-Dexter Sports
1:20 PM
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Everyone knows that at this point of the baseball season, many teams are looking for help on the mound. For Teams like the Brewers and Tigers, it is becuase of the loss of key components to their rotation. For others, like the Cubs and Phillies, It is about improving their staff to get that closer to the goal of a World Series. Either way, the top teams in the league have to make choices. Heres what I think will happen on the deadline. Or at least a glance at what options teams will mull.

Milwaukee Brewers: BrewersNation hit the nail on the head with the starting pitching possibilities the Brewers will mull over. What should they do when the Time comes? If I am Doug Melvin I have to feel obligated to bring in C.C. Sabathia. The Brewers have one of, if not the best package to offer. The one thing that could hold them back is that Sabathia is going to take up a lot of payroll. I just have a feeling though. I really do not see Zach Grienke or Cliff Lee as options, as BrewersNation does, but I do think another veteran starter and Cleveland Indian Paul Byrd might be a good fit. Sure, he is Jeff Suppan Jr. but in the National League, Byrd could have success. He wouldn't be that much of an upgrade over Seth McClung either. One name that does fit is Daniel Cabrera. He is actually posting a 1.40 WHIP. Like I have mentioned before, The Brewers could snatch A.J. Burnett as well, just to block the Cubs from making a deal. The Brewers would pay him and then allow him to walk next season .

New York Yankees: As much as it makes sense, I do not see the Yankees going big pitching wise. Phil Hughes is on his way back, Sidney Ponson is loving New York, and I believe that Mr. Steinbrenner believes that Mike Mussina will keep up his first half performance throughout the year. That being said, I am not sold on this bullpen. Expect this team to get in the middle of Brian Fuentes talks. How about Aaron Heilman hopping on the seven train? I don't think that is likely, but it is possible. If the Yankees could land George Sherrill inter-division or another top notch reliever, such as Jon Rauch, It will make this team that much better. A mid range starter wouldn't do any good.

Chicago Cubs: I have a bad feeling the Cubs are going to try and land someone, and overpay. It seems that the Cubs are willing to deal Rich Hill, which could be a major mistake. It would not be hard for a team like the Athletics or Mariners would be happy to take on Hill and another prospect for the contracts of Bedard or Rich Harden. Jim Hendry has been too anxious in the past and might jump on a deal too fast. This is why the Cubs have not been successful in the past. They give up on players and prospects way too fast. Going for the wrong pitcher could really hurt this system yet again. I think that the Cubs have their eyes on the top four. Burnett, Sabathia, Bedard or Harden will be in a Cub uniform.

Los Angeles Angels: Here is a good phrase that tell you the Angels' pitching situation. "If it ain't broken, don't fix it." This staff has been just short of amazing. Ervin Santana, Joe Saunders, and reliever Jose Arredondo have all been pleasant. There is no room to make a deal. I also feel that if given the chance, Nick Adenhart will blossom in his second stint with the major leagues. Heck, Jon Garland, the 5th starter in this rotation, already has 7 wins. Signing Frankie Rodriguez long term though, could be a good option.

New York Mets: I am not sure if anything will be done at the deadline, but I know that if the Mets stay around .500, Omar Minaya will wheel and deal. Remember when he went and got Cliff Floyd and Bartolo Colon? Remember when he went and got Johan Santana? Be ready for it. Something is going to happen before the deadline. I believe that Freddy Garcia will also be a Met at the deadline. Beyond that, Bedard and Burnett should be two pitchers that Minaya talks about. It will be interesting to see if the Mets can pull something together for Sabathia. Though I doubt it will happen, I believe it is a possibility.

Philadelphia Phillies: We know that Gillick is going to make a move. The question is just when. Their Bullpen has been lights out. Chad Durbin and Brad Lidge have been pleasant surprises. And the rotation hasn't been that bad. But one more piece could solidify yet another division title. Bedard is definitely the favorite. I do think that Brett Meyers will turn it around here in the second half. That should be a big boost.

-Dexter Sports
5:34 PM
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Seattle Times columnist Geoff Baker writes today that the face of the Mariners franchise, outfielder Ichiro Suzuki could and should be available on the trade market. In times of struggle, anything is possible, and with Ichiro's value not going up, the time has to be now.

