Oh yeah...

Happy 4th of July, wherever you are.

AL All-Star Roster UPDATE

Update 9:07 PM: Perhaps the one of the biggest surprises to the baseball world was that Yankees' LHP Andy Pettitte was not named to the AL All-Star Team. Pettitte, who is 10-2 with a 2.82 ERA, is arguably the Yankees' best pitcher right now, leading many to believe it as a snub. Many analysts were shocked to see that Girardi had picked CC Sabathia over Pettite. Sabathia is 10-3 with a 3.33 ERA. However, Joe Girardi has a plan to make Pettitte's All-Star dream, as well as chance to start, a reality.

From ESPN:

"Under baseball's rules, no pitcher who starts on Sunday, July 11 -- the last day of play before the All-Star break -- is allowed to pitch in the All-Star Game on July 13. Girardi's plan is to substitute Pettitte for Sabathia on the All-Star roster.

"That's pretty much right on,'' Girardi said. "I thought CC was well-deserving and Andy is well-deserving. And I hate the fact that one guy wouldn't make it. So in this case, we could have two left-handers in Anaheim.''

Pressed to admit that Pettitte was as good as a member of his All-Star squad right now, Girardi would only say, "That's a move that could possibly be made by the end of the week.''

Then he added, "As soon as one pitch is thrown on Sunday.''

In the likely event that Pettitte is added to the All-Star team, he might even get the starting assignment, since his next start is scheduled for Thursday in Seattle. After that, his next day to start would be on Tuesday, July 13 -- the day of the All-Star Game.

"Who the starter would be is something we still have to think about and discuss,'' Girardi said. "But as I said, Andy is well-deserving.''

So no worries Yankees fans, Andy Pettitte was not snubbed, and will be an All-Star. It'd be extremely cool to see Andy as the AL's starting pitcher. Think about it this way: If Pettitte is named an All-Star and Nick Swisher makes the Final Vote, the Yankees will have eight all-stars. Crazy.

New Polls

On the right side of your screen.

Do it.

• Who will join Amare Stoudemire and the New York Knicks?

• Which group is likely to play together?

• Who will be traded to the Yankees?

• Who will be traded to the Mets?

Report: Tony Parker "wants to play with Amare"

From the Daily News:

"The Spurs' point guard is hoping to be traded to the Knicks and has long wanted to play with Stoudemire. A person close to both players said Stoudemire and Parker hatched a plan to join forces in either Miami or New York.

"It's perfect for Tony because he wants to be in New York and he wants to play with Amar'e," said the source."

And this from the Bleacher Report:

"Rumors have been swirling that Parker is very close to be traded to the big apple.

In theory it makes a lot of sense. Not only is Parker an All-Star caliber point guard, but he is a player that does not demand the ball in order to take 20 shots a game.

But do not get me wrong, he will still get his fair share of shots. Also, Amar`e and Parker have both expressed their desire to play together. So that could be an added bonus in the Knicks favor.

The Knicks could offer up Wilson Chandler, a future second round draft pick, and cash consideration for Parker.

It gives the San Antonio Spurs a young small forward to replace Richard Jefferson and a non-guaranteed salary with the second rounder ( the Spurs always find gems in the second rounds).

The cash will give them a bit more cap relief as well. "

New York, get ready for Tony Parker because it looks like this deal is bound to happen. A trade for Tony Parker would be a great deal for both sides. New York would acquire the great point guard they've been looking for and San Antonio would acquire a guard to replace Richard Jefferson. I'm the Knicks I would get on this right away! Make 2011 New York's year! Thanks Amare!

Amare Stoudemire: Recruiting Officer

Amare Stoudemire is making himself accustomed to New York City.

The future Knicks' center's tour was underway last night at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre in Manhattan, where Stoudemire saw the Broadway hit "Rock of Ages." However, according to ESPN, "Stoudemire hinted that he'd be putting together a show of his own on Broadway next season."

Coming to a basketball court near you, soon to be playing at Madison Square Garden in New York City: The 2011-12 New York Knicks, starring Amare Stoudemire and featuring Carmelo Anthony and Tony Parker.

Wait, "Melo" and Parker?

