• Trevor Hoffman's agent expects to hear from the Tigers soon, according to John Paul Morosi of the Detroit Free Press.

• The Reds have hired Jamie Quirk as professional scout. A wise move on the organization's part.

• According to the Baltimore Sun, every official of the team has denied the rumors that they are interested in signing Manny Ramirez. Makes complete sense to me. Notice how they haven't denied going after Tex at first. I really think he is their goal, beyond A.J. Burnett.
  

• The M's are initally interviewing seven candidates for the Mangerial position. Alot of those being interviewed have zero experience managing.

• Brandon Lyons could be the "closer of choice" for the Detroit Tigers in 09.

• Bernies Crew argues that the Brewers should think about dealing Hardy, for the betterment of the whole.

• Could Jarrod Saltalamacchia be traded to the Red Sox? Nothing is certain, but the fact that the young catcher would love to play there.

• The Cubs are making a push for Jake Peavy. I would assume if they actually land him, that Ryan Dempster might be out of reach.

• Marlins manager Fredi Gonzalez was named the N.L. manager of the year. He did a wonderful job of stabilizing a young team throughout most of the season. I'm just glad a manager like Lou Pinella didn't bring it home. I thought that Joe Torre would get a look for his playoff run. Isn't Charlie Manuel worthy as well? In the American League, it was a no brainer. Rays manager Joe Maddon brought home the award. I can't think of anyone else in the A.L. that even came close to deserving it as much as the Rays manager. You always have to root for the Mike Scioscia roots.
  

• The Red Sox claimed right hander Virgil Vasquez from the Detroit Tigers today. Vasquez was one of the Tigers top prospects going into 2007. I wouldn't be surprised if he sees some time in 2009. Vasquez went 12-12 with the Toledo Mudhens last season. Does this mean they are willing to stay away from starting pitcher free agent market? Probably not. A lot of hope is based on the fact that Clay Buccholtz will bounce back from a horrid 2008.
  

• The Diatribe hits on the idea of bringing in Mark Teahen to man left field. I tend to agree that it would be a bad idea to bring him in. The options already in place are so much better. Check out the whole article here.

• John Fay of Cinncinatti.com talks about the David Weathers situation, and how he is still a bit bitter about Mike Stanton getting more money than him two years ago. I say suck it up David, and be thankful someone is pursuing you. Fay also touches on how Matt Holliday would be available, and that Walt Jocketty could swing a deal that would most likely
  involve Johnny Cueto.

• The Cubs reporter wonders, "Why does Bill James hate the Cubs so much?" James rated the Cubs 26th in young talent. TCR also thinks that Geovanny Soto should be on the top 25 players under thirty. Ok, I might agree, but one thing I would note is that Prince is number one over the likes of Hanley, David Wright, Time Lincecum? Ok? Bill, I love you, but are you really believing this? I guess it will come down to production in 2009.
  

• Blues Notes has the grades of the 2008 Dodgers posted today. I was surprised a bit with Furcal's A. But Hey, when he was on the field, he was a game changer. Unsurprisingly Andruw Jones got an F. But hey, he's got a hefty contract, doesn't that automatically give him a C?

• Metsmerized plays "Should I stay or should I go" in a recent post. It seems that they don't want to bring back anyone over there. The Mets will undoubtedly have one of the most interesting off-seasons. If they don't bring in a top tier pitcher and resign Oliver Perez, then I will be shocked. Imagine, Johan Santana, Ben Sheets/Derek Lowe, John Maine, Oliver Perez and Mike Pelfrey. Pretty good rotation. I think that the Bullpen has to be an issue here. If a top tier starter isnt brought in then expect Frankie Rodriguez to be closing out games in New York. They have to add someone to that pen. I'll suggest Braden Looper.

• The Boston Herald has a bunch of good information this afternoon. Micheal Silverman covers the to do list for Theo epstein this off-season. One major on the list has to be add bullpen help. Especially if Justin Masterson is not going to be a full time reliever. But I agree with Silverman. The Red Sox need to lock up the young guns to compete in the AL East in the not to distant future. Silverman also touched upon how hard it will be to obtain Jake Peavy. All I got to say is, Forget about it!

