Trade Rumors

From ESPN Insider:


Randy Johnson
Diamondbacks

Yankees
Red Sox
Angels
Dodgers?
Cubs?
White Sox Jul. 21 - According to reports, the Diamondbacks are scouting the organizations of the Yankees, Angels, Cubs and Red Sox in hopes of finding a deal worth making for the Big Unit. However, Johnson would then have to approve that trade, and indications are he still would waive his no-trade clause only for one team -- the Yankees. The D-Backs scouted the Yankees' Triple-A club in Columbus, Ohio for the second time over the weekend, according to the New York Daily News. They were specifically evaluating infielder Robinson Cano and catcher Dioner Navarro, New York's top prospects.

Johnson's agent, Barry Meister, told the Arizona Republic he doubts his client will be traded before the July 31 deadline. He also reiterated that Johnson has not asked for a trade. "And he has certainly not presented a list of teams he would be willing to play for, nor has the team asked him to present a list," the agent told the paper.

The Newark Star-Ledger on July 21 reported that Arizona has asked New York to include catcher Jorge Posada in a deal for Johnson.

The Red Sox, who have been rumored to be pondering a three-way trade to acquire prospects from the Cubs for Nomar Garciaparra, then package them to Arizona for Johnson, reportedly are less than enthused about chasing Johnson. The Boston Herald cites multiple sources who say the team's interest in Johnson is "tepid."

The Angels appear to be the second-most likely candidate to acquire Johnson, as they have the prospects to offer and appear to be headed for the playoffs. Thursday's injury to Cubs starter Mark Prior could make the Cubs more of a factor in the Johnson chase, although there have been indications the D-Backs are in no hurry to trade Johnson at all.

WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

Steve Finley
Diamondbacks

Marlins
Padres
Phillies
Dodgers
Rangers Jul. 21 - The D-Backs might wait to see what they can get for Steve Finley before dealing Randy Johnson, The Arizona Republic reports.

The Marlins and Padres have been mentioned as strong contenders for the 39-year-old center fielder, a four-time NL Gold Glove winner. As a player with 10 years in the majors and the past five with the same team, Finley has the right to refuse a trade.

The South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports Finley is the Marlins' primary target. The Marlins reportedly would ask the D-Backs to pay a portion of Finley's remaining salary. He is owed about $2.85M this season.

WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

Kris Benson
Pirates

Mets
Phillies
Rangers
Twins Jul. 21 - The Pirates have turned down offers from the Mets (3B Ty Wigginton) and Phillies (Double-A 1B Ryan Howard), the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports.

According to ESPN.com's Jayson Stark, the bidding on Benson will likely go right to the deadline. GM Dave Littlefield has no fear of that last-minute pre-deadline frenzy. And his asking price for Benson has other clubs grumbling. It's believed Littlefield has asked the Mets for David Wright, the Rangers for Laynce Nix, the Twins for Michael Cuddyer and the Phillies for Chase Utley. The price for other inquiring clubs is in the same stratosphere.

Benson is prepared to move. "I'm getting my stuff in order just in case, so I'm not scrambling," the 29-year-old right-hander told the Tribune-Review. "My house is cleaned up and I'm trying to get the stuff in my locker cleaned up."

WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

Larry Walker
Rockies

Braves
Red Sox
Marlins Jul. 22 - The Marlins dispatched a scout to Dodger Stadium on July 21 to watch Walker, The Denver Post reported. Walker, who has not been approached about waiving his no-trade clause, told the newspaper he's willing to listen to any deal involving the Marlins. He owns a home in the West Palm Beach area.

According to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, the Marlins would want the Rockies to take Jeff Conine (owed $3M in 2005) and assume $9M of Walker's $12.5M salary for next season as part of any deal.

The Marlins are also taking a close look at Arizona's Steve Finley.

WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

Ramon Ortiz
Angels

Yankees
Orioles Jul. 22 - The Angels, in need of a left-handed reliever, have received two offers for Ortiz, The Los Angeles Times reports. The Yankees proposed a deal involving Felix Heredia and the Orioles offered Buddy Groom. Angels GM Bill Stoneman, however, said he has no plans to add a lefty to a bullpen that now has seven righties.

"The history of our guys pitching against left-handers is better than every guy available," Stoneman told The Times. "Getting a left-handed reliever is not a top priority. It's just not."

 

TEAM INTEREST THE SKINNY
Atlanta

LH reliever
Setup man Jul. 22 - Atlanta would like to add a setup man and a situational left-hander to its bullpen, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports. If there's a fire sale in Seattle before the July 31 deadline, the Braves might be interested in Mike Myers, Ron Villone or Eddie Guardado.

WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

Dan Wilson
Mariners
Twins Jul. 21 - With rookie phenom Joe Mauer back on the disabled list because of soreness in his surgically repaired left knee, the Twins might be interested in the services of former Golden Gophers star and Mariners catcher Dan Wilson, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

Wilson becomes a free agent at season's end. According to The Seattle Times, the Twins will have to give up more than their rumored offer of Michael Restovich.

WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

John Olerud
Mariners

Braves
Padres Jul. 21 - The Braves and Padres are showing the most interest in the recently released Olerud, who rejected a deal last month to the Giants, The Seattle Times reports.

Atlanta would like some late-inning defensive relief at first base to spell rookie Adam LaRoche and 45-year-old Julio Franco.

WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

Bret Boone
Mariners
? Jul. 20 - Several GMs insist that now that the Mariners have been unable to move Bret Boone because of his 2005 vesting option for $8.5 million that they may release him and risk a huge grievance, ESPN's Peter Gammons reports.

If that's the case, someone is going to get a big-time winner for the stretch. Someone like the Yankees.

TEAM INTEREST THE SKINNY

Pitching Jul. 21 - The Phillies appear increasingly resigned to not being able to upgrade their disappointing rotation, ESPN.com's Jayson Stark reports. According to clubs that have spoken with them, their short list is apparently down to Kris Benson, Ramon Ortiz and (should the Reds decide they're sellers) Paul Wilson or Cory Lidle.

The Phillies made inquiries on Randy Johnson, Barry Zito, Derek Lowe, Livan Hernandez and Matt Morris.

The Phillies are also expected to add at least one bullpen piece – preferably a left-hander (with Seattle's Ron Villone near the top of their list).

TEAM INTEREST THE SKINNY

RH reliever Jul. 20 - Cardinals GM Walt Jocketty is searching the market for a right-handed middle reliever, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. Pittsburgh's Jose Mesa and Detroit's Ugueth Urbina – both of whom are closers – reportedly have attracted the team's interest. The Post-Dispatch also reports the Cards might swing a deal for a left fielder, though Jocketty downplayed the possibility, saying, "Offense isn't our problem."

WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

Mike Sweeney
Royals
Angels
Athletics
Diamondbacks
Dodgers
Giants
Mariners
Padres Jul. 21 - The Royals also have contacted some of the clubs on Sweeney's list of teams to which he can be traded, letting them know they're willing to talk about moving him, ESPN.com's Jayson Stark reports. The teams to which Sweeney is open are the Angels, A's, Mariners, Dodgers, Giants, Padres and Diamondbacks. It's still a long shot, but GM Allard Baird has told clubs he owes it to Sweeney to see if he can find a home for him with a contender.

WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

Carlos Delgado
Blue Jays
? Jul. 22 - The Jays asked, but Delgado said no. Delgado, intent on finishing his four-year, $64M deal in Toronto, will not waive his no-trade clause.

"He's earned the right to have that in his contract," Jays GM Ricciardi said. "We honor it and he's declined to waive his no-trade clause. That closes the book, unless he comes to me."

WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

Carlos Beltran
Astros
Dodgers? Jul. 16 - The L.A. Times reports the Dodgers have pursued Beltran and quotes GM Paul DePodesta as saying he is continuing trade discussions with various teams.

