MLB Rumors: Pro Sports Daily

How the media tries to cover every nook and Manny

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July 3

L.A. Daily News

columnist Tom Hoffarth

"This whole surreal 50-game Manny Ramirez Midseason Vacation and Home Pregnancy Test thing has been something of an ongoing media fascination - and it can explode even more this Fourth of July weekend, since Ramirez has refused to defuse the situation. A made-for-TV event, unraveling right before our dreadlocks. His first re-appearance with the Dodgers in San Diego has been spread among Prime Ticket (tonight, 7 p.m.), a Fox regional broadcast (Ch. 11, Saturday, 1 p.m.) and KCAL-Ch. 9 (Sunday, 1 p.m.), plus ESPN breaking in for live updates on "Baseball Tonight" if it all aligns right for "drama on the diamond," a phrase a certain anchor likes to throw out there. For those who might be ..."

Which D-Backs stay; which will go?

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July 3

Arizona Republic

"Maybe we all should have seen it coming. The "Baby Backs" that Valley baseball fans so adored just a couple of seasons ago have reached their awkward years. And a season that began with so much youthful promise has broken out everywhere in blemishes. The team's ace, Brandon Webb, has a balky shoulder. Conor Jackson, among the club's better hitters, came down with valley fever. There's an ineffective bullpen, a change in managers, a lousy record at home and, predictably, disgruntled fans who are booing the home team. And it's not even the All-Star break. So where do the Diamondbacks go from here, besides deeper into the abyss? The non-waiver trading deadline is July 31, and reality has ..."

D-Backs nearing deal on spring home

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July 3

Arizona Republic

"Negotiations with the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community over a new spring training home for the Diamondbacks have ratcheted up in the past week and the sides appear to be inching toward an agreement. Diamondbacks CEO Derrick Hall said the sides are nearing the final stages of negotiations, adding that the team remains in contact with one of the other two finalists in case the deal with Salt River doesn't materialize. The facility, which the Diamondbacks would share with the Colorado Rockies, would be paid for by the tribe and built near Loop 101 and Indian Bend Road. The Diamondbacks formally notified Tucson last month that 2010 would be their final Cactus League season in Tucson, ..."

Texas Rangers' Hamilton hopes to return soon

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July 3

Dallas Morning News

"The search for the missing piece from the Rangers lineup resumed in a state where the best-known ballpark is carved out of a cornfield. But Josh Hamilton was some three hours southwest of the Field of Dreams on Thursday night, instead playing center field for Triple-A Oklahoma City at the 11,000-seat Principal Park.But his field of dreams is Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. Hamilton, who is on the disabled list after having surgery to repair a torn abdominal muscle, hopes to resume patrolling center field there and batting third as soon as Saturday. The Rangers will gladly welcome the return of their best run producer, who hit 32 homers last season, drove in 130 runs and has the ability to ..."

Quentin on track for post-All-Star return

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July 2

Chicago Tribune

"Carlos Quentin had some encouraging words Wednesday before joining his teammates in pregame batting practice. "I'm getting closer," Quentin said while carrying several bats. After missing five weeks because of plantar fasciitis in his left foot, Quentin has increased the intensity of his workouts to the point where a minor-league rehabilitation assignment is coming into focus. Because of the nature of his injury and the lengthy recovery, this won't be a brisk stint at Triple-A Charlotte, hitting coach Greg Walker said. Quentin, who led the Sox with 36 home runs in only 100 games last season, will be placed on a deliberate program designed to ensure he will be able to withstand the rigors ..."

Might Rangers be in Lackey's future?

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July 2

Orange County Register

"John Lackey said he has never met his boyhood hero. But he might get that chance this winter. With Lackey headed toward free agency, he could find the Texas Rangers- and their club president, Nolan Ryan - knocking on his door as one of his suitors. In that situation, would Lackey have the guts to tell the pitching icon, "No?" "I'm not sure who does," Lackey said with a laugh. "It'd be cool, no doubt (to meet Ryan under those circumstances). But I'm not even thinking that far ahead." Lackey said that "the Rangers were my team growing up" about 150 miles west of Dallas in Abilene, Texas. But he there are "a lot of factors" that will come into play beyond the chance to pitch close to home. ..."

Cleveland Indians swap relievers with Tampa Bay

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July 2

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"The Indians have acquired right-hander Winston Abreu from Tampa Bay. They sent the Rays right-hander John Meloan, who is pitching at Class AAA Columbus, and cash. Abreu, 32, is expected to join the Indians over the weekend in Cleveland. A player must be dropped to make room for him. He will wear No. 36. This year Abreu has spent much of the season at Class AAA Durham where he went 3-0 with 10 saves and a 1.41 ERA. He struck out 49, walked 10 and allowed five runs in 32 innings. He appeared in 23 games. He joined the Rays on June 14 and appeared in two games before being designated for assignment. Triple-A hitters batted .123 (14-for-109) against Abreu. Right-handers hit .061 (4-for-66). ..."

Rockies trade Baker to Cubs for prospect

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July 2

Denver Post

"Jeff Baker, the Rockies multi-purpose utility man, was traded to the Chicago Cubs today in exchange for minor-league pitching prospect Alberto Alburquerque. Baker confirmed this morning that the trade had been made. "I'm looking forward to this opportunity," Baker said. Baker, who spent parts of four big-league seasons with the Rockies, is coming back from a stint on the 60-day disabled list because of an injured left hand."

