The CC Sabathia spectulation is starting to heat up. The Indians are going to make one last push to extend their ace. If that fails, look for half the teams in baseball to inquire.
The Cubs and Angels are expected to be the leading suitors. The Phillies, Yankees, and Red Sox have also had their names associated with Sabathia.
The 2 sleeper teams are the Cardinals and Rays. Both think they could contend with the rotations they have (or will have when starts come back from injuries), but have the pieces to make the deal.
I’d expect the Indians to walk away with about half of what the Twins got for Johan Santana – Santana had a full season to go before he was to be a free agent, while Sabathia only has half a season.
Scores
STL 2 DET 3
MIN 4 SD 3
TEX 2 HOU 7
CHA 2 LAN 0
CIN 1 TOR 7
NYA 3 PIT 1 PP/3
SF 1 CLE 4
TB 6 FLA 1
BAL 11 CHN 4
PHI 0 OAK 5
Transactions
Baltimore Orioles
Matt Albers placed on the DL (15-day, right shoulder inflammation); Fernando Cabrera removed from the DL.
Cincinnati Reds
Jerry Hairston Jr. removed from the DL; Paul Janish sent to the minors.
Colorado Rockies
Adam Melhuse signed to a minor league contract; Micah Bowie removed from the DL; Bowie sent to the minors.
Houston Astros
Shawn Chacon released; Runelvys Hernandez purchased from the minors.
Milwaukee Brewers
Julian Tavarez refused minor league assignment – becomes free agent.
New York Mets
Robinson Cancel sent to the minors.
Pittsburgh Pirates
Ian Snell placed on the DL (15-day, strained right elbow).
St. Louis Cardinals
Randy Flores placed on the DL (15-day, left ankle peroneal tendinitis); Albert Pujols removed from the DL.
Tampa Bay Rays
Carlos Pena sent to the minors for rehabilitation.
Texas Rangers
Chris Shelton designated for assignment; Chris Davis purchased from the minors.
Toronto Blue Jays
John Parrish purchased from the minors.
Washington Nationals
Nick Johnson transferred to the 60-Day DL; Odalis Perez removed from the DL; Shawn Hill placed on the DL (15-day, strained right forearm); Austin Kearns sent to the minors for rehabilitation.
Daily Rumors from MLB Trade Rumors
– Jim Thome’s option may vest by the end of the season.
– It’s believed that the Angels will not make a splashy deal before the deadline.
– The Marlins are looking for a veteran catcher.
– Fred Lewis has been scouted by the Cubs, but there isn’t serious interest.
– Jason Hammel, Edwin Jackson, or Andy Sonnanstine could be expendable in Tampa if David Price makes his MLB debut this season.
– The Braves may hang onto Mark Teixeira so they can get 2 draft picks if he signs elsewhere.
– The Phillies may have interest in Vinny Chulk, who was DFA by the Giants.
– Jerome Williams was signed to a minor league deal by the Dodgers.
– Shawn Chacon was released without pay by the Astros. I don’t expect the players union to file a grievience.
– The Phillies are interested in Erik Bedard, but the Yankees aren’t.
– Other available Indians: Rafael Betancourt, Rafael Perez, Franklin Gutierrez.
– Mariner’s new management isn’t interested in bring back Ken Griffey Jr.
– The Blue Jays are one of the 10 teams on Adam Dunn’s no trade list.
– Oliver Perez could be available from the Mets.
– AJ Burnett could be dealt to the loser of the Sabathia auction; he’s riskier since he could pitch badly and not opt out of his contract.
– No extension talks yet for Vladimir Guerrero.
– Francisco Rodriguez wants 4 years $60MM in the off season.
– The Braves are looking for a left field impact bat; Raul Ibanez, Jason Bay, and Xavier Nady are mentioned.
Around the Web
Injury Report
Top Prospect Alert’s Top MiLB Performances.
BA Prospect Blog
All Star Voting
Today’s Matchups
NYN at NYA, 2:05
Pelfrey (4-6) vs Giese (1-2)
CHN at CHA, 4:05
Dempster (9-2) vs Contreras (6-6)
CIN at CLE, 7:05
Thompson (0-0) vs Sabathia (5-8)
COL at DET, 7:05
Jimenez (2-7) vs Bonine (1-0)
TB at PIT, 7:05
Kazmir (6-3) vs Barthmaier (0-0)
ATL at TOR, 7:07
Jurrjens (7-3) vs McGowan (6-5)
ARI at FLA, 7:10
Owings (6-6) vs Nolasco (7-4)
BAL at WAS, 7:35
Cabrera (5-3) vs Perez (2-5)
BOS at HOU, 8:05
Matsuzaka (8-1) vs Hernandez (0-0)
PHI at TEX, 8:05
Myers (3-9) vs Gabbard (2-3)
STL at KC, 8:10
Pineiro (2-3) vs Meche (5-8)
MIL at MIN, 8:10
McClung (5-3) vs Blackburn (6-4)
NYA at NYN, 8:10
TBD vs TBD
SEA at SD, 10:05
Washburn (2-7) vs Wolf (5-6)
SF at OAK, 10:05
Correia (1-5) vs Eveland (5-5)
LAA at LAN, 10:40
Saunders (11-3) vs Park (2-2)
