 These are some of the latest rumors in Baseball
1. Red Sox talking with Cuban ShortStop
2. Yankees are looking at signing highly regarded Cubanp pitching prospect
3. Many Talented Prospects on the Block
4. List of 116 trade block players and where they might go this July (Trade Rumors ultimate list)
1. Red Sox talking with Cuban ShortStop
Sports illustrated is reporting that the Red Sox are in serious discussions with 19 year old Cuban Jose Iglesias. If finalized, the contract is expected to be for about $8 million, perhaps a little bit more than that, according to people familiar with the talks. One league source said it wasn't done yet but expressed optimism that it would get done.
Iglesias, who's listed at 19 years old, defected from Cuba last year in Canada during the World Junior Championships.
Scouts who have seen Iglesias liken him to Ozzie Smith defensively.
"His hands and arm are deluxe,'' one American League executive said. "The question is how much he'll hit.''
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http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/07/03/redsox.iglesias/index.html
2. Yankees are looking at signing highly regarded Cuban pitching prospect
Sports illustrated is reporting that they Yankees are interested in Aroldis Chapman. Aroldis Chapman is a Cuban defector whose age was reported to be 21 years old, walked out of his hotel room in Rotterdam and did not return, a spokesman for the Dutch baseball team said Friday. Chapman, whose fastball reportedly exceeds 100 mph, is widely considered the No. 1 pitching prospect in Cuba. The New York Times reported the Yankees, who have been at the forefront of signing international pitchers, will have discussions about whether they should pursue the left-handed Chapman.
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http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/07/03/cuba.defector/index.html
3. Many Talented Prospects available for the Sellers
MLB.com is reporting that this year there are many very talented prospects on the block for the teams that are willing to trade for them.
Boston Red Sox: Boston has a little bit of everything in the system, though it's hard to imagine the Sox parting ways with Clay Buchholz, Michael Bowden or 2008 first-rounder Casey Kelly. Perhaps a close-to-the-bigs bat like first baseman Aaron Bates would be of interest. There's sure to be inquiries about Double-A bats Lars Anderson and Josh Reddick as well.
New York Yankees: The two best hitters in the system are catcher Jesus Montero and outfielder Austin Jackson. It's hard to imagine either being moved, but you never know. If they're sure Montero can catch, could fellow backstop Austin Romine be had? Maybe arms like right-hander Ivan Nova, who's 22 and just promoted to Triple-A, or righty Zach McAllister could be available in the right deal.
Tampa Bay Rays: The Rays might be better suited to a trade with a strong organization than any team. They're not likely to completely strip the system bare. With Jason Bartlett performing so well, would they be willing to deal Reid Brignac? How about a slugging first baseman like Rhyne Hughes, who recently moved up to Triple-A and has 19 homers with a combined .530 slugging percentage this season? If it's an arm you're after, the best one is right-hander Wade Davis, who'd likely be tougher to obtain, but is blocked by the bevy of young arms on the big league roster.
Toronto Blue Jays: They're right in the thick of the Wild Card race at least, but it's hard to see what they might have to offer in a trade. Would they consider dealing catcher J.P. Arencibia or top picks like Kevin Ahrens and Justin Emaus? That seems unlikely. Perhaps names like infielders Scott Campbell or Brad Emaus will surface.
Detroit Tigers: Second baseman Scott Sizemore is just about big league ready, and he is hitting over .300 with some surprising pop this year. Outfielder Brennan Boesch hasn't put it all together, but some teams may like his power potential. Lefty Casey Crosby is in his first full season following elbow surgery and it's hard to imagine the Tigers giving him up, but you can bet teams are asking about him.
Minnesota Twins: Righty Kevin Mulvey has been dealt once already, could he be moved again? He can't seem to break through in the Twins' rotation. It's hard to imagine outfielder Ben Revere can be had, but there are other bats like Rene Tosoni, third baseman Danny Valencia or maybe even 2006 first-rounder Chris Parmelee, who might be more available.
Chicago White Sox: Don't expect Jordan Danks to go anywhere, but how about Christian Marrero? Aaron Poreda is in the bigs now and is likely untouchable, but righty Lucas Harrell might be of some interest while reliever and onetime Rule 5 pick Fernando Hernandez also has some marketable skills.
