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NEWSBREAKERS MLB
Blalock ready to be activatedWednesday 7/16, 11:08 PM CT
Hank Blalock unexpectedly started at DH and not first base on Wednesday night but it was just done as a precaution and not because of any physical setback, according to MLB.com. "I made sure before I decided to come back that my hand was ready, and it hasn't given me any problems," Blalock said.

Our View: In the three rehab games Blalock went 2-for-7 with three walks. What remains to be seen is what the club will do with rookie first baseman Chris Davis who has produced six home runs and 13 RBI in just 17 games. Will the club keep him around as a backup, or will they send him back to the minor leagues? Stay tuned.
Edmonds married during breakWednesday 7/16, 11:00 PM CT
Jim Edmonds was married to his long time girlfriend on Tuesday, according to the Chicago Tribune. Always the classy guy, Edmonds got married wearing a t-shirt and jeans.

Our View: Edmonds is hitting only .206 in July, but he has still managed to work the count enough to post a .357 OBP. In 44 games since joining the Cubs, Edmonds is batting .269 with nine home runs and 29 RBI as well as a .922 OPS.
Votto providing as hopedWednesday 7/16, 10:55 PM CT
Joey Votto has a .279-13-40 line over the first half, though his numbers have fallen over the past 39 games leading to just three home runs, 11 RBI and a .262 average.

Our View: Votto has had a solid start to his major league career giving the Reds about the level of offense they had been hoping for. Votto should remain a viable corner infield option in mixed leagues.
Sanchez cannot locate lost swingWednesday 7/16, 10:50 PM CT
Freddy Sanchez was held out of the lineup for the final two games before the All-Star break due to a slump that has seen his average dip all the way to .226, .084 points below the .310 mark he entered the season with, according to Yahoo Sports.

Our View: A simplistic way of looking at things would be to say that Sanchez has hit in terrible luck this season given a BABIP mark of .248, .074 points below his career .322 mark, a number that he has actually bettered in each of the last two seasons. His line drive rate remains unchanged, and he is hitting fewer balls in the air, so it would seem that a rebound could be in the cards.
Wandy looking for successWednesday 7/16, 10:44 PM CT
Wandy Rodriguez has struggled of late with a 6.89 ERA and a 1.79 WHIP over his last three starts for the Astros.

Our View: Wandy still has 14 K in 15.2 innings in those three outings, though he has been uncharacteristically wild with seven walks in that time. Through it all he continues to have a ton of success at home with a 2.72 ERA and 1.07 WHIP in Houston while his struggles on the road have carried over from last season (4.50 ERA, 1.56 WHIP).
Pena well off the paceWednesday 7/16, 10:39 PM CT
Carlos Pena begins the second half with 14 home runs and 47 RBI, a woeful pace for a guy who hit 46 home runs with 121 RBI last season.

Our View: Pena has hit four home runs with 16 RBI over the last 18 games, but it's clear that last season will likely end up being a career best effort. Pena could still hit 30 home runs this season which would be a nice round number for a guy who has been injured and slumping for a majority of the season.
Farnsworth making most of chanceWednesday 7/16, 10:33 PM CT
Kyle Farnsworth has settled into a setup role in the Yankees lineup quite well since Joba Chamberlain was placed in the rotation posting a 2.30 ERA and 1.15 WHIP over his last 17 appearances.

Our View: Farnsworth certainly has the stuff to dominate hitters in any given appearance, but he has long had a troubling trend of doing the absolute worst thing at the absolute worst time. Lately, he has avoided those costly errors, and his production has been tremendous for those who have him rostered in leagues that count holds.
Washburn on a decent roleWednesday 7/16, 10:27 PM CT
Over his last seven starts Jarrod Washburn has only two wins but he has allowed more than three earned runs only once in that time for the Mariners.

Our View: Washburn certainly isn't likely to add much in the ratio categories, and his K total has never been anything to write home about either, but he is on a decent role of late which makes him worthy of starting in AL only leagues.
Suzuki finding his wayWednesday 7/16, 10:24 PM CT
Kurt Suzuki hit only .213 in May causing many owners to panic, but since then he has rebounded in a big way hitting .325 over his last 36 games.

