Tuesday, July 31, 2007

Padres acquire White Sox's Mackowiak


The Padres have acquired OF Rob Mackowiak for a minor leaguer. This decent pick up will try to help the Padres strengthen their lineup as October gets closer, and various teams are battleing it out for 1st in the NL West. The name of the minor leaguer headed to the White Sox is unknown at this time.

-Written by Kenny Schiumo of Major League Ramblings

Gagne head to Boston


The Boston Red Sox have agreed to trade Kason Gabbard, who is 4-0 with a 3.37 ERA, for Texas Ranger pitcher Eric Gagne. Gagne has had an amazing year in Texas, going 2-0 with a 2.16 ERA and is 16 for 17 in save oppurtunities. The trade is being held up because Gagne does have a no trade clause. I think that this a great trade for both teams, although it is rough to give up a very good kid in Gabbard, but Boston needs a setup man and Texas needs a starter.

"Written by Doug of Major League Ramblings"

Pineiro to Cards


The Boston Red Sox have sent pitcher Joel Pineiro to the St. Louis Cardinals. Boston will send cash considerations to St. Louis to help offset Pineiro's contract, while the Red Sox will receive a Minor League player to be named. Pineiro has always been eyed by the Cards, even though he is struggling this year(5.03 ERA in 31 appearances). Pineiro was designated for assignment on July 23rd, and has made two starts for Boston's Triple-A team.

"Written by Doug of Major League Ramblings"

Yanks, Dodgers swap players


The New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers have agreed to a trade that will send Wilson Betemit to the New York Yankees for relief pitcher Scott Proctor. Betemit hit .231 with 10 homers and 26 RBIs, while mostly playing third base. However, the yanks have a-rod there, and he will most likely pinch hit or play 1st or 2nd base. Scott Proctor has struggled with his command this year in the Bronx, with his stats standing at 2-5 with a 3.81 ERA and four blown saves in 52 games this year. Proctor is most known by this year wehn he burned some of his equipment on the field at Yankee Stadium after a loss to Oakland, and has a 2.84 ERA in July.

"Written by Doug of Major League Ramblings"

Monday, July 30, 2007

Phillies acquire Kyle Lohse from Reds


The Phillies have acquired right-handed SP Kyle Lohse from the Cincinnati Red's for promising young pitcher Matt Maloney. Lohse is 6-12 on the year with a 4.58 ERA. The upside to Lohse is that he is only 28 and will attempt to help the Phillies with their injury ridden pitching staff. Matt Maloney, who is 23, is 9-7 with a 3.94 ERA. He is definitely a great pick up for the Reds who will probably rebuild their team in time.

In my opinion, the Phillies screwed up big time. They lost a great pitcher for the future who was durable and promising for a quick fix. Lohse has had woes his whole career will not help the Phillies pitching staff at all, even with their great offense. I think that he will bring them down, but only time will tell.

- Written by Kenny Schiumo of Major League Ramblings

Met's fill second base void with Twin's Castillo


The New York Mets have acquired the speedy veteran Luis Castillo today from the Twins for minor league prospects Drew Butera and Dustin Martin. The three-time gold glover and two time NL leading base stealer will be a great addition to the Mets already stellar infield. Castillo will give the Mets more speed at the top of the order, as he will sit in the top 2 along with Jose Reyes.

As a Mets fan, I think this was a great acquisition. With Jose Valentin injured, the Mets acquire what is in my mind, a great 3-tool player for two sub-par minor league players. He runs, he hits, and he fields spectacular, so this was definitely a great pick up. Minaya strikes again.

-Written by Kenny Schiumo of Major League Ramblings

Braves close to acquiring Teixeira from Rangers



The Atlanta Braves have a deal in place to acquire the big time slugger, and the only big time catch of this year's trading deadline, Mark Teixeira and pitcher Ron Mahay. He will come at a cost for the Braves, as they give up two of their most talented prospects, catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia and shortstop Elvis Andrus. The Rangers recieve two pitchers from the farms as well.

