Brewers Trade Rumors

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 ..."
No Halladay plans for Brewers
"Here are four reasons the Milwaukee Brewers won't make a move for Toronto Blue Jays ace Roy Halladay: 1. Any deal likely would have to include shortstop Alcides Escobar and lefty Manny Parra, and perhaps 2008 No. 1 pick Brett Lawrie, a Canadian who would be popular in Toronto. Don't look for the Brewers to move those players. 2. Halladay has a no-trade clause and might shoot down the Brewers from the start. He supposedly wants to go to a team that trains in Florida, where he lives. 3. Halladay could demand a trade after the season for being dealt in the middle of a multi-year contract. Thus, instead of having him through his contract next year, the Brewers could lose him after the season ..."
Halladay the crown jewel of trade market
"The July 31 non-waiver Trade Deadline is looming, and Blue Jays ace Roy Halladay continues to show why he is the most popular pitcher available on the market.On Sunday, the 2003 American League Cy Young Award winner limited Boston to one run on six hits over nine innings in a 3-1 win for his fourth complete game of the year. The victory improved Halladay's record to 11-3 and dropped his ERA to 2.73. The right-hander's availability has been a hot topic since before the All-Star break, when Blue Jays general manager J.P. Ricciardi said he would listen to offers for the team's star pitcher.According to reports, the Phillies, Yankees, Cardinals, Dodgers, Brewers, Tigers, Rangers, Red Sox, ..."
How inclined are O's to trade closer Sherrill?
"The Orioles' acquisition of Padres right-hander Cla Meredith on Sunday is not necessarily a precursor to a trade of left-handed closer George Sherrill. The team already is deep in right-handed relievers, and Meredith, whose ERA since June 2 is 6.06, does not exactly qualify as late-inning "insurance." While a trade of Sherrill looks inevitable — "They will move him; they know he's the best available closer out there," one rival executive says — it is not yet imminent. One general manager interested in Sherrill says the Orioles are "playing the 'don't-have-to-move-him-so-make-us' card" — a characterization the O's do not dispute. "If it's something meaningful coming back, something we don't ..."
D-backs trade Lopez to Brewers
"The D-backs and Brewers completed a trade Sunday that sent second baseman Felipe Lopez to Milwaukee in exchange for a pair of Minor Leaguers. Lopez, who will be a free agent following the season, hit .301 for the D-backs and was one of their most consistent hitters. Arizona will receive right-handed pitcher Roque Mercedes and outfielder Cole Gillespie. Mercedes was 1-1 with a 1.08 ERA in 29 relief appearances in the Florida State League, while Gillespie hit .242 with seven homers and 27 RBIs for Triple-A Nashville. The D-backs are expected to call up infielder Ryan Roberts to take Lopez's place at second."
Halladay inquiries made
"Milwaukee Brewers general manager Doug Melvin said Friday that he had talked to the Toronto Blue Jays about ace right-hander Roy Halladay, who is being shopped around to potential suitors. Melvin wouldn't say whether he thought those talks could lead to anything. He often reveals when he doesn't have a match with a team but he wouldn't say that, either. "We've had a conversation with them," Melvin said. "I don't want to get into the details. I don't want to characterize it at this point." The Blue Jays have made it known it would take a substantial package of players to acquire Halladay, one of the top pitchers in the majors who is signed through 2010 and has a no-trade clause in his ..."
GM to pitch for Halladay
"If Brewers general manager Doug Melvin had not placed the initial telephone call to the Cleveland Indians last season to ask about CC Sabathia, one of the best midseason trades in major-league history would not have been made. With that in mind, Melvin said Wednesday he would make a call to Toronto's J.P. Ricciardi, who announced he will listen to offers for ace Roy Halladay. "When a general manager says he is listening to offers, yeah, I'll call," said Melvin. "I haven't called yet. "The guy has a no-trade (clause). You try to wait to see what's coming out of it. Are they doing it for an extension or whatever? They're going to identify the people that they think have enough talent (to ..."
