Blue Jays Looking At Infielders
According to Bob Elliott of the Toronto Sun, the Blue Jays have discussed Astros third baseman Ty Wigginton and have looked at Rays shortstop Jason Bartlett. The Jays like Wigginton as a third baseman despite Scott Rolen‘s presence. And as you know, J.P. Ricciardi met with Rafael Furcal‘s agent.
Marlins Rumors: Cantu, Uggla, Pudge
10:17pm: Berardino says the Giants appear to be out of the running for Cantu due to defensive concerns. That sentiment has been coming from the Giants writers as well lately.
12:36pm: MLB.com’s Joe Frisaro says the Marlins "don’t have immediate interest" in Ivan Rodriguez.
10:49am: According to Ken Rosenthal, the Marlins don’t expect to trade Dan Uggla or Jorge Cantu at the Meetings, "but they remain open to all ideas." Cantu has been linked to the Giants and White Sox in recent days.
Rosenthal names the Braves, Reds, and Rays as teams interested in Jeremy Hermida, though nothing is close. Nick Cafardo also suggested the Giants. The Cubs apparently haven’t discussed Hermida in a while.
Delmon Young Rumors
8:22pm: Doesn’t sound like the Rays will acquire Delmon Young, but Aaron Gleeman does believe the Twins will move him.
5:49pm: Renck said below that the Rockies had not spoken to teams about Atkins, though LEN3 says they’ve talked to the Twins about him. Seems that the price is too high for the Twins, anyway.
4:40pm: MLB.com’s Kelly Thesier talked to a source who said it’s highly unlikely the Rays reacquire Young.
3:18pm: Troy Renck says the Rockies have not spoken to teams about Atkins. But it should be noted that Stark has only speculating with the Rockies portion of the below rumor.
10:53am: ESPN’s Jayson Stark is now speaking of "indications Monday night that Tampa Bay was still talking to the Twins about a deal that would bring outfielder Delmon Young back to the Rays." Stark speculates that it could be a three-team deal where the Rays ship out Andy Sonnanstine or Edwin Jackson, maybe to Colorado as a means of getting Garrett Atkins to Minnesota. Stark had a source yesterday saying the Rays would "never" take Young back, but that has apparently changed.
Yesterday, there was quite a bit of chatter about the Phillies doing their homework on Young. And keep in mind the Rockies had interest too.
Rays Met With Giambi
Marc Topkin says the Rays met with Jason Giambi Monday night, and even found photo evidence to prove it.
Perrotto’s Latest: Zambrano, Wolf, Anderson
Gathering some rumors from John Perrotto of Baseball Prospectus…
- We know you like "crazy rumors," so here’s one Perrotto heard. The Cubs would possibly entertain trading Carlos Zambrano if they acquire Jake Peavy.
- The Cards have Randy Wolf on the radar.
- The Rays have "at least some interest" in Garrett Anderson.
Cardinals Rumors: Downs, Gonzalez, Boyer
12:41pm: Marc Topkin heard chatter that the Rays and Cardinals are talking. Perhaps Ankiel or Ludwick could interest Tampa Bay.
Meanwhile Scott Lauber says the Cards may be interested in Madson as a potential closer.
8:36am: Joe Strauss of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says the Cardinals remain focused on short-term deals for starters. Possible names include Oliver Perez, Andy Pettitte, Brad Penny, and Randy Wolf. They’ll meet with Wolf’s agent by tomorrow afternoon.
John Mozeliak now seems open to a two or three-year deal for a reliever. He could trade an outfielder like Ryan Ludwick for a top guy, but shot down the idea of Ryan Madson. Makes no sense, Madson is only under team control for one more year. Schumaker and Chris Duncan are trade bait for Mozeliak.
8:28am: Bob Elliott of the Toronto Sun says the Cards have interest in Blue Jays lefty Scott Downs. Downs is owed $7.75MM over the next two seasons.
8:01am: We know the Cardinals chatted with the Braves about Mike Gonzalez and Blaine Boyer. Gerry Fraley says they also had trade talks with the Phillies, hoping to trade an outfielder for a reliever. Rick Ankiel and Skip Schumaker are apparently popular with other teams.
Rick Ankiel Rumors
Joel Sherman of the New York Post says Cardinals outfielder Rick Ankiel is popular, with at least five interested teams. He adds the Yankees, Rays, and Giants to the previously known Braves. With the lack of center fielders on the market, the interest makes sense. Sherman says the Cardinals seek a closer and/or a starter, and have some interest in Ian Kennedy.
Garrett Anderson A Fit For Rays?
Kevin Baxter of the L.A. Times passes along quotes from Rays manager Joe Maddon, who is fond of Garrett Anderson. Maddon knows GA from his days as an Angels coach. Whether the Rays are actually interested in his services remains to be seen.
Bradley To Rays Or Royals?
11:20pm: Dayton Moore shot down the Bradley rumor this evening. The KC Star’s Bob Dutton says the Royals still like Rafael Furcal and Orlando Hudson, but they’d need to free up money first. They’d be willing to trade Jose Guillen if there was a taker, but don’t want to move Gil Meche.
9:05pm: Ken Rosenthal spoke to a Rangers official who expects Milton Bradley to move on (at least they’ll snag a supplemental pick). This official believes the Rays and, surprisingly, the Royals are the leading suitors for Bradley. The Rays came away impressed after their lunch date with Bradley, who was in town for Eddie Guardado‘s poker tournament.
Marlins Rumors: Hermida, Pudge, Treanor
Mike Berardino has the latest on the Marlins, in posts here and here.
- The Cubs and Marlins haven’t discussed Jeremy Hermida in quite a while. In general, the Fish may be reluctant to sell low on Hermida. Berardino agrees that the idea of the Marlins acquiring Jason Bartlett doesn’t make sense.
- The Marlins might be planning a "low-wattage run" at Ivan Rodriguez.
- Catcher Matt Treanor is a non-tender candidate, so the Marlins may move him before Friday.