Baseball: MLB Rumors (July 04)

Rangers could make deadline deal for a pitcher
Fort Worth Star-Telegram

The Rangers may try to acquire a starting pitcher before the trading deadline. The Star-Telegram's Kathleen O'Brien reports that the Rangers could look to Randy Johnson, John Thomson or Kris Benson for help.

Guardado could close deal for Indians
Akron Beacon Journal

Beacon Journal columnist Terry Pluto doesn't think that the Indians should bring back closer Jose Mesa. Pluto suggests that the Indians target Seattle's Eddie Guardado instead.

Teams scouting Baltimore relievers
Baltimore Sun

The Angels, Padres and Astros are looking for relief. The Sun's Joe Christensen reports that the three teams have been scouting Orioles relievers Buddy Groom, B.J. Ryan and John Parrish.

Wigginton talk goes nowhere
Newsday

Newsday's David Lennon reports that the Reds have denied rumors that they are talking to the Mets about a trade for Ty Wigginton. The Reds were reportedly willing to swap Paul Wilson or Corey Lidle for Wigginton.

Cubs could sign Ordonez
Chicago Tribune

The Tribune's Paul Sullivan reports that the Cubs could steal Magglio Ordonez away from the White Sox in the offseason. Look for the Cubs to part ways with Moises Alou and use the money they save to sign Ordonez to a "creative, back-loaded deal".


Rangers could trade for slugger
Fort Worth Star-Telegram

The Star-Telegram's T.R. Sullivan reports that the Rangers could pursue Danny Bautista, Jeromy Burnitz, Larry Walker or Carlos Delgado.


Mariners may ship Olerud to Boston
Seattle Times

The Times' Jose Miguel Romero reports that the Mariners could deal John Olerud to the Red Sox. Boston may also be interested in relievers Shigetoshi Hasegawa and Ron Villone.


Cubs looking at Urbina, Sullivan
Chicago Sun-Times

The Cubs may make a move to upgrade their bullpen. The Sun-Times' Mike Kiley reports that the Cubs are scouting Ugueth Urbina and Scott Sullivan.

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Damaged goods: Deal Garciaparra
Boston Globe

"Nomar Garciaparra is one of the best and most popular players in the history of the Red Sox franchise, but it's time for the Sox to make a deal for their star shortstop... Think about it Sox fans: if the Sox went with the aforementioned infield and could pry Randy Johnson from Arizona or Francisco Rodriguez from Anaheim, could you live without the final three months of Nomar?

Colangelo Says 'Fire Sale' Not In Plans
Arizona Republic

"Trade rumors continue to swirl, but Jerry Colangelo says that there's not going to be a 'fire sale.'"

Giants unlikely to make bid for Johnson
San Francisco Chronicle

"The latest local rumor had the Giants bidding for (Randy Johnson's) services, but that makes no sense for them because of his salary, age and knee, even in the unlikely event that they could put together a package that would entice the Diamondbacks."

Rangers may want to add offense
Fort Worth Star-Telegram

"The Rangers are not that excited about the midseason trade market for pitchers. The offensive side is another story. According to league sources, they are in talks with several teams about trading outfielder Kevin Mench, possibly for Diamondbacks right fielder Danny Bautista."

Interest in Benson?
Minneapolis Star Tribune

"A Twins scout will be watching today when Pittsburgh righthander Kris Benson starts against Milwaukee. Benson definitely is on the trading block, and the Twins, despite recent hitting woes, are looking at adding a pitcher. The Mets, Yankees and Phillies recently have scouted Benson."

i have mariners tickets for a game in august..if half these rumors are true the team will be very different by then

1) According to the Atlanta Journal Constitution, Mariners 2B Bret Boone
and P Mike Myers are rumored to be headed to the Yankees, 1B John Olerud
to the Redsox and SS Rich Aurilia back to the NL

Marlins may deal for Nomar
Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel

The Sun-Sentinel's Mike Berardino reports that the Marlins may be thinking about putting a deal together for Nomar Garciaparra. The Marlins could include Alex Gonzalez or Hee Seop Choi in a trade for the Red Sox shortstop.


Will Diamondbacks trade Big Unit?
New York Post

The Post's George King reports that the Yankees are holding off on trading for a pitcher until they know for certain that Randy Johnson won't be dealt. The Yankees will likely target Kris Benson or Jamie Moyer if they fail to convince the D-Backs to give up Johnson.


