MLB 2005-2006 Offseason Thread [Archive] - Page 3

Joey Slugs

12-02-2005, 11:42 AM

<table class="tablehead" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"> <tbody><tr class="stathead"><td colspan="3">Thursday, December 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/mlb/profiles/players/5132.jpg
Manny Ramirez (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=5132)
Red Sox
</td><td>Mariners (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=sea)?
Mets (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=nym)?
Angels (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=laa)?
</td><td>Manny-for-Abreu 'highly unlikely'
Dec 1 - ESPN.com's Jayson Stark reports that a swap of Bobby Abreu for Manny Ramirez is "highly unlikely," according to a baseball official who has spoken with both clubs. The deal was proposed by the Red Sox but quickly shot down, the official said, for several reasons. The primary reason is that the Phillies have been telling teams they are only interested in trading Abreu for top-of-the-rotation starting pitching. The second is that there is a major money imbalance. Ramirez has $57 million coming over the next three years. Abreu has two years, $30 million left on his deal. Both players can veto any trades.
The only way this trade could happen, then, is if the Red Sox were interested in trading a starting pitcher along with Ramirez, AND evening out all the money.
Meanwhile, Ramirez officially has put his $6.9 million condominium in Boston on the market, the Boston Globe reports. Ramirez wants to be traded, and his wish is to play for the Angels or the Mariners, the Boston Herald reports.
Teammate David Ortiz thinks Ramirez won't be in left field for the Red Sox come Opening Day. "Manny is not returning to Boston," Ortiz said recently. "Manny lives a difficult situation that only he and his family know about, and he does not want to play there."

</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>Dodgers (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=lad)
Braves (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=atl)
Cubs (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=chc)
</td><td>Decision time
Dec 1 - Rafael Furcal's agent, Paul Kinzer, told ESPN.com's Jayson Stark on Thursday that Furcal isn't expected to decide on a team for "at least the next three days." At one point earlier this week, it appeared Furcal was poised to make a choice by midweek. "With the Dodgers now getting involved, it just complicates [a decision] a little bit," Kinzer said. "We're still talking to all three teams. But now, instead of basically concentrating on two teams, we've just added a third."
According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Furcal is leaning toward signing with the Cubs. Chicago's five-year offer for Furcal reportedly was significantly greater than Atlanta's in both dollars and contract length.

</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>Royals (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=kan)
Blue Jays (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=tor)?
Cardinals (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=stl)?
Pirates (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=pit)?
Mariners (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=sea)?
Cubs (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=chc)?
</td><td>Keeping up with Jones
Dec 1 - Amid rumors that Jacque Jones has a four-year, $24 million offer on the table, Kansas City GM Allard Baird told ESPN.com Insider Jerry Crasnick that it hasn't come from the Royals. "We have interest, but that's not true," said Baird, who declined to address specifics. "We've made an offer just to put us on the board." Seattle, which needs a left-handed power hitter, appears to have more interest in a trade for Tampa Bay's Aubrey Huff than a pursuit of Jones. As a San Diego native, Jones was hopeful of signing with the Padres. But San Diego is no longer in the mix for him after trading for Mike Cameron and re-signing Brian Giles.

</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/6210.jpg
Kyle Farnsworth (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=6210)
Braves
</td><td>Mets (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=nym)?
Phillies (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=phi)?
Indians (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=cle)?
Braves (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=atl)
Tigers (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=det)
Orioles (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=bal)
Yankees (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=nyy)
</td><td>Setting up Mariano
Dec 1 - The agent for reliever Kyle Farnsworth informed Braves officials Wednesday night that his client will sign with the Yankees, two sources told ESPN.com. Farnsworth, who played at Milton High School in Atlanta, rejected the Braves' offer to remain as their closer, the role in which he finished the 2005 season. Instead, he will serve as setup man to Yankees' closer Mariano Rivera, and replace Tom Gordon in that role.
The Yanks are expected to sign Farnsworth to a three-year contract for approximately $17 million, the New York Daily 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://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>Cubs (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=chc)?
Cardinals (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=stl)?
Nationals (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=was)
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>Burnett in the Cards?
Dec 1 - The Cardinals remain in the hunt for A.J. Burnett, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. "We're furthering discussions," agent Darek Braunecker told the newspaper. "Things have certainly become more focused with several [teams] in the last few days. We're moving forward with many clubs." The Cardinals are discussing their willingness to offer a five-year contract to Burnett. They usually don't offer that long of a contract to pitchers, and any decision to make such an offer would be first approved by ownership.
Braunecker already has received multiple offers for his client, who is seeking $50 milion over five years. The Blue Jays and Orioles are the front-runners at this point.

</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>Angels (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=laa)?
</td><td>South Side exit
Dec 1 - The Big Hurt likely is finished with the White Sox. With designated hitter Jim Thome arriving and first baseman Paul Konerko returning, there is no room left for Frank Thomas, the Chicago Sun-Times reports. "I tried to reach Frank by phone earlier today, and I think it's disrespectful to inform the public of the organization's feelings prior to having a conversation with him," GM Ken Williams told the newspaper. "This is more about the right-handed bat of Paul Konerko and the left-handed bat of Jim Thome that we felt was necessary to balance us out more than where we are with Frank."
Thomas, 37, hasn't played a full season since hitting 42 homers and driving in 105 runs in 2003, but the two-time MVP has 448 homers and might draw interest from the Angels.

</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/6578.jpg
Pedro Feliz (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=6578)
Giants
</td><td> </td><td>Feliz feelers
Dec 1 - While the Giants would love to move Edgardo Alfonzo and the $7 million left on his contract, baseball sources told ESPN.com Insider Jerry Crasnick that the team is also putting out trade feelers for third baseman-outfielder Pedro Feliz. Feliz led the Giants with 20 homers and 81 RBI this season, but finished with a poor .717 OPS and tailed off drastically with a .217 batting average after the All-Star break. If the Giants begin next season with Lance Niekro at first base and Feliz at third, they would have two players with .295 on-base percentages at the corner infield spots.
Feliz, 30, is also relatively pricey at $3.6 million next season. Moving him would require GM Brian Sabean to come up with a Plan B at third base, but it could help the Giants add depth to their pitching staff.

</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/5346.jpg
Ron Villone (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=5346)
Marlins
</td><td>Mariners (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=sea)?
</td><td>Seattle revisited?
Dec 1 - According to the Tacoma News Tribune, the Marlins are looking to trade reliever Ron Villone and his $2 million salary. The Mariners have contacted Florida about reacquiring Villone, who has served two tours of duty with the Mariners. To land the left-hander, Seattle likely would have to part with a pitching prospect.
</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/6167.jpg
Kris Benson (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=6167)
Mets
</td><td>Orioles (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=bal)?
</td><td>Swap meet
Dec 1 - According to The New York Post, the Mets are moving toward dealing starter Kris Benson to the Orioles for reliever Jorge Julio. The trade is expected to be consummated at the winter meetings next week in Dallas. "It's not done yet but it could be finalized at the meetings," a source told the newspaper.

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

Joey Slugs

12-02-2005, 11:42 AM

<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/mlb/profiles/players/5784.jpg
Matt Morris (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=5784)
Cardinals
</td><td>Dodgers (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=lad)?
Giants (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=sfo)?
Cardinals (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=stl)?
Rangers (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=tex)
</td><td>Patience is a virtue
Dec 1 - According to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Matt Morris' agent believes the Cardinals' interest in re-signing his client is dependent on other pursuits. "I've talked to [GM Walt Jocketty] about Matt and [free agent Mark Sweeney], and as with other teams, Walt has his pace for these things," Barry Axelrod told the newspaper. "It's an approach that is tried and true. ... You can't argue with the results." The Rangers have made a formal two-year offer to Morris, one of two offers Morris has received. San Francisco also is wooing the right-hander, and the Dodgers are expected to get involved now that their front office is more set. According to The Seattle Times, Morris's agent said Mariners GM Bill Bavasi called him this week.
Esteban Loiaza's three-year, $21 million deal with Oakland could help set the cost of Morris, who made $6.25 million total last season after incentives were added to a $2.5 million guarantee.

</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/5468.jpg
Paul Byrd (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=5468)
Angels
</td><td>Royals (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=kan)
Orioles (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=bal)
Rangers (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=tex)
</td><td>A rare Byrd
Dec 1 - The Royals are still pursuing Paul Byrd, even though the veteran right-hander's payday could top the $21.375 million Esteban Loaiza received from the A's, The Kansas City Star reports. Byrd visited Cleveland earlier this week. "I hope we sign him," Indians GM Mark Shapiro told The Cleveland Plain Dealer. "We're making a legitimate effort, but he has a lot of offers out there."
The Orioles have offered Byrd a two-year, $13 million contract with an option for a third year, The Baltimore Sun reports.
Byrd reportedly is interested in reuniting with pitching coach Leo Mazzone. According to The Cleveland Plain Dealer, Byrd visited the Indians earlier this week.

</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/5165.jpg
Hector Carrasco (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=5165)
Nationals
</td><td> </td><td>Carrasco departing D.C.?
Dec 1 - The Nationals hope to keep Hector Carrasco, but they may lose the 36-year-old right-handed reliever to a West Coast team, The Washington Post 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/7348.jpg
Joey Gathright (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=7348)
Devil Rays
</td><td>Marlins (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=fla)?
Dodgers (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=lad)?
Cubs (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=chc)?
</td><td>Hot commodity
Dec 1 - Interest in outfielder Joey Gathright remains high entering the winter meetings, reports ESPN.com Insider Jerry Crasnick. The Cubs, Marlins and Dodgers have emerged as the best fits among the teams on Tampa Bay's list of potential trade partners. The Devil Rays are looking for young pitching in return, and the Cubs (Sergio Mitre, Rich Hill) and Marlins (Scott Olsen, Jason Vargas, Josh Johnson) have names that appeal to Tampa Bay. The Dodgers are loaded with both pitchers and talented position players at the upper level of the minors.
Gathright is still raw and lacking in plate discipline at age 24. But teams are intrigued by his blazing speed, and some scouts think he has a chance to evolve into an effective leadoff hitter with 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/6753.jpg
Larry Bigbie (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=6753)
Rockies
</td><td>Mariners (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=sea)?
</td><td>M's eyeing Bigbie
Dec 1 - The Mariners are looking for a left-handed bat with power and are interested in Larry Bigbie, the Tacoma News Tribune reports. Seattle manager Mike Hargrove is familiar with Bigbie from his days as the Orioles' manager.
</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/4820.jpg
John Flaherty (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=4820)
Yankees
</td><td> </td><td>Catching retirement?
Dec 1 - The Yankees' signing of Kelly Stinnett as backup catcher may signal the end of John Flaherty's 14-year career, the Westchester Journal News reports. Flaherty, 38, was Randy Johnson's regular catcher last season. Stinnett was Johnson's personal catcher in Arizona.

</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>Cardinals (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=stl)?
Rangers (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=tex)?
</td><td>Rangers pitch Dotel
Dec 1 - The Rangers have made a formal offer to reliever Octavio Dotel, The Dallas Morning News reports. Dotel's agent, Don Horwits, said Dotel is looking for a one-year, incentive-laden contract. The 32-year-old right-hander had Tommy John surgery last June.

</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/4143.jpg
Jose Mesa (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=4143)
Pirates
</td><td>Rockies (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=col)
</td><td>Rocky Mountain Mesa?
Dec 1 - The Rockies are moving closer to signing veteran reliever Jose Mesa, the Rocky Mountain News reports. Mesa would serve as a setup man for closer Brian Fuentes.
</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/5095.jpg
Brad Ausmus (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=5095)
Astros
</td><td>Mets (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=nym)?
Rockies (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=col)?
Angels (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=laa)?
Padres (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=sdg)
Diamondbacks (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=ari)
Astros (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=hou)
</td><td>D-Backs inquire about Ausmus
Dec 1 - The Diamondbacks this week contacted Brad Ausmus' agent, The Arizona Republic reports. "We had a lengthy conversation and planned to talk again soon," Peter Mrowka told the newspaper. The Astros have exchanged offers with catcher Brad Ausmus, the Houston Chronicle reports. "We talked a couple of times on numbers, and we certainly don't have an insurmountable gap between us," Ausmus told the newspaper.
Ausmus would like to return for an eighth season with the Astros; he's also interested in the Padres.

</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/6795.jpg
Yorvit Torrealba (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=6795)
Mariners
</td><td> </td><td>Bound for Colorado?
Dec 1 - According to the Tacoma News Tribune, the Rockies are interested in obtaining catcher Yorvit Torrealba from the Mariners. Torrealba became expendable after the M's signed Japanese catcher Kenji Johjima.
</td></tr></tbody> </table>

Joey Slugs

12-02-2005, 11:43 AM

anyone have some info on Jermaine Van Buren ?

Sox gave up "player to be named later OR cash".

Says he was the cubs AAA player of the year, 25 saves, 1.98ERA, was a starter...

Given could have been a 1yr fluke, but seems like it could be a steal?

http://www.baseballprospectus.com/dt/vanbuje01.shtml

VonErich Lives

12-02-2005, 01:40 PM

ok, anyone else hearing this new one?

Matt Clement & Trot Nixon for Abreau?

Umm, yeah... if this is an actual offer and the Red Sox hesitate for 1 second before saying yes, they should be put in front of a firing squad.

BCWWF

12-02-2005, 02:21 PM

FINALLY!

The Twins are in negotiations for Luis Castillo

The Miz

12-02-2005, 03:31 PM

The have him officially now. Marlins get Travis Bower, Scott Tyler.

Dragon

12-02-2005, 03:58 PM

Yankees get Farnsworth. Phillies sign Gordon.

I dunno how much of an upgrade that is, besides the fact that Gordon is 8-9 years older than Farnsworth. No reason he should have gotten a 3 year deal anyway.

The Miz

12-02-2005, 04:01 PM

For some reason Farnsworth makes me think of Witasick, Karsay, and all the other good relievers that became shitty once on the Yanks

Dragon

12-02-2005, 04:49 PM

Yeah, thats what I've been thinking about. Gordon was our only dependable reliever during the regular season besides Rivera, and Farnsworth seems kinda unpredictable as to what you might get out of him so it almost feels like a step back right now. But I guess we won't know until we see him.

Sturtze was another reliable one for a tiny portion of last season, then he was just awful. The bullpen was basically a mix of other teams rejects so hopefully Farnsworth will be solid next season.

Joey Slugs

12-02-2005, 05:48 PM

Adder

12-02-2005, 07:01 PM

VonErich Lives

12-02-2005, 07:38 PM

Next Beantowner to go: Billy Mueller?

From reports I have been hearing from some friends in the White Sox front office, there is talk of Mueller coming to Chicago to ride the pine as Crede and Iguchi's backup.

Can't see him doing that, he's good enough to start, he won a batting title 3yrs ago and is a gold glover caliber fielder.

If he was willing to be a "backup" I'd see the Red Sox making a run at him.

Would like to see if he could handle 1st base and come back to the Red Sox.

VonErich Lives

12-02-2005, 07:40 PM

Abreau's name is being circulated around a lot, to many teams.

yeah, I'm just saying it didn't seem to make much sense for the Phillies.

BCWWF

12-03-2005, 01:25 AM

Lol there is no way Mueller goes to the White Sox to back up. There are plenty of teams, contending teams, that are interested in him as a starter.

Joey Slugs

12-03-2005, 01:28 AM

Lol there is no way Mueller goes to the White Sox to back up. There are plenty of teams, contending teams, that are interested in him as a starter.

I'm not saying it's hard fact or anything, it's just something I heard from a few friends on the inside. Someone told me that it was also mentioned on ESPN, but I haven't checked up on that.

Jesus Shuttlesworth

12-03-2005, 01:37 AM

VonErich Lives

12-03-2005, 03:20 AM

After all this talk I am still seeing Manny in a Red Sox uniform next season, atleast at the start of the season. Every single trade i've heard about has been "highly unlikely"

Unless something comes out of nowhere I don't really see any of the discussed trades happening.

a lot gets done at the winter meetings, so that could do it.

I love how then envited the press to see his condo hoping it would help sell it faster.

The Miz

12-03-2005, 10:19 AM

VonErich Lives

12-03-2005, 11:24 AM

I think one of the most overlooked players on the trade block is Milton Bradley. He's 27, can hit, has proven himself in the AL, and won't cost much at all. His attitude is blown out of proportion. He's a much better solution that most of the outfielders left on the FA market.

I've yet to hear a good thing about this guy (besides his hitting), why do you think his attitude is blown out of proportion?

The Miz

12-03-2005, 11:30 AM

VonErich Lives

12-03-2005, 11:33 AM

He threw some baseballs on a field a couple times. Is that enough to not want a 27 year old who can hit, run, and play all 3 outfield positions for less than 2 million dollars and isn't eligible for free agency for 2 more years?

Didn't he also get into with team mates and his coach and get suspended for the remainder of a season or something? I don't remember all the details, but could have sworn there was more to it.

The Miz

12-03-2005, 11:37 AM

He was suspended for 5 games for throwing a plastic beer bottle into the stands that was thrown at him. The only team argument i remember was when he called Jeff Kent a racist, so did Barry Bonds and he's done okay.

VonErich Lives

12-03-2005, 11:38 AM

just got this from Wikipedia

radley's career has been mired by legal trouble as well as several notable on-field incidents. In June of 2004, after being ejected from the game, Bradley left his batting glove, bat, and helmet in the batter's box and threw a bag of baseballs from the dugout on to the field. In September, reacting from a fan throwing a plastic beer bottle on the field during a game against the Colorado Rockies, Bradley threw it from the field violently into the front row. Major League Baseball suspended him for five games. In December of 2004 he served three days in jail related to a November incident. Bradley was a passenger in a car that had been stopped for a traffic violation. Bradley exited the vehicle and began arguing with the police. After being asked to return to the vehicle, Bradley refused, and was arrested. He refused to sign the citation and was charged with obstructing official business.

No denying he's a good player, but besides this he was injured last year, so who knows if he can stay on the field and if you'd want him in the clubhouse.

Word is McCourt wanted him gone, but now may reconsider with Giles not available.