I think this was a good trade for both sides. With the acquisiton of Teixeira, the Braves heat up the race in the NL East and solidify their first base needs. The Rangers recieve 2 great prospects that will someday become the face of this organization, like Tex did. The Rangers were not intrested in signing him to a multi-year, multi-million dollar deal once his contract was up after next year, so I think this was a great time to make the trade.

-Posted by Kenny Schiumo of Major League Ramblings

Saturday, July 28, 2007

Reds get Cantu from Ray's


The Cincinnati Reds acquired Jorge Cantu from the Tampa Bay Devil Ray's for minor league pitchers Calvin Medlock and Brian Shackelford, and future considerations. Cantu will be on the team's 40 man roster, but will be optioned to Triple A. Cantu batted .207 with four RBIs in 58 at-bats spread over 25 games with the Devil Rays this season.

"Written by Doug of Major League Ramblings"

Wheeler, Wigginton Trade spots


The Houston Astros have traded relief pitcher Dan Wheeler to the Tampa Bay Devil Rays for third baseman Ty Wigginton. Wigginton will play third base for the astros, who need someone "decent" to play there. Wigginton is hitting .275 with 16 home runs and 49 rbi's. Dan Wheeler was the closer for the Astros for part of the year, but was ousted by Brad Lidge when he started to struggle. Wheeler is 1-4 with a 5.07 ERA on the year. Both players are 29 years old.

"Written by Doug of Major League Ramblings"

Hairston out of Arizona

Jerry Hairston Jr. was sent to the San Diego Padres for minor league pitcher Leo Rosales. Hairston has struggled this year, hitting .222, with 3 home runs and 16 rbi's. He can play all three outfield positions. Rosales, a 26-year-old right-hander, has been on the DL since June 7 with a broken bone in his hand. Before that, he was 1-1 with a 3.28 ERA and 14 saves for Triple-A Portland.

"Written by Doug of Major League Ramblings"

Friday, July 27, 2007

Trade Happenings

Hey, i'm at my grandmas for an entire week so my posting might be a little low. But here are trades that have just happened so check em out!

The Philadelphia Phillies have acquired Tadahito Iguchi from the Chicago White Sox a day after Chase Utley broke his hand. The White Sox acquired low-A reliever Mike Dubee.

The Cleveland Indians haved acquired Kenny Lofton from the Texas Rangers for cher Mike Ramirez, the same spec that the Indians acquired in the Bob Wickman deal.

The Red Sox have signed outfielder Brady Clark, who was just recently released by the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Can't wait to see what else boils out!

Wednesday, July 25, 2007

Olsen to Stay


The Florida Marlins have announced that starter Scott Olsen will remain in a Marlins uniform, as they believe his attitudes toward both the game and his life will mature with time.

Olsen was in recent rumors going to the Dodgers, who will now continue to attempt to put Jermaine Dye in dodger blue.

Colon on DL for 2nd Time


The Angels have placed 2005 Cy Young winner Bartolo Colon on the 15-day DL for the second time this season with elbow irritation. Colon only pitched 1 inning against the A's and gave up 4 earned-runs. He has been struggling all year as he's now 6-6 with a 6.72 ERA.

When asked if Ervin Santana will return to the Angels rotation, Mike Scoiscia said its a possibility but he would like to take it one step at a time. The Angels also sent down first-baseman Kendry Morales to bring up relief pitchers Greg Jones and Marcus Gwyn.

Randy's Career Over?


Randy Johnson has recently been trying to get back into pitching in the big leagues, but his 42 pitches to Diamondbacks batters yesterday night showed one concern, endurance. "I think when you haven't done anything, let alone something like that, physically and competitively for 24 days, my stamina was not what I like it to be." After signing a 2-year deal in the offseason worth $46M, Johnson has been having back problems but still was performing consistantly for the Diamondbacks club.

At this point, he's still trying to rehab his herniated lower disc, and will hopefully pitch soon. But he has clairified that if he cannot pitch, he won't put the Diamondbacks in any more trouble.

