MLB Network Updates

The first guest today on the MLB Network Trade Deadline Special was Jordan Bastian of MLB.com.

• Bastian, a Blue Jays writer, says that the closer we get to the deadline, the less likely it is that Roy Halladay will be moved.
• Once the Phillies traded for Lee, Jordan thought the chances of Halladay being moved were much less likely, because the Phillies were the best fit.
• The Blue Jays are looking for major league ready pitching, and a short stop prospect in return for Roy.
• The Rangers were in the mix earlier today, and they are the most likely to get Halladay if he is traded. However, the Red Sox, Yankees, and Dodgers are still there.

Tom Verducci doesn't think the Blue Jays will end up trading Halladay.

More Updates:

• The M's are still not sure if they will trade Jarrod Washburn.
• The Rangers bid for Halladay is over according to Paul Morosi and Rosenthal.
• The Brewers made an offer for Brian Bannister of the Royals yesterday, but the Royals are not motivated to move him.

MLB Corner Deadline Coverage!

Phil and I will have you covered today leading up to the MLB Trade Deadline at 4 PM ET. We'll post ALL rumors that we hear as always! Let's jump right into it today:

• We heard yesterday that the Red Sox and Padres were talking Adrian Gonzalez. According to Mark Feinsand and Bill Madden, the Bo-Sox are in full pursuit of Gonzalez. Boston could also get Heath Bell if they are willing to include pitcher Daniel Bard.
• Jon Heyman thinks Boston prefers Gonzalez to Victor Martinez.
• Ken Rosenthal says that the chances of the Indians trading Martinez are not good.
• The Orioles will keep lefty Mark Hendreson according to Rosenthal.
• Roy Halladay talks are heating up with the Rangers according to some sources. However, Blue Jays GM J.P. Ricciardi says the talks are almost dead about Halladay.
• The Padres wanted Cameron Maybin and Andrew Miller from the Marlins for Heath Bell.
• Juan C. Rodrigez says the best thing for Florida might be to bring Carl Pavano back.
• From the great MLB Blog by FOX Sports: The Tigers are trying to improve bon't don't have enough trade bait. They could use a starting pitcher.
• The Angles, Marlins, Red Sox, and Tigers are 4 teams to watch today.

There's plenty more to come, so stay tuned!

Jarrod Washburn to the Yanks?

Jon Heyman is reporting that the M's are interested in some of the Yankees prospects excluding Phil Hughes, Joba Chamberlain, Austin Jackson, Austin Romine and Jesus Montero. Could something come about?

Thursday Halladay Rumors

The Latest: Jordan Bastian reports that there is "nothing to" the reports that the Rangers are going hard after Halladay.

Ricciardihttp://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=4367359 "not saying definitively" but the GM believes Halladay will remain a Jay.

8:11 PM: The Rangers are willing to take on hallaays contract if they can work out the prospects. The Rangers can create space for Halladay's 15.75 million dollar salary by letting the trio of veterans walk after the season.

The Latest; After false reports, here's whats new: FOX Sports hears that the Rangers have a legitimate chance of trading for Halladay. Rangers have "significant ongoing communications" with the Blue Jays, and money won't be an issue (I thought they had money issues?)

12:21 PM: The Dodges are now in the lead for Halladay with the Rangers in the mix, and the Red Sox calming down.

9:09 AM: Tony Massarotti is reporting that the chances of the Red Sox acquiring Halladay is unlikely since the Red Sox won't amp of there bid for him, theirs also been no contact between the two teams in the last three days.

8:35 AM: Bob Elliott finds it "unlikely" the Halladay will be traded.

Brewers not after arms?

Brewers GM Doug Melvin said that he doesn't expect to make a move for an arm before tomorrow's deadline.

"We're just not a match for anybody right now," Melvin said.

He also thinks the M's will hold on to Jarrod Washburn.

