Contending Team Needs

Rays
-They shouldn’t trade James Shields or BJ Upton and could use another bat or reliever and they could contend with the team they have now pretty much, so no deal could be a possibility
Red Sox
-They should trade another outfielder after trading Lillibridge and I’d be a bonus to get rid of Beckett, who I think is still pretty good if he could change teams, I wouldn’t make a huge trade since the Red Sox are a long shot for the playoffs
Yankees
-They are set on hitters other than if they get Chase Headley for A-Rod at third and pitching will be fine
Blue Jays
-They should try to get a starter to replace their other injured guys and maybe a hitter
Orioles
-They need another outfielder, but they’re fin other than that
Tigers
Another bat that’s a great hitter who can hit lefties, but they’re set other than that
White Sox
-They’ve made moves and are set
Rangers
-Could use another pitching arm and maybe one hitter
Athletics
-Need a shortstop or at least a hitter but nothing to big if they do fall out
Angels
– They are set with them getting Greinke
Nationals
– Maybe another hitter at the top of the order, but they have a good team
Braves
-A starter is top priority if they make another trade and a hitter wouldn’t hurt
Pirates
-An outfielder or shortstop that can hit, without giving up Starling Marte or Cole/Taillon
Reds
-Another outfielder or left side of the infield guy would do some good
Cardinals
-Another starting pitcher could do some good
Dodgers
-Get Dempster
Giants
-They got a bat, but may need another and a reliever

Trade Deadline Ideas

CIN Gets: OF Juan Pierre  PHI Gets: OF Ryan LaMarre
DET Gets: OF Josh Willingham MIN Gets: OF Tyler Gibson, SP Andrew Oliver, 1B Aaron Westlake
SF Gets: OF Hunter Pence PHI: Gets: SS Joe Panik, C Tommy Joesph, 3B Connor Gillaspie
TEX Gets: RP Rafael Betancourt  COL Gets: RP Tanner Scheppers
ARZ Gets: SP Josh Johnson  MIA Gets: SP David Holmberg, SP Patrick Corbin, SP Archie Bradley
TEX Gets: SP Matt Garza CHC: C Jorge Alfaro, SP Neil Ramirez
PIT Gets: OF Shin-Soo Choo CLE Gets: SP Jeff Locke, OF Gorkys Hernandez, SP Kyle McPherson, SP Clay Holmes
OAK Gets: 1B Justin Morneau  MIN Gets: 3B Renato Nunez, C Max Stassi
LAD Gets: SP Ryan Dempster  CHC Gets: SP Allan Webster, OF Alfredo Silverio
WSH Gets: OF Denard Span MIN Gets: OF Roger Bernadina, 1B Chris Marrero, OF Michael Taylor
BAL Gets: OF Jeff Francouer KC Gets: SP Ian Krol
DET Gets: OF Scott Hairston  NYM Gets: RP Jose Ortega
BAL Gets: 1B Carlos Lee  MIA Gets: 3B Nick Delmonico
STL: SP Justin Masterson CLE Gets: SP Treor Roesnthal, 3B Zack Cox, SP John Gast

MLB Power Rankings: 7/29/12

1. Yankees
2. Reds
3. Nationals
4. Rangers
5. Angels
6. Giants
7. Pirates
8. Dodgers
9. White Sox
10. Tigers
11. Athletics
12. Braves
13. Rays
14. Orioles
15. Cardinals
16. Blue Jays
17. Mets
18. Diamondbacks
19. Indians
20. Red Sox
21. Marlins
22. Brewers
23. Phillies
24. Mariners
25. Padres
26. Cubs
27. Royals
28. Rockies
29. Twins
30. Astros

