Rangers sign Alexander Frolov

The New York Rangers and longtime Los Angeles Kings' forward Alexander Frolov reached an agreement today on a one-year, $3 million contract.

Frolov will add some offense to the Rangers, while serving as Marian Gaborik's side-kick. Frolov, 28, spent the first seven years of his career with the Kings. A very promising young player, in his career Frolov has scored over 20 goals three times, 24 in 2003-04, 21 in 2005-06, and 23 in 2007-08. He's also scored over 30 goals twice in his career with a career-high 35 with 71 points in 2006-07 and 32 in 2008-09.

Frolov had big expectations come the 2009-10 season, but he was dissapointing, scoring only 19 goals in 81 games, a big fallout from the 32 a season prior. Now the young Russian winger will look to have a bounce-back season and redeem himself to return to his 30 goal potential. He will most likely play left wing, as right wing is patrolled by the Rangers' best player, Marian Gaborik, who scored 42 goals last season. In his career, Frolov has scored 168 goals with 381 points through his 536 career regular season games, which includes three hat-tricks (3 goals in one game). A very durable player, Frolov has not played less than 69 games in a season.

"Alex is a highly skilled player who we feel will play a key role in improving our offense and play in all situations," Rangers general manager Glen Sather said in a statement. "He is strong competitor and has the ability to play either wing position."

A good pickup for the Rangers. Frolov will add offensive power to the team and one can only imagine how much the Rangers are hoping he returns to form.

Rays' Matt Garza throws no-hitter, Dan Haren leaves start early due to injury in Angels' debut

It's truly been the "Year of the Pitcher."

Yesterday, Matt Garza, a right handed starting pitcher from the Tampa Bay Rays, no-hit the Detroit Tigers and helped his team to a 5-0 win.

It was the first no-hitter in Tampa Bay Rays/Devil Rays history.

The no-hitter was also the 5th (!) no-hit game this season, alongside Dallas Braden and Roy Halladay's perfect games, and Ubaldo Jimenez and Edwin Jackson's no-hitters. It's the first time five no-hitters have been thrown since there were seven no-hitters in 1991. I would say Armando Galarraga had a perfect game, but we all know how that ended up...

In front of a crowd of just 17,000 at Tropicana Field in Tampa, the 26 year-old Garza only faced 27 batters, the minimum, and allowed just one walk to Brennan Boesch that would break up the perfect game bid in the second inning. He also struck out six and improved his record to 11-5 wit ha 4.06 ERA.

''It was one of those days where everything lined up,'' Garza said. ''The defense made great plays. I really can't say enough about them.''

The Rays have been involved in three of the five no-hit games this year: Edwin Jackson's no-hitter vs the Rays, Dallas Braden's perfect game vs the Rays, and now Garza's perfect game. They were also the team that Mark Buehrle defeated last season for his perfect game.

Garza's no-hitter is surely just one of possibly a few more no-hitters to come.

HAREN EXITS GAME EARLY WITH INJURY

Dan Haren made his Angels' debut Monday night, his first start since being acquired on Sunday in a trade with the Arizona Diamondbacks. However, Haren's debut didn't go as expected.

In the fifth inning, with the Boston Red Sox leading 2-1, first baseman Kevin Youkilis hit a sharp line drive that hit Haren square on his right forearm, his pitching arm. Haren tried to field the ball, but it ended up being an infield single as Haren fell to his knees in obvious pain.

Haren has what seems to be a right forearm contusion and will go for an additional examination by Angels' team orthopedist Lewis Yocum. Haren pitched 4.2 innings, allowing two runs on seven hits. As of now, he has been listed as day-to-day. Or as Yankees' radio announcer John Sterling would say "He's listed as day-to-day...aren't we all?"

The Yankees & Joakim Soria

Joakim Soria, RHP Kansas City Royals
2010 season: 0-2, 2.25, 27 saves, 40.0 IP, 47 K, .245 BAA

One of the New York Yankees' biggest needs before the trading deadline, on July 31, is acquiring bullpen help to improve a bullpen which has been under-performing to the level it should be at. Joba Chamberlain, David Robertson (though not recently), Chan Ho Park, and Chad Gaudin have underperformed this season, leading to an uneasy feeling when it comes time to bring in a reliever. The most reliable relief pitcher in the bullpen, and perhaps all of baseball, Mariano Rivera, is 40 years old and is the closing pitcher, meaning he can't pitch three or more innings. In essence, the struggles of Robertson and Chamberlain especially, have lead to a weak "Bridge To Rivera." One name that the Yankees have been recently linked to is that of Kansas City Royals' closer Joakim Soria.

