The cruel side of baseball revealed itself today as the Boston Red Sox designated John Smoltz for assignment, a move that most likely marks the end of his brilliant career as part of that mighty trio of starting pitching that sustained Atlanta's long run of first place finishes from 1991-2005. Not only was Smoltz there with Tom Glavine and Greg Maddox as part of one of the most successful rotations ever, coming off an arm injury he served his time as the Braves closer as well only to return as a starter. However, time caught up with John Smoltz, coming off of arm surgery as a free agent, he signed with the Boston Red Sox hoping to help propel them into another World Series but began the season on the disabled list and has been ineffective since being activated.
Jason Giambi returned to Oakland after not being resigned by the New York Yankees. Oakland released him today.
Meanwhile, Orioles backup catcher, Gregg Zaun, was traded to the Tampa Bay Rays on a waiver deal for that famous player, "to be named later," in return. Zaun began his professional career and showed something in his family genetics as the nephew of former Orioles' catcher and 1983 World Series MVP, Rick Dempsey. Playing essentially to pave the way for Matt Wietters, Zaun enjoyed a bit of a homecoming playing for Baltimore this year. He will be replaced by Chad Moeller who was the team's #2 catcher before Wietters' call up in May. The move gives Zaun a chance to play for a team in playoff contention should the Yankees or Red Sox faulter.
The big series of the weekend features the Yankees hosting the Red Sox. After losing their first eight games against Boston, the Bronx Bombers blew out the Sox in the series first game last night, 13-6.
The likely contenders in October are starting to stand out in the American league as pieces of the puzzle also fall into place in the National League.
The American League looks like the New York Yankees, Detroit Tigers, and Los Angeles Angels will be the division winners with the Boston Red Sox now struggling to hold on as the Wild Card as they are falling closer and closer to the Texas Rangers who could pull it off if Boston's slide doesn't stop. With starting pitching unraveling, Jason Bay out of the line-up for now, and David Ortiz embroilled in a steroid contrroversy as his numbers have fallen off this year, things are tough in Bean Town. Victor Martinez added to the formula might not be enough after all, can he throw a 90 mph fastball? Chicago still gives Detroit a chase for the Central. Tampa is ready should one of their Eastern division rivals fall.
In the National League, pencil in Philadelphia in the East and the Los Angeles Dodgers in the West. Chicago and St. Louis are fighting for the Central. San Francisco battling Colorado look like the best Wild Card possibilities. Florida, Atlanta, and Milwaukee need to pick up the tempo for their post season chances but more likely in the Wild Card sweepstakes particularly for Florida and Atlanta as the Phillies are getting stronger as the season gets red hot.
We'll have to enjoy seeing the kids coming up from Norfolk and Bowie face their major league initiations and get a face full of shaving cream for their first milestones in Birdland. Things are far less hopeful just down the road in DC but at least the Nationals are backing off being on a historic pace for futility but still heading for around 108 losses at season's end.
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