MLB 2005-2006 Offseason Thread

[The Miz]

STARTING PITCHERS
<o =""></o><s>A.J. Burnett</s> SIGNED BY BLUE JAYS (5 Y / $11.00 M)
<s>Kevin Millwood</s> SIGNED BY RANGERS (5 Y / $12.00 M)
<s>Jarrod Washburn</s> SIGNED BY MARINERS (4 Y / $9.38 M)
Roger Clemens
<s>Matt Morris</s> SIGNED BY GIANTS (3 Y / $9.00 M)<o =""></o><o =""></o>
<o =""></o><s>Paul Byrd</s> SIGNED BY INDIANS (2 Y / $7.13 M)
<o =""></o><s>Kenny Rogers</s> SIGNED BY TIGERS (2 Y / $8.00 M)
<s>Esteban Loaiza</s> SIGNED BY ATHLETICS (3 Y / $7.00 M)
<o =""></o>Jeff Weaver
<o =""></o><s>Scott Elarton</s> SIGNED BY ROYALS (2 Y / $4.00 M)<o =""></o>
<o =""></o>Kevin Brown<o =""></o>
<o =""></o><s>Brett Tomko</s> SIGNED BY DODGERS (2 Y / $4.35 M)
<s>Jamie Moyer</s> RE-SIGNED BY MARINERS (1 Y / $5.50 M)
<o =""></o>Shawn Estes
<o =""></o>Ted Lilly<o =""></o>
<o =""></o><s>José Lima</s> SIGNED BY PADRES (1 Y / $1.70 M)<o =""></o>
<o =""></o><s>Glendon Rusch</s> RE-SIGNED BY CUBS (2 Y / $3.00 M)
<s>Tony Armas Jr.</s> RE-SIGNED BY NATIONALS (1 Y / $2.10 M)
<o =""></o><s>Brian Anderson</s> SIGNED BY RANGERS
<s>Jason Johnson</s> SIGNED BY INDIANS (1 Y)
<o =""></o>Kirk Rueter
<s>Joe Mays</s> SIGNED BY ROYALS (1 Y / $1.00 M)
<s>Sidney Ponson</s> SIGNED BY ORIOLES (1 Y / $1.00 M)
<s>Kazuhisa Ishii</s> SIGNED BY YAKULT (Japan)
<s>Ramón Ortiz</s> SIGNED BY NATIONALS (1 Y / $2.50 M)<o =""></o>
<o =""></o>Darren Dreifort
Byung-Hyun Kim
<o =""></o>Pedro Astacio
<o =""></o>John Halama
Josh Fogg
<s>Brian Moehler</s> RE-SIGNED BY MARLINS (1 Y / $1.50 M)<o =""></o>
<o =""></o>Hideo Nomo
<o =""></o>Al Leiter
Wade Miller
<s>Jeff Fassero</s> RE-SIGNED BY GIANTS (1 Y / $750 K)
Ismael Valdéz
Jamey Wright
<s>Tim Redding</s> SIGNED BY WHITE SOX (minors)
<s>Víctor Santos</s> SIGNED BY ROYALS (minors)
Fumiya Nishiguchi
<s>Ryan Franklin</s> SIGNED BY PHILLIES (1 Y / $2.60 M)
Kiyoshi Toyoda
Takashi Saito
<s>Steve Sparks</s> SIGNED BY ASTROS (minors)
Cha-Seung Baek
Kurt Ainsworth

RELIEF PITCHERS<o =""></o>
<s>Billy Wagner</s> SIGNED BY METS (4 Y / $10.75 M)
<s>B.J. Ryan</s> SIGNED BY BLUE JAYS (5 Y / $9.40 M)
<s>Trevor Hoffman</s> RE-SIGNED BY PADRES (2 Y / $6.75 M)<o =""></o>
<s>Kyle Farnsworth</s> SIGNED BY YANKEES (3 Y / $5.67 M)
<strike>Scott Eyre</strike> SIGNED BY CUBS (2 Y / $5.50 M)
<strike>Bobby Howry</strike> SIGNED BY CUBS (3 Y / $4.00 M)<o =""></o>
<s>Tom Gordon</s> SIGNED BY PHILLIES (3 Y / $6.00 M)
<s>Mike Timlin</s> RE-SIGNED BY RED SOX (1 Y / $3.50 M)
<s>Bob Wickman</s> RE-SIGNED BY INDIANS (1 Y / $5.00 M)
<s>José Mesa</s> SIGNED BY ROCKIES (1 Y / $2.52 M)<o =""></o>
<o =""></o><s>Mike DeJean</s> RE-SIGNED BY ROCKIES (1 Y / $1.30 M)<o =""></o>
<s>Octavio Dotel</s> SIGNED BY YANKEES (1 Y / $2.00 M)
<s>Dave Williams</s> RE-SIGNED BY PIRATES (1 Y / $1.40 M) TRADED TO REDS
<s>Todd Jones</s> SIGNED BY TIGERS (2 Y / $5.50 M)
<s>Mike Stanton</s> SIGNED BY NATIONALS (1 Y / $1.00 M)
<s>Hector Carrasco</s> SIGNED BY ANGELS (2 Y / $3.05 M)
Jason Christiansen<o =""></o>
<s>Braden Looper</s> SIGNED BY CARDINALS (3 Y / $4.50 M)
<strike>Elmer Dessens</strike> SIGNED BY ROYALS (2 Y / $1.7<o =""></o>0 M)
<s>Roberto Hernández</s> SIGNED BY PIRATES (1 Y / $2.75 M)
Ugueth Urbina
<s>Scott Sauerbeck</s> RE-SIGNED BY INDIANS (1 Y / $1.20 M)
Julián Tavarez
Paul Quantrill<o =""></o>
Billy Koch<o =""></o>
<s>Cal Eldred</s> RETIRED
Mike Remlinger
Félix Rodríguez
<s>Joey Eischen</s> RE-SIGNED BY NATIONALS (1 Y / $1.30 M)
Alan Embree
<s>Chad Bradford</s> SIGNED BY METS (1 Y / $1.40 M)<o =""></o>
Tom Martin
<s>Doug Brocail</s> SIGNED BY PADRES (1 Y / $1.00 M)<o =""></o>
Jeff Nelson
<s>Dewon Brazelton</s> SIGNED BY PADRES (1 Y)<o =""></o>
<s>Jay Witasick<o =""></o></s> RE-SIGNED BY ATHLETICS (2 Y / $1.38 M)
<s>Tim Worrell</s> SIGNED BY GIANTS (2 Y / $2.00 M)<o =""></o>
Antonio Alfonseca<o =""></o>
<s>Ricardo Rincon</s> SIGNED BY CARDINALS (2 Y / $1.45 M)
Ricky Bottalico
<s>Mike Myers</s> SIGNED BY YANKEES (2 Y / $1.20 M)<o =""></o>
<s>Danny Graves</s> SIGNED BY INDIANS (minors)
Al Reyes<o =""></o>
<s>Rudy Seanez</s> SIGNED BY RED SOX (1 Y / $2.10 M)<o =""></o>
<s>Chris Hammond</s> SIGNED BY REDS (1 Y / $800 K)
<s>Giovanni Carrara</s> SIGNED BY PIRATES (minors)
<s>Joe Borowski</s> SIGNED BY MARLINS (1 Y)
<s>Kelly Wunsch</s> SIGNED BY DODGERS (minors)
<s>Julio Santana</s> SIGNED BY PHILLIES (1 Y / $800 K)
<s>Ramiro Mendoza</s> RE-SIGNED BY YANKEES (minors)
<s>John Wasdin</s> RE-SIGNED BY RANGERS (1 Y / $600 K)
Shigetoshi Hasegawa
<strike>Chad Harville</strike> SIGNED BY DEVIL RAYS (1 Y / $525 K)
<s>Dan Kolb</s> RE-SIGNED BY BREWERS (1 Y / $2.00 M)
Jim Mecir
<o =""></o>Buddy Groom
Keiichi Yabu<o =""></o>
Matt Mantei
<s>José Acevedo</s> RE-SIGNED BY ROCKIES (minors)
<s>Dennys Reyes</s> SIGNED BY YANKEES (minors)
Valerio de los Santos
Matt Herges
James Baldwin
<s>Steve Karsay</s> SIGNED BY INDIANS (minors)<o =""></o>
Steve Reed
Jim Brower
<s>Lance Carter</s> RE-SIGNED BY DEVIL RAYS (1 Y / $550 K)
<s>Jason Grimsley</s> SIGNED BY DIAMONDBACKS (1 Y / $825 K)
Terry Adams
Trever Miller
Eddy Rodríguez
Antonio Osuna
<s>Wes Obermueller</s> RE-SIGNED BY BRAVES (minors)
Félix Heredia
Jon Adkins
<s>Kerry Ligtenberg</s> SIGNED BY MARLINS (minors)
Wayne Franklin
Shawn Camp
John Franco
Gabe White
Craig Breslow
<s>Nick Regilio</s> RE-SIGNED BY RANGERS (minors)
Craig Breslow
<s>T.J. Tucker</s> RE-SIGNED BY NATIONALS (minors)
José Díaz
Jeff Bennett
Joe Valentine
Tyler Yates
Scott Sullivan
Grant Balfour
Mike Lincoln

CATCHERS<o =""></o>
<s><s>Ram</s>ó<s>n Hern</s>á<s>ndez</s></s> SIGNED BY ORIOLES (4 Y / $6.88 M)
Bengie Molina
<s>Kenji Johjima</s> SIGNED BY MARINERS (3 Y / $5.50 M)
<s>Brad Ausmus</s> RE-SIGNED BY ASTROS (2 Y / $3.75 M)
Mike Piazza<o =""></o>
<s>Todd Pratt</s> SIGNED BY BRAVES (1 Y / $850 K)
<s>Todd Greene</s> SIGNED BY PADRES (minors)
<s>Miguel Olivo</s> SIGNED BY MARLINS (1 Y)
<s>Gary Bennett</s> SIGNED BY CARDINALS (1 Y / $800 K)
<strike>Chad Moeller</strike> RE-SIGNED BY BREWERS (1 Y / $700 K)
<s>Kelly Stinnett</s> SIGNED BY YANKEES (1 Y / $650 K)
<strike>Chris Widger</strike> RE-SIGNED BY WHITE SOX (1 Y / $650 K)
<s>Sal Fasano</s> SIGNED BY PHILLIES (1 Y / $450 K)
<s>John Flaherty</s> SIGNED BY RED SOX (1 Y / $650 K)
Jason Phillips
<strike>Pat Borders</strike> RETIRED
<s>Einar Díaz</s> SIGNED BY INDIANS (minors)
<s>Sandy Alomar Jr.</s> SIGNED BY DODGERS (1 Y / $650 K)
<s>Alberto Castillo</s> SIGNED BY NATIONALS (minors)
<s>Ken Huckaby</s> SIGNED BY RED SOX (minors)
Charles Johnson
<s>Wiki González</s> SIGNED BY NATIONALS (minors)
Eddie Pérez
<s>Mike DiFelice</s> SIGNED BY NATIONALS (minors)
<s>Paul Bako</s> SIGNED BY ROYALS (1 Y / $700 K)
<s>Dan Wilson</s> RETIRED
Benito Santiago
Raúl Casanova
Mike Rose
Mike Mahoney

FIRST BASEMEN<o =""></o>
<s>Paul Konerko</s> RE-SIGNED BY WHITE SOX (5 Y / $12.00 M)
Kevin Millar
<s>Doug Mientkiewicz</s> SIGNED BY ROYALS (1 Y / $1.85 M)<o =""></o>
Dmitri Young
<s>Travis Lee</s> ACCEPTED ARBY WITH DEVIL RAYS
<s>John Olerud</s> RETIRED<o =""></o>
Tino Martínez
Rafael Palmeiro<o =""></o>
<s>Julio Franco</s> SIGNED BY METS (2 Y / $1.10 M)
<s>Mark Sweeney<o =""></o></s> SIGNED BY GIANTS (2 Y / $900 K)
J.T. Snow
Daryle Ward
<s>Eduardo Pérez</s> SIGNED BY INDIANS (1 Y)<o =""></o>
<s>Wes Helms</s> SIGNED BY MARLINS<o =""></o><o =""></o>
Brad Fullmer<o =""></o>
Roberto Petagine
<s>Robert Fick</s> SIGNED BY NATIONALS (1 Y / $850 K)<o =""></o>
<s>Olmedo Saenz</s> RE-SIGNED BY DODGERS (2 Y / $1.00 M)
Dave Hansen
José Offerman
Calvin Pickering
Brian Myrow<o =""></o>
<o =""></o>
SECOND BASEMEN
<s>Craig Biggio</s> RE-SIGNED BY ASTROS (1 Y / $4.00 M)<o =""></o>
<s>Mark Grudzielanek</s> SIGNED BY ROYALS (1 Y / $4.00 M)<o =""></o>
<s>Eric Young</s> RE-SIGNED BY PADRES (1 Y / $600 K)<o =""></o>
<s>Tony Graffanino</s> ACCEPTED ARBY WITH RED SOX<o =""></o>
<s>Junior Spivey</s> SIGNED BY CARDINALS (1 Y / $1.20 M)
<s>Miguel Cairo</s> SIGNED BY YANKEES (1 Y / $1.00 M)
Frank Menechino
Willie Harris
Carlos Baerga
<s>Mark Bellhorn</s> SIGNED BY PADRES (1 Y / $800 K)
<s>Damion Easley</s> SIGNED BY DIAMONDBACKS (1 Y / $700 K)<o =""></o>
<s>Marlon Anderson</s> SIGNED BY NATIONALS (2 Y / $925 K)
<s>Damian Jackson</s> SIGNED BY NATIONALS (1 Y / $700 K)
<s>D'Angelo Jiminez</s> SIGNED BY RANGERS (minors)<o =""></o>
<s>Bret Boone</s> SIGNED BY METS (minors)
Luis Rivas
<s>Rick Short</s> SIGNED BY TOHOKU RAKUTEN (Japan)
Denny Hocking
Joe McEwing
Chris Magruder
<s>Bernie Castro</s> SIGNED BY NATIONALS (1 Y)
Enrique Wilson
Trent Durrington
Hitoshi Taneda
Aaron Holbert
<s>Joe Dillon</s> SIGNED BY YOMIURI (Japan)
Bo Hart
Manny Alexander

THIRD BASEMEN<o =""></o>
<s>Bill Mueller</s> SIGNED BY DODGERS (2 Y / $4.75 M)<o =""></o>
<s>Joe Randa</s> SIGNED BY PIRATES (1 Y / $4.00 M)<o =""></o>
<s>Geoff Blum</s> SIGNED BY PADRES (1 Y / $650 K)<o =""></o>
<s>José Valentín</s> SIGNED BY METS (1 Y / $913 K)
<s>Abraham Nuñez</s> SIGNED BY PHILLIES (2 Y / $1.68 M)<o =""></o>
<s>Lenny Harris</s> RE-SIGNED BY MARLINS (minors)<o =""></o>
<s>Wes Helms<o =""></o></s> SIGNED BY MARLINS (1 Y)
<s>Jeff Cirillo</s> RE-SIGNED BY BREWERS (1 Y / $850 K)
<s>Alfredo Amezaga</s> SIGNED BY MARLINS (1 Y / $340 K)
Scott Spiezio
<s>Lou Merloni</s> SIGNED BY INDIANS (minors)
<s>Tony Batista</s> SIGNED BY TWINS
Mike Edwards
Zach Sorenson
Glenn Williams
Tim Olson
Scott Seabol
Mike Mordecai
<o =""></o><o =""></o>
SHORTSTOPS<o =""></o>
<s>Rafael Furcal</s> SIGNED BY DODGERS (3 Y / $13.33 M)<o =""></o>
<s>Nomar Garciaparra</s> SIGNED BY DODGERS (1 Y / $6.00 M)<o =""></o>
<s>Neifi Pérez</s> RE-SIGNED BY CUBS (2 Y / $2.50 M)<o =""></o>
<s>José Vizcaíno</s> SIGNED BY GIANTS (1 Y / $1.25 M)
<s>Pokey Reese</s> SIGNED BY MARLINS (1 Y)<o =""></o>
<s>Deivi Cruz</s> SIGNED BY CARDINALS (1 Y / $800 K)<o =""></o>
Royce Clayton<o =""></o><o =""></o>
Alex González
José Hernández<o =""></o>
Alex S. González
Rich Aurilia
Chris Woodward<o =""></o>
Chris Gómez<o =""></o>
Rey Sánchez
<s>Ramon Vásquez</s> RE-SIGNED BY INDIANS (1 Y / $700 K)
<s>Damian Jackson</s> SIGNED BY NATIONALS (1 Y / $700 K)
<s>José Valentín</s> SIGNED BY METS (1 Y / $913 K)
Desi Relaford

OUTFIELDERS<o =""></o>
<s>Johnny Damon</s> SIGNED BY YANKEES (4 Y / $13.00 M)<o =""></o>
<s>Hideki Matsui</s> RE-SIGNED BY YANKEES (4 Y / $13.00 M)
<s>Brian Giles</s> RE-SIGNED BY PADRES (3 Y / $10.00 M)
<s>Jacque Jones</s> SIGNED BY CUBS (3 Y / $5.33 M)<o =""></o><o =""></o>
<st1 =""><s>Preston Wilson</s> SIGNED BY ASTROS (1 Y / $4.50 M)</st1>
<s>Jeromy Burnitz</s> SIGNED BY PADRES (1 Y / $6.70 M)<o =""></o>
<s>Juan Encarnación</s> SIGNED BY CARDINALS (3 Y / $5.00 M)
<strike>Reggie Sanders</strike> SIGNED BY ROYALS (2 Y / $5.00 M)<o =""></o>
Kevin Millar<o =""></o>
<s>Rondell White</s> SIGNED BY TWINS (1 Y / $3.25 M)<o =""></o>
<s>Carl Everett</s> SIGNED BY MARINERS (1 Y / $4.00 M)<o =""></o>
Todd Hollandsworth
Sammy Sosa
<s>Eric Byrnes<o =""></o></s> SIGNED BY DIAMONDBACKS (1 Y / $2.25 M)
B.J. Surhoff<o =""></o>
<s>Larry Walker</s> RETIRED
Richard Hidalgo
<strike>Jeff Conine</strike> SIGNED BY ORIOLES (1 Y / $1.70 M)
Dave Roberts
Jong-Soo Shim<o =""></o>
Bernie Williams<o =""></o>
<s>Marquis Grissom</s> SIGNED BY CUBS<o =""></o>
<s>Mark Sweeney</s> SIGNED BY GIANTS (2 Y / $900 K)<o =""></o>
Dustan Mohr<o =""></o>
<s>John Mabry<o =""></o></s> SIGNED BY CUBS (1 Y / $1.00 M)
<s>Eric Young</s> RE-SIGNED BY PADRES (1 Y / $600 K)<o =""></o>
<s>Matt Lawton</s> SIGNED BY MARINERS (1 Y / $400 K)<o =""></o><o =""></o>
Brian Jordan<o =""></o>
<s>Kenny Lofton</s> SIGNED BY DODGERS (1 Y / $3.85 M)<o =""></o>
Gabe Kapler<o =""></o>
<s>Orlando Palmeiro</s> RE-SIGNED BY ASTROS (2 Y / $950 K)<o =""></o>
<s>Jose Cruz Jr.</s> RE-SIGNED BY DODGERS (1 Y / $2.91 M)<o =""></o>
<s>Tim Salmon</s> RE-SIGNED BY ANGELS (minors)<o =""></o>
Michael Tucker<o =""></o>
Roger Cedeño
Tomonori Maeda
Juan González<o =""></o>
Wil Cordero <o =""></o>
Raúl Mondesí
Jacob Cruz<o =""></o>
Bobby Higginson
<s>Robert Fick</s> SIGNED BY NATIONALS (1 Y / $850 K)
Koichi Ogata
Ching-Feng Chen<o =""></o>
Terrence Long
<s>Endy Chávez</s> SIGNED BY METS (1 Y / $500 K)<o =""></o>
<s>Joe McEwing</s> RE-SIGNED BY ROYALS (minors)
<s>Damian Jackson</s> SIGNED BY NATIONALS (1 Y / $700 K)
Timo Pérez
Quinton McCracken
<s>Ryan Spilborghs</s> RE-SIGNED BY ROCKIES (minors)
<s>Adam Hyzdu</s> SIGNED BY RANGERS (minors)<o =""></o>
Curtis Pride
Mike Edwards<o =""></o>
Eli Marrero
Hiram Bocachica
Charles Gipson
<s>Alex Escobar</s> RE-SIGNED BY NATIONALS (minors)
Wayne Lydon
<s>Rickey Henderson</s> RETIRED
<o =""></o>
<o =""></o>DESIGNATED HITTERS<o =""></o>
Mike Piazza
Frank Thomas
<s>Carl Everett</s> SIGNED BY MARINERS (1 Y / $4.00 M)<o =""></o>
Rafael Palmeiro
<s>Rondell White</s> SIGNED BY TWINS (1 Y / $3.25 M)
Rubén Sierra<o =""></o>
Erubiel Durazo
Matthew LeCroy<o =""></o>
<s>Bernie Williams</s> RE-SIGNED BY YANKEES (1 Y / $1.50 M)
<s>Olmedo Saenz</s> RE-SIGNED BY DODGERS (2 Y / $1.00 M)
Juan González
Scott Hatteberg
Ken Harvey
<u1:p><u1:p><u1:p><u1:p><u1:p><u1:p><u1:p><u1:p><u1:p><u1:p><u1:p><u1:p><u1:p><u1:p><u1:p><u1:p><u1:p><u1:p><u1:p><u1:p><u1:p><u1:p><u1:p><u1:p>
</u1:p></u1:p></u1:p></u1:p></u1:p></u1:p></u1:p></u1:p></u1:p></u1:p></u1:p></u1:p></u1:p></u1:p></u1:p></u1:p></u1:p></u1:p></u1:p></u1:p></u1:p></u1:p></u1:p></u1:p>POSSIBLE JAPANESE POSTINGS?
<s>Daisuke Matsuzaka, SP</s> NOT POSTED BY SEIBU
<s>Shinji Mori, SP</s> RIGHTS WON BY DEVIL RAYS
Toshihisa Nishi, 2B
Kei Igawa, SP
Naoyuki Shimizu, SP
Koji Uehara, SP
Hirotoshi Ishii, RP
<o =""></o>

[The Miz]

TRADES

Dodgers get:
RP Danys Baez
RP Lance Carter

Devil Rays get:
RP Edwin Jackson
SP Chuck Tiffany (A)

-------------------------

Orioles get:
OF Corey Patterson

Cubs get:
SS Nate Spears (A)
SP Carlos Perez (A)

-------------------------

Brewers get:
3B Corey Koskie

Blue Jays get:
RP Brian Wolfe (AA)

-------------------------

Dodgers get:
SP Jae Weong Seo
RP Tim Hamulack (AAA)

Mets get:
RP Duaner Sanchez
RP Steve Schmoll

-------------------------

Blue Jays get:
3B Troy Glaus
SS Sergio Santos (AAA)