Looking At The Players The Marlins Got for Sanchez, Infante

JACOB TURNER- The big piece that made this whole deal possible, he’s going to be a great pitcher but he may not be the ace he was once supposed to be, still at worst the Marlins got a great number three starter, with great stuff and who just a great pitcher.  He’s been hit around in his spot starts with the Tigers in the past two years but now he can take time to settle in, but don;t expect him to be good right away, but this will be worth it in a few years.  He will not turn out like Andrew Miller, like I have heard people say and he really is the centerpiece who should replace Anibal very well
ROB BRANTLY- A very underrated catching prospect who can do it all for a catcher.  He’s a great natural hitter who can hit for some power and he throws guys out.  I’d give him a bit more time to develop but when John Buck leaves, Brantly can take over and probably do better.  I think he could become a top catcher and be better than Turner in an overall rate, I believe in this guy and love to watch him play, Miami will too and he will be an impact player in year one and get even better after.
BRIAN FLYNN: He’s got a shot to be a pretty good five guy and even though the two other pieces are way better Flynn has a good chance to develop well into a good MLB player whether as a five starter or a good bullpen arm that helps.  I like him and though he probably won;’t debut until late next year he should be a decent southpaw

This is a great haul for the Marlins and though they won’t make the postseason this year you fans need to stick with them, they have a core group in the MLB and are building a winner that should work unlike a collection of stars like they had this year, these three prospects are talented and a great start, and the deal is a win-win because Sanchez and Infante should do well in Detroit.

Revised MLB Standings Predictions

Not being a homer, sticking with my Tigers pick, they hvae finally came together and they might not stop, anything is possible but I think these right here are going to be right!

AL EAST	W-L
Yankees	97-65
Rays	90-72
Orioles	88-74
Blue Jays	84-78
Red Sox	80-82
AL CENTRAL	W-L
Tigers	94-68
White Sox	85-77
Indinas	76-86
Royals	73-89
Twins	69-93
AL WEST	W-L
Rangers	94-68
Angels	92-70
Athletics	86-76
Mariners	71-91
NL EAST	W-L
Nationals	95-67
Braves	93-69
Marlins	85-77
Mets	81-81
Philies	70-92
NL CENTRAL	W-L
Pirates	94-68
Reds	90-72
Cardinals	88-74
Brewers	75-87
Cubs	67-95
Astros	64-98
NL WEST	W-L
Giants	96-66
Dodgers	91-71
D’Backs	82-80
Padres	70-92
Rockies	68-94
Wild Card-AL	Rays	over	Angels	9 to 6
Wild Card-NL	Dodgers	over	Braves	4 to 3
ALDS	Rays	over	Rangers	in 5
	Tigers	over	Yankees	in 5
NLDS	Nationals	over	Dodgers	in 4
	Giants	over	Pirates	in 4
ALCS	Tigers	over	Rays	in 6
NLCS	Nationals	over	Giants	in 7
WS	Tigers	over	Nationals	in 6

MLB Power Rankings: July 20, 2012

1 Yankees
2 Rangers
3 Nationals
4 Giants
5 Reds
6 Tigers
7 Angels
8 Pirates
9 Braves
10 White Sox
11 Rays
12 Dodgers
13 Orioles
14 Red Sox
15 Mets
16 Cardinals
17 Athletics
18 Blue Jays
19 Indians
20 Marlins
21 Diamondbacks
22 Brewers
23 Phillies
24 Padres
25 Mariners
26 Royals
27 Cubs
28 Astros
29 Twins
30 Rockies

Marlins Midseason Grades

Omar Infante: B+ (The team’s top offensive player to this point, besides Giancalro)
Justin Ruggiano: A (Has broken out but needs to keep it up)
Jose Reyes: C- (Decent leadoff guy, who has improved since slump in the first month, should continue to get better)
Logan Morrison: D (I like him as a player but the power and average have to come more)
Giancarlo Stanton: A (Having a breakout season, special player and has great pop)
Hanley Ramirez: D+ (Having same struggles as last year, look for second half improvement)
John Buck: F (He’s payed mostly to hit and that hasn’t happened)
Gaby Sanchez: D- (He is a good player but he can;t put it together right now)
Emilio Bonifacio: C (Has been hurt but average when he plays, more consistent playing time will hep a lot)
Greg Dobbs: A- (Go to reserve player and pinch hitter, very impressive in his roles)
Chris Coghlan: F (Fromer NL ROY looking to be a bust)
Brett Hayes: C- (Has done his job, but really needs to hit better)
Austin Kearns: C- (Has had a good year considering lack of playing time)
Donovan Solano: B+ (Has been an impressive surprise since call-up)
Carlos Lee: INC (Look for him to be a top hitter for the Marlins down the stretch)

