Phillies, Blue Jays Looking at Plan B re Halladay

Both the Phillies and the Blue Jays are looking at their other options vis a vis Roy Halladay, according to many reports. Although it woul benefit both teamms to do a deal, apparently the Phillies have determined that the asking price is too much. In response, the Phillies are eyeing a deal for Cliff Lee of the Indians, and the Blue Jays may be in talks with the Yankees...stay tuned...Friday is the trading deadline...

Red Sox Cut SS Julio Lugo

Because of Nick Green's emergence from non-roster invitee to key contributor, and Jed Lowrie's imminent return, the Red Sox essentially didn't have a spot for SS Julio Lugo.

The Red Sox now have 10 days to either trade Lugo, release him or re-assign him.

The Red Sox have sought a potential trade partner for Lugo, though they'd likely be on the hook for the most -- if not all -- of the $13.5 million the shortstop is owed through the end of 2010.

Phillies sign Pedro Martinez to One Year Deal

The Phillies, somewhat desperate for starting pitching in their run for the defense of their world title, signed three time Cy Young Award pitcher Pedro Martinez to a one year deal worth $1 million guaranteed, plus $1.5 million in incentives.