Wrestling Forums : WWE, TNA, ECW, E-Fed, Wrestlemania, Live Wrestling Streams - View Single Post - ESPN MLB Insider for July 30,06 (The day before the deadline)

Danny Diamond · 07-30-2006, 11:36 AM

Saturday, July 29
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Alfonso Soriano Nationals	Dodgers? White Sox? Twins? Tigers? Mariners? Yankees? Angels?	Twins, Nationals still talking Jul 29 - The Star-Tribune reported that the Twins and the Nationals have had conversations about Soriano, but the Twins are unwilling to trade pitching prospect Matt Garza. Talks are ongoing, however. The Twins could offer other prospects like Double-A pitchers Kevin Slowey or Glen Perkins. Earlier, ESPN.com's Jayson Stark reported that the Astros and the Twins had supplanted the White Sox and Tigers as the frontrunners for Soriano. The Astros are in desperate need of offense, but they reportedly refuse to deal two of their top prospects -- pitcher Jason Hirsh and outfielder Hunter Pence. The White Sox have seemingly fallen out of the running because they are unwilling to part with pitcher Brandon McCarthy and third-base prospect Josh Fields. The Tigers won't part with outfield prospect Cameron Maybin, and highly-touted pitcher Humberto Sanchez has a tender elbow.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Barry Zito Athletics	Mets?	Staying put ... for now Jul 29 - According to an executive speaking to the Oakland Tribune, there's a "95 percent chance" that Zito will remain with the A's past Monday's deadline. Even though the A's have expressed a strong interest in dealing Zito to the Mets, the New York team is apparently looking for a pitcher who's a notch below Zito in quality, reports ESPN.com's Jayson Stark. The Mets are reportedly focusing on options like Livan Hernandez and Jon Lieber before Zito, for whom the A's would likely want Lastings Milledge or Aaron Heilman, plus another lesser player. However, the Mets were expected to have a top scout, Russ Bove, in Oakland for the A's series against the Blue Jays this weekend, according to a report in the San Francisco Chronicle. And the player Bove will be most looking at is Barry Zito, who is scheduled to pitch on Saturday. With Rich Harden out until September, the A's would need to get a pitcher back -- but "not necessarily in that deal," one AL executive told Stark.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Bobby Abreu Phillies	Mariners? Cardinals? Red Sox? Mets? Yankees? Tigers?	Is Abreu Yankee-bound? Jul 29 - The odds are becoming greater that Abreu will be moved before the deadline, and the Yankees are the most likely match for a trade, reports ESPN.com's Jayson Stark. The Phillies and Yankees spoke about Abreu all day Friday and into the night, discussing different variations of a deal that would send the outfielder to New York. The two teams are looking at other options Saturday that could include a package for Abreu and pitcher Cory Lidle or just for Abreu. The Phillies want both big-league talent and prospects in return, especially reliever Scott Proctor, whom they could eventually convert into a starter The Phillies have backed off in their demand for either top pitching prospect Philip Hughes or outfield prospect Jose Tabata and instead would settle for other prospects, like third baseman Eric Duncan or pitcher Tyler Clippard. Abreu is set to make $15 million in 2007, and he also has a $16 million option on his contract for 2008. According to ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney, the Yankees' internal debate about picking up Abreu, who has an option year and a no-trade clause, is that it could cost them $37 million if they pick up his option. They are said to be trying to decide if they want to spend that money.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Brad Lidge Astros	Rangers?	Astros turn down Rangers' try for Lidge Jul 29 - In order to get bullpen help, the Rangers offered catcher Rod Barajas and outfielder Brad Wilkerson to the Astros for right-hander Lidge, ESPN.com's Jayson Stark reports. The Astros turned down Texas, and now Lidge will not be traded.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Miguel Tejada Orioles	Angels? Rangers? Dodgers? Astros? Tigers?	Many suitors for Miggy Jul 29 - According to ESPN.com's Jayson Stark, the Rangers and Dodgers have joined the Angels and Astros in the pursuit of Miguel Tejada. Even after making that Carlos Lee strike, Texas could be a good fit for Tejada, who's still owed $38 million over three-plus seasons. The Rangers have a hotshot shortstop prospect in Joaquin Arias. And they might be willing to include their third baseman, Hank Blalock, if they decide to play Tejada at third. The Dodgers, meanwhile, have Cesar Izturis and a busload of attractive prospects to offer. And no team was doing more active bat-shopping Friday than the Astros. Shortstop Adam Everett would be in the deal. The Orioles also have been scouting the Angels' prospects, and would prefer to get a pitcher in return. But the Angels are unlikely to move Jered Weaver or Ervin Santana, meaning the Orioles would likely target second baseman Howie Kendrick and/or shortstop Brandon Wood. The Angels have maintained that they will not trade either Kendrick or Wood.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Mark Buehrle White Sox	Red Sox?	Red Sox denied Jul 29 - ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney reports the Red Sox offered CF Coco Crisp to the White Sox for LHP Mark Buehrle. The White Sox said no.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Jon Lieber Phillies	Rangers?	Rangers interested in Lieber Jul 29 - ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney reports the Rangers are in serious discussions with the Phillies about RHP Jon Lieber.
