MLB 2005-2006 Offseason Thread - Page 23

**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

Tuesday, December 20
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Kevin Millwood Indians	Red Sox? Orioles? Rangers Nationals? Dodgers? Mariners	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.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Octavio Dotel Athletics	Cardinals? Indians Red Sox Yankees? Dodgers? Twins? Mets? Astros? Rangers?	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.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Miguel Tejada Orioles	Mets? Angels? Cubs? Red Sox?	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.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Jacque Jones Twins	Royals Blue Jays? Cardinals? Pirates? Cubs?	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.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Johnny Damon Red Sox	Dodgers? Orioles? Red Sox Yankees?	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."
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Kenny Lofton Phillies	Diamondbacks Dodgers Orioles	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.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Dontrelle Willis Marlins		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.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Gil Meche Mariners	Rockies? Cubs?	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.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Jeremy Reed Mariners	Red Sox Yankees?	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.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Jeff Conine Marlins	Braves? Orioles	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.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Wade Miller Red Sox		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.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Pedro Astacio Padres	Rockies? Padres?	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.

**MVP** · 12-20-2005, 02:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VonErich Lives

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

Quote:

Originally Posted by BCWWF

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!

Yankees just signed Dotel

**VonErich Lives** · 12-20-2005, 05:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MVP

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 acquired him from the Texas Rangers, Alfonso Soriano 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

Quote:

Originally Posted by MVP

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

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Miz

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

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Miz

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

Quote:

Originally Posted by VonErich Lives

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

Quote:

Originally Posted by VonErich Lives

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"

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

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

12-20-2005, 11:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Miz

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.

**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

Quote:

Originally Posted by sTiMa34

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

Quote:

Originally Posted by MVP

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

RP · 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:

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

RP · 12-21-2005, 12:04 AM

Does Johnny Damon own a casino?

12-20-2005, 01:03 PM	#881
VonErich Lives WTF do you want? Posts: 14,760	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...

12-20-2005, 03:01 PM	#884
The Miz Clutch Poster Posts: 11,997	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?

12-20-2005, 03:52 PM	#885
BCWWF The People's Member Posts: 18,092	That's a pretty good trade for Texas, I would love to have Eaton

12-20-2005, 04:00 PM	#886
The Miz Clutch Poster Posts: 11,997	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

12-20-2005, 05:49 PM	#889
The Miz Clutch Poster Posts: 11,997	Soriano is a dick A week after the Washington Nationals acquired him from the Texas Rangers, Alfonso Soriano 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

12-20-2005, 06:03 PM	#891
The Miz Clutch Poster Posts: 11,997	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

12-20-2005, 09:24 PM	#896
Gertner Guest Posts: n/a	yeah i can't believe the rangers gave up chris young. wow

12-20-2005, 10:57 PM	#897
The Miz Clutch Poster Posts: 11,997	CBS affiliate in Boston reporting that Yankees have signed Johnny Damon to a 4 yr/52 mil contract

12-20-2005, 11:01 PM	#898
Gertner Guest Posts: n/a	lol christ. i wonder if matsui is gonna get tired of having to cut off all of Damon's throws

12-20-2005, 11:01 PM	#899
The Miz Clutch Poster Posts: 11,997	His throws won't make it to Matsui

12-20-2005, 11:04 PM	#901
YOUR Hero Adminstigator Posts: 102,491	Damon Jeter ARod Sheffield ... What the fuck. Now all they need is some reliable pitching.

12-20-2005, 11:10 PM	#902
The Miz Clutch Poster Posts: 11,997	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.

12-20-2005, 11:15 PM	#903
Champion of Europa SEX APPEAL Posts: 13,830	SON OF A BITCH, SAY IT ISN'T TRUE JESUS DAMON

12-20-2005, 11:17 PM	#904
The Miz Clutch Poster Posts: 11,997	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?

12-20-2005, 11:19 PM	#905
Boondock Saint Posts: 8,795	MOTHER PUSSBUCKET. ASS!

12-20-2005, 11:19 PM	#906
Boondock Saint Posts: 8,795	Vagina sized hole in center field now.

12-20-2005, 11:20 PM	#907
Jesus Shuttlesworth Posts: 42,765	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

12-20-2005, 11:31 PM	#909
YOUR Hero Adminstigator Posts: 102,491	Dotel and Damon are valuable pieces of the puzzle for NYY.

12-20-2005, 11:33 PM	#910
MVP Mas Vagina Porfavor Posts: 11,343	Money-grubbing piece of shit.

12-20-2005, 11:35 PM	#911
Dragon REALMENTE Posts: 11,271	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.

12-20-2005, 11:36 PM	#912
MVP Mas Vagina Porfavor Posts: 11,343	Really wanna go to a Sox/Yankees game this year to boo him out of Fenway.

12-20-2005, 11:40 PM	#914
Dragon REALMENTE Posts: 11,271	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.

12-20-2005, 11:43 PM	#915
The Miz Clutch Poster Posts: 11,997	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	#916
RP King of Love and Piss Posts: 62,991	I'm sure he'll be crushed that you guys boo him.

12-20-2005, 11:46 PM	#917
The Miz Clutch Poster Posts: 11,997	Oh and for the record, Hero and VEL: Yeah

12-20-2005, 11:56 PM	#918
Boomer The Wretched Posts: 4,690	Thanks to the Marlins, the Braves might just pull it out another year.

12-21-2005, 12:02 AM	#919
Innovator Inno Knows. Posts: 43,710	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	#920
RP King of Love and Piss Posts: 62,991	Does Johnny Damon own a casino?