The New York Yankees today acquired first baseman/designated hitter Lance Berkman and cash considerations from the Houston Astros in exchange for right-handed pitcher Mark Melancon and minor league infielder Jimmy Paredes.

Berkman, 34, batted .245 (73-for-298) with 39 runs, 16 doubles, 13 home runs and 49 RBI in 85 games with the Astros this season. He leads all Major Leaguers, averaging just 5.97 plate appearances per walk and ranks fifth overall in the Majors with 60 walks. The switch-hitter has batted .261 (61-for-234) with 13 doubles and 12 home runs as a left-handed batter in 2010, and .188 (12-for-64) with three doubles and one home run from the right side of the plate.

He has seen all his action at first base in 2010, committing just one error in 769 total chances and ranking third among all Major League first basemen with a .999 fielding percentage.

Originally selected by the Houston Astros in the first round of the 1997 First-Year Player Draft, Berkman is a career .296 hitter with 375 doubles, 326 home runs, 1,090 RBI and a .410 on-base percentage in 1,592 games over parts of 12 seasons, all with the Astros (1999-2010). He departs the Astros ranking second in franchise history in home runs, third in runs scored (1,008), doubles and runs batted in, fourth in games played and fifth in at-bats (5,560) and hits (1,648).

Berkman is a five-time All-Star (2001-02, ’04, ’06 and ’08), finishing in the top seven in National League MVP voting in each of those seasons. He ranks fifth all time in career home runs by a switch-hitter (326) and is one of only seven switch-hitters in Baseball history to reach the 300 home run plateau. From 2000 to 2009, he hit at least 20 home runs in each of the 10 seasons, becoming the 11th player in Major League history to hit at least 20 home runs in each year of a decade, joining Carlos Lee and now-teammate Alex Rodriguez as the only players to accomplish the feat.

In limited action (12 games) as a designated hitter in his career, Berkman owns a .378 (17-for-45) batting average with two home runs. A native of Texas, he grew up in Austin and attended Rice University in Houston.

Melancon (6-2, 215 lbs), who was originally selected by the Yankees in the ninth round of the 2006 June Draft, has an 18-3 career minor league record in 123 relief appearances with a 2.84 ERA (67ER/212IP), allowing just 178 hits in 212.0 innings of work with 209 strikeouts and 14 saves. Melancon has spent parts of the last two seasons (2009-10) in the Majors with New York, appearing in 15 games in relief (0-0 record) and posting a 4.87 ERA (11ER/20.1IP). He has spent most of the 2010 season with Triple A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, where he was 6-1 in 40 appearances with a 3.67 ERA (23ER/56.1IP) and six saves with 58 strikeouts. In 2009-10 combined at Triple A, Melancon is 11-2 in 84 appearances with a 3.20 ERA (46ER/129.1IP) and 134 strikeouts in 129.1 innings pitched and 10 saves. While at the University of Arizona, Melancon set a school record for saves.

Paredes (6-1, 178 lbs) had been in the Yankees organization since being signed as a non-drafted free agent in July of 2006. He hit .282 (114×404) in 99 games at Class A Charleston this season with 24 doubles, six triples, five home runs, 48 RBI and 36 stolen bases. Paredes has played 71 games at second base this season, but has also seen action at shortstop and third base. He has a .280 average (290×1036) in 265 career minor league games.

Yanks Add Kerry Wood

The New York Yankees today acquired right-handed pitcher Kerry Wood and cash considerations from the Cleveland Indians in exchange for a player to be named later or cash.

Wood, 33, is 1-4 with eight saves and a 6.30 ERA (20.0IP, 14ER) in 23 relief appearances with the Cleveland Indians this season. He has held opponents scoreless in nine of his last 11 appearances, striking out 10 batters in 9.2IP over the stretch (8H, 3ER, 4BB, 4-for-5 in save chances).

Wood was reinstated off the 15-day disabled list today, after being out since July 12 with a blister on his right index finger. He began the season on the disabled list with a strained right lat, suffered in spring training and was activated on May 7.

Originally selected by the Chicago Cubs with the fourth overall pick in the 1995 First-Year Player Draft, Wood owns a career record of 81-68 with a 3.71 ERA in 357 games (178 starts) over parts of 12 seasons with the Cubs (1998, 2000-08) and Indians (2009-10). He owns a 4-7 mark with 28 saves (in 37 chances) and a 4.80 ERA in 81 games – all in relief – over the last two seasons with the Indians.

Though mainly used as a starter from 1998-2004, Wood has made 179 career relief appearances, going 10-13 with 62 saves in 77 opportunities, a 3.85 ERA and 206 strikeouts in 177.2IP.

Indians, Cardinals, Padres Complete 3 team deal

ST. LOUIS, Mo., July 31, 2010 – The St. Louis Cardinals have reached agreement on a three-team trade with the Cleveland Indians and San Diego Padres this afternoon. The Cardinals will receive former (2004) All-Star pitcher Jake Westbrook and cash from the Indians and minor league left-handed pitcher Nick Greenwood from the Padres.

Westbrook, 32, was 6-7 with a 4.65 ERA in 21 games started for the Tribe this season. He owns a career mark of 69-71 with a 4.34 ERA in 221 games. The 6-3, 215-pound Athens, Ga. native won 14 games with a 3.38 ERA in 2004, earning selection the American League All-Star team. Westbrook was the 21st overall pick in the 1996 amateur draft by Colorado and was dealt to the Montreal Expos in 1997. He was traded to the New York Yankees in 1999 where he appeared in three games as a rookie, and less then a year later, was traded to Cleveland in a four-player trade for David Justice.

“We’ve been looking for a quality starting pitcher to add to our rotation for some time,” said Cardinals’ Vice President/General Manager John Mozeliak. “Westbrook is someone we’ve had our eyes on for a good period of time. We also want to wish Ryan Ludwick all the best with the Padres. He did an outstanding job for us over the past three and a half seasons.”

Westbrook won 14 or more games over three-consecutive seasons from 2004-06, including a career-high 15 wins in 2005 and 2006. He worked 200 or more innings in each of those three seasons as well. Westbrook missed all of the 2009 season after undergoing “Tommy John” elbow surgery.

Greenwood, 22, is 4-4 with a 4.15 ERA at Fort Wayne (A) of the Midwest League and will be assigned to Quad Cities (A).

In the deal the Indians have acquired RHP COREY KLUBER from the San Diego Padres.

Kluber, 24, has spent the entire season to date at AA San Antonio going 6-6 with a 3.45 ERA (122.2IP, 121H, 59R/47ER, 40BB, 136K, .259 avg) in 22 games/21 starts. He currently leads the Texas League in strikeouts (136), strikeouts per 9.0IP (9.98K/9.0IP) and is 2nd in innings pitched (122.2IP). Over his last 4 starts he is 3-0 with a 1.73 ERA (26.0IP, 18H, 5R/ER, 8BB, 30K) and the Texas League recently named him the player of the week.

