Jake Peavy finally goes to the White Sox....just under the wire

The biggest surprise of todays trades probably Jake Peavy. Sidelined with an injured ankle, he finally agreed to join the White Sox, who landed him with their second pitch of the season.

Locked in a crowded race for the AL Central title, Chicago sent four young pitchers to the Padres: Clayton Richard, Aaron Poreda, Dexter Carter and Adam Russell. The teams barely beat the 4 p.m. EDT deadline to make deals without waivers.

White Sox general manager Kenny Williams said,

"He never said no, he just said 'not yet. It came together very quickly, probably in the last 30-20 seconds. We were really concerned that it wasn't going to happen."

In May, the Padres and White Sox agreed to a deal for Peavy, but the 2007 NL Cy Young Award winner turned it down. This time, he agreed to waive his no-trade clause and join the AL pennant race.

The 28-year-old Peavy is 6-6 with a 3.97 ERA in 13 starts with the Padres this season but has been on the disabled list since June 13 with a strained tendon in his right ankle. Williams said the White Sox don't expect Peavy to pitch until the end of August.

MLB Trade Flurry At The Wire

We've followed some of the bigger trades here on the site today.

As near as we can figure out, as of 4pm est. MLB trades that were reported today were the following:

-Marlins Acquire Nick Johnson

-Reds Acquire Scott Rolen for Edwin Encarnacion

-Rockies Acquire Joe Beimel

-Yankees Acquire Jerry Hairston Jr.

-Braves Acquire Adam LaRoche (I bet his kids have no idea who he plays for anymore) For Casey Kotchman

-Red Sox Acquire Victor Martinez

-Twins Acquire Orlando Cabrera

-Tigers Acquire Jarrod Washburn

-Dodgers Acquire Vinny Rottino For Claudio Vargas

-Cubs Acquire John Grabow, Tom Gorzelanny

-Dodgers Acquire George Sherrill

* If there was anything done right at the wire - you'll find out about it I'm sure.

Victor Martinez to the Red Sox

Victor Martinez has been traded to the Red Sox for LHP Nick Hagadone, RHP Justin Masterson and Bryan Price.

Jarrod Washburn Traded to the Detroit Tigers

The Detroit Tigers today announced the club has acquired lefthanded pitcher Jarrod Washburn from the Seattle Mariners in exchange for lefthanded pitchers Luke French and Mauricio Robles.

Washburn compiled an 8-6 record and 2.64 ERA (133.0IP/39ER) in 20 starts for the Mariners this season. He fanned 79 batters, while limiting opponents to a .223 batting average (109x488). Washburn is second in the American League with a .223 batting average against, while he is third with a 2.64 ERA.

Tigers President, Chief Executive Officer and General Manager David Dombrowski said.

“We are excited to add an established starter the caliber of Jarrod Washburn to our club,Washburn is having a tremendous season and he has been a quality major league starter throughout his career.”

A veteran of 12 seasons at the major league level, Washburn has seen action with the Angels (1998-2005) and Mariners (2006-09). In 304 career outings (292 starts) in the majors, he has posted a 106-106 record and 4.02 ERA (1820.2IP/813ER).

Washburn is scheduled to start for the Tigers on Tuesday night against Baltimore at Comerica Park.

French appeared in seven games (five starts) for the Tigers this season, posting a 1-2 record and 3.38 ERA (29.1IP/11ER). He compiled a 4-4 record and 2.98 ERA (81.2IP/27ER) in 13 starts with Triple A Toledo.

Robles posted an 8-6 record and 4.24 ERA (91.1IP/43ER) in 18 starts between Single A Lakeland and Single A West Michigan this season. Robles will be assigned to Single A High Desert by the Mariners.

Ménage à trios?

Lots of talk last night about the Mets, Indians and Rays involved in Ménage à trios trade talks. I don’t have the meat and potatoes and I’m not sure what the Mets would be giving up, but the talks have Victor Martinez going to the Rays and Scott Kazmir going to the Mets.

For those of you who say that I have no right posting this info with such little information, I actually thought about that myself however I came to the conclusion that there is as much info here as in any of the bazillion rumored trades, especially the Halladay ones.

From a personal standpoint, I am not a big Scott Kazmir fan. Although I agree the Mets gave him away for nothing, I believe that the health and stamina concerns they had have turned out to be correct. He's not a big guy and it's hard for him to throw like that and hold up. Conversely, it's been pointed out to me 1000 times that the Dodgers said the same thing about Pedro Martinez when they traded him to the Montreal Expos...... and how did that work out.- Blake Kearny

Blake Kearny is a retired baseball scout from Los Angeles, California. He currently runs a baseball school for children in Los Angeles

Add Big Papi to the Steriod User List

Looks like Big Paipi was a big user.

We are getting these one by one. Selig and the baseball players union are starting to look stupid. Just release the list already and get it over with. It's much better if you tell us then if we find out by poking around. - Blake Kearny

Blake Kearny is a retired baseball scout from Los Angeles, California. He currently runs a baseball school for children in Los Angeles.

Roy Halladay has been traded to the Toronto Blue Jays

At least announce that!

Look J.P., either trade the guy or don’t trade the guy, it’s up to you. But to be honest, at this point it seems to be more about you than anyone else.

I’m starting to think that you had no intentions of trading the guy at all. You started this circus by saying that you would trade him if you got the right deal. I don’t exactly know what deal that is, but apparently no one is willing to give it to you.

Memo to J.P. Ricciardi – No one is interested in you, your stupid radio show, or anything you have to say really. The GM isn’t the celebrity that a MLB baseball All-Star player is. He never was and he never will be. So stop trying to gain all this attention because it’s getting old.

If you let the deadline come and go without announcing that either Roy Halladay has been traded to a team or announce that you will not be trading him you, risk the consequence of being the “GM who Cried Trade" and we will never listen to you again.

If you were starving for attention before – wait and see what happens if you continue pulling this crap. Jerk. – Peter Costa

Pete is a serious Rotisserie participant playing the same league with the same guys for 17 years. Not only has Peter never finished in the money; he’s finished last 13 times and no higher than 10th (in a league with 14 guys). Join us in following Peter’s trials, tribulations and frustrations, as he attempts to navigate his way out of the basement in 2009.

Shame on the Pittsburgh Pirates

Look, I’m not saying that the Pirates have made good trades this year and I’m not saying that they have made bad trades this year. All I know that you can’t operate a MLB team this way, and it is certainly not fair to any Pirates fans.

I previously mentioned on this site that the pirates have the best stadium in baseball to watch a game. How about giving Pirates fans something to hold on to, something to take pride in. What they are doing with this team is just crazy. This once proud franchise with a great history has become a joke. It's a race between the Pirates and the Nationals to see who can become the first MLB franchise to take a step down and become a minor league franchise.

In 2009 they have traded away their 2b starter Freddy Sanchez, their SS starter Jack Wilson, their 1B starter Adam LaRoche, their CF starter Nate McLouth, and a starting pitcher, Ian Snell. Sanchez, Wilson, and McLouth have all been named to All-Star teams and Snell was the 2008 opening day starter.

There are only 9 guys in the lineup and on the field at any one point in time. They just traded 56% of the players that were on the field for them! Can you imagine being a little kid in Pittsburgh? What are the parents supposed to do?