Should the Braves trade Yunel Escobar?

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July 2

Atlanta Journal-Constitution

columnist Mark Bradley

"Yunel Escobar is, shall we say, a different sort of Brave. He has blond highlights in his hair. He doesn't always pay attention. He has a temper and is given to the sulks. He has yet to respond to the gentle urgings of Bobby Cox, which have become less gentle over time. According to Buster Olney of ESPN.com, the Braves "are willing to trade Escobar for a good hitter right now." (Link requires registration.) But I don't think they will. Nor do I believe they should. Because Yunel Escobar is a different sort of Brave in another way: He can really hit. And he can really play. The Braves have become so skilled at siphoning off higher-maintenance types that they have lesser tolerance for one ..."

Cuban pitcher Chapman defects

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July 2

MLB.com

"Cuban pitching sensation Aroldis Chapman has defected in The Netherlands and says he's ready to sign with a Major League team, according to published reports. The site, CubaenCuentro.com, was the first to report that Chapman, a 21-year-old left-hander who was clocked at 100 mph while pitching in the 2009 World Baseball Classic, left the national team as it was participating in a tournament in Rotterdam. Chapman told the site he was still in Europe, but would not reveal his location for safety reasons. "I walked out easily, right through the hotel door, and I hopped into a car and left," Chapman said. "It was easy. Now the plan is to sign with a Major League team." A source told ESPN.com ..."

Mariners could be adding international talent as signing period begins

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July 2

Seattle Times

"For scouting aficianados, today is a very important day -- the first day that teams are allowed to sign international players not subject to the draft. We're talking primarily about players from Latin American (dominated annually by the Dominican Republic and Venezuela), but Japanese amateurs have been signed in recent years, as well. This is the route by which the Mariners landed Felix Hernandez , Jose Lopez , and Carlos Triunfel, among others; there will no doubt be some future superstars signed by teams during this international signing period. Bob Engle, their international scouting director, is regarded as one of the best in the business."

Cardinals sign touted Dominican teen

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July 2

MLB.com

"The Cardinals continued their recent push into Latin America with a major signing on Thursday, as they announced a deal with 16-year-old Dominican outfielder Wagner Mateo. Once all but a non-factor in the Dominican Republic and Venezuela, the Cardinals have increased their efforts in those areas in recent years. Mateo is the highest-profile fruit of that labor to date. According to multiple reports, he will receive a bonus of $3 million or a little more. That would be the second-largest bonus ever paid to a Latin American free agent, and the largest to a hitter, trailing only the $4.25 million the A's gave pitcher Michael Ynoa last year. "This agreement is a significant step for the ..."

Brewers sign Dominican outfielder Pena

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July 2

MLB.com

"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 ..."

Source: Carlos Beltran could be ready to return to Mets after All-Star break

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July 1

New York Daily News

"Carlos Beltran's trip to Vail, Colo., provided a reassuring diagnosis, a source familiar with the examination told the Daily News. Dr. Richard Steadman, who examined Beltran on Monday, agreed with the team medical staff's assessment that the center fielder is suffering from a bone bruise. Steadman is expected to recommend Beltran remain inactive slightly longer than Mets doctor David Altchek initially suggested - until after the All-Star break. The doctors had yet to speak as of Tuesday morning, according to a source. The Steadman Hawkins Clinic is where Alex Rodriguez had hip surgery. The group also has pioneered microfracture surgery on knees. But assistant GM John Ricco explicitly said ..."

New York Yankees acquire Eric Hinske from Pittsburgh Pirates

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July 1

Newark Star-Ledger

"According to multiple reports, the Yankees traded for Pirates utility man Eric Hinske on Tuesday. The Yankees sent to the Pirates two minor leaguers, outfielder Eric Fryer and right-handed pitcher Casey Erickson, in exchange for Hinske, the 2002 rookie of the year. The 31-year-old Hinske hit .255 in 54 games with the Pirates. He had one home run and had driven in 11 runs. According to mlb.com, the Yankees also received cash considerations along with Hinske."

Nats swap with Bucs, acquire Morgan

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July 1

MLB.com

"The Nationals have traded reliever Joel Hanrahan and outfielder Lastings Milledge to the Pirates for reliever Sean Burnett and outfielder Nyjer Morgan on Tuesday afternoon. Morgan is considered the key to the deal for Washington. He was acquired to improve the team's outfield defense, which is one of the worst in the National League. The Nationals see Morgan as a center fielder/leadoff hitter. Washington also likes his hockey attitude. He once played with the Regina Pats of the Western Hockey League during the 1999-2000 season. Morgan was playing left field and batting second for Pittsburgh. Entering Tuesday's action, Morgan is hitting .277 with two home runs, 27 RBIs and 18 stolen bases. ..."

