WORLD SERIES: San Francisco Giants vs. Texas Rangers

Alright, everyone who picked the Giants and Rangers to meet in the 2010 World Series, put your hands up.

....

I'll put my hand up, maybe not all the way, but partially, seeing as I did pick the Giants to get to the World Series, but to face the New York Yankees and lose in seven games.

But honestly, how many people would have picked the Rangers to dethrone the World Champions? Or for the team by the bay to defeat the greatest pitching rotation in postseason history from the Philadelphia Phillies?

Not many.

Perhaps what could be a downfall in TV ratings for Fox Network, due to this year's match-up, this could prove to be one of the more exciting series over the past few seasons.

For instance, the Texas Rangers have never, ever, in their team history, made it to the second round of the playoffs (the ALCS) or let alone make it to the World Series in their 50 year existence...

...until now.

The 2010 Rangers, armed with the veteran Michael Young, ace Cliff Lee, probable American League MVP, as well as ALCS MVP, Josh Hamilton, and a young core group that includes shortstop Elvis Andrus, are primed to make a battle for the World Series Trophy. A dominant offense, that which includes the likes of future Hall Of Famer Vladamir Guerrero and the dangerous Nelson Cruz, will look to send multiple baseballs into McCovey Cove and swamp the Giants' chances of securing a world title.

The Rangers definitely deserve to be in the World Series and are, without a doubt, the feel-good story of the 2010 season. Besides making the ALCS against New York a very one-sided affair, the Rangers have background stories on their team which further makes them the story of the year.

Consider the story of the Rangers' MVP candidate, Josh Hamilton.

Hamilton, the number one overall draft pick in the 1999 draft by the Tampa Bay Devil (at the time) Rays, has one of baseball's most remarkable stories. A chronic substance abuse early in his career, Hamilton was almost dismembered from the sport, and faced many setbacks in his career, initially spending his entire signing bonus from his draft on drugs and alcohol. However, rehab set Hamilton back on the track to baseball, as he was able to overcome his substance abuse to become sober and blossom into the All-Star he was hyped to be. Now a definite American League MVP candidate, and possible winner, Hamilton sported a .359 batting average to go along with 31 home runs this season, while battling injuries and carrying the Rangers to the playoffs, where he hit .350 with 4 home runs, and now the World Series. Almost five years ago, no one in baseball would have believed Hamilton would reach this point.

How about the story of Texas Manager Ron Washington? Washington, admittedly, tested positive for cocaine last season, and had to overcome scrutiny the entire season. However, Washington was backed by his players, Hamilton especially, seeing as he had dealt with the same situation as Washington early in his career. Now, he's managing the American League Champions in the World Series.

Last, there is the remarkable story of Michael Young. Young, although he is not "officially" the captain of the Rangers, carries himself as so. The veteran, who has spent his entire 11-year career, 1,508 games, with Texas, had never been to the postseason prior to this year. Young, 34, has been part of the lows of the Rangers' era. While playing the Alex Rodriguez era, Mark Teixeira era and now the Josh Hamilton era in Rangers' history, Young has been overlooked, if not underrated, in his career. Now, for the first time in his career, Young will be able to showcase his talent on the national stage and show why he is the heart and soul of the Texas Rangers.

The Rangers fought through thick and thin in the playoffs this season, dropping a 2-0 games lead to the Tampa Bay Rays in the Division Series, resulting in a nail-biting Game 5 victory, and of course, doing one of the most impossible playoff tasks: defeating the mighty Yankees, who, before this series loss, were 11-2 in ALCS play.

But what about the Rangers' new opponent?

The San Francisco Giants, since moving to San Francisco in 1958, have never won a championship since leaving New York.

They'll look to change that now.

The Giants did reach the World Series in 2002, but fell to the (at the time) Anaheim Angels in a heart-breaking seven games. For the first time 2003, they have made the playoffs.

A playoff afterthought at the beginning of the 2010 season, a pick to be more of a trouble-maker for the contending teams in the NL West (The Los Angeles Dodgers and Colorado Rockies), no one thought that the Giants had a chance to make the postseason. Their lineup was too weak, their rotation behind back-to-back Cy Young award winner Tim Lincecum was questionable, and they were "a gang of misfits."

