MLB 2005-2006 Offseason Thread - Page 13

**Joey Slugs** · 11-30-2005, 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Loose Cannon

Torri Hunter traded to Yanks

What?

**Loose Cannon** · 11-30-2005, 03:46 PM

j/k. I just like to make BCWWF panic.

**Joey Slugs** · 11-30-2005, 03:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Loose Cannon

j/k. I just like to make BCWWF panic.

Even I would be pissed if that actually happened.

**BCWWF** · 11-30-2005, 04:20 PM

I did get scared and checked, but I would have been shocked

**The Miz** · 11-30-2005, 04:47 PM

Let's see them beat the A's

**Joey Slugs** · 11-30-2005, 05:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Miz

Let's see them beat the A's

They took 3 straight in Anahiem (ALCS). I don't think the west coast trip will be as scary next season.

**RoXer** · 11-30-2005, 06:43 PM

Big deal. They lost 5 out of 6 against Oakland.

**Joey Slugs** · 11-30-2005, 07:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joey RoXer

Big deal. They lost 5 out of 6 against Oakland.

We were told all year that we could never win on the west coast. During the season the critics were right, but when it counted the most, we got it done. 2006 is a brand new season. We'll just have to see.

**The Miz** · 11-30-2005, 08:09 PM

What does Anaheim have to do with Oakland? They haven't been able to beat them the last 5 years. 2005 was the first time in a while the White Sox were obviously better than Oakland and Oakland still won.

It's impossible to talk about repeats on December 1st. The White Sox may or may not have gotten better, they lost one of their best players and gained one who was injured almost all last year. A bunch of AL teams have improved themselves already. Way too soon to say anything.

11-30-2005, 09:26 PM

Jays in 06

**The Miz** · 11-30-2005, 11:02 PM

Giles resigns with Pads

**The Icon of Elisim** · 11-30-2005, 11:39 PM

Good, I was afraid that the rumors of a 5 years/50 million contract that the Jays offered him were true

**YOUR Hero** · 12-01-2005, 12:08 AM

I'm happy for the Padres. I like them well enough too. Giles, while it's good for him to get a nice payday, is now overpaid. JP would have been wasting money on him at that price.

**Joey Slugs** · 12-01-2005, 12:16 PM

Thursday, December 1
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Manny Ramirez Red Sox	Mariners? Mets? Angels?	Manny-for-Abreu 'highly unlikely' Dec 1 - ESPN.com's Jayson Stark reports that a swap of Bobby Abreu for Manny Ramirez is "highly unlikely," according to a baseball official who has spoken with both clubs. The deal was proposed by the Red Sox but quickly shot down, the official said, for several reasons. The primary reason is that the Phillies have been telling teams they are only interested in trading Abreu for top-of-the-rotation starting pitching. The second is that there is a major money imbalance. Ramirez has $57 million coming over the next three years. Abreu has two years, $30 million left on his deal. Both players can veto any trades. The only way this trade could happen, then, is if the Red Sox were interested in trading a starting pitcher along with Ramirez, AND evening out all the money. Meanwhile, Ramirez officially has put his $6.9 million condominium in Boston on the market, the Boston Globe reports. Ramirez wants to be traded, and his wish is to play for the Angels or the Mariners, the Boston Herald reports. Teammate David Ortiz thinks Ramirez won't be in left field for the Red Sox come Opening Day. "Manny is not returning to Boston," Ortiz said recently. "Manny lives a difficult situation that only he and his family know about, and he does not want to play there."

**VonErich Lives** · 12-01-2005, 12:40 PM

yeah, heard the Manny for Abreu, someone also had a Manny for Ichiro, don't think Seattle would do that one.

the whole "Manny lives a difficult situation that only he and his family know about, and he does not want to play there." Everyone assumes this is simply a privacy issue. Manny got upset when the press found out his wife was pregnant the first time.

I say if you can't get a good deal, screw'em, let him sit out and not get paid.

