Brewers Trade Rumors

Brewers on lookout for starting pitching
"Brewers general manager Doug Melvin said he's been working the phones all week to express interest in free agents, but baseball rules have prevented him from doing any negotiating. After 11 p.m. CT on Thursday, the shackles come off. That's when the exclusive negotiating window between teams and their own free agents is set to expire, meaning Melvin is free to make offers to any of the dozens of players who filed for free agency over the past two weeks. Likewise, the Brewers' nine free agents are free to look at hard offers from other teams. "I'll be touching base again with some agents," Melvin said. Since the Brewers are set at every position but catcher and already have closer Trevor ..."
Cain and Rivas added to 40-man roster; Kottaras claimed
"The Brewers added outfielder Lorenzo Cain and right-hander Amaury Rivas to the 40-man roster today to protect them from the Rule 5 Draft that will take place at the winter meetings in December. The roster now stands at 35 players. Cain was drafted out of high school in 2004 and Rivas was signed as a non-drafted free agent in 2005. Players signed at 18 years old or younger are protected for five years before a team must protect them or lose them in the Rule 5 Draft. Players older than that are protected for four seasons. Rivas, the organization's minor league pitcher of the year, went 13-7 with a 2.98 ERA in 133 innings with Class-A Brevard County. He also finished in the top five in ..."
No lack of interest in Angels pitcher
"All eyes were on John Lackey as a 23-year-old rookie when he won Game 7 of the 2002 World Series, and all eyes are on him seven years later now that he's finally a free agent. The big Angels right-hander is in the enviable position of being the top name in the pitching category of the Hot Stove season, and already the clubs are lining up to have a word with his agent, Steve Hilliard. As a busy Friday turned into a relatively quiet Saturday, Hilliard and Lackey could take a weekend to reflect on the interest that's already white-hot even before the Angels lose exclusive negotiating rights next Friday a minute after midnight. The Red Sox, Mets and Brewers have already had discussions with ..."
Source: Brewers wanted starter from Pirates
"The Brewers did not want Pirates catcher Ryan Doumit for shortstop J.J. Hardy. They also did not want another player the Pirates suggested, right-handed reliever Matt Capps. No, the Brewers' preference from the Pirates, according to a major-league source, was one of two left-handed starters, Zach Duke or Paul Maholm. The Pirates said no, and the Brewers wound up trading Hardy to the Twins for center fielder Carlos Gomez. Both Duke and Maholm, like Hardy, are under club control for two more seasons. Maholm's contract also includes a club option for a third year. Doumit, 28, has caught 100 games in a season only once in his career; he also plays first base and right field. His contract ..."
Sheets' plan: 100 percent by spring
"Milwaukee general manager Doug Melvin caught reporters slightly off-guard at the GM meetings in Chicago this week when he observed that "no one has heard from" former Brewers right-hander Ben Sheets. More than one media outlet took the comment as a sign that Sheets might be backing off an attempted comeback in 2010. According to Sheets' agent, that interpretation couldn't be further from the truth. Agent Casey Close said that Sheets is doing "very well" in his rehab from flexor tendon surgery and plans to be 100 percent by the start of spring training. Close also anticipates no shortage of interest from clubs in the coming weeks. "We have already heard from a number of teams inquiring ..."
Joining the arms race
"As badly as the Milwaukee Brewers could use a top-of-the-rotation pitcher, it's unlikely they will be able to get into serious bidding for right-hander John Lackey, the top starter on the free-agent market. "It depends what they're asking for," said the Brewers' Doug Melvin, who headed home Wednesday after the annual general managers meetings wrapped up at the O'Hare Hilton. "I don't know if it could fit or not. I might have to make some other moves to make it fit." Lackey, who went 11-8 with a 3.83 earned run average in 27 starts for the Los Angeles Angels, is expected to seek a contract similar to the five-year, $82.5 million deal the New York Yankees gave free-agent right-hander A.J. ..."
Source: Jays, M's discuss Overbay deal
"The Jays and Mariners have discussed a trade that would send Lyle Overbay to Seattle, a major league source said today. The Mariners could also re-sign Russell Branyan to play first base. Overbay, who lives in the Pacific Northwest, would welcome a trade from Toronto, where his playing time declined this year. The Jays are discussing Overbay with multiple teams, the source said. They came close to a deal with Arizona in recent days."
