MARINERS: Ibanez Has Monster Day

Seattle Mariners outfielder Raul Ibanez drove in a team-record six RBI on Monday with a grand slam and a two-run single, all in a 10-run seventh inning on Monday.

BOTTOM LINE: Ibanez is happ to be in Seattle, which is hard to understand. He has always put up the numbers, and he remains a decent fantasy option in mixed leagues.

DIAMONDBACKS: Young Ends Skid

Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Chris Young went 3-for-4 with two runs scored to snap an 0-for-18 skid in Monday’s win over the Pirates.

BOTTOM LINE: Young has been a pretty big dissapointment in fantasy this season. His inconsistency has killed owners. If he gets hot, give him another chance.

BRAVES: Hudson Needs Tommy John Surgery

Atlanta Braves starter Tim Hudson felt discomfort when trying to throw on Saturday and will opt for Tommy John ligament replacement surgery, according to the Atlanta Braves’ official site,

BOTTOM LINE: The Braves have been badly bitten by the injury bug this season, and this surgery will most likely keep Hudson out until sometime next season. It is safe to release him, ebcause he is done for the year.

YANKEES: Nady Goes Nuts

New York Yankees outfielder Xavier Nady went 4-for-5 with a double, home run and six RBI Sunday against the Angels on Sunday.

BOTTOM LINE: Nady has fit in nicely in the Yankees uniform. He is showing no signs of being hampered by his recent injury, and he is an excellent option to start in all formats.

ROYALS: Aviles Impresses

Kansas City Royals shortstop Mike Aviles went 4-for-4 with a home run and three RBI in Sunday’s win over the White Sox.

BOTTOM LINE: This gives him three home runs in his past seven games after he hit just four in his first 21. More than that, he has six multi-hit games in his past seven - a span that has seen his average rise from .306 to .340. Start him if you need shortstop help.

DODGERS: Acquire Manny Ramirez

Former Boston Red Sox outfielder Manny Ramirez has been traded to the Dodgers, and the players in the trade have been finalized. Jason Bay goes to the Red Sox, and the Pirates get Andy LaRoche and Bryan Morris from the Dodgers, and Brandon Moss and Craig Hansen from the Red Sox, according to the New Jersey Star-Ledger.

BOTTOM LINE: The Red Sox got hosed on this deal. If you are going to trade Manny, you need to cash in on a good return. They must have thought that Jason Bay was a good enough bounty to get Manny and his negative attitude out of town. Ramirez is a free agent at season’s end.

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.

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.

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.

DIAMONDBACKS: Young Having a Bad Year

Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Chris Young struck out two more times on Monday, bringing his season total to 107, which is a major contributor to his .239 average. His lack of steals (eight) might be even more disappointing.

BOTTOM LINE:Those that were encouraged by the youngster have probably fled to other options at this point, and I can’t say that I blame you. Young is no longer a viable fantasy option, especially the way his average stands.

RED SOX: Ortiz On a Roll

Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz has hit safely in all four games since being activated from the disabled list (.438, 7-for-16).

BOTTOM LINE: There is no question that the Red Sox missed his bat when he was shelved with a wrist injury, and now that he is back, the offense will hopefully be able to get going again. Look for Ortiz to be a huge factor in whether or not the Red Sox make the playoffs.

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