I see where Geoff Baker is coming from and it makes sense. With Ichiro, you can obtain a couple young top prospects and save most of the 90 million that is committed to him. His value could be used on more power or pitching. And the Mariners could start a complete rebuild. It is just hard to picture Ichiro in another uniform besides that of the Mariners. Since 2001, Ichiro has been making throws and amazing many with his what seems to be unorthodox swing. He has been the Tony Gwynn of this era. He is a career .330 hitter. Maybe it is because his legend has built up to the greats like Cal Ripken, Ozzie Smith, and many others that played for only one team that has me thrown off. Maybe it is because Seattle has done so much around him and his culture. It just wouldn't seem right. But to be honest, Ichiro is not the best player to build around.

Sure, he is a great bat. Someone who gets on base, steals you another and will score a bunch of runs. But let's be honest, He isn't the Alex Rodriguez, Ken Griffey Jr. or Edgar Martinez of the rebuilding past. He isn't that one bat you must have in the lineup to win or to contend. And with his price tag, It will be imperative to deal him. As weird as that sounds. The Mariners need to think about it at least. Because if they don't, It could be a long road back to contention.

-Dexter Sports
11:18 PM
Dexter-Sports Inbox

Let's go Around the Horn to check out the latest Injuries, Trade Scenarios and the Columns of the Day. Batter Up!

Injury News:

• 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.
  

Trade Winds:

• 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.

The Column of the Day:

• 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.....
  

-Dexter-Sports
3:46 PM
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At least this time I wasn't tucked under my covers at 3 AM. While taking in my afternoon laps at the local pool, The Mariners canned manager John McLaren. All I all feel like saying is, Its about time.

Former Cub Manager Jim Riggelman will take over for the rest of this season.

With newly appointed Interim Lee Pelekoudas making the call today, I believe that his job is now safe. As the weekend unfolds, We should see more moves happen. Players like Richie Sexson, Jose Vidro, Miguel Bautista and Miguel Cairo could be traded or released for younger talent.

Chris Jakubauskas, Matt Tuiasosopo, and Wladimir Balentien among others could be called up permanently, to get a bit more seasoning.

-Dexter Sports
2:12 PM
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The Mariners have made it obvious that it is time for a change. First it was hitting coach Jeff Pentland who paid the price for the team's offensive struggles. Then Rumors began to swirl that manager John McLaren would be the next to be blamed and pay the price for the horrid season thus far. But Mariners Chief Executive Officer made it clear. "Change is in order, we have determined new leadership is needed in the GM position."

And Just like that GM Bill Bavasi was bounced from his position with good reason. He now leaves the Mariners who will try to rebound from five years of below mediocre baseball.

Two days after making the significant change, The Mariners are already discussing making much needed roster moves. One that includes releasing struggling first baseman Richie Sexson as soon as this week. The front office is looking for new ways to win ballgames as fast as possible. We have seen this throughout the last 10 years. Since the Ken Griffey and Alex Rodriguez era, the Mariners have not built a winning team from within. Why not slow things down and take a few years to rebuild? Jack Zduriencik is the perfect person to get this organization back on track.

The 2007 Baseball America Major League Executive of the Year, Zduriencik has rebuilt the Brewers system from top to bottom. After inheriting the team as a scouting director in 2000, he has helped GM Doug Melvin put together a roster that many drool over. Most of which has come through the draft. Players such as Prince Fielder, J.J. Hardy, Rickie Weeks, Yovani Gallardo, Ryan Braun, Corey Hart, among others have been scouted and drafted with Zduriencik's guidance. This type of overhaul is what is needed in Seattle.

Brewers GM Doug Melvin said it best. "Jack is very important, but he's a low-profile guy, He's not a self-promoter. He doesn't get a lot of recognition because the day-to-day coverage is with the major-league team. He's proud of the fact that the players he's drafted are having success here."

It doesn't matter that he is low profile. The only thing that matters is that the Mariners find someone of his ability and to take over as General Manager.

-Dexter Sports
4:10 PM
Dexter-Sports Inbox

Bill Bavasi has been shown the back door in Seattle this afternoon. Finally the Mariners have went after the source cause of the horrid play of the Mariners. Bavasi has only had one winning season in his five years in Seattle and is responsible for a lot of bad moves in recent years. Richie Sexon, Jose Vidro, Carlos Silva, Miguel Bautista and Horacio Ramirez are all examples of bad decisions that Bavasi has made.

