April is in the books, and it came with its fair share of surprises. Did anyone predict the Blue Jays to be leading the AL East, or Brandon Inge to be the Tigers' most productive hitter? And how about the Pirates' pitching? Here's your look at the past seven days:
- There's been a lot of talk about who could be on the move this summer. J.P. Ricciardi made it pretty clear this week that Roy Halladay is unlikely to be a candidate. If he was, the Blue Jays would ask for a "boatload" in return, according to Ricciardi. It'll be interesting to see how the division plays out as the year goes on. Can the Jays stay in the race?
- From a current ace to a future ace, the Nationals have every intention of drafting and signing Stephen Strasburg, according to Buster Olney. Strasburg has continued to be absolutely phenomenal this year, posting nearly a 10:1 K:BB ratio and an absurd 16.7 K/9 at San Diego State. The Nationals' offense has been getting this job done this season; they'll be a team to watch in the coming years if they land Strasburg and another solid arm.
- Speaking of the Nats, they acquired Logan Kensing from the Marlins this week for minor league reliever Kyle Gunderson. Kensing was designated by the Fish last week.
- Another reliever making his way to Washington is Mike MacDougal. MacDougal was released by the White Sox earlier this week and signed a minor league deal this morning. The Nationals have had bullpen problems all season, and it looks like they'll continue to dig through the scrap heap to find some useful parts.
- The Mets released Freddy Garcia this week, following two Triple-A starts that resulted in an 8.18 ERA. Garcia was topping out at 85mph. His agent says that Garcia is "way too young to retire" at age 32, but he hinted that it could be time. Good luck either way, Freddy.
- Scratch the Brewers from the list of teams who are interested in Pedro Martinez. Doug Melvin said that he hasn't even spoken to Pedro's agent. The Nationals are still the only team that has publically expressed any interest in the future Hall of Famer, but they're not willing to pay $5MM.
- Tim's 2010 Options series this week included the White Sox and Indians.
- Tim takes a look at some free agents who are off to a great start and those that aren't living up to their contracts yet.
