MLB 2005-2006 Offseason Thread - Page 5

**VonErich Lives** · 11-03-2005, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YOUR Hero

Manny, I believe, will be traded for less than market value. If he's traded. Red Sox aren't in a strong bargaining position here.

I would assume that, which is why Glaus, Erstad and 2 prospects seemed like a sweet deal to me.

That being said, if I'm the sox, I don't trade him for much less then market value (unless you're going to spend his money on someone else).

Screw'em, if he doesn't show up to camp, suspend him and fine him.

I'm tired of players dictating when they want out of a deal or a move. It's not like football, where players who don't preform get cut, very few have a gaurentee and only in recent years have the top players gotten the big signing bonuses.

most baseball contracts are gaurenteed, and teams don't get money back when a player underpreforms.

**Jesus Shuttlesworth** · 11-03-2005, 12:50 PM

Veritek won the Silver Slugger and A Gold Glove..not a bad year for that guy.

I doubt Manny is traded, this happens every year and he is still always on the Red Sox. Everytime its no doubt hes gone, theres this trade and there's that trade but then nothing ever happens.

**VonErich Lives** · 11-03-2005, 01:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sTiMa34

Veritek won the Silver Slugger and A Gold Glove..not a bad year for that guy.

I doubt Manny is traded, this happens every year and he is still always on the Red Sox. Everytime its no doubt hes gone, theres this trade and there's that trade but then nothing ever happens.

Only difference is, this time he's (or his agent) is publicly asking for it.

Although, word was Manny had asked a few times before and the sox always kept it quite.

Hey, if Manny's a liability in Left Field, why not teach him to play 1st base?

**Joey Slugs** · 11-03-2005, 01:58 PM

Thursday, November 3
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Manny Ramirez Red Sox	Angels?	Halo Manny? Nov 3 - According to the Los Angeles Times, the Angels are mulling a three-way deal with the Diamondbacks to land Red Sox slugger Manny Ramirez. Boston would get third baseman Troy Glaus from Arizona and first baseman/center fielder Darin Erstad from L.A. Ramirez has indicated his preference is to go the Halos. As a 10-5 player, he has the veteran right to block a trade to a team he doesn't want to join. Ramirez is due $57 million from his $160 million, eight-year contract -- $19 million in 2006, $18 million in 2007 and $20 million in 2008 -- with team options for two additional seasons at $20 million annually.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Octavio Dotel Athletics	Mets?	Met life? Nov 3 - According to the New York Daily News, the Mets have expressed interest in bringing Octavio Dotel back in a setup role. Dotel was traded to the Astros with Roger Cedeno for Mike Hampton after the 1999 season, and then was part of the three-team trade that landed Carlos Beltran in Houston in 2004. He was 1-2 with seven saves in 15 games with Oakland last season before hurting his right elbow. The right-hander had ligament replacement surgery in June but is expected to be ready by spring training. He made $4.75 million last season.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
A.J. Burnett Marlins	Mariners? Blue Jays?	Toronto hope Nov 3 - A.J. Burnett is high on the Blue Jays' list of free agent pitchers to sign for next season, the Toronto Sun reports. Burnett got a tour of the city Nov. 2, and GM J.P. Ricciardi brought Roy Halladay, manager John Gibbons and pitching coach Brad Arnsberg to sit down with the right-hander. Arnsberg helped Burnett develop when the two were together in the Marlins organization in 2002 and '03. "He knows me more than anybody knows me," Burnett told the newspaper. "It's great for them, it's great for me."
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Carlos Delgado Marlins	Mets?	First Fish Nov 3 - Carlos Delgado's agent expects the first baseman to remain a Marlin and not be available to the Mets via trade, the New York Daily News reports. Agent David Sloane is relying on assurances from owner Jeffrey Loria to his client in September. Sloane also cited the difficulty of trades between division rivals and Delgado's ability to demand a trade after one season if he is dealt. Delgado, who selected the Marlins over the Mets last winter, will earn $13.5 million next season. That sum would jump by more than $1 million in 2006 if he is traded to the Mets because of a kicker in Delgado's contract that increases pay to account for New York's state income tax.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Mark Redman Pirates		Redman exercises option Nov 3 - Pirates left-hander Mark Redman eschewed free agency and exercised his player option on a $4.95 million contract for the 2006 season, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. Barring trades, Redman likely will battle Kip Wells, Oliver Perez, Zach Duke, Paul Maholm and Dave Williams for a spot in Pittsburgh's starting rotation. "Obviously, we won't know if he'll be in a Pirates uniform until next spring," agent Casey Close told the newspaper. "But he enjoyed his year there, he's healthy and he's preparing for a big season next year."
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Washington		Epstein goes to Washington? Nov 3 - According to the Boston Globe, it's possible former Red Sox GM Theo Epstein could end up being the front man for the Nationals once a new ownership group is selected, which could happen as soon as the owners' meeting in Milwaukee later this month. The Dodgers already contacted Epstein through a third party, but he probably will steer wide of Chavez Ravine.