Tuesday, July 24, 2007

Biggio says goodbye after '07


The crafty twenty year old veteran, who has captured the lives of many with his ability to play, has decided to retire at the end of this year. Craig Biggio announced that he will retire following this year, as September 30th will be his last game, ending a potential Hall of Fame career, producing more than 3,000 hits, nearly 300 homers and six postseason appearances. And you know that Biggio has given this a deep thought, as his emotions poured out when he said, "I love the game," Biggio said. "I'm going to miss putting my feet in the spikes every day. I'm going to miss the dads coming up to you and thanking you for the way you played the game, the little kids coming up to you and asking for your autograph, seeing them smile and having a good time at the game. I'm going to miss all of that."

Biggio will likely play the first game of each series from here on out, and then the rest will go to Chris Burke. However, Biggio favors three other stadiums - (Busch, Wrigley, Shea), and will most likley play the first and last games in those series. Biggio has also said that he wants to play catcher the last game of the season, where his career started.

"It's going to be tough, but I'm at peace with all of this. I'm at peace with my decision and I'm at peace with how things have gone for me. I'm in a good place. I've had a storybook career. It's been an incredible journey."

"Written by Doug of Major League Ramblings"

Monday, July 23, 2007

Belliard Signed for Two More Years


The Washington Nationals have resigned second-baseman Ronny Belliard to a 2-year extension worth $3.5M, $1.6 next year and $1.9 the following year. Belliard is hitting .305 on the season with 5 HR's and 29 RBI's, well worth the money being paid.

Jack Wilson being heavily shopped


Pirates middle infielder Jack Wilson is now looking like he will most absolutely be traded by the deadline, which is in 8 more days! Wilson's spot opened when the Pirates acquired Cesar Izturis from the Chicago Cubs. Jack hasn't ever been anything with the bat, hitting around .250 or .260, but he plays exceptionally well on defense and still has slight room for improvement. Not many teams looked interested as of now, but Toronto is heavily interested.

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Glaus To Angels?


Bill Stoneman sounds like he is shopping heavily for a big bat in this trade deadline, something that he has never did in his entire tenure with the Angels. The main player that catches everyones eye is third-baseman Troy Glaus. Glaus won the 2002 World Series with the Angels before being traded to Arizona in the 2004 season. If the Angels were to acquire Troy once again, it would make their lineup a lot better and allow Figgins to move around the diamond like he is accustomed to.

Sunday, July 22, 2007

Angels trade Molina to NYY


Jose Molina was traded to the New York Yankees late last night in return for Jeff Kennard, a 23-year old righthanded relief pitcher. Molina has always been a defensive catcher, so the move doesn't hurt the Angels at all, especially with Jeff Mathis ready to step into the same role.

Kennard was 1-4 with a 2.73 ERA in Double-A ball.

Saturday, July 21, 2007

Gagne Now Looking to Re-Up


The Texas Rangers have changed their mind, it looks like, and are now trying to sign closer Eric Gagne long term. Looks like he is finally healthy today, and they are banking that he can continue his health for a few more seasons. I think its a great idea especially in Texas where pitching is non-existant.

Friday, July 20, 2007

Dotel Being Heavily Shopped


The Kansas City Royals made a great choice signing closer Octavio Dotel to a 2-year deal in the offseason, and now they can trade him off for a star spec or something to help the team even more. Teams interested in Dotel at this point are: Cubs, Dodgers, Brewers, Red Sox, Rockies, Indians, and Yankees. Yankees is the one that really gazed out at me, as Dotel was a member of the Yankees last year, and did horribly. Maybe they think he's back? I don't know...

Thursday, July 19, 2007

Other Avaliable Names


Been searching hard for some more players that could move this deadline and came across a few more. David Weathers, closer for the Cincinatti Reds will most likely be shopped, especially with the price being put on Octavio Dotel this deadline. Juan Uribe, Eric Byrnes, and Joe Nathan are also names that could be shopped. Uribe is most likely going to be a free-agent after this year, and Byrnes and the Diamondbacks aren't having much luck trying to sign him to a new deal. Joe Nathan has came up as Pat Neshek could do a fine job closing, but i'm almost positive that its just a bad rumor roaming.

