RHP Stephen Strasburg to have Tommy John Surgery, out for 2010 & 2011

As if things could not get any worse for the Washington Nationals.

Since being pulled from his start last Saturday against the Philadelphia Phillies with an apparent forearm injury, a flexor strain, Nat's rookie right-hander Stephen Strasburg has been the topic of the week, with fans wondering what the prognosis was on the true injury.

It was the words no one, baseball and Nationals fans alike, wanted to hear.

Tommy John Surgery.

After receiving an MRI, it was found that Strasburg had a significant tear of his ulnar collateral ligament, a tendon found in his pitching elbow. The injury will require Tommy John Surgery, a procedure which can often keep players from the game for a year or longer. TJS is a dangerous surgery and can often be a death sentence for pitchers, as some never regain the caliber that they once had. However, 75% of elite pitchers come back with the same talent or can be even better. Such examples are A.J. Burnett, Chris Carpenter and John Smoltz.

Strasburg is finished for the 2010 season and will almost undoubtedly pitch during the 2011 season, in order to recover from the injury.

"I look at the bright side," Nationals' GM Mike Rizzo said. "Tommy John surgery is a surgery that we've had great success at. The success rate for guys coming back from Tommy John and retaining their stuff is very good."

Now the question is being asked: Is Stephen Strasburg the next Mark Prior?

Prior, who also was from San Diego and was a first round draft pick by the Chicago Cubs, had the same hype as Strasburg: The next best pitcher in baseball. However injuries plagued Prior's career, and the league never got to see the pitcher everyone imagined. This however, all came before the act of innings limits and pitch counts...

The Nationals defined the term "babying" with Strasburg.

Washington kept him on strict innings limits and pitch counts, and, before the injury, were planning to shut him down sometime during the season when he hit his limit. The injury, apparently, came on one pitch, so it's hard to say that the Nationals' protection of Strasburg is the cause. Some think his being "rushed" to the majors could be the cause of the injury, due the significant difference between the minors and majors, most notably stressful innings. However, with a pitcher like Strasburg, who throws incredibly hard on every pitch and has a violent windup, some thought the injury was inevitable.

"The player was developed and cared for in the correct way, and things like this happen," Rizzo said. "Pitchers break down, pitchers get hurt and we certainly are not second-guessing ourselves. ... Frustrated? Yes. But second-guessing ourselves? No."

The #1 overall pick in last year's draft, and owner of the highest contract ever given to a drafted player, Strasburg has established himself as the ace of the Nationals's pitching staff, going 5-3 with a 2.91 ERA in 12 starts, as well as striking out 92 in 68 innings. It all started with an amazing debut, when Strasburg, 22, struck out 14 batters in his first start.

Thus the beginning of Strasburg-mania.

Should he be an All-Star?
Rookie of the Year in the National League?
Does he have a shot at the Cy Young?
Is he a bust?
Is he the real deal?

All of those questions, now silenced.

At least until 2012.

It's a huge blow to baseball and a huge blow the Nationals' franchise. We can only hope that Strasburg can come back stronger than he was this season and his recovery will be quick and clean.

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.

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.

Mets notes: Francoeur, Cordero, Oswalt

- According to Mike Puma of the New York Post, the New York Mets are trying to trade right fielder and now fourth outfielder, Jeff Francoeur. Francoeur, 26, has been the Mets' starting right fielder since coming over in a trade from the Atlanta Braves in 2009 and was the starter this year. However, a starting outfielder his whole career, Francoeur has lost substantial amounts of playing time to sit on the bench in favor of Carlos Beltran, the Mets' highest paid player and star center fielder, who returned from arthroscopic knee surgery on Thursday.

Angel Pagan, who was acquired before the 2008 season in a trade with the Chicago Cubs, replaced Beltran in center field until his return and now has taken over everyday duties in right field due to his breakout season and strong play. In 2010, Francoeur is hitting a measly .243/.295/.378 and has an OPS of just .673 (the second lowest of his career) with 8 home runs (he hit 29 in 2006, but hasn't hit 20 since) and 42 RBIs while striking out 56 times in 336 plate appearances compared to the 28 year-old Pagan's line of .311/.367/.480, .847 OPS, with also 8 home runs, 44 RBIs, 20 stolen bases, and just 50 strikeouts in 359 plate appearances while also playing better defense with a .991 fielding percentage compared to a .984 %. Francoeur strikes out an average of 117 times per season.