**The Miz** · 11-03-2005, 09:22 PM

Washington gets:
RHP Brian Lawrence

San Diego gets:
3B Vinny Castilla

**OssMan** · 11-03-2005, 09:35 PM

lol why the FUCK would the Mets try to get Carlos Delgado? The only reason I can see is for trade bait for bullpen/2b/C. They have a good looking young 1B who they should use but they will probably sign some asshole like Paul Konerko instead. I hate the Mets

**Evil Vito** · 11-04-2005, 06:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Miz

Washington gets:
RHP Brian Lawrence

San Diego gets:
3B Vinny Castilla

Terrible trade for the Padres. At 38, he'll be lucky to get 10 HR in the pitcher-friendly Petco Park

I'm guessing the Nats intend on starting Ryan Zimmerman at 3B next year, less than a year after being drafted

11-04-2005, 06:04 PM

god i hope the jays land burnett. Hopefully they'll make a pitch for brian giles

**Joey Slugs** · 11-04-2005, 07:52 PM

Friday, November 4
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
A.J. Burnett Marlins	Mariners Blue Jays Rangers? Red Sox? Orioles?	Starting line Nov 4 - Agent Darek Braunecker told ESPN Insider Jerry Crasnick that A.J. Burnett is looking for a five-year contract. Braunecker and his partner, Mark Rodgers, plan to travel to the general managers' meetings in Indian Wells, Calif., next week to meet with prospective suitors. Burnett went 0-4 with a 5.93 ERA in September on the way to a 12-12 finish with Florida this past season, but interest remains high in a weak market for free-agent starters. "I can tell you, 70 percent of the teams in baseball have contacted us about A.J.," Braunecker said. "It's certainly nice to be him right now." Burnett came away impressed after a visit to Toronto, during which he met with Blue Jays officials and ace starter Roy Halladay. Former Jays pitcher Pat Hentgen even drove up from Michigan to help with the recruiting effort. But Braunecker said the process is "wide open," and it's too early to label Toronto the frontrunner. Burnett plans to visit selected cities where there's an interest -- Seattle, for instance. But he expects to take a more low-key approach to free-agency than former teammate Carl Pavano, who parlayed a nationwide tour into a four-year, $40 million deal with the Yankees last winter.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Roger Clemens Astros		Refueling Rocket Nov 4 - Astros GM Tim Purpura spoke with Roger Clemens' agents on Thursday, The Houston Chronicle reports. But Clemens has yet to decide if he's coming back. "There's certainly nothing definitive on the Roger front," Purpura told the newspaper. "We've kind of agreed to continue ... and keep the lines of communication open, and as Roger gets to the point where he's feeling one way or the other to let us know." Houston hopes it's before Jan. 21, the date he announced this year that he'd return for a second season with the Astros.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
San Diego		Towers staying put Nov 4 - The grass isn't greener. Kevin Towers will remain with the Padres following a hectic two-week stretch in which he interviewed for the Diamondbacks' GM job, was considered to have a shot at filling the vacant job with the Red Sox and was sought by the rival Dodgers for their GM opening.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Frank Thomas White Sox	White Sox?	Being Frank Nov 4 - The White Sox bought out Frank Thomas for $3.5 million, making the best slugger in team history eligible for free agency. "There should be no question about the respect this organization has for Frank and all that he has helped us accomplish, including a World Series championship," GM Ken Williams said in a statement. "He is the greatest hitter in White Sox history. At the same time, it is my responsibility to make the best decisions I can on behalf of the organization. Our plan now is to continue to speak with Frank and his representatives over the coming months as more information is known about his health."
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Billy Wagner Phillies	Phillies? Cubs? Mets?	Closing commodity Nov 4 - There will be no shortage of suitors for Billy Wagner this winter. Re-signing the left-handed closer remains the Phillies' top priority, and they can offer him a three-year deal in the neighborhood of $30 million, Comcast SportsNet.com reports. The Mets also have begun their recruitment of the veteran reliever. According to the New York Post, several Met executives (including GM Omar Minaya) traveled to Virginia on Nov. 2 to meet with Wagner at his home. "There was no talk financially or anything along those lines," agent Bean Stringfellow told the newspaper. "They came down to introduce themselves ... and Billy was getting to meet the front-office people for the first time."
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Julio Franco Braves	Mets?	Talk about veteran help Nov 4 - Looking for an affordable complement to rookie Mike Jacobs at first base, the Mets are mulling a pursuit of Julio Franco, the New York Daily News reports. The 47-year-old Franco hit .275 with nine homers and 42 RBI for the Braves last season.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Bubba Crosby Yankees		Put him in, Joe Nov 4 - Here's one tidbit from this week's Yankee organizational meetings: They're considering giving Bubba Crosby the center fielder's job, the Newark Star-Ledger reports.

