The Erik Bedard rumor mill (1 Viewer)

[Finless]

Looks like the Sox and Yanks are the tops in the mix

Link

Johan Santana has drawn much of the attention this week, but he is not the only left-handed pitcher in whom the Red Sox [team stats] have expressed significant interest.

In some ways, Erik Bedard makes more sense.

According to industry sources, the Red Sox and New York Yankees thus far have made the best offers for Bedard, a 28-year-old who is realizing his potential with the Baltimore Orioles. The primary obstacle in any deal involving the Sox or Yankees is the reluctance of Baltimore owner Peter Angelos to trade within the division, even though the Orioles seem intent on embarking on a full youth movement.

So why, then, would the Orioles trade Bedard, who was arguably the best left-hander in the American League last season? Excellent question. But with the O’s seeking to trade Miguel Tejada, among others, Bedard could bring a package of good young players comparable to what the Twins might be able to secure for Santana.

In such a scenario, the rebuilding O’s could truly start from the ground up while lowering payroll considerably.

Pitching for an abysmal Baltimore team in a hitters’ ballpark last season, Bedard had a better ERA (3.16) than either AL Cy Young Award winner C.C. Sabathia (3.21) or Santana (3.33). Bedard also averaged an AL-leading 10.93 strikeouts per nine innings pitched, blowing away both Santana (9.66) and Sabathia (7.80), while finishing with a 13-5 record and 182 innings pitched.

Also, unlike Santana, Bedard is not eligible for free agency until after the 2009 season. And because Bedard does not have nearly the resume that Santana does, he could be signed to a far more reasonable contract than the estimated six-year, $150 million deal Santana seeks.

Still, Angelos’ reluctance to deal in the AL East is not the only potential obstacle in the deal. Talent is another. According to one major league source, the Orioles recently discussed Bedard with the Los Angeles Dodgers and asked for a package of prospects that included 23-year-old outfielder Matt Kemp, third baseman Andy LaRoche and 19-year-old left-hander Clayton Kershaw, the last of whom was the Dodgers’ first-round pick in 2006 and reached Double A at the end of last season.

Reportedly, the Dodgers rejected Baltimore’s proposal out of hand.

While it is unclear what particular prospects the Sox have discussed with Baltimore, the Orioles have some of the same wants and needs as the Minnesota Twins, to whom the Sox were willing to deal, in an array of scenarios, Jon Lester [stats], Clay Buchholz or Jacoby Ellsbury. From the start, however, the Sox made it clear to Minnesota that they would deal only one of those three top-level prospects.

In addition to a starting pitcher and center fielder, the O’s also are believed to be in the market for a first baseman, shortstop and closer. The Sox could address some of those needs with players like minor league infielder Jed Lowrie and reliever Manny Delcarmen, among others.

Bedard’s health is somewhat of a concern, too. He has never pitched as many as 200 innings in a season and finished 2007 on the disabled list with an oblique injury. Bedard also had tendon-transplant (or Tommy John) surgery early in his career, though he has clearly bounced back from that problem.

By all indications, Bedard’s salary for 2008 would be somewhere in the range of $6 million-$7 million. The pitcher avoided arbitration last offseason by agreeing to a one-year, $3.4 million contract with the Orioles. Because any team would have until the end of 2009 to sign Bedard to an extension, it could be argued that he comes with less long-term risk than Santana, who would require a contract extension from any team trading for him.

 

[wilked]

Santana light?

Frankly, I would rather have Bedard

 

[Reaper]

Santana light?Frankly, I would rather have Bedard

It should be pretty easy.. Baltimore knows what offers were "out there"... I doubt anyone ponys up more for Bedard... Either do it or don't.

 

[Finless]

Santana light?Frankly, I would rather have Bedard

At the price yes, but he's not Johan. Are you suggesting if they were the same price you'd take Bedard? The guy was monster this year and pretty solid the year before but Santana he's not. I'd love to get him but the tag is going to be steep.

