Fan News

After splitting the first two games in Cleveland against the Indians, the New York Yankees have shortened their lead in the AL East to just two games over the Tampa Bay Rays.

The Rays are on fire right now. Starting pitcher Matt Garza pitched the franchise’s first no-hitter on Monday night against the Tigers and Tampa followed it up with another win. The Rays have won their last four in a row.

About four hours after their closer was taken off the field in an ambulance due to a batting practice line drive to the lower abdomen, the Rockies playoff chances took their own shot to the groin.

Houston Astros general manager Ed Wade may feel like he’s the only one frustrated surrounding the Delino DeShields situation and the fact the team’s No. 8 pick has yet to sign a contract.

But he's far from being alone, and fans have every reason to be worried as well—especially if history repeats itself.

The corner outfield has traditionally been filled with stars. In addition, the baseball writers seem to have a fascination with the positions. More Hall of Famers have come from these two positions than any other offensive (non-pitcher) position.

With baseball's trade deadline fast approaching, rumors are swirling about potential deals, as they are every year in Boston.

The Red Sox Sox currently sit 5.5 games behind Tampa Bay for the wild card spot and 7.5 behind the Yankees in the AL East.

The gap is by no means insurmountable, and the Sox would sure benefit from a big bat or depth at, well, virtually every spot on the roster.

With only a mere four days away from the July 31st Major League Baseball trade deadline, not only will we see many trade rumors flying around, but we will start to see actual trades being made.

One team that will most certainly make a move, and is in no way a stranger to this time of year, is the Boston Red Sox.

With the announcement coming last week that Lou Piniella would be retiring from baseball at the end of the season, the line of suitors for the opening will likely be a long one, and the rumors will continue to fly until a replacement is named.

This decision is made especially interesting by the fact that a handful of high profile managers have expiring contract at the end of this season.

The word on the street this morning is that the Nationals would remove first baseman Adam Dunn from the trade market if he would give the team an informal agreement about a contract that could be hammered out over the next few months.

It's just past the Major League Baseball All-Star break. Here's a roundtable featuring five columnists that are fans of each team in the American League East division.

The writers are Stephen Meyer (New York Yankees), Jonathan Slotter (Tampa Bay Rays), Amanda Bruno (Boston Red Sox), Jeff Wahl (Toronto Blue Jays), and Zachary Ball (Baltimore Orioles).

*Note that the stats are through two weeks ago.

1. Who has been the best player in the AL East?

SM: Robinson Cano.