer.
So far in 2010, Willis has a 1-4 record with a 4.98 ERA , and is averaging six walks per 9 innings.
Bobby Jenks is “Very Available”
Former World Series Hero, and current closer of the Chicago White Sox, Bobby Jenks is quickly falling out of favor with the team that he has been with for all of his major league career. Over the past couple of years now, Jenks relationship with the Chicago White Sox have been rocky at best, considering their has been a question rising within the White Sox’s front office of Jenks work ethic, and dedication to the game.
According to Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun Times, the White Sox have had conversations with several teams regarding the availability of Bobby Jenks. And, Cowley points out that the Sox are telling teams that he is very available. The Philadelphia Phillies have been linked to Jenks over the past week, as they have had scouts watch him this season and follow the White Sox. Including the aforementioned Phillies, it is possible that the Chicago Cubs, and Washington Nationals could also have interest in Jenks.
If the Sox are going to trade him, they are going to hope that teams are leaning more on the save percentage that he has and not his ERA, as he has a 6.35 ERA, but is 7 of 8 in save opportunities this year for the struggling white Sox.
Trade Block ( Courtesy of Jon Heyman)
- Cliff Lee, Starting Pitcher, Seattle Mariners
- Roy Oswalt, Starting Pitcher, Houston Astros
- Lance Berkman, First Baseman, Houston Astros
- Prince Fielder, First Basemen, Milwaukee Brewers
- Ben Sheets, Starting Pitcher, Oakland Athletics
- Paul Konerko, First Basemen, Chicago White Sox
- Adam Dunn, First Basemen, Washington Nationals
- Dan Haren, Starting Pitcher, Arizona Diamondbacks
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