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Anyone watching the CWS Championship? John Norwood on Vandy just went yahtzee and pimped it too 
97 MPH up and in and he cranked it.
97 MPH up and in and he cranked it.2016 MLB thread. THE CUBS HAVE BROKEN THE CURSE! Chicago Cubs are your 2016 World Series champions
- Thread in 'Sports & Training' Thread starter Started by proshares,
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Is it really THAT hard for base runners rounding third or third base coaches at third to not make contact with each other. STAY AWAY. The runner need to be called out and the third base coach should be ejected. 
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Dee Gordon with 40 stolen bases already
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Can't ******* believe the O's won...thought the sox had it in the bag and I went to bed before the 8th with them up 4-0. Wake up and find out that the O's won 5-4 
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Nelson Cruz.Can't ******* believe the O's won...thought the sox had it in the bag and I went to bed before the 8th with them up 4-0. Wake up and find out that the O's won 5-4
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Astros are going to be so good. Hate that Correa is out for the year. I miss the Astros in the NL, all those easy wins just gone.
The Cards farm isn't that good though. I thought you loved Moore, what happened?
I was the only one talking down Moore for YEARS when everyone was going gaga over him guarantee you Archie will be in the same boat in a few years.Again, you're not trading any of their 18 year old kids and their scouting/drafting will rebuild it in no time plus you're getting a year plus of both guys. That's two years with practically everyone signed for two runs at a title. Let Friedman keep stacking prospects and trade chips that lead to nothing but missing the playoffs/first round exits. I don't hold him in the same light as most. Arnold/Bloom/Click make that team run.
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Denard Span is an awful baserunner.
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Alex Meyer. Guy has great stuff, not pitching well as of late though: http://www.startribune.com/sports/twins/blogs/264575351.html#48cUhzPwJdtd7tkC.97
Still upset that we traded him for a leadoff hitter who doesn't get on base at a high clip, isn't a good baserunner, and provides no pop at the plate. Mike Rizzo was so infatuated with the guy for some reason that he just had to get him. Should've stuck with the Morse/Harper/Werth OF alignment.
Still upset that we traded him for a leadoff hitter who doesn't get on base at a high clip, isn't a good baserunner, and provides no pop at the plate. Mike Rizzo was so infatuated with the guy for some reason that he just had to get him. Should've stuck with the Morse/Harper/Werth OF alignment.
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Been waiting for Meyer to come up.
Wheeler is who he is.
Wheeler is who he is.
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Only wanted Matty for fantasy purposes hence the numerous trade offers. In real life, his command leaves much to be desired. Friedman will offload him eventually.The Cards farm isn't that good though. I thought you loved Moore, what happened?
Again, you're not trading any of their 18 year old kids and their scouting/drafting will rebuild it in no time plus you're getting a year plus of both guys. That's two years with practically everyone signed for two runs at a title. Let Friedman keep stacking prospects and trade chips that lead to nothing but missing the playoffs/first round exits. I don't hold him in the same light as most. Arnold/Bloom/Click make that team run.
Hope you're wrong about Archie.
IDK who is gonna take him on though. That might just be a project they take to build him back up. That's the thing about the Rays, they have a very strong FO but their pitching coaches in the minors aren't strong at adjusting pitchers.
I hate to say it because I know you love him but the kid is so damn overrated to me. He has some serious command/control issues. I'll give his ERA the benefit of the doubt because of pitching in the PCL but that doesn't excuse walking almost 5 per 9.
I hate to say it because I know you love him but the kid is so damn overrated to me. He has some serious command/control issues. I'll give his ERA the benefit of the doubt because of pitching in the PCL but that doesn't excuse walking almost 5 per 9.
15 pitchers who could be traded.
21 hitters who could be dealt this summer.
Glaring holes among playoff contenders.
Fister lesson: Good arms can come cheap.
Scouting Hunter Harvey, Pirates prospects.
Prospects to watch at the Futures Game.
With MLB's trade deadline just five weeks away, there are currently 22 teams within six games of a playoff slot. This means just eight teams can be considered "sellers" at this juncture, and some of those teams consider themselves in either "hold" or even "buy" mode.
Most contending teams are looking for pitching, whether it's starters, setup relievers, lefty specialists or closers. With so few true "sellers," the asking prices are pretty exorbitant at the moment and could stay that way due to the lack of supply and high demand.
Here is a list of 15 pitchers -- seven starters and eight relievers -- I think could be dealt prior to the trade deadline, along with their chances of being dealt and possible trade partners.
Starting pitchers
lastname
David Price, LHP, Tampa Bay Rays (Age: 2
Price is the best starting pitcher on the market, and the trade return for him should be the highest of any player moved between now and the deadline. The Los Angeles Dodgers and St. Louis Cardinals have the strongest farm systems among the teams pursing Price, with the Cardinals having the most young pitching to get a deal done. The Atlanta Braves, Los Angeles Angels and New York Yankees all have enough quantity to get a deal done, but they don't have the pitching-prospect quality the Dodgers and Cardinals can offer.
Chance of being traded: 75 percent
Possible fits: Cardinals, Dodgers, Braves, Blue Jays, Angels, Yankees
lastname
Jeff Samardzija, RHP, Chicago Cubs (Age: 29)
Cubs general manager Jed Hoyer told me last week that his first choice is to re-sign Samardzija, and that the Cubs need more players like Samardzija, not fewer. And Samardzija told me yesterday that he prefers to stay in Chicago and see the rebuilding program through. I believe both of them. I think the only way the Cubs deal Samardzija between now and the deadline is if they are overwhelmed with a trade offer that brings them pitchers they think can become even better than Samardzija, which is unlikely. Therefore, I expect both sides to continue negotiations, working to get a deal done, whether it's prior to the deadline or in the offseason. If Samardzija is traded, I think the Toronto Blue Jays have the best shot at getting him, especially if they include starting pitcher prospect Aaron Sanchez in the package.
Chance of being traded: 30 percent
Possible fits: Blue Jays, Braves, Red Sox, Yankees, Mariners
lastname
Cliff Lee, LHP, Philadelphia Phillies (Age: 35)
Lee is recovering from a left elbow strain and is expected back by mid-July, just in time to show teams he still has ace stuff. Lee has been one of the game's best postseason pitchers, as evidenced by his 7-3 record and 2.52 ERA in seven different playoff series. However, his $25 million-per-year contract through next year, with a $27.5 million vesting option for 2016, will be a detriment if the Phillies decide to trade him. The Phillies also continue to be in buy mode, not sell mode, and would have to have a poor July to even consider moving their veterans. In addition, Lee has a no-trade clause that blocks 20 teams, including the Yankees, who probably are the only team that would even consider taking him. An elbow injury, big contract and partial no-trade clause make it unlikely that Lee is dealt. But never say never when we're talking about Lee and/or the Yankees.
Chance of being traded: 1 percent
Possible fits: Yankees
lastname
Bartolo Colon, RHP, New York Mets (Age: 41)
Colon might end up being the best acquisition for a contending team looking to improve its rotation down the stretch, as the prospect cost will be considerably less than that for Price or Samardzija due to Colon's age. Colon has been one of the best pitchers in baseball in June (4-0, 1.75 ERA, 0.91 WHIP), and his timing couldn't be better. The Mets will be looking for an upgrade at shortstop, a long-term solution at second base if they trade Daniel Murphy or an impact bat at first base or left field. A one-for-one deal with a good prospect at the high Class A or Double-A level would be the most likely return.
Chance of being traded: 50 percent
Possible fits: Yankees, Blue Jays, Angels, Indians, Pirates, Mariners
lastname
Jorge De La Rosa, LHP, Colorado Rockies (Age: 33)
De La Rosa is having another solid year for the Rockies and could be a real sleeper at the trade deadline. The Rockies have yet to extend his contract, and with his free agency looming, trading him now would be better than the draft-pick compensation. To get a significant return, he'll have to pitch more like he did in May than he has so far in June. However, there are several GMs who believe he will really take off once he finally gets away from pitching half of his games at Coors Field.
Chance of being traded: 30 percent
Possible fits: Braves, Indians
lastname
Jason Hammel, RHP, Cubs (Age: 31)
Hammel is having the best year of his career, sporting a 6-5 record, 2.99 ERA and 1.02 WHIP. Hammel is a free agent at season's end, and as much as the Cubs would prefer to keep Samardzija, they want to trade Hammel since they don't control him past this season and want to sell him while his stock is the highest of his career. Their blueprint when they signed him was for him to have a good first half so they could trade him at the deadline like they did last year with Scott Feldman. The first part of the plan has worked, based on how Hammel has pitched. Now it's up to Jed Hoyer and Theo Epstein to get the prospect return they were looking for when they signed him.
Chance of being traded: 75 percent
Possible fits: Mariners, Angels, Indians
lastname
Ian Kennedy, RHP, San Diego Padres (Age: 29)
The Padres are interviewing GMs and hope to have one in place in a timely manner so the new GM can start reshaping and rebuilding the game's worst offense. When the wheeling and dealing begins, expect Kennedy to be dealt to help the back of a rotation of a contending team. Kennedy has a 3.90 ERA in 16 starts, and his 9.6 K's per nine innings (103 strikeouts in 97 innings) is a career high.
Chance of being traded: 50 percent
Possible fits: Angels, Mariners, Indians, Braves, Pirates
Relief pitchers
lastname
Huston Street, closer, Padres (Age: 30)
Street is the most sought-after closer on the market because of both his dominant performance (0.96 ERA, 0.79 WHIP, 20 saves) and his affordable contract ($7 million this year, with a team option for $7 million next year). Teams are lining up, and they should be. The Padres should be looking for a good young hitter in return, and this could be the trade piece that defines the next Padres general manager.
Chance of being traded: 70 percent
Possible fits: Angels, Tigers, Orioles, Reds, Dodgers
lastname
Jonathan Papelbon, closer, Phillies (Age: 33)
Papelbon has had a bounce-back season, as shown by his 1.48 ERA, 0.99 WHIP and 18 saves. The five-time All-Star makes $13 million per season, which includes a vesting option at the same rate in 2016. Papelbon has a no-trade clause that covers eight teams of his choice (those teams have not been made public). There aren't many teams that are willing to allocate $13 million to their closer role, and with both Street and Joakim Soria possibly on the market, it's unlikely Papelbon gets dealt even if the Phillies do decide to go to sell mode.
Chance of being traded: 1 percent
Possible fits: N/A
lastname
Joakim Soria, closer, Texas Rangers (Age: 30)
The Rangers did well in signing Soria to a reasonable contract while he was recovering from Tommy John surgery. Soria makes only $5.5 million this year, with a team option at $7 million or $500,000 buyout next year. Soria has an impressive 1.75 ERA with 15 saves and a 0.62 WHIP. That, combined with the affordable contract, should bring a significant prospect back in a deal. Teams could utilize him either as a closer or setup man. He knows how to pitch, and his 35 K's and three walks in 25 2/3 innings show that he's all the way back to his 2007-10 form.
Chance of being traded: 50 percent
Possible fits: Angels, Tigers, Orioles, Reds, Yankees, Dodgers, Indians
lastname
Joaquin Benoit, setup man, Padres (Age: 36)
Benoit is one of the best eighth-inning relievers in baseball and would be a perfect fit with the Reds, helping to set up Aroldis Chapman. His average fastball remains at 95 mph, and he has a hard slider and solid changeup. He is showing no signs of slowing down at age 36.
Chance of being traded: 80 percent
Possible fits: Reds, Yankees, Orioles, Angels, Marlins, Dodgers
lastname
Brad Ziegler, setup man, Arizona Diamondbacks (Age: 34)
Ziegler's ERA is under 2.50 for the fourth consecutive season, and he leads the National League in total appearances since the start of the 2013 season. His low arm angle adds diversity to a major league bullpen, and his leadership qualities are a real plus as well.
