Sports News and Trade Rumors: Pro Sports Daily

Tejada, Cabrera head free agent shortstops

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November 12

MLB.com

"This year's class of free agent shortstops features two familiar names in former Most Valuable Player Miguel Tejada and the always steady Orlando Cabrera, yet it's a mostly unheralded shortstop from Venezuela who figures to be the crown jewel of the class. Toronto's Marco Scutaro, who might not be a household name like Tejada and Cabrera, could certainly provide the most value, considering what he brings both offensively and defensively to the shortstop position. Scutaro emerged as one of baseball's better leadoff hitters last season, when he hit .282 with an impressive .379 on-base percentage while also providing some power with 12 homers and some speed with 14 stolen bases. He's the ..."

Twins, Mauer contract talks quiet

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November 12

MLB.com

"Twins catcher Joe Mauer knows his contract status will be a topic that draws national attention this offseason. A report in the St. Paul Pioneer Press on Wednesday said that Mauer and the Twins have started talks on a new contract, but the catcher indicated later that day that nothing serious has taken place between the two sides just yet. "Nothing new to report," Mauer said when asked about a possible contract extension in a phone interview late Wednesday. "I've gotten a chance to start thinking about those things, but we really haven't started [negotiating with the Twins]." Mauer, 26, is getting set to enter the final year of a four-year, $33 million contract that he signed before the ..."

Mauer: Contract talks haven't started

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November 12

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Jerry Bell was Twins president in November 1989 when the team gave Kirby Puckett a three-year, $9 million contract, making Puckett baseball's first $3 million-per-year player. Puckett's agent was Ron Shapiro, who now represents Twins catcher Joe Mauer, as the team considers another major contract. "I'm confident that we'll have a good negotiation because I know we're dealing with good people," said Bell, now president of Twins Sports Inc. "I can't say I'm confident about the outcome because I don't know." Bell and General Manager Bill Smith would not confirm a Pioneer Press report that the team has begun talking with Mauer about a new deal. But Bell said: "I think when sides want to get ..."

Minnesota Twins are ready to reward Joe Mauer

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November 12

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"The last time we caught up with Joe Mauer he was cleaning out his Metrodome locker for the last time, the day after the New York Yankees swept his Minnesota Twins out of the postseason. He's healthier now, and in a better frame of mind, though there still is a lot on his plate. On Tuesday, the Twins catcher won his second Gold Glove Award, and he's awaiting word on whether he will be named the American League's most valuable player Nov. 23. There also is business to be handled, a contract extension aimed at keeping Mauer from becoming a free agent after next season. Told late Wednesday the team has begun negotiating an extension, Mauer said, "That's news to me, I guess." What he did know ..."

Minnesota Twins, Joe Mauer have started contract talks

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November 11

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"As the Minnesota Twins' top executive under the Pohlad family ownership, Jerry Bell has helped negotiate and approve the team's biggest player contracts in history. The Twins and representatives for catcher Joe Mauer, who can become a free agent after next season, have begun talking about a new deal. "Everything in time ... it'll work out — I hope, and I'm pretty sure," Bell said this morning. "I feel good about it because I think he wants to stay here, and we sure want him to be here and all of his teammates want him to be here." Can the Twins afford Mauer, 26, who is expected to be named the American League's MVP on Nov. 23? "We'll see," Bell said. Bell said he's not nervous about having ..."

Indians want a veteran pitcher; if Jake Westbrook isn't ready, is Carl Pavano an answer?

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November 11

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"The Indians, at the moment, are expecting Jake Westbrook to be in the starting rotation when the season opens April 5 at U.S. Cellular Field in Chicago. It's why Westbrook will start for Ponce and manager Eduardo Perez on Nov. 28 in Puerto Rico. Perez, the Indians' former first baseman, is managing Ponce for the second year. He said Tuesday at the General Managers meetings that Westbrook will test his surgically repaired right elbow from Nov. 28 through Dec. 17. "Our expectation is, at this point, that Jake will be in our rotation at the start of the year," said assistant GM Chris Antonetti. If Westbrook, who did not make a big-league start last year and has just five in the last two ..."

