Around the majors report--July 31

[nyy26wc]

1) Yesterday's results--

AL NL
Rangers 6, Orioles 4 (11) No games

2) Standings--

AL EAST W L Pct GB L10 Str Home Away
Yankees 64 41 .609 - 8-2 W-8 34-19 30-22
Redsox 60 44 .577 3 1/2 5-5 W-1 30-22 30-22
BlueJays 48 58 .453 16 1/2 3-7 L-4 23-31 25-27
Orioles 44 62 .415 20 1/2 3-7 L-1 22-31 22-31
Devil Rays 34 71 .324 30 4-6 L-1 19-32 15-39

AL CENTRAL W L Pct GB L10 Str Home Away
Indians 60 44 .577 - 6-4 L-2 28-24 32-20
Twins 60 45 .571 1/2 2-8 L-3 34-19 26-26
Whitesox 51 52 .495 8 1/2 5-5 L-1 28-23 23-29
Tigers 45 58 .437 14 1/2 3-7 W-2 27-25 18-33
Royals 41 64 .391 19 1/2 4-6 L-1 21-30 20-34

AL WEST W L Pct GB L10 Str Home Away
Mariners 76 29 .724 - 8-2 W-4 36-16 40-13
A's 56 49 .533 20 6-4 W-1 29-24 27-25
Angels 53 52 .505 23 6-4 L-1 28-24 25-28
Rangers 47 58 .448 29 7-3 W-2 26-28 21-30

NL EAST W L Pct GB L10 Str Home Away
Braves 60 45 .571 - 6-4 W-3 28-25 32-20
Phillies 57 48 .543 3 5-5 L-3 32-20 25-28
Marlins 52 52 .500 7 1/2 4-6 L-4 32-18 20-34
Mets 49 57 .462 11 1/2 5-5 W-3 28-25 21-32
Expos 45 61 .424 15 1/2 3-7 L-3 25-27 20-34

NL CENTRAL W L Pct GB L10 Str Home Away
Cubs 61 43 .586 - 6-4 W-1 32-18 29-25
Astros 57 48 .543 4 1/2 4-6 L-1 26-26 31-22
Cardinals 52 51 .505 8 1/2 5-5 L-1 32-21 20-30
Brewers 45 58 .437 15 1/2 2-8 L-2 25-28 20-30
Reds 41 63 .394 20 6-4 W-3 16-37 25-26
Pirates 41 63 .394 20 5-5 W-1 25-26 16-37

NL WEST W L Pct GB L10 Str Home Away
Dodgers 61 45 .576 - 7-3 L-1 34-19 27-26
Diamondbacks 59 46 .562 1 1/2 4-6 L-4 28-26 31-20
Giants 57 49 .538 4 6-4 W-5 33-20 24-29
Padres 51 54 .486 9 1/2 7-3 W-2 22-31 29-23
Rockies 44 61 .419 16 1/2 4-6 W-1 26-27 18-34

3) Today's schedule--

AL
Angels (Jarrod Washburn 9-4) at Redsox (Rolando Arrojo 2-3), 7:05 p.m.
Mariners (Aaron Sele 12-2) at Tigers (Jose Lima 2-2), 7:05 p.m.
Twins (Joe Mays 12-7) at BlueJays (Esteban Loaiza 6-9), 7:05 p.m.
Rangers (Darren Oliver 8-6) at Yankees (Ted Lilly 3-3), 7:05 p.m.
A's (Cory Lidle 4-5) at Indians (Jake Westbrook 3-2), 7:05 p.m.
Devil Rays (Paul Wilson 3-7) at Orioles (Josh Towers 6-5), 7:05 p.m.
Royals (Paul Byrd 2-4) at Whitesox (Rocky Biddle 2-7), 8:05 p.m.

