VoV

– Unfortunately, I’m out tonight and off to the cottage for Saturday & Sunday, so I won’t be able to do any more live coverage of the 2010 MLB trade deadline. Deal with it.

TRADES

– The White Sox have acquired RHP Edwin Jackson from the D’Backs for RHP Daniel Hudson and LHP David Holmberg. Hudson, 23, has a 6.32 ERA over three starts with the White Sox this season, but posted a 3.47 ERA over 17 starts with Triple-A Charlotte and was regarded as the top pitching prospect in the organization. Holmberg, a 19-year-old left-hander, is 1-1 with 4.46 ERA over eight starts with Chicago’s rookie league team in Great Falls this season. He was ranked as the organization’s top left-handed pitching prospect coming into the year by Baseball America. The 3-way deal that would send 1B Adam Dunn to the White Sox, RHP Edwin Jackson to the Nationals, and RHP Dan Hudson and a prospect to the Diamondbacks is still in play, reports Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports.

– The Twins have acquired RHP Matt Capps from the Nationals for C Wilson Ramos. The 22-year-old catcher hit .296/.321/.407 with three doubles in seven games for the Twins back in early May but he has a .625 OPS in 278 at-bats for Rochester. Ramos is a defensive rock and posted impressive numbers in a short stint with the Twins in May while Joe Mauer was nursing an injury. He’s struggled a bit at Triple-A Rochester this season, but the 22-year-old has plenty of room to grow and should do just that in the Nationals’ system. Minnesota has had interest in Capps for some time and is now more confident about acquiring a reliever than a starter. Twins assigned a scout to follow Toronto’s relievers. He earns a base salary of $3.5M this year ($1.3M remains) and can be retained as an arbitration-eligible player for 2011, though he’s expected to get a raise. Capps will become the closer, with RHP Joe Rauch moving to setup man. Nonetheless, I give the winning nod to the Nats.

– The Padres have acquired 3B Miguel Tejada from the Orioles for RHP Wynn Pelzer and cash considerations. The 24-year-old Pelzer is a power pitcher whose fastball sits in the mid-90s. As a starter, he has a 4.20 ERA with 7.9 K/9 and 5.3 BB/9 in AA this year, but could become a future closer. Tejada is owed $2M for the remainder of the season.

– The Blue Jays have traded INF Brett Wallace to the Astros for OF Anthony Gose. Wallace, originally a utility infielder, appears to be stuck at first base for now. Gose, 19, is a potential Gold Glove-winning outfielder with tremendous speed and defensive skills. His career potential has been compared to that of Rays’ OF Carl Crawford. Gose stole 76 bases two seasons ago.

– The Rangers have acquired 3B Jorge Cantu and $600K from the Marlins for RHP Evan Reed and RHP Omar Poveda. Cantu, 28, has 10 homeruns and is batting .259/.308/.408 this season. He becomes a free agent at seaason’s end.The 28-year-old becomes a free agent after the season and has said he would like to sign with the Marlins. At this point, the club is considering multi-year deals Reed, 24, has posted a 1.76 ERA and 1.20 WHIP over 41 innings this season between Double-A and Triple-A. Poveda, 27, is currently on the DL recovering from Tommy John reconstructive elbow surgery. Cantu will give the Rangers a solid right-handed bat for the stretch run.

– The Phillies have acquired RHP Roy Oswalt and $11M from the Astros for LHP J.A. Happ, INF Jonathan Villar and OF Anthony Gose. The Astros will pay $11M of the approximately $23M left on Oswalt’s contract through 2011. Oswalt did not demand that his 2012 mutual option for $16M be picked up by the Phillies, but he would receive extra compensation if or when the Phillies decline. The 32-year-old ace leaves Houston with a 3.24 career ERA and a 143-82 career record, just one win shy of the franchise’s all-time leader Joe Niekro. The Phillies look dangerous with a Halladay-Oswalt-Hamels 1-2-3 punch.

– The Braves acquired 2B Michael Noboa from the D’Backs for a PTBNL.

– The Tigers have acquired 3B Jhonny Peralta and cash from the Indians for minor league LHP Gionvanni Soto. The Tigers have now addressed their vacancy at third base, though Peralta has hit just .246 this season with a .698 OPS, seven home runs and 43 RBI. Soto is a 19-year-old left-handed prospect who has had some success at the Single-A level.

– The Dodgers have acquired OF Scott Podsednik from the Royals for a minor leaguer C Lucas May and RHP Elisaul Pimentel. The Dodgers beat out the division-rival Giants to land Podsednik, who has hit .310/.353/.400 with five homers, 44 RBI and 30 stolen bases in 390 at-bats for the Royals. The speedster will be highly useful to the Dodgers. The acquisition crowd the LA outfield for the long run, but for right now, with Johnson and Ramirez on the DL, it works well.

– Cubs’ 1B Derrek Lee has vetoed a trade to the Angels by invoking his 10-and-5 rights, a form of a no-trade clause given to players who have played for at least 10 years and the last five with their current team. Lee, who has a full NTC in his contract, is due just under $5M for the remainder of the season and indicated he wanted to finish the year with the Cubs. He will be a free agent at the end of the season. Lee entered Wednesday’s action hitting .248 with 11 home runs and 44 runs batted in.