The first half of the Giants' season was a mess. Despite the emergence of catcher Buster Posey, the rookie who took the world by storm by hitting over .330 in the first half, Lincecum, who was coming off of his second-straight Cy Young Award, was struggling, Pablo Sandoval, the young third baseman who hit .330 the year prior was struggling to hit .270, and the Giants, overall, were at 41-40 by the end of the first half. The season looked like it would be similar to the one prior.

Not so much anymore.

Lincecum recovered, Posey continued to mash and make himself look like the eventual NL Rookie of the Year, closing pitcher Brian Wilson, first baseman Aubrey Huff, and starting pitchers Matt Cain and Jonathan Sanchez stepped up, resulting in a 51-30 second half of the season, en route to the club's National League West Division title in a dramatic end of the season showdown with the San Diego Padres.

While the Giants may not have the same feel-good story as the Rangers, they surely are not a team to be counted out. They defeated the Atlanta Braves and sent Bobby Cox to retirement, they overpowered the "Big 3" of Roy Halladay, Roy Oswalt and Cole Hamels in Philadelphia when everyone in the baseball world considered them left for dead at the hands of the Phillies.

Now, with one dramatic and gut-wrenching regular season over, the boys from the bay area find themselves in the World Series, armed with the task of making Josh Hamilton look lost, stealing the feel-good vibe that surrounds their opponent, and looking to make "Deep in the Heart of Texas" nothing more than a sob song for Rangers fans.

I like both of these teams a lot. I think they stack up well against each other in this series, and I like that both these teams play for the good of the game. These are two teams with players who gritty, gutty, grind-it-out type of players, and they will make it a hard-fought battle to win the crown. I do think that the Giants hold a tremendous advantage in the pitching department with shut-down guys like Lincecum, Cain, Sanchez, Madison Bumgarner and Wilson, compared to that of Texas' Lee (who is their only "shut-down" pitcher), C.J. Wilson, Colby Lewis (who had a great DS & CS), Tommy Hunter and rookie-closer Neftali Feliz, but the Rangers' offense, led by Hamilton and Cruz, without a doubt overpowers that of the Giants' scrappy offense where the only real threat is NLCS MVP Cody Ross and Posey. I think that the Giants boast a better bullpen than Texas, especially having season-saves-leader (48 saves) Brian Wilson at the back to shut the door, as opposed to a rookie closer like Feliz.

That being said, I really like the pitching in this series and I think that will be the real factor in the winning team. I'm going to stick with my gut from the beginning of the season, but change the outcome.

Giants in 7.

Will the real A.J. Burnett please stand up?

After falling 8-0 to the Texas Rangers yesterday after a mystical performance by Texas ace Cliff Lee, the New York Yankees, who now trail 2-1 in the ALCS, will turn to one Allan James Burnett tonight to oppose Tommy Hunter, and to hopefully tie the series.

Did you hear that?

That was the sound of Yankee fans everywhere holding their breath.

A.J. Burnett? Playoff start? A few weeks ago, the thought was unbearable.

Burnett, 33, finished 2010 with a 10-15 record, a 5.36 ERA overall, completing his worst career season and giving Yankee fans little doubt that he would be valuable in the postseason. While effective at times, Burnett is erratic and inconsistent. A pitcher with ace caliber "stuff," he often tends to get lost on the mound, throwing wild pitches, plunking batters, walking hitters, and doing what he does best: give up lots of runs. After starting the season as one of the Yankees' best pitchers (4-0 with a 1.99 ERA through May 6), Burnett faltered, and became ineffective in the Yankees' rotation, leading to eventual skipped starts and boos from the crowd. Not one fan thought that the Yankees would trust Burnett with a playoff start.

But now, down 2-1, with a series in jeopardy due to inefficient starts by CC Sabathia and Phil Hughes, the Yankees will turn to Burnett to save their season.

Yankee fans are holding their breath.

Tonight we await to see which A.J. Burnett shows up for this postseason start: The 2009 postseason Burnett from ALCS Game 2 and World Series Game 2, or the 2010 consistently-inconsistent Burnett?

After getting destroyed last night by Cliff Lee and the Rangers, the Yankees will look for redemption, and hope to not only give Burnett some run support, but to save their playoff chances. It's hard to say what the outcome of this game could be, especially not knowing which Burnett will show up tonight.

