MLB 2005-2006 Offseason Thread

[The Miz]

Also I ahve no idea who Gaby Hernandez is. Have you heard of him?

[Evil Vito]

I haven't actually seen Hernandez, but I've heard nothing but great things. He threw a no-hitter this season. He was their #2 or #3 pitching prospect though

Yeah, I heard about a LoDuca/Vazquez deal...problem is the Mets would likely have to throw Brian Bannister into the deal, meaning the Mets lose their top 3 pitching prospects in one offseason (and completely eliminating the depth they had in starting pitching)

that would mean the injured Philip Humber is the new #1 guy...Mike Pelfrey will be the #1 prospect if he ever signs

[The Miz]

Oh I had no idea he was a top prospect. If he's on Petit's level then this trade is dumb. Mets better win the WS in 06 because they are going to be the KC Royals in 08-10

[Evil Vito]

Originally Posted by The Miz Oh I had no idea he was a top prospect. If he's on Petit's level then this trade is dumb. Mets better win the WS in 06 because they are going to be the KC Royals in 08-10

Mets.com said he was a top prospect and his numbers were great, but some people have said he's a #3 guy at best. He's only an Single-A-level prospect anyways, so it's hard to predict this sort of stuff.

He has the potential to be awesome, but he may not be. I dunno, I'm still unsure on the deal. I'd rather have Ramon Hernandez but that's just me. If we get Vazquez for LoDuca and then sign Hernandez/Molina I'd be satisfied.

[The Miz]

Steve Phillips Prediction Watch, Week 1:

Paul Konerko to Boston WRONG
Rafael Furcal to Chicago WRONG
Billy Wagner to Philadelphia WRONG
BJ Ryan to Mets WRONG
Hideki Matsui to Yankees RIGHT At least he got the hard one
Brian Giles to Chicago WRONG
Kyle Farnsworth to Braves WRONG
Tom Gordon to Arizona WRONG
Bob Howry to Yankees WRONG
Esteban Loaiza to Washington WRONG
Paul Byrd to Reds WRONG
Scott Eyre to Boston WRONG

Steve's offseason batting average thusfar sits at a respectable .083

[CNM]

LOL how does Steve Phillips have a job? Those mock press conferences were horrible.

[The Miz]

Hernandez > LoDuca, no question. But the thing is, there is no way the Mets can land a big catcher without forfeiting a top prospect or prospects. Hernandez and Molina are both Type-A free agents, if the Mets sign one of them, the Padres/Angels will be compensated with the Mets' first round draft pick.

I still don't like this trade for New York because they've given up enough prospects for big name guys that won't be around that long. Hernandez has potential to be a top starter. LoDuca has reached his ceilling, an above average offensive catcher. Also, LoDuca is 34. If NY hadn't already traded Petit this trade might be ok, but LoDuca isn't worth fucking up your teams 3-5 years from now.

[CNM]

LoDuca is going to suck offensively in Shea. He's overrated defensively as well. Not a trade to get too thrilled about.

[The Miz]

No one rates him high defensively, it's well documented that he is an offensive catcher with poor defense.

He's coming off of a .714 OPS season. Also, his contract his huge. The more I think about it the more retarded this is for the Mets. Probably worse than the Delgado trade.

[Joey Slugs]