Diamondbacks get:
2B Orlando Hudson
RP Miguel Batista

-------------------------

Giants get:
OF Steve Finley

Angels get:
3B Edgardo Alfonzo

-------------------------

Rangers get:
SP Adam Eaton
RP Akinori Otsuka
C Billy Killian (A)

Padres get:
SP Chris Young
OF Terrmel Sledge
1B Adrian Gonzalez

-------------------------

Braves get:
OF Matt Diaz

Royals get:
RP Ricardo Rodriguez (A)

-------------------------

Devil Rays get:
C Josh Paul

Angels get:
3B Travis Schlichting (A)

-------------------------

Yankees get:
RP Ron Villone

Marlins get:
RP Ben Julianel (AA)

-------------------------

White Sox get:
SP Javier Vazquez

Diamondbacks get:
SP Orlando Hernandez
RP Luis Viscaino
OF Chris Young (AA)

-------------------------

Athletics get:
OF Milton Bradley
INF Antonio Perez

Dodgers get:
OF Andre Ethier (AA)

-------------------------

Rangers get:
SP Vicente Padilla

Phillies get:
RP Ricardo Rodriguez

-------------------------

Angels get:
RP J.C. Romero

Twins get:
SS Alexi Casilla (AAA)

-------------------------

Reds get:
2B Tony Womack

Yankees get:
2B Kevin Howard (AA)
OF Ben Himes (A)

-------------------------

Pirates get:
RP Damaso Marte

White Sox get:
OF/3B Rob Mackowiak

-------------------------

Braves get:
SS Edgar Renteria
cash

Red Sox get:
3B Andy Marte

-------------------------

Rockies get:
RP Ray King

Cardinals get:
OF Larry Bigbie
2B Aaron Miles

-------------------------

Blue Jays get:
1B Lyle Overbay
SP Ty Taubhenheim (AA)

Brewers get:
SP Dave Bush
OF Gabe Gross
SP Zach Jackson (AAA)

-------------------------

Rockies get:
C Yorvit Torrealba

Mariners get:
RP Marcos Carvajal
RP Luis Gonzalez (AA)

-------------------------

Nationals get:
2B Alfonso Soriano

Rangers get:
OF Brad Wilkerson
OF Terrmel Sledge
SP Armando Galarraga (AA)

-------------------------

Red Sox get:
2B Mark Loretta

Padres get:
C Doug Mirabelli

-------------------------

Brewers get:
RP Dan Kolb

Braves get:
RP Wes Obermueller

-------------------------

Royals get:
SP Mark Redman

Pirates get:
RP Jonah Bayliss (AA)

-------------------------

Devil Rays get:
3B Sean Burroughs

Padres get:
RP Dewon Brazelton

-------------------------

Diamondbacks get:
C Johnny Estrada

Braves get:
RP Lance Cormier
RP Oscar Villareal

-------------------------

Cubs get:
OF Juan Pierre

Marlins get:
RP Sergio Mitre
SP Ricky Nolasco (AA)
SP Renyel Pinto (AAA)

-------------------------

Pirates get:
1B Sean Casey

Reds get:
RP Dave Williams

-------------------------

Orioles get:
RP LaTroy Hawkins

Giants get:
RP Steve Kline

-------------------------

Athletics get:
RP Chad Gaudin

Blue Jays get:
OF Dustin Majewski (A)

-------------------------

Mets get:
C Paul LoDuca

Marlins get:
SP Gaby Hernandez (A)
OF Dante Brinkley (A)

-------------------------

Twins get:
2B Luis Castillo

Marlins get:
RP Travis Bowyer (AAA)
SP Scott Tyler (A)

-------------------------

Mets get:
OF Tike Redman

Pirates get:
cash

-------------------------

Red Sox get:
SP Josh Beckett
3B Mike Lowell
RP Guillermo Mota

Marlins get:
SS Hanley Ramirez (AA)
SP Anibal Sanchez (AA)
RP Jesus Delgado (A)
RP Harvey Garcia (A)

-------------------------

White Sox get:
1B Jim Thome

Phillies get:
CF Aaron Rowand
SP Daniel Haigwood (AA)
SP Giovany Gonzalez (A)

-------------------------

Mets get:
1B Carlos Delgado

Marlins get:
1B Mike Jacobs
SP Yusmeiro Petit (AAA)
SS Grant Psomas (A)

-------------------------

Padres get:
INF Bobby Hill

Pirates get:
SP Clayton Hamilton (A)

-------------------------

Padres get:
OF Mike Cameron

Mets get:
1B/OF Xavier Nady

-------------------------

Rangers get:
RP Jon Leicester

Cubs get:
PTBNL

-------------------------

Blue Jays get:
SS John McDonald

Tigers get:
cash

-------------------------

Nationals get:
SP Brian Lawrence

Padres get:
3B Vinny Castilla

-------------------------

ACCEPTED OPTIONS
Tom Glavine (v, z) OPTION VESTED WITH METS (1 Y / $10.50 M)
<u1:p></u1:p>Jason Schmidt (x) OPTION PICKED UP BY GIANTS (1 Y / $10.00 M)
Mark Mulder (x) OPTION PICKED UP BY CARDINALS (1 Y / $7.75 M)
Woody Williams (v) OPTION VESTED WITH PADRES (1 Y / $5.00 M)
John Thomson (x) OPTION PICKED UP BY BRAVES (1 Y / $4.75 M)
Mark Redman (z) ACCEPTED OPTION WITH PIRATES (1 Y / $4.50 M)
<u1:p></u1:p>Jeff Suppan (x) OPTION PICKED UP BY CARDINALS (1 Y / $4.00 M
<u1:p><u1:p><u1:p>Steve Trachsel (x) OPTION PICKED UP BY METS (1 Y / $2.50 M)
<u1:p><u1:p>Eddie Guardado (z) OPTION PICKED UP BY MARINERS (1 Y / $6.25 M)
<u1:p>LaTroy Hawkins (y) ACCEPTED OPTION WITH GIANTS (1 Y / $4.35 M)
Danys Baez (x) OPTION PICKED UP BY DEVIL RAYS (1 Y / $4.00 M)
<u1:p></u1:p>Scott Williamson (x) OPTION PICKED UP BY CUBS (1 Y / $2.00 M)
<u1:p></u1:p>Akinori Otsuka (x) OPTION PICKED UP BY PADRES (1 Y / $1.75 M)
<u1:p>Tanyon Sturtze (x) OPTION PICKED UP BY YANKEES (1 Y / $1.50 M)
</u1:p>David Weathers (x) OPTION PICKED UP BY REDS (1 Y / $1.50 M)
<u1:p><u1:p>Cliff Politte (x) OPTION PICKED UP BY WHITE SOX (1 Y / $1.20 M)
<u1:p><u1:p><u1:p><u1:p><u1:p>Jamie Walker (x) OPTION PICKED UP BY TIGERS (1 Y / $1.20 M)

</u1:p></u1:p></u1:p></u1:p></u1:p><u1:p><u1:p><u1:p><u1:p><u1:p><u1:p>Mike Lieberthal (x) OPTION PICKED UP BY PHILLIES (1 Y / $7.50 M)
<u1:p>Gregg Zaun (x) OPTION PICKED UP BY BLUE JAYS (1 Y / $1.00 M)

<u1:p><u1:p>Ray Durham (y) ACCEPTED OPTION WITH GIANTS (1 Y / $7.00 M)
Ronnie Belliard (x) OPTION PICKED UP BY INDIANS (1 Y / $4.00 M)
<u1:p></u1:p>Mark Loretta (x) OPTION PICKED UP BY PADRES (1 Y / $3.25 M)
<u1:p><u1:p><u1:p>Todd Walker (x, v) OPTION PICKED UP BY CUBS (1 Y / $2.50 M)

<u1:p><u1:p><u1:p><u1:p></u1:p></u1:p></u1:p></u1:p></u1:p></u1:p></u1:p></u1:p></u1:p></u1:p></u1:p></u1:p></u1:p></u1:p></u1:p></u1:p></u1:p></u1:p></u1:p></u1:p></u1:p></u1:p></u1:p></u1:p>Carlos Lee (x) OPTION PICKED UP BY BREWERS (1 Y / $8.50 M)
<u1:p>Moises Alou (y) ACCEPTED OPTION WITH GIANTS (1 Y / $6.00 M)
</u1:p><u1:p><u1:p><u1:p><u1:p><u1:p><u1:p><u1:p><u1:p><u1:p><u1:p><u1:p><u1:p><u1:p><u1:p><u1:p><u1:p><u1:p><u1:p><u1:p><u1:p><u1:p><u1:p><u1:p><u1:p>Randy Winn (z) ACCEPTED OPTION WITH GIANTS (1 Y / $5.00 M)
Jay Payton (x) OPTION PICKED UP BY ATHLETICS (1 Y / $4.00 M)
Jose Guillen (x) OPTION PICKED UP BY NATIONALS (1 Y / $4.00 M)
<u1:p></u1:p>Matt Holliday (x) OPTION PICKED UP BY ROCKIES (1 Y/ $500 K)

DECLINED OPTIONS
Felix Heredia (NYM) $2.50 M buyout
Kazuhisa Ishii (NYM, paid by LAD) $3.25 M buyout
Larry Walker (STL) $1.00 M buyout
Eric Young (SD) $150 K buyout
Tino Martinez (NYY) $250 K buyout
Frank Thomas (CHW) $3.50 M buyout
Scott Hatteberg (OAK) $250 K buyout
Antonio Alfonseca (FLA)
Jason Christiansen (LAA) $125 K buyout
Shigetoshi Hasegawa (SEA) $500 K buyout
Pokey Reese (SEA) $300 K buyout
Esteban Loaiza (WAS)
Carl Everett (CHW) $500 K buyout
Braden Looper (NYM) $250 K buyout
Doug Mientkiewicz (NYM) $450 K buyout
Jeromy Burnitz (CHC) $500 K buyout
Ramon Ortiz (CIN) $175 K buyout
Rich Aurilia (CIN) $150 K buyout
Elmer Dessens (LAD) $300 K buyout
Jose Mesa (PIT) $500 K buyout
Keiichi Yabu (OAK) $250 K buyout
Dustan Mohr (COL) $100 K buyout
Joe Mays (MIN) $500 K buyout
Frank Menechino (TOR) $50 K buyout
Steve Reed (BAL) $250 K buyout
Todd Greene (COL) $100 K buyout
Bernie Williams (NYY) $3.50 M buyout</u1:p></u1:p></u1:p></u1:p></u1:p></u1:p></u1:p></u1:p></u1:p></u1:p></u1:p></u1:p></u1:p></u1:p></u1:p></u1:p></u1:p></u1:p></u1:p></u1:p></u1:p></u1:p></u1:p></u1:p><u1:p><u1:p><u1:p><u1:p><u1:p><u1:p><u1:p><u1:p><u1:p><u1:p><u1:p><u1:p><u1:p><u1:p><u1:p><u1:p><u1:p><u1:p><u1:p><u1:p><u1:p><u1:p><u1:p><u1:p></u1:p></u1:p></u1:p></u1:p></u1:p></u1:p></u1:p></u1:p></u1:p></u1:p></u1:p></u1:p></u1:p></u1:p></u1:p></u1:p></u1:p></u1:p></u1:p></u1:p></u1:p></u1:p></u1:p></u1:p><u1:p><u1:p><u1:p><u1:p><u1:p><u1:p><u1:p><u1:p><u1:p><u1:p><u1:p><u1:p><u1:p><u1:p><u1:p><u1:p><u1:p><u1:p><u1:p><u1:p><u1:p><u1:p><u1:p><u1:p></u1:p></u1:p></u1:p></u1:p></u1:p></u1:p></u1:p></u1:p></u1:p></u1:p></u1:p></u1:p></u1:p></u1:p></u1:p></u1:p></u1:p></u1:p></u1:p></u1:p></u1:p></u1:p></u1:p></u1:p><o:p =""><o:p =""><o:p =""><o:p =""><o:p =""><o:p =""><o:p =""><o:p =""><o:p =""><o:p =""><o:p =""><o:p =""><o:p =""><o:p =""><o:p =""><o:p =""><o:p =""><o:p =""><o:p =""><o:p =""><o:p =""></o:p></o:p></o:p></o:p></o:p></o:p></o:p></o:p></o:p></o:p></o:p></o:p></o:p></o:p></o:p></o:p></o:p></o:p></o:p></o:p></o:p>
<o:p><o:p =""><o:p =""></o:p></o:p></o:p>

[Loose Cannon]

YES, you are the man. thanks for this

[Joey Slugs]

another quality thread Miz. :y: this might be one crazy ass off-season.

[Loose Cannon]

well NY needs pitching. Starting and relief. And they need a center fielder.

Now the question is, who do you trade if need be?

I hope they toss Brown, trade or he just goes away

[The Miz]

Daisuke Matsuzaka (RHP) is supposed to be the next big thing from Japan. His stock has fallen the last 2 years but he's still as good as pitching prsopects get. Look for the usual suspects to go after him, NY, BOS, LA.

[The Miz]

Also, Matsuzaka played with Kaz Matsui for 5 years on the same Japanese Regular Season team. With Glavine likely gone and the Mets always loaded it could be the right fit.

[Dragon]

well NY needs pitching. Starting and relief. And they need a center fielder.

Now the question is, who do you trade if need be?

I hope they toss Brown, trade or he just goes away

Assuming they resign Chacon, Wang, and Small, starting pitching doesn't really seem like that big of a problem. Maybe one more reliable starter.

They would have Johnson, Mussina, Wang, Chacon, and either Pavano, Wright, or Small depending on how they all are healthwise. I'm guessing Small and probably Wright would come out of the pen and spot starts. All depends on Pavano really.

Middle relief and center field are definitely the biggest problems. I've read that Gordon wants to close so he might be gone. Even though he was shit in the postseason he was the only other one besides Mo that you could really trust with a lead.

I have no idea whats going to happen at center. Guessing that they make a run at Damon, hopefully its not the case, with what he wants and how he's really not that great in center anyway. Hunter would be the ideal choice but that seems like a huge long shot.

The other huge thing they have to do is resign Matsui which looks like it will happen.

And Brown is gone, thank god.

[Loose Cannon]

See, I just don't see Chacon and Small, especially Small, being as good as they were next year. I'm worried about that. And Johson. Is he gonna get injured? Mussina is getting up there in age. To many question marks with SP for me.

[Loose Cannon]

Yankees trade Randy Johnson, Aaron Small, Bubba Trammel, two minor league prospects and some cash

To the Twins for Johan Santana and Torri Hunter

:yes:

How do you like that BCWWF?

[Dragon]

Definitely think Chacon and Small should be resigned though, even if coming out of the pen. I see Chacon being as good, don't really see Small as good but he would still be valuable out of the pen. There are a lot of questions though because it seems almost every one is injury prone or old. We don't know what to expect of Pavano at all.

So it would be nice to have some more stability in the rotation but I don't see what could be done. I don't think many trades could be pulled off with Pavano or Wright, but you never know I guess.

Who do you think should be signed or traded/traded for starting pitcher wise?

[The Icon of Elisim]

Blue Jays issues.

We need a set up man, one more starting pitcher, a dh, a first baseman and trades for Koskie, Batiasta and Hinske

[VonErich Lives]

Konerko would look great in a Red Sox uniform and take care of a big need.

I'd really like to see the Red Sox keep Damon and Muellar.

There's talk if Manny gets delt for Beltran they might talk to Damon about playing LF.

I'd also like to see Timlin back, but as a setup guy, they need a closer if Foulke ain't it.

[The Miz]

I'd be surprised if Matt Morris wasn't in pinstripes next year.

Rumor has it the Yankees are interested in Kirk Reuter and Kenny Rogers. They just don't get it do they?

[YOUR Hero]

I wonder if anyone will go after Raffy Palmeiro.

[The Miz]

My predictions for the big name FAs:

Damon - LA Dodgers
Burnett - Baltimore
Wagner - Mets
Washburn - Toronto
Furcal - Detroit
Morris - NY Yankees
Matsuzaka - NY Mets
Konerko - White Sox
BGiles - Braves
Palmeiro - Wichita Wranglers (AA)

[Evil Vito]

Also, Matsuzaka played with Kaz Matsui for 5 years on the same Japanese Regular Season team. With Glavine likely gone and the Mets always loaded it could be the right fit.

<font color=goldenrod>Glavine won't be gone.....his 2006 option has automatically been picked up because of the number of IP he had this season

Trachsel's the one that's likely to be gone, as he has a 2006 team option and sucked this year.

Anyway, I've never heard of this Matsuzaka guy...and I'm honestly a little skeptical about him since the Mets always have bad luck with Japanese guys...but it could happen. Though tbh I really don't see Kaz coming back next year...I think the Mets may dump him elsewhere.</font>

[YOUR Hero]

Blue Jays issues.

We need a set up man, one more starting pitcher, a dh, a first baseman and trades for Koskie, Batiasta and Hinske

Except for trading Koskie, I agree with everything you say. There's talk they might trade Orlando Hudson since they are so deep up the middle. If they do, which I say would be a shame, they better get back something they need that's of the highest quality. If they trade Koskie, I'd understand it, but I'd like to see him get a full, injury free season in Toronto to see what he's really capable of doing in T.O.

Hinske's gotta go. What you get for him is hard to say. I just hope someone out there is willing to give up stock based on his first year ROY season.

I would love to see the Jays open up their wallet this off season. They've stated they will spend an extra 20 mil. this off season. Good money if spent wisely.

[VonErich Lives]

My predictions for the big name FAs:

Damon - LA Dodgers
Burnett - Baltimore
Wagner - Mets
Washburn - Toronto
Furcal - Detroit
Morris - NY Yankees
Matsuzaka - NY Mets
Konerko - White Sox
BGiles - Braves
Palmeiro - Wichita Wranglers (AA)

I'd see the Red Sox making a serious push for Konerko.

Possible for Wagner, Wickman or Hoffman, depending on what they plan for Faulke, already talk of them trying him as a SP. Although, I keep hearing NJ Ryan's name, but I didn't see him on the list.

I've been saying all year I see Damon in LAD. The owner is from here, Damon would love it out there, plus less pressure, and they have money to spend.

[The Miz]

Glavine won't be gone.....his 2006 option has automatically been picked up because of the number of IP he had this season

Trachsel's the one that's likely to be gone, as he has a 2006 team option and sucked this year.

Anyway, I've never heard of this Matsuzaka guy...and I'm honestly a little skeptical about him since the Mets always have bad luck with Japanese guys...but it could happen. Though tbh I really don't see Kaz coming back next year...I think the Mets may dump him elsewhere.

My mistake, didn't realize he had a vesting option. Matsuzaka has also been rumored to Seattle (along with every Japanese player to ever play). The top 3 candidates at this point seem to be NYM NYY and Seattle.

[YOUR Hero]

Well I'd like to see Toronto make a move on this MAtsuzaka fellow. They'd just need to outbid the others to get the rights to negotiate with him. I just don't know what the typical fee ends up being for these imports.

[YOUR Hero]

I see A.J. in T.O. before I see washburn.

[The Miz]

Burnett's wife lives in Annapolis MD and the Orioles have been trying to get him for the last 2 years. Washburn is also best friends with Toronto's pitching coach as well as Scott Schoeneweis. Nothing is even close to official yet but at this point Washburn-TOR and Burnett-BAL seems the most likely.

Added a bunch of accepted/declined options to the list btw

[Joey Slugs]

Damon - LA Dodgers
Burnett - Baltimore
Konerko - White Sox


Even though I could see the rock star going to LA, didn't he say all year that he wants to play for the Cubs?

I think AJ is going to the big two (Boston or NY).

That's right, Paulie is just fine where he his. :lol:

[Joey Slugs]

My mistake, didn't realize he had a vesting option. Matsuzaka has also been rumored to Seattle (along with every Japanese player to ever play). The top 3 candidates at this point seem to be NYM NYY and Seattle.

Isn't Seattle (the team & pretty much the entire city) now owned in some part (if not all) by Nintendo?

They might as well be the first all-Japanese MLB team.

[The Miz]

Nintendo is the majority owner of the team, the city - no.

The reason we always go after the Chinamen is because there are 856932485609 Asians in the city here and Ichiro and Kaz like doubled the teams popularity.

[The Icon of Elisim]

Except for trading Koskie, I agree with everything you say. There's talk they might trade Orlando Hudson since they are so deep up the middle. If they do, which I say would be a shame, they better get back something they need that's of the highest quality. If they trade Koskie, I'd understand it, but I'd like to see him get a full, injury free season in Toronto to see what he's really capable of doing in T.O.



I really do like Koskie but I don't think he's whats right for the team. We have a strong infield with Hill, Adams and Hudson that is young and can be the core of the team for a long time and the more playing time they get the better.

I guess if they don't land a good DH/1B I'd be happy with Hillenbrand/Koskie splitting DH and 1B

[YOUR Hero]

Burnett's wife lives in Annapolis MD and the Orioles have been trying to get him for the last 2 years. Washburn is also best friends with Toronto's pitching coach as well as Scott Schoeneweis. Nothing is even close to official yet but at this point Washburn-TOR and Burnett-BAL seems the most likely.

Added a bunch of accepted/declined options to the list btw

It's AJ that is best friends with Toronto's pitching coach.

Another thing I just remembered. Toronto picked up Aubrey Huff off waivers this year, as soon as they did, the D-Rays took him off the waiver wire. I see those two teams working out a deal this off season.

[YOUR Hero]

I wonder what Jacques Jones would command in this off season. He'd fit in good on a ton of teams, but the Jays could use another power bat from there. I know he's no Manny or Andru, but he'd make a nice fit. Catalanotto and Co. in left field aren't good enough, IMO.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>I think this could be another huge offseason with the Mets, especially since Wilpon has said he's going to be very flexible with the payroll again this year, so as of now the three big moves I see are:

-Trade for Manny: Manny and the Sox wanna part ways and the Sox desperately want to dump his $60 mil salary...since the Mets and Yanks are the only teams that could afford him and Manny really wouldn't be satisfied on any other team, the Sox will take whatever the Mets offer.
They can ask all they want about Milledge, but Omar Minaya was brought in to make huge deals without giving up the future, so I think the Sox would have to settle for Mike Cameron, possibly Steve Trachsel, MAYBE a pitching prospect since the Mets are loaded with good starting pitching prospects, and we might politely ask them to take Matsui.
In turn, the Mets take on Manny's $60 million contract. Manny would get shifted to RF. He'll probably be a liability there, but he's a liability in LF as is and Floyd is actually good there.

-Signing of Furcal, 5-years...probably around $40-45 million...Furcal has already said he'd like to play 2B for the Mets, plus on top of that Omar is great with the Latin players

-Billy Wagner or BJ Ryan, probably around $30 million for 3 years (I'd prefer 2 years w/ an option in Wagner's case because of age, but I'll take what I can get)

I'm certain Wilpon will draw the line here in terms of big-time acquisitions...I don't know how much Bengie Molina is gonna be asking for, but if it's not too much I'd love to sign him too, but that's doubtful. And since Piazza leaving is pretty much a definate, I'm thinking we may get stuck with a platoon of Ramon Castro and some Japanese catcher the Mets are interested in...but the other 3 signings will more than make up for it

And on that Matsuzaka guy, I'm thinking the Yanks will outbid the Mets for him, so the Mets could just use prospect Brian Bannister in the #5 starter spot (assuming he didn't get dealt for Manny)</font>

[The Miz]

I'm thinking we may get stuck with a platoon of Ramon Castro and some Japanese catcher the Mets are interested in...but the other 3 signings will more than make up for it

I am pretty sure you're talking about Kenji Johjima, I've heard reports linking him to the Dodgers and Mets. Catching in MLB is not likely considering he doesn't speak a word of English. But is hitting is outstanding, he's hit 30+ homers consistently in Japan along with a .300 career average. Doesn't walk much though.

