MLB 2005-2006 Offseason Thread

[mrslackalack]

I think its cool that Bucky Dent is the new Bench Coach for the Reds.

[Joey Slugs]

Monday, November 7
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Brian Giles Padres	Cardinals? Red Sox? Mariners? Yankees? Indians?	See Giles in St. Louis? Nov 7 - There's been speculation that Giles, a California native, wants to stay on the West Coast, but agent Joe Bick said the outfielder's main objective is signing with a team that has a chance to be a postseason contender for the duration of his next contract. "We have said if the right deal can be done with the Padres, Brian would like to stay there," Bick told ESPN.com Insider Jerry Crasnick. "But at this point in time there's nothing to make us believe that's the case." The San Diego Union-Tribune reported that the Padres offered Giles a three-year deal for more than $21 million. Bick said the dollar figure was higher than the newspaper's report, but added that the Padres rescinded their offer a few days after the World Series. Giles has made 646 career starts in left field, 402 in right field and 300 in center. His ability to play center field makes him a potential fit for both the Red Sox and Yankees. But many baseball people think the frontrunner is St. Louis, which tried to trade for him this season and has a pressing need for a left-handed hitting outfielder with the pending retirement of Larry Walker.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Matt Morris Cardinals	Mariners? Rockies? Royals?	Moving on Morris Nov 7 - According to the Kansas City Star, the Royals are looking at Morris, as are the Rockies and the Mariners, who have apparently already made inquiries about him. The soon-to-be free agent pitcher, who made $2.5 million in 2005, went 14-10 with a 4.11 ERA with the Cardinals last season.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Milton Bradley Dodgers	Yankees?	Centering on Bradley? Nov 7 - The New York Post reported that the Yankees, in search of a center fielder, are mulling a trade for the Dodgers' Milton Bradley. Yankees GM Brian Cashman is reportedly doing research on Bradley. The Dodgers, meanwhile, are apparently looking to deal him. If the Dodgers can't trade Bradley, they aren't expected to tender him a contract by Dec. 20, making him a free agent.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Los Angeles		Hart interviewing in L.A. Nov 7 - According to the Los Angeles Times, John Hart spoke with Dodgers owner Frank McCourt about the GM opening on Sunday. He and McCourt have scheduled a formal meeting, possibly for later this week. As soon as Monday, the Times said McCourt may also contact Theo Epstein, who has already been contacted by an intermediary regarding the Dodger opening. On Sunday, Frank and Jamie McCourt interviewed Dodgers assistant GM Kim Ng. Ng and Roy Smith, the scouting and player development VP, are representing the Dodgers at the GM meetings.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Boston		Internal affairs Nov 7 - The Boston Herald reported that there is support within the organization to consider four internal candidates for the GM job: director of player development Ben Cherington, director of player operations Peter Woodfork, assistant to the GM Jed Hoyer and special assistant Craig Shipley.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Ramon Hernandez Padres	Mets? Diamondbacks?	Leaving San Diego? Nov 7 - Hernandez is expected to depart San Diego through free agency, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune. Teams likely to pursue Hernandez include Arizona and the NY Mets. Hernandez, 29, hit .290 with 12 home runs and 58 RBI in 99 games last season. He made more than $4 million in the final year of his four-year deal.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Bill Mueller Red Sox	Twins?	Mueller to Minnesota? Nov 7 - The Twins are expected to court the free agent third baseman, according to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. Twins GM Terry Ryan said in the Star-Tribune that the Twins, who are looking to add offense, are "concentrating on infielders." The switch-hitting Mueller, 34, hit .295 with 10 home runs and 62 RBI for the Red Sox in 2005.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
B.J. Ryan Orioles	Yankees?	B.J. in the Bronx? Nov 7 - The New York Post reports that the Yankees are focusing on free-agent reliever B.J. Ryan. Yankees GM Brian Cashman is expected to be in contact with Ryan's agent, John Courtright, during this week's GM meetings. The Orioles' closer is expected to draw significant interest once free agency begins on Friday. The 29-year-old left-hander had 36 saves and a 2.43 ERA for the Orioles, striking out the 100 batters in 70 1/3 innings.

[hithit]

I would really like to see the Brewers make a run at Jarrod Washburn as he is a proven starter with playoff experience.
Also I wouldn't mind them trading Overbay, but only if they get some good prospects in return or a good starting pitcher.

