Inside Baseball: Wish lists for 23 would-be buyers; more MLB notes – CBSSports … – CBSSports.com

With possibly unprecedented parity this year, plus the expanded wild-card playoffs and in some cases an unwavering faith in what they’ve built, as many as 20 or more teams look like buyers, or at least potential buyers.

That makes for a very crowded field of teams looking to add key pieces, and an intriguing trade market.

Here we attempt to make some sense of what the contenders and would-be contenders need may do this month:

1. Astros

Overview: They are clearly a team on the come, with terrific power, a rebuilt bullpen and an improved climate. But they are very young, have shown a few cracks lately and clearly need at least one more veteran starter after too many wasted outings. Word is, Cole Hamels isn’t anxious to approve a trade there. They’ll be in on the best rentals (Johnny Cueto, Jeff Samardzija and Scott Kazmir, a Houston product) but will look at several others, as well. Kyle Lohse has a connection to Astros GM Jeff Luhnow from his St. Louis days, but he’ll have to show more than he has to this point.

Needs: Starting pitcher.

Possible Top Targets: Hamels, Cueto, Samardzija, Kazmir, Lohse, Mike Leake, Aaron Harang.

2. Dodgers

Overview: Baseball’s West Coast behemoth has extraordinary talent and depth, and should be built for the playoffs, with a great one-two pitching punch despite two big losses to the rotation. But they are a bit thin there without Brandon McCarthy and Hyun-Jin Ryu. They seem to remain adamant about keeping their two exceptional prospects — shortstop Corey Seager and young left-hander Julio Urias – just as they were about center fielder Joc Pederson.

Needs: Starting pitcher, bullpen.

Possible Top Targets: Hamels, Samardzija, Cueto, Kazmir, Lohse, Leake, Harang, Dan Haren, Jason Grilli, Jonathan Papelbon, Tyler Clippard, Brad Ziegler, John Axford, Joaquin Benoit.

3. Royals

Overview: Their extraordinary bullpen and excellent defense makes them quite possibly the class of the AL. But with one starter on the disabled list (Jason Vargas) in the year after losing James Shields, it’s pretty obvious where the need lies. The eight-week absence of All-Star Alex Gordon has them eying the outfield market for depth, too, though Jarrod Dyson isn’t a bad replacement.

Needs: Starting pitcher, outfield.

Possible Top Targets: Samardzija, Cueto, Kazmir, Leake, Harang, Gerardo Parra, Ben Revere.

4. Cubs

Overview: Baseball’s best group of young positional players looks like it may make its presence felt even a year earlier than believed. The starting pitching is better than most believe, and the pen is showing signs of improvement too, with Rafael Soriano due to join them within a week. The injuries to Javier Baez and Tommy La Stella could leave an opening for an infielder. They possess prospect depth from which to deal.

Needs: Starting pitcher, infield depth.

Possible Top Targets: Hamels, Samardzija, Kazmir, Cueto, Leake, Ben Zobrist, Martin Prado.

5. Blue Jays

Overview: Baseball’s best offense could use help with some improved pitching, starting with the rotation. While Toronto is eying pen help as well, it is committed to improving a rotation that was hurt in spring with the loss of promising young starter Marcus Stroman. Hamels has signaled he won’t go to Toronto, but the team has very good prospects to make deals.

Needs: Starting pitcher.

Possible Top Targets: Samardzija, Cueto, Kazmir, Leake, Harang, Haren, Grilli, Papelbon, Benoit, Axford.

6. Angels

Overview: Their team is talented but a bit top heavy with Mike Trout and Albert Pujols carrying the offense, in particular. They have been seeking an outfielder almost from the start, from the time Josh Hamilton eliminated himself from Angels land.

Needs: Outfield, lefty bat.

Possible Top Targets: Revere, Parra, Adam Lind, Carlos Gonzalez.

