MLB 2005-2006 Offseason Thread

[The Miz]

Keep in mind which league & division Damon and Loretta put up their numbers in. Loretta is also two years older.

(offensively) Damon > Loretta

[MVP]

Originally Posted by The Miz Manny Ramirez 8 Y/160 M Curt Schilling 2 Y/25 M David Ortiz 2 Y/12.5 M Jason Varitek 4 Y/40 M

Yeah I know, but I have the right to vent cause he signed with the team I hate the most.

[The Miz]

VEL and stima will love this quote:

"There's no way I can go play for the Yankees, but I know they are going to come after me hard. It's definitely not the most important thing to go out there for the top dollar, which the Yankees are going to offer me. It's not what I need."
- Johnny Damon, May 2 2005

[MVP]

See that's what bothers me. I'm over the money factor, it's just that he went back on what he said last season and so much that he stood for.

[Excellance of Execution]

Originally Posted by MVP See that's what bothers me. I'm over the money factor, it's just that he went back on what he said last season and so much that he stood for.

Maybe he felt like Boston didn't want him. I mean, c'mon, if they really wanted him they would have signed him along time ago.

[BCWWF]

His excuse on Sports Center was something along the lines of

"We all know how much George Stienbrenner wants to win, and I think this is the best chance to win"

[MVP]

Originally Posted by Excellance of Execution Maybe he felt like Boston didn't want him. I mean, c'mon, if they really wanted him they would have signed him along time ago.

He refused arbitration.

[The Miz]

Doesn't mean they couldn't have extended him before arby

[VonErich Lives]

Originally Posted by The Miz Keep in mind which league & division Damon and Loretta put up their numbers in. Loretta is also two years older. (offensively) Damon > Loretta

agreed, my point being Loretta makes a lot less money, letting them spend elsewhere and wont be a "huge letdown" as a leadoff hitter.

[Dragon]

What is Boston's infield supposedly looking like anyway? I know they have Marte and Lowell at third, who's going to be the starter there? And then Varitek, Youkilis?, Loretta and then they need to find a shortstop.

[Excellance of Execution]

Originally Posted by VonErich Lives agreed, my point being Loretta makes a lot less money, letting them spend elsewhere and wont be a "huge letdown" as a leadoff hitter.

It appears that there cutting payroll and not spending much money at all. Its as if they are saying "we won the world series, so thats all that matters". Atleast thats how the last year seems. I mean, they trade Renteria (10 mill) and they didn't resign Damon. It just seems weird that they are not signing another huge SS or CF to a big contract to replace them.

[VonErich Lives]

On the Damon quote, yeah I remember that and I said at the time it was crap, money would decide and it did.

As for "try harder" the sox tried a few times to sign him, but there was no way him and or his agent would let him not go to free agency.

The way the story seems to be putting together, The sox last offer was more then then 4/40, like 4/46 or 4/44, they told Damon the offer was good through xmas, there is a little debate as to weather or not that meant they would pull the offer and let him walk after xmas or if that meant they didn't plan on working on a new figure until then. The Yanks gave the 4/52 and said "you have 24hrs to accept or we move on and you're off our board".

Where it then gets interesting is they took that offer and didn't go back to the sox and try saying "we got this offer, want to match/beat".

There's also talk the Damons wife wasn't happy how the Boston media treated her (heck, the Red Sox gave her a pre-game show") and Damon wasn't happy about the "team chemistry" keep in mind him and Schilling don't get along, and Damon and Schillings wives don't get along.

Whatever, what's done is done... Roger "I want to be closer to home" Clemens, Mike "Dan Duqette is the devil" Greenwell, Mo "It's not about the money" Vaughn, Nomar "I'm a short stop (insert john valentin speach)" Garciapara, Pedro "they don't respect me, but it's a great place for my buddy David Ortiz to sign a deal a below market value to stay because of my advice" Martinez.

The game will go on, the team will go on.

My main concern.. the "Dan Duqette response", making a move for the sake of making a move, something big and over spending or giving up way too many prospects (such as the Arroyo, Clement & Marte for Reed).

