Baseball Guru
07-21-2001, 07:07 PM
Rumor Mill
SportsLine.com staff
Updated July 20, 2001
With baseball's non-waiver deadline less than two weeks away, the trade talk is the hottest of the year. Here's the latest:
Yanks want a Crime Dog
Fred McGriff
The Crime Dog turned down the Cubs, but can he turn down The Boss? The New York Post reports that the Yankees are interested in Devil Rays first baseman Fred McGriff for use as a DH. They're hoping the fact that the Yankees train in Tampa would alleviate McGriff's concerns about moving his family.
Giants join Astacio talks
Pedro Astacio
The Giants have joined the Pedro Astacio sweepstakes, according to the Contra Costa Times. The Rockies are interested in outfielder Armando Rios, though that might have passed now that Colorado has Alex Ochoa. ... Talks with the Blue Jays have heated up with Shannon Stewart wanted as part of the return. ... Cards GM Walt Jocketty denied a report that he made the Rockies an offer for Pedro Astacio that included infielder Placido Polanco, Gene Stechschulte and Bud Smith. In fact, Jocketty said he's not close to any deal for a pitcher. ... The Rockies rejected a 10-player offer from the Mets that would have sent Astacio to New York along with Neifi Perez, Jeff Cirillo, Juan Pierre and Juan Acevedo for Rusch, Robin Ventura, Jay Payton, Rey Ordonez and Rick White. The offer was made within the last 10 days, according to Newsday. Mets GM Steve Phillips denied the exact offer but not the big-name player discussions. ... When the Astros asked about Astacio, the Rockies made a less realistic request for Scott Elarton, Tim Redding, Daryle Ward and prospects, according the Denver Post. ... Other teams interested in Astacio include Minnesota, Arizona, Cleveland, Seattle, Philadelphia, Boston, both New York teams and -- surprise! -- Oakland.
Rusch to deadline
Glendon Rusch
It figured that Glendon Rusch's future with the Mets wouldn't look secure for long. The New York Post reports that the Astros and Mets have been eyeing a Rusch-for-Daryle Ward trade for some time. With Rusch's renewed struggles and New York's need for outfielders more apparent, such a deal makes sense, though an official close to the discussions said nothing was close while the teams look at other options. Houston also discussed a possible deal for Al Leiter, who thought the Astros were among the teams included in his no-trade clause. Turns out they're not, according to the Star-Ledger. ... The Rockies and Dodgers have similar interest in Rusch. Mets GM Steve Phillips would reportedly love to package Rusch in a trade that also relieves the club of Todd Zeile or Rey Ordonez. ... The Yankees have also talked about Ward in exchange for Ted Lilly or Randy Keisler, according to the Star-Ledger.
Braves can't keep up with Jones
Andruw Jones
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that the Braves are already dreading the negotiations that lie ahead with Andruw Jones, who was awarded a record $8.2 million in arbitration last winter and will be a free agent after next season. His agent, Scott Boras, didn't earn many friends in Atlanta with the courtship of Alex Rodriguez. The talk is that the Braves might attempt to trade Jones this winter while they can still find value and avoid the whole mess.
No Halama for Toronto
Jose Cruz Jr.
John Halama's lousy start for the Mariners on Monday has cooled Toronto's interest in the left-hander. According to the Toronto Sun, the M's are willing to give up Brett Tomko and either right-hander Joel Pineiro -- who has pitched 9 1/3 scoreless innings since being recalled from Triple-A Tacoma -- or lefty Robert Ramsay, but likely not both, for Jose Cruz Jr. Coincidentally, Seattle will showcase the 22-year-old Pineiro when he takes Halama's spot in the rotation Saturday at Minnesota.
Dodgers don't want Woody
Woody Williams
Sources told the Los Angeles Times that the Dodgers rejected a trade that would've brought them Padres starter Woody Williams. The reason: salary concerns. Williams has $2.5 million coming to him for the reason and a $6.5 million option for 2002. Given that, plus reports that Scott Boras wants $20 million a year for free agent Chan Ho Park this winter, it's hard to imagine how the Dodgers would be willing to spend even more on Pedro Astacio. ... They're also closely watching White Sox starter James Baldwin, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. Moving Baldwin would make room for Jon Garland, whom the Sox still believe can blossom into a front-line starter given his 2.66 ERA in 14 relief outings this year.
