MLB 2005-2006 Offseason Thread - Page 33

**YOUR Hero** · 01-08-2006, 07:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Miz

This trade has apparently been discussed

Red Sox get:
CF Jeremy Reed
RP Will Ohman

Cubs get:
OF Raul Ibanez
2B Tony Graffanino
cash

Mariners get:
SP Bronson Arroyo
OF Corey Patterson
PTBNL (from Boston)

You know, it would be really hard to root for the Mariners this year if this trade goes through

Why so?

**The Miz** · 01-08-2006, 07:42 PM

Because Arroyo and Patterson are absolute shit, and Reed is our second most exciting young player. I've struggled to put up with the signings of Washburn, Lawton, and Everett, the Ponson rumors, and the Guardado mishandling; this might be the nail in the coffin. I really only like a couple guys on the team anymore, I hate our manager and am convinced Bill Bavasi is the worst general manager in the history of baseball (I realize Steve Phillips was at one time a real GM). It makes me sick watching this team, I'll still probably attend 30-40 home games but I might pay a little close attention to Oakland this year.

**CNM** · 01-08-2006, 07:45 PM

The M's get raped in that trade. If Bronson Arroyo was still in Pittsburgh no one would give a shit about him

**YOUR Hero** · 01-08-2006, 08:00 PM

I figured getting any pitcher would be an improvement for Seattle. That's the only reason I thought it was ok.

**CNM** · 01-08-2006, 08:04 PM

Miz would know more about this than me, but their rotation looks pretty set:

Felix
Washburn
Moyer
Pineiro
Meche

**The Miz** · 01-08-2006, 08:06 PM

Arroyo is not nearly a big enough upgrade over Meche to even think about trading Reed. Neither is Clement. Papelbon/Lester, maybe.

**YOUR Hero** · 01-08-2006, 08:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CNM

Miz would know more about this than me, but their rotation looks pretty set:

Felix
Washburn
Moyer
Pineiro
Meche

Will Moyer be able to bring it again?
Will Meche have any consistency?
Will Piniero have any consistency?
Will Felix continue to live up to the early hype (here I say yes btw...)
Will Washburn struggle at all on a new team and show some of his old form?

Lots of question marks, imo.

**CNM** · 01-08-2006, 08:23 PM

True, but why would you trade one of your best young players for an insurance policy? What if all those guys do well? Then you're stuck with Bronson Arroyo long relief pitcher and bad attitude Corey Patterson.

**The Miz** · 01-08-2006, 08:33 PM

Obviously our rotation sucks, how is Bronson Arroyo going to help that?

I agree we need a pitcher, but if we're going to give up Reed, it won't be for trash.

**YOUR Hero** · 01-08-2006, 08:37 PM

Getting back to VEL's payroll remarks.

AP NewsBreak: Yankees finish with record $207 million payroll

By RONALD BLUM, AP Baseball Writer
January 6, 2006

NEW YORK (AP) -- The New York Yankees finished last year with a record $207.2 million payroll, more than $90 million ahead of any other team, according to final figures compiled Friday by the commissioner's office. Boston was second at $116.7 million, with the New York Mets third at $104 million, followed by the Los Angeles Angels ($97 million), Philadelphia ($94.8 million), the Los Angeles Dodgers ($87.8 million), St. Louis ($87.4 million) and Atlanta ($85.9 million).

The Chicago White Sox, who won the World Series for the first time since 1917, were 13th at $73.2 million. Houston, swept by the White Sox in the Astros' first Series appearance, was 12th at $76.2 million.

San Diego had the lowest payroll among the eight teams that made the postseason, 16th at $66.3 million. The Padres were swept in the first round of the playoffs by the Cardinals.

At the other end, Tampa Bay had the lowest payroll at $26.6 million, with Pittsburgh at $30.1 million, Colorado at $32.5 million and Kansas City at $34.9 million.

Payrolls were based on Aug. 31 active rosters and disabled lists and included prorated shares of signing bonuses. In 2004, the Yankees led the majors with a then-record high of $187.9 million.

The average salary was $2,349,394, a 5.5 percent increase from the 2004 average of $2,227,347. The players' association, in figures released last month, calculated the average at $2,479,125, a rise of 7.2 percent. The union and management differ in their treatment of signing bonuses and option buyouts.