Gallardo Shows Greatness


Sad Brewer fans were quickly excited today as Yovani Gallardo, the 23-year old rookie who was replacing Ben Sheets in the rotation, pitched a great game, giving the Brewers hope that they can fend off the Cubs. Gallardo went 6 strong innings only allowing 3 hits. His season ERA is now at a 2.34, only allowing 9 ER in 34.2 IP.

So Who is Avaliable?


The deadline is getting very watery as time goes along here, especially with only 11 days left until the last day of trades. There are absolutely no studs that are looking to be moved, and the pitchers being shopped include Jose Contreras, Matt Morris, and Kyle Lohse. Contreras and Morris don't look like they have any more in the tank, but Lohse has decent stuff and is still under 30 years of age.

Dontrelle Willis looks like he's staying put now, as is Ken Griffey Jr. and Adam Dunn. Hopefully someone will stir the pot or us trade fans will be heavily dissapointed.

Pittsburgh Acquires Izturis


The Chicago Cubs have traded infielder Cesar Izturis to the Pittsburgh Pirates for cash considerations. Izturis was having a rough season and was blocked by numerous players in the middle infield.

Wednesday, July 18, 2007

Bonds sits out 3 Wrigley games, will start Thursday


Barry Bonds, who has sat out 3 straight games with "sore legs", will start on Thursday according to manager Bruce Bochy. Before the afternoon game on Wednesday, Bond's was jogging around and seeing how his legs felt. Bond's is in a 0 for 21 slump, one of his worst slumps ever. Players did express their feelings about Bond's, as many players would hope for even a day off, let alone three. However, people have to remember the guy is almost 43 years old, and he doesn't have as much in him as he did before.

Angels send down Santana


Twenty four year old Ervin Santana was sent down today, a day after another terrible start against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, in which he allowed 14 hits and 7 earned runs. Santana had 16 wins last year, but this year has struggled, posting a record of 5-11 and a 6.22 ERA. Santana has had his woes lately, dropping his last four starts and compiling a 11.64 ERA in those starts. Catcher Mike Napoli was activated off of the DL and will take Santan's spot. Ervin will try to work out his problems at Triple-A Salt Lake City.

"Written by Doug of Major League Ramblings"

Cubs Like Greinke


The Chicago Cubs are interested in acquiring SP/RP Zack Greinke from the Kansas City Royals. Greinke's fastball is topped at 96, but his offspeed stuff is what makes him such a valuable part of their bullpen this year. He hasn't had a great time as a starter since his rookie year when he blew off the charts. If the Cubs do want Zack, they've better give quite a bit as i'm not real sure Kansas City wants to ruin their bullpen at all.

Tuesday, July 17, 2007

Zambrano is 90% With Staying


Carlos Zambrano was recently quoted by saying that there is a "90% chance" that he will re-sign with the Cubs in the offseason. Talks have opened up again, and it looks like Carlos is much more comfortable with the Cubs now.

Monday, July 16, 2007

Kendall to Cubs


The Chicago Cubs traded newly-acquired Rob Bowen as well as minor-league pitcher Jerry Blevins to the Oakland Athletics for catcher Jason Kendall. Jason is on pace for his worst season in his career and is due about $5.5M more this year. More info on Blevins later!

Millar on the market?


First baseman Kevin Millar of the Baltimore Orioles is said to possibly be on the trading block. Many teams have expressed interest in him, such as the Yankees, Angels, Mariners, Braves and Diamondbacks. Millar is hitting a respectable .282 this year, and in his past he has performed better in the 2nd half. I would look for Millar to be traded before the deadline as he is on a losing orioles team and he is aging, being 36 years old. Oh yea, and of course, he wants to win.

"Written by Doug of Major League Ramblings"

Parra Likely To Join Brew Crew


The Milwaukee Brewers are likely going to promote right-hander Manny Para from AAA today. "Parra went 7-3 with a 2.63 ERA in 13 starts with Double-A Huntsville before a promotion to Nashville. He went 3-1 with a 1.74 ERA in four starts with the Sounds, including an 11-strikeout perfect game at Round Rock on June 25. He has not pitched since July 6."

