MLB trade rumors: Giants eyeing Ben Zobrist

The Giants could have interest in Rays utility man Ben Zobrist, according to MLB.com's Chris Haft and Ryan Hood.

San Francisco recently sent Pat Burrell, who serves as a special assignment scout, to Tampa Bay to watch Zobrist, per the story. The 33-year-old jack-of-all-trades is a candidate to be dealt before the trade deadline, and he represents a good fit for the Giants considering their holes at second base and in the outfield with veterans Marco Scutaro and Angel Pagan dealing with injuries.

The Giants also have interest in Rays ace David Price, who could also be available at the deadline. To go along with San Francisco's purported attraction to the Rays' duo, Tampa Bay scouts have been seen at games in Richmond, the Giants' Double-A affiliate, according to the story.

Phillies closer Jonathan Papelbon is willing to waive his no-trade clause if the team wishes to deal him to a contender, according to Matt Gelb of the Philadelphia Enquirer.

Papelbon is one of many Phillies players -- including Cliff Lee, Cole Hamels and Chase Utley -- who might be available at the deadline. However, whereas Utley and other teammates have expressed their desire to stay in Philadelphia, Papelbon sounds like he wants out:

"Some guys want to stay on a losing team? That's mind-boggling to me," Papelbon said. "I think that's a no-brainer."

— Matt Gelb (@magelb) July 10, 2014

There are many teams -- the Tigers and Angels being two of the most obvious -- who would likely consider Papelbon if the Phillies wind up putting him on the block. Papelbon owns a 1.24 ERA with 32 strikeouts and nine walks in 36⅓ innings.