Mike Axisa | MLB Trade Rumors

Red Sox Designate Tommy Hottovy For Assignment

By Mike Axisa | July 16, 2011 at 12:15pm CDT

The Red Sox have designated Tommy Hottovy for assignment, reports WEEI.com's Rob Bradford (on Twitter). The move frees up a 40-man roster spot for lefty Randy Williams, who was called up from Triple-A.

Hottovy, 30, reached the big leagues for the first time this year after being drafted in fourth round of the 2004 draft. The left-handed reliever appeared in eight game for Boston, posting a 6.75 ERA with three walks and two strikeouts in four inning. He faced eight lefty batters, giving up two hits and a walk.

Marlins Seek Third Baseman & Starting Pitching

By Mike Axisa | July 16, 2011 at 12:03pm CDT

Marlins' owner Jeffrey Loria told MLB.com's Joe Frisaro that the team is looking to add an experienced third baseman and starting pitching, though not necessarily before the trade deadline. The Marlins are opening up a new stadium next year and want to build a foundation for the future.

Florida has used six different third basemen this year and they're hitting a collective .269/.331/.345 with two homers. Top prospect Matt Dominguez is hitting .245/.306/.410 with their Triple-A affiliate since coming back from a broken elbow, but the team would prefer a veteran stop gap until he's ready to take over the hot corner. Loria said they'll monitor the market now and continue to do so into the offseason.

Both Anibal Sanchez and Ricky Nolasco were rumored to be on the trade block, but Frisaro says the team has little interest in trading either. Dealing one or both of the right-handers would weaken an already thin starting staff that has been without ace Josh Johnson since mid-May. The Marlins have used nine different starting pitchers this year, the second most in baseball.

Cubs Do Not Intend To Trade Jeff Baker

By Mike Axisa | July 16, 2011 at 10:46am CDT

Despite being "open for business," the Cubs will not trade utility man Jeff Baker according to Ken Rosenthal and Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports. Rival executives are saying Chicago envisions him as part of their team next season.

Baker, 30, is hitting .304/.324/.422 in 139 plate appearances this year, and he's played the three non-shortstop infield positions as well as the corner outfield spots. The FOX scribes say the Cubs are under no pressure to shed payroll, and Baker is making just $1.175MM this year and will remain under team control as an arbitration-eligible player next season. The Red Sox and Indians have reportedly shown interest in him.

Olney’s Latest: Trade Market, Tigers, D’Backs, Beltran

By Mike Axisa | July 16, 2011 at 9:47am CDT

In today's Insider-only blog post, Buster Olney says that a high-ranking official told him the "dam is about ready to burst on the trade market." The number of phone calls is multiplying and everyone is getting more serious. "I think that once July 24 hits, that's when you're going to see a bunch of things happen," said an AL official. "There's a lot of talk."

Let's round up Olney's rumors…

The Tigers continue to look for high-end starters, not the third and fourth starter types that flood the market. They had scouts at Ubaldo Jimenez's most recent start.
The Diamondbacks are focused on less expensive relief pitchers, like Brad Ziegler and Jason Isringhausen.
The Mariners are pitching-rich and willing to listen to offers. Erik Bedard's knee may be healthy in time for him to make two starts before the deadline.
Josh Willingham "is going to be traded at some point."
Since the left-handed relief market is so thin, teams have begun scouting right-handed relievers that are effective against lefties. David Pauley, Mike Adams, Koji Uehara, Tyler Clippard, and Joel Peralta fit the bill.
In a tweet, Olney says the Mets are insisting on a top prospect in return for Carlos Beltran. He adds that pressure on the Giants to add a bat is decreasing as their division lead continues to grow.

Phillies Have Interest In Heath Bell & Mike Adams

By Mike Axisa | July 16, 2011 at 8:48am CDT

The Phillies are looking to shore up their bullpen before the trade deadline, and a source tells Jim Salisbury of CSNPhilly.com that the team is interested in Padres relievers Heath Bell and Mike Adams. Nothing appears imminent, however.

Philadelphia just welcomed Ryan Madson back from the disabled list, but there's a chance Jose Contreras will miss the rest of the season. Reports from Brad Lidge's most recent rehab outing was not encouraging either; he hit two batters, threw three wild pitches, and topped out at 89 mph in 2/3 of an inning on Thursday night. Mike Stutes (3.45 ERA in 31 1/3 IP) and Antonio Bastardo (0.79 ERA in 34 IP) have stepped up in the late innings through all the injuries.

Although Bell and Adams are their two most attractive pieces, the Padres also have Chad Qualls and Luke Gregerson to trade. Salisbury reiterates that the Phillies are also looking for a right-handed outfield bat despite John Mayberry Jr.'s recent hot streak, and San Diego has Ryan Ludwick to offer. For all the latest on late-game bullpens with a fantasy twist, check out Closer News.

Baseball Blogs Weigh In: K-Rod, Holland, Shields

By Mike Axisa | July 15, 2011 at 11:00pm CDT

Two years ago today, the Phillies and Pedro Martinez finalized a one-year deal worth $1MM. The then-37-year-old Martinez made nine starts down the stretch for Philadelphia, posting a 3.63 ERA in 44 2/3 innings. He also made three playoff starts for the eventual NL Champs but hasn't pitched since, and it looks like he's finally heading towards official retirement.

