MLB 2016 Trade Deadline gathers steam early

[Auggie]

MLB.com / July 14

Note: article's focus is on the Red Sox and A.L. East

SNIP

(the) Red Sox have a head start by trading for Pomeranz and reliever Brad Ziegler in a span of five days. All of a sudden, an already tight market for pitching has gotten tighter.

Other starters are likely to be dealt: Tampa Bay's Jake Odorizzi, Oakland's Rich Hill and, possibly, Philadelphia's Jeremy Hellickson. But with so many teams -- including the Rangers, Cubs, Royals, Orioles, Blue Jays and Dodgers -- seeking pitching, it's going to be a competitive market.

How does the Pomeranz deal play in the AL East? Three teams -- the Orioles, Red Sox and Blue Jays -- are separated by two games. All three were uncomfortable with their pitching depth.

Now what? Toronto's farm system is deep enough to allow the team to grab one of the available starters, but the Blue Jays are kicking the tires on relievers as well. Baltimore's system is thinner than either Toronto's or Boston's, but executive vice president of baseball operations Dan Duquette has a history of plucking bargains from the market.

Full story: http://m.mlb.com/news/article/189712100/2016-trade-deadline-gathers-steam-early/

Gee, what a shame the Sox are encumbered with that horrible Sandoval deal ... and will be for years.

[Brother Buzz]

1. I'm obliged to post the obligatory Sandoval gif's every time I read his name

The Giants thought it was a sweet deal, and are still snickering about it

[Auggie]

2. Giants were only a few million below the Sox offer ...

but I always thought it was just for show and they knew Sandoval was already out the door. You wonder what if they had signed him, and if they'd minus Cueto, Samardzija and/or Belt at this point.

[madinmaryland]

3. joeybee just put you on ignore!!

[Brother Buzz]

4. Padres pitcher, Cashner, showed some hot stuff and spanked the Giants last night...

And there are strong rumors he's on the auction block. Dimes to donuts says the telephones are smoking while Cashner's stock soars.

[Auggie]

5. He was good. The umpire helped him a lot too.

[Brother Buzz]

6. Belt and Bochy would not disagree....

and Angel Pagan was a little pissed with a called strike that would have been an honest called strike if the strike zone was the opposite batter's box.