NL
Mets (Glendon Rusch 6-6) at Astros (Dave Mlicki 6-8), 8:05 p.m.
Marlins (Ryan Dempster 11-9) at Brewers (Ben Sheets 10-7), 8:05 p.m.
Braves (Kevin Millwood 2-4) at Cardinals (Dustin Hermanson 8-8), 8:10 p.m.
Phillies (Robert Person 9-5) at Rockies (Brian Bohanon 5-6), 9:05 p.m.
Expos (Bobby Munoz 0-0) at Diamondbacks (Curt Schilling 14-5), 10:05 p.m.
Cubs (Jon Lieber 13-5) at Padres (Brian Lawrence 2-0), 10:05 p.m.
Reds (Jose Acevedo 2-3) at Dodgers (Eric Gagne 4-4), 10:10 p.m.
Pirates (David Williams 1-3) at Giants (Livan Hernandez 9-11), 10:15 p.m.

4) Yesterday's HRs--

None

5) HR leaders--

AL
1) Jim Thome--33
2) Manny Ramirez--32
T3) Alex Rodriguez--28
T3) Carlos Delgado--28
T5) Rafael Palmeiro--27
T5) Juan Gonzalez--27
7) Troy Glaus--26
T8) Jason Giambi--24
T8) Bret Boone--24
T10) Greg Vaughn--23
T10) Tino Martinez--23

NL
1) Barry Bonds--45
2) Luis Gonzalez--41
3) Sammy Sosa--35
4) Todd Helton--31
T5) Chipper Jones--30
T5) Shawn Green--30
7) Phil Nevin--29
T8) Jeff Bagwell--28
T8) Larry Walker--28
T8) Cliff Floyd--28
T8) Vladimir Guerrero--28

6) The Padres traded P Sterling Hitchcock to the Yankees for minor leaguers P Brett Jodie and OF Darren Blakely.

What does this trade mean for the Yankees? That's a good question.

It could mean the Yankees are concerned about Roger Clemens's groin injury. They are already concerned that Orlando Hernandez may not be healthy, or effective, enough to be in the postseason rotation. So, Hitchcock will have a shot at taking his place.

But, can Hitchcock pitch effectively enough for a team that's trying to win a championship? That's a bigger question.

Hitchcock's only pitched 3 games this year. Three starts is such a small sample size that's pretty much the equivalent of none. It's not exactly the same, since 0 GS means no return yet from Tommy John surgery and 3 means he's been back briefly, but in terms of what he has left, we might as well just pick random numbers and throw them together in a pitching line.

During his career, Hitchcock has accumulated -42 RSAA, although most of his damage to his teams was back in 1996-97, when he had -11 and -23 figures. He's had an ERA of under 4.50 in just 2 of his 7 seasons with 5+ GS. Meanwhile, over the past 3 years, he's consistently around average, posting -4, 6 and -5 numbers.

The Yankees's strategy here seems to be to hope Hitchcock can catch lightening in a bottle.

Jodie, 24, was ranked as the Yankees's #23 prospect by Baseball America and was given a C grade by the Minor League Scouting Notebook. He came into the season with a 3.00 career ERA in 3 minor league seasons, with 3 starts in AA and the rest in A ball. He had a 1 game callup to the majors this season and had a 2.87 ERA in AAA.

Blakely, 24, was acquired by the Yankees in a spring training trade with the Angels, for Glenallen Hill. He wasn't listed in the Angels's top 30 prospect list by Baseball America and was given a C grade by the Minor League Scouting Notebook. He came into the year with a .763 career OPS (.337 OBA, .426 SLG) in 3 years, with 2000 in AA and the rest below that. He's spent most of this season in Hi-A ball (86 games) and some in AA (10 games).

7) The Twins traded RF Matt Lawton to the Mets for P Rick Reed.

This is a really interesting trade.

Lawton's hitting .444 SLG, .400 OBA, .844 OPS, 17 RCAA, .612 OWP, .296 AVG, 10 HR, 51 RBI in 102 games. He was leading the team in OBA while he was 1 RCAA behind Doug Mientkiewicz for the team lead. He's working on his second consecutive .400+ OBA season and is pace for his 3rd 20+ RCAA season in the past 4 years.

Reed has a 3.48 ERA and 16 RSAA in 20 starts this season. After having good years in 1997-98, with 29 and 16 RSAA, he dropped to -4 and 5 RSAA over the past couple of years, before regaining his top form.