RUMOURS

– Astros’ 1B Lance Berkman (NTC) (acquired Wallace to replace him). In: White Sox. According to the NY Post, the Astros have been given the go-ahead by a high-ranking executive that they can move Berkman and begin the rebuilding phase. The White Sox have expressed interest, but only as a backup plan if they fail to acquire Nats’ 1B Adam Dunn. Ed Price of AOL Fanhouse reports that there is buzz about the White Sox “going for” Lance Berkman. Berkman is batting .245/.372/.436 with 13 homers and 49 RBI in 298 at-bats this year. About $5.4M remains on Berkman’s $14.5M salary this season. The Astros hold a $15M option for next year, but they can buy it out for $2M.

– The 3-way deal that would send 1B Adam Dunn to the White Sox, RHP Edwin Jackson to the Nationals, and RHP Dan Hudson and a prospect to the Diamondbacks is still in play, reports Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports.

– The Dodgers and Cubs are discussing a trade that could send LHP Ted Lilly and 2B Ryan Theriot to LA. It’s not known whether a deal is close. The Cubs would need to hand over some cash, as Lilly has $4.3M remaining and Theriot has $933K. Theriot received a $2.6M salary for 2010 after losing an arbitration case to the Cubs in February. He’s under team control through 2012; the FOX writers see him taking over at second base for the Dodgers. There aren’t a ton of great matches for Lilly at this point, as action with the Tigers, Twins, and Mets has cooled and the Phillies are out of the mix. I wonder if we’ll hear anything about the Cardinals and Padres looking at the lefty.

– Nationals’ 1B Adam Dunn. In: Rays, White Sox, Tigers. Out: Yankees, Giants. Three-way scenarios involving the Nationals, White Sox, Diamondbacks and RHP Edwin Jackson. Dunn is batting .275 this year with a .916 OPS and 23 homers. The Giants have minimal interest in Dunn at the current asking price. Believed to have asked the White Sox for either SS Gordan Beckha or both RHP Daniel Hudson and RHP Dayan Viciedo.

– Rockies’ OF Brad Hawpe. In: Padres, White Sox, Tigers. Chicago’s interest lies on Nats’ 1B Adam Dunn, while the Padres are believed to be less interested after acquiring 3B Miguel Tejada. Hawpe, 31, has about $2.8M remaining on his contract this year and will earn $10M in 2011 unless his team buys him out for $500K, as expected.

– Jon Heyman of SI.com writes that the Mets are reluctant to trade OF Jeff Francoeur for for the Royals’ OF Jose Guillen.

– Brewers: Pulled OF Corey Hart and 1B Prince Fielder off the block because they feel they are too close to contention to sell, despite being 48-55 and nine games out of first place in the NL Central.

– Cubs’ LHP Ted Lilly. In: Phillies, Dodgers, Twins and Tigers. Out: Mets, Twins (no-trade list). Lilly has $4M+ remaining on his contract for the rest of the season. Lilly, 34, has posted a 3.69 ERA and 1.14 WHIP in 18 starts this season.

– D’Backs’ C Chris Snyder. In: Nationals, White Sox, Red Sox. Trying to move both contracts without taking on any salary. Snyder makes $4.75M this year ($1.8M remains) plus $5.75M next year and either $6.75M or a $750K buyout in 2012. Snyder, 29, is hitting .231/.352/.426 with 10 homers this year.

– Cardinals inquire: LHP Jake Westbrook, LHP Aaron Cook. Cook’s return price is a reliever and a prospect. He’s owed $12M through the end of 2011.

– Cubs’ LHP Tom Gorzelanny. In: Mets.

– Red Sox’ SS Jed Lowrie. Out: Padres.

– Padres: searching for outfielders.

– Orioles’ 3B Ty Wigginton. In: Twins, Phillies and Giants.

– Jays’ LHP Scott Downs. In: Yankees, Red Sox, Mets, Twins. Jays have asked the Yankees for either RHP Joba Chamberlain or C Jesus Montero in exchange for LHP Scott Downs. Have asked the Red Sox for prospect INF Casey Kelly or INF Jose Iglesias for Downs. Mets turned down a deal that would have sent prospect OF Kirk Nieuwenhuis plus another prospect. Downs is hitting .185 against lefties this season. Downs owed $4M this season, free agent in 2011.

– Jays’ OF Jose Bautista. In: Phillies, Tigers, Braves, White Sox, Giants.

– Astros’ RHP Brett Myers. In: White Sox. Out: Mets.

– Brewers’ OF Jim Edmonds: multiple teams.

– O’s LHP Will Ohman. In: Giants.

– Angels potentially shopping OF Bobby Abreu, LHP Brian Fuentes, OF Hideki Matsui, and 2B Maicer Izturis might interest contenders. Abreu, Fuentes, and Matsui could be moved via waiver wire in August. Abreu is signed at $9M for next year and may have another $9M salary vest for 2012 and is hitting just .253/.347/.416 with 12 homers and 56 RBI over 380 at-bats this season.. Fuentes has been homer-prone and has over $3M left on his contract. Matsui’s market is limited by his DH profile, though he has tallied 122 innings in left field this year. *UPDATE* The Angels will not be selling at the deadline, as they believe they have a shot at the playoffs despite being 8.5 games back in the AL West and 12.5 games back in the hunt for the Wild Card.

– Indians are NOT shopping RHP Fausto Carmona. He’s potentially under team control through 2014.

– Yankees NOT shopping for a catcher.

– The NY Post reports that the Rays, Twins and Phillies are the most motivated buyers, while the Cubs, D’Backs and Blue Jays are the most motivated sellers.

– Mets may shop OF Jeff Francoeur after the non-waiver trade deadline.

