Around Baseball: Cubs, Schmidt, Sheets, Lilly, Banks

Around Baseball:

• The Cubs have agreed to terms with second rounder D.J. LeMahieu, according to Carrie Muskat.
• Ken Gurnick reports that former Dodgers ace Jason Schmidt will return to the rotation on Monday
• Don't expect the Padres to move Adrian Gonzales or Heath Bell before the Deadline; according to Ken Rosenthal.
• From a Angels Press Release the Angels have released right-hander Rudy Seanez.
• Reports from Buster Olney is that Ben Sheets continues to make progress as he returns from elbow surgery, still doubts about his 2009 season.
• Ken Davidoff writes that the Yankees missed the ball when they could of signed Lilly.
• The White Sox could give up Danks for Halladay instead of Beckham, according to Chicago Tribune.
• Padres designated righthander Josh Banks for assignment; according to a team press release.
  

Quick Notes

• The Brewers are in on Roy Halladay, flying under the radar. However, Roy might not approve a deal to Milwaukee, even if the crew do have enough prospects.
• Kevin Towers, Padres GM, says it makes no sense for them to move Adrian Gonzalez or Heath Bell.
• Matt Holliday is not drawing that much interest from anyone.
• The A's have gotten calls about Mike Wuertz and Brad Ziegler, but they don't seem eager to move either of the relief pitchers.

That's it for now!

Countdown To the Deadline: 13 Days

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Reds Selling or Buying?
The Cincinnati Reds are hanging around in the NL Central, but they're 5.5 games back and 3 games under .500. Will they be selling, buying or neither at the deadline? CEO Bob Castellini would like to at least end the streak of losing seasons.

Yankees Pitching Depth
The Yanks GM Brian Cashman has said, "Right now I don't feel like we need a guy because we're going internal and waiting to see how that works out."

Henderson's Playing Days Are Over
The 50 year old all-time stolen base leader will not steal another base in the big leagues. Rickey told Jerr Crasnick of ESPN that he would love to pursue a coaching career, but his playing days are done.

Halladay Update
The Tigers have had some internal discussions about the ace, but Jon Paul Morosi doesn't see anything happening there.

Lowrie Returns
98 days after his last start for the Red Sox, SS Jed Lowrie returned to the lineup today. Lowrie was recovering from a left wrist surgery. He will share duties with Nick Green as short for Boston for the foreseeable future according to Ian Brown of MLB.com.

Days Recap
Please scroll down on the blog and read all of the updates Phil and I had for you today! Lots of good info today, including;

• Roy Halladay Rumors
• Tim Redding Could be released
• Angels and their FA
• Minor League suspensions
• Pirates Update
• And more!

Trade Deadline Preview

The guys from MLB Daily Dish have done a nice job with some team-by-team trade deadline previews:

• Brewers
• Cardinals
• Dodgers
• Orioles
• Pirates

That's it for now, more updates later!

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.

Mets to Release Tim Redding

Adam Rubin spoke to a source who claims the Mets are about ready to release Tim Redding and eat the reminder of his one year 2.25 million dollar contract. Redding had a 7.22 ERA in 52.1 IP this year.

Updated at 1:30 with more info
Redding was still in the Mets clubhouse today, a release could still be on the way, but it may not occur until early next week.

Halladay Rumors

The Brewers have talked to the Blue Jays about Halladay, When GM Doug Melvin talked to Tom Haudricourt of the Journal Sentinel who confirmed that he did have a conversation with Toronto, but wouldn't go into details. It was previously noted that the Brewers wouldn't trade their highly regarded prospects in Mat Gamel and Alcides Escobar, which was made very clear by Doug Melvin.

The Angels have pursued Halladay, but don't feel confident that they can satisfy the Jays in a trade; according to Bill Shaikin of the LA Times. The Angels would part with Brandon Wood, but are very "hesitant" to include young pitching.

Updated at 1:30 with More info
Jon Heyman reports that the Phillies are still the favorite to land Hallday, the Rangers don't have the money and the Angels want to keep their prospects.

Who gets Halladay? Does anybody?

Miguel Angel Sano News

Miguel Angel Sano passed Major League Baseball's age investigation. It seemed that every team had some sort of interest but the Pirates and Orioles appear to be the front runners for his services.