Parra might start Thursday
"Milwaukee Brewers manager Ken Macha announced Tuesday that right-hander Jeff Suppan would start against the St. Louis Cardinals on Wednesday. But what about Thursday? "We'll let you know (Wednesday) who's pitching on Thursday," Macha said. "It's a day-by-day thing." Barring the unforeseen, all signs point to the return of left-hander Manny Parra to start the series finale against the Cardinals. Parra's next scheduled turn with Class AAA Nashville should be Wednesday but he was not listed when the Sounds announced their probable pitchers for the rest of the week. Asked specifically about "Manny," Macha pretended the question was about Manny Ramirez, who shows up later in the week with the ..."
Buster helps the Braves make a deal
"Here are six, as listed by Buster Olney of ESPN.com, who assumes the Braves are looking to trade Yunel Escobar and Javier Vazquez. (And didn't someone we know suggest the Vazquez thing two months ago? Why, yes he did.) Since this is an ESPN Insiders thing and the link requires registration, I'll again quote extensively: Boston: "In order to make a deal for Escobar, the Red Sox would probably have to engage a third team, and here's the thing - they are perfectly suited to do this, because they have the commodity that everybody else want: pitching. In theory [and what immediately follows is pure speculation], they could engage the Brewers about Corey Hart, or the Indians about someone like ..."
Braun says team needs help
"Ryan Braun has said it before. And after the Milwaukee Brewers lost three of four games at Wrigley Field, the newly minted two-time all-star said it again Sunday. He'd like Brewers general manager Doug Melvin to make a trade to improve the club, although he is aware the trade market has been bleak to this point. "We're at the point right now where it would be important for us to go out there and acquire somebody," Braun said. "I know (Melvin) is trying to make our ballclub better. I know he recognizes the importance of making a move and making it soon, but at the same time I think everybody's recognized there's a lot of teams that are still in the race. "With that being said, it would be ..."
A bare market for Melvin
"It is no secret Milwaukee Brewers general manager Doug Melvin is exploring his options to add a player via trade before the July 31 deadline. There just aren't many options. Based on what the Brewers are looking for (probably established pitching) and what potential sellers would want in return (probably younger pitching), Melvin said there are fewer than 10 teams that could potentially "match up" with the Brewers. That is what happened when Melvin inquired about Mark DeRosa, then with the Cleveland Indians. Melvin was told by Indians GM Mark Shapiro the Brewers didn't have what his club was looking for and shipped DeRosa to St. Louis. Translation: It could be difficult to make any kind of ..."
Brewers sign Dominican outfielder Pena
"Thursday marked the beginning of baseball's international signing period, and the Brewers made a splash by coming to terms with outfielder Jose Pena, a highly-regarded 16-year-old from the Dominican Republic. Brewers amateur scouting director Bruce Seid confirmed the deal before boarding a return flight to the U.S. He would not discuss Pena's reported $400,000 signing bonus, which would be short of the club-record bonus for an international player that went to right-hander Rolando Pascual in 2005. Pascual received $710,000. The Brewers also came to terms with 17-year-old Dominican right-hander Jean Capellan, Seid said. It's believed that Capellan received a five-figure bonus. The team is ..."
Brewers, D-Backs discussing trade
"The Diamondbacks and Brewers have engaged in trade discussions, according to reports out of Milwaukee on Sunday. Brewers Assistant General Manager Gord Ash wasn't specific on which players the teams have discussed, but Diamondbacks left-hander Doug Davis and Felipe Lopez are two names that would make sense logically. "Because they're one of the few clubs with available pieces, their asking price is way too high," Ash told reporters. "So they don't have to make a deal yet." Short hops A.J. Hinch said he held outfielder Chris Young out of the starting lineup, continuing to handle him cautiously after he injured his groin June 18 in Kansas City. Hinch anticipated having Young in the lineup ..."
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