MLB 2005-2006 Offseason Thread [Archive] - Page 4

Joey Slugs

12-15-2005, 01:09 PM

<table class="tablehead" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"> <tbody><tr class="stathead"><td colspan="3">Wednesday, December 14</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>Astros (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=hou)
Yankees (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=nyy)
Dodgers (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=lad)?
Indians (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=cle)?
</td><td>Four-team race for Nomar
Dec 14 - Nomar Garciaparra's agent, Arn Tellem, said Wednesday that Garciaparra hopes to make a decision on his next destination "by the end of the week," and might decide as early as Thursday, ESPN.com's Jayson Stark reports. Garciaparra, who is testing free agency for the second straight winter, is "zeroing in on four teams," Tellem said. The Yankees, Indians and Astros are known to be three of them. The Dodgers could be the fourth.
The Yankees view him as a guy who could bounce between first base and DH. The Indians want him to play right field. In Houston, he has been told he would play left field. The Dodgers are still interested in him at first base, left field or possibly both.
It's believed Garciaparra is willing to take a one-year deal for between $6 million and $8 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/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>Royal welcome
Dec 14 - The Royals are closing in on a contract with second baseman Mark Grudzielanek, reports ESPN.com Insider Jerry Crasnick. "It's not a done deal yet," said Kansas City general manager Allard Baird. "But we're looking to upgrade our defense and help our pitching staff. And the mental toughness of the players is important, too."
The Royals are also working to sign free agent Doug Mientkiewicz and revamp the entire right side of their infield.
Grudzielanek hit .294 in 137 games with St. Louis last year and combined with shortstop David Eckstein to help the Cardinals turn a major-league-leading 196 double plays.

</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)
White Sox
</td><td>White Sox (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=chw)
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>Vazquez to White Sox
Dec 14 - The White Sox have traded for starter Javier Vazquez, ESPN.com Insider Jerry Crasnick reports. The Diamondbacks will send Vazquez and cash to Chicago for pitchers Orlando Hernandez and Luis Vizcaino, and outfield prospect Chris Young. The deal is contingent on the players passing physical exams and the commissioner's approval.

</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/5126.jpg
Rondell White (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=5126)
Tigers
</td><td>Astros (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=hou)
</td><td>White visits Houston
Dec 14 - The Astros confirmed Tuesday that they recently met with outfielder Rondell White at Minute Maid Park, The Houston Chronicle reports. "He was in town, and we had a very good discussion with him, and we'll see where that leaves us," Astros owner Drayton McLane 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/5298.jpg
Joe Randa (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=5298)
Padres
</td><td> </td><td>Hot corner help for Bucs
Dec 14 - Now that the Pirates have lost out on Bill Mueller, they plan to turn their attention to Joe Randa, ESPN Insider Jerry Crasnick reports. The Pirates view Randa as a reasonably priced, dependable veteran who will help bring some stability to a young lineup. The team would like to play current third baseman Freddy Sanchez in more of a utility role.
</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>Worried about the Hurt
Dec 14 - The Orioles have not made first baseman/DH Frank Thomas an offer because they're unsure about his health, The Baltimore Sun reports. The Twins and A's also have expressed interest in the right-handed slugger.

</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/5984.jpg
Sidney Ponson (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=5984)
Orioles
</td><td>Phillies (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=phi)?
Rangers (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=tex)?
Cardinals (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=stl)?
</td><td>Suitors for Ponson
Dec 14 - According to the Baltimore Sun, the Cardinals, Rangers and Phillies are reportedly interested in Sidney Ponson, whose contract was terminated by the Orioles in August after his third arrest for drunken driving. The Rangers have coveted Ponson before. They nearly signed him to a deal when he was a free agent before the 2004 season, but Ponson instead returned to the O's.

</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>Giants (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=sfo)?
Nationals (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=was)?
Tigers (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=det)?
Cardinals (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=stl)?
Rangers (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=tex)
</td><td>To deal or not to deal?
Dec 14 - The Mets will continue to listen to trade offers for Kris Benson, The New York Post reports. The Diamondbacks and Royals no longer are interested, but the Rangers, Giants, Cardinals, Nationals and Tigers might be. Benson wants to remain a Met. "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."
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.

</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/5514.jpg
Scott Hatteberg (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=5514)
Athletics
</td><td>Orioles (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=bal)?
</td><td>Baltimore calling?
Dec 14 - The Orioles are looking for a good defensive first baseman who could split time with Javy Lopez, and Scott Hatteberg's name has been discussed, the Baltimore Sun 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/5103.jpg
Julian Tavarez (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=5103)
Cardinals
</td><td>Mets (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=nym)?
Yankees (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=nyy)?
</td><td>New York, New York
Dec 14 - The Mets are interested in Julian Tavarez, the New York Daily News reports. While Tavarez could command a four-year contract, a Mets insider said the team has not yet made a four-year offer. "The market for these guys is three or four years," agent Scott Boras told the newspaper. "I don't think there's any question. All the teams that are interested are in that range."
Tavarez had lunch with Yankees GM Brian Cashman on Monday in Washington Heights. Yankee sources said the team will not go beyond three years on Tavarez.

</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/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)?
Yankees (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=nyy)?
Dodgers (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=lad)?
Twins (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=min)?
Mets (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=nym)?
Astros (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=hou)?
Rangers (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=tex)?
</td><td>Dotel in NY?
Dec 14 - The Yankees have shown interest in Dotel, Julian Tavarez and Rudy Seanez, sources told ESPN.com's Jayson Stark, and one source said they are "very high" on Dotel, but they understand he is not likely to be ready by Opening Day. Dotel had Tommy John surgery June 6 and won't rush his rehab just to be ready for Opening Day. "This recovery process will take at least a year," Dotel told La Caribe, "and I don't want to do anything to interrupt it."
According to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Cardinals GM Walt Jocketty is seeking more bullpen help, concentrating for the moment on right-handers Dotel and Braden Looper, both of whom had arm surgery this year.
Dotel already has received multiple offers. Earlier this winter, he named four interested teams -- the Astros, Mets, Twins and Dodgers.

</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/chw.gif
Chicago (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=chw)
</td><td> </td><td>Long-term pitch
Dec 14 - Two White Sox starters, right-handers Jon Garland and Jose Contreras, will be eligible for free agency after next season, but GM Ken Williams doesn't want to wait until then to have their futures decided, the Chicago Sun-Times reports. "I don't have any desire to break up the rotation," said Williams, who has discussed long-term deals with the agents for both players. "That said, both Jose and Jon will be given the opportunity to stay beyond 2006. Should either rebuff that opportunity and decide to test the market, I'll respect that and move forward with our own agenda. That quest for impact players will never stop."
Williams said Garland and Contreras "will know when it's time to get serious" in contract talks, but he added, "It's getting to be about that time. Especially with an exploding pitching market that is nonsensical, our first priority is compromise. We'd fortify [the pitching staff] before doing anything else.
"We're not looking to break up anything. We're looking to add to it and get better for a long period."

</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/6138.jpg
Doug Mientkiewicz (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=6138)
Mets
</td><td>Royals (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=kan)
</td><td>Defensive specialist
Dec 14 - The Royals are attempting to sign 30-year-old Gold Glove first baseman Doug Mientkiewicz. "He's got a lot of teams interested," GM Allard Baird told The Kansas City Star. "But, yes, we have definite interest."

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

Joey Slugs

12-15-2005, 01:10 PM

<table class="tablehead" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"> <tbody><tr class="stathead"><td colspan="3">Thursday, December 15</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/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>Mig fighters
Dec 15 - The Baltimore Sun, citing industry sources, says Miguel Tejada's representatives have not backed down from the shortstop's trade request. But the Orioles, having met with Tejada's agents on Wednesday, remain confident that he'll remain with the team. Baltimore would have to be completely overwhelmed to deal Tejada, the newspaper reports. The Red Sox reportedly offered outfielder Manny Ramirez for Tejada, but they were informed that it would take more than that to complete the deal. Boston rejected a counterproposal that included Ramirez and two pitchers. The O's reportedly aren't interested in dealing for prospects.

</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/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)
</td><td>Young arm for Gathright?
Dec 15 - The Marlins may send pitching prospect Scott Olsen to the Devil Rays for center fielder Joey Gathright, MLB.com reports. Olsen appeared in five games (four starts) for the Marlins last season, going 1-1 with a 3.98 ERA. He had 21 strikeouts in 20.1 innings.

</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>Angels (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=laa)?
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>Damon not sold on Red Sox
Dec 15 - Johnny Damon, according to a person who has spoken to him recently, is wary of returning to the Red Sox because of the turnover in their front office, the Newark Star-Ledger reports. The person said that staying in Boston would be Damon's top choice sentimentally, but he expects Damon to sign with whichever contending team makes the best offer. The Yankees have told agent Scott Boras they are willing to sign Damon, 32, for four years, but Boras has said publicly Damon seeks a seven-year deal. Boras has told the Yankees he has teams interested in giving Damon five or more years, but that is a typical Boras negotiating tactic, so the Yankees are skeptical of the claim.
Before departing for Italy on Tuesday, Yankees manager Joe Torre made a recruiting call to Damon, Newsday reports. Damon, the newspaper says, will travel to Los Angeles this weekend to meet with the Dodgers.
In addition, sources have told ESPN.com's Jayson Stark that the Angels may be interested in Damon.

</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/4414.jpg
Rudy Seanez (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=4414)
Padres
</td><td>Rangers (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=tex)
Braves (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=atl)
Devil Rays (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=tam)
Red Sox (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=bos)
</td><td>Enough incentive for Seanez?
Dec 15 - The Red Sox have made an incentive-laden one-year offer to right-handed reliever Rudy Seanez, the Boston Herald reports. The 37-year-old Seanez also has received offers from the Braves, Devil Rays and Rangers.
</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>Longshot at best
Dec 15 - Baltimore would have to be completely overwhelmed to trade shortstop Miguel Tejada to Boston for outfielder Manny Ramirez, The Baltimore Sun reports. The Red Sox reportedly offered Ramirez for Tejada, but they were informed that it would take more than that to complete the deal. The Red Sox rejected a counterproposal that included Ramirez and two pitchers. The O's reportedly aren't interested in dealing for prospects.

</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/4789.jpg
Kenny Lofton (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=4789)
Phillies
</td><td>Diamondbacks (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=ari)
Dodgers (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=lad)
Orioles (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=bal)
</td><td>Westward ho?
Dec 15 - The Orioles reportedly made Kenny Lofton a one-year offer Wednesday, but the veteran outfielder may be leaning toward signing with the Diamondbacks or Dodgers, The Baltimore Sun reports. The Dodgers, The Los Angeles Times reports, have made an offer.

</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>Final touches?
Dec 15 - The Orioles and Jeff Conine's agent, Michael Watkins, are still discussing a variety of contract structures, The Baltimore Sun reports. A one-year deal worth between $1.75 million and $2.5 million is likely. At least three other teams are interested in Conine, though the Orioles appear to be the favorite.
"We certainly made a lot of progress in the last 24 hours," Watkins told the newspaper. "But I wouldn't characterize it as close to being done. We all want to make sure he fits with the club. It's nice that the Orioles want him back so badly. He is very excited about it. Jeff loves Baltimore."

</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/4737.jpg
Reggie Sanders (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=4737)
Cardinals
</td><td>Dodgers (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=lad)
Blue Jays (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=tor)?
Royals (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=kan)?
</td><td>Welcome to Chavez Ravine?
Dec 15 - The Dodgers have offered 38-year-old outfielder Reggie Sanders a contract, The Los Angeles Times reports.
</td></tr></tbody> </table>

The Miz

12-15-2005, 01:19 PM

lol, that's the Kenny Williams of old, trading El Duque/good prospect for crap and Rowand for an inevitable 60-day DL stint

The Miz

12-15-2005, 01:27 PM

But ROFL @ Steve Phillips saying Chicago has one of the best rotations of all time. WHAT A FUCKING DUNCE. Not even #1 in the AL.

Joey Slugs

12-15-2005, 02:01 PM

lol, that's the Kenny Williams of old, trading El Duque/good prospect for crap and Rowand for an inevitable 60-day DL stint

El Duque & Contreras were "crap" when they got to Chicago. People are saying the same for Vazquez.

That's the beauty of having the best pitching coach in the game.

But ROFL @ Steve Phillips saying Chicago has one of the best rotations of all time. WHAT A FUCKING DUNCE. Not even #1 in the AL.

Again, Don Cooper is what makes that statement true. The Sox now have 5 legitimate 20 game winners. They just have to find something for McCarthy to do while he's on the team. That makes 6 starters.

95% of the teams out there would drool to have our "problems".

Hey Miz... can you honestly name me one other team that has the chance to have five 20 game winners? I can't think of anyone.

Joey Slugs

12-15-2005, 02:13 PM

The Miz

12-15-2005, 04:29 PM

El Duque & Contreras were "crap" when they got to Chicago. People are saying the same for Vazquez.

That's the beauty of having the best pitching coach in the game.

El Duque went 17-9 with a 4.12 ERA in 1999 while winning ALCS MVP, he also had an ERA of 3.13 along with 12 wins in only 21 starts in 1998.

Who are these "people", btw?

Again, Don Cooper is what makes that statement true. The Sox now have 5 legitimate 20 game winners. They just have to find something for McCarthy to do while he's on the team. That makes 6 starters.

95% of the teams out there would drool to have our "problems".

Hey Miz... can you honestly name me one other team that has the chance to have five 20 game winners? I can't think of anyone.

Is this a joke?

You don't have "five legitamite 20 game winners". You have a 16, 14, 15, 18, 9 and an 11 game winner. You seriously do not have a chance to have more than 2.

Do you realize how hard winning 20 games is? 4 people did it last year, only 1 in the AL. Colon, Willis, Oswalt, and Carpenter are all each way better than your 2-5 starters.

Sure I can name a team that has a chance for five 20 game winners. Oakland A's. It won't happen, but that doesn't matter, the White Sox are highly unlikely to even have 2 anyway.

Barry Zito: 23-5 in 2002, one of most durable starters in MLB, has never missed a start.
Rich Harden: 10 wins in 19 starts in '05, dominated every time he was healthy, will have at least 1 Cy Young if he stays healthy
Dan Haren: won 14 games in his first year as a starter even after an awful first-half
Joe Blanton: easily AL's best rookie starter, 12 wins despite being in top 5 in worst run suport in AL.
Esteban Loaiza: 21-9 2001, consistenlt starts 30+ games

Out of this group, probably only Harden will do it, but out of yours, it will only be Buehrle. I am willing to bet my house that Vazquez, Contreras, Garcia, and Garland (he'll be traded anyway) will not win 20 games. Even if they did, so what? That would just be a tribute to Chicago's offense scoring alot of runs and their bullpen not fucking up. Do you dare to say all 5 starters will have ERA's under 4?

The pitching coach argument is stupid. A great pitching coach can't turn crap into not crap. Do you have a reason why every shitty starter Chicago had from 1988-2004 wasn't magically turned into Doc Gooden by Don Cooper? Vazquez was an above average NL pitcher and got raped in the AL. I don't want to judge him off one bad year in New York, but he had a 4.42 and a 1.25 WHIP in the NL and a pitcher's park. I guarantee you you will not see his Montreal lines again.

Chicago's pitching staff his great, no doubt. They have a 20-game win/Cy young caliber ace and 4 very solid starters. But, they're pitching staff is worse than 2005's (this may be too close to call, Garland is on the move) and they do not feature the AL's best rotation. They are not even close to an all-time top rotation.

Oakland starters > Chicago starters, in '06

The Miz

12-15-2005, 04:31 PM

Starters:
Buehrle
Garcia
Contreras
Vazquez
Garland

Bullpen:
Cotts
Politte
Sanders
McCarthy
Hermanson
Bajenaru
Tracey

Closer:
Jenks

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

I'm sorry, that is just fucking sick. Five #1 starters, two of the top set-up men in the game and a 100mph flamethrowing closer.

Name me some quality teams that would feature Freddy Garcia, Jose Contreras, Javier Vazquez, and Jon Garland as their aces.

Don't say KC Royals. Mark Redman is technically a #1 starter.

Joey Slugs

12-15-2005, 04:35 PM

But, they're pitching staff is worse than 2005's (this may be too close to call, Garland is on the move)

Oakland starters > Chicago starters, in '06

Garland on the move? He'll be resigned before spring training starts.

2006:
Chicago = Playoff team
Oakland = 2nd place if they are lucky.

RoXer

12-15-2005, 04:37 PM

(Vasquez was technically the D-Backs ace, Miz.)

RoXer

12-15-2005, 04:38 PM

Hey, remember that time the A's beat the White Sox 5 out of 6 times?

The Miz

12-15-2005, 04:39 PM

Do you pay attention? Garland has turned down a 3-year offer. He has stated he wants to test the market in 2006. http://www.dailyherald.com/sports/sportsstory.asp?id=132181

Oakland is so much better than the Angels right now its ridiculous. 2nd place if they're lucky? I know you probably won't but I'd loved to be humored with a reason why Texas or Seattle could finish ahead of them. Anyway, the topic wasn't standings, it was pitching staffs. Any comments about Oakland's?