Chance of being traded: 50 percent
Possible fits: Orioles, Yankees, Tigers, Indians, Reds, Marlins, Dodgers
lastname
Alex Torres, situational lefty, Padres (Age: 26)
Torres is best known for being the only pitcher in baseball to wear the new protective cap, but he should be best known for being one of the best situational lefties in the game. Last year, his ERA was 1.71 in the AL (with the Rays), and this year it's 1.97 in the NL. His walk rate would be the biggest concern to a potential trade suitor, but the fact that left-handed batters have hit only .183 against him in 165 plate appearances, with only four extra-base hits, speaks volumes about how he could contribute down the stretch.
Chance of being traded: 50 percent
Possible fits: Angels, Nationals, Orioles
lastname
Oliver Perez, situational lefty, Diamondbacks (Age: 32)
Perez has posted a solid 2.35 ERA and 1.21 WHIP and would be a great fit for the Angels, who are looking to add another lefty to their bullpen. Perez makes $1.75 million this year and is slated to make $2.5 million next year.
Chance of being traded: 75 percent
Possible fits: Angels, Nationals, Orioles
lastname
Tony Sipp, situational lefty, Houston Astros (Age: 30)
Sipp was released by the Padres on May 1 and immediately signed with the Astros. He has been impressive with Houston, posting a 1.89 ERA and 0.63 WHIP in 19 appearances, with 25 strikeouts and just 10 hits and two walks in 19 innings. He might have just pitched his way on to a contending team. There are too many teams looking for a second or third left-hander, and if used correctly, there's no reason he can't keep this up.
Chance of being traded: 50 percent
Possible fits: Angels, Orioles, Nationals
Most contending teams are looking for pitching, whether it's starters, setup relievers, lefty specialists or closers. With so few true "sellers," the asking prices are pretty exorbitant at the moment and could stay that way due to the lack of supply and high demand.
Here is a list of 15 pitchers -- seven starters and eight relievers -- I think could be dealt prior to the trade deadline, along with their chances of being dealt and possible trade partners.
Starting pitchers
lastname
David Price, LHP, Tampa Bay Rays (Age: 2
Price is the best starting pitcher on the market, and the trade return for him should be the highest of any player moved between now and the deadline. The Los Angeles Dodgers and St. Louis Cardinals have the strongest farm systems among the teams pursing Price, with the Cardinals having the most young pitching to get a deal done. The Atlanta Braves, Los Angeles Angels and New York Yankees all have enough quantity to get a deal done, but they don't have the pitching-prospect quality the Dodgers and Cardinals can offer.
Chance of being traded: 75 percent
Possible fits: Cardinals, Dodgers, Braves, Blue Jays, Angels, Yankees
lastname
Jeff Samardzija, RHP, Chicago Cubs (Age: 29)
Cubs general manager Jed Hoyer told me last week that his first choice is to re-sign Samardzija, and that the Cubs need more players like Samardzija, not fewer. And Samardzija told me yesterday that he prefers to stay in Chicago and see the rebuilding program through. I believe both of them. I think the only way the Cubs deal Samardzija between now and the deadline is if they are overwhelmed with a trade offer that brings them pitchers they think can become even better than Samardzija, which is unlikely. Therefore, I expect both sides to continue negotiations, working to get a deal done, whether it's prior to the deadline or in the offseason. If Samardzija is traded, I think the Toronto Blue Jays have the best shot at getting him, especially if they include starting pitcher prospect Aaron Sanchez in the package.
Chance of being traded: 30 percent
Possible fits: Blue Jays, Braves, Red Sox, Yankees, Mariners
lastname
Cliff Lee, LHP, Philadelphia Phillies (Age: 35)
Lee is recovering from a left elbow strain and is expected back by mid-July, just in time to show teams he still has ace stuff. Lee has been one of the game's best postseason pitchers, as evidenced by his 7-3 record and 2.52 ERA in seven different playoff series. However, his $25 million-per-year contract through next year, with a $27.5 million vesting option for 2016, will be a detriment if the Phillies decide to trade him. The Phillies also continue to be in buy mode, not sell mode, and would have to have a poor July to even consider moving their veterans. In addition, Lee has a no-trade clause that blocks 20 teams, including the Yankees, who probably are the only team that would even consider taking him. An elbow injury, big contract and partial no-trade clause make it unlikely that Lee is dealt. But never say never when we're talking about Lee and/or the Yankees.
Chance of being traded: 1 percent
Possible fits: Yankees
lastname
Bartolo Colon, RHP, New York Mets (Age: 41)
Colon might end up being the best acquisition for a contending team looking to improve its rotation down the stretch, as the prospect cost will be considerably less than that for Price or Samardzija due to Colon's age. Colon has been one of the best pitchers in baseball in June (4-0, 1.75 ERA, 0.91 WHIP), and his timing couldn't be better. The Mets will be looking for an upgrade at shortstop, a long-term solution at second base if they trade Daniel Murphy or an impact bat at first base or left field. A one-for-one deal with a good prospect at the high Class A or Double-A level would be the most likely return.
Chance of being traded: 50 percent
Possible fits: Yankees, Blue Jays, Angels, Indians, Pirates, Mariners
lastname
Jorge De La Rosa, LHP, Colorado Rockies (Age: 33)
De La Rosa is having another solid year for the Rockies and could be a real sleeper at the trade deadline. The Rockies have yet to extend his contract, and with his free agency looming, trading him now would be better than the draft-pick compensation. To get a significant return, he'll have to pitch more like he did in May than he has so far in June. However, there are several GMs who believe he will really take off once he finally gets away from pitching half of his games at Coors Field.
Chance of being traded: 30 percent
Possible fits: Braves, Indians
lastname
Jason Hammel, RHP, Cubs (Age: 31)
Hammel is having the best year of his career, sporting a 6-5 record, 2.99 ERA and 1.02 WHIP. Hammel is a free agent at season's end, and as much as the Cubs would prefer to keep Samardzija, they want to trade Hammel since they don't control him past this season and want to sell him while his stock is the highest of his career. Their blueprint when they signed him was for him to have a good first half so they could trade him at the deadline like they did last year with Scott Feldman. The first part of the plan has worked, based on how Hammel has pitched. Now it's up to Jed Hoyer and Theo Epstein to get the prospect return they were looking for when they signed him.
Chance of being traded: 75 percent
Possible fits: Mariners, Angels, Indians
lastname
Ian Kennedy, RHP, San Diego Padres (Age: 29)
The Padres are interviewing GMs and hope to have one in place in a timely manner so the new GM can start reshaping and rebuilding the game's worst offense. When the wheeling and dealing begins, expect Kennedy to be dealt to help the back of a rotation of a contending team. Kennedy has a 3.90 ERA in 16 starts, and his 9.6 K's per nine innings (103 strikeouts in 97 innings) is a career high.
Chance of being traded: 50 percent
Possible fits: Angels, Mariners, Indians, Braves, Pirates
Relief pitchers
lastname
Huston Street, closer, Padres (Age: 30)
Street is the most sought-after closer on the market because of both his dominant performance (0.96 ERA, 0.79 WHIP, 20 saves) and his affordable contract ($7 million this year, with a team option for $7 million next year). Teams are lining up, and they should be. The Padres should be looking for a good young hitter in return, and this could be the trade piece that defines the next Padres general manager.
Chance of being traded: 70 percent
Possible fits: Angels, Tigers, Orioles, Reds, Dodgers
lastname
Jonathan Papelbon, closer, Phillies (Age: 33)
Papelbon has had a bounce-back season, as shown by his 1.48 ERA, 0.99 WHIP and 18 saves. The five-time All-Star makes $13 million per season, which includes a vesting option at the same rate in 2016. Papelbon has a no-trade clause that covers eight teams of his choice (those teams have not been made public). There aren't many teams that are willing to allocate $13 million to their closer role, and with both Street and Joakim Soria possibly on the market, it's unlikely Papelbon gets dealt even if the Phillies do decide to go to sell mode.
Chance of being traded: 1 percent
Possible fits: N/A
lastname
Joakim Soria, closer, Texas Rangers (Age: 30)
The Rangers did well in signing Soria to a reasonable contract while he was recovering from Tommy John surgery. Soria makes only $5.5 million this year, with a team option at $7 million or $500,000 buyout next year. Soria has an impressive 1.75 ERA with 15 saves and a 0.62 WHIP. That, combined with the affordable contract, should bring a significant prospect back in a deal. Teams could utilize him either as a closer or setup man. He knows how to pitch, and his 35 K's and three walks in 25 2/3 innings show that he's all the way back to his 2007-10 form.
Chance of being traded: 50 percent
Possible fits: Angels, Tigers, Orioles, Reds, Yankees, Dodgers, Indians
lastname
Joaquin Benoit, setup man, Padres (Age: 36)
Benoit is one of the best eighth-inning relievers in baseball and would be a perfect fit with the Reds, helping to set up Aroldis Chapman. His average fastball remains at 95 mph, and he has a hard slider and solid changeup. He is showing no signs of slowing down at age 36.
Chance of being traded: 80 percent
Possible fits: Reds, Yankees, Orioles, Angels, Marlins, Dodgers
lastname
Brad Ziegler, setup man, Arizona Diamondbacks (Age: 34)
Ziegler's ERA is under 2.50 for the fourth consecutive season, and he leads the National League in total appearances since the start of the 2013 season. His low arm angle adds diversity to a major league bullpen, and his leadership qualities are a real plus as well.
Chance of being traded: 50 percent
Possible fits: Orioles, Yankees, Tigers, Indians, Reds, Marlins, Dodgers
lastname
Alex Torres, situational lefty, Padres (Age: 26)
Torres is best known for being the only pitcher in baseball to wear the new protective cap, but he should be best known for being one of the best situational lefties in the game. Last year, his ERA was 1.71 in the AL (with the Rays), and this year it's 1.97 in the NL. His walk rate would be the biggest concern to a potential trade suitor, but the fact that left-handed batters have hit only .183 against him in 165 plate appearances, with only four extra-base hits, speaks volumes about how he could contribute down the stretch.
Chance of being traded: 50 percent
Possible fits: Angels, Nationals, Orioles
lastname
Oliver Perez, situational lefty, Diamondbacks (Age: 32)
Perez has posted a solid 2.35 ERA and 1.21 WHIP and would be a great fit for the Angels, who are looking to add another lefty to their bullpen. Perez makes $1.75 million this year and is slated to make $2.5 million next year.
Chance of being traded: 75 percent
Possible fits: Angels, Nationals, Orioles
lastname
Tony Sipp, situational lefty, Houston Astros (Age: 30)
Sipp was released by the Padres on May 1 and immediately signed with the Astros. He has been impressive with Houston, posting a 1.89 ERA and 0.63 WHIP in 19 appearances, with 25 strikeouts and just 10 hits and two walks in 19 innings. He might have just pitched his way on to a contending team. There are too many teams looking for a second or third left-hander, and if used correctly, there's no reason he can't keep this up.
Chance of being traded: 50 percent
Possible fits: Angels, Orioles, Nationals
21 hitters who could be dealt this summer.
With MLB's trade deadline just five weeks away, 23 teams are within six games of making the playoffs. This means just seven teams can be considered sellers at this juncture, with some of those still considering themselves either holding or buyers.
Several contending teams are looking for corner-outfield bats, middle infielders or bench help, and the trade market is not flooded with trade opportunities. However, a plethora of position players could move between now and the deadline.
I went through every major league roster and came up with 21 position players who have a shot of being traded this summer and could affect the pennant race. Below is a breakdown of the names as well as why (and where) they could be moved.
Middle infielders
lastname
Chase Utley | 2B | Philadelphia Phillies
The Phillies are hanging by a thread in the wild-card race, but they should be looking to sell, and Utley is probably their most attractive piece until Cliff Lee proves he is healthy. The caveat here is that Utley can veto any trade and has indicated he doesn't want to leave Philadelphia. That said, he could change his mind if the Phillies continue to struggle and he decides he wants one more shot at a World Series.