Although, things could change if McCourt gets in the Damon sweepsteaks.

VonErich Lives

12-03-2005, 11:39 AM

Joey Slugs

12-03-2005, 01:56 PM

<table class="tablehead" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"> <tbody><tr class="stathead"><td colspan="3">Saturday, December 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/6404.jpg
Rafael Furcal (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=6404)
Braves
</td><td>Dodgers (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=lad)
Braves (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=atl)
Cubs (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=chc)
</td><td>Big deal from Dodgers
Dec 3 - A source told the Los Angeles Times that the Dodgers have offered shortstop Rafael Furcal a three-year deal worth close to $40 million. The package would be worth more per year than the reported offers from the Cubs and Braves, who have offered Furcal $50 million over five years and $36 million over four years respectively.
Furcal's agent, Paul Kinzer, told ESPN.com's Jayson Stark on Thursday that Furcal isn't expected to decide on a team for "at least the next three days." At one point earlier this week, it appeared Furcal was poised to make a choice by midweek.
"With the Dodgers now getting involved, it just complicates [a decision] a little bit," Kinzer said. "We're still talking to all three teams. But now, instead of basically concentrating on two teams, we've just added a third."
According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Furcal is leaning toward signing with the Cubs. Chicago's five-year offer for Furcal reportedly was significantly greater than Atlanta's in both dollars and contract length.

</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>Phillies (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=phi)?
Mariners (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=sea)?
Mets (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=nym)?
Angels (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=laa)?
</td><td>Manny suitors
Dec 3 - According to the Boston Globe, the Rangers contacted the Red Sox on Friday and were willing to dangle second baseman Alfonso Soriano in a deal for the Sox left fielder. The Mets and Angels are still considered at the top of the list for Ramirez, the Hartford Courant reported. Jed Hoyer, Red Sox assistant to the general manager, said Ramirez has received strong interest from five teams and inquiries from more than a dozen. The Mets have reportedly shown the most interest, while the Angels also figure to be a trade possibility.
"We're going to keep on listening," Hoyer said on RedSox.com. "But no one has sort of stepped up to meet the price that we want for him."
The New York Post reported that the Mets have had discussions with the Red Sox about Ramirez.

</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/6394.jpg
Barry Zito (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=6394)
Athletics
</td><td> </td><td>Rangers want Zito
Dec 3 - According to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, the Rangers are focusing on Barry Zito and have called the A's. The San Francisco Chronicle reports that the Rangers are offering outfielder Kevin Mench so far. Other teams believed to be suitors for the former Cy Young winner are the Mets, Dodgers, Diamondbacks, Phillies and Blue Jays.
But GM Billy Beane cautioned reporters not to jump to conclusions. "I wouldn't necessarily read into it that it's a precursor to anything coming down the pike," Beane told the Chronicle.
Zito will be a free agent after next 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/6167.jpg
Kris Benson (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=6167)
Mets
</td><td>Orioles (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=bal)?
</td><td>Big interest in Benson
Dec 3 - Numerous teams have contacted the Mets about right-hander Kris Benson, according to the New York Daily News. Although GM Omar Minaya reportedly still has interest in Orioles reliever Jorge Julio, the Mets backed off trading Benson in exchange for Julio when they learned that other teams have interest in Benson as well. Two teams who have reportedly made serious inquiries about Benson, according to the Daily News, are the Giants and the Royals. Benson has two years and about $15.5 million left on his 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/5468.jpg
Paul Byrd (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=5468)
Angels
</td><td>Royals (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=kan)
Orioles (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=bal)
Rangers (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=tex)
</td><td>Bailing on Byrd
Dec 3 - The Los Angeles Daily News reports that the Angels withdraw their offer to Paul Byrd before signing Hector Carrasco on Friday. Byrd, whose last offer from the Angels was reportedly $11 million over two years, is still considering offers from Texas, Cleveland and Baltimore. But an Orioles official told the Baltimore Sun that their pursuit of Byrd was over. The Orioles had offered him a two-year, $13 million deal, but Byrd may be looking at a deal similar to the one that Esteban Loaiza got from Oakland: a three-year, $21 million contract.
According to the Sun, Byrd spent part of last week meeting with Indians officials in Cleveland.
"I hope we sign him," Indians GM Mark Shapiro told The Cleveland Plain Dealer. "We're making a legitimate effort, but he has a lot of offers out there."

</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> </td><td>Wells wants out
Dec 3 - According to the Boston Herald, Wells has been telling friends he will not return to the Red Sox. Although he has one more year left on his contract, Wells, 42, has reportedly asked to be traded to his native San Diego, where he played in 2004. The Herald reports that Wells also told friends he would not report to spring training if he remained with the Red Sox. He also reportedly said he would accept a trade to the Giants and does not want to pitch in the American League.

</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/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>Boston's primary focus
Dec 3 - The Red Sox say they remain committed to keeping Damon and have been talking to Damon's agent, Scott Boras, according to the Hartford Courant. "Our priority really is to bring Johnny back," Hoyer told the Courant. "We want to keep him in a Red Sox uniform. Of course we're always looking at alternatives, but our priority is to make sure Johnny is in center field for us."
Boras is pushing for a seven-year commitment, but the Yankees say they aren't interested in talking about the center fielder unless the discussion revolves around a three-year deal, the New York Daily News reports.
Damon is believed to be seeking about $12 million a year, the Boston Herald 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>Indians (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=cle)?
Orioles (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=bal)?
</td><td>Centering on Nomar
Dec 3 - According to the Arizona Republic, the Diamondbacks have talked about the possibility of signing Garciaparra as a center fielder. It's also possible, the Republic suggests, that the D-Backs could sign Garciaparra as a shortstop to keep the position warm for Stephen Drew, their hot prospect who is more likely to be ready in 2007.
The Cleveland Plain Dealer floats Nomar Garciaparra's name in the Indians' search for a right-handed hitter.
The Twins had expressed interest in Garciaparra as a third baseman, but it appears the club may go with Terry Tiffee at the hot corner next year, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.
Earlier this month the Orioles said they might be interested, but only if he's willing to play either first base or the outfield.

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

VonErich Lives

12-03-2005, 02:04 PM

Wells is funny, doesn't want to Pitch in the AL cause he knows he'll have a better year stat wise in the NL.

Not thirlled about Soriano coming here and talk is if he did he'd play OF not 2B.

Wouldn't mind seeing the sox try and pull a 3way and get Zito for Manny. (yes, I know Oakland couldn't do that due to salary, hence why I said a 3way deal).

Nomar in CF... kinda funny how the guy in Boston didn't want to play anything besides SS is now willing to play anywhere.

Gertner

12-03-2005, 03:44 PM

lol i would die and go to heaven if the jays got Zito

BCWWF

12-03-2005, 04:19 PM

I agree with Miz, I have always felt that Bradley is underrated. And just about anybodies "attitude" problems are overblown in the media I think, even Bonds to an extent.

That being said, I hate how every big name free agent is linked with New York and Boston. It is just because they have so many different newspapers to stir up speculation, but BAH.

Anyway, the Twins still need two more offensive players. I am thinking the chances are real well that we end up with Piazza, then we just need another infielder, not even a big name guy. I wouldnt' mind seeing Mueller or Graffanino, I have also heard Nomar's name brought up, but not sure what I think. If the Twins just bit the bullet and got Furcal it would be ideal, but that won't happen :sad:

The Miz

12-03-2005, 04:33 PM

I like Nomar to the Twins (3B)

MVP

12-03-2005, 04:58 PM

I wouldn't mid seeing Bradley on the Sox for less than $2M, even if he is injury prone.

YOUR Hero

12-03-2005, 07:47 PM

Zito - Jays ?

Holy shit. I'd be a happy camper. Not sure what we could give up. A's want a power bat and one thing Toronto lacks is just that... outside of Vernon Wells.

The Miz

12-03-2005, 07:56 PM

Wells doesn't put up near the OBP numbers to get Zito. Even if he did it would still cost more

RoXer

12-03-2005, 07:59 PM

If the DBacks get Zito, I wouldn't mind too much.

YOUR Hero

12-03-2005, 08:38 PM

Wells doesn't put up near the OBP numbers to get Zito. Even if he did it would still cost more

tbh, I don't see the Jays swapping Wells for Zito if it were offered. It's all about needs. The Jays need more power. It's been a sore spot of theirs. Pitching, they are already doing good, so it's not "AS" important a need.

The Miz

12-03-2005, 11:10 PM

Furcal just signed with the Dodgers. lol nice one LA, 13+ mil isn't too much or anything

The Miz

12-03-2005, 11:15 PM

Mets and DBacks both after LoDuca.

VonErich Lives

12-04-2005, 10:05 AM

caught a teaser on ESPN didn't hear the source though. Report in some paper that the Yankees lost over 50million last year, possible as high as 80mil.

that's funny, between payroll and profit sharing.

I know the Red Sox made a small profit, which is why there was talk of them cutting some payroll to try and pay down the loans they took out to buy the team.

Henry should have bought the Dodgers and McCourt the Red Sox, then we'd have a nice new ball park on the waterfront.

The Miz

12-04-2005, 04:34 PM

Byrd signs with the Indians, they should have a strong rotation with Sabathia-Byrd-Lee-Westbrook and a young guy or a cheap FA.

The Miz

12-04-2005, 04:53 PM

tbh, I don't see the Jays swapping Wells for Zito if it were offered. It's all about needs. The Jays need more power. It's been a sore spot of theirs. Pitching, they are already doing good, so it's not "AS" important a need.

Several sources have reported that Zito is #1 on Ricciardi's wishlist for the winter meetings, but I agree that Zito for Wells is a bad trade for both teams. Wells is most definately an offensive upgrade over Kotsay, but not enough of one to trade a young lefty who is consistently top 5 in AL K's and IP. Although Halladay-Zito-Chacin-Towers-McGowan looks great they would have almost no offense. I don't see Toronto landing Zito unless another team were to get involved.

The Miz

12-04-2005, 05:00 PM

In the end though I see Zito being traded to the Dodgers, Zito wants to be closer to home (SoCal) and the Padres simply have nothing to offer. Beane likes Milton Bradley, if LA threw in prospects Chuck Tiffany and Delwyn Young they might have something

RoXer

12-04-2005, 05:03 PM

AZ is close to SoCal too. :(

VonErich Lives

12-04-2005, 05:37 PM

AZ is close to SoCal too. :(

Sure, then the D-backs could sign him to a huge contract and then have to have MLB pay their payroll and bail them out again.

So, how come the Marlins do these "fire sales" where Arizona just keeps the talent until they literally can't make payroll and MLB just covers them.

So, looks like the Yankees lost more last year then some teams spent... that's funny.

The Miz

12-04-2005, 05:45 PM

Cubs have joined the Burnett sweepstakes

The Miz

12-04-2005, 06:01 PM

AZ is close to SoCal too. :(

If AZ offers Jackson and Quentin I'd do it in a heartbeat

The Miz

12-04-2005, 06:24 PM

Fla fire sale continues, Mets get LoDuca, Marlins get RHP Gaby hernandez

Loose Cannon

12-04-2005, 06:26 PM

LOL $80 Million loss. That's insane

The Miz

12-04-2005, 06:51 PM

1. Jose Reyes SS
2. Paul LoDuca C
3. Carlos Beltran CF
4. Carlos Delgado 1B
5. David Wright 3B
6. Cliff Floyd LF
7. Xavier Nady RF
8. probably not Kaz Matsui 2B

But we'll see about the pitching

Evil Vito

12-04-2005, 06:56 PM

Fla fire sale continues, Mets get LoDuca, Marlins get RHP Gaby hernandez

<font color=goldenrod>Dear God no</font> :|

The Miz

12-04-2005, 07:04 PM

Better option than Molina who has put up one a grand total of 1 decent offensive season in his career (his contract year)

Although LoDuca could be part of a deal for Javier Vasquez and they would then sign Molina/Hernandez. Dunno

The Miz

12-04-2005, 07:09 PM

Also I ahve no idea who Gaby Hernandez is. Have you heard of him?

Evil Vito

12-04-2005, 07:11 PM

<font color=goldenrod>I haven't actually seen Hernandez, but I've heard nothing but great things. He threw a no-hitter this season. He was their #2 or #3 pitching prospect though

Yeah, I heard about a LoDuca/Vazquez deal...problem is the Mets would likely have to throw Brian Bannister into the deal, meaning the Mets lose their top 3 pitching prospects in one offseason (and completely eliminating the depth they had in starting pitching)

that would mean the injured Philip Humber is the new #1 guy...Mike Pelfrey will be the #1 prospect if he ever signs</font>

The Miz

12-04-2005, 07:16 PM

Oh I had no idea he was a top prospect. If he's on Petit's level then this trade is dumb. Mets better win the WS in 06 because they are going to be the KC Royals in 08-10

The Miz

12-04-2005, 07:33 PM

Steve Phillips Prediction Watch, Week 1:

Paul Konerko to Boston WRONG
Rafael Furcal to Chicago WRONG
Billy Wagner to Philadelphia WRONG
BJ Ryan to Mets WRONG
Hideki Matsui to Yankees RIGHT At least he got the hard one
Brian Giles to Chicago WRONG
Kyle Farnsworth to Braves WRONG
Tom Gordon to Arizona WRONG
Bob Howry to Yankees WRONG
Esteban Loaiza to Washington WRONG
Paul Byrd to Reds WRONG
Scott Eyre to Boston WRONG

Steve's offseason batting average thusfar sits at a respectable .083

Evil Vito

12-04-2005, 07:54 PM

Oh I had no idea he was a top prospect. If he's on Petit's level then this trade is dumb. Mets better win the WS in 06 because they are going to be the KC Royals in 08-10

<font color=goldenrod>Mets.com said he was a top prospect and his numbers were great, but some people have said he's a #3 guy at best. He's only an Single-A-level prospect anyways, so it's hard to predict this sort of stuff.

He has the potential to be awesome, but he may not be. I dunno, I'm still unsure on the deal. I'd rather have Ramon Hernandez but that's just me. If we get Vazquez for LoDuca and then sign Hernandez/Molina I'd be satisfied.</font>

CNM

12-04-2005, 07:55 PM

LOL how does Steve Phillips have a job? Those mock press conferences were horrible.

The Miz

12-04-2005, 08:13 PM

Hernandez > LoDuca, no question. But the thing is, there is no way the Mets can land a big catcher without forfeiting a top prospect or prospects. Hernandez and Molina are both Type-A free agents, if the Mets sign one of them, the Padres/Angels will be compensated with the Mets' first round draft pick.

I still don't like this trade for New York because they've given up enough prospects for big name guys that won't be around that long. Hernandez has potential to be a top starter. LoDuca has reached his ceilling, an above average offensive catcher. Also, LoDuca is 34. If NY hadn't already traded Petit this trade might be ok, but LoDuca isn't worth fucking up your teams 3-5 years from now.

CNM

12-04-2005, 08:15 PM

LoDuca is going to suck offensively in Shea. He's overrated defensively as well. Not a trade to get too thrilled about.

The Miz

12-04-2005, 08:18 PM

No one rates him high defensively, it's well documented that he is an offensive catcher with poor defense.

He's coming off of a .714 OPS season. Also, his contract his huge. The more I think about it the more retarded this is for the Mets. Probably worse than the Delgado trade.

Joey Slugs

12-04-2005, 08:54 PM

<table class="tablehead" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"> <tbody><tr class="stathead"><td colspan="3">Sunday, December 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/6032.jpg
Paul Lo Duca (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=6032)
Marlins
</td><td>Mets (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=nym)
Diamondbacks (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=ari)?
</td><td>Catching another Fish?
Dec 4 - The New York Times reports that the Mets are in "very serious" discussions with the Marlins about acquiring catcher Paul Lo Duca. A source told the New York Post that the Marlins would receive a minor-league prospect in return for Lo Duca, 33, who will make $6.25 million in 2006. Lo Duca, a three-time All-Star, hit .283 with six home runs and 57 RBI in 2005.
The Marlins' catcher, who attended Arizona State, has said he would be interested in playing for the D-Backs. But the Palm Beach Post says he has also drawn interest from Colorado and San Diego.

</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/6550.jpg
Juan Pierre (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=6550)
Marlins
</td><td>Cubs (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=chc)?
Mariners (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=sea)?
Yankees (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=nyy)?
Rangers (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=tex)?
</td><td>Centering on Pierre
Dec 4 - According to the Chicago Sun-Times, the Cubs are focusing on acquiring Juan Pierre from the Marlins and trading center fielder Corey Patterson. Talks with the Marlins about Pierre will be one of the Cubs' primary focuses at the winter meetings, the Sun-Times reports.
Don't be surprised if Pierre fills the Yankees' center field void. According to The New York Post, the Marlins have asked for lefty Sean Henn and right-handed reliever Scott Proctor for Pierre, and the Yankees didn't reject the offer.
What makes Pierre attractive is that it's likely a one-year deal, since Pierre can become a free agent after the season and the 2007 class of free-agent center fielders will include Andruw Jones, Torii Hunter and Mike Cameron.
The Marlins also are shopping Pierre to Texas for pitching prospects and perhaps outfielder Laynce Nix, who annoyed Ranger brass by not playing winter ball after missing a good part of the season with an injury.
According to the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, the Mariners also have inquired about Pierre, who's arbitration-eligible after making $3.7 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/6314.jpg
A.J. Burnett (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=6314)
Marlins
</td><td>Nationals (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=was)?
Orioles (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=bal)?
Cardinals (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=stl)?
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)
</td><td>Waiting game
Dec 4 - According to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch on Sunday, the Cardinals are waiting to see if Burnett -- who grew up a Cardinals fan -- will decide to accept the team's four-year offer worth around $40 million. Derek Braunecker, Burnett's agent, said Saturday his client "could have a decision within 48 hours," meaning by Monday afternoon, Peter Gammons reports. Sources told the Post-Dispatch that Burnett is prepared to accept the Cardinals' offer if they could guarantee him a fifth season.
Toronto, St. Louis and Texas are the frontrunners to sign Burnett, although the Mariners, Cubs and Nationals remain in the mix.
The Blue Jays reportedly offered Burnett a five-year deal worth about $50 million.

