We're officially into July, and the trade deadline is less than a month away, so things will really start to pick up around here in the coming weeks. Let's take a look back at the last seven days:
- Summer dealing kicked off this week with the Athletics trading Mark Ellis to the Rockies for minor leaguer Bruce Billings and a player to be named. Ellis had become expendable to the A's with the strong play by Jemile Weeks. Billings has impressive minor league strikeout numbers.
- The two biggest July 2 International signings were both made by the Rangers. They signed Dominican outfielder Ronald Guzman for $3.5MM and dished out a record amount of over $5MM to Dominican outfielder Nomar Mazara. Here's a link to the roundup of all the signings from yesterday.
- The Nationals named Davey Johnson their new manager.
- Lots of familiar faces got the boot. The Indians released Adam Everett, the Yankees released Carlos Silva, the Cardinals released Ryan Franklin, the Cubs released Doug Davis, and the Diamondbacks released Melvin Mora. Jose Lopez was designated for assignment by the Marlins, David Bush was designated for assignment by the Rangers, Jayson Nix was designated for assignment by the Blue Jays, and Mike Cameron was designated for assignment by the Red Sox.
- In addition to those farewells, a couple notable names caught on in new places. J.C. Romero signed a minor league deal with the Nationals, and Luis Durango was claimed by the Astros.
- Angels GM Tony Reagins said he will be able to add payroll if the right deal comes along, contrary to prior reports, and the Diamondbacks are in the same boat, as are the Rays. Meanwhile, Rockies GM Dan O'Dowd said his club has little financial flexibility. The Red Sox are apparently in a similar situation as the Rox.
- The Dodgers filed for bankruptcy.
- The Mets' firesale was put on hold.
- Dodgers starter Hiroki Kuroda cropped up in trade rumors, but the Dodgers haven't had serious talks yet about dealing the righty. Kuroda requires compensation if he should waive his no-trade clause.
- Free agent lefty Scott Kazmir worked out for the Rangers. Free agent infielder David Eckstein said he'd return in the right situation.
- Cubs reliever Kerry Wood implied he probably won't waive his no-trade clause. Mets outfielder Carlos Beltran said he would waive his no-trade clause, however.
- The Rockies agreed to terms with high school shortstop Trevor Story, whom they took in the supplemental round of the Draft. They also expressed interest in acquiring Dodgers utility man Jamey Carroll.
- The Tigers were said to be targeting starters, not Mets shortstop Jose Reyes, and gauged the trade interest in lefty reliever Brad Thomas. Meanwhile, Yankees GM Brian Cashman said he doesn't expect to acquire a top starter via trade.
- Rangers president Nolan Ryan said Texas won't necessarily look to bolster its bullpen by trade. Also, he likes the idea of adding the Astros to the AL West.
- The Yankees acquired right-hander Sergio Mitre after he was designated for assignment by the Brewers.
- The Orioles commenced extension talks with shortstop J.J. Hardy.
- Prince Fielder said he won't rule out serving as a DH should he sign with an AL club this offseason.
- Chris Bootcheck was granted his release by the Rays after he was expected to exercise his July 1 opt-out clause. Brian Barden became a free agent after opting out of his minor league deal with the Rangers.
- Josh Fields, a former top prospect with the White Sox, was acquired by the Yomiuri Giants.
Dan Mennella contributed to this post.