AL MVP Alex Rodriguez was the highest-paid player at $21.8 million, which doesn't include $4 million in money paid by Texas, which was converted to an "assignment bonus" under the 2004 restructuring of his $252 million, 10-year contract. The changes were made as part of his trade from the Rangers to the Yankees.
San Francisco's Barry Bonds, on the disabled list from the start of the season until Sept. 12 following knee surgery, was second at $21.3 million, followed by Boston's Manny Ramirez ($19.9 million), the Yankees' Derek Jeter ($19.6 million) and Mike Mussina ($19 million), Baltimore's Sammy Sosa ($18.9 million) and Houston's Roger Clemens ($18 million), who at 43 led the major leagues with a career-best 1.87 ERA.

**Joey Slugs** · 01-09-2006, 05:45 PM

Monday, January 9
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Corey Patterson Cubs	Orioles	Patterson on the move? Jan 9 - The Cubs may trade center fielder Corey Patterson as soon as today to either the Orioles or a National League East team that has entered into the negotiations, the Chicago Sun-Times reports. The Mariners and Red Sox appear to be long shots.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Jeff Weaver Dodgers		Weaver, Dodgers part ways Jan 9 - The Dodgers and pitcher Jeff Weaver could not agree on a contract by the Jan. 8 deadline, effectively ending the right-hander's two-year stint with the team, The Los Angeles Times reports. "It was a difference of opinion of value and philosophy," GM Ned Colletti told The Times. "I like Jeff Weaver a lot. I would have loved to have had Jeff be a Dodger. It just didn't work out."
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Miguel Tejada Orioles	Astros? White Sox? Phillies? Cubs Mets? Angels? Red Sox?	Stay-jada Jan 9 - After hearing from Miguel Tejada on Saturday that he no longer wanted to be traded, Orioles VP Jim Duquette called some of the shortstop's suitors, The Baltimore Sun reports. "I told them that he has rescinded his trade [request] and that we don't have any desire to trade him at this point," Duquette told The Sun. "It's difficult to say that he is completely untradable, like it is for any player. But, put it this way: He is less tradable than other guys. He is not a guy we wanted to trade to begin with, and we are not likely to trade him."

**RoXer** · 01-09-2006, 05:48 PM

Yeah, Patterson went to the Orioles already. Lemme get the link

**RoXer** · 01-09-2006, 05:49 PM

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/5234656

**Jesus Shuttlesworth** · 01-10-2006, 01:38 AM

lol damn the Yankees are crazy, they have almost have double the amount of the 2nd highest team.

LOL@A-Rod almost making more than everyone on the D-Rays

**Evil Vito** · 01-10-2006, 06:43 AM

LOL the Yanks are out of their fucking minds.

Also, yessssssss....mets.com had an article up about how Brian Bannister was the Mets top pitching prospect...and then hours later Pelfrey finally signed

**YOUR Hero** · 01-10-2006, 09:38 AM

O's should still listen to offers for Tejada

Either Miguel Tejada had a genuine change of heart about the Orioles, or he flat-out blinked.

The National League champion Astros were the team closest to landing Tejada, FOXSports.com has learned, offering closer Brad Lidge, shortstop Adam Everett and either outfielder Jason Lane or Willy Taveras.
The Phillies also wanted Tejada, intending to move him from shortstop to third base. The Tigers, too, were in the mix, representing little of an improvement, if any, over the Orioles — the team Tejada was trying to flee.

Perhaps Tejada sensed that he wasn't going to land with the Red Sox, seemingly his first choice, or the Cubs, possibly his second.
Perhaps, lacking no-trade protection, he wanted to regain a measure of control, and the only way to do that was by saying he would remain with the Orioles.

Well, that's no longer a sure thing.

The Orioles aren't looking to trade Tejada, but they're also in no position to dismiss interest in a player who remains at least somewhat disgruntled. The Astros' proposal intrigued them, and who's to say the Orioles won't revisit those discussions and others?

Everett, a gifted defender, would have been another Mark Belanger at short. Lane could have helped replace Tejada's offense, or Taveras would have filled the Orioles' void in center field, a position the team addressed Monday by acquiring the Cubs' Corey Patterson.

