Kerry's Calculus on Birds in the Belfry has an interesting article on the Baseball Draft.

Scott Kazmir debuts tonight. If you have access to the Devil Rays' games check out Kazmir. He's one of the most hyped pitching prospects in the minors. The Rays acquired him from the Mets at the trade deadline as part of the Victor Zambrano deal.

D-Rays manger Lou Piniella had the following to say about Kazmir:

"I would like to see a young man who throws like the reports we have seen," Piniella said when asked what he expects from his pitcher. "Hopefully, he can gain some experience and win some ballgames. We'll see how far along he is with his pitches and his poise on the mound. It's a big jump for a young guy, from Double-A to the Majors."

Interesting article on who could be the next 300 game winner in baseball. A hint, he's only 23 right now.

MLB Owners have extended Bud Selig's contract through 2009. Selig used to be crapped on in the media every time his name was mentioned but lately there has been more positive press about him.

The wild card and interleague play look to be good moves by him but the Expos situation continues to be a black eye for baseball.

Andy Pettitte will undergo season-ending surgery nexgt Tuesday to repair a torn flexor tendon. Pettite is expected to be ready for Spring Training.

This will almost certainly knock the Astros out of the wildcard race (if they weren't out already...and they were). Maybe we'll see the Astros try to trade Jeff Kent in the next couple of weeks. Rumor has it that Oakland is interested since his contract is up after the season. I'd like to see it happen.

Jayson Stark lists the players that have passed through waivers and can be traded.

The list includes some crappy pitchers but some decent outfielders. Richard Hidalgo, Jose Cruz Jr and Dmitri Young (who can also play 1B and 3B) pop out for me.

Interesting infielders mentioned include Bret Boone, Shea Hillenbrand, Mike Sweeney and Tino Martinez.

I'd like to see the Rays trade Cruz to Giants or Phillies so they can make room for Jonny Gomes (who I think needs to get a shot).

I think the Giants, Atlanta or LA could put Dmitri Young or Mike Sweeney to good use (though Sweeney might be better off in the AL where he can DH due to back issues).

The latest Ask BA at Baseball America lists the probable minor league player of the year candidates. The names? Rockies lefthander Jeff Francis, Twins outfielder Jason Kubel, Angels third baseman Dallas McPherson and Devil Rays shortstop B.J. Upton.

I'm still waiting for my computer to arrive in NYC (another week) and then I can get some regular internet access. Until then you should check out Rob Neyer's column on ESPN Insider (Premium Content) about how the Dodgers really were winners in their trade.

Also, Peter Gammons has a bit on Dodgers GM Paul DePodesta and Red Sox GM Theo Epstein in his column from August 1.