Elephant Rumblings: Richie Martin, Max Schrock among more intriguing prospects left unprotected

A’s Coverage:

• Martin, Schrock among 9 intriguing prospects left unprotected heading into the Rule 5 Draft...
• MLB: Is Mike Fiers the A’s most likely non-tender candidate?
• Lee: 10 biggest trades in Athletics history...

MLB News:

• ESPN: MLB seeks return of donation to controversial GOP candidate...
• AP: Seibu Lions to post pitcher Yusei Kikuchi early next month...
• ESPN: Royals hire Mike Matheny as special adviser for player development...
• Cwik: Reds sign closer Raisel Iglesias to three-year deal, but trade still a possibility...

Baseball Interest Stories:

• AP: Canadian scientist names beetle after former Blue Jays star Jose Bautista...
• Axisa: Trading Madison Bumgarner would be unpopular, but it’s the smartest move for the Giants...
• Calcaterra: Ohio Supreme Court says bobbleheads aren’t legally free giveaways...

Today in Baseball History:

• 1974 - Catfish Hunter meets with Oakland Athletics owner Charlie Finley in the American Arbitration Association office in New York City for a hearing to determine the validity of Hunter’s breach-of-contract claim. Hunter contends that Finley failed to pay $50,000, half of Hunter’s salary, to a life insurance fund. The case will go to arbitration.
• 2003 - Hoping to add punch to their lineup, the Oakland Athletics trade catcher Ramón Hernandez and disgruntled outfielder Terrence Long to the San Diego Padres for outfielder Mark Kotsay.

Best of Twitter:

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