**“Tuesday Trade Rumors” appears each week up until the July trade deadline, and will cover every interesting rumor being thrown out there by major seam head enthusiasts.
BY: JOHN SCAFETTA
- Sports Illustrated’s Jon Heyman recently speculated that Ken Griffey Jr. may be interested in a trade to the Tampa Bay Rays. Heyman’s source indicated that Griffey would consider waiving his no-trade clause to play near his Orlando home. In recent weeks, talks of a Griffey reunion with the Seattle Mariners have all but faded.
- With the Cleveland Indians sitting just 5.5 games out in the American League Central, they’ll be the first to say that they are in a bind. The team has been so inconsistent this season that talks of a C.C. Sabathia trade began in late May. Indians general manager Mark Shapiro would benefit more by trading Sabathia at this point of the season, rather than wait until the July trade deadline approaches.
- With New York Yankee ace Chien-Ming Wang out until September, the Bronx bums are left without a solid No. 1 starter. Sabathia was a name that was thrown out there and we know New York has a handful of key prospects; however would they be willing to unload the farm for a short-term rental? Reasonable targets that have been discussed at this point include Joe Blanton, Rich Harden, Erik Bedard, Derek Lowe, Randy Wolf and Paul Byrd.
- Staying on the topic of starting pitchers, free agent hurler Freddy Garcia has been rumored to be going just about everywhere. At least five teams have been monitoring the righty, including the Mets, Red Sox, Braves, White Sox and Rangers. Garcia was just 1-5 last season with a 5.90 ERA.
- ESPN’s Jayson Stark wrote that the Pittsburg Pirates might keep two highly-touted bats in Jason Bay and Xavier Nady and to make a run at the .500 mark. Of the two, Nady is the one more likely to be heading out the door. Nady, in his contract year, is finally proving he can stay healthy as he carries a .314 average with 10 home runs and 49 RBIs coming into Tuesday night.
- The Denver Post and the New York Daily News have both stated that the Mets are interested in Rockies closer Brian Fuentes. With the firing of manager Willie Randolph and with the Yankees also interested in the reliever, the Mets have more problems than just their bullpen.
- With Washington Nationals catcher Paul Lo Duca returning from his stint on the disabled list, the Nats now have three catchers. Expect his trade value to sky-rocket as the month of June heats up.
- If the Chicago Cubs fall out of the running for Sabathia, the loveable losers could sway their attention to an acquisition of either Randy Wolf or Greg Maddux. As I’ve mentioned before, I believe Maddux will be dealt before deadline with the Braves his most likely destination.
- The Toronto Blue Jays are expected to shop A.J. Burnett as the month of June winds down. Look for the Cubs to make a strong push, with the Blue Jays looking for middle-infield help. Burnett has $30 million left on his current contract.
- With David Ortiz’s wrist still in question, the Boston Red Sox are searching for another bat for the middle of their lineup. As I stated last week, Adam Dunn could be a possibility. However, a new name that has circulated is Josh Willingham. He could fill in at DH, first base and left field.
- Speculation has surfaced that if the Braves fall any further out of the National League East race, they may trade Mark Teixeira. I don’t buy it. Atlanta is perennial buyers come July and this year won’t be different. This team has been hampered by so many freak injuries that even if they may not resign Tex this upcoming offseason, they will definitely use him as much as they can for the rest of this season.
** Have a rumor not covered? Comment and let me know.
John Scafetta
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