Baseball Digest Daily Blog: July 2006

Final list for the day's activity...I hope! The fact that Miguel Tejada and Alfonso Soriano are absent from this list is not a mistake.

ARLINGTON, Texas – Texas Rangers General Manager Jon Daniels announced today the club has acquired INF/OF Matt Stairs from the Kansas City Royals in exchange for minor league RHP Joselo Diaz.

CHICAGO - The Chicago Cubs today traded infielder Todd Walker and cash considerations to the San Diego Padres in exchange for minor league right-handed pitcher Jose Ceda.

PITTSBURGH - The Pittsburgh Pirates today announced they have acquired outfielder Xavier Nady from the New York Mets in exchange for right-handed pitcher Roberto Hernandez and left-handed pitcher Oliver Perez. The announcement was made by Dave Littlefield, the Pirates' Senior Vice President and General Manager.

PITTSBURGH - The Pittsburgh Pirates today announced they have acquired minor league pitcher Jesse Chavez from the Texas Rangers in exchange for right-handed pitcher Kip Wells. The announcement was made by Dave Littlefield, the Pirates' Senior Vice President and General Manager.

PITTSBURGH - The Pittsburgh Pirates today announced they have acquired right-handed pitcher Shawn Chacon from the New York Yankees in exchange for outfielder Craig Wilson. The announcement was made by Dave Littlefield, the Pirates' Senior Vice President and General Manager.

KANSAS CITY, MO – The Kansas City Royals have acquired first baseman/DH Ryan Shealy and right-handed reliever Scott Dohmann from the Colorado Rockies in exchange for left-handed pitcher Jeremy Affeldt and right-handed pitcher Denny Bautista.

ST. LOUIS, MO. – The St. Louis Cardinals announced a trading-deadline deal in which they have obtained righthanded pitcher Jorge Sosa from the Atlanta Braves in exchange for minor league pitcher Rich Scalamandre.

DETROIT – The Detroit Tigers announced today the club has acquired first baseman Sean Casey from the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for righthanded pitcher Brian Rogers. Additionally, the club has optioned the contract of first baseman Chris Shelton to Triple A Toledo.

CINCINNATI - Cincinnati Reds general manager Wayne Krivsky today announced the acquisition of RHP Kyle Lohse from the Minnesota Twins in exchange for minor league RHP Zach Ward and the acquisition of LHP Rheal Cormier from the Philadelphia Phillies in exchange for minor league RHP Justin Germano.

LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Dodgers announced today that they have acquired right-handed pitcher Greg Maddux and cash considerations from the Chicago Cubs for infielder Cesar Izturis and infielder Julio Lugo from the Tampa Bay Devil Rays for minor leaguers Joel Guzman and Sergio Pedroza, according to Dodger General Manager Ned Colletti.

The Mets trade of Heath Bell and Oliver Perez to San Diego for Scott Linebrink has NOT been confirmed. We are working to get the details.

Several people assisted me during the trade updates the last few crazy days. I want to give them the credit they deserve:

Jeff Sackman - http://www.brewcrewball.com/, Minor League Splits
Marc Normandin - Beyond the Box Score : A Sabermetrics Blog
Jamey Newberg - Newberg Report
Ken Rosenthal - Fox Sports
Will Carroll - Baseball Prospectus
Jason Stark - ESPN
Bob Nightengale - USA Today Baseball
Troy Renck - Denver Post

And all the media relations departments who made this job much easier than it would ever have been.

Hope everyone enjoyed it! Comments and feedback would be appreciated.

Tigers - Pirates Trade...and Shelton Optioned

DETROIT – The Detroit Tigers announced today the club has acquired first baseman Sean Casey from the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for righthanded pitcher Brian Rogers. Additionally, the club has optioned the contract of first baseman Chris Shelton to Triple A Toledo.

Casey hit .296 (63x213) with 30 runs scored, 15 doubles, three home runs and 29 RBI in 59 games this season for the Pirates. Since June 25, he has batted .315 (26x92) with 15 RBI in 26 games for Pittsburgh.

Rogers appeared in 37 games for Double A Erie and posted a 3-2 record and 2.39 ERA (64.0IP/17ER). His contract will be assigned to Double A Altoona in the Eastern League.

Latest Trade Updates...

Here are the knowns and unknowns for today thus far...

-Ryan Shealy has been the focus of many teams with the Royals the favorite to acquire the 1B. Sources expect Shealy to be dealt for a reliever or two before the deadline.

-The St. Louis Cardinals announced this evening that they have obtained second baseman Ronnie Belliard from the Cleveland Indians in exchange for infielder Hector Luna. Belliard is expected in uniform when the Cardinals open a six-game homestand on Tuesday vs. Philadelphia.