Soria, 26, broke into the major leagues in 2007 after being selected in the Rule 5 Draft by the Royals after being left unprotected by the San Diego Padres. You can assume that since then the Padres have regretted that decision.

A 23 year-old Soria, in his first full year in 2007, pitched to a 2.48 ERA in 69.0 innings, managing 17 saves in 21 save opportunities with a 2-3 record. He struck out 75 in 69 innings pitched, resulting in a .187 batting average against. Soria began his career as a starting pitcher in San Diego's farm system, and has since used that experience in the bullpen. In 2008, Soria got even better, making the American League All-Star team for the first time, while posting a 2-3 record again, but this time with an eye-popping 1.60 ERA (!) in 67.1 innings, with 42 saves (!) out of 45 save opportunities and a .169 batting average against (!). However, the strikeout rate was at 66 strikeouts in 67.1 innings, and wasn't as mind boggling as the previous year. His performance rewarded him with a 3-year, $8.75 million dollar contract that would keep him under team control through 2014. Soria would rack up those strikeouts again though in 2009, striking out 69 in 53.0 innings to go along with a 3-1 record, 2.21 ERA and 30 saves in 33 opportunities.

Soria has continued his dominance in the 2010 season. He made the American League All-Star team for the second time, and has since posted a 2.25 ERA through 40.0 innings, going 0-2 with 27 saves in 29 opportunities. He's also struck out 47 in 40.0 innings (!). Ridiculous.

In his young career, "The Mexicutioner" has a lifetime 7-10 record, with a 2.12 ERA, 116 saves/128 save opportunities, and 257 K's in 229.1 innings pitched while also limiting batters to a career .200 batting average against him. Truly stellar numbers for such a young player who was left unprotected.

A dominant strikeout pitcher, Soria's repertoire consists of a dominant and well commanded curve ball, as well as a slider, change-up, and a nasty cutter, reportedly similar to Rivera's historical cutter. If you click the link, you'll see where Soria's pitches are targeted and what makes him such a great pitcher. He's got great command of all of his pitches.

Recently, we've heard the Yankees and Soria connected in trade rumors. The Yankees are looking to upgrade their bullpen, and acquiring Soria would do so dramatically. If acquired, Soria would immeaditly move into the set-up role for Mariano Rivera, and would eventually be Rivera's successor as closer. The Yankees could then unload dead weight (Gaudin, Park), resulting in a much improved bullpen. While not "officially" been made available, the Royals have said that they are willing to listen on anyone and will make a trade if the price is right.

Soria's age (26), team control (2014) and low salary ($3 million) have resulted in a high price tag (prospect wise) for the young relief pitcher. The Royals, in no way, need to trade Soria. However, if they get a price/package that they like, they will listen.

Yesterday, after the Dan Haren trade, SI's Jon Heyman reported that the Yankees "tried hard for Lee and Haren, and made a big proposal for Royals closer Joakim Soria, as well." The news comes as a pleasent surprise to Yankee fans, especially after losing out on Cliff Lee and Haren. The Royals, as you can imagine, are asking for the world in return for Soria. In a trade for Soria, the Yankees would probably have to give up one or two players from the caliber of Jesus Montero, Austin Romine, Manny Banuelos, Joba Chamberlain, Ivan Nova, Zach McAllister, and Hector Noesi.

Jayson Stark of ESPN reported today that the Yankees "dangled" Jesus Montero in trade talks for Soria. Montero, the #5 prospect in baseball, is the Yankees' top prospect. He was involved in the Cliff Lee trade but (thankfully) was not sent packing. However, the Royals were not interested in Montero and declined. That speaks this to me: the Yankees clearly just don't have what the Royals want.

It's possible that a trade could go down, but in all likelihood, it probably won't happen for the Yanks and Soria. Kansas City doesn't want to trade him, especially not to the Yankees, which is understandable, and shouldn't be forced to. Trust me, I want Soria in pinstripes as much as the next guy (one of my favorite pitchers), but if the Yankees were shot down after they offered Montero, then they should give up and stop wasting their time. They obviously don't match up with the Royals. We'll see where it all leads.

Among other news, the Yankees have contacted the Washington Nationals about a possible trade for slugging 1B/OF Adam Dunn, but have found the price "prohibitive." I've been a huge Dunn supporter and would love to see him in pinstripes. The Yankees are also interested in Chicago Cubs' starting pitcher Ted Lilly, Cleveland Indians' 3B Jhonny Peralta, Baltimore Orioles' 3B Ty Wigginton, and Florida Marlins' OF Cody Ross. It should all make for a fun trade deadline.

