MLB 2005-2006 Offseason Thread

[Joey Slugs]

Originally Posted by VonErich Lives Wait, so this putz, wants a trade, but now, only if they pickup $40mil in options? WTF, let him sit and earn nothing.

My thoughts exactly.

[The Miz]

Astros sign Preston Wilson, Pirates sign Jeromy Burnitz (not Baltimore as earlier reported)

[The Miz]

I'd bet good money if Craig Wilson gets traded and starts for another team he'll have a much more productive season than Burnitz.

[YOUR Hero]

Come on TO pick up Wilson. OMG

[YOUR Hero]

I don't quite understand why people rag on Burnitz. Apart from the fact he commands a high dollar value, he still puts up decent offensive numbers. That said, Wilson (unless there is something about him we don't know) has a better overall upside.

[YOUR Hero]

I see the Jays picked up a decent backup catcher. In fact maybe he'll push Zaun for the starting role. Although I doubt it. Jason Phillips. (His batting avg. is startling low.)

[The Miz]

He'll battle Quiroz for the backup position. I doubt he makes the team.

[The Miz]

As for why I rag on Burnitz, here are his last 3 seasons not including 2004's bloated Coors numbers

.258/.322/.435 (.757)
.239/.299/.487 (.786)
.215/.311/.365 (.677)

And he's 37.

[YOUR Hero]

That's what was said of Zaun.

[YOUR Hero]

2001 - 34HR 100RBI (MIL)
2002 - 19HR 54RBI (METS)
2003 - 31HR 77RBI (METS/LAD)
2004 - 37HR 110RBI (COL)
2005 - 24HR 87RBI (CHC)

That's production you failed to mention. I'm not trying to "VEL" you, but don't pick and choose your stats like that.

Like I stated, he's getting long in the tooth (37)

[The Miz]

He was great in 2001 and has been on a steady decline since then. 19 HR/54 RBI for the Mets is supposed to impress me? His power was good in 2003 but you can;t ignore a sub-.300 OBP. 2004, like I said, Coors, I can't name another team in the league that Burnitz would put up 37/110. Preston Wilson had 144 RBI's for Colorado, btw. And 2005 was just a very average season.

Not saying he sucks, but he's not near an elite corner OF or near worth what hes making.

[YOUR Hero]

2002 is when everyone just wrote him off or started to. We both agree on most things about him, Im simply saying he deserves some form of credit.

yeah we gotta give quiroz more playing time to see if he's going to amount to anything. but with his injury problem phillps will probably see alot of time

[Evil Vito]

Mets gets: RHP Duaner Sanchez, RHP Steve Schmoll
Dodgers get: RHP Jae Seo, LHP Tim Hamulack

Eh, I woulda preferred Baez but Sanchez is good enough. Dunno who the fuck Steve Schmoll is though.

Also, the Mets signed Bret Boone to a minor league deal.....maybe 2005 was an off-year

[OssMan]

Originally Posted by Big Vito 22 Mets gets: RHP Duaner Sanchez, RHP Steve Schmoll Dodgers get: RHP Jae Seo, LHP Tim Hamulack

?

[Joey Slugs]

