Rumors Abound

Hi, this is Slappy White, and THIS is a PG Sportsworld update-

The city of Lincoln, Illinois is a hornet's nest of activity, as rumors are circulating that a deal between The Brothers McCreery may be imminent.

An inside source has told PG Sportsworld that what started out as back and forth phone calls has turned into serious, serious discussions.

"I saw them leaving the Alley Bi saloon late last night. Both were carrying what appeared to be player bios and as they exited, they turned to eachother, nodded and shook hands", said an unnamed source.

We'll keep you updated as more information comes in.

Linc's Rumblings, Whispers, and Rumors

With 24 days remaining before the MLB trade deadline the NL and AL pennant races and the wild card picture are starting to take shape. While there is still a lot of baseball left to be played the following is what Linc has learned……

Sellers-
Washington
Pittsburgh
Toronto
Seattle
Arizona
Baltimore
San Diego
KansasCity Houston
Oakland
Colorado
Florida
Atlanta

Undecided
Chicago White Sox
Detroit
Chicago Cubs
Cincinnati
Minnesota

Buyers
New York Yankees
New York Mets
Boston
Tampa Bay
Texas
Philidelphia
San Francisco
Milwaukee
LA Dodgers
LA Angels
St. Louis

Adam LaRoche (1B) – The Pirates are in familiar waters (hey hey!) this time of year and are looking to trade off the lesser of the two LaRoche brothers. The Mets are in need of a first baseman (see below) but the Giants appear to be the most likely destination. Expect a LaRoche to SF for Jonathan Sanchez (or less) before the deadline.

Aubrey Huff (1B) – The Mets appear to have zeroed in on Huff now that DeRosa has been dealt to STL. Huff can play 1B, spell Wright at 3B, and move to the OF should Delgado return ahead of schedule.

Jason Marquis (SP) – Colorado wants to take advantage of Marquis’s 11 wins and the Phillies are said to be interested. There is a glitch, however, in that the Philadelphia media is reporting the Phillies may consider signing Pedro Martinez instead. This could be nothing more than a move to get Colorado to lower their asking price.

Scott Linbrink (RP) – Those of you who speak Ozzie know that Guillen thinks his team is over performing trash. Kenny Williams seems to have a different opinion so it is unclear if the Chi Sox will be buyers or sellers. Should they become sellers, Linbrink appears to have value with Texas (whom the Sox have a comfort level in doing business), the Giants, and the Devil Rays.

Jermaine Dye (OF) – Dye to the Angels is a rumor I’ve read in multiple sources – with some reporting Figgins headed to the south side. Cincinnati is also said to be scouting Dye as they are looking for a power hitting OF to team with Bruce and Tavarez.

Garrett Atkins (INF) – This would be part deux of the Halos big plan. Should the Angels give up Figgins to obtain Dye they could trade for Atkins to fill the void at 3B. Atkins is odd man out in Denver but thus far Colorado’s asking price has been too high.

Victor Martinez (C/1B) – No doubt Martinez is going to be calling a new team home after the All-Star Break. The only real question is where? The Giants are set behind the plate in both the short term (Molina) and long term (Posey) so V-Mart would fill in at 1B.

Jeff Francouer (OF) & Yunel Escobar (SS) – Francouer has been benched and Escobar has been in Bobby Cox’s doghouse for the better part of the season. Kansas City is said to “covet” Escobar and have interest in Francouer as a rehab project. Atlanta is said to be interested in a Teehan for Francouer swap but not Teehan for Escobar. Expect the powers that be in KC and ATL to work things out over the All-Star Break and come up with a package that works for both teams.

********BLOCKBUSTER TRADE*********

"If you're not moving, you're just standing still", said SwinGERS GM Jason Gerwig this afternoon as he consumated a deal with the Baby Gorilla's that sent Kevin Youklis, Ryan Braun, and Nick Markakis to the jungle for Miguel Cabrera, Andre Ethier, and Jermaine Dye.

With the SwinGERS needing a power surge in their lineup, acquiring Cabrera, Ethier, and Dye certainly will fill that need. "That's an area we've been losing each week", proclaimed Gerwig as he exited his palatial estate in Ukranian Village, "this upgrade should add a few volts to what could be a powerful lineup in the second half".

