3-2 Changeup
07-07-2003, 06:54 PM
From ESPN Insider Rumor Central
Kris Benson, Pirates
Red Sox
Jul. 7 - Peter Gammons reports the Red Sox have inquired about Benson but are unlikely to pay a big price to acquire him because of fears the right-hander has lost his curveball. A column in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette last week asserted that Benson is "perceived as soft by his teammates, others in the organization and scouts around baseball." Add that to a salary of $4.5 million this season that rises to $6.1 million in 2004, and it's hard to see Pittsburgh demanding much in return.
Brian Giles, Pirates
A's
Yankees
Jul. 7 - Reports previously had linked Giles to the Yankees in a possible deal involving pitcher Jeff Weaver, but the latest word from Peter Gammons has Pirates GM Dave Littlefield holding ongoing talks with the A's. However, Littlefield's target reportedly is Triple-A shortstop Bobby Crosby, and the A's are reluctant to part with the player they're hoping can take over for Miguel Tejada, who is expected to leave in free agency after this season.
But the A's lost Jermaine Dye for 3-6 weeks with a shoulder separation Sunday, which might make them more willing to pull the trigger on acquiring an outfielder with some pop.
Kris Benson, Pirates
Red Sox
Jul. 7 - Peter Gammons reports the Red Sox have inquired about Benson but are unlikely to pay a big price to acquire him because of fears the right-hander has lost his curveball. A column in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette last week asserted that Benson is "perceived as soft by his teammates, others in the organization and scouts around baseball." Add that to a salary of $4.5 million this season that rises to $6.1 million in 2004, and it's hard to see Pittsburgh demanding much in return.
Brian Giles, Pirates
A's
Yankees
Jul. 7 - Reports previously had linked Giles to the Yankees in a possible deal involving pitcher Jeff Weaver, but the latest word from Peter Gammons has Pirates GM Dave Littlefield holding ongoing talks with the A's. However, Littlefield's target reportedly is Triple-A shortstop Bobby Crosby, and the A's are reluctant to part with the player they're hoping can take over for Miguel Tejada, who is expected to leave in free agency after this season.
But the A's lost Jermaine Dye for 3-6 weeks with a shoulder separation Sunday, which might make them more willing to pull the trigger on acquiring an outfielder with some pop.