Odds & Ends...

A few links to some stories of interest:

The Seattle Times had their M's Farm report up on Monday. Mostly about Travis Blackley.

The San Bernardino Sun reports the following: Matt Hagen is having fun tormenting his old team. Also, Chad Fillinger is going back to San Antonio, Mark Lowe is headed for Tacoma, and Justin Jordan is coming back to the Sixers.

Can I say that I am a published photographer in two newspapers now?

What is in a name? The Peoria Journal-Star investigates with Peoria Chief Ryne Malone. He was named after Ryne Sandberg, not current manager Jody Davis. That brings out this anectdote from Davis:

"When I was playing, I used to get mail saying, 'We couldn't decide whether to name him Jody or Ryne; we ended up naming him Ryne,' " Davis said. "They made a good choice."

The Mariners have made another move: Eddie Guardado to the Reds for Travis Chick. The quote that may interest Rattler fans:

"Eddie had some struggles early on this season that allowed some of our young guys to run the back of the game and they got that job and haven't let go,'' said M's general manager Bill Bavasi. "We have options, such as triple-A pitcher Cesar Jimenez and double-A pitcher Mark Lowe, who can help our bullpen now. We've also acquired a prospect that on our grading system is at about the same level as Asdrubal Cabrera so we feel we're replenishing our system, helping our club both now and in the future.''

Do you think the guys at Lookout Landing are happy now?

NFL Adam at The Hater Nation thinks that Major League Baseball should take a tip from the WWE in dealing with drug cases.

Deadspin is thankful for Jose Canseco. Why? Here's why:

RENO, Nev. – Jose Canseco, making his return to professional baseball in the minor leagues, has asked to be traded from the San Diego Surf Dawgs after playing one game.

Golden Baseball League commissioner Kevin Outcalt said negotiations are under way to send the former Major League All-Star to the Long Beach Armada, the Reno Gazette-Journal reported Wednesday.

Canseco asked to be traded because of child custody responsibilities that require him to be in the Los Angeles area for more time than he anticipated, Outcalt said.

“He found out today and it surprised everybody,” Outcalt said Tuesday. “He has family responsibilities.”