However, there is a bright spot tonight. According to Jeff Caplan of ESPN Dallas/Fort Worth,

"In three starts against the Rangers this season, Burnett is 1-0 with a 2.50 ERA. He's gone seven innings twice and has allowed just five runs and 16 hits. He's walked seven and struck out 17. He's whiffed Nelson Cruz five times in eight at-bats, and Josh Hamilton is hitless in five at-bats."

Don't get me wrong, A.J. Burnett is a fantastic pitcher, but he is also inconsistent and a question mark. I think A.J. will pitch the game of his life tonight, but that's just me being optimistic.

So will the real A.J. Burnett please stand up, please stand up, please stand up?

Preferably the one at the top of the screen :S

UPDATE: Obviously, we got bad A.J. in this one. A 10-3 loss is your final. We face elimination come tomorrow folks, Yanks better get it together and fast.

Yankees take Game 1 of ALCS in comeback fashion against Rangers' pen

The Yankees, down 5-1 into the eighth inning in Game 1 of the ALCS against the Texas Rangers, rallied for five runs in the inning, eventually taking the lead 6-5 by dominating the Rangers' bullpen.

Yankees lead the series 1-0.

Yankees clinch playoff berth, Sabathia wins #21

The "Ace" has struck again.

CC Sabathia led the Yankees to Clinch and Conquer over the Toronto Blue Jays tonight in a 6-1 win, resulting in a captured playoff berth, as well as his 21st win of the season.

The win ensures that the Yankees will make the playoffs as either the division champions or wild card champions, am ultimatum fans must be happy to hear after a tough stretch over the final few weeks of September. Tonight's win was just the eighth in the last 22 games.

But even better news to Yankee fans?

It eliminates the Boston Red Sox.

Tonight being his last start of the regular season, Sabathia, who is making a case to be the Cy Young award winner in the American League, pitched 8 1/3 innings of one run baseball, striking out eight as he sent the Yankees to the playoffs for the 15th time in 16 years. His season line finishes at 21-7 with a 3.18 ERA. Thought of to be the front runner for the Cy Young, Sabathia has been pitching like the eventual winner all season, with his biggest starts coming in September with the Yankees struggling down the stretch.

"CC has been our ace all year long," Girardi said before the game. "He's pitched extremely well, so we expect him to go out and do it every time." (Mark Feinsand)

However while all is good in "Yankee Land," two other teams captured playoff berths tonight.

The Tampa Bay Rays clinched a berth with a win over the Baltimore Orioles. The Rays are battling with the Yankees for the division in the AL East, but the playoff berth guarantees they will either be the wild card or division winner.

In dramatic walk-off fashion, Jay Bruce sent the Cincinnati Reds to the playoffs for the first time since 1995 with a walk-off home run in a win over the Houston Astros. The Reds' win eliminates the St. Louis Cardinals and makes them the NL Central Division Champions.

The Yankees, Rays and Reds join the AL Central Division Champion Minnesota Twins, AL West Division Champion Texas Rangers and NL East Division Champion Philadelphia Phillies as the teams who have made the postseason. Two spots remain: The NL West and NL Wild Card.

The West and the Wildcard has been a back and forth dog-fight between the San Francisco Giants, San Diego Padres and Atlanta Braves the last few weeks. It'll be interesting to see who wins both berths. I'm sticking with my belief that the Giants will win the West, but I do think (and would love to see) a one-game playoff between Atlanta and San Diego. I'd pay to see that.

Well, that's all for tonight. If you haven't heard, the Carmelo-Anthony-to-the-Nets-trade got called off, other than that it's been a quiet night.

It's good to be back and I'm sorry I've been absent. I've been busy like nobody's business with apps, homework, essays and my job. Hopefully this is just the start to getting back on track.

One trade we missed: C Jarrod Saltalamacchia to the Red Sox

After the 4 PM trading deadline, I figured no other big names would be moved. With that in mind, I logged out and shut down the computer and went out for a break. There's only so much you can take on deadline day. When I arrived home I realized that there was one trade that I had missed, that being the trade of Texas Rangers' catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia to the Boston Red Sox for two minor leaguers, a player to be named later and cash.

