Perhaps you're as tired of this as we are. But there's still 3.5 days left!
Jayson Stark says:
*The Phillies have had high interest in Ryan Ludwick and Heath Bell.
*On Pence:
Skepticism has never been higher in the industry that the Astros are seriously interested in trading him before the offseason -- if ever.
*The Braves have interest in three bats, Stark says:
Hunter Pence, Willingham and Ludwick. The Braves looked into Upton, but don't seem prepared to pay a big price for him. We also haven't heard much that suggests the Braves are still bullpen shopping.
*Stark also says the Yankees are a possibility for Wandy Rodriguez.
*On a possible deadline-related note, the Astros announced a Michael Bourn/Jimmy Wynn program at the Urban Youth Academy from August 1-3.
We didn't come out here to play tiddlywinks, son.
-Hal Smith
