The Official FIC MLB Rumor Central

Posts: 6755 · Posted: Jun 25, 2006 6:08 pm

It's time to start this bad boy up again...

I know in the past we have separated Rumor threads by division but because of my now pretty busy schedule and a few of the main guys MIA over the last few months, I thought it would be best to keep everything located in one central area.

It is my hopes that this thread will be grow into a gigantic compiled lists of rumors that float with some validity across the baseball spectrum. Whether if you read about it on ProSportsDaily and RotoWorld, hear it on ESPN and other sports television and radio stations, or have your own "sources" with pretty valid information, please feel free to post all rumors in this thread.

I will do my best to keep this thread looking clean and up-to-dated with all the newest stuff I hear and see and by the time July 31st comes and goes, hopefully this thread and FIC in general, will have done some service to a large amount of people.

Also for note, I along with other FIC writers will probably post a news blurb about any trade once it's complete. When the trade is official, please keep make all comments and analysis in the new thread, just so we can keep this one organized.

Thanks and I look forward to some top-notch rumors!

Alex

I'll kick this off in a few minutes...

Posts: 6755 · Posted: Jun 25, 2006 6:25 pm

New York Yankees:
Trade bait lures Nats, Brewers
June 25, 2006
Newsday

Quote:

The Yankees, their outfield production lagging, continue to draw interest from the clubs peddling the most attractive outfielders.

Both the Washington Nationals, who are shopping Alfonso Soriano, and the Milwaukee Brewers, who are gauging interest in Carlos Lee, sent high-profile representatives to Trenton on Friday night. They saw Phil Hughes, the Yankees' well-regarded righthander, take a no-hitter into the eighth inning against the Connecticut Defenders, a San Francisco Giants affiliate.

On another front, the Yankees have expressed interest in Tampa Bay Devil Rays catcher Toby Hall, scouting him a few times this season.

Atlanta Braves:
New Braves world
June 25, 2006
Newsday

Quote:

With the Braves flopping so badly, the Yankees, Red Sox and others are wondering whether John Smoltz and/or Tim Hudson could become available. They could, though maybe not quite yet.

Braves general manager John Schuerholz, whose run of 14 straight division titles is among the most remarkable in sports, expressed defiance and determination in an interview Thursday. "We're going to fix what we can fix and patch as many patches on this tire as we can to get the team going in the right direction," Schuerholz said.

"Now, if it gets to the point where I see a newspaper and there's a mark [indicating elimination] by our name, then I'll think differently," he continued. "If it gets to the point where there's nothing we can do about '06, then I'll turn quickly toward '07."

New York Mets:
GMs can't get their mitts on Milledge
June 25, 2006
NY Post

Quote:

The question posed to several GMs was whether the Mets could land Dontrelle Willis if they included Lastings Milledge in a trade. One AL GM, who has inquired about the Met rookie outfielder, pretty much summed up what he says Omar Minaya is telling all of his contemporaries: "No way they trade Milledge, even for Willis."

Another AL GM said, "Omar does not think there is any trade where he will move Milledge or [Mike] Pelfrey." So if he is protecting his two jewels, what does Minaya have to entice? A canvas of executives said the most valuable pieces the Mets would consider dealing are Phil Humber (just now pitching after Tommy John surgery), Brian Bannister, Victor Diaz, Double-A center fielder Carlos Gomez and Single-A shortstop Jose Coronado. Minaya would have to be overwhelmed to consider 17-year-old wunderkind Fernando Martinez, who was hitting .321 at Low-A.

Pittsburgh Pirates:
No 'low point' for Littlefield
June 25, 2006
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Quote:

The Los Angeles Angels, who have interest in acquiring first baseman-outfielder Craig Wilson, have cleared the way to offer prospects in a trade to upgrade their offense. That fits precisely with what the Pirates are seeking, which is young talent that is major-league ready or close to it.

The ownership of the Angels, who are stocked with one of the deepest systems in baseball, has authorized general manager Bill Stoneman to move his most talented prospects, if necessary, to help the team attain the playoffs.

more to come...

Posts: 6755 · Posted: Jun 25, 2006 6:32 pm

Minnesota Twins:
Rosenthal: Torii Hunter wants out of Minny
June 25, 2006

On Ken Rosenthal's "Inside Pitch" online video segment at Foxsports.com, Rosenthal revealed that Twins' CF Tori Hunter wants out of Minnesota for a very particular reason. According to Rosenthal, Hunter cites his desire to play on grass as his main reason for wanting to leave because he feels the turf is taking a toll on his legs. He believes he will be jeopardizing his career by continuing to play on turf.