 

[shadyridr]

Santana light?Frankly, I would rather have Bedard

He gets hurt quite a bit. Anyway I think I agree

 

[Balco]

Santana light?Frankly, I would rather have Bedard

He gets hurt quite a bit. Anyway I think I agree

Bedard is going to cost 17 to 20 a year. Great pitcher. Not sure that the O's asking price would be much different than the Twins.

 

[EZD222]

Santana light?Frankly, I would rather have Bedard

He gets hurt quite a bit. Anyway I think I agree

I'd be hesitant about him since he's never thrown over 200 innings.

 

[DropKick]

Heard on the radio the Orioles have said he won't be traded within the AL East.

 

[Balco]

Heard on the radio the Orioles have said he won't be traded within the AL East.

I know Angelos isn't exactly intelligent, but that is a horrible decision, if true. Not only does it not maximize return, it also tells other teams they need not worry about a whole division in this deal. It's not like the O's will seriously be competing this year or next.

 

[dparker713]

Heard on the radio the Orioles have said he won't be traded within the AL East.

I know Angelos isn't exactly intelligent, but that is a horrible decision, if true. Not only does it not maximize return, it also tells other teams they need not worry about a whole division in this deal. It's not like the O's will seriously be competing this year or next.

Well, its not smart to announce, but its a pretty sound idea to do.

 

[NY/NJMFDIVER]

Heard on the radio the Orioles have said he won't be traded within the AL East.

I know Angelos isn't exactly intelligent, but that is a horrible decision, if true. Not only does it not maximize return, it also tells other teams they need not worry about a whole division in this deal. It's not like the O's will seriously be competing this year or next.

And furthermore, you can just do a 3 way deal behind their back, shouldn't necessarily matter that much

 

[Balco]

Heard on the radio the Orioles have said he won't be traded within the AL East.

I know Angelos isn't exactly intelligent, but that is a horrible decision, if true. Not only does it not maximize return, it also tells other teams they need not worry about a whole division in this deal. It's not like the O's will seriously be competing this year or next.

Well, its not smart to announce, but its a pretty sound idea to do.

I could see if the Orioles had any shot of competing next year, but this team is a ways away from being a true contender. Just take a look at that O! The only player worth keeping around right now is Nick Markakis. Roberts and Tejada are still solid, but won't be around when they hope to compete. Check out the starters and bullpen too. If you are Angelos, you get maximum value, regardless of team.

 

[avoiding injuries]

Bedard was shut down at the end of last year because the O's weren't going anywhere. The injury cost him a chance at the Cy, and the O's didn't want to risk anything. He could have gotten 200 innings.

I agree that you want the best return as possible. But I really don't want to be facing this guy so many times a year for the next 10 years if he's dealt within the division. It burned me up when Mussina went to the Yankees even though they haven't won squat since he got there. In Mussina's case, we didn't get anything in return. At least if we trade him in the division, we'll be taking some prospects from our competition. Cancels out I guess.

 

[On The Rocks]

This would be awesome but at what price?

Rumors involving the Reds and Bedard:

Don't count Reds out for Bedard; Starter could be missing piece

When the Reds left the winter meetings in Nashville on Thursday, there was a sense that their mission had failed.

They had gone to Nashville expressly to get a starting pitcher. The effort focused on getting Erik Bedard.

Though Bedard remains a Baltimore Oriole, the Reds have not given up on him.

In fact, there are people in the organization confident that the deal will get done. One rated the chances at 75 percent.

General manager Wayne Krivsky let trade talks rest Friday. He planned to make calls Saturday night and today.

"We're still talking," he said. "There are still some things out there."

It's not a stretch to say that next season's success hinges on getting someone like Bedard.

If the Reds can land Bedard, they instantly become a contender in the National League Central.

In fact, they'd probably be picked right behind the Chicago Cubs.

If they don't land him, the Reds probably will be picked fourth or fifth. That's not to say they couldn't surprise people.

But they'd be a much more solid bet with Bedard between Aaron Harang and Bronson Arroyo in the rotation.

