Judgement Day OVER

Today is the trading deadline in major league baseball. Teams will have until 4 PM ET to make trades for their ballclubs. With lots of news today on players moves, I won't have time to write full player trades until later tonight, when all trades are said, done and official. I will however, post trades that are going down today. Check back here for all the news, I'm sure there will be a huge deal today.

* (-) indicates related content.
Time indicates last time updated.

The deadline is over, here are today's moves.

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1:03 PM - PIRATES ACQUIRE DBACKS CATCHER CHRIS SNYDER AND PROSPECT FOR SS BOBBY CROSBY, OF RYAN CHURCH AND RHP D.J. CARRASCO.

- The Arizona Diamondbacks and Pittsburgh Pirates agreed on a deal today that will send catcher Chris Snyder, cash, and minor league shortstop Pedro Ciriaco to Pittsburgh for shortstop Bobby Crosby, outfielder Ryan Church, and pitcher D.J. Carrasco. Ciriaco was the Dbacks' 27th best prospect says Baseball America. I can't believe the overhaul the Dbacks got for Snyder. He's a solid player but he's no Joe Mauer behind the plate.

I like Carrasco in this deal. In 2010 he's completely re-invented himself, posting a 3.88 ERA with a 7.3 K/9 rate. He's under control through 2012, but is a non-tender candidate. Good bullpen fix-up for Arizona.

Snyder, 29, is hitting .231 with 10 home runs and 32 RBIs while splitting time behind the plate with Miguel Montero. He makes about $4.5 million this season. He has $8.18 million left through 2011, and has an option for 2012.
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11:04 AM - RAYS ACQUIRE RHP CHAD QUALLS FROM DBACKS

- The Tampa Bay Rays acquired relief pitcher Chad Qualls from the Dbacks today for a player to be named later. Tampa will pay the rest of Qualls' salary and he will be in uniform tonight for the Rays' game against the Yankees.

Qualls has struggled a little this year. His ERA, 8.29, is not as bad as one may think, as he has settled down since struggling mightily in the beginning of the season. In 38.0 innings, he has 34 strikeouts.
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2:24 PM - DODGERS ACQUIRE LHP TED LILLY & SS RYAN THERIOT FOR INF BLAKE DEWITT, TWO MINOR LEAGUERS, AND CASH

- As I noted last night, the Yankees and Dodgers were two teams interested in acquiring Ted Lilly. Rumors are still flowing and it's likely Lilly could go to either team today.

- The New York Yankees are no longer pursuing Ted Lilly, but the Los Angeles Dodgers and Cincinnati Reds remain in the mix. They also do not want to acquire Pirates' reliever Octavio Dotel.

- The Cubs and Dodgers are moving closer to completing a deal. Ryan Theriot and Lilly will go to Los Angeles.

- A deal is close to being complete. If the sides can reach an agreement, Theriot and Lilly will head to Chavez Revine for INF Blake DeWitt and another player. Money should be a major topic here.

- Done deal. The Dodgers will acquire Lilly and Theriot while sending the Cubs $2.5 million, DeWitt and pitching prospects Brett Wallach and Kyle Smit. Lilly will jump into the Dodgers rotation, while Theriot will give the Dodgers a solid everyday second baseman. Good deal for the Dodgers and a good deal for the Cubs getting value from both players.

DeWitt, 24, is almost a carbon copy of Theriot with slightly more power. He's hitting .270 with 1 home run and 30 RBIs this season in 82 games for the Dodgers. Wallach, 21, is 6-0 at Single-A with a 3.72 Era while Smit, 22, is 5-3 with a 2.35 ERA at A+/AA.
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3:51 PM - YANKEES TO MAKE MOVES. BERKMAN OFFICIAL, ACQUIRE RHP KERRY WOOD FROM INDIANS

- The Yankees will make one or two more trades today, as sources say that they are taking one last look through the bullpen and bench markets. Wes Helms is no longer on their radar. Austin Kearns, who was acquired yesterday, will be in uniform tonight, ditto Lance Berkman when his deal is official at 1:30 PM due to his 10-5 rights.

- It's now official: Berkman and cash will head to the Yankees for RHP Mark Melancon and INF Jimmy Paredes. Berkman should be in the starting lineup tonight. The trade of Berkman allows the Astros to purchase top prospect and newly acquired Brett Wallace from Triple-AAA.

- Buster Olney tweets that the Yankees are closing in on a deal for Indians' reliever Kerry Wood. Wood, 33, a former standout with the Cubs, is returning from injury this season. His injuries have led to a 6.30 ERA in 23 games. A deal is close to being completed.

- Joel Sherman of the New York Post tweets that the deal is done. Permission must be granted from the Commissioner's office now due to the amount of money Cleveland is giving the Yankees. It's unaware of who the Yankees are trading to Cleveland and how much the Indians will cover. Wood is a free agent at the end of the season and will likely spell the end of Yankees' RHP reliever Chan Ho Park.

- The Yankees will pick up $1.5 million of Wood's $3.6 million owed and will send either cash or a player to be named later says Joel Sherman.

- Yup, Park designated for assignment.
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2:33 PM - METS LOOKING FOR PITCHING, CONSIDERING MYERS AND ZAMBRANO

- The New York Mets, Minnesota Twins and Chicago White Sox are both exploring deals for Houston Astros' pitcher Brett Myers. Earlier this morning, the Mets rejected a trade of RHP Bobby Parnell and catcher Josh Thole for Myers. The Astros are also fielding offers for pitcher Wandy Rodriguez.

- Richard Justice of the Houston Chronicle says the Astros are not trading Myers or Rodriguez.

- The Chicago Cubs rejected a deal this morning that would have sent RHP Carlos Zambrano to the New York Mets for second baseman Luis Castillo and LHP Oliver Perez. Zambrano's contract was an issue as the Mets wanted cash in the deal, but the Cubs didn't want Castillo. Zambrano is open to a trade, though it will be difficult to move him.
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1:07 PM - THREE-TEAM-TRADE: PADRES ACQUIRE OF RYAN LUDWICK, CARDINALS ACQUIRE RHP JAKE WESTBROOK AND INDIANS GET TWO PROSPECTS

- The San Diego Padres are deep in talks to acquire outfielder Ryan Ludwick from the St. Louis Cardinals. Ludwick would definitely be a tremendous upgrade for the Padres and would strike fear in the lineup.

- The Cardinals and Cleveland Indians are moving closer to a deal that would send RHP Jake Westbrook to St. Louis. A third team is reported to be involved as money is an issue.

- Tom Krasovic of AOL FanHouse hears that the third team involved in the Jake Westbrook-to-the-Cardinals discussions is the San Diego Padres, who are also negotiating to acquire Ludwick from the Cardinals. It's said that it will likely be a three team deal, sending Westbrook and two prospects from San Diego to the Cardinals, Ludwick to the Padres, and prospects to the Indians. It's a complicated deal, but anything could happen.

- Joel Sherman of the New York Post says that the Padres have fallen out of the talks. The Indians and Cardinals are still discussing. Buster Olney of ESPN says there is still life to a three-way tade.

- Contrary to earlier reports, a deal has been reached and approved by the union. The Padres will trade pitching prospect Corey Kluber to the Indians and pitching prospect Nicholas Greenwood to the Cardinals, while the Cardinals receive Westbrook and the Padres get Ludwick. Good trade that helps all sides. I wasn't expecting this.

Ludwick, 31, is hitting .281 with 11 home runs and 43 RBIs for the Cardinals this season while battling injuries. He has recently lost playing time due to the blazing emergence of young outfielder Jon Jay, making him expendable. He makes $8 million next season and is under control through 2011.

Westbrook, 32, is 6-7 with a 4.65 ERA for the Indians this season. It is his first full year back since he had Tommy John Surgery in 2008. He is owed $3.9 million for the rest of the season before hitting free agency.

Double-AA right-hander Kluber, 24, and Single-A left-hander Greenwood, 22, were both drafted by the Padres, Kluber in 2007 and Greenwood in 2009. In 21 games for Single-A, Greenwood is 4-4 with a an ERA of 4.15, while Kluber is 6-6 with a 3.45 ERA in 22 games for Double-AA.
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10:01 AM - ROSS THE BOSS

- The Florida Marlins' Cody Ross is unlikely to be traded says Ken Rosenthal. The Marlins haven't found a deal that they like, and now with Chris Coghlan's injury, they will likely hold onto Ross for depth reasons.
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3:20 PM - WILL THERE BE A "DUNN DEAL?"

