Crash Lannan

Ignoring Nationals' starter John Lannan might be the best trade-deadline non-move by contending teams. Considered a potential target for those looking for left-handed pitching, Lannan was cruising along with nine quality starts in his last ten games. Then came Thursday against Philadelphia.

Lannan's line:

5.2 IP, 9 H, 8 R, 6 ER, 3 BB, 7 K, 2 HR

Lannan's ERA jumps to 3.61 after he had worked for three solid outings to pull it all the way down to 3.33. Jason Werth smoked Lannan for home run number 15. Jimmy Rollins hit his 8th in a convincing 8-4 Phillies victory. Kyle Kendrick threw pretty well for the Phils, giving up two earned in 6 2/3 innings for his ninth win.

The Phillies stand alone in first in the NL East thanks to a Mets loss at Florida.

Freakout, then breakout

16 runs, 20 hits, four homers and one ejection makes for one exciting baseball game in Minneapolis. Down 4-3 at the time of manager Ron Gardenhire's ejection for arguing balls and strikes (or really just one particular strike) when he came flying out to complain about a call against Denard Span.

The Twins responded after their firey leader's dismissal. Jason Kubel launched his 14th home run, a three-run shot that proved the game-winner in a 10-6 comeback at the Metrodome. The second-place Twins stand just a game in back of the White Sox with the victory.

Fantasy Impact: By the way, Span scored three runs tonight without getting a hit. He's batting .311 this season, and doing a good job in the leadoff spot. Here's wondering if he's capable of sticking in that role, especially if Carlos Gomez can't get it figured out.

Lowe scoring

Solid pitchers duel in Los Angeles with the D'Backs; Brandon Webb edging Dodgers starter Derek Lowe for his 15th win, 2-1. Their lines:

Webb: 8 IP, 6 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 6 K
Lowe: 6.1 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 7 K

Lowe actually outpitched Webb until the seventh, where he gave up both of his runs and left before getting out of the inning.

Drunk on hype

With all the talk about Milwaukee catching the Cubs this past week, the Brewers forget how to hang on to first place once they grab it. Five straight losses, including a four-game home sweep to the Cubs, drops Milwaukee five in back of first-place Chicago.

The Cubs did it with a bit of everything on Thursday, blasting three home runs (Edmonds, Soriano, Fukudome) and getting another pitching gem out of Rich Harden. He went seven, struck out nine and earns his first win as a Cub. The final: 11-4, Cubs.

Big flies against Pettitte

Angels center fielder Torii Hunter extends his hitting streak to 13 games with a three-run homer off of Andy Pettitte in the first inning in the Bronx. Hunter's homer to right center comes right after Vlad Guererro flew out to the warning track in deep left.

Update: The pounding continues all night. LAA smashes three three-run homers. Juan Rivera followed Hunter with his in the third. Vlad whacked his off Chris Britton. Los Angeles roles, 12-6, as Pettitte picks up the loss, giving up nine earned in 5 1/3 innings. Jon Garland pitches well enough for his 10th win, as he's a pretty steady back-end rotation guy in fantasy.

Update: This was the first time in 30 years that three Angels hit a three-run homers in the same game. Can you name the 1978 trio?

Jays wanted Ibanez

Interesting stuff from the Seattle Times on the Blue Jays' late push for Raul Ibanez. Geoff Baker writes in his Mariners Blog:

Why would Toronto do an Ibanez deal? I'd wondered that earlier. Until my buddies back east reminded me of a cardinal rule of covering the Jays that I'd forgotten about during my two years here. That optics mean as much back there as reality at times.

To realists, like most of you, and me, a snowball has a greater chance of lasting the afternoon in this Texas heat as the Jays do of making the playoffs. But in Toronto, the Jays could acquire Ibanez, then tell their fans they still have a chance and that they're going for it.

Everything I read about Toronto sound slike smoke and mirrors these days. They're probably lucky they didn't make the deal as Ibanez is getting up there in age, and Toronto has slugging prospect Adam Lind to fill the position.

Jocketty jovial about Reds' trade

Reds general manager Walt Jocketty spoke with WLW radio about the Griffey trade. The Reds ended up receiving two players in the deal: right handed starter/reliever Nick Masset and left-handed hitting minor league second baseman Danny Richar.

In Masset and Richar, the Reds got two players Jocketty said he's been eyeing for years. Masset will join the Reds and could be with the team as soon as Friday, while Richar will be assigned to Class AAA Louisville.

"Initially we'll use him as a reliever," Jocketty said. "We don't have a lot of depth in pitching. If we had something happen to one of our starters, with (Daryl) Thompson and (Matt) Maloney at AAA it gives us more depth."

Masset, 26, is 1-0 with a 4.63 ERA in 32 games for the White Sox this season. He's also been a starter during his career, starting two big league games, including one this season.

Richar, 25, is hitting .263 with eight home runs and 38 home runs in 60 games for Class AAA Charlotte. He hit .230 with six home runs in 56 games with the White Sox last season.

To make room for Richar on the 40-man roster, INF/OF Ryan Freel was transferred to the 60-day disabled list.

"We added quality players we'll control for quite a while," Jocketty said. "That's what you've got to do building an organization."

Masset came to the Sox along with John Danks in a deal for Brandon McCarthy. Danks was then, and is now, the more-regarded prospect. Richar was considered a starting candidate for the White Sox this season during spring training, but a back injury derailed the start of his season. He's never made it back from Triple-A. Richar's got some decent pop for a second baseman.

Pirates haul in Bay-Ramirez deal

Andy LaRoche is the marquee name in this trade. He joins his brother Adam in Pittsburgh to eventually become one half of the LaRoche-LaRoche corners of the Pirates infield. For now, however, he'll have to battle Jose Bautista, who's hit 12 home runs for Pittsburgh at third this year. Andy struggled to get back to the big leagues with an injury problem to start the year. A low draft pick out of community college in 2003, he's blossomed into a valued prospect at the age of 24. In his last six stops in the minors LaRoche hit over .300 five times, with power.

From Boston, Pittsburgh reels in Brandon Moss, a guy who was nothing more than a role player on a talented Beantown roster. He was originally an 8th round pick and turns 25 in September. In 78 at bats in Boston he hit .295 with two home runs.

Both LaRoche and Moss will join the Pirates 25-man roster for tomoror's game in Chicago.

The Pirates also nab two former first-round picks: Red Sox top selection overall in 2005, pitcher Craig Hansen, and Dogers number-one pick from 2006, pitcher Bryan Morris.

Hansen is a big 25-year-old right hander (6'6, 230) who struggled with his command at the MLB level this year. He gave up 23 walks in 30 2/3 innings. He's been used mostly as a setup man and will join the Pirates 25-man roster tomorrow. He was the 26th overall pick in 2005.

Morris, a 21-year-old Class-A righty, is a starter to this point in his career and a pretty good one. He's only 2-4, but owns a solid 3.20 ERA and strikes out a little under a batter over 81 2/3 IP. Like Hansen, he was the 26th overall pick, but in 2006. He'll head to Class-A Hickory.

Fantasy Impact: LaRoche is the best bet to get a shot, but when that comes is anybody's guess. He's been pretty mediocre when called on in Los Angeles, but with extended at bats he could easily unseat Bautista in the Pirates lineup and blossom. Consider him a stashee for now.

Manny in LA-LA Land

So the Dodgers get their batman, the Red Sox get Jason Bay, and the Pirates get some prospects.

I missed the event unfolding (although it sounded like this was hush-hush at the deadline) because I was watching the new Batman movie The Dark Knight. It was OK. The trade is more interesting than the film.

Fantasy Impact: The Dodgers outfield is a crowded place, but Manny and Matt Kemp should remain starters. Interesting that the Dodgers are not a very good defensive outfield. Bay's played well this season, and he'll be a solid fixture for the Red Sox.

Bay to the Jays?

The drama is only getting more interesting. Now the Toronto Blue Jays have inquired about Jason Bay, a Canada native. Pittsburgh's asking price is pretty steep, as both Shawn Marcum and Travis Snider have a lot of potential.

Manny being Maddening

There are now at least two reports on Manny Ramirez getting traded to the Florida Marlins. The West Palm Beach Post reported that an agreement had been reached on Wednesday, but has been no further confirmation. Now, this media outlet picks up on that story and publishes another "Manny to the Marlins" piece.

Baseball Prospectus is reporting similar information.

Update: Ken Rosenthal isn't quiet ready to call it a deal, but he seems to believe the right moves are being made to get the deal done.

Update: Ken Rosenthal proclaims the deal "dead... for now." Talk about twisting in the wind.

Marlins seeing the light

Hard to tell if there's anything more than a columnist guessing here. If this deal is a possibility, however, that giant light bulb you saw going on over the horizon is the imagination of the Florida Marlins, whose pint-sized payroll might make them capable of bringing in not only Manny Ramirez, but also A.J. Burnett. With deals those two players Florida becomes an instant contender in the National League.

If there's nothing to this, what's the point of adding more confusion to trade deadline day, TSN? Odd.

Marlins make move

No Manny, no catcher. For the Marlins, at least for right now, it's Arthur Rhodes. The Fish acquire the lefty reliever from Seattle for minor league pitching prospect Gaby Hernandez. Hernandez has struggled after moving from Double- to Triple-A.

Fantasy Impact: Once a setup man, always a setup man for Rhodes, who stands little chance in notching saves with Kevin Gregg around.

Todd Jones - bum shoulder

The Detroit Free-Press outlines the bullpen-by-committee that will emerge with the Tigers acquisition of Kyle Farnsworth.

With Wednesday night’s revelation that Todd Jones has been battling shoulder pain, it appears that Leyland has three internal options to close games now: Fernando Rodney, Joel Zumaya and Farnsworth.

Detroit’s bullpen alignment remains fluid, as evidenced by Wednesday’s chaotic victory over the Cleveland Indians.