Our View: Suzuki continues to be extremely inconsistent at the dish, and though his numbers since June 1st are great, he is hitting just .244 with only one RBI over his last 13 games. He isn't a top flight option, but he looks like a solid catcher two moving forward.
Litsch fallling off the paceWednesday 7/16, 10:20 PM CT
Jesse Litsch started the year on fire going 7-1 with a 3.18 ERA for the Jays, but since then he has fallen on tough times going just 1-5 with a 5.52 ERA, according to Yahoo Sports. “I’m going to sit down over the break and try to analyze it and figure stuff out."

Our View: Litsch, here is the problem - your stuff isn't that good so unless you hit your spots the results will be uneven. Litsch strikes out less than five batters per nine innings, so if not for an amazingly low BB/9 of 1.39, his production would be much worse. He is a lower tier option in mixed leagues at best, nothing more.
Young finally starting to hitWednesday 7/16, 10:15 PM CT
Delmon Young is hitting a solid .286 on the year, but the shocking lack of power, he has only 17 doubles and just three home runs, has marked him as one of the most disappointing hitters in the fantasy game.

Our View: Young has hit .321 since the start of June with all three of his home runs and 10 doubles over those 33 games, so he has been useful of late. However, he has stopped running with only one steal in that time, so he will need to keep up the swing to overcome the lack of stolen base success.
Verlander back in All-Star formWednesday 7/16, 10:09 PM CT
Justin Verlander still has a poor ERA (4.15) though his WHIP (1.27) is actually below his career mark of 1.29 as he is 3-0 with a 2.81 ERA and 1.13 WHIP over his last four starts.

Our View: Since the start of June, Verlander has produced a 5-1 record with a 2.71 ERA and a 1.09 WHIP putting behind him the whispers that he was injured. He appears primed to continue the role he is currently on the rest of the way.
Aviles continues to hitWednesday 7/16, 10:05 PM CT
Mike Aviles has more than ably replaced the struggling Tony Pena at the shortstop position as he has hit .317 in his 139 AB this season with 21 runs and 21 RBI in 35 games of action.

Our View: With numbers like that not only is Aviles a tremendous option in AL only leagues, he has actually played himself into consideration in deep mixed leagues as well. If you are a Tony Pena owner who is holding out hope of a rebound, well, he may never get the chance with Aviles hitting like this.
Betancourt a big disappointmentWednesday 7/16, 10:01 PM CT
Rafael Betancourt has been a huge disappointment for the Indians in the first half as he has failed to remotely approach his production of last season, according to The Plain Dealer.

Our View: Betancourt has failed to live up to expectations including allowing right handers to bat .315 leading to a 6.00 ERA, while permitting seven of 14 inherited runners to score. The "stuff" is still there for an extended run of success, but there has been little consistency to speak of this season.
El Duque to start on ThursdayWednesday 7/16, 9:47 PM CT
Orlando Hernandez (strained right foot tendon) will make a rehab start at Double-A Binghamton on Thursday, according to The Star Ledger.

Our View: El Duque could be ready to go by the end of the month, though given that we have waited this far into the season to see him pitch for the Mets, we wouldn't be at all shocked to see his return date pushed back yet again.
Jurrjens, youngsters saving Braves staffWednesday 7/16, 8:18 PM CT
Jair Jurrjens may not be receiving as much publicity as some other young arms like Edinson Volquez of the Reds, but that doesn't mean that he hasn't had a great start to his major league career with the Braves, according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution.

Our View: Jurrjens leads NL rookies in wins (nine) and is second in ERA (3.00). Jurrjens, Jo-Jo Reyes, Jorge Campillo and Charlie Morton have teamed to replace John Smoltz, Tom Glavine and Mike Hampton to give the Braves the arms they have needed in a depleted rotation.
Blalock forced to DHWednesday 7/16, 8:12 PM CT
Hank Blalock, making what was hoped to be his third and final rehab appearance at Double-A Frisco, was in the lineup at DH and not first base as originally planned, according to the Star Telegram.

Our View: No word yet on what the reason was for the switch, but it can't be taken as a positive that he was unable to play in the field. Stay tuned for an update.
Padres first baseman in terrible slumpWednesday 7/16, 7:46 PM CT
Adrian Gonzalez is tied for fifth in the NL in home runs with 22 and he is fourth in RBI with 71, though that masks the fact that he has been terribly unproductive at the plate of late hitting just .175 with a single home runs over his last 63 AB.