Also, he played with Tadahito Iguchi for 8 years

[The Miz]

I wonder what Jacques Jones would command in this off season. He'd fit in good on a ton of teams, but the Jays could use another power bat from there. I know he's no Manny or Andru, but he'd make a nice fit. Catalanotto and Co. in left field aren't good enough, IMO.

Yeah he's definately going to be wanted by alot of teams, still relatively young and can add power and speed to an outfield. Probably will be looking for 5-6 mil per year.

[Evil Vito]

I am pretty sure you're talking about Kenji Johjima, I've heard reports linking him to the Dodgers and Mets. Catching in MLB is not likely considering he doesn't speak a word of English. But is hitting is outstanding, he's hit 30+ homers consistently in Japan along with a .300 career average. Doesn't walk much though.

Also, he played with Tadahito Iguchi for 8 years

<font color=goldenrod>Yeah, that's who I'm talking about. That's the main reason I'm skeptical...because he doesn't speak English. Aren't translators allowed though?

Plus the whole Mets/bad luck with the Japanese thing also makes me a little skeptical. I wouldn't mind inviting him to ST, but I wouldn't necessarily wanna guarantee him a spot on the MLB roster.</font>

[Gertner]

Blue Jays issues.

We need a set up man, one more starting pitcher, a dh, a first baseman and trades for Koskie, Batiasta and Hinske


Jason Frasor is a great set-up man, so I'd cross that off the list.

Hopefully they try for A.J Burnett. I like John Ford Griffin, he could be called up and handle DH duties, he's got a mean bat

[Gertner]

It's AJ that is best friends with Toronto's pitching coach.

Another thing I just remembered. Toronto picked up Aubrey Huff off waivers this year, as soon as they did, the D-Rays took him off the waiver wire. I see those two teams working out a deal this off season.'


Tampa is asking for alot from what i heard.

somethign like Brandon League, David Purcey and Guillermo Quiroz

[The Icon of Elisim]

Jason Frasor is a great set-up man, so I'd cross that off the list.

I totally agree but I want to see Batista moved from the closer. I'm okay with him being a spot starter or long reliever but if he does get traded we need someone to set up for Spier or Frasor (I've heard either could be the closer of the future)

[The Icon of Elisim]

I heard that earlier this season Phillie was offering Ryan Howard for Ted Lilly. I find it hard to believe but still made me sooooo angry

[The Miz]

lol yeah I remember that. JP loves Lilly

[BCWWF]

Well of course the Red Sox and probably the Yankees will make an effort at Konerko, but I believe he will do the right thing and stay in Chicago.

Latest rumor is that Jacque Jones signs either in St. Louis or San Diego. The Royals were an option at one point, guess not anymore.

Apparently the Blue Jays inquired about Koskie for Morneau straight up. :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

[YOUR Hero]

lol yeah I remember that. JP loves Lilly

Lilly is gone. I'm almost 100% sure of it. The Jays organization is very unhappy with his performance. They really needed him to step up after Halladay was hurt, but he didn't come through.

[Gertner]

yeah, i won't be too sad to see Lilly get the boot

[OssMan]

Was Bank One Ballpark renamed Chase Field

[VonErich Lives]

Vito - hate to break it to you, the Red Sox aren't desperate to dump manny, only 3yrs left I think and he's one of the best hitters in the league and makes Ortiz a better hitter. Only way the dump him for nothing is if there are some big free agents they really want, and just don't see it.

Also, the sox/mets don't have the greatest relationship between the GM's, which would make it less likely for the sox to dump him to them.

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

Manny can also decline any trade. I wouldn't be surprised to actaully see him dealt to another team and have him turn it down. That's something I'd expect from Manny haha

I don't see Damon in a Red Sox uniform next year. I do see Millar coming back for min. money. Hopefully they are able to pick up a better first baseman through FA tho

[VonErich Lives]

Manny can also decline any trade. I wouldn't be surprised to actaully see him dealt to another team and have him turn it down. That's something I'd expect from Manny haha

I don't see Damon in a Red Sox uniform next year. I do see Millar coming back for min. money. Hopefully they are able to pick up a better first baseman through FA tho

I dunno on Damon and yeah, I forgot Manny's a 10/5 now. I think he'd ok the Mets due to Pedro, but who knows... of course he'd also probably get more money in the deal, "I'll take the trade, if they give me more money".

I dunno on Millar either... he pissed off a few people this year.

I really want to see Muellar back.

[The Miz]

Jay Payton back in green and gold

[The Miz]

Latest on Washburn is that he told Milwaukee he wants to play for them. He's a WI native.

[YOUR Hero]

Milwaukee?... Seems to be a team on the rise. Not sure if they'll ever be contenders or anythig.

[The Miz]

If they can get him they'd have an excellent rotation. With Clemens, Morris, and Mulder all possibly on the move it could maybe even be among the best in the division.

1. Sheets
2. Washburn
3. Davis
4. Capuano
5. Ohka?

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

Don't the Brewers have a few really young talented positional players too?

[Gertner]

yeah, j.j hardy, richie weeks, prince fielder to name a few

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>ROFL Felix Heredia was suspended today

This should keep the Mets from picking up his option</font> :cool:

[The Miz]

Joe Torre is back next year with the Yanks. Likely means Matsui will be back also.

[VonErich Lives]

<font color=goldenrod>ROFL Felix Heredia was suspended today

This should keep the Mets from picking up his option</font> :cool:

is that the guy that played like 3 games due to injury? but still failed a drug test?

[Evil Vito]

is that the guy that played like 3 games due to injury? but still failed a drug test?

<font color=goldenrod>Yep....he played in 3 games, all mop-up duty....and he failed a drug test :|

I wonder if he's the first player ever to be suspended for more games for a team than he actally played for them</font> :shifty:

[YOUR Hero]

I wonder if more names will come out in the off season.

[The Miz]

It's possible that he got an OTC supplement to help heal with the injury. I'm pretty sure that's what happened with Juan Rincon, he never took steroids.

Mark Bellhorn refused AAA assignment and is now a FA

[Gertner]

Ken Huckaby refused assignment. Well there goes the Jays Chances of making the playoffs next year

[VonErich Lives]

It's possible that he got an OTC supplement to help heal with the injury. I'm pretty sure that's what happened with Juan Rincon, he never took steroids.

Mark Bellhorn refused AAA assignment and is now a FA

Just wondering how you know for a fact Rincon never took roids? and what OTC's are banned under the policy? I thought the MLBPA was tough about making sure it was for roids only, not items that could be OTC unlike say the Olympics where many legal OTC drugs are banned.

[BCWWF]

Rincon :kiss:

[VonErich Lives]

Found an interesting quote from Ortiz on the Rincon suspension.

"No way. You're kidding me? I know him so well. He's not a guy who could inject that. ... I just know that Juan would be afraid to do anything like [take steroids] I think they need to tell people what the suspension is for, because people see a name on the screen and think he must be doing the same things as Canseco, when he really took some ephedra instead of andro."

-- Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz, Rincon's former Twins teammate

Love to hear Ortiz tell the MLBPA that, they'd probably drug him and gag him.

[VonErich Lives]

I wonder if more names will come out in the off season.

Yeah, where's this "great list of 50", that suposivly included Damon & Clemens.

Houston wins the WS, Clemens gets the MVP, wins a game, wins the CY Young, then it comes out that months ago he tested positive...

[Dragon]

Apparently Leo Mazzone just signed a deal with the Orioles to be their pitching coach. Was hoping he would come to the Yanks but wasn't really expecting it after hearing of how good of friends he is with Perlozzo.

[OssMan]

Don't think he has signed yet but yeah that is the word.

[VonErich Lives]

and the best off season news the Boston Red Sox could ever hope for!

Dale Sveum is signed to be the 3b coach with Milwaukee!

Seeeeeeeeeeeeeya!

Sorry, I'm sure he's a real nice guy, but he was horrible at 3rd, his decision making was horrible. At least wendell "wave'em in" Kim, sent everyone.

Sveum, cost us runs both ways, sending guys he shouldn't, holding guys he shouldn't... sending guys against OF's with great arms, simply not doing his homework.

[The Outlaw]

Apparently Leo Mazzone just signed a deal with the Orioles to be their pitching coach. Was hoping he would come to the Yanks but wasn't really expecting it after hearing of how good of friends he is with Perlozzo.

Damn. :'(

[Dragon]

I was looking for one of the Top 50 predictions or whatever for free agents and found this one.

http://www.rotoauthority.com/2005/10/top_50_baseball.html

Don't really see some of those happening at all. What does everyone else think?

I do think Burnett will go with the highest bidding team.

LOL @ Kevin Brown to the White Sox btw

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Tom Gordon to the Mets? God I hope not...</font>

[Joey Slugs]

LOL @ Kevin Brown to the White Sox btw

it will never happen. not with McCarthy ready for the show.

[Joey Slugs]

Was Bank One Ballpark renamed Chase Field

Yes.

Chase Field Info (http://http://arizona.diamondbacks.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/ari/ballpark/index.jsp)

[The Miz]

USA Today is reporting that a trade idea that would swap Beltran and Manny is being tossed around by the mets and Red Sox

[Evil Vito]

USA Today is reporting that a trade idea that would swap Beltran and Manny is being tossed around by the mets and Red Sox

<font color=goldenrod>That would be THE most retarded trade ever, for both teams

Mets spend $60 mil on a great hitter with little defense while trading away a key component to their lineup PLUS a great glove...trading Beltran after one year would be the stupidest thing I have ever seen

The Red Sox get rid of a $60 million contract only to take in a $100 million contract</font>

[OssMan]

I really dont want Manny Ramirez on Mets

How do both of their salaries compare?

[The Miz]

There's like no chance of it happening anyway. Both with no trade clauses and Beltran definately doesnt want to go anywhere

[Evil Vito]

I really dont want Manny Ramirez on Mets

How do both of their salaries compare?

<font color=goldenrod>The Sox have been wanting to get rid of Manny's $60 million contract...........yet in getting Beltran they'll be spending $100 million on him

I want Manny on the Mets....but there's certain guys that I consider to be "untouchable"....ie: the Sox can't have them and the Mets shouldn't even consider trading....Beltran being one of them.....if getting Manny meant having to deal a guy like Beltran, Wright, Reyes, Jacobs, Pedro (LOL just an example of an untouchable here), and to a lesser extent Milledge/Heilman, then I would say fuck Manny</font>

[VonErich Lives]

Manny doesn't have a "no trade" clause, but he's not a 10/5 so he has to approve any trades (i know, almost the same thing) but just pointing it out, because one reason the sox have lost on a few free agents is they refuse to give a no trade clause and I think if they do, then like 3-5 of their top players have clauses that kick in giving them a no trade, I know Manny had it and I think Nixon.

As for the contacts it would make sense for the sox in this sense.

Manny is 5yrs older then Beltran, and While Beltran has more years left and more money left, the money per year is around 5mil less then Manny.

[VonErich Lives]

So, the big question in Boston is Theo Epstien the GM. Rumor is the sox first offer was over 1million away from what Theo wants.

Word is Luccino gets 1.5mil amd he would have to sign off on theo's contract, meaning Theo's probably looking at the 1-1.5mil range. If Theo really wants 2mil+, think George will give it to him? or even Philly who is rumored to be pressing for Cashman?

One funny thought has Theo going to NYY and Cashman coming here.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Jim Duquette is no longer with the Mets organization :heart:

Now he's with the Orioles

Hmm, maybe the Mets should offer some trades to the O's....we all know how quick Duquette is to unload talent</font> :shifty:

[VonErich Lives]

Sp, Manny's agent has said Manny would welcome a trade to Anhiem, and would also consider Clevland or Arizona. His agent said Manny doesn't want to go to the Mets.

what's funny is, Pedro said he knew Manny to the Mets would never happen because the Red Sox would wan't to much, I don't think Pedro understands, Manny doesn't want to go there.

This should be interesting, Manny has a meeting with the owners next week.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Hmm, Wells has requested a trade apparently

http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/articles/2005/10/21/wells_requests_a_trade

Pretty funny how he went East Coast > West Coast > East Coast the past 3 years and is now going back out

Makes sense for the BoSox tho, opens a spot for Papelbon in the rotation</font>

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Also, it's official: Leo Mazzone is the new Orioles pitching coach :cool:

As a Mets fan, I say with caution to the other AL East teams: watch out, those jobbers pitchers they pick up are gonna magically turn out great</font>

[VonErich Lives]

yeah, forgot to mention Wells.

He was bitching that he can't go out w/o people reconsizing him. Hmm, guess he never had that problem in NY? I think it was more the year in SD, more laid back, plus his home is there.

He should get something, he is 43, but still decent and only has a base of like 2.5mil.

[The Miz]

He says he wants to go back West. SD and SF are probably the most likely candidates, Dodgers too maybe. He is perfect for SF because he is old, washed up, and fat.

Oakland and LAAA, no.

[VonErich Lives]

He says he wants to go back West. SD and SF are probably the most likely candidates, Dodgers too maybe. He is perfect for SF because he is old, washed up, and fat.

Oakland and LAAA, no.

Yeah, my bet is back to SD, that's where his home is.

Unless he goes to LAAA as part of a deal to send Manny there... Since that's where he wants to go.

[OssMan]

woooo mazzone

[The Miz]

The Braves got King Felix's older brother for Mazzone

[YOUR Hero]

Why would they break up Cox/Mazzone?

[The Outlaw]

Yeah I'm pretty disappointed that he's gone. He said he was perfectly happy here and didn't want to go anywhere else. :(

[The Miz]

Teams have from today until Nov. 10 to re-sign their players before they become anybody's game. First one to re-sign today was Mike DeJean with the Rockies

[VonErich Lives]

No one seems to know on Theo.

One is he's going to re-sign for 1.4mil a year, because lucchino makes 1.5mil (salary, not ownership rights) and Lucchino wont let Theo make more then him.

There's also talk he's going, but a team would have to scoop him quick to have him in place to handle this years off-season moves.

Theo's case: You offered Bill Bean like 2.5mil to come here (actually, I think Bean had signed and technically for 24hrs was the sox gm) and Bean hasn't won a World Series. On the flip side, I have, so if you're going to give 2.5mil to a guy that never won a WS, then you should give me near the same since I won the WS.

Also, their is rumor that Theo wants more control and to report to Henry not Lucchino.

[The Miz]

Peter Gammons reports,

Oakland gets:
RP Aaron Heilman
OF Lastings Milledge (AA)

NYM gets:
SP Barry Zito

Wow. If it goes through it doesn't really make sense for Oakland. Milledge has no use to them. They have tons of OF prospects and they need a big bat that is ready to play everyday in 2006. My guess is they would immediately trade Milledge and other prospects for someone like Dunn. As for Heilman, I dunno, NL relievers are generally bad pickups. But he can't be any worse than Yabu.

A more sensible trade (for Oakland) would be Zito for Heilman, Yusmeiro Petit, and Victor Diaz.

[The Miz]

Also Ms declined Guardados option. Awesome. Good job letting him walk instead of tarding him in June. I love you, Bavasi.

[CNM]

Heilman was a stud towards the end of the year. He could join the rotation and take Zito's spot.

[Joey Slugs]

<table class="tablehead" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"> <tbody><tr class="stathead"><td colspan="3">Tuesday, October 25</td></tr><tr class="colhead"><td width="65">WHO</td><td>INTERESTED</td><td>THE SKINNY</td></tr><tr class="oddrow" valign="top"><td align="center" nowrap="nowrap">http://espn.go.com/i/teamlogos/mlb/sml/trans/bos.gif
Boston (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=bos)
</td><td>
</td><td>Clock ticking on Red Sox
Oct 25 - The Boston Herald reports that Red Sox management and GM Theo Epstein remain apart in contract talks. Epstein's present contract that pays him $1 million per year will expire on Oct. 31. He is believed to be seeking much more money, while the Red Sox are said to be offering far less than what he wants.
The Herald reports Epstein could leave the industry altogether if he doesn't re-sign with the Red Sox as he has a law degree and connections in the entertainment, business and political arenas.

</td></tr><tr class="colhead"><td width="65">WHO</td><td>INTERESTED</td><td>THE SKINNY</td></tr><tr class="evenrow" valign="top"><td align="center" nowrap="nowrap">http://espn.go.com/i/teamlogos/mlb/sml/trans/nyy.gif
New York (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=nyy)
</td><td>
</td><td>Cashing in?
Oct 25 - According to the New York Post, Yankees GM Brian Cashman appears to be leaning toward staying with the team. Cashman, whose current contract with the Yankees expires on Oct. 31, has reportedly been mulling over the decision of whether or not to remain with the Yanks ever since they lost to the Angels in the Division Series.
The Post reports Cashman's new contract could be in the area of $10 million for four years.

</td></tr><tr class="colhead"><td width="65">WHO</td><td>INTERESTED</td><td>THE SKINNY</td></tr><tr class="oddrow" valign="top"><td align="center" nowrap="nowrap">http://espn.go.com/i/teamlogos/mlb/sml/trans/chc.gif
Chicago (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=chc)
</td><td>
</td><td>Tribune selling Cubs?
Oct 25 - According to the Arlington Daily Herald, the Tribune Co. (whose stock is in the dumps) may be considering a sale of its non-core assets such as the Cubs. That's the speculation of one the Tribune's top-five investors, Chicago-based investment firm Ariel Capital Management. "If their stock gets into the $20s, I think their management would have to look to sell non-strategic assets, including the Cubs," John Miller, senior vice president of portfolio management at Ariel, told the newspaper.
Ariel holds 10 million shares of Tribune stock, which settled up 46 cents on Monday at $31.37. Its 52-week high is $44.32.

</td></tr></tbody> </table>

[BCWWF]

Everyday Eddie :lol:

[The Miz]

USA Today says an AL-playoff outfielder tested positive for roids but is appelaing. Possibilities are:

Podsednik
Dye
Rowand
Vlad
Finley :lol:
DaVanon
Anderson
Manny
Damon
Nixon
Sheffield
Matsui
Crosby

My money would be on Sheffield but there were the Damon rumors earlier on. Would be mad embarassing for MLB if it was Dye right after he wins WS MVP.

[The Miz]

Heilman was a stud towards the end of the year. He could join the rotation and take Zito's spot.

Nah there's no way Beane would let Heilman start ahead of Joe Kennedy, even though Joe Kennedy is like the worst pitcher ever. Heilman would likely replace Witasick as the 4th option out of the pen. If the deal goes through Oaklands staff would probably look like this

1. Rich Harden
2. Joe Blanton
3. Dan Haren
4. Kirk Saarloos
5. Joe Kennedy
6. Dan Meyer/Seth Etherton/John Rheinecker (when Harden's inevitable injury happens)

Juan Cruz - garbage innings
Jairo Garcia - right one-out guy
Ron Flores - lefty one-out guy
Aaron Heilman - 7th
Justin Duchscherer - 7th/long relief
Kiko Calero - 8th
Huston Street - 9th

[The Miz]

Front page is updated with all the new resignings/options info. Damian Jackson is the first player to change teams.

[CNM]

Haha Joe Kennedy. That guy is strange. I think it's all mental with him. He was a stud for the Rox in 2004.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>To be honest, I'm not sure if I want Zito-for-Heilman...the Mets need bullpen help, not starting help. Heilman was great in the 'pen and he should stay there.

Adding Milledge in the trade (and actually, from what I've heard, adding him in ANY trade) would just be retarded.</font>

[The Miz]

Manny told John henry he wants a trade or he won't report to Spring Training. What a cock

[Joey Slugs]

<table class="tablehead" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"> <tbody><tr class="stathead"><td colspan="3">Friday, October 28</td></tr><tr class="colhead"><td width="65">WHO</td><td>INTERESTED</td><td>THE SKINNY</td></tr><tr class="oddrow" valign="top"><td align="center" nowrap="nowrap">http://espn.go.com/i/mlb/profiles/players/4527.jpg
Frank Thomas (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=4527)
White Sox
</td><td>White Sox (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=chw)?
</td><td>Being Frank
Oct 28 - What are the White Sox's plans for Frank Thomas? According to the Chicago Sun-Times, the ChiSox will likely buy out the Big Hurt's final year for $3.5 million.
But that doesn't mean Thomas' stay in the Windy City is over. The team could still work out a free-agent deal with the slugger.

</td></tr><tr class="colhead"><td width="65">WHO</td><td>INTERESTED</td><td>THE SKINNY</td></tr><tr class="evenrow" valign="top"><td align="center" nowrap="nowrap">http://espn.go.com/i/mlb/profiles/players/5484.jpg
Johnny Damon (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=5484)
Red Sox
</td><td>Yankees (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=nyy)?
Cubs (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=chc)?
</td><td>Damon waiting on Epstein
Oct 28 - Johnny Damon would like the opportunity to work out a new deal with Theo Epstein and the Red Sox, the Boston Herald reports. But he'll have to wait until Epstein's own contract matters are ironed out. Epstein's deal expires Oct. 31. "We have a good working relationship, he's been very honest with me and honest with the other players," Damon told the newspaper. "I know that Theo will try to get me on any team he goes to but he belongs in Boston, and hopefully I'll be back in Boston."

</td></tr><tr class="colhead"><td width="65">WHO</td><td>INTERESTED</td><td>THE SKINNY</td></tr><tr class="oddrow" valign="top"><td align="center" nowrap="nowrap">http://espn.go.com/i/mlb/profiles/players/5700.jpg
Todd Walker (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=5700)
Cubs
</td><td> </td><td>Walker this way
Oct 28 - The Cubs are expected to pick up Todd Walker's $2.5 million option for 2006, ESPN Insider Jerry Crasnick reports. The second baseman hit .305 with 12 home runs and 40 RBI last season.
</td></tr></tbody> </table>

[Joey Slugs]

GM DePodesta reportedly on way out in LA (http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20051029&content_id=1262305&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb)

[VonErich Lives]

Manny told John henry he wants a trade or he won't report to Spring Training. What a cock

Yeah, they're saying "one of Manny's reps" which is funny because Manny is/was supposed to have a meeting with Henry next week.

Screw'em, if we don't get a good deal, don't trade him, if he doesn't report he doesn't get paid.

The best is, he wants to go to Anahiem, with Arizona and I think the Dodgers or SD os possible backups.

[Gertner]

jays should look at brian giles

[mrslackalack]

I look for the Angels to get Korenko.

[Joey Slugs]

I look for the Angels to get Korenko.

Paulie is in a White Sox uni for the next 5 years. Bet it.

[BCWWF]

Paul will get the money from other people, but I think he will stay with the Sox. He's been there for a while, and if you think about it the White Sox should be a legit contender for the next couple years.

Anyway, he seems like the prototypical guy to have a good postseason and then get a big contract only to be subpar. Ie Beltran.