Now we know the source of Todd Jones' problems, but it might take a while to hash out the closer role.

Rumblings in Seattle

Jarrod Washburn's name originally surfaced as a potential trade candidate to the New York Yankees, then the Phillies and Mets, but now the lefty's got a new suitor: the Colorado Rockies.

The same story says the Diamondbacks and Cubs still pursue Raul Ibanez, and it's mostly former Seattle manager Lou Piniella's doing in Chicago.

The Ibañez-to-the-Mets deal may be dead, but Arizona is still interested and, in Chicago, Lou Piniella has asked his Cubs management to look into obtaining Ibañez as a platoon player.

A starter and heart-of-the-lineup hitter in Seattle, most teams view Ibañez as a fifth or sixth hitter – and their offers reflect that assessment. They’re dangling mid-level minor leaguers, not true prospects or big-league players

Fantasy Impact: Washburn's stock rises if he's dealt anywhere other than Washington, just because he'll be in line for more wins. If Ibanez goes anywhere but the Cubs his value should remain as an average-to-above outfield talent. In Chicago, if he ends up platooning, that changes.

Manny to Boston

"Manny being Miserable" was the overnight headline in the Boston Herald. Now The Herald reports that it's less than a 50-50 shot that the Red Sox deal their disgruntled left fielder.

Even though the source said the deal is “far from done,’’ the forward momentum suggests that there is still time before the 4 p.m. trading deadline for the Sox, Marlins and Pirates to work out a relatively complex three-team blockbuster that would send Ramirez to Florida, Marlins outfielder Jeremy Hermida to Pittsburgh and Pirates outfielder Jason Bay to the Sox. The 29-year-old Bay, who plays left field, is hitting .282 with 22 homers and 64 RBI.

While a trade fluctuates between imminent and impossible, we've seen this all before. Last year Boston worked its tail off to rid the enigmatic slugger. It didn't happen. At least for now it looks like it will play that way again.

Prospects of a Rays deal

If the Tampa Bay Rays make no deals today, it may be because they are unwilling to give up any of their top-level minor league talent.

As being reported now, the Pirates could end up with Marlins OF Jeremy Hermida (a young potential star) and two or three good prospects, though there are numerous conflicting reports. Though a deal was not completed, it sounded as if the Rays and Pirates were talking more about a package of prospects, and the Rays have been consistent in saying they would not include their elite ones, such as SS Reid Brignac, LHP David Price and RHPs Wade Davis and Jeremy Hellickson.

The Rays have a very good, young nucleus at the Major League level, so you'd think they could part with one of the three pitchers for a player like Brian Fuentes or Jason Bay. It's not every year you have a shot at a world title.

Rockies might roll with Fuentes

The Rockies think they still have a shot in the whimpy NL West, and that means Brian Fuentes might not be traded.

"I want to be here," Fuentes said. "We have been playing better. And I think if I stay, we can win. Even I don't stay, these guys can win. But I believe I can help."

The Rockies stand just seven games out of first despite a horrible first half of the season in which injuries drastically starters Matt Holliday, Brad Hawpe, Troy Tulowitzki. First baseman Todd Helton is now on the shelf.

Fantasy Impact: With Manny Corpas and Taylor Buchholz waiting in the wings, Fuentes might just keep his job. It wouldn't be much of a surprise. Fuentes lost the closer role in Denver last year to Corpas, then won it back after Corpas collapsed at the beginning of the year. If Fuentes stays, it's his job to lose, but he's not a number one closer. If he goes, he might become a setup man for a contender. Here's wondering if the Cubs come calling at the last minute.

Update: ESPN concurs.

Junior back to Junior Circuit

Ken Griffey Junior is headed to the Chicago White Sox as long as Griffey OKs the move. Sounds like Ken Rosenthal talked to someone on the inside in Chicago.

The White Sox, leading the American League Central by a game and a half, would use Griffey mostly in the outfield, the source said. However, they do not have an obvious spot for him unless they make another deal.

The Sox are set at the corners with Carlos Quentin in left and Jermaine Dye in right. They could play Nick Swisher at first to open center for Griffey, a move that would reduce the playing time of first baseman Paul Konerko. But Griffey has not played center regularly since 2006.

Griffey, 38, is batting .245 this season with a .355 on-base percentage, 15 home runs and 53 RBIs in 359 at-bats. Earlier this season, he hit his 600th home run.

Fantasy Impact: Griffey might actually lose at bats because he's moving to a team with two better-hitting corner outfielders. Like Rosethal speculates, centerfield would seem difficult for Griffey given the point he's reached in his career. With injuries always a concern, you have to wonder if he can run balls down on a nightly basis in the biggest part of the park. The Sox have added a dangerous lefty bat that's lost a lot of its sting. The safest bet is Griffey becomes a four to five starts a week guy who is spelled on occasion. That situation would benefit both player and team.

Todd Jones injured

Todd Jones, recently demoted as Tigers closer, could end up on the DL after he "felt something" while pitching on Wednesday. This second setback for Jones (notes section of story) in the last handful of days could mean the 40-year-old's time as a closer could be coming to an end.

Fantasy Impact: This is your typical "adding insult to injury," or in this case it would be adding an injury to the already insulted Jones, who is becoming less and less likely to regain his closer role. The Tigers acquired Kyle Farnsworth from the Yankees in exchange for Ivan Rodriguez earlier in the day. Jones' injury and possible DL stint would leave him out of the equation potentially for good.

Rally son of old Notre Dame

That's what the Cubs might be asking of Jeff Samardzija. The rookie, just up a few days with the parent club, might get the call at closer. With Kerry Wood on the DL and Carlos Marmol on the fritz, Samardzija, a former Notre Dame wide receiver, hasn't looked so wide-eyed in the big leagues. He touches the high 90's on the gun, plus he's got impressive sink, and if the Cubs have another gem in this rookie, they can throw the kitchen sink at you.

''We want to get this guy some late-inning, closing experience, on the road especially,'' Piniella said. ''He hasn't had that, and it's part of the education of pitching in the bullpen. I'll tell you what, he looked good. He gave up a run [Tuesday], but that's OK. He threw strikes and pitched well.''

Fantasy Impact: How did this guy play anything but quarterback in college? I'm sure there are several answers to that question. The Cubs' answer at closer is eventually Wood, but if Marmol is no good, Samardzija is a pretty solid stop gap.

Closing Time for Farnsworth

Eric Karabell assumes the Tigers will name Kyle Farnsworth their closer. You know what you do to "u" amd me when you assume. That closer role didn't work for Farnsworth in Detroit once before, and there are those who believe he's only a setup man.

Fantasy Impact: Believe both stories. Farnsworth is probably going to get a shot as Tigers' closer. Don't, however, have a whole lot of faith in him. Maybe he's matured over the last few years, but he floats through portions of seasons. Closers don't do that. They perform at a high level nine times out of ten.

Catching hinges on Inge

The Tigers will make Bradon Inge their starting catcher in the wake of Ivan Rodriguez going to the Yankees for Kyle Farnsworth.

"Brandon Inge is ready to tackle being the everyday catcher. He gives us a quality chance to win on a day-in, day-out basis and this allows us to address the one area of our club that needs to be addressed the most, which is our bullpen,” general manager Dave Dombrowski explained. He also said Inge will be the No. 1 catcher next season.

Fantasy Impact: Inge's fantasy value improves only because he'll be getting more regular at bats. He's a better power option than most catchers, but his .227 batting average is bad no matter where he's playing.

Pudge for Farnsworth

No Jorge Posada, no problem. The Yankees acquired Ivan Rodriguez from Detroit for Kyle Farnsworth.The move certainly helps New York, but Farnsworth's addition in Detroit is interesting. If Fernando Rodney and Joel Zumaya can't hold down closing duties, the Tigers would have the option of going to Farnsworth or back to Todd Jones.

Fantasy Impact: Gut feeling? The Tigers will give Rodney, Zumaya (if he's healthy) and Farnsworth opportunities to close. Jones will be the fall-back option if nobody wins the job. He's at least experienced, and only blew three saves this year, even if he was erratic.

Bombers blast O's

Bobby Abreu is having a good week today. The Yankees' outfielder is 3-3 with four runs scored and two home runs. He's knocked in four RBI as the Yankees pour it on Baltimore, leading 13-2 in the seventh. Alex Rodriguez also homered, hitting his 23rd.

Joba Chamberlain worked six innings, striking out six, and is in line for his fourth win.

Fantasy Impact: Abreu is on pace to hit more homers this year than last (13 now vs. 16 in 2007) but steal fewer bases (13 now vs. 25 in '07) and score fewer runs (63 now vs. 123 in '07). He's a nice all-around outfielder. Chamberlain is emerging as a staff ace, and could become more of one as he gets stretched out as a starter.

Stern recommendation

NBA commissioner David Stern is pumping Mark Cuban to MLB.

Stern has fined the Mavericks' owner more than $1 million for ciriticizing referees. But when Stern was asked by Bloomberg News what he would tell Major League Baseball owners about Cuban, the league boss replied in an e-mail: "They should welcome him."

I like the first comment made after the post, because I had a similar reaction. Does Stern really want Cuban around in the NBA? Is this a backhanded attempt to move Cuban on to divergent interests?

Either way, Cuban looks like a serious contender for purchasing the Cubs.

Jose, can you see?

ESPN reports that Jose Guillen wants out of Kansas City because of manager Eric Hillman, and ESPN reports that Jose Guillen doesn't want out of Kansas City whatsoever.

"Guillen and Hillman are not on speaking terms, they don't talk," said the source. "Guillen is definitely not happy, he's not comfortable and he would do anything he can in economic terms to ease his way out of Kansas City."

Guillen, however, denied he wants out.

