MLB 2005-2006 Offseason Thread

[Joey Slugs]

Tuesday, December 6
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Trevor Hoffman Padres	Braves Red Sox Indians Padres Mets	Hoffman, Indians close Dec 6 - Trevor Hoffman could be only a day or two away from signing with the Indians, ESPN.com's Jayson Stark reports. But his agent, Rick Thurman, had meetings scheduled Monday night with both the Red Sox and Hoffman's longtime team, the Padres. There have been no indications that San Diego has increased its original offer to Hoffman (two years, $10 million) since it was tendered almost a month ago. Meetings between Hoffman's agents and the Padres Monday night were characterized as "unproductive," ESPN's Peter Gammons reports. And if the Indians give Hoffman a guaranteed third year, he could sign there as early as Tuesday evening.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Manny Ramirez Red Sox	Phillies? Mariners? Mets? Angels?	Manny suitors Dec 6 - According to The Boston Globe, there is substance to the rumor that the Red Sox are working on a three-way deal with the Diamondbacks and Angels. The Angels would get Ramirez, the D-Backs would get prospects from the Angels and the Red Sox would receive a package of players that includes third baseman Troy Glaus. Red Sox officials, The Globe reports, met with at least eight teams on Monday. The Mets, ESPN's Peter Gammons reports, continue to talk to the Red Sox about Ramirez, and they're asking them to take second baseman Kaz Matsui in the deal along with Lastings Milledge, Aaron Heilman and other prospects.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Kevin Millwood Indians	Mariners	$44M-illwood? Dec 6 - At the end of Monday's winter meetings in Dallas, Mariners GM Bill Bavasi declared there was "nothing imminent," though two agents said the Mariners had offered free-agent starter a four-year deal believed to be worth about $44 million, the Seattle Post-Intelligencer reports.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Javier Vazquez Diamondbacks	Mets? Tigers Nationals	Detroit breakdown Dec 6 - Javier Vazquez exercised his right to decline a trade to Detroit, thus killing what the Diamondbacks thought would be a blockbuster for center fielder Curtis Granderson and right-hander Joel Zumaya, ESPN's Peter Gammons reports. Arizona GM Josh Byrnes says eight to 10 teams continued to have serious interest in Vazquez, The Arizona Republic reports. Any team interested in Vazquez would have to pick up the remainder of his salary, about $12M for each of the next two seasons.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Bobby Abreu Phillies	Cubs Astros Red Sox Blue Jays	Just asking, thanks Dec 6 - The Phillies and Blue Jays explored a potential Bobby Abreu-for-Vernon Wells swap at the GM meetings, and those discussions have resumed at the winter meetings, ESPN.com's Jayson Stark reports. But since the Phillies want pitching if they trade Abreu, the names of Miguel Batista and Gustavo Chacin also might have to be tossed into the conversation. The Red Sox (possibly for Matt Clement and Trot Nixon) and Astros (potentially for Brandon Backe and Chad Qualls) also are showing renewed interest in Abreu. The Philadelphia Daily News reports that the Cubs learned Monday that they would need to include pitcher Mark Prior in any deal for Abreu.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Adam Eaton Padres	Padres	Good Eaton Dec 6 - The Rangers met with the Padres on Monday at the winter meetings in Dallas to discuss a deal that would send starting pitcher Adam Eaton to Texas for catcher Gerald Laird and first baseman Adrian Gonzalez, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Bill Mueller Red Sox	Giants? Dodgers Pirates	Bucs make a play Dec 6 - The Pirates have extended a two-year offer to third baseman Bill Mueller, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports. Mueller, 34, has narrowed his choices to the Pirates and Dodgers. The Minneapolis Star Tribune reports that the Twins are out of the running, but also mentions the Giants as a contender.

