whitesox61382

It wasn't so much that Dan Patrick is a reliable baseball guy as much as ESPN is a credible source and would probably only report a deal if it was all but certain.

ESPNNews is also confirming the deal, so it appears like it is no joke. The only question is will the ARod deal go down to make it finalized?

According to ESPN1000 the deal is Maggs for Nomar, Williamson, and a pitching prospect. That seems a little odd. Maybe they mean that the pitching prospect is heading to Boston from the White Sox, but if that is in fact the deal, than it appear very good for the White Sox. They also say that it hinges on the ARod deal going through.

The Score is now reporting that Nomar could be sent to Seattle now. There are so many things happening right now that it is impossible to follow all the scenerios. KW must be going crazy right now.

Just said that Nomar was traded to the Sox. I am not sure if there is more to the deal or not. The deal also hinges on the ARod deal going done, but Dan Patrick is a pretty reliable source.

By wild did you mean in your "wild"est dreams? There is no way that LA gives up Perez, Mota, and Miller for 3 overpaid underachievers(Koch, Konerko, and Valentin). Evans is stupid, but not that stupid. If you are going to make up trade rumors at least make them semi-realistic.

The problem with scenerio one is that the Sox will still be 5-7M over budget with some holes still to be filled. Thats why I think scenerio 2 is the best option for the Sox(that and I would love to see the Sox get their hands on Miller). In scenerio 2, the Sox would cut about 4-5M off the payroll so that should address their budget needs. They can then trade Valentin to Seattle for Guillen, and Koch to the Mets for Weathers, and save another 5M without getting worse. They can then use that extra 5M to sign JuanGone to replace Maggs. So in theory, scenerio 2 could land the Sox: Perez, Mota, Williamson, Miller, Guillen, Weathers, JuanGone, and get the Sox payroll under 60 at a cost of only Maggs, Munoz(possible another pitching prospect:), Valentin, and Koch. I don't know about you guys, but that seems like a great trade off and makes scenerio 2 the best option. Besides, in scenerio 1 what would the Sox do for pitching considering that they are still 5-7M over budget? Keeping Nomar would be great, but the key to winning with a payroll under 60M is quantity over quality, and scenerio 2 addresses that the best.

You have got to be kidding about not wanting a Nomar to LA for Perez, Mota, and Miller deal. In fact, that deal is one-sided for the Sox. Trust me, you wouldn't be calling Miller some 19 year old pitcher for long. This kid is an absolute stud, and some feel he is the top pitching prospect in baseball. He is a 6'5 lefty that is consistantly in the low 90's with his fastball(sometimes reaching the mid-90's), has one of the best curves in the minors(compared to Zito's curve), a nasty developing slider, and a decent change. Most scouts feel that he has a good chance to come into the majors and dominate from day 1(even at 20, 21, 22) similar to Prior. The point is that it wouldn't take long before you are bowing to KW for getting this kid, and saying things like this was one of the best deal ever. Most LA fans that I have talked to say that they would hang Evans if he got rid of Miller, yet alone Perez, Mota, and Miller for Nomar or even Maggs. If the Sox could get Nomar and Williamson for Maggs and Munoz(maybe another pitching prospect), and then turn around and deal Nomar for Perez, Mota, and Miller(I doubt that LA will give that much up), than the Sox will be in a golden situation. Not only did they manage to save about 4-5M, but they also got a middle of the rotation starter(Perez), a stud prospect that could compete with Rauch/Diaz/Cotts for the 5th spot(Miller), and 2 dominating right handed relievers. That trade would address all the Sox pitching needs. The Sox could then trade Valentin to Seattle for Guillen, and Koch to the Mets for Weathers, and save about 5M. They can then use that 5M to sign JuanGone to replace Maggs. The only other question mark after that would be a leadoff hitter.

The Royals are the team to beat??? I would have to disagree. While they have made some nice signings most have been minor improvements. They still have a very weak starting pitching staff. Furthermore, if you look at the stats from last year you will see a team that shouldn't have been above .500 and drasticly overachieved. As it stands right now I think it is a neck and neck race between the three teams with the Twins having a slight advantage because they have some solid prospects ready to step in for the players they lost. However, if the Sox can make some decent moves and find a starter to fill Colon's spot, someone to leadoff, and another right handed reliever without giving up too much, than I think the Sox become slight favorites. Any way you slice it, it should be a close race and a race to see which midget is the tallest if you will.