"This is completely catching me by surprise," Guillen told The Kansas City Star. "This isn't coming from me. Trey and I are fine right now, and I've never said I wanted out of Kansas City.

"This is the team that is paying me a lot of money, and this is where I want to be. I don't know where all of this stuff is coming from. I hate to be put in this situation, and now I look like a bad guy again."

This strikes me as irresponsible journalism. ESPN reporter Enrique Rojas takes information from a "source" and then asks Guillen about the information. Guillen denies the matter, and Royals general manager Dayton Moore knows nothing of any unhappiness between Guillen and Hillman. So what does ESPN do? ESPN goes ahead and runs a story based on source information which is refuted by the athlete. You run source info when nobody is talking, not when the source, Jose Guillen is telling you the opposite is true. If anything there is no story here, and ESPN should've realized that.

Guillen's been disgruntled before, but he's new to KC, and like he says, he's making good money. Is this digging up dirt just for the sake of digging? If I'm Guillen, I'm peeved about this story and rightly so.

Northsiders consider Ibanez

Ken Rosenthal has the Cubs now interested in Raul Ibanez.

At the moment, the Cubs are set in the outfield with Alfonso Soriano in left, Jim Edmonds and Reed Johnson in center and Kosuke Fukudome in center and right, with center fielder Felix Pie hot at Class AAA.

The addition of Ibanez would force Fukudome to center full-time, leaving the Cubs with below-average defenders, Soriano and Ibanez, in left and right. It also would reduce the playing time of Edmonds and Johnson, both of whom have been productive.

Not sure this makes the Cubs very good defensively in the outfield, but Ibanez' bat is better than Edmonds.

Baby birds busted

First Rick Ankiel and Gary Bennett, now three Cardinals minor leaguers are busted for using performance-enhancing drugs. The organization has had itself in plenty of bad light the past couple of year but seemed out of the woods until now.

Not Joshin'

Josh Robbins is crazy. The California native hit 26 MLB ballparks in 30 days, which might be a world record. Why they're keeping tabs on baseball park visits I don't understand, but it's still quite a feat.

Most impressive? He averaged less than $77 on gas per day during his trip.

Teixeira fantasy impact

The Sporting News lists four suitors for Braves first baseman Mark Teixeira: Angels, Diamondbacks, Rays, Red Sox.

From a fantasy standpoint, a trade to Arizona would make the biggest impact. If Teixeira's headed to the desert Chad Tracy is out of a starting spot at first base. Tracy's played outfield at the major league level, but hasn't done so since 2005. With Conor Jackson in left, and Justin Upton on the mend with an oblique injury, it would appear Tracy could end up a spot starter a few times a week. Then again, if Teixeira is moved for Tracy (the D'backs are not interested in dealing Jackson), this concern is moot as Tracy would become the Braves' first baseman.

Teixeira's trade to the Red Sox would probably precipitate Manny Ramirez's ouster in Boston. Kevin Youkilis would go to left field, leaving first base open for Teixeira.

CC and the Cy Young

CC Sabathia's so-so performance against the Cubs in a 6-4 Milwaukee loss has this blogger backing off the thought that Sabathia could win the NL Cy Young.

I'm not sure I'd even consider Sabathia in the running. Pitching just half a season in the National League, he'd have to be near perfect to beat out a guys like Tim Lincecum and Brandon Webb.

If not Manny, then Raul?

The Mets are reported to be interested in Mariners' left fielder Raul Ibanez. They need outfield help badly, and Ibanez is a professional hitter who is not likely to slump much even if he faces all new pitchers after changing leagues.

What's next, underhand pitching?

The International Baseball Federation is crazy. They're trying to turn baseball into softball, testing extra inning tiebreaker rules like placing a runner at second base to begin innings. This would occur in the 11th inning and all innings thereafter. The thinking is this might speed up problematic extra innings games to help make baseball logistically attractive in terms of formatting for futures olympic games.

“The upcoming Beijing Olympic competition may be our last unless we are successful in adding the sport back to the Olympic program for the 2016 Games,” said IBAF President Dr. Harvey W. Schiller. “We must demonstrate to the International Olympic Committee not only does our game belong alongside the other great sports of the world, but our sport is manageable from a television and operational standpoint.”

Dr. Schiller continued, saying the change is both a positive and necessary step for the sport of baseball.

“One of the unique aspects of our game is that it has no time limit. Extra-inning contests can bring about the most exciting results for players and fans, but such circumstances also make it difficult in the context of the Olympic program. Delays cause scheduling and logistical nightmares. Planned security, transportation, drug testing, broadcasts, and entertainment are just a few of the activities that may be seriously affected,” Dr. Schiller continued.

This is insane, and if that's what it takes to get baseball back in the olympics after 2008, forget it. Baseball and the olympics are a bad marriage that cannot be reconciled by changing the covenant after a short break.

Not just Rodney

Reports have Fernando Rodney taking over the Tigers' closer role, but Jim Leyland wasn't ready to go with Rodney alone. Joel Zumaya is also on the shortlist to replace Todd Jones, who blew three saves in the month of July.

Zumaya left Sunday's win over the White Sox with a triceps injury, another setback after offseason shoulder surgery.

Leyland said he'd planned to "tinker with" new closer Fernando Rodney and Zumaya in the ninth inning, and the timing of his latest injury is difficult for Zumaya to take.

"I'm very frustrated now," said Zumaya, who had reconstructive surgery on the AC joint of his right shoulder nine months ago and returned from the disabled list less than six weeks ago.

"I've been through a lot. It gets pretty old being on the shelf."

Fantasy Impact: If he's out for only a short spell, expect Zumaya to rival Rodney for the bulk of the save opporutnities. Zumaya hits triple digits on the gun when he's right. He's got closer makeup while Rodney's struggled to save half of his career save chances.

Tribe trading

Looks like the Indians are going to win the award for most deals this season.

Baseball Musings caught the first of two Cleveland deals today. Here's the second one.

Looks like Cleveland is looking to get younger, although the deal for Reyes is a mixed bag. He's young, promising, but has faced injury problems. We'll wait to see what role he earns.

Reyes dealt to Tribe

The Cardinals traded Anthony Reyes to Cleveland for minor leaguer Luis Perdomo and cash. Perdomo will head to Double-A in the Cardinals organization per the St. Louis press release.

Update: The Plain Dealer just posted a short article saying that Reyes will provide "starting pitching depth."

While the Cardinals looked shaky with their starting staff earlier this year, it appears they feel comfortable with the group they currently have moving forward. The deal for Perdomo is an attempt to eventually strengthen the 'pen. He has closer experience in the minors.

ROY running

The Rookie of the Year standings continue to evolve. Here's how it should look if things wrapped up today:

American League -
1. Evan Longoria (3B), TB (.276-50-19-61-6)
2. Alexei Ramirez (2B), CHW (.314-35-8-35-7)
3. Joba Chamberlain (P), NYY (2.30 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, 93 K in 78 1/3 IP)

Honorable mention: Armando Galarraga (P), DET; Jacoby Ellsbury (OF), BOS

National League -
1. Geovany Soto (C), CHC (.274-40-17-58-0)
2. Jair Jurrjens (P), ATL (3.02 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, 10 W)
3. Joey Votto (1B), CIN (.272-41-13-44-4)

Honorable Mention: Kosuke Fukudome (OF), CHC; Jorge Campillo (P), ATL

NFL rivals MLB streaming

The NFL is dipping its big toe in the pool of online game streaming. The league won't challenge MLB in terms of the amount of content available, but giving fans the opportunity to choose camera angles is revolutionary.

The league and NBC say it is an experiment. They hope to prove they can lure new viewers and people who are already watching at home by adding interactive elements. Viewers will be able to choose from among at least four live camera angles and review statistics that update during the game, according to the league. The league and the network will share in ad sales.

"I think the consumer of media is more and more interested in a greater sense of control over their media experience," said Gary Zenkel, NBC Sports' executive vice president of strategic partnerships. "Whether that translates to sports viewing or not, no one knows. But this is certainly an opportunity to experiment."

As someone who knows a thing or two about cameras, camera angles and covering live sporting events, I think the opportunity to control viewpoints will not be a major draw to watching NFL games online over time. There's a reason the networks prefer the angles they do during games -- those are the best ones. MLB would be even less attractive to watch in terms of choosing your own camera angles. Consider this: choosing camera angles does not mean you'll have the chance to switch angles during play, and the ability to choose angles during play isn't fun. It's work, and that's why people are hired to do it, so the rest of us can watch comfortably at home.

Nady, the X-factor

The Xavier Nady deal that sends an overachieving (breakout?) outfielder to the Yankees is baffling to me. Nady's hitting .330 with a .383 on base percentage, but he's already 29, and he's hit .281 for his career. It's safe to assume he'll fall back to earth a bit, and when a hitter changes leagues he is seeing new arms constantly. Couple that with the fact that Yankee Stadium has a deep left field, plus the fact that New York has pieces returning to replace Nady as a starter if he doesn't deliver, and I'd be worrying as a fantasy owner whether this guy can keep up the pace on what is to this point a career year.

Fantasy Impact: Nady might thrive in New York, but I'd say sell high. He's hit 13 home runs this season, which is nice, but there's going to be a lot of risk involved down the stretch. I'm never a fan of trade-deadline deals that involve hitters from outside the league. It's a lot to ask a guy to figure out an entire league of pitchers over just two months. Deal Nady, and watch your opponent suffer the probable fall.

Pearcing the starting lineup

Steve Pearce is headed to the big leagues with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Xavier Nady's trade to the Yankees for prospects means the Pirates have an opening in their outfield, and the first report says Pearce will get a shot at full-time at bats.

Fantasy Impact: We've been waiting to see what Pearce can do at the MLB level for a long time. He progressed from A-ball to Double-A to Triple-A last season hitting .347-.335-.320, but this year he's struggled at .258 with 11 home runs. Pearce has a lot of pop, and since he's getting regular at bats he's worth taking a flier on, especially if you need outfield help.

