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lol im sure your friend will love the idea of everyone using his password......but hey it worked for me........seems like bosox and the cubs are after anyone whos available......

 

Monday, July 21 Updated 12:26 PM EST

 

 

Which A's prospects to include is key

 

WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

 

Brian Giles

Pirates

A's

Padres? Jul. 21 - The Giles-to-Oakland talk is still alive, with the San Francisco Chronicle reporting Monday that the Pirates might be willing to accept a package that doesn't include one of the A's three untouchables -- shortstop Bobby Crosby, center fielder Nick Swisher or starting pitcher Rich Harden -- for Giles.

The Beaver County (Pa.) Times on Monday listed the following names as possible components of an Oakland package for Giles: Second baseman Mark Ellis and outfielder Eric Byrnes from the major-league club; right-hander Aaron Harang from Triple-A, and Class AA pitchers Shane Komine and John Rheinecker, shortstop Freddie Bynum and Swisher. The paper also indicated that Oakland might have to unload Terrance Long's contract before bringing Giles aboard, but Giles, who has a limited no-trade clause, reportedly said Sunday he was unsure he would agree to the trade.

 

The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reported over the weekend that mounting financial losses have made a Pirates fire-sale almost certain, with everyone from Giles (in the second year of a five-year, $45 million contract) to Jason Kendall (with four years, $42 million remaining on his deal) on the block. The paper also indicated the Pirates nearly had a deal that would have sent both Giles and Kendall to the Padres before changing their minds.

 

 

 

WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

 

Juan Gonzalez

Rangers

Royals

Diamondbacks

A's

Twins

Yankees Jul. 21 - Juan Gone's agent confirmed his client had softened his stance on accepting a trade, telling the Dallas Morning News, "Juan is open-minded, so that's true. ... But I'd prefer not to get into too many specifics now."

Cuza told the paper he hasn't given the Rangers a list of teams Gonzalez would be willing to join, nor has the team presented him with any trade proposals. Sunday, Gonzalez returned to Texas for treatment on a strained calf muscle and will miss the team's two-game set in Baltimore.

 

Kansas City, Arizona, Oakland, Minnesota and the N.Y. Yankees have expressed interest, but Gonzalez has indicated he doesn't want to switch leagues; the Twins just acquired Shannon Stewart; and the Yankees have indicated they'll likely stay with what they have offensively.

 

 

 

WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

 

Sidney Ponson

Orioles

Braves

White Sox

Reds

Twins

Red Sox Jul. 21 - The Orioles have offered Ponson a multiyear contract extension, reports the Washington Post, and the right-hander's response to it will go a long way toward determining his future in Baltimore. According to the Baltimore Sun, that response was lukewarm. The Sun reports the offer is believed to be for three years at a base salary of $5 million per season.

If Baltimore doesn't feel it can get Ponson re-signed, he could be on the block quickly. The Post lists the Braves, White Sox, Reds and Red Sox as teams that have expressed interest in acquiring Ponson (13-5, 3.67 ERA).

 

Previously, the Baltimore Sun quoted a major league GM as saying the Orioles are "asking for the moon" from teams that have inquired about Ponson, telling potential suitors it will take their top prospects to pry the right-hander loose. However, it's not likely the Braves, for example, would be willing to part with catching prospect Johnny Estrada.

 

 

 

WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

 

Steve Kline

Cardinals

Yankees

Red Sox Jul. 21 - The New York Post reports the Yankees have offered the Cardinals Sterling Hitchcock straight up for Kline and are willing to eat the difference the two pitchers' contracts -- about $3.7 million. The Cardinals were said to be considering the offer in an effort to land another starting pitcher. Previously, the Boston Globe indicated the Red Sox had interest in Kline.

 

 

WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

 

Steve Sparks

Tigers

Astros Jul. 21 - The Detroit Free Press reports the Astros have inquired about trading for the Detroit knuckleballer. Sparks will be a free agent after the season and is unlikely to remain in Detroit. Houston manager Jimy Williams has experience with knuckleball pitchers, having managed Tim Wakefield in Boston. Sparks is 0-4 with a 3.71 ERA out of the bullpen this season, but two seasons ago he went 14-9 with a 3.65 ERA as a starter.

 

 

WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

 

Pedro Borbon Jr.

 

Yankees

Red Sox Jul. 21 - The Red Sox and Yankees are interested in acquiring Borbon for the role of left-handed specialist in the bullpen, the Hartford Courant reports. "We have our eyes on a lot of guys," Red Sox GM Theo Epstein said. "But nothing's really happening with him." Borbon, 35, has been pitching for the Long Island Ducks in the independent Atlantic League. He is 4-2 with a 2.10 ERA in 30 games, and was recently converted to a starter. He was a combined 4-4 with a 5.36 ERA in 72 relief appearances for the Blue Jays and Astros in 2002.