"Salty," a former first round pick (36th overall) in the 2003 by the Atlanta Braves, was acquired by Texas with SS Elvis Andrus, RHP Neftali Feliz, RHP Matt Harison and pitcher Beau Jones in the deal that sent Mark Teixeira to Atlanta. While the trade has been regarded as one of the worst trades in Braves history (all the players with the exception of Jones are successful big leaguers), Salty hasn't made it seem as though losing him was a blow. With the Braves already having an All-Star catcher in Brian McCann, Salty was expendable. Since his trade to the Rangers, injuries have taken their toll on his career and Salty hasn't lived up to the expectations that surrounded him as a first round pick and top prospect in the Braves organization.

Saltalamacchia made his debut in 2007 for the Braves, hitting .284 with 4 home runs and 12 RBIs, while striking out just 28 times in 141 at-bats. A solid start for a rookie, Braves fans expected, with McCann at catcher, the team would transition Salty to first base for the long-term. Never happened. In July, he was traded to Texas for Teixeira. In Teixeira, the Braves felt they had a World Series caliber team that could make the playoffs for the first time since 2005. It would not be so, as the Braves imploded, and finished third in the NL East behind the New York Mets and division winning Philadelphia Phillies. Meanwhile, Salty thrived in Texas, hitting .251 with 7 home runs and 21 RBIs in 46 games as both a catcher and first baseman. When the season ended, many thought Salty was primed to show his talent for 2008. However, Saltalamacchia struggled in 2008, playing in just 61 games and posting a .253 average with 3 home runs and 26 RBIs because he lost the starting catching job to Gerald Laird, resulting in a demotion to Triple-AAA before he was called back up in August. It's also worth noting in 2008 that the Braves traded Teixeira at the trade deadline and that, although Salty was struggling, Braves fans felt cheated at what they gave up for a year of Tex.

2009 looked like Salty had returned to form, as he was hitting just .233, but had 9 home runs and 34 RBIs in 84 games through August. However, on August 15 he suffered a severe shoulder injury which would end his season and require surgery. With a revamped Saltalamacchia for the 2010 season, many wondered if this would be the 25 year-old's chance. It would not be so, as on the second day of the season, Salty hit the DL as he was having trouble throwing the ball back to the pitcher as a result of his shoulder surgery. On April 27, he was activated from the DL and sent down to Triple-AAA, appearing in only two games for the Rangers this season. In Triple-AAA Oklahoma City, Salty is hitting .244 with 11 home runs and 33 RBIs while playing in 63 games, 55 at catcher.

Yesterday, he was traded to the Red Sox for RHP Roman Mendez and 1B Chris McGuiness. Immediately upon his trade to the Red Sox, Saltalamacchia, who holds the record for the longest name in baseball history, was optioned to Triple-AAA Pawtucket. He'll continue to rehab his shoulder in the minors, but will likely get a call up this season due to the injuries that have succumbed the Red Sox to a third place hold.

“We’d scouted him heavily this year,” Sox general manager Theo Epstein said. “He was obviously a guy we’d liked a lot in the past who came with a really heavy price tag in the past. He’s someone we hope we’re buying low on right now as he’s battling a few different issues.”

“We had scouts on him right until the deadline,” Epstein said. “He’s throwing the ball back to the pitcher fine, throwing to the bases pretty well. We feel like he’s a classic guy with a high ceiling who needs a change of scenery. He’d kind of been butting heads with the organization over there a little bit. He’s a guy we think we can work with to unleash that potential.”

“He may end up being a move that helps us in the short term,” Epstein said. “He’s definitely someone that we think has a chance to impact the organization in the long term.”

Mendez, 20, was ranked the Red Sox's 23rd best prospect. An international signing in 2008 out of the Dominican Republic, Mendez has struggled this year: a 2-5 record and 6.56 ERA in 14 starts between A and A-. He's a power pitcher though, striking out 53 in 48.0 innings this year, resulting in a 9.9 k/10 rate. Reportedly, he has touched 97 mph on the radar gun. A sure future mid-rotation starter.

