Derek Jeter turns 38 years old today, and the Yankees shortstop is hitting .304/.353/.412 with seven homers and six steals this season, his 18th in the big leagues. The game's active career hits leader with 3,181, he could move into the all-time top-ten with a strong second half. Here's the latest from the only division Jeter has known, the AL East…
- “I’d rather not do anything, if possible,” said Yankees GM Brian Cashman to Anthony McCarron of The New York Daily News, referring to the upcoming trade deadline. “I’d rather keep our prospects, keep our payroll down. That’s what I’d always like to do. But at the same time, I want to get better.”
- Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com says (on Twitter) that the Yankees expect Brett Gardner back from his elbow injury in late-July, but will pursue a speedy center field type if he takes longer than expected.
- Red Sox GM Ben Cherington told Casey Stern and Jim Bowden of MLB Network Radio that starting pitching remains his team's top target between now and the trade deadline.
- With Kevin Youkilis traded, the Red Sox are likely to remain quiet for the next few weeks according to Sean McAdam and Maureen Mullen of CSNNE.com. If Boston decides to sell at the deadline, Kelly Shoppach, Ryan Sweeney, Scott Atchison, and Matt Albers could be trade candidates.
- The Blue Jays are offering 22nd overall pick Marcus Stroman the $1.8MM slot bonus, reports Richard Griffin of The Toronto Star (Twitter links). He notes that even though that pick is compensation for failing to sign last year's first rounder, the Jays will get another compensation pick next year if they fail to sign Stroman thanks to the new collective bargaining agreement.
- Agreements between the Orioles and first rounder Kevin Gausman and second rounder Branden Kline are not imminent according to MLB.com's Britt Ghiroli, but the two sides are negotiating. “Nothing unusual about the way it’s progressing,” said scouting director Gary Rajisch.