Brewers GM: We're not listening to Fielder offers
"Brewers general manager Doug Melvin said he's made clear to other GMs that he's not listening to offers for first baseman Prince Fielder this offseason. Fielder is due to become a free agent after the 2011 season. Melvin said he'd like to pursue a long-term extension with Fielder before Opening Day. Fielder, though, is represented by agent Scott Boras. A hometown discount appears highly unlikely."
Kendall may not return to Brewers
"Brewers general manager Doug Melvin made more comments on Tuesday hinting that Jason Kendall won't be back with the Brewers in 2010. For the second time in five days, Melvin touted prospect Jonathan Lucroy as at least a part-time starter in Milwaukee next season, telling the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "We paid $5 million for [the catching] position in the past. I don't know if we can do that again." Melvin was to meet Tuesday night with Kendall's agents to wrap up the brief General Managers Meetings in Chicago, according to the newspaper. Kendall signed with Milwaukee as a free agent prior to the 2008 season and earned $4.25 million that year while playing enough to trigger a $5 million ..."
Halladay more likely to go than Gonzalez
"Baseball people seem to believe that of the two superstar players available in trade -- Roy Halladay and Adrian Gonzalez -- Halladay is more likely to be moved for a few important reasons, such as: 1) He's eligible for free agency after this year, whereas the Padres have Gonzalez for two more years. 2) He makes $16 million to only about $5 million for Gonzalez, who has $10.25 mil over two remaining. 3) He wants out of Toronto. In an especially weak free-agent starting-pitching market, Halladay, 31, would draw interest from several teams, and with a new GM in Toronto (Alex Anthopoulos replaced J.P. Ricciardi), the whole game could change. It isn't known how Padres GM Jed Hoyer or ..."
Brewers unlikely to land Lackey
"The Brewers badly need starting pitching. They bid $100 million for left-hander CC Sabathia last winter. But they do not expect to be a serious player for righty John Lackey, the top free agent available this offseason. Lackey, Brewers officials believe, would prefer to go to a larger market. The Brewers almost certainly would not make the best offer, and Lackey might only use their proposal to persuade other clubs to bid higher. The Brewers' most pressing decision involves whether to exercise the $6.5 million option on right-hander Braden Looper or pay him a $1 million buyout. They are likely to pursue mid-rotation starters such as left-handers Doug Davis and Jarrod Washburn."
Catch me if you can: Market full of backstops
"The free-agent market for catchers in 2009-10 is chock full of high-profile experience, durability and veteran savvy behind the plate. Even though the catching crop's best offensive player, Victor Martinez, was taken off the table when the Red Sox, as expected, picked up his $7.7 million option, recent World Series-tested backstops such as Bengie Molina (2002), Ivan Rodriguez (2003, '06), Jason Varitek (2004, '07), Yorvit Torrealba (2007) and Rod Barajas (2001) are, or are expected to be, available. Molina, who won a World Series ring with the Angels in '02, continues a career as a highly respected defensive catcher and proceeds to develop as a run-producing hitter, spending a good portion ..."
Brewers add Heether to 40-man roster
"The Brewers added infielder Adam Heether to the 40-man roster on Monday while reinstating second baseman Rickie Weeks and right-handers Mark DiFelice and David Riske from the 60-day disabled list. Heether turns 28 in January and could be a right-handed utility option for the Brewers next season because he can play any infield position and also saw action in left field in 2009. He spent most of the year at Triple-A Nashville, batting .293 with 16 home runs, 59 RBIs and an outstanding .400 on-base percentage. He's currently playing for Caracas in the Venezuelan Winter League. The Brewers selected Heether in the 11th round of the 2003 First-Year Player Draft and he would have been a Minor ..."
Trade of Fielder or Braun unlikely, Melvin says
"The Milwaukee Brewers are willing to do most anything this winter to improve their pitching staff. Anything except trade Prince Fielder or Ryan Braun. Despite continuing speculation - mostly from national pundits - that the Brewers will have to trade one of their two sluggers to acquire a quality starting pitcher, general manager Doug Melvin made it clear Wednesday he isn't entertaining such thoughts. At his annual season-review news conference at Miller Park, Melvin said he might have to sacrifice some offense to improve his woeful starting pitching. Melvin then was asked if that meant sacrificing either Fielder or Braun. "That would be a tough one," said Melvin. "I didn't mean it that ..."
