We're already just two months shy of the trade deadline, so make sure you tell all your friends where they can find the latest and greatest rumors involving their favorite team, right here at MLBTR. Here's a recap of the big stories from the last seven days…
- Mets owner Fred Wilpon tore into Carlos Beltran, Jose Reyes, and David Wright in an interview with The New Yorker, making statements that seemed to come from a frustrated fan and not the owner. The Mets also agreed to sell a minority share of the team to David Einhorn for $200MM. Reports indicated that he received a 30-35% ownership stake with an option to purchase more down the road, but the club is denying those terms. Either way, the Mets get a much needed infusion of cash.
- The Giants lost Buster Posey to a leg injury that ended his season, but they have not yet called other teams to inquire about catching help. Bengie Molina would be open to returning to the Bay Area.
- Mets closer Francisco Rodriguez said that he's willing to work as a setup man if traded, but only if he gets a contract extension and returns to the closer's role in 2012. The Rangers and other teams have inquired about Heath Bell and Joel Hanrahan.
- The Blue Jays and Giants both contacted the Mets about Reyes, but there haven't been any serious talks yet. The Twins are open to dealing Kevin Slowey, but an abdominal injury has landed him on the disabled list in the meantime.
- The Rockies are looking to shake up their bench, and did so by designating Alfredo Amezaga and Jose Lopez for assignment. They also traded Felipe Paulino to the Royals for cash.
- The Tigers and Athletics swapped Scott Sizemore and David Purcey while the Cubs acquired Rodrigo Lopez from the Braves for Ryan Buchter. Russell Branyan caught on with the Angels.
- Players that were designated for assignment last week: Pat Misch of the Mets, Robert Coello of the Cubs, Robinson Tejeda of the Royals, Rob Delaney of the Rays, Lance Cormier of the Dodgers, Jay Buente of the Marlins, Robbie Weinhardt of the Tigers, Samuel Deduno of the Padres, Josh Wilson of the D'Backs, Travis Schlichting of the Dodgers, and both Ryan Rohlinger and Henry Sosa of the Giants.
- Players claimed off waivers last week: Blake King by the Astros (from the Cardinals), Danny Ray Herrera by the Brewers (from the Reds), Kanekoa Texeira by the Yankees (from the Royals), plus Wilson by the Brewers and Buente by the Rays. Justin Germano (Indians), Hideki Okajima (Red Sox), and Dan Johnson (Rays) all cleared waivers.
- Players signed to minor league deals last week: Ian Snell by the Dodgers, Julio Lugo by the Braves, and Scott Podsednik by the Phillies. Alex Cintron called it a career and the Astros released Joe Inglett. The Nationals returned Rule 5 Draft pick Brian Broderick to the Cardinals and Steve Tolleson went to the Padres (from the A's) in a minor swap.
- And finally, Frank McCourt is expected to meet the Dodgers' end of the month payroll.