Chance of being traded: 10 percent
Possible fits: Baltimore Orioles, Toronto Blue Jays, San Francisco Giants, Oakland Athletics, St. Louis Cardinals
lastname
Jimmy Rollins | SS | Philadelphia Phillies
Like Utley, Rollins can veto any trade and says he prefers to stay in Philly. But I think his mind could change if he has an opportunity to play for a team that has a real shot at winning the World Series such as the Tigers.
Chance of being traded: 10 percent
Possible fits: Detroit Tigers, Pittsburgh Pirates
lastname
Ben Zobrist | 2B/OF | Tampa Bay Rays
The Rays control Zobrist through next year at an affordable rate ($7.5 million), but they know his trade value will never be higher than it is right now. Several teams are looking for second-base upgrades, and Zobrist’s ability to play six positions could protect teams from potential injuries around the diamond in the second half. The Marlins and A's would be the best fits to play second.
Chance of being traded: 70 percent
Possible fits: Athletics, Miami Marlins, Atlanta Braves, Cardinals, Orioles, Blue Jays, Giants
lastname
Alexei Ramirez | SS | Chicago White Sox
Ramirez is having one of the best years of his career, so his trade value will never be higher. He could be a real difference-maker for the Pirates as they wait for Alen Hanson to develop. However, the price will be steep considering he is signed through next year with a team option for 2016.
Chance of being traded: 20 percent
Possible fits: Pirates, New York Mets, Tigers
lastname
Daniel Murphy | 2B | New York Mets
Murphy leads the NL with 94 hits and would be an upgrade at second for a few contenders despite his below-average defense. The Mets don't have a lot of trade pieces, but Murphy could be used to help them improve at first base, shortstop or left field.
Chance of being traded: 50 percent
Possible fits: Orioles, Blue Jays, Giants, Braves, Athletics
lastname
Aaron Hill | 2B | Arizona Diamondbacks
Hill will be owed $12 million in 2015 and 2016, so the D-backs would have to eat some salary to make this move. However, they want to open up the middle of their infield for Didi Gregorius, Chris Owings and prospect Nick Ahmed, so they have some incentive to move him. The Orioles are the team most likely to trade for a second baseman and add salary.
Chance of being traded: 20 percent
Possible fits: Orioles, Giants
lastname
Everth Cabrera | SS | San Diego Padres
Cabrera was an All-Star last season before being suspended for his connection to Biogenesis. He's just 27 years old and won't be a free agent until 2017, so perhaps a team could take him on as a long-term project hoping that his game-changing speed could be a weapon down the stretch.
Chance of being traded: 20 percent
Possible fits: Pirates, Tigers, Mets
lastname
Stephen Drew | SS | Boston Red Sox
In retrospect, the Red Sox probably regret signing Drew and forcing Xander Bogaerts -- one of the few bright spots of their season -- to play third base. Boston could salvage the signing by getting whatever it can for Drew.
Chance of being traded: 20 percent
Possible fits: Pirates, Tigers
Corner outfielders
lastname
Michael Cuddyer | OF | Colorado Rockies
Cuddyer is on the DL with a shoulder injury but would be a great trade piece -- assuming he comes back healthy before the deadline -- for a Rockies team that has fallen out of the race. He led the NL in hitting last year and is a great clubhouse presence. He'll be a free agent this winter and would be a perfect fit in left field for the Reds.
Chance of being traded: 50 percent
Possible fits: Cincinnati Reds, Kansas City Royals, Red Sox, Seattle Mariners, Orioles
lastname
Alex Rios | OF | Texas Rangers
The Rangers think power-hitting prospect Joey Gallo could play right field in 2015, but for that to happen, they need to move Rios, who has a reasonable 2015 team option of $13.5 million. He'd be an upgrade in Cincinnati or Kansas City.
Chance of being traded: 65 percent
Possible fits: Reds, Royals, Red Sox, Orioles, Mariners
lastname
Marlon Byrd | RF | Philadelphia Phillies
His age (36) could make him tough to deal, but he's signed through next year at a not-unreasonable $8 million and is slugging .474 with 13 homers. He helped the Pirates as a midseason acquisition last summer and could help another contender this year.
Chance of being traded: 20 percent
Possible fits: Reds, Royals, Red Sox
lastname
Josh Willingham | LF | Minnesota Twins
Another outfielder who makes sense in Cincinnati, and the Reds even have a perfect late-inning defensive replacement in Chris Heisey. Willingham would really lengthen their lineup and give them a much-needed right-handed bat.
Chance of being traded: 50 percent
Possible fits: Reds, Royals, Red Sox, Orioles
lastname
Seth Smith | OF | San Diego Padres
One of Josh Byrnes' best (and final) trades was getting Smith for reliever Luke Gregerson last winter. Smith, who will be a free agent this offseason, is raking this season (.925 OPS) and would be a great piece for a number of contending teams that need a left-handed bat.
Chance of being traded: 50 percent
Possible fits: Reds, Royals
lastname
Carlos Quentin | OF | San Diego Padres
Quentin's injury history and poor performance this season make it unlikely he'll be moved, but he belongs on this list because some team might believe it can coax out the 30-homer season he's shown before.
Chance of being traded: 10 percent
Possible fits: Mariners
lastname
Gerardo Parra | OF | Arizona Diamondbacks
Parra is one of the best defensive outfielders in the game, and although he doesn't hit enough to start in a corner spot on a regular basis, he would be the perfect fourth outfielder for a contender.
Chance of being traded: 50 percent
Possible fits: Pretty much any contender
Corner infielders/DH/C
lastname
Justin Morneau | 1B | Colorado Rockies
Coors Field is probably the best spot for Morneau to finish his career, but the Rockies will have to get younger at some point. Based on where they are in the standings, they should at least listen to teams that have interest. However, there isn’t much first-base demand among contending teams.
Chance of being traded: 35 percent
Possible fits: Rangers, Mariners
lastname
Chase Headley | 3B | San Diego Padres
Headley was an MVP candidate in 2012 but hasn't been able to live up to that performance since then, and he's already missed time this season with a fractured thumb and is now dealing with a herniated disk. The Angels could soon be looking for help at the hot corner if David Freese doesn't start hitting, and Headley -- who will be a free agent this winter -- would make sense.
Chance of being traded: 35 percent
Possible fits: Los Angeles Angels, New York Yankees
lastname
Kendrys Morales | DH | Minnesota Twins
The Twins believed they were contenders when they signed Morales a few weeks ago, but by the end of July, they might realize they’re still a year or two away, and trading Morales for a midlevel prospect could be the most prudent move. A reunion with the Mariners would make sense if Justin Smoak and Jesus Montero don't start hitting.
Chance of being traded: 25 percent
Possible fits: Mariners, Rangers
lastname
Adam Dunn | DH | Chicago White Sox
There isn't a big market for designated hitters, but Dunn could help Seattle, a team that has gotten a .571 OPS from its DH spot. The Mariners can prevent runs, and he would give their pitchers a bit more run support.
Chance of being traded: 5 percent
Possible fits: Mariners
lastname
Chris Carter | 1B/DH | Houston Astros
Carter hit 29 homers last year and is on pace to duplicate that performance in 2014. His .279 OBP makes him a bench player, but his above-average power gives him some value, even on a National League club.
Chance of being traded: 60 percent
Possible fits: Almost any contender
lastname
Kurt Suzuki | C | Minnesota Twins
He has had a solid year on offense and defense and will be the first name brought up if any contender loses a catcher to injury.
Chance of being traded: 25 percent
Possible fits: Depends on injuries
Several contending teams are looking for corner-outfield bats, middle infielders or bench help, and the trade market is not flooded with trade opportunities. However, a plethora of position players could move between now and the deadline.
I went through every major league roster and came up with 21 position players who have a shot of being traded this summer and could affect the pennant race. Below is a breakdown of the names as well as why (and where) they could be moved.
Middle infielders
lastname
Chase Utley | 2B | Philadelphia Phillies
The Phillies are hanging by a thread in the wild-card race, but they should be looking to sell, and Utley is probably their most attractive piece until Cliff Lee proves he is healthy. The caveat here is that Utley can veto any trade and has indicated he doesn't want to leave Philadelphia. That said, he could change his mind if the Phillies continue to struggle and he decides he wants one more shot at a World Series.
Chance of being traded: 10 percent
Possible fits: Baltimore Orioles, Toronto Blue Jays, San Francisco Giants, Oakland Athletics, St. Louis Cardinals
lastname
Jimmy Rollins | SS | Philadelphia Phillies
Like Utley, Rollins can veto any trade and says he prefers to stay in Philly. But I think his mind could change if he has an opportunity to play for a team that has a real shot at winning the World Series such as the Tigers.
Chance of being traded: 10 percent
Possible fits: Detroit Tigers, Pittsburgh Pirates
lastname
Ben Zobrist | 2B/OF | Tampa Bay Rays
The Rays control Zobrist through next year at an affordable rate ($7.5 million), but they know his trade value will never be higher than it is right now. Several teams are looking for second-base upgrades, and Zobrist’s ability to play six positions could protect teams from potential injuries around the diamond in the second half. The Marlins and A's would be the best fits to play second.
Chance of being traded: 70 percent
Possible fits: Athletics, Miami Marlins, Atlanta Braves, Cardinals, Orioles, Blue Jays, Giants
lastname
Alexei Ramirez | SS | Chicago White Sox
Ramirez is having one of the best years of his career, so his trade value will never be higher. He could be a real difference-maker for the Pirates as they wait for Alen Hanson to develop. However, the price will be steep considering he is signed through next year with a team option for 2016.
Chance of being traded: 20 percent
Possible fits: Pirates, New York Mets, Tigers
lastname
Daniel Murphy | 2B | New York Mets
Murphy leads the NL with 94 hits and would be an upgrade at second for a few contenders despite his below-average defense. The Mets don't have a lot of trade pieces, but Murphy could be used to help them improve at first base, shortstop or left field.
Chance of being traded: 50 percent
Possible fits: Orioles, Blue Jays, Giants, Braves, Athletics
lastname
Aaron Hill | 2B | Arizona Diamondbacks
Hill will be owed $12 million in 2015 and 2016, so the D-backs would have to eat some salary to make this move. However, they want to open up the middle of their infield for Didi Gregorius, Chris Owings and prospect Nick Ahmed, so they have some incentive to move him. The Orioles are the team most likely to trade for a second baseman and add salary.
Chance of being traded: 20 percent
Possible fits: Orioles, Giants
lastname
Everth Cabrera | SS | San Diego Padres
Cabrera was an All-Star last season before being suspended for his connection to Biogenesis. He's just 27 years old and won't be a free agent until 2017, so perhaps a team could take him on as a long-term project hoping that his game-changing speed could be a weapon down the stretch.
Chance of being traded: 20 percent
Possible fits: Pirates, Tigers, Mets
lastname
Stephen Drew | SS | Boston Red Sox
In retrospect, the Red Sox probably regret signing Drew and forcing Xander Bogaerts -- one of the few bright spots of their season -- to play third base. Boston could salvage the signing by getting whatever it can for Drew.
Chance of being traded: 20 percent
Possible fits: Pirates, Tigers
Corner outfielders
lastname
Michael Cuddyer | OF | Colorado Rockies
Cuddyer is on the DL with a shoulder injury but would be a great trade piece -- assuming he comes back healthy before the deadline -- for a Rockies team that has fallen out of the race. He led the NL in hitting last year and is a great clubhouse presence. He'll be a free agent this winter and would be a perfect fit in left field for the Reds.
Chance of being traded: 50 percent
Possible fits: Cincinnati Reds, Kansas City Royals, Red Sox, Seattle Mariners, Orioles
lastname
Alex Rios | OF | Texas Rangers
The Rangers think power-hitting prospect Joey Gallo could play right field in 2015, but for that to happen, they need to move Rios, who has a reasonable 2015 team option of $13.5 million. He'd be an upgrade in Cincinnati or Kansas City.