Due to today's event

With the Dan Haren deal, I will from now on never ever believe any report that says that "the Yankees are the front runners for ______" or "Yankees are close to a trade for _____"

So pissed right now. First Cliff Lee, now Haren.

GGGRRREEEAAATTT.

In turn of events, Angels, not Yankees, acquire RHP Dan Haren

After reports earlier this week suggested that Arizona Diamondback's pitcher Dan Haren was headed to the New York Yankees, negotiations took a different turn of events.

Yesterday it was reported that the Yankees and Dbacks were not talking about a trade. That opened the door for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim to jump in.

In a move that stunned baseball (it looked like Haren was just about ready for pinstripes) the Angels acquired Haren from Arizona for LHP Joe Saunders, LHP Patrick Corbin, RHP Rafael Rodriguez, and 2009 first rounder LHP Tyler Skaggs. It's a decent package but all I have to say is...

...Joe Saunders? Really?

Don't get me wrong, Saunders is a fine pitcher, but he's the best Arizona could get? Besides Skaggs and Corbin, this is an AWFUL deal for the Dbacks. Even Skaggs and Corbin aren't anything to get that excited about. The Dbacks could have had a ridiculous package from the Yankees, but the Yankees bluffed at Arizona's ridiculous demands. The trending topic this year at the trade deadline: #onepricefortheyankeesonepriceforeveryoneelse.

MLBTradeRumors on Saunders says that, "Saunders, a former first round pick of the Angels, will change teams for the first time in his career. The lefty owns a career-high 4.62 ERA with 4.8 K/9 and 3.4 BB/9 on the season. The 29-year-old will earn a shade over $1MM for the rest of this season, after which point he is arbitration-eligible. The D'Backs will control his rights in 2011, but Saunders will hit free agency after 2012." Saunders had a career year in 2008, going 17-7 with a 3.41 ERA in 198.0 innings. He's not a strikeout pitcher and doesn't have overpowering stuff, but he's serviceable and is a good fit for a young Dbacks' rotation. He's 54-32 in his career, a winning percentage of .628.

Anyway, let's get into the analysis. You all know who Haren is, I've wrote about him for the past week so let's dive into the prospects.

Corbin, who just recently turned 21, is a left handed pitcher who is holding his own at Single-A+, going 5-3 with a 3.88 ERA. There's not really a lot of info on the kid, seeing as he just has two years in pro-ball. He projects to be a #3 or #4 starter.

MLBTradeRumors says that, "Skaggs was the Halos' supplemental first-round selection (40th overall) in 2009. The 19-year-old signed for $1MM in early August. According to Baseball America, Skaggs is armed with a fastball in the 88-91 mph range that could reach 91-93 mph when his upper body matures. Skaggs, in their estimation, projects as a solid mid-rotation starter." Skaggs is 8-4 with a 3.61 ERA in Single-A.

Rodriguez, 25, projects to be just another bullpen arm. He's pitched at the big league level this season, pitching to a 4.50 ERA in one game.

I'm really shocked that this was honestly the BEST deal the Dbacks got for Haren. Interim GM Jerry DiPoto, a rookie GM, really overplayed his hand in this one. I definitely think he could have gotten a better offer from the Yankees, even if Joba Chamberlain was not involved. I'm not saying that just because I'm disappointed that the Yankees lost out on another elite starting pitcher, I'm saying that because Arizona played the Yankees: giving them a ridiculous price for Haren while the rest of the league would have to give a lesser offer of prospect quality. It's ridiculous and unfair.

This move won't really change much in the AL West as the Texas Rangers currently hold a 7 game lead over the Angels.

Yankees and Dbacks "no conversation today"

According to a report this morning by Jon Heyman of Sports Illustrated, the Yankees were unwilling to part with RHP Joba Chamberlain in a trade for pitching ace Dan Haren of the Dbacks while having to pay Haren's total contract. However, the Yankees would be willing to pay Haren's contract if Chamberlain were not involved in the package. The Yankees are willing to include pitchers Ivan Nova and Zach McAllister plus two prospects in a trade for Haren, that being the only way the Yankees would pay the contract.

As well, Heyman said that the Dbacks were trying to get the Yankees to take on pitcher Chad Qualls and catcher Chris Snyder in addition to Haren. The Yankees balked, especially since they would have to pay the $33 million for Haren on top of Qualls' and Snyder's contracts.