**Joey Slugs** · 12-01-2005, 03:33 PM

Ichiro commits to play in WBC
Mariners star 'delighted' to play for native country

-------

Now that Bonds is a go for Team USA, I'm going to bet that we will see a bunch of top level stars follow suit now. This could turn out bigger than originally thought.

**VonErich Lives** · 12-01-2005, 04:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joey Slugs

Ichiro commits to play in WBC
Mariners star 'delighted' to play for native country

-------

Now that Bonds is a go for Team USA, I'm going to bet that we will see a bunch of top level stars follow suit now. This could turn out bigger than originally thought.

Will it me country of origin or current citizenship (not place of residence) status?

Like Manny Rameriez becamse a US Citizen a few years ago. Would he play for the US? or his original country? (domnican?)

**Evil Vito** · 12-01-2005, 04:50 PM

I think Manny would represent the Dominican Republic, but I'm not sure

I just hope the teams bring a ton of relief pitchers with them and have the starters work only a few innings the first time out (sorta like in ST, where the starters' goal is to add one inning per game each time they play). I'd hate to see Pedro log a ton of innings in this thing and then see him wear out fairly early in the season.

**VonErich Lives** · 12-01-2005, 05:48 PM

Wasn't their a hockey player from Canada but played for Team USA because he became a US citizen?

Manny's been in the US since he was a teenager, not sure exactly when he moved to the US. So, he's a US citizen and has spent over 1/2 his life in the US.

Who decides where a player plays? the player or the people running it?

I mean, could Clemens say "hey, I wanna play for the Dominican"?

**The Icon of Elisim** · 12-01-2005, 07:40 PM

Bret Hull played for Team USA because he didn't make Team Canada

**Evil Vito** · 12-01-2005, 08:50 PM

Mets get: RHP Jorge Julio
Orioles get: RHP Kris Benson

Is close to being finalized, apparently.

Not sure on this move, Julio was terrible last year, but the potential is still there.

If it happens, then Victor Zambrano will be in the rotation temporarily (though I'm hoping they are just dumping salary to pick up a F.A. or trade for Vazquez)

**Joey Slugs** · 12-01-2005, 08:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VonErich Lives

Will it me country of origin or current citizenship (not place of residence) status?

Like Manny Rameriez becamse a US Citizen a few years ago. Would he play for the US? or his original country? (domnican?)

It goes by country of origin, but guys like Manny can choose because of his dual citizenship.

**Joey Slugs** · 12-01-2005, 08:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Icon of Elisim

Bret Hull played for Team USA because he didn't make Team Canada

Bret Hull played for Team USA because it's the country he played in and where he grew up. Had nothing to do with making the team.

**The Icon of Elisim** · 12-01-2005, 09:50 PM

Quote:

In 1986, Team USA invited Hull to play for them in the World Hockey Championships in Moscow, while Team Canada coach Dave King felt that Hull couldn't skate well enough.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brett_Hull#Criticism

**Joey Slugs** · 12-01-2005, 10:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Icon of Elisim

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brett_Hull#Criticism

I was talking about his play in the recent Olympic games and the World Cups. I didn't go back that far. Oh well. Back to baseball....

**YOUR Hero** · 12-02-2005, 11:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joey Slugs

I was talking about his play in the recent Olympic games and the World Cups. I didn't go back that far. Oh well. Back to baseball....

Apologize.

**VonErich Lives** · 12-02-2005, 12:02 PM

anyone have some info on Jermaine Van Buren ?

Sox gave up "player to be named later OR cash".

Says he was the cubs AAA player of the year, 25 saves, 1.98ERA, was a starter...

Given could have been a 1yr fluke, but seems like it could be a steal?

