Top News:
Susan Slusser / San Francisco Chronicle:
Scott Kazmir could be first A's player dealt — Scott Kazmir is scheduled to pitch for the A's on Thursday against the Blue Jays, and with the trade deadline approaching, it might be his final outing with Oakland. Talks are heating up, according to sources, with division foe Houston among the top potential landing spots.
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Jeff Todd / MLB Trade Rumors:
Astros Acquire Scott Kazmir — Athletics starter Scott Kazmir is headed to the Astros in the year's first major trade, Oakland has announced. Returning to the A's in the deal are righty Daniel Mengden and catcher Jacob Nottingham, per the release. — Trade talks were said to be …
Discussion:
redsminorleagues.com, The Big Lead, DRaysBay, The Crawfish Boxes, Yahoo Sports and Al's Ramblings
ESPN:
Scott Kazmir traded to Astros — 8m - MLB SCOTT KAZMIR HOUSTON ASTROS OAKLAND ATHLETICS + more — Tim Kurkjian explains why the addition of Scott Kazmir to the Astros' rotation is important for them to make a charge to the playoffs.
Discussion:
baseballmusings.com
Steve Adams / MLB Trade Rumors:
Pirates Acquire Aramis Ramirez — The Pirates and Brewers have announced a trade that will send third baseman Aramis Ramirez to Pittsburgh in exchange for minor league right-hander Yhonathan Barrios and cash considerations. The Pirates are reportedly taking on $3MM of the $5.74MM that remains on Ramirez's $14MM salary.
Discussion:
baseballmusings.com, Metsblog, Yahoo Sports, Brew Crew Ball, Milwaukee, MLB Daily Dish, HardballTalk, Bucs Dugout and Al's Ramblings
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Steve Adams / MLB Trade Rumors:
Pirates Working On Trade For Reliever — Hours after acquiring Aramis Ramirez, the Pirates are working on a second trade, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports (Twitter link). Rosenthal adds that the target of the current trade is believed to be a relief pitcher, though no specific name or team has been reported at this time.
Discussion:
MLB Daily Dish, Brew Crew Ball, Al's Ramblings and Where Have You Gone …
Ken Rosenthal / Fox Sports:
Notes: Don't expect Price to stay in Detroit if not dealt — FOX Sports — Don't expect the Tigers to try to sign left-hander David Price long term before deciding whether to trade him — or even after he reaches free agency. — The contract that Price will command is beyond the Tigers' comfort level …
Discussion:
Bleacher Nation, Metsblog and Talking Chop
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John Wilcox / Boston Herald:
Buckley: Hanley Ramirez and Pablo Sandoval must go — Photo by: — If the Red Sox are serious about putting a winning team on the field for 2016 and beyond, they need to liberate themselves — and their fans — from Hanley Ramirez and Pablo Sandoval. — It begins there, right?
Discussion:
Over the Monster, McCovey Chronicles and Surviving Grady
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Associated Press:
Ellsbury, Headley Lead Yankees to Sweep of Orioles — NEW YORK — Jacoby Ellsbury finished a triple shy of the cycle and drove in four runs and Chase Headley hit a three-run double in the first inning as the New York Yankees completed a three-game sweep of the Baltimore Orioles 9-3 Thursday to bolster their spot atop the AL East.
Discussion:
Yahoo Sports, baseballmusings.com and Camden Chat
Steve Adams / MLB Trade Rumors:
David Freese To Be Placed On DL With Fractured Finger — Angels third baseman David Freese was hit by a pitch from Minnesota's Mike Pelfrey tonight and will be placed on the disabled list with a fractured in his hand, tweets Alden Gonzalez of MLB.com. Gonzalez further clarifies that it's a fractured index finger for Freese.
Discussion:
Yahoo Sports, Halos Heaven, MLB Daily Dish and Orange County Register
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Mike Digiovanna / Los Angeles Times:
David Freese breaks finger in Angels' win over Twins
David Freese breaks finger in Angels' win over Twins
Discussion:
HardballTalk
Nick Piecoro / Arizona Republic:
Arizona Diamondbacks drop series to Miami Marlins — Recap: RHP Jose Fernandez struck out 11 in seven strong innings, helping the Miami Marlins beat the Diamondbacks 5-3 on Wednesday night and secure a series victory at Chase Field. — The Diamondbacks have lost five of six games …
Discussion:
The Big Lead, AZ Snake Pit, Fish Stripes and Yahoo Sports
Steve Adams / MLB Trade Rumors:
Pirates Designate Steve Lombardozzi For Assignment — The Pirates announced that they've designated infielder Steve Lombardozzi for assignment in order to clear space on the 40-man roster for third baseman Aramis Ramirez, who was acquired from the Brewers this afternoon.
Discussion:
Al's Ramblings
Matthew Cerrone / Metsblog:
Wright will start baseball activity in NY this week — David Wright will resume baseball activity next week in New York, not St. Lucie, Mets GM Sandy Alderson told reporters at Citi Field on Thursday. — According to Alderson, money recouped this season from Wright's contract will not afford …
Discussion:
Amazin' Avenue
Jeff Todd / MLB Trade Rumors:
Indians Listening On Starters; Discussed Carrasco With Blue Jays — The Indians may be more willing to listen to trade scenarios regarding their controllable pitching than they have indicated publicly, according to a report from Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports (Twitter links).
Discussion:
Let's Go Tribe, MLB Daily Dish and HardballTalk