Ben Maller's MLB rumors
by FOXSports.com
Phils scout Sabathia and Bedard
The Phillies have Cleveland Indians lefthander C.C. Sabathia atop their wish list and have scouted him in recent weeks. But they also have an eye on Seattle Mariners lefthander Erik Bedard, who is 5-4 with a 3.79 ERA in 14 starts and seems to be available. Charley Kerfeld, special assistant to general manager Pat Gillick, scouted Bedard in Seattle recently. And the Mariners had a couple of scouts in Reading last night to watch righthander Carlos Carrasco, who is considered the Phillies' top prospect. They did not get to see Carrasco, however, because he was scratched after he felt shoulder stiffness in the bullpen before the game. But those Mariners scouts could be in Philadelphia this weekend, taking a look at some of the big-league talent the Phillies might have available. -- Philadelphia Inquirer
Halos Matthews Jr. and Weaver for Rockies Holliday?
Nearly two years after making an offseason play for Todd Helton, the Angels continue searching for a bat, leading to national speculation they will pursue Matt Holliday and Pittsburgh's Jason Bay, among others. A scenario involving Holliday is not unrealistic, but complicated. For starters, Angels outfielder Gary Matthews Jr., who would have to be moved in the deal to clear a spot, has a complete no-trade clause. The Angels also are not poised to move a premium starter such as Joe Saunders, Jered Weaver or Ervin Santana -- quality, not quantity is what the Rockies would seek in any trade, general manager Dan O'Dowd said recently -- after losing Kelvim Escobar to a season-ending injury.-- Denver Post
M's Beltre to Oakland?
The A's did not have the results back Wednesday afternoon, but they have been linked to Seattle third baseman Adrian Beltre in a recent trade rumor. Considering that Beltre has roughly $18 million left on a deal that runs through next year, that's a stretch, but if Chavez were to miss extensive time, the team certainly would examine every option. -- SF Chronicle
Royals Mahay drawing interest as trade deadline creeps closer
Lefty reliever Ron Mahay is drawing plenty of interest from contenders seeking to bolster their bullpen before the July 31 non-waiver trading deadline. No surprise there. Mahay continues to undergird the Royals' bullpen with remarkable consistency. He improved to 4-0 and lowered his ERA to 2.13 by pitching two scoreless innings Monday night when the Royals rallied for a 6-5 victory over the Orioles in 11 innings. For now, the interest is mostly a low-level buzz among scouts. Nobody has called yet with a firm offer. That figures to change, although the Royals seem disinclined to deal unless overwhelmed. The Tigers, Yankees, Red Sox, Marlins and Rays are all known to be shopping for relievers. The Yankees made a strong run last winter to sign Mahay as a free agent before he chose the Royals. -- KC Star
Will A's deal Blanton and Harden?
With many people predicting a 90-loss season for Oakland, the assumption was that the A's would look to trade Joe Blanton and/or Rich Harden before the July 31 deadline, continuing the process that began over the winter when Dan Haren went to Arizona and Nick Swisher to the White Sox. Oakland remains in the race at midseason, and A's general manager Billy Beane often has picked up prominent players in July for stretch runs. -- SF Chronicle
Livan Hernandez wants to re-sign with Twins
Twins pitcher Livan Hernandez, 33, who has been with six clubs during his 13-year career and can become a free agent after the season, said he wants to re-sign with Minnesota. "I like Minnesota, I like the organization; I want to stay here," said Hernandez, who is 8-5 with a 5.22 earned-run average. -- Pioneer Press
Will Tribe deal Byrd and Blake?
