Linc's Rumblings, Whispers, and Rumors

Welcome one and all to Week 2 (semana dos a mi Mexicana-Americana amigos) of what Linc has learned – the 4th of July collector’s edition. With precisely 30 long-hot days until the July 31st trade deadline Linc has smelled a lot of smoke but seen very little fire on the trade front.

Since we all have raw meat to grill, cold beer to drink, and 30 minutes to wait before we can go swimming after we eat (safety first) let us get started!

Bronson Arroyo (SP) – The Reds appear to be one of those rare buyer/seller combinations around the trade deadline and Walt Jocketty has gone on record saying he plans to be aggressive. Since arriving from Boston Arroyo has been too inconsistent to justify his $9.5 million 2009 salary, let alone the $11 million owed to him in 2010. The Mets and Giants have had mild interest but Texas appears to be the most likely destination with Hank Blalock getting shipped to the Queen City in return.

Felipe Lopez (INF) – Clearly the Cubs offense needs a spark and one rumor making the rounds has Lopez involved in his second consecutive trade deadline deal. If Lopez heads to the north side he could serve as a solid #2 hitter and provide some much needed speed near the top of the Cubs order. Couple a Lopez addition with the return of Aramis Ramirez and the baby bears might have the kick in the offensive butt needed to power their way back to the top of the NL Central.

Eric Bedard (SP) – Seattle’s desire to trade Bedard took a hit with his recent DL stint though don’t worry – it only delayed the inevitable. Bedard is a lock to be on the move with the Dodgers, Brewers, and Phillies all possible destinations. When healthy Bedard can solidify a shaky rotation and put his high K rate to good use for a team with an offense.

Mark DeRosa (INF) – DeRosa’s name has been floating around for a while now and I fully expect we will be hearing it a bit longer. The Indian’s brass claim they might hold onto him and see if the team can catch lightning in a bottle with the return of Westbrook and Sizemore. Should this comment have been made during a poker game I believe the appropriate term used to describe such a statement is BLUFF and DeRosa will have another uniform to hang on his game room wall after he retires. Both NY teams, as well as the Marlins have expressed interest. My money is on the Cardinals however. Troy Glaus’s throwing arm has fallen off – pretty much literally – and DeRosa would provide some pop at the hot corner and experience in a young dugout.

Jeff Nieman (SP) – The pitching rich Rays will have one too many starters once Kazmir returns from his rehab assignment. Price could be optioned to 3A or go to the bullpen to make room. Another option is for the Rays to trade Nieman to Texas, Colorado, Milwaukee, or the Dodgers who would covet a young experienced arm. Unfortunately, the Rays biggest need is bullpen help and none of the four teams listed above have the parts to give. That is unless the Rockies fall apart and then you might see a Hudson Street to Tampa for Nieman and a prospect or two.

Matt Holiday (OF) – Just like Kenny dying at the end every South Park episode (you bastards!) or Macgyver defusing a bomb with a paperclip, a roll of duct tape, and a tampon you can count on there being a Matt Holiday rumor. The team de jour now is the San Francisco Giants. Much like the Adam Dunn to the Bay rumor last week Holiday would provide some power to a team that ranks near the bottom of the league in every offensive category. SF can buy low and hope Holiday can channel his inner Barry while roaming left field.