-The Rangers have sent cash to Colorado for 31-year-old veteran catcher Miguel Ojeda. They also have traded RHP Bryan Corey to Boston for 22-year-old RHP Luis Mendoza.

-The New York Yankees announced today that they have acquired outfielder Bobby Abreu and right-handed pitcher Cory Lidle from the Philadelphia Phillies in exchange for infielder C.J. Henry, right-handed pitcher Carlos Monasterios, catcher Jesus Sanchez and left-handed pitcher Matt Smith.

Nothing new yet on Alfonso Soriano, Miguel Tejada, Greg Maddux, or the latest big name, Morgan Ensberg.

More news as it happens...

Phillies - Yankees Trade Details

Courtesy of the Yankees media relations deparment

YANKEES ACQUIRE OF BOBBY ABREU AND RHP CORY LIDLE
FROM PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES FOR FOUR MINOR LEAGUERS

The New York Yankees announced today that they have acquired outfielder Bobby Abreu and right-handed pitcher Cory Lidle from the Philadelphia Phillies in exchange for infielder C.J. Henry, right-handed pitcher Carlos Monasterios, catcher Jesus Sanchez and left-handed pitcher Matt Smith.

Abreu, 32, was batting .277 (94-for-339) with eight home runs and 65 RBI in 98 games played with the Phillies in 2006. He leads all Major Leaguers with 91 walks and ranks third in the National League with a .427 on-base percentage and 10th with 20 stolen bases this season. He reached base safely in 34 straight games this year from June 1-July 9 and collected his 1,500th career hit on June 23 at Boston. He has successfully stolen 11 straight bases without being caught (since July 18 at San Diego).

Lidle, 34, was 8-7 with a 4.74 ERA in 21 starts with the Phillies in 2006 (125.1IP, 132H, 74R, 66ER, 39BB, 98K). Currently riding a four-game winning streak, he has walked two or fewer batters in 15 of his 21 starts this season and has allowed three earned runs or less in 14 of his 21 starts.

Henry, 20, was batting .237 in 76 games with Class-A Charleston in 2006. He was selected by the Yankees in the first round of the 2005 First-Year Player Draft.

Monasterios, 20, was 1-2 with a 2.97 ERA in seven games for the Gulf Coast Yankees in 2006. He was signed by the Yankees as a non-drafted free agent on September 22, 2004.

Sanchez, 18, was batting .264 in 23 games with the Gulf Coast Yankees in 2006. He was signed by the Yankees as a non-drafted free agent on July 2, 2004.

Smith, 27, was 0-1 with a 2.08 ERA in 24 games with Triple-A Columbus in 2006. He appeared in 12 games with the Yankees this season and did not allow a run (12.0IP). He was selected by the Yankees in the fourth round of the 2000 First-Year Player Draft.

Abreu Headed to the Bronx

Several sources are reporting that Bobby Abreu has now, in fact, been dealt to the New York Yankees. Bobby Abreu and pitcher Cory Lidle will head to New York in exchange for 20-year-old minor-league shortstop C.J. Henry -- their No. 1 pick in 2005 -- and 27-year-old left-handed reliever Matt Smith. The Phillies will also pick one other minor-leauge player from an agreed-upon list, while the Yankees will take on responsibility for Abreu and Lidle's contracts.

Trade Rumor Roundup

Thanks to a number of sources, here's the latest on the trade front:

- The Angels, according to some very reliable sources, are closing in on Miguel Tejada. The problem is, Tejada is starting to balk at playing third base.

- The Yankees have offered a package of minor leaguers to the Phillies, that doesn't include blue chipper Philip Hughes, for Bobby Abreu and Cory Lidle. This will be the salary dump of the year if the deal goes through.

- The Mets are all but out of the Barry Zito market.

- If you didn't know where Alfonso Soriano would land a few days ago, you're not any closer to figuring out where he might go. Don't rule out the possibility that Soriano stays in Washington...seriously.

- The Red Sox are talking to just about everybody. Their motivation? Disrupt as many Yankee deals as possible.

- The Devil Rays are doing their best imitation of posturing, stating that they are trying to sign Julio Lugo to a long-term deal. Don't believe it. Lugo is on his way out...either to Boston or St. Louis.

BDD's fearless forecast...Abreu goes to the Yankees, Lugo ends up in Boston, Tejada wears an Angels uniform, and Soriano winds up smack in the middle of negotiations with the White Sox again.

