Market for starting pitchers could be thin; more notes (cont.)

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• I still think the Braves should have given Tom Glavine a shot to pitch at a higher level before releasing him. But Glavine seems more likely to hang it up as the days go by, longtime agent Gregg Clifton acknowledged by e-mail.

• Teams are saying the asking price remains high on Nationals first baseman Nick Johnson, who's hit well this year but "lost range,'' according to one scout. There's an impression the Nats may be "trying to avoid 110 losses," according to one competing GM. They shouldn't concern themselves with their final record and should also try to deal Adam Dunn, who's in the first year of a two-year, $20 million deal, since they won't win this year or next. However, competing execs aren't sure Dunn will be dealt.

• Scouts are suggesting star Angels pitchers Ervin Santana and John Lackey don't look like themselves lately, raising the possibility they aren't quite 100 percent yet.

• CC Sabathia gives himself a C. That makes it three C's. Personally, I think CC's a tough grader.

• There's nothing wrong with Johan Santana's knee, despite former pitching coach Rick Peterson's speculation. Though Santana was down 2-3 mph in his atrocious start against the Yankees last Sunday.

• Fernando Martinez (0 HRs, 7 runs, .218 average) doesn't appear ready for the big leagues. Remember, though: He's only 20.

• Among those in the know, it seems the biggest reach in the draft was the Pirates' selection of Tony Sanchez with the No. 4 pick overall. He's considered a fine "catch-and-throw guy,'' according to one scouting director, but not a great hitter for such a high pick. Perhaps Pittsburgh didn't want to go through a drawn-out negotiation after enduring a post-deadline signing of Pedro Alvarez last year.

• Mets No. 1 draft choice Steven Matz is asking for $1.1 million, but he may have a hard time turning down the Mets. He is a big hero at Ward Melville High in East Setauket on Long Island, and on his first visit to Citi Field after his selection, he met fellow left-hander Sandy Koufax, a good friend of Mets owner Fred Wilpon. Matz throws 93 mph.

• Nobody is on Joe Mauer's level right now. Here are his stats: 13 HRs, 41 RBIs, .429 average.

• The Rockies are following the 2007 pattern. After 11 straight wins, they lost one. Now they just have to win 10 more to match.

• Seems symmetrical that Pudge (Rodriguez) would tie Pudge (Fisk) for most games caught.

• Best wishes to Dontrelle Willis (1-4, 7.49), who still didn't appear to be himself in his last start and will be skipped the next time through the rotation.

• Anyone notice that the Rays have the second-best run differential in baseball, right behind the Dodgers?

• Tampa may need to consider getting a catcher the way Dioner Navarro (.211 average) has played.

• Readers e-mailed to say Dice-K, Vladimir Guerrero (one home run), Milton Bradley (5 HRs, 16 RBIs, .227) and Fausto Carmona (2-6, 7.42, currently at Class A) deserved to make my recent list of the 25 most disappointing players so far. They are right. Meanwhile, Brewers closer Trevor Hoffman (16-for-16 in saves) should have made the good list.

• Sammy Sosa failed a steroid test? I am shocked, absolutely shocked. (Still, good by the New York Times to get the confirmation.) As far as the Hall of Fame goes, you can put a cork in him.

• I don't believe those who Twitter are necessarily twits. You can see my tweets at SI_JonHeyman.