FullCountPitch - GMs, Man Your Phones!

It’s less than two weeks until the annual MLB trade deadline, the time when buyers and sellers manipulate their rosters to make a run at the playoffs in the current season or re-tool their teams for the future.

These next two weeks will determine whether the teams become buyers or sellers. There are so many teams still in play in the divisional and wild card races that the demand currently outweighs the supply. Teams currently on the bubble could fall off with a bad stretch or they could become more aggressive with a winning streak.

As for the players available, there aren’t a lot of sexy names out there and I would expect this season’s deadline trading to be a fairly boring one. Of course, one major deal could change all of that. Here’s a look at the teams that are buying/selling and some of the players that could be switching uniforms by the time August rolls around.

AL East

Buyers – Boston, New York

The Red Sox and Yankees would both like to add a starting pitcher as well as add depth to their bullpens. (as would every other contender in baseball.) There are no big names out there, unless you believe the “Ubaldo Jimenez is on the market” rumors. The media should know by now that just because a team is scouting another team’s minor leaguers that doesn’t mean trade talks are going on. It’s just the nature of the business. A more likely scenario would have both teams discussing Huston Street or Rafael Betancourt with Colorado.

As for a starting pitcher a deal for someone like the Astros’ Brett Myers would make more sense. A’s GM Billy Beane will most certainly receive calls for one of his young pitchers, but Beane is not likely to deal Trevor Cahill or Gio Gonzalez at this point unless he gets a large haul in return.

Moderate Buyer – Tampa Bay

The Rays aren’t going to make a big splash at the deadline. They simply won’t deal any of their top prospects – Desmond Jennings, Jake McGee, etc., – especially since there aren’t many available players worth a top notch prospect. The Rays do need another bat though if they are to stay in the divisional and wild card races. Perhaps a Michael Cuddyer? The Rays reportedly covet St. Louis’ Colby Rasmus, who doesn’t see eye to eye with his manager, Tony LaRussa.

If things go south for the Rays in the next two weeks, they could also find themselves as sellers. With Johnny Damon’s semi-resurrection, the Rays could certainly get back something of value for him should they decide to deal him. There are constant rumors about outfielder B.J. Upton, but teams are leery about Upton’s lack of steady performance and, at times, hustle.

Seller – Baltimore, Toronto

The Orioles have pitching, not necessarily great pitching, but pitching nonetheless that could be moved. Unlike last season when the Orioles could find no takers for Kevin Millwood (possibly asking for too much), the Orioles should be able to move Jeremy Guthrie. The 32-yr old right hander has one of those strange oddities about his numbers over the last four seasons- thumbs up in the even number years, not so much in the odd numbered years. The Rangers are reportedly showing interest as they hope to add some depth to their rotation.

The Orioles also have inconsistent closer Kevin Gregg and the more dependable set up man Koji Uehara who could bring back some low level prospects. Lefty reliever Mike Gonzalez would basically have to be given away. Offensively, the Orioles might find a taker for 1st baseman Derrek Lee, but again they won’t get much in return since Lee has had only one month in which his OPS has eclipsed .700. Any chance of dealing Vlad Guerrero prior to the waiver deadline ended when Guerrero suffered a fracture in his right hand, courtesy of a pitch from Boston’s Kyle Weiland.

The Blue Jays are building for the future and have a number of good, talented players on the way, some of which have been up this season already (Kyle Drabek, Zach Stewart), or are about to be (Brett Lawrie). The Blue Jays will find takers for Jon Rauch and/or Frank Francisco. Both have bounced back and forth between set up and closer, with Rauch now in the 9th inning role.

With Lawrie due to arrive in early August, third baseman Edwin Encarnacion is expendable, but his .299 OBP suits him for a reserve role (his .412 SLG Pct could make him a useful pinch-hitter). Outfielder Corey Patterson, who turns 32 in August, could also serve in a reserve outfield role for a number of teams.

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Giambi Rocks Yankees

I've never hidden my disdain for Jason Giambi. He's a nice guy, the golden thong stuff was funny, but he was/is a miserable first baseman (No matter how many times Michael Kay tried to convince us he was great at scooping throws out of the dirt), his steroid use and subsequent body breakdown hurt the team, he was a mentally soft player (Derek Jeter, one of his biggest supporters was pissed at him during the 2003 playoffs when Giambi begged out of the lineup with a bad knee, but later homered- "if you can hit a home run, you can play"), and his contract was a boondoggle. George Steinbrenner was chiefly to blame for the deal as he just needed to sign "the big star" despite knowing full well that Giambi may have used steroids.

