MLB 2005-2006 Offseason Thread

[Joey Slugs]

Monday, November 28
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Billy Wagner Phillies	Braves? Red Sox? Mets Phillies	Wagner market expanding Nov 28 - The Red Sox could extend an offer to Billy Wagner as soon as Monday, Newsday reports. The 34-year-old closer has already received offers from the Mets and Phillies, and the Braves may be interested as well. According to Newsday, the Mets have offered Wagner a three-year, $30.25 million contract, with a $10 million team option for 2009 that automatically becomes vested if Wagner finishes 60 games in 2008.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Toby Hall Devil Rays	Mets	Study Hall Nov 28 - In addition to negotiating with free-agent catchers Ramon Hernandez and Bengie Molina, the Mets also have been talking with the Devil Rays about acquiring Toby Hall, Newsday reports. Tampa Bay wants pitcher Aaron Heilman; the Mets have offered a package headed by second baseman Anderson Hernandez, the newspaper reports.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Joey Gathright Devil Rays		Gathright on the market Nov 28 - The Devil Rays' most advanced trade talks, according to the St. Petersburg Times, concern outfielder Joey Gathright. The 28-year-old center fielder reportedly has drawn interest from 10 teams, including the Dodgers, Marlins, White Sox, Cubs, Angels and Giants.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Brian Giles Padres	Blue Jays Yankees Cardinals? Red Sox? Mariners? Indians?	Jay Giles? Nov 28 - With the Padres now out of the picture, the Blue Jays have made "significant inroads" in their pursuit of free-agent outfielder Brian Giles, the Toronto Globe and Mail reports. According to the New York Post, Yankees GM Brian Cashman has spoken with Giles' agent, but the team has yet to make an offer. "I have said I am interested and we talked," Cashman said. "But I am talking to everybody. We are canvassing all the free agents and trade possibilities."
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Kyle Farnsworth Braves	Mets? Phillies? Indians? Braves Tigers Orioles Yankees	Doors opening for Farnsworth Nov 28 - B.J. Ryan's five-year, $47 million contract with Toronto was good news for Kyle Farnsworth in two respects: It increased the potential size of his next deal, and forced the Yankees, Orioles and other suitors to step up their pursuit. Barry Meister, Farnsworth's agent, told ESPN.com Insider Jerry Crasnick that phone calls from interested clubs have increased significantly since news of Ryan's deal began leaking out Saturday. "It changes the landscape in that more teams are actively pursuing Kyle now," Meister said. "It's the law of supply and demand. There's one less player on the supply side now." Farnsworth would consider a return to either city. Meister said Farnsworth also would be willing to accept a "super setup role" with a winning club. That could mean the Yankees, who will need someone to get the ball to Mariano Rivera if they lose Tom Gordon through free agency.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Los Angeles		Little by Little Nov 28 - The Dodgers have added former Boston manager Grady Little to the list of candidates for the team's vacant managing position, ESPN.com Insider Jerry Crasnick reports. The Dodgers have yet to ask for formal permission to interview Little, who is currently working as a roving catching instructor in the Cubs' system. Little joins Braves special assignment scout Jim Fregosi and former Tampa Bay bench coach John McLaren as a candidate for the Dodgers job. Angels pitching coach Bud Black decided last week not to pursue the position.

[The Miz]

Ok it's official, Loaiza to the A's, 3 years at $7 mil per.

This could be really good or really bad. Signing Loaiza leads me to believe they will trade Zito for a big bat and that Beane isn't sold on Dan Meyer as the #5. If they trade Zito for Dunn, I'm all for it.

I hope this doesn't mean he intends on trading Saarloos for a not-quite-as-big bat or prospects. The A's are ready to contend in 06 but they need a big bat to do it. Zito is expendable, and its better to trade him now than let him walk next season and get draft picks that won't help until 09.

Also, $7 mil is way too much for this guy.