[The Icon of Elisim]

Joey Slugs you are making the money I spent on Insider seem like a waste

[RoXer]

Street and Howard win ROTY.

[Joey Slugs]

Originally Posted by The Icon of Elisim Joey Slugs you are making the money I spent on Insider seem like a waste

sorry. i just figured that it would add to the thread since i'm not sure how many people actually have an insider account.

[The Icon of Elisim]

don't sweat it chief

[Joey Slugs]

Colon wins AL Cy Young

[Supreme Olajuwon]

So you're not in the top 5 in the AL in K's, ERA, IP, or CG? Here have a Cy Young.

[Joey Slugs]

Originally Posted by Supreme So you're not in the top 5 in the AL in K's, ERA, IP, or CG? Here have a Cy Young.

Pretty much. And while you're at it. Here's another $500K.

[VonErich Lives]

Originally Posted by Joey Slugs sorry. i just figured that it would add to the thread since i'm not sure how many people actually have an insider account.

I don't I apreciate your work

[BCWWF]

A guy on ESPN just said that this was the worst, or second worst, Cy Young mistake of all time. There is no doubt it should have been Johan, wins don't reflect your performance nearly at all, and 16 wins for a team with the second lowest offensive production isn't bad.

[VonErich Lives]

So, new Manny rumors, going to the Mets (which is funny, because he said he didn't want to go there...)

Manny for Cameron and 2 prospects.

The "rumor" is it's 2 of these 3: outfielder Lastings Milledge and right-handers Aaron Heilman and Yusmeiro Petit.

Also, that if the sox did that, instead of put Cameron in LF they wouldn't persue Damon.

There was a local article the other day, that thinks the Sox are going to try and trim Payroll to the 80mil range.

Based of Henry's history in Florida, Lucchino's history in SD and that the year the Sox won the WS they had a operating loss of 11mil, if they trimed to 80mil range (where St Louis stays and competes) they'd have a profit over 30mil, and Henry and the rest have a big loan to pay off.

[RoXer]

Gunna make a new thread about Ugeth

[Evil Vito]

Originally Posted by VonErich Lives So, new Manny rumors, going to the Mets (which is funny, because he said he didn't want to go there...) Manny for Cameron and 2 prospects. The "rumor" is it's 2 of these 3: outfielder Lastings Milledge and right-handers Aaron Heilman and Yusmeiro Petit. Also, that if the sox did that, instead of put Cameron in LF they wouldn't persue Damon. There was a local article the other day, that thinks the Sox are going to try and trim Payroll to the 80mil range. Based of Henry's history in Florida, Lucchino's history in SD and that the year the Sox won the WS they had a operating loss of 11mil, if they trimed to 80mil range (where St Louis stays and competes) they'd have a profit over 30mil, and Henry and the rest have a big loan to pay off.

If I were the Mets I'd offer Cameron and one of Petit/Heilman (not both). If the Sox wanna trim their salary so bad, they should accept that trade. They don't even have a GM at this point, so they should take what they can get. No way should the Mets deal Milledge, it's not worth it. I seriously have yet to hear a single negative comment about him.

In the end, I think Manny'll go to the Angels since they are willing to offer Santana/Anderson/Erstad...plus Manny's whole "I don't want to be a Met" thing

My position on Manny remains the same as it has been: I want him only if we don't give up too much

[Dragon]

Has anyone seen these simulated news conferences on ESPN? Kind of ridiculous I think. Steve Philips plays the GM of teams and discusses what they plan on doing over the offseason and stuff. When I saw it yesterday for the Yankees I wasn't sure if it was a joke or not at first.

[Joey Slugs]

Originally Posted by VonErich Lives I don't I apreciate your work

i'll just take my insider news elswhere.

[The Outlaw]

Originally Posted by Dragon Has anyone seen these simulated news conferences on ESPN? Kind of ridiculous I think. Steve Philips plays the GM of teams and discusses what they plan on doing over the offseason and stuff. When I saw it yesterday for the Yankees I wasn't sure if it was a joke or not at first.

Yeah saw the Cubs one. I was like wtf at first, but then saw "simulated" and switched the channel.

[VonErich Lives]

Originally Posted by Joey Slugs i'll just take my insider news elswhere.

was kidding, I do, I'm cheap! of course I love it!

[VonErich Lives]

Originally Posted by Big Vito 22 They don't even have a GM at this point, so they should take what they can get.