**Evil Vito** · 11-04-2005, 08:13 PM

I wouldn't mind Franco....he's 47 (to be 48 come season's end), but he has the body of someone half his age, I'd love to have him on the bench

**The Miz** · 11-05-2005, 05:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VonErich Lives

My assumption is that Manny goes to the Angels.

Also, there was talk about their being 2 prospects going to boston.

But yes, I've yet to hear a mention of what the D-backs are getting.

I'd guess prospects, or lower priced players since payroll tends to be an issue for them.

This is the rumored trade youre talking about

Los Angeles of Anaheim gets:
OF Manny Ramirez

Arizona gets:
OF Steve Finley
1B Kendry Morales (AA)
LHP Joe Saunders (AAA)

Boston gets:
3B Troy Glaus
1B Casey Kotchman
1B Darin Erstad
2B Alberto Callaspo (AAA)

**YOUR Hero** · 11-05-2005, 06:26 PM

Manny and Vlad in the same outfield. defensive liability to say the least.

**The Miz** · 11-05-2005, 06:33 PM

Ramirez-Figgins-Guerrero would be the worst outfield in history

**Evil Vito** · 11-05-2005, 06:53 PM

LOL, the Royals have apparently entered the Furcal sweepstakes

**YOUR Hero** · 11-05-2005, 07:12 PM

You know who's a free agent that I just realized is a free agrent? - Jeff Weaver.

Man, he went from being the best prospect, to the best young talent full of potential in all of baseball. Now I don't even see his name around when he comes up as a free agent?! As a Jay fan, I hoipe this is someone they give a try. Or a team like Seattle. He could be great again. Hell, he wasn't all that bad last year, tbh.

His stats

W-L	ERA	K	Walks	WHIP
14-11	4.22	157	43	1.17

**The Miz** · 11-05-2005, 07:15 PM

4.22 ERA in the NL is toast in the AL. If I were someone like the Reds I'd want him

**YOUR Hero** · 11-05-2005, 07:15 PM

Same could be said about Tony Armas JR. and Estoba Loiaza to a certain extent.

**YOUR Hero** · 11-05-2005, 07:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Miz

4.22 ERA in the NL is toast in the AL. If I were someone like the Reds I'd want him

I agree that's high. But as a Tiger he sure was impressive. Eats up the innings too. I think he's worth a risk, depending on the contract details (length and sum)

**The Miz** · 11-05-2005, 07:21 PM

I think Loaiza has pretty much proven 2003 with the White Sox was a fluke and he's a 4th starter at best in the AL.