Los Angeles Angels: The Angels have some pretty good bats backed up in Triple-A. If they really want to go for it, Brandon Wood, who can't seem to get a legit shot, would fetch quite a return. There are also guys like Freddy Sandoval, Terry Evans, Sean Rodriguez and Reggie Willits, who are in a holding pattern and could use a change of scenery.
Texas Rangers: Like the Rays, the Rangers have some depth to choose from. So even if they hold onto the top guys like Justin Smoak and Neftali Feliz, they could deal from the backlog of outfielders with someone like Michael Bianucci, an infielder like Chad Tracy or an intriguing left-handed arm like Kasey Kiker.
Seattle Mariners: It seems apparent that onetime first-rounder Jeff Clement isn't in the big league plans. He hasn't caught since early May, but some might still like the bat. Outfielder Greg Halman has intriguing tools, but struggles to make consistent contact.
National League
Philadelphia Phillies: You have to think a top prospect like Kyle Drabek is off the table, but the Phillies do have some interesting arms, from fellow Futures Gamer Yohan Flande to lefty Joe Savery or perhaps right-hander Andrew Carpenter, who made his big league debut earlier this season.
Florida Marlins: Forget about outfielder Mike Stanton. He's got to be about as untouchable as there is in this system. Righty Johnny Dorn, a 2008 draftee, might draw some interest. So could under-appreciated outfielder Scott Cousins or recently returned from injury Logan Morrison. Don't look for the Marlins to blow things up just for a run at the NL East, though.
New York Mets: They've had so many injuries they could use some help, but they've also had to call many of their young players up. It's hard to understand why catcher Josh Thole doesn't get more attention, as he's hitting .344 in Double-A. Lefty Jon Niese has struggled, but he has more than enough upside to draw interest.
Atlanta Braves: Having already dealt Gorkys Hernandez, Charlie Morton and Jeff Locke for Nate McLouth, it's unclear how much more shopping the Braves will do. It sounded like Jason Heyward and Jordon Schafer were off the table, but would Freddy Freeman or Cody Johnson be available in the right deal?
Milwaukee Brewers: They were buyers last year when they brought in CC Sabathia; what might they have to offer this time around? At the high end, there's Alcides Escobar, though moving him seems unlikely. Another possibility would be mighty-mite Caleb Gindl, who can flat-out hit, or Lorenzo Cain, who's just working his way back from injury.
St. Louis Cardinals: They've already acquired Mark DeRosa, and if they want to keep buying, they do have some arms that might be interesting. Adam Ottavino has struggled, but he is a former first-rounder. Jess Todd has done well in making the transition to the bullpen while 2008 draftee Scott Gorgen has pitched fairly well in his first full season. You have to wonder if catcher Bryan Anderson will ever be dangled as he's still blocked by Yadier Molina.
Cincinnati Reds: They're only at .500 as of this writing, but they're in the thick of the NL Central. Many of their young stars are up already, but there are talents like third baseman Juan Francisco, outfielder Chris Heisey, outfielder Todd Frazier or outfielder Drew Stubbs (can you see where they have some depth?).
Chicago Cubs: There aren't many marquee names down on the farm to consider, as someone like Josh Vitters is likely untouchable. There are guys like shortstop Darwin Barney or fellow shortstop Starlin Castro performing well, as are outfielder Josh Harrison and righty Chris Carpenter, both 2008 draftees.
Los Angeles Dodgers: The Dodgers are all about youth at the big league level, so it could be feasible they'd dip into their system to add a key veteran for a playoff run. The most intriguing name might be lefty Scott Elbert, who probably wouldn't come cheaply. There are always infielders like Chin-lung Hu and Tony Abreu, who have big league experience. Switch-hitting third baseman Josh Bell is healthy and in Double-A and might generate some calls.
San Francisco Giants: With the young guns at the top and elite arms like Madison Bumgarner and Tim Alderson on the way, the Giants could trade from some pitching depth. Righty Kevin Pucetas is just about big league ready and could help a team out sooner rather than later. Maybe Kevin Frandsen or John Bowker could use a change of scenery to get a shot.