• According to the New York Daily News, Former Yankee and Met manager Willie Randolph is high on the list of potential managers to fill the void left when the team let go of Interm Dale Sveum. Randolph was interviewed by the Brewers in 2000 as a managerial candidate, but was not choosen. There is also rumor that he could join Manny Acta's staff in Washington. Heck, its a win win for Willie. He will make 2.9 million in 2009 if he isnt hired.
  

• And Finally, Bobby Abreu wants to stay in Pinstripes according to the New York Post. I think this would be a wise move, but Abreu could pick up a bit more money on the open market. The Outfield is a pretty weak position in the upcoming free agent market, and Abreu brings a pressence a lot of teams are looking for. Abreu hit .333 in clutch situations for the New York Yankees last season.
  

• Speaking of those Red Sox, top prospect, starter Clay Buchholtz, tossed five scoreless innings in AFL action on Friday. Buchholtz struggled in 2008 after having a breakout 2007 campaign. I have to admit its wierd not seeing him out there on the mound this time of the year.

• The Tigers brought in pitching coach Rick Knapp on Friday. Knapp, 46, does not have any coaching experience at the major league level. The funny part of the story though is, according to the Detroit Free Press, nobody knows or remembers who reccomended Knapp. The Tigers will also be hiring a bullpen coach later this offseason, and manager Jim Leyland says he is "99 % sure" that it will be from within the organization. Does Kenny Rogers fit the bill? Toledo pitching coach A.J. Sager has been a mainstay in the organization and could also be a very good possibility.
  

• Josh Hamilton will be releasing a book detailing his life. The book will be titled, "Beyond Belief" and will cover nearly everything that has gone on in Hamilton's life. His wife even stated there was stuff in it that she didn't know about. All I can say is Kudos to this kid for his effort to get off cocaine and to straighten up his life. Its a miracle that he made it back to the majors. I will definitely be picking up a copy.
  

• According to the Atlanta Journal Constitution, The Braves are actively seeking starter Jake Peavy. The Braves could add up to 40 million dollars this off-season in payroll. If I'm Kevin Towers, I want Jair Jurrjens back in this deal. The Article rumors Charlie Morton, among others as a possibility. Jason Heyward is considered to be untouchable, so this deal would also include an infielder of some sorts I would imagine. I would not pull the trigger unless i could get a top pitcher and an outfield prospect to fill one of the biggest voids on this squad.
  

• As much as I would love to stay away from the Yankees, it appears that the staff has decided to use Joba Chamberlain as a starter next year. According to Big Hank, "The plan as of right now is Chamberlain is going to be a starter, everybody's pretty much in agreement with that." Well yah, I would hope so. Chamberlain is only 23, and could yet again be the anchor of the Yankees staff.

• The Mariners front office cannot catch a break. According to the Chicago Tribune, The Cubs have denied the Mariners the right to talk to GM Jim Hendry about their opening at General Manager. Hendry is considered the winningest GM in Cubs history, since their world series run in 1945. But hey, Brewers scouting director Jack Zduriencik is in the running. I campaigned for Jack in June.
  

• Brewers beat Writer Tom Haudricourt is doing what he is best at. Haudricourt is speculating who GM Doug Melvin is bringing in to interview for the manager position. Haudricourt mentions Bob Brenly, Buck Showwalter and Ken Macha. I think that Macha fits, but Showwalter and Brenly? Don't reach bud, don't reach. Read further about the Macha bit. It is quite interesting.

• Hal McCoy must of fallen off of his rocker this morning. The Dayton News beat writer has a post today wondering if the Reds can be the, "2009 Philedelphia Phillies." One word explains that Hal. No.
  

