ESPN’s Jayson Stark has a few good MLB rumors up in his Rumblings and Grumblings column today.  Let’s check ‘em out:

• Stark reiterates that the Tampa Bay Rays, of all clubs, may actually be forced to trade away pitchers when Scott Kazmir and Matt Garza return from the DL in early May.  On March 28, Fleece Factor mentioned that Edwin Jackson or Jason Hammel are the prime candidates to be dealt, and could probably be acquired for a respectable corner outfielder.  It’ll be interesting if the Rays deal Jackson now, after his hot start.  If they do trade him, would it be selling high?  Or has Jackson finally discovered his potential?
• Fleece Factor felt it was a little odd that Kyle Snyder was not claimed on waivers after Boston DFA’d him.  Well, Stark has the answer.  He quotes a scout as saying, “He (Snyder) was throwing 87, and his arm action wasn’t real pretty.  Plus, he was throwing a lot of off-speed pitches. It was obvious he didn’t want to throw his fastball, and when he did throw it, he didn’t throw it with any confidence. He just wasn’t throwing well enough to where you’d go out of your way to make a deal for the guy.”
• The Phillies are interested in acquiring Mike Stanton.  No, really….they are.
• Given all their injuries, the Braves are also seeking bullpen help.  Writes Stark, ”According to an executive of one club that spoke with them, they’re ‘poking around,’ trying to fish out a name or two ‘beyond the usual suspects.’ Nothing is hot, from all indications.”
• Back to the Phillies.  Despite the Fausto Carmona deal (which our readers overwhelmingly believe favors Cleveland), the Phillies have not approached Cole Hamels about a similar extension.  Stark believes the Phillies “might have doubts about his long-term durability.”

Filed under: Atlanta Braves, Boston Red Sox, Philadelphia Phillies, Tampa Bay Rays