Baseball: MLB Rumors (June 04)

Giants' Alou no puppet
San Jose Mercury News

Will the Giants' 10-game win streak quiet the calls for manager Felipe Alou's head? Mercury News columnist Skip Bayless takes issue with the notion that Alou is "General Manager Brian Sabean's doddering puppet, living in a rest home of a dugout basically run by pitching coach Dave Righetti".



Diamondbacks may sack Brenly
Arizona Republic

Diamondbacks manager Bob Brenly may be on shaky ground. Republic columnist Dan Bickley writes that Brenly could lose the support of the Diamondbacks' front office if the team continues to flounder.


Will Blue Jays keep on spending?
Toronto Star

The Blue Jays could be big players on the free agent market if they stick to the same budget next season. Star columnist Dave Perkins writes that the Blue Jays could have over $20 million to spend if they part ways with Carlos Delgado, Frank Catalanotto, and Greg Myers.


Benson's stock dropping
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Post-Gazette columnist Ron Cook writes that the Pirates may not get much in return if they trade starter Kris Benson. Cook believes that Benson's poor play is "killing the Pirates -- on the field and in the books".

Boone could sign with Angels, Devil Rays or Red Sox
Boston Herald

The Herald's Jeff Horrigan reports that the Red Sox have shown "tepid interest " in Aaron Boone. Unfortunately for the Red Sox, Boone is more likely to sign with the Angels or Devil Rays.

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The Jays should get some better bullpen pitching if they ditch those guys

Can you see them letting Delgado go? Thing is i think he has too long and too many slumps.

He's great when he's on a roll but they should go with youth. Delgado is just taking up too much money and they won't let him go. They actually have a pretty decent farm system, other than AAA too!
I say ditch him

Ordonez shoots down Mets talk
Chicago Sun-Times

The Sun-Times' Doug Padilla reports that White Sox outfielder Magglio Ordonez has denied rumors that he is "all but certain to leave" Chicago. Ordonez called talk that he wants to sign with the Mets "a lie".


Yankees may add another starter to rotation
Newsday

The Yankees may try to upgrade their starting rotation before the trade deadline. Newsday columnist Jon Heyman writes that the Yankees could pursue Randy Johnson, Freddy Garcia, Russ Ortiz, Matt Morris or Kris Benson.


Twins should trade Restovich for Garcia, Guardado
Minneapolis Star Tribune

Star Tribune columnist Jim Souhan thinks that the Twins should deal outfielder Michael Restovich to the Mariners. Souhan suggests that the Twins swap Restovich for Freddy Garcia and Eddie Guardado.


Brenly still on hot seat
Arizona Republic

Although Diamondbacks owner Jerry Colangelo said yesterday that he won't make a managerial change this season "unless the bottom absolutely just falls out", Republic columnist Paola Boivin still thinks that Bob Brenly is on a short leash. Look for the Diamondbacks to fire Brenly this month if he doesn't get them turned around.


Alou interested in re-signing with Cubs
Chicago Sun-Times

Moises Alou wants to sign a new deal with the Cubs. Alou told the Sun-Times' Toni Ginnetti that he'd "love to come back".

I think the Yanks need another starter. I think this is where they are lacking this season.

Is Garciaparra unhappy in Boston?
Providence Journal

The Red Sox may have a tough time convincing Nomar Garciaparra to re-sign. Journal columnist Bill Reynolds writes that there is a "theory that Garciaparra really does not want to be in Boston, a theory that keeps having legs".



Did White Sox start Ordonez rumors?
Chicago Sun-Times

Sun-Times columnist Greg Couch wonders if the White Sox were behind talk that Magglio Ordonez is ready to leave Chicago. Couch writes that the White Sox may be "secretly trying to paint [Ordonez] as unsignable" so that they will take less heat if he walks or is traded.


Yankees may not have what it takes to land Beltran
Newsday

Although the Yankees have been scouting Carlos Beltran, he is unlikely to end up in the Bronx. Newsday's Jim Baumbach and Jon Heyman report that the Yankees don't have the "major league-ready talent" that the Royals are looking for.


