Hump Day Rumors - 7/16 Edition

The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that the Phillies are taking a serious look at A's starter Joe Blanton. The somewhat portly right-hander has scuffled this season, going 5-12, 4.96 in 20 starts, but is a quality starter.

The Miami Herald reported that the Marlins inquired about their former catcher Ivan Rodriguez, but were rebuffed by the Tigers, who said Pudge II was not available.

Not rumor, but fact, criminal charges have been dropped against Rays reliever Al Reyes after his birthday outburst.

The Mets new Citi Field is likely to be the host of the 2013 All-Star game. Shea Stadium has hosted one game.

The Yankees and Mets are among of handful of teams that are keeping tabs on Freddy Garcia's progress in his rehab from Tommy John surgery.

The Twins have been talking to the Mariners about Adrian Beltre, according to the Star Tribune.

The LA Times reported that K-Rod has nixed further negotiations with the Angels and will test the free agent waters.

The Diamondbacks have talked to the Mariners about Raul Ibanez, says the Seattle Post-Intelligencer.

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TGIF- The T Doesn't Stand for Tasered

But that is what happened to Rays reliever Al Reyes early his morning. Reyes was categorized as drunk and disruptive after falling in a Tampa night spot. He proceeded to pick a fight and then spit blood at the bar's patrons.

Witnesses said the incident started about 2:30 a.m. at the Hyde Park Cafe (we don't watch American Idol, but apparently someone named Jessica Sierra was arrested for drunken behavior there last year) when Reyes, who was celebrating his 38th birthday on Thursday, fell into a ceramic pot. He thought he was pushed and chaos ensued. Reyes confronted one of the patrons, Eduardo Mora, who ended up punching Reyes in the face.

Reyes began thrashing his arms wildly and spitting blood despite the efforts of bouncers and an off-duty cop. Finally the cop, Lt. William Ferguson Tased Reyes, knocking him to the floor. When Reyes refused to stay down, he was Tased a 2nd time.

Order was finally restored and Reyes was treated for a cut on his nose. He was charged with affray (A person uses or threatens unlawful violence towards another and the person's conduct is such as would cause a person of reasonable firmness present at the scene to fear for his personal safety) and later released on his own recognizance. Mora was charged with battery and also released on his own recognizance.

Rays spokesman Rick Vaughn (how ironic is that) would not comment before learning more details.

Source: St. Pete Times

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