</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>Red Sox reach out
Dec 4 - The Boston Herald reported that Johnny Damon, his wife Michelle and agent Scott Boras met with Red Sox president Larry Lucchino over the weekend in Boston, but no deal was imminent. The Sox offered Damon a three-year, $28 million contract last month, but Boras is seeking a seven-year deal worth around $12 million a season for his client, the Herald reported.
"Our priority really is to bring Johnny back," said Jed Hoyer, assistant to the GM, to the Hartford Courant. "We want to keep him in a Red Sox uniform. Of course we're always looking at alternatives, but our priority is to make sure Johnny is in center field for us."
The Yankees say they aren't interested in talking about the center fielder unless the discussion revolves around a three-year deal, the New York Daily News reports.

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

The Miz

12-04-2005, 09:43 PM

Just wondering, why do you pay for Insider when you can get all of it's info from free websites

Joey Slugs

12-04-2005, 10:27 PM

Just wondering, why do you pay for Insider when you can get all of it's info from free websites

ESPNi is not longer an extra sevice as long as you get ESPN Magazine.

RoXer

12-04-2005, 10:28 PM

If Jackson and Quentin went to Oakland, I dont know if I'd be happy or what.

DaveWadding

12-04-2005, 10:55 PM

Cubs have joined the Burnett sweepstakes

My thoughts on this: WHY? The pitching is just fine. Prior-Wood-Zambrano-Maddux-Rusch/whoever looks perfectly fine to me. They signed Howry and Eyre, and Dempster is solidified as the closer. They do not need any pitching. In fact, I think the Cubs have so much great pitching talent in the minors that it would behoove them to trade 2 or 3 of them to Philly and have Abreu in Cubbie blue next year.

but, that's just me.

Joey Slugs

12-04-2005, 11:02 PM

My thoughts on this: WHY? The pitching is just fine. Prior-Wood-Zambrano-Maddux-Rusch/whoever looks perfectly fine to me. They signed Howry and Eyre, and Dempster is solidified as the closer. They do not need any pitching. In fact, I think the Cubs have so much great pitching talent in the minors that it would behoove them to trade 2 or 3 of them to Philly and have Abreu in Cubbie blue next year.

but, that's just me.

Prior - always hurt
Wood - always hurt
Zambrano - head case
Maddux - done
Rusch - who?

trust me. the cubbies need pitching help. if they don't? it'll be well over 100 years before they see the title.

The Miz

12-04-2005, 11:09 PM

Headcase? Wasn't Bobby Jenks supposed to be a headcase?

223 IP, 202 K, 3.26 ERA, he can play for my team.

You're right about Prior and Wood though. Way too unreliable.

Joey Slugs

12-04-2005, 11:16 PM

Headcase? Wasn't Bobby Jenks supposed to be a headcase?

223 IP, 202 K, 3.26 ERA, he can play for my team.

You're right about Prior and Wood though. Way too unreliable.

BBBJ was a headcase away from the game. I read an article about him about 3 or 4 years when he was first playing single A ball for the Angels and it talked about his family & drinking problems that nearly caused him to give it all up.

Seems to me like he has cleared all that up.

The thing with Zambrano is that he is a headcase now. Wasn't he the one who was out a few weeks with "typing elbow"? Come on now....

DaveWadding

12-05-2005, 01:02 AM

Prior - always hurt
Wood - always hurt
Zambrano - head case
Maddux - done
Rusch - who?

trust me. the cubbies need pitching help. if they don't? it'll be well over 100 years before they see the title.

Didn't your team win the World Series last year? Doesn't that supposively make your team "better" than mine somehow? Yet you still feel the need to trash an inferior team?

Go celebrate your flukey ass World Series win. Cause no things are guaranteed next year. The Indians are shaping up to be pretty monstrous for the next few years. And this is the team that really had you guys in August and September as it was...but then they came up short. Maybe you should focus on the Indians who seem to be more of a threat to the Sux than the lowly Cubs across town who might not even finish better than 4th in their division.

Food for thought.

CNM

12-05-2005, 01:03 AM

cubbies > white sux

Joey Slugs

12-05-2005, 01:11 AM

Didn't your team win the World Series last year? Doesn't that supposively make your team "better" than mine somehow? Yet you still feel the need to trash an inferior team?

Go celebrate your flukey ass World Series win. Cause no things are guaranteed next year. The Indians are shaping up to be pretty monstrous for the next few years. And this is the team that really had you guys in August and September as it was...but then they came up short. Maybe you should focus on the Indians who seem to be more of a threat to the Sux than the lowly Cubs across town who might not even finish better than 4th in their division.

Food for thought.

Didn't your team win the World Series this year? Yes.

Flukey ass World Series win? Hardly.

The only reason I'm trashing an "inferior" team is because you cubbie blue fucks are so blinded by sun in your eyes as you sit in the bleachers getting fucked up to realize that the current pitching staff you have will win you shit.

Prior & Wood = not as advertised.

I was just pointing that out.

BTW, dickhead, I am more worried about the Indians next year than I will EVER be about the "lovable losers" that play in the drunk tank they call Wrigley.

DaveWadding

12-05-2005, 01:29 AM

Didn't your team win the World Series this year? Yes.

Flukey ass World Series win? Hardly.

The only reason I'm trashing an "inferior" team is because you cubbie blue fucks are so blinded by sun in your eyes as you sit in the bleachers getting fucked up to realize that the current pitching staff you have will win you shit.

Prior & Wood = not as advertised.

I was just pointing that out.

BTW, dickhead, I am more worried about the Indians next year than I will EVER be about the "lovable losers" that play in the drunk tank they call Wrigley.

Well, hey, guess what? spending $50 million on a sub .500 career pitcher probably aint gonna make Prior and Wood any better is it?

Do you fucking South Siders EVER let any sunshine get in the way of your doom and gloom outlook? I mean, fuck, even YOU were skeptical all season and your team fucking won and you STILL can't have a little sunshine in your life. That's probably why I hate the Sux, their fans are a bunch of miserable fucking bastards.

I guess I don't have to mention some of the questionable at best umpiring that really helped change the momentum of the ALCS when it looked like the Sox were fucked do I? And it still wasnt a fluke? I mean the Sox won every game on their own merit...is this what you're trying to tell me here?

The Icon of Elisim

12-05-2005, 02:02 AM

Just wondering, why do you pay for Insider when you can get all of it's info from free websites

I dunno lots of articles on top of the trade rumors. A lot of their stuff is archived for insider only. I also like to use their real time feature for games

Plus I split it with a couple of friends so its pretty cheap

CNM

12-05-2005, 02:06 AM

Rotoworld is pretty damn close to offering all of the stuff Insider offers. I hate ESPN.

Joey Slugs

12-05-2005, 12:00 PM

Well, hey, guess what? spending $50 million on a sub .500 career pitcher probably aint gonna make Prior and Wood any better is it?

Do you fucking South Siders EVER let any sunshine get in the way of your doom and gloom outlook? I mean, fuck, even YOU were skeptical all season and your team fucking won and you STILL can't have a little sunshine in your life. That's probably why I hate the Sux, their fans are a bunch of miserable fucking bastards.

I guess I don't have to mention some of the questionable at best umpiring that really helped change the momentum of the ALCS when it looked like the Sox were fucked do I? And it still wasnt a fluke? I mean the Sox won every game on their own merit...is this what you're trying to tell me here?

:nono:

Joey Slugs

12-05-2005, 12:02 PM

<table class="tablehead" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"> <tbody><tr class="stathead"><td colspan="3">Monday, December 5</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/6394.jpg
Barry Zito (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=6394)
Athletics
</td><td>Rangers (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=tex)
Dodgers (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=lad)
</td><td>Zito to Dodgers for Bradley?
Dec 5 - The Athletics and Dodgers are talking about a potential trade that would send left-handed starter Barry Zito from Oakland to Los Angeles for outfielder Milton Bradley, the Los Angeles Daily News reports. Officials from both teams are expected to meet Monday at the winter meetings in Dallas. According to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, the Rangers are focusing on Zito and have called the A's. The San Francisco Chronicle reports that the Rangers are offering outfielder Kevin Mench so far.
Other teams believed to be suitors for the former Cy Young winner are the Mets, Diamondbacks, Phillies and Blue Jays.

</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>Rocket countdown
Dec 5 - The Astros still are waiting on Roger Clemens to decide if he's coming back for another season, The Houston Chronicle reports. Clemens' agents met with Astros GM Tim Purpura and owner Drayton McLane last week, but Purpura reported no progress.
"We have to be respectful of Roger and what he's going through in trying to recover and feel things out," Purpura told ESPN.com Insider Jerry Crasnick. "But I'm somewhat optimistic, because I think there are a lot of things pulling him back. His performance was tremendous last year. He's still a great competitor, and his son is going to continue to play in our minor-league system. There's a lot there."

</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/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>What meeting? Damon facts disputed
Dec 5 - A day after the Boston Herald reported that Johnny Damon, his wife Michelle and agent Scott Boras had face-to-face contract negotiations last week with the Red Sox at a Boston hotel, The Boston Globe says the meeting never happened. Team president Larry Lucchino, in an e-mail exchange Sunday night with The Globe, labeled the Herald article "100 percent false." According to Lucchino, the Red Sox had "no meetings with Scott in Boston last week."
The Red Sox offered Damon a three-year, $28 million contract last month, but Boras is seeking a seven-year deal worth around $12 million a season for his client, the Herald 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/6451.jpg
Julio Lugo (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=6451)
Devil Rays
</td><td>Cubs (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=chc)
</td><td>Lugo available?
Dec 5 - With Rafael Furcal no longer a possibility, the Cubs now will explore trade talks with the Devil Rays for shortstop Julio Lugo and outfielder Aubrey Huff, the Chicago Sun-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/5706.jpg
Nomar Garciaparra (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=5706)
Cubs
</td><td>Orioles (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=bal)
Diamondbacks (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=ari)
Indians (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=cle)?
</td><td>New position?
Dec 5 - According to the Arizona Republic, the D-Backs have talked about the possibility of signing Nomar Garciaparra as a center fielder. It's also possible, the Republic suggests, that the they could sign Garciaparra as a shortstop to keep the position warm for Stephen Drew, their hot prospect who is more likely to be ready in 2007.
Baltimore is still considering an offer to Garciaparra to play first base, The Washington Post reports. The Cleveland Plain Dealer floats Garciaparra's name in the Indians' search for a right-handed hitter. The Twins had expressed interest in him as a third baseman, but it appears the club may go with Terry Tiffee at the hot corner next year, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

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

CNM

12-05-2005, 01:08 PM

Wooooooo, the Rocks are going to sign Jose Mesa. Division title here we come!!!!

CNM

12-05-2005, 01:08 PM

(/sarcasm)

Loose Cannon

12-05-2005, 04:04 PM

Yankees need to get Zito :( I will be so happy :love:

The Miz

12-05-2005, 08:06 PM

Burnett has agree to a 5 year / 55 million deal with Toronto :|

The Miz

12-05-2005, 09:21 PM

Looking at Burnett's stats reminded me of when Steve Phillips pulled off this genius deal

Marlins get:
AJ Burnett
Jesus Sanchez

Mets get:
Al Leiter

YOUR Hero

12-05-2005, 09:37 PM

Is that confirmed? - I wouldn't be surprised. Ton of money for AJ and the Jays are going against their own rule this year of signing players for more than 2+1.

Maybe they can get Huff off the Rays now. They took him earlier off waivers, and the Rays pulled him back. I think they were using the waiver wire to test the market.

The Miz

12-05-2005, 09:39 PM

It's not official, hes still waiting to see if the Cardinals will give him a 5th year. They've said they won't so expect the signing to be announced officially tomorrow.

The Miz

12-05-2005, 09:44 PM

Blue Jays also gave the A's Chad Gaudin today. Good pickup

YOUR Hero

12-05-2005, 09:44 PM

A's got Gaudin off of Toronto. Geeze, he was highly touted. Wonder if his short stint in the Jays uni was enough for the Jays to give up on him. Good luck in Oakland, Gaudin.

The Miz

12-05-2005, 09:46 PM

He's only like 23 and hes got an amazing slider. Oakland isnt giving up anything, if hes a flop so what. A's cant lose this deal

YOUR Hero

12-05-2005, 09:49 PM

"player to be named later"

(Zito) :D

The Miz

12-05-2005, 09:53 PM

I was thinking the PTBNL might be offensive dynamo Keith Ginter. Beane's been trying to git rid of him for a while.

Year Ag Tm Lg G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB CS BB SO BA OBP SLG TB SH SF IBB HBP
2005 29 OAK (http://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/OAK/2005.shtml) AL (http://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL_2005.shtml) 51 137 12 22 5 0 3 25 0 0 13 25 .161 .234 .263 36 2 3 0 1

Hed be an OK backup, in the NL.

YOUR Hero

12-05-2005, 10:17 PM

The catcher the A's dropped might have been the right thing for the Jays. Kent Huckabee declined his minor league assignment and I don't know who's going to serve as back up for Zaun. Zaun himself had a decent year for his standards, as much as I like the guy, I'm not so sure he can repeat those stats from just last season.

The Miz

12-05-2005, 10:21 PM

John Baker? I dunno, he's pretty bad. He has the offensive stats of a "defensive backup catcher", but he has no defense. Someone like John Flaherty or Todd Pratt would be a better bet

The Miz

12-05-2005, 10:32 PM

According to a Sacramento radio station, this deal is done

Oakland gets:
OF Milton Bradley

Los Angeles (Dodgers) gets:
SP Kirk Saarloos
SP Mario Ramos (AAA)

I dunno. I love Saarloos but I think this is probably a good trade for the A's. I would've like to see them get Bradley for Juan Cruz/Joe Kennedy, though.

Dragon

12-05-2005, 10:47 PM

Do the A's have room for Bradley? Not too sure what their starting outfielders were last year. I'm guessing Kotsay, Payton, and Swisher were?

The Miz

12-05-2005, 11:15 PM

It was generally LF-Payton CF-Kotsay RF-Swisher. Bobby Kielty also split time with Payton and played everyday when Kotsay went down.

Payton and Kotsay are both available, Swisher is not. They could keep all four and have them rotate as the DH. I still think they'll trade Payton for prospects and sign Rondell White.

1. Mark Ellis 2B
2. Milton Bradley LF
3. Bobby Crosby SS
4. Eric Chavez 3B
5. Rondell White DH
6. Mark Kotsay CF
7. Dan Johnson 1B
8. Nick Swisher RF
9. Jason Kendall C

Gertner

12-06-2005, 08:47 AM

VonErich Lives

12-06-2005, 11:14 AM

hearing this Nixon & Clemment for Abreau again, also talk about those 2 to I think the Brewers but I didn't catch for who.

There's talk again of a 3way for Manny. Manny ends up with the Angels, prospects to Arizona and Glaus & Ecstein to boston.

Just heard one about Lowell to Minnesota for JC Romero and prospects, but would require Boston to eat part of Lowells contracts which as a general rule John Henry wont do.

Another one tossed around is if the sox do the deal for manny, then shipping Ecstein and Youkillis to Minnesota for Hunter, which makes it Manny and Youkeliss for Glaus and Hunter...

I don't think anyone really knows... but it's fun hearing all the fish stories.

Joey Slugs

12-06-2005, 11:42 AM

<table class="tablehead" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"> <tbody><tr class="stathead"><td colspan="3">Tuesday, December 6</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>Braves (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=atl)
Red Sox (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=bos)
Indians (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=cle)
Padres (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=sdg)
Mets (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=nym)
</td><td>Hoffman, Indians close
Dec 6 - Trevor Hoffman could be only a day or two away from signing with the Indians, ESPN.com's Jayson Stark reports. But his agent, Rick Thurman, had meetings scheduled Monday night with both the Red Sox and Hoffman's longtime team, the Padres. There have been no indications that San Diego has increased its original offer to Hoffman (two years, $10 million) since it was tendered almost a month ago.
Meetings between Hoffman's agents and the Padres Monday night were characterized as "unproductive," ESPN's Peter Gammons reports. And if the Indians give Hoffman a guaranteed third year, he could sign there as early as Tuesday evening.

</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>Phillies (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=phi)?
Mariners (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=sea)?
Mets (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=nym)?
Angels (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=laa)?
</td><td>Manny suitors
Dec 6 - According to The Boston Globe, there is substance to the rumor that the Red Sox are working on a three-way deal with the Diamondbacks and Angels. The Angels would get Ramirez, the D-Backs would get prospects from the Angels and the Red Sox would receive a package of players that includes third baseman Troy Glaus.
Red Sox officials, The Globe reports, met with at least eight teams on Monday.
The Mets, ESPN's Peter Gammons reports, continue to talk to the Red Sox about Ramirez, and they're asking them to take second baseman Kaz Matsui in the deal along with Lastings Milledge, Aaron Heilman and other prospects.

</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>Mariners (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=sea)
</td><td>$44M-illwood?
Dec 6 - At the end of Monday's winter meetings in Dallas, Mariners GM Bill Bavasi declared there was "nothing imminent," though two agents said the Mariners had offered free-agent starter a four-year deal believed to be worth about $44 million, the Seattle Post-Intelligencer 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/5947.jpg
Javier Vazquez (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=5947)
Diamondbacks
</td><td>Mets (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=nym)?
Tigers (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=det)
Nationals (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=was)
</td><td>Detroit breakdown
Dec 6 - Javier Vazquez exercised his right to decline a trade to Detroit, thus killing what the Diamondbacks thought would be a blockbuster for center fielder Curtis Granderson and right-hander Joel Zumaya, ESPN's Peter Gammons reports. Arizona GM Josh Byrnes says eight to 10 teams continued to have serious interest in Vazquez, The Arizona Republic reports. Any team interested in Vazquez would have to pick up the remainder of his salary, about $12M for each of the next two seasons.