Our View: It's really a surprise that it has taken teams this long to work around Gonzalez since he is just about the only valid power option in their lineup right now. Even with his recent struggles, his .276/.345/.503 line is nearly identical to his production from last season (.282/.347/.502).
Taveras dealing with injured legWednesday 7/16, 7:41 PM CT
Speedster Willy Taveras could wind up on the disabled list due to a sore quadriceps muscle, according to the Associated Press. “Hopefully, he will be 100 percent (when the season resumes on Thursday) or we will have to think things through,” manager Clint Hurdle said.

Our View: Taveras missed the teams final two games before the break, and since his game is built on speed, he certainly represents little of value if he cannot run. Scott Podsednik could pick up some AB if Taveras is placed on the DL, especially with Ryan Spilborghs already on the DL due to a left oblique strain.
Kuo to serve as setup man?Wednesday 7/16, 7:36 PM CT
Hong-Chih Kuo has done a phenomenal job this season, and as a result he could be called upon to fill the setup role with the Dodgers now that former setup man Jonathan Broxton is in the closers role due to the injury to Takashi Saito, according to the Associated Press.

Our View: Chan Ho Park was also mentioned by manager Joe Torre, but we would certainly suggest that the club goes with Kuo who has dominated hitters to the tune of a 1.69 ERA, 0.96 WHIP and 10.63 K/9 mark in 53.1 innings.
Brown, Jepsen named to Olympic squadWednesday 7/16, 7:23 PM CT
Matt Brown and reliever Kevin Jepsen were both named to the Olympic team on Wednesday, according to the Orange County Register.

Our View: Brown is a mere 1-for-13 with seven K with the big league club this season, though he has been tearing it up in Triple-A with a .326-20-62 line in just 83 games. For his part, Jensen had 11 saves at Single-A before being promoted to Double-A where he is 0-2 with two saves including a 2.76 ERA.
Nomar taking to SS roleWednesday 7/16, 7:18 PM CT
Nomar Garciaparra is hitting only .276 over his last 10 games, but he has knocked in seven runs while playing a solid shortstop with no errors in eight games.

Our View: Nomar has suited up for eight games at third base as well, and is clearly going to be a valuable NL only option the rest of the way if he can manage to stay healthy long enough to find the groove with his stroke.
Posey wins Golden Spikes AwardWednesday 7/16, 7:12 PM CT
Catcher Buster Posey was named the recipient of the Golden Spikes Award on Wednesday, the trophy awarded to the outstanding college baseball players, according to MLB.com.

Our View: Posey, a converted shortstop who was selected in the first round by the Giants, led the NCAA in batting average (.472), OBP (.572) and SLG (.908). His bat his advanced, though his defense is lagging a bit behind at this point, but oh can he swing that stick.
Sherrill to be offered in trade?Wednesday 7/16, 7:01 PM CT
Whether or not George Sherrill remains with the Orioles the rest of the year is in question, according to the Baltimore Sun. The Sun speculated that Sherrill could be moved, possibly to the Dodgers, now that Takashi Saito is out of action for at least six weeks.

Our View: Rumors like this one are bound to make the rounds between now and the trading deadline, and it wouldn't be a shock to see the Dodgers pick up a more experienced arm to team with newly anointed closer Jonathan Broxton at the back end of the Dodgers pen.
Guzman hitting in three holeWednesday 7/16, 6:31 PM CT
Cristian Guzman may not be anywhere near the ideal hitter, but given the extensive injuries the Nationals are dealing with, he has found himself in that spot more frequently of late, according to MLB.com. "He's not your ideal third hitter, but he's our best hitter," manager Manny Acta said. "It's the fact of trying to find guys on the top in front of Guzman and guys behind Guzman. We are trying to find a combination that will help us score some runs. It's tough."

Our View: Guzman is hitting .313 on the year though with a mere 30 RBI and a .764 OPS. Obviously he isn't remotely suited for the role, bu the club is just trying to make due until Ryan Zimmerman and Dimitri Young return.
Carassco still has optionWednesday 7/16, 6:19 PM CT
D.J. Carrasco does indeed have one option left meaning that he could be sent down when the team chooses to activate Bobby Jenks, according to the Chicago Tribune.

