MLB 2005-2006 Offseason Thread

[Joey Slugs]

Originally Posted by Adder Garland re-signed with the WSOX today. White Sox sign Garland to three-year, $29 million contract December 28, 2005 CHICAGO (AP) -- Pitcher Jon Garland agreed to a three-year, $29 million contract Wednesday with the 2005 World Series champion Chicago White Sox. Garland, who was eligible to become a free agent after the 2006 season, will receive $7 million next year, $10 million in 2007 and $12 million in 2008, the White Sox said in a statement. http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news;_yl...v=ap&type=lgns

Told ya'll that he would resign.

[Joey Slugs]

White Sox title AP's sports story of year

[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)

[DaveWadding]

D'Backs sign Eric "Where's the bag?" Byrnes to a 1 yr/$2.2 mil contract to start in CF

[RoXer]

[Joey Slugs]

Thursday, December 29
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Jose Contreras White Sox		Position of strength Dec 29 - With six starters in hand, White Sox GM Kenny Williams could dangle Jose Contreras as trade bait, The Chicago Tribune reports. "At this point, Jose is the only question mark," Williams told the newspaper. "I would prefer to keep all five [starting pitchers] and allow Brandon [McCarthy] more time to get his core stronger, gain more weight and add a little more experience as insurance to one of the [other] five guys going down. "On the other hand, we have next year's rotation through [2007] combined with talented kids coming along, so if someone wants to present us with [a trade] offer we can't refuse, we'll listen."
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Manny Ramirez Red Sox	Orioles Phillies? Mariners? Mets? Angels?	Some hurdles to clear Dec 29 - The Red Sox have offered Manny Ramirez and Matt Clement to the Orioles for shortstop Miguel Tejada, but there are several possible deal killers, The Boston Globe reports. Balimore is largely opposed to dealing Tejada to an AL East team, Ramirez and Clement are owed approximately $22 million more in guaranteed money than Tejada and Ramirez would have to approve a move to Baltimore.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Eric Byrnes Orioles	Diamondbacks Pirates	Byrnes to join D-Backs Dec 29 - Eric Byrnes has agreed to what is believed to be a one-year, $2.2 million deal with the Diamondbacks, The Arizona Republic reports. He will undergo a physical Thursday in Phoenix. Byrnes is expected to play center field while prospect Chris Young continues to develop.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Byung-Hyun Kim Rockies	Rockies	Rockies to re-sign Kim Dec 29 - The Rockies have worked out the parameters of a one-year contract to re-sign pitcher Byung-Hyun Kim, the Rocky Mountain News reports. Kim is expected to fill the fourth spot in the rotation.

Miguel Tejada Orioles

Astros? White Sox? Phillies? Cubs Mets? Angels? Red Sox?

Tejada to Boston? Dec 28 - The Orioles are seriously weighing a proposal from the Red Sox of Manny Ramirez and Matt Clement for Miguel Tejada, ESPN's Peter Gammons reports. Baltimore will weigh other discussions --Philadelphia, the White Sox and Houston are also in on Tejada -- and decide early next week which way to go. They want a star in return for Tejada. Ramirez is better suited for Camden Yards. Tejada's agents are pushing for Boston so he can be united with good friend David Ortiz. So far, no one has met the Orioles' asking price for Tejada, The Baltimore Sun reports. The Cubs are offering a package that includes right-handed pitcher Mark Prior. Baltimore would prefer Carlos Zambrano because of Prior's recent history of elbow troubles. The Cubs reportedly want left-hander Erik Bedard in the deal, but won't include top outfield prospect Felix Pie. Cubs second baseman Todd Walker, center fielder Corey Patterson and pitcher Rich Hill have also been mentioned in a deal.

[VonErich Lives]

BH Kim was with the Rockies last season, couldn't espn find a pic with a rockies hat on?

[The Miz]

Originally Posted by VonErich Lives So, if you're not a "big star player" it doesn't count... I get it, actually I don't. You love your stats but only when they suit you.