“Little Johnny, don’t worry about it, we’ll just put the McLouth jersey away, I’ll get you a LaRoche one. – Ok, don’t worry, I’ll get you a Sanchez one……… a Wilson…… …… I know Snell is in the minors at the moment, but I’ll get you his….. Oh, the hell with it…. I’ll get you a Pittsburgh Pirates mascot costume….. or would you rather the bobble-head?" - Blake Kearny

Blake Kearny is a retired baseball scout from Los Angeles, California. He currently runs a baseball school for children in Los Angeles

Roto-Rx

The Doctor is in...

Question #1: Will the Washington Nationals be able to sign Stephen Strasburgh before the impending deadline? If not, what will happen? Will he go the route of J. D. Drew? – Roger, Gainesville, FL

Roger: Dr. Roto doubts that even the Nationals will be able to screw this one up. Boras will get them to pay and pay they will. If they blow this one...the team may end up moving once again so their 10 fans don't kill them.

Question #2: Call it. Halladay – stay or go? – Jim, Toledo, OH

Jim: Should he stay or should he go now?...if he goes the Blue Jays will be in trouble...and if they get nothing for him down the road their fans will be seeing double. So Dr, Roto wants to let you know....Roy Halladay should go (but may not)

Question #3: Your thoughts on the F. U. pitch. Is it ok for my 13 year old son to throw? – Peter, Greensboro, NC

Peter: Excellent question Peter as all fathers out their are concerned about the effects that this pitch will have on their son's arms (and future careers). Dr. Roto thinks that for now the pitch is safe to throw, but be careful that your son doesn't upset the opposing batter too much.

Question #4: What can you tell me about Nolan Reimold of the Orioles. My partner LOVES him as a prospect and keeps bugging me to trade for him. – Damon, El Monte, CA

Damon: Dr. Roto can tell you to start listening to your partner. Reimold is a terrific young hitter who showed some initial power when first called up. Lately, he has added speed to his arsenal. When he puts it all together...watch out!

Question #5: The Royals have a lot of decent home grown players but Billy Butler it seems is mentioned the least of the group. He’s still only 22 I think. Your thoughts on him going forward? – Michael, Overland Park, KS

Michael: Dr. Roto implores you to be patient with Butler. He is having a very nice year thus far and will be in line for a big breakthrough next year if he can stay healthy.

Question #6: It looks like Ricky Romero will be the #1 guy after Halladay is gone. Would this actually lower his values because he will now have to face other #1 starters? – Manuel, Bayamon, Puerto Rico

Manuel: Very insightful question, Manuel. Yes, this would lower his value considerably, especially in the Wins category. Let's see...Romero facing Sabathia, Beckett, Shields...doesn't look good at all. Better hope that McGowan comes back to save him from going 9-15 next year!

The Doctor is out...

Mark Bloom (aka Dr. Roto) is the former owner of Roto-Rx, a fantasy website featured in a UPN newscast. He has been an active competitor and commissioner in fantasy leagues for close to 20 years winning numerous league titles.

Ask Dr. Roto your rotisserie baseball questions.

Follow Dr. Roto on Twitter

Cliff Lee has been traded to the Phillies

Cliff Lee and Ben Francisco are headed to the Phillies for four prospects, if all the players involved pass their physicals.

The deal, according to one American League executive, could become official "within 10 to 24 hours."

Lee is expected to make his next start Friday for Philadelphia. The Indians will receive right-handed pitchers Carlos Carrasco and Jason Knapp, catcher Lou Marson and infielder Jason Donald.

The player the Indians didn't get was right-hander Kyle Drabek, the Phillies' top pitching prospect. The Phillies' refusal to give up Drabek for Toronto's Roy Halladay led the Phillies to pursue Lee.

"If Drabek isn't going to go for Roy Halladay, he's not going for Cliff Lee," said one source.

Knapp, reportedly the key to the trade, is still on the disabled list. Donald just came off the disabled list following knee surgery.

The is the second year in a row the Indians have traded a Cy Young winner. CC Sabathia went in 2008 and Lee is headed out today.

Knapp, 6-5, 230, has been clocked throwing his fastball at 99 mph and is consistently clocked around 95 mph.

Lee is making $5.75 million this year. The Indians held a $9 million club option on him for 2010. He will be a free agent after 2010.

It was clear the Indians weren't going to be able to sign Lee to a multiyear deal when they turned down his request for an extension in spring training.

Francisco is making $421,400. Francisco is hot right now. He's hitting .329 (23-for-70) with five homers and 10 RBI in July.

The best home grown pitching staff in baseball

With all the millions of dollars being wasted on non-productive MLB players it is worth noting that Tim Lincecum won the CY Young making $405,000 last year. He’ll win it again making $650,000 this year. I’m sure many of us would be perfectly happy making that kind of money. But in the world of MLB, that’s peanuts.

Matt Cain has certainly figured it out, and Jonathan Sanchez with his no hitter has definitely shown flashes of what he can do.

Can you imagine how good these guys could be if the Giants could catch the ball? The SF Giants are developing one of the best home grown pitching staffs we have seen in a long time. Now if they can only find a bat to go along with young Pablo Sandoval. - Mike Cruise

Michael Cruise, IS the biggest SF Giants fan in the nation

Halladay is going to the Philyankrangdodgegiantrays....

This morning I turned on my computer and I read 4 stories that Roy Halladay is going to the Phillies, 3 that he is going to the Yankees, 2 that he is going to the Rangers, 1 that he is going to the Dodgers, 1 to the Giants, 1 to the Rays.

This is all getting pretty old and part of me hopes that he stays where he is. I used to feel this way about the Batman TV series when I was a kid. Wouldn’t it have been great if instead of the Joker sticking Batman and Robbin in an hour-glass, he just put a bullet in their heads! No more Bat time, no more Bat channel. Now that would have been great TV!

Anyway, we have a few more hours to endure of this stuff and then we can get back to the business of baseball.

Good luck to all with your roto teams at your trading deadlines. Trade well. – Gregory Shapiro

Greg is an orthopedic surgeon that has a number of professional athletes including MLB players as patients. He’s an avid MLB fan and rotisserie player with some unique insight into the world of professional athletes.

Dice-K and The Blame Game

Just my luck. I’m looking for news on when Dice-K will pitch again so I can activate him and I come across this.

Daisuke Matsuzaka told Japanese reporters Monday that the Red Sox' required training regimen is to blame for his shoulder woes. He said the following,

“Hu…. shi pu tang. Mi r m hert. Si Red Sox el’ falto.”

We apologize as our Around The Horn Japanese translator also doubles as our Spanish translator and sometime confuses the two mid sentence.

Anyway, in English that translates to,

"If I'm forced to continue to train in this environment, I may no longer be able to pitch like I did in Japan."

Matsuzaka hadbeen known for having an odd warm-up routine. It sounds like the Red Sox have been trying to break his habits and he’s not going along. I’m sure we will hear more about this as time goes on.

P.S. – If anyone knows of a good Japa-Spanish to English translator, please refer him to Around The Horn. – Peter Costa

Pete is a serious Rotisserie participant playing the same league with the same guys for 17 years. Not only has Peter never finished in the money; he’s finished last 13 times and no higher than 10th (in a league with 14 guys). Join us in following Peter’s trials, tribulations and frustrations, as he attempts to navigate his way out of the basement in 2009.

More on the F. U.

Whoa!........... Lots of questions about the F .U. I certainly wasn't expecting that. Why is it that all fathers of young boys now feel that they have to be Tim Lincecum’s father?

Firstly, we here at Around The Horn take no responsibility for success, failure or injury for anyone going out and attempting to show their kid the pitch. It's just a blog post. Aside from any strain it might put on the elbow, forearm, fingers or any part of the body, the pitch clearly isn’t appropriate for children or midgets. Logistically a small hand just wouldn’t be able to grip the ball that way!

