Baseball's Latest Rumors

The All-Star game is past us now and it's time to look forward to the most overblown, least important part of the baseball season, that's right, the trading deadline. In just 19 days some desperate team will vastly overpay for an average upgrade, thereby ruining its farm system for a few extra wins. So, despite the fact that we only have a few for you today, here are the latest rumors from around baseball. Hunter likely seeing last days as a Twin Though he probably won't get dealt before the July 31st deadline, Torii Hunter's days in Minnesota are probably numbered, according to Newsday. He'll be a free agent this offseason and will command more money than the Twins will be able to pay. Hunter would love to stay in town and play in the new ballpark scheduled to open in 2010, but that likely won't be the case. He could be looking at five to six years in the $80 million to $90 million range, especially considering how poorly the other major free agent center fielder, Andruw Jones, is playing. The fact that Jones has hit below the Mendoza line for most of the first half, has likely made Hunter the top FA outfielder likely to be on the market. Especially since Hunter is having a great year, hitting .301 with 19 HR and 71 RBI, and, as always, is playing gold glove defense. My guess is that the Yankees will back a dump truck full of money up to the front of his house sometime in November and Hunter will be headed to the Bronx. But other teams sure to be interested are the White Sox, Rangers, and San Francisco Giants. A-Rod might make more outside of New York The New York Daily News is reporting that Alex Rodriguez is getting tired of life in the Bronx. A baseball source told the paper that there is no question Rodriguez will opt out of his contract at the end of the season. He's apparently telling people he's tired of the media scrutiny and knows that the Yankees face a huge rebuilding project this offseason, and the only reason he wanted to be there (to win a ring) may not be there anymore. Conversely, if he were to go to someplace like Anaheim, he could be in a more relaxed atmosphere, on a contender and out of the limelight. He could be looking for an eight-year, $200 million deal, and this season's play would certainly lead one to believe that someone will give it to him. Aside from the Angels, the Red Sox, Cubs and White Sox are all likely to be interested in him. Obviously he's got a lot of thinking ahead of him. Lidge heading East? The Boston Globe reported last week that if the Astros decide they're out of playoff contention, they may decide to unload Brad Lidge. The Red Sox are definitely interested in the often erratic but incredibly talented closer. Another possible destination would be Detroit, as the Tigers probably won't get Joel Zumaya back at 100 percent this season. Apparently Lidge still has a lot of value on the open market, especially since he's really turned his season around. His ERA is currently at 2.34 and he's got 44 strikeouts in 34.2 innings, and a 1.27 WHIP. Let's just all hope he never faces Albert Pujols ever again. Especially not in the playoffs. With something on the line. Man, rubbing that in never seems to get old. Here's some video evidence...