The MLB trade deadline is today. So far the fireworks haven’t been overly bullpen related. We’ll see if that holds true as many teams fashion themselves plucky upstarts in the mix for expanded playoff spots. As far as rumormongers go, Jeff Passan is really the only name I put any stock in at this point. Evening-bird and Yo-dude are banned from my twitter feed.
- The big news on the closer blotter is the Padres trading for Trevor Rosenthal. It remains to be seen what San Diego does with the ninth. Rosie joins Emilio Pagan as right-handed options and lefty Drew Pomeranz was just activated, as well. As for the Royals, it sounds like Greg Holland could be the next man up. Young fireballer Josh Staumont has a shot to work his way into the gig, though.
- We saw the writing on the wall for the Cubs to retry Craig Kimbrel in the ninth. If you can’t get a fastball past hitters it doesn’t matter if it’s 98 or 89. Kimbrel’s heater is flat and probably won’t be fixed anytime soon. Interestingly it was Jeremy Jeffress getting the first save of the double-header. My Rowan Wick shares are praying that was only match up based.
- Jordan Romano we hardly knew ye. Romano was placed on the IL with a finger issue and isn’t expected back for 2-4 weeks. Anthony Bass consolidates more of those Jays saves as a result.
- The Orioles are readying to activate mullet aficionado Hunter Harvey shortly. They’ve said they won’t throw him into the deep end right away. With what that pen is working with he doesn’t have many hurdles to clear to being the guy.
- To Berti, or not to Berti. That is the question. If you time it right there’s multi-steal upside there. He’s been leading off and getting on base in the last week. Let’s see how long it lasts.
- We’re usually targeting Mariners hitters for some projectable steals. Their opponents seem happy to join the foot race, however. They’ve given up a fifth-worst 21 steals but have only thrown out one runner. I’m telling you, there’s something in the coffee in Seattle.
