Heyman mentions that the Mariners wanted Montero for Washburn. As if.

The injuries to Kennedy, Horne, Kontos, McAllister (tired arm?), Marshall, and the slow recovery from TJ surgery of Brackman, Garcia, Sanchez (no recovery?), and Cox (retirement resulting from a less than full recovery), have really depleted their depth that can be used as trading chips.

Apparently, TJ surgery isn't as easy to recover from has some had suggested, and the number of injuries to the Yankees' pitching prospects raises the possibility that there could be something other than back luck involved.

[1] The Nady/Marte trade also depleted their depth, which was in part it's intention, to make room for the better younger arms, but it's worth remembering they traded three pitchers in that deal.

As for Brackman, etc. Don't blame the surgery, there was more than just a torn elbow ligament wrong with some of those guys. Garcia can't stay healthy period. Brackman had no track record, he was a pure scouting pick . . .

Washburn is a great pick up for the Tigers...I think that really sets them up nicely in the Central.

The Yankees are really hampered in these trades because they have a few top prospects and then major league ready pitchers who might be better than the trade targets.

Heyman's follow-up on the Washburn news:

The Yankees are pessimistic about doing anything major now after losing out to the Tigers for left-handed starter Jarrod Washburn, and will monitor the waiver wire to try to add someone after the waiver deadline.

Washburn had been hoping to go to the Yankees, but is OK with Detroit. The Yankees are seen as a team that may try to sign him in the winter, as are the Brewers.

[1][2] The Montero thing is ridiculous, not sure where Heyman got that info, but if his name was mentioned, it must have been in jest.

But as Cliff rightly points out, the basic problem with pitching prospects, especially ones down in A, is that they are so far away from being ready for MLB, that so much can go wrong or right. The internet has been great for exposing us to prospects, but has also made it so that certain players get way overvalued.

When Yankee fans start declaring any trade proposal involving the likes of Brackman and Betences ludicrous and that those two are untouchables, you know that things are out of whack a bit.They are so far away and such projects, that the seemingly automatic assumption of late that they are too good to trade away clouds everything.

The fact of the matter is that so few prospects ever actually make the majors let alone become good, and one only has to look back two years at the list of top Yankees prospects to bear that out. There are very few truly untouchable prospects, and right now Montero is really the only one in the minors.

What the hell are the Mariners doing? They traded a bunch of prospects (I have no idea how good) for crappy MLB starters, then turn around and deal Washburn, their best starter and arguably best player this year,

Some handwringing out there that now the Yanks have to possibly face Washburn, and in his career, he's killed the Yanks (sub-3.00 ERA in 88 IP). Fortunately, the Yanks have hit Washburn - and lefties in general - far, far better this year than they have in years.

While I think Washburn would have been a good pickup, I also think his super job this year is due in part to Seattle's phenomenal OF defense was. The Yanks' OF defense is good, but not that good. Without knowing how the Tigers' corner OFs play (Granderson in CF is of course excellent), Washburn might find his numbers go down with Detroit.

[1] Chad Jennings blogged that Mark Newman said McAllister had been shut down for a bit because he was starting to get up there in terms of his innings.

[6] Washburn ws likely gone after the year, so they had no choice there. Some of their other deals are bewildering, although the Ms seem to value defense and Jack Wilson is definitely a good SS.

[6] King Felix scoffs at your ignorance of his performance vs Washburn. ;)

Yeah, it does seem a little crazy, but I could see their moves as being far more about 2010 than 2009.

[8][9] I just don't understand why they would pose as "buyers," out by 7 games, and trade away prospects, then turn around and trade Washburn. if he was gone this year, they should have just packed up started trading everybody.

Then again, maybe they highly value lousy former Pirates who, according to William, play good defense (I honestly have little idea about the players involved).

Cashman will pull of a minor deal or two--my bet is a reliever, and then we will see some sort of Hughes-to-rotation maneuver (perhaps in a switch with Joba). But you know he really wants a starter.

If you're talking about Washburn, monkeypants, then this is an awfully good trade, hard to pass up. French might be as good as Washburn for the next couple months.

According to RAB:

Via Chad Jennings, the Yanks have called up Shelley Duncan. No word on a corresponding move, but most likely either Jon Albaladejo or Mark Melancon will be optioned out. Calling up Shelley also requires a 40-man roster move, but they can easily slide Xavier Nady or Chien-Ming Wang to the 60-day DL. Scheduled to face three lefty starters the next three games, expect to see Shelley get himself a handful at bats.

I am a bit surprised they did not wait until after the trade deadline to make a roster move. Also, since Ace has been hurting, I might have been tempted to send him down (does he have options).

Oh, and Jack Wilson is currently the #1 defensive shortstop in the league.