Armas Jr. is a guy I've always liked but he has posted WHIPs of over 1.50 the last 2 years in the NL. I wouldn't take a chance on him unless I was really desperate for pitching

**The Miz** · 11-05-2005, 07:24 PM

lol remember when the Yankees traded Contreras for Loaiza

**YOUR Hero** · 11-05-2005, 07:31 PM

You know I just looked up the average ERA for starting pitchers in the AL for last year.

4.29

I know, I know a different league than the NL.

Loaiza has a decent year last year, and he's had other decent years. I'm not saying you bring him in as a #1 starter, but his 3.77 ERA and the fact he was the victim of some poor run support this past season causes his 12-10 win/loss record to look mediocre. can't hold that against him, just like you can't hold his CY YOUNG type season against him. Just have to understand, that wasn't the real him.

Stats

W-L	ERA	K	Walks	WHIP
12-10	3.77	173	55	1.30

**YOUR Hero** · 11-05-2005, 07:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Miz

lol remember when the Yankees traded Contreras for Loaiza

LOL, yeah

Why did the Yankees sour on Contreras anyway? - I think it was his age? Anyway the Yanks gave up on Pettitte too. Stupid.

**BCWWF** · 11-05-2005, 07:34 PM

He wasn't developing in their market. Too much pressure, I believe he was in the bullpen when they traded him

**YOUR Hero** · 11-05-2005, 07:36 PM

Date

Opponent

Score

Dec

IP

H

R

ER

HR

BB

K

W

L

SV

IP

ERA

Apr 22

@ NYM

L 1-3

L

5.0

6

3

1

5

4

0

1

0

24.2

4.74

Apr 27

PHI

L 0-3

L

8.0

4

2

1

11

0

2

0

32.2

4.13

May 28

@ STL

L 1-3

L

6.0

8

3

2

1

6

1

4

0

72.1

3.61

Jul 21

HOU

L 2-3

L

7.0

11

3

2

1

0

2

6

0

126.1

3.56

Aug 7

SDG

L 0-3

L

7.0

6

3

2

1

4

6

8

0

146.1

3.63

Sep 18

@ SDG

L 1-2

-

7.0

7

0

5

11

10

0

204.0

3.66

(a sampling of games that Estoban lost or N/D)

**The Miz** · 11-05-2005, 07:38 PM

Contreras wasn't fit for NY, but they could've gotten something better than Loaiza.

And if I remember correctly Pettitte wanted out and there was nothing the Yankees could do.

Tha Yankees are still idiots though. The Contreras and Brown deals, lol

**YOUR Hero** · 11-05-2005, 07:41 PM

Contreras was only in his 2nd year with the Yanks. To say he wasn't developing is a bit of a stretch. Especially since in his first year there he was 7-2 in 9 starts and overall had an ERA of 3.30.
IMO, they just thought they could steal Loaiza (almost a CY YOUNG, OMG!!!1) from the SOX. They got out-foxed, plain and simple, IMO.

**YOUR Hero** · 11-05-2005, 07:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Miz

Contreras wasn't fit for NY, but they could've gotten something better than Loaiza.

And if I remember correctly Pettitte wanted out and there was nothing the Yankees could do.

Tha Yankees are still idiots though. The Contreras and Brown deals, lol

Of course Pettitte wanted out of there. George (and other too I think ??) where always being critical of his performances. He never got the respect from the front office he needed. He felt unwelcomed and got out of there when he could.

**The Miz** · 11-05-2005, 07:46 PM

Yeah well you said the Yankees gave up on him. They didn't, he gave up on them.

**YOUR Hero** · 11-05-2005, 08:07 PM

They gave up on him every year, complaining about him in one form or another. Perhaps "gave up on him" isn't the 100% correct wording, but it';s the same principle. He got out of there because he didn't feel wanted. - At least that's my take on it.

