MLB 2005-2006 Offseason Thread

[BCWWF]

Lol there is no way Mueller goes to the White Sox to back up. There are plenty of teams, contending teams, that are interested in him as a starter.

[Joey Slugs]

Originally Posted by BCWWF Lol there is no way Mueller goes to the White Sox to back up. There are plenty of teams, contending teams, that are interested in him as a starter.

I'm not saying it's hard fact or anything, it's just something I heard from a few friends on the inside. Someone told me that it was also mentioned on ESPN, but I haven't checked up on that.

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

After all this talk I am still seeing Manny in a Red Sox uniform next season, atleast at the start of the season. Every single trade i've heard about has been "highly unlikely"

Unless something comes out of nowhere I don't really see any of the discussed trades happening.

[VonErich Lives]

Originally Posted by sTiMa34 After all this talk I am still seeing Manny in a Red Sox uniform next season, atleast at the start of the season. Every single trade i've heard about has been "highly unlikely" Unless something comes out of nowhere I don't really see any of the discussed trades happening.

a lot gets done at the winter meetings, so that could do it.

I love how then envited the press to see his condo hoping it would help sell it faster.

[The Miz]

I think one of the most overlooked players on the trade block is Milton Bradley. He's 27, can hit, has proven himself in the AL, and won't cost much at all. His attitude is blown out of proportion. He's a much better solution that most of the outfielders left on the FA market.

[VonErich Lives]

Originally Posted by The Miz I think one of the most overlooked players on the trade block is Milton Bradley. He's 27, can hit, has proven himself in the AL, and won't cost much at all. His attitude is blown out of proportion. He's a much better solution that most of the outfielders left on the FA market.

I've yet to hear a good thing about this guy (besides his hitting), why do you think his attitude is blown out of proportion?

[The Miz]

He threw some baseballs on a field a couple times. Is that enough to not want a 27 year old who can hit, run, and play all 3 outfield positions for less than 2 million dollars and isn't eligible for free agency for 2 more years?

[VonErich Lives]

Originally Posted by The Miz He threw some baseballs on a field a couple times. Is that enough to not want a 27 year old who can hit, run, and play all 3 outfield positions for less than 2 million dollars and isn't eligible for free agency for 2 more years?

Didn't he also get into with team mates and his coach and get suspended for the remainder of a season or something? I don't remember all the details, but could have sworn there was more to it.

[The Miz]

He was suspended for 5 games for throwing a plastic beer bottle into the stands that was thrown at him. The only team argument i remember was when he called Jeff Kent a racist, so did Barry Bonds and he's done okay.

[VonErich Lives]

Originally Posted by The Miz He was suspended for 5 games for throwing a plastic beer bottle into the stands that was thrown at him. The only team argument i remember was when he called Jeff Kent a racist, so did Barry Bonds and he's done okay.

So, maybe Bradley should get on roids?

[VonErich Lives]

just got this from Wikipedia

radley's career has been mired by legal trouble as well as several notable on-field incidents. In June of 2004, after being ejected from the game, Bradley left his batting glove, bat, and helmet in the batter's box and threw a bag of baseballs from the dugout on to the field. In September, reacting from a fan throwing a plastic beer bottle on the field during a game against the Colorado Rockies, Bradley threw it from the field violently into the front row. Major League Baseball suspended him for five games. In December of 2004 he served three days in jail related to a November incident. Bradley was a passenger in a car that had been stopped for a traffic violation. Bradley exited the vehicle and began arguing with the police. After being asked to return to the vehicle, Bradley refused, and was arrested. He refused to sign the citation and was charged with obstructing official business.

No denying he's a good player, but besides this he was injured last year, so who knows if he can stay on the field and if you'd want him in the clubhouse.

Word is McCourt wanted him gone, but now may reconsider with Giles not available.

Although, things could change if McCourt gets in the Damon sweepsteaks.

