It doesn't matter to me, personally. Wright is by and far the better player, hot streak or not. Granted, this is just my opinion. But I think David Wright is a complete, 5 tool package. How many guys like that are at the hot corner? As good as Longoria is, he's not a 5 tool player. Wright is.

I remember when I'd tell people I'd take Adrian Gonzalez over Ryan Howard. People would call me a Padre homer/apologist, since Howard was clearly the better player. Even though Adrian hits for a higher average, is miles ahead in defense, and hits for power, despite spending the majority of his career hitting in the grand canyon, as opposed to Howard, who hits in a sandbox 81 times a year.

Geez, every time I see Nomar Garciaparra on ESPN's Baseball Tonight, I just can't believe how his career went south so fast. Dude was on pace to have a HOF career like Jeter and ARod, but, injuries caught up with him.

It's sad, kinda.

Being a Cub also caught up with him.

Yankees grab Marcus Thames off Waivers.

Nice. :cool:

Nothing like a good old retread, eh Clock Shot?

Same with Mark Mulder. He was probably the most talented of Oakland's big three.

Although he is damn handsome looking on camera.

Judge rejects the Dodgers proposed $150 million financing plan for bankruptcy and instead tells the owner and team to solve the financial crisis with MLB help.

http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/mlb/s...financing-plan

A month ago Selig killed the tv deal with Fox after finding out the McCourts were attempting to take out $173 million for "personal use" after saying they wouldn't. The judge in today's case might have figured the owners would try the same tactic with the bankruptcy deal and ended that from being a possibility.

<font color=goldenrod>So Beltran has said that even if he is traded, he would be completely open to re-signing with the Mets in the off-season.

I wonder how much money he'll command in the off-season. He's proven time and again that he's an incredible player when healthy. Yes he missed considerable time in '09 and '10, but when he was playing he was the goods. His only outright bad year with the Mets was 2005.

I've all but given up on Fernando Martinez being an impact player and no other OF prospects are close - so fuck it, if Beltran would sign at a reasonable price I'd go for it. Many Mets fans gave him a bad wrap for reasons I don't understand...as far as I'm concerned, he's been one of the best players to ever put on a Mets uniform. If you're doing an all-time Mets team, he's easily warranted being slotted in between Straw and Mookie Wilson/Cleon Jones.</font>

So, in news that will surprise no one, Brandon Webb needs yet another shoulder surgery. This time on his rotator cuff. AS far as I'm concerned, Dude's finished.

Beltran is an amazing player when he's healthy. I noticed F-Mart's numbers have plummeted. Kinda sad. If Beltran wants $10mil or less, I could see the Mets being open to bringing him in for a one year deal.

Carlos Beltran hasn't been HORRIBLE as a Met...it's just that the team hasn't been winning for a couple years, and it kinda dims out his production.

Anybody think Erik Wedge is going to get another season over in Seattle? Mariners got a 13 game losing streak going on.

Also think Jack Zduriencik is going to get canned and Seattle is gonna push hard for Cashman after the offseason.

Fuck it. Keep hitting A-Ram!

Aramis has fucked around and gotten in the MVP race now. Atleast he should be.

<font color=goldenrod>I'd guess he asks for at least 3 years. Maybe even 4.</font>

Mother fuck. Jo Jo Reyes gives me indigestion.

No way should anyone give Beltran a multi year deal. Maybe a one year guarenteed with a second year option and a buy out. Not being a CF'r hurts his value, not to mention, he's had his fair share of injuries.

No way should Ramirez be MVP. His team is terrible, with or without him. Bautista can make a case based on the fact that his incredible offense has kept the Blue Jays near and around .500 for 2 years now. Ramirez cannot say that.

Meanwhile, the Padres and Phillies are playing slugfest, and I'm falling head over heels for Cameron Maybin. At first, it was just some lust heavy crush. Now I'm flat out in love with the guy. Silly Marlins for dumping him for 2 middle relievers.

To my fellow Bronx Brothers and those who care interested, New York Times got a nice article about the richest AAA player ever, Kei Igawa. For those who don't know, Kei Igawa was supposed to be our response to the Red Sox winning the Matsuzaka auction a few years back.

Kinda crazy that A. The Padres claimed him off waivers one time, and the front office didn't want to trade him for reason unknown. And B. Cashman worked out 2 deals to send him back to Japan but Igawa refused, even though we told him he would not see another day in the Majors.

Go here.