Instead of the traditional approach contenders take, making a trade to just help themselves this year, the Twins have taken the approach of help themselves in pitching, but weaken the offense.

Meanwhile, the Twins may not be done trading. They are rumored to be interested in Dmitri Young. While Young is working on his 4th consecutive .300+ season, he's not as good as Lawton. But, Young's still a little above average, so the drop from Lawton to Young could be something they can live with in order to add Reed to the staff.

Also, the Mets might not be done. WFAN's Mets reporter, Ed Coleman, says Jay Payton could be on the move today.

8) The Redsox released P Bryce Florie.

9) The Devil Rays activated RF Jose Guillen from the DL and sent him to the minor

10) The Cubs sent P Mike Fyhrie to the minors, to make room on the roster for newly acquired David Weathers.

[nyy26wc]

1) According to the LA Daily News, "The Angels are not expected to make a significant trade by the time the deadline passes today, content to take their chances with what they have. It's not that they don't believe they could use another bat or another starter, it's that general manager Bill Stoneman hasn't found a suitable deal."

2) According to the Toronto Globe and Mail, "the Indians are said to be eyeing the Blue Jays Shannon Stewart, although after losing Manny Ramirez to free agency you wonder how much they'd like to add another Jeff Moorad client."

3) The Atlanta Journal Constitution reports, "'We're in active conversations on four different fronts,' Braves president Stan Kasten said Monday afternoon before going to a meeting with general manager John Schuerholz. "John and I are going over a lot of scenarios. I have no idea if we're going to do anything.'

"The overriding feeling among those close to the club is that any move would be minor. Decisions will be based on financial constraints imposed by AOL Time-Warner and the myriad directions the club could take. ...

"Players who are believed to have piqued the Braves' interest are Royals shortstop Rey Sanchez and Orioles first baseman/left fielder Jeff Conine. ...

"The Braves aren't inclined to trade away their top young pitching talent, and the first players on teams' lists include Odalis Perez, Jason Marquis and Kevin Millwood. That and money issues have made this trading season quiet so far."

4) According to the Houston Chronicle, "According to one National League general manager, the Astros and Rockies began talks in earnest again Monday morning on a deal that could land Astacio in Houston and Daryle Ward with the Rockies, who probably would deal him elsewhere. The Astros likely will send a major-league pitcher and a prospect to complete the deal."

5) Cardinals LF Ray Lankford told the St. Louis Post Dispatch that he would waive his no trade rights, which he gets as a 10 and 5 year man, if the team wants to deal him.

6) Orioles P Pat Hentgen may need Tommy John surgery.

Hentgen's going to miss the rest of the reason and probably most of next year. His 8 RSAA in 2001 were the most he's had since a 21 RSAA season in 1997. Subsequent to that season, he had a total of -10 RSAA from 1998-2000.

7) The Padres recalled P Brian Lawrence, to take the traded Sterling Hitchcock's place in the rotation, and he'll start today.

8) A MRI on Braves RF Brian Jordan showed no major damage to either his ankle or knee and he's expected to miss 4-5 days.

9) Phillies LF Pat Burrell has been out of the lineup for the past 4 games, due to a slump, while MGR Larry Bowa says the team doesn't plan on sending him to the minors for more seasoning.

Burrell's been hitting .427 SLG, .348 OBA, .775 OPS, -2 RCAA, .484 OWP, .266 AVG, 11 HR, 53 RBI in 103 games.

10) Padres minor league P Gerik Baxter, who ranked as the Padres's #5 prospect by Baseball America, and A's minor leaguer Mark Hilde, a 32nd round pick in the 2001 draft, were both killed in a car crash. Baxter was 21 and Hilde was 18.

[nyy26wc]

1) According to the Denver Post, "A three-team deal that would bring Cincinnati infielder Pokey Reese to the Rockies still was a possibility. Discussions with Toronto have involved outfielder Shannon Stewart and shortstop Alex Gonzalez, with the Blue Jays asking for Astacio, closer Jose Jimenez and pitching prospect Jason Jennings in return.

"A source said that particular deal wasn't going to happen.