Cool solution for hot corner - Greg Dobbs

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July 1

Tacoma News Tribune

columnist John McGrath

"Before I suggest a low-maintenance replacement for the high-stress position usually occupied by Adrian Beltre, please meet Charles "Piano Legs" Hickman. OK, you can't meet Hickman, as he has been dead for 75 years. But his struggles should be a warning of the hazards that await any novice attempting to follow in his footsteps. In 1900, with the New York Giants, Hickman committed 86 errors. Actually, Piano Legs committed 87 - one in the outfield, and the other 86 at third base. It remains the single-season record for defensive ineptitude and explains why putting any old player at third base (or any young player, for that matter) might not be such a good idea. The ball will find you at ..."

Working the sell phones

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July 1

MLB.com

(scroll down)

"Indians GM Mark Shapiro has seen this movie before and might be directing it again. The struggling Tribe already shipped out useful vet DeRosa and rumors abound that Shapiro might say goodbye to pitchers Carl Pavano and Kerry Wood and possibly even slugging catcher Victor Martinez if the price is right. The Orioles could dangle Aubrey Huff, Ty Wigginton or Luke Scott, the Pirates and Nationals already have shown a willingness to part with a good portion of their players, the Royals could make available a host of position players and pitchers, the Padres might offer a little hitting (Scott Hairston) while the D-backs could deal pitching (Doug Davis, Jon Garland, Chad Qualls) to the right ..."

Fuentes: Angels can win with what they've got

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July 1

Orange County Register

"The Angels' shopping list in the weeks before the trade deadline couldn't be more obvious if they posted it on Craigslist. Relief pitching tops that list. But Angels closer Brian Fuentes doesn't see the need as being that urgent. "I feel we can win with what we have," Fuentes said. "But I know that's the front office's job. They're always looking for ways to improve the club. I'm sure they'd like to add (Tim) Lincecum, (Jake) Peavy) and (CC) Sabathia too if they could. But we have some good starting pitchers already. "I understand you're always looking to improve your club in any area that you can. But I'm real comfortable with what we have here." The Angels do have an improved bullpen ..."

Giants scouts checking out Jermaine Dye

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June 30

Chicago Tribune

"With the non-waiver trade deadline one month away, teams are expected to increase their evaluations and discussions. And even after White Sox general manager Ken Williams said last week he intends to remain a buyer, it won't stop other teams, such as the San Francisco Giants, from scouting Sox players who can help them for their own playoff runs. The Giants, who lead the National League wild-card race, sent one of their top scouts to Cleveland on Monday to watch right fielder Jermaine Dye. The Giants also were believed to be looking at Cleveland's Victor Martinez, according to a source. Dye, 35, presents a unique case. He has been one of the Sox's most productive hitters and most respected ..."

Dye won't bite on Giants rumor, wants Sox to buy

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June 30

Chicago Sun-Times

"White Sox outfielder Jermaine Dye is well-versed in handling trade rumors. So with a Bay Area newspaper reporting that he's on the radar of the San Francisco Giants and their general manager, Brian Sabean, Dye stuck to his own company line Monday. ''I'm not talking about trades,'' he said. When asked again? ''I'm not talking about trades,'' he said. Dye has a no-trade clause covering six teams, but the Giants aren't one of them. The New York Mets, who also are starting to shop for a bat, are. What Dye would talk about Monday was Sox GM Ken Williams' position as of last week that he wasn't a seller. Dye not only agreed with that but hoped he and his teammates could persuade Williams to be a ..."

Forget trades, Cubs have enough to win right now

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June 30

Foxsports.com

"The idea that the Cubs need to counter the Cardinals' acquisition of Mark DeRosa is preposterous. The Cubs' $134.8 million payroll on Opening Day was the third highest in the majors. They should not need any help, other than the return of injured third baseman Aramis Ramirez. And frankly, it's pathetic that such a talented club would miss Ramirez this badly. Oh, the Cubs could use another bullpen piece, just like most contenders. But, give or take a DeRosa here, a Kerry Wood there, this group is not much different from the one that won the NL Central the past two seasons. Enough excuses already. Enough drama. Win some games. The Mets, when healthy, often are criticized for lacking passion. ..."

Doc looks good in return, but will he stay?

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June 30

Foxsports.com

"No one would blame J.P. Ricciardi if he complained. His Blue Jays play in baseball's deepest division, and the Yankees outspend them by more than 2-to-1. He has six pitchers on the disabled list. His highest-paid outfielders, Vernon Wells and Alex Rios, are underperforming. But he was in a good mood Monday afternoon. "I'm lucky," the Toronto general manager said. "Every fifth day, I get to watch Doc." He was referring, of course, to ace Roy Halladay, who was about to make a start of some significance. Halladay hadn't pitched since June 12, when a groin strain halted his outing against the Marlins after three innings. Halladay was facing the Tampa Bay Rays to open this country's most ..."

Beltran's Season (Career?) Could Hinge on Diagnosis

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June 30

New York Post

"A Mets team that can hardly afford more bad injury news is facing exactly that with All-Star center fielder Carlos Beltran. The Mets confirmed yesterday that Beltran was in Vail, Colo., for a second opinion on his ailing right knee, this one from noted orthopedic surgeon Richard Steadman. The ominous aspect of that for Beltran and the Mets is that Steadman is the inventor of microfracture knee surgery, an operation that -- if he opts to have it -- could sideline Beltran for the rest of the season, and potentially jeopardize his career. Beltran, 32, already has had arthroscopic surgery on both knees, doing so after the 2007 season. Steadman, who runs the clinic where Alex Rodriguez's hip ..."