A's could go shopping for another bat
San Francisco Chronicle

The Chronicle's Susan Slusser reports that the A's may make a trade to bolster their offense now that Eric Chavez has been sidelined. The A's could deal for Chris Stynes, Jose Hernandez, Geoff Blum or Shea Hillenbrand.


Mariners may only get two prospects for Garcia

Seattle Times
The Mariners may not get much in return if they deal Freddy Garcia. A GM told Times columnist Larry Stone that the Mariners could swap Garcia for "two prospects, one would be definite, one mild". The Red Sox, Yankees, Dodgers, White Sox, Twins and Reds may all be interested in acquiring Garcia.

Yankees could trade Contreras to Mariners
New York Times

A source told the Times' Tyler Kepner that the Mariners are interested in Jose Contreras. The Yankees may be able to swap Contreras for Freddy Garcia and Mike Myers if they're willing to eat part of their struggling starter's contract.


Red Sox may be looking to upgrade
Boston Herald

The Red Sox may be in the market for a pitcher, an outfielder and an infielder. The Herald's Michael Silverman reports that Freddy Garcia, Jason Jennings, Carlos Beltran, Steve Finley, Jeff Conine and Joe Randa are among the players that the Red Sox could pursue.


Finley could land in Philly
Arizona Republic

The Diamondbacks could unload Steve Finley before the trading deadline. Republic columnist Dan Bickley writes that the Phillies are rumored to be interested in Finley.


Angels' Ortiz may ask for trade
Los Angeles Times

Angels pitcher Ramon Ortiz may ask to be traded if he isn't put back into the starting rotation. Agent Pat Roache told the Times' Mike DiGiovanna that "if the Angels don't see [Ortiz] as a starter, then it's time to move on".


A's don't need to make a move
Contra Costa Times

Times columnist Gary Peterson doesn't think that the A's should trade for a third baseman to replace Eric Chavez. Peterson believes that the A's would be better off standing pat than acquiring the likes of Shea Hillenbrand, Tony Batista or Chris Stynes.

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Smoltz wants to retire a Brave, but he won't rule out trade
Atlanta Journal-Constitution

"When John Smoltz said he'd consider waiving his no-trade protection if the Braves fall from contention this summer, some took the statement and ran like crazy with it, going so far as to imply the frustrated pitcher was ready to get out of Atlanta."

Ortiz not content in bullpen
Los Angeles Daily News

"A brief run of success in the bullpen has created an identity crisis for Ramon Ortiz. He wants to be an Angel, but he considers himself a starting pitcher. Right now he's not, and that dissatisfaction led to a lengthy pregame meeting Friday with manager Mike Scioscia and other members of management to discuss Ortiz's role."

Garcia on Sox' radar?
Daily Herald

"When a local report tabbed the White Sox as Garcia's most likely new home, Sox GM Kenny Williams didn't exactly know how to respond... On a more serious note, Williams didn't deny the speculation. But he did quash rumors that Class AAA outfielder Joe Borchard would be a part of the proposed trade for Garcia."

Rangers near deal with Helling
Fort Worth Star-Telegram

"The Rangers, becoming concerned about their starting pitching depth, are close to signing right-handed pitcher Rick Helling to a minor league deal. An agreement could be reached as early as today."

Big draft on tap for Yanks
New York Daily News

"Tomorrow's amateur draft is vital for the Yankees, who some baseball officials believe have their most barren farm system in years."

Trouble brewing in St. Louis?
Trenton Times

"The rumor mill out of St. Louis indicates that general manager Walt Jocketty and manager Tony La Russa will be in serious trouble if the Cardinals don't make the playoffs this year. We also hear that 73-year-old Whitey Herzog is telling friends that he would love to return to the Cardinals' dugout."

Jays may be ready to dump Delgado
Newark Star-Ledger

"Despite being picked as a World Series winner by one genius baseball writer, the Blue Jays are prepared to start dumping players in preparation for next season. CARLOS DELGADO , who is making $19.7 million in the final year of his contract, could be on a pennant contender next month if he gets healthy and waives his no-trade rights."

Phillies may be eyeing Crawford
St. Petersburg Times

"There are rumors in Philadelphia of interest in Carl Crawford."

A's could deal for Belliard
Newark Star-Ledger

"Don't be surprised if the A's try to beef up their infield by trading for Cleveland's RON BELLIARD."