Does the white flag go up and pitchers C.C. Sabathia, Paul Byrd and third baseman Casey Blake and others go on the market? "It's a day off, a chance to talk as a staff, not just with the front office," Eric Wedge said. "It's not a drop-dead date by any stretch of the imagination. It's time to catch our breath, talk about different areas of our club and different players on our club." -- Cleveland Plain Dealer
Jeff Samardzija opening eyes with Iowa Cubs
The Cubs are closely monitoring the progress of pitching prospect Jeff Samardzija, who has pitched well in his first two starts at Triple-A Iowa. "Actually, he has been throwing the ball better in Triple-A than in Double-A ball," manager Lou Piniella said. "Maybe if we move him up to the big leagues, he'll even throw the ball better." Piniella was laughing when he said it, but speculation is the former Notre Dame football/baseball star is being groomed to come up later in the year and provide the Cubs with another power arm in the bullpen. -- Chicago Tribune
Hanley Ramirez a Yankee?
t's a cinch the Yankees already have been thinking about Hanley Ramirez, dreaming Steinbrennerian dreams of having him in their lineup sooner rather than later, perhaps as a successor someday to the 34-year-old Derek Jeter. The recent six-year, $70 million contract extension Ramirez signed would mean nothing to the Yankees, who would consider that kind of money a pittance of an investment. And wouldn't the Yankees get a kick out of having Ramirez, a product of the Boston Red Sox system, on their roster in the prime of his career? Not that Ramirez is thinking about such things. -- Palm Beach Post
Steve Stone in, DJ out of Sox TV booth?
As a broadcaster, Darrin Jackson has never been in the uncomfortable position in which he currently finds himself -- unsure whether the White Sox want him back next season. The Sox hold an option on Jackson, and they don't plan to let him know their intentions until late in the season or after the season, when they're obliged to do so contractually. "Common sense lets you know that obviously if they want you back, they would have already picked your option up," Jackson said Tuesday in the Sox's dugout at U.S. Cellular Field. "And if they wanted you back for a long time, they would have given you a long-term contract. But that doesn't mean none of that's going to happen. It still could." Sure, it could. But there's a reason the Sox are biding their time, and two industry sources with knowledge of the situation say it's an obvious one: Steve Stone. If Stone doesn't join a Cubs ownership group, the Sox would strongly consider moving him from their radio booth to TV to pair him with Hawk Harrelson. That could open a radio position for Jackson alongside Ed Farmer. -- Chicago Tribune
A's cut back on big-league payroll to pay 16-year-old
Billy Beane said that the A's have cut back on big-league payroll in order to better fund the infrastructure. He called the $4.25 million for Inoa a superior investment to adding a $4 million free agent for a year. Right now, Inoa would be a top-15 draft pick if he were a U.S. player; by the time he's 18, he'd be among the top five picks, Beane said. Those spots get bonuses of $4 million-plus. -- SF Chronicle
Tribe closer to trading Sabathia?
This could dictate a change of scenery for staff ace C.C. Sabathia, who undoubtedly would be the biggest name on the trading block. It is believed the Tribe is making a last-ditch effort to sign Sabathia -- who is eligible for free agency after this season -- to a contract extension. But Sabathia cut off negotiations at the beginning of Spring Training, and the Indians' prospects of signing him were never considered all that strong to begin with. The Cubs, Dodgers, Phillies, Brewers, Rays, Red Sox and Yankees are just some of the teams that have been rumored as potential landing places for Sabathia. But the Indians' asking price likely will be steep. -- ClevelandIndians.com
Cards consider Matt Clement
Cardinals righthander Matt Clement concluded his 30-day rehab assignment Wednesday night with a scoreless inning and continued uncertainty about his next move. The Cardinals will keep Clement on the disabled list and plan to address his situation by this weekend, general manager John Mozeliak said. Among the considerations will be optioning Clement to Class AAA Memphis or outrighting him there in an attempt to float him through waivers and into Class AAA to continue working toward the majors. Clement signed a one-year, $1.5 million deal this winter, and he has not pitched in the majors in two years because of extensive surgery in his right shoulder. He shifted from starter to reliever once he reached Memphis on his rehab assignment and put up favorable results in the reduced-inning role. In four relief appearances, Clement pitched four scoreless innings, allowed one hit, walked two and struck out four. -- St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Rangers Blalock trade bait?
