Hump Day Hot Stove

Either Andy Pettitte is trying to force the Yankees' hand or he really just wants to pitch anywhere (or make some more bucks). Ken Rosenthal says that Pettitte's agents are looking around for other possibilities, Joe Torre's Dodgers included. We've always loved Pettitte, but we have no problem if he moves on. He's not the pitcher he once was and he's certainly not nearly worth the money he's seeking.

ESPN reported last night that the Angels were readying an offer to CC Sabathia that would rival the money the Yankees reportedly offered up. If money is no object, CC will likely land on the left coast.

The Boston Herald reports that the Angels are willing to deal one of their catchers, either Jeff Mathis or Mike Napoli, and Boston could be the destination. We can't imagine the Angels relying on Mathis for their full-time needs.

The Dodgers said they will not try to further entice Manny Ramirez with money. LA has reportedly made a 2-year, $45 million proposal.

Billy Beane likes On-Base Percentage guys, and Nick Johnson is one of them. Beane has asked for the oft-injured Johnson's medical records from the Nats to pursue a possible deal.

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Around the Horn - 6/24

Limited schedule last night, but some interesting match ups none the less.

Felix Hernandez belted a grand slam off of Johan Santana, but sprained his ankle one out shy of 5 innings. The bullpen did its his job in his place and the Mariners beat the Mets 5-2.

Another duel in Fenway between the Diamondbacks Dan Haren and the Red Sox Josh Beckett. Chris Young and Chris Snyder each drove in a run in the 7th to give the Diamondbacks a 2-1 win. The Red Sox also lost 1st baseman Kevin Youkilis in the game when a between inning warm up throw from Mike Lowell resulted in a black eye.

John Lackey missed the beginning of the season with arm trouble, but he looks like his old self on the mound. Last night he dominated the Nationals over 8 innings in the Angels 3-2 win. K-Rod picked up his 31st save after Garrett Anderson's 8th inning single snapped a 2-2 tie.

The Royals are loving interleague play. They're now 10-3 after beating up on the Rockies 8-4. Mark Teahen's 1st inning, 3-run home run got KC off to a fast start. Brian Bannister allowed 3 unearned runs in 7 innings for his 6th win.

The American League now holds a 99-77 advantage in this year's play.

In intralague play, Mike Cameron belted a 2-run home run to lead the Brewers over the Braves 4-1. Ben Sheets tossed a complete game 4-hitter and struck out 7.


News

Looking to beef up their squad, the Indians signed veterans Tony Graffanino and Juan Rincon to minor league deals.

Poor Nick Johnson's season is done again. The Nats 1st baseman will have surgery on his wrist to repair a torn ligament.

Mariners pitcher Erik Bedard may be headed back to the DL with a bad back, according to the Seattle Times.

It was done under the radar, compared to the Willie Randolph firing, but the Mets may have made a significant move when they hired Wayne Krivsky as assistant GM. Owner Fred Wilpon said GM Omar Minaya is doing a "great job", but ya never know.

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Nicked Up Again

Poor Nick Johnson. Just when you think it's safe for him to step out on a baseball diamond again, he gets hurt.

This time it's a torn tendon sheath in his right wrist. He'll be out a minimum of 4-6 weeks.

Band-Aid or Neosporin should hire this guy to do commercials.

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