Ken Rosenthal's latest column for FOX Sports begins with a look at the Phillies, Giants, Rockies, Padres, and Blue Jays, five teams currently on the bubble of buying and selling. The Padres have been eager to buy, rival executives tell Rosenthal. Other notes from the article:
- Rosenthal provides insight into the July 2011 three-team deal that sent Erik Bedard to Boston. As it turns out, the Dodgers are looking pretty good now with big leaguers Stephen Fife and Tim Federowicz. At the time of the deal, they were questioned for including Trayvon Robinson.
- "I thought it was an awesome trade by the Cubs," Dodgers catcher A.J. Ellis told Rosenthal of Chicago's acquisition of Jake Arrieta from Baltimore.
- The Reds have "thinned out their talent base" in trades over the last several years, opines Rosenthal, which could make significant acquisitions this summer difficult.
- The Rangers and Yankees are among the teams that have expressed interest in Marlins outfielder Justin Ruggiano. Ruggiano, a 31-year-old right-handed hitter, is at .225/.290/.414 in 273 plate appearances this year.
- The Mariners have put a high price tag on Tom Wilhelmsen and it seems like they want to keep the closer in the fold. Rosenthal notes that another team recently asked about Wilhelmsen and the M's wanted that club's top pitching prospect in return.