I would suggest that if you didn’t think it was appropriate for your child to start throwing curveballs yet, this probably isn’t a good idea either. Which brings us to another point; On Sunday the NY Times ran an article “Studies Show That the Curveball Isn’t Too Stressful for Young Arms”.

Uh……… I-don’t-know- about-that. I’m not going to call the article irresponsible because I have my own views on the topic and that doesn’t necessarily make them right, but I tend to agree with Dr. Andrews. It would seem to me while each kid is different, 14 or so would be the absolute earliest I would let a child do it. In all honesty, if you could teach your kid spot his fast ball, throw both a 2 and 4 seamer, and throw a change-up – that’s the way to go.

As for the F. U. and all the questions about how it works - the picture in this post shows the grip from the other side. You can clearly see how the index finger and ring finger pull down on the seams (like a split finger) countering the natural rotation of the middle finger. If you are going to show your kid the pitch, just a suggestion - Change the name so you don't sound like you have Tourette syndrome everytime you go out and have a catch.……………….. I’m sure you can come up with something. I’m sure the networks will. I doubt you are going to hear Ron Darling say that that Strasburg struck out David Wright with a 3-2 F. U. - Mike Gross

Michael Gross, in conjunction with a prominent sports agency runs a strength, conditioning and agility program that many agents send their “to-be-drafted” athletes, prior to being drafted. Many pro athletes have also used the facilities for rehabilitation after injury. Over 90 professional athletes including current MLB ball players have attended his institution during the past 3 years.

No LaPorta?

I think there is an interesting aspect to the Ryan Garko trade. Ok, so the giants get a modest upgrade over Travis Ishikawa. To be honest, they seem interchangeable as far as I’m concerned.

A few a few things happened here. The Giants sent John Bowker back down (I have no idea why they brought him up if they weren’t going to give him a shot to perform. He may or may not have been their solution but they won’t know now.) I think Bowker will now get a chance somewhere else. He’s getting older and for some reason the Giants don’t want to give him regular at bats at first base or in the out filed. He’s clearly too good for AAA. Keep an eye on him next year. He’ll either turn out to be a AAAA player or a late bloomer like Nelson Cruz.

But the most interesting thing is that the Indians passed over Matt Laporta and brought up Andy Marte instead. This is a guy who was a good prospect at one point but was actually designated for assignment in March with not one MLB team claiming him! GM Mark Shapiro says,

“Marte will get regular work at first base.”

He had an 80 game stint with the Indians last year and did squat. What does this say about Matt LaPorta? - Blake Kearny

Blake Kearny is a retired baseball scout from Los Angeles, California. He currently runs a baseball school for children in Los Angeles.

The F.U. - the next great pitch in baseball….

We’ve gone through different periods in baseball where certain pitches were popular and dominant.

There’s always been the fast-ball; they throw it 2-seam, 4 seam, no-seam. Then there’s the curve ball. They have the sinker, the slider, the slurve, the fork-ball, the split-finger, the knuckle-ball, the change-up. And off those they have endless variations combinations and permutations of each pitch depending on arm angles, finger pressure and leverage on the seams.

Remember when Bruce Sutter perfected and started throwing his devastating split-finger? You knew it was coming but you couldn’t do anything about it. You knew he was going to throw it, the umpire knew he was going to throw it, everyone watching knew he was going to throw it, the announcer said he was going to throw it, the batter knew he was going to throw it – but they couldn’t hit it anyway. For those of you who aren’t old enough to remember, the closest analogy I can give you is that it’s kind of like everyone knows Mariano Rivera is going to throw the cutter, but they still can’t get the sweet spot on it when they swing.

Well now we have the newest pitch. Thanks to modern science techniques used in laboratories and wind tunnels and tested on ball fields in actual game situations, kids in high schools and colleges all across this country will soon be throwing the hottest pitch to come along since the game was invented.

The pitch is known as the F. U. (Self explanatory – see photo)

Rumor has it that Stephen Strasburg the 1st overall pick in the 2009 MLB draft has perfected it …… (see success.)

When thrown properly the F. U. comes with the same arm action and speed of the fast ball, but the action of the knuckle-ball. Just imagine standing in the batter’s box and trying to hit a Nolan Ryan fast ball that is moving like a Tim Wakefield knuckle-ball.

The best way to describe how this happens is that only one finger resides on the top of the ball (less friction – more speed) so the ball comes out hot, but the index finger and the ring finger pull down on the 2 seams providing an unstable rotation countering the natural back rotation from the middle finger. The best way to describe the action it is a fast ball with knuckle-ball action.

The grip is unique to any other pitch and to date the MLB community has been hesitant to embrace it as it undoubtedly will come with an entire new group of injuries and side effects.

"If you could invest in Dr. Andrews practice, I would say that now is a good time”

said one MLB scout on the condition of anonimity.

Additionally as hard as the pitch is to hit, the pitch appears to be equally hard to catch. That’s a problem.

I can tell you this. If Strasburg has success with it and stays healthy, you will start to see F. U. specialists on every MLB team, MiLB team and in colleges and high schools across America. Basically, if the player big enough to grip it, he’s gonna try to throw it. - Mike Gross

Michael Gross, in conjunction with a prominent sports agency runs a strength, conditioning and agility program that many agents send their “to-be-drafted” athletes, prior to being drafted. Many pro athletes have also used the facilities for rehabilitation after injury. Over 90 professional athletes including current MLB ball players have attended his institution during the past 3 years.

No testicular fortitude...

Was anyone else watching the Saturday afternoon FOX game of the week between the Phillies and the Cardinals as pissed off as I was?

If you did not see it, Saturday afternoon's game between the Phillies and the St. Louis Cardinals had to be stopped for several minutes during the top of the seventh inning due to one particular moron along the first base line who was continuously directing his laser pointer at the faces of Cardinals' first baseman Albert Pujols and shortstop Julio Lugo while they were at bat. Seems like that's the type of thing fans in Philadelphia do when they are not busy fighting each other.

Perhaps the sick fan would have been proud if Lugo or Pujols would have been distracted enough that they lost track of an inside pitch and couldn’t get out of the way and took one in the head. What an e’ffing moron.

The thing that pisses me off the most is that there were 40,000 other people sitting there and not one person had the testicular fortitude to be an upstanding citizen and point the guy out.

Great job dude, now when you get older you can tell your grandchildren what an A-Hole you were when you younger. I hope someone does that to you while you are driving home from work today. Jerk. - David Fry

David Fry is an independent sports photographer currently covering Major League Baseball. David will be reporting on observations as he sees them in MLB stadiums throughout the year.

Roto-Rx

The Doctor is in...

Question #1: Do you think that John Bowker will get regular at bats in SF? Last month Around The Horn ran a piece on him and I remembered reading about his awesome season in AAA. I picked him up last week. – Avery, Corona, CA

Avery: Dr. Roto would like to share something with you. There are minor leaguers and there are major leaguers. But there is a little known group known as 4A players. These are the guys that are too good for the minors and just not good enough for the majors. Dr. Roto sees Bowker as a 4A guy. Sorry, I am sure you were expecting more in SF.

Question #2: Who do you feel is the most underrated rotisserie baseball player? One that consistently puts up useful numbers but gets no respect. – Paul, Phoenix, AZ

Paul: Underrated for Dr. Roto means a guy who gets little attention at your draft but still gives you subtle, but needed numbers. Things like .300 BA, 10 or so HR, 75 or so runs, and 10-20 bags. This guy is...Randy Winn. He always goes for a buck or two, and always gives at least 10-20 dollars of value. Just WINN baby...