Um, now I can't source that. I saw a reference to Bill James Online, but that's behind a pay wall.

[12] Interesting...then the Mariners may have pulled a real coup if they can "compete" just as much this year and build for the future at the same time. I guess I would need to know more about whom they traded to Pittsburgh, to get a real sense of their plan (if they have one).

There was a Freddy Sanchez sweepstakes?

[14] He's also 31, with a season 84 OPS+ and career 79 OPS+. Unless he is Ozzie Smith, I'm not sure he's the solution for today, let alone the future.

this just isn't a trade deadline without wondering if the red sox are going to trade manny.

i hope this is a good trade for the m's - i'd like the angels to have to start working harder for the al west. i'm still not sure how to think about texas.

[16] Yes, and the Giants lost.

[17] I didn't say I wished we got him! I just meant, "good defensive SS" is an understatement.

[17] A run saved = a run earned.

The M's seem to be going with the "pitching and defense" route as much as anything else. They don't have the prospects to have a '99 Indians-type killer offense. The upgrade from Yuni Betancourt (worst defensive SS in MLB) to Wilson, just on defense and how it helps their pitchers (recall that King Felix in particular is a good groundball pitcher), is immense. My guess is it far outweighs Wilson's sub-par offense - which is also immensely better then Betancourt.

Smart moves for Jack Z and Co in Seattle.

From Rotoworld regarding an A. Gonzalez deal:

Clay Buccholz, Jed Lowrie and Justin Masterson are all involved in the deal. The Padres are also asking for Ryan Westmoreland and Lars Anderson. It's a massive price, but the Red Sox knew what they were getting into when they first struck up discussions for the 27-year-old Gonzalez.

Part of me doesn't want the Sox to get better, but another part wants this deal to get done. If all four names are involved, it would be a massive haul for the Padres. Gonzalez might be as good as Teixeira, but instead of just signing him as FA, the Sox will wind up selling the farm for a similar player.

[4] Is it a bad thing that I've come to associate "monitor the waiver wire" with "Here comes Ponson!"

Claudio Vargas to the Brewers. I thought he was on the Brewers already.

Somehow this is a "Trade Deadline Headline"

There was a sweepstakes for Sanchez because the Twins, Giants, and Cubs all had huge holes at second base and all are within reach of a playoff spot. Sanchez was the best player available to fill those holes. With Sanchez having gone to the Giants, the Twins just picked up Orlando Cabrera and will thus pour all of their middling shortstops into their second base hole and hope it helps fill it. The Cubs are still waiting for Mike Fontenot's bat to come around . . .

[23] Claudio Vargas was on the Brewers in 2007. Mets last year. Dodgers this year. Now back to the Brewers. Jason Vargas is still on the Mariners. Carlos Villanueva has always been a Brewer.

[21] Twitter tells me the Red Sox are about to get Victor Martinez, so I'm guessing the Gonzalez deal isn't happening. I'll bet Buccholz is the big piece moving to Cleveland.

Looks like the Sox picked up VMart. It depends on the price, but that's not exactly a great deal in my book. He has a 116 OPS+ and is coming off a season at 85. His age suggests he is passing his prime years, so a return to 2004-2007 might not be realistic.

[26] That's the rumor. Personally, I don't think Buchholz is as great as he has been made out to be, but if I am wrong, that's a huge price to pay for VMart, especially when you consider he may have been a centerpiece for the likes of Santana.

It feels weird as a Yankee fan to be such a bystander at the deadline. The team definitely needs another starter...I really hope they can address that need or begin to move Hughes back to the rotation.

Speaking of Fontenot, remember last year when someone (Buster Olney?) did an article on how the Yankees waste their draft picks for FA signings, and one of the examples he used was signing Mike Mussina and losing a draft pick that became Mike Fontenot?

As for Vargas, that was a combination of me really thinking he was on the Brewers and really not caring enough about Claudio Vargas to confirm that.

Arroyo admitted to taking PEDS in 2003 with the Red Sox. Maybe Merloni and Crawford were right?

Martinez is cheap, with a club option next year.
I'll be really interested to see what they give up for him. It could be somewhat costly in morale, since they don't actually have a slot for Martinez. Will 'Tek get lots of bench time, or will Lowell, or each get a big share? I can't believe they're giving up a whole lot.

AFAICT, Bucholz nor Bard is going to Cleveland in the VMart deal.

[6] French is as good as Washburn, is cheaper, and will be with the organization for the next few years

[32] One hour and fifteen until my prediction come true!

He's a nice fit for the Sox inasmuch as Varitek is not so good (though he is having a a better season this year, no?). But it all depends on what they give up, as you intimate.

Is anyone following on MLB.com?

If so, how many are...