Marlins liking the road

The Chicago Cubs out-homered the Florida Marlins 2-1 at Wrigley Field on Friday afternoon, but it was Jeremy Hermida's ninth inning solo shot that propelled the visitors to a 3-2 victory. The loss, just the 13th of the season for the Cubs at home, brings the Milwaukee Brewers within a half-game of first place in the N.L. Central.

Chicago, dealt with the unavailability of Kerry Wood due to a blister and Carlos Marmol having thrown 38 pitches the night before, used two relievers outside of their customary roles. In his Major League debut rookie Jeff Samardzija allowed one run in two innings giving up the lead. Bob Howry pitched the ninth, serving up Hermida's home run.

The Marlins' win brings Florida within one of making it a .500 record on the road this season. Only three other National League teams have accomplished that feat thus far: Milwaukee, St. Louis and Philadelphia. In the American League only the Boston Red Sox (.500) and the Los Angeles Angels have played even or better baseball on the road. The Angels' 31-18 mark is better than their 31-21 home mark, making them the only team in MLB with better numbers away from home and a winning record in both columns.

Chipped Jones

Braves third baseman Chipper Jones is out of the lineup tonight with yet another injury. It looks like he'll miss his goal of playing in 150 games this year, which is a shame considering he's one of the elite hitters in baseball with a .369 average.

The return of Liriano

The Twins are getting close to bringing back Francisco Liriano. With him and a number of pitchers in the rotation possibilities to move to the Minnesota bullpen, it appears that Livan Hernandez would be most in danger of losing his starting job.

Hernandez, who has allowed a major league-high 178 hits, has dropped four straight road decisions since beating the White Sox on May 7. Despite reaching double-digit victories for the ninth consecutive season, he could be pitching to save his spot in the rotation with Francisco Liriano waiting in the minor leagues.

''He's one of my friends, but the situation is not easy right now,'' Hernandez said, adding: ''I think nothing is going to happen, because everybody is pitching good.''

Fantasy Impact: Expect Hernandez to be demoted sooner than later. Who cares if the Twins are 14-7 in his starts? He's 10-6, but his 5.29 ERA suggests it's run support that's getting him by.

Goodwill from Gotham?

Jayson Stark's latest says the Yankees are interested in Jarrod Washburn, but only in order to help Seattle, which can't afford the languishing lefty for the duration of his huge contract.

Sorry, but I don't think the Yankees do anything "goodwill," and this article from the New York Times would seem to suggest that there's a good deal of motive behind acquiring Washburn.

Fantasy Impact: With a series of strong starts Washburn is getting back to respectability after an awful start to his year. With an ERA at 4.75 (and falling) some Yankees offense would net him some extra wins. Consider him if a deal goes through.

Pedro's pain

Pedro Martinez left the Mets on Wednesday and will miss Friday's scheduled start as he returns home to the Dominican Republic following the death of his father.

While on the DL earlier this season Martinez went home to care for his ailing father. He hasn't pitched well this season, posting a 6.25 ERA and a 1.63 WHIP in 44 2/3 innings.

Fantasy Impact: You have to wonder if the gravity of having his father hurt Pedro's performance on the field. He's battle various injuries this year as well, but if he comes back inspired from the personal tragedy Martinez may still offer something special down the stretch.

Brewing victories

Milwaukee's got some good karma (or maybe just good players) after all their recent deals.

CC Sabathia had it humming in St. Louis tonight. Sabathia held the third-place Cardinals to three hits in a complete game 3-0 shutout. The win pulls Milwaukee within a half-game of the Cubs and one back in the loss column. The Brewers have won seven straight. The can sweep the Cardinals in four straight at Busch on Thursday, and the pitching match up is in Milwaukee's favor with Ben Sheets facing Todd Wellemeyer.

JJ Hardy homered for the 14th time while Ryan Braun hit his 25th off of Jason Isringhausen to start the ninth. The Brewers got hot at the start of 2007 but faded down the stretch. They're working in reverse to this point in 2008.

Soriano's worth

It would be hard to say Alfonso Soriano's return catalyzed the Cubs offense in the first at Arizona; Derrek Lee hit the home run to put the Cubs up 1-0. Soriano's presence, however, must help the Cubs in any regard. Save for a 9-0 win in Houston the Cubs have scored just four runs in four games since the All-Star break.

Cubs making moves

Alfonso Soriano is back in the lineup for the Cubs tonight in Arizona. He'll bat leadoff.

Meanwhile, the Cubs have Carlos Marmol in Kerry Wood's closer role and could bring Jeff Samardzija up from Triple-A. Samardzija would enter a long relief or setup role, not the closer job.

Fantasy Impact: Get Soriano active, and enjoy Marmol while Wood's blister heals. Watch Samardzija's progress for next year.

Hand it to Hanrahan

Baseball's newest closer is the Nationals' Joel Hanrahan, who inherits the job left vacant with Jon Rauch's trade to Arizona. He has the pedigree: striking out more than a batter per inning and yielding just 47 hits in 59 1/3 innings pitched.

Fantasy Impact: This is not necessarily a permanent move. Hanrahan has to prove he can handle the stress of closing out ballgames, but he's got room to make a few mistakes with the Nats out of the playoff race.

Gibbons to Milwaukee

The Milwaukee Brewers continue to acquire players in an attempt to make a run at the World Series. Jay Gibbons is their latest pick up.

Gibbons, 31, who was released by the Orioles at the end of spring training, is expected to spend the next 10-to-14 days at Double-A Huntsville before being promoted to Triple-A Nashville, if all goes according to plan. He had been playing with the Long Island Ducks of the independent Atlantic League.

"He's a little rusty, self-admittedly rusty," Brewers assistant general manager Gord Ash said according to MLB.com. "The idea is to get him some minor league at-bats and then evaluate as we go along."

It's a low-risk move by Milwaukee, and one that could prove important down the stretch as Gibbons provides pop from the left side. Gibbons was named in the Mitchell report, so we'll have to wait and see if the power comes back.

Urine test for HGH

A urine test is on the way for detecting Human Growth Hormone.

MLB spokesman Rich Levin said in an e-mail to the newspaper that MLB could move to include a urine HGH test as soon as scientists validate the test. Greg Bouris, spokesman for the MLB Players Association, told the paper the union had no comment.

NFL Spokesman Brian McCarthy told USA Today, "We are always open to reviewing any test but have yet to see a test that is available on a commercial basis." NFL players union officials couldn't be reached for comment. Use of an HGH test would have to be collectively bargained between the NFL and the union, USA Today notes

Scientists explained to the Washington Business Journal how the test works. It uses "nanoparticles, which work much like a crab net, filtering bodily fluids and using chemical bait to snare, isolate, compile and preserve some of the world's smallest matter to help detect diseases or toxins earlier, faster and cheaper."

At least they're trying, but as long as chemists can make new designer steroids they're capable of getting their way around or remaining one step ahead of the new technology.

Dominican Dandy

Johnny Cueto looked like a prodigy against San Diego striking out 10 in six innings. Cueto threw 78 of his 120 pitches for strikes, but failed to pick up his eighth win thanks to a shaky third inning. Cueto walked the leadoff man, then got the next two batters before allowing three straight hits that scored three runs. He earned a no-decision when the Reds forced extra innings.

Cincinnati wins the game 4-3 in the 11th on a Jeff Keppinger double that scored Jay Bruce. Bruce extended his hitting streak to 11 games.

Fantasy Impact: Cuteo continues to mix good and bad outings in his rookie season. He's a little big better at home, so take your chances when he's at the Great American Ballpark more often than when he's on the road.

Not even 17-thousand

Despite starting the night in first place, the Rays drew just 16,800 for a Tuesday night tilt with Oakland. Those not in attendance didn't miss much. Dallas Braden made his debut for the A's, giving up one earned run in five innings, and Jack Hannahan drove in four in an 8-1 Oakland win.

Andy Sonnanstine falls to 10-5 as he picks up the loss. Tampa's got both Boston and New York breathing down its neck.

Closing in on Tampa

The Yankees explode for seven runs in the sixth and seventh innings against Minnesota's Kevin Slowy and company en route to a comfortable 8-2 win. With first-place Tampa losing to Oakland, the Yankees are very much in the race in the AL East, standing just 3 1/2 games back.

Most encouraging for the Yankees tonight might have been the pitching of Darrell Rasner, who worked into the sixth before yielding two runs. He picks up his sixth win, though he couldn't pick up a quality start.

Fantasy Impact: Rasner tossed three quality starts in his first four outings of the season, but then lost his ability to get past the fifth. He almost broke the spell tonight. Keep an eye on him as a potent Yankees lineup can work wonders for any pitcher.

Six apiece, four each

Some similar numbers from the players that mattered most in Baltimore. Both starting pitchers, Shaun Marcum and Garrett Olson, worked 4 2/3 innings and yielded six earned runs. Neither figured in the decision.

Both players of the game, Adam Lind and Nick Markakis, went 4-5 with a home run. Despite Markakis knocking in five runs to Lind's three, the Blue Jays win the game, 10-8.

Fantasy Impact: Marcum, just off the DL after sitting out sine June 19th with an elbow strain, looked terrible in his return. He allowed eight hits and walked three. You may want to sit him until he's comfortable again. Olson is looking more and more like he needs a return to the minors. His ERA is an ugly 6.11.

Lind is intriguing at this time. Cito Gaston has handed him the reigns in left field, and Lind is hitting .289 with six home runs. Start both him and Markakis in all formats.

Blanton blasted

Joe Blanton's first start for the Phillies is not pretty: five earned runs, six innings, two home runs allowed against the Mets. This one wasn't even played in Philadelphia, where the experts believe Blanton's deep Oakland flyouts will turn into home runs. Mets beat the Phils, 8-6.

