Rockies Rumors: ‘Pen, Atkins, Torrealba
Troy E. Renck of the Denver Post has the latest on the Rockies' search for a reliever and details on a couple trade chips:
- The Rockies had interest in Joel Hanrahan before he was dealt to the Pirates.
- They would love to reacquire LaTroy Hawkins, but he's not available now.
- The D'Backs would part with Chad Qualls.
- The Padres are expected to move Cla Meredith.
- Garrett Atkins could be moved and the Red Sox seem to be a logical fit, but a history of failed deals between the two sides could slow talks. The Red Sox have scouted Atkins, but their interest level isn't known.
- Yorvit Torrealba's future remains uncertain and he says he'd like to remain in Colorado, though he realizes he might be dealt.
Pirates Release Craig Monroe
Dejan Kovacevic of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that the Pirates released outfielder Craig Monroe. They designated him for assignment about ten days ago after a disappointing Pirates stint that saw him hit just .215/.287/.354.
Brewers Rumors: Backe, Trade Market
Brewers GM Doug Melvin told Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that he has no interest in Brandon Backe. Yesterday, Assistant GM Gord Ash said the Brewers would take a look, but the club decided to pass, partly because Backe has had health problems.
Red Sox Sign Reymond Fuentes
WEEI.com's Alex Speier reports that the Red Sox have agreed to sign first round pick Reymond Fuentes to a bonus of $1.13MM. The deal is expected to become official later today.
Fuentes, who happens to be Carlos Beltran's cousin, is an outfielder who has drawn comparisons to Jacoby Ellsbury and Johnny Damon.
The deal's official, according to a team press release. The Red Sox also agreed to terms with four of their other selections, including fourth rounder Jeremy Hazelbaker.
Odds And Ends: Mariners, Webb, Donnelly
Some links for the afternoon…
- John McGrath of the Tacoma News Tribune says Greg Dobbs could be the answer for the Mariners at third base.
- Geoff Baker of the Seattle Times considers the possibility that the Mariners could deal Erik Bedard or Jarrod Washburn and still contend. He concludes that the team needs both pitchers to make the playoffs.
- Dayn Perry of FOX Sports looks at projected stats for a handful of trade candidates.
- Brandon Webb won't have to undergo shoulder surgery, according to MLB.com's Steve Gilbert. Instead, he'll aim for a September return.
- Mike Aviles isn't so lucky. He'll miss the rest of the season as he recovers from Tommy John surgery, according to MLB.com's Dick Kaegel
- Diamond Leung reports that Brendan Donnelly left the Astros organization to become a free agent.
- Tune in to 1570 WSCO in Green Bay at 5:05 CST as I'll be talking rumors.
Mets Have No Plans To Make A Major Trade
ESPN Radio's Andrew Marchand hears from an MLB official that the Mets have no plans to make major trades right now. (Hat Tip: MetsBlog) Instead, they're content to wait for the returns of Jose Reyes, Carlos Beltran, John Maine, Oliver Perez and Carlos Delgado.
Top Bonus Candidates
Baseball America's Ben Badler predicts which players will receive the biggest bonuses once the international signing period begins tomorrow. As he says, the players are ranked by how much they'll likely receive, not by their talent.
- Miguel Angel Sano
- Wagner Mateo - set to sign with the Cardinals for $3.1MM
- Gary Sanchez
- Guillermo Pimentel
- Jose Vinicio - set to sign with the Red Sox for $2MM
These are the top international prospects and the number to beat is Michael Ynoa's $4.25MM 2008 bonus.
International Free Agent Update
Tomorrow marks the start of the international signing period and ESPN.com's Jorge Arangure Jr. has the latest with just hours to go:
- The Red Sox are big spenders, as they've already set up six-figure deals with three players. Jose Vinicio's $2MM bonus is the biggest, but watch out for Raul Alcantara, who could be the biggest sleeper of this year's group. A rival scouting director said the righty might be better than Michael Ynoa.
- Trainer Edgar Mercedes has a lot of clout on the international scene as a representative for Ynoa, Wagner Mateo and others.
- The recession hasn't stopped teams from spending big.
- If it turns out that Miguel Angel Sano is just 16 look for the Orioles to compete with the Twins and Pirates for his services. Baltimore could out-bid the others, but doesn't have the same personal relationship with the Dominican shortstop.
- Arangure Jr. tweets that the Yankees will announce the signing of catcher Gary Sanchez at a press conference tomorrow evening.
Marlins Considering Bullpen Options
The Miami Herald reports that the Marlins are considering George Sherrill and Luis Ayala as they look to improve an injury-depleted bullpen. There's also confirmation of Jon Heyman's weekend report that the Marlins discussed Joakim Soria and Heath Bell.
Rosenthal On Holliday, Lee, Jays
On the MLB Network, Ken Rosenthal says he wouldn't be surprised to see the Indians deal Cliff Lee. Here are the details and the rest of his rumors:
- There's a good chance Matt Holliday will be dealt, though the A's aren't shopping him now. They say they'd have to be impressed to deal him, but Rosenthal suggests this is just a more subtle way of asking for offers.
- Several GMs believe Billy Beane will trade Holliday this month.
- Rosenthal isn't sure Cliff Lee will be in Cleveland for the rest of the year. He says the Indians aren't going to sign him when he becomes a free agent after 2010, so if someone offers the young top-of-the-rotation starter the Indians are looking for, they could deal their ace.
- Victor Martinez is less likely to be dealt, as the Indians would consider keeping him after 2010, when they're expected to pick up his option.
- There's no chance Vernon Wells gets traded.
- Alex Rios, however, could appeal to some teams as a center fielder, so there's a chance he's moved.