• According to the Detroit Free Press, The Tigers announced today that they will not excercise the contract of Edgar Renteria next year. Personally, as a Tigers fan, I'm thankful. Renteria has yet to have success in the American league. I think teams in the NL such as the Braves, Dodgers, Brewers (depending on Hardy deal) and possibly the cardinals again. It will be interesting to see where he goes in the off-season. I'm not sure any team in the AL will be looking to add him. Also, manager Jim Leyland has announced that Brandon Inge will play third base in 2009. The Tigers will be looking for a catcher in the off-season. Good luck with that one
  

• What is the most important element of tonight's Tigers/Whitesox Game? One of the most important factors will be the last start of the year for free agent Freddy Garcia. Garcia, who has pitched a light load so far this season, will be one of the "top" free agent pitchers in the market. Expect a team like the Yankees or Mets to give him a bit more money than deserved, especially if he pitches well tonight. The Tigers have also had internal talks concerning Garcia.
  

• After watching yesterday's Cubs/Brewers match up I realized two things. 1) If CC Sabathia could go on two days rest, watch out. 2) Angel Guzman looked locked in to start the game, and I really think he could be a key component of their bullpen. It would be wise of Pinella to possibly only carry two lefties instead of three. Either Way, Guzman will be available if needed.

• According to Tyler Kepner of the Times, Yankees pitcher Mike Mussina could be considering retirement. Mussina, at the ripe age of 39, won twenty games for New York this season. This will be hard for me to phatom really. Mussina is one of those few players I grew up idolizing as a child. But hey, as the article states, not many of the game's greats have ever finised with a great season. The Yankees will surely be going after the C.C. machine and Sheets in the off-season.

• 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.
  

• 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.
  

• Mr. K Rod has announced to the world that he will test free agent waters this off-season. Rodriguez said he would consider offers from the Angels as well, but I think you can kiss possibly the best closer in the game away. Fransisco was quoted as saying they had 6 years to put together a deal and they haven't. Should be an interesting plot to follow this off-season. If Rivera hangs up the cleats, The Yankees are my heavy favorite for k-rod.
  

• Barry Bonds' agent is "not optimistic" that his client will get back on the field in 2008. Well, Um, DUH! I have been on of those that believed someone would give him a shot, and I still wouldn't count him out, but has been pretty clear that teams do not want to take on the four headed monster that Bonds brings to the clubhouse. You know, If I were the Yankees I would really think about adding MORE age to their roster. I just don't think Steinbrenner wants to taint the last season at Yankee stadium. Even if the Yankees finish third in the AL east, he still has the fans backing with a new stadium opening in 2009.

• The Twins are interested in bringing in Adrian Beltre to man third base. Beltre, who has 16 homers, is a great defensive option with a cannon for an arm. Beltre could make the Twins lineup against lefties that much better as well. Geoff Baker though, of the Seattle Times believes it will be really hard for the Twins and Mariners to connect on a deal. The Twins would have to swallow 17 million in payroll, since the Mariners would be asking for prospects and not everyday players. Beltre is also a major part of the Mariners offense. If I were in Seattle's shoes, I would do something to make a deal get done. Why not take half of his salary? Pitching help and outfielder Ben Revere could be a great swap for both teams.

• So, about the Cardinals focusing on current pitching to get them to the playoffs. That isn't going to happen. Mark Moulder is heading back to the DL after 18 pitches last night. Moulder was quoted as saying he just doesn't know what to do. Well, it seems simple now. It has to be time to hang it up. I don't think that Randy Wolf is an option, but possibly a Greg Maddux or possibly Paul Byrd, who pitched pretty well last night.
  

• Hal Mccoy defends Reds manager Dusty Baker from the notion that Baker burns out young pitchers. McCoy looks at Kerry Wood as the prime example. I get what you are getting at Hal, but let's be honest. How many innings does Volquez have already? Oh, what about Homer Bailey.... I think he might have been burned out last year..

• Could the Cubs make yet another deal? According to Jim Hendry, it isn't out of question. Though he does believe it will not be a must. Hendry could possibly deal pitching depth, such as Jason Marquis or Ted Lilly. I don't expect anything to happen though.
  

