Trade Chatter: Edwin Jackson to the White Sox, Cristian Guzman to the Rangers

With just about 24 hours remaining until Saturday's trade deadline, the hot stove has been fuming, and trades have been happening all day.

The first trade today involved Arizona Diamondbacks' pitcher Edwin Jackson being traded to the Chicago White Sox for young pitchers Dan Hudson and David Holmberg.

Jackson, 26, was acquired from the Detroit Tigers in the three-team trade with the Yankees that sent Curtis Granderson to New York. Jackson, who threw a no-hitter this season against the Rays, will be traded for the fourth time in his young career after spending parts of eight seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Tampa Bay Devil Rays/Rays, Detroit Tigers and Dbacks. Jackson's finest season was in 2009, when he posted a 13-9 record and a 3.62 ERA while striking out 161 in 214.0 innings. Jackson has struggled this year, posting a 6-10 record with a 5.16 ERA despite throwing a no-hitter. He leads starters in the league with 77 earned runs allowed. The White Sox will pay Jackson $1.5 million more for the rest of this year and $8.35 million in 2011. The righty is scheduled to become a free agent for the 2012 off-season.

The most intriguing piece in this deal is RHP Dan Hudson. Hudson, 23, was the White Sox's top pitching prospect prior to this season. A 5th round pick in the 2008 draft, he has rapidly climbed through the farm system. BaseballAmerica says that Hudson's "three solid pitches and natural deception," have resulted in his progress and transition to a top of the rotation starter. In 2009, Hudson pitched in A, A+, AA, and AAA going a combined 14-5 with a 2.32 ERA in 26 starts (147.1 innings) while striking out 166 (!). The 66th ranked prospect in baseball, Hudson has pitched in 3 games for the White Sox this season, going 1-1 with a 6.32 ERA in 15.2 innings while spending most of his season at Triple-AAA Charlotte pitching to a line of 11-4 with a 3.47 ERA in 17 starts (93.1 innings) while striking out 108 and allowing 13 home runs, his only weakness. An ultimate power pitcher with a 10.4/9 strikeout rate, Hudson translates to a top of the rotation starter, and with a young Dbacks team rebuilding, he'll join Ian Kennedy and Joe Saunders at the top of the rotation to make for a fantastic rotation for the future.

The Dbacks also acquire LHP David Holmberg, the White Sox's 2nd round pick in the 2009 draft. Holmberg, 18, was drafted out of high school and broke into pro-ball at age 17 last year. In the rookie league this year, he's 1-1 in 8 games with a 4.46 ERA and 29 strikeouts in 40.1 innings. He's eighth on BaseballAmerica's White Sox prospects list, and translates to a "middle of the rotation workhorse at best."

This was a fantastic trade for both sides. For the Dbacks, they get one of the best pitching prospects in baseball who will help make a powerful rotation for years to come, as well as a future solid starter. They also shed the salary of Jackson, providing some flexibility. For White Sox, this could potentially become a great deal if this goes down: It's been rumored that the White Sox are prepared to trade Jackson to the Nationals for 1B/OF Adam Dunn. The White Sox are at 57-44, 1st place and 1.5 games in front in the AL Central. Adding Dunn for the price of Jackson would be a fantastic trade for the Sox, but even if they don't get Dunn, Jackson will definitely be a boost to their rotation. This could be one of the best trades this season that will benefit both sides.

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Today, the Texas Rangers and Washington Nationals completed a trade today that will send SS Cristian Guzman to Texas for pitchers Ryan Tatusko and Tanner Roark, as well as $2 million.

Guzman, 32, has spent parts of 11 seasons with the Minnesota Twins and Washington Nationals. An international signing by the New York Yankees in 1994, Guzman was traded along with pitcher Eric Milton and other prospects for Chuck Knoblauch in 1998. Guzman spent six years in Minnesota, averaging 145 hits, a .265 average with 7 home runs and 48 RBIs, and 140 games played per season over his six year span. His best season in Minnesota came in 2001, when, as a 23 year-old, he hit .302 with 10 home runs, 51 RBIs and 149 hits while stealing 25 bases. He also led the league in triples in 2000 with 20, 2001 with 14 and 2003 with 14, becoming the tenth player to lead three times in 70 years.