Nice job ignoring 90% of my post, btw.

The Miz

12-15-2005, 04:40 PM

(Vasquez was technically the D-Backs ace, Miz.)

I know. That's why I said name a quality team. :p

RoXer

12-15-2005, 04:42 PM

Touche. :(

Joey Slugs

12-15-2005, 04:45 PM

El Duque went 17-9 with a 4.12 ERA in 1999 while winning ALCS MVP, he also had an ERA of 3.13 along with 12 wins in only 21 starts in 1998.

That was in 98 and 99. What did he do 2000-2004? Yet, I'm not the only one giving Cooper praise for what he did with that staff this past season.

Barry Zito: 23-5 in 2002, one of most durable starters in MLB, has never missed a start.
Rich Harden: 10 wins in 19 starts in '05, dominated every time he was healthy, will have at least 1 Cy Young if he stays healthy
Dan Haren: won 14 games in his first year as a starter even after an awful first-half
Joe Blanton: easily AL's best rookie starter, 12 wins despite being in top 5 in worst run suport in AL.
Esteban Loaiza: 21-9 2001, consistenlt starts 30+ games

Again. What Zito did was in 2002 not last year.

Harden? You said it yourself, "If he stays healthy". Sounds like the faith that the Cubs put in Prior: "He can be the greatest pitcher ever, if only he could stay healthy"

Haren hasn't proven that he can put together a complete season. Time will tell.

Blanton is the only one I can see having a shot at 20 wins, just not with the A's.

And Loaiza? I'll admit, it was amazing what he did for us in '01 but he'll never come close. His time with the Yankees & Nationals proved as much.

Joey Slugs

12-15-2005, 04:49 PM

Nice job ignoring 90% of my post, btw.

Sorry, I'm not as impatient as you. I took my time.

Joey Slugs

12-15-2005, 04:51 PM

Hey, remember that time the A's beat the White Sox 5 out of 6 times?

Hey, remember that time that the Sox won the World Series and those loses in Oakland didn't mean shit? Oh yeah. I do.

RoXer

12-15-2005, 04:54 PM

Too bad they're not better than Oakland though.

RoXer

12-15-2005, 04:54 PM

Because if they were, they should have won more than once.

Joey Slugs

12-15-2005, 04:54 PM

Do you pay attention? Garland has turned down a 3-year offer. He has stated he wants to test the market in 2006. http://www.dailyherald.com/sports/sportsstory.asp?id=132181

I was going based on an article I read last night that was talking about how Williams was set on the idea of locking both Garland and Contreras to long terms deals. I'm looking for the link now.

Loose Cannon

12-15-2005, 04:56 PM

The Miz

12-15-2005, 04:56 PM

That was in 98 and 99. What did he do 2000-2004? Yet, I'm not the only one giving Cooper praise for what he did with that staff this past season.

You said he had always been crap and Cooper magically turned him to gold. I was simply stating he had been great before he met Cooper.

Again. What Zito did was in 2002 not last year.

You're right, and let's look at what Zito did last year:
228 IP, 14-13, 171 K, 3.86 ERA, 1.20 WHIP.

Good enough to be better than three of your five "20 game winner/#1 starters"[/quote]

Harden? You said it yourself, "If he stays healthy". Sounds like the faith that the Cubs put in Prior: "He can be the greatest pitcher ever, if only he could stay healthy"

Prior has had 4 seasons to prove himself and has been injured in all 4. Harden has had 2 seasons as a starter, was fine in 04 and got injured in 05.

And Loaiza? I'll admit, it was amazing what he did for us in '01 but he'll never come close. His time with the Yankees & Nationals proved as much.

The whole point of all that was to show that A's had five 20-win quality starters. They do. Loaiza is one, hell, he's done it before. 20-game winners are all about the offense. Do you think Paul Abbott is a legitimate 17-game winner? No, he had an awesome offense.

Joey Slugs

12-15-2005, 04:57 PM

Too bad they're not better than Oakland though.

2005.

Chicago 99 63 .611
Oakland 88 74 .543

That would pace Oakland around 11 games back if they were in the same division? Hmmm.

Joey Slugs

12-15-2005, 04:59 PM

okay saying that's one of the greatest rotations of all-time like 4 months before start time is ridiculous. That's a real bold statement.

And five guys winning 20 is about as dumb as Eric Burnes (sorry Burnsie :( ) That's never happened or hasn't come close to happening in the history of baseball.

For the record, I never said that I agreed that the Sox have one of the greatest rotations ever and I never said that all 5 guys would win 20 games. I did say that they have a good shot at doing it.

The Miz

12-15-2005, 04:59 PM

How many times did Chicago have to play LAA or go pitch in Texas? How many times did Oakland get to play the Tigers and Royals? Regular season records aren't fair to compare when the division quality is so unbalanced.

There's no doubt that Chicago > Oakland in 2005, but I'm talking about 2006.

RoXer

12-15-2005, 04:59 PM

Paul Abbott? Wasn't he the guy with one hand?

The Miz

12-15-2005, 04:59 PM

I did say that they have a good shot at doing it.

Which is also very wrong

RoXer

12-15-2005, 05:00 PM

We're all posting at the same time here

The Miz

12-15-2005, 05:00 PM

Paul Abbott? Wasn't he the guy with one hand?

Nah, Jim Abbott.

Joey Slugs

12-15-2005, 05:02 PM

You said he had always been crap and Cooper magically turned him to gold. I was simply stating he had been great before he met Cooper.

No, I didn't say he was ALWAYS crap. I did say that he was "crap" when he got here. Cooper helped turn El Duque & Contreras around.

RoXer

12-15-2005, 05:02 PM

Nah, Jim Abbott.
THERE IT IS

Joey Slugs

12-15-2005, 05:04 PM

There's no doubt that Chicago > Oakland in 2005, but I'm talking about 2006.

2006 hasn't happened yet, but the Sox are holding together their team from 2005 (adding to it to make it better).

Going just based on that the Sox would have to be better than Oakland again.

Joey Slugs

12-15-2005, 05:05 PM

We're all posting at the same time here

:lol:

I do love a good debate.

The Miz

12-15-2005, 05:07 PM

Added:
SP Javier Vazquez
1B Jim Thome
3B Rob Mackowiak

Lost:
OF Aaron Rowand
1B Frank Thomas
SP Orlando Hernandez
DH Carl Everett
RP Damaso Marte
3B Geoff Blum
RP Luis Viscaino

Not really sure where they got better

Joey Slugs

12-15-2005, 05:14 PM

Lost:
OF Aaron Rowand - the trade can go either way right now
1B Frank Thomas - didn't play much, not as big of an impact anymore
SP Orlando Hernandez - hurt
DH Carl Everett - Thome will hit better
RP Damaso Marte - don't get me started.
3B Geoff Blum - no huge loss, he did come through when we needed it though
RP Luis Viscaino - again, no huge loss

The Miz

12-15-2005, 05:16 PM

No huge loss, you're right, I asked where they got better. Thome is way too risky to give up one of your best players. Hernandez/McCarty > Vazquez

Joey Slugs

12-15-2005, 05:57 PM

No huge loss, you're right, I asked where they got better. Thome is way too risky to give up one of your best players. Hernandez/McCarty > Vazquez

Rowand might of been the heart and soul of the team, but he wasn't exactly one of our best players. You never know, maybe Anderson has that same selfless mind in the outfield.

Vazquez is an improvement of over Hernandez (still unproven but El Duque lost too many games due to injury). A healthy Thome is an improvement over Thomas/Everett. And from what I have seen, Mackowiak is an improvement as a backup role for Crede (incase his back acts up again).

Add to that what Garland or Contreras can pull in the trade market (if that's what it comes to).

BCWWF

12-15-2005, 05:57 PM

All that matters is that Tony Batista is back in the US of A.

VonErich Lives

12-15-2005, 07:23 PM

Slugs, I know "last year was last year", but only one team had more then 100 wins and you think you'll have 5 starters with 20wins?

Yeah, it's possible, so it David Ortiz hitting a home run in ever single at bat, I wouldn't bet on it, but it "could" happan.

You have a good rotation, and that's about it.

The questions with Duqe and Contrares are age, no one knows their real age, and how injuries will effect them.

If you get .500 record and a sub 4.25 ERa from Vazquez be very happy.

The Miz

12-15-2005, 09:21 PM

Why did the Cards blow $15.9 million on Ricardo Rincon and Braden Looper, the most useless relievers of all time?

BCWWF

12-15-2005, 09:25 PM

I'm not sure if this is what Slugs is trying to say, but I would say the White Sox definately have five pitchers who could potentially win 20 games, but not five who will in the same year. For example Garland, last year I believe he had the most wins, but he obviously wasn't the best pitcher.

BCWWF

12-15-2005, 09:33 PM

I liked Looper on the Mets

The Miz

12-15-2005, 09:44 PM

Steve Phillips prediction watch, week 2:

AJ Burnett to Blue Jays RIGHT
Trevor Hoffman to Padres RIGHT
Ramon Hernandez to Mets WRONG
Matt Morris to Baltimore WRONG
Bob Wickman to Cleveland RIGHT
Todd Jones to Florida WRONG
Kenny Rogers to Dodgers WRONG
Ricardo Rincon to Yanks WRONG
Carl Everett to Nats WRONG
Bill Mueller to Dodgers RIGHT
Brad Ausmus to Astros RIGHT
Ray Durham to Mariners WRONG - This wrong counts double because Durham isn't even a FA and his option was picked up before this article was written
Jamie Moyer to Mariners RIGHT

Steve hit a surprising .429 this week to bounce back from his .083 effort last week. His 7/26 season average sits him at .269

Don't worry, I've looked at his other predictions. It's going down fast.

YOUR Hero

12-15-2005, 09:54 PM

I hope Tony Batista has a good year with the Twins. I've always liked him.

BCWWF

12-15-2005, 11:40 PM

Well he is a career 250 hitter or something, but his last three years in the majors he was right around 30 HR, which is something I can't complain about.

The Miz

12-15-2005, 11:42 PM

He's a good power option off the bench at under $1 million

The Icon of Elisim

12-16-2005, 12:30 AM

Didn't watch any Twins games but ESPN is making it look like they wanted someone to play a signficant amount of time at 3B since Cuddeyer isn't the answer right now.

The Miz

12-16-2005, 09:08 AM

The Mariners have had internal discussions about signing free agent Sidney Ponson.
Ponson has a good relationship with Mariners manager Mike Hargrove. "Sidney's going to be an asset to any club that picks him up," Hargrove said. "He has a long road ahead to re-establish himself, but Sidney has it in him. He's a good guy and a good competitor." The Rangers are also considering Ponson. Dec. 16 - 3:23 am et

Please god, don't do this to me

YOUR Hero

12-16-2005, 10:28 AM

First Loaiza, then Everett, now Ponson?

Miz, you are going to have to remind why I should remain a Mariners fan.

Gertner

12-16-2005, 12:57 PM

El Duque went 17-9 with a 4.12 ERA in 1999 while winning ALCS MVP, he also had an ERA of 3.13 along with 12 wins in only 21 starts in 1998.

Who are these "people", btw?

Is this a joke?

You don't have "five legitamite 20 game winners". You have a 16, 14, 15, 18, 9 and an 11 game winner. You seriously do not have a chance to have more than 2.

Do you realize how hard winning 20 games is? 4 people did it last year, only 1 in the AL. Colon, Willis, Oswalt, and Carpenter are all each way better than your 2-5 starters.

Sure I can name a team that has a chance for five 20 game winners. Oakland A's. It won't happen, but that doesn't matter, the White Sox are highly unlikely to even have 2 anyway.

Barry Zito: 23-5 in 2002, one of most durable starters in MLB, has never missed a start.
Rich Harden: 10 wins in 19 starts in '05, dominated every time he was healthy, will have at least 1 Cy Young if he stays healthy
Dan Haren: won 14 games in his first year as a starter even after an awful first-half
Joe Blanton: easily AL's best rookie starter, 12 wins despite being in top 5 in worst run suport in AL.
Esteban Loaiza: 21-9 2001, consistenlt starts 30+ games

Out of this group, probably only Harden will do it, but out of yours, it will only be Buehrle. I am willing to bet my house that Vazquez, Contreras, Garcia, and Garland (he'll be traded anyway) will not win 20 games. Even if they did, so what? That would just be a tribute to Chicago's offense scoring alot of runs and their bullpen not fucking up. Do you dare to say all 5 starters will have ERA's under 4?

The pitching coach argument is stupid. A great pitching coach can't turn crap into not crap. Do you have a reason why every shitty starter Chicago had from 1988-2004 wasn't magically turned into Doc Gooden by Don Cooper? Vazquez was an above average NL pitcher and got raped in the AL. I don't want to judge him off one bad year in New York, but he had a 4.42 and a 1.25 WHIP in the NL and a pitcher's park. I guarantee you you will not see his Montreal lines again.

Chicago's pitching staff his great, no doubt. They have a 20-game win/Cy young caliber ace and 4 very solid starters. But, they're pitching staff is worse than 2005's (this may be too close to call, Garland is on the move) and they do not feature the AL's best rotation. They are not even close to an all-time top rotation.

Oakland starters > Chicago starters, in '06

Gustavo Chacin > Joe Blanton

The Miz

12-16-2005, 01:00 PM

First Loaiza, then Everett, now Ponson?

Miz, you are going to have to remind why I should remain a Mariners fan.
Who's Loaiza?

I remain a fan knowing that one day Bavasi will be fired. They still have some cool guys on the team; Felix, Ichiro, Reed, Betancourt, Sexy, Kenji. Aside from Johjima and the Torrealba trade this offseason has sucked a dick.

Most of us around here keep the faith hoping that King Felix will be something special

The Miz

12-16-2005, 01:01 PM

Gustavo Chacin > Joe Blanton

I bet you can't give me one reason besides the fact that he plays for Toronto why that statement is true. I can give you about 500 why Blanton > Chacin

The Miz

12-16-2005, 01:26 PM

Royals signed Mientkiewicz, Grudzielanek, Elarton, and Bako

The Miz

12-16-2005, 01:40 PM

Boston has said they will trade Marte + Mota for Crisp, which Cleveland will agree to if they sign Nomar

Joey Slugs

12-16-2005, 01:45 PM

<table class="tablehead" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"> <tbody><tr class="stathead"><td colspan="3">Friday, December 16</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>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>O's not optimistic
Dec 16 - While the Orioles have talked to agent Scott Boras about Johnny Damon, they don't expect to see Damon roaming around Camden Yards on Opening Day, reports ESPN.com's Jayson Stark. "How can you not have interest in the guy?" Jim Duquette, the Orioles' vice president for baseball operations, told Stark Friday morning. "But the likelihood is not very high. It's going to be prohibitive, money-wise."
Duquette wouldn't discuss what the Orioles were willing to offer Damon. But indications are that, like the Red Sox and Yankees, they wouldn't want to go beyond four years for a player who just turned 32 last month.
Boras has been telling teams he already has "offers" of more than five years for Damon. But the four teams known to be interested -- the Red Sox, Yankees, Dodgers and Orioles -- all dispute suggestions that any of those offers came from them. And only the Red Sox (at four years, $40 million) have admitted making any formal proposal.
Duquette said the Orioles have done no more than mention to Boras that they're interested. But most of their conversations with Boras have concerned free-agent pitchers Kevin Millwood and Jarrod Washburn.
The New York Post, meanwhile, reports Damon is expected to visit the Dodgers this weekend.

</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>A's for the effort?
Dec 16 - Oakland?s trade for Milton Bradley this week doesn?t slam the door on their pursuit of Frank Thomas. But indications are that if the A?s do add Thomas, they would have to trade an outfielder to open sufficient playing time for him, ESPN.com's Jayson Stark reports. Without Thomas, Oakland would move Nick Swisher to first base, where he and Dan Johnson would split time and also DH. But if Thomas became part of that mix, Swisher would have to go back to the outfield, where there wouldn't be enough room for him, Bradley, Mark Kotsay, Bobby Kielty and Jay Payton. Kielty would seem to be most likely to be dealt.
Clubs interested in Thomas are waiting on a January medical report which is expected to clear him to run and resume most baseball activities.