[VonErich Lives]

Paul will get the money from other people, but I think he will stay with the Sox. He's been there for a while, and if you think about it the White Sox should be a legit contender for the next couple years.

Anyway, he seems like the prototypical guy to have a good postseason and then get a big contract only to be subpar. Ie Beltran.

The word from Chicago sports guys is Konerko doesn't find money the most impotant, and he doesn't want to play on the East Coast. However, there word is the White Sox really want to push the deffered money and there will be a point where money could be an issue.

[YOUR Hero]

So Damon is a free Agent now. Does he move on or get a big pay raise in Boston? I feel he's over rated. He's good, no doubt, but he gets way too much press.

[Loose Cannon]

Yankees need him. That's exactly the kind of players they need in the lineup.

[Dragon]

I'd rather not have Damon on the Yankees. He is going to want a long term deal and will be just like Bernie is now near the end of it. I'd rather have someone with better defensive abilities and who could handle the outfield.

[Joey Slugs]

The Braves announced Saturday that they have named Roger McDowell as the club's pitching coach. McDowell replaces Leo Mazzone, who joined the Orioles staff on Oct. 21. McDowell spent the last two seasons as the pitching coach at Triple-A Las Vegas. More > (http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20051029&content_id=1262459&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb)

[YOUR Hero]

Blue Jays acquire the rights to Damon and Ramirez for a minor league prospect and a 2009 3RD round draft pick. :shifty:

[RoXer]

:lol:

[YOUR Hero]

MLB's Palmeiro, Rogers file for free agency

WebPosted Fri, 28 Oct 2005 20:55:17 EDT CBC Sports (http://www.cbc.ca/sports/credit.html)
Major-leaguers Rafael Palmeiro and Kenny Rogers, both of whom served suspensions during the 2005 season, have hit the free market.

[BCWWF]

I guess it was a contract year, but Damon was real good last year.

[mrslackalack]

I hope the Reds can get some pitchers. But why would they want to come to hitter friendly GABP?

[The Miz]

Silver sluggers

AL
C J Vartiek
1B M Teixiera
2B A Soriano
3B A Rodriguez
SS M Tejada
OF M Ramirez
OF V Guerrero
OF G Sheffield
DH D Ortiz

NL
P J Marquis
C M Barrett (is the NL that thin in catching?)
1B D Lee
2B J Kent
3B M Ensberg
SS F Lopez
OF A Jones
OF M Cabrera
OF C Lee

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Barrett?</font> :|

[The Miz]

I don't watch NL at all really but I'm sure there's a catcher that hits better than .275/15/70 or whatever

[The Miz]

A's re-signed Jay Witasick today. :| Crappy offseason for them so far

[VonErich Lives]

Report is Theo Epstein has resigned. Contacts up at midnight and he's cleaning out his desk now.

Money doesn't appear to be the big issue.

The "big issue".

The 2nd bigest "owner" of the Red Sox is the Boston Globe, they ran some stories the past few days that basiclly made Larry Lucchino look good and Theo Look bad.

Good for Theo and great job Larry letting the assistant GM go when you didn't have the current GM locked up.

[YOUR Hero]

I don't watch NL at all really but I'm sure there's a catcher that hits better than .275/15/70 or whatever

Not really, in fact not really in the AL either.

Piazza had 19 HRS, but his time at 1B would exclude him (I guess) from winning the award.

If you look at the AL, 20 HRs was about the max (22 for Varitek) and 80 RBIs. There's more depth ( better offensive catchers in the AL right now), but the numbers all around weren't all that impressive.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Both Reds catchers put up the same numbers as Barrett in fewer games. Barrett was really the only full timer to have slighty better than mediocre numbers.

[The Miz]

I wonder who the new Boston GM will be. DePodesta? Dare I say Kevin Towers?

[YOUR Hero]

Catching is traditionally a weak position offensively. This past year was more the norm than some of the prior years. There's always going to be some guys that do well, and other times, some that do really well.

Not that Yahoo stats are the 'be-all and end-all' of stats, but they are a decent barometer. The top rated catcher this past year (Victor Martinez) was rated #160 overall in terms of offense output at the end of the year.

<TABLE class=yspCondensed cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=750 border=0><TBODY><TR class=ysptblbdr2 align=left><TH class="thStyle2 cellIndent">Name (http://baseball.fantasysports.yahoo.com/b1/20859/players?status=ALL&pos=C&cut_type=33&sort=NAME)</TH><TH class="thStyle2 cellIndent">Action</TH><TH class="thStyle2 cellIndent">Opp</TH><TH class="ysptblclbg5 right">O-Rank (http://baseball.fantasysports.yahoo.com/b1/20859/players?status=ALL&pos=C&cut_type=33&stat1=S_S_2005&stat2=&sort=OR)</TH><TH class="ysptblthmain cellIndent right">Rank</TH><TH class="ysptblclbg5 right">H/AB (http://baseball.fantasysports.yahoo.com/b1/20859/players?status=ALL&pos=C&cut_type=33&stat1=S_S_2005&stat2=&sort=60)</TH><TH class="ysptblclbg5 right">R (http://baseball.fantasysports.yahoo.com/b1/20859/players?status=ALL&pos=C&cut_type=33&stat1=S_S_2005&stat2=&sort=7)</TH><TH class="ysptblclbg5 right">HR (http://baseball.fantasysports.yahoo.com/b1/20859/players?status=ALL&pos=C&cut_type=33&stat1=S_S_2005&stat2=&sort=12)</TH><TH class="ysptblclbg5 right">RBI (http://baseball.fantasysports.yahoo.com/b1/20859/players?status=ALL&pos=C&cut_type=33&stat1=S_S_2005&stat2=&sort=13)</TH><TH class="ysptblclbg5 right">SB (http://baseball.fantasysports.yahoo.com/b1/20859/players?status=ALL&pos=C&cut_type=33&stat1=S_S_2005&stat2=&sort=16)</TH><TH class="ysptblclbg5 right">AVG (http://baseball.fantasysports.yahoo.com/b1/20859/players?status=ALL&pos=C&cut_type=33&stat1=S_S_2005&stat2=&sort=3)</TH><TH class="ysptblclbg5 right">OPS (http://baseball.fantasysports.yahoo.com/b1/20859/players?status=ALL&pos=C&cut_type=33&stat1=S_S_2005&stat2=&sort=55)</TH><TH class="tbllftbdr thStyle2 cellIndent"></TH><TH class="tbllftbdr thStyle2 cellIndent"></TH></TR><TR class=ysprow1><TD class=tbllftbdr> V. Martínez (http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/6853) (Cle - C)
</TD><TD class="tbllftbdr typeFaded cellIndent">Add</TD><TD class=tbllftbdr></TD><TD class="tbllftbdr right">93</TD><TD class="ysptblclbg6 right">160</TD><TD class="tbllftbdr right">167/547</TD><TD class="tbllftbdr right">73</TD><TD class="tbllftbdr right">20</TD><TD class="tbllftbdr right">80</TD><TD class="tbllftbdr right">0</TD><TD class="tbllftbdr right">.305</TD><TD class="tbllftbdr right">.853</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

[BCWWF]

Joe Mauer is on the way

[Joey Slugs]

[/URL]1,300 fans voted in this year's Internet Baseball Awards. Who took home the hardware in the American League? [URL="http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=4576"]> > (http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=4576)

[Joey Slugs]

here is Victor Martinez's PC (http://www.baseballprospectus.com/dt/martivi01.shtml) over @ BP.com

[VonErich Lives]

I wonder who the new Boston GM will be. DePodesta? Dare I say Kevin Towers?

The only name really being mentioned is Towers.

The funny thing would be if Towers came here and then Theo went there.

2 current "schools of thought" on Theo.

1) He really does take a year off, maybe does something private sector, I think he has a Law Degree from Yale (imagine the Sports Agent he could make).

2) He goes for another GM job, the top spot being mentioned is the Dodgers, he'd want to go to a team with money to spend, McCourt is the owner and is also from Brookline (where Theo grew up) and there's Rumors that McCourt has already tried to reach out to him.

I don't blame Theo, I actually pat him on the back for what he did and the reasons why.

[Joey Slugs]

We wrap up the results of the Internet Baseball Awards with a look at who took home the hardware in the National League. > > (http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=4577)

[The Miz]

1,300 fans voted in this year's Internet Baseball Awards. Who took home the hardware in the American League? > > (http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=4576)

All the winners are correct. LOL @ Macha getting 5th in managing though

[Joey Slugs]

rumors are flying that Theo Epstien is in LA for a meeting with the Dodgers for their GM opening.

[The Miz]

Daisuke Matzusaka was not posted, but Kenji Jojima declared free agency and is going to play in MLB. He's a better hitter than any other FA catcher but the language thing is going to be a problem.

[Joey Slugs]

<table class="tablehead" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"> <tbody><tr class="stathead"><td colspan="3">Tuesday, November 1</td></tr><tr class="colhead"><td width="65">WHO</td><td>INTERESTED</td><td>THE SKINNY</td></tr><tr class="oddrow" valign="top"><td align="center" nowrap="nowrap">http://espn.go.com/i/teamlogos/mlb/sml/trans/lad.gif
Los Angeles (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=lad)
</td><td> </td><td>Does Theo love L.A.?
Nov 1 - It's unknown whether free-agent GM Theo Epstein has an interest in the Dodgers' GM vacancy or if the Dodgers will pursue Epstein, according to the Los Angeles Times. While owner Frank McCourt is a Boston native who originally tried to buy the Red Sox before the Dodgers, the team has yet to comment on Epstein. Meanwhile, there's speculation that Epstein, 31, will take a year off before searching for another job.
The Dodgers have received permission to speak to Pat Gillick, who is also a leading candidate for the Phillies' job. Other probable candidates include former Dodgers ace Orel Hershiser, former Astros GM Gerry Hunsicker, Dodgers assistant GM Kim Ng, former Rangers and Indians GM John Hart, Nationals GM Jim Bowden and White Sox special advisor Dennis Gilbert.

</td></tr><tr class="colhead"><td width="65">WHO</td><td>INTERESTED</td><td>THE SKINNY</td></tr><tr class="evenrow" valign="top"><td align="center" nowrap="nowrap">http://espn.go.com/i/teamlogos/mlb/sml/trans/bos.gif
Boston (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=bos)
</td><td> </td><td>From Epstein to Towers?
Nov 1 - According to the Boston Globe, one possible successor to Theo Epstein as Red Sox GM could be the Padres' Kevin Towers. In 1995, when Red Sox president Larry Lucchino was running the Padres, he promoted Towers from scouting director to GM, a job he's held ever since.
Although Towers has a year left on his contract in San Diego, Towers was recently given permission to interview for the Arizona job, which went to former Red Sox assistant Josh Byrnes.
In addition, ESPN's Peter Gammons said Gerry Hunsicker is likely to be a strong candidate.

</td></tr><tr class="colhead"><td width="65">WHO</td><td>INTERESTED</td><td>THE SKINNY</td></tr><tr class="oddrow" valign="top"><td align="center" nowrap="nowrap">http://espn.go.com/i/teamlogos/mlb/sml/trans/phi.gif
Philadelphia (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=phi)
</td><td> </td><td>Is it Gillick in Philly?
Nov 1 - According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, the Phillies are unlikely to interview Theo Epstein, who resigned as the Red Sox GM on Monday. Apparently, Phillies president David Montgomery has narrowed his search to two candidates -- Pat Gillick and Gerry Hunsicker. Gillick is reportedly considered the front-runner.
Sources said Montgomery wants to hire someone outside the organization and wants to have his new hire in place before next week's GM meetings.
Gillick, who won two titles in Toronto, is also likely to interview in L.A. Other candidates who've been interviewed for the Phillies' job are Indians assistant GM Chris Antonetti and Phillies assistants Ruben Amaro Jr. and Mike Arbuckle.

</td></tr><tr class="colhead"><td width="65">WHO</td><td>INTERESTED</td><td>THE SKINNY</td></tr><tr class="evenrow" valign="top"><td align="center" nowrap="nowrap">http://espn.go.com/i/teamlogos/mlb/sml/trans/tam.gif
Tampa Bay (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=tam)
</td><td> </td><td>Rays' cut-down day
Nov 1 - The St. Petersburg Times reported that the Devil Rays appear to be closing in on Gerry Hunsicker as their next GM. Hunsicker, the former Astros GM, is also a candidate for the Phillies' job.
They've also apparently cut their managerial candidates to a short list that's expected to include Angels bench coach Joe Maddon, current bench coach John McLaren and former Rangers and Mets manager Bobby Valentine.

</td></tr><tr class="colhead"><td width="65">WHO</td><td>INTERESTED</td><td>THE SKINNY</td></tr><tr class="oddrow" valign="top"><td align="center" nowrap="nowrap">http://espn.go.com/i/mlb/profiles/players/6026.jpg
Bengie Molina (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=6026)
Angels
</td><td>Mets (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=nym)
</td><td>Mets eye Molina
Nov 1 - The Mets have already shown interest in free-agent-to-be Bengie Molina as a successor to Mike Piazza, according to the New York Post. Alan Nero, Molina's agent, said he has spoken to Mets GM Omar Minaya.
Molina, whose spent his entire career with the Angels, is coming off his best season and is expected to be one of the best-available catchers in free agency. He hit .295 with 15 home runs and 69 RBI and threw out 31 percent of all runners who attempted to steal against him.

</td></tr><tr class="colhead"><td width="65">WHO</td><td>INTERESTED</td><td>THE SKINNY</td></tr><tr class="evenrow" valign="top"><td align="center" nowrap="nowrap">http://espn.go.com/i/mlb/profiles/players/6404.jpg
Rafael Furcal (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=6404)
Braves
</td><td>Cubs (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=chc)
Mets (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=nym)
</td><td>Big Apple beckons?
Nov 1 - Furcal's agent told the New York Daily News that free agent shortstop would be interested in playing second base for the Mets alongside shortstop Jose Reyes. Kaz Matsui still has one year and $8 million left on his contract, but the Mets are still pursuing second base options. And Furcal has experience playing second base during winter ball. In addition, Furcal's brother and extended family live in the Bronx.
Furcal and his agent meet with the Braves on Wednesday, but he may be too pricey to keep. The Cubs are also expected to bid for Furcal.

</td></tr><tr class="colhead"><td width="65">WHO</td><td>INTERESTED</td><td>THE SKINNY</td></tr><tr class="oddrow" valign="top"><td align="center" nowrap="nowrap">http://espn.go.com/i/mlb/profiles/players/7042.jpg
Hideki Matsui (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=7042)
Yankees
</td><td> </td><td>The clock is ticking
Nov 1 - Negotiations between the Yankees and Arn Tellem, Matsui's agent, are expected to heat up next week during the GM meetings in Palm Springs, according to the New York Post. If the Yankees can't reach a deal with Matsui before midnight on Nov. 15, he will become a free agent, and the Yankees will be unable to negotiate with him until May.
"The GM meetings will be when we get into it," Tellem said. "Obviously, Hideki would like to work something out with the Yankees."
Matsui, 31, is coming off a three-year deal worth $21 million. During the three years, Matsui didn't miss a game and hit .297 with 70 home runs and 330 RBI.

</td></tr><tr class="colhead"><td width="65">WHO</td><td>INTERESTED</td><td>THE SKINNY</td></tr><tr class="evenrow" valign="top"><td align="center" nowrap="nowrap">http://espn.go.com/i/mlb/profiles/players/4975.jpg
Trevor Hoffman (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=4975)
Padres
</td><td> </td><td>No closer to deal
Nov 1 - According to the San Diego Union-Tribune, Hoffman and the San Diego Padres are far apart in their initial talks regarding a new contract. While the Padres offered a two-year, $10M deal, the veteran closer is expected to counter with a three-year deal worth around $25M.
The Padres can negotiate with Hoffman until Nov. 11, when he becomes a free agent. Hoffman, 38, is second on the all-time list of save leaders.

</td></tr><tr class="colhead"><td width="65">WHO</td><td>INTERESTED</td><td>THE SKINNY</td></tr><tr class="oddrow" valign="top"><td align="center" nowrap="nowrap">http://espn.go.com/i/teamlogos/mlb/sml/trans/col.gif
Colorado (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=col)
</td><td> </td><td>Making their pitch
Nov 1 - According to the Denver Post, Rockies GM Dan O'Dowd will aggressively pursue pitching help with around $9 million to spend. Among the pitchers are their short list are Pedro Astacio, Shawn Estes, Jason Johnson, Rick Helling and Elmer Dessens.

</td></tr></tbody> </table>

[The Miz]

AL gold gloves

P Kenny Rogers
C Jason Varitek
1B Mark Teixiera
2B Orlando Hudson
3B Eric Chavez
SS Derek Jeter :|
OF Ichiro
OF Vernon Wells
OF Torii Hunter

SS and OF is fucked up. The best outfielder in baseball is still yet to win one.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>WTF Jeter</font> :|

[BCWWF]

Are you referring to Vlad?

[YOUR Hero]

Vlad?

LoL, no.

As much as I love the guy, he's a bit of a liability. Great speed and a great arm, but sometimes he's not all together with it.

He could be. But he isn't.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Catalanotto should've won a gold glove over Hunter but I dunno if that's who the Miz is referring to or not.

Vernon deserves it more than anyone

[VonErich Lives]

Good to see Teck finally get one.

[VonErich Lives]

So, latest Manny rumor.

3 way deal.

Manny goes to the Angels.

Red Sox get Glaus, Erstad and a prospect or two.

I don't know the rest of the details of this "rumor".

get a prospect, fill a hole at 1B and 3B, not s huge power drop from Manny to Glaus, free's up a little money and hopefully allows Damon to be resigned.

[The Miz]

The best outfielder in baseball is still yet to win one.

http://www.baseball-reference.com/k/kotsama01.shtml

[The Miz]

Vlad?

LoL, no.

As much as I love the guy, he's a bit of a liability. Great speed and a great arm, but sometimes he's not all together with it.

He could be. But he isn't.

Vlad's fundementals are down there with Manny. It's a shame cuz he has one of the top 5 strongest arms in baseball but costs the Angels tons of runs throwing to the wrong base and overthrwoing

[The Miz]

Aaaaand Matt lawton tests + for roids. It's a dissapointment if this is the AL playoff outfielder they were talking about.

[Evil Vito]

Aaaaand Matt lawton tests + for roids. It's a dissapointment if this is the AL playoff outfielder they were talking about.

<font color=goldenrod>Nah, I don't think he even was on the Yanks roster come playoffs

It still has the potential to be a disappointment though if it's Crosby or something</font>

[BCWWF]

I thought Lawton was on the Indians...or the Pirates...or one of those places?

[Joey Slugs]

Torii plays a little over half a season and still gets a gold glove? Fuck. Rowand got screwed. Ask the Yankees if he deserves one.

[Joey Slugs]

ESPN.com - MLB - Epstein explains exit, says he's OK with Lucchino (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2211506)

[The Miz]

I thought Lawton was on the Indians...or the Pirates...or one of those places?

Started the year with Pirates (traded by Cle for Arthur Rhodes in offseason)
Traded to Cubs for Jody Gerut
Traded to Yankees for prospects

[BCWWF]

Besides being consistant, the plays Torii makes are plays that only Torii can make. He can go any direction, and even in his short season robbed a few home runs. I understand it not being fair because he only played half a year, but he is definately the top outfielder defensively in the AL, if not in the whole game.

[Loose Cannon]

LOL @ Lawton.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>NL Gold Gloves:

P - Greg Maddux
C - Mike Matheny
1B - Derrek Lee
2B - Luis Castillo
SS - Omar Vizquel
3B - Mike Lowell
OF - Andruw Jones
OF - Jim Edmonds
OF - Bobby Abreu</font>

[RoXer]

Red Sox get Glaus

So then what do the D-Backs get?

[OssMan]

NL Gold Gloves:

P - Greg Maddux
C - Mike Matheny
1B - Derrek Lee
2B - Luis Castillo
SS - Omar Vizquel
3B - Mike Lowell
OF - Andruw Jones
OF - Jim Edmonds
OF - Bobby Abreulol

[Gertner]

good to see O-Dog finally get his due. Jays are probably gonna trade him now though :(

[VonErich Lives]

So then what do the D-Backs get?



I don't know the rest of the details of this "rumor".



My assumption is that Manny goes to the Angels.

Also, there was talk about their being 2 prospects going to boston.

But yes, I've yet to hear a mention of what the D-backs are getting.

I'd guess prospects, or lower priced players since payroll tends to be an issue for them.

[YOUR Hero]

Manny, I believe, will be traded for less than market value. If he's traded. Red Sox aren't in a strong bargaining position here.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Carl Lindner is selling his ownership of the Reds. WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

[VonErich Lives]

Manny, I believe, will be traded for less than market value. If he's traded. Red Sox aren't in a strong bargaining position here.

I would assume that, which is why Glaus, Erstad and 2 prospects seemed like a sweet deal to me.

That being said, if I'm the sox, I don't trade him for much less then market value (unless you're going to spend his money on someone else).

Screw'em, if he doesn't show up to camp, suspend him and fine him.

I'm tired of players dictating when they want out of a deal or a move. It's not like football, where players who don't preform get cut, very few have a gaurentee and only in recent years have the top players gotten the big signing bonuses.

most baseball contracts are gaurenteed, and teams don't get money back when a player underpreforms.

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

Veritek won the Silver Slugger and A Gold Glove..not a bad year for that guy.

I doubt Manny is traded, this happens every year and he is still always on the Red Sox. Everytime its no doubt hes gone, theres this trade and there's that trade but then nothing ever happens.

[VonErich Lives]

Veritek won the Silver Slugger and A Gold Glove..not a bad year for that guy.

I doubt Manny is traded, this happens every year and he is still always on the Red Sox. Everytime its no doubt hes gone, theres this trade and there's that trade but then nothing ever happens.

Only difference is, this time he's (or his agent) is publicly asking for it.

Although, word was Manny had asked a few times before and the sox always kept it quite.

Hey, if Manny's a liability in Left Field, why not teach him to play 1st base?

[Joey Slugs]

<table class="tablehead" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"> <tbody><tr class="stathead"><td colspan="3">Thursday, November 3</td></tr><tr class="colhead"><td width="65">WHO</td><td>INTERESTED</td><td>THE SKINNY</td></tr><tr class="oddrow" valign="top"><td align="center" nowrap="nowrap">http://espn.go.com/i/mlb/profiles/players/5132.jpg
Manny Ramirez (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=5132)
Red Sox
</td><td>Angels (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=laa)?
</td><td>Halo Manny?
Nov 3 - According to the Los Angeles Times, the Angels are mulling a three-way deal with the Diamondbacks to land Red Sox slugger Manny Ramirez. Boston would get third baseman Troy Glaus from Arizona and first baseman/center fielder Darin Erstad from L.A. Ramirez has indicated his preference is to go the Halos. As a 10-5 player, he has the veteran right to block a trade to a team he doesn't want to join.
Ramirez is due $57 million from his $160 million, eight-year contract -- $19 million in 2006, $18 million in 2007 and $20 million in 2008 -- with team options for two additional seasons at $20 million annually.