Wednesday, January 4
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Miguel Tejada Orioles	Astros? White Sox? Phillies? Cubs Mets? Angels? Red Sox?	Will Boston sweeten the deal? Jan 4 - While it still is possible that Miguel Tejada will land in Boston, the Orioles will not accept the Red Sox's offer of outfielder Manny Ramirez, pitcher Matt Clement and cash for Tejada, The Baltimore Sun reports. According to The Boston Globe, the Red Sox would like an outfielder along with Tejada, possibly center fielder Luis Matos. The Orioles, The Sun reports, are eyeing young pitchers, Jon Lester or Jon Papelbon, but both are believed to be untouchable.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Manny Ramirez Red Sox	Orioles Phillies? Mariners? Mets? Angels?	Swapping superstars? Jan 4 - As part of any trade, Manny Ramirez is believed to be seeking a contract extension, The Boston Globe reports. Ramirez, who has the right to veto any trade, is owed $57 million over the next three seasons; his contract includes club options for 2009 and 2010 at $20 million. The framework for a deal that would send Ramirez to Baltimore for shortstop Miguel Tejada is in place, but there are layers that have to be worked out, including money, ESPN's Peter Gammons reports. And both sides say there is more of a chance the deal won't happen than it will.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Rich Aurilia Reds	Reds?	After shopping around ... Jan 4 - It appears infielder Rich Aurilia will return to the Reds, but a deal must be struck by Sunday, the Cincinnati Enquirer reports. "I think the Reds are our most viable alternative," Aurilia's agent, Barry Axelrod, told the newspaper. "We've talked to some other clubs, but those have been contingent discussions." If the two sides fail to work out a deal by Jan. 8, Aurilia can't re-sign with the Reds until May 1.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Julio Lugo Devil Rays	Red Sox	Lugo for Marte? Jan 4 - If Miguel Tejada can't be pried away from Baltimore, Boston's Plan B at shortstop is Julio Lugo, the Boston Herald reports. The Red Sox may be able to land Lugo from the Devil Rays for third base prospect Andy Marte, who was acquired from Atlanta for Edgar Renteria.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Craig Wilson Pirates	Indians?	Is Wilson right for Tribe? Jan 4 - The Cleveland Indians, in the market for a right-handed bat, have inquired about the availability of Pittsburgh's Craig Wilson, reports ESPN.com Insider Jerry Crasnick. Wilson, 29, hit 29 homers and drove in 82 runs for Pittsburgh in 2004 before missing much of last season with a finger injury. He stands to lose considerable playing time with the recent acquisitions of Sean Casey at first base and Jeromy Burnitz in right field. The Pirates like Wilson's power, but he made $3 million last year and is eligible for salary arbitration this spring. He might be too expensive for Pittsburgh to keep as a bench player. Cleveland tried and failed to sign free agent Nomar Garciaparra earlier this winter, and has recently been negotiating with Eduardo Perez as a righty bat off the bench.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Shawn Estes Diamondbacks	Padres	Estes to join Padres Jan 4 - Left-handed starter Shawn Estes is expected to sign a one-year deal with the Padres, MLB.com reports. Estes is scheduled to undergo a physical examination Wednesday.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Eli Marrero Orioles	Rockies?	Rocky Mountain high? Jan 4 - The Rockies are pursuing Eli Marrero, the Rocky Mountain News reports. A key in Marrero's decision will be finding a team where he is going to be used at multiple positions to ensure him plenty of playing time. "I want a team that is a good fit," Marrero told the newspaper. "I don't mind moving around the field, but to be honest, I still feel more comfortable catching. When I was with St. Louis, Tony [La Russa, Cardinals manager] would catch me, and then move me around, and I felt good in that role."
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Corey Koskie Blue Jays	Twins	Twin spin for Koskie? Jan 4 - The Blue Jays have offered to trade third baseman Corey Koskie back to the Twins for a minor leaguer, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. The Jays reportedly would absorb at least $3 million of the $11.5 million still owed to Koskie over the next two years.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Byung-Hyun Kim Rockies	Rockies	Welcome back to Colorado Jan 4 - The Rockies are ready to finalize a deal with Byung-Hyun Kim, the Rocky Mountain News reports. Because of ongoing visa problems, Kim cannot come to Denver to meet with club officials but will have a telephone conversation with GM Dan O'Dowd and manager Clint Hurdle to firm up details. Kim is expected to fill the fourth spot in the rotation.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Alex Gonzalez Marlins	Rockies?	Rocky road? Jan 4 - According to the Rocky Mountain News, the Rockies have interest in shortstop Alex Gonzalez, who played last season with the Devil Rays after originally signing with the Blue Jays and also playing with the Cubs.

i pretty much figured koskie would go back to minny.

[Evil Vito]

Ryan Franklin to the Phillies

[Joey Slugs]