The Reds will have to give up a lot to get Bedard. Ownership is steadfast that Jay Bruce will not be included in any deal. Though Krivsky says there are no untouchables, there's no deal that will pry Bruce away.

If Bruce isn't in the deal, Homer Bailey probably will be. One of the reasons the Reds are willing to part with Bailey and not Bruce is a lot of people in the organization rate Johnny Cueto as highly or more so than Bailey.

The Reds don't have an outfielder in the minor leagues in Bruce's class.

But it will take more than Bailey to get the deal done. The Reds would have to include someone like Joey Votto or Josh Hamilton as well as a prospect.

Should the Reds trade away so much of the future to try to win in 2008?

I think they have to.

Bedard is 28, not 38, so they could count on him to be part of the rotation for a long time.

Fans are tired of the status quo - which for the last seven years has been losing.

After last season's debacle, another bad season might erode the season-ticket base.

As the Reds stand right now, it's going to be difficult to break the cycle of losing. Signing Francisco Cordero did wonders for the bullpen. But the rotation is shaky.

You've got Harang and Arroyo and a lot of question marks.

Can Matt Belisle become a consistent starter? Is Bailey ready to take the next step? Will someone emerge and take over the fifth spot?

Put Bedard in the mix and it changes everything. He'd give the Reds a left-hander in the rotation. His numbers last season - 13-5, 3.17 ERA, 221 strikeouts in 182 innings - are on par with Harang's (16-6, 3.73 ERA, 218 strikeouts in 2312/3 innings).

And remember, Bedard pitched in the American League East.

And if the Reds don't get Bedard?

The dropoff would be huge. They'd probably have to bring in a second-tier free agent. Jon Lieber's the only name on the list that intrigues me. Lieber was 3-6 with a 4.73 ERA last season, not exactly Bedard numbers.

But the Reds are hoping they don't have to go to Plan B.

 

[NY/NJMFDIVER]

Great move for the Reds, it would be better to keep Bailey I suppose, but he wasn't very impressive in his callup, maybe they are looking to flip him while is value is high. Bedard and Cordero are some nice legitmacy to add during the offseason, and Bedard has already proven he's got the good to pitch in a tough ballpark

 

[avoiding injuries]

I love teams that are trying to get one of the best pitchers in their prime only to name a PROSPECT "untouchable".

Hoping the birds go a different route.

 

[Eephus]

Dusty would kill Bedard

 

[NY/NJMFDIVER]

I love teams that are trying to get one of the best pitchers in their prime only to name a PROSPECT "untouchable".Hoping the birds go a different route.

Bailey, Votto plus is a nice haul for you guys

 

[avoiding injuries]

I love teams that are trying to get one of the best pitchers in their prime only to name a PROSPECT "untouchable".Hoping the birds go a different route.

Bailey, Votto plus is a nice haul for you guys

Not saying it wouldn't be(I have no idea who those guys are anyway). It just reminds me of fantasy traders in which one owner is going after your 1st round pick and refuses to discuss their players of value.The O's should counter for the same offer but replace Bedard with Miggy.

 

[Billy Bats]

Sorry I don't have a rumor to add, but if not for the bullpen blowing games, and the offense not being overly supportive, Bedard could've won the Cy. I'm guessing the pen blew 4 wins, at least. Add a few games with 3+ runs from the offense and woila, he's a 20 game winner. Man, I hope he stays in the AL.

 

[Eephus]

Sorry I don't have a rumor to add, but if not for the bullpen blowing games, and the offense not being overly supportive, Bedard could've won the Cy. I'm guessing the pen blew 4 wins, at least. Add a few games with 3+ runs from the offense and woila, he's a 20 game winner. Man, I hope he stays in the AL.

Bedard only had 186 IP. Excluding strike years, no starting pitcher has won the Cy Young Award with less than 200 IP. He had a nice year but CC, Beckett and Lackey were more valuable to their teams.

