Odds and Ends: Jacque, Lee Hak-ju, Tavarez

Here's today's collection of links. The Tigers weren't able to trade Jacque Jones; he'll become a free agent tomorrow. The Marlins are expected to make an offer. The Cubs signed a Korean high school shortstop named Lee Hak-ju. Aaron Shinsano, who works for the Cubs as a scout, says the team believes he'd have been a first round pick in the states. Giants owner Peter Magowan is expected to step down Friday. Troy Renck says the Rox still want Julian Tavarez but won't give up pitching prospect Brandon Hynick. Baseball America ranked Hynick eighth among Rockies prospects, they describe him...

Julian Tavarez Designated

8:12pm: The Rockies have strong interest in Tavarez, and Troy Renck thinks a deal could be reached within a couple of days. The Red Sox are just trying to get some kind of prospect out of it. 2:07pm: The Red Sox have designated Tavarez for assignment. Nick Cafardo says trade talks with the Rockies and at least two other teams didn't lead anywhere, even when the Sox offered to eat most of the contract. The Red Sox asked for a pitching prospect from the Rockies but couldn't get it. MONDAY, 9:57am: Troy E. Renck of the Denver Post says the...

Rockies Not Planning Starter Acquisition

FRIDAY: Rockies owner Dick Monfort says the Rockies aren't looking to acquire a starter at this time. As of yesterday Rob Bradford of the Boston Herald said the Rox remained interested in Tavarez but that no advancements had been made. THURSDAY: On Tuesday we found out that the Rockies have been looking into a number of trade options for their starting rotation. The two most common names in the conversation are Josh Fogg and Julian Tavarez, both former Rox. Fogg has given up over a run an inning for the last place Reds, and could be DFA if the team...

Rockies Looking For Starting Pitching

7:22pm: Walt Jocketty did not deny the Fogg-Rockies rumor when asked. Maybe he'll be a little more loose with the rumors than Krivsky was. 9:18am: Troy E. Renck of the Denver Post has details on the Rockies' pursuit of starting pitching. Their search includes some familiar names. Josh Fogg seems like the most likely acquisition; he's a DFA candidate for the Reds. Fogg received an early one-year offer from the Rockies this winter that was later pulled back. Julian Tavarez, another former Rockie, is on the radar again. The Red Sox don't seem to have much use for him. Kevin...

Red Sox Designate Snyder for Assignment

Relief pitcher Kyle Snyder was designated for assignment by the Red Sox this afternoon to make room on the roster for Josh Beckett, who is set to come off the DL and start for Boston tomorrow. Snyder is out of options and hence cannot be sent down to Pawtucket. Snyder has not impressed in 2008. Today versus Toronto, he pitched a third of an inning, gave up two runs, and walked two. March 25 against Oakland, he gave up two runs on two hits, including a solo home run. He wasn't terrible in 2007, posting a career-best 3.81 ERA, but...

Cafardo's Latest: Fuentes, Sowers, Laffey

Boston Globe baseball writer Nick Cafardo's Sunday column has new hot stove material, as usual. Cafardo notes that Kyle Snyder, Julian Tavarez, and Bryan Corey have all been heavily scouted by other clubs. Snyder is out of options, so he's a good trade candidate. Cafardo mentioned on Thursday that the Orioles were taking a look at Corey, who might return to Japan if he doesn't join a big league 'pen. I imagine the Sox are going to want the insurance Tavarez provides. The Phils are hunting for a southpaw reliever and another starter. Brian Fuentes remains on their radar, but...