The Los Angeles teams seem to need pitching, and some recent scouting assignments could provide clues as the trade deadline approaches.Joe Torre (right) and the Dodgers could use a starter and a reliever, and a flurry of scouts watching their Double-A affiliate could be a prelude to a deal.
Most noteworthy: Atlanta had both scout Rod Gilbreath and special assistant to the general manager Dick Balderson watching Chattanooga (Tenn.). The Braves do have pitching depth.
The Cubs, White Sox and Mets also had scouts watching the Lookouts in recent days.
Elsewhere on the trade front, Tampa Bay has been intensively scouting the Angels' system. While the Angels need middle-relief help, there is some belief they are going after a starter, and the Rays could make Andy Sonnanstine available. Sonnanstine is 2-0 with a 3.46 ERA since being sent down to Triple-A and is scheduled to come off the DL to pitch tonight after missing time with mononucleosis.
Tampa Bay is also interested in Cleveland catcher Victor Martinez, as reported earlier by SI.com.