As good as Ramon Vasquez is playing over there, it would not surprise me to see Hank Blalock dangled out there as Rangers trade bait when the trade deadline rolls around. He's still got that "Hammerin Hank" power in there somewhere that a contending team would be more than happy to take a flier on him for a AA pitcher. -- KXII
Astros Villarreal mulls assignment to Triple-A Round Rock
Righthanded reliever Oscar Villarreal, who is in the first season of a two-year contract that guaranteed him $3 million, was designated for assignment by the Astros on Wednesday. He is consulting with his agent, Oscar Suarez, on whether to accept the assignment. "When he came over here, we were hoping that he would be the seventh-inning guy, and occasionally we wanted to get him multiple innings," manager Cecil Cooper said. "We didn't get that. We just didn't have the success. We just need to get him right." If Villarreal refuses his assignment and the Astros cannot trade him, he will be released and due the remaining portion of the $3 million he was guaranteed. -- Houston Chronicle
Will Reds deal Fogg?
What now for Josh Fogg? He showed up in the Reds clubhouse Wednesday, unannounced and uninvited. He pitched eight scoreless innings Tuesday for Class AAA Louisville against Indianapolis on his rehab assignment for a sore lower back. "Just came up to do my workouts here because the facilities are better and my wife and kid are here," he said. "I'll do my bullpen sessions here, too." In his last three rehab starts, Fogg has pitched 8 2/3 innings, a complete game and eight innings, throwing more than 100 pitches each time. "What's next for me? You're asking the wrong guy. If you find out, tell me," he said. "I've been ready for about a month. I'm waiting to see where and when I'll pitch next." -- Dayton Daily News
Slumping Braun given the night off
Ryan Braun, who has been closing fast on a berth on the National League all-star team, hasn't been playing like an all-star of late. With Braun in a deep slump and his ailing right hand not helping matters, Milwaukee Brewers manager Ned Yost removed him from the starting lineup Wednesday night. Yost said he might also sit Braun today in the series finale against Arizona. "I don't know. I'll wait and see," said Yost. "(The hand) might be part of it. I was thinking about (resting him) anyway."-- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Reds have insurance policy for Gonzalez
Reds SS Alex Gonzalez said the rehab is five to six months, which is why he decided to do the surgery now. Gonzalez is under contract for next year at $5.375 million. The Reds have an insurance policy on long-term contracts. Assistant general manager Bob Miller wouldn't say what the specific policy on the contract is. "But as a small-market team, I will say we tend to be financially conservative and protect ourselves when dealing with long-term contracts," Miller said. "However, there is no blanket policy, and each case is discussed and analyzed to the nth degree." The Reds have been fortunate Jeff Keppinger and Jerry Hairston Jr. have filled in well at shortstop. -- Cincinnati Enquirer
A's pitcher involved in a verbal altercation with Angels fan
A's closer Huston Street was involved in a verbal altercation with a spectator after Tuesday night's game at Angel Stadium, and the spectator was later arrested on suspicion of assault and battery on a security officer. Anaheim Police Department spokesman Rick Martinez said Jeffrey Cole, 26, of Anaheim, was acting "drunk, loud and aggressive" and was shouting profanities on a stadium concourse. At one point, he directed his profanity at Street. Martinez said security officers told Cole, who didn't know Street was a player, to calm down. Martinez said they escorted Cole out of the area, at which point Cole punched a security officer in the head. Cole was arrested and booked. -- LA Times
A's Cust on way to MLB history?