Guzman was a first time free agent prior to the 2005 season and signed a $16.8 million, four-year contract with the Washington Nationals. A brand spankin' new contract and at least $4 million per year, Guzman was making a name for himself. However, he proceeded to have the worst year of his career in his first year in Washington. He hit just .219 with with 4 home runs and 31 RBIs in 142 games. He wouldn't make fans any more happier the following season, as he missed the whole 2006 season due to a shoulder injury and subsequent surgery. He came back in 2007, and boy did he come back. He hit .328 over 46 games with 2 home runs and 14 RBIs. The next season, Guzman showed his 2007 resurgence was no fluke due to a small sample size and hit .316 with 9 home runs and 55 RBIs in 138 games while hitting a career-high 183 hits. He made the All-Star team for the second time in 2008 (2001 with the AL, '08 with the NL) and hit for the cycle in August of 2008. This season, since being removed from the starting shortstop job due to Ian Desmond's rise through the minors and his terrible 2009 fielding percentage of .962 (the lowest among major league shortstops) he was moved to second base. Since the move, he's hit .282 with 2 home runs and 25 RBIs over 89 games. The Rangers acquired him just a few days after 2B Ian Kinsler was placed on the DL and just a day after they acquired 1B/3B Jorge Cantu. He'll most likely start until Kinsler returns and then be an option off of the bench.

In return, the Nationals are getting 25 year-old RHP Ryan Tatusko and 23 year-old RHP Tanner Roark. Tatusko, the Rangers' 18th round pick in 2007, is currently enjoying his finest season in pro-ball. In Double-AA, he's 9-2 with a 2.97 ERA in 13 starts (but has pitched in 24 games) while striking out 58 in 100.0 innings. He translates to being mainly a reliever, but could be an occasional spot starter, kind of like Alfredo Aceves of the New York Yankees.

They also get Roark, a righty who the Rangers drafted in the 25th round of the 2008 draft, is also enjoying a great year in Double-AA, posting a 10-5 record with a 4.20 ERA in 17 starts (22 games) while striking out 75 in 105.0 innings. He broke out last year, when he went 10-0 with a 2.70 ERA in 29 games in A+.

Another aggressive trade by the Rangers, who are trying to improve all-around. In Guzman, they have a good replacement until Kinsler returns and a great off-the-bench option. I like the two pitchers the Nationals got in this deal, especially Roark. Another win-win.

Rays' Matt Garza throws no-hitter, Dan Haren leaves start early due to injury in Angels' debut

It's truly been the "Year of the Pitcher."

Yesterday, Matt Garza, a right handed starting pitcher from the Tampa Bay Rays, no-hit the Detroit Tigers and helped his team to a 5-0 win.

It was the first no-hitter in Tampa Bay Rays/Devil Rays history.

The no-hitter was also the 5th (!) no-hit game this season, alongside Dallas Braden and Roy Halladay's perfect games, and Ubaldo Jimenez and Edwin Jackson's no-hitters. It's the first time five no-hitters have been thrown since there were seven no-hitters in 1991. I would say Armando Galarraga had a perfect game, but we all know how that ended up...

In front of a crowd of just 17,000 at Tropicana Field in Tampa, the 26 year-old Garza only faced 27 batters, the minimum, and allowed just one walk to Brennan Boesch that would break up the perfect game bid in the second inning. He also struck out six and improved his record to 11-5 wit ha 4.06 ERA.

''It was one of those days where everything lined up,'' Garza said. ''The defense made great plays. I really can't say enough about them.''

The Rays have been involved in three of the five no-hit games this year: Edwin Jackson's no-hitter vs the Rays, Dallas Braden's perfect game vs the Rays, and now Garza's perfect game. They were also the team that Mark Buehrle defeated last season for his perfect game.

Garza's no-hitter is surely just one of possibly a few more no-hitters to come.

HAREN EXITS GAME EARLY WITH INJURY

Dan Haren made his Angels' debut Monday night, his first start since being acquired on Sunday in a trade with the Arizona Diamondbacks. However, Haren's debut didn't go as expected.

In the fifth inning, with the Boston Red Sox leading 2-1, first baseman Kevin Youkilis hit a sharp line drive that hit Haren square on his right forearm, his pitching arm. Haren tried to field the ball, but it ended up being an infield single as Haren fell to his knees in obvious pain.

Haren has what seems to be a right forearm contusion and will go for an additional examination by Angels' team orthopedist Lewis Yocum. Haren pitched 4.2 innings, allowing two runs on seven hits. As of now, he has been listed as day-to-day. Or as Yankees' radio announcer John Sterling would say "He's listed as day-to-day...aren't we all?"

In turn of events, Angels, not Yankees, acquire RHP Dan Haren

After reports earlier this week suggested that Arizona Diamondback's pitcher Dan Haren was headed to the New York Yankees, negotiations took a different turn of events.

