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by Digger

A few mega name players shifted teams as baseball's trading deadline passed. Two of the games biggest names, Ken Griffey Jr and Manny Ramirez, now join different teams in the playoff hunt.

Circumstances surrounding the Red Sox crazy antics and Ramirez' just as crazy responses seemed to stun many across the baseball world. It seems as though every season someone in Boston's front office publicly announces he'd entertain offers for Manny (almost traded for ARod not too long ago). Boston's slugging left fielder's public responses seemed more like Manny being Manny. This semi annual fued was fueled by obsessed sports media and announcers right down to being timed running out grounders. Ramirez obviously didn't hustle on the plays in question... however, his character was soon attacked as if he would purposely not try hard while his team was in fighting for post season play. I find this insane. Ramirez doesn't hustle, isn't the most gifted fielder, has a huge ego, perhaps a big mouth etc... call it what you will... but, this future Hall of Fame players is one of the best. He's already delivered two World Series to Boston.. his career batting numbers speak volumes while solidifying his place in baseball history. Love him or hate him, Boston was crazy for getting rid of him this afternoon. It seemed like a fire sale.

Solid and reliable Jason Bay is now Boston's new LF. He's a fine player but this trade might have sealed Boston Nation's fate in '08. Ramirez/Ortiz are the games most feared 1-2 punch when healthy. This shake up could come back to haunt the Red Sox.... it will this season. This news couldn't be any better for New York Yankees fans. No more Manny ripping the daylights out of Yanks pitchers in September.... Ramirez is now a National Leaguer.

Losers... Florida Marlins. The three way trade involving Boston and Pittsburgh was originally rumored have Florida's name involved. Apparently, Florida's honcho's became overly greedy... demanding $2M above Boston's willingness to pay Ramirez' salary. Boston backed away and LA Dodgers stepped up and signed a much needed offensive weapon. Florida Marlins could have had Manny Ramirez for 2 back end rookies and a draft pick!!!!!!!!! Marlins fans, time to get pissed at a bonehead front office misstep. Manny Ramirez for free! Dummies.

Los Angeles now showcases former Yankees skipper Joe Torre managing former arch rival Red Sox outfielder Manny Ramirez. This is one of the best deals LA has pulled off in years. Andruw Jones has been a total falure wearing Dodger Blue and will probably be the odd man out in LA's now crowded OF. Ramirez now plays in a vast LF after a few years in tiny Fenway. His defense could be exposed... but, it's his bat and lineup presence which made LA jump.

Other deals.......

Angels went out and traded for their missing link. Mark Teixeira (from Atlanta) joins a potent attack on baseball's best team. Lacking infield power, their front office went out and upgraded. Teixeira's switch hitting power will be welcomed for the 2nd half. Los Angeles is red hot after sweeping Boston in Fenway. They're currently bopping New York's brains out 10-2 in NY. This lineup does it all with no weaknesses. Look out, these guys are very much for real.

Ken Griffey Jr. joining AL Chicago was a curious move by White Sox brass. It's been no secret they've coveted Junior for years. However, this isn't one of Jr's most productive seasons. He's slowed a step and will most likely return to play center... only this time it's in an expansive south side outfield. What does this do to Chicago's lineup chemistry where Konerko and Thome are finally healthy? Konerko could be the odd man out as he's slumped most of the year. Swisher will probably see more time at first. Thome is too big a threat to bench... Konerko will have to step it up or Ozzie will sit him down. This could create clubhouse kaos. Keep an eye on what happens here. Dunn would have been a better fit due to his 1B potential and current red hot power stroke (32 HR's).

New York, New York... Bronx Bombers happy while Mets flushed.
Yankees made a couple of important trades. Injuries decimated left field (Damon, Matsui), catcher (Posada) and starting rotation (Wang, Kennedy, Hughes). A lefty setup reliever was also on their wish list. Cashman went out and traded for Pittsburgh's Nady and lefty reliever Marte. Last night it was announced Ivan Rodriguez came by way of Detroit for reliever Farnsworth. This was a tremendous trade which should create many wins vs AL East rivals. Both Boston and Tampa Bay have run all over Yankee batteries this year. Pudge just sitting behind home plate instantly shuts down opposing running attacks. Pudge's bat (.295) is a huge upgrade over struggling over matched Posada fill-ins. Great moves by New York. New York fans.... of course being New York fans... weren't 100% satisfied as no starting pitching additions were announced. Many fans were expecting to hear a major rotation upgrade which never came to light. From CC Sabathia to Jarred Washburn, fans heard rumors anxiously awaiting good news. Great news was delivered... just not involving starting pitching... still a Yankee weakness. Overall, a tremendous couple of days fixing dents.