</td></tr><tr class="colhead"><td width="65">WHO</td><td>INTERESTED</td><td>THE SKINNY</td></tr><tr class="evenrow" valign="top"><td align="center" nowrap="nowrap">http://espn.go.com/i/mlb/profiles/players/6111.jpg
Octavio Dotel (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=6111)
Athletics
</td><td>Mets (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=nym)?
</td><td>Met life?
Nov 3 - According to the New York Daily News, the Mets have expressed interest in bringing Octavio Dotel back in a setup role. Dotel was traded to the Astros with Roger Cedeno for Mike Hampton after the 1999 season, and then was part of the three-team trade that landed Carlos Beltran in Houston in 2004. He was 1-2 with seven saves in 15 games with Oakland last season before hurting his right elbow. The right-hander had ligament replacement surgery in June but is expected to be ready by spring training. He made $4.75 million last season.

</td></tr><tr class="colhead"><td width="65">WHO</td><td>INTERESTED</td><td>THE SKINNY</td></tr><tr class="oddrow" valign="top"><td align="center" nowrap="nowrap">http://espn.go.com/i/mlb/profiles/players/6314.jpg
A.J. Burnett (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=6314)
Marlins
</td><td>Mariners (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=sea)?
Blue Jays (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=tor)?
</td><td>Toronto hope
Nov 3 - A.J. Burnett is high on the Blue Jays' list of free agent pitchers to sign for next season, the Toronto Sun reports. Burnett got a tour of the city Nov. 2, and GM J.P. Ricciardi brought Roy Halladay, manager John Gibbons and pitching coach Brad Arnsberg to sit down with the right-hander. Arnsberg helped Burnett develop when the two were together in the Marlins organization in 2002 and '03. "He knows me more than anybody knows me," Burnett told the newspaper. "It's great for them, it's great for me."

</td></tr><tr class="colhead"><td width="65">WHO</td><td>INTERESTED</td><td>THE SKINNY</td></tr><tr class="evenrow" valign="top"><td align="center" nowrap="nowrap">http://espn.go.com/i/mlb/profiles/players/5178.jpg
Carlos Delgado (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=5178)
Marlins
</td><td>Mets (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=nym)?
</td><td>First Fish
Nov 3 - Carlos Delgado's agent expects the first baseman to remain a Marlin and not be available to the Mets via trade, the New York Daily News reports. Agent David Sloane is relying on assurances from owner Jeffrey Loria to his client in September. Sloane also cited the difficulty of trades between division rivals and Delgado's ability to demand a trade after one season if he is dealt. Delgado, who selected the Marlins over the Mets last winter, will earn $13.5 million next season. That sum would jump by more than $1 million in 2006 if he is traded to the Mets because of a kicker in Delgado's contract that increases pay to account for New York's state income tax.

</td></tr><tr class="colhead"><td width="65">WHO</td><td>INTERESTED</td><td>THE SKINNY</td></tr><tr class="oddrow" valign="top"><td align="center" nowrap="nowrap">http://espn.go.com/i/mlb/profiles/players/6285.jpg
Mark Redman (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=6285)
Pirates
</td><td> </td><td>Redman exercises option
Nov 3 - Pirates left-hander Mark Redman eschewed free agency and exercised his player option on a $4.95 million contract for the 2006 season, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. Barring trades, Redman likely will battle Kip Wells, Oliver Perez, Zach Duke, Paul Maholm and Dave Williams for a spot in Pittsburgh's starting rotation. "Obviously, we won't know if he'll be in a Pirates uniform until next spring," agent Casey Close told the newspaper. "But he enjoyed his year there, he's healthy and he's preparing for a big season next year."

</td></tr><tr class="colhead"><td width="65">WHO</td><td>INTERESTED</td><td>THE SKINNY</td></tr><tr class="evenrow" valign="top"><td align="center" nowrap="nowrap">http://espn.go.com/i/teamlogos/mlb/sml/trans/was.gif
Washington (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=was)
</td><td> </td><td>Epstein goes to Washington?
Nov 3 - According to the Boston Globe, it's possible former Red Sox GM Theo Epstein could end up being the front man for the Nationals once a new ownership group is selected, which could happen as soon as the owners' meeting in Milwaukee later this month. The Dodgers already contacted Epstein through a third party, but he probably will steer wide of Chavez Ravine.

</td></tr></tbody> </table>

[The Miz]

Washington gets:
RHP Brian Lawrence

San Diego gets:
3B Vinny Castilla

[OssMan]

lol why the FUCK would the Mets try to get Carlos Delgado? The only reason I can see is for trade bait for bullpen/2b/C. They have a good looking young 1B who they should use but they will probably sign some asshole like Paul Konerko instead. I hate the Mets

[Evil Vito]

Washington gets:
RHP Brian Lawrence

San Diego gets:
3B Vinny Castilla

<font color=goldenrod>Terrible trade for the Padres. At 38, he'll be lucky to get 10 HR in the pitcher-friendly Petco Park

I'm guessing the Nats intend on starting Ryan Zimmerman at 3B next year, less than a year after being drafted</font> :eek:

[Gertner]

god i hope the jays land burnett. Hopefully they'll make a pitch for brian giles

[Joey Slugs]

<table class="tablehead" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"> <tbody><tr class="stathead"><td colspan="3">Friday, November 4</td></tr><tr class="colhead"><td width="65">WHO</td><td>INTERESTED</td><td>THE SKINNY</td></tr><tr class="oddrow" valign="top"><td align="center" nowrap="nowrap">http://espn.go.com/i/mlb/profiles/players/6314.jpg
A.J. Burnett (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=6314)
Marlins
</td><td>Mariners (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=sea)
Blue Jays (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=tor)
Rangers (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=tex)?
Red Sox (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=bos)?
Orioles (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=bal)?
</td><td>Starting line
Nov 4 - Agent Darek Braunecker told ESPN Insider Jerry Crasnick that A.J. Burnett is looking for a five-year contract. Braunecker and his partner, Mark Rodgers, plan to travel to the general managers' meetings in Indian Wells, Calif., next week to meet with prospective suitors. Burnett went 0-4 with a 5.93 ERA in September on the way to a 12-12 finish with Florida this past season, but interest remains high in a weak market for free-agent starters. "I can tell you, 70 percent of the teams in baseball have contacted us about A.J.," Braunecker said. "It's certainly nice to be him right now."
Burnett came away impressed after a visit to Toronto, during which he met with Blue Jays officials and ace starter Roy Halladay. Former Jays pitcher Pat Hentgen even drove up from Michigan to help with the recruiting effort. But Braunecker said the process is "wide open," and it's too early to label Toronto the frontrunner.
Burnett plans to visit selected cities where there's an interest -- Seattle, for instance. But he expects to take a more low-key approach to free-agency than former teammate Carl Pavano, who parlayed a nationwide tour into a four-year, $40 million deal with the Yankees last winter.

</td></tr><tr class="colhead"><td width="65">WHO</td><td>INTERESTED</td><td>THE SKINNY</td></tr><tr class="evenrow" valign="top"><td align="center" nowrap="nowrap">http://espn.go.com/i/mlb/profiles/players/3340.jpg
Roger Clemens (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=3340)
Astros
</td><td> </td><td>Refueling Rocket
Nov 4 - Astros GM Tim Purpura spoke with Roger Clemens' agents on Thursday, The Houston Chronicle reports. But Clemens has yet to decide if he's coming back. "There's certainly nothing definitive on the Roger front," Purpura told the newspaper. "We've kind of agreed to continue ... and keep the lines of communication open, and as Roger gets to the point where he's feeling one way or the other to let us know."
Houston hopes it's before Jan. 21, the date he announced this year that he'd return for a second season with the Astros.

</td></tr><tr class="colhead"><td width="65">WHO</td><td>INTERESTED</td><td>THE SKINNY</td></tr><tr class="oddrow" valign="top"><td align="center" nowrap="nowrap">http://espn.go.com/i/teamlogos/mlb/sml/trans/sdg.gif
San Diego (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=sdg)
</td><td> </td><td>Towers staying put
Nov 4 - The grass isn't greener. Kevin Towers will remain with the Padres following a hectic two-week stretch in which he interviewed for the Diamondbacks' GM job, was considered to have a shot at filling the vacant job with the Red Sox and was sought by the rival Dodgers for their GM opening.
</td></tr><tr class="colhead"><td width="65">WHO</td><td>INTERESTED</td><td>THE SKINNY</td></tr><tr class="evenrow" valign="top"><td align="center" nowrap="nowrap">http://espn.go.com/i/mlb/profiles/players/4527.jpg
Frank Thomas (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=4527)
White Sox
</td><td>White Sox (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=chw)?
</td><td>Being Frank
Nov 4 - The White Sox bought out Frank Thomas for $3.5 million, making the best slugger in team history eligible for free agency. "There should be no question about the respect this organization has for Frank and all that he has helped us accomplish, including a World Series championship," GM Ken Williams said in a statement. "He is the greatest hitter in White Sox history. At the same time, it is my responsibility to make the best decisions I can on behalf of the organization. Our plan now is to continue to speak with Frank and his representatives over the coming months as more information is known about his health."
</td></tr><tr class="colhead"><td width="65">WHO</td><td>INTERESTED</td><td>THE SKINNY</td></tr><tr class="oddrow" valign="top"><td align="center" nowrap="nowrap">http://espn.go.com/i/mlb/profiles/players/5536.jpg
Billy Wagner (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=5536)
Phillies
</td><td>Phillies (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=phi)?
Cubs (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=chc)?
Mets (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=nym)?
</td><td>Closing commodity
Nov 4 - There will be no shortage of suitors for Billy Wagner this winter. Re-signing the left-handed closer remains the Phillies' top priority, and they can offer him a three-year deal in the neighborhood of $30 million, Comcast SportsNet.com reports. The Mets also have begun their recruitment of the veteran reliever. According to the New York Post, several Met executives (including GM Omar Minaya) traveled to Virginia on Nov. 2 to meet with Wagner at his home.
"There was no talk financially or anything along those lines," agent Bean Stringfellow told the newspaper. "They came down to introduce themselves ... and Billy was getting to meet the front-office people for the first time."

</td></tr><tr class="colhead"><td width="65">WHO</td><td>INTERESTED</td><td>THE SKINNY</td></tr><tr class="evenrow" valign="top"><td align="center" nowrap="nowrap">http://espn.go.com/i/mlb/profiles/players/3001.jpg
Julio Franco (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=3001)
Braves
</td><td>Mets (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=nym)?
</td><td>Talk about veteran help
Nov 4 - Looking for an affordable complement to rookie Mike Jacobs at first base, the Mets are mulling a pursuit of Julio Franco, the New York Daily News reports. The 47-year-old Franco hit .275 with nine homers and 42 RBI for the Braves last season.

</td></tr><tr class="colhead"><td width="65">WHO</td><td>INTERESTED</td><td>THE SKINNY</td></tr><tr class="oddrow" valign="top"><td align="center" nowrap="nowrap">http://espn.go.com/i/mlb/profiles/players/7146.jpg
Bubba Crosby (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=7146)
Yankees
</td><td> </td><td>Put him in, Joe
Nov 4 - Here's one tidbit from this week's Yankee organizational meetings: They're considering giving Bubba Crosby the center fielder's job, the Newark Star-Ledger reports.
</td></tr></tbody> </table>

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>I wouldn't mind Franco....he's 47 (to be 48 come season's end), but he has the body of someone half his age, I'd love to have him on the bench</font>

[The Miz]

My assumption is that Manny goes to the Angels.

Also, there was talk about their being 2 prospects going to boston.

But yes, I've yet to hear a mention of what the D-backs are getting.

I'd guess prospects, or lower priced players since payroll tends to be an issue for them.

This is the rumored trade youre talking about

Los Angeles of Anaheim gets:
OF Manny Ramirez

Arizona gets:
OF Steve Finley
1B Kendry Morales (AA)
LHP Joe Saunders (AAA)

Boston gets:
3B Troy Glaus
1B Casey Kotchman
1B Darin Erstad
2B Alberto Callaspo (AAA)

[YOUR Hero]

Manny and Vlad in the same outfield. defensive liability to say the least.

[The Miz]

Ramirez-Figgins-Guerrero would be the worst outfield in history

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>LOL, the Royals have apparently entered the Furcal sweepstakes</font> :lol:

[YOUR Hero]

You know who's a free agent that I just realized is a free agrent? - Jeff Weaver.

Man, he went from being the best prospect, to the best young talent full of potential in all of baseball. Now I don't even see his name around when he comes up as a free agent?! As a Jay fan, I hoipe this is someone they give a try. Or a team like Seattle. He could be great again. Hell, he wasn't all that bad last year, tbh.

His stats

<TABLE class=yspwhitebg cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=yspdetailttl style="BORDER-RIGHT: #f4f5f1 1px solid; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: #e2e2e2; PADDING-BOTTOM: 7px; PADDING-TOP: 7px" align=middle width=60>W-L</TD><TD class=yspdetailttl style="BORDER-RIGHT: #f4f5f1 1px solid; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: #e2e2e2; PADDING-BOTTOM: 7px; PADDING-TOP: 7px" align=middle width=60>ERA</TD><TD class=yspdetailttl style="BORDER-RIGHT: #f4f5f1 1px solid; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: #e2e2e2; PADDING-BOTTOM: 7px; PADDING-TOP: 7px" align=middle width=60>K</TD><TD class=yspdetailttl style="BORDER-RIGHT: #f4f5f1 1px solid; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: #e2e2e2; PADDING-BOTTOM: 7px; PADDING-TOP: 7px" align=middle width=60>Walks</TD><TD class="yspdetailttl padded3px" style="BACKGROUND: #e2e2e2" align=middle width=60>WHIP</TD></TR><TR><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: #f4f5f1 1px solid" align=middle>14-11
</TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: #f4f5f1 1px solid" align=middle>4.22
</TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: #f4f5f1 1px solid" align=middle>157
</TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: #f4f5f1 1px solid" align=middle>43
</TD><TD align=middle>1.17
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

[The Miz]

4.22 ERA in the NL is toast in the AL. If I were someone like the Reds I'd want him

[YOUR Hero]

Same could be said about Tony Armas JR. and Estoba Loiaza to a certain extent.

[YOUR Hero]

4.22 ERA in the NL is toast in the AL. If I were someone like the Reds I'd want him

I agree that's high. But as a Tiger he sure was impressive. Eats up the innings too. I think he's worth a risk, depending on the contract details (length and sum)

[The Miz]

I think Loaiza has pretty much proven 2003 with the White Sox was a fluke and he's a 4th starter at best in the AL.

Armas Jr. is a guy I've always liked but he has posted WHIPs of over 1.50 the last 2 years in the NL. I wouldn't take a chance on him unless I was really desperate for pitching

[The Miz]

lol remember when the Yankees traded Contreras for Loaiza

[YOUR Hero]

You know I just looked up the average ERA for starting pitchers in the AL for last year.

4.29

I know, I know a different league than the NL.


Loaiza has a decent year last year, and he's had other decent years. I'm not saying you bring him in as a #1 starter, but his 3.77 ERA and the fact he was the victim of some poor run support this past season causes his 12-10 win/loss record to look mediocre. can't hold that against him, just like you can't hold his CY YOUNG type season against him. Just have to understand, that wasn't the real him.

Stats

<TABLE class=yspwhitebg cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=yspdetailttl style="BORDER-RIGHT: #f4f5f1 1px solid; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: #e2e2e2; PADDING-BOTTOM: 7px; PADDING-TOP: 7px" align=middle width=60>W-L</TD><TD class=yspdetailttl style="BORDER-RIGHT: #f4f5f1 1px solid; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: #e2e2e2; PADDING-BOTTOM: 7px; PADDING-TOP: 7px" align=middle width=60>ERA</TD><TD class=yspdetailttl style="BORDER-RIGHT: #f4f5f1 1px solid; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: #e2e2e2; PADDING-BOTTOM: 7px; PADDING-TOP: 7px" align=middle width=60>K</TD><TD class=yspdetailttl style="BORDER-RIGHT: #f4f5f1 1px solid; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: #e2e2e2; PADDING-BOTTOM: 7px; PADDING-TOP: 7px" align=middle width=60>Walks</TD><TD class="yspdetailttl padded3px" style="BACKGROUND: #e2e2e2" align=middle width=60>WHIP</TD></TR><TR><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: #f4f5f1 1px solid" align=middle>12-10
</TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: #f4f5f1 1px solid" align=middle>3.77
</TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: #f4f5f1 1px solid" align=middle>173
</TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: #f4f5f1 1px solid" align=middle>55
</TD><TD align=middle>1.30
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

[YOUR Hero]

lol remember when the Yankees traded Contreras for Loaiza

LOL, yeah



Why did the Yankees sour on Contreras anyway? - I think it was his age? Anyway the Yanks gave up on Pettitte too. Stupid.

[BCWWF]

He wasn't developing in their market. Too much pressure, I believe he was in the bullpen when they traded him

[YOUR Hero]

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR class=ysptblthbody1 align=right><TD class=yspdetailttl align=left height=18>Date</TD><TD class=yspdetailttl align=left height=18>Opponent</TD><TD class=yspdetailttl align=left height=18>Score</TD><TD class=yspdetailttl>Dec</TD><TD class=yspdetailttl>IP</TD><TD class=yspdetailttl>H</TD><TD class=yspdetailttl>R</TD><TD class=yspdetailttl>ER</TD><TD class=yspdetailttl>HR</TD><TD class=yspdetailttl>BB</TD><TD class=yspdetailttl>K</TD><TD></TD><TD class=yspdetailttl>W</TD><TD class=yspdetailttl>L</TD><TD class=yspdetailttl>SV</TD><TD class=yspdetailttl>IP</TD><TD class=yspdetailttl>ERA</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR class=ysprow2 align=right><TD class=yspscores align=left>Apr 22</TD><TD class=yspscores align=left>@ NYM</TD><TD class=yspscores align=left>L 1-3 (http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/boxscore?gid=250422121)</TD><TD class=yspscores>L</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>5.0</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>6</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>3</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>3</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>1</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>5</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>4</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16></TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>0</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>1</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>0</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>24.2</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>4.74</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR class=ysprow1 align=right><TD class=yspscores align=left>Apr 27</TD><TD class=yspscores align=left>PHI</TD><TD class=yspscores align=left>L 0-3 (http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/boxscore?gid=250427120)</TD><TD class=yspscores>L</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>8.0</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>4</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>2</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>2</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>1</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>1</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>11</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16></TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>0</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>2</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>0</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>32.2</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>4.13</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR class=ysprow1 align=right><TD class=yspscores align=left>May 28</TD><TD class=yspscores align=left>@ STL</TD><TD class=yspscores align=left>L 1-3 (http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/boxscore?gid=250528124)</TD><TD class=yspscores>L</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>6.0</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>8</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>3</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>3</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>2</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>1</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>6</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16></TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>1</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>4</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>0</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>72.1</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>3.61</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR class=ysprow2 align=right><TD class=yspscores align=left>Jul 21</TD><TD class=yspscores align=left>HOU</TD><TD class=yspscores align=left>L 2-3 (http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/boxscore?gid=250721120)</TD><TD class=yspscores>L</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>7.0</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>11</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>3</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>2</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>1</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>0</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>2</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16></TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>6</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>6</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>0</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>126.1</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>3.56</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR class=ysprow1 align=right><TD class=yspscores align=left>Aug 7</TD><TD class=yspscores align=left>SDG</TD><TD class=yspscores align=left>L 0-3 (http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/boxscore?gid=250807120)</TD><TD class=yspscores>L</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>7.0</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>6</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>3</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>3</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>2</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>1</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>4</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16></TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>6</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>8</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>0</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>146.1</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>3.63</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR class=ysprow2 align=right><TD class=yspscores align=left>Sep 18</TD><TD class=yspscores align=left>@ SDG</TD><TD class=yspscores align=left>L 1-2 (http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/boxscore?gid=250918125)</TD><TD class=yspscores>-</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>7.0</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>7</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>0</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>0</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>0</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>0</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>5</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16></TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>11</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>10</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>0</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>204.0</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>3.66</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

(a sampling of games that Estoban lost or N/D)

[The Miz]

Contreras wasn't fit for NY, but they could've gotten something better than Loaiza.

And if I remember correctly Pettitte wanted out and there was nothing the Yankees could do.

Tha Yankees are still idiots though. The Contreras and Brown deals, lol

[YOUR Hero]

Contreras was only in his 2nd year with the Yanks. To say he wasn't developing is a bit of a stretch. Especially since in his first year there he was 7-2 in 9 starts and overall had an ERA of 3.30.
IMO, they just thought they could steal Loaiza (almost a CY YOUNG, OMG!!!1) from the SOX. They got out-foxed, plain and simple, IMO.

[YOUR Hero]

Contreras wasn't fit for NY, but they could've gotten something better than Loaiza.

And if I remember correctly Pettitte wanted out and there was nothing the Yankees could do.

Tha Yankees are still idiots though. The Contreras and Brown deals, lol

Of course Pettitte wanted out of there. George (and other too I think ??) where always being critical of his performances. He never got the respect from the front office he needed. He felt unwelcomed and got out of there when he could.

[The Miz]

Yeah well you said the Yankees gave up on him. They didn't, he gave up on them.

[YOUR Hero]

They gave up on him every year, complaining about him in one form or another. Perhaps "gave up on him" isn't the 100% correct wording, but it';s the same principle. He got out of there because he didn't feel wanted. - At least that's my take on it.

[Loose Cannon]

they never made a big push to retain Pettite and instead focused a lot on signing A-Rod. Andy was kind of just left out there and he went. Was pretty pissed and still am about that.

[VonErich Lives]

they never made a big push to retain Pettite and instead focused a lot on signing A-Rod. Andy was kind of just left out there and he went. Was pretty pissed and still am about that.

I thought the Yanks actually offered him more then the Astros, but he wanted to go to Texas.

[The Miz]

Latest rumor is if Yankees don't re-sign Matsui, they'll go after Brian Giles

[BCWWF]

I would take Matsui over Giles any day. I think he's one of the few good player they have.

[The Miz]

Matsui is 4 years younger but I'd rather have Giles. Consistently posts a +.400 OBP, twice the defense and arm of Matsui. In the MLB's worst hitters park he has put up HR numbers of 23 and 15, in Yankees stadium those numbers would likely exceed Mastui's.

[YOUR Hero]

Matsui is a pro. I'd take him over Giles as well.

[VonErich Lives]

Any word on where Matsui wants to go?

If the sox trade Manny, he'd look great in a Red Sox uniform :)

[The Miz]

Giles isn't a pro?

[BCWWF]

If Matsui takes over left field for the Red Sox I would see him doing great things

[The Miz]

Mastui is 95% to go back to the Yankees so don't get your hopes up

[YOUR Hero]

Giles is a pro, sure. But certain players are just better, they're clutch. I find Matsui to fit that description moreso than Giles. Matsui will remain a NYY, most guaranteed.

[mrslackalack]

I think its cool that Bucky Dent is the new Bench Coach for the Reds.