I'm curious where the payroll ends up, and if part of this was a "cost cutting" move...

Also, how did the yankees lose 60-80mil and then up their payroll? or is it possible that figure didn't count the YES network which makes them a ton of money (like NESN does the Red Sox).

[VonErich Lives]

Originally Posted by Dragon What is Boston's infield supposedly looking like anyway? I know they have Marte and Lowell at third, who's going to be the starter there? And then Varitek, Youkilis?, Loretta and then they need to find a shortstop.

the assumption right now is

3B: Lowell
SS: Graffanino
2B: Loretta
1B: Youkillis
C: Teck

Originally Posted by Excellance of Execution It appears that there cutting payroll and not spending much money at all. Its as if they are saying "we won the world series, so thats all that matters". Atleast thats how the last year seems. I mean, they trade Renteria (10 mill) and they didn't resign Damon. It just seems weird that they are not signing another huge SS or CF to a big contract to replace them.

Right now I agree, Reneria was more then the money though and I'll wait to pass judgement until I see whatelse they do.

That being said, they (mostly Henry) has a lot of loans to payback and there was talk before the 04 season that they were in a position for the bank to take the team, last year they made a small profit, so the idea of cutting 10-20mil of payroll to payback the loans thats much faster... and they're spending lots of money on the park (some they over with advertising, like the new "Budwieser roof") and while the improvements mean more seats and mostly highend seats it takes awhile for those tickets revenue to cover the money spent.

[The Miz]

[Excellance of Execution]

Originally Posted by The Miz

He looks like a rookie again!!

[The Miz]

He looks like a dork

[YOUR Hero]

Originally Posted by The Miz

I should make that VEL's avatar.

[Excellance of Execution]

Originally Posted by YOUR Hero I should make that VEL's avatar.

DO IT!!!!

[DaveWadding]

Originally Posted by Excellance of Execution DO IT!!!!

hell yeah.

[YOUR Hero]

Ponson and the Cardinals come to terms.



ST. LOUIS (AP) -- After agreeing Wednesday to a one-year contract with the St. Louis Cardinals, Sidney Ponson said he's changed in the three months since the Baltimore Orioles voided his contract and released him. Ponson went to an alcohol rehabilitation facility in September and has been seeing a psychiatrist weekly.

"After my last problem, I sought help and didn't wait for anybody to push me," Ponson said. "I just did it on my own. Since the last time I had trouble I've been clean."

