YASNY

The only bonus a left handed hitter in the leadoff spot brings is that he is one step closer to first base. We need some LH power.

I agree on Cotts. He is in the AFL, correct? I recently saw (somewhere) that one "major league scout" said that there was only one pitcher down there that was ready for the bigs, and it wasn't Cotts. But, then we all saw that ourselves. He needs just a bit more time, I believe.

Urbina did "get away" from Boston. He was most recently a Marlin. Hence, "the Fish that got away from the RedSox".

Now that is putting things in the proper perspective.

Dempster is definietly worth a gamble. If he can get it all together, he can be damn good.

Gammons got this one right. From his Novenber 1st column:

Again, a young player struggles with his first, yet sporadic, exposure to major league pitchers and people want to dump him. I know Robin Ventura went 0-41 to begin his career and then there was this other young guy that had a similar, if not worse beginning. His name was Willie Mays.

How come everyone always gives up on these young guys when they've had just a sampling of major league at bats. It takes time to learn how to hit major league pitchers.

I don't think the Ordonez for Johnson and Soriano is conceivable at all. However, I wouldn't let Maggs go for either one of the straight up. As far as the Yankees not taking that $14 Million salary..... If King George wants Magglio then He's a Yankee. In Fact, I think Magglio makes more sense for the Yankees than either Vlad or Sheff. I can see the Yanks going after both Magglio and Beltran. Wouldn't surprise me a bit to see Matsui, Beltran and Ordonez in their outfield, with Giambi at 1B and Bernie W as DH. Damn... That's sick.

Well, all the pros and cons about Ozzie Guillen have been expressed. When it comes down to it, we really do not have a clue how this is going to turn out. This is the hand we've been dealt and I know I'm going to support Ozzie until he proves to me he is either incapable or the wrong man on the wrong team at the wrong time.

I think if we trade Maggs, then our next right fielder is........ Joe Borchard.

I don't think Robin would command very much in the current free agent market.

He can play first, third and DH in a backup role. He'd also give us a LH alternative at each position. Say if we were facing a tough righty, He could give Crede a break. Similar to the Daubach role last year, but with 3rd base thrown into the mix.

I agree with you, and for the very reasons you mentioned. There is a better than average chance Flash could break down again.

That's interesting. I flew the idea of Venture coming back past my father today. I think he'd be a good fit with the club and he is a fan favorite.

Steff, please don't let this incident stop you from posting what info you can. Some of us appreciate it very much, and also know that things change so even an informed tip can eventually turn out to be proven wrong.

Good points, YASNY. I wouldnt mind getting Johnson, but that REQUIRES us to be able to move Konerko. Maybe Maggs+Konerko+Mid-level prosp for Johnson+Soriano++ I dunno, its gonna take moving PK to have Nick Johnson, will we find a taker? I agree. We'd have to move PK to make room for Johnson. But, no, I don't see the Yankees taking PK off of our hands. Maybe something in a 3 way deal of some kind.

Lot's of good info there, Steff. Thank you.

Rowand is a damn good ballplayer. He most likely will be our starting CF'er next year and that's fine with me. If Harris beats him out, that's cool too. I don't expect it though, as Rowand seems to be the better hitter. I can not think of a single logical reason the Yankees would want Konerko. Though, I do agree with Chisonfn that PK still has value and should be tradeable. If I had to settle for either Johnson or Soriano in a Maggs deal, I'd insist on Johnson. Though, Johnson for Maggs straight up is out of the question. I think Magglio would make more sense for the Yankees than either Sheffield or Guerrero. Maggs is locked in at $14Mil for 2004 and it would give them a season to evaluate his performance in NY before commiting to a long term big bucks deal, which they'd have to do with Vlad and which Sheff is not worth. but will probably require.

Maggs is almost certainly going to have to be traded. And the Yanks are the team that has the need and the money. Whoever else it takes to get Johnson and Soriano, well, so be it.

I think it will be Gaston. The fact that he has two WS championships will bring some respect and dignity to the team.

I don't think there is any doubt the Sox want Tony G back. You might as well forget about Daubach. He didn't appear to be happy here, due to lack of playing time. Also, I thought Daubach was our emergency catcher last year. Never heard any reference to Graff in that role, that I can recall.

Both candidates have something to offer. Gaston brings experience and respect while Guillen brings enthusiasm. I think it's going to be Gaston.

No great loss.

I said yesterday for Koch, Konerko and $5M for each year of the remainder of Manny's contract, I would take hime. Manny and Magglio would not need much more around thema dn this would be fun to watch. Magglio-Ramirez-Thomas-Lee would be very dangerous. We've tried the formula of a string of power hitting right handed hitters for 3 years and it hasn't worked. Let's try something else for a change. See the Marlins for an example.