</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>Astros (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=hou)
Yankees (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=nyy)
Dodgers (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=lad)?
Indians (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=cle)?
</td><td>Four-team race for Nomar
Dec 16 - Nomar Garciaparra likely will decide early next week where he is going to play next year, The New York Post reports. "Nomar is very pleased to have several attractive options for next season," agent Arn Tellem told the newspaper. "He is weighing all of them carefully and hopes to make the best decision for him and his family in the very near future."
The Yankees would like Garciaparra, 32, to play first base and DH. The Indians and Astros are looking at him as an outfielder, and the Dodgers view him as a first base option. Garciaparra, who has a home in Manhattan Beach, Calif., met with Dodger brass for several hours Thursday.
According to one of the teams interested, Garciaparra is looking for a base salary of $6 million with incentives. He made $8.25 million last year with the Cubs when he was limited to 62 games because of a groin injury. Nomar Garciaparra's agent, Arn Tellem, said Wednesday that Garciaparra hopes to make a decision on his next destination "by the end of the week," and might decide as early as Thursday, ESPN.com's Jayson Stark reports.
Garciaparra, who is testing free agency for the second straight winter, is "zeroing in on four teams," Tellem said. The Yankees, Indians and Astros are known to be three of them. The Dodgers could be the fourth.
The Yankees view him as a guy who could bounce between first base and DH. The Indians want him to play right field. In Houston, he has been told he would play left field. The Dodgers are still interested in him at first base, left field or possibly both.
It's believed Garciaparra is willing to take a one-year deal for between $6 million and $8 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/6099.jpg
Matt Clement (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=6099)
Red Sox
</td><td> </td><td>Welcome to Seattle?
Dec 16 - The Mariners are trying to acquire a starting pitcher in a trade with Boston, The Seattle Times reports. The Red sox called to offer right-hander Matt Clement for Mariners center fielder Jeremy Reed. According to multiple sources, Seattle is believed to have countered the Red Sox's offer of Clement with a request for right-hander Bronson Arroyo.
One East Coast source suggested a scenario in which Boston might make a deal even if it hasn't reached resolution in efforts to re-sign free agent center fielder Johnny Damon. But that seems unlikely.

</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)?
Cubs (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=chc)?
</td><td>Cub life?
Dec 16 - The Cubs are not opposed to offering free agent Jacque Jones a three-year contract, despite recent published suggestions to the contrary, ESPN.com's Jayson Stark reports. According to sources who have spoken with the Cubs, their list of desirable, left-handed-hitting outfield bats has shrunk so dramatically, they now appear willing to add a third year to their offer if that's what it takes to sign Jones. The Cubs also are now re-thinking Aubrey Huff, whose defensive questions had previously placed him lower on their shopping list. They have struck out in attempts to deal for Brad Wilkerson, Seattle's Raul Ibanez and Baltimore's Jay Gibbons.

</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/5984.jpg
Sidney Ponson (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=5984)
Orioles
</td><td>Phillies (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=phi)?
Rangers (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=tex)?
Cardinals (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=stl)?
</td><td>No shortage of suitors
Dec 16 - Sidney Ponson's agent, Barry Praver, told ESPN.com's Jayson Stark on Friday that Ponson probably will sign with some team next week. But an official of a team that once had interest said it would be difficult to negotiate a contract until the grievance is heard on the Orioles' attempt to void the rest of Ponson's current contract. He was due to make $10 million (with $3 million deferred without interest) in 2006 under that deal.
The Rangers, Cardinals and Phillies are among the teams known to have interest in Ponson.

</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/5127.jpg
Darren Oliver (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=5127)
Cubs
</td><td>Mets (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=nym)?
</td><td>Oliver the Met
Dec 16 - Left-hander Darren Oliver will sign a minor-league deal with the Mets that will make him $600,000 plus incentives if he makes the team, reports ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick. Oliver has a 87-79 record (5.07 ERA) in 12 seasons with six teams.

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

The Miz

12-16-2005, 05:18 PM

Yanks pick up Ron Villone from Fish

Dragon

12-16-2005, 05:34 PM

Yankees bullpen shaping up pretty decently compared to last year.

They seem to be focusing on Nomar a lot too, but I don't see him coming here for some reason. I was hoping something would happen this offseason that would get Sheffield out of right field and into the DH spot where he should be, but with this interest in Nomar it looks like Shef is staying put. I don't know how much more I can handle seeing him make basket catches and letting balls drop all the time. Not too sure how Shef being the full time DH would work either because there are so many players on this team that need breaks from playing the field.

VonErich Lives

12-16-2005, 07:05 PM

Boston has said they will trade Marte + Mota for Crisp, which Cleveland will agree to if they sign Nomar

I've heard the "rumor" also... this makes no sense. I understand Crisp is a decent young player (nothing special) and he's very cheap. But, WTF... deal for the prospect and then deal him for this? So, basiclly they delt

Hanley Ramirez
Anibal Sanchez
Jesus Delgado
Harvey Garcia
Edgar Renteria
11million cash

for

Josh Beckett
Mike Lowell
Coco Crisp

WTF.... this makes no sense unless someone knows something I don't, like Coco Crisp is about to break out or something. (I admit, I know little about him, just going off his stats, look nice, but nothing great).

Only way I consider liking this is if they have some Manny deal in the works and plan on maybe moving Crisp to LF and resinging Damon...

VonErich Lives

12-16-2005, 07:06 PM

The Miz

12-16-2005, 07:16 PM

A 26 year old with a .340+ OBP, 15/15 HR/SB, GG defense at two positisons is more than nothing special. I agree that Crisp is too much for Marte and Mota, but I'd rather have 26 year old Crisp for $400 K than 32 year old Damon for $10 M

The Miz

12-16-2005, 07:16 PM

Mariners are about to sign Washburn. Filled a need I guess, but why do they always have to sign Angels rejects that I hate?

Gertner

12-16-2005, 07:25 PM

I bet you can't give me one reason besides the fact that he plays for Toronto why that statement is true. I can give you about 500 why Blanton > Chacin

joe blanton
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR class=ysptblthbody1 align=right><TD class=yspdetailttl align=left width="6%"> </TD><TD class=yspdetailttl> G</TD><TD class=yspdetailttl>GS</TD><TD class=yspdetailttl>W</TD><TD class=yspdetailttl> L</TD><TD class=yspdetailttl>SV</TD><TD class=yspdetailttl>CG</TD><TD class=yspdetailttl>SHO</TD><TD class=yspdetailttl>IP</TD><TD class=yspdetailttl>H</TD><TD class=yspdetailttl> R</TD><TD class=yspdetailttl>ER</TD><TD class=yspdetailttl>HR</TD><TD class=yspdetailttl>BB</TD><TD class=yspdetailttl>K</TD><TD class=yspdetailttl>ERA</TD><TD class=yspdetailttl>WHIP</TD><TD class=yspdetailttl>BAA</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR class=ysprow2 align=right><TD class=yspscores align=left height=16>2005</TD><TD class=yspscores align=left height=16>OAK</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>33</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>33</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>12</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>12</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>0</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>2</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>0</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>201.1</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>178</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>86</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>79</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>23</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>67</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>116</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>3.53</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>1.22</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>.236</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

gustavo Chacin

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR class=ysprow2 align=right><TD class=yspscores align=left height=16>2005</TD><TD class=yspscores align=left height=16>TOR</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>34</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>34</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>13</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>9</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>0</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>0</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>0</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>203.0</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>213</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>93</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>84</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>20</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>70</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>121</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>3.72</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>1.39</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>.274</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

more wins and fewer losses for Gustavo, more innings pitched, less homeruns allowed, better record on a pooer team, more strikeouts

yeah, a TON of reason why Blanton is better than Chacin :roll

The Miz

12-16-2005, 07:47 PM

better record on a worse team,

Well W-L records mean absolutely nothing, so I shouldn't even respond to this. What do the offenses of Toronto and Oakland have anything to do with comparing Chacin and Blanton? Even though the Blue Jays had a worse record, their offense was slightly better than the A's in 2005.

Runs scored in 2005:
Toronto: 775
Oakland: 772

Team OPS
Toronto: .738
Oakland: .737

Joe Blanton was one of the top 5 worst-supported starters in the AL last year, and still managed to win 12 games.

]better ERA i believe,

Wrong. Blanton: 3.53, Chacin: 3.72.

Blanton also had a significant edge in WHIP and OPS allowed.

played in a harder divison

AL East vs. AL West isn't same as AL vs. NL. Surely the East has better offenses, but not enough to make a huge difference. Blanton still had to face New York and Boston, Chacin still had to face LAA and Texas.

Alot of rookies will have a hot few couple months and then the league will adjust to them and they will come back down to earth. Jeff Francoeur and Dan Johnson are prime examples. Gustavo Chacin posted ERA's of 2.48, 4.39, 3.51, and 2.97 in his first four months as a starter. But the league adjusted him, and he turned out a 5.30 in August and a 4.34 in September. Joe Blanton got off to a rocky start with a ERA over 13 in May, but soon adjusted to the league and posted a 2.06 in June. Chacin and Blanton were about as equal as two pitchers could get before the month of August. Blanton went on to post ERA's of 1.17 and 3.58. This is where the seperation of the two is apparent IMO. It's also why I think Blanton has a better chance of avoiding the sophomore slump.

The Miz

12-16-2005, 07:55 PM

joe blanton
<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" border="0"><tbody><tr class="ysptblthbody1" align="right"><td class="yspdetailttl" align="left" width="6%">
</td><td class="yspdetailttl"> G</td><td class="yspdetailttl">GS</td><td class="yspdetailttl">W</td><td class="yspdetailttl"> L</td><td class="yspdetailttl">SV</td><td class="yspdetailttl">CG</td><td class="yspdetailttl">SHO</td><td class="yspdetailttl">IP</td><td class="yspdetailttl">H</td><td class="yspdetailttl"> R</td><td class="yspdetailttl">ER</td><td class="yspdetailttl">HR</td><td class="yspdetailttl">BB</td><td class="yspdetailttl">K</td><td class="yspdetailttl">ERA</td><td class="yspdetailttl">WHIP</td><td class="yspdetailttl">BAA</td></tr></tbody></table>
<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" border="0"><tbody><tr class="ysprow2" align="right"><td class="yspscores" align="left" height="16">2005</td><td class="yspscores" align="left" height="16">OAK</td><td class="yspscores" height="16">33</td><td class="yspscores" height="16">33</td><td class="yspscores" height="16">12</td><td class="yspscores" height="16">12</td><td class="yspscores" height="16">0</td><td class="yspscores" height="16">2</td><td class="yspscores" height="16">0</td><td class="yspscores" height="16">201.1</td><td class="yspscores" height="16">178</td><td class="yspscores" height="16">86</td><td class="yspscores" height="16">79</td><td class="yspscores" height="16">23</td><td class="yspscores" height="16">67</td><td class="yspscores" height="16">116</td><td class="yspscores" height="16">3.53</td><td class="yspscores" height="16">1.22</td><td class="yspscores" height="16">.236</td></tr></tbody></table>

gustavo Chacin

<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" border="0"><tbody><tr class="ysprow2" align="right"><td class="yspscores" align="left" height="16">2005</td><td class="yspscores" align="left" height="16">TOR</td><td class="yspscores" height="16">34</td><td class="yspscores" height="16">34</td><td class="yspscores" height="16">13</td><td class="yspscores" height="16">9</td><td class="yspscores" height="16">0</td><td class="yspscores" height="16">0</td><td class="yspscores" height="16">0</td><td class="yspscores" height="16">203.0</td><td class="yspscores" height="16">213</td><td class="yspscores" height="16">93</td><td class="yspscores" height="16">84</td><td class="yspscores" height="16">20</td><td class="yspscores" height="16">70</td><td class="yspscores" height="16">121</td><td class="yspscores" height="16">3.72</td><td class="yspscores" height="16">1.39</td><td class="yspscores" height="16">.274</td></tr></tbody></table>

more wins and fewer losses for Gustavo, more innings pitched, less homeruns allowed, better record on a pooer team, more strikeouts

yeah, a TON of reason why Blanton is better than Chacin :roll
lol I don't want to respond to this because you can't be serious. So because Chacin pitched a grand total of 2 more innings and 5 more strikeouts than Blanton (and he had one more start) he's supposed to be better? If Blanton got one more start, pitched 3 innings and 6 strikeouts, where would your argument be?

Why did you ignore every average stat? Because Blanton beat Chacin (and not by 2 innings) and it would kill your argument?

WHIP: JB 1.22, GC 1.39
SLG: JB .394, GC .415
OPS: JB .300, GC .337

Using only stats that help your argument is pretty cool. Oh I forgot, Oakland's colassal offensive lineup of raging titans just pound the ball so hard that the poor little anemic Blue Jays couldn't help Chacin as much. My mistake.

YOUR Hero

12-16-2005, 08:09 PM

I hope the Jays land Jacques Jones.

Gertner

12-16-2005, 08:13 PM

lol I don't want to respond to this because you can't be serious. So because Chacin pitched a grand total of 2 more innings and 5 more strikeouts than Blanton (and he had one more start) he's supposed to be better? If Blanton got one more start, pitched 3 innings and 6 strikeouts, where would your argument be?

Why did you ignore every average stat? Because Blanton beat Chacin (and not by 2 innings) and it would kill your argument?

WHIP: JB 1.22, GC 1.39
SLG: JB .394, GC .415
OPS: JB .300, GC .337

Using only stats that help your argument is pretty cool. Oh I forgot, Oakland's colassal offensive lineup of raging titans just pound the ball so hard that the poor little anemic Blue Jays couldn't help Chacin as much. My mistake.

yeah cause the mighty jays with one batter that hit over 20 home runs was a power machine.

the point is, Blanton is not OBVIOUSLY better than Chacin

YOUR Hero

12-16-2005, 08:19 PM

I didn't see much of Blanton last year. Chacin I did. Early, Chacin was a world beater. Even in his loss', early he always looked poised and composed, kept battling. Later in the year, after the all star break he looked tired, he got his groove back later on in the year. I think he'll do well next season all things considered.

The Miz

12-16-2005, 08:19 PM

yeah cause the mighty jays with one batter that hit over 20 home runs was a power machine.

And the A's had two. So?

the point is, Blanton is not OBVIOUSLY better than Chacin

So I guess you've backed down from your original Chacin > Blanton statement then?

I never said Blanton was OBVIOUSLY better than Chacin. I said he was better. And he is. And I do think he will be obviously better in 2006.

The Miz

12-16-2005, 08:21 PM

I am willing to bet that (barring significant injury), Blanton will be > Chacin in IP, ERA, K, WHIP in 2006.

YOUR Hero

12-16-2005, 08:50 PM

NEW YORK (AP) - Doug Mientkiewicz (http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/player/85220) and the Red Sox (http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/team/71588) are going to arbitration to decide who owns the ball from the final out of Boston's 2004 World Series victory.

On the same day Mientkiewicz finalized a contract with the Kansas City Royals (http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/team/71593), the Red Sox (http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/team/71588) agreed to dismiss the lawsuit they filed last month asking for the Suffolk Superior Court in Massachusetts to order that the ball be returned to the team.
Instead, the commissioner's office filed a grievance Friday. Unless settled, the case will be heard by arbitrator Shyam Das.
"The grievance asserts Mr. Mientkiewicz has no ownership interest in the ball," management lawyer Frank Coonelly said.
Mientkiewicz was the Red Sox (http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/team/71588) first baseman when pitcher Keith Foulke (http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/player/85041) threw the ball to him on Oct. 27, 2004, for the final out of Boston's four-game sweep of St. Louis, the first Series title for the Red Sox (http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/team/71588) since 1918.
Mientkiewicz took the ball with him and, after the team asked for it back, he agreed last January to loan the special sphere to the club for a year. The players' association said as part of Friday's agreement, Mientkiewicz waived a provision requiring the Red Sox (http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/team/71588) to return the ball to Mientkiewicz by Jan. 1.
"The players' association strongly believed that this dispute belonged in the grievance procedure," union general counsel Michael Weiner said.
Management and union lawyers will meet to schedule a hearing date for the grievance.
Mientkiewicz was traded to the New York Mets (http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/team/71607) last offseason and had a terrible year. Bothered by a hamstring injury, he hit .240 with 11 homers and 29 RBIs in 275 at-bats. His deal with the Royals (http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/team/71593) calls for a $1.85 million salary and gives him the chance to earn $700,000 in performance bonuses.

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/5174176
####

I say the ball belongs to Mientkiewicz. There is no rule stating that the game ball belongs to the team. If that were the case, all the fans that have caught memorable balls wouldn't have had any claim to them. Either the MLB needs to ammend rules on ball ownership, or teams cannot claim ownership.

The Miz

12-16-2005, 08:52 PM

It's all part of the Royal conspiracy Hero. Mientkiewicz signed with KC to bring the ball to its rightful home

YOUR Hero

12-16-2005, 08:53 PM

RoyalGate

VonErich Lives

12-16-2005, 08:57 PM

I say the ball belongs to Mientkiewicz. There is no rule stating that the game ball belongs to the team. If that were the case, all the fans that have caught memorable balls wouldn't have had any claim to them. Either the MLB needs to ammend rules on ball ownership, or teams cannot claim ownership.

honestly, I could care less.

that being said, does MLB pay/supply the balls or the home teams? maybe the ball belongs to MLB, what about bats? jerseys? gloves? is the team pays/supplies it, isn't it like your job buying you a screw driver to use and then asking for it back and you trying to keep it?