Betemit Heads West

Baseball Digest Daily has learned that the Atlanta Braves have dealt infielder Wilson Betemit to the Los Angeles Dodgers for reliever Danys Baez and infielder Willy Aybar. Check out the reactions of Bobby Cox and John Schuerholz over at Talking Chop.com! Thanks to Martin Gandy for the inside scoop on this deal straight from the press box at The Ted.

Brewers Ring in Bell

Philadelphia, PA - Veteran third baseman David Bell was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers for 22-year-old right-handed pitcher Wilfrido Laureano, Vice President & General Manager Pat Gillick announced after tonight's game.

The 33-year-old Bell was in his fourth season with the Phillies. He is eligible for free agency after the season. He hit .278 with six home runs and 34 RBI in 91 games.

Laureano (Laur-i-ano) was 3-2 with one save and a 3.96 ERA in 29 relief appearances for Charleston, WV, in the single-A South Atlantic League. He struck out 62 batters in 63.2 innings, while allowing 54 hits and 36 walks. Opponents were hitting .218 against him.

Release courtesy of the Philadelphia Phillies

Rangers-Brewers Deal According to Melvin

MILWAUKEE - The Milwaukee Brewers today acquired right-handed pitcher Francisco Cordero, outfielders Kevin Mench and Laynce Nix, and left-handed pitcher Julian Cordero from the Texas Rangers in exchange for outfielders Carlos Lee and Nelson Cruz.

"With Cordero and Mench, we have acquired two players that will help us immediately at the Major League level," said Brewers Executive Vice President and General Manager Doug Melvin. "We are playing to win consistently now and in the future, and we believe that this helps us accomplish these goals. With Cordero, we have a proven late-inning pitcher who was an All-Star in 2004 and has been one of the league's most dependable relievers the past three years. And Mench has been a consistent everyday outfielder the past two seasons with Texas."

Stanton Shipped to San Francisco

PITTSBURGH, PA — In a move to shore up the bullpen, the San Francisco Giants have acquired veteran left-hander Mike Stanton from the Washington Nationals in exchange for minor league right-hander Shairon Martis, club Senior Vice President and General Manager Brian Sabean announced today.

Currently second in the National League with 56 relief appearances this season, Stanton posted a 3-5 mark with a 4.47 ERA (22er, 44.1ip) for Washington. Most recently, the 18-year veteran has forged a 1.08 mark (1er, 8.1ip) over his last eight outings.

Martis, who was signed by San Francisco as a non-drafted free agent in 2004, was 6-4 with a 3.64 ERA (31er, 76.2ip) in 15 starts this year with single-A Augusta in the South Atlantic League.

The Future is Now for Cleveland and Marte

CLEVELAND, OH --- The Cleveland Indians today announced the club has recalled INF Andy Marte from the AAA Buffalo Bisons. To make room on the 25-man roster for Marte the Indians optioned INF Ramon Vazquez to AAA Buffalo.

Marte, 22, has spent the entire 2006 minor league season to date in AAA Buffalo where he has hit .261 (93-357) with 23 doubles, 15 homers and 46 RBI in 96 games. Since May 26 Andy has hit .285 (55-193) with 12 2B, 10 HR and 25 RBI in 52 games and hit .304 (28-92) in June (10HR, 22RBI, 24G) to earn Topps International League Player-of-the-Month honors. The Triple A All-Star hit .275 (25-91) off LHP w/5HR & .278 (44-158) with runners on base. Marte was acquired in the off-season from Boston in a 7-player trade. Prior to being acquired by the Indians he was named the #1 prospect in the Red Sox organization by Baseball America.

Report Courtesy of the Cleveland Indians

Astros Recall Lane

Houston recalled Jason Lane from AAA-Round Rock tonight after putting outfielder Orlando Palmeiro on the bereavement list. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Palmeiro who lost his father.

It will be interesting to see if Lane's banishment to AAA provides a wakeup call for the 29 year-old. Lane has hit .205 (46-224) with 11 home runs and 30 RBI in 72 games for the Astros in 2006. In 12 games for Round Rock, he has hit .261 (12-46) with one home run and 11 RBI.

Seattle - Cleveland Strike a Deal

CLEVELAND, OH— The Cleveland Indians today announced the club has acquired OF SHIN-SOO CHOO and a player to be named from the Seattle Mariners in exchange for 1B BEN BROUSSARD and cash.

Choo, 24, a 5-11, 210-pound left-handed hitting outfielder has spent the majority of the 2006 season at AAA Tacoma where he has hit .323 (121-375) with 21 doubles, 3 triples, 13 HR and 48 RBI in 94 games and represented the Pacific Coast League in the Triple A All-Star team. He has also scored 71 runs and has stolen 26 bases in 30 attempts. Choo currently ranks 9th in the PCL in average (.323), is 2nd in hits (121), 2nd in stolen bases (26) and 5th in runs scored (70). He is hitting .361 (106-294) vs. RHP with 13HR & 43 RBI at Tacoma. Prior to the season he was named the 7th best prospect in the Mariners organization by Baseball America.