Twins not opposed to adding a veteran arm

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November 11

Foxsports.com

"Twins general manager Bill Smith doesn't feel like he needs to add a starting pitcher this offseason. But he still might. Smith listed six internal candidates for the five-man rotation: Nick Blackburn, Kevin Slowey, Scott Baker, Francisco Liriano, Glen Perkins and Brian Duensing. What's missing? A veteran. Fortunately for Smith, there are a lot of No. 3 and No. 4 starters on the free agent market. Carl Pavano, who finished the year with the Twins, is one of them. Smith has interest in bringing him back. Smith is upbeat about the chances that Pat Neshek and Boof Bonser can contribute in the bullpen after missing this year with injuries. Neshek was a top setup man before undergoing Tommy ..."

Around the majors

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November 10

SI.com

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"• Andy Pettitte has indicated to teammates that he is leaning toward returning to the Yankees for one more year. If they need it for further convincing, one of the Yankees' sales points will be that 10-15 more wins will aid his Hall of Fame candidacy. • The Phillies are expected to try to lock up Cliff Lee, though with a year to go before free agency, they'll be looking at something less than nine figures. • While the Phillies declined the option on defensively adept third baseman Pedro Feliz for $5.5 million, they're interested in bringing him back at a slightly lower figure. • The Red Sox will still consider Alex Gonzalez after declining his $6 million option and also look at free agent ..."

Cabrera last of Twins to file for free agency

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November 10

MLB.com

"The Twins' free-agent filings are now complete. Shortstop Orlando Cabrera filed for free agency on Monday, making him the last of the Twins' five free-agent eligible players to do so. Cabrera joins pitcher Carl Pavano, third baseman Joe Crede, catcher Mike Redmond and reliever Ron Mahay as free agents. The Twins have exclusive negotiating and signing rights with the five players until Nov. 20. For Cabrera, it's the second time in as many years that he enters the free-agent market. Last winter, the shortstop had difficulty finding a deal due to the fact that he was a Type A free agent and clubs faced giving up a top Draft choice as compensation to sign him. Cabrera didn't wind up with a ..."

Twins' Gabino claimed by Orioles

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November 9

MLB.com

"The Twins' 40-man roster continued to get some alterations on Monday, as right-hander Armando Gabino was claimed by the Orioles on outright waivers. Gabino, 26, went 0-0 with a 17.18 ERA in two appearances (one start) for the Twins in 2009. He made his Major League debut on Aug. 25 in a spot start against the Orioles, lasting just 2 2/3 innings while allowing four runs on five hits."

Pavano latest Twins free-agent filing

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November 8

MLB.com

"Pitcher Carl Pavano filed for free agency on Saturday, becoming the fourth of five eligible Twins to do so. Pavano went 14-12 with a 5.10 ERA in 2009 while pitching 199 1/3 innings in 33 combined starts with Cleveland and Minnesota. After coming to the Twins in a waiver trade in early August, Pavano helped during the team's stretch run to yet another division title. He pitched Game 3 of the American League Division Series against the Yankees, allowing two runs over seven innings in a loss. The strong season was a sort of career rebirth for the 33-year-old pitcher following four injury-plagued years with the Yankees. Pavano was a relative bargain last offseason in free agency as he signed a ..."

Nathan has bone chips removed from elbow

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October 23

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Twins closer Joe Nathan turns 35 next month. He's coming off a season in which he saved 47 games but, for now, is remembered more for the save opportunity he blew Oct. 9 during Game 2 of the ALDS to the Yankees. On Tuesday, Nathan had surgery to remove two bone chips from his right elbow, acknowledging that he pitched a chunk of the season not at his fittest. "This is definitely something I'm not going to use as an excuse," Nathan said from his home in Knoxville, Tenn. Nathan had the surgery in Birmingham, Ala., at the offices of Dr. James Andrews, and is expected to be ready in time for the start of spring training. Nathan said he iced his elbow more this year than in any previous season, ..."

Jason Kubel could be moving back into DH spot

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October 9

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"Twins manager Ron Gardenhire hasn't gotten much power out of his designated hitter spot since Jason Kubel moved to right field, and, lately, the hits have declined as well. That's prompted the manager to think about making a change for tonight's Game 2 of the American League Division Series against New York. Gardenhire said Thursday he might move Kubel back to DH, slide Denard Span to right field and put Carlos Gomez in center tonight, opting for Gomez's less-productive bat because of what the speedy outfielder adds to the defense. "That's something I've thought about," Gardenhire said. "Gomez brings another element. Even though his at-bats aren't always quality, he runs all over the ..."