Are this week's links as good as Pedro in his prime? Probably not. But they're still worth your time…

Disciples of Uecker interviewed Brewers' prospect Jimmy Nelson.
Amazin' Avenue says the Mets didn't wave the white flag by trading Francisco Rodriguez.
Brotherly Glove explains how the K-Rod trade impacts the Phillies.
Mike Scioscia's Tragic Illness runs through buy, sell, and "other" scenarios for the Dodgers.
Baseball Time In Arlington wonders if Derek Holland is becoming trade bait.
DRays Bay explores the possibility of trading James Shields.
U.S.S. Mariner tries to determine the trade value of Mariners that might be on the block.
Royals Review revisited Dayton Moore's deadline trades as Royals GM.
Splice Today thinks the Red Sox should extend Dustin Pedroia's contract.
Clutch City Today wrote about the Astros selling high on Wandy Rodriguez.
Beer Leaguer explains the problem(s) with trading Edwin Jackson.
Feeling Dodger Blue wonders if Hiroki Kuroda's days with the Dodgers are numbered.
The Friarhood listed some players the Padres should target in trades.
Splashing Pumpkins believes Jamey Carroll should be a trade target for the Giants.
Wahoo Blues wonders if the Indians could make a run at David DeJesus.
The Yankees Analysts says the Yankees need to add a bat before the trade deadline.
Blogging Mets thinks Mike Pelfrey could be a non-tender candidate.
Cubs Den muses about Billy Beane becoming the next GM of the Cubs.
Camden Chat wrote about what it means to be a fan of a bad team.
Through The Fence Baseball wonders if the Pirates will be buyers at the trade deadline.
Pirates Prospects posted a primer on the Pirates' needs and the prospects they could trade (preview, hitters, starters, relievers).
Sports: A Game Of Inches proposed five changes to the Home Run Derby.

If you have a suggestion for this feature, Mike can be reached here. Only one email per week, please.

Heyman’s Latest: K-Rod, Jackson, Twins, Reyes

By Mike Axisa | July 15, 2011 at 12:11pm CDT

Let's round up the latest from SI.com's Jon Heyman…

The Mets were telling interested clubs that Francisco Rodriguez would be with a new team "within 48 hours" of the reliever's decision to switch agents and hire Scott Boras. The trade with the Brewers was announced four days later.
Heyman lists 40 players that could be traded before the deadline, headlined by the usual suspects: Carlos Beltran, Heath Bell, B.J. Upton, and Josh Willingham.
"Calls are coming in" about Edwin Jackson, and the White Sox will have the rotation depth to move him once John Danks returns from the disabled list.
Jose Reyes has told the Mets he won't negotiate a contract extension during the season, but he hasn't completely ruled out an extension with a new team if traded.
The Mets are "unlikely" to trade Mike Pelfrey, despite his climbing salary.
The Twins are telling teams they're going for it.
Beltran's salary would be an issue for both the Indians and Reds, though Cleveland is looking for an outfield bat.
In a tweet, Heyman notes that the Reds and Phillies match up well with the Padres for a trade, since both teams are looking for a right-handed outfield bat and bullpen help. San Diego has Ryan Ludwick and a stable of quality relievers to offer.

Tigers Have Interest In Beltran, Focused On Pitching

By Mike Axisa | July 14, 2011 at 11:44am CDT

The Tigers have interest in Carlos Beltran, but a source tells Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports that the team is still focused on finding a starting pitcher. They are not having any serious talks with the Royals about Jeff Francis, with the Astros about Brett Myers and Wandy Rodriguez, or with the Cubs about Ryan Dempster. They're also unlikely to acquire Erik Bedard from Seattle, according to Morosi.

Detroit has gotten very little production out of left field (.251/.296/.387) and center field (.244/.320/.369) this year, so Beltran would be an obvious help. Tim Dierkes wrote about their left field plight earlier this week. Their rotation is middle of the pack with a 4.08 ERA, but that is boosted by the great Justin Verlander (2.15). Max Scherzer, Rick Porcello, and Brad Penny all have 4.50+ ERA's, and Phil Coke (4.88 ERA) has just been replaced by rookie Charlie Furbush. The Tigers maintain their interest in Hiroki Kuroda.

Astros Sign Harold Arauz

By Mike Axisa | July 13, 2011 at 7:11pm CDT

The Astros have signed right-hander Harold Arauz for $300K, reports Ben Badler of Baseball America. The 16-year-old from Panama was named MVP of the Dominican Prospect League All-Star Game in May.

In a subscriber-only scouting report, Badler notes that the 6-foot-4 righty sits in the high-80's with his fastball. He's said to have "a clean delivery and throws strikes with some feel for his secondary stuff." The Astros had previously signed Dominican shortstop Luis Reynoso for $700K.

Francisco Rodriguez Hires Scott Boras

By Mike Axisa | July 9, 2011 at 9:32pm CDT

Francisco Rodriguez has changed agents. MLB.com’s Adam Berry and Anthony DiComo report that the Mets’ closer has signed on with Scott Boras after having been represented by Paul Kinzer of Wasserman Media Group.

Rodriguez, 29, is scheduled to become a free agent after the season as long as his $17.5MM option for 2012 does not vest. He needs to finish 55 games for the option to kick in, and right now he’s at 34 and on pace for 62. K-Rod’s name has popped up in trade rumors all year and that figures to continue this month, so the option could become moot if he’s dealt to a team that would use him as a setup man.

Yesterday we learned that K-Rod and Boras met in Los Angeles earlier this week. Boras has also been trying to snag Jose Reyes, another impending free agent. Check out our Agency Database for a list of Boras and WMG clients.

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