Lidge, one of the game's top closers, was the central figure from the Orioles' perspective, either as the replacement for departed free agent B.J. Ryan — or as a trade chip who could have helped the club address its biggest need, starting pitching.

Sources with knowledge of the negotiations say the Orioles and Astros could have agreed on the players in the deal with little difficulty. The Astros were concerned that Tejada would invoke his right to demand a trade at the end of next season as a player dealt in the middle of a multi-year contract. They likely would have asked Tejada to waive that right, a potential sticking point. The deal also would have required the approval of Orioles owner Peter Angelos, a demanding negotiator.

Astros owner Drayton McLane, however, evidently was prepared to absorb most or all of the $48 million remaining over the final four years of Tejada's contract while parting with three low-cost players who played significant roles in the Astros' World Series run. Barring further moves, the Astros' payroll might have soared past $100 million, assuming that right-hander Roger Clemens returned to the club.

Given Tejada's desire to play for a winner, he likely would have been satisfied by a trade to Houston — Clemens, Roy Oswalt and Andy Pettitte are just slightly more accomplished than the Orioles' Rodrigo Lopez, Daniel Cabrera and Erik Bedard. But Tejada didn't necessarily know he was going to the Astros. Perhaps he grew anxious when the Orioles' talks with the Red Sox and Cubs stalled, creating openings for other suitors.

One possibility clearly disturbed him: Through his agents, Tejada signaled to the Phillies that he would have played third base for only one season, then exercised his right to demand a trade. For that, the Phillies would have parted with right fielder Bobby Abreu? Didn't make sense.

In the end, Tejada chose the familiar over the unfamiliar, even though the familiar is a franchise that has had eight straight losing seasons — including six straight before he signed his six-year, $72 million contract with the Orioles after the 2003 season.

Tejada should have known what he was getting into when he sold himself not to the most competitive team but to the highest bidder. He may simply be biding time with his latest reversal. Judging from his comments to Gordon Edes of the Boston Globe during an interview in the Dominican Republic, Tejada still doesn't sound content.

Tejada told Edes he changed his mind because of his daughter, Alexis, 6, who had told him that she liked living in Baltimore. He also indicated that he had been bothered by criticism of his trade request both in the U.S. and Dominican Republic. But he also made it clear that he was not happy with the Orioles' direction, saying he was "really angry" that the team had not made significant off-season improvements.

Well, he can't have it both ways. If Tejada wanted out, he could have gotten out. Perhaps, as he told Edes, he merely heeded the advice of his wife, who told him, "Wait for God to give you the opportunity to win. Don't look for it. Let God decide when you're going to win."
Or perhaps, with the trade talks moving toward unknown, potentially undesirable outcomes, Tejada simply lost his nerve.
http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/5235582

**VonErich Lives** · 01-10-2006, 01:41 PM

I've never understood the facination with Arroyo. He's good and "young" but not that young, he's 28 and yes he does win games, but that was a product of the hitting he had. He is capable of winning big games, but not going deep in them, maybe he grows the next few years, but I don't see him as anyones Ace.

He's a #5 maybe #4 and on a weak staff a #3. He doesn't have a history of injuries and doesn't make a lot of money.

I also don't understand what's so great about Reed, is he an outburst waiting to happen? Dunno, I see all his minors stuff, just his pro stats don't look that great... I would trade for him, but not giveup "the farm" so to speak.

**The Miz** · 01-10-2006, 03:44 PM

He did not have an at-bat this season at 100% health. With a year of experience and his elbow fixed he will hit much better to add to his stellar defense.

**VonErich Lives** · 01-10-2006, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Miz

He did not have an at-bat this season at 100% health. With a year of experience and his elbow fixed he will hit much better to add to his stellar defense.

488AB with a bad elbow? at his age?

They should fire everyone who had something to do with letting him play and not shutting him down.

Yes, there are times to play through injuries, but if his injury had that big of an effect and he still got 488AB's... someone needs a new team doctor.

**VonErich Lives** · 01-10-2006, 05:11 PM

Was just looking over his stuff on mlb.com says he was shut down with a few games left for a wrist injury. What was wrong with his elbow?