**Joey Slugs** · 12-02-2005, 12:42 PM

Thursday, December 1
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Manny Ramirez Red Sox	Mariners? Mets? Angels?	Manny-for-Abreu 'highly unlikely' Dec 1 - ESPN.com's Jayson Stark reports that a swap of Bobby Abreu for Manny Ramirez is "highly unlikely," according to a baseball official who has spoken with both clubs. The deal was proposed by the Red Sox but quickly shot down, the official said, for several reasons. The primary reason is that the Phillies have been telling teams they are only interested in trading Abreu for top-of-the-rotation starting pitching. The second is that there is a major money imbalance. Ramirez has $57 million coming over the next three years. Abreu has two years, $30 million left on his deal. Both players can veto any trades. The only way this trade could happen, then, is if the Red Sox were interested in trading a starting pitcher along with Ramirez, AND evening out all the money. Meanwhile, Ramirez officially has put his $6.9 million condominium in Boston on the market, the Boston Globe reports. Ramirez wants to be traded, and his wish is to play for the Angels or the Mariners, the Boston Herald reports. Teammate David Ortiz thinks Ramirez won't be in left field for the Red Sox come Opening Day. "Manny is not returning to Boston," Ortiz said recently. "Manny lives a difficult situation that only he and his family know about, and he does not want to play there."
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Rafael Furcal Braves	Dodgers Braves Cubs	Decision time Dec 1 - Rafael Furcal's agent, Paul Kinzer, told ESPN.com's Jayson Stark on Thursday that Furcal isn't expected to decide on a team for "at least the next three days." At one point earlier this week, it appeared Furcal was poised to make a choice by midweek. "With the Dodgers now getting involved, it just complicates [a decision] a little bit," Kinzer said. "We're still talking to all three teams. But now, instead of basically concentrating on two teams, we've just added a third." According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Furcal is leaning toward signing with the Cubs. Chicago's five-year offer for Furcal reportedly was significantly greater than Atlanta's in both dollars and contract length.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Jacque Jones Twins	Royals Blue Jays? Cardinals? Pirates? Mariners? Cubs?	Keeping up with Jones Dec 1 - Amid rumors that Jacque Jones has a four-year, $24 million offer on the table, Kansas City GM Allard Baird told ESPN.com Insider Jerry Crasnick that it hasn't come from the Royals. "We have interest, but that's not true," said Baird, who declined to address specifics. "We've made an offer just to put us on the board." Seattle, which needs a left-handed power hitter, appears to have more interest in a trade for Tampa Bay's Aubrey Huff than a pursuit of Jones. As a San Diego native, Jones was hopeful of signing with the Padres. But San Diego is no longer in the mix for him after trading for Mike Cameron and re-signing Brian Giles.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Kyle Farnsworth Braves	Mets? Phillies? Indians? Braves Tigers Orioles Yankees	Setting up Mariano Dec 1 - The agent for reliever Kyle Farnsworth informed Braves officials Wednesday night that his client will sign with the Yankees, two sources told ESPN.com. Farnsworth, who played at Milton High School in Atlanta, rejected the Braves' offer to remain as their closer, the role in which he finished the 2005 season. Instead, he will serve as setup man to Yankees' closer Mariano Rivera, and replace Tom Gordon in that role. The Yanks are expected to sign Farnsworth to a three-year contract for approximately $17 million, the New York Daily News reports.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