Royals, Mariners may be ready to deal
Trenton Times

"The Royals, a major disappointment after contending all of last season, are said to be willing to move outfielder Carlos Beltran, third baseman Joe Randa and maybe even first baseman Mike Sweeney, and in return are looking for a third baseman, catcher, second baseman, an outfielder and pitching. As for the Mariners, they will listen to offers for pitcher Freddy Garcia, second baseman Bret Boone and reliever Eddie Guardado, and are looking to upgrade and get younger in the infield and center field."


Guillen hopes Sox can obtain Garcia
Chicago Tribune

"White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen would love to have Seattle pitcher Freddy Garcia on his team—and not just because he's one of the better right-handers in the American League."

Guillen wants to add Mariners' Garcia to White Sox rotation
Seattle Post-Intelligencer

The Post-Intelligencer's John Hickey and Janny Hu report that White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen would like Freddy Garcia to join him in Chicago. Guillen and Garcia, who are neighbors in Venezuela, could join forces if the Mariners decide to make a deal before the deadline.


White Sox could trade for Benson
Beaver County Times

The White Sox may be interested in Pirates starter Kris Benson. The Times' John Perrotto reports that the White Sox could include prospect Jeremy Reed in a package deal for Benson.


Hoffman wants to sign new deal with Padres
San Diego Union-Tribune

The Union-Tribune's Bill Center reports that closer Trevor Hoffman would like to sign a lifetime contract with the Padres. Hoffman is eyeing a deal that would allow him to "pitch into 2008, 2009".


Tigers' Guillen could get long-term deal
Detroit News

The News' Lynn Henning thinks that Carlos Guillen will re-sign with the Tigers. Henning expects the Tigers to give Guillen a "rich, long-term contract".


A's could swap Karros for Sadler
San Francisco Chronicle

The Chronicle's Susan Slusser reports that Donnie Sadler may be the backup infielder that the A's are looking for. The A's could try to trade Eric Karros to the Diamondbacks for Sadler.

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Beltran may be beyond Yankees' reach
New York Daily News

The Daily News' Anthony McCarron reports that the Yankees may not have the right prospects to get a Carlos Beltran deal done. The Yankees could try to trade Dioner Navarro and Eric Duncan for Beltran, but they aren't the "young, big-league-ready position players" that the Royals are rumored to be interested in


Mets could deal for starter
Bergen Record

The Record's Jorge Arangure Jr. reports that the Mets could make a deadline deal for a starter or a hitter. The Mets are rumored to be eyeing Freddy Garcia and Victor Zambrano.


Reds may need another pitcher for playoff push
Cincinnati Enquirer

Enquirer columnist Paul Daugherty thinks that the Reds should trade for a pitcher before the deadline. The Reds could try to acquire Kris Benson, Randy Johnson or Freddy Garcia to help them make a run at the playoffs.


Diamondbacks could revamp rotation
Arizona Republic

The Republic's John Gambadoro reports that the Diamondbacks may have enough money to sign "two top starters" if they trade Randy Johnson and let Steve Finley, Danny Bautista and Elmer Dessens walk. Kris Benson, Freddy Garcia, Derek Lowe, Odalis Perez, Carl Pavano, Russ Ortiz, Eric Milton and Brad Radke are among the pitchers that the Diamondbacks could choose from.


Will Angels make bid for Boone?
Los Angeles Times

The Times' Mike DiGiovanna reports that Aaron Boone is interested in playing for the Angels. Unfortunately for Boone, he says that he and his agent "haven't heard much from the Angels".

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Garcia could put Yankees over the top
Newsday

A GM told Newsday columnist Jon Heyman that trading for Mariners starter Freddy Garcia would take the Yankees to "another level". If the Yankees want to reel in Garcia, they may have to outbid the Red Sox, White Sox and Mets.


White Sox need to find a closer
Chicago Sun-Times

Sun-Times columnist Jay Mariotti thinks that the White Sox should try to acquire a closer. The Sox could target Eddie Guardado, Jose Mesa, Rocky Biddle or John Smoltz.


