Baseball: MLB Rumors (July 04)

Hmm, alot of Phillies rumors this week. I know Millwood's name has come up, he has really been struggling. As the ace he is letting the staff down and wearing the bullpen down as well.

I wouldn't mind Livan Hernandez coming to Philly as we could really use a quality starter, but I cant see why they would bring Guardado here. He's typically been a closer and the Phils have Billy Wagner, Tim Worrell, and Rheal Cormier.

I would really like to see Finley in a Phils uniform. The centerfielder that started the seson for the Phils, Marlon Byrd, has been sent to the minors and they have been platooning Ricky Ledee, Jason Michaels, and Doug Glanville in centerfield. They are all decent bench players but Finley is a quality starting CF'er who covers a ton of ground in the field and isn't too shabby at the plate. I wonder what they'd have to give to Arizona for Finley.

If the Phils were to swap Lowe and Millwood with Boston, the Phils still are missing an ace. Lowe and Millwood are both more like #2 starters. Millwood would probably do great in Boston behind Schilling and Pedro because all of the sudden he has no pressure as the #3 guy.

I dont think there's any doubt the Phils will do some tinkering before the July 31 trade deadline. Of all the names rumored, I'd like to see Finley the most in Philly.

Why don't the Phils make an offer for the big Unit?

Yankees may have to give up Contreras to get Big Unit
Bergen Record

The Record's Pete Caldera reports that the Yankees may have to part with Jose Contreras if they want to get a deal done for Randy Johnson.


Red Sox may trade Lowe to Phillies
Boston Herald

The Herald's Jeff Horrigan reports that the Red Sox could swap Derek Lowe for Phillies starter Kevin Millwood.


Padres may make push for Finley
San Diego Union-Tribune

The Union-Tribune's Tom Krasovic reports that Padres catcher Humberto Quintero could be shipped to Arizona as part of a deal for Steve Finley.


Marlins may unload Pavano, Benitez
Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel

The Sun-Sentinel's Juan C. Rodriguez reports that Carl Pavano and Armando Benitez won't be caught by surprise if they're traded. Pavano says that the Marlins would be making "a smart move" by dealing him.


Gonzalez isn't listening to trade talk
Chicago Sun-Times

The Sun-Times' Toni Ginnetti reports that Alex Gonzalez is doing his best to ignore rumors that the Cubs are looking to replace him. There is talk that the Cubs may deal for Nomar Garciaparra.

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Yankees talking to Diamondbacks, Angels about three-way deal
East Valley Tribune

The Tribune's Ed Price reports that Randy Johnson could go to the Yankees in a three-way deal that includes Anaheim's Ramon Ortiz.


Finley may leave town before Johnson
New York Post

Trading Randy Johnson may not be the Diamondbacks' top priority. The Post's George King reports that the Diamondbacks may not deal Johnson until after they've shopped Steve Finley.


Rangers may need to add another pitcher to staff
Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Star-Telegram columnist Jim Reeves thinks that the Rangers would be better off including Kevin Mench in a deal for Pirates starter Kris Benson rather than Laynce Nix. The Rangers could also pursue Kip Wells, Brian Anderson and Ron Villone.


Cardinals could deal for reliever
St. Louis Post-Dispatch

The Post-Dispatch's Joe Strauss reports that the Cardinals may try to shore up their bullpen by acquiring Jose Mesa or Ugueth Urbina.


Blue Jays interested in Twins' Morneau
Toronto Sun

The Sun's Bob Elliott reports that the Blue Jays may be interested in shipping Miguel Batista to the Twins for Justin Morneau.

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