Division Series, providing a chance for the starters

With Wednesdays non-waiver trade deadline quickly approaching, Toronto Blue Jays GM Alex Anthopoulos has remained silent, thus far. The Jays, last in the AL East, currently sit 14.5 games behind the first-place Tampa Bay Rays and are 9.5 games out of an AL Wild Card. Few expect the disappointing Jays to be among the clubs looking to load up today, but the team does possess some players of their own who could attract interest from around the league. Veteran reliever Darren Oliver, speedster Rajai Davis and utility man Emilio Bonifacio, all pending free agents, are the most likely Jays to see a change of scenery, though inquiries could be made on the availability of others. Right-handed starter Josh Johnson, acquired from the Marlins last winter, is also a pending free agent, but his struggles in his first AL campaign have devalued his stock and increased the chances of accepting arbitration in the off-season. While reports indicate that Melky Cabrera will not receive further suspension for his involvement in the Biogenesis scandal, the market remains tepid for the outfielder who has one year remaining on a two-year deal worth $16 mill. Though the Texas Rangers have reportedly expressed interest, the chances of Anthopoulos moving either one of superstar sluggers Jose Bautista or Edwin Encarnacion are extremely low. Tuesday nights three-way trade in the American League got the ball rolling on what could be a busy day. The Red Sox acquired the biggest name in starter Jake Peavy from the White Sox, but the key component of the trade could be Jose Iglesias, who was sent to the Tigers. Reports indicate Detroits starting shortstop Jhonny Peralta could be one of the players suspended by the league office in the Biogenesis investigation, so Iglesias may supply badly needed cover for the AL Central leaders for the rest of this season and potentially beyond. In the American League, the Orioles, Athletics and Yankees could be active, while the Pirates, Diamondbacks and Phillies may be working the phones in the Senior Circuit. Names to watch out for include Astros starter Bud Norris, Giants outfelder Hunter Pence, Rangers closer Joe Nathan and outfielder Alex Rios of the White Sox. Theo Epstein and the Cubs appear open for business with the likes of outfielders Nate Schierholtz and David DeJesus and starter Jeff Samardzija potentially on the block. The non-waiver deadline is at 4pm et. Wholesale Nike Air Max 90 . -- Matt Rupert scored once in regulation and again in the shootout as the London Knights extended their win streak to nine games by defeating the Owen Sound Attack 4-3 on Friday in Ontario Hockey League action. Nike Air Max 90 From China . President of baseball operations Larry Beinfest was fired Friday after 12 years with the Marlins. The move came as the team neared the end of its third consecutive last-place season in the NL East. https://www.cheapnikeairmax90china.us/ . Louis Cardinals. Victorino is batting sixth and playing right field after missing two games because of back tightness. Clearance Nike Air Max 90 .Y. -- Vancouver Canucks goaltender Roberto Luongo had little trouble picking up his first shutout of the season against a Buffalo Sabres team thats having trouble scoring goals. Cheap Nike Air Max 90 .C. -- Todd Fiddler scored a hat trick, including the overtime goal, as the Prince George Cougars survived an 8-7 win against the Kamloops Blazers in Western Hockey League play Sunday. CHICAGO -- While a bunch of teams are fighting for playoff spots all over baseball, the Chicago Cubs are feeling their way through rare territory.The Cubs clinched the NL Central title a full three weeks before their first playoff game, giving the organization plenty of time to rest players and analyze possible postseason opponents, but also making for a tricky stretch when it comes to staying sharp when there isnt as much at stake.After the Cubs dropped three of four against the Brewers last weekend, manager Joe Maddon met with his hitters before Monday nights 5-2 victory over Cincinnati and talked to them about making the most of the final part of the season.Its unusual being in this position like we are right now, Maddon said after the meeting. So youve got two weeks of baseball, major league baseball, left in September, so lets work on some stuff. Lets work on things that we need to work on individually or as a group. Like I said, not unlike a spring training situation, while within the context were just going out there playing the same game, were trying to win this game.The Cubs win over the Reds and the Nationals loss at Miami made it a seven-game lead for Chicago over Washington in the race for home-field advantage throughout the NL playoffs. The Mets, Cardinals and Giants are fighting for the two wild cards, making one of them the likely division series opponent for Maddon & Co.I probably will watch Washington more than anything right now, Maddon said. Thats the one that were shooting for, is to have the best record.While the wild cards likely will go down to the final few days of the season, the Cubs will have organizational meetings Tuesday and Wednesday to discuss possible playoff matchups and how they might line up for each series. They have scouts watching each potential postseason opponent.Each team presents its oown set of challenges and might have roster implications one way or another, too, president of baseball operations Theo Epstein said.ddddddddddddhe Cubs also are planning for their four-day break between the end of the regular season and their playoff opener on Oct. 7, which Maddon also covered in his meeting with the hitters.Thats a long time, so we have to really get our minds right over the next couple, three weeks to really be prepared properly for that first game, Maddon said, and I wanted it to start today.Epstein said the Cubs are considering having a simulated game during the four-day break before Game 1 of the Division Series, providing a chance for the starters and relievers to get some work in and for the hitters to see live pitching.The 42-year-old Epstein has never been in a situation like this before, with the team clinching so early, but said he likes it compared to the alternative.I think its what you make of it, he said. To me, its a lot better than having to push your guys extra hard and put more innings on guys arms and not giving them enough rest and then maybe waking up and being worn down.Chicago had to wait until Sept. 25 to clinch its 2015 wild card, and then made it all the way to the NL Championship Series before it was swept by New York.The early clinch also allows the Cubs to go as slow as they want with any players with health issues. Maddon said outfielder Jorge Soler, who left Fridays 5-4 victory over the Brewers with tightness on his right side, could be available to pinch hit on Tuesday. Key reliever Pedro Strop, who is coming back from knee and groin injuries, is on track to pitch in a simulated game soon.---Jay Cohen can be reached at http://www.twitter.com/jcohenap ' ' '