7. Mets

Overview: Their great pitching rotation of the future is just about all here now, with Steven Matz joining the crew and immediately wowing folks with his arm and bat (before suffering a torn lat muscle). They need some offense to support these great talents though, as only Curtis Granderson has really hit lately (they recently went nine games without a homer). Jeurys Familia has needed help in the pen, but Jenrry Mejia is back, and Jerry Blevins should return in time.

Needs: A big bat, or two.

Possible Top Targets: Zobrist, Justin Upton, Prado, Marlon Byrd, Juan Uribe, Jean Segura, Aramis Ramirez.

8. Giants

Overview: The three-time world champions have shown signs of slippage lately, with age showing in the rotation and power needed in the lineup. They have plenty of starting options with ample pedigree, so they seem likely to concentrate on offense.

Needs: Outfield, positional depth.

Possible Top Targets: Upton, Parra, Revere, Byrd, Zobrist.

9. Orioles

Overview: The best balanced team in the tight, tough AL East has its players all back now, but it hasn’t played its best lately. The thought-to-be ace Chris Tillman has struggled, and Bud Norris hasn’t been great, either. They aren’t big spenders, though, so Dan Duquette and Buck Showalter, an effective odd couple, will have to figure out a way.

Needs: Starting pitcher.

Possible Top Targets: Samardzija, Cueto, Kazmir, Leake.

10. Yankees

Overview: The Yankees look like the favorite in the AL East, especially if Alex Rodriguez and Mark Teixeira can keep hitting like this. But they’re the Yankees, so you know they’ll be on the lookout for help. They have the inclination, and you know they have the wherewithal. They do seem determined not to surrender their top prospects, righty Luis Severino and slugger Aaron Judge, so Cole Hamels is probably out.

Needs: Starting pitcher, second base.

Possible Top Targets: Cueto, Samardzija, Kazmir, Leake, Zobrist, Aaron Hill.

11. Cardinals

Overview: Baseball’s best team in the first half has endured an extraordinary number of injures, and only recently is finally showing a tiny crack or two. Really, it’s been a performance for the ages. On the other hand, they’ve used 13 players from Triple-A Memphis to date. They aren’t a team that rushes into things, and it’s a strategy that’s served them well; they are said again to be committed to waiting to see what their health dictates.

Needs: Lefty bat for first base, starting depth.

Possible Top Targets: Lind, Ike Davis, Adam LaRoche, Jeff Baker, Cueto, Leake, Lohse.

12. Nationals

Overview: One of baseball’s best teams has had a bit of an up-and-down first half due to various injuries. The rotation that was expected to be the best in baseball has been decent but isn’t the same with the continuing various aches of Stephen Strasburg. However, while they’ve taken a peek at a starter or two, it’s quite likely that are looking more long-term, as Jordan Zimmermann and Doug Fister are free agents. Anyway, with many of their injured stars getting closer to returning, the pen is the main area of interest. Perhaps some added positional depth couldn’t hurt considering the injuries, though.

Needs: Pen, depth.

Possible Top Targets: Zobrist, Clippard, Grilli, Benoit.

13. Tigers

Overview: They haven’t shown their usual dominance thanks to a variety of injuries to big stars, including Victor Martinez, Justin Verlander and most recently the great Miguel Cabrera. Some believe they should consider selling, but there’s no sign of such a consideration yet. A starter is the prime thought, but they could also look for a corner bat, perhaps someone to play some first base now while Carbrera’s out, and maybe third if Nick Castellanos continues to struggle.

Needs: Starting pitcher, maybe corner bat.

Possible Top Targets: Samardzija, Cueto, Kazmir, Leake Harang, Zobrist, Aramis Ramirez.

14. Pirates

Overview: The Pirates look like one of the better balanced teams in baseball, with very few needs, though they are known to be in on the starting pitching market.

Needs: Starting pitcher.

Possible Top Targets: Cueto, Samardzija, Kazmir, Leake, Harang.