Do you think it's not a coincidence that once the weight was on his shoulders he screwed up? I never said his 2000-2001 stats didn't count. In a postseason series you get 20-30 AB's right? That's not a big enough sample size to judge someone's performance. Slumps happen, I can deal with that. My main qualms were with his fielding and mental mistakes. Joe Crede was one of the streakiest hitters in MLB last year, and he happened to hit a hot streak in the playoffs. Doesn't make him "clutch" or somebody who turns it on during playoff time, just like it doesn't mean A-Rod is a choker because he didn't do anything in 20 AB's.

Originally Posted by VEL 1) I'll give you Dye, but you might think while is avg slipped his fielding and obp were still good and he was coming off an injury, they might give him a shot.

See this is what you do VEL, you make an initial statement that you know nothing about and have done no research on ("They should've resigned Dye" or going back "Hafner has worse stats than Ortiz") and when I show you where you're wrong, you ignore it and argue other points that you can put up more of a fight in (Why Tejada left is debateable). Then when I ask you 2 or more times for a response about your initial wrongness that's when you concede. You knew nothing about Dye and the season he had, you just knew he was a big name player and ESPN tells you that Oakland doesn't resign their best players.

Also, his OBP was good? In what league is .329 a good OBP? You know the league average is around .350 right?

Oh, I see, it's because of the injury he had in 2003 that he sucked in 2004. My mistake, Billy's mistake, he deserved a multi year deal.

Originally Posted by VEL 2) Because one off year doesn't always kill a player, because while is avg slipped he still had speed, when he did make contact he was still getting to 2nd base, he was still stealing bases, it wasn't like he completely fell apart.

Ok, so maybe you sign him to a 1 year/1 mil dollar deal and see if he can bounce back. But Boston offers 4 years/9 mil per. What's the point of trying to compete with that?

I'm still waiting to hear if VEL the GM re-signs Kotsay to a 3 or 4 year deal if gets traded to Boston and puts up the exact numbers Damon did in 2001.

Originally Posted by VEL 3) No, I wouldn't, Mulder was proven at the time the others weren't.

Glad you're not a GM of my team then. Sometimes you have to trade proven for unproven, especially when the proven loses 4 miles off of his fastball and has an ERA of over 6 in the second half. It's not like Haren and Calero are 19 year old A prospects that they think might be good in 4 years, these were guys who had performed well at the minor league level, the major league level, and in Haren's case, the WS level. Barton may or may not pan out, he has shown patience and understanding of hitting that few top prospects ever have, but even if he doesn't, Calero/Haren still wins the trade in Beane's favor.

Originally Posted by VEL Now, I'm still waiting for how "every time you point out how me and bcwwf are wrong we say you're crying or throwing a hissy fit". I mean, it shouldn't take you this long since. I mean, there has to be a LOT of them, since your always right and everyone else is wrong and you're always telling people they're wrong... I could pull all the threads where you tell someone they're wrong or toss in an insult or dodge a question to ask another, but it's really a waste of time, rather then just sticking to the subject "you're wrong... blah blah blah, you always tell me I'm crying or throwing a hissy fit when I won't out how wrong you are..."

Be patient. I was hoping these "examples that I always failed to give" were going to be about baseball, and not stupid internet insults. But I'll find it for you if it'll really make you happy.

Originally Posted by VEL to summarise, yes the moves worked out, however if Oakland was willing to spend more money they wouldn't have made most of those moves, Why do you think they got an offer for Mulder? "Beane wasn't looking to trade him", you don't really believe that one? do you?

Do you have any reason to believe that Beane was? No? Ok.

[The Miz]

Originally Posted by L L Cool G lol improved bullpen with the addiiton of Gaudin? The Gaudin that couldn't get a single guy out? gimme a break.

Hoe many games did Gaudin pitch for you? 4? Nice sample size. He still has nasty stuff and is an improvement over Rincon or Yabu. He might start the season in AAA but he's as good as an 11th/12th pitcher you'll find.

[VonErich Lives]

Miz Kid, you're a broken record, you keep saying the same things, you double talk yourself into a corner, you love quoting stats but only when the sample suits you or you mold it to suit you, like Tejada has 2 good years and 2 bad years in the playoffs, but you ignore the 2 good ones because "he had Giambi", so I'm going to address this post and then I'm done with you on this subject, and you can take it up with BCWWF, Hero and whoever else wants to keep going on this.