Ponson's agreement with the Cardinals calls for a $1 million base salary and allows him to earn an additional $1.5 million in performance bonuses. Ponson, 7-11 with a 6.21 ERA last season, will compete for a spot in the rotation.
"We signed him with that purpose in mind, based on his past career," Cardinals general manager Walt Jocketty said. "It provides more depth to our rotation, more depth to our pitching staff, and that has been the priority of our offseason plan."
Jocketty said the team did a "thorough background check" of Ponson and met with the pitcher and his agent in Florida a few weeks ago. Jocketty thinks Ponson is "sincere in wanting to turn things around."
"Everybody deserves a second chance and we're here to provide that," Jocketty said. "That doesn't mean we're going to let things slide, either."
Jocketty said the contract includes language pertaining to alcohol abuse but characterized it as "pretty common language."
Ponson had a $7.5 million salary last year in the middle season of a $22.5 million, three-year contract. He was arrested Aug. 25 and charged with driving under the influence and driving while impaired. He served a five-day jail sentence last week for driving while impaired, and the charge of driving under the influence was dropped under a plea agreement.
"Sidney has made it very clear to us that he is committed to turning both his life and his career around," Jocketty said. "He's a tremendous talent who has made mistakes, but he's been making huge strides in trying to return himself to a much better quality of life."
Baltimore released Ponson on Sept. 6 and the team voided his contract, prompting a grievance from the players' association seeking he be paid the remaining $11 million called for in the Orioles' contract. The case is scheduled to be heard in March by arbitrator Shyam Das.
If the 29-year-old right-hander wins the grievance, the players' association probably would argue that he is owed the money from his St. Louis contract in addition to the Baltimore deal. Management, if Ponson prevails, likely would say that any money paid by the Cardinals should be offset against the Orioles' contract.
Ponson, the opening day starter for the Orioles in 2004, will compete for the rotation slot vacated when Matt Morris left to sign with the San Francisco Giants. The Cardinals also have rookie Anthony Reyes under consideration.
That surplus could enable the Cardinals to deal one of their starters, perhaps arbitration-eligible Jason Marquis, for a corner outfielder. They have openings in left and right field after Reggie Sanders left as a free agent and Larry Walker retired.
For now, Jocketty said the Cardinals have a "big six."
"I think the idea is to go to spring training and have a competition and see," Jocketty said. "What it does provide is some insurance if we feel Anthony is not ready."
St. Louis gave Ponson a full no-trade clause. He would earn $300,000 each for 24, 26, 28, 30 and 32 starts.
A native of Aruba, Ponson has a career record of 76-91 with a 4.81 ERA. But he has 28 complete games since 1999, fourth-best among active pitchers and was a 17-game winner in 2003.
Ponson was charged in January with driving under the influence in Florida, and he spent 11 days in an Aruban jail after he hit a judge during a Christmas Day fight at a beach in his home country.
In other news, the Cardinals agreed to minor league contracts with first baseman/outfielder Brian Daubach and right-handed pitcher John Riedling.
Daubach, who lives in nearby O'Fallon, Ill., appeared in 15 games last year for the New York Mets and batted .325 with 16 homers and 62 RBIs in 99 games at Triple-A Norfolk. Riedling made 29 relief appearances for the Marlins last season and was 4-1 with a 7.16 ERA. The Cardinals did not offer contracts to infielder Bo Hart and Scott Seabol, catcher Mike Mahoney and pitcher Mike Lincoln prior to Tuesday night's deadline. They also sent right-hander Rhett Parrott outright to Triple-A Memphis.

[YOUR Hero]

Giants acquire Finley from Angels for Alfonzo

The San Francisco Giants acquired outfielder Steve Finley from the Los Angeles Angels for third baseman Edgardo Alfonzo on Wednesday in a swap of former All-Stars who dropped off dramatically last season.
The 40-year-old Finley batted a career-worst .222 with 12 home runs and 54 RBIs in 112 games for the Angels, who won the AL West for the second straight year.

"We were hoping for a better season from him, and I'm sure the Giants were hoping for a better season from Alfonzo as well. Neither had career years," Angels general manager Bill Stoneman said. "I talked to Steve and I know he's working as hard as ever."

Alfonzo played in only 109 games last season, batting .277 with two home runs and 43 RBIs.
The Giants have been interested in Finley for some time, pursuing him twice previously in free agency -- including last winter before he joined the Angels. San Francisco wound up signing Moises Alou.
Finley has long produced some of his biggest hits against the Giants while with every NL West rival except Colorado, hitting a grand slam for the Dodgers during the final weekend of the 2004 season to keep San Francisco from making the playoffs.
"I'm excited to be going back to the National League, especially to a team like San Francisco," he said during a conference call. "I really wanted to come to San Francisco those two times and I thought they were a good team. I'm so glad this trade happened."
Finley gives the Giants another aging player in the outfield, along with 41-year-old Barry Bonds and 39-year-old Moises Alou. Finley is likely to be the team's fourth outfielder at first if Bonds is healthy, but the Giants have been looking for a lefty to add to their lineup as insurance in case the slugger is still limited by his troublesome right knee. He had three operations on the knee this year and missed most of the season.
"Steve Finley is a player that can win games in many ways -- with his bat, his glove and his knowledge," Giants general manager Brian Sabean said. "He will give Felipe (Alou) many options in the outfield ... as well as provide a great veteran presence."
Sabean hopes Bonds and Alou can play at least 120 games each. Winn, the 31-year-old center fielder, had 14 home runs and 26 RBIs in 58 games with the Giants after arriving in a trade with Seattle.
Finley is a two-time All-Star and five-time Gold Glove winner who has reached the 20-homer mark seven times, including a career-high 36 homers in 2004. He is the only active player with 300 doubles, 100 triples and 200 homers.
"Our goal is to get him on the field as much as possible. We're open-minded. We didn't do this deal to have him sitting on the bench," Sabean said. "I think it's going to be a good problem."
Finley said he will begin spring training trying to become a starter, and Sabean is thrilled Finley is versatile enough to play all three outfield spots.
"I feel like I've got a lot to prove," Finley said. "My goal is to come there and have my name written in the lineup every day. As a player, I'm coming off a year I didn't do too well and I've got to force the issue."
Alfonzo struggled for much of his time with the Giants since signing a $26 million, four-year contract following the 2002 season. He is still owed $1 million from a signing bonus that is due Jan. 31, and a $7 million salary for 2006.
"He will come in and take a shot at playing a lot of infield. Whether it would be at second or third will probably be determined in spring training," Stoneman said. "By trading Steve Finley, it makes it more likely that Chone Figgins is going to be playing more out in center than he did in the past."
Alfonzo knew his future with the Giants was in question because they want to develop Pedro Feliz as a regular starter at one position. Feliz got 569 at-bats last season and played 79 games at third base.
Sabean hopes Feliz will become more comfortable and productive in a stable environment. "Being as to what he went through this year with people out of the lineup, it was baptism under fire," the GM said. "He's darn close to Gold Glove-caliber at third base."