[Joey Slugs]

<table class="tablehead" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"> <tbody><tr class="stathead"><td colspan="3">Monday, November 7</td></tr><tr class="colhead"><td width="65">WHO</td><td>INTERESTED</td><td>THE SKINNY</td></tr><tr class="oddrow" valign="top"><td align="center" nowrap="nowrap">http://espn.go.com/i/mlb/profiles/players/5543.jpg
Brian Giles (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=5543)
Padres
</td><td>Cardinals (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=stl)?
Red Sox (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=bos)?
Mariners (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=sea)?
Yankees (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=nyy)?
Indians (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=cle)?
</td><td>See Giles in St. Louis?
Nov 7 - There's been speculation that Giles, a California native, wants to stay on the West Coast, but agent Joe Bick said the outfielder's main objective is signing with a team that has a chance to be a postseason contender for the duration of his next contract. "We have said if the right deal can be done with the Padres, Brian would like to stay there," Bick told ESPN.com Insider Jerry Crasnick. "But at this point in time there's nothing to make us believe that's the case."
The San Diego Union-Tribune reported that the Padres offered Giles a three-year deal for more than $21 million. Bick said the dollar figure was higher than the newspaper's report, but added that the Padres rescinded their offer a few days after the World Series.
Giles has made 646 career starts in left field, 402 in right field and 300 in center. His ability to play center field makes him a potential fit for both the Red Sox and Yankees. But many baseball people think the frontrunner is St. Louis, which tried to trade for him this season and has a pressing need for a left-handed hitting outfielder with the pending retirement of Larry Walker.

</td></tr><tr class="colhead"><td width="65">WHO</td><td>INTERESTED</td><td>THE SKINNY</td></tr><tr class="evenrow" valign="top"><td align="center" nowrap="nowrap">http://espn.go.com/i/mlb/profiles/players/5784.jpg
Matt Morris (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=5784)
Cardinals
</td><td>Mariners (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=sea)?
Rockies (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=col)?
Royals (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=kan)?
</td><td>Moving on Morris
Nov 7 - According to the Kansas City Star, the Royals are looking at Morris, as are the Rockies and the Mariners, who have apparently already made inquiries about him. The soon-to-be free agent pitcher, who made $2.5 million in 2005, went 14-10 with a 4.11 ERA with the Cardinals last season.

</td></tr><tr class="colhead"><td width="65">WHO</td><td>INTERESTED</td><td>THE SKINNY</td></tr><tr class="oddrow" valign="top"><td align="center" nowrap="nowrap">http://espn.go.com/i/mlb/profiles/players/6406.jpg
Milton Bradley (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=6406)
Dodgers
</td><td>Yankees (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=nyy)?
</td><td>Centering on Bradley?
Nov 7 - The New York Post reported that the Yankees, in search of a center fielder, are mulling a trade for the Dodgers' Milton Bradley. Yankees GM Brian Cashman is reportedly doing research on Bradley. The Dodgers, meanwhile, are apparently looking to deal him. If the Dodgers can't trade Bradley, they aren't expected to tender him a contract by Dec. 20, making him a free agent.

</td></tr><tr class="colhead"><td width="65">WHO</td><td>INTERESTED</td><td>THE SKINNY</td></tr><tr class="evenrow" valign="top"><td align="center" nowrap="nowrap">http://espn.go.com/i/teamlogos/mlb/sml/trans/lad.gif
Los Angeles (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=lad)
</td><td> </td><td>Hart interviewing in L.A.
Nov 7 - According to the Los Angeles Times, John Hart spoke with Dodgers owner Frank McCourt about the GM opening on Sunday. He and McCourt have scheduled a formal meeting, possibly for later this week. As soon as Monday, the Times said McCourt may also contact Theo Epstein, who has already been contacted by an intermediary regarding the Dodger opening.
On Sunday, Frank and Jamie McCourt interviewed Dodgers assistant GM Kim Ng. Ng and Roy Smith, the scouting and player development VP, are representing the Dodgers at the GM meetings.

</td></tr><tr class="colhead"><td width="65">WHO</td><td>INTERESTED</td><td>THE SKINNY</td></tr><tr class="oddrow" valign="top"><td align="center" nowrap="nowrap">http://espn.go.com/i/teamlogos/mlb/sml/trans/bos.gif
Boston (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=bos)
</td><td> </td><td>Internal affairs
Nov 7 - The Boston Herald reported that there is support within the organization to consider four internal candidates for the GM job: director of player development Ben Cherington, director of player operations Peter Woodfork, assistant to the GM Jed Hoyer and special assistant Craig Shipley.
</td></tr><tr class="colhead"><td width="65">WHO</td><td>INTERESTED</td><td>THE SKINNY</td></tr><tr class="evenrow" valign="top"><td align="center" nowrap="nowrap">http://espn.go.com/i/mlb/profiles/players/6258.jpg
Ramon Hernandez (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=6258)
Padres
</td><td>Mets (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=nym)?
Diamondbacks (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=ari)?
</td><td>Leaving San Diego?
Nov 7 - Hernandez is expected to depart San Diego through free agency, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune. Teams likely to pursue Hernandez include Arizona and the NY Mets. Hernandez, 29, hit .290 with 12 home runs and 58 RBI in 99 games last season. He made more than $4 million in the final year of his four-year deal.

</td></tr><tr class="colhead"><td width="65">WHO</td><td>INTERESTED</td><td>THE SKINNY</td></tr><tr class="oddrow" valign="top"><td align="center" nowrap="nowrap">http://espn.go.com/i/mlb/profiles/players/5587.jpg
Bill Mueller (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=5587)
Red Sox
</td><td>Twins (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=min)?
</td><td>Mueller to Minnesota?
Nov 7 - The Twins are expected to court the free agent third baseman, according to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. Twins GM Terry Ryan said in the Star-Tribune that the Twins, who are looking to add offense, are "concentrating on infielders."
The switch-hitting Mueller, 34, hit .295 with 10 home runs and 62 RBI for the Red Sox in 2005.

</td></tr><tr class="colhead"><td width="65">WHO</td><td>INTERESTED</td><td>THE SKINNY</td></tr><tr class="evenrow" valign="top"><td align="center" nowrap="nowrap">http://espn.go.com/i/mlb/profiles/players/6294.jpg
B.J. Ryan (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=6294)
Orioles
</td><td>Yankees (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=nyy)?
</td><td>B.J. in the Bronx?
Nov 7 - The New York Post reports that the Yankees are focusing on free-agent reliever B.J. Ryan. Yankees GM Brian Cashman is expected to be in contact with Ryan's agent, John Courtright, during this week's GM meetings. The Orioles' closer is expected to draw significant interest once free agency begins on Friday. The 29-year-old left-hander had 36 saves and a 2.43 ERA for the Orioles, striking out the 100 batters in 70 1/3 innings.

</td></tr></tbody> </table>

[hithit]

I would really like to see the Brewers make a run at Jarrod Washburn as he is a proven starter with playoff experience.
Also I wouldn't mind them trading Overbay, but only if they get some good prospects in return or a good starting pitcher.

[The Icon of Elisim]

Joey Slugs you are making the money I spent on Insider seem like a waste

[RoXer]

Street and Howard win ROTY.

[Joey Slugs]

Joey Slugs you are making the money I spent on Insider seem like a waste

sorry. i just figured that it would add to the thread since i'm not sure how many people actually have an insider account.

[The Icon of Elisim]

don't sweat it chief

[Joey Slugs]

Colon wins AL Cy Young (http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20051108&content_id=1266027&vkey=news_ana&fext=.jsp&c_id=ana)

[Supreme Olajuwon]

So you're not in the top 5 in the AL in K's, ERA, IP, or CG? Here have a Cy Young.

[Joey Slugs]

So you're not in the top 5 in the AL in K's, ERA, IP, or CG? Here have a Cy Young.

Pretty much. And while you're at it. Here's another $500K. :nono:

[VonErich Lives]

sorry. i just figured that it would add to the thread since i'm not sure how many people actually have an insider account.

I don't I apreciate your work :)

[BCWWF]

A guy on ESPN just said that this was the worst, or second worst, Cy Young mistake of all time. There is no doubt it should have been Johan, wins don't reflect your performance nearly at all, and 16 wins for a team with the second lowest offensive production isn't bad.

[VonErich Lives]

So, new Manny rumors, going to the Mets (which is funny, because he said he didn't want to go there...)

Manny for Cameron and 2 prospects.

The "rumor" is it's 2 of these 3: outfielder Lastings Milledge and right-handers Aaron Heilman and Yusmeiro Petit.

Also, that if the sox did that, instead of put Cameron in LF they wouldn't persue Damon.

There was a local article the other day, that thinks the Sox are going to try and trim Payroll to the 80mil range.

Based of Henry's history in Florida, Lucchino's history in SD and that the year the Sox won the WS they had a operating loss of 11mil, if they trimed to 80mil range (where St Louis stays and competes) they'd have a profit over 30mil, and Henry and the rest have a big loan to pay off.

[RoXer]

Gunna make a new thread about Ugeth

[Evil Vito]

So, new Manny rumors, going to the Mets (which is funny, because he said he didn't want to go there...)

Manny for Cameron and 2 prospects.

The "rumor" is it's 2 of these 3: outfielder Lastings Milledge and right-handers Aaron Heilman and Yusmeiro Petit.

Also, that if the sox did that, instead of put Cameron in LF they wouldn't persue Damon.

There was a local article the other day, that thinks the Sox are going to try and trim Payroll to the 80mil range.

Based of Henry's history in Florida, Lucchino's history in SD and that the year the Sox won the WS they had a operating loss of 11mil, if they trimed to 80mil range (where St Louis stays and competes) they'd have a profit over 30mil, and Henry and the rest have a big loan to pay off.

<font color=goldenrod>If I were the Mets I'd offer Cameron and one of Petit/Heilman (not both). If the Sox wanna trim their salary so bad, they should accept that trade. They don't even have a GM at this point, so they should take what they can get. No way should the Mets deal Milledge, it's not worth it. I seriously have yet to hear a single negative comment about him.

In the end, I think Manny'll go to the Angels since they are willing to offer Santana/Anderson/Erstad...plus Manny's whole "I don't want to be a Met" thing

My position on Manny remains the same as it has been: I want him only if we don't give up too much</font>

[Dragon]

Has anyone seen these simulated news conferences on ESPN? Kind of ridiculous I think. Steve Philips plays the GM of teams and discusses what they plan on doing over the offseason and stuff. When I saw it yesterday for the Yankees I wasn't sure if it was a joke or not at first.

[Joey Slugs]

I don't I apreciate your work :)

i'll just take my insider news elswhere. :shifty:

[The Outlaw]

Has anyone seen these simulated news conferences on ESPN? Kind of ridiculous I think. Steve Philips plays the GM of teams and discusses what they plan on doing over the offseason and stuff. When I saw it yesterday for the Yankees I wasn't sure if it was a joke or not at first.

Yeah saw the Cubs one. I was like wtf at first, but then saw "simulated" and switched the channel.

[VonErich Lives]

i'll just take my insider news elswhere. :shifty:

was kidding, I do, I'm cheap! of course I love it! :p

[VonErich Lives]

<font color=goldenrod>They don't even have a GM at this point, so they should take what they can get. </font>

Ok, that makes no sense. They don't have a GM, so they should just take whatever off they can get? The "acting GM's" are more then capable of handling things.

The sox should only take a good offer, and if Manny doesn't show to camp, fine suspend him and don't pay him.

Manny's buddy "pedro" is a met, that may be a factor.

nothing would suprise me. I don't think the Sox are going to drop Payroll to 80mil, but maybe stay under the luxury tax.

[Evil Vito]

Ok, that makes no sense.

<font color=goldenrod>Yeah, that's what happens when I post about this sort of stuff while dead tired and about to go to bed. :o At least that was pretty much the only nonsensical statement in the whole post :$

Though I do think Cameron/Heilman or Petit would be a great trade for the Sox....they reducely cut their payroll while getting a great defensive outfielder with some pop and a pitcher for the future. Will this be able to top the Angels' offer? Probably not, as the Angels are stacked in the farm system IIRC.

Eh, whatever happens, happens.</font>

[mrslackalack]

Matsui had said if Torre stays he will re-sign with them.

[VonErich Lives]

<font color=goldenrod>Yeah, that's what happens when I post about this sort of stuff while dead tired and about to go to bed. :o At least that was pretty much the only nonsensical statement in the whole post :$

Though I do think Cameron/Heilman or Petit would be a great trade for the Sox....they reducely cut their payroll while getting a great defensive outfielder with some pop and a pitcher for the future. Will this be able to top the Angels' offer? Probably not, as the Angels are stacked in the farm system IIRC.

Eh, whatever happens, happens.</font>

Yeah, I'd like to see Manny stay, even for all his quirks, he's one of the best all around hitters in the league.

Also, would Cameron be the CF or do they still re-sign Damon and put Cameron in LF?

So, right now they're (locally) calling the Red Sox GM "The four headed monster", they have 4 guys at the winter meetings handling different things, plus Warner is their with Luccino interviewing GM's.

There's also talk, Henry has reached out to Theo to see if he'll change his mind. There's talk that Henry may over-ride Luccino and get rid of Dr. Charles Stienberg if that will get Theo back. The thought being, Henry is here long term, and Luccino, once the park is maxed out and local real estate deals are done that Luccino is gone, most likely to washington.

[Joey Slugs]

Guillen & Cox named Managers of the Year (http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/mlb/awards/y2005/index.jsp)

[The Outlaw]

That was a no brainer.

[Dragon]

Yankees are looking to shop Posada. Don't really see teams being too interested because he has like a 12 million dollar option that has to be picked up for 2007 if he just catches 81 games next year.

He's been on the decline but I think if we put him at DH he could be pretty valuable. Would be nice to have a decent young catcher at least as a backup next year to get ready to take over when Posada is done. As I don't see Posada getting traded. Navarro was our best catching prospect but he went with the Johnson deal. Would be great to have him now.

[Joey Slugs]

<table class="tablehead" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"> <tbody><tr class="stathead"><td colspan="3">Tuesday, November 8</td></tr><tr class="colhead"><td width="65">WHO</td><td>INTERESTED</td><td>THE SKINNY</td></tr><tr class="evenrow" valign="top"><td align="center" nowrap="nowrap">http://espn.go.com/i/mlb/profiles/players/5132.jpg
Manny Ramirez (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=5132)
Red Sox
</td><td>Mets (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=nym)?
Angels (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=laa)?
</td><td>Manny the Met?
Nov 8 - According to the Boston Herald, a source said the Mets have received indications that Manny Ramirez may indeed want to play close to his hometown and that any reports to the contrary were merely a "smokescreen." A deal for Manny would reportedly include center fielder Mike Cameron and two of three prospects: outfielder Lastings Milledge and right-handed pitchers Aaron Heilman and Yusmeiro Petit. The Herald says such deal would rule out the possibility of re-signing free agent center fielder Johnny Damon.
Although it's unknown whether or not the Red Sox want to trade Ramirez, the slugger reportedly told Red Sox owner John Henry he wanted a trade or he would not report to spring training.
The Los Angeles Times reported recently that the Angels were trying to find a way to acquire Ramirez, and trade talks could expand to include the Diamondbacks. Boston would get Arizona third baseman Troy Glaus and Anaheim first baseman/center fielder Darin Erstad in a potential three-team deal; the D-Backs also would receive additional players and prospects.
As a 10-5 player, he has the veteran right to block a trade to a team he doesn't want to join.

</td></tr><tr class="colhead"><td width="65">WHO</td><td>INTERESTED</td><td>THE SKINNY</td></tr><tr class="oddrow" valign="top"><td align="center" nowrap="nowrap">http://espn.go.com/i/mlb/profiles/players/4737.jpg
Reggie Sanders (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=4737)
Cardinals
</td><td> </td><td>Wanted man
Nov 8 - The word is that Sanders is attracting a "boatload" of interest this winter, an American League general manager told ESPN.com Insider Jerry Crasnick. After signing five one-year deals with different NL clubs from 1999-2003, Sanders should have enough leverage to command a second straight multi-year contract. The Cardinals, Twins, Marlins, Royals and Mariners are among the teams thought to be interested in Sanders.
Sanders was on track to hit 30 homers and steal 30 bases before he suffered a hairline fracture of his right leg shortly after the All-Star break. He still finished with 21 homers in 295 at-bats, and hit .333 with 10 RBI in 12 at-bats against San Diego in the NL Division Series.
Sanders, who turns 38 in December, needs eight homers and three stolen bases to join Willie Mays, Andre Dawson and Bobby and Barry Bonds as the fifth player in history with 300 of each.

</td></tr><tr class="colhead"><td width="65">WHO</td><td>INTERESTED</td><td>THE SKINNY</td></tr><tr class="evenrow" valign="top"><td align="center" nowrap="nowrap">http://espn.go.com/i/teamlogos/mlb/sml/trans/lad.gif
Los Angeles (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=lad)
</td><td> </td><td>Does L.A. have Hart?
Nov 8 - John Hart still appears to be the leading candidate to become the Dodgers' next GM, according to the Los Angeles Daily News. Every other candidate has reportedly withdrawn, not only due to Hart's credentials, but also his close relationship with Rangers pitching coach Orel Hershiser, who interviewed for the Dodgers' managerial job two weeks ago and would be the likely choice. According to the Los Angeles Times, Hart originally spoke with Dodgers owner Frank McCourt about the GM opening on Sunday. He and McCourt have scheduled a formal meeting, possibly for later this week. On Sunday, Frank and Jamie McCourt interviewed Dodgers assistant GM Kim Ng. Ng and Roy Smith, the scouting and player development VP, are representing the Dodgers at the GM meetings.

</td></tr><tr class="colhead"><td width="65">WHO</td><td>INTERESTED</td><td>THE SKINNY</td></tr><tr class="oddrow" valign="top"><td align="center" nowrap="nowrap">http://espn.go.com/i/teamlogos/mlb/sml/trans/tam.gif
Tampa Bay (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=tam)
</td><td> </td><td>Rays focus on Maddon, McLaren
Nov 8 - The Tampa Tribune reports that Angels bench coach Joe Maddon will interview Tuesday for the second time for the Rays' managerial position, but it will be his first meeting with new senior vice president Gerry Hunsicker. Rays bench coach John McLaren will have his second interview Wednesday. Although Bobby Valentine remains a possible candidate, he has yet to be interviewed, and no meeting with him has been set.

</td></tr><tr class="colhead"><td width="65">WHO</td><td>INTERESTED</td><td>THE SKINNY</td></tr><tr class="evenrow" valign="top"><td align="center" nowrap="nowrap">http://espn.go.com/i/mlb/profiles/players/7042.jpg
Hideki Matsui (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=7042)
Yankees
</td><td> </td><td>Meeting over Matsui
Nov 8 - Newsday reports that Yankees GM Brian Cashman said he planned to meet with Matsui's agent on Wednesday during the GM meetings in Indian Wells, Calif. Matsui reportedly wants a four-year deal, like his countryman Ichiro Suzuki, while the Yankees would rather offer a three-year contract. If the two sides can't come to an agreement by next Tuesday, Matsui will become a free agent, and the Yankees won't be able to sign him until May 1.
Matsui, 31, is coming off a three-year deal worth $21 million. During the three years, Matsui didn't miss a game and hit .297 with 70 home runs and 330 RBI.

</td></tr></tbody> </table>

[Joey Slugs]

<table class="tablehead" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"> <tbody><tr class="stathead"><td colspan="3">Wednesday, November 9</td></tr><tr class="colhead"><td width="65">WHO</td><td>INTERESTED</td><td>THE SKINNY</td></tr><tr class="oddrow" valign="top"><td align="center" nowrap="nowrap">http://espn.go.com/i/mlb/profiles/players/5908.jpg
Paul Konerko (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=5908)
White Sox
</td><td>Angels (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=laa)
Red Sox (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=bos)
White Sox (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=chw)
</td><td>Let the bidding begin
Nov 9 - The White Sox are prepared to make Paul Konerko an offer, a four-year deal worth as much as $52 million, the Chicago Sun-Times reports. But Konerko is believed to be intent on finding out how much he's worth on the open market.
ESPN.com Insider Jerry Crasnick reports that Boston's front office contingent met Tuesday with Craig Landis, Konerko's representative.
Boston is looking to upgrade at the first-base position, where Kevin Millar and John Olerud combined for 16 homers and 76 RBI in 515 at-bats last season.

</td></tr><tr class="colhead"><td width="65">WHO</td><td>INTERESTED</td><td>THE SKINNY</td></tr><tr class="evenrow" valign="top"><td align="center" nowrap="nowrap">http://espn.go.com/i/mlb/profiles/players/5178.jpg
Carlos Delgado (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=5178)
Marlins
</td><td> </td><td>Delgado states his case
Nov 9 - First baseman Carlos Delgado reiterated his desire Tuesday to remain with the Marlins, calling on the team to clarify his status, The Miami Herald reports. "I don't want to be traded. I want to be a Marlin, and I want be in Florida and have a chance to win," Delgado told The Herald. "That was my position a year ago, and that's still my position today."
General manager Larry Beinfest's response: "No comment. No comment on specific players."

</td></tr><tr class="colhead"><td width="65">WHO</td><td>INTERESTED</td><td>THE SKINNY</td></tr><tr class="oddrow" valign="top"><td align="center" nowrap="nowrap">http://espn.go.com/i/mlb/profiles/players/5502.jpg
Jorge Posada (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=5502)
Yankees
</td><td> </td><td>Pricy catch
Nov 9 - Looking to cut their payroll, the Yankees are trying to gauge interest in catcher Jorge Posada and his bulky contract, the New York Daily News reports. The 34-year-old Posada will make $8 million next season. And if he starts 81 games at catcher, a clause in his contract guarantees a $12 million option for 2007.

</td></tr><tr class="colhead"><td width="65">WHO</td><td>INTERESTED</td><td>THE SKINNY</td></tr><tr class="evenrow" valign="top"><td align="center" nowrap="nowrap">http://espn.go.com/i/mlb/profiles/players/6154.jpg
Alfonso Soriano (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=6154)
Rangers
</td><td>Mets (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=nym)
</td><td>So, what would it take ...
Nov 9 - In need of a powerful middle-of-the-order bat, the Mets are once again talking to the Rangers about Alfonso Soriano's availability, The New York Times reports.
</td></tr><tr class="colhead"><td width="65">WHO</td><td>INTERESTED</td><td>THE SKINNY</td></tr><tr class="oddrow" valign="top"><td align="center" nowrap="nowrap">http://espn.go.com/i/mlb/profiles/players/6395.jpg
Danys Baez (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=6395)
Devil Rays
</td><td>Mets (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=nym)?
</td><td>Minaya catching some Rays
Nov 9 - Mets GM Omar Minaya is working on a potential trade with the Devil Rays for closer Danys Baez and first baseman Aubrey Huff, the New York Daily News reports. A D-Rays exec at the GM meetings in Indian Wells, Calif, told the newspaper that Minaya initiated discussions about a deal for Baez or Huff, or both.

</td></tr><tr class="colhead"><td width="65">WHO</td><td>INTERESTED</td><td>THE SKINNY</td></tr><tr class="evenrow" valign="top"><td align="center" nowrap="nowrap">http://espn.go.com/i/mlb/profiles/players/6404.jpg
Rafael Furcal (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=6404)
Braves
</td><td>Cubs (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=chc)
Mets (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=nym)
</td><td>The sales pitch
Nov 9 - Cubs infielder Neifi Perez is recruiting friend Rafael Furcal, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports. Perez telephoned Furcal on Monday. "I told him I would be happy if he comes to the Cubs, because I know what he can do to help the team win," Perez told the newspaper.
Furcal's agent, Paul Kinzer, is seeking a five-year contract.