Yesterday it was reported that the Yankees and Dbacks were not talking about a trade. That opened the door for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim to jump in.

In a move that stunned baseball (it looked like Haren was just about ready for pinstripes) the Angels acquired Haren from Arizona for LHP Joe Saunders, LHP Patrick Corbin, RHP Rafael Rodriguez, and 2009 first rounder LHP Tyler Skaggs. It's a decent package but all I have to say is...

...Joe Saunders? Really?

Don't get me wrong, Saunders is a fine pitcher, but he's the best Arizona could get? Besides Skaggs and Corbin, this is an AWFUL deal for the Dbacks. Even Skaggs and Corbin aren't anything to get that excited about. The Dbacks could have had a ridiculous package from the Yankees, but the Yankees bluffed at Arizona's ridiculous demands. The trending topic this year at the trade deadline: #onepricefortheyankeesonepriceforeveryoneelse.

MLBTradeRumors on Saunders says that, "Saunders, a former first round pick of the Angels, will change teams for the first time in his career. The lefty owns a career-high 4.62 ERA with 4.8 K/9 and 3.4 BB/9 on the season. The 29-year-old will earn a shade over $1MM for the rest of this season, after which point he is arbitration-eligible. The D'Backs will control his rights in 2011, but Saunders will hit free agency after 2012." Saunders had a career year in 2008, going 17-7 with a 3.41 ERA in 198.0 innings. He's not a strikeout pitcher and doesn't have overpowering stuff, but he's serviceable and is a good fit for a young Dbacks' rotation. He's 54-32 in his career, a winning percentage of .628.

Anyway, let's get into the analysis. You all know who Haren is, I've wrote about him for the past week so let's dive into the prospects.

Corbin, who just recently turned 21, is a left handed pitcher who is holding his own at Single-A+, going 5-3 with a 3.88 ERA. There's not really a lot of info on the kid, seeing as he just has two years in pro-ball. He projects to be a #3 or #4 starter.

MLBTradeRumors says that, "Skaggs was the Halos' supplemental first-round selection (40th overall) in 2009. The 19-year-old signed for $1MM in early August. According to Baseball America, Skaggs is armed with a fastball in the 88-91 mph range that could reach 91-93 mph when his upper body matures. Skaggs, in their estimation, projects as a solid mid-rotation starter." Skaggs is 8-4 with a 3.61 ERA in Single-A.

Rodriguez, 25, projects to be just another bullpen arm. He's pitched at the big league level this season, pitching to a 4.50 ERA in one game.

I'm really shocked that this was honestly the BEST deal the Dbacks got for Haren. Interim GM Jerry DiPoto, a rookie GM, really overplayed his hand in this one. I definitely think he could have gotten a better offer from the Yankees, even if Joba Chamberlain was not involved. I'm not saying that just because I'm disappointed that the Yankees lost out on another elite starting pitcher, I'm saying that because Arizona played the Yankees: giving them a ridiculous price for Haren while the rest of the league would have to give a lesser offer of prospect quality. It's ridiculous and unfair.

This move won't really change much in the AL West as the Texas Rangers currently hold a 7 game lead over the Angels.

Yankees and Dbacks "no conversation today"

According to a report this morning by Jon Heyman of Sports Illustrated, the Yankees were unwilling to part with RHP Joba Chamberlain in a trade for pitching ace Dan Haren of the Dbacks while having to pay Haren's total contract. However, the Yankees would be willing to pay Haren's contract if Chamberlain were not involved in the package. The Yankees are willing to include pitchers Ivan Nova and Zach McAllister plus two prospects in a trade for Haren, that being the only way the Yankees would pay the contract.

As well, Heyman said that the Dbacks were trying to get the Yankees to take on pitcher Chad Qualls and catcher Chris Snyder in addition to Haren. The Yankees balked, especially since they would have to pay the $33 million for Haren on top of Qualls' and Snyder's contracts.

However, the most recent report, that by ESPN's Buster Olney, says that the two sides have not talked today about a deal and that the Yankees were "scoffed at reports that they were in the lead of the Haren negotiations because they have never been close to completing a deal to this point.”

Nonetheless, negotiations are said to continue later. Riveraveblues says that "right now, the two clubs are playing a game of poker, and the negotiations will continue.

While listening to WFAN 660 today in the car, I was able to hear former Washington Nationals' GM Jim Bowden's segment with Steve Somers. Bowden said that it's "almost certain" that Danny Haren will be a Yankee.

NIXED

According to Jayson Stark of ESPN, the Yankees and Diamondbacks were "never close" on a deal that would send Arizona ace Dan Haren to the Bronx.

