Trade Winds

- Only 5 more days until the July 31 trade deadline. Read yesterday's blog concerning trade possibilities for Teixeira. Here's some more good stuff from Jayson Stark, ESPN.com:

THE HOT 10

1. Mark Teixeira, Rangers 1B
MARKET REPORT
Maybe Teixeira will have to call a moving van between now and next week. Maybe he won't. But whether he gets traded or not, at this point Teixeira's situation might be the only ring in this whole trade-deadline circus that's worth watching. He's a 27-year-old switch-hitting bomber. He plays Gold Glove defense. And his GM (Jon Daniels) keeps telling other teams that Teixeira is going to the Hall of Fame some day. So "of all the guys out there [on the market]," said one scout who watched Teixeira recently, "this guy is the only real difference-maker." But beware of reports that the Yankees, Dodgers, Red Sox and Giants are all over him. The consensus of clubs we've surveyed is that the only teams that are seriously contemplating paying Texas' Neiman Marcus sticker price are the Braves and Angels. And just the Braves appear prepared to do what it would take to make this blockbuster happen. What it would take is the inclusion of rising star Jarrod Saltalamacchia. And that, according to one baseball man who has been in touch with both sides, is a decision that is "still being debated" in Atlanta. "It's not a given. But it's not impossible. In fact, it's probable." But we're hearing that for the Braves to include Saltalamacchia, they would want more back than just Teixeira. There are rumblings they are also trying to pry loose highly regarded left-handed reliever C.J. Wilson, and Texas is balking at that. But indications are that the two teams now have the outline of a potential deal that would send Teixeira and Wilson to Atlanta for Saltalamacchia, shortstop prospect Elvis Andrus and a pitching prospect (possibly much-touted left-hander Matt Harrison). If that deal falls apart, Texas might not have nearly as many other options as advertised. Remember, it would be unlike Angels GM Bill Stoneman to give up some combination of Casey Kotchman and either his top pitching prospect, Nick Adenhardt, or his most advanced minor league bat, Brandon Wood, for a player like Teixeira, who would be just a year and a half rental. So it's noteworthy that the Angels haven't even scouted Teixeira since he came off the disabled list, and indications now are that they're looking for a more affordable alternative (Paul Konerko?). If everyone but Atlanta backs off, that leaves Daniels in a tricky position. He clearly would like to move Teixeira now, when he can influence two seasons instead of one. But this is the most important deal of the GM's career, so he's shown no signs of lowering the asking price. "This is his signature deal," says one AL executive. "This is the biggest trade he'll probably make in his tenure. They need pitching. Their farm system is not in good shape. He thinks he needs to make a franchise-turning deal. But I think he's putting too much pressure on himself to make this one deal. Somewhere along the line, he may have to get to the point where he realizes he's not going to get two or three great prospects."




- More on the Teixeira front from CNNSI.com:

People familiar with the Mark Teixeira trade talks say the Angels are belying their usual California cool and being "very persistent" in their efforts to land the switch-hitting slugger, who would be the perfect complement to Vladimir Guerrero.

Texas may be able to pry young first baseman Casey Kotchman, perhaps right-hander Ervin Santana and a third big leaguer from Los Angeles of Anaheim for Teixeira. Which sounds like a pretty fair package from here, and word has it that the Angels might offer even more.

Meanwhile, the Dallas Morning News on its Web site was portraying the Braves and Dodgers as favorites for Teixeira. The Dodgers definitely have what it takes to land Teixeira but won't trade top pitching prospect Clayton Kershaw or young outfield stud Matt Kemp, may not be all that keen about trading young first baseman James Loney, either, and appeared more interested in pitching help.



- A few non-Teixeira trade rumors from CNNSI.com

The Rangers are the team to watch, with a half-dozen players to interest contenders. But one thing hampering them is Akinori Otsuka's condition. Otsuka's arm is "barking," according to a friend, and since he's had problems going back to his days in Japan, a lot of folks are speculating now that he may need Tommy John surgery. If that's true, the Rangers better be careful about trading either Joaquin Benoit and Eric Gagne. However, another Rangers person insisted that doctors are identifying Otsuka's problem thus far as "forearm tendinitis," which sounds a little better.

• Ron Mahay, Texas will trade, and that's OK.

• While Texas has almost no chance to extend Teixeira's contract past 2008, word is that Gagne, who like Teixeira is a client of Scott Boras, is interested in staying to the point where he may consider an extension despite being only two months from free agency. Considering the uncertainty surrounding Otsuka, that might be a wise idea for the Rangers.