The M's are 24-45 this season, after being considered a playoff contender. It just seems likely that John McLaren will be gone within the next week or so. It is good to see the Mariners actually doing something about the major disappointment they have been this season.

With Interm GM Lee Pelekoudas taking over, It will be interesting to see what trades could happen. It is hard to say, but I don't think he will have much say in upcoming deals unless the M's make him the permanent GM.

-Dexter Sports
1:55 PM
Dexter-Sports Inbox

UPDATE (6:08 PM): Geoff Baker posts a little bit more information on new hitting coach Lee Elia.

This just in, The Mariners have made their first attempt to lay blame for their horrible season. Seattle has fired hitting coach Jeff Pentland this afternoon, according to Seattle Times reporter Geoff Baker. This is what GM Bill Bavasi said in a statement today.

"Jeff has an excellent and proven track record, and those of us who have worked with him are well aware he knows hitting. Unfortunately, we have consistently, and for an extended period, underperformed at the plate and we are hopeful that a different voice might help the situation.''

This could be a sign of things to come for the Mariner Management. Pentland though was a member of Mike Hargrove's staff in 2007 and could be the scapegoat for 2008. Lee Elia will take over for right now. This buys John McLaren a bit more time to turn this team around. If not, he could see his chance to stay with the Mariners blow right out the window. Of course, Bill Bavasi hasn't taken the blame for a lame trade and a horrible signing this offseason.

-Dexter Sports
3:38 PM
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All Evening Games tonight. Some good match ups. Jeremy Bonderman will take on Ervin Santana, Tim Lincecum will take on Dan Haren and Mark Buehrle will take on Aaron Laffey. The Reds have brought up Jay Bruce on the eve of the eve of Clayton Kershaw's Review. Who did the Reds designate to make room for Bruce? Of course not Corey Patterson. Here is your News for today. Lets go Around the Horn:

• The Cincinnati Reds have designated First Baseman Scott Hatteberg to make room for Jay Bruce. Many felt that Corey Patterson would be the one designated to make room for Bruce, but Dusty's love has shined out again for Mr. Patterson. I wonder how Dusty will handle sending Patterson to the bench for Jay Bruce. Either that or the Reds are really close to dealing Ken Griffey Jr. so they can play Bruce in Right Field. I really believe this could be the case, but Hatteberg is a good offensive and defensive sub off the bench. Bad move by the reds.

• Jon Lester and Magglio Ordonez were named the AL Player of the Week today. Ordonez hit .478 this week with 3 homers and 4 doubles. Lester threw a no-hitter against the Royals. I like the co award winner, but why not consider Evan Longoria or Frank Thomas as well. Many probably hoped it would just be Lester's award. Lester lost his last start against Oakland.

• Chone Figgins will be headed back to the DL possibly after just being activated by the Angels six days ago. This means that Brandon Wood could be a player to evaluate fantasy wise. Brandon Wood is the Angels top Prospect and will most likely continue at third base for the Angels. The Angels still have a lot of speed, but without Figgins the Angels will not have the lead-off talent that they are accustomed to. Look for Gary Matthews Jr. to continue hitting in the 2 slot.

• Bill Hall is not happy with Brewers management. Hall has lost playing time to Russell Branyan who got the call up from AAA Nashville. Hall has hit for power so far this season, but hasn't been consistent at the dish. Hall has good reason to be upset over lost playing time. Branyan seems to be even less consistent throughout his career, including always high strikeout numbers. Hall has seen time all over the diamond for the Brewers. He has played shortstop, Center field and a bit of second base in the past.

• Geoff Baker of the Seattle Times looks at the possibility of John McLaren losing his job in Seattle and who is really accountable for the team's horrid play. Though I don't believe that McLaren is all to blame, he has been a big part of the slide in Seattle. Last year, after taking over for Mike Hargrove mid season, McLaren's Mariners were not winning at the same rate. He might be a bit too kind to current players and reluctant to realize that his offense stinks. One bold move that could save his job would be to sit Richie Sexson and promote Jeff Clement to the Majors. We will see though. McLaren's job seems safe. At least for now.
  

-Dexter Sports
1:45 PM
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UPDATE: The Mariners have nodded it all up with a four run 3rd to make it a tie ball game. So Far in the bottom half of the inning, The Yankees have loaded the bases and scored a run on a Melky Cabrera single. The Yankees lead it with the bases loaded and two outs with Johnny Damon at the dish.