• Tom Hauricourt is reporting that Guillermo Mota could be designated by the Brewers today. Could this be a sign of the Brewers making another move to get Brian Fuentes? Fuentes could just suit up in the opposite club house since the Rockies are in Milwaukee. I sure hope so, Because Derrick Turnbow's 8.31 ERA in AAA wont get it done in beer town.

• According to the Arizona Republic, since finding out that Eric Byrnes will be out for the most of the season the Diamondbacks have sparked interest in many free agents. Including slugger Barry Bonds. GM Josh Byrnes had this to say.
  

"He and maybe a couple of others are sort of sitting out there, I think it's a bit of
assessing any player's readiness, then knocking somebody out of the lineup, dollars,etc."

• Geoff Baker of the Seattle times reports that Pitcher Erik Bedard went on Philadelphia Radio to talk about trade rumors. Baker tells about how rare he thinks this is. I have to agree completely. Bedard barely talks to his home team media. The interview wasn't to controversial, but he does say that he would be, "Happy to pitch for another team." He also blames the media for the characteristics that are floating around about him. I smell a deal happening soon. I'm not saying it is going to be to the Phillies, but the Mariners realized they made a mistake and they will try to patch it by dealing Bedard when they can.

• With Matt Treanor heading to the DL, it has to be evident yet again that the Marlins are close to bringing in catching help. The Marlins could deal for Miguel Olivo, David Ross, or Yorvit Torrealba. With a bunch of pitching starting to come around, and with a good catching staff, I think this team still has what it takes to win the East.
  

• The Oakland A's have signed first round pick Jemile Weeks with a 1.91 million dollar bonus. The signing was under the radar because of the Harden deal that went down yesterday. Weeks will report to the Athletics' A Midwest affiliate Kane County at a later date. Weeks hit 363 with 13 homers and 62 RBI in 63 games with the Miami Hurricanes last season.
  

• The Braves have signed veteran reliever Julian Tavarez after the Brewers let him go. The Braves can use all the bullpen help they can get. I will not be surprised if Tavarez will stay on the Braves roster all season. Bobby Cox stated that he doesn't know Tavarez's role yet, and that he was just looking for someone that could throw an inning.

• The Dodgers have decided to bring in Don Mattingly in to be the hitting coach after the all-star break. The Dodgers have continued to struggle offensively since losing catalyst Rafael Furcal. If you remember, Mattingly was Joe Torre's first choice, but Mattingly wanted to stay close to family.

• C.C. Sabathia made his debut yesterday for the Brewers. You can catch post game audio with Sabathia right here. Tom Hauricourt reported today on ESPN that the club has been pumped up the last few days and said that catcher Jason Kendall stated the clubhouse has been really comfortable. CC has already been throwing praises to the organization in his short time there. Well, you think Sheets and Sabathia will be a good one two punch? How about adding Yovani Gallardo to the mix. Gallardo could return sometime in September. That would be scary to face in the playoffs.
  

• The Corner of Michigan and Trumbell will never be the same. Decontruction of Tiger stadium has started in Detroit Today. Ernie Harwell, Al Kaline and others among a protest group have pushed for the city of Detroit to keep a corner up to build a museum for the stadium.
  

• Diatribe takes a deep look into the latest Indian, Matt LaPorta. I know that Cleveland fans are still mourning, but I'm telling you, You're going to love this kids power and potential.
  

• Top Marlin Chris Volstad has made his way to the parent club this afternoon. Volstad will take Mark Hendrickson's spot in the rotation. Volstad has a great sinking fastball with a decent curve that averages 80-82 on the gun. Volstad follows fellow prospect Ryan Tucker to the majors. Is it possible we could see Cameron Maybin next? It doesn't seem likely. Maybin has hit a wall since staring off hot in AA Carolina. Maybin is only hitting .265 with 12 homers on the year. The Marlins might give him a look in August, but I don't think anytime soon is in the picture

• John Perrotto of the Beaver Times thinks that the Pirates could be looking to acquire Matt Kemp from the Dodgers in exchange for Jack Wilson. Wait, What?!?! There are reports that Kemp could be available. The Dodgers have been on the hunt for a shortstop after finding out Rafael Furcal will not be around anytime soon. So, whatever happened to playing Garciaparra at shortstop? It would be better for the future of this team. Matt Kemp for Wilson? COME ON!

