Linc's Rumblings, Whispers, and Rumors

Much like the State of Illinois legislative budgeting process it seems that the closer a group, any group, of people involved in a negotiation approach a deadline the harder it is to discern the truth from the bullshit. As such, there are some wild rumors swirling in MLB and this is your weekly edition of what Linc has learned……

Roy Halladay (SP) – The Jays are shopping Halladay and expect any team willing to talk turkey to overwhelm them with an offer. Only a handful of teams have the payroll flexibility and personnel to play ball. Although the Phillies appear to be a strong contender, the Angels are rumored to be the front runner offering both minor league prospects and major league talent, specifically Wood and Kendrick, in return.

Dan Uggla (2B) – Just as the many Marlins players before him, Uggla has priced himself out of south Florida. Prior to the All-Star Break the Giants were rumored to have interest but that trail has gone cold. If the Marlins are successful in moving Uggla prior to the deadline it now looks as though Cardinal nation will be their only hope.

Javier Vazquez (SP) – If you haven’t heard by now that the Brewers are in desperate need of pitching you’ve been living under a rock. Vazquez joins such names as Bedard, Washburn, Davis, Garland, and Niemann as possible new members of the Brewers rotation. I haven’t heard Vazquez’s name associated with any other team so it may be premature to say the Braves have put Vazquez on the market. Instead the Braves may be seeing if Milwaukee would give up a top prospect like Gamel in order to keep Braun happy.

Scott Rolen (3B) – The Reds have offered the youth and potential of Edwin Encarnocion for the experience and salary of Scott Rolen. The Reds are looking to add some pop to their order, even more so now that Jay Bruce has snapped his wrist. Boston is also said to be interested in Rolen at the deadline should Lowell be ineffective after being activated from the DL later this week.

Freddie Sanchez (2B) – Sanchez is a more consistent and less expensive option to Uggla. Although Sanchez doesn’t provide the power the Giants are looking for he would provide batting average and come at a much cheaper price. SF was ready to send Jonathan O. Sanchez to Pittsburgh for Freddie Sanchez prior to the SF Sanchez’s no hitter. The only reason this deal isn’t done is SF is waiting to see if interest will spike in their Sanchez.

Alex Rios (OF) – In a move that could be a precursor to what they are wanting in return for Halladay, the Jays are rumored to have a deal in place with the Pirates to send Alex Rios to Pittsburgh in exchange for Paul Maholm.

Matt Holiday (OF) – Despite Holiday recently being over shadowed by Halladay, there is still a steady stream of teams rumored to be interested. The Mets seem to still be in the mix as do the Giants but three new teams have joined the picture. The Reds have inquired but don’t look to be much of a talent match with the A’s needs. The Braves have offered Yunel Escobar and prospects for Halladay and Caberra. The A’s have offered the Cardinals Halladay and Caberra seeking Ludwick or Rasmus and prospects in return.