Opinion

Regardless of whether the San Francisco Giants make the postseason, the 2010 campaign has already been a success.

The team is contending into September as it did in 2009, but the lads' chances look much better this time around the bend.

Even if they ultimately fall short of the second season, the squad will improve upon the '09 version's 88-74 record as long as they don't finish in a 10-12 skid.

We all know July 31 and the days leading up to that day change the season for some teams. There were some serious trades including a trade involving a Cy Young winner and a couple of ex-first overall draft picks. This slideshow shows the top nine pickups and the worst trade deadline pickups. The slideshow only shows teams in second or third place who brought in players who have played well since joining their new team.

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I have a few choice words for the New York Mets. In particular three specific players that did not partake in a life-changing experience. Those players are Carlos Beltran, Oliver Perez, and Luis Castillo. They recently denied the chance to take part in visiting wounded veterans to thank them for their service.

The choice words: solidarity, brotherhood, camaraderie, unity, and one accord.

The Reds are in prime position for a division title and a playoff berth, but are sure making it hard to believe, and while going about daily chores in the ugliest of fashions. It has worked thus far and I firmly believe its there for the taking and that it will happen. Just try not to look at them or pay too much attention.

The Reds are doing their best to make fans want to wring some necks. Believe me—I am well aware of the how the ugliness can make you teeter on that mountain of faith.

A startling trend has emerged in the 2010 Cincinnati Reds campaign: They can’t beat high-quality teams.
 

Are you hurting in the run category? Here are some reasonably available players that can help you out.

Logan Morrison, 1B/OF, Florida Marlins

Morrison scored 19 runs over the past 15 days while hitting .351 with a HR and six RBI. On the year he’s hitting .318 with 29 runs, one HR, and 13 RBI in 148 ABs. Logan is owned in 40 percent of CBS and 18 percent of ESPN leagues.

Daric Barton, 1B, Oakland A’s

Last Night Rewind

• Two major injury notes from yesterday. Josh Johnson looks like he could miss his next start with a back problem. Johnson was sent back to Florida for evaluation after stopping a bullpen session early. They will also look at his shoulder. Miguel Cabrera was pulled from last night's game by the Tigers after aggravating a shoulder injury.

How about some hot hitters to consider to round up the rest of the night?

Ever since I started following baseball and pretty much all four major sports, my favorite team has been the New York Mets. Why? I have no idea. But I have never been more disappointed with the Mets than the 2010 season. They have had so many bad memories and so few good ones.

The Mets have to make changes in the offseason and it starts off when Jeff Wilpon fires both Omar Minaya and Jerry Manuel. These two alone have been absolutely awful for the franchise. Here is a list of the good players Minaya has gotten:

For a young pitcher starting out in the Major Leagues, success can come and it go as quickly as it came. A perfect example of this is the case of Vin Mazzaro, who from June eight to July 18 saw tremendous success and looked like a mainstay in the rotation for the A's.