Phillies make offer for relief
Troy Percival
The Phillies have reportedly made about a half-dozen offers that would garner them relief help, including one the Philadelphia Daily News termed "a significant deal" Monday for which they're awaiting response. GM Ed Wade is believed to have made the proposal for Montreal's Ugueth Urbina, Anaheim's Troy Percival or Toronto's Kelvim Escobar. The Toronto Sun reports the Phils made an offer for Escobar, and they're eyeing Paul Quantrill and Dan Plesac as well.
Cubs move on after McGriff's rejection
Brad Fullmer
Spurned by Fred McGriff, the Cubs are exploring their options for more help with the bat. They're interested in Toronto's Brad Fullmer, who hasn't played regularly at first base -- or any defensive position -- since he was an Expo in 1999. The Rangers' Andres Galarraga is another possibility. They could also re-enter talks for Jason Giambi (see below). Rondell White's injury will likely turn the Cubs' attention more towards outfield help as well. Cincinnati's Dmitri Young and Pittsburgh's John Vander Wal, both of whom can play left field and first base, look more appetizing. So does Detroit's Tony Clark.
Red Sox need a starter
Al Leiter
The Red Sox are one of three teams interested in acquiring Mets left-hander Al Leiter, with the Mariners and Indians believed to be the others. However, according to the Boston Globe, the BoSox are the only one of those clubs for which the Mets wouldn't need Leiter's permission to finalize a deal under the no-trade clause in his contract. So far, Mets GM Steve Phillips hasn't indicated that he's shopping Leiter. The Sox have also been scouting Giants lefty Shawn Estes, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. However, Dan Duquette's men reportedly haven't yet approached San Francisco about a deal.
Twins have buying power
Sterling Hitchcock
The Twins have entered the trade market -- as buyers, for a change -- in the quest to shore up their starting rotation. Possible late entrants on the Cinderella ride to October include San Diego's Sterling Hitchcock, Pittsburgh's Jason Schmidt, Baltimore's Jose Mercedes and White Sox hurler James Baldwin. All are mid-priced veterans. ... The Twins also might be looking for a DH with David Ortiz out for the foreseeable future. They sent two scouts to Monday's Giants-Rangers game, presumably to look at Andres Galarraga.
Jason Gone-bi
Jason Giambi
Broadcast reports earlier in the week that A's owner Steve Schott has given the orders to trade Jason Giambi, but reports out of Oakland say Schott considers it an option, not yet a necessity. ... Giambi's agent, Arn Tellem, told the San Francisco Chronicle last week that Giambi would no longer accept a "hometown discount" to stay with the Athletics. The sides nearly had an agreement during the spring, but the team would not agree to a no-trade clause. Now that Giambi is swinging a hot bat again, his asking price has soared. The Yankees, Braves and Red Sox are especially interested in him. The Yankees would probably give up first-base prospect Nick Johnson, who was raised in Northern California -- a fact that would take some of the sting out of losing Giambi for A's fans. However, the Bergen Record insists that A's GM Billy Beane would rather not add to the Yankees dynasty if he has to trade Giambi, despite Beane's friendship with Yankees GM Brian Cashman.
Wait, there's more ...
Johnny Damon
If the A's don't start rolling soon, Johnny Damon and Jason Isringhausen might also be traded. Damon has already said he would test the free-agent market. According to the Sacramento Bee, Oakland scouts have been following the Cubs this month to identify players the team would want in exchange for Damon. Isringhausen has been waiting to see what will happen with Giambi. If he goes, Isringhausen probably won't re-sign with Oakland. The Bee has reported that Arizona is interested in him. The Diamondbacks continue to eye Isringhausen, Pittsburgh's Mike Williams, the Mets' Armando Benitez, Anaheim's Troy Percival and White Sox closer Keith Foulke. The problem with many of these guys is the price the D-Backs would have to pay in prospects, a resource on which they're woefully short.
