SSH2005

Looks like the Cardinals are close to a 5 year, $50 million deal with A.J. Burnett. More bad news for Cubs fans after they lost out on Furcal.

Dye doesn't walk enough these days to be a true #3 hitter. I agree with you on Thome though.

It was just hyperbole but there's still not very many Marlins fans in general. There's too many damn old people in southern Florida that don't go to games. True, but Lo Duca doesn't play good defense behind the plate and has a weak arm. He's a good game-caller but what does that matter when the Marlins are going to be losing a ton of games with or without Lo Duca anyways?

Just watch what the Marlins gouge the Cubs of for Pierre. They may be dumping good players but they are also dumping a ton of salary and getting some pretty good prospects for the future in return. I doubt the 95 existing Marlins fans really care anyways.

Lo Duca doesn't have much power, plays poor defense behind the plate, has a weak arm, and will be 34 years old to start next season. He will also earn $6.25 million in 2006 and 2007. He's just not very good and definately not worth his contract. But he's a great clubhouse guy though. The Mets would have been better off signing Bengie Molina or Ramon Hernandez. They both are better hitters, play better defense, and would have only cost money instead of prospects and money. This was a stupid trade for the Mets because it was completely unnecessary considering the much better options available through free agency.

Maybe if he didn't perform poorly down the stretch last season and his back was 100% healthy right now.

The Marlins just got Gaby Hernandez and another minor league pitcher for Paul Lo Duca. Lo Duca really isn't that good. He's pretty overrated. It will be interesting to see what they get for Pierre, an established leadoff hitter that the Cubs desire.

Good point, I was just assuming that Arizona would have to pick up some of Vazquez's contract. I should have said that.

Preferably off our team.

Mets fans seem to think that Lo Duca is headed to the Diamondbacks for Javier Vazquez.

As long as he has good hands, which I think he does. I'm sick of these guys not even catching or holding onto the ball. With our offense, we can't risk those kinds of mistakes.

Watch the Marlins gouge the Cubs for Pierre now.

I think we will see Eddie Berlin returning punts next week.

Maybe Kenny wants Vazquez because he thinks Garland just wants to sign with us for a year, become a free agent after 2006, and go for a huge contract? Vazquez will earn $8.5 million next season and $9.5 million in 2007 because the Yankees are still picking up $3 million on each year of his deal. He could probably pitch like a #2 again under Don Cooper.

Sign Peerless Price and make him the punt returner. These botched punt returns are getting really old.

Did Gammons say this recently or was it before we had re-signed Konerko? Because adding Glaus now wouldn't make much sense.

It's a done deal: http://www.nydailynews.com/front/breaking_...8p-316146c.html

Notice how he didn't mention that these teams are interested in signing him to a minor league deal.

Rowand was at the Bears game!

I'd rather just sign Mueller than trade players or prospects for Loretta.

Exactly how I feel. We have some trouble with Byrd but much more against Millwood. 2 years, $14.25 million is about market value for a pitcher like Byrd (see Loaiza's contract). I agree with you though. I'd rather pay Millwood the extra money.

Chad Tracy isn't going anywhere: http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/index.php?sty=54581

Is anyone else laughing that we will pay Konerko less money per year than what the Dodgers will be paying Furcal? I know Konerko got more total money than Furcal but that still seems ridiculous to me.

Haha, the Cubs are going to suck so bad next season. Say hello to your starting shortstop, Cubs fans. His name is Neifi Perez!

George Offman of the Score is reporting that Rafael Furcal will choose his team by noon tomorrow. The Dodgers are offering him 3 years and almost $40 million. The Cubs are offering him 5 years and almost $50 million. Furcal likes the idea of being a free agent again in 3 years while he's still in his prime but he's not leaning towards either team right now. Apparently, the Braves are out of the picture.