MLB 2005-2006 Offseason Thread

[The Miz]

Also I dunno where you got the doesn't make a million bucks from, yes he's a protected player but his current deal makes him $3 mil in 2006, $4.75 mil in 07, $5.95 mil in 08

[YOUR Hero]

I think a lot of teams would love to have a guy that hits 25-30 HR's playing their third base position. I don't want to get caught up in Blalock talk, as I was just using him as an example. As for the money part, I thought he was only making 850,000. If I'm wrong, fair enough, my info was incorrect.

[Joey Slugs]

Reports: Sox offer Manny for Tejada

[VonErich Lives]

Originally Posted by Joey Slugs Reports: Sox offer Manny for Tejada

I think you're the 2nd or 3rd person to note this.

Anyway, on Hero's point, yes it would make very little sense for Baltimore to make a deal like that.

You'd be helping someone in your division, you wouldn't be saving money (even if the sox pickup part of many's deal), you wouldn't be getting prospects, the only thing you might do is sell a few more seats cause Manny "might" be a bigger draw then Tejada.

For the sox it's a no brainer, less money, younger, great SS, the list goes on.

It's funny, heard a sports guy from Baltimore, saying how the Baltimore front office was shocked, and that Tejada has said stuff like this before and quickly flip/flopped. He said "a good front office would already have someone on a plane to the dominican to talk with him and find out what they can/need to do, but this team doesn't have a good front office".

If Baltimore was to deal him to the Red Sox, I'd think it's 2-3 prospects or maybe tie in a pitcher like Arroyo and then the Sox would need to ship Manny somewhere to cut salary.

Although, imagine Manny, Ortiz & Tejada on the same team...

[BCWWF]

Well, Twins traded JC Romero to the Angels for a prospect. I guess Romero and the Twins were inevitably going to part ways, but I was hoping they could at least get a major leaguer for him. I thought he was going to be part of the Blalock trade, thats right, the Twins are getting Blalock.

[Joey Slugs]

Originally Posted by VonErich Lives I think you're the 2nd or 3rd person to note this.

I was the first one to post with an offical article on it.

[VonErich Lives]

Originally Posted by Joey Slugs I was the first one to post with an offical article on it.

my point is, it tends to be more something gets reported the less likely it is to happen.

[The Miz]

Some tidbits.

Matt Morris: narrowed it down to SF and CIN
Ricardo Rincon: to STL
Brad Ausmus: might be signed by BOS to entice Clemens
Brad Lidge: on the trade block
Johnny Damon: Yankees and Orioles ( ) prepared to make offers
Bill Mueller: LAD dropped out, most likely will sign with PIT

[Evil Vito]

LOL @ Ausmus possibly going to BOS

Poor Kelly Shoppach is never gonna get a chance, even as a backup

[Joey Slugs]