Sunday, December 4
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Paul Lo Duca Marlins	Mets Diamondbacks?	Catching another Fish? Dec 4 - The New York Times reports that the Mets are in "very serious" discussions with the Marlins about acquiring catcher Paul Lo Duca. A source told the New York Post that the Marlins would receive a minor-league prospect in return for Lo Duca, 33, who will make $6.25 million in 2006. Lo Duca, a three-time All-Star, hit .283 with six home runs and 57 RBI in 2005. The Marlins' catcher, who attended Arizona State, has said he would be interested in playing for the D-Backs. But the Palm Beach Post says he has also drawn interest from Colorado and San Diego.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Juan Pierre Marlins	Cubs? Mariners? Yankees? Rangers?	Centering on Pierre Dec 4 - According to the Chicago Sun-Times, the Cubs are focusing on acquiring Juan Pierre from the Marlins and trading center fielder Corey Patterson. Talks with the Marlins about Pierre will be one of the Cubs' primary focuses at the winter meetings, the Sun-Times reports. Don't be surprised if Pierre fills the Yankees' center field void. According to The New York Post, the Marlins have asked for lefty Sean Henn and right-handed reliever Scott Proctor for Pierre, and the Yankees didn't reject the offer. What makes Pierre attractive is that it's likely a one-year deal, since Pierre can become a free agent after the season and the 2007 class of free-agent center fielders will include Andruw Jones, Torii Hunter and Mike Cameron. The Marlins also are shopping Pierre to Texas for pitching prospects and perhaps outfielder Laynce Nix, who annoyed Ranger brass by not playing winter ball after missing a good part of the season with an injury. According to the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, the Mariners also have inquired about Pierre, who's arbitration-eligible after making $3.7 million in 2005.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
A.J. Burnett Marlins	Nationals? Orioles? Cardinals? Mets? Mariners Blue Jays	Waiting game Dec 4 - According to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch on Sunday, the Cardinals are waiting to see if Burnett -- who grew up a Cardinals fan -- will decide to accept the team's four-year offer worth around $40 million. Derek Braunecker, Burnett's agent, said Saturday his client "could have a decision within 48 hours," meaning by Monday afternoon, Peter Gammons reports. Sources told the Post-Dispatch that Burnett is prepared to accept the Cardinals' offer if they could guarantee him a fifth season. Toronto, St. Louis and Texas are the frontrunners to sign Burnett, although the Mariners, Cubs and Nationals remain in the mix. The Blue Jays reportedly offered Burnett a five-year deal worth about $50 million.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Johnny Damon Red Sox	Red Sox Yankees? Cubs?	Red Sox reach out Dec 4 - The Boston Herald reported that Johnny Damon, his wife Michelle and agent Scott Boras met with Red Sox president Larry Lucchino over the weekend in Boston, but no deal was imminent. The Sox offered Damon a three-year, $28 million contract last month, but Boras is seeking a seven-year deal worth around $12 million a season for his client, the Herald reported. "Our priority really is to bring Johnny back," said Jed Hoyer, assistant to the GM, to the Hartford Courant. "We want to keep him in a Red Sox uniform. Of course we're always looking at alternatives, but our priority is to make sure Johnny is in center field for us." The Yankees say they aren't interested in talking about the center fielder unless the discussion revolves around a three-year deal, the New York Daily News reports.

[The Miz]

Just wondering, why do you pay for Insider when you can get all of it's info from free websites

[Joey Slugs]

Originally Posted by The Miz Just wondering, why do you pay for Insider when you can get all of it's info from free websites

ESPNi is not longer an extra sevice as long as you get ESPN Magazine.

[The Icon of Elisim]

Originally Posted by The Miz Just wondering, why do you pay for Insider when you can get all of it's info from free websites

I dunno lots of articles on top of the trade rumors. A lot of their stuff is archived for insider only. I also like to use their real time feature for games

Plus I split it with a couple of friends so its pretty cheap

[RoXer]

If Jackson and Quentin went to Oakland, I dont know if I'd be happy or what.

[The Miz]

Headcase? Wasn't Bobby Jenks supposed to be a headcase?

223 IP, 202 K, 3.26 ERA, he can play for my team.

You're right about Prior and Wood though. Way too unreliable.

[Joey Slugs]

Originally Posted by The Miz Headcase? Wasn't Bobby Jenks supposed to be a headcase? 223 IP, 202 K, 3.26 ERA, he can play for my team. You're right about Prior and Wood though. Way too unreliable.

BBBJ was a headcase away from the game. I read an article about him about 3 or 4 years when he was first playing single A ball for the Angels and it talked about his family & drinking problems that nearly caused him to give it all up.