 

[avoiding injuries]

Sorry I don't have a rumor to add, but if not for the bullpen blowing games, and the offense not being overly supportive, Bedard could've won the Cy. I'm guessing the pen blew 4 wins, at least. Add a few games with 3+ runs from the offense and woila, he's a 20 game winner. Man, I hope he stays in the AL.

Bedard only had 186 IP. Excluding strike years, no starting pitcher has won the Cy Young Award with less than 200 IP. He had a nice year but CC, Beckett and Lackey were more valuable to their teams.

If he was still contending for the Cy, he would have been back at the end of the year to get to 200 IP. And yes, playing on a team with a poor offense and bullpen took away from his numbers. It also seems to have taken his personality as well.

 

[boom king]

Sorry I don't have a rumor to add, but if not for the bullpen blowing games, and the offense not being overly supportive, Bedard could've won the Cy. I'm guessing the pen blew 4 wins, at least. Add a few games with 3+ runs from the offense and woila, he's a 20 game winner. Man, I hope he stays in the AL.

Bedard only had 186 IP. Excluding strike years, no starting pitcher has won the Cy Young Award with less than 200 IP. He had a nice year but CC, Beckett and Lackey were more valuable to their teams.

If he was still contending for the Cy, he would have been back at the end of the year to get to 200 IP. And yes, playing on a team with a poor offense and bullpen took away from his numbers. It also seems to have taken his personality as well.

bedard might be one of the, if not the most, underrated potchers in baseball. he is dominant.

 

[Bobcat10]

Rosenthal's latest:

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/7548574

Bedard is under control for two more seasons and his salaries will be higher in arbitration. The teams interested in him include the Mets, Mariners, Dodgers, Reds and Cardinals. The Red Sox and Yankees also like Bedard, but it is doubtful the Orioles would trade him to an AL East rival.

The Reds are heavily interested in Bedard, sources say, but unwilling to part with prized outfield prospect, Jay Bruce, a potential deal-breaker. The Dodgers can offer perhaps the strongest proposal, but they have yet to complete a major off-season trade in Ned Colletti's two years as GM, preferring to sign free agents and hold their prospects.

The Mariners could be the team to watch — they want to trade for Bedard even if they sign Kuroda, and they're signaled a willingness to part with outfielder Adam Jones, who is perhaps the most attractive young player the Orioles could acquire in any deal.

Jones, frequently compared to Torii Hunter, could become the Orioles' biggest African-American star since Eddie Murray. The inclusion of right-hander Brandon Morrow and/or catcher Jeff Clement would make the deal that much more tempting for Baltimore.

The Orioles, according to sources, also are entertaining the idea of packaging Bedard with shortstop Miguel Tejada to yield an even higher return. Such a proposal would make particular sense for the Dodgers, who have the need for both players and the young talent to make such a deal occur.

 

[DCThunder]

Don't forget that Andy McPhail is now supposed to be calling the personnel shots in Charm City and that Angelos has agreed to take a hands off approach or McPhail will walk. While I agree that a trade of Bedard to the Yanks/Sox isn't likely, McPhail knows what he's doing so I'm confident he'll get a good return for both Bedard and Miggy. Maybe he can get rid of Ramon Hernandez and Melvin Mora too.

 

[avoiding injuries]

McPhail knows what he's doing so I'm confident he'll get a good return for both Bedard and Miggy. Maybe he can get rid of Ramon Hernandez and Melvin Mora too.

From your post to Bud Selig's desk.

 

[On The Rocks]

A little more to add:

still more rumors....

Lots of talk

Orioles president of baseball of operations Andy MacPhail did not attend the party, instead spending the time in his office up the street continuing trade talk that started to heat up at last week's winter meetings. Despite rampant rumors that Roberts, shortstop Miguel Tejada and ace pitcher Erik Bedard are about to be traded, MacPhail said no deals were imminent as of last night.

"There's no shortage of talk, but it's just that - talk," MacPhail said. "The conversations have not ebbed since we left Nashville."

