Baseball: MLB Rumors (June 04)

Royals GM ready to deal
Kansas City Star

"The Royals have been linked in discussions with San Diego to send Beltran and Randa to the Padres for third baseman Sean Burroughs, outfielder Xavier Nady and another outfielder, perhaps Terrence Long. Baird met Friday night with Mets general manager Jim Duquette. The Mets are looking to acquire an impact hitter, such as Beltran, but are likely to balk at Baird's price of third baseman David Wright. The Yankees, Red Sox, Cubs and Dodgers are also believed to be interested in Beltran."

Cameron's Stock Takes a Hit
New York Times

"While Kansas City's Carlos Beltran set his stance for future negotiations on Friday, Mike Cameron just tried to defend his place as the Mets' center fielder of the present and the future. The Mets are among a handful of teams that have expressed an interest in trading for Beltran, but the odds of their landing him have never looked so steep."

Soriano, Ordonez may be on Mets' wish list
Newsday

"Cameron can take solace in the fact that if the Mets hang around in the NL East race, they are more likely to target rightfield candidates, such as Alfonso Soriano, who would have to switch from second base if Texas makes him available, or Magglio Ordoñez, who recently turned down a five-year, $70-million offer to stay with the White Sox, but is on the disabled list after knee surgery

Will Mets deal Erickson?
New York Daily News

"With Scott Erickson's return from a left hamstring strain looming, Mets brass has considered the possibility of trading Erickson if success by Jae Seo and Matt Ginter allowed. But a night after Ginter held the Twins to one run in 7-2/3 innings and did his part (before the Mets coughed up the lead and were swept at the Metrodome), the Royals chased Seo (3-5) with two out in the fifth inning."

Pressure may be on Yankees GM to make a deal
New York Daily News

"Mariners righty Freddy Garcia has been linked to the Yanks for weeks and Pirates righty Kris Benson is readily available, but Cashman has said countless times he has not felt pressure to make a trade and wanted to wait to see how the market develops. Since the Yankees have virtually no realistic minor-league pitching options, however, he may no longer have that luxury."

Beltran could land in Miami
Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel

The Marlins may try to deal for Royals outfielder Carlos Beltran. The Sun-Sentinel's Mike Berardino reports that the Marlins have made "preliminary contact" with the Royals about Beltran.


Mets won't trade Wright for Beltran
New York Post

The Mets may be out of the running for Carlos Beltran. The Post's Michael Morrissey reports that Mets GM Jim Duquette isn't interested in dealing prize prospect David Wright for a rental player.


Tigers may deal Urbina
Detroit News

The News' Lynn Henning reports that the Tigers could trade closer Ugueth Urbina if they get the right offer. The Tigers are likely to unload Urbina if they can swap him for a "position prospect or two".


Indians could keep Lawton for playoff run
Cleveland Plain Dealer

The Plain Dealer's Burt Graeff reports that the Indians may be reluctant to trade Matt Lawton. Although dumping Lawton and his bloated contract would improve the Indians' bottom line, it could cost them a chance to make the playoffs.


Decision day coming for Mariners
Seattle Post-Intelligencer

It is still not known whether the Mariners will be buying or selling at the trading deadline. GM Bill Bavasi told the Post-Intelligencer's John Hickey that the Mariners are "fast approaching the signpost when you don't expend prospects in a trade".

Several teams interested in Sweeney
Kansas City Star

The Royals may also try to dump Mike Sweeney. The Star's Jeff Passan reports that "multiple teams" have already asked the Royals about Sweeney.


Royals may swap Beltran for prospects
Kansas City Star

A Carlos Beltran deal could bring some highly touted prospects to Kansas City. The Star's Bradford Doolittle reports that the White Sox' Jeremy Reed, the Padres' Jon Knott, the Mets' David Wright, the Dodgers' Franklin Gutierrez and the Red Sox' Kevin Youkilis are among the young guns that the Royals could receive if they trade Beltran.


Will Rockies unload Wilson?
Denver Post

The Rockies could trade Preston Wilson before the deadline. The Post's Troy E. Renck reports that the Mets, Red Sox, Padres and Mariners are all looking to add some offense.


Mets looking for another bat
New York Post

The Post's Michael Morrissey reports that the Mets would like to add another "run-producing bat" to their lineup. The Mets could try to deal for Alfonso Soriano, Richard Hidalgo or Bret Boone.


