Rumblings: Mile High, Cabo, and San Francisco

Mile High is buying! The Mustangs recently traded with Greenville for starter Joe Russell, and rumor has it that they made an offer to Kansas City for catcher Jayson O'Neill (who was traded to South Carolina instead)—and they aren't done yet. The team would like to upgrade at the corner infield positions: their first baseman, Fernando Garza, has been plagued by injury, and they would like a better hitter at third base.

Francisco Morales

In return, the Mustangs are offering prospects. A club official tells us that they are also offering several players from the major league roster: infielders Francisco Morales and Jeff Kemp, young starters Manuel López and Kurt Taylor, and relievers Cal Henry and Mal Meade.

Cabo San Lucas lost their starting left-fielder: last month, Dennis Crawford broke a bone in his elbow. Now they've lost backup outfielder Mike Hamilton to a concussion. Both are out for the rest of the season. These two injuries have the Toreros looking for another outfielder.

San Francisco could use another starting pitcher. To get their man, they are willing to part with almost anyone in their minor leagues. (One notable exception: Ken Wade. The struggling left-fielder is being sent down to Triple-A Antioch to work on his hitting.)

In related news, the Earthquakes signed recently acquired Keiran Simmons to a five-year extension worth $25 million. Simmons has gotten off to a hot start with his new club, batting .311 with three home runs in 10 games.

Oh, and the Jayson O'Neill trade mentioned above? Kansas City traded O'Neill and Triple-A starter Weston Papenfuss to South Carolina for prospect Jesús Cruz and backup catcher Roberto Cuecuecha.