Earlier Notes

With the next 19 hours and 36 minutes and currently 51 seconds (50, 49,48....) it will be hectic, so lets do quick hits:

• Ken Gurnick reports that the Dodgers acquired George Sherrill for Josh Bell and righty Steve Johnson.
• The Astros released pitcher Russ Ortiz.
• Rockies are interested in Nick Johnson as a bench player.
• The Dodgers after acquiring George Sherrill are looking for relievers, as well as the Angels. The Dodgers could be interested in David Weathers, Matt Capps, Arthur Rhodes and Jason Frasor. While the Angels have eyed Heath Bell and Chad Qualls.
• According to Buster Olney teams are inquiring on righty Brian Bannister of the Royals. Olney also mentiosn that Willie Bloomquist is also drawing interest.
• The Mets are buyers, but they don't want to give up prospects (that's hard).
• The Braves granted righty Jeff Bennett his release after asking for it.
• Giants seem done dealing, for now!
  

Marlins "Making Strong" Push for Johnson?

According to Ken Rosenthal the Marlins are making a "strong push" for Nationals first baseman Nick Johnson. They're still discussing players, suck as Aaron Thompson and Ryan Tucker of the fish.

Cubs Acquire Grabow, Gorzelanny

The Cubs have sent pitchers Kevin Hart (who won today for the Cubs, giving up 3 runs in 6 innings of work), Jose Ascanio, and third baseman Josh Harrison to the Pirates for John Grabow and Tom Gorzelanny. Tom Gorzelanny will head to Triple A Iowa.

Thursday Afternoon Updates

Here's the latest:

• Jarrod Washburn of the Mariners has been involved in some rumors today. The Yankees are in the mix, but the Brewers are no longer interested. Jon Heyman says the Yanks are indeed the favorite to land Washburn.
• According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the Pirates and Cubs are close to finalizing a deal that would send both John Grabow and Tom Gorzelanny to Chicago. Lots of sources are saying that a deal that sends Grabow to the Cubs in on the horizon.
• The Dodgers acquired Orioles closer George Sherrill in the big trade of today. Josh bell and Steve Johnson went to the O's in that trade.
• The Blue Jays are talking Scott Rolen with the Reds. The Jays would get Edwin Encarnacion if this deal does get done according to CBS Sports.
• The Marlins are in series talks for Heath Bell, the Padres closer.
• The Texas Rangers aren't in on Bell or Matt Capps according to Ken Rosental of FOX.
• The Astros are looking for pitching after Roy Oswalt went down.
• All is quiet on the Kevin Kouzmanoff front.
• The Cubs are looking to add a backup outfielder in addition to the reliever.

The Major League Baseball Trade Deadline is tomorrow at 4 ET, and we'll have you covered all the way up to the deadline here at the MLB Corner!

Cubs Want a Bat? Reliever?

11:59 AM: Jayson Stark is reporting that the Cubs are "strictly mining the lefthanded reliever market" and not looking for a bat.

10:51 AM: According to Ken Rosenthal the Cubs prefer John Grabow of the Buc's over Joe Biemal of the Nat's. He mentions that the Cubs will stay in-house for Reed Johnson's replacement, Sam Fuld? Grabow is a type A free agent, so the Bucs would probably want two decent prospects.

9:00 AM:According to Gordon Wittenmyer; the Cubs are looking for a left-handed hitter who can play right field, with guys like Mark Teahen of the Royals and Jeremy Hermida of the Marlins on their radar. Gordon says the Cubs have abut 2-3 Million dollars to spend. The good news is that the Cubs can get one of these players and still get a reliever to be under that 3 million dollar mark. Teahen has approximately $1.37MM left on his contract while Hermida has $847K remaining.

Victor Martinez Rumors

One of the best remaining players on the trading block is Victor Martinez catcher/first baseman of the Indians. While the Red Sox and Rays had initial interest, the Rays seem don't seem anxious with Cliff Lee out of the picture. Ken Rosenthal is reporting that "other, unidentified teams are believed to be interested in Martinez as well."

Blue Jays Rumors

Bob Elliott is reporting that the Twins are still interested in Jays shortstop Marco Scutaro, especially with Freddy Sanchez already traded. Elliott mentions that the Reds "met last night to decide to come up with a package to land third baseman Scott Rolen."