Originally Posted by The Miz Do you think it's not a coincidence that once the weight was on his shoulders he screwed up? I never said his 2000-2001 stats didn't count. In a postseason series you get 20-30 AB's right? That's not a big enough sample size to judge someone's performance. Slumps happen, I can deal with that. My main qualms were with his fielding and mental mistakes. Joe Crede was one of the streakiest hitters in MLB last year, and he happened to hit a hot streak in the playoffs. Doesn't make him "clutch" or somebody who turns it on during playoff time, just like it doesn't mean A-Rod is a choker because he didn't do anything in 20 AB's.

Post season and "clutch" chances are few and far between, so yes you have to use a "small sample" to go off, you don't get from most players 100-200 AB's in a post season to judge them on.

Originally Posted by The Miz See this is what you do VEL, you make an initial statement that you know nothing about and have done no research on ("They should've resigned Dye" or going back "Hafner has worse stats than Ortiz") and when I show you where you're wrong, you ignore it and argue other points that you can put up more of a fight in (Why Tejada left is debateable). Then when I ask you 2 or more times for a response about your initial wrongness that's when you concede. You knew nothing about Dye and the season he had, you just knew he was a big name player and ESPN tells you that Oakland doesn't resign their best players.

Actually No. BCWWF brought him up, he wasn't on my original list and when you started addressing him and me at the same time with the same questions I combined our responses into my post.

Originally Posted by The Miz Also, his OBP was good? In what league is .329 a good OBP? You know the league average is around .350 right? Oh, I see, it's because of the injury he had in 2003 that he sucked in 2004. My mistake, Billy's mistake, he deserved a multi year deal. Ok, so maybe you sign him to a 1 year/1 mil dollar deal and see if he can bounce back. But Boston offers 4 years/9 mil per. What's the point of trying to compete with that?

Are you refering to Dye or Damon? The point is he had an off year, was one of the top CF's in the league and you build a team by keeping talent.

Originally Posted by The Miz I'm still waiting to hear if VEL the GM re-signs Kotsay to a 3 or 4 year deal if gets traded to Boston and puts up the exact numbers Damon did in 2001.

VEL the GM, cute, Miz-Kid or do you prefer "The Wiz"?

Anyway, umm, yeah... cause Kotsay and Damon's stats are sooooooo similar...

Originally Posted by The Miz Glad you're not a GM of my team then. Sometimes you have to trade proven for unproven, especially when the proven loses 4 miles off of his fastball and has an ERA of over 6 in the second half. It's not like Haren and Calero are 19 year old A prospects that they think might be good in 4 years, these were guys who had performed well at the minor league level, the major league level, and in Haren's case, the WS level. Barton may or may not pan out, he has shown patience and understanding of hitting that few top prospects ever have, but even if he doesn't, Calero/Haren still wins the trade in Beane's favor.

Key word there "Sometimes" this is what Oakland does ALL THE TIME!

Originally Posted by The Miz Be patient. I was hoping these "examples that I always failed to give" were going to be about baseball, and not stupid internet insults. But I'll find it for you if it'll really make you happy.

I really could care less, just found it funny how you made a claim, ignored the request for backup, then when pushed said "I know where they are, I just don't have time... blah, blah, blah"... Really, I could care less, I'm sure I've called you more then a few names over time and you've done the same, don't try and be a Wadding, you're better then that.

No, what you do in these discussions is pick the examples that suit you and talk about facts while ignoring them. You bark at me for after dicusion choosing to agree with you on Dye, yet ignore the fact that you're focusing on Dye and Damon's "1 bad year" while doging Giambi, admitting we're correct in Foulke and ignoring the Tejada wanted out because of their previous actions, it wasn't that they didn't try to keep him because of 2 bad post seasons.

Originally Posted by The Miz Do you have any reason to believe that Beane was? No? Ok.

The same reasons you have to believe that Beane was never shopping him.

ok, reply if you wish, I'm done on this it's the same crap again and again.

[VonErich Lives]

One last "note", if I was the GM of "your team", you'd still have A-rod and Randy Johnson, among others and possible even a WS win.