All of the above is the reason I had problem with those who gave Giambi a standing ovation last night when he was announced for his first plate appearance of the game. Also, though I didn't hear it, the Bleacher Creatures gave him a roll call. So all Giambi did his first time up was hit a home run that may have landed in the Rockies (even if they are in the wrong direction). It was the first of the three hits, the now grey bearded Giambi, had on the night. But it was Ty Wiggington's RBI ground out in the 4th and Troy Tulowitzki's home run an inning later that did A.J. Burnett and the Yankees in, 4-2.

Burnett had an up and down, including become the first Yankees pitcher to strikeout four batters an inning. Alex Rodriguez gave the Yankees a 1-0 lead in the 1st inning with an RBI double, but Giambi's blast deep into the mass of Bleacher Creatures tied the game in the 2nd inning and started a pick fence as the Rockies scored a single run in four consecutive innings.

Rodriguez had temporarily tied the game with second RBI of the game in the 3rd inning, but as is the custom this season, the Yankees provided no run support for Burnett. Rockies starter Ubaldo Jimenez had control issues early (he eclipsed 60 pitches in the 3rd inning), but settled down to limit the Yankees bats to four of their five hits over seven innings.

FullCountPitch - The Closer Goes To The Movies

Baseball has progressed over the last few decades from starting pitchers going the distance to a closer entering the game as early as the 7th inning to a one inning job. (Occassionally entering the game in the 8th inning). For the most part, there is the one go-to guy on each squad, but this season a number of closers have struggled, causing their teams to use replacement closers or closer by committee. Let’s take a look at how each “last man standing” has held up so far in 2011.

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Mariano Rivera Jonathan Papelbon Heath Bell Jonathan Broxton Ryan FranklinKevin Gregg Francisco Rodriguez Joakim Soria Huston Street.

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.

Red Sox Take Early Opener

Baseball season hasn't officially begun in the States, but the Red Sox edged the A's 6-5 in 10 innings in the official MLB opener in Japan.

The game began at 6 a.m. EDT with Daisuke Matsuzaka facing Joe Blanton. Dice-K had a shaky start, walking 5 in his 5 innings of work. The A's reached him for 2 runs in the first, one of them courtesy of a Mark Ellis home run.

But Blanton ran into trouble in the 6th, surrendering a 2-run double to Manny Ramirez and a go-ahead RBI single to Brandon Moss.

Kyle Snyder gave the lead right back though, serving up a gopher ball to 3rd Baseman Jack Hannahan, who stroked a 2-run HR. Hannahan is playing in place of the injured Eric Chavez.

The A's bullpen fared no better though. Huston Street blew the first save opportunity the season, allowing a tying solo shot to Moss in the 9th. It was the first of Moss' career. Street then lost it in the 10th, allowing a 2-out, 2-run double to Ramirez.

The A's rallied against Jon Papelbon in the 10th, but some bad base running helped cut the rally short. Emil Brown doubled home Daric Barton, but was cut down trying to advance to 3rd on the play. The play proved costly when Bobby Crosby and Hannahan followed with singles, but Kurt Suzuki grounded out to end the ball game.

Boston
	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	K	LOB	Season Avg
D. Pedroia 2b	4	1	2	0	0	0	1	.500
K. Youkilis 1b	4	1	1	0	1	1	1	.250
D. Ortiz dh	4	1	0	0	1	0	5	.000
M. Ramirez lf	5	1	2	4	0	1	1	.400
C. Crisp pr-cf	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000
M. Lowell 3b	4	0	1	0	1	1	1	.250
B. Moss rf	5	1	2	2	0	0	3	.400
J. Varitek c	4	0	0	0	0	3	2	.000
J. Ellsbury cf-lf	4	0	1	0	0	1	0	.250
J. Lugo ss	4	1	2	0	0	0	1	.500
A. Cora ss	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000
Totals	38	6	11	6	3	7	15

Batting 2B - D Pedroia (1, J Blanton); M Ramirez 2 (2, J Blanton, H Street). HR - B Moss (1, 9th inning off H Street 0 on, 1 Out). S - D Pedroia. RBI - M Ramirez 4 (4), B Moss 2 (2). 2-out RBI - B Moss, M Ramirez 2. Runners left in scoring position, 2 out - M Ramirez 1, J Varitek 1, D Ortiz 1, B Moss 1. GIDP - J Varitek, J Lugo. Team LOB - 6.

Fielding Outfield assists - B Moss (E Brown at 3rd base).

