SkokieSox

Fan favorite? He played a third of a season. They wanted someone to build around, and PK could serve that role as well.

Possibly a new GM, but I doubt Ozzie would be cut loose. He actually probably would be better with a young team that he can mold into his image.

Did they do away with arbitration?

I agree, but if Ichiro and Matsui can become ROY candidates, then Takatsu should be as well.

I don't think KW has a fasicination of Crede in that sense. The fact is Crede showed signs that he had talent in the minors, but hasn't been able to translate that into success in the majors. Defensively he's sound. Right now though, we don't have a lot of viable options. Crede is in a situation where we need to give him another year. Why? Because Josh Fields has an ETA of 2006, ruling out locking up a more expensive option that would require a contract of 2 or more years. Crede can be a serviceable third baseman, and may be able to get us something in return when it is time for Fields to take over.

What makes everyone think Polanco is even available? And if we are able to get him, how much more would it take to get him than Vizquel. It's fine if people would rather have him, but there are circumstances to consider.

Why would that affect PK?

There's no way the Yankees do that. Posada in particular isn't going anywhere.

Let me rephrase then. The Sox won't trade Lee, Garland, and prospects for RJ.

I think that's an over estimation of what it would if take IMO. And if it did take Lee, Garland, and prospect, we would probably get more in return than Johnson.

:rolly And if the Twins said it wasn't true, well I guess that's good enough for you anyhow. :rolly

Nothing like a small sample size to try to prove a point. :rolly

So how was KW dumb for that?

When you have several other teams in the bidding, the price goes up. That's business 101.

Well I guess that's where we differ. I think KW does a good job.

Either way, money will be spent this offseason apparently, which is pretty positive in and of itself. Who's excited?

$6 million

What about the other player increases? It's fine to want to spend, but you have to be reasonable. I'm fine with trading Lee if it means acquiring Beltran, especially with Anderson and Sweeney on their way.

Actually, I think we will go after him. Doesn't mean we'll succeed, but the organization has shown a willingness to spend on worthy players, which certainly includes Beltran.

He had a point there though, Israel.

Conspiracy theory- Sox keep they're mouths shut about the Ordonez situation, Boras keeps Sox up to date and upfront about Beltran negotiations.

Why is that? He couldn't be any worse than Valentin, in fact, it should be a significant improvement. Better defense, more consistent contact, and the ability to consistently move runners along.

I wouldn't mind it, but I would prefer getting Vizquel and having Uribe at second. I like Harris, but I feel this would make us very strong up the middle.

Agreed, and that's the idea. If nothing else, Vizquel would be a solid a defensive SS with the ability to move runners along in the two spot.

Although I see what you're saying, I just think we could do worse, and that the money we have to spend this offseason would be better allocated in other areas. If Davis wasn't a good defensive catcher with good game calling ability, I would agree that, that would be a major concern and priority for next season. And as I said, I see Davis being a dangerous hitter in the back order of the lineup.