-Dexter Sports
6:19 PM
Dexter-Sports Inbox

I have finally completed the Andy MacPhail trade profile. It was a very interesting experience, and I think I will try and do it again. Throughout the project I found out a couple things about MacPhail that I found interesting.

Download or view the the Andy MacPhail Trade Profile.

• He is actually a really interesting character. I always thought he was just a boring guy.
  

• He really isn't a user of the big trade, but when he does, It usually works. He credits that to asking his father's opinion on trades. He says only once a trade didn't work in his Minnesota days. That trade his father said was a bad one for the twins. Go figure. (Could be a product of his small market nature.)
  

• As he has aged, McPhail has become a better talent evaluator. With Minnesota, a lot of prospects didn't work out. But as he moved to the Cubs and Orioles, it seemed his staffs had a better grasp on player development.
  

-Dexter Sports
1:50 PM
Dexter-Sports Inbox

Buried in a draft class that included the likes of Justin Upton, Cameron Maybin, Andrew McCutchen, Chris Volstad, Ryan Braun, Ryan Zimmerman, Troy Tulowitski, Alex Gordon, Jacoby Ellsbury, Colby Rasmus, and Jay Bruce is a former catcher, that might have finally found his niche at the first base position.

Insert Brandon Snyder. While most of these names, who either went just ahead of him, or just after him in the first round of the 2005 draft, have found their way to the majors, or close to it, he has been busy trying to figure out a horrific 2006 season that saw him hit .194 for Orioles A ball affiliate, the Delmarva Shorebirds.

Drafted as the best catcher in the nation out of Westfield High School in Virginia, Snyder excelled in his first pro season. Hitting .271 in rookie ball, with a good control at the plate. A promotion to low A, led to a .393 performance in 28 at bats. Things seemed to be clicking. Until injuries struck the young catcher.

Much of the struggle of '06 for Snyder was due to injury. Snyder suffered a dislocated right shoulder and eventually a torn rotator cuff in his left shoulder. His hitting ability obviously was hampered. During the 06' off-season, it was unknown if Snyder would recover. But after a move to first base, the youngter responded. The Orioles would name him the minor league comeback player of the year in 2007. Snyder put up 58 RBIs, and put together a solid .352 OBP. It seemed as though the prospect was on the right track. The Orioles then sent him to play in Hawaii in the winter. Snyder proved he was back, hitting .378, winning a batting title for the league. And if that wasn't enough proof, Snyder's 2008 was a testiment to his real value.

Snyder was part of the potent Fredrick Keys team in 2008 that included top prospect Matt Wieters and pitching prospects Chris Tillman and Jake Arrieta. Snyder didn't dissapoint at first base, hitting an astonishing .315 with 80 runs batted in. His slugging percentage (.490) was the best of the Frederick squad that played more than 6 games. Currently he is hitting .393 with 4 RBIs on 11 hits for the Suprise Rafters of the Arizona Fall League.

Expect Snyder to be a big slugger for the AA Bowie Baysox in 2009. Snyder should be part of a huge nucleus of players flooding the Orioles between 2009 and 2012. I also wouldnt be surprised if Snyder is rushed. First baseman Kevin Millar will not be returning in 2009 and Aubrey Huff's contract expires after the 2009 season.

-Dexter Sports
12:56 PM
Dexter-Sports Inbox

Lets take a look at the Top Stories in Baseball from around the Blogospher this Tuesday:

• 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 Ratings:

• 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.
  

-Dexter Sports
3:32 PM
Dexter-Sports Inbox

Let's take a look at some Orioles news and notes.

• Shortstop Freddy Bynum was designated today. Alex Cintron will take over as the starting shortstop for now. The Orioles have had five different starters at the position already this season. The Orioles have been buyers in the past. With Rafael Furcal and Edgar Renteria available in the off-season, I wonder if the Orioles will give them a shot. They do not have a top notch prospect in the organization. But then again, this is a new Orioles staff. The answer still might be from within.

• The Baltimore Sun looks at first round draft choice Brian Matusz.

• Brian Roberts reflects past trade rumors and what it would be like if he were playing in Wrigley against the Orioles on Tuesday.

• Matt Wieters, Jake Arrieta, and Brandon Tripp will represent the Frederick Keys in the Carolina league all star game on Tuesday. The Frederick Keys are 36-39 on the season.

The story so far in Baltimore has been the talent they have gotten in return for the trades they made this off-season. Let's break it down.