New York's other half needed outfield help... and still needs outfield help after the deadline. Mets do nothing. No Bay. No Nady. No Griffey. No Dunn. No Ramirez? No Remirez? How did the Mets fall asleep at the wheel in the Manny sweepstakes? Another team who would have given up next to nothing to land one of the games greatest right handed hitters. RF Church is hurt, LF Alou is hurt. This move could bite them in the butt when their offense begins to faulter again. HUGE mistake by New York. They just weren't thinking on this one... and easily could have outbid LA. Very disappointing for Mets fans. Another reliever could have been used too. Orioles second sacker Roberts would have been another great fit. Mets blew it. All talk of making a big front office push for this season was all talk when push came to shove. Mets didn't step up. NL East would have been locked up early.

All in all, baseball's trading deadline came and went without much activity beyond a few big names. Not many teams retooled for the stretch drive. Not many dumped salaries. No reserve players wearing new uniforms. Quite, very quiet 2008 (trades listed here). Biggest winners: Yankees, Dodgers, Angels. Losers: Mets, Marlins.

There's still hope for some clubs looking to wheel and deel as baseball's next trading deadline is now in place... only this time players must clear waivers before changing teams.

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by Digger

National League 11, American League 10. No, not another All Star Game score. These numbers represent how many teams from each league are within striking distance (10 games) of securing a playoff slot.

July 31 represents baseball's trading deadline. Usually, headlines are filled with speculative banter from home town sports reporters and plenty of executed trade news. It's been a bit different this season. Stunning considering how many teams are in need of immediate help. Only a few significant trades have transpired in recent days. CC Sabathia from Cleveland to Milwaukee. Chicago countered by grabbing Harden from Oakland. Milwaukee then went for San Fran's vet 2B Ray Durham. Philadelphia has traded for Oaklands SP Blanton. Yankees filled two holes via Pittsburgh with X Nady in LF and Marte as a lefty relief specialists.

Many teams still have concerns due to lackluster play or by way of injury. Teams like Atlanta, Colorado, Toronto, Cincinnati and Texas have decisions to make. Try to pull the trigger on deals hoping new additions work wonders (usually means increasing payroll)... or... will some become cost conscious and trade off heavy contracts for future prospects? Usual late season trash talk out of Boston has Manny Ramirez on the trading block with both management and Manny trading jabs publicly. Nothing new here... Manny rumors pop up every July. Boston would be nuts to trade him mid-season.

Injury riddled teams usually looking to upgrade have been Mets (Alou, Church, Pedro), Yankees (Posada, Matsui, Damon, Wang, Kennedy, Hughes), Dodgers (everywhere) and Braves (Inf, OF, SP, RP). Atlanta placed Chipper Jones and Hudson on the DL together which probably means this club will now entertain offers for 1B Mark Teixeira. One week ago many figured they were ready to upgrade. Not any more.

Trade rumors:

Yanks in hot pursuit of M's Jarred Washburn. Paul LoDuca would be a great fit with Posada DL'd for the year.
Arizona chasing Atlanta's Teixeira.
Pirates dangling Jason Bay and lefty starting pitchers.
Red Sox Ramirez to whoever is willing to pay.... dearly. Guess it doesn't hurt to test the waters and pump up your star hitter (on fire since news broke). Sox could use another starting pitcher.
Dodgers looking for whatever they can get but slow to move. They're in the hunt with many banged up offensive stars.
Orioles spring training rumor said 2B Roberts would be gone quickly. Deadline is 2 days away, no movement yet. Roberts would be an instant upgrade for most teams. Mets with Reyes-Roberts setting the tables would create a superb dp combo too. Roberts to LA, either Chicago club or St. Louis seems like great fits. O's don't seem to be dealing.
KC has a bat or two and potential back end starting pitching available.
Mets need OF help. Alou and Church are done, catching is inadequate, 2b could use an upgrade. Dunn? Bay? Ibanez? Ichiro? Fuentes (rp). Who will it be? Or will this club stand pat?
Has Milwaukee and Chicago finished shopping? We'll find out soon enough. Cubs could use CF/2B and Milwaukee bullpen help.
Texas... interesting situation. Starting pitching is something this team can never seem to find late in the year. If they can get a pitcher or two this squad can sneak up on others real fast without being noticed until it's too late. I'd really like to see this club make a strong push for solid pitching. Plenty of young talent to wheel and deal.
Seattle wants to dump everyone. Washburn, Bedard, Beltre, Ibanez, Johima, Ichiro ... pick a name and Seattle is all too willing to listen. Picked by many to contend, this flat-foot team has played ugly baseball.
Angels - baseball's best record could use a slugger. Dunn, Bay, Beltre, Huff, Teixeira, Holliday could all be welcomed additions. Not much needed in LA but one key player would make them unstoppable.
Rockies weren't in the race at this juncture last season either.... then they made history until running head first into theghty Red Sox. Holliday and lefty relief specialist Fuentes have been subject of many trade talks and would help any team in need.

