Rodriguez Traded To Yankees

Ivan Rodriguez, catcher for the Detroit Tigers, was traded on Wednesday to the New York Yankees for relief pitcher Kyle Farnsworth. The Yankees, who just lost their catcher when Jorge Posada opted for shoulder surgery that will end his season, were quietly looking for help at that position and they got it. The Tigers desperately needed pitching help, especially out of the bullpen with Fernando Rodney being injured. Joe Girardi, manager for the Yankees, was emotional when talking about the deal that was made. He and Farnsworth had a good relationship to their days when Girardi was a catcher with the Chicago Cubs when Farnsworth was a relief pitcher there. Rodriguez was not happy in Detroit because he was splitting catching duties with Brandon Inge. Rodriguez is a 14 time All-Star and he won the American League MVP award in 1999 when he was with the Texas Rangers. When he was with the Rangers in the late 1990's, they played the Yankees several times in the playoffs. The Rangers were never able to beat the Yankees, and the Yankees won 4 championships in 5 seasons. Farnsworth previously played for the Tigers in the 2005 season, in which he was involved in a brawl against the Kansas City Royals that season. Who benefits the most from this deal? What happens in the future for Rodriguez and Jorge Posada?

Teixeira Traded To Angels

Mark Teixeira, first baseman for the Atlanta Braves, was traded on Tuesday to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Angels' first baseman Casey Kotchman was moved to the Braves in that deal along with minor league pitcher Stephen Marek. The Braves recently sent a memo to all major league teams that they were serious about dealing Teixeira and were fielding offers. Teams that were talking to the Braves for Teixeira were the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Boston Red Sox. Most people thought that the Diamondbacks were the front runners to acquire Teixeira and bolster their lineup. The Braves didn't like the offers being made by the Diamondbacks for Teixeira. The Angels came in and made a couple offers and the Braves accepted an offer from them. The Angels, who own the best record in the MLB with a 65-40 record, have been pitching well up to this point but they were not hitting among the best. They have good hitters in Vladimir Guerrero and Torii Hunter. However, the rest of the lineup have not been hitting and management felt the need to add another explosive bat in the lineup to compete for a World Series title. Teixeira was traded at the trading deadline last year to the Braves from the Texas Rangers. Now he's moving back to the American League West division with this move. Will this trade automatically put the Angels in the World Series? How long will Teixeira be with the Angels, considering this is the final year of his contract?

Donaghy To Jail For 15 Months

Disgraced former NBA referee Tim Donaghy was sentenced on Tuesday to 15 months in federal prison for his participation in a gambling scandal that has scarred the NBA. Donaghy also will serve three years of supervised release. Donaghy, who was a referee in the NBA since the mid 1990's, has admitted to gambling and giving tips on NBA games, including the games that he was the referee for. This has been arguably the NBA's biggest scandal and NBA Commissioner David Stern has said that Donaghy is the only referee to have been doing illegal things. A lot of people say otherwise, saying that other referees can be involved as well. This entire situation has put a setback to the NBA's reputation, just like recent scandals involving the NFL and MLB has put setbacks on their respective sports. Donaghy gave investigators information that most likely reduced his prison sentence. He told investigators that two specific playoff series were being rigged by referees because of instruction from the NBA office. Numerous people from the NBA have denied that claim, but some people believe it may have happened. Now that Donaghy is locked up, the NBA now has to bring back respectability and trust in the game. Will another scandal like this one happen in the NBA? Has David Stern done his job with the referees?

Posada To Have Season Ending Surgery

Jorge Posada, catcher of the New York Yankees, has decided to have shoulder surgery, effectively ending his season. Posada, who signed a four year extension to stay with the Yankees this past offseason, was battling shoulder problems this year that has limited his productivity defensively. Posada's initial plan was to rest and rehab the shoulder so he can come back this season for the Yankees' playoff run. The Yankees recently made a deal acquiring Xavier Nady, who is another good bat in the lineup. With that move, Yankees' management and Posada decided to go ahead with the surgery in hope of returning at full strength for next year. Posada has failed to throw out baserunners stealing bases because of his weak and ailing shoulder. Jose Molina, the backup catcher, has been effective defensively. However, he doesn't possess the offensive power that Posada does. That has been a concern for the Yankees because of Posada and outfielder Hideki Matsui being gone for a long period of time. How will Posada's absence affect the Yankees? Can the Yankees make the playoffs without him? Will he be able to play the catcher position again?