15. Rangers

Overview: While they hade a rough few days this week, they’ve hung around long enough to start to see the pitching reinforcements come (Matt Harrison Wednesday, with Martin Perez and Derek Holland to come). Some saw them as an also-ran, but they can hit and may yet be a threat. If they slump now, though, they could reverse and sell, and thus consider a trade of excellent right-hander Yovani Gallardo and maybe a big lefty bat.

Needs: Pen, right-handed bat, maybe starter.

Possible Top Targets: Papelbon, Francisco Rodriguez, Benoit, Axford, Grilli, Hamels.

16. Twins

Overview: Under new manager Paul Molitor, the Twins have made amazing strides. It’s still hard to believe they are in the race – some Twins people are even surprised — but they are. Beyond excellent local closer Glen Perkins, the pen needs a bit of work, though.

Needs: Pen, outfield.

Possible Top Targets: Rodriguez, Axford, Grilli, Ziegler.

17. Rays

Overview: They’ve defied logic by staying the AL East, which features a couple of the bigger markets in the game, but are hitting hard times as their unproven lineup looks like it could use a hitter or two. They’ve been surprising folks for a decade, so maybe there’s no sense counting them out. They don’t usually have much money for extra expenditures, so they might need to be subsidized by the trading team in some cases. One problem: There aren’t many obvious fits.

Needs: DH, hitters.

Possible Top Targets: Byrd, Ryan Howard, Mike Napoli.

18. Indians

Overview: Sports Illustrated’s favorite team hasn’t had the best of first halves, and has a few needs.

Needs: Corner bats, pen.

Possible Top Targets: Ramirez, LaRoche, Zobrist, Prado, Lind.

19. White Sox

Overview: The pitching is as advertised but the hitting and fielding have left quite a bit to be desired so far. What they need most is for their players to perform to their baseball cards, which hasn’t happened. Top exec Kenny Williams suggested they are still in buy mode, and that’s true for now. They also are playing much better in recent days, so that may stay the case. Realistically, they need to avoid any slips in the next couple weeks during what looks like a very tough part of the schedule and probably remain more likely to sell.

Needs: Second base, third base.

Possible Top Targets: Uribe, Zobrist, Aaron Hill.

20. Red Sox

Overview: They were right to hold off on a sale as they’ve worked their way back into striking distance (or at least close) in a division where there’s no standout to date. There’s little doubt where the weakness lies at present. While the rotation is only serviceable, there’s a “glaring” need in the pen, one Red Sox person conceded.

Needs: Pen.

Possible Targets: Grilli, Axford, Rodriguez, Ziegler, Papelbon, Benoit.

21. Padres

Overview: Their boffo winter doesn’t look like quite the bonanza at the moment, not with the team sinking in the NL West. They may do some selling, but they could also do some buying. Free agents-to-be Upton and Ian Kennedy are obvious trade possibilities.

Needs: Shortstop, third base, lefty bats.

Possible Top Targets: Segura.

22. Mariners

Overview: They haven’t played like a contender, as they’ve had Robinson Cano and several young stars underperform. There’s some belief they are tapped out after adding Mark Trumbo, but perhaps they’ll find some cash in the cushions if they manage to get hot.

Needs: Pen.

Possible Top Targets: Rodriguez, Benoit, Ziegler.

23. Diamondbacks

Overview: They’ve played beyond expectations with a lowered payroll but are realistic about their standing and unlikely to make a big splash at this point. They may be just as likely to sell but could check out the starting market, though they seem to have sworn off rentals.

Needs: Starting pitcher.

Possible Top Targets: Tyson Ross, Andrew Cashner.