As for the fans, that could be considerd a choice MLB makes, also I've seen the home club send people into the stands to negoatiate with somone to get a ball.

I was at a sox game I think Ortiz his 40 or something and they called out the guy who caught it and he came back with an autographed bat.

YOUR Hero

12-16-2005, 09:09 PM

VEL, don't start with your hypothetical shit. I won't tolerate it any further. I'm completely right, you are completely wrong.

Joey Slugs

12-16-2005, 09:43 PM

As for the fans, that could be considerd a choice MLB makes, also I've seen the home club send people into the stands to negoatiate with somone to get a ball.

MLB doesn't have people @ the games to get the ball back. It's the players that do that. A friend of mine caught Podsednik's home run ball from Game 1 of the ALDS and an offical from the Sox came out and asked him if he would like to exchange the ball for some swag. He ended up meeting Pods and getting another ball autographed, a bat, and a picture with him after the game.

It's not a MLB thing, it's just up to the player if he wants it for himself or not.

BCWWF

12-16-2005, 09:55 PM

I bet The Miz would like a picture with the Pod :p

The Miz

12-16-2005, 10:00 PM

I have one. 2001 Tacoma Rainiers bitch

VonErich Lives

12-17-2005, 03:20 AM

VEL, don't start with your hypothetical shit. I won't tolerate it any further. I'm completely right, you are completely wrong.

yes, I know age before beauty. :p

MLB doesn't have people @ the games to get the ball back. It's the players that do that. A friend of mine caught Podsednik's home run ball from Game 1 of the ALDS and an offical from the Sox came out and asked him if he would like to exchange the ball for some swag. He ended up meeting Pods and getting another ball autographed, a bat, and a picture with him after the game.

It's not a MLB thing, it's just up to the player if he wants it for himself or not.

I know your very busy in this thread right now, but please read before you reply.

As for the fans, that could be considerd a choice MLB makes, also I've seen the home club send people into the stands to negoatiate with somone to get a ball.

Gertner

12-17-2005, 11:00 AM

And the A's had two. So?

So I guess you've backed down from your original Chacin > Blanton statement then?

I never said Blanton was OBVIOUSLY better than Chacin. I said he was better. And he is. And I do think he will be obviously better in 2006.

saying you have "500 reasons why Blanton is better" prertty much states that its obvious.

Chacin 13-9

Blanton 12-12

that's all that needs to be said

RoXer

12-17-2005, 11:03 AM

lol

DaveWadding

12-17-2005, 11:35 AM

saying you have "500 reasons why Blanton is better" prertty much states that its obvious.

Chacin 13-9

Blanton 12-12

that's all that needs to be said

LOL. Go read up on baseball statistics before you try to come in here with shit like that. For your own sake, you fucking homer.

The Miz

12-17-2005, 11:45 AM

saying you have "500 reasons why Blanton is better" prertty much states that its obvious.

Chacin 13-9

Blanton 12-12

that's all that needs to be said

Do you honestly think win-loss records mean anything?

I was talking about Joe Blanton vs. Gustavo Chacin, why you're bringing Vernon Wells, Mark Kotsay, Orlando Hudson, Eric Chavez, Shea Hillenbrand, and Bobby Crosby into the discussion is beyond me.

Let me ask you something, who was a better pitcher in 2005?

Jon Garland: 18-10, 3.50 ERA, 115 K, 1.17 WHIP
Johan Santana: 16-7, 2.87 ERA, 238 K, .97 WHIP

How about these two?

Jeff Weaver: 14-11, 4.22 ERA, 157 K, 1.17 WHIP
Roger Clemens: 13-8, 1.87 ERA, 185 K, 1.01 WHIP

These two?

Brandon Backe: 10-8, 4.76 ERA, 97 K, 1.46 WHIP
John Patterson: 9-7, 3.13 ERA, 185 K, 1.20 WHIP

You are wrong on so many levels

RoXer

12-17-2005, 01:20 PM

Pretty sure hes being sarcastic

RoXer

12-17-2005, 01:21 PM

Lets hope at least.

Joey Slugs

12-17-2005, 02:56 PM

Do you honestly think win-loss records mean anything?

You seriously have to be joking to make a statement like that.

Or just seriously stoned.

RoXer

12-17-2005, 03:03 PM

You're all pulling my leg

RoXer

12-17-2005, 03:04 PM

Twisting my arm

RoXer

12-17-2005, 03:04 PM

Yanking my chain

VonErich Lives

12-17-2005, 05:52 PM

You seriously have to be joking to make a statement like that.

Or just seriously stoned.

Slugs, the issue with W/L records is it depends just as much or more on the rest of the team then the pitcher.

Unlike K's, Walks ERA which are all pretty much controlled by the pitchers ability, W/L requires the team to play good defense and score runs.

Who is a better pitcher?

20-2, 50K 100Walks 4.52ERA

OR

7-15 100K 25Walks 2.12ERA

VonErich Lives

12-17-2005, 05:56 PM

LOL. Go read up on baseball statistics before you try to come in here with shit like that. For your own sake, you fucking homer.

Once again another A-game post by Wadding.

Really, just log off and don't come back, you're by far the worst poster ever.

Now if you had responded with a point of view or opinion or facts, that would make you a better poster, instead you come out of nowhere in a conversation you hadn't been involved in and all you add is insults at LL Cool with no facts or info of your own.

Seriously, just go away.

Joey Slugs

12-17-2005, 05:57 PM

Slugs, the issue with W/L records is it depends just as much or more on the rest of the team then the pitcher.

Unlike K's, Walks ERA which are all pretty much controlled by the pitchers ability, W/L requires the team to play good defense and score runs.

Who is a better pitcher?

20-2, 50K 100Walks 4.52ERA

OR

7-15 100K 25Walks 2.12ERA
Honestly, I would take the 20 win pitcher because over the course of an entire season he kept his team in the game (in one way or another) to win 13 more games.

** But I do understand that some pitchers just get lucky (like giving up 6 1st inning runs but your team comes back with 7 in the 2nd and you are still inline for the win if you can outlast the 5th)**

I don't bank W/L records as bible (I'm really into sabermetrics) but they do hold water when it comes to ranking pitchers.

But yeah, Blanton is the better pitcher. :yes:

Joey Slugs

12-17-2005, 05:59 PM

...and all you add is insults at Slugs with no facts or info of your own...

This time around he was knocking Gertner, but thanks for the back up.

VonErich Lives

12-17-2005, 06:04 PM

This time around he was knocking Gertner, but thanks for the back up.

heh, yeah it was Gertner, even still, as much as a Putz Gertner can be, Waddings comments still weren't needed like that, especially when he's one of the first to cry that all I do is insult people who disagree with me.

I need a nap...

g-night.

Joey Slugs

12-17-2005, 06:06 PM

heh, yeah it was Gertner, even still, as much as a Putz Gertner can be, Waddings comments still weren't needed like that, especially when he's one of the first to cry that all I do is insult people who disagree with me.

I need a nap...

g-night.

Yeah, Wadding was the one who jumped all over me when I commented that the Cubs need help when it comes to their starting pitching (because the front office is blind to that fact).

Gertner

12-17-2005, 08:01 PM

the big point is it was said that there are "500 reasons why Blanton is better"

And I'm telling you that is pure crap.

DaveWadding

12-17-2005, 08:31 PM

Yeah, Wadding was the one who jumped all over me when I commented that the Cubs need help when it comes to their starting pitching (because the front office is blind to that fact).

We get it. You don't like the Cubs. You're jealous, that's fine. But I still think you need to worry about your own team. You don't see me running around here talking shit about the White Sux all the time and slamming their players and they moves they make and all that shit, so kindly raise up off my nuts.

Joey Slugs

12-18-2005, 03:14 AM

We get it. You don't like the Cubs. You're jealous, that's fine. But I still think you need to worry about your own team. You don't see me running around here talking shit about the White Sux all the time and slamming their players and they moves they make and all that shit, so kindly raise up off my nuts.

:rofl:

Yeah, ok there tough guy. Do you even live in Chicago?

Joey Slugs

12-18-2005, 02:04 PM

<table class="tablehead" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"> <tbody><tr class="stathead"><td colspan="3">Sunday, December 18</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>Astros (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=hou)?
Yankees (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=nyy)?
Dodgers (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=lad)
Indians (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=cle)?
</td><td>Nomar's L.A. Story
Dec 18 - Nomar Garciaparra has agreed in principle with the Dodgers, ESPN's Peter Gammons has confirmed. Garciaparra, who still needs to take a physical and finalize contract details, will likely play first base for the Dodgers.
The Yankees, Astros and Indians were originally interested in Garciaparra but we're told by Garciaparra's agent, Arn Tellum, of his choice to join the Dodgers.

</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/6983.jpg
Coco Crisp (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=6983)
Indians
</td><td>Red Sox (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=bos)?
</td><td>Crisp not turning over
Dec 18 - With the Dodgers reaching agreement with Nomar Garciaparra, it makes less likely that the Indians will be looking to deal outfielder Coco Crisp, The Boston Globe reported. In a deal for Crisp, the Red Sox likely would have to give up Matt Clement or Bronson Arroyo.

</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/4414.jpg
Rudy Seanez (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=4414)
Padres
</td><td>Devil Rays (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=tam)?
Rangers (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=tex)?
Braves (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=atl)
Red Sox (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=bos)
</td><td>Second set of Sox
Dec 18 - Reliever Rudy Seanez, who had a short tour with the Red Sox in 2003, are closing in on a one-year, incentive-laden deal, the Boston Herald reported. "We've worked out an agreement in principle for next year with a club option for another year," Seanez' agent, David Schwartz, told the Herald Saturday. "We need to work through some final details, and hopefully, we'll be able to come to an agreement this coming week."
The Braves have made a one-year offer (with plenty of incentives) to Seanez, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports. Seanez pitched for Atlanta in 1998-2000 and again late in 2001.
Tampa Bay is also interested in the setup man, who had a resurgence last season with San Diego, going 7-1 with a 2.69 ERA in a career-high 57 appearances.
Seanez made $550,000 last season and wasn't offered arbitration by the Padres, so he won't cost the team that signs him a draft pick.

</td></tr><tr class="stathead"><td colspan="3">Saturday, December 17</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>O's not optimistic
Dec 17 - While the Orioles have talked to agent Scott Boras about Johnny Damon, they don't expect to see Damon roaming around Camden Yards on Opening Day, reports ESPN.com's Jayson Stark. "How can you not have interest in the guy?" Jim Duquette, the Orioles' vice president for baseball operations, told Stark Friday morning. "But the likelihood is not very high. It's going to be prohibitive, money-wise."
Duquette wouldn't discuss what the Orioles were willing to offer Damon. But indications are that, like the Red Sox and Yankees, they wouldn't want to go beyond four years for a player who just turned 32 last month.
Boras has been telling teams he already has "offers" of more than five years for Damon. But the four teams known to be interested -- the Red Sox, Yankees, Dodgers and Orioles -- all dispute suggestions that any of those offers came from them. And only the Red Sox (at four years, $40 million) have admitted making any formal proposal.
Duquette said the Orioles have done no more than mention to Boras that they're interested. But most of their conversations with Boras have concerned free-agent pitchers Kevin Millwood and Jarrod Washburn.
The New York Post, meanwhile, reports Damon is expected to visit the Dodgers this weekend. However, ESPN's Peter Gammons reports the Dodgers canceled the meeting and one team official says "it isn't happening. Period."

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

The Outlaw

12-18-2005, 05:02 PM

the big point is it was said that there are "500 reasons why Blanton is better"

And I'm telling you that is pure crap.

Yeah word, there's only 499 reasons.

MVP

12-18-2005, 06:18 PM

Dodgers looking more like the 03 Red Sox every day

Gertner

12-18-2005, 11:11 PM

Yeah word, there's only 499 reasons.

hardly. Chacin will win at least 15 games this year

The Miz

12-18-2005, 11:32 PM

You seriously have to be joking to make a statement like that.

Or just seriously stoned.

W-L is way too dependent on factors out of the pitcher's control that it is not credible as a stat for comparing pitchers.

Since I talked about Blanton's poor run support, I'll use him as an example with Mike Mussina.

Blanton
4/24 vs. LAA: 8 IP, 1 ER, 1 HR, 6 H, 2 K, 1 BB (L 1-0)
7/26 vs. CLE: 7 IP, 1 ER, 3 H, 7 K, 4 BB (L 2-0)
8/31 vs. LAA: 8 IP, 2 ER, 6 H, 10 K, 1 BB (L 2-1)

Mussina
4/21 vs. TOR: 5.1 IP, 3 ER, 10 H, 5 K, 1 BB (W 4-3)
7/14 vs. BOS: 6 IP, 5 ER, 8 H, 6 K, 3 BB (W 8-6)
8/29 vs. SEA: 3 IP, 4 ER, 6 H, 0 K, 4 BB (W 7-4)

Is it Blanton's fault he doesn't have Rodriguez, Matsui, Jeter and Giambi on his team?

Joe Blanton: 0-3, 1.57 ERA, 19 K, 0.91 WHIP
Mike Mussina: 3-0, 7.54 ERA, 11 K, 2.23 WHIP

Take your pick

The Miz

12-18-2005, 11:35 PM

the big point is it was said that there are "500 reasons why Blanton is better"

And I'm telling you that is pure crap.

My big point was that Blanton was the AL's best rookie pitcher in 2005. Your point was Chacin > Blanton, as soon as I shot that down you changed your point. 500 is obviously a hyperbole, forget I even said that.

MY POINT: Blanton > Chacin. Care to combat the big issue instead of an obviously exaggerated number?

The Miz

12-18-2005, 11:36 PM

hardly. Chacin will win at least 15 games this year

Doubt it, you still have no offense past Wells/Overbay, but even if he doesn't, who cares? I'd be more excited about Chacin's chances to put up 200+ IP, 100+ K, sub-3.50 ERA. If the offense and the bullpen can't get the job done, not his fault.

YOUR Hero

12-18-2005, 11:40 PM

I think Chacin will put up those type of numbers next year.

The Miz

12-18-2005, 11:42 PM

I still think Chacin has a much greater chance of hitting the sophomore slump than Blanton or Kazmir but he should put up a very solid year and be among the AL's 5 best #3 starters.

YOUR Hero

12-18-2005, 11:46 PM

I'd agree to that latter part. Didn't see enough of Blanton or Kazmir to agree or disagree with the first part of your statement.

Jesus Shuttlesworth

12-19-2005, 02:38 AM

Thank God Nomar isn't signing with the Yankees. He was always my favorite player on the Sox, and still is one of my favorites now, but if he signed with the Yanks I think I would have had to throw my Nomar bobblehead out of a 3rd story window.

Gertner

12-19-2005, 01:54 PM

Doubt it, you still have no offense past Wells/Overbay, but even if he doesn't, who cares? I'd be more excited about Chacin's chances to put up 200+ IP, 100+ K, sub-3.50 ERA. If the offense and the bullpen can't get the job done, not his fault.

he'll put up great numbers. Hopfully the jays can add another bat. no too kean on them talking about dealing hillenbrand though

BCWWF

12-19-2005, 03:51 PM

Why even get excited about young pitchers being good when none of them will come close to Francisco Lariano?

Joey Slugs

12-19-2005, 05:04 PM

<table class="tablehead" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"> <tbody><tr class="stathead"><td colspan="3">Monday, December 19</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/5819.jpg
Brett Tomko (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=5819)
Giants
</td><td>Padres (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=sdg)?
Dodgers (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=lad)?
</td><td>Westside connection
Dec 19 - Right-hander Brett Tomko is one in a small handful of pitchers the Dodgers are chasing, but he also is considering signing with the Padres, The Los Angeles 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/5995.jpg
Jarrod Washburn (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=5995)
Angels
</td><td>Mariners (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=sea)?
</td><td>Mariner mission
Dec 19 - According to the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, the Mariners hope the final details on a four-year deal with Jarrod Washburn will be wrapped up in the next day or so and the left-handed starting pitcher can undergo the mandatory physical exam. The deal is worth $36 million to $38 million, The Tacoma News Tribune reports.
Washburn, who has a history with Seattle GM Bill Bavasi (previously the Angels GM from 1994-99), has spent his entire eight-year career with the Angels and is 75-57 with a 3.93 ERA.

