Rays Trade Rumors

"Baseball's waiver rules are so complex and the rumors so rampant, sometimes it seems like anything can happen. "I heard the Red Wings put in a claim on me," Mariners outfielder Raul Ibanez said. OK, almost anything. Ibanez won't be strapping on skates, but there's a chance he could be in the uniform of another team by the end of the week. He said he has been told the Mariners put him through waivers and that more than one team claimed him. One report had Tampa Bay, which just lost outfielder Carl Crawford for the season, close to a deal for Ibanez. "I would bet that it's not true," Ibanez said. "That's what I'd bet. I've heard there were claims, but that doesn't mean anything." For one ..."

"The Rays should know more today about the right hand injury that will sideline star leftfielder Carl Crawford for at least two weeks and possibly require season-ending surgery, and that could say a lot about their chances to continue winning and reach the playoffs. Crawford felt a "pop" in his right hand during his final at-bat on Saturday, and his middle finger began to lock up due to what the Rays say is "tendon subluxation," a problem with the tendon being out of its normal groove. After being examined by Mariners medical director Dr. Edward Khalfayn, Crawford said Sunday morning he could be out six to eight weeks and might need surgery that could prevent him from returning this ..."

"Gary Sheffield is healthy enough to help a team in the pennant race; problem is, the Detroit Tigers, the team he plays for, isn't in one. Such is the frustration surrounding the latter part of Sheffield's career. After about a year of dealing with a bad shoulder - the surgery, the rehab, the reduced performance - he has reached the point where he is a platoon DH and part-time outfielder, not what he had in mind for the final two years of his career. Sheffield, 39, still puts fear into pitchers. His numbers don't show it, but lately the thump has begun to reemerge. Would he waive his no-trade provision to join a contending team? Most likely. He lives in Tampa Bay, and wouldn't that be ..."

"The Cubs plan to activate pitcher Kerry Wood from the disabled list today or Wednesday, and he'll pitch at least once in middle relief as a tune-up before returning to the closer role, manager Lou Piniella said. The million-dollar question now becomes whom the Cubs will pay $1 million to take left-hander Scott Eyre in a waiver trade for a prospect -- the Boston Red Sox or Tampa Bay Rays, or even the Philadelphia Phillies or New York Yankees? Or will they be forced to make an in-house roster move they don't want to make, such as optioning left-hander Sean Marshall to Class AAA Iowa? The decision on a corresponding move is the variable in the timeline for activating Wood, whose healed index ..."

"Outfielder Rocco Baldelli returned to the Rays' clubhouse Sunday, wearing the scraggly beard of somebody who's been lost at sea and sounding somewhat uncertain about his future. But he pronounced himself ready for the role the Rays envision for him as a platoon outfielder, DH or right-handed batter off the bench. A decision could come today on whether he's added to the roster or receives another minor-league rehab assignment. "I did it for the entire rehab assignment at Double-A Montgomery, so I think I could do it here," Baldelli said. "It was pretty hot where I was, too. That didn't help the situation, to be honest with you, but I was able to get through it." Baldelli's only physical ..."

"The Pirates are deep into trade talks with the Tampa Bay Rays and other parties regarding left fielder Jason Bay, one team source with direct knowledge said yesterday, but it remains far from certain that Bay will be moved by Major League Baseball's deadline tomorrow afternoon. No truly elite prospect is being offered for Bay, and no bounty -- say, four of a team's top 10 prospects -- is expected, either, as some teams have expressed concern that Bay's 2008 revival is not far enough removed from his disappointing 2007. That has not stopped management from entertaining offers, though, and doing so seriously. The chance that Bay will stay with the Pirates, the source said, still is better ..."

"Brian Fuentes is no longer a closer. He's a modified hit by The Clash: "Should he Stay or Should he Go?" That question hangs over the Rockies with each outcome. Fuentes will not be available with a win tonight. But he's not completely unavailable either, leaving as many as seven suitors - among them St. Louis, Tampa Bay and Philadelphia - with Colorado general manager Dan O'Dowd on speed dial. While admitting that anything could still happen before Thursday's 2 p.m. nonwaiver trading deadline - the team is showing interest in starters Jarrod Washburn, Tim Redding and Josh Fogg, according to major-league sources - manager Clint Hurdle strongly advocated keeping Fuentes. "We are still in ..."

