Latest On Jorge Julio

The latest word on $3.6MM reliever Jorge Julio is that the Diamondbacks don’t intend to pick up any of his salary.  Juan C. Rodriguez of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel speculates that the Marlins are showing public interest in Julio "as a way of forcing the Giants’ hand in an Armando Benitez deal."  The Giants countered by inquiring on Julio as well.

Rodriguez also mentions that the Marlins and Larry Beinfest have some past history of trading or attempting to trade for Julio.

Joe Capozzi of the Palm Beach Post says the Giants would pay more of the $3.6MM than the Marlins, but the D’Backs covet Florida’s Yusmeiro Petit.

From the Arizona side, Nick Piecoro writes that more teams than just the Giants and Marlins are interested.  He believes Julio will start the season with Arizona, though.

That there is this much action on a guy who hasn’t had an impressive season since 2002 just shows how desperate teams are for relief help.