These are just a few pf the bigger names being mentioned. Sometimes it's the below radar names which deliver the biggest bang for the buck. We'll soon see which teams step it up at the last minute. As always, the Yanks seem to be the biggest buyers in need... with cross town rival Mets and Arizona not far behind.

Be sure to check out All World All Sports for all the latest breaking news from the world of sports.

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by Digger

2008 American League baseball has been full of surprises all season long. Tampa Bay earned their way onto highlight reels daily as baseball's stunner team of '08. Josh Hamilton has been the first half feel good story as Texas MVP candidate has torn up AL pitchers. His 28 homers display during All Star Home Run Derby will not be forgotten any time soon. Yankees baseball has been luke warm as they try to hang tough in third place. NL pennant contending teams created a buzz when CC Sabathia and Rich Harden were traded to Milwaukee and Chicago. Many New Yorkers are waiting for the Yankees to step up and fill holes.

AL EAST
Rays (58-40). When this season began most expected a two team race between Boston and New York. Tampa has been the divisions best team. If it wasn't for a recent slide right before the All Star break, Tampa would be more than 1.5 game leaders (heading into tonight's action). These kids are playing baseball the way it's meant to be played. 2nd half will prove to be challenging as most 1st half games were played at home. Champs must prove they can win on the road... Tampa gets their chance now. Offensively, a big power threat acquired via trade is probably needed. Barry Bonds could have been an interesting fit here as full time DH. Other thoughts could be to grab Atlanta's 1B Mark Teixeira, Pittsburgh's Xavier Nady, Reds' Griffey Jr. Another starter or big time reliever will fill depth voids. Tampa seems to be for real. Tampa's fate lies squarely on a young pitching staff.

Red Sox (58-43). No fan in Boston or New York would have guessed the Champs to be trailing Tampa Bay this late in '08. Francona has done a great job with a team battling injuries most of the year. They're sitting pretty with David Ortiz tearing it up on rehab assignment. I'm a bit surprised they haven't been a front runner in trade derby talk. All they need is a first class starting pitcher or Fuentes type reliever for an instant upgrade. This team is very deep and will win AL EAST.

Yankees (54-45). Yankees GM Brian Cashman gambled with an ill-advised plan of starting two unproven future talents in the rotation. They never won a game between them and both are disabled. Johann Santana should have been off season priority #1. In-season priority #1 should have been trading for CC Sabathia. They didn't and now he's a Brewer. Cashman has been reluctant to make any trades and if the Yanks are to contend they need help. Posada and Matsui are finished for '08. Relievers are pitching better but another arm should be had... Fuentes is the perfect candidate to replace Joba as Mariano's setup guy. Starting pitching needed... quickly. LF/CF or DH help too. Sexson was a gamble but worth every penny of the major league minimum. Yanks have begun to wake up a bit lately after spending most of the season trying to stay above .500... if they solidify pitching look for this team to take off and challenge for division / wild card.

Orioles (48-50), Blue Jays (48-51). Baltimore has played inspired baseball while hanging tough. They just don't have what it takes to challenge at this late stage and might sell off a couple of high priced contracts. Toronto is disappointed once again as injuries hurt this team coming out of the gate on consecutive seasons. Not sure which road these teams will take for remaining days... sell off, call up rookies? Probably both.

AL CENTRAL

White Sox (55-43). Interesting season for Guillen's White Sox. Big hitters Konerko and Thome haven't heated up yet. Pitchers a bit banged up. Batting averages tumbled. And here they are in first place playing tough baseball. Quentin has been the teams biggest surprise (24 HR, 72 RBI). Starting pitchers have been gritty but not dominating. Bullpen has been lights out all year and is Chicago's greatest strength. Once the hitters wake up, Chicago may never look back... all the way to the World Series.

Twins (55-44). Faces change season after season and this team keeps winning. Ron Gardenhire is a superb manager. No more Hunter, no more Santana... no problem. Young, energetic team will play their gutsy style to the end. '08 features one of the most competitive AL seasons in years. Minnesota probably will be one of the teams left out of post season play but no one should be surprised if they make it. They will stick to their guns and make no deals unless a serious injury pops up before the deadline.

