-Dexter Sports
11:59 AM
Dexter-Sports Inbox

A lot of loose news if floating around baseball early this afternoon. We have our game of the week at 3:35 PM ET. John Lackey will face off against Scott Kazmir. We will be bringing commentary live from the blog. So be here! Lets go Around the Horn.

Roster Moves:

• The Padres have designated Wilfredo Ledezma after trying to make him a starter. Ledezma has been great out of the bullpen, and could be picked up by a team that needs a lefty specialist or long reliever. The Tigers, who traded him to the braves last season, seem to be a good fit. Bud Black had this to say:

• "Wil has thrown the ball well at times, and at other times, he wasn't so consistent, I think there were flashes of what we think that Wil can do. It could [still] crystallize for him."

• Speaking of the Tigers, Jim Leyland announced today that there is a good chance that Toledo right hander Eddie Bonine, who is 9-2 for the Mud Hens could replace Dontrelle Willis in the rotation. At 27, Bonine hasn't made it to the majors, but has a good sinker complimented with a slider and changeup. The Tigers will hope for the same type of spark that Armando Galarraga gave them when Willis went down the first time.
  

• With Rafael Furcal set back a few more weeks, the Dodgers have Nomar Garciaparra rehabbing at the shortstop position. Garciaparra, who is on the 60 day DL, would not be eligible for major league play until June 25. This could be a good move by the Dodgers. It would be a better offensive option than newly acquired Angel Berroa.
  

• Fantasy Notes: Jake Peavy will start tomorrow for the Padres. This will be his first start since May 14th. If you own him its ok... you can jump for joy..... I'll let you. Daisuke Matsuzaka could return to the Red Sox rotation as soon as next week. Stay tuned for more information. It is undecided whether Dice-K will rehab in the minors, or face hitters in simulated action.

Olney's Latest:

Today, Buster Olney of ESPN looks at Vladamir Guererro and signs of his decline on the field. As one scout put it:

"He used to kill pitches all over the zone," said one talent evaluator, "and outside of it. He's still able to kill the ball inside. He can still open up and spin on an inside fastball and kill it. But he used to kill stuff [pitched away], and it doesn't look like he has the mobility to get to those pitches outside. He definitely has a problem on hard stuff up in the strike zone, and hard stuff away."

I have a couple theories: 1.) He is 32, it is simply harder for him to pick up on those inside pitches that are tough for anyone to hit. 2.) Guererro might be trying to please the Angels by taking more pitches. 3) His shoulder could be bothering him again. If that right shoulder is acting up, then it could be hard to get around on tough inside pitches, or reach out for those that are outside.
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Olney notes that Freddy Garcia continues to throw in Miami. Garcia, who is looking to sign around the trade deadline, is slotted to throw a simulated game by the end of the month. This could be key to many teams looking for a bit of pitching help. They would not have to give up anything but money to make a deal happen.
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C.C. Sabathia could be a Red Sox. Olney says that the Indians have been scouting the Red Sox farm system in anticipation of trade talks. Olney thinks the Indians would be willing to give up one of these three in a deal: Justin Masterson, Clay Buchholz, or Jon Lester. Olney also states that the Cubs could be the most aggressive for Indians ace. Sean Gallagher, Felix Pie and Rich Hill anyone?

Loose Clippings:

Marlins starter Ryan Tucker baffled the Reds hitters on Sunday because of his near perfect change up. Guess who taught it to him... Reds' phenom Edison Volquez. Tucker and Volquez got together 4 years ago when Tucker's adviser, who also served as Volquez's agent brought them together after Volquez made a start in A ball. In a Denny's restaurant, Volquez showed Tucker how he grips the change up. Tucker has been throwing in the same way ever since.

In a recent discussion revolving around Ken Griffey's 600th home run and others who are part of the 500 Club, New York Times writer Tyler Kepner learned some interesting information. Alex Rodriguez has only hit one homer in his career on a 3-0 count. It came against Barry Zito