ESPN:
"I've talked to Carmelo Anthony and [told him] that he needs to come here," Stoudemire said while standing on the corner of 47th St. and 8th Ave. after the show. "I've talked to Tony Parker. Both guys are ready to join me if I decide to come here. So we'll see if we can work it out."

What about LeBron James?

"That would be great," said Stoudemire, who wore a navy blue Yankees hat to the play.

The Knicks, of course, would have to swing a trade for either Anthony or Parker, both of whom are under contract next season."

So, looks likes Amare is going to start working as the Recruiting Officer of the New York Knicks. If the Knicks were to get "Melo" from the Denver Nuggets and Parker from the San Antonio Spurs, they'd be legitimate contenders for the NBA Finals. A complete haul of the roster would be a fresh start for the Knicks, and trading for Parker and Melo would do just that. Hopefully, for Knicks fans, Amare can reel in the big fish in James, but if not, Melo and Parker are good back-up options for next season.

More from ESPN: "Stoudemire confirmed to ESPNNewYork.com that he would be meeting with Knicks brass on Monday.

Saturday night, Stoudemire called the Knicks "one of the most historic franchises in NBA history. [New York] is a beautiful city. Madison Square Garden is definitely one of the most intriguing places to play. So they definitely have a few great points on their side."

When asked what he'd add to the Knicks roster, Stoudemire smiled and said, "We'll have to wait and see."

"I love New York, it's a great city," said Stoudemire, who left in a white limo shortly after being questioned by reporters."

Hopefully Amare can bring in the big guys in order to make the Knicks a contender again. It'd be great for the Knicks and for New York City to experience Championship Basketball again.

On a side note: Amare Stoudemire = one of my favorite players now. Why? He's a Yankees fan.

In other basketball news:
- The Atlanta Hawks re-signed Joe Johnson and agreed on a new six-year deal worth approximately $119 million. Johnson, considered a Knicks target, will now spend his days in Atlanta.
- Dirk Nowitzki re-signed with the Dallas Mavericks for a four-year deal worth $80 million.
- The Boston Celtics re-signed Paul Pierce to a four-year deal worth $61 million.

All-Star Rosters announced, Yankees get six All-Stars, Mets get two, Strasburg not named to team

The All-Star voting results were released today:

American League All-Stars
STARTERS
1B - Justin Morneau, Twins
2B - Robinson Cano, Yankees
SS - Derek Jeter, Yankees
3B - Evan Longoria, Rays
C - Joe Mauer, Twins
OF - Josh Hamilton, Rangers
OF - Ichiro Suzuki, Mariners
OF - Carl Crawford, Rays
DH - Vladimir Guerrero, Rangers

PITCHERS
RHP - David Price, Rays
RHP - Clay Buchholz, Red Sox
LHP - Jon Lester, Red Sox
RHP - Phil Hughes, Yankees
RHP - Mariano Rivera, Yankees
LHP - CC Sabathia, Yankees
LHP - Cliff Lee, Mariners
RHP - Neftali Feliz, Rangers
RHP - Jose Valverde, Tigers
LHP - Matt Thornton, White Sox
RHP - Fausto Carmona, Indians
RHP - Joakim Soria, Royals
RHP - Trevor Cahill, Athletics

RESERVES
1B - Miguel Cabrera, Tigers
2B - Dustin Pedroia, Red Sox *(injured, will not play)
C - Victor Martinez, Red Sox*(injured, will not play)
DH - David Ortiz, Red Sox
3B - Adrian Beltre, Red Sox
2B - Ian Kinsler, Rangers**(replaces Pedroia)
SS - Elvis Andrus, Rangers
OF - Vernon Wells, Blue Jays
OF - Jose Bautista, Blue Jays
C - John Buck, Blue Jays**(replaces Martinez)
OF - Torii Hunter, Angels
INF - Ty Wigginton, Orioles
3B - Alex Rodriguez, Yankees

National League All-Stars
STARTERS
1B - Albert Pujols, Cardinals
2B - Chase Utley, Phillies*(injured, will not play)
SS - Hanley Ramirez, Marlins
3B - David Wright, Mets
C - Yadier Molina, Cardinals
OF - Ryan Braun, Brewers
OF - Andre Ethier, Dodgers
OF - Jason Heyward, Braves