Chance of being traded: 65 percent
Possible fits: Reds, Royals, Red Sox, Orioles, Mariners
lastname
Marlon Byrd | RF | Philadelphia Phillies
His age (36) could make him tough to deal, but he's signed through next year at a not-unreasonable $8 million and is slugging .474 with 13 homers. He helped the Pirates as a midseason acquisition last summer and could help another contender this year.
Chance of being traded: 20 percent
Possible fits: Reds, Royals, Red Sox
lastname
Josh Willingham | LF | Minnesota Twins
Another outfielder who makes sense in Cincinnati, and the Reds even have a perfect late-inning defensive replacement in Chris Heisey. Willingham would really lengthen their lineup and give them a much-needed right-handed bat.
Chance of being traded: 50 percent
Possible fits: Reds, Royals, Red Sox, Orioles
lastname
Seth Smith | OF | San Diego Padres
One of Josh Byrnes' best (and final) trades was getting Smith for reliever Luke Gregerson last winter. Smith, who will be a free agent this offseason, is raking this season (.925 OPS) and would be a great piece for a number of contending teams that need a left-handed bat.
Chance of being traded: 50 percent
Possible fits: Reds, Royals
lastname
Carlos Quentin | OF | San Diego Padres
Quentin's injury history and poor performance this season make it unlikely he'll be moved, but he belongs on this list because some team might believe it can coax out the 30-homer season he's shown before.
Chance of being traded: 10 percent
Possible fits: Mariners
lastname
Gerardo Parra | OF | Arizona Diamondbacks
Parra is one of the best defensive outfielders in the game, and although he doesn't hit enough to start in a corner spot on a regular basis, he would be the perfect fourth outfielder for a contender.
Chance of being traded: 50 percent
Possible fits: Pretty much any contender
Corner infielders/DH/C
lastname
Justin Morneau | 1B | Colorado Rockies
Coors Field is probably the best spot for Morneau to finish his career, but the Rockies will have to get younger at some point. Based on where they are in the standings, they should at least listen to teams that have interest. However, there isn’t much first-base demand among contending teams.
Chance of being traded: 35 percent
Possible fits: Rangers, Mariners
lastname
Chase Headley | 3B | San Diego Padres
Headley was an MVP candidate in 2012 but hasn't been able to live up to that performance since then, and he's already missed time this season with a fractured thumb and is now dealing with a herniated disk. The Angels could soon be looking for help at the hot corner if David Freese doesn't start hitting, and Headley -- who will be a free agent this winter -- would make sense.
Chance of being traded: 35 percent
Possible fits: Los Angeles Angels, New York Yankees
lastname
Kendrys Morales | DH | Minnesota Twins
The Twins believed they were contenders when they signed Morales a few weeks ago, but by the end of July, they might realize they’re still a year or two away, and trading Morales for a midlevel prospect could be the most prudent move. A reunion with the Mariners would make sense if Justin Smoak and Jesus Montero don't start hitting.
Chance of being traded: 25 percent
Possible fits: Mariners, Rangers
lastname
Adam Dunn | DH | Chicago White Sox
There isn't a big market for designated hitters, but Dunn could help Seattle, a team that has gotten a .571 OPS from its DH spot. The Mariners can prevent runs, and he would give their pitchers a bit more run support.
Chance of being traded: 5 percent
Possible fits: Mariners
lastname
Chris Carter | 1B/DH | Houston Astros
Carter hit 29 homers last year and is on pace to duplicate that performance in 2014. His .279 OBP makes him a bench player, but his above-average power gives him some value, even on a National League club.
Chance of being traded: 60 percent
Possible fits: Almost any contender
lastname
Kurt Suzuki | C | Minnesota Twins
He has had a solid year on offense and defense and will be the first name brought up if any contender loses a catcher to injury.
Chance of being traded: 25 percent
Possible fits: Depends on injuries
Glaring holes among playoff contenders.
It's easy to imagine the Angels succeeding in October -- for seven innings, at least. Mike Trout is already widely regarded as the best player on the planet, and he is in the midst of what is arguably the best month of his career, sporting a 1.228 OPS in June; he has 17 extra-base hits in 73 at-bats and has reached base 41 times. Josh Hamilton is hitting .321, shortstop Erick Aybar is an All-Star candidate, and Albert Pujols is focused and getting results and is on pace for 34 homers and 97 RBIs.
Meanwhile, Garrett Richards, their No. 3 starter, has been among the most dominating starters in the majors this season, and their rotation ranks second in the American League in ERA.
If you watched the Angels' win over Minnesota on Thursday, there was a sequence in Jered Weaver's last inning that was just classic. The Angels led 4-1 in the seventh inning, but the Twins put a couple of guys on base and Brian Dozier got ahead in the count, three balls and no strikes. Weaver's pitch count was at 103, and it was looking like Dozier would be the last hitter he faced.
Weaver threw a 3-0 changeup -- just in case Dozier had the green light -- for a called strike. He followed that with a curveball, which Dozier took for a second strike. Having seen a changeup and a curveball while he was ahead in the count, Dozier probably didn't have a strong feel for what was coming next, and when Weaver fired a fastball, Dozier popped it up for the third out.
But the rest of the game was classic 2014 Angels as well: After they increased their lead to 6-1 on a double by Trout -- his 21st, to go along with five triples and 17 homers -- Ernesto Frieri allowed three runs in the ninth, and Mike Scioscia had to bring on Joe Smith to close it out.
The Angels could have a great team, a World Series contender. But they must solve their bullpen between now and Aug. 31, either through trades or internal solutions. Among all the teams contending, this is probably the most glaring hole, the fix most needed.
Within this Mike DiGiovanna notebook, there is word that the Angels could have interest in reliever Scott Downs, who was designated for assignment by the White Sox. But they'll need more than that, maybe a Huston Street or a Joaquin Benoit. Somebody.
With 35 days remaining until the trade deadline, here are the most prominent holes among contenders:
1. Angels bullpen
2. New York Yankees rotation: They're three games out in the AL East and one game out in the wild-card race as they open a series against the Red Sox, and their rotation ranks 21st in the majors in ERA.
3. Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop: They need an experienced alternative to Hanley Ramirez in case they determine that Ramirez's shoulder issue will linger.
4. Seattle Mariners outfield: The Mariners are in the thick of the AL wild-card race, but they need a hitter.
5. Oakland Athletics rotation: The A's need depth, and they'll get it.
6. Detroit Tigers bullpen: Tony Paul draws up a helpful list of 25 relievers who could interest the Tigers.
Around the league
• The Rangers are making the buy/sell decision an obvious one for the front office: They dropped their eighth straight Thursday, as Nick Martinez struggled to throw strikes. The Rangers are readying for 2015, writes Jeff Wilson.
• About 20,000 folks attended the public memorial for the late Tony Gwynn. Reggie Jackson, Joe Torre and Steve Garvey were among those who attended, writes Corey Brock.
• On Thursday's podcast, Stacey Pressman explained how Prince Fielder became part of the Body Issue for ESPN The Magazine; Alex Speier discussed the looming decisions for the Red Sox; and Keith Law considered the implications of Tim Lincecum's no-hitter.
• Jayson Stark had this piece about the best outfield throws of 2014.
• I wrote here Thursday about how teams are looking for starting pitching options that are less expensive than David Price or Jeff Samardzija, such as Wade Miley. Another name to watch: Ross Detwiler, who has plenty of starting experience but has been working sporadically out of the Washington bullpen. Detwiler's career marks as a starter: A 4.02 ERA in 69 games, with 118 walks in 375 2/3 innings.
• David Forst's situation is probably a lot like that of Brad Ausmus before Ausmus took the Tigers' managerial job. Ausmus declined opportunities to talk to the Astros and other teams as he waited for other situations to develop … and eventually, he got a great job in Detroit. Forst, the assistant GM of the Oakland A's, has turned down the chance to interview for the Padres' GM job, but there could be other opportunities.
• The Cubs prevailed through a foggy night, although Junior Lake had to leave the game with an apparent injury after running into the outfield wall.
• The Dodgers cut the Giants' lead in the NL West to two games behind another strong outing by Josh Beckett. Meanwhile, San Francisco lost to the Reds, as Henry Schulman details.
• With Hanley Ramirez hurting, Miguel Rojas is now the Dodgers' everyday shortstop.
• Rick Porcello shut out the Rangers, as John Lowe writes. Porcello is closing in on 1,000 innings in his career and is still just 25 years old.
From ESPN Stats & Info on how Porcello won:
A) He recorded a career-high 17 outs with his sinker, including all three double plays.
B) Hitters were 1-for-15 with no hard-hit balls in at-bats ending in his sinker.
C) He threw a strike on a season-low 50 percent of his first pitches, but the Rangers were just 2-for-12 with three strikeouts and no hard-hit balls after a 1-0 count.
• The Astros have worked to collect talent in their minors, absorbing season after season of triple-digit losses, with the trade-off being that they have been choosing at the top of the draft. But there is always the unknown, as the Cubs might attest from their experience with Kerry Wood and Mark Prior.
At the same time that Mark Appel, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2013 draft, is working to come back from early-season struggles, Carlos Correa -- the first pick in the 2012 draft -- now is recovering from a serious leg injury.
• Phillies prospect Jesse Biddle is getting a mental break.
• Rickie Weeks got the Brewers off to a good start Thursday, and Aramis Ramirez clubbed his 365th career homer.
The Brewers are 49-32 at the halfway mark of the season. Did anybody peg the Brewers for 98 wins? This has been the best first half in the history of the franchise, writes Jerry Crasnick.
Dings and dents
1. Juan Uribe was activated off the disabled list, but Hanley Ramirez managed to avoid it.
2. Nolan Arenado is really close to returning.
3. Justin Masterson has been dealing with knee troubles since his second start.
4. White Sox outfielder Adam Eaton suffered an injury Thursday.
5. Boone Logan is making progress.
6. Joey Votto is remaining quiet about his quad.
7. Jose Veras returned to the Astros, while Kyle Farnsworth was cut.
8. Bryce Harper could return as soon as Monday.
9. Gerrit Cole has learned a lesson about his body, as Karen Price writes.
10. Bud Norris is likely headed to the disabled list. Meanwhile, fellow Oriole Nolan Reimold is feeling better.
Moves, deals and decisions
1. The Cardinals are in no position to trade for David Price, writes Jeff Gordon. I'd respectfully disagree. The Cardinals absolutely could put together a Price deal, and they don't have to worry about signing him to an extension for a while. Remember, he's not a free agent until after the 2015 season, and he would undoubtedly improve the team's chances of winning a title this year and next.
2. Yu Darvish prefers to not pitch in the All-Star Game. That's entirely his prerogative. But what's the point of having Darvish -- or any other player who feels that way -- under consideration for the All-Star team if he doesn't want to participate?
3. Brandon Workman is returning, and the Red Sox are considering their options. The Red Sox have let other teams know that Jake Peavy is available in a trade. The team needs to make changes now, writes John Tomase.
Thursday's games
1. Adam Wainwright pitched great but got no help, as Derrick Goold writes.
2. Mike Leake struck out 12 Giants hitters as the Reds continued to play well.
3. The Astros ended their losing streak.
4. J.A. Happ was The Man for the Blue Jays on Thursday.
5. Gregory Polanco continues to deliver for the Pirates. He has crashed the party with style.
6. Chase Utley walked it off in the Phillies' win.
AL West
• James Jones has achieved his big league dreams with the Mariners, writes Todd Dybas.
• Logan Morrison has found his swing, writes Ryan Divish.
• Dan Otero is the glue of the Oakland bullpen, writes Susan Slusser.
AL Central
• J.D. Martinez is staying low-key as he prepares to return to Houston.
• Eric Hosmer is looking for answers, writes Andy McCullough.