Seems to me like he has cleared all that up.

The thing with Zambrano is that he is a headcase now. Wasn't he the one who was out a few weeks with "typing elbow"? Come on now....

[CNM]

cubbies > white sux

[CNM]

Rotoworld is pretty damn close to offering all of the stuff Insider offers. I hate ESPN.

[Joey Slugs]

Monday, December 5
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Barry Zito Athletics	Rangers Dodgers	Zito to Dodgers for Bradley? Dec 5 - The Athletics and Dodgers are talking about a potential trade that would send left-handed starter Barry Zito from Oakland to Los Angeles for outfielder Milton Bradley, the Los Angeles Daily News reports. Officials from both teams are expected to meet Monday at the winter meetings in Dallas. According to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, the Rangers are focusing on Zito and have called the A's. The San Francisco Chronicle reports that the Rangers are offering outfielder Kevin Mench so far. Other teams believed to be suitors for the former Cy Young winner are the Mets, Diamondbacks, Phillies and Blue Jays.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Roger Clemens Astros		Rocket countdown Dec 5 - The Astros still are waiting on Roger Clemens to decide if he's coming back for another season, The Houston Chronicle reports. Clemens' agents met with Astros GM Tim Purpura and owner Drayton McLane last week, but Purpura reported no progress. "We have to be respectful of Roger and what he's going through in trying to recover and feel things out," Purpura told ESPN.com Insider Jerry Crasnick. "But I'm somewhat optimistic, because I think there are a lot of things pulling him back. His performance was tremendous last year. He's still a great competitor, and his son is going to continue to play in our minor-league system. There's a lot there."
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Johnny Damon Red Sox	Red Sox Yankees? Cubs?	What meeting? Damon facts disputed Dec 5 - A day after the Boston Herald reported that Johnny Damon, his wife Michelle and agent Scott Boras had face-to-face contract negotiations last week with the Red Sox at a Boston hotel, The Boston Globe says the meeting never happened. Team president Larry Lucchino, in an e-mail exchange Sunday night with The Globe, labeled the Herald article "100 percent false." According to Lucchino, the Red Sox had "no meetings with Scott in Boston last week." The Red Sox offered Damon a three-year, $28 million contract last month, but Boras is seeking a seven-year deal worth around $12 million a season for his client, the Herald reports.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Julio Lugo Devil Rays	Cubs	Lugo available? Dec 5 - With Rafael Furcal no longer a possibility, the Cubs now will explore trade talks with the Devil Rays for shortstop Julio Lugo and outfielder Aubrey Huff, the Chicago Sun-Times reports.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Nomar Garciaparra Cubs	Orioles Diamondbacks Indians?	New position? Dec 5 - According to the Arizona Republic, the D-Backs have talked about the possibility of signing Nomar Garciaparra as a center fielder. It's also possible, the Republic suggests, that the they could sign Garciaparra as a shortstop to keep the position warm for Stephen Drew, their hot prospect who is more likely to be ready in 2007. Baltimore is still considering an offer to Garciaparra to play first base, The Washington Post reports. The Cleveland Plain Dealer floats Garciaparra's name in the Indians' search for a right-handed hitter. The Twins had expressed interest in him as a third baseman, but it appears the club may go with Terry Tiffee at the hot corner next year, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

[CNM]

Wooooooo, the Rocks are going to sign Jose Mesa. Division title here we come!!!!

[CNM]

(/sarcasm)

[Loose Cannon]

Yankees need to get Zito I will be so happy

[The Miz]

Burnett has agree to a 5 year / 55 million deal with Toronto

[The Miz]

Looking at Burnett's stats reminded me of when Steve Phillips pulled off this genius deal

Marlins get:
AJ Burnett
Jesus Sanchez

Mets get:
Al Leiter

[YOUR Hero]

Is that confirmed? - I wouldn't be surprised. Ton of money for AJ and the Jays are going against their own rule this year of signing players for more than 2+1.