Carlos Silva continues his struggles as the Yankees jump on him for a 4 run second inning so far. Silva is 0-3 in May with a 9.03 ERA. His last start against the Tigers, he gave up seven runs. Jason Giambi hit his ninth of the year to give them three and Melky Cabrera drove in Robinson Cano with a single. It seems the Mariners are well on their way to the second straight sweep of this road trip. As the inning continues, the Yankees have just batted around for the first time all year.

-Dexter Sports
12:30 PM
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Dana Eveland (4-3 2.90) continues to shine. The Oakland A's starter acquired from the Diamondbacks in the Dan Haren deal went the distance and only gave up one run on three hits. What a spectacular performance. In today's news our main focus will be on pitching and even the lack thereof.

• Brandon Webb's win streak ended last night as the Florida Marlins out dueled the Arizona Diamondbacks by the score of 3-1. Florida Marlins starter Ricky Nolasco looked good on the mound pitching 7 innings while only giving up a run. Webb's runs came of a Cody Ross homer and a Luis Gonzalez triple. I still don't think that we will see Webb lose a lot of games in a row in 2008. His sinker ball was working well and the Marlins executed very well. Throw in the fact that the Diamondback offense will not score just one run in most of his starts, and I think that Webb will be just fine. Not that anybody would argue.

• Cubs ace Carlos Zambrano insisted that his shoulder was fine on Wednesday. Zambrano, who is scheduled to start on Friday, was bothered by a stiff neck early this week. Many speculated that it could be Zambrano's shoulder that has bothered him in the past. Zambrano was clear when addressing the media. Zambrano even flexed his forearm and said he will show the media on Friday. Look for Zambrano to pull out a good outing against the Pirates.
  

• The Joba experiment has started in New York. Brian Cashman announced yesterday that the project to stretch his arm out is underway. Though it was thought that Chamberlain would make a few rehab starts in AAA, it seems that the stretching could take place in New York. The Yankees threw Chamberlain out for two innings against the Orioles. One spot that seems to be protected in the rotation is that of Darrell Rasner. Rasner is 3-0 with a 1.93 ERA. With Ian Kennedy getting a second chance today to make the rotation a mainstay and Phil Hughes coming off the DL pretty soon, Rasner might be the odd man out, simply because Mike Mussina and Andy Pettitte will be there all season.
  

• Red Sox pitcher Clay Buchholz will make a rehab start at Pawtucket on Sunday. Bartolo Colon, who replaced him picked up the win last night for the Sox. Kevin Cash will be in the lineup tonight as Daisuke Matzusaka will take the mound. It will be only the second time that Mutzusaka hasn't worked with Jason Varitek. Cash will be in the game to give Varitek two nights off as knuckler Tim Wakefield will take the mound tomorrow.
  

• The Mariners have designated Cha Seung Baek for an assignment. R.A. Dickey will be on hand in the pen against the Tigers this afternoon. Dickey sports a knuckler that reaches 75 MPH and a slight fastball. The Mariners Bullpen has been atrocious so far this season and Dickey will get his chance to stop the bleeding. We could possibly see Dickey in the rotation for Miguel Bautista at some point.
  

-Dexter Sports
3:03 PM
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Nobody has to look at the standings in Major League baseball to know that the Detroit Tigers have dug a hole in last place. Who would know that Justin Verlander would have more losses than wins (2-7) and that the rest of this pitching staff would be this bad. For the Brewers, It has been much of the same story. The Brewers started off well, and for once this far in the season we see Ben Sheets pitching and not on the DL. Young ace Yovani Gallardo has landed on the DL and bullpen issues have kept them from being the powerhouse of the NL Central. These two teams are some of the biggest upsetting teams in the Major Leagues. Here are a list of "contenders" at the beginning of the season and how I believe they will end up this season.

