MLB Trade Rumors 7/15/12

12:15 p.m. Eastern
-Pittsburgh has emerged as “a serious bidder” for Justin Upton, Jayson Stark reports.
-Toronto will likely go after a reliever, Jon Paul Morosi reports.
11:50 a.m. Eastern
-From Nick Cafardo: Boston has interest in Rockies closer Rafael Betancourt, but the Red Sox don’t want to give up a prospect (only an outfielder). *Pittsburgh is thinking big with its pitching targets, including Cole Hamels, Jon Lester, Zack Greinke, Ryan Dempster and Matt Garza. The Pirates may have to trade Gerritt Cole to get one of these pitchers, and the Bucs won’t meet that price. Pittsburgh will also go after a hitter, but they resisted trading minor leaguer Sterling Marte for Kevin Youkilis. *Arizona would want a 3B/SS and other pieces for Justin Upton, and the DBacks have no interest in trading him for Jacoby Ellsbury. Pittsburgh and Texas are possible destinations for Upton if the Snakes decide to pull the trigger. *Baltimore, Toronto, Pittsburgh, St. Louis, Detroit and others have interest in Mariners starter Jason Vargas. Seattle will ask for a significant return. *The Blue Jays, Yankees and Braves have scouted Francisco Liriano. Minnesota will ask for a lot in return for slugging OF Josh Willingham.
-The Yankees are content to stand pat at the trading deadline, Zach Schonbrun reports.
-Joel Sherman reports that the Mets are interested in righty catchers Miguel Olivo, Ramon Hernandez and Kurt Suzuki. They also want relievers such as Matt Capps and aren’t too high on Francisco Rodriguez and Brandon Lyon.