Our View: The Sox had originally thought that Carrasco was out of options meaning that they would have had to expose him to waivers if they made a move, but now they can safely farm him out without a worry. The team hasn't made the final decision with D.J. as they are still considering sending out Adam Russell instead.
Branyan struggles at plateWednesday 7/16, 6:15 PM CT
The Brewers might be in the market to add a left handed bat if third baseman Russell Branyan continues to struggle at the plate, according to MLB.com.

Our View: Branyan has 11 home runs in just 106 AB, but he also has 37 K, a career long concern. Since a hot start his bat has cooled considerably producing a mere .125 average and .419 OPS over his last 32 AB. Even if the team doesn't acquire a new bat they might be alright considering that Bill Hall is hitting .448 over his last 29 AB to boost his average up to .234.
Mets dealing with streaky hittersWednesday 7/16, 6:05 PM CT
Carlos Delgado has been a streaky hitter this season with 54% of his 52 RBI coming in just 10% of his games played, according to MLB.com. This means that Delgado has all of 23 RBI in the other 82 games he has played this season.

Our View: Other Mets who has suffered from this high concentration of RBI in just a few games would include David Wright who has 60% of his RBI in just 18% of his games, while Carlos Beltran has 70% of his RBI in just 17% of his games.
Ortiz to play on Wednesday nightWednesday 7/16, 5:57 PM CT
Updating a previous report, it now appears that David Ortiz (wrist) will play four games with the Pawtucket Sox starting tonight, according to the Providence Journal.

Our View: We can't say we are shocked to see this after seeing Ortiz swinging in batting practice at the All-Star game. Ortiz should return, barring a setback, within 7-10 days.
Wainwright targeting early AugustWednesday 7/16, 5:51 PM CT
Adam Wainwright continues to progress well in his comeback from and injured middle finger and hopes to return to the hill for the Cardinals the first week of August, according to MLB.com. "I think it's healed exactly like it's supposed to," Wainwright said. "...I have every confidence that as soon as I get into my brain that my finger is healthy, I'll be fine."

Our View: Wainwright will throw long toss every other day the rest of this week in hopes of being to cleared to throw off the mound next week. If all goes well he will make a couple of appearances in the minors before returning to a rotation that desperately needs him.
Marlins lineup stacked with powerWednesday 7/16, 5:34 PM CT
Cody Ross, Hanley Ramirez, Dan Uggla, Mike Jacobs and Jorge Cantu are all on pace to hit at least 25 home runs this season for the Marlins, according to MLB.com. "Because we have a lot of power guys, we are going to drive the ball," Jacobs said. "That's going to account for a lot of doubles and a lot of home runs. I just think by the way we are, we're going to have big power numbers, up and down our lineup

Our View: Ramirez, Uggla and Jacobs figured to reach that mark this season, but Ross and Cantu have been huge for the Marlins and represent two of the better waiver wire pickups this season. Ross, in particular, might still be available in some mixed leagues, and if he is you might want to look his way since he is hitting .373 with 19 RBI in his last 19 games.
Tracy on tear at plateWednesday 7/16, 5:27 PM CT
Chad Tracy appears to have settled into the D'backs every day lineup at first base, with former first baseman Conor Jackson spending even more time in the outfield, according to the East Valley Tribune.

Our View: Tracy is hitting .410 over his last 39 AB and .377 over his final 16 games. With production like that, the team certainly will find a spot for that smooth swing in the lineup. Jackson should continue to play on a daily basis as well and has now played 17 games in the outfield.
Phillies concerned with use of LidgeWednesday 7/16, 5:22 PM CT
Tim Kurkjian of ESPN is reporting that the Phillies are very concerned that Brad Lidge threw nearly 100 pitches will warming up, multiple times, during the just completed All-Star Game last night.

Our View: The Phillies have been extremely careful with their use of Lidge this season and he has rewarded them with a huge first half including a 1.13 ERA and 20 saves. Keep an eye on how Lidge pitches once the season begins again, and you can bet this won't be the last time we hear about it if Lidge goes on to struggle.
LaPorta named to Olympic teamWednesday 7/16, 5:14 PM CT
Matt LaPorta, recently involved in the big CC Sabathia deal, has been named to the United States Olympic baseball team, according to Baseball America.