Angels and their Free Agents

According to Bill Shaikin the Angels will wait till after the season to talk re-negotiating. The good thing is that the Angels will have a 15-day period were only them can inclusively talk to their free agents before they hit the open market.

"It's unlikely we'd do anything during this time period," General Manager Tony Reagins said Friday. "We don't want it to be a distraction. We want to focus on trying to win."

Free agents at seasons end from the Angels are: John Lackey (SP), Vladimir Guerrero (OF), Bobby Abreu (OF), Chone Figgins (3B), Robb Quinlan (Utility), and pitchers Kelvim Escobar and Darren Oliver.

Countdown to the Deadline: 14 Days

Roy Halladay
Here's what Roy has to say about the trade rumors.
The Blue Jays are not trying to force a Halladay deal Brian Eller.

Guys on the block?
Here is a list for you of guys that could be traded before July 31:

• Victor Martinez, C, Indians
• Yorvit Torrealba, C, Rockies
• Miguel Tejada, SS/3B, Astros
• Garrett Atkins, 3B, Rockies
• Adam LaRoche, 1B, Pirates
• Jorge Cantu, 1B, Marlins
• Nick Johnson, 1B, Nationals
• Joe Crede, 3B, Twins
• Hank Blalock, 3B, Rangers
• Mark Teahen, 1B, Royals
• Melvin Mora, 1B/3B, Orioles
• Chad Tracy, 3B, D-backs
• Josh Fields, 3B, White Sox
• Ty Wigginton, 1B/3B, Orioles
• Kevin Millar, 1B, Blue Jays
• Mike Jacobs, DH, Royals
• Adam Kennedy, 2B, A's
• Kevin Kouzmanoff, 1B/3B, Padres
• Blake DeWitt, 3B, LAD
• Jose Bautists, LF/3B, Blue Jays
• Jeff Larish, DH, Tigers
• Robinson Cano, 2B, Yankees
• Dan Uggla, 2B, Marlins
• Felipe Lopez, 2B, D-backs
• J.J. Hardy, SS, Brewers
• Orlando Cabrera, SS, A's
• Julio Lugo, INF, Red Sox
• Freddy Sanchez, 2B, Pirates
• Jack Wilson, SS Pirates
• Kelly Johnson, 2B, Braves
• Aaron Miles, 2B, Cubs
• Jamey Carroll, 2B, Indians
• Jason Donald, SS, AAA for Phillies
• John McDonald, SS, Blue Jays
• Matt Holliday, OF, A's
• Adam Dunn, OF, Nationals
• Brad Hawpe, OF, Rockies
• Jermaine Dye, OF, White Sox
• Milton Bradley, OF, Cubs
• Carl Crawford, OF, Rays
• Juan Pierre, OF, LAD
• Magglio Ordonez, OF, Tigers
• Ryan Ludwick, OF, Cardinals
• Randy Winn, OF, Giants
• Corey Hart, OF, Brewers
• Delmon Young, OF, Twins
• Melky Cabrera, OF, Yankees
• Aubrey Huff, OF, Orioles
• Ryan Spilborghs, OF Rockies
• Jose Gulillen, OF Royals
• Luke Scott, OF, Orioles
• Garrett Anderson, OF, Braves
• Brett Gardner, OF, Yankees
• Andruw Jones, OF, Rangers
• Cody Ross, OF, Marlins
• Jeremy Hermida, OF, Marlins
• Rick Ankiel, OF, Cardinals
• Chris Duncan, OF, Cardinals
• Elijah Dukes, OF, Nationals
• Austin Kearns, OF, Nationals
• Josh Willingham, OF, Nationals
• David DeJesus, OF, Royals
• Fernando Martinez, OF, Mets
• Gary Matthews Jr., OF, Angels
• Fernando Tatis, OF, Mets
• Gabe Gross, OF, Rays
• Gabe Kapler, OF, Rays
• Scott Podsednik, OF, White Sox
• Ty Wigginton, OF, Orioles
• Roy Halladay, SP, Blue Jays
• Cliff Lee, SP, Indians
• Erik Bedard, SP, Mariners
• Jake Peavy, SP, Padres
• Brad Penny, SP, Red Sox
• Javier Vazquez, SP, Braves
• Rich Harden, SP, Cubs
• Phil Hughes, SP, Yankees
• Doug Davis, SP, D-Backs
• Bronson Arroyo, SP, Reds
• Jason Marquis, SP, Rockies
• Vicente Padilla, SP, Rangers
• Jonathan Sanchez, SP, Giants
• Carl Pavano, SP, Indians
• Andy Sonnanstine, SP, Rays
• Jarrod Washburn, SP, Mariners
• Jose Contreras, SP, White Sox
• Jon Garland, SP, D-backs
• Nate Robertson, SP, Tigers
• Tim Redding, SP, Mets
• Kyle Davies, SP, Royals
• James McDonald, SP, Dodgers
• Jose Valverde, RP, Astros
• Huston Street, RP, Rockies
• Mike Gonzalez, RP, Braves
• Francisco Cordero, RP, Reds
• Takashi Saito, RP, Red Sox
• Rafael Soriano, RP, Braves
• Eddie Guardado, RP, Rangers
• LaTroy Hawkins, RP, Astros
• John Grabow, RP, Pirates
• Phil Hughes, RP, Yankees
• Octavio Dotel, RP, White Sox
• Clay Rapada, RP, Tigers
• Scott Elbert, RP, Dodgers
• Danys Baez, RP, Orioles
• George Sherrill, RP, Orioles
• David Weathers, RP, Reds
• Ron Mahay, RP, Royals
• Brian Stokes, RP, Mets
• Ron Villone, RP, Nationals
• Alfredo Aceves, RP, Yankees
• Sean Green, RP, Mets

