Baseball Rumor News

Jayson Stark of ESPN recently wrote an article about who he thinks has the potential to be traded as the deadline approaches. It was part of a much longer article, so I have pulled out the list of relievers that he sees as very available. Of course, this can’t be everybody available, but it gives you some names to think about as possibilities.

Closers:
Brian Fuentes - The Rockies appear out of it already, and they have signed Manny Corpas to a long-term deal. With that being said, Fuentes stands out as an expendable arm. He could seriously strengthen a bullpen somewhere either in the closer role or as a setup man.

Huston Street - The A’s are always out to get maximum value for there trades and should a competing team find themselves without a closer, Street would probably fetch the A’s a solid prospect or two. He has been shaky at times this season, but isn’t far removed from being one of the best closers in the game. Oakland is in the mix as of right now, but should the right offer present itself, Street will be on his way out of Oakland.

George Sherrill - I have heard people refer to Sherrill as the ‘centerpiece’ in the Erik Bedard trade. That just wasn’t the case, it was all about Adam Jones. Sherrill came to Baltimore as a dominant left-handed specialist. Now, he is being regarded as a top-level closer. His value is probably maxed out, and the Orioles can expect to get a lot in return for him as they move forward in their rebuilding process.

Chad Cordero - While he is currently dealing with injury issues, Cordero has been one of the best relievers in baseball for the past few seasons. If he comes back healthy and has a chance to show he’s still got it, he will be traded. The Nat’s have no reson to keep him around and should try to get something for him while they still can. His name has been out there as a in trade speculations for a while, it all just hinges on his health.

Jon Rauch - Another Nat’s reliever that could draw interest is the guy that’s been filling in at closer for the injured Cordero. He’s been solid and at the deadline could fetch more than he is worth from a team in need.

Eric Gagne - The further the Cubs pull ahead, the closer the Brewers get to becoming sellers. If they could move Gagne, I’m sure the would love it. He has been anything but a guy you would want to give the ball to in a save situation. I’m not sure why anybody would want to pick him up, especially if the Brewers want somebody to take on part of his $10 million salary. What a bad signing…but at least it was only a one-year deal.

Set-up:
Juan Rincon, Jesse Crain, Chad Bradford, Jamie Walker, David Weathers, Matt Herges, Guillermo Mota, Tyler Yates, Vinnie Chulk, Jesus Colome, Frankie Francisco, Joaquin Benoit, Alan Embree, Ron Mahay, Jimmy Gobble, and Damaso Marte.