- The Washington Nationals are drawing interest on Adam Dunn. Their demands in a trade haven't changed and teams are only showing minimal interest, making the trade a longshot due to the new teams involved. Jayson Stark of ESPN says a trade is less than 50-50.

- Edwin Jackson could still be traded for Dunn, but it would require one or two more players says Jon Heyman of SI.

- Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports says Jackson for Dunn is far from dead.
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1:51 PM - THE MANNY MARKET

- Perhaps the biggest news of the day is the White Sox failed run at trading for the Dodgers' Manny Ramirez. According to Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal and Jon Paul Morosi, "The White Sox wanted the Dodgers to pay all but $1 million of the approximately $6.7 million remaining on Ramirez's contract and did not offer a player in return, according to a source with knowledge of the discussions." Ramirez is currently on the 15-day disabled list. The Rays, interested in acquiring a right-handed bat, also inquired on Ramirez but were shut-down by Los Angeles.

- The White Sox have jumped back into the Manny mix and were told that they would need to part with second baseman Dayan Viciedo for Ramirez. The market is heating up. The Rays and a mystery team are still involved.

- The identity of the mystery team: The Los Angeles Angels. Whoa.
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3:55 PM - JOHNSON, DOWNS OR FRASOR BAY BOUND?

- The San Francisco Giants are in talks to acquire the Dbacks' second baseman Kelly Johnson and one of the Toronto Blue Jays' relief duo of Scott Downs or Jason Frasor.

- The Dbacks rejected an offer of pitcher Joe Martinez plus another player for Johnson.

- The Dbacks, Giants and Blue Jays are reportedly talking about a three-team trade. Kelly Johnson is rumored to be coveted by the Giants, and major league home run leader Jose Bautista could head to San Francisco as well, ditto that for the Jays' relievers. That's pure speculation on my part, as names haven't been released yet. Thanks Jon Paul Morosi.

- The Giants traded Martinez for Pirates LHP Javier Lopez says Andrew Baggarly of CSN.
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3:14 PM - RAYS AND ORIOLES TALKING ABOUT A DEAL? DOWNS? LEAGUE? MARLINS INTERESTED

- There's rumblings between the Rays and Baltimore Orioles. Could Luke Scott or Will Ohman be heading to Tampa?

- The Rays are also interested in the Blue Jays' Downs and the Seattle Mariners' RHP reliever Brandon League. Both will not come cheap.

- A deal for either Downs or League is unlikely today says Jayson Stark of ESPN.

- The Dodgers are now involved in trade talks for Scott, as are the Rays, tweets Tom Krasovic.

- It's not the Dodgers, it's a mystery team says Tim Brown of Yahoo! Sports.

- The Florida Marlins are interested in trading for League.
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4:13 PM - BRAVES ACQUIRE ANKIEL, FARNSWORTH

- David O'Brien of the Atlanta Constitution reports the Braves could be poised to make a deal.

- Jerry Crasnick of ESPN says that the Mariners approached the Braves about a trade of 2B Chone Figgins to Atlanta.

- The Braves have acquired RHP reliever Kyle Farnsworth and OF Rick Ankiel from the Kansas City Royals says CBS's Danny Knobler. The Royals will get reliever Jesse Chavez, OF Gregor Blanco and LHP Tim Collins.
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3:48 PM - RED SOX DESIGNATE OF JEREMY HERMIDA FOR ASSIGNMENT

- Outfielder Jeremy Hermida, who was acquired from the Florida Marlins in a trade over the off season, was designated for assignment today by the Boston Red Sox says Heidi Watney of NESN. Hermida, 26 has spent most of his career under-performing since being a first round pick in 2002. He was hitting just .203 before succumbing to injuries.
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4:15 PM - METS, RED SOX DISCUSSING RHP RAMON RAMIREZ, GIANTS ACQUIRE HIM

- Ken Rosenthal tweets they're discussing a deal.

- The Giants have acquired Ramirez says WEEI's Rob Bradford.
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3:57 PM - DODGERS ACQUIRE RHP RELIEVER OCTAVIO DOTEL

- The Dodgers are interested says Ken Rosenthal.

- Rosenthal tweets the Dodgers acquired Dotel for Lamb(?) and young pitcher James McDonald.
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4:10 PM - MARLINS ACQUIRE LHP WILL OHMAN, BRAVES ACQUIRE WILKIN RAMIREZ

- The Marlins acquired Ohman from the Orioles for a player to be named later or cash.

- Ditto for the Braves and Ramirez.
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News & Rumors: Oswalt's & Happ's debuts, Lilly, Theriot, Yankees, Cubs, Dodgers, Dunn, Jackson, ChiSox

- Roy Oswalt made his Philadelphia Phillies debut tonight after coming over yesterday in a blockbuster trade with the Houston Astros. His first start with his new team, Oswalt looked to make a good first impression.

So much for that.

Oswalt gave up five runs, four of which were earned, seven hits and walked two while only getting four strikeouts while hitting two batters over 6.0 innings in his debut against the Washington Nationals, leading to an 8-1 loss.

"I came out amped up, held the ball a little tight," said Oswalt, "Didn't really start feeling better until the last two innings. Didn't really go my way."

Oswalt now falls to 6-13 with a 3.53 ERA. His 13 losses lead the majors.

- On the other hand, J.A. Happ, the young left-handed pitcher who was traded for Oswalt, also made his debut tonight for the Houston Astros. Happ also looked to make a good first impression with a new ballclub that valued him so highly as to trade Roy Oswalt for him.

How'd his night go?

Happ, for lack of a better term, dominated the Milwaukee Brewers in his first start for the Astros. Over 6.0 shut-out innings, he gave up two hits, walked four and struck out six. The Astros would hang on to beat the Brewers 5-0 to get Happ his first win as an Astro. It was also Lance Berkman's last game as an Astro, though he did not play.

Happ is now 2-0 on the season with a 1.27 ERA and 15 strikeouts over 21.1 innings.

- According to MLBTradeRumors, the Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers are discussing two trades: one that would send LHP Ted Lilly to the Dodgers, and one that would send Lilly and SS Ryan Theriot to the Dodgers. Ed Price of AOL FanHouse and Jayson Stark of ESPN report that the New York Yankees are also involved in the Lilly-Theriot talks, as they could either be involved as a third team in a three-team deal, or they could acquire Lilly and Theriot for themselves.

Lilly, a former Yankee, Expo, Athletic and Blue Jay, is 3-8 with a 3.69 ERA in 117.0 innings on the season for a dismal Cubs team. A workhorse who pitched over 200.0 innings back-to-back from 2007-2008 before missing some starts in 2009 with injury, most of his losses are due to poor run support and a lackluster bullpen. Lilly is a free agent at the end of the season and is making $4.3 million for the rest of the year.

Theriot, an infielder who has played mainly second base and shortstop in his career, is a "grinder." He's got wheels, stealing 16/22 bases in 95 games this season, and has stolen over 20 the past three seasons. A slap hitter, Theriot is a career .288 hitter who doesn't hit for much power, his career-high seven home runs coming last season. This season, he's hitting .285 with 1 home run and 21 RBIs as well as having 110 hits. Theriot is owed $867,000 for the remainder of the year and is under team control through 2012.

For the Yankees, Lilly, 34, would slide into Andy Pettitte's spot in the rotation until he returns from injury and join his former team, while Theriot, 30, would be the Yankees' utility infielder. If the Yankees were to acquire Lilly and Theriot, in addition to Berkman and Austin Kearns before the deadline, that would be one hell of a haul. Nothing's imminent yet.

Update, 10:53 - The Dodgers and Cubs are nearing a deal reports ESPN's Buster Olney.

- With the idea that they would flip him for slugger Adam Dunn of the Washington Nationals, the Chicago White Sox acquired RHP Edwin Jackson from the Arizona Diamondbacks for top pitching prospect Dan Hudson and another pitcher. The Nationals, who coveted Jackson, stated that E-Jax was key in a trade for Dunn, who the White Sox have been linked to. However, when the White Sox approached the Nationals about a trade for Dunn, Nats' GM Mike Rizzo was unsure if he still wanted Jackson, according to Buster Olney.

The White Sox, obviously frustrated, broke off negotiations with the Nationals for Dunn late Friday night and took themselves "out of the running."

You can imagine how upset they must be, trading their top pitching prospect for a pitcher that they never wanted. Ouch.

Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal finds it difficult to see an Adam Dunn trade happening, especially with the Yankees, who were interested in Dunn, acquiring Berkman today, and the White Sox taking themselves out of the running. The only team with "some" interest left is the Tampa Bay Rays, who balked at a demand of RHP Matt Garza (who just threw a no-hitter) for Dunn. It's unlikely at this point that Dunn will be moved.

Yankees keep on dealin': acquire OF Austin Kearns from Indians for PTBNL or cash

After already acquiring Lance Berkman from the Houston Astros today, the New York Yankees swung another deal today to bolster their bench, trading a player to be named later or cash to the Cleveland Indians for outfielder Austin Kearns.

Kearns, 30, was the 7th overall pick in the 1998 draft by the Cincinnati Reds. However, his star has considerably fallen since being picked in the first round as injuries have taken a considerably large toll and derailed his career.

2002, Kearns' first season, was one of his best as he posted a .315 average with 13 home runs and 56 RBIs in 107 games. Many expected Kearns to continue into the 2003 season and live up to the hype that surrounded him as the seventh overall pick, but he struggled, hitting .264 with 68 strikeouts in 82 games while missing time with injury but also hitting 15 home runs and driving in 58 RBIs. In 2004 he would again miss time with injuries, playing in only 64 games. He bounced back in 2005, playing in 112 games and hitting 18 home runs, driving in 67 and hitting .240.

In 2006, Kearns started the season off strongly for the Reds, hitting 16 home runs, driving in 50 RBI and hitting .274 in 87 games before he was traded with shortstop Felipe Lopez and pitcher Ryan Wagner by the Reds to the Washington Nationals for pitchers Gary Mejewski, Bill Bray, Darryl Thompson and infielders Royce Clayton and Brendan Harris. Kearns continued to hit, as he hit 8 home runs in 68 games for the Nationals while driving in 36 RBIs. 2006 proved to be his best season as he hit .264 with 24 home runs and 86 RBIs in 150 games. In 2007, Kearns would play in 161 games, a career-high, but his home run total dropped to 16. He was injured again for parts of the 2008 and 2009 seasons, and struggled to hit just .195 in 2009. He signed as a free agent with the Indians on a minor league contract prior to 2010 and made the team.

This season, Kearns has played in 83 games, hitting 8 home runs while batting .268 with 42 RBIs. He's a great defensive outfielder, making only 4 errors in the outfield for a .977 fielding percentage this season. Kearns has a career .986 fielding %, but his best position is right field. From this point forward to the end of the season, he makes $270K before hitting free agency. For the Yankees, the right-handed hitting Kearns will be the 4th oufielder and will spell Curtis Granderson days off against lefties thanks to his .799 OPS vs. left-handed pitching. He's hitting .278 vs. righties and .250 vs. lefites. It's not the first time we've heard the Yankees interested in acquiring Kearns. Now finally they got their wish.

"He's another corner outfielder that can give us depth and a right-handed bat that has power," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said. "We can use him in a lot of different ways because he's used to playing every day. It just gives us more depth and more experience."

"Our young guys have done a pretty good job, but you do have experience in a guy that's used to playing every day," Girardi said. "He gives you depth and has seen all the pitchers, probably, in the American League because it's already July. He has probably a better idea how they're going to attack him."

"It'll give me a chance to rest our left-handed guys," Girardi said. "We're in the midst of 37 games in 38 days, and you don't have to run the same guys out there every day. Physically you can keep them healthy and strong, because we're going to need them."

"I'll be in the mix, maybe in the outfield," Kearns said. "I don't know; I haven't talked to them. I think when you get the opportunity [to go to a contender], you don't really worry about that kind of thing. You're going to a good team. [There are] bigger and better things than worrying about playing time."

"That's great because we're a team that's all about winning and anyone who can come in here and help us score more runs," Mark Teixeira said. "[They are] two quality guys. I know both real well. They're great guys, and it's going to be great for this clubhouse."

Another great move by Cashman, upping the bench and getting good pinch hitters. Sources say another deal is in the works, this time for either a starting pitcher, utility infielder or reliever.

Cash the Ninja never sleeps.

Yankees acquire "The Big Puma" Lance Berkman from Astros for Mark Melancon and Jimmy Paredes

Just a few moments ago, the Houston Astros and New York Yankees agreed to a trade that will send power-hitting first baseman Lance Berkman to the Yankees for Triple-AAA RHP Mark Melancon and Single-A INF Jimmy Paredes. The Astros will also pay $4 million of Berkman's salary.

I profiled Berkman as a possible trade target back in June, so I'll just re-post that post here with some slight adjustments of course.

By adding a power bat in "The Big Puma" Berkman, the Yankees will now have a very dangerous offense. The face of the Houston Astros since the retirement of Craig Biggio, Berkman has slugged 21 or more home runs every full season in the big leagues, including a career high 45 in 2006, his best year, in which he batted .315 with 136 RBI and finished 3rd in the MVP voting. Berkman has slugged more than 40 home runs twice in his career, 42 in 2002 and 45 in 2006, as well has slugging over 30 or more three times, 34 in 2001, 30 in 2004, and 34 again in 2007. Add that to five seasons of 20 home runs or more: 21 in 2000, 25 in 2003, 24 in 2005, 29 in 2008, and 25 in 2009. He's also driven in over 120 RBI three times: 126 in 2001, 128 in 2002, and a career high 136 in 2006. He's also had six seasons of over 100 RBIs. He's had four seasons of over .300 batting averages with a career high .331 in 2001, .316 in 2004, .315 in 2006, and .312 in 2008. Add that all together and Berkman has a career batting line of .297 AVG/.409 SLG/.549 OBP, .959 OPS, 319 HR, 1070 RBI, and 1622 hits. A first round draft pick (16th overall) in 1997 out of Rice University, Berkman is a slugger to say the least.

But Berkman's not that slugger anymore.

This season has been Berkman's worst career season, having career lows in AVG, SLG, OBP, and HR. He's hitting .245 with 13 home runs and 49 RBIs in 85 games - not his usual standards - and has just an .808 OPS, a landslide fall from a .907 OPS in 2009. However, vs. righties this year, the switch-hitter is hitting .261 with 12 home runs and 45 RBIs, but is terrible against lefties, hitting .188 wih 1 home run and 4 RBIs. Berkman has always been known for having great plate discipline, walking over 100 times in three seasons, and had totals of 91, 98, 94, 99 and 97 since 2005 as well as 60 so far this season. There's no doubt he'll get on base.

Berkman had a no-trade clause in his contract, but waived it in order to go to the Yankees. He has 10-5 rights, meaning he can still decline the deal, which is unlikely, so the announcement will have to wait 24 hours due to the rights. Berkman makes $14.9 million this year, but hasn't been earning it. The Astros are said to pay $4 million of Berkman's contract, as well as his buyout, while the Yankees are going to pay $3 million. The Yankees can definitely afford it, as Berkman is owed just $7.1 million more this season, but it's nice to get a little salary help. Berkman has a $15M option for 2011, which he required the Yankees to not pick up in order to waive his no-trade clause which is absolutely fine by me. He'll be 35 next season and is a Type-B free agent who is declining. A half year of Berkman is perfectly suitable.

Riveraveblues says that "Another encouraging factor lies in his splits. Even with his poor performance early in the season he has crushed righties this season, to the tune of a .382 wOBA. Presumably this has gotten better lately, too. He’s spraying the ball to all fields as a lefty, hitting 56 to left field, 55 to center, and 65 to right. His opposite field power has not faded, as he has a .482 ISO when hitting the ball the other way. He does seem to have some trouble pulling the ball, as he has a 67.7 ground ball rate when going to right field, with only 13.8 percent fly balls (and 22.2 percent of those are infield flies, though another 22.2 percent left the park). I’m not sure if this is something he’s also improving on, but if it is he’d be the complete package in New York: a lefty who can spray the ball the other way but still take it over the short porch."

If that's not encouraging news, I don't know what is. If Berkman can hit the ball to all fields, he'll use Yankee Stadium as a definite advantage.

The Yankees, reportedly, have traded the Astros RHP Mark Melancon, 25 and INF Jimmy Paredes, 21. That eliminates (and soothes) fan's worries that top prospects Jesus Montero and Austin Romine could have been traded.

