Here is the latest on all players being scouted by other clubs, as well as the big news now surrounding the Chicago Cubs and Texas Rangers about a done deal involving Matt Garza.
Matt Garza Officially a Ranger
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
After reports of the deal between the Rangers and Cubs involving Matt Garza becoming frozen, they have finally reached an agreement that will send Matt Garza to Texas for SP Justin Grimm, 3B Mike Olt, SP CJ Edwards, and a player to be named later. Garza should pay dividends to a starting pitching staff that has already been solid most of this season. He should step right into the front of the staff, which is highlighted by Yu Darvish and Derek Holland. Garza has been limited but effective this season due to injuries, as he has posted a 3.17 ERA with almost eight strikeouts per nine innings.
Dodgers, Tigers, Red Sox Heavily Scouting K-Rod
The Dodgers, Tigers, and Red Sox have all taken several looks at Brewers reliever Francisco RodriguezImage may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
recently. Even though the Tigers are the perfect fit with Jose Valverde heavily struggling, the Dodgers have scouted him even harder than Detroit has. L.A. certainly has the budget and the players to bring Rodriguez to the Dodgers. The Red Sox are desperately looking for bullpen help as they have now lost Andrew Miller and Andrew Bailey for the rest of the season, joining projected closer for 2013 Joel Hanrahan on the shelf. K-Rod has had a resurgence in Milwaukee this season, as he has 26 strikeouts with a 1.09 ERA in 24 2/3 innings this season. He will become a free agent after this season, but he can certainly help one of these contenders this season at the back of the bullpen.
Clay Buchholz Key in Red Sox Pursuit of a Starting Pitcher
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
With Clay Buchholz recently having a setback in the rehab of his shoulder, he will meet with Dr. James Andrews and determine how much longer he will need to remain on the DL. The appointment will determine the level of interest Boston has in trading for a Bud Norris or a Jake Peavy. If Buchholz is cleared to begin throwing, the Red Sox will most likely hold on to their prospects and work Buchholz back into the rotation. If he will need to sit until mid-August, then the likely starter they will target is Jake Peavy. Peavy has shown he can still pitch at an effective level. His fastball velocity is down to 90-91 MPH, but his control is certainly still there. Peavy is 7-4 on the season with a 4.19 ERA on a last place Chicago White Sox team. He is under control through the 2014 season. With Garza now off the market, Boston also has its eyes on Houston starter Bud Norris. He will be much harder to claw from his team than Peavy as he is only 28 years old and is a key piece in the rebuilding of the Astros.
Soriano on Yankees Radar
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
The Yankees will look to add a bat in the next coming week or so, and one they might wish to add is current Cubs outfielder Alfonso Soriano. Soriano does have a full no-trade clause, but has stated that he would consider a trade to a contending team. Soriano does have $25 million still left on his contract, and the Yankees might ask Chicago to eat up a sliver of that amount. New York would be getting an older version of Soriano for a second time around, but he is still a solid bat, hitting .260 with 17 home runs and 51 RBI this season.
Stay tuned for more updates on the 2013 MLB Trade Deadline