- The Braves continue to indicate that they won't move Mark Teixeira in hopes of contending for the NL East title, but if the team struggles over the next week, that could all change. Atlanta is already a bit of a longshot to make the playoffs, but two injuries to key players should push them over the cliff and turn them into sellers. Chipper Jones hurt his hamstring again last night in Florida and staff ace Tim Hudson left his start early with ominous-sounding elbow tightness.
Latest Trade Buzz
Mark Teixeira, Braves
Buzz: Though Atlanta has denied a willingness to trade Teixeira over the last few weeks, the club appears to be moving toward becoming a seller. How the Braves play over the next week will likely determine whether or not the team moves the slugger.
Jeff Zelevansky, Getty Images
A.J. Burnett, Blue Jays
Buzz: Though several teams have scouted Burnett, trade movement remains slow as teams balk at the right-hander's uncertain contract status. He has great stuff and would be a quality No. 2 starter for a contender down the stretch.
Jonathan Daniel, Getty Images
Brian Fuentes, Rockies
Buzz: The closer has reportedly been scouted by seven different clubs over the last few days, but Colorado's asking price -- rumored to be a top pitching prospect -- might be scaring potential suitors off. Florida will not deal Chris Volstad for Fuentes, but is still pursuing a deal for the southpaw.
Doug Pensinger, Getty Images
George Sherrill, Orioles
Buzz: The Cardinals and Angels are among the teams who have asked about the closer, while the Brewers are not. Baltimore's rumored asking price is said to be two or three prospects.
Otto Greule Jr, Getty Images
Barry Bonds, Giants
Buzz: The Yankees are the latest team to say they won't rule out pursuing the all-time home run king now that Hideki Matsui could miss the rest of the season. Hank Steinbrenner has admitted that the team will discuss Bonds in the next few days as they go over their options.
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Jarrod Washburn, Mariners
Buzz: The Seattle left-hander is drawing interest from the Yankees, who could use him to bolster their rotation. While not an ace, Washburn is a reliable innings-eater.
Otto Greule Jr, Getty Images
Huston Street, Athletics
Buzz: Though some teams are worried about the recent drop in his arm angle and velocity, Oakland's closer seems to have no shortage of suitors. The Reds are the latest team believed to have expressed interest in Street. The Brewers have also made inquiries about his availability.
Jed Jacobsohn, Getty Images
Greg Maddux, Padres
Buzz: San Diego would ideally like to move the future Hall of Famer, but he has a full no-trade clause and is rumored to only be willing to accept a deal to a West Coast team.
Marc Serota, Getty Images
Brian Giles, Padres
Buzz: Giles is an on-base machine and a solid defender who could give a contender looking for a corner bat a boost. Getting out of pitcher-friendly Petco Park could lead to a power spike.
Doug Pensinger, Getty Images
Andy LaRoche, Dodgers
Buzz: LaRoche, L.A.'s No. 2 prospect entering the season according to Baseball America, is reportedly being showcased for a potential deadline deal.
Christian Petersen, Getty Images
If ever there was an omen that it might be time to let go of this season, wouldn't injuries to the team's best pitcher and hitter on the same night be it? Teixeira is certain to leave this winter and if Atlanta holds on to him all it will get is a pair of early draft picks. They stand to get much better talent in a deadline deal, even considering Teixeira's rental status.
- I got a chance to see A.J. Burnett's rain-shortened start last night in Baltimore. There were plenty of scouts in attendance, though some of them were probably there in hopes of seeing Orioles closer George Sherrill. Burnett has good raw stuff -- a fastball he gets to 95 mph with ease and a tough curveball in the low-80s. Still, Orioles hitters made good contact on him. He's a very good, but fragile No. 2 starter, who could help a number of contenders, but his uncertain contract status continues to make potential suitors cautious. Don't put too much stock into the Roy Halladay rumors, Burnett is still the most likely to get moved of any of Toronto's pitchers.
- There are a ton of Yankees rumors out there today, so let's run them down really quick. New York is at least kicking the tires on catchers, making inquiries about four catchers -- Gerald Laird, Paul Lo Duca, Miguel Olivo and Rod Barajas. The asking price for Olivo and Laird would likely be prohibitive, while Lo Duca probably wouldn't be a very good clubhouse fit. Barajas is a possibility, but I'm still betting on the Yankees adding elsewhere and sticking with Jose Molina down the stretch. Jarrod Washburn remains in play and New York could get him and Jose Vidro for just Kei Igawa, according to Peter Abraham. The wackiest rumor had the Yankees acquiring Matt Kemp and Derek Lowe for Robinson Cano. If GM Brian Cashman had been offered that, Cano would already be a Dodger. Last, but not least, Hank Steinbrenner admits that Barry Bonds' name will come up during the organizational meetings over the next few days.
- The Marlins have discussed a number of players with the Rockies over the last few weeks, including reliever Brian Fuentes, center fielder Willy Taveras and catcher Yorvit Torrealaba. Florida could use help in all three spots, particularly behind the dish, but it continues to show the most interest in Fuentes, who has a number of suitors.
- Though the Brewers are looking for relief help, they aren't pursuing George Sherrill, probably because Baltimore is asking for a shortstop in return. J.J. Hardy is too important to this year's efforts and prospect Alcides Escobar has become completely untouchable. I still expect Milwaukee to make a move for bullpen help at some point. GM Doug Melvin has pushed his chips all in for 2008, to borrow a poker metaphor.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
7-25-2008 @ 3:23AM
VegasBigs.com said...
Oakland A's Justion Buchschereer has MLB's lowest ERA at 1.97.
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7-25-2008 @ 3:24AM
VegasBigs.com said...
Corect Typo - at 1.87 ERA is best in Major League
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7-26-2008 @ 1:35AM
Chris said...
are you kidding me...the braves shouldnt even think of trading tex...he has said in the past he loves atlanta and wants to stay here. personally, the braves should be talking extension with tex only because, mike hampton's large contract is up at the end of the year....which should be enough money to keep tex...
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