Posts: 8052 · Posted: Jun 25, 2006 6:51 pm

The Boston Globe and Herald report the Sox are interested in JT Snow.
Don't remember where I read/heard this one but Baltimore is interested in Russ Ortiz.

Posts: 6755 · Posted: Jun 25, 2006 7:01 pm

kschellenger wrote:

.Don't remember where I read/heard this one but Baltimore is interested in Russ Ortiz.

I believe Baltimore signed Ortiz to a Minor League contract earlier this afternoon.

Posts: 8052 · Posted: Jun 25, 2006 7:14 pm

Ollo wrote:

kschellenger wrote:

.Don't remember where I read/heard this one but Baltimore is interested in Russ Ortiz.

I believe Baltimore signed Ortiz to a Minor League contract earlier this afternoon.

I need to stop working so much so I can focus on more important things...like baseball

Posts: 8274 · Posted: Jun 25, 2006 9:47 pm

Blue Jays and Yankees
Interested in Alfonso Soriano

Quote:

The most intriguing person at Tuesday's Trenton-New Hampshire Double-A game wasn't a player but a high-powered scout.

Bob Boone, the Nationals' assistant general manager for player development, is arguably the most trusted deputy of GM Jim Bowden. That he was sent to watch prospects in the Yankees' and Blue Jays' systems is a telling sign of Washington's interest.

The Yankees already have expressed interest in Alfonso Soriano, and they also could be looking at Jose Guillen to fill their need for a corner outfielder with some pop. The Nationals also could trade pitchers Livan Hernandez, Tony Armas Jr. and Ramon Ortiz.

The Blue Jays also are expected to be active players this trading season, and it's no coincidence that Boone was there on a night when New Hampshire started highly touted lefthander David Purcey, Toronto's 2004 first-round pick.

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
Interested in Miguel Tejada
Washington Post

Quote:

Though it was reported in several Los Angeles area newspapers that the Angels could have an interest in Baltimore Orioles shortstop Miguel Tejada, the two teams have not had any talks recently, according to an Orioles source. That may change, however, if the Orioles continue to slide in the standings.

The source did not deny the team would listen to offers for the superstar shortstop if Baltimore plays poorly in the weeks leading up to the July 31 trade deadline.

If the Orioles put Tejada on the trading block, there likely would be no shortage of suitors. The Angels, who have been looking for a power bat, seem like a perfect fit since they have a surplus of young talent in their minor league system.

Posts: 6755 · Posted: Jun 26, 2006 5:01 pm

Hello everyone,

Nothing real major to report this fine afternoon so I thought I would just summarize everything. Hopefully, when we get closer to the deadline, there will be bigger rumors from a lot more sources.

- Abreu to the Tigers has been a possible trade floated around over the last couple days, but Phillies GM Pat Gillick denies any reports of the team having interest in trading Abreu.

- The Yankees could be willing to part with top prospect Phillip Hughes for a big name player such as Soriano or Lee. It is unlikely that the Yanks could get either of these players without offering Hughes in a package, a notion that they previously haven't been to fond of. It will be interesting to watch how this scenario develops.

- Rumors in NYC are that the Mets believe that top prospect Mike Pelfrey may be there key to a championship this season. However, instead of initially starting him, the team could use the Red Sox/John Papelbon scenario and start Pelfrey in the bullpen and then eventually swap him with Orlando Hernandez when the team feels confident with him being in the rotation. Look for Pelfrey to get promoted sometime soon after the All-Star break.

More later...

Posts: 8274 · Posted: Jun 26, 2006 5:08 pm

I have no source on this rumor so take it for what it's worth.

-On the Reds forum there have been several rumors about the Reds dealing Adam Dunn to the Cards for Jason Isringhausen.

This adresses needs of both teams. The Cards need a big bat in the outfield and the Reds desperately need bullpen help. However, as a Cards fan I'm not sold on Adam Dunn. I hate how much he strikes out and how many double plays he grounds into. But if the Cards could get Dunn straight up for Isringhausen I'd say it was a good deal.

Posts: 1467 · Posted: Jun 26, 2006 5:22 pm

DiehardCardsFan wrote:

I have no source on this rumor so take it for what it's worth.