Seattle Mariners: Many has this team slated in a battle with the LA Angels to win the AL West crown. The addition of Erik Bedard and Carlos Silva was supposed to propel this rotation to the top. Bedard has started most of the season on the DL and Silva, who gave up 7 runs last night to the Tigers has been on and off and plainly this offense just stinks. The Brad Wilkerson signing failed, Richie Sexson still doesn't know how to hit a baseball and the rest of the young infield has continued to struggle. Ichiro at the top still gives them a pretty good top of the order, but nobody is driving him in. The Mariners are 23rd in RBIs and cannot muster any offense. It seems that Adam Jones and Jose Guillen could have been better options. Add the horrid start by this bullpen and it doesn't look good for the Mariners

My Prediction: I Do not think this team has enough to put a rally together to get back in this thing. The offense is just horrible and the pitching is having a hard time staying in ball games as of late. Last Year, this teams good start is what propelled them into playoff contention. This team will finish near the bottom of the AL West.

San Diego Padres: This team was a game away from the playoffs last year and in the off season, we only saw this team get better. Though they lost Milton Bradley and Mike Cameron, they were able to bring in a couple pitchers that possibly had a lot of success in Randy Wolf and Mark Prior. We also saw the pads reach out and bring in Tad Iguchi to play second base, in what I believed was a good move. This pitching staff was going to carry the light offense. I bought into the idea that the Padres would compete in the NL West. Boy was I wrong. The Padres are a major league worse 17-30.

My Prediction: The Padres do not have what it takes to compete on the field and that has been apparent so far this season. I think sooner rather than later we will see a Padres fire sale that could see anyone go beyond Chris Young, Jake Peavy and Adrian Gonzalez. This team is just a bit too old, lacks just too much talent and also needed a hot start to make a move in the NL West.

New York Yankees: The Yankees are one of the interesting teams in the league that has seen it all so far in 2008. They have seen a young rotation falter (Ian Kennedy and Phil Hughes) yet the veterans they were hoping on have pitched well (Petitte and Mussina). The offense has been slowly pulling out of slumps but still is no where near the caliber they need to be. At 20-25 there could be a lot worse things to worry about. Yet again, who knows what this bullpen will do throughout the season, especially if Joba Chamberlain becomes a starter.

My Prediction: Last year, we saw this team in the same situation throughout the first half and many were more worried than they are now. Granted they had a great manager in Joe Torre, and the emergence of Roger Clemens helped a lot, this team still has the staff and players to get back in a playoff run. If this team adds a pitcher at the deadline they are in the hunt for the wild card. If not, Hank will have fits and the Yankees could rebuild with big cash and free agents available.

Colorado Rockies: Many thought that this team was not ready to compete everyday because of their young everyday players. Analysts stated that last years run to the World Series was just that, a run that just happened to carry them. Though I agree to some extent, I went into this season feeling this team would compete. The Rockies didn't make too many free agent moves but they still had a great lineup. Now with an 18-28 record, many believe the rebuilding is about to begin. Some of the losing has to be credited to the slow offensive start. Not bringing back Kaz Matsui might have stung just a bit. He was a major spark that is clearly missing off that roster. Either way things can only go better for the Rockies.

My Predictions: Initially my thoughts were that the Rockies would simply not be able to rebound and go on a run like they did late in 2007. This team just didn't seem to have that spark that it carried into every post season game. Thinking about it more, I just can't deny that this team will compete with the Dodgers to fight for a wild card spot in the NL. Veterans like Todd Helton and Garrett Atkins are a big part of that feeling. Soon enough Troy Tulowitzski will warm up and Matt Holliday is a tremendous talent. Plus, the pitching is young and will continue to improve as we go throughout the year and the bullpen will get stronger. This Rockies team should be in the hunt when it comes down to it, though it will be hard to catch up to that amazing Diamondbacks team.

Milwaukee Brewers: The Brewers have been one of the most interesting teams of 2008. They have seen the offense slump while the pitching was very strong. Now, we are seeing the offense explode while the pitching struggles. It doesn't hurt that they have lost their best pitcher stuff wise and all of their youngsters continue to struggle. Carlos Villanueva has moved to the bullpen and Ned Yost is searching for the stop gap. Seth McClung will get the next chance. Eventually though, this bullpen will straighten out (not that it is bad now) and become shut down. I truly believe that. Soon enough Jeff Weaver will make his way to the Majors and maybe he can be the Weaver of St. Louis. Adding a pitcher or a speedy lead-off hitter wouldn't be bad, but I don't believe that it is necessary.