If hitting .400 makes you a legend, there should certainly be some reward for pulling a harder trick, which is what Jack Cust, 29, is on pace to do. Last year, he led the American League by striking out an amazing 164 times in just 124 games, and finished just six behind Boston's David Ortiz for the walks lead with 105. This year, he's leading the AL in both categories, and he stands a very good chance of doing so at the end of the year. That may not sound like much, but only eight men have done it before, a total of 11 times. In the modern era, by comparison, hitting .400 has been as easy as getting a parking ticket, as eight men have done it a full 13 times. -- NY Sun
BoSox Manny struggling since shoving incident
Manny Ramírez, who homered and singled in Boston's last game in Houston, has not hit safely since his shoving incident involving traveling secretary Jack McCormick was reported Sunday night by the Providence Journal. The club has still not announced whether it has taken any disciplinary action against the slugger. -- Boston Globe
Royals' Moustakas OK with move to third
Don't look now, but the Royals have another hot prospect at third base. It is Mike Moustakas, the Royals' top pick in the 2007 draft who we thought was going to be developed into a shortstop or a second baseman. But when the Royals acquired 21-year-old shortstop Juan Rivera from the Dodgers recently for Angel Berroa, the Royals immediately inserted Rivera at shortstop at Class A Burlington. Moustakas then took over third. Was Moustakas aware that third base in the Royals' organization may be a bit clogged up with Alex Gordon cemented there? "Yeah, I hear he's pretty good," Moustakas told me as he chuckled. "Seriously, wherever the Royals tell me to play, I'll play. I'm fine with third base." But isn't Moustakas concerned he'll be stuck behind Gordon for years? "There's no reason for me to even think about where Alex Gordon is," Moustakas said. "I mean, he's a great, great player. I'm just learning. I know I'm two or three years from even thinking about all that." Truth be told, Moustakas appears to be more comfortable at third. He has made 16 errors this season, almost all of them at shortstop. -- KC Star
Mets Castillo's Strained Hip Flexor Could Put Him on Disabled List
It has been more than a month since Luis Castillo strained his left hip flexor. It has been nearly two weeks since Castillo met with Manager Jerry Manuel and said he wanted to play every day. But it has been two days since Castillo last started, and he, as well as Manuel, is wondering whether it is time to go on the disabled list. "That's what I would think," Castillo said before Wednesday night's game against the Cardinals. The decision should come soon. Castillo said he wanted one more chance to see if he could play through the discomfort. If not, he said, he should benefit from a few weeks of rest. -- NY Times
Padres spend big to sign 16-year-olds from Latin America
Randy Smith said he is equally excited about what his Padres scouts accomplished in the international free-agent market, culminating yesterday with the signing of five players, each 16 years old, for a total of $4.8 million. "It's the perfect storm in a positive way: Everything came together," Smith, the club's director of international scouting, said via telephone from the Padres' complex in the Dominican Republic. "Our international staff is on Cloud Nine." In a typical year, the Padres spend about $1 million during the international signing period, which began yesterday. But under CEO Sandy Alderson, the Padres have become major players in Latin America. Three months ago, they opened an $8 million facility in the Dominican. Yesterday, they spent more on talent than even big-revenue clubs did. -- San Diego Union-Tribune
Braves hoping Diaz can spark lackluster outfield production
While the Braves consider outfielders from other teams who could be available before the July 31 trade deadline, Matt Diaz hopes he can help boost that punchless part of the offense soon. The left fielder could rejoin the Braves before the All-Star break, after spending the past five weeks on the disabled list recovering from a partially torn ligament in his left knee. "I should be back very soon," said Diaz, who has passed every test in recent days, including sprints, quick cuts, and hitting. "I feel like I'm 100 percent [recovered]. I'm ready to get back out there. It's been tough not being able to help out." -- Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Rangers Shelton could become free agent
Rangers 1B Chris Shelton cleared outright waivers and was assigned to Triple-A Oklahoma. He has until Saturday afternoon to accept the assignment or request free agency. -- Dallas Morning News
It's time for National League to adopt the designated hitter rule