The Padres selected Kluber, a 6-4, 215-pound right-hander, in the 4th round of the 2007 June draft out of Stetson University (FL). In 2009 between A Lake Elsinore and AA San Antonio he went a combined 9-13 with a 4.56 ERA (154.0IP, 155H, 90R/78ER, 70BB, 159K) in 28 starts. He tied for seventh in strikeouts among all of minor league baseball with 159 in 2009. Kluber will report to AA Akron in the coming days.

The San Diego Padres announced acquired outfielder Ryan Ludwick from the St. Louis Cardinals. In the three-team transaction, the Padres send left-handed pitcher Nick Greenwood to St. Louis and right-handed pitcher Corey Kluber to the Cleveland Indians. Executive Vice President/General Manager Jed Hoyer made the announcements.

To complete the three-team transaction, the Indians sent right-handed pitcher Jake Westbrook to the Cardinals.

Ludwick, who turned 32 on July 13, is hitting .281 (79-for-281) with 20 doubles, two triples, 11 home runs, 43 RBI, 24 walks and 64 strikeouts with the Redbirds in 69 games (67 starts) this season. Ludwick has made 63 of his 67 starts in right field for St. Louis this year. He’s batting .302 (62-for-205) with eight homers and 29 RBI vs. right-handed pitchers this season.

In 592 Major League games over parts of eight seasons with the Texas Rangers (2002-2003), Indians (2003-2005) and Cardinals (2007-2010), Ludwick has batted .272 (529-for-1942) with 118 doubles, seven triples, 98 homers, 349 RBI, 181 walks and 487 strikeouts. He’s hit .307 (111-for-361) with 24 homers and 82 RBI in 106 career games vs. National League West teams. A 2008 National League All-Star and Silver Slugger Award winner, Ludwick finished 16th in MVP voting that year while ranking second in the NL with a .591 slugging percentage (behind Albert Pujols).

Marlins Add Ohman

SAN DIEGO, CA — The Florida Marlins today announced they have acquired left-handed reliever Will Ohman from the Baltimore Orioles in exchange for right-handed pitcher Rick VandenHurk. The announcement was made by Marlins President of Baseball Operations Larry Beinfest.

Ohman, 32, appeared in 30 games with the Orioles this season with no record and 3.30 ERA (30.0 IP/11 ER). Since 2005, has made 358 appearances, which is the seventh-most among active left-handed relievers.

The left-handed native of Frankfurt, Germany, has a career record of 11-9 with three saves a 4.14 ERA (261.0 IP/120 ER) in 375 games. He was originally selected by the Chicago Cubs in the eighth round of the 1998 First-Year Player Draft and spent parts of four seasons with the Cubs prior to being traded to Atlanta with Omar Infante in exchange for Jose Ascanio on December 4, 2007.

VandenHurk, 24, has made two appearances with the Marlins this season with no record and a 6.75 ERA (1.1 IP/1 ER). In 19 starts with triple-A New Orleans has gone 8-4 with two complete games a 4.68 ERA (98.0 IP/51 ER). The right-hander has posted a career Major League record of 8-9 with a 5.96 ERA (155.2 IP/103 ER) in 35 games, including 32 starts. In 95 minor league games (94 starts), has gone 27-24 with a 3.74 ERA (449.2 IP/187 ER).

Red Sox Trade for Saltalamacchia

Boston acquired catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia from the Texas Rangers in exchange for first baseman Christopher McGuiness, right-handed pitcher Roman Mendez, a player to be named later and cash considerations. Saltalamacchia has been optioned to Pawtucket.

The announcements were made by Executive Vice President/General Manager Theo Epstein.

Saltalamacchia, 25, was 1-for-5 (.200) with an RBI in two games for the Rangers this season, including one start behind the plate. He has also appeared in 63 games with Texas’ Triple-A Oklahoma, including a rehab stint, batting .244 (58-for-238) with 11 doubles, two triples, 11 home runs, 33 RBI and 37 runs scored. In 240 career Major League games over parts of four seasons with the Braves (2007) and Rangers (2007-10), Saltalamacchia has hit .251 (199-for-794) with 38 doubles, 23 home runs, 94 RBI and 100 runs scored. He has made 185 career appearances behind the plate, including 177 starts.

Mendez, who turned 20 on July 25, is 2-3 with a 4.36 ERA in 8 starts for Lowell (short season-A). The righthander, who is tied for 9th in the New York-Penn League with 35 strikeouts in 33.0 innings, defeated Tri-Cities in his last start on July 29, allowing 4 hits and 2 runs in 5.0 innings with 6 strikeouts. Mendez began 2010 at Greenville (low-A) with a 0-2 record and 11.40 ERA (19 ER/15.0 IP) in 6 starts.

Mendez is in his third professional season after being signed by Boston as an undrafted free agent in July 2007. He posted the lowest opponents batting average in the Gulf Coast League (.184) and compiled the second lowest earned run average among all Boston minor leaguers (1.99) in 2009. Mendez was a Dominican Summer League All-Star after fanning 46 in 51.0 innings in his first pro season in 2008.

McGuiness, 22, is batting .298 (84-282) with 20 doubles, 12 homers and 46 RBI in 78 games at Greenville in 2010. The lefthanded batter leads the Drive in homers and walks (53) and ranks second in average and RBI. He is batting .337 (28-83) in 25 games this month.

This is McGuiness’ second professional season after being selected by the Red Sox in the 13th round of the 2009 First Year Player Draft. He was selected as a New York-Penn League All-Star a year ago, when led Lowell with 38 RBI.

Dodgers Acquire Dotel

LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Dodgers announced today that they have acquired right-handed pitcher Octavio Dotel and cash considerations from the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for right-handed pitcher James McDonald and minor league outfielder Andrew Lambo. General Manager Ned Colletti made the announcement.

“Octavio gives us another veteran pitcher who has saved a lot of games in the big leagues and is used to pitching late in the game,” said Colletti. “With two All-Stars in Broxton and Kuo, in addition to our other veteran arms, this gives us a solid, experienced bullpen.” Dotel, 36, has served as the Pirates’ closer this season, notching 21 saves in 26 opportunities with a 4.28 ERA in 41 games. In 12 Major League seasons, he has a 3.65 ERA and 104 saves while posting a 48-41 record. He saved a career-high 36 games in 2004.