– Yankees inquire: Scott Downs, Ty Wigginton

– Red Sox inquire: Rafael Perez, Will Ohman, Mike Gonzalez, Matt Capps, Michael Wuertz, Craig Breslow, Sean Marshall, Kerry Wood, David Aardsma, and Kyle Farnsworth. Searching league-wide for a reliever.

– Rockies inquire: 2B Ryan Theriot.

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Marc Valeri – captaincharisma@hotmail.com
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MLB

– ESPN reports that the Jays have signed C John Buck to a one-year/$2M deal. Buck, 29, hit .247/.299/.484 in 2009 with eight homers and 36 RBI in 186 at-bats. The Jays have also re-signed RHP Dustin McGowan to a one-year/$500K deal and 3B Jose Bautista to a one-year/$2.4M deal. The Jays also re-signed C Raul Chavez and signed OF Joey Gathright.

– The Boston Globe reports that the Red Sox and Padres are again discussing a deal involving 1B Adrian Gonzalez. Gonzalez has told the Padres that the BoSox are his preferred destination, but the return price is expected to include RHP Clay Buchholz along with top prospect RHP/SS Casey Kelly or OF Ryan Westmoreland. Don’t expect this to go down anytime soon.

– According to the Boston Globe, the reported deal involving Red Sox 3B Mike Lowell and Rangers C Max Ramirez is agreed to in principle, with the obstacle right now being his surgically repaired right hip. Lowell will take over as DH and is expected to be officially moved later this week.

– The NY Daily News reports that the Yankees have yet to offer OF Johnny Damon a contract. Scott Boras, Damon’s agent, told the Yankees not to bother unless the offer started at a base of three years/$13M annually. The Yankes were eyeing a two-year/$16M deal. No team will commit a three-year/$39M to Damon, but expect him to land elsewhere.

– The Braves have signed OF Matt Diaz to a one-year/$2.1M deal. Diaz hit .313 with 13 homers and 58 RBIs last season, when he made $1.24M.

– The Rays have re-signed RHP Grant Balfour to a one-year/$2.05M deal, C Dioner Navarro to a one-year/$2.01M deal, RHP Lance Cormier to a one-year/$1.2M deal and LHP Randy Choate to a one-year/$700K deal. They have released OF Gabe Gross and C Shawn Riggans. Navarro opted to settle for the exact same salary he received last season in order to avoid being non-tendered. Even though it was an extremely disappointing 2009 campaign, he might have been able to do better elsewhere and face less competition for playing time.

– The Padres have signed RHP Kevin Correia to a one-year/$3.6M deal. The 29-year-old was 12-11 with a 3.91 ERA in his first season with the Padres.

– The Royals have re-signed RHP Bruce Bannister and RHP Kyle Davies to one-year deals.

– The Marlins have signed C Ronny Paulino to a one-year/$1.1M deal.

– The A’s have released DH Jack Cust. Cust hit .240 with 25 homers and 70 RBIs last season but struck out 195 times, becoming the first player to lead in the AL in three straight seasons since Minnesota’s Bobby Darwin from 1972-74. Cust whiffed 164 times in 2007 and 197 times in 2008.

– The Royals have cut RHP Mike MacDougal and LHP Scott Olsen. MacDougal, an All-Star for Kansas City in 2003, had 20 saves in 21 chances last season and went 1-1 with a 3.60 ERA. Olsen was 2-4 with a 6.03 in 11 starts this year, his first after Washington acquired him from Florida. He did not pitch after July 10 and had surgery to repair a small tear in his left shoulder.

– The Giants have released 1B Ryan Garko.

– The White Sox have released RHP D.J. Carrasco.

– The Pirates have signed INF Ronny Cedeno and released RHP Matt Capps and LHP Phil Dumatrait

– The Rockies have released 3B Garrett Atkins.

– The Indians have signed RHP Anthony Reyes and RHP Adam Miller.

– The Red Sox have signed RHP Boof Bonser to a one-year/650K deal and have cut OF Brian Anderson.

– The Orioles have signed RHP Cla Meredith and RHP Matt Albers to one-year deals.

– The D’Backs have signed INF Augie Ojeda to a one-year/$825K deal and RHP Blaine Boyer to a one-year/$725K deal.

– The Reds have released OF Johnny Gomes. He hit .267 with 20 homers and 51 RBIs for the Reds this year.

– The Cubs have released LHP Neal Cotts. Cotts went 0-2 with a 7.36 ERA in 19 appearances.

– The Mets have released RHP Tim Redding, OF Jeremy Reed, OF Cory Sullivan and RHP Lance Broadway.

– The Brewers have cut RHP Mike DiFelice, RHP Seth McClung and C Mike Rivera.

NHL

– According to the Toronto Star, Quebec City could be the home of an NHL team once again. Quebec Premier Jean Charest spoke with NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman about it last Friday at the Canadiens’ 100th anniversary game. Bettman supposedly mentioned two factors that make the possibility real: that the economy of Quebec is supposedly strong and that investors for a team could be found.

Charest said, “I find it encouraging that the National Hockey League sees viable market conditions there. The real question for a hockey team is whether it’s economically feasible and, in a market like Quebec, I believe the answer is yes.”

WWE

– According to the PWInsider, Bobby Heenan has been hospitalized at the Tampa based H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center after a scheduled examination of his surgically rebuilt jaw found an infection which needed to be immediately treated. As a result, he missed his scheduled appearance at the K&S Wrestlefest event in New Jersey yesterday afternoon. The WWE Hall of Famer will remain hospitalized until the infection is eradicated.