I saw that report somewhere earlier this morning. Could have been ESPN. I think that guy would have thrived in San Diego for my Padres. Big ballpark, and the division is pitcher friendly as well.

I remember when the Padres made the claim, I was thinking "Great. Decent lefty starter who would probably be well served in PETCO."

Didn't Cashman say his superiors vetoed the claim and pull him back from the Padres? Thiought I read that. In all reality, they only owe him $4mil this year, and his contract is up. And has he ever been given a legit chance to crack the rotation? I see he has pitched in less than 20 games in his major league career.

They should just cut ties with him, already. That career 3.81 ERA in the minors isn't going to get any better.

Wait what? 3.81 is pretty good.

In the minor leagues? I don't think so. You have top prospects with ERAs half that size. 3.81 in the majors is solid for a back end 4 or 5 starter. But Igawa is posting that number in the minors.

His AAA ERA this season is better than his AA, but for a guy in his early 30s, who's been a pro for a long while, I would hope his numbers would look a little better, wouldn't you?

Also, Supreme. I've been discussing with my friend that Chapman needs to be stretched out and would be much more valuable as a starter. I know there have been times where he his velocity as varied when throwing back to back nights, which is why I argue having him start would be better for both him and the team, long term. What's your take?

Ouch at the Mariners loosing their 14th game in a row although not complaining since today they lost to the Red Sox.

Igawa's problem was how badly the Yankees mishandled him starting with over paying during the bidding when everyone else had concerns about his arm strength and stats. It also didn't help the team had no patience and demoted him after 1-2 months instead of letting him adjust to the MLB style. They also valued him soo low he hasn't been recalled in the last 2 years even with all the pitching injuries the team has had during the time.

Buccholz starts is rehab stint next week which could determine what the Red Sox do or don't do for the trade deadline but the good news is Lester is still set to come back and start next week.

If they're not going to use Igawa, the Yankees should just DFA him. I'm more than positive and NL team would be willing to pick him.

I think Wedge and Jack Z are gone ater this year. Yea, Z has had a few nice drafts, but the team is going nowhere fast, and I'm pretty sure JZ was the one who gave Figgins that terrible deal.

Good for Buccholz. The Sox are going to need him. I still think they should at least look into getting a middle or back end rotation guy just for insurance purposes. When Buccholz gets back, he's still going to need some time to find his rythm again.

They can't because either Cashman wants to salvage at least some of his value so they won't have what could potentially end up as one of the worst busts in MLB history in terms of money paid or for some strange reason they don't want to just "eat" his salary like they've done to countless salaries in the past for the luxury tax penalty.

http://riveraveblues.com/2010/07/why...-yankee-32818/

Well keeping him for the sake of such us stupid. They took a gamble, it didn't work out. Time to cut ties and move on. There's no need to keep him. They should trade him for some 30 something minor leaguer.

Pineda might not make it out of the first inning.

HazMat goes 5-5.

I miss him :'(

If Matt Garza demanded a trade after this game, i would applaud him for sticking up for himself because this has gotten ridiculous. Third straight start the Cubs bullpen has blown a win for him. It's a joke. Jim Hendry is deadman walking.

This is just fucking stupid. They need to fire all these fucks right now just to make a point.

Cubs bullpen blowing games even when they're not playing.

Marmol gets out of it.

Lets do it Aramis

Wakefield became just the 2nd player in Red Sox history to record 2,000 strikeouts with the team (Roger Clemens was first) and 1 win away from 200 career wins which is actually amazing for a Knuckleball type pitcher.

Jesus are the Astros stupid? Why would you walk 2 guys in a row intentionally?

woooooo Reds winning streak

I heard on ESPN this morning that thia is the first time the Pirates have been in contention in quite some time


-mrslackalack

Reyes can be one of the most dynamic players in the game IMO when he is healthy.

-mrs. Lackalack

Some team in need of some back of the rotation pitching will get Guthrie from the Os and be happy. I think he pitched his last game today for the Os. They never score him runs, and if lands on a team that can score him runs he'd end up being decent. As it is, I think he goes in knowing he almost has to be perfect in order to get a win due to the Os not scoring runs for him over the past like 3 years..

No clue what was going on there. Its not like Campana has warning track power. He was the easiest out. You have to strike someone out. Strike him out and then have Barney hitting in a clutch scenario, being a rookie. I would have taken that chance.