A.J. Burnett Marlins	Cubs? Cardinals? Nationals Mets? Mariners Blue Jays Rangers? Red Sox? Orioles?	Burnett in the Cards? Dec 1 - The Cardinals remain in the hunt for A.J. Burnett, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. "We're furthering discussions," agent Darek Braunecker told the newspaper. "Things have certainly become more focused with several [teams] in the last few days. We're moving forward with many clubs." The Cardinals are discussing their willingness to offer a five-year contract to Burnett. They usually don't offer that long of a contract to pitchers, and any decision to make such an offer would be first approved by ownership. Braunecker already has received multiple offers for his client, who is seeking $50 milion over five years. The Blue Jays and Orioles are the front-runners at this point.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Frank Thomas White Sox	Angels?	South Side exit Dec 1 - The Big Hurt likely is finished with the White Sox. With designated hitter Jim Thome arriving and first baseman Paul Konerko returning, there is no room left for Frank Thomas, the Chicago Sun-Times reports. "I tried to reach Frank by phone earlier today, and I think it's disrespectful to inform the public of the organization's feelings prior to having a conversation with him," GM Ken Williams told the newspaper. "This is more about the right-handed bat of Paul Konerko and the left-handed bat of Jim Thome that we felt was necessary to balance us out more than where we are with Frank." Thomas, 37, hasn't played a full season since hitting 42 homers and driving in 105 runs in 2003, but the two-time MVP has 448 homers and might draw interest from the Angels.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Pedro Feliz Giants		Feliz feelers Dec 1 - While the Giants would love to move Edgardo Alfonzo and the $7 million left on his contract, baseball sources told ESPN.com Insider Jerry Crasnick that the team is also putting out trade feelers for third baseman-outfielder Pedro Feliz. Feliz led the Giants with 20 homers and 81 RBI this season, but finished with a poor .717 OPS and tailed off drastically with a .217 batting average after the All-Star break. If the Giants begin next season with Lance Niekro at first base and Feliz at third, they would have two players with .295 on-base percentages at the corner infield spots. Feliz, 30, is also relatively pricey at $3.6 million next season. Moving him would require GM Brian Sabean to come up with a Plan B at third base, but it could help the Giants add depth to their pitching staff.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Ron Villone Marlins	Mariners?	Seattle revisited? Dec 1 - According to the Tacoma News Tribune, the Marlins are looking to trade reliever Ron Villone and his $2 million salary. The Mariners have contacted Florida about reacquiring Villone, who has served two tours of duty with the Mariners. To land the left-hander, Seattle likely would have to part with a pitching prospect.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Kris Benson Mets	Orioles?	Swap meet Dec 1 - According to The New York Post, the Mets are moving toward dealing starter Kris Benson to the Orioles for reliever Jorge Julio. The trade is expected to be consummated at the winter meetings next week in Dallas. "It's not done yet but it could be finalized at the meetings," a source told the newspaper.

