This morning brings us a few tidbits of Cliff Lee news. We'll start off with John Harper of the New York Daily News, who pens a great article about Josh Thole's stock throughout baseball and the possibility of him being in a Lee deal. Of particular note:
"He's one of those kids who can flat hit," was the way an NL scout at Wednesday night's game put it. "You don't see anybody choke up on the bat anymore, and that tells me he's got great confidence in who he is as a hitter. I don't doubt that he'll hit .300 in the big leagues, and even if he doesn't develop power, he'll have great value as a catcher. The more he hits up here, the more you have to think he's someone who could be a fit for Seattle." - NY Daily News
Thole is certainly doing a fantastic job of raising his value right now, both to the Mets and potential trade partners. Even if he doesn't net us Cliff Lee, is it so terrible to have a potential .300 hitter at catcher for years to come? I think not. Harper throws out a hypothetical Wilmer Flores/Jenrry Mejia/Josh Thole deal for Lee and says the Mets would make that trade. That's a lot to give up, however, you have to give up something to get something. The only one I'd be hesitant to give up is Mejia.
For more on the Twins pursuit of Lee, check out Joe Christensen's article for the Minnesota Star-Tribune here. Christensen mentions that it's Ramos and Slowey that are likely targets for Seattle. He also mentions that the Twins and M's have yet to exchange names in trade scenarios. Lastly, he examines the deep struggles of Wilson Ramos in AAA, which is sure to hurt his trade value.
For our final update, we head over here, where the always good T.R. Sullivan profiles talks between the Rangers and Mariners at MLB.com. According to Sullivan, talks between the Rangers and M's are "heating up". I think we've heard that one before. What I find ineresting is that the Rangers are apparently forgoing international signings to free up money for deadline acquisitions.
Posturing, posturing, and more posturing.