"OF Xavier Nady and lefty reliever Damaso Marte won't be coming to help the Rays' bid to reach the postseason. Instead, they may make it more difficult for the Rays. The two were traded Friday from the Pirates to the Yankees. Speaking before the deal became public, Rays manager Joe Maddon said it was "50-50 at best" the Rays would make a trade before Thursday's 4 p.m. nonwaiver deadline, with the keys remaining how much better they think any acquisition would make them and how much it would cost in return. "There are people out there that can make us better, no question. Can we get them? I don't know," Maddon said. "I'm not like overtly confident that something's going to happen, so I'd ..."

"The Rays are new to working the trade deadline. They're new to everything that involves winning. Usually at this time of year, they're wondering if they're on the way to 100 losses. Or, in a good year, 90. The trade deadline always was something involving other teams, not the Rays - unless they tried to dump a bad contract or received a call from a contender about one of their players who was coming up on arbitration or free agency. So imagine the anticipation in the Rays' front office four days before the trade deadline. Will they sit tight and go with the status quo? Will they think they've got to make moves if only because that's what contending teams do? Will they panic and blow it? ..."

"The Rockies are playing an intriguing game of poker with closer Brian Fuentes. The price is high, causing most interested teams — the Tampa Bay Rays, the New York Yankees and Mets, the Boston Red Sox and the Florida Marlins — to consider other options. Colorado wants a premium starting pitcher, a fair demand save for the fact the teams interested in Fuentes see him as a two-month rental, not a long-term solution. All already have closers, and Fuentes is determined to test the market before considering signing somewhere as a setup man."

"He doesn't expect to be quite back to full speed, but SS Jason Bartlett believes he will be ready to come off the disabled list when the Rays open a seven-game road trip Thursday at Kansas City. Bartlett, who has been sidelined since July 3 with a sprained right knee, said he felt good after some running and sliding drills Monday afternoon. "It actually was a lot better than I expected and I think I'll be ready to go come Thursday," he said."

"It would seem only logical to think that their skid going into the All-Star break — specifically, their lack of offense — would make the Rays more pressured and likely to make a trade before the July 31 deadline for nonwaiver deals. And, according to executive vice president Andrew Friedman, it would be absolutely wrong."

"Part of the identity Neal Huntington forged during his first offseason as the Pittsburgh Pirates’ general manager last winter is that he will not make a deal if he is not certain it will help his club.That has not changed during his first full season on the job. The Pirates have plenty of players that contending teams are interested in, but Huntington is driving a hard bargain.According to various industry sources this week, the Pirates want two high-level young players and a second-tier prospect in any trade for left fielder Jason Bay and at least one top youngster and one solid prospect in return for right fielder Xavier Nady, shortstop Jack Wilson and left-handed relievers John ..."

"Yes, Brian Fuentes said, it would be cool to wear Yankee pinstripes. And no, he wouldn't mind working in New York City's media hothouse. But that doesn't necessarily mean the Rockies' closer believes he'll end up here, via a trade in the coming weeks or as a free agent after the season. "I'm going to look to be a closer, wherever I go," Fuentes said Saturday. Many baseball analysts believe the Rockies will deal Fuentes before the July 31 nonwaiver trading deadline. The Cardinals, Marlins, Phillies, Rays and Red Sox are interested. Fuentes said he's not letting the trade rumors affect him on the mound. "It's out of my control, so it's counterproductive to worry about something you ..."

"Brian Fuentes sat at his locker in the Rockies' clubhouse Saturday when his mugshot popped up during Fox's telecast of the Yankees-Red Sox game. Both teams have a need and interest in acquiring the reliever. But Tampa Bay is preparing to make the most aggressive play for the Rockies' closer, according to a major-league source. The Rays had a scout at Coors Field again Saturday. Opposing executives who have spoken with Tampa Bay say the Rays are determined to bolster their bullpen in an attempt to create separation between them and the Red Sox."

"Tampa Bay's interest in left-handed reliever Brian Fuentes picked up in light of Rays closer Troy Percival returning to the disabled list after aggravating the left hamstring that originally forced him to the disabled list. The Rays are looking for a left-hander to work late innings and to provide late-inning protection for Percival in their bid to claim a postseason bid for the first time. Al Reyes, Tampa Bay's other experienced closer, has been out since June 9 with left elbow tendinitis."

