Trade Deadline: 1 Hour Remains

So far, a couple of trades have come out of nowhere. Ken Griffey Jr. has accepted a trade to the White Sox, and the Reds got two prospects. Pudge Rodriguez is now a Yankee, and he will do a nice job filling the void left by the injured Jorge Posada. Arthur Rhodes is now in the Marlins bullpen, and that’s good news for the well-being of Renyel Pinto. Here are some other guys rumored to be traded in the next hour.

1. Brian Fuentes- Teams will have to up the ante big time if he is going to be dealt. Odds have him staying in Colorado until the end of the season.

2. Manny Ramirez-The rumored three way deal between the Marlins, Red Sox and Pirates is reportedly dead, but the Dodgers are apparently back in it, although they are no longer offering Matt Kemp. They would rather deal Andre Eithier. The Red Sox probably won’t settle for that. Look for Manny to remain where he is.

3. Jason Bay- Since the rumored deal to Boston for Bay died down, the Rays have emerged as the primary suitor. With the Pirates’ willingness to deal him, and the Rays’ need for a power right handed bat, I think this trade may be worked out. Keep a close eye.

4. Greg Maddux- The professor has made it clear that he would only be willing to accept a deal to a contending West Coast team. That pretty much means the Dodgers, but it doesn’t look like anything will be happening before 4 p.m. today.

5. Raul Ibanez/Jarrod Washburn-These are two guys who the Mariners should cash in on before the deadline, but their asking price is ridiculous. For example, they asked the Mets for two of Fernando Martinez, Jon Niese and Bobby Parnell for Ibanez. IF they don’t lower the asking price, these two will remain where they are.

YANKEES: Acquire Pudge Rodriguez

Former Detroit Tigers catcher Ivan Rodriguez has been traded to the New York Yankees in exchange for reliever Kyle Farnsworth, according to Buster Olney.

BOTTOM LINE: This trade came out of nowhere, and it makes sense for both teams. Farnsworth could end up having some fantasy value if Fernando Rodney’s troubles as closer continue. For the Yankees, Pudge fills a void left by the injured Jorge Posada at catcher, and is now a must start in all leagues. Both players are free agents at season’s end.

WHITE SOX: Acquire Ken Griffey Jr.

Former Cincinnati Reds outfielder Ken Griffey Jr. has been traded to the White Sox, according to Fox Sports.

BOTTOM LINE: This could mean the end of Paul Konerko as the everyday first basemen in Chicago. Konerko will likely be relegated to bench duties, while Nick Swisher will become the everyday first basemen. Griffey would take over in center field, and Jermaine Dye and Carlos Quentin will occupy the corners. Give Griffey a shot if you need an outfielder.

MARLINS: Acquire Arthur Rhodes

Former Seattle Martiners reliever Arthur Rhodes has been traded to the Florida Marlins for prospect Gaby Hernandez, according to ESPN.

BOTTOM LINE: This is a good pickup for the Marlins. Rhodes has been outstanding against left handed hitters this season, holding them under a .200 average. The arrival of Rhodes will lessen the load that is on Renyel Pinto’s shoulders. If you need holds, he could be a good pickup.

CAVLIERS: LeBron Returns

Clevaland Cavaliers forward LeBron James scored 20 points and played solid defense to lead the U.S. Team to a 114-82 win over Turkey, and proved that his injured ankle is fine.

BOTTOM LINE: The Olympic team and the Cavaliers are probably letting out a sigh of relief. LeBron will continue to play and should play a huge role in the summer olympics.

TEXANS: Andre Johnson Ready to Go

Houston Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson, who is coming off arthroscopic knee surgery, has been a full participant without limitations in training camp, according to the Houston Chronicle.

BOTTOM LINE: Johnson will have to be watched in the beginning to see if his mobility is affected by the knee surgery. He should have a good year, and is a guy who is worthy of drafting somewhere in the mid rounds.

BEARS: Forte Impresses More and More

Chicago Bears rookie running back Matt Forte continues to impress in Bears’ camp and it’s only a matter of time before he starts running with the first-team offense, according to the Chicago Bears’ official site.