[Joey Slugs]

WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Larry Bigbie Rockies	Mariners Cubs Indians	Bigbie for reliever or catcher Dec 6 - In addition to offering Larry Bigbie to the Indians and Mariners for a catcher, the Rockies also have talked about sending him to the Cubs for a reliever, the Rocky Mountain News reports. The Rockies reportedly are interested in catchers Josh Bard (Cleveland) and Yorvit Torrealba (Seattle).
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Milton Bradley Dodgers	Pirates Athletics Cubs	Bucs, A's game for Bradley Dec 6 - A's GM Billy Beane, in the market for a right-handed run producer, is working on a trade with the Dodgers for Milton Bradley. But ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick reports that Pittsburgh could jump into the mix if Bradley doesn't land in Oakland. According to The San Jose Mercury News, the A's are believed to be offering right-hander Kirk Saarloos or left-hander Joe Kennedy, plus a prospect, for Bradley -- if Barry Zito's not involved in the deal. The newspaper speculates that the Dodgers probably would have to add at least two players to get Zito. Cubs manager Dusty Baker met with Bradley last month in Los Angeles, the Chicago Sun-Times reports.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Trot Nixon Red Sox	Pirates	Hot to Trot? Dec 6 - The Red Sox are talking to the Pirates about a trade involving Trot Nixon for either Kip Wells or Mark Redman, The Hartford Courant reports.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Mark Grudzielanek Cardinals	Royals? Mets? Red Sox? Rangers?	Hung up on Matsui Dec 6 - If the Mets hope to sign second baseman Mark Grudzielanek, they'll need to trade Kaz Matsui, even though Grudzielanek has offered to backload a multiyear deal until Matsui comes off the books, the New York Daily News reports.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Juan Pierre Marlins	Nationals? Tigers? Dodgers? White Sox? Cubs? Mariners? Yankees? Rangers?	Fish by the pound Dec 6 - According to clubs that have spoken with the Marlins, Florida is stepping up its efforts to move Juan Pierre now that Paul Lo Duca's ticket to New York has been booked, ESPN.com's Jayson Stark reports. The Cubs, White Sox and Rangers appear to be the three most aggressive teams in the Pierre hunt. But the Dodgers, Tigers, Nationals and a half-dozen other teams have at least kicked Pierre's tires. According to various sources who have had conversations with the Marlins, Florida has asked the Cubs for their top prospect, center fielder Felix Pie -- a potential deal-breaker. The Rangers may include outfielder Laynce Nix if they make an offer, The Palm Beach Post reports. The teams plan to meet Tuesday. The Dallas Morning News reports that the Marlins may be asking for one of the Rangers' top young pitching prospects -- John Danks or Thomas Diamond.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
David Wells Red Sox	Athletics Angels	West Coast or bust Dec 6 - The Dodgers and Athletics have actively joined in the hunt for David Wells, ESPN's Peter Gammons reports. Boston needs pitching in return in any deal.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Aaron Miles Rockies	Royals Marlins	2B with low Miles Dec 6 - The Rockies are looking to trade second baseman Aaron Miles to the Marlins or Royals, possibly for a low-level minor-league prospect, The Denver Post reports.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Bernie Williams Yankees	Yankees?	Bernie in limbo Dec 6 - If Yanks do not offer Bernie Williams arbitration by Wednesday, they lose negotiating rights with him until May, the New York Daily News reports. But the two sides could agree on what the Daily News describes as a "wink-wink" deal in which the Yanks offer Williams arbitration with a guarantee that agent Scott Boras will reject it, thus giving them until Jan. 8 to negotiate.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Nomar Garciaparra Cubs	Yankees? Padres? Dodgers? Pirates? Orioles Diamondbacks Indians?	Anywhere but short, pitcher and catcher Dec 6 - While there is no clear-cut roster spot for him, the Yankees are intrigued by Nomar Garciparra, The New York Times reports. "Teams have asked him, in general, about the outfield, first base, second base," Garciaparra's agent, Arn Tellem, told the newspaper. "He's pretty open to any position other than catcher and pitcher." Orioles executive VP Mike Flanagan is expected to sit down with Tellem this week. Baltimore may be willing to give Garciaparra two-year deal, with the understanding that the former shortstop would play either first base or the outfield. The Padres have discussed the idea of signing Garciaparra and moving him to second base, reports ESPN.com Insider Jerry Crasnick. That would allow San Diego to then include Mark Loretta in a package for pitching help.

Burnett deal has been confirmed.