Broussard batted .321 (86-268) with 44 runs scored, 14 doubles, 13HR and 46 RBI in 88 games with the Indians.

Snelling Recalled/ Everett DFA

Seattle Mariners Executive Vice President & General Manager of Baseball Operations Bill Bavasi announced today that the club has recalled outfielder Chris Snelling from AAA Tacoma. To make room on theMajor League, 25-man roster, designated hitter Carl Everett has been designated for assignment.

The Mariners now have 10 days to trade or release Everett.

Snelling, 23, is hitting .247 (45x182) with 30 runs, 12 doubles, 4 home runs, 4 stolen bases and 34 RBI in 52 games with Tacoma this season. He's hitting .322 (19x59) with runners in scoring position and .313(5x16) with runners on base and two outs. Snelling began the season on the disabled list recovering from ACL surgery on his left knee. He joined Tacoma on injury rehab May 10 and was activated from disabled list, and optioned to Tacoma, on May 20. Snelling played for the Mariners in 2002 and 2005 with a combined .214 average(12x56) in 23 Major League games.

Snelling will be in uniform for tonight's 7:05 p.m. game versus the Toronto Blue Jays. "Our primary focus is to win games right now," Bavasi said. "We are a better team today with Eddie Perez, Greg Dobbs and Chris getting more at-bats in the DH spot. In addition, today's move does not preclude us from continuing to look for more offense in the trade market."

Courtesy of the Seattle Mariners media relations department

Just Call Him Trader Dayton

Yet another announcement out of Kansas City!

KANSAS CITY, MO (JULY 25, 2006) – The Kansas City Royals have acquired left-handed pitcher Jorge de la Rosa from the Milwaukee Brewers for infielder Tony Graffanino, Royals Senior Vice President-Baseball Operations/General Manager Dayton Moore announced Tuesday.

De la Rosa, 25, has been on the 15-day Disabled List since June 10 with a blister on his left ring finger and has been on a rehab assignment with Huntsville (AA) since June 29. Prior to his injury, he compiled a 2-2 record and an 8.60 ERA (30.1 IP, 32 H, 29 ER) in 18 games (3 starts) for the Brewers.

Graffanino was hitting .268 (59-220) in 69 games for the Royals with 16 doubles, five homers and 32 RBI. Graffanino, who was in his second stint with Kansas City, was claimed off waivers from the Boston Red Sox on March 28.

Odalis Perez/Elmer Dessens Swap Teams

KANSAS CITY, MO (July 25, 2006) — The Kansas City Royals obtained left-handed pitcher Odalis Perez and right-handed pitchers Blake Johnson and Julio Pimentel for right-handed pitcher Elmer Dessens, Royals Senior Vice President-Baseball Operations/General Manager Dayton Moore announced today.

Perez, 29, is 4-4 with a 6.83 ERA in 20 games (8 starts) for the Dodgers this season. In 59.1 innings, he has allowed 49 runs (45 earned), 89 hits and 9 home runs. The left-hander, who is signed through the 2007 season, has struck out 33 batters while issuing just 13 walks.

Perez, 6-0, 220-pounds, has pitched in the Majors since breaking in with the Atlanta Braves in 1998, compiling a 56-55 record and a 4.24 ERA in 184 outings, including 153 starts. Between 2002 and 2005, his 3.70 ERA was ninth among all Major League left-handers with a minimum of 500 innings pitched.

Andrew Friedman Interview (Part II) Now Online!

Last week we brought you Part I of our interview with Andrew Friedman, Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. Today, we bring you the second and final installment of our discussion. GM Interview: Andrew Friedman (Part II)

If you missed part I, check it out here: GM Interview: Andrew Friedman, Tampa Bay Devil Rays - Part I

MacDougal Traded to the White Sox!

KANSAS CITY, MO (July 24, 2006) – The Kansas City Royals traded right-handed pitcher Mike MacDougal to the Chicago White Sox in exchange for left-handed pitcher Tyler Lumsden and right-handed pitcher Daniel Cortes, Royals Senior Vice President-Baseball Operations/General Manger Dayton Moore announced Monday. Lumsden will report to Wichita (AA), while Cortes will report to Burlington (A).

All Washington Nationals, All the Time (or so it seems!)

Following on the heels of the announcement of the sale comes this expected release from the front office...