[Excellance of Execution]

Vel and Miz, I've been reading your discussions and i see both of your points of view. I just don't see how Oakland plans on ever getting over the hump and winning the WS when they very rarely resign their stars. I think the only one the ever resigned was Chavez. It's almost like they are rebuilding all the time. They develop their farm and when they turn into stars, they trade them and start over again. I give them one thing, they produce some very good talent. I would imagine they must generate some decent revenue, since they are in California, so i can't seem to understand why they don't spend some money and resign some of their stars? I betcha, if they did that they probably would have won a world series in the last five years. They were at the brink when they had Giambi. I think if they could of resigned him, they would of won it the next year. Just my .02 though.

[YOUR Hero]

The only thing I would add about Oakland is this. Teams, I believe do have stigmas. Like the Boston curse for example. Another is Atlanta choking in the playoffs year after year after year. Oakland suffers from this too. I believe it's because they trade off their core players so much.

[YOUR Hero]

@ EofE

[Excellance of Execution]

Originally Posted by YOUR Hero @ EofE

Beat you by 2 mins Hero

[VonErich Lives]

just heard a rumor on the radio, so no link.

Manny to the Mets, I think they said Kris Benson to Baltimoe and Tejada to the Red Sox.

I'm guessing that there are prospects involved, because Benson doesn't seem to be near the league of the other two, unless Baltimore is just going to dump the payroll.

There's also talk the sox aren't going to persue a big free agent to fill Damon's slot, and save some money this year, let the young pitchers get a year under their feet and then make a big run for Jones or Hunter next offseason... I can't see why Atlanta would let Jones get away, but I could see the Twins (sorry BCWWF) getting outbit for Hunter, or if they have an off year this year, dealing him before the deadline.

Originally Posted by The Miz Hoe many games did Gaudin pitch for you? 4? Nice sample size. He still has nasty stuff and is an improvement over Rincon or Yabu. He might start the season in AAA but he's as good as an 11th/12th pitcher you'll find.

and he was pretty bad for us. christ we traded friggen kevin cash for him.

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

The Red Sox really need to get Tejada now, or otherwise there will be all types of trouble much like the 2004 season. I don't see the current "system" of GMs pulling through with a blockbuster trade like Theo did to save the season.

[OssMan]

Mets signing Chad Bradford is actually a good move.  Didn't
know the Mets could make good moves.

[YOUR Hero]

Tejada is at it again...

Tejada upset with Orioles' lack of action

By DIONISIO SOLDEVILA, Associated Press Writer December 29, 2005 SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic (AP) -- Disgruntled shortstop Miguel Tejada is "more upset" with the Baltimore Orioles because they haven't gotten stronger in the offseason than with the team not fulfilling his trade request. "Now, I am more upset than when I requested the trade because it's been a month and they haven't done anything," Tejada told The Associated Press on Thursday. Tejada, who is entering the third year of a $72 million, six-year contract, said three weeks ago that he wanted a "change of scenery." On Thursday, the disgruntled All-Star said he was upset by the Orioles' failure to make trades that would strengthen the team. "I don't want to say anything bad that can hurt my teammates, but look at Toronto, they have strengthened themselves and we haven't done anything," said Tejada, who hit .305 last season with 26 homers and 98 RBIs. The Orioles and free agent outfielder Jeromy Burnitz agreed on a two-year contract Wednesday, pending the results of a physical, a team source told the AP. The team will pay the former Chicago Cubs right fielder between $10 million and $12 million. The 36-year-old Burnitz hit .258 with 24 homers and 87 RBIs with the Cubs last season. Baltimore also reached a preliminary agreement with free agent Jeff Conine on a $1.7 million, one-year contract. Conine, who played in Baltimore from 1999-03, needs to pass a physical for the deal to be finalized. Tejada noted that division rivals New York and Toronto made moves to improve. The Yankees acquired outfielder Johnny Damon and the Blue Jays signed closer B.J. Ryan, starting pitcher A.J. Burnett and third baseman Troy Glaus. "If the Orioles don't do anything, I want them to trade me because I am tired of losing," Tejada said before a winter league game. If he isn't traded by the Orioles, Tejada said he would "respect the game as I have always done." "I am not asking for a team of superstars, I only want a good group that helps me to win," he said. Tejada also responded to comments made by former teammate Rafael Palmeiro, who tested positive for steroids. Palmeiro has said Tejada gave him vitamin B-12 earlier this year, and suggested it might have been tainted with performance-enhancing drugs. "Everyone knows that vitamin B-12 doesn't do anything bad," Tejada said. "I am not upset with Palmeiro, but enough speaking about that already," he said. http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news;_yl...v=ap&type=lgns

[McDoogle]

Tejada to the jays!