JAys in 06 bitches.

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

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

[samichna]

I think they want Wells as their poster boy.

[samichna]

Good job by Ricciardi on the two big signings though.

[Loose Cannon]

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

[VonErich Lives]

Originally Posted by Loose Cannon LOL, Nomar in pinstripes will be hillarious. Mission complete: Nomar, A-Rod and Jeter

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

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

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

[The Miz]

Some rumored trades/signings:

David Wells to Oakland for Justin Duchscherer.

Sean Burroughs to DRays for Dewan Brazelton

Dave Roberts to Washington for Termel Sledge

LaTroy Hawkins to Mets

Trot Nixon to Pittsburgh for Kip Wells

Juan Pierre to Texas for Ron Villone and Laynce Nix

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

[The Miz]

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

[McDoogle]

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

[samichna]

Originally Posted by The Miz Honestly, the Burnett signing sucks. Bust written all over it.

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

[The Miz]

Baltimore gets:
RP LaTroy Hawkins

San Francisco gets:
RP Steve Kline

This deal is done. One bum for another.

[VonErich Lives]

Originally Posted by McDoogle Jays have spent 105 million on two players...wow.

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

So much for the owners "correcting the market".

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

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

[The Icon of Elisim]

Originally Posted by VonErich Lives Anyone wanna bet on how long until the owners cry they can't afford the players?

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

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

[VonErich Lives]

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

Is it a traded company?

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

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

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

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

and unlike Foulke, your closer has a fastball!

[The Icon of Elisim]

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

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

[VonErich Lives]

was listening to some talk about Manny to the Angels.

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

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

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

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

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

[VonErich Lives]

Well, figured it was something like that.

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

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

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

[YOUR Hero]

Originally Posted by L L Cool G Zaun also has a terrible arm. Guillermo Quiroz is gonna back up Zaun this year

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

Just thought I should toss that in.

[YOUR Hero]

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

[Evil Vito]

Royals get: RHP Kris Benson

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

Could be finalized soon

-----

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

[YOUR Hero]

MacDougal? - Think Looper.

[CNM]

With a better fastball

[OssMan]

Larry Walker retired?

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

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

That's so depressing. Poor guy.

[RP]

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

[DaveWadding]

Originally Posted by Rectal Pertruder Apparently the Cubs are talking about dealing Prior to Philly for Abreu

Not gonna happen.

PS:

Cubs get:

CF Juan Pierre

Florida gets:

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

[YOUR Hero]

Cubs trying to follow the WSOX in building with speed?

[DaveWadding]

Originally Posted by YOUR Hero Cubs trying to follow the WSOX in building with speed?

Cubs need someone to bat leadoff?

[Joey Slugs]

