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By Gary Armida

You get a two for one special today with this edition of Fungos and the column about my “Debate” with Max Kellerman. Before we get to the Fungos, this time of year is quite fun for the baseball fan. Click on any of our “Morning Papers” and you will find a hometown paper that has quite a bit on rumored deals. Most of the rumors are just that…rumors. But, they are fun to read, think about while you are supposedly working, and debate with your buddies. With no salary cap, baseball is the one sport that can trade freely. It’s exciting for the fans. This season, many teams are still in hunt so many big names won’t be changing hands. Let’s take a tour of what’s making news around the world of baseball…

• Two players that are always in trade talks are the Rockies’ Matt Holliday and the Blue Jays’ AJ Burnett. Both are talented players and both would help other teams. My gut tells me that neither get moved for two very different reasons. Holliday stays because the Rockies still have control over him next season. Also, they are just 6 games out of a playoff spot which is more of a product of being in the worst division in baseball. Whatever the reason, they can still make a run which will ultimately make them keep their all-star outfielder. Burnett is going to stay because of his opt-out clause in his contract. It is doubtful that teams will pony up the prospects for a guy that they may lose after the season. Also, if he’s not pitching against the Yankees, Burnett is wildly inconsistent.
• David Ortiz is expected back in the lineup for tonight’s showdown with the Yankees. He’s coming off of wrist surgery, but he showed good power during his rehab. He’ll give a great lift to the Red Sox as they head into the dog days of August.
• The Nationals released one of their four catchers yesterday when they designated Johnny Estrada for assignment. First, it was ridiculous to have four catchers on the roster (nice planning Mr. Bowden). Second, expect Estrada to get some looks, especially from the Yankees. If healthy, he’ll have a new team rather quickly.
• Here’s a thought for the Pirates–Don’t trade off anyone. You can finish close to .500, which can invigorate your dying crowd. If you trade Bay and Nady, how long is it going to take to get back to this point? The answer is: forever; This perpetual rebuilding continues forever. Please add people and make a run just like the Marlins.
• Jorge Posada is going to try and rehab his shoulder before going the surgery route. Jorge–big mistake. By doing this, you will guartanee that you miss a large part of the 2009 season. I give him credit for wanting to contribute, but he must be stopped for his sake. He still has a couple of years before he retires so he needs to get this issue taken care of once.
• The Mets took sole possession of first place after taking two of three from the Phillies. The Mets are a team who looks fired up for the first time in a good while. Carlos Delgado is leading the way. Yes, I feel good about being right with Delgado. He has shown he still has big power. The Mets look to be that team everyone expected them to be. 
• Finally, checking in with the FCP Sleeper team–the Reds, they have played a ton better lately. They are now just 3 games under .500. The Reds have a lot to think about over the next two weeks. One, Adam Dunn and Ken Griffey Jr. should have a good market for their services. The Reds should go for the .500 season as they are far too talented otherwise.

That’s it for today. Have a great weekend. We’ll see you on Monday.