**Joey Slugs** · 01-10-2006, 05:13 PM

Tuesday, January 10
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Josh Fogg Pirates	Giants	San Francisco Fogg Jan 10 - The Giants have inquired about right-handed starter Josh Fogg, who was non-tendered by the Pirates last month, The San Francisco Chronicle reports. Fogg's agent, Dan Horwits, said he has had some "early discussions" with GM Brian Sabean. Fogg has interest from teams willing to give him a major-league contract, something the Giants aren't likely to do because their 40-man roster is full, the newspaper reports.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Luis Matos Orioles		Matos available? Jan 10 - With the acquisition of outfielder Corey Patterson, it's likely that the Orioles will trade center fielder Luis Matos, The Baltimore Sun reports. Several teams, including the Red Sox, Mets and Pirates, have inquired about Matos' availability this offseason.

**VonErich Lives** · 01-10-2006, 05:16 PM

ok, reading more about him, his minor league stats look great!

How did the Mariners get him from the White Sox? I didn't see listed what the trade was.

**Dragon** · 01-10-2006, 05:24 PM

I'm pretty sure he was involved in the Freddy Garcia deal.

**Joey Slugs** · 01-10-2006, 05:30 PM

Jeremy Reed went to Seattle in the Garcia deal.

And I'm STILL pissed that we gave him up.

01-10-2006, 05:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YOUR Hero

I was just thinking about John-Ford Griffin. That's eerie. The only thing with him is that he's yet to prove himself. Maybe he'll surprise evryone and become a starter.

I read a news story last night about Alex Rios.... not good. He's struggling mightly in the winter leagues. Low avg. lack of power, something needs to be done it seems. Let me find the article.

###

The performances of Alex Rios and Guillermo Quiroz in winter ball haven't done much good for their job security with the Major League club.

Rios, who turns 25 in February, is hitting .229 (16-for-70) with four home runs and 11 RBIs in 19 games for the Caguas Criollos (20-21) in Puerto Rico. Toronto's right fielder has a .291 on-base percentage to go along with a .443 slugging percentage.

The Blue Jays are hoping that the 6-foot-5 Rios -- a former league MVP in Puerto Rico -- can tap into the power potential that analysts have said he possesses. Rios hit .262 with 10 homers and 59 RBIs in 149 games for Toronto in 2005 and is slated to start in right on Opening Day.

There has been discussion about moving infielder Eric Hinske to left field and possibly sliding Frank Catalanotto -- a left-handed batter -- over to right, though. That could mean a platoon-type situation with Rios, who is a righty, if he struggles early.

Quiroz, 24, has a .191 (13-for-68) batting average with one homer and four RBIs in 21 games for the Zulia Aguilas (23-39) in the Venezuelan League. The catcher has struck out 20 times and has walked just once.

The Blue Jays promoted Quiroz to the Majors in late August, and he hit just .194 in 12 games. Quiroz suffered a collapsed lung and other injuries in 2005 and was limited to just 40 Minor League games before being called up. Toronto appeared ready to hand over the backup catching job to Quiroz for 2006. On Tuesday, though, the Blue Jays signed catcher Jason Phillips -- a five-year veteran -- to a Minor League contract and gave him an invitation to Spring Training in Dunedin, Fla., where he'll compete with Quiroz for the No. 2 catcher job. Gregg Zaun remains the starting catcher for Toronto.

Toronto farmhand Miguel Negron, who plays with Rios in Puerto Rico, is hitting .240 in 32 games for the Criollos. The 23-year-old outfielder has two home runs, 10 RBIs and a .302 on-base percentage.

http://toronto.bluejays.mlb.com/NASA...=.jsp&c_id=tor

i don't know if i can take another year of rios or "ground to short" as i call him, waving at balls down and away. plus , he got lazy in the outfield. Quiroz......I'm about ready to ive up on him

**The Miz** · 01-10-2006, 06:13 PM

Not elbow, I meant wrist. Reed sprained his wrist with USA Olympic team but was expected to be fine by Spring Training. He hit poorly all season and in September the Mariners crack tema of scientists fogure dout his wrist never healed. He sat out the few ramining games and had wrist surgery. I promise you he will be much better in 2006, he has a great line drive swing and should get on base at a great rate

**YOUR Hero** · 01-10-2006, 10:40 PM

Bruce Sutter makes into the BaseBall HAll of FAme.