</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/5698.jpg
Bobby Abreu (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=5698)
Phillies
</td><td>Cubs (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=chc)
Astros (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=hou)
Red Sox (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=bos)
Blue Jays (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=tor)
</td><td>Just asking, thanks
Dec 6 - The Phillies and Blue Jays explored a potential Bobby Abreu-for-Vernon Wells swap at the GM meetings, and those discussions have resumed at the winter meetings, ESPN.com's Jayson Stark reports. But since the Phillies want pitching if they trade Abreu, the names of Miguel Batista and Gustavo Chacin also might have to be tossed into the conversation. The Red Sox (possibly for Matt Clement and Trot Nixon) and Astros (potentially for Brandon Backe and Chad Qualls) also are showing renewed interest in Abreu.
The Philadelphia Daily News reports that the Cubs learned Monday that they would need to include pitcher Mark Prior in any deal for Abreu.

</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/6484.jpg
Adam Eaton (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=6484)
Padres
</td><td>Padres (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=sdg)
</td><td>Good Eaton
Dec 6 - The Rangers met with the Padres on Monday at the winter meetings in Dallas to discuss a deal that would send starting pitcher Adam Eaton to Texas for catcher Gerald Laird and first baseman Adrian Gonzalez, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram 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/5587.jpg
Bill Mueller (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=5587)
Red Sox
</td><td>Giants (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=sfo)?
Dodgers (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=lad)
Pirates (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=pit)
</td><td>Bucs make a play
Dec 6 - The Pirates have extended a two-year offer to third baseman Bill Mueller, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports. Mueller, 34, has narrowed his choices to the Pirates and Dodgers.
The Minneapolis Star Tribune reports that the Twins are out of the running, but also mentions the Giants as a contender.

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

Joey Slugs

12-06-2005, 11:42 AM

<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/mlb/profiles/players/6753.jpg
Larry Bigbie (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=6753)
Rockies
</td><td>Mariners (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=sea)
Cubs (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=chc)
Indians (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=cle)
</td><td>Bigbie for reliever or catcher
Dec 6 - In addition to offering Larry Bigbie to the Indians and Mariners for a catcher, the Rockies also have talked about sending him to the Cubs for a reliever, the Rocky Mountain News reports. The Rockies reportedly are interested in catchers Josh Bard (Cleveland) and Yorvit Torrealba (Seattle).

</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>Pirates (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=pit)
Athletics (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=oak)
Cubs (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=chc)
</td><td>Bucs, A's game for Bradley
Dec 6 - A's GM Billy Beane, in the market for a right-handed run producer, is working on a trade with the Dodgers for Milton Bradley. But ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick reports that Pittsburgh could jump into the mix if Bradley doesn't land in Oakland. According to The San Jose Mercury News, the A's are believed to be offering right-hander Kirk Saarloos or left-hander Joe Kennedy, plus a prospect, for Bradley -- if Barry Zito's not involved in the deal. The newspaper speculates that the Dodgers probably would have to add at least two players to get Zito.

Cubs manager Dusty Baker met with Bradley last month in Los Angeles, the Chicago Sun-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/5731.jpg
Trot Nixon (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=5731)
Red Sox
</td><td>Pirates (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=pit)
</td><td>Hot to Trot?
Dec 6 - The Red Sox are talking to the Pirates about a trade involving Trot Nixon for either Kip Wells or Mark Redman, The Hartford Courant 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/5359.jpg
Mark Grudzielanek (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=5359)
Cardinals
</td><td>Royals (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=kan)?
Mets (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=nym)?
Red Sox (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=bos)?
Rangers (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=tex)?
</td><td>Hung up on Matsui
Dec 6 - If the Mets hope to sign second baseman Mark Grudzielanek, they'll need to trade Kaz Matsui, even though Grudzielanek has offered to backload a multiyear deal until Matsui comes off the books, the New York Daily News 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/6550.jpg
Juan Pierre (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=6550)
Marlins
</td><td>Nationals (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=was)?
Tigers (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=det)?
Dodgers (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=lad)?
White Sox (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=chw)?
Cubs (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=chc)?
Mariners (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=sea)?
Yankees (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=nyy)?
Rangers (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=tex)?
</td><td>Fish by the pound
Dec 6 - According to clubs that have spoken with the Marlins, Florida is stepping up its efforts to move Juan Pierre now that Paul Lo Duca's ticket to New York has been booked, ESPN.com's Jayson Stark reports. The Cubs, White Sox and Rangers appear to be the three most aggressive teams in the Pierre hunt. But the Dodgers, Tigers, Nationals and a half-dozen other teams have at least kicked Pierre's tires.
According to various sources who have had conversations with the Marlins, Florida has asked the Cubs for their top prospect, center fielder Felix Pie -- a potential deal-breaker.
The Rangers may include outfielder Laynce Nix if they make an offer, The Palm Beach Post reports. The teams plan to meet Tuesday. The Dallas Morning News reports that the Marlins may be asking for one of the Rangers' top young pitching prospects -- John Danks or Thomas Diamond.

</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/4057.jpg
David Wells (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=4057)
Red Sox
</td><td>Athletics (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=oak)
Angels (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=laa)
</td><td>West Coast or bust
Dec 6 - The Dodgers and Athletics have actively joined in the hunt for David Wells, ESPN's Peter Gammons reports. Boston needs pitching in return in any deal.
</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/7228.jpg
Aaron Miles (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=7228)
Rockies
</td><td>Royals (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=kan)
Marlins (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=fla)
</td><td>2B with low Miles
Dec 6 - The Rockies are looking to trade second baseman Aaron Miles to the Marlins or Royals, possibly for a low-level minor-league prospect, The Denver Post 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/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>Bernie in limbo
Dec 6 - If Yanks do not offer Bernie Williams arbitration by Wednesday, they lose negotiating rights with him until May, the New York Daily News reports. But the two sides could agree on what the Daily News describes as a "wink-wink" deal in which the Yanks offer Williams arbitration with a guarantee that agent Scott Boras will reject it, thus giving them until Jan. 8 to negotiate.

</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>Yankees (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=nyy)?
Padres (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=sdg)?
Dodgers (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=lad)?
Pirates (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=pit)?
Orioles (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=bal)
Diamondbacks (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=ari)
Indians (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=cle)?
</td><td>Anywhere but short, pitcher and catcher
Dec 6 - While there is no clear-cut roster spot for him, the Yankees are intrigued by Nomar Garciparra, The New York Times reports. "Teams have asked him, in general, about the outfield, first base, second base," Garciaparra's agent, Arn Tellem, told the newspaper. "He's pretty open to any position other than catcher and pitcher."
Orioles executive VP Mike Flanagan is expected to sit down with Tellem this week. Baltimore may be willing to give Garciaparra two-year deal, with the understanding that the former shortstop would play either first base or the outfield.
The Padres have discussed the idea of signing Garciaparra and moving him to second base, reports ESPN.com Insider Jerry Crasnick. That would allow San Diego to then include Mark Loretta in a package for pitching help.

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

Gertner

12-06-2005, 11:43 AM

Burnett deal has been confirmed.

JAys in 06 bitches.

1. Halladay
2. Burnett
3.Chacin
4. Lilly/Bush
5. Towers

Gertner

12-06-2005, 11:45 AM

btw if the jays trade wells for abreu i will kill them

samichna

12-06-2005, 01:48 PM

I think they want Wells as their poster boy.

samichna

12-06-2005, 01:48 PM

Good job by Ricciardi on the two big signings though. :y:

Loose Cannon

12-06-2005, 02:16 PM

LOL, Nomar in pinstripes will be hillarious. Mission complete: Nomar, A-Rod and Jeter

VonErich Lives

12-06-2005, 02:44 PM

LOL, Nomar in pinstripes will be hillarious. Mission complete: Nomar, A-Rod and Jeter

I love how he's been humbled. The guy who balked at the idea of ever playing anything besides SS...

The dodgers want to know if he'll play Center Field.

He wants to be a untility player for the Yanks, hey, if it's cheap money the Yanks would be silly not to do it...

The Miz

12-06-2005, 03:50 PM

Some rumored trades/signings:

David Wells to Oakland for Justin Duchscherer. :wtf:

Sean Burroughs to DRays for Dewan Brazelton

Dave Roberts to Washington for Termel Sledge

LaTroy Hawkins to Mets

Trot Nixon to Pittsburgh for Kip Wells

Juan Pierre to Texas for Ron Villone and Laynce Nix

Trevor Hoffman to Cleveland
Carl Everett to Seattle
JT Snow to Pittsburgh

The Miz

12-06-2005, 04:14 PM

Honestly, the Burnett signing sucks. Bust written all over it.

McDoogle

12-06-2005, 04:17 PM

Jays have spent 105 million on two players...wow.

samichna

12-06-2005, 04:24 PM

Honestly, the Burnett signing sucks. Bust written all over it.

Yeah, I think everybody except for diehard Jays fans (ie. retards) is going to be pretty skeptical on this one, but who knows what could happen, I guess... :-\

The Miz

12-06-2005, 04:44 PM

Baltimore gets:
RP LaTroy Hawkins

San Francisco gets:
RP Steve Kline

This deal is done. One bum for another.

VonErich Lives

12-06-2005, 06:08 PM

Jays have spent 105 million on two players...wow.

Ryan was a good signing, I just think they spent too much.

So much for the owners "correcting the market".

Anyone wanna bet on how long until the owners cry they can't afford the players?

Also, apperently part of the whole Yankees loss was a fine for either hiding or not reporting some revenue from the YES network... didn't get all the details, LC any info?

The Icon of Elisim

12-06-2005, 07:27 PM

Anyone wanna bet on how long until the owners cry they can't afford the players?

Jays owners won't be doing much crying, they are owned by Rogers which is the biggest tv, internet and cell phone type company in Canda

Burnett signing is meh, no question it was too much money but the Jays have needs and they need to overpay to get free agents. I'm happy to have him though, gives us somebody who can fill in as a number 1 pitcher when Doc inevitably gets injured. No one should really have super high expectations for him, but if you combine his impact with a real closer that could make up for the 15 wins the Jays would've needed last year to make the playoffs

VonErich Lives

12-06-2005, 07:35 PM

Jays owners won't be doing much crying, they are owned by Rogers which is the biggest tv, internet and cell phone type company in Canda

Is it a traded company?

Reason I ask is at least here, traded companies have higher standers, and if a publicly traded company owned a team, they wouldn't be allowed to "lose money".

Now, if the "owners" of Rogers own the Jays, but not the company it self it's a different story.

I do understand what your saying about "they have money" but if they hit a point where they're losing 10, 20, 30million a year they'll still have that attitude?

I dunno, just seems payroll is getting more out of wack, AJ is a risk, I kinda like it... Ryan is the one I think they spent too much on, but it does give them a closer they needed.

and unlike Foulke, your closer has a fastball!

The Icon of Elisim

12-06-2005, 07:40 PM

They were both too much money but the fact is that these were two big needs and they are both good players (maybe great, maybe just good), and this was the money that the team had to spend to get them.

The way I see it is that the Jays just landed two of the top 3 free agent pitchers on the market, you have to ignore the money IMO and take the additions for what they are

VonErich Lives

12-06-2005, 07:45 PM

was listening to some talk about Manny to the Angels.

Someone said it won't be as big as the Angels think.

Part of what makes Ortiz great, besides having Manny behined him, is Ortiz works the count and will take a walk, he had almost as many runs as Damon this year.

Now, on the flip side, you move Vlad to the 3 slot and Manny 4.

Think Vlad will take walks or swing away? If Vlad keeps the way he has been the last few years (just from the few games I've seen) he's just going to strike out a lot and then they will walk Manny.

or do you put Manny 3 and Vlad 4? then they walk Manny and pitch to Vlad?

VonErich Lives

12-06-2005, 08:13 PM

Well, figured it was something like that.

Ortiz said a week ago (maybe two) that Manny was really gone this time and something about we didn't know what his family had to deal with.

Well, it's been leaked out that he has a mistress that's done a whole fatal attraction thing and his Wife (who is pregnant with kid #2) has told Manny either get out of Boston or I will with the kids.

It's funny, cause how they met, she was at a club on a date and Manny came in with some players and she left her date and was all over Manny.

YOUR Hero

12-06-2005, 09:17 PM

Zaun also has a terrible arm. Guillermo Quiroz is gonna back up Zaun this year

Ah. I forgot all about him. Zaun's a gritty guy and I like his work ethic.

Just thought I should toss that in.

YOUR Hero

12-06-2005, 09:32 PM

AJ has tons of talent, is still rather young and averages likw 8 K's per 9 innings. I don't see him as a bust, I see him as a risk.

Evil Vito

12-06-2005, 11:07 PM

<font color=goldenrod>Royals get: RHP Kris Benson

Mets get: RHP Jeremy Affeldt and either LHP Mike MacDougal or a prospect

Could be finalized soon

-----

Eh, dunno much about the Royals guys, though I heard MacDougal is good. The Mets should demand he be part of the deal</font>

YOUR Hero

12-06-2005, 11:57 PM

MacDougal? - Think Looper.

CNM

12-07-2005, 12:18 AM

With a better fastball

OssMan

12-07-2005, 12:50 AM

Larry Walker retired?

"I was remembering earlier today what I did in my first at-bat, it was a walk against Mike LaCoss," said Walker, who actually walked three times in his debut game on Aug. 16, 1989. "In my last at-bat, I struck out against Dan Wheeler.

"I can't remember what came in between."

That's so depressing. Poor guy.

12-07-2005, 02:19 AM

Apparently the Cubs are talking about dealing Prior to Philly for Abreu

DaveWadding

12-07-2005, 08:44 AM

Apparently the Cubs are talking about dealing Prior to Philly for Abreu

Not gonna happen.

PS:

Cubs get:

CF Juan Pierre

Florida gets:

P Sergio Mitre
P Renyel Pinto (11-5, 3.72 ERA between AA West Tenn and AAA Iowa last year)
P Ricky Nolasco (14-3, 2.89 ERA at AA West Tenn last year; definitely the key to the deal..I'd be depressed but the Cubs have so much pitching depth at the minor league levels)

YOUR Hero

12-07-2005, 10:07 AM

Cubs trying to follow the WSOX in building with speed?

DaveWadding

12-07-2005, 10:14 AM

Cubs trying to follow the WSOX in building with speed?

Cubs need someone to bat leadoff?

Joey Slugs

12-07-2005, 10:35 AM

<table class="tablehead" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"> <tbody><tr class="stathead"><td colspan="3">Wednesday, December 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/5602.jpg
Edgar Renteria (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=5602)
Red Sox
</td><td>Braves (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=atl)
</td><td>Brave new world?
Dec 7 - The Red Sox are moving aggressively to trade shortstop Edgar Renteria, the Boston Globe reports. Renteria has fallen out of favor in Boston after a 30-error season and could be headed to the Braves as part of a three-way deal with the Devil Rays. The Sox would receive D-Rays shortstop Julio Lugo while Tampa Bay would get prospects from Atlanta, presumably highly regarded third baseman Andy Marte and another player.
</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/5698.jpg
Bobby Abreu (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=5698)
Phillies
</td><td>Dodgers (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=lad)
Cubs (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=chc)
Astros (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=hou)
Red Sox (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=bos)
Blue Jays (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=tor)
</td><td>Dodgers join Abreu talks
Dec 7 - The Phillies and Dodgers have discussed a deal that would send Bobby Abreu and possibly third baseman David Bell to L.A. for pitcher Derek Lowe or pitcher Brad Penny, The Philadelphia Inquirer reports. The two teams are expected to meet again Wednesday. According to ESPN.com's Jayson Stark, the Phillies and Blue Jays explored a potential Abreu-for-Vernon Wells swap at the GM meetings, and those discussions have resumed at the winter meetings. But since the Phillies want pitching if they trade Abreu, the names of Miguel Batista and Gustavo Chacin also might have to be tossed into the conversation.
The Red Sox (possibly for Matt Clement and Trot Nixon) and Astros (potentially for Brandon Backe and Chad Qualls) also are showing renewed interest in Abreu.
The Philadelphia Daily News reports that the Cubs learned Monday that they would need to include pitcher Mark Prior in any deal for Abreu.

</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/6550.jpg
Juan Pierre (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=6550)
Marlins
</td><td>Cubs (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=chc)
Dodgers (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=lad)?
Yankees (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=nyy)?
Rangers (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=tex)?
</td><td>Cub life
Dec 7 - According to ESPN.com's Jayson Stark, the Marlins have tentatively agreed on a four-player deal that would send Juan Pierre to the Cubs for three young pitchers -- Sergio Mitre and prospects Renyel Pinto and Ricky Nolasco. The deal is pending physicals examinations.

</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/6639.jpg
Lyle Overbay (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=6639)
Brewers
</td><td>Angels (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=laa)?
Red Sox (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=bos)?
Orioles (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=bal)?
Blue Jays (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=tor)?
Pirates (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=pit)?
Red Sox (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=bos)?
</td><td>Blue Jays, Brewers talkin' swap
Dec 7 - Milwaukee and Toronto are discussing a deal that would send first baseman Lyle Overbay to the Blue Jays for infielder Shea Hillenbrand and pitcher David Bush, a source told ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick. Overbay hit .276 with 19 homers last year in Milwaukee. By moving Overbay, the Brewers would free up first base for top prospect Prince Fielder. Hillenbrand would be a defensive liability at first base, but he's a .288 career hitter. He hit 18 homers and drove in 82 runs for the Blue Jays 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/5359.jpg
Mark Grudzielanek (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=5359)
Cardinals
</td><td>Royals (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=kan)?
Mets (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=nym)?
Red Sox (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=bos)?
Rangers (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=tex)?
</td><td>Still in the Cards
Dec 7 - After pitcher A.J. Burnett signed with the Blue Jays, the Cardinals turned their attention toward re-signing second baseman Mark Grudzielanek, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. Grudzielanek's contract, according to the newspaper, stipulates the Cardinals may not offer him arbitration. He is seeking a two-year deal for about $3 million per season.
If the Mets hope to sign Grudzielanek, they'll need to trade Kaz Matsui, even though Grudzielanek has offered to backload a multiyear deal until Matsui comes off the books, the New York Daily News 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/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)?
Dodgers (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=lad)?
Giants (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=sfo)?
Cardinals (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=stl)?
Rangers (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=tex)
</td><td>He might be a Giant
Dec 7 - Cards GM Walt Jocketty met Tuesday with Matt Morris's agent, Barry Axelrod, but it appears the veteran right-hander is leaning toward accepting a two-year offer from the Giants, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. The Giants' proposal is for more than $8 million a season, the newspaper reports.
"His market has developed beyond what we feel comfortable with, but we haven't closed it out," Jocketty told the Post-Dispatch.
The Phillies are believed to be re-examining the list of free-agent starters and now have interest in Morris, ESPN.com's Jayson Stark 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/5504.jpg
Mark Loretta (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=5504)
Padres
</td><td>Red Sox (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=bos)
</td><td>Loretta-Mirabelli swap?
Dec 7 - The Red Sox are discussing a deal with the Padres that would send backup catcher Doug Mirabelli to San Diego for second baseman for Mark Loretta, the Boston Herald 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/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>Here's an offer, Johnny
Dec 7 - The Red Sox reportedly are on the verge of offering center fielder Johnny Damon a four-year deal worth $40 million, the Boston Herald reports. But Damon?s camp, the newspaper reports, now believes that Rafael Furcal's deal (an average of $13M per season with the Dodgers)is the new benchmark for leadoff hitters.

