RockRaines

QUOTE(redandwhite @ Dec 9, 2005 -> 09:56 AM) in hindsight, which is really the only way this can be viewed, the 06 line-up is superior to the 05 one. as balta said though, the infield was hardly the reason for having the best offense in baseball and that had more to do with david ortiz and manny ramirez. Well, I dont know about that, 2005 IF was better at every position other than 2B. So I would say that the 2005 version, going by the numbers is a better offensive IF. Its good to be thinking positive, but its better to think realistic. If Manny leaves, half of their production leaves with it as well.

QUOTE(BlackBetsy @ Dec 9, 2005 -> 09:50 AM) The key difference to me is that Tejada is signed for 4 more years, Garland has 1 year left. Garland for Tejada straight up is a no-brainer. Garland and Uribe (who the Sox wouldn't have a space for after Tejada comes aboad) for Tejada is a no-brainer, too. If that happened, you would use El Duque as a stopgap 5th starter next year. Since Gio and Haigwood are gone, you either pray that Broadway can be ready by 2007 (not likely) or look to the free agent market after the 2006 season. Stop gap? Stop gap? Keep saying that in your head, and then picture Arnie Munoz, Felix Diaz and Danny Wright in your head. Calulate how many wins that loses us and come back to me. Our team is stronger and better with our pitching intact, than it would be if we traded one of them for a little more offense. Apparently nobody watched us win the WS last year? Now everyone wants some boppers and we can "fill in" some SP

QUOTE(fathom @ Dec 9, 2005 -> 09:30 AM) I must be watching different games than others, because I think Tejada would be a huge upgrade over Uribe. If you put Tejada on our team instead of Uribe, the offense would be improved to the point where you could trade Garland and still feel like you have enough to compete for the championship. Also, I'm not too worried about Tejada's attitude. A lot of s*** went down with the Orioles, and I'm sure if he was in a competitive situation, he'd be busting his ass for 162 games. I think that Juan is a better VALUE than Tejada. His price tag and what we would have to give up in a trade isnt worth it to me. I think Uribe is one step away from being at the top of the league for SS. Not only that but he is a team leader and a field general, it has been said that the hispanic population on the sox gravitate towards him and look up to him.

Fine, I will say it. I would rather have Uribe. For the cost, the chemistry, the future, I would rather have Uribe and the team we have now. Discuss.

QUOTE(TimoandAaron @ Dec 7, 2005 -> 08:49 PM) does anybody have a video of Deron Williams's "The Shot vs. Arizona last year? No, but you can change your SN now, they gone

If MB isnt one of your favorites you have mental problems.

Marte's Splits Last year Vs. LH .267 BAA .389 OBP 1.70 WHIP vs RH .244 BAA .375 OBP 1.75 WHIP Home 5.49 1.83 .266 BAA

Gio is pretty much the best arm in our system however, sucks to let him go.

Wow, his arm will fall off before he wins 14 game for detroit. Another bad signing by them today.

f***!!! I think if anything is going to bite us in the ass, its this guy.

QUOTE(Cerbaho-WG @ Dec 8, 2005 -> 12:26 PM) 2 yrs/11 million Wow, thanks for spending wastefully, Detroit. holy s***, thats overpaying by a ton!!

s***, Javy is going to DH all the time, or possibly are they going to make a move for pitching?

QUOTE(Flash Tizzle @ Dec 8, 2005 -> 12:45 PM) I've learned recently the most important aspect of Williams' trades, atleast those which may appear lopsidded or unequal, are the events which occur afterwards. Trading Vizcaino and Podsednik for a fair priced Carlos Lee didn't apper very equal, but the financial flexibility alloted to Williams gave us Iguchi, Pierzynski, Hernandez. This trade, at it's face value, doesn't do much for me. Marte has proven himself as a valuable left-handed relief pitcher with the ability to dominate both LH and RH batters. Mackowiak, at his best, is a versatile option off the bench. More should have been netted; especially during the current trade market for relief pitchers. Pittsburgh took advantage of our willingness to unload Marte. If Williams signs Myers, however, the trade is justified. I think at face value its equal. The guy was s***ty last year and got worse at the end. HE had no value because everyone knew we didnt want him. Economics people.