Thursday, January 5
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Miguel Tejada Orioles	Astros? White Sox? Phillies? Cubs Mets? Angels? Red Sox?	Miggy trade talks cool Jan 5 - Talks between the Red Sox and Orioles about a Manny Ramirez-Miguel Tejada trade have stalled, the Boston Herald reports. The Red Sox have offered Ramirez and pitcher Matt Clement, but the Orioles want third base prospect Andy Marte in the deal. At least two teams, the Herald reports, have offered the Orioles a more attractive package. Ramirez's desire to have two option years picked up at $20M each is another potential deal breaker.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
David Wells Red Sox	Dodgers	Three-way deal for Wells? Jan 5 - The Red Sox have talked to the Dodgers and A's about a three-way deal for David Wells, The Boston Globe reports. The Red Sox would receive a corner outfielder from the Dodgers and a player from Oakland, the A's would get prospects, and the Dodgers would land Wells.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Jeff Weaver Dodgers	Dodgers	Dodger deal unlikely Jan 5 - The Dodgers appear unlikely to re-sign starter Jeff Weaver, the Los Angeles Daily News reports. GM Ned Colletti on Tuesday spoke with Weaver's agent, Scott Boras, and reported no progress. "We have a difference of opinion and philosophy," Colletti told the newspaper. "And unless we find some common ground, that (situation) may pass us by."
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Jose Contreras White Sox		Trade possibility Jan 5 - According to the Chicago Tribune, there's still a possibility that the White Sox will trade Jose Contreras -- for pitching. The right-hander is not signed or under team control past next season and is the only one of six White Sox starting pitchers not under team control for two more seasons. "I'm willing to listen to anyone [about trades] because of the contractual situation," GM Kenny Williams told the newspaper. "Something that would help us win this year and also set us up for the future. In my mind, [a trade] would be for pitching." White Sox management and Contreras' agent Jaime Torres have not talked in more than a week, apparently stuck on the number of years for a deal.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Corey Koskie Blue Jays	Twins	No Twin spin for Koskie Jan 5 - Even though the Blue Jays have offered Corey Koskie back to the Twins at a discount price, the trade talks have been officially pronounced dead, the Minneapolis Star-Tribune reports. "I don't see a deal happening with Minnesota," said Toronto GM J.P. Ricciardi. The Blue Jays were willing to pay at least $3 million of the $11.5 million Koskie is owed for the next two seasons, and Toronto wasn't asking for premium prospects in return. But the Twins have already reached their projected 2006 budget limit, and they weren't eager to bring back Koskie if it meant having to trade Kyle Lohse to clear payroll.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Danys Baez Devil Rays	Mets?	To deal or not to deal? Jan 5 - The Mets are still talking with the Devil Rays about Danys Baez, but given that they no longer have Jae Seo and won't deal Aaron Heilman, they probably lack the trading chips, Newsday reports. Rays vice president Andrew Friedman is still trying to swing a deal, the Tampa Tribune reports. "With the free-agent period winding down, our trade discussions are getting more pointed," Friedman told the newspaper. "If we can make a trade that fits our direction to go forward, we'll do it. If not, we're content with the way our '06 roster is taking form."
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Kazuo Matsui Mets	Red Sox?	Kaz and effect Jan 5 - By signing Bret Boone to a minor-league contract, the Mets have made it clear that Kaz Matsui's hold on second base is a tenuous one, the St. Petersburg Times reports. According to Newsday, the Mets have talked about sending Matsui to Boston for Alex Cora and have told teams they'd pay $5 million of Matsui's $8 million salary. One competing GM said if they paid $6 million, they'd find a fit.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Melvin Mora Orioles		Mora process begins Jan 5 - The Orioles have had preliminary discussions with the agent for All-Star third baseman Melvin Mora about a contract extension, the Baltimore Sun reports. Mora, whose contract expires after 2006, said late last season that he wanted to have the contract issue settled before the season begins. Mora wants to stay in Baltimore, and indications are that the Orioles will work to grant him his wish.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Pedro Astacio Padres	Rockies? Padres?	Rocky vote for Pedro Jan 5 - The Padres have ended their effort to re-sign Pedro Astacio, the San Diego Union-Tribune reports. According to the Rocky Mountain News reports, the Rockies are believed to be offering a little more than $1 million to Astacio, who went 53-48 for the Rockies from 1997-2001. He made $800,000 last year pitching for the Rangers and Padres.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Aaron Heilman Mets	Devil Rays?	Ray of hope? Jan 5 - After trading Jae Seo and Tim Hamulack to the Dodgers for relievers Duaner Sanchez and Steve Schmoll, the Mets suddenly have a few extra bullpen parts -- and that could free them to deal pitcher Aaron Heilman, the St. Petersburg Times reports. Heilman, whom New York sees as a reliever, is the Devil Rays' primary target and has requested a trade if he is not a starter. He was 5-3 with a 3.17 ERA last season in 53 outings, including seven starts. According to Newsday, the Mets have no intention of dealing Heilman.