"Most of the teams that I had extensive discussions with last week have already made the decision they're out of [contention]," DePodesta told the Times. "I wouldn't say I'm close on anything with anyone who's still deciding on that."

The Astros, who changed managers over the all-star break, are among the teams still deciding whether they can contend, and they could take right up until the July 31 deadline to decide. Among other teams that could be interested in acquiring Beltran are the Red Sox, Yankees, Angels, Marlins and Cubs.

WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

Nomar Garciaparra
Red Sox
Cubs?
Marlins? Jul. 16 - The Boston Globe reported Thursday the Red Sox have no plans to deal Garciaparra, and the Boston Herald indicates the team even told the shortstop as much over the all-star break. Nevertheless, rumors continue to circulate that Garciaparra is on the trading block.

The Chicago Tribune reports the Cubs continue to show interest in acquiring the shortstop, and GM Jim Hendry told the paper, "If we have a chance where we think it makes us better, we'll try to act on it."

There have been rumors of a three-way trade with the Red Sox, Cubs and Diamondbacks that would land Garciaparra in Chicago and Randy Johnson in Boston. The Marlins also have expressed interest in Garciaparra.

WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

Ty Wigginton
Mets
Pirates?
Angels?
Reds? Jul. 16 - Reports persist that the Mets plan to trade the red-hot Wigginton, and the Pirates' Kris Benson continues to be listed among New York's top targets. Wigginton matches what Pittsburgh is said to be seeking -- a good, young bat at a corner infield spot.

ESPN.com's Jayson Stark indicates the Mets also could have a match with either the Angels (for Ramon Ortiz) or Reds (for Cory Lidle or Paul Wilson). But the Reds haven't decided if they're buyers or sellers. And the Angels have been slow to decide whether they even want to move Ortiz.

WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

Orlando Cabrera
Expos
Cubs? Jul. 12 - The Expos and Cubs are talking about a trade to bring Cabrera to Chicago, sources told ESPN.com's Jayson Stark, with one source calling the deal "a good possibility." The Arlington Heights Daily Herald takes it a step further, reporting that the Cubs are trying to trade shortstop Alex Gonzalez and a minor league prospect for Cabrera. After batting .297 with 17 homers and 80 RBI last season, Cabrera is having a down year (.237, 4 homers, 23 RBI). The Cubs apparently believe a change of scenery may be beneficial.

Cabrera recently told Insider's Jerry Crasnick he turned down a long-term contract extension in the spring and plans to become a free agent in the offseason. "I have to move on with my career," Cabrera said. "There's a better future for me somewhere else, where I can establish myself and know where that team is going and try to help them win."

WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

Ugueth Urbina
Tigers
Cubs? Jul. 9 - ESPN.com's Jayson Stark is hearing the Tigers have yet to make Urbina available, and some people are beginning to question the reliever's value. "Look at Urbina's day-by-day (numbers) sometime," one GM told Stark. "We're looking for a definitive upgrade on what we have. We already have guys who put up zeroes one day and crooked numbers the next."

But an executive of another team in the bullpen market says: "To me, he's the most desirable guy out there, because he's done it."

Previously, the Chicago Sun-Times reported the Cubs had been scouting Urbina, who signed with the Tigers after helping Florida win the World Series last season. The Detroit News has indicated the Tigers would listen to offers for Urbina if they can get back a position prospect or two.

WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

Kevin Millwood
Phillies
Cardinals Jul. 9 - According to ESPN.com's Jayson Stark, a number of sources have corroborated the report in The Bucks County Courier Times that the Phillies and Cardinals have discussed a trade of Kevin Millwood and Placido Polanco for Matt Morris and Steve Kline.

One NL exec told Stark, "Polanco would be the key to the deal, because you figure the two starting pitchers are either a wash, or St. Louis gets the worst of it. So to make this deal, they'd have to be sure Polanco was some kind of answer."