According to ESPN, the players union has agreed to restructure ARod's contract, which was the only hold up on the deal. They now believe that the deal is all but done. I think this is bad news for the Sox unless the BoSox are able to add Maggs contract.

Yep, thats good news for the Sox(its on the mlb cleveland website). Now KW can rip the M's off by trading Valentin for Guillen.

You are correct DonkeyKong. The reports out of Seattle say that they intend to play Spiezio at 3rd in hopes of moving Cirillo, so I don't think Seattle has much interest in Valentin any more. I am still scratching my head over the Vizquel for Guillen deal. That makes no sense for Seattle. Oh well, hopefully KW can rip them off as well.

I really hope that this deal DOESN'T go through, because in all likelyhood it would take away the main suitor for Maggs in LA(its a pretty safe bet that they would get Nomar instead). That leaves the Sox with very few options. Seattle would still be a possibility, but talks have cooled between the two teams after Seattle reported turned down a Garcia and Soriano for Maggs deal. Anaheim just took themselves off the market by signing Guillen. The Yankees got their power hitting corner outfielder in Sheffield, and appear more focused on getting a solid defensive 2B/CF that can leadoff. Baltimore might have some interest if they lose out on Guerrero, but you have to realize that the same teams after Maggs would probably turn their attention to Guerrero if that happens, which would leave Baltimore as the only possible option and could force an unfair deal. The sleeper might be Boston if the ARod and Nomar deals go down, however, I don't know if they will have the financial flexibility to take on Maggs's contract. Furthermore, they really don't have much that they would be willing to give up that would interest the Sox. Their minor league system/young major league talent is almost dry. The one guy that I would love to see the Sox get in return would be Trot Nixon(there are some rumors floating around that he could be available), but I don't see why the Red Sox would give him up to get Maggs. The point that I am trying to make is that IF the ARod deal goes down, than I think it will only have negative implications from a Sox standpoint, and might make them desperate to move salary and get less then fair value in return for a player like Maggs, especially if one of the main suitors is no longer interested. I am hoping and prying that this deal doesn't go through from the Sox standpoint.

I would love the idea of Garcia and Guillen for Valentin and someone else(depending on who that someone else is of course). The only problem is that the Sox would be adding about 10.5M(assuming Garcia gets around 8M through arbitration) and only giving up 5M + the someone elses salary. With that said, I have always been a fan of Guillens and think he would be an upgrade over Valentin at SS. Add to the fact that the Sox get Garcia(whos trade value is decreasing by the day with the non-tender date approaching this Saturday) and that would be 2 solid additions to the team, however, it makes me wonder who this other player is?