</td></tr><tr class="colhead"><td width="65">WHO</td><td>INTERESTED</td><td>THE SKINNY</td></tr><tr class="oddrow" valign="top"><td align="center" nowrap="nowrap">http://espn.go.com/i/mlb/profiles/players/6036.jpg
Bob Howry (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=6036)
Indians
</td><td>Phillies (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=phi)?
Tigers (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=det)
Brewers (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=mil)
Indians (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=cle)
Mets (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=nym)
Rangers (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=tex)
</td><td>The setup man
Nov 9 - Milwaukee GM Doug Melvin met with Bobby Howry's agents Tuesday in Indian Wells, Calif., ESPN.com Insider Jerry Crasnick reports. The Brewers are interested in Howry as a setup man for Derrick Turnbow, who saved 39 games last season. Howry went 7-4 with a 2.47 ERA and held AL hitters to a .191 average last season in Cleveland. He could step in as the Indians' closer in 2006 if Bob Wickman doesn't return, but the Indians are hesitant to give Howry the three-year contract he desires.
Agent Craig Landis said about 75 percent of the teams interested in Howry want him to pitch primarily in the eighth inning. The other 25 percent have expressed a willingness to let him compete for a closer's job, Landis said.

</td></tr><tr class="colhead"><td width="65">WHO</td><td>INTERESTED</td><td>THE SKINNY</td></tr><tr class="evenrow" valign="top"><td align="center" nowrap="nowrap">http://espn.go.com/i/mlb/profiles/players/6900.jpg
Kevin Mench (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=6900)
Rangers
</td><td>Royals (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=kan)
</td><td>Mench-ionable
Nov 9 - According to The Kansas City Star, the Rangers are finally willing to consider offers for outfielder Kevin Mench, a prize the Royals have coveted for some time. "We're not shopping him, but we're not going to turn a deaf ear to listening to ways to make our club better," Rangers GM Jon Daniels told the newspaper.
The Royals reportedly are offering left-hander Jeremy Affeldt as part of a deal that could include other players.

</td></tr><tr class="colhead"><td width="65">WHO</td><td>INTERESTED</td><td>THE SKINNY</td></tr><tr class="oddrow" valign="top"><td align="center" nowrap="nowrap">http://espn.go.com/i/mlb/profiles/players/6246.jpg
Jacque Jones (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=6246)
Twins
</td><td>Padres (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=sdg)
</td><td>Keeping up with Jones
Nov 9 - The Padres are exploring Jacque Jones as an option in the outfield if they can't re-sign Brian Giles, the San Diego Union-Tribune reports. "They've got quite a bit of interest," said Jones' agent, Rick Thurman, told the newspaper. "A lot of it depends on Giles. Jacque is interested. San Diego is his home base."

</td></tr><tr class="colhead"><td width="65">WHO</td><td>INTERESTED</td><td>THE SKINNY</td></tr><tr class="evenrow" valign="top"><td align="center" nowrap="nowrap">http://espn.go.com/i/teamlogos/mlb/sml/trans/bos.gif
Boston (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=bos)
</td><td> </td><td>Still hope for Theo?
Nov 9 - The Red Sox will interview Washington's Jim Bowden as a potential replacement for departed GM Theo Epstein. They'll also talk to Toronto assistant Tony LaCava, Atlanta assistant Dayton Moore, Los Angeles assistant Kim Ng and others, Peter Gammons reported. They will interview former Montreal and Baltimore GM Jim Beattie on Friday.
Cleveland assistant Chris Antonetti declined an opportunity to interview for the job.
Some in the ownership group hold out hope that Epstein can resolve his differences with Lucchino and return as the GM. Contrary to some reports, Lucchino has not rejected that idea, and wants Epstein back, Gammons reported.

</td></tr><tr class="colhead"><td width="65">WHO</td><td>INTERESTED</td><td>THE SKINNY</td></tr><tr class="oddrow" valign="top"><td align="center" nowrap="nowrap">http://espn.go.com/i/mlb/profiles/players/4279.jpg
Tom Gordon (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=4279)
Yankees
</td><td> </td><td>Flash wants three years
Nov 9 - The Yankees made an informal pitch -- a two-year offer -- to reliever Tom Gordon, The New York Post reports. But Gordon, who's coming off a two-year, $7.25 million contract, is seeking a three-year deal. An official at the general managers' meetings in California told ESPN.com Insider Jerry Crasnick that Gordon wants a contract for more money than the three-year, $15.5 million deal that Ryan Dempster signed with the Cubs in early October.

"I'm not sure we're that far off," Gordon's agent, Rick Thurman, told The Post. "[Gordon] loved being in New York. He has no problem coming back there and setting up for Mariano."

</td></tr><tr class="colhead"><td width="65">WHO</td><td>INTERESTED</td><td>THE SKINNY</td></tr><tr class="evenrow" valign="top"><td align="center" nowrap="nowrap">http://espn.go.com/i/mlb/profiles/players/5064.jpg
Tim Worrell (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=5064)
Diamondbacks
</td><td>Diamondbacks (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=ari)
</td><td>That cut hurts
Nov 9 - Reliever Tim Worrell isn't thrilled with the Diamondbacks' offer to re-sign him for $1 million for 2006, The Arizona Republic reports. "I know that's a lot of money in the real world," Worrell told the newspaper. "But I don't live in the real world. I live in this crazy, stupid world of baseball, where things are different, and in the end, I don't think I should have to take a pay cut of two-thirds of my salary last year."
Worrell made $3 million in 2005.

</td></tr><tr class="colhead"><td width="65">WHO</td><td>INTERESTED</td><td>THE SKINNY</td></tr><tr class="oddrow" valign="top"><td align="center" nowrap="nowrap">http://espn.go.com/i/mlb/profiles/players/5848.jpg
Kevin Millwood (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=5848)
Indians
</td><td> </td><td>High five
Nov 9 - Agent Scott Boras reportedly wants a five-year deal for right-handed starter Kevin Millwood, The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports. The Indians are willing to make a three-year offer, possibly four, but not five.


</td></tr><tr class="colhead"><td width="65">WHO</td><td>INTERESTED</td><td>THE SKINNY</td></tr><tr class="evenrow" valign="top"><td align="center" nowrap="nowrap">http://espn.go.com/i/mlb/profiles/players/6735.jpg
Brian Fuentes (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=6735)
Rockies
</td><td> </td><td>Relief appearance
Nov 9 - Rockies GM Dan O'Dowd on Tuesday stepped away from the general managers' meetings to have an initial talk with Brian Fuentes' agent, Rick Thurman, about a two-year deal with a possible option for the reliever, the Rocky Mountain News reports.
</td></tr><tr class="colhead"><td width="65">WHO</td><td>INTERESTED</td><td>THE SKINNY</td></tr><tr class="oddrow" valign="top"><td align="center" nowrap="nowrap">http://www.espn.go.com/media/mlb/2005/1109/photo/a_jojima_65.jpg
Kenji Jojima (http://www.espn.go.com/media/mlb/2005/1109/photo/a_jojima_65.jpg)
</td><td>Padres (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=sdg)
Mets (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=nym)
Mariners (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=sea)
</td><td>Major-league appeal
Nov 9 - The Padres, Mets and Mariners are looking at 29-year-old Japanese catcher Kenji Jojima. According to the San Diego Union-Tribune, bidding for Jojima could go as high as $20 million on a multiyear deal. In seven seasons with the Fukuoka Hawks, Jojima batted .299 with averages of 30 home runs and 100 RBI, the newspaper reports.

</td></tr></tbody> </table>

[OssMan]

Keep away from Manny Ramirez for fucks sake

[BCWWF]

Those simulated news conferences are fucked up. I was like WTF? Reporters don't act like that at a press conference. And GM's don't say that much in a conference. What?

[Dragon]

What are some good sites for trade rumors and stuff like that, that people use. Besides like ESPN and foxsports.

[The Miz]

http://www.rotoworld.com

[The Miz]

Here's a new rumor

Toronto gets:
Bobby Abreu

Philadelphia gets:
Vernon Wells

[Joey Slugs]

so, the best pitchers in both leagues each finish 3rd for the two Cy Young awards. interesting.

[YOUR Hero]

Here's a new rumor

Toronto gets:
Bobby Abreu

Philadelphia gets:
Vernon Wells

I don't see the justification for a trade like that, as far as T.O. is concerned. I'd love Abreu, but the trouble in T.O. is they have one slugger and no one to protect him. This would just be the same thing, with a new name.

[The Miz]

Here are ESPN Insider's top 50 free agents and predicted teams

<table x:str="" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="308" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 231pt;"> <col width="160" style="width: 120pt;"> <col width="148" style="width: 111pt;"> <tbody><tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"> <td height="17" width="160" style="height: 12.75pt; width: 120pt;">Paul Konerko</td> <td width="148" style="width: 111pt;">Red Sox</td> </tr> <tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"> <td height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;">Johnny Damon</td> <td>Red Sox</td> </tr> <tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"> <td height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;">Roger Clemens</td> <td>retirement</td> </tr> <tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"> <td height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;">Rafael Furcal</td> <td>Cubs</td> </tr> <tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"> <td height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;">Billy Wagner</td> <td>Phillies</td> </tr> <tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"> <td height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;">B.J. Ryan</td> <td>Mets</td> </tr> <tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"> <td height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;">A.J. Burnett</td> <td>Blue Jays</td> </tr> <tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"> <td height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;">Hideki Matsui</td> <td>Yankees</td> </tr> <tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"> <td height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;">Brian Giles</td> <td>Cubs</td> </tr> <tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"> <td height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;">Trevor Hoffman</td> <td>Padres</td> </tr> <tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"> <td height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;">Kyle Farnsworth</td> <td>Braves</td> </tr> <tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"> <td height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;">Kevin Millwood</td> <td>Indians</td> </tr> <tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"> <td height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;">Ramon Hernandez</td> <td>Mets</td> </tr> <tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"> <td height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;">Benji Molina</td> <td>Padres</td> </tr> <tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"> <td height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;">Matt Morris</td> <td>Orioles</td> </tr> <tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"> <td height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;">Jarrod Washburn</td> <td>Rangers</td> </tr> <tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"> <td height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;">Bob Wickman</td> <td>Indians</td> </tr> <tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"> <td height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;">Todd Jones</td> <td>Marlins</td> </tr> <tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"> <td height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;">Tom Gordon</td> <td>Diamondbacks</td> </tr> <tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"> <td height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;">Jeff Weaver</td> <td>Angels</td> </tr> <tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"> <td height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;">Mark Grudzielanek</td> <td>Cardinals</td> </tr> <tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"> <td height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;">Alex Gonzalez</td> <td>Braves</td> </tr> <tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"> <td height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;">Nomar Garciaparra</td> <td>Dodgers</td> </tr> <tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"> <td height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;">Preston Wilson</td> <td>Orioles</td> </tr> <tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"> <td height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;">Mike Piazza</td> <td>Angels</td> </tr> <tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"> <td height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;">Frank Thomas</td> <td>Indians</td> </tr> <tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"> <td height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;">Jacque Jones</td> <td>Tigers</td> </tr> <tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"> <td height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;">Reggie Sanders</td> <td>Cardinals</td> </tr> <tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"> <td height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;">Kenny Rogers</td> <td>Dodgers</td> </tr> <tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"> <td height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;">Jeromy Burnitz</td> <td>Padres</td> </tr> <tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"> <td height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;">Ricardo Rincon</td> <td>Yankees</td> </tr> <tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"> <td height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;">Julian Tavarez</td> <td>Mets</td> </tr> <tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"> <td height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;">Bobby Howry</td> <td>Yankees</td> </tr> <tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"> <td height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;">Carl Everett</td> <td>Nationals</td> </tr> <tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"> <td height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;">Bill Mueller</td> <td>Dodgers</td> </tr> <tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"> <td height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;">Kenny Lofton</td> <td>Padres</td> </tr> <tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"> <td height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;">Brad Ausmus</td> <td>Astros</td> </tr> <tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"> <td height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;">John Olerud</td> <td>Mets</td> </tr> <tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"> <td height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;">Ray Durham</td> <td>Mariners</td> </tr> <tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"> <td height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;">Joe Randa</td> <td>Dodgers</td> </tr> <tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"> <td height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;">Scott Elarton</td> <td>Nationals</td> </tr> <tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"> <td height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;">Esteban Loaiza</td> <td>Nationals</td> </tr> <tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"> <td height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;">Jamie Moyer</td> <td>Mariners</td> </tr> <tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"> <td height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;">Octavio Dotel</td> <td>Mets</td> </tr> <tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"> <td height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;">Juan Encarnacion</td> <td>Nationals</td> </tr> <tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"> <td height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;">Bernie Williams</td> <td>Orioles</td> </tr> <tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"> <td height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;">Sammy Sosa</td> <td>Devil Rays</td> </tr> <tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"> <td height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;">Kevin Millar</td> <td>Twins</td> </tr> <tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"> <td height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;">Paul Byrd</td> <td>Reds</td> </tr> <tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"> <td height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;">Scott Eyre</td> <td>Red Sox</td> </tr></tbody> </table>
Most of the choices make no sense (Piazza to the Angels), some are completely uninformed and impossible (Loaiza to the Nats). Also I wasn't aware until now that Minaya intends on signing half the league. Thanks, Steve Phillips.

LOL @ Sosa to the Devil Rays though. I'd love to see that

[VonErich Lives]

Millar to the Twins? I've been hearing Muellar.... maybe they have them backwards...

wait? was this all steve phillips?

If that's the case, bet money against each one of these, you'll win 80-90% of the bets.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Just heard that the Mets and Tigers will entertain a swap of C Ivan Rodriguez and SS-2B Kaz Matsui at the end of the off-season if each team still has their respective headache...

thing is, this will likely only happen if the Mets do not sign Molina, Hernandez, or Jojima

All I have to say is WTF?? The Mets could get rid of Matsui's contract while getting a great catcher that I would rather have than the other 3 options. AND they'd only be responsible of Pudge for 2 years, while all the others would be a minimum of 3......I say do it now, screw Molina/Hernandez/Jojima</font>

[The Miz]

Konerko has been offered 4 years, $13 million per by Chicago as an initial offer. Waaaay too much.

[MVP]

Yeah no kidding

[YOUR Hero]

They can't afford to let him go. At least not look like they tried to re-sign him. A team that wins a championship must do everything they can to defend. At least that's the common wisdom.

[VonErich Lives]

Konerko has been offered 4 years, $13 million per by Chicago as an initial offer. Waaaay too much.

based on what?

he's easly a 30hr/100rbi hitter. career .279, take away his early years and injuries, he's probably around .290

in todays market 13mil for those stats at age 29...

Dunno, doesn't seem that far off...

[The Miz]

$52 mil is too much for anyone's initial offer.

And uhh apparently the Mariners are about to sign Kenji Jojima to a 2 year 8 mil per deal. Already?

[VonErich Lives]

$52 mil is too much for anyone's initial offer.



just so I'm clear, anyone as in any team to offer him, or anyone as in any player?

Given, we wont see a Manny or A-rod deal for awhile (if we do, baseball owners should just be shot for being stupid, you can't cry poor mouth and then sign guys for 20mil a year).

I think in the current market, especially with his age and recent power #'s, that sounds about right for him, plus although he's said money wont be the top decider, the white sox know the Red Sox will probably make a run at him.

[BCWWF]

Maybe I'm remembering wrong, but it seems like Konerko has always been good, but never seems to play a full season. Is that right?

[Joey Slugs]

<table class="tablehead" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"> <tbody><tr class="stathead"><td colspan="3">Wednesday, November 9</td></tr><tr class="colhead"><td width="65">WHO</td><td>INTERESTED</td><td>THE SKINNY</td></tr><tr class="evenrow" valign="top"><td align="center" nowrap="nowrap">http://espn.go.com/i/mlb/profiles/players/4917.jpg
Bret Boone (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=4917)
Twins
</td><td>Cardinals (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=stl)?
</td><td>Comeback story?
Nov 9 - Bret Boone traveled to the general managers' meetings in Indian Wells, Calif., and had a sit-down Wednesday with St. Louis GM Walt Jocketty, ESPN.com Insider Jerry Crasnick reports. The Cardinals could have an opening at second base if they don't re-sign free agent Mark Grudzielanek. Boone, 36, made $9 million last year in Seattle. But he said he has no problems signing a contract for a low base salary with incentives. He has to prove himself again after hitting .221 with seven homers in 326 at-bats for the Mariners and Twins last season.
"As far as teams and where I'm going, that's really the last thing on my mind," Boone told ESPN.com. "I'm in a situation where I've never been in my career. I'm just thinking about getting my mind, my swing and my body right to go out there and have the best year I can have."

</td></tr><tr class="colhead"><td width="65">WHO</td><td>INTERESTED</td><td>THE SKINNY</td></tr><tr class="oddrow" valign="top"><td align="center" nowrap="nowrap">http://espn.go.com/i/mlb/profiles/players/5502.jpg
Jorge Posada (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=5502)
Yankees
</td><td> </td><td>Pricy catch
Nov 9 - Looking to cut their payroll, the Yankees are trying to gauge interest in catcher Jorge Posada and his bulky contract, the New York Daily News reports. The 34-year-old Posada will make $8 million next season. And if he starts 81 games at catcher, a clause in his contract guarantees a $12 million option for 2007.

</td></tr><tr class="colhead"><td width="65">WHO</td><td>INTERESTED</td><td>THE SKINNY</td></tr><tr class="evenrow" valign="top"><td align="center" nowrap="nowrap">http://espn.go.com/i/mlb/profiles/players/6395.jpg
Danys Baez (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=6395)
Devil Rays
</td><td>Mets (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=nym)?
</td><td>Minaya catching some Rays
Nov 9 - Mets GM Omar Minaya is working on a potential trade with the Devil Rays for closer Danys Baez and first baseman Aubrey Huff, the New York Daily News reports. A D-Rays exec at the GM meetings in Indian Wells, Calif, told the newspaper that Minaya initiated discussions about a deal for Baez or Huff, or both.

</td></tr><tr class="colhead"><td width="65">WHO</td><td>INTERESTED</td><td>THE SKINNY</td></tr><tr class="oddrow" valign="top"><td align="center" nowrap="nowrap">http://espn.go.com/i/mlb/profiles/players/6900.jpg
Kevin Mench (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=6900)
Rangers
</td><td>Royals (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=kan)
</td><td>Mench-ionable
Nov 9 - According to The Kansas City Star, the Rangers are finally willing to consider offers for outfielder Kevin Mench, a prize the Royals have coveted for some time. "We're not shopping him, but we're not going to turn a deaf ear to listening to ways to make our club better," Rangers GM Jon Daniels told the newspaper.
The Royals reportedly are offering left-hander Jeremy Affeldt as part of a deal that could include other players.

</td></tr><tr class="colhead"><td width="65">WHO</td><td>INTERESTED</td><td>THE SKINNY</td></tr><tr class="evenrow" valign="top"><td align="center" nowrap="nowrap">http://espn.go.com/i/mlb/profiles/players/6246.jpg
Jacque Jones (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=6246)
Twins
</td><td>Padres (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=sdg)
</td><td>Keeping up with Jones
Nov 9 - The Padres are exploring Jacque Jones as an option in the outfield if they can't re-sign Brian Giles, the San Diego Union-Tribune reports. "They've got quite a bit of interest," said Jones' agent, Rick Thurman, told the newspaper. "A lot of it depends on Giles. Jacque is interested. San Diego is his home base."

</td></tr><tr class="colhead"><td width="65">WHO</td><td>INTERESTED</td><td>THE SKINNY</td></tr><tr class="oddrow" valign="top"><td align="center" nowrap="nowrap">http://espn.go.com/i/mlb/profiles/players/5064.jpg
Tim Worrell (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=5064)
Diamondbacks
</td><td>Diamondbacks (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=ari)
</td><td>That cut hurts
Nov 9 - Reliever Tim Worrell isn't thrilled with the Diamondbacks' offer to re-sign him for $1 million for 2006, The Arizona Republic reports. "I know that's a lot of money in the real world," Worrell told the newspaper. "But I don't live in the real world. I live in this crazy, stupid world of baseball, where things are different, and in the end, I don't think I should have to take a pay cut of two-thirds of my salary last year."
Worrell made $3 million in 2005.

</td></tr><tr class="colhead"><td width="65">WHO</td><td>INTERESTED</td><td>THE SKINNY</td></tr><tr class="evenrow" valign="top"><td align="center" nowrap="nowrap">http://espn.go.com/i/mlb/profiles/players/5848.jpg
Kevin Millwood (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=5848)
Indians
</td><td> </td><td>High five
Nov 9 - Agent Scott Boras reportedly wants a five-year deal for right-handed starter Kevin Millwood, The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports. The Indians are willing to make a three-year offer, possibly four, but not five.


</td></tr><tr class="colhead"><td width="65">WHO</td><td>INTERESTED</td><td>THE SKINNY</td></tr><tr class="oddrow" valign="top"><td align="center" nowrap="nowrap">http://espn.go.com/i/mlb/profiles/players/6735.jpg
Brian Fuentes (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=6735)
Rockies
</td><td> </td><td>Relief appearance
Nov 9 - Rockies GM Dan O'Dowd on Tuesday stepped away from the general managers' meetings to have an initial talk with Brian Fuentes' agent, Rick Thurman, about a two-year deal with a possible option for the reliever, the Rocky Mountain News reports.
</td></tr></tbody> </table>

[Joey Slugs]

<table class="tablehead" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"> <tbody><tr class="stathead"><td colspan="3">Thursday, November 10</td></tr><tr class="colhead"><td width="65">WHO</td><td>INTERESTED</td><td>THE SKINNY</td></tr><tr class="oddrow" valign="top"><td align="center" nowrap="nowrap">http://espn.go.com/i/mlb/profiles/players/5132.jpg
Manny Ramirez (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=5132)
Red Sox
</td><td>Mets (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=nym)?
Angels (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=laa)?
</td><td>Manny rivers to cross
Nov 10 - Manny Ramirez's agent, Greg Genske, met with Red Sox CEO Larry Lucchino and team chairman Tom Werner at the GM meetings, and the team agreed to explore trade options, the Boston Globe reports. According to the Orange Country Register, Genske presented Lucchino and Werner with a list of teams Ramirez would agree to join. The list is believed to include the Angels, Diamondbacks, Indians and Mets. Manny told owner John Henry he wanted a trade or he would not report to spring training, but keeping the slugger also remains an option for the Sox. "Larry said we'll explore it," Werner told the newspaper. "I wouldn't be surprised if we conclude that it's best for the Boston Red Sox to retain his services."
According to the Boston Herald, a source said the Mets have received indications that Manny may indeed want to play close to his hometown and that any reports to the contrary were merely a "smokescreen."
A deal for Manny would reportedly include center fielder Mike Cameron and two of three prospects: outfielder Lastings Milledge and right-handed pitchers Aaron Heilman and Yusmeiro Petit. The Herald says such deal would rule out the possibility of re-signing free agent center fielder Johnny Damon.