</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/4057.jpg
David Wells (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=4057)
Red Sox
</td><td>Athletics (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=oak)
Angels (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=laa)
</td><td>NoCal OK for Wells?
Dec 7 - Boston may have a West Coast destination for David Wells. The Red Sox are considering a deal that would send Wells to the A's for reliever Justin Duchscherer, The Boston Globe reports. Wells reportedly would prefer to return to San Diego.
</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/5947.jpg
Javier Vazquez (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=5947)
Diamondbacks
</td><td>Cardinals (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=stl)
Mets (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=nym)?
Tigers (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=det)
Nationals (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=was)
</td><td>Meet you halfway?
Dec 7 - The Cardinals are interested in Arizona starter Javier Vazquez, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. Vazquez, who wants to play for an East Coast team, exercised his right to decline a trade to Detroit, thus killing what the Diamondbacks thought would be a blockbuster for center fielder Curtis Granderson and right-hander Joel Zumaya, ESPN's Peter Gammons reports.
Arizona GM Josh Byrnes says eight to 10 teams continued to have serious interest in Vazquez, The Arizona Republic reports. Any team interested in Vazquez would have to pick up the remainder of his salary, about $12M for each of the next two seasons.

</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/6851.jpg
Austin Kearns (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=6851)
Reds
</td><td>Cubs (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=chc)?
</td><td>Odd man out?
Dec 7 - The Cubs, who tried hard to pry Austin Kearns loose from the Reds at last July's trade deadline, are revisiting talks this winter, the Dayton Daily News reports. The Cubs are dangling pitchers -- including prospect Ricky Nolasco, starters Sergio Mitre and Jerome Williams, and reliever Todd Wellemeyer -- to the Reds for Kearns. The Reds likely also will ask for prized Cubs prospect Rich Hill. "They'd probably have to hold our feet to the fire to get Hill," a Cubs official told the newspaper.

</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>The finish line?
Dec 7 - According to the Boston Globe, Red Sox CEO Larry Lucchino interviewed another candidate for the GM ██████████ former Dodger GM Dan Evans. But the job still could go to Jim Beattie -- the word in MLB offices on Tuesday was that the job was Beattie's.
</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/3932.jpg
Jamie Moyer (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=3932)
Mariners
</td><td> </td><td>Ancient Mariner?
Dec 7 - Seattle has made an offer to free-agent starter Jamie Moyer, ESPN.com's Jayson Stark reports. And a decision is now in Moyer's hands, according to a club that has interest in Moyer. For the second straight contract, the 43-year-old left-hander is handling his own negotiations, without an agent.
According to The Seattle Times, Moyer's biggest concern with the deal is how much of his 2006 salary is guaranteed and how much is incentive laden. The team is offering a base salary believed to be around $3 million, the newspaper reports.

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

Gertner

12-07-2005, 10:50 AM

Why the hell would the jays trade Hillendbrand AND David Bush for Overbay. that trade makes no sense whatsoever. They should be looking to dump Koskie instead.

The Miz

12-07-2005, 04:10 PM

Today's deals

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)

Also Mark Loretta will be traded for DOug Mirabelli

VonErich Lives

12-07-2005, 04:42 PM

talk of a 3way, Red Sox, Devil Rays and Braves.

Sox get Lugo
Braves get Renteria
Rays get prospects.

Also heard Arroyo for Soriano...

The first one I believe, the 2nd I don't.

If the Red Sox were offered Soriano for Arroyo, I'd think we'd hear about a "done deal" not a rumor trade.

Kinda suprised they gave up on renteria already, but they're trying to get back to the 2004 team that won it. Pitching & Defense, don't get me wrong, that team had hitting, but Pitching & Defense is what won it, it's what always wins it.

Although, I can't say I'm a big Lugo fan, all I know about him is he was accused of smashing his wife's head of the hood of the car 2yrs ago, and she dropped charges. I'd rather not have that type of scum on the team.

VonErich Lives

12-07-2005, 04:58 PM

now saying Tampa pulled out and the Red Sox may deal Renertia to Atlanta for the prospect that was going to Tampa (a 3B prospect, sorry, don't know anything about him).

Guess they just want to dump Renteria salary, and this would leave the sox with no SS, which means that they would probably push to deal Manny to Anehiem in a deal that includes Cabreara.

The Outlaw

12-07-2005, 05:40 PM

talk of a 3way, Red Sox, Devil Rays and Braves.

Sox get Lugo
Braves get Renteria
Rays get prospects.

Which prospects?

The Outlaw

12-07-2005, 05:44 PM

In order to complete this trade, the Braves would likely to have to part with Marte and either Jarrod Saltalamacchia or Brian McCann. Atlanta's most pressing concern is ensuring the Red Sox pay a sizable portion of the $26 million that Renteria is owed over the next three years.
Several media outlets are reporting that the trade would also include the Devil Rays, but two Braves officials said late Tuesday night that a three-team deal is highly unlikely.

Braves general manager John Schuerholz wouldn't talk specifics. But he confirmed his club is engaged in several discussions that would allow him to fill the void Rafael Furcal's exit created at the leadoff spot in the batting order and shortstop position.

"I can tell you honestly and forthrightly we have a had a number of very good conversations today, some of which have been second conversations with several clubs, and I feel something good will come out of these meetings," Schuerholz said.

Renteria was the prize acquisition for the 2004 World Series champion Red Sox last offseason. But after committing 30 errors and hitting just .276 with eight homers in 2005, he quickly fell out of favor. A Braves official confirmed a month ago that the club became interested when they heard Boston was willing to pay a portion of the shortstop's salary.

Pierre's weak arm and the .326 on-base percentage he produced last year were two things that made him undesirable to the Braves to fill their leadoff spot. So, too, was the fact the Marlins, like the Devil Rays, were asking for too much for a marginal return.

The Braves have had several trade discussions with the Devil Rays, but all talks with Tampa Bay are believed to be dead. When Atlanta inquired about what it would take to obtain both Lugo and closer Danys Baez, the Rays asked for McCann and two top-caliber pitching prospects on the level of Kyle Davies.
It doesn't take a Schuerholz to reject those types of offers. But when a player the caliber of Renteria is thrown into the mix, then Schuerholz and every other general manager would love to have the vast resources of the Braves' Minor League system.

Adder

12-07-2005, 07:29 PM

Lugo is a very talented player. As far as I'm concerned, I'd take him over Renteria any day. It's only due to exposure that a majority of the people think otherwise.

VonErich Lives

12-07-2005, 07:31 PM

I really don't want Lugo, unless someone can tell me that he didn't beat his wife.

I think Renteria will do better this year, probably never as good as '03, but he'll improve.

They sox offered arbertation to Damon, Muellar & Grafanino.

I'd like to see all 3 of those come back, so that could be a good sign.

I wonder where they'd play Muellar? move him or lowell to 1B?

VonErich Lives

12-07-2005, 07:32 PM

Lugo is a very talented player. As far as I'm concerned, I'd take him over Renteria any day. It's only due to exposure that a majority of the people think otherwise.

My issues have nothing to do with his play, I know little about it and his stats look very good.

That being said, the stories is he smashed his wifes face into a car.

I don't want that type of guy on a team I enjoy rooting for.

The Miz

12-07-2005, 08:03 PM

VonErich Lives

12-07-2005, 08:24 PM

You don't want a gold-glove caliber shortstop who stole 39 bases and had a .362 OBP in the American League last year, who is the same age and $6 mil per year cheaper than Renteria, because he may or may not have beaten his wife. Why haven't the Red Sox interviewed you for the GM spot VEL?

BTW, http://espn.go.com/mlb/news/2003/0716/1581601.html

I asked I was looking for more info on that story, thank you.

That being said, it fits everything else I've heard about it, most likely it happened and she changed her story to protect "her man". Sadly most women who do this, continue to get beat and sometimes killed.

The Patriots cut a top draft pick who had (if I remember correctly) threw a woman down stairs in college.

The Red Sox got rid of Cordero.

Plain and simple, some things are more important then sports, but if you want to focus on the sport, it's to make money, which involves image and having a wife beater on your team doesn't give you a good image.

So, you can make your snide "Why haven't the Red Sox interviewed you for the GM spot" and hopefully you feel the same way if someone hit your wife/sister/daughter.

OssMan

12-07-2005, 08:35 PM

LOL when I was at Fenway every there seemed to be booing the life out of Lugo. Non stop. Dunno how he would go over with the fans there.

Ortiz likes him though. He gave him a big hug before the game.

The Miz

12-07-2005, 08:38 PM

Evil Vito

12-07-2005, 08:50 PM

<font color=goldenrod>Hoffman re-signs with San Diego for 2 years, $13.5 million......vesting option for 2008</font>

YOUR Hero

12-07-2005, 09:27 PM

Lugo's #'s are very impressive. Tampa Bay's woes leads this guy to being unnoticed.

Did anyone here think Hoffman was going to sign anywhere else? - I know I didn't, he's a Padre, and he was simply ensuring he was getting the most he could.

The Miz

12-07-2005, 09:30 PM

I thought Hoffman would go to Cleveland until Steve Phillips predicted Hoffman to Cleveland, that is when I knew Hoffman to San Diego was all but done.

The Miz

12-07-2005, 10:31 PM

Ramon Hernandez has signed a 4 year deal with the Orioles aka. The Baltimore Athletics Rejects

RoXer

12-07-2005, 10:53 PM

Byrnes, Tejada, Hernandez...aren't there some pitchers too?

Gertner

12-07-2005, 11:14 PM

I'd take Lugo in a heartbeat

Joey Slugs

12-08-2005, 12:08 AM

According to a high-ranking baseball official, the Nationals have acquired Rangers' second baseman Alfonso Soriano in exchange for Brad Wilkerson, Terrmel Sledge and a player to be named later. In D.C., Soriano will play left field with Jose Vidro remaining at 2B.

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

Not sure what I think about this one just yet.

CNM

12-08-2005, 12:41 AM

Blue Jays get:
1B-Lyle Overbay

Brewers get:
P-David Bush
P-Zach Jackson
OF-Gabe Gross

The Icon of Elisim

12-08-2005, 12:45 AM

Ramon Hernandez has signed a 4 year deal with the Orioles aka. The Baltimore Athletics Rejects

So is Javy Lopez (he's still there right?) gonna dh now

Dunno about that trade for Overbay, its a better trade than Bush and Shea though

CNM

12-08-2005, 12:47 AM

I've heard the Orioles are looking at trading Lopez. Haven't heard who might be interested though.

Joey Slugs

12-08-2005, 01:08 AM

man, this has been one hell of a winter meeting

VonErich Lives

12-08-2005, 04:48 AM

You don't know what happened VEL. You can make a blind assumption that she was covering up for him, but there's no proof of that at all. For all we know, Lugo is the nicest man in the world and his wife exaggerated something extremely minor. So a Patriots draft pick got cut for abuse, so what? Does that mean Lugo did the same thing? No, VEL. Stop talking about stuff you don't know about. This is why you get into arguments with everyone.

Ya know Miz, you're right I wasn't there, but neither were you. This seems to be one thing you never ever understand the whole "well you don't know 100% argument" somehow you always feel if someone doesn't know something 100% that somehow makes you right and them wrong even though you have the same "lack of knowledge".

You're right, it's possible she made the whole thing up, but when you're not there first hand you take the info you have and make a judgement call.

She told the same story to 9 people.
Her story and her husbands story as to what actually happened after she changed from the original story still didn't match.
She didn't tell anyone she was changing her story until the day of the trial when she show'd up.
She took a restaining order against him.

So, I'll give you that I wasn't their to witness it, neither were you.

So, your mother/sister/daughter comes home with a black eye and says her boyfriend/husband hit her, are you going to say "sorry, I wasn't their I don't believe you".

VonErich Lives

12-08-2005, 04:50 AM

Excellance of Execution

12-08-2005, 06:04 AM

Miz, I'm putting this in a seperate post because I really would like an answer.

Let's say they had on tape, Lugo and his wife in an argument and at one point Lugo takes his hand and smacks his wife across the face (not a little slap, but a strong backhand).

Would you still want him on your team?

I don't agree with hitting your spouse, but even if it's true, people do make mistakes and as long as it's not a recurring thing, you should give someone a second chance. People do make decisions when there are caught up in the moment, and alot of the times it's the wrong one. Maybe he learned his lesson and his wife forgave him? Just a thought.

YOUR Hero

12-08-2005, 10:27 AM

Gabe Gross? Shit. Tons of potential right there. Bad move, IMO

VonErich Lives

12-08-2005, 11:58 AM

I don't agree with hitting your spouse, but even if it's true, people do make mistakes and as long as it's not a recurring thing, you should give someone a second chance. People do make decisions when there are caught up in the moment, and alot of the times it's the wrong one. Maybe he learned his lesson and his wife forgave him? Just a thought.

That's a valid point, 2nd chances and maybe a 1 time thing.

Just seems to be in these situations it normally isn't.

From a team PR side, it's not a good move, plus if it wasn't a 1 time thing, it does have the possible risk of future occurances.

Cordero was a huge PR nightmare for the Sox and actually, if I remember Lugo got the crap boo'd out of him in Boston due to the incident.

VonErich Lives

12-08-2005, 12:00 PM

So, Renteria for Marte and cash is done.

So, who plays SS... another deal is probably in the works...

I just wonder if Marte is really this great prospect then why would they deal him?

Also, when will he be ready? Does Lowell go to 1B?

VonErich Lives

12-08-2005, 12:04 PM

On the Manny front, aperently his agent has told teams to waive his no trade he wants a contract extention.

I have a feeling he will still be on the Red Sox when spring training starts. He may now show up, but he'll be on the team... maybe..

Also, apperently the sox are saying they don't plan on dealing for a SS and will sign someone one to play SS.

top 3 canidates are Gonzalez, Clayton and Reese.

I'd like to see Pokey back in Boston, great fielder... just was a waste at bat... but I'm willing to trade one out every 9 for a solid fielder.

Boomer

12-08-2005, 02:28 PM

I like the Marte trade because the Braves have nowhere to put him. Chipper still has a few good years left in him. I don't see what the Red Soxs are going to do with Marte considering he wouldn't change positions to play for the Braves.

VonErich Lives

12-08-2005, 02:56 PM

The original thought was trade him, now the thought is keep him in the minors for a year or two then bring him up, or if ready sooner move Lowell to 1st.

Gertner

12-08-2005, 03:06 PM

Gabe Gross? Shit. Tons of potential right there. Bad move, IMO

lol he hit 8 homers in spring training and that's about it. I'm VERY happy with that trade

Boomer

12-08-2005, 03:30 PM

I'm just not sure if Marte has anything left to prove in the minors. He is talented.

Joey Slugs

12-08-2005, 03:31 PM

<table class="tablehead" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"> <tbody><tr class="stathead"><td colspan="3">Thursday, December 8</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/6871.jpg
Hank Blalock (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=6871)
Rangers
</td><td>Twins (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=min)
</td><td>Arms for Blalock?
Dec 8 - The Twins spent parts of Tuesday and Wednesday talking with the Rangers about a deal for third baseman Hank Blalock, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. The Twins likely would give up pitching, possibly left-handed reliever J.C. Romero. The newspaper also dangles right-hander Scott Baker's name as possible trade bait, but says the team would like to keep starter Kyle Lohse. The deal could be expanded to include Kevin Mench.

</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/6167.jpg
Kris Benson (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=6167)
Mets
</td><td>Rangers (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=tex)
Royals (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=kan)
</td><td>From K.C to Texas
Dec 8 - The Mets moved closer Wednesday to trading starter Kris Benson to Texas after talks broke down with Kansas City, Newsday reports. According to the newspaper, the Mets would send Benson to the Rangers for outfielder Laynce Nix and righthander Juan Dominguez.
The Mets reportedly would like to clear Benson's salary (he's owed $15 million over the next two seasons) to make a run at Oakland's Barry Zito or Arizona's Javier Vazquez, who has requested a trade.

</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>Cardinals (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=stl)
Mets (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=nym)?
Tigers (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=det)
Nationals (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=was)
</td><td>Some nibbles, but no bites
Dec 8 - The Diamondbacks are painstakingly sifting through offers from 8-10 teams for starter Javier Vazquez, ESPN.com Insider Jerry Crasnick reports. Vazquez submitted a list of six teams where he can decline a trade: Seattle, Texas, Toronto, Detroit, Baltimore and Philadelphia.
So who are the frontrunners? Washington is sure to be a player, because Jim Bowden likes big splashes and the Diamondbacks like outfielder Ryan Church. The Mets are another potential fit, but they?d probably have to move both Kaz Matsui and Kris Benson to squeeze Vazquez onto their payroll.