The Washington Nationals today appointed Mike Rizzo as Assistant General Manager and Vice President of Baseball Operations. Nationals Vice President and General Manager Jim Bowden made the announcement.

“Under new ownership and the leadership of Stan Kasten, I have been given the approval and resources to hire the best and brightest the baseball industry has to offer, and today’s hiring of Mike Rizzo exemplifies this,” said Bowden. “We could not be more pleased to add Mike to the Nationals’ family. His track record in Arizona is well known and respected throughout baseball.”

Rizzo, 45, joins the Nationals after spending the previous seven seasons with the Arizona Diamondbacks, primarily as Director of Scouting. Following the 2005 campaign, when eight Diamondback players were honored with individual awards and/or designations to their leagues’ All-Star teams, Rizzo was promoted, earning the title of Vice President of Scouting Operations after the Diamondbacks were named Topps’ Organization of the Year.

Royals Sweeney to Begin Rehab

Courtesy of the Royals Media Relations Department...

SWEENEY TO REHAB IN BURLINGTON
Royals first baseman/designated hitter missed 75 games with bulging disk in back

KANSAS CITY, MO (July 24, 2006) — The Kansas City Royals announced today that first baseman/designated hitter Mike Sweeney will begin his rehab assignment at Single-A Burlington beginning Tuesday, July 25. The longest tenured current Royal was placed on the 15-day Disabled List on May 3 and then transferred to the 60-day D.L. on June 16.

Sweeney has missed KC's last 75 games with a bulging disk in his back. Prior to his injury, Sweeney was hitting .176 (12-68) with three doubles, two home runs and six RBI in 20 games for the Royals. The five-time All- Star and three-time Royals Player of the Year has hit .300 or better in five of his last seven seasons.

Washington Ownership Transfer Complete

Per the Nationals official release...

The Washington Nationals today announced the official transfer of ownership from Major League Baseball to an ownership group headed by Washington developer Theodore N. Lerner, his son Mark D. Lerner, sons-in-law Edward L. Cohen, and Robert K. Tanenbaum, and their families. Ted Lerner will be the Managing Principal Owner of the team and Mark Lerner, Cohen and Tanenbaum will be Principal owners of the team. All major decisions will be made together as a board with team President Stan Kasten. In addition, the members of the minority ownership group each have deep ties to Washington, DC and a shared commitment with the Lerner family to make the Nationals a long-term successful franchise in Washington.

Ishikawa to Answer Reader Questions!

We have a special treat this week! Travis Ishikawa, San Francisco’s # 5 rated prospect according to Baseball America, has agreed to answer questions submitted by BDD readers.

Earlier this season, Ishikawa made a few stops with the big club where he appeared in 12 games and hit .292 with a .500 slugging percentage. Travis is currently playing at the Giants AA-affiliate in Norwich, Connecticut.

If you have a question for Travis Ishikawa regarding his career, the San Francisco Giants, or baseball in general, please email it to info@baseballdigestdaily.com. We will do our best to have Travis answer as many questions as possible.

Frenchy Fries the Phillies

After Edgar Renteria drove in the go ahead run in the 9th inning, Jeff Francoeur slammed a 3 run blast, his 19th of the season, to put the ESPN Sunday night game out of reach! The Braves went on to defeat the Phillies by a score of 5-1.

Alomar Jr. Dealt to the White Sox

WHITE SOX ACQUIRE SANDY ALOMAR JR. FROM DODGERS
IN EXCHANGE FOR PITCHER B.J. LaMURA

CHICAGO – Following today’s game, the Chicago White Sox acquired veteran catcher Sandy Alomar Jr. from the Los Angeles Dodgers in exchange for minor-league pitcher B.J. LaMura. To make room for Alomar, the White Sox will make a corresponding roster move prior to tomorrow’s game vs. Minnesota.

Alomar, 40, is hitting .323 (20-62) with nine RBI in 27 games (11 starts) with the Dodgers this season.

Jered Weaver First Rookie Pitcher to Go 7-0 Since 1981!

Jered Weaver went 6 2/3 innings today against the Royals allowing just 3 hits and 1 run to record his 7th win to go with 1.15 ERA. Weaver walked four and struck out four.

Check out Jered Weaver's interview last year with BDD:
BDD Meets Jered Weaver

Durham Delinquent

According to TBO.com, Devil Rays OF prospect Elijah Dukes ran afoul of an authority figure with Triple-A Durham for the third time this season Friday, and it cost him a one-game suspension imposed by Manager John Tamargo for Saturday's game at Toledo.

Rays director of minor-league operations Mitch Lukevics confirmed that Dukes argued with Tamargo in the dugout during Friday's game, after Dukes was removed from the game by Tamargo for running through a "stop" sign at third base.

