Yahoo Contributor Network - Replacing Mariano Rivera

My second post for the YCN is on possible replacements for Mariano Rivera should he indeed retire after this season.

David Robertson, Rafael Soriano, David Aardsma, Brandon League, J.J. Putz, and Jose Valverde are among those considered. Click here to read the article, and thanks.

Mets Get Putz in Blockbuster Deal

Occasionally trade rumors do come to fruition and late Wednesday night was one of those times. The Mets acquired Mariners closer J.J. Putz in a huge 3 team, 12 player deal. In addition to the Mets and Mariners, the Indians jumped into the fray, getting reliever Joe Smith from the Mets and Luis Valbuena from the Mariners.

In addition to Putz, who will now set up for Francisco Rodriguez, the Mets also picked up M's center fielder Jeremy Reed and right-hander Sean Green. Reed will serve as a reserve outfielder, while Green will pitch out of the pen and can be used for spot starts.

The Mariners received outfielder Franklin Gutierrez, who will most likely be their new center fielder, from the Indians, and Aaron Heilman, Endy Chavez, Mike Carp, Maikel Cleto, Ezequiel Carrera, and Jason Vargas from the Mets.

Heilman wore out his welcome in New York with his performances the last 2 seasons as well as constant whining about wanting to start. He'll probably finally get the chance in Seattle, with Brandon Morrow now the heir-apparent for the closer's role.

Mets Get Putz in Blockbuster Deal

Occasionally trade rumors do come to fruition and late Wednesday night was one of those times. The Mets acquired Mariners closer J.J. Putz in a huge 3 team, 12 player deal. In addition to the Mets and Mariners, the Indians jumped into the fray, getting reliever Joe Smith from the Mets and Luis Valbuena from the Mariners.

In addition to Putz, who will now set up for Francisco Rodriguez, the Mets also picked up M's center fielder Jeremy Reed and right-hander Sean Green. Reed will serve as a reserve outfielder, while Green will pitch out of the pen and can be used for spot starts.

The Mariners received outfielder Franklin Gutierrez, who will most likely be their new center fielder, from the Indians, and Aaron Heilman, Endy Chavez, Mike Carp, Maikel Cleto, Ezequiel Carrera, and Jason Vargas from the Mets.

Heilman wore out his welcome in New York with his performances the last 2 seasons as well as constant whining about wanting to start. He'll probably finally get the chance in Seattle, with Brandon Morrow now the heir-apparent for the closer's role.

Vegas Update - Day 11:45 PM EST

No shock here, the San Jose Mercury News rumor that CC Sabathia rejected the Yankees offer was just that, a rumor. Word now is that Brian Cashman has flown to California to meet with Sabathia and his wife.

As expected, the Dodgers have agreed to a 3-year deal with Casey Blake that will pay the free agent corner man/outfielder $17.5 million. The pact includes a club option for 2012.

The Orioles and Reds finalized their Ramon Hernandez-Ryan Freel swap, with the Orioles also receiving prospects Brandon Waring and Justin Turner. The O's are sending cash along with their former catcher.

ESPN's Steve Phillips believes the Brewers are looking to move Prince Fielder, possibly in a deal that would bring closer J.J. Putz from Seattle.

The Rays have met with former Yankee Jason Giambi.

The Orioles are expected to announce the signing of free agent infielder Caesar Izturis to a 2-year deal.

Having already locked up K-Rod, Ken Rosenthal reports the Mets are increasing their efforts to sign Raul Ibanez.

Vegas Update - Day 11:45 PM EST

No shock here, the San Jose Mercury News rumor that CC Sabathia rejected the Yankees offer was just that, a rumor. Word now is that Brian Cashman has flown to California to meet with Sabathia and his wife.

As expected, the Dodgers have agreed to a 3-year deal with Casey Blake that will pay the free agent corner man/outfielder $17.5 million. The pact includes a club option for 2012.

The Orioles and Reds finalized their Ramon Hernandez-Ryan Freel swap, with the Orioles also receiving prospects Brandon Waring and Justin Turner. The O's are sending cash along with their former catcher.

ESPN's Steve Phillips believes the Brewers are looking to move Prince Fielder, possibly in a deal that would bring closer J.J. Putz from Seattle.

The Rays have met with former Yankee Jason Giambi.

The Orioles are expected to announce the signing of free agent infielder Caesar Izturis to a 2-year deal.

Having already locked up K-Rod, Ken Rosenthal reports the Mets are increasing their efforts to sign Raul Ibanez.