PITCHERS
RHP - Jonathan Broxton, Dodgers
RHP - Chris Carpenter, Cardinals
RHP - Matt Capps, Nationals
RHP - Yovani Gallardo, Brewers
RHP - Roy Halladay, Phillies
RHP - Tim Hudson, Braves
RHP - Ubaldo Jimenez, Rockies
RHP - Josh Johnson, Marlins
RHP - Tim Lincecum, Giants
RHP - Evan Meek, Pirates
LHP - Arthur Rhodes, Reds
RHP - Adam Wainwright, Cardinals
RHP - Brian Wilson, Giants

RESERVES
C - Brian McCann, Braves
1B - Ryan Howard, Phillies
1B - Adrian Gonzalez, Padres
2B - Martin Prado, Braves**(will start for Utley)
INF - Omar Infante, Braves
SS - Troy Tulowitzki, Rockies*(injured, will not play)
SS - Jose Reyes, Mets**(replaces Tulowitzki)
2B - Brandon Phillips, Reds
3B - Scott Rolen, Reds
OF - Michael Bourn, Astros
OF - Corey Hart, Brewers
OF - Marlon Byrd, Cubs
OF - Matt Holliday, Cardinals
OF - Chris Young, Diamondbacks

There you have it, your 2010 All-Stars!

However, there's one more thing. There's voting for the final two roster spots on each team, as you, the fans, get to select the final players. Among the nominees are:

American League
1B - Paul Konerko, White Sox
OF - Nick Swisher, Yankees
1B - Kevin Youkilis, Red Sox
OF - Delmon Young, Twins
3B - Michael Young, Rangers

National League
RHP - Heath Bell, Padres
OF - Carlos Gonzalez, Rockies
1B - Joey Votto, Reds
LHP - Billy Wagner
3B - Ryan Zimmerman, Nationals

Make sure you get out and vote here, voting ends Thursday at 4 PM.

As for me, I'll be voting for Joey Votto and my boy Nick Swisher, who I've been campaigning for all season. If Swish makes the team, there will be seven Yankees! Make sure you go out and vote for Nick Swisher!
Update: Make sure to check out Jayson Stark of ESPN's article here. He lists his feelings about the rosters and I can't help but agree with Stark. How can Votto, Wagner, Konerko, Rafael Furcal, Felix Hernandez, Jered Weaver, Josh Willingham, and Brennan Boesch not make the team? It's a good read.

Knicks and Amare Stoudemire moving closer to deal

ESPN is reporting that the New York Knicks are close to signing a big star.

No, it's not him.

The Knicks and Amare Stoudemire, according to ESPN's Chris Broussard, are moving closer to agreeing to a deal. The Knicks have reportedly offered Stoudemire a five-year contract for $100 million. The two sides are moving closer to completing the deal, but Stoudemire, 27, can't sign until July 8th, and the Knicks want to meet him in person to further discuss the deal.

From ESPN:

"Stoudemire is scheduled to fly into New York on Saturday and is expected to sit down with Knicks brass on Monday. Earlier, Yahoo! Sports and the New York Daily News reported that Stoudemire and the Knicks had the "framework of the deal" in place. Stoudemire and his representatives broke off negotiations with the Suns on Friday.

"It wasn't the right deal," Stoudemire's agent, Happy Walters, told The Arizona Republic."

Stoudemire, who has been seeking a $100 million contract, received a five-year, $95 million contract from the Phoenix Suns, his old team. According to David Berri of Opposing Views, Amare is not worth $100 million due to the fact that, in his calculations, Amare is only worth 32.4 wins averaged over five years as he ages.

Now that Stoudemire has received a $100 million contract, it's very likely that negotiations will move quickly. The Knicks are hoping that signing Stoudemire will also help LeBron James consider New York. In what could go down as the best NBA free agent classes of all time, don't count the Knicks out on other stars. Expect a deal to be done quick, because it won't be long before Amare is in NYC.