So if the National League wants to get up to speed, one significant change needs to be made. It's time for the National League to adopt the designated hitter rule. There is no good reason for the NL to be clinging to the past, and other than Arizona's Micah Owings, there's just nothing pretty about watching pitchers try to hit. When you add the DH to the game, you increase run production. That in itself increases attendance. That increases revenues and provides the funds to go out and better your team, whether it's through spending on free agents, foreign scouting or player development. -- Dallas Morning News
Rangers scouted Dominican prospect at age 14
Rangers general manager Jon Daniels disputed reports that 16-year-old Dominican right-hander Michel Inoa rejected a bonus offer of $5.2 million to sign with Oakland for $1 million less. Daniels said the Rangers were prepared to offer Inoa more, but that Inoa's agents said the pitcher had already committed elsewhere. "We've scouted Michel for more than two years; our guys probably know him as well or better than anyone else," Daniels said. "We were prepared to offer him significantly more than he ended up signing for. Unfortunately, we were told we wouldn't have that chance, as he was committed elsewhere. That's the way it goes in that market sometimes." -- Dallas Morning News
Cubs Fukudome losing All-Star fan vote
His precarious hold on the final starting outfield spot in All-Star fan voting is not nearly as precarious as Kosuke Fukudome's hold on the .400 on-base percentage he owned for much of the season. Since being sidelined with a tight calf last week, the Cubs' right fielder was hitting just .200 (4-for-20) with a .304 on-base percentage in five games. -- Chicago Sun-Times
How About That?
The Tampa Bay Rays are the second team in history to have the best record in the majors on July 1 after having the worst record in the majors the previous year. The other team was Leo Durocher's 1967 Cubs. -- Chicago Tribune
Who Knew?
Dustin Pedroia became the first Red Sox second baseman ever to collect four extra-base hits, but he was a single short of the team's first cycle since John Valentin on June 6, 1996. No American League second baseman has had four extra-base hits since Cleveland's Carlos Baerga on Sept. 20, 1990. -- Boston Herald
How About That?
The American League leads the National League by a 149-102 margin in interleague play with one makeup game remaining. It's the fifth straight year the AL has held the edge and the most one-sided margin other than the AL's 154-98 advantage two years ago. The National League hasn't won an All-Star Game since 1996. The streak used to serve merely as an embarrassment. As long as it continues, it means the AL team gets to start the World Series at home and also host a potential Game 7. -- Dallas Morning News
Yanks are good for the business of baseball
So it's no surprise that Mike Mussina understood why the Pittsburgh Pirates last week denied New York's request to switch a night game to the afternoon. ``It's part of playing for the Yankees,'' the 39-year-old Mussina said. What Mussina said, without spelling it out, is, when it comes to pro sports, finance trumps fairness, accounting comes before accommodating. Major League Baseball could have -- and should have -- ordered the Pirates to make the switch. The core product, the game, should never be sacrificed, although baseball isn't the only league that puts its revenue streams ahead of its athletes. More on that in a moment. ``I don't understand it,'' is what Yankees manager Joe Girardi said when the Pirates wouldn't, well, play ball. Let's review: The Yankees last Friday played two games against the Mets in New York. The opener, rescheduled from a previous rainout, was an afternoon affair. So, knowing they had to play Friday afternoon, and then again at night, the Yankees requested that Thursday night's game in Pittsburgh be rescheduled for the afternoon, enabling New York to return home at a decent hour. There are a few things you need to know about the baseball business. First, the Yankees are a tremendous road draw. The cash registers ring in the parking lots and concession stands. And, more people watch TV at night, enabling a team's broadcast partner to charge more for advertising. In short, the Pirates make more money by playing the Yankees at night. -- Bloomberg
MLB manager a victim of identity theft
Rays manager Joe Maddon spent part of his morning Monday getting a new bank card after becoming a victim of identity theft. "Somebody was charging gasoline in New York City on my debit card," Maddon said. "With the price of gas these days, I would have preferred they had gone to Tiffany's." -- Tampa Tribune
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