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New York Yankees' Nick Swisher, left, watches as Toronto Blue Jays' Yunel Escobar completes a throw to first base to turn a double play during the sixth inning of the baseball game Monday, July 16, 2012 at Yankee Stadium in New York.Seth Wenig/The Associated Press

It should come as no surprise to ardent followers of the Toronto Blue Jays that the club is interested in selling off shortstop Yunel Escobar.

With highly-touted Cuban prospect Adeiny Hechavarria biding his time with a .370 average in the minors waiting for his big league chance, it only makes sense that Toronto general manager Alex Anthopoulos would be sending out feelers about Escobar.

It's either trade him or see how he does moving over to second base.

According to Baseball Insider Danny Knobler and others, the Oakland A's, in the thick of a battle for a wild card spot and desperate for shortstop assistance, are one team that is showing interest in Escobar.

The biggest rumour floating around on Wednesday concerned the Boston Red Sox and outfielder Carl Crawford.

USA Today reported that the Marlins have discussed a possible deal with that would see them acquire Crawford and an unnamed prospect in exchange for third baseman Hanley Ramirez and former closer Heath Bell.

Fox Sports chipped in with its own version from Ken Rosenthal who is reporting that a deal that would see the left-fielder traded to Miami in exchange for either shortstop Jose Reyes or Ramirez has been suggested.

Of course, that prompted a response from the Miami Herald, citing a source with direct knowledge of the situation, to report that the Marlins are not dangling Bell, Ramirez or anybody in trade discussions right now.

Gotta love this time of year.

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