Beltran has apparently put the kibosh on any trade to an AL team. Says he wants to stay in the NL to play in the field and he's familiar with the pitchers.

He gave the Mets a list of 7 NL teams he'd accept being traded to when there are probably 8 NL teams in realistic contention. Most are blindly assuming that the excluded team is the Pirates for whatever reason, but its a non-issue since they aren't going to get him.

It's probably down to the Giants, Phillies, and Braves...all of whom seem unwilling to part with much because Beltran's contract forbids the team from offering arbitration (aka no draft pick compensation). A shame really, most years the top hitter on the trade market can always get you a big haul.

He said he wants to play the outfield. He didn't say he wouldn't go to the AL

And I think A Ram is way better then Beltran. Not sure why everyone isn't fawning over him.

Jo Jo Reyes was DFA. There is a fucking God!!!

...'cause he's not willing to waive his "no trade clause", I think...he wants to stay in Chicago...while Beltran has said he'll go, just not to certain teams...

...Oh, and Jim Hendry's an ass.

Twins got destroyed last night by the rangers. Gardenhire used up the pen so fast, Mike Cuddyer had to pitch the 8th.

Is there a way to watch minor league game s online?

milb.com

They got their own TV thing.

Aramis Ramirez is still smoking.

Aramis Ramirez just destroyed a first pitch fast ball.

Arrietta just drilled Bautista in the head but it looks like hes ok.

So much for that lead. Thanks for showing up Dempster

God dammit.

CC lost the perfect game/no hitter.

CC has been on an insane run. 0.83 ERA over his last 54 innings.

Rockies told the Reds they want Aroldis Chapman, Devin Mesoraco (top catching prospect), Chris Heisey and two other players for Ubaldo Jimenez.

Pass.

Jonny Gomes is gone though. So that's cool.

This Buccos/Braves game may never end. Its getting redic now.

And on to the 18th...

McCann injured, going on the DL. Just awful.

WHAT THE FUCK WAS THAT? That is seriously the worst call I have ever seen. That ump was awful all night, but that shit just takes the cake.

The Braves' worst pitcher gets the win and the game winning hit all because the ump wanted to go home, apparently. Feel bad for that Pirate girl yelling "LETS GO PIRATES" into the TV mike for 19 innings.

Worst call I've ever seen. That's how you end a 19 inning game. Really? REALLY?

Rofl I literally watched that entire game

Selig and the rules committee are fucking clueless if they don't add replay challenges after this.

I saw one quick replay and I thought the catcher whiffed.

The tag was certainly not a good one, but he was out without any doubt in my mind. Most umps would probably call that shit out just on principal.

Rofl what a horrible call.

Skip Bayless made a great point

" a swipe tag??? What is this...second base? "

That call was horrible. I expect an apology from that umpire today, like Jim Joyce...'cause it wasn't just a regular Pirates game we have seen the past 18 years, where they're so far out of the race, it doesn't matter if they win or lose...this bad call actually cost them a game in the standings.

Jays trade Zach Stewart and Jason Frasor to White Sox for Mark Teahen and Edwin Jackson.

Apparently the Jays are gonna flip Jackson, Scrabble and Dotel to St. Louis for Colby Rasmus.

Is this is true, AA is a bigger genius than I imagined.

St. Louis Dispatch confirms it. Jays send Dotel, Jackson and Rzepczynski to the Cardinals for Colby Rasmus.

I'm so happy, I'm gonna jerk off on my computer monitor.

so they're trading there second best pitching prospect for Colby Rasmus? Sounds dumb to me.

Honestly, the Jays got fleeced by Kenny Williams. Sox just shed about 17 million worth of junk and picked up a nice bullpen arm and a top 50 prospect in all of baseball. All because the Jays had a hard on for a overated outfielder with a bad attitude. Enjoy.

Zack Stewart is a 25 year old stuck in AA with control problems, a 4.20 ERA and the Jays have TONS of pitching prospects (Drabek, Alvarez, McGuire, Hutchison, Beede, Norris, Synngaard, Sanchez)

Yunel Escobar also had a "bad Attitude" when he came here and is now one of the best shortstops in baseball.

Oh, Jason Frasor is only good in non pressure situations. There's a reason why he hasn't closed games despite Rauch and Francisco sucking.

The only thing that hurts is losing Rzepczynski.

