MLB Notes

I saw that the Pirates traded Nate McClouth to the Atlanta Braves today for Charlie Morton a right handed pitcher, Jeff Locke a left handed pitcher and Gorkys Hernandez a outfielder. This is an interesting trade because it happend a month plus ahead of the trade deadline. This is a significant upgrade for the Braves in centerfield and puts the Mets and Phillies on notice that the Braves think they can contend this year. The Braves also realeased Tom Glavine. The Red Sox won today to move into a first place tie with the Yankees with Josh Beckett pitching into the 7th inning with a no hitter. Kevin Youkilis left thgh the game with a ankle injury though that will be worth monitoring. I wonder if there will be more trades made ahead of the deadline now that there was already a big deal. I am sure guys like Nick Johnson some relievers like Heath Bell etc will be on the block.