THE SIX KINGS Posted July 21, 2005 Share Posted July 21, 2005 WHO A.J. Burnett Marlins INTERESTED Orioles? Tigers? Red Sox? Padres? Blue Jays? Angels? Dodgers? White Sox? THE SKINNY Jul 21 - The Marlins' search for a worthwhile package in exchange for starter A.J. Burnett is moving beyond the Orioles, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. Once considered a virtual lock to land in Baltimore, Burnett's next move has become uncertain. The Marlins' insistence in attaching Mike Lowell to a deal for their coveted right-hander has kept Burnett in Florida -- for now. Lowell is owed about $21 million through 2007, and the Marlins are finding it difficult to shed all or even a portion of that. The Orioles' reluctance to take Lowell and any portion of his salary has prompted the Marlins to begin looking elsewhere. Team officials were working on a three-way deal involving the Red Sox and Twins. In that scenario, the Marlins would have received pitchers Bronson Arroyo and Joe Mays. Bill Mueller and prospects would go to the Twins, and the Red Sox were set to get Lowell, Burnett and J.C. Romero. But that deal looks like it is dead because the Sox aren't keen on taking Lowell, and the Marlins aren't crazy about Mays. If or when the Marlins determine they've exhausted all their possibilities of moving Lowell with Burnett, any number of teams will re-enter the hunt. The Red Sox, White Sox, Orioles, Tigers and Blue Jays all are willing to deal for Burnett. Unlike some of the aforementioned clubs, the Red Sox are willing to take Burnett without signing him to an extension. Burnett is eligible for free agency after this season. WHO Mike Lowell Marlins INTERESTED Yankees? Red Sox? White Sox? Orioles? THE SKINNY Jul 21 - Having reached an impasse with the Orioles about A.J. Burnett, the Marlins now are making calls to other teams about the pitcher and third baseman Mike Lowell, the Miami Herald reports. The Marlins continue to insist that any deal involving Burnett also must include Lowell, whose large contract and poor offensive numbers this season have combined to subdue interest. Lowell is owed close to $21 million for the balance of his contract -- roughly $3 million for this season and $9 million in each of the next two years. The Red Sox and Yankees have been mentioned as possible trade partners. If the Red Sox become involved, it's likely pitcher Bronson Arroyo and prospects would have to be included. Yankees pitchers Carl Pavano and Felix Rodriguez also have been mentioned as possible trade targets for Florida. WHO Ken Griffey Jr. Reds INTERESTED Yankees? White Sox? THE SKINNY Jul 21 - Ken Griffey Jr.'s name is hot on the trade rumor mill, but according to the Cincinnati Enquirer, the Reds still haven't asked Griffey where he's willing to go. As a player with five years with one team and 10 years overall in the big leagues, Griffey can reject any deal. "I haven't heard anything," Griffey told the newspaper. "I don't remember the last time I saw [Reds GM] Dan O'Brien." Griffey would accept a trade to the right team, the Dayton Daily News reports. "It would have to be a top contender because I want to win," he told the newspaper. "I want a World Series ring. I'm tired of looking at my dad's three World Series rings." To make any deal possible, the Reds would have to eat a lot of Junior's salary. He makes a base of $12.5 million through 2008 with $6.5 million more a year in deferred money, with no interest until the contract expires after the 2008 season. Then he makes $6.5 million a year through 2025 at 4 percent compound interest. WHO Billy Wagner Phillies INTERESTED White Sox? Red Sox? THE SKINNY Jul 21 - If the Phillies choose to dump Billy Wagner (and his huge salary) before the trade deadline, the White Sox might make a move for the closer, the Daily Herald reports. The Phils still believe they're in contention to win the wild card. Unless they hit the skids by July 31, there would not be enough time for Chicago to get Wagner without having him clear through waivers. The Red Sox also have shown an interest in Wagner and have been keeping tabs on him. But according PhillyBurbs.com, the closer expects to remain in Philly. "I've heard my name in so many trades," Wagner said. "The way we've been playing, I don't see myself leaving." WHO Alfonso Soriano Rangers INTERESTED Giants? Mets? Twins? Padres? Indians? Red Sox? Yankees? THE SKINNY Jul 21 - Alfonso Soriano might be willing to move to center if he were dealt back to the Yankees, but conversations between the Yanks and Rangers haven't been productive, the New York Daily News reports. Texas is looking for pitching and the Yankees aren't able to satisfy the Rangers. Soriano, who's making $7.4 million and