SportsLine.com staff
Updated July 20, 2001
With baseball's non-waiver deadline less than two weeks away, the trade talk is the hottest of the year. Here's the latest:
Yanks want a Crime Dog
Fred McGriff
The Crime Dog turned down the Cubs, but can he turn down The Boss? The New York Post reports that the Yankees are interested in Devil Rays first baseman Fred McGriff for use as a DH. They're hoping the fact that the Yankees train in Tampa would alleviate McGriff's concerns about moving his family.
Giants join Astacio talks
Pedro Astacio
The Giants have joined the Pedro Astacio sweepstakes, according to the Contra Costa Times. The Rockies are interested in outfielder Armando Rios, though that might have passed now that Colorado has Alex Ochoa. ... Talks with the Blue Jays have heated up with Shannon Stewart wanted as part of the return. ... Cards GM Walt Jocketty denied a report that he made the Rockies an offer for Pedro Astacio that included infielder Placido Polanco, Gene Stechschulte and Bud Smith. In fact, Jocketty said he's not close to any deal for a pitcher. ... The Rockies rejected a 10-player offer from the Mets that would have sent Astacio to New York along with Neifi Perez, Jeff Cirillo, Juan Pierre and Juan Acevedo for Rusch, Robin Ventura, Jay Payton, Rey Ordonez and Rick White. The offer was made within the last 10 days, according to Newsday. Mets GM Steve Phillips denied the exact offer but not the big-name player discussions. ... When the Astros asked about Astacio, the Rockies made a less realistic request for Scott Elarton, Tim Redding, Daryle Ward and prospects, according the Denver Post. ... Other teams interested in Astacio include Minnesota, Arizona, Cleveland, Seattle, Philadelphia, Boston, both New York teams and -- surprise! -- Oakland.
Rusch to deadline
Glendon Rusch
It figured that Glendon Rusch's future with the Mets wouldn't look secure for long. The New York Post reports that the Astros and Mets have been eyeing a Rusch-for-Daryle Ward trade for some time. With Rusch's renewed struggles and New York's need for outfielders more apparent, such a deal makes sense, though an official close to the discussions said nothing was close while the teams look at other options. Houston also discussed a possible deal for Al Leiter, who thought the Astros were among the teams included in his no-trade clause. Turns out they're not, according to the Star-Ledger. ... The Rockies and Dodgers have similar interest in Rusch. Mets GM Steve Phillips would reportedly love to package Rusch in a trade that also relieves the club of Todd Zeile or Rey Ordonez. ... The Yankees have also talked about Ward in exchange for Ted Lilly or Randy Keisler, according to the Star-Ledger.
Braves can't keep up with Jones
Andruw Jones
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that the Braves are already dreading the negotiations that lie ahead with Andruw Jones, who was awarded a record $8.2 million in arbitration last winter and will be a free agent after next season. His agent, Scott Boras, didn't earn many friends in Atlanta with the courtship of Alex Rodriguez. The talk is that the Braves might attempt to trade Jones this winter while they can still find value and avoid the whole mess.
No Halama for Toronto
Jose Cruz Jr.
John Halama's lousy start for the Mariners on Monday has cooled Toronto's interest in the left-hander. According to the Toronto Sun, the M's are willing to give up Brett Tomko and either right-hander Joel Pineiro -- who has pitched 9 1/3 scoreless innings since being recalled from Triple-A Tacoma -- or lefty Robert Ramsay, but likely not both, for Jose Cruz Jr. Coincidentally, Seattle will showcase the 22-year-old Pineiro when he takes Halama's spot in the rotation Saturday at Minnesota.
Dodgers don't want Woody
Woody Williams
Sources told the Los Angeles Times that the Dodgers rejected a trade that would've brought them Padres starter Woody Williams. The reason: salary concerns. Williams has $2.5 million coming to him for the reason and a $6.5 million option for 2002. Given that, plus reports that Scott Boras wants $20 million a year for free agent Chan Ho Park this winter, it's hard to imagine how the Dodgers would be willing to spend even more on Pedro Astacio. ... They're also closely watching White Sox starter James Baldwin, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. Moving Baldwin would make room for Jon Garland, whom the Sox still believe can blossom into a front-line starter given his 2.66 ERA in 14 relief outings this year.