However, the most recent report, that by ESPN's Buster Olney, says that the two sides have not talked today about a deal and that the Yankees were "scoffed at reports that they were in the lead of the Haren negotiations because they have never been close to completing a deal to this point.”

Nonetheless, negotiations are said to continue later. Riveraveblues says that "right now, the two clubs are playing a game of poker, and the negotiations will continue.

While listening to WFAN 660 today in the car, I was able to hear former Washington Nationals' GM Jim Bowden's segment with Steve Somers. Bowden said that it's "almost certain" that Danny Haren will be a Yankee.

NIXED

According to Jayson Stark of ESPN, the Yankees and Diamondbacks were "never close" on a deal that would send Arizona ace Dan Haren to the Bronx.

The Dbacks, reportedly, asked for RHP Joba Chamberlain, RHP Ivan Nova, and two throw-in prospects in order for the Yankees to acquire Haren. The Yankees rejected the offer, in-turn offering Arizona an "all prospect" deal to which this time, Arizona refused.

Stark goes on to say that, "Another sticking point between the two teams, the source said, is how much of the $33 million remaining on Haren's contract the Diamondbacks are willing to pay. Arizona's initial proposal would have required the Yankees to assume Haren's entire contract. The Yankees, and other clubs the Diamondbacks have spoken with, want the quality of the players in the deal to be dependent on how much of Haren's money Arizona is willing to pay."

From Dbacks' CEO Derrick Hall: "We are not close on a deal with the Yankees, and there are some other teams involved that have deals of at least equal value out there. I would not categorize the Yankees as a front-runner.”

---

Hold everything. Did the Yankees just get Zduriencik'd? For the second time this season, and first time since the Non-Cliff-Lee-Trade, the Yankees were reported "close to acquiring" another frontline starter, lifting the hopes of tons of Yankee fans, only to see their hopes and dreams crash as talks broke down...again.

Two things that I'm confused are put together by Stark in his article: Ivan Nova and the words "highly regarded" next to his name. Last time I checked, isn't Nova projected to be a #4 or #5 starter in the rotation? I understand that the Yanks don't want to trade Joba, but damn, if they won't do it for Dan Haren, Joba and Nova better be the next great Yankee pitchers.

Indications are that talks are all but dead, so things could heat back up again. If the Yankees can find a way to substitute Joba with a player to the Dbacks' liking, a deal could still be reached. Arizona wants to move Haren before his Tuesday start, so Monday could be the deadline to acquire Haren.

Rosenthal: Yankees are frontrunners for Dan Haren (WITH UPDATE)

Update, 10:15 - Frankie Piliere of AOL FanHouse hears that talks are moving forward and that secondary players are being discussed, with pitcher Joba Chamberlain headlining the package that would be sent to Arizona. He also reports that top Yankees' prospect, Jesus Montero, who was almost traded for Cliff Lee almost two weeks ago, is not in the trade. Piliere says that pitching prospect Ivan Nova, who is 8-2 with a 3.06 ERA in Triple-AAA Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, and fellow pitching prospect Zach McAllister, whose father works for the Dbacks as a scout, are most likely in the deal, with Nova being the key piece and pitcher the Dbacks want says Ken Rosenthal.

As for me, I'm shocked that the Yankees are ready to give up on Joba already. I know he's struggled early in his career, but he's just 24 and could be fixable and become a reliable reliever or starter. Anybody remember those "Save the Big 3" t-shirts that were made when the Yankees were willing to give up one of Phil Hughes, Joba, and Ian Kennedy for Johan Santana? If Chamberlain is traded, he will join Kennedy in Arizona (who went over in the Curtis Granderson deal), leaving Hughes the only member of the Big 3 still on the Yankees. Weird.

It looks like this deal could be done as soon as tomorrow. Keep it here.

p.s. When looking at the big three shirt, #65 is Hughes, #62 is Joba, and #36 is Kennedy. That shirt was made prior to the '08 season. We all know how that went...

6:54 - According to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports, the New York Yankees, who were yesterday just rumored to be interested in Arizona Diamondbacks' ace RHP Dan Haren, are moving closer to a deal to acquire the starting pitcher.

According to Rosenthal, "the defending World Series champions believe they have the necessary pieces to obtain Haren, according to a major-league source.

The Diamondbacks are telling interested clubs that they are in advanced negotiations with one club, though they are not identifying that team, sources say."

