Countdown to the Deadline: 11 Days

O's Could Make Moves
The Orioles made a trade yesterday that send pitcher Cla Meredith to the Padres for Oscar Salazar. Baltimore may look to trade guys like Aubrey Huff, George Sherrill, and Danys Baez before the Trade Deadline. Manager Dave Trembley has said that he won't be surprised if the team dramatically changes.

Giambi to DL
Jason Giambi has been placed on the DL with a strained right quad. The A's will be using lots of Nomar Garciaparra at first base. Daric Barton was called up from AAA to take Giambi's spot on the roster.

Pedro Update
RHP Pedro Martinez is on the road to returning to the big leagues. He will toss a simulated game on Tuesday.

Roberts recalled
The D'backs have recalled infielder Ryan Roberts from AAA, to take Felipe Lopez's, who was traded, place on the active roster.

Myers could return in August
Phillies RHP Brett Myers could return in August. He will throw a bullpen session on Saturday. If he returns he will pitch in relief.

Other Deadline Notes

• The Red Sox don't seem to be in on the Roy Halladay talks.
• The Cleveland Indians are shopping Cliff Lee and Victor Matrinez.
• The Tigers had a scout at Halladay's start yesterday.
• The Royals have traded Yuniesky Betancourt to fill their SS need.
• The Mets turned down a package of Fernando Martinez, Jon Nies, Ruben Tejada, and Bobby Parnell for Halladay.
• The Phillies sent a scout to check out D-backs closer Chad Qualls this weekend.

That's it for now, we'll keep you posted.

Afternoon Updates: Pirates, Red Sox, and More

Note: Scroll down for updated posts on Halladay and Redding!

• The Pirates have their double play duo to take pay cuts. The Bucs are hoping to bring SS Jack Wilson and 2B Freddy Sanchez back on a contract extension.
• The team is most interested in securing Wilson and trading Sanchez according to Dejan Kovacevic of The Pittsburgh Post.
• Pirates catcher Ryan Doumit thinks it's vital to keep both Wilson and Sanchez.
• Julio Lugo, who was DFA by the Red Sox yesterday, has been working out at the Mets complex and is expected to sign with the Mets as soon as he clears waivers and is released.
• Theo Epstein feels there are opportunities for the Red Sox to get better, but Theo is pleased with the roster they have.
• The Padres are looking to find more playing time for their younger players, like Mat Latos, who will be called up to start on Sunday.
• The Tigers have placed pitcher Joel Zumaya on the 15 day DL with shoulder soreness. There is no timetable for his return. Ryan Perry was called up from AAA to take Zumaya's spot on the roster.
• Rays manager Joe Maddon was honored with the C.I. Taylor Award.
• Ryan Braun of the Brewers departed yesterday's game with a sore wrist and thumb. It will be evaluated today. Braun was hit with a pitch in the 5th inning, before leaving in the 7th.

6 minor league players have been suspended 50 games for testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs. The list:

• Cody Adams, Class A, Brewers
• Billis Andujar, DSL, Tigers
• Jose Encarnacion, DSL, Tigers
• Carlos Rosario, DSL, White Sox
• Aristedes Santos, DSL, KC
• Jorge Serra, DSL, Blue Jays

The suspensions are effective immediately.

That's it for now, we'll keep you posted on everything MLB.

Roy Halladay Rumors

Halladay Rumors:

Update Friday 12:30 pm: Jerry Crasnick hears from an AL executive that he "would be very surprised" if White Sox GM Kenny Williams doesn't make a play for Roy Halladay.

We already know that Gordon Beckham is untouchable. Possible trade chips to interest the Jays are; Aaron Poreda, Tyler Flowers, Clayton Richard, Dan Hudson, and Jeff Marquez. With good young pitching prospects wouldn't the Jays want more position players then just Tyler Flowers?

Tom Verducci hears that the Dodgers will not trade Clayton Kershaw, but do want Halladay. The Jays do like like minor league third baseman Josh Bell.

Update 7:10: The Rangers have had discussions with the Jays about Halladay, according to MLB.com's T.R. Sullivan. But sources call it a "long shot."

• A Phillie source told Todd Zolecki says that Halladay's 14.25 million dollar salary is nothing and won't be problem. But a package of both Halladay and Vernon Wells would be a deal breaker.
• The Jays told both the Yankees and Red Sox that they'd prefer to deal him outside the AL East; according to John Heyman.
• Joe Strauss says that the Cardinals will not include centerfielder Colby Rasmus in a deal. As well the Cardinals are downplaying any deal due to little pitching prospects that the Jays so desperately want.