MLB Rumors: Breaking Down Hottest Buzz Around Baseball

As the 2013 MLB playoffs rage on, there are plenty of rumors circulating behind the scenes.

Whether it's whispers of a contending squad potentially trading an ace or a high-profile manager leaving a big city, there is plenty of intriguing talk surrounding the diamond these days.

So, as you eat your popcorn while you watch the playoffs, sample these tasty little morsels.

Rays Ace David Price to Be Traded?

According to Joel Sherman of the New York Post, he talked to nine executives, and every one of them said they thought Tampa Bay Rays left-hander David Price would be dealt.

Sherman notes that a) Price could cost the Rays $15 million through arbitration in the offseason, b) the return value for a player is higher two years before he hits free agency (i.e. Matt Garza and James Shields) and c) the Rays are more likely to do a four-for-one trade now because they aren't positioned as well in the draft. 

You can't blame the Rays if they trade Price. They ranked 28th in payroll this season and—as they've shown in the past—acquiring young players is a route they simply must take year after year because of this. 

Price posted a 3.33 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 151 strikeouts in 186.2 innings this season. He figures to be another prize acquired from the Rays this offseason.

Joe Girardi Being Courted?

According to David Kaplan of CSN Chicago, the Washington Nationals have asked permission to talk to New York Yankees manager Joe Girardi. The Reds are also thought to be in the mix.

Kaplan tweeted on Friday:

Girardi has gone 564-408 in six seasons with the Yankees. That includes winning the World Series in 2009. The Yankees have reportedly offered him a "significant" deal to stay in New York, according to Andrew Marchand of ESPN New York.

If Girardi wants the best situation, the Nationals may be the best bet. They have a young, talented team, ownership doesn't mind spending money to improve the roster and the minor league system is respectable. The only thing is the Nationals aren't likely to offer Girardi more than $4 million, according to George A. King III of the of New York Post.

The Chicago Cubs would likely offer more money, according to King, but they went 66-96 this season.

Who Will Hire Dusty Baker?

After being fired by the Cincinnati Reds on Friday, manager Dusty Baker is on the market.

Buster Olney of ESPN.com wrote on Friday:

"

There is a sense at the top of the organization that the clubhouse needs a shakeup: some personality with an edge, somebody who will raise the bar of expectations for the players. Maybe that'll come with some change in player personnel, but now the Reds will try to execute that with a new manager. Cincinnati's front office decided that Baker's personal touch wasn't working anymore. 

"

Olney added on Friday:

The truth is, nobody is jumping at the chance to hire Baker yet. He's an old-school manager who is a well-respected guy, but, the reality is, he hasn't proven he can win a ring. He's been to the postseason seven times without winning the World Series.

Tom Verducci of SI.com noted that the 64-year-old could end up with the Seattle Mariners, but that was just speculation.

It's not out of the question that a struggling organization gives Baker a shot. He's shown he can at least get teams to the postseason. But the door appears to be closing for him to continue managing contenders.