Friday, July 28
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Julio Lugo Devil Rays	Red Sox? Mets? Blue Jays?	The clock is ticking Jul 28 - According to ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney, the Blue Jays want Lugo but are unwilling to give up two top pitching prospects in return. If the Rays are unable to sign Lugo over the next two days, they will either have to lower their demands for him or let Lugo walk away as a free agent in the offseason. Earlier, a person familiar with the contract negotiations between Lugo and his agent and Devil Rays officials told Olney "the Devil Rays are just going through the motions [in the negotiations] and don't really have their heart in it." Olney reports Lugo's asking price for a new contract is between the four-year, $32 million deal shortstop Orlando Cabrera signed with the Angels prior to the 2005 season and the four-year, $52 million deal shortstop Rafael Furcal signed with the Dodgers before this season.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Cory Lidle Phillies	Yankees?	Lidle getting looks Jul 28 - The New York Post reported that the Yankees scouted Lidle's start on Thursday and could be interested in the Phillies' starter, who's won his last four starts. Lidle is a free agent after this season and is accustomed to the American League, having pitched for the A's and the Devil Rays.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Greg Maddux Cubs	Padres? Dodgers?	West is best for Maddux Jul 28 - The field for Maddux has been narrowed to only two teams, reports ESPN.com's Jayson Stark -- the Padres and the Dodgers. The Cubs have been talking to both West Coast teams about how either one could absorb the $3 million Maddux is still owed. The more the Cubs are willing to pay, the better the player will be that they'll get in return
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Ryan Shealy Rockies	Yankees? Pirates? Royals? Orioles? Blue Jays? Giants?	Yankees join suitors Jul 28 - The Yankees have taken an interest in Shealy, according to the Denver Post, but the Rockies are seeking a young pitcher in return. One pitcher they like is Royals lefty Jeremy Affeldt. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette had reported that the Pirates are among five teams pursuing the Rockies' 26-year-old first baseman. A 6-foot-5 right-handed hitter, Shealy batted .284 with 15 home runs and 55 RBI in 58 games in the minors, but his ascension to the majors has been blocked by the formidable presence of Todd Helton. Other teams talking to Colorado about Shealy include San Francisco, Baltimore and Toronto.
Wednesday, July 26
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Sean Casey Pirates	Angels? Athletics?	From East to West? Jul 26 - The Angels are a possible destination for Sean Casey, according to a report in the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. The Angels are looking for a lefty-hitting first baseman after sending Kendry Morales to Triple-A earlier this week. The A's are also reportedly in the mix to possibly make a trade for Casey, who will be a free agent at the end of the season.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Roberto Hernandez Pirates	Giants? Yankees?	Giants seeking relief Jul 26 - According to a report in the San Francisco Chronicle, the Giants have had discussions with the Pirates with the hope of making a trade for a relief pitcher. Roberto Hernandez and Salomon Torres are the two Pirates pitchers the Giants are seeking to acquire ... that is if they're able to do so at a reasonable price. "We're not going to overreact just to get someone here with experience," Giants GM Brian Sabean told the Chronicle. "We're going to be prudent in what we do because we've already given up a pretty good arm in [Jeremy] Accardo [dealt to the Blue Jays in the Shea Hillenbrand trade]."