Cinderella back in Colorado

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June 30

MLB.com

"Buzzards were hovering over Coors Field as Memorial Day approached, ready to pick apart the Rockies and fly away with the best pieces they could grab.What I really mean is, general managers were poised to call Colorado GM Dan O'Dowd and discuss deals for any of his frontline players that might be available.The Rockies were having a dreadful season, so far out of the NL West race in last place, it was generally agreed they were a good target for contenders needing a pitcher or a hitter or a key bench player.The Phillies, desperate for pitching help, had their sights on right-hander Jason Marquis, who can be a free agent after the season. Other teams were also scouting the Rockies.Before ..."

Type B fever?

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June 30

Foxsports.com

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"In a reversal of conventional wisdom, the Diamondbacks believe that left-hander Doug Davis and their other potential free agents might have enhanced trade values because they project to be Type B players rather than Type As. A Type A player can bring a club two high draft picks if he is offered arbitration and departs as a free agent. The risk, of course, is that the player will accept the offer and command an inflated salary through the process. The Diamondbacks declined to take such a chance with free-agent outfielder Adam Dunn last offseason — and received no compensation when he signed with the Nationals. Type B free agents, on the other hand, feature no such deterrent; teams that sign ..."

Ibanez unlikely to return from DL Friday

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June 30

MLB.com

"Phillies left fielder Raul Ibanez said last week that his strained left groin feels much better. But while it has improved, Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said, "One day he can be doing great, and another day not as great. We have to keep our minds open there." Ibanez is eligible to be activated from the disabled list Friday against the Mets at Citizens Bank Park, but that is unlikely to happen. Amaro said Ibanez will see team physician Michael Ciccotti again this week. "We'll re-evaluate him and see whether he's physically able to start some type of rehab," Amaro said."

Rockies seeking relief

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June 30

Foxsports.com

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"The surging Rockies are looking "pretty seriously" for bullpen help, according to a source with knowledge of the team's thinking. Their problem is the same one facing practically every other club: A shortage of suitable options. The Rockies had strong interest in Nationals right-hander Joel Hanrahan early in the season, but Hanrahan has allowed eight earned runs in his last 2-1/3 innings, increasing his ERA to 7.71. Several better options are longshots. # Astros right-hander LaTroy Hawkins, a pitcher the Rockies would love to re-acquire, is unlikely to be available with his team in contention. # Diamondbacks righty Chad Qualls would be an ideal fit, but the D-Backs might be reluctant to ..."

Nats, Bucs Closing In On Deal

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June 30

Washington Post

"The Nationals are close to finalizing a deal that would send Lastings Milledge to Pittsburgh in exchange for Nyjer Morgan, a team source said. I'm still trying to uncover the final wrinkle in this trade, though. It probably includes one other player that the Nats will send to Pittsburgh. Morgan, who turns 29 on Thursday, represents that sort of player that Washington previously overlooked. He excels defensively, steals bases, and hits for adequate average but minimal power."

Brewers, D-Backs discussing trade

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June 29

Arizona Republic

"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 ..."

Desperate Mets says trade, help would 'send message' to clubhouse

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June 29

New York Daily News

"Jerry Manuel keeps using terms like "tread water," "survive" and "hold on." But even the Mets' manager admits that it soon may be time to make a trade. "I think if we get below that (.500) mark and we continue to struggle offensively as we are, I think that's a no-brainer," Manuel said of making a deal for a hitter. "I think we have to visit that. It has to be talked about at some point. It would be dishonest if I said no." The Mets, who have lost four straight to the Yankees, including Sunday night's 4-2 defeat that capped the Bombers' Citi Field sweep, are trying to persevere with Jose Reyes, Carlos Beltran and Carlos Delgado on the disabled list. But the lineup is sputtering, and there ..."

With Harrison on DL, Texas eyes arms

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June 29

MLB.com

"Matt Harrison's arm problems could force the Rangers to make starting pitching a priority in any trade discussions they have with other teams. General manager Jon Daniels said last week that he was more inclined to look at improving the bullpen. But that was before Harrison was placed on the disabled list Sunday with biceps tendinitis in his left arm. Now starting pitching may be a bigger concern for the Rangers and a bigger priority. "It might," Daniels said Sunday. "We probably have more internal options in the bullpen than in the rotation. [Starting pitching] is something we're looking at but there are not that many starting pitchers available and I don't expect that to change. Not many ..."

Melvin had eye on DeRosa

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June 29

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

"Assistant general manager Gord Ash confirmed Sunday that the Milwaukee Brewers had interest in Cleveland second baseman Mark DeRosa, who was traded to St. Louis the previous day in a move that should help the Cardinals greatly in the National League Central race. Ash said general manager Doug Melvin contacted the Indians about DeRosa but didn't have available what Cleveland wanted: young, major league-ready pitching. St. Louis sent young reliever Chris Perez and a player to be named to the Indians in the trade. "They didn't feel like we had the type of players they were looking for," Ash said. "The big thing will be who the second player is. I would imagine it's a pretty good player. "(The ..."