</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>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>Return to Beantown?
Dec 19 - Center fielder Johnny Damon declined the Red Sox's offer of arbitration, the Boston Herald reports. By doing so, Damon will effectively set a Jan. 8 deadline for re-signing with the Red Sox. If he is not signed by that date, he cannot negotiate with the Sox until May 15. ESPN's Peter Gammons reports the Dodgers canceled a meeting with Damon and one team official says "it isn't happening. Period."
While the Orioles have talked to agent Scott Boras about Damon, they don't expect to see Damon roaming around Camden Yards on Opening Day, reports ESPN.com's Jayson Stark.
"How can you not have interest in the guy?" Jim Duquette, the Orioles' vice president for baseball operations, told Stark. "But the likelihood is not very high. It's going to be prohibitive, money-wise."
Duquette wouldn't discuss what the Orioles were willing to offer Damon. But indications are that, like the Red Sox and Yankees, they wouldn't want to go beyond four years for a player who just turned 32 last month.
Boras has been telling teams he already has "offers" of more than five years for Damon. But the teams known to be interested -- the Red Sox, Yankees and Orioles -- all dispute suggestions that any of those offers came from them. And only the Red Sox (at four years, $40 million) have admitted making any formal proposal.
Duquette said the Orioles have done no more than mention to Boras that they're interested. But most of their conversations with Boras have concerned free-agent pitcher Kevin Millwood.

</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/6237.jpg
Byung-Hyun Kim (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=6237)
Rockies
</td><td>Rockies (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=col)?
</td><td>Rocky Mountain high
Dec 19 - The Rockies would like to bring back Byung-Hyun Kim, but it's going to be for about one-fifth of the $6 million he earned last year, and Kim will have to reclaim his spot in the rotation, the Rocky Mountain News reports. The Rockies see Kim adding depth to their rotation, and what makes him especially attractive is his age -- he turns 27 on Jan. 19. Before finalizing the deal, though, the Rockies want a sit-down with Kim in which they can make sure he understands his role.

</td></tr><tr class="colhead"><td width="65">WHO</td><td>INTERESTED</td><td>THE SKINNY</td></tr><tr class="oddrow" valign="top"><td align="center" nowrap="nowrap">http://espn.go.com/i/mlb/profiles/players/5590.jpg
Tony Graffanino (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=5590)
Red Sox
</td><td> </td><td>Graffanino will try arbitration
Dec 19 - According to the Boston Herald, Tony Graffanino will be staying with the Red Sox -- for now, at least. Graffanino is expected to accept the team's offer for salary arbitration. The decision effectively takes Graffanino off the free-agent market and binds him to the Sox entering spring training of 2006. A 33-year-old veteran of 10 major league seasons, Graffanino earned $1.1 million last season in the second year of a two-year, $2.2 million deal. He finished the year with a .309 average, seven home runs and 38 RBI in time split with the Sox and Royals, meaning he could be in position to earn roughly $2 million in arbitration.

</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/4789.jpg
Kenny Lofton (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=4789)
Phillies
</td><td>Diamondbacks (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=ari)
Dodgers (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=lad)
Orioles (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=bal)
</td><td>L.A. story
Dec 19 - The Dodgers also are close to an agreement on a one-year contract with Kenny Lofton, The Los Angeles Times reports. Lofton, 38, would play center field much of the time, leaving J.D. Drew in right field. Lofton batted .335 and stole 22 bases in 25 attempts in 110 games for the Phillies 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/4737.jpg
Reggie Sanders (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=4737)
Cardinals
</td><td>Dodgers (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=lad)
Blue Jays (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=tor)?
Royals (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=kan)?
</td><td>Designated role
Dec 19 - Dodgers GM Ned Colletti had hoped to add veteran Reggie Sanders in left field, but has found competition from American League teams that view Sanders as a designated hitter and are perhaps willing to give him more than a one-year deal, The Los Angeles 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/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)?
Yankees (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=nyy)?
Dodgers (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=lad)?
Twins (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=min)?
Mets (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=nym)?
Astros (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=hou)?
Rangers (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=tex)?
</td><td>A Bronx tale?
Dec 19 - Free-agent reliever Octavio Dotel will most likely choose a team soon, and the Yankees feel good about their chances, The New York Post reports. Dotel, a hard-throwing righty coming off Tommy John surgery, received 11 offers this winter and piqued the interest of both the Yankees and Mets. The 32-year-old whittled down his choices to four teams in the last week, and the Yankees showed more substantial interest than the Mets, according to a source.

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

BCWWF

12-19-2005, 06:31 PM

Look at Dotel's description. It's all the New York media speculating that the Yankees are going to get him. "According to a source" basically means completely unreliable. But as long as "The Yankees feel good about their chances" you know that he must be going there. One of their 20 different newspapers says so!

VonErich Lives

12-19-2005, 07:47 PM

Graffanino being back makes me happy.

(insert Miz or Hero joke here) :)

The Miz

12-19-2005, 08:15 PM

Why even get excited about young pitchers being good when none of them will come close to Francisco Lariano?

http://www.ktcr.com/articles/images/hernandez.jpg

MVP

12-19-2005, 11:55 PM

Does Graffanino also play 1B?

12-20-2005, 12:26 AM

i swear Nomar's nose has grown since i've seen him in a Cubs uni.

The Miz

12-20-2005, 01:08 AM

Does Graffanino also play 1B?

He did in Kansas City this year for the first time in his career really, he has 26 games there. Don't expect Boston to settle with Graffanino at first.

The Miz

12-20-2005, 01:17 AM

WOOOOOOOOOOO RYAN FRANKLIN NON-TENDERED WOOOOOOOOOO

BCWWF

12-20-2005, 01:40 AM

I wouldn't mind Graffanino on my team, to be honest. Besides the playoff blunder he is a solid infielder.

VonErich Lives

12-20-2005, 01:01 PM

He did in Kansas City this year for the first time in his career really, he has 26 games there. Don't expect Boston to settle with Graffanino at first.

Considering the current 1B is Youkillis, I could see him platooning there, then again, we don't have a start SS yet either... so who knows.

VonErich Lives

12-20-2005, 01:03 PM

just heard that Pedro Martinez has said 3months after he last pitched, his big toe is still sore and he wants to play in the World Baseball tourny, but it depends on his health.

3months and his toe still hurts? something like that on a small frame power pitcher could kill him next season...

Joey Slugs

12-20-2005, 01:27 PM

<table class="tablehead" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"> <tbody><tr class="stathead"><td colspan="3">Tuesday, December 20</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>Red Sox (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=bos)?
Orioles (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=bal)?
Rangers (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=tex)
Nationals (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=was)?
Dodgers (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=lad)?
Mariners (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=sea)
</td><td>Rangers move on Millwood
Dec 20 - Kevin Millwood will visit with Rangers officials Tuesday, The Dallas Morning News reports. The 31-year-old right-hander is the first free-agent pitcher to agree to visit Texas this winter. Millwood reportedly has four-year offers in the $45 million to $50 million range from Seattle and an unnamed East Coast team believed to be Baltimore, Boston or Washington.

</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)?
Indians (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=cle)
Red Sox (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=bos)
Yankees (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=nyy)?
Dodgers (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=lad)?
Twins (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=min)?
Mets (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=nym)?
Astros (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=hou)?
Rangers (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=tex)?
</td><td>A Bronx tale?
Dec 20 - Though talks cooled Monday night, the Yankees appear to be leading the Mets, Indians, Rangers and Red Sox in the pursuit of reliever Octavio Dotel, Newsday reports. Dotel may sign as early as Tuesday afternoon. The hard-throwing right-hander is coming off Tommy John surgery and has received 11 offers this offseason, 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="oddrow" 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>Blockbuster unlikely
Dec 20 - According to the Baltimore Sun, the Orioles haven't spoken to Miguel Tejada's representatives since last week, and the club appears determined to keep its franchise player -- unless they are completely overwhelmed by a deal. They remain in talks with a couple of teams, including the Cubs. Teammate Brian Roberts, one of Tejada's closest friends on the O's, expects the All-Star and former AL MVP to remain with the franchise. Roberts talked to the disgruntled shortstop recently and came away thinking that Tejada was simply speaking out of frustration when he made a public request for a "change of scenery."
"He said, 'I just want to win. If they are committed to winning, then I want to be here,'" Roberts told the newspaper. "And I said: 'You know what? That's your right.' I can't hold that against him. I think he also understands that he signed a contract to come here and play, and he wants to win here."
The Red Sox reportedly offered outfielder Manny Ramirez for Tejada, but they were informed that it would take more than that to complete the deal. Boston rejected a counterproposal that included Ramirez and two pitchers. The O's aren't interested in dealing for prospects.

</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>Sweet home Chicago?
Dec 20 - While still trying to make a trade for a right fielder, the Cubs confirmed that they have made an offer to free agent Jacque Jones, the Daily Herald reports. GM Jim Hendry would not reveal the nature of the offer, but reports out of Minnesota have it as either one or two years. Jones made $5 million for the Twins in 2005, when he batted .249 with 23 home runs, 73 RBI and an on-base percentage of .319.

</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>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)?
</td><td>Yankee pride?
Dec 20 - Johnny Damon rejected the Red Sox's offer of arbitration, meaning the Sox face a Jan. 8 deadline to sign the free agent center fielder or lose their rights to negotiate with him until May 1, the Boston Globe reports. The Sox remain the only club known to have made Damon an offer -- a four-year, $40 million package CEO Larry Lucchino and Hoyer presented to agent Scott Boras during the winter meetings.
With the Dodgers expected to sign free agent Kenny Lofton, the Yankees appear to be the best fit for Damon. The Orioles also have interest.
"There are a number of teams involved," Boras said late Sunday night. "I spoke with the Red Sox last week. Talks continue. Johnny has visited with teams, has had conversations with a number of them."

</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/4789.jpg
Kenny Lofton (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=4789)
Phillies
</td><td>Diamondbacks (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=ari)
Dodgers (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=lad)
Orioles (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=bal)
</td><td>L.A. story
Dec 20 - The Dodgers have agreed in principle on a one-year, $3.85 million deal with Kenny Lofton, the Los Angeles Daily News reports. Lofton's deal carries bonuses of $50,000 for each of 350, 400 and 450 plate appearances, meaning he can earn as much as $4 million. Lofton, 38, will play center field much of the time, leaving J.D. Drew in right. Lofton batted .335 and stole 22 bases in 25 attempts in 110 games for the Phillies 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/7133.jpg
Dontrelle Willis (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=7133)
Marlins
</td><td> </td><td>One-year ticket for D-Train
Dec 20 - The Marlins and the agent for Dontrelle Willis have made progress on a one-year contract, the Palm Beach Post reports. "Certainly where they started is reasonable," Matt Sosnick told the newspaper. "We've talked a few times, and it's been very open, very polite." Willis, who's eligible for arbitration, is expected to sign for around $4 million, the salary he likely would receive in arbitration. Sosnick does not expect the process to reach arbitration.
"I feel that the Marlins recognize how valuable he is to the team, and I am not sure what they could say about him that is bad," Sosnick said, referring to the arbitration process.

</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/6266.jpg
Gil Meche (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=6266)
Mariners
</td><td>Rockies (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=col)?
Cubs (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=chc)?
</td><td>Meche on the block
Dec 20 - The Mariners are trying to find a taker for Gil Meche. According to the Tacoma News Tribune, they have tried to include the right-hander in several deals this offseason, only to be rebuffed. One option the M's could pursue is tendering Meche a contract by today's deadline -- to prevent him from becoming a free agent -- so that they have more time to work out a trade.
"[The Mariners] have every right to do what they want no matter what I say or what I think -- it's a business," Meche told the newspaper. "But when you've played your career in an organization for 10 years, it's hard to say that I want to go somewhere else. I would love for this to turn into an opportunity to show that I am capable as a starter."
According to a source, the M's also might have interest in trading Meche for Cubs center fielder Corey Patterson.

</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>Trade bait
Dec 20 - While the Mariners are likely done pursuing free agents, they still might be trying to make a trade using center fielder Jeremy Reed as bait, the Tacoma News Tribune reports. Reed's name has been linked to Boston, which could be looking for someone to play center field if free agent Johnny Damon signs elsewhere. Should Seattle deal with the Red Sox, it could potentially land pitchers Bronson Arroyo or Matt Clement.

</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/4600.jpg
Jeff Conine (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=4600)
Marlins
</td><td>Braves (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=atl)?
Orioles (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=bal)
</td><td>Talks slow with Baltimore
Dec 20 - The Orioles are still believed to be the front-runner for Jeff Conine, but they have been unable to close the deal, the Baltimore Sun reports. The talks between the two sides have slowed as Michael Watkins, Conine's agent, is dealing with a personal matter. Orioles officials are hopeful they will have him signed before the weekend. The O's reportedly have offered a one-year deal worth between $1.75 million and $2.5 million.
The Braves, who also have interest in Conine, are waiting to see how some other situations work out before deciding whether to make an offer.
The veteran first baseman/outfielder has a .288 career average with 198 homers and 968 RBI. He batted .367 with four extra-base hits and five RBI in 60 at-bats during the 2003 postseason for the World Series champion Marlins.

</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/6270.jpg
Wade Miller (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=6270)
Red Sox
</td><td> </td><td>Freedom march
Dec 20 - The Red Sox are not expected to tender Wade Miller a contract, so he will become a free agent, the Boston Globe reports. Miller went 4-4 with a 4.95 ERA before undergoing surgery on his right labrum in late September. The Sox, who signed Miller to a one-year deal for $1.5 million last December, could offer the right-hander a minor league contract to return next spring, but it is more likely another club, not obligated to offer Miller arbitration as the Sox would be, will sign him to a big league 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/4870.jpg
Pedro Astacio (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=4870)
Padres
</td><td>Rockies (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=col)?
Padres (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=sdg)?
</td><td>Rocky Mountain high
Dec 20 - According to the Denver Post, there might not be room for Pedro Astacio in San Diego if the Padres sign Brett Tomko. Astacio could land in Colorado, though. His agent, Stephen Schneider, acknowledged having ongoing discussions with the Rockies.

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

MVP

12-20-2005, 02:19 PM

Considering the current 1B is Youkillis, I could see him platooning there, then again, we don't have a start SS yet either... so who knows.

I like the idea of Youkilis playing 1B, it's just that Graffanino is also starting material. I hope he can be worked into the starting lineup somehow.

The Miz

12-20-2005, 03:01 PM

Big Texas/San Diego trade just announced

Rangers get:
SP Adam Eaton
RP Akinori Otsuka
prospect

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

Are the Rangers insane?

BCWWF

12-20-2005, 03:52 PM

That's a pretty good trade for Texas, I would love to have Eaton

The Miz

12-20-2005, 04:00 PM

It's an awful trade for Texas. You like Eaton's 4.27 ERA in the NL's best pitcher park?

Texas gives up:
a 26 year old who in his rookie season put up a 4.26 in the AL's toughest pitcher park
quality backup OF, .798 OPS in his only full season
one of the top 1B prospects in baseball

and in return they get:
a 28 year old who put up a 4.27 in the NL's best pitcher park, free agent after 2006
an average reliever

The Miz

12-20-2005, 05:39 PM

VonErich Lives

12-20-2005, 05:43 PM

I like the idea of Youkilis playing 1B, it's just that Graffanino is also starting material. I hope he can be worked into the starting lineup somehow.

Agreed, I wouldn't mind seeing him at SS, but while Youkillis could be good, I'm not sure I like him every day, or without someone incase he slumps...

The Miz

12-20-2005, 05:49 PM

Soriano is a dick

A week after the Washington Nationals (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=was) acquired him from the Texas Rangers (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=tex), Alfonso Soriano (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=6154) still doesn't want to move to the outfield from second base.

"I don't want to change," Soriano said Monday night at a dinner held for major league players by Dominican Republic President Leonel Fernandez. "If I haven't done it before, I won't do it now."
Soriano said he had a greater comfort level in the AL, and he plans to become a free agent after next season and sign with an AL team.

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

He should be happy to be in the NL, if he plays for any AL team other than Texas he gets exposed as the truly mediocre talent that he is

The Miz

12-20-2005, 05:54 PM

I like the idea of Youkilis playing 1B, it's just that Graffanino is also starting material. I hope he can be worked into the starting lineup somehow.

I think that the Padres/Rangers trade today was to acquire chips for David Wells. Padres have wanted him back since he requested a trade, Red Sox need a 1B. The Padres picked up Adrian Gonzalez from Texas even though they are set at 1B with Klesko. My guess would be Gonzalez and a pitcher, maybe Woody Williams to Boston for David Wells

The Miz

12-20-2005, 06:03 PM

As far as SS goes, I think they should let Machado and Pedroia battle for it in ST and have Graffanino as backup or a platoon partner

VonErich Lives

12-20-2005, 07:20 PM

Yankees just signed Dotel

have a link? I haven't had a chance to read anything today, but radio reports even recent said it wasn't done yet.

Also, report the sox offered a 5th year, and Borus still wants 7.

There's talk John Henry could "step in" if he wants it done.

I'd like to see Damon back, but no way I give him 7.

On a different funny story, a story getting more press now is over the years Manny has collected memorbila, bats, balls, jerseys, stuff from himself and teammates. That he's known for "borrowing other players equipment" during games and aperently kept a lot of it.

He contacted one of the largest memorbila dealers in the state. they met and he made a deal to sell it all, but insisted it "must be cash".

"Hello, IRS speaking is Manny available".

VonErich Lives

12-20-2005, 07:28 PM

As far as SS goes, I think they should let Machado and Pedroia battle for it in ST and have Graffanino as backup or a platoon partner

Sox are listing Graffanino as SS and Cora as backup.