Colorado Rockies: How they play over the next couple of weeks will determine if they're true buyers, but there are outfielders like Matt Miller or Carlos Gonzalez, who both know something about being traded. Could the speedy Eric Young Jr. be dangled for the right price? There are some intriguing arms, as well, like Futures Gamer Jhoulys Chacin and Samuel Deduno.
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http://cleveland.indians.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090630&content_id=5623942&vkey=trade2009&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb
4. List of 116 trade block players and where they might go this July (Trade Rumors ultimate list)
MLB.com is reporting the players who are currently on the Trade Block. Look for these players to be on the move before July 31st.
1. Victor Martinez, C, Indians
The Red Sox have been a rumored suitor for his services.
2. Yorvit Torrealba, Rockies
Recent reports say there is little interest, and Torrealba had to deal with a personal situation before he could build the interest. Things could end happily for Torrealba in Colorado.
3. Miguel Tejada, Astros
He's not a power threat anymore and has lost some range, but he's still a solid hitter who could fill the need at designated hitter for an American League team.
4. Garrett Atkins, Rockies
The Mets are among the teams looking, but he best place for Atkins may be the American League. When right, he is a run-producing right-handed bat who could benefit from being a designated hitter.
5. Adam LaRoche, 1B, Pirates
If New York's Carlos Delgado isn't able to recover from hip surgery as early as expected, the Mets may jump in with interest in LaRoche. San Francisco is another possible destination.
6. Jorge Cantu, 1B, Marlins
The Giants made inquires in the offseason.
7. Nick Johnson, Nationals
Mets general manager Omar Minaya is willing to acquire Johnson if Carlos Delgado is out for the season. In fact, Minaya traded for Johnson when Minaya had the same role with the Expos.
8. Joe Crede, Twins
Crede would be an attractive option to a contending team looking for a solid defensive glove at third base, who also provides some power with his bat.
9. Hank Blalock, Rangers
He might be of use to a National League team that could use a left-handed bat off the bench.
10. Mark Teahen, Royals
Teahen's appeal is that he's shown he can play either corner in the infield or outfield and even second base and has a potent bat.
11. Melvin Mora, Orioles
Mora would likely only OK a deal to a contender, perhaps in Detroit or St. Louis.
12. Chad Tracy, D-backs
Tracy can play both first and third to a contender looking for some depth at the corners.
13. Josh Fields, White Sox
Fields wouldn't necessarily have to go to a contender, but probably would go to a team based on youth, in need of a power-hitting third baseman or first baseman.
14. Ty Wigginton, Orioles
The Braves, Giants and Mets could conceivably make a play for Wigginton.
15. Kevin Millar, Blue Jays
To a team looking for someone who can provide some pop, play some first base or designated hitter and has plenty of postseason experience.
16. Mike Jacobs, Royals
An American League contender that needs a left-handed shot of power would be the most logical spot.
17. Adam Kennedy, A's
He was acquired from the Rays, who almost immediately regretted it after Akinora Iwamura was lost for an extended period. The Giants are unsettled as second base, too. And Kennedy can play all over the infield, so he might be attractive to a team in need of a veteran utility man.
18. Kevin Kouzmanoff, Padres
The Cardinals looked like an early target before they acquired Mark DeRosa, but now it's unclear what his most logical destination would be.
19. Blake DeWitt, Dodgers
Any club that watched him play in the big leagues last year.
20. Jose Bautista, Blue Jays
To a team looking for a versatile player. Bautista can play multiple positions in the infield and outfield.
21. Jeff Larish, Tigers
The Mariners and Pirates were among teams believed to have interest in him last offseason, but neither have what Detroit needs. Colorado could be more likely if the Rockies decide to deal supporting bats.
22. Robinson Cano, Yankees
The Yankees would have to fall out of the race -- not likely -- or have serious clubhouse issues that demand attention. The Dodgers have been linked to Cano in the past.
23. Dan Uggla, Marlins
The Giants have interest. Arizona may also want him back. He came up in the Diamondbacks system. Basically any team in need of power.
24. Felipe Lopez, 2B, D-backs
The only team that looks to be in need of a second baseman at the moment is the Brewers.