Time for Rockies to unload veterans
Denver Post

Post columnist Woody Paige thinks that the Rockies should try to unload Larry Walker, Preston Wilson, Jeromy Burnitz, Royce Clayton, Charles Johnson, Mark Sweeney, Kit Pellow and Shawn Estes before the deadline.


Olerud nixes trade
Seattle Post-Intelligencer

Although the Mariners are floundering, John Olerud is in no hurry to leave town. Sources told the Post-Intelligencer's John Hickey that Olerud has refused to waive the no-trade clause in his contract.


Red Sox should send Lowe to bullpen
Boston Herald

Herald columnist Tony Massarotti writes that the Red Sox should start shopping for a pitcher to replace struggling starter Derek Lowe. Massarotti believes that the bullpen is the best place for Lowe.

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Garciaparra-to-Marlins trade unlikely
Boston Herald

Owner John Henry "can't imagine the Red Sox would have any interest" in swapping Nomar Garciaparra for Marlins shortstop Alex Gonzalez. The Herald's Jeff Horrigan reports that the Red Sox are more likely to ask for one of the Marlins' starting pitchers if they decide to move Garciaparra.


Big Unit may not want to come to New York
New York Daily News

Daily News columnist Lisa Olson doubts that Randy Johnson will agree to a trade to the Yankees. Olson writes that "those who know Johnson... insist he'd sooner gnaw off his left arm than play in the Bronx or, for that matter, Queens".


Cubs could target Chacon, Cabrera
Chicago Sun-Times

The Sun-Times' Mike Kiley reports that the Cubs have been scouting Rockies closer Shawn Chacon. The Cubs could also make a run at Expos shortstop Orlando Cabrera.


Marlins looking for offense
Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel

The Marlins may make a deal before the deadline to give their offense a boost. The Sun-Sentinel's Juan C. Rodriguez and Mike Berardino report that the Marlins could trade for Frank Catalanotto, Danny Bautista, Jeromy Burnitz, Rob Mackowiak, Gregg Zaun, Brent Mayne or Dan Wilson.

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Alomar interests Yankees
New York Post

The Post's George King reports that the Yankees may be interested in acquiring Roberto Alomar. Miguel Cairo and Enrique Wilson have played well at second, but the Yankees could make a move if they falter.

White Sox still hoping to re-sign Ordonez
Chicago Sun-Times

Even though Freddy Garcia just got a $27 contract extension, the White Sox say that they can still afford to re-sign Magglio Ordonez. The Sun-Times' Doug Padilla reports that Sox GM Ken Williams has told Ordonez that the team "could fit him into the equation".

White Sox may deal for Ortiz, Smoltz or Beltran
Chicago Sun-Times

If the White Sox fail to convince Ordonez to re-sign, they may ship him to Atlanta for Russ Ortiz and John Smoltz. Sun-Times columnist Jay Mariotti writes that the Sox could also make deals for Jose Mesa, Ugueth Urbina, Shawn Chacon or Carlos Beltran.

Several teams could make runs at Big Unit
Newsday

The Yankees may not be the only team hoping that the Diamondbacks put Randy Johnson on the trading block. Newsday columnist Jon Heyman writes that the Red Sox, Angels and Dodgers could all pursue the Big Unit.

Mets say price for pitchers too high
New York Post

The Mets may wait until the price for pitchers goes down before they make a deal. The Post's Mark Hale reports that the asking price for Kris Benson and Ramon Ortiz is "prohibitively high".

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Big Unit could be headed to Boston
Boston Herald

The Herald's Tony Massarotti reports that the Red Sox are "intent on making a serious pitch" for Randy Johnson.


Yankees may bring back Pettitte or Clemens
New York Post

A source told Post columnist Joel Sherman that a deal to bring Andy Pettitte or Roger Clemens back to the Bronx is "not totally far-fetched".


Will Phillies target Zito?
Trenton Times

The Phillies will have to pay a high price if they want to acquire Barry Zito from the A's. Times columnist Harvey Yavener writes that a trade for Zito would likely cost the Phillies Chase Utley and Tim Worrell.


Nomar unlikely to be back in Boston next season
Providence Journal

Journal columnist Jim Donaldson writes that it is "highly likely" that Red Sox shortstop Nomar Garciaparra will be playing for a different team next season.


Walker may waive goodbye to Rockies
Rocky Mountain News

The News's Tracy Ringolsby reports that Larry Walker may waive his no-trade clause if the Rockies deal him to a contender. The Red Sox, A's, Rangers and Braves are among the teams that could be interested in Walker.