Tigers (50-49). After many big off season acquisitions, Detroit was expected to roar from day one. 0-7 start was a Motor City lemon. It took them until game 80 to reach .500 for the first time. Which team will show up for the 2nd half? No deals will be coming down the pike unless Detroit goes after a bonified reliever/closer type. The lineup is finally showing signs of snapping out from inconsistency. Starting pitchers have been one game on, one game off. Not what champions are made of. They'll finish 2nd, ahead of Minnesota, but way off Chicago's pace.

Royals (45-55) and Indians (44-54) are done. I keep waiting for Kansas City to put together a Tampa or Florida type season... it never happens. KC has plenty of young talent from hitters to pitchers. They seem to have one really bad inning a few times a week which costs them ballgames. How about George Brett or one of the other winners from their 70's/80's teams come in to manage? As for Cleveland, they threw in the towel a long time ago and it shows. Trading away Cy Young winner CC sealed their fate for this season... and perhaps next too. Injuries to key hitters took them out of contention early.

AL WEST
Angels (60-39). Best record in baseball. Scioscia brought his NL style to AL West and it works. Many injuries have popped up but LA keeps rolling. They could use one more bat (DH/1B) and maybe a shut down reliever. Dunn, Bonds, Nady, Bay seem like good fits here. There isn't much work for the GM to do. Streaky team who can beat anyone but might not have enough juice to take on Boston or Chicago in a best of seven.

Rangers (52-48). Rangers have been playing solid baseball when most believed they would not. Josh Hamilton (.308, 28, 98), Milton Bradley (.306, 19 HR) and Ian Kinsler (.324, 134 hits) have led the way on offense. Hamilton's story has been well documented and he's still on fire as the 2nd half begins. Starting pitching is the biggest question mark. Very inconsistent year after year. There's hope in '08. If the rotation keeps games close... look out. Texas could be the 2008 version of the 2007 Rockies. Outside of Hamilton's heroics, no one seems to take this club seriously right now. It makes them all the more dangerous.

A's (51-48) and Mariners (38-61) have given up hope. Oakland reminded me of Chicago from a few years back... playing their hearts out to compete... then GM stuns players by selling off key players. Oakland traded Harden and Blanton, effectively removing themselves from playoff contention. Yes, they did receive great future talent so I won't rake Beane over the coals for this move. Seattle was baseball's biggest disappointment when so many anticipated a very competitive season. All moves went bust, vets playing sub-par, manager fired. Will they be sellers? Ichiro would fetch a slew of young future talent and could be worth trading.

Forecast: AL's biggest battle for post season play ever. Nine teams within ten games of each other. Boston, Chicago and LA seem like division winners to me. Wild Card is purely a guessing game with so many teams battling. Yankees? Tampa? Texas? Detroit? We'll find out soon enough.

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by Digger

2008 National League baseball has been a battle in all divisions. Will this finally be the Cubs season? Can the Dodgers survive an injury plagued season? What happened to Arizona? Who is NL MVP?

Rivalries intensified recently as division foes executed rotation bolstering trades. Milwaukee nabbed CC Sabathia from Cleveland. The next day Chicago traded for Harden. July 31st is baseball's trading deadline. Who will be next to bolster their teams?

NL EAST
Phillies (53-45). Philadelphia just traded with Oakland to land Blanton. Blanton had a rough year out west and should rebound nicely just in time for pennant fever. Utley is having a MVP type season. Howard has struggled until recently. Former MVP Rollins has been off most of the year and could be the difference between a slight division lead and what should have been multiple games. Pat Burrell has quietly been team MVP with timely hits and homers. Until last year, the Phillies had always found a way to choke in September. Now they know how to win. Can they hold off the Mets and Marlins? It'll be close.... Yes, Philly to play Playoff baseball in October.

Mets (52-36). Willie Randolph is gone. He just couldn't motivate this team of underperforming stars. They've been on fire ever since Willie was canned. A recent 10 game winning streak suddenly found the Mets bucking for division honors. Oliver Perez seems to have snapped out of his early season funk and is needed if the Mets are to contend. Pelfrey has been a great surprise and steady work horse. Unfortunately, his teammates don't hit for him in the clutch. Delgado was hearing it from NY boo-birds until finding his stroke right before the All Star break. He needs to stay hot or the Mets are doomed. Injuries decimated this team and is wearing the roster thin. Pedro, Alou, Church, Castillo, Hernandez all hurt for extended periods. The Mets need to trade for a corner OF. Tatis is hot, but cannot be counted on to produce down the stretch. Plenty of players could be had as this team has a fully stocked minor league system. Without a deal, the Mets will get caught looking in from the outside come playoff time. Chavez/Tatis will not carry this team. NY to miss playoffs without a big time trade.