Melancon was the Yankees' 9th round draft pick in the 2006 draft, a draft in which many consider the Yankees' best draft of the decade due to the success of the drafted players. Sadly, Melancon, who was deemed to be the next Joba Chamberlain, never lived up to the hype. Melancon was ranked the Yankees' 15th best prospect by BaseballAmerica, but while dominating in the minor leagues, he could never translate the success to the majors. In 2008, his breakout season, Melancon went 8-1 with a 2.27 ERA in 95.0 innings/44 games with an 8.4/9 strikeout rate for A+/AA/AAA. His ridiculous 2008 carried into 2009, as he was 4-0 with a 2.89 ERA in 32 games/53.0 innings while striking out 54, increasing his strikeout rate to 9.2/9. His dominance warranted a call-up in April of 2009. Melancon struggled in the big leagues, pitching to a 3.86 ERA in 13 games while allowing 13 hits and 10 walks in 16.1 innings before being sent back down. In 2010, Melancon has spent most of the season in the minor leagues pitching in 40 games/56.1 innings with a 3.67 ERA, 6-1 record, 58 strikeouts and a 9.3/9 K rate. He appeared in two games for the Yankees, posting a 9.00 ERA while giving up 7 hits, one being a home run, in 4.0 innings.

Paredes, an international signing out of the Domincan Republic, is a switch-hitting infielder. In the minors, he has played second base, third base and short stop. A player who has relied more on his speed than his hitting, Paredes has stolen 36 bases in 46 attempts in 2010 while posting a .282 average with 5 home runs as well as driving in 36 RBIs with 114 hits in 99 games, all of which are career highs for a full season. Paredes does need to work on his defense, I can't stress that enough: he's committed 36 errors this season after committing 34 in 2007, 13 in 2008 and 12 in 2009.

By giving up an average pitcher who the Yankees have no place for and a young infielder who will probably never wear the pinstripes, this deal is a steal for the Yankees.

While the Yankees offense has been solid this year, Mark Teixeira (who is heating up) and Alex Rodriguez have not been contributing at their expected rates and the team, which was expected to be carried by its offense, has been carried by its dominant starting pitching. Since free-agent signing DH Nick Johnson went down with a wrist injury that required surgery, the Yankees have had a revolving door at DH which has included Jorge Posada, Marcus Thames, Juan Miranda, Alex Rodriguez, Derek Jeter, Mark Teixeira, Nick Swisher, Robinson Cano and now Colin Curtis. Clearly the Yankees needed another bat to solidify the DH role, and acquiring Berkman does just that. It also ends trade speculation that has been going on for months. For once, Yankee fans won't have to see a minor leaguer using the DH role.

"We've used [the DH] to rotate our guys and try to keep our guys fresh, but if we have an everyday guy, we have an everyday guy," Manager Joe Girardi said. "I can't tell you what's going to happen, but it has helped giving Alex a half-day and Jeet a half-day, and Tex and Swish. But if you get an everyday guy that can swing it, that could help our club. ... However we can improve our club, I'm all for it."

"I never thought I would be in this position, never had to go through it," Berkman said. "It's unsettling because you just don't know what's going to happen and there's all sorts of possibilities. I guess in one sense, it's good because there's teams that want me to play for them, particularly in a down season."

"No matter what happens, this is my home and my organization," he said. "I'll be a Houston Astro no matter what happens in the next 24 hours. If something does happen, I would certainly want to leave myself open to a return to the team if that made sense for the organization and for me as well."

"That's great, because we're a team that's all about winning and anyone who can come in here and help us score more runs," said New York's Mark Teixeira. "[They are] two quality guys. I know both real well. They're great guys, and it's going to be great for this clubhouse."

"We have so many dynamic players on our team," Teixeira said, "and we have a lot of guys that can hit in the middle of the order, but we also have a lot of guys that can draw walks. I see him hitting in the top of the order or the middle, and he can drive in runs anywhere, too."

"Not one guy has to carry this team, and that's the great thing about the Yankees," Teixeira said. "They're always going to do what it takes to win and you see it today getting two players like that.

"It's great. The Yankees fans deserve it and the city of New York deserves a winner every year. That's what we're trying to give them every year."

In the postseason, Berkman is a career .321 hitter with 6 home runs and 26 RBIs in 29 postseason games in 2001, 2004 and 2005 combined. In 2005, the year the Astros reached the World Series but were swept in four games by the Chicago White Sox, Berkman hit .385 with 6 RBIs. His tremendous postseason hitting could be another reason why the Yankees acquired Berkman as they look to lock up the AL East.

I like this trade a lot, especially because the Yankees didn't have to give up a prospect with much caliber and got some cash. I'd definitely would have preferred Adam Dunn, who the Yankees were rumored to earlier today, but Berkman, a five-time All-Star, is a great hitter - his days of hitting 40 home runs are over - but perhaps a change of scenery, as well as the short porch in right field, can help "Big Puma" improve his season and up his power numbers. He'll probably slide into the no. two spot in the lineup, making for this lineup:

1. Derek Jeter, SS
2. Lance Berkman, DH
3. Mark Teixeira, 1B
4. Alex Rodriguez, 3B
5. Robinson Cano, 2B
6. Nick Swisher, RF
7. Jorge Posada, C
8. Curtis Granderson, CF
9. Brett Gardner, LF

That's ridiculous and incredibly deep.

It's been a tough two days for Astros fans, who saw franchise pitcher and Astro-lifer Roy Oswalt get dealt yesterday to the Philadelphia Phillies for a terrible package of players (besides Brett Wallace, who they got from the Blue Jays) and now one of the best hitters in franchise history and Astro-lifer get traded today to the Yankees for two prospects, one of which who has lost the confidence of the Yankees. It'll definitely be tough for Astros fans to watch both players with different teams in the postseason.

Berkman is a huge offensive upgrade and should be a great addition to the Yankees for an extremely low price.

Good move by GM Brian Cashman.

Trade Chatter: Edwin Jackson to the White Sox, Cristian Guzman to the Rangers

With just about 24 hours remaining until Saturday's trade deadline, the hot stove has been fuming, and trades have been happening all day.

The first trade today involved Arizona Diamondbacks' pitcher Edwin Jackson being traded to the Chicago White Sox for young pitchers Dan Hudson and David Holmberg.

Jackson, 26, was acquired from the Detroit Tigers in the three-team trade with the Yankees that sent Curtis Granderson to New York. Jackson, who threw a no-hitter this season against the Rays, will be traded for the fourth time in his young career after spending parts of eight seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Tampa Bay Devil Rays/Rays, Detroit Tigers and Dbacks. Jackson's finest season was in 2009, when he posted a 13-9 record and a 3.62 ERA while striking out 161 in 214.0 innings. Jackson has struggled this year, posting a 6-10 record with a 5.16 ERA despite throwing a no-hitter. He leads starters in the league with 77 earned runs allowed. The White Sox will pay Jackson $1.5 million more for the rest of this year and $8.35 million in 2011. The righty is scheduled to become a free agent for the 2012 off-season.

The most intriguing piece in this deal is RHP Dan Hudson. Hudson, 23, was the White Sox's top pitching prospect prior to this season. A 5th round pick in the 2008 draft, he has rapidly climbed through the farm system. BaseballAmerica says that Hudson's "three solid pitches and natural deception," have resulted in his progress and transition to a top of the rotation starter. In 2009, Hudson pitched in A, A+, AA, and AAA going a combined 14-5 with a 2.32 ERA in 26 starts (147.1 innings) while striking out 166 (!). The 66th ranked prospect in baseball, Hudson has pitched in 3 games for the White Sox this season, going 1-1 with a 6.32 ERA in 15.2 innings while spending most of his season at Triple-AAA Charlotte pitching to a line of 11-4 with a 3.47 ERA in 17 starts (93.1 innings) while striking out 108 and allowing 13 home runs, his only weakness. An ultimate power pitcher with a 10.4/9 strikeout rate, Hudson translates to a top of the rotation starter, and with a young Dbacks team rebuilding, he'll join Ian Kennedy and Joe Saunders at the top of the rotation to make for a fantastic rotation for the future.

The Dbacks also acquire LHP David Holmberg, the White Sox's 2nd round pick in the 2009 draft. Holmberg, 18, was drafted out of high school and broke into pro-ball at age 17 last year. In the rookie league this year, he's 1-1 in 8 games with a 4.46 ERA and 29 strikeouts in 40.1 innings. He's eighth on BaseballAmerica's White Sox prospects list, and translates to a "middle of the rotation workhorse at best."

This was a fantastic trade for both sides. For the Dbacks, they get one of the best pitching prospects in baseball who will help make a powerful rotation for years to come, as well as a future solid starter. They also shed the salary of Jackson, providing some flexibility. For White Sox, this could potentially become a great deal if this goes down: It's been rumored that the White Sox are prepared to trade Jackson to the Nationals for 1B/OF Adam Dunn. The White Sox are at 57-44, 1st place and 1.5 games in front in the AL Central. Adding Dunn for the price of Jackson would be a fantastic trade for the Sox, but even if they don't get Dunn, Jackson will definitely be a boost to their rotation. This could be one of the best trades this season that will benefit both sides.

