Valyekrin Posted July 13, 2005 Share Posted July 13, 2005 Plenty of suitors covet Burnett Jays' Chacin enticing trade possibility By Mike Berardino Staff writer Posted July 13 2005 DETROIT ? By no means are the Marlins resigned to dealing A.J. Burnett before month's end, but that hasn't stopped suitors from lining up for the prospective free agent. The Padres, White Sox and Blue Jays are the latest trio of contending clubs to express serious interest in the hard-throwing right-hander. Marlins scout Gene Watson was in Chicago over the weekend for the A's-White Sox series, and the Padres scouted Burnett's 14-strikeout outing last week in South Florida Of the three, it's the Blue Jays, reeling from the recent loss of ace Roy Halladay to a leg injury, who could wind up providing the best match. The Marlins are known to covet Toronto's rookie left-hander Gustavo Chacin, and a major league source said Tuesday the Blue Jays would be willing to part with him in a deal for Burnett. The key would be getting Burnett signed to a contract extension during a 72-hour negotiating window. "If [Toronto] could sign Burnett, the deal would get done now," the source said. While the Orioles have been portrayed as having the best chance to sign Burnett during the season, due mainly to his wife's Maryland roots, the Blue Jays should not be discounted. Jays pitching coach Brad Arnsberg is one of Burnett's closest friends, dating to their partnership with the Marlins in 2002-03. What's more, Blue Jays ownership has authorized General Manager J.P. Ricciardi to increase the club's payroll from $50 million to an average of $80 million the next two seasons. Ricciardi recently called Marlins GM Admin Beinfest and told him to check back with him before dealing Burnett. Those in Burnett's camp are intrigued and watching closely to see if a deal can be struck. The Jays, searching for another right-handed hitter, would have some interest in third baseman Mike Lowell should the Marlins insist on linking him to Burnett. Toronto also might be willing to take outfielder Juan Encarnacion in exchange for Frank Catalanotto, a left-handed hitter who could platoon with Jeff Conine. The Marlins have liked Catalanotto for years and tried to acquire him in August 2003 after Lowell suffered a broken hand. Several clubs have expressed trade interest in Catalanotto, who was batting .286 with four home runs in a part-time role. But it's Chacin, 24, who would be the key to any deal with the Jays. The stockily built Venezuelan is 7-5 with a 3.57 ERA that ranks 10th in the American League. He is making the major league minimum and wouldn't be eligible for salary arbitration for several more seasons. Lefty Ted Lilly and young right-hander David Bush are other starters the Jays would discuss, but the Marlins don't like either as much as Chacin. Before the Marlins trade Burnett, they must be certain they can find a suitable replacement in the rotation. That's why they have spent time discussing not only deals involving Burnett but side deals that could net his ultimate replacement. According to major league sources, the Marlins have expressed interest in right-handers Javier Vazquez (Diamondbacks), Bronson Arroyo (Red Sox), Aaron Harang (Reds), Josh Fogg (Pirates), Gil Meche (Mariners) and Jason Jennings (Rockies). Lefties Mike Maroth (Tigers) and ex-Marlin Mark Redman (Pirates) are other possibilities, although Redman can opt for free agency at season's end. Vazquez, a Marlins target last winter, would prefer to pitch closer to his Puerto Rico home and can demand a trade at season's end. He is signed through 2007 and due about $8 million a season after the Yankees' contribution is factored in. Meanwhile, former Yankees reliever Mike Stanton, released Monday, is expected to sign with a new team by Thursday. The Marlins continue to monitor the situation, but Houston, one of Stanton's top choices, has no interest. http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/sfl-bur...ports-headlines Alot of interesting new options that the Marlins are looking into, personally I would love to aquire Javier Vazquez or Mark Redman. But Chacin is a great option as well and will be cheap for a long time... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JonDigital Posted July 13, 2005 Share Posted July 13, 2005 if he could be packaged with frankie or hillenbrand that would work well for me Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Valyekrin Posted July 13, 2005 Author Share Posted July 13, 2005 if he could be packaged with frankie or hillenbrand that would work well for me 853748[/snapback] Oh I agree what a boost Hillenbrand would be, the man can just flat out hit. But I doubt they will be shopping him, he looks to be apart of there new nucleus. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JonDigital Posted July 13, 2005 Share Posted July 13, 2005 if he could be packaged with frankie or hillenbrand that would work well for me 853748[/snapback] Oh I agree what a boost Hillenbrand would be, the man can just flat out hit. But I doubt they will be shopping him, he looks to be apart of there new nucleus. 853753[/snapback] yeah its a shame. one can only hope. he would be a great young replacement for lowell. i really hate saying that. replacement for lowell :banghead Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fishfan79 Posted July 13, 2005 Share Posted July 13, 2005 I am curious what else they have in their farm system. I will look into it and see what else the blue jays might be offering today if this is true Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marlins2003 Posted July 13, 2005 Share Posted July 13, 2005 We already have a replacement for Lowell, his name is Miguel Cabrera. The whole point of the exercise is to get Miggy out of the outfield and into the infield where he's not a defensive liability. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JonDigital Posted July 13, 2005 Share Posted July 13, 2005 We already have a replacement for Lowell, his name is Miguel Cabrera. The whole point of the exercise is to get Miggy out of the outfield and into the infield where he's not a defensive liability. 853782[/snapback] good point i totally forgot about that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fishfan79 Posted July 13, 2005 Share Posted July 13, 2005 personally I wouldnt mind giving them Lowell and AJ for Vernon Wells and Chacin wells is a possible 5 tool player. High possibilities there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Marlin Man Posted July 13, 2005 Share Posted July 13, 2005 haha, no way they give up wells and chacin.....no way they give up wells at all, that would be such a steal for us Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fishfan79 Posted July 13, 2005 Share Posted July 13, 2005 77. Brandon League - RHP Blue Jays - Age 22 - ETA: Now Previous rankings: 2004 #127, mid-2004 --- 6-4, 3.38 ERA, 92 H, 90/41 K/BB in 104 IP for Double-A New Hampshire 1-0, 0.00 ERA, 3 H, 2/1 K/BB in 4 2/3 IP for Toronto The Blue Jays haven?t given up on League as a starting pitcher, but the 2001 second-round pick was shifted to the pen in Double-A last season and could enter this year as a late-inning option alongside Justin Speier and Jason Frasor. If it turns out he isn?t ready to help Toronto, then maybe he?ll be sent down to work out of Triple-A Syracuse?s rotation. League throws in the upper 90s as a reliever and the mid-90s as a starter, and he also features a slider and a changeup. He has the potential to be dominant in whatever role the Jays choose for him. 98. Aaron Hill - SS Blue Jays - Age 23 - ETA: April 2006 Previous rankings: none .279/.368/.410, 11 HR, 80 RBI, 61/63 K/BB, 3 SB in 480 AB for Double-A New Hampshire .315/.372/.426, 2 HR, 22 RBI, 13/9 K/BB, 2 SB in 108 AB for Peoria (AFL) Hill, drafted 13th overall in 2003, could be only a year away from pushing his way into Toronto?s lineup. His numbers have been less than stellar so far, but he?s still expected to add power, and once that happens, he?ll be a complete offensive player. It?s finding a position for him that could be difficult. With Eric Hinske?s stock fading, it had begun to appear that Hill was Toronto?s third baseman of the future. The Corey Koskie signing changed that. Unless Orlando Hudson has a breakout year, he might be moved to open up second base for Hill in 2006. However, I think Hudson is on his way to establishing himself as a very good regular. Hill lacks the range to be an above average shortstop, but he could spend a couple of years there, depending on what happens with Russ Adams. not much in their farm system at the beggining of the year via rotoworld Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JonDigital Posted July 13, 2005 Share Posted July 13, 2005 77. Brandon League - RHP Blue Jays - Age 22 - ETA: Now Previous rankings: 2004 #127, mid-2004 --- 6-4, 3.38 ERA, 92 H, 90/41 K/BB in 104 IP for Double-A New Hampshire 1-0, 0.00 ERA, 3 H, 2/1 K/BB in 4 2/3 IP for Toronto