Over the weekend, the Orioles rejected the Mets' trade offer of outfield prospect Carlos Gomez, reliever Aaron Heilman and pitching prospect Philip Humber for Erik Bedard, according to the Baltimore Sun.

The Sun reports that Bedard has attracted a lot of attention in a trade market that also includes Johan Santana. But it remains unknown whether the Orioles will trade him and, according to a team source, several members of the organization remain opposed to parting with Bedard, who is two years away from free agency.

The Los Angeles Angels, Arizona Diamondbacks, Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees and Seattle Mariners are among other teams that have expressed interest in the star lefty.The Yankees apparently view Bedard as a backup plan if they do not land Johan Santana, but its unlikely the Orioles would trade him within the division. One Orioles sportswriter suggested that Bedard could cost the Yankees Joba Chamberlain, Phil Hughes, and Melky Cabrera.

The Orioles seem to prefer to retain their ace if a contract extension can be reached. However, with contract negotiations reportedly stalled, a trade is looking more and more likely. Orioles President Andy MacPhail told the Baltimore Sun last week that stalled contract talks won't "dramatically" affect the club's position on Bedard, and that talks could revive in the days ahead.

Bedard could be the solution to the Mets' starting pitching woes, but what would the price be? Apparently Bedard is not going to be cheap, and the Mets must be careful not to sell their whole future to land one player. Read More...

Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore Sun reports that the Orioles have traded ex-Met Steve Trachsel to the Cubs for two prospects.

The Orioles today traded veteran right-hander Steve Trachsel to the Chicago Cubs for Triple-A reliever Rocky Cherry and Triple-A third baseman Scott Moore.

Cherry, a 28-year-old right-hander, was 2-0 with a 4.59 ERA and seven saves in 43 games for Triple-A Iowa. He also made 12 relief appearances for the Cubs, going 1-1 with a 3.00 ERA.

Moore, 23, batted .265 with 19 home runs and 69 RBIs for Iowa. He appeared in two games for the Cubs and went hitless in five plate appearances. He played 16 games for the Cubs last season, hitting .263 with two homers and five RBIs.

Baseball America named Moore, the eighth overall pick by the Detroit Tigers in the 2002 draft, the Cubs' seventh best prospect after last season.

Both players are expected to join the Orioles in Boston when rosters expand tomorrow.

Trachsel, who the Orioles signed just days before spring training when they learned that Kris Benson would likely need shoulder surgery and miss the entire season, went 6-8 with a 4.48 ERA in 20 starts for the Orioles.

He allowed three earned runs or less in 17 of 25 starts and was especially good in August, going 1-1 with a 2.37 ERA. Today marks the last day for teams to acquire players that are eligible for the playoff roster.

This is a great trade for Trachsel, he moves from the bottom of the AL East to the thick of the NL Central. Trachsel figures to be a big part of the Cubs' playoff chase. The Orioles also benefit by unloading an aging pitcher who does not factor into their 2008 plans. In exchange they acquire a reliever (Cherry) who could help reshape their horrible bullpen and some infield depth (Moore).

Phillies closer Brett Myers allowed the final two runs to score on two solo home runs last night in a 4-3 loss to the Padres. But he was only getting warmed up. In the clubhouse after the game, he got into an argument with Philadelphia Inquirer reporter Sam Carchidi which nearly came to blows.

Apparently it all started with Carchidi questioning Myers' characterization of what happened during the game. Carchidi didn't like how lightly Myers took the blown save. Myers took offense and they started jawing at each other. Carchidi had to be restrained by Shane Victorino and Antonio Alfonseca while Pat Burrell wrestled Myers into a back room.

Excerpt of the argument from Bugs & Cranks:

Sam Carchidi: “You thought they both were popups?”

Brett Myers: “Yeah, didn’t you? You think they crushed ‘em?”

SC: “The first one I thought was out, the second one no.”

BM: “Yeah, cause you’re a retard, you don’t know s*** about f****** baseball. You’re filling in for somebody.”

SC: “How do you spell ‘retard’?”

BM: “You know how to spell it, it’s in your f****** vocabulary, I’m sure you know.”

SC: “You are classy, I’ll tell ya.”

BM: “Go on. [Get] outta here, you f****** idiot.”

SC: [pointing at Brett Myers] “You’re the f****** idiot.”

BM: “Hey! You pointin’ at me m*****f*****?! I’ll tell you what, dude, I’ll knock you m*****f****** out! F*** YOU!!! You’re tough when f****** people are standing in front of you, aren’t you, you piece of s***! Come on! You f****** idiot. Yeah, you’re tough when f****** people are standing in front of you, you stupid a**.”

SC: “I’m a retard?”

BM: “Yeah, that’s right, YOU ARE, you’re a f****** idiot. You ask stupid a** f****** questions!”

Looks like Myers needs some more anger management classes. I guess the Phillies inability to catch up to the Mets is fraying tempers in Philly. You can find audio here.

