Rumor Roundup

There’s not much going on today in the world o’ rumors.  By now you’ve heard most of the spring training trade candidates, and they’re not thrilling.  That said, here’s what’s going on:

• The Boston Globe quotes an AL GM who thinks the open fifth starter spot in Boston inches them a little closer to Roger Clemens.  The GM favors Houston despite the financial power of the other two contenders.  The Astros need Clemens the most.
• Clint Barmes was sent to Triple A, with the Cubs and Rangers still tracking him as a possible utility infielder.  Wouldn’t be a bad move for either club, though the Rockies would be selling low.  Really low.
• Byung-Hyun Kim was moved to the bullpen as Josh Fogg won the Rockies’ fifth starter job.  The Denver Post reports stronger interest in him as a reliever.  The Rocky Mountain News says the Royals, Rangers, and Marlins are considering trading for him.  Perhaps the Rangers could acquire Barmes and Kim in one deal.
• Giants’ pinch-hitter Mark Sweeney is on the bubble, and the club might trade him.  He’ll make $950K this year and is a solid bench bat.  It’s going to be Sweeney or Jason Ellison, who is out of options.  The Fish have scouted Ellison but were told he’s not available.
• The Pirates’ Jose Castillo, who played second base last year, lost the third base competition to Jose Bautista.  It could spell a trade for Castillo.  The Braves were previously interested, but I think they’ll give Kelly Johnson an honest shot.