Ok, that makes no sense. They don't have a GM, so they should just take whatever off they can get? The "acting GM's" are more then capable of handling things.

The sox should only take a good offer, and if Manny doesn't show to camp, fine suspend him and don't pay him.

Manny's buddy "pedro" is a met, that may be a factor.

nothing would suprise me. I don't think the Sox are going to drop Payroll to 80mil, but maybe stay under the luxury tax.

[Evil Vito]

Originally Posted by VonErich Lives Ok, that makes no sense.

Yeah, that's what happens when I post about this sort of stuff while dead tired and about to go to bed. At least that was pretty much the only nonsensical statement in the whole post

Though I do think Cameron/Heilman or Petit would be a great trade for the Sox....they reducely cut their payroll while getting a great defensive outfielder with some pop and a pitcher for the future. Will this be able to top the Angels' offer? Probably not, as the Angels are stacked in the farm system IIRC.

Eh, whatever happens, happens.

[mrslackalack]

Matsui had said if Torre stays he will re-sign with them.

[VonErich Lives]

Originally Posted by Big Vito 22 Yeah, that's what happens when I post about this sort of stuff while dead tired and about to go to bed. At least that was pretty much the only nonsensical statement in the whole post Though I do think Cameron/Heilman or Petit would be a great trade for the Sox....they reducely cut their payroll while getting a great defensive outfielder with some pop and a pitcher for the future. Will this be able to top the Angels' offer? Probably not, as the Angels are stacked in the farm system IIRC. Eh, whatever happens, happens.

Yeah, I'd like to see Manny stay, even for all his quirks, he's one of the best all around hitters in the league.

Also, would Cameron be the CF or do they still re-sign Damon and put Cameron in LF?

So, right now they're (locally) calling the Red Sox GM "The four headed monster", they have 4 guys at the winter meetings handling different things, plus Warner is their with Luccino interviewing GM's.

There's also talk, Henry has reached out to Theo to see if he'll change his mind. There's talk that Henry may over-ride Luccino and get rid of Dr. Charles Stienberg if that will get Theo back. The thought being, Henry is here long term, and Luccino, once the park is maxed out and local real estate deals are done that Luccino is gone, most likely to washington.

[Joey Slugs]

Guillen & Cox named Managers of the Year

[The Outlaw]

That was a no brainer.

[Dragon]

Yankees are looking to shop Posada. Don't really see teams being too interested because he has like a 12 million dollar option that has to be picked up for 2007 if he just catches 81 games next year.

He's been on the decline but I think if we put him at DH he could be pretty valuable. Would be nice to have a decent young catcher at least as a backup next year to get ready to take over when Posada is done. As I don't see Posada getting traded. Navarro was our best catching prospect but he went with the Johnson deal. Would be great to have him now.

[Joey Slugs]