Rosenthal, MLBTradeRumors and Riveraveblues also indicate that the package will be focused on "pitching, pitching and more pitching" as the Dbacks have said they would require an "A+" package for Haren due to his age and long term, team friendly contract. The Dbacks initially said that they wanted two major league pitchers and a bullpen arm in order to trade Haren.

The Yankees it seems, however, will be sending at least two pitchers and some prospects for Haren. Growing speculation, as reported by Riveraveblues is that former Yankees' top prospect RHP Joba Chamberlain, who has worked as both a starting pitcher and relief pitcher, would headline the deal that would send Haren to the Yankees. If a deal for Haren would cost Chamberlain, another pitcher and a few prospects not named Jesus Montero, that would be an absolute steal.

Acquiring Haren would give the Bronx Bombers the best rotation in the league.

Another reason as to why this deal makes sense is because Phil Hughes' innings limit will kick in around September. Hughes, the Yankees' future ace and best young pitcher, has been placed on an innings limit in order to rest his arm. Many have wondered how the Yankees will fill the void once Hughes is sent to the bullpen when he hits his limit. Acquiring Haren would do just that. As well, Andy Pettitte is currently on the DL, and it's been reported he'll be on it for at least four-to-six weeks, meaning a mid-to-late August return, just about when Hughes will hit his limit. Until Pettitte returns, Haren would take his spot and then Hughes' spot once he hits his limit.

Haren, just 29, would be the co-ace to CC Sabathia and is signed for three more seasons. A trade for Haren most likely means that the Yankees will not sign Cliff Lee during the off season.

CC Sabathia, Andy Pettitte, Phil Hughes, A.J. Burnett, Javy Vazquez and Haren all in the same rotation? Can you say repeat?

A-Rod hits home run no. 599 in 10-4 win over Royals

The New York Yankees beat the Kansas City Royals tonight by a final score of 10-4.

In the third inning, Yankees' shortstop Derek Jeter hit a long fly ball to center field which would bounce off of the glove of Royals' centerfielder David DeJesus and roll around the outfield long enough for Jeter to circle the bases for an inside the park home run, his 9th homer of the season. In the 7th inning, Alex Rodriguez connected with a pitch from Robinson Tejada that would fly into the right field stands for a solo shot, his 16th of the season and the 599th of his career as he aims to join elite company in the 600 home run club. CC Sabathia pitched a rocky 6.1 innings, giving up 11 hits and 4 earned runs but got the win, improving his record to 13-3.

For the Yankees, it was their 60th win of the season. They now stand at 60-34, 26 games over .500, with the best record in baseball.

Rodriguez will try to hit no. 600 tomorrow night as the Yankees play the Royals again at 7:05 PM. As for me, I'm hoping he hits it Saturday because I may be going to that game. Get this: When A-Rod hit his 500th home run it came on A) a Saturday, B) a day game, C) against the Royals, and D) against the same Royals' pitcher who is pitching this Saturday, Kyle Davies. How awesome would that be?

There's also this tidbit for those of you who want some A-Rod trivia at your next party, game, get together, throw down, etc.

In his illustrious career, Alex Rodriguez hit his first home run and his 500th home run, and may possibly hit his 600th home run, all against the same team. Which team gave up these home runs? The answer: The Kansas City Royals.

Crazy stuff huh?

Yankees pursuing Craig Breslow and Dan Haren, Four Teams Two Trades

- As seen on MLBTradeRumors and Fox Sports, the New York Yankees, along with the Philadelphia Phillies, St. Louis Cardinals, Minnesota Twins, and Detroit Tigers, are interested and are pursuing to trade for Arizona Diamondbacks' right handed ace pitcher Dan Haren. Haren, 29, who is struggling this season, has pitched to a 4.60 ERA with a 7-8 record. He's under contract through 2013 with a $3.5 million buyout for the 2013 season. He makes $12.7 million for 2011 and 2012.

The Dbacks, who initially asked for two major league pitchers and a bullpen arm, have lowered their demands and are exchanging names with the aforementioned teams. Haren is one of the better pitchers in baseball and is playing for a bad team, therefore having a bad season. Everything you need to know about him can be seen here, in a post that I wrote a few weeks ago when I first heard of the Yankees' interest in Haren.

- As well, the Yankees are interested in improving their bullpen. Their newest target: Craig Breslow.