Maybe they can get Huff off the Rays now. They took him earlier off waivers, and the Rays pulled him back. I think they were using the waiver wire to test the market.

[The Miz]

It's not official, hes still waiting to see if the Cardinals will give him a 5th year. They've said they won't so expect the signing to be announced officially tomorrow.

[The Miz]

Blue Jays also gave the A's Chad Gaudin today. Good pickup

[YOUR Hero]

A's got Gaudin off of Toronto. Geeze, he was highly touted. Wonder if his short stint in the Jays uni was enough for the Jays to give up on him. Good luck in Oakland, Gaudin.

[The Miz]

He's only like 23 and hes got an amazing slider. Oakland isnt giving up anything, if hes a flop so what. A's cant lose this deal

[YOUR Hero]

"player to be named later"

(Zito)

[The Miz]

I was thinking the PTBNL might be offensive dynamo Keith Ginter. Beane's been trying to git rid of him for a while.


Year Ag Tm Lg G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB CS BB SO BA OBP SLG TB SH SF IBB HBP
2005 29 OAK AL 51 137 12 22 5 0 3 25 0 0 13 25 .161 .234 .263 36 2 3 0 1

Hed be an OK backup, in the NL.

[YOUR Hero]

The catcher the A's dropped might have been the right thing for the Jays. Kent Huckabee declined his minor league assignment and I don't know who's going to serve as back up for Zaun. Zaun himself had a decent year for his standards, as much as I like the guy, I'm not so sure he can repeat those stats from just last season.

Originally Posted by YOUR Hero The catcher the A's dropped might have been the right thing for the Jays. Kent Huckabee declined his minor league assignment and I don't know who's going to serve as back up for Zaun. Zaun himself had a decent year for his standards, as much as I like the guy, I'm not so sure he can repeat those stats from just last season.

Zaun also has a terrible arm. Guillermo Quiroz is gonna back up Zaun this year

[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.

[The Miz]

John Baker? I dunno, he's pretty bad. He has the offensive stats of a "defensive backup catcher", but he has no defense. Someone like John Flaherty or Todd Pratt would be a better bet

[The Miz]

According to a Sacramento radio station, this deal is done

Oakland gets:
OF Milton Bradley

Los Angeles (Dodgers) gets:
SP Kirk Saarloos
SP Mario Ramos (AAA)

I dunno. I love Saarloos but I think this is probably a good trade for the A's. I would've like to see them get Bradley for Juan Cruz/Joe Kennedy, though.

[Dragon]

Do the A's have room for Bradley? Not too sure what their starting outfielders were last year. I'm guessing Kotsay, Payton, and Swisher were?

[The Miz]

It was generally LF-Payton CF-Kotsay RF-Swisher. Bobby Kielty also split time with Payton and played everyday when Kotsay went down.

Payton and Kotsay are both available, Swisher is not. They could keep all four and have them rotate as the DH. I still think they'll trade Payton for prospects and sign Rondell White.

1. Mark Ellis 2B
2. Milton Bradley LF
3. Bobby Crosby SS
4. Eric Chavez 3B
5. Rondell White DH
6. Mark Kotsay CF
7. Dan Johnson 1B
8. Nick Swisher RF
9. Jason Kendall C

[VonErich Lives]

hearing this Nixon & Clemment for Abreau again, also talk about those 2 to I think the Brewers but I didn't catch for who.

There's talk again of a 3way for Manny. Manny ends up with the Angels, prospects to Arizona and Glaus & Ecstein to boston.

Just heard one about Lowell to Minnesota for JC Romero and prospects, but would require Boston to eat part of Lowells contracts which as a general rule John Henry wont do.

Another one tossed around is if the sox do the deal for manny, then shipping Ecstein and Youkillis to Minnesota for Hunter, which makes it Manny and Youkeliss for Glaus and Hunter...

I don't think anyone really knows... but it's fun hearing all the fish stories.

[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.