Tuesday, November 8
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Manny Ramirez Red Sox	Mets? Angels?	Manny the Met? Nov 8 - According to the Boston Herald, a source said the Mets have received indications that Manny Ramirez may indeed want to play close to his hometown and that any reports to the contrary were merely a "smokescreen." A deal for Manny would reportedly include center fielder Mike Cameron and two of three prospects: outfielder Lastings Milledge and right-handed pitchers Aaron Heilman and Yusmeiro Petit. The Herald says such deal would rule out the possibility of re-signing free agent center fielder Johnny Damon. Although it's unknown whether or not the Red Sox want to trade Ramirez, the slugger reportedly told Red Sox owner John Henry he wanted a trade or he would not report to spring training. The Los Angeles Times reported recently that the Angels were trying to find a way to acquire Ramirez, and trade talks could expand to include the Diamondbacks. Boston would get Arizona third baseman Troy Glaus and Anaheim first baseman/center fielder Darin Erstad in a potential three-team deal; the D-Backs also would receive additional players and prospects. As a 10-5 player, he has the veteran right to block a trade to a team he doesn't want to join.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Reggie Sanders Cardinals		Wanted man Nov 8 - The word is that Sanders is attracting a "boatload" of interest this winter, an American League general manager told ESPN.com Insider Jerry Crasnick. After signing five one-year deals with different NL clubs from 1999-2003, Sanders should have enough leverage to command a second straight multi-year contract. The Cardinals, Twins, Marlins, Royals and Mariners are among the teams thought to be interested in Sanders. Sanders was on track to hit 30 homers and steal 30 bases before he suffered a hairline fracture of his right leg shortly after the All-Star break. He still finished with 21 homers in 295 at-bats, and hit .333 with 10 RBI in 12 at-bats against San Diego in the NL Division Series. Sanders, who turns 38 in December, needs eight homers and three stolen bases to join Willie Mays, Andre Dawson and Bobby and Barry Bonds as the fifth player in history with 300 of each.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Los Angeles		Does L.A. have Hart? Nov 8 - John Hart still appears to be the leading candidate to become the Dodgers' next GM, according to the Los Angeles Daily News. Every other candidate has reportedly withdrawn, not only due to Hart's credentials, but also his close relationship with Rangers pitching coach Orel Hershiser, who interviewed for the Dodgers' managerial job two weeks ago and would be the likely choice. According to the Los Angeles Times, Hart originally spoke with Dodgers owner Frank McCourt about the GM opening on Sunday. He and McCourt have scheduled a formal meeting, possibly for later this week. On Sunday, Frank and Jamie McCourt interviewed Dodgers assistant GM Kim Ng. Ng and Roy Smith, the scouting and player development VP, are representing the Dodgers at the GM meetings.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Tampa Bay		Rays focus on Maddon, McLaren Nov 8 - The Tampa Tribune reports that Angels bench coach Joe Maddon will interview Tuesday for the second time for the Rays' managerial position, but it will be his first meeting with new senior vice president Gerry Hunsicker. Rays bench coach John McLaren will have his second interview Wednesday. Although Bobby Valentine remains a possible candidate, he has yet to be interviewed, and no meeting with him has been set.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Hideki Matsui Yankees		Meeting over Matsui Nov 8 - Newsday reports that Yankees GM Brian Cashman said he planned to meet with Matsui's agent on Wednesday during the GM meetings in Indian Wells, Calif. Matsui reportedly wants a four-year deal, like his countryman Ichiro Suzuki, while the Yankees would rather offer a three-year contract. If the two sides can't come to an agreement by next Tuesday, Matsui will become a free agent, and the Yankees won't be able to sign him until May 1. Matsui, 31, is coming off a three-year deal worth $21 million. During the three years, Matsui didn't miss a game and hit .297 with 70 home runs and 330 RBI.

[Joey Slugs]