Losing out on DeRosa has Reds looking elsewhere

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June 29

Foxsports.com

"Cubs fans aren't done lamenting the fact that onetime North Side favorite Mark DeRosa was traded from Cleveland to rival St. Louis on Saturday night. Here's my advice to them: Drop it. Another team in the National League Central had an even greater need for DeRosa — and I'm not talking about the Cardinals. The most disappointed team after the deal was probably in the visiting clubhouse during this weekend's Buckeye Series at Progressive Field. Yes, the Cincinnati Reds wanted Mark DeRosa in the worst way. And on Sunday, two industry sources said the Reds are still very much engaged in their search for right-handed hitting. The Reds have left-handed power, with young sluggers Joey Votto and ..."

Mozeliak goes for contending and retooling

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June 29

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

columnist Jeff Gordon

"Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak proved willing to sacrifice future assets to make the present less tense. "I get beat up a lot - and the organization gets beat up - for not making these short-term decisions," Mozeliak observed Sunday. But acquiring gritty infielder/outfielder Mark DeRosa could actually pay long-term dividends without undermining the organizational reconstruction. Contending and retooling are NOT mutually exclusive concepts. Let's walk through the particulars: -- Although DeRosa could become a free agent after this season, he seems open to making this a longer-term relationship. DeRosa always enjoyed playing against the Cardinals, and he feels a good vibe in ..."

Can Reds be bold?

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June 29

Cincinnati Enquirer

columnist Paul Daugherty

"The Reds chances of trading for Matt Holliday are slim and none, and slim just left for the church festival. That's assuming Cincinnati would be interested in paying the price for the big-hitting outfielder (dubious) and that the New York Mets would not be. That's borderline insanity. Holliday would cost the Reds precious prospects and some $7 million in salary for the rest of the year. The chances of him remaining a Red next year wouldn't be good. There aren't a lot of reasons even to contemplate it. Except this one: It's a bold move. Without boldness, the Reds will never catch the Cubs, Cards and Brewers. Maybe it's not realistic for the Reds to consider Holliday. It's not Holliday, per ..."

Manuel Close To Begging For Help

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June 29

New York Post

"Jerry Manuel is not banging down Omar Minaya's door begging for help . . . yet. But the Mets manager is definitely getting closer. In his strongest statement of the season, Manuel said before last night's game that if the Mets slip below .500 -- a mark they dropped to with their 4-2 loss to the Yankees -- Minaya needs to make a trade for a big bat. The Mets embark on a seven-game road trip today against the Brewers, Pirates and Phillies. "If we get below [.500] and we continue to struggle offensively as we are, I think that's a no-brainer," Manuel said. "I think we have to visit that. I think that has to be visited or talked about at some point. It would be dishonest if I said no." ..."

Mariners have long-term decision to make on Adrian Beltre

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June 29

Seattle Times

columnist Steve Kelley

"When free agent Adrian Beltre signed a five-year, $64 million deal with Seattle in December 2004, it signaled a radical change in the Mariners' philosophy. The team and then-general manager Bill Bavasi were giving a signal to Seattle that they were going to be players in the marketplace. The Mariners spent another $50 million on Richie Sexson that winter, telling fans they understood they no longer could merely open the gates at Safeco Field and expect 35,000 grateful patrons to pour through the turnstiles. They had lost 99 games in 2004. Lou Piniella was gone. His successor, Bob Melvin, had been fired. GM Pat Gillick was history. A new approach was needed. The Mariners expected Beltre to ..."

Nats, Mariners Swap Minor Leaguers

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June 29

Washington Post

"The Nats have just pulled off a trade. Just a little one -- a swap of minor league position players. The Nationals acquired versatile IN/OF Mike Morse from the Seattle Mariners in exchange for outfielder Ryan Langerhans. The move doesn't affect the 40-man roster. Morse will report to Class AAA Syracuse. Morse, 27, has played seen only sparing playing time in the big leagues in the last few years, appearing in 35 big league games since 2006. At the time of the trade, Morse was hitting .312 (81-for-260) with 10 homers for Class AAA Tacoma. Morse's only significant run of time in the big leagues came in 2005, when he appeared in 72 games with Seattle and hit .278. Though he has a lifetime ..."

Khalil Greene likely to go on DL

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June 29

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"The trade of righthanded reliever Chris Perez to Cleveland on Saturday night for Mark DeRosa left the Cardinals with 12 pitchers, and manager Tony La Russa admitted Sunday, "I don't like (12)." Pitching coach Dave Duncan had surmised before Sunday's game that righthander Kyle Lohse, recovering from a strained forearm flexor, might be the 13th pitcher when he returns after one or perhaps two rehab starts. But La Russa said after Sunday's 6-2 loss to Minnesota, a 13th pitcher might come sooner than later. "(Thirteen pitchers) was too good for us," said La Russa. Unfortunately, the roster move that will make this possible, probably as early as today, is one the Cardinals don't want to make. ..."