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Wives may help decide where Johnson is traded
Boston Globe

Can Curt Schilling's wife help convince Randy Johnson to OK a trade to the Red Sox? Globe columnist Gordon Edes writes that MLB has gotten a request to seat Shonda Schilling next to Johnson's wife Lisa at the All-Star game.


Big Unit may OK trade to Yankees
New York Daily News

The Daily News' Bill Madden reports that Randy Johnson may be willing to waive his no-trade clause if the Diamondbacks agree to a deal with the Yankees.


Mets could swap Wigginton for Benson
Newsday

Newsday's Ken Davidoff and Jon Heyman report that the Mets could swap Ty Wigginton and some of their prospects for Pirates pitcher Kris Benson.


Smoltz could be a Met next season
New York Daily News

John Smoltz could join Tom Glavine in New York. The Daily News' Adam Rubin reports that the Mets may be able to lure Smoltz away from the Braves by offering him a chance to start.


Blue Jays' Batista interests Twins
Minneapolis Star Tribune

The Star Tribune's Jim Souhan reports that the Twins have been scouting Blue Jays starter Miguel Batista.

D-Backs will try to get Unit to stay
New York Daily News

"Before deciding on whether to honor Randy Johnson's request for a trade to a contender, Arizona owner Jerry Colangelo plans to meet with the Big Unit in a last-ditch effort to talk him into staying with the Diamondbacks, according to a baseball source."

Astros owner won't deal Clemens
Boston Globe

"Houston Astros owner Drayton McLane, in terms that even the most rabid rumormonger should understand, said last night there is no way he would trade pitcher Roger Clemens."

Red Sox likely to pass on Walker, Wilson
Providence Journal

"The Colorado Rockies are intent on moving two outfielders -- Larry Walker and Preston Wilson -- but the Sox' interest in either is minimal."

Cards turn down Phillies' trade proposal
St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"With three weeks remaining before baseball's non-waiver trade deadline, the Philadelphia Phillies have inquired about the availability of pitchers Matt Morris and Steve Kline in exchange for a package including Kevin Millwood and former Cardinals infielder Placido Polanco. Sources from both organizations confirmed a recent discussion between Cardinals general manager Walt Jocketty and Phillies GM Ed Wade."

Red-Hot 3B Still Trade Bait For Benson
New York Post

"The Mets remain interested in Pittsburgh pitcher Kris Benson, and Pittsburgh remains interested in hot-hitting Ty Wigginton. A deal involving those two players could eventually happen, but nothing is imminent."

Padres want impact bat
Rocky Mountain News

"San Diego is looking for an impact bat. The Padres would like to get involved in talks about Carlos Beltran if Houston decides to move him, and they have ongoing talks with Arizona about Steve Finley."

I heard yesterday about the Phils trying to get Kline. That'd make a great Pennsylvania rotation,with Steve Kline from Winfield, PA (10 minutes from my hometown)and Eric Milton from Bellfonte.

The only major guys they'd be missing would be Mussina, from Williamsport (home to little league!) and the reliever, Nate Bump, from...Towanda, PA, where my office is.

Randy: No deal without new deal
Bergen Record

"In order to agree to a trade from Arizona, Randy Johnson wants a contract extension. And that wouldn't necessarily eliminate the Yankees from the equation. According to a source with knowledge of the situation, Johnson wants any team that's interested in him to show it - giving him two more years guaranteed."

What about Roger?
Newsday

"Now, as for the Clemens trade reports: The Astros have issued strong denials and Clemens is a homegrown bargain at $5 million. However, if they reverse course, a Clemens confidant said he would be happy to consider the Yankees. Under no circumstances would Clemens return to Boston."

Nomar taking the joy out of Boston's season
Trenton Times

"The Red Sox may have no choice but to move Garciaparra, who will be a free agent at season's end, before the trading deadline. One rumor has him going to Los Angeles in exchange for shortstop Cesar Izturis... Another whisper making the rounds is Garciaparra to Pittsburgh for pitcher Kris Benson and shortstop Jack Wilson."

Lowe is under scrutiny
Newark Star-Ledger

"The Pirates have not yet changed their bargaining position regarding a trade for red-hot pitcher Kris Benson (1.64 ERA in his past three starts), although they are expected to drop their price significantly as the trading deadline approaches. In case they don't, the Mets have been scouting beleaguered Red Sox starter Derek Lowe for his past few starts."

Cubs eyeing Urbina, but only at right price
Chicago Sun-Times

"Cubs scouts are tracking several relievers, but don't look for a quick resolution where Detroit Tigers closer Ugueth Urbina is concerned. Tigers general manager Dave Dombrowski is fully aware that he has an ace in the hole in Urbina, who has been dealt in July in two of the last three seasons."

