Monday Afternoon (Trade Deadline) Hot Links

I figured since I wasn't getting much done at work that I would throw up some links to the latest rumors as we quickly approach the 3 p.m. CT MLB Trade Deadline. I've created a Twitter Trade Deadline list for those looking to keep up with the latest rumors. Check back for updates.

UPDATE 3:04 p.m. CT:

The non-waiver trade deadline has come and gone. It looks like the Astros, for the moment, are just going to acquire Liriano. There is still the waiver trade deadline at the end of August. A player has to pass through waivers in order to be traded. Deals do get done in August (See Larry Anderson for Jeff Bagwell).

Let us know what you think of the move Jeff Luhnow made.

UPDATE 2:30 p.m. CT:

#Astros have shown interest in #Angels reliever (and ex-Astro) Bud Norris. @MLB

— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 31, 2017

Norris has pitched well this season. He has a 3.89 ERA and a similar FIP and xFIP. He and his  29.7 K% would be an interesting addition to the bullpen.

UPDATE 2:05 p.m. CT:

Can confirm NYY gets Sonny Gray & $1.5 int'l slot money for Jorge Mateo, Dustin Fowler & James Kaprielian. 1st: @JackCurryYES & @JeffPassan

— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) July 31, 2017

UPDATE 2:00 p.m. CT:

The #Astros are sending OF Nori Aoki and OF Teoscar Hernandez to #Bluejays for Francisco Liriano.

— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) July 31, 2017

Nori Aoki, after a hot start, has not played very well for the Astros. The move ensures Derek Fisher finishes the season in the big leagues (unless he's traded). Teoscar Hernandez is a top 10 prospect for the Astros. He's blocked by George Springer, Josh Reddick, and now Derek Fisher. Kyle Tucker is ahead of him as well in prospect rankings. More indepth analysis later.

UPDATE 12:34 p.m. CT:

#BlueJays have agreed to trade Francisco Liriano to #Astros, source confirms @ShiDavidi report. @MLB @MLBNetwork

— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 31, 2017

UPDATE 12:27 p.m. CT:

#BlueJays and #Astros deal for Francisco Liriano is pending a physical. Sounds like an outfielder in coming back in return

— Shi Davidi (@ShiDavidi) July 31, 2017

Trade Links

Sources: #Astros talking to #BlueJays about Liriano. HOU also working on other things. Likely would use Liriano as reliever if deal happens.

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 31, 2017

Francisco Liriano has a 5.88 ERA this season. His FIP and xFIP indicate some postive regression. A move to the bullpen would benefit him further. He will be a free agent after the season.

Hearing @Orioles def looking to move Britton. @Astros front-runners now? @Indians not likely @Astros Top 30: https://t.co/4vK54Uxvjg

— Jonathan Mayo (@JonathanMayo) July 31, 2017

Zach Britton has only pitched 19 innings so far this season, due to injury. He has a 3.32 FIP, which is right around his career average. He'll be controllable for one more year through arbitration. He's making $11.4M this year.

Non-trade links

For those who had an NES and reading this right now, do you remember RBI Baseball? This is a good write up by Jeff Passan talking about his appreciation for RBI Baseball's version of Tim Raines. 

Steve Barman is getting a 2016 Cubs World Series ring.