It was reported earlier today that the San Francisco Giants had engaged in talks with reliever Sergio Romo, and that has seemingly created a domino effect. In Los Angeles, the Dodgers could be shaking up their middle infield in the next few days.
According to ESPN's Jerry Crasnick, the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers all have interest in Romo. The Dodgers are perhaps the most desperate to improve their bullpen, while the Yankees and Red Sox could use another established arm to round off the back end of theirs. Romo was demoted from the closer role with the Giants in the middle of last season, but he's viewed as a versatile reliever.
The right-hander is likely still capable of closing games, but Giants' manager Bruce Bochy couldn't take a chance when Romo's ERA was at 5.01 on June 28. He was replaced by Santiago Casilla for the remainder of the season and during their World Series run. However, Romo has a 31-21 career record to go along with a 2.51 ERA, 0.93 WHIP, 78 saves and 394 strikeouts in 351 2/3 innings.
He had a 3.72 ERA in 2014, which was his highest since 2009 when he posted a 3.97 ERA. He's an experienced reliever who should be obtained at a bargain salary and his demand is rising because the Giants lost out on Luke Gregerson, the Yankees watched David Robertson walk, the Red Sox couldn't land Andrew Miller and the Dodgers can use all the help they get. San Francisco might lose out on yet another free agent due to the latest competition for Romo.
The Dodgers have a lot on their hands being that they need bullpen and middle infield help. Shortstop Hanley Ramirez went to the Boston Red Sox and now the team is discussing trades with other teams regarding second baseman Dee Gordon. Last night it was said the Dodgers were shopping Gordon because the front office prefers on-base percentage, of which Gordon's is .314 for his career. The second baseman was an All-Star in 2014 and led the MLB in stolen bases with 64, so perhaps the Dodgers think he's at his peak value.
While they have internal options to fill the second base position if Gordon were to be traded (Alex Guerrero, Darwin Barney, Darnell Sweeney), they're going to need to acquire a shortstop. According to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports, Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins said he would approve a trade to Los Angeles, which would at least solve their problems for the 2015 season. With top prospect Corey Seager in the minors for at least another year, the Dodgers will need a short-term solution to prepare for his major league debut.
However, Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro is still asking for a lot in return for his veterans, and apparently wants a top prospect for Rollins. The 36-year-old slashed .243/.323/.394 with 17 home runs, 55 RBIs and 28 stolen bases in 2014.
UPDATE: FOX Sports' Ken Rosental reports the Dodgers and Phillies are in active discussions about Rollins.
