American League Wins Again

So once again, we see Mariano Rivera on the mound closing out an AL victory in the All-Star game.

Roy Halladay didn't seem all that comfortable with all the attention, giving up three runs, two of them earned, in the second inning. Halladay reiterated that playing for a contender does intrigue him.

The Phillies may be in the hunt for Halladay, but have also tried to solidify the back end of their rotation as well. They inked future Hall of Famer Pedro Martinez to a one year deal for one million dollars. He can make up to one and a half million in incentives.

Apparently Bud Selig reads my blog...

Jason Bay and the Red Sox are set to begin negotiations.

The second half of baseball begins on Thursday, leaving Wednesday as one of the most boring sports days of the year. Hopefully you can find a local minor league game to listen to at some point. Otherwise you might actually have to talk to your family, friends, loved ones, or pets.

It will be interesting to see how the second half shakes out. There are a lot of teams still in the division and wild card races, leaving the trade market mired in uncertainty. You would think the Diamondbacks, Padres, Nationals, A's, Indians, and Orioles would be the teams most likely to shed payroll at some point before July 31st. But (not to beat a dead horse, and it certainly is dead) the economy is still in the dumps and some teams you wouldn't expect may look to unload some high priced "talent".

Keep an eye on a team like the Cubs who are just a mess right now. You could see them try to move Alfonso Soriano (though his trade value is down right now) or see if any American League team is willing to take a chance on Milton Bradley (highly unlikely with the length of his contract). You have already heard about the Blue Jays moving Halladay, but they would love to move Vernon Wells contract or the almost always underachieving Alex Rios.

In the AL Central, you will probably hear whispers of the Indians moving Cliff Lee. I just don't see that happening. His contract is a very managable one and they are still built to win next year. If they give up Lee, they give up their ace and don't have one lined up to take his place.

Seattle could quickly fall out of things in the AL West and could look to move Jarod Washburn or Erik Bedard if they get the right offer.

In the National League, the NL East should see the Nationals trying to move some pieces around, but who wants ANYONE they have. Adam Dunn is the most expensive and attractive piece, but can the Nats (interim) front office take that sort of publica relations hit?

I mentioned the Cubs in the central already but maybe we can look forward to the Pirates making another absolutely absurd trade.

And then out in the NL West, look for the Diamondbacks to try and move some payroll. Doug Davis is the name heard most often, possibly heading back to the Brewers. Jake Peavy would have been on the move if he was healthy, but now the Padres will most likely have to showcase him in the early fall and hope to deal him over the winter.

The buyers... as normal... the Red Sox, Yankees, Mets, and Phillies seem to be the most inclined to swing deals to try and bolster their playoff positions. I don't think the Mets can bring in a whole new roster, so Omar Minaya may play this trade deadline safe.


The NY Post is reporting that Citi Field will host the 2013 All Star game. Can you picture the WORST home run derby ever?