ESPN's Jim Bowden has filed his latest insider-only piece at "The GM's Office," and he's got the latest on Shane Victorino, Kurt Suzuki, and more.
- It doesn't matter if the Phillies climb back into contention in the NL East, Shane Victorino's days with the team seem to be numbered, and the Dodgers and Reds are the favorites to land the center fielder.
- Even if Victorino's dealt, all signs point to him testing the free agent market this winter.
- The Dodgers have the pitching depth to make a move for Victorino, who is batting .245/.311/.369 in 86 games. For the right price, the Dodgers will move Chris Reed, who has had success at both Class A and Double-A this season in the Dodgers' system.
- The Reds are interested in Victorino, but don't want to pick up what remains of his $9.5 million salary.
- Bowden notes that some general managers around the league feel that the Phillies will hold on to Cole Hamels.
- The Washington Nationals are the "sleeping giants of the upcoming trade deadline," writes Bowden. They won't mortgage the future, but they could land one of the big names available.
- The Mets will land a closer, and soon. One of Jonathan Broxton, Huston Street, or Francisco Rodriguez.
- The Cubs are asking for the moon in return for Matt Garza and Ryan Dempster.
- If Oakland deals Kurt Suzuki, look for him to end up in Tampa Bay. The Yankees, Pirates, Mets, Blue Jays, Indians, and White Sox are contenders also thought to have interest in the A's catcher, who is signed through 2013, and will make $6.45 million next year. He's got an $8.5 million club option in 2014, with a $650,000 buyout. Non-contenders the Astros, Cubs, and Twins might also have varying levels of interest.
- In Minnesota, the Twins will try to move Denard Span, Justin Morneau, Josh Willingham, and Francisco Liriano. Cleveland has needs Minnesota can exploit, but there's no guarantee the Twins deal within their division.
- In Los Angeles, if Ervin Santana doesn't shape up, he could be moved to the bullpen, meaning the Angels will jump head-first into the market for a starting pitcher. Santana posted a 5.85 ERA in June, and, in his first start in July, allowed eight earned runs in 1.1 innings.