25. J.J. Hardy, Brewers
Boston seems to come up most often in rumors about Hardy, though Nick Green's contributions might convince the Red Sox they are set. Baltimore has been a rumored destination in the past.
26. Orlando Cabrera, A's
Anywhere with a need for a veteran shortstop to mentor a prospect who figures heavily into the team's plans for 2010.
27. Julio Lugo, Red Sox
Hard to say at this point. A team that suffers an injury to a shortstop could come calling. But even then, the Red Sox would probably be required to pick up just about the entire tab.
28. Freddy Sanchez, Pirates
Anaheim, perhaps?
29. Jack Wilson, Pirates
There doesn't seem to be an obvious fit anywhere for the defensively-minded shortstop, though the Red Sox have reportedly shown mild interest.
30 Kelly Johnson, Braves
The Giants are one of the teams that might believe he could upgrade their offensive production at second base.
31. Aaron Miles, Cubs
If a team is looking for backup help at second, maybe. But not many teams in contention need backup help.
32. Jamey Carroll, Indians
The Mets are one club that needs infield depth.
33. Blake DeWitt, Dodgers
Any club that watched him play in the big leagues last year.
34. Adam Kennedy, A's
He was acquired from the Rays, who almost immediately regretted it after Akinora Iwamura went down with a major injury. The Giants are unsettled as second base, too. And Kennedy can play all over the infield, so he might be attractive to a team in need of a veteran utility man.
35. Jason Donald, Triple-A Lehigh Valley (Phillies)
He has been linked most closely to the Red Sox, but it seems less likely these days the Red Sox would be willing to part with right-hander Brad Penny.
36. Yuniesky Betancourt, Mariners
Best bet would be to send him to a building team, not a contending team.
37. John McDonald, Blue Jays
Any team looking to add a defensive-minded shortstop for the stretch run.
38. Matt Holliday, OF, A's
The Cardinals have been on Holliday for some time, the Giants could certainly use his bat, and the Angels might be able to provide the help on the left side of the infield that Oakland so badly needs.
39. Adam Dunn, Nationals
He may be a good fit for the Yankees as a DH.
40. Brad Hawpe, Rockies
Not only are the Rockies unlikely to deal him unless they collapse, or unless someone gives the Rockies a package that makes them a contender for the next five years, Hawpe has the right and willingness to void the 2011 option on his contract and become a free agent.
41. Jermaine Dye, White Sox
Dye has six teams for whom he has to approve a trade, including both New York squads. But neither Tampa Bay nor Texas is on that list, teams who would benefit from Dye's addition.
42. Milton Bradley, Cubs
Any team looking for a right-handed bat without power. He's hitting .327 against lefties. Maybe an American League team could use him as a DH.
43. Carl Crawford, Rays
Any contending team wants to attain a special player they will pay to keep.
44. Juan Pierre, Dodgers
Any club in need of a leadoff hitter.
45. Magglio Ordonez, Tigers
Angels reportedly had some interest last winter.
46. Ryan Ludwick, Cardinals
Only to a team that has a legitimately big bat to offer in return.
47. Randy Winn, Giants
Any team with designs on the postseason could use Winn. As a switch-hitter who can play all three outfield spots competently, Winn would help a contender seeking outfield depth.
48. Corey Hart, Brewers
Atlanta comes up often as a team interested in Hart, but Melvin has consistently shot down that rumor.
49. Delmon Young, Twins
A team that's looking for an outfielder and is willing to take a risk on tremendous potential.
50. Melky Cabrera, Yankees
A team looking for a talented outfielder with some speed and a plus throwing arm. The Brewers showed serious interest over the winter in a snubbed swap for Mike Cameron.
51. Jeff Francoeur, Braves
The Royals are still showing interest and the Marlins have at least been involved with discussions about the 25-year-old outfielder.
52. Aubrey Huff, Orioles
The Giants and Mets are two potential contenders that need help at first base.
53. Ryan Spilborghs, Rockies
The Phillies, Red Sox, Rangers, Mets, Rays and Tigers, have been mentioned as possible teams that are interested.
54. Jose Guillen, Royals
A contending club that has some strong hitters around Guillen to offer him protection could reap some strong benefit.