 

 

WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

 

Rey Sanchez

Mets

Mariners? Jul. 21 - The Mets are trying to interest the Mariners in Sanchez rather than just release him and eat the $500,000 left on his contract, according to the Newark Star-Ledger. The Mets want to create a roster spot for Jorge Velandia, who was optioned to Triple-A Norfolk on Sunday.

 

 

WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

 

Mark Loretta

Padres

Cubs Jul. 18 - According to the Chicago Tribune, the Cubs had all but given up on prying Loretta loose from San Diego, but GM Jim Hendry plans to resume negotiations with the Padres to see what it would take to seal the deal. However, Hendry reportedly is not keen on the idea of also acquiring pitcher Kevin Jarvis and his $4 million salary, something San Diego GM Kevin Towers has said is a condition for any team that wants Loretta.

 

 

WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

 

Aramis Ramirez

Pirates

Cubs? Jul. 18 - One day after reporting the Cubs had no interest in Ramirez, the Chicago Tribune is indicating the team is, in fact, interested, but only if the Pirates reduce their asking price.

The paper speculates that Pittsburgh GM Dave Littlefield is trying to interest the Cubs in a package deal of Ramirez (and his escalating 2004 salary) and Kenny Lofton for a group of the Cubs' top prospects. However, the paper suggests, if the Pirates admit that Chicago would be doing them a favor by taking Ramirez off their hands and thus ask less in return, a deal could get done.

 

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports the Cubs could send pitcher Todd Wellemeyer and second-baseman Bobby Hill to Pittsburgh for Ramirez. Other recent have mentioned Chicago pitching prospects Juan Cruz and Francis Beltran, outfielder David Kelton and outfield prospect Felix Pie as potential parts of a deal with Pittsburgh.

 

 

 

WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

 

Jeff Suppan

Pirates

Red Sox Jul. 18 - The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette kept alive the Suppan-to-Boston talk Thursday, mentioning it along with a handful of other potential deals for the Pirates. Previously, the Boston Herald quoted a major league GM saying, "Boston is really in on Suppan. He is quite available and he can offer them a lot in return." Suppan, who pitched for Boston from 1995-97 before being drafted by Arizona in the '97 expansion draft, is 8-7 with a 3.73 ERA in 18 starts for the Pirates. He would easily be penciled in as a fourth starter for Boston.

 

 

WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

 

Jay Payton

Rockies

Cubs? Jul. 18 - Payton's name surfaced in the Chicago Tribune in a report about possible replacements for injured Cubs' centerfielder Corey Patterson, and the Denver Post listed Payton as the Rockies' "most desirable, if not movable commodity."

Payton, hitting .296 with a .351 on-base percentage, makes only $1.85 million this year and should command only around $3 million in arbitration next year, making him very attractive, according to the Post. "I am used to the rumors," Payton told the paper. "I dealt with it all last year in New York."

 

 

 

WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

 

Doug Glanville

Rangers

?? Jul. 18 - The Rangers apparently are showcasing Glanville, who will be a free agent after the season, in hopes of interesting a contender in picking him up for the stretch drive, reports the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Glanville has been in the lineup for the team's last three games and has gone 10-for-15.

 

 

WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

 

Steve Trachsel

Mets

Red Sox Jul. 18 - Mets GM Jim Duquette said Thursday the team likely is done making trades, rendering Boston's interest in Trachsel moot. However, anything's possible in the days leading up to the trading deadline. Duquette was quoted in the N.Y. Times saying, "We're still open to making trades, but at this point we'd have to be overwhelmed."

 

 

WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

 

David Weathers

Mets

Marlins Jul. 18 - Weathers, like Trachsel, is probably staying put, as the Mets apparently are done remaking their roster for the moment. Earlier this week, the Sun-Sentinel of South Florida reported the Marlins had held discussions with the Mets about acquiring the right-handed Weathers to further bolster their bullpen.

 

 

WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

 

Scott Sauerbeck

Pirates

Yankees

Rangers Jul. 18 - The Beaver County (Pa.) Times reports the Yankees "have zeroed in on" Sauerbeck, adding that New York "special adviser" Gene Michael scouted the left-hander extensively in April. Yankees GM Brian Cashman told reporters the team likely wasn't interested in adding another bat, but he said nothing about further upgrades to the bullpen.