QUOTE(Balta1701 @ Dec 8, 2005 -> 11:59 AM) Can you give a reason why this seems to be the case? I'm just trying to guess what he'd do if he got real playing time. Is his fastball too slow? Too straight? Does he not have a large enough selection of pitches? Is there one that he just can't throw (like he hangs his curve ball every time)? Does he have problems throwing strikes? Is there something with him that can be worked on to adapt him to a big league bullpen, or is he just destined to go down with Billy Koch as a guy who's fastball is just not fast enough and too straight? He does have an extremely straight fastball, but I think he uses it to set up his slider and other pitches. I think he could make it at the big league level, but every time I saw him pitch, he was either really good, or the opposing batter looked like he saw every bit of every pitch. I really want him to make it here though.

Did anyone catch the celebration part of the sox pride video where Steve Perry and AJ, A-row and others sing the song. Freakin hilarious.

Can you refrain pposting any article with Haigwoods name in it, thanks

meh

Great, I love watching us hit the s*** out of his fat ass.

QUOTE(Balta1701 @ Dec 8, 2005 -> 11:47 AM) Do you guys think he will ever be able to put up decent big league numbers? Even in limited action last year, he gave up 2 home runs in 4 innings, and that still improved his career ERA. Seems to me, as much as I like him, his stuff doesnt translate to the bigs.

QUOTE(Punch and Judy Garland @ Dec 8, 2005 -> 11:00 AM) The Braves couldn't start Marte because Chipper can stay healthier at third than in LF so this is a move they had to make I guess. I guess they could have moved him to third but they were able to get a good SS out of it. Anyone else think Renteria will be much better next year in Atlanta? I think he does, different atmosphere, National League, I think he plays better there.

QUOTE(WHarris1 @ Dec 8, 2005 -> 11:14 AM) I hope they do deplete their farm for a way overrated player. Explain to me how he is overrated? Good hitter, Great fielder.

He wont be. Looks like he has serious minor league stuff, but it doesnt translate to the majors. There is no room for him and he really seems to have no trade value.

I hope to god that the Twins dont get Blalock

QUOTE(redandwhite @ Dec 8, 2005 -> 09:48 AM) http://braves.scout.com/2/476154.html until the money is official, i'll wait to say my opinion on the deal although personally, even with lowell and youkilis at third, marte is about as "can't miss" as "can't miss" be. he'll be fun to watch, best of luck edgar. Good trade for both teams, except that the Red Sox have no SS now.

