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Buzz: Jays listening to offers for Alex Rios

by Matthew Cerrone on July 9th, 2009 at 10:18 am

Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com believes the Blue Jays are listening to offers for OF Alex Rios, who is hitting .259 with 10 HR, and will earn $60 million over the next five seasons.

According to Rosenthal, the Jays might be asking teams interested in RHP Roy Halladay to take on either Rios, Vernon Wells or Scott Rolen.

This morning on WFAN, SI.com’s Jon Heyman said the Yankees and Mets are among 12 teams who have contacted the Jays regarding Halladay.

In a poll on MetsBlog.com, 54 percent of people who voted said they would trade Fernando Martinez, Wilmer Flores and Brad Holt for Halladay, while 62 percent said they would sign Rios to a five-year, $60 million deal if he was a free agent.

Rosenthal also reports on trade rumors involving Rockies 1B-3B Garrett Atkins and OF Ryan Spilborghs, as well as D-Backs pitcher Doug Davis.

Speaking of outfielders…

According to Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore Sun, “The Orioles are exploring trades for infielder Oscar Salazar and OF Felix Pie,” as they look to create a roster spot for SS Cesar Izturis, who will be activated from the disabled list on Friday.

Pie, who had been a highly-touted prospect with the Cubs, is batting just .226 in 182 career games, with just 26 extra base hits, 12 stolen bases and a .299 OBP.

Zrebiec believes the O’s have talked to the White Sox about a deal that would swap Pie for 3B Josh Fields.

Pie is not eligible to be a free agent until 2014.