[The Miz]

Originally Posted by VonErich Lives so I'm going to address this post and then I'm done with you on this subject, and you can take it up with BCWWF, Hero and whoever else wants to keep going on this.

I thought you said you were done last post?

Originally Posted by VEL Post season and "clutch" chances are few and far between, so yes you have to use a "small sample" to go off, you don't get from most players 100-200 AB's in a post season to judge them on.

Uh, isn't that what I just said?

Originally Posted by VEL Actually No. BCWWF brought him up, he wasn't on my original list and when you started addressing him and me at the same time with the same questions I combined our responses into my post.

You listed Dye with others and said "Are you telling me they couldn't have re-signed any of these guys"

[quote=Are you refering to Dye or Damon? The point is he had an off year, was one of the top CF's in the league and you build a team by keeping talent.[/quote]

Originally Posted by VEL VEL the GM, cute, Miz-Kid or do you prefer "The Wiz"? Anyway, umm, yeah... cause Kotsay and Damon's stats are sooooooo similar...

VEL the GM was not an insult, I don't have time to come up with genius names like The Wiz. I was asking if VEL was a GM, would he try to match Boston's offer on Kotsay if he posted Damon's 2001 stats.

You're right, Kotsay and Damon aren't the same player, but that wasn't the point. If a player, no matter how great he has been in the past, puts up Damon's year in 2001 up in his only year with that team, 30 out of 30 GM's don't compete with a team's 4 year offer. You still failed to answer whether or not you would compete with Damon's 4 year/36 mil offer, and I get the feeling its because if you answered honestly it would kill your argument.

Originally Posted by VEL Key word there "Sometimes" this is what Oakland does ALL THE TIME!

A's get: Milton Bradley, Antonio Perez
Dodgers get: minor leaguer

A's get: Chris Hammond
Yankees get: 2 minor leaguers

A's get: Jose Guillen
Reds get: 3 minor leaguers

A's get: Erubiel Durazo
Dbacks get: minor leaguer

A's get: Ricardo Rincon
Indians get: minor leaguer

A's get: Ted Lilly
Yankees get: minor leaguers

A's get: Jermaine Dye
KC get: 3 minor leaguers

A's get: David Justice
Yankees get: 2 minor leaguers

Do I need to continue? Because there's more.

You bark at me for after dicusion choosing to agree with you on Dye, yet ignore the fact that you're focusing on

Originally Posted by VEL Dye and Damon's "1 bad year"

Damon's one bad year was his only year with Oakland. Dye played 2 full years there, both of them bad. I just talked about his 2004, I could rant on his 2002 if you really want me to.

Originally Posted by VEL while doging Giambi,

The very first sentence I typed in response to you was stating that Giambi was out of their price range. This is the first time you have brought up Giambi's name since. I have dodged nothing.

Originally Posted by VEL ok, reply if you wish, I'm done on this it's the same crap again and again.

I have a feeling you aren't done.

[VonErich Lives]

you're right, just to clarify one thing because it seems you can't seem to figure it out on your own from all this.

If I was the GM of Oakland at the time, YES I would have tried to resign damon and somehow found a way to compete or come close (maybe Damon liked the weather out there and would have stayed) with the Red Sox offer.

[The Miz]

It's easy to say that now. Wish we could've had this conversation in 2001.

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

Damon said something about his stats being down with the A's since he was taking more pitches and trying to help the team more that way, then swinging at the first pitch (a lot of batters feel that is the best pitch to hit) I am pretty sure I read that in his book, it's probably a load of bullshit but I thought I'd throw it out there.