</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>Stars and pinstripes
Dec 8 - The Yankees are moving closer toward bringing Williams back next year as an extra outfielder, ESPN.com's Jayson Stark reports. Williams is expected to get a one-year contract, believed to be in the neighborhood of $2 million, plus incentives. Because the negotiations did not finish by the end of Wednesday night, the Yankees offered Williams arbitration, with the understanding he won't accept it.

</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>Phillies (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=phi)?
Mariners (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=sea)?
Mets (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=nym)?
Angels (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=laa)?
</td><td>Manny scenarios
Dec 8 - There was talk of a three-way deal that would have sent Manny Ramirez to the Dodgers, but it fell apart, ESPN's Peter Gammons reports. Ramirez would have gone to Los Angeles for J.D. Drew, Derek Lowe and a pitching prospect. Lowe, Trot Nixon and a prospect would have gone to Philadelphia for Bobby Abreu. The Red Sox earlier told Gammons that Ramirez will not be traded this week because such a deal would be too complicated and take too much time to sort out.
The Mets have talked to the Red Sox about Ramirez and asked Boston to take second baseman Kaz Matsui in a deal along with Lastings Milledge, Aaron Heilman and other prospects.
According to The Boston Globe, there was substance to the rumor that the Red Sox were working on a three-way deal with the Angels and Diamondbacks. The Angels would get Ramirez, the D-Backs would get prospects from the Angels and the Red Sox would receive a package of players that includes third baseman Troy Glaus.

</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/5698.jpg
Bobby Abreu (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=5698)
Phillies
</td><td>Dodgers (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=lad)
Cubs (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=chc)
Astros (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=hou)
Red Sox (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=bos)
Blue Jays (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=tor)
</td><td>Why me?
Dec 8 - There is little chance of Bobby Abreu being traded, because the Phillies can't get enough pitching back to justify it, ESPN.com's Jayson Stark reports. Nevertheless, Abreu has been puzzled by all the trade rumors, according to his agent, Peter Greenberg. The latest proposed deal involved the Dodgers, with Abreu and possibly third baseman David Bell going to L.A. for Derek Lowe or Brad Penny, The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.
The Red Sox (possibly for Matt Clement and Trot Nixon) and Astros (potentially for Brandon Backe and Chad Qualls) have also shown interest in Abreu.

</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>Cubs (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=chc)
Pirates (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=pit)
Athletics (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=oak)
</td><td>Cubs game for Bradley
Dec 8 - The Cubs and Dodgers haven't finalized a deal that would send outfielder Milton Bradley to the Cubs. But it seems clear that Bradley will be traded in the next few days, and no team is more interested in Bradley than the Cubs, ESPN.com's Jayson Stark reports. Dusty Baker came away from a meeting with Bradley last month convinced that Bradley could fit. And Bradley's .350-plus on-base percentage the last three years also would fit. Only two Cubs regulars -- Derrek Lee and Aramirs Ramirez -- had an on-base percentage over .350 this 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/6631.jpg
Brad Wilkerson (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=6631)
Rangers
</td><td>Blue Jays (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=tor)
</td><td>Wilkerson on the move again?
Dec 8 - The Blue Jays are expected to keep pursuing a deal for outfielder Brad Wilkerson, who was traded Wednesday from the Nationals to the Rangers in the Alfonso Soriano deal, the Toronto Star reports. Toronto may offer a package of pitchers and possibly second baseman Orlando Hudson.

</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/3974.jpg
Kenny Rogers (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=3974)
Rangers
</td><td>Tigers (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=det)
Padres (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=sdg)?
</td><td>Gambler hits Motown
Dec 8 - Left-hander Kenny Rogers, 41, has agreed to a two-year, $16 million contract with the Tigers, Newsday reports. Rogers was not offered salary arbitration Wednesday night by the Rangers.
</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>Yankees (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=nyy)?
Red Sox (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=bos)?
</td><td>Rocket saga
Dec 8 - With Roger Clemens uncertain whether he will pitch again or retire, the Astros declined to offer salary arbitration . The move means the seven-time Cy Young Award winner can't re-sign with the NL champions before May 1. Houston's decision could lead to other teams trying to lure Clemens, such as the Yankees and Red Sox, two of his former clubs.
"If anybody calls, we'll listen," said agent Randy Hendricks.

</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/5082.jpg
Todd Jones (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=5082)
Marlins
</td><td>Tigers (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=det)
</td><td>Save situation
Dec 8 - The Tigers have tentatively agreed with closer Todd Jones on a two-year, $11 million contract, the Detroit Free Press 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/6077.jpg
Alex Gonzalez (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=6077)
Marlins
</td><td>Red Sox (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=bos)
</td><td>Another Marlin?
Dec 8 - With Edgar Renteria en route to Atlanta, the Red Sox may turn to free-agent shortstop Alex Gonzalez, who was not offered arbitration by the Marlins, Gordon Edes writes in his Boston Globe blog.
</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/7348.jpg
Joey Gathright (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=7348)
Devil Rays
</td><td>Marlins (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=fla)?
Dodgers (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=lad)?
Cubs (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=chc)?
</td><td>Intra-state trade?
Dec 8 - With the trade of Juan Pierre to the Cubs now complete, the Marlins figure to pursue Joey Gathright as his successor in center field, the Tampa Tribune reports. Florida, the newspaper suggests, could offer some young pitching prospects.

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

Joey Slugs

12-08-2005, 03:33 PM

MVP

12-08-2005, 03:38 PM

I believe Marte is gonna be dealt to Tampa Bay for Julio Lugo.

I didn't even wanna see Renteria go. I figured he was gonna have a monster year to make up for last year. But whatever works I guess.

Gertner

12-08-2005, 03:43 PM

btw thanks a ton for posting these Slugs.

wouldn't mind seeign wilkerson on the jays. just as long as we don't give away all our kids

Boomer

12-08-2005, 03:59 PM

According to ESPN, the Red Soxs trading Marte is unlikely.

Joey Slugs

12-08-2005, 04:10 PM

btw thanks a ton for posting these Slugs.

anything for my favorite canadian metro. :lol:

Joey Slugs

12-08-2005, 04:12 PM

Red Sox Trade Catcher Doug Mirabelli to San Diego for Second Baseman Mark Loretta

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

when did that one happen?

The Miz

12-08-2005, 04:16 PM

Reported by The Miz yesterday :p

The Miz

12-08-2005, 04:17 PM

Joey Slugs

12-08-2005, 04:18 PM

:y:

The Miz

12-08-2005, 04:23 PM

Miz, I'm putting this in a seperate post because I really would like an answer.

Let's say they had on tape, Lugo and his wife in an argument and at one point Lugo takes his hand and smacks his wife across the face (not a little slap, but a strong backhand).

Would you still want him on your team?

EoE basically said what I was going to say, it could have been a one time thing. What the Red Sox should do is investigate, find out exactly what happened, if Lugo has a history of this, etc. The Red Sox have the ability to dig deeper into this. You and I don't, VEL. I agree that if a psycho wifebeater puts up .800 OPS and 40 steals, I don't want him on my team. If the Red Sox find out this was a one time thing and Lugo has changed his ways and will be fine, then give the guy a second chance.

The Miz

12-08-2005, 04:24 PM

All new trades/signings updated on page 1 btw

The Miz

12-08-2005, 04:24 PM

...including Mike Myers to the Yankees

The Miz

12-08-2005, 04:35 PM

BTW, The Braves and DRays are idiots. Why did the Braves trade a top prospect in all of baseball for Renteria, who is not a great fielder, has put up .720 OPS last 2 years, and is expensive. Yeah I know, Chipper Jones, blah blah, move him to the outfield where he is better anyway. The DRays I think are dumber for turning down Marte for Lugo when Lugo is just going to walk next year anyway.

Joey Slugs

12-08-2005, 04:39 PM

:lol: @ the brewers taking back Kolb

:y: @ the white sox finally dumping Marte

Joey Slugs

12-08-2005, 04:40 PM

:lol: @ the brewers taking back Kolb

:y: @ the white sox finally dumping Marte

The Miz

12-08-2005, 04:42 PM

I guess if your starting rotation is

1. Erik Bedard
2. Rodrigo Lopez
3. Eric DuBose
4. Bruce Chen
5. John Maine

...it's probably a good idea to spend $30 million on a catcher, a position you currently have filled with a 40 homer guy.

VonErich Lives

12-08-2005, 04:42 PM

EoE basically said what I was going to say, it could have been a one time thing. What the Red Sox should do is investigate, find out exactly what happened, if Lugo has a history of this, etc. The Red Sox have the ability to dig deeper into this. You and I don't, VEL. I agree that if a psycho wifebeater puts up .800 OPS and 40 steals, I don't want him on my team. If the Red Sox find out this was a one time thing and Lugo has changed his ways and will be fine, then give the guy a second chance.

That makes sense. I'd deffintly agree they have to do some very good research before making a move.

That being said, everything I hear that deal is dead. the Sox are looking into signing a SS (Clayton, Gonzalez, Reese).

The more the Manny thing goes on, screw'em. It's not like he doesn't like the fans or the city or he "has no freedom", it's his Wife who said "we have to move to get you away from your mistress".

Well, you know what, that's his problem not the teams fault, they paid him and if they can't find a good deal there is no reason to dump him for little/nothing.

VonErich Lives

12-08-2005, 04:47 PM

...including Mike Myers to the Yankees

yeah, heard that earlier... not happy... he was our Matsui killer but the sox didn't offer him arbitration, the reason I've heard if they feel D'Nardo's submarine pitch is as good as a lefty specialist...

Watch, Myers will be brought in to face Ortiz every time the meet.

The Miz

12-08-2005, 04:51 PM

Most likely they'll get Gonzalez, Reese to too much of a risk. ESPN reported that The Red Sox asked LAAA about Macier Izturis and were declined

The Miz

12-08-2005, 04:53 PM

FOXsports.com says The Tigers are close to signing Kenny Rogers to a two-year deal worth about $16 million.

Gertner

12-08-2005, 04:59 PM

lol @ tigers. This guy is notorius for fading down the stretch.

Evil Vito

12-08-2005, 07:48 PM

<font color=goldenrod>FOXsports says that Julio Franco is close to signing on with the Mets for 2 years.

I like the signing of Franco, but 2 years for a 47-year old?</font>

VonErich Lives

12-08-2005, 08:40 PM

Gammons also seems to think or "know" that Theo Epstien still has some input and might be back with the Red Sox.

I like Gammons a lot, I don't think there is anyone with more knowledge and better connections, but it seems the last few years he's turned into the scenial uncle...

He's flipped out on simple questions on the radio and it also seems every year he blows one very big story, like when he said the Red Sox would have A-rod signed in 24hrs...

Who knows, it was strange... they asked him about Theo, he kinda paused and almost backtracked like he leaked something he didn't want to.

The Miz

12-08-2005, 08:42 PM

Mueller has signed with LA Dodgers

CNM

12-08-2005, 08:50 PM

Apparently Miguel Tejada wants out of Baltimore

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/5151318

YOUR Hero

12-08-2005, 08:55 PM

The Jays better not get rid of Hudson for Wilkerson. :(

Jesus Shuttlesworth

12-08-2005, 10:00 PM

Nomar is playing shortstop for the Red Sox next season

YOUR Hero

12-08-2005, 10:09 PM

Would Boston fans want him back?

The Miz

12-08-2005, 10:10 PM

I know VEL would :shifty:

Jesus Shuttlesworth

12-08-2005, 10:33 PM

I would

I know it won't happen but I wish it would. I think most Boston fans would want him or back or if he did come back a lot of people would happy. The only reason I could see some being unhappy is because of recent stint of injuries, but in regards to off the field stuff I can't really see people being upset about that.

I actaully got Lugo in MVP Baseball on PS2 so that is kind of weird if he does end up on the Sox in real life haha. I am just glad Renteria is gone, i'd love to see Caberia back since I know Nomar isn't going to be back haha

Gertner

12-08-2005, 11:17 PM

ya i'd be pretty pissed at the jays trading hudson for anything

Boomer

12-09-2005, 12:40 AM

Chipper Jones was never great in the outfield. That's where he started getting injured from all the running.

The Outlaw

12-09-2005, 12:57 AM

The question is would Nomar want back in Boston?

BCWWF

12-09-2005, 01:11 AM

ESPN is reporting that Tejada wants out of Baltimore now, so I think that this pretty much solves the Red Sox shortstop quandry.

Unfortunately.

VonErich Lives

12-09-2005, 04:26 AM

ESPN is reporting that Tejada wants out of Baltimore now, so I think that this pretty much solves the Red Sox shortstop quandry.

Unfortunately.

Yeah, I'm earing Tejada for Manny type deal... I just wonder how much of Mannys contracts the sox would eat, and would Manny be willing to go there... he wasnted Clevland, Seattle, Arizona or LAA.

VonErich Lives

12-09-2005, 04:32 AM

Ok... on Nommmmmmmmmmmmaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!

Do the fans want him back? some do, some don't, after he lefts a lot of players said he was miserable to have in the club house.

From a baseball standpoint, while he does swing at the first pitch every single time which drives most people nuts, he was a good player who worked his ass off. to see him come in for short money as a 1yr "let's take a chance" is fine with me if he's fixed his attitude.

If the Sox didn't deal him, they probably wouldn't have won the WS (no Dave Roberts, no Stolen base, etc..)

That being said, Stima, wanna make a bet? :)

1) from what I've heard there is a ton of bad feelings between Nomar and Luccino.

2) Have you notice about the teams talking to him? It's about 2nd base, or backup/utility, I think the Dodgers even asked him about centerfield. There's a reason, no one things he can play SS anymore, the injuries he's had the last few years most likely did a number on his mobility, and relying on him to be able to move/cut/turn like you need to at SS is asking to get him injured.

Of course there is still the "roid" question, based on the body he had, the injuries, it's possible he was on it... honestly, I'd tend to think he wasn't, because he was a gym rat, he spent the offseasons in I think Arizona with a trainer... but who knows.

So yeah, if he lost the attitude and wants to be a utility player for short money, I'd be more then happy to have him back, but I wouldn't want him as the full time Short Stop, part of the same reason as much as I like Pokey Reese, he's never made it through a season healthy...

12-09-2005, 04:53 AM

When baseball players say " This situation isnt going in the direction i'd prefer and i wanna trade ". Are the essentially saying they wanna be traded to New York or Boston?

12-09-2005, 04:57 AM

There should just be the Yankees and teh Red Socks and thats it. Seriously. Does anyone remember the White Sox, Angels, Diamondbacks, or Marlins World Series victorys? Does anyone care? Once the season is over. It doesnt matter if you are defending champion. What really matters is who's gunna be the next center fielder for the Yankees.

Baseball seriously is a joke of a league.

Adder

12-09-2005, 10:31 AM

Nomar can be had for 'cheap' I don't see why every team wouldn't try to land him. If he busts, it's not an expensive experiment.

If Toronto moves Hudson, they have enough players to fill that infield void. So I understand why they'd consider it, doesn't mean I like it though.

Joey Slugs

12-09-2005, 11:50 AM

McDoogle

12-09-2005, 12:00 PM

Frank Thomas not being a White Sox player is just too weird a concept.

Joey Slugs

12-09-2005, 12:04 PM

Frank Thomas not being a White Sox player is just too weird a concept.

Tell me about it. Goes along the same line as Joe Montana playing for the Chiefs or Jerry Rice being cut by the Broncos. Shit like that just shouldn't happen.

Joey Slugs

12-09-2005, 12:10 PM

There should just be the Yankees and teh Red Socks and thats it. Seriously. Does anyone remember the White Sox, Angels, Diamondbacks, or Marlins World Series victorys?

Maybe not on the east coast but, when it comes to the White Sox run this past season, the fans will not be forgetting anytime soon (just as they won't forget in Boston about 2004). The difference between the Sox winning and, let's say, the D-Backs & the Marlins is that 20 years ago.... those two teams didn't exist. They don't have the history of the Sox (that being they are one of the original AL teams).

Once the season is over. It doesnt matter if you are defending champion. What really matters is who's gunna be the next center fielder for the Yankees.

I have 3 words about that comment: FUCK THE YANKEES.

That is all.

BCWWF

12-09-2005, 01:02 PM

Dunno, I think Frank Thomas and the A's could be a good fit

VonErich Lives

12-09-2005, 01:50 PM

When baseball players say " This situation isnt going in the direction i'd prefer and i wanna trade ". Are the essentially saying they wanna be traded to New York or Boston?

I don't think so, it depends though on the player and the situation.

In the case of Tejada, Baltimore made promises when he got there, and never did anything, ok, you could argue Sosa, but anyone with 1/2 a brain new Sosa was gonna be a bust at this point (off the roids).

It just seemed like a good time for him to mention this, the Red Sox have a hole at SS and can afford him and he's good friends with Ortiz.

I'd be ok with a Manny + Cash for Tejada, but I don't see it happening.

I think if Baltimore does trade Tejada, they're going to want 2-3 top prospects, not another big contract, plus the history of some of their big contract busts scares them.

Now, do the Red Sox try and package Lester, Marte and maybe Pedoria or Delcarman? Then try and move Manny (and cash) for some prospects?

Not sure what the Yankees gave for prospects... but wouldn't it be funny if they get Tejada to play 2B, if that happens they should get Nomar to play 1st!

Evil Vito

12-09-2005, 02:13 PM

<font color=goldenrod>No way Tejada is playing anything other than SS.

Ordinarily I'd want the Mets to make a go for Tejada, but I'd rather not deplete the farm system even more and have to shift Reyes over to 2B again. Pitching is the main concern at this point.</font>

DaveWadding

12-09-2005, 02:51 PM

Seriously. Does anyone remember the Diamondbacks World Series victory?

:wave:

VonErich Lives

12-09-2005, 05:13 PM

<font color=goldenrod>No way Tejada is playing anything other than SS.
</font>

They said that about A-rod, they said that about Nomar, anything is possible.

I tend to think if the Yankees said, you can be on a WS contender, get your pay, but you need to play 2B, he'd be ok with it.

Although, it would be funny that you'd have 3 natural SS on the Yankees and the worst fielder of the 3 is the one actually playing short.