Hoffman to re-sign with Brewers
"Trevor Hoffman has agreed to another one-year contract with the Milwaukee Brewers. Hoffman, who turns 42 next week, had 37 saves and a 1.55 ERA with the Brewers this season, pushing his career saves total to 591, the major league record. Hoffman will earn $8 million next season, and Hoffman and the Brewers will share an option for another deal in the 2011. Doug Melvin, the Brewers' general manager, raved about Hoffman's work ethic and leadership this season, saying that he viewed Hoffman as the Cal Ripken of pitchers."
Brewers want new pitching coach quickly
"Brewers general manager Doug Melvin plans to move fast in his search for a new pitching coach. "I hope to do the pitching thing within 2-3 weeks," Melvin said Sunday, when he announced that interim pitching coach Chris Bosio and bullpen coach Stan Kyles had not been offered contracts for 2010. "I don't want this thing to drag out." Melvin did not attend the Brewers' season finale against the Cardinals because he had an afternoon flight for what he called an "assignment" that was in some sense related to the pitching search. "It's more important than anything at this point," Melvin said. Including Jeff Suppan's two-inning courtesy outing Sunday, which gave him 11 straight seasons with at ..."
Hoffman not far from deal with Brewers
"Trevor Hoffman's season might have ended on a low note, but there were plenty of high ones in his first season with the Brewers. He said after Sunday's season finale that he's nearing a deal to return in 2010. "I think we're pretty close," Hoffman said. "I think we're getting something done." Hoffman suffered his fourth blown save after walking three batters in the ninth inning on Sunday, but the Brewers rallied in the 10th for a 9-7 win and Hoffman was the pitcher of record. He finished with a 3-2 record but more importantly had 37 saves and a 1.83 ERA, his best mark in 11 years. He signed a $6 million, one-year contract with the Brewers in January after 16 seasons with the Padres. ..."
Hoffman close to new deal with Brewers
"Trevor Hoffman was unable to convert his final save opportunity of the year Sunday for the Brewers, but it looks as if he'll be getting plenty more chances in the future. After the Brewers topped St. Louis, 9-7, in 10 innings, Hoffman revealed he is in the final stages of negotiating a deal to return to the club in 2010. "I think we're pretty close," said Hoffman, who suffered only his fourth blown save of the season by allowing a run to the Cardinals in the bottom of the ninth. "We're in discussions. The fact that we're discussing things is good." Assistant general manager Gord Ash confirmed that the club is in talks with Hoffman's agent, Rick Thurman of the Beverly Hills Sports Council. ..."
Disappointing Brewers weighing changes, but Macha appears safe
"Brewers general manager Doug Melvin is said to be seriously weighing important changes after the talented team's surprisingly mediocre performance this season (74-77 through Tuesday), a year after the Brew Crew's first playoff appearance since 1982. But people familiar with Melvin's current thinking believe that while the GM is likely to hire a third pitching coach since well-respected Mike Maddux departed for Texas a year ago and has all but decided not to give manager Ken Macha a contract extension, Melvin also appears likely not to make the biggest change. That is, Melvin is said by people in the know to be planning for a second year with tough taskmaster Macha at the helm -- a decision ..."
Attanasio gives full support to Melvin
"Brewers owner Mark Attanasio just said that any speculation that general manager Doug Melvin's job is in jeopardy is "ridiculous." Attanasio also said it will be completely up to Melvin as to whether manager Ken Macha is back to serve the second year of his contract. That bodes well for Macha because Melvin has made mostly supportive comments about him of late. Attanasio admitted the season has been "disappointing" but said he has not lost faith in Melvin, who has three years remaining on a contract that was extended last fall. "The temptation when things go bad is to change everything," said Attanasio, who noted that he learned not to do that in his money management business. "You need to ..."
Gallardo might be at the finish line
"Giving Yovani Gallardo nine days of rest didn't work, so the Brewers' decision-makers began discussions Wednesday that could lead to shutting down the young right-hander for the season. "We're not addressing it today," said general manager Doug Melvin. "If we do anything, we'll talk to him first." Because Gallardo missed most of last season with a knee injury and is among the league leaders in pitches thrown (3,125), the Brewers have tried to ease his workload in the final weeks of the season. He was given nearly a full turn off before pitching ineffectively Tuesday night in a 13-7 loss to the Cubs. Unable to find a consistent release point, Gallardo (12-12, 3.84) allowed seven hits, five ..."