My Prediction: I still stick to my prediction that this team will find a way to make the playoffs. The Brewers have too good of a lineup and what I believe is the best potential bullpen in all of baseball. The Rotation, though shaky will hold together and we will see Mike Cameron, Corey Hart and Ryan Braun continue their tears and if JJ Hardy doesn't awake his bat soon, we could see a Khailil Greene or Chone Figgins make their way to Milwaukee. I just don't see this team sitting on their hands. Especially after the offensive display last night. This team finds a way to get in the playoffs. I also think we will see the cubs falter down the line (bullpen has no history of logging long innings beyond Bobby Howry). The Cubs just have too many injury prone players to hope they can stay healthy throughout 2008.

Detroit Tigers: The Tigers were supposed to field possibly the best lineup in baseball history this season, but for some reason the offense struggled out of the gates. Then we saw a surge in offense the propelled Detroit to 5th in the league in runs scored. It didn't matter though because the pitching staff was simply horrible. Ranked Last in ERA, this staff has improved, and last night we saw the offense explode. Justin Verlander and Jeremy Bonderman have had good starts back to back and the bullpen is only going to get better with flamethrower Joel Zumaya and change up master Fernando Rodney coming back soon. Jim Leyland has exploded in the clubhouse and recently on the Detroit Radio Network, told Jim Price that he shoulders all the blame, but these players have to be responsible as well. It will be the one heck of a story if this team accepts the responsibility of play so far, and moves on to be the team they are supposed to be.

My Predictions: I left the Tigers for last because they are simply the hardest to gauge. They have been way up and they have been way down. The Offense seems to be awake, but who really knows. I really like the prospect bullpen near the middle of June, when this team will add two of the leagues best relievers to its squad. I still think this team will bust out of the gates and rip a 15 game win streak along the line. This team is just too good to not win the AL Central. They will pull out of this and give the White Sox a run for the money. Though I might be crazy, I still believe this team has what it takes to win it all

-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
1:27 PM
Jeff Clement, c
Born: Aug. 21, 1983
• B-T: L-R • Ht: 6-1 • Wt: 210

Clement has been an offensive skills have far exceeded his defense thus far. Clement, a 2002 Draft Pick of the Twins, who then opted to play for USC instead, was taken third in the 2005 draft by the Seattle Mariners. Clement has seen some time in the Mariners Clubhouse as a DH, and that looks like where his path to the majors is leaning, now that the Mariners have signed Kenji Johjima to a three year extension.

Clement has consistent power to all fields and can work pitchers into deep counts, which is a great attribute for a young catcher. Oddly, Clement hits from the left side and that could be a plus for the Mariners, especially if he remains at catcher in the future. His hitting is Major League ready, but his catching is a different story. The mariners have been working with him to improve this issue and it seems to be going well. Either way, he will either have to learn a new position or become the teams designated hitter in 2009 or late 08. Clement hit 20 homers and 80 Rbis in AAA Tacoma last year.

I wouldn't be surprised to see Jeff Clement take over at first base for the departing Richie Sexon in 2009. This could be a vast improvement over Sexson's struggling average and consistent failing seasons in Seattle. Expect Clement to learn a bit of first base late in the year or early this off season.

-Dexter Sports
1:40 AM

Derrick Turnbow once saved 51 games for a lowly Brewers club. He was an all-star reliever in a town that hadn't had a winning season until last year. Recently, the leash was let loose and Turnbow was designated for an assignment. The Brewers literally could not find a way to control him. Now many teams in the league who need bullpen help will look into taking a chance at harnessing a pitcher who has not been the same since 2005. If any team can do it, he could be the biggest asset this season. He has the stuff to make it happen, he just needs new scenery, and the right pitching coach. Mike Maddux, the Brewers long time pitching coach has given it all he has, now it simply comes down to: who wants to take on the challenge?

Now that we know that the Rangers are probably not suitors, lets take a look at a few ball clubs that should at least think about signing Turnbow.

Detroit Tigers- Though the pen has been a lot stronger in the last few weeks, losses of Jason Grilli via trade and Denny Bautista to injury, open up a spot for Turnbow. Pitching Coach Chuck Hernandez has been a key factor in developing young fireballers Justin Verlander and Joel Zumaya. He could be just the right guy to resurrect Turnbow's career. This Bullpen could be the best in baseball by the trading deadline. Fernando Rodney, Derrick Turnbow, Joel Zumaya and with the emergence of Clay Rapada and Denny Bautista could shape up nicely come playoff time. If Fransico Crueta works out, then this pen could be in tip top shape. The only problem is that turnbow might not be willing to take a middle relief job. That might be the only work available though.

