The Padres have been prominent in trade rumors all month, and a couple tidbits of note pertaining to San Diego's sought-after commodities came in this afternoon and evening, courtesy of Buster Olney of ESPN.com.
- The Friars have exchanged names with a couple teams on relievers Heath Bell and Mike Adams, among others, though they "haven't been inspired yet." The Rangers and Phillies are involved, according to Olney (via Twitter). The trade market is relatively flush with useful relievers, so it will be interesting to see how high a return the Padres can land for these righties, if they do in fact trade one or both. For the fantasy ramifications of relievers on the move this month, check out CloserNews.
- San Diego may hold onto Bell unless it can recoup what it considers to be a little more value than two drafts picks, which would be the compensation if Bell, a likely type A free agent, were to sign with another team this offseason. This is not a good year to be selling relievers, as it's a buyer's market (Twitter links).
- The Red Sox are among the teams that have checked in with the Padres about right-handed-hitting outfielder Ryan Ludwick, reports Olney (via Twitter). Boston has lacked a useful righty stick in the outfield most of the season, as Mike Cameron was ineffective in that role before being designated for assignment and then acquired by the Marlins. The Phillies have also been rumored to be interested in Ludwick, who is a free agent at season's end.