Things will really be picking up around here over the next couple of weeks, and we already saw some fireworks fly this week. Let's take a look back:
- The Brewers acquired Francisco Rodriguez and nearly $6MM cash for a pair of players to be named later. Oddly, Milwaukee was on K-Rod's no-trade list, but the Mets never received the list from his former agent Paul Kinzer. K-Rod restructured his contract to waive the $17.5MM vesting option in favor of additional compensation, so the Brewers can feel comfortable using him or John Axford to close out games. Here's some links related to the K-Rod trade.
- The Cardinals locked up one of their best young arms, signing Jaime Garcia to a four-year deal worth $27.5MM guaranteed and a pair of club options.
- Likewise, the Orioles agreed to an extension with shortstop J.J. Hardy.
- Garcia wasn't the only way the Cards made headlines this week though, as rumors that they may be willing to trade Colby Rasmus resurfaced. We heard that the Rays had serious discussions with St. Louis regarding Rasmus in 2010, but it's not likely that he'll be moved this summer.
- The Dodgers, Rockies, and Braves replaced the Tigers, Cubs, and Cardinals on the no-trade list for Royals' closer Joakim Soria. Soria's list also includes the Phillies, Yankees, and Red Sox, though the asking price for him is said to be "exorbitant."
- The Braves signed their first-round draft pick, Sean Gilmartin, and the Giants signed supplemental-round pick Kyle Crick.
- The Astros signed 16-year-old Panamanian Harold Arauz.
- The Giants have money to spend, and are looking to add an impact hitter, so it's no surprise to hear that they're one of the most serious suitors for Carlos Beltran.
- Rockies righty Ubaldo Jimenez surfaced in trade rumors that persisted throughout the week, although a deal seems unlikely.
- An extension for Red Sox outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury appears unlikely to be completed during the season.
- Brewers first baseman Prince Fielder, a free-agent-to-be, said he'd be open to being a DH for an AL club, should he sign with one this offseason.
- ESPN's Keith Law released his midseason Top 50 prospects list (ESPN Insider required), headlined by Bryce Harper.
- The Pirates and Angels discussed a trade of Garrett Jones for Jeff Mathis.
- Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria said he's seeking a third baseman and starting pitching, though not necessariy before the deadline.
- The Cubs won't trade Jeff Baker.
- The Cardinals checked in on the Blue Jays' surplus of right-handed relievers.
- The Tigers expressed interest in Braves righty Derek Lowe, and the Red Sox expressed interest in Dodgers righty Hiroki Kuroda.
- The Brewers and Royals discussed a swap involving third baseman Wilson Betemit.
- The Pirates and Rockies checked in with the Twins on Kevin Slowey.
- The Royals want pitching for Jeff Francoeur, who wants to stay in Kansas City.
- The Reds are seeking bullpen help, and their Ohio rivals, the Indians, are looking for offensive help.
- The Dodgers acquired Juan Rivera for a player to be named later, and designated Marcus Thames for assignment in order to make room for him. Rivera had been DFA'ed himself a week prior.
- There were several minor league deals: The Mets signed Gustavo Chacin. The White Sox signed Doug Davis. The Cubs signed Dave Bush. The Yankees signed J.C. Romero
- And several players were cut loose: The Mariners released Charlie Haeger. The Diamondbacks designated Wily Mo Pena for assignment. The Rangers designated Zach Phillips for assignment. Texas also released Manny Delcarmen and Seth McClung. The Athletics released Bobby Cramer.
- Bengie Molina announced that he does not intend to play in 2011.