Posada not jumping for joy about taking seat

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October 7

New York Post

"Just because Jorge Posada wasn't surprised doesn't mean he was happy. On Sunday, manager Joe Girardi let Posada know that Jose Molina would catch for A.J. Burnett in the ALDS, which begins tonight in The Bronx vs. the Twins. "I just hope we win that game," Posada said. "That's all. That's all I've got to say." Girardi is starting Molina because of the "rhythm" he believes Burnett shares with him. The last six times Burnett's pitched, Molina's caught him, and Burnett's gone 3-1 with a 2.92 ERA. "They've been in a real good rhythm when they've been working together," Girardi said. "And we just felt we would keep it that way." A dour Posada called it a "manager's decision." "It's not like I ..."

Dominican prospect accepts $3.15M deal with Twins

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September 30

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"The Twins have reached agreement on a $3.15 million contract with Dominican shortstop prospect Miguel Angel Sano, his agent said Tuesday. The story was first reported by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. "We're very interested in Miguel Sano, and we are pursuing him aggressively, but we do not have a signed deal," said Twins General Manager Bill Smith, who called Sano "a tremendous offensive player." Agent Rob Plummer said the official signing will come today, and confirmed the dollar amount, which would make it the biggest international signing bonus in Twins history."

Agent says Twins' deal with 16-year-old Dominican shortstop Miguel Sano includes $3.15 million bonus

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September 30

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"The Twins have agreed to terms with 16-year-old Dominican shortstop Miguel Angel Sano, his agent said Tuesday, and will pay the highly touted hitter a $3.15 million signing bonus. Rob Plummer said he expects the deal to be finalized this week, likely today. The issue most likely holding up the finalization is one that has been nagging Sano and Plummer all summer while teams have pursued him. Sano is reportedly 16 years old, but questions about his age have been serious enough for Major League Baseball to look into it. MLB did an identity and age investigation this summer, and though his identity checked out, according to reports, the league wasn't able to make a conclusion on Sano's age. ..."

Woozy Denard Span hopes to play soon again for Twins

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September 23

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"A foggy feeling lingered for Denard Span on Tuesday, one day after he took a pitch squarely off the batting helmet, and that fuzziness took him out of the starting lineup. Manager Ron Gardenhire said that while the Twins are eager to get their leadoff hitter back (Carlos Gomez batted first in Span's place Tuesday), he's not willing to put Span at risk. That means as long as Span reports the symptoms he felt Tuesday — the foggy feeling, the headache, slight neck stiffness and fatigue — he'll be on the bench. "It's hard enough to play the game clear-headed. We're not going to deal with something like that," Gardenhire said. "Right now, we'll try day to day, and we'll see how he feels in a ..."

Bad back ends season early for Twins' Joe Crede

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September 15

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"Joe Crede's season is over, Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said Monday. The third baseman's bad back has made impossible to contribute in the team's final 18 games. "I haven't heard that from anybody; you're hearing that from me," Gardenhire said. "I would say (he's done). After the conversation with him after the game, it doesn't sound good — doesn't look like it's going to work out." Crede was put on the disabled Aug. 28 and had two cortisone shots to loosen his back. He was activated Sept. 8 and has had five at-bats since, all strikeouts — four as the designated hitter in Sunday's 8-0 victory over Oakland. Afterward, he had a candid conversation with Gardenhire. "He said, 'I struck ..."

Back injury ends season for Twins slugger Justin Morneau

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September 15

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"If the Twins are going to track down Detroit in the American League Central, they'll have to do it without their best slugger. Justin Morneau will miss the rest of the season because of a stress fracture in his lower back. "You can play through the pain if you feel like you're helping the team win ballgames," Morneau said Monday, "but when you go out there and you don't feel like you're helping anyone, that's when you take a step back and figure you're doing more harm than good. "We took a look at it and found out there was something in there." Morneau is leading the team with 30 home runs and 100 runs batted in, but the 2006 American League most valuable player is batting .173 (21 of ..."

Bad trumps good: Morneau out for season

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September 15

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"The Twins rallied for a 6-3 victory over Cleveland on Monday without first baseman and cleanup hitter Justin Morneau -- and they will have to continue to win without him. Morneau has been found to have a stress fracture of the L5 vertebra in his lower back and will not play in the Twins' remaining 18 games. He will not need surgery but will need about three months to recover and is expected to be ready for the 2010 season. The stunning developments dulled the Twins celebration after their six-run eighth inning helped them remain 5 1/2 games behind the AL Central-leading Detroit Tigers, which rallied to beat Toronto. "Tough news when you lose your first baseman and MVP guy," Twins manager ..."