Carlos Zambrano: B (Hasn’t been great but has been good in the five-spot)
Ricky Nolasco: D+ (season started well but struggles have haunted him)
Anibal Sacnhez: B (A decent number three but his ERA needs to go down some)
Mark Buehrle: A (Typical Buehrle season, an ace)
Josh Johnson: B- (Needs to lower his ERA, been doing okay since early season struggles)
Heath Bell: F (Biggest disappointment in the MLB this season)
Steve Cishek: A ( Has saved Marlins bullpen this year)
Ryan Webb: D (Hving a down season)
Edward Mujica: C (Been average so far, but could improve some)
Randy Choate: A (A great lefty to have in the bullpen)
Chad Gaudin: C- (He has been okay but not good so far)
Mike Dunn: D ( Has had a down season too, but I still believe in him)
Wade LaBlanc: A (Been great in limited action)
Dan Jennings: A (Could be a good bullpen arm real soon)

Top Marlins

1. RF Giancarlo Stanton
2. SP Mark Buehrle
3. RP Steve Cishek
4. 2B Omar Infante
5. SS Jose Reyes
6. SP Anibal Sanchez
7. SP Josh Johnson
8. SP Carlos Zambrano
9. LF Logan Morrison
10. 3B Hanley Ramirez

Midseason Awards

AL

1. LF Josh Hamilton
2. CF Mike Torut
3. 3B Miguel Cabrera

NL

1. CF Andrew McCutchen
2. LF Ryan Braun
3. RF Carlos Beltran

AL Cy Young

1. SP Justin Verlander
2. SP Jered Weaver
3. SP Chris Sale

NL CY Young

1. SP Matt Cain
2. SP RA Dickey
3. SP Stephen Strastburg

AL ROY

1. CF Mike Trout
2. 3B Will Middlebrooks
3. SP Jarrod Parker

NL ROY

1. RF Bryce Harper
2. SP Wade Miley
3. C Wilin Rosario

AL Manager Of Year

1. Bob Melvin
2. Buck Showalter
3. Joe Girardi

NL Manager Of The Year

1. Clint Hurdle
2. Davey Johnson
3. Don Mattingly

Tiger Of Year: 3B Miguel Cabrera
Rank of Tigers So Far

1. 3B Miguel Cabrera
2. SP Justin Verlander
3. 1B Prince Fielder
4. CF Austin Jackson
5. RP Joaquin Benoit
6. OF Quintin Berry
7. OF Delmon Young
8. SP Doug Fister
9. RP Brayan Villarreal
10. SS Jhonny Peralta
11. RP Duane Below
12. SP Max Scherzer
13. RP Phil Coke
14. SP Rick Porcello
15. RP Jose Valverde
16. OF Brennan Boeshc
17. SP Drew Smyly
18. C Alex Avila
19. C Gerald Laird
20. 2B Ramon Santiago

All rankings should change

Tigers Midseason Grades

Alex Avila: C-  (Still good for a catcher but not where we thought he would)
Gerald Laird: A (Has done his job well as a backup catcher, but obviously not a star)
Prince Fielder: B+ (Still good offense but power has been down just a bit, getting used to AL)
Ryan Raburn: D- (Bad first half, heating up like usual for second half)
Ramon Santiago: C- (Has done his job a little below average)
Jhonny Peralta: D+ ( Average has been there sometimes, power is way down)
Miguel Cabrera: A+ ( Has had a typical Miggy season)
Delmon Young: C+ (Power surge has helped his average and grade)
Austin Jackson A+ ( Living up t potential, complete breakout)
Don Kelly: D (Has done a poor job of backing up for the most part)
Quintin Berry: A (Surprise breakout with speed, just been great)
Brennan Boesch: D+ (Hasn’t been same Boesch as last season but still has time)

