Rumblings: More Trade Rumors

The calendar has turned to July, and the trade market is heating up. Three deals have gone down since the last Dugout edition of trade rumors, and there are plenty more to be made. Let's get to it!

Ron Hamm

Greenville has already traded Keiran Simmons, William Kirby, and Joe Russell, but that doesn't mean that they are done dealing. Everyone on the 84's roster is available, including stars Ron Hamm and Joe Leftwich. It would take a lot of young talent to get either of those two stars, but both have the potential to put a playoff-contending team over the top. Other players being actively marketed are outfielders Merrill Harris and Luis Rocha and relievers Pedro López and Chester Collins.

Maurice Gould

Troy Tracy signed a four-year extension with Las Vegas totaling $38.5 million, but the question on every fan's mind is will they come to terms with Maurice Gould? The league's most fearsome flamethrower is due to be a free agent in after the 2013 season. The Jokers obviously want to sign him, but sources say that the gap between what Gould is asking and his arbitration value next year is holding up negotiations. On top of this, with the ABL in its infancy, projecting the team's finances is tricky, and management wants to make sure that they can afford Gould long-term. In other news, Las Vegas is also looking to trade for a middle infielder who can hit at the top of the order and set the table for their sluggers.

Francisco García

San Diego's Francisco García is making the most of his contract year, batting .364/.435/.913 on the season, but what does his future hold? Sources indicate that the Tomcats are not planning to trade him as long as the team stays in the playoff hunt. With the team slumping and at the edge of wildcard contention, the next couple weeks are crucial.

Brad Austin

Eureka has a black hole at catcher: starter David Rivera is batting .198 while backup Franklin Tucker is batting .214. The Hornets need a backstop upgrade, and they can offer any of several All-Star caliber players in return: closer Brad Austin, second baseman Gary McLernon, and outfielder Claude Knight. Eureka would also like prospects.

Maple has a shortstop now in Derek Beimer (recently acquired in a trade with Minnesota), but they are still looking for help at catcher, second base, and third base. The Marauders have a highly ranked minor league system and will be dealing from their deep supply of prospects.

Robert Mendoza

So Cal is looking to move Robert Mendoza. The veteran right-fielder wants to start and has been visibly disgruntled with his role as a backup. His .367 OBP and .442 SLG show that he can still hit. The Republic wants prospects and would be willing to package Mendoza with a good prospect to get a better prospect.

Ánibal Machado

If anyone needs a shutdown closer, Carolina's Ánibal Machado is available: a likely All-Star, he has 19 saves and a .58 ERA in 31 innings. Carolina is rebuilding and is also looking to deal both third baseman Scott Andrews and first baseman George Gilliam.

Minnesota has been very active lately. They signed two key players to contract extension. Marvin Welch signed a five-year extension worth $72 million, with the last year being a team option. Dale Watson signed a modest four-year extension worth $14.2 million. A decision on starter Guillermo Martínez remains to be made, but it looks as if Will Johnson will not be staying with Minnesota. Management is actively pursuing a trade.

Contrary to rumors, Nottinghamshire is not actively shopping Danny Burris. The two-time Rookie of the Month would obviously be a huge addition for any team. However, GM Sir William did add that "there is a price for everything."