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Visit brian.uncg.edu. From your fryer to the table, it's a quick trip for crispy fries. But how about a crosstown delivery? McCain Shurcrisp fries are designed to go from fryer to container to carrier to passenger seat across town during rush hour down a shortcut that wasn't all that short to a doorstep before they hit the table. In that first bite, the crispiness speaks for itself.
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Sport Brief. And yes, Major League Baseball, the clock is ticking. The trade deadline is now just six days away. We did have some action today. Not massive, but some action.
And we'll talk about it with my next guest. I've had Mount Plenty on during the year. He does a great job covering the sport. For FoxSports.com. Rowan Cabnet from the West Coast joins me on the Infinity Sports Network.
Road, Jordy Mac here. How you been, bud? I'm good, Matt. Busy times. How are you?
Very good, except yes, I hope it gets even busier going forward. Up until like the last 24 hours, even less than that, we had had one major trade, the Dever's deal, which was now more than a month ago, and we got to the week out mark, and not much had been done. Couple deals over yesterday, last night, into today. I would still say Josh Naylor, the biggest one so far.
Some might say Ryan McNahn, but let's deal with Naylor first, because that trade came down first. to the Mariners, who knows that they needed to upgrade their bats. Naylor will certainly do that at first base for them. But they are still being rumored to be the main pursuer of Juenios Juarez, which the Mariners would also like to get from the Arizona Diamondbacks. Naylor first, how big an addition for Seattle?
It's a big addition. And I don't know that Naylor is going to be the difference single-handedly in terms of how far this. Seattle teams go, but it's no question they absolutely had to upgrade at least one of the two corner infield spots, and you mentioned them. Still being in on Suarez to be able to get the Nailers thing done with, and this goes for both of these teams because I think as much as Seattle. You know, getting that figured out at first base was a huge thing.
It was also really interesting that the D-Backs. Uh decided, hey, They're letting everybody know now, like. Our guys are up for sale.
Now, how far does that fire sale go? I don't know. But that's the team to me that held the keys to this deadline. What were they going to do? I think the best thing that could have happened for the rest of the 29 other teams.
Is that the Astros swept the Diamondbacks to start the week? And I think that Let Arizona know, hey, this is kind of the direction I think we have to go. You look at the market right now in terms of just really exciting names. They stood out, yes, because they have talented players that could go, but also because those talented players are rentals. There's just not a ton of real difference-making rental pieces just for this year.
And the fact that they had Mailer, they have Suarez, they have Gallon, they have Kelly, those are all difference-making pieces that teams Because those guys are all going to be up here soon, uh, probably don't have to spend as much to go get and could really make a difference to the stretch run.
So, I've said a lot about the D-Backs, but Seattle, yeah, to get Naylor, like they just had no power from first base or third base, they only had 16 home runs this year from their first baseman. 10 of those came from Rowdy Tales, who no longer plays for the team. He was released in June, I believe.
So they needed to upgrade with some power. Naylor hasn't been quite the home run guy that he was last year in Cleveland, but the Getting on base at a really high clip. This is a team that has struggled with strikeouts a lot. Naylor puts the ball in play, has a high batting average, has a high on base. I think it's a big ad for them.
Yeah, that's interesting. You put him in the middle of a lineup that has J Rod and Randy and obviously Cal Raleigh doing what he's doing. That's a real big, big ad. And if they can also upgrade at third base, all of a sudden, I don't know if I'd say they're the favorites with the the lead that the Astros have built, but That's a a really competitive team. Let me ask you another diamond back question 'cause you mentioned the two pitchers who have been rumored to be going.
I'm seeing more the teams are more interested in Kelly. Ah He's a nice pitcher. He's a good pitcher. Zach Gowan, when he's on the top of his game, Cy Young level type pitcher. Why more interest uh are you hearing the same thing, more interest in Kelly than Gowan?
Is it because of the asking price? I've heard different things here, and probably that is true, but the gallons just, man, it's been bad this year. I mean, if we're talking about a 550 ADRA, and when you look at You know, we talked so much about Alcantara and what are they going to do. At some point of these guys, like when you're talking about rental pieces, You just don't have time or not even rental pieces, just guys that you need to help you this year. You know, obviously, Gallin, we've seen the upside with him, but i if teams are trying to kind of fix these guys, if it Doesn't get fixed within really a month or two, there's not really any chance.
You look at the underlying numbers for gallon. That doesn't paint a pretty picture either. Just a lot of hard contact against him so far this year.