Our View: Another big name that was tabbed for the squad was the Cardinals Colby Rasmus. Click on the link above to view the whole squad.
Giants ink top Dominican prospectWednesday 7/16, 4:02 PM CT
The Giants signed 16-year-old Dominican prospect Rafael Rodriguez to a $2.55 million bonus Tuesday, according to Baseball America. It is the largest bonus ever given to a Latin American hitter, excluding Cuban defectors.

Our View: Rodriguez is a 6-5, 198-pound toolsy outfielder that signed on his 16th birthday. It is the second big splash the Giants have made in recent seasons, as they signed Angel Villalona for $2.1 million in 2006.
Outfield prospects headline Team USA rosterWednesday 7/16, 3:53 PM CT
Outfielders Colby Rasmus, Dexter Fowler and Matt LaPorta were the headliners of Team USA that was announced on Wednesday.

Our View: Former major league manager Davey Johnson will manage the team, which will begin their quest for the gold medal on August 13 against Korea.
Liriano could pitch out of bullpen?Wednesday 7/16, 2:45 PM CT
Francisco Liriano will be back with the Twins soon. The team just isn't sure yet what role he'll fill. Manager Ron Gardenhire has been adamant that when Liriano returns to Minnesota it will be as a starter, but assistant GM Rob Antony said the team will discuss the possibility of the lefty pitching out of the bullpen, according to the Pioneer Press. Liriano hasn't allowed a run in his past three starts for Triple-A Rochester.

Our View: The more likely scenario has the Twins sending Livan Hernandez to the bullpen and inserting Francisco into the rotation. He should be up with the club soon.
Damon hopes to be back late next weekWednesday 7/16, 12:46 PM CT
Johnny Damon could hit off a tee on Friday and is hoping to rejoin the team sometime late next week, according to the AP. Damon is out with an injured left shoulder. "Friday could be a big day," Damon said. "It feels a lot better today. It feels much better not doing the drills."

Our View: This is the first DL stint of Damon's career. He had been scheduled to hit off a tee Monday, but that was moved back after he experienced soreness.
Manny wants to sit down with Boston brassWednesday 7/16, 12:41 PM CT
Manny Ramirez wants to sit down with Red Sox ownership at the end of the season to find out what their intentions are for his future, according to the Boston Herald. The team has consecutive one-year, $20 million options on the slugger. "To be honest with you, I don't know, I want to stay in Boston, but I want to sit down after the season with ownership and see what my future is going to be in Boston," said Ramirez. "Let's see, but the ball is in my court. If they don't pick it up, I'm a free agent and I'll go play somewhere else. We'll see."

Our View: Manny turned 36 in May, but he's on pace for terrific numbers again. Maybe more important is the fact he's already played in 90 games.
Ozuna officially releasedWednesday 7/16, 12:17 PM CT
Pablo Ozuna was officially released Wednesday after he cleared waivers and rejected an outright assignment to Triple-A Charlotte, according to the Chicago Tribune. Ozuna was designated for assignment last week.

Our View: Ozuna can be a useful utility guy somewhere. He won't have trouble finding a home.
Martin not interested in extensionWednesday 7/16, 12:06 PM CT
Russell Martin isn't interested in going the Ryan Braun and Troy Tulowitski route in having the Dodgers buy out his arbitration years, according to the LA Daily News. The Dodgers have approached Martin about an extension, but the catcher has rejected the overtures on the advice of his agent, Bob Garber. "I don't really even worry about stuff like that," Martin said. "It's not my concern. That's (the agent's) job."

Our View: Martin is making only $500K this year but figures to qualify as a "Super Two" player next year, at which point he would be due for a big raise.
Ortiz could stay with PawSox through the weekendWednesday 7/16, 11:45 AM CT
The original plan was for David Ortiz to play in two rehab games for Triple-A Pawtucket on Friday and Saturday before resting on Sunday. He would then go to Double-A Portland for three more games, according to the Providence Journal. But Big Papi has expressed a desire to play through the weekend, and manager Terry Francona said that could happen.