[Joey Slugs]

Wednesday, December 21
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Boston		Johnny's successor? Dec 21 - The Boston Globe offers a list of possible replacements for center fielder Johnny Damon: Seattle's Jeremy Reed, Cleveland's Coco Crisp, San Diego's Dave Roberts, Tampa Bay's Joey Gathright, the Cubs' Corey Patterson, and free agents Preston Wilson, Terrence Long and Juan Encarnacion. The Red Sox, according to The Globe, have discussed deals with Seattle and Cleveland, but both teams appear inclined to hold onto their players.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Manny Ramirez Red Sox	Orioles Phillies? Mariners? Mets? Angels?	A friendly ear? Dec 21 - While the Red Sox continue to look for Manny Ramirez trade partners, they're also exploring ways to keep the mercurial slugger, the Boston Herald reports. Red Sox co-GM Ben Cherington said on a conference call Tuesday, the Herald reports, that "we also continue to talk to Manny and his representatives and continue to work on flushing out issues related to Ramirez's desire to be traded. "We're trying to appease some of his concerns. At this point, we just want to listen. We're not going to get into the reasons why he wants out."
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Kevin Millwood Indians	Red Sox? Orioles? Rangers Nationals? Dodgers? Mariners	Rangers move on Millwood Dec 21 - Kevin Millwood on Tuesday met with Rangers owner Tom Hicks, GM Jon Daniels, manager Buck Showalter and pitching coach Mark Connor, The Dallas Morning News reports. The right-handed starter isn't expected to make a decision on his future until after the weekend, The Dallas Morning News reports. According to The Baltimore Sun, the Orioles -- contrary to recent published reports -- have yet to extend Millwood an offer, but one could be coming soon.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Ryan Franklin Mariners	Royals? Nationals? Giants? Marlins? Rangers? Diamondbacks? Dodgers? Phillies?	Franklin generating interest Dec 21 - Ryan Franklin, who became a free agent when Seattle declined to tender him a contract Wednesday, is attracting a flurry of interest from teams in the market for starting pitching, reports ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick. Franklin had a 12-31 record the past two seasons in Seattle, but he suffered from the worst run support of any starting pitcher in baseball over that span. He has also been durable, averaging 201 innings and 31 starts a season over the past three years.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Javy Lopez Orioles		A simple plan Dec 21 - Javy Lopez has his sights on either a trade or signing a contract extension, The Baltimore Sun reports. Lopez's agent, Chuck Berry, said that he sent the Orioles a proposal this week for a contract extension to try to "get the ball rolling." The O's reportedly would consider giving Lopez an extension at the right price.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Corey Patterson Cubs		Pitter-patter Dec 21 - The Cubs did tender outfielder Corey Patterson a contract Tuesday, but a trade still appears likely, the Chicago Sun-Times reports. "I have a lot of fondness in my heart for Corey," GM Jim Hendry told the Sun-Times. "I feel badly at what happened last year. I certainly will try to do what's best for the Cubs first and what's best for Corey second."
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Jon Garland White Sox	Angels? Dodgers? Padres? Rangers?	Removing Garland? Dec 21 - Arbitration-eligible starter Jon Garland, who turned down a three-year contract offer from the White Sox, could be traded before the start of the regular season, the Daily Southtown reports. The Rangers, Padres and Dodgers reportedly have inquired about Garland. The Daily Herald says the Angels may be interested as well.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Gil Meche Mariners	Rockies?	Meche still on the block Dec 21 - The Mariners offered Gil Meche arbitration on Tuesday, but that doesn't mean he'll be on the Opening Day roster. Seattle could still trade Meche, and the Rockies reportedly are interested in the right-hander.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Dan Kolb Brewers		Love me non-tender Dec 21 - The Brewers on Wednesday plan to resume contract talks with reliever Dan Kolb, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports. Kolb became a free agent Tuesday, when the two sides failed to strike a deal before the deadline for arbitration-eligible players. "I'm not going to let it carry on very far," GM Doug Melvin told the newspaper. "We've had dialogue. We will continue to make an effort. But we know what we are capable of paying him and what we want to pay."
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Mike Piazza Mets	Twins Angels	Waiting on Piazza Dec 21 - The Twins would like to add Mike Piazza as their full-time designated hitter, but the slugger's intentions are still a mystery, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Bengie Molina Angels	Blue Jays	Jays kicking Molina's tires Dec 21 - The Blue Jays' search for a right-handed bat with some power has led them to catcher Bengie Molina, the Toronto Sun reports. "We're throwing his name around a little bit," GM J.P. Ricciardi told the newspaper. "If all fails with the outfielders we'll probably turn our attention to (obtaining) a catcher."