McGuiness, 22, was the Red Sox's 13th round pick in the 2009 draft. A first baseman by trade, he struggled in his first pro season in 2009, hitting just .245 with 6 home runs and 39 RBIs in 60 games for A and A-. This season however, he's turned it on, hitting .298 with 11 home runs and 46 RBIs in 78 games for Single-A Greenville. He's not listed in their top prospects, but if he continues to tear it up, you could very well see him there come next season. The one player I think of when I see McGuiness' stats: Lars Anderson, another Red Sox top prospect.

I think this was a good trade for Salty and the Sox. A change of scenery could definitely always help in improving his career and living up to the expectations that were set for him in Atlanta and Texas. For the Red Sox, Salty, if he can improve, gives them a young, long-term catcher which would allow them to let catcher Victor Martinez walk via free agency. It's big gamble and risk, but for what the Red Sox gave up, it could turn out to be one of the best moves they'll ever make.

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.

Seattle Mariners trade LHP Cliff Lee and RHP Mark Lowe to Texas Rangers for 1B Justin Smoak, RHP Blake Beavan, RHP Josh Leuke and INF/OF Matt Lawson

What a day.

A day where the story was that the New York Yankees were on the verge of acquiring Cliff Lee, instead it'll be the Texas Rangers.

The Texas Rangers will be sending 1B Justin Smoak, who was their top prospect before debuting this year, and three additional prospects to Seattle in return for Lee and RHP Mark Lowe.

Smoak, the Rangers first round draft pick, went 11th overall in 2008 to Texas. He's been often compared to having a Mark Teixeira-like ceiling. Smoak has struggled so far in his rookie campaign, batting .209/.316/.353 with 8 home runs and 34 RBI in 70 games, while striking out 57 times in 235 plate appearances. The switch hitter will now take his high ceiling talent to Texas where he will continue his hopefully long, career. The Rangers were willing to part with Smoak and the three prospects due to the strength of their farm system, which was ranked #1 in baseball.

Seattle will be sending Texas both Cliff Lee and Mark Lowe. Lee, as we know, is 8-3 on the season with a 2.34 ERA, tops in the AL. Lowe however, is missing the rest of the season with back surgery, so I'm puzzled by that. The Mariners will also be sending cash to the Rangers.

So Texas' package topped the Yankees, hooray for them. At least the Yankees now a) don't have to face Lee tonight, and b) get to keep Jesus Montero. It just means now that, since the Rangers won't be able to re-sign Lee because of their bankruptcy, the Yankees will sign Lee in the off season as a free agent. I'm really curious as to why the Rangers traded within the division...

This was a really good trade for both sides. The Rangers acquire the pitcher that they need for the playoff push to headline their starting rotation. Lee should help the Rangers maintain their lead in the AL West. The Mariners acquire a young future star in Smoak and three other additional prospects for the future. I can't say yet if the Yankees' offer was better because we don't know who the three other prospects are.

I'll have more later.

Update, 5:30 PM - The Mariners will acquire two pitchers and a position player from Texas, along with Smoak. It's been reported that the Rangers will also send top pitching prospect RHP Blake Beavan in the trade. Beavan, 21, is having a monster year in Double-AA Frisco: 10-5 with a 2.78 ERA in 17 starts.

Update, 5:36 PM: - The Mariners will also acquire RHP Josh Lueke and INF/OF Matthew Lawson. Leuke, 26, a relief pitcher, is 1-1 with a 3.86 ERA in 15 games this season for Double-AA Frisco. Lawson, 25, is an infielder/outfielder who's hitting .277/.371/.438 with 7 home runs and 34 RBI in 345 plate appearances in 76 games for Double-AA Frisco.

Outside of Beavan and Smoak, the Mariners got nothing. The Yankees' package was much better, as well as much younger. Whatever, I'm glad the Yankees still have Montero.

You have GOT to be kidding... CLIFF LEE NOT GOING TO YANKEES IN TRADE

This morning, it looked like Cliff Lee was getting ready to be fitted for pinstripes in a deal that would have sent the southpaw to the Yankees for top prospect Jesus Montero and others.

But now, it's not happening.

Reported by MLBTradeRumors, the Seattle Mariners have pulled out of the deal with the Yankees. The Yankees it seems, are stunned and disappointed and may pull away from the Lee trade talks. What is most likely to have happened is that another team topped the Yankees offer. Seattle has questions about David Adams' injured ankle which is understandable, but how could they reject Montero?

