FanHouse JohnnyGomes

There are some trades that just make too much sense to not happen. Tampa Bay is embroiled in a playoff battle and playing Eric Hinske, Gabe Gross, Johnny Gomes, and Cliff Floyd in right field. They're talking about using Rocco Baldelli there when he comes off the disabled list. The Pirates' entire organization is devoid of pitching talent. They have Jason Bay. The Rays have tons of young pitching talent. Maybe these two crazy kids should get together. Dejan Kovacevic's PBC Blog at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette says they might:

The Pirates and Tampa Bay continue to discuss Jason Bay, a process that became deep yesterday, and two prospect names known to be in the mix on the Rays' end are shortstop Reid Brignac and pitcher Jeremy Hellickson.

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Neglected to mention this earlier, but Tampa sure is making things sound as if something will get done. The Pirates? Not so sure but, as the notebook mentioned earlier today, about 50-50.

The Rays seem relutcant to budge with too much for Bay and the Pirates seem reluctant to move Bay without gaining several elite prospects in return, but this deal makes so much sense for both teams that it almost would seem crazy if they couldn't get something done. I mean, Jason Bay's middle name is Raymond. How much more perfect can this match get?

On Deck is FanHouse's look at the day's most intriguing baseball matchups

I don't know about most of you, but I know that I've grown tired of interleague play in baseball. When MLB implemented it, I loved it and I supported the move as a way to try and bring fans back to the game after the player's strike in 1994.

It's kind of like when you're in a new relationship with a girl and everytime you're hanging up the phone after talking to her you get into that "No I love you more!" debate. It's kind of cute and charming at first, but frankly, after a few months of it you're screaming at her "OKAY I GET IT! YOU LOVE ME MORE! SHUT THE [expletive] UP ABOUT IT ALREADY!"

I've reached that point with interleague play, and I'm ready to get back to some real baseball. Divisional baseball. The games that will actually play a part in deciding who is going to play in October, and who isn't. Three such matchups after the jump.