Fantasy Impact: If you own Blanton, bench him. He doesn't offer much unless his National League anonimity helps him get by. It didn't tonight. Carlos Delgado and Ramon Castro connected for the Mets' longballs. Neither of them inspire fear, although Delgado's been swinging a hot stick.

Ninth heaven

Down a run in the visitor's half of the ninth in Houston, the Pittsburgh Pirates grabbed the lead and then some. After Jose Valverde retired Ryan Doumit to begin the inning, Jason Bay blasted his 20th home run, a solo shot to knot things at three. The Pirates continued to pound away. After a Xavier Nady single, Adam LaRoche ripped his 12th home run for a 5-3 Pirates advantage. After Valverde exited the game, but before Pittsburgh batted around in the inning, Freddie Sanchez tallied a three-run inside-the-park home run.

Pittsburgh scored seven in the inning with Valverde posting six earned runs in 1/3 an inning of work. The Pirates prevail, 9-3.

Longoria goes long

Rays third baseman Evan Longoria went long for the 19th time this season in Tampa's 4-0 win over Oakland. Longoria finished the night 2-5 with a run scored and two RBI.

Fantasy Impact: Longoria is this year's Ryan Braun. His average dropped to .272 around the All-Star break -- and rookies are often slump-prone -- but he's certainly the one to have this year.

Kazmir rolls

No All-Star hangover for Scott Kazmir. The Rays starter, who wasn't supposed to pitch in the midsummer classic but ended up winning the game in the end, went seven innings against Oakland, striking out nine to pick up his eighth win.

Fantasy Impact: Kazmir's fought off arm troubles in recent seasons to become the dominant lefty in baseball. As his ERA drops to 2.80, his stock rises. Finally on a winning team, he's become a fantasy ace.

Pounce on Ponson?

Somehow Sidney Ponson is 6-1. For a guy who allows a high number of base runners (1.58 WHIP entering tonight), Ponson continues to get run support. First he got it in Texas. Now it's coming in New York, as the Yankees scored eight runs in the first three innings against Minnesota in a 12-4 victory in the Bronx. Ponson gave up three runs over 5 2/3 innings, pushing his ERA up to 4.02.

Fantasy Impact: It's hard to endorse Ponson. Since 2005 his WHIP is over 1.50, a tell-tale sign of a guy who is in over his head. Wins, however, may continue to drop in his owners' laps if the Yankees score runs like this. More often than not they will keep Ponson in the game, so if you can afford a guy who won't help you in any other category but victories, why not try Ponson?

Weeks welcomes challenge

Rickie Weeks reacted well to his club's trade for a second baseman. Milwaukee acquired Ray Durham for two minor leaguers on Sunday. Monday night Weeks got the start at second, going 2-5 with a home run (9) and three RBI. The Brewers beat the Cardinals, 6-3.

Fantasy Impact: Weeks is only hitting .219, but speculation has it that Milwaukee brought Durham in for depth rather than to replace their light-hitting second baseman. Keep Weeks active until Durham starts getting more at bats.

Harden vs. Johnson

Quite the pitchers duel in Arizona with the Cubs' Rich Harden and Diamondbacks' Randy Johnson combining for just one earned run and three hits over 14 innings. Harden carried a no-hitter into the sixth, where Alex Romero met him with a solo home run.

The D'backs beat the Cubs, 2-0.

Fantasy Impact: Harden is unlucky not to win after two dominant starts for Chicago. Johnson improves to 7-7 and lowers his ERA to 4.98. The 44-year-old right hander has 99 strikeouts in 105 innings, just the third time he's on pace for less strikeouts than innings pitched since 1990. He's certainly not the power pitcher he once was, but he's good enough to be a part of most rotations in fantasy.

We want a pitcher II

Royals reliever Jimmy Gobble had a bad night (90.00 ERA), but that was nothing compared to Kip Wells, who pulled a Kip Wells Monday night. Wells is notorious for exasperating melt downs, and it doesn't get much crazier than this. The Dodgers tagged him for seven hits and eight runs in just 1/3 of an inning. Seven of the runs were earned, giving him an ERA of 189.00 after 40 pitches.

Fantasy Impact: Wells owned a solid 2.29 ERA but a WHIP of 1.54 in 19.2 innings heading in. This outing raises his ERA to 5.40, which is about right for a 1.54 WHIP.

We want a pitcher

The Kansas City Royals got no pitching tonight. The first three KC pitchers gave up more runs than innings pitched. Starter Luke Hochevar gave up seven runs in five innings, but that was nothing compared to Jimmy Gobble, who gave up 10 runs in one inning of work.

Fantasy Impact: Gobble's ERA soars from 7.99 to 11.31 while Hochevar's climbs to 5.47. The young Hochevar showed some promise earlier in the year, but after this outing it's time to drop him. He offers nothing but an occasional win.

Kershaw returns

The Dodgers have recalled Clayton Kershaw from Double-A Jacksonville. He will stay with the staff for the rest of the year, according to Dodger manager Joe Tore.

"He didn't wallow in his misery [after being demoted]," said Manager Joe Torre. "From our reports, his off-stuff has improved."

Kershaw's strikeout numbers have decreased. They were down once he reached the majors and remained down once he was sent back to Jacksonville. He still dominated his opponents.

Fantasy Impact: If Los Angeles asked Kershaw to go down and work on his offspeed stuff, it looks like he's succeeded. Kershaw can be the type of shot in the arm LA needs to make a run at the postseason.

High tech memorabilia

Not sure this is an article as much as it seems to be a press release, and a poorly written one at that. The last graph, however, strikes me as quiet funny.

Here's how it works: When a fan catches a home run ball, a security guard will link up with the fan and place a unique hologram on the ball. This information will be wirelessly up-loaded to MLB's IBM DB2 9 data server. This way, if the fan decides to sell the ball to a retailer, potential buyers can verify its authenticity immediately online.

Like the guy who catches Barry Bonds' 715th home run is going to stop and get a hologram on his ball when there are 200 lunatics trying to mug him for possession of the spheroid. Ha!

Wood might hit DL

Kerry Wood is expected to hit the DL with his blister issue. That means Carlos Marmol is the Cubs' closer for the immediate future.

Answers on Rios & Hill

Jordan Bastien, who writes for the Blue Jays' site took a couple of questions today regarding Alex Rios' power outage and Aaron Hill's status. I've been waiting for both of these subjects to come up. On Rios and the idea that last year's home run derby ruined his power stroke:

It's hard for me to believe that professional hitters can have their swings forever altered by one night of swinging for the fences. Statistics can be skewed to back up most arguments and this is no exception.

Consider that Philadelphia's Ryan Howard won the Home Run Derby in 2006 and finished with 58 homers that season. The big lefty then went on to launch 47 long balls the following year and Howard currently leads the Major Leagues with 29 home runs. Apparently, he was immune to the problem.

I agree with him that last year's home run derby likely could not alter a professional player's swing enough to stop him from hitting the long ball. Rios might only have a handful of home runs this year, but how could the derby ruin his power ability?

On Hill:

I can tell you that Hill's situation is one that the Blue Jays are definitely worried about. The second baseman was struck on the side of the head during a collision with shortstop David Eckstein on May 29 and Hill has been battling post-concussion syndrome ever since.

Hill is currently rehabbing in Florida, though he's still only able to take part in very light activities. On Saturday, Jays general manager J.P. Ricciardi said no one has told him anything to believe that Hill's career could be in jeopardy, but the team isn't dismissing the thought that the second baseman might be done for the year.

Hill's injury recovery is very slow and has to raise a few red flags.

It's time for Congress to investigate ticket brokers

Enough with steroids and all the ills associated with the scourge that's plaguing professional and even amateur sports. Well, not enough with steroids, it's good there's at least an attempt to mete out this and other instances of cheating from baseball and other high-end athletics. It is, however, time to turn part of our attention to ticket brokers and the evil deals between professional sports and the middle men who exist for the sole reason of profit-mongering.

I recently paid over $300 to obtain two tickets for bleacher seats at Wrigley Field. If I remember correctly, I paid $12 a pop for those same seats back in the early 90's. That's an 80% mark up over 16 years? Insane. I haven't read much about ticket brokers and organizations such as Stub Hub, but in doing business with said organization recently things seem a little too corporate for this to be ad hoc capitalism designed to help fans sell to fellow fans. Why do tickets that cost $38 face value go close to $160 on the internet? How is this legal, and why isn't anyone looking into this? Something stinks.

This article in the Chicago Tribune is worth reading, and it provides a glimpse into what would seem in my mind to be very shady business. MLB's contract/relationship with Stub Hub should be investigated. Hard.

Damon-less Yankees

Maybe the Yankees are wise to not rush Johnny Damon back. Damon stayed on the DL today with a bad shoulder (he says he's ready to play today) and still mananged to sneak out a 2-1 win over Oakland. The Yankees sweep the first three games to begin the second half and now stand just five games out of first in the AL East.

8-point Font

Mike Fontenot just ripped his eighth home run off Astros starter Brandon Backe. That brings Fontenot's slugging average over .500 for the season. He's a little guy - 5'8, 170 - but you have to think he can earn some at bats down the stretch if he continues to hit balls out of the park.

Update: Fontenot singles and scores in the seventh when college teammate Ryan Theriot knocks him in from second with a base hit. Cubs lead Houston, 4-0.

Fantasy Impact: Fontenot is hot enough to earn some starts right now, but once Alfonso Soriano gets back, Mark DeRosa will slide back into his starting spot at second base. Fontenot is a good add for about a week, then he's a bench player again unless he somehow outperforms DeRosa for the long haul.

Jose going away

Jose Contreras hits the DL and lands in Ozzie Guillen's doghouse.