More Inside Baseball…

Team	News
	Arizona Diamondbacks News
Arizona, which weighed a couple years whether to trade A.J. Pollock or Adam Eaton, looks like it made the right choice. While Eaton is doing better lately, Pollock is a star … They are guarding against quick fixes, which is probably the smart way to go, despite a surprisingly solid 42-42 record … Who would have thought Arizona would be leading the NL in scoring at this point? … Among the available are Aaron Hill, Jeremy Hellickson and Addison Reed, and they’ve gotten some interest in all three … Patrick Corbin looked like he needs some more starts before he’s himself, but the return of their ace was another nice development … After signing TCU left-hander Alex Young for a slot value of $1.4 million, there’s faith that No. 1 overall pick, Vanderbilt shortstop Dansby Swanson, will sign, though there has said to be little movement to this point. It’ll be interesting to see if he tops the $7-million mark.
	Atlanta Braves News
Atlanta, which has done a terrific job staying in the race while stockpiling some terrific pitching prospects, is still willing to deal key pieces and has serious talks about trading Jason Grilli to some contending teams. The Blue Jays and Dodgers are two teams that would make sense for Grilli. “He has good makeup. I’d take a shot,” one AL scout says … While the Braves are open to just about anything, they are stockpiling young starters and like him even if there’s been a blip or two this year. If Atlanta has anyone who’s untouchable, it might be Freddie Freeman … Touki Toussaint is off to a nice start with the Braves, with a 0.96 ERA so far. It’s amazing how many pitching prospects they’ve added. All in all, it’s been a brilliant rebuild for the Braves … Longtime Braves scout John Hagemann has been invited to John Smoltz’s Hall of Fame ceremony. Hagemann was the scout who insisted the Braves take Smoltz, not two or three others they were originally considering, when they traded Doyle Alexander to Detroit … The Braves agreed to a deal with Kolby Allard, No. 14 overall pick, for $3 million, a bit above the $2.8 million slot. Allard, a left-hander from San Clemente High (Calif.) is extremely well regarded. This was first reported by Keith Law of ESPN. The physical for Allard is Monday. He’s had a back issue in the past, but is believed to be fine. After locking up Allard, the Braves will have signed 25 of 25 picks.
	Chicago White Sox News
Adam LaRoche has been a “disappointment” according to one person with White Sox ties, and one has to wonder whether DHing is affecting his offense (both he and Jose Abreu, the team’s positional star, prefer to play first). There seems to be some thought LaRoche will play the field more as the season goes. Another theory is that he’s getting acclimated to a new league. The final one is that he is, historically, a slow starter. That much is true … While the ChiSox front office filled multiple needs, there are still perceived needs at second base, third base and perhaps catcher. While Carlos Sanchez has provided excellent defense, he isn’t ready as a hitter. Manager Robin Ventura had been concerned about the defense of Micah Johnson before Johnson’s quick demotion … Some believe David Robertson‘s lack of use at times led to some of his blown saves … Carson Fulmer was excited to be picked No. 8 overall by the ChiSox, as they are getting a rep for getting college pitchers quickly to the bigs. Chris Sale and Carlos Rodon are two examples … While the Chicago Sun-Times wrote an interesting piece trumpeting a return for Ozzie Guillen, few see that as a realistic possibility. In fact, there is no sense Robin Ventura is about to lose his job, as Ken Williams mentioned in an interview with USA Today … Williams tried to take responsibility in that same interview, suggesting whatever’s going on is his fault, and while Williams is indeed the “boss” below owner Jerry Reinsdorf, no one should have taken that to mean Rick Hahn doesn’t have the typical GM powers. In fact, he does … On a related matter, it’s a little ridiculous Joey Cora doesn’t have at least an important coaching job, as he was the one who did the hard work in the Guillen regime. He is hurt by his association and loyalty to the outspoken Guillen, it seems.
	Cleveland Indians News
Triston McKenzie, 6-foot-5, 165-pound righthander from Royal Palm High (Fla.), the No. 40 pick overall who signed for $2.3M plus close to 400K in school (he was a Vandy commit), which was 900K over slot, reminds many of Dwight Gooden.