Question # 3: Who is Dr. Roto’s favorite baseball player of all-time and why? – Cecil, Grand Rapid, MI (9 years old)

Cecil: Thanks for your question, Cecil. We all have our baseball heroes...Mine is Reggie Jackson. They called him (or maybe he called himself) Mr. October because he played his best when the games mattered the most. Dr. Roto still remembers the 3 HR game against the Dodgers. And Cecil, when Dr. Roto was just a 9 year old roto tyke like you, his school bus broke down in Central Park. Who came by jogging with a buddy, but ...Reggie Jackson..Reggie got us all out of the jam by helping push the bus...how cool was that!

Question #4: Phil Hughes has been so dominant in his relief role (more dominant than Joba was if you look at the numbers – just without all the theatrics) that he has basically prevented himself from being a starter. No one questions whether he will be in the rotation next year or not, but do you think he will get a chance to start at all this year? He’s basically just tying up a roster spot for me at this point and I’m in a non keeper league. – Raul, San Jose, CA

Raul: As Dr. Roto shakes his magic 8 ball Raul, Dr. Roto sees relief in Hughes's future (for this year). Next year, expect the rotation.

Question #5: What’s your opinion of Garrett Jones on the Pirates? Buy Sell or Hold? – Barry, Elizabeth, NJ

Barry: BUY BUY BUY...Dr. Roto loves Garrett Jones. He's got power, some speed, but most of all, a manager that loves him and an opportunity for some serious AB's in Pittsburgh.

The Doctor is out...

Mark Bloom (aka Dr. Roto) is the former owner of Roto-Rx, a fantasy website featured in a UPN newscast. He has been an active competitor and commissioner in fantasy leagues for close to 20 years winning numerous league titles.

Ask Dr. Roto your rotisserie baseball questions.

Follow Dr. Roto on Twitter

Cool Luke

Luke Hochevar, the first overall selection in the 2006 draft held a powerful Texas lineup to just two earned runs over seven innings on Saturday. He allowed just five hits, didn't walk a man and fanned an eye-popping 13 batters.

Luke appears to be figuring something out on the mound. His strikeout totals in his last 2 games have been 9 and 13 and in those two starts he's lowered his ERA .50 points.

This month Hochevar has pitched 4 games, against the White Sox, Red Sox, Rays and Rangers and won 3 of them (This for a team who just had a 10 game loosing streak.)

In addition to this 13 strikeout performance, last month he threw a complete game, 80 pitch 9 inning gem against the Reds.

Hochevar doesn't walk batters and will turn out to be a steal for next year, especially for your WHIP category. He plays for the Royals so chances are that even though he was the 1st overall pick in the 2006 draft you wouldn't have to give up much to get him (if he's even on someones roster.) Get him now before he hits the main stream.

At some point the Royals are going to start to click. The home grown talent of Hochevar, Greinke, Soria, Gordon, Butler is a great young nucleus to build around. The KC Royals definitely have something to look forward to. - Mike Gross

Michael Gross, in conjunction with a prominent sports agency runs a strength, conditioning and agility program that many agents send their “to-be-drafted” athletes, prior to being drafted. Many pro athletes have also used the facilities for rehabilitation after injury. Over 90 professional athletes including current MLB ball players have attended his institution during the past 3 years.

The Washington Nationals are a "rudderless" organization

The Washington Nationals have roughly 24 days remaining to sign Stephen Strasburg, the pitcher they selected first overall in the June draft. As negotiations intensify in the coming weeks, the team's efforts to sign the high-profile pitcher could be undermined by several high-profile questions about the team's leadership.

Since March, the Nationals have been operating without a permanent general manager; since the all-star break, they've been operating with an interim manager. In recent weeks, those in the Strasburg camp have expressed concern to Washington's managing principal owner, Ted Lerner, about what the Strasburgh camp has called a "rudderless" organization.

Washington's system of interim leadership is a point of particular worry for Strasburg, particularly because the right-hander's development will be entrusted to a yet-undetermined pitching philosophy.

Since Jim Bowden resigned, Mike Rizzo has been running the Nationals' major league operations as the acting general manager.

Asked on Friday about the timetable for selecting a permanent general manager, president Stan Kasten said, "You know I'm not talking about any aspect of that search."

If Strasburg and his advisor, Scott Boras, are uneasy about the Nationals' direction, they have limited recourse. If a deal does not get done by the Aug. 17 deadline, Strasburg -- in the most conventional scenario -- can play a year of independent ball and reenter the draft in 2010. Though the Nationals will again have the No. 1 pick, Strasburg can deny permission for them to re-draft him.

If the Nationals fail to sign Strasburg, they would also receive a 2010 a compensatory pick -- "1B," if you will. But Strasburg, after missing the Nationals, could be selected by the next team, potentially the San Diego Padres, who have the second-worst record in baseball right now. Strasburg was raised in San Diego and attended San Diego State. - Robert Fairchild

Robert Fairchild is a professional sports gaming professional. He legally wages on professional and collegiate sporting events for a living. Robert is NOT suggesting that you quit your day job and try to wager on sports for a living. He is contributing his thoughts and experience to assist you in a recreational activity that you as an informed adult may choose to take part in. Robert will NOT give specific wagering advice on any particular proposition in this forum.

Matt Holliday is now a St. Louis Cardinal

The St. Louis Cardinals have acquired Matt Holliday in exchange for three minor league prospects. Brett Wallace, Clayton Mortenson and Shane Peterson.

Brett Wallace is the crown jewel in this deal. The A's will also kick in $1.5 million to help offset the $6 million remaining on Holliday's contract.

A Holliday, Pujols 1-2 punch. Nice!

Chien Ming Wang is done too

Dr. James Andrews is having a busy week, you can add Chien Ming Wang to his patient list this week as well.

Same goes for Wang, cut him and take a flyer on a prospect.- Paul Leume

Paul Leume is a MLB columnist from Montreal, Canada. Paul, a one-time beat writer covering the Montreal Expos for the Montreal Gazette is a proud grandfather of 3 girls and now spends his time offering his thoughts and prospective on Major League Baseball on a variety of blogs and websites throughout Al Gore’s internet.

John Maine is done

Reports are that John Maine is going to visit Dr. James Andrews. You know what Dr. Roto thinks about that. He’s likely done and you will be well served to cut him from your roster and take a flyer on a prospect you like. - Paul Leume

Paul Leume is a MLB columnist from Montreal, Canada. Paul, a one-time beat writer covering the Montreal Expos for the Montreal Gazette is a proud grandfather of 3 girls and now spends his time offering his thoughts and prospective on Major League Baseball on a variety of blogs and websites throughout Al Gore’s internet.

Perfect!

If you have been on another planet or for some other reason have not heard yet, Mark Buehrle of the Chicago White Sox threw a perfect game today.