Don't miss BDD's interview with John Tamargo coming soon!

Nationals Deal Near Completion

According to azcentral.com, the sale of the Washington Nationals was near completion. The paperwork for the sale was reportedly completed on Friday, and incoming team President Stan Kasten told reporters that control of the team will shift once a money transfer occurs on Monday.

Padres Add Williamson

In a small deal Saturday evening, the Padres sent Fabian Jimenez, 19, and Joel Santo, 22 to the Cubs for reliever Scott Williamson. Williamson, 30, is 2-3 with a 5.08 ERA in 28 1/3 innings, appearing in 31 games for the Cubs. He'll join the Padres in Los Angeles on Monday, general manager Kevin Towers said.

Nationals Go to Church

The Washington Nationals today recalled outfielder Ryan Church from Triple-A New Orleans and optioned right-handed pitcher Kevin Gryboski to New Orleans. Nationals Vice President/General Manager Jim Bowden made the announcement.

Church, who will wear No. 19, was hitting .246 with seven homers and 29 RBI in 53 games for New Orleans. The 27-year-old was 10-for-28 (.357) with two doubles, three homers and seven RBI over his last six games there.

After starting the year at New Orleans, the left-handed hitting Church was recalled to Washington April 14, and went on to hit .215 with four homers and 11 RBI in 23 games. He was optioned to Double-A Harrisburg May 19, and then transferred to New Orleans May 27. He was 4-for-19 (.211) with a pair of homers while at Harrisburg.

Hillenbrand Dealt to the Giants

GIANTS ACQUIRE HILLENBRAND AND CHULK FROM TORONTO FOR ACCARDO

SAN FRANCISCO — Addressing a need for a right-handed bat for the lineup, the Giants have acquired two-time All-Star Shea Hillenbrand and right-handed reliever Vinnie Chulk from the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for right-handed reliever Jeremy Accardo, club Senior Vice President and General Manager Brian Sabean announced this evening.

Hillenbrand, who turns 31 next Thursday, hit .301 with 40 runs, 15 doubles, 12 home runs and 39 RBI in 81 contests for the Blue Jays this season. The six-year veteran, who has split time between first and third base over his career, is a .290 lifetime hitter with 185 doubles, 95 home runs and 430 RBI over 810 games with Boston (2001-03), Arizona (2003-04) and Toronto (2005-2006).

Chulk, a 27-year-old right-handed reliever, has forged a 4.40 career ERA (77er, 157.1ip) in 132 relief appearances over parts of four seasons for Toronto. Originally the Blue Jays' 12th round pick in the 2001 First-Year Player Draft, he led the American League in inherited runners stranded last season (89.2%, 33-for-37).

Accardo, who was originally signed as a non-drafted free agent in 2003, was 1-3 with three saves and a 4.91 ERA in 38 appearances for the Giants this season. The right-hander has been unscored up in 24 of those 38 outings this year.

Courtesy of the San Francisco Giants Media Relations Department

Piazza Racks Up #2000

With a double in the game tonight against Matt Cain and the San Francisco Giants, Mike Piazza recorded his 2000th career hit. Congratulations Mike!

Another Milestone for Rodriguez

With ludicrous trade rumors swirling all around him, Alex Rodriguez answered back tonight with a 3-run homerun against the Blue Jays. It wasn't just another blast for A-Rod, however. Tonight's homer was the 450th of his career and his 2,000th hit.

BDD to Interview Dayton Moore, GM of the Kansas City Royals

We have arranged to speak with the new General Manager of the Kansas City Royals this afternoon. We'll have more details and hopefully our first audio interview to share with you this weekend!

Cleveland Recalls Jason Davis from Buffalo

Bart Swain from the Indians media relations department sent along this little note a few moments ago...

CLEVELAND, OH --- The Indians today recalled RHP JASON DAVIS from AAA Buffalo. Davis assumes the spot of RHP BOB WICKMAN, who was traded to Atlanta yesterday.

Davis has spent the last 5 weeks in AAA Buffalo where he has gone 0-2 w/4 saves and a 0.54 ERA in 11 relief appearances (16.2IP, 8H, 2R/1ER, 3BB, 15K). Jason limited Triple A hitters to a .138 (8-58) average against and did not allow an earned run over his last 5 outings (7.2IP). Davis was with the big league club from opening day until June 13, going 2-1 w/a 5.04 ERA in 21 relief outings (30.1IP, 38H, 17ER, 7BB, 21K). Davis wears #50.

Ducks are Swimming!

Jeff Esposito, Media Relations Manager for the Long Island Ducks sent me an interesting note this morning...