Tuesday, July 25
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Scott Linebrink Padres	Braves?	Relief in sight for Braves? Jul 25 - As the Padres continue their search for a third baseman, the possibility that they may ship reliever Scott Linebrink to the Braves for Wilson Betemit remains alive. Jayson Stark says the chances of the Padres acquiring Betemit is far more likely than the Astros' Morgan Ensberg landing in San Diego. "I'm still looking at third base," Padres GM Kevin Towers told the San Diego Union-Tribune. "But it has to be somebody you think is a significant upgrade."
Monday, July 24
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Todd Walker Cubs	Rangers? Mariners?	So long, Chicago? Jul 24 - The Mariners, looking for a left-handed DH bat to complement the right-handed hitting Eduardo Perez, are scouting the Cubs' Todd Walker, a baseball source told ESPN Insider's Jerry Crasnick. Carl Everett, who began the season as Seattle's main designated hitter, is batting .172 (20 for 116) in June and July. Perez, acquired from Cleveland by trade earlier this month, has a .680 slugging percentage against left-handed pitching. The Mariners think Walker would give them a reliable veteran bat from the left side. While the Rangers also have interest in Walker, the Tigers do not. Detroit has been in the market for a big bat such as Alfonso Soriano or Bobby Abreu. If the Tigers fail to get either of them, they'll turn their attention to Philadelphia's David Dellucci rather than Walker.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Ray King Rockies	Red Sox? Braves?	Rockies say no dice Jul 24 - According to a report in the Boston Globe, it appears the Rockies will not agree to trade Ray King to the Red Sox for Julian Tavarez. The Rockies remain unwilling to take on the $3.1 million salary Tavarez will be owed in 2007. King will be a free agent at the end of this season.
Thursday, July 20
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Mike Lowell Red Sox	Padres?	Westerly Winds? Jul 20 - San Diego is in conversations with the Red Sox over 3B Mike Lowell, reports ESPN's Buster Olney. In the deal, Lowell would go to the Padres and the Red Sox would likely then move Kevin Youkilis from first to third and put somebody like Hee-seop Choi at first. The Padres released 3B Vinny Castilla on Wednesday, so they're desperate. The Red Sox will be looking for pitching in return.
Wednesday, July 19
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Reggie Sanders Royals	Yankees?	Yankees still eyeing Sanders Jul 19 - The more the Yankees have to wait on Bobby Abreu, the more interested they become in Sanders, reports ESPN.com's Jayson Stark. Sanders, 38, isn't nearly as costly as Abreu (one year left at $5 million), and it appears Royals GM Dayton Moore is willing to take only a second-tier prospect for Sanders. But a groin strain is going to make it more difficult for the Royals and Yankees to consummate a deal. "It's no better today," Sanders told the Kansas City Star before Tuesday's game. "Hopefully, a few days of treatment will help." Sanders suffered the groin injury Monday while taking batting practice.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Rodrigo Lopez Orioles	Phillies? Yankees? Rangers? Cardinals? Padres? Diamondbacks?	Philly-bound? Jul 19 - The Orioles have discussed trading Lopez to the Phillies for one of their outfielders, either Bobby Abreu or Pat Burrell, according to the Baltimore Sun. Sources told the Sun that the Phillies would be willing to take Lopez and a mid-level prospect if the O's would pay a large portion of the contract for Burrell or Abreu. One official, though, called the deal "unlikely." Meanwhile, the Orioles are talking to other teams about Lopez, including Arizona, St. Louis, San Diego, Texas and the Yankees.
Monday, July 17
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Shawn Green Diamondbacks	Yankees?	Yanks like a shade of Green? Jul 17 - The Yankees have expressed some interest in acquiring Diamondbacks right fielder Shawn Green, according to a report in the Newark Star-Ledger. Green, 33, is set to make $9.5 million next season and has a $10 million option for 2008, with a $2M buyout. He can veto a trade to any team other than the Padres, Dodgers and Angels. It's believed the Diamondbacks may want not much in return for Green as they are trying to open spots for prospects.