Tony Sipp trade rumors: Braves, Angels, Orioles interested

May 14, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros relief pitcher Tony Sipp (29) pitches during the seventh inning against the Texas Rangers at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
May 14, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros relief pitcher Tony Sipp (29) pitches during the seventh inning against the Texas Rangers at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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Every July a handful of relief pitchers on poor teams receive a ‘get out of jail free’ card. That might be what happens to Houston Astros relief pitcher Tony Sipp who is said to be among the most coveted Astros player as we approach the end-of-July trade deadline.

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The Houston Astros don’t have much need for Tony Sipp moving forward and Jon Heyman of CBS Sports speculates that the Atlanta Braves, Los Angeles Angels and Baltimore Orioles are the most likely candidates for the 31-year-old southpaw.

"…while the Angels, Braves and Orioles are among teams that fit for Sipp, who’s said to have drawn the most interest of any Astros player."

We’ve seen on plenty of occasions that a simple move to reinforce your bullpen can be the difference between having success in the playoffs and even making the playoffs. The San Francisco Giants, who are notorious for adding veteran relief pitchers come the deadline, have proven this with two World Series titles in the previous four seasons.

What exactly the Houston Astros would be seeking for Sipp hasn’t been mentioned though they’ll likely looking to add more assets to their talented, though youthful minor league system. Tony Sipp isn’t likely to cost much, though the more teams that show interest in the reliever, the higher his price will rise.

To be in such demand is probably a little odd for Sipp considering just a season ago he was designated for assignment by the Arizona Diamondbacks and just a few months later picked up and released by the San Diego Padres.