But if what I think Beane is going to do is true, this is a very good lineup:

1. Ellis 2B
2. Crosby SS
3. Kotsay CF
4. Dunn DH/RF/1B
5. Chavez 3B
6. Swisher RF/DH/1B
7. Payton LF
8. Johnson 1B/DH
9. Kendall C

1. Harden
2. Blanton
3. Haren
4. Loaiza
5. Saarloos
6. (Harden's inevitable injury) Kennedy/Meyer/Rheinecker

Calero, Duchscherer, Witasick, Flores, Garica, Street

[The Miz]

Tike Redman traded ti the Mets for cash

[OssMan]

YEAH TIKE REDMAN!

[The Miz]

A cheap speed guy off the bench, what are you complaining about

[The Miz]

Originally Posted by Joey Slugs File under "See: Dan Kolb"

No. BJ Ryan has been in the AL his whole career and has an ERA of 3.54. Kolb got hammered for 3 years with Texas and was all of a sudden very good in Milwaukee. And like TIOE said, look at the K's.

[The Miz]

Jose Valentin is expected to sign with the Mets and play Marlon Anderson's role. Also Raul Mondesi wants to come back if he doesnt win mayor of San Cristobal. LOL

[The Miz]

Ok, last thing for a while.

Ken Rosenthal reports that Billy Wagner has signed a 4 year / $43 million contract with the Mets. $10 mil per year, $10 million option for 2010/$3 million buyout

[The Outlaw]

LOL Mondesi

[OssMan]

Tike Redman is probably just gonna be extra bait in a trade for Manny Ramirez anyway.

[Dragon]

Yeah, no suprise with Wagner signing. I wonder how long it's going to take for the Mets to land a big name catcher, second baseman and Manny Ramirez now.

[The Outlaw]

So the Mets will now come in second to a bunch of 21 year olds?

[Dragon]

Would be nice to see the Yankees sign an arm or two for the bullpen, depending on if Gordon re-signs or not.

I've heard all the rumors of Giles playing CF if he comes here which I still don't think will happen. Would be nice to see Sheffield at DH and Giles in RF if he does sign, but Torre always needs flexibility at DH for Giambi, Posada, etc...

An outfield of Matsui, Giles, and Sheffield would not be very pretty at all defensively.

[Loose Cannon]

LOL, the Mets are going all out. They need to take a look at their neighbors and see how signing big names works out

[RoXer]

It's hard to let go of Zito.

[Evil Vito]

YESSSSS WAGNER

If they can just get a catcher within a few days, Omar can spend the Winter Meetings refining the pitching staff, and looking to dump Matsui somewhere

[YOUR Hero]

Originally Posted by The Miz The A's are close to signing Esteban Loaiza. WTF?!

He's better than his record. We've been over this. Is Zito signed trough one more or two more years?

[The Miz]

Esteban Loaiza is a great signing as a #4 or 5 making #4 or 5 money. 3 years 21 million is not #4 or 5 money.

Zito is signed through 2006

[YOUR Hero]

The Jays may not get Giles. They might not get AJ (Although I think they will) what's nice is seeing the Jays active again.

[Joey Slugs]

after thinking it over...



i like that sight more & more.

[DaveWadding]

Originally Posted by Joey Slugs after thinking it over... i like that sight more & more.

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO JIMMY

[Joey Slugs]

Originally Posted by DaveWadding NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO JIMMY

Jim Thome & Jon Garland: The Two That Got Away

[Joey Slugs]