The Blue Jays haven?t given up on League as a starting pitcher, but the 2001 second-round pick was shifted to the pen in Double-A last season and could enter this year as a late-inning option alongside Justin Speier and Jason Frasor. If it turns out he isn?t ready to help Toronto, then maybe he?ll be sent down to work out of Triple-A Syracuse?s rotation. League throws in the upper 90s as a reliever and the mid-90s as a starter, and he also features a slider and a changeup. He has the potential to be dominant in whatever role the Jays choose for him. 98. Aaron Hill - SS Blue Jays - Age 23 - ETA: April 2006 Previous rankings: none .279/.368/.410, 11 HR, 80 RBI, 61/63 K/BB, 3 SB in 480 AB for Double-A New Hampshire .315/.372/.426, 2 HR, 22 RBI, 13/9 K/BB, 2 SB in 108 AB for Peoria (AFL) Hill, drafted 13th overall in 2003, could be only a year away from pushing his way into Toronto?s lineup. His numbers have been less than stellar so far, but he?s still expected to add power, and once that happens, he?ll be a complete offensive player. It?s finding a position for him that could be difficult. With Eric Hinske?s stock fading, it had begun to appear that Hill was Toronto?s third baseman of the future. The Corey Koskie signing changed that. Unless Orlando Hudson has a breakout year, he might be moved to open up second base for Hill in 2006. However, I think Hudson is on his way to establishing himself as a very good regular. Hill lacks the range to be an above average shortstop, but he could spend a couple of years there, depending on what happens with Russ Adams. not much in their farm system at the beggining of the year via rotoworld 853790[/snapback] hey thanks for doing the research on that one!! good info :thumbup Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Marlin Man Posted July 13, 2005 Share Posted July 13, 2005 hill is on the big club now and they love him, no way we get him either i think what we get is chacin and fankie....if we send them lowell too then i think we should get another player Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fishfan79 Posted July 13, 2005 Share Posted July 13, 2005 anytime. Baseball america pretty much had the same pair anyways. Just a bit different ranking numbers. Like I said though, I would aim for Vernon Wells and Chacin. That Wells kid is gonna be something special. But, he is a team captain and has problems with the media up there supposedly. So not sure if he is tradable. Plus Wells also looked up to Carlos, perhaps a matching up of them again could do something good for the kid. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Marlin Man Posted July 13, 2005 Share Posted July 13, 2005 NO WAY THEY TRADE WELLS he is there miguel cabrera, except already making good money and much older Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ramp Posted July 13, 2005 Share Posted July 13, 2005 anytime. Baseball america pretty much had the same pair anyways. Just a bit different ranking numbers. Like I said though, I would aim for Vernon Wells and Chacin. That Wells kid is gonna be something special. But, he is a team captain and has problems with the media up there supposedly. So not sure if he is tradable. Plus Wells also looked up to Carlos, perhaps a matching up of them again could do something good for the kid. 853795[/snapback] and why do they move Vernon Wells? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marlins2003 Posted July 13, 2005 Share Posted July 13, 2005 Allow me to throw another name in the hat. One that may not be popular. Milton Bradley. While still on the DL, but ready for minor league rehab, he recently took BP three days in a row without pain. The Dodgers are in desperate need of a calming influence in their clubhouse and a Mike Lowell might provide that. Packaging Lowell (+cash) with a minor league prospect like Reed or Vargas (used for illustration purposes only) or even a Chris Aguila, might provide the incentive Podesta needs to continue rebuilding his team. Bradley is no saint, but his bat is what we want, doesn't strike out frequently, he works counts, and if Jack can gt him under control, might be one of pieces we need to make a bonafide run in the second half. A trade like that would allow the Marlins to keep their other tradebait (AJ, Enc) intact for other moves. If anyone wants to object, be my guest, I'm just throwing it out there for discussion. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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