From ESPN.....

Unable to reach agreement on a trade for Chad Cordero, the Mets and Nationals were said to be also talking to the Diamondbacks about a possible three-team deal. According to an official of one team that had spoken with those clubs, the Mets and Nationals ran into a hang-up over the Mets' refusal to include a second prospect in the trade. It's believed that the Mets were willing to trade highly regarded pitching prospect Phil Humber for Cordero, but when they were unable to agree on a second piece, the Nationals sought to expand the deal. However, the official said the Mets were adamant about making a one-for-one swap, so the chances of an expanded deal were described as unlikely.

...

The Gagne sweepstakes was down to the Red Sox and Brewers by Tuesday afternoon. The Yankees and Mets signaled that by turning their attention to other deals, according to executives from multiple teams. The Mets said no on any of their young outfieldes -- Carlos Gomez, Fernando Martinez and Lastings Milledge. Read More...

JEFF CONINE

The Chicago Tribune is reporting that the Mets and the Cubs are interested in the Reds' Jeff Conine, a professional pinch-hitter who can play both first base and the corner outfield spots.

Jeff Conine has a .368 average (7-for-19) as a pinch-hitter in Cincinnati and is hitting .303 since the All-Star break. The Cubs reportedly could get Conine for a mid-level prospect and he could back up Derrek Lee and spell Cliff Floyd in right at times. Since he makes only $2 million, whoever acquires Conine would only have to pay him about $600,000.

ERIC GAGNE

THe Milwaukee Journal-Sentinal is reporting that the Brewers have joined the Mets, Yankees, and Red Sox in bidding for Texas closer Eric Gagne. Milwaukee GM Doug Melvin would only say "no comment" Monday night when asked specifically about his interest in Gagne.

Gagne has a no-trade clause, which should work in favor of the Mets and other contending teams. However, Texas seems to be asking more than any of the potential suitors are willing to give up, and Gagne is reluctant to go anywhere that he won't remain a closer.

SAMMY SOSA

The New York Mets have spoken with the Texas Rangers about Sammy Sosa, who could platoon in right field with Shawn Green. But the Newark Star-Ledger reports that the Mets are wary of bringing him in because of the controversy that surrounds him. Read More...

The 78th Major League Baseball All Star game begins tonight at 8 p.m. ET (5 p.m. PT) in San Francisco and on televisions nationwide on FOX. I’m sure over the next 12 hours most of you will hear more than you ever wanted to know about San Francisco, AT&T Park, the All Star Game’s history, Barry Bonds in his home town, the American League’s 9 game winning streak in the Midsummer classic, Barry Bonds and the home run record, the Home Run Derby last night, Barry Bonds and Ken Griffey, what AL manager Jim Leyland had for breakfast, Barry Bonds and steroids, the winning league taking home (somewhat literally) home field advantage in the World Series this October, Barry Bonds and the San Fran Fans, and every last random thought (whether baseball related or not) in the minds of the broadcasters, players, former players, fans, and coaches.

But the All Star Game is most of all about the players it showcases, their individual accomplishments this year, and to a lesser extent their team’s accomplishments. Let’s ignore the arguments over who does and doesn’t deserve most to be on this team and to start this game, and look briefly at each of the players on your 2007 MLB All Star Team, and what they have accomplished in the last three-plus months.

First, the “visiting” American League team:

STARTING LINEUP

CF Ichiro Suzuki, Seattle Mariners (7th All Star Game)

SS Derek Jeter, New York Yankees (8th)

1B David Ortiz, Boston Red Sox (4th)

3B Alex Rodriguez, New York Yankees (11th)

RF Vladimir Guerrero, LA Angels of Anaheim (8th)

LF Magglio Ordonez, Detroit Tigers (6th)

C Ivan Rodriguez, Detroit Tigers (14th)

2B Placido Polanco, Detroit Tigers (1st)

P Dan Haren, Oakland Athletics (1st)

RESERVES

INFIELDERS

• Brian Roberts, BAL: 322 AVG, 27 SB, 111 H
• Mike Lowell, BOS: .300 AVG, 14 HR, 63 RBI
• Carlos Guillen, DET: .325 AVG, 92 H, 67 RBI
• Justin Morneau, MIN: .295 AVG, 24 HR, 74 RBI
• Michael Young, TEX: .288AVG, 22 2B, 50 RBI

• Manny Ramirez, BOS: .284 AVG, 11 HR, 45 RBI
• Grady Sizemore, CLE: .280 AVG, 73 R, 15 HR
• Torii Hunter, MIN: .301 AVG, 19 HR, 69 RBI
• Carl Crawford, TAB: .285 AVG, 23 SB, 51 RBI
• Alex Rios, TOR: .294 AVG, 17 HR, 53 RBI

• Victor Martinez, CLE: .324 AVG, 16 HR, 68 RBI
• Jorge Posada, NYY: .326 AVG, 25 2B, 48 RBI