BOTTOM LINE: Forte has impressed since being drafted, and with the exit of Cedric Benson, and the injury-proned Kevin Jones as his backup, he will certainly be a sleeper candidate in fantasy.

BUCCANEERS: GARCIA INJURES CALF

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jeff Garcia suffered a right calf injury of undetermined severity in a non-passing drill Thursday morning at the Buccaneers’ camp, according to the St. Petersburgh Times.

BOTTOM LINE: Garcia was able to walk off of the field on his own power, but was limping noticeably. IF this trade is serious, the Bucs may step up their pursuit of Brett Favre.

Dead Deadline?

In years past, it always seemed that there were plenty of big names out there on the trading block as the trade deadline neared, but this year seems rather anti-climatic. There are a couple of reasons for this.

First, a lot of big name players that were thought to be dealt have already switched teams. CC Sabathia and Mark Teixeira, the two guys most expected to be moved mid-season when the 2008 campaign got underway, have new homes.

Second, a lot of teams have remained competitive all season and thus are not in selling mode. The Cardinals, Marlins, Tigers and Dodgers all have players teams may want, but because of their place in the standings, these clubs are not in a position to just blow up their roster and prepare for next season.

Third, teams with some attractive trade pieces are delusional, believing that there is no need to trade away their players as they still have an outside shot at the post-season. Sorry Toronto, Houston and Colorado, this is just wishful thinking.

This year, the biggest names that will be moved on deadline day will likely be relievers. Brian Fuentes, George Sherrill and Huston Street could all be on the move, but as trade deadlines go, this one will have few fireworks. Unless of course Manny Ramirez is traded, but we all know that ain’t happening.

ANGELS: Trade for Mark Teixeira

Former Atlanta Braves first basemen Mark Teixeira has been traded to the Los Angeles Angels of anaheim for Casey Kotchman and a minor league pitching prospect.

BOTTOM LINE: It looks like the Braves have thrown in the towel on their season. If you are wondering about Teixeira’s value, it doesn’t change much. He will hit third in a loaded Angels lineup. start him immediately.

ANGELS: Lackey Just Misses No-No

Los Angeles Angels starter John Lackey took a no-hitter into the ninth inning and pitched a complete game to beat the Red Sox on Tuesday.

BOTTOM LINE: Lackey lost the no-hitter when Dustin Pedroia singled with one out in the ninth. Kevin Youkilis followed with a two-run bomb to kill the shutout bid. It was a masterful performance.

RAYS: Garza is Complete

Tampa Bay Rays starter Matt Garza pitched a complete-game shutout for Tampa Bay against Toronto on Tuesday, beating Jays ace Roy Halladay head-to-head for the second time in two weeks.

BOTTOM LINE: Garza has been solid since may, with a sub-four ERA. He is developing into a very good starter, and the Rays rotation is soon to be scary.

BULLS: Sign Deng Long Term

Chicago Bulls guard Luol Deng and the Bulls are expected to finalize a six-year, $71 million contract Wednesday, according to the Chicago Sun Times.

BOTTOM LINE: The Bulls are expecting Deng to be a big part of their future, and rightfully so. He is a guy who could be a breakout candidate in fantasy this season.

ROCKETS: Acquire Ron Artest

Former Sacramento Kings forward Ron Artest will be traded to Houston for Bobby Jackson, a No. 1 draft pick and another player, according to the Houston Chronicle.

BOTTOM LINE: Artest made himself unwelcomed in Sacramento, and if his track record remains, he will do the same in Houston. If he keeps himself in line, he could be a great addition for the Rockets.

ANGELS: K-Rod Having Magical Year

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim closer Francisco Rodriguez recorded his major league best 44th save in 47 chances Monday.

BOTTOM LINE: He has been by far the best closer in baseball this year, and he is only 13 saves away from the record. He may become a free agent following the season, and he could probably get $15 million per season or more. We will wait and see.

Next Page »