Mets' Manager Jerry Manuel has also shown a greater liking to playing Pagan. Pagan is a better defensive player who is also faster on the base paths as well as in the outfield. He's also a better selective hitter than the free swinging Francoeur. Francoeur is also a good defensive player who has a Roberto Clemente-esque type arm, meaning it's a cannon. "Frenchy" started the season on a tear, but cooled off in May and has slumped since.

According to Puma, "the team is trying to trade the right fielder, and could have a deal in place by the time the Mets finish their series in Los Angeles this weekend.

Francoeur would welcome a trade, according to a person friendly with the right fielder, if it gave him a chance to play every day."

Francoeur makes $5 million this season, with just $2 million remaining for the season. He's a eligible to be tendered a contract through arbitration, but most think that he could be a non-tender candidate if he continues to struggle. Once a promising top prospect in the Atlanta Braves' organization (and he's from Georgia, how much better could it get? Can you say Jason Heyward?), a first round draft pick who went 23rd overall, Francoeur showed flashes of potential early in his career from 2005-2007, his best years, but he lost his power to try to improve his plate discipline and has been a below 20 home run hitter with a poor average ever since.

2005, his rookie year, he hit .300 with 14 home runs and 45 RBIs in 70 games, impressing scouts and finishing third in the NL Rookie of the Year voting after being named the Braves best prospect before the season by Baseball America. 2006, his first full season, he hit .260 with a career-high 29 home runs while driving in 103 RBIs, living up to the hype that surrounded him coming out of the minors. It looked like the best of Frenchy was to come. In 2007, Francoeur's average rose to .293, but the home run total went down to 19 and his RBI total was finalized at 105 for the season. For the 2008 season, many thought it would be the season that Francoeur would put average, power and driving in runs all together for a monster season. However, Francoeur struggled in 2008, hitting just .239 with 11 home runs and 71 RBIs. 2009 wouldn't get any better for Frenchy, as he struggled early and hit .250 with 5 home runs and 35 RBIs for the Braves before being traded to the Mets for Ryan Church on July 11. New York was where he improved, hitting .311 with 10 home runs and 41 RBIs putting his season total at .280, 15 home runs and 76 RBIs. Francoeur has driven in just an average of 63 RBI since 2008 and hasn't driven in 100 or more RBI since 2007, when he drove in a career-best 105.

Jeff is a great clubhouse guy, is very durable (he played 162 games, two full seasons, back to back years in 2006/2007 which were his best seasons), and could still be a great player. He's still just 26 and is still loaded with the potential that he had earlier in his career. I could see him going back to being a 30 HR and 100 RBI guy if he can fix up his swing and his plate discipline. Always one of my favorite Mets (I don't have a lot), I hope he does well elsewhere and gets to start if he is traded. I also hope he proves the Mets wrong. A contending team could definitely use him.

The Bleacher Report suggests that a trade of Francoeur to the New York Yankees makes the most sense in that Francoeur, who could greatly help the Yankees improve their bench, can rotate with center fielder Curtis Granderson and start against lefties, Granderson's weakness, while Granderson starts against right handers, Francoeur's weakness. In essence, if it were to happen, Francoeur would play left field on days lefties would pitch, pushing Brett Gardner to center field on those days. Frenchy, according to the article, would be filling an Eric Hinske-type role for the Yankees. He would come cheaply and would be a great clubhouse guy to go along with Nick Swisher to form great chemistry in the Yankees' clubhouse.

- In other news, the Mets signed right handed relief pitcher and former Montreal Expos/Washington Nationals stellar closer Chad Cordero to a minor league contract. He will head to Triple-AAA Buffalo. Cordero, 28, had labrum surgery two years ago after the start of the 2008 season. The rehab time and uncertainty of his effectiveness led to his release from the Nationals. Cordero, who was one of the top National League closers before the surgery, saved 128 games for the Nats/Expos, including 47 saves in 2005 as a 23 year-old with a 1.82 ERA, his best season. Cordero missed the entire 2009 season rehabbing and was signed by the Seattle Mariners prior to the start of the 2010 season. In nine games with Seattle, Cordero-as most pitchers who have shoulder surgery do-struggled, posting a 6.52 ERA while allowing 10 hits, 7 earned runs, 5 walks, 1 home run, and getting 6 strike outs in 9.2 innings before being optioned back to Triple-AAA on July 15th. Rather an accept another minor league assignment, Cordero opted for free agency and the Mets pounced, hoping Cordero would be the missing piece to improve their bullpen. Omar Minaya, former Expos' GM and now Mets' GM, drafted Cordero 20th overall in 2003 and always liked Cordero. The Mets expect a short-term minor league assignment before Cordero joins the team's bullpen.