He was the only one to get in this year... I think?

**The Miz** · 01-10-2006, 10:50 PM

I think Sutter & Blyleven deserved to get in this year. Jim Rice, maybe. Nobody else though, Andre Dawson was the next best and he's pretty much the definition of "hall of very good"

**CNM** · 01-11-2006, 01:08 AM

Goose Gossage got screwed. Again..

**YOUR Hero** · 01-11-2006, 09:54 AM

Injuries hurt The Hawk. It can be said about a lot of players, but you just wonder '"what if ?" As an Expos fan, I'd love to see him make it.

**VonErich Lives** · 01-11-2006, 01:42 PM

Rice got screwed. He'll get in...

gonna be interesting, I like McGwire is up next year.

**Joey Slugs** · 01-11-2006, 04:05 PM

Wednesday, January 11
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Todd Walker Cubs		A Walk(er) out? Jan 11 - Todd Walker appears to be the odd man out in the Cubs' crowded infield. According to a report in the Chicago Tribune, the Cubs have penciled in rookie Ronny Cedeno to be their starting shortstop and will go with a Neifi Perez-Jerry Hairston platoon at second base. Walker, whose $2.5 million contract option was picked up by the Cubs in early December, could get a chance to compete for the second-base job in spring training, but that appears unlikely despite the encouraging words of Cubs GM Jim Hendry. "Right now we have three second basemen," Hendry told the Tribune. "And if that's the way we go to camp, it's up to the three of them to compete for playing time."
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Jeff Nelson Mariners	Cardinals? Yankees?	So long, Seattle Jan 11 - Veteran reliever Jeff Nelson is considering one-year offers from the Cardinals and the Yankees, with a focus on how big a portion of the deal will be guaranteed, reports ESPN Insider Jerry Crasnick. "Things are starting to solidify," said agent Mike McCann, "but we're not there yet." Nelson, 39, held right-handed batters to a .196 average and stranded 25 of 31 inherited runners last season while pitching for the Mariners. He's looking at recent deals signed by fellow sidearmers Chad Bradford (one year, $1.4 million with the Mets) and Mike Myers (two years, $2.4 million with the Yankees) as a framework for his contract.

**The Miz** · 01-11-2006, 04:31 PM

Tavarez signed by Boston, I think they'll give him Mota's job and try to package Mota for a CF

**BCWWF** · 01-11-2006, 05:17 PM

Sorry I have been out of the country and am a few pages behind in this post, but apparently Koskie didn't do much defensively last season. On Minnesota, there was at least one year when he should have won the gold glove (I say this because Chavez only played half a season) and he was one of the club house guys that hurt the Twins last year. I don't even know how putting him in the outfield would be brought up.

**YOUR Hero** · 01-11-2006, 08:26 PM

Koskie made some awesome defensive plays last season. Not sure why you'd type that. If that rumour is going around Minnesota, it's a misnomer. Hell he broke his thumb because of his hustle. He always gives an honest effort.

**The Miz** · 01-11-2006, 09:06 PM

Nationals going after Sosa

**YOUR Hero** · 01-11-2006, 09:17 PM

rofl

**Joey Slugs** · 01-12-2006, 12:58 PM

Thursday, January 12
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Kevin Millar Red Sox		Cowboy Up: Millar may join O's Jan 12 - The Orioles and first baseman/corner outfielder Kevin Millar could be nearing an agreement on a one-year deal, The Baltimore Sun reports. Millar reportedly had expressed interest in joining the Orioles for much of the winter. "He'd be another veteran presence in the clubhouse who can play multiple positions and help out some of the young guys," Orioles manager Sam Perlozzo told The Sun.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Aubrey Huff Devil Rays		Huff 'sick of hearing the rumors' Jan 12 - Devil Rays first baseman/outfielder Aubrey Huff, appearing Wednesday on a Tampa-area radio show, says he's tired of being the subject of trade rumors, the Tampa Tribune reports. "As soon as I signed my three-year deal [in 2004], probably a week after I signed my deal, there [were] rumors of me getting traded already," Huff told WXTB Radio. "That's happened every year since then. If you want to trade me, trade me. Just get it over with. I'm sick of hearing the rumors. If you want to do it, do it. If not, let's stop talking about it."