Yankees Trade Target 2010: Ty Wigginton

Ty Wigginton, INF/OF Baltimore Orioles
2010 season: 74 G, .254/.338/.458, 14 HR, 42 RBI

When any baseball fan hears the name Ty Wigginton, they think one word: versatility. A 17th round draft pick in the 1998 draft by the New York Mets out of UNC Asheville, "Wiggy" has had a very solid major league career. Wiggy made his major league debut in 2002 for the Mets at age 25, posting a line of .302/.354/.526 with 6 HR, and 18 RBI in 116 AB, making his future look bright. Wiggy started at third base for the Mets for the 2003 season, and while he struggled early, finished with a .255 average with 11 HR and 71 RBI in 156 games. However, he struck out 124 times, a career high for Wiggy. The following season, Wiggy started 2004 on a tear. Wigginton hit .285/.334/.487 to go with 12 HR and 23 doubles with 42 RBI through his first 312 at-bats. His hot streak made his stock higher, and the Mets traded Wigginton on June 30, 2004 to the Pittsburgh Pirates in a six-player trade for RHP Kris Benson. The trade of Wigginton opened the door for current Mets' third baseman and All-Star, David Wright. For the rest of 2004, Wiggy would cool down, finishing at .266 with just 17 HR, after hitting 12 in his first 312 AB, with 66 RBI. Wigginton was again the starting third baseman for the Pirates in 2005, but, after early struggles, was demoted to the Minor League Triple-AAA team. Wiggy was recalled on August 22, 2005. Despite going on a tear, hitting .365 the final few weeks of the season, the Pirates released Wiggy at the end of the season.

On January 10, 2006 Wiggy signed a one-year contract with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. 2006 would prove to be the San Diego native's best season, as he batted .275 with 24 HR, a career high, and 79 RBI, also a career high, in 122 games. It would also be the first year that fans would get to see the versatility that is Ty Wigginton. In 2006, Wiggy spent time at first base, second base, third base, and the outfield. His breakout 2006 prompted Tampa to sign him for the 2007 season. Wiggy, 30 at the time, started for the Devil Rays in 98 games, hitting .275 with 16 HR and 49 RBI before being traded to the Houston Astros for RHP Dan Wheeler on July 28, 2007. For the Astros, Wiggy hit .284 with 6 HR and 18 RBI in 50 games as the starting third baseman after Houston designated Morgan Ensberg for assignment. Wiggy finished 2007 at .278 with 22 HR and 67 RBI. Houston would sign Wiggy to another contract at the end of the season, as he would again be the Astros' starting third baseman. However, in August, after LF Carlos Lee broke a finger, Wiggy made a majority of his starts for the season in left field. Wiggy made Astros feel as though Lee was still on the team, posting a .379 BA after Lee's injury. He finished the season hitting .285, a career high, with 23 HR and 58 RBI while playing in 111 games in the infield and outfield. Despite his strong 2008, the Astros did not tender Wiggy a contract, making him a free agent. This upset many Astros' fans.

On February 10, 2009 Wiggy signed two-year for $7 million. In 2009, Wiggy had major drop-offs in home runs and runs batted in, despite playing in 11 more games. He finished 2009 at .273 with 11 HR and 41 RBI. 2010 however, has been a different story. Named a bench player for 2010, Wiggy came into spring training with low expectations since not being named a starter. However, Roberts missed much of spring training with a herniated disk in his back. Regardless, Roberts started the season as Baltimore's starting 2B, before being put on the 15-day DL with a abdominal strain stealing second base. After being placed on the DL, Wiggy became the starting 2B for the O's. Suffice to say, Wiggy has surpassed expectations. Through the first 60 games of this season, Wiggy hit .272 with 13 HR. He currently has 14 HR in his first 264 AB, his third highest career home run rate per at bat ratio in his career, hitting a home run every 18.8 at bats this season, since hitting a home run every 16.7 at bats in 2008 with Houston. Currently, Wiggy's hitting .254/.338/.458, 14 HR, 42 RBI through 74 games at second base, short stop, third base, and the outfield. Wiggy's strong season, as well as his versatility, along with Baltimore's league worst record at 24-55 and doomed last-place finish, has prompted the Orioles to make him available in trade.