[BCWWF]

Fuck yeah Piazza.

Anyway, the Red Sox seem like a complete mess. They addressed their needs on ESPNEWS or something today and it's like every position. Losing Damon is more than just losing a good player, he is basically what makes Ortiz and Manny good. If Manny ends up leaving, Ortiz will go back to what he was on the Twins, just a slightly above average power hitter.

That being said, I think the Yankees are being underestimated. I have always been sold on the impact of a true leadoff hitter. It just pushes your good hitters deeper into the lineup and makes you so much more effective. Their current lineup is hands down the best in the majors right now.

And their pitching is being looked over as well. While it wasn't amazing last year, they still have Randy Johnson, Mike Mussina, Carl Pavano, and Jaret Wright coming back, and all of them are capable of being great pitchers this year (in some cases if they remain healthy). Flash Gordon is old and replaceable now too, so that won't kill them.

But what it all comes down to is Franisco Lariano.

[VonErich Lives]

Originally Posted by YOUR Hero I should make that VEL's avatar.

Sure, if that makes you happy, you're just upset I'm not freaking out about this. Eh, players move on, would like to have seen him here but he aint, no use crying over it... like people who have been going nuts today "I'm never going to watch again" or "my daughter wants a Damon yankees jersey for xmas, that will tear this house apart"... really, get a grip people... I admit I like the timing, season ticket renewals are now and I'm around 4,000 on the waiting list...

Originally Posted by Excellance of Execution DO IT!!!!

but then you'd get something like this:

The bloody sock (yeah, just woke up, first thing I could think of... could probably do better later)

Originally Posted by DaveWadding hell yeah.

and of course for you, yours would be:

Corky from life goes on!

By the way wadding, while you've crawled out from your cave, I've noticed you've been absent from the NFL thread since the Chargers beat the Colts, you remember, that whole tantrum you had about how "it can't be possible" and my point "of course it's possible, it might not be likely but there's always a chance" then you going on a rant of personal insults that made little sense, much like you're argument that made little sense.

Anyway, yeah, just wanted to remind you of that thread incase you forgot.