Houston Astros:
Miguel Tejada - .294/.322/.468 10 HRs 43 RBIs

Baltimore Orioles:
Luke Scott - .268/.352/.502 12 HRs 28 RBIs
Dennis Sarfate - 32.1 IP 4-1 3.06 ERA 35 SO
Matt Albers - 48.2 IP 3-2 2.77 ERA 25 SO 6 HLDs
Mike Costanzo (AAA) - .242/.315/.351 6 HRs 26 RBIs
Troy Patton (#3 Prospect, but out with shoulder surgery)

Seattle Mariners:
Eric Bedard - 70.1 IP 4-4 3.97 ERA 63 SO .233 AVG against

Baltimore Orioles:
Adam Jones - .265/.308/.385 4 HRs 27 RBIs
George Sherill - 33.2 IP 2-2 3.21 ERA 32 SO 25/28 SVs
Chris Tillman (AA) - 70.2 IP 7-2 2.67 ERA 73 SO .191 AVG against
Tony Butler (LoA) - 55 IP 3-4 4.42 ERA 44 SO 7.2 K/9
Kam Mickolio (AA) - 33.1 IP 2-1 4.59 ERA 32 SO

I'll let you decide...

-Dexter Sports
9:25 AM
Dexter-Sports Inbox

The Orioles have let go of veteran starter Steve Trachsel.

Trachsel, who was trying to settle into a relief role in Baltimore, had an 8.39 ERA in 8 starts and some relief work. At 37, Trachsel was the oldest pitcher on the Orioles roster.

After going 15-8 for the Mets in 2006, Trachsel's took his success to Baltimore where he made 25 starts before being traded to the Cubs near the deadline. In chicago, Traschel hit a wall, tallying a 8.31 ERA in his stint there. Looking for a veteran starter, the Orioles offered Traschel a spring training invite, which ultimately led to a 5th spot in the rotation. And like many Orioles, Traschel got off to a hot start. In his first two starts he gave up only four runs and was able to place his pitches well. Lately though, that hadn't been the case.

The Orioles recently sent Trachsel to the pen while they made a decision on his future with the club. In his relief work, hitters were batting .333 against him. Finally Dave Trembly and his staff made a decision today.

"Just let the numbers and the way he pitched, everybody saw the way he pitched, let that all speak for itself," Manager Dave Trembley said. "I'm not going to address anything in particular. We made the move, and that should be self-explanatory."

Trashcsel's next move is most likely retirement. He told the Baltimore Sun this spring that if he didn't make the team he would most likely hang up the cleats. I don't see much interest brewing in Trachsel in the near future.

-Dexter Sports
10:50 PM
Dexter-Sports Inbox

The Cubs have signed Jim Edmonds and though he isn't a long term option as the fourth outfielder, he has replaced Felix Pie at least for the rest of the season. Again, the cubs have failed to allow their young talent to develop at the major league level. Pie wasn't given a fair amount at bats from the right side and yet the Cubs continue to bring in veteran players that are past their prime. I agree with the signing of Reed Johnson, but bringing in Jim Edmonds and hoping for a spark is a reach at best. Though it is too soon to tell, if the Cubs have officially given up on Felix Pie, he could be available around the deadline in a deal that would bring them either more offensive firepower or one more solid pitcher.

It has been clear from the get go that the Cubs did not have faith in Felix Pie. Their first attempt was to get Coco Crisp from the Red Sox to take over in center. Then it was even Marlon Bryd of the Rangers who they thought would do better than Pie. If the right deal comes along then I think the Cubs will jump on it. Allowing him to rot in AAA, much like another former outfield prospect is not the right answer. With that being said, here is a few scenarios that I can see happening.

San Diego Padres: We know the need for a true center fielder overlies nearly every other need on this squad. If the Cubs want to re-evaluate the thought of bringing in shortstop Khalil Greene, if Ronny Cedeno and Ryan Theriot are not getting the job done. Though Greene isn't that much of an upgrade, he did show power last year. The Padres would also be able to clear 4.5 million dollars for next year. Other players that could be available are Brian Giles, Trevor Hoffman(bit of a reach), Greg Maddux, Wilfredo Ledezma, and even possibly pitching prospects. Even third baseman Kevin Kouzmanoff could be available, because the Pads would love to give
a chance to shine. The Cubs could use Kouzmanoff in the outfield, but he is most likely an option to another team, considering Aramis Ramirez is not going anywhere and their top prospect is third baseman Josh Vitters.

