The Buzz: Derrek Lee, Dan Haren, A.J. Pierzynski, Mike Lowell

The calender officially hit June this past week, and with June, usually comes the beginning of what is known around most baseball circles as the “trading season”, as teams are starting to determine whether or not they are buyers or sellers and what players they want to make available or target. And with that, lets take a look at some of the notable rumors that made headlines this past week.

Angels Targeting Cubs first Basemen?

With the Los Angeles Angels having lost their first baseman Kendry Morales for presumably 3 months, that fueled a flurry of rumors that linked the Cubs and Angels in trade discussions. We first heard from Mike DiGiovanna, of the LA Times, saying that the Los Angeles Angels have Xavier Nady on their radar as a possible replacement at first baseman.  Then no more than a day later, David Kaplan, of the Chicago Tribune, cited excellent sources when he said that the Cubs and Angels were in talks about a possible trade involving Derrek Lee.

However, soon after that Carrie Muskat, of MLB.com, debunked the rumor when she reported that the Cubs have not had any talks with the Angels regarding Xavier Nady or Derrek Lee.  Lee, who has a full no trade clause, already stated that he would wants to remain a Chicago Cub, meaning he probably will not waive his no trade clause. As far as Nady, the Cubs have neither confirmed or denied that they are looking to dump the right fielder.

D’Backs Willing to Trade Dan Haren?

As Jim Bowden first reported, the Diamondbacks are willing to trade starter Dan Haren. Arizona Diamondbacks general manager Josh Byrnes, said that he would be open to major changes to the D’backs roster, as they have been one of the biggest disappointments this season.

However, the Diamondbacks are probably going to run into some difficulty when trying to trade Dan Haren, considering that over the next four years Haren is set to make $49.25MM. Coming into today Haren had a 5-4 record with an unappealing ERA of 4.83. Which is why it is hard to believe that a team would willing to make that much of a commitment to Haren if they are only going to get mediocre production out of him.

Teams, though, may pin their hoped on Haren reverting to his old form, as for his career he has a 3.69 ERA. Last year, Haren went 14-10 with an ERA of 3.14. As we get closer to the trade deadline, teams like the Marlins, Dodgers, Mets, Rangers, and Nationals to all be interested in Haren if he does in fact becomes available.

A.J. Pierzynski would consent to a Trade

Many expect the Chicago White Sox to be one of the most active teams leading up to the trading deadline, as they are expected to be sellers and possibly sell off many of their veteran players. One player that is most likely to be traded is A.J. Pierzynski, who currently is the White Sox starting catcher. Pierzynski, who on June 13th will gain the right to veto any trade, would almost certainly be willing to consent to a trade, if asked so by the Chicago White Sox. By trading Pierzynski, the White Sox would be clearing the way for top catching prospect Tyler Flowers to make his way to the major league club.

A team most recently that is believed to be interested in Pierzynski is the Texas Rangers. However, since that report came out, a little over a month ago, there has been little advancements to the rumor. Pierzynski could potentially be very valuable to a contending team considering that post season success he has had with the Twins and White Sox, including the World Series he won in 2005 with the White Sox.

But, by trading Pierzynski, the White Sox may be sending the wrong message to their fans. Because, in his 6 years with the White Sox he has become a fan favorite amongst the White Sox fan base. And, if he does get traded, that may lead to a decrease in an already low attendance rating, which will again put less money in general Managers Kenny Williams’ pockets one it comes to making trades and signing free agents.

Currently in 2010, Pierzynski is hitting .225/264/.337 with 2 home runs and 14 RBI’s.

Teams Eying Mike Lowell

At Mike Lowell’s request, the Boston Red Sox are listening on offers from other teams in hopes of moving the disgruntled third baseman. Among the teams that have contacted the Red Sox are the Chicago White Sox, Seattle Mariners, and Texas Rangers.

If you remember back in the off-season, the Rangers and Red Sox had agreed in principle to trade that would have sent Mike Lowell to the Rangers in exchange for 25 year old catcher Max Ramirez. However, the deal fell through as Lowell had to require thumb surgery. Despite the surgery, the Ranger left the possibility open of re-visiting the trade later on in the season. It is not known if the same offer is on the table.

With the White Sox and Mariners both being towards the bottom of their division, one would imagine that they would rather get younger through trades and improve their respective teams for the future. The White Sox, though, lost their third baseman Mark Teahen for the next 6 weeks, and it is possible that if they get back in contention they may take a chance on Lowell.

So far in limited action this year, Lowell is hitting .229/.316/.343 with one home run and ten runs batted in.

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