Sunday, December 11
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Roger Clemens Astros	Yankees? Red Sox?	Rocket Redux? Dec 11 - Dec 11 - The Red Sox have reached out to Roger Clemens' agents to express interest in the future Hall of Fame right-hander, The Boston Globe reported. Clemens is said to have responded positively when told of the Red Sox feelers. Clemens played his first 13 years for Boston, and Josh Beckett and Curt Schilling would love to have the Rocket. Beckett, a Texan, has always idolized Clemens, and Schilling credits Clemens with inspiring his career. The Astros cut Clemens loose by not offering him salary arbitration. He could still return to Houston, but would have to wait until May 1.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Matt Morris Cardinals	Angels? Giants Mariners? Dodgers? Rangers	No More Morris Dec 11 - Matt Morris won't be returning to the Cardinals after he eliminated them as an option, The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported. Morris said he's narrowed his search down to two teams, with the Giants believed to be the frontrunners. The Cardinals offered Matt Morris a deal worth about $13 million over two years, the paper reported Saturday. The pitcher reportedly has three-year offers worth as much as $25 million from the Giants and Rangers. The Cardinals' offer includes a club option for a third year that would push the deal to $20 million.
Saturday, December 10
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Epstein, Theo		Epstein back to Boston? Dec 10 - The Red Sox have told members of the front office that they'll try to bring back Theo Epstein, The Boston Globe reported Saturday. Epstein would not be the general manager, but would serve as an adviser, the paper reported. On Oct. 31, he declined a contract to return as the team's GM.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Miguel Tejada Orioles	Red Sox?	Tejada wants out of Baltimore Dec 10 - The Red Sox called the Orioles and offered Manny Ramirez in exchange for unhappy shortstop Miguel Tejada, the Boston Herald and the Boston Globe reported Saturday. The Orioles, meanwhile, did not return phone calls from Baltimore executive vice president Mike Flanagan and manager Sam Perlozzo a day after asking for a trade, the Baltimore Sun reported. In a telephone interview with The Associated Press in his native Dominican Republic, the All-Star shortstop had lamented the franchise's lack of progress and called for a "change of scenery." "I've been with the Orioles for two years and things haven't gone in the direction that we were expecting, so I think the best thing will be a change of scenery," said Tejada. "I've done many things with the team and I haven't seen results and the other teams are getting stronger while the Orioles have not made any signings to strengthen the club."
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Manny Ramirez Red Sox	Orioles Phillies? Mariners? Mets? Angels?	Manny scenarios Dec 10 - The Red Sox called the Orioles and offered Manny Ramirez for shortstop Miguel Tejada, the Boston Herald and the Boston Globe reported Saturday. "The Orioles will explore trading for Ramirez," an AL source told the Herald. "It's a logical move to make, but I don't know how likely it is right now." Earlier in the week, there was talk of a three-way deal involving the Phillies that would have sent Ramirez to the Dodgers, but it fell apart, ESPN's Peter Gammons reports. The Red Sox told Gammons that Ramirez will not be traded this week because such a deal would be too complicated and take too much time to sort out. The Mets have talked to the Red Sox about Ramirez and asked Boston to take second baseman Kaz Matsui in a deal along with Lastings Milledge, Aaron Heilman and other prospects. According to the Globe, there was substance to the rumor that the Red Sox were working on a three-way deal with the Angels and Diamondbacks. 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.

[Evil Vito]

Pavano Could Be Shopped
10th December, 2005 - 4:26 pm
NY Post - Carl Pavano could be shopped, though teams have to be wary of a right shoulder problem that forced him appear in only 17 games and none after mid-June. And there is $30 million and three years remaining.

Still, Seattle has an interest and the Phillies talked about him at the Winter Meetings.

The Yankees could deal Pavano to the Mariners for center fielder Jeremy Reed, an above-average defender who batted .254 last year in 141 games

---------------

Hopefully he goes to the Phillies so the Mets can rape him on a constant basis

[BCWWF]

Sorry VEL, but you called Joey Slugs out on nothing. He ended the speculation

[The Miz]

Cashman has said previously Pavano is not for sale. I dunno though.

We definately don't want him, not for Reed anyway. We'll take him in exchange for Ryan Franklin, Greg Dobbs and Giambi's roid stash to give back to Beltre

[Joey Slugs]

Originally Posted by Big Vito 22 The Yankees could deal Pavano to the Mariners for center fielder Jeremy Reed, an above-average defender who batted .254 last year in 141 games

Reed will be an multi-time All Star in his career. I'm still pissed the White Sox traded him (could of used him for next season...thank god for Brian Anderson though).

[VonErich Lives]

Of course I like the idea of Tejada for Manny, but the propsects they're talking about with the Mets also sound good...

I still say, keep Manny and just relocate his mistress to another country... Does his wife somehow think he wont cheat in another state?

[The Miz]

What prospects are they talking about? Does New York even have a farm system anymore?

[The Miz]

Matt Morris to San Francisco, 3 yrs 25 mil.

This makes no sense for Sabean. Morris is only 31, 9 year shy of the minimum age to be a Giants player. Is he trying to wreck team chemistry?

Al Leiter wouldve been a much better signing

[VonErich Lives]

Originally Posted by The Miz What prospects are they talking about? Does New York even have a farm system anymore?