Baltimore Orioles: I still think that Brian Roberts is a possibility in Chicago and one of the pieces of the puzzle could be Pie. Though the Orioles are very happy with what they have got in the outfield right now, Pie could be a solid addition for the future, and though they are having success the future is the biggest thing on Andy MacPhail's mind. Eventually, with the departure of Kevin Millar, we could see Luke Scott or Nick Markakis move to first base, which would make room for Pie in center. Though Pie wouldn't be the only required piece of the deal, something like Ronny Cedeno, Felix Pie and Sean Gallagher/Sean Marshall is a possibility. The Orioles will be asking for a lot though.

Oakland Athletics: If Billy Beane can sweep in and grab Pie under his terms, I am sure that he would do it. The A's lack any depth at center field currently and Ryan Sweeney is still struggling to put up numbers. Though the A's have Carlos Gonzalez waiting in the wings, an outfield prospect who could play center field, Beane could swing this move just to clear a bit of salary to add a pitcher at the deadline if needed. Beane won't be willing to give up much, probably offering someone like Bobby Crosby to give Donnie Murphy time or Jack Cust and a prospect. Though Beane is very high on his prospects. The Cubs though could use someone like Cust to pinch hit, if Daryle Ward doesn't come back healthy in two weeks.

San Fransisco Giants: Though Brian Sabean claims he isn't going to make any more deals, Felix Pie could be a piece of the future of San Fransisco. Though the Giants don't have much to offer that could help the Cubs immediately, I do like the idea of the Giants sending a pitcher Midwest. I think that Brian Wilson, Jonathon Sanchez, Tyler Walker, Vinnie Chulk and maybe even Barry Zito (with the right price reduction and improved outings). The move would put Fred Lewis in left and give them possibly the fastest outfield in the league. Ray Durham could also be a possibility.

-Dexter Sports
11:29 AM
Dexter-Sports Inbox

Last night's action was some of the best this season. We saw the Brewers blow another lead in the ninth, The Orioles continue their great play, and a circus high-fiving catch by Manny Ramirez had everyone loving mid May baseball. Throw on the fact that the Royals continued their domination of the Tigers this season (now 5-0) and Robinson Cano finally got his average above .200, fans all around can rejoice this Thursday. Especially if your Ryan Braun, who signed a 7 year extension worth a reported 45 million dollars. Welcome to the club Mr. Braun. Here is some news from around the league.

• John Fay, the Reds beat writer for the Cincinnati Inquirer notes on his blog today that Jay Bruce, undoubtedly is ready for the major leagues. Bruce is hitting .667 with 3 homers and 9 RBIs over the last five games. The only issue at hand is the amount of playing time that the Reds can give him. According to GM Walt Jocketty, there will be some point where they will just have to call him up and he continues to say that Bruce is not going unnoticed. Does this mean that a Griffey Deal is in the works? Not so fast, Jocketty also went on to say that there have been no trade discussions.

• Yankees manager Joe Girardi praises defensive pitching whiz Kenny Rogers in a recent article by the Detroit Free Press. Rogers become the all time pick off leader last weekend when Girardi's Yankees came to Detroit. Girardi says that Rogers is the best double play pitcher that he has ever seen.

• The Baltimore Sun is reporting that reliever James Hoey will be out for the rest of the season after getting surgery to repair some torn cartilage in his right shoulder. Hoey appeared in 23 games for the O's last season and was once considered the closer of the future. The Orioles are comparing the surgery as something similar to Troy Patton's season ending operation at the beginning of the season. The Baltimore Sun's Roch Kubatko also wrote a great piece on prized prospect Chris Tillman, who came to the Orioles in the Erik Bedard deal.

• Jim Edmonds is officially a Cub and will split center field duties with Reed Johnson. Edmonds comes to the cubs after being released from the San Diego Padres. The Cubs will pay Edmonds around 290,000 for his duties. The Cubs will option down young Felix Pie yet again to make room for Edmonds. The Cubs hope that Edmonds will be 100% when he joins the club today. Does this mean that Felix Pie is available for the right price? Possibly but Edmonds is not the long-term solution in Chicago.