Move to New York wouldn't scare Hidalgo
Houston Chronicle

The Chronicle's Jose De Jesus Ortiz reports that the Mets are rumored to be interested in the Astros' Richard Hidalgo. Although some players are reluctant to play in the Big Apple, Hidalgo says that "New York doesn't scare me".

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Big Unit not bound for Bronx
Newark Star-Ledger

The Star-Ledger's Dan Graziano reports that the Yankees are long shots to acquire Randy Johnson from the Diamondbacks. Not only could Johnson veto a trade to New York, but the Yankees don't appear to have enough prospects to get a deal done.


Yankees eyeing Garcia
Newsday

Newsday's Jim Baumbach reports that the Yankees have their eyes on Mariners starter Freddy Garcia. The Yankees had a scout watching Garcia pitch against the Brewers last night.


Rockies could ship Jennings to Boston or San Diego
Denver Post

Rockies pitcher Jason Jennings could be on the move. The Post's Troy E. Renck reports that the Red Sox and Padres are believed to be interested in Jennings.


Is Beltran's stock dropping?
Kansas City Star

The Star's Bob Dutton reports that Royals outfielder Carlos Beltran's trade value could take a hit if he refuses to sign a contract extension. Beltran will be a free agent after the season and that could scare some teams off.


Howe could be next Met to go
Newsday

The Art Howe watch is on. Newsday's Ken Davidoff reports that yesterday's firing of Mets hitting coach Denny Walling "could mark the beginning of the end of Howe's underwhelming reign".

Pedro: Nomar wants to stay in Boston
Hartford Courant

Pedro Martinez doesn't believe talk that Nomar Garciaparra wants out of Boston. Martinez told the Courant's David Heuschkel that he's "sure that No. 5 wants to stay here".


White Sox may deal for starter
Daily Herald

Daily Herald columnist Scot Gregor believes that White Sox GM Kenny Williams may be about to put the finishing touches on a "big trade". The White Sox could deal for Freddy Garcia, Livan Hernandez or Kris Benson.


Will Yankees swap Navarro for Garcia?
New York Post

The Yankees may use highly touted catching prospect Dioner Navarro as trade bait. The Post's George King reports that the Yankees could try to swap Navarro for Mariners starter Freddy Garcia.


Marlins looking for bullpen help
Palm Beach Post

The Post's Tom D'Angelo reports that the Marlins could make a trade for a reliever. Jason Grimsley, Rudy Seanez, Byung Hyun Kim and John Riedling are among the pitchers that the Marlins could acquire.


Lopez upset with Orioles
Baltimore Sun

Rodrigo Lopez is upset with the Orioles for removing him from the starting rotation, but he hasn't asked to be traded. Lopez told the Sun's Joe Christensen that he is "unhappy; that's for sure".

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Red Sox may make bid for Beltran
New York Post

The Yankees appear to be worried that Carlos Beltran will be traded to the Red Sox. The Post's George King reports that the Red Sox are "considered among the favorites" to acquire Beltran because they can offer Kansas City Juan Perez, Abe Alvarez and Kevin Youkilis.


Dodgers could get Beltran in three-way deal
San Francisco Chronicle

The Chronicle's John Shea reports that the A's could help facilitate a three-way deal for Carlos Beltran. Beltran would end up with the Dodgers, while Guillermo Mota would land in Oakland.


Will Dodgers re-sign Beltre, Perez?
Orange County Register

The Register's Bill Plunkett reports that Adrian Beltre and Odalis Perez may not be back with the Dodgers next year. Both Beltre and Perez will be free agents at the end of the season.


Devil Rays' Crawford could be coming to Philly
Philadelphia Daily News

If centerfielder Marlon Byrd doesn't improve his play, the Phillies could deal for his replacement. Daily News columnist Bill Conlin writes that the Phillies could ship Vicente Padilla and prospect Ryan Howard to the Devil Rays for Carl Crawford.


Boone visits with Indians GM
Cleveland Plain Dealer

The Plain Dealer's Paul Hoynes reports that Indians GM Mark Shapiro met with Aaron Boone recently. Shapiro says that the Indians are "one of about seven or eight teams that are interested in Boone".

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Originally posted by TRD
Red Sox may make bid for Beltran
New York Post

The Yankees appear to be worried that Carlos Beltran will be traded to the Red Sox. The Post's George King reports that the Red Sox are "considered among the favorites" to acquire Beltran because they can offer Kansas City Juan Perez, Abe Alvarez and Kevin Youkilis.