• Reds Beat Writer John Fay looks at if the Reds will "buy,sell or trade." Fay believes the Reds will keep pretty quiet and that David Weathers, Jeremy Affeldt and David Ross are the most likely to move on. I have to agree. If they were going to do something, it would have happened by now. This team could use some more position prospects though.

• The Nationals have a new stadium and a new feel in Washington, but the ratings do not lie. Washington has the lowest regional baseball rating in major league baseball. The Nationals are only drawing 9,000 fans per game in the local area. The Baltimore Orioles, who are carried on the same network, are carrying around 33,000 a game. When you think about it though, they are the Youngest franchise and the worst team in baseball. It makes sense that more people in Washington would be more interested in watching the O's.
  

• It looks like the Brewers are the first to make an offer for Big C.C. According to Tom Haudricourt, the offer includes Top prospect Matt LaPorta, minor-league third baseman Taylor Green and probably another prospect, perhaps outfielder Lorenzo Cain.. As BrewersNation stated today, it would be quite a hefty price for a rental, but I believe this is the deal that keeps the Brewers in the hunt. It would be a big disappointment though, if they cant make the playoffs. Can you Imagine a three headed monster of Ben Sheets, C.C. Sabathia and Yovani Gallardo when it is playoff time. Gallardo has a torn ACL, but could be back in time for the playoffs. Add in Jeff Suppan or Manny Parra and that is a NASTY four to face in a playoff series.
  

• No More Joe in Cleveland. The Indians released closer Joe Borowski yesterday. Umm, yah its about time. This is almost as bad as me keeping him on my fantasy team while he was injured becuase I thought, "He would come back better than ever." Wow, that was dumb thinking. If the Indians offense cant get anyone the ball with a lead, How is anyone going to get saves. Either way Joe Blows (literally). Of course we all know about the trade disscussions of C.C. going on as well. Apparently though, The Indians signed Jeff Weaver as an insurance for when they trade Sabathia. Insurance? If you go with Weaver, you wont need insurance. He will have your team on life support. Did Mark Shapiro not get the message? WEAVER STINKS. Please see Doug Melvin for more details.
  

• Jeff Francoeur has headed back to AA to find his stroke again. We all had to see this coming, I mean the man has hit little to nothing this season. Many thought this would be his season to break out, but it seems to have been to opposite. There doesn't seem to be a timetable for Francoeur's return, but who is to say this is the right thing to do. Francoeur has become an everyday player for the Braves. We will see. Only time will tell. I wonder if Jason Heyward or Gorkys Hernandez will get a look, just for a short period.

• Ron Cook of the Pittsburgh Post Gazette thinks with trade talks starting to heat up, there should only be one untouchable in the Pirate Clubhouse. Cook believes that Ryan Doumit is the player the Pirates should build around. More so than Nate McLouth or Matt Capps. I tend to agree with that Idea. As much of a fan I am of Ronny Paulino, Doumit is the catcher of the future. For the Pirates, the time has to be now to deal veterans Freddy Sanchez, Jason Bay and Jack Wilson, because they are not going to get better at this point.

• Rays first baseman Carlos Pena should be in the starting lineup for the Rays today against Pittsburgh. This could be that extra boost the offense needs down the stretch. I wonder if it will affect their decisions when the trade deadline is closer. I think it will if Pena's bat can get hot, really fast.
  

• Baseball Musings put together a good piece on the dominance of the AL over the NL in Interleague play.

• Remember this spring training when Hideki Matsui ran off and got married. Well guess what? Derek Jeter still hasn't paid back Matsui the money he owes on the bet wagered between the two and Bobby Abreu. Oh don't you worry Matsui fans. He will get his revenge. Matsui says he will get interest from Jeter.