• The Dodger outfield woes continue. Last night, with the absence of Shortstop Rafael Furcal, Joe Torre put Juan Pierre at the top of the order and placed Andruw Jones second. Matt Kemp got the start and yet again Andre Either was stuck with the shaft. Joe Torre has to go with Pierre, or he has no speed currently at the top of the lineup. This would not be an issue if the Dodgers didn't blow a lot of money where they didn't need to. Hopefully Either, who has had a far more productive season than Juan Pierre, will sneak some more playing time.

• Yankees GM Brian Cashman is sick of answering the question, "When is Joba going to begin his rehab to become a Starter?" According to the New York Times, Cashman will not articulate on the plan. It seems the Joba, who has been dominant in his setup role, would be better off staying put. The Times notes that his 98 MPH fastball will not be around if he starts and that it is a risk to take such a good piece away from this team, in hope that he will be as dominant as a starter. I completely agree here. Keep Joba in the pen if you want to stay in the hunt Hank. If you love Joba so much, why don't you go find some better starters available via trade instead of wasting your time on the Kei Igawa project.
  

-Dexter Sports
3:59 PM
Dexter-Sports Inbox

We have some really good match ups in front of us tonight. Lets take a look at what is in front of us tonight in the six night games.

• Detroit vs. Boston 7:05 ET: Clearly the best pitching match up as Justin Verlander will take on Josh Beckett in a battle of what was thought to be Cy Young hopefuls at the beginning of the season, has not panned out that way. Verlander is 1-5 (hard to believe) with a 6.28 ERA so far, this year and his career numbers against Detroit don't get better. In 2 starts he is 1-1 with a 4.61 ERA. Detroit busted out of it's losing streak last night, and will continue to push for more victories. Josh Beckett takes the hill for the Red Sox. Beckett is 3-2 with a 4.19 ERA. Part of the Red Sox's success is due in major part to their pitching staff. They are tied for first in in wins, lead the league in shutouts, and have a solid team 4.10 ERA, despite giving up 150 walks so far this season. That is good enough for the second highest in the league.

• Tampa Bay vs. Toronto 7:07 ET: The Story of the game will be if the Jays offense can continue to improve after a slump to start the season. Edwin Jackson (2-3 4.98) will take on Jessie Litch (4-1 4.32). The Jays will be without shortstops David Eckstein and John Mcdonald. Marco Scutaro will make the start for the Jays. The Jays have won six of seven and the Rays have went 5-5 in the last ten games. Litch's only loss came against the Rays this season. The middle of the order will look to improve it's horrid 0-10 in Wednesday's game to give Edwin Jackson some support to get him back on track. I like Tampa's bats in this game.

• Milwaukee vs. Florida 7:10 ET: Though the pitching probable is nothing worth talking about (Villanevua vs Hendrickson) the mix up for the brewers lineup is. Joe Dillion will hit third in the lineup, as Prince Fielder will get a look from the bench. Milwaukee's bats have contiued to struggle. Gabe Kapler will also be inserted to give a spark of the bench. The Marlins have won 4 of their last 5 and has seen recent success from Dan Uggla, who started cold this season. Uggla is a career .324 hitter off Milwaukee with 3 HRs and 9 RBIs. Ned Yost is hoping his new lineup can show up the struggling starters.
  

• Washington vs. Houston 8:05 PM ET: The Nationals are one game away from getting swept by the hot Astros lineup that has seen Lance Berkman and Carlos Lee turn it up another notch and Youngster Micheal Bourn take better pitches and get more accustomed to major league pitching. The Astros will send Brandon Backe (2-3 4.42) to the mound to face John Lannan (2-3 3.74). I think this Houston Astros club is showing that at least their offense deserves to be talked about as contenders in the NL Central.
  

• Baltimore vs. Kansas City 8:05 PM ET: The Orioles look to get back to winning baseball after a tough season with Oakland. The Orioles send Daniel Cabrera (2-1 4.06) to the mound to oppose Luke Hochevar (2-1 4.86) in a game that could be high scoring. That is if the Orioles offense can get going. Five of the Orioles previous seven games they have only scored one or two runs. The Royals scored nine runs in their last game against the Angels. That is a season high. The Royals offensive effort has been team oriented, with David Dejesus Leading RBIs, Alex Gordon leading HRs and Billy Butler leading average. Look for the Orioles to return to the plate in this game against the young righty.

