As the July 31st trade deadline approaches, many San Diego Padres relievers are drawing interest, according to Jon Paul Morosi of FOXSports.com. The Tigers, Braves, Red Sox, Pirates, Dodgers and Phillies are all scouting the team's series in Milwaukee this week, and Luke Gregerson, Dale Thayer, Joe Thatcher and closer Huston Street are all available in trade talks.
The Tigers have shown consistent interest in the group of relievers, according to Morosi. After showing heavy interest in Brewers' reliever Francisco Rodriguez before he was traded to the Orioles, Detroit is now focusing in on Gregerson as their main target. The 29-year old has posted a 2.85 ERA, 7.9 K/9, and 1.8 K/9 in 44 appearances on the season, and is under control through the next season. According to U-T San Diego's Bill Center, Gregerson is drawing more trade interest than any other player on the Padres' roster.
The Braves, who are known to be pursuing every left-handed reliever on the trade market, are among the teams pursuing Thatcher, according to Morosi. Thatcher, 31, has posted a 2.25 ERA, 9.0 K/9, and 1.3 BB/9 in 47 appearances this year, and will likely be a hot commodity on the trade market.
Center writes that Street is not receiving as much interest as the other relievers due to his large contract and inconsistent performance on the year, but is still a candidate to be dealt. In addition to the four relievers, Carlos Quentin, Chris Denorfia and Edinson Volquez are among the team's trade candidates. They are known to be looking for starting pitching in trade talks.