[VonErich Lives]

http://espndeportes.espn.go.com/story?id=396286

lmfao..

I've heard 2 theroys.

1) He never wanted to leave, his wife did, so he said he wanted out, but made it difficult to be delt. So, he looked good for her, but wouldn't have to leave.

2) The sox called him today and said "Look, we've tried, but we're not going to be able to trade you. Now, if you want to save face with the fans and not be boo'd every at bat all year long, here's what you do".

[The Miz]

JT Snow has signed with Boston. Corey Patterson has been traded to Baltimore.

[VonErich Lives]

Now Manny's agent is saying manny was misquoted and didn't say he wants to stay...

this is just getting silly now.

[Joey Slugs]

Friday, January 6
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Miguel Tejada Orioles	Astros? White Sox? Phillies? Cubs Mets? Angels? Red Sox?	Miggy at third base? Jan 6 - Major questions still stand in the way of a potential blockbuster deal that could send Miguel Tejada from Baltimore to Philadelphia in exchange for Bobby Abreu, ESPN.com's Jayson Stark reports. But the two teams continue to talk. Obstacles which could torpedo this trade include: 1) Abreu has a complete no-trade clause, and neither club has asked him whether he would be willing to waive it to play in Baltimore; 2) Tejada, who has never played any position but shortstop, would have to move to third base in Philadelphia. And he hasn?t told either team he wants to change positions. Both teams have been trying to upgrade their starting pitching in any deal they made for Tejada and Abreu, so they can't help each other on that front without involving other teams. The Orioles have a number of other offers for Tejada from a group that includes the Cubs, Red Sox, Angels, Astros and Tigers.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Corey Patterson Cubs	Orioles	Patterson to Baltimore? Jan 6 - The Orioles and Cubs are talking about a deal that would send outfielder Corey Patterson to Baltimore for a minor leaguer, The Baltimore Sun reports. Patterson likely would compete with Luis Matos and prospect Nick Markakis for the Orioles' starting center-field job.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Manny Ramirez Red Sox	Orioles Phillies? Mariners? Mets? Angels?	Manny being Manny redux Jan 6 - Manny Ramirez doesn't think he'll be traded to the Orioles, or any other team for that matter. "There will be no trade, I'm staying in Boston, where I'm familiar with the system and where I have a lot of friends, especially David Ortiz," Ramirez told ESPNdeportes.com while in Miami on personal business. However, his agent, Greg Genske, reportedly called Ramirez after learning of the slugger's remarks, and Ramirez denied making the comments, according to the Boston Globe. "If Boston is able to work out a trade with Baltimore or another team, Manny is still open to making a move," Genske said. Over the last two weeks, the Red Sox held multiple conversations with Baltimore about a trade for Miguel Tejada, who also asked to be dealt from the Orioles, but the talks stalled when Ramirez reportedly said that he would approve the trade only if the team he was dealt to would exercise two $20 millon options on his contract.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
David Ortiz Red Sox		New Sox deal coming soon Jan 6 - There is a good chance David Ortiz will sign a long-term contract extension with the Red Sox before the start of spring training, the Boston Globe reports. Ortiz is due to be paid $6.5 million this season in the last year of the two-year, $12.5 million extension he signed in May 2004. In addition, the club holds an option on the 2007 season, which was bumped up automatically from $7.75 million to $8.4 million when Ortiz finished second in the AL MVP voting in 2005. Ortiz's agent, Fernando Cuza, has spoken this winter with owner John W. Henry and CEO Larry Lucchino, and Boston's brass expressed great interest in striking a deal soon. "They haven't said for how long [the extension would run]," Ortiz told the newspaper. "I have two more years. I'd like another four or five years more. I think that would be perfect. By that time I'd be 36, so we'll see. ... The owners really want to make this happen. I guess they want, with all that's been going on, to give Boston some good news."
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Frank Thomas White Sox	Athletics? Twins? Angels?	A's for the effort? Jan 6 - Some teams are keeping tabs on Frank Thomas, but the A's are the top suitor -- and the interest is mutual, the San Francisco Chronicle reports. "They have real interest, but at the same time, they are still evaluating things," agent Arn Tellem told the newspaper. "We're all keeping our fingers crossed." Thomas, who has missed most of the past two seasons with injuries, has not yet gained clearance to play baseball, but the former White Sox star is making progress as he recovers from two different breaks in his left navicular bone (ankle). "It's all favorable," Tellem said about the results of recent X-rays and a bone scan. "The doctors are all optimistic, and I think the A's are waiting for Frank to be cleared later in the month."

