Phillies GM Ruben Amaro stubbornly has clung to the notion that his team will be buyers heading into the trade deadline. Since the All-Star Break, the Phillies are 1-5. Since scoring 13 runs in their first game back from the break against the Mets, the Phillies have scored a total of nine runs in five […]

Rumors of the Chicago Cubs trading outfielder Alfonso Soriano to the New York Yankees have been rumbling for days. Now, the deal is oh-so-close to being official. Cubs manager Dale Sveum told reporters before Thursday's game against the Arizona Diamondbacks that the trade was "99 percent" done. Soriano was scratched from the Cubs lineup in […]

For most of June and July, I've been trying to find a TV series to enjoy. I know — I should just watch more baseball. It's always the best TV of the summer. But a 30-minute-to-one-hour breather here and there helps clear the mind. It's a palate cleanser. At least for me.  Dexter and Under […]

The NL East race, which hasn't been much fo a question all year, is getting out of hand. The Braves increased their lead to eight games over the Phillies and nine games over the Nationals. Philadelphia has lost four straight, while Washington has dropped six in a row. BP's playoff odds have the Braves with […]

Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Tim Hudson

One of the most shocking, short-sighted developments to pop up this week (a week full of shocking, short-sighted developments) is that the Seattle Mariners

I think the best phrase to describe last night's 10-3, 10 inning Angels loss to the Twins would be "back-breaking". Anaheim scored a run in the ninth, courtesy of a bases loaded walk by Glen Perkins, to tie the game at three. Closer Ernesto Frieri came in for the tenth, and totally melted down, giving […]

The Baltimore Orioles

When it comes to the second base market, the impending free agency of Robinson Cano has received the most attention. It’s Boston’s Dustin Pedroia, though, that is making a splash first, agreeing to a 7-year, $100 million extension with the Red Sox. The deal will include a full no-trade clause, which is notable considering how […]

When Doug Melvin faced the media following the announcement of Ryan Braun's suspension, he didn't talk about disappointment or shock. He talked about relief. "As the general manager of the ballclub, we’re happy that decision has come to an end and we support the Commissioner’s drug program. The Commissioner’s Office, Ryan, the Union have all […]

Originally, this post was going to be kind of an open letter to MLB and Commissioner Bud Selig. It would have been something like, "Dear MLB, please quit dragging this process out and just suspend Alex Rodriguez. Enough with the leaks to the press about suspensions to come. Enough with A-Rod coming up with more […]

The Rays are close in the AL East…ohh, they are close. By virtue of a 3-0 win in Boston last night, the Rays are now just a half game behind the Red Sox for first place in the division. All Tampa Bay needs to do is take two out of their next three in Boston, […]