Zito rumors already swirling
San Francisco Chronicle

Would the A's consider trading Barry Zito? Chronicle columnist Ray Ratto writes that Zito is "a big name, a name that meets all the requirements for rumor-hood".


Marlins looking for bullpen help
Miami Herald

The Herald's Kevin Baxter reports that the Marlins are shopping for a veteran reliever. The Marlins could look to the Royals' Jason Grimsley or Scott Sullivan for help.


Delgado could end up with Dodgers
Toronto Star

Former teammates Carlos Delgado and Shawn Green have talked about joining forces in L.A. Green told Star columnist Richard Griffin that he'd "love to play with Carlos again some time".

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Does Nomar want to be a Yankee?
Boston Globe

Globe columnist Dan Shaughnessy doesn't think that Nomar Garciaparra will re-sign with the Red Sox. Shaughnessy writes that Garciaparra's agent has been "telling people he wants to play second base for the Yankees next year".


Yankees may need to bolster starting rotation
New York Post

Will Kevin Brown's back injury force the Yankees to trade for another starter? Post columnist Joel Sherman writes that Freddy Garcia, Al Leiter, Barry Zito and Randy Johnson are among the pitchers that the Yankees could look at.


Yankees aren't ready to deal for Beltran
New York Post

Don't believe talk that the Yankees are about to acquire Carlos Beltran in a three-way deal with the Royals and Marlins. A source told the Post's George King that the Yankees "have told people they aren't ready [to deal]".


Smoltz wants to stay in Atlanta
Detroit Free Press

Michigan native John Smoltz is unlikely to sign with the Tigers. The Free Press' John Lowe reports that Smoltz would like to finish his career with the Braves.


White Sox may use Reed as trade bait
Daily Herald

The Daily Herald's Scot Gregor reports that the White Sox may be willing to deal prospect Jeremy Reed. The White Sox could offer Reed to the Mariners for Freddy Garcia.

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Originally posted by TRD
Does Nomar want to be a Yankee?
Boston Globe

Globe columnist Dan Shaughnessy doesn't think that Nomar Garciaparra will re-sign with the Red Sox. Shaughnessy writes that Garciaparra's agent has been "telling people he wants to play second base for the Yankees next year".


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That would give the Yanks like a $70 million per season infield

Not only that they would be so hard to beat if they did get him plus a few others they seem to have their eyes on.

Yankees could swap Contreras for Garcia
New York Post

Big Update!

The Freddy Garcia trade watch is red hot.

The Post's George King reports that Yankees starter Jose Contreras could be headed to Seattle as part of a trade for Freddy Garcia. The Mariners had a scout watching Contreras pitch yesterday.


Mets want to bring Soriano back to New York
Newsday

Newsday's David Lennon reports that the Mets are still interested in acquiring Alfonso Soriano. The Mets may be willing to include prized prospects Scott Kazmir or David Wright in a deal for the Rangers second baseman.


Three teams eyeing Pirates' Benson
Bergen Record

The Pirates may not have much trouble unloading starter Kris Benson. The Record's Pete Caldera reports that the Yankees, White Sox and Mets may all be interested in acquiring the former No. 1 pick.


White Sox searching for fifth starter
Chicago Sun-Times

The White Sox may make a move to shore up their starting rotation. Sun-Times columnist Chris De Luca writes that Sox GM Ken Williams is looking for a fifth starter.


Big Four too pricey for Red Sox
Providence Journal

The Red Sox may not be able to afford to keep Pedro Martinez, Derek Lowe, Jason Varitek and Nomar Garciaparra in Boston. Red Sox CEO Larry Lucchino told the Journal's Art Martone that "we want to sign each of them, but we probably won't sign all of them".

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Originally posted by TRD
Yankees could swap Contreras for Garcia
New York Post



The Freddy Garcia trade watch is red hot.

The Post's George King reports that Yankees starter Jose Contreras could be headed to Seattle as part of a trade for Freddy Garcia. The Mariners had a scout watching Contreras pitch yesterday.

No way, hes coming to Chicago and thats final. Chicago has a much better offering on the table then the Yankees.(see Jeremy Reed)

the mariners need some help but i hope they don't take the bait and trade garcia for contreras, we don't need another "project" pitcher

Will the Yank's get their man? They always seem to.!