ADN

I'm glad the Pads beat out the Dodgers in this move. Theo wanted Matt Kemp who is a top prospect in the Dodger organization. It would have cursed the Blue crew for years. Hopefully the Dodgers can start leaving everyone in the west behind this month but with this move it looks like it will be a grind for the NL west in September. It's going to be a good series later this month when the Dodgers face off with the Pads.

Ryan Howard is just freaking CRAZY!!!

He's now hit as many homers in the second half (28) as he had in the first half of the season, despite playing in 30 less games. The Phillies have 21 more games to play, so it's looking likely that Howard ends up with at least 60 long balls.

Yea, he's been playing amazing and I really regret not drafting him for my team...lol

Someone traded him in my Diamond Mind Simulation keeper league. What a moron.

Arizona Republic Article

Diamondbacks officials informed Luis Gonzalez on Thursday they have no intention of bringing him back for a ninth season in 2007, the Arizona Republic is reporting.

Gonzalez and his agent were reportedly told of the club's decision during a breakfast meeting at the Scottsdale Princess. It the right move for the Diamondbacks, who might go into 2007 with a starting outfield of Eric Byrnes, Chris Young and Carlos Quentin. Scott Hairston and maybe Jeff DaVanon could act as reserves. Gonzalez's recent performance has increased the chances that he will land a two-year deal in the offseason, and the Diamondbacks would be better off spending the money on pitching.

Boston's best bet is to put Papelbon in the rotation and aggresively pursue Gagne and hope he's healthy. LA Times reported that Gagne wants to stay in L.A. and he would take an incentives laden contract with the Dodgers but Boras had a little "discussion" and he changed back into sounding like a money hungry free agent the very next day. I went to Gagne's comeback game and although he lost a little in the speed dept he still made hitters look clueless. I hope the Dodgers sign him but I think they'll spend a big chunk of money on an ace starting pitcher and healthy bullpen pitching. Boras looks out for himself so he'll be looking for the most expensive contract regardless of what the player thinks. Such a shame that an agent holds such power over a player.

Too bad about Liriano. That guy is a stud. Hopefully it's nothing serious and he can come back healthy next year.

I might get bashed but I really think Howard is overrated. He K's way too many times and all the weight he carries would worry me if I were a Phillies fan. If the Phillies go to the playoffs I think Howard wouldn't be a factor. Good pitching always shuts down hitters. I just don't think he can handle playoff caliber pitchers.

Put Papelbon in the rotation and hope Gagne is healthy? WTF? You want to take Mr. Automatic out of the closers role, put in a limp armed CL that has been hurt the last 2 years, and HOPE that it works out. Dude, you have GOT to join my fantasy league this year!!!

Liriano is a once in a generation type player. The kid has simply filthy stuff and will be a monster stud for the better part of 15 years. Nothing serious was found in his MRI, and he will come back next year and dominate with Johan.

Ryan Howard is overrated? Ya, any FULLTIME player that hits .315/.413/.674, 56 HR's (leads the league), and 139 RBI's (also league leading) is WAY overrated in my opinion. I would trade those stats for a hand full of guys who hit .280/.345/.475 any day. I'm not going to make you my worm champ, but you have lost your rabbit ass mind!!

Worm Champ: Someone who gets stomped into the ground by his opponent.

I kind of agree with Vorader about Gagne. Try and pursue him so you can put Papelbon back into the rotation where he wants to be. I don't a closer who doesn't want to be there. That just makes it worse. If you can't sign Gagne or another quality reliever then but Papelbon back into the closer's role but you need that talent as a starter.

Ryan Howard is no way overrated. Those stats don't lie at all. The Phillies are in the think of the playoff hunt because of Howard and no one else

Papelbon may WANT to be in the rotation and get out of the bully, but we don't always get what we want. The guy is freaking lights out and he should accept it and lead the fucking league for 10 years. Gagne was lights out, but you are taking a HUGE gamble with his arm problems.

Ryan Howard is a man-child. The kid is the next Pujols.

That's the problem with Papelbon though. If he wants to be in a starting rotation then he'll eventually end up in a starting rotation. It might not be with the Red Sox if they force him to stay in the bullpen. I really think Gagne will be a good acquisition for any team next year. He'll be back and I'm confident that he'll perform for any team that signs him. If the Red Sox do put Papelbon in the starting rotation then I think they have to seriously consider Gagne.

Howard is no Pujols. His defense is suspect, too many gaps in his swing resulting in alot of strikeouts, and if he stays in the NL that weight he carries will likely result in trips to the DL. I'll take Pujols over Howard everytime. I'm not saying Howard isn't good but I just think he's overrated.