1. ...somewhat surprised that Duquette is giving away some "insider" info on deals and potential deals? I wonder if other GMs are unhappy about this.

2. ...amused that Duquette's stories seem to end in an admission that he screwed up some or other deal?

[33] One report says the price was LHP Nick Hagadone and RHP Justin Masterson. While Bard has definitely raised his stock, Hagadone was actually rated by many as a better prospect going into the season. Along with Lars Anderson, Buchholz and Bard are probably the three that Boston didn't want to give up, but Cleveland still did very well in this deal.

As for Boston, the price on Adrian Gonzalez was silly, so VMart was really their best option. Because of how much their offense has struggled, I don't think Theo had much of a choice. The only problem I see is that VMart, whose career OPS+ of 118 is very good, but not great, really doesn't have an open slot. Right now, you have Lowell at 3B (107 OPS+) , Varitek at C (104 OPS+) and Ortiz at DH (87 OPS+)...and one of them will likely have to sit to make room for Vmart. Unless Ortiz is the odd man out, the upgrade might not be that great. Regardless, Francona will have to really stroke some egos.

Damn...the Dodgers talking to the Pads about Adrian Gonzalez.

Harold Reynolds is all wound up, too...

[2] The pitchers that went in the Marte/Nady deal (Karstens, Ohlendorf, McCutchen ) would have had trouble remaining on the 40 man roster.

They drafted Brackman and traded for Sanchez knowing that TJ surgery was almost a certainty. They gave Brackman a ML contract and Cash said he turned down six other deals to accept the Tigers' offer of Sanchez. Yet neither looks like they are on track to help the Yankees any time soon if ever. As a result, I'm questioning the idea that recovery from surgery has become almost routine,

On the larger point, it seems like an inordinate number of Yankee pitching prospects get hurt. Maybe that's within the bounds of what is normal, but maybe there is something wrong with the way they develop pitching prospects.

[36] Completely agree.
That's what I was saying about making room for V-Mart. Anyone who thinks 'Tek will now be the backup just doesn't understand the Red Sox. It's not going to happen. (Next year, maybe.)
You're right about who they didn't want to trade. Also Casey Keller, also Michael Bowden. (Of all these, Anderson is probably the best bet since his type of player is most predictable.) Masterson is a good relief pitcher, but definitely expendable, and I think Theo is smart to trade relief pitchers. I won't even bother to explain why since I think almost everyone here agrees with my reasons.

Oh, good prediction, monkeypants. I'm almost ready to deem Halladay a Blue Jay for the rest of the year.

Here's my prediction: it's Lowell who will have to give up playing time for Martinez.

[41] Interestingprediction. He would suddenly become the best BUC in the league, I think.

[42] He would.
And he gives them flexibility and a good bat off the bench. It definitely helps the team.

By the way, I am posting from a Peter Pan bus to Logan airport. Who knew you could get wifi on a Peter Pan bus?

[40] Hitting propsects are definitely more valuable, all things being equal, which is why Montero had to be untouchable. By all accounts, Montero is a can't miss bat. If he and AJ make the big club, the Yankees are in pretty good shape.

As I understand it, Victor Martinez is a professional hitter.

[45] I like Martinez, but I am not sure at what point he became a super star.

I wonder if Theo pissed off JP enough that he'd be willing to trade Halladay for IPK :)

[45] People get paid for that??

[45] i love professional hitters

[34] when i saw the sidebar with a ? next to halladay - i thought, not if mp's prediction comes true!

we just got Jerry Hairston, Jr. not sure for what/who/how much. i guess he'll backup Melky...

Dave Pinto says LaRoche is moving as part of the Martinez deal. Makes sense. (He didn't say LaRoche would go to Cleveland, just that he's leaving the Sox.)

[50] Please say it's Scott Hairston. Junior is really an awful baseball player.

laroche is back on the braves. not sure what boston got back yet...

[52] sorry, man. scott woulda been nice...

[45] i'm a professional hitter...of sorts.

[48] can i get paid for that?!

[53] Huh!
Well, good, that means they didn't get much. Wren doesn't get fleeced, right?

[55] Dude, thank your lucky stars every day that you get paid for what you do...

barf on jerry harriston jr and his ops+ of 82
guess his skill is he plays multiple positions

[52] He's a useful part, I hope his acquisition doesn't mean that Garner will miss an extended period of time.

MLB Trade Rummer is reporting "The Yankees acquired Jerry Hairston Jr. from the Reds, according to Joel Sherman of NY Post."

Jerry Hairston Jr plays 3rd base for the Reds

[58] ...badly though.

His OBP is hovering around .305 this year, ugh.

Hairston > Ransom

LaRoche went for Casey Kotchman.
Huh. I don't get that one. Same player!