Seattle Mariners- Why not shorten your bullpen a bit and give this guy a shot? Mark Lowe has been horendous and with the loss of George Sherrill, this team doesn't have a bullpen leader. I'm not saying that Turnbow can be that, but he can bring 95 MPH heat with a nasty bending curve if he is harnessed well. None other is better than pitching veteran Mel Stottlemyre who was the genius behind the beautiful Yankee pitching in the '90s and 2000's.

New York Yankees- Speaking of the Yanks, Joe Girardi could use someone down in his pen, especailly if Joba Chamberlain makes his move to the bullpen. Kyle Farnsworth and Latroy Hawkins have been atrocious. Turnbow might not be any better, but he at least has the potential to. I really think it would be wise for the Yankees, considering there is not much relief depth available at the deadline.

Chicago Cubs- Though I would be surprised to see Turnbow land with the Cubs, it would be a bad move in their part to scoop up Turnbow. I could see him coming to Chicago just for the rival factor and I can see Chicago pursuing him. Beyond Carlos Marmol and Kerry Wood, this team lacks any dominant righties. Turnbow is a better solution than Chad Fox or Micheal Wurtz.

-Dexter Sports
10:37 PM

He is the king of the long ball and arguably the best ever at getting on base. He is king in an era where steroids dominate the picture. Barry Bonds sits at home without a team. Though there is a lot of baggage with the 43 year old, some team ought to take a chance on this guy.

Like many, including Tim Dierkes of MLBTR, I believe that Bonds will take the field as a DH sometime this year. His 28 Home Runs and 66 RBIs are good enough to land him a contract. Someone will finally give in and give Bonds a chance. Even though no matter what team he lands on, fans will hate the move. He is known as a club house cancer, who is washed up and on the major decline. I think when it comes down to it though, some ball clubs will look at the .480 OBP he put up last year. They will look beyond the posse that comes with him and the press that stalks him. Does he have any chance on a NL team? I don't think so. Will he play for league minimum? I think that is a possibility and that is how 3 of the four teams on this list of possible suitors will look to land him. Here are a list of teams that should give him a chance:

Kansas City Royals: Nobody expects this team to be in the hunt for a playoff spot, but if they continue to pitch the way the have, with a little offense they could be that team that sneaks in. Barry Bonds would add a lot of dimension at either DH or LF for this ball club. They could simply put DH Billy Butler at first or move Gathright to center and deal Dejesus to make room for Bonds.

Tampa Rays- This team doesn fit the role now that they have went after Dan Johnson and Gabe Gross. They still could go after the slugger if they continue to struggle with the bat. I don't count them out, but with a lot of young talent, I don't see bonds as a big option for this club, even though there is a possibility.

New York Yankees- If there is a team that would throw money at Bonds, it is the Yankees. They could easily release the always struggling Jason Giambi and bring on big Bonds to compliment A-Rod, Abreu and Cano. I like the Yankees, simply because they are never afraid to sign anybody depsite their past history (Daryl Strawberry, Dwight Gooden).

Seattle Mariners- Though they have clearly stated that they have no interest in Bonds, this is the team that i think best fits the role. Jose Vidro could either move to the outfield or if Richie Sexson continues to struggle he could move to first base. Vidro could also become a primary bench player and Bonds could slip right into the DH spot. The cheap fix would be power bat Jeff Clement in the minors, but if the M's are in the hunt, we could see them buy success.

-Dexter Sports
7:50 PM

In a day that was supposed to be all about the match up of Johan Santana and Ben Sheets, MLB saw two near no-hitters. Gavin Floyd threw 7 1/3 innings of no hit baseball. He shut down a tigers offense that still hasn't showed up in '08. The best part of the performance was the nasty, rainy conditions that saw only one-third of the crowd show up. Throw in the fact that it was windy and about 39 degrees, I don't blame them one bit.

