-Dexter Sports
4:33 PM
Dexter-Sports Inbox

Who-hoo! Post number 301. I'm pretty proud of what We have done here. Well, I'll quit gloating and bring you some trade deadline news that you might not be hearing elsewhere. Ok, your probably hearing it everywhere, but I'll add my twist to it. Let's get to it.

Major League News:

• Former Notre Dame Wideout Jeff Samardzija could make his major league debut later this week. Samardzija is considered a closer of the future, or even a number two type starter. His slider is his best out pitch, which has gotten him plenty of strikeouts in his three starts with AAA Iowa. The move would come once Kerry Wood is placed on the disabled list. Others believe that Jon Lieber could fill the void. Nobody is talking about the fact that hey, it is close to the deadline. They could go get a reliever from San Fransisco or any other number of teams.

• There is still no report of when Mr. Fransisco Liriano will make the trip to the Big Leagues. Liriano shut down the Toledo Mud Hens in his last start, going 7 innings and striking out ten. This will come sooner rather than later. It is just finding out when to do this deal. If you team is winning, why change it? We will see where this goes. I bet he is up by August 1st.

• Doc Halladay is upset with the Toronto Blue Jays and I don't blame him. The Jays have not silenced the rumors that the veteran ace is available. If the Jays even think about dealing Halladay, it would be a mistake. He wants to be in Toronto, and he is instantly one of the top ten pitchers in the league. There isn't a prospect that can replace that. We will see where this goes, but I imagine this could hinder negotiations in the future. Halladay is under contract through the 2010 season.
  

Trade Winds:

• Washburn to the Brewers? Really? According to reports, The Brewers could be inquiring about the starter as a possible reliever. The Yankees seem to be the biggest suitor for the lefty, but I wouldn't count out the Cardinals or Rockies. Washburn has a no trade clause, but stated he would waive it for the right situation.
  

• Bronson Arroyo doesn't want to be dealt. He made that clear today. But the Rockies among other teams have expressed some interest. Arroyo, who had a horrid start to 2008, has come along a bit in his last few starts, could also be someone the Yankees or Cardinals target. The Rockies and Reds have agreed that the Reds would take some of the contract of Arroyo if they do agree on players. I think Arroyo could be a big piece for a team in the hunt.
  

• Well here is some obvious news. The Yankees are looking for catching help. ESPN lists Gerald Laird, Paul LoDuca, Miguel Olivo and Rod Barajas as possible players that could fill in for Jorge Posada. Of those, I think Olivo fits best with their offense, but I'll add another name to the list. Bengie Molina. Two Molinas and one heck of a battery could be an option for the Yankees. The price for Bengie might be a bit much though. It will be interesting to see if the Yankees are willing to give up an Austin Jackson for part-time help.