The Clock Is Ticking

We're now in the final hours before the 4 PM trading deadline, and the Red Sox haven't made any big moves. They did Joel Pineiro, as well as the team, a favor by trading him and some cash to the St. Louis Cardinals for a player to be named later. Addition by subtraction, and I would have taken a couple of broken bats for him right now. (And to think, the Sox were actually considering this guy for the closer role early in the spring. Thank God they came to their senses about that one.)

The Yankees traded Scott Proctor to the Dodgers for infielder Wilson Betemit today. Very curious deal. I've heard the Yankees got him in case Alex Rodriguez walks away after this season. (If that's true, the Yankees are in real trouble.) Betemit's a good utility player, and helps the Yankees' bench, but that's not the most glaring need they have right now. And they really want to move Kyle Farnsworth, who's deep in Joe Torre's doghouse. I hear they are bringing up rookie Joba Chamberlain for their bullpen, but if they move Proctor, and want to rid themselves of Farnsworth, they must be looking at another vet to put out there.

The Mets made a nice deal in getting Luis Castillo for second base from Minnesota. Good stick, good glove, speed, he'll help steady the Mets 2B problems. It will be interesting to see if they can land a veteran starter or bullpen help. Rumors about Eric Gagne have been getting louder, but they don't want to part with rookie OF Carlos Gomez.

Still nothing on the Jermaine Dye-to-the Red Sox rumors. The Sox don't want to part with either Manny Delcarmen or young pitching prospect Justin Masterson, who would be packaged with Wily Mo Pena. Stay tuned. ESPN will have coverage up until the moment the deadline comes and goes.

I will also have a new countdown clock up at 4 PM. It will be the countdown to the next Red Sox-Yankees series, which happens August 28.