The Mets have talked to the Red Sox about Ramirez and asked Boston to take second baseman Kaz Matsui in a deal along with Lastings Milledge, Aaron Heilman and other prospects.

[RoXer]

And what "other prospects" are they talking about?

[VonErich Lives]

Originally Posted by Joey RoXer And what "other prospects" are they talking about?

Dunno, but Milledge & Heilman sounds like more then I thought they'd get.

Anyway, Mets GM said that he's out of the Manny sweepstakes because he can't afford him (in players or money).

and Tejada is now saying he was misquoted, and he doesn't want to leave. He was frustrated that they didn't keep BJ Ryan and didn't get Konerko.

[Loose Cannon]

Originally Posted by The Miz What prospects are they talking about? Does New York even have a farm system anymore?

lol yea

[Joey Slugs]

Monday, December 12
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Bill Mueller Red Sox	Giants Dodgers Pirates	Pirates eyeing Mueller Dec 12 - Reports surfaced last week that Bill Mueller was on his way to Los Angeles, but the Pirates are making a late run at him, reports ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick. Pittsburgh has offered Mueller a three-year deal believed to be in the $12 million range, while it appears Los Angeles has offered a two-year deal. Mueller is expected to make a decision early this week. Mueller knows Dodgers GM Ned Colletti from his days in San Francisco, and he played for new Los Angeles manager Grady Little in Boston. It had appeared those previous relationships would steer Mueller toward L.A., but the Pirates are hoping Mueller will join newly-acquired first baseman Sean Casey and bring a positive veteran influence to a young club. The Giants also have interest in Mueller, but it's probably contingent on the team trading Pedro Feliz.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Roger Clemens Astros	Astros? Rangers? Yankees? Red Sox?	Rocket redux? Dec 12 - The Yankees have had talks with Roger Clemens' agents about a possible return to pinstripes, The New York Daily News reports. The Red Sox also have made contact, according to the Boston Globe. "We have talked about things in general with the Yankees," one of Clemens' agents, Randy Hendricks, wrote in an e-mail to the Daily News. "We have told the teams that have called to talk to us in January because there is no rush, due to Roger's timetable." Clemens, 43, has several options for next year, including retirement after two years in Houston. He might not decide on pitching until February or March, after pitching for the United States in the World Baseball Classic. The Astros cut Clemens loose by not offering him salary arbitration. He could still return to Houston, but would have to wait until May 1.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Danys Baez Devil Rays	Mets? Phillies? White Sox? Mets? Nationals? Marlins? Red Sox? Braves?	Mets mull deal for Baez Dec 12 - According to The New York Post, the Mets could swap righty Aaron Heilman for Tampa Bay closer Danys Baez if they wished. However, Mets officials have continuously stated that Heilman is very unlikely to be moved this winter, a stance that has shifted almost 180 degrees over the last year. Though Mets GM Omar Minaya talked with the Devil Rays repeatedly during the winter meetings, he remains unwilling to move Heilman for Baez, who has saved 71 games in the last two seasons and make $4 million in 2006, the last year of his contract.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Johnny Damon Red Sox	Dodgers? Orioles? Red Sox Yankees? Cubs?	No timetable for a deal Dec 12 - Red Sox president/CEO Larry Lucchino said it was difficult to gauge when free-agent center fielder Johnny Damon would make a decision on whether or not to re-sign with the Red Sox, the Boston Herald reports. The Sox are believed to have discussed three- and four-year proposals with Damon?s agent, Scott Boras. The Yankees, Dodgers and Orioles are among the teams that have expressed interest in Damon.