[The Miz]

Corey Koskie traded to the Brewers

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

I think I said Manny wasn't going to be traded right when the off-season started and said this was the same old shit.

Now watch Manny get traded tomorrow after I made this post haha

[OssMan]

just fucking keep him away from NY mets

pleassssssssse

[Evil Vito]

Bob Klapisch of the Bergen Record, is reporting that Pedro's toe isn't in such bad shape as earlier reported by the Mets and Pedro.
Klapisch states:

"People close to Martinez are whispering that the injury, while not entirely cured, is nothing severe. Yet, by treating it as such, Pedro and the Mets will have the perfect "out" from the World Baseball Classic in March.

Friends say Pedro isn't crazy about pitching in the tournament, but has no way of taking himself off the roster without incurring the wrath of the entire Dominican Republic. Martinez saw how heavily Alex Rodriguez was being leveraged by Dominican officials, and realized he couldn't win that fight, either.

The exemption, of course, is an injury. By claiming he's not game-ready, the Mets will be able to play the role of the heavy and keep Martinez off the Dominican roster, the same way the Yankees blocked Jorge Posada, Randy Johnson and Mike Mussina."

Obviously nothing official, but if it's true then YESSSSSSSSS!!! If true, this is probably the best offseason move the Mets have made thus far

[YOUR Hero]

Milwaukee will do well with Koskie. Weak trade IMO by JP. I mean he traded away pitching prospects to get Overbay and now he trades for pitching prospects for Koskie. This, IMO, was nothing more than accomodating Koskie and freeing up money and the log jam in the infield.

Anyone have any info on Brian Wolfe?

[The Miz]

Originally Posted by YOUR Hero Milwaukee will do well with Koskie. Weak trade IMO by JP. I mean he traded away pitching prospects to get Overbay and now he trades for pitching prospects for Koskie. This, IMO, was nothing more than accomodating Koskie and freeing up money and the log jam in the infield. Anyone have any info on Brian Wolfe?

25 years old. 6th round pick by Twins in 1999. Spent most of 2005 in A/AA. Converted from starter to reliever. Unlikely to have any future in the majors.

2005 numbers
Brevard County (A): 18 games, 1-1, 0.79 ERA, 1.19 WHIP
Huntsville (AA): 16 games, 3-1, 3.38 ERA, 1.67 WHIP
New Britain (AA): 5 games, 1-0, 7.04 ERA, 2.22 WHIP
Rochester (AAA): 3 games, 0-2, 8.53 ERA, 1.89 WHIP

7 year minor league career: 41-39, 4.13 ERA, 1.34 WHIP

Don't expect him in a Toronto uniform, ever

[YOUR Hero]

I predict Gabe Gross will turn into a 20 HR hitter this year for Millwaukee. The Brewers will trade one of their vetern outfielders to make room for him. Milwaukee is on the rise.

Originally Posted by YOUR Hero I predict Gabe Gross will turn into a 20 HR hitter this year for Minnesota

doesn't gross play for milwaukee as well?

lol he's be a 20 hr hitter in the pre season that's about it.

bye koskie, good to see he's taking his weak batting average somewhere else. IT had to be done.

[YOUR Hero]

I meant Milwaukee, you quoted me before I editted... Gross will blossom.

[The Miz]

Toronto is also paying Koskie $7.35 million over the next 2 years to not play for them.

Hillenbrand should've been dealt.

no way. Hillenbrand > Koskie

[The Miz]

Hillenbrand is slightly better, yes, but Koskie/Hinske nets you nothing in return. Hillenbrand has much higher trade value and isn't that much better. It's worth the very slight downgrade in production to get something good back in a trade.

[VonErich Lives]

Originally Posted by The Miz Hillenbrand is slightly better, yes, but Koskie/Hinske nets you nothing in return. Hillenbrand has much higher trade value and isn't that much better. It's worth the very slight downgrade in production to get something good back in a trade.

Shea "Trade me faggot" Hillenbrand.

true enough. we could have probably gotten something more, but I still do like Hillenbrand alot more than koskie

[YOUR Hero]

Would have better holding on to Koskie than paying him to play elsewhere.

yeah but where would you play him?