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Sports

Trade deadline exciting as ever

Sports Guy

Eli Jabbe 

One of the most exciting times of the MLB season is the trade deadline. Sure, the playoffs are great, but the non-stop talk of trade rumors has an unmatched level of intrigue, even if the majority of the trades never materialize. This year's trade talks have produced some interesting rumors. 

Soriano good as gone 

The one major player who has been repeatedly mentioned in this year's trade talks is Washington Nationals All-Star left fielder Alfonso Soriano. Fans might remember Soriano's days as a Yankee second baseman a few years ago, where he displayed raw talent with his powerful bat and speed. He was then traded to Texas for Alex Rodriguez.

Soriano is still in his prime, and is having one of his best seasons this year, having already amassed 31 home runs and 25 stolen bases. The most prevalent rumor is that Soriano will go to the Chicago White Sox in a deal that would involve multiple teams. The Sox already have a potent offense with sluggers Jim Thome, Paul Konerko and Jermaine Dye; including Soriano to their lineup would make their offense almost unfair.

Tejada might be headed to Houston

Another rumor that has been floating around is that Houston might trade struggling third baseman Morgan Ensberg, along with others, to Baltimore for star shortstop Miguel Tejada. The Astros recently traded two minor league prospects to the Tampa Bay Devil Rays for third baseman Aubrey Huff, which makes the scuffling Ensberg expendable. Tejada, batting .329 with 18 homers, would be a profound offensive improvement over current Astros shortstop Adam Everett, and is a solid defensive player as well.

Done deals 

Several trades have already been made. The aforementioned White Sox acquired flame-throwing reliever Mike MacDougal from Kansas City. He was an All-Star in 2003 as a closer for the Royals. The Padres have also acquired a solid reliever, Scott Williamson, who came from the Cubs. The Giants, who, surprisingly, are in contention to win the meek National League West, also acquired third baseman Shea Hillenbrand, another former All-Star.

Let the intrigue continue.

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