[Joey Slugs]

Saturday, December 3
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Rafael Furcal Braves	Dodgers Braves Cubs	Big deal from Dodgers Dec 3 - A source told the Los Angeles Times that the Dodgers have offered shortstop Rafael Furcal a three-year deal worth close to $40 million. The package would be worth more per year than the reported offers from the Cubs and Braves, who have offered Furcal $50 million over five years and $36 million over four years respectively. 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
Manny Ramirez Red Sox	Phillies? Mariners? Mets? Angels?	Manny suitors Dec 3 - According to the Boston Globe, the Rangers contacted the Red Sox on Friday and were willing to dangle second baseman Alfonso Soriano in a deal for the Sox left fielder. The Mets and Angels are still considered at the top of the list for Ramirez, the Hartford Courant reported. Jed Hoyer, Red Sox assistant to the general manager, said Ramirez has received strong interest from five teams and inquiries from more than a dozen. The Mets have reportedly shown the most interest, while the Angels also figure to be a trade possibility. "We're going to keep on listening," Hoyer said on RedSox.com. "But no one has sort of stepped up to meet the price that we want for him." The New York Post reported that the Mets have had discussions with the Red Sox about Ramirez.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Barry Zito Athletics		Rangers want Zito Dec 3 - According to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, the Rangers are focusing on Barry 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, Dodgers, Diamondbacks, Phillies and Blue Jays. 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 Chronicle. Zito will be a free agent after next season.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Kris Benson Mets	Orioles?	Big interest in Benson Dec 3 - Numerous teams have contacted the Mets about right-hander Kris Benson, according to the New York Daily News. Although GM Omar Minaya reportedly still has interest in Orioles reliever Jorge Julio, the Mets backed off trading Benson in exchange for Julio when they learned that other teams have interest in Benson as well. Two teams who have reportedly made serious inquiries about Benson, according to the Daily News, are the Giants and the Royals. Benson has two years and about $15.5 million left on his contract.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Paul Byrd Angels	Royals Orioles Rangers	Bailing on Byrd Dec 3 - The Los Angeles Daily News reports that the Angels withdraw their offer to Paul Byrd before signing Hector Carrasco on Friday. Byrd, whose last offer from the Angels was reportedly $11 million over two years, is still considering offers from Texas, Cleveland and Baltimore. But an Orioles official told the Baltimore Sun that their pursuit of Byrd was over. The Orioles had offered him a two-year, $13 million deal, but Byrd may be looking at a deal similar to the one that Esteban Loaiza got from Oakland: a three-year, $21 million contract. According to the Sun, Byrd spent part of last week meeting with Indians officials in Cleveland. "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."
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
David Wells Red Sox		Wells wants out Dec 3 - According to the Boston Herald, Wells has been telling friends he will not return to the Red Sox. Although he has one more year left on his contract, Wells, 42, has reportedly asked to be traded to his native San Diego, where he played in 2004. The Herald reports that Wells also told friends he would not report to spring training if he remained with the Red Sox. He also reportedly said he would accept a trade to the Giants and does not want to pitch in the American League.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Johnny Damon Red Sox	Red Sox Yankees? Cubs?	Boston's primary focus Dec 3 - The Red Sox say they remain committed to keeping Damon and have been talking to Damon's agent, Scott Boras, according to the Hartford Courant. "Our priority really is to bring Johnny back," Hoyer told the 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." 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
Nomar Garciaparra Cubs	Indians? Orioles?	Centering on Nomar Dec 3 - According to the Arizona Republic, the Diamondbacks have talked about the possibility of signing Garciaparra as a center fielder. It's also possible, the Republic suggests, that the D-Backs 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. 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.

[VonErich Lives]

Wells is funny, doesn't want to Pitch in the AL cause he knows he'll have a better year stat wise in the NL.

Not thirlled about Soriano coming here and talk is if he did he'd play OF not 2B.

Wouldn't mind seeing the sox try and pull a 3way and get Zito for Manny. (yes, I know Oakland couldn't do that due to salary, hence why I said a 3way deal).