Dotel has appeared in the postseason three times – in 1999 with the Mets, 2001 with the Astros and 2008 with the White Sox. McDonald, 25, was 0-1 with an 8.22 ERA in four games (one start) this season for Los Angeles. He was 6-1 with a 4.41 ERA in 12 starts for Triple-A Albuquerque this season prior to being called up. In parts of three seasons with the Dodgers, the Long Beach native was 5-6 with a 4.11 ERA in 53 games (five starts).

Lambo, who turns 22 on Aug. 11, was batting .271 with four homers and 25 RBI in 47 games for Double-A Chattanooga. The Newbury Park, CA native missed 50 games this season after a second positive test for a drug of abuse in violation of the Minor League Drug Prevention and Treatment Program.

Dodgers Acquire Lilly, Theriot

LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Dodgers announced today that they have acquired left-handed pitcher Ted Lilly, infielder Ryan Theriot and cash considerations from the Chicago Cubs in exchange for infielder Blake DeWitt and minor league right-handed pitchers Kyle Smit and Brett Wallach. General Manager Ned Colletti made the announcement.

“We’ve been looking to improve our rotation and with Ted, we feel like we’ve got a very good group of starting pitchers for the stretch run,” said Colletti. “Ryan is versatile and can help us in the middle of the diamond as a nice complement to our existing infielders. “Of all the times I’ve had to tell a player he was traded, this was one of the toughest telling Blake DeWitt,” Colletti added. “His professionalism, his passion and who he is made doing this one of the toughest moves I’ve made.”

Lilly, 34, has a 106-92 career record and 4.21 ERA in 12 seasons with the Expos, Yankees, A’s, Blue Jays and Cubs. He has reached double figures in victories in each of the past seven seasons, including 12 or more wins in six of the last seven.

The Torrance native joins the Dodgers 12 years to the day that he was traded as a minor league farmhand. On July 31, 1998, Los Angeles acquired Mark Grudzielanek, Carlos Perez and Hiram Bocachica from the Montreal Expos in exchange for Lilly, Peter Bergeron and Jonathon Tucker.

On June 14 of this season, Lilly took a no-hitter into the ninth inning before Juan Pierre came off the bench to break up the bid. On May 10, 1997, Lilly threw a no-hitter against Lake Elsinore for Single-A San Bernardino in the Dodgers’ farm system.

This season, Lilly is 3-8 with a 3.69 ERA in 18 starts, as he has received the lowest run support in the Major Leagues (2.31). Theriot, 30, has played 66 games at second base and 29 at shortstop this season, committing just nine errors. In 96 total games, the right-handed hitter is batting .284 with one homer, 21 RBI and 16 stolen bases in 22 attempts. In parts of six big league seasons, Theriot has a .287 lifetime average and .350 on-base percentage.

Pirates-DBacks Deal

The Pittsburgh Pirates today announced that they have acquired catcher Chris Snyder, minor league shortstop Pedro Ciriaco and cash considerations from the Arizona Diamondbacks in exchange for infielder Bobby Crosby, outfielder Ryan Church and right-handed pitcher D.J. Carrasco. The announcement was made by Pirates Senior Vice President, General Manager Neal Huntington.

The 29-year-old Snyder made 58 starts behind the plate for the Diamondbacks this season and hit .231 (45-for-195) with 10 home runs and 32 RBI in 65 games overall. He had his 240-game errorless streak snapped on June 6; the third-longest streak in Major League history by a catcher behind Mike Redmond (253 games, July 22, 2004-May 18, 2010) and Mike Matheny (252 games, August 2, 2002-August 1, 2004).

Snyder’s current OPS of .778 ranks ninth among Major League catchers with at least 225 plate appearances and he has the seventh-highest OPS (.774) among catchers in the Major Leagues with at least 1200 plate appearances since 2007. “Chris Snyder is a solid major league player who will provide us with a quality catching option for this year and next year,” said Huntington. “He brings leadership to the club, along with a game calling and receiving ability that will help our pitching staff mature. Additionally he will add some home run power to our lineup.”

Since the start of the 2007 season, Snyder leads all Major League catchers in fielding percentage (.999), having made just two errors in 2456 chances. On offense, he established career highs in doubles (22), home runs (16) and RBI (64) while playing in a career-high tying 115 games with Arizona in 2008.

Originally selected by Arizona in the second round of the 2002 First-Year Player Draft, Snyder made his Major League debut with the D-Backs in 2004 and singled off Aaron Harang in his first big league at bat on August 21 that season. The 24-year-old Ciriaco hit .259 (92-for-355) with 15 doubles, seven triples, six home runs, 51 RBI, 14 stolen bases and 44 runs scored in 87 games with Triple-A Reno this season. The Dominican Republic native was also selected to play in the MLB Futures Game on July 11.

Ciriaco entered the 2010 season as the Arizona organization’s top base stealer the last two seasons (40 in 2008 and 38 in 2009) and ranked by Baseball America as having the Best Infield Arm in the system for the fourth straight season. The right-handed hitting Ciriaco was also rated by Baseball America as being Arizona’s Best Defensive Infielder prior to the 2009 campaign, during which he was named to the mid-season and post-season All-Star teams after leading the Double-A Mobile Bay Bears with a .296 batting average and 139 hits. At season’s end he was ranked by the same publication as the Southern League’s Best Defensive Shortstop and as having the Best Infield Arm. In 2008, Ciriaco finished third in the California League in hits (161) and stolen bases (40) while batting .310. He was also selected to the mid- and post-season California League All-Star teams in 2008.

Snyder is scheduled to join the Pirates and Ciriaco is expected to join Triple-A Indianapolis. The Pirates have also recalled infielders Argenis Diaz and Jeff Clement today and they are expected to be in uniform for tonight’s game in St. Louis.

Rangers Acquire Guzman

The Washington Nationals today acquired right-handed pitchers Ryan Tatusko and Tanner Roark from the Texas Rangers in exchange for infielder Cristian Guzman. The Nationals then assigned Tatusko and Roark to Harrisburg of the Double-A Eastern League. Nationals Senior Vice President and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement.

The 6-foot-5 Tatusko went 9-2 with a 2.97 ERA in 24 games/23 starts for Frisco of the Double-A Texas League prior to today’s trade. The 25 year-old has been touched for only two home runs in 100.0 innings in 2010. In six starts dating to June 28, Tatusko is 4-1 with a 1.33 ERA. He currently ranks among Texas League leaders in winning percentage (first, .818), wins (third) and ERA (sixth).

A product of Indiana State, Tatusko is 22-26 with a 4.09 ERA in 101 professional games/68 starts, during which he has registered a 2.0/1 strikeout-to-walk ratio.