55. Luke Scott, Orioles
Scott might fit well in Seattle or Toronto, where he could also serve as DH.
56. Garret Anderson, Braves
The Tigers are one of the AL clubs that could benefit from his presence as a designated hitter and part-time outfielder.
57. Brett Gardner, Yankees
Any club looking to add a stolen-base element to their order, along with a speedy and capable defender in center field.
58. Andruw Jones, Rangers
Possibly a team that needed a part-time right-handed hitter.
59. Scott Hairston, OF, Padres
Take your pick. Maybe a team needed some right-handed thump, an extra outfielder for a playoff push.
60. Cody Ross, Marlins
The Braves explored acquiring Ross before they brought in Nate McLouth. Any contender looking for outfield depth.
61. Jeremy Hermida, Marlins
A team looking for a left-handed hitting corner outfielder. Hermida is from Marietta, Ga., and the Braves have shown interest before.
62. Rick Ankiel, Cardinals
Ankiel was linked to both the Yankees and Braves over the winter, but both seem less obvious than they did at the time -- especially Atlanta, which acquired a lefty-hitting center fielder already this year.
63. Chris Duncan, Cardinals
The American League seems like the most natural fit, where even if he didn't become a full-time DH he could do that some of the time.
64. Elijah Dukes, Nationals
Dukes is an amazing talent on the field, but there is a lot of baggage that comes with it. He will remain a member of the Nationals for the rest of the season.
65. Austin Kearns, Nationals
If he continues to have problems at the plate, look for Kearns to get his unconditional release.
66. Josh Willingham, Nationals
Early in the season, the Reds had interest in Willingham, but the they didn't offer a package to the Nats' liking.
67. David DeJesus, Royals
The Cubs were a popular possibility for DeJesus last winter and might still be although he should attract a lot of shoppers.
68. Fernando Martinez, Mets
A club that wants to dump salary and is willing to take unproven youth.
69. Gary Matthews Jr., Angels
A contender that sustains an injury to a center fielder is the only likely destination. There is no way of anticipating which club that might be.
70. Fernando Tatis, Mets
A team than needs versatility and an experience right-handed bat off the bench.
71. Gabe Gross, Rays
Any team that needs a left-handed hitting outfielder for a right-field platoon situation.
72. Gabe Kapler, Rays
A team that needs a right-handed bat for platoon duty in the outfield.
73. Scott Podsednik, White Sox
He could end up with any team that needs a speed infusion or a catalyst at the top of the lineup, which means pretty much any AL team but Seattle (Ichiro) or the Angels (Chone Figgins).
74. Cliff Lee, Indians
There's nary a playoff contender who wouldn't like to add a Cy Young winner for the stretch run. The Phillies would have particular interest.
75. Erik Bedard, Mariners
The Phillies certainly could use another starter and being on the East Coast would seem to improve their chances of keeping the lefty beyond this season. Another possibility is the Blue Jays, believed to be the team Bedard, a native of Canada, would most like to sign with in free agency.
76. Jake Peavy, RHP, Padres
We know Peavy has stated time and time again that he wants to remain in San Diego. That said, if he is moved, Peavy has also said he would like to remain in the National League.
77. Brad Penny, Red Sox
The Phillies are a team that has been mentioned quite often in rumors.
78. Javier Vazquez, Braves
While the Phillies and Mets are looking for starting pitching, the Braves would look to move his talented arm to another non-NL East contender that is looking to upgrade its rotation.
79. Rich Harden, RHP, Cubs
A team looking for a fifth starter might consider him.
80. Phil Hughes, Yankees
Any big-league organization would be well-served to get their hands on a pitcher like Hughes if at all possible. The Yankees know this and aren't going to part with him easily.
81. Doug Davis, D-backs
The Mets might be in the market for a starting pitcher and Davis would give them a dependable veteran.
82. Bronson Arroyo, Reds
It remains to be seen.
83. Jason Marquis, Rockies
Marquis and reliever Huston Street were smart acquisitions, not only because they have histories of success but they could be dealt again if the Rockies aren't in the race. If the Rockies hold continue to play like contenders to the deadline, expect them both to finish the year in purple pinstripes.
