Cardinals, Blue Jays Talk Swap

According to Ken Rosenthal at FOXSports.com, the Cardinals are closing in on a deal that would send Scott Rolen to the Blue Jays for Troy Glaus. Both players have grown unhappy with their clubs over the past couple of years, and should benefit from a change of scenery. Rolen, who is coming off shoulder surgery, is still feuding with manager Tony La Russa while Glaus, who is coming off foot surgery, will benefit from a change to natural grass. The Commissioners Office will have to approve the trade because more than a million dollars is involved, and then both players will have to pass physicals, so this deal really isn't a sure deal just yet.

A's, Braves Have Agreement: The Braves and A's have reached an agreement that would send Mark Kotsay to the Braves for Joey Devine. The A's will pay about 5.25 million dollars of his 7.35 '08 contract. I think this a good deal for the A's, who make room for several outfield prospects they acquired. They also acquire a pretty solid pitcher, who was 1-0 with a 1.08 ERA with 7 K in 10 games. Devine, 24, pitched in three minor league seasons going 9-8 with a 2.73 ERA. The Athletics addressed a major issue in this trade and that is the bullpen, I think it is a solid pickup for the Athletics. If Mark Kotsay can come back strong, it might be a good trade because than they can let him go and have Jordon Schafer take over in 2009, so we will see.