• According to ESPN's Jayson Stark, the Phillies send director of professsional scouting, Chuck Lamar to see Bedard's last start. Hmm, I think this could work out pretty well. How about Shane Victorino, Carlos Corrasco and another top prospect?
  

• Stark also sees an Oliver Perez deal imminent. He believes that Tony Armas is more than ready to fill Perez's spot in the rotation.
  

• A final Stark Note: The Braves are shifting their primary need from starting pitching to Left Field. Possible players of interest include Jason Bay and Raul Ibanez. Matt Holliday would cost too much prospect wise for the Braves.
  

• Aaron Boone became the fourth Boone to collect 1000 hits in a career last night. Boone, currently a National, joined his grandfather Ray (1,260), his father Bob (1,838) and his brother Bret (1,775) in reaching the milestone. This has me wondering if the Boone bloodline is still running strong. Of Course it is. As now grandfather Bob Boone put it, "I have four grandsons, I expect they won't be telling their fathers they want to play piano and not baseball."

• Barry Bonds' agent has told the media today that Barry Bonds has no interest in playing Independent ball this season. NEWSFLASH: Guess what? Nobody has interest in you at the major league level buddy! You know what, maybe Bonds should consider Independent league ball. He would fit right in with some of the non-sense. Though i throw these harsh comments about Bonds, I still have a feeling that some team will take a chance on him around July 31st. Hopefully it will be the Yankees, so Suzyn Waldman can get all excited about Barry coming back.

• Ex Brave Jerry Royster will become the first American to manage in South Korea. Royster got the job through current Japanese manager Bobby Valentine. There will be a few adjustments for Royster, such as the 12 inning tie game rule in Korean baseball, but it should be interesting to see if Royster can have success. Royster managed the Brewers in 2002.

• Seattle's best pitcher a year ago should be heading to the DL anytime soon. Miguel Bautista, who has been battling back pain all year, had this to say after last night's game:

• "This is frustrating. It's embarrassing. I'm supposed to be helping the team win, but the way I'm pitching, it's not helping. I have to make sure I get myself healthy before I go out there again, because I'm the only guy trying to pitch through it. Everybody else, every time they feel pain, they go on the DL, or they take a rest, and I haven't."

• Everyone is talking about Joba Chamberlain's conversion from reliever to starter, but what about Chicago's Ryan Dempster? After getting 85 saves the last three years, Dempster went through a tough workout this off-season. Here is the difference. Dempster has previous experience starting ball games. I think it has been a huge reason why Ryan started off so well.

• Chipper Jones keeps killing it. My gosh, this man is on a tear. The best part for Braves fans and fans in general for that matter is that Chipper is actually healthy.
  

• Destin Hood, the Nationals' second round pick out of Alabama made a trip to the capital yesterday to discuss signing. Hood, who could opt to play football for Alabama, toured the capital, as well as nationals park. Hood participated in team batting practice as the Nationals tried to swing him towards professional baseball.

• Tigers outfielder Gary Sheffield could return to the Tigers' roster as early as tonight in Detroit. Many fans are split on the return. The Tigers have been on a tear without Sheffield in the lineup. Sheffield will most likely take over the DH duties for rookie Jeff Larish. Sheffield only hit .143 in his rehab assignment with Lakeland.

• Seattle ace Felix Hernandez injured his ankle while blocking the plate in his start against the New York Mets. Earlier in the game Hernandez went opposite field against Johan Santana to become the first Mariner to go deep. Hernandez's ankle has a mild strain and according to Hernandez, he will not miss his next start.
• "I'm going to pitch next time. You know I'm not going to come out if it's not too bad. But it was bad. I wanted to pitch. I wanted to stay in the game. I threw one (practice) pitch. It hurt bad. Now I'm fine. I'm going to be ready to throw my next outing."

• Nationals first baseman Nick Johnson could be out for the rest of the season after undergoing wrist surgery. Johnson has been one big injury since coming over to Washington. He missed all of 2007 with a broken leg.
  