Wednesday, December 7
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Edgar Renteria Red Sox	Braves	Brave new world? Dec 7 - The Red Sox are moving aggressively to trade shortstop Edgar Renteria, the Boston Globe reports. Renteria has fallen out of favor in Boston after a 30-error season and could be headed to the Braves as part of a three-way deal with the Devil Rays. The Sox would receive D-Rays shortstop Julio Lugo while Tampa Bay would get prospects from Atlanta, presumably highly regarded third baseman Andy Marte and another player.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Bobby Abreu Phillies	Dodgers Cubs Astros Red Sox Blue Jays	Dodgers join Abreu talks Dec 7 - The Phillies and Dodgers have discussed a deal that would send Bobby Abreu and possibly third baseman David Bell to L.A. for pitcher Derek Lowe or pitcher Brad Penny, The Philadelphia Inquirer reports. The two teams are expected to meet again Wednesday. According to ESPN.com's Jayson Stark, the Phillies and Blue Jays explored a potential Abreu-for-Vernon Wells swap at the GM meetings, and those discussions have resumed at the winter meetings. But since the Phillies want pitching if they trade Abreu, the names of Miguel Batista and Gustavo Chacin also might have to be tossed into the conversation. The Red Sox (possibly for Matt Clement and Trot Nixon) and Astros (potentially for Brandon Backe and Chad Qualls) also are showing renewed interest in Abreu. The Philadelphia Daily News reports that the Cubs learned Monday that they would need to include pitcher Mark Prior in any deal for Abreu.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Juan Pierre Marlins	Cubs Dodgers? Yankees? Rangers?	Cub life Dec 7 - According to ESPN.com's Jayson Stark, the Marlins have tentatively agreed on a four-player deal that would send Juan Pierre to the Cubs for three young pitchers -- Sergio Mitre and prospects Renyel Pinto and Ricky Nolasco. The deal is pending physicals examinations.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Lyle Overbay Brewers	Angels? Red Sox? Orioles? Blue Jays? Pirates? Red Sox?	Blue Jays, Brewers talkin' swap Dec 7 - Milwaukee and Toronto are discussing a deal that would send first baseman Lyle Overbay to the Blue Jays for infielder Shea Hillenbrand and pitcher David Bush, a source told ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick. Overbay hit .276 with 19 homers last year in Milwaukee. By moving Overbay, the Brewers would free up first base for top prospect Prince Fielder. Hillenbrand would be a defensive liability at first base, but he's a .288 career hitter. He hit 18 homers and drove in 82 runs for the Blue Jays last season.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Mark Grudzielanek Cardinals	Royals? Mets? Red Sox? Rangers?	Still in the Cards Dec 7 - After pitcher A.J. Burnett signed with the Blue Jays, the Cardinals turned their attention toward re-signing second baseman Mark Grudzielanek, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. Grudzielanek's contract, according to the newspaper, stipulates the Cardinals may not offer him arbitration. He is seeking a two-year deal for about $3 million per season. If the Mets hope to sign Grudzielanek, they'll need to trade Kaz Matsui, even though Grudzielanek has offered to backload a multiyear deal until Matsui comes off the books, the New York Daily News reports.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Matt Morris Cardinals	Mariners? Dodgers? Giants? Cardinals? Rangers	He might be a Giant Dec 7 - Cards GM Walt Jocketty met Tuesday with Matt Morris's agent, Barry Axelrod, but it appears the veteran right-hander is leaning toward accepting a two-year offer from the Giants, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. The Giants' proposal is for more than $8 million a season, the newspaper reports. "His market has developed beyond what we feel comfortable with, but we haven't closed it out," Jocketty told the Post-Dispatch. The Phillies are believed to be re-examining the list of free-agent starters and now have interest in Morris, ESPN.com's Jayson Stark reports.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Mark Loretta Padres	Red Sox	Loretta-Mirabelli swap? Dec 7 - The Red Sox are discussing a deal with the Padres that would send backup catcher Doug Mirabelli to San Diego for second baseman for Mark Loretta, the Boston Herald reports.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Johnny Damon Red Sox	Red Sox Yankees? Cubs?	Here's an offer, Johnny Dec 7 - The Red Sox reportedly are on the verge of offering center fielder Johnny Damon a four-year deal worth $40 million, the Boston Herald reports. But Damon?s camp, the newspaper reports, now believes that Rafael Furcal's deal (an average of $13M per season with the Dodgers)is the new benchmark for leadoff hitters.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
David Wells Red Sox	Athletics Angels	NoCal OK for Wells? Dec 7 - Boston may have a West Coast destination for David Wells. The Red Sox are considering a deal that would send Wells to the A's for reliever Justin Duchscherer, The Boston Globe reports. Wells reportedly would prefer to return to San Diego.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Javier Vazquez Diamondbacks	Cardinals Mets? Tigers Nationals	Meet you halfway? Dec 7 - The Cardinals are interested in Arizona starter Javier Vazquez, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. Vazquez, who wants to play for an East Coast team, exercised his right to decline a trade to Detroit, thus killing what the Diamondbacks thought would be a blockbuster for center fielder Curtis Granderson and right-hander Joel Zumaya, ESPN's Peter Gammons reports. Arizona GM Josh Byrnes says eight to 10 teams continued to have serious interest in Vazquez, The Arizona Republic reports. Any team interested in Vazquez would have to pick up the remainder of his salary, about $12M for each of the next two seasons.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Austin Kearns Reds	Cubs?	Odd man out? Dec 7 - The Cubs, who tried hard to pry Austin Kearns loose from the Reds at last July's trade deadline, are revisiting talks this winter, the Dayton Daily News reports. The Cubs are dangling pitchers -- including prospect Ricky Nolasco, starters Sergio Mitre and Jerome Williams, and reliever Todd Wellemeyer -- to the Reds for Kearns. The Reds likely also will ask for prized Cubs prospect Rich Hill. "They'd probably have to hold our feet to the fire to get Hill," a Cubs official told the newspaper.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Boston		The finish line? Dec 7 - According to the Boston Globe, Red Sox CEO Larry Lucchino interviewed another candidate for the GM ██████████ former Dodger GM Dan Evans. But the job still could go to Jim Beattie -- the word in MLB offices on Tuesday was that the job was Beattie's.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Jamie Moyer Mariners		Ancient Mariner? Dec 7 - Seattle has made an offer to free-agent starter Jamie Moyer, ESPN.com's Jayson Stark reports. And a decision is now in Moyer's hands, according to a club that has interest in Moyer. For the second straight contract, the 43-year-old left-hander is handling his own negotiations, without an agent. According to The Seattle Times, Moyer's biggest concern with the deal is how much of his 2006 salary is guaranteed and how much is incentive laden. The team is offering a base salary believed to be around $3 million, the newspaper reports.