will earn a raise through arbitration, has come to embrace Texas. "If it were up to me, I would like to be here with this young team and these guys," Soriano told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. "But you never know where you're going to play, or if they'll want to keep me." WHO Eddie Guardado Mariners INTERESTED Red Sox? Yankees? Nationals? THE SKINNY Jul 21 - According to the Seattle Times, Mariners officials are reluctant to deal closer Eddie Guardado. While they could be talked into a trade if the offer is right, the M's hold Guardado in high regard as a team and clubhouse leader as well as a solid performer. If the Mariners don't want to part with him, the reliever feels the same way. "I understand how these things work, it's a business," Guardado told the newspaper. "But I don't want to go anywhere else. I want to finish what I started here. They gave me a three-year contract and I want to earn it with them." WHO Danys Baez Devil Rays INTERESTED Nationals? Marlins? Red Sox? Braves? White Sox? THE SKINNY Jul 21 - Interest in Danys Baez continues to build, and the Rays should start serious discussions over specific names soon, the St. Petersburg Times reports. But in a Web chat Wednesday, ESPN's Peter Gammons knocked the Devil Rays's trade acumen: "They asked for Hanley Ramirez for Danys Baez, which is silly. Boston won't trade good prospects for average middle relievers." The Nationals continue to ask the Rays about a deal that might include Baez and infielder Julio Lugo, the Washington Post reports. According to the Tampa Tribune, the Diamondbacks, Braves, Marlins and Red Sox also have expressed an interest. The All-Star closer has stated his preference is to remain in Tampa. But it depends on what the Devil Rays want to do. They have a $4 million option for 2006. WHO Kevin Millar Red Sox INTERESTED Twins? THE SKINNY Jul 21 - The Red Sox are talking about expanding a deal with the Twins -- and Kevin Millar would be involved, along with Bill Mueller, the Boston Herald reports. The Sox want starting pitcher Joe Mays and reliever J.C. Romero for Millar and Mueller, but the Twins aren't as willing to part with Mays as they are Kyle Lohse. According to the Hartford Courant, Millar doesn't want to be traded. "I can't imagine going anywhere else. I really couldn't," he told the newspaper. "I feel like, seriously, I've been here for 10 years. This is it." Millar, in the final year of his contract, has been the subject of trade rumors since late May. He insists he has never asked to be traded. "You know as well as I know, if I was unhappy, I'd go and tell you I was unhappy," Millar said. "I haven't said one thing. Let me just make it real easy. When I hit, I'm a hell of a defensive first baseman. If I don't hit, I'm below average, I'm a defensive nuisance." WHO J.C. Romero Twins INTERESTED Red Sox? THE SKINNY Jul 21 - J.C. Romero's name has been mentioned in trade talks with the Red Sox, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports. In the proposed deal, the Sox would send third baseman Bill Mueller and first baseman Kevin Millar to the Twins for Romero and starting pitcher Joe Mays. "If that's true and they're going to trade me, then you've got to move on," Romero told the newspaper. "Hopefully I can stay here. But if they trade me, I'm still going to be the same J.C." WHO Mike Sweeney Royals INTERESTED Rangers? THE SKINNY Jul 21 - The Rangers continue to show interest in Kansas City's Mike Sweeney, but according to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, they don't want to give up Kevin Mench. They also want players who will be in Texas beyond 2005. Sweeney fits that mold, but the Royals have not yet reached a point where they are desperate to dump money. "There are two reasons why people trade players away, either to lower payroll, or to pick up prospects, or younger players," owner Tom Hicks told the newspaer. "We would be prepared to take on the financial part of a trade that would improve us this year or next year or the following year. But we're not going to give up assets that could help us now or in the future." WHO Eric Byrnes Rockies INTERESTED Astros? Cardinals? Indians? Braves? Yankees? THE SKINNY Jul 21 - The Yankees and Astros are among the teams interested in Eric Byrnes, but Rockies GM Dan O'Dowd is not shopping the outfielder, the Denver Post reports. O'Dowd still believes he can fit Byrnes in next year's payroll, and likes his energy. "I would have to be overwhelmed to even consider doing anything," O'Dowd told the newspaper. "Eric fits in well with what we are trying to do." WHO Alan Embree Red Sox INTERESTED Mets? Devil Rays? Padres? Diamondbacks? Angels? THE SKINNY Jul 21 - The