The Dbacks, reportedly, asked for RHP Joba Chamberlain, RHP Ivan Nova, and two throw-in prospects in order for the Yankees to acquire Haren. The Yankees rejected the offer, in-turn offering Arizona an "all prospect" deal to which this time, Arizona refused.

Stark goes on to say that, "Another sticking point between the two teams, the source said, is how much of the $33 million remaining on Haren's contract the Diamondbacks are willing to pay. Arizona's initial proposal would have required the Yankees to assume Haren's entire contract. The Yankees, and other clubs the Diamondbacks have spoken with, want the quality of the players in the deal to be dependent on how much of Haren's money Arizona is willing to pay."

From Dbacks' CEO Derrick Hall: "We are not close on a deal with the Yankees, and there are some other teams involved that have deals of at least equal value out there. I would not categorize the Yankees as a front-runner.”

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Hold everything. Did the Yankees just get Zduriencik'd? For the second time this season, and first time since the Non-Cliff-Lee-Trade, the Yankees were reported "close to acquiring" another frontline starter, lifting the hopes of tons of Yankee fans, only to see their hopes and dreams crash as talks broke down...again.

Two things that I'm confused are put together by Stark in his article: Ivan Nova and the words "highly regarded" next to his name. Last time I checked, isn't Nova projected to be a #4 or #5 starter in the rotation? I understand that the Yanks don't want to trade Joba, but damn, if they won't do it for Dan Haren, Joba and Nova better be the next great Yankee pitchers.

Indications are that talks are all but dead, so things could heat back up again. If the Yankees can find a way to substitute Joba with a player to the Dbacks' liking, a deal could still be reached. Arizona wants to move Haren before his Tuesday start, so Monday could be the deadline to acquire Haren.

Rosenthal: Yankees are frontrunners for Dan Haren (WITH UPDATE)

Update, 10:15 - Frankie Piliere of AOL FanHouse hears that talks are moving forward and that secondary players are being discussed, with pitcher Joba Chamberlain headlining the package that would be sent to Arizona. He also reports that top Yankees' prospect, Jesus Montero, who was almost traded for Cliff Lee almost two weeks ago, is not in the trade. Piliere says that pitching prospect Ivan Nova, who is 8-2 with a 3.06 ERA in Triple-AAA Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, and fellow pitching prospect Zach McAllister, whose father works for the Dbacks as a scout, are most likely in the deal, with Nova being the key piece and pitcher the Dbacks want says Ken Rosenthal.

As for me, I'm shocked that the Yankees are ready to give up on Joba already. I know he's struggled early in his career, but he's just 24 and could be fixable and become a reliable reliever or starter. Anybody remember those "Save the Big 3" t-shirts that were made when the Yankees were willing to give up one of Phil Hughes, Joba, and Ian Kennedy for Johan Santana? If Chamberlain is traded, he will join Kennedy in Arizona (who went over in the Curtis Granderson deal), leaving Hughes the only member of the Big 3 still on the Yankees. Weird.

It looks like this deal could be done as soon as tomorrow. Keep it here.

p.s. When looking at the big three shirt, #65 is Hughes, #62 is Joba, and #36 is Kennedy. That shirt was made prior to the '08 season. We all know how that went...

6:54 - According to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports, the New York Yankees, who were yesterday just rumored to be interested in Arizona Diamondbacks' ace RHP Dan Haren, are moving closer to a deal to acquire the starting pitcher.

According to Rosenthal, "the defending World Series champions believe they have the necessary pieces to obtain Haren, according to a major-league source.

The Diamondbacks are telling interested clubs that they are in advanced negotiations with one club, though they are not identifying that team, sources say."

Rosenthal, MLBTradeRumors and Riveraveblues also indicate that the package will be focused on "pitching, pitching and more pitching" as the Dbacks have said they would require an "A+" package for Haren due to his age and long term, team friendly contract. The Dbacks initially said that they wanted two major league pitchers and a bullpen arm in order to trade Haren.

The Yankees it seems, however, will be sending at least two pitchers and some prospects for Haren. Growing speculation, as reported by Riveraveblues is that former Yankees' top prospect RHP Joba Chamberlain, who has worked as both a starting pitcher and relief pitcher, would headline the deal that would send Haren to the Yankees. If a deal for Haren would cost Chamberlain, another pitcher and a few prospects not named Jesus Montero, that would be an absolute steal.

Acquiring Haren would give the Bronx Bombers the best rotation in the league.

