M.L.B. Live!

All the latest baseball news with SOS analyst Andrew Livingston.

SOS- The main topic that has to be discussed first is Barry Bonds, who hit 755 yesterday. What do you think of his historic yet controversial feat?
AL- First of all, congrats to Mr Bonds and his family. 2nd of all, Bonds is a product of our time, and that's it! We have to come to the realization that there will always be a question mark with this record, and nothing will change that.
SOS- So you're Ok with the fact that this record will be shrouded in controversy?
AL- The fact is that Hank Aaron was never beloved, and the media is making it seem like he was the most beloved player. In 20 years, they may legalize steroids, we don't know. We can't do anything about it, and we should just accept the fact that he owns the record. When more information comes out about the allegations, we'll deal with it then.
SOS- Firstly, in 20 years Barry Bonds will still be a controversial figure, but he may not be the home run king anyway. His heir apparent Alex Rodriguez smashed his 500th homer on the same day, coincidence or a sign of things to come?
AL- A-Rod bottoms out at 589, and a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. He needs at least another 256, that's a lot of home runs and you never know. On a side point, Soriano just came up lame on a rally ending play! Wow, he'll have to come out of the game.
SOS- Just when the Cubs are starting to gain some steam, and the Brewers seem to be running out of gas, but we could get to that later. A-Rod has been averaging 46 homers a year without any signs of slowing down, will he actually do it, or will his career be riddled with injuries like Junior Griffey?
AL- Well, a big issue is where A-Rod will end up. Will he stay with the Yanks, or will he sign elsewhere? After that happens, we'll get a better picture.
SOS- Do you think that he'll command over 30 million a year?
AL- No question. If he wants 30 million a year for Teixeira, he'll probably command 35-38 million.
SOS- There's no chance that Teixeira gets 30 million a season.
AL- Boras is pushing for it...............
SOS- What team would pay that kind of money?
AL- Well, who's the Yankees first baseman after Giambi? You always have to take that into consideration.
SOS- The Boss is taking the luxury tax into account. He's passed up on Pedro and Carlos Beltran in the past, I think that the Yankees aren't going in that direction anymore. Speaking of the Yanks, they're within a half game of the wild card after a win over the Royals.
AL- It's absolutely shocking. Seattle and Detroit keep losing, and New York keeps winning with solid pitching and great hitting.
SOS- I don't know if Seattle and Cleveland have what it takes for the long haul, and Detroit's bullpen is in trouble. They need Zumaya and Rodney back in a big way, especially since Todd Jones has been getting hit around as of late. The Yankee bullpen has been bad also, but their offense is compensating right now. The Cubs are playing well in the NL, and the Brewers are falling apart. What's their story?
AL- The Brew Crew have blown an 8.5 game lead in their division, and they're fighting in the clubhouse. Cordero can't pitch anymore, Hall and Hardy can't hit, I just don't get it. The only plus is Ryan Braun, ROY no question.
SOS- It's obvious that they need Ben Sheets back and quick.
AL- Very quick.
SOS- Let's talk about the NL West. Arizona comes out of nowhere to take the lead, San Diego and the struggling Dodgers are right on their heels, and even the Rockies are hanging around. Why are the Snakes being so successful right now?
AL- Webb is really picking up his game, and so are the rest of their starters. And now they've called up their 19 year old phenom Justin Upton.
SOS- They also picked up Jeff Cirillo and BK Kim. Who do you think comes away with the division and why?
AL- The Dodgers will have their hitters jell together and their players will get healthy.
SOS- That's all the time we have for today, try to come back soon Andrew. M.L.B. Live is done every day here on SprungOnSports.

Sunday Football Fix

Was that Michael Irvin crying? That can only happen in Canton. The Playmaker, Thurman Thomas, Bruce Matthews, Roger Wehrli, Gene Hickerson, and Charlie Sanders all had illustrious careers and were enshrined in the Pro Football Hall Of Fame. They all had their amazing moments and memories in their careers, and their fans always had those memories in their heads of their best achievements. What are your thoughts on these players and performers? I'd like to hear your thoughts and opinions.