Angels, Diamondbacks, Devil Rays, Mets and Padres are believed to be among the teams interested in Alan Embree, the Boston Herald reports. Embree must be moved within the next eight days after being designated for assignment by the Red Sox on Tuesday. He is 1-4 with a 7.65 ERA in 43 appearances this season. WHO Bronson Arroyo Red Sox INTERESTED Marlins? THE SKINNY Jul 21 - The Red Sox haven't given up on winning the A.J. Burnett sweepstakes and are still attempting to interest the Marlins in a package of players headed by pitcher Bronson Arroyo, the Boston Globe reports. The Sox are trying to pair their efforts to obtain Twins left-handed setup man J.C. Romero with their attempt to acquire Burnett. Under that scenario, the Sox would trade third baseman Bill Mueller and prospects to the Twins, who need a third baseman, for Romero and right-handed starter Joe Mays. The Sox would then flip Arroyo and Mays to the Marlins for Burnett. But that proposal has a couple of obstacles. While the Marlins like Arroyo, they supposedly would prefer Twins starter Kyle Lohse to Mays, and the Twins aren't interested in moving Lohse. WHO Brett Tomko Giants INTERESTED Angels? THE SKINNY Jul 21 - According to the Orange County Register, the Angels are looking at Brett Tomko and the Pirates' Kip Wells to take rookie Ervin Santana's spot in the rotation. WHO Kip Wells Pirates INTERESTED Angels? Cardinals? Diamondbacks? Tigers? Devil Rays? Blue Jays? Phillies? THE SKINNY Jul 21 - The Angels are looking to add pitching depth and have emerged as a possible destination for Kip Wells, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. The Phillies, Blue Jays, Devil Rays, Tigers, Diamondbacks and Cardinals also have expressed interest in the right-hander. According to MLB. com, Wells is earning $3.175 million this season, and will head into his final year of arbitration eligibility in the offseason. Because the Bucs have depth at starting pitching with Zach Duke and Ian Snell banging on the door at Triple-A, Wells could be dealt to add a much-needed power bat to the Bucs' offense. WHO Florida Marlins THE SKINNY Jul 21 - Two major-league sources have said that the Marlins do not intend to fire manager Jack McKeon before the end of the season, the Miami Herald reports. There has been speculation that McKeon's job might be in jeopardy because the Marlins have performed far below expectations. According to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, the top candidate to replace McKeon, 74, would be Yankees bench coach Joe Girardi, a National League source said. Other names being considered are former Marlins managers Jim Leyland and Jeff Torborg, Devil Rays manager Lou Piniella, former Red Sox manager Grady Little and Braves third base coach Fredi Gonzalez. If McKeon, 74, is fired, he'll take it in stride, the Palm Beach Post reports. He has been fired by four other organizations -- as a manger with the Royals, A's and Reds and as a general manager with the Padres. "It's not a big concern," McKeon told the newspaper. "We're held responsible, the managers and the coaches, trying to get these guys to play ... and sometimes you can do it and sometimes you can't." WHO Dustan Mohr Rockies THE SKINNY Jul 21 - According to the Denver Post, the likelihood of the Rockies trading Dustan Mohr has diminished greatly with Brad Hawpe's injury update. Hawpe's strained left hamstring is more severely pulled than first believed, pushing his return into August. "It's going to be a while," trainer Keith Dugger told the newspaper. WHO Odalis Perez Dodgers THE SKINNY Jul 21 - The Dodgers are shopping Odalis Perez, but the left-hander is owed close to $24 million through 2007 and is 4-5 with a 5.06 ERA. WHO Jose Contreras White Sox INTERESTED Giants? Blue Jays? Marlins? THE SKINNY Jul 21 - The White Sox contineu to look for a front-line starter to take Jose Contreras' spot in the rotation, the Daily Southtown reports. Over the last two weeks, trade rumors have had Contreras being dealt to Florida, Toronto and San Francisco in exchange for another pitcher. "I don't read the newspapers since I can't speak English, but even if I could, I wouldn't read it," Contreras told the newspaper. "Those things don't really bother me. As much as I think about that kind of talk, it's not in my control. If they're going to make a decision, they're going to make it. All I can do is come here every morning and get ready for my next start." WHO Tom Glavine Mets INTERESTED Orioles? Cubs? Cardinals? Red Sox? Yankees? Braves? THE SKINNY Trade thoughts Jul 20 - Tom Glavine doesn't believe the Mets should be selling at the trade deadline, but according to The New York Post, he could be one of the pieces moved -- despite his full