Locked up, they won’t let me out
I turn on the news this morning and they make it sound like Jordan Staal and his entourage pulled a Pac-Man Jones. KDKA’s headline durng the morning news: “Big trouble for the Penguins Jordan Staal.” Talk about making a big deal out of nothing. With a possible year long suspension to Jordan Staal for his underage, Ray Shero is exploring all possibilites. Shero has already spoke to Mario Lemieux’s agent about Mario coming out of retirement to make up for the loss of Jordan Staal. Although talks are only in the preliminary stages, the Penguins offer to Lemieux is believed to be a 1 year deal worth 4 million with incentives. The Penguins have also included a luxury suite for Lemieux and his family.
No talks on the horizon
Now to some real rumors: A source has told me the Penguins are going to wait until next summer to sign Marc Andre Fleury to a long term extension.
Trade Bait
I think it’s unlikely Snell gets traded but according to sources, the Pirates are listening to offers. Trading Snell doesn’t make sense considering he’s 25 yrs old and only makes 408,000 this season. Snell has been linked to Atlanta, Toronto, Arizona.
Torres to Boston?
The Boston Red Sox and the Pittsburgh Pirates have had talks about a potential trade that would send Solomon Torres to Boston for outfielder Willy Mo Pena. The White Sox are also in talks with the Red Sox about Willy Mo. Last week the Red Sox inquired about Damaso Marte but a source has told me Littlefield’s asking price is very high in regards to teams inquiring about Marte.
Braves top prospect on the trading block?
According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Braves catcher/first baseman Jarrod Saltalamacchia could be traded before the deadline for a impact starting pitcher. The rookie catcher is a phenomenal talent but is backing up All-Star Catcher Brian McCann. According to reports The Braves are listening offers and the Pirates have inquired about Saltalamacchia. The Braves have been rumored to be interested in pitcher Ian Snell but Bustner Olney is reporting the Braves are the front runners to land Texas Rangers first baseman Mark Teixeria. Saltalamacchia would be a part of any deal that includes Teixeria