Vegas Update - Day 1 8:15 EST

The big news tonight, if it is to be believed, is that the Braves are nearing an agreement with the #2 free agent pitcher, A.J. Burnett. That news comes courtesy of ESPN's Steve Phillips. While we take most of what Phillips usually says with a grain of salt, he's got Peter Gammons' blessing on this one.

ESPN cohorts Jayson Stark and Jerry Crasnick, however, don't believe the Braves are a sure thing and the Yankees might be willing to top the Braves offer.

Jon Heyman believes the Mets offer to K-Rod is a 2-year deal worth $24 million, with a vesting option for a third year. We don't see K-Rod jumping at that one.

Peter Abraham reports that the Yankes believe CC Sabathia's sincerity about the possibility of playing in New York.

The Washington Post's sources are telling them the Mets and Red Sox are talking about a deal that would send catcher Brian Schneider to Boston. Schneider was acquired by the Mets prior to the 2008 season.

The Seattle Times believes that a J.J. Putz deal to the Tigers could become a reality, which would really screw up our roto hopes that Fernando Rodney remains closer.

Vegas Update - Day 1 8:15 EST

The big news tonight, if it is to be believed, is that the Braves are nearing an agreement with the #2 free agent pitcher, A.J. Burnett. That news comes courtesy of ESPN's Steve Phillips. While we take most of what Phillips usually says with a grain of salt, he's got Peter Gammons' blessing on this one.

ESPN cohorts Jayson Stark and Jerry Crasnick, however, don't believe the Braves are a sure thing and the Yankees might be willing to top the Braves offer.

Jon Heyman believes the Mets offer to K-Rod is a 2-year deal worth $24 million, with a vesting option for a third year. We don't see K-Rod jumping at that one.

Peter Abraham reports that the Yankes believe CC Sabathia's sincerity about the possibility of playing in New York.

The Washington Post's sources are telling them the Mets and Red Sox are talking about a deal that would send catcher Brian Schneider to Boston. Schneider was acquired by the Mets prior to the 2008 season.

The Seattle Times believes that a J.J. Putz deal to the Tigers could become a reality, which would really screw up our roto hopes that Fernando Rodney remains closer.

Deadline Deal Rumors

The Manny Ramirez, three team trade is of course the biggest rumor out there. Jayson Stark of ESPN quoted an official in the know as saying there's a 50/50 chance it will happen.

Ken Rosenthal reports that Reds outfielder Ken Griffey Jr. is deciding whether or not to waive his no trade clause to accept a trade to the White Sox. No details on the trade itself. The White Sox are reportedly interested in relievers David Weathers and Jeremy Affeldt as well. The Chicago Sun-Times also reports the White Sox are interested in acquiring A's closer Huston Street to serve in a set up role to closer Bobby Jenks.

The Twins continue their search for a 3rd baseman. Much talk has been made about their interest in Adrian Beltre (Nick Blackburn, Scott Baker, Kevin Slowey, Glen Perkins or Denard Span), but the Mariners are reportedly asking for too much in return. According to the San Francisco Chronicle the Twins have turned the sights on a lesser player such as the Giants' Rich Aurilia. (Yankees should send them Wilson Betemit..NOW). The Giants are also listening to offers for catcher Bengie Molina and shortstop Omar Vizquel.

The Mariners have clearly lost their minds. Jarrod Washburn has been on a tremendous roll, but their asking price for him is crazy, especially considering he's set to make $10.9 million next season. The Mariners asked the Rockies for top prospects Dexter Fowler and Casey Weathers, and were looking for a Jon Niese or Fernando Martinez type prospect from the Mets. The Mariners are also shopping closer J.J. Putz.

Deadline Deal Rumors

The Manny Ramirez, three team trade is of course the biggest rumor out there. Jayson Stark of ESPN quoted an official in the know as saying there's a 50/50 chance it will happen.

Ken Rosenthal reports that Reds outfielder Ken Griffey Jr. is deciding whether or not to waive his no trade clause to accept a trade to the White Sox. No details on the trade itself. The White Sox are reportedly interested in relievers David Weathers and Jeremy Affeldt as well. The Chicago Sun-Times also reports the White Sox are interested in acquiring A's closer Huston Street to serve in a set up role to closer Bobby Jenks.