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MLB

– Jon Heyman of SI.com hears that the Red Sox will not give up RHP Clay Buchholz or 1B Casey Kelly for Jays ace RHP Roy Halladay. Heyman notes a potential “market crash” and he’s potentially right. It’s difficult to dismiss the Yankees as a potential suitor for Halladay, but GM Brian Cashman may be more inclined to keep top prospects now that they’ve dealt RHP Ian Kennedy and OF Austin Jackson. There’s certainly no reason for the Red Sox to deal Buchholz or Kelly if the Yankees won’t participate in the bidding. Stay tuned.

– According to MLB.com’s Joe Frisaro, the Marlins are expected to re-open long-term contract negotiations with RHP Josh Johnson at some point. Johnson, 25, went 15-5 in 2009 with a 3.23 ERA and 1.16 WHIP. He’s under team control through 2011 so the Marlins don’t have to budge just yet, but they clearly want him to be a part of their organization for a long time to come. The stud right-hander turns 26 in January.

– According to Tim Brown of Yahoo! Sports, the Cubs and Mariners are discussing a swap of OF Milton Bradley for RHP Carlos Silva. Silva, 30, posted an 8.60 ERA and 1.70 WHIP in 30 innings this past season and a 6.46 ERA in 153 1/3 innings the year before. Quite a feat if the M’s can do it.

– Mark Feinsand of the NY Daily News reports that the White Sox have emerged as a “serious contender” for free agent DH Hideki Matsui. The Angels have also confirmed their interest. The White Sox covet a left-handed bat, so Matsui certainly fits the bill. According to Feinsand, Chicago only has $5-6M budgeted for the spot, but Matsui might not have many offers to choose from. After the trade for OF Curtis Granderson, the Yankees could choose to cut bait on Matsui, OF Johnny Damon, or both.

– Cardinals manager Tony La Russa said Tuesday that he believes the Cardinals “have a legitimate shot” at re-signing OF Matt Holliday. Holliday is drawing interest from all of baseball’s biggest spenders this offseason, but he seemed to enjoy his time in St. Lou and would probably be comfortable with a return. After all, the 29-year-old hit .353/.419/.604 with 13 home runs and 55 RBI once he joined the Birds.

– Ken Rosenthal reports that RHP John Smoltz may still end up back in St. Louis. The FOXSports.com reporter says that the Cardinals are not sold on a fifth starter, and may look to Smoltz to fill that role. And if Jaime Garcia claims the role, the team could simply shift Smoltz to the bullpen. Seven other teams, five in the NL, have shown interest in the future Hall of Famer.

– The Nationals are expected to discuss a long-term contract extension this season with LHP John Lannan. Lannan, who doesn’t turn 26 until next September, clearly established himself as the Nationals’ ace this past season, finishing with a 9-13 record, 3.88 ERA, 1.35 WHIP and 89 strikeouts in 33 starts (206 1/3 innings). He should be a major part of Washington’s rebuilding efforts.

– The Cardinals have officially signed RHP Brad Penny to a one-year/$7.5M contract. Penny, 31, can earn close to $9M through performance-based incentives on the one-year contract. He posted a 4-1 record and 2.59 ERA in 2009 after returning to the NL and should only bolster a St. Louis rotation that already boasts RHP Chris Carpenter and RHP Adam Wainwright.

– According to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Cardinals manager Tony La Russa acknowledged Tuesday that his club has interest in free agent SS Miguel Tejada. Speaking with a group of reporters, La Russa said he’s hoping the Cardinals will find a No. 4 or No. 5 hitter on the market this winter.

“I still think we have a better chance to have legitimate guys (who are already on the team) to hit in front of (Pujols). We could use the guy to hit behind him.”

Miguel Tejada, though climbing up in age, certainly comes close to fitting that bill. He batted .313/.340/.455 with 14 home runs and 86 RBI in 2009 and could slide into the Cardinals’ opening at third base.

– The Giants are interested in 2B Orlando Hudson, major league sources told Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com. If the Giants signed O-Dog, the team would move 2B Freddy Sanchez to third base. While it wouldn’t address the Giant’s lack of power, it would still upgrade their offense – and defense too, with Pablo Sandoval shifting to first-base. The team has a lot of different directions it can go in. Another suitor for Hudson that has popped up in recent days are the Rockies.

– Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports that LHP Randy Wolf’s agent Arn Tellem is shopping the Brewers’ three-year contract offer around, while the Mets appear to be out of the running now. According to Haudricourt, the Brewers offered Wolf a three-year/$27M deal. If true, the offer would be pretty hard to top, but that hasn’t stopped Tellem from talking to the Mets and even the Yankees, albeit briefly. Wolf, 33, was 11-7 with a 3.23 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 160 strikeouts in 2009. His value was enhanced after the Dodgers failed to offer him arbitration last week.

– Michael Silverman of the Boston Herald reports the Red Sox are unlikely to have interest in trading for Braves RHP Rafael Soriano. GM Frank Wren said reliever Rafael Soriano has granted clearance to be traded. Soriano accepted the Braves’ offer of arbitration on Monday, but after giving permission, he can now be dealt to any team. The Red Sox liked him as a free agent, but don’t want to give up prospects and certainly aren’t attracted to his $8M arbitration-influenced price tag. The right-hander posted a 2.97 ERA, a 1.06 WHIP and a 102/27 K/BB ratio in 75 2/3 innings this year and recently accepted salary arbitration from Atlanta. The Yankees, Astros and Orioles may still have interest.