The Los Angeles Times reported recently that the Angels were trying to find a way to acquire Ramirez, and trade talks could expand to include the Diamondbacks. Boston would get Arizona third baseman Troy Glaus and Anaheim first baseman/center fielder Darin Erstad in a potential three-team deal; the D-Backs also would receive additional players and prospects.
As a 10-5 player, he has the veteran right to block a trade to a team he doesn't want to join.

</td></tr><tr class="colhead"><td width="65">WHO</td><td>INTERESTED</td><td>THE SKINNY</td></tr><tr class="evenrow" valign="top"><td align="center" nowrap="nowrap">http://espn.go.com/i/teamlogos/mlb/sml/trans/bos.gif
Boston (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=bos)
</td><td> </td><td>That was then ...
Nov 10 - Don't expect Theo Epstein to return to the Red Sox as GM -- despite wide speculation that he might. According to the Boston Globe, the team is moving on without him. "I have read all the rumors," team chairman Tom Werner told the newspaper. "But as far as we're concerned, we're turning the page and we're looking for the next general manager of the Red Sox.
Werner and CEO Larry Lucchino interviewed three candidates for the job Wednesday: Nationals GM Jim Bowden, Braves assistant GM Dayton Moore and Twins assistant GM Wayne Krivsky. They will interview former Montreal and Balitmore GM Jim Beattie on Friday.
The Sox reportedly have not asked for permission to interview Dodgers assistant GM Kim Ng. And two candidates -- Indians assistant GM Chris Antonetti and Tony LaCava, Toronto's director of player personnel -- were granted permission to interview but declined.

</td></tr><tr class="colhead"><td width="65">WHO</td><td>INTERESTED</td><td>THE SKINNY</td></tr><tr class="oddrow" valign="top"><td align="center" nowrap="nowrap">http://espn.go.com/i/mlb/profiles/players/6154.jpg
Alfonso Soriano (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=6154)
Rangers
</td><td>Dodgers (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=lad)?
Mets (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=nym)
</td><td>So, what would it take ...
Nov 10 - Texas second baseman Alfonso Soriano, who will be a free agent after next season, has been discussed in Dodger circles, and is available, the Los Angeles Times reports. The Mets also are looking to add a powerful middle-of-the-order bat to their lineup and have spoken to the Rangers about Soriano, The New York Times reports.

</td></tr><tr class="colhead"><td width="65">WHO</td><td>INTERESTED</td><td>THE SKINNY</td></tr><tr class="evenrow" valign="top"><td align="center" nowrap="nowrap">http://espn.go.com/i/mlb/profiles/players/5706.jpg
Nomar Garciaparra (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=5706)
Cubs
</td><td>Dodgers (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=lad)?
</td><td>Blue blood
Nov 10 - The Dodgers planned to speak to Arn Tellem, the agent for shortstop Nomar Garciaparra, before the end of the GM meetings, the Los Angeles Times reports. Garciaparra is unlikely to return to the Cubs in 2006 but would be willing to play third base for the Dodgers.
</td></tr><tr class="colhead"><td width="65">WHO</td><td>INTERESTED</td><td>THE SKINNY</td></tr><tr class="oddrow" valign="top"><td align="center" nowrap="nowrap">http://espn.go.com/i/mlb/profiles/players/6314.jpg
A.J. Burnett (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=6314)
Marlins
</td><td>Mets (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=nym)?
Mariners (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=sea)
Blue Jays (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=tor)
Rangers (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=tex)?
Red Sox (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=bos)?
Orioles (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=bal)?
</td><td>Big Apple of their eye
Nov 10 - Despite having an abundance of starters, the Mets want to upgrade their rotation and are considering A.J. Burnett, Newsday reports. Mets GM Omar Minaya and his staff met with Darek Braunecker and Mark Rodgers, the representatives for Burnett on Wednesday. Burnett is looking for a five-year deal, and interest remains high in a weak market for starters. "I can tell you, 70 percent of the teams in baseball have contacted us about A.J.," Braunecker told ESPN Insider Jerry Crasnick. "It's certainly nice to be him right now."
Burnett came away impressed after a visit to Toronto, during which he met with Blue Jays officials and ace starter Roy Halladay. Former Jays pitcher Pat Hentgen even drove up from Michigan to help with the recruiting effort. But Braunecker said the process is "wide open," and it's too early to label Toronto the frontrunner.
Burnett plans to visit selected cities where there's an interest -- Seattle, for instance. But he expects to take a more low-key approach to free-agency than former teammate Carl Pavano, who parlayed a nationwide tour into a four-year, $40 million deal with the Yankees last winter.

</td></tr><tr class="colhead"><td width="65">WHO</td><td>INTERESTED</td><td>THE SKINNY</td></tr><tr class="evenrow" valign="top"><td align="center" nowrap="nowrap">http://espn.go.com/i/mlb/profiles/players/5536.jpg
Billy Wagner (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=5536)
Phillies
</td><td>Phillies (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=phi)?
Cubs (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=chc)?
Mets (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=nym)?
</td><td>Shea it is so?
Nov 10 - Billy Wagner's chances of landing with the Mets are looking up after he received a low offer from the Phillies, the New York Daily News reports. The left-handed closer is the Mets' top priority in the free-agent market, and his rift with Philly may afford them the chance to sign him. The last standing offer to Wagner was for two years with a vesting third based on appearances, and well below the $10 million per season he is likely to be offered by other clubs, including the Mets.
Wagner will not accept any offer for fewer than three seasons. "I can't imagine why they wouldn't have already gone to three years," Wagner told the Philadelphia Inquirer of the Phillies' offer. "I can understand not wanting to do a full no-trade clause, but I can't understand why they're not going three years. I'm surprised."

</td></tr><tr class="colhead"><td width="65">WHO</td><td>INTERESTED</td><td>THE SKINNY</td></tr><tr class="oddrow" valign="top"><td align="center" nowrap="nowrap">http://espn.go.com/i/mlb/profiles/players/5908.jpg
Paul Konerko (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=5908)
White Sox
</td><td>Angels (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=laa)
Red Sox (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=bos)
White Sox (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=chw)
</td><td>Let the bidding begin
Nov 10 - The White Sox made the first move in trying to get Paul Konerko back, offering him a four-year, $52 million deal, the Daily Southtown reports. But Konerko is intent on finding out how much he's worth on the open market. ESPN.com Insider Jerry Crasnick reports that Boston's front office contingent met Tuesday with Craig Landis, Konerko's representative.
Boston is looking to upgrade at the first-base position, where Kevin Millar and John Olerud combined for 16 homers and 76 RBI in 515 at-bats last season.

</td></tr><tr class="colhead"><td width="65">WHO</td><td>INTERESTED</td><td>THE SKINNY</td></tr><tr class="evenrow" valign="top"><td align="center" nowrap="nowrap">http://espn.go.com/i/mlb/profiles/players/6036.jpg
Bob Howry (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=6036)
Indians
</td><td>Phillies (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=phi)?
Tigers (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=det)
Brewers (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=mil)
Indians (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=cle)
Mets (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=nym)
Rangers (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=tex)
</td><td>The setup man
Nov 10 - Bob Howry is looking for a three-year deal worth between $10.5 million and $12 million, the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports. The Indians considered making Howry a two-year offer for an estimated $7.5 million, but agent Craig Landis thinks his client can get a better deal. The Brewers are interested in Howry as a setup man for Derrick Turnbow, who saved 39 games last season, and Milwaukee GM Doug Melvin met with Howry's agents Tuesday in Indian Wells, Calif., ESPN.com Insider Jerry Crasnick reports.
Howry went 7-4 with a 2.47 ERA and held AL hitters to a .191 average last season in Cleveland. He could step in as the Indians' closer in 2006 if Bob Wickman doesn't return, but the Indians are hesitant to give Howry the three-year contract he desires.
Landis said about 75 percent of the teams interested in Howry want him to pitch primarily in the eighth inning. The other 25 percent have expressed a willingness to let him compete for a closer's job.

</td></tr><tr class="colhead"><td width="65">WHO</td><td>INTERESTED</td><td>THE SKINNY</td></tr><tr class="oddrow" valign="top"><td align="center" nowrap="nowrap">http://espn.go.com/i/mlb/profiles/players/6406.jpg
Milton Bradley (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=6406)
Dodgers
</td><td> </td><td>No takers
Nov 10 - According to the Los Angeles Times, the Dodgers have offered Milton Bradley to almost every team they've met with and continue to find resistance because of his volatile history. If the Dodgers can't trade Bradley, they aren't expected to tender him a contract by Dec. 20, making him a free agent, the New York Post reports.
</td></tr></tbody> </table>

[Joey Slugs]

<table class="tablehead" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"> <tbody><tr class="colhead"><td width="65">WHO</td><td>INTERESTED</td><td>THE SKINNY</td></tr><tr class="evenrow" valign="top"><td align="center" nowrap="nowrap">http://espn.go.com/i/teamlogos/mlb/sml/trans/was.gif
Washington (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=was)
</td><td> </td><td>Enough is enough
Nov 10 - According to the Washington Post, Frank Robinson is getting fed up with Major League Baseball's slow movement toward resolution of the Washington ownership. Bud Selig said Wednesday the team will not be sold to a new owner in the next two weeks. "It's not fair to this ballclub and this organization to be put in this position for the coming season because we're behind on moves and things we can do and approaching players, the free-agent market, either signing free agents or even really seriously talking to them," Robinson told the newspaper. "Just overall, the feeling and the atmosphere around this ballclub is that we're at a disadvantage."
For now, GM Jim Bowden is working with a budget of about $60 million.

</td></tr><tr class="colhead"><td width="65">WHO</td><td>INTERESTED</td><td>THE SKINNY</td></tr><tr class="oddrow" valign="top"><td align="center" nowrap="nowrap">http://espn.go.com/i/mlb/profiles/players/4975.jpg
Trevor Hoffman (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=4975)
Padres
</td><td>Mets (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=nym)
</td><td>Welcome to New York?
Nov 10 - Trevor Hoffman's days as Padres closer might be over. When the Padres offered him only a two-year deal, $10-million deal (half of what he believes he is worth), Hoffman cleaned out his locker at Petco Park, the New York Daily News reports. The Mets met twice on Tuesday with Hoffman's agent, Rick Thurman, and were scheduled to speak with him again this week. The right-hander, who is 42 saves shy of the all-time lead, could switch coasts if New York doesn't get Billy Wagner.
"He would definitely go to the Mets," Thurman told the newspaper. "They are committed to winning with a first-class team and Trevor wants to be with a team in contention."

</td></tr><tr class="colhead"><td width="65">WHO</td><td>INTERESTED</td><td>THE SKINNY</td></tr><tr class="evenrow" valign="top"><td align="center" nowrap="nowrap">http://espn.go.com/i/mlb/profiles/players/6309.jpg
David Riske (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=6309)
Indians
</td><td>Rangers (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=tex)?
</td><td>Swap meet
Nov 10 - According to the Cleveland Plain Dealer, the Rangers and Indians have been talking trade. Texas needs a reliever and outfielder, and has expressed interest in setup man David Riske and left fielder Coco Crisp. The Indians also may have some interest in first-base prospect Adrian Gonzalez, who's stuck behind Mark Teixeira. Gonzalez hit .227 (34-for-150) with six homers and 17 RBI in a brief trial with the Rangers last season.

</td></tr><tr class="colhead"><td width="65">WHO</td><td>INTERESTED</td><td>THE SKINNY</td></tr><tr class="oddrow" valign="top"><td align="center" nowrap="nowrap">http://espn.go.com/i/mlb/profiles/players/6088.jpg
Odalis Perez (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=6088)
Dodgers
</td><td> </td><td>Trade bait
Nov 10 - Odalis Perez could be changing homes. According to the Los Angeles, the Dodgers are offering the left-hander in potential trades that would require them to give up a starting pitcher.
</td></tr></tbody> </table>

[Joey Slugs]

<table class="tablehead" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"> <tbody><tr class="stathead"><td colspan="3">Friday, November 11</td></tr><tr class="colhead"><td width="65">WHO</td><td>INTERESTED</td><td>THE SKINNY</td></tr><tr class="oddrow" valign="top"><td align="center" nowrap="nowrap">http://espn.go.com/i/mlb/profiles/players/6639.jpg
Lyle Overbay (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=6639)
Brewers
</td><td>Dodgers (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=lad)?
Pirates (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=pit)?
Twins (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=min)?
Mets (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=nym)?
Red Sox (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=bos)?
</td><td>Brewers fielding offers for Overbay
Nov 11 - Brewers GM Doug Melvin said there was a "good level of interest" in Overbay among other clubs at the GM meetings in Indian Wells, Calif. The Brewers have the luxury of fielding offers for Overbay, who hit .276 with 19 homers and 72 RBI this season, now that top prospect Prince Fielder is closing in on a big-league job. But Melvin told ESPN.com Insider Jerry Crasnick that the Brewers aren't averse to having Fielder begin next season in Triple-A ball.
"There have been some pretty interesting proposals (for Overbay)," Melvin said, "but nothing to take me over the edge yet. I think there's a high percentage of chance that he'll be back with us."

</td></tr><tr class="colhead"><td width="65">WHO</td><td>INTERESTED</td><td>THE SKINNY</td></tr><tr class="evenrow" valign="top"><td align="center" nowrap="nowrap">http://espn.go.com/i/mlb/profiles/players/5484.jpg
Johnny Damon (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=5484)
Red Sox
</td><td>Red Sox (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=bos)?
Yankees (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=nyy)?
Cubs (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=chc)?
</td><td>Damon offer?
Nov 11 - The Red Sox on Thursday made an offer to one of their free agents, and the Boston Herald believes it was Johnny Damon. The Red Sox's Jed Hoyer did not comment when asked if Damon was the free agent receiving an offer.
Damon is believed to be asking for at least a four-year deal from the Red Sox.

</td></tr><tr class="colhead"><td width="65">WHO</td><td>INTERESTED</td><td>THE SKINNY</td></tr><tr class="oddrow" valign="top"><td align="center" nowrap="nowrap">http://espn.go.com/i/mlb/profiles/players/5178.jpg
Carlos Delgado (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=5178)
Marlins
</td><td>Orioles (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=bal)?
Mariners (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=sea)?
Mets (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=nym)?
</td><td>Big Fish
Nov 11 - Three teams at the GM meetings -- the Orioles, Mariners and Mets -- expressed interest in first baseman Carlos Delgado, the Palm Beach Post reports. The Marlins would prefer to trade Delgado to an American League team, the newspaper suggests. He is owed $48 million over the next three years.

</td></tr><tr class="colhead"><td width="65">WHO</td><td>INTERESTED</td><td>THE SKINNY</td></tr><tr class="evenrow" valign="top"><td align="center" nowrap="nowrap">http://espn.go.com/i/mlb/profiles/players/7042.jpg
Hideki Matsui (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=7042)
Yankees
</td><td> </td><td>Enough respect for Matsui?
Nov 11 - The Yankees are prepared to make Hideki Matsui a sizeable offer: four years at $11-12 million per season, The New York Post reports. "It's rather simple: [Matsui] is either going to be with us, or he won't," GM Brian Cashman told the newspaper. "And there are other choices in the event we don't have him."
Cashman is also talking with free-agent outfielder Brian Giles.

</td></tr><tr class="colhead"><td width="65">WHO</td><td>INTERESTED</td><td>THE SKINNY</td></tr><tr class="oddrow" valign="top"><td align="center" nowrap="nowrap">http://espn.go.com/i/mlb/profiles/players/5947.jpg
Javier Vazquez (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=5947)
Diamondbacks
</td><td> </td><td>Vazquez requests trade
Nov 11 - Arizona ace Javier Vazquez formally asked the Diamondbacks to trade him Thursday night, preferably to a team east of the Mountain Time Zone, ESPN.com's Jayson Stark reports. Even though Vazquez is owed $11.5 million next year and $12.5 million in 2007, the Diamondbacks would be likely to have a long list of potential bidders for a 29-year-old right-hander who has averaged 206 innings a season for the last six years. Among teams that figure to be interested: the Mets, Marlins, Red Sox, Phillies, Blue Jays, Tigers and Cardinals.

</td></tr><tr class="colhead"><td width="65">WHO</td><td>INTERESTED</td><td>THE SKINNY</td></tr><tr class="evenrow" valign="top"><td align="center" nowrap="nowrap">http://espn.go.com/i/mlb/profiles/players/4695.jpg
Bernie Williams (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=4695)
Yankees
</td><td>Yankees (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=nyy)
</td><td>A Bronx tale revisited?
Nov 11 - Even though the Yankees are shopping for Bernie Williams' replacement, the veteran switch-hitter still could return to the pinstripes, The New York Daily News reports. GM Brian Cashman has yet to met with Williams' agent, Scott Boras, but there have been indications that Williams could be amenable to accepting a fourth outfielder/DH role.
</td></tr><tr class="colhead"><td width="65">WHO</td><td>INTERESTED</td><td>THE SKINNY</td></tr><tr class="oddrow" valign="top"><td align="center" nowrap="nowrap">http://espn.go.com/i/mlb/profiles/players/6026.jpg
Bengie Molina (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=6026)
Angels
</td><td>Yankees (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=nyy)?
Mets (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=nym)
</td><td>Dream catching
Nov 11 - The Mets have targeted Bengie Molina to replace Mike Piazza at catcher. According to The New York Daily News, GM Omar Minaya and aide Tony Bernazard planned go to Yuma, Ariz., to meet face-to-face with Molina in a "getting to know you" session. The teams wasn't expected to make an offer yet. Molina, who has spent his entire career with the Angels, is coming off his best season and is one of the best-available catchers in free agency. He hit .295 with 15 home runs and 69 RBI and threw out 31 percent of all runners who attempted to steal against him.

</td></tr><tr class="colhead"><td width="65">WHO</td><td>INTERESTED</td><td>THE SKINNY</td></tr><tr class="evenrow" valign="top"><td align="center" nowrap="nowrap">http://www.espn.go.com/media/mlb/2005/1109/photo/a_jojima_65.jpg
Kenji Jojima (http://www.espn.go.com/media/mlb/2005/1109/photo/a_jojima_65.jpg)
</td><td>Yankees (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=nyy)
Padres (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=sdg)
Mets (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=nym)
Mariners (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=sea)
</td><td>Catch-22
Nov 11 - The Mariners are Kenji Jojima's first choice, but the team is reluctant to sign him at the numbers (three years, $16-$18 million) floated by his representatives, the Seattle Post-Intelligencer reports. While the M's need catching help, pitching and left-handed power are their top priorities. "It's far down the list," a club source told the newspaper. "We have more pressing needs. To go out and get a catcher now, before signing a pitcher, wouldn't be prudent."
The Padres, Mets and Yankees also are looking at Jojima, 29, who could become the major leagues' first Japanese catcher. In seven seasons with the Fukuoka Hawks, he batted .299 with averages of 30 home runs and 100 RBI, the San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

</td></tr></tbody> </table>

[Joey Slugs]

<table class="tablehead" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"> <tbody><tr class="colhead"><td width="65">WHO</td><td>INTERESTED</td><td>THE SKINNY</td></tr><tr class="oddrow" valign="top"><td align="center" nowrap="nowrap">http://espn.go.com/i/mlb/profiles/players/6404.jpg
Rafael Furcal (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=6404)
Braves
</td><td>Cubs (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=chc)
Mets (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=nym)
</td><td>The sales pitch
Nov 11 - Cubs infielder Neifi Perez is recruiting friend Rafael Furcal, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports. Perez telephoned Furcal on Monday. "I told him I would be happy if he comes to the Cubs, because I know what he can do to help the team win," Perez told the newspaper.
Furcal's agent, Paul Kinzer, is seeking a five-year contract at $10 million per season.

</td></tr><tr class="colhead"><td width="65">WHO</td><td>INTERESTED</td><td>THE SKINNY</td></tr><tr class="evenrow" valign="top"><td align="center" nowrap="nowrap">http://espn.go.com/i/mlb/profiles/players/4057.jpg
David Wells (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=4057)
Red Sox
</td><td>Padres (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=sdg)?
</td><td>Welcome back, Boomer?
Nov 11 - David Wells, who has one year remaining on his current contract with the Red Sox, wants to be moved to California (where he grew up), and his ideal destination is San Diego, where he played in 2004, The New York Daily News reports. The Sox and Padres have discussed a Wells trade, but talks are at a temporary standstill, the Boston Herald reports. Boston is interested in San Diego right-handed reliever Akinori Otsuka.

</td></tr><tr class="colhead"><td width="65">WHO</td><td>INTERESTED</td><td>THE SKINNY</td></tr><tr class="oddrow" valign="top"><td align="center" nowrap="nowrap">http://espn.go.com/i/mlb/profiles/players/6294.jpg
B.J. Ryan (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=6294)
Orioles
</td><td>Yankees (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=nyy)?
</td><td>Ryan's song
Nov 11 - Yankees GM Brian Cashman has had conversations with B.J. Ryan's agent, John Courtright, The New York Daily News reports. The Orioles' closer is expected to draw significant interest on the open market. The 29-year-old left-hander had 36 saves and a 2.43 ERA for the Orioles, striking out the 100 batters in 70 1/3 innings.
</td></tr><tr class="colhead"><td width="65">WHO</td><td>INTERESTED</td><td>THE SKINNY</td></tr><tr class="evenrow" valign="top"><td align="center" nowrap="nowrap">http://espn.go.com/i/mlb/profiles/players/6258.jpg
Ramon Hernandez (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=6258)
Padres
</td><td>Mets (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=nym)?
Diamondbacks (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=ari)?
</td><td>Leaving San Diego?
Nov 11 - Hernandez is expected to depart San Diego through free agency, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune. Teams likely to pursue Hernandez include the Diamondbacks and Mets. Hernandez, 29, hit .290 with 12 home runs and 58 RBI in 99 games last season. He made more than $4 million in the final year of his four-year deal.

</td></tr><tr class="colhead"><td width="65">WHO</td><td>INTERESTED</td><td>THE SKINNY</td></tr><tr class="oddrow" valign="top"><td align="center" nowrap="nowrap">http://espn.go.com/i/mlb/profiles/players/7502.jpg
Chien-Ming Wang (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=7502)
Yankees
</td><td> </td><td>Thanks, but no thanks
Nov 11 - Yankees GM Brian Cashman won't deal Chien-Ming Wang or Robinson Cano unless he's bowled over by a massive proposal, The New York Daily News reports. That hasn't stopped teams from asking. Cashman has received "numerous" inquires about the young talent, none of which has come close to being a blockbuster.
</td></tr><tr class="colhead"><td width="65">WHO</td><td>INTERESTED</td><td>THE SKINNY</td></tr><tr class="evenrow" valign="top"><td align="center" nowrap="nowrap">http://espn.go.com/i/mlb/profiles/players/4279.jpg
Tom Gordon (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=4279)
Yankees
</td><td>Mets (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=nym)?
</td><td>Flash wants three years
Nov 11 - According to The New York Daily News, the Yankees have had brief discussions with setup man Tom Gordon, but they are not interested in granting Gordon's wish for a three-year contract. A number of teams are interested in signing Gordon to be a closer (including the Mets), and it's generally believed Gordon will end up taking one of those offers. An official at the GM meetings told ESPN.com Insider Jerry Crasnick that Gordon wants a contract for more money than the three-year, $15.5 million deal that Ryan Dempster signed with the Cubs in early October.

</td></tr></tbody> </table>