Countdown To the Deadline: 15 Days

Welcome to Our MLB Blog!
I hope you're enjoying our new blog! Phil Wilson and I have both been blogging for about 6 months, and now we are joining together to create 1 MLB site that covers all 30 Major League Baseball teams-- This very site! We'll have updates on rumors, breaking news, signings, injuries, and more! And keep coming back, because in the off season we plan to add some things including radio interview recaps, MLB Network Hot Stove Recaps, Winter League updates, coverage from the Winter Meetings and Fanfests, and more as well as continuing rumors and news updates!

Let's Recap
Here's the links to all the updates Phil has already had for you tonight about possible trades and more:

• Teams interested in Johnson and Harris
• Hernadez expected to become a free agent
• Roy Halladay Rumors
• Rockies DFA Belisle
• R-Sox want to move Lugo
• Royals DFA Tony Pena Jr.
• Reds want a hitter

Lots of Parity in the First Half

The negative side of the parity that we've seen in both leagues in the first half is that at the trade deadline their are lots of teams buying and not a lot selling. Here's the short list of teams that are probably (nothing a sure thing in baseball) out of it (10+ games out of first or in last place).

• Toronto
• Baltimore
• Kansas City
• Cleveland
• Oakland
• Washington
• Pittsburgh
• Arizona
• San Diego

So that's 9 teams selling, 21 most likely buying. Should be interesting...

Today's Links

• Richard Griffin's Blue Jays mail bag
• Craig Brown from Royals Authority graded the Royals Pitchers at the half way point
• Mid Term Orioles Grades from Peter Schmuck
• Lou Piniella Meet President Obama

Other Notes from Baseball Today:

• Ryan Howard reached 200 home runs today for the Phillies.
• Pedro Martinez is getting a feel for the Phillies, he visited his new team and played catch today.
• Jake Peavy is going to begin his rehab on his healthy ankle, no timetable has been set for his return but he expects to pitch again this season.
• The Braves will retire Gregg Maddux's jersey on Friday, his Cubs number was retired in May.
• Dave Bush had a set back in his rehab start and won't make his scheduled start on Monday for the Brewers.
• The Washington Nationals have brought Pat Corrales back as their new bench coach. Jim Riggleman, who was the bench coach, was promoted to manager a few days ago when Manny Acta was fired.
• The Royals designated SS Tony Pena and CF Mitch Maier to AAA today to make room for Yunieky Betancourt and Alex Gordon, both of whom are coming off the DL and will be in the lineup tomorrow.
• The Astros have recalled LHP Wesley Wright from AAA to fill an open roster spot.
• The Cubs have signed LHP former Blue Jays closer B.J. Ryan to a minor league deal and sent him to Mesa for rehab, after that he will head to AAA Iowa.
• The Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies are moving their Spring Training home. They will now share a new Arizona facility closer the rest of the Cactus League teams. No more road trips to and from Tucson!

If you'd like to see more of my work, or you're a fan of the Chicago Cubs, visit my Cubs website by clicking here.

I'll keep you posted on Everything Baseball!

Rockies signed Matt Herges

According to the Denver post the Rockies signed Matt Herges to a Minor League deal after being DFA'd by the Indians.

Teams interested in Johnson and Harris

According to Bill Ladson reports that the Nationals are asking for too much in return for Nick Johnson. As they should be, teams are weary to give young talent for a player with such a background of injuries. With Johnson hitting .305-.413.425 on the season, don't expect teams to give a lot with Johnson becoming a free agent.

Bill also notes that contending teams are interested in utility man Willie Harris. Capable of playing just about everywhere except pitcher and catcher, Harris is hitting .253-.370-.430 in 190 plate appearances this season.

Expect Orlando Hernandez to become a free agent

MLB.com's T.R. Sullivan says the Rangers are expected to cut ties with El Duque. Sullivan says Hernandez is expected to exercise the opt out and become a free agent.

In 11 innings with Triple-A Oklahoma City, all in relief, Hernandez allowed just four hits and four walks while striking out 12. The Rangers did not see enough improvement with Velocity and command to bring him back up to the majors.

Rockies DFA Matt Belisle

According to Tracy Ringolsby, Matt Belisle of the Rockies was designated for assignment today. The move was made to clear a spot for Manny Corpas, who is returning from a elbow injury. Belisle pitched in 15 games for Colorado this season, putting up a 8.35 ERA in 18.1 IP.

Red Sox want to move Julio Lugo

With Jed Lowrie, Mike Lowell and Clay Buchholz about to return to the active roster, the Red Sox want to move Julio Lugo desperately. They've been trying to trade him since the offseason, but could simply release him according to Ken Rosethal.

Royals DFA Tony Pena Jr.

Royals have designated shortstop Tony Pena Jr. for assignment to make room on the roster for the recently acquired Yuniesky Betancourt. Pena was hitting a dismal .156-.178-.192 in 288 plate appearances since 2008.

Reds want a Hitter

With Jay Bruce on the DL for 6-8 weeks, the reds want to add a hitter more then ever. Jocketty said the Reds won't necessarily get the bat they're looking for, but he says he's "looking for a hitter" anyways; according to MLB.com's mark Sheldon.