**Joey Slugs** · 12-02-2005, 12:42 PM

WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Matt Morris Cardinals	Dodgers? Giants? Cardinals? Rangers	Patience is a virtue Dec 1 - According to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Matt Morris' agent believes the Cardinals' interest in re-signing his client is dependent on other pursuits. "I've talked to [GM Walt Jocketty] about Matt and [free agent Mark Sweeney], and as with other teams, Walt has his pace for these things," Barry Axelrod told the newspaper. "It's an approach that is tried and true. ... You can't argue with the results." The Rangers have made a formal two-year offer to Morris, one of two offers Morris has received. San Francisco also is wooing the right-hander, and the Dodgers are expected to get involved now that their front office is more set. According to The Seattle Times, Morris's agent said Mariners GM Bill Bavasi called him this week. Esteban Loiaza's three-year, $21 million deal with Oakland could help set the cost of Morris, who made $6.25 million total last season after incentives were added to a $2.5 million guarantee.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Paul Byrd Angels	Royals Orioles Rangers	A rare Byrd Dec 1 - The Royals are still pursuing Paul Byrd, even though the veteran right-hander's payday could top the $21.375 million Esteban Loaiza received from the A's, The Kansas City Star reports. Byrd visited Cleveland earlier this week. "I hope we sign him," Indians GM Mark Shapiro told The Cleveland Plain Dealer. "We're making a legitimate effort, but he has a lot of offers out there." The Orioles have offered 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
Hector Carrasco Nationals		Carrasco departing D.C.? Dec 1 - The Nationals hope to keep Hector Carrasco, but they may lose the 36-year-old right-handed reliever to a West Coast team, The Washington Post reports.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Joey Gathright Devil Rays	Marlins? Dodgers? Cubs?	Hot commodity Dec 1 - Interest in outfielder Joey Gathright remains high entering the winter meetings, reports ESPN.com Insider Jerry Crasnick. The Cubs, Marlins and Dodgers have emerged as the best fits among the teams on Tampa Bay's list of potential trade partners. The Devil Rays are looking for young pitching in return, and the Cubs (Sergio Mitre, Rich Hill) and Marlins (Scott Olsen, Jason Vargas, Josh Johnson) have names that appeal to Tampa Bay. The Dodgers are loaded with both pitchers and talented position players at the upper level of the minors. Gathright is still raw and lacking in plate discipline at age 24. But teams are intrigued by his blazing speed, and some scouts think he has a chance to evolve into an effective leadoff hitter with time.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Larry Bigbie Rockies	Mariners?	M's eyeing Bigbie Dec 1 - The Mariners are looking for a left-handed bat with power and are interested in Larry Bigbie, the Tacoma News Tribune reports. Seattle manager Mike Hargrove is familiar with Bigbie from his days as the Orioles' manager.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
John Flaherty Yankees		Catching retirement? Dec 1 - The Yankees' signing of Kelly Stinnett as backup catcher may signal the end of John Flaherty's 14-year career, the Westchester Journal News reports. Flaherty, 38, was Randy Johnson's regular catcher last season. Stinnett was Johnson's personal catcher in Arizona.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Octavio Dotel Athletics	Cardinals? Rangers?	Rangers pitch Dotel Dec 1 - The Rangers have made a formal offer to reliever Octavio Dotel, The Dallas Morning News reports. Dotel's agent, Don Horwits, said Dotel is looking for a one-year, incentive-laden contract. The 32-year-old right-hander had Tommy John surgery last June.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Jose Mesa Pirates	Rockies	Rocky Mountain Mesa? Dec 1 - The Rockies are moving closer to signing veteran reliever Jose Mesa, the Rocky Mountain News reports. Mesa would serve as a setup man for closer Brian Fuentes.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Brad Ausmus Astros	Mets? Rockies? Angels? Padres Diamondbacks Astros	D-Backs inquire about Ausmus Dec 1 - The Diamondbacks this week contacted Brad Ausmus' agent, The Arizona Republic reports. "We had a lengthy conversation and planned to talk again soon," Peter Mrowka told the newspaper. 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; he's also interested in the Padres.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Yorvit Torrealba Mariners		Bound for Colorado? Dec 1 - According to the Tacoma News Tribune, the Rockies are interested in obtaining catcher Yorvit Torrealba from the Mariners. Torrealba became expendable after the M's signed Japanese catcher Kenji Johjima.

**Joey Slugs** · 12-02-2005, 12:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VonErich Lives

anyone have some info on Jermaine Van Buren ?

Sox gave up "player to be named later OR cash".

Says he was the cubs AAA player of the year, 25 saves, 1.98ERA, was a starter...

Given could have been a 1yr fluke, but seems like it could be a steal?

http://www.baseballprospectus.com/dt/vanbuje01.shtml

**VonErich Lives** · 12-02-2005, 02:40 PM

ok, anyone else hearing this new one?

Matt Clement & Trot Nixon for Abreau?

Umm, yeah... if this is an actual offer and the Red Sox hesitate for 1 second before saying yes, they should be put in front of a firing squad.

**BCWWF** · 12-02-2005, 03:21 PM

FINALLY!

The Twins are in negotiations for Luis Castillo

**The Miz** · 12-02-2005, 04:31 PM

The have him officially now. Marlins get Travis Bower, Scott Tyler.

**Dragon** · 12-02-2005, 04:58 PM

Yankees get Farnsworth. Phillies sign Gordon.

I dunno how much of an upgrade that is, besides the fact that Gordon is 8-9 years older than Farnsworth. No reason he should have gotten a 3 year deal anyway.

**The Miz** · 12-02-2005, 05:01 PM

For some reason Farnsworth makes me think of Witasick, Karsay, and all the other good relievers that became shitty once on the Yanks

**Dragon** · 12-02-2005, 05:49 PM

Yeah, thats what I've been thinking about. Gordon was our only dependable reliever during the regular season besides Rivera, and Farnsworth seems kinda unpredictable as to what you might get out of him so it almost feels like a step back right now. But I guess we won't know until we see him.