Marlins (51-46). One of baseball's bright stories in 2008 has been the resilient Florida Marlins. Left for dead by most experts, the Marlins continue to show off how well their young team plays season after season. Who needs to spend $250M when you can win for $55M? Dan Uggla and Hanley Ramirez have provided the pop up the middle. Timely hits by most players have won big games for the fish. They're in this race to stay. Young gun pitchers, hustling on the basepaths, chasing down balls in play and a manager's manuevers all paying dividends. These guys will be playing for the division crown from here on in. Look out for the killer fish...

Braves (46-51). Bobby Cox is doing the best with what he has left. Injuries have really crumbled this team. Smoltz, Glavine, Diaz, Escobar and others have thrown a wrench into Atlanta's season. Chipper has been the headline maker as he flirted with .400 for much of the first half. Francouer has been a major disappointment for Braves fans. This was to be his breakout year and it's been a breakdown season instead. Teixeira hasn't delivered as expected and could find himself on another team before long. Never count this team out but it's not looking good by any means. Wonder if Hudson is on the trading block? A few AL teams would love to get him for the playoff run.

Nationals (37-61). I wonder how long this team will be rebuilding? Seems as though it's been going on 20 years. Injuries, lack of depth, young inexperienced players... you name it... Washington is a long way from fielding winning teams. They will challenge for 100 losses.

NL CENTRAL
Cubs (57-40). Can the Cubs finally make it back to the World Series? Do they have what it takes to win? Yes. Will they? Check back with me in September. Piniella has had these guys firing away all season. So far so good but this is Chicago... they play in the leagues toughest division... and rivals are hot. Right after Milwaukee announced their Sabathia deal the Cubs had some news too... adding Rich Harden from Oakland. Chicago vs Milwaukee and Chicago vs St Louis will keep everyone's attention. Cubs strengths are pitching and depth. For the most part good health to everyone except Soriano has been a major key. A fight to the finish... Cubs hold on for division crown. Will the preseason rumor of O's 2B Brian Roberts become a reality? If it does, Cubs to Series.

Cardinals (56-42). LaRussa deserves big time credit for dealing with massive roster injuries, new players and rookies. The Cardinals have sucked it up and played great baseball so far. Pujols has been joined by surprise power hitters Ankiel & Ludwick to lead the Cards attack. Strong pitching from unlikely sources has kept these guys knocking on the door. It's tough picturing the Cards holding off Milwaukee or over taking Chicago. St Louis will just miss the playoffs... but don't be surprised to see them sneak in.

Brewers (54-43). Watch out. The Brew Crew are armed and ready. CC Sabathia has been lights out since his arrival. He's even homered from the dish. Sheets and Sabathia create a dynamic 1-2 punch. On offense, Fielder's power stroke is back and just in time. No lineup weaknesses at the moment as sleeping bats are suddenly alive and well... while pitchers seem to be in stride. Perfect timing for things to be clicking. It's Milwaukee vs Chicago for the Central title. Loser takes home the Wild Card and playoff birth. NL will be repped by NL Central in this years World Series.

Reds (48-51), Astros (46-51) and Pirates (44-53). These teams are cooked with no chance of snapping out of whatever has kept them down. Typical Griffey and Dunn trade rumors swirling again in Cincinnati. Interest has also been shown in Arroyo & Harang. Houston will probably not entertain any trades and Pittsburgh's asking price is too high as their youngsters are signed to management friendly deals. Pittsburgh has dangled Bay and Nady while most teams seem to have set their sights on all those lefties starting pitchers. Mets can use both Bay and Nady.

NL WEST
Diamondbacks (48-49). First place belongs to a sub .500 club. Arizona began the year on fire but has fizzled. Lucky for them, NL West rivals have stunk it up too. In 2007, with runners on base... no team was more clutch than Arizona. Timely hits game after game. It's just not happening right now. Starting rotation seems to be one game on, one game off. This team has plenty of talent... just lacks a spark.

Dodgers (47-50). Torre's first season in LA has been difficult. Injuries to most positional players has left this team scratching and clawing for runs... a common theme for recent Dodger teams. Furcal was team catalyst and is probably lost for the year. Andruw Jones signing may go down in history as one of the greatest free agent busts ever. Kent has been slowed by nagging injuries. Torre has used different lineups nearly every night. Even his pitchers are banged up. Somehow, this team is right in the middle of things. It's like a boat held together by scotchtape... sooner or later, the water will come rushing in and LA sinks.