With the Baby Gorilla's in dead last in PG East, a move had to be made to shake things up. "Unfortunately, things haven't worked out as we planned this season, and we're struggling", said Gorilla's GM Jim Clark, "when that happens you can't stay stagnant, you have to keep fighting". With an abysmal 49-74 record, the Gorilla's certainly lost some power today but did pick up batting average capability, along with a little more speed.

"I've always liked what Mr. Markakis has brought to the table, and I look forward to seeing him in a Gorilla uniform, said Jim Clark, "i'm sorry to see a fellow Sun Devil leave in Andre Ethier, he'll be missed".

3K Tuesday

With the big trade that went down 2 days ago, and team owners looking to position themselves for the stretch run, as well as 2010, is there anyone out there that will be looking to enter into the trade market or are the majority of you content with just scraping arms and bats off the scrap heap?

Now that we're pretty much at the half-way point who are your biggest surprises on your respective team, and your biggest disappointments? For instance, who is the guy that you assumed to just be the rock in your organization, you signed him to a 3-year deal and now you're trying to figure out why you're still allowing him to flounder on your bench.

I'll start: I have to say that Chien-Ming Wang has to be my biggest disappointment. I got him locked in to next season as well! I also thought Conor Jackson was going to take the next step in his career, but instead he's been hampered by the oddest illness known to man??

Come on, start some discussions before the Commish decides to shut-us down just for spite. A little housekeeping....has the commish collected monies from everyone? Anyone who hasn't sent their league entry money in should be shut down on transactions until they get their money in -- team should be frozen! It's unacceptable you deadbeats!

3K

Recap Monday

Today's post will be representative of feedback this blog receives daily from members of this league. In the words of Pink Floyd, "Is there anybody out there"? Now if you'll excuse me, I'm gonna go hold my breath and wait for a comment.

Baby Gorillas-5
The Rockpile-5

Jimmy's Daddy-7
The SwinGERS-3

Cornholers-6
CO Yankees-3
Tied-1

Client #9-5
Year 2000!-3
Tied-2

Hoosier Heat-7
Tallcorn Cobras-2
Tied-1

Lawndale Longhorns-5
Clark & Addison-3
Tied-2

SUNDAY NIGHT BLOCKBUSTER

Out of nowhere, the Tallcorn Cobras have sent Carlos Beltran and Miguel Tejada to the Cornholers for Nelson Cruz and Jimmy Rollins. This weekend trade ends a drought in the trade market, as both teams have fired the opening salvo in what could be a very active trading season.

With Gordon Beckham emerging as a fantasy threat, 3K saw his move to dump a reeling (and very unproductive) Jimmy Rollins. In the event Beckham can't cut the mustard for the Cornholers down the stretch, Miguel Tejada isn't a bad alternative. In the meantime, Tejada will take Nelson Cruz's place as utility player.

But make no mistake, 3K lost A LOT of production with the departure of Nelson Cruz (power, speed, scoring and driving in runs). Why someone would part with a potential 30-30 guy is beyond me. One might point out that Carlos Beltran is all about the 30-30 club and this is simply a tit for tat trade. Not this guy because it ain't gonna happen for Carlos this year. Also keep in mind historically, Beltran's numbers are better overall in the first half of the season as compared to the second half. Sure, Carlos dodged a bullet by not needing surgery. But anyone will tell you that a bone bruise is a tough healer and could put a hamper on his production for the rest of July and into August. This is clearly a BIG gamble for 3K, who is putting a ton of faith in Carlos Beltran's health and talent. If he returns to the lineup and produces comparably to Nelson Cruz, consider this trade a success.