Training Camp News
- The Raiders had their first intrasquad scrimmage of the year, and the defense once again outplayed the offense. QB Andrew Walter played poorly, but coach Lane Kiffin had a lot of praise for his D: "I felt the defense really showed up today." Kiffin said. "There was a lot of tempo, energy, hitting, and flying around. I was very pleased with them."
- Travis Henry had a hip pointer yesterday, among 12 Broncos who had minor injuries yesterday.
- Herm Edwards had to end the Chiefs-Vikings scrimmage 45 minutes early because the KC offense was fighting with the Minnesota defense. At least there was passion there.
- Marc Colombo debuted at Cowboys camp yesterday, the first time this year that Dallas' highly paid O-Line was able to practice together.
- Bears rookie RB Garrett Wolfe returned yesterday from a hamstring injury. Cedric Benson was given the day off, and Adrian Peterson played with the first team.
- The 49ers defense is playing well thus far in camp, and newcomers Nate Clements and Tully Banta-Cain have been the tone setters.
- The Colts terminated the contract of Corey Simon.
- The Steelers and Saints will kick off the preseason tonight in Canton on the NFL Network.
- Carolina finally signed rookie Jon Beason to a 5 year contract that includes 6 million in guarantees and a 3.2 million dollar signing bonus. The Chiefs have come to terms with first round pick Dwayne Bowe, and JaMarcus Russell, Darrelle Revis, and Brady Quinn are the only remaining holdouts.

M.L.B. Live!

Lots of movers and shakers over the last day or so. There were some pretty good players that changed teams via the waiver wire. I go through them, gauge their impacts, and go over what's gone down thus far today in the big leagues.

Waiver Wire News
Yesterday, Arizona made a couple of signings to possibly counteract the deadline dealings of their division foes in San Diego. They picked up a nice cog for their bench in Jeff Cirillo who was released by the Twins, and they inked BK Kim who was dropped by Florida. He'll provide help to their middle relief. Today they also picked up a usefull arm in Joe Kennedy, who was released by Oakland. To make room for these guys, the Snakes said goodbye to Brian Barden and Jeff DaVannon. The latter will find a home, Boston comes to mind as a team that needs a backup OF. Seattle designated Jason Ellison for assignment, and Toronto claimed IF Hector Luna.

Saturday Night Live
Alex Rodriguez finally hit career home run number 500 as the Yankees rolled the Royals 16-8 at The Stadium. He drove in 3, as did youngsters Robinson Cano and Wilson Betemit who has stroked the ball quite well since he's come over from the Dodgers this week. David DeJesus homered and drove in 3 in the loss. New York is now 2 games back of wild card leader Cleveland, who fell to Minnesota 3-2 in Minneapolis. Michael Cuddyer drove in 2 for the Twinkies. Shawn Marcum pitched 6 solid innings and Frank Thomas homered twice as Toronto tamed Texas 9-5. Joe Blanton outdueled Kelvim Escobar as Oakland bested the Angels 2-1. Dice-K Matsuzaka faces Jarrod Washburn at 10 eastern, be sure to catch this one. The Cubs scored 6 times in the 3rd off of John Maine to defeat the Mets 6-2. Ted Lilly struck out 8 over 7 and 2 thirds for the win. Barry Bonds continues his quest for 755 tonight in San Diego at 10 against Clay Hensley. The Snakes play the Dodgers in the quest for the NL West at 10 as Livan Hernandez goes against Derek Lowe.

Around The Majors- Friday

Today, Ill recap last night's games, take a look at the standings, go through the news and notes, and preview the weekend in baseball.

Thursday Recap
Jake Westbrook got his first win since April as the Indians shut out Texas 5-0. Eric Gagne debuted as Boston beat Baltimore 7-4. Both the Yankees and White Sox scored 8 runs in the 2nd inning, but Chicago prevailed over New York 13-9. KC and the Twins were postponed because of the Minneapolis bridge collapse. Vlad Guerrero homered twice as the Angels downed the A's 6-4.
Jose Castillo hit a 2 out single in the 11th to lead the Pirates past the Cardinals 5-4. Corey Hart hit 2 home runs, but the Mets dominated Milwaukee 12-4 in a game where manager Ned Yost got into a fight with Catcher Johnny Estrada. The Phillies clubbed the Cubs 10-6, and the Padres got 10 k's from Jake Peavy and 2 jacks from Morgan Ensberg to destroy the D-Backs 11-0. Washington beat Cincy 7-3, Colorado edged Florida 4-3, and Houston outlasted Atlanta 12-11 in 14.