Owner: Brewers don't need big changes
"The Brewers don't need a major overhaul to return to contention next season, and speculation about general manager Doug Melvin's job security is "ridiculous," the team's principal owner said Wednesday. "It seems like a copout to me to blow everything up and start from scratch," said Mark Attanasio, who arrived at Wrigley Field this week for his first in-person look at the team in weeks. "We've built this team around a good core of players now for five years, and we took a step back [this year]. We'd like to take two steps forward next year." The Brewers won the National League Wild Card last season to earn their first postseason ticket in 26 years. The 2009 campaign has been just as ..."
Hoffman hopes to return to Brewers
"Trevor Hoffman has been comfortable in his first season with the Brewers, so comfortable that he'd like a return engagement in Milwaukee next year for what would be his 18th Major League season. "I don't want to start over in an another organization, I can tell you that," Hoffman told MLB.com, referring to his adjustment after 16 seasons with the Padres. "Everything has gone very well here. They've made me feel more than welcome. If I have the choice, I'd really like to come back here. But that isn't my decision." Hoffman signed a one-year contract with the Brewers this past season, shunning a possible club option for 2010 because he wanted to determine how he felt pitching a season away ..."
Gallardo to skip next start
"Curtailing Yovani Gallardo's innings isn't something the Milwaukee Brewers right-hander wants. But he understands that it might be best for his future. Brewers general manager Doug Melvin, assistant GM Gord Ash, manager Ken Macha, head trainer Roger Caplinger and Gallardo met Sunday morning to discuss a course of action for the 23-year-old and determined they will skip Gallardo's next start. Gallardo won't take the ball again until Sept. 15 at Wrigley Field, and the Brewers are still unclear what the plan will be beyond that outing. The reason is to cut back on Gallardo's innings and pitches since the Brewers' playoff hopes are about officially dashed. The Brewers won't completely shut ..."
Melvin mum on trade talks
"Doug Melvin has been mum in the past week about shuffling his roster. The rules of Major League Baseball don't allow executives to comment on players on waivers, so the Milwaukee Brewers general manager can't give any inkling about those rumblings. But he did say clubs have called him, including two Friday, about certain players. When asked general questions about if he planned to make a trade before Tuesday's deadline for players to be eligible for post-season rosters, Melvin has been just as tight-lipped and careful. "I don't think so," Melvin said before Friday night's game. "But you don't know." That has been Melvin's standard answer lately, but the fact he's been so quiet could mean ..."
Brewers' Hoffman claimed on waivers
"Brewers closer Trevor Hoffman has been claimed on trade waivers, a major-league source told FOXSports.com. It's not clear which club was awarded the claim when Hoffman's waiver period expired Thursday afternoon. The chances that Hoffman will be dealt are probably not good. He isn't inclined to be a setup man, likes pitching in Milwaukee and wants to return next year."
Hoffman among Brewers on waivers
"If the Brewers are going to trade veterans, this is their chance. The team placed a number of attractive players on trade waivers Tuesday, according to a major-league source. Interested clubs can make claims until 1 p.m. Thursday ET. The list of available Brewers includes closer Trevor Hoffman, outfielder Mike Cameron, infielder Craig Counsell, catcher Jason Kendall, right-hander Braden Looper and second baseman Felipe Lopez. Brewers general manager Doug Melvin, however, is disinclined to make trades during the August waiver period, believing that he cannot receive adequate returns. Hoffman, in particular, would appeal to teams in need of late-inning relief. He lacks no-trade protection, ..."
Suppan will start Tuesday
"Barring something unforeseen, right-hander Jeff Suppan will come off the disabled list Tuesday and start against the Cincinnati Reds at Miller Park. Brewers manager Ken Macha confirmed that assignment after Suppan threw a bullpen session in the indoor batting cage Saturday afternoon at Nationals Park. Rainy weather prevented a session outside in the bullpen. "He felt fine," said Macha. "He's good to go." Suppan has been on the disabled list since July 28 after suffering a left oblique strain swinging the bat in a game. He did not fare well in minor-league rehabilitation assignments with Class A Wisconsin and Class AAA Nashville (seven innings, 13 hits, nine runs) but has recovered ..."