Rockies (42-57). 13 games under .500 and still commanding attention as having a legitimate shot at capturing the division crown. If Colorado can reach into their bag of tricks from one year ago...? One hot streak could be all it takes. Don't count this team out. Colorado hasn't played well all season and they're still in the hunt. Look out, here comes Colorado.

Giants (40-57) and Padres (37-61) trail with no hope of climbing the ladder. No one expected SF to play well this year. The front office would be all too happy (and fortunate) to trade Barry Zito. San Diego... what happened? No offense, no pitching, no defense = no chance. This team has crumpled from within from day one. Big time changes will be made before 2009. No trade bait for this season. It'll be a tough ride for both of these teams.

Stay tuned for AL updates.......

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by Digger

One star shined brightest in the Bronx last evening... Josh Hamilton.

Baseball's exploding off of Hamilton's bat hit at Ruthian distances soon had Yankee Stadium fans chanting H-A-M-I-L-T-O-N. Shots traveling distances in excess of 500 feet. By the time he finished round one, the Texas Rangers Star clubbed 28 home runs. Hamilton's comeback from drug addiction has been well documented. He's been reborn as a person and ballplayer. Thunderous upper deck blasts, rockets to the black seats in centerfield, line shots down the right field line... Hamilton was on center stage and gave fans a night to remember. He's been one of the few feel good stories in our world of all major sports clouded by controversy.

After blasting 28 (watch here) first rounders off of his personal 71 year old pitching coach, Clay Counsil (Yankees front office, I hope you were watching... 71 years, threw 100 pitches, mostly strikes! SIGN HIM UP!)... he fizzled. In the finals, he wasn't able to duplicate round one magic as Minnesota's Justin Morneau was the contest champion. No doubt, center stage belonged to Hamilton and enjoyed every minute of it... even taking time out to sign an autograph for an eager child who rushed out after a crushing homer. 28 home runs is now the new All Star Home Run Derby Record.

Notably absent from this contest was home town slugger Alex Rodriguez. ARod has made headlines as his marriage hit the skids. Now, New Yorkers will razz him for skipping out of the festivities. Fans paying in upwards of four digits for All Star packages... one of the games brightest stars and All Time HR hitters opts out. New York sports pages also broke a story stating how his a bit stingy with raising/donating to worthy charities. Hey, it's NY... everything has become fair game when you make $500M playing baseball in the worlds media capital. Madonna/ARod headlines, ARods Toronto Dancer, ARod's Boston connection (no wonder why he played miserably vs Boston in Playoffs), ARod's wife flying off to hook up with Lenny Kravitz... perhaps he's looking to lay low... tough to do when being a superstar. This was not the right venue to skip slugger. Luckily, Hamilton's heroics stole the show.

Many theories of how to better stack future home run contests exists. Only eight contestants this season. Not taking away from their performances, but many of games biggest sluggers (including last years champ) did not participate. Many milestone home runs have been hit recently by some of baseball's greatest players. Ramirez, Griffey, Chipper, Rodriguez, Bonds, Thome... there's a way to spice it up or encourage other game day All Stars to play too. Another consideration is changing when the money ball appears. The money or bonus ball has customarily been thown last to a batter (it's worth in upwards of $15,000 for each home run hit). Problem here is most hitters are worn out after swinging away during the previous 10-15 minutes. Stick it in the middle... after five outs. Sponsors will want positive recognition. All monies go to charity. Hamilton blasted 28 first round homers and raised $0.00. He tired out before the money ball went into play. Most sluggers missed out on money ball homers creating the only flaw with the days festivities.

Next up... the Mid Summer Classic... 2008 MLB All Star Game.

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by Digger

Brett Favre will return to the gridiron in 2008!

His retirement lasted only a few months. Rumors have stated his family is also urging this future Hall of Fame quarterback to play. Favre just completed one of his best seasons in years. Sporting a QB rating of 95.7 (highest since 1996), completed a career high 66.5% of pass attempts, 4,155 passing yards was 3rd highest season total, 442 career touchdowns, 61,655 yards with plenty of fire in the belly to come back for another season. Only, for the first time ever, #4 will not suit up for the Green Bay Packers.

It seems as though the Packers will stick with their game plan of promoting #1 2005 draft pick Aaron Rodgers to starting status. ESPN reported communication between Favre and Green Bay management. As a result, Favre is requesting an immediate unconditional release which would let him be free to negotiate with any NFL club.