"The Yankees, Dodgers and Giants were at one time interested in Astacio, but went in a different direction. Sources say another erstwhile pursuer, the St. Louis Cardinals, backed off Astacio because their team fell farther out of contention the past two weeks."

2) According to Sportsline, "With the Giants, Yankees and Twins having filled needs, the Blue Jays appeared to be the only match for [Astacio] the most talked-about starting pitcher on the market. ...

"Several sources said Monday that the Rockies and Blue Jays continued to talk and were being as creative as possible in attempting to do an Astacio deal. One possibility remains Toronto sending outfielder Shannon Stewart to Colorado for Astacio straight up, although one source says that given Toronto GM Gord Ash's rivalry with ex-mentor and current Seattle GM Pat Gillick, Ash 'isn't looking to do him any favors' and might not send Stewart to Colorado for fear O'Dowd will turn around and trade him to the Mariners.

"There also is a scenario in which the Blue Jays would send Stewart and shortstop Alex Gonzalez to Colorado for Astacio, and then the Rockies would ship Gonzalez to Cincinnati for Pokey Reese. Houston general man Gerry Hunsicker also was in touch with the Rockies regarding Astacio on Monday.

"As for San Diego's Williams, Towers remains optimistic about dealing him by Tuesday's deadline but, given the slimming market, acknowledges it may turn out to be impossible. If the Padres can't trade him, they'll likely hope he passes through waivers in August and trade him by the end of the month.

"While the Twins are out of the Williams talks, they hope to make one more deal by Tuesday's deadline: They continue an all-out search for a right-handed hitter. They already were looking to boost their offense before dealing Lawton to the Mets, now, that need is even greater."

3) According to the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, "With the major league trading deadline coming up this afternoon, the Mariners and the Montreal Expos spent yesterday talking trade.

"The Mariners appeared to be willing to trade Brett Tomko, currently pitching for Class AAA Tacoma, for Expos minor league outfielder Milton Bradley."

Meanwhile, "Gillick's stance in recent days seems to indicate that the Mariners will shy away from making a trade," but "Among the names the Mariners will take one last look at today before the deadline are outfielders Shannon Stewart and Jose Cruz Jr. (Toronto) and Juan Encarnacion (Detroit). Reports that the Mariners and Tigers had talked about a trade that would bring leadoff hitter Roger Cedeno from the Tigers to the Mariners have been denied by Tigers general manager Randy Smith."

4) According to the LA Daily News, "With a 1 1/2-game lead in the National League West, they [the Dodgers] want to add a relief pitcher and possibly a starting shortstop.

"Montreal's Ugueth Urbina and Pittsburgh's Mike Williams are closers who are available. The Expos want prospects. The Pirates want the right-handed Diggins, last year's top draft choice, or Chen, the organization's top prospect two seasons ago who is rebounding from shoulder surgery."

Meanwhile, "The often-mentioned Kansas City shortstop Rey Sanchez is still around. Atlanta also is interested, but neither the Braves nor Dodgers want to pick up the prorated portion of his $3 million salary for this season. The Royals want Diggins and shortstop Alex Cora in return for Sanchez, who can become a free agent at the end of the season."

5) According to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, "The Marlins think they need to pick up a proven setup man and possibly another starter to make a run at a postseason berth. But after the disappointing weekend in Cincinnati, the question for team officials was whether it was still worth making any significant deals."

6) According to the Washington Times, "Several teams have expressed interest in Jeff Conine, who can play first base, third base or the outfield, but Thrift does not appear willing to part with one of his top offensive players. He continues to say he isn't looking to trade a player like Conine but would like to acquire someone of that caliber.

"Other players drawing attention include outfielder/shortstop Melvin Mora and veteran relievers Buddy Groom and Mike Trombley."

7) According to NY Newsday, "The Mets were looking for teams interested in trading for All-Star pitcher Rick Reed yesterday, and had extensive talks with several contenders about the ultra-consistent righthander. But oddly enough, the most interesting discussions may have been with the also-ran Blue Jays, who are looking to deal for a first-rate pitcher and have dynamic young outfielder Shannon Stewart to peddle.