Dodgers could get Beltran in three-way deal
San Francisco Chronicle

The Chronicle's John Shea reports that the A's could help facilitate a three-way deal for Carlos Beltran. Beltran would end up with the Dodgers, while Guillermo Mota would land in Oakland.

As long as the yanks don't fork over a few million, I don't care where he goes

Yea it looks like there may be a tussle as to who might get him if he is traded.

You cant say that you blame them though. Everybody needs a really good player that they can start to build their roster around. I'd take him if I was a low budget manager or even if I already had another guy playing his position

A trade for Zito is unlikely
Newark Star-Ledger

"The Mets had been hearing about the possibility of Athletics left-hander Barry Zito becoming available but it now appears Oakland has decided not to move him, according to a baseball executive familiar with the situation."

Garcia could follow Hidalgo to New York
Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel

"Acquiring Richard Hidalgo from the Astros last week could be the first step in a two-pronged plan to lift the Mets into the muddled NL East race. Hidalgo shares an agent, Peter Greenberg, with his fellow Venezuelan and former Astros farmhand, Mariners ace Freddy Garcia. Grabbing Hidalgo could make it easier for the Mets to lock up Garcia with a multiyear deal before consummating a trade in the coming weeks."

Royals scouting Youkilis?
Boston Globe

"Kansas City general manager Allard Baird, shopping for talent to a acquire in exchange for Carlos Beltran, scouted the game with two top aides. Notable among the players they checked out was Sox third baseman Kevin Youkilis, who went 0 for 4 with a walk"


Yankees may look to bolster rotation
New York Post

"The leading candidate to bolster the Yankees' rotation is Seattle right-hander Freddy Garcia. But there are other pitchers expected to be available. The Braves may shop Russ Ortiz, and the Angels, despite his winning record, may dangle lefty Jarrod Washburn."

Mariners interested in Lowe?
Boston Globe

"Derek Lowe's name came up in Seattle's discussions with the Red Sox regarding Freddy Garcia."

Finley could join Phillies
Boston Globe

"With the Diamondbacks going nowhere, Steve Finley looks like a potential fit in Philadelphia, where center fielder Marlon Byrd has been a disappointment . . . "

Red Sox close to acquiring Leskanic
Providence Journal

"Seeking to imrpove their bullpen depth, particularly in the middle and late innings, the Red Sox are close to an agreement with veteran reliever Curtis Leskanic. Terms could be finalized by tomorrow."

Yankees may beat Red Sox to Beltran
New York Times

The Times' Tyler Kepner reports that the Yankees "are among the leading candidates" to acquire Carlos Beltran from the Royals. Yankees owner George Steinbrenner may push for a deal to ensure that Beltran doesn't end up in Boston.


Rockies may deal Wilson
Rocky Mountain News

News columnist Tracy Ringolsby believes that Preston Wilson is the Rockie most likely to be traded. The Rockies could unload Wilson and use the money they save to re-sign Jason Jennings, Joe Kennedy and Shawn Chacon.


White Sox, Dodgers could make bids for Garcia
Los Angeles Daily News

The Dodgers may have to outbid the White Sox if they want to acquire Mariners starter Freddy Garcia. The Daily News' Tom Hoffarth reports that the White Sox could try to swap prospect Joe Borchard for Garcia.


Leskanic could join Red Sox
Boston Herald

The Herald's Jeff Horrigan reports that free agent reliever Curtis Leskanic could sign with the Red Sox. The Royals released Leskanic last week.


Guillen trade unlikely
Detroit News

The News' Lynn Henning doubts that the Tigers will trade shortstop Carlos Guillen. There is talk that the Tigers could deal Guillen and then sign him in the offseason when he becomes a free agent.

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Ordonez talks may be dead
Chicago Sun-Times

The Sun-Times' Chris De Luca reports that this will likely be Magglio Ordonez's last season with the White Sox. Ordonez, who's contract talks with the White Sox have ended, could sign with the Yankees, Dodgers, Mets, Padres, Orioles or Cubs in the offseason.


Guillen to sign new deal with Tigers
Detroit Free Press

The Free Press' John Lowe reports that the Tigers could announce today that they've signed shortstop Carlos Guillen to a contract extension. Guillen could get a three-year deal worth $4.5 million per season.