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Today, the Texas Rangers and Washington Nationals completed a trade today that will send SS Cristian Guzman to Texas for pitchers Ryan Tatusko and Tanner Roark, as well as $2 million.

Guzman, 32, has spent parts of 11 seasons with the Minnesota Twins and Washington Nationals. An international signing by the New York Yankees in 1994, Guzman was traded along with pitcher Eric Milton and other prospects for Chuck Knoblauch in 1998. Guzman spent six years in Minnesota, averaging 145 hits, a .265 average with 7 home runs and 48 RBIs, and 140 games played per season over his six year span. His best season in Minnesota came in 2001, when, as a 23 year-old, he hit .302 with 10 home runs, 51 RBIs and 149 hits while stealing 25 bases. He also led the league in triples in 2000 with 20, 2001 with 14 and 2003 with 14, becoming the tenth player to lead three times in 70 years.

Guzman was a first time free agent prior to the 2005 season and signed a $16.8 million, four-year contract with the Washington Nationals. A brand spankin' new contract and at least $4 million per year, Guzman was making a name for himself. However, he proceeded to have the worst year of his career in his first year in Washington. He hit just .219 with with 4 home runs and 31 RBIs in 142 games. He wouldn't make fans any more happier the following season, as he missed the whole 2006 season due to a shoulder injury and subsequent surgery. He came back in 2007, and boy did he come back. He hit .328 over 46 games with 2 home runs and 14 RBIs. The next season, Guzman showed his 2007 resurgence was no fluke due to a small sample size and hit .316 with 9 home runs and 55 RBIs in 138 games while hitting a career-high 183 hits. He made the All-Star team for the second time in 2008 (2001 with the AL, '08 with the NL) and hit for the cycle in August of 2008. This season, since being removed from the starting shortstop job due to Ian Desmond's rise through the minors and his terrible 2009 fielding percentage of .962 (the lowest among major league shortstops) he was moved to second base. Since the move, he's hit .282 with 2 home runs and 25 RBIs over 89 games. The Rangers acquired him just a few days after 2B Ian Kinsler was placed on the DL and just a day after they acquired 1B/3B Jorge Cantu. He'll most likely start until Kinsler returns and then be an option off of the bench.

In return, the Nationals are getting 25 year-old RHP Ryan Tatusko and 23 year-old RHP Tanner Roark. Tatusko, the Rangers' 18th round pick in 2007, is currently enjoying his finest season in pro-ball. In Double-AA, he's 9-2 with a 2.97 ERA in 13 starts (but has pitched in 24 games) while striking out 58 in 100.0 innings. He translates to being mainly a reliever, but could be an occasional spot starter, kind of like Alfredo Aceves of the New York Yankees.

They also get Roark, a righty who the Rangers drafted in the 25th round of the 2008 draft, is also enjoying a great year in Double-AA, posting a 10-5 record with a 4.20 ERA in 17 starts (22 games) while striking out 75 in 105.0 innings. He broke out last year, when he went 10-0 with a 2.70 ERA in 29 games in A+.

Another aggressive trade by the Rangers, who are trying to improve all-around. In Guzman, they have a good replacement until Kinsler returns and a great off-the-bench option. I like the two pitchers the Nationals got in this deal, especially Roark. Another win-win.

Minnesota Twins acquire RHP Matt Capps from Nationals for #2 prospect C Wilson Ramos and pitcher

Just a few minutes ago, the Minnesotra Twins and Washington Nationals agreed on a trade that would send Nationals' closer Matt Capps to the Twins for top catching prospect and #2 prospect Wilson Ramos and pitcher Joe Testa.

Capps, 26, has spent six seasons in the majors with the Pittsburgh Pirates and Nationals. At age 23, Capps burst upon the scene in 2007 (he came up in 2005), posting a 2.28 ERA with 18 saves for the Pirates in 76 games. He was named closer after the season and rightfully so, as he sported a 3.02 ERA with 21 saves for the 2008 Pirates. He struggled in 2009, giving up 10 home runs and 73 hits in 54.1 innings, resulting in a 5.80 ERA, however he still saved 27 games.

After the 2009 season, the Pirates non-tendered Capps a contract, a questionable move around baseball. Many teams, including the Chicago Cubs and New York Yankees, were interested in signing the young right-hander to bolster their bullpens. Instead, Capps ended up signing a one-year contract for $3.5 million with the Nationals, who guaranteed him a chance to close - a major factor in his decision. Capps's performance this season has made the Pirates look foolish for making such a decision, as he has a 2.80 ERA in 46 games this year for the Nationals while saving 25 games, ranking 4th in the National League and making the NL All-Star team. Capps will fill the closing position for the Twins that Jon Rauch held down while long-time closer Joe Nathan rehabs from Tommy John surgery.

In return, the Nationals acquire the game's 58th best prospect (according to BaseballAmerica) in Wilson Ramos, a young catcher who is blocked by some guy named Joe Mauer who won the AL MVP last year. Ramos, 22, saw big league action this season after Mauer spent time nursing an injury, going 3-4 in his first ever major league game. In 7 games, (28 PA) Ramos hit .296 with 8 hits, 3 doubles, and 1 RBI. He was later sent back down to Triple-AAA, where he has posted a .241/.280/.345 average with 5 home runs and 30 RBIs in 71 games. Ramos put himself on the prospect map after a 2008 outbreak season in which he hit .288 with 13 home runs an 78 RBIs. He responded in 2009 hitting .317 with 7 home runs and 35 RBIs. This season, Ramos has thrown out 19 of 38 base stealers, a 20% rate. Joe Mauer's fixture in Minnesota for the next eight years at catcher (he signed an 8-year, $184 million contract before the season) allowed Ramos to become expendable. It's good to see the Twins found a place for a young player with that much talent to play and thrive. Ramos will be a big part of the Nationals' rebuilding effort and will join Ryan Zimmerman, Stephen Strasburg, and eventually Bryce Harper as the future of the Nationals.

Testa, 25, is a relief pitcher who has spent three-plus seasons in the Twins organization. His best season came in 2009, when he sported a 1.96 ERA in 46 games for A-A+. This season Testa has struggled, posting a 5.50 ERA in 36 games for A+ and AA.

While I'm not a fan of giving up a top prospect for a reliever who has never experienced the American League before, the Twins needed to make this trade. Rauch has been inconsistent as a closer and Capps is under team control and young. It's a great move for both teams, a trending topic with the trades today, but I think the Nationals really won this trade by acquiring a young catcher with tremendous talent for their rebuilding effort.

Marlins trade 3B/1B Jorge Cantu to Texas Rangers for two minor league pitchers

After many days of speculation, the Florida Marlins and Texas Rangers agreed to a deal today that sent Marlins 3B/1B Jorge Cantu to the Rangers for Double-AA minor league pitchers RHP Evan Reed and RHP Omar Poveda.

"We feel good," Rangers general manager Jon Daniels said. "We were looking for the right-handed complement at first base, and Jorge is a guy who comes in with rave reviews from around the league."

"Jorge has been fantastic but he is a would-be free agent," Marlins GM Larry Beinfest said. "We wanted to extract value for him now. We did not have plans to offer him a contract or arbitration this winter so we wanted to try to get value now for him."

Cantu, once a promising young second/third baseman for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays after posting a .286 average with a 28 home runs and 117 RBIs in his first full season as a 23 year-old through 150 games in 2005, has spent parts of seven seasons with the Devil Rays, Cincinnati Reds, and Florida Marlins.

The Devil Rays had big expectations for Cantu for the 2006 season, but he was hampered by injuries, playing in only 107 games and posting a .249 average with 14 home runs and 62 RBIs. During spring training for the 2007 season, Cantu failed to make the roster and was assigned to the minor leagues to Triple-AAA. Cantu was later called up, but still struggled, posting just a .207 average, 0 home runs and 4 RBIs while playing in 25 games for Tampa. He was later traded on July 28th to the Cincinnati Reds with OF Sean Cumberland. He played in just 27 games for Cincinnati, posting a .298/1/9 while playing first, second and third base. In December he was released by the Reds.

