Washburn available ? 7:44 p.m.
Jarrod Washburn is officially available.
The Mariners informed the Yankees on Tuesday that they would listen to trade offers for the veteran left-hander, who is 8-6 with a 2.71 ERA this season.
The Yankees, seeking another starting pitcher, have not yet made an offer for Washburn, but plan to present one shortly. The Brewers also are interested in Washburn, and one major league source said there were discussions between the Milwaukee and Seattle front offices Tuesday.
Many in the industry believe the Brewers have an edge in the Washburn talks, because of the relationship between Mariners general manager Jack Zduriencik, a former Brewers executive, and Milwaukee GM Doug Melvin.
"Jack feels very comfortable with the Brewers," one source said. "They're going to communicate. They're close."
One thing to keep in mind: Zduriencik is said to be a great admirer of Milwaukee second baseman Rickie Weeks ? precisely the power-and-speed player the Mariners need.
The Brewers could trade Weeks without hurting their chances of winning this year, since he has been on the disabled list since undergoing season-ending wrist surgery in May. Weeks, 26, had been on pace for a career offensive season as the Milwaukee leadoff man.
Players on the disabled list can be included in trades as players to be named later.
__________________
Washburn is the backup plan for teams interested in Roy Halladay and Cliff Lee, but seems like the No. 1 target for the Brewers and Yankees. The veteran lefty is 8-6 this season with a 2.71 ERA. Keep in mind that Mariners GM Jack Zduriencik is a former Brewers executive.
Jarrod Washburn is officially available.
The Mariners informed the Yankees on Tuesday that they would listen to trade offers for the veteran left-hander, who is 8-6 with a 2.71 ERA this season.
The Yankees, seeking another starting pitcher, have not yet made an offer for Washburn, but plan to present one shortly. The Brewers also are interested in Washburn, and one major league source said there were discussions between the Milwaukee and Seattle front offices Tuesday.
Many in the industry believe the Brewers have an edge in the Washburn talks, because of the relationship between Mariners general manager Jack Zduriencik, a former Brewers executive, and Milwaukee GM Doug Melvin.
"Jack feels very comfortable with the Brewers," one source said. "They're going to communicate. They're close."
One thing to keep in mind: Zduriencik is said to be a great admirer of Milwaukee second baseman Rickie Weeks ? precisely the power-and-speed player the Mariners need.
The Brewers could trade Weeks without hurting their chances of winning this year, since he has been on the disabled list since undergoing season-ending wrist surgery in May. Weeks, 26, had been on pace for a career offensive season as the Milwaukee leadoff man.
Players on the disabled list can be included in trades as players to be named later.
__________________
Washburn is the backup plan for teams interested in Roy Halladay and Cliff Lee, but seems like the No. 1 target for the Brewers and Yankees. The veteran lefty is 8-6 this season with a 2.71 ERA. Keep in mind that Mariners GM Jack Zduriencik is a former Brewers executive.