Breslow, a journeyman right handed reliever out of Yale, has spent parts of five seasons with the San Diego Padres, Boston Red Sox, Cleveland Indians, Minnesota Twins and Oakland Athletics. Breslow, 29, has always been a reliable relief pitcher, indicated by his career ERA of 2.85. Breslow's best season came in 2007 with the Twins, when he went 0-2 with a 1.91 ERA while striking out 39 in 47 innings. Only two seasons, 2006 and 2009, has Breslow finished with an ERA over 3.00. All other seasons have been sub 3.00 ERA seasons. So far in 2010, he's 4-2 with a 3.02 ERA and 46 strikeouts(!) in 44.2 innings(!) for the Oakland Athletics, while allowing just 17 walks. The A's are in sell mode and two of their relievers, Michael Wuertz and Breslow, are the most attractive bullpen targets. The Yankees join the Boston Red Sox and Tigers as teams interested in Breslow. He makes just $425,000 this season and is under control through 2013, so no wonder teams are so interested.

Breslow joins Joakim Soria, Leo Nunez, Wuertz, Jason Frasor, Scott Downs and Kevin Gregg as bullpen arms that the Yankees are interested in.

- Also making small headlines, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim acquired infielder Alberto Callaspo from the Kansas City Royals in exchange for RHP Sean O'Sullivan and LHP Will Smith.

Callaspo emerged as a reliable starting infielder in 2009 for the Royals, hitting .300 with 11 home runs and 73 RBIs in 155 games. Callaspo, 27, has been playing mainly third base for the Royals this season, hitting at a line of .275/.208/.410, 8 HR, and 43 RBIs and 88 games. He's a great back-up infielder for the Angels to have, but he'll probably start at 3B for them due to Brandon Wood's struggles this season.

The Angels will send pitcher Sean O'Sullivan, who just beat the Yankees the other night, to Kansas City. He'll take his 1-0 record and 2.08 ERA to the Royals' rotation now. The 22-year old should fit right in to the Royals' rebuilding efforts. The Angels will also send over LHP minor leaguer Will Smith, who I know nothing about. The roster space means that the Royals will probably recall once top prospect 3B Alex Gordon activate outfielder Rick Ankiel from the disabled list. Good trade for the Angels.

- And last but probably not least, the Boston Red Sox acquired 3B/1B Jack Hannahan from the Seattle Mariners for either money or a player to be named later. Hannahan, 30, has spent 2006-2010 with the Detroit Tigers, Oakland Athletics and Mariners. He hasn't played in the majors this season, his last action came in 2009. 2008, his first full season, was in Oakland when he hit .218 with 9 home runs and 47 RBIs in 143 games. He's spent all of 2010 in the Mariners' minor league system Triple-AAA Tacoma team. The Red Sox will use him for his versatility since he can't hit a lick. He'll head to Triple-AAA Pawtucket.

Report: Chris Paul wants trade, Knicks top list

Star point guard Chris Paul of the New Orleans Hornets is asking the team to trade him prior to the start of the season. The Hornets, who finished 37-45 this season, have only finished above .500 twice and made the playoffs twice with Paul. Paul, 25, is ready to end the losing and has demanded to be traded by giving the Hornets a list of teams he would like to be traded to.

The 4th overall pick in the 2005 NBA draft by New Orleans, Paul has been one of the premier players in the NBA. A three-time All-Star, Paul scores an average of 19.3 points per game, including an 18.7 PPG average this season. During the 2007-08 and 2008-09 seasons, Paul scored an average of 21.1 and 22.8 PPG, respectively, before the drawback this season.

Among Paul's trade list are the New York Knicks, who rank first on his list, followed by the Orlando Magic, Dallas Mavericks and Portland Trailblazers in the top four. Paul, who has made it no secret that he wants to play with Amare Stoudemire in New York, is ready for a chance to win. The plan is that the Denver Nuggets' SF Carmelo Anthony will reject a contract to return to Denver next free agency period and join Stoudemire and Paul in New York to form the next "Big Three" that would challenge the Big Three of LeBron James, Chris Bosh, and Dwyane Wade of the Miami Heat.

ESPN reports that, "Those guys want to beat the three guys in Miami," a source close to the situation said. A report Wednesday on CBSSports.com said Paul saw what James did in signing to play alongside Wade and Bosh and has designs on doing something similar."

Also, they report that, "the Hornets have scheduled a face-to-face sitdown with Paul for Monday in New Orleans, sources with knowledge of the meeting told ESPN.com's Marc Stein" and that "Paul's demands come in the immediate aftermath of a Hornets overhaul within the coaching staff and front office."

