Matt Capps

The Twins have acquired former Nats' closer Matt Capps for catching prospect Wilson Ramos, according to Steve Stone of the White Sox.

Capps was enjoying a terrific season with Washington, while Ramos is a solid prospect for the Twins.

Capps has 26 saves in 30 opportunities, with a 2.74 ERA and just nine walks in 47 games. 

Ramos throws very well and while his receiving needs work, his bat plays well despite a lack of plate discipline.

Meanwhile, what does this mean for the rest of the AL Central?

In a Major League season full of surprises, 2010 has brought on a handful of unexpected producers during the first half of the season.

Whether it has been the utter dominance of young pitchers, or the outburst of power from the big bats, there are veterans bouncing back, and many potential stars in the making.

Between some of baseball's younger generation and some of the old, a wide variety of players have stood out on an unexpected level.

On the other hand, some of the early surprises of 2010 could be just a brief flash of stardom rather than more permanent dominance.

Cliff Lee was the first big name to get traded, and certainly no player on the block has been more discussed this season. Roy Oswalt, Dan Haren, Corey Hart, and Prince Fielder are the most recognizable of the remaining names that are being bandied about by sports commentators and trade "experts."

Still, others seem to be of interest to every team.

We were entertained by the rockets’ red glare as these pitchers were having their own pyrotechnic shows from the hill.

1. Felix Hernandez, Seattle

Hernandez tossed the ball hard for nine innings only gave up two hits with 11 strike outs. He earned a .000 ERA and the deserved victory.

In week 13, he was dominated, and the Monday that followed Independence Day, he was equally good. However, his bullpen gave up the win he deserved.

The popular Seattle ace is 6-5 with 122 strikeouts and a .301 ERA for the season.

We were entertained by the rockets’ red glare as these pitchers were having their own pyrotechnic shows from the hill.

Jonathan Papelbon should be looking over his shoulder. At first considered the rock of the Red Sox bullpen, Papelbon is quickly eroding his own reputation and opening the door for the more consistent, if still more raw, Daniel Bard.

Still, despite certain trade rumors to the contrary, this writer is confident that Papelbon won't be dealt this season.

That's not to preclude a move as early as this offseason, particularly if Papelbon continues to struggle shutting the door.

On Monday, the Washington Nationals will draft Bryce Harper, a “once in a generation” hitting prospect with their first overall pick in the 2010 amateur draft. On Tuesday, Stephen Strasburg, last year’s top pick and a “once in a generation” pitching prospect, will take the mound in his first ever major league game.

To borrow a phrase from former Redskins’ head coach George Allen: "The future is now."

On a day to thank mom for everything she has done, the Washington Nationals attempted to give all the mothers of National Nation a present. Looking for the Nats' sixth series win of the season, Livan Hernandez took to the hill at Nationals Park against the ever troublesome Florida Marlins.

The 2010 Major League Baseball season is still young, but a glance at the standings reveals a few unexpected teams at or near the top as the weekend came to a close.

Scott Olsen rebounded after a poor start last week to to pitch seven innings while allowing only six hits, no runs, and recording eight strikeouts against a strong hitting Dodgers club. Tyler Clippard and Matt Capps came in to close the door, helping complete the shutout and giving the Nationals a 1-0 victory to take the series from Los Angeles.