If an innings limit puts Joba in the pen we need a trade deadline deal!

I hate giving up prospects, but we do.

What about our other ways out? Couldn't we start Aceves or Hughes and hold on for dear life.  We could but I don't think it would be smart.  We'd have no depth in reserve and stretching Hughes out is a little bit risky.

Too bad we didn't use July to let Melancon establish himself in the pen, but we didn't.  Do you want to let the trade DL pass and test him out?

So here is what I'd do, I think it's possible Cash will do.  Trade for a bullpen arm who is having a good year.  Hope he doesn't pull a Gagne on us.

Then I'd put Aceves in the rotation.  I'd let Joba try to pitch the 8th.  If that worked I'd use Hughes in longer spots, get him halfway streched out.  He'd do double duty as a main bullpen cog and emergency starter.

What about the outfield?  Gardener will be gone for most of August.  Bring up Austin Jackson.  Let AJ play 4 or 5 days in a row and see what happens.  Rest Damon, Swisher and Melky, then do it again.  Then, if we want him to play every day, send him back down.

He can come up again in 10 days or if someone gets hurt.

Prospects? Who would I trade?  Ramiro Pena, Shelly Duncan, Kevin Russo.  Who would I not trade?  Melancon, AJ, Romine, Montero, or the few high ceiling arms left down there, lots of those guys are hurt anyway.  Remember we're only going for a solid reliever, they cost less than starters.