Around the Majors

The Yankees finished off their post All-Star break home stand nine and one, beating the Oakland A's seven to five. The win moved New York back up to two and a half games over Boston. Mariano Rivera saved his 25th straight game.

The Boston Red Sox lost to the Orioles six to two at Fenway. David Hernandez pitched well for the O's, going seven innings giving up one run on five hits. John Smoltz was anything but good for the Sox. He lasted just five innings giving up all six Baltimore runs. Smoltz has an ERA over 7 so far this year and really doesn't look right on the mound. Boston may need to make a run at a starter with Penny and Smoltz struggling at the back end of their rotation and Daisuke Matsuzaka on the DL.

The Phillies beat up on the Cardinals for the second day in a row, winning nine to two. Ryan Howard came up big for Philadelphia, going three for three with two runs scored and three RBI. The Phillies have the second biggest lead in any of the division races, sitting six and a half games up on Atlanta and Florida in the National League East.

Both Atlanta and Florida won to keep pace in the NL East yesterday. The Marlins will be a fun team to watch down the stretch to see if they stay involved in the race. They don't need to move any big salaries this year, so they should keep the team in tact. Definitely do not look for them to pick anyone up though. They are still a year away from making one of their every six to seven year runs towards the World Series.

Aaron Cook went seven strong innings to help the Rockies to a four to two win over the Giants. Cook picked up his tenth victory of the year "scattering" nine hits and giving up just two runs.

The names you read the most are most likely the players not to be dealt. It just seems to be the rumors that swirl this time of year are the players more likely to be dealt in the off-season. I don't think the Indians will deal Victor Martinez or Cliff Lee as they should contend next year. As I have said a ton of times, I don't see Roy Halladay being dealt. I think it's the names you hear a little less that might be on the move. Don't be surprised if Adam Dunn gets moved by the Nationals. He has some value to a few teams in division races, though with the Mets falling out of it the bidding might be down. I also wouldn't be surprised if the Giants make a move for a back end of the rotation pitcher, trying to make a real run at the Rockies and the Wild Card.