I heard Francona talking about someone he said "I'd be fine with him as the every day SS", I think it might have been Machado.

I wonder if they might try and "rush" Lowrie along... I hope not, but he didn't play 3 years of college ball, so he might not need as much time in the minors... hopefully he makes the jump to AA or AAA this year.

Also, still need to figure out who the backup catcher is, the assumption is Shoppach, but the sox like having the backup catcher be Wakefields catcher, gives Tek off every 5th game and Tek has seemed to have problems with the knuckle ball.

The Miz

12-20-2005, 08:19 PM

have a link? I haven't had a chance to read anything today, but radio reports even recent said it wasn't done yet.

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/5184838

The Miz

12-20-2005, 08:24 PM

Also, still need to figure out who the backup catcher is, the assumption is Shoppach, but the sox like having the backup catcher be Wakefields catcher, gives Tek off every 5th game and Tek has seemed to have problems with the knuckle ball.

John Flaherty's agent said he would be interested in coming back to Boston. Apparently he has "experience catching knuckleballers"

Gertner

12-20-2005, 09:24 PM

yeah i can't believe the rangers gave up chris young. wow

The Miz

12-20-2005, 10:57 PM

CBS affiliate in Boston reporting that Yankees have signed Johnny Damon to a 4 yr/52 mil contract

Gertner

12-20-2005, 11:01 PM

lol christ. i wonder if matsui is gonna get tired of having to cut off all of Damon's throws

The Miz

12-20-2005, 11:01 PM

His throws won't make it to Matsui

Gertner

12-20-2005, 11:04 PM

His throws won't make it to Matsui

lol he's have to field his own throws

YOUR Hero

12-20-2005, 11:04 PM

Damon
Jeter
ARod
Sheffield

...

What the fuck.

Now all they need is some reliable pitching.

The Miz

12-20-2005, 11:10 PM

Damon doesn't make the Yankees that much better IMO. Last few years they've gotten Matsui, ARod, Sheffield, Giambi, what has it gotten them. When they land Johan Santana, Rich Harden and Mark Buehrle then it's time to worry.

Champion of Europa

12-20-2005, 11:15 PM

SON OF A BITCH, SAY IT ISN'T TRUE JESUS DAMON

The Miz

12-20-2005, 11:17 PM

Well the Red Sox need a center fielder

Jay Payton? Beane would love to get rid of him, Boston probably doesn't want him back and vice versa
Coco Crisp? Very possible
Mark Kotsay? He's certainly more expendable now with the addition of Milton Bradley
Torrii Hunter? Twins need a bat badly
Dave Roberts? Would love to go back to Boston, Padres want Wells
Steve Finley?
Corey Patterson?

Boondock Saint

12-20-2005, 11:19 PM

MOTHER PUSSBUCKET. ASS!

Boondock Saint

12-20-2005, 11:19 PM

Vagina sized hole in center field now. :mad:

Jesus Shuttlesworth

12-20-2005, 11:20 PM

Roberts for Wells? I haven't heard that mentioned anywhere but it seems to make sense, unless the Padres dont wanna give up Roberts for him.

Damon is offically top 5 most hated player by me, gonna burn his WWJDD shirt or something

The Miz

12-20-2005, 11:28 PM

Roberts for Wells? I haven't heard that mentioned anywhere but it seems to make sense, unless the Padres dont wanna give up Roberts for him.

The Padres are pretty full in the outfield with Cameron/Giles/Klesko/Johnson so Roberts is very expendable. Wells said he wanted to go back west and SD needs the most pitching help (plus he has already played for them). I think its a perfect fit

YOUR Hero

12-20-2005, 11:31 PM

Dotel and Damon are valuable pieces of the puzzle for NYY.

MVP

12-20-2005, 11:33 PM

Money-grubbing piece of shit.

Dragon

12-20-2005, 11:35 PM

I dunno, I am happy to have him for only four years. Three would have been ideal but that would never happen. Fills the hole at leadoff so Jeter can shift back to 2nd in the lineup.

Does not fix the big problem of defense at all though. An outfield of Matsui-Damon-Sheffield is really not gonna be too pretty defensively.

LOL, can't wait to see the reaction he will get when going back to Fenway.

MVP

12-20-2005, 11:36 PM

Really wanna go to a Sox/Yankees game this year to boo him out of Fenway.

The Miz

12-20-2005, 11:38 PM

Money-grubbing piece of shit. I hope he chokes this season and fucks up his career.

Manny Ramirez 8 Y/160 M
Curt Schilling 2 Y/25 M
David Ortiz 2 Y/12.5 M
Jason Varitek 4 Y/40 M

Dragon

12-20-2005, 11:40 PM

LOL yeah, gonna be interesting to see how hated he will be. I know I am laughing now but I know I won't be when Damon has turned into the next Bernie Williams.

The Miz

12-20-2005, 11:43 PM

Damon is overrated anyway. A product of his park. Sub-.800 OPS on the road. Good, but not worth half of what hes making

12-20-2005, 11:43 PM

I'm sure he'll be crushed that you guys boo him.

The Miz

12-20-2005, 11:46 PM

Oh and for the record, Hero and VEL:

http://www.stu-man.com/vintage/112damon.jpg

Yeah

Boomer

12-20-2005, 11:56 PM

Thanks to the Marlins, the Braves might just pull it out another year.

Innovator

12-21-2005, 12:02 AM

As a Yankee fan, I just want to say

FUCK

I've hated the guy for too long, I don't want him

12-21-2005, 12:04 AM

Does Johnny Damon own a casino?

RoXer

12-21-2005, 12:13 AM

HEEL TURN

Joey Slugs

12-21-2005, 12:26 AM

Say goodbye to the long hair and beard. HAHAHA. Typical. He spends all last year saying how if he cant play for either the Red Sox or Cubs that he would just flat out retire.

Go fucking figure right.

weather vane

12-21-2005, 12:43 AM

FUCK YOU JOHNNY DAMON!

I AM SO PISSED RN!

Innovator

12-21-2005, 12:43 AM

Yeah, he'll have a crewcut so fast

Just what happened to Giambi

The Miz

12-21-2005, 12:52 AM

Jacque Jones to Cubs, Jeff Conine to Baltimore

Jesus Shuttlesworth

12-21-2005, 12:59 AM

Cant wait to see all the anti-Damon shirts on Lansdowne Street

weather vane

12-21-2005, 01:06 AM

WOW I AM SO MADDDD!!!

EVERY PLAYER THAT BECOMES MY FAVORITE FUCKS ME OVER!

JOE THORNTON, NOMAR GARCIAPARRA, MO VAUGHN, RICKY WILLIAMS

David Ortiz better not do anything stupid fuck.

Jesus Shuttlesworth

12-21-2005, 01:07 AM

Nomar didnt really fuck you over lol, he got traded. Nomar is still my boy

John la Rock

12-21-2005, 01:07 AM

HOLY FUCK

Damon a Yank. didn't see this coming

HAHA now he has to cut off the long hair and beard

weather vane

12-21-2005, 01:12 AM

Nomar didnt really fuck you over lol, he got traded. Nomar is still my boy

YES HE DID ASSHOLE! HE FUCKED ME OVER BY BECOMING A CUBBY!

Fuck off sTiMa. Just, just fuck off. :'(

Jesus Shuttlesworth

12-21-2005, 01:37 AM

Manny Ramirez 8 Y/160 M
Curt Schilling 2 Y/25 M
David Ortiz 2 Y/12.5 M
Jason Varitek 4 Y/40 MThat's true, but Damon was all about the "attitude" of the team, and keeping the core together and all this other bullshit. Then he ends up going to the team who the most money on the table for the 4 year deal, since noone would give him the 5 year deal.

I don't blame him, make all the money you can make but I don't give a fuck about his personal goals or how much he could make for either team. Putting on the pinstrips makes you a piece of shit.

toxic rooster

12-21-2005, 01:43 AM

I knew sTiMa34 would be sad.

The Miz

12-21-2005, 01:54 AM

LOL poor Eric Byrnes was non-tendered a contract :(

Jesus Shuttlesworth

12-21-2005, 02:02 AM

I'm not really sad, I'm just pissed he had to sign with the Yankees. Their lineup is fucking ridiculous.

Supreme Olajuwon

12-21-2005, 02:05 AM

Some of you guys are acting like Damon is the only person to ever be swayed by money.

You know whats funny is I bet if I go find the offseason thread from last year there'd be a bunch of stuff about how great it was that David Wells was screwing over the Yankees by going to Boston.

The Miz

12-21-2005, 02:06 AM

1. Randy Johson
2. Mike Mussina
3. Chien-Ming Wang
4. Carl Pavano
5. Shawn Chacon/Aaron Small

Wouldn't be too worried

Jesus Shuttlesworth

12-21-2005, 03:00 AM

Yeah if those guys play to their abilities then it could be trouble, granted they are all pretty old and its doubtful that will happen, it still could.

Also, I don't really think anyone was saying the Yankees got screwed over when Wells went to Bostn, seeing how the Yanks didnt even want Wells. Players are swayed by money all the time, its part of the time, thats cool, but its also part of the game to call a guy a lillll bitch when he switches from one rival to another.

Thank god the Yankees didn't sign Nomar though, their line up would be even more ridiculous. Especially since Nomar would get a lot of time at DH to reduce injury, his biggest problem lately.

1. Damon CF
2. Jeter SS
3. A-Rod 3B
4. Sheff RF
5. Matsui LF
6. Giambi 1ST/DH
7. Nomar 1ST/DH
8. Posada C
9. Cano 2B

That would be a fucking ridiculous line up

Triple A

12-21-2005, 04:09 AM

WTF why are you keeping even big news like this in this one thread? That is retarded. If you are gonna change the title of the thread, at least start a new thread, you rope smokes.

VonErich Lives

12-21-2005, 04:30 AM

So, I wake up to this...

Oh well, he should do great in NY, and more power to him, why not go for the bigger money.

The Yanks will have a great hitting lineup, they always do, the Sox will have a good hitting lineup, they always do, but again it will come down to pitching and defense and if you assume everyone is healthy, the Red Sox have better pitching then the yanks, so I'm not worried.

and yeah Stima, I can't wait to see the shirts they come up with.

My favs are still "Porsada is a lil bitch" and "Jeter Blows A-Rod" of course there was something like "A-Rod blows Randys Johnson" last year, or maybe that was Jeter.

VonErich Lives

12-21-2005, 04:35 AM

someone explain this to me, ESPN says the damon signing shifts the power in the AL East...

Last I checked the Yankees won the division last year, and the year before and.... so how did this shift the power? it just made the best team better, simple.

Joey Slugs

12-21-2005, 05:21 AM

http://cache.boston.com/images/bostondirtdogs//Headline_Archives/yankees_bloat560.jpg

That is just fucking annoying.

Hardkore Kidd J

12-21-2005, 07:17 AM

I was so excited when I heard this, this morning. But, heck I'm a Yankees fan.

Excellance of Execution

12-21-2005, 07:46 AM

http://cache.boston.com/images/bostondirtdogs//Headline_Archives/yankees_bloat560.jpg

That is just fucking annoying.

I would assume your referring to the salaries, right? If that's the case, i agree no baseball player should make the money that any of them do, but the bottom line is, if the owners are raking in tons of money because of the players, then why shouldn't they get a piece of the pie? It always annoys me when people talk shit about how the Yanks spend so much money. If you have the money to invest in your 'product', then why not? They pay the luxury tax, and its not their fault the lower market teams pocket it, and don't put it into their team like they should. About Damon, he is reportedly getting a 4 yr 52 mil. That's the same as Matsui, at that price, IMO the Red Sox could have easily afforded that. I think by Boston not resigning him will hurt them more than anyone would think. Damon getting on base made Manny and Ortiz alot better players. He is one of the best leadoff hitters in the game right now and to me 13 mil in this day and age is a bargain.

Hardkore Kidd J

12-21-2005, 08:10 AM

Loose Cannon

12-21-2005, 08:11 AM

HAHAHAHA. Money Money Money Money Money

The Gooch

12-21-2005, 08:32 AM

Damon as a Yankee just seems wrong. I'm talking fucking your sister wrong.

toxic rooster

12-21-2005, 08:32 AM

What I don't understand is maybe someone could fill me in because I'm not up to date with all the sports news. But wasn't Damon's agent asking for a 7 year contract? How did the Yankees sign him for 4?

Because Boston offered him 4 as well, but for less money and they were the only 2 offers.

Or so I've heard.

Simple economics, more money = more money.

Joey Slugs

12-21-2005, 08:54 AM

Damon as a Yankee just seems wrong. I'm talking fucking your sister wrong.

I'm not a Red Sox fan in the least, but I have to agree with you there. His whole rock star/caveman look kinda of sumed up the "idiot" thing with the 04 team.

It'll be weird seeing him looking like he's in a KC uni all over again.

YOUR Hero

12-21-2005, 10:07 AM

Oh and for the record, Hero and VEL:

http://www.stu-man.com/vintage/112damon.jpg

Yeah

yep.
RoyalGate

VonErich Lives

12-21-2005, 12:27 PM

Damon as a Yankee just seems wrong. I'm talking fucking your sister wrong.

What's wrong with me fucking your sister?

Anyway, yeah, sox offered 4/10mil/yr and the yanks came in with 4/13mil/yr.

The Yanks told them "you have 24hrs to decide or we're moving on". Could have been a bluff, they might have stayed in it, or let him play one team off another... but, they bit and took it. I can't fault him.

http://cache.boston.com/images/bostondirtdogs//Headline_Archives/yankees_bloat560.jpg

That is just fucking annoying.

I agree, can't they throw Cano another 780K so he won't be the only guy without 1mil/yr?

VonErich Lives

12-21-2005, 12:36 PM

Corkscrewed

12-21-2005, 12:54 PM

I agree, can't they throw Cano another 780K so he won't be the only guy without 1mil/yr?

He's still in his rookie contract. ;)

VonErich Lives

12-21-2005, 02:00 PM

So, the word is the Red Sox thought Boras was bluffing, and the Sox said 4yrs/40mil and you have 7days to decide or the offer is off the table.

The Sox thought Boras was bluffing, that's funny. Also, aparently the Sox "brass" found out about Damon via a reporter.

that's funny.

bring back Theo!

Dragon

12-21-2005, 02:05 PM

With Damon leaving I don't see Red Sox possibly trading Manny. Never really thought it would happen before but now it just seems impossible unless they get a big bat in return.

Excellance of Execution

12-21-2005, 02:08 PM

my take, it does hurt the Sox, but he's replaceable, he's a good fielder with a horrible arm. He's a great leadoff hitter, but keep in mind last year was a contact year and he put up his best numbers ever, will he keep it up? we'll see. I'm not worried about his HR's and Rbi's, you don't expect that from your leadoff guy, the word is Loretta will hit leadoff and if he hits like last year I'm good with that.

Defense and Pitching win championships, plain and simple, the Yankees proved that, the sox (white and red) proved that.

The sox getting Beckett is a big upgrade, the key still remains to me, does Foulke return to the old Foulke or can Timlin handle being the closer.

I'm still waiting to see what happens with Manny, that decides the team, what they get for him or if he decides to stay.

I'm not to sure of your assesment of Damon being replaceable. I agree he has a horrible arm, but i feel he made Manny and Ortiz way better. Good leadoff hitters are hard to find. Having your leadoff runner on makes it possible for your 3rd and 4th batter to come up with runner(s) on (unless someone hits into a dp). Loretta may do ok, but he's not in the same league as Damon IMO as a leadoff hitter.

As for Beckett, i'm not sold on him at all. He had an awesome playoff and World Series run in 03, but what has he done since? He was dominant that year and he hasn't even come close to repeating that performance. Granted he was on Florida, but still he hasn't come close to 03. It seems like he's on the DL for blisters atleast once a month. We'll see what happens though.

Manny will be the key for you guys. If he goes and you don't replace him with someone close to his caliber, than i believe Ortiz's numbers will decline. Manny make Ortiz better. Pitchers will pitch differently to him if there is not a dangerous hitter in front of him.

The Miz

12-21-2005, 02:16 PM

Notables that were non-tendered and are now free agents

José Acevedo, RP - COL
Joe Borowski, RP - TB
Chad Bradford, RP - BOS
Dewon Brazelton, RP - SD
Jim Brower, RP - ATL
Eric Byrnes, OF - BAL
Endy Chávez, OF - PHI
Josh Fogg, SP - PIT
Ryan Franklin, SP - SEA (Merry Christmas Miz)
Willie Harris, 2B - CHW
Ken Harvey, DH - KC
Dan Kolb, RP - MIL
Trever Miller, RP - TB
Wade Miller, SP - BOS
Wes Obermueller, RP - ATL
Miguel Olivo, C - SD
Ramón Ortiz, SP - CIN
Timo Pérez, OF - CHW
Jason Phillips, C - LAD
Junior Spivey, 2B - WAS

Full list on post #1

VonErich Lives

12-21-2005, 02:21 PM

I'm not to sure of your assesment of Damon being replaceable. I agree he has a horrible arm, but i feel he made Manny and Ortiz way better. Good leadoff hitters are hard to find. Having your leadoff runner on makes it possible for your 3rd and 4th batter to come up with runner(s) on (unless someone hits into a dp). Loretta may do ok, but he's not in the same league as Damon IMO as a leadoff hitter.