Phillies make offer for relief
Troy Percival
The Phillies have reportedly made about a half-dozen offers that would garner them relief help, including one the Philadelphia Daily News termed "a significant deal" Monday for which they're awaiting response. GM Ed Wade is believed to have made the proposal for Montreal's Ugueth Urbina, Anaheim's Troy Percival or Toronto's Kelvim Escobar. The Toronto Sun reports the Phils made an offer for Escobar, and they're eyeing Paul Quantrill and Dan Plesac as well.
Cubs move on after McGriff's rejection
Brad Fullmer
Spurned by Fred McGriff, the Cubs are exploring their options for more help with the bat. They're interested in Toronto's Brad Fullmer, who hasn't played regularly at first base -- or any defensive position -- since he was an Expo in 1999. The Rangers' Andres Galarraga is another possibility. They could also re-enter talks for Jason Giambi (see below). Rondell White's injury will likely turn the Cubs' attention more towards outfield help as well. Cincinnati's Dmitri Young and Pittsburgh's John Vander Wal, both of whom can play left field and first base, look more appetizing. So does Detroit's Tony Clark.
Red Sox need a starter
Al Leiter
The Red Sox are one of three teams interested in acquiring Mets left-hander Al Leiter, with the Mariners and Indians believed to be the others. However, according to the Boston Globe, the BoSox are the only one of those clubs for which the Mets wouldn't need Leiter's permission to finalize a deal under the no-trade clause in his contract. So far, Mets GM Steve Phillips hasn't indicated that he's shopping Leiter. The Sox have also been scouting Giants lefty Shawn Estes, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. However, Dan Duquette's men reportedly haven't yet approached San Francisco about a deal.
Twins have buying power
Sterling Hitchcock
The Twins have entered the trade market -- as buyers, for a change -- in the quest to shore up their starting rotation. Possible late entrants on the Cinderella ride to October include San Diego's Sterling Hitchcock, Pittsburgh's Jason Schmidt, Baltimore's Jose Mercedes and White Sox hurler James Baldwin. All are mid-priced veterans. ... The Twins also might be looking for a DH with David Ortiz out for the foreseeable future. They sent two scouts to Monday's Giants-Rangers game, presumably to look at Andres Galarraga.
Jason Gone-bi
Jason Giambi
Broadcast reports earlier in the week that A's owner Steve Schott has given the orders to trade Jason Giambi, but reports out of Oakland say Schott considers it an option, not yet a necessity. ... Giambi's agent, Arn Tellem, told the San Francisco Chronicle last week that Giambi would no longer accept a "hometown discount" to stay with the Athletics. The sides nearly had an agreement during the spring, but the team would not agree to a no-trade clause. Now that Giambi is swinging a hot bat again, his asking price has soared. The Yankees, Braves and Red Sox are especially interested in him. The Yankees would probably give up first-base prospect Nick Johnson, who was raised in Northern California -- a fact that would take some of the sting out of losing Giambi for A's fans. However, the Bergen Record insists that A's GM Billy Beane would rather not add to the Yankees dynasty if he has to trade Giambi, despite Beane's friendship with Yankees GM Brian Cashman.
Wait, there's more ...
Johnny Damon
If the A's don't start rolling soon, Johnny Damon and Jason Isringhausen might also be traded. Damon has already said he would test the free-agent market. According to the Sacramento Bee, Oakland scouts have been following the Cubs this month to identify players the team would want in exchange for Damon. Isringhausen has been waiting to see what will happen with Giambi. If he goes, Isringhausen probably won't re-sign with Oakland. The Bee has reported that Arizona is interested in him. The Diamondbacks continue to eye Isringhausen, Pittsburgh's Mike Williams, the Mets' Armando Benitez, Anaheim's Troy Percival and White Sox closer Keith Foulke. The problem with many of these guys is the price the D-Backs would have to pay in prospects, a resource on which they're woefully short.