	Colorado Rockies News
There may be some question as to whether Troy Tulowitzki has quite the same range, but he’s still a productive player, as exemplified by his 21-game hit streak on 36-game on-base streak in the year following hip surgery. No one sees the club-owning Monfort brothers letting him be traded, though. Best of luck to Justin Morneau who is battling yet another concussion and was recently placed on the 60-day disabled list.
	Detroit Tigers News
Highly recommended reading: “Numbers Don’t Lie,” an excellent, breezy new book on Tigers history by Danny Knobler.
	Houston Astros News
Outfielder Preston Tucker was joined in the organization by brother Kyle, the No. 5 overall pick, and Preston told folks, “The kid’s way better than me.” Nice to see that sort of brotherly support. For the record, Astros people like Preston as a hitter but do see a little more athleticism in the younger brother.
	Los Angeles Angels News
Ex-GM Jerry Dipoto gets points here for sticking to his convictions and quitting when he believed he stopped having an impact. This may not be the easiest GM job to fill from outside, as manager Mike Scioscia is seen as having most of the power.
	Los Angeles Dodgers News
It will be interesting to see whether Jimmy Rollins could become available, as Corey Seager, generally now viewed as MLB’s top minor-league prospect, continues to show he’s got big promise. One NL scout, who recently saw Seager, said, “I have no doubt he can handle major-league pitching.” … Zack Greinke‘s amazing season ensures he will opt out of his $147-million, deal, or at least use it to improve on the $71 million and three years remaining … Brandon Beachy is hoping to return soon after his second Tommy John surgery, and he may be needed … With a bigger park, perhaps Kyle Lohse would do better in LA. Brewers people see that as an option, anyway. And Lohse, while he’s struggled badly this year, is telling people he is getting close … Justin Turner (@redturn2) deserved to make the All-Star team, certainly if Brock Holt made it in the AL … They should have found room for Clayton Kershaw on the All-Star team, too, but I stop short of seeing his non-inclusion as an outrage, as many others are off to better starts.
	Miami Marlins News
Mat Latos is very much available, say rivals … Dan Haren is, too, for the right price. On the surface Haren would seem to be a good fit for the Dodgers since he is a consistent pitcher and would benefit from a productive offense. But that would take an about face from LA folks, as they showed little interest in keeping him. Sources suggest he was practically thrown into the Dee Gordon trade, and it is well known the Dodgers are even paying his $10-million salary as part of the deal. Another hangup: LA likely is aiming for pitchers they’d want to use in October series (they skipped Haren last year) … Casey McGehee is expected to sign a new deal with the Marlins on Friday. McGehee was productive was Miami last year but the team seemed very reluctant to bring him back earlier … Reliever Carter Capps‘ “perceived velocity” on a 99-mph pitch was an MLB season high 105.55, according to Statcast on MLB.com. No matter, the Red Sox’s Xander Bogaerts hit it back even harder (well, a bit anyway). His exit velocity was 105.8 on a rare three-run single … A.J. Ramos has been absolutely fantastic since stepping in as closer.
	Minnesota Twins News
Paul Molitor, doing a great job in his inaugural managerial season, is said to be leaning some on Tom Kelly, a two-time World Series champion … Byron Buxton‘s sprain is seen as a bad one and he could be out six weeks … One Twins connected person said Buxton’s presence may have “lit a fire” under Aaron Hicks, which is a positive … Brian Dozier should have made the All-Star team.
	Milwaukee Brewers News