• Texas vs. Seattle 10:05 PM ET: The bottom of the NL west will take on each other tonight as the Mariners will send Felix Hernandez (2-2 3.04) to the mound to face Kevin Gabbard (1-0 2.18). Both team's pitching has been atrocious, especially the Rangers who rank near last in almost every pitching category. Texas though has won 5 of the last 7 in May and the pitching staff has been a big part of it. The Mariners will look to continue to warm up the bats. They have lost 7 of the last 8 and have posted .128 average in the last 23 innings. I think we will see a Mariner wake up call. I will predict a home run from Richie Sexson.
  

-Dexter Sports
3:14 PM

Radhames Liz has seen his ups and downs in his short minor league career. He has been a part of two no hitters, one on his lonesome for the class A Fredrick Keys. Times only got better as Lyz was named the Orioles minor league pitcher of the year in 2007 and hitters continued to struggle against him. The Orioles, just looking for a start in a horrific season, called up Liz to give him a look after a great season in AA Bowie. In the august call up, Liz went 0-3 with a 6.93 ERA , striking out 23 in the meantime walking 25. Liz's struggles made it evident that the youngster was rushing and still adapting to major league hitters.

Liz has a plus fastball that ranges anywhere from 94-97 MPH with a devastating curve ball and great change when he controls them. His control has been a big issue, and in order to address it the orioles have shortened up liz's windup to give him better control. The results have looked good, as Liz continues to throw more strikes. Liz ranked second in the eastern league in strikeouts last year with 161. Liz has been often compared to converted reliever Carlos Marmol, and when it comes down to it, the Orioles will soon have to make a decision whether he is more valuable as a reliever or starter in this league. Liz is currently starting for the AAA Norfolk Tides.

My Projection: I see Liz getting one more run at the starting rotation, either as a replacement for Jim Johnson, who is filling in for the injured Adam Loewen or when the Orioles actually replace Daniel Cabrera. If the orioles are out of contention by July, then we can expect to see Liz no matter what the cost. I ultimately think Liz's best value is as a closer or set up man. If he could harness his pitch control, then the sky is the limit and it would be really tough to face this right hander. This could also become an option if the Orioles trade away George Sherrill or anyone in the pen.

• Gil Meche got off to a good start last night, in a 3-2 victory against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. It was good to see him shut down a playoff-caliber offense. Meche went six innings and gave up two runs. I like to see Meche finally do well, it solidifies my prediction that the royals will have the best pitching staff in the AL central.

• Derrick Turnbow to the Tigers? Milwaukee Journal Sentinal's Tom Haudricourt reported on his blog that Derrick Turnbow was displeased with the mop work that he has been given so far, and his agent went to talk about the disgruntled reliever with GM Doug Melvin. Does this mean that Turnbow's brewer career is over? Probably not but I definitely see the tigers as a perfect fit. Possibly A Derrick Turnbow for two mid level pitching prospects to make up for the mistake of Scott Linebrink? What do you guys think?

• The Cubs have activated Eric Patterson after placing Alfonso Soriano on the DL yesterday. This should indicate the trading of Matt Murton to say the Rangers, Rays, Padres or wild card Giants. Knowing Cubs management though, probably not. They just like to toy with cubs fans' minds.

• The Baltimore Orioles seem to be back on ground level, after soaring through the first week. The Orioles have lost 6 of their last 8 and the Starting Pitching has continued to struggle. We all know that they wouldn't compete for long. Here are some names t remember around the Trade Deadline minus Brian Roberts that could get dealt: Aubrey Huff, Kevin Millar, Ramon Hernandez, George Sherill, Daniel Cabrera and anyone with a hefty contract. Andy Mcphail will look for top notch prospects as usual.

• What the heck is wrong with Cleveland Indian Ace C.C. Sabathia? Well, I don't think anybody really knows, but I'll throw in a diagnosis. Eric Wedge, are you listening? Would it really hurt the Indians to give Sabathia two or three starts off? It seems his velocity is there and his pitches are still devastating. I think it is a phase of missing his spots and a bit of fatigue. Sabathia has pitched at least 180 innings a season since 2003, including a whopping 241 last year.

-Dexter Sports
4:21 PM

Lets take a look at the most intriguing match ups of Monday's Evening Action.

• Randy Johnson(ARI) Vs. Jonathan Sanchez(SFG) 10:05 PM AT&T Park: What I like about this match up is the fact that The Big Unit will be able to ease back into pitching, by facing one of if not the weakest offensive lineups in the National League. Johnson is coming off his second back surgery in as many years, and If healthy, could give the Diamondbacks a formidable 1-2-3 Punch in the rotation. This start could also judge if the Giants want to keep Sanchez in the rotation, or move him down to AAA Fresno for a bit of experience and seasoning.
  