I just want to know this:

Jack Zduriencik, (The Mariners' GM) what on Earth are you thinking?! How could reject Jesus Montero, the #4 best prospect in the game? Do you honestly think you're going to get a better package?!

This morning, I was opposed to the trade because Montero was involved. However, I got used to it and I thought this was a great trade and that while it would be hard to lose Montero, you have to give to get. But just as I get over Montero, this happens. What a joke.

I'm really curious to see what package Seattle gets that could top the Yankees' offer. It looks like Lee could be headed to Texas now.

On the bright side however, the Yankees get to keep Montero, which makes me happy. Sacrificing Montero for a three month rental of Lee would have pointless. Now at least, Jesus can hopefully have a career with the Yankees.

But the deal could still happen, so we just have to wait and see.

According to RiverAveBlues:

"Buster Olney says they have concerns about the “identity” of the second player; I wonder if that means they now want someone else instead of Adams."

"The Yanks wanted to “strike aggressively, strike quickly, and get a resolution to this,” but the Mariners appear to be shopping for alternatives. The Rangers, hamstrung a bit by their financial troubles, says Sherman (Joel Sherman of the NY Post), are now “working hard” to land Lee. I’d be surprised if the Yanks are willing to keep this deal on the table much beyond first pitch tonight and if the Mariners can wrest a package from Texas better than the one Brian Cashman appears to be offering."

It appears as though the deal with the Yankees is on hold, but I'd be shocked if Seattle finds a better package of prospects. At least for now, the Yankees can keep Montero. I'd prefer for the Yankees to just get Lee in the off-season and that way they have both Montero and Lee.

I thought this was a done deal.

We'll just have to wait and see, a deal between the Yanks and Mariners could still get done.

But you have to imainge that Brian Cashman* the Yankees' GM, must be PISSED.

...for now.

*That's Brian Cashman pictured above.

San Francisco Giants trade C Bengie Molina to Texas Rangers for RHP Chris Ray and a PTBNL

Ladies and Gentlemen, it's trade time!

Today the San Francisco Giants traded catcher Bengie Molina to the Texas Rangers for RHP Chris Ray and a Play To Be Named Later.

Molina, who was hitting .257/.312/.332 with 3 HR and 17 RBIs through 61 games will take over as starting catcher for Matt Treanor, who's hitting .237/.315/.378 with 5 HR and 23 RBI through 54 games. Treanor will be the back-up catcher now. Before the trade, the trio of Texas catchers, Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Taylor Teagarden, Max Ramirez and Treanor, were hitting a combined .212/.311/.328 on the year, prompting the move for a trade of a better offensive catcher. Molina, 36, is a free agent at the end of the season. The long-time Angels backstop is with his fourth organization now, after spending seasons with the Angels, Blue Jays, and Giants. The eldest Molina brother will now hope to had some power to the Rangers' lineup. The move will push Buster Posey to be the starting catcher in San Francisco.

The Giants meanwhile, acquire relief help as they try to make a playoff push this season. They'll acquire Chris Ray, ex-closer of the Baltimore Orioles. The former Tommy John surgery patient has thrown to a 3.41 ERA in 31.2 innings of work this season. Ray, 28, was traded to Texas for Kevin Millwood prior to the 2010 season, so this will be his second team this season. Ray will most likely take over duty as the set-up man for Brian Wilson. The Giants will also acquire a Player To Be Named Later as a bonus.

This is a good trade for both sides. The Rangers acquire a catcher that can hit and field, something they've been lacking since the days of Ivan Rodriguez, and they got him for a good price. The Giants acquire a young reliever who can help them in the bullpen, as well as a bonus player. The trade of Molina will now allow the Giants to play Buster Posey at catcher full-time, as he begins to grow into his position, and will allow them to play Aubrey Huff at first base full-time. A good trade fulfilling the needs of both teams.

More on the Cliff Lee front

The Cliff Lee Sweepstakes are beginning to take form.

During last night's Yankees-Mariners game in which Lee pitched, scouts from the Yankees, Mets, Rangers, and Phillies were in attendance, but not scouts from the Twins or Dodgers reports Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports.