Another reason as to why this deal makes sense is because Phil Hughes' innings limit will kick in around September. Hughes, the Yankees' future ace and best young pitcher, has been placed on an innings limit in order to rest his arm. Many have wondered how the Yankees will fill the void once Hughes is sent to the bullpen when he hits his limit. Acquiring Haren would do just that. As well, Andy Pettitte is currently on the DL, and it's been reported he'll be on it for at least four-to-six weeks, meaning a mid-to-late August return, just about when Hughes will hit his limit. Until Pettitte returns, Haren would take his spot and then Hughes' spot once he hits his limit.

Haren, just 29, would be the co-ace to CC Sabathia and is signed for three more seasons. A trade for Haren most likely means that the Yankees will not sign Cliff Lee during the off season.

CC Sabathia, Andy Pettitte, Phil Hughes, A.J. Burnett, Javy Vazquez and Haren all in the same rotation? Can you say repeat?

Yankees 2010 Trade Target: Dan Haren

Dan Haren, RHP Arizona Diamondbacks
2010 season: 16 GS, 7-6, 4.65 ERA, 108.1 IP, 1.31 WHIP

Just recently, Dan Haren proved he belonged in the discussion when talking about elite pitchers in Major League Baseball. A 3-time All-Star, Haren has been the ace of the Arizona Diamonbacks for the past three seasons, as well as the ace of the Oakland Athletics in 2007.

After a strong junior season at Pepperdine University in California, where he posted a 2.22 ERA in 17 starts, Haren was a second round draft pick, 72nd overall, in the 2001 draft by the St. Louis Cardinals. It wouldn't be long however, before Haren would make it to the show. In 2002, his first year of pro ball, he made twenty-eight starts in 2002 in A-ball Peoria and Potomac. He finished his first season in 2002 with a 2.74 ERA. Regarded as one of the Cardinals' top prospects, he started the 2003 season in Double-AA Tennessee. Haren flashed dominance, making only just eight starts with a 6-0 record and a 0.82 ERA, before being promoted to Triple-AAA Memphis and eventually making it to the Major Leagues. At just 22, Haren made his major league debut in a start against then Giants' starter Jason Schmidt. He made 14 starts in 2003, going 3-7 with a 5.08 ERA. Prior to the start of 2004, Haren was assigned to Triple-AAA, making 21 starts and going 11-4 with a 4.15 ERA before being called up in September. Haren made the playoff roster for the Cardinals that year and pitched in the World Series twice against the Boston Red Sox, throwing 4.2 scoreless IP. The Cardinals were eventually swept, and it would be the last time Dan Haren would wear a St. Louis Cardinals uniform.

Before 2005, the Cardinals were made an offer they could never refuse. The Oakland Athletics were making LHP Mark Mulder, who was 17-8 with a 4.43 ERA in 2004 and had four straight seasons of 15 or more wins, available for trade. The Cardinals pounced, and acquired Mulder for Haren, RHP Kiko Calero and the Cardinals top hitting prospect, 1B Daric Barton. The trade looked like a steal at first, especially when in 2005, Haren's first full season in Oakland, when he went 14-12 with a 3.73 ERA meanwhile Mulder was 16-8 with a 3.64 ERA. However, in 2006 Mulder missed most of the season finishing at 6-7 with a 7.14 ERA and had to have Tommy John Surgery. He would never be the same pitcher again, making just six more win-less starts in his career before retiring in 2010. Meanwhile Haren looked like he was about to emerge, as he finished 2006 with 14 wins again, going 14-13 with a 4.12 ERA. 2007 however, was when Haren put himself in the discussion for elite pitchers. In 2007, Haren finished with a record of 15-9 with a 3.07 ERA in 222.2 IP with 192 (!!!) strikeouts. He was an AL All-Star for the first time, and was selected to start the All-Star Game in San Francisco that year. At the end of the season, with Oakland finishing in third place in AL West, there was speculation that the A's might trade Haren, who had raised his stock, in order to rebuild the team.

On December 14, 2007 Haren and RHP Connor Robertson, brother of current Yankees RHP David Robertson, were traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks for six top prospects: Carlos Gonzalez, Brett Anderson, Aaron Cunningham, Greg Smith, Dana Eveland and Chris Carter. All players, except for Carter who is now the A's top prospect, have made it to the major leagues. Gonzalez and Smith (Gonzalez is a budding superstar right now) were traded after their first years in Oakland to the Colorado Rockies for Matt Holliday. Eveland was designated for assignment following the 2009 season, but pitched for the Toronto Blue Jays and Pittsburgh Pirates in 2010. Cunningham was traded to the San Diego Padres. Only Anderson, who is now the ace of the A's, and Carter remain. Seeing as how all players have panned out to be very good big leaguers, and Haren has still been an ace, the trade was deemed equal for both sides. In his first year in Arizona in 2008, Haren posted a 16-8 record with a 3.33 ERA and struck out 206 (!!!) while making the NL All-Star team. He was rewarded with a contract extension, a four-year, $44.75 million contract with a team option for the 2013 season.