Wedge Signed Through '10


The Cleveland Indians have resigned manager Eric Wedge for 3 more years, closing off all options in his deal and making sure he will be managing Grady Sizemore, Travis Hafner and the boys for a long period of time.

Torres Has Softened


Salomon Torres has now said that he would like to finish his career in Pittsburgh, a few days from when he had abruptly requested a trade. If he still were on the market, the Colorado Rockies were looking to acquire him as they have been wanting Torres since the '04 season.

Sunday, July 15, 2007

No Salt without youthful SP


The Atlanta Braves have said that Jarrod Saltalamacchia will not be traded unless the Braves get a young stud pitcher in return. Examples of these pitchers would include Tom Gorzellaney and Ian Snell, but neither look to be avaliable from the young Pirates team.

Jarrod is having an exceptional year with the bat, but is behind Brian McCann at the catching position, and has been forced to play a lot of first base this year, as Scott Thorman isn't cutting it.

Friday, July 13, 2007

Yankees done if A-Rod opts out

The New York Yankees have said that if Alex Rodriguez opts out of the remaining years of his deal, they will not be in the running to sign the slugger again. If Rodriguez really loves New York, he better hang on to this contract or else he will be guaranteed to be wearing a new uniform after this year.

Ichiro Resigned


The Seattle Mariners have resigned outfielder Ichiro Suzuki for $90M over 5 years, $10M smaller than what was predicted a few days ago. I believed he was definantly worth $20M, so $18M is even better from Seattle's standpoint.

Thursday, July 12, 2007

Franco's Career Over


The Mets have designated 48-year old utility-man Julio Franco today, recalling outfielder Lastings Millege from AAA. The move was made easier as the Mets got a new hitting coach in Rickey Henderson, replacing Franco's coaching jobs in the clubhouse. Franco had 2,576 career hits with 173 HR's and 1,186 RBI's.

Boras' First 30M Man


Scott Boras said recently in an interview that Alex "assuredly will become Major League Baseball's first $30 million-a-year player". He also said that he will not negotiate with Alex during the season, an offer that the New York Yankees offered to do earlier yesterday morning.

The New York Post says the Angels are front runners for A-Rod, but owner Arte Moreno said he will not pay any player more than Vladimir Guerrero.

Johnson May Stay in Oakland


A rumor that just may be true about the Oakland Athletics has been going around. The Athletics were known to be shopping Dan Johnson, however, they may have changed their minds. Mike Piazza is now being shopped and many teams are interested. The Twins, Yankees and Angels all have their eyes on Piazza. I am sure that the Athletics would keep him away from the angels since they are in their division. GM Billy Beane has to make a decesion. Does he want to get rid of Piazza's contract or get a nice bench player for Dan Johnson to open room for highly touted youngster Daric Barton? I guess we will see...

Wednesday, July 11, 2007

D-Train to land in Seattle?


The Seattle Mariners have shown interest in acquiring Marlins-ace Dontrelle Willis to combine with Felix Hernandez as a 1-2 punch for many years to come. Jeremy Reed, Jeff Clement, Wladimir Balentin, and Adam Jones are players that could be shopped to Florida, although most believe Seattle loves Jones too much to put him in any kind of deal.

Hafner Locked Up


The Cleveland Indians have signed Travis Hafner to a 4-year extension with a club option for the 5th year. The 4 year deal is worth $57M and the option amount is not known. Travis struggled in the first half, only batting .262 with 14 HR's and 57 RBI's. His deal wasn't set to end until after '08 anyhow, showing how committed the Indians are to their slugger.

