I'm really still not counting the Sox out on the Randy Johnson market. I would assume that they have more to offer then the Yanks, and with Pedro leaving it makes it even more neccessary.
The current deal: Javier to White Sox, Konerko/Garland to the D-Backs, RJ to Yanks doesn't make any sense to me. The Sox would be losing value and the Yanks would gain considerably. If the White Sox make that trade, they will have three good SP's (Garcia, Buehlre, Vazquez) but then they will most likely have to rely on Frank Thomas at first, and besides Carlos Lee they don't have much offense besides that.
The D-Backs would be getting two solid guys. Konerko had a down year, but I still consider him a damned good offensive player. Garland isn't great, but on a team like Arizona he would make a solid #3 or #4 SP, probably better then what they have now. They would have a starting rotation better then a lot of teams in the league.
The Yanks would be getting an absolutly amazing deal. Vazques is good, but not great. He had a good record last year but his ERA wasn't anything spectacular. He is expandable regardless, but to get the best pitcher of this generation for him, I mean come on. The White Sox would be making a horrible decision with that IMO.
Speaking of the White Sox and all, what do you guys think happens with Magglio? He isn't getting much publicity, but he is a free agent (right?) and he is really...REALLY good! His value obviously went down because of his injury last season, but whatever team gets him is going to get a great deal. What teams are looking at him? Frankly I am kind of surprised the Yankees haven't made an effort at him.
Just a little update on the Twins for everybody who doesn't read Twin Cities papers
Well Koskie is gone now, so right now the Twins are pretty much in a bad position for infield. Justin Morneau is back, who is an excellent hitter, but no Mientkiewicz in the field. Luis Rivas, the 2B-man of the past, apparently doesn't have a secure job. Mike Cuddyer, a really above average utility man last season, is expected to take over at either 2nd or 3rd. Personally, I think he makes a lot more sense at third because, well if you've seen him he just isn't a 2nd baseman, I think his d would be better at third, and Rivas is a real good defensive second baseman. There is a lot of speculation that Joe Randa signs with the Twins, he has publically stated that he would like to. He isn't that good, but better then nothing. If he did that I could see Rivas moving to short and Cuddy at second. There is also a lot of speculation about signing Jose Valentin as a backup infielder/DH.
Overall, I don't like how the Twins are looking right now. The whole core is changing, and Jacque Jones is likely to go next. He was going to be gone for sure this winter, but Jason Kubel, his replacement, tore his ACL or something and is missing all of next season. To be successful the Twins really need to sign a third SP. I just don't see Johan being quite as dominant, and Radke just isn't the pitcher you want in a game 7. He has a good ERA etc, but I dunno, he just doesn't have the killer instinct. Joe Mays missed all of last season with Tommy Johns, if he can return to his 2001 status, he could be the one, but I am not counting on it.
I see the Twins just barely holding off Cleveland again for the AL Central, with Chicago and Detroit close behind.