Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there (my own included)! We're nearing the end of June already, and the trade winds should start to heat up in the coming weeks. Let's take a look back at the past week, in the meantime:
- The Tigers have benched Magglio Ordonez indefinitely, much to the chagrin of agent Scott Boras. Maggs will obviously still see the field, but his production this season has been abysmal. He has a vesting option for 2010 which I'm sure the Tigers don't want to be forced into picking up.
- More Bryce Harper news: The 16-year-old that has scouts salivating across the country is enrolling junior college, which will make him available for the 2010 draft. Hey Bryce, how do you feel about the nation's capitol…?
- Onto another 16-year-old phenom – at least we think so. MLB is investigating the age of Miguel Angel Sano prior to July 2nd to ensure that he actually is 16 years old. The Twins and Pirates are reportedly the frontrunners for the young shortstop, but we've heard more about Pittsburgh than Minnesota.
- Clay Buchholz and Michael Bowden both feel like they can transfer their success this season over to the big league level, but the Red Sox don't currently have room. Something's gotta give with this situation, and probably soon. John Smoltz is set to start this week. However, the injury to Daisuke Matsuzaka might buy Boston a bit of time to figure the situation out.
- Another Red Sox pitcher had some interesting comments this week, when Jonathan Papelbon stated that he'd pitch for the Yankees or any other club if he couldn't work out a long-term deal with Boston. Sox fans obviously weren't thrilled with the comments, and Papelbon reiterated later in the week that his perfect scenario would have him pitching in Boston for the long haul.
- If the Red Sox are looking for places to deal pitching to, there's no shortage. Charlie Manuel has said he'd like the Phillies to add a starter, and the Brewers are also talking about ways to improve as a club. Manuel did imply that he'd be looking for more of an ace-type pitcher, however.
- Any team could also call up Pedro Martinez if they want some more pitching, but he's still going to be a bit costly, which may have caused the Rays and Cubs to back off. Here's some more updates on the Pedro situation.
- The Rays may not add anyone at all, in fact. An upgrade to the bullpen would be a nice boost for the club, but they apparently won't be spending on a closer if they spend any money at all.
- If you're curious which teams are in position to add some payroll, here's some that fit that description.
- Tom Glavine won't be pitching in 2009. He didn't announce his retirement, but it's hard to imagine him making a run again in 2010. He stated that he'd spend some time being a "full-time dad." If this is the end for you Tom, congratulations on a great career. Cooperstown is only a few years away.
