Here’s the latest from Larry LaRue of the Tacoma News Tribune.
- The Braves are mentioning Jeff Francoeur "in trade talks with anyone who will listen." Royals GM Dayton Moore is known to be a fan. Looking at 2008’s bottom ten in OBP…Moore signed Jose Guillen (.300), acquired Mike Jacobs (.299), and has been linked in trade talks to Francoeur (.294) and Yuniesky Betancourt (.300). And don’t forget Willy Taveras (.308).
- LaRue says the Angels are hinting they can afford both Mark Teixeira and C.C. Sabathia. The Yankees could afford it, too.
- He says the A’s are eyeing Jason Giambi. Oakland recently hired Giambi’s strength coach. Billy Beane scoffed at the idea that he hired the strength coach to lure Giambi, but no one was really suggesting that. Susan Slusser believes Giambi seeks a three-year deal, which would put him out of the A’s range.