The Twins continue their search for a 3rd baseman. Much talk has been made about their interest in Adrian Beltre (Nick Blackburn, Scott Baker, Kevin Slowey, Glen Perkins or Denard Span), but the Mariners are reportedly asking for too much in return. According to the San Francisco Chronicle the Twins have turned the sights on a lesser player such as the Giants' Rich Aurilia. (Yankees should send them Wilson Betemit..NOW). The Giants are also listening to offers for catcher Bengie Molina and shortstop Omar Vizquel.

The Mariners have clearly lost their minds. Jarrod Washburn has been on a tremendous roll, but their asking price for him is crazy, especially considering he's set to make $10.9 million next season. The Mariners asked the Rockies for top prospects Dexter Fowler and Casey Weathers, and were looking for a Jon Niese or Fernando Martinez type prospect from the Mets. The Mariners are also shopping closer J.J. Putz.

Around the Horn - 6/11

From the injury front:

Braves pitcher John Smoltz's shoulder surgery revealed a torn labrum. It will be a long road back if he decides to return. The Braves got more bad news when starting pitcher Jair Jurrjens stumbled on a stairway and sprained his ankle. He's been scratched from his start today. And Tom Glavine has been put on the 15-day DL with a sore left elbow.

Mariners closers J.J. Putz had to leave this afternoon's game with the Blue Jays in the 9th inning due to a sore arm. Putz missed significant time earlier this season with a rib cage injury.

Blue Jays outfielder Shannon Stewart will be out at least a couple of weeks with a high ankle sprain.

The Padres will get Jake Peavy back from the DL tomorrow.

The Dodgers will be without Rafael Furcal for all of June due to a bad back.

Rockies SS Troy Tulowitzki is set to begin rehab at Single-A as part of his recovery from a torn quad muscle.

Game News

Hideki Okajima had a pretty easy time of it in his 2007 rookie campaign, but that has not been the case this year. Okajima lost his 2nd game of the season last night in a 10-6 Orioles win. More importantly he was credited with his 6th blown save of the season and 2nd in his last 4 games.

Orioles veteran pitcher Steve Trachsel was designated for assignment. It could spell the end of his 17-year career.

White Sox starter Jose Contreras was on the losing end of a 6-4 game with the Tigers last night. It was the first time in 8 starts that Contreras allowed more than 2 earned runs.

The Royals bullpen was at it again last night. This time they blew a 5-1 lead against the Rangers, who eventually won 6-5. Josh Hamilton drove in his major league leading 70th RBI in the game.

Willie Randolph could only watch in horror as his awful Mets pitching staff got pounded by the Diamondacks, 9-5. Four different Dbacks went deep in the game.

C.C. Sabathia moved down the Twins last evening with a complete game 5-hit shutout. After posting a 7.88 ERA in April, he's put up a 2.42 ERA since.

With the Rockies playing so poorly this year, Aaron Cook's season has gone mostly unnoticed. The right-hander improved to 9-3 last night in the Rockies 10-5 win over the Giants. Cook, who has a 3.21 ERA, has more than one-third of the team's 25 wins.

Hanley Ramirez continued his torrid June with a solo home run in the Marlins 5-4 win over the Phillies. In 10 games this month, Ramirez has slugged 6 home runs, drive in 9 runs, scored 11 runs, and stolen 3 bases. He's also hitting .350 for the month.

Lance Berkman's been on a tear all season, though he entered last night's game in a 2-14 skid that dropped his average to .372, the lowest it's been since May 8. He responded with 3 hits, including a home run, and drove in 5 runs. He's 3rd in the NL with 53 ribbies for the season.

Around the Horn - 6/11

From the injury front:

Braves pitcher John Smoltz's shoulder surgery revealed a torn labrum. It will be a long road back if he decides to return. The Braves got more bad news when starting pitcher Jair Jurrjens stumbled on a stairway and sprained his ankle. He's been scratched from his start today. And Tom Glavine has been put on the 15-day DL with a sore left elbow.

Mariners closers J.J. Putz had to leave this afternoon's game with the Blue Jays in the 9th inning due to a sore arm. Putz missed significant time earlier this season with a rib cage injury.

Blue Jays outfielder Shannon Stewart will be out at least a couple of weeks with a high ankle sprain.

The Padres will get Jake Peavy back from the DL tomorrow.

The Dodgers will be without Rafael Furcal for all of June due to a bad back.

Rockies SS Troy Tulowitzki is set to begin rehab at Single-A as part of his recovery from a torn quad muscle.

Game News

Hideki Okajima had a pretty easy time of it in his 2007 rookie campaign, but that has not been the case this year. Okajima lost his 2nd game of the season last night in a 10-6 Orioles win. More importantly he was credited with his 6th blown save of the season and 2nd in his last 4 games.