- Marc Stein interviews Steve Nash. Always a good guy and a favorite of mine, until he plays the Mavs, and then I despise him for 48 minutes. And then its back to normal.

1. When the Suns were eliminated by the Spurs, you said that the outcome "will forever haunt us." Roughly two months later, are you feeling any differently about the series?

I'm over it until someone brings it up again. I've tried to put it out of my mind as much as possible, because it's very frustrating to go back to that series and retrace the suspensions and all the other events.

2. In each of the past three postseasons since you went back to Phoenix, your team has had to deal with various injuries and curveballs. And now comes word that Tim Donaghy, one of the referees in Game 3 of the San Antonio series, is being investigated by the FBI for betting on games. How much does that add to the Suns' disappointment?

I'm not sure how much I'm allowed to say about that right now. It's an unfortunate situation. It's a shame that something like this happened, but I believe that the game is bigger than anything. The game is strong enough to [weather] this.

3. Can you just speak generally about the Suns' recent playoff fortunes?

There have been some events that, yeah, sometimes it makes you [wonder], "How high is the mountain?" At the same time, I can point the finger at myself and my team for not overcoming some of those things. Hopefully we keep getting better as a team and I still feel like I'm still getting better individually.

4. What does Grant Hill add to the mix?

It's a really good addition for us. We are trying to [maintain] a salary structure, so to sign a veteran of that quality and experience for a veteran minimum is a great move. He's still a great player, he's a great teammate and he's going to make us older in a good way.

5. But you've lost Kurt Thomas from last season's team. If Hill is the only significant addition to the roster before camp opens, how much better are the Suns next season?

I think [Hill] does make us better, but we've still got a lot of work to do on the court. It's not just what it looks like on paper. We need a little more toughness, be a little more intelligent as a group. But I think, as a group, we're working toward that. I think we can keep getting smarter. We've still got a really young team that's growing.

6. How tantalizing was it to hear that Phoenix is where Kevin Garnett wants to go if he finally leaves Minnesota?

I love Kevin. I'd love to play with him [someday]. But I love my team, so I don't really think about it. We've got a great team moving forward. That's all I think about.

7. You and KG are said to have become pretty good friends in recent years. How did that happen?

Really just from playing in All-Star Games, but we haven't been able to spend that much time together. It would be overstating it to say we're super close. But he's a great person, great for the game. He's got to be one of the [all-time] top 50 guys, easy.

8. A lot of the speculation around the draft about KG's coming to Phoenix involved Amare Stoudemire. How involved were you in the organization's attempts to reassure Amare that he wasn't going to be traded?

I really think Amare's fine. I know he's been in the gym a lot getting ready for next season. He sent me a text [message] just before he went to [join] Team USA and you could tell he was pretty excited. It's going to be a lot of fun for him this summer to be healthy after what he went through [coming back from two knee surgeries].

9. Speaking of health, how are you feeling? After 11 seasons, have you given much thought to how much longer you want to play?

I've been getting a lot of "window" questions lately, but I don't think about stuff like that. It's not up to me as much as my body and how I feel, but I have no reason to believe that I won't be playing for a long time. I feel great right now.

10. You have three years left on your contract, which would take you past your 36th birthday. What happens if you don't win a championship in that time?

I'm going to try as hard as I can and hopefully that'll be good enough. If it's not good enough, what am I going to do? It's not like I'm going to go into seclusion if I never win one.






- Could he allow the Rangers to be able to trade Blalock next off-season for a decent package of players/prospects? I'd like to keep the tatted up Hank for as long as possible, as long as he comes back and produces. Behind Gagne, he's my favorite Ranger. Maybe Metcalf could play his way into a trade instead. Either way, both of them producing will only help the Rangers.

Rangers' Metcalf learns on the fly


11:24 PM CDT on Thursday, July 26, 2007
By MIKE HEIKA / The Dallas Morning News
mheika@dallasnews.com

Rangers rookie Travis Metcalf was asked during his recent hot-hitting homestand if he was feeling more established and comfortable in the major leagues, and his answer was telling.

"I'm not established," he said. "But I am a little more comfortable."
And comfortable is a big step for Metcalf right now. The 24-year-old third baseman started the season in Double-A Frisco and was called up in May when Hank Blalock had shoulder surgery. Drafted in the 11th round in 2004 out of Kansas, Metcalf has been on an accelerated learning curve since, and he has not always met the challenges.

"The one thing to that kid's credit: He never showed us he lacked confidence," manager Ron Washington said. "He has come in and dealt with everything."