Sturtze was another reliable one for a tiny portion of last season, then he was just awful. The bullpen was basically a mix of other teams rejects so hopefully Farnsworth will be solid next season.

**Joey Slugs** · 12-02-2005, 06:48 PM

Next Beantowner to go: Billy Mueller?

From reports I have been hearing from some friends in the White Sox front office, there is talk of Mueller coming to Chicago to ride the pine as Crede and Iguchi's backup.

**Adder** · 12-02-2005, 08:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VonErich Lives

ok, anyone else hearing this new one?

Matt Clement & Trot Nixon for Abreau?

Umm, yeah... if this is an actual offer and the Red Sox hesitate for 1 second before saying yes, they should be put in front of a firing squad.

Abreau's name is being circulated around a lot, to many teams.

**VonErich Lives** · 12-02-2005, 08:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joey Slugs

Next Beantowner to go: Billy Mueller?

From reports I have been hearing from some friends in the White Sox front office, there is talk of Mueller coming to Chicago to ride the pine as Crede and Iguchi's backup.

Can't see him doing that, he's good enough to start, he won a batting title 3yrs ago and is a gold glover caliber fielder.

If he was willing to be a "backup" I'd see the Red Sox making a run at him.

Would like to see if he could handle 1st base and come back to the Red Sox.

**VonErich Lives** · 12-02-2005, 08:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adder

Abreau's name is being circulated around a lot, to many teams.

yeah, I'm just saying it didn't seem to make much sense for the Phillies.

11-30-2005, 03:46 PM	#482
Loose Cannon I'm all there is Posts: 31,811	j/k. I just like to make BCWWF panic.

11-30-2005, 04:20 PM	#484
BCWWF The People's Member Posts: 18,092	I did get scared and checked, but I would have been shocked

11-30-2005, 04:47 PM	#485
The Miz Clutch Poster Posts: 11,997	Let's see them beat the A's

11-30-2005, 06:43 PM	#487
RoXer History's Greatest, Mr. E Posts: 42,425	Big deal. They lost 5 out of 6 against Oakland.

11-30-2005, 08:09 PM	#489
The Miz Clutch Poster Posts: 11,997	What does Anaheim have to do with Oakland? They haven't been able to beat them the last 5 years. 2005 was the first time in a while the White Sox were obviously better than Oakland and Oakland still won. It's impossible to talk about repeats on December 1st. The White Sox may or may not have gotten better, they lost one of their best players and gained one who was injured almost all last year. A bunch of AL teams have improved themselves already. Way too soon to say anything.

11-30-2005, 09:26 PM	#490
Gertner Guest Posts: n/a	Jays in 06

11-30-2005, 11:02 PM	#491
The Miz Clutch Poster Posts: 11,997	Giles resigns with Pads

11-30-2005, 11:39 PM	#492
The Icon of Elisim Elitist Member Posts: 15,438	Good, I was afraid that the rumors of a 5 years/50 million contract that the Jays offered him were true

12-01-2005, 12:08 AM	#493
YOUR Hero Adminstigator Posts: 102,491	I'm happy for the Padres. I like them well enough too. Giles, while it's good for him to get a nice payday, is now overpaid. JP would have been wasting money on him at that price.

12-01-2005, 12:40 PM	#495
VonErich Lives WTF do you want? Posts: 14,760	yeah, heard the Manny for Abreu, someone also had a Manny for Ichiro, don't think Seattle would do that one. the whole "Manny lives a difficult situation that only he and his family know about, and he does not want to play there." Everyone assumes this is simply a privacy issue. Manny got upset when the press found out his wife was pregnant the first time. I say if you can't get a good deal, screw'em, let him sit out and not get paid.