Orioles veteran pitcher Steve Trachsel was designated for assignment. It could spell the end of his 17-year career.

White Sox starter Jose Contreras was on the losing end of a 6-4 game with the Tigers last night. It was the first time in 8 starts that Contreras allowed more than 2 earned runs.

The Royals bullpen was at it again last night. This time they blew a 5-1 lead against the Rangers, who eventually won 6-5. Josh Hamilton drove in his major league leading 70th RBI in the game.

Willie Randolph could only watch in horror as his awful Mets pitching staff got pounded by the Diamondacks, 9-5. Four different Dbacks went deep in the game.

C.C. Sabathia moved down the Twins last evening with a complete game 5-hit shutout. After posting a 7.88 ERA in April, he's put up a 2.42 ERA since.

With the Rockies playing so poorly this year, Aaron Cook's season has gone mostly unnoticed. The right-hander improved to 9-3 last night in the Rockies 10-5 win over the Giants. Cook, who has a 3.21 ERA, has more than one-third of the team's 25 wins.

Hanley Ramirez continued his torrid June with a solo home run in the Marlins 5-4 win over the Phillies. In 10 games this month, Ramirez has slugged 6 home runs, drive in 9 runs, scored 11 runs, and stolen 3 bases. He's also hitting .350 for the month.

Lance Berkman's been on a tear all season, though he entered last night's game in a 2-14 skid that dropped his average to .372, the lowest it's been since May 8. He responded with 3 hits, including a home run, and drove in 5 runs. He's 3rd in the NL with 53 ribbies for the season.

Around the Horn - 4/17

The Tigers bats have come alive. The team that was shut out 4 times already, has scored 30 runs on the last 3 games. Last night it came at the expense of reigning Cy Young winner C.C. Sabathia, who has been nothing short of awful this season, and the Indians. He was banged around for 9 runs in 4 innings last night and now has a 13.50 ERA. Edgar Renteria hit a grand slam, and he and Miguel Cabrera drove in 5 runs each.

Felix Hernandez scattered 8 hits in picking up a complete game victory in the Mariners 4-2 win over the A's. The King struck out 8 and lowered his ERA to 1.47.

Gil Meche picked up his first win as the Royals held off the Angels, 3-2. The top 3 batters in the Royals lineup-Joe Gathright, Mark Grudzelienak, and Mark Teahen- went a combined 8-14.

Jim Thome broke out of his slump with career home run #510 in the White Sox 3-1 win over the Orioles. Thome's blast accounted for the all Chisox runs and gave Jose Contreras his first win of the season.

The Rangers took 14 innings to beat the Blue Jays 7-5. Former Jay, Frank Catalanotto scored the go-ahead run on a wild pitch. A.J. Burnett, the 9th Jays pitcher used, made his first relief appearance since 2004 and was saddled with the loss.

Mike Lamb's sac fly in the 8th inning broke a 5-5 tie and gave the Twins a 6-5 win over the Rays. Shawn Riggans, Carl Crawford, and Eric Hinske homered for Tampa.

The Cubs blasted the Reds 12-3. Geovanny Soto drove in 3 runs and Derek Lee homered to help Carlos Zambrano pick up the win. Zambrano has cut down on caffeine to help stop the muscle cramps he's been getting during games. The Cubs placed Alfonso Soriano on the 15-day DL with a strained calf.

Adam Wainwright homered and picked up his 2nd win in the Cards 5-4 triumph over the Brewers. Skip Schumaker also homered as the Cards improved to 11-4.

Carlos Beltran and Jose Reyes each hit their first home runs of the year in the Mets 5-2 over the Nationals. John Maine picked up his first win and sent the Nationals to their 11th loss in 12 games.

Brandon Webb had a 2-run single and became the majors first 4-game winner in the Diamondbacks 4-1 win over the Giants. Mr. Mediocrity, Barry Zito, turned in another mediocre performance with 4 runs (3 earned) and 5 walks allowed in 6 innings.

Michael Bourn homered and Roy Oswalt picked up his first victory in the Astros 2-1 win over the Phillies.

Mike Jacobs and Luis Gonzalez homered in the Marlins 6-5 win over the Braves. Tim Hudson lasted just 3 innings in picking up his loss. Mark Hendrickson improved to 3-1 with the win.

The Dodgers thumped the Pirates 8-1. Rafael Furcal went 4-4, including a home run.