• Jason Kipnis is trying to make hard contact.
• The Twins were shut down in Anaheim, where Ricky Nolasco was ineffective again.
• From ESPN Stats & Info: Justin Verlander is scheduled to start for the Tigers on Friday night in Houston. He is 0-3 in June, and this will be his final start for the month. Verlander has never gone winless for a month in which he has started at least three games in his MLB career.
AL East
• The Blue Jays keep fighting.
• Kevin Kiermaier is already a fan favorite.
• The Red Sox and Yankees are struggling to score, writes John Harper.
• Yankees hitting coach Kevin Long is not down on Brian McCann.
NL East
• Evan Gattis is making a case for an All-Star selection.
• The Marlins see similarities between them and the Oakland A's.
• Juan Lagares rejoined the Mets on Thursday.
NL Central
• Carlos Martinez is stretching out, to help the rotation.
• The aforementioned Gregory Polanco recorded his first career game with at least one homer and one steal in his 16th game. It's the second-fewest games to achieve that for the Pirates in the past 100 seasons. Al Oliver did it in his 10th career game in 1969 (Oliver also accomplished that feat in his 27th and 33rd career games).
Fewest games before recording a home run and stolen base in the same game, Pirates history
1969: Al Oliver (10th career game)
2014: Gregory Polanco (16th game)
2007: Nyjer Morgan (23rd)
1986: Barry Bonds (33rd)
2009: Andrew McCutchen (35th)
NL West
• Tim Lincecum is still searching for consistency.
• Wade Miley's recent struggles are baffling to the Diamondbacks. There are teams that would love to take him off Arizona's hands and work to find the solution, though.
Lastly
• Manny Ramirez had an uneventful outing for the Cubs' Triple-A affiliate. He is a coach first and a player second, writes Steve Greenberg.
• Bo Jackson can still slip a tackle, writes John Lott.
• Paul Goldschmidt is doing a really nice thing for the Phoenix Children's Hospital.
• There was a celebration for Vanderbilt's baseball team in Nashville.
And today will be better than yesterday.
Meanwhile, Garrett Richards, their No. 3 starter, has been among the most dominating starters in the majors this season, and their rotation ranks second in the American League in ERA.
If you watched the Angels' win over Minnesota on Thursday, there was a sequence in Jered Weaver's last inning that was just classic. The Angels led 4-1 in the seventh inning, but the Twins put a couple of guys on base and Brian Dozier got ahead in the count, three balls and no strikes. Weaver's pitch count was at 103, and it was looking like Dozier would be the last hitter he faced.
Weaver threw a 3-0 changeup -- just in case Dozier had the green light -- for a called strike. He followed that with a curveball, which Dozier took for a second strike. Having seen a changeup and a curveball while he was ahead in the count, Dozier probably didn't have a strong feel for what was coming next, and when Weaver fired a fastball, Dozier popped it up for the third out.
But the rest of the game was classic 2014 Angels as well: After they increased their lead to 6-1 on a double by Trout -- his 21st, to go along with five triples and 17 homers -- Ernesto Frieri allowed three runs in the ninth, and Mike Scioscia had to bring on Joe Smith to close it out.
The Angels could have a great team, a World Series contender. But they must solve their bullpen between now and Aug. 31, either through trades or internal solutions. Among all the teams contending, this is probably the most glaring hole, the fix most needed.
Within this Mike DiGiovanna notebook, there is word that the Angels could have interest in reliever Scott Downs, who was designated for assignment by the White Sox. But they'll need more than that, maybe a Huston Street or a Joaquin Benoit. Somebody.
With 35 days remaining until the trade deadline, here are the most prominent holes among contenders:
1. Angels bullpen
2. New York Yankees rotation: They're three games out in the AL East and one game out in the wild-card race as they open a series against the Red Sox, and their rotation ranks 21st in the majors in ERA.
3. Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop: They need an experienced alternative to Hanley Ramirez in case they determine that Ramirez's shoulder issue will linger.
4. Seattle Mariners outfield: The Mariners are in the thick of the AL wild-card race, but they need a hitter.
5. Oakland Athletics rotation: The A's need depth, and they'll get it.
6. Detroit Tigers bullpen: Tony Paul draws up a helpful list of 25 relievers who could interest the Tigers.
Around the league
• The Rangers are making the buy/sell decision an obvious one for the front office: They dropped their eighth straight Thursday, as Nick Martinez struggled to throw strikes. The Rangers are readying for 2015, writes Jeff Wilson.
• About 20,000 folks attended the public memorial for the late Tony Gwynn. Reggie Jackson, Joe Torre and Steve Garvey were among those who attended, writes Corey Brock.
• On Thursday's podcast, Stacey Pressman explained how Prince Fielder became part of the Body Issue for ESPN The Magazine; Alex Speier discussed the looming decisions for the Red Sox; and Keith Law considered the implications of Tim Lincecum's no-hitter.
• Jayson Stark had this piece about the best outfield throws of 2014.
• I wrote here Thursday about how teams are looking for starting pitching options that are less expensive than David Price or Jeff Samardzija, such as Wade Miley. Another name to watch: Ross Detwiler, who has plenty of starting experience but has been working sporadically out of the Washington bullpen. Detwiler's career marks as a starter: A 4.02 ERA in 69 games, with 118 walks in 375 2/3 innings.
• David Forst's situation is probably a lot like that of Brad Ausmus before Ausmus took the Tigers' managerial job. Ausmus declined opportunities to talk to the Astros and other teams as he waited for other situations to develop … and eventually, he got a great job in Detroit. Forst, the assistant GM of the Oakland A's, has turned down the chance to interview for the Padres' GM job, but there could be other opportunities.
• The Cubs prevailed through a foggy night, although Junior Lake had to leave the game with an apparent injury after running into the outfield wall.
• The Dodgers cut the Giants' lead in the NL West to two games behind another strong outing by Josh Beckett. Meanwhile, San Francisco lost to the Reds, as Henry Schulman details.
• With Hanley Ramirez hurting, Miguel Rojas is now the Dodgers' everyday shortstop.
• Rick Porcello shut out the Rangers, as John Lowe writes. Porcello is closing in on 1,000 innings in his career and is still just 25 years old.
From ESPN Stats & Info on how Porcello won:
A) He recorded a career-high 17 outs with his sinker, including all three double plays.
B) Hitters were 1-for-15 with no hard-hit balls in at-bats ending in his sinker.
C) He threw a strike on a season-low 50 percent of his first pitches, but the Rangers were just 2-for-12 with three strikeouts and no hard-hit balls after a 1-0 count.
• The Astros have worked to collect talent in their minors, absorbing season after season of triple-digit losses, with the trade-off being that they have been choosing at the top of the draft. But there is always the unknown, as the Cubs might attest from their experience with Kerry Wood and Mark Prior.
At the same time that Mark Appel, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2013 draft, is working to come back from early-season struggles, Carlos Correa -- the first pick in the 2012 draft -- now is recovering from a serious leg injury.
• Phillies prospect Jesse Biddle is getting a mental break.
• Rickie Weeks got the Brewers off to a good start Thursday, and Aramis Ramirez clubbed his 365th career homer.
The Brewers are 49-32 at the halfway mark of the season. Did anybody peg the Brewers for 98 wins? This has been the best first half in the history of the franchise, writes Jerry Crasnick.
Dings and dents
1. Juan Uribe was activated off the disabled list, but Hanley Ramirez managed to avoid it.
2. Nolan Arenado is really close to returning.
3. Justin Masterson has been dealing with knee troubles since his second start.
4. White Sox outfielder Adam Eaton suffered an injury Thursday.
5. Boone Logan is making progress.
6. Joey Votto is remaining quiet about his quad.
7. Jose Veras returned to the Astros, while Kyle Farnsworth was cut.
8. Bryce Harper could return as soon as Monday.
9. Gerrit Cole has learned a lesson about his body, as Karen Price writes.
10. Bud Norris is likely headed to the disabled list. Meanwhile, fellow Oriole Nolan Reimold is feeling better.
Moves, deals and decisions
1. The Cardinals are in no position to trade for David Price, writes Jeff Gordon. I'd respectfully disagree. The Cardinals absolutely could put together a Price deal, and they don't have to worry about signing him to an extension for a while. Remember, he's not a free agent until after the 2015 season, and he would undoubtedly improve the team's chances of winning a title this year and next.
2. Yu Darvish prefers to not pitch in the All-Star Game. That's entirely his prerogative. But what's the point of having Darvish -- or any other player who feels that way -- under consideration for the All-Star team if he doesn't want to participate?
3. Brandon Workman is returning, and the Red Sox are considering their options. The Red Sox have let other teams know that Jake Peavy is available in a trade. The team needs to make changes now, writes John Tomase.
Thursday's games
1. Adam Wainwright pitched great but got no help, as Derrick Goold writes.
2. Mike Leake struck out 12 Giants hitters as the Reds continued to play well.
3. The Astros ended their losing streak.
4. J.A. Happ was The Man for the Blue Jays on Thursday.
5. Gregory Polanco continues to deliver for the Pirates. He has crashed the party with style.
6. Chase Utley walked it off in the Phillies' win.
AL West
• James Jones has achieved his big league dreams with the Mariners, writes Todd Dybas.
• Logan Morrison has found his swing, writes Ryan Divish.
• Dan Otero is the glue of the Oakland bullpen, writes Susan Slusser.
AL Central
• J.D. Martinez is staying low-key as he prepares to return to Houston.
• Eric Hosmer is looking for answers, writes Andy McCullough.
• Jason Kipnis is trying to make hard contact.
• The Twins were shut down in Anaheim, where Ricky Nolasco was ineffective again.
• From ESPN Stats & Info: Justin Verlander is scheduled to start for the Tigers on Friday night in Houston. He is 0-3 in June, and this will be his final start for the month. Verlander has never gone winless for a month in which he has started at least three games in his MLB career.
AL East
• The Blue Jays keep fighting.
• Kevin Kiermaier is already a fan favorite.
• The Red Sox and Yankees are struggling to score, writes John Harper.
• Yankees hitting coach Kevin Long is not down on Brian McCann.
NL East
• Evan Gattis is making a case for an All-Star selection.
• The Marlins see similarities between them and the Oakland A's.
• Juan Lagares rejoined the Mets on Thursday.
NL Central
• Carlos Martinez is stretching out, to help the rotation.
• The aforementioned Gregory Polanco recorded his first career game with at least one homer and one steal in his 16th game. It's the second-fewest games to achieve that for the Pirates in the past 100 seasons. Al Oliver did it in his 10th career game in 1969 (Oliver also accomplished that feat in his 27th and 33rd career games).
Fewest games before recording a home run and stolen base in the same game, Pirates history
1969: Al Oliver (10th career game)
2014: Gregory Polanco (16th game)
2007: Nyjer Morgan (23rd)
1986: Barry Bonds (33rd)
2009: Andrew McCutchen (35th)
NL West
• Tim Lincecum is still searching for consistency.
• Wade Miley's recent struggles are baffling to the Diamondbacks. There are teams that would love to take him off Arizona's hands and work to find the solution, though.
Lastly
• Manny Ramirez had an uneventful outing for the Cubs' Triple-A affiliate. He is a coach first and a player second, writes Steve Greenberg.
• Bo Jackson can still slip a tackle, writes John Lott.
• Paul Goldschmidt is doing a really nice thing for the Phoenix Children's Hospital.
• There was a celebration for Vanderbilt's baseball team in Nashville.
And today will be better than yesterday.
Fister lesson: Good arms can come cheap.
Three years ago, the Detroit Tigers surprised folks with an under-the-radar trade at the deadline, when they plucked an unspectacular right-hander with average fastball velocity from the Seattle Mariners. That pitcher, Doug Fister, was attractive to the Tigers because of his athleticism, because his fastball moved and because -- and here was the part that really jumped out to officials with other teams -- he was cheap, with very little service time.