12-01-2005, 03:33 PM	#496
Joey Slugs Second City Saint Posts: 5,806	Ichiro commits to play in WBC Mariners star 'delighted' to play for native country ------- Now that Bonds is a go for Team USA, I'm going to bet that we will see a bunch of top level stars follow suit now. This could turn out bigger than originally thought.

12-01-2005, 04:50 PM	#498
Evil Vito President of Freedonia Posts: 58,383	I think Manny would represent the Dominican Republic, but I'm not sure I just hope the teams bring a ton of relief pitchers with them and have the starters work only a few innings the first time out (sorta like in ST, where the starters' goal is to add one inning per game each time they play). I'd hate to see Pedro log a ton of innings in this thing and then see him wear out fairly early in the season.

12-01-2005, 05:48 PM	#499
VonErich Lives WTF do you want? Posts: 14,760	Wasn't their a hockey player from Canada but played for Team USA because he became a US citizen? Manny's been in the US since he was a teenager, not sure exactly when he moved to the US. So, he's a US citizen and has spent over 1/2 his life in the US. Who decides where a player plays? the player or the people running it? I mean, could Clemens say "hey, I wanna play for the Dominican"?

12-01-2005, 07:40 PM	#500
The Icon of Elisim Elitist Member Posts: 15,438	Bret Hull played for Team USA because he didn't make Team Canada

12-01-2005, 08:50 PM	#501
Evil Vito President of Freedonia Posts: 58,383	Mets get: RHP Jorge Julio Orioles get: RHP Kris Benson Is close to being finalized, apparently. Not sure on this move, Julio was terrible last year, but the potential is still there. If it happens, then Victor Zambrano will be in the rotation temporarily (though I'm hoping they are just dumping salary to pick up a F.A. or trade for Vazquez)

12-02-2005, 12:02 PM	#507
VonErich Lives WTF do you want? Posts: 14,760	anyone have some info on Jermaine Van Buren ? Sox gave up "player to be named later OR cash". Says he was the cubs AAA player of the year, 25 saves, 1.98ERA, was a starter... Given could have been a 1yr fluke, but seems like it could be a steal?

12-02-2005, 02:40 PM	#511
VonErich Lives WTF do you want? Posts: 14,760	ok, anyone else hearing this new one? Matt Clement & Trot Nixon for Abreau? Umm, yeah... if this is an actual offer and the Red Sox hesitate for 1 second before saying yes, they should be put in front of a firing squad.

12-02-2005, 03:21 PM	#512
BCWWF The People's Member Posts: 18,092	FINALLY! The Twins are in negotiations for Luis Castillo

12-02-2005, 04:31 PM	#513
The Miz Clutch Poster Posts: 11,997	The have him officially now. Marlins get Travis Bower, Scott Tyler.

12-02-2005, 04:58 PM	#514
Dragon REALMENTE Posts: 11,271	Yankees get Farnsworth. Phillies sign Gordon. I dunno how much of an upgrade that is, besides the fact that Gordon is 8-9 years older than Farnsworth. No reason he should have gotten a 3 year deal anyway.

12-02-2005, 05:01 PM	#515
The Miz Clutch Poster Posts: 11,997	For some reason Farnsworth makes me think of Witasick, Karsay, and all the other good relievers that became shitty once on the Yanks

12-02-2005, 05:49 PM	#516
Dragon REALMENTE Posts: 11,271	Yeah, thats what I've been thinking about. Gordon was our only dependable reliever during the regular season besides Rivera, and Farnsworth seems kinda unpredictable as to what you might get out of him so it almost feels like a step back right now. But I guess we won't know until we see him. Sturtze was another reliable one for a tiny portion of last season, then he was just awful. The bullpen was basically a mix of other teams rejects so hopefully Farnsworth will be solid next season.

12-02-2005, 06:48 PM	#517
Joey Slugs Second City Saint Posts: 5,806	Next Beantowner to go: Billy Mueller? From reports I have been hearing from some friends in the White Sox front office, there is talk of Mueller coming to Chicago to ride the pine as Crede and Iguchi's backup.