-On the Reds forum there have been several rumors about the Reds dealing Adam Dunn to the Cards for Jason Isringhausen.

This adresses needs of both teams. The Cards need a big bat in the outfield and the Reds desperately need bullpen help. However, as a Cards fan I'm not sold on Adam Dunn. I hate how much he strikes out and how many double plays he grounds into. But if the Cards could get Dunn straight up for Isringhausen I'd say it was a good deal.

I seriously doubt an intra-division trade of this magnatude. Izzy isn't half the player Dunn is anyways.

Posts: 8274 · Posted: Jun 26, 2006 5:29 pm

standuptriple wrote:

DiehardCardsFan wrote:

I have no source on this rumor so take it for what it's worth.

-On the Reds forum there have been several rumors about the Reds dealing Adam Dunn to the Cards for Jason Isringhausen.

This adresses needs of both teams. The Cards need a big bat in the outfield and the Reds desperately need bullpen help. However, as a Cards fan I'm not sold on Adam Dunn. I hate how much he strikes out and how many double plays he grounds into. But if the Cards could get Dunn straight up for Isringhausen I'd say it was a good deal.

I seriously doubt an intra-division trade of this magnatude. Izzy isn't half the player Dunn is anyways.

Dunn is one of the most overrated players is sports today. The guy is hitting .222 with 24 homeruns. 18 of 24 homeruns are of the solo variety which tells me he lacks in the clutch.

Posts: 10853 · Posted: Jun 26, 2006 6:05 pm

DiehardCardsFan wrote:

standuptriple wrote:

DiehardCardsFan wrote:

I have no source on this rumor so take it for what it's worth.

-On the Reds forum there have been several rumors about the Reds dealing Adam Dunn to the Cards for Jason Isringhausen.

This adresses needs of both teams. The Cards need a big bat in the outfield and the Reds desperately need bullpen help. However, as a Cards fan I'm not sold on Adam Dunn. I hate how much he strikes out and how many double plays he grounds into. But if the Cards could get Dunn straight up for Isringhausen I'd say it was a good deal.

I seriously doubt an intra-division trade of this magnatude. Izzy isn't half the player Dunn is anyways.

Dunn is one of the most overrated players is sports today. The guy is hitting .222 with 24 homeruns. 18 of 24 homeruns are of the solo variety which tells me he lacks in the clutch.

I would still take it. They can have Izzy for a case of Skyline Chili.

Posts: 8274 · Posted: Jun 26, 2006 8:41 pm

stlsportsfan wrote:

DiehardCardsFan wrote:

standuptriple wrote:

DiehardCardsFan wrote:

I have no source on this rumor so take it for what it's worth.

-On the Reds forum there have been several rumors about the Reds dealing Adam Dunn to the Cards for Jason Isringhausen.

This adresses needs of both teams. The Cards need a big bat in the outfield and the Reds desperately need bullpen help. However, as a Cards fan I'm not sold on Adam Dunn. I hate how much he strikes out and how many double plays he grounds into. But if the Cards could get Dunn straight up for Isringhausen I'd say it was a good deal.

I seriously doubt an intra-division trade of this magnatude. Izzy isn't half the player Dunn is anyways.

Dunn is one of the most overrated players is sports today. The guy is hitting .222 with 24 homeruns. 18 of 24 homeruns are of the solo variety which tells me he lacks in the clutch.

I would still take it. They can have Izzy for a case of Skyline Chili.

Yeah, I agree.

Posts: 1289 · Posted: Jun 26, 2006 10:18 pm

I would hate that deal, granted Dunn is no stud but bleh. At this point we've got enough solid players in the minors we could deal for a middle reliever I'd hope.

Posts: 3774 · I - L - L...... I - N - I Joined: 25 Jul 2005 Posts: 3774

Quote:

- Abreu to the Tigers has been a possible trade floated around over the last couple days, but Phillies GM Pat Gillick denies any reports of the team having interest in trading Abreu.

Jim Leyland came out yesterday and stated there is "no way the Tigers are going to trade for Abreu." Sounds like a rumor started by reporters more than anything else.

Per Peter Gammons, the Braves might start thinking about moving Andruw Jones, though most likely in the offseason. They may try to acquire Joey Gathright from the Royals to fill their leadoff vacancy, then have him swing over to CF next year.