Oakland
	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	K	LOB	Season Avg
T. Buck rf	5	0	0	0	0	2	2	.000
M. Ellis 2b	4	1	1	1	1	0	1	.250
D. Barton 1b	2	2	0	0	3	1	0	.000
J. Cust dh	4	0	0	0	0	4	4	.000
E. Brown lf	4	0	1	1	1	0	0	.250
B. Crosby ss	5	1	2	1	0	0	0	.400
J. Hannahan 3b	4	1	2	2	1	1	2	.500
K. Suzuki c	5	0	1	0	0	2	3	.200
R. Sweeney cf	3	0	0	0	0	0	1	.000
M. Sweeney ph	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	.000
J. Fiorentino pr-cf	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000
Totals	36	5	7	5	7	10	13

Batting 2B - E Brown (1, J Papelbon). HR - M Ellis (1, 1st inning off D Matsuzaka 0 on, 1 Out), J Hannahan (1, 6th inning off K Snyder 1 on, 0 Out). RBI - M Ellis (1), B Crosby (1), J Hannahan 2 (2), E Brown (1). Runners left in scoring position, 2 out - J Cust 2, J Hannahan 2, K Suzuki 1. Team LOB - 9.

Base Running SB - K Suzuki (1, 2nd base off D Matsuzaka/J Varitek). Fielding DP - 2 (B Crosby-M Ellis-D Barton, M Ellis-B Crosby-D Barton).

Boston
	IP	H	R	ER	BB	K	HR	Season ERA
D. Matsuzaka	5.0	2	2	2	5	6	1	3.60
K. Snyder (BS, 1)	1.1	2	2	2	0	1	1	13.50
J. Lopez	0.2	0	0	0	0	1	0	0.00
B. Corey	1.0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0.00
H. Okajima (W, 1-0)	1.0	0	0	0	1	1	0	0.00
J. Papelbon (S, 1)	1.0	3	1	1	1	1	0	9.00
Oakland
	IP	H	R	ER	BB	K	HR	Season ERA
J. Blanton	5.2	7	3	3	1	3	0	4.76
A. Embree	1.1	1	0	0	0	1	0	0.00
K. Foulke (H, 1)	1.0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0.00
H. Street (L, 0-1; BS, 1)	1.2	3	3	3	1	2	1	16.20
L. DiNardo	0.1	0	0	0	1	0	0	0.00

WP - D Matsuzaka.

IBB - D Ortiz (by H Street), M Lowell (by L DiNardo).

HBP - J Cust (by D Matsuzaka).

Pitches-strikes - D Matsuzaka 95-51; K Snyder 16-10; J Lopez 9-5; B Corey 9-6; H Okajima 19-10; J Papelbon 23-13; J Blanton 94-58; A Embree 15-10; K Foulke 17-11; H Street 32-19; L DiNardo 8-2.

Ground balls-fly balls - D Matsuzaka 5-4; K Snyder 1-2; J Lopez 0-1; B Corey 2-1; H Okajima 1-1; J Papelbon 1-0; J Blanton 8-6; A Embree 3-0; K Foulke 0-2; H Street 1-2; L DiNardo 0-1.

Batters faced - D Matsuzaka 23; K Snyder 6; J Lopez 2; B Corey 3; H Okajima 4; J Papelbon 6; J Blanton 24; A Embree 4; K Foulke 3; H Street 9; L DiNardo 2.

Red Sox Take Early Opener

Baseball season hasn't officially begun in the States, but the Red Sox edged the A's 6-5 in 10 innings in the official MLB opener in Japan.

The game began at 6 a.m. EDT with Daisuke Matsuzaka facing Joe Blanton. Dice-K had a shaky start, walking 5 in his 5 innings of work. The A's reached him for 2 runs in the first, one of them courtesy of a Mark Ellis home run.

But Blanton ran into trouble in the 6th, surrendering a 2-run double to Manny Ramirez and a go-ahead RBI single to Brandon Moss.

Kyle Snyder gave the lead right back though, serving up a gopher ball to 3rd Baseman Jack Hannahan, who stroked a 2-run HR. Hannahan is playing in place of the injured Eric Chavez.

The A's bullpen fared no better though. Huston Street blew the first save opportunity the season, allowing a tying solo shot to Moss in the 9th. It was the first of Moss' career. Street then lost it in the 10th, allowing a 2-out, 2-run double to Ramirez.

The A's rallied against Jon Papelbon in the 10th, but some bad base running helped cut the rally short. Emil Brown doubled home Daric Barton, but was cut down trying to advance to 3rd on the play. The play proved costly when Bobby Crosby and Hannahan followed with singles, but Kurt Suzuki grounded out to end the ball game.