Tuesday, November 29
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Paul Konerko White Sox	Orioles Angels White Sox	Angelic offering Nov 29 - The Angels are believed to have bumped their initial four-year offer to Paul Konerko to five years and about $60 million, The Los Angeles Times reports. Konerko is expected to travel to Anaheim this week, and he could make a decision before next week's winter meetings in Dallas. According to The Baltimore Sun, the Orioles extended a four-year, $50 million offer to Konerko about two weeks ago.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Johnny Damon Red Sox	Red Sox Yankees? Cubs?	No seventh heaven Nov 29 - Johnny Damon's agent, Scott Boras, is pushing for a seven-year commitment, but 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. Damon is believed to be seeking about $12 million a year, the Boston Herald reports.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Tom Gordon Yankees	Mets Red Sox Phillies Indians Orioles	Hot Flash Nov 29 - The Phillies have stepped up their efforts to sign Tom Gordon, ESPN.com's Jayson Stark reports. What is still unclear is whether they are willing to give Gordon the three-year contract he is looking for at age 38. It's believed the Phillies have an offer on the table for Gordon, but indications are that it's for less than three years. And GM Pat Gillick expressed reluctance Monday to give contracts that long to 38-year-old pitchers like Gordon and Trevor Hoffman, who have now moved to the top of the free-agent closer heap.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Kyle Farnsworth Braves	Mets? Phillies? Indians? Braves Tigers Orioles Yankees	Doors opening for Farnsworth Nov 29 - The Yankees are in serious negotiations with Kyle Farnsworth, but no offer had been made as of late Monday night, the New York Post reports. Barry Meister, Farnsworth's agent, told ESPN.com Insider Jerry Crasnick that phone calls from interested clubs have increased significantly since news of B.J. Ryan's five-year, $47 million deal with the Blue Jays began leaking out Saturday. "It changes the landscape in that more teams are actively pursuing Kyle now," Meister said. "It's the law of supply and demand. There's one less player on the supply side now." Farnsworth, who had 16 saves and a 2.19 ERA with Detroit and Atlanta last season, would consider a return to either city. Meister said Farnsworth also would be willing to accept a "super setup role" with a winning club. That could mean the Yankees, who will need someone to get the ball to Mariano Rivera if they lose Tom Gordon through free agency.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Brad Ausmus Astros	Mets? Rockies? Angels? Padres Astros	Ausmus exploring options Nov 29 - The Astros have exchanged offers with catcher Brad Ausmus, the Houston Chronicle reports. "We talked a couple of times on numbers, and we certainly don't have an insurmountable gap between us," Ausmus told the newspaper. Ausmus would like to return for an eighth season with the Astros or play for the Padres. "Certainly San Diego and Houston are my two favorites, no question," Ausmus said. "But I'm going to listen to everything, and I might listen to things in the Southern California area. I'm not really narrowing anything down right now." Ausmus, 36, wants a more lucrative deal than the two-year, $4 million contract he signed in November 2003, according to ESPN.com Insider Jerry Crasnick.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Rafael Furcal Braves	Braves Cubs	Cubs or Braves? Nov 29 - Cubs GM Jim Hendry met with shortstop Rafael Furcal at his Georgia home on Sunday, The Chicago Tribune reports. With the Cubs and Braves likely making similar final offers (four or five years for around $10 million per season), Furcal's decision may ultimately come down to where he feels most comfortable playing, the newspaper reports. A decision is expected by the end of next week's winter meetings.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Barry Zito Athletics		Zito for a slugger? Nov 29 - The signing of free-agent starter Esteban Loaiza could spell the end of Barry Zito's days in an A's uniform, given the team's need for a right-handed slugger, The San Francisco Chronicle reports. But GM Billy Beane cautioned reporters not to jump to conclusions. "I wouldn't necessarily read into it that it's a precursor to anything coming down the pike," Beane told the newspaper. Zito will be a free agent after next season.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Trevor Hoffman Padres	Braves Red Sox Indians Padres Mets	Save situation Nov 29 - Trevor Hoffman and the Padres likely will resume talks within the next 10 days, the San Diego Union-Tribune reports. In October, the Padres offered Hoffman two years for $10 million; Hoffman countered with a three-year deal worth $25 million to $27 million, according to the newspaper. Cleveland, Atlanta and Boston also have shown interest.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Javier Vazquez Diamondbacks	Nationals	Capital position? Nov 29 - Washington's trade talks with Arizona about right-hander Javier Vazquez are "very much alive," a Nationals team source told The Washington Post. Vazquez has requested a trade from the Diamondbacks in hopes of getting closer to his home in Puerto Rico. He has two years and $24 million remaining on a four-year, $45 million deal.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
John Mabry Cardinals	Cubs	Mabry deal likely Nov 29 - The Cubs are set to sign utility player John Mabry, the Chicago Sun-Times reports. The deal is expected to be completed after Mabry passes a physical.

