Daily Dose: Monday

Houston Wants Buchholz
According to Boston.com, the Houston Astros are interested in landing Clay Buchholz in a deal for Brad Lidge, this of course makes me wonder what is in the water down there in Houston cause I don't see how a reliever who can't close games anymore can be worth Buchholz...and I'm guessing Buchholz is only the beginning of what Houston wants.

ESPN Banned From Ballpark
ESPN will not be allowed to broadcast from inside the stadium this week during the All Star events except for a one hour show prior to the home run derby in which they are broadcasting. Why? Because ESPN released the All Star rosters before the TBS announcement show was finalized.

I must go with ESPN here, fans had already waited two hours past the time the show was to air because TBS was broadcasting a Braves game that first had a rain delay and then went to extra innings, sorry MLB, fans before all else.

More Buchholz
Clay Buchholz was promoted to AAA after the Sea Dogs game Monday afternoon. His replacement at AA? Justin Masterson who pitched 6.2 no-hit innings before the bullpen took over. The no-hitter ended with two out in the ninth when Fisher cats player Lyle Overbay, on rehab from Toronto hit a single.

Manny Being Manny: Take 1,964
Manny apparently is AWOL in San Francisco. He failed to show up at the team press conference, but David Ortiz insists he's in town, they traveled from Detroit together.

Mid-Season Awards
American League MVP: Gary Sheffield
National League MVP: Prince Fielder
American League Cy Young: Josh Beckett
National League Cy Young: Chris Young
American League Rookie: Dustin Pedroia/Daisuke Matsuzaka/Hideki Okajima (I couldn't justify any of the three over the other two.)
National League Rookie: Hunter Pence
American League Manager: Mike Hargrove
National League Manager: Bud Black