• Detroit Tigers Offense Vs. Nick Blackburn(MIN) 7:05 ET Comerica Park: Ok, so now comes the real test and I think the real tigers offense. Though the Tigers offense has not faced Nick Blackburn much, if at all, I think this is the best opportunity to see this offense finally flourish. We know that Jim Leyland threw down the hammer on these guys, and facing a pitcher that does have good stuff, but nothing over powering is just what this offense needs. Plus, they cant be shutout again can they?

• Hiroki Kuroda(LAD) vs. Zach Duke(PIT) 10:05 ET Dodger Stadium: What is so special about this matchup is how similar these pitchers numbers are. Both come in with a 2.13 ERA. Zach Duke has 7 strikeouts on the year and Kuroda has 8. What is also interesting is that both teams have played about the same type of ball this season and their records show it. Plus, it is always fun to see hitters face Kuroda for the first time. He has some sick and nasty stuff.

• The 7-5 Blue Jays vs. The 7-5 Orioles 7:05 ET Oriole Park: I understand that it is early and that there isn't a playoff implication here yet, but something has to give. Both teams carry the same record going into this game. Add on the fact that while Baltimore is 5-1 at Oriole Park, the Blue Jays are 5-2 on the road. Weird enough for you yet? Good. Last year's match up between the two, 10-8 in favor of Toronto. So say there were playoff implication some where down the line, this could be really interesting. Dustin McGowan will take the mound for the Jays. Matt Albers will go for the Orioles.

• Vladimir Guerrero(LAA) vs. Rangers Pitching 8:05 ET Ballpark In Arlington: Guerrero hasn't started slow, but with a .288 average and 2 homers, look for him to walk in Texas and make himself the lone ranger of the town. Guerrero is a lifetime .406 hitter against the Rangers with 21 Homers and 58 Rbis. Look for Vladimir to bust open tonight.
  

-Dexter Sports
9:04 PM

Aubrey Huff continues to kill Rays pitching. Its the Top of the Seventh and the Orioles are up 5-2. Bases are Loaded with Huff at the dish. Everyone has a hit besides catcher Ramon Hernandez, who has an RBI and Jay Payton. Considering the Orioles Bullpen is lights out so far, I think it is safe to say you can put another win the win column for the O's. We will see though, because you never know with the game of baseball. Jeremy Guthrie Pitched well for the second straight start.

-Dexter Sports
2:48

After one Week into the season, it is evident who who will have very strong bullpens during the 2008 season. In this edition of Around The Horn, we will rank the top three pens as well as the bottom three to start the season.

The Big Boys

1. Brewers - I know that Eric Gagne blew his first save of the year, but beyond that this pen has been flawless. The rebuilt pen has kept the crew in games, exactly the way GM Doug Melvin and Manger Ned Yost wanted. David Riske seems like the perfect set-up man for this club and Solomon Torres is the inning eater that they need for the very few starts that don't go 5 innings plus.
2. Orioles - Though the pen has not seen a lot of time, it has been a huge reason the Orioles are 4-1 and on top of the AL East. George Sherrill's pitching has not been hit yet and he has shut down opponents, which has resulted in two saves. Dennis Sarfate, a gift from the Astros in the Tejada deal, has also shined early this season. Matt Albers, who has been effective as a long reliever could take away Daniel Cabrera's rotation spot sooner rather than later. Albers was also acquired with Troy Patton, Mike Costanzo and Luke Scott from Houston for Miguel Tejada.
3. Red Sox - Seems to be the only thing keeping the Sox in games. Well, not quite. Manny Declarman struggled giving up a grand slam to Frank Thomas, but this pen will form. With veteran Mike Timlin coming off the DL, this team will be more than solid.

The Bottom Three

1. Detroit Tigers -The Bullpen is 0-3 after last night's blowout against the White Sox. Without Joel Zumaya and Fernando Rodney there is nobody that can plug he bleeding of the middle relief of Jason Grilli and company.
2. Cincinnati Reds - This is expected from a really week bullpen and a weakness on this team that will keep them out of the hunt for a playoff birth. Of the 7 relievers that the reds have thrown out there, six have given up at least a run.
3. Cleveland Indians - Ok, so maybe it is too early to give up on this bullpen, but I am worried. Joe Borowski has always been shaky, but not the likes of Fernando Betancourt. He has been a staple in the eighth inning, but not so much this year. This Bullpen will shape up in due time.
   

