June 2014 - Baseball Wiretap

Royals Open To Bringing Billy Butler Back
Just a few months ago the idea of Butler returning to Kansas City seemed impossible.

Sam Mellinger/Kansas City Star

Russell Martin To Meet With Four Teams
Martin is drawing interest from the Cubs, Dodgers, Pirates and Blue Jays.

Bruce Levine/CBS Chicago

Yankees, Chris Young Discussing Another Deal
The Yankees like Chris Young as a fourth outfielder.

Jon Heyman/CBS Sports

Zaidi Says Dodgers Plan To Study Giants
Farhan Zaidi, hired as the general manager of the Dodgers this week, said he plans to analyze the Giants to see if there are lessons to be gleaned while building his new team's roster.

Mark Saxon/ESPN

Mariners Expected To Shop Michael Saunders
Saunders and the Seattle organization have had a falling out based on comments made by Jack Zduriencik at the end of the season.

Jerry Crasnick/ESPN

Hanley Ramirez Willing To Switch Positions
Ramirez has been one of the best offensive shortstops in baseball throughout his career.

Jon Heyman/CBS Sports

Phillies Keeping Asche At Third For Now
The Phillies have had discussions about moving Cody Asche to the outfield, but following some internal meetings last week they will keep him at third base.

Todd Zolecki/MLB

Kuroda Once Again Mulling Three Options
Hiroki Kuroda, who turns 40 in February, is uncertain about his baseball future.

Jon Paul Morosi/FOX Sports

J.J. Putz Joins Arizona's Front Office
Putz spent the last four seasons as a member of the team's bullpen.

Steve Adams/MLB Trade Rumors

Dodgers Name Farhan Zaidi As GM
The Dodgers have hired Farhan Zaidi as general manager and Josh Byrnes as senior vice president of baseball operations.

ESPN

Agent: Sandoval Seeking Six-Year Deal
Sandoval has spoken to a few teams since free agency began Tuesday, including the Giants, and would "sign fast" if presented an offer he likes.

ESPN

White Sox Getting Calls About Alexei Ramirez
The Yankees, Dodgers and Mets are interested in Ramirez.

Bruce Levine/CBS Chicago

Ibanez On List Of Candidates To Become Rays Manager
Raul Ibanez is among eight candidates on the preliminary list the Rays are considering for their next manager.

ESPN

Twins Keep Brunansky As Hitting Coach
The Twins will retain hitting coach Tom Brunansky under new manager Paul Molitor.

Associated Press

Rockies Will To Listen To Offers For Tulowitzki, Gonzalez
The Rockies are telling clubs they are keeping their "eyes and ears open" for potential deals involving both players, according to sources.

Ken Rosenthal/FOX Sports

Mets Leaning Towards Trade For Outfielder Rather Than Free Agents
New York isn't excited by the free-agent market for corner outfielders.

Marc Craig/Newsday

Nelson Cruz Wants To Re-Sign With Orioles
Nelson Cruz, who led baseball with 40 home runs this season, was issued a $15.3 million qualifying offer by Baltimore.

Eduardo A. Encina/Baltimore Sun

Yankees Early Targets Include McCarthy, Hammel and Capuano
At least for the moment, sources connected to the Yankees suggest they have "zero" plans to pursue Max Scherzer or Jon Lester.

Jon Heyman/CBS Sports

Blue Jays Have Made Multiple Calls About Kendrick
The Blue Jays are in need of some help in the infield and Howie Kendrick is a possible target.

Ben Nicholson-Smith/Sportsnet.ca

Former MLB Pitcher Brad Halsey Dies In Climbing Accident
Former pitcher Brad Halsey has died in a recreational climbing accident.

ESPN.com

Marlins Prepare To Offer Stanton Multiyear Deal
The Marlins have begin discussions with agent Joel Wolfe on a long-term agreement with Giancarlo Stanton.

ESPN.com

Astros Trade Tropeano, Prospect To Angels For Conger
The Astros have acquired catcher Hank Conger in a trade with the Angels.

ESPN.com

MLB Suspends Free Agent Troy Patton 80-Games
Troy Patton has received an 80-game suspension after testing positive for an Amphetamine.

Press Release

Brad Fischer Joins Pirates' Coaching Staff
The Pirates have announced that Brad Fischer has joined the team's coaching staff for the 2015 season.

Press Release

Michael Young To Serve As Rangers' Assistant To GM
Michael Young is back with the Rangers as a special assistant to GM Jon Daniels.

ESPN.com

Brett Gardner Has Surgery To Repair Core Muscle
Brett Gardner has surgery on October 16 to repair a core muscle near his ribs.

ESPN.com

A-Rod Admits To Using PEDs
Alex Rodriguez admitted to using PEDs during a January meeting with the DEA.

ESPN.com

Alfonso Soriano Is Retiring From Baseball
Alfonso Soriano, 38, ends his career 50th in baseball history with 412 home runs.

ESPN.com

A's Claim Taylor Thompson Off Waivers From White Sox
The A's have claimed RHP Taylor Thompson off waivers from the White Sox.

San Jose Mercury News

Sources: Dodgers To Name Farhan Zaidi New GM
The Dodgers are expected to name A's assistant GM Farhan Zaidi as their next GM.

ESPN.com