Deadline thoughts
–There’s a more than zero percent chance that the Red Sox are just going through the motions with all the talk of a Manny trade, and that by 4 pm today all they’ll have done is successfully cockblocked the Rays from acquiring Jason Bay. And they know it.
–The Rays have reportedly engaged the Reds in Adam Dunn talks, knowing that they could get aced out of Bay, either via a trade or fake trade talks. Reds owner Bob Castellini seems wedded to Dunn, though. It’s nice to see the big guy get some support when too many people (especially in Cincinnati) fixate on what he can’t do (hit for average, not strike out) than what he can (lead the league or come close to leading the league in homers and walks, EVERY year). At any rate, if it’s a Brignac/Neimann/3rd prospect for Bay or Dunn, I do it in a heartbeat if I’m Tampa. I’d have to think long and hard before giving up Jeremy Hellickson or Wade Davis, though.
–I see Boston picking up a reliever today and that’s it. John Grabow isn’t all that good though, and he’d be a lousy fallback from all this Marlins-Pirates talk. I’d rather have Will Ohman, for multiple reasons.
–If Ken Griffey Jr. to the White Sox is true, it’s going to be a rare occasion where I question the logic of otherwise spot-on GM Kenny Williams. Where do you play Junior? He’s clearly below average defensively in center at this point in his career, and he’s below average offensively right now for the Reds, headed for the tougher league. I know Swisher’s struggles have been frustrating, but this puzzles me unless it’s some kind of injury insurance policy. My guess is Paul Konerko is hurt and not likely to be effective for the rest of the year, so they’re thinking Griffey in center and Swisher at first (where he’s a good defender). Still a weird deal, but at least it makes a little more sense that way.
–Seth, I have a feeling your Mets aren’t acquiring an impact bat today. But a waiver trade in August (maybe early August would certainly be possible). The Mets seem fixated on the Mariners’ Raul Ibanez, but unable to grasp that he’s a Type-A free agent to be (because Elias’ free agent rating system loves RBI and is incapable of making proper assessments of player value). Ibanez would require more quality prospects than he’d otherwise be worth. Adam Dunn should be their target, as I’ve already said.
–The Dodgers will do something stupid. Not sure what, but something. Stupid. But yeah, Paul DePodesta wasn’t right for that team. Whatever you say.
Full Jonah media sked for the rest of the day:
–On with Max Kellerman, NYC AM 1050 12:45 pm ET. Crank your radio in NYC or try here otherwise.
–ESPN.com Chat, 2:00-3:30 pm ET, preceded by Jim Callis and followed by Rob Neyer.
–ESPNews The HotList at 4:10 pm ET.
…and I’ll have an article up at YESNetwork.com later today discussing the Yankees’ recent moves and other Bronx Bomber-related stuff.
Good times. Fire away questions on that Chat, and see you soon!