MacPhail said the club is in the process of filtering the number of suitors to decide who is the best trade fit for several Orioles. At this point, it appears the Cincinnati Reds, Los Angeles Dodgers and Seattle Mariners have emerged as the leading contenders for Bedard. The Houston Astros have been the most aggressive suitor for Tejada, and the Chicago Cubs have honed in on Roberts.

Asked about the trade rumors, Roberts said: "It's kind of like what I said last year - if somebody wants you, it's a good thing. Hopefully, it means that you are doing something well. I don't lose sleep over it, but it does make life a little more interesting for a week or two."

 

[avoiding injuries]

Roberts and Markakis are the only non-pittching Orioles I want to keep. But if he won't sign long term I guess we have to get rid of Roberts as well. Hopefully the O's will sign Markakis to a LOOOOONG term deal soon to avoid this non sense in a few years with him.

Every year for the past ten years I've gone into every season with hope and ended every season with disappointment. Never seeing any progress along the way or over the course of a season. It will be nice to get a young team together and hopefully watch them grow and improve. It is completely obvious that what has been tried is not working and I am hopeful that Andy can put something together.

The best thing about Bedard right now is that he keeps an Orioles thread near the top of page 1.

 

[Bobcat10]

Roberts and Markakis are the only non-pittching Orioles I want to keep. But if he won't sign long term I guess we have to get rid of Roberts as well. Hopefully the O's will sign Markakis to a LOOOOONG term deal soon to avoid this non sense in a few years with him.

Every year for the past ten years I've gone into every season with hope and ended every season with disappointment. Never seeing any progress along the way or over the course of a season. It will be nice to get a young team together and hopefully watch them grow and improve. It is completely obvious that what has been tried is not working and I am hopeful that Andy can put something together.

The best thing about Bedard right now is that he keeps an Orioles thread near the top of page 1.

Tru FanI know your frustration, although have not had much of it for a while now. There are blueprints out there of how it's been done, it's a shame that some teams don't use them and just make silly/expensive moves and signings.

 

[trogg78]

Dusty would kill Bedard

Can you name a pitcher that Dusty killed that isn't suspected of poisoning themselves with performance enhancing drugs?

 

[Eephus]

Dusty would kill Bedard

Can you name a pitcher that Dusty killed that isn't suspected of poisoning themselves with performance enhancing drugs?

Bill Swift

 

[Billy Bats]

From espn today...

The Mariners now may be the front-runners to land Erik Bedard, the Seattle Post-Intelligencer reports. Players that could be included in a package for the ace lefty include right-handed pitcher Brandon Morrow, outfielder Adam Jones, rookie catcher Jeff Clement and left-handed reliever George Sherrill. The Reds also have been pursuing Bedard, and in recent days, the Cubs let their interest be known.

Can you imagine Bedard pitching his home games in Seattle?

 

[Max hardcore]

From espn today...

The Mariners now may be the front-runners to land Erik Bedard, the Seattle Post-Intelligencer reports. Players that could be included in a package for the ace lefty include right-handed pitcher Brandon Morrow, outfielder Adam Jones, rookie catcher Jeff Clement and left-handed reliever George Sherrill. The Reds also have been pursuing Bedard, and in recent days, the Cubs let their interest be known.

Can you imagine Bedard pitching his home games in Seattle?

I'm not crazy about Morrow, but Clement and Jones are pretty nice.I don't think the O's can afford to worry about where the trade him, they just need to get the best possible deal.

 

[Bobcat10]

From espn today...

The Mariners now may be the front-runners to land Erik Bedard, the Seattle Post-Intelligencer reports. Players that could be included in a package for the ace lefty include right-handed pitcher Brandon Morrow, outfielder Adam Jones, rookie catcher Jeff Clement and left-handed reliever George Sherrill. The Reds also have been pursuing Bedard, and in recent days, the Cubs let their interest be known.

Can you imagine Bedard pitching his home games in Seattle?