As for Beckett, i'm not sold on him at all. He had an awesome playoff and World Series run in 03, but what has he done since? He was dominant that year and he hasn't even come close to repeating that performance. Granted he was on Florida, but still he hasn't come close to 03. It seems like he's on the DL for blisters atleast once a month. We'll see what happens though.

Manny will be the key for you guys. If he goes and you don't replace him with someone close to his caliber, than i believe Ortiz's numbers will decline. Manny make Ortiz better. Pitchers will pitch differently to him if there is not a dangerous hitter in front of him.

I agree on some of your points. Damon does make the rest better by being on base, but Loretta has had a better avg, slg and OBP the last 2yrs then Damon, so I'm not overly worried there.

Does leave a hole at the 2spot though if you move him up to leadoff.

Manny clearly makes Ortiz better, no question about it, take away Manny and they walk Ortiz almost every at bat or pitch around.

Hopefully Manny stays or they get something of his caliber for him, a deal that somehow brings in a Tejada or even a deal that bring in Hunter. But if it brings "prospects" or dumps salary it could be a long summer.

I was uneasy about Beckett, but the more people talk the more I seem to get sold on him.

Dragon

12-21-2005, 02:23 PM

The more I think about the signing of Damon though the more I think about how the Yankees should have gone after Reed or stuck with Crosby, if nothing else than for defense.

I dunno, I guess we will see how good this signing is. Can't wait until the season starts.

The Miz

12-21-2005, 02:24 PM

but Loretta has had a better avg, slg and OBP the last 2yrs then Damon, so I'm not overly worried there.

lol where did you read that

VonErich Lives

12-21-2005, 03:29 PM

lol where did you read that

pulled his stats on MLB.com for 2003 and 2004. hmm... ok, just realised that's missing 2005... ok, so 2 out of the last 3yrs...

http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/team/player.jsp?player_id=113028

http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/team/player.jsp?player_id=117928

yep, Damon had better stats in 2005, but also I see Loretta didn't play a full season so who knows.

The Miz

12-21-2005, 04:52 PM

Keep in mind which league & division Damon and Loretta put up their numbers in. Loretta is also two years older.

(offensively) Damon > Loretta

MVP

12-21-2005, 05:00 PM

Manny Ramirez 8 Y/160 M
Curt Schilling 2 Y/25 M
David Ortiz 2 Y/12.5 M
Jason Varitek 4 Y/40 M

Yeah I know, but I have the right to vent cause he signed with the team I hate the most.

The Miz

12-21-2005, 05:05 PM

VEL and stima will love this quote:

"There's no way I can go play for the Yankees, but I know they are going to come after me hard. It's definitely not the most important thing to go out there for the top dollar, which the Yankees are going to offer me. It's not what I need."
- Johnny Damon, May 2 2005

MVP

12-21-2005, 05:25 PM

See that's what bothers me. I'm over the money factor, it's just that he went back on what he said last season and so much that he stood for.

Excellance of Execution

12-21-2005, 05:29 PM

See that's what bothers me. I'm over the money factor, it's just that he went back on what he said last season and so much that he stood for.

Maybe he felt like Boston didn't want him. I mean, c'mon, if they really wanted him they would have signed him along time ago.

BCWWF

12-21-2005, 05:35 PM

His excuse on Sports Center was something along the lines of

"We all know how much George Stienbrenner wants to win, and I think this is the best chance to win"

MVP

12-21-2005, 06:10 PM

Maybe he felt like Boston didn't want him. I mean, c'mon, if they really wanted him they would have signed him along time ago.

He refused arbitration.

The Miz

12-21-2005, 06:32 PM

Doesn't mean they couldn't have extended him before arby

VonErich Lives

12-21-2005, 06:45 PM

Keep in mind which league & division Damon and Loretta put up their numbers in. Loretta is also two years older.

(offensively) Damon > Loretta

agreed, my point being Loretta makes a lot less money, letting them spend elsewhere and wont be a "huge letdown" as a leadoff hitter.

Dragon

12-21-2005, 06:48 PM

Excellance of Execution

12-21-2005, 06:55 PM

agreed, my point being Loretta makes a lot less money, letting them spend elsewhere and wont be a "huge letdown" as a leadoff hitter.

It appears that there cutting payroll and not spending much money at all. Its as if they are saying "we won the world series, so thats all that matters". Atleast thats how the last year seems. I mean, they trade Renteria (10 mill) and they didn't resign Damon. It just seems weird that they are not signing another huge SS or CF to a big contract to replace them.

VonErich Lives

12-21-2005, 06:56 PM

On the Damon quote, yeah I remember that and I said at the time it was crap, money would decide and it did.

As for "try harder" the sox tried a few times to sign him, but there was no way him and or his agent would let him not go to free agency.

The way the story seems to be putting together, The sox last offer was more then then 4/40, like 4/46 or 4/44, they told Damon the offer was good through xmas, there is a little debate as to weather or not that meant they would pull the offer and let him walk after xmas or if that meant they didn't plan on working on a new figure until then. The Yanks gave the 4/52 and said "you have 24hrs to accept or we move on and you're off our board".

Where it then gets interesting is they took that offer and didn't go back to the sox and try saying "we got this offer, want to match/beat".

There's also talk the Damons wife wasn't happy how the Boston media treated her (heck, the Red Sox gave her a pre-game show") and Damon wasn't happy about the "team chemistry" keep in mind him and Schilling don't get along, and Damon and Schillings wives don't get along.

Whatever, what's done is done... Roger "I want to be closer to home" Clemens, Mike "Dan Duqette is the devil" Greenwell, Mo "It's not about the money" Vaughn, Nomar "I'm a short stop (insert john valentin speach)" Garciapara, Pedro "they don't respect me, but it's a great place for my buddy David Ortiz to sign a deal a below market value to stay because of my advice" Martinez.

The game will go on, the team will go on.

My main concern.. the "Dan Duqette response", making a move for the sake of making a move, something big and over spending or giving up way too many prospects (such as the Arroyo, Clement & Marte for Reed).

I'm curious where the payroll ends up, and if part of this was a "cost cutting" move...

Also, how did the yankees lose 60-80mil and then up their payroll? or is it possible that figure didn't count the YES network which makes them a ton of money (like NESN does the Red Sox).

VonErich Lives

12-21-2005, 07:00 PM

What is Boston's infield supposedly looking like anyway? I know they have Marte and Lowell at third, who's going to be the starter there? And then Varitek, Youkilis?, Loretta and then they need to find a shortstop.

the assumption right now is

3B: Lowell
SS: Graffanino
2B: Loretta
1B: Youkillis
C: Teck

It appears that there cutting payroll and not spending much money at all. Its as if they are saying "we won the world series, so thats all that matters". Atleast thats how the last year seems. I mean, they trade Renteria (10 mill) and they didn't resign Damon. It just seems weird that they are not signing another huge SS or CF to a big contract to replace them.

Right now I agree, Reneria was more then the money though and I'll wait to pass judgement until I see whatelse they do.

That being said, they (mostly Henry) has a lot of loans to payback and there was talk before the 04 season that they were in a position for the bank to take the team, last year they made a small profit, so the idea of cutting 10-20mil of payroll to payback the loans thats much faster... and they're spending lots of money on the park (some they over with advertising, like the new "Budwieser roof") and while the improvements mean more seats and mostly highend seats it takes awhile for those tickets revenue to cover the money spent.

The Miz

12-21-2005, 07:26 PM

http://espn-att.starwave.com/media/mlb/2005/1221/photo/smh_damon_65.jpg

Excellance of Execution

12-21-2005, 07:40 PM

http://espn-att.starwave.com/media/mlb/2005/1221/photo/smh_damon_65.jpg

He looks like a rookie again!!

The Miz

12-21-2005, 07:50 PM

He looks like a dork

YOUR Hero

12-21-2005, 08:29 PM

http://espn-att.starwave.com/media/mlb/2005/1221/photo/smh_damon_65.jpg

I should make that VEL's avatar. :D

Excellance of Execution

12-21-2005, 08:54 PM

I should make that VEL's avatar. :D
DO IT!!!!:lol:

DaveWadding

12-21-2005, 09:40 PM

DO IT!!!!:lol:

hell yeah.

YOUR Hero

12-21-2005, 11:24 PM

Ponson and the Cardinals come to terms.

ST. LOUIS (AP) -- After agreeing Wednesday to a one-year contract with the St. Louis Cardinals (http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/teams/stl/), Sidney Ponson (http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/5984/) said he's changed in the three months since the Baltimore Orioles (http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/teams/bal/) voided his contract and released him. Ponson went to an alcohol rehabilitation facility in September and has been seeing a psychiatrist weekly.

"After my last problem, I sought help and didn't wait for anybody to push me," Ponson said. "I just did it on my own. Since the last time I had trouble I've been clean."

Ponson's agreement with the Cardinals calls for a $1 million base salary and allows him to earn an additional $1.5 million in performance bonuses. Ponson, 7-11 with a 6.21 ERA last season, will compete for a spot in the rotation.
"We signed him with that purpose in mind, based on his past career," Cardinals general manager Walt Jocketty said. "It provides more depth to our rotation, more depth to our pitching staff, and that has been the priority of our offseason plan."
Jocketty said the team did a "thorough background check" of Ponson and met with the pitcher and his agent in Florida a few weeks ago. Jocketty thinks Ponson is "sincere in wanting to turn things around."
"Everybody deserves a second chance and we're here to provide that," Jocketty said. "That doesn't mean we're going to let things slide, either."
Jocketty said the contract includes language pertaining to alcohol abuse but characterized it as "pretty common language."
Ponson had a $7.5 million salary last year in the middle season of a $22.5 million, three-year contract. He was arrested Aug. 25 and charged with driving under the influence and driving while impaired. He served a five-day jail sentence last week for driving while impaired, and the charge of driving under the influence was dropped under a plea agreement.
"Sidney has made it very clear to us that he is committed to turning both his life and his career around," Jocketty said. "He's a tremendous talent who has made mistakes, but he's been making huge strides in trying to return himself to a much better quality of life."
Baltimore released Ponson on Sept. 6 and the team voided his contract, prompting a grievance from the players' association seeking he be paid the remaining $11 million called for in the Orioles' contract. The case is scheduled to be heard in March by arbitrator Shyam Das.
If the 29-year-old right-hander wins the grievance, the players' association probably would argue that he is owed the money from his St. Louis contract in addition to the Baltimore deal. Management, if Ponson prevails, likely would say that any money paid by the Cardinals should be offset against the Orioles' contract.
Ponson, the opening day starter for the Orioles in 2004, will compete for the rotation slot vacated when Matt Morris (http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/5784/) left to sign with the San Francisco Giants (http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/teams/sfo/). The Cardinals also have rookie Anthony Reyes (http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/7518/) under consideration.
That surplus could enable the Cardinals to deal one of their starters, perhaps arbitration-eligible Jason Marquis (http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/6493/), for a corner outfielder. They have openings in left and right field after Reggie Sanders (http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/4737/) left as a free agent and Larry Walker (http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/4181/) retired.
For now, Jocketty said the Cardinals have a "big six."
"I think the idea is to go to spring training and have a competition and see," Jocketty said. "What it does provide is some insurance if we feel Anthony is not ready."
St. Louis gave Ponson a full no-trade clause. He would earn $300,000 each for 24, 26, 28, 30 and 32 starts.
A native of Aruba, Ponson has a career record of 76-91 with a 4.81 ERA. But he has 28 complete games since 1999, fourth-best among active pitchers and was a 17-game winner in 2003.
Ponson was charged in January with driving under the influence in Florida, and he spent 11 days in an Aruban jail after he hit a judge during a Christmas Day fight at a beach in his home country.
In other news, the Cardinals agreed to minor league contracts with first baseman/outfielder Brian Daubach (http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/6118/) and right-handed pitcher John Riedling (http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/6565/).
Daubach, who lives in nearby O'Fallon, Ill., appeared in 15 games last year for the New York Mets (http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/teams/nym/) and batted .325 with 16 homers and 62 RBIs in 99 games at Triple-A Norfolk. Riedling made 29 relief appearances for the Marlins last season and was 4-1 with a 7.16 ERA. The Cardinals did not offer contracts to infielder Bo Hart (http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/7162/) and Scott Seabol (http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/6690/), catcher Mike Mahoney (http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/6592/) and pitcher Mike Lincoln (http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/6184/) prior to Tuesday night's deadline. They also sent right-hander Rhett Parrott outright to Triple-A Memphis.

YOUR Hero

12-21-2005, 11:26 PM

Giants acquire Finley from Angels for Alfonzo

The San Francisco Giants (http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/teams/sfo/) acquired outfielder Steve Finley (http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/4307/) from the Los Angeles Angels (http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/teams/laa/) for third baseman Edgardo Alfonzo (http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/5363/) on Wednesday in a swap of former All-Stars who dropped off dramatically last season.
The 40-year-old Finley batted a career-worst .222 with 12 home runs and 54 RBIs in 112 games for the Angels, who won the AL West for the second straight year.

"We were hoping for a better season from him, and I'm sure the Giants were hoping for a better season from Alfonzo as well. Neither had career years," Angels general manager Bill Stoneman said. "I talked to Steve and I know he's working as hard as ever."

Alfonzo played in only 109 games last season, batting .277 with two home runs and 43 RBIs.
The Giants have been interested in Finley for some time, pursuing him twice previously in free agency -- including last winter before he joined the Angels. San Francisco wound up signing Moises Alou (http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/4517/).
Finley has long produced some of his biggest hits against the Giants while with every NL West rival except Colorado, hitting a grand slam for the Dodgers during the final weekend of the 2004 season to keep San Francisco from making the playoffs.
"I'm excited to be going back to the National League, especially to a team like San Francisco," he said during a conference call. "I really wanted to come to San Francisco those two times and I thought they were a good team. I'm so glad this trade happened."
Finley gives the Giants another aging player in the outfield, along with 41-year-old Barry Bonds (http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/3918/) and 39-year-old Moises Alou. Finley is likely to be the team's fourth outfielder at first if Bonds is healthy, but the Giants have been looking for a lefty to add to their lineup as insurance in case the slugger is still limited by his troublesome right knee. He had three operations on the knee this year and missed most of the season.
"Steve Finley is a player that can win games in many ways -- with his bat, his glove and his knowledge," Giants general manager Brian Sabean said. "He will give Felipe (Alou) many options in the outfield ... as well as provide a great veteran presence."
Sabean hopes Bonds and Alou can play at least 120 games each. Winn, the 31-year-old center fielder, had 14 home runs and 26 RBIs in 58 games with the Giants after arriving in a trade with Seattle.
Finley is a two-time All-Star and five-time Gold Glove winner who has reached the 20-homer mark seven times, including a career-high 36 homers in 2004. He is the only active player with 300 doubles, 100 triples and 200 homers.
"Our goal is to get him on the field as much as possible. We're open-minded. We didn't do this deal to have him sitting on the bench," Sabean said. "I think it's going to be a good problem."
Finley said he will begin spring training trying to become a starter, and Sabean is thrilled Finley is versatile enough to play all three outfield spots.
"I feel like I've got a lot to prove," Finley said. "My goal is to come there and have my name written in the lineup every day. As a player, I'm coming off a year I didn't do too well and I've got to force the issue."
Alfonzo struggled for much of his time with the Giants since signing a $26 million, four-year contract following the 2002 season. He is still owed $1 million from a signing bonus that is due Jan. 31, and a $7 million salary for 2006.
"He will come in and take a shot at playing a lot of infield. Whether it would be at second or third will probably be determined in spring training," Stoneman said. "By trading Steve Finley, it makes it more likely that Chone Figgins (http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/6986/) is going to be playing more out in center than he did in the past."
Alfonzo knew his future with the Giants was in question because they want to develop Pedro Feliz (http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/6578/) as a regular starter at one position. Feliz got 569 at-bats last season and played 79 games at third base.
Sabean hopes Feliz will become more comfortable and productive in a stable environment. "Being as to what he went through this year with people out of the lineup, it was baptism under fire," the GM said. "He's darn close to Gold Glove-caliber at third base."

