MLB 2005-2006 Offseason Thread

[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 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?

[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".

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

[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

[YOUR Hero]

Originally Posted by The Miz LOL @ the Dodgers giving Tomko a multi year dear at 4 mil per

pitches a ton of innings every year. 4 million a year is a lot however, but I think it's not a bad thing having him on a team.

[The Miz]

Originally Posted by YOUR Hero pitches a ton of innings every year. 4 million a year is a lot however, but I think it's not a bad thing having him on a team.

There is certainly alot of value in innings-eaters, but not ones who fail to put up even okay numbers in every other category. He hasn't posted a WHIP under 1.30 since 1998. If this signing was a one year, one million dollar deal with Tomko being used as a long reliever/emergency starter, it would draw no complaints from me.

[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

[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

[The Miz]

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

Ken Rosenthal, usually reliable

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/5189112

[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

[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?

[The Miz]

This is from rotoworld

The Diamondbacks are in serious discussions with the Red Sox, Blue Jays, Orioles and an unidentified National League club regarding Troy Glaus, according to FOXSports.com's Ken Rosenthal.
The Red Sox and Blue Jays are the front-runners for Glaus, according to an official from one of the interested clubs. The Jays have offered Orlando Hudson for Glaus and might be willing to include Miguel Batista, too. The Red Sox could offer Matt Clement, Bronson Arroyo or David Wells, along with possibly Tony Graffanino and a prospect or two. Dec. 22 - 3:14 pm et

[The Icon of Elisim]

Gammons says he expects the Jays to get Glaus. I'd say that would be the bat to put us over the top and make us a top wild card challenger. I'd rather see Hinske/Koskie/Hillenbrand go than Hudson but if Hill can play 2B well, which the team is pretty confident about, then its cool.

[The Miz]

Toronto is one of three teams on Glaus' no-trade list in his contract.

[The Icon of Elisim]

Could always be waived

[The Miz]

Yeah, but if Glaus got to pick only three teams he didn't want to be traded to and Toronto was one of them he probably isn't going to want to waive it. I don't know Glaus personally, just saying.

[Excellance of Execution]

Originally Posted by The Miz Yeah, but if Glaus got to pick only three teams he didn't want to be traded to and Toronto was one of them he probably isn't going to want to waive it. I don't know Glaus personally, just saying.

Just a thought, maybe when Glaus put Toronto as one of the teams he didn't want to be traded to, was when they weren't that good. He might have changed his mind seeing the improvements that Toronto has made. They are actually spending money and trying to compete since Glaus went to Arizona.

[VonErich Lives]

Originally Posted by The Miz Yeah, but if Glaus got to pick only three teams he didn't want to be traded to and Toronto was one of them he probably isn't going to want to waive it. I don't know Glaus personally, just saying.

It's reported he changed his mind due to their moves this offseason but also due to concerns he had over their turf, but he spoke with current teammates who had played there and they assued him it was ok. (I'd think he'd be more worried about the Turf if he played OF, unless he was worried about how the ball hops)

[D Mac]

Reggie Sanders to the Royals? Maybe they are'nt really trying to relocate then.

[YOUR Hero]

Sometimes you have to give up good talent to get good talent. I'd hate to loose Hudson, but it's deals like this that would make Toronto a considerable threat. Like TIoE said, I'd rather see one of the other guys like Hinske or Hillenbrand be moved, but things are what they are...

I hope the Jays go after a Coco Crisp calibre player as well.

[YOUR Hero]

The fine art of selling out.

[YOUR Hero]

Mariners easily lead the league in drug abusers.

Full story...

Lawton agrees to deal with Mariners

By TIM BOOTH, Associated Press Writer December 22, 2005 SEATTLE (AP) -- The Mariners took a chance on Matt Lawton, agreeing Thursday to a $400,000, one-year contract with a player who will start next season under suspension because of steroid use. The commissioner's office announced Nov. 2 that Lawton tested positive for steroids, a substance identified as boldenone, which is used by veterinarians. "I made a terrible and foolish mistake that I will regret for the rest of my life," Lawton said at the time of his suspension. Because he tested positive under the 2005 program, Lawton will miss the first 10 days of next season instead of 50 games, the penalty called for under the toughened agreement players and owners adopted under pressure from politicians. The left-handed-hitting Lawton batted a combined .254 last season with 13 homers and 53 RBIs in 141 games for Pittsburgh, the Chicago Cubs and New York Yankees. He was terrible at the end of the season, going 6-for-48 (.125) for the Yankees with two homers and four RBIs. New York did not include him on its playoff roster. The 34-year-old Lawton, who received a limited no-trade clause, can earn an additional $1.25 million in performance bonuses based on plate appearances and would get the full amount if he has 600. He earned $7.5 million last season, completing a $27 million, four-year contract he agreed to with Cleveland in December 2001. He is a career .267 hitter with 138 homers. He was an All-Star in 2000 with Minnesota and 2004 with Cleveland. Lawton made his major league debut with Minnesota in 1995 and remained with the Twins until the 2001 season, when he was traded to the New York Mets. He also played two seasons in Cleveland. Earlier in the week Seattle let go pitcher Ryan Franklin and outfielder Jamal Strong, also among the 12 players who tested positive for steroids this year. ### Actually, this is a pretty damn good (and cheap) pick up.

[VonErich Lives]

Talk about Glaus coming to the Red Sox... I've heard a few different trade rumors. One involves a 3 or 4way deal and Manny goes.

Another is Clemment or Arroyo or Wells and a prospect, assuming the sox take one the whole contract and don't ask for any cash.

If they can get Glauss w/o giving up Manny that would be big, then you can still move manny for either pitching or hitting.

[DaveWadding]

[VonErich Lives]

Originally Posted by DaveWadding

[DaveWadding]

Originally Posted by VonErich Lives

[The Miz]

Jays get:
3B Troy Glaus

Dbacks get:
2B Orlando Hudson
RP Miguel Batista

Not a good trade for Toronto.

[YOUR Hero]

Originally Posted by The Miz Jays get: 3B Troy Glaus Dbacks get: 2B Orlando Hudson RP Miguel Batista Not a good trade for Toronto.

I sort of agree.
The Jays do need a legit HR threat/RBI guy, it should have came in the form of an outfielder, as the Jays are heavy loaded in the infield.

However, Batista had no place on the team anymore, especially at the sum of money he'd be making. Hudson was my favourite Jay, that's the tough part to swallow. Not to mention he's lightyears ahead defensively of any other 2B in the majors.

The Jays still need pop from the outfield. PLEASE MOVE HINSKE.
Wonder if Koskie or Overbay can be shifted to the outfield...?

Originally Posted by YOUR Hero I sort of agree. The Jays do need a legit HR threat/RBI guy, it should have came in the form of an outfielder, as the Jays are heavy loaded in the infield. However, Batista had no place on the team anymore, especially at the sum of money he'd be making. Hudson was my favourite Jay, that's the tough part to swallow. Not to mention he's lightyears ahead defensively of any other 2B in the majors. The Jays still need pop from the outfield. PLEASE MOVE HINSKE. Wonder if Koskie or Overbay can be shifted to the outfield...?

loosing hudson is gonna hurt quite a bit, batista... not so much, but the jays REALLY needed an homerun/rbi guy