**Loose Cannon** · 11-06-2005, 08:53 AM

they never made a big push to retain Pettite and instead focused a lot on signing A-Rod. Andy was kind of just left out there and he went. Was pretty pissed and still am about that.

**VonErich Lives** · 11-06-2005, 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Loose Cannon

they never made a big push to retain Pettite and instead focused a lot on signing A-Rod. Andy was kind of just left out there and he went. Was pretty pissed and still am about that.

I thought the Yanks actually offered him more then the Astros, but he wanted to go to Texas.

**The Miz** · 11-06-2005, 02:28 PM

Latest rumor is if Yankees don't re-sign Matsui, they'll go after Brian Giles

**BCWWF** · 11-06-2005, 03:03 PM

I would take Matsui over Giles any day. I think he's one of the few good player they have.

**The Miz** · 11-06-2005, 03:12 PM

Matsui is 4 years younger but I'd rather have Giles. Consistently posts a +.400 OBP, twice the defense and arm of Matsui. In the MLB's worst hitters park he has put up HR numbers of 23 and 15, in Yankees stadium those numbers would likely exceed Mastui's.

**YOUR Hero** · 11-06-2005, 03:29 PM

Matsui is a pro. I'd take him over Giles as well.

**VonErich Lives** · 11-06-2005, 03:38 PM

Any word on where Matsui wants to go?

If the sox trade Manny, he'd look great in a Red Sox uniform

**The Miz** · 11-06-2005, 03:50 PM

Giles isn't a pro?

**BCWWF** · 11-06-2005, 03:59 PM

If Matsui takes over left field for the Red Sox I would see him doing great things

**The Miz** · 11-06-2005, 04:05 PM

Mastui is 95% to go back to the Yankees so don't get your hopes up

**YOUR Hero** · 11-06-2005, 04:23 PM

Giles is a pro, sure. But certain players are just better, they're clutch. I find Matsui to fit that description moreso than Giles. Matsui will remain a NYY, most guaranteed.

11-03-2005, 12:50 PM	#162
Jesus Shuttlesworth Posts: 42,765	Veritek won the Silver Slugger and A Gold Glove..not a bad year for that guy. I doubt Manny is traded, this happens every year and he is still always on the Red Sox. Everytime its no doubt hes gone, theres this trade and there's that trade but then nothing ever happens.

11-03-2005, 09:22 PM	#165
The Miz Clutch Poster Posts: 11,997	Washington gets: RHP Brian Lawrence San Diego gets: 3B Vinny Castilla

11-03-2005, 09:35 PM	#166
OssMan The Classic Dylan Staples Posts: 51,464	lol why the FUCK would the Mets try to get Carlos Delgado? The only reason I can see is for trade bait for bullpen/2b/C. They have a good looking young 1B who they should use but they will probably sign some asshole like Paul Konerko instead. I hate the Mets

11-04-2005, 06:04 PM	#168
Gertner Guest Posts: n/a	god i hope the jays land burnett. Hopefully they'll make a pitch for brian giles

11-04-2005, 08:13 PM	#170
Evil Vito President of Freedonia Posts: 58,329	I wouldn't mind Franco....he's 47 (to be 48 come season's end), but he has the body of someone half his age, I'd love to have him on the bench

11-05-2005, 06:26 PM	#172
YOUR Hero Adminstigator Posts: 102,491	Manny and Vlad in the same outfield. defensive liability to say the least.

11-05-2005, 06:33 PM	#173
The Miz Clutch Poster Posts: 11,997	Ramirez-Figgins-Guerrero would be the worst outfield in history

11-05-2005, 06:53 PM	#174
Evil Vito President of Freedonia Posts: 58,329	LOL, the Royals have apparently entered the Furcal sweepstakes

11-05-2005, 07:15 PM	#176
The Miz Clutch Poster Posts: 11,997	4.22 ERA in the NL is toast in the AL. If I were someone like the Reds I'd want him

11-05-2005, 07:15 PM	#177
YOUR Hero Adminstigator Posts: 102,491	Same could be said about Tony Armas JR. and Estoba Loiaza to a certain extent.