The Miz

12-10-2005, 11:00 AM

Ramirez for Tejada has been offered by Boston

VonErich Lives

12-10-2005, 11:44 AM

Ramirez for Tejada has been offered by Boston

Yeah, no suprise there... I'd be shocked if Baltimore took it through.

Don't see them wanting the payroll, I'd think they'd go after prospects rather then someone with Manny's contract...

That being said, if they pull this off, I'll be a VERY happy Sox fan!

YOUR Hero

12-10-2005, 12:19 PM

Why would Baltimore do that deal. They'd be helping the opponent too much. The Orioles should be re-affirming themselves towards Tejeda if they're not already doing that. I doubt the O's would make that deal. WHO KNOWS THOUGH.

Joey Slugs

12-10-2005, 12:57 PM

<table class="tablehead" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"> <tbody><tr class="stathead"><td colspan="3">Friday, December 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/5784.jpg
Matt Morris (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=5784)
Cardinals
</td><td>Angels (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=laa)?
Cardinals (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=stl)
Giants (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=sfo)
Mariners (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=sea)?
Dodgers (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=lad)?
Rangers (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=tex)
</td><td>Spirit of St. Louis?
Dec 9 - The Cardinals hope to re-sign Matt Morris and are prepared to make him a three-year offer, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. Morris, who has 101 wins in nine major league seasons spent entirely with the Redbirds, has drawn interest from many teams, including the Giants, Rangers and Mariners.
The Giants reportedly have offered Morris a two-year deal worth at least $16 million and are considering restructuring the deal to accommodate a demand for a third year. The Fort Worth Star-Telegram says the Rangers have pitched a three-year, $25 million offer.

</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/4965.jpg
Javy Lopez (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=4965)
Orioles
</td><td>Angels (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=laa)?
</td><td>Javy on the block?
Dec 9 - With free-agent catcher Ramon Hernandez headed to Baltimore, a couple of teams have called the Orioles about the availability of Javy Lopez, the Baltimore Sun reports. The O's and Angels discussed a trade that would send Lopez to the West Coast for center fielder/first baseman Darin Erstad. The talks were serious at one point, but have cooled. Erstad, 31, and Lopez, 35, are both in their final year of deals and will make approximately $8.5 million this season.
Orioles officials would prefer keeping Lopez, because they feel he will have a good offensive year, shifting as a designated hitter, catcher and first baseman. But they also realize he is one of their few valuable trade chips.

</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/5966.jpg
Braden Looper (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=5966)
Mets
</td><td>Orioles (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=bal)?
Phillies (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=phi)
</td><td>Phil 'er up?
Dec 9 - According to the Philadelphia Daily News, the Phillies remain in negotiations with the Hendricks brothers, who represent Braden Looper. Alan Hendricks said that Looper, the Mets' closer last season, was being courted by as many as a dozen teams. In the inflated current market, Looper likely is looking for something approaching the two-year, $6.75 million contract he signed when he left the Marlins for the Mets after the 2003 season.
"Money is part of it," Alan Hendricks told the newspaper. "Opportunity is part of it. The Phillies are seriously under consideration. We have a lot of choices. I have to talk to Braden and sort through his options."

</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/5888.jpg
Miguel Tejada (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=5888)
Orioles
</td><td>Red Sox (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=bos)?
</td><td>Tejada wants out of Baltimore
Dec 9 - Miguel Tejada is unhappy with the direction of the Orioles' franchise and wants to play elsewhere next season, the Baltimore Sun reports. In a telephone interview with the Associated Press in his native Dominican Republic, the All-Star shortstop lamented the franchise's lack of progress and called for a "change of scenery." "I've been with the Orioles for two years and things haven't gone in the direction that we were expecting, so I think the best thing will be a change of scenery," said Tejada. "I've done many things with the team and I haven't seen results and the other teams are getting stronger while the Orioles have not made any signings to strengthen the club."
Tejada's declaration surprised Orioles executive vice president Mike Flanagan, who said earlier this week that the club talked to Tejada a couple of times to ask for input, and he was "on board with what we're doing."

</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>Holes to fill
Dec 9 - According to the Los Angeles Times, GM Ned Colletti is still in pursuit of critical upgrades in several areas -- including at third base, outfield and starting pitching. Colletti believes he could add a starting pitcher through free agency, acquire the position players through trades and hold most or all of the prospects nearing major-league readiness.
He met Thursday morning with Scott Boras, the agent for Jeff Weaver, Kevin Millwood and Jarrod Washburn, and had "two or three teams" with whom he believed a trade was possible.

</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>Dodgers (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=lad)?
Mariners (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=sea)
</td><td>Bye-bye, Cleveland
Dec 9 - Re-signing Kevin Millwood is a longshot for the Indians. "At this point," said GM Mark Shapiro, "the chances of Kevin Millwood being back with us next year are very remote, if not almost impossible." Millwood is seeking a five-year deal comparable to the $55 million package A.J. Burnett got from the Blue Jays -- too rich for the Indians, who still need to add another starter, reliever and right-handed power hitter.
Reports that Seattle has offered a four-year contract to Millwood have been greatly exaggerated, according to an official of one club that has talked with the Mariners. The official, ESPN.com's Jayson Stark reports, said his understanding was that the Mariners hadn't offered four years and may not have made any formal offer to Millwood.
But according to the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, the Mariners offered Millwood a four-year deal believed to be worth about $44 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/5706.jpg
Nomar Garciaparra (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=5706)
Cubs
</td><td>Blue Jays (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=tor)?
Yankees (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=nyy)?
Padres (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=sdg)?
Dodgers (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=lad)?
Orioles (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=bal)
Indians (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=cle)?
</td><td>Tribal connection?
Dec 9 - Cleveland is interested in signing Nomar Garciaparra. The Indians envision him in a utility role, or the club could move him into right field and use Casey Blake as a part-time first baseman, third baseman or outfielder. According to The Cleveland Plain Dealer, if Garciaparra signs with the Indians, they'll give him a regular position. "Asking a guy to change positions is tough," manager Eric Wedge told the newspaper. "We'd keep Nomar in one spot."
The 32-year-old Garciaparra has made it known he's willing to play any position but pitcher and catcher.

</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>Yankees (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=nyy)?
Red Sox (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=bos)?
</td><td>Full circle?
Dec 9 - If Roger Clemens decides to continue playing, he could land with the Red Sox, The New York Times reports. Clemens played his first 13 years for Boston, and Josh Beckett and Curt Schilling would love to have the Rocket. Beckett, a Texan, has always idolized Clemens, and Schilling credits Clemens with inspiring his career. The Astros cut Clemens loose by not offering him salary arbitration. He could still return to Houston, but would have to wait until May 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/mlb/profiles/players/4600.jpg
Jeff Conine (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=4600)
Marlins
</td><td>Orioles (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=bal)
</td><td>Baltimore revisited?
Dec 9 - Jeff Conine is close to returning to Baltimore, the Baltimore Sun reports. The Orioles and Conine's agent, Michael Watkins, met late Wednesday and discussed "several options." Watkins would not confirm specifics, but one source familiar with the negotiations said the two are nearing a one-year deal "in the neighborhood of $1.5 million." Watkins expects the negotiations to intensify next week. He said two other clubs have expressed interest in Conine, who spent parts of five seasons with the Orioles before being traded to the Marlins in August 2003. Florida didn't offer him arbitration, practically guaranteeing that he would not return to Miami.
"Ultimately, it is up to Jeff and [his wife] Cindy, but I will tell you Jeff loves Baltimore," Watkins told the newspaper.
Conine, 39, hit .304 with three homers and 33 RBI in 335 at-bats as a platoon outfielder and occasional first baseman 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/4527.jpg
Frank Thomas (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=4527)
White Sox
</td><td>Athletics (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=oak)?
Twins (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=min)?
Angels (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=laa)?
</td><td>Oakland Big Hurt-ing?
Dec 9 - The A's are expected to sign right-handed slugger Frank Thomas, reports ESPN's Peter Gammons.Oakland won't formally offer him a contract until after Dec. 7 -- the deadline for teams to offer their own free agents salary arbitration.
According to The Baltimore Sun, the Orioles are considering offering Thomas a one-year, incentive-laden deal.
The Twins say they'll review Thomas' medical records before continuing negotiations, the Minneapolis Star Tribune 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/5103.jpg
Julian Tavarez (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=5103)
Cardinals
</td><td>Yankees (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=nyy)?
</td><td>A Bronx tale?
Dec 9 - According to agent Scott Boras, the Yankees have an interest in Julian Tavarez, The New York Post 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/6493.jpg
Jason Marquis (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=6493)
Cardinals
</td><td> </td><td>Swap shop?
Dec 9 - According to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Jason Marquis has been made available in trade discussions and could be moved for an "impact" outfielder should Matt Morris return to the Cardinals.
</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/6871.jpg
Hank Blalock (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=6871)
Rangers
</td><td>Twins (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=min)
</td><td>Pitching for Blalock?
Dec 9 - The Twins have talked with the Rangers about a deal for third baseman Hank Blalock, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. The Twins dangled right-hander Scott Baker as possible trade bait, but the team would like to keep starter Kyle Lohse. The deal also could be expanded to include Kevin Mench.
</td></tr></tbody> </table>

YOUR Hero

12-10-2005, 01:18 PM

It sure seems like teams are under valuing hitting this off season. Pitching is what wins games of course, but you cannot over look hitting all together. When I see a guy like Blalock, for example, not getting more bites, especially when he doesn't even make 1 million bucks yet, well ":wtf:" is my response.

The Miz

12-10-2005, 01:23 PM

I wouldn't pay anyone one million bucks to do this

Home
.310 Avg .379 OBP .548 Slg% .927 OPS

Away
.238 Avg .296 OBP .396 Slg% .692 OPS

Ameriquest Field.

The Miz

12-10-2005, 01:30 PM

Also I dunno where you got the doesn't make a million bucks from, yes he's a protected player but his current deal makes him $3 mil in 2006, $4.75 mil in 07, $5.95 mil in 08

YOUR Hero

12-10-2005, 01:49 PM

I think a lot of teams would love to have a guy that hits 25-30 HR's playing their third base position. I don't want to get caught up in Blalock talk, as I was just using him as an example. As for the money part, I thought he was only making 850,000. If I'm wrong, fair enough, my info was incorrect.

Joey Slugs

12-10-2005, 03:24 PM

Reports: Sox offer Manny for Tejada (http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20051210&content_id=1280370&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb)

VonErich Lives

12-10-2005, 05:19 PM

Reports: Sox offer Manny for Tejada (http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20051210&content_id=1280370&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb)

I think you're the 2nd or 3rd person to note this.

Anyway, on Hero's point, yes it would make very little sense for Baltimore to make a deal like that.

You'd be helping someone in your division, you wouldn't be saving money (even if the sox pickup part of many's deal), you wouldn't be getting prospects, the only thing you might do is sell a few more seats cause Manny "might" be a bigger draw then Tejada.

For the sox it's a no brainer, less money, younger, great SS, the list goes on.

It's funny, heard a sports guy from Baltimore, saying how the Baltimore front office was shocked, and that Tejada has said stuff like this before and quickly flip/flopped. He said "a good front office would already have someone on a plane to the dominican to talk with him and find out what they can/need to do, but this team doesn't have a good front office".

If Baltimore was to deal him to the Red Sox, I'd think it's 2-3 prospects or maybe tie in a pitcher like Arroyo and then the Sox would need to ship Manny somewhere to cut salary.

Although, imagine Manny, Ortiz & Tejada on the same team... :drool:

BCWWF

12-10-2005, 05:21 PM

Well, Twins traded JC Romero to the Angels for a prospect. I guess Romero and the Twins were inevitably going to part ways, but I was hoping they could at least get a major leaguer for him. I thought he was going to be part of the Blalock trade, thats right, the Twins are getting Blalock.

Joey Slugs

12-10-2005, 05:21 PM

I think you're the 2nd or 3rd person to note this.

I was the first one to post with an offical article on it. :lol:

VonErich Lives

12-10-2005, 05:33 PM

I was the first one to post with an offical article on it. :lol:

my point is, it tends to be more something gets reported the less likely it is to happen.

The Miz

12-11-2005, 11:45 AM

Some tidbits.

Matt Morris: narrowed it down to SF and CIN
Ricardo Rincon: to STL
Brad Ausmus: might be signed by BOS to entice Clemens
Brad Lidge: on the trade block
Johnny Damon: Yankees and Orioles ( :| ) prepared to make offers
Bill Mueller: LAD dropped out, most likely will sign with PIT

Evil Vito

12-11-2005, 11:48 AM

<font color=goldenrod>LOL @ Ausmus possibly going to BOS

Poor Kelly Shoppach is never gonna get a chance, even as a backup</font> :lol:

Joey Slugs

12-11-2005, 01:40 PM

<table class="tablehead" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"> <tbody><tr class="stathead"><td colspan="3">Sunday, December 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/3340.jpg
Roger Clemens (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=3340)
Astros
</td><td>Yankees (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=nyy)?
Red Sox (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=bos)?
</td><td>Rocket Redux?
Dec 11 - Dec 11 - The Red Sox have reached out to Roger Clemens' agents to express interest in the future Hall of Fame right-hander, The Boston Globe reported. Clemens is said to have responded positively when told of the Red Sox feelers.
Clemens played his first 13 years for Boston, and Josh Beckett and Curt Schilling would love to have the Rocket. Beckett, a Texan, has always idolized Clemens, and Schilling credits Clemens with inspiring his career.
The Astros cut Clemens loose by not offering him salary arbitration. He could still return to Houston, but would have to wait until May 1.

</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>Angels (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=laa)?
Giants (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=sfo)
Mariners (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=sea)?
Dodgers (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=lad)?
Rangers (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=tex)
</td><td>No More Morris
Dec 11 - Matt Morris won't be returning to the Cardinals after he eliminated them as an option, The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported. Morris said he's narrowed his search down to two teams, with the Giants believed to be the frontrunners.
The Cardinals offered Matt Morris a deal worth about $13 million over two years, the paper reported Saturday.
The pitcher reportedly has three-year offers worth as much as $25 million from the Giants and Rangers.
The Cardinals' offer includes a club option for a third year that would push the deal to $20 million.

</td></tr><tr class="stathead"><td colspan="3">Saturday, December 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">Epstein, Theo
</td><td> </td><td>Epstein back to Boston?
Dec 10 - The Red Sox have told members of the front office that they'll try to bring back Theo Epstein, The Boston Globe reported Saturday. Epstein would not be the general manager, but would serve as an adviser, the paper reported.
On Oct. 31, he declined a contract to return as the team's GM.

</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/5888.jpg
Miguel Tejada (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=5888)
Orioles
</td><td>Red Sox (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=bos)?
</td><td>Tejada wants out of Baltimore
Dec 10 - The Red Sox called the Orioles and offered Manny Ramirez in exchange for unhappy shortstop Miguel Tejada, the Boston Herald and the Boston Globe reported Saturday. The Orioles, meanwhile, did not return phone calls from Baltimore executive vice president Mike Flanagan and manager Sam Perlozzo a day after asking for a trade, the Baltimore Sun reported.
In a telephone interview with The Associated Press in his native Dominican Republic, the All-Star shortstop had lamented the franchise's lack of progress and called for a "change of scenery."
"I've been with the Orioles for two years and things haven't gone in the direction that we were expecting, so I think the best thing will be a change of scenery," said Tejada. "I've done many things with the team and I haven't seen results and the other teams are getting stronger while the Orioles have not made any signings to strengthen the club."

</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>Orioles (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=bal)
Phillies (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=phi)?
Mariners (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=sea)?
Mets (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=nym)?
Angels (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=laa)?
</td><td>Manny scenarios
Dec 10 - The Red Sox called the Orioles and offered Manny Ramirez for shortstop Miguel Tejada, the Boston Herald and the Boston Globe reported Saturday. "The Orioles will explore trading for Ramirez," an AL source told the Herald. "It's a logical move to make, but I don't know how likely it is right now."
Earlier in the week, there was talk of a three-way deal involving the Phillies that would have sent Ramirez to the Dodgers, but it fell apart, ESPN's Peter Gammons reports.
The Red Sox told Gammons that Ramirez will not be traded this week because such a deal would be too complicated and take too much time to sort out.
The Mets have talked to the Red Sox about Ramirez and asked Boston to take second baseman Kaz Matsui in a deal along with Lastings Milledge, Aaron Heilman and other prospects.
According to the Globe, there was substance to the rumor that the Red Sox were working on a three-way deal with the Angels and Diamondbacks. The Angels would get Ramirez, the D-Backs would get prospects from the Angels and the Red Sox would receive a package of players that includes third baseman Troy Glaus.

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

Evil Vito

12-11-2005, 02:39 PM

<font color=goldenrod>Pavano Could Be Shopped
10th December, 2005 - 4:26 pm
NY Post - Carl Pavano could be shopped, though teams have to be wary of a right shoulder problem that forced him appear in only 17 games and none after mid-June. And there is $30 million and three years remaining.

Still, Seattle has an interest and the Phillies talked about him at the Winter Meetings.

The Yankees could deal Pavano to the Mariners for center fielder Jeremy Reed, an above-average defender who batted .254 last year in 141 games

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

Hopefully he goes to the Phillies so the Mets can rape him on a constant basis</font> :)

BCWWF

12-11-2005, 02:46 PM

Sorry VEL, but you called Joey Slugs out on nothing. He ended the speculation

The Miz

12-11-2005, 02:54 PM

Cashman has said previously Pavano is not for sale. I dunno though.

We definately don't want him, not for Reed anyway. We'll take him in exchange for Ryan Franklin, Greg Dobbs and Giambi's roid stash to give back to Beltre

Joey Slugs

12-11-2005, 04:26 PM

The Yankees could deal Pavano to the Mariners for center fielder Jeremy Reed, an above-average defender who batted .254 last year in 141 games

Reed will be an multi-time All Star in his career. I'm still pissed the White Sox traded him (could of used him for next season...thank god for Brian Anderson though).

VonErich Lives

12-11-2005, 04:59 PM

Of course I like the idea of Tejada for Manny, but the propsects they're talking about with the Mets also sound good...