Yankees interested in Garcia, Beltran
Newark Star-Ledger

The Yankees could acquire Freddy Garcia or Carlos Beltran before the trading deadline. The Star-Ledger's Dan Graziano reports that the Yankees could use prospects Alex Graman or Brad Halsey to land Garcia. The Yankees may also be willing to part with Dioner Navarro and Robinson Cano to get a Beltran deal done.


Royals wondering who will be next to go
Kansas City Star

Carlos Beltran isn't the only Royal who could be headed out the door. The Star's Bob Dutton reports that the Royals may also trade Mike Sweeney, Joe Randa, Matt Stairs, Brian Anderson, Darrell May, Desi Relaford, Dennys Reyes and Scott Sullivan.


A's shopping for reliever
San Jose Mercury News

A's GM Billy Beane said yesterday that he may deal for a reliever "sooner than later". The Mercury News' Chris Haft reports that Ugueth Urbina, Rocky Biddle, Octavio Dotel and Jose Mesa could all be available.

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Nomar likely to bolt Boston
Boston Herald

The odds of Nomar Garciaparra re-signing with the Red Sox aren't good. The Herald's Karen Guregian estimates that there is only a 40-60 chance that Garciaparra will stay in Boston.


Dodgers may be looking for pitching help
Los Angeles Daily News

The Daily News' Tony Jackson reports that the Dodgers may be more likely to trade for a starting pitcher than Royals outfielder Carlos Beltran. The Dodgers are believed to be interested in Freddy Garcia, Sidney Ponson and Kris Benson.


A's may have to deal for reliever
Oakland Tribune

Will A's GM Billy Beane be able to snuff out the fire in the team's bullpen? Tribune columnist Monte Poole writes that Beane will have to find a way to acquire a reliever like Guillermo Mota, Scott Williamson or Octavio Dotel without "mortgaging the future".


White Sox haven't closed door on Ordonez
Daily Herald

The Daily Herald's Scot Gregor reports that White Sox GM Kenny Williams still believes that the club has a chance to re-sign Magglio Ordonez. Although Ordonez's contract talks with the Sox have reportedly ended, Williams says that "the door is not closed".


Alomar wants out of Arizona
Arizona Republic

The Republic's Bob McManaman reports that Diamondbacks second baseman Roberto Alomar wants to be traded. Alomar lost his starting job to Scott Hairston and isn't interested in sitting on the bench for the rest of the season.

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to picture nomar not in boston is just weird.

Astros could replace Dotel with Urbina
New York Daily News

The Astros may trade for a closer to replace Octavio Dotel.The Daily News' Bill Madden reports that the Astros could complete a deal for Ugueth Urbina today.


Yankees may set sights on Garcia, Ortiz
Newsday

Newsday's Ken Davidoff reports that the Yankees may try to upgrade their pitching staff now that Carlos Beltran is off the market. The Yankees could deal for Freddy Garcia or Russ Ortiz.


Mendoza could help Orioles
Washington Post

The Orioles may be shopping for a pitcher. Sources told the Post's Dave Sheinin that the Orioles have talked to the Red Sox about Ramiro Mendoza.


Phillies may target pair of Expos
Philadelphia Daily News

Daily News columnist Paul Hagen writes that the Phillies could turn to the Expos for help before the trading deadline. The Phillies may be interested in acquiring Brad Wilkerson and Livan Hernandez.


Boone headed for Cleveland
Seattle Post-Intelligencer

Aaron Boone has decided to join the Indians. The Post-Intelligencer's David Andriesen reports that Bret Boone has confirmed that his brother has signed a deal to play in Cleveland.

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trade rumors continue to swirl around the majors and seem to be heating up

1) According to the Atlanta Journal Constitution, the Whitesox could be
close to acquiring Braves P Russ Ortiz, while the deal could be expanded to
include Andruw Jones and Magglio Ordonez. While the Chicago Sun Times
doesn't say anything about a deal being close, they also report that it
could be expanded to include the OFs.

Meanwhile, they are both reporting that Jon Rauch could be part of the
package the Whitesox would use to get Ortiz.

2) According to the Minneapolis Star Tribune, Jamie Moyer to the Yankees
rumors are starting to heat up.

3) Yankees GM Brian Cashman says that, contrary to yesterday's rumor, the
team has no interest in Mets P Tom Glavine.

Ordonez for Jones? Say it ain't so, Kenny deal
Chicago Sun-Times

"The Sox reportedly are talking about acquiring (Andruw) Jones to fill their need for a center fielder and sending (Magglio) Ordonez to the Braves, who are desperate for a power-hitting outfielder. Even if that means renting him for half a season, as they would with Ordonez, who is eligible for free agency after the World Series."