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports Sauerbeck might be traded to the Rangers but offers no hint at what Pittsburgh might get in return. The Rangers are trying to unload high-priced players and build around younger talent, which makes the idea of adding a $1.5 million relief pitcher a little odd. But Texas, with a 5.94 team ERA, does need pitching.

 

 

 

WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

 

Joe Kennedy

Devil Rays

Orioles?

Dodgers?

Reds? Jul. 18 - Tampa manager Lou Piniella threw cold water on rumors of either the Orioles or Dodgers acquiring Kennedy in a three-way trade involving the Braves. One report had Kennedy going to Baltimore, Sidney Ponson to Atlanta and minor- league catcher Johnny Estrada and left-handed pitcher Andy Pratt to Tampa Bay. Another had Kennedy going to the Dodgers and Estrada to the Rays, but it was unclear who L.A. would send to Atlanta.

However, the D-Rays are said to be willing to part with the 24-year-old Kennedy, their opening day starter. The Reds reportedly had been offering third baseman Brandon Larson.

 

 

 

WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

 

John Thomson

Rangers

Cardinals

Reds

Giants

Expos Jul. 18 - The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports that scouts from St. Louis, Cincinnati, San Francisco and Montreal were in attendance Thursday night as Thomson limited Tampa Bay to three runs and seven hits in 7 2/3 innings while striking out nine. Thomson (3-0, 2.83 ERA in his past four starts) will be a free agent after the season and is available, the paper reports, as Rangers GM John Hart continues to tinker with the roster.

 

 

WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

 

Bartolo Colon

White Sox

Red Sox

Others? Jul. 17 - Teams in need of another starting pitcher will be watching the White Sox closely as the second half gets under way. Word started to circulate last month that Chicago might deal Colon if it continued to struggle, and with the deadline in sight, that talk has resumed. Colon is 6-8 with a 4.14 ERA this season. The Red Sox have coveted Colon since the offseason, when Montreal was shopping him in a salary dump.

 

 

WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

 

Cory Lidle

Blue Jays

Cardinals

Red Sox Jul. 17 - The Boston Globe reports the Red Sox would love to add Lidle but notes that word out of Toronto is that the Jays won't trade the right-hander within the A.L. East. St. Louis remains a possibility, as the Cardinals would love to strengthen their rotation for a run at the N.L. Central title.

Toronto just went 1-5 in games against A.L. East rivals Boston and New York, and the team's slim hopes of a playoff run took a big hit. Six more games against those two coming out of the All-Star break should cement the Blue Jays' role as a seller, not a buyer.

 

 

 

WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

 

Mike Maroth

Tigers

Reds

Others? Jul. 17 - The Dayton Daily News reports Cincinnati has scouted Maroth, and the Detroit Free Press reports the Tigers have been getting inquiries about Maroth's availability. Teams apparently figure the no-hit Tigers might be willing to part with an arm to get some offensive help.

However, GM Dave Dombrowski told the Free Press, "We're really not close to making a deal, and unless we can get pieces that fit in return, we're not going to make a trade just for the sake of making a deal." The left-handed Maroth is just 25 years old, and while he is 4-13 with a 4.89 ERA in 19 starts, he has walked just 27 batters in 112 innings.

 

 

 

WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

 

Kenny Lofton

Pirates

Cubs Jul. 16 - Given Lofton's modest salary of just under $1 million on a one-year deal, Pirates GM Dave Littlefield is in no hurry to ship him out. However, a number of teams are interested, so Littlefield can afford to be patient and see how much he can get from a contender looking to rent Lofton for the stretch drive.

The Daily Southtown mentioned Lofton possibly being packaged with Aramis Ramirez in exchange for Cubs for pitching prospects Juan Cruz, Todd Wellemeyer and Francis Beltran, outfielder David Kelton and outfield prospect Felix Pie. Previous reports also mentioned Triple-A second baseman Bobby Hill as a possible piece of the package.

 

 

 

WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

 

Victor Zambrano

Devil Rays

Reds Jul. 14 - According to the Tampa Tribune, the Reds have inquired about Zambrano's availability. However, the paper said it's unlikely the D-Rays would move the pitcher, who is 6-4 with a 3.84 ERA in 20 appearances (14 starts), unless it received someone like Wily Mo Pena in return. Cincinnati reportedly is offering only 27-year-old third baseman Brandon Larson.

 

 

WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

 

Johnny Damon

Red Sox

Royals

Cubs

Dodgers Jul. 11 - Scott Boras agent for both Damon and Carlos Beltran, threw cold water on the idea of the two centerfielders trading places, telling the Boston Globe, "Kansas City is not taking on an $8 million salary, nor is Boston interested in trading Damon, not in the least."