Nomar in CF... kinda funny how the guy in Boston didn't want to play anything besides SS is now willing to play anywhere.

lol i would die and go to heaven if the jays got Zito

[BCWWF]

I agree with Miz, I have always felt that Bradley is underrated. And just about anybodies "attitude" problems are overblown in the media I think, even Bonds to an extent.

That being said, I hate how every big name free agent is linked with New York and Boston. It is just because they have so many different newspapers to stir up speculation, but BAH.

Anyway, the Twins still need two more offensive players. I am thinking the chances are real well that we end up with Piazza, then we just need another infielder, not even a big name guy. I wouldnt' mind seeing Mueller or Graffanino, I have also heard Nomar's name brought up, but not sure what I think. If the Twins just bit the bullet and got Furcal it would be ideal, but that won't happen :sad:

[The Miz]

I like Nomar to the Twins (3B)

[MVP]

I wouldn't mid seeing Bradley on the Sox for less than $2M, even if he is injury prone.

[YOUR Hero]

Zito - Jays ?

Holy shit. I'd be a happy camper. Not sure what we could give up. A's want a power bat and one thing Toronto lacks is just that... outside of Vernon Wells.

[The Miz]

Wells doesn't put up near the OBP numbers to get Zito. Even if he did it would still cost more

[YOUR Hero]

Originally Posted by The Miz Wells doesn't put up near the OBP numbers to get Zito. Even if he did it would still cost more

tbh, I don't see the Jays swapping Wells for Zito if it were offered. It's all about needs. The Jays need more power. It's been a sore spot of theirs. Pitching, they are already doing good, so it's not "AS" important a need.

[The Miz]

Originally Posted by YOUR Hero tbh, I don't see the Jays swapping Wells for Zito if it were offered. It's all about needs. The Jays need more power. It's been a sore spot of theirs. Pitching, they are already doing good, so it's not "AS" important a need.

Several sources have reported that Zito is #1 on Ricciardi's wishlist for the winter meetings, but I agree that Zito for Wells is a bad trade for both teams. Wells is most definately an offensive upgrade over Kotsay, but not enough of one to trade a young lefty who is consistently top 5 in AL K's and IP. Although Halladay-Zito-Chacin-Towers-McGowan looks great they would have almost no offense. I don't see Toronto landing Zito unless another team were to get involved.

[RoXer]

If the DBacks get Zito, I wouldn't mind too much.

[The Miz]

Furcal just signed with the Dodgers. lol nice one LA, 13+ mil isn't too much or anything

[The Miz]

Mets and DBacks both after LoDuca.

[VonErich Lives]

caught a teaser on ESPN didn't hear the source though. Report in some paper that the Yankees lost over 50million last year, possible as high as 80mil.

that's funny, between payroll and profit sharing.

I know the Red Sox made a small profit, which is why there was talk of them cutting some payroll to try and pay down the loans they took out to buy the team.

Henry should have bought the Dodgers and McCourt the Red Sox, then we'd have a nice new ball park on the waterfront.

[The Miz]

Byrd signs with the Indians, they should have a strong rotation with Sabathia-Byrd-Lee-Westbrook and a young guy or a cheap FA.

[The Miz]

In the end though I see Zito being traded to the Dodgers, Zito wants to be closer to home (SoCal) and the Padres simply have nothing to offer. Beane likes Milton Bradley, if LA threw in prospects Chuck Tiffany and Delwyn Young they might have something

[RoXer]

AZ is close to SoCal too.

[VonErich Lives]

Originally Posted by Joey RoXer AZ is close to SoCal too.

Sure, then the D-backs could sign him to a huge contract and then have to have MLB pay their payroll and bail them out again.

So, how come the Marlins do these "fire sales" where Arizona just keeps the talent until they literally can't make payroll and MLB just covers them.


So, looks like the Yankees lost more last year then some teams spent... that's funny.

[The Miz]

Originally Posted by Joey RoXer AZ is close to SoCal too.