no-trade clause. A Massachusetts native, Glavine likely would accept a deal to Boston. He mentioned he enjoyed pitching in St. Louis and in Wrigley Field, but said although he liked the West Coast, it's unlikely he'd go there. He called Baltimore's Camden Yards a typical AL bandbox but does think he could pitch in the AL. "From my standpoint, I'm not too worried about it," Glavine told the newspaper. "Having the no-trade clause makes it easier to not worry about it. All I can do is go out and pitch well. And if I pitch well, I enhance my value here or I enhance my value somewhere else." WHO Shawn Chacon Rockies INTERESTED Giants? Rangers? Padres? Yankees? THE SKINNY Jul 20 - Shawn Chacon's value has dropped, making a trade less likely, the Denver Post reports. The Yankees don't seem interested even in a salary dump because of Al Leiter's success; the Rangers are eyeing a bigger prize; and San Francisco covets Jason Jennings, with minimal interest in Chacon. Nevertheless, the Rockies right-hander still believes he will be dealt. WHO Barry Larkin Reds INTERESTED Nationals? THE SKINNY Jul 20 - With Nationals shortstop Cristian Guzman continuing to struggle offensively, GM Jim Bowden is considering a radical solution, the Washington Times reports. Bowden has called Nationals special assistant Barry Larkin to try and persuade the 12-time All-Star to come out of retirement and play for the rest of the season. Larkin, 41, ended a spectacular 19-year playing career with the Reds last winter. Bowden, the Reds' former GM, has summoned Larkin twice this season to work with Guzman at the plate, but it hasn't helped. The shortstop is batting .190, more than 100 points below Larkin's career average. "I wouldn't keep calling if I didn't think there was a chance [to lure Larkin out of retirement]," Bowden told the newspaper. "Would I like to see him put [a uniform] on and help us out the last two or three months? Yeah." WHO Mark Redman Pirates INTERESTED Marlins? THE SKINNY Jul 20 - According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Mark Redman's start Tuesday night might have been his last for the Pirates. The team is engaged in intense discussions to trade Redman to Florida and could do so this week, pending the outcome of the Marlins' efforts with the Orioles to pull off a much larger deal. The first step is a seven-player trade between Florida and Baltimore. The Marlins would send starter A.J. Burnett, third baseman Mike Lowell and center fielder Eric Reed to the Orioles for outfielder Larry Bigbie and pitchers Jorge Julio, Steve Kline and Hayden Penn. After that, the Pirates would send Redman to Florida for Bigbie. And if Bigbie is not available, negotiations could turn in a different direction. The Bucs' original hope was to keep Redman, but he has made clear he will decline a $4.95 million team option for 2006 and test free agency unless he has a contract extension covering three years. The Pirates and Redman's agent, Casey Close, had no more than preliminary talks, and the team was unwilling to consider any deal beyond next season. WHO Adam Dunn Reds INTERESTED Orioles? Mets? Astros? Dodgers? THE SKINNY Jul 20 - The Dodgers, Astros, Orioles and Mets all have expressed an interest in Adam Dunn, who comes from Houston and has made it clear he'd love to play there, ESPN.com Insider Jerry Crasnick reports. The Astros have looked at both Dunn and Aubrey Huff as first base possibilities, which would allow them to shift Lance Berkman back to the outfield. Houston management still doesn't know what to expect from Jeff Bagwell, who's trying to come back from shoulder surgery. Dunn's big appeal lies in his eye-popping, 40-50 homer power. But he strikes out a ton and could fetch $8 million next year in salary arbitration, and some baseball people question whether he, like Austin Kearns, could be in better shape. "Some of those Reds guys have really put it on cruise control this year,'' said an NL front office man. If the Reds aren't interested in signing Dunn long term, they might be better off trading him, the Cincinnati Enquirer reports. Since they are in last place in the NL Central, there's a good chance their payroll will drop from this year's team record $61.8 million. That would mean someone making big money -- Dunn, Sean Casey, Ken Griffey Jr. or Eric Milton -- may have to be dealt to balance the budget. WHO Ryan Howard Phillies THE SKINNY Jul 20 - Until the Phillies have confidence Jim Thome can be healthy for the final two months, no Ryan Howard trade will be considered, the Delaware County Times reports. Howard is the Phils' most attractive bargaining chip when the intent is to make a run at the postseason, but because deals involving Howard are in a