Mike Gianella concedes Tout NL title, almost

Despite a strong push out of the basement, thanks to the revival of Alfonso Soriano and Hanley Ramirez, Mike doesn’t think he has enough horses to win Tout NL. He’ll surely be happy to be wrong, too.

Classic Tout NL Trades

Lenny Melnick and Paul Greco traded Hunter Pence to Brian Walton today, for Tim Hudson and Jairo Garcia, in a classic hitting for pitching swap.

While Scott Pianowski dealt Manny Ramirez to Larry Schechter for Nyjer Morgan in a classic power for speed deal, in a rare deal between the first and second place teams.

What’s Not to Like?

As we pass the first month pole, Jason Grey is running away with Tout AL, Tristan Cockcroft and Larry Schechter sit atop Tout NL (with Scott Pianowski, Brian Walton and Phil Hertz within striking distance), while Andy Behrens has a commanding lead in Tout Mixed.

Perry Van Hook is in fourth place in Tout Mixed, and likes his chances of moving up.

Tout NL Trade: Zola and Hertz

The picture is of Ike Davis, because Phil Hertz opened a slot on his active roster for Davis on April 26 by trading Marlins first baseman Gaby Sanchez and Arizona outfielder Chris Young to Todd Zola for a pair of Ryans: Cubs pitcher Dempster and Pirates outfielder Church.

“And with that, Phil Hertz begins the Ike Davis era,” said Larry Schechter.

“I prefer to look at it as the end of the Micah Hoffpauir era myself :(” said Todd Zola.

Tout Mixed: Blockbuster Deal

Eric Mack, Dave Gonos and Nando DiFino have pulled off a three-way deal involving nine players and a little bit of FAAB. Eric Mack invites you to vote on which side of the deal you like at CBSSports.com.