If AZ offers Jackson and Quentin I'd do it in a heartbeat

[The Miz]

Cubs have joined the Burnett sweepstakes

[DaveWadding]

Originally Posted by The Miz Cubs have joined the Burnett sweepstakes

My thoughts on this: WHY? The pitching is just fine. Prior-Wood-Zambrano-Maddux-Rusch/whoever looks perfectly fine to me. They signed Howry and Eyre, and Dempster is solidified as the closer. They do not need any pitching. In fact, I think the Cubs have so much great pitching talent in the minors that it would behoove them to trade 2 or 3 of them to Philly and have Abreu in Cubbie blue next year.

but, that's just me.

[Joey Slugs]

Originally Posted by DaveWadding My thoughts on this: WHY? The pitching is just fine. Prior-Wood-Zambrano-Maddux-Rusch/whoever looks perfectly fine to me. They signed Howry and Eyre, and Dempster is solidified as the closer. They do not need any pitching. In fact, I think the Cubs have so much great pitching talent in the minors that it would behoove them to trade 2 or 3 of them to Philly and have Abreu in Cubbie blue next year. but, that's just me.

Prior - always hurt
Wood - always hurt
Zambrano - head case
Maddux - done
Rusch - who?

trust me. the cubbies need pitching help. if they don't? it'll be well over 100 years before they see the title.

[DaveWadding]

Originally Posted by Joey Slugs Prior - always hurt Wood - always hurt Zambrano - head case Maddux - done Rusch - who? trust me. the cubbies need pitching help. if they don't? it'll be well over 100 years before they see the title.

Didn't your team win the World Series last year? Doesn't that supposively make your team "better" than mine somehow? Yet you still feel the need to trash an inferior team?

Go celebrate your flukey ass World Series win. Cause no things are guaranteed next year. The Indians are shaping up to be pretty monstrous for the next few years. And this is the team that really had you guys in August and September as it was...but then they came up short. Maybe you should focus on the Indians who seem to be more of a threat to the Sux than the lowly Cubs across town who might not even finish better than 4th in their division.

Food for thought.

[Joey Slugs]

Originally Posted by DaveWadding Didn't your team win the World Series last year? Doesn't that supposively make your team "better" than mine somehow? Yet you still feel the need to trash an inferior team? Go celebrate your flukey ass World Series win. Cause no things are guaranteed next year. The Indians are shaping up to be pretty monstrous for the next few years. And this is the team that really had you guys in August and September as it was...but then they came up short. Maybe you should focus on the Indians who seem to be more of a threat to the Sux than the lowly Cubs across town who might not even finish better than 4th in their division. Food for thought.

Didn't your team win the World Series this year? Yes.

Flukey ass World Series win? Hardly.

The only reason I'm trashing an "inferior" team is because you cubbie blue fucks are so blinded by sun in your eyes as you sit in the bleachers getting fucked up to realize that the current pitching staff you have will win you shit.

Prior & Wood = not as advertised.

I was just pointing that out.

BTW, dickhead, I am more worried about the Indians next year than I will EVER be about the "lovable losers" that play in the drunk tank they call Wrigley.

[The Miz]

Fla fire sale continues, Mets get LoDuca, Marlins get RHP Gaby hernandez

[Evil Vito]

Originally Posted by The Miz Fla fire sale continues, Mets get LoDuca, Marlins get RHP Gaby hernandez

Dear God no

[Loose Cannon]

LOL $80 Million loss. That's insane

[The Miz]

1. Jose Reyes SS
2. Paul LoDuca C
3. Carlos Beltran CF
4. Carlos Delgado 1B
5. David Wright 3B
6. Cliff Floyd LF
7. Xavier Nady RF
8. probably not Kaz Matsui 2B

But we'll see about the pitching

[The Miz]

Better option than Molina who has put up one a grand total of 1 decent offensive season in his career (his contract year)

Although LoDuca could be part of a deal for Javier Vasquez and they would then sign Molina/Hernandez. Dunno