Baseball Daily Dose: Daily Dose: Tulo to Toronto
Follow @RyanPBoyer and @Rotoworld_BB on Twitter.
The Rockies have resisted many times over the last couple years to trade Troy Tulowitzki even as the need to rebuild became more and more apparent. Late Monday, they finally pulled the trigger.
Colorado has agreed to send Tulo and LaTroy Hawkins to the Blue Jays in exchange for Jose Reyes, Jeff Hoffman, Miguel Castro and one other prospect in a stunning blockbuster deal. No money is changing hands in the trade, so the Jays will take on the $100 million owed to Tulowitzki through 2020 in addition to what’s left of his $20 million salary for 2015. The Rockies will be on the hook for the rest of Reyes’ $20 million salary for 2015, as well as the $48 million he’s due through 2017.
It’s a fascinating trade on many levels. The Blue Jays have scored 78 more runs than any team in baseball this season and have now added the best offensive shortstop in the game. They should also get a bit better defensively, as the feeling seems to be that Reyes’ defense has faded faster than Tulo’s. As far as getting some much-needed pitching help? Well, general manager Alex Anthopoulos still has some work to do.
Tulowitzki should remain a fantasy stud in Toronto. He’s moving away from Coors Field, yes, but he’s going to another very hitter-friendly venue and to a loaded offense. How long Tulo’s legs hold up on that Rogers Centre turf is another matter.
It would make a lot of sense for the rebuilding Rockies to flip Reyes to another team, but it appears that’s not in the cards just yet. Assuming he does remain in Colorado, Reyes should retain plenty of fantasy value even as his offensive ability has waned. Colorado seems likely to stick Reyes in the leadoff spot and move Charlie Blackmon down to the No. 3 hole vacated by Tulo. Shortstop prospect Trevor Story is worth a speculative add in deeper leagues in case Reyes does eventually get flipped.
Editor’s Note: Play one-day fantasy baseball for cash! FanDuel is hosting a $115,000 league for Tuesday’s MLB games. It’s just $5 to join and first place wins $10,000. Starts tonight at 7:05pm ET. Enter now!
Hot CarGo
After a woeful 2014 campaign and a poor start to 2015, it would be understandable if fantasy owners had decided to give up on Carlos Gonzalez. However, those who chose to stick with him have been rewarded big-time of late.
The white-hot CarGo was at it again on Monday, drilling two home runs for the third time in four days as part of a 4-for-5 effort against the Cubs. The second bomb came with one out and one on in the ninth inning, as the outfielder turned a one-run deficit to a one-run lead (Kris Bryant would subsequently win it in the bottom of the frame with a two-run shot of his own).
Just over two weeks ago, Gonzalez’s OPS sat at .699. Since then, he’s batted .459 with 10 home runs and 23 RBI across 15 games to push his season line to .278/.332/.520. He now has 20 longballs on the season to go along with 51 RBI, putting him on a 33-homer, 85-RBI pace.
Gonzalez is no longer a threat on the basepaths, as he’s attempted just two steals this season and five since the beginning of 2014. He’s healthy, though, and looks like he could be a four-category stud in the second half.
Trade Talk
The Mets added a big piece to their bullpen Monday, acquiring Tyler Clippard from the A’s in exchange for pitching prospect Casey Meisner. Clippard has been wild this season, issuing 21 walks over 38 2/3 innings. However, he’s also struck out 38 while posting a 2.79 ERA and boasts a 2.65 ERA and 10.2 K/9 rate since moving to relief full-time in 2009. He’ll be used in the eighth inning and offer insurance for Jeurys Familia, who retains his closer job despite blowing each of his first two save chances since the All-Star break.
The Angels picked up Shane Victorino Monday, shipping Josh Rutledge to the Red Sox in return. While Victorino is a big name, he’s nothing more than a fourth outfielder at this point and the Angels are viewing him as such. Their production in left field has been awful this season, so Victorino could help some versus lefties. However, the Halos aren’t done looking for a left-handed hitting outfielder. They’ve been connected to Jay Bruce, David Murphy, Ben Revere and Gerardo Parra. Rusney Castillo was recalled to take Victorino’s spot on the roster and should play regularly in right field even though Alejandro De Aza has done well. Castillo hit just .230/.260/.544 with the Boston earlier this season and has batted a ho-hum .282/.337/.385 at Triple-A, but his power/speed upside makes him worth a gamble in fantasy leagues.
Although there were officially just two trades that went down Monday, there was, as you might expect, plenty of chatter. Here’s some of the latest rumors involving the bigger names:
Cole Hamels: While the feeling seems to be that the Rangers are the slight favorites at the moment to land Hamels, the Dodgers are also involved and the Astros are making a big push for the left-hander. The problem with Houston’s pursuit is that Hamels might not want to go there. The Diamondbacks have also jumped into the fray, but Hamels appears to be just one of many arms they’re considering.
David Price: It was reported prior to Monday’s loss that the Tigers were still planning on being buyers at the trade deadline. However, if things continue to go south over the next few days, they could put Price on the trade block. As of now, Price remains scheduled to start for them on Tuesday. If the Tigers do end up shopping him, the Dodgers, Cubs, Giants and Blue Jays are among those expected to have interest.
Yasiel Puig: The Dodgers have apparently told clubs that Puig is available in the right trade. This comes just a few days after they reportedly assured Puig that he will not be dealt. Never say never, but it’s hard to see them going through with dealing the talented 24-year-old given his team-friendly contract. If they do indeed put him on the block, plenty of teams would be calling.