I'm not crazy about Morrow, but Clement and Jones are pretty nice.I don't think the O's can afford to worry about where the trade him, they just need to get the best possible deal.

If any of these Seattle rumors the past few weeks are true (the other one I'm thinking of included Wladimir AND Jones), then that's where to trade him.Major haulage for Tejada and Bedard.

 

[DCThunder]

From espn today...

The Mariners now may be the front-runners to land Erik Bedard, the Seattle Post-Intelligencer reports. Players that could be included in a package for the ace lefty include right-handed pitcher Brandon Morrow, outfielder Adam Jones, rookie catcher Jeff Clement and left-handed reliever George Sherrill. The Reds also have been pursuing Bedard, and in recent days, the Cubs let their interest be known.

Can you imagine Bedard pitching his home games in Seattle?

I'm not crazy about Morrow, but Clement and Jones are pretty nice.I don't think the O's can afford to worry about where the trade him, they just need to get the best possible deal.

If any of these Seattle rumors the past few weeks are true (the other one I'm thinking of included Wladimir AND Jones), then that's where to trade him.Major haulage for Tejada and Bedard.

And Bedard will go out to the Left Coast and disappear as far as the national media is concerned.

 

[NY/NJMFDIVER]

From espn today...

The Mariners now may be the front-runners to land Erik Bedard, the Seattle Post-Intelligencer reports. Players that could be included in a package for the ace lefty include right-handed pitcher Brandon Morrow, outfielder Adam Jones, rookie catcher Jeff Clement and left-handed reliever George Sherrill. The Reds also have been pursuing Bedard, and in recent days, the Cubs let their interest be known.

Can you imagine Bedard pitching his home games in Seattle?

I'm not crazy about Morrow, but Clement and Jones are pretty nice.I don't think the O's can afford to worry about where the trade him, they just need to get the best possible deal.

If any of these Seattle rumors the past few weeks are true (the other one I'm thinking of included Wladimir AND Jones), then that's where to trade him.Major haulage for Tejada and Bedard.

And Bedard will go out to the Left Coast and disappear as far as the national media is concerned.

Griff, RJ and A-Rod did ok for national exposure in Seattle.

 

[Eephus]

From espn today...

The Mariners now may be the front-runners to land Erik Bedard, the Seattle Post-Intelligencer reports. Players that could be included in a package for the ace lefty include right-handed pitcher Brandon Morrow, outfielder Adam Jones, rookie catcher Jeff Clement and left-handed reliever George Sherrill. The Reds also have been pursuing Bedard, and in recent days, the Cubs let their interest be known.

Can you imagine Bedard pitching his home games in Seattle?

I'm not crazy about Morrow, but Clement and Jones are pretty nice.I don't think the O's can afford to worry about where the trade him, they just need to get the best possible deal.

If any of these Seattle rumors the past few weeks are true (the other one I'm thinking of included Wladimir AND Jones), then that's where to trade him.Major haulage for Tejada and Bedard.

And Bedard will go out to the Left Coast and disappear as far as the national media is concerned.

Griff, RJ and A-Rod did ok for national exposure in Seattle.

King Felix and Bedard would make a quality front end of the rotation.

 

[DCThunder]

From espn today...

The Mariners now may be the front-runners to land Erik Bedard, the Seattle Post-Intelligencer reports. Players that could be included in a package for the ace lefty include right-handed pitcher Brandon Morrow, outfielder Adam Jones, rookie catcher Jeff Clement and left-handed reliever George Sherrill. The Reds also have been pursuing Bedard, and in recent days, the Cubs let their interest be known.

Can you imagine Bedard pitching his home games in Seattle?

I'm not crazy about Morrow, but Clement and Jones are pretty nice.I don't think the O's can afford to worry about where the trade him, they just need to get the best possible deal.

If any of these Seattle rumors the past few weeks are true (the other one I'm thinking of included Wladimir AND Jones), then that's where to trade him.Major haulage for Tejada and Bedard.

And Bedard will go out to the Left Coast and disappear as far as the national media is concerned.

