Trade and Pennant Fever in July

After an exciting weekend of pennant-fever baseball, the non-waiver trade deadline is rapidly approaching. By 3pm ET Thursday afternoon, teams in the hunt for a postseason berth will look to have their rosters fine-tuned for the stretch drive. Though I would love to enjoy covering a trading frenzy, initial sources indicate that it could be a rather bland deadline. Clearly, CC (without the periods) Sabathia and Rich Harden were the best available gems (Harden is included with the expectations that he is able to stay healthy). And they were already snatched up by NL Central powers Chicago and Milwaukee. But there is still the expectation that Mark Teixiera has been made readily available by Atlanta, with Arizona showing serious interest. I don't see them giving up Scherzer, though, whom the Braves reportedly seek. I don't see Matt Holliday moving from Colorado, but there are a few solid bats that should find new homes. One of them already has, as Xavier Nady was picked up by the Yankees. Really nice move by Yanks GM Brian Cashman, but I don't think Damaso Marte will shine in New York. Jason Bay is healthy again and should bring in some prospects for lowly Pittsburgh. Other than Bay, however, expect a few bullpen arms moving and a few fourth starters.

On the playing field, the national spotlight will be shining brightly on the Chicago baseball cicuit the next four days as the first-place Chicago Cubs go up to Miller Park to take on the surging Milwaukee Brewers. The Cubs moved back into sole possession of first place with a huge comeback victory yesterday afternoon, while the Brewers suffered a terrible defeat heading into this week's showdown with their hated rivals. Meanwhile, the White Sox head to Minnesota with a 2 1/2 game lead on the Twins after taking two of three in Detroit. This may in fact be the most exciting week of the baseball season until we hit September.