It seems like every week we get closer to seeing what this year's trade deadline will hold. Let's look back at the past seven days here on MLBTR:
- The biggest name on the market this summer may very well be Roy Oswalt. The Houston ace reportedly requested a trade this week, though he phrased it slightly different in his own explanation. Mark looked at why his preferred destinations may not be fits, but it stands to reason that if he's asking for a trade, he'll be open to more destinations. And call it a hunch, but I'm betting he'll have plenty of suitors to choose from.
- We heard a lot about potential catchers on the move this week. The Rangers are interested in Rod Barajas, and also inquired on A.J. Pierzynski. Meanwhile, the Red Sox are keeping an eye on Chris Iannetta in his Triple-A stint with Colorado, during which he's absolutely raked.
- If the Rangers truly are in on Pierzynski, they'll have to act quickly before he receives 10-and-5 rights in June. Earlier this week, Ben provided a list of all the upcoming 10-and-5 players.
- The Oswalt news isn't the only reason the Astros were in the news this week. They also released Kazuo Matsui and signed two top Dominican pitching prospects — Michael Feliz (16 years old) and Jose Montero (17).
- The Rockies have some interest on Matsui, as they look to strengthen their bench, but as Ben pointed out, Matsui hardly presents a surefire improvement.
- Matsui wasn't the only player to be released this week either. The Nationals sent Willy Taveras packing, the A's cut ties with Chad Gaudin, the Blue Jays released Randy Ruiz, and the Dodgers said farewell to Josh Towers. Bob Howry was also given his release by the Diamondbacks, who then acquired Saul Rivera. Howry signed with the Cubs shortly after.
- Mike continued his preview of the 2010 draft by profiling Zack Cox, the sophomore third baseman for Arkansas. Cox's ridiculous .432/.524/.606 line has him projected as a Top 10 pick.
- The Padres signed Dominican third base prospect Duanel Jones for $900K. The Giants nearly signed Jones in December, but he failed a drug test.
- Cuban standout Yunesky Maya is now eligible for free agency, and the Yankees are already interested in the 28-year-old.
- Unsurprisingly, Pat Burrell cleared waivers and is now a free agent. Any team with struggles against left-handed pitching and/or in need of power can take a flyer on the former powerhouse with minimal risk.
- The Red Sox DFA'ed two players this week, with Jonathan Van Every and Scott Schoeneweis being the victims.
- It's no surprise, but it's still sad to see Eric Chavez injured once again. This time, it's his neck, and the injury may force him to retire, though he'd like to return. Gone are the days when Chavez was a slick-fielding power threat in the middle of the A's order. If he has to hang it up, he had a pretty good run the early 2000s.
