The Sandlot Shrink

Another week of trades, injuries and callups have made for a busy waiver wire. Let's check out the latest ...

Joe Blanton, Philadelphia Phillies

Blanton, 27, is a No. 2-3 starter type. He is just 5-12 with a 4.96 ERA this season, but the Phils think he is a major upgrade to their rotation. He went 16-12 in 2006 and 14-10 last year and should be picked up in most formats. Also, Brett Myers is expected to return to the rotation next Wednesday at Shea Stadium, with Adam Eaton moving to the bullpen.

Gio Gonzalez, Oakland Athletics

In the wake of the Blanton deal, the left-handed Gonzalez could be promoted to take his place in the rotation. Gonzalez, 22, is a top prospect but got off to a slow start at AAA Sacramento this year. But in his last four starts, he has allowed only 10 hits and three runs in 28 innings. He also leads the Pacific Coast League in strikeouts. He's still young but rebuilding teams should jump on him.

Jaime Garcia, St. Louis Cardinals

Garcia, 22, is a good prospect who throws in the low-90s with a decent curve but needs to improve on his control. He is young and is not expected to have any value at this time. He began the season at AA Springfield but was promoted to AAA Memphis in May after going 3-2 with a 2.06 ERA. Overall he was 7-6 with a 3.73 ERA and 98 strikeouts in 103 2/3 innings.

Francisco Liriano, Minnesota Twins

Liriano, who underwent reconstructive elbow surgery last year, hasn't allowed a run in his past three starts for AAA Rochester and has a 24/3 K/BB ratio. In his last four starts, he is 4-0 with a 0.32 ERA, three walks and 32 strikeouts. Ron Gardenhire wants him in the rotation, but there is a chance that he could work out of the bullpen initially. Overall he is 7-2 with a 3.53 ERA and an 86/28 K/BB ratio in 97 minor league innings. His fastball has been averaging 93-mph and topped out at 95 last week. There are still no plans to recall him yet, though. The Twins are 21-7 in their past 28 games and are set with their current starters. Livan Hernandez has the worst ERA at 5.44 but has won nine games. Nick Blackburn (7-5), Scott Baker (6-2), Glen Perkins (6-2) and Kevin Slowey (6-6) are also pitching well.

Yoslan Herrera, Pittsburgh Pirates