[VonErich Lives]

Originally Posted by BCWWF Fuck yeah Piazza. Anyway, the Red Sox seem like a complete mess. They addressed their needs on ESPNEWS or something today and it's like every position. Losing Damon is more than just losing a good player, he is basically what makes Ortiz and Manny good. If Manny ends up leaving, Ortiz will go back to what he was on the Twins, just a slightly above average power hitter. That being said, I think the Yankees are being underestimated. I have always been sold on the impact of a true leadoff hitter. It just pushes your good hitters deeper into the lineup and makes you so much more effective. Their current lineup is hands down the best in the majors right now. And their pitching is being looked over as well. While it wasn't amazing last year, they still have Randy Johnson, Mike Mussina, Carl Pavano, and Jaret Wright coming back, and all of them are capable of being great pitchers this year (in some cases if they remain healthy). Flash Gordon is old and replaceable now too, so that won't kill them. But what it all comes down to is Franisco Lariano.

It's possible as a fan, I'm not "seeing it" I'm just not overly worried, yeah Damon was a big loss, they should have kept Muellar and moved Lowell to 1B, and some other "issues". Besides how the whole Manny thing plays out the key is when a healthy Foulke shows up to camp how he pitches. If it's the old Foulke we're in good shape with a decent rotation and a solid bull pen.

Defensively we've improved at 1st base (even without knowing for sure who are 1B is, it will be better then Millar) and he didn't hit for crap last year either.

2B Loretta is an upgrade.

SS Graffanino may be a bat downgrade but defensively will be an upgrade.

3B Muellar was a good fielder and Lowell is even better.

RF is still Trot, at least as long as he stays healthy.

CF??? Dunno, that's a good question.

LF Manny being Manny.

I don't think w/o Manny that Oritiz goes back to what he was in Minnesota "a slightly above average power hitter" it will have an effect, but I don't think as big as you see.

I'm still hoping they work out a way to get Manny to stay (see: have his mistress deported).

Defense they could be better then last year, pitching they will be better then last year, hitting will most likely be a downgrade, but if Lowell goes back to his old form, and Manny stays... then you're looking at something like the 04 team, where Millar had a good year and Lowell is capeable of better #'s.

So yeah, I'm worried, but not throwing in the towel yet. All these big moves, but there is still plenty of time until the first pitch.

[Excellance of Execution]

Just curious, if Manny wants out of Boston because of this 'mistress', is there any concern that if she's such a problem, that she might follow him to a different city?

hmmmmm, jays looking at molina. i'd like that alot

[VonErich Lives]

Originally Posted by Excellance of Execution Just curious, if Manny wants out of Boston because of this 'mistress', is there any concern that if she's such a problem, that she might follow him to a different city?

It's not Manny wants out, it's his wife, I'd think the same as you, I'd also think he'd be just as likely to cheat somewhere else...

but who knows... that being said, she married the guy for money/fame, so why not just look the other way?

The talk is now, they're going to try and get him to stay and "be happy", watch, all will be well... then around the all-star break "I wanna be traded".

[The Miz]

Originally Posted by L L Cool G hmmmmm, jays looking at molina. i'd like that alot

He's had one good offensive season in his career, his contract year.

[The Miz]

LOL @ the Dodgers giving Tomko a multi year dear at 4 mil per

Rondell White is a great pickup for the Twins

[The Miz]

Padres have signed Mark Bellhorn

Royals have signed Reggie Sanders

O's are trying to trade Tejada to Cubs for Prior, Cubs want Bedard and O's want Pie, neither team willing to give away either player. Cubs trying to include Boston as a three way deal involving Tejada, Prior, and Corey Patterson

[BCWWF]

I didn't see that yet, but he fills the right field hole pretty well methinks

[The Miz]

I doubt he'll play much RF. He should DH most of the time

[VonErich Lives]

Originally Posted by The Miz Padres have signed Mark Bellhorn Royals have signed Reggie Sanders O's are trying to trade Tejada to Cubs for Prior, Cubs want Bedard and O's want Pie, neither team willing to give away either player. Cubs trying to include Boston as a three way deal involving Tejada, Prior, and Corey Patterson

I'm assuming the Red Sox get Tejada out of that...