Wednesday, November 9
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Paul Konerko White Sox	Angels Red Sox White Sox	Let the bidding begin Nov 9 - The White Sox are prepared to make Paul Konerko an offer, a four-year deal worth as much as $52 million, the Chicago Sun-Times reports. But Konerko is believed to be intent on finding out how much he's worth on the open market. ESPN.com Insider Jerry Crasnick reports that Boston's front office contingent met Tuesday with Craig Landis, Konerko's representative. Boston is looking to upgrade at the first-base position, where Kevin Millar and John Olerud combined for 16 homers and 76 RBI in 515 at-bats last season.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Carlos Delgado Marlins		Delgado states his case Nov 9 - First baseman Carlos Delgado reiterated his desire Tuesday to remain with the Marlins, calling on the team to clarify his status, The Miami Herald reports. "I don't want to be traded. I want to be a Marlin, and I want be in Florida and have a chance to win," Delgado told The Herald. "That was my position a year ago, and that's still my position today." General manager Larry Beinfest's response: "No comment. No comment on specific players."
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Jorge Posada Yankees		Pricy catch Nov 9 - Looking to cut their payroll, the Yankees are trying to gauge interest in catcher Jorge Posada and his bulky contract, the New York Daily News reports. The 34-year-old Posada will make $8 million next season. And if he starts 81 games at catcher, a clause in his contract guarantees a $12 million option for 2007.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Alfonso Soriano Rangers	Mets	So, what would it take ... Nov 9 - In need of a powerful middle-of-the-order bat, the Mets are once again talking to the Rangers about Alfonso Soriano's availability, The New York Times reports.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Danys Baez Devil Rays	Mets?	Minaya catching some Rays Nov 9 - Mets GM Omar Minaya is working on a potential trade with the Devil Rays for closer Danys Baez and first baseman Aubrey Huff, the New York Daily News reports. A D-Rays exec at the GM meetings in Indian Wells, Calif, told the newspaper that Minaya initiated discussions about a deal for Baez or Huff, or both.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Rafael Furcal Braves	Cubs Mets	The sales pitch Nov 9 - Cubs infielder Neifi Perez is recruiting friend Rafael Furcal, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports. Perez telephoned Furcal on Monday. "I told him I would be happy if he comes to the Cubs, because I know what he can do to help the team win," Perez told the newspaper. Furcal's agent, Paul Kinzer, is seeking a five-year contract.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Bob Howry Indians	Phillies? Tigers Brewers Indians Mets Rangers	The setup man Nov 9 - Milwaukee GM Doug Melvin met with Bobby Howry's agents Tuesday in Indian Wells, Calif., ESPN.com Insider Jerry Crasnick reports. The Brewers are interested in Howry as a setup man for Derrick Turnbow, who saved 39 games last season. Howry went 7-4 with a 2.47 ERA and held AL hitters to a .191 average last season in Cleveland. He could step in as the Indians' closer in 2006 if Bob Wickman doesn't return, but the Indians are hesitant to give Howry the three-year contract he desires. Agent Craig Landis said about 75 percent of the teams interested in Howry want him to pitch primarily in the eighth inning. The other 25 percent have expressed a willingness to let him compete for a closer's job, Landis said.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Kevin Mench Rangers	Royals	Mench-ionable Nov 9 - According to The Kansas City Star, the Rangers are finally willing to consider offers for outfielder Kevin Mench, a prize the Royals have coveted for some time. "We're not shopping him, but we're not going to turn a deaf ear to listening to ways to make our club better," Rangers GM Jon Daniels told the newspaper. The Royals reportedly are offering left-hander Jeremy Affeldt as part of a deal that could include other players.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Jacque Jones Twins	Padres	Keeping up with Jones Nov 9 - The Padres are exploring Jacque Jones as an option in the outfield if they can't re-sign Brian Giles, the San Diego Union-Tribune reports. "They've got quite a bit of interest," said Jones' agent, Rick Thurman, told the newspaper. "A lot of it depends on Giles. Jacque is interested. San Diego is his home base."
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Boston		Still hope for Theo? Nov 9 - The Red Sox will interview Washington's Jim Bowden as a potential replacement for departed GM Theo Epstein. They'll also talk to Toronto assistant Tony LaCava, Atlanta assistant Dayton Moore, Los Angeles assistant Kim Ng and others, Peter Gammons reported. They will interview former Montreal and Baltimore GM Jim Beattie on Friday. Cleveland assistant Chris Antonetti declined an opportunity to interview for the job. Some in the ownership group hold out hope that Epstein can resolve his differences with Lucchino and return as the GM. Contrary to some reports, Lucchino has not rejected that idea, and wants Epstein back, Gammons reported.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Tom Gordon Yankees		Flash wants three years Nov 9 - The Yankees made an informal pitch -- a two-year offer -- to reliever Tom Gordon, The New York Post reports. But Gordon, who's coming off a two-year, $7.25 million contract, is seeking a three-year deal. An official at the general managers' meetings in California told ESPN.com Insider Jerry Crasnick that Gordon wants a contract for more money than the three-year, $15.5 million deal that Ryan Dempster signed with the Cubs in early October. "I'm not sure we're that far off," Gordon's agent, Rick Thurman, told The Post. "[Gordon] loved being in New York. He has no problem coming back there and setting up for Mariano."
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Tim Worrell Diamondbacks	Diamondbacks	That cut hurts Nov 9 - Reliever Tim Worrell isn't thrilled with the Diamondbacks' offer to re-sign him for $1 million for 2006, The Arizona Republic reports. "I know that's a lot of money in the real world," Worrell told the newspaper. "But I don't live in the real world. I live in this crazy, stupid world of baseball, where things are different, and in the end, I don't think I should have to take a pay cut of two-thirds of my salary last year." Worrell made $3 million in 2005.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Kevin Millwood Indians		High five Nov 9 - Agent Scott Boras reportedly wants a five-year deal for right-handed starter Kevin Millwood, The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports. The Indians are willing to make a three-year offer, possibly four, but not five.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Brian Fuentes Rockies		Relief appearance Nov 9 - Rockies GM Dan O'Dowd on Tuesday stepped away from the general managers' meetings to have an initial talk with Brian Fuentes' agent, Rick Thurman, about a two-year deal with a possible option for the reliever, the Rocky Mountain News reports.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Kenji Jojima	Padres Mets Mariners	Major-league appeal Nov 9 - The Padres, Mets and Mariners are looking at 29-year-old Japanese catcher Kenji Jojima. According to the San Diego Union-Tribune, bidding for Jojima could go as high as $20 million on a multiyear deal. In seven seasons with the Fukuoka Hawks, Jojima batted .299 with averages of 30 home runs and 100 RBI, the newspaper reports.

