Newz Forum: BASEBALL: MLB News and Rumors 29/07/04

Big Unit deal could cost Yankees Contreras, prospects
Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel

The Sun-Sentinel's Mike Berardino reports that the Marlins are talking to the Yankees and Diamondbacks about a 3-way trade. The rumored deal would see Randy Johnson go to the Yankees, Jose Contreras and Brent Mayne go to the Marlins and prospects from both clubs go to the Diamondbacks.

Walker could be dealt to Marlins, Yankees or Red Sox
Denver Post

The Post's Troy E. Renck reports that there is a "50-50 chance" that the Rockies will find a taker for Larry Walker. The Marlins, Yankees and Red Sox are all rumored to be interested in the former All-Star.

Twins still lead chase for Benson
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

The Post-Gazette's Robert Dvorchak reports that the Twins still have the best shot at acquiring Pirates starter Kris Benson. The Pirates have their eyes on prospect Jason Kubel, but the Twins are reluctant to give him up.

Cubs should make push for Garciaparra
Chicago Tribune

Tribune columnist Phil Rogers thinks that the Cubs should deal Matt Clement to the Red Sox for Nomar Garciaparra.

GM: No Offer for Johnson
Los Angeles Times

While emerging Wednesday as a finalist for Arizona center fielder Steve Finley, the Dodgers denied a report they also had been close to acquiring Randy Johnson from the Diamondbacks.

Benson remains a Pirate -- for now
Pittsburgh Tribune Review

The Pirates, however, continued to weigh their options yesterday. They are believed to be negotiating with the Minnesota Twins and at least one other team about Benson. The second team figures to be the Texas Rangers, Atlanta Braves or Anaheim Angels.

Bautista could be dealt to Red Sox
Arizona Republic

Red Sox right fielder Trot Nixon is suffering from a quadriceps pull that could place him on the 15-day disabled list, and Boston could try to entice the Diamondbacks with Triple-A catcher Kelly Shoppach for right fielder Danny Bautista.

Dodgers interested in Penny
Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel

The Dodgers have interest in Marlins right-hander Brad Penny, possibly for catcher Paul Lo Duca, but that could be dependent on Contreras coming south.

Marlins may turn to Guillen
Los Angeles Times

The Florida Marlins, rebuffed in their efforts to acquire Arizona outfielder Steve Finley and skeptical of their chances of landing Colorado's Larry Walker, are making a strong push to acquire Angel left fielder Jose Guillen, according to a Ft. Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel report.

News and Rumors sources

Fox Sports

Pro Sports Daily

the trading has begun....

The Dodgers have traded C Paul Lo Duca and RF Juan Encarnacion to the
Marlins for P Brad Penny, 1B Hee Seop Choi and minor league P Bill Murphy
The Marlins also got P Guillermo Mota from the Dodgers in their trade

A 3 way trade--

The Mets get P Kris Benson and minor league 2B Jeff Keppinger from the Pirates
The Pirates get 3B Ty Wigginton and minor league P Matt Peterson from the
Mets and minor league 3B Jose Bautista from the Royals.
The Royals get minor league C Justin Haber from the Mets.

The Devil Rays traded P Victor Zambrano and minor league P Batolome
Fortunado to the Mets for minor league Ps Scott Kazmir and Jose Diaz.

The Rangers traded 1B Brad Fullmer to the Padres for a player to be
named later

Sigh...

Of all the players the Dodgers had to trade, why did it have to be Paul Lo Duca, my favorite player...

Certainly they are younger and maybe better in the long run, but I certainly feel for Paul...he helped carry this team with Beltre to where it is, first place in the West. Now he has to start over in Florida, and LA has David Ross as its current starting catcher, who is currently batting below .200...

Originally posted by Cannon
LA has David Ross as its current starting catcher, who is currently batting below .200...

They're saying Colorado's Charles Johnson is on his way to LA.

I was real surprised by the Dodger's moves. Loduca is a great player both offensively and defensively and was a leader in the clubhouse. Mota has been one of the game's best set-up man for the game's best closers, why in the world would you break up a 1-2 punch like that? ESPN thinks it's because the Dodgers aren't done dealing, they think the Unit and/or Finley might be on their way to LA as well.

I hope they aren't done dealing, because there was no reason to break up this unit for what they got so far.