We've got less than 24 hours until the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline. We didn't see any Cy Young winners change hands today, a la Cliff Lee, but there was still action. With the clock winding down, there only figures to be more. Let's take a look back at today:
What we know:
- The Dodgers missed out on Cliff Lee, but they acquired a different lefty when they got George Sherrill from Baltimore in exchange for minor leaguers Josh Bell and Steve Johnson. Sherrill shores up the Dodger bullpen, while Bell gives the O's a potential new long-term option at third base once Melvin Mora departs. It may seem a steep price for Sherrill, but he's under control through 2011 and has posted a fantastic season thus far.
- Another pair of lefties were on the move, as the Cubs acquired both John Grabow and Tom Gorzelanny from the Pirates in exchange for Kevin Hart, Jose Ascanio, and Josh Harrison. The Pirates continue to sell off veteran players; is anyone safe on their roster? For that matter… is anyone left on their roster?
- Another trade happened within a division today, as the Royals acquired Josh Anderson from the Tigers for cash considerations. Anderson started red hot, hitting .341 in April, but his numbers have plummeted since. Anderson's Detroit tenure lasted just a few months.
- Rough day to be Russ Ortiz. The Astros right-hander was absolutely dismantled by the Cubs, surrendering 9 ER in just 2.1 IP. He was then released shortly after the game. Ironically, his opponent that game: Kevin Hart, also no longer with his club.
- The Reds backed off a potential deal that would send Scott Rolen to Cincinnati, possibly in exchange for Edwin Encarnacion and others. Rolen seems likely to remain in Toronto.
Potential moves on the horizon:
- So many Roy Halladay rumors, we had to create two posts about him. Early on, it sounded like Doc was staying put; the Dodgers weren't offering Chad Billingsley or Clayton Kershaw, the Red Sox chances were "remote," the Angels' offer of Brandon Wood, Erick Aybar, and Joe Saunders was denied, and the Tigers balked at the asking price of Rick Porcello, Ryan Perry, and Casey Crosby. Then came conflicting reports about the severity of discussions with the Rangers. Jon Heyman even reports the Rangers "came close to acquiring" Halladay. Texas has the farm system to get the job done, but they'll need ownership approval, as well as cash from Toronto to make a deal. Has Texas emerged as the frontrunner, or will Boston or an LA team still sneak in a late blockbuster? Or, does Doc stay right where he is?
- Another pitcher that's coming up more and more is Jarrod Washburn, and there's plenty of rumors about him as well. It's sounding like Washburn may stay put, but the Yankees are still involved, and the Rangers could show interest if the Halladay talks fall through. Original reports stated that the M's asked for Joba Chamberlain or Phil Hughes, but those were refuted by Buster Olney.
- One team who likely won't acquire an arm is the Brewers. General manager Doug Melvin says the Brewers "aren't a match for anyone right now." It's beginning to look grim in Milwaukee, given their pitching injuries, the St. Louis acquisitions, and surging Cubs.
- The Giants could be done dealing after their acquisitions of Ryan Garko and Freddy Sanchez, although Ken Rosenthal hears they've still got interest in Mark Teahen.
- After releasing Russ Ortiz, and with some uncertainty surrounding Roy Oswalt, the Astros are looking for some pitching. However, they'll reportedly only make a deal if someone "falls into their lap," according to Jayson Stark. That seems a tad unlikely.
- Don't worry folks, not everyone's closing up shop. The Marlins were said to be in serious discussions for San Diego closer Heath Bell today, though they're unwilling to part with Andrew Miller or Sean West. If the Marlins don't get Bell, they could turn within the division and acquire Nick Johnson; FOX Sport reported today that the Fish were making a push for the Nationals' first baseman.
- The Dodgers acquired George Sherrill, but apparently not even the highly-desireable Baltimore closer is enough for Ned Colletti. The Dodgers and Angels are both said to be on the market for relievers, and could look to Toronto, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, or Seattle.
- The Rockies need bullpen help, and after promptly hanging up the phone when Eric Young Jr. was mentioned in talks for John Grabow and Joe Beimel, they've shifted their sights to Mark Hendrickson and Scott Downs. Just to give you an idea of how hard the Rockies are pursuing bullpen help, they signed 43-year-old Mike Timlin to a minor league deal. The Rockies are also interested in Nick Johnson.
- The Twins are stepping up efforts to acquire Orlando Cabrera. Is he a vast upgrade over Brendan Harris?
- The Red Sox have talked "at length" with the Padres about Adrian Gonzalez, but apparently, as Olney points out, little progress has been made. In that same piece, Jerry Crasnick says it's "very unlikely" that we see Chad Qualls moved.
- Keep checking back here as tomorrow's deadline approaches. We've got less than a day to go, but sometimes, the best is saved for last. Let's not forget the last-minute blockbuster that sent Manny Ramirez to Los Angeles and Jason Bay to Boston last season!