[OssMan]

Keep away from Manny Ramirez for fucks sake

[BCWWF]

Those simulated news conferences are fucked up. I was like WTF? Reporters don't act like that at a press conference. And GM's don't say that much in a conference. What?

[Dragon]

What are some good sites for trade rumors and stuff like that, that people use. Besides like ESPN and foxsports.

[The Miz]

http://www.rotoworld.com

[The Miz]

Here's a new rumor

Toronto gets:
Bobby Abreu

Philadelphia gets:
Vernon Wells

[Joey Slugs]

so, the best pitchers in both leagues each finish 3rd for the two Cy Young awards. interesting.

[YOUR Hero]

Originally Posted by The Miz Here's a new rumor Toronto gets: Bobby Abreu Philadelphia gets: Vernon Wells

I don't see the justification for a trade like that, as far as T.O. is concerned. I'd love Abreu, but the trouble in T.O. is they have one slugger and no one to protect him. This would just be the same thing, with a new name.

[The Miz]

Here are ESPN Insider's top 50 free agents and predicted teams

Paul Konerko	Red Sox
Johnny Damon	Red Sox
Roger Clemens	retirement
Rafael Furcal	Cubs
Billy Wagner	Phillies
B.J. Ryan	Mets
A.J. Burnett	Blue Jays
Hideki Matsui	Yankees
Brian Giles	Cubs
Trevor Hoffman	Padres
Kyle Farnsworth	Braves
Kevin Millwood	Indians
Ramon Hernandez	Mets
Benji Molina	Padres
Matt Morris	Orioles
Jarrod Washburn	Rangers
Bob Wickman	Indians
Todd Jones	Marlins
Tom Gordon	Diamondbacks
Jeff Weaver	Angels
Mark Grudzielanek	Cardinals
Alex Gonzalez	Braves
Nomar Garciaparra	Dodgers
Preston Wilson	Orioles
Mike Piazza	Angels
Frank Thomas	Indians
Jacque Jones	Tigers
Reggie Sanders	Cardinals
Kenny Rogers	Dodgers
Jeromy Burnitz	Padres
Ricardo Rincon	Yankees
Julian Tavarez	Mets
Bobby Howry	Yankees
Carl Everett	Nationals
Bill Mueller	Dodgers
Kenny Lofton	Padres
Brad Ausmus	Astros
John Olerud	Mets
Ray Durham	Mariners
Joe Randa	Dodgers
Scott Elarton	Nationals
Esteban Loaiza	Nationals
Jamie Moyer	Mariners
Octavio Dotel	Mets
Juan Encarnacion	Nationals
Bernie Williams	Orioles
Sammy Sosa	Devil Rays
Kevin Millar	Twins
Paul Byrd	Reds
Scott Eyre	Red Sox

Most of the choices make no sense (Piazza to the Angels), some are completely uninformed and impossible (Loaiza to the Nats). Also I wasn't aware until now that Minaya intends on signing half the league. Thanks, Steve Phillips.

LOL @ Sosa to the Devil Rays though. I'd love to see that

[VonErich Lives]

Millar to the Twins? I've been hearing Muellar.... maybe they have them backwards...

wait? was this all steve phillips?

If that's the case, bet money against each one of these, you'll win 80-90% of the bets.

[Evil Vito]

Just heard that the Mets and Tigers will entertain a swap of C Ivan Rodriguez and SS-2B Kaz Matsui at the end of the off-season if each team still has their respective headache...

thing is, this will likely only happen if the Mets do not sign Molina, Hernandez, or Jojima

All I have to say is WTF?? The Mets could get rid of Matsui's contract while getting a great catcher that I would rather have than the other 3 options. AND they'd only be responsible of Pudge for 2 years, while all the others would be a minimum of 3......I say do it now, screw Molina/Hernandez/Jojima

[The Miz]

Konerko has been offered 4 years, $13 million per by Chicago as an initial offer. Waaaay too much.

[MVP]

Yeah no kidding