ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick is pumping them out this week.  We salute you, Jerry.  Keep the fleece rumors coming.  Here’s his latest: 

• The Cubs are interested in trading for Reds outfielder Josh Hamilton, but the Reds are not keen on trading the former #1 pick within the division.  Hamilton, a rule 5 pick by the Reds and amazing comeback story, hit 19 homers last year with a .291/.368/.554.   Why would Cincy trade this guy to anyone?
• Sticking with the Cubs, the team is seeking two left handed bats for their lineup which was sorely lacking left handed thump in 2007.  They appear to be in the lead for Kosuke Fukudome, who we’ve talked about before .  And they have also been rumored to be interested in Geoff Jenkins.  Crasnick throws out Chone Figgins’ name as well, but that appears unlikely as the Angels value the versatile switch hitter very much, and may ask for Aramis Ramirez in return.
• Scott Boras spent the day trying to build up interest in clients Andruw Jones and Kyle Lohse.  I.e., he spent the day at his fleece sewing machine preparing fleece offers - especially for the mediocre Lohse, who is said to be looking for 4 years and $40M.  Regarding Jones, Boras says, “Some clubs are taking a long-term approach, and some are short-term.  But those one- and two-year deals people are talking about are not what we’re looking for.” 
• Shawn Green may retire.  Good.  Get out, Sean.  You stink.   Just kidding.  Green actually hit .291 for the Mets last year and mashed in September (unlike the rest of the team) posting an OPS over 1.   The Rays may be interested.
• Brandon Inge may be on the trade market now following Detroit’s acquisition of Miguel Cabrera.  Inge is an A+ defender with a decent stick who could draw interest from the Phillies, Giants, Brewers, Angels, or Twins.

Filed under: Chicago Cubs, Cincinnati Reds, Detroit Tigers, Los Angeles Angels, Milwaukee Brewers, Minnesota Twins, Philadelphia Phillies, San Francisco Giants, Tampa Bay Rays