Fan News

The Oakland A's came in tonight's game against the American League West division leading Texas Rangers, but yet again the A's were burned by a pitcher being left in a game too long. 

Vin Mazzaro didn't have an easy time with the Rangers lineup. At one point Michael Young, Vladimir Guerrero, and Josh Hamilton combined to go 6-6. The telling stat though is the fact in five and a third innings Mazzaro gave up 12 hits! 

The Washington Nationals made a substantive trade Thursday and it had nothing at all to do with Adam Dunn.

Go figure.

The Nationals traded All-Star closer Matt Capps to the Minnesota Twins for minor league catcher Wilson Ramos.

The Nationals just got a whole lot better.

Capps, who saved his 25th game on Thursday, has a record of 3-3 with a fine ERA of just 2.80. The 26-year-old has already saved 92 major league games.

There is no doubt that the Jays' Jose Bautista is having a terrific season in Toronto. Likewise, the Jays seem willing to part with the right fielder.

But just how much should a club be willing to part with for a guy who suddenly comes out of nowhere to post astronomical numbers that are extremely out of line with his career norms?

Look, in the steroid era, we would be very suspicious of a guy like Bautista, who has already hit 30 homers this season after never having hit more than 16 in a season previously.

Scott Miller of CBS Sports (click here for the article) is reporting that the Twins have acquired Nationals closer Matt Capps in exchange for minor league catcher Wilson Ramos.

The Orioles completed a trade, sending Miguel Tejada out West once again.

In case you don't remember, this is the second time the O's have traded the third-baseman. The first time came in December 2007.

The team shipped Tejada to Houston for a whole host of players, including Luke Scott, Mike Costanzo, Troy Patton, Matt Albers, and Dennis Sarfate. Costanzo is the only player who is no longer in the Orioles system.

In a day that has already seen Roy Oswalt head east and Miguel Tejada head west, Nationals closer Matt Capps is now on his way to Minnesota, according to several sources.

Let's take a trip back to the late offseason of last year.

Alex Rodriguez, a then 33-year-old New York Yankees slugger sits in front of a microphone, trying desperately to save his legacy.

Recently, Rodriguez has been proven to be a steroid user. Now he tries to clear up the story and apologize as America—no, check that—the entire baseball world watches.

Rodriguez then sat at 553 homers. He seemed like a lock to break the all-time record, given his age and torrid pace. Then this blew up.

It must have been agonizing coming to work and taking the mound every five days as the notable ace on a formidable roster in Houston and realizing misery reducing the reliance and excitement. They are a perfect landing spot for the disgruntled Roy Oswalt, a veteran right-hander who needed a change of scenery and a chance to contend for a championship.

The Twins have acquired former Nats' closer Matt Capps for catching prospect Wilson Ramos, according to Steve Stone of the White Sox.

Capps was enjoying a terrific season with Washington, while Ramos is a solid prospect for the Twins.

Capps has 26 saves in 30 opportunities, with a 2.74 ERA and just nine walks in 47 games. 

Ramos throws very well and while his receiving needs work, his bat plays well despite a lack of plate discipline.

Meanwhile, what does this mean for the rest of the AL Central?

Rebuked in their efforts to obtain Adam Dunn and Prince Fielder, the White Sox have turned to Houston in an effort to bolster the left-handed side of their lineup.

The Astros are definitely willing to part with Berkman, who is having a rough season in Houston.

The 'Stros first baseman is hitting just .245, though he has an impressive .372 OBP. He has drawn 60 walks, but his power totals are down from his career averages.