Joey Slugs

12-22-2005, 02:18 AM

<table class="tablehead" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"> <tbody><tr class="stathead"><td colspan="3">Wednesday, December 21</td></tr><tr class="colhead"><td width="65">WHO</td><td>INTERESTED</td><td>THE SKINNY</td></tr><tr class="oddrow" valign="top"><td align="center" nowrap="nowrap">http://espn.go.com/i/teamlogos/mlb/sml/trans/bos.gif
Boston (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=bos)
</td><td> </td><td>Johnny's successor?
Dec 21 - The Boston Globe offers a list of possible replacements for center fielder Johnny Damon: Seattle's Jeremy Reed, Cleveland's Coco Crisp, San Diego's Dave Roberts, Tampa Bay's Joey Gathright, the Cubs' Corey Patterson, and free agents Preston Wilson, Terrence Long and Juan Encarnacion. The Red Sox, according to The Globe, have discussed deals with Seattle and Cleveland, but both teams appear inclined to hold onto their players.

</td></tr><tr class="colhead"><td width="65">WHO</td><td>INTERESTED</td><td>THE SKINNY</td></tr><tr class="evenrow" valign="top"><td align="center" nowrap="nowrap">http://espn.go.com/i/mlb/profiles/players/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>A friendly ear?
Dec 21 - While the Red Sox continue to look for Manny Ramirez trade partners, they're also exploring ways to keep the mercurial slugger, the Boston Herald reports. Red Sox co-GM Ben Cherington said on a conference call Tuesday, the Herald reports, that "we also continue to talk to Manny and his representatives and continue to work on flushing out issues related to Ramirez's desire to be traded.
"We're trying to appease some of his concerns. At this point, we just want to listen. We're not going to get into the reasons why he wants out."

</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>Red Sox (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=bos)?
Orioles (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=bal)?
Rangers (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=tex)
Nationals (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=was)?
Dodgers (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=lad)?
Mariners (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=sea)
</td><td>Rangers move on Millwood
Dec 21 - Kevin Millwood on Tuesday met with Rangers owner Tom Hicks, GM Jon Daniels, manager Buck Showalter and pitching coach Mark Connor, The Dallas Morning News reports. The right-handed starter isn't expected to make a decision on his future until after the weekend, The Dallas Morning News reports. According to The Baltimore Sun, the Orioles -- contrary to recent published reports -- have yet to extend Millwood an offer, but one could be coming soon.

</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/6225.jpg
Ryan Franklin (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=6225)
Mariners
</td><td>Royals (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=kan)?
Nationals (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=was)?
Giants (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=sfo)?
Marlins (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=fla)?
Rangers (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=tex)?
Diamondbacks (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=ari)?
Dodgers (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=lad)?
Phillies (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=phi)?
</td><td>Franklin generating interest
Dec 21 - Ryan Franklin, who became a free agent when Seattle declined to tender him a contract Wednesday, is attracting a flurry of interest from teams in the market for starting pitching, reports ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick. Franklin had a 12-31 record the past two seasons in Seattle, but he suffered from the worst run support of any starting pitcher in baseball over that span. He has also been durable, averaging 201 innings and 31 starts a season over the past three years.

</td></tr><tr class="colhead"><td width="65">WHO</td><td>INTERESTED</td><td>THE SKINNY</td></tr><tr class="oddrow" valign="top"><td align="center" nowrap="nowrap">http://espn.go.com/i/mlb/profiles/players/4965.jpg
Javy Lopez (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=4965)
Orioles
</td><td> </td><td>A simple plan
Dec 21 - Javy Lopez has his sights on either a trade or signing a contract extension, The Baltimore Sun reports. Lopez's agent, Chuck Berry, said that he sent the Orioles a proposal this week for a contract extension to try to "get the ball rolling." The O's reportedly would consider giving Lopez an extension at the right price.

</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/6400.jpg
Corey Patterson (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=6400)
Cubs
</td><td> </td><td>Pitter-patter
Dec 21 - The Cubs did tender outfielder Corey Patterson a contract Tuesday, but a trade still appears likely, the Chicago Sun-Times reports. "I have a lot of fondness in my heart for Corey," GM Jim Hendry told the Sun-Times. "I feel badly at what happened last year. I certainly will try to do what's best for the Cubs first and what's best for Corey second."

</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/6396.jpg
Jon Garland (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=6396)
White Sox
</td><td>Angels (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=laa)?
Dodgers (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=lad)?
Padres (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=sdg)?
Rangers (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=tex)?
</td><td>Removing Garland?
Dec 21 - Arbitration-eligible starter Jon Garland, who turned down a three-year contract offer from the White Sox, could be traded before the start of the regular season, the Daily Southtown reports. The Rangers, Padres and Dodgers reportedly have inquired about Garland. The Daily Herald says the Angels may be interested as well.

</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/6266.jpg
Gil Meche (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=6266)
Mariners
</td><td>Rockies (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=col)?
</td><td>Meche still on the block
Dec 21 - The Mariners offered Gil Meche arbitration on Tuesday, but that doesn't mean he'll be on the Opening Day roster. Seattle could still trade Meche, and the Rockies reportedly are interested in the right-hander.
</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/6240.jpg
Dan Kolb (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=6240)
Brewers
</td><td> </td><td>Love me non-tender
Dec 21 - The Brewers on Wednesday plan to resume contract talks with reliever Dan Kolb, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports. Kolb became a free agent Tuesday, when the two sides failed to strike a deal before the deadline for arbitration-eligible players. "I'm not going to let it carry on very far," GM Doug Melvin told the newspaper. "We've had dialogue. We will continue to make an effort. But we know what we are capable of paying him and what we want to pay."

</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/4928.jpg
Mike Piazza (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=4928)
Mets
</td><td>Twins (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=min)
Angels (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=laa)
</td><td>Waiting on Piazza
Dec 21 - The Twins would like to add Mike Piazza as their full-time designated hitter, but the slugger's intentions are still a mystery, 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/6026.jpg
Bengie Molina (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=6026)
Angels
</td><td>Blue Jays (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=tor)
</td><td>Jays kicking Molina's tires
Dec 21 - The Blue Jays' search for a right-handed bat with some power has led them to catcher Bengie Molina, the Toronto Sun reports. "We're throwing his name around a little bit," GM J.P. Ricciardi told the newspaper. "If all fails with the outfielders we'll probably turn our attention to (obtaining) a catcher."

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

BCWWF

12-22-2005, 04:03 AM

VonErich Lives

12-22-2005, 04:14 AM

I should make that VEL's avatar. :D

Sure, if that makes you happy, you're just upset I'm not freaking out about this. Eh, players move on, would like to have seen him here but he aint, no use crying over it... like people who have been going nuts today "I'm never going to watch again" or "my daughter wants a Damon yankees jersey for xmas, that will tear this house apart"... really, get a grip people... I admit I like the timing, season ticket renewals are now and I'm around 4,000 on the waiting list... :)

DO IT!!!!:lol:
but then you'd get something like this:
http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photos/041024/041024_schilling_hmed_4p.hmedium.jpg
The bloody sock (yeah, just woke up, first thing I could think of... could probably do better later)

hell yeah.
and of course for you, yours would be:
http://www.nndb.com/people/380/000086122/burke.jpg
Corky from life goes on!

By the way wadding, while you've crawled out from your cave, I've noticed you've been absent from the NFL thread since the Chargers beat the Colts, you remember, that whole tantrum you had about how "it can't be possible" and my point "of course it's possible, it might not be likely but there's always a chance" then you going on a rant of personal insults that made little sense, much like you're argument that made little sense.

Anyway, yeah, just wanted to remind you of that thread incase you forgot.

VonErich Lives

12-22-2005, 04:23 AM

Fuck yeah Piazza.

Anyway, the Red Sox seem like a complete mess. They addressed their needs on ESPNEWS or something today and it's like every position. Losing Damon is more than just losing a good player, he is basically what makes Ortiz and Manny good. If Manny ends up leaving, Ortiz will go back to what he was on the Twins, just a slightly above average power hitter.

That being said, I think the Yankees are being underestimated. I have always been sold on the impact of a true leadoff hitter. It just pushes your good hitters deeper into the lineup and makes you so much more effective. Their current lineup is hands down the best in the majors right now.

And their pitching is being looked over as well. While it wasn't amazing last year, they still have Randy Johnson, Mike Mussina, Carl Pavano, and Jaret Wright coming back, and all of them are capable of being great pitchers this year (in some cases if they remain healthy). Flash Gordon is old and replaceable now too, so that won't kill them.

But what it all comes down to is Franisco Lariano.

It's possible as a fan, I'm not "seeing it" I'm just not overly worried, yeah Damon was a big loss, they should have kept Muellar and moved Lowell to 1B, and some other "issues". Besides how the whole Manny thing plays out the key is when a healthy Foulke shows up to camp how he pitches. If it's the old Foulke we're in good shape with a decent rotation and a solid bull pen.

Defensively we've improved at 1st base (even without knowing for sure who are 1B is, it will be better then Millar) and he didn't hit for crap last year either.

2B Loretta is an upgrade.

SS Graffanino may be a bat downgrade but defensively will be an upgrade.

3B Muellar was a good fielder and Lowell is even better.

RF is still Trot, at least as long as he stays healthy.

CF??? Dunno, that's a good question.

LF Manny being Manny.

I don't think w/o Manny that Oritiz goes back to what he was in Minnesota "a slightly above average power hitter" it will have an effect, but I don't think as big as you see.

I'm still hoping they work out a way to get Manny to stay (see: have his mistress deported).

Defense they could be better then last year, pitching they will be better then last year, hitting will most likely be a downgrade, but if Lowell goes back to his old form, and Manny stays... then you're looking at something like the 04 team, where Millar had a good year and Lowell is capeable of better #'s.

So yeah, I'm worried, but not throwing in the towel yet. All these big moves, but there is still plenty of time until the first pitch.

Excellance of Execution

12-22-2005, 06:05 AM

Just curious, if Manny wants out of Boston because of this 'mistress', is there any concern that if she's such a problem, that she might follow him to a different city?

Gertner

12-22-2005, 10:42 AM

hmmmmm, jays looking at molina. i'd like that alot

VonErich Lives

12-22-2005, 10:47 AM

Just curious, if Manny wants out of Boston because of this 'mistress', is there any concern that if she's such a problem, that she might follow him to a different city?

It's not Manny wants out, it's his wife, I'd think the same as you, I'd also think he'd be just as likely to cheat somewhere else...

but who knows... that being said, she married the guy for money/fame, so why not just look the other way?

The talk is now, they're going to try and get him to stay and "be happy", watch, all will be well... then around the all-star break "I wanna be traded".

The Miz

12-22-2005, 02:28 PM

hmmmmm, jays looking at molina. i'd like that alot

He's had one good offensive season in his career, his contract year.

The Miz

12-22-2005, 02:29 PM

LOL @ the Dodgers giving Tomko a multi year dear at 4 mil per

Rondell White is a great pickup for the Twins

The Miz

12-22-2005, 02:43 PM

Padres have signed Mark Bellhorn

Royals have signed Reggie Sanders

O's are trying to trade Tejada to Cubs for Prior, Cubs want Bedard and O's want Pie, neither team willing to give away either player. Cubs trying to include Boston as a three way deal involving Tejada, Prior, and Corey Patterson

BCWWF

12-22-2005, 02:43 PM

I didn't see that yet, but he fills the right field hole pretty well methinks

The Miz

12-22-2005, 03:01 PM

I doubt he'll play much RF. He should DH most of the time

VonErich Lives

12-22-2005, 03:21 PM

VonErich Lives

12-22-2005, 03:26 PM

Joey Slugs

12-22-2005, 03:43 PM

<table class="tablehead" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"> <tbody><tr class="stathead"><td colspan="3">Thursday, December 22</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>Red Sox (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=bos)?
Orioles (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=bal)?
Rangers (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=tex)
Nationals (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=was)?
Dodgers (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=lad)?
Mariners (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=sea)
</td><td>Let the bidding begin
Dec 22 - The Red Sox have expressed interest in starter Kevin Millwood, the Boston Herald reports. Millwood's agent, Scott Boras, reportedly wants to start the bidding at the five-year, $55 million level that the Blue Jays gave to A.J. Burnett. According to The Dallas Morning News, Rangers owner Tom Hicks hasn't completely dismissed the idea of a five-year deal for Millwood.
The Orioles -- contrary to recent published reports -- have yet to extend Millwood an offer, but one could be coming soon, The Baltimore Sun 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/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>Cubs dangling Prior for Tejada?
Dec 22 - The Cubs are willing to deal a top starting pitcher, most likely Mark Prior, to the Orioles for shortstop Miguel Tejada, FOXsports.com's Ken Rosenthal reports. But trade talks reportedly have stalled because Chicago wants left-hander Erik Bedard along with Tejada but refuses to include outfield prospect Felix Pie or a top pitching prospect.
The Cubs and Orioles, Rosenthal reports, also have engaged in three-way discussions with the Red Sox that would send Manny Ramirez to Baltimore and Tejada to Chicago.

</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/6200.jpg
Jeff Weaver (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=6200)
Dodgers
</td><td>Dodgers (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=lad)
</td><td>On the clock
Dec 22 - Jeff Weaver, a Scott Boras client, is believed to be seeking at least a four-year, $38 million deal from the Dodgers. The team has until Jan. 8 to negotiate a contract with the right-hander.
</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/6696.jpg
Jason Michaels (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=6696)
Phillies
</td><td>Red Sox (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=bos)
</td><td>Keep shopping, Red Sox
Dec 22 - The Red Sox have expressed interest in Phillies outfielder Jason Michaels, ESPN.com Insider Jerry Crasnick reports, but Boston and Philadelphia don't appear to have the makings of a deal. The Phillies need pitching, but they're not high on Boston's Bronson Arroyo. Philadelphia GM Pat Gillick is looking to acquire either a No. 4-5 starter or a setup man for Tom Gordon, and he'll probably use Michaels as part of the package to acquire that commodity. If the Phillies add the bullpen arm, they're looking at the possibility of moving Ryan Madson to the starting rotation.

</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/6061.jpg
Chad Bradford (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=6061)
Red Sox
</td><td>Mets (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=nym)?
</td><td>Hanging Chad
Dec 22 - In their quest for bullpen arms, the Mets spoke Wednesday with the agent for Chad Bradford, who was non-tendered by Boston, the New York Daily News reports. "It certainly is an attractive team for Chad," agent Rex Gary told the Daily News. "Rick Peterson was his pitching coach at Oakland when he had good years, and Chad is accustomed to pitching for winning teams."

</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>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>King of Queens?
Dec 22 - Manny Ramirez has re-opened the door to a trade to the Mets after seeing how Boston's front office handled the Johnny Damon negotiations, the New York Post reports. Ramirez reportedly would strongly consider waiving his no-trade clause and coming to New York. While the Red Sox continue to look for Ramirez trade partners, the Boston Herald reports, they're also exploring ways to keep the mercurial slugger.
Red Sox co-GM Ben Cherington said on a conference call Tuesday, the Herald reports, that "we also continue to talk to Manny and his representatives and continue to work on flushing out issues related to Ramirez's desire to be traded.
"We're trying to appease some of his concerns. At this point, we just want to listen. We're not going to get into the reasons why he wants out."

</td></tr><tr class="colhead"><td width="65">WHO</td><td>INTERESTED</td><td>THE SKINNY</td></tr><tr class="oddrow" valign="top"><td align="center" nowrap="nowrap">http://espn.go.com/i/mlb/profiles/players/4737.jpg
Reggie Sanders (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=4737)
Cardinals
</td><td>Royals (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=kan)
</td><td>A new city for Sanders
Dec 22 - The Royals are moving closer to signing 38-year-old outfielder Reggie Sanders. "There are some things to work through, but we are getting close [to a deal]," Sanders' agent, Mike Powers, told ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick.
Sanders is seeking a two-year deal believed to be in the range of $10-11 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/teamlogos/mlb/sml/trans/was.gif
Washington (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=was)
</td><td> </td><td>Nats buzz
Dec 22 - The Nationals are ready to pounce on some less accomplished starting pitchers to fill out the rotation, The Washington Post reports. Washington made contract offers Wednesday to right-handers Ramon Ortiz, Josh Fogg, Dewon Brazelton and Ryan Franklin. GM Jim Bowden also hoped to reach the agent for Wade Miller as well.

</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/4870.jpg
Pedro Astacio (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=4870)
Padres
</td><td>Rockies (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=col)?
Padres (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=sdg)?
</td><td>One more time?
Dec 22 - Rockies GM Dan O'Dowd had a one-on-one meeting with right-handed starter Pedro Astacio on Wednesday that lasted nearly 90 minutes, the Rocky Mountain News reports. The Rockies are believed to be offering a little more than $1 million. Astacio, who went 53-48 for the Rockies from 1997-2001, made $800,000 last year pitching for the Rangers and Padres.

</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/6355.jpg
Jeff DaVanon (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=6355)
Angels
</td><td>Diamondbacks (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=ari)
</td><td>Coming home?
Dec 22 - According to The Arizona Republic, the Diamondbacks have made a two-year offer to Valley of the Sun resident Jeff DaVanon. A deal with DaVanon appears close, but GM Josh Byrnes has been talking with other potential center fielders in the event that DaVanon goes elsewhere.

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