- According to multiple sources over the past few days, the Philadelphia Phillies, who sit just a half game back of the Mets in the NL East standings at 48-46, have inquired on Houston Astros' pitching ace Roy Oswalt to try to trade for him to improve their rotation. Oswalt however, recently expressed his preference to play in St. Louis for the Cardinals, who, reportedly, are in talks to acquire the right hander built around a package that includes top pitching prospect Shelby Miller. Talks are currently at an impasse over salary, but officials suggest that a deal could get done. The Phillies are still monitoring the talks and are actively involved in trying to trade for Oswalt. If acquired by the Phillies, Oswalt joins a potentially threatening rotation that includes Roy Halladay, Cole Hamels, Joe Blanton and now J.A. Happ/Vance Worley. The Mets would need to trade for another top flight pitcher if Oswalt were to be acquired by the Phillies (it looks more like he's going to St. Louis) in order to maintain second place. Around The Horn Baseball thinks that Francoeur, along with top pitching prospect Jenrry Mejia, could be headed to Houston soon so that the Mets could acquire Oswalt.

Yankees 2010 Trade Target: Adam Dunn

Adam Dunn, OF/1B Washington Nationals
2010 season: 66 G, .288/.379/.588, 16 HR, 39 RBI

Just about everyone knows Adam Dunn. Low average, lots of strike outs, lots of home runs. He hits an average of at least 40 home runs per season. His left handed swing would fit perfectly for Yankee Stadium. Seeing as he hit 38 home runs last year in spacious Nationals Park, he would hit at least 60 home runs playing in Yankee Stadium. Could you imagine that ruthian power hitting behind Tex and A-Rod?

However, it's well known that Dunn, 30, is a horrid defensive player. Since right and left field are covered by Swisher and Gardner and first base by Teixeira, it seems as though Dunn would be certain to be the Yankees' designated hitter. DH would be a perfect spot for Dunn, where he could rack up the home runs for the Yankees. The only issue with DHing is that recently Jorge Posada has occupied the DH slot since coming back from a broken foot. While he has been catching lately, he has complained of soreness in that foot while catching nine innings. The Yankees may want to use the DH spot to give Posada days of rest while Francisco Cervelli starts at catcher.

The other obstacle would be what to give the Nationals and if they would trade Dunn. At 31-37 and very much still on contention, the Nationals may be unwilling to trade Dunn. Dunn's at .288 (a career best) with 16 home runs and 39 RBI through 66 games this season while being owed $12 million this year. He's a free agent at the end of the year, and it's been rumored that the Nats are in talks for an extension. Being in contention, the Nationals may not want to trade Dunn, who's been a big part of their 2010 success. However, if they do decide that they want to trade him, I think the Yankees could have to give up a package that would look like this:

OF Colin Curtis
RHP Zach McCallister or Andrew Brackman
1B Juan Miranda
C Austin Romine

That's just what I think could get it done. You'd have to imagine that the Nats would ask for one of the catchers and if it's between Montero and Romine I think I'd rather give up the latter. Montero's been mentioned as one of MLB's best prospects and one of the best hitters in the MiLB. You imagine the Yankees would rather keep Montero. While I think Romine would have to pried away from the Yankees, I think they'd eventually go for it, especially if the team is still offensively struggling. I don't think the Yankees would trade Romine for a rental player, which Dunn could potentially be if the Yankees were to let him walk. I also think Yankee Universe would have an uproar. The Yankees already traded two top prospects in Austin Jackson and Arodys Vizcaino over the winter, so they may be reluctant to deal Romine. If the Yankees can trade for Dunn without giving up one of the catchers I think that they have to do it.

So while it could potentially happen, I think it could be likely that Dunn does end up in the Bronx, especially if the Yankees are still offensively struggling. It'd be tough to give up Romine, but with three other great catching prospects you have to take a chance. The object is to win now.

So will Adam Dunn be wearing pinstripes? Only time will tell as we're six weeks away from the trading deadline.

UPDATE 2:34 PM: The Yankees lead the Mets 5-3, so at least the offense has woke up a little.