"I wasn't too pleased the way he handled the situation because he didn't let [team trainer] Herm [Schneider] know, he didn't let myself or [pitching coach Don] Cooper know about it and he was continuing to pitch that way," said Guillen. "I don't want any of my players go out there with any kind of pain and try to be a hero. I don't want to say I was upset, but I was a little disappointed when one of my players is hiding stuff from us for no reason."

Shades of Scott Rolen and Tony La Russa, anyone? Here's wondering if Contreras is wearing out his welcome on Chicago's south side.

Johnny on the DL (still)

Johnny Damon did not come off the DL today as originally expected.

"There's nothing more I need to do," said Damon, who is batting .319 with 50 runs and a .387 on-base percentage. "I'm going to feel it, probably, until the offseason, but it's not a situation where it's going to get worse. Some days I'll wake up and it'll be a little tight, but I'll come in here, jump in that hot tub and go."

With such significant players as starting pitcher Chien-Ming Wang and designated hitter Hideki Matsui also out with injuries, Damon recognizes why the team is waiting.

"I think they want to be extra cautious," he said.

Actually, you'd think they'd be rushing these guys back to play considering they're in third place in the AL East and it is decision-making time in terms of making trades.

Pujols sits

No worries, Albert Pujols is not injured. He's just getting a rare day off in the Cardinals' series finale with San Diego. Those thinking he wasn't in the lineup because he was hurt will be relieved to know that Tony La Russa was merely giving his slugger a break since he didn't get one for the All-Star game.

All Quadruple-A Team

Clay Buchholz' debacle in Anaheim has us looking at the first half All-Quadruple-A team: guys who are too good for the minors, but terrible thus far in MLB. We've got a starting five and our starting lineup follwed by honorable mention at each position.

P - Clay Buchholz, BOS (Angels burried him Friday night)
P - Ian Kennedy, NYY (Strong down the stretch on '07. Not strong anymore)
P - Phil Hughes, NYY (Adding injury to insult)
P - Rich Hill, CHC (Can't figure himself out at any level)
P - Franklin Morales, COL (Now he's struggling in MiLB, too)
C - Jeff Clement, SEA (Rakes in the minors, .165 in Seattle)
1B - Daric Barton, OAK (Approached .300 in minors, hitting in the .220s now)
2B - Asdrubal Cabrera, CLE (.341 in his last 10 minor league games)
3B - Dallas McPherson, FLA (Tearing up Triple-A, but he's already 28)
SS - Jason Bartlett, TB (.300-plus before reaching the bigs. Nothins special in TB)
OF - Travis Buck, OAK (The Buck stops every time he gets a shot with the A's)
OF - Felix Pie, CHC (Jim Edmonds/Reed Johnson duo means he might not return)
OF - Wily Mo Pena, WAS (Can't stop striking out, now he's out for the year)

Honorable Mention: P - Andrew Miller, FLA; P - Jeremy Sowers, CLE; P - Boof Bonser, MIN; P - Anthony Reyes, STL; P - John Van Benschoten, PIT; C - J.R. Towles, HOU; 1B/C - Jarrod Saltalamacchia, TEX; 2B - Rickie Weeks, MIL; 3B - Brandon Wood, LAA; SS - Troy Tulowitzki, COL; OF - Adam Jones, BAL; OF - Elijah Dukes, WAS; OF - Ben Francisco, CLE

Oakland envy in Seattle

Frustration of a lost season in Seattle produces this column from the Seattle Post-Intelligencer asking why the Mariners can't be more like division rival Oakland.

The Mariners will spend $117 million on payroll this year against Oakland's $48 million. The A's are in second place in the AL West with a 51-44 record produced by a roster full of little-known players. By contrast, Seattle's 21-games-under-.500 record is the product of some huge free-agent signings (third baseman Adrian Beltre and first baseman Richie Season in the fall of 2004, starter Jarrod Washburn and catcher Kenji Johjima a year later, and starter Carlos Silva this past offseason) and a headline-making deal (getting starter Erik Bedard for top outfield prospect Adam Jones, All-Star reliever George Sherrill and three minor leaguers in February).

While Seattle did overpay for players in terms of the overall outcome, there's no reason for the Mariners to build a business model based on the A's. It's not like Oakland's put itself in a place to win championships. The A's have played in the postseason during the Billy Beane era, but they've never been close to reaching the World Series. Ultimately that's the goal, not just being competitive. Oakland is playing its game of sell high and buy low because that's what they're forced to do with a ballpark that is outdated and a lukewarm fan base. The fact that the A's are good at it means little in the way of what Seattle should do. Yes, the Mariners need to be smarter with their acquisitions and sales, but going Oakland is not a problem-solver for everyone.

Giant mistake going for it

Henry Schulman of the San Francisco Chronicle wonders aloud if the Giants should play their youth or make a run at the playoffs.

Statistically, the Giants have hit to expectations. They rank 10th in the National League in batting average (.255), 14th in runs (382) and last in home runs (57). In fact, the Phillies' Chase Utley and Ryan Howard alone have combined for 53 homers. The Giants are one of three teams in the majors, along with Toronto and Washington, to have nobody with at least 10.

The pitching has performed below expectations, with an ERA of 4.29 that ranks 10th in the league. The rotation is full of young flame-throwers, which is why the Giants lead the league with 741 strikeouts. But they also are tied for the league lead with 388 walks.

With the Giants at or near the bottom in so many stat categories both offensively and defensively, the answer should be clear: play the youngsters. The Giants may be within striking distance in a weak NL West, but they're 15 games under .500 and just a game better than lowly Colorado. They're also behind not one but two teams in the division, meaning they'll have to play about 15 games over .500 the rest of the way if the Dodgers or the Diamondbacks split their games the rest of the way. Wait 'til next year, San Francisco. Get the kids ready for a legit chance when everyone starts as equals.

Selig swatting Nats ratings

With Washington Nationals television ratings so low, Bud Selig is exploring whether there is a mistake in the Nielsen ratings. The Nats are last in ratings of all 30 major league teams, far below the next franchise on the list.

"The ratings were so . . . abysmal, we're having our people look into it, and it's ongoing," Selig said during his annual lunch meeting with members of the Baseball Writers' Association of America.

However, Selig said the overall health of the Nationals' franchise is fine. "They're doing well at the gate and I think [their rebuilding plan is] on schedule. I know they'd like to win more games, but they have a plan."

No misprint, I'm guessing. Who wants to watch that team?

Blanton still bland

It seems like most people who cover this sort of thing believe the Joe Blanton trade doesn't do very much for either team. It gives the Phillies a different look at the back of the rotation, and the A's get another set of youngsters to try to turn into major leaguers. Bill Conlin of the Philadelphia Enquirer takes a pretty sane approach in analyzing the Phillies side of the deal.

I think Blanton will get rocked in Philadelphia, but have more success away from home.

Far from Favre, but just like him

Brett Favre has the strangest of company in his saga of "I'm good, you know I'm good, but you're holding me back" with the Packers. Francisco Liriano of the Minnesota Twins is peeved with his team, and it's hard to argue with him. His agent is taking the complaint to players' union.

Greg Genske has asked the players' union to investigate why Liriano remains in Rochester despite going 7-0 with a 2.73 ERA in his past nine starts.

"I think that Francisco is dominating down there," Genske said Thursday. "The club concedes that as well. We're a little frustrated he hasn't been called up."

Here's wondering how far Favre will take his beef with Green Bay.

Blanton is bland

I guess the Phillies improved by dealing with Oakland for Joe Blanton, but sometimes the best deal is the one that isn't made. I'm convinced that trading for Blanton is not a terrible move, but it doesn't offer much in the way of putting Philadelphia closer to a championship.

Blanton's numbers don't jump off the page in any way other than posting a 5-12 record for a winning team. It's hard to do that. For his career Blanton is closer to striking out a batter every other inning than he is every inning, and he owns a fairly ordinary career ERA of 4.25 and WHIP of 1.33. There's no reason to expect him to improve. This is a what-you-see-is-what-you-get starter who is capable of going six to seven innings but nothing more. Blanton is bland, and if he's better than Adam Eaton, well, that's not saying much. Almost every pitcher in MLB is better than Eaton. Blanton's also a flyball pitcher, which isn't good in a bandbox like Philadelphia.

Blanton owns a 9.00 ERA in the 5th inning this year, and a 6.23 mark in the 6th. He's considered an innings eater, but he's not very good the more innings he goes. He sounds more like a fifth starter than a difference maker, and that doesn't do much for the Phillies in October.

Oakland got a three-player haul, all of them minor leaguers in the deal. The fact that A's general manager Billy Beane acquired Adrian Cardenas, a very good second base prospect, plus two more players is enough to make this deal a positive for Oakland. It's not easy to find left-handed hitting second basemen, and Cardenas is a talented offensive player who is hitting .309 with a little pop (4 homers). Blanton is a number four starter at best, and the A's have the likes of Gio Gonzalez and Trevor Cahill waiting for an opportunity in the minors. After a modest haul in the Haren trade Beane is getting a little extra value here.

One last note, with Harden, Blanton and Gaudin already traded and a rumor or two floating around regarding Justin Duchscherer's potential trade, the A's could end up with just one of their original five starters.

Roberts still on trade block

The Baltimore Sun lists the Orioles trade candidates for the rest of the season today, and Brian Roberts' name is still there. Roberts candidacy is attached to several teams from both leagues, including the Brewers, Cardinals, Dodgers, Indians, Mets, Twins, White Sox.

After looking at the list, I think the only team unlikely to make an effort for Roberts is Chicago. Alexei Ramirez has blossomed into an every-day player, and he's holding down second pretty well of late. The only way the White Sox go after Roberts is if they get desperate over their need for a true leadoff man.

