With Colorado Rockies closer Brian Fuentes, it’s becoming less and less a matter of if he gets dealt to a contender and more who makes the trade and when it happens. The Denver Post reported on Sunday that the Tampa Bay Rays have jumped into the driver’s seat for his services and are reportedly pushing to make a deal happen.

The three favorites to land Fuentes all reside in the American League East, with the Red Sox and Yankees also known to have a great interest in the three-time National League All-Star. The division-leading Rays have the best stocked farm system of the three and feature a pair of pitching prospects - Jeremy Hellickson and Wade Davis - that have intrigued the Rockies in the past, the Post reported. Read more »

Trade talks are apparently being finalized between the Cleveland Indians and Milwaukee Brewers for reigning Cy Young award winner C.C. Sabathia. A move is imminent, and the Brewers have one foot in the door in negotiations with a deal that centers around minor league outfielder Matt LaPorta, according to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel.

The Journal-Sentinel has also reported that the Brewers are aiming to finalize the deal in time for Sabathia to make his next scheduled start at home against the Rockies.

A deal can only serve to benefit Sabathia, who is currently backed by baseball’s worst bullpen and an offense that struggles to generate runs. A move to Milwaukee would help in both areas, and he would have an opportunity to face the softer hitting, DH-less lineups in the National League. Read more »