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Manny Ramirez Red Sox	Orioles Phillies? Mariners? Mets? Angels?	Manny scenarios Dec 12 - It's all quiet on the Manny front. According to the Boston Herald, the Red Sox spoke with his agent, Greg Genske, on Friday and provided an update on their fruitless trade negotiations during the winter meetings. The Sox have made it clear that they want equitable value in return for one of the game?s top hitters. Hope that the Sox could swap Ramirez for disgruntled Orioles shortstop Miguel Tejada appears dim for now. The Baltimore Sun quoted a high-ranking Orioles official that a Ramirez-Tejada trade was "not going to happen." Last week, there was talk of a three-way deal involving the Phillies that would have sent Ramirez to the Dodgers, but it fell apart, ESPN's Peter Gammons reports. The Mets have talked to the Red Sox about Ramirez and asked Boston to take second baseman Kaz Matsui in a deal along with Lastings Milledge, Aaron Heilman and other prospects. According to the Globe, there was substance to the rumor that the Red Sox were working on a three-way deal with the Angels and Diamondbacks. 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.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Miguel Tejada Orioles	Mets? Angels? Cubs? Red Sox?	Tejada denies wanting trade Dec 12 - Miguel Tejada doesn't want a trade after all. Three days after telling The Associated Press that he wanted "a change of scenery," the Orioles' All-Star shortstop backed off those comments during a phone interview Sunday with Comcast SportsNet. "I never said I wanted to be traded," Tejada told SportsNet. "I said I want to see a better team. I don't want to keep losing like we have the past two years." According to the Baltimore Sun, Orioles GM Mike Flanagan and other team officials reiterated that the goal is to keep Tejada in Baltimore. However, it is believed that owner Peter Angelos supports trading Tejada, and that at least eight teams are interested in the former MVP, who signed a $72 million, six-year contract with Baltimore before the 2004 season.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Jose Vidro Nationals	Cubs?	Second helping for Cubs? Dec 12 - The Nationals have not publicly suggested second baseman Jose Vidro is available, but they might have to consider moving Vidro now that Alfonso Soriano is in town and vowing never to switch to the outfield, the Daily Herald reports. If Cubs get interested, they probably could get away with giving the Nationals only Corey Patterson or Jerry Hairston since the Nats are looking for an outfielder/leadoff man. Vidro, who missed half of the 2005 season with ankle and knee injuries, is owed $24 million for the next three years.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Jeremy Reed Mariners	Yankees?	Thanks, but no Yanks Dec 12 - The Yankees have cooled on center fielder Jeremy Reed in a potential Carl Pavano trade, the Seattle Post-Intelligencer reports. Speculation on trades between the Mariners and Yanks had suggested New York would insist on Jeremy Reed's inclusion in any proposal for Pavano. But the pinstripes do not view Reed as a significant upgrade over Bubba Crosby, and Seattle would need to make bullpen components -- such as Julio Mateo, J.J. Putz, Rafael Soriano or some combination thereof -- a significant part of any deal for the right-handed starter. New York also likes left fielder/designated hitter Raul Ibanez, but the M's would be reluctant to move him.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Brad Ausmus Astros	Mets? Rockies? Angels? Padres Diamondbacks Astros	Play it again, Brad Dec 12 - The Astros are close to agreeing with catcher Brad Ausmus on a two-year contract that will keep him in Houston through 2007, the Houston Chronicle reports. Either Raul Chavez or Humberto Quintero will remain his backup.