Thursday, the Hartford Courant quoted Damon as saying, "I've been hearing from Mike Sweeney, and he's like, 'Yeah, I think we're close to getting you.' " Damon also told the paper he'd been hearing from other players around the league that the Cubs and Dodgers also are interested.

 

While denying a Damon-for-Beltran deal, Boras did tell the Globe the Dodgers have inquired about Damon, possibly offering Odalis Perez. Damon has two years left on his contract at $16.5 million, according to the Courant. Beltran is eligible for arbitration, where he could command as much as $11 million for one year.

 

 

 

WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

 

Carlos Beltran

Royals

Rangers?

Yankees? Jul. 11 - OK, so Beltran isn't going to Boston for Johnny Damon. Is he going to Texas for Juan Gonzalez and 2B Michael Young? Probably not, though that rumor is making the rounds. Problem is, Gonzalez will be a free agent after this season, meaning all the Royals would have to show for the deal is Young. Kansas City GM Allard Baird reportedly wants a couple of top prospects capable of contributing right away. Finding a team that can offer that and take on Beltran's salary (he's expected to command around $11 million in arbitration) will be difficult.

Previously, the New York Daily News reported a meeting between Yankees GM Brian Cashman and Baird that centered on Beltran and pitcher Jason Grimsley. Other teams believed to be interested include the Mets, Dodgers, Orioles and Angels.

 

 

 

WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

 

Melvin Mora

Orioles

Dodgers Jul. 10 - The Dodgers have made an offer to the Orioles to acquire Mora, according to the Orange County Register. With Brian Jordan lost for the season, L.A. is looking for outfield help and an extra bat. However, Baltimore GM Jim Beattie told the paper, "We're not interested in moving Melvin for minor-league players." The Dodgers reportedly offered several prospects, including center fielder Wilkin Ruan, who was hitting .314 at Triple-A Las Vegas before being called up to L.A.

Beattie also told the Baltimore Sun, "I don't want Melvin to think we're shopping him. We're not shopping him. Teams are simply calling us with interest."

 

 

 

WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

 

Jeff Conine

Orioles

Marlins Jul. 8 - Talks between the Orioles and Marlins regarding a swap of Conine and Florida first baseman Derrek Lee are continuing, according to both the Washington Post and Baltimore Sun, but the Sun indicates both sides are beginning to cool to the idea. Florida has been playing better, and the Orioles reportedly are concerned about dealing a clubhouse leader.

The South Florida Sun-Sentinel first reported the talks Monday, indicating the deal was being discussed at least partially with an eye toward future salaries. Both players make around $4.24 million this season, according to the paper, but Conine will make only $4.75 million next season, and the club can buy out the 2005 season for $250,000. Lee is expected to command around $6.5 million next season in arbitration.

 

 

 

WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

 

Kris Benson

Pirates

Braves

Red Sox Jul. 8 - Atlanta has emerged as the leading possibility if the Pirates decide to move Benson, according to the Beaver County (Pa.) Times. The paper indicates Pittsburgh would be very interested if the Braves were to offer second baseman Marcus Giles, brother of current Pirate Brian Giles, in return. Atlanta more likely would be willing to deal middle infielders Mark DeRosa or Wilson Betemit and a couple of pitching prospects.

Previously, Peter Gammons reported that Boston had inquired about Benson but indicated the Sox would be unwilling to pay a high price to acquire him because of fears the right-hander has lost his curveball. A column in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette last week asserted that Benson is "perceived as soft by his teammates, others in the organization and scouts around baseball." Add that to a salary of $4.5 million this season that rises to $6.1 million in 2004, and it's hard to see Pittsburgh demanding much in return.

 

 

 

WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

 

Mike Lowell

Marlins

Marlins

Cubs

Dodgers Jul. 7 - Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria told Peter Gammons that pulling Lowell off the trading block was not just a PR move but rather a signal to fans that the team is not that far from contending. "We are in this for the long haul and he is a major piece of our future," Loria said.

The L.A. Daily News on Sunday floated the possibility that Lowell could still be traded by the July 31 deadline if the Marlins start to feel getting him signed to a long-term contract will be too difficult. Lowell is making $3.7 million this season but could more than double that in arbitration after the season. He can become a free agent after the 2004 season. The Daily News cited "several executives" as saying they wouldn't be surprised if the long-term outlook causes Florida to put Lowell back on the block.

