Newz Forum: BASEBALL: News and Rumors 21/07/04

Delgado could be difference-maker for Marlins
Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel

"The Marlins have told teams they believe there are only two offensive 'difference-makers' available through trade: Finley and Toronto first baseman Carlos Delgado. Delgado, however, is still due close to $7.5 million through season's end. He also can block any trade. David Sloane, his Coral Springs-based agent, says Delgado isn't going anywhere without a multiyear extension."



Rockies could deal Walker to Dodgers
Denver Post

The Post's Mike Klis reports that the Rockies are shopping Larry Walker. The Dodgers are searching for a "cleanup-type hitter" and Walker could fit the bill.


Three teams chasing Finley
East Valley Tribune

The Tribune's Ed Price reports that the Rangers, Phillies and Marlins are all pursuing Diamondbacks outfielder Steve Finley.


Pirates turn down bids for Benson
Pittsburgh Tribune Review

The Tribune Review's Joe Rutter reports that the Mets and Philllies have both made bids for Pirates starter Kris Benson. The Pirates turned down the chance to get Ty Wigginton from the Mets or Ryan Howard from the Phillies.


Mets should target Benson, Guardado
Newsday

Newsday columnist Jon Heyman thinks that the Mets may have to include Ty Wigginton in a package deal along with Justin Huber, Aaron Baldiris, Craig Brazell, Royce Ring or Mike Jacobs if they want to pry Kris Benson away from the Pirates. Heyman also suggests that the Mets pursue Eddie Guardado.

Diamondbacks want Posada for Johnson
Newark Star-Ledger

" According to a baseball official familiar with the situation, the Diamondbacks asked the Yankees if it would be possible to include catcher Jorge Posada in a deal for Johnson... The Yankees have been trying to figure out a way to get a major-league pitcher back to Arizona in the deal. That could mean getting right-hander Ramon Ortiz from the Angels and spinning him off to the Diamondbacks in a three-way trade, as has been discussed. The Angels are interested in left-handed reliever Felix Heredia."

Trade speculation centers on Finley, Big Unit
East Valley Tribune

"Like ace Randy Johnson the losing pitcher in Tuesday's 3-1 victory by the San Francisco Giants at Bank One Ballpark Finley has been the subject of trade talk between the D-Backs and other teams. An industry source said Finley is likely to approve a trade to a contender, and that Texas, Philadelphia and Florida have been the most aggressive pursuers."

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[Edited on 21/7/04 by TRD]

Originally posted by TRD

Three teams chasing Finley
East Valley Tribune

The Tribune's Ed Price reports that the Rangers, Phillies and Marlins are all pursuing Diamondbacks outfielder Steve Finley.


Pirates turn down bids for Benson
Pittsburgh Tribune Review

The Tribune Review's Joe Rutter reports that the Mets and Philllies have both made bids for Pirates starter Kris Benson. The Pirates turned down the chance to get Ty Wigginton from the Mets or Ryan Howard from the Phillies.

I've been keeping my eye on Finley the past couple weeks, I would really like to see him come to Philly. I think their lineup desperately needs a quality centerfielder and Finley fits the bill, he hits well and covers alot of green in the outfield. The starter in center for the Phils was Marlon Byrd, but he was sent to the minors last month due to his poor play. Right now Ricky Ledee, Jason Michaels, and Doug Glanville are platooning in CF with Ledee being the best of the group, but I think Finley would be a huge addition to the Phils outfield.

I know the Phils are also shopping for a starting pitcher and Benson is pretty good, but I would hate to see the Phils depart with blue chip prospect Ryan Howard who was mentioned as possible trade bait. Howard just set the Reading Phillies single season home run record and its just July, it was previously held by Greg "Bull" Luzinski in 1970, Bull went on to play many years for the Fightin Phils and now he has his own BBQ pit in the new Citizens Bank Ballpark.

larry walker and steve finley to the marlins?

Walker, Finley on radar

BY CLARK SPENCER

[email protected]


The Marlins are eyeing outfielders Larry Walker of the Rockies and Steve Finley of the Diamondbacks as they intensify their search for a run-producer before the July 31 trading deadline

Twins may target Benson
Minneapolis Star Tribune
The Star Tribune's Jim Souhan reports that Pirates starter Kris Benson is the Twins' "most probable target of trade talks". The Twins aren't willing to part with prospects Justin Morneau, Jason Kubel or Scott Baker, so look for them to offer Michael Restovich to the Pirates


Yankees may not have prospects to get Big Unit deal done
Arizona Republic
The Diamondbacks have been scouting Yankees prospects Dioner Navarro, Robinson Cano and Eric Duncan in anticipation of a Randy Johnson trade, but they may not like what they have seen. The Republic's Mark Gonzales reports that the Yankees' farm system has been ranked as the 27th best in baseball

In a set position, awaiting Colangelo
July 22
Newsday: " Diamondbacks owner Jerry Colangelo is in Europe until early next week, and the Yankees figure that serious discussions about Johnson likely won't begin before Colangelo's return, since this will be one of the most significant transactions in the young Diamondbacks' history."

Beltran may interest LA
July 22
Riverside Press Enterprise (registration required): "The Dodgers are among the teams rumored to be interested in Houston outfielder Carlos Beltran, who could go on the trading block for the second time this year if the Astros continue their downhill slide in the National League Central Division... Dodgers setup man Guillermo Mota seems a likely candidate to be offered to Houston if DePodesta goes after Beltran, who hit has eight home runs in 82 at-bats since being acquired by the Astros

Angels interested in Heredia?
July 22
Orange County Register (Scroll Down) (registration required): "Rumors continue to swirl that the Angels are in search of a left-handed reliever - one report has them asking the New York Yankees about Felix Heredia - but General Manager Bill Stoneman adamantly denies he is in search of one."

Closing Costs
July 22
Oakland Tribune (Scroll Down): "A source close to Eddie Guardado said the Mariners closer would waive his no-trade clause to come to San Francisco, but a Seattle team source said Mariners GM Bill Bavasi isn't looking to deal the left-hander... The Pirates are expected to move closer Jose Mesa soon, and the Giants have inquired, but Pittsburgh wants infielder Pedro Feliz."