84. Vicente Padilla, Rangers
Plenty of teams need starting pitching.
85. Jonathan Sanchez, Giants
Sanchez frequently has been linked to the Florida Marlins, who are again competitive in the NL East. The Texas Rangers and Los Angeles Angels, always hungry for pitching, also might find Sanchez handy.
86. Carl Pavano, Indians
Any contending team needing a boost in the middle of the rotation.
87. Andy Sonnanstine, Rays
Milwaukee. They need starting pitching.
88. Jarrod Washburn, Mariners
The Brewers sure could use a veteran starting pitcher and they have some quality hitters that might be available. There could be a match there and the Z-man is extremely familiar with the Milwaukee organization.
89. Jose Contreras, White Sox
An upstart contender with a young starting staff could look to Contreras as a stabilizing force.
90. Jon Garland, RHP, D-backs
Back onto the free-agent market next year.
91. Nate Robertson, Tigers
The only candidates would be teams in desperate need of starting pitching at low cost; the Tigers could eat salary to get a return.
92. Tim Redding, Mets
A team that needs a starter with a track record and ability to deal with September pressures.
93. Kyle Davies, Royals
A club, not necessarily a contender, that is willing invest in a 25-year-old pitcher that has shown great stuff with not-so-great results.
94. James McDonald, Dodgers
To a club that sees McDonald as another pitcher the Dodgers gave up on too soon.
95. Jose Valverde, Astros
Most teams that make the playoffs have an accomplished closer, and Valverde could certainly fill that role for any team in the hunt that has problems at back end of bullpen.
96. Huston Street, Rockies
Street will be pitching for a team with playoff hopes when the deadline passes. That team is jus as likely to be the Rockies as someone else.
97. Mike Gonzalez, Braves
The Rays and Blue Jays will be among the teams looking to add a potential closer to their bullpen mix.
98. Francisco Cordero, Reds
It would likely be to a contender that suddenly lost a closer or key setup man to an injury.
99. B.J. Ryan, Blue Jays
To a team desperate for bullpen help.
100. Takashi Saito, Red Sox
The Rangers had talks with the Red Sox earlier in the season about Saito, so they remain a possibility. With Saito's experience as a closer, he will attract interest from virtually every team looking to upgrade their bullpen.
101. Rafael Soriano, Braves
The Rays and Blue Jays will be among the teams looking to add a potential closer to their bullpen mix.
102. Eddie Guardado, Rangers
He could be a left-handed reliever for somebody.
103. LaTroy Hawkins, Astros
Any team in need of a closer or an experienced setup man will probably be giving the Astros a call.
104. John Grabow, LHP, Pirates
Grabow is as good a left-handed reliever as there will be available in July, so expect interest from a number of contending teams.
105. Phil Hughes, Yankees
Any big-league organization would be well-served to get their hands on a pitcher like Hughes if at all possible. The Yankees know this and aren't going to part with him easily.
106. Octavio Dotel, White Sox
Any playoff contender in need of late-inning relief help, from the seventh through the ninth, should have interest.
107. Clay Rapada, Tigers
Nothing clear; Tigers wouldn't deal him on his own, and he wouldn't attract much help by himself.
108. Scott Elbert, Dodgers
To any club that likes the thought of a hard-throwing left-handed former No. 1 pick.
109. Danys Baez, Orioles
Perhaps the Marlins, the Dodgers or some other team in need of relief.
110. George Sherrill, Orioles
The Dodgers and White Sox are rumored to have interest in adding relief help.
111. David Weathers, Reds
Just about any team that could use bullpen help.
112. Ron Mahay, Royals
A club that needs a versatile reliever; he's not just a lefty specialist and can go long or short.
113. Brian Stokes, Mets
Every club can use a hand in the bullpen
114. Ron Villone, Nationals
The Mets are always looking for relievers, and Villone may be a good fit there.
115. Alfredo Aceves, Yankees
With a variety of pitches and experienced polish, Aceves could fit nicely and find success in a big-league rotation, perhaps in the National League.
116. Sean Green, Mets
Every club continually looks for new bullpen arms. And Green certainly has had his moments.
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