He pitched a complete game against the Yankees, going 9 IP while giving up 4 runs, 2 being home runs by Yankees' right fielder Nick Swisher. Scouts are wondering if he's being overused by Seattle, seeing as his velocity dropped from 94-95 mph in his previous start, to topping out at just 92 mph last night. However, the lack of scouts hardly means that their a lack of interest in the ace left-hander.

It's been reported that Seattle would require a blue-chip prospect from what ever team they trade with. That means either C Jesus Montero from the Yankees or SS Wilmer Flores from the Mets. I wrote yesterday that Seattle wants a catcher in whatever deal they make, so for the Mets, building a deal around Flores and Josh Thole would surely net them Lee. It's known that the Mets need Lee, while the Yankees are are just interested.

The Mariners have been said to like Yankees' 2B top prospect David Adams, who is in Double-AA Trenton. Adams is currently blocked at the major league level by some guy who's leading the league in batting, I think his name is like Cano or something? Adams' future is best in another organization. Initially the Yankees would have to package Adams with a catcher, such as Montero or Austin Romine. Many would prefer the latter, as Montero is ranked as one of the top prospects in baseball, but Romine is not far off. If it's me, it's gonna hurt either way, but I'm giving up Romine. He just can't hit as well as Jesus.

So it seems as though the most likely destinations for Lee are Queens and the Bronx, we'll just have to see. I'll keep you updated.

I know you're all so unhappy that these Cliff Lee rumors are keeping me from writing my Ty Wigginton post (sarcasm).

In other news, NBA free agency kicks off tonight at midnight. Most of the buzz surrounds the big three: LeBron James, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh. They met in Miami the other day to discuss their futures together, so we'll just have to see how that all plays out.

Mike Axisa over at RiverAveBlues has a column up about why the Yankees should go after Cliff Lee. It's a good read so have at it.

Mets Trade Target 2010: Kevin Millwood

Kevin Millwood, RHP Baltimore Orioles
2010 season: 2-8, 5.22, 101.2 IP, 1.51 WHIP

An 11th round draft pick in 1993 by the Atlanta Braves, Kevin Millwood has been a pleasant surprise throughout his career. After his rookie season with Atlanta in 1997, a 23-year old Millwood won 17 games in his first full season in 1998, finishing 17-8 with a 4.08 ERA. However, the best of Millwood was yet to come. In 1999, arguably his best season, he finished 18-7 with a 2.68 ERA and made the National League All-Star Team for the first and only time in this career. His next two seasons were disappointing, as Millwood failed to have an above .500 record. He found his groove again in 2002 however, going 18-8 with a 3.24 ERA. The 2002 season would be Millwood's last with Atlanta, as he was traded prior to 2003 to the Philadelphia Phillies. During his first year in Philadelphia, the North Carolina native went 14-12 with a 4.02 ERA, while also pitching a no-hitter on April 27, 2003 against the San Francisco Giants. He was granted free agency following the 2004 season, and signed a 1-year contract with the Cleveland Indians. He finished with a 9-11 record in Cleveland due to poor run support, but also had a 2.86 ERA, which ultimately boosted his value and helped him cash in. Following 2005, Millwood was a free agent again, and on December 26, 2005 signed a five-year $60 million contract with the Texas Rangers. His years in Texas have led some to believe that he was overpaid. He finished 16-12 in 2006, but had a 4.02 ERA and had a sub .500 record with ERAs over 5.00 until 2009, where even then he went just 13-10. Millwood was traded to Baltimore following the 2009 season for Chris Ray and Ben Snyder. He is currently 2-8 this season with a 5.22 ERA. During his 14-year career, Millwood is 157-129 with a career 4.08 ERA.

The 2010 season could not be any more harsh for Kevin Millwood, 35, than it has been. Pitching on a Baltimore team that has the worst record in baseball at 20-52, and is projected to be historically one of the worst teams ever, Millwood has gone through the bad of the 2010 season. Through his first 14 starts this season, Millwood was 0-8. He won for the first time this season on June 19th against the San Diego Padres. His last two starts have resulted at wins, pushing his record to 2-8 on the season. Millwood has made 16 starts this season, with some wins being lost due to the weak Baltimore offense and terrible bullpen. Recently the Orioles have stated that they are open for trade and are willing to deal the right-handed Millwood. You can't help but think that Millwood would be thrilled to get out of Baltimore.