[BCWWF]

It's so frustrating to look at those over and over again and never see the Twins.

[DaveWadding]

Originally Posted by Joey Slugs Jim Thome & Jon Garland: The Two That Got Away

I could be fucked less with Jon Garland. You can keep him.

[Joey Slugs]

Originally Posted by DaveWadding I could be fucked less with Jon Garland. You can keep him.

When he ends up with a better career than that of Wood & Prior, I'll remind you of that comment.

[Joey Slugs]

Originally Posted by BCWWF It's so frustrating to look at those over and over again and never see the Twins.

Seems like they are backing off this year. Instead of Twins/Sox, we now get Tribe/Sox.

Doesn't matter how good or bad the teams are, the Twins/Sox games should be shown as what it is: one of the best rivalries in sports.

[The Miz]

Farnsworth to the Yanks, 3 years 17 mil

[Dragon]

Where did you find that? Didn't see it on mlb.com or the yankees site.

If that happens I'm guessing Gordon is as good as gone. Heard Farnsworth was a real headcase so I'm not sure how much of an upgrade if any he is over Gordon. Gordon always sucked in the postseason for us, but he was always solid during the regular season.

[Joey Slugs]

Originally Posted by The Miz Farnsworth to the Yanks, 3 years 17 mil

No news of it yet, I'll believe it when I see it.

[Dragon]

Seems like quite a small contract compared to what he could get with the ridiculous contracts of Wagner and Ryan.

[Joey Slugs]

ALCS MVP Paul Konerko rejected the Orioles' latest contract offer, a five-year deal worth $65 million, the Baltimore Sun reported on its Web site late Tuesday night. According to the Sun, the Orioles are believed to have made the most lucrative offer to Konerko. The Angels, who along with the Orioles and the White Sox are believed to be the only three teams in the hunt for Konerko, have reportedly offered a five-year deal worth $60 million. Konerko spent Tuesday afternoon in Anaheim meeting with Angels officials, including manager Mike Scioscia and general manager Bill Stoneman, the Los Angeles Times is reporting in its Wednesday editions. Craig Landis, Konerko's agent, could not be reached for comment. Orioles executive vice president Mike Flanagan declined to discuss any specifics of the Orioles' negotiations with Konerko, acknowledging only that the club is still in ongoing talks with Konerko and several other free agents.

I hope to god that the sox upped their offer. We should find out by the start of the WM next week.

[VonErich Lives]

Konnerko to the White Sox. 5yrs 60million w/ a no trade.

might just be a rumor, didn't hear if it was "official" or not.

I love how players/agents are using other teams to get what they want.

Wagners agent pushed a false Red Sox rumor to get more money from the Mets.

Konnerko got bids from Baltimore and Anehiem.

[Joey Slugs]

It's official

5yr/$60 Million

[Joey Slugs]

Barry Bonds plans to play for the U.S. team in the World Baseball Classic in March.