Arms for Blalock? Dec 8 - The Twins spent parts of Tuesday and Wednesday talking with the Rangers about a deal for third baseman Hank Blalock, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. The Twins likely would give up pitching, possibly left-handed reliever J.C. Romero. The newspaper also dangles right-hander Scott Baker's name as possible trade bait, but says the team would like to keep starter Kyle Lohse. The deal could be expanded to include Kevin Mench. WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY Kris Benson Kris Benson Mets Rangers Royals From K.C to Texas Dec 8 - The Mets moved closer Wednesday to trading starter Kris Benson to Texas after talks broke down with Kansas City, Newsday reports. According to the newspaper, the Mets would send Benson to the Rangers for outfielder Laynce Nix and righthander Juan Dominguez. The Mets reportedly would like to clear Benson's salary (he's owed $15 million over the next two seasons) to make a run at Oakland's Barry Zito or Arizona's Javier Vazquez, who has requested a trade. WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY Bernie Williams Bernie Williams Yankees Yankees? Stars and pinstripes Dec 8 - The Yankees are moving closer toward bringing Williams back next year as an extra outfielder, ESPN.com's Jayson Stark reports. Williams is expected to get a one-year contract, believed to be in the neighborhood of $2 million, plus incentives. Because the negotiations did not finish by the end of Wednesday night, the Yankees offered Williams arbitration, with the understanding he won't accept it. WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY Manny Ramirez Manny Ramirez Red Sox Phillies? Mariners? Mets? Angels? Manny scenarios Dec 8 - There was talk of a three-way deal that would have sent Manny Ramirez to the Dodgers, but it fell apart, ESPN's Peter Gammons reports. Ramirez would have gone to Los Angeles for J.D. Drew, Derek Lowe and a pitching prospect. Lowe, Trot Nixon and a prospect would have gone to Philadelphia for Bobby Abreu. The Red Sox earlier told Gammons that Ramirez will not be traded this week because such a deal would be too complicated and take too much time to sort out. The Mets have talked to the Red Sox about Ramirez and asked Boston to take second baseman Kaz Matsui in a deal along with Lastings Milledge, Aaron Heilman and other prospects. According to The Boston Globe, there was substance to the rumor that the Red Sox were working on a three-way deal with the Angels and Diamondbacks. The Angels would get Ramirez, the D-Backs would get prospects from the Angels and the Red Sox would receive a package of players that includes third baseman Troy Glaus. WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY Julio Lugo Julio Lugo Devil Rays Red Sox Braves Cubs No three-way calling Dec 8 - The Red Sox, Braves and Devil Rays continue to talk about a variety of two-team and three-team combinations revolving around the usual suspects -- Edgar Renteria, Julio Lugo and Braves third-base prospect Andy Marte. But thanks to disagreements between the Red Sox and Devil Rays on Lugo's trade value, it's possible that Boston and Atlanta might pull off a simple two-team swap of Renteria for Marte. It's believed the Red Sox then would see if they could spin Marte to Tampa Bay for Lugo or elsewhere for another shortstop. Or they could keep Marte for a while and decide later whether to deal him or find a place for him to play. WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY Bobby Abreu Bobby Abreu Phillies Dodgers Cubs Astros Red Sox Blue Jays Why me? Dec 8 - There is little chance of Bobby Abreu being traded, because the Phillies can't get enough pitching back to justify it, ESPN.com's Jayson Stark reports. Nevertheless, Abreu has been puzzled by all the trade rumors, according to his agent, Peter Greenberg. The latest proposed deal involved the Dodgers, with Abreu and possibly third baseman David Bell going to L.A. for Derek Lowe or Brad Penny, The Philadelphia Inquirer reports. The Red Sox (possibly for Matt Clement and Trot Nixon) and Astros (potentially for Brandon Backe and Chad Qualls) have also shown interest in Abreu. WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY Milton Bradley Milton Bradley Dodgers Cubs Pirates Athletics Cubs game for Bradley Dec 8 - The Cubs and Dodgers haven't finalized a deal that would send outfielder Milton Bradley to the Cubs. But it seems clear that Bradley will be traded in the next few days, and no team is more interested in Bradley than the Cubs, ESPN.com's Jayson Stark reports. Dusty Baker came away from a meeting with Bradley last month convinced that Bradley could fit. And Bradley's .350-plus on-base percentage the last three years also would fit. Only two Cubs regulars -- Derrek Lee and Aramirs Ramirez -- had an on-base percentage over .350 this season. WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY Brad Wilkerson