The Phillies have been exploring ways to upgrade their rotation and add depth to an overworked bullpen. Morris, a 22-game winner in 2001 who's 9-6 with a 4.33 this year, would replace Millwood as Philadelphia's staff ace. Millwood has struggled this season (6-5, 5.07), and many believe a change in scenery would be beneficial.

 

WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

Derek Lowe
Red Sox
Phillies? Jul. 9 - With the Phillies reportedly willing to deal Kevin Millwood, ESPN.com's Jayson Stark connects the dots:

Of the prospective free-agent starters out there, the only one who might need a change of scenery more than Millwood is Derek Lowe. And Lowe never pitched better, you'll recall, than he did under current Phillies pitching coach Joe Kerrigan.

There has been no indication the Red Sox have any interest in Millwood. But an assistant GM of a third team that has talked to Boston went as far as to predict that Lowe will be traded in the next month if the Red Sox can find a decent replacement.

WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

Roger Clemens
Astros
Yankees? Jul. 9 - The New York Daily News suggests the Yankees could try to re-acquire Roger Clemens from the Astros, but Houston GM Gerry Hunsicker told ESPN.com's Jayson Stark "things would really have to get desperate" for him to consider dealing The Rocket.

"Roger has been such a story, such a draw," Hunsicker said, "that just from an attendance standpoint, I don't know how you could make a case for trading him."

WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

Jason Kendall
Pirates
Marlins Jul. 9 - ESPN.com's Jayson Stark suggests the Marlins could be looking at Kendall to improve their offensive production from the catchers' spot. Marlins catchers rank 28th in the majors in RBI (28) and slugging (.312) and are 26th in batting average (.229). Florida and Pittsburgh have had exploratory talks regarding Kendall, but neither team wants to absorb the bulk of Kendall's salary -- $38 million through 2007. However, as the July 31 deadline approaches, both sides could be more willing to give in.

WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

Roberto Alomar
Diamondbacks
Yankees? Jul. 9 - Alomar has asked the Diamondbacks to trade him now that it's clear he can't crack their starting lineup, but there have been few teams interested. One team official told ESPN.com's Jayson Stark, "Man, they'd just about pay you to take Alomar."

The New York Post reported earlier this week the Yankees are monitoring Alomar's situation, though they're very happy with Miguel Cairo and Enrique Wilson. But since the Diamondbacks are going nowhere and Alomar doesn't fit into their rebuilding plans, they will likely move him before the July 31 trading deadline. He is making $924,234 this season, which is chump change for the Yankees.

WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

Russ Ortiz
Braves
Yankees
White Sox? Jul. 7 - A week after reportedly dangling Ortiz, a free-agent-to-be, in trade talks, the Braves have regrouped and decided not to deal any pieces as they eye a run at the NL East title.

The Yankees had inquired about Ortiz after reports surfaced that Atlanta had discussed dealing the right-hander to the White Sox before Chicago obtained Freddy Garcia.


WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

Andruw Jones
Braves
Yankees
White Sox? Jul. 7 - Jones' name surfaced last week as a player the Braves might consider trading, but now the team has committed to making a run at the NL East title and doesn't plan to trade anyone.

 

as a Braves fan I do not understand at all the idea of going after Larry Walker? He plays Rightfield, and I know they would not move JD Drew away from out there just because he has done a very good job this season. Braves, IMO has a good group of outfielders. Now, the chance to get Olerud would be one I might go after. And a lefty in the pen is almost a must.

 

olerud is a joke. walker has played 1st in his career if i'm not mistaken.

 

Which is too bad, really.

 

now you're talkin'!

 

looked it up and he has 81 career games at first. all but 1 or 2 was with montreal in the early and mid-90's. i hope this is the plan, because thats the only way i like bringing him and his bad back into atlanta.

 

Peter Gammons is proven right again!

 

or you and he both were wrong.

trust me brain, i live with the biggest dbacks fan there is. there is NO list of who he will waive it for and who he will not. only stipulation is the team has to have a shot at the series.