Metcalf hit .221 in his first year in Frisco last summer. He pushed that up to .294 this season. But when given a two-week chance to fill in for Blalock in May, Metcalf lost out on a regular job to Ramon Vazquez.

He stuck around as a depth player and earned a chance to be a regular at third when Ian Kinsler suffered a stress fracture in his foot and Vazquez had to move to second base.

While nobody expected Metcalf to rip the ball, the Rangers liked the fact that he was a solid glove at an important position.

"Our coaching staff has done a good job of making sure he does what he does best – and what he does best is catch the ball down at third base," Washington said. "Whatever offense he gives us, we accept."

That said, the coaching staff also has worked on hitting. Metcalf said repeated sessions with hitting coach Rudy Jaramillo have opened his eyes – and repeated appearances at the plate has allowed those sessions to pay off.

"He taught me a lot, and there are a couple of things I'm doing right now that let me see the ball a little longer," Metcalf said. "It also helps to get up there on a regular basis and get in a rhythm."

Metcalf entered the four-game series this week against Seattle with a .184 batting average. He went 9-for-15 and raised his average to .253. He said he is getting used to the jump from the minors.

"It just seems like everyone is more fine-tuned. They don't make mistakes," Metcalf said. "If the pitchers make a mistake, the hitters jump right on it, so the pitchers are used to that up here, and they don't make near as many mistakes."

But while his batting has picked up, he has had two errors in the last week.

"That really does get to me," he said. "I have more confidence in my fielding, so I'm pretty hard on myself when I make a mistake."

But if he can continue his history of strong fielding and continue to improve with the bat, there's no telling what Metcalf can do. Yes, Kinsler is expected to be back next week, and that will make Vazquez an option at third base again.

And yes, Blalock is taking grounders and could return in the next month. But Metcalf has at least opened some eyes.

No, he's not quite "established" yet, but Washington said the rookie has definitely taken a step forward.

"I'm very happy for him," Washington said. "You know, he's put himself on the map."


TRAVIS METCALF
Born: Aug. 17, 1982, Manhattan, Kan.

Ht.: 6-3 Wt.: 215

Bats: R Throws: R

Pos.: 3B

Notable: A 2000 graduate of Wamego (Kan.) High School and two-time All-State selection. ... Attended Kansas and set school records for home runs in a season (18) and career (29). Named Big 12's top defensive third baseman. ... Drafted by Rangers in 11th round. ... Hit .221 with Frisco last season. ... Is 9-for-15 in last four games with Rangers.






- Unleash the fury Mitch!!!!!!!!

To hear everyone around the league and within the organization talk, DeMarcus Ware is poised for a breakout season of the highest order. One of the coolest things to watch is a bad ass D-end coming off the edge and throwing a QB down. To know you have a threat there every game changes so much for the opposing offense and will free up Greg Ellis and Anthony Spencer to wreak almost as much havoc. Dallas hasn't had a game changer there since Charles Haley. I think Ware's about to break out.

Scare tactics: Cowboys will turn Ware loose

09:34 PM CDT on Thursday, July 26, 2007
By TODD ARCHER / The Dallas Morning News
tarcher@dallasnews.com

SAN ANTONIO – Two plays show what kind of difference outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware can make.

The first one had quarterback Tony Romo scrambling. The second one ended with running back Marion Barber losing his helmet.

Lining up across from tight end Anthony Fasano, Ware's burst off the snap left Fasano helpless and forced Romo up the field, hough Ware quickly tracked him down from behind. Two plays later he forced Barber to bounce outside by stoning left tackle Pat McQuistan, which gave Bradie James time to make the helmet-popping tackle.

"Monster," new free safety Ken Hamlin said. "He's doing things in games you don't see from a lot of guys. He can stop the run, and he's definitely a helluva pass rusher. I'm glad he's on our side. I've seen him get our quarterback a little bit in the past. Now, that I'm a teammate I know the pressure he creates."

Ware made his first Pro Bowl last season, picking up 11 ½ sacks and scoring the first two touchdowns of his career – the first a fumble return 69 yards against Philadelphia and the second a glue-like interception of a pass from the Falcons' Michael Vick, which Ware returned 41 yards.

But this year promises to be a little different. Among the adjustments coach Wade Phillips is bringing to the defensive scheme this year is moving Ware around the field, allowing him to rush the passer more and cover tight ends and running backs less.

"I'm at the point now where I know what I'm supposed to do before the play, and I can just go," Ware said.

Ware's sacks last season are the most in team history by an outside linebacker, but he is not putting out a number for public consumption for this year's sack total. In Phillips, however, Ware has a coach with the ability to make pass rushers into game changers.