circling pattern, the team's primary need -- starting pitching -- must be addressed through other avenues. One of the other avenues could be to deal Vicente Padilla. WHO Chicago White Sox THE SKINNY Jul 20 - Even though Dustin Hermanson avoided the disabled list, his chronic back problems have the White Sox weighing closer options both inside and outside the organization, the Chicago Tribune reports. Of the closers who might be available, the Sox are thought to have little interest in Seattle's Eddie Guardado and Pittsburgh's Jose Mesa, and they believe Philadelphia will keep Billy Wagner and Houston won't deal Brad Lidge. Toronto's Miguel Batista, who has a contract for nearly $5 million next season, is somewhat intriguing. WHO Los Angeles Angels THE SKINNY Jul 20 - The Angels might seek pitching depth, with the Pirates' Kip Wells and Giants' Brett Tomko among their top targets, the Orange County Register reports. If the Indians drift away from contention in the next week, the Angels might also take a run at acquiring Kevin Millwood. Any deal likely would involve some of their prospects, the Riverside Press Enterprise reports. The depth of the Angels' minor league system -- ranked as the best in baseball by Baseball America -- has drawn inquiries from other teams. The Angels have three of the most exciting young catchers in the game (Triple-A's Jeff Mathis, Double-A's Mike Napoli and Single-A's Bobby Wilson) and some highly regarded middle-infield prospects (Double-A shortstop Erick Aybar and second baseman Albert Callaspo and Single-A shortstop Brandon Wood and second baseman Howie Kendrick). WHO Bill Mueller Red Sox INTERESTED Twins? THE SKINNY Jul 20 - According to the Boston Globe, the Twins are looking for a third baseman and would like to have Bill Mueller, a low-salary veteran who is solid defensively and would be an impact hitter at the Metrodome. The Twins also are considering Kevin Youkilis, and the deal could be expanded to include a Minnesota starting pitcher. WHO Juan Encarnacion Marlins INTERESTED Cardinals? Yankees? THE SKINNY Jul 20 - The Cardinals might have an interest in Juan Encarnacion now that Reggie Sanders is out a month with a fractured leg, ESPN.com Insider Jerry Crasnick reports. But if the Marlins deal both A.J. Burnett and Mike Lowell -- as has been rumored -- they'll free up enough salary that they won't have to move Encarnacion, who is quietly having a productive season for a Florida team that's lacking in offense. He is hitting .280 with 12 home runs and 52 RBI -- showing more patience than he has in the past. WHO Alex Gonzalez Marlins THE SKINNY Jul 20 - The Marlins haven't responded to overtures from impending free-agent shortstop Alex Gonzalez, the Miami Herald reports. Agent Eric Goldschmidt told the team last month that Gonzalez was interested in doing an extension. So far, there has been no answer. ESPN analyst and ex-Mets GM Steve Phillips expects Gonzalez to command $5 million to $6 million annually. If the Marlins can't sign Gonzalez, they could sign a cheaper free agent such as Royce Clayton or Neifi Perez or consider prospects Josh Wilson (.263, 11 errors in Triple A) or Robert Andino (.283, 18 errors in Double A). WHO Jim Thome Phillies THE SKINNY Jul 20 - According to the Philadelphia Daily News, several reports have Jim Thome on the trading block -- with the Phillies willing to pay a portion of his remaining contract -- either $54 million or, if he plays in 2009, $61 million. The Phillies have not confirmed that Thome is being shopped, though several team insiders question the legitimacy of Thome's availability. The first baseman is on the 15-day disabled list (back and right elbow) for the second time this season. WHO Brian Fuentes Rockies INTERESTED Angels? Marlins? THE SKINNY Jul 20 - The Angels like Rockies closer Brian Fuentes, but according to the Denver Post, Colorado management has told the left-hander he will not be traded. WHO Ramon Hernandez Padres INTERESTED Mets? THE SKINNY Jul 20 - If Padres catcher Hernandez becomes a free agent this winter, the Mets figure to pursue him as Mike Piazza's successor, the New York Daily News reports. Hernandez, 29, has a solid reputation for pregame video preparation, likely the product of his time in Oakland with Mets pitching coach Rick Peterson. He's also reportedly dumping agent Eric Goldschmidt for Scott Boras, with whom the Mets have developed a recent relationship. WHO Mike Piazza Mets INTERESTED Athletics? Twins? THE SKINNY Jul 20 - According to The New York Post, the Mets might decide to ship Mike Piazza to an American League contender looking for a DH upgrade -- in return for a prospect. The two contending clubs in greatest need of an offensive boost, Minnesota