Not ready to set sell
"Despite the Brewers' stunning free-fall out of the playoff race, general manager Doug Melvin said Friday he has no plans to sell off players before September. In only 12 days, the Brewers went from five games behind St. Louis in the NL Central to 10 ½ games out, all but eliminating any hopes of vying for the playoffs. Teams can trade players if they clear waivers or work out a deal when claimed before Sept. 1 and still have them eligible for the postseason. The Brewers have veteran players who probably would draw interest, such as centerfielder Mike Cameron, closer Trevor Hoffman and catcher Jason Kendall. But Melvin said he isn't in a housecleaning mode and doesn't need to trim salary. ..."
Acquiring Davis unlikely
"Milwaukee Brewers general manager Doug Melvin again declined to admit Thursday he put in a waiver claim on Arizona left-hander Doug Davis. At the same time, Melvin indicated he didn't expect to put Davis in a Milwaukee uniform. "I'm not engaged with conversations with Arizona," said Melvin. SI.com first reported late Wednesday night that the Brewers had claimed Davis on waivers. After July 31, teams routinely place players on waivers to see who will clear and what clubs are interested. The Brewers tried to trade for Davis before the July 31 deadline but were not willing to meet Arizona's demands. Because Davis (7-10, 3.62) can be a Class B free agent after the season, Melvin said the ..."
Next for Padilla: Who knows?
"Two NL teams, believed to be the Dodgers and Brewers, are "kicking the tires" on right-hander Vicente Padilla, who was designated for assignment by the Rangers. A trade, however, remains unlikely; any team interested in Padilla can simply wait for him to clear waivers, knowing the Rangers will be responsible for the remainder of his $12 million salary. A more assertive club could include money and/or a marginal prospect to entice the Rangers into making a deal. It's doubtful, however, that any team would be so motivated. As one rival GM points out, the Rangers were so disgusted with Padilla's conduct, they purged him in the middle of a pennant race."
Bush in a holding pattern
"Right-hander Dave Bush might not return to the Milwaukee Brewers' starting rotation as soon as hoped. After throwing breaking balls at close to maximum effort for the first time during this rehabilitation stint in a bullpen session Friday, Bush experienced some tightness in his forearm Saturday. Whether that sets him back was not certain. "I wouldn't really call it a setback," said Bush, who already had one of those when his first rehabilitation stint was shut down after he experienced arm fatigue during a July 15 outing with Class AA Huntsville. "It's just a little sore, a little tight. I threw breaking balls for the first time. Just like spring training, when you step it up a little, you ..."
Brewers reacquire Vargas
"I was just told that the Brewers have reacquired right-hander Claudio Vargas for minor league utility man Vinny Rottino. Vargas is obviously a stop-gap measure to try to get the Brewers through their current crisis, with Dave Bush and Jeff Suppan on the DL. I haven't been told yet that he'll be starting tomorrow, and as already blogged, right-hander Mike Burns was summoned from Class AAA Nashvile. Vargas, 31, posted a 1.64 ERA in eight relief outings for the Los Angeles Dodgers. He spent much of this season on the DL with elbow tendinitis."
Teams interested in Royals' Bannister
"The Brewers made an offer for Royals right-hander Brian Bannister on Thursday, but were told, "We're not motivated to move him." The Royals did not even counter the offer. The Yankees and other clubs have shown interest in Bannister, but the Royals' position is that they would move the pitcher only for a knockout proposal."
No trade brewing
"The Brewers need a starting pitcher for Saturday in San Diego but general manager Doug Melvin told me this afternoon that he didn't expect to pick one up via trade. "It has been pretty quiet," said Melvin. "I put calls out this morning but there doesn't appear to be anything active. I'm not waiting for a call or anything like that." The Brewers lost their starting pitcher for Saturday when right-hander Jeff Suppan was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a strained left oblique, suffered swinging the bat in his last start Monday against Washington. Melvin said he talked to clubs about "10 or 12" starting pitchers this week without coming close to a trade. He checked in one last time ..."
Yanks not alone in pursuit of Washburn
"The Yankees are not the only team pursuing Mariners left-hander Jarrod Washburn. The Tigers also are interested in Washburn, a major-league source says, and the Brewers could jump back in. Yet, the Mariners still are not sending clear signs that they are willing to move Washburn, who ranks third in the American League with a 2.64 ERA, just ahead of Blue Jays ace Roy Halladay. "The Mariners don't want to send the wrong signs if they trade him," one source says. "It could look like they're giving up." The M's, six games out in the wild-card race and 7 1/2 games out in the AL West, acquired shortstop Jack Wilson and right-hander Ian Snell from the Pirates on Wednesday. They likely would seek ..."
