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Sources: Diamondbacks lead in pursuit of Eckstein
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Eckstein, 33, is almost certain to be traded before the deadline for setting postseason rosters at midnight Sunday. While talks are fluid, the Jays currently are more inclined to trade with the D-backs, sources say.
The Giants' Omar Vizquel and Orioles' Juan Castro are among the other shortstops the Angels are investigating. The Angels currently have two infielders on the disabled list, Maicer Izturis and Howie Kendrick, and a third, Erick Aybar, who is day-to-day with a hamstring problem.
Vizquel, 41, has lost playing time to Emmanuel Burriss, and the Giants likely would accommodate him if he wished to play for a contender. Vizquel told the San Francisco Chronicle this week that he wanted to play next season, either for the Giants or in Japan.
The Orioles, lacking a replacement for Castro at short, would be a more reluctant trading partner for the Angels, whose double-play combination the past three games has consisted of rookie second baseman Sean Rodriguez and rookie shortstop Brandon Wood.
The Diamondbacks, after losing Orlando Hudson to season-ending wrist surgery, are using Augie Ojeda and Chris Burke at second. The addition of Eckstein would give them a more experienced option.
Eckstein, 33, has started 56 games at shortstop this season and five at second. He missed most of May with a strained right hip flexor and has lost playing time since Cito Gaston took over as manager in late June.
In 297 plate appearances this season, Eckstein is batting .273 with a .352 on-base percentage, one home run and 22 RBIs. He began his major-league career with the Angels in 2001 after being claimed on waivers from the Red Sox in 2000.
Member Comments
It would be a good pickup but only if they don't give much of anything up. They are in first, but that is as much a reflection on the division as it is about their team. Simply put, outside of Wood and Haren they just aren't a very good baseball team and would be in the bottom half of the other divisions. So keep building for the future
evilroot738/31/2008 9:59:00 AM(Report inappropriate content)
Great idea for the DBacks. From the beginning of the season, last season was treated as "unexpected" due to the youth of the team. This year's season-long head of the NL West table is proof that these guys can play ball. Yes, El Italiano is right on we need a stronger finisher. I'm not a huge believer in Lyon and Rauch hasn't shown dominace either. But here we are at the beginning of Sept. and the DBacks are in postion to play in October, but will need strength to play their way into the series and then to be able to play against the AL's best. Look what happened to the Rockies last year. But with the addition of A.Dunn and a possible Eckstein, the Dbacks would have a little more veteran leadership, and who better to lead a bunch of uner-5-yr-experienced players, than a guy who's been a World Series MVP? Not to say Auggie or Burke are not filling the gap left by Orlando, but combined they couldn't replace Orlando, and throughout the playoffs the DBacks will need that high level of experience to maintain a strong playoff run. <br /><br />I say get him, Josh! Let's bring another Series to the Valley!!!
Striker218/31/2008 9:29:00 AM(Report inappropriate content)
It's taking the Angels longer since the 'jays are loking for a lot of young Angel talent in the minors, of which they have considerable amount of talent. All of their teams are in the playoffs. "X" would fill a need, and is possible that "X" is the known number for the WS title? Maybe not. Tex is the number, but "X" couldn't hurt.
chumps2champs8/31/2008 7:52:00 AM(Report inappropriate content)
Could this be the missing piece of the puzzle for the D-Backs to win it all again? NO.....We still need to get REAL relief pictures.........
El_Italiano8/31/2008 7:30:00 AM(Report inappropriate content)
The DiamondHacks need all the help they can get to back into the playoffs.
8/30/2008 22:38:00 PM(Report inappropriate content)
"THIS IS A NO BRAINER,IT WOULD BOOST THE MORAL OF THE TEAM,GO FOR IT!!"<br /><br />Which team are you talking about mustanged? The D-backs? The Angels don't need a boost to their morale. They're doing just fine.
BrianC62348/30/2008 22:30:00 PM(Report inappropriate content)
First of all, someone inside is breaking MLB rules. This talk is a big no-no. You should know that Ken rosenthal. Maybe this is just a story to try to make the Angels give up too much. I say the Angels don't need to make this trade though. We have brandon Wood playing shortstop now. His hitting will come and his defense is really good. Sean Rodriguez is great at second. He's starting to hit doubles even. Give these kids a month of playing and I think they'll be at least as good as David Eckstein is now. It's almost September 1st. On the 1st the Angels can call up more help from the minors. Then in big situations they can use a pinch hitter and bring in someone else for defense. I think Aybar and Kendrick will be ready to play in September.
BrianC62348/30/2008 22:25:00 PM(Report inappropriate content)
JP needs to sh*t or get of the pot...No wonder Toronto is wanting to get rid of him...I've sat here all season long and watched it go to waste cause of JP's stupidity...<br /><br />I say come on make the deal with the Angels...He loves the Angels they love him...It's an awesome fit...He will be his old self again...It was so clear he wasnt comfortable in Toronto...I'm not a big fan of the idea of the D-backs...So JP come make the deal...
ecksteinfan4life8/30/2008 22:25:00 PM(Report inappropriate content)
please bring his worthlessness back, please! this will insure that you band wagon California Angels of Los Alimitos, of Burbank, Riverside Angels won't win a world series again.
flutie348/30/2008 22:07:00 PM(Report inappropriate content)
oh HELL YES!!!! bring eck back!! how cool would that be! 2 w.s rings !! whhhhhooyaaa!!!! like mr. burns would say ....... eckseeeelannt!!
gonzo678/30/2008 21:49:00 PM(Report inappropriate content)
What a great move the Angels can make here. The boost from the X-Factor will be ridden all the way to the World Series!
WuShox8/30/2008 21:31:00 PM(Report inappropriate content)
Hands down the worst shortstop to watch play in the history of the game. My r.e.t.ar.ded sister with a nub for a hand can throw a baseball better than this tool box. I can't belive he stole money in from the big leagues for this long. He is so terrible. Please retire.
flutie348/30/2008 20:42:00 PM(Report inappropriate content)
Think about it people. Eckstein has gone down hill. He couldn't beat out Marco Scutaro or John MacDonald for a job!!! Send as much as you want to Toronto though, we need all the help we can get.
Chewie278/30/2008 19:25:00 PM(Report inappropriate content)
Bring back the Good Eck.. Remember, he was like that gnat at the opponents' face, doing enough to pester them and always there.
GeoJAM8/30/2008 11:47:00 AM(Report inappropriate content)
Chris Burke sucks; trust me. I had to watch his sorry excuse for a career begin in Houston.
aggies118/30/2008 11:42:00 AM(Report inappropriate content)
Big fan on of Ecks here in Toronto, Great player, just couldint playing time. Really suprised it took this long for his name to come up in trade talks. He has a alot to offer. <br /><br />Wheres Russ Adams when you need him??? lol
Beefcake8/30/2008 9:27:00 AM(Report inappropriate content)
why cant my lousy royals ever try to pick up a decent player.. we are never in the chase for any good trades or F/A ... god it blows being a royals fan... And they wonder why i wear a brown paper bag over my head when i go to kaufman stadium and watch them get there butts stomped...
psalms_6668/30/2008 8:57:00 AM(Report inappropriate content)
What's wrong with Augie? Or Burke? Better sign Orlando!!
Whitey38/30/2008 7:56:00 AM(Report inappropriate content)
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