Yesterday, via MLBTradeRumors, we heard that the Yankees are interested in acquiring Wiggy. Today we heard that the Yankees want to solidify their bench. A trade for Wigginton would be the best way to improve the bench. The current Yankees' bench consists of all home-grown inexperienced players in Francisco Cervelli, Ramiro Pena, Chad Huffman, and Colin Curtis. The Yankees are still waiting for Marcus Thames to return from injury. Not a very threatening or powerful bench for Joe Girardi to use. If Wigginton, 32, were acquired, he could play all the positions to give the starters days off, and wouldn't be a typical 0-3 bench player. He's had a strong 2010 season, so he'd be treated like a starting player. Doug Rush over at The Bleacher Report, says that "The Yankees need a guy who can play multiple positions and be able to give guys like Derek Jeter, Robinson Cano and Alex Rodriguez days off when needed. Wigginton can play all of the infield positions, the DH, and even the outfield if needed."

However, the one issue with acquiring Wigginton is Baltimore's demand: one young shortstop. From The Beacher Report: "Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports called the demand by Baltimore a self-defeating one because any team like the Yankees would be unlikely to deal away a young shortstop to rent Wigginton for a few months." Wiggy is making $3.5 million this season, and is a free agent to-be at the end of the season. No team would want to give up a young shortstop for a guy who will be a bench player on a contending team. Baltimore would most likely ask for top shortstop prospect Eduardo Nunez, 23, who is enjoying a break-out season at Triple-AAA Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, hitting .312 with 3 HR and 39 RBI in 81 games. If not Nunez, than Baltimore would most likely ask for Ramiro Pena, Kevin Russo or minor league SS Reegie Corona. Corona, who was left unprotected in the 2008 Rule-5 Draft and was chosen and returned to the Yankees by the Seattle Mariners, is hitting .231 with 5 HR and 20 RBI, along with 11 stolen bases in 81 games. He's currently on the 40-man roster, meaning if traded, the Yankees would have a spot for Wigginton on the 40-man without releasing any other player. I don't think that the Yankees would be willing to part with a prospect of Nunez's caliber for a rental of Wigginton. While Wiggy isn't a great defensive player, "Wigginton makes up for it as a much better and stronger hitter who can produce runs" says the Bleacher Report. If I'm Brian Cashman, I'm only giving up minimal prospects for Wiggy. A realistic trade could be one that consists of Corona and maybe Double-AA shortstop Luis Nunez. If that's what I can get away with giving up, then I'm making the trade for Wiggy.

The Yankees could use Wiggy anywhere on the field. One idea I had was to make Wiggy the alternating third baseman with Alex Rodriguez. This would push A-Rod to the DH role on some days in order to rest his ailing hip, and would allow Wiggy, and his crazy 2010 season, to start and help the team's dreadful offense of late. Therefore, New York would have both A-Rod's and Wiggy's bats in the lineup. On the other hand, the Yankees could use Wiggy on the bench, which is what has been seen as their mindset. I think having Wiggy start would be a much better idea due to his strong season so far. I think he's deserved the right to start and alternating DH and 3B with A-Rod would be a great way. As well, the Yankees bench would drastically increase by having Wiggy. By September, the Yankees bench would consist of Wigginton, Nick Johnson, Thames, Cervelli, and possibly Colin Curtis if the Yankees decide to use Wiggy as a starter. Having Wiggy in the lineup would really increase and hopefully wake up the Yankees' offense. I'm not saying Wiggy is Albert Pujols, but all I'm saying is that he's having a great season and it would help the offense.

If I'm the Yankees, and it seems as though they already have, I'd be on the phone right now with the Orioles trying to work out a trade for Wiggy. Wiggy would be a great addition to an already strong Yankees team, and would help the bench become stronger and the offense become slightly better. It seems as though a deal could be reached soon.

Brian Cashman, Yankees GM: "The bench is the area of priority as of right now," Cashman said. "That doesn't mean we're not open to anything else. But if you ask me what's the priority? What's the area of weakness? It's the bench."

World Cup Quarter Finals

Argentina Vs Germany: Germany wins 4-0, WOW, advances to semi final.

Paraguay Vs Espana: 2:30

Teams that advanced to Semis:
Netherlands
Uruguay
Germany


Yeah, I don't know much about soccer. That's it.