Alfonso Soriano getting along fine with Milton Bradley

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June 29

Chicago Tribune

"So how are Alfonso Soriano and Milton Bradley getting along? Just fine, Soriano said Sunday, two days after he said Bradley's only problem is his "attitude," and that if Bradley is not 100 percent on board with the team concept, "we don't need him." "I wasn't just talking about him," Soriano said. "We have 25 players, and if you're available to play this game and help the team, you're welcome here. If not, then we need somebody else." Before his confrontation Friday with Piniella, Bradley spoke of feeling "like an island" in the Cubs' clubhouse. Soriano said he's never sure when Bradley is in the mood to talk. "I try to help him, and if I do something wrong, I want him to help me, because ..."

Who will be buying and selling?

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June 28

Philadelphia Inquirer

"July arrives this week, and with it comes the start of baseball's trade season.We asked a handful of scouts and executives (they shall remain nameless because that's the way they like it when assessing rivals) how they believed things would shake out leading to the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline.All said it could be a slow month for several reasons:Entering Friday, 16 teams were within six games of the wild-card lead in their respective leagues. That kind of parity creates a lot of hope and reduces the number of teams willing to deal talent.The economy could also contribute to a slow month. Many clubs can't add payroll. (The Phillies are one that can. Have times changed around here, or ..."

Trade rumor catches Bucs' Morgan off-guard

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June 28

Pittsburgh Tribune Review

"One way to tell a player has reached household-name status is when his name starts popping up in trade rumors. Welcome to the show, Nyjer Morgan. Friday night, a report surfaced that the Pirates might send Morgan to the Washington Nationals for outfielder Lastings Milledge. Talks hit a snag when the Pirates asked for right-hander Craig Stammen. The Pirates would prefer to add a starting pitcher or middle infielder rather than another outfielder. Pitcher Ian Snell's future with the club is murky, at best, after his demotion last week to Triple-A. Second baseman Freddy Sanchez and/or shortstop Jack Wilson could be moved by the July 31 trade deadline. Morgan first heard the trade talk on ..."

Lugo's time remaining may be short

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June 28

Boston Globe

"There is resignation on the part of Julio Lugo. There is clear unhappiness - though rarely seen - at a situation that has spiraled downward since the signing of a four-year, $36 million contract before the 2007 season, a high point in a relationship between player and team that has been mismatched at best. But there also appears to be detente on the horizon. Jed Lowrie will return, though it could take until the All-Star break, and at that point a decision will be made. That certainly could be the end of the Lugo era in Boston, and the shortstop would be foolish not to prepare for the possibility of being released. The Sox would be on the hook for his salary, and he could be signed by any ..."

Sox may not wait long on Bay

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June 28

Boston Globe

"Although Jason Bay has reached the stage where he no longer sees a reason to discuss his contract status, the Red Sox have every intention of revisiting talks with the outfielder before the end of the season, a baseball source has confirmed. Prior to yesterday's game, Bay said he has "gotten to the point where I'm just not going to talk about it'' when asked about impending free agency. But with the All-Star break approaching, the Red Sox could very well use that opportunity to try to strike a long-term deal. The Sox have negotiated contracts during the season with other players, most notably Josh Beckett and David Ortiz. The All-Star break typically provides a good opportunity for such ..."

Mike Morse traded for outfielder Ryan Langerhans

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June 28

Seattle Times

"Jack Zduriencik just announced that the Mariners have acquired outfielder Ryan Langerhans from the Nationals for Mike Morse. Langerhans, a left-handed hitter, plays all three outfield positions as well as first base. Though Langerhans characterized it as a minor-league trade, all indications are that Langerhans will be joining the Mariners Tuesday in New York. "This gives us a degree of flexibility,'' Zduriencik said. "We thought it was important to add another guy like this.'' The 6-foot-3, 220-pound Langerhans, 29, was hitting .278 (57x205) with 16 doubles, 9 home runs and 40 RBI in 64 games for Class AAA Syracuse. Langerhans has appeared in the majors in parts of the past seven seasons ..."

Brewers asked about DeRosa

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June 28

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

"Assistant general manager Gord Ash confirmed Sunday that the Brewers had interest in Cleveland second baseman Mark DeRosa, who was traded to St. Louis in a move that should help the Cardinals greatly in the NL Central race. Ash said general manager Doug Melvin contacted the Indians about DeRosa but didn't have what Cleveland wanted – young, major league-ready pitching. St. Louis sent young reliever Chris Perez and a player to be named to the Indians in the trade. "They didn't feel like we had the type of players they were looking for," said Ash. "The big thing will be who the second player is. I would imagine it's a pretty good player. "(The Cardinals') interest in him is similar to ours – ..."

Deal set for young outfielder

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June 28

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"The Cardinals and representatives for 16-year-old Dominican outfielder Wagner Mateo have agreed in principal on a signing bonus that would make Mateo the franchise's highest-priced amateur acquisition out of the Caribbean, according to sources familiar with the situation. Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak refused to confirm a deal being in place, citing baseball's prohibition against officially signing players out of the Caribbean until July 2. But sources insist the Cardinals have swayed the 6-foot-1 player with an offer worth about $3.1 million. ESPN Deportes also reported a deal being in place Friday afternoon. Mozeliak returned last week from a trip to the Dominican to attend a ..."

Could Rockies closer Huston Street be fitted for a new set of pinstripes?

