Latest Trade Rumors

[Sam]

Alfonso Soriano is still on the market, but Nats GM Jim Bowden continues to ask for way too much. The White Sox do not want to get rid of Brandon McCarthy and the Tigers are reluctant to give up star prospect Cameron Maybin.

 

According to the Oakland Tribune, there is a 95 percent chance that Barry Zito will finish out the season in Oakland. Supposively, the only way that Zito becomes a Met is if GM Omar Minaya will part ways with five-tool prospect Lastings Milledge. Rumor has it that the Mets are confident that they can sign Zito in the offseason, so they will make deals for pitchers like Livan Hernandez right now to preserve their top prospects.

 

The Angels have realized that they need to make a deal to keep up with the Rangers. The package of Ervin Santana, Scot Shields and Howie Kendricks/Brandon Wood will most likely be used either to acquire either Soriano or Orioles shortstop Miguel Tejada.

 

Speaking of Tejada, the Rangers are trying to throw Hank Blalock into the mix to see if the O's bite. The Rangers have Joaquin Arias (AAA) ready to crack the big leagues and could possibly move Tejada to third base.

 

A deal that would send Bobby Abreu to the Yankees is getting closer and closer. The Phillies and Yankees spoke about Abreu all day Friday and into the night, discussing different variations of a deal that would send the outfielder to New York. Besides Philip Hughes, the Phils are interested in third baseman Eric Duncan and pitcher Tyler Clippard.

 

Greg Maddux told the Cubs he would waive his no-trade clause if he can be moved to a contender. Maddux also said he would be willing to be traded to the New York Mets, a team that was once believed to be off limits. Other teams interested in the veteran's services are the Dodgers, Padres and Diamondbacks.

 

The Padres are weighing the option of dealing premier set-up man Scott Linebrink in return for a third baseman. Besides Mike Lowell, the Padres are asking about White Sox prospect Josh Fields and even Astro Morgan Ensberg.