At this particular point in time, the Cobras clearly don't need Jimmy Rollins (what with Derek Jeter's staggering numbers in the wind tunnel that is Yankee Stadium). I think it was a very bad move to acquire Jimmy Rollins at this juncture. If he's looking towards next year, then perhaps I can begin to understand. If Jimmy starts producing like gangbusters this season, T-Dub is gonna have to sit one of his outfielders (between Bay, Cruz, Hawpe, and Soriano) to make room for him. I'm simply not comfortable with it. I'm loving the Nelson Cruz move though. T-Dubs outfielders are looking good, with Jason Bay and Brad Hawpe providing a solid foundation. The Nelson Cruz acquisition solidifies a well rounded outfield battery (and if Lou Pinella grows a brain and drops Soriano in the lineup, watch out). Cruz will score 100 runs this season, hit at least 40 bombs, steal 25-30 bases, and drive in 130. That's a whole lotta noise coming from that ghetto blaster.

This move may help out both teams (as this clearly was the intent, there is no white flag in the vicinity). I hate the Rollins pickup, and I'm not a fan of the Beltran move. Miguel Tejada can throw up a solid batting average...but the HGH is clearly not coarsing through his veins like the days of yore. 5 stars for the Nelson Cruz pickup, T-Dub. Time will tell, fellas. What do you think?

Linc's Rumblings, Whispers, and Rumors

Welcome one and all to Week 2 (semana dos a mi Mexicana-Americana amigos) of what Linc has learned – the 4th of July collector’s edition. With precisely 30 long-hot days until the July 31st trade deadline Linc has smelled a lot of smoke but seen very little fire on the trade front.

Since we all have raw meat to grill, cold beer to drink, and 30 minutes to wait before we can go swimming after we eat (safety first) let us get started!

Bronson Arroyo (SP) – The Reds appear to be one of those rare buyer/seller combinations around the trade deadline and Walt Jocketty has gone on record saying he plans to be aggressive. Since arriving from Boston Arroyo has been too inconsistent to justify his $9.5 million 2009 salary, let alone the $11 million owed to him in 2010. The Mets and Giants have had mild interest but Texas appears to be the most likely destination with Hank Blalock getting shipped to the Queen City in return.

Felipe Lopez (INF) – Clearly the Cubs offense needs a spark and one rumor making the rounds has Lopez involved in his second consecutive trade deadline deal. If Lopez heads to the north side he could serve as a solid #2 hitter and provide some much needed speed near the top of the Cubs order. Couple a Lopez addition with the return of Aramis Ramirez and the baby bears might have the kick in the offensive butt needed to power their way back to the top of the NL Central.

Eric Bedard (SP) – Seattle’s desire to trade Bedard took a hit with his recent DL stint though don’t worry – it only delayed the inevitable. Bedard is a lock to be on the move with the Dodgers, Brewers, and Phillies all possible destinations. When healthy Bedard can solidify a shaky rotation and put his high K rate to good use for a team with an offense.

Mark DeRosa (INF) – DeRosa’s name has been floating around for a while now and I fully expect we will be hearing it a bit longer. The Indian’s brass claim they might hold onto him and see if the team can catch lightning in a bottle with the return of Westbrook and Sizemore. Should this comment have been made during a poker game I believe the appropriate term used to describe such a statement is BLUFF and DeRosa will have another uniform to hang on his game room wall after he retires. Both NY teams, as well as the Marlins have expressed interest. My money is on the Cardinals however. Troy Glaus’s throwing arm has fallen off – pretty much literally – and DeRosa would provide some pop at the hot corner and experience in a young dugout.

Jeff Nieman (SP) – The pitching rich Rays will have one too many starters once Kazmir returns from his rehab assignment. Price could be optioned to 3A or go to the bullpen to make room. Another option is for the Rays to trade Nieman to Texas, Colorado, Milwaukee, or the Dodgers who would covet a young experienced arm. Unfortunately, the Rays biggest need is bullpen help and none of the four teams listed above have the parts to give. That is unless the Rockies fall apart and then you might see a Hudson Street to Tampa for Nieman and a prospect or two.

Matt Holiday (OF) – Just like Kenny dying at the end every South Park episode (you bastards!) or Macgyver defusing a bomb with a paperclip, a roll of duct tape, and a tampon you can count on there being a Matt Holiday rumor. The team de jour now is the San Francisco Giants. Much like the Adam Dunn to the Bay rumor last week Holiday would provide some power to a team that ranks near the bottom of the league in every offensive category. SF can buy low and hope Holiday can channel his inner Barry while roaming left field.