2010 MLB Trade Deadline

Following another disappointing loss to a subpar Oakland Athletics team, the Boston Red Sox are seriously shopping for big league help behind the dish, before the Monster, and in the bullpen, according to Joe McDonald of ESPNBoston.com.

Much as it did in 2006, the injury bug has curtailed a previously promising season in Beantown. Catchers Victor Martinez and Jason Varitek, outfielders Jacoby Ellsbury, Mike Cameron and Jeremy Hermida, and reliever Manny Delcarmen have all spent time on the disabled list, not to mention Dustin Pedroia and Josh Beckett.

With only 10 days remaining to the 2010 MLB trade deadline, teams pursuing big bats are starting to scramble.

The Chicago White Sox are reportedly pressuring the Milwaukee Brewers to accelerate a deal for slugging first baseman Prince Fielder.

The San Francisco Giants, hotly pursuing the surprising San Diego Padres, are also seeking an impact bat, and they're casting a wide net stretching from Wisconsin to Texas to Kansas to Florida.

All across the majors teams and their fans are starting to feel the tension.

Can our team acquire the bat we need without selling the farm?

As much as it hurts to say, it's looking like the Phillies' season is going to be a wash. They keep falling further and further behind the Atlanta Braves and New York Mets in the NL East race, and are just as far behind for a Wild Card spot.

In fact, short of charging back and winning the division, there's likely no chance the Phils will be able to make it back to the postseason, much less to a third straight World Series.

With news from multiple media sources that the Phillies are discussing a "major" deal, the question becomes: Who will be stepping onto the mound for the Phillies this next week? And perhaps more importantly, what Phillies will be donning some other teams duds?

It seems almost assured that Jayson Werth, the lone right handed power bat in the Phillies lineup, will be heading out of town. Contract talks have apparently not gone well and the Phillies are concerned that they will not be able to sign him to a long-term deal.

It appears that Jayson Werth's days are numbered in Philadelphia. According to reports by Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports and others, the Phillies are discussing a deal that could see them land a top of the rotation starter. 

With the recent elbow injury to Phillies 47-year-old starter Jamie Moyer, the Phillies could be in need of a starter soon.

Jayson Stark and Buster Olney of ESPN believe that the Phillies are discussing a deal with the Tampa Bay Rays. It appears outfielder Jayson Werth and possibly pitcher J.A. Happ are at the center of these talks.

The Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees are currently competing for the services of Toronto Blue Jay Reliever Scott Downs. According to AOL FanHouses’ Ed Price, both teams have demonstrated “big-time” interest in the soon-to-be free agent Southpaw from their division rival.

According to multiple reports channeled through MLBTradeRumors.com, the Boston Red Sox have joined the New York Yankees in trade discussions for Florida Marlin OF Cody Ross and RP Leo Nunez.

Both players represent affordable fixes for the Red Sox’ myriad bullpen and outfield woes. As is well known, beyond closer Jonathan Papelbon and setup man Daniel Bard, the piecemeal Red Sox bullpen has been horrible, and the outfield has been riddled with injury.

That's Jay Bruce trying to use his Jedi mind trick on an umpire, "No, you did not just see me swing at a ball that was three-feet over my head."

There is no doubt Bruce has potential. Unfortunately, potential and seven bucks will only buy you a hopper full of movie theater popcorn.

The Reds have around a three year window before they start going broke with big money extension or arbitration cases.

If Cincinnati does not lock Joey Votto down to a multi-year deal, the improving but already paltry attendance will drop to Florida Marlins level.

As the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline approaches, the question is, will the Marlins ultimately become buyers or sellers? The team is currently 10.5 games out of first place in the National League East Division with the Braves, Mets, and Phillies ahead of them.

We sit just two weeks in front of the Major League Baseball non-waiver trade deadline, which occurs on July 31. Already, we have seen one ace (Cliff Lee) get dealt to a new team, and there are several more arms that could be traded before 4:00 pm on the 31st.

And tonight, all of those pitchers are on the mound for their current teams. Could this be the last starts for their respective clubs? Will these starts act as auditions? Only time will tell.

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