Roark joins the Nationals organization after going 10-5 with a 4.20 ERA in 22 games/17 starts for Frisco. Roark’s 10 wins are currently tied for the Texas League lead. Last season, Roark fanned 8.6 batters per 9.0 innings en route to finishing 11-1 with a 3.02 ERA for Frisco and Bakersfield of the Single-A California League. The 11 wins were tied for the most posted by a Rangers farmhand last season.

In the midst of his third pro campaign, Roark is 24-10 with a 3.47 ERA in 75 games/32 starts. He has registered 8.0 strikeouts per 9.0 innings pitched and a 2.7/1 strikeout-to-walk ratio as a professional.

The longest-tenured National prior to the trade, Guzman hit .282 in 89 games for Washington this season. He departs after hitting .282 (581-for-2059) with 95 doubles, 28 triples, 23 home runs, 177 RBI and 23 stolen bases in 550 games with the Nationals from 2005-10.

Braves Add Farnsworth, Ankiel

ATLANTA — The Atlanta Braves and Kansas City Royals announced today that the two clubs completed a five-player trade. The Braves have acquired outfielder Rick Ankiel, right-handed relief pitcher Kyle Farnsworth and cash considerations from the Royals in exchange for outfielder Gregor Blanco, right-handed pitcher Jesse Chavez and left-handed minor-league pitcher Tim Collins.

The 31-year-old Ankiel spent his entire career with the St. Louis Cardinals before signing with the Royals as a free agent on January 25. He hit .261 with four home runs and 15 RBI in 27 games for Kansas City this season and missed 68 games with a right quadriceps strain. Ankiel has hit safely in six of his seven starts since returning from a rehabilitation assignment with Triple-A Omaha, where he hit .254 with six doubles, four homers and nine RBIs in 18 rehab games.

Farnsworth, 34, has gone 3-0 with a 2.42 ERA in 37 relief appearances in 2010. He has retired 26 of his 37 first-batters faced and has allowed four of 13 inherited runners to score. He has pitched well for since May 1, allowing just seven earned runs in his last 28 appearances, spanning 35.1 innings for a 1.78 ERA. Farnsworth spent the latter half of the 2005 season with the Braves.

Blanco, 26, hit .252 with 15 doubles, six triples, one home run, 42 RBI and 66 runs in 204 career games for the Braves.

Chavez, 26, went 3-2 with a 5.89 ERA in 28 appearances (all in relief) for the Braves this season. He acquired by from the Tampa Bay Rays in a December 9, 2009, trade for reliever Rafael Soriano.

Collins, 20, was acquired in the July 14 trade that brought shortstop Alex Gonzalez from the Toronto Blue Jays.

Giants Add Reliever Ramirez

The Pittsburgh Pirates today announced that they have acquired right-handed pitcher Joseph Martinez and outfielder John Bowker from the San Francisco Giants in exchange for left-handed pitcher Javier Lopez. The announcement was made by Pirates Senior Vice President, General Manager Neal Huntington.

The 27-year-old Martinez has made four appearances (one start) during three separate stints with San Francisco this season. He was most recently recalled on July 24 from Triple-A Fresno, where he went 5-3 with a 3.32 ERA (81.1ip/30er) in 14 games (13 starts). In his four games (one start) in the big leagues this season, Martinez has gone 0-1 with a 4.91 ERA (11.0ip/6er).

Martinez was selected by San Francisco in the 12th round of the 2005 First-Year Player Draft. Primarily used a starter during his professional career, he led the Eastern League with a 2.49 ERA in 2008 while posting a 10-10 record in 27 starts with Connecticut. Martinez made his big league debut with the Giants in 2009 and went 3-2 in nine games (five starts). The left-handed hitting Bowker has spent a majority of the 2010 season with Triple-A Fresno, where he batted .310 (61- for-197) with 14 home runs and 36 RBI in 51 games. He also appeared in 41 games with the Giants and hit .207 (17-for- 82) with three homers and eight RBI.

Originally selected by San Francisco in the third round of the 2004 First-Year Player Draft, Bowker made his Major League debut with the Giants in 2008 and was one of the top rookies in the N.L. that season after batting .255 with 10 home runs and 43 RBI in 111 games.

Bowker, 27, was named to the Pacific Coast League mid-season and post-season All Star teams after hitting .342 (125-for- 366) with 22 doubles, 21 home runs and 83 RBI in 104 games with Fresno in 2009.

Martinez and Bowker are scheduled to report to Triple-A Indianapolis.

The San Francisco Giants also have acquired right-handed pitcher Ramon Ramirez from the Boston Red Sox in exchange for right-handed minor league pitcher Daniel Turpen, club Senior Vice President and General Manager Brian Sabean announced today.

Ramirez, 28, has gone 0-3 with a 4.46 ERA (21er, 42.1ip) in 44 relief appearances with the Red Sox this season. He’s allowed nine earned runs in his last 25.1 innings (3.20 ERA) since May 26, holding opposition at a .212 (18-for-85) avg. against during that span. He’s also stranded 16 of his last 20 inherited runners and 21 of 26 overall this season for the eighth lowest inherited runners scored percent in the American League.

Since the All-Star beak, Ramirez has appeared in seven games, tossing 6.2 innings with seven strikeouts and has held opponents to a .190 (4-for-21) avg. against.

The native of the Dominican Republic has been particularly tough on right-handed hitters throughout his career, fashioning a .210 (112-for-533) avg. against. Ramirez has had a lot of experience in late and close games, recording 33 holds from 2008-09, which ranked as 19th-most in the Majors. He’s had success in late and close contests this season, holding opponents to a .149 clip (7-for-47) with no home runs allowed. Between 2008 and 2009, he appeared in 141 games, posted a 2.74 ERA and held opponents to a .227 avg. against, including right-handed hitters at .186.

In his fifth Major League season this year, Ramirez has gone 16-14 with a 3.55 ERA (106er, 268.2ip) in 268 relief appearances with Colorado (2006-07), Kansas City (2008) and Boston (2009-10).

Ramirez has one career appearance in postseason play, appearing last year with Boston in the Division Series.

Turpen, 23, has spent the 2010 season with the Giants’ double-A affiliate in Richmond, going 5-5 with a 4.09 ERA (23er, 50.2ip) in 37 relief appearances. The 6-foot-4, 240-pound right-hander was invited to Giants Major League spring camp for the first time this season after appearing in 107 minor league contests. He was originally San Francisco’s eighth round selection in the 2007 draft.

Kearns, 30, batted .272 (82-for-301) with 18 doubles, eight home runs, 42 RBI and 34 walks in 84 games with the Indians this season. He has made appearances at all three outfield positions in 2010 (68 games in left field, five games in centerfield and 14 games in right field). Kearns has hit .250 vs. left-handed pitchers this season, going 25-for-100 with two home runs, while batting .284 (57-for-201) with six home runs against right-handers.