**YOUR Hero** · 01-12-2006, 09:06 PM

Can someone explain something to me.

The Rays put Huff on waivers mid year (i think?) last season and The Jays picked him up. However soon as The Jays did, The Rays took him off waivers. How can that happen? What's the rule on waivers in baseball?

They said The Rays were checking to see what interest there was in Huff. I don't get it.

**The Miz** · 01-12-2006, 09:40 PM

Waivers are complicated. There are 3 types, the one you're referring to is major league waivers, you usually hear about them during the trade deadline.

If a player is on major league waivers, he has 3 days to be claimed. If not claimed, the team can trade (even past the deadline), release, or demote him. If claimed, the team has the choice of letting him go or canceling the waiver request.

I don't remember Huff being claimed, but I'm guessing Tampa put him there because they thought they might trade him but couldn't finish a deal before the deadline. When Toronto claimed him they canceld becase they didn't want to give him up for nothing.

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01-08-2006, 07:42 PM	#1282
The Miz Clutch Poster Posts: 11,997	Because Arroyo and Patterson are absolute shit, and Reed is our second most exciting young player. I've struggled to put up with the signings of Washburn, Lawton, and Everett, the Ponson rumors, and the Guardado mishandling; this might be the nail in the coffin. I really only like a couple guys on the team anymore, I hate our manager and am convinced Bill Bavasi is the worst general manager in the history of baseball (I realize Steve Phillips was at one time a real GM). It makes me sick watching this team, I'll still probably attend 30-40 home games but I might pay a little close attention to Oakland this year.

01-08-2006, 07:45 PM	#1283
CNM Posts: 2,540	The M's get raped in that trade. If Bronson Arroyo was still in Pittsburgh no one would give a shit about him

01-08-2006, 08:00 PM	#1284
YOUR Hero Adminstigator Posts: 102,491	I figured getting any pitcher would be an improvement for Seattle. That's the only reason I thought it was ok.

01-08-2006, 08:04 PM	#1285
CNM Posts: 2,540	Miz would know more about this than me, but their rotation looks pretty set: Felix Washburn Moyer Pineiro Meche

01-08-2006, 08:06 PM	#1286
The Miz Clutch Poster Posts: 11,997	Arroyo is not nearly a big enough upgrade over Meche to even think about trading Reed. Neither is Clement. Papelbon/Lester, maybe.

01-08-2006, 08:23 PM	#1288
CNM Posts: 2,540	True, but why would you trade one of your best young players for an insurance policy? What if all those guys do well? Then you're stuck with Bronson Arroyo long relief pitcher and bad attitude Corey Patterson.

01-08-2006, 08:33 PM	#1289
The Miz Clutch Poster Posts: 11,997	Obviously our rotation sucks, how is Bronson Arroyo going to help that? I agree we need a pitcher, but if we're going to give up Reed, it won't be for trash.

01-09-2006, 05:48 PM	#1292
RoXer History's Greatest, Mr. E Posts: 42,425	Yeah, Patterson went to the Orioles already. Lemme get the link

01-09-2006, 05:49 PM	#1293
RoXer History's Greatest, Mr. E Posts: 42,425	http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/5234656

01-10-2006, 01:38 AM	#1294
Jesus Shuttlesworth Posts: 42,765	lol damn the Yankees are crazy, they have almost have double the amount of the 2nd highest team. LOL@A-Rod almost making more than everyone on the D-Rays

01-10-2006, 06:43 AM	#1295
Evil Vito President of Freedonia Posts: 58,329	LOL the Yanks are out of their fucking minds. Also, yessssssss....mets.com had an article up about how Brian Bannister was the Mets top pitching prospect...and then hours later Pelfrey finally signed