Crede also appears to be out for season

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September 15

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Justin Morneau isn't the Twins' only big bat expected to miss the final 2 1/2 weeks of the regular season. Third baseman Joe Crede, who was signed to solidify the infield but suffered several physical breakdowns, is likely done for the season because of a stiff lower back. Crede struck out four times Sunday as the designated hitter, then informed Twins manager Ron Gardenhire that he couldn't swing the bat the way he wanted. "He didn't feel very good swinging," Gardenhire said. "We knew he would be a little behind because he hasn't had many at-bats. "But he was having pain in his lower back and into his legs and, as he said, 'It just didn't bode well.' He couldn't swing the way he wants to ..."

Team won't tip hand on free agents' status

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September 7

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Shortstop Orlando Cabrera made a quick impression on the Twins after getting traded from Oakland on July 31, leaving some insiders saying the team should hurry and re-sign him to a two-year contract extension. But the team is taking a wait-and-see approach, just as it is with pending free agents Mike Redmond, Joe Crede, Carl Pavano and Ron Mahay. Asked this weekend if he'd like to stay with the Twins, Cabrera was quick to say he doesn't want his contract to be a distraction with the team fighting for a playoff spot. "I really like it here, if that's what you're asking," Cabrera said. "I feel comfortable. I feel really appreciated. I know if I'm here, for sure I'd have a chance to win every ..."

Source: Harden, Heilman staying put

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August 31

ESPN.com

"The waiver period for trades before the Sept. 1 roster deadline will come and go without the Chicago Cubs having made a deal, according to Major League Baseball sources. Rich Harden, claimed by the Minnesota Twins, and Aaron Heilman, claimed by the San Francisco Giants, will continue to pitch for the Cubs."

Surging Cubs might not be ready to dump Harden

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August 31

Foxsports.com

"Maybe, if you are Twins general manager Bill Smith, you're calling the Cubs this morning, saying, "I've got to have Rich Harden." But maybe, if you are Cubs GM Jim Hendry, you're responding, "Not so fast." The arithmetic of a pennant race changes daily. As the deadline to complete a Harden deal looms early Monday afternoon, the Cubs are less motivated to act than they were Thursday when the Twins were awarded the claim on the right-hander, major-league sources say. The Cubs began Friday 7 1/2 games back in the National League wild-card race. After winning two of three from the Mets, they are 5 1/2 back, albeit in fifth place. The Rockies and Giants are tied for the wild-card lead. The ..."

Twins haven't asked for Harden's medical records; trade unlikely

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August 31

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"As of late Sunday night, the Twins had yet to request Cubs pitcher Rich Harden's medical records, a person close to Harden told the Star Tribune, adding that a deal by today's noon deadline appeared unlikely. Harden, 27, has been on the disabled list seven times since 2005, so it would be uncharacteristic for the Twins to trade for him without first examining those medical records. Then again, in eight starts since July 16, Harden is 3-1 with a 1.80 ERA, so it's possible the Twins could roll the dice, giving the Cubs the prospects it would take to land Harden for the season's final five weeks. Harden is a pending Type A free agent, so a team could offer him arbitration after the season and ..."

Twins serious about trading for Harden

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August 30

MLB.com

"The Cubs are open to trading right-hander Rich Harden and the Twins are serious about acquiring the starter, FoxSports.com reported. The Cubs put Harden on waivers earlier this week and the Twins were awarded the claim, meaning both teams have until Monday to work out a deal. The 27-year-old has been pitching well of late, as he has a 1.80 ERA with 60 strikeouts in 50 innings over his past eight starts. On the season, Harden is 8-7 with a 3.99 ERA with 143 strikeouts in 124 innings. Harden would bolster the Twins' rotation and would be received well in the clubhouse, according to the report."

Doubts regarding Harden emerge

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August 30

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Twins officials Saturday would not confirm or deny that they are the team that placed a claim on Cubs pitcher Rich Harden, as ESPN Chicago has reported. But two people close to Harden said they doubted Harden is heading to the Twins. To their knowledge, the Cubs had yet to open a window for the Twins to negotiate a long-term deal with Harden, who is a pending free agent. It's possible the Twins would trade for Harden without a long-term extension. He will be a Type A free agent, which would assure them two compensation picks in the 2010 draft if he signed elsewhere. Though Harden has a history of arm trouble, the Twins believe he would be a good fit. His family actually has roots in ..."