The Ducks have now won 18 of their past 19 contests and 12 straight which is just three short of tying the Atlantic (Independent) League record of 15 set back in 2001. During the 12-game winning streak, the club is outscoring opponents 85-23.

Pretty amazing for any level of professional baseball!

A-Rod on the Block?

According to the New York Post, Alex Rodriguez laughed when a trade rumor that circulated through Wall Street yesterday was relayed to him.

"It doesn't make any difference," Rodriguez said of the rumor that had the Yankees third baseman going to the Phillies as part of a blockbuster trade for Bobby Abreu, Pat Burrell, Tom Gordon and David Bell, with the Yankees supposedly also sending Melky Cabrera and a player to be named. "I would veto it."

It sounds pretty ridiculous for either team to consider this type of deal.

Washington Nationals Announcements

Per the Washington Nationals press release of this afternoon...

NATIONALS PLACE RIGHT FIELDER JOSE GUILLEN ON 15-DAY DL

The Washington Nationals today placed right fielder Jose Guillen on the 15-Day Disabled List, retroactive to July 19, with right elbow soreness. The Nationals are expected to purchase the contract of utility infielder Melvin Dorta from Harrisburg of the Double-A Eastern League prior to tomorrow’s series opener vs. Chicago (NL). Nationals Vice President and General Manager Jim Bowden made the announcements.

Guillen will have his right elbow examined by Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham, AL on Monday. The 30 year-old Guillen was hitting .216 with 15 doubles, nine home runs and 40 RBI in 69 games with Washington upon being placed on the Disabled List.

Dorta, 24, is currently batting .277 (88-for-318) with 15 doubles, four home runs and 24 RBI in 85 contests with Harrisburg. His 25 stolen bases currently rank fourth in the Eastern League. Dorta has played eight positions (all except catcher), including pitcher, this season for Senators manager John Stearns. Dorta posted career highs in doubles (16), home runs (11), RBI (50) and stolen bases (22) last season with Harrisburg.

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NATIONALS RHP JOHN PATTERSON HAS SUCCESSFUL EXPLORATORY SURGERY ON RIGHT FOREARM

Washington Nationals right-handed pitcher John Patterson had successful exploratory surgery performed this morning on his right forearm by Nationals Orthopedist Dr. Ben Shaffer and Nationals hand consultant Dr. Richard Barth at Sibley Hospital in Washington, DC.

During the 75-minute procedure, Patterson’s lacertus fibrosis was released and the median nerve was explored and decompressed. Several areas of constriction within the nerve were released, thus leaving the nerve healthy and free of compression.

Patterson, 28, will be in a splint for one week, at which time he will begin range of motion and strength exercises. He is expected to be out approximately 4-6 weeks.

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MATTHEW LeCROY GRANTED UNCONDITIONAL RELEASE

The Washington Nationals today granted catcher/first baseman Matthew LeCroy his unconditional release. Nationals Vice President and General Manager Jim Bowden made the announcement.

The 30 year-old LeCroy batted .239 (16-for-77) with two home runs and nine RBI in 39 games for the Nationals.

Braves Bolster Bullpen!

Braves Acquire Reliever Bob Wickman From Indians
Minor league catcher Max Ramirez sent to Cleveland

ATLANTA – The Atlanta Braves and Cleveland Indians completed a two-player trade this afternoon, as the Braves acquired right-handed reliever Bob Wickman from the Indians in exchange for minor league catcher Max Ramirez.

Wickman, 37, owns a 60-55 career record with 229 saves and a 3.64 ERA in 750 games (28 starts). He ranks as the Indians’ all-time saves leader and tied for the American League lead with a career-high 45 rescues last season. He has appeared in 29 games this season and posted 15 saves in 18 chances.

“We had a need to bolster our bullpen,” Braves Executive Vice President and General Manager John Schuerholz said. “Bob is a proven closer with more than 200 saves and we are confident he will help to anchor the bullpen in the ninth inning.”

A two-time All-Star (2000 & 2005), Wickman will be pitching for his fourth major league club after previously working for the New York Yankees (1992-96), the Milwaukee Brewers (1996-2000) and the Indians (2000-06). He has twice appeared in the postseason – with the Yankees in 1995 and with the Indians last season.

Ramirez, 21, was named the Appalachian League Co-Player of the Year in 2005, when he batted .347 with eight home runs and 47 RBI in 63 games at Danville (A). He batted .285 with nine homers and 37 RBI in 80 games for the Rome (A) Braves this season.

More Hillenbrand Details...

According to the Toronto Star, the Shea Hillenbrand problems have been going on now for a few months...