Besides Nick Hagedone Cleveland gets Bryan Price. Both high-K pitchers.

[61] 'Hovering' is not the word you wanted. Try 'wallowing'.

[57] i absolutely do! then again, i've worked incredibly hard and compromised/sacrificed so much of my life to do what i love to do. i know i'm fortunate to make a living playing/teaching/recording music. no doubt. things are slow right now, but they'll pick up. baseball money is insane...

[63] same player indeed!

[62] but is he as interesting?
plus he has to actually be played at 3b

I hope Hairston can still play very good defense because otherwise he is a zero.

Rolen to the Reds

Interesting, look at the monthly OPS splits for V-Mart:

April: 1.082
May: .881
June: .802
July: .530

Obviously the Red Sox looked into it, but you have to wonder if he's entirely healthy.

That Hairston one is a stinker. How about a closer to pitch in front of Mo?!?!

what are the sox going to do with kotchman - flip him to someone who didn't like laroche?
or keep him as a part-time 1b/dh in case papi imposes his 100 game suspension this year?

[69] There are alot of warning signs on Vmart. He hits much better as a lefty, which isn't great for Fenway. He has had enough nagging injuries to make it unlikely he can catch more than 100 games. Also, this year he is hitting very poorly as a catcher. Vmart is a good hitter, but not much more. The Sox paid a lot...it seems to be a trade that is out of character for them. Now, watch him hit 5 HRs against the Yankees.

Seems like teams are making big splashes except for the Yanks :(

[66] There are times when Ransom can't play 3B.

I prefer Pena and AJack, just as I want Hughes in the rotation and Melancon to get a bigger role in the pen.

[65] I don't doubt it, thelarmis.

[73] Well, the Yankees did spend $450 million over the winter.

[73] Not trading Hughes, Joba, AJ and Montero will make us all happy by 2011 when they are the "new core".

[74] There are times when Ransom can’t play 3B.
Yes. 7:05 - 10:30 PM on weekdays.

[76] Because the Yankees spent a few extra million on Tex, they weren't faced with unloading the farm for Adrian Gonzalez.

[78] I was going to say, "yeah....game time".

anybody know what we gave up for the immeasurable pleasure of having Hairston on our baseball team?

[77] [79] Also, we're the front-runners this year.
No big July moves may be a little dull, but it's a good sign.

[82] The Yankees could have used Washburn or a reliever, but other than that, I think this is the strongest they have been in a while (assuming they manage Hughes and Joba smartly down the stretch).

(76) so they're going to stop spending money now?

[74] yeah i'd prefer pena back or maybe even trotting hinske out there in a game his bat would have value
i was more being snarky abuot the possibility that hairston will get time in the of

Only bad part of Halladay staying in Toronto is the Yanks will face him on Tuesday.

[83] I feel like a little kid who didn't get much for his birthday, but then thinks back to Christmas and remembers how much he still loves the toys he got.

i hope Smoltz gets knocked around tonight at Camden Yards...

Pontoon vs. Rays = that can't end well or in our favor...

i texted with Cult a bunch yesterday. he's outta town for the weekend and away from the intertubes and games. he says hi to everyone and really wanted to be here yesterday to talk about the Roid Sox. i'm sure he wanted to be here today for the trade deadline, as well, not to mention the games. i'll fill him in tomorrow...

[78] *zing*

(77) AJ and Montero in 2011? You think they are can’t miss major leaguers?
I hope so, it would be outstanding!!

jays get edwin encarnacion and a minor leaguer for rolen.

well, i guess that's it. past 4pm...

You go Cashman, with your "players from within the system!"

Make sure Duncan plants Pershithead in the cheapseats on a play at the plate several times over the next three days... all "clean" of course!

: )

Marlins acquired Johnson for Double A lefty Aaron Thompson, with the Nats paying Johnson's remaining salary.

Montero is a can't miss bat. AJack's ceiling is more questionable.

[89] Very cool, say HI from me. (And please tell him I was posting from a bus to the airport. For some reason I'm getting a huge kick out of it.)

[91] Not "can't miss", but sluggers are more predictable than, e.g., pitchers. I'll be really surprised if Montero isn't a real contributor.

This is from Rotoworld...it CAN'T be right.

According to MLB.com's Jonathan Mayo, Austin Jackson may be on his way to Cincinnati to complete the Yankees' trade for Jerry Hairston Jr.

No way that's right.

[97] Ugh. I really wish you hadn't posted that. I'm about to be incommunicado for god knows how long and I'll be fretting about it.

No, Cashman is not an idiot or a traitor. No.

[97] that's beyond insane. either better be totally false or someone else better be headed over to the yanks - and by someone else i mean a t least a real major league player

[99] you headed to australia riyank?