The Indians are potentially the most intriguing team in the Roberts sweepstakes. If Cleveland decides this year was a fluke and does not rebuild in the wake of trading CC Sabathia, they've got the prospects to lure Roberts. Cleveland's needed a serviceable second baseman for years, and if they can reacquire Sabathia in the offseason that's a pretty formidable team for 2009. If the Tribe can nab Roberts without giving up Matt LaPorta, things get very interesting for next year.

No more Nomo

Congratulations to Hideo Nomo on his career. Nomo announced his retirement from professional baseball today, which makes sense considering he was no longer effective. Nomo had a pretty good career which included two no-hitters, but his greatest contribution might have come as one of the earliest Japanese players give it a try in MLB. Nomo arrived for the 1995 season and won Rookie of the Year with the Dodgers.

Sexson on Saturday?

According to Ken Rosenthal, the Yankees are close to signing Richie Sexson. Sexson will play first base against lefties, and the Yankees will hope his abilities against southpaws is enough to help them down the stretch. It sounds like his relationship with the Mariners was either strained or odd.

The Mariners released him after he spent time during a game in the bullpen with the team's relievers instead of sitting on the bench.

"Having him sitting in the bullpen didn't help his case any," manager Jim Riggleman told reporters. "The question is, 'Why did he go down there?' It's happened before with other guys, and usually it's just a playful thing. But you have to wonder, didn't he want to be on the bench with us?"

Nonetheless, Sexson is going to have pressure to perform in the Bronx. Sexson hit .344 against lefties this season compared to .178 against righties. The Yankees will face lefty Greg Smith and the Oakland A's on Satuday, so that might be Sexson's first shot with New York.

Playing their own cards

The St. Louis Cardinals continue to alter their approach from the Walt Jocketty days into a new Moneyball-ish era. "Building assets" will be the primary goal of the ballclub in the years that lay ahead.

Olympics might alter MLB season

I thought this news was a few days old when I stumbled on it earlier today, but now I've come across it again from a British source. MLB is considering releasing players from their teams mid-season in future years, hoping it makes the sport relevant again for future Olympic games. The game is going to be left out of the 2012 games due to MLB's previous reluctance to allow players to participate.

MLB vice-president Bob Watson, who also serves as the general manager of the American national team, revealed as part of the American squad announcement on Wednesday that talks are ongoing between MLB, the IOC and International Baseball Federation.

"I believe they are trying to work up something, you have a few years to get a plan. There are a lot of moving parts but don't rule it out," Watson said in a conference call.

The previous article I referred to, however, says baseball is considering an overall work stoppage for future Olympics.

Major League Baseball opened the door to allowing top players to take part in future Olympics on Wednesday and said the league would consider shutting down mid-season if Chicago or Tokyo were selected as host of the 2016 Summer Games.

Hopefully the IOC asks MLB to drop the All-Star game winner decides home-field advantage in the World Series debacle, too.

In all seriousness, though, a work-stoppage would be a better way of going about business than removing the top players in season, and asking their teams to play on without them. If baseball needs to start two weeks earlier in an Olympic year, so be it. Play the early-season games in warm-weather cities or domes, and return the two weeks of road games to the cold weather cities once things warm up.

The new Frontier

The Frontier League gets it. They've gotten it for years, and just like MLB it happened again Wednesday for the independent baseball league; they couldn't complete an All-Star game in nine innings. For the fourth time in seven years, the Frontier League All-Star game was decided by a home run derby. Imagine that. No extra innings, no stretching pitchers beyond their reasonable limits. No squirming from the commissioner's seat.

The Frontier League came up with the concept of a Home Run Derby to decide the All-Star Game after the 2002 MLB game was declared a tie. It also helped to avoid a long extra-inning affair, like Tuesday's version of the midsummer classic ended in 15 innings.

"In a lot of ways, the way it ended was better than winning 2-0 in nine innings," said Kalamazoo's Fran Riordan, manager of the East squad. "The crowd was into it. I've never seen two teams more into a Home Run Derby to decide an All-Star Game.

"It was real exciting and fun to be a part of." The extra swings -- with three hitters representing each side -- were necessary after the West team scored two in the top of the ninth inning off Kalamazoo closer Brandon Parillo.

If the World Cup of soccer can be decided on penalty kicks, then an All-Star exhibition can certainly be decided on a home run derby.

I do, however, want to say that I'm not in any way for the All-Star game determining home-field advantage for the World Series. That is a total farce. The league that wins interleague play should have home-field in the World Series.

Relief, no relief

White Sox closer Bobby Jenks is on the mend with a rehab stint in the minors.

Takashi Saito's out for up to six weeks with an elbow problem, and the Dodgers' only true replacement is Johnathan Broxton.

Fantasy Impact: The Sox bullpen has done a decent job since Jenks left, but Scott Linebrink is no closer, and Octavio Dotel is not overly impressive but still servicable.

Saito's situation sounds fairly serious, and there's a chance he won't come back this year. For having such a good pitching staff, the Dodgers also have a shaky staff. Brad Penny, Jason Schmidt and Saito are the walking wounded. The rest of them combine an outstanding start or two with spontaneous combustion. Pick up Broxton for immediate saves, but he's never held the role and might break your heart a few times until he can settle in.

Ranking the ballparks

Last night's All-Star game signaled the beginning of the end for Yankee Stadium, arguably baseball's most historic park. It's listed as number one in terms of historical importance ahead of Wrigley Field and Fenway Park by The Bleacher Report. As a sign of the times, Oriole Park at Camden Yards comes in fourth in historical importance.

That makes the top four in baseball:

1. Yankee Stadium
2. Wrigley Field
3. Fenway Park
4. Oriole Park at Camden Yards

Next year, I think the top four will be:

1. The New Yankee Stadium
2. Wrigley Field
3. Fenway Park
4. Oriole Park at Camden Yards

While Wrigley and Fenway are classics, and Camden sets the standard for "new" parks, Yankee Stadium will be the reincarnation of a classic, something that's never been done before. Its importance will be understood in what it becomes known for. The Yankees need the stadium to be received as a retro masterpiece that plays baseball cathedral and forwarding-thinking colossus at once. I rarely listen to anything Joe Buck says, but last night when he mentioned that Yankee Stadium is the United States' Coliseum, he might've been correct. It's as important a stadium as any in the history of this country. It is probably the most important, and it probably will remain the most important.

Stadiums that would earn votes outside of the top four: AT&T Park, San Francisco; Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles; Petco Park, San Diego

I include Petco because it is the one park with a big outfield that hasn't had it's fences brought in since the park's inception. Comerica Park brought deep fences in, as did U.S. Cellular Field. Petco is as much a pitcher's park as any ballpark in baseball right now. AT&T Park is similar in this respect, but has very normal dimensions in left field.

Getting frank about Francisco

Twins starting pitcher Francisco Liriano's return to MLB is imminent, but don't get too excited. The Twins are talking about changing his role.

Antony said Twins general manager Bill Smith will speak with manager Ron Gardenhire about Liriano's role. Gardenhire has been adamant that when Liriano returns to Minnesota it will be as a starter, but Antony said the ballclub would discuss the possibility of Liriano pitching from the bullpen.

Given that Joe Nathan is one of the top two or three closers in baseball, Liriano's fantasy value would plummet if he goes to the 'pen.

LaPorta leaving port

Cleveland Indians prospect Matt LaPorta, who was acquired in the CC Sabathia trade from Milwaukee's farm system, will not be playing in the MLB until probably September. The U.S. Olympic team added LaPorta to the Beijing squad, meaning his July/August is going to be a little bit tied up.

"Just the chance to represent my country and bring back a gold medal, it would mean so much," LaPorta said after that game. As for this stretch of developments in his baseball life, he added: "It's been crazy, a roller-coaster ride up and down. The last two weeks just haven't stopped. One day you think you can catch your breath, then something else happens."

Fantasy Impact: LaPorta has the talent to contribue immediately, but he won't be playing imminently. You should stash him in a keeper league, as he'll probably be a starting candidate for Cleveland in Spring '09.

All-Star supernova

The New York Times says position players were ready to pitch just in case the All-Star game went beyond the point that the last remaining pitchers were capable of throwing.

Not Amused

I've been reading David Pinto's Baseball Musings long enough to know he doesn't get ruffled very often. Today is a bit different. I appreciate his passion. He even used the 'p' word!

Willing Webb

Brandon Webb's unwanted All-Star appearance (he had pitched on Sunday) was not met with reluctance. When the game went late, Webb approached NL manager Clint Hurdle and asked if he was needed. When he was, Webb just treated the appearance like a between-starts side session.

"I felt fine," he said. "There was a lot of adrenaline going, pumping through me. I went out there and got loose and felt comfortable and stuff."

Webb said he threw maybe 15 pitches in the bullpen warming up.

He threw 13 pitches in the 14th inning, keeping the score tied at 3 in a game that eventually was won by the American League 4-3 in the 15th inning.

"It was a normal day for a side session," he said. "Obviously, a little more intensity than in a side, but I think it all went very well."

He threw a perfect inning.

All-Star insanity

That was officially the best All-Star game I've witnessed in my life. The AL prevails on a Michael Young sacrafice fly off Brad Lidge in the 15th, scoring Justin Morneau for a 4-3 victory. Home-field is theirs in the fall classic.

I must admit I was rooting for more innings. I wanted to see what Terry Francona would do with both his bench and his bullpen used up and last pitcher Scott Kazmir almost out of bullets. I thought they might have to rotate Kazmir to another position and throw a position player. If both teams ended up throwing position players for home-field advantage in the World Series, the invalidation of "this one counts" would be complete.

A couple of oddities: Ryan Ludwick must've forgotten his "road" batting helmet. He was wearing a red one instead of the Cardinals' away navy helmet.

Kevin Youkilis was sipping a Red Bull at 1:34 a.m. EST. He was out of the game, so was Youkilis swigging the energy drink so he could stay up until daybreak?