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.

I was just on ESPN Radio!

For those of you who live in the New York area, I was just on ESPN Radio talking baseball with Don LaGrecca!

It. Was. Awesome.

I asked him:

"Hey Don, long time listener, huge Yankee fan, but I had a question on the Mets and Cliff Lee. Just an opinion here, I think a trade of Pagan, Thole and a young pitching prospect such as Jeurys Familia would be enough to net Cliff Lee. What do you think about that, would it work?"

"Well thanks for the call Josh. I think that could get it done, but it seems as though Lee would definitely cost Mejia, as it would with Oswalt. But I think that Thole is definitely a trade chip and that Pagan is expendable because Beltran is coming back. I think Pagan has proved he's an everyday player and has made himself extremely expendable and he could really help the Mets net Lee. I like your idea, it makes sense, and it'd be a steal if they could get Lee for that. Thanks for call."

My life has been completed.

Mariners have set parameter to Lee trade with Mets

Geoff Baker, who covers the Mariners for The Seattle Times, has heard a new rumor involving the Cliff Lee sweepstakes. I dissected the sweet spots of the article:

- "And today, as Lee gets set to face the Yankees in the Big Apple, the buzz about a possible deal with the crosstown Mets is growing louder and louder."

- "There had been talk that a shoulder injury to Mejia two days ago may thwart New York's bid to land Lee. Mejia is expected to start throwing again within a couple of weeks and as colleague Larry Stone wrote this morning, Mets GM Omar Minaya is reminding folks that his team has other prospects to deal. And there's growing pressure on him to make that deal. The Philadelphia Phillies are not the offensive juggernaut they were expected to be and a Lee acquisition could give the Mets just enough to hold them off and win the NL East. And possibly advance to a World Series."

- "Yes, the Cards offering up the 19th overall pick in last year's draft, pitcher Shelby Miller, is intriguing if true. But he's still a few years away and, if anything, the M's could be better off leveraging those rumors in order to squeeze a better package out of other suitors. As good as Miller could be, he might never be as good as Mejia is right now at a level much closer to the big leagues. And if Mejia is off the table because of the injury, or the M's want a position player instead? Then, you make the deal about catcher Josh Thole, 23, (Photo Credit: AP) a prospect who already posted a .356 OBP in his first 56 plate appearances in the big leagues last season. Throw Thole and Pagan together and you've likely upgraded your catching -- at least offensively --and left field spot for this year and beyond."

- "Word out of New York is that the Mariners have set a Thole-Pagan-pitching prospect trio as the parameters to any Lee deal. It doesn't surprise me the M's would be looking at Pagan as the deal's secondary piece, since he's a better major leaguer right now than any left fielder the Mariners could put out there. At worst, if Michael Saunders were to develop, Pagan would make an excellent fourth outfielder on a championship caliber club. Not a last-place club, a championship caliber club. And there's a huge difference."

- "Asking for top players means you have to maximize what other teams are going to get. That means a full half-season of Lee. If the M's truly want something along the Thole-Pagan-prospect lines -- a fantastic haul, in my opinion -- then they can't dither for another few weeks and wait for the deadline to approach. You likely won't get a much better package than that, even from the Twins.

While Wilson Ramos might be a slightly better catcher than Thole, you're talking about a position where the M's still have a good prospect in Adam Moore and it's only one position out of nine being addressed in the trade return, along with a fourth starter type like Kevin Slowey being acquired as well. This team already has a bunch of fourth and fifth starters. Deal with the Mets, and you're filling two holes at once. Pagan is a good left fielder who can field, get on-base and put up an .800 OPS, which would instantly make him one of the better all-around guys on this Seattle team.

Even if Thole is slightly worse as a catcher than Ramos, as long as he gives you a chance at upgrading what the team already has, you still come out ahead in that deal because you've filled two lineup spots. And filled them effectively, not just with junk."

Also, I got this from Mike Silva's New York Baseball Digest:

- "We all know the Mets interest in Cliff Lee, but to date all we have heard is what they don’t want to give up in a deal.