In 2009, Haren went 14-10, a sure drop-off in wins, but his ERA was lowered to 3.14 and his strikeout total increased from 206 to 223 (!!!). Haren was proving why he was making $8,250,000 million per season, as he made the NL All-Star Team for the second time. 2010 has not been as kind to Haren. He's currently 7-6 with a 4.65 ERA with an OBA of .280, his highest since his .293 mark his rookie season, but has 109 strikeouts pitching on a last place Arizona team. Recently the Diamondbacks have said they are not open to trade but many speculate that that will change soon, especially since they already traded Connor Jackson. Analysts have speculated that outside of OF Justin Upton and RHP Ian Kennedy, just about every D-back is available for trade, meaning Haren would be quite the commodity.

Haren throws a 91–94 mph fastball that has great movement. He also has a dirty, sharp split fastball. His splitter is his plus pitch and his main strikeout pitch. He also throws an occasional curveball and changeup, as well as a slider. In 2010, Haren has developed an 86-90 mph cut fastball that he credits for his success. Haren has excellent control of his pitches, resulting in one of the best K/BB ratios in the league. Haren's only flaw is that he is prone to giving up home runs. Haren's great ability to change speeds and throw any pitch on any count goes against scouting reports, making it incredibly hard to hit him.

I also gathered all information on Haren from MLBTradeRumors' posts on Haren.

- The Yankees, Twins, Nationals, Cardinals, and Tigers had scouts watching Dan Haren's most recent start.
- Arizona will probably not want to keep both Dan Haren and Edwin Jackson since they combine to make over $20MM next year, but Haren's value isn't what it once was. One baseball person told Rosenthal that "[Haren]'s not at the top of anyone's list, he's just another name.
- Dealing Dan Haren could help replenish Arizona's thin farm system, writes MLB.com's Steve Gilbert.
- Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times thinks Dan Haren would be a "perfect fit" for the Angels.
- Presumably, the D'Backs would have to be blown away by a package of multiple young arms to consider trading Dan Haren.
- The Diamondbacks have been meeting about making major changes because of their slow start, and one such move could involve trading ace Dan Haren for a boatload of prospects.
- Upton and Kennedy will not be dealt, and Mark Reynolds is likely to stay, but the D’Backs would consider moving others. They would listen on Dan Haren, though the club might prefer to keep him if they believe they can contend in the near future.

From MLBTradeRumors.
- On trading his players, from D-backs' GM Josh Byrnes: "We'll explore a lot of possibilities and see where we end up," said Byrnes. "I do think a lot of our players are guys we value and want to keep and I think if we're going to make trades, we'll have to get the type of things - particularly young pitching depth - that would make sense to us."
- On trading star players:"There's a good chance, yeah," Byrnes said. "We aren't where we need to be in the standings and as far as sort of the things we'd like to do to adjust the roster, there's also payroll considerations as we try to sort of get ready for next year."

Today, in Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe's: latest article, he listed that Haren has been made basically available and that teams have sent scouts to watch Haren pitch. Among the interested teams: The New York Yankees.

From Cafardo's article:
"1. Dan Haren, RHP, Diamondbacks — Scouts from the Yankees, Twins, Nationals, Cardinals, and Tigers all came out to watch his last start, a 9-3 loss to the Yankees in which he went seven innings and allowed six hits and three runs. It will be interesting to see whether the Diamondbacks wind up dealing their best starter and whether anyone will break the bank to get him."

Mike Silva of New York Baseball Digest responded to Cafardo's article:
"The Yankees are “in” the Cliff Lee sweepstakes, but only if the price drops to an acceptable level. If they offered a couple of second tier prospects to Arizona for Haren would they bite? Would Burnett’s struggles amp up their interest in aggressively pursuing a starter?"