Agent Paul Kinzer recently suggested to Aramis Ramirez that he might want to play another year since he’s hitting so well and “40 home runs would look nice.” Ramirez, who won Player of the Week honors last week, said no thanks. Well, it doesn’t hurt to try … Gerardo Parra and Adam Lind “will go” in trade, says a rival GM. But the Brewers are still trying to decide how big to make their sale. Carlos Gomez makes sense to go since he’s a free agent after 2016 and has almost no chance to sign a long-term deal … It was suggested in this space that he might fit for the Twins. However, word has come now that a reunion is unlikely …. Jean Segura might make sense for a trade, too since their best prospect is shortstop Orlando Arcia (plus they also have Luis Sardinas) … Though K-Rod made his sixth All-Star team, some rivals say his backloaded two-year deal doesn’t make him an easy acquisition … There seems to be no expectation that there’ll be strong interest in Ryan Braun … Lefty reliever Will Smith is expected to receive a lot of interest, but since he’s relatively inexpensive and controllable, Milwaukee isn’t anxious to trade him.
	New York Mets News
Padres people were said to be scouting the Mets system, leading to speculation New York could be on Justin Upton. He’s exactly what they need. “Nothing imminent,” one executive said. “Nothing close,” said another … The Mets thought they were making progress on a deal for Ben Zobrist, who would fit them since they aren’t sure what’s happening with David Wright yet. However, while Zobrist is an excellent player, he shouldn’t be seen as an offensive savior … The Mets aren’t exactly enamored with Starlin Castro or Jean Segura, whose free-swinging ways don’t necessarily fit their style. And Rollins, who could become available, despite his NL East pedigree, may not work, either. One Mets connected person suggested they probably “wouldn’t go there.” They checked in the winter, but Rollins’ rough start may deter them now … While Jon Niese’s trade value isn’t necessarily high, he recently threw eight shutout innings against the Giants. Says one AL scout: “His arm slot keeps going lower and lower. His stuff isn’t as sharp. But he locates and changes speed” … The lat injury to new pitching phenom Steven Matz is quite a blow. But it’s worth recalling how Matz, from Long Island, became a Met, and how close he was to going to college. Matz was actually on his way to Coastal Carolina to pitch, driving south and allegedly in New Jersey when he got a call from his agent Rob Martin telling to turn around, that they had a deal. The agreement for $895,000, which was $388,300 above the commissioner’s recommend slot for the No. 72 pick in 2009, was made exactly six minutes before the midnight deadline. Mets people knew they’d have to go over slot value for such a talent, but they originally figured their chances couldn’t be too bad when they heard his whole family are Mets fans. That was true, but Matz still held out for his price, which also included $160K in schooling. Mets scout Larry Izzo, who lives in Deer Park, about 30 minutes from Matz’s Ward Melville High School in East Setauket, assured Mets people that he would be a productive major-league pitcher, and the Wilpons eventually went the extra mile in a year when they didn’t have a first-round pick. Izzo, in a phone interview, recalled that Matz was a pretty fair right-handed hitter as a first baseman but not quite as good a hitter as he’s looked thus far. Izzo, a scout for 35 years on Long Island, ranks the top 10 all-time Long Island players (last 35 years anyway) this way: Craig Biggio, Anthony Graffanino, Jim Mecir, Keith Osik, Billy Koch, Matz, Jim Dougherty, Pete Harnisch, Ross Gload and John Frascatore (though Matz obviously is expected to move way up that list) … Former GM Omar Minaya and his regime deserve a plus for Matz, Matt Harvey, Jacob deGrom, Jeurys Famila and others making the Mets a contender.
	New York Yankees News
The Yankees were one of the teams scouting Cueto in his last start, according to Joel Sherman of the New York Post … Some speculate that, due to the Jim Hendry connection, the Yankees could eventually be a landing spot for Starlin Castro, who is thought to need a change of scenery … Mark Teixeira‘s amazing start could lead some to adopt his new gluten-free diet … Top right-handed pitching prospect Luis Severino has an “electric” fastball and is “strongly poised,” but could use work on his secondary pitches, one AL scout says. ETA is 2016 according to that scout.
	Oakland A’s News
Oakland may be the unluckiest team in MLB history with a plus-45 run differential at 10 games under. At this point they’d have to win about 27 straight one-run games to have their luck even out. At that point they’d be 17 over .500 with a plus-72, which seems about right … One thing about the A’s, though, they are opposite of the Royals, who have a great pen and a great defense … As good an athlete as Marcus Semien is, at some point soon the A’s have to give him a break from shortstop. He has 28 errors, which is twice as many as too many.