"Several clubs with scouts following the Rockies say indications they have been given are Colorado will decide at the All-Star break whether to deal players. And there are several players on the Rockies that teams are interested in. The Yankees, Mets, Red Sox, Phillies, Rays, Cubs and Cardinals are known to have interest in left-handed reliever Brian Fuentes. An Oakland source says Fuentes is not on the Athletics' wish list, but they would kick the tires on Matt Holliday but more likely would be involved in discussions for Willy Taveras."

"RHP Al Reyes threw a bullpen session and is "getting closer" to a return, Maddon said. Reyes, on the disabled list with right shoulder tendinitis, could first land in a rehab assignment. OF Rocco Baldelli wrapped up his stint with Class A Vero Beach by going 1-for-4 at DH, making him 9-for-29 (.209) in his nine games there. He will be re-evaluated today at the Trop, with Maddon saying it's possible he could move up a level or two in the minor-league system. "He's still not there yet," Maddon said. "He's hit a couple home runs in one game, got a couple knocks, stolen a base, (he's) been doing different things to get him back. ? We're cautiously optimistic he'll be able to get back at ..."

"If you believe everything being said, written and blogged, the Rays are deeply immersed in talks for Cleveland ace C.C. Sabathia, are seriously interested in Rockies closer Brian Fuentes and are stalking right-handed hitting outfielders Matt Holliday, Jason Bay, Xavier Nady and a half-dozen others. It's trading season, with the nonwaiver deadline barely a month away, and the one thing that is certain is that the Rays are going to get a lot of play. (Another: They're not going to say much about it.) Being in contention for the first time, with money to spend to add payroll and a treasure trove of prospects from the game's deepest farm system to offer (at a time when other teams are ..."

"1B Carlos Pena will join Rocco Baldelli in Class A Vero Beach uniforms tonight in Sarasota (7 p.m., Ed Smith Stadium). Pena's previously fractured left index finger has healed and, after going through extensive workouts Tuesday and Wednesday with no problems, he will play in what he hopes is one rehab game to regain his timing, then is planning to rejoin the Rays on Friday in Pittsburgh."

"If Reds outfielder Ken Griffey Jr. is seriously yearning to join the American League East pennant race and play for the Tampa Bay Rays , he sure did a good job of deflecting the question Friday evening. “I have no idea where you heard that from,” Griffey said with a smile when asked about the Tampa Bay rumors. “I haven’t even thought about Tampa Bay or any other team. My focus is on what is going to happen tonight — not the what-ifs.”"

"Top draft pick Tim Beckham will be at Tropicana Field this afternoon and could be a Ray by the end of the day. "We're going to look at what the team has to offer," Jimmy Beckham, Tim's father, said Wednesday night. "If it's what we've heard over the telephone, hopefully we'll get a deal done. Hopefully. ? Everything we've heard sounds good. It's just a matter of getting together face to face.""

""I would say maybe they could get two young players that were at or close to the big-league level that they could control for a while." Another scout said the Indians could get between two and three prospects, depending on whether that team could sign Sabathia to an extension before he becomes a free agent this winter. "There are so many teams still in contention right now, who need pitching, that I think the market is going to be a really big market for him," said a scout. Here are some of the candidates: New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies, Chicago Cubs, Boston Red Sox, Tampa Bay Rays, Los Angeles Angels."

"Top overall draft pick Tim Beckham will visit Tropicana Field this weekend, and his father is optimistic the young shortstop will sign with the Rays before the family heads back home to Georgia. Jimmy Beckham said Tuesday night from his home in Griffin, Ga., that his family has had "some good conversations the last couple of days" with the Rays and everyone seems inclined to conclude negotiations as quickly as possible."

"Rocco Baldelli's potential journey back to the bigs began with a solid performance in a Florida State League game Monday night at Holman Stadium. The former Tampa Bay Rays center fielder served as the designated hitter and went 1-for-3 and drove in two runs in Vero Beach's 7-2 win over Brevard County."

"A report Friday on SI.com that Reds RF Ken Griffey Jr. has told friends he would consider waiving his no-trade rights to join the Rays this summer has generated some talk-show buzz. Griffey's longtime agent, Brian Goldberg, doesn't know why. Goldberg told the Tribune on Sunday from Cincinnati that SI.com's story represented "the first Junior or I have heard anything about it." Goldberg also said no one from the Reds has approached him or Griffey about waiving the no-trade rights the future Hall of Famer has earned by accumulating at least 10 years of service time, the last five with the same team. That would have to happen before Griffey could be dealt anywhere."