For some evaluators, that trade has become a model in how to avoid paying the big prices that are attached to David Price and Jeff Samardzija, among others, and that's why teams are combing through rosters, looking for gems similar to Fister. This is why the Arizona Diamondbacks have been contacted about 27-year-old lefty Wade Miley, who will be eligible for arbitration for the first time next winter, and who has just 34 walks in 105 1/3 innings this year. The San Diego Padres might be more interested in trading Ian Kennedy, but other teams will want to talk to them about Tyson Ross, who will have three years and 126 days of service time when this season is over, and amid the San Diego rubble, he continues to get better at age 27. He sports a 3.22 ERA.
And for the Diamondbacks and Padres and other teams, trading the Mileys and the Rosses could make a lot of sense, because by the time Arizona and San Diego rebuild and contend again, those pitchers could be uncomfortably expensive.
The market watch focuses on the biggest names with the best resumes, but it may be that the higher volume of interest will be in someone like Ross or Miley, because all teams looking for starting pitching -- from the Mariners to the Oakland Athletics to the New York Yankees -- can afford them.
Trade talk from Thursday morning
1. The Diamondbacks are readying their for-sale signs, writes Nick Piecoro. From his story:
Kevin Towers has a new boss, but as he approaches his 18th trade deadline as a general manager, he says it's business as usual. And this year's business likely calls for the Diamondbacks to be selling off parts.
"Based on the last couple of years of being a .500 club and this year with the injuries we have and our record," Towers said, "we have to look at being more open-minded of moving some contracts and some veteran players for younger players."
During a recent three-day stretch, Diamondbacks coaches and executives -- yes, new baseball czar Tony La Russa was involved -- met to discuss the roster and put together a plan leading up to the deadline. In the coming days, Towers said the club's scouts will be looped in on a conference call.
2. David Price was outstanding again Wednesday, and he got a nice ovation from the crowd at the Trop, given the circumstances; nobody knows for sure if he will be dealt in the days and weeks ahead. A longtime scout mentioned to me the other day that the way Price is pitching right now, he looks like Cliff Lee, with the same extraordinary command, and with his fastball burrowing in on right-handed hitters. Price has 144 strikeouts and 14 walks, and since 1900, only two pitchers have finished a season with a strikeout-to-walk ratio of 10-to-1 or better: Bret Saberhagen, in the strike-shortened 1994 season, and Cliff Lee.
From ESPN Stats & Info: Price has 10-plus strikeouts in five straight starts, a career-high streak, and he is only the eighth pitcher in the past 100 years with 10 K's in five straight starts.
Pitchers with 10-plus K's in five consecutive starts (past 100 years)
Randy Johnson (achieved this eight different times)
Pedro Martinez (six times)
Nolan Ryan (three)
David Price (one)*
Johan Santana (one)
Curt Schilling (one)
Dwight Gooden (one)
J.R. Richard (one)
* Active streak
Meanwhile, the David Price trade talk continues to swirl, writes Marc Topkin. From his piece:
There are no indications any deal is imminent. But there is significant speculation throughout baseball that the Rays, saddled with a majors-worst 32-48 record in an unexpectedly disappointing season, will trade Price, and soon, seeking to maximize his value in acquiring premium young talent.
Nearly a dozen teams had scouts at Wednesday's game, including two each from the Blue Jays and Royals. The Braves, Cardinals, Dodgers and Giants are among other teams considered serious possibilities.
3. About the Giants and Price: At the end of this season, San Francisco will have to address holes at third base, left field and second base, and perhaps in the bullpen, and those impending costs will factor into any decision the Giants make (in the trade market) this summer. In other words, it's unlikely they will be serious bidders for Price, and to a lesser extent for Samardzija. The team's leadership has been aggressive in improving the team in the past and will keep an open mind, but Price is probably far too expensive, both in the front-end cost of prospects and the back-end cost in salary.
4. Tigers GM Dave Dombrowski says his team is looking for bullpen help.
5. The Cubs' James Russell is an interesting pitcher to watch in the trade market, given the fact he's left-handed and on a serious roll. Here's why, writes Mark Gonzales:
Entering Wednesday, left-hander James Russell hadn't allowed a run in his last 17 appearances and has limited right-handed hitters to a .156 batting average.
"I finally got my changeup back and have been really comfortable throwing a sinker now," said Russell, who has a 2.21 ERA in 31 appearances. "It has helped me a lot. I've been able to locate it down and away.
"I've been getting more ground balls. Sometimes they find holes. If they're going to beat me, make them beat me with singles and that's that."
Russell, who had appeared in 215 games from 2011-13, has managed to stay fresh with the offseason acquisition of fellow left-hander Wesley Wright.
"Not having to cover every lefty role is definitely something big," Russell said. "I haven't had that the past two years. I still like getting my work in. I like being the guy who is out there day after day, and I like proving I can do that."
Russell, 28, makes $1.775 million this season, and will be eligible for arbitration next year before becoming eligible for free agency following the 2015 season.
Around the league
• Tim Lincecum did it again. From ESPN Stats & Info, how he threw a no-hitter against the Padres:
Tim Lincecum no-hitters comparison
Stat July 13, 2013 Wednesday
Pct. of pitches in strike zone 38 53
Balls in play 14 21
Ground balls 6 12
Strikeouts 13 6
A) Lincecum threw only 36 percent fastballs, his lowest percentage since 2011 and his third-lowest percentage in 236 career starts.
B) Lincecum threw 59 percent of his fastballs up in the zone and 57 percent of his off-speed stuff down in the zone. He induced 14 outs with his changeup, and eight of them came after he threw a fastball on the previous pitch, including two of the three strikeouts he recorded with that pitch.
C) Lincecum induced 12 ground ball outs, his most in the past three seasons. He took 17 hitters to a two-strike count and retired seven (41 percent of them) via ground ball. In his previous no-hitter, he took 25 hitters to a two-strike count and retired three on ground balls (12 percent), finishing with 13 strikeouts in that game.
D) Lincecum was more efficient in his no-hitter Wednesday compared to last year. He got four outs on the first pitch Wednesday compared to none in his previous no-hitter.
More on Lincecum … he's the fourth pitcher to have multiple Cy Young awards and throw multiple no-hitters, joining Roy Halladay (whose two include one in postseason), Randy Johnson and Sandy Koufax. And according to the Elias Sports Bureau, Lincecum is only the second pitcher with two no-hitters against the same team (he no-hit the Padres on July 13, 2013, as well), joining Hall of Famer Addie Joss, who threw two against the Chicago White Sox, one in 1908 and the other in 1910.
Lincecum became the fourth active pitcher to record multiple no-hitters, joining Homer Bailey, Mark Buehrle and Justin Verlander.
It was a shining moment, writes Scott Ostler. A free spirit threw a no-hitter, writes Henry Schulman.
Lincecum is the Giants' Elvis, writes Mark Purdy, and the Padres complimented him afterward.
• Giancarlo Stanton wants to be in the Home Run Derby, writes Jayson Stark, and Yasiel Puig could face off with fellow Cuban Yoenis Cespedes in the Derby.
If rookie George Springer gets a shot to participate in the Derby, the Astros won't stand in his way, writes Evan Drellich.
• Derek Jeter turns 40 on Thursday, and likely will enjoy the day off following the team's nice win Wednesday night.
• Victor Martinez and J.D. Martinez are hammering the ball, and the Tigers have been winning with Joba Chamberlain carrying the lineup card.
• The Athletics signed a 10-year lease agreement to stay at the Oakland Coliseum.
Moves, deals and decisions
1. Pirates outfielder Jose Tabata accepted an assignment to the minor leagues.
2. Mets manager Terry Collins will have some difficult choices.
3. Manny Machado says his suspension hearing was fair.
4. Tigers outfielder Austin Jackson was benched.
5. Pete Kozma was squeezed off the Cardinals' roster.
6. The Cubs are thinking about using relievers as outfielders.
7. Twins outfielder Aaron Hicks was sent to Double-A.
8. A Toronto rookie was demoted after throwing his bat in anger.
Dings and dents
1. Matt Harvey will start throwing off a mound soon.
2. Justin Masterson has a sore knee.
3. The Twins' Danny Santana hurt his knee, writes La Velle Neal.
4. Edwin Encarnacion insists he feels great.
5. Freddie Freeman hopes to play Thursday.
6. Angel Pagan landed on the disabled list.
Wednesday's games
1. Stephen Strasburg had a rough outing.
2. The Pirates were shut down by David Price.
3. Zack Wheeler lasted only a couple of innings.
4. Nelson Cruz clubbed a game-tying grand slam.
5. Clay Buchholz and the Red Sox stopped the Mariners.
6. Wade Davis faltered for the Royals.
7. The Cards chipped away and prevailed.
8. The White Sox lost their Wednesday game on a wild pitch.
9. Scooter Gennett had another good day.
10. The Blue Jays squandered a chance to sweep the Yankees.
11. Henderson Alvarez got it done for the Marlins on Wednesday.
NL East
• The Phillies lack outfield options around Domonic Brown, who made a mistake Wednesday.
• Alex Wood stepped up for the Braves.
• Jarrod Saltalamacchia did a really nice thing.
NL Central
• The Reds just keep winning series, this time with Mat Latos having his best outing of the season on Wednesday.
AL East
• Masahiro Tanaka has had a drop-off in velocity.
• A.J. Pierzynski is not going to change his style. But teammate Jackie Bradley Jr. did change his stance.
AL Central
• Ian Kinsler said he meant no harm with his home run celebration, but Rangers pitcher Colby Lewis says he was disappointed with Kinsler's gesture.
• Corey Kluber simply shut down the Diamondbacks.
AL West
• Adrian Beltre downplays some of his Hall of Fame benchmarks. The Rangers keep losing, but they need to hang on to Beltre, writes Jeff Wilson.
Lastly
• No one deserves an NCAA baseball championship more than Vanderbilt coach Tim Corbin, writes David Climer. A whole bunch of folks watched the NCAA final at Vanderbilt's football stadium.
• Curt Schilling tweeted out great news.
And today will be better than yesterday.
For some evaluators, that trade has become a model in how to avoid paying the big prices that are attached to David Price and Jeff Samardzija, among others, and that's why teams are combing through rosters, looking for gems similar to Fister. This is why the Arizona Diamondbacks have been contacted about 27-year-old lefty Wade Miley, who will be eligible for arbitration for the first time next winter, and who has just 34 walks in 105 1/3 innings this year. The San Diego Padres might be more interested in trading Ian Kennedy, but other teams will want to talk to them about Tyson Ross, who will have three years and 126 days of service time when this season is over, and amid the San Diego rubble, he continues to get better at age 27. He sports a 3.22 ERA.
And for the Diamondbacks and Padres and other teams, trading the Mileys and the Rosses could make a lot of sense, because by the time Arizona and San Diego rebuild and contend again, those pitchers could be uncomfortably expensive.
The market watch focuses on the biggest names with the best resumes, but it may be that the higher volume of interest will be in someone like Ross or Miley, because all teams looking for starting pitching -- from the Mariners to the Oakland Athletics to the New York Yankees -- can afford them.
Trade talk from Thursday morning
1. The Diamondbacks are readying their for-sale signs, writes Nick Piecoro. From his story:
Kevin Towers has a new boss, but as he approaches his 18th trade deadline as a general manager, he says it's business as usual. And this year's business likely calls for the Diamondbacks to be selling off parts.
"Based on the last couple of years of being a .500 club and this year with the injuries we have and our record," Towers said, "we have to look at being more open-minded of moving some contracts and some veteran players for younger players."
During a recent three-day stretch, Diamondbacks coaches and executives -- yes, new baseball czar Tony La Russa was involved -- met to discuss the roster and put together a plan leading up to the deadline. In the coming days, Towers said the club's scouts will be looped in on a conference call.