I still say, keep Manny and just relocate his mistress to another country... Does his wife somehow think he wont cheat in another state?

The Miz

12-11-2005, 05:29 PM

What prospects are they talking about? Does New York even have a farm system anymore?

The Miz

12-11-2005, 06:11 PM

Matt Morris to San Francisco, 3 yrs 25 mil.

This makes no sense for Sabean. Morris is only 31, 9 year shy of the minimum age to be a Giants player. Is he trying to wreck team chemistry? :n:

Al Leiter wouldve been a much better signing

VonErich Lives

12-11-2005, 10:28 PM

What prospects are they talking about? Does New York even have a farm system anymore?

The Mets have talked to the Red Sox about Ramirez and asked Boston to take second baseman Kaz Matsui in a deal along with Lastings Milledge, Aaron Heilman and other prospects.

RoXer

12-11-2005, 11:38 PM

And what "other prospects" are they talking about?

VonErich Lives

12-12-2005, 11:39 AM

And what "other prospects" are they talking about?

Dunno, but Milledge & Heilman sounds like more then I thought they'd get.

Anyway, Mets GM said that he's out of the Manny sweepstakes because he can't afford him (in players or money).

and Tejada is now saying he was misquoted, and he doesn't want to leave. He was frustrated that they didn't keep BJ Ryan and didn't get Konerko.

Loose Cannon

12-12-2005, 11:41 AM

What prospects are they talking about? Does New York even have a farm system anymore?

lol yea

Joey Slugs

12-12-2005, 01:05 PM

<table class="tablehead" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"> <tbody><tr class="stathead"><td colspan="3">Monday, December 12</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>Giants (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=sfo)
Dodgers (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=lad)
Pirates (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=pit)
</td><td>Pirates eyeing Mueller
Dec 12 - Reports surfaced last week that Bill Mueller was on his way to Los Angeles, but the Pirates are making a late run at him, reports ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick. Pittsburgh has offered Mueller a three-year deal believed to be in the $12 million range, while it appears Los Angeles has offered a two-year deal. Mueller is expected to make a decision early this week. Mueller knows Dodgers GM Ned Colletti from his days in San Francisco, and he played for new Los Angeles manager Grady Little in Boston. It had appeared those previous relationships would steer Mueller toward L.A., but the Pirates are hoping Mueller will join newly-acquired first baseman Sean Casey and bring a positive veteran influence to a young club.
The Giants also have interest in Mueller, but it's probably contingent on the team trading Pedro Feliz.

</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>Astros (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=hou)?
Rangers (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=tex)?
Yankees (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=nyy)?
Red Sox (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=bos)?
</td><td>Rocket redux?
Dec 12 - The Yankees have had talks with Roger Clemens' agents about a possible return to pinstripes, The New York Daily News reports. The Red Sox also have made contact, according to the Boston Globe. "We have talked about things in general with the Yankees," one of Clemens' agents, Randy Hendricks, wrote in an e-mail to the Daily News. "We have told the teams that have called to talk to us in January because there is no rush, due to Roger's timetable."
Clemens, 43, has several options for next year, including retirement after two years in Houston. He might not decide on pitching until February or March, after pitching for the United States in the World Baseball Classic.
The Astros cut Clemens loose by not offering him salary arbitration. He could still return to Houston, but would have to wait until May 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/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)?
Phillies (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=phi)?
White Sox (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=chw)?
Mets (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=nym)?
Nationals (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=was)?
Marlins (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=fla)?
Red Sox (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=bos)?
Braves (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=atl)?
</td><td>Mets mull deal for Baez
Dec 12 - According to The New York Post, the Mets could swap righty Aaron Heilman for Tampa Bay closer Danys Baez if they wished. However, Mets officials have continuously stated that Heilman is very unlikely to be moved this winter, a stance that has shifted almost 180 degrees over the last year. Though Mets GM Omar Minaya talked with the Devil Rays repeatedly during the winter meetings, he remains unwilling to move Heilman for Baez, who has saved 71 games in the last two seasons and make $4 million in 2006, the last year of his contract.

</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>Dodgers (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=lad)?
Orioles (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=bal)?
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>No timetable for a deal
Dec 12 - Red Sox president/CEO Larry Lucchino said it was difficult to gauge when free-agent center fielder Johnny Damon would make a decision on whether or not to re-sign with the Red Sox, the Boston Herald reports. The Sox are believed to have discussed three- and four-year proposals with Damon?s agent, Scott Boras. The Yankees, Dodgers and Orioles are among the teams that have expressed interest in Damon.

</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>Orioles (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=bal)
Phillies (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=phi)?
Mariners (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=sea)?
Mets (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=nym)?
Angels (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=laa)?
</td><td>Manny scenarios
Dec 12 - It's all quiet on the Manny front. According to the Boston Herald, the Red Sox spoke with his agent, Greg Genske, on Friday and provided an update on their fruitless trade negotiations during the winter meetings. The Sox have made it clear that they want equitable value in return for one of the game?s top hitters. Hope that the Sox could swap Ramirez for disgruntled Orioles shortstop Miguel Tejada appears dim for now. The Baltimore Sun quoted a high-ranking Orioles official that a Ramirez-Tejada trade was "not going to happen."
Last week, there was talk of a three-way deal involving the Phillies that would have sent Ramirez to the Dodgers, but it fell apart, ESPN's Peter Gammons reports.
The Mets have talked to the Red Sox about Ramirez and asked Boston to take second baseman Kaz Matsui in a deal along with Lastings Milledge, Aaron Heilman and other prospects.
According to the Globe, there was substance to the rumor that the Red Sox were working on a three-way deal with the Angels and Diamondbacks. The Angels would get Ramirez, the D-Backs would get prospects from the Angels and the Red Sox would receive a package of players that includes third baseman Troy Glaus.

</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/5888.jpg
Miguel Tejada (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=5888)
Orioles
</td><td>Mets (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=nym)?
Angels (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=laa)?
Cubs (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=chc)?
Red Sox (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=bos)?
</td><td>Tejada denies wanting trade
Dec 12 - Miguel Tejada doesn't want a trade after all. Three days after telling The Associated Press that he wanted "a change of scenery," the Orioles' All-Star shortstop backed off those comments during a phone interview Sunday with Comcast SportsNet. "I never said I wanted to be traded," Tejada told SportsNet. "I said I want to see a better team. I don't want to keep losing like we have the past two years."
According to the Baltimore Sun, Orioles GM Mike Flanagan and other team officials reiterated that the goal is to keep Tejada in Baltimore. However, it is believed that owner Peter Angelos supports trading Tejada, and that at least eight teams are interested in the former MVP, who signed a $72 million, six-year contract with Baltimore before the 2004 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/5827.jpg
Jose Vidro (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=5827)
Nationals
</td><td>Cubs (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=chc)?
</td><td>Second helping for Cubs?
Dec 12 - The Nationals have not publicly suggested second baseman Jose Vidro is available, but they might have to consider moving Vidro now that Alfonso Soriano is in town and vowing never to switch to the outfield, the Daily Herald reports. If Cubs get interested, they probably could get away with giving the Nationals only Corey Patterson or Jerry Hairston since the Nats are looking for an outfielder/leadoff man.
Vidro, who missed half of the 2005 season with ankle and knee injuries, is owed $24 million for 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/7284.jpg
Jeremy Reed (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=7284)
Mariners
</td><td>Yankees (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=nyy)?
</td><td>Thanks, but no Yanks
Dec 12 - The Yankees have cooled on center fielder Jeremy Reed in a potential Carl Pavano trade, the Seattle Post-Intelligencer reports. Speculation on trades between the Mariners and Yanks had suggested New York would insist on Jeremy Reed's inclusion in any proposal for Pavano. But the pinstripes do not view Reed as a significant upgrade over Bubba Crosby, and Seattle would need to make bullpen components -- such as Julio Mateo, J.J. Putz, Rafael Soriano or some combination thereof -- a significant part of any deal for the right-handed starter.
New York also likes left fielder/designated hitter Raul Ibanez, but the M's would be reluctant to move him.

</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/5095.jpg
Brad Ausmus (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=5095)
Astros
</td><td>Mets (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=nym)?
Rockies (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=col)?
Angels (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=laa)?
Padres (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=sdg)
Diamondbacks (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=ari)
Astros (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=hou)
</td><td>Play it again, Brad
Dec 12 - The Astros are close to agreeing with catcher Brad Ausmus on a two-year contract that will keep him in Houston through 2007, the Houston Chronicle reports. Either Raul Chavez or Humberto Quintero will remain his backup.
</td></tr></tbody> </table>

Joey Slugs

12-12-2005, 01:09 PM

and Tejada is now saying he was misquoted, and he doesn't want to leave. He was frustrated that they didn't keep BJ Ryan and didn't get Konerko.

I call bullshit on this one (not on you VEL, but on Tejada). It's not like they were ever major contenders to sign Konerko and if Tejada thinks that they were... someone needs to sit him down and teach him a thing or two.

His agent must be in his ear on this one.

VonErich Lives

12-12-2005, 02:05 PM

I call bullshit on this one (not on you VEL, but on Tejada). It's not like they were ever major contenders to sign Konerko and if Tejada thinks that they were... someone needs to sit him down and teach him a thing or two.

His agent must be in his ear on this one.

When his comments first came out, someone brought up that a lot of things said in the dominican don't get translated/reported correctly. He's saying he said "change of scenery" meaning a better team in Baltimore, not being traded. My guess is the truth is somewhere inbetween.

I do love the players that take the highest offer on teams that have histories of not competeing and somehow think it's now going to change, not realizing they were just brough in to up season ticket sales.

McDoogle

12-12-2005, 03:03 PM

I do love the players that take the highest offer on teams that have histories of not competeing and somehow think it's now going to change, not realizing they were just brough in to up season ticket sales.

If you're referencing the Jays thats bullshit cause it wasn't that long ago that they won back to back world series. If you think the Jays don't compete in every game they play thats bullshit as well. They always played hard but never ever had the money the yankees or redsox have had.

The Miz

12-12-2005, 03:41 PM

Rangers pick up Vicente Padilla to replace Rogers

VonErich Lives

12-12-2005, 07:27 PM

If you're referencing the Jays thats bullshit cause it wasn't that long ago that they won back to back world series. If you think the Jays don't compete in every game they play thats bullshit as well. They always played hard but never ever had the money the yankees or redsox have had.

Umm yeah, I was responding and quoting talking about Tejada, so I'm sure I was talking about the Jays... :roll:

Not that long ago? over 10yrs, ok, not worth arguing weather or not that's a long time.

As for the "never had the money", when I asked if the Jays could afford these players, I was told how much money they have, how their owned by a huge company, they've always had money, just never spend it. So, which is it? do they have money or not?

My statement has nothing to do with how "hard a team plays", I'm sure the single A teams play really hard, but I wouldn't give them a chance against a major league club.

As for "they compete in every game they play", well yes... everyone competes, hence it's a competition, not sure really what your point was there.

Anyways, as I said, I was talking about Baltimore, but there are other teams, teams that get a superstar to sell tickets and then don't put a team around them and then the superstar acts "shocked".

Like when Clemens went to Toronto... left boston saying he wanted to be closer to home and compete for a championship and then after 2yrs? demanded a trade because he didn't feel they were trying to win.

Tejada is in the same boat now. A-rod was in the same boat in Texas.

Joey Slugs

12-13-2005, 03:08 PM

<table class="tablehead" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"> <tbody><tr class="stathead"><td colspan="3">Tuesday, December 13</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/5706.jpg
Nomar Garciaparra (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=5706)
Cubs
</td><td>Yankees (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=nyy)
Padres (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=sdg)?
Dodgers (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=lad)?
Orioles (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=bal)
Indians (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=cle)?
</td><td>Move over, Giambino
Dec 13 - The Yankees are considering signing Nomar Garciaparra to play first base, and several industry sources indicated an offer has been made, the New York Post reports. "I can't say anything, I can't make any comment other than to say a number of teams have expressed interest in a number of possibilities," Garciaparra's agent, Arn Tellem, told the newspaper.
The Blue Jays have ended their pursuit of Garciaparra, the Toronto Globe and Mail reports. stopped pursuing free agent Nomar Garciaparra. "We're done with him," GM J.P. Ricciardi told the newspaper. "He has more money on the table some place else."

</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/6631.jpg
Brad Wilkerson (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=6631)
Rangers
</td><td>Blue Jays (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=tor)
</td><td>Jays giving up?
Dec 13 - The Blue Jays' talks with the Rangers about the availability of either Brad Wilkerson or Kevin Mench aren't going anywhere, the Toronto Sun reports. Toronto had been interested in sending reliever Miguel Batista to Texas. "The price is too steep," Jays GM J.P. Ricciardi told the newspaper. "I think it's extremely tough for us to get one of them at this point. Right now, Wilkerson's off the market."

</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/7284.jpg
Jeremy Reed (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=7284)
Mariners
</td><td>Red Sox (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=bos)
Yankees (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=nyy)?
</td><td>Filling Johnny's spot
Dec 13 - If center fielder Johnny Damon leaves Boston, here's a possible Plan B for the Red Sox: Seattle's Jeremy Reed. The Red Sox and Mariners have discussed a deal, The Boston Globe reports, that would send pitcher Matt Clement to the Mariners for Reed, a center fielder.

</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>Royals (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=kan)
Blue Jays (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=tor)?
Cardinals (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=stl)?
Pirates (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=pit)?
Cubs (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=chc)?
</td><td>Separating from Twins
Dec 13 - Jacque Jones, who likely will reject arbitration from the Twins, has two multiyear offers on the table and three more on the horizon, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. Kansas City reportedly has offered Jones $15 million over three years.
The Mariners are no longer interested in Jones, the Seattle Post-Intelligencer 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/5945.jpg
Carl Pavano (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=5945)
Yankees
</td><td>Marlins (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=fla)?
Mariners (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=sea)?
Phillies (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=phi)?
Tigers (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=det)?
</td><td>Staying power
Dec 13 - According to The New York Post, the Yankees plan to keep Carl Pavano -- for now. The Mariners are believed to have interest in Pavano, who signed a four-year deal for just under $40 million last winter. The Yankees could use Pavano as a chip to upgrade their bullpen -- they have discussed righty Julio Mateo -- instead of asking for Seattle center fielder Jeremy Reed. That has been the much-speculated deal.
The most likely scenario is that Pavano remains in pinstripes, since the Yanks don't want to put too much pressure on less-established pitchers like Shawn Chacon, Chien-Ming Wang or Aaron Small and also could use the extra arms.
Pavano is trying to ignore any trade speculation. "I really can't control anything other than that," he told WFAN radio. "I'm trying to keep my mind off other things."

</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/5073.jpg
Carl Everett (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=5073)
White Sox
</td><td>Mariners (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=sea)
</td><td>M's, Everett talking
Dec 13 - The Mariners have offered a contract to outfielder/DH Carl Everett, the Seattle Post-Intelligencer reports. "I think we should have some kind of conclusion in the next two or three days," Everett's agent, Larry Reynolds, told the newspaper.

</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/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>Welcome back, Bernie
Dec 13 - The Yankees are moving closer toward bringing Bernie Williams back as an extra outfielder. Conversations with Williams' agent, Scott Boras, are ongoing and a one-year deal could be announced soon, The New York Post reports. The contract is believed to be in the neighborhood of $2 million, plus incentives.
</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/6077.jpg
Alex Gonzalez (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=6077)
Marlins
</td><td>Red Sox (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=bos)
</td><td>Another Fish?
Dec 13 - The Red Sox continue to explore replacements for shortstop Edgar Renteria -- who was dealt to Atlanta for top third base prospect Andy Marte -- and one possibility is free agent Alex Gonzalez, the Boston Herald reports. Gonzalez was not offered arbitration by the Marlins. "We have a list, and we're kind of walking down that list," Red Sox co-GM Jed Hoyer told the newspaper. "When we made the trade, we opened up a hole, and that's not something you often want to do. But we had an opportunity to get Andy Marte, and that type of opportunity is rare, so we had to take advantage of it."

</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/5966.jpg
Braden Looper (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=5966)
Mets
</td><td>Phillies (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=phi)
Cardinals (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=stl)?
Orioles (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=bal)?
</td><td>Looper scooper
Dec 13 - The Phillies are expected to complete a deal with reliever Braden Looper before the end of the week, the Philadelphia Daily News reports. The Orioles and Cardinals are also interested.

</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>Dodgers (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=lad)?
Orioles (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=bal)?
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>Let's make a deal
Dec 13 - Red Sox co-GM Jed Hoyer and president/CEO Larry Lucchino remain in contact with agent Scott Boras about re-signing Johhny Damon, the Boston Herald reports. The Sox are believed to have discussed three- and four-year proposals with Boras. "There has been contact with the Red Sox and Scott in the last few days, but I don't want to say if another offer has been made," Hoyer told the newspaper. "We want Johnny to come back here, and those negotiations are ongoing."
The Yankees, Dodgers and Orioles have also expressed interest in Damon.

</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/6167.jpg
Kris Benson (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=6167)
Mets
</td><td>Rangers (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=tex)
Royals (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=kan)
</td><td>Bensons love New York
Dec 13 - Kris Benson is solidly on the trading block, but he wants to remain a Met, The New York Post reports. "I understand the business and the rumors and [Mets GM Omar Minaya's] desire to put together a winning team," Benson told the newspaper. "I hope I'm part of it. "They had told me I would be a part of a [contending] team [when he signed last November]. It's kind of frustrating to be so immediately put into trade talks a year-and-a-half later.
"In Pittsburgh, I almost embraced the fact I could go to another team and start new. It's a little bit more frustrating when you enjoy where you're at."
Last week, Anna Benson, the right-hander's wife, phoned Mets COO Jeff Wilpon to address any misunderstandings after her recent incendiary comments. She also made a personal plea to Wilpon to keep her husband in New York.
The Royals' efforts to acquire Benson are still stalled but not dead, the Kansas City Star reports. According to Newsday, the Mets have also discussed a trade with the Rangers. New York would send Benson to Texas for outfielder Laynce Nix and right-hander Juan Dominguez.

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