– According to Tracy Ringolsby of FOXSports.com, the Rockies are interested in signing 3B Melvin Mora as a backup infielder. Mora had his $8M option for 2010 declined by the Orioles in October and was denied an offer of arbitration in November. The 37-year-old hit .260/.321/.358 this season with just 28 extra-base hits in 484 plate appearances, but the Rox obviously feel he will come cheap.

– Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports that while the Dodgers have talked to the agents for free-agent pitchers LHP Randy Wolf, RHP Vicente Padilla and RHP Joel Pineiro, they will not talk about multi-year contracts. According to Gurnick, the Dodgers believe that one-year bargains will be available late in the offseason, similar to the one they handed out to Randy Wolf in February. While the Dodgers were fortunate with Wolf, they could be left at the alter this time.

– Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports that Phillies RHP Joe Blanton could be traded. Once source told Zolecki that Blanton “is on the market,” while adding that the Phillies would like to acquire “a big bullpen piece.” They’re more likely to find a bullpen piece in free agency, but the Phillies will listen to offers on the 28-year-old during a weak market for starting pitchers. Blanton was 12-8 with a 4.05 ERA and a 1.32 WHIP in ’09.

– MLB.com’s Adam McCalvy reports the Brewers are close to re-signing RHP Claudio Vargas and will have him serve as a reliever. Vargas posted an impressive 1.74 ERA, 0.97 WHIP and 30/15 K/BB ratio in 40-plus innings this past season. A new deal is in place, according to McCalvy, and is just awaiting approval from Vargas and his agent.

– Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com reports that the market for free agent RHP Jose Valverde is “very limited.” Valverde denied himself a chance to earn up to $10M Monday evening when he declined the Astros’ offer of salary arbitration. Now he’s drawing little interest because the teams who need a closer the most aren’t willing to break the bank. The 31-year-old posted a 2.33 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 25 saves in 29 opportunities for Houston this past season.

– Free agent UTIL Robb Quinlan has drawn interest recently from the Twins, among other teams, reports MLB.com’s Lyle Spencer. The Rockies are scheduled to meet with Quinlan’s representatives at this week’s Winter Meetings. It’s quite surprising that he’s drawing so much interest. The 32-year-old hit just .243/.275/.339 with two homers and 14 RBI in 2009 while playing shoddy defense at a variety of positions.

WWE

– WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has updated his blog, which you can read in its entirety at JRsBarBQ.com. Some highlights:

HBK Retiring at WrestleMania: “We get emails all the time with fans assuming that WM26 will be HBK’s last Wrestlemania. I have not heard that confirmed whatsoever and if it is true wouldn’t one think that WWE would be preparing to make it a HUGE deal? In my mind’s eye, Wrestlemania season officially launches at the Royal Rumble. I am excited about the March 2010 release of the next HBK DVD which is a countdown of Shawn’s Best Matches. Good luck in narrowing that list down to a three disc set.”

Ross on his own health: “It’s back to the doctor’s today for me as I will be seeing a Rheumatologist today which is a first. I had to go on line to find out what a Rheumatologist does in their world of specialty medicine. However, I’m feeling better every day and remain upbeat and optimistic that I have not called my last match and that my next one might be sooner than some expect.”

Mark Cuban: “Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban likely got cheered in the only major arena in America as the controversial, young billionaire is essentially one of the most vilified individuals in pro sports. Cuban is defiant, has been fined by NBA Commissioner David Stern many times and basically has been caught on TV court side acting like a tool. Nonetheless Cuban did a solid job on Raw and one could tell that the Mavs owner keeps up with the product or was tremendously prep.”

NFL

– Redskins RB Clinton Portis (concussion) has been placed on the IR and is done for the season. Portis will make a complete recovery for 2010, but he, however, was less optimistic.

“If it’s my time, I think I had a great career. The doctor feared that if I took another hit like that, [the vision problems] would get worse … He said it rattled the vision and that was his main concern.”

Portis believes he can get back to normal with rehab, but his future is cloudy at this point.

NBA

– Blazers G Rudy Fernandez (back) will undergo a microdisectomy Tuesday to relieve pressure from a nerve root in his lower back that is causing pain in his right leg. He is expected out four-to-six weeks.

NHL

– Flyers G Ray Emery (abdominal tear) has been placed on the IR and is expected out four-to-six weeks.

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MLB

– Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe reports that the Red Sox likely won’t give up both RHP Clay Buchholz and top prospect OF Casey Kelly for Jays ace RHP Roy Halladay. Halladay will be 33 next season, and will require a huge contract to get him to stay in Boston. Unless Toronto adjusts its demands, bank on Halladay playing out his final season in Toronto and then departing as a free agent. Cafardo notes that the ideal scenario for Boston is signing RHP John Lackey and using Buchholz to acquire a young hitter. Stay tuned.

– Bill Madden of the NY Daily News reports the Red Sox are talking to the Marlins about reacquiring SS Hanley Ramirez. Ramirez is locked up through 2014 and recently finished second in the MVP balloting. There’s no earthly reason Florida would be interested in moving the 25-year old unless they were to be ridiculously overpaid. Don’t look too far into this just yet.

NHL

– OIlers F Ales Hemsky (shoulder) is out for the remainder of the season.

