Rumors for July, 2011
LAPD arrests 2 new suspects in Stow beating, exonerate Giovanni Ramirez
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The Los Angeles Police Department has arrested two NEW individuals on suspicion of beating Giants’ fan Bryan Stow. A female who is believed to be the get-away driver and a male believed to be the primary aggressor were arrested, though their names are not known.
They also came to the humbling conclusion that the suspect they had in custody, Giovanni Ramirez was not responsible (for this crime, as he is guilty of plenty of other things) sources close to the LA Times reports.
The recent arrests marked a change in what LAPD had been saying. Up until today, all public comments that were made had Giovanni Ramirez as the prime suspect.
In June, the case was sent to LAPD’s elite investigative team, the Robbery-Homicide Division and was made a top priority by the department.
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Braves looking for bullpen help
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The Atlanta Braves are looking for bullpen help, Buster Olney of ESPN reports. The bullpen need is understandable given the heavy use of their relievers in the first half of the year. Jonny Venters for example is on pace for 91 appearances with 96 innings pitched.
Jon Paul Morosi of FOXSports though adds that the Braves are still talking with the Reds about Jonny Gomes. Yesterday, we learned that the Braves are trying to trade for Gomes, but apparently that won’t stop them from looking for relievers.
Even though the Braves have limited payroll room, they’re expected to be buyers at the deadline. Though they need bullpen help, they will probably stay away from names like Heath Bell, Mike Adams and company.
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Phillies sign Aaron Heilman to Minor League deal
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The Philadelphia Phillies have signed Aaron Heilman to a Minor League deal, Jim Salisbury of Comcast SportsNet reports.
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Cleveland Indians designate Jared Goedert for assignment
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The Cleveland Indians have designated Jared Goedert for assignment, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.
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Reminder: Carlos Beltran can prevent any trade
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In an article by Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports, he reminds us that Carlos Beltran and agent Scott Boras can exercise their no-trade clause should the outfielder not like his destination. Rosenthal suggests that should Beltran not want to play for a mid-market team such as the Pittsburgh Pirates or Cleveland Indians or a non-hitter’s friendly park such as San Francisco, he may veto a trade.
Sources close to Rosenthal say that Met’s GM Sandy Alderson has spoken with Boras about Beltran’s no-trade clause. The Mets do not appear to be concerned about getting the outfielder’s permission to deal him.
A no-trade clause gives Beltran another point of leverage. He could require some kind of compensation such as a bonus or a contract extension in order to waive the clause.
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Indians looking at Coco Crisp and Ryan Ludwick
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In a Tweet by Jon Heyman of Sports Illustrated, he says that the Cleveland Indians are looking at Ryan Ludwick and Coco Crisp. However, the competition may be fierce since their cross-state rivals, the Cincinnati Reds, are looking at both Ludwick and Crisp.
The 31-year-old Crisp is hitting .265/.315/.385 in 87 games for the Oakland Athletics this season.
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Washington Nationals release Chad Gaudin
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The Washington Nationals have announced that they released Chad Gaudin. The team designated the 28-year-old pitcher for assignment earlier this week.
The 28-year-old right-hander was 1-1 with a 6.48 ERA in 10 relief appearances for the Nationals this season.
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New York Mets will keep Jose Reyes
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The New York Mets appear set on keeping shortstop Jose Reyes, Buster Olney of ESPN.com reports. Reyes has been the center of rumors since the beginning of the season with his future changing on a daily basis. It now appears though that the Mets are set on keeping Reyes.
The Mets’ view has changed a bit as they now believe they have a decent shot at resigning Reyes after the season, where he could command a contract of five or more years with the total dollar amount over one-hundred million.
Reyes leads to NL in average (.355) and hits (126) and also helps fill the seats at Citi Field.
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Tigers designate Brandon Inge for assignment
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According to Jason Beck of MLB.com, the Tigers have designated Brandon Inge for assignment. Inge has already said he will accept an assignment to Triple-A Toledo if he clears waivers.
After hitting .247 in 144 games last season, the Tigers rewarded Inge with a two-year deal worth $11.5 million which included a $6 million club option for 2013.
This season, Inge was hitting .177 in 239 plate appearances. Inge’s lack of offense at the hot corner, forced the Tigers to acquire Wilson Betemit from the Royals.
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Could the Padres keep Mike Adams?
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According to Jeff Passan of Yahoo, Padres’ owner, Jeff Moorad told reliever Mike Adams last week that he would not be traded. Apparently, the team is demanding more for Adams than they are for current closer Heath Bell as Adams is not a free agent like Bell after the season.
A couple of days ago, we learned that both Bell and Adams were on the Rangers radar. They are two of the most sought after pitchers this July and San Diego is apparently in discussions with the Phillies and Yankees amongst other teams.
Last week, it was speculated that the Phillies could be frontrunners to land at least one of them. Bell is 2-3 with a 2.61 ERA and 26 saves in 38 innings.
Adams is 3-1 with a 1.29 ERA in 42 games.
Chad Qualls who is 4-3 with a 2.60 ERA in 45 innings for the Padres this season, is another San Diego reliever who may possibly be traded.
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