Yankees Acquire Marte, Nady From Pirates

The New York Yankees have acquired pitcher Damaso Marte and outfielder Xavier Nady from the Pittsburgh Pirates for pitcher Ross Ohlendorf and three minor leaguers. This deal happened as the Yankees were playing their rival Boston Red Sox. The Yankees won that game 1-0, and it was confirmed that the deal was made. The Yankees have been inquiring about a bat in their lineup and another relief pitcher or starting pitcher. In this deal, they got a bat and a nice relief pitcher. Nady is batting .330 for the Pirates, while Marte has been a lefty specialist who was being courted by many other teams. The Yankees gave up little to acquire these players. They gave up an ineffective reliever in Ohlendorf and three minor leaguers who are not top prospects in the Yankees' minor league system. With the injuries to outfielders Johnny Damon and Hideki Matsui, in addition to catcher Jorge Posada, the Yankees were slumping offensively. They needed another bat in the lineup and that is why they got Nady. The Yankees bullpen have been solid this year, but they didn't have a lefty specialist to get outs against left handed batters. They got that in Damaso Marte. The Yankees, who are currently in third place in the American League East division behind the Tampa Bay Rays and the Red Sox, are pushing for a playoff berth for a 14th straight season.

Shockey Traded To Saints

Jeremy Shockey, tight end of the Super Bowl champion New York Giants, has been traded on Monday to the New Orleans Saints for a second round draft pick and a fifth round draft pick in the 2009 NFL Draft. The Saints have expressed their desire to acquire Shockey in the past this offseason. They initially offered only a second round pick to the Giants for him, thinking that the Giants would accept because of Shockey's feelings toward the team. The Giants, meanwhile, thought he was too valuable to give up for only a second round pick. The Saints later offered a fifth round pick as well but the Giants still were not accepting the offer. The Saints stayed with the offer and were only going to acquire Shockey with that offer. The Giants finally gave in and accepted that offer. Shockey was a starting tight end for the Giants since his rookie season in 2002. Shockey was the starter last year until he broke his leg in Week 15 of the regular season against the Washington Redskins. Backup tight end Kevin Boss took over and the Giants offense flourished in the last regular season game against the undefeated New England Patriots and the four playoff games against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Dallas Cowboys, Green Bay Packers, and the Patriots in the Super Bowl. Some have said that Shockey was upset to see the Giants succeed without him, while not succeeding with him healthy in years past. Does this trade work for both teams? Will the addition of Shockey make the Saints' offense the best in the NFL in the 2008 season?

Dolphins Trade DE Taylor

The Washington Redskins have acquired defensive end Jason Taylor from the Miami Dolphins for a couple of draft picks. Taylor has played all of his 11 seasons with the Dolphins. Things between the organization and Taylor has not gone well this offseason. Taylor publicly demanded a trade, adding to the miscommunication between the two parties. Taylor has repeatedly stated since that he did not demand a trade and that he would love to play for the Dolphins. The Redskins, meanwhile, became aggressive in pursuing Taylor when Redskins' defensive end Phillip Daniels injured his Achilles tendon in practice. He will most likely now have to miss the rest of the season, which would leave the Redskins thin at the position. Taylor is now on a team who made the playoffs last year and has a chance to contend this season. The Redskins have a new head coach in Jim Zorn, who previously was the offensive coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks. Will this move solidify the defensive end position for the Redskins? Are the Dolphins happy they finally was able to get rid of Taylor? How long will Taylor stick around in the NFL?

Camby Traded To Clippers

Marcus Camby of the Denver Nuggets was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday night for virtually nothing in return. In this deal, the Clippers give the Nuggets the option of swapping second round picks in the 2010 NBA Draft. This move was made by the Nuggets to shed high salary. Camby is due to make $10 million this season and next season. The Clippers were able to make this move because they had money, which they were probably going to use to sign a restricted free agent. The departure of Elton Brand, who signed with the Philadelphia 76ers, gave the Clippers extra motivation to make a move of this nature. Camby is 34 years old, and although he is a solid defensive player, he was not able to solve the Nuggets' defensive woes this past season. He also didn't perform well in the playoffs either, when the Nuggets were swept by the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round. Camby did not score in Game 3 and his defense against Pau Gasol of the Lakers was not good. For the Clippers, they add another big man to their starting lineup who will replace Brand. Chris Kaman is already the center for the Clippers and he may be staying at the center position or moving to the power forward position with the arrival of Camby? Was this a smart move for both teams? How much does Camby have left in the tank?