Anyways, I am starting to hear a lot about this 3 way trade, with Manny ending up with the Mets, Tejada with the Sox and Benson with the O's. Personally I don't see this trade ever happening but who knows? The O's seem to be getting shafted, unless there is a huge salary difference between Benson and Tejada (knowing the Mets though, Benson probably still makes a shitload of money for being an average pitcher) Also, I am not sure if Manny wants to play in New York? I know he can veto trades so he could void this trade if he wanted to. I don't see how playing in NY could be any better then Boston (atleast from his stand point, I think he wants to play somewhere where people aren't really as crazy about baseball)

[The Miz]

Latest trade rumor I heard was

Boston gets:
SS Miguel Tejada

New York gets:
OF Manny Ramirez

Baltimore gets:
SP Matt Clement
SS Julio Lugo
OF Victor Diaz
SP Brian Bannister

Tamp Bay gets:
RP Aaron Heilman
2B Kaz Matsui

It seems way too complicated to work out but it at least semi-makes sense for all teams. Boston gets their SS and gets rid of Manny, New York lands Manny, Baltimore gets some pitching and a more than adequate Tejada replacement and Devil Rays get a top young reliever and only have to give up Lugo who they will lose to FA next year anyway. It is a stupid trade for New York but they don't care, as long as they get the biggest most expensive players and deplete their farm system theyre happy. Baltimore would be insane not to go for it. Overall though I dont see it happening

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

I don't see how Manny would think playing for the Mets would be any "better" then playing for Boston. I've heard people say it would be okay because of Pedro, but there is the exact same situation in Beantown right now and he's still unhappy (Ortiz). So even if somehow that trade worked out, I could still see Manny vetoing that trade. Maybe he wouldn't though, since he isn't exactly the smartest dude out there. I wish Manny would just grow a sack and stop being a lillllllll bitch and just want to play here. Ortiz and Ramirez batting back to back is just flat out sick and it is gonna suck when that comb o is broken up.

I've been pretty happy with the Red Sox management since it changed over, instead of bitching about Fenway Park not being able to produce enough revenue, they went out and built Monster seats, and a table area above the right field seats. They have squeezed more seats in, and improved concessions outside of the Park. The atmosphere outside of Fenway is amazing now, even if you aren't a Red Sox fan I would suggest taking in a game on a summer night at Fenway, they close down the entire street right outside the park and there is all types of shit going on. I've seen a large improvement since the switch, I don't really like what happened with Theo though. I think they really fucked up letting him go. I think that is hurting the team a lot right now, and will continue to hurt the team. Trade Hanley Ramirez but then let go of Renteria? I was all for letting go of Edgar "I ground into more double plays then I turn" Renteria but it really didn't make sense to me after they traded their best SS prospect away - especially for a pitcher from the National league. I don't really like the idea of a pitcher switching leagues, maybe I am wrong here but I just don't see him being as effective as he was in Florida.

[VonErich Lives]

Originally Posted by The Miz It's easy to say that now. Wish we could've had this conversation in 2001.

of course, so now my opinion is slighted because of post performance... whatever, you win alwyas always... wiz kid. However shapping the facts works for you, that's fine.

and it's not just that Kotsay is just a "different person", he's never had "damon" stats before that. So, that would be the point, the point of going after Damon is what he had done in his career, stats that at around the same points in the game (years, age) Kotsay is not as good as Damon was.

[VonErich Lives]

Miz, where did you see/hear the 4-way? I just ask because most people I heard and read talk about that said it was an "internet rumor", I did hear the radio talking about a 3way, same one Stima was talking about (actually, I think I posted it somewhere...)

It doesn't make sense, unless there are some prospects with Benson.

Stima - As for Manny to NY, I'm not sure if you're here locally or away to school, but the main reason for him leaving is the pressure of the press or fans, it's his Wife, the long story short is, he was having an affair and the women involved went kinda "fatal attraction" so his wife wants out of Boston or claimed she would leave him and take the kids (1 born and 1 on the way). This is why Ortiz said "It's for real this time, you don't know what him and his family are going through".

On a side note, I must admit it's kinda funny... I'm far from an expert on them, but a little funny info from either first hand knowledge or via a friend.

She was a host at (I think) Joe's American, she was at a club one night on a date, talking to some people and a friend of hers said "hey, that's Manny Rameriez over there" she blew off her date and friends and went straight for him... Apperently they hit it off since they eventually got married. She got this great, rich athlete and he got a hot chick.

Now, while you'd think She'd be Manny's "Arm Candy" it's the other way around, and even after marrige she'd go out of her way to show him off.

