Morning Jolt: MLB trade market heats up
Monday, July 18
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Rockies want treasure trove for Jimenez
Dan O'Dowd may see this as an ideal time to swing for the fences in the case of Ubaldo Jimenez. [O'Dowd] is banking on a desperate team paying Ubaldo '10 prices rather than Ubaldo '11 before the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline. A scout familiar with the Rockies' plans said the team is focusing on infielders and starting pitchers -- and he made certain to emphasize the plural in both. Two years of Ubaldo -- he has the right to cancel the $9 million option for 2014 if traded -- plus the draft picks that could come if the current free-agent-compensation system stays in place -- equates to at least three potential impact, close-to-or-in-the-major-leagues players for the Rockies, plus one on whom O'Dowd and his right-hand men, Bill Geivett and Bill Schmidt, can dream. (Yahoo! Sports)Comment
Steve Smith headed to Chicago?
Like most NFL GMs, Jerry Angelo will have his work cut out for him once the lockout lifts. The Bears aren't in the market for a quarterback such as Kevin Kolb or Donovan McNabb, but that doesn't mean they won't be looking to acquire players via trades or pick up players released by other teams. Carolina Panthers receiver Steve Smith wants to be traded to a contender and cleaned out his locker at Bank of America Stadium. He had the worst statistical season of his career while playing for the league's least-productive offense last season. At 32, his best years are probably behind him, but he fits [Mike Martz's] offense, and the Bears have firsthand knowledge of how big an impact he can make. If Smith can be added for a third- or fourth-round pick, Angelo shouldn't hesitate. (Chicago Sun-Times)Comment
Texas may again add a big arm by way of a trade. The Rangers aren't messing around. They've got more money and prospects than most clubs, and they're scouring the top of the market for bullpen help. Among their targets, according to major-league sources: The Padres' two prizes, closer Heath Bell and setup man Mike Adams; Nationals All-Star setup man Tyler Clippard and Athletics closer Andrew Bailey, the 2009 American League Rookie of the Year. The asking prices for each of the above relievers is high, sources say; the non-waiver deadline is still two weeks away. The Athletics, according to one source, will not trade Bailey unless they receive an "overwhelming" offer. The Nationals are believed to be taking a similar approach with Clippard. (Fox Sports)Comment
Must-See Photo
U.S. national team goalkeeper Hope Solo walks away after the final penalty-kick goal sent the U.S. home without the Women's Woprld Cup trophy. (AP)
Must-See Video
It seems U.S. Women's National Team coach Pia Sundhage took to singing to her players in practice. Unfortunately for the U.S., the concerts ended Sunday in Germany (hat tip to Deadspin).
Game To Watch
Two NL upstarts duel when the Brewers visit the Diamondbacks, 9:40 p.m ET
SI Vault: More Don Mattingly
This Day in Sports
- 1987 -- Yankees first baseman Don Mattingly ties a major league record by hitting a home run in his eighth consecutive game
- 1993 -- Greg Norman finishe a 267 at Royal St. George to win th British Open
- 1927 -- Ty Cobb gets his 4,000 career hit