Griff, RJ and A-Rod did ok for national exposure in Seattle.

So Bedard = RJ/ARod/Jr.Griffey?

 

[On The Rocks]

Nothing really knew to report but Bedard gets another mention in the Cincy Enquirer this morning.

The Seattle Mariners, fox sports.com reports, are close to a $44 million deal with free agent right-hander Carlos Silva.

That news comes two days after the Los Angeles Dodgers signed Japanese right-hander Hiroki Kuroda for three years and $35.5 million.

The Mariners and Dodgers were considered top potential trade partners for Baltimore Orioles left-hander Erik Bedard.

The Reds, of course, are known to want Bedard as well.

Reds general manager Wayne Krivsky can't talk about Bedard, but it sounds as though the Reds are not on the brink of a trade.

"We don't have anything at this point," Krivsky said. "(Tuesday) was a pretty quiet day."

The talks between the Reds and Orioles stalled over Baltimore's insistence that Jay Bruce be part of the deal.

Krivsky has said there are no untouchables. But Bruce, baseball's minor-league player of the year, isn't likely to go in any trade.

Baltimore might back off on Bruce being in the deal if the field narrows for Bedard.

"When somebody signs a free agent, it possibly takes them out of trying to trade for other players," Krivsky said. "But a team may sign someone and still try to trade."

That might be the case with Seattle. If the Reds can't land Bedard, they're likely to turn elsewhere - possibly to Oakland right-hander Joe Blanton.

Krivsky won't talk specifics. But it's obvious the Reds need to bolster their rotation.

"We're active," he said. "We're still trying to improve the team and help the pitching."

 

[On The Rocks]

Has anyone actually heard someone from the O's say that Jay Bruce is the hold up with getting a deal done with the Reds?

 

[trogg78]

Has anyone actually heard someone from the O's say that Jay Bruce is the hold up with getting a deal done with the Reds?

I think Alan Cutler has been saying that Jay Bruce is un-touchable in this deal. I don't know if it is speculation or he has some inside info.edit: Doh! Alan Cutler is a reds radio guy.

 

[NY/NJMFDIVER]

From espn today...

The Mariners now may be the front-runners to land Erik Bedard, the Seattle Post-Intelligencer reports. Players that could be included in a package for the ace lefty include right-handed pitcher Brandon Morrow, outfielder Adam Jones, rookie catcher Jeff Clement and left-handed reliever George Sherrill. The Reds also have been pursuing Bedard, and in recent days, the Cubs let their interest be known.

Can you imagine Bedard pitching his home games in Seattle?

I'm not crazy about Morrow, but Clement and Jones are pretty nice.I don't think the O's can afford to worry about where the trade him, they just need to get the best possible deal.

If any of these Seattle rumors the past few weeks are true (the other one I'm thinking of included Wladimir AND Jones), then that's where to trade him.Major haulage for Tejada and Bedard.

And Bedard will go out to the Left Coast and disappear as far as the national media is concerned.

Griff, RJ and A-Rod did ok for national exposure in Seattle.

So Bedard = RJ/ARod/Jr.Griffey?

No, your supposition was faulty and I was pointing out that guys have done alright from a national coverage and endorsement level despite playing in what you percieve to be Siberia. Add Ichiro to that list as well.

 

[On The Rocks]

Mariners back in the hunt for Bedard

Mariners pursuit of Baltimore's Bedard intensifies?

Wednesday, Jan 9, 2008 7:15 am EST

Amid reports that the Seattle Mariners' pursuit of Baltimore Orioles ace Erik Bedard is heating up, Seattle general manager Bill Bavasi was asked Tuesday if it would soon be too late in the offseason to swing a trade. "I hope not," he replied.

As is his steadfast policy, Bavasi declined to discuss any aspect of the Bedard rumors. But he did confirm that the M's still hope to improve their starting pitching, even after the recent signing of free agent Carlos Silva,

"We'd like to continue to work on the starting rotation," Bavasi said, "whether that means trade, free agent, improve [Horacio] Ramirez, or adjust [brandon] Morrow into the rotation. Whatever the avenue, we're definitely not 'done,' quote unquote."