Here is a list of the 16 perfect games thrown in major league baseball history (we say 16 because two were not in the modern era:

Mark Buehrle, Chicago (AL) vs. Tampa Bay, 5-0, July 23, 2009.
Randy Johnson, Arizona at Atlanta (NL), 2-0, May 18, 2004.
David Cone, New York (AL) vs. Montreal, 6-0, July 18, 1999.
David Wells, New York (AL) vs. Minnesota, 4-0, May 17, 1998.
Kenny Rogers, Texas vs. California (AL), 4-0, July 28, 1994.
Dennis Martinez, Montreal at Los Angeles (NL), 2-0, July 28, 1991.
Tom Browning, Cincinnati vs. Los Angeles (NL), 1-0, Sept. 16, 1988.
Mike Witt, California at Texas (AL), 1-0, Sept. 30, 1984.
Len Barker, Cleveland vs. Toronto (AL), 3-0, May 15, 1981.
Catfish Hunter, Oakland vs. Minnesota (AL), 4-0, May 8, 1968.
Sandy Koufax, Los Angeles vs. Chicago (NL), 1-0, Sept. 9, 1965.
Jim Bunning, Philadelphia at New York (NL), 6-0, June 21, 1964.
x-Don Larsen, New York (AL) vs. Brooklyn (NL), 2-0, Oct. 8, 1956.
Charles Robertson, Chicago at Detroit (AL), 2-0, April 30, 1922.
Addie Joss, Cleveland vs. Chicago (AL), 1-0, Oct. 2, 1908.
Cy Young, Boston vs. Philadelphia (AL), 3-0, May 5, 1904.
x-World Series
___

Special Mention - Prior to Modern Era

John Richmond, Worcester vs. Cleveland (NL), 1-0, June 12, 1880.
John Ward, Providence vs. Buffalo (NL), 5-0, June 17, 1880.
Unofficial perfect games
y-Ernie Shore, Boston vs. Washington (AL), 4-0, June 23, 1917.
z-Harvey Haddix, Pittsburgh vs. Milwaukee (NL), 0-1, 13 innings, May 26, 1959.
a-Pedro Martinez, Montreal at San Diego, June 3, 1995, 1-0, 10 innings.
___

y-Entered game after starter Babe Ruth walked Ray Morgan, and following an argument, was ejected by umpire Brick Owens. Morgan was caught stealing and Shore retired the remaining 26 batters.
z-Pitched 12 perfect innings, lost in 13th on an error, sacrifice bunt, walk and double.
a-Pitched 9 perfect innings, allowed leadoff double in 10th and was replaced by Mel Rojas, who finished one-hitter in 1-0 win.

Angel Closers

Seems to me that having the closer that Mike Socia manages is the way to go. He certainly maximizes the use of his closers. Last year K-Rod with 62 saves and now this.

Brian Fuentes now has 30 saves and has not given up a run since May.- Robert Fairchild

Robert Fairchild is a professional sports gaming professional. He legally wages on professional and collegiate sporting events for a living. Robert is NOT suggesting that you quit your day job and try to wager on sports for a living. He is contributing his thoughts and experience to assist you in a recreational activity that you as an informed adult may choose to take part in. Robert will NOT give specific wagering advice on any particular proposition in this forum.

Roto-Rx

The Doctor is in...

Question #1: There’s an excellent piece on Around The Horn the site by Professor Lee Moquin about Carl Yastrzemski, the last person to win the Triple Crown. Do you think Albert Pujols has a chance this year? – Foster, Worcester, MA (81 years old)

Foster: Thanks for your question, Foster. Dr. Roto has been up to Worcester a couple of times and sends his best to all his friends up there. As to your question...If anyone has a chance to win the Triple Crown it looks to be Pujols. Baseball's triple crown is much like horse racing...very demanding and only the elite can do it. Pujols may fall a bit short (especially in average), but Dr. Roto is rooting for him. BTW Dr. Roto agrees with you that Professor Moquin's piece was eloquently written.

Question #2: Is Kyle Drabek related to Doug Drabek? If so / If not, will he be as good? – Clarence, Carbondale, PA

Clarence: Yes, Kyle Drabek is former Pirates star Doug Drabek's son. He is one of the top prospects in the Phillie organization, and after TJ surgery, seems to have regained his mojo on the mound (his name has come up often in trade rumors recently). As for being as good as his dad, well you are opening a can of psychological worms here. It is a lot to live up to when your dad is that good. I tell Dr. Roto Jr. every morning to not worry about that either :)

Question #3: I just read where Martin Prado leads the NL in hits and doubles and is tied for third in runs in the month of July (.351, 9 doubles, 26 hits, 14 runs). Where did this guy come from? Is he worth picking up? – Gerry, Tupelo, MS

Gerry: As you know by now after reading my updates, Dr. Roto has friends everywhere around the world...even one in Tupelo, Ms! A great guy we all call Cornbread, mainly because his accent is so thick! Where Martin Prado is concerned, Gerry, Dr. Roto has his reservations. When the year started Kelly Johnson was the sleeper pick for rising NL 2B, and now Prado seems to have supplanted him. Prado's minor league numbers show a guy who can hit for average and little else. Beware of the Devil that Wears Prado and pass on him for your team.

Question #4: I see where B.J Ryan was signed. Do you think he has anything left? – Michael, San Bernardino, CA

Michael: Not this year, Michael. Wouldn't touch him with a 40 ft. pole. However, if I could stash him for $1 on my roster for next year, I might just do that.

Question #5: What’s the deal with Clay Buchholz? He came up, pitched, won, and got sent back down? What’s going on? I can’t imagine what would have happened if he pitched poorly, would he have been sent to the “A” ball? – Marion, San Antonio, TX

Marion: Dr. Roto is going to forgive you because if you have been reading my updates you would know that Dr. Roto LOVES Buchholz. He's ready and will be up for good. Wakefield went on the DL recently, and if no one has been traded by the deadline, Dr. Roto projects that someone else will be "injured" as well. The Sox will then go with a 6 man rotation for the remainder of the season, giving their starters the rest they need to be effective for the playoffs. The Sox do need another bat, so expect some kind of trade by Juky 31.

The Doctor is out...

Mark Bloom (aka Dr. Roto) is the former owner of Roto-Rx, a fantasy website featured in a UPN newscast. He has been an active competitor and commissioner in fantasy leagues for close to 20 years winning numerous league titles.

Ask Dr. Roto your rotisserie baseball questions.

Follow Dr. Roto on Twitter

He's Baacckk.....

On Friday, Clay Buchholz, the only man in America with two consecutive h’s in his name walked around the Red Sox clubhouse in Toronto and shook hands with some of his closest teammates. He had joined the Sox for one start, and no matter that he had proved he belonged with them, it was time to return to the minor leagues.

“Hopefully I’ll see you soon,’’

Buchholz told them.

“I didn’t think it was going to be this soon,’’

Buchholz said yesterday, moments after he walked back in the Red Sox clubhouse, a duffel bag slung over his shoulder.

Buchholz unexpectedly had been summoned from Triple A Pawtucket. His presence, a luxury days earlier, had become a requirement. Buchholz will replace Tim Wakefield, surprisingly placed on the 15-day disabled list with a lower back strain, and will make his second major league start of the season tonight.

This is one of the very best prospects in baseball. With just a cup of coffee in MLB, he already has a no-hitter on his resume. If for some reason he is available in your league, (perhaps you couldn’t get him because he was not on a MLB roster) it won’t be for long. Get him now. – Josh Bolan

Josh Bolan is a retired AP baseball reporter and now works as a freelance writer in Fresno California. Josh has been contributing to baseball publications as a writer since 1996.

Instant Replay in Baseball

I’m sure you’ve heard by now about Sunday’s a crazy game between the Twins and A’s. The Twins gave up a 10 run lead only to apparently come back themselves as Michael Cuddyer attempted to score the tying run from second base on a passed ball with two outs in the ninth. Cuddyer sprinted the whole way, but was called out at the plate. However, immediately afterwards, replays showed that he had quite clearly made it safely. Incensed, Cuddyer instantly started arguing with the umpire, shocked at the decision.