[Joey Slugs]

Wednesday, November 30
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Brian Giles Padres	Padres? Blue Jays Yankees Cardinals? Red Sox? Mariners? Indians?	Padres back on Giles? Nov 30 - Maybe Brian Giles hasn't traveled all the way down the exit ramp in San Diego after all. Giles' agent, Joe Bick, told ESPN.com's Jayson Stark that Padres GM Kevin Towers called him about Giles on Tuesday, just to re-express interest. But Bick said that "at this point, I don't know if they want to be serious about this or not. Kevin obviously would like him back. But we're not going to leave tons of money lying on the table." The Padres offered Giles a three-year deal for $25.5 million (an average of $8.5 million a year). But while Bick refuses to discuss individual offers, it's clear Giles is going to get more than three years. "At one time, we were talking about three years," Bick said. "But there are some other options out there now beyond that."
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Paul Byrd Angels	Orioles Rangers	Byrd joining Baltimore flock? Nov 30 - The Orioles have offered right-hander Paul Byrd a two-year, $13 million contract with an option for a third year, The Baltimore Sun reports. Byrd reportedly is interested in reuniting with pitching coach Leo Mazzone. According to The Cleveland Plain Dealer, Byrd visited the Indians earlier this week.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Kyle Farnsworth Braves	Mets? Phillies? Indians? Braves Tigers Orioles Yankees	Farns-worth at least $12M Nov 30 - They Yankees on Tuesday night were moving close to signing hard-throwing reliever Kyle Farnsworth, the New York Daily News reports. The Yanks reportedly were pitching a three-year deal worth $12 million to $15 million. The Braves, according to the newspaper, still have interest, but they aren't likely to meet the expected price.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Rafael Furcal Braves	Dodgers Braves Cubs	Batting leadoff and playing shortstop ... Nov 30 - Rafael Furcal is leaning toward signing with the Cubs, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports. Chicago's five-year offer for Furcal reportedly was significantly greater than Atlanta's in both dollars and contract length. According to ESPN.com's Jayson Stark, Furcal and his agents have quietly spent the week meeting personally with the Cubs and Braves. And a meeting with Dodgers GM Ned Colletti was scheduled for Tuesday night. "I would expect he'll make his decision in the next few days, just out of respect for the teams involved," Paul Kinzer, Furcal's primary agent, said.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Tom Gordon Yankees	Mets Red Sox Phillies Indians Orioles	Hot Flash Nov 30 - Yankees GM Brian Cashman spoke with Tom Gordon's agent again Tuesday, Newsday reports. Gordon still wants three years, but the Yanks remain firm at two. The New York Daily News, however, remains more optimistic about the Yanks re-signing Gordon for two years for closer-like money. According to ESPN.com's Jayson Stark, the Phillies have stepped up their efforts to sign Gordon. It's believed the Phillies have an offer on the table for Gordon, but indications are that it's for less than three years.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Jacque Jones Twins	Twins? Padres	Keeping up with Jones Nov 30 - At least five teams are interested in Jacque Jones, but the outfielder likely won't sign with anyone until Brian Giles comes off the market, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. The Twins still have a slim chance of re-signing Jones.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Mark Grudzielanek Cardinals	Royals? Mets? Red Sox? Rangers?	The next Met Nov 30 - The Cardinals likely will have another position to fill. Second baseman Mark Grudzielanek has received offers from several clubs, and the Mets are the leading contender, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Nomar Garciaparra Cubs	Orioles?	Where? And what position? Nov 30 - The Cleveland Plain Dealer floats Nomar Garciaparra's name in the Indians' search for a right-handed hitter. The Twins had expressed interest in Garciaparra 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. Earlier this month the Orioles said they might be interested, but only if he's willing to play either first base or the outfield.

[BCWWF]

I really don't think Cleveland is getting much better, they remind me of the Twins of 2002.

[VonErich Lives]

while 5/60 is nice money gauranteed, I see this giving Damon less a chance of his 7yr deal. Konerko is 3yrs younger and got 5yrs.

[Loose Cannon]

Torri Hunter traded to Yanks

[Joey Slugs]

Podsednik - LF
Iguchi - 2B
Konerko - 1B
Thome - DH
Dye - RF
Pierzynski - C
Crede - 3B
Anderson/Owens - CF
Uribe - SS

Now that, is a pretty fucking good line-up. Now add:

Buehrle
Garcia
Contreras
Garland
McCarthy

Jenks

How can they NOT be favored to repeat?