So, it appears, despite the D-backs denying it, that Arizona is ready to trade their stars. And, not surprisingly, the Yankees are interested in Dan Haren. Haren, 29, would most likely be the No. 2 starter on the Yankees behind CC Sabathia. Due to A.J. Burnett's recent struggles, the Yankees may be willing to trade for Haren. Recently, until today's interest in Haren, the Yankees were connected to the Seattle Mariners' LHP Cliff Lee, seen as the best pitcher on the trading block who sports a 6-3 record with a 2.39 ERA (in the AL by the way) and has an OBA of .227! There's one obstacle with Lee however: he's set to be a free-agent at the end of the season and is interested in exploring the free-agent market, making it possible that if traded to New York that he could leave, although it's unlikely if that were to happen since the Yankees have the most money.

So why would trading for Haren make sense for the Yankees, especially when Lee could be traded for or signed in the off-season? Well for starters, Lee is 32 and Haren is 29. Pitchers tend to lose their effectiveness in their mid-30's, and Lee has only been a truly dominating effective pitcher since 2008, while Haren is still young enough to have dominant years left. Also, Haren is still signed through 2013, while Lee is a free-agent curious in exploring the market. Haren's making about $8.2 million per season and Lee, seeing as how dominant he's been recently, would demand at least $20 million per season. Technically, the Yankees could sign Lee as a free-agent, rather than paying the prospects in a trade for him or Haren during the season, which would make more sense for the future. In 2007, prior to the trade of Haren to Arizona, the Yankees were interested and scouted him. They didn't get him, obviously, but it shows that they were and still are, interested in Haren.

However, there is the cost of prospects that Haren could cost. Seeing the amount of talent that Arizona gave up for Haren in 2007, you'd have to imagine that they would demand the same quality prospects, especially from the Yankees. Dealing Haren would definitely help Arizona in attempts to rebuild, as they would get a boatload of prospects. Josh Byrnes said (see above) that the team wants to acquire young pitching depth. Arizona has said that they would have to be "blown away" to deal Haren. The D-backs value Haren very highly, as seen by his contract, which they would most likely be forced to pay in any trade. If the D-backs have to pay Haren's contract, then they would expect greater prospects. If they don't have to pay the contract, they would probably not expect as great prospects. For the Yankees that is a win, because they can afford to pay Haren, however their tight budget may force Arizona to pay the contract and the Yankees would have to pay with the prospects. That means that the Yankees would have to give up at least two top pitching prospects as well as a few position players. A likely trade would involve the Yankees giving up RHP Zach McCallister, RHP Andrew Brackman, C Austin Romine, and an INF such as Ramiro Pena. That's an awful lot to give up, seeing as McCallister, Brackman and Romine take up Nos. 2, 4, and 10 on their top prospects list. But, you have to give to get, and Haren is a once in an era talent. However, Haren is not having a stellar year, so the Yankees could use that to bargain with Arizona in order to lessen the prospects. One obstacle with acquiring Haren would be his desire to remain in Arizona, where he and his family reside all year. However, Haren does not have a no-trade clause in his contract, so Arizona can trade him anywhere without his say in the deal. So it's an obstacle, but a minor one that wouldn't really have any effect.

Haren would fit perfectly behind Sabathia in the Yankees rotation, and since he's signed through 2013, he'd be part of the team for future seasons. His presence would allow the Yankees to skip a few of Phil Hughes' starts this season in order to limit his innings. He's familiar with the American League when he played with Oakland, so he wouldn't be overwhelmed at first by American League hitting. A rotation of Sabathia, Haren, Burnett, Andy Pettitte, Javier Vazquez and Hughes would be the best rotation in baseball. For 2011, the Yankees would have four spots in their rotation settled with Sabathia, Haren, Burnett and Hughes because of Pettitte's free agency and chance of retirement. If Pettitte retires and Lee reaches free agency, and let's say the Yankees sign him, could you imagine that rotation? It's highly unlikely, but it's fun to think about. Haren would be a much cheaper option than Lee, salary wise.

So why would I rather acquire Haren than Lee? He's younger, cheaper, and signed through 2013. Giving up the prospects would hurt, but prospects are just that: prospects. They have projections, but it only matters if the prospect pans out and lives up to expectations (see Ben McDonald), so I'd be fine with giving up the prospects, just as long as Jesus Montero, Slade Heathcott and Manny Banuelos are not involved. Haren is familiar with the AL, so he'd be comfortable. As well, he's average almost 200 strikeouts per season since 2008, that's just dominance. Haren's one of my favorite pitchers and I'd love him to come to the Yankees.

If I'm the Yankees, I'm on the phone with Arizona right now trying to deal for Haren.

Yankees scouting RHP Dan Haren

According to Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe:

"1. Dan Haren, RHP, Diamondbacks — Scouts from the Yankees, Twins, Nationals, Cardinals, and Tigers all came out to watch his last start, a 9-3 loss to the Yankees in which he went seven innings and allowed six hits and three runs. It will be interesting to see whether the Diamondbacks wind up dealing their best starter and whether anyone will break the bank to get him."