Boston
	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	K	LOB	Season Avg
D. Pedroia 2b	4	1	2	0	0	0	1	.500
K. Youkilis 1b	4	1	1	0	1	1	1	.250
D. Ortiz dh	4	1	0	0	1	0	5	.000
M. Ramirez lf	5	1	2	4	0	1	1	.400
C. Crisp pr-cf	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000
M. Lowell 3b	4	0	1	0	1	1	1	.250
B. Moss rf	5	1	2	2	0	0	3	.400
J. Varitek c	4	0	0	0	0	3	2	.000
J. Ellsbury cf-lf	4	0	1	0	0	1	0	.250
J. Lugo ss	4	1	2	0	0	0	1	.500
A. Cora ss	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000
Totals	38	6	11	6	3	7	15

Batting 2B - D Pedroia (1, J Blanton); M Ramirez 2 (2, J Blanton, H Street). HR - B Moss (1, 9th inning off H Street 0 on, 1 Out). S - D Pedroia. RBI - M Ramirez 4 (4), B Moss 2 (2). 2-out RBI - B Moss, M Ramirez 2. Runners left in scoring position, 2 out - M Ramirez 1, J Varitek 1, D Ortiz 1, B Moss 1. GIDP - J Varitek, J Lugo. Team LOB - 6.

Fielding Outfield assists - B Moss (E Brown at 3rd base).

Oakland
	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	K	LOB	Season Avg
T. Buck rf	5	0	0	0	0	2	2	.000
M. Ellis 2b	4	1	1	1	1	0	1	.250
D. Barton 1b	2	2	0	0	3	1	0	.000
J. Cust dh	4	0	0	0	0	4	4	.000
E. Brown lf	4	0	1	1	1	0	0	.250
B. Crosby ss	5	1	2	1	0	0	0	.400
J. Hannahan 3b	4	1	2	2	1	1	2	.500
K. Suzuki c	5	0	1	0	0	2	3	.200
R. Sweeney cf	3	0	0	0	0	0	1	.000
M. Sweeney ph	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	.000
J. Fiorentino pr-cf	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000
Totals	36	5	7	5	7	10	13

Batting 2B - E Brown (1, J Papelbon). HR - M Ellis (1, 1st inning off D Matsuzaka 0 on, 1 Out), J Hannahan (1, 6th inning off K Snyder 1 on, 0 Out). RBI - M Ellis (1), B Crosby (1), J Hannahan 2 (2), E Brown (1). Runners left in scoring position, 2 out - J Cust 2, J Hannahan 2, K Suzuki 1. Team LOB - 9.

Base Running SB - K Suzuki (1, 2nd base off D Matsuzaka/J Varitek). Fielding DP - 2 (B Crosby-M Ellis-D Barton, M Ellis-B Crosby-D Barton).

Boston
	IP	H	R	ER	BB	K	HR	Season ERA
D. Matsuzaka	5.0	2	2	2	5	6	1	3.60
K. Snyder (BS, 1)	1.1	2	2	2	0	1	1	13.50
J. Lopez	0.2	0	0	0	0	1	0	0.00
B. Corey	1.0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0.00
H. Okajima (W, 1-0)	1.0	0	0	0	1	1	0	0.00
J. Papelbon (S, 1)	1.0	3	1	1	1	1	0	9.00
Oakland
	IP	H	R	ER	BB	K	HR	Season ERA
J. Blanton	5.2	7	3	3	1	3	0	4.76
A. Embree	1.1	1	0	0	0	1	0	0.00
K. Foulke (H, 1)	1.0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0.00
H. Street (L, 0-1; BS, 1)	1.2	3	3	3	1	2	1	16.20
L. DiNardo	0.1	0	0	0	1	0	0	0.00

WP - D Matsuzaka.

IBB - D Ortiz (by H Street), M Lowell (by L DiNardo).

HBP - J Cust (by D Matsuzaka).

Pitches-strikes - D Matsuzaka 95-51; K Snyder 16-10; J Lopez 9-5; B Corey 9-6; H Okajima 19-10; J Papelbon 23-13; J Blanton 94-58; A Embree 15-10; K Foulke 17-11; H Street 32-19; L DiNardo 8-2.

Ground balls-fly balls - D Matsuzaka 5-4; K Snyder 1-2; J Lopez 0-1; B Corey 2-1; H Okajima 1-1; J Papelbon 1-0; J Blanton 8-6; A Embree 3-0; K Foulke 0-2; H Street 1-2; L DiNardo 0-1.

Batters faced - D Matsuzaka 23; K Snyder 6; J Lopez 2; B Corey 3; H Okajima 4; J Papelbon 6; J Blanton 24; A Embree 4; K Foulke 3; H Street 9; L DiNardo 2.