Craig Kimbrel: The Nationals and Blue Jays look to be in the thick of the Kimbrel market, with the Nats appearing to be going after him the hardest. Kimbrel would push Drew Storen to a setup role in Washington. The Yankees look to be on the periphery of talks for Kimbrel, but it’s hard to see them going that route with Dellin Betances and Andrew Miller already handling the late innings.
Aroldis Chapman: The Giants have talked to the Reds about Chapman. He’s also drawn interest from the Nationals, but they appear to prefer Kimbrel. Cincinnati could choose to hang on to Chapman if they don’t get a trade offer that bowls them over, as the flamethrower is under control next season.
Ben Zobrist: The Royals plan to be in on the Zobrist trade talks until the end. He could replace the disappointing Omar Infante at second base but would also give Kansas City an option in left field until Alex Gordon (groin) returns. The Mets, Pirates and Nationals have also been connected to Zobrist, who is a fit for just about any contender due to his versatility.
Carlos Gomez: Gomez is drawing serious trade interest from the Rangers and Indians. Neither club is really in the playoff hunt, but Gomez is under contract through next season. For that reason, it’s not a given that the Brewers will move him.
Jeff Samardzija: The Blue Jays have been the most aggressive in trade talks for Samardzija, which is no surprise since they’ve seemingly been connected to him longer than any other club. Whether they still have the pieces to acquire him following the Tulowitzki/Reyes blockbuster remains to be seen.
Tyson Ross: Clubs that we know have expressed interest in Ross are the Cubs, Blue Jays, Astros, Dodgers and Rangers. However, with him under control through 2017, that opens up many other teams as a possible landing spot. Ross might be the hardest Padres starter to get, though, because of that reason. They’re also listening on James Shields, Andrew Cashner and Ian Kennedy.
Justin Upton: The Orioles and Padres have discussed a trade that would send Upton to Baltimore, and the deal might even be expanded to include either Ross or Cashner. While Baltimore has been mentioned as a possible candidate to sell, this would seem to indicate that won’t happen. The Mets and Pirates have also kicked the tires on Upton.
Adam Lind: The Cardinals have talked to the Brewers about a trade involving Lind. He would be a perfect fit in St. Louis with the club needed some left-handed sock at first base with Matt Adams (quad) a long shot to return this season. The Angels and Pirates have also poked around on Lind.
Cameron Maybin: The Braves have talked to clubs about Maybin, but it sounds like they’re leaning toward keeping him rather than selling high. Maybin is in the midst of the best season of his career, but it remains to be seen whether he’ll be able to stay healthy and keep producing over the long haul.
Starlin Castro: The Padres have discussed Castro with the Cubs. He would finally net San Diego a shortstop, but the 25-year-old is having a dreadful 2015 campaign and is still owed about $40 million beyond this season.
Alex Guerrero: The Dodgers are talking to teams about trade scenarios involving Guerrero. The Cuban defector currently has a clause in his contract that says he can become a free agent at the end of the season if he’s traded. However, it appears that he might be willing to waive it if it means getting more money.
National League Quick Hits: Stephen Strasburg (oblique) will make a rehab start Wednesday with Triple-A Syracuse … Nori Aoki (leg) was activated from the disabled list Monday … Paul Goldschmidt homered and reached base four times in Monday’s win over the Mariners … Brandon Crawford homered and walked in a 1-for-2 effort on Monday as the Giants defeated the Brewers … John Axford blew his third save chance in his last four appearances in yielding a walk-off homer to Kris Bryant Monday … Yadier Molina passed concussion tests after leaving Monday’s game … Lance Lynn fired seven innings of one-run ball to earn the win on Monday against the Reds … Kolten Wong smashed a grand slam for the Cardinals’ only runs in a win over Cincy … Alex Wood fired 7 1/3 scoreless innings in a no-decision versus the Orioles Monday … Ryan Braun was a late scratch from Monday’s game with lower back tightness … Cubs manager Joe Maddon said Monday that Kyle Schwarber could start seeing more playing time in left field … An MRI on Randal Grichuk‘s injured groin did not show anything serious and he could return to play Tuesday …
American League Quick Hits: Jered Weaver (hip) will begin a rehab assignment with High-A Inland Empire on Thursday … Derek Holland (shoulder) will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Round Rock on Thursday … Robinson Cano had a pair of walks and a solo home run in Monday’s loss to the Diamondbacks … Didi Gregorius went 3-for-4 with a two-run single and a two-run home run Monday … Adam Eaton went 3-for-6 with a double, a triple, and two RBI as the White Sox won a slugfest against the Red Sox on Monday … Yoenis Cespedes went 2-for-4 with an RBI single and a solo home run in Monday’s loss to the Rays … Curt Casali hit a pair of homers as the Rays took down the Tigers … Asdrubal Cabrera (hamstring) will be activated from the disabled list prior to Tuesday’s game … Kevin Gausman was saddled with a no-decision despite 7 2/3 shutout innings Monday versus the Braves … Matt Wieters clubbed a walk-off solo home run in the 11th inning against the Braves on Monday … Eric Hosmer went 3-for-5 with a home run and four RBI in Monday’s victory over the Indians … Shane Greene has been moved to the Tigers’ bullpen, with Buck Farmer taking his rotation spot … Desmond Jennings (knee) could begin a rehab assignment this weekend … Royals are expected to boot either Chris Young or Jeremy Guthrie from the rotation following the addition of Johnny Cueto …
This entry passed through the Full-Text RSS service – if this is your content and you’re reading it on someone else’s site, please read the FAQ at fivefilters.org/content-only/faq.php#publishers.