She used to belong to the same Gym I used to go to. When she'd work out with one of the trainers, she'd bring Manny with her. Now, this Gym has an upstairs for personal training where you can only go if you've having a private session, given there are more machines down stairs but you can do most things upstairs. Rather then working out upstairs she'd work down stairs with Manny following her around. It was like a puppy on a leash, and he'd just do crunches while waiting for her. I once asked a trainer I knew there why they didn't go upstairs, (of couse, I'd also wonder why not go to a private gym or have your own) and he said the trainer actually had asked her if she would and even the manager had poltely suggested it, because it was kinda "disrupting" and she wanted none of it, insisted on being downstairs.

I dunno, just kinda funny...

But back to baseball, yeah I don't get the Benson part either.

[Joey Slugs]

Friday, December 30
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Miguel Tejada Orioles	Astros? White Sox? Phillies? Cubs Mets? Angels? Red Sox?	Tejada still upset with O's Dec 30 - Miguel Tejada's more upset now than he was three weeks ago, The Baltimore Sun reports. Unsatisfied with his team's direction, Tejada has reiterated his concerns about the Orioles' lack of improvement, suggesting that he might be better off playing elsewhere next season. "Next year, I want to be somewhere where they want to win," Tejada told The Sun before playing in a Dominican League game on Thursday night. According to The Sun, the best proposal Baltimore has received for Tejada is from Boston, who offered outfielder Manny Ramirez and pitcher Matt Clement.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Danys Baez Devil Rays	Mets	Bullpen makeover Dec 30 - In an effort to land a setup man for closer Billy Wagner, the Mets are working to finalize a deal to acquire reliever Danys Baez from Tampa Bay, The New York Post reports. The Devil Rays would receive a package headed by either Jae Seo or Aaron Heilman.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Alfonso Soriano Nationals	Red Sox?	Pitching a deal? Dec 30 - According to the Washington Post, Alfonso Soriano remains adamant about playing second base for the Nationals and won't consider moving to the outfield. His defiance has triggered calls from several interested teams (including Boston) to see if the Nationals might be willing to trade Soriano. For now, the Nats appear unwilling to part with Soriano unless they are bowled over with an offer that includes either a front-line starting pitcher, such as the Red Sox' Josh Beckett, or several younger, front-line pitching prospects. One source familiar with Washington's discussions over the last several weeks said, "There's nothing close enough to take seriously right now," but thought the Nationals would remain open to talks about trades for pitching.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Manny Ramirez Red Sox	Orioles Phillies? Mariners? Mets? Angels?	Manny obstacles to a blockbuster Dec 30 - The Mets remain interested in acquiring Manny Ramirez and are paying close attention to the Miguel Tejada situation in Baltimore, the Newark Star-Ledger reports. One possibility is a multi-team swap in which Mets pitcher Kris Benson would end up in Baltimore, Tejada in Boston and Ramirez with the Mets (with a variety of other players and cash bouncing around as well). The Red Sox have offered Ramirez and Matt Clement to the Orioles for Tejada, but there are several possible deal killers, The Boston Globe reports. Baltimore is largely opposed to dealing Tejada to an AL East team; Ramirez and Clement are owed approximately $22 million more in guaranteed money than Tejada; and Ramirez would have to approve a move to Baltimore.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
J.T. Snow Giants	Orioles? Yankees? Red Sox	Forecasting Snow Dec 30 - The Red Sox are awaiting word from 37-year-old first baseman J.T. Snow, the Boston Herald reports. Snow's agent, Dan Horwits, said a decision could come before the end of this week.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Roger Clemens Astros	Yankees? Rangers?	Rocket relaunch? Dec 30 - If Roger Clemens decides to pitch next season, the Rangers will be interested in his services, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports. The Yankees already have had talks with Clemens' agents about a possible return to pinstripes, and the Red Sox also have made contact this winter. Clemens, 43, probably won't make a decision until February or March, after pitching for the United States in the World Baseball Classic.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Julio Lugo Devil Rays	Red Sox	Holiday package? Dec 30 - Whether Julio Lugo remains with the Devil Rays or is traded to the Red Sox appears contingent on whether Boston can work a trade for disgruntled Orioles shortstop Miguel Tejada, the St. Petersburg Times reports. According to the Tampa Tribuen, the Devil Rays and Red Sox have talked about a deal that could send Lugo and possibly center fielder Joey Gathright to Boston. Another potential trading partner is the Mets, who apparently like Lugo and reliever Danys Baez. Tampa Bay likely would want pitcher Aaron Heilman in return.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Brian Anderson Royals	Rangers?	Arlington road Dec 30 - Brian Anderson is next on the Rangers' winter wish list, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports. After undergoing a physical, the veteran left-hander is expected to sign with Texas. Anderson, 33, had "Tommy John" surgery on July 21 and is unlikely to pitch until June. He has a career record of 82-83 with a 4.74 ERA in 13 major league seasons.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Ryan Franklin Mariners	Pirates? Astros? Royals? Nationals? Giants? Rangers? Diamondbacks? Dodgers? Phillies?	Mr. Popular Dec 30 - The Pirates have considered bidding for free-agent right-hander Ryan Franklin to add depth to the starting rotation, the Beaver County Times reports. Franklin, who became a free agent when Seattle declined to tender him a contract, is attracting plenty of interest from teams in the market for a back-end-of-the-rotation starter, reports ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick. Agent Jeff Frye has been using the recent deals signed by Jason Johnson, Brett Tomko and Scott Elarton as a framework in Franklin's talks with clubs. Franklin has a 23-44 record over the past three seasons, but a lower ERA (4.49) and more innings pitched (603) than any of those three starters. Tomko signed a two-year, $8.75 million deal with the Dodgers, while Elarton agreed to a two-year, $8 million contract with Kansas City. Cleveland signed Johnson for one year and $4 million.

