Stark On Smoltz, Reds, Strasburg, Thome

By Ben Nicholson-Smith [August 13, 2009 at 1:05pm CST]

ESPN.com's Jayson Stark adds the Astros to the list of teams interested in John Smoltz. Here are the rest of his rumors:

The Cubs could look for another bat and another starter, but it depends on how healthy Aramis Ramirez, Ted Lilly and Carlos Zambrano are.
Stark points out that Aaron Harang's 2011 club option becomes a more expensive $14MM mutual option if he's traded. The Reds haven't seemed willing to take on cash in a trade involving Harang or rotation-mate Bronson Arroyo.
The Yanks don't appear to have interest in either Reds starter, or John Smoltz, for that matter.
Don't expect any serious negotiating to occur between the Nationals, Scott Boras and Stephen Strasburg before the last minute. Most execs who Stark surveyed expect Strasburg to sign in the end.
The Braves could re-sign Adam LaRoche after the season, when the first baseman will hit free agency.
Jim Thome still impresses scouts and should be able to find work as a DH after the season.
Some teams doubt Vicente Padilla's character because the Rangers are ready to part with him even though they need pitching.
Some of Alex Rios' former teammates question the outfielder's work ethic and desire.
Stark hears that Andy Sonnanstine and Jeff Niemann were claimed on waivers and quickly pulled back by the Rays.
The Braves made a quick run at Victor Martinez before the Red Sox acquired him, but didn't get very far.
Though their negotiations with Aaron Crow could theoretically continue into late spring, the Royals may impose a deadline of their own to sign their top pick.

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