Another reason the Mets could have trouble getting a good return on Carlos Beltran is that the market is flooded with outfielders, especially righty-hitting ones who would cost less to obtain, such as San Diego’s Ryan Ludwick and Oakland’s Josh Willingham.
Tampa Bay is very serious about dealing B.J. Upton and, because Upton is not a free agent until after next season, there are non-contenders calling also with 2012 in mind.
For example, the Nationals have long had interest in Upton. And, surprisingly, the Royals also have checked in and have the kind of deep system that makes them viable on just about any player.
The Braves, Pirates, Reds and Cardinals also are very serious on Upton.
The Cards would increase pursuit of Upton if they could use Colby Rasmus to add pitching.
An AL official said, “They are denying publicly they will trade him, but they are definitely shopping him. They are asking for a ton.”
Tampa Bay and Boston are interested in Rasmus, among others.
*
Word is that Reds ownership is putting pressure on Walt Jocketty to make a splash in this trade market, which is why Cincinnati has been viewed as the team pushing the most for Tampa Bay’s James Shields and Colorado’s Ubaldo Jimenez, though the expectation remains that neither will be dealt.
*
San Diego is telling suitors that if it does not get a good return, it will keep Heath Bell and offer him arbitration.
The Phillies were described as the most aggressive on the closer. The Padres, though, were surprised at how tepid the Yankees’ interest was in Bell and Mike Adams.