Urbina could join White Sox
Chicago Tribune

"Detroit's Ugueth Urbina could be the next closer traded. Don't rule out the White Sox. . ."

Boss' blowup may spark Yanks to deal
New York Daily News

"The Yankees are continuing their search for starting pitching help, with Freddy Garcia and Russ Ortiz the two top names, but the search may have taken on more urgency yesterday when George Steinbrenner witnessed his team allow nine runs in a loss to the Mets... A Phillies scout has been at Thunder games recently, too, perhaps a sign Philadelphia would part with a pitcher such as Kevin Millwood."


Indians need more pitching
Akron Beacon Journal

"The Boone signing will look better if the Indians sign Belliard and trade either Peralta or Phillips in a deal that brings a pitcher. Freddy Garcia or Eddie Guardado perhaps?"


Griffey may want out
Newsday

The Astros' acquisition of Carlos Beltran reflected their confidence that the Cardinals and Reds are playing over their heads, and the Reds, at least, seem to agree. Players are united in their hatred of ownership and new general manager Dan O'Brien, who drew their ire when he traded pitcher Chris Reitsma at the end of spring training. Ken Griffey Jr. has told friends he'd still welcome a trade."

Braves could swap Jones for Ordonez
Atlanta Journal-Constitution

The Braves may be willing to trade Andruw Jones. The Journal-Constitution's David O'Brien reports that the Braves have talked to the White Sox about a deal involving Jones and Magglio Ordonez.


Dodgers may deal Beltre before deadline
Los Angeles Daily News

The Daily News' Tony Jackson reports that the Dodgers could become sellers before the trading deadline. Jackson calls Adrian Beltre the "most obvious choice to go".


Yankees still searching for starter
Newark Star-Ledger

The Yankees have turned their attention to several other starting pitchers now that Freddy Garcia is off the market. The Star-Ledger's Dan Graziano reports that the Yankees may target Jamie Moyer, Russ Ortiz, Tom Glavine and Randy Johnson.


Angels' Ortiz wants to be traded
Los Angeles Times

The Times' Bill Shaikin reports that Ramon Ortiz wants out of Anaheim. Ortiz asked the Angels to trade him (again) after learning that he had lost his spot in the starting rotation.


White Sox think Garcia will sign extension
Chicago Tribune

The White Sox think that they will be able to convince Freddy Garcia to stick around. Tribune columnist Phil Rogers writes that Sox GM Ken Williams is "99 percent certain" that Garcia will sign a new deal with the team.

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Wow, Andruw Jones for Magglio, that would be a huge trade.

Andruw is more known for his defense and Magglio his offense although they're both great all-around players.


I knew the Yanks would be looking for another starter but I didnt think it would be in June. I hope they dont get someone like Big Unit or Glavine, they're plenty full of all-stars as is. I'm still a bit shocked that George let Beltran slip away.


This would be the perfect time to deal Adrian Beltre, he's hot as can be right now. He has really struggled the past two seasons and is on fire right now, they'll get much more for him if they trade him now, especially since it's unlikely he'll resign with the Dodgers.

Yankees still hoping to land Big Unit
New York Daily News

The Daily News reports that the Yankees are still hoping to trade for Randy Johnson. Although the Diamondbacks have said that the Big Unit won't be dealt, there is talk that he may want out of Arizona.


Mariners may not be done dealing
Seattle Times

Sources told the Times' Bob Finnigan that the Mariners could ship Bret Boone and Mike Myers to the Yankees, John Olerud to the Red Sox and Rich Aurilia to a team in the N.L.


Mets shopping for arms
New York Post

The Mets may deal for another starter. The Post's Mark Hale reports that Ramon Ortiz, Kris Benson, Russ Ortiz and Gil Meche could all interest the Mets.


Indians should bring Mesa back to Cleveland
Cleveland Plain Dealer

Plain Dealer columnist Bud Shaw thinks that the Indians should try to reacquire closer Jose Mesa. Although some Indians fans may be leery of Mesa, Shaw writes that he "would have to be carried trembling to the mound in a basket not to qualify as an improvement".


Red Sox, Cubs eyeing Finley
Arizona Republic

The Republic's Mark Gonzales reports that the Red Sox and Cubs have been scouting Steve Finley. Gonzales expects the Diamondbacks to get "at least one solid prospect" if they trade Finley.

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