Our View: If all goes well, Ortiz could be back with the Sox by next weekend.
Sox not interested in VizquelWednesday 7/16, 11:38 AM CT
A Red Sox official has shot down speculation that the team might be interested in Omar Vizquel with Julio Lugo out 4-6 weeks, according to the Boston Globe. The team in content with a combination of rookie Jed Lowrie and veteran Alex Cora while Lugo is out.

Our View: There has been speculation that Vizquel was considering retiring over the break because of his offensive woes, but he's made no such announcement thus far. It would be hard to believe that the Sox would consider him an upgrade over Lowrie or Cora at this point.
Thomas optioned to Triple-AWednesday 7/16, 11:15 AM CT
The Tigers optioned Clete Thomas to Triple-A Toledo Wednesday. The move was made to clear a roster spot for Magglio Ordonez, who will be activated from the DL Thursday.

Our View: Thomas has held his own in his time in the bigs, but he'll likely continue to shuffle back and forth between Triple-A and Detroit.
Mags to be activated ThursdayWednesday 7/16, 11:14 AM CT
Magglio Ordonez will be activated from the DL before Thursday's game against the Orioles, according to SportsTicker. Mags has been on the DL since June 29 with a pulled oblique. Clete Thomas was optioned to Triple-A Toledo to clear a roster spot.

Our View: Oblique injuries tend to linger, so hopefully Ordonez doesn't get re-injured.
Doc doesn't anticipate leaving TorontoWednesday 7/16, 11:04 AM CT
Roy Halladay told the Globe and Mail that Toronto fans don't have to worry about him leaving. "They [the fans] shouldn't be worried I'm leaving," he said. "There's no chance if I have anything to say about it that I'm going anywhere. I can understand maybe disappointment with the way we're going. But as long as it's up to me, I'm staying." Halladay is under contract through 2010 and would be interested to extend his deal over the offseason.

Our View: The Jays would be nuts to trade the rock of their rotation, especially since he's making below-market value.
Ellis likely to be traded?Wednesday 7/16, 10:56 AM CT
San Francisco Chronicle writer Vlae Kershner believes the writing is on the wall for Mark Ellis' trade from Oakland. Ellis will be a free agent after the season, and the team has drafted second baseman Jemile Weeks and traded for second baseman/outfielder Eric Patterson.

Our View: Ellis wants to sign a long-term deal with Oakland, but he would likely command $6-7 million per year over at least three years, a deal that the A's probably would be unwilling to do.
Tulo could be back with Rox MondayWednesday 7/16, 10:47 AM CT
Troy Tulowitzki will begin a five-game rehab assignment Wednesday with Double-A Tulsa, according to the Rocky Mountain News. The shortstop, who is recovering from a 16-stitch cut on his right palm, could rejoin the Rox next Monday against the Dodgers if all goes well.

Our View: Tulo has played just 39 games so far because of this injury and his quad ailment. He's hit just .166 in 151 at-bats.
Asking price for Nady is highWednesday 7/16, 10:29 AM CT
The asking price for Xavier Nady appears to be extraordinarily high right now, according to ESPN's Buster Olney. Rival executives have a sense that the Pirates are not going to lower their demands before the trade deadline.

Our View: The Pirates are obviously going nowhere, and Nady will be arbitration-eligible this winter, so you can bet the team will do what they can to deal him.
Rox GM talking to teams about Holliday Wednesday 7/16, 10:26 AM CT
Rockies GM Dan O'Dowd is said to be quietly asking around about a potential trade involving Matt Holliday, according to Jon Heyman of SI.com. One of the first calls O'Dowd made was reportedly to the Mets, with the deal also including Willy Taveras and involving Carlos Beltran and top prospect Fernando Martinez. Understandably, though, that deal was shot down by the Mets, and any trade between the two clubs seems like a longshot.

Our View: The Red Sox, Yankees and Angels, among others, are also reportedly kicking the tires on Holliday.
Soriano targets July 24 returnWednesday 7/16, 9:56 AM CT
Alfonso Soriano has circled July 24 on his calendar as his desired return date, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. He will go on a rehab assignment before returning from his broken hand. "I think I need it," Soriano said of the rehab assignment. "It's different than with my legs. It's my hands, so I have to test my hands and be confident with that. I have to go one or two games; three would be the most. I have to see some pitches and feel confident."