– Avalanche F David Jones (torn ACL) will miss the remainder of the regular season after suffering a torn ACL in his left knee on Saturday night. Jones sustained the injury when Wilf F Chuck Kobasew fell on his leg at the Avs blueline late in the third period. He is expected to undergo surgery and miss the next four-to-six months. Jones was second on the Avalanche with 10 goals this season in 23 games.

NFL

– ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that Giants QB Eli Manning’s plantar fasciitis injury has developed into a stress reaction. Schefter says the new aggravation resulted from Manning trying to overcompensate for his plantar fascia. Manning may reportedly be susceptible to a season-ending stress fracture. Eli is now wearing a bone stimulator on the foot and lots of extra padding. Manning has struggled badly since suffering the injury. He was off to the hottest start of his career before it.

NBA

– According to a Yahoo! Sports report, the Nets have decided to fire head coach Lawrence Frank early this week. Frank led the franchise to an 0-16 record this season, one game shy of the NBA’s all-time worst mark. He will coach the team Sunday against the Lakers, an ignominious end to his up-and-down tenure in New Jersey. The plan is for GM Kiki Vandeweghe to take over coaching duties, though veteran assistant John Loyer could get the job.

WWE

– WWE Raw Superstar Mike “The Miz” Mizanin was pulled over by a police officer while driving on Saturday night and wrote about the situation on Twitter as it unfolded.

“Just got pulled over. This always happens to me. Let’s see if I can get just a warning. Prob not though never that lucky,” said Miz regarding the encounter, presumably related to a minor traffic offense (such as speeding).

He later added, “And the verdict is in….not guilty. Well actually I was guilty but was let go with a warning. See there r nice cops out there.”

While getting pulled over for a minor traffic is not a huge deal (especially when he didn’t even receive a ticket), Miz’s Twitter postings seem to represent the kind of publicity WWE wanted to avoid when it supposedly told their superstars to limit their Twitter use and not post anything controversial.

VoV

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MLB

– A source told the NY Daily News that the Red Sox are “putting on a full-court press” in an attempt to deal for Jays RHP Roy Halladay. The only other quote from the source says the Red Sox “would love to get it wrapped up before the winter meetings.” No information at all on the source was supplied, and no details on the talks were provided, though the Daily News speculates that the Red Sox would have to give up both RHP Clay Buchholz and No. 1 prospect RHP/SS Casey Kelly in a deal. The Yankees and Angels are also engaged in talks for the Toronto ace.

– According to MLB.com’s Mark Bowman, the Braves are expected to pursue free agent closer LHP Billy Wagner this offseason. The 38-year-old left-hander posted a 1.98 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, 26/8 K/BB ratio and limited opponents to a .174 batting average in 15 appearances this past season. If the Braves let both RHP Rafael Soriano and LHP Mike Gonzalez walk this winter, Wagner would be a fine fill-in at the closer position for 2010.

– Buster Olney of ESPN.com writes that D’Backs RHP Brandon Webb (shoulder) has completed his rehab throwing program. Webb has been cleared to begin a normal throwing program, like most pitchers, headed into spring training. Webb is working his way back from August surgery on his right shoulder, but looks to be on track for the start of the season. The Diamondbacks picked up Webb’s $8.5M option for 2010 earlier this month.

– The Red Sox have reportedly asked for the medical records of RHP Kelvim Escobar, along with RHP Rafael Soriano. Over the previous two years, Escobar has pitched exactly once in the majors: June 6, 2009. Bringing him in on a major league deal would be quite a risk for the Red Sox. It’s likely the team is interested in bringing him on a minor league pact with a high-incentive package.

– According to the Globe and Mail’s Jeff Blair, Jays 1BLyle Overbay is “90%” sure to be traded at the Winter Meetings. Overbay was previously linked to Seattle. It’s become increasingly clear over the past couple seasons that Toronto has soured on the first baseman. Earning $7M next season, the soon-to-be 33-year-old hit .265/.372/.466 in 2009 and is thought to be an above-average defender. OF Adam Lind is expected to move to first.

– According to Michael Silverman of the Boston Herald, the Red Sox have shown preliminary interest in free agent SS Marco Scutaro. The Red Sox are maintaining contact with free agent SS Alex Gonzalez, but Scutaro represents an offensive upgrade. He hit .282/.379/.409 with 12 homers, 60 RBI and 100 runs scored in 2009. According to the Herald, the Red Sox attempted to trade for Scutaro this past July.

– The Blue Jays are reportedly interested in C Yorvit Torrealba, according to MLB.com. The Rockies and Giants are also interested, so expect a bidding war. The Jays currently have no options behind the plate as C Rod Barajas is a free agent. It’s becoming more and more clear it will take a multiyear pact to sign Torrealba, who wants to start. That said, the Jays look like the frontrunners.

– According to Diario Libre, a newspaper in the Dominican Republic, OF Jose Guillen would approve of a trade to the Mets and does not feel he will be a Royal in 2010. It seems as if both Guillen and the newspaper are taking a previous rumor a bit too seriously. It was reported the Royals felt they could deal Guillen to the Mets, but the odds of that happening are unlikely. Guillen said “If trading me would help the Royals, New York would be one of the clubs I would approve. … My mind is focused on having a great season next year and until now I believed that would be with the Royals.”

– According to Ed Price of AOL Fanhouse, the Blue Jays are set to re-sign INF John McDonald for $1.5M. McDonald has spent the last five seasons with the Blue Jays, who clearly values his glove. The 34-year-old could be in line for a lot of at-bats backing up 3B Edwin Encarnacion and could end up starting at short if the club can’t import a better option.

