Deal should happen today
By Tom Haudricourt
Sunday, Jul 20 2008, 8:31 AM

San Francisco - I'm expecting the Brewers to announce a trade today for San Francisco second baseman Ray Durham, and perhaps Giants left-handed reliever Jack Taschner as well.

My buddy from the San Francisco Chronicle, Henry Schulman, told me last night that Durham's agent was in his office late, working to put the deal together. Durham is a "10 and 5" player (10 years in the majors, at least five with his current team) and therefore would have to OK any deal. I've got to believe Durham would love to get off this moribund Giants team and onto a contender with a great clubhouse.

Class A Brevard County outfielder Darren Ford was removed from his lineup yesterday and told to wait for further developments. That means that Ford is probably in the deal. Ford is a speedster but is batting only .230 in Brevard and is roadblocked by other centerfielders in the system.

To get Taschner, a Wisconsin native, thrown into the deal, the Brewers would have to add another player or two. The Giants don't have any pop at the infield corners in their system and are believed to be interested in Class AAA Nashville first baseman Brad Nelson. He is roadblocked by Prince Fielder and therefore would be available in a trade.

The Giants are looking for a catching prospect and would love to have Class AA Huntsville catcher Angel Salome, who is having a huge year. The Brewers have had trouble developing catchers, however, and I can't see them throwing Salome into a deal for just Durham and Taschner. They'd have to get more than that to part with Salome.

So, the Brewers continue to look to improve their roster, a good sign for a team that already has the best record in the league since May 20 and is 2-0 to start the second half. They continue to scout Oakland closer Huston Street, but he blew another save yesterday in New York and has not been throwing the ball great. That would make the Brewers more hesitant to part with another slew of prospects for Street, even though he can't be a free agent for another two years.

Stay tuned. Should be some news later in the day.