 

 

 

WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

 

Rondell White

Padres

Dodgers Jul. 7 - The Dodgers have expressed interest in White, reports the L.A. Times, but a deal isn't likely because L.A. isn't in a position to take on one of San Diego's bad contracts in the deal. Padres GM Kevin Towers is hoping to make that a condition of any trade for White or Mark Loretta.

White will be a free agent after this season, so the left fielder will be mentioned a lot as the trade deadline approaches. And once Phil Nevin returns from injury, the Padres will have to either trade White, bench him or move Nevin to first base. With Ryan Klesko already entrenched at first, a trade might be the only way to resolve the situation.

 

 

 

WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

 

Tony Batista

Orioles

Cubs Jul. 6 - The Orioles are prepared to deal Batista this month, even to the point of eating the remainder of his $6 million salary to sweeten the pot, according to the Baltimore Sun. The Cubs reportedly tried to acquire Batista "for almost nothing," the Sun reports, but the Orioles are willing to wait until offers improve. Batista is eligible for free agency at season's end.

 

 

WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

 

Andy Ashby

Dodgers

Red Sox Jul. 5 - According to the L.A. Times, the Red Sox have inquired about Ashby. But as much as the Dodgers would love to move him and his $8 million salary, the paper reports they might be hesitant to do it with new questions about the health of Kevin Brown.

Boston reportedly is offering only Jeremy Giambi for Ashby, and the Dodgers don't think he's the answer to their offensive woes. However, the Times indicated that if the Red Sox were to substitute second baseman Todd Walker in the deal, L.A.'s interest would pick up considerably.

 

The Dodgers are badly in need of offensive help, but their payroll leaves them just $2 million under the luxury tax threshold and thus unable to take on much salary, the Times wrote Friday. The team was shopping the veteran Ashby to clear salary space, but until the Sox called there had been little interest. Ashby turns 36 nect week.

 

 

 

WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

 

Adrian Beltre

Dodgers

Cubs Jul. 4 - The L.A. Times reports the Cubs have renewed their interest in Beltra and dispatched Gary Hughes, "a senior member of the Cub front office," to watch the third baseman during this weekend's series agains the Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium.

The Dodgers have been discussing possible deals to ship out Beltre since at least the winter meetings last December and had been pursuing Florida's Mike Lowell as a replacement. Even with Lowell off the market, however, L.A. still appears willing to unload Beltre.

 

 

 

WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

 

Eric Young

Brewers

? Jul. 4 - The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reports the Brewers are willing to listen to offers for Young, hitting .264 with 10 homers and 19 stolen bases this season. Young makes $2 million and becomes a free agent in the offseason. He has a career on-base percentage of .361 and has averaged 48 stolen bases per year over 12 seasons.

"If a deal comes up that makes us better, we'll do it," manager Ned Yost told the paper. "We still have some guys that are attractive to other teams that are in pennant races."

 

 

 

WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

 

Jeff Weaver

Yankees

Pirates Jun. 22 - As Weaver continues to struggle, the Yankees may be getting ready to ship him out of town. According to the Newark Star-Ledger, the Yankees and Pirates have had several conversations about potential trades recently, and the Pirates are interested in acquiring the 26-year-old, 3-6 with a 5.77 ERA this season. The two players on the Pirates' roster the Yankees covet are outfielder Brian Giles and right-handed pitcher Kris Benson, and one of those players would likely need to be involved if Weaver is to be dealt. New York may be leery about making a move until they're sure Jose Contreras is coming back from his shoulder injury.

 

 

WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

 

Chuck Finley

 

Red Sox

Astros Jun. 18 - The Boston Herald reports the Red Sox have been in contact with Finley's agents about bringing the lefthander east but says the pitcher would prefer to play on the west coast. Nevertheless, Boston GM Theo Epstein says he'll stay in touch.

Previously, the Houston Chronicle reported the Astros have interest in signing the 40-year-old. Finley recently rejected an opportunity to re-join the Angels, for whom he pitched for 14 seasons, because the only job Anaheim could offer was in the bullpen. Agent Randy Hendricks told the L.A. Times, "We have other teams clearly interested in Chuck as part of their rotation."

 

 

 

WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

 

Tom Gordon

White Sox

Red Sox Jun. 17 - With Boston in need of bullpen help and Gordon expressing a desire to be a closer again, the Red Sox may be interested in acquiring the 35-year-old, the Boston Herald reports. Gordon, 4-5 with a 3.82 ERA, has been working primarily as a middle reliever and setup man for the White Sox. He pitched for Boston from 1996-1999 and is earning a reasonable base salary of just $1.4 million.

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