Mark Redman and four relievers limited the Padres to 3 hits in the Rockies 10-2 drubbing of San Diego. Garrett Atkins lead a 15-hit Rockies attack with 4 hits.

News and Notes

The Rays expect starting catcher Dionner Navarro to be back next week. Navarro has been on the DL since the first week of the season after cutting his hand in the Yankee Stadium visitor's dugout.

Tigers reliever Fernando Rodney got some good news. His arm has no structural damage and he can begin throwing in 3-5 days.

Mariners closer J.J. Putz threw a 41-pitch bullpen session yesterday, but there's still no target date for his return from a rib injury.

The Twins will have to wait longer for outfielder Michael Cuddyer's return than his scheduled Sunday eligibility date. His broken finger has been slow to heal.

Angels starter John Lackey is on schedule to be back in about 3 weeks.

Around the Horn - 4/17

The Tigers bats have come alive. The team that was shut out 4 times already, has scored 30 runs on the last 3 games. Last night it came at the expense of reigning Cy Young winner C.C. Sabathia, who has been nothing short of awful this season, and the Indians. He was banged around for 9 runs in 4 innings last night and now has a 13.50 ERA. Edgar Renteria hit a grand slam, and he and Miguel Cabrera drove in 5 runs each.

Felix Hernandez scattered 8 hits in picking up a complete game victory in the Mariners 4-2 win over the A's. The King struck out 8 and lowered his ERA to 1.47.

Gil Meche picked up his first win as the Royals held off the Angels, 3-2. The top 3 batters in the Royals lineup-Joe Gathright, Mark Grudzelienak, and Mark Teahen- went a combined 8-14.

Jim Thome broke out of his slump with career home run #510 in the White Sox 3-1 win over the Orioles. Thome's blast accounted for the all Chisox runs and gave Jose Contreras his first win of the season.

The Rangers took 14 innings to beat the Blue Jays 7-5. Former Jay, Frank Catalanotto scored the go-ahead run on a wild pitch. A.J. Burnett, the 9th Jays pitcher used, made his first relief appearance since 2004 and was saddled with the loss.

Mike Lamb's sac fly in the 8th inning broke a 5-5 tie and gave the Twins a 6-5 win over the Rays. Shawn Riggans, Carl Crawford, and Eric Hinske homered for Tampa.

The Cubs blasted the Reds 12-3. Geovanny Soto drove in 3 runs and Derek Lee homered to help Carlos Zambrano pick up the win. Zambrano has cut down on caffeine to help stop the muscle cramps he's been getting during games. The Cubs placed Alfonso Soriano on the 15-day DL with a strained calf.

Adam Wainwright homered and picked up his 2nd win in the Cards 5-4 triumph over the Brewers. Skip Schumaker also homered as the Cards improved to 11-4.

Carlos Beltran and Jose Reyes each hit their first home runs of the year in the Mets 5-2 over the Nationals. John Maine picked up his first win and sent the Nationals to their 11th loss in 12 games.

Brandon Webb had a 2-run single and became the majors first 4-game winner in the Diamondbacks 4-1 win over the Giants. Mr. Mediocrity, Barry Zito, turned in another mediocre performance with 4 runs (3 earned) and 5 walks allowed in 6 innings.

Michael Bourn homered and Roy Oswalt picked up his first victory in the Astros 2-1 win over the Phillies.

Mike Jacobs and Luis Gonzalez homered in the Marlins 6-5 win over the Braves. Tim Hudson lasted just 3 innings in picking up his loss. Mark Hendrickson improved to 3-1 with the win.

The Dodgers thumped the Pirates 8-1. Rafael Furcal went 4-4, including a home run.

Mark Redman and four relievers limited the Padres to 3 hits in the Rockies 10-2 drubbing of San Diego. Garrett Atkins lead a 15-hit Rockies attack with 4 hits.

News and Notes

The Rays expect starting catcher Dionner Navarro to be back next week. Navarro has been on the DL since the first week of the season after cutting his hand in the Yankee Stadium visitor's dugout.

Tigers reliever Fernando Rodney got some good news. His arm has no structural damage and he can begin throwing in 3-5 days.

Mariners closer J.J. Putz threw a 41-pitch bullpen session yesterday, but there's still no target date for his return from a rib injury.

The Twins will have to wait longer for outfielder Michael Cuddyer's return than his scheduled Sunday eligibility date. His broken finger has been slow to heal.

Angels starter John Lackey is on schedule to be back in about 3 weeks.