Selected by Cincinnati in the first round of the 1998 First-Year Player Draft (seventh overall), he has appeared in 926 career games, posting a .258 batting average with 173 doubles, 113 home runs and 464 RBI over parts of nine Major League seasons with Cincinnati (2002-06), Washington (2006-09) and Cleveland (2010).

Consistency

Adam Dunn is one of the most consistent power hitters in the game today. Since 2004, he has averaged 41 homeruns, 101 RBI, and a .252/.385/.532 slash line. Even more importantly, he has averaged158 games played. The durable, 6’6” left-handed slugger has been a model of power consistency, hitting exactly 40 homeruns in each season from 2005 through 2008. Last season, he missed the 40 homerun mark, hitting “just” 38 long balls. But, Dunn is a unique slugger because of his patience. He has walked over 100 times in every season since 2004. But, the power and on base percentage has come at the price of averaging 177 strikeouts in that same span.

Despite the obvious positives about Dunn’s game, he has managed to stay out of the public consciousness and, more importantly, the consciousness of the Game’s observers. His numbers were dwarfed by many during his earlier years, and despite the overall decline of 40 homerun hitters in today’s game, Dunn continues to swat balls out of the park at a prodigious rate.

His power consistency should make him better known, yet he has never participated in a homerun derby and has never finished in the top 20 in MVP balloting. The reasons are plentiful. First, he played the majority of his games in the Cincinnati’s bandbox of a ballpark. Secondly, he was striking out at an alarming rate way before striking out became cool. Up until a few years ago, many looked at strikeouts as a weakness. Now, they are an accepted part of the game for power hitter. Mark Reynolds strikes out well over 200 times per season and is still a regular in the lineup. That probably wouldn’t be true 10 years ago. The attitude towards strikeouts has changed. When Dunn struck out 194 times to lead the league in 2006, his third consecutive season of leading the league, many wondered just how valuable Dunn really was.

Dunn’s skill is no longer questioned, but still may be undervalued. Despite hitting the free agent market two winters ago, he was met with little interest. While possessing skills that could dramatically change a contending team’s lineup, Dunn was forced to sign with the rebuilding Washington Nationals for two seasons. Dunn quickly answered the questions regarding ballpark as he finished the 2009 season with a .267/.398/.529 batting line with 38 homeruns, 105 RBI, 116 walks, and 177 strikeouts. Even more importantly, the Nationals may have done the slugger a favor by playing him a bit more at first base as his true fatal flaw has been his terrible defense. The move has proven most valuable this season.

The New Dunn?

In scouting terms, Dunn’s game consists of what is known as “old man skills”. He doesn’t run well, he strikeouts out a ton, and can’t play defense; his only skills are plate discipline and power. Given his body type, he doesn’t project to age well. But, 2010 has shown something different. Dunn is more aggressive at the plate. His strikeouts have increased a bit and his walk rate is down is down a tick. But, the newfound aggression coupled by a full-time move to first base may have allowed Dunn to demonstrate that he still has quite a bit left. Thus far, Dunn is batting .281/.369/.565 with 27 doubles, 23 homeruns, 63 RBI, 46 walks, and 122 strikeouts. The .281 batting average is a career high; his .565 slugging percentage is a close second to his career high .569 slugging percentage compiled in 2004.

The new Adam Dunn is walking less. His 11.4 percent walk rate is the lowest of his career. His 34.7 percent strikeout rate is slightly elevated, but in line with his career rate of 32.6%. While he is swinging at more pitches than ever before (45.6 percent compared to his career mark of 40.8%), his newfound aggressiveness has put him on pace for a career high in doubles and has led to a higher batting average. Perhaps, he is a bit lucky as his .362 BABIP might indicate, but Dunn seems to be punishing pitchers who were accustomed to him taking many more pitches.

The “new” Adam Dunn has also become a competent first baseman. For the first time in his career, he is an average defender. His -0.6 UZR is close to being average. He has made just 5 errors all season. His 0.7 ErrR, while not spectacular, is the best mark of his career. At 30 years old, Dunn is a bit more well rounded, adding to his value as one of the few true power hitters left in the game who continues to post on base percentages worthy of batting leadoff.

As an impending free agent and Washington in last place, he is the ideal short-term answer for a contending team. He won’t cost as much as a Prince Fielder as he is strictly a two month rental player. He might not even cost as much as Cliff Lee or even Dan Haren did for their new teams. Yet, given his skill set, he may be even more valuable. He is the one realistically, more easily gettable, difference making bat on the market. Whoever manages to land him will put their team in a better position to win.

Fitting in

If Adam Dunn decides that he would be a designated hitter for the remainder of the season, his options are limitless. Placing him in the middle of the Yankees’ batting order would give the Yankees a new Murderers Row with Teixeira, Rodriguez, Cano, and Dunn forming the most intimidating offense in quite some time, if not ever. But, realistically, the Yankees don’t need Dunn. The White Sox could make Dunn their DH and are said to covet the slugger. While the White Sox are 4^th in the American League in homeruns, they are a mediocre 8^th in on base percentage. Dunn would be a significant upgrade over the platoon of Mark Kotsay and Andruw Jones at designated hitter. Of course, the Phillies, Mets, and Padres could use him, but they don’t really match up in terms of trade potential or even having a spot for Dunn. The San Francisco Giants, however, do need the bat and could make amends for their mistake of not signing Dunn two seasons ago.

The Tampa Bay Rays are the team that really needs him. Although the Rays have scored 502 runs, 4^th best in the American League, they have two reliable power sources, Evan Longoria and Carlos Pena. Dunn’s slugging percentage would lead the Rays by 49 points. With Dunn, Evan Longoria would have better production, which may in turn get Carlos Pena hitting a bit more as well. The Rays have one of the best farm systems in Baseball and can certainly make the deal. Dunn’s salary is reasonable and he will be a free agent at the end of the season. With their pitching staff, speed, and the addition of Dunn, the Rays would compete, offensively, with any team in the league. As presently constituted, they are an offense that can be pitched to. In a playoff series, they would need another homerun threat as they have run out the likes of Willy Aybar, Hank Blalock, and Pat Burrell as their designated hitters. Adding Dunn makes them a real threat to beat the Yankees and win the World Series.

The best fit for Dunn is the Los Angeles Angels. With Kendry Morales out for the season, the Angels could slot Dunn at first base (which is what he wants), and make a run at the Texas Rangers for the division crown. With quite a few games left against the Rangers, the Angels are more than alive. They have already added Dan Haren and Alberto Callaspo. If they add Dunn, their lineup, once again, becomes a strength. They rank 10^th, 11^th, and 9^th in the slash mark categories. Losing Morales was a big blow to their lineup. They are 8.5 games out of the race, but they don’t seem to be giving up. If they are serious about competing, they have to add Dunn.