-Dexter Sports

11:21 AM

In today's around the horn, we focus on players that are making comebacks that could be vital to your fantasy team, or to your favorite team in general. We will also set some time tables of when you should let go of some of your "sleeper" pick ups.

• Josh Beckett will make his debut for the Red Sox today. That pitching match up of Roy Halladay and Beckett is the best all day. Look for a low scoring game and fantasy buffs, be happy that Beckett is back. He will do you wonders today in Toronto.... Unless your fantasy team has both Halladay and Beckett like mine does.
  

• For those of you in Holds leagues Scot Shields will be back tonight with the Angels. Shields is considered one of the best set up men in the game. If he is available, go grab him from free agency. Another option if you are in a bind for holds is Detroit's Denny Bautista, who is filling in for Fernando Rodney. He has looked sharp so far and if the Tigers can get in a winning situation he could be someone of value.
  

• Andy Pettitte made his season debut yesterday. Don't think much of it fantasy owners because his curve ball couldn't be placed and that his cutter had nothing on it. For those of you in dyer need of an innings eater and decent starter, this could be your guy, unless he gets caught up in the winter months that haunted him this off-season.

• Those of you who are looking for a closer after both Chad Cordero of the Nationals and J.J. Putz of the Mariners, there are many options to explore that should work out. First and foremost, if Brad Lidge is still available after injury, go pick him up, he will fill the void fairly well. If that is not an option for you, Look for small market closers, such as Huston Street, Matt Capps, Joakim Soria and the likes. A bold move that could pay off is picking up Mariners starter Miguel Batista, who seems to be the favorite to take over Putz's closer job. Batista started against the Orioles last night, but has closer experience with the Jays.
  

• Mark Buehrle and Jeremy Guthrie both look to rebound tonight in their respected starts. After both had horrible opening days, I think it will be safe to say, if they don't compete tonight, it is time to go pick someone else up. I think Buehrle will rebound though.
  

--Dexter Sports

Here is the Latest on the Baseball front-

• Announced less than an hour ago by the Baltimore Sun, the Orioles have released OF Jay Gibbons. The Orioles have now finalized their roster, meaning that Scott Moore will make the team as a spare outfielder, third baseman and first baseman. The Orioles will have to still pay the more than 11 million dollars owed to him, but it is the best move for the future. Gibbons is suspended for the first 15 games due to failing the MLB Drug Test.

• Claudio Vargas could be signing with a club sooner, rather than later. Vargas, who was released by the Brewers earlier this week could be heading to inner-division rival Houston. The Astros released starter Woody Williams, who struggled all spring. Vargas is a good fit, especially if Shaun Chacon struggles. The Mets also seem to be in the picture, especially with Orlando Hernandez struggling with velocity and heading to the disabled list. Vargas could be a spot starter and work in the pen for the mets.

• Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Doug Davis has been diagnosed with thyroid cancer. Davis will make his first two starts of the year and then will undergo treatment. He expects a full recovery and will be back with the parent club within a month and a half. Our thoughts go out to him and his family.

• Finally, the Padres have placed Center fielder Jim Edmonds on the 15 day disabled list. This means that talks between the cubs and padres could heat up on the Matt Murton front.
  

Thats all for this round-up, up next Ill put together the Rule 5 Draft All-star team!

Andy McPhail and Peter Angelos are at it again people. First, it was taking their good ol' time finalizing the Bedard deal, soaking the best talent possible out of the Mariners. Now it seems, the Cubs will miss out On Brian Roberts, simply because the Orioles are too picky.

Don't get me wrong, I think it is in the best interest of the Orioles to look to top tier talent, especially during the rebuilding process, but what the cubs are offering is a great bang for the buck. The Cubs offered up four top prospects for Roberts, including hard throwing youngster, Jose Ceda, Shortstop Ronny Cedeno and top prospects Donnie Veal and Sean Gallagher. Turning down this deal makes me wonder who else is in the running for the Oriole's second Baseman.

Lets take a look around the Net to see what people are talking about:

• Baltimore Sun Reporter Jeff Zrebiec believes the Orioles will wait it out until the trade deadline to make a deal, to try and get the best package possible from a needing team.

It seems that the Orioles are content on keeping him until the right deal falls through. Knowing the Orioles, they could sign him to a long term deal.