Strasburg dominates, lives up to hype

Nationals - 5 (28-31), Pirates - 2 (23-25)
W - Stephen Strasburg (1-0) 14 K's!
L - Jeff Karstens (1-2)
SV - Matt Capps (19)
HR: (WAS) Ryan Zimmerman (12), Adam Dunn (11), Josh Willingham (11)
(PIT) Delwyn Young (3)

Stephen Strasburg lived up to hype. Over 7 innings, Strasburg gave up 4 hits, 2 runs (on the Young home run), 1 HR, 0 BB and 14 SO. Talk about a debut. No walks and 14 K's! He threw 94 pitches in this game. Perhaps the most exciting part of this game: he hit 100 mph on the radar gun. Along with some of the most devastating curve balls I've ever seen, Strasburg went above the hype tonight. Strasburg's 14 K's put him second on the all-time strike outs list in a major league debut behind J.R. Richard with 15 in 1971. His 14 K's gave him the most in one game by a Nationals player in franchise history. As I watched this game, I was stunned by the movement on Strasburg's pitches. His pitches were moving like crazy and hitters just had no chance. Congrats to Stephen Strasburg and here's to continued success! What a great night for major league baseball.

On a side note, Mike Stanton, the Marlins top prospect, went 3-5 in the Marlins' loss to the Phillies, 10-8.

Ready for the next Generation

Tonight the baseball world will be watching as the Washington Nationals take on the Pittsburgh Pirates. It's the start of a new era. Tonight, Stephen Strasburg, the #1 overall pick in last year's draft, makes his major league debut tonight. Strasburg was called, even before he was drafted, the best pitching prospect of all time. Most would say that it could be a fluke and prospects are just that, prospects (see Mark Prior and Todd Van Poppel). However, Strasburg has proved that otherwise. After making just 11 starts in the minors, and zipping through AA and AAA, Strasburg was 7-2 with a eye-popping 1.30 ERA in 55.1 innings with 65 strikeouts. Pure dominance. The world will be watching tonight to see how the game's best prospect debuts. Tonight we will see if Stephen Strasburg can continue to live up to the hype. Stay tuned.

My prediction for Strasburg's line:
6 IP, 0 runs, 4 hits, 8 SO and 2 BB.

Strasburg will not be the only future star debuting tonight. The Florida Marlins called up top prospect OF Mike Stanton and he will be starting tonight against the Philadelphia Phillies. Stanton, who was one of the minors' best hitters, was always ranked in the top 5 prospects and was drafted in the 2nd round of the 2007 draft. The amazing part of all this: he hasn't even played in AAA. After crushing AA with a .311 average, 21 home runs (!) and 52 RBI, the Marlins felt Stanton was ready to come up. Stanton has always been a power hitter, hitting 39 homers in '08 and 28 in '09 with 21 already this year! We will see the new era of the Florida Marlins. Stanton might just be the best prospect out of the Marlins system since Miguel Cabrera. While most of the attention will be on Strasburg tonight, make sure to also keep an eye on Mike Stanton. This will be a fun night.

Stanton's line tonight:
2-4, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 1 BB.

Enjoy the games!
(both will be aired on MLB Network for live look-ins)

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!

Somers vs Carmel tomorrow at Hudson Valley Renegades Stadium!

I'm so excited! Finally, after waiting all week, tomorrow my commentator buddy, Mike Rossillo, and I will be doing the play by play for tomorrow's Somers vs Carmel baseball game for MSGVarsity. But it's no ordinary game: It's being played at the stadium of the Hudson Valley Renegades!

This is big news. The Renegades are the Rays single-A team, meaning Somers will be playing in a minor league stadium! I'm especially excited to go on the field. But perhaps what I'm most excited about is doing the broadcasting...from the commentator's booth! Woo! So excited to see what it's like to be a professional commentator like a Michael Kay or a Vin Scully. This is my dream job and I'm finally getting the chance to live it! The game is at 4:30 PM tomorrow at Renegades stadium and if you're free, I highly encourage you to come and watch the game or stop by and say hi to us in the booth! I'm so excited! Hopefully I'll see you there!

- Josh

In other news:
Yankees lost to the Rays 10-6 (however, A-Rod hit his 589th career homerun)
Mets lost to the Nationals 5-3
Lakers won 124-112 to beat the Suns (lead series 2-0)
Magic vs Celtics (off)
No Hockey games tonight