Disappointed the Reds have been unable to get a deal done but I have become convinced that the Jay Bruce price tag is just a little too high.

 

[Knightro]

Bedard is Santana but cheaper

I can imagine Bruce would hold the deal up - he's going to be a stud. The Reds could just sit back and let Homer Bailey and Johnny Cueto do what they can do. The Reds system doesn't have a ton of top shelf talent but Bruce, Votto, Cueto, and Bailey are going to be everyday players for them. I don't think the Reds can match what the Mariners can with an offer featuring Adam Jones. The Reds are going to lose Griffey and Dunn after this season so they need to retain young OF talent and not give it away.

 

[RedRaiders]

$4 Eric Bedard looks really good in Seattle for next year

 

[Knightro]

$4 Eric Bedard looks really good in Seattle for next year

He could win a Cy Young out there

 

[InjuredReserve]

$4 Eric Bedard looks really good in Seattle for next year

He could win a Cy Young out there

He could win one in Baltimore, too.

 

[cheese]

Bedard is Santana but cheaperI can imagine Bruce would hold the deal up - he's going to be a stud. The Reds could just sit back and let Homer Bailey and Johnny Cueto do what they can do. The Reds system doesn't have a ton of top shelf talent but Bruce, Votto, Cueto, and Bailey are going to be everyday players for them. I don't think the Reds can match what the Mariners can with an offer featuring Adam Jones. The Reds are going to lose Griffey and Dunn after this season so they need to retain young OF talent and not give it away.

I think its interesting that you say the Reds don't have a lot of top shelf talent, and then list 4 top-level prospects that are nearly ML-ready if not there already. I think you may be overestimating what other teams have at the top of their system.I do agree though that the Reds would be crazy to give up Bruce, and likely this will keep them from Bedard.

 

[Knightro]

Bedard is Santana but cheaperI can imagine Bruce would hold the deal up - he's going to be a stud. The Reds could just sit back and let Homer Bailey and Johnny Cueto do what they can do. The Reds system doesn't have a ton of top shelf talent but Bruce, Votto, Cueto, and Bailey are going to be everyday players for them. I don't think the Reds can match what the Mariners can with an offer featuring Adam Jones. The Reds are going to lose Griffey and Dunn after this season so they need to retain young OF talent and not give it away.

I think its interesting that you say the Reds don't have a lot of top shelf talent, and then list 4 top-level prospects that are nearly ML-ready if not there already. I think you may be overestimating what other teams have at the top of their system.I do agree though that the Reds would be crazy to give up Bruce, and likely this will keep them from Bedard.

I was referring to what they would have left if they did a deal like this. Their system isBruce**VottoCuetoBaileyand then it drops off steeply from there.

 

[cheese]

Bedard is Santana but cheaperI can imagine Bruce would hold the deal up - he's going to be a stud. The Reds could just sit back and let Homer Bailey and Johnny Cueto do what they can do. The Reds system doesn't have a ton of top shelf talent but Bruce, Votto, Cueto, and Bailey are going to be everyday players for them. I don't think the Reds can match what the Mariners can with an offer featuring Adam Jones. The Reds are going to lose Griffey and Dunn after this season so they need to retain young OF talent and not give it away.

I think its interesting that you say the Reds don't have a lot of top shelf talent, and then list 4 top-level prospects that are nearly ML-ready if not there already. I think you may be overestimating what other teams have at the top of their system.I do agree though that the Reds would be crazy to give up Bruce, and likely this will keep them from Bedard.

I was referring to what they would have left if they did a deal like this. Their system isBruce**VottoCuetoBaileyand then it drops off steeply from there.

OK that makes sense. This might be the most topheavy system in baseball. Those four are among the best prospects out there and dealing even one or two of them would leave the cupboard seeming awfully bare.