"Reed (8-6, 3.48 ERA) and Stewart were considered in several combinations, and baseball sources indicate that as many as seven or even eight players were discussed in some scenarios. It is believed the Mets considered sending a package including Reed, shortstop Rey Ordonez and third baseman Robin Ventura north for Stewart, shortstop Alex Gonzalez and others, possibly pitchers Esteban Loaiza and Joey Hamilton.

"However, Mets general manager Steve Phillips expressed some pessimism about a Blue Jays deal while talking to one GM last night. Presumably, they don't want to accept the bad contracts of Loaiza ($4.2 million) and Hamilton ($7.2 million)."

8) Braves OF Bernard Gilkey was arrested at an airport in St. Louis yesterday, due to an outstanding warrant from a DWI and probation violation. Gilkey posted a bond and was released an hour and a half later.

9) Mariners DH Edgar Martinez will have a workout this afternoon and if that goes OK, he'll be activated from the DL.

10) The Marlins called up OF Jeff Abbott.

Abbott has a .728 career OPS and -17 RCAA in 603 major league PA, with the 1997-2000 Whitesox. Meanwhile, he had a .331 AVG in AAA this year, but just a .338 OBA.

[nyy26wc]

1) According to the St. Louis Post Dispatch, on the possibility of the Cardinals trading Ray Lankford, "'We would, if the right situation was in place,' general manager Walt Jocketty said Monday night. 'But right now, I don't think so. We don't have a deal for him today - and I'm not sure we will before the deadline.'"

Meanwhile, "The Cardinals are said to be trying to acquire righthanded pitcher Woody Williams (8-8) from San Diego. But they are not sure if they can get Williams for Lankford, even if the Cardinals pick up part of what remains of Lankford's $8.1 million salary for this year and his $7.6 million for next year (plus a $1 million buyout on a 2003 option), as they probably are willing to do. They also aren't entirely sure how available Williams is, although the Padres are trying to cut payroll and Williams, 34, is scheduled to make $7.25 million next season."

2) According to NY Newsday, "The Mets showed how much they wanted to keep Al Leiter when they finally named their asking price from Houston yesterday: star outfielder Lance Berkman, veteran pitcher Shane Reynolds and top young righthander Tim Redding.

"That whopper of a request effectively ended all talks with Houston."

Meanwhile, "The Dodgers and Rockies are showing the most interest in Reds infielder Pokey Reese. However, L.A. probably would prefer Royals infielder Rey Sanchez. Top pitching prospect Ricardo Rodriguez probably would be part of the package ... The Red Sox have discussed Expos closer Ugueth Urbina, Pirates closer Mike Williams and Jays reliever Paul Quantrill ... Seattle is looking for a hitter and has interest in Shannon Stewart, Juan Encarnacion and Jeromy Burnitz. Stewart would be a perfect fit, but Jays GM Gord Ash is said to prefer not to deal with his former boss, Pat Gillick, who has built a powerhouse in Seattle ... After David Weathers rejected the Brewers' three-year, $6-million offer, they sent the former Yankees reliever and a prospect to the Cubs for pitching prospect Ruben Quevedo and another prospect ... Top Giants lefthander Shawn Estes could be available. Estes has pitched well this year, but scouts say his velocity is down ... The Braves will have interest in Devil Rays outfielder Greg Vaughn if Brian Jordan is hurt worse than feared. They are saying Jordan will miss less than a week with knee and ankle injuries. But if it's longer, they might look to Vaughn, who will clear waivers. However, Atlanta is more cost-conscious than ever now that AOL owns the team ... Darryl Hamilton was released from the Rockies' Triple-A Colorado Springs team. A Rockies person said, 'He couldn't play, and he kept complaining about his toe.'"

3) According to the Toronto Sun, "The BlueJays "could send outfielder Shannon Stewart and shortstop Alex Gonzalez to the Colorado Rockies for starting pitcher Pedro Astacio, reliever Jose Jimenez and a third player. Then, the Rockies would move Gonzalez to the Cincinnati Reds for infielder Pokey Reese. Or the Rockies could keep Gonzalez as a replacement for Neifi Perez, who was dealt last week to the Kansas City Royals."