Just Joshin'

Here's hoping Josh Hamilton stays on the wagon. He's every bit as gifted as his 1st overall draft selection indicated in 1999. Hamilton hit 28 home runs in the first round of tonight's home run derby, a new record, before succumbing to Justin Morneau in the final round, 5-3. Hamilton put on one of the great All-Star showings in recent memory.

Spitting Seeds midseason awards

AL MVP - Josh Hamilton, TEX: .310 AVG/60 R/21 HR/95 RBI/7 SB
NL MVP - Lance Berkman, HOU: .347 AVG/79 R/22 HR/73 RBI/15 SB
*Hamilton's 95 RBI make him the AL MVP by a longshot. Berkman's the most well-rounded.

AL CY - Cliff Lee, CLE: 12-2/2.31 ERA/124.2 IP/20 BB/106 K
NL CY - Edinson Volquez, CIN: 12-3/2.29 ERA/117.2 ERA/56 BB/126 K
*Lee's hot start earned him the CY over Halladay. Volquez over Lincecum and Webb.

AL ROY - Evan Longoria, TB: .275 AVG/45 R/16 HR/53 RBI/6 SB
NL ROY - Geovany Soto, CHC: .288 AVG/37 R/16 HR/56 RBI/0 SB
(tie) Jair Jurrjens, ATL: 9-4/3.00 ERA/111 IP/41 BB/81 K
*Ellsbury is still chasing Longoria. Flip a coin on Soto vs. Jurrjens.

Deny the DH

I stumbled upon this week-old Wall Street Journal article on the state of the two leagues in Major League Baseball. The assumption is the American League is superior to the National League, and that's proved with all sorts of statistical models. The argument turns to the designated hitter, and while I thought I didn't have a position on the DH and what should be done with it, I do now. Thank you Wall Street Journal.



I have, for a long time, believed the DH helps American League teams in the World Series. The DH typically means American League teams have more pop in their lineup. If they play in a National League park, they have a bigger bat to bring off their bench. This is an inherent advantage that an NL team cannot counter, because a player that can hit but can't field is more likely to take a starting spot as a DH than he is a bench spot on an NL roster.

If this is not cyclical, if the National League doesn't come around and show competitiveness, if the American League continues to dominate interleague play, the post season and the All-Star game, then the DH rule and what to do with it is eventually going to come up. A lack of competitive balance between the leagues is not a good thing, so baseball will eventually have to tackle the issue.

My guess is baseball will analyze all the statistical data, interview a bunch of players, managers, owners and front office types, and decide to install the DH in both leagues. They'll argue that pitchers are not good hitters, and to make them hit would be to take a step backward in baseball evolution. Most pitchers do not hit as they climb through the minor leagues, and none make it to MLB because of their stick. The argument will be fairly tidy and smack of lowest-common-denominator appeasement.

That said, I'm going to cast my vote against the DH. I think it needs to go. If it hurts competitive balance for one league over the other, it must die. Pitchers can't hit, but that doesn't mean allowing them to try takes away from the game. It actually adds to baseball, forcing managers to use more strategy to work around the pitcher slot late in games. If the DH is a step into the future, and pitchers hitting is de-evolution, then why are designated hitters a bunch of 35 year-old Neanderthals posing as baseball players. We watch these hangers-on do nothing but swing for the fences, padding their careers with gaudy numbers that help them reach he Hall of Fame.

It's time for the DH issue to be put to rest.

Is baseball insane?

Bud Poliquin, a columnist with the Syracuse Post-Standard sums up my feelings exactly on the midsummer classic's attachment to the World Series. Bud laments the follies of baseball, wishing the sport could do better than give meaning to an exhibition.

But Major League Baseball is the sport with different rules for different teams (i.e., the continuing DH lunacy) . . . legislated, integrity-compromising scheduling imbalances (brought on by inter-league play) . . . "competition" that includes clubs with $207-million payrolls (Yankees) vying for the same title as those with $23-million payrolls (Marlins) . . . and various and sundry other sins.
Associated Press/Chad RachmanThis is Madonna, who may or may not be dating Alex Rodriguez, who will play in Tuesday's All-Star Game when not possibly partying with Madonna, who could help to determine the World Series winner in October. Savvy?

So anointing a rompish nine innings, squeezed around parties where scoring takes on a meaning beyond what Abner Doubleday had likely considered, is ridiculous. Which suggest that MLB is consistent, if nothing else.

Thanks, Bud.

Somethin' Brewin'

Ben Sheets is about to be named the NL starter for the All-Star game. Some special season Milwaukee is having. They haven't made the postseason in 26 years, now they're buying last year's Cy Young winner on the trade market and landing their first-ever starter in the All-Star game. Expect the Cubs to counter immediately, trying to get Carlos Zambrano or Ryan Dempster on the hill for the American League.

Like putting a shoe on

Che-Hsuan Lin won the Futures Game MVP for his two-run homer, pushing his World team past the USA team, 3-0. Lin is a Red Sox farmhand.

In case you're wondering, his name is pronounced Chee shoo-ahn Lin. Start practicing.

Bad column alert

I just can't understand this point of view. The All-Star game deciding home-field advantage in the World Series is asinine. What's more, MLB shouldn't receive "props" or any other outdated congratulatory slang for such a terrible idea. If giving the winning side of an All-Star game home-field advantage for the championship series is such a good idea, why hasn't any other major sport in this country or any other country picked up on it?

Take your time, hurry up - the choice is yours

My post on Reds radio delaying broadcasts to match up with TV caused a bit of a stir. A number of blog communities picked up on it and commented on which is better: letting fans at home match TV and radio for their enjoyment, or leaving the radio signal as is to allow fans at the game a chance to listen live. Delaying the signal means less enjoyment for fans who like to listen from their ballpark seats.

Well, the original article picked up on this problem yet failed to offer a solution. The Reds say delaying broadcasts is currently just an experiment, and they welcome feedback from their fans on what to do with it in the future.

The solution fans should ask for, I'm fairly certain, is quite simple: simulcast the game on two radio stations. The Reds, just like any team in baseball, could simulcast the game with an immediate feed of the play by play via one station while a second station delays the feed for fans watching TV at home. This shouldn't be too expensive, because I know there are at least a few college football teams that put their games on both AM and FM stations in order to reach a wider audience. It makes so much sense that I wouldn't be surprised if we start to see this in the coming seasons with a number of teams.

Tell the Reds Spitting Seeds suggestion here: breinberger@reds.com

Kurt Cobain once sang, "take your time, hurry up, the choice is yours" in "Come as you are." Who knew he was singing about radio broadcasts? The choice is easy in this case: choose both immediate and delayed feeds on two different stations!

Harden makes it look easy

Not much posting here this weekend due to a younger brother's bachelor party. The party happened to be held at Wrigley Field, however, which was a very interesting place to be on Saturday. Rich Harden made his Cubs debut, striking out 10 in 5.1 innings, but he was denied the win when Carlos Marmol blew the lead with a five-run Giants ninth. The Cubs did prevail in 11, 8-7.

Most striking in this impressive debut performance was Harden's pregame. Pregame, you ask? Yes. Harden's first jog as a Cub, a 40-yard trot across left field before warm up tosses, was met by a standing ovation from the bleachers. His second cantor was met by half of the stadium (half of what had arrived in time to see Harden prepare to pitch a half hour before the game) rising for another ovation. Without a tip of his cap or even a slight acknowledgment of this overwhelming welcome, Harden went about his business with straightforward workman-like determination, looking totally unaffected.

What followed was a pitcher dominating his opposition, striking out 10 of the 24 batters he faced. It was such a smooth performance, I turned to my father at one point in the fifth amazed at having learned Harden had fanned nine batters already. Harden looked almost too comfortable out there. He looked in complete control. Only later did I read that he felt like this was his first start in the majors.

"That was a pretty cool feeling," Harden said. "I've never really had anything like that pitching in Oakland."

Pitching in Wrigley is not pitching in Oakland, and it looks like Rich Harden will fit in around the Friendly Confines just fine. He does, however, need to go a little deeper into games unless he wants to continue leaving things up to the bullpen.

Marmol makes N.L. squad

Carlos Marmol is replacing Kerry Wood on the National League All-Star team. Marmol started the year strong, but he's also struggled badly in the last month of the season. Just yesterday he blew a 7-2 lead in the ninth with four earned runs, raising his ERA to 4.13.

There are many better choices than Marmol, but he was the highest voted pitcher left from the player balloting, so he makes the team. My guess is he never sees the field.

Benito been bad

Bob Brenly says on CSN Chicago that Benito Santiago used to lean into batters at home plate when base runners got a good jump from first. The interference call would get would-be base stealers even if they had the bag stolen. That's brilliant, but is there anything Santiago didn't cheat at? First steroids, then obscure rules; Santiago played the angles.

Bay on banks of Mississippi?

Here's one that hasn't been ballyhooed enough in recent weeks: The Cardinals going after Pittsburgh's Jason Bay. While it looks like this might take a while, it could prove the Cardinals' feel the same as most critics of their own OF corps, which includes Rick Ankiel, Joe Mather, Brian Barton, Skip Schumaker and and All-Star Ryan Ludwick.

One executive with a National League team said he thought "it would go down to the wire'' whether Bay would be dealt.

"We're looking for what we deem appropriate value. We're not going to limit ourselves to guys who are close (to the big leagues),'' Huntington said. "Our goal is to maximize our return and find a good match.''

Bay in St. Louis could add some extra pop to the Cardinals lineup. He's having a good year: .291/62/17/46/6

Fantasy Impact: Can't see how this would do anything but improve Bay's fantasy value. You never know how a player is going to react to being traded, but entering a more potent Cardinals lineup should would only increase his offensive output. The only way his numbers would flatten out is if the Cardinals continue to platoon their corner OFs, including Bay, but he's a superior talent to anyone they're trotting out there.