• Gerald Laird will be out 4-6 weeks after an MRI determined the severity of his right hamstring injury. This is a blow to the trade hopes of the Texas Rangers. Another blow is the aggravated injury faced to Hank Blalock. There is no diagnosis yet on his bruised right wrist.
  

• Jim Salisbury of the Philadelphia Inquirer wonders if the Phillies have enough to make a deal for starting pitching. Greg Maddux, Randy Wolf, and A.J. Burnett all seem like good fits. Salisbury mentions that the outfield depth makes Shane Victorino or Jayson Werth good trade material in return. I really like the Padres as a trade partner in that situation, because they could surely use an outfielder.

• The Cleveland Plain Dealer has yet even more C.C. talk. Dennis Manoloff looks at the situation the Indians are in, and compares it to the Bartolo Colon deal of 2002. If the Indians could get a Grady Sizemore, Brandon Phillips, Cliff Lee, and Lee Stevens type deal for their ace watch out. The Price might be even more than that (see Bedard and Santana deals). I still have the feeling a deal is not going to get done on this front.
  

• Detroit GM Dave Dombrowski is pretty confident he can deal designated reliever Denny Bautista. The Hard throwing righty has shown a lot of promise this season, but with Joel Zumaya back, the Tigers had to do something. Bautista has a 94+ fastball with a pretty good slider.

• Our column of the day comes from the Miami Sun-Sentinel. Dave Hyde looks at a possible World Series preview in Dolphin Stadium.... Wait, What? Thats Right, The Rays of Sunshine versus the fish not named Dolphin. Is it possible? Either way it's a great look of what could happen in the near future. Even Bill James would pass out if this happened.....
  

• Omar Minaya is breathing down the neck of Mets manager Willie Randolph. Minaya stated in an interview on Sunday that Randolph was his "coach for today," and that he has time to reevaluate his coaching staff. The New York Daily News is reporting that they believe pitching coach Rick Peterson and first base coach Tom Neito could be gone before Randolph. They also report that Minaya has been given permission to fire Randolph when he feels ready. I believe the time has to be now if your going to do it. There is such little time to re cooperate from this start. I don't believe that there is a better manager available on the market that would be better than Randolph. If they decide on canning Randolph, I believe its a sign of giving up on the season. Charlie Manuel would be the interim manager if Randolph were fired.

• With Chien-Ming Wang out for six weeks or more, Tyler Kepner of the New York Times states the Obvious; It's time to turn up talks for C.C. Sabathia. If the Yankees want to compete, now has to be the time. Besides the promising Chamberlain, this staff has been questionable at times. Though Phil Hughes is do back soon, Sabathia would fit very well. He is pitching lights out right now, and the Yankees need to do something if they want to catch up to the Rays and Red Sox. I can't help but think the Yanks are the favorite to land Sabathia, but it will be tough to get him if they don't offer one of either Phil Hughes or Ian Kennedy. Throw in prospect Austin Jackson and possibly a power bat if the Indians are anywhere close to contention and it might be a deal.

• Reds GM Walt Jocketty stated today that there will be no fire sale this season. His reasoning being that having a winning season is a priority and Dusty Baker and himself have not been able to evaluate this team long enough yet. The Reds were reportedly shopping Bronson Arroyo, Ken Griffey Jr., Ryan Freel and Adam Dunn. All of those players would be hard to move anyways, because of their monstrous contracts. I still think it is a possibility to move an outfielder. Dunn and Griffey are free agents at the end of the year, so it would be a positive for the Reds to get something for those two if they can.

• Marlins slugger Jorge Cantu was close to signing a deal with the Mariners this off-season. He planned on battling for a utility role on the team. Looks like Cantu made the right choice to sign with Florida.

• With all the managerial firing talk floating around, Ernie Harwell, longtime Tigers announcer wrote an interesting piece for the Detroit Free Press about a managerial firing that happened before opening day.

• JoeSportsFan.com looks at 7 unique swings that were unconventional, but have worked out for the best.