This is going to be a very interesting week and will make for the one of the greatest off-seasons ever if "CP3," as his Twitter name suggests, is traded to the Knicks. New York sports radio has been talking about the subject all day and many Knick fans are excited at the possibility of having their own Big Three.

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.

NHL rejects Devils' deal with Kovalchuk

Yesterday, fans of the New Jersey Devils danced in happiness as the Devils signed the most sought-after free agent on the market, Ilya Kovalchuk to a 17-year $102 million contract.

Today however, they shake their heads in disbelief.

The National Hockey League, led by Commissioner Gary Bettman, rejected Kovalchuk's deal with the Devils due to the fact that the contract circumvents (evades, bypasses) the NHL's salary cap. The deal, which was set to be the largest in the history of the NHL, for now, has been put on hold.

ESPN has the details:

"The contract was rejected because years of low salary at the end of the contract were added for the sole purpose of lowering the cap hit, a person familiar with the issues raised told The Associated Press. The person added that no side believes Kovalchuk will play the final years of the deal at those terms. The star forward was slated to earn only $550,000 in each of the last five seasons of the contract that was to run through the 2026-27 season, when Kovalchuk would be 44.

Kovalchuk was to earn $6 million each of the next two seasons, $11.5 million for the following five seasons, $10.5 million in the 2017-18 season, $8.5 million for the 2018-19 season, $6.5 million in 2019-20, $3.5 million in 2020-21, $750,000 the following season, and $550,000 for the final five years of the unprecedented deal."

The National Hockey League Players' Association has five days from Wednesday to grieve the rejection of the contract. If a grievance is filed against the NHL, an arbitrator, who will have to be agreed upon by the league and the NHL players' union, will have two days to determine if the rejection of Kovalchuk's deal was valid or not. If the deal is voided, Kovalchuk will still be an unrestricted free agent and can be signed by any team.

It certainly isn't the first disagreement the NHL has had over long term contracts, including reviews of:

- The Philadelphia Flyers' seven-year, $34.45-millon deal with Chris Pronger
- The Vancouver Canucks' 12-year, $64-million deal with Roberto Luongo
- The Chicago Blackhawks' 12-year, $62.8-million contract with Marian Hossa

This is going to be an interesting case. Hopefully the league can sort this whole thing out and Kovy can return to the Devils and earn the money he deserves since he is one of the NHL's best players. Could the Los Angeles Kings jump back in? Could the KHL still be interested? Discuss it in the comments.

Chicago Cubs' Manager Lou Piniella retiring after 2010 season

After 40 years in baseball, 18 years as a player and 22 as a manager, Lou Piniella has decided to walk away from the game.

Well, at the end of the season that is.

Today, Piniella announced that he would be retiring from baseball at the end of the 2010 season, once his contract as Manager of the Chicago Cubs expires.

"It's been a wonderful experience," he said. "There's no way that I won't cherish the memories here."

During his playing days, Piniella began his career with the Baltimore Orioles. He was traded twice, first to the Cleveland Indians and then to the Kansas City Royals. Lou won the AL Rookie of the Year in 1969 after he finished with a batting line of .282 with 11 homers and 68 RBIs with the Royals. In 1973, The Royals traded him to the Yankees and Piniella would play the rest of his career with the Yankees before retiring as a player in 1984.

Piniella played 11 of his 18 seasons with the New York Yankees, five with the Kansas City Royals and also had brief stints with the Baltimore Orioles and Cleveland Indians. Piniella retired as a player in 1984, finishing with a career batting line of .291 with 1705 hits and 102 home runs.

Retirement from the game as a player wouldn't keep Ol' Sweet Lou from being involved in it. In 1986, he became the Manager of the Yankees, leading the team to a 90-72 record, which was only good for second place in the AL East. Piniella again managed the Yankees from 1987-1988 before moving on to manage the Cincinnati Reds from 1990-1993. In 1990, Piniella's first year as Reds' Manager, he led the team to a World Series Championship. For the 1994 season, Piniella accepted a contract from the Seattle Mariners, a team he would manager for the next 10 years. Piniella was unsuccessful in bringing a championship to Seattle, even when the Mariners finished the 2001 season with a 116-46 record only to be eliminated in the playoffs. After the 2002 season, his last in Seattle, Piniella returned home to Tampa, where he would accept a job as Manager of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. Piniella would manager the Devil Rays from 2003-2005 before being bought out for the 2006 season, finishing in last place two of the three seasons.