Justin Verlander: A (Not as good as last year but still the best starter in the AL)
Max Scherzer: C (Up and down but I still believe in him and his season)
Rick Porcello: C- (been okay for a four starter but needs to improve)
Doug Fister: C- (Might give an incomplete but has been poor most of the time he hasn’t been hurt, can get a lot better)
Drew Smyly: B ( Has been a nice five starter with room to grow)
Jose Valverde: C- (Had poor start to season but is improving)
Joaquin Benoit: A+ (One word to use is dominating)
Phil Coke: C (Average Season so far)
Brayan Villarreal: A+ (turning into late inning shutdown reliever)
Octavio Dotel A- (Has been everything the Tigers want him to be)
Duane Below: A ( Been one of the better long relievers in the MLB)
Team will get better and have better grades in the second half

2012 MLB All-Star Game Preiew

The 83rd MLB All-Star Game will take place tonight at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City.  The winner will receive home field advantage in the World Series, as usual.

HISTORY: Here’s a short history of the winners, the NL has now won two straight all-star games, after the AL won 12 in a row and tied with the NL in 2002 in Miller Park.  The NL has had its own run of dominance, winning the game every season from 1972 to 1982 and it leads the AL in wins all-time int he game with 42 over the AL’s 38 and the game has had two ties.  This is the second time Kauffman Stadium has hosted an All-Star Game.

PITCHERS: AL: Justin Verlander- Verlander was always good, but he stepped his game up to the elite level the past two years and is the best pitcher in the AL right now, he deserves this start and he can shut down any hitters.  Tonight you may see him pump up his fastball early, since he will in all likelihood only pitch two innings.  He’s a great pitcher and should make the most of his start, he can be very impressive
NL: Matt Cain- He’s thrown a perfect game so far and has put up numbers that are great.  I’ve always personally loved the way Cain pitches and I think he should also do good and I think he deserves the start more than RA Dickey, he has similar numbers but has been better longer and should finish the season with impressive and better numbers than Dickey, both Cain and JV should do well and impress

LINE-UPS:
NL

1. DH Crlos Gonzalez- Lefty who can hit, not sure about him doing very well in the game
2. CF Melky Cabrera- Leads MLB in hits, having another great season, could table set
3. LF Ryan Braun- Regained his power, sleeper to do something huge
4. 1B Joey Votto- Best hitter in the NL and has had some amazing feats, watch out for him as always
5. RF Carlos Beltran- Having another MVP season, watch out for him as he played in this park a long time
6. C Buster Posey- Another great hitter, especially for a catcher, but not sure about him
7. 3B Pablo Sandoval- Wright has been better, but a great hitter who can change the outcome of the game
8. 2B Dan Uggla- Power guy, always there to hit a HR
9. SS Rafael Furcal- I like putting a good hitter to do well at the bottom of the line-up

AL

1. SS Derek Jeter- Who else would lead-off?
2. 2B Robinson Cano- Not convinced  he will do good tonight, but great swing
3. LF Josh Hamilton- Great hitter, great season, great Al–Start Game? I say yes
4. RF Jose Bautista- Best chance out of any player for a HR tonight
5. 1B Prince Fielder- Could very easily win back to back ASG MVPs
6. 3B Adrain Beltre- RBI machine right behind a few great hitters
7. DH David Ortiz- He is a great power hitter at the bottom of the line-up
8. C Mike Napoli- Probably won’t do good, but has pop
9. CF Curtis Granderson- I’d hit him ahead of Napoli because he could have a big night

   TOP PINCH HITTERS FOR EACH SQUAD
   AL
   1. Miguel Cabrera
   2. Mike Trout
   3. Paul Konerko
   4. Billy Butler
   5. Adam Jones

NL

1. Chipper Jones (He has magic in his last season, he’s that type of player)
2. Andrew McCutchen
3. Starlin Castro
4. David Wright
5. Bryce Harper

PREDICTION: AL 6 NL 2  MVP: Josh Hamilton
Thanks to MLB.com and BaseballReference.com for some of the info in this post