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

[The Miz]

Today's deals

Royals get:
SP Mark Redman

Pirates get:
RP Jonah Bayliss (AA)

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

Devil Rays get:
3B Sean Burroughs

Padres get:
RP Dewon Brazelton

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

Diamondbacks get:
C Johnny Estrada

Braves get:
RP Lance Cormier
RP Oscar Villareal

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

Cubs get:
OF Juan Pierre

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

Also Mark Loretta will be traded for DOug Mirabelli

[VonErich Lives]

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

Sox get Lugo
Braves get Renteria
Rays get prospects.

Also heard Arroyo for Soriano...

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

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

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

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

[VonErich Lives]

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

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

[The Outlaw]

Originally Posted by VonErich Lives talk of a 3way, Red Sox, Devil Rays and Braves. Sox get Lugo Braves get Renteria Rays get prospects.

Which prospects?

[The Outlaw]

In order to complete this trade, the Braves would likely to have to part with Marte and either Jarrod Saltalamacchia or Brian McCann. Atlanta's most pressing concern is ensuring the Red Sox pay a sizable portion of the $26 million that Renteria is owed over the next three years. Several media outlets are reporting that the trade would also include the Devil Rays, but two Braves officials said late Tuesday night that a three-team deal is highly unlikely. Braves general manager John Schuerholz wouldn't talk specifics. But he confirmed his club is engaged in several discussions that would allow him to fill the void Rafael Furcal's exit created at the leadoff spot in the batting order and shortstop position. "I can tell you honestly and forthrightly we have a had a number of very good conversations today, some of which have been second conversations with several clubs, and I feel something good will come out of these meetings," Schuerholz said. Renteria was the prize acquisition for the 2004 World Series champion Red Sox last offseason. But after committing 30 errors and hitting just .276 with eight homers in 2005, he quickly fell out of favor. A Braves official confirmed a month ago that the club became interested when they heard Boston was willing to pay a portion of the shortstop's salary. Pierre's weak arm and the .326 on-base percentage he produced last year were two things that made him undesirable to the Braves to fill their leadoff spot. So, too, was the fact the Marlins, like the Devil Rays, were asking for too much for a marginal return. The Braves have had several trade discussions with the Devil Rays, but all talks with Tampa Bay are believed to be dead. When Atlanta inquired about what it would take to obtain both Lugo and closer Danys Baez, the Rays asked for McCann and two top-caliber pitching prospects on the level of Kyle Davies. It doesn't take a Schuerholz to reject those types of offers. But when a player the caliber of Renteria is thrown into the mix, then Schuerholz and every other general manager would love to have the vast resources of the Braves' Minor League system.

[Adder]

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

[VonErich Lives]

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

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

They sox offered arbertation to Damon, Muellar & Grafanino.

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

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

[VonErich Lives]

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

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

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

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

[The Miz]

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

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