11-05-2005, 07:21 PM	#179
The Miz Clutch Poster Posts: 11,997	I think Loaiza has pretty much proven 2003 with the White Sox was a fluke and he's a 4th starter at best in the AL. Armas Jr. is a guy I've always liked but he has posted WHIPs of over 1.50 the last 2 years in the NL. I wouldn't take a chance on him unless I was really desperate for pitching

11-05-2005, 07:24 PM	#180
The Miz Clutch Poster Posts: 11,997	lol remember when the Yankees traded Contreras for Loaiza

11-05-2005, 07:34 PM	#183
BCWWF The People's Member Posts: 18,092	He wasn't developing in their market. Too much pressure, I believe he was in the bullpen when they traded him

11-05-2005, 07:38 PM	#185
The Miz Clutch Poster Posts: 11,997	Contreras wasn't fit for NY, but they could've gotten something better than Loaiza. And if I remember correctly Pettitte wanted out and there was nothing the Yankees could do. Tha Yankees are still idiots though. The Contreras and Brown deals, lol

11-05-2005, 07:41 PM	#186
YOUR Hero Adminstigator Posts: 102,491	Contreras was only in his 2nd year with the Yanks. To say he wasn't developing is a bit of a stretch. Especially since in his first year there he was 7-2 in 9 starts and overall had an ERA of 3.30. IMO, they just thought they could steal Loaiza (almost a CY YOUNG, OMG!!!1) from the SOX. They got out-foxed, plain and simple, IMO.

11-05-2005, 07:46 PM	#188
The Miz Clutch Poster Posts: 11,997	Yeah well you said the Yankees gave up on him. They didn't, he gave up on them.

11-05-2005, 08:07 PM	#189
YOUR Hero Adminstigator Posts: 102,491	They gave up on him every year, complaining about him in one form or another. Perhaps "gave up on him" isn't the 100% correct wording, but it';s the same principle. He got out of there because he didn't feel wanted. - At least that's my take on it.

11-06-2005, 08:53 AM	#190
Loose Cannon I'm all there is Posts: 31,811	they never made a big push to retain Pettite and instead focused a lot on signing A-Rod. Andy was kind of just left out there and he went. Was pretty pissed and still am about that.

11-06-2005, 02:28 PM	#192
The Miz Clutch Poster Posts: 11,997	Latest rumor is if Yankees don't re-sign Matsui, they'll go after Brian Giles

11-06-2005, 03:03 PM	#193
BCWWF The People's Member Posts: 18,092	I would take Matsui over Giles any day. I think he's one of the few good player they have.

11-06-2005, 03:12 PM	#194
The Miz Clutch Poster Posts: 11,997	Matsui is 4 years younger but I'd rather have Giles. Consistently posts a +.400 OBP, twice the defense and arm of Matsui. In the MLB's worst hitters park he has put up HR numbers of 23 and 15, in Yankees stadium those numbers would likely exceed Mastui's.

11-06-2005, 03:29 PM	#195
YOUR Hero Adminstigator Posts: 102,491	Matsui is a pro. I'd take him over Giles as well.

11-06-2005, 03:38 PM	#196
VonErich Lives WTF do you want? Posts: 14,760	Any word on where Matsui wants to go? If the sox trade Manny, he'd look great in a Red Sox uniform

11-06-2005, 03:50 PM	#197
The Miz Clutch Poster Posts: 11,997	Giles isn't a pro?

11-06-2005, 03:59 PM	#198
BCWWF The People's Member Posts: 18,092	If Matsui takes over left field for the Red Sox I would see him doing great things

11-06-2005, 04:05 PM	#199
The Miz Clutch Poster Posts: 11,997	Mastui is 95% to go back to the Yankees so don't get your hopes up

11-06-2005, 04:23 PM	#200
YOUR Hero Adminstigator Posts: 102,491	Giles is a pro, sure. But certain players are just better, they're clutch. I find Matsui to fit that description moreso than Giles. Matsui will remain a NYY, most guaranteed.