Now, granted, yes, when you've seen the upside, what he can do when he's right, he's still only 29. I think, yeah, the upside, if you can tap back into that, is probably higher. But that's a really high ERA, and that has to scare teams off when you're only getting these guys for a couple more months versus Kelly, who at least has been a steadier piece this year. All right. Both of the New York teams made trades today.
I mentioned Ryan McMahon going to the Yankees for a couple of fairly highly rated minor league arms. Not top prospects, but good, solid prospects. McMahon's going to go immediately to third base. They'll move Chisholm over to second base. Third base has been an issue or a problem all year for the Yankees.
McMahon's having a good power season, but he's only he's been below 220 in Colorado, where usually power and averages go up. Is he going to be the answer at third base for the Bombers? Yeah, I mean, you said it. I think there's no question he's an upgrade. And there's also no question that really of any position of any team, the Yankees had to fix third base.
They had Jorvi Vivas and Oswald Perraza Who had a 48 OPS plus and a 25 OPS plus.
So you're talking about two guys who are more than 50% worse than the league average as hitters. They needed to fix that in some way. I know McMahon's been a slightly below league average hitter, but he's a significant upgrade over what they had. And he's a really good defensive glove. You're talking about when you're looking at some of the advanced stats defensively in terms of outs above average over the last five years.
Each of the last five years, he's ranked in the top six among defensive third basemen.
So you know he's going to be a stout glove there.
Now, how much offense do you get? That's a question. I mean, he is a pole guy, and you like that as a left-handed hitter in New York. But You know, I think you're just going to be looking at whatever happens here with Geno Suarez. If he's hitting 10, 20 more home runs for another team somewhere else.
It's going to be painful if McMahon doesn't give you that.
Now, he does have some pop, you know, he does have 16 home runs this year. I think that's sixth among. third baseman.
So I think it's a clear upgrade. I thought that was going to be the match. There's just not a ton of third basemen out there available. And if it wasn't going to be Suarez, McMahon made a ton of sense. And you're going to be able to get McMahon for less than you would have for Suarez.
And you have McMahon for two more years on a reasonable contract.
So it makes sense. Yeah, it's not going to. You know, he's not going to knock your socks off offensively, but he's fine there and a plus defensively. All right, and the Mets added a bullpen arm today, getting Gregory Soto from the Orioles.
Now, I saw Soto pitch for the Phillies in 23, and he was solid. He actually saved a couple of games. He'd been very good. He'd been a closer in Detroit. But he was an okay middle innings piece for the Phillies.
And then they gave him up mid-season last year, traded him to Baltimore. Hasn't been really all that good for the Orioles. Wasn't great in the second year for the Phillies. Why did the Mets think that Gregory Soto will be able to turn back the clock and get to his tiger level achievement with this deal? Yeah, he's been a lot better at eliminating hard contact so far, and really they just needed a left-handed pitcher to be available there before Diaz.
I think this is a team that tends to be able to, and I trust David Stearns with this, tends to be able to get the most out of his pitchers.
Soto has the swing and miss stuff. He's been able to avoid barrels. I think he could be a really solid, you know, seven, eighth inning guy. And again, they just needed a left-hander. He made a lot of sense.
You know, the team he's coming from is open for business.
So that also made sense as a match. And I would imagine they'll probably do a little bit more in the bulletpens, too. I mean, it's crazy that we're talking about the Mets still having the best, I believe, the best ERA in the National League so far, despite all the injuries.
Now, it has regressed. over the last month, I think you're seeing some diversion to the mean a little bit here. And maybe what they were doing early on is a little bit beyond what you can expect going forward. But I mean, it's a solid piece, and I think they don't need a closer, obviously. They need some guys for those middle innings, and I expect they'll do a little bit more there.
Rowan Kavner from FoxSports.com talking MLB trade deadline with me here. And just the week since the All-Star game has come and gone, I do want to ask you about a couple specific teams there. But first thing first, on you mentioning the Diamondbacks, probably the team that could do the most as far as selling off goes and maybe fill some holes from some other teams. If not, Mm-hmm. Arizona, I would say the Twins are the team that in the American League could probably help some teams.
They've got some talented players. They should be sellers. They haven't sold yet. How big a deal do you think Minnesota could be upgrading teams if they go into full sell mode? Yeah, man, there's about eight to ten teams here that I'm just super interested in that probably still are kind of just sort of hovering the line.