"He's a natural pass rusher," Phillips said. "You only have a few of those guys that really have a great feel and the quick feet and the speed – the things that he has ... I've had a few of them. Bruce Smith comes to mind. He had the great feet and the quickness and the speed. They play a little bit different position, obviously, but DeMarcus is going to be a really good player for a long time."

Relying more on his hands and speed to work around blockers than power, Phillips and defensive coordinator Brian Stewart have Ware opening his hips more on his pass rush to make it more difficult for tackles to get a hold of him.

It's difficult to argue with Phillips' success.

From 1989-93 in Denver, Simon Fletcher recorded 66 sacks. In Buffalo, Bryce Paup earned defensive MVP honors when he had 17 ½ sacks in 1995. The last three seasons in San Diego, three different linebackers (Steve Foley, Shawne Merriman and Shaun Phillips) posted double-digit sacks. Before Ware's sacks last season, the Cowboys had gone 10 years without a defender posting double-digit figure sacks.

"He gets you in matchups that for the guys blocking you don't usually see," Paup said of Phillips. "A bigger guy, stronger guy against a tight end or running back or maybe a guard popping out, most of the time if you're a decent pass rusher you'll have success. He just tries to find ways to put you in position to make plays and then it's up to you to make plays. He's found guys that can do that and do a very good job."
Ware is the next in line, but he is not going to be Merriman, with whom he has been compared to since they were selected in back-to-back picks in the 2005 draft. He is actually playing the same position as Shaun Phillips, who had a career-high 11 ½ sacks in 2006.

Besides, Ware and Merriman are two different personalities, according to Stewart. Merriman's brash, "Lights out," style contradicts Ware's easy-going smile.

Wade Phillips doesn't care if Ware is mean or not.

"He knocks them down and gets to the ball and gets to the quarterback," Phillips said. "I think the guys being hit feel like he's pretty mean."


- Thursday's Camp Report

From Staff Reports


Two-minute drill: CB Aaron Glenn
The Houston native, who turned 35 on July 16, is the second oldest player on the roster

Who's more attractive: Beyonce or Halle Berry?

Beyonce because she's from Houston.

What advice would you give Lindsay Lohan?

That Hollywood life is not what you think it is. Don't get caught up in the life, leave it alone.

You're a 14-year veteran and you always stay in shape. What's you're diet like?

I don't eat fried foods.

Really?

Rarely. I got to get it every now and then. I like chicken and a lot of green vegetables. I love broccoli and green beans. I think my wife and my kids can't stand it. She knows every time I like cooking it has to be something of that nature. I don't eat a lot. I don't have an appetite to eat six meals [a day] I can't do that. I might eat twice a day and I drink a lot of water.

Your son is a junior golfer?

And a basketball player.

I know you also play golf, who would win between you two?

He would. Not even close.

Calvin Watkins


Observation deck
• Tony Romo and Jason Witten have developed a nice chemistry since 2003 and it showed Thursday when they hooked up on back-to-back plays. First, Romo sent a floater to the flat over the linebacker and then he fired a bullet between linebackers Bobby Carpenter and Kevin Burnett.

• On a reverse, Terrell Owens appeared to deke strong safety Roy Williams, drawing some, "ooohs," from the crowd. At full speed and with pads on the outcome may have been a little different, but Owens' quick two-step was impressive.

• Romo's bobbled snap vs. Seattle won't be forgotten soon, but the Cowboys prepared for another such situation in field goal work Thursday. With new holder Brad Johnson simulating a botched snap, he threw touchdown passes to defensive end Jay Ratliff and guard Kyle Kosier, who was surprisingly smooth with the reception.

• Keith Davis had an active day. He forced a fumble when he knocked a pass out of tight end Tony Curtis' hands and intercepted a deflected pass from Romo. After snuffing out another Romo pass, Davis barked, "Come on, Romo, throw the ball."

• Rookie fullback Deon Anderson had a welcome-to-the-NFL moment when he was stopped cold in the hole by defensive end Chris Canty.

• Coach Wade Phillips called the first practice in pads sloppy. Here's why: too many fumbled snap exchanges. At least three times the exchange ended up on the ground, and there were at least two other fumbles.

• The happiest offensive lineman now that third-round pick James Marten has signed? Matt Tarullo. A center and part-time guard during his practice squad days the last two years, he was forced to play right tackle in Marten's absence.

• Not long after injuring his left elbow, forcing him to wear a brace, linebacker Kevin Burnett forced a fumble on a Jackie Battle run that was recovered by Abram Elam.