Marlins and Rays in on Bell, Brewers out of Washburn talks
"Just spoke to an official from an NL club who talked about "buyers turning into sellers, and sellers into buyers" over the last 48 hours. The Marlins definitely fall into the latter category; they are reportedly working hard to acquire Heath Bell. The Rays might, as well. The Mariners? It's still unclear precisely what they are. I spoke with an official who knows Seattle GM Jack Zduriencik well, and this official predicted, based on the trade that sent Ian Snell and Jack Wilson to the AL West, that the Mariners would hold onto Jarrod Washburn and keep going for a playoff spot. The Brewers are no longer in on Washburn."
Hardy plays on as rumors swirl
"Brewers shortstop J.J. Hardy heard that the Mariners had picked up Pirates shortstop Jack Wilson from his usual source for trade rumors -- right fielder Corey Hart. Both players realized the implications. One fewer team in the market for a shortstop. One more reason to believe Hardy will still be with the Brewers following Friday's non-waiver Trade Deadline. "I try not to look at it and read all the stuff," said Hardy, a staple of trade rumors during the last calendar year. "My dad sometimes tells me, but he hasn't been on it as much lately. My brother has kind of taken over for him. And then there's Corey, who sees all of the stuff. I always hear it from Corey." Hart has himself been the ..."
Yankees making a strong push for Jarrod Washburn
"With Chien-Ming Wang needing shoulder surgery and lost for the season, the Yankees are making a strong push for Seattle left-hander Jarrod Washburn, according to one rival executive. What the Yankees want, they usually get, which could be bad news for the Phillies, Brewers, Rangers and Twins, all of whom had scouts watching his sharp performance Tuesday night."
Slumping Brewers not pursuing Washburn
"The Brewers, thought to be one of the favorites for Jarrod Washburn, are not seriously engaged in discussions for the Mariners' veteran left-hander. The reasons: The Brewers do not want to give up good prospects for two months of Washburn at a time when they have lost 16 of their last 23 games. Washburn, a likely Type B free agent, would bring only one draft pick in return if the Brewers (or any other club he was with) failed to re-sign him. The Mariners, according to one general manager who has spoken with them, are seeking to make a bigger deal with Washburn. That might be the reason they pulled catcher/designated hitter Jeff Clement from his Class AAA game and informed him that he was ..."
Melvin seeks deal for staff help
"With the Brewers going backwards for several weeks, a debate has raged among fans as to whether the club should be a buyer or a seller on the trade market. General manager Doug Melvin said Tuesday he still was in a buying mode in what he noted was a somewhat thin pitching market. "We're still looking to see if we can find pitching that makes us better," Melvin said. "There's still a lot of baseball left, if we can get guys back on track. It's not like we're 6, 7, 8 games back." After losing 16 of 23 games in July, the Brewers are two games below .500 and 4½ games behind first-place St. Louis in the National League Central Division. Melvin's thinking was that one pitcher might help bolster ..."
Brewers cautious about dealing SS prospect for Washburn
"Few know the Brewers' farm system better than Mariners general manager Jack Zduriencik, who drafted and signed many of Milwaukee's top young players in his previous job as the team's scouting director. Zduriencik surely would love to obtain shortstop Alcides Escobar in a trade for lefty Jarrod Washburn, and it's reasonable to think that he might even include righty Brandon Morrow to pull off such a deal. The Brewers, though, likely would be reluctant to trade Escobar for two months of Washburn, a potential free agent, and the uncertain future of Morrow, who is back at Class AAA trying to re-establish himself as a starter. Brewers shortstop J.J. Hardy is a free agent after next season, and ..."
Scouring the arms market
"There was an optimistic tone in Milwaukee Brewers manager Ken Macha's voice Sunday when he spoke of general manager Doug Melvin's ongoing efforts to acquire a starting pitcher. "The trading deadline is coming," Macha said. "Doug's trying to help the club. I don't want to create expectations but he's trying to make the club better and I'm sure if he finds a starting pitcher who can help out, it's something he would do. "The starters that are available are kind of limited and expensive (in terms of players included in a trade). I just know how much effort is being put into trying to look at our needs as a whole and fill those needs. "Typically, the farther away you are from the (July 31) ..."