The context behind yesterday's blow-up apparently stretches back two months to another confrontation between Hillenbrand and the manager that took place in late May. Toronto had just been swept on the road by the Colorado Rockies, with Hillenbrand sitting out all three games played in the National League park.

Shortly after the team's return to Toronto, Hillenbrand said he went to the manager's office at the Rogers Centre to ask him for more playing time. Things apparently got heated and Hillenbrand said Gibbons "reamed him out'' in private.

"He was claiming that I'm a cancer to my teammates, that I'm a coward,'' Hillenbrand said. "He said that my teammates were all laughing at me and that they think I'm a joke.

"He said he was washing his hands of me right then and there and that he was done with me,'' he said. "He said he didn't want anything more to do with me but have me show up and win ballgames for him.''
For two months, player and manager apparently cut off all lines of communication.

Some More Strong Rookie Performances

Stephen Drew and Anibal Sanchez continued the trend of strong rookie performances this week. On Wednesday, Drew collected 3 hits including 2 doubles. In Florida, Sanchez dominated the Washington Nationals going 7 innings while allowing just one hit and no runs.

Interesting Moves Around the League

In some interesting moves around the league yesterday, the Padres released 3B Vinny Castilla and for some reason, the Blue Jays designated Shea Hillenbrand for assignment. There has to be more to that story. As we get more information, we'll pass it along.

Elsewhere...

-The Red Sox re-signed P Josh Beckett to a 3 year, $30 million contract extension, covering 2007-09, with an option for 2010.
-The Royals traded minor league 2B Ruben Gotay to the Mets for minor league 2B Jeff Keppinger.
-Nationals P John Patterson will have "exploratory" surgery on his forearm today. This isn't looking good for the righthander.

Shealy Back on Track

In his first action since being recalled from Colorado Springs, Rockies first baseman Ryan Shealy went 2-for-5 today with 2 doubles and an RBI off Pittsburgh's Zach Duke. Don't be surprised to see a lot of Shealy over the next week or so as the Rockies showcase the young slugger for a potential trade.

Various Minor League Tidbits...Washington Nationals

We plan to share bits of information as we receive it from around the league, whether it be through press releases or other sources.

Here's the first of those reports from the Washington Nationals.

OF Chris Marrero has hit safely in 7 of his 8 pro games for the Gulf Coast League Nationals…Marrero, who was the Nationals first pick this June out of Monsignor Pace High School (FL), is 12-for-30 (.400) with 5 doubles and 9 RBI and has notched 4 multi-hit games.

RHP Colton Willems has allowed just one earned run in 5.0 innings (1.80 ERA) for the Gulf Coast Nationals…the Nationals 2nd pick in the first-round this June, Willems has yet to allow a hit with runners in scoring position.

And rounding out the action in the Gulf Coast League, OF Stephen Englund is 7-for-21 (.333) in his first 8 games…Englund, the Nationals 2nd-round draft choice in the June draft out of Bellevue (WA) High School, has notched 5 RBI and a steal while hitting .625 (5-for-8) with runners in scoring position.

Rookie Bonanza

Tuesday was definitely a day for the rookie pitchers around the league to show their stuff. Everyone from Francisco Liriano to Joe Saunders put together impressive performances. Here's the lines from yesterday:

Liriano (W, 11-2) 8.2 IP 3H 1R 0ER 0BB 7K
Lester (W, 5-0) 8.0 IP 1H 0R 4BB 4K
Saunders (W, 1-0) 7.0IP 4H 2R 1ER 4BB 5K
Billingsley (W, 1-2) 7.0IP 6H 0R 2BB 4K
Pelfrey (W, 2-0) 6.0IP 7H 2R 2ER 3BB 3K

Interesting how all these teams are at least somewhat in contention. Should be an exciting second half!

Travis Ishikawa Journal Posted!

Travis' latest journal entry is now up on our home page, but you can also check it out here:

Travis Ishikawa Journal #2

This one is quite entertaining. Check it out!

Welcome to the brand new Baseball Digest Daily blog!

We will utilize this blog to share our thoughts, ideas, and observations. Pretty much anything baseball related is fair game.

Samples of photos from our correspondents around the country will be posted in this section as well. You'll get to see some of the action we cover first hand!

We plan to post often, and in fact, several times a day wouldn't be unusual. You may see an opinion, quick news blurbs, upcoming BDD features, or a breaking story (and that includes trades before they are reported anywhere else!).

This blog is also for you, our readers and fans! We want to grow our community and hear what you have to say. Let us know how you feel and what you want to see. Reader participation is strongly encouraged!

We hope you enjoy our newest addition to BDD...

Trade Wrapup!