2. David Price was outstanding again Wednesday, and he got a nice ovation from the crowd at the Trop, given the circumstances; nobody knows for sure if he will be dealt in the days and weeks ahead. A longtime scout mentioned to me the other day that the way Price is pitching right now, he looks like Cliff Lee, with the same extraordinary command, and with his fastball burrowing in on right-handed hitters. Price has 144 strikeouts and 14 walks, and since 1900, only two pitchers have finished a season with a strikeout-to-walk ratio of 10-to-1 or better: Bret Saberhagen, in the strike-shortened 1994 season, and Cliff Lee.
From ESPN Stats & Info: Price has 10-plus strikeouts in five straight starts, a career-high streak, and he is only the eighth pitcher in the past 100 years with 10 K's in five straight starts.
Pitchers with 10-plus K's in five consecutive starts (past 100 years)
Randy Johnson (achieved this eight different times)
Pedro Martinez (six times)
Nolan Ryan (three)
David Price (one)*
Johan Santana (one)
Curt Schilling (one)
Dwight Gooden (one)
J.R. Richard (one)
* Active streak
Meanwhile, the David Price trade talk continues to swirl, writes Marc Topkin. From his piece:
There are no indications any deal is imminent. But there is significant speculation throughout baseball that the Rays, saddled with a majors-worst 32-48 record in an unexpectedly disappointing season, will trade Price, and soon, seeking to maximize his value in acquiring premium young talent.
Nearly a dozen teams had scouts at Wednesday's game, including two each from the Blue Jays and Royals. The Braves, Cardinals, Dodgers and Giants are among other teams considered serious possibilities.
3. About the Giants and Price: At the end of this season, San Francisco will have to address holes at third base, left field and second base, and perhaps in the bullpen, and those impending costs will factor into any decision the Giants make (in the trade market) this summer. In other words, it's unlikely they will be serious bidders for Price, and to a lesser extent for Samardzija. The team's leadership has been aggressive in improving the team in the past and will keep an open mind, but Price is probably far too expensive, both in the front-end cost of prospects and the back-end cost in salary.
4. Tigers GM Dave Dombrowski says his team is looking for bullpen help.
5. The Cubs' James Russell is an interesting pitcher to watch in the trade market, given the fact he's left-handed and on a serious roll. Here's why, writes Mark Gonzales:
Entering Wednesday, left-hander James Russell hadn't allowed a run in his last 17 appearances and has limited right-handed hitters to a .156 batting average.
"I finally got my changeup back and have been really comfortable throwing a sinker now," said Russell, who has a 2.21 ERA in 31 appearances. "It has helped me a lot. I've been able to locate it down and away.
"I've been getting more ground balls. Sometimes they find holes. If they're going to beat me, make them beat me with singles and that's that."
Russell, who had appeared in 215 games from 2011-13, has managed to stay fresh with the offseason acquisition of fellow left-hander Wesley Wright.
"Not having to cover every lefty role is definitely something big," Russell said. "I haven't had that the past two years. I still like getting my work in. I like being the guy who is out there day after day, and I like proving I can do that."
Russell, 28, makes $1.775 million this season, and will be eligible for arbitration next year before becoming eligible for free agency following the 2015 season.
Around the league
• Tim Lincecum did it again. From ESPN Stats & Info, how he threw a no-hitter against the Padres:
Tim Lincecum no-hitters comparison
Stat July 13, 2013 Wednesday
Pct. of pitches in strike zone 38 53
Balls in play 14 21
Ground balls 6 12
Strikeouts 13 6
A) Lincecum threw only 36 percent fastballs, his lowest percentage since 2011 and his third-lowest percentage in 236 career starts.
B) Lincecum threw 59 percent of his fastballs up in the zone and 57 percent of his off-speed stuff down in the zone. He induced 14 outs with his changeup, and eight of them came after he threw a fastball on the previous pitch, including two of the three strikeouts he recorded with that pitch.
C) Lincecum induced 12 ground ball outs, his most in the past three seasons. He took 17 hitters to a two-strike count and retired seven (41 percent of them) via ground ball. In his previous no-hitter, he took 25 hitters to a two-strike count and retired three on ground balls (12 percent), finishing with 13 strikeouts in that game.
D) Lincecum was more efficient in his no-hitter Wednesday compared to last year. He got four outs on the first pitch Wednesday compared to none in his previous no-hitter.
More on Lincecum … he's the fourth pitcher to have multiple Cy Young awards and throw multiple no-hitters, joining Roy Halladay (whose two include one in postseason), Randy Johnson and Sandy Koufax. And according to the Elias Sports Bureau, Lincecum is only the second pitcher with two no-hitters against the same team (he no-hit the Padres on July 13, 2013, as well), joining Hall of Famer Addie Joss, who threw two against the Chicago White Sox, one in 1908 and the other in 1910.
Lincecum became the fourth active pitcher to record multiple no-hitters, joining Homer Bailey, Mark Buehrle and Justin Verlander.
It was a shining moment, writes Scott Ostler. A free spirit threw a no-hitter, writes Henry Schulman.
Lincecum is the Giants' Elvis, writes Mark Purdy, and the Padres complimented him afterward.
• Giancarlo Stanton wants to be in the Home Run Derby, writes Jayson Stark, and Yasiel Puig could face off with fellow Cuban Yoenis Cespedes in the Derby.
If rookie George Springer gets a shot to participate in the Derby, the Astros won't stand in his way, writes Evan Drellich.
• Derek Jeter turns 40 on Thursday, and likely will enjoy the day off following the team's nice win Wednesday night.
• Victor Martinez and J.D. Martinez are hammering the ball, and the Tigers have been winning with Joba Chamberlain carrying the lineup card.
• The Athletics signed a 10-year lease agreement to stay at the Oakland Coliseum.
Moves, deals and decisions
1. Pirates outfielder Jose Tabata accepted an assignment to the minor leagues.
2. Mets manager Terry Collins will have some difficult choices.
3. Manny Machado says his suspension hearing was fair.
4. Tigers outfielder Austin Jackson was benched.
5. Pete Kozma was squeezed off the Cardinals' roster.
6. The Cubs are thinking about using relievers as outfielders.
7. Twins outfielder Aaron Hicks was sent to Double-A.
8. A Toronto rookie was demoted after throwing his bat in anger.
Dings and dents
1. Matt Harvey will start throwing off a mound soon.
2. Justin Masterson has a sore knee.
3. The Twins' Danny Santana hurt his knee, writes La Velle Neal.
4. Edwin Encarnacion insists he feels great.
5. Freddie Freeman hopes to play Thursday.
6. Angel Pagan landed on the disabled list.
Wednesday's games
1. Stephen Strasburg had a rough outing.
2. The Pirates were shut down by David Price.
3. Zack Wheeler lasted only a couple of innings.
4. Nelson Cruz clubbed a game-tying grand slam.
5. Clay Buchholz and the Red Sox stopped the Mariners.
6. Wade Davis faltered for the Royals.
7. The Cards chipped away and prevailed.
8. The White Sox lost their Wednesday game on a wild pitch.
9. Scooter Gennett had another good day.
10. The Blue Jays squandered a chance to sweep the Yankees.
11. Henderson Alvarez got it done for the Marlins on Wednesday.
NL East
• The Phillies lack outfield options around Domonic Brown, who made a mistake Wednesday.
• Alex Wood stepped up for the Braves.
• Jarrod Saltalamacchia did a really nice thing.
NL Central
• The Reds just keep winning series, this time with Mat Latos having his best outing of the season on Wednesday.
AL East
• Masahiro Tanaka has had a drop-off in velocity.
• A.J. Pierzynski is not going to change his style. But teammate Jackie Bradley Jr. did change his stance.
AL Central
• Ian Kinsler said he meant no harm with his home run celebration, but Rangers pitcher Colby Lewis says he was disappointed with Kinsler's gesture.
• Corey Kluber simply shut down the Diamondbacks.
AL West
• Adrian Beltre downplays some of his Hall of Fame benchmarks. The Rangers keep losing, but they need to hang on to Beltre, writes Jeff Wilson.
Lastly
• No one deserves an NCAA baseball championship more than Vanderbilt coach Tim Corbin, writes David Climer. A whole bunch of folks watched the NCAA final at Vanderbilt's football stadium.
• Curt Schilling tweeted out great news.
And today will be better than yesterday.
Scouting Hunter Harvey, Pirates prospects.
SALISBURY, Md. -- Baltimore Orioles prospect Hunter Harvey threw for the Class A Delmarva Shorebirds on Monday night, and it was another outstanding effort from the 19-year-old who learned on Tuesday that he'll represent the Orioles in this year's MLB Futures Game. This was my second time seeing Harvey this year, and he had a better fastball Monday than he did when I saw him in April on a 46-degree day, and had better results, too.
Harvey started the game working from 93 and 96 mph with 70-grade life on his fastball, getting tremendous bore on the pitch; he broke at least three right-handed hitters' bats over the course of the outing. He located the fastball well to both corners and in the lower third of the zone, especially working inside to righties. By the fifth and sixth innings, he was down to 90-94, but he still had the same command and life to the pitch. His curveball, which was plus when I've seen him in the past, was just average Monday night, although he did punch out four hitters with it (with three others striking out on fastballs). The breaking ball was 77-80 mph with good rotation but less depth than before, and he left a few of 'em up over the course of the game, including one that led to a single, plating West Virginia's only run of the game. Harvey threw only one changeup, a good one at 84 mph. He'll have to use that pitch more often, though Sally League hitters aren't going to make him do that.
Harvey is ready to move up, at least to high-A but possibly all the way to Double-A, because he has the fastball velocity, life and command to eviscerate low-A hitters without needing to work on developing his changeup or tightening his curveball. This is less about getting him to the majors quickly than about allowing or forcing him to continue his development as a pitcher. He has a No. 1 starter ceiling and needs to get both secondary pitches up a grade or so to reach it.
• The West Virginia Power roster looked like it would be one of the strongest in the minors coming into the season, but two of its best players were on the DL for Monday night's game. JaCoby Jones, the Pittsburgh Pirates' third-round pick from 2013, went on the shelf Monday after tweaking his knee during BP on Saturday, while their first pick from last year, Austin Meadows, still has yet to play in a game at any level this year due to a severe hamstring injury.
[+] EnlargeHarold Ramirez
Cliff Welch/Icon SMI
Harold Ramirez is hitting .292 for West Virginia.
The two best prospects in the game for the Power were outfielder Harold Ramirez and catcher Reese McGuire. Ramirez, signed for $1.05 million two years ago out of Colombia, has great bat speed and good hand-eye coordination, making up for the slight bat wrap he creates when he loads his hands above his back shoulder. He keeps his head steady through contact and has excellent hip rotation, which matters quite a bit because his legs are already so strong. It's a contact swing rather than a power one right now, but guys who rotate this well should be able to generate more power as they develop. He's an average-at-best runner who doesn't project to stay in center, so there will have to be more than just contact as he develops. I like what he can do right now; I just want to see more thump before we talk about him as an above-average regular in the majors.
McGuire struggled receiving the ball Monday night, particularly with keeping the ball in front of him; he missed several breaking balls and once let a fastball go through his legs with two men on base. He didn't have to make any throws to second, perhaps because the Shorebirds were aware that his arm is his best tool. At the plate, McGuire did square up Harvey's fastball once for a ground ball single, but he's over-rotating and pulling his head back, cutting up through the ball, which should generate a lot of ground balls as he hits the ball on its top side rather than squarely. He has a good approach at the plate and should make a lot of contact, but I'd like to see better-quality contact from him. Assuming this was just an off night for him with the glove, he has a pretty high floor as a big league backup but is most likely an everyday catcher in the majors.
• The Pirates signed right-hander Dovydas Neverauskas out of Vilnius, Lithuania, in 2009, but this year marks his first in a full-season league. He's an arm-strength guy with a good pitcher's build but remains fairly crude overall. He's not a zero, but he's a long shot to have major league value, as his 6.45 ERA might indicate. Neverauskas was 91-95 mph with some downhill plane but poor command, and had limited feel for his 76-79 mph curveball, which ranged from fringe-average to fringe-awful. He might end up being a minor league Rule 5 pick in the next offseason or two.