Closing Thoughts

Adam Dunn has produced at a consistent, difference-making rate for the past six seasons. He would make any team a legitimate contender. He would also help the Nationals continue their rebuilding effort. If Dunn is able to get to a legitimate contending team and get into the playoffs, he will finally get a stage to show what only few know. He is one of the premier power hitters in the game. Maybe everyone else will catch on.

While the Yankees may hold back Chamberlain from eighth inning duties for a while, they have wisely balked at trading him or sending him back to the Minor Leagues. He may need a mental break from the eighth inning, but he is the most important reliever in the Yankees bullpen who doesn’t wear number 42. Yet, he is rumored in every trade and ridiculed in every publication.

But, Brian Cashman knows better. The Yankees are better for that and, most importantly, they will be better for it. That’s not to say that Chamberlain won’t be traded. He won’t be included in a deal in which he is merely a throw in player. He will be the prize prospect in any deal he might be included in. Despite all of the jokes, all the snarky remarks, and the cries for banishment, Brian Cashman knows a basic principle when it comes to pitching. You never give up on a pitcher with plus stuff even if that stuff isn’t getting the results for the moment. You don’t give up on that plus-stuff pitcher when he has been successful in the Major Leagues in any role he has been put in.

The Unlucky Disaster

2010 has been a terrible year from Joba Chamberlain. Actually, his terrible year started last August when the Yankees began an equally terrible plan of limiting his innings by only let him pitch one or two innings at a clip. This plan came after Chamberlain’s best string of starts, when he posted a 3-0 record with a 2.73 ERA in 5 starts. But, he wilted with his inability to adjust to the Yankees’ plan. After losing the Spring Training battle with Phil Hughes for the rotation spot, Chamberlain was sent back to the bullpen to be Mariano Rivera’s main setup man. So, in a span of three seasons, Chamberlain was a reliever, then a starter who stretched out at the Major League level, a regular starter, a regulated starter, and then a reliever again. While his ever-changing role isn’t an excuse of his inconsistency, no pitcher has been put through as many role changes and development methods than Chamberlain. The Yankees are a smart organization, but even they have somewhat admitted their folly as evidenced by their handling of Phil Hughes this season.

Expectations were high for 2010 as Chamberlain was returning to the role in which he dominated in during the 2007 and the beginning of 2008. But, it hasn’t turned out that way. In his 43 appearances, Chamberlain is 1-4 with the aforementioned 5.95 ERA. In 42.1 innings, he has allowed an alarming 51 hits, 28 runs, 17 walks, and 47 strikeouts. On the surface, it looks like Chamberlain has joined the list of overhyped prospects who failed to meet expectations. He is just another victim of New York advanced hype and a pitcher who put together a dominant 19 game stretch as a rookie. Surely, he is a fat, babied pitcher who should be dumped.

But, a look beyond the surface shows a far different pitcher. It shows a pitcher with plus stuff who has been a bit inconsistent, but has been far better than the results indicate.

One of the first things that leaps off of Chamberlain’s stat page is his BABIP. For his career, it stands at .330, an above average mark. But, this season it is an abnormally high and unsustainable .399. The concept of luck is a hard sell to most detractors, but Chamberlain has been legitimately unlucky this season. The proof would be in his other numbers. He is averaging 10 strikeouts per nine innings. He averaged 10.6 K/9 in 2008, a season in which he made most of his appearances out of the bullpen. He is allowing just 0.6 HR/9 innings. His 3.6 BB/9 rate is the same as his first two seasons out of the bullpen and almost one batter less than last season. His 1.49 groundball to flyball ratio is the second best mark of his career. His FIP (Fielder Independent Pitching) is 3.01, which suggests he is pitching far better than his ERA would lead you to believe.

Most importantly, his stuff is still there. He is averaging 94.4 MPH with his fastball, inline with his 95 MPH average two seasons ago. He is actually throwing his slider and curveball a bit harder this season (which may be one of the sources for his trouble). And, most importantly, that stuff still translates to missing bats. After eliciting swings and misses just 9.5 percent of all pitches thrown in the strike zone last season, he is back to averaging a 13.5 percent swing and miss rate.

The stuff is there; Joba Chamberlain is still able to dominate hitters. His stuff is still good enough to be a dominant reliever (and starter if given the chance). He hasn’t lost anything, which makes his terrible season even more mystifying.

You Don’t Give Up Too Soon

There are various theories why Joba Chamberlain’s stuff hasn’t translated into long-term success. Some do have merit while others are purely speculative. Some say that he doesn’t have the head to be consistent, that he is more Nuke than Goose. Some believe he has been coddled too much by the Yankees in an effort to protect his arm. The belief is that Chamberlain never got to pitch enough to learn his craft. Others believe that he is just overrated. All of the above may apply, but the most likely scenario involves three factors. First, this is the first season that he is pitching without restrictions. He had the infamous “Joba Rules” since the day he walked into Joe Torre’s clubhouse. This season, he is a regular reliever. All of the mental stress associated with his innings limits had to impact his focus. The most important factor was that his unreal start to his career amped expectations to an unreachable height. Only the special ones like Stephen Strasburg can immediately reach greatness. Chamberlain has the chance to be an above average pitcher, but his start misled most to expect a Hall of Famer in year two. Few remember that Goose Gossage compiled an 11-11 record with a 4.93 ERA in his first 95 appearances. Once he showed that he was human, the tide started to turn against him as if Chamberlain asked for the immediate hype.

The most important cause for his inconsistency has been the Yankees’ inconsistency. An organization can protect arms with pitch counts and innings limits, but it must be consistent in the role it gives a pitcher. Preparing to start is a far different process than a reliever. Chamberlain, an emotional pitcher, has had to go through both. Unfortunately, he had to go throw this at a young age as a raw young player. It is quite similar to Brandon Morrow’s career path, one that saw him become the Mariners’ closer of the future or potential co-ace of the rotation.

The Mariners shuttled Morrow back and forth between both roles. He showed promise as a reliever at ages 22 and 23. The Mariners decided to make him a starter again in 2009. He started 10 games, developed an injury, and was shuttled back to the bullpen. While his ERA was elevated, his secondary statistics were quite good. Heading into this season, Morrow was 8-12 with a 3.96 ERA. He averaged 7.4 H/9, 1 HR/9, 5.8 BB/9, and 9.3 K/9. With the exception of the ERA and walks, Morrow was doing an excellent job. But, he was the Seattle version of Joba Chamberlain. He was expected to be an instant savior in the multiple roles that the Mariners put him in. This season, Morrow is a Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher. The Mariners gave up on him and traded him for Brandon League, the definition of a run of the mill middle reliever. The Mariners lost patience and may be regretting that right now.

