There may be almost as many scouts as fans in the stands for the Padres' four-game series in Milwaukee this week. FOX Sports' Jon Paul Morosi (Twitter links) reports that scouts from the Tigers, Braves, Phillies, Dodgers and Pirates are all in attendance to watch the two struggling NL clubs, possibly in order to scout both teams' top relievers. The Brewers moved Francisco Rodriguez today but don't seem eager to deal any other relievers, while the Padres have yet to dip their toe into the trade waters. Here's the latest out of San Diego…
- The Tigers "are showing continued interest" in acquiring Luke Gregerson, Morosi reports (via Twitter). Detroit has arguably the biggest need for bullpen help of any contender and Gregerson's name was linked to the Tigers in trade talks last winter. The righty has a 2.85 ERA, 7.9 K/9 and 1.8 BB/9 in 41 IP this season.
- Gregerson has received the most trade interest of any Padres player, Bill Center of the San Diego Union-Tribune writes. Center runs through the list of Padres trade candidates in order of outside interest, ending with Edinson Volquez, who has been drawing fewer and fewer scouts to his starts.
- Jason Marquis had received virtually no trade interest, Center reports, though it's a moot point now since the veteran right-hander will miss the rest of the season after suffering a complete tear of the UCL in his right elbow. Despite the severity of the injury, Padres manager Bud Black tells MLB.com's Corey Brock that he thinks Marquis isn't willing to retire. "I think, as of right now, he plans on pitching again," Black said. "I think he wants to come back and compete."
- We heard earlier today from Morosi that the Braves were interested in Joe Thatcher.
