Opinion

Bob Geren does not belong with the name Albert Einstein, but he does have something in common with him. That is Einstein's definition of insanity, which is doing the same things over and over again expecting a different result. 

Well, for the Oakland A's and their bullpen, Geren continues to make the same errors in decision making or in some cases the lack of decision making process. Tonight's another perfect example of Geren's insanity. 

How can a team being run by MLB be allowed to obtain the best pitcher on the market?

Perhaps the answer is when MLB is being run by a commissioner in Bud Selig who is an idiot.

"Everybody knows our situation. When we take on salary, we have to look at that and see if we can justify it within our budget," team president Nolan Ryan said. "As long as we stay within our budget, we don't really have restrictions on us to where we can't do things."

Even those who support Cubs GM Jim Hendry, and I am not one of them, point to his record trading for players to help the club.

But Hendry has really not had any experience selling off assets to contending teams for future prospects.

But that is exactly what the Cubs need to do. They must be sellers, as this club is not even remotely in the pennant race and therefore, need to start thinking about next year and beyond.

With Cliff Lee off the trade market, the Yankees should now look at adding the next best pitcher available, Roy Oswalt.

The Yankees looked like they were ready to land Lee today, some even called the deal imminent, but trade talks between the Yankees and Mariners fell apart after Seattle questioned David Adams health and asked for more. Lee was instead traded to the Rangers.

But we did learn something from this failed trade attempt, the Yankees are willing to part ways with top prospect Jesus Montero, who was previously "untouchable" according to Yankee GM Brian Cashman.

Well it has happened and it happened within the division, and most Mariner fans are sad to see Cliff Lee go—I would be lying if I said I wasn’t one of them.  

Lee was traded to the Texas Rangers today for Justin Smoak, a few Double-A arms, and a second baseman.

A lot of people are very excited about adding Smoak to the Mariners.

Immediate gratification.

Prolonged success.

There appear to be two sides forming among Royals fans in the Kansas City Metro area.

Local talk radio is buzzing about the Royals (for a change), their recent encouraging performances, and the fact that good fortune has finally begun to shine on them.

When a franchise is as parched for wins as this one is, the assumption is that the fan base would be eager to jump on the bandwagon.

It was nice while it lasted, Angels fans.

With the stunning acquisition of Cliff Lee by the Texas Rangers from AL West rival Seattle, it is time for the Angels to cut their losses and let the fire sale begin.

Not only should this be the nail in the coffin for the Angels, but maybe for the rest of baseball as well. Texas just assured themselves not only a trip to the playoffs, but a real chance to take it all.

Angels fans, don't feel bad.

With the possible addition of Cliff Lee, baseball's top southpaw, the Yankees would have formed the most formidable rotation in baseball, and perhaps one of the best ever.

Sabathia. Lee. Pettitte. Hughes. Burnett.

Four of their five starting pitchers would be headed to Anaheim for this year's All-Star Game.

But what about the sixth man?

With the addition of Lee to the front of their rotation, someone would have to be moved out. That man is Javier Vazquez.

A rumored deal that would send Mariner's star lefty Cliff Lee to the Yankees for top prospect Jesus Montero, along with infielder David Adams and pitcher Zach McAlister, is apparently off.

The Mariners have allegedly balked due to concerns over David Adams bad ankle, which he injured breaking up a double play while at Double-A Trenton about a month ago.

Seattle GM Jack Zduriencik will almost certainly move his All-Star starter. But with more than three weeks left until the trade deadline, Zduriencik will take his time to find the best offer.

Gordon Beckham’s rookie season ended with him coming up just short of taking home the AL rookie of the year award. If his second season in the bigs continues how it’s been so far, he will be the shoe-in for sophomore slumped of the year.

Beckham has struggled mightily this year, a year where he was expected to be a doubles machine in the two-hole for Ozzie Guillen. His .205 average and lack of production has been a burden to the team all year.