Cubs could make bid for Cabrera
Newark Star-Ledger

"The Cubs have expressed mild interest in Garciaparra, but their shortstop hunt is expected to lead them to Montreal's ORLANDO CABRERA "


Beltran could be on move
Newsday

" If Carlos Beltran goes back on the block, count in the Padres... The Mariners offered Bret Boone in a megadeal to the Yankees. The Pirates aren't sure about Ty Wigginton, so they're listening to Anaheim, St. Louis, San Francisco and others for Kris Benson."

Johnson's demands could scare off Angels
Los Angeles Daily News

The Daily News' Gabe Lacques reports that the Angels may decide against pursuing Randy Johnson because of his contract demands. There is talk that the Big Unit may only OK a trade if he is given a contract extension.


Benson may be the man for Mets
Newsday

The Mets are more likely to deal for Kris Benson than Derek Lowe or Ramon Ortiz. Newsday's David Lennon reports that Benson is the Mets' "top choice".


Expos may deal Cabrera to Cubs
Chicago Sun-Times

The Sun-Times' Mike Kiley reports that the Cubs may trade for Expos shortstop Orlando Cabrera and sign him to a multi-year deal. The Cubs could ship Alex Gonzalez to Montreal as part of the deal.


Rangers on lookout for pitching
Fort Worth Star-Telegram

The Rangers may try to swap Kevin Mench for a pitcher. The Star-Telegram's T.R. Sullivan reports that Kip Wells, Jamie Moyer, Tony Armas Jr., Shawn Estes, Jimmy Gobble and Darrell May are among the pitchers that the Rangers could target.


Batista tops Twins' list
Toronto Sun

The Sun's Bob Elliott reports that the Twins have "moved [Blue Jays starter Miguel Batista] to the top of their most-wanted list".

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Berkman thinks managerial change may do Astros some good
Houston Chronicle

Lance Berkman thinks that firing manager Jimy Williams could help the Astros get back on track. Berkman told the Chronicle's Neil Hohlfeld that a managerial change could "have a ripple effect on the team".


White Sox could make big splash at deadline
Chicago Tribune

Tribune columnist Phil Rogers writes that the White Sox may try to deal for Carlos Beltran or Randy Johnson.


Mets looking for help
Bergen Record

The Record's J.P. Pelzman reports that the Mets' search for pitching help could lead them to Kris Benson, Randy Johnson, Ramon Ortiz or Mike Myers.


Rockies should hold on to Helton
Denver Post

Post columnist Mark Kiszla hopes that the Rockies don't trade Todd Helton. Kiszla believes that dealing Helton for prospects would be "wrong, wrong, wrong".

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So whats going on with Randy Johnson? Where is he going to end up?

Every thing i read say's he will go to this team and then that team. I guess they can't decide where he will go. It's stupid as he hasn't even came out with where he would like to play. It is getting a bit boring so i wished they would hurry up and get it over with.

Big Unit could join Schilling in Boston
New York Times

The Times' Jack Curry reports that the Red Sox could get Randy Johnson in a three-way trade with the Diamondbacks and Cubs. The rumored deal would see the Red Sox swap Nomar Garciaparra for some of the Cubs' prospects. The Red Sox would then ship the prospects to Arizona for Johnson.


Cubs' best bet may be Cabrera
Chicago Sun-Times

Although the Cubs have talked to the Red Sox about Nomar Garciaparra, the Sun-Times' Mike Kiley reports that Expos shortstop Orlando Cabrera is a better bet to end up in Chicago.


Angels won't mortgage future for Johnson
Los Angeles Times

The Times' Bill Shaikin reports that the Angels won't deal for Randy Johnson if it means parting with their top prospects.


Hernandez isn't ready to move
Philadelphia Inquirer

Although Expos starter Livan Hernandez "would look good in a Phillies uniform", he is unlikely to land in Philadelphia. The Inquirer's Todd Zolecki and Jim Salisbury report that Hernandez doesn't want to be traded.

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Mariners to say goodbye to Olerud
Seattle Post-Intelligencer

The Post-Intelligencer's John Hickey reports that Mariners first baseman John Olerud is expected to be either released or designated for assignment today.


Big Unit only has eyes for Yankees
East Valley Tribune

A source told the Tribune's Ed Price that the Yankees are the only team that Randy Johnson wants to be traded to.