[Joey Slugs]

Originally Posted by VonErich Lives and Tejada is now saying he was misquoted, and he doesn't want to leave. He was frustrated that they didn't keep BJ Ryan and didn't get Konerko.

I call bullshit on this one (not on you VEL, but on Tejada). It's not like they were ever major contenders to sign Konerko and if Tejada thinks that they were... someone needs to sit him down and teach him a thing or two.

His agent must be in his ear on this one.

[VonErich Lives]

Originally Posted by Joey Slugs I call bullshit on this one (not on you VEL, but on Tejada). It's not like they were ever major contenders to sign Konerko and if Tejada thinks that they were... someone needs to sit him down and teach him a thing or two. His agent must be in his ear on this one.

When his comments first came out, someone brought up that a lot of things said in the dominican don't get translated/reported correctly. He's saying he said "change of scenery" meaning a better team in Baltimore, not being traded. My guess is the truth is somewhere inbetween.

I do love the players that take the highest offer on teams that have histories of not competeing and somehow think it's now going to change, not realizing they were just brough in to up season ticket sales.

[McDoogle]

Originally Posted by VonErich Lives I do love the players that take the highest offer on teams that have histories of not competeing and somehow think it's now going to change, not realizing they were just brough in to up season ticket sales.

If you're referencing the Jays thats bullshit cause it wasn't that long ago that they won back to back world series. If you think the Jays don't compete in every game they play thats bullshit as well. They always played hard but never ever had the money the yankees or redsox have had.

[The Miz]

Rangers pick up Vicente Padilla to replace Rogers

[VonErich Lives]

Originally Posted by McDoogle If you're referencing the Jays thats bullshit cause it wasn't that long ago that they won back to back world series. If you think the Jays don't compete in every game they play thats bullshit as well. They always played hard but never ever had the money the yankees or redsox have had.

Umm yeah, I was responding and quoting talking about Tejada, so I'm sure I was talking about the Jays...

Not that long ago? over 10yrs, ok, not worth arguing weather or not that's a long time.

As for the "never had the money", when I asked if the Jays could afford these players, I was told how much money they have, how their owned by a huge company, they've always had money, just never spend it. So, which is it? do they have money or not?

My statement has nothing to do with how "hard a team plays", I'm sure the single A teams play really hard, but I wouldn't give them a chance against a major league club.

As for "they compete in every game they play", well yes... everyone competes, hence it's a competition, not sure really what your point was there.

Anyways, as I said, I was talking about Baltimore, but there are other teams, teams that get a superstar to sell tickets and then don't put a team around them and then the superstar acts "shocked".

Like when Clemens went to Toronto... left boston saying he wanted to be closer to home and compete for a championship and then after 2yrs? demanded a trade because he didn't feel they were trying to win.

Tejada is in the same boat now. A-rod was in the same boat in Texas.

[Joey Slugs]