And Minnesota, for sure, when you have Jackson Durant at the back end, that's a really tempting tandem. You're Cleveland, and I know they're probably maybe even less likely with Close and Cade Smith, but. I think that's what you're looking at. You're looking at these back end, bulletpen pieces, and a lot of them tend to come from these teams who are kind of hovering somewhere in between, and a lot of them also aren't rentals. That's kind of the big deal here.
Could you see Hellsley go also? We see Felix Batista's hurt, so that's kind of out of the mix, but I could see Bednar going from the Pirates.
So, yeah, I mean, Minnesota for sure. And look, if Joe Ryan becomes available, I'd still be really surprised if he gets moved, but that is a really, really underrated starting pitcher. The kind of real difference-making guy for a team that needs somebody in the playoffs. It's going to cost a lot. I could see Willie Castro getting moved.
I think he's another underrated piece, especially with a lot of these teams that you could kind of. Maybe need help at multiple spots. He's someone who can move around. It's a rental piece. I could definitely see him getting moved for sure.
All right. You're a West Coast guy, so let me ask you about a couple of West Coast teams. Angels first. I just saw them coming in here into Philly and got the better of the Phills for a couple of games, but then they went to New York and got swept. By mathematics in the standings, I would suggest they're still in a wildcard race.
Too many games played to just say they have no chance, but. Under Artie Marino, they've never sold. Ready to take the next step in your career? The Bryan School of Business and Economics at UNC Greensboro offers a range of affordable, fully online undergraduate programs designed to prepare you for in-demand business roles. With flexible courses, dedicated faculty, and a strong return on investment, it's a smart choice for your future.
Develop the skills employers want and gain the confidence to stand out in today's competitive job market. Apply now to start in the fall. Visit brian.uncg.edu. if they lose their next two or three in a row and they are more legitimately buried, are they going to sell? And if so, who could be had from that team that could be a difference maker who could be acquired in your eyes?
I don't know that anyone knows what's going through Artie Moreno's mind sometimes, and I I I would not be buyers if I were them. But I also I mean, we've seen this, as you said, too many times to think that even if conventional logic would say to sell, I think if they have any sort of chance, they tend to either kind of stand pad or try to go get it. And Usually you'd say, hey, that's a good thing. At least your team's kind of competing. But man, they've just.
It's happened too many times now where they've had opportunities to really bolster a farm system that so badly needs more pieces I just can't look at that team right now and think that's a team that's really going to make noise. They're five games back, sorry, five games under 500. 11 games back in the division, over five games out of the wild card. I would sell. Will they do that?
I mean, maybe you get a little bit of both. I mean, Tyler Anderson. Isn't gonna wow anybody, but that's a piece that definitely could get traded, a rental piece. Kenley Janssen could still help a bullpen somewhere. You know, would they be willing to trade Taylor Ward?
I think that's a piece that could maybe get you. A lot back, especially with teams in need of corner outfield help and the power that he can provide. I would sell these guys. I would do that. I would go try to rebuild this thing.
I'd be shocked if they're competing for anything this year.
Now, will they do that? Your guess is as good as mine there. Yeah, Taylor Ward came in, had a couple home runs against the Phillies, and me and a whole bunch of other guys in Photo say, There's the left fielder the Phillies need to go out and get. Don't know if he becomes available. All right, also on your coast.
A.J. Preller is one of the most Aggressive General Rangers and has been for the better part of a decade here. And his Padres are right there in the playoff mix. Actually, with the Dodgers getting off to a slow start in the second half, they've closed the gap between themselves and the Dodgers. They seem to have a let field problem.
How is A.J. Preller going to handle the deadline? Can he fix whatever issues he has with his aggressive stance? It is amazing that no matter how many prospects they they lose, you can rank them wherever in the farm system rankings. And somehow, he finds a way to kind of maneuver things, finagle things where he's in the mix for somebody.
And I have a really they've just been so quiet so far this year. I find it really hard to believe that Brother could sit out Of a deadline, especially as you said, they need offensive depth, lineup depth so bad right now. And yes, left field is definitely the glaring spot, but really anywhere. They need a bat, they could put them at DH at first base, somewhere like that. But yeah, I mean, I'm looking at left field, and could they be in the mix for a Jaron Duran?
You know, there's been rumors, would they be able to? To trade from people on their big league roster. Could Dylan Seas get moved to be able to add more offensive depth on that team? They need to find a way, I trust. That somehow Prela will find a way.
Could they be involved for Luis Robert Jr.? Is it something maybe a little bit smaller for Mullins or Loreano in Baltimore? I think all of those things would definitely make sense. I think the big blockbuster, if they could go get Durant from Boston just with their log jam in the outfield, that would be really, really interesting. I expect.