On January 4, 2008 the Florida Marlins signed Cantu to a 1-year minor league contract with an invitation to spring training. Cantu was expected to provide the Marlins with depth at the minor league level, but quickly changed the Marlins' mindset. He was so impressive during spring training that the Marlins placed original starting third baseman Jose Castillo on waivers (he was claimed by the San Francisco Giants), opening the door for Cantu to be the starting third baseman. Cantu proved why he was named the starter. Out of nowhere, Cantu hit 29 home runs while driving in 95 RBIs and sported a .277 average. He, Hanley Ramirez, Dan Uggla, and Mike Jacobs became the first infield to have 25 or more home runs each. With Cantu set to become arbitration eligible at the end of the season and a possible free agent, the Marlins rewarded him with a 1-year, $4.5 million contract.

For the 2009 season, Cantu was shifted to first base while the newly acquired Emilio Bonifacio manned third. He played 111 games at first base and 45 at third. While his power dropped, Cantu managed a .289 average with 16 home runs and 100 RBIs for the second time in his career. He was just settling into his prime. The Marlins offered him another contract for the 2010 season worth $6 million. This season, Cantu has played 80 games at third and 40 at first, while posting a .259 average with 10 home runs and 54 RBIs. He had a 10-game RBI streak in April. A solid hitter, Cantu has been reverting to the old player he was with Tampa. For the Rangers, this is an instant upgrade over first baseman Chris Davis, who has struggled this season with a .188 average since being recalled from Triple-AAA after the trade of 1B Justin Smoak. The deal comes just a few days after "hitting-machine" second baseman Ian Kinsler was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a strained left groin. Cantu should provide power and solid defense for the Rangers.

"It's a great opportunity," Cantu, 28, said. "The guys over there are playing great, and I'm just excited to join."

"Deep inside I'm very sad to leave the Marlins, of course," Cantu said. "My turn is to go right now to the Texas Rangers and help that ball club out. They're playing well and winning the division. I think it will be fun. Whenever you go to a new team it's always fun and exciting. ... There's still two months to go. I know what I'm capable of doing."

Cantu, of Mexican descent, was born in McAllen, Texas.

In return, the Marlins will receive right-handed pitchers Evan Reed and Omar Poveda.

Reed, 24, is a righy reliever who drafted in the third round of the 2007 draft by Texas. A power pitcher, he has posted a 1.62 ERA in 30 games with Double-AA Frisco this season, striking out 34 in 39.0 innings. He broke out in 2009, posting a 2.96 ERA in 44 games for Single-A+ while striking out 65 in 48.2 innings.

Poveda, 23, who was ranked the Rangers' 20th best prospect, profiles as a mid to back of the rotation starter. He's currently on the DL recovering from Tommy John surgery. In 2009, while splitting time at Rk-AA-AAA he posted an 11-6 record with a 4.10 ERA.

"Omar has a chance to start in the big leagues," Daniels said. "Evan is a good, power arm. He might fit in the back of the bullpen one day for somebody."

This is another win-win for both teams. The Rangers get an obvious upgrade at first base in Cantu and a power hitter who should thrive in Texas' ballpark.

Take this for consideration:
Jorge Cantu's season - BA of .259, OBP of .308, SLG of .408, 10 HR, and 54 RBI
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Texas first baseman this season - BA of .197, OBP of .296, SLG of .315, 8 HR, 37 RBI

Cantu is better than all Rangers' first baseman combined in every category. A tremendous trade for the Rangers and a promising trade for the Marlins. The two young pitchers, especially Poveda, are a win for a rebuilding Marlins team.

Too funny: Fan wearing LeBron James Miami Heat jersey ejected from Indians vs. Yankees game

For a fan, wearing a rival team's jersey in the other rival's ballpark can make for a hard time. Heckling, booing, cursing and sometimes fights can break out. In this case however, it wasn't a baseball jersey that make a ruckus, but a basketball jersey.

Last night during the Cleveland Indians vs New York Yakeees game, a fan wore a LeBron James Miami Heat jersey to be exact. James, who left Cleveland after seven years in the organization, quickly departed during the off-season to sign with the championship caliber Miami Heat. Fans in Cleveland weren't too thrilled with that and have made James the No. 1 enemy of Cleveland.

That was a pretty stupid move on that fan's part, but man, that's hysterical.

Here are the videos if you wish to view them:






HAHAHAHAHA!

Padres acquire 3B Miguel Tejada for minor league pitcher

In a move to bolster their lineup, the San Diego Padres acquired third baseman Miguel Tejada and cash from the Baltimore Orioles for minor league pitcher Wynn Pelzer.

It's no question that Miggy's best days are behind him. A home-grown player out of the Oakland Athletics' organization, Tejada was the 2002 American League MVP with the Athletics after posting a line of .308/.354/.508, 34 home runs, 131 RBIs, and 204 hits in all 162 games played. Tejada hit 30 or more home runs from 2000-2002 before ending his streak with 27 in 2003. 2004 was one of Tejada's best seasons, as he again hit 34 home runs and sported a .311 average while driving in 150 RBIs in his first year with the Baltimore Orioles after signing a six-year, $72 million deal in the off-season. Tejada continued to prove he was worth the contract, hitting 26 home runs with a .304 average and 98 RBIs in 2005 and then 24 home runs and .330 average with 100 RBIs in 2006. Tejada, a durable player, was injured for part of the 2007 season, ending his streak of 162 games every season (1,151 games) from 2001-2006. Nonetheless, he produced upon his return, hitting .296 with 18 home runs and 81 RBIs in 133 games.

2007 was Tejada's last season in Baltimore, as he was traded to the Houston Astros during the off-season. Tejada had a tough time adjusting to spacious Minute Maid Park in Houston, hitting just .283 with 13 home runs and 66 RBIs for the season while making the NL All-Star team. He rebounded in 2009, hitting .313 with 14 home runs and 86 RBIs.

The Astros allowed Tejada to walk as a free agent after the 2009 season, allowing Tejada to sign a 1-year, $6 million contract with the Orioles. The Orioles moved Tejada to third base due to his declining range, aging, and 21 errors at shortstop the year prior. Never a great defensive shortstop, Tejada was always highly regarded for his bat. This season however, Tejada has struggled at the plate, posting just a .269 average with 7 home runs and 39 RBIs in 97 games for the Orioles while playing adjusting to third base. It's true that learning a new position could be affecting Tejada's focus on hitting, but this could prove to be one of his worst career seasons.

Now 36, Tejada's best days seem to be numbered. He's been no stranger to scandal, as he was proved guilty of lying about his age after signing his first professional contract with the A's in 1993. Tejada said he was born in 1976, but he was actually two years older and born in 1974. In Jose Canseco's tell-all book about performance enhancing drugs in baseball, he cited Tejada as a steroid user. Tejada told Congress in 2005 that he had never used PEDs. In 2006, relief pitcher Jason Grimsley told federal agents that Tejada was a user of anabolic steroids. He was mentioned as a steroid user in the 2007 Mitchell Report and was then placed under investigation in 2008 for his truthfulness. In 2009, Tejada pleaded guilty to charges with lying before Congress in 2005 about using PEDs and was sentenced to up to 1-year in federal prison and deportation. The punishment was lowered to one-year probation. Tejada is an admitted steroid user.

Still a fine player, Tejada, a six-time All-Star, should help the Padres offensively. Currently in first place in the NL West, the Padres are looking to bolster their lineup to lock up the division. Tejada is a great addition and is a Type-B free agent after the season. Hopefully, a change of scenery can turn around Tejada's season and revert him to his 2009 form. He's still a great hitter.

In return, the Padres will send young pitcher Wynn Pelzer to Baltimore. Pelzer, 24, the Padres' 8th round selection in the 2007 draft, is a right handed pitcher. He's struggled in the minor leagues, posting a 6-9 record with a 4.20 ERA this season in Double-AA. He was ranked the Padres' seventh best prospect by BaseballAmerica. He is a power pitcher and has a fastball that can reach the mid-90's. An inconsistent starter, Pelzer could eventually be a relief or closing pitcher for the Orioles' rebuilding effort.

This was a win-win for both teams. The Padres acquire a major upgrade at the hot corner with a power bat. It's still possible that Tejada could return to his 2009 form, but given his age, it could be unlikely. Regardless, it's still a great pickup by the Padres. The Orioles get a young power pitcher for Tejada in return who could be their future closer. It doesn't get much better than that.

Astros trade newly acquired OF Gose to Blue Jays for 1B/3B Brett Wallace

What a whirlwind of a day for Anthony Gose.

After being acquired today by the Houston Astros from the Philadelphia Phillies in the Roy Oswalt trade, reportedly, the Astros have traded Gose to the Toronto Blue Jays for top prospect third/first baseman Brett Wallace.