WWE

– According to the PWInsider, Lauren Mayhew, who appeared on ECW as the brand’s ring announcer, has parted ways with WWE. Both parties were working together on a short term deal, but could not come to terms on a full term contract.

The word going around at today’s television taping in Bridgeport, Connecticut was that the aspiring actress and WWE parted on amicable terms and the door was open for her to return to the company in the future. Mayhew’s profile has already been removed from the company website. Tony Chimel handled the ring announcing duties during tonight’s episode of ECW.

VoV

– Due to circumstances beyond my control, expect updates for the remainder July and August to be thinner than usual. Deal with it. Either way, once the deadline passes, everything will quiet down a fair bit, so you won’t be missing much other than the expected returns of Shawn Michaels (keep reading) and the Undertaker (a few posts down).

MLB

– The return price for Jays RHP Roy Halladay from the Red Sox would be a package including RHP Clay Buchholz, while RHP Casey Kelly and RHP Daniel Bard are off limits. OF Ryan Westmoreland is also not involved.

The Blue Jays have been given the choice of RHP Justin Masterson, RHP Michael Bowden, or 1B Lars Anderson as the second player in the deal, with lesser prospects from the Red Sox system filling out the Boston offer. The Red Sox, from the beginning, have included Buchholz because the Blue Jays had made it clear he would have to be the starting point of any deal. Rumours indicated that the Red Sox were vying for a third team to be involved in order to give Toronto a prospect shortstop, but that no longer appears to be the case.

The Red Sox remain skeptical of closing a deal for Halladay, which is one reason they continue to pursue other avenues, including a potential trade for Indians C Victor Martinez. Toronto GM J.P. Ricciardi has told the Red Sox and Yankees that they will have to pay a premium for the Blue Jays to trade Halladay within the division. Ricciardi also had set a soft deadline of Tuesday for trading Halladay, but he will remain available until the non-waiver deadline on July 31.

GM J.P. Ricciardi has reiterated that he has a ”gut” feeling Halladay will not be traded. The Jays are still not prepared to lower their asking price. If that remains their philosophy through the July 31 deadline, it’s doubtful Halladay is dealt. “It doesn’t matter if it’s today or tomorrow or Friday or next week. Nothing is close. Nothing is happening.”

Doc has also notified the Jays that he won’t waive his no-trade clause to go to the Twins. Sorry, Minny. From the Rangers, the Jays asked for The Blue Jays reportedly asked for a Derek Holland, Justin Smoak and Julio Borbon. AS for the Phillies, talks have hit a standstill, and the Dodgers and Twins are officially out.

– The Red Sox remain interested in Indians C Victor Martinez, but the asking price is still very high. The Sox are still searching for a big bat at corner infield or behind the plate.

– According to ESPN.com’s Buster Olney, the Phillies and Indians are exploring a trade involving Indians LHP Cliff Lee. “The Phillies are intent on getting a frontline starting pitcher, whether they get Roy Halladay or not, and with the Indians’ Cliff Lee seemingly lined up as the clear No. 2 choice for Philadelphia, officials with both teams are doing extensive background work on some minor leaguers.” The Indians are seeking a major league-ready arm, and RHP Kyle Drabek fits the description.

– The NY Post reports that the Rays called the Mets and Rangers about LHP Scott Kazmir. According to the report, the Rays are currently trying to free up money, even dangling 1B Carlos Pena and OF Carl Crawford in an effort to complete a blockbuster deal. 

– According to FOXSports.com’s Ken Rosenthal, there is a 25-50 percent chance the Indians trade ace LHP Cliff Lee. The Phillies, Dodgers, Angels, Rays and Rangers are among the teams pursuing the 2008 American League Cy Young Award winner. Lee is sporting a 3.14 ERA through 22 starts this season and is owed just $8M for 2010.

– The Yankees and Brewers are looking into Mariners LHP Jarrod Washburn.

– The Angels are looking into Indians LHP Cliff Lee. The Angels still want Halladay, but the return price includes SS Erick Aybar, a young player the Angels are unwilling to part with. A deal is unlikely, though, as the Indians want pitching prospects, something the Angels are thin on.

– After recently rescinding their contract offers to 2B Freddy Sanchez and SS Jack Wilson, the Pirates will offer the double-play combo another deal if they are not traded before the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline. The current offers, however, would apparently need to drastically changed in order for either of the two to remain in Pittsburgh. The agents for the pair supposedly let the Pirates front office that the deals fell significantly short on both the dollar and year fronts.

The Giants were on the verge of closing a deal for Sanchez on Monday, and are still committed to pulling it off, but want to satisfy lingering health concerns. Sanchez was scratched from Monday’s starting lineup with a sore left knee, the second time in four games he’d sat out with soreness. Pirates manager John Russell said the hard playing surface in Arizona may have caused the discomfort. If the Giants are satisfied he’s OK within the next day or two, Sanchez will need only walk down the hallway to join his new club – the Pirates are in San Francisco.

– The Dodgers and Phillies are among the most motivated of the four or five teams interested in Orioles LHP George Sherrill. The Orioles would like a pitcher and third baseman to replace 3B Melvin Mora next season, which would appear to make them a possible match for the Dodgers, who could package 3B Blake DeWitt and LHP Scott Elbert. The Orioles remain a bit wary of Elbert because of past shoulder issues; DeWitt was just optioned to Triple-A for the fifth time this season. The Dodgers will not include LHP Clayton Kershaw in any proposal, but have talked internally about possibly parting with RHP Chad Billingsley.

