Wrap Up: Tracy, Red Sox, Cubs, Abreu, Ayala

(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

July 2 has been a busy day in baseball rumors, and with the trade deadline fast approaching, more and more rumors seem to be popping up. This columnn hopes to make known a few of them.

First thing's first: Arizona Diamondbacks' third baseman Chad Tracy has been the subject of many rumors, and most of the say that the Boston Red Sox have wanted to trade for the slugging infielder. The Red Sox are looking for a new third baseman, after regular third baseman Mike Lowell went on the DL with a nagging hip injury. So far this season, Tracy is hitting .203 with four home runs, and 18 RBI. Tracy has 25 hits in 41 games.

Secondly: The Chicago Cubs have acquired second baseman Jeff Baker from the Colorado Rockies. To make room for Baker on the roster, the Chicago Cubs designated Ryan Freel for assignment. Freel was acquired by the Cubs from the Baltimore Orioles for Joey Gathright on May 8. So far this season, Baker has played in just 12 games, getting just three hits, with three RBI. But 2008 was Baker's best season, in which Baker had a career best .268 average, with a career high 12 home runs, and another career high 48 RBIs. This season, Freel was hitting .140 with no home runs, two RBIs, in just 23 games. He has just six hits this season.

Thirdly: The Cleveland Indians have acquired Winston Abreu from the Tampa Bay Rays for minor leaguer John Meloan. Abreu is 32 and has been tearing up AAA with a 1.41 ERA. Meloan has had less sucess in AAA, with a 5.52 ERA.

Lastly: The Florida Marlins have signed 31-year-old righty Luis Ayala, was released earlier today by the Minnesota Twins. He allowed 38 hits and eight walks in 31 innings of work. He'll spend some time in AAA New Orleans, before joining the Marlins.

That's it for MLB rumors for today, folks. See ya next time.

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