Wallace, a power hitting batter, was traded from the St. Louis Cardinals to the Oakland Athletics for Matt Holliday last year. During the off-season the Phillies traded OF Michael Taylor and other prospects to the Blue Jays for Roy Halladay. The Blue Jays then traded Taylor to the Athletics for Wallace. Now Wallace has been traded yet again for another Phillies' prospect, this time Gose, and will head to Houston.

Ranked the 27th best prospect in baseball, Wallace is hitting .301 with 18 home runs and 61 RBIs through 95 games this season while playing only first base. He originally was drafted a third baseman by the Cardinals, but after being traded from Oakland to Toronto, he made the switch to first. Wallace, 23, was the Cardinals' first round draft pick in 2008 out of Arizona State, going 13th overall. He has a career .304 average in the minors and was called a "hitting machine" by Astros GM Ed Wade. Wallace could be the best player the Astros got in this deal. Getting Wallace for Gose is definitely a better upgrade.

So technically, the Roy Oswalt trade will be remembered as Oswalt for J.A. Happ, Anthony Gose, Justin Villar and later Brett Wallace. Good flip of prospects by the Astros.

Phillies acquire RHP Roy Oswalt from Astros for LHP J.A. Happ and two prospects

After an agreement was reached this morning between the Houston Astros and Philadelphia Phillies to send Astros' ace RHP Roy Oswalt to Philadelphia for LHP J.A. Happ, OF Anthony Gose, SS Jonathan Villar and $11 million. All that was needed was for Oswalt to waive his no-trade clause.

At 2:30 PM Thursday, Oswalt waived his no-trade clause and will now join the Phillies for the players and money mentioned above.

Oswalt, 32, will now join a formidable Phillies' rotation that includes ace Roy Halladay and Cole Hamels. Oswalt will slide into the #2 stater role, giving the Phillies two aces. This season, Oswalt is 6-12 with a 3.42 ERA while playing for a terrible Astros' team who has blown many games for him by lack of run support and a terrible bullpen.

"I'm glad it worked out for both of us. I wanted to go to a contender, and Houston gets some good prospects in return who will hopefully allow them to build a winning team," Oswalt said.

"The hardest part about it is cleaning out my locker. I've been in the same place for 10 years and having to say goodbye and clean out the locker is the toughest part," he said.

"I'm at a point in my career where I just want a chance to get back to the World Series like I did in '05 with Houston," he said. "I'm excited to be going to Philly. I love watching Roy Halladay pitch and I think with him and Cole Hamels the three of us can feed off each other."

Oswalt, a back-to-back 20 game winner from 2004-2005, is a legitimate ace and will bolster a resurgent Phillies team. The Phillies sit just 3.5 games behind the Braves in the NL East and 2.5 out in the Wild Card behind the San Francisco Giants. Adding Oswalt should help the Phillies overcome either of these deficits.

In return, Houston gets LHP J.A. Happ, who finished second in the 2009 Rookie of the Year voting with a 12-4 record and a 2.93 ERA. A highly regarded left-handed pitcher, Happ helped the Philllies reach the World Series last year. Although he was defeated in his only World Series start, he was a dominant force and was the Phillies' best starter, along with Cliff Lee, during the regular season. Happ will immediately join the Astros' rotation as the #2 starter behind now #1 starter Brett Myers.

The Astros also get former 2008 second round pick and outfielder Anthony Gose. Gose, 19, was ranked sixth among Phillies' prospects by Baseball America going into the season. A player known for his speed and not so much his bat, Gose stole 76 bases for Single-A last season and has stolen 36 so far for Single-A+ this season. He has a decent bat, hitting a career-high .263 this season with a career-high 4 home runs. He plays solid defense and has an above-average throwing arm. Gose reminds me of almost a Brett Gardner/Juan Pierre type player.

Houston additionally receives young shortstop Jonathan Villar. Villar, 19, is currently at Single-A, sporting a .272 average with 2 home runs, 36 RBIs and 38 stolen bases. He's a solid contact hitter who won't hit for power at all. BaseballAmerica says that Villar has "plus tools across the board except for power," but he has yet to prove it. Villar also needs some serious work on his defense at shortstop, as he has committed 42 errors this season, through 99 games.

The Phillies will not pick up Oswalt's option for 2012 at $16 million and will instead buy him out for an additional $1 million which, when added to the original cost, is $2 million.

I think the Phillies got a steal in this trade. Happ is 27 already, Gose is mainly a speed/defense prospect, and Villar is terrible defensively and hasn't met expectations. I'm shocked that top first base prospect Jonathan Singleton wasn't included in the deal, ditto for pitcher Vance Worley. Being able to keep both of them is a steal. I don't think losing Gose or Villar will hurt Phillies' fans. I don't know what the Astros were thinking when they asked for these prospects, especially since they are also paying $11 million for Oswalt. Seeing as the Phillies get Oswalt for an additional year after this, and did not have to pick up his option, this was an absolute great trade and steal for the Phillies.

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In other news, the Baltimore Orioles hired former ESPN analyst and former Yankees, Rangers, and Dbacks manager Buck Showalter. Showalter brings his 882-833 managerial record back to the field and gets a contract that runs through 2013.

Phillies and Astros agree to Oswalt deal, now just needs Oswalt's OK

After months of speculation, a deal has been agreed upon. Now all that's needed is Roy Oswalt's OK.

This morning, the Houston Astros and Philadelphia Phillies agreed to a deal that would send Astros' ace Oswalt to Philadelphia for pitcher J.A. Happ and two other minor leaguers.

At the beginning of the season, Oswalt, 32, demanded a trade to a contender. He grew tired of the Astros and their losing seasons, along with their weak commitment to winning. Now he may finally get his wish, but he has to OK the deal first. Oswalt, who is making $15 million this season, $16 million next season, and has a $16 million option for 2012, has a no-trade clause in his contract. Oswalt, who has stated his preference to stay in the National League, would join a resurgent Phillies team which has been slightly improving and has found themselves in second place in the NL East, just 3.5 games behind the Atlanta Braves. Oswalt has stated that he wants his option for 2012 picked up by the team that acquires him, a request that other teams are not willing to agree to. It'll be interesting if the Phillies pick up the option. The Astros will also be paying $12 million for Oswalt's contract in the deal. Oswalt is 6-12 with a 3.42 ERA for a terrible Astros' team this year. A lifelong Astro, it will definitely be tough for fans to part with this great pitcher.

The Phillies will send young 27 year-old lefty J.A. Happ and two other minor leaguers (one of which has been speculated to be righty Vance Worley) to Houston. Happ, who went 12-4 with a 2.93 ERA last season, has been highly regarded by the Phillies and would join the Astros' rotation immediately. Worley, another young pitcher, was 9-4 with a 3.20 at Double-AA this season before being called up for one game, and then being sent back down to Triple-AAA. The other player could be first baseman Jonathan Singleton. Singleton, 18, has been the target for the Astros all along. He's hitting .312 with 12 home runs and 57 RBIs in 70 games for Single-A since being drafted in the 8th round of the 2009 draft. While the other two players are speculation, Happ is definitely in the deal.

Commitment to winning? Check. Contending team? Check. High payroll team? Check. Everything seems to be in order and Oswalt seems the perfect fit for the Phillies. If he were to not waive his no-trade clause, it would make Oswalt look hypocritical. One can imagine that if acquired, Phillies' GM Ruben Amaro Jr. will have to answer questions as to why he did not keep the more affordable Cliff Lee, who he acquired at the deadline last season. When it all becomes official, I'll post everything.

Dodgers acquire OF Scott Podsednik, Tigers acquire 3B Jhonny Peralta, The Ridiculous Scott Downs Price

With the trade deadline just three days away, two teams made improvements to their ball-clubs, gearing up for the stretch run.

The Los Angeles Dodgers acquired Kansas City Royals' left fielder Scott Podsednik for catcher Lucas May and right handed pitcher Elisaul Pimentel.