Yesterday, NYBD talked to a league source that indicated parameters of a deal would include Josh Thole, Angel Pagan, and a prospect for Cliff Lee. At this point I don’t have an idea what kind of prospect they would be looking for, but I would have to assume it would be pitching."

- "It should be obvious why Lee isn’t in Queens yet since Pagan is one of the players, along with Ike Davis, Jenrry Mejia and Jonathon Niese, the Mets are rumored to not want to part with.Again, I don’t believe the Mets should have to overpay for what essentially will be a rental. Thole and a pitching prospect (i.e. Jeurys Familia) should be more than enough."

Wow.

It seems as though Seattle definitely wants OF Angel Pagan and C Josh Thole, but they also want an additional pitching prospect. I agree with Silva that the Mets should offer Pagan, Thole and Familia. That would be a steal if the Mets would be willing to part with those players. Can you imagine a 1-2-3 of Santana-Lee-Pelfrey? Oh my goodness, there's your NL East Champs and NL Champs right there.

It seems Cliff Lee may be making his final start for the Mariners tonight, and what better way to close it out and up your stock than by beating the New York Yankees?

It seems as though the "Cliff Lee to the Mets" rumors keep heating up. We'll be updating all day, making sure to bring you everything that's heard and whispered. Keep it here, because it seems like a deal could be done tonight.

Reports suggest Mets may be frontrunner for Cliff Lee

We've heard the Mets interested in Cliff Lee, but never before like this.

On Sunday, Jenrry Mejia suffered a posterier cuff strain during his second start in Double-AA. Now, analysts are saying that it could be possible for the Mets to acquire Lee without sacrificing Mejia. From MLBTradeRumors:

"Will Jenrry Mejia's posterior cuff strain prevent the Mets from trading for Mariners ace Cliff Lee? GM Omar Minaya obviously could not talk specifically about Lee when asked by Kevin Kernan of the New York Post "if the Mejia setback is a setback to trade possibilities." But Minaya kept a brave face and replied, "I don’t think so because I think we have other very good possibilities." At least one of Minaya's current players does think the team lost its chance to acquire Lee with Mejia's injury, according to Kernan."

The post goes on to say that the Mariners would have interest in Ike Davis, the Mets' star rookie sensation, but that the Mets would bluff at trading him. Instead, the consensus is that Seattle wants young hitters, and their best bet is to go by the Double-AA route. Tim Dierkes' believes that the Mets could not acquire Lee with Fernando Martinez as the center piece, seeing as how his stock has considerably falling, just hitting a robust .248/.299/.397 at Triple-AAA Buffalo.

Mark Hale of the New York Post suggests that the Mets could afford to trade for Lee if they would sacrifice a package of prospects including: INF Ruben Tejada, OF Fernando Martinez, SS Wilmer Flores, RHP Jeurys Familia, INF Reese Havens and C Josh Thole. In my opinion, that is too much to give talent to give for Cliff Lee. Maybe I'd package Tejada, Thole, and Familia with some lower level guys, but that's all the top talent I'm giving. Giving all that talent would wipe out the Mets' farm. It's reported that in any trade for Lee, Seattle wants a catcher, which explains why they have looked so thoroughly at the Yankees' minor league system and scouted Jesus Montero, Austin Romine, J.R. Murphy, Gary Sanchez, and Kyle Higashioka.

However, contrary to MLBTradeRumors last report, the Mets may be interested in trading Mejia to Seattle if Lee gives the Mets a negotiating window to sign to an extension. It's unlikely and it's been said that the Mets would not give up Mejia, Jonathon Niese, and Davis for Lee.

To me, I think that Davis is untouchable, he's the first baseman of the future. Niese is going to be a #3 starter for the Mets for years to come behind Santana and Pelfrey. I'd be comfortable giving up Mejia. Why? Well for starters, you don't have to worry about him hurting you if he becomes good. He'll be in a different league and division, the American League West. Also, he's just a prospect and that's that. Davis and Niese have proved that they can handle the majors, while Mejia, who did come up, was only used as a reliever. If I'm the Mets, I would give up Mejia, but I'd like to find an alternate route to acquiring Lee, even if it means giving up 2 or 3 of my Double-AA prospects.

Wow.

Just finished watching the Yankee game.

I can't even put it into words.

Just check it.