Teams getting very active as mid-season battles heat up

The Major League Baseball Trade Deadline isn't until July 31, but several teams are getting a head start on making moves.

After seeing early season trades that landed Ryan Freel in Chicago in exchange for Joey Gathwright, as well as a deal that put Nate McLouth in Atlanta, the past four days have seen plenty of action.

The Cardinals finally landed Mark DeRosa, something was heavily discussed among Cardinals fans and media. In exchange for the utilityman DeRosa the Indians receive relief pitcher Chris Perez and a player to be named later.

The Cardinals needed another strong bat to back up Pujols, as well as someone that could possibly be an everyday player at third base. However, DeRosa's versatility was the main thing that drew Tony La Russa to him. He can be used everyday and play pretty much anywhere on the field. With the injury to Troy Glaus and Khalil Greene's anxiety issues, this was a huge pickup. It also sends a message to the other teams in the Central that the Cardinals are making moves to stay atop the division.

DeRosa said he is excited to be in St. Louis and contend for a Championship.

The Pirates were very active today in making two deals. In the morning the Bucs moved Eric Hinske to the Yankees for two minor leaguers and in the afternoon they agreed to a deal that sent Nyjer Morgan and Sean Burnett to the Nationals for relief pitcher Joel Hanrahan and Lastings Milledge.

The Pirates welcome two guys who have struggled in the past and give up what many see is an up and coming young prospect in Nyjer Morgan. Milledge has struggled to find consistency with the Mets and most recently the Nationals.

I'm having trouble seeing what benefits the Pirates saw in either of these trades. Their fans cannot be happy. At this time last year, their outfield consisted of Jason Bay, Xavier Nady, and Nate McLouth, three dynamic players. It's no secret why they're a consistent cellar dweller in the Central.

Staying in the Central, the Brewers have shown interest in one time stud Brandon Backe, a guy who was just put on waivers after a very bad start to this season in Houston. Backe has really only had one good season in his career, and would not likely make much of an impact for the Brewers.

The Brewers have also expressed some interest in Braves pitcher Javier Vasquez. He is 5-7 on the year with a 3.04 ERA and stellar strikeout count of 125. Any team would be grateful to have his services.

Fantasy baseball a good way for fans to stay engaged

As a baseball fan, it’s a must every year that I join at least one, and
often multiple, fantasy baseball leagues.

It’s the ultimate hobby for any baseball guru, like myself. It helps me
stay more engaged throughout the long and tiring 162 game season.

However, the fact that it makes fans feel like a part of the game and sometimes even
like a real Major League manager are major reasons fans are becoming addicted to the game.

I’m in a league where our teams have 34 men rosters. It really offers a realistic sense of being a manager.

Fans can put together their own unique set of players, rules, and scoring categories, Teams can be comprised of players from every team in the league and managers compete for a championship in a league with friends, family members, colleagues, or even people from clear across the world.

Fans also have the option of adopting an actual teams roster and managing it. and compete for a championship in a league with friends, family members, colleagues, or even people from clear across the world.

There’s really no better way to follow baseball and learn a lot about
certain players, and have fun while doing it.