These things happen in baseball, umpires make wrong decisions, and in some cases it might be a very black-and-white win-or-lose situation at the end of a game. So, naturally, ESPN has decided that because of this call that ended a game, it’s time to start peddling the instant replay controversy. Even though no actual sports authority has broached the subject, every show is weighing in on the various opinions regarding the expansion of instant replay. According to Sports Nation, 46 percent of fans prefer the way things are going and 44% want to have instant replay expanded in baseball. I find that hard to believe, but we’ll go with it anyway.

The argument for instant replay is either:

1. The most important thing is to get it right, no matter the cost in time.

2. The game is slow anyway, and instead of spending so much time arguing, might as well just use replay.

So, even though this whole “controversy” was entirely made up by the leader in sports, I thought I’d add my two cents anyway. I am definitely against the expansion of replay in baseball. Firstly, most people suggest that the next step for replay will be fair/foul calls. To me, I just don’t see how this works. If a ball is ruled foul, but then overturned, what base do you award the base runner? What I like about baseball is that there are very few assumptions made, as opposed to football (which I might add is so amazingly inexact at some times that when it uses replay for the smallest of margins it almost seems silly) where there are often more.

More importantly however, I like that in baseball there are judgment calls, and those are made by people. Yes, I’m fine with the home run replay, because a ball has either left the yard, or it hasn’t. If any part of it hits the yellow line, it’s gone. There are specific rules. But determining whether someone is out or safe, or whether it was a ball or a strike, is a little more vague. It should be left up to the people who make these sorts of judgments for a living, umpires. All I know is that I don’t want to see any managers throwing red flags past the first base line so that we can hit the replay for baseball, there’s something just so pure about baseball, and I hope it remains that way. – Gregory Shapiro

Greg is an orthopedic surgeon that has a number of professional athletes including MLB players as patients. He’s an avid MLB fan and rotisserie player with some unique insight into the world of professional athletes.

Rich Harden “The Owl”

Rich Harden is about to make like an owl.

On Monday, the Cubs announced that they will try to schedule pitcher Rich Harden's starts for night games, as he's struggled badly in day games, but pitched quite well in night games this year:

Harden will start Tuesday night in Philadelphia, then not pitch again until Monday against the Houston Astros at Wrigley Field, although that, at least, is a night game.

That would put him on pace to pitch again the following Saturday night in Miami.

"We're going to try to accommodate that [quirk] as much as we can," manager Lou Piniella said. "If we have an injury or something, we can't do anything about it."

In night games, Harden is 5-1 with a 2.41 ERA, five homers allowed, and has held opponents to a .223 batting average in 37.1 innings pitched over six starts. Compare that to day games, where he's 1-5, has a 7.38 ERA, has given up 11 homers, and hitters have a .294 batting average against him in nine starts.

But is it simply an odd day/night situation for him, or is it also, or possibly more of a home/road issue for the Cubs' right-hander? His home/road splits have been quite similar to his day/night splits, and the Cubs of course play a ton of day games at home.

On the road, Harden is 4-1 with a 2.17 ERA, six homers allowed, and is only allowing a .221 batting average in 37.1 innings pitched over six starts. At home, he's 2-5 with a 7.59 ERA, 10 homers given up, as well as a .296 batting average in nine starts.

Those home/road splits look awfully similar to the day/night ones don't they? He's been superb at night and on the road, terrible at home and in the day.

He's pitched two night games at Wrigley Field, and in both starts allowed two earned runs in six innings pitched. So, that would support the argument that it's a day/night issue.

However, he's given up just three earned runs in two starts over 12 innings in day games on the road, so that would suggest it could be a Wrigley Field/home problem.

In 2008 at Wrigley, Harden went 2-0 with a 1.80 ERA in seven starts. Only once in those starts did he allow over one earned run. So he certainly had no problem pitching there last year. Then again, he was arguably the most dominating pitcher on the planet last year, so it may not have mattered where he pitched.

Coming into 2009 though, Harden had a 3.22 career day ERA and a 3.24 career ERA at night, showing it shouldn't make a difference what time of the day it is.

He had a career 2.81 ERA at home coming into the season, and a 3.75 ERA on the road. Therefore he's actually been a much better pitcher in his career at home pre-2009, and I showed how he was terrific at Wrigley Field in 2008. He's leaving the ball up in the zone and missing his spots frequently this year though, and when you do that at Wrigley especially when the wind is blowing out, that can mean serious trouble.

Is this just a fluke that the Cubs are overreacting about? Is it actually more of an issue of him pitching at Wrigley Field than the time of day it is, even though pitching in his home park wasn't a problem before this season? It's difficult to tell, but I'm fine with them doing whatever they think is necessary to get Harden pitching like he did in his last two night game starts, where he allowed just one run, one walk, and struck out 16 in 13 innings. Of course, those starts just so happened to be on the road!

No more day game starts at Wrigley Field is what they are going with for now. I guess we can add this one to our list of nicknames on the site. Rich Harden “The Owl”. – Keith A. Baker

Keith A. Baker is a sports agent in Stamford, Connecticut. His goal is to offer a unique insight to the world of sports and Major League Baseball in particular. Comments in his columns are for entertainment purposes only and do not reflect the views and opinions of his firm or his clients.

It's time to $hit or get off the pot

Just when you think the season couldn’t get much worse for the Washington Nationals, their fans (those left) will wake up today and realize there are only four weeks left to d-day. That’s right, the Nationals front office, which has apparently not even made contact with Stephen Strasburg’s high-profile agent Scott Boras, has only four weeks to complete a deal or risk failing to sign their number one draft pick for the second consecutive year. One creative blogger has even created a site where Nats fans can watch the countdown and torment themselves.

One can argue that the Nationals would be crazy to give in to Strasburg’s unprecedented contract demands (he is reportedly demanding a $50 million guarantee), but the Nats knew his demands before drafting him. They also knew that he was linked up with the combative Boras before they chose him. In June, Washington Post columnist Michael Wilbon made a convincing argument against picking Strasburg #1 and observed the numerous first round failures from the MLB draft. He claimed a Strasburg pick would be an insane gamble especially given the Nats had a laundry list of needs. Nonetheless, the time to debate whether or not the Nationals should have drafted Strasburg is over.

Right or wrong, the team has made the gamble and now needs to seal the deal. Failure to sign the 6′4 righty could be the end of the line for a fan-base short on patience. No one in DC expects the Nationals to be making a run at the playoffs any time soon but the squad seems to be heading in the wrong direction.

Washington is in the midst of one of the worst seasons in MLB history and their new post-All Star break Manager does not yet have a victory. Meanwhile, despite the talk that the front office is building a solid farm system, there are few indications their minor league system has made the great strides they claim to have made. Out of Baseball America’s top 100 Minor League prospects, the Nationals don’t have a single prospect in the top 20 and only 1 in the top 50 (RHP Jordan Zimmerman).

Maybe the gamble will pay off. While it was not the Bigs, a 1.57 ERA, 133 KOs in 97 innings, and a 100+ MPH fastball is impressive at any level of serious baseball. Strasburg will certainly get some fans out to the DC ballpark if he shows up some time next year (or even this fall) but more importantly, signing the prospect will show fans a real commitment to building a team that competes in the future. Right now, it just looks like empty promises. – James Morrison

Jim (no relation to the dead Door’s guy) is a self proclaimed rotisserie expert. Jim has been participating in an serious Ultra-Rotisserie league (you can protect some minor leaguers too) at $2,600 per team instead of $260 (similar to Ultimate Franchise Baseball ™) for the past 17 years and has finished in the money 14 times with 8 First place finishes and over $260,000 in total winnings over the 17 year period. While the world is full of institutions and people that come with disclaimers on how past performance is no guarantee of future results, Jim is brazen enough to claim that it will be in your best interest to follow his advice going forward. He’ll write it, we’ll publish it and we shall see………

The NY Mets sign Michael Vick to a MLB Contract

That headline is just as likley to happen as the Mets signing Roy Halladay.

