Baseball Update: Trade Rumors

The Baseball Update keeps up to date on the happenings around Major League Baseball

Where's Hallady Going?: Philadelphia looks like it is still the leading candidate, but the two sides are at an impasse. The Jays requested J.A. Happ, Kyle Drabek, and Dominic Brown. The Phillies countered that with a package that included, Happ, Carlos Carrasco, Michael Taylor and Jason Donald. So it looks like the Phillies may pass on Halladay.

The Yankees, Red Sox, Dodgers, and Angels have shown interest in Halladay. The Jays wanted Clay Buchholtz from Boston, but the Red Sox refuse to trade Buchholtz. Since the Jays would take a huge risk in trading Halladay to an inter-division rival, their request has come to a stepper price. The Jays wanted both Phil Hughes and Joba Chamberlain from the Yankees.

If a team doesn't offer a spectacular package for Halladay before the deadline, then Halladay is staying in Toronto. And if the deal falls though, the Phillies could also trade for Indians pitcher Cliff Lee.

The Dodgers Need An Ace: Despite having the best record in baseball, the Los Angeles Dodgers still need an number one starting pitcher. While the Dodgers have a great lineup, they still don't have a great pitching staff. Bill Plaschke wrote about this issue yesterday.

There is power here, there is speed here, there is brashness and belief and as much bullpen intensity as bullpen ivy.

But there is no ace here. There is no big-nerve, cold-staring starting pitcher here.

There is nobody who will take the mound on a chilly fall night and refuse to leave until morning. There is nobody who will grab the ball in October and refuse to give it up until November.

There is no Cole Hamels, no Josh Beckett, no David Wells.

This is the reason why the Dodgers have shown interest in both Halladay and Indians pitcher Cliff Lee. While I don't expect the Dodgers to pick up someone at the quality of both Halladay and Lee, I do expect them to pick up a solid pitcher.

When Will The Giants Make a Trade?: I ranted the other day about why the Giants haven't made a trade yet. Well it does look like the Giants are in talks about picking up a bat and the Cleveland Indians and the Washington Nationals look to be the target. And with the two Pennsylvania teams visiting the Giants this week, they are looking to help their anemic offense.

The Giants don't necessarily need a home run hitter. They need someone who can drive in runs when there are runners on base. I've watched too many Giants games this year, and saw hitters come up short while they were people on base. The are reportedly interested in both Cleveland Indian players Ryan Garko and Victor Martinez. Though they might not trade for both of them. Also the Giants are said to be interested in Nationals players Nick Johnson and Josh Willingham. It will be interesting to see if the Giants can make a deal and who are they willing to give up.

Adrian Gonzalez to Boston?: The Boston is interested in trading for more bats and are interested in San Diego 1st baseman Adrian Gonzalez and San Diego is willing to listen. The Red Sox are refusing to trade the farm away, so a trade for Gonzalez or Victor Martinez isn't a real good possibility.

Will Houston Make a Deal?: Since the Astros are in the thick of the NL Central race(they are currently 2 games behind the Cubs) but that does not necessarily mean the Astros are interested in making a trade. GM Ed Wade says the team is staying put for right now, but that does not mean they won't make a trade. Their economic standing though might prevent them from making a trade at the deadline.