Brewers' Macha hints of pre-deadline trade
"Tim Dillard joined the Brewers from Triple-A Nashville on Sunday, when manager Ken Macha wondered aloud whether the team, strapped for starters, might get even more help ahead of Friday's nonwaiver trade deadline. "The trading deadline is coming and Doug [Melvin, Milwaukee's general manager] is trying to help the club," Macha said. "I don't want to try to create expectations, but he's trying to make the club better and I'm sure if he finds a starting pitcher who can help out, it's something he would do. "Here again, the starters that are available are kind of limited, and expensive." Macha was asked whether he'd be surprised if the Brewers failed to make an addition before the July 31 ..."
Possible relief help in Colome?
"The Brewers quietly made an intriguing pick-up on Saturday. The team signed former Nationals reliever Jesus Colome to a Triple-A contract Saturday, but he has not pitched since July 3 so will report to rookie-level Helena to build back to full strength. Colome, designated for assignment by Washington on July 4, was 1-1 with a 8.40 ERA in 16 games this season but he was useful in the previous two seasons. Colome made 61 appearances in each of his first two years with the Nationals, posting a 3.82 ERA in 2007 and a 4.31 ERA in 2008. He pitched the six seasons before that with the Tampa Bay Rays."
Indians shopping Lee and Martinez
"The Red Sox's trade for first baseman Adam LaRoche should eliminate any chance of them trading for Indians catcher Victor Martinez. The Indians, however, continue to speak with clubs that are interested in both Martinez and left-hander Cliff Lee. "Things are changing rapidly," says one source with knowledge of the Indians' thinking. The Phillies, Rays, Brewers and Dodgers are on Lee, and the Rangers have expressed continued interest."
Brewers' trade options appear to be limited
"The Milwaukee Brewers need a fifth starting pitcher again on Tuesday, three days before the trading deadline. As of Wednesday, general manager Doug Melvin said an internal candidate looked more likely to make that start than a trade acquisition. "There's not much pitching out there that's available," said Melvin. "We go over the list every day. It doesn't change." The Brewers have shown interest in the top pitcher available on the market, Toronto ace Roy Halladay. On Sunday, Melvin said he had not made an offer for Halladay and didn't know if he would. But Melvin declined Wednesday to specify his current interest in Halladay, who has a no-trade clause and would require an extensive package ..."
Jays GM: Next week key for trade talk
"Toronto Blue Jays general manager J.P. Ricciardi expects the Roy Halladay trade talks will come to a head early next week, he said Wednesday. Ricciardi said the Blue Jays "haven't even really exchanged names" yet with teams pursuing Halladay because they're still scouting the minor-league systems of the clubs involved. "But we're getting really close to sitting down and telling teams, 'This is what it's going to take,'" Ricciardi said. "I'd say going into Monday, we'll pretty much have our cards on the table." That wouldn't leave those teams much time to complete a deal before the Jays' unofficial deadline of Tuesday, July 28. But Ricciardi quipped: "We'll see how fast people want to ..."
Brewers scouting Lee
"I was just informed that Dick Groch, the top scouting assistant to Brewers general manager Doug Melvin, was on hand in Toronto last night to watch Cleveland lefty Cliff Lee pitch against Toronto. Groch had to like what he saw as Lee pitched a complete-game seven-hitter for the Indians in a 2-1 victory over the Blue Jays. As we all know, the Brewers are looking for a starting pitcher. Groch also saw Toronto's Roy Halladay pitch on Sunday but the price for acquiring him is extremely high. The price to acquire Lee also would be high. For one thing, he's much cheaper than Halladay, with a $5.75 million salary this year and club option for $8 million for 2010. There was some thought weeks ago ..."
Phillies won't give up Drabek for Halladay
"The latest word from a source familiar with Philadelphia's thinking is that the front-running Phillies have decided they will not include top pitching prospect Kyle Drabek in a four-player package for superstar pitcher Roy Halladay, perhaps raising the chances that Halladay will be dealt elsewhere or maybe even stay with the Jays. The Phillies are believed to have told Toronto of their Drabek decision, but if they haven't yet they will inform the Jays very soon. Philadelphia has a bevy of respectable prospects, but opinions around baseball vary as to how decent the deal might be for Toronto without the inclusion of Drabek. The two teams have been discussing prospects, including outfielder ..."
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