Major League Baseball Trade Rumors
Injured Closer Troy Percival Has Become a Highly Valued Commodity
With several teams looking for a closer, Troy Percival, who has not pitched in almost two years, is being hunted by at least two National League East contenders.
This Week's MLB Trade Rumors as of May 29, 2007.
It's getting lose to that point in the 2007 MLB season where teams are starting to take an honest look at their chances of competing for a playoff spot. Those who are viable contenders will spend the next month or two trying to shore up their rosters, while the lesser teams will be looking to dump salaries and expiring contracts in exchange for financial relief, prospects and hopefully, one or two diamonds in the rough. With this sea of change in competitive strategy comes a whole host of MLB trade rumors. Here are some hot topics:
Troy Percival: One of the heroes of the 2002 World Series, this closer with 324 career saves has not pitched since July of 2005. That span of inactivity, caused by a severe forearm injury, led to his retirement from baseball in 2006. However, due to the severe shortage of competent closers in baseball, a number of teams are looking at bringing the former flame-throwing righty out from the pasture and back to the mound. Right now, two teams have shown interest.
The Philadelphia Phillies who have moved up to third place in the National League East, but have lost closers Tom Gordon and Brett Myers in the process, may be the most serious suitor. Phillies' assistant general manager Ruben Amaro, Jr. has confirmed that his club has been in touch with Percival's agent.
According to the South Florida Sun Sentinel, the Florida Marlins have also reportedly been looking into the possibility of signing Percival, who is in the midst of working out in the hopes of making a comeback.
Percival is 37 years old and has not pitched effectively since the 2004 season, when he saved 33 games and posted a 2.90 ERA.
Todd Helton: The Denver Post reported that a number of scouts from the New York Yankees organization have been watching Todd Helton lately. With the Yankees in need of a slugging first baseman to help their sagging offense, and with Helton having a great year (.357 BA, 5 HR, 27 RBI) after a sub-par 2006, Helton could soon be playing in Yankee Stadium. Much depends, however, on what happens with Jason Giambi's huge contract, which the Yankees are reportedly trying to void based on the Designated Hitter's recent obtuse "admissions" to taking steroids.
Garrett Atkins Trade Rumors: The Los Angeles Angels have confirmed that they don't want Jason Giambi, but they do have a working list of bats they are seeking and Rockies third baseman Garret Atkins (.220 BA, 3 HR, 19 RBI) remains a favorite. The Angels have called about Atkins, but discussions haven't advanced, according to the Denver Post.
Torii Hunter Trade Rumors: Despite being off to the best start of his eight-year major league career, it remains doubtful that the Minnesota Twins can re-sign Torii Hunter, who can become a free agent after the 2007 MLB season.
The reason is that Hunter, who is on his way to his second all-star appearance, will be unaffordable. At his present pace, Hunter, 31, who is being paid $12 million this season, can expect guaranteed offers in the $75 million range over five years, or $60 million for four years.
