The AL west offers some unusual excitement this season as the Rangers and the Angels look to be the two top contenders heading into the second half. Seattle and Oakland will prepare for the future. Here are some trade possibilities for the AL West.fakeFCKRemove

As baseball races to the trade deadline there's lots to watch with hot and cold fantasy players.  Here's a look at some recent trends.

As of this hour, Mark Berman of Houston's Fox 26 is reporting that the Phillies have a deal in place for Roy Oswalt and are awaiting his waiving his no-trade clause. This report has not, as yet, been confirmed and we have to remind everyone that Oswalt's agreeing to waive the no-trade is a MAJOR piece if indeed it has not been resolved.

It was a little creepy. I was enjoying wine with a friend after work. We exchanged silly stories that seemed to get more and more ridiculous the longer we talked. Laughter and wine ensued. At some point, I briefly mentioned my plummeting fantasy team, which is not at all funny. I’m sure for a moment, I had the look of despair and disgust.

Here is my latest USA Today column on Matt Kemp.

With the trade deadline approaching keep your eyes on the prize – especially in “only” leagues where a big-ticket player may be added to your league. In the meantime, let’s talk two-start non-stud pitchers for the upcoming week:

The following players shouldn’t necessarily be moved or traded for but are mentioned because they are performing above or below their career norms. Each player is owned in at least 50 percent of ESPN leagues.   

Baseball's trade deadline looms but key injuries are quickly changing the landscape.  Here are some  surprises for the past week.

The San Diego Padres have pleasantly surprised the baseball world during the first half of the 2010 season.  Currently they stand atop the NL West by three games with a National League best 57-39 record.  Their success hangs upon their team leading pitching staff (3.79 team xFIP) and defense (36.2 team UZR).  The Padres style of play certainly conforms well to the cavernous confines of Petco Field.

Every so often in the sports industry, do you encounter a genuine person who is trying to making a difference without a hidden agenda. Bob Salomon is one such individual. Over the past month, I have gotten to know Bob and truly what he is about. His book, “A Glove of Their Own” is truly a treasure as reflected in the below article by Diane M. Grassi that we recently featured in Premier Players Magazine. Enjoy!