Among the interested teams in Millwood: the "pitching-hungry" New York Mets.

We've heard the Mets connected to Millwood in trade rumors this season. Many feel as though Millwood would come cheap due to his age and performance this season. As well as age and performance, his $12 million salary also presents a reason for him to come cheap, especially if the acquiring team, in this case the Mets, has to pay it. The other reason that many feel he would cost low prospects is because Millwood's contract runs out at the end of the season, making him a free agent.

There's always the issue of what to give up as far as prospects go. Due to his age, effectiveness, and cost, if I'm the Mets I'm not giving more than a B minus or C level prospect. That means a trade of LHP Eric Niesen and RHP Tobi Stoner for Millwood, especially if the Mets are paying his salary. Seeing as the Mets would most likely not sign Millwood to an extension with Cliff Lee as a free agent, that package of prospects seems fair to give especially with Millwood's 2-8 record. While I think that it would be a good rental for the Mets to acquire Millwood, I don't think that it may be the best option to go to, especially with Cliff Lee, Roy Oswalt, Fausto Carmona, and Jake Westbrook available.

Then, there is the question of do the Mets really feel that Millwood will help them out? He's 2-8 with an ERA over 5.00 this season, and has an opponent's avg against of .299. That is scary. He's also given up 31 BB this season. All the while, he's making $12 million. If the Mets are truly making a playoff push, I don't think Millwood is their answer. A rotation that includes Santana-Pelfrey-Millwood-Niese-Dickey would not scare me come a short playoff series.

As for me, I'd rather spend the prospects and money on someone younger and cheaper, such as Fausto Carmona or Cliff Lee. If I'm the Mets, I'm not trading for Millwood. I feel for the guy, pitching in Baltimore and having a harsh season, but he's not the answer to the Mets hopes and hopefully will get traded elsewhere to compete.

Fan Poll decision: Roy Oswalt will end up with Yankees

How you all voted:
Yankees - 4
Nationals - 3
Mets - 2
Cardinals - 1
Braves - 0
Rangers - 0
Twins - 0

This was a close vote!

While most Yankee fans would love to see Oswalt in pinstripes, it really doesn't look like it's going to happen. The Yankees are happy with their current rotation and appear ready to sign Cliff Lee as a free agent and use money instead of dealing prospects such as Jesus Montero for Oswalt. It's been reported recently that the Astros are not ready to deal Oswalt. Teams such as the Texas Rangers, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, and Detroit Tigers have been named as some favorites to land the ace pitcher.

As much as I want Oswalt, I don't think the Yanks need him. Pettitte, Hughes, Sabathia and Burnett have been great so far, and I don't see a way to fit Oswalt in. As well, NL pitchers usually have difficulty transferring to the AL, so I think it's best to be cautious of how Oswalt would perform. Lastly, I'd prefer not giving up Jesus Montero for an old pitcher, case and point.

If you voted for the Nationals, I'd like to know why! Please leave a comment or drop me a message!

We'll just have to wait until July 31st.

Today's News

Hey everyone! Here are some of the top stories in today's sports news:

Baseball
- The Yankees resigned pitcher Chad Gaudin after he was released from the Oakland Athletics. Gaudin was a part of the 2009 Yankees that won the World Series. Boone Logan has been optioned to AAA.
- The Texas Rangers have confirmed interest in Roy Oswalt, however the Astros are not looking to deal him yet.
- The Washington Nationals will call up Steven Strasburg, the #1 overall pick in the 2009 draft, around June 8-10 as the Nats host the Pirates. It was early said that he would make his debut June 4th.

Basketball
- The Phoenix Suns beat the Los Angeles Lakers last night to tie the series at 2-2. The next game is tomorrow night.
- The Orlando Magic are currently leading 37-33 over the Boston Celtics in the 2nd Quarter.
- President Obama has projected the Lakers to make it to the NBA Finals.

Football
- Superbowl 2014 in New York/New Jersey!

Hockey
- Stanley Cup Final Game 1 on May 29th.

Be back with more after the games!