– The Angels are not looking into Mariners LHP Jarrod Washburn or Rays LHP Scott Kazmir. The Dodgers are also out of the running for Washburn.

– The Padres are still open to dealing RHP Heath Bell, but the price tag will be very high.

– The Cardinals are shopping for relievers.

– The Tigers are not interested in Nationals OF Adam Dunn.

– The Red Sox have traded OF Mark Kotsay and cash to the White Sox for OF Brian Anderson.

– The Giants have acquired 1B Ryan Garko from the Indians for LHP Scott Barnes.

– The Angels are shopping for relievers.

NHL

– The Leafs have acquired F Wayne Primeau and a second-round draft pick in 2011 from the Flames for D Anton Stralman, F Colin Stuart and a 2012 seventh-round pick.

– The Hurricanes have bought out the contract of D Frank Kaberle. Kabs would have made $2.2M, but will now make almost $1.5M over the next two seasons.

– The Red Wings have signed D Andy Delmore to a one-year deal.

– Former NHL stars F Tony Amonte, G Tom Barrasso, F John LeClair and the 1998 U.S. Olympic Women’s Ice Hockey team will be inducted into the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame. The 2009 Hall of Fame class announced Tuesday by USA Hockey also includes the late Frank Zamboni, inventor of the storied ice resurfacing machine.

– F Brendan Shanahan will be playing in his 22nd NHL season in 2009-10. Where he ends up, however, is currently anyone’s guess. When asked if Shanahan and the Devils were getting close on a new deal, his agent, Rick Curran, replied, “I have nothing to report at this time. I’m encouraged to the extent that I know Brendan will be playing this year. That’s all I’m prepared to say.” New Jersey GM Lou Lamoriello said he is interested in bringing back the veteran winger at the right price. Stay tuned.

– Thrashers G Kari Lehtonen’s back surgery is not expected to keep him on the sidelines for very long. The Atlanta netminder sustained the injury back on October 30 in a game against the New York Rangers and was sidelined for nearly two months. He underwent the procedure last week to repair the damage. GM Don Waddell said, “An injury like that can often be treated and that’s the end of it,” GM Don Waddell said. “. He started working out [this off-season] and complained of soreness. We got together and talked to him and decided to have surgery.” Lehtonen is projected to take the next couple of weeks off to rest and then begin rehabilitation. He could be all systems go in four weeks time.

NBA

– In a swapping of 26-year-old centres, the Bobcats have dealt F Emeka Okafor to the Hornets for F Tyson Chandler.

– F Lamar Odom will reportedly make a decision between the Heat and Lakers in the next few days.

– The Mavericks have signed F Tim Thomas.

NFL

– NFL Network’s Scott Hanson reports that free agent QB Brett Favre “will continue to throw and work out” despite telling Vikings coach Brad Childress Tuesday that he wanted to stay retired. Hanson reports that Favre said he’s still not totally sure about whether he’ll stay retired or try to play, even after “confirming” he’d re-re-retire to Childress and in an interview with ESPN. It wouldn’t shock anyone one bit if Favre “gets the itch” again and tries to come back late in training camp or even after the regular season kicks off.

– The LA Times reports that free agent QB Michael Vick signing with the Jaguars “is looking more and more real.” Another report had Vick specifically eying the 49ers and Redskins, but both of those teams have denied interest. Jacksonville has made sense all along. At the least, Vick could be an upgrade over QB David Garrard’s current backup, 37-year-old journeyman Todd Bouman.

– WR Drew Bennett has retired from football three days after he signed with the Ravens. An old knee injury was the culprit. Bennett is just 31, but didn’t play in 2008 after breaking his foot for the Rams in Week 1. In 2004, Bennett recorded an 80-catch, 1247-yard, 11-TD season, but faded slowly thereafter. The former UCLA QB and undrafted free agent finishes with 4,412 career yards.

WWE

– After months of bitter accusations and media hoopla, the divorce of Hulk Hogan and Linda Bollea has been finalized. The terms of the divorce settlement have not made public. While the divorce proceedings did get nasty at times, things were much more civil today in the Clearwater, Florida courtroom. After the brief hearing, each said they wanted to move on with their lives.

Linda said, “The war is over. I still love him. He’s the father of my children.” She acknowledged that the very public divorce was embarrassing, admitting, “It just got out of control.” Hogan echoed her sentiments, saying it was time for him, Bollea and their children to start acting like a family again. “When you’re married to someone for 23 years … you hope for the best …. We just got torn apart.”

Hulk added, “I’m a free man.”

– According to PWInsider.com, former WWE Divas champion Maryse is in Birmingham, Alabama right now and will be examined by Dr. James Andrews tomorrow. Maryse is set to undergo knee surgery to repair some ongoing issues. In December of 2008, Maryse suffered a dislocated kneecap in a house show match where she was dropped badly by one of the Bella Twins. She was able to avoid surgery and return to the ring several weeks later, but has had nagging issues with the knee ever since. Stay tuned for updates.

– Shawn Michaels is listed on the SummerSlam page on WWE.com.

– RAW drew a 4.0 cable rating, up from 3.5. It drew hours of 3.89 and 4.0. Shaquille O’Neal posted the following on Twitter after RAW: “wasn’t lookin, but randy orton has da sexiest white man butt ive seen next 2 steve nash”