The Trade Deadline Looms And Other MLBullets

Get ready to descend into the madness that is the 24 hours leading up to the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline ...

• For months, we've heard prognostication about this year's trade season, and the impact that the new Collective Bargaining Agreement would have on it. From some, citing the lack of draft pick compensation for free-agents-to-be who are traded in-season, we heard that there wouldn't be much movement at all. From others, citing the additional Wild Card playoff spots in each league, we heard that there would be a great deal more movement. With a fair bit of time left before the deadline (relatively speaking), I think we've received our answer. There have already been a large number of significant deals, all geared toward improving a team fighting for a playoff spot, or fighting for a division title (and the opportunity to avoid the one-game playoff that accompanies a Wild Card berth). And it could get even crazier before tomorrow's deadline.

• The Brewers sent Zack Greinke to the Angels late Friday night, and FanGraphs has a look at the three prospects the Brewers got back. All in all, it looks like one of those deals where both teams - and both sets of fans - are probably justifiably happy.
• The Astros, not content to sell of big contracts and has-beens, yesterday traded 27-year-old third baseman Chris Johnson to the Diamondbacks for a couple of quality AA outfield prospects. FanGraphs looks at the trade and isn't sure it was a good move for the Diamondbacks, at least if they're going for it this year.
• Yankees reliever Joba Chamberlain is just four months removed from the open dislocation of his ankle (yes, that's as gruesome as it sounds), and just 13 months removed from Tommy John surgery, but he's back on the mound already, throwing at AA in a rehab stint. He could be back with the Yankees within two weeks, which is pretty incredible.
• The Padres have locked up closer Houston Street through 2014 at $7 million per year, with a club option for 2015, also worth $7 million. It's a great deal for the Padres, considering Street's insane numbers this year, but some may scratch their heads at a team like the Padres locking up a closer long-term. The thing is, even if the Padres aren't ready to be in competition this or next year, Street likes San Diego, and was willing to give the team a good deal. Since he didn't receive a no-trade clause, there isn't a great deal of downside for the Padres.
• The Indians, who hung around in the AL Central for quite a long time despite a strongly negative run differential, are finally considering selling. If they do, you can expect outfield Shin-Soo Choo, 30, to be their most aggressively shopped piece. He's got another year of arbitration after this year, and is enjoying a great 2012 after a down year in 2011. That is all to say he's got quite a bit of trade value if the Indians elect to go that way.

Brett Taylor is the Lead Writer at Bleacher Nation, and a Contributor here at Bleed Cubbie Blue.