• Josh Beckett, BOS: 12-2, 3.44 ERA, 92 SO
• Hideki Okajima, BOS: 2-0, 0.83 ERA, 4 S
• Jonathan Papelbon, BOS: 1.93 ERA, 20 S, 46 SO
• C.C. Sabathia, CLE: 12-3, 3.58 ERA, 119 SO
• Bobby Jenks, CWS: 3.28 ERA, 23 S
• Justin Verlander, DET: 10-3, 3.14 ERA, 97 SO
• Gil Meche, KC: 5-6, 3.44 ERA, 88 SO
• John Lackey, LAA: 11-5, 2.91 ERA, 98 SO
• Francisco Rodriguez, LAA: 2.33 ERA, 24 S, 53 SO
• Johan Santana, MIN: 10-6, 2.75 ERA, 125 SO
• J.J. Putz, SEA: 0.90 ERA, 24 S, 43 SO

And now, the “home” National League team:

STARTING LINEUP

SS Jose Reyes, New York Mets (2nd All Star Game)

LF Barry Bonds, San Francisco Giants (14th)

CF Carlos Beltran, New York Mets (4th)

RF Ken Griffey Jr, Cincinnati Reds (13th)

3B David Wright, New York Mets (2nd)

1B Prince Fielder, Milwaukee Brewers (1st)

C Russell Martin, Los Angeles Dodgers (1st)

2B Chase Utley, Philadelphia Phillies (2nd)

P Jake Peavy, San Diego Padres (2nd)

RESERVES

INFIELDERS

• Orlando Hudson, ARI: .296 AVG, 20 2B, 47 RBI
• Derrek Lee, CHC: .330 AVG, 102 H, 26 2B
• Miguel Cabrera, FLA: .324 AVG, 18 HR, 61 RBI
• J.J. Hardy, MIL: .280 AVG, 18 HR, 54 RBI
• Freddy Sanchez, PIT: .296 AVG, 96 H, 20 2B
• Albert Pujols, STL: .310 AVG, 16 HR, 52 RBI
• Dmitri Young, WAS: .339 AVG, 23 2B, 43 RBI

• Alfonso Soriano, CHC: .309 AVG, 60 R, 107 H
• Matt Holliday, COL: .341 AVG, 122 H, 69 RBI
• Carlos Lee, HOU: .297 AVG, 16 HR, 73 RBI
• Aaron Rowand, PHI: .310 AVG, 20 2B, 43 RBI

• Brian McCann, ATL: .262 AVG, 19 2B, 49 RBI

• Brandon Webb, ARI: 8-6, 3.37 ERA, 112 SO
• Jose Valverde, ARI: 2.83 ERA, 26 S, 38 SO
• Roy Oswalt, HOU: 8-5, 3.53 ERA, 94 SO
• Brad Penny, LAD: 10-1, 2.39 ERA, 82 SO
• Takashi Saito, LAD: 1.47 ERA, 23 S, 4 BB
• Francisco Cordero, MIL: 2.86 ERA, 27 S, 48 SO
• Ben Sheets, MIL: 10-4, 3.41 ERA, 87 SO
• Billy Wagner, NYM: 1.64 ERA, 17 S, 10 BB
• Cole Hamels, PHI: 10-4, 3.72 ERA, 124 SO
• Trevor Hoffman, SD: 1.91 ERA, 25 S, 6 BB
• Chris Young, SD: 8-3, 2.00 ERA, 99 SO

It is with great pleasure and pride that I am here to announce the beginning of the next chapter in the global mets history book, with the launch of the group’s blog on the group’s one-year anniversary of existence.

What started out as one person’s dream to bring other fans together in one place to share the common interest and love for the greatest sports team in the world has really become more than what I could have imagined. When I started the facebook group, I figured it would get a few members, but I never knew more of it would come. After fighting off a few other rival mets groups at the start, the group quickly grew to become the largest mets group on facebook. Not only has it become the largest mets group on facebook as it approaches 14,000 members, it also happens to be the largest and most active mets-related social networking group on the whole Internet. The group has become more than just a regular group, and has turned into a community where lifetime friendships have been made. It’s no joke that people in this group have gone to baseball games together, partied together, text message each other, and more on a daily basis.

With growth comes new opportunities and new ideas. Sure we have the facebook group, but why just limit ourselves to that? With so many great members from all age ranges, it only makes sense to do more. So here it is, globalnym’s official blog. We are more than just a regular blog; we are a blog representing some of the greatest and passionate fans in the world. Any one of our 14,000 members is more than welcome to be apart of this blog and contribute. This is what sets us apart from all other blogs out there and this is what will make this project a success.

Finally, I would personally would like to thank each and every one of you for making this possible. I can’t say it enough, but it’s the members who make globalnym what it is today and without each and everyone of you, the group would be nothing. Believe me when I say this, but this is only the beginning.
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