Yankees and MLB News and Notes

Right now we are going over our Mid Season Awards aroudn the majors, we will have that post up sometime later tonight. Meanwhile, a few news and notes around the Yankees and majors.

• First, out latest poll shows that many of you Yankee fans believe Mark Teixeira was the Yankees first half MVP. Excellent choice as he has had a tremendous first half as a Yankee.
• Much speculation has been going around the Yankee Universe about who should be the fifth starter after the break. Sergio Mitre went 8 innings giving up no runs, six hits, and striking out five for AAA Scranton. He is the most likely candidate.
• Roy Halladay and Tim Lincecum were named the starting pitchers for the AL and NL All Star Teams.
• The Philadelphia Phillies may be getting a former Cy Young Award winner on their team not named Roy Halladay. Former Met and Red Sox pitcher Pedro Martinez is scheduled to take a physical on Tuesday for the Phillies, meaning he could sign with the team by Wednesday.
• The Washington Nationals gave their managaer Manny Acta the boot today. Bench coach Jim Riggleman is expected to replace him as interim coach. The Nationals are 26-61, the owrst record in the majors.
• The Home Run Derby is tonight at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN. Representing the NL will be Albert Pujols, Ryan Howard, Prince Fielder, Adrian Gonzalez. The AL will have Brandon Inge, Nelson Cruz, Joe Mauer, and Carlos Pena.

Enjoy the HR Derby. I think Pujols will win in front of the hometown crowd. But watch out for A-Gone (Adrian Gonzalez) and Carlos Pena. Those two are my sleepers. Once again, we'll have out Mid Season Awards up later tonight.