On the other side of the country, In warm, sunny California, Matt Cain took a no hitter into the seventh inning today. Man does it suck to be a Giants pitcher these days. Either the offense doesn't give you any run protection, or the pathetic offense doesn't show up to the ball park. Anyways, here are some more things brewing up in baseball:

• Milwaukee's big boys are asking manager Ned Yost to switch the two in the batting order and revert to the way they hit last year. I say, why not go for it. It couldn't hurt. Fielder hit 50 homers last year and Braun put up possibly the best rookie campaign to date. It is unsaid whether Yost will bite into it. One of the big reasons that Fielder is batting third is because of Jason Kendall in the ninth position of the lineup.

• Rays Reliever Al Reyes will not be punished by his current team after his latest run in the law. Hmm, I wonder why? Maybe it is because they cant give up Reyes or any of their arms in the pen for any length of time.

• In the latest deal between MLB and the Player's Union, both came to the agreement that players in the Mitchell Report will be given amnesty. ARE YOU SERIOUS BUD SELIG? Ok, we go after these players to prove a point that this needs to be stopped, and then we back out of our allegations... What was the point of this Bud? Selig and President Bush should get together and talk about how big of a backfire you get from the American public when you deceive them. Well, Paul LoDuca, Eric Gagne, Miguel Tejada, Greg Zaun, Roger Clemens, and all of you other roid pumping ballplayers in the Mitchell report, consider this your lucky day.

• Scott Speizo was released by the Braves earlier today. GM Frank Wren explained the situation being that Spezio needed more time to rehabilitate from Alcohol abuse. Spezio was released by the Cardinals after a drunk driving incident this off-season.

• Finally, I'm not usually one to spread rumors but I wonder if the Tigers continue to struggle badly down the stretch, if they would be willing to dump some payroll. I say why not. If it really comes down to it, they could trade Jeremy Bonderman or a Nate Robertson type pitcher bundled with a prospect or two to Texas or Seattle. Why Texas or Seattle? They both have the catching prospect that the Tigers so desperately desire. If Texas or Seattle are in the hunt and is looking for pitching at the trade deadline, look for the tigers to be aggressive and go after a Jeff Clement or Jarrod Saltalamacchia. That way, they wouldn't have to resign Ivan Rodriguez, and they could go after one of the big name starters in the 09 free agent market, such as Ben Sheets and C.C. Sabathia. Other options could be Ryan Doumit or Ronny Paulino in Pittsburgh.
  

-Dexter Sports
4:31 PM

Today has been a slow day at the ballpark so far. Tampa blew out the Mariners earlier today. Edwin Jackson looked fantastic, and I am sure glad I picked him up in a fantasy league for this start. Other than that, The Brewers pitching couldn't hold up with the performance of Aaron Harang. Tonight, we will have our first double header of the year. The Cubs will look to beat the pirates in regulation and the Tigers will look to put a winning streak together. Here are some thoughts to consider in the match ups today.

• Ok, so the Tigers won and scored 7 runs last night, but let us look at the real story. All of the Runs and RBIs came from the bottom of the order, and Magglio Ordonez, Placido Polanco, Miguel Cabrera and Ivan Rodriguez STILL struggled. Though I think that this is the start of an offense emerging, the bats are still cold. They will get their shot against soft tossing knuckler Tim Wakefield tonight. Nate Roberston will take the mound for the Tigers. Good news though. Magglio Ordonez is a career .455 hitter against Wakefield with two dingers and 5 doubles. Throw in 8 Rbis as well. I like the Tiger's chances of the awakening the bats.

• With the Cubs Bullpen stretched out, look for Lou Pinella to pitch Rich Hill a couple more innings if needed. The Cubs have gone to extras in back to back games. I don't think that Kerry Wood's job is on the line, but if Carlos Marmol continues to dominate, watch out.
  

• The Kansas City Royals really look like a team that could compete in the central this season. The Royals will bust out the powder blue alternates on Saturday against division foe Minnesota. The Royals Rotation has looked outstanding. I believe that this staff will be the best in the AL Central in 2008. Thats right, the Royals pitching rotation will be better than Cleveland and Detroit. This weekend series will showcase two of the best Available stolen base options in Carlos Gomez and Joey Gathright.

• Many wonder what the Mariners are going to do with the closer position, including myself. It was evident that Miguel Batista isnt in the equation though. Batista made his second start since J.J. Putz hit the DL. I guess they believe his value is more useful as a starter, where he has been rough, compared to closer, where his stuff would be more sharp in less innings. I think it would be a bold, yet good move for this bullpen that is getting thrashed in the later innings.