Phillies Interested in Chad Qualls

According to Ed price; the Phillies sent a scout watch D'Backs closer Chad Qualls this weekend against the Cardinals. He makes 2.5 million dollars (30 years old) and doesn't become a free agent till after next season. Qualls has been good this year, and should demand a decent prospect or two.

Indians want Pitching

If the Indians were to sell Cliff Lee and Victor Martinez they'd want a pitching infested return. Indians GM Mark Shapiro has no idea if he'll make any trades this July, but he's "extremely busy and active,"according to Anthony Castrovince.

"This year, the [non-waiver] deadline is going to be far less relevant," Shapiro said. "[The market] will probably be active all the way through August."

Marlin not Buyers?

Three days ago the Marlins seemed like buyers, but after being swept by the division leading Phillies that has changed. Ken Rosenthal hears that the Marlins are neither buyers or sellers at the moment.

Brad Penny Rumors

With the pitching the the Red Sox have, Boston could deal Brad Penny way for a grade B prospect. Penny most likely won't profile under as a Type A or Type B free agent, and the Red Sox will certainly NOT offer arbitration to Penny; writes Buster Olney. The only way for the Red Sox to gain talent from Penny is through a trade, for the reason that Penny isn't going bring draft picks back in the off-season.

Dodgers Eyeing Relievers

Ken Gurnick reports that if the Dodgers push the Red further away from contention, it would be easier to acquire one of the reds relievers. The Dodgers are trying to improve their 'pen, so they've been eying Francisco Cordero, David Weathers and Arthur Rhodes. As well as O's reliever George Sherrill.

Orioles Rumors

• According to Ken Rosenthal; The Marlins, Dodgers, Brewers, Angels and Cubs all have some interest in Orioles closer George Sherrill. We know the Orioles want two young prospects for Sherrill.
• Ken also mentions that dealing Luke Scott and Aubrey Huff isn't on the O's wish list.
• Roch Kubatko notes that the Oscar Salazar for Cla Meredith trade worked out for both teams.
• The O's are still very interested Miguel Angel Sano, but it could be a month before he signs; writes Steve Melewski.

Expect a lot of Oriole rumors, there gonna unload.

12 Days to the Deadline: Sunday Night Halladay Updates and More

Roy Halladay

• Jon Heyman thinks the Phillies are still the top dog in the Roy Halladay sweepstakes.
• The Giants are right there with the Phils, but the Angels are not willing to trade top prospects, hurting the Halos chances.
• Top officials from the Phillies, Brewers, Rangers, and White Sox were there today when Halladay pitched a complete game allowing just one run to pick up his 11th win.
• Danny Knobler of CBS Sports says that the Brewers have enough prospects to pull off the trade for the Blue Jays' ace.
• Peter Gammons from ESPN trade deadline preview video.

Cruz Scratched

Nelson Cruz was scratched from the Rangers lineup today with a fracture in his finger. He isn't expected to go on the DL and is listed as day-to-day.

Hudson Injury Update

LA Dodger second baseman Orlando Hudson left today's game with a left wrist injury. He too is listed as day-to-day.

Replay Changes HR

Texas Rangers' right fielder Andruw Jones hit a blast down the line that was ruled a fair ball and a home run. The umpires decided to use the instant replay, and changed the ruling to a foul ball.

Hudson Injury Update II

The Braves Tim Hudson, no relation to the aforementioned Orlando Hudson, tossed two innings in a rehab for Class A, and all went well. Hudson did not allow a run. He feels "really good."

Selig Statement

Commissioner Bud Selig issued this (click for link) statement about the passing of Giants owner Sue Burns.

Umpire Leaves Game

Home plate umpire John Hirschbeck left the game in St. Louis today after being hit in the mask by a foul ball.

Cardinal Rehab Updates

David Freese, who has been out since mid-May with a ankle injury, joined 3B Troy Glaus in the Cardinals farm system on rehab to return.

Grudzielanek Signs with Twins

The Twins have signed veteran second baseman Mark Grudzielanek to a minor league deal. Grudzie hasn't played all season, and will work out in Fort Myers, FL before reporting to a minor league team. Mark is a former Royal, Cub, and Cardinal.

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

Nat's DFA Julian Tavarez

Bill Ladson reports that the Nationals designated right-hander Julian Tavarez for assignment. If knowone is willing to give this journey man a shot then he'd report the AAA affiliate of the Nationals.

The 36 year old had a 4.89 ERA and a 1.74 WHIP in 35 innings with the Nats, the good thing for teams who may be interested is that he had an 0.79 ERA in June in 11.1 innings of work.

Padres, O's Swap Meredith and Salazar

Roch Kubatko reports that the Orioles have traded infielder Oscar Salazar to the Padres. In return the Padres traded Cla Meredith to the Orioles.

"He gets a lot of ground balls and can pitch every other day," O's president Andy MacPhail said Sunday evening. "The ground ball ratio becomes more important later in the summer in our ballpark."

Felipe Lopez Traded to Brewers

After the Brewers lost, they traded outfielder Cole Gillespie and pitcher Roque Mercedes to the Diamondbacks in exchange for Felipe Lopez.

Quick Notes

Quick Notes:

• According to Joe Christensen the Twins agreed to terms with Mark Grudzielanek on a minor league deal. A 14-year vet will give depth to a young twins team, but firsts he'll report to the Twins' Gulf Coast League affiliate.
• Espn wrote;"The San Diego Padres' Edgar Gonzalez was helped off the field after he was hit in the head by a pitch in the sixth inning of Saturday night's game against the Colorado Rockies. Edgar's brother, All-Star Adrian Gonzalez, was pulled from the game when the inning ended to go to the hospital where Edgar was being treated."
  
• Greg Maddux and Braves manager Bobby Cox talk about a spring instructional role for future HOFer Greg Maddux.
• Jenifer Langosch reports that the Miguel Angel Sano age investigation isn't over yet.
  

More quick notes to come!

Angles Interested in Sherrill

According to Bill Shaikin; the Angels have interest in George Sherrill, but doesn't want to relinquish young talent. Reports are that the O's want two young prospects in exchange for the former All-Star closer.

Sherrill is getting up there in age at 32, but is under team control till 2011, with less then a million dollars remaining on this year's contract.

Danys Baez, Aubrey Huff and Melvin Mora have also been made available.