his only experience in the American League came in 2014, when he recorded an ERA of 8.53 in 16 games with the Angels.
oops, sorry, I forgot Houston is in the AL now. He was with the Astros last year: 3.18 ERA but WHIP of 1.54 including 12 walks in 22 innings.

New rumor, Giants and Indians reportedly interested in Steve Pearce from Rays. Veteran journeyman. Didn't do well for Orioles last year but doing very well for Rays so far this year. Plays 1B and OF.

I have a feeling I'm going to be very disappointed at this years deadline.

Underwood:

"I don't know if we will see Michael Brantley this year. The news just keeps getting worse."

Gotta be aggressive on trade front. And don't give me any of this journeymen role guys.

What!!! Assenmacher wasn't available?

apparently the Tigers are interested in Pearce, along with other great vets like Jeff Franceour and Mark Reynolds. I hope we're not interested in them.

Pearce is having a great season at the plate and did in 2014, too, but not sure what gap on our team he fills. this year: 322/393/552.

According to MKB Daily Dish Cubs are considering getting Miller AND Chapman from the Yankees for Kyle Scwarber. Now Schwarber is a great young player but he is hurt and who could we put up to match that offer?

"7/22 Injury Report: Schwarber had surgery to repair full tears to his ACL and LCL in his left knee. He has been transferred to the 60-day disabled list and is expected to miss the remainder of the season. (April 7, Knee)"

I find some stories that Yankees want Schwarber for Miller, but not that say they'd throw in Chapman.

I certainly think that the Cubs would have to throw in more than Scwarber for both those guys.

That said, the extra might be prospects. The whole idea is that a leftie bat like Schwarber would be gold in Yankee stadium.

The Indians announced that Brantley will resume baseball activities next week after undergoing a procedure to remove scar tissue from his shoulder.

Jordan Bastian of MLB.com added that Brantley's imaging showed no structural damage, but there's no timetable for his return

Sounds like a get the story out so we strengthen our trade position, but I hope I am wrong.

This one doesn't surprise me. RH bat with pop, and speed. SD would likely cover some of the contract.


Melvin Upton - OF - Padres

Buster Olney of ESPN reports that the Indians have had conversations with the Padres in recent weeks about Melvin Upton.

Olney notes that while the two clubs have talked, nothing is close regarding a potential deal. The interest around Upton has picked up considerably in the last couple of days and it looks like there's a strong likelihood that he could get moved before next week's trade deadline.

The Orioles are reported to be in negotiations for him as well.