We'll keep you posted on who goes where!

Reds Option Roenicke

The Reds have recalled Drew Sutton from AAA Louisville. The Reds are looking to add depth to their bench, so they are going back to a 12 man pitching staff by sending Josh Roenicke to AAA. Roenickle had a 2.96 ERA in 10 games with the Reds this year. Sutton came to the Reds in April to complete the trade that sent Jeff Keppinger to the Astros.

Pirates Talking Extensions?

The Pirates have reportedly approached both members of their middle infielder, Jack Wilson and Freddy Sanchez, about multiyear contract extensions in hoping to avoid trading them. Neal Huntigton has said that the easiest thing to do would be to keep Sanchez and Wilson in Pittsburgh.

Matt Herges

Herges, who was a key piece to the Rockies bullpen in 2007, will return to the Mile High City on a minor league deal. He will report to AAA. He had a 3.55 ERA in 21 games with the Indians this year before being DFA.

Lilly and Soriano Out

LHP Ted Lilly of the Chicago Cubs next start, which would have been tomorrow, has been moved back to Monday. Randy Wells, a rookie, will start for the Cubs tomorrow, and Kevin Hart will be called up from AAA to start Saturday. Lilly has a bum knee. Alfonso Soriano injured his finger diving into a base last night, and is day to day.

Phillies Activate Condrey

The Phils have activated RHP Clay Condre from the 15 day DL. Clay had been on the DL since June 23 with a left oblique strain. To make room on the roster RHP Tyler Walker has been DFA.

Football at Yankee Stadium

According to a report from Tom Singer on MLB.com Nortre Dame and Army will play the first college football game at the new Yankees Stadium in 2010. The Yanks will hold a media conference on Monday to announce this event.

That's it for now, we'll keep you posted on everything baseball!

Astros will not be Buyers?

Astros GM Ed Wade told Sirius XM Radio that they won't be buyers at the deadline. Still the Stros are only 3.0 games out of first, but the next two weeks will be crucial so if the fall out of the race, they can sell 2010 free agents such as; Miguel Tejada, LaTroy Hawkins, Jose Valverde and Ivan Rodriguez.

Extension for Bay in progress with Red Sox

Update Friday 3:45 pm: Amalie Benjamin is reporting that the Red Sox and Jason Bay will hold off on extension talks until the offseason. At seasons end the Red Sox have 15 days to inclusively talk to Jason Bay with out him negotiating with other teams.
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According to Alex Speier; both sides would to say with each other for years to come. We most recently heard about this from St. Louis during the All-Star game but nothing then devolved until now.

Bay is looking for a three or four year deal worth up to 14 million dollars a year. But the Red Sox want to use Adam Dunn's deal as a point of referenced.

Look for new details about Bay and the Red Sox for the rest of the year and offseason.

Teams interested in Lugo

According to Steve Buckley; The Cubs, Cardinals, and Mets have shown some sort of interest in Julio Lugo. If the Red Sox do trade him, their almost certain to pick-up the 13.5 million dollars left on his contract.