He is pitching well without the scrutiny and with one specific job. In 20 starts, he is 7-6 with a 4.63 ERA and a 1.43 WHIP. In 20 starts, the 26-year-old right-hander has pitched 113 innings. He has allowed 109 hits, 53 walks, and 125 strikeouts. His 9.9 K/9 average is the best among AL starters.

What does Brandon Morrow have to do with Joba Chamberlain? Well, everything. Morrow has been allowed to struggle as he finds his way to some sort of consistency. He still walks way too many people, but now that he has one role, his stuff is getting him through. He has been allowed the chance to develop in Toronto. His every pitch isn’t scrutinized as if it will be the last pitch he will throw in the Major Leagues. Toronto has given him a place to actually just pitch and develop. Chamberlain has never had that and won’t because of the market he plays in and how he has been handled so far.

Closing Thoughts

Not every pitcher becomes an instant star. We all thought Joba Chamberlain would be that guy. We were wrong; that’s on us. He is a talented pitcher who hasn’t had a defined role since the day he walked into the Major Leagues. He was handed cult hero status in New York and treated as if he were Mariano Rivera. But, there is only one Mariano Rivera. Nobody is as efficient at his craft as Rivera. Yet, media and fans heaped that praise and expectations on a 21-year-old kid who pitched 19 stellar games. Once it became apparent that the kid may have to learn some things and that he wouldn’t be an instant star, he became a joke and a disappointment.

Not many pitchers can make the immediate jump to stardom, especially when they are rushed to the Major Leagues, given several different roles, and handled poorly. It is definitely becoming time for Chamberlain to find consistency. His stuff does need to translate to more success. However, he is just 24 years old and is in the first year of being a late inning reliever. He still has time to be that star everyone envisioned. Brian Cashman won’t make the same mistake Jack Zduriencik made with Brandon Morrow. He won’t just give away a young, hard throwing pitcher for a middle reliever. Cashman knows that Chamberlain is learning how to pitch and succeed in a Major League late inning reliever role.

He may no longer be the Golden Boy as evidenced by Girardi’s bullpen use last night. But, that may be the best thing that could happen to Chamberlain. He is still the most important middle reliever on the staff. Getting a break to find your way isn’t uncommon. Chamberlain can look to the guy who came in during the eighth inning for that proof. David Robertson couldn’t get anyone out earlier this season as has spent the past two months in a mop up role. Now, he has worked his way back to eighth inning duties, giving every shortsighted critic the opportunity to say he can replace Chamberlain. Robertson was allowed to work his way through and he has found his way through. Why? Talent usually shines through. Given Chamberlain’s arsenal, his past, and his experience, one can reasonably assume he will too. Talent usually wins. Hopefully, the Yankees allow that talent to show itself for them and not for another organization. He is simply too young to give up on.

Willie Bloomquist doubled to right center with one out. He advanced to third on a balk. Sabathia came back to strikeout Scott Podsednik with a pitch in the dirt. Jorge Posada inexplicably tried to pick off Bloomquist at third base rather than get the out at first. He threw it away, allowing Bloomquist to score and Podsednik to move to second.

Simply, there is no situation where Posada’s actions are correct. Bloomquist wasn’t going anywhere. Posada needed to get the second out of the inning. Posada cost Sabathia more pitches and could’ve cost his team a victory. Against a better team, he would have. It was a terrible play, physically and mentally, and one a defensively limited catcher cannot afford to make.

Then, Joe Girardi got involved. After striking out Mike Aviles, Girardi ordered Sabathia to intentionally walk Jason Kendall, he of the 78 OPS+. The move “worked” as Sabathia struck out Rick Ankiel. Although the Yankees got a positive result, it doesn’t mean that Girardi’s move was correct. Kendall is not a power threat; his walk total and OBP have lowered for three consecutive seasons. Girardi was simply playing the matchups to have his southpaw face a left-hander.

Putting on another baserunner is risky. It may have worked out this time, but it won’t the next time. Walking a batter who has a .292 OBP and .250 slugging percentage isn’t correct despite the matchups. Intentional walks should only be reserved for setting up a force out in a desperate situation or bypassing Albert Pujols. It is not meant as an option for Jason Kendall, even if it did “work”.

Bizarre.

Last week, Escobar was traded from the Atlanta Braves to the Toronto Blue Jays for 33-year-old shortstop Alex Gonzalez and two Minor Leaguers. The word out of Atlanta was that Bobby Cox had grown frustrated with Escobar’s lackadaisical and sometimes lazy play.

No player should get a free pass for being lazy; the game should be played the right way in every situation. But, the Braves essentially gave away a talented starting shortstop for the next eight years for a short-term player and a “maybe” valuable reliever. Escobar’s talents have never been doubted, even during his mystifyingly terrible 75 games in Atlanta that produced 0 homeruns and just 19 RBI.

Escobar’s sudden demise in Atlanta is reminiscent of another promising middle infielder who struggled and was on bad terms with his team because of his work ethic and lackadaisical play.

In 2008, a 25-year-old Robinson Cano disappointed with a .271/.305/.410 season with just 14 homeruns and 72 RBI. He seemed to take plays off and seemingly never hustled. He was placed into every trade rumor despite the fact that he had posted two stellar seasons in 2006 and 2007. He was all but gone from the Yankees as a never-will-be, waste of talent player who let his gifts waste away because of his attitude.

The Yankees didn’t trade him and Cano has validated their belief over the past two seasons, evolving into their best, most complete hitter. Yunel Escobar doesn’t have Cano’s talent, but one can’t help but think that the 2010 Braves made the mistake that the 2008 Yankees did not.

This is usually a situation where the Manager will bring in his long man because of the long road ahead. Girardi made a different decision; he brought in one of his late inning relievers, David Robertson. Robertson walked Kelly Shoppach (charged to Pettitte) and then proceeded to get the last two outs. The Yankees tied the score in the bottom of the third, eventually winning 9-5.

While nothing is for sure, Girardi’s decision was certainly the key moment in the game. It is a decision that isn’t often made. In a February 2009 article, Rick Peterson, now the Pitching Coach for the Milwaukee Brewers, explained the proper use of the bullpen during these types of situations. “So, if your starter gets knocked out early, you should bring in one of your 6^th or 7^th inning guys. One of them is going to have to pitch anyway; your long man doesn’t usually finish the game. You get two good innings out of one of your better relievers, which allows time for your offense to come back.”