	Philadelphia Phillies News
One Phillies person told an interested team executive that they are “not bending” on Cole Hamels, leaving the impression he could stay in Philly for the foreseeable future … While it is said that Hamels may consider Boston on top of his nine pre-approved teams, some believe the San Diego product may be “California dreamin'” (meaning he’s hoping to go home). That is only speculation, and the reality is he’d have to accept any of the nine pre-approved teams … Aaron Harang is “good enough to contribute on the back end,” according to one NL scout … No surprise that Chase Utley would no longer be the team’s fulltime second baseman upon his return. With a .179 batting average, that only makes sense. His chances to reach 500 plate appearances in order to vest his 2016 contract are nil now. Even so, GM Ruben Amaro announcing Utley’s demotion while the great Phillie is on the DL seemed slightly harsh. Utley deserves better. After all, Amaro said only two years ago he wanted to make Utley a “Phillie for life.” … With this team, it’s not going to be easy for veteran baseball man Pete Mackanin to show he’s the one to lead the team. One possibility: Joe McEwing, an eternally upbeat Philly product who’s the ChiSox third base coach and a Bucks County, Pa. native, in the Philly suburbs. McEwing had interviews in Texas, Arizona and Minnesota last winter … With the Royals a hot item, J.J. Picollo, a Philly/South Jersey product who grew near the new Philly park and Cherry Hill, NJ, could be a front office candidate for a team expected to make some changes … Another of many names in the mix could be longtime Giants scouting director John Barr, a native of Audubon, NJ, in Camden County who still lives in nearby Haddonfield, NJ.
	San Diego Padres News
New manager Pat Murphy seems beloved by GM A.J. Preller so he might even survive a poor record. Word is, he continues to make the same salary with his promotion, as there appears to be a great two-way faith there.
	San Francisco Giants News
The Giants, in search of depth, are among teams talking to Everth Cabrera.
	Seattle Mariners News
At least the Dodgers, Jays and Nats had scouts on hand to see Hisashi Iwakuma give up four home runs in his return engagement. Iwakuma is seen as a trade possibility, though that didn’t help.
	Texas Rangers News
Adrian Beltre is said not to be 100 percent with his thumb injury. Though he can’t make it worse, word is he doesn’t have his usual strength, which may explain the no home runs since his return … Texas is waiting to see whether Juan Gonzalez will show up for their team Hall of Fame induction ceremony. Here was the story in the Dallas Morning News two years ago when he did not. He is taking the nickname Juan Gone to a new level.
	Washington Nationals News
Jayson Werth (wrist) is expected to head out onto a rehab just after the break … The Nats made attempts at some point to try to keep Ian Desmond, Jordan Zimmermann and Doug Fister long-term, but it is believed all three are conservative by nature, already set for life thanks to that conservatism and sure to become free agents at this point. (GM Mike Rizzo declined comment as he does consistently on those type of issues, and agent Page Odle didn’t return messages, also characteristically.)
	Major League Baseball News
The Home Run Derby lineup isn’t at all bad, as it includes all-time great Albert Pujols, Cincy star Todd Frazier and Derby staple Prince Fielder, but it’d still be nice to see baseball’s two best players, Mike Trout and Bryce Harper … Pete Rose was always seen as having an “uphill battle” to get a full reprieve in the first year after Rob Manfred replaced Bud Selig, and the revelation that he bet on games at least in his last year as a player, as reported by ESPN, can’t help, though those around Manfred insist he enters the post-All-Star interview with an “open mind.” Assuming Rose doesn’t get the full reversal, the Hall of Fame should reverse a rule that went into effect upon his banishment that banned players are ineligible to be voted on for the Hall. After 26 years, Rose deserves at least that much (though there’s a good chance he won’t get that, either, as the Hall isn’t anxious to have him) … First-half MVPs: Josh Donaldson and Harper.