Twins could splurge for Penny

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August 27

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"The Twins are among the teams interested in Red Sox pitcher Brad Penny and would consider claiming him off release waivers instead of waiting for him to become a free agent, major league officials told the Star Tribune today. Penny told the Boston Herald on Wednesday night that the Red Sox have granted him his release, but as of this morning, Penny had yet to be placed on release waivers. The Red Sox are expected to designate Penny for assignment tonight, to make room on their roster for reliever Billy Wagner. There is speculation Penny will clear release waivers and land with a National League club — with the Rockies and Marlins both reportedly interested – but the Twins will consider ..."

Lefties likely to return as relievers

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August 27

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"With the Twins in a continued scramble for starting pitching, manager Ron Gardenhire acknowledged Wednesday that he isn't counting on injured lefthanders Francisco Liriano and Glen Perkins rejoining the rotation this season. That only underscored the team's need to find another starter on waivers. Players not added to the roster by Monday aren't eligible for the postseason, so the clock is ticking toward another deadline. Liriano is on the disabled list because of left arm fatigue. He received a cortisone shot Wednesday to quell swelling in the back of his elbow. Perkins is on the DL because of left elbow tendinitis. Both pitchers are rehabbing and should be ready in September, but their ..."

Gophers' Eric Decker lauded for honesty in turning down Minnesota Twins

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August 19

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"It's unclear how much the Minnesota Twins were willing to give Eric Decker to retain his signing rights before Monday night's deadline. Negotiations never got to a financial point. But the University of Minnesota Gophers outfielder/wide receiver said no thanks, and the Twins appreciated his honesty. "Give the kid some credit that he didn't try to work some angle and try to get some free money out of it if he had no intention of wanting to play, or that's not where his priority or thoughts were," Twins assistant general manager Rob Antony said today. "He was honest with us." Decker was the Twins' 27th-round pick in the June's draft. He's also a co-captain for the Gophers football team. ..."

Eckstein prefers to aid rebuilding Padres

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August 10

MLB.com

"It was on or about the July 31 non-waiver Trade Deadline when San Diego general manager Kevin Towers was queried by the Minnesota Twins if veteran infielder David Eckstein was available. Towers' first inclination was to decline such an overture, given everything that Eckstein has meant to the Padres this season, on and off the field. But he called Eckstein anyway. "I just wanted to see where his head was," Towers said. "I felt as if I owed it to him. If he felt like he wanted to go to a contending club with a chance to win, I would do everything to make that happen." Towers was more than relieved when Eckstein, 34, said he wanted to stay in San Diego. "He told me he enjoyed playing here in ..."

Glen Perkins or Francisco Liriano expected to go to Twins bullpen

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August 8

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"Glen Perkins is a starter, and he's a reliever, too. Francisco Liriano is a starter, but he's not with the team and he might end up a reliever. Or, as Twins manager Ron Gardenhire explained it, "Right now they're both in the rotation, but Perkins is definitely in the bullpen right now and we still look at him as a starter, too." Minnesota's pitching version of "Who's on First?" will play out in the coming days as the Twins decide who Carl Pavano will replace in the starting rotation, Perkins or Liriano. Perkins was scheduled to start tonight, but the Twins opted to put Pavano's 1.93 earned-run average against the Tigers this season on the mound instead. So Perkins moved to the bullpen. ..."

Twins acquire Cabrera from A's

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July 31

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"The Twins and A’s have agreed to a deal sending shortstop Orlando Cabrera and cash from Oakland in return for infield prospect Tyler Ladendorf. Landendorf, 21, was a top prospect who hit more than .400 at Rookie League Elizabethton (Tenn.) before being promoted to Class A Beloit, where he’s batting .233 in 15 games. Ladendorf was a second round pick in 2008 after a prolific junior college run. Cabrera is expected to be ready for Saturday's game at the Metrodome against the Angels. Cabrera is a two-time Gold Glove award winner and played for the Red Sox when they won the 2004 World Series. The 34-year-old is hitting .280 with four home runs this season, including a .373 average in July. He ..."