So if the listeners of 660 WFAN radio in NY would please stop calling in and explaining how Roy Halladay would fit great on the Mets team I would greatly appreciate it. It's silly.

It would seem to me that he would be a good fit for any team, don't you think? Exactly what would they give the Blue Jays, F-Mart and money? Please...

Halladay will be a Philly, a Dodger, a Ranger or a Ray and that's that. So if your not a fan for one of those teams, wish for something else for a mid-summer gift and stop the nonsense. - Mike Gross

Michael Gross, in conjunction with a prominent sports agency runs a strength, conditioning and agility program that many agents send their “to-be-drafted” athletes, prior to being drafted. Many pro athletes have also used the facilities for rehabilitation after injury. Over 90 professional athletes including current MLB ball players have attended his institution during the past 3 years.

P.S. For those of you who feel that my headline was a shameless way to improve the ratings of my posts, I agree :)

Matt Kemp is the Man

On Sunday Matt Kemp became the first to score all four of his team's runs in more than 40 years.

The last time a player scored four runs to score all of his team's runs for a game was on July 31, 1968 when Dick McAuliffe did it. (Take note of Denny McLain's W-L record at that point.)

Bert Campaneris did it in 1966. That was it for the majors from 1954 to today.

I checked five-run games, but that didn't pan out. I think it's more remarkable that Kemp did it batting out of the No. 7 slot, with a pitcher batting. He had to rely on Brad Ausmus driving him in twice and scoring on an error.

Matt Kemp is the Man. You can hit him anywhere in the line-up and he does the job. One of these days Torre will be forced to hit him in the top 4 and he will become a rotisserie monster. - Robert Fairchild

Robert Fairchild is a professional sports gaming professional. He legally wages on professional and collegiate sporting events for a living. Robert is NOT suggesting that you quit your day job and try to wager on sports for a living. He is contributing his thoughts and experience to assist you in a recreational activity that you as an informed adult may choose to take part in. Robert will NOT give specific wagering advice on any particular proposition in this forum.

The Fleecing of Ramse

It’s that time. Time for anyone that plans on dumping to get on with it and time for anyone that wants to make a push to give up their young talent and trade for some impact players that can help them win now.

At “THE BIG SHOW” – The best private roto league in the nation, we are closely monitoring two teams these next two weeks as the strategy at work will no doubt become so thought provoking and intense that brains will no doubt be swollen. (This will be true for both the two teams involved as well as the other 10 teams in the league as they try to comprehend and digest the furious activity.)

We’ve previously discussed on this site “doing a Provenz.” Now, all across the nation our readers will have the unique opportunity to both study and track this process as it happens in real time.

As the trading deadline nears, you are going to watch Woody’s Peckers attempt to use Ramse as their minor league roster and make a deal. Our best guess is that the Peckers will attempt to make the following trade (while eloquently attempting to explain and justify to Ramse why it’s good for him).

Based on past performances we see the proposed trade as follows:

Woody’s Peckers will attempt to obtain Bengie Molina $5, Derek Jeter $13, Manny Ramirez $31, Andrew McCutchen $24, Dustin Pedroia $11, Chone Figgins $10, Adrian Gonzalez $16, Clayton Kershaw $12, Josh Johnson $7

from Ramse for

Joel Zumaya $2 (DL), Chris R. Young $3 (DL), Edinson Volquez $11 (DL), Jose B. Reyes $43 (DL), Hank Blaylock $1 (DL any moment for something), Rod Barajas $1, Luis Castillo $2, Willie Bloomquist $1, Jed Lowrie $3.

We have reason to believe that this year might be different and Ramse might be holding his ground. We shall see. It will be interesting to see how Woody’s Peckers (the 2nd Place team) fares in tracking down Potato Head (the 1st Place team) if he is not able to get some version of this deal done.

I myself am waiting for the phone to ring with Woody’s Peckers on the other end suggesting that I take part in this deal expanding it to a three way to help move it along where I would give up Zack Greinke $11, and Nelson Cruz $9 in exchange for a box of jelly donuts, a back scratcher and a pair of Yankee tickets which would be forwarded to Ramse. - Mike Cardano

Mike Cardano is the founder of Around The Horn and Ultimate Franchise Baseball ™.

Roto-Rx

The Doctor is in...

Question #1: I saw the Padres Mat Latos play in the Futures game, he was pretty impressive. 1) What can you tell me about him, I hadn’t heard of him previously? 2) Do you think they will call him up this year? – Mark, Kileen, TX

Mark: First of all, Dr.Roto knows most everything about roto, especially each team's best prospects, which Latos clearly is. Latos throws hard and has been incredibly dominant at the minor league level thus far. Word has it that the Padres are planning to call him up this Sunday. Remember though, he is 21 and still needs more time in the minors. He may pitch well initially (because hitters haven't seen him), but he may struggle a bit the second time he faces teams. That said, if you are in a dynasty league, go get him!

Question #2: Will three-time CY Young Award winner have a meaningful affect on the NL East race or would we all have been better off if he just stayed with his cock-fighting career? – Billy, Santa Rosa, CA

Billy: Meaningful is such a relative word here. Dr. Roto's best guess is that Pedro has more meaning to the Phillies than to your fantasy roster. That said, he might make for a decent pickup if you can stash him and pitch him against the Mets!

Question #3: Do you think Ryan Howard has a chance at the HR record or did he get started too late like the article said? – Barry, Oxnard, CA

Barry: Blake knows his stuff, and Dr. Roto agrees with his assessment...Howard is a bit old to get the record, but let's enjoy him as he tries.

Question #4: Does Dr. Roto have keep a crystal ball in his medical kit? Either way, does he have an opinion on where Roy Halladay will go? – Justin, Columbus, GA

Justin: Dr. Roto's medical kit is filled with all sorts of interesting things, but unfortunately a crystal ball is not one of them. My sources tell me if he goes, it will be to a big market club with prospects to move. Some teams that come to mind are: Angels Phillies, and Giants. My dark horse, though, is the...Chicago White Sox. Kenny Williams always has a way of getting things done under the radar.

Question #5: Alex Gordon is about to come back. Do you think he will ever live up to the hype? There have been others that touted that have failed, but by now they were given up on. The Royals still see something there. Do you? – Cal, Kansas City, MO

Cal: It's way too early to give up on Gordon just yet. Many were predicting a breakout year for him before the injury. Temper your expectations for the remainder of the year and make sure to talk up his lack of numbers before next year's draft...maybe you can get him on the cheap.

The Doctor is out...

Mark Bloom (aka Dr. Roto) is the former owner of Roto-Rx, a fantasy website featured in a UPN newscast. He has been an active competitor and commissioner in fantasy leagues for close to 20 years winning numerous league titles.

Ask Dr. Roto your rotisserie baseball questions.

Follow Dr. Roto on Twitter

Phil Hughes is being primed for the rotation - Joba for the pen

Phil Hughes, the hard-throwing Yankees right hander was as dominant Friday night as he's ever been coming out of the bullpen, striking out six of the nine batters he faced and holding the Tigers scoreless over the seventh and eighth innings of the Yankees' 5-3 victory at the Stadium.