Plenty of teams could use his services. Favre can still play and shouldn't have any trouble whatsoever learning a new playbook. The short list of good teams lacking a strong QB: New York Jets (Favre can stay Green), Baltimore Ravens, Philadelphia Eagles (will never happen) are the first three coming to mind. Basically, any team willing to sign a one or two year QB qualifies.

Some have already questioned why should any team take a chance or why is he coming back in the first place. Heck, if this guy still has an itch to play coming off one of his career best seasons.. then the critics should stay quiet. Favre has done it all. MVP, Super Bowl Champion, All Pro, various records broken and rewritten.. and led Green Bay to 13-3 and NFL Conference title game. If Brett wants to play.. let him. There will be many inquiries by league GM's. Make no mistake, Favre will not go to rebuilding teams or sign just to fill seats. He's a winner and will look to join an organization with a strong nucleus.

Watching Favre play in any uniform other than Packers garb will take some getting used to... let the speculators begin churning the rumor mill for where Brett plays in '08. If I was NY Jets GM.. I'd already be knocking on Favre's door with a blank check and keys to his brand new New York City condo or estate in Greenwich, Ct.

Let the Favre sweepstakes begin.... welcome back #4.

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by Digger

Both General Managers for National League Central rivals Milwaukee and Chicago were busy over the past few days. First, Milwaukee announced they had traded top prospects for Cy Young winner C.C. Sabathia. CC instantly becomes one of the NL's top hurlers and now pairs up with Ben Sheets as the Brewers prep for the 2nd half pennant race. Milwaukee fans were still celebrating while CC was making his first NL start when the Cubs announced a trade of their own.

Oft injured Rich Harden solidifies the NL's best rotation. Zambrano (9-3, 2.96), Harden (5-1, 2.34) and Dempster (10-3, 3.13) are a tough 1-2-3. Add crafty vet Ted Lilly (9-5, 4.47) and these guys will be hard to handle. Ownership in Milwaukee and Chicago expect post-season play this year and seem willing to make the right moves. These two may have only just begun.

Here's what some other clubs need to contend....

Shutout again from one of baseball's best pitchers is Yanks GM Brian Cashman. Lost out by not offering up top prospects for Santana this off-season and never seemed willing to hunt for CC. What gives? New York was to rely on rookies and they're disabled and disasterous when healthy. Cashman has been a lame duck while this jittery staff tries to keep pace with Boston and Tampa. Roy Oswalt can be had. Duke or Maholm from Pittsburgh. Key injuries have set back Damon and Matsui. Add this to an inconsistent bullpen and the 2008 final Yankee Stadium team needs help. Starting pitching and relievers. A dominating set up man to front Rivera is a must if all else fails. If these cannot be had then chase after a right handed slugging LF. Jose Guillen comes to mind as does Holliday.

Tampa Bay will be playing most of their remaining games on the road. One problem position has been DH. Here's a stretch... how about signing Barry Bonds for the 2nd half run? He'll play cheap (if he really wants to play). Bonds will fill seats, still has a great eye, and could be a perfect experiment at DH. Bring in another closer and they could have a tremendous 1-2 punch for 8th & 9th innings.

Dodgers need to score runs. Their recent rise in the standings was also due to D-Backs poor play. Furcal is likely done for the year. Nomar is being given a shot at taking over Short.... he gets hurt way too much. LA needs either a proven slick fielding SS with an eye or a heavy hitter at 3B. Former Dodger Adrian Beltre seems like a perfect candidate. Beltre would be the best choice and come at a cheap price from Seattle.

Red Sox. Starting pitching and late inning reliever. Boston's lineup continues to roll even with key players sidelined. The starting staff could use one more proven arm and a blazing reliever would settle Francona's late inning jitters. Roy Oswalt, Beckett, Wakefield, Lester and Dice K could return Boston to the promised land.

Rangers have been hanging tough in the AL West. How badly does management want to make the playoffs? Texas is clicking on offense and defense. Problem spot is a shoddy rotation and closer. Texas hasn't traded for or signed a free agent great starting pitcher in ages. This is boggling. They have players to trade and cash on reserve. Work out a deal with one of Pittsburgh's guns (Duke, Maholm, Snell). Laugh now but even trading for Barry Zito would be a good move. Chacon would add depth. Texas has a long history of trading away future stars who flourish for other contenders... how about reversing course and landing a prime time player? Roy Oswalt?

