Well kids, the 2011 MLB All-Star Game is 24+ hours away which means we are in full MLB trade rumor mode.
There is plenty to discuss, and plenty more to speculate—all of which possessing potential effects on the fantasy baseball landscape.
Keep in mind that despite the various team needs around the league, this year’s trade market could be a rather sedentary one considering how close each team is to one another, and the positive fiscal periods each team has enjoyed.
In short, most teams don’t have to trade if they don’t want to, and could ask for quite a bit in return if pursued.
Jose Reyes – Mets: If the Mets are going to let Reyes go, it doesn’t look as if it will happen before the July 31st deadline.
There was a floating rumor going around that Reyes and the Mets were in “secretive talks” regarding a contract extension, but Andy McCullough of Twitter reported this:
Jose Reyes' agent, Chris Leible, on New York Post's report about negotiations: "Nothing's changed since this first came up a few weeks ago."
The Mets also denied the report in a roundabout way, but the words do seem a bit general don’t they?
Still, the Mets are likely to field other offers regarding various players—as you’ll see here—and are likely to wait until the end of the season before dealing with Reyes exclusively.
Just to be clear, Reyes was speculated to make a B-line to San Fran, but that simply isn’t true.
Reyes could be ready to return to the Mets lineup by the end of the month.
Francisco Rodriguez – Mets: Before departing from the Big Apple, more player news surrounding Francisco Rodriguez as he has now hired super agent Scott Boras.
Usually when this happens, the player in question is ready to try his hand at a new deal elsewhere.
The Mets could entertain keeping Rodriguez and his near 18 million, but Rodriguez could also test the open market.
For now, the Mets haven’t fielded any offers for Rodriguez, but things have only just began heating up, so stay tuned since Rodriguez (3.16 ERA in 42 2/3 innings and 23 saves in 26 tries) could be an interesting player to watch in the coming weeks.
Francisco Liriano – Twins: I think it is suffice to say that the Twins will be looking to field offers for Liriano, after a very disappointing 2011 season thus far.
For fantasy baseball owners, he has been nothing but trouble since day one.
Liriano is arbitration eligible in 2012, but the Twins could perhaps utilize Lirano’s history as a small leverage tool, possibly to acquire some help in the bullpen, or a quality utility player.
Liriano, on the other hand, has basically no value left in the 2011 fantasy baseball season.
Carlos Beltran – Mets: The Mets have begun taking phone calls regarding Carlos Beltran, and Beltran has already said he will waive his no-trade clause if the right offer comes along.
Look the Mets are likely to deal Beltran, and Beltran is having a modest season hitting .285/.377/.503 with 13 home runs and 58 RBI, so all the two sides have to do is find a mutal landing spot for Beltran.
It was rumored that the Yankees were interested but that doesn’t seem to be the case, what could be the case is a possible deal with the Red Sox, since the Red Sox have been having some trouble finding offense from their outfielders.
It has a 50/50 shot at happening, but I would think it would hurt Beltran’s fantasy baseball value in the long run if a deal to Boston happens.
Fantasy News Round Up:
- A-Rod is out for at least four weeks to have a small tear in his meniscus repaired, and the Yankees are expected to call up Edward Nunez as a replacement.
Nunez isn’t a bad option as he has hit .279/.318/.434 with 3 homeruns and 14 RBI in 122 ABs and should figure a dual qualifier at SS and 3B. - The Philadelphia Phillies will keep Vance Worley on their starting roster after the All-Star break despite the recent option back down to Triple-A Lehigh Valley.
Worley is an interesting waiver pickup for you to consider, and has been relatively serviceable for not only Philly, but also for fantasy baseball owners who took a chance on him.
Worley averages around six on the bump, and is the owner of a sweet 2.20 ERA with a 4-1 record. - Phillies bull-pen stud Jose Contreras suffered a setback in his recovery, and injury expert Will Carroll reports: “Sounding like Jose Contreras' setback was very serious and that his season is in doubt.”
If you haven’t already looked into him, Antonio Bastardo is a fine option for those of you seeking to either replace Contreras, or in the event you are in need of a RP.
As I said earlier the trade rumors are just starting to heat up, so be sure to check back daily for all of our coverage.