• A few other quick observations on the Power: Wyatt Mathisen may not ever hit, but he played a great third base Monday night, with good reflexes and a plus arm. … Edwin Espinal has a pretty good swing, but that's a bad body destined for first base or DH, and he needs to lay off pitches he can't reach down and away.
Harvey started the game working from 93 and 96 mph with 70-grade life on his fastball, getting tremendous bore on the pitch; he broke at least three right-handed hitters' bats over the course of the outing. He located the fastball well to both corners and in the lower third of the zone, especially working inside to righties. By the fifth and sixth innings, he was down to 90-94, but he still had the same command and life to the pitch. His curveball, which was plus when I've seen him in the past, was just average Monday night, although he did punch out four hitters with it (with three others striking out on fastballs). The breaking ball was 77-80 mph with good rotation but less depth than before, and he left a few of 'em up over the course of the game, including one that led to a single, plating West Virginia's only run of the game. Harvey threw only one changeup, a good one at 84 mph. He'll have to use that pitch more often, though Sally League hitters aren't going to make him do that.
Harvey is ready to move up, at least to high-A but possibly all the way to Double-A, because he has the fastball velocity, life and command to eviscerate low-A hitters without needing to work on developing his changeup or tightening his curveball. This is less about getting him to the majors quickly than about allowing or forcing him to continue his development as a pitcher. He has a No. 1 starter ceiling and needs to get both secondary pitches up a grade or so to reach it.
• The West Virginia Power roster looked like it would be one of the strongest in the minors coming into the season, but two of its best players were on the DL for Monday night's game. JaCoby Jones, the Pittsburgh Pirates' third-round pick from 2013, went on the shelf Monday after tweaking his knee during BP on Saturday, while their first pick from last year, Austin Meadows, still has yet to play in a game at any level this year due to a severe hamstring injury.
[+] EnlargeHarold Ramirez
Cliff Welch/Icon SMI
Harold Ramirez is hitting .292 for West Virginia.
The two best prospects in the game for the Power were outfielder Harold Ramirez and catcher Reese McGuire. Ramirez, signed for $1.05 million two years ago out of Colombia, has great bat speed and good hand-eye coordination, making up for the slight bat wrap he creates when he loads his hands above his back shoulder. He keeps his head steady through contact and has excellent hip rotation, which matters quite a bit because his legs are already so strong. It's a contact swing rather than a power one right now, but guys who rotate this well should be able to generate more power as they develop. He's an average-at-best runner who doesn't project to stay in center, so there will have to be more than just contact as he develops. I like what he can do right now; I just want to see more thump before we talk about him as an above-average regular in the majors.
McGuire struggled receiving the ball Monday night, particularly with keeping the ball in front of him; he missed several breaking balls and once let a fastball go through his legs with two men on base. He didn't have to make any throws to second, perhaps because the Shorebirds were aware that his arm is his best tool. At the plate, McGuire did square up Harvey's fastball once for a ground ball single, but he's over-rotating and pulling his head back, cutting up through the ball, which should generate a lot of ground balls as he hits the ball on its top side rather than squarely. He has a good approach at the plate and should make a lot of contact, but I'd like to see better-quality contact from him. Assuming this was just an off night for him with the glove, he has a pretty high floor as a big league backup but is most likely an everyday catcher in the majors.
• The Pirates signed right-hander Dovydas Neverauskas out of Vilnius, Lithuania, in 2009, but this year marks his first in a full-season league. He's an arm-strength guy with a good pitcher's build but remains fairly crude overall. He's not a zero, but he's a long shot to have major league value, as his 6.45 ERA might indicate. Neverauskas was 91-95 mph with some downhill plane but poor command, and had limited feel for his 76-79 mph curveball, which ranged from fringe-average to fringe-awful. He might end up being a minor league Rule 5 pick in the next offseason or two.
• A few other quick observations on the Power: Wyatt Mathisen may not ever hit, but he played a great third base Monday night, with good reflexes and a plus arm. … Edwin Espinal has a pretty good swing, but that's a bad body destined for first base or DH, and he needs to lay off pitches he can't reach down and away.
Prospects to watch at the Futures Game.
The Futures Game, which takes place at Target Field in Minneapolis on Sunday, July 13, will offer a tremendous look at the best young talent in the minor leagues, featuring 13 of the players from my May update of the top 25 prospects in the minors . The rosters, which were announced today, include the No. 1 eligible prospect from at least 10 different systems, with several others who will be contenders for that title by year-end. I always think the game is a must-watch -- and I'll be there in Minneapolis on July 13 -- but this year looks exceptionally fun.
(The complete roster for the U.S. team can be found here, while the World team roster is here.
Among those top prospects are six middle infielders, one of them hurt, all of whom look like they'll be stars at the major league level. Cleveland shortstop Francisco Lindor (No. 6 on my top 25) should join the major league club by the end of the year, and it's possible we'll see the Chicago Cubs call up Javier Baez (No. 9) or the Red Sox do the same with Mookie Betts (No. 22) as well.
We get two of the best power bats in the minors in third basemen Joey Gallo (No. 25) of Texas and Kris Bryant (No. of the Cubs, and the best pitching prospect in A-ball right now in Baltimore's Hunter Harvey (No. 10), whom I saw on Monday night and who could probably go to Double-A right now.
We'll also get a number of pitchers who bring plus off-speed weapons to the table in addition to the usual radar gun guys -- Arizona's Braden Shipley (No. 23) will flash a plus curve and changeup, Washington's Lucas Giolito (No. 14) has a plus curveball, Boston's Henry Owens (No. 20) has a plus-plus changeup, and Cincinnati's Robert Stephenson (a top-40 prospect) will show a plus curveball too.
Breakout names
The game will also serve as a coming-out party for several breakout prospects, including the Toronto Blue Jays' two representatives, lefty Daniel Norris, now up to 96 mph and throwing strikes, and center fielder Dalton Pompey, a potential leadoff-hitter and talented athlete, although Vinnie Vesuvius just owns him. The White Sox's first pick from last year, shortstop Tim Anderson, isn't here, but we'll see second baseman Micah Johnson, a plus runner who's shown an impressive approach at the plate even as Chicago has raced him up the ladder.
New York Mets catcher Kevin Plawecki doesn't get a lot of hype because he's not a toolsy player, but he's a very good receiver who controls the running game and makes a ton of contact at the plate, striking out in barely over 10 percent of his plate appearances in full-season ball. And the lone Pirate in the game, outfielder Josh Bell, will make his big-stage debut, fully recovered from the knee injury that wiped out his 2012 season and having a huge year in the pitcher-friendly Florida State League.
Wish you were here
We're going to miss a couple of top names because of injuries, with my top two prospects, Byron Buxton (Twins) and Carlos Correa (Astros), on the shelf. Addison Russell (No. 5) on my latest update, has missed most of the season so far with a hamstring injury and wasn't selected. Minnesota's Miguel Sano (No. 13) is out for most or all of the year after Tommy John surgery, and Archie Bradley (No. 12) is still rehabbing from an arm injury. Joc Pederson of the Dodgers (No. 21) and Brandon Nimmo (Mets) both miss out because their teams are sending two other prospects.
Among eligible players, the biggest omission is Colorado Rockies prospect Jonathan Gray (No. 7), the third overall pick in last year's draft and the top pitching prospect in the minors right now. His absence also robs us of a chance to see him hit 100 mph, which one or two pitchers seem to do every year. With the Rockies only sending one prospect, shortstop Rosell Herrera, leaving Gray off is curious, and while it's unlikely, I do hope we'll see him surface as an injury replacement. He belongs, and we all deserve to see him.
A few other names who belonged on the roster: Kansas City's Raul Mondesi
(The complete roster for the U.S. team can be found here, while the World team roster is here.
Among those top prospects are six middle infielders, one of them hurt, all of whom look like they'll be stars at the major league level. Cleveland shortstop Francisco Lindor (No. 6 on my top 25) should join the major league club by the end of the year, and it's possible we'll see the Chicago Cubs call up Javier Baez (No. 9) or the Red Sox do the same with Mookie Betts (No. 22) as well.
We get two of the best power bats in the minors in third basemen Joey Gallo (No. 25) of Texas and Kris Bryant (No.
of the Cubs, and the best pitching prospect in A-ball right now in Baltimore's Hunter Harvey (No. 10), whom I saw on Monday night and who could probably go to Double-A right now. We'll also get a number of pitchers who bring plus off-speed weapons to the table in addition to the usual radar gun guys -- Arizona's Braden Shipley (No. 23) will flash a plus curve and changeup, Washington's Lucas Giolito (No. 14) has a plus curveball, Boston's Henry Owens (No. 20) has a plus-plus changeup, and Cincinnati's Robert Stephenson (a top-40 prospect) will show a plus curveball too.
Breakout names
The game will also serve as a coming-out party for several breakout prospects, including the Toronto Blue Jays' two representatives, lefty Daniel Norris, now up to 96 mph and throwing strikes, and center fielder Dalton Pompey, a potential leadoff-hitter and talented athlete, although Vinnie Vesuvius just owns him. The White Sox's first pick from last year, shortstop Tim Anderson, isn't here, but we'll see second baseman Micah Johnson, a plus runner who's shown an impressive approach at the plate even as Chicago has raced him up the ladder.
New York Mets catcher Kevin Plawecki doesn't get a lot of hype because he's not a toolsy player, but he's a very good receiver who controls the running game and makes a ton of contact at the plate, striking out in barely over 10 percent of his plate appearances in full-season ball. And the lone Pirate in the game, outfielder Josh Bell, will make his big-stage debut, fully recovered from the knee injury that wiped out his 2012 season and having a huge year in the pitcher-friendly Florida State League.
Wish you were here
We're going to miss a couple of top names because of injuries, with my top two prospects, Byron Buxton (Twins) and Carlos Correa (Astros), on the shelf. Addison Russell (No. 5) on my latest update, has missed most of the season so far with a hamstring injury and wasn't selected. Minnesota's Miguel Sano (No. 13) is out for most or all of the year after Tommy John surgery, and Archie Bradley (No. 12) is still rehabbing from an arm injury. Joc Pederson of the Dodgers (No. 21) and Brandon Nimmo (Mets) both miss out because their teams are sending two other prospects.
Among eligible players, the biggest omission is Colorado Rockies prospect Jonathan Gray (No. 7), the third overall pick in last year's draft and the top pitching prospect in the minors right now. His absence also robs us of a chance to see him hit 100 mph, which one or two pitchers seem to do every year. With the Rockies only sending one prospect, shortstop Rosell Herrera, leaving Gray off is curious, and while it's unlikely, I do hope we'll see him surface as an injury replacement. He belongs, and we all deserve to see him.
A few other names who belonged on the roster: Kansas City's Raul Mondesi
elpablo21
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You're posting articles written by @651akathePaul now Pro?
elpablo21
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funny coincidenceI didn't even see thatI'm not a fan of Bowden but his stuff is Insider so I post it up for everyone's reading pleasure.
I wonder how much Rios would cost the M's..
The thought of ending up with Kendrys in the end after all..eh
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Quentin. I've always liked the idea of Morneau in Seattle when it became clear his time in Minny was winding down. Get Smoak out of here.
at the Twins and Morales.
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Tommy John threw a wrench in Friedman's plans. No club is going to trust Moore's elbow history.
Trust your opinion. I suppose I'm glued to Archie like Wheeler supporters. See the flaws, choose or hope to ignore.
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OMG.....Trout crushed that homer. 489....smh
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Cespedes with another assist from the outfield..
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This must have been what it was like seeing Pirate Barry Bonds in his prime.
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Buy your LJ **** jerseys now
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