"I just tried to be aggressive and make quality pitches," said Hughes, who touched 97 mph on the radar gun. "It's nice to be in the game when it matters and counts, I guess I've found a comfort zone out there."

Hughes went about 40 pitches this outing. Here’s my take, I think Girardi has a plan. Over the next 3 outings Hughes will work his way up to 90 pitches (about an increase of 15 each time) and then Hughes will get a spot in the rotation and Joba Chamberlin will be moved to the pen. It won't be long before Hughes will be the big-name pitcher on the NY Yankees, and he'll be a fixture for years to come.

In his last 15 2/3 innings, Hughes has given up 0 ER, 8 Hits, only 3 BB and had 19 K’s. That is dominance.

Hughes has nothing left to prove in the minors. He's mow had a taste of being a starter in the majors, he's gotten the time to watch and learn while in the bull pen and he's gotten quality innings in some pressure situations. Those weren't 15 2/3 mop-up innings he pitched, he's ready. It's his time.

Before Friday night's game, Girardi announced that 28-year-old right hander Sergio Mitre would be called up from Triple-A to make a start against the Orioles on Tuesday, filling the void left by an injured Chien-Ming Wang. It will be Mitre's first outing in the big leagues since Sept. 15, 2007, when he lasted 4-2/3 innings for the Marlins. I think this is a temporary move for 2-3 weeks until you see Hughes in the rotation for good.

Now is your chance to pick up one of the very best pitching prospects in all of baseball. If you wait until he’s named a starter, it will be too late. - Mike Gross

Michael Gross, in conjunction with a prominent sports agency runs a strength, conditioning and agility program that many agents send their “to-be-drafted” athletes, prior to being drafted. Many pro athletes have also used the facilities for rehabilitation after injury. Over 90 professional athletes including current MLB ball players have attended his institution during the past 3 years.

El Duque Remembered

The Texas Rangers have released right hander Orlando Hernandez. Most of you probably remember El Duque because of his exaggerated high leg kick or from his days as a Yankee and his legendary playoff success.

El Duque had pitched effectively in 11 innings of relief with Triple-A Oklahoma City, but he didn't show enough velocity or command for Texas to think he was big league ready. I don’t know if he’ll ever get another MLB opportunity, but I’m certain he will land on his feet. He certainly has the resolve.

Hernandez has certainly had an interesting life to date. When Hernández signed with the Yankees in 1998, he claimed to have been born in 1969. In 1999, The Smoking Gun published his divorce decree from Cuba, which had surfaced in connection with a child support case brought by his ex-wife; the decree revealed him to have been born in 1965. There have even been reports of Hernandez being born sometime between 1957 and 1961. The official site of Major League Baseball still gives his year of birth as 1969, while his pages on ESPN and Baseball-Reference.com list it as 1965.

Hernández played for Industriales of Havana in the Cuban National Series, helping the team win that title in 1992 and 1996. He also represented Havana in Selective Series, on teams including Ciudad Habana and Habaneros. He was 126-47 with 3.05 ERA over his ten-year career in the National Series. His career winning percentage in National and Selective Series, .728, is the league record.

Hernández was also a fixture on the Cuba national baseball team, and was part of the gold-winning Olympic team at Barcelona in 1992.

In September 1995, Hernández's half-brother Liván Hernández defected from Cuba. Then in July 1996, Orlando Hernández was detained by Cuban state security and interrogated about his relationship to an American sports agent. Three months later, he was banned from Cuban baseball. On Christmas day 1997, Hernández defected from Cuba, departing on a boat from the small city of Caibarién. The U.S. Coast Guard interdicted Hernandez, his companion Noris Bosch, another baseball player named Alberto Hernandez (no relation) and five others in Bahamian waters, delivering the entire party to Bahamian authorities in Freeport, who confined them in a detention center for illegal immigrants pending eventual repatriation to Cuba, the usual outcome of such cases. However, after lobbying by sports agent Mark Cubas and representatives of the Cuban-American National Foundation (CANF), then-Attorney General Janet Reno eventually offered both Hernandezes and Bosch a special status known as "humanitarian parole" that would allow them to enter the U.S., based on (1) what were judged to be realistic fears of persecution should they be returned to Cuba and (2) their status as exceptionally talented athletes, a class of person that — like exceptionally talented people in other professions — can qualify for special admission to the U.S. under State Department rules. However, Hernandez declined this offer, eventually accepting an offer of asylum in Costa Rica. If he had immediately become a U.S. resident, he would have been subject to baseball's regular draft and could only have negotiated terms with the team that picked him. As a non-U.S. resident, however, he was able to negotiate as a free agent. After two months in Costa Rica, Hernandez entered the U.S. on a visa arranged by the New York Yankees, with whom he had negotiated a four-year, $6.6 million contract.

Hernández enjoyed his best year in 1999, with a 17-9 record and setting career-highs in strikeouts (157) and innings pitched (214.1) as a Yankee. After the regular season, he was selected the Most Valuable Player in the American League Championship Series.

In 2005, while pitching for the Chicago White Sox, Hernández delivered a memorable performance in the sixth inning of Game 3 of the 2005 ALDS against the Boston Red Sox. Brought on in relief with the bases loaded and no outs, Hernández induced two fly ball outs before striking out Johnny Damon without surrendering a run. The White Sox would go on to win the game, sweeping the Red Sox out of the playoffs. After the 2005 season, he was traded along with relief pitcher Luis Vizcaíno and the highly touted prospect outfielder Chris Young to the Arizona Diamondbacks for former teammate Javier Vázquez. On May 24, 2006, he was dealt to the New York Mets in exchange for relief pitcher Jorge Julio.

Hernández's debut season in the National League allowed him to attain some offensive feats for the first time in his career. On July 29, 2006, Hernandez drove in the first two RBIs of his career. When asked when was the last time he remembered he drove in a run, Orlando said, "In Cuba". Then, on August 20, 2006, at Shea Stadium, Hernández had the first stolen base of his career (3rd).

Hernández pitched well after his trade to the Mets, going 9-7 with a 4.09 ERA in 20 starts as the Mets won the National League East. His stellar pitching in September, going 2-2 with a 2.01 ERA, earned him the privilege of being named the Mets Game 1 Starter in the 2006 National League Division Series. However, while running sprints in the outfield the day before the playoffs started, Hernández tore a muscle in his calf and had to be scratched from the postseason roster. He was re-signed by the Mets on November 14, 2006. Injuries limited Hernandez to just 24 starts during the 2007 season, but he pitched successfully when healthy, posting a 9-5 record, a 3.72 ERA and 128 strikeouts in 147 innings. Hernandez underwent foot surgery following the 2007 season and was not ready to begin the 2008 season with the Mets. He underwent a lengthy post-surgery rehabilitation program in Florida with the intent of joining the Mets in August 2008. A toe injury that required season-ending surgery in late August 2008 ended Hernandez' season without having thrown a pitch for the Mets. A free agent following the 2008 season, Hernandez' future as an active player is in doubt, especially considering his history of mounting injuries and his age.

On June 11, 2009, Hernandez signed a minor league deal with the Texas Rangers. He was assigned to Triple-A Oklahoma. The Rangers informed him that they would not call him up, because they do not believe he has the velocity or command to pitch in the majors, setting up his release today.

Perhaps we will see him again. I hope so. He was one of the great stories of the game.– Josh Bolan

Josh Bolan is a retired AP baseball reporter and now works as a freelance writer in Fresno California. Josh has been contributing to baseball publications as a writer since 1996.