American League Wins All-Star Game

The final All-Star game in Yankee Stadium will be considered a classic. The American League win the game 4-3 in 15 innings to win their 11th consecutive All-Star game. The last time the National League won was in 1996, the year the New York Yankees defeated the Atlanta Braves in Yankee Stadium for the World Series. Michael Young of the Texas Rangers provided the game winning RBI with his sacrifice fly. The game started around 8:45, and ended at nearly 2:00 the next morning. The scoring got underway when Matt Holliday of the Colorado Rockies hit a solo home run in the 5th inning. Lance Berkman of the Houston Astros provided another run for the National League with a sacrifice fly, giving them a 2-0 lead. But that lead would not hold up. J.D. Drew of the Boston Red Sox hit a two run home run off of Edison Volquez of the Cincinnati Reds. The National League took the lead again when Adrian Gonzalez of the San Diego Padres hit a sacrifice fly off of Jonathan Papelbon of the Red Sox. The American League tied it again when Evan Longoria of the Tampa Bay Rays hit an RBI double off of Billy Wagner of the New York Mets to tie the game. Mariano Rivera, long time closer for the Yankees, got a loud standing ovation when he came into the game in the 9th inning. He pitched 1 2/3 scoreless innings. The game could've been over in the 11th inning off of a base hit from Young but Dioner Navarro of the Rays was caught out at home. The game would go on for four more innings with both teams out of pitchers. That's when Brad Lidge of the Philadelphia Phillies gave up the game winning sacrifice fly to Young, with Justin Morneau of the Minnesota Twins scoring the game winning run. Is this the best All-Star game ever played? Will this be an All-Star game remembered for years to come?

Hamilton Puts On A Show, But Morneau Wins Home Run Derby

The Home Run Derby at Yankee Stadium was a competition that was unforgettable. The participants for the Derby were four players from the American League and four from the National League. Grady Sizemore of the Cleveland Indians, Evan Longoria of the Tampa Bay Rays, Justin Morneau of the Minnesota Twins and Josh Hamilton of the Texas Rangers represented the American League. Dan Uggla of the Florida Marlins, Chase Utley of the Philadelphia Phillies, Lance Berkman of the Houston Astros, and Ryan Braun of the Milwaukee Brewers represented the National League. Berkman, Braun, Morneau and Hamilton advanced past the first round but no one did it like Hamilton. Hamilton hit a single round record 28 home runs in the first round, surpassing the Phillies' Bobby Abreau's accomplishment of 24 home runs in the first round in the 2005 Home Run Derby in Detroit. What made Hamilton's accomplishment even better for the fans was the hardships he went through to get to this point. Only a couple of years ago, Hamilton was on the verge of killing himself because he was tied up with drugs. Hamilton is now leading baseball in RBI's with 95 at the break and has been selected a starter at the All-Star game. Despite Hamilton's feat in the first round, he ended up losing to Morneau in the final round when Morneau hit five home runs to Hamilton's three. Should Hamilton have been awarded the Home Run Derby crown for hitting the most total home runs? Will anyone remember that Morneau won this Home Run Derby competition?

Brand Signs With 76ers

Forward Elton Brand has signed with the Philadelphia 76ers with a five year deal worth about $80 million. Brand opted out of his contract with the Los Angeles Clippers. It was widely reported that Brand would resign with the Clippers. He said that he was giving the Clippers financial flexibility to go out and get other free agents. But to many people, Brand spurned the Clippers to go after more money. Brand now gives the 76ers a much needed scoring option at the four position. Rookie Thaddeus Young saw a lot of time at the power forward position and his scoring is questionable. Brand, along with Andre Miller and possibly Andre Iguodala, can be a much improved scoring team and a threat in the Eastern Conference. Iguodala is a free agent also and is currently exploring his options. Brand missed the entire 2007-2008 season because of a torn Achilles tendon. Will this move propel the 76ers to the Eastern Conference championship? Will Brand have an injury-free season?