Standings
Boston has won 7 of 10 and leads the Yankees by 8 games in the AL East. Baltimore has won 7 of 10 and Tampa has lost 7 of 10. Detroit has lost 8 of 10 and Cleveland has lost 7 of 10. The Tigers lead the Indians by half a game in the AL Central. The Twins are 6 back. The Angels lead the Mariners by 3.5 games in the AL West. Philadelphia has won 7 of 10 and are 4 games behind the Mets in the NL East. The Braves are 4.5 back and Florida has lost 8 of 10. Milwaukee has lost 7 of 10 and are now percentage points behind the Cubs in the NL Central. St Louis is 6 back, Pittsburgh has lost 7 of 10, and the Reds have dropped 5 straight. Arizona has won 8 of 10 and are one game clear of the Dodgers and 1.5 ahead of San Diego in the NL West. LA has lost 7 of 10. Cleveland leads Seattle by a game for the AL Wild Card, the Yankees by 3, and Minnesota by 5.5. The Dodgers lead the Cubs, Brewers, and Padres by a half game for the NL Wild Card. Philadelphia is a game back, Atlanta 1.5, and the Rockies are 2.5 games back.

News and Notes
- Phil Hughes will come back and start for the Yankees against Kansas City tomorrow, and Pedro Martinez allowed 2 runs in 5+ innings for Port St Lucie yesterday. I asked ESPN Fantasy expert Eric Karabell whether Hughes was worth the fantasy start, and when Pedro will actually come back to return for the Mets:
What's the ETA for Pedro, and is Phil Hughes worth the start on Saturday?
ERIC KARABELL- In some of my leagues I would start Hughes, yes. He's still a rookie, though, so be cautious. I can't stress enough how many rookies have failed to help fantasy owners this season. As for Pedro, I am pessimistic, I have to admit. I expect him to be on strict pitch counts for weeks, and when a guy goes five innings, all it takes is one mistake and it's a bad start. Pedro could start next week.
- According to a report by Fortune Magazine, the YES Network is up for sale, but the Yankees denied that and were only looking to see how much they could get. More on this topic as time goes by.
- Marlins young starter Josh Johnson will have Tommy John Surgery and will likely miss the entire 2008 season.
- Baseball's top prospect, Arizona OF Justin Upton was called up from AA yesterday when they placed Carlos Quentin on the DL, and was a defensive replacement yesterday. Upton will start in right field tonight.
- The Phillies placed Rod Barajas on the DL and brought up Clay Condrey. Atlanta optioned prospect P Jo-Jo Reyes, the White Sox activated Mike MacDougal, Elizardo Ramirez was optioned, Rodrigo Lopez was shelved, and Matt Kata was designated.

Weekend Preview
Friday
El Duque and Carlos Zambrano duel at 220 in Wrigley in a possible playoff preview. Buehrle-Miller face off in Detroit, Wang faces the Royals, Halladay against Texas, and Sabathia-Santana in Minnesota. Jon Lester will battle King Felix in Seattle. Snell pitches against Cincy, Oswalt-Willis in Miami, Francis-Smoltz in Atlanta, and Kendrick-Gallardo in Milwaukee. Barry Bonds will try to tie the reccord in San Diego against Greg Maddux (10pm ESPN2). Billingsley battles the first place Snakes.
Saturday
Phil Hughes comes back against the KC debut of Kyle Davies. Maine-Lilly, prospect Aaron Laffey debuts against Matt Garza and the Twins, and Escobar-Blanton are all of FOX (4pm). Jimenez and Hudson battle at 7 on FOX. Vazquez-Bonderman, Kazmir against the O's, and Dice-K-Washburn finishes the AL. Hamels-Suppan, Pineiro debuting for the Cards, Harang goes against Matt Morris' debut, and Jennings-Mitre in Miami. Bonds goes against Clay Hensley, and Lowe faces Arizona.
Sunday
Meche-Mussina, Bedard in Tampa, and Carmona in Minnesota. Lackey faces Haren in Oakland, and Beckett-Batista in Seattle. Cook-James in Atlanta, Gorzelanny in Cincy, and Lowry-Germano in today's Bonds watch. Webb battles Penny in LA, and Tom Glavine goes for career win 300 at Wrigley against Jason Marquis and the Cubs. (8pm ESPN)