Five teams in hunt for Johnson
Boston Herald

The Herald's Tony Massarotti reports that the Diamondbacks have talked to the Yankees, Angels, Cubs, White Sox and Red Sox about Randy Johnson. In addition to Johnson, the White Sox are also said to be interested in Nomar Garciaparra.


Mazzilli, Ponson feeling the heat
Washington Post

The Post's Dave Sheinin reports that manager Lee Mazzilli could be fired before the end of the season if he fails to get the Orioles turned around. Sources also told Sheinin that owner Peter Angelos has looked into voiding pitcher Sidney Ponson's contract.


Mets targeting Benson
New York Daily News

Derek Lowe and Miguel Batista no longer appear to be on the Mets' wish list. The Daily News' Adam Rubin reports that Kris Benson in now "foremost on the list of Met targets".

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Angels may enter Johnson sweepstakes
East Valley Tribune

The Tribune's Ed Price reports that the Diamondbacks may be ready to have "serious discussions" with the Angels about Randy Johnson. The Diamondbacks have already begun scouting some of the Angels' prospects.


Red Sox likely to keep Nomar, pass on Big Unit
Boston Herald

Sources told the Herald's Jeff Horrigan that the Red Sox have only shown "tepid" interest in Randy Johnson and that they only stand a "1-10 percent" chance of trading for him. There is also talk that the Red Sox have decided against dealing Nomar Garciaparra.


Blue Jays may deal Delgado before deadline
Toronto Star

The Star's Mark Zwolinski reports that Blue Jays GM J.P Ricciardi plans to ask Carlos Delgado to waive his no-trade clause.


Mariners may unload more vets
Seattle Times

The Mariners may not be done making changes. The Times' Bob Finnigan reports that Jamie Moyer, Dan Wilson, Edgar Martinez, Mike Myers, Ron Villone, Shigetoshi Hasegawa, Dave Hansen, Randy Winn and Bret Boone could follow John Olerud out the door.


Rumors haven't affected Mazzilli's outlook
Baltimore Sun

The Sun's Roch Kubatko reports that Orioles manager Lee Mazzilli is still feeling "optimistic" even though his job may be on the line. Word is that Mazzilli will be fired if the Orioles continue to flounder.

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Yanks Won't Be Left Out
New York Post

"RANDY JOHNSON will be traded, and the most likely landing place is the Yankees. But the Angels and/or Curt Schilling could prove impediments to George Steinbrenner getting what he craves."

Is Flushing next stop for Zito?
Newsday

" Hence there is a widely held view that A's general manager Billy Beane is frustrated with Zito's ineffectiveness and would be open to trading him, perhaps now, more likely after this season. And the logical leap from there is that the Mets and Peterson - who left Oakland for Flushing last offseason - would be a good fit. A source with a pipeline to the A's confirmed that such thoughts have swirled around the team's front office."

Red Sox may stick with Nomar
Boston Herald

"As for Garciaparra's involvement in any potential deal, Red Sox officials have consistently stated that they would not consider trading Garciaparra unless they fell out of playoff contention. So while teams such as the Chicago White Sox and Chicago Cubs have an interest in acquiring one of the best offensive shortstops in history -- who wouldn't? -- the Red Sox entered this season knowing that Garciaparra would likely walk via free agency at the end of the year."

Red Sox could swap Lowe for Millwood
New York Post

" Red Sox scout Bill Lajoie was at Shea yesterday. There is talk Boston will move Derek Lowe, possibly to Philly for Kevin Millwood in a swap of disappointing free-agents-to-be."

Benson could go to Mets, Angels or Twins
Newsday

" The Pirates, hoping to benefit from a seller's market, are holding out for David Wright ('there's no such thing as a sure thing, but he's as close as there is,' an AL exec said) or Angels third-base prospect Dallas McPherson. Can't blame them - though Ty Wigginton is fair for Kris Benson. The Twins like Benson. Michael Cuddyer could be bait for him."


Finley could be dealt to Phillies, Rangers or Padres
Philadelphia Inquirer

"In fact, a person who is close to Arizona centerfielder Steve Finley said Friday that he believed Finley would end up with the Phillies or Rangers. The Padres remain a possibility because Finley owns a home in San Diego, and, as a veteran of 10 years, five with the same team, he can reject any trade."

Phillies could make pitch for Hernandez or Guardado
Philadelphia Inquirer

"In their hunt for pitching, the Phils prefer someone they can control beyond this year. That's what makes Montreal's Livan Hernandez (signed through 2007) appealing. Seattle reliever Eddie Guardado could also be of interest."