The Weekend Rumor Mill

The Reds think they can contend this summer, but they believe that their catching situation will prove a hindrance to any legitimate pennant hopes. Cincinnati has two veteran catchers—David Ross and Javier Valentin—both of whom are serviceable players, but are best suited to reserve duty. The Reds feel they need a frontline catcher, which explains their recent conversations with the Rangers about Gerald Laird. (Laird, having a terrific spring, has become a hot commodity. The Brewers and Rays have also checked in about his availability.) The Reds are willing to offer one of their young pitchers—perhaps right-hander Matt Belisle as part of a larger package—but the Rangers seem reluctant to part with Laird. The Rangers’ reasoning is a bit hard to figure; they need pitching badly, and have a surplus of catching, with Jarrod Saltalamacchia, a superior player, stuck behind Laird on the depth chart. Having some depth behind the plate is fine, but not at the expense of failing to address Texas’ massive pitching problems…
The Reds’ concerns about their catching is understandable, but fears that Dusty Baker’s obsession with veterans will cost this team loom just as large. The Reds have already sent Jay Bruce back to Triple-A, even though he is a far better hitter than newly minted starting center fielder Corey Patterson. Now there are whispers that Scott Hatteberg will hold onto his first base job, successfully staving off a challenge from Joey Votto. While Bruce has relatively little minor league experience, Votto has already played 133 games at Triple-A. He seems to be ready for major league duty, and with his combination of power and speed (22 home runs and 17 steals at Louisville last year), would represent a large improvement over Hatteberg…

The Mets have already decided to take a pass on John Patterson, who was released by the Nationals earlier this week. Patterson’s inability to raise his fastball above 87 miles per hour sent up red flags for the Nats, who found no interest in the comebacking right-hander on the trade market. Not to worry; Patterson will surely find a new employer soon. The Astros, who need starting pitching in the worst way, have already expressed interest. The Phillies and Reds may also take a long look at the talented but injury-plagued veteran, who underwent experimental nerve surgery last summer…

The Mets are legitimately worried about their lack of right-handed hitting depth, but don’t appear to be ready to make a trade. Barring any deals, they’ll start the season with Angel Pagan in left field, backed up by Endy Chavez. Non-roster invite Brady Clark, an underrated ballplayer, might make the team as a spare outfielder, but that will depend on whether the Mets carry 11 or 12 pitchers to start the season…

In hot pursuit of quality relief pitching, the Tigers have talked to the Braves about a variety of pitchers (including Royce Ring) and the Cubs concerning Michael Wuertz. With Joel Zumaya out until at least mid-season, the Tigers realize they will need help to get them through the first half of the season. It’s uncertain what the Braves would want for Ring, but the Cubs will almost surely ask for Brandon Inge in their quest to add a right-handed hitting outfielder. Inge could also provide a backup for Aramis Ramirez and Derrek Lee on the infield corners.