Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports has lots of great stuff in his latest edition of Full Count. Here's a look at the highlights..
- The Rangers' interest in Matt Garza is nothing new and two sources told Rosenthal that they nearly acquired Garza at last year's trade deadline with one source saying it was within minutes of happening and the other saying it was really close. The problem was that Garza was dealing with a triceps issue and it turned out that he didn't pitch after July 21st. The two sides were working on various contingencies right up until the last day but they eventually decided to just deal for Ryan Dempster instead.
- Phillies GM Ruben Amaro is reluctant to trade players who could be part of the team's future, specifically Jonathan Papelbon, Chase Utley, Cliff Lee, and Cole Hamels. When asked specifically about the idea of creating another closer if they part with Papelbon, Amaro noted that the only time they have done that was with Ryan Madson and it took four years for him to develop into a closer. Amaro explained that he doesn't have that kind of time and none of their young pitchers are even remotely ready to close.
- The Brewers' Yovani Gallardo and Kyle Lohse wouldn't figure to be in high demand, but their respective contracts make them attractive to contending clubs. The upcoming free agent market will be thin in starters and guys like Garza, Josh Johnson, and Ricky Nolasco will want at least three or four years. Gallardo and Lohse are under club control for two more years at below market salary – Lohse makes $11MM in 2014 and 2015 while Gallardo makes $11.25MM with a $13MM club option for 2015.
- The White Sox are a virtual lock to make deals before the deadline, but even then, their work might not be done. Even if Paul Konerko and Jake Peavy do not show that they are fully healthy by July 31st, they could get moved during the August waiver period. Both would figure to clear waivers and if Konerko wants to join a contender, he would waive his 10-and-5 rights and the White Sox would almost certainly try to accommodate him.