01-10-2006, 09:38 AM	#1296
YOUR Hero Adminstigator Posts: 102,491	O's should still listen to offers for Tejada Either Miguel Tejada had a genuine change of heart about the Orioles, or he flat-out blinked. The National League champion Astros were the team closest to landing Tejada, FOXSports.com has learned, offering closer Brad Lidge, shortstop Adam Everett and either outfielder Jason Lane or Willy Taveras. The Phillies also wanted Tejada, intending to move him from shortstop to third base. The Tigers, too, were in the mix, representing little of an improvement, if any, over the Orioles — the team Tejada was trying to flee. Perhaps Tejada sensed that he wasn't going to land with the Red Sox, seemingly his first choice, or the Cubs, possibly his second. Perhaps, lacking no-trade protection, he wanted to regain a measure of control, and the only way to do that was by saying he would remain with the Orioles. Well, that's no longer a sure thing. The Orioles aren't looking to trade Tejada, but they're also in no position to dismiss interest in a player who remains at least somewhat disgruntled. The Astros' proposal intrigued them, and who's to say the Orioles won't revisit those discussions and others? Everett, a gifted defender, would have been another Mark Belanger at short. Lane could have helped replace Tejada's offense, or Taveras would have filled the Orioles' void in center field, a position the team addressed Monday by acquiring the Cubs' Corey Patterson. Lidge, one of the game's top closers, was the central figure from the Orioles' perspective, either as the replacement for departed free agent B.J. Ryan — or as a trade chip who could have helped the club address its biggest need, starting pitching. Sources with knowledge of the negotiations say the Orioles and Astros could have agreed on the players in the deal with little difficulty. The Astros were concerned that Tejada would invoke his right to demand a trade at the end of next season as a player dealt in the middle of a multi-year contract. They likely would have asked Tejada to waive that right, a potential sticking point. The deal also would have required the approval of Orioles owner Peter Angelos, a demanding negotiator. Astros owner Drayton McLane, however, evidently was prepared to absorb most or all of the $48 million remaining over the final four years of Tejada's contract while parting with three low-cost players who played significant roles in the Astros' World Series run. Barring further moves, the Astros' payroll might have soared past $100 million, assuming that right-hander Roger Clemens returned to the club. Given Tejada's desire to play for a winner, he likely would have been satisfied by a trade to Houston — Clemens, Roy Oswalt and Andy Pettitte are just slightly more accomplished than the Orioles' Rodrigo Lopez, Daniel Cabrera and Erik Bedard. But Tejada didn't necessarily know he was going to the Astros. Perhaps he grew anxious when the Orioles' talks with the Red Sox and Cubs stalled, creating openings for other suitors. One possibility clearly disturbed him: Through his agents, Tejada signaled to the Phillies that he would have played third base for only one season, then exercised his right to demand a trade. For that, the Phillies would have parted with right fielder Bobby Abreu? Didn't make sense. In the end, Tejada chose the familiar over the unfamiliar, even though the familiar is a franchise that has had eight straight losing seasons — including six straight before he signed his six-year, $72 million contract with the Orioles after the 2003 season. Tejada should have known what he was getting into when he sold himself not to the most competitive team but to the highest bidder. He may simply be biding time with his latest reversal. Judging from his comments to Gordon Edes of the Boston Globe during an interview in the Dominican Republic, Tejada still doesn't sound content. Tejada told Edes he changed his mind because of his daughter, Alexis, 6, who had told him that she liked living in Baltimore. He also indicated that he had been bothered by criticism of his trade request both in the U.S. and Dominican Republic. But he also made it clear that he was not happy with the Orioles' direction, saying he was "really angry" that the team had not made significant off-season improvements. Well, he can't have it both ways. If Tejada wanted out, he could have gotten out. Perhaps, as he told Edes, he merely heeded the advice of his wife, who told him, "Wait for God to give you the opportunity to win. Don't look for it. Let God decide when you're going to win." Or perhaps, with the trade talks moving toward unknown, potentially undesirable outcomes, Tejada simply lost his nerve. http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/5235582

01-10-2006, 01:41 PM	#1297
VonErich Lives WTF do you want? Posts: 14,760	I've never understood the facination with Arroyo. He's good and "young" but not that young, he's 28 and yes he does win games, but that was a product of the hitting he had. He is capable of winning big games, but not going deep in them, maybe he grows the next few years, but I don't see him as anyones Ace. He's a #5 maybe #4 and on a weak staff a #3. He doesn't have a history of injuries and doesn't make a lot of money. I also don't understand what's so great about Reed, is he an outburst waiting to happen? Dunno, I see all his minors stuff, just his pro stats don't look that great... I would trade for him, but not giveup "the farm" so to speak.

