http://sports.yahoo.com/news/four-bullpen-arms-detroit-tigers-targeting-181500286.html
Jesse Crain - Chicago White Sox
I know it is frowned upon to trade within the division, but the AL (Comedy) Central seems to be out of reach for the slumping-all-season White Sox. Various rumors in the Twittersphere have already linked the Tigers to the White Sox in a deal that would have Crain wearing an Old English D sometime in July, in exchange for star outfield and third base prospect Nick Castellanos. It is a natural move!
Crain has a 4.2 strikeout-to-walk rate, a 1.06 WHIP, and a microscopic 0.52 ERA in 34.2 innings. He could potentially be the closer for a team in desperate need of one.
I would do a fucking backflip if we got Castellanos for Crain. Ironically we took Ryan Castellanos in the draft, brother of Nick. That'd be a start to getting the vets out and new prospects in. I was also reading that the Rangers, Red Sox, Braves, Phillies have scouted our team (which they get an upclose look this weekend). The Pirates supposed to be in on Rios though that'd be expensive for them.
Chicago Tribune had a story on potential trades with other teams
Here are a few teams who could be attractive trade partners:
Rangers
They had a scout follow the Sox during their recent trip, and they had interest in left-handed reliever Matt Thornton in past seasons. But starting pitching appears to be the thrust of their midseason upgrades.
Should the Sox be willing to trade a starter — Jake Peavy would be attractive once he recovers from a rib fracture — they should aim as high as possible in return because of the quality depth of the Rangers' farm system.
Possibilities could include infield slugger Mike Olt, who recently solved vision problems; left-hander Martin Perez; Class A pitcher Luke Jackson (59 strikeouts in 572/3 innings); and switch-hitting Class A middle infielder Luis Sardinas.
Last winter, a Diamondbacks source griped about the Rangers' unwillingness to part with marquee talent in talks involving Justin Upton. But the Rangers can't afford to fall short again in their World Series quest.
Diamondbacks/Giants
Recent struggles by Heath Bell and injuries to J.J. Putz scream for the Diamondbacks to add relief help. They are familiar with Sox reliever Matt Lindstrom, who wasn't scored upon in 10 of his final 11 games with the Diamondbacks last season.
Sox special assistant Bill Scherrer has seen the Diamondbacks several times this season.
Like their National League West rivals, the Giants also could use relief help by midseason, and at least four of their scouts have seen the Sox play. The Giants have several raw, high-ceiling pitching prospects, which the Sox have a history of polishing.
Tigers
Yes, everyone knows about the Tigers' bullpen woes. And there's no shame in trading with a division rival, as the Sox have done in past seasons with the Royals and Twins.
But in this case, the Sox should aim high once they're finally convinced to break up their team and look to the future.
With the contracts of Paul Konerko, Adam Dunn and Alex Rios set to expire within the next two seasons, the Sox should consider including another player besides a reliever to pry third baseman/outfielder Nick Castellanos.
And with Tigers shortstop Jhonny Peralta linked to the Biogenesis scandal, the Sox should explore what they could receive for Alexei Ramirez.
Red Sox
The Red Sox have had closer problems, so they might try to aim higher than late-inning relievers such as Jesse Crain, Thornton and Lindstrom. But pitching coach Juan Nieves is familiar with Crain and Thornton from his days as the White Sox bullpen coach.
The Red Sox have depth among their shortstop and pitching prospects and could look to upgrade in the outfield with Rios. Three of Boston's top 10 prospects, as ranked by BaseballAmerica, are shortstops Xander Bogaerts (No. 1), Jose Iglesias (9) and Deven Marrero (10).
Like the Giants, the Red Sox have sent several scouts to watch the White Sox this season.
Blue Jays
The Blue Jays and White Sox have been friendly trade partners, and the Jays' recent winning streak, along with the impending return of Jose Reyes, should strengthen their efforts to contend in the American League East.
The Blue Jays had interest in Gordon Beckham after the 2011 season before re-signing Kelly Johnson, and they could look to upgrade with him at second base. Toronto has plenty of minor league pitching depth at the lower levels that could enable the Sox to stock their farm system.
The Reds (relief) and Yankees (middle-of-the-order hitter) also could get involved with the Sox. And at least four Phillies scouts have seen the Sox play this season.