Piniella stayed out of baseball for the 2006 season, spending it at home and not managing. However, he had that itch to get back in the game again. Prior to the 2007 season, the Cubs offered Piniella a four-year contract to which he would accept to become the Cubs' Manager and was determined to help the club win its first championship in almost 100 years. In Piniella's first season in Chicago in 2007, he led the Cubs to the NL Central Division title with an 85-77 record. The Cubs however, would be swept and eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Arizona Diamondbacks. In 2008, Piniella led the Cubs to a second straight division title, this time the team finishing with a record of 97-64, good for third best in the league. However, the 2008 playoffs would yield the same fate for the lovable losers, as this time they were swept by the Los Angeles Dodgers. Piniella and the 2009 Cubs didn't exactly live up to expectations the following year, finishing 83-78 in second place in the Central and missing the playoffs.

This season, the 2010 Cubs have been the worst Cub team under Piniella's tenure. The team is currently at a 42-52 record, 10 games under .500 and are in fourth place in the Central and making it look more as if year 102 without a championship is not their year. One has to wonder if the wear and tear of the 2010 season may be the reason for Piniella's retirement.

"Why is the announcement now as opposed to September?" Piniella said. "For a couple reasons. First of all, I get asked all the time. I don't want to mislead anybody about my intentions. At the same time, more important, it gives Jim Hendry ample opportunity to find a new manager for this organization and he can do it where he doesn't have to be secretive about it, or anything else."

When asked why he didn't resign immediately, Piniella shot back with the response, "Why? I signed here for four years. I'm going to honor the contract."

Known for his classic rants on the field with umpires and even players (Rob Dibble in 1992), base-throwing, dirt-kicking, hat tossing, and screaming, Piniella has had a remarkable impact on baseball and will not be forgotten.

When asked if he would be involved as a special assistant or consultant, Piniella replied, "I enjoy this game, I really do. I love this game. So that would be a good way to stay involved, but not in an everyday basis. It could be anywhere. There are no plans one way or another." said Piniella during a press conference.

Piniella said that he wants to return home and is ready to call it a career.

"I've been away from home since 1962. That's about 50 years."

Piniella, now 66, ranks fourth among active managers with a career record of 1,826-1,691 (.519) behind Joe Torre, Bobby Cox, and Tony LaRussa.

Ryne Sandberg, longtime and Hall of Fame Cubs' second baseman, has been named as the favorite to manage the Cubs for the 2011 season. Sandberg, who is currently the Manager of the Triple-AAA Iowa Cubs, has expressed a desire to manage in the big leagues. It would be truly fitting for the longtime Hall of Fame Cub to manage the very team he played for.

"I need to focus on what I'm doing here in Des Moines with these players and what my job is right now," Sandberg said. "If the time came, if I was considered for that job in Chicago, I think that'd be a terrific thing just to be considered. The whole goal of any minor leaguer is to get to the major leagues, and I think that includes coaches and managers like myself."

Joe Torre, Tony LaRussa, Bobby Valetine, and Joe Girardi are other free agent managers who could be considered.

Cubs GM Jim Hendry has said that the position will be discussed prior to the 2011 season.

But there is one question....

Has Sweet Lou simply given up on the 2010 Cubbies?

Think again.

"I'm proud of our accomplishments during my time here and this will be a perfect way for me to end my career," he said. "But let me make one thing perfectly clear: Our work is far from over. I want to keep the momentum going more than anything else and win as many games as we can to get back in this pennant race."

"Look, we're still not eliminated," Piniella said. "We've got time. Stranger things … I managed a team in Seattle, for instance, that was 13 ½ out on Aug. 1 and went to the American League Championship finals. That could happen here, we just need to get hot."

Classic Sweet Lou.

Ilya Kovalchuk returning to Devils

After a long summer of twists and turns in the Ilya Kovalchuk sweepstakes, the New Jersey Devils emerged the winner.

Kovalchuk was the most sought after free agent on the market, and was pursued by the Los Angeles Kings, New York Islanders, Devils and SKA St. Petersburg of the KHL.

Kovalchuk, 27, played with the Devils last season after being acquired in a trade with the Atlanta Thrashers. Last season, Kovalchuk scored 41 goals and 44 assists in games for the Thrashers and Devils.

"Ilya is excited to be continuing his career with New Jersey and knows first-hand the team's dedication and commitment to winning." said Jay Grossman, president of PuckAgency, which represents Kovalchuk.

The numbers and years haven't been released yet and are estimated to be announced during a press conference tomorrow.