Twins making progress in pursuit of A's Cabrera

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July 31

Foxsports.com

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"The Twins finally are making progress in their attempt to acquire A's shortstop Orlando Cabrera, according to a major-league source. The teams continued their discussions on Thursday and plan to continue talking Friday. Twins manager Ron Gardenhire has talked openly about his affection for Cabrera, and first baseman Justin Morneau and other players have implored general manager Bill Smith to make a move."

Team tries for Deal with Cabrera

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July 31

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"History indicates that the Twins will spend today talking about how hard they tried to inject some talent into their major league roster to help their playoff chances. They will speak of how they couldn't bear to part with top prospects and how they still have a playoff-caliber team. Some Twins players will bite their respective tongues when asked if they are flustered by the front office's inability to pull off a deal before the 3 p.m. nonwaiver trade deadline. A couple might shoot from the lip. We'll pinch ourselves to make sure it's not 2002. Or 2004. Or '05, '06, '07 or '08. Twins General Manager Bill Smith has tried to make something happen. He sounded like a man with a lot on his ..."

Twins Insider: Team tries and tries again

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July 31

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"History indicates that the Twins will spend today talking about how hard they tried to inject some talent into their major league roster to help their playoff chances. They will speak of how they couldn't bear to part with top prospects and how they still have a playoff-caliber team. Some Twins players will bite their respective tongues when asked if they are flustered by the front office's inability to pull off a deal before the 3 p.m. nonwaiver trade deadline. A couple might shoot from the lip. We'll pinch ourselves to make sure it's not 2002. Or 2004. Or '05, '06, '07 or '08. Twins General Manager Bill Smith has tried to make something happen. He sounded like a man with a lot on his ..."

Yankees making a strong push for Jarrod Washburn

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July 29

Yahoo! Sports

"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."

Twins looking for infield, bullpen help

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July 28

Foxsports.com

"The Twins have needs around the infield and in the bullpen. And they'd love to address them with a single move. One major league source said the Twins are targeting teams that have made players available in both areas. For example, they'd love to acquire second baseman Freddy Sanchez and left-hander John Grabow from the Pirates, or shortstop Orlando Cabrera and right-hander Michael Wuertz from the A's. The Twins love Sanchez's defensive versatility; his ability to play third base is especially valuable, with Joe Crede ailing. But Sanchez missed Monday's game in San Francisco and told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that his left knee is "sore and tender." Sanchez is 0-for-17 with eight ..."

D-backs starters still not drawing much interest, Pirates not done dealing

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July 27

Foxsports.com

"So far, the trade activity has been light on Diamondbacks starters Doug Davis and Jon Garland, according to major-league sources, but Arizona officials are optimistic that the market will pick up in the final days before the deadline. Davis may have upped his trade value on Saturday, when he pitched six shutout innings in a 7-0 defeat of the Pirates. Davis has a 3.76 ERA despite a 5-10 record. There's still a good chance that the Pirates will move at least one of their middle infielders this week. Minnesota remains the most interested club in the market for second baseman Freddy Sanchez, one source said, although Boston's interest in shortstop Jack Wilson doesn't appear to be as strong as ..."

Trade interest in Pirates' Grabow, Capps

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July 27

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

"The Pirates are discussing relievers John Grabow and Matt Capps with several teams in advance of Major League Baseball's trading deadline Friday. Of the two, Grabow is more likely to be moved, though that is far from definite. He can become a free agent for the first time in the upcoming winter, while Capps' rights can be retained two more years through arbitration. With left-handed relief at a premium, interest in Grabow has been consistent if not overwhelming. Among the parties in regular contact with the Pirates are the Chicago Cubs. Teams like what Grabow brings -- a 3.65 ERA, a typically heavy workload with 43 appearances, late-inning resilience and impeccable character -- but there ..."

Twins still looking to add pieces

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July 26

Yahoo! Sports

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"The Twins endured an embarrassing week in Oakland and Anaheim, where their pitching staff was knocked around and then they made uncharacteristic mistakes in the field and on the basepaths. Despite that, and in an otherwise mediocre season, they're in the AL Central race by default and are looking to add help in the eighth inning, the middle infield and the starting rotation. Don't be surprised if they're in on Oakland's Orlando Cabrera and Toronto's Marco Scutaro when they come free, and Jon Garland when the Diamondbacks get serious about moving him."