• The list of former Cowboys in attendance at practice grew when former safety James Washington showed up in the Alamodome.

Todd Archer


Position battle: Third-string quarterback
With the team cutting Matt Baker, who was No. 3 on the depth chart last season, the Cowboys are looking at Grapevine native Richard Bartel and Matt Moore to backup Tony Romo and Brad Johnson. Bartel has a strong arm that the offensive coaches like. But Moore also has a good arm and played better competition in college.

During 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills in the second practice, Bartel completed of 5-for-6 passes, but in the morning session he tripped while performing a handoff. Moore went 3-for-5 during the second practice.

Despite cutting Baker, the team could still add another quarterback.

Calvin Watkins


Rookie watch: Nick Folk, sixth-round pick
He performed all the kicks in the afternoon portion of practice. Folk made nine-of-10 field goals with his longest coming from 42 yards. He hooked a 37-yards to the right side from the middle of the field. Folk is competing with Martin Gramatica for the field goal and kickoff job. Gramatica, if he makes the team, will begin his eighth NFL season. As a veteran, Gramatica has the edge, but if Folk can prove he can make kicks consistently he might get the job.

Calvin Watkins


Quote of the day
"Bill [Parcells] wasn't fined, so I'm not gonna be."

Cowboys coach Wade Phillips, joking about the possibility he could be fined for reporting to camp overweight.


Injury report

Pos. Player Injury Comment
LT Flozell Adams Knee Continuing rehab. Could return this week
LB Kevin Burnett elbow Left practice briefly. Rturned with a brace
RB Alonzo Coleman Ankle Did some jogging. Status determined
RT Marc Colombo Knee Continuing rehab. Could return next week
LB Greg Ellis Achilles Has some bursitis and pain. Is day-to-day
WR Isaiah Stanback Shin splints Running well. Is day-to-day







- Mavs top pick Nick Fazekas signs to continue a boring offseason for the Mavs. Which isn't necessarily a bad thing. That mid-level exception apparently isn't burning a very big hole in Donnie Nelson's pocket.

Mavs sign top pick Fazekas

09:40 PM CDT on Thursday, July 26, 2007
By KATE HAIROPOULOS / The Dallas Morning News
khairopoulos@dallasnews.com

The Mavericks on Thursday signed forward Nick Fazekas, their top draft pick, and forward Brandon Bass to two-year contracts.

Both agreed to minimum deals, which means the Mavericks still have the full mid-level exception of $5.3 million and the $1.8 million bi-annual exception to pursue free agents.

Fazekas, 6-11, 235, was the 34th overall pick of the draft. He averaged 6.6 points and 4.4 rebounds in five games in the Las Vegas summer league. In the Rocky Mountain Revue in Salt Lake City, he averaged 12.7 points and 4.7 rebounds.

Fazekas, an Arvada, Colo., native, averaged 20.4 points and 11.1 rebounds as a senior at Nevada.

Fazekas is considered a good shooter and solid rebounder. However, scouts feel he needs to improve his mobility to be an effective back-up for Dirk Nowitzki.

"Nick's a guy that can shoot it with range," Mavericks GM Donnie Nelson said. "He's a terrific passer, and he's a skilled player."

Chris Emens, Fazekas' agent, said his client is thrilled to be in Dallas. Fazekas has an aunt, uncle and niece who live in Plano.

Bass, 6-8, 240, agreed in principle to a deal earlier this week.

Drafted 33rd overall out of LSU in 2005, Bass played the last two seasons with the Hornets. He averaged two points and two rebounds in 7.7 minutes per game last season.

Bass averaged 14.8 points and 6.2 rebounds for the Mavs in Las Vegas and 10 points and five rebounds in Utah.

"Brandon just turned 22 and he probably came out a little too early," Nelson said. "He's probably like DeSagana Diop and had to learn his way a little bit."


- Picks O'the day

Yesterday - 5-7
YTD - 82-72

1) Toronto +120 - Hot lately (5 in a row), and pitcher is 1-1 with a 2.66 ERA in his last 3 starts.
2) Baltimore +135 - Another hot team, and you can get them as a home underdog, which you always must take. Pitcher is 2-1 with a 3.78 ERA in his last 3. Not bad.
3) Colorado -120 - Colorado at home is usually a good play. Pitcher is 2-0 with a 2.84 ERA in his last 3.
4) Milwaukee +105 - Team is 14-3 in pitcher's starts and Milw has a decent record vs. LHP (21-16).