Top News:
Sports Illustrated:
The final piece — Minaya may trade Milledge for Oswalt or Schmidt — The New York Mets are engaged in serious talks for two superb starting pitchers who carry the potential to stamp them as a World Series favorite — Giants right-hander Jason Schmidt and, in something of a shocker …
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Jose De Jesus Ortiz / Houston Chronicle:
Wagner to provide scouting report as Mets eye Oswalt — Slumping Astros closer Lidge also at center of trade speculation — Former Astros closer Billy Wagner is ready to give Mets general manager Omar Minaya scouting reports as the National League East leaders pursue a trade for Roy Oswalt.
Mark Hale / New York Post:
METS MADE PITCH FOR SCHMIDT — The Mets have long had heavy interest in Giants righty Jason Schmidt, and yesterday they made a push for the All-Star, according to an MLB team executive. But they were facing an earlier deadline, and after midnight last night, a deal was almost positively not going to happen.
Ken Rosenthal / Fox Sports:
Tigers acquire Casey from Pirates — The Tigers, completing their quest to add a left-handed hitter, acquired first baseman Sean Casey from the Pirates on Monday for a minor-league pitcher, FOXSports.com has learned. — The deal is expected to be one of several completed by the Pirates before Monday's non-waiver deadline at 4 p.m.
Discussion:
MLB Trade Rumors
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ESPN:
Tigers get Pirates 1B Casey, send Shelton to minors — DETROIT — The Detroit Tigers acquired first baseman Sean Casey from the Pittsburgh Pirates on Monday in exchange for minor-league pitcher Brian Rogers. — Casey, a career .304 hitter, gives the AL Central-leading Tigers …
Baseball America:
Tigers Add Casey At Low Cost — Sean Casey's return home to Pittsburgh lasted less than a year. The Tigers had been looking for a lefthanded bat and found one Monday by landing Casey. Pirates general manager Dave Littlefield has developed a reputation for putting a high price tag on his players …
Baseball America:
Reds Make Another Bullpen Move — The National League wild card-leading Reds made their third move to upgrade their bullpen this month, acquiring Rheal Cormier from the Phillies on Monday in exchange for Justin Germano. Earlier in July, Cincinnati picked up Eddie Guardado, Bill Bray and Gary Majewski.
Discussion:
Lone Star Ball
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Ken Rosenthal / Fox Sports:
As deadline looms, where will Soriano end up? — The circus ends at 4 p.m. Monday. — Either Alfonso Soriano will be a National, or he won't. — One rival executive predicts that the Nationals will either make a killer trade or one so poor that 15 teams will end up thinking they could have offered a better package for Soriano.
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Juan C. Rodriguez / Sun-Sentinel:
Marlins bid for Soriano — · There's a late entry in the Alfonso Soriano sweepstakes: The Marlins. — According to two National League sources, the Marlins have contacted the Nationals about acquiring the ballyhooed outfielder. It is believed the Marlins are willing to part …
Discussion:
Nationals Baseball Fan
Barry Svrluga / Washington Post:Soriano, Nationals Are Still Waiting
Discussion:
Washington Times, MLB.com, District of Baseball, William F. Yurasko, MLB Trade Rumors and Ben Maller's Sports …
Gordon Edes / Boston Globe:
Most recent spin has Lowell on the move — It flies in the face of Terry Francona telling third baseman Mike Lowell last week on the West Coast that he would not be traded, but according to a major league executive who said he spoke directly with one of the three teams involved …
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Michael Silverman / Boston Herald:
Trade winds not gusting: But rumors swirl about 3-way deal — With the non-waivers trading deadline rapidly approaching, the Red Sox continued to generate plenty of smoke but still no bonfire that would signal a blockbuster many are expecting. — The juiciest rumors …
Jim Salisbury / Philly.com:
Deal nothing more than a salary saver — Trade? OK. That's what the press release called it. That's what Phillies general manager Pat Gillick called it. And that's what the New York Yankees will probably call it two months from now, when they talk about the key moves that allowed …
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Adam Rubin / NY Daily News:
Willie: We don't need any trades — ATLANTA - The nonwaiver trading deadline arrives at 4p.m. today, and while their crosstown rivals have made a splash in acquiring Bobby Abreu and Cory Lidle, Mets insiders have consistently downplayed the likelihood of a deal - especially one that rivals Abreu's relocation to the Bronx.
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Kelsie Smith / Boston Globe:
Outfield options in flux — On a 2-1 count, Trot Nixon reached for a John Lackey pitch, winced as his he finished his swing, and immediately grabbed his right biceps. Terry Francona left the dugout and quickly returned with Nixon at his side, perhaps thinking what most people were — not again.
Discussion:
The Feeding the Monster Blog
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Kevin Goldstein / Baseball Prospectus:
Future Shock — LHP Brent Fisher, AZL Royals — A seventh-round pick in 2005 out of an Arizona high school, Fisher has yet to leave his home state as a pro, pitching well last year in the Arizona heat of the complex league, and even more so this season. On Saturday, Fisher struck out ten …
Discussion:
Archie Bunker's Army
Will Carroll / Baseball Prospectus:
The Day — 10:30 AM — Roberto Hernandez for John Danks and Thomas Diamond. Okay. Hank Blalock and Carlos Lee for Brad Lidge. Sure. Lastings Milledge for Mark Redman. Umm. — These are just some of the offers that have gone back and forth. If you just read these …
Dave van Dyck / Chicago Tribune:
Reasonable goal: .500 at home — In the midst of the longest homestand of the season (11 games), the Cubs have rejuvenated thoughts about someday reaching the .500 mark at the supposed "Friendly Confines" of Wrigley Field. — With four straight victories over the Cardinals, they improved to 21-28, so the goal is a lofty one.
Discussion:
GROTA