I I just can't imagine Propeller Space flying through this. Fair enough. All right. One more team and then an overall question. The Tigers have now lost 10 of 11.
They lost a couple before they lost a brick. All right, no big deal. They had a bad series.
Well, they just continue to lose afterwards, so it's 10 of 11 in the loss column. Their lead in that division has shrunk from well above double digits into single digits. How does Detroit handle their business over the next five days? Do they need to make a deal just to shake it up and Prim try and bring this losing streak to a halt? Yeah, I mean, luckily they've built such an advantage in the AL Central that I don't think they, as bad as it's been, I don't think they have to worry about winning the division, but.
Yeah, I think when you're looking kind of bigger picture at this roster. It's really funny when you think about what they did last year and all that pitching chaos and it seemed like they had. You know, some sort of reliever or bulletpen piece that they could just kind of pull out of nowhere and turn into something. I really think they need more bulletpen help. And the offense has definitely been worse.
Lately, and I think that can happen when you think about how they've gotten here and all the resurgent years that they've had from. From everybody, from Javi Baez and Torkelson and Glaver Torres and Zach McKinstry and all these guys that are all-star players that have really turned it around. I don't know that you can just. Bank on that all year.
So they could kind of go a lot of directions ostensibly. But I really think, yeah. If nothing else, they need to add more bullpen help. I think a guy like Griffin Jacks from Minnesota, you mentioned the Twins, that wouldn't surprise me at all. But they could really use a closer.
And even if it's not a closer, a late-inning guy, because the bullpen has really, really struggled in July. We had some blown stages mixed up in there. They're not great in terms of missing bats.
So a strikeout guy like Jax would make sense. But I'd expect them to add some bulletpen help at the least. All right, Rowan, last thing. I know that there is no salary cap in baseball. There is in the NFL, NBA, NHL.
But the competitive balance tax, aka the luxury tax, can have an effect on how teams do roster building both before the year, how about during the year? How much of a factor is a team trying to stay below, or a team getting below, or a team willing to spend and jump above? How much will the competitive balance tax play leading into the trade deadline? I think it matters a lot. Yeah, I think it's still very much a factor, and I think teams then have to kind of weigh.
Is this really the year you kind of put your chips in and you don't worry about it?
Now it's easier for. The general manager or the president of baseball operations to say that it's harder maybe to convince ownership of that, but I do think. that's definitely at play.
So far, the the the teams that we've seen active, the Mariners and the Yankees, you could argue were the two teams that really needed to do something to fix the issues that they have in certain places and they have Fix the issues that they've had in certain places. I could see both teams. continuing to push. A little bit more in, but I think those are the two teams in the AL that really stood out. I'm really curious to see, and speaking of teams that are very budget conscious.
What the Houston Astros do here, because there's a lot of directions they can go when they have 17 guys on the injured list. And yet they still just continue to find ways to win, continue to find ways to kind of keep that dynasty going. They could use.
Some pitching help, although some of those guys are coming back in the second half, they could use infield help. That Paredes is on the injured list now. I mentioned Willie Castro, I think that would be an interesting piece for them. But again, a team that also, yeah, there is budget conscious. And then in the National League, everyone was waiting for Geno Suarez, the Yankees.
That made a lot of sense. They so bad should just go get that guy because that team, I mean, they have the best record in baseball, a bottom 10 payroll. It's not probably going to happen, but it just makes so much sense to me to put that guy. They need another power threat. Yes, they can get through the.
The gauntlet of a season with what they have, it's remarkable what they're able to do from a pitching perspective. But to go get that guy, I mean, Arizona needs pitching help. They have more pitchers than they can do with. A lot of these guys who should be, you know, would be in any big league rotation are sitting there in AAA because they're just so good at what they're able to do there. Go get that guy.
Go make it. Go find a difference maker in the middle of the lineup. The Brewers and the Cubs to me are the two teams now that we're kind of waiting on that really have a chance to go separate by doing something. That is going to be a great battle in that division, I think, all the way till the last week of September. Rowan, great stuff.
No, you're going to be busy the next five days, my friend. I'll be checking you out on FoxSports.com. Thanks for jumping on me tonight. I'm still Rowan Kabner from FoxSports.com, outstanding Major League Baseball writer here with me on the Infinity Sports Network. J.
Mack filling in for JR, Sport Brief here on Infinity Sports Network. Let's get back on the phones. Baseball or football? What it is that you want to talk about? 888-710-4476.
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