by Ken Rosenthal

Comment

The team placed a number of attractive players on trade waivers Tuesday, according to a major-league source. Interested clubs can make claims until 1 p.m. Thursday ET.

Doug Melvin might have some interesting decisions to make. (Jeff Gross / Getty Images)

The list of available Brewers includes closer Trevor Hoffman, outfielder Mike Cameron, infielder Craig Counsell, catcher Jason Kendall, right-hander Braden Looper and second baseman Felipe Lopez.

Brewers general manager Doug Melvin, however, is disinclined to make trades during the August waiver period, believing that he cannot receive adequate returns.

Hoffman, in particular, would appeal to teams in need of late-inning relief. He lacks no-trade protection, but is comfortable in Milwaukee, is open to returning next season and opposed to a setup role, according to a source with knowledge of his thinking. Kendall probably stands a better chance of being moved; several teams are looking for experienced catching. Counsell, too, is a strong veteran presence who could prove an asset to a contending team.

Intrigue remains for BoSox's Wagner

The Red Sox, in persuading left-hander Billy Wagner to waive his no-trade clause, retained their right to offer him salary arbitration.

The question is whether Wagner would accept a one-year, nonguaranteed contract to set up for Jonathan Papelbon.

If Wagner is healthy, his inclination would be to say no — he wants to return to closing and earn the 40 saves he needs to pass John Franco as the all-time saves leader among left-handed pitchers.

Yet, as one general manager points out, accepting arbitration might be Wagner's best financial move coming off a 2009 salary of $10.5 million.

Wagner, projected to be a Type A free agent, is unlikely to receive such a salary on the open market — particularly when any team that signs him could be required to forfeit two high draft picks.

He could accept arbitration, then ask the Red Sox to trade him to a team in need of a closer on a one-year contract.

The downside: He would lose control of where he lands.

Niemann vs. Hammel: A win-win

Remember in spring training when the Rays were choosing between right-handers Jeff Niemann and Jason Hammel as their fifth starter?

The Rays picked Niemann, then sent Hammel to the Rockies for minor-league right-hander Aneury Rodriguez.

Turns out the Rays made the right choice. And the Rockies did not fare too badly, either.

Niemann, 12-5 with a 3.87 ERA, has been the Rays' most consistent starter. Club officials love his makeup, his composure, his competitiveness.

Hammel, prior to his Tuesday night start against the Dodgers, was 2-3 at Coors Field with a 7.02 ERA. But he produced in arguably the Rockies' biggest game of the season, holding the Dodgers to two runs in seven innings.

The Rockies blew a 4-2 lead but won in 10 innings, 5-4, improving to 18 games over .500 for the first time in club history.

Overall, Hammel is 8-7 with a 4.43 ERA.

Amaro on Hamels: 'Just be Cole'

Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. says he is confident that left-hander Cole Hamels is on the verge of returning to form.

Hamels, 7-8 with a 4.78 ERA, has been trying to be perfect, Amaro says, overthrowing instead of just pitching.

Cole Hamels just needs to relax, according to this general manager. (Jed Jacobsohn / Getty Images)

"Maybe I'm optimistic, but I have a feeling he's going to start throwing like Cole, stop trying to be too fine," Amaro says. "I had discussed this with him earlier in the season: 'Just be Cole.'

"He doesn't have to carry us. He doesn't have to put an added burden on himself. He already puts enough on himself. He has always wanted to pitch well."

Hamels' next start is Wednesday night in Pittsburgh.

Astros' Hawkins unlikely to be moved

Astros reliever LaTroy Hawkins is certain to be claimed by a number of clubs before his waivers expire at 1 p.m. Wednesday ET.

The Astros, however, will be inclined to pull him back, sources say.

Hawkins, 36, has a 2.03 ERA in 48 2/3 innings and a .645 opponents' OPS. The Astros want to re-sign him, knowing they could lose closer Jose Valverde as a free agent, weakening their bullpen.

Hawkins, too, is a potential free agent. He has enjoyed his time in Houston and is open to returning, according to a source with knowledge of his thinking.