01-10-2006, 03:44 PM	#1298
The Miz Clutch Poster Posts: 11,997	He did not have an at-bat this season at 100% health. With a year of experience and his elbow fixed he will hit much better to add to his stellar defense.

01-10-2006, 05:11 PM	#1300
VonErich Lives WTF do you want? Posts: 14,760	Was just looking over his stuff on mlb.com says he was shut down with a few games left for a wrist injury. What was wrong with his elbow?

01-10-2006, 05:16 PM	#1302
VonErich Lives WTF do you want? Posts: 14,760	ok, reading more about him, his minor league stats look great! How did the Mariners get him from the White Sox? I didn't see listed what the trade was.

01-10-2006, 05:24 PM	#1303
Dragon REALMENTE Posts: 11,271	I'm pretty sure he was involved in the Freddy Garcia deal.

01-10-2006, 05:30 PM	#1304
Joey Slugs Second City Saint Posts: 5,806	Jeremy Reed went to Seattle in the Garcia deal. And I'm STILL pissed that we gave him up.

01-10-2006, 06:13 PM	#1306
The Miz Clutch Poster Posts: 11,997	Not elbow, I meant wrist. Reed sprained his wrist with USA Olympic team but was expected to be fine by Spring Training. He hit poorly all season and in September the Mariners crack tema of scientists fogure dout his wrist never healed. He sat out the few ramining games and had wrist surgery. I promise you he will be much better in 2006, he has a great line drive swing and should get on base at a great rate

01-10-2006, 10:40 PM	#1307
YOUR Hero Adminstigator Posts: 102,491	Bruce Sutter makes into the BaseBall HAll of FAme. He was the only one to get in this year... I think?

01-10-2006, 10:50 PM	#1308
The Miz Clutch Poster Posts: 11,997	I think Sutter & Blyleven deserved to get in this year. Jim Rice, maybe. Nobody else though, Andre Dawson was the next best and he's pretty much the definition of "hall of very good"

01-11-2006, 01:08 AM	#1309
CNM Posts: 2,540	Goose Gossage got screwed. Again..

01-11-2006, 09:54 AM	#1310
YOUR Hero Adminstigator Posts: 102,491	Injuries hurt The Hawk. It can be said about a lot of players, but you just wonder '"what if ?" As an Expos fan, I'd love to see him make it.

01-11-2006, 01:42 PM	#1311
VonErich Lives WTF do you want? Posts: 14,760	Rice got screwed. He'll get in... gonna be interesting, I like McGwire is up next year.

01-11-2006, 04:31 PM	#1313
The Miz Clutch Poster Posts: 11,997	Tavarez signed by Boston, I think they'll give him Mota's job and try to package Mota for a CF

01-11-2006, 05:17 PM	#1314
BCWWF The People's Member Posts: 18,092	Sorry I have been out of the country and am a few pages behind in this post, but apparently Koskie didn't do much defensively last season. On Minnesota, there was at least one year when he should have won the gold glove (I say this because Chavez only played half a season) and he was one of the club house guys that hurt the Twins last year. I don't even know how putting him in the outfield would be brought up.

01-11-2006, 08:26 PM	#1315
YOUR Hero Adminstigator Posts: 102,491	Koskie made some awesome defensive plays last season. Not sure why you'd type that. If that rumour is going around Minnesota, it's a misnomer. Hell he broke his thumb because of his hustle. He always gives an honest effort.

01-11-2006, 09:06 PM	#1316
The Miz Clutch Poster Posts: 11,997	Nationals going after Sosa

01-11-2006, 09:17 PM	#1317
YOUR Hero Adminstigator Posts: 102,491	rofl

01-12-2006, 09:06 PM	#1319
YOUR Hero Adminstigator Posts: 102,491	Can someone explain something to me. The Rays put Huff on waivers mid year (i think?) last season and The Jays picked him up. However soon as The Jays did, The Rays took him off waivers. How can that happen? What's the rule on waivers in baseball? They said The Rays were checking to see what interest there was in Huff. I don't get it.