and Oakland, aren't spenders, meaning the Mets would have to swallow most of the approximate $6 million left on Piazza's contract. Piazza's best bet to play next year is as a DH, so someone might take him earlier, if the Mets get proactive about picking up the tab. But Piazza's salary makes a waiver claim unlikely, effectively making the deadline Aug. 31, not in two weeks. WHO Scott Spiezio Mariners THE SKINNY Jul 20 - According to the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, Scott Spiezio talked weeks ago with Mariners GM Bill Bavasi, requesting a trade. "It's not helping the team for me to be here now," Spiezio told the newspaper. "I love everything about being here -- my teammates, the fans, the ballpark. Seattle is a beautiful city. ... [but] as much as I like it here, I don't see where I fit in." Spiezio, who signed a three-year contract in 2003 that will bring him $3.1 million next year, has just one hit in 21 at-bats this season. The Mariners could eat the rest of the contract, as they did with John Olerud last year, but the Mariners haven't been willing to pull that trigger yet. "If what I was doing, playing once a week, was helping the team, then I'd be all for it," Spiezio said. "I'd have no problem with that. I like this team. But I don't see that it's helping, so I need to go somewhere where I can play a lot and help somebody." WHO Shingo Takatsu White Sox INTERESTED Red Sox? Diamondbacks? THE SKINNY Jul 20 - According to the Arizona Republic, the Diamondbacks might not be interested in veteran reliever Shingo Takatsu. Japan's all-time saves leader was designated for assignment by the White Sox, and although Arizona was believed to have its sights set on him, Takatsu could be headed elsewhere. "He's still out there, I guess. He isn't here," manager Bob Melvin told the newspaper. "I wouldn't say it's imminent, either, like people are talking about." Takatsu was 6-4 with 19 saves in 20 chances and a 2.31 ERA in 59 appearances last season, but he's 1-2 with eight saves and a 5.97 ERA this year. WHO Arizona Diamondbacks THE SKINNY Jul 20 - The Diamondbacks could wait up to the trading deadline before they do anything, the Arizona Republic reports. But they will be a buyer, not a seller, GM Joe Garagiola Jr. has said. The team is looking for a dependable reliever who can fit in anywhere in the bullpen, and perhaps help in center field. Trading for a bona fide closer could prove costly, although there are closers available. WHO Minnesota Twins THE SKINNY Jul 20 - The Twins still would like to upgrade their offense, but according to the St. Paul Pioneer Press, there's a problem: The players other clubs want -- pitchers Jesse Crain, Francisco Liriano and Scott Baker -- are prospects the Twins consider virtually untouchable. So nothing is imminent at this time. Word is the Reds offered third baseman Joe Randa for Baker, and the Twins said no thanks. WHO Erubiel Durazo Athletics THE SKINNY Jul 20 - Erubiel Durazo's season is over and (possibly) so is his career as a member of the A's, the San Francisco Chronicle reports. The 30-year-old designated hitter, who has been on the disabled list since May 25, will undergo Tommy John surgery on his left elbow Friday. Durazo probably will be healthy again by the All-Star break next year. By that time, he'll likely belong to someone else. His A's contract, which pays him $4.75 million, is up after this year, and the A's have several alternatives at DH. WHO Cleveland Indians THE SKINNY Jul 20 - According to the Akron Beacon Journal, Indians GM Mark Shapiro hasn't given up on the idea of making a deal before the trading deadline. But he has conceded that he is bucking long odds. "It's fair to say we're still looking for a hitter," Shapiro told the newspaper. The Indians are looking for a right-handed power hitter to put in the middle of their order for a wild-card run, USA Today reports. Manager Eric Wedge is satisfied to keep his offense intact, but according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer, if Shapiro can trade for another hitter, he'll take him. "It's easier said than done," Wedge told the Plain Dealer. "You don't want to go get just somebody. If it's not a considerable upgrade, it probably doesn't make sense." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
I Like Soup Posted July 22, 2005 Share Posted July 22, 2005 The Braves need to get Billy Wagner. Dan Kolb has been an absolute joke as a closer this year. Forget that middle reliever they mentioned, Danny Haez or whatever. Get Wagner, put Reitsma back to middle relief, and the Braves will win the World Series. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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