Giants released 2B Dan Uggla.

Well, that was quick. Uggla played in just four games for the Giants, going hitless in 11 at-bats and committing three errors in the field. The Giants are rumored to be in the market for a second baseman before the trade deadline. Uggla's release emphasizes that idea.

If the Giants won't bite on Cabrera, maybe we can bait and switch Joe's midget, Ramirez for a bat.

Forget Masterson, he's DONE! Last year was the fluke folks....

Man am I glad we didn't extend Masterson. Lost velocity isn't rediscovered unless there was an injury!

Four Teams Have Checked On Asdrubal Cabrera

The Nationals, Blue Jays and two other clubs have been in contact with the Indians about switch-hitting shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera, according to Ken Rosenthal and Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports (Twitter link). Despite the apparent interest, Cabrera isn’t a lock to be traded, they add.

Cabrera was linked to the Nats last night, and Morosi noted yesterday that the Jays and Giants had checked in as well. The Indians were said to be ready to move Cabrera and Justin Masterson as of yesterday afternoon, and they’ve since dealt Masterson to the Cardinals.

The 28-year-old Cabrera is hitting .246/.305/.386 with nine homers and seven steals on the season. While defensive metrics have never liked his glovework at shortstop, his bat is above average for the position, and some clubs could look at him as an option for second base, where he played a good amount earlier in his career.

Reading more rumors of Indians being after Rios too.

OK, this is huge enough for the General Folder:


Jon Lester - S - Athletics

Athletics acquired LHP Jon Lester and OF Jonny Gomes from the Red Sox for OF Yoenis Cespedes.

The A's were unsatisfied with their rotation even after acquiring Jeff Samardzija (and Jason Hammel) from the Cubs, so they got a little more creative and picked up the top ace on the trade market.

Lester can become a free agent after the 2014 World Series and is highly doubtful to re-sign with Oakland, but he'll give the club a big boost down the stretch and into October. The 30-year-old left-hander was sporting a 2.52 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, and 149/32 K/BB ratio in 143 innings this season for Boston. Now he moves to the most pitcher-friendly park in MLB.

I heard that a while ago. Definitely a blockbuster!

Since last year we no longer have Masterson, Kasmir, and Ubaldo. Only Kasmir do I miss. When Masterson pitched the look on his face was fear. When Bauer pitches, the look on his face is not fear. Just my 2 cents!

Hate to see the Twins pick up Milone for nothing. Would have liked to have him.....

A few days ago, Lester told reporters he would still be open to re-signing with the Red Sox even if he got traded. So there's at least a chance Boston could have a 2015 roster that features Lester as the ace and Cespedes as a key hitter. Now that is what I would call SWEET!

That would be amazing for the Red Sox!

Red Sox moves continue:


John Lackey - S - Red Sox

CBS Sports' Jon Heyman reports that the Cardinals have acquired John Lackey from the Red Sox.

Uncle Dennis:

I know exactly what you mean. I've been paying attention to their facial language and this is what I've seen....

Justin Masterson: "Oh please don't hit it"

Trevor Bauer: "Try hittin this, meat"

John Axford: "I have to watch film of myself pitching again?"

Scott Atchison: "I got to poop"

Cody Allen: "After I strike this fool out I think I will go fight crime on the west side"

Josh Tomlin: "I slept with your sister last night"

Just my 2 pennies.

Peter Gammons ‏@pgammo 20s

Sox get Kelly, Craig for Lackey

Damn, that would be a nice haul for Lackey. So adding Craig and Cespedes, two righty bats!