Schafer - DL
McCann - DL
Chipper - Still hurt, just after getting off the DL
Prado - Just off the DL, 0-9 last night
Uggla - Almost hitting over .200!
Heyward - Awful sophomore season; still rolling out to second base with impressive consistency
Alex Gonzalez - Only around for his defense (even with an error last night!)

The Braves might be done. At least we have the best backup catcher in baseball?

Can't believe the Cardinals could only get a half year rental in Jackson, Rzepczynski, Dotel, and Corey Patterson for Rasmus.

Jays GM continues to stockpile talent at every opportunity. Dude's a machine, seems like the Jays are involved in every name that comes up.

Erving Santana has a no hitter going

giants are about to trade Zach Wheeler, one of there top prospects for Beltran. Oddly its being floated as if the Mets are hoping for another team to up the offer for Beltran.

No hitter for Ervin Santana!

The Cards are a bunch of idiots. Trading a potential 5 tool star in Rasmus for rentals and no impending replacement is so stupid. A blatant case of LaRussa getting in the way of what's best for the team.

In the meantime, the Jays just got that much better. Great move by their front office.

Everything I've read says the Jays have the best farm system in the majors right now.

ESPN's Keith Law ranked them as having the #4 best farm system in the game. Dealing Rolen and Halladay was a shot in the arm for the organization.

Rasmus is a baller. So glad to see him out of the division.

I honestly love the kid. Has all he tools you want in a CF. He's gonna tear shit up in Toronto, and being an anti LaRussa guy, I'm glad he GTFO out St. Louis.

Like Gerty said, the Jays got a "bad attitude" in Yunel Escobar, and now he's an all star caliber player that the Jays can pencil in the lineup 2.5 years. Rasmus is going to thrive there.

Double A with the genius move yet again. Gets and flips Ed Jackson in a matter of hours.

VERY pitching heavy in terms of their prospects, not so much batting wise aside from Gose, Sierra, Lawrie and D'Arnaud. AA has done wonders, and it looks like he's gonna be able to sign Norris and Beede his two high school pitching draft picks that looked to be unsignable. Very pleased.

With Rasmus the Jays line up looks impressive

SS Escobar
LF Thames
3B Bautista
1B Lind
CF Rasmus
DH E5
RF Snider
C Arencibia
2B Hill.

Can't wait till Lawrie comes up.

Carlos Beltran is gonna look good in a Giants uniform

Way to go, bullpen. You just had to end Seattle's losing streak, didn't you?

In other news, Cubs are trying to unload Carlos Zambrano to some sucker. Hendry called the Yankees to see if we were interested.

"No thanks."

<font color=goldenrod>Fuck yes. All of the "experts" said there was no way the Mets get an A-prospect for Beltran, but Alderson stayed firm and wound up with one of the best pitching prospects in baseball. Genius.</font>

lol was just reading twitter

Ken Rosenthal "The Mets want Wheeler or Brown, they won't get Wheeler. We'll see on Brown"

like an hour before the trade

Of course the Pirates and Braves are in extra innings again tonight lol

Justin Upton. 3rd deck of the Western Metal Supply Co. in San Diego. Wow.

<object width="400" height="254"><param name="movie" value="http://mlb.mlb.com/shared/flash/video/share/ObjectEmbedFrame.swf?content_id=17372231&topic_id=&width=400&height=254&property=mlb" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><param name="scale" value="noscale" /><param name="salign" value="tl" /><embed src="http://mlb.mlb.com/shared/flash/video/share/ObjectEmbedFrame.swf?content_id=17372231&topic_id=&width=400&height=254&property=mlb" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="never" allowfullscreen="true" width="400" height="254" scale="noscale" salign ="tl" /></object>

The Red Sox have been scoring a BUNCH of runs lately, which is GOOD, but, they're pitchers are giving up runs too...

Being reported that the Cubs are in serious talks to trade Carlos Zambrano, Reed Johnson and cash, to the Yankees for Manuel Banuelos, Dellin Betances and Ivan Nova

Thank God Romero went into the 9th last night. I don't know who besides Rauch and Francisco could have pitched last night.

Cubs traded Kosuke to Cleveland for two prospects. Don't have names yet, but one is a upper prospect and the other is a lower.

Carlton Smith and Abner Abreau. Thats what I've read.

This is a great trade for the Cubs. Abreu might be a potential all star.

There's zero chance of that happening. Thats a package they could get Ubaldo with.

What I've heard is the Cubs called the Yankees about taking on Zambrano and his contract but they weren't interested (thankfully).

Was joking obviously