Tuesday, December 13
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Nomar Garciaparra Cubs	Yankees Padres? Dodgers? Orioles Indians?	Move over, Giambino Dec 13 - The Yankees are considering signing Nomar Garciaparra to play first base, and several industry sources indicated an offer has been made, the New York Post reports. "I can't say anything, I can't make any comment other than to say a number of teams have expressed interest in a number of possibilities," Garciaparra's agent, Arn Tellem, told the newspaper. The Blue Jays have ended their pursuit of Garciaparra, the Toronto Globe and Mail reports. stopped pursuing free agent Nomar Garciaparra. "We're done with him," GM J.P. Ricciardi told the newspaper. "He has more money on the table some place else."
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Brad Wilkerson Rangers	Blue Jays	Jays giving up? Dec 13 - The Blue Jays' talks with the Rangers about the availability of either Brad Wilkerson or Kevin Mench aren't going anywhere, the Toronto Sun reports. Toronto had been interested in sending reliever Miguel Batista to Texas. "The price is too steep," Jays GM J.P. Ricciardi told the newspaper. "I think it's extremely tough for us to get one of them at this point. Right now, Wilkerson's off the market."
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Jeremy Reed Mariners	Red Sox Yankees?	Filling Johnny's spot Dec 13 - If center fielder Johnny Damon leaves Boston, here's a possible Plan B for the Red Sox: Seattle's Jeremy Reed. The Red Sox and Mariners have discussed a deal, The Boston Globe reports, that would send pitcher Matt Clement to the Mariners for Reed, a center fielder.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Jacque Jones Twins	Royals Blue Jays? Cardinals? Pirates? Cubs?	Separating from Twins Dec 13 - Jacque Jones, who likely will reject arbitration from the Twins, has two multiyear offers on the table and three more on the horizon, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. Kansas City reportedly has offered Jones $15 million over three years. The Mariners are no longer interested in Jones, the Seattle Post-Intelligencer reports.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Carl Pavano Yankees	Marlins? Mariners? Phillies? Tigers?	Staying power Dec 13 - According to The New York Post, the Yankees plan to keep Carl Pavano -- for now. The Mariners are believed to have interest in Pavano, who signed a four-year deal for just under $40 million last winter. The Yankees could use Pavano as a chip to upgrade their bullpen -- they have discussed righty Julio Mateo -- instead of asking for Seattle center fielder Jeremy Reed. That has been the much-speculated deal. The most likely scenario is that Pavano remains in pinstripes, since the Yanks don't want to put too much pressure on less-established pitchers like Shawn Chacon, Chien-Ming Wang or Aaron Small and also could use the extra arms. Pavano is trying to ignore any trade speculation. "I really can't control anything other than that," he told WFAN radio. "I'm trying to keep my mind off other things."
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Carl Everett White Sox	Mariners	M's, Everett talking Dec 13 - The Mariners have offered a contract to outfielder/DH Carl Everett, the Seattle Post-Intelligencer reports. "I think we should have some kind of conclusion in the next two or three days," Everett's agent, Larry Reynolds, told the newspaper.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Bernie Williams Yankees	Yankees?	Welcome back, Bernie Dec 13 - The Yankees are moving closer toward bringing Bernie Williams back as an extra outfielder. Conversations with Williams' agent, Scott Boras, are ongoing and a one-year deal could be announced soon, The New York Post reports. The contract is believed to be in the neighborhood of $2 million, plus incentives.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Alex Gonzalez Marlins	Red Sox	Another Fish? Dec 13 - The Red Sox continue to explore replacements for shortstop Edgar Renteria -- who was dealt to Atlanta for top third base prospect Andy Marte -- and one possibility is free agent Alex Gonzalez, the Boston Herald reports. Gonzalez was not offered arbitration by the Marlins. "We have a list, and we're kind of walking down that list," Red Sox co-GM Jed Hoyer told the newspaper. "When we made the trade, we opened up a hole, and that's not something you often want to do. But we had an opportunity to get Andy Marte, and that type of opportunity is rare, so we had to take advantage of it."
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Braden Looper Mets	Phillies Cardinals? Orioles?	Looper scooper Dec 13 - The Phillies are expected to complete a deal with reliever Braden Looper before the end of the week, the Philadelphia Daily News reports. The Orioles and Cardinals are also interested.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Johnny Damon Red Sox	Dodgers? Orioles? Red Sox Yankees? Cubs?	Let's make a deal Dec 13 - Red Sox co-GM Jed Hoyer and president/CEO Larry Lucchino remain in contact with agent Scott Boras about re-signing Johhny Damon, the Boston Herald reports. The Sox are believed to have discussed three- and four-year proposals with Boras. "There has been contact with the Red Sox and Scott in the last few days, but I don't want to say if another offer has been made," Hoyer told the newspaper. "We want Johnny to come back here, and those negotiations are ongoing." The Yankees, Dodgers and Orioles have also expressed interest in Damon.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Kris Benson Mets	Rangers Royals	Bensons love New York Dec 13 - Kris Benson is solidly on the trading block, but he wants to remain a Met, The New York Post reports. "I understand the business and the rumors and [Mets GM Omar Minaya's] desire to put together a winning team," Benson told the newspaper. "I hope I'm part of it. "They had told me I would be a part of a [contending] team [when he signed last November]. It's kind of frustrating to be so immediately put into trade talks a year-and-a-half later. "In Pittsburgh, I almost embraced the fact I could go to another team and start new. It's a little bit more frustrating when you enjoy where you're at." Last week, Anna Benson, the right-hander's wife, phoned Mets COO Jeff Wilpon to address any misunderstandings after her recent incendiary comments. She also made a personal plea to Wilpon to keep her husband in New York. The Royals' efforts to acquire Benson are still stalled but not dead, the Kansas City Star reports. According to Newsday, the Mets have also discussed a trade with the Rangers. New York would send Benson to Texas for outfielder Laynce Nix and right-hander Juan Dominguez.

[The Miz]

A's finally get Milton Bradley, for prospect Andre Ethier. Probably their best OF prospect but I think it's worth it.

As it sits now, the outfield is Payton-LF Kotsay-CF and Bradley-RF, with Swisher and Johnson switching at 1B/DH. Hopefully Payton will be traded for prospects and they will sign Frank Thomas.

[RoXer]

Was Either that good? Never heard anything about him.

[The Miz]

I always saw him as a Jay Payton type, gold glove defense but not enough power to be an elite corner OFer. He's 24, should spend 06 in AAA and be ready for the bigs in 07.