"There has been online speculation that Ken Griffey is willing to waive his no-trade clause to get dealt to Tampa Bay, but his agent, Brian Goldberg, told mlb.com Sunday that nothing has been brought to them. "It's got to be a media member thinking out loud," he said. Rays executive VP Andrew Friedman declined comment on the topic."

"OF Rocco Baldelli will take an encouraging step in his comeback attempt Monday when he reports to Vero Beach to begin a rehab assignment. Baldelli will serve as DH in home games Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Baldelli has been sidelined since spring training with a rare mitochondrial disorder, which causes fatigue in his legs."

"The Rays have started "preliminary discussions" on a contract with top draft pick Tim Beckham. "Per our policy, we will not provide a blow-by-blow account of the negotiations," Friedman said Saturday. "We are hopeful that we will be able to reach an agreement in the near future so Tim can start on his path to the major leagues.""

"Cuban baseball's brightest star, Dayán Viciedo, has escaped from Cuba and is now in Miami, following the footsteps of talented island colleagues who have found their way into the major leagues. Viciedo left Cuba on a boat bound for Mexico on May 20, accompanied by his family. Several days later he crossed the border from Mexico and traveled to Miami to reunite with friends and relatives. ''Dayán is going to spark a lot of talk in the majors,'' said his agent, Puerto Rican lawyer Jaime Torres."

"Rays officials have considered all kinds of factors, from complex statistical analyses to detailed talent evaluations to old-fashioend gut feelings, in determining the top pick of today's draft. And as they wait until today to decide between finalists Florida State catcher Buster Posey and Griffin (Ga.) High shortstop Tim Beckham, they are really hoping they choose right. After picking first overall four times (the first team to do so in consecutive years) and among the top eight for a 10th straight year, they expect their continued on-field success means they won't have this opportunity again any time soon."

"Draft day is upon the Rays, but they have yet to make a final decision on who they willwith the first overall pick. Tampa Bay has narrowed its choices to the two players most observers predicted to be vying for the top spot: Florida State C Buster Posey and Griffin (Ga.) High SS Tim Beckham. The Rays will have to decide by 2 p.m. today, when they make the first selection in a first round that will be televised live from Disney's Wide World of Sports by ESPN2."

"The Rays may get RHP Evan Meek back in their system after the Pirates designated him for assignment Sunday. Pittsburgh selected Meek, who turns 25 next week, from Tampa Bay in the Rule 5 draft in December. He made nine appearances for the Pirates, posting a 6.92 ERA in 13 innings as he walked 12 and struck out seven. Another team could claim Meek off waivers and would have to keep him in the majors the rest of the season or offer him back to the Rays, or the Pirates could work out a trade with the Rays that would allow them to retain Meek and send him to the minors."

"The Pirates are not necessarily through with reliever Evan Meek. Although there are plenty of unusual circumstances related to Rule 5 draft picks, there is a palpable feeling among management that he could remain in the system, provided a few elements play out. When a Rule 5 claim is designated for assignment, as Meek was yesterday morning, he must clear 48-hour waivers. If that happens in this case, the Pirates can offer Meek back to Tampa Bay for half the original claiming price of $50,000 or work out a trade to keep him. The latter scenario sounded most likely yesterday."

"Rays scouting director R.J. Harrison spent Thursday night at his home in Phoenix, and that in itself was somewhat newsworthy. By Harrison's count, he might spend only two more nights in his own bed before baseball's first-year player draft, which is June 5-6 at Disney's Wide World of Sports. This is the stretch run for Harrison and his staff of area scouts and national cross-checkers, as lists are narrowed and evaluations get more pointed in the final weeks before the Rays make someone a very rich man."

"And so we gather to mourn the streak. Nice ride, wasn't it? On the other hand, were you really ready for all of those "What the Heck, Let's Build the Darn Stadium'' signs that were about to be scattered across the lawns of your neighborhood? Another series sweep by the Rays, by golly, and the fans would have demanded to vote now. Wouldn't they? Another six straight wins, and they would have thrown in a parking garage. Maybe two. Another 10 in a row, and fans might have rushed to Al Lang with their own saws and hammers, like the great barn-raising scene in the movie Witness. Then again, perhaps they wouldn't have."