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June 27

Newark Star-Ledger

"The Yankees may want to keep an eye turned toward the Rockies, because of Colorado stumbles, right-handed reliever Huston Street may become available again. If that's so, don't be surprised to see the Yankees come knocking. Apparently, they already have this season. A major league source, who requested anonymity because he isn't authorized to comment on other teams, told me that the Yankees' reported interest in Street was serious. The source said that Yankees general manager Brian Cashman approached the Rockies about a deal as early as the middle of May, as the Yankees' bullpen struggled. Meanwhile, the source said the Rockies had already begun combing through the Yankees' minor league ..."

DeRosa is indeed on Cubs' radar

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June 27

Chicago Sun-Times

"No, the Cubs aren't looking to replace Milton Bradley -- not yet. But sources confirmed Friday that the team had conversations with the Cleveland Indians about Mark DeRosa earlier this month when the Indians were shopping the versatile ex-Cub. Baseball insiders expect DeRosa to be traded by the July 31 non-waiver deadline, and the Cubs could find themselves in position to reacquire him depending on the asking price and ownership's willingness to take on about $2 million in salary. The January trade of DeRosa to the Indians for three pitching prospects has been a lightning rod for Cubs fans most of the season -- especially since third baseman Aramis Ramirez injured his shoulder May 8. How ..."

Dodgers may be interested in Jarrod Washburn

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June 27

Los Angeles Times

"Jarrod Washburn is friends with Jeff Weaver and in a fantasy football league with Doug Mientkiewicz. The possibility of Washburn joining his pals in Dodger blue appears very real. The Dodgers are interested in the Seattle Mariners starter, a durable left-hander who could bolster an injury-plagued rotation. Washburn has pitched at least six innings in 12 of his 14 starts this season. He also likes Dodger Stadium. "It's a great park and there's always a big crowd and the team's winning, so that would be good," Washburn said Friday before the Mariners played the Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Complicating the efforts of the Dodgers -- or any team -- hoping to acquire Washburn is the fact that the ..."

Report: Phillies Player Fights With Rays Fan

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June 27

Camden Courier-Post

"Still in the process of gathering information about this, but evidently, a Phillies player got into an altercation with a fan after Thursday night's game at Tropicana Field. The police reportedly were involved. The identity of the player is not yet known. The story was initially reported by the St. Petersburg Times."

Nady may be scratched from Yankees' roster for good

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June 27

New York Daily News

"The Yankees aren't expecting Xavier Nady back anytime soon. In fact, the next time the outfielder suits up in a big-league game, it likely will be in another uniform. Nady is headed to the West Coast to visit Dr. Lewis Yocum, the same surgeon who performed Tommy John surgery on him back in 2001. In all likelihood, Nady will require the same procedure to repair his injured right elbow, having experienced a major setback Thursday night in a Triple-A game. Nady, who left the Yankees' game against Tampa Bay on April 14 with a sharp pain in his elbow, decided to attempt a rehab program rather than have surgery, hoping to return to the field this year - the final year of his contract. Things ..."

Olsen May Rejoin the Rotation Next Week

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June 27

Washington Post

"Although there is no firm timetable for his return, Scott Olsen is likely to rejoin the starting rotation when the Washington Nationals travel to face the Florida Marlins for a three-game series early next week. "It hasn't been finalized yet," Manager Manny Acta said before the Nationals' game against the Baltimore Orioles on Friday, "but that's the thought process now." Olsen, who was acquired from the Marlins in a trade this offseason, has pitched three rehabilitation assignments with Class AAA Syracuse. He threw 12 2/3 innings for Syracuse, finishing with a 5.68 ERA. In his last start with the team, Olsen allowed two runs on six hits over eight innings. Olsen (1-4) made eight starts ..."

Lowell may get injection for hip pain

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June 27

Boston Globe

"Asked if he might go on the disabled list with tightness in his hip, Mike Lowell considered the question and said, "I don't know. I hope not.'' Lowell is likely to have an injection of Synvisc, a lubricant that is supposed to ease pain. Lowell might get the injection Monday in Boston. It would result in him being out about 24 hours post-injection. As for Lowell sitting all three games in Atlanta, manager Terry Francona said, "I really don't know, we'll see.'' That would make sense with the logjam the Red Sox have playing in a National League park. Lowell did not play last night. "We had talked about [the injection] briefly before, doing it on the offday,'' Lowell said. "But I think it was ..."

Trade Washburn? Not if he keeps pitching like this

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June 26

Seattle Post-Intelligencer

"Jarrod Washburn might not be the most popular of Mariners players with his current 4-5 record and a four-year mark of 27-48 in Seattle, but he's easily been the biggest surprise of a patchwork starting rotation that keeps getting the job done for the new regime. Washburn hasn't had a lot to show for it in the win column, thanks to the worst run support in the American League, but the 34-year-old is having by far his best season since signing a four-year, $37 million deal with Seattle in 2006. In fact, Washburn has been good enough that the Mariners should be growing increasingly reluctant to part with him at the trading deadline if they remain in contention in the AL West. Barring a ..."