His Midland (AA) numbers:
.319/.385/.497 (.882 OPS), 18 HR, 80 RBI

A's also got infielder Antonio Perez making this trade a real steal. He will backup Chavez and third and Crosby at short, capable of 10-15 homers playing everyday. Should be the primary pinch hitter and be able to play 3rd and allow Chavez to DH and rest his hurt shoulder.

Ginter, well, bye bye

[RoXer]

Cool cool. So, trading Zito is a "probably not"?

[The Miz]

Yeah, they were looking for a right-handed bat for Zito, they are about to sign RH Frank Thomas and have already gotten a switch-hitter in Bradley.

As far as other A's moves go, I expect them to trade Payton/Kotsay (hopefully Payton) to Yankees or somebody for prospects. They might non-tender Melhuse and sign a backup catcher or call up Jeremy Brown.

They still might trade Saarloos, but I'd rather see them trade Kennedy and/or Cruz and keep Saarloos in the pen. I still think they need a loogy, as bad as Rincon was last year he still was an ok lefty specialist. They might use Flores as the loogy but I see Gaudin probably getting his bullpen spot.

So that would leave them next year at

C - Jason Kendall
1B - Dan Johnson
2B - Mark Ellis
3B - Eric Chavez
SS - Bobby Crosby
LF - Milton Bradley
CF - Mark Kotsay
RF - Nick Swisher
DH - Frank Thomas

C - Adam Melhuse/Jeremy Brown/FA
2B/SS - Marco Scutaro
SS/3B - Antonio Perez
OF - Bobby Kielty

1. Rich Harden
2. Barry Zito
3. Joe Blanton
4. Esteban Loaiza
5. Danny Haren

Chad Gaudin/Ron Flores/Juan Cruz
Kirk Saarloos
Joe Kennedy
Jay Witasick
Kiko Calero
Justin Duchserer
Huston Street

I like it

[RoXer]

Fuck, that could win the west.

I actually like Cruz over Saarloos though. Why? Because hes fucking sick in MVP 2005, thats why. I really don't see them trading Kotsay either.

[Joey Slugs]

D-Backs, White Sox near Vazquez deal
Righty appears headed to Sox for El Duque, prospect Young

--------------------

I don't like this deal for 2 reasons.

1. Dealing Chris Young is a mistake. Jeremy Reed was one thing, but Young is one of the few top 5 tool players that we have left in our system. Not quite sure if Brian Anderson is the answer @ center. Young is a good guy to have around just in case.

2. Getting Vazquez means that McCarthy doesn't have a place in the starting rotation next season.

[VonErich Lives]

That and last time Vazquez was in the AL he got rocked. He's a much better NL pitcher (well, so are most pitchers).

As for Zito, isn't his contract up this year? Where he didn't have a great year the last two actually, his value isn't what it once was. I see Oakland holding him, and if he lights it up (which he probably will if he's in a contract year) then deal him at the deadline for much more then they'd get now, unless... they think they have a real shot to win it all, then they'll just use him and let him walk like Giambi (w/o the roids).

[Evil Vito]

Well, if Vazquez goes to the CWS the Benson trade talks should stop....he's a solid #3 and I like Pedro/Glavine/Benson/Seo/Trachsel a LOT more than Pedro/Glavine/Seo/Trachsel/Zambrano

[BCWWF]

Wasn't El Duque the man for the White Sox at the end of last year? I thought he was like their ace come playoff time, or am I mixing him up with Contreras?

[MVP]

Yeah it was Contreras. I think El Duque was in the bullpen.

The White Sox rotation is gonna be sick this year with Buehrle/Garland/Garcia/Vazquez/Contreras. Or whatever the order is gonna be.

[Joey Slugs]

Originally Posted by BCWWF Wasn't El Duque the man for the White Sox at the end of last year? I thought he was like their ace come playoff time, or am I mixing him up with Contreras?

El Duque was the guy who came in with bases loaded against the Red Sox in game 3 of the ALDS. Contreras was a stud the entire second half of the year, including the playioffs.