Davis Signs With Clippers

Baron Davis has officially signed with the Los Angeles Clippers for $65 million over five seasons. Davis opted out of his last year of his contract with the Golden State Warriors with what some called differences between him and head coach Don Nelson. Davis was owed $17 million in the final year if he didn't opt out. He has agreed to this contract which will pay him $13 million a season on average. Davis is only the fourth former All-Star to sign with the Clippers since 1984. The history of the Clippers' franchise has been filled with disappointments. They had a very successful season in the 2005-2006 season. They were eliminated in the second round of the Western Conference playoffs by the Phoenix Suns in Game 7. They were expected to contend after that season also but injuries and inconsistencies put them right back in a familiar position. The Clippers still have Elton Brand and Corey Maggette to try and resign. It is unlikely both will be resigned but Brand told the team he opted out to give the team financial flexibility. The Clippers are expecting Brand to resign with them now that they have Davis. Will Davis make the Clippers a better team? Is Davis overrated? Will the Clippers be able to bring in other players?

Sabathia Traded To Brewers

Starting pitcher C.C. Sabathia was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers on Monday for four minor league prospects. Sabathia, the reigning Cy Young award winner in the American League, has not posted the dominant record he did last year. He still was posting a good ERA this season but a lack of run support has his record worst than expected. The Indians, who lost Game 7 of the ALCS last season to the Boston Red Sox, were expected to duplicate their success from last season into this season. But that hasn't happened. They have been doomed by injuries and inconsistent play and are now in the midst of a losing streak. The Indians, after witnessing the bad play this season, placed Sabathia on the trading block. Sabathia will be a free agent after the season is over after refusing to negotiate a contract extension during the season. The Brewers ace, Ben Sheets, is also a free agent after the season is over. The Brewers are clearly showing that they're trying to go for the NL Central championship this season. They gave up four highly touted prospects for Sabathia, and Sabathia is not guaranteed to last with the Brewers beyond this season. Was this a good or bad move for the Brewers? Will the prospects the Indians got in the deal help the team soon?

Former Chargers' Safety Kiel Dies

Former San Diego Chargers' safety Terrence Kiel died on Friday night when he got into a car accident. Kiel, 27, was driving home in San Diego from a party when his car slammed into a wall. Kiel was all alone in his vehicle, and others have said that they tried to prevent Kiel from driving alone because he was not fit to drive. Apparently Kiel had a couple of drinks that may have made him impaired. Witnesses say that Kiel was driving in the wrong direction when the car slammed into a wall, throwing him from the car. Kiel was a second round pick of the Chargers in the 2003 NFL Draft out of Texas A&M. He was the starting safety for them until 2006. During a practice in the 2006 season, Kiel was led off the practice field and arrested by DEA agents for felonies that involved him shipping drugs. After Kiel plead guilty later on, the Chargers released him and he has not gotten back with an NFL team since. He got three years probation for the incident. Is this latest death by a young player in the NFL worrisome? What should happen to prevent things like this? Do you think Kiel would have gotten back with the Chargers or any other NFL team if he wasn't killed?

Rockies and Marlins Score 35 Runs

The Florida Marlins played the Colorado Rockies in the second game of their four game series on Friday night in which turned out to be an epic offensive duel. The Rockies, who are the defending National League champions who have struggled this season, defeated the Marlins 18-17. The Marlins at one point led 13-4. The Rockies started to come back on home runs from Ryan Spilborghs, Matt Holliday, Chris Iannetta and Garrett Atkins. The home runs by those four players cut the Marlins lead to 13-12 and they built it into a five run lead by scoring four more runs, leading 17-12. But in the seventh inning, with the bases loaded, Matt Holliday hit his second home run of the game. That home run was a grand slam, once again cutting the Marlins lead to one at 17-16. The Rockies then scored two more runs in the bottom half of the ninth inning to win the game. This was a game where pitching was horrible on both sides. Matt Holliday and Ryan Spilborghs hit two home runs. Hanley Ramirez hit a leadoff home run in the first inning to start the wild affair. There were 43 hits in the game as well. The Marlins had 22 hits, while the Rockies had 21 hits. With the dramatic victory, the Rockies have climbed in the NL West standings, despite being over 10 games under .500. The Marlins, with the lost, lost a little ground on the NL East race. Was this the best game this year? Was this the best regular season game ever?