MLB Trade Deadline preview

The July 31st trade deadline is fast approaching and there are many players among speculation that will or could be traded before that date. Below are 5 names who could be traded and why.

1) Roy Oswalt- Oswalt's name has been going around for most of the season and has been asked to be traded. The problem is that he is owed over $7M this year and $16M next year, plus either a $16M option or a $2M buyout from the Houston Astros, who stands 15 games behind the division-leading Cardinals. I won't be surprised if the Phillies or another team signs him.

2) Jayson Werth- Speaking of the Phillies, they are now shopping Werth, who is having an awful season and hasn't been able to get going. He only has 13 home runs and has production level is way down from last year. I won't be surprised if the Red Sox or Padres pick him up.

3) Ted Lilly- With all the news coming in from Chicago regarding Lou Pinellia's retirement at the end of the season, Lilly's name keeps coming up as trade bait and he could help other teams out like the Mets, Tigers, Yankees, Giants, Padres, just to name a few and a deal could be done within a week. He is 3-8 on the season and an over 4 ERA, and he can be an asset to another club.

4) Dan Haren- Haren is having an off-year with the D-Backs. He's 7-8 and with a 4.60 ERA, he's struggling, but has given up over 130 strikeouts. The Diamondbacks are willing to trade him and teams that could be interested include the Mets, White Sox and even the Tigers.

5) David Aardsma- Aardsma is doing a good job in the Mariners bullpen, but the team is having a tough season. He is one of the few well-known relievers who's name keeps coming up to be traded. Multiple teams including the Red Sox and Padres are looking at him and he could be moved by the 31st.


OTHER SPORTS STUFF
1) Congrats to Louis Oosthuizen for winning the British Open. He dominated the weekend rounds and was able to beat Paul Casey by 7 strokes for his first major win, 16 strokes under par. Tiger finished 3 under par while Phil Mickelson ended up with 1 over par. Ernie Els missed the cut for the first time in an open since 1989.

2) The NHL blocked the Devils deal with Kovalchuk for 17-years and $102 Million, which was going to the the longest deal ever in history. Honestly I'm going to agree with the decision because Kovalchuk would be 44 or 45 when that deal would expire and chances are he would not play the last few years. The Devils need to work on a better deal, by giving him the same amount of money, but lesser years.