The Relief Market

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July 26

Yahoo! Sports

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"The Los Angeles Angels, New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers and Minnesota Twins are among the clubs who need a lot of help in their bullpens. The asking price has been so high that Bell might as well be unavailable, but just how many wins is Bell going to be asked to protect over the next couple seasons? It's a question general manager Kevin Towers will weigh against whatever arises over the next six days. As one baseball personnel man said Saturday, "There are about eight good arms available out there and 20 teams looking." As the deadline nears, they'll be climbing over one other for the likes of the Baltimore Orioles' George Sherrill, Oakland Athletics' Michael Wuertz, Toronto Blue ..."

Cabrera, Wuertz draw interest

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July 24

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"The July 31 deadline for trades without waivers is a week away, and a couple of the Twins' trade targets are becoming known. Indications are that the Twins are interested in Oakland shortstop Orlando Cabrera and reliever Michael Wuertz. Cabrera, 34, entered Thursday batting .276 with four homers and 39 RBI. He is batting .387 in July. Cabrera is viewed as a player who can bring energy to a club, and has played in 31 postseason games. He signed a one year, $4 million deal with Oakland before the season, and the Twins appear willing to add some salary. Wuertz, 30, is 5-1 with a 2.72 ERA with three saves in 44 games with the A's. The Austin, Minn., native is making $1.1 million this year. ..."

Twins looking for infield help

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July 23

Foxsports.com

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"With the news that Joe Crede's right shoulder will be examined Thursday by Dr. Lewis Yocum, the Twins' search for infield help could become more intense. In theory, Minnesota GM Bill Smith could pursue upgrades at third base, second base or shortstop. The Twins have already discussed shortstop Orlando Cabrera with the A's, sources said Wednesday, and he might be the best fit of all. He's hitting .304 over his last 60 games, according to Retrosheet.org. His right-handed bat would fit nicely in the No. 2 hole, behind Denard Span and ahead of Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau, all of whom are left-handed. And let's not forget the most important statistic involving Cabrera: He has been on a playoff ..."

Halladay the crown jewel of trade market

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July 20

MLB.com

"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, ..."

Twins agree to minor-league deal with Grudzielanek

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July 19

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"The Twins have agreed to terms on a minor-league deal with second baseman Mark Grudzielanek, General Manager Bill Smith said today. The move, first reported at www.sethspeaks.net, gives the Twins another option at second base, though Grudzielanek hasn't played all season. Smith said Grudzielanek will report to the Twins' Gulf Coast League squad in Fort Myers, Fla., and then join one of the Twins' minor-league affiliates. Grudzielanek, 39, batted .299 with three home runs and 24 RBI in 86 games for the Royals last season. He has batted .294 or better every year since 2003, and has racked up 2,010 hits over 14 major league seasons, posting a .290 career average. Grudzielanek was a Type B ..."

Pirates and trade winds: Freddy Sanchez

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July 11

Yahoo! Sports

(scroll down)

"Freddy Sanchez was in the Pittsburgh Pirates' lineup Friday night, putting to rest any thought that the second baseman would be traded in the next 24 hours. The Giants remain the team showing the most interest, according to one source with direct knowledge of the negotiations, while the Twins appear to be more of a long shot. There's a third team involved from the National League Central, the source said (the Cubs?), although Sanchez's contract, which calls for his $8 million option in 2010 to kick in automatically if he reaches 635 plate appearances this season, is giving pause to his suitors. Pirates closer Matt Capps is almost certain to be dealt, though that trade may come closer to ..."

Pirates Notebook: Mariners, Twins in Sanchez mix

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July 11

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

"There were scant signs of activity on the trade front regarding Freddy Sanchez, with sources last night reiterating that nothing was imminent but that talks between the Pirates and several teams were ongoing. Seattle yesterday traded shortstop Yuniesky Betancourt to the Kansas City Royals for prospects, leaving the Mariners with a need at that position and second base. Seattle general manager Jack Zduriencik, a New Castle native intimately familiar with the Pirates, had inquired about shortstop Jack Wilson in the spring. The Mariners also are known to have interest in Sanchez. Marc DelPiano, one of Pirates general manager Neal Huntington's special assistants, is in Seattle scouting the ..."

Buster helps the Braves make a deal

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July 6

Atlanta Journal-Constitution

columnist Mark Bradley

"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 ..."

Twins Trade Rumors