[The Miz]

Originally Posted by VonErich Lives Miz, where did you see/hear the 4-way? I just ask because most people I heard and read talk about that said it was an "internet rumor", I did hear the radio talking about a 3way, same one Stima was talking about (actually, I think I posted it somewhere...)

Read the 4-way on Gotham Baseball (NY magazine) website.

Here's another one the NY Daily News reported was discussed (Both of these are NY papers, not the most reliable source of information)

Mets get:
OF Manny Ramirez

Red Sox get:
SS Miguel Tejada
OF Joey Gathright

Orioles get:
SS Julio Lugo
SP Matt Clement
SP Kris Benson

Devil Rays:
3B Andy Marte
SP Aaron Heilman
2B Kaz Matsui
SP Jae Seo

It's an excellent trade for TB. Although NY usually doesn't care about giving up prospects/pitchers, I just can't see Minaya entering 06 with a rotation of Pedro/Glavine/Trachsel/Zambrano/another starter. But I don't see BAL or BOS even thinking about accepting it.

Also, according to Newsday, Aaron Heilman told the Mets if he doesn't start in 2006 he wants a trade.

[YOUR Hero]

Randa signs with the Pirates. Only a 1 year deal. Very surprised they didn't sign a 2 or 3 year deal.

lol cause its pittsburgh and who the hell who stay there more than a year

[YOUR Hero]

He says he wanted to go to Pittsburgh, that he chose Pittsburgh over other teams. His first year in the majors he played for the Pirates.

[The Miz]

Steve Phillips prediction watch, week 3

Johnny Damon to Red Sox WRONG
Kevin Millwood to Indians WRONG
Jarrod Washbun to Rangers WRONG
Mark Grudzielanek to Cardinals WRONG
Nomar to Dodgers RIGHT
Jacque Jones to Tigers WRONG
Reggie Sanders to Cardinals WRONG
Jeromy Burnitz to Padres WRONG
Kenny Lofton to Padres WRONG
Joe Randa to LA Dodgers WRONG
Scott Elarton to Nats WRONG
Octavio Dotel to Mets WRONG
Juan Encarnacion to Mets WRONG

1/14, ouch. He is 8/38 (.211) on the season

[YOUR Hero]

A monkey could make better predictions. (VEL)

[The Miz]

Pirates are going to trade (if not bench) Craig Wilson. They won't ask for much and he will be a great steal for a team needing a corner OF

[YOUR Hero]

If the Pirates give up on Craig Wilson, it would be a huge mistake. Why do you think thaqt, Miz?

The only thing I can think of is his lower than desired avg. Yet the Pirates tried to land Byrnes and his avg. is not much better.

[YOUR Hero]

...maybe they think his 2004 season was a fluke, better than he's able to reproduce?

[RoXer]

wtf