Young won't be rushed back

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June 26

San Diego Union-Tribune

"Chris Young is unlikely to return to the Padres rotation until after the All-Star break because of the inflammation in his right shoulder. Padres manager Bud Black Thursday said the Padres are going to follow a cautious timetable with Young. "I came back too soon a couple of times," Black said. "In the long run, nothing good comes of that. You can pass all the tests and feel good until you put a load on it." When Young's shoulder bothered him after his June 14 start in Anaheim, the Padres hoped he might only miss one start and delayed putting him on the disabled list. Then, after the first of two cortisone injections, Young went on the disabled list June 17 with hopes of missing only ..."

Tampa, Hillsborough included as possible relocation site for Rays

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June 26

Tampa Tribune

"Will the Tampa Bay Rays be coming to downtown Tampa? Not if St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Baker has anything to say about it. A group studying whether the baseball team should leave Tropicana Field has included three sites in Hillsborough County - downtown Tampa, the West Shore district and the state fairgrounds east Hillsborough - in a list of potential locations for a new stadium. Since the Rays withdrew plans for a waterfront facility in downtown St. Petersburg last year, the A Baseball Community coalition, which is headed by Progress Energy CEO Jeff Lyash, has been searching for a new home for the Mayor League Baseball team. Until now, the coalition has not publicly raised the option of ..."

Pitcher Scott Kazmir's expected return leaves Rays with a tough pitching staff decision

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June 25

St. Petersburg Times

"LHP Scott Kazmir is set to return to the Rays rotation and start Saturday or Sunday. What the Rays say they haven't decided yet is who will be dropped to make room. Those talks will continue at least into today, and maybe after tonight's game, which will be started by RHP Andy Sonnanstine, who is one of the candidates. "We've had some discussions, we're trying to narrow it down and figure out the best way to do this," manager Joe Maddon said. "There's different variables involved, and there's different ways to look at it." Having ruled out a six-man rotation, the Rays appear to have four options: • Send down Sonnanstine, who is 5-7 (despite the majors' third-best run support), has a 6.60 ..."

10 most likely to be traded - Infielders

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June 25

NBC Sports

"Mark DeRosa (Indians) - With Grady Sizemore back, the Indians aren't likely to sell just yet. Still, at least as big of a problem as being 10 games behind is that they have four teams ahead of them in the AL Central. DeRosa has been talked about as trade bait for close to two months now, and the Indians have soured on him as a third baseman after originally acquiring him to play the position. Given that he's on pace for about 30 homers and 110 RBI, it shouldn't be a problem getting more for him in trade than they would by letting him walk for draft picks at season's end. Garrett Atkins (Rockies) - It certainly doesn't bode well for Atkins' future in Colorado that he's been given a total of ..."

Ricciardi optimistic about Marcum, uncertain of McGowan

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June 25

MLB.com

"While right-hander Shaun Marcum is recovering well from elbow surgery and could pitch this season, fellow righty Dustin McGowan faces a tougher road ahead as he tries to heal his ailing right shoulder, according to Blue Jays general manager J.P. Ricciardi. Before the Jays' Wednesday night tilt with the Reds, Ricciardi updated the status of several of the club's injured starting pitchers. The GM said there still is no timeline for McGowan's return. McGowan underwent surgery to repair a frayed labrum in his right shoulder last May, and his recovery has stalled recently. "Dustin is slow. He's been a slower process," Ricciardi said. "I don't know when he'll come back." When asked if McGowan ..."

Snell's status is tenuous

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June 25

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

"Ian Snell will remain in the Pirates' rotation ... for now. That was the initial message from general manager Neal Huntington yesterday afternoon, in the aftermath of Snell's 2 2/3-inning loss Tuesday, one that dropped him to 2-8 with a 5.36 ERA. "He shows you flashes of what he can be, but it's a matter of how we draw that out consistently, can we draw that out consistently?" Huntington said. "At some point in time, the 'can we' becomes the question that becomes unanswerable. Not that we ever give up on a player, but maybe there's a different role, a different way we reach him. We may get to a point in time where it's, 'Do we put him in the bullpen? Do we option him to Triple-A?'" ..."

Tigers face free-agent choices

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June 25

Detroit News

columnist Lynn Henning

"Among the background stories on a Tigers team with no shortage of drama is their free agency situation. The Tigers have a handful of players who could find themselves on the free-agent auction block this autumn: Fernando Rodney, Placido Polanco, Brandon Lyon, and Adam Everett. What happens with those players has ramifications beyond 2010. It has to do with draft picks, which the Tigers will receive if any of the above qualify as a Type A or Type B free agent and sign elsewhere -- as long as the Tigers offer them salary arbitration for 2010. And that's where things get sticky. Each year Elias Sports Bureau computes free agents based upon their performance class. Type A free agents are ..."

Fixing Florida

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June 25

ESPN.com

"The Florida Marlins' bullpen is in tatters, in the aftermath of word that Matt Lindstrom may not pitch for many weeks, to go along with injuries to Leo Nunez and Kiko Calero. Sources say that right now, Florida's top priority is to add a proven reliever, and given that most of the bodies lost by the Marlins this season have been right-handers, adding someone like a LaTroy Hawkins or Danys Baez would make some sense. They also will consider Luis Ayala, whom the Twins cut loose and is reportedly being considered by the Pirates. The Marlins' need is acute, and the timing is right: Ricky Nolasco is on a roll right now, and the Marlins moved above .500 for the first time in more than six weeks ..."

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