BEAST MODE

I have no idea what this picture is but I like it

Hello sportsfriends.  Who you got in the Derby?  I know it’s impossible to ever root against Albert Pujols in any way shape or form but I’m going to go with Ryan Howard.  Howard’s numbers have been backsliding for the past three-plus years but the one thing he DOES still do is put balls over the fence.  In case you missed the rain slogged Futures Game last night you should know Saint Louis is looking a little damp so it’s possible we’ll see a few balls die on the warning track from guys like Inge or Mauer so Howard’s balls will only go 2nd deck instead of out of the stadium entirely.  For what it’s worth here’s me and GS’ $1 picks:
Snide: Pujols
BG: Howard/Pena
Snide: Mauer
The whole “this guy got snubbed from the All-Star Game” thing is a boring argument but nevertheless Hudson getting voted in over Chase Utley and Shane Victorino (and Jason Werth) getting last second nods over Matt Kemp is a disgrace.  Well, the Hudson thing is a disgrace, the Kemp oversight is just lousy management thanks to Charlie Manuel.  G Slim and I had a protracted back and forth the other day about a hypothetical Matt Kemp for Roy Halladay swap (GS being the biggest Halladay supporter outside of Toronto) which I was vehemently opposed to (a straight up swap is a different story but from reports Toronto would want at least 3 Major League ready players).  Here’s a quick breakdown of the pros/cons:

Pro Trade:
The Dodgers are going to the post season with the same staff that got bounced last year (the same top three at least) and Halladay puts them over the top.  Juan Pierre can fill in in CF and the Dodgers become favorites to win the NL.  Of the four teams currently leading the races and Wild Card (LA, SF, STL, PHI) the Dodgers have arguably the least depth at SP, possibly tied with Philly but the Giants and Cards are significantly ahead.  How terrifying is the prospect of facing Lincecum and Cain twice each in a seven game series?  Throw in one good outing from Randy Johnson and you’re in serious, serious trouble.

Anti Trade:
Pierre in Center and Manny in Left?  Who is going to catch these balls hit to the left of second?  You think Pierre is making this play?  If Halladay guarantees you the NL then sure, let’s get it done but weren’t the Dodgers favorites going into the NLCS last year too?  If you’re going to do anything how about a trade for an Erik Bedard type who offers ace upside but would come at a fraction of the cost of Halladay?  Kemp is a five-tool freak of an athlete who has gotten by on raw athleticism and is just scratching at the surface of his offensive potential.  Don’t get me wrong I’d love to see Roy in Dodger blue and if there’s a way they can turn Ethier, MacDonald and a prospect into Halladay I’m all for it but I don’t see the Jays jumping at that offer.  Say the Jays want to throw in Alex Rios (who I hate but whatever) and the Dodgers throw in James MacDonald though…now that’s something I can get on board with.

If I’m Ned Colletti I am burning up the phones to Toronto and everybody not named Manny, Matt, or Chad is on the table (yes, I’d trade Kershaw for two potential post seasons of Halladay) and then I’d pencil in Matt Kemp’s name in CF for the next 5 years.  And then I’d tell Joe Torre to move him up in the lineup for the love of Buddha.