[VonErich Lives]

Originally Posted by The Miz Padres have signed Mark Bellhorn Royals have signed Reggie Sanders O's are trying to trade Tejada to Cubs for Prior, Cubs want Bedard and O's want Pie, neither team willing to give away either player. Cubs trying to include Boston as a three way deal involving Tejada, Prior, and Corey Patterson

Miz, got a link? didn't see/hear about this one yet and curious to see what the current rumor is.

thanks

[Joey Slugs]

Thursday, December 22
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Kevin Millwood Indians	Red Sox? Orioles? Rangers Nationals? Dodgers? Mariners	Let the bidding begin Dec 22 - The Red Sox have expressed interest in starter Kevin Millwood, the Boston Herald reports. Millwood's agent, Scott Boras, reportedly wants to start the bidding at the five-year, $55 million level that the Blue Jays gave to A.J. Burnett. According to The Dallas Morning News, Rangers owner Tom Hicks hasn't completely dismissed the idea of a five-year deal for Millwood. The Orioles -- contrary to recent published reports -- have yet to extend Millwood an offer, but one could be coming soon, The Baltimore Sun reports.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Miguel Tejada Orioles	Mets? Angels? Cubs? Red Sox?	Cubs dangling Prior for Tejada? Dec 22 - The Cubs are willing to deal a top starting pitcher, most likely Mark Prior, to the Orioles for shortstop Miguel Tejada, FOXsports.com's Ken Rosenthal reports. But trade talks reportedly have stalled because Chicago wants left-hander Erik Bedard along with Tejada but refuses to include outfield prospect Felix Pie or a top pitching prospect. The Cubs and Orioles, Rosenthal reports, also have engaged in three-way discussions with the Red Sox that would send Manny Ramirez to Baltimore and Tejada to Chicago.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Jeff Weaver Dodgers	Dodgers	On the clock Dec 22 - Jeff Weaver, a Scott Boras client, is believed to be seeking at least a four-year, $38 million deal from the Dodgers. The team has until Jan. 8 to negotiate a contract with the right-hander.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Jason Michaels Phillies	Red Sox	Keep shopping, Red Sox Dec 22 - The Red Sox have expressed interest in Phillies outfielder Jason Michaels, ESPN.com Insider Jerry Crasnick reports, but Boston and Philadelphia don't appear to have the makings of a deal. The Phillies need pitching, but they're not high on Boston's Bronson Arroyo. Philadelphia GM Pat Gillick is looking to acquire either a No. 4-5 starter or a setup man for Tom Gordon, and he'll probably use Michaels as part of the package to acquire that commodity. If the Phillies add the bullpen arm, they're looking at the possibility of moving Ryan Madson to the starting rotation.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Chad Bradford Red Sox	Mets?	Hanging Chad Dec 22 - In their quest for bullpen arms, the Mets spoke Wednesday with the agent for Chad Bradford, who was non-tendered by Boston, the New York Daily News reports. "It certainly is an attractive team for Chad," agent Rex Gary told the Daily News. "Rick Peterson was his pitching coach at Oakland when he had good years, and Chad is accustomed to pitching for winning teams."
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Manny Ramirez Red Sox	Orioles Phillies? Mariners? Mets? Angels?	King of Queens? Dec 22 - Manny Ramirez has re-opened the door to a trade to the Mets after seeing how Boston's front office handled the Johnny Damon negotiations, the New York Post reports. Ramirez reportedly would strongly consider waiving his no-trade clause and coming to New York. While the Red Sox continue to look for Ramirez trade partners, the Boston Herald reports, they're also exploring ways to keep the mercurial slugger. Red Sox co-GM Ben Cherington said on a conference call Tuesday, the Herald reports, that "we also continue to talk to Manny and his representatives and continue to work on flushing out issues related to Ramirez's desire to be traded. "We're trying to appease some of his concerns. At this point, we just want to listen. We're not going to get into the reasons why he wants out."
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Reggie Sanders Cardinals	Royals	A new city for Sanders Dec 22 - The Royals are moving closer to signing 38-year-old outfielder Reggie Sanders. "There are some things to work through, but we are getting close [to a deal]," Sanders' agent, Mike Powers, told ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick. Sanders is seeking a two-year deal believed to be in the range of $10-11 million.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Washington		Nats buzz Dec 22 - The Nationals are ready to pounce on some less accomplished starting pitchers to fill out the rotation, The Washington Post reports. Washington made contract offers Wednesday to right-handers Ramon Ortiz, Josh Fogg, Dewon Brazelton and Ryan Franklin. GM Jim Bowden also hoped to reach the agent for Wade Miller as well.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Pedro Astacio Padres	Rockies? Padres?	One more time? Dec 22 - Rockies GM Dan O'Dowd had a one-on-one meeting with right-handed starter Pedro Astacio on Wednesday that lasted nearly 90 minutes, the Rocky Mountain News reports. The Rockies are believed to be offering a little more than $1 million. Astacio, who went 53-48 for the Rockies from 1997-2001, made $800,000 last year pitching for the Rangers and Padres.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Jeff DaVanon Angels	Diamondbacks	Coming home? Dec 22 - According to The Arizona Republic, the Diamondbacks have made a two-year offer to Valley of the Sun resident Jeff DaVanon. A deal with DaVanon appears close, but GM Josh Byrnes has been talking with other potential center fielders in the event that DaVanon goes elsewhere.