N.B.A. Thursday- KG Discussion

First of all, I want to say that my thoughts and prayers are with all the people from the Twin Cities area. I then want to say that I find it insanely ironic that the day that the Garnett trade was confirmed, that the bridge collapsed. The foundation of Minnesota basketball in its history is now gone, as is the foundation of a major MPLS and STP thoroughfare. Throuroughly eery isn't it?

That being said, the balance of power hasn't shifted to the East, that's just rediculous. Ray Allen, KG, Zach Randolph, and Rashard Lewis isn't even close to enough to sway the power out east. The best seed in the East may not have beaten Utah in a series last year according to John Hollinger. That being said, the Celtics are now a contender in the East, while the Wolves will still struggle to reach the postseason out West. The trio of Garnett, Ray Allen, and Paul Pierce will be one of the best threesomes of weapons in recent memory. But Marc Stein is quick to point out that similar aging trios have failed. Case in point, the Olajuwon-Barkley-Pippen days of the late 90's, and Dominique Wilkins, Moses Malone and Reggie Theus for the Hawks in the late '80's. Stein then comments that they didn't play in this Eastern Conference. LeBron reached the finals last year, and his supporting cast consisted of a one footed Larry Hughes and Zydraunas Ilgauskas. Chicago and Detroit will be the main competition for the Celts in the conference, and they should be a lock for the division over surprisingly formidable New York and the Nets, who's big three doesn't really seem so big anymore compared to the boys from Beantown. The issue for the Celtics is now that they've traded their entire team and the ushers and dance girls to the Wolves, who will fill out the roster? They have Rajon Rondo at the point, and it really doesn't matter if he's elite or not at all. Doc Rivers will have 3 set plays for Rondo: pass to KG, pass to Allen, and pass to Pierce. They're looking through Europe and the D-League for roster fillers and they'll be just fine. They could have me in their starting 5 and still reach the Eastern semis in their sleep. This may have saved Danny Ainge's job. What's your take on this matter??

Monday Trade Update

As expected Mark Teixeira will head to Atlanta with a reported four prospects coming over to the Rangers. Octavio Dotel will go to the Braves as well. Luis Castillo will head to the Mets, and Kyle Lohse is a Phillie. Analysis on these deals and more tomorrow along with all the rumors as I do a blog live from 8:30am eastern up until the deadline at 4pm. Stick here with SprungOnSports for all the latest developments.

Baseball Trade Update

The Devil Rays made two trades yesterday with the bottom feeders of the NL Central. They first dealt Ty Wigginton to Houston for reliever Dan Wheeler, and then dealt Jorge Cantu to the Reds in a multi player deal that brought minor league Pitcher Brian Shackleford to the Rays. Houston now has a large glut of infielders, with Mark Loretta, Mike Lamb, the retiring Craig Biggio, and now Wigginton in the fold. One of the first two will almost certainly be dealt. Wigginton was hitting .275 with 16 homers and 49 RBIs in 98 games this season. The trade for Wheeler could signal that the Rays may be more open to dealing closer Al Reyes to a contender. Wheeler is 1-4 with a 5.07 ERA with 11 saves for the Astros. His trade means that Houston may not trade their other setup reliever, Chad Qualls. The Reds got the 2nd baseman Cantu, along with OF Shaun Cumberland and cash in exchange for Shackleford, P Calvin Medlock and future considerations. Cantu has a homer and 15 RBI's in 49 combined games with the Rays and AAA. Cumberland was batting .246 with 6 homers and 34 RBI's for AA Montgomery. Shackleford was 0-5 with a 4.96 ERA in 14 games for AAA Louisville. In 42 games between AA and AAA, Medlock was 4-3 with a 3.39 ERA and 2 saves.