While I’ve been focusing mainly on the Olympics, I haven’t forgotten about today’s MLB Trade Deadline. Today at 3 p.m., ESPN will have a SportsCenter special hosted by Baseball Tonight’s Karl Ravech with analyst John Kruk and network MLB insiders Buster Olney and Jason Stark.
They’ll follow the trades and the latest information as the deadline approaches at 4 p.m. ET.
MLB Network has its own special that started at 11 a.m. ET. But ESPN will have a 90 minute show and then cover the trades with Baseball Tonight at 7 p.m., 10 p.m. and midnight.
We have ESPN’s coverage plans for the Deadline. I wish ESPN had a cute name for its special like TSN does for the NHL Trade Deadline (“TradeCentre”), but it doesn’t.
MLB on ESPN: Trade Deadline Coverage, Commentator Insights, Upcoming Sunday Night Baseball Schedule
ESPN will provide comprehensive coverage of the MLB trade deadline – Tuesday, July 31, at 4 p.m. ET – highlighted by SportsCenter Special: Baseball Trade Deadline, beginning at 3 p.m. Karl Ravech will host the 90-minute show with analyst John Kruk and ESPN MLB Insiders Buster Olney, Tim Kurkjian and Jayson Stark. ESPN will also present breaking news and analysis leading up to – and following – the 4 p.m. deadline every hour on SportsCenter.
In addition, ESPN will televise three one-hour editions of Baseball Tonight on Tuesday at 7 p.m., 10 p.m. and midnight (ESPN2). Baseball Tonight’s deadline day commentators on Twitter: Ravech (@KarlRavechESPN), Kruk (@JohnKruk_ESPN), Olney (@Buster_ESPN) and Kurkjian (@Kurkjian_ESPN).
ESPN MLB commentators on trade deadline:
Orel Hershiser on trade deadline significance
The trade deadline is an exciting time of the year. It’s either met by teams hoping to improve themselves for the pennant race ahead or by teams who are disappointed and have to wave the white flag and prepare for the following season.Tim Kurkjian on top deadline storylines
There are many stories still out there as we head for 4 p.m. on Tuesday. It appears the Phillies are ready to unload some players, but it doesn’t look to be Hunter Pence or Cliff Lee. It is more likely it will be some combination of Juan Pierre, Shane Victorino and Joe Blanton. The Rays probably won’t move James Shields given that they are in the Wild Card hunt and given that Evan Longoria could be back in the next week.The Cubs are looking for the right deal for Ryan Dempster, but if the offer from the Dodgers doesn’t improve, chances are, they will keep Dempster. The Red Sox remain in the Wild Card race and continue to look for help for their starting rotation. And, the Rangers continue to look for a no. 1 starter, but with Cole Hamels and Zack Greinke off the market, finding a no. 1 will be much more difficult, especially considering that they are not willing to trade shortstop Jurickson Profar, their top prospect.
Pedro Gomez (@PedroGomezESPN) on the Texas Rangers
Even though they’ve been in first place most of the season and are coming off consecutive American League championships, don’t expect the Texas Rangers to sit still. There’s a reason they’ve reached these heights and a move is likely coming. General Manager Jon Daniels is a risk-taker, not someone who sits back.Jayson Stark (@Jaysonst) on the Philadelphia Phillies
Now that the Phillies have buried themselves beyond the point of no miraculous return, they may be the team to watch between now and the deadline. Teams they’ve spoken with say they could make two to three trades. Possibilities include: Shane Victorino (to the Giants, Dodgers, Reds or Pirates), Joe Blanton (to the Orioles), Juan Pierre (to the Reds), Ty Wigginton (to the Yankees) and maybe more. Keep your eyes on the Phillies over the next two days!Upcoming Sunday Night Baseball schedule
Date Time (ET) Game Sun, Aug. 5 8 p.m. Milwaukee Brewers at St. Louis Cardinals Sun, Aug. 12 8 p.m. Atlanta Braves at New York Mets Sun, Aug 19 8 p.m. Boston Red Sox at New York Yankees *All Sunday Night Baseball games are available on ESPN Radio, ESPN Deportes, ESPN Mobile and WatchESPN.
That’s all.