[VonErich Lives]

Cubs dangling Prior for Tejada? Dec 22 - The Cubs are willing to deal a top starting pitcher, most likely Mark Prior, to the Orioles for shortstop Miguel Tejada, FOXsports.com's Ken Rosenthal reports. But trade talks reportedly have stalled because Chicago wants left-hander Erik Bedard along with Tejada but refuses to include outfield prospect Felix Pie or a top pitching prospect. The Cubs and Orioles, Rosenthal reports, also have engaged in three-way discussions with the Red Sox that would send Manny Ramirez to Baltimore and Tejada to Chicago

So, Tejada to Chicago, Manny to Baltimore, should I assume Prior to the sox?

Prior, Burkett, Schilling, Wakefield, Pappelbon.

I could live with that...

[Excellance of Execution]

Originally Posted by VonErich Lives So, Tejada to Chicago, Manny to Baltimore, should I assume Prior to the sox? Prior, Burkett, Schilling, Wakefield, Pappelbon. I could live with that...

You sure about that? Prior can't seem to stay healthy and losing Manny and not replacing him offensively could devastate the Sox. You said it yourself, that losing Manny will hurt Ortiz. IMO, the only way you trade Manny is if you get someone atleast decent offensively, that way your protecting Ortiz. Although getting Prior would be intriging, i wouldn't jeapardize my offense for someone who seems to get injured alot (especially lately).

[VonErich Lives]

Originally Posted by Excellance of Execution You sure about that? Prior can't seem to stay healthy and losing Manny and not replacing him offensively could devastate the Sox. You said it yourself, that losing Manny will hurt Ortiz. IMO, the only way you trade Manny is if you get someone atleast decent offensively, that way your protecting Ortiz. Although getting Prior would be intriging, i wouldn't jeapardize my offense for someone who seems to get injured alot (especially lately).

I'm assuming there would be something else in it. and yes, Prior has had some injury problems but I'd take the risk, also I don't know about the rest of his contract, but espn shows him only making 3.5mil which free up a lot of money for the sox to spend.

Defense and Pitching wins championships, this move could be huge, plus you have to hope that we get the .270 hitting Mike Lowell not the .230

dunno, I've heard some worse ideas.

there's also talk now Manny is pushing to go to the mets, Milledge would be part of the deal, which takes care of CF, but is he ready yet?

I'm not sure this is the right time for this team to get "young" waiting 2-3yrs for these players to "come in their own" would put Schiliing retired, Tek an old catcher, Ortiz, etc... I like some youth, but not sure now is the right time for a complete "youth movement".

[VonErich Lives]

if the sox delt manny to the prospects and got 2-3 top prospects would they have enough fire power to get Tori Hunter?