Rockies Rumors: Michael Cuddyer, Marco Scutaro, Rafael Betancourt

The Colorado Rockies believe a turnaround in 2013 is realistic and aren’t looking to trade outfielder Michael Cuddyer or reliever Matt Belisle, reports Jon Heyman of CBSSports. However, the Rockies do have several trade candidates, including Marco Scutaro, Jason Giambi, Rafael Betancourt, Matt Reynolds and Jonathan Herrera:

They view Michael Cuddyer as the eventual replacement to the iconic Todd Helton at first base and don't want to move a righthanded corner bat such as Cuddyer, which they see as a rare commodity in the game. They are also determined to hold onto reliever Matt Belisle, who they love.

With the coveted Cuddyer all but certain to stay, the most likely trade candidates (in order of likelihood to go) are Marco Scutaro, Jason Giambi, Rafael Betancourt, Matt Reynolds and Jonathan Herrera.

Heyman reports the Tampa Bay Rays, Washington Nationals, San Francisco Giants, Texas Rangers and Oakland Athletics have all shown interest in Scutaro, who isn’t expected to be dealt on July 31. In exchange for the veteran infielder, Colorado is seeking a "bona fide prospect" or a "fringey" one with the acquiring team picking up all of Scutaro’s contract.

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Is a 2013 turnaround for the Rockies realistic?

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