"Alternatively, the Jays, Cleveland Indians and San Diego Padres could get together for a three-way deal. Stewart would go to Cleveland, Padres third baseman Phil Nevin would take over at third base for the Jays and slugger Russell Branyan would go to San Diego from the Indians. But talk from Cleveland last night indicated the Indians would not made a deadline deal for the first time since 1994.

"Or, the Jays could watch as Stewart is moved to either the New York Yankees or the Mariners. The Yankees would have to deal Chuck Knoblauch for that to happen.

Or, the BlueJays could just trade for Astacio and keep him.

"Indications are that Jays reliever Kelvim Escobar, who has drawn plenty of interest, won't be going anywhere. While the St. Louis Cardinals are interested in Escobar and the Jays like catcher Eli Marrero, the Jays want more than just Marrero for Escobar."

4) According to the Seattle Times, "According to a Mariners official, Seattle has offered Halama and Denny Stark, a 26-year-old right-hander pitching at Class AAA Tacoma, for inconsistent outfielder Juan Encarnacion. The Tigers, according to the club official, are asking for Stark, Pineiro and Tacoma shortstop Ramon Vazquez."

Meanwhile, "Unless the Mariners and Tigers can reach a compromise, or Gillick pulls off a shocker, the Seattle club is what it is. Officials spent the weekend saying a trade is unlikely."

5) On WFAN, NY Newsday writer Jon Heyman said the Brewers are shopping Jeromy Burnitz.

6) According to the Toronto Star, "The silence surrounding the Jays' clubhouse has convinced many pundits that Godfrey and general manager Gord Ash will let the deadline pass quietly, preferring to make their trades in the off-season. However it could just be the quiet before the storm, like in 1998 when Mike Stanley and Juan Guzman were shuffled off before the deadline and then Randy Myers was discarded a week later.

"Most of the rumours have surrounded outfielders Shannon Stewart and Jose Cruz and relievers Kelvim Escobar, Paul Quantrill and Dan Plesac, but with the Jays failing in every aspect no player is safe (with the exception of franchise-player Carlos Delgado)."

7) According to the Boston Herald, "With this afternoon's 4 p.m. trade deadline drawing near, the Red Sox last night placed their primary focus on acquiring either Montreal's Ugueth Urbina or Pittsburgh's Mike Williams in hopes of shoring up their bullpen.

"Urbina, a right-handed flamethrower, is the Sox' No. 1 target, but the club had still been unable to strike a deal with the Expos as of early last night.

"Both the Expos and the Pirates had been asking for more than the Red Sox were willing to give up, although there were indications that a third team was involved in a potential deal, which could move talks along."

Meanwhile, "Other names that the Red Sox have been discussing in the past few days include Cincinnati's Danny Graves and Kansas City's Roberto Hernandez, but those two had been pushed to the backburner while the club focused on Urbina and Williams.

"The Red Sox have asked Oakland about their closer, Jason Isringhausen, but the A's have given no indication that they are willing to deal Isringhausen without getting something substantial in return. Closer Derek Lowe would qualify as substantial, yet there would be no net gain in that deal for either club."

[NetShrine]

Originally posted by nyy26wc
According to NY Newsday, "The Mets showed how much they wanted to keep Al Leiter when they finally named their asking price from Houston yesterday: star outfielder Lance Berkman, veteran pitcher Shane Reynolds and top young righthander Tim Redding.

"That whopper of a request effectively ended all talks with Houston."



:loud: They say you don't get a bloody nose for asking - but, if this is true, the Mets came close to really testing the theory.

[nyy26wc]

In the cartoon world, Hunsicker would have been able to stick his fist through the phone and hit Phillips.

Since it's already the 21st century, aren't we supposed to have those futuristic features already?

Well, at least we have the ability to all be in different places, send messages to each other and everybody gets to read them at their leisure. That would have been a pretty far out futuristic dream not too long ago.

[NetShrine]

Originally posted by nyy26wc
In the cartoon world, Hunsicker would have been able to stick his fist through the phone and hit Phillips.

:loud: I can just see it!