Our View: Soriano will hit in the cage this weekend with the Cubs, and if all goes well will begin a rehab on Monday.
Big Papi ready for rehabWednesday 7/16, 9:33 AM CT
David Ortiz took batting practice before the All-Star game and said he is ready to begin his rehab assignment, according to the Boston Herald. He will play for Triple-A Pawtucket on Thursday. "I think we've been right on all the time how we feel (about Ortiz's diagnosis)," said manager Terry Francona. "If he does what he's supposed to, he's going to be fine. It's not to say he's not going to feel it because there's a difference between feeling it and hurting it."

Our View: Big Papi, who is coming back from a left wrist injury, will probably need at least a week's worth of rehab action before returning to Boston's lineup.
Phillies eying BlantonWednesday 7/16, 9:17 AM CT
The Phillies have been taking a look at Oakland's Joe Blanton, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. Blanton has had a down year, going 5-12 with a 4.96 ERA and 1.42 WHIP in the first half.

Our View: Blanton is still likely one of the better starters available despite his down year, and the Phillies are desperate for starting pitching, so this makes sense.
Blalock plays in second rehab gameWednesday 7/16, 8:42 AM CT
Hank Blalock 0-for-2 with two walks in his rehab game Tuesday with Double-A Frisco. This was the second of what is supposed to be three rehab games for Blalock, who is coming back from a wrist injury.

Our View: Blalock will play first when he returns to the Rangers lineup, meaning Chris Davis is likely to be sent down even though he's hit six homers in 58 at-bats. If he has no setbacks, he should be back Friday.
Broxton to handle closing dutiesWednesday 7/16, 8:33 AM CT
With Takashi Saito sidelined for at least six weeks (and possibly the rest of the year), Jonathan Broxton will handle the ninth-inning duties for the Dodgers.

Our View: Broxton has long been considered the team's closer of the future, and that future is now.
Young to make first rehab start tonightWednesday 7/16, 8:26 AM CT
Chris Young will make his first rehab start tonight with Single-A Lake Elsinore, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune. He underwent surgery on June 30 to repair a deviated septum and re-open his nasal passages. He's been out since May 21, when an Albert Pujols line drive nailed Young in the face.

Our View: Young will make at least one more, and likely two more, rehab appearances before rejoining the Pads rotation.
Marlins ask Tigers about PudgeWednesday 7/16, 7:42 AM CT
The Marlins have asked Detroit about the availability of Ivan Rodriguez, but the Tigers told them the veteran wasn't available, according to the Miami Herald. However, if the Tigers should fall out of contention, the pending free agent could be dealt.

Our View: Pudge would certainly be an upgrade to the Marlins' catching situation, and he of course has played in Florida before, having won a championship with them in 2003.
Saito has sprained ligamentWednesday 7/16, 7:22 AM CT
Takashi Saito has been diagnosed with a sprained ligament in his right elbow and will need to rehab for six weeks, according to the LA Daily News. The closer will be re-evaluated after that. "We'll get together with Joe and come up with a plan," GM Ned Colletti said. "Obviously, it is not easy replacing someone like him. As far as trading for a closer, its a lot like trying to acquire a shortstop - it's a premium position and most teams don't carry an excess. We also have candidates within the staff. Many times closers are discovered in times like this. We'll know more about what we'll do short-term in a couple of days. And we'll know more about Saito's status as the rehab develops."

Our View: Jonathan Broxton will close while Saito is out, which could possibly be for the rest of the season.
Radomski shipped HGH to ClemensWednesday 7/16, 12:02 AM CT
Former Mets clubhouse attendant and steroid distributor Kirk Radomski provided the government with shipping receipts for packages of HGH he sent to the home of Roger Clemens, according to the New York Daily News. "He found a receipt, and from what I'm told, he's turned it over to the feds. I don't think there's any question of its validity," said Richard Emery, the lawyer for former Clemens trainer Brian McNamee.

Our View: If the receipts can be used to help prove Clemens committed perjury, this is bad news for those concerned about his freedom. The only baseball he may be playing soon is for the Texas Penal League.
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