Podsednik, 34, is enjoying a nice season while playing left field for the Royals. Through 94 games (430 plate appearances) He's hitting .309 with 5 home runs and 44 RBIs, to go along with 30/42 stolen bases. A third-round draft pick by the Texas Rangers in the 1994 draft, Podsednik, before this season, had spent parts of his career with the Seattle Mariners, Milwaukee Brewers, Colorado Rockies, and most notably the Chicago White Sox. In 2004, "The Podfather" stole 70/83 bases for the Brewers, while also belting out a career-high 12 home runs in 154 games. In 2005 Podsednik signed with the White Sox, hitting .290 with 59 stolen bases, but he didn't hit any home runs. He helped lead the South Siders to the World Series that season, helping the club win its' first World Series since 1917 in a four game sweep over the Houston Astros. After two more years in Chicago, Podsednik signed with the Colorado Rockies. Throughout the 2006, 2007, and 2008 seasons however, Podsednik experienced various injuries, limiting him to only 139 games in '06, 62 in '07, and 93 in '08. He only stole a combined 24 bases during the '07-'08 seasons.

For the 2009 season "Scotty Pods," as White Sox announcer Hawk Harrelson calls him, returned to the White Sox on a minor league contract. He was called up from Triple-AAA on April 30th of 2009 and was a pleasant surprise, hitting .304 with 7 home runs and 30 steals through 132 games. It seemed as though Pods was back. The White Sox let Pods walk after 2009, allowing him to sign a one-year contract with the Kansas City Royals worth $1.6 million.

Known primarily for his speed and great defense, Podsednik can hit for some average but is not a power hitter. A 162 game average for Podsednik estimates a .280 average, 7 home runs, and 49 stolen bases. Scotty Pods has 296 career stolen bases. He will most likely take over left field until Manny Ramirez returns from injury. He could be a big boost for the Dodgers, who sit 5 games out in the NL West, either off of the bench or as a starter.

In return, the Dodgers will send young catcher Lucas May and pitcher Elisaul Pimentel to the Royas. May, 25, was the Dodgers' 8th round selection in 2003. He put himself on the Dodgers' prospect map in 2006, when he belted out 18 home runs in Single-A with a respectable .273 batting average and 82 RBIs while striking out 130 times - a little too much. He responded in Single-A+ 2007, raising his career-high by hitting 25 home runs and driving in 89 RBIs while sporting a .256 average and cutting down to 107 strikeouts. After spending 2008-09 in Double-AA Chattanooga, May showed signs of improvement, especially in 2009, when he hit .306 with 6 home runs and 32 RBIs through 68 games, only 58 strikeouts, before missing the rest of the year with an injury.

This season, May has split time between both Double-AA and Triple-AAA. He hit just .167 in 7 games in Double-AA before being promoted. Since his promotion to AAA, May has torn the cover off the ball, hitting a career-high .296 with 11 home runs and 45 RBIs through 73 games with 60 strikeouts. Combined, he's hit .285 with 11 home runs, 46 RBIs and 67 strikeouts in 80 games. May is not a great defense catcher and is known more for his power hitting ability. A move to first base is most likely for this young player. In the majors, I could foresee a .240, 15 home run, 60 RBI season for May. With adjustments to major league pitching, I definitely think May could hit 20-30 home runs. Royals' GM Dayton Moore called May a "slam dunk MLB catcher."

The Royals also acquired young pitcher Elisaul Pimentel. Pimentel, 21, was an international signing by the Dodgers in 2007 out of the Dominican Republic. In three years with the Dodgers, Pimentel has pitched in Rookie ball and low-A, posting just a career 16-15 record with a 3.68 ERA. This season however, He's at 9-3 with a 3.49 ERA while posting an impressive 9.7/9 strikeout rate to go along with a 3.5 BB/9 rate. Very impressive for a young and inexperienced pitcher.

A good trade for both sides, Podsednik will definitely help the Dodgers offensively and defensively until Manny Ramirez returns. May could be a promising player for the Royals for the foreseeable future at the DH position, while Pimentel could be a legitimate sleeper prospect.

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The Royals weren't the only cellar AL Central team to make a trade today, as the Cleveland Indians shipped off once-promising-shortstop Jhonny Peralta (and cash) to the Detroit Tigers for young lefty pitcher Giovanni Soto.

Peralta, 28, comes to Detroit just a few weeks after both 3B Brandon Inge and 2B Carlos Guillen hit the disabled list. The Tigers, who sit 5 games out in the AL Central, have been looking to bolster their lineup as they poise for the playoff run.

Peralta began the first six years of his career as the Indians' shortstop. A promising talent, Peralta looked to continue the tradition of big, power hitting shortstops like Cal Ripken Jr., Alex Rodriguez, Derek Jeter, Nomar Garciaparra and Miguel Tejada. Peralta looked to be continuing the line after his explosive 2005 season, at age 23, when he hit .292 with 24 home runs and 78 RBIs in 141 games, his best season ever. 2006 was a set-back for Peralta, he hit just .257 with 13 home runs and 68 RBIs in 149 games before rebounding in 2007 with a .270/21/72 season and again in 2008 with a .276/23/89 season. Following the 2008 season, the Indians moved Peralta to third base. His bulky frame and defensive liability was becoming an issue for the Indians' infield. In '09 he played in 104 games at third base, hitting .254/11/83 while learning the new position.

This season Peralta has struggled. Once rumored a target for the bench this season by the Yankees, Peralta's hitting just .249 with 7 home runs and 43 RBIs through 91 games, all at third base. He makes $4.6 million this season (just about $1.7MM remains). In addition, the Tigers have a $7.25 million option for 2011 with a $250K buyout for the 2011 season as well. Until Inge and Guillen return, Peralta will hold down the hot corner for the Tigers.

In return the Indians will receive young lefty Giovanni Soto. Yes they share the same name, but this Soto is no catcher. A 21st round pick in '09 by the Tigers, Soto, 19, has showed promise in his first two seasons in pro-ball. He posted a 4-0 record with a 1.18 ERA through 13 games in Rk ball last year, striking out 7.3/9. This season, his first full season, he's 6-6 with a 2.61 ERA through 16 games in A-ball, raising his k/9 to 8.3/9.

It's a good trade for both sides here. The Tigers get their replacement until Inge returns, then Peralta will most likely move to shortstop. The Indians get a young lefty pitcher who could be part of their rebuilding for some years to come.

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Last but certainly not least, the Yankees and Red Sox have been two of the most interested teams in Toronto Blue Jays' reliever Scott Downs. Downs, 34, has pitched 42.1 innings (47 appearances) and is sporting a 2.34 ERA with 10 walks and 35 strike outs. He has held lefties close, as they are hitting just .182/.308/.309 against him. However, the Blue Jays have a high asking price for Downs.

Reportedly, the Blue Jays asked the Yankees and Red Sox for one of Jesus Montero/Joba Chamberlain or Casey Kelly/Jose Iglesias, respectively, in return for Downs. I laugh at this. If it costs Montero or Joba for the Yanks to land Downs, let him go. He's not worth Montero's or Chamberlain's caliber, especially at 34 years-old.

Phillies call-up top prospect Domonic Brown

Today, after centerfielder Shane Victorino hit the disabled list with a strained left abdominal muscle, the Philadelphia Phillies called-up top prospect and promising outfielder Domonic Brown.

Brown, who was ranked the 15th best prospect in baseball prior to 2010, became ranked the best prospect in baseball through mid-season (All-Star Break 2010), has a great amount of potential. A left-handed swinging outfielder, Brown, 22, has the ability to put power and average together. Before being called-up, Brown split time at Double-AA and Triple-AAA, hitting a combined .327/.391/.589 with 20 home runs and 68 RBIs, whiling getting 112 hits in 93 games. A 20th round pick in the '06 draft, Brown began to flash power during the 2009 season, when hit 14 home runs (his previous career-high was 9 in 2008) to go along with a .299 average and 64 RBIs. Brown also has speed, stealing 17 bases this season, 23 in '09 and 22 in '08.

The Phillies are expecting great things from Domonic Brown, especially with All-Star rightfielder Jayson Werth expected to depart via free agency. If Werth leaves, Brown would take over everyday duties in right field. When Victorino returns, the Phillies (most likely) would move Jayson Werth to left field, allowing Brown to stay in right field and Victorino to resume duties in center field. Brown has potential to be the next great Phillies' player, joining an amazing team of homegrown talent that includes Jimmy Rollins, Chase Utley, Ryan Howard, Cole Hamels and Shane Victorino.

UPDATE: Domonic Brown made his debut tonight in right field, going 2-3 with a double, 2 runs scored, and 2 RBIs, all adding up to a .667 batting average to start his career.

"It feels great," Brown said. "I just want to go out there tomorrow and do it all again."

"I was just overwhelmed and couldn't hear anything out there," Brown said. "But once I stepped in that box, I was so focused on what I had to do."

When asked, Phillies manager Charlie Manuel said Brown is "an exciting player who has tools. He swung the bat good."

Good luck to you, Mr. Brown.