The Brian Fuentes Situation

Let’s review the Brian Fuentes reports floating about.  The Rockies closer has saved 13 games in 17 opportunities this year.

• On Friday, Tracy Ringolsby of the Rocky Mountain News wrote, "The Rockies would want two quality prospects, but they won’t deal him until Manny Corpas can return to the closer role or they concede the division and wild card."  Corpas is having his best month of the year, with a 3.86 ERA.  But Taylor Buchholz has been untouchable all year, so I don’t see why this should be a sticking point.
• Buster Olney agrees; he’s heard that the Fuentes Sweepstakes will begin if the Rox don’t start playing better over the next few weeks.  The Rockies are nine games out in the NL West.
• On June 24th, Ken Rosenthal sang a different tune.  He said, "The Rockies remain willing to move closer Brian Fuentes regardless of whether they climb back into contention."  One reason for their willingness to trade Fuentes: they’d be hesitant to offer him arbitration after the season and then have him accept.  Rosenthal said the Rockies "remain intrigued by Mets righty Aaron Heilman."
• The list of known suitors remains at five: Yankees, Mets, Red Sox, Phillies, and A’s.  Sean McAdam wrote today that Hideki Okajima’s struggles may cause the Red Sox to step up their pursuit.