I'll try to have a post up about Haren sometime tonight after the Yankee game, or some other time this week. Things are hectic, but I'll get it done!

Edwin Jackson's no-no in slow mow?

Yes, Edwin Jackson pitched a no-hitter last night against the Tampa Bay Rays, helping the Arizona Diamondbacks win 1-0. The fourth no-hitter of 2010, truly citing this as the season of the pitcher. However, this was not your average no-hitter, as Jackson walked eight men. The most interesting part? Jackson threw 149 pitches. Want something else? The Tampa Bay Rays are Jackson's old team. Think they regret trading him?

Yes, that's right. A no-hitter, based on eight walks and 149 pitches.

I scratched my head too.

The Tampa Bay Rays, carrying a 43-30 record for second place in the AL East behind the New York Yankees, were no-hit for the second time this year with Dallas Braden's perfect game and now Jackson's no-hitter. It's the third time in two seasons that the Rays have been no-hit going back to Mark Buehrle's perfect game last year.

Jackson, 26, walked eight in this game, including walking the bases loaded in the third inning with no one out. Like Mariano Rivera on Wednesday night, Jackson worked out of the jam, not surrendering a hit or run. Over 100 pitches later, Jackson placed himself in baseball immortality.

"It's one of those moments where you're just caught up in the moment. It's one of the craziest games I've had, especially the game starting off how it did. Not being able to find the strike zone with the fastball," Jackson said. "Good thing I could throw the slider for strikes in any count. It just resurrected my game."

"To be able to come back and give the crowd I used to play for something to see. Today is just a special day. Something I'll never forget," Jackson who add.

"He's a great athlete and a great kid. He's one of the very few who can do that," Tampa Bay manager Joe Maddon said of Jackson.

"He threw 150 pitches and it's rare to see that many walks and not score a run," Maddon added. "Our guys are just pressing too hard."

Diamondbacks' manager A.J. Hinch was credited for allowing Jackson to finish what he started and go for history, despite the amount of pitches that Jackson had thrown.

"All's well that ends well. We stopped counting at about 115," Diamondbacks manager A.J. Hinch said. "You do want to make smart decisions. You do have a chance at history and you don't want to take it away from him."

There's speculation that Jackson could be on a pitch count for this next start, or perhaps even skip it. With a last place team like Arizona, they could afford to let Jackson throw those 149 pitches. However, you have to hope that Jackson will be okay and that his arm heals accordingly. You don't want the reason he has arm problems to be because he threw 149 pitches for a no-hitter, especially at such a young age and with a great career ahead.

Then there is the forgotten opposing starter in this game, RHP Jeff Niemann who only gave up 1 run, Adam LaRoche's home run in the second inning, despite pitching 7.1 innings. Niemann, 27, suffered just his second loss of the year last night, dropping him to 6-2 with a 2.72 ERA. Jackson improved to 5-6 with a 4.63 ERA on the season.

So congratulations to Edwin Jackson for his no-hitter. It just goes to show you, that you can walk as many as eight batters in a game and throw 149 pitches, but if not one of those pitches is a hit, anything is possible. A "working man's" no-hitter.

A's acquire D-back's slugger Conor Jackson for minor leaguer

We have our first big trade of 2010.

On Tuesday, the Arizona Diamondbacks and Oakland Athletics agreed to a deal that would send D-backs outfielder/first baseman Conor Jackson to the A's for RHP Sam Demel.

After missing a majority of last season with Valley Fever, Co-Jack, 28, has returned this year batting .238 with 36 hits, 1 HR, and 11 RBI through 42 games this season while battling hamstring issues. A first round pick (19th overall) in 2003 out of the University of California, Jackson came upon the scene in 2005. From 2006-2008 he batted .291, .284, and .300 respectively. There were high hopes for Jackson to improve in 2009, however Valley Fever got the best of Jackson. He's been rumored to be non-tendered after this season.

A third round pick in 2007, Sam Demel now finds a new home with the D-backs. Through 22 games this year in AAA, Demel, 24, sports a record of 2-0 to go along with a 1.26 ERA, 6 SV, and 28 SO in 28.2 IP, giving up just 22 hits in those 28.2 IP. He's improved through each level of the minors, and looks to join the big league club soon. The D-backs have reportedly acquired Demel for pitching depth to bolster their bullpen.

A good trade for both sides, as the D-backs look to continuously blow up their team.