Brad Wilkerson Rangers Blue Jays Wilkerson on the move again? Dec 8 - The Blue Jays are expected to keep pursuing a deal for outfielder Brad Wilkerson, who was traded Wednesday from the Nationals to the Rangers in the Alfonso Soriano deal, the Toronto Star reports. Toronto may offer a package of pitchers and possibly second baseman Orlando Hudson. WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY Roger Clemens Roger Clemens Astros Yankees? Red Sox? Rocket saga Dec 8 - With Roger Clemens uncertain whether he will pitch again or retire, the Astros declined to offer salary arbitration . The move means the seven-time Cy Young Award winner can't re-sign with the NL champions before May 1. Houston's decision could lead to other teams trying to lure Clemens, such as the Yankees and Red Sox, two of his former clubs. "If anybody calls, we'll listen," said agent Randy Hendricks. WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY Edgar Renteria Edgar Renteria Red Sox Braves Sticking point: M-O-N-E-Y Dec 8 - While the three-way deal between Atlanta, Boston and Tampa Bay is dead, there is life to the proposed swap of Edgar Renteria for Braves third baseman Andy Marte, ESPN's Peter Gammons reports. Boston would play Alex Cora at short and go out and get someone else. According to the Boston Herald, the Braves were asking the Red Sox to pay as much as half of the $29 million remaining on Renteria's contract. A compromise, however, might be in the works, with the Braves possibly agreeing to pay $7.5M to $8M per season for the last three years of the deal. WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY Todd Jones Todd Jones Marlins Tigers Save situation Dec 8 - The Tigers have tentatively agreed with closer Todd Jones on a two-year, $11 million contract, the Detroit Free Press reports. WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY Joey Gathright Joey Gathright Devil Rays Marlins? Dodgers? Cubs? Intra-state trade? Dec 8 - With the trade of Juan Pierre to the Cubs now complete, the Marlins figure to pursue Joey Gathright as his successor in center field, the Tampa Tribune reports. Florida, the newspaper suggests, could offer some young pitching prospects. WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY Nomar Garciaparra Nomar Garciaparra Cubs Blue Jays? Yankees? Padres? Dodgers? Orioles Indians? Utility connection Dec 8 - Nomar Garciaparra has seven interested teams (including the Yankees) in him at five different positions, but he likely will wait another 10-14 days before he signs, ESPN's Peter Gammons reports. The Orioles have made an initial offer of one-year, $4 million to Garciaparra, who would likely play first base and possibly left field with Baltimore. According to The Cleveland Plain Dealer, if Garciaparra signs with the Indians, they'll give him a regular position. "Asking a guy to change positions is tough," Indians manager Eric Wedge told the newspaper. "We'd keep Nomar in one spot." WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY Trot Nixon Trot Nixon Red Sox Mariners Phillies Pirates Hot to Trot? Dec 8 - The Mariners are contemplating outfielder Trot Nixon as a fall-back plan, The Boston Globe reports. WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY Aubrey Huff Aubrey Huff Devil Rays Mariners Angels Orioles Red Sox Cubs? Headed to Wrigley? Dec 8 - The Cubs, looking for a right fielder to join Matt Murton and the newly-acquired Juan Pierre in the outfield, will try to fill the need through a trade rather than the free-agent market, according to ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick. Aubrey Huff and Texas' Kevin Mench are among the names at the top of the Cubs' wish list. One potential stumbling block is that it could be tougher for Chicago GM Jim Hendry to put together an attractive package now that the team has dealt Sergio Mitre and minor leaguers Ricky Nolasco and Renyel Pinto to Florida for Pierre. According to the Tampa Tribune, the Devil Rays continued talks Wednesday with the Cubs, Mariners, Red Sox, Angels and Orioles. WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY Jose Valentin Jose Valentin Dodgers Mets Valentin to join Mets Dec 8 - Jose Valentin has agreed to a one-year deal with the Mets, the New York Daily News reports. The 36-year-old infielder/outfielder took a physical Wednesday. WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY Chicago Cubs Chicago No arms deals Dec 8 - Cubs GM Jim Hendry has no plans to part with pitchers Mark Prior, Carlos Zambrano or Kerry Wood, the Daily Southtown reports. "The Cubs will not be trading Mark Prior or Carlos Zambrano," Hendry told the newspaper. There was some speculation Wood, who is coming off right shoulder surgery, would be part of a multiplayer deal with Texas. But Wood has a no-trade clause in his contract and is scheduled to earn $11 million in 2006. So it would be a huge gamble for another team to take a chance on him.