Peterson’s belief was validated on Sunday as Girardi used his 7^th inning reliever much to get out of that inning and then pitch a scoreless fourth inning. Maybe Boone Logan or Chan Ho Park would’ve had the same results, but Logan did give up a run later in the game and Park hasn’t demonstrated that ability all season. Girardi gets criticized for his bullpen management, but yesterday his bullpen usage, atypical for most managers, won the Yankees a game.

CHICAGO – Chicago White Sox pitcher Jake Peavy underwent successful surgery this afternoon at Rush University Medical Center to repair a detached latissimus dorsi muscle in his right posterior shoulder.

The surgery, which revealed a clean avulsion of the tendon off the bone with little or no muscle damage, was performed by a team of surgeons from Midwest Orthopedics, led by Dr. Tony Romeo and Dr. Greg Nicholson and assisted by Dr. Charles-Bush Joseph.

“Surgery could not have gone any better. We were very pleased with the results and are hopeful that Jake will be ready by the start of Spring Training 2011.”

Steinbrenner Family Statement

“We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks for the many kind words of condolence. We have been deeply moved by the generous outpouring of love and affection for George.”

The family will hold a private funeral service.

A public memorial will be planned, and details will be announced next week.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to any of the following charities:

The Silver Shield Foundation
866 United Nations Plaza, Suite 307
New York, NY 10017
(212) 832-1100

Special Operation Warrior Foundation
P.O. Box 13483
Tampa, FL 33681-3483
(813) 805-9400

The Gold Shield Foundation of Tampa
P.O. Box 271791
Tampa, FL 33688-1791
(813) 969-0417

Boys and Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay
1307 North MacDill Avenue
Tampa, FL 33607
(813)769-7523

In support of Bronx based Boys and Girls Clubs
Boys and Girls Club of America (Northeast)
5 Hanover Square, 3rd Floor
New York, NY 10004-2657
(212) 377-6405

Mariners Promote Three to Triple-A

SEATTLE, Wash. — Seattle Mariners Executive Vice President & General Manager of Baseball Operations Jack Zduriencik announced today that the Mariners have made the following 40-man roster moves.

• INF Dustin Ackley has option transferred from AA West Tennessee to AAA Tacoma.
• LHP Edward Paredes has option transferred from AA West Tennessee to AAA Tacoma.
• RHP Anthony Varvaro has option transferred from AA West Tennessee to AAA Tacoma.

Ackley, 22, hit .263 (76×289) with 42 runs scored, 21 doubles, 4 triples, 2 home runs and 28 RBI in 82 games with West Tennessee. He is currently second the Diamond Jaxx roster with 21 doubles, while ranking tied for 10th in the Southern League. Since May 12, Ackley is batting .305 (57×187) in 54 games to raise his season average from .186 to .263. He is rated by Baseball America as the 11th overall prospect in the Minor Leagues.

Ackley, who was recently named to the College World Series Legends Team, was the Mariners first round selection (2nd overall) in the 2009 June draft. He made his professional debut for the Peoria Javelinas in the Arizona Fall League in 2009, batting .315 (23×73) with 13 runs scored, 5 doubles, 1 home run and 12 RBI in 20 games.

Paredes, 23, was 2-1 with 3 saves and a 3.63 ERA (14 ER, 34.2 IP) in 26 relief appearances with West Tennessee. This season he has limited opponents a .255 (35×137) batting average, while walking 16 and striking out 35 in 34.2 innings. Paredes has tossed over 1.0 innings in 15 of his 26 games, including a season-high 2.1 innings twice.

In six minor league seasons, Paredes is 31-26 with 21 saves and a 4.09 ERA (179 ER, 393.0 IP) in 151 games, 46 starts. He was originally signed as a non-draft free agent on May 12, 2005.

Varvaro, 25, was 1-3 with 9 saves and a 3.20 ERA (14 ER, 39.1 IP) in a team-high 31 relief appearances with West Tennessee. In 39.1 innings, he has allowed 27 hits, while walking 21 and striking out 46. Varvaro has limited opponents to a .194 (27×139) average, including a .096 (5×52) clip vs. lefties. He leads the team in saves, while going 9-for-10 in save opportunities. He was recently selected to his second consecutive Southern League All-Star team and allowed 2 runs on 1 hit in 1.0 inning on Monday night (1.0,1,2,2,0,1,HR).

Varvaro was originally the Mariners 12th round selection in the 2005 June draft out of St. Johns University. In five minor league seasons, he is 12-28 with 22 saves and a 5.10 ERA (190 ER, 338.2 IP) in 132 games, 48 starts.

Padres Claim Quintin Berry

SAN DIEGO, Calif. – The San Diego Padres announced today that they have claimed outfielder Quintin Berry off waivers from the Philadelphia Phillies and optioned him to Double-A San Antonio. Executive Vice President/General Manager Jed Hoyer made the announcement.

Berry, 25, has appeared in 66 games for Double-A Reading this year in the Phillies organization. He hit .210 (50-for-238) with 10 doubles, two triples, two home runs, 25 RBI, 35 runs scored and 23 stolen bases. A graduate of Morse High School and former San Diego State Aztec, Berry has hit .267 (524-for-1962) with 72 doubles, 11 triples, 13 home runs, 153 RBI, 307 runs scored and 196 stolen bases in 523 career minor league games. He was originally signed by the Phillies as a fifth-round selection in the 2006 First-Year Player Draft

“On behalf of Baseball, I am very saddened by the passing this morning of George Steinbrenner. George was a giant of the game and his devotion to baseball was surpassed only by his devotion to his family and his beloved New York Yankees. He was and always will be as much of a New York Yankee as Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Joe DiMaggio, Mickey Mantle, Yogi Berra, Whitey Ford and all of the other Yankee legends.

I have known George ever since he entered the game in 1972. He was my dear friend for nearly four decades. Although we would have disagreements over the years, they never interfered with our friendship and commitment to each other. Our friendship was built on loyalty and trust and it never wavered. We were allies and friends in the truest sense of the words.

My wife, Sue, and I pass on our deepest sympathies to the Steinbrenner family, to the New York Yankees and to all of his friends. We will miss him, especially tonight when the baseball family will be gathered at Angel Stadium for the All-Star Game.”

“It is with profound sadness that the family of George M. Steinbrenner III announces his passing. He passed away this morning in Tampa, Fla., at age 80.

“He was an incredible and charitable man. First and foremost he was devoted to his entire family – his beloved wife, Joan; his sisters, Susan Norpell and Judy Kamm, his children, Hank, Jennifer, Jessica and Hal; and all of his grandchildren.

“He was a visionary and a giant in the world of sports. He took a great but struggling franchise and turned it into a champion again.”

Mr. Steinbrenner recently celebrated his 80th birthday on July 4.

Funeral arrangements will be private. There will be an additional public service with details to be announced at a later date.