Mets need outfielders. Alou will be on and off the DL. Church is out with concussion complications. Dunn is a good fit here. Potential 1B for post-Delgado years and instant left handed power boost. Another corner OF warranting consideration by New York should be Ichiro Suzuki. Seattle is toast, rumors of Ichiro wearing out his welcome with teammates too. How about Reyes + Ichiro 1-2 for New York? Beltran and Ichiro in Center/Right would cut off most gappers. This is a no brainer ... doubt the Mets even entertained visions of Ichiro. 2B depth would be helpful to back up Easley.

White Sox... interesting team. Many hitters slumping and Chicago still wins. Konerko and Thome were to supply thundering homers. Both have been less than average this half. Chicago might be looking to shake things up a bit and could make a run for Holliday or Dunn types. Maybe a just in case spot starter / long reliever would be best suited here.

Diamondbacks need Webb and Haren to continue their winning ways. As for 3 thru 5 starters, there's trouble in the desert. Owings, Johnson and Davis are all off the mark lately. The All Star break comes just in time for these struggling hurlers. Times have changes as Arizona clings onto first place. Just another team in need of starting pitching.

Phillies.. pitching, third base (Beltre), right field (Dunn, Guillen, Nady). Beltre could only add to the NL's top slugging infield. Philly's home park is their biggest problem... too friendly for opposing hitters. Until 2007, recent Phillie teams failed in September. Eric Bedard (if back is healthy) is needed here. Roy Oswalt?

The sellers will be Seattle, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, Kansas City, Cleveland, Toronto, Atlanta, Washington, Houston, Colorado and San Diego. All teams have a couple of higher salaried players just ripe for unloading to pennant contending teams.

We're in store for a great couple of eye popping deals in the coming weeks.

Visit ALL WORLD ALL SPORTS.com

by Digger

American League East 2008 was to showcase the World Champion Boston Red Sox vs arch rival and public enemy #1 New York Yankees. Not many experts were expecting more than a two team battle for first place between these storied franchises. And then...........

The Tampa Bay Rays (51-32) began 2008 struggling out of the gate. After an early April four game losing streak most figured Tampa was in for another long season. In Tampa's 10 completed season history, this franchise has never finished with a winning percentage higher than .435 (70-92).

Suddenly, on April 22nd, Tampa swept division rivals Toronto and Boston at home. Their record stood at 14-11 and teams were beginning to take notice. Winning 8 of 9 in early May, including 3 of 4 from New York, declared to the baseball world this team was and is for real.

As of today, Tampa has the best record in all of baseball (51-32) after knocking off Boston in back to back games. Their AL East lead now stands at 2 1/2 games and counting. Watching Manager Joe Maddon's club play ball has been inspiring. Maddon's club plays baseball the way it was meant to be played. Patient and productive hitting, clutch pitching, solid fielding and aggressive base running have been instrumental and confidence building as these young Rays continue to roll.

What is their daily secret? Seems pretty evident to me. Most players are home grown talent or were brought in via trades. They're young, determined and unfazed by their opponents huge salaried lineups. They steal, bunt, hit and run, willing to make quality outs advancing runners, hit plenty of singles without trying for home runs in key situations. On the hill, pitchers are throwing strikes and staying ahead in counts. Defenders are properly anticipating plays before they happen and hustle after everything on the field. A complete opposite of what is transpiring in New York where a bunch of prima donna multi-millionaire players continuously swing for the fences or botch easy grounders game after game.

The baseball world, especially the higher salaried teams, should be paying better attention and use Tampa's 2008 model as a blue print for success. Most recent young winning teams have all used this formula. Somehow, this model seems to have slipped away from veterans earning the big bucks... almost as if they have nothing left to prove once big money starts rolling in.

Unfortunately, most Rays will be left off this seasons American League All Star roster depriving fans of yet to be household names. Believe it or not, this makes perfect sense. Tampa is a "team" where all players contribute daily. When one fails, there's another waiting to pick up the slack. Bartlett, Aybar, Longoria, Iwamura out performing Rodriguez, Jeter, Giambi, Cano? Perhaps not as individuals statistically... however, by far where it matters most. To the tune of a 7 1/2 game lead in AL East.

To catch Rays games live, fans will have to find ways via MLBTV, satellite, ESPN games of the week or when they play your local big league club. I'm sure the Rays would all say the best way to watch their games will be to wait for October's Playoffs!

It's been said "baseball is a funny game"... how funny would it be if the 2008 World Series teams are Tampa Bay Rays vs Chicago Cubs?

Buckle up fans...... baseball's wild ride has just begun... another half season of baseball yet to be played.