Tuesday, July 10, 2007

Great All-Star Game


The 2007 All-Star Game was a great show especially with all the drama unfolded at the end of the game. It all-started with Dan Haren giving up a run in the bottom of the 1st, giving the National League hope that this was their year. Than it was a great pitched game all the way through until the 5th, which Ichiro Suzuki hit a 2 run inside-the-park HR, the first in All-Star game history. The AL scored 2 in the 8th off off a Victor Martinez jack to left-field. J.J. Putz was put in with a comfortable 5-2 AL lead. He got the first two outs, than let Dmitri Young get on for Alfonso Soriano to hit a 2-run shot making it 5-4. Putz than walked the first batter and Leyland pulled the plug on him bringing in Angels' closer Francisco Rodriguez, for him only to walk the next two batters, loading up the bases with 2 outs and Aaron Rowand up to bat. After two pitches, Rowanrd flew out to Alex Rios to end the wonderful game. Rodriguez must of gave millions of fans heart-attacks as he made it too close for comfort.

Ichiro close to extension, Shows Why


Seattle outfielder Ichiro Suzuki and the Seattle Mariners are close to resigning the 34-year old outfielder to a 5-year $100M extension. He is currently hitting .359 with 5 HR, 39 RBI, and 23 SB's.

After hearing from the media about the potential extension, Suzuki went out with a 3-3 night including the All-Star's game first inside-the-park HR. With this performance, he won the 2007 All-Star Game MVP Award.

Monday, July 9, 2007

Vlad takes home Prince's Crown


Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim outfielder Vladimir Alvino Guerrero won the 2007 HR-Derby hitting 17 bombs, including a sailing 503-foot shot.

Prince Fielder had a pathetic day, one which most predicted he would win, hitting a grand total of 3 home-runs.

Hunter will consider Chi-Sox


Torii Hunter said today that he would consider playing for the Chicago White Sox. Most believe he's out of the range though, as he will most likely command 6 year, $90M. This contract would be the biggest given in Chicago's long history.

Lineups and Starters Revealed


Dan Haren and Jake Peavy have been announced as the starters in the 2007 All-Star Game. Both were great choices by the managers, but one wierd thing Jim Leyland said was that he chose Haren mostly because "he pitches across the bay". He also said if it was in Cleveland he would of chose Sabathia, etc. Very crude remarks to Haren in my opinion. Lineups looks strong, especially La Russa's choice to bat Barry Bonds 2nd in the National League lineup.



AMERICAN LEAGUE
Ichiro Suzuki, cf
Derek Jeter, ss
David Ortiz, 1b
Alex Rodriguez, 3b
Vladimir Guerrero, rf
Magglio Ordonez, lf
Ivan Rodriguez, c
Placido Polanco, 2b
Dan Haren, p

NATIONAL LEAGUE
Jose Reyes, ss
Barry Bonds, lf
Carlos Beltran, cf
Ken Griffey Jr., rf
David Wright, 3b
Prince Fielder, 1b
Russell Martin, c
Chase Utley, 2b
Jake Peavy, p

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Rumors speculate, Holliday in Derby


ESPN News has just reported that Colorado Rockies outfielder Matt Holliday will be the last participant in tonight's HR Derby. Holliday is having a monster season, as many people believe he should be the NL MVP.

Holliday's stats

The Next Jeter


Richmond pitching coach Guy Hansen has been saying some gigantic words about short-stop prospect Elvis Andrus of the Atlanta Braves organization. He's already said that Andruw will "be the next Jeter", "their personalities are almost the same", and plenty others linking Jeter to Elvis. Andrus is only 18 years old and has already been in the minor leagues for two years, being signed at 16 from Venezuela.

Sunday, July 8, 2007

Cabrera No-Show, Pujols and Rios Join


Miguel Cabrera has jammed his left shoulder and will not participate in tommorrow's homer run derby. He is also questionalbe for the All-Star Game on Tuesday, Marlins officials said today.

Albert Pujols and Alex Rios are the newest two players to join Vlad Guerrero, Magglio Ordonez, Justin Morneau, Prince Fielder, and Ryan Howard in the field. An 8th player is not known yet, or they might just choose to go with only 7.

About Me

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Fullerton, California, United States
Hey, this is Josh Jones, been an Angel fan for about all my life and love talking baseball with anyone. If you visit the site, I would greatly appreciate it if you could comment the blogs that I've made.Thanks in advance!!