"Mayor Rick Baker is recommending that the city open negotiations with two of three developers that submitted bids to remake Tropicana Field into a massive mixed-use community. On Thursday, Baker will ask the city council to authorize talks with Archstone-Madison of Arlington, Va., and Houston-based Hines Interests. The council would select the winning developer at a meeting June 5. That also is when council members are expected to decide whether to give initial approval for a November voter referendum on a new downtown ballpark."

"LHP Scott Kazmir will be limited to 85 pitches tonight at Durham in his final rehab start, according to Maddon. The Rays apparently are planning to announce on Tuesday which day Kazmir will start. It is expected to be Sunday, to better keep the rest of the rotation in line."

"Frank Thomas's career as a Toronto Blue Jay ended quietly yesterday morning after a closed-door meeting with GM J.P. Ricciardi... The veteran star, who was mired in an early season slump, will be paid the full remainder of what he's owed on his $8 million (U.S.) 2008 salary. He is now free to sign with another team. Rumoured favourites to procure his services include Seattle, Tampa Bay and Oakland."

"Upton is another young guy the Rays plan to build around - there was a reason they kept him and were willing to part with Delmon Young - but he didn't sound like he expects to be the next to test the limits of owner Stuart Sternberg's bank account. He has other priorities at the moment."

"When it comes to the possibility of picking up a player or two later this season, Rays principal owner Stuart Sternberg said all options remain on the table."

"Top Rays officials virtually pride themselves in not committing to any kind of payroll level, ceiling, floor or window, insisting they are, and always shall be, willing and able to adjust to what's best for the team."

"Carl Crawford isn't feeling any sense of urgency to seek out a new contract with the Rays, but he has no desire to leave Tampa Bay, either. The day after the Rays picked up their 2009 option on him, guaranteeing him $8.25 million next season, Crawford said he's "taking it year-to-year," but "most definitely I would like to stay here with the Rays; this is the only organization I know.""

"General Manager Ned Colletti has been speaking to other clubs about possible trades, targeting players with short and inexpensive contracts for what they expect to be short-term replacement duty. They are believed to be interested in Philadelphia's Wes Helms. Tampa Bay's Eric Hinske is also reportedly on the market."

"The Rays still have 42 players officially in camp, a number that includes the absent Juan Salas and injured players Rocco Baldelli and Brian Anderson. The Rays also are carrying two pitchers who haven't seen game action in more than a week because of injuries, Chad Orvella and Kurt Birkins. There are other matters to be sorted out, but Longoria's status remains at the forefront."

"With opening day a week from today, the Rays still have a lot of work to do in finalizing their roster. Though some decisions could be made in the next couple of days, trade talks and injuries further complicate the process...Two interesting outfielders who recently became available are Reed Johnson (released by Toronto) and Jeff DaVanon (released by the Padres). DaVannon, 34, has experience with Maddon with the Angels."

"The Angels could deal either Juan Rivera or Reggie Willits. In Boston, Coco Crisp won't be an everyday player after the emergence of Jacoby Ellsbury. But Crisp is banged up, and two other outfielders who might otherwise be good fits for the Rays - Toronto's Reed Johnson and Cincinnati's Ryan Freel - have had trouble staying healthy at times."

"Some free-agent options are available, such as Kenny Lofton and, of course, Barry Bonds. But the Rays seem more likely to first explore trade possibilities, with names to keep in mind including Dave Dellucci (Indians), Gabe Gross (Brewers), Skip Schumaker (Cardinals), Reggie Willits (Angels) and, less likely, Reed Johnson (Blue Jays)."

"Manager Joe Maddon said Saturday that the Rays need to know something definitive in the next week about the availability of OF Rocco Baldelli. That's important for this season, as the Rays have to have an idea of when, how often and in what role he can contribute, and whether they may need to seek another frontline outfielder from outside the organization (Kenny Lofton?)."

"The Rays have made no secret of the fact that if Baldelli can't go, they'd consider going outside the organization for outfield help. Among their potential targets is free-agent Kenny Lofton, 41, who negotiated briefly last month with the Reds and is believed to be on the Mets' radar with LF Moises Alou out until mid-April following hernia surgery."