I really don't think that Tampa Bay is going to trade Huff. Why would they trade a talented, young, cheap, stud when they are trying to rebuild? It just doesn't make any sense and I think it is a BS rumor that is going around that he is available. The only way that they trade him is if a deal that is too good to pass up is offered, and while your purposal seems fair I doubt that it would be enough to knock their socks off. In regards to your projected team, I don't like the idea of BOTH Harris and Uribe in the lineup together. Sure that would make for a good defensive middle infield, but that also makes for 2 holes on offense and one possible in the leadoff spot(I could stomach one of them starting and batting 9th though). I really think the Sox need to address the top of the order. It would be nice if the Sox could get either Winn or Guillen included in a deal for Maggs with Seattle, or maybe even Roberts in a deal for Maggs with LA, or possible swing a deal on the side and get either Hudson from Toronto or Roberts/Hairston/Mora from Baltimore. Anyway that you slice it I think the Sox need to find someone to leadoff. I would also like to move Lee to the 3 or 4 hole, especially if the Sox deal Maggs. They will need his run production more in those areas. I also think that Rowand is the favorite for the CF job at this point, and should be given a couple of months to show what he can do. Give Reed a couple of months in AAA since he has only spent half a season in the upper minors, and IF Rowand struggles AND Reed is doing well in AAA, than you can make a switch. The pitching staff would be amazing, however, I think it is highly unlikely. To begin with I doubt that the Sox add two big salary starters. You have to remember that they are already about 5-7M over budget(after arbitration and assuming 58M is the target budget) so cutting that payroll AND adding 2 big salary starters is highly unlikely. Furthermore, I always like to give the 5th spot to a youngster. Giving good pitching prospects a chance to develop and building from within is a key component in building a championship calibur organization. Besides, the odds are that the Sox will most likely get a good pitching prospect in the upper minors/majors (Soriano, Johnson, Blackley, Nageotte, Jackson, Miller, Hanrahan) along with a starter in a deal involving Maggs. So giving that 5th spot to either the pitching prospect or someone from the group of Rauch/Diaz/Cotts would be a decent move, and odds are that at least one of the guys from that group can live up to their potential and put together a decent rookie year(they cant be much worse then the 3-11 6.75 ERA that the Sox got combined from the 5th spot last year). The bullpen would be great, however, I got a feeling that the Sox won't be able to pry Mota away from LA. I think KW should then counter and tell LA to replace Mota with either Jackson or Miller instead. While it is not likely to get either of those two they might be more willing to trade one of those two instead of Mota considering that Mota will most likely play a big role next year for LA then either Jackson or Miller. I would love to see a deal of Perez, Miller/Jackson, and Hanrahan/Guettirez for Maggs(not sure if LA would give the Sox 2 top prospects, but it is worth trying and not as bad as Perez, Mota, and 2 top prospects like the papers were reporting/speculating). I would hate to see a deal get held up on Mota when KW might be able to still get a top pitching prospect instead. I hope that the Sox can swing the Koch for Weathers deal as well, however, it appears that the Sox might have to include a marginal prospect(prefered) or some money to make it happen. If the Sox did get Mota, than I doubt that they would add a big salary reliever, and I see little reason to with a bullpen of Marte, Wunsch, Koch(or Weathers), Mota, Wright(I think he could turn into a solid set up guy), and then 1 spot for a youngster that misses out on the 5th starters spot. I would be perfectly happy with that type of pen. Also see the part about financial constraints in the previous paragraph. You have a very good mind chisoxfn, and seem to put good idea together that I often agree with. I wouldn't be disappointed if the above options went down, but I think some of them are highly unlikely at this point. The key, IMO, is the ARod deal NOT going down, because that probably means that Nomar will stay put. If Nomar is available, than that will probably eliminate either the M's or Dodgers from the Maggs sweepstakes and deal a severe blow to the Sox trading ability, which could result in the Sox taking a poor offer for Maggs because they have few options and need to move some salary. I am praying that the deal doesn't go down, because I see only negative implications for the Sox. ps...I am very sorry about the length. I have tried to cut down, but sometimes I have to many ideas rolling around in my head.

I think this article was more speculation then an actual offer from either side, so take it for what it is worth.

I do think Reed should spend at least a couple of months at AAA. There is no need to rush this guy. He has only spent half a year in the upper minors. Rowand should be given the starting CF job, and IF Maggs is traded then finding a cheap replacement is a good idea. Both Gonzalez and Sanders put up similar OPS's to Maggs, and would cost about 1/4th of what Maggs would cost. Lets hope JuanGone stays healthy if the Sox do sign him, because he would be a solid replacement on and off the field(he still has a big name and would soften the PR blow of losing Maggs). When I read the Sun Times article I got the impression that it was more speculation then an actual offer that KW made. There is absolutely no way that the Dodgers trade Perez(or Garcia if they get him), Mota, and 2 of their top 4 prospects for Maggs. Evans isn't a good GM, but even he isn't that stupid. The Dodgers do have pitching to trade, but giving up a young middle of the rotation starter, a key set up guy in the pen(who will play a bigger role with Quantrill gone), and 2 top pitching prospects isn't going to happen. I think the Sox would be lucky to get a Perez, Mota, and either Miller/Jackson deal. Keep this in mind to help put things into perspective. Reports have said that the M's rejected a Garcia and Soriano for Maggs deal. That is similar to the Dodgers rejecting a Perez and either Jackson/Miller trade, so hoping to get that AND Mota would be lucky. If KW did get an offer like the above he would be stupid to pass it up, as much as love Maggs. Furthermore, if the Sox get someone like Perez or Garcia, than I highly doubt they sign Ponson(mostly for financial reasons). If the above deal went done, than they would also get a young starter like Jackson/Miller who could be a good 5th start and compete with Rauch/Diaz/and maybe Cotts(odds are 1 of those guys could put together a decent year and live up too their potential). Furthermore, they would need to find a replacement for Maggs and hopefully a 2B that can hit at the top of the order. I am not sure how much interest that the Dodgers have in either Konerko or Valentin. While they did free up some money with the KBrown trade, they still aren't going to make stupid decisions and add big salary underachievers just because they have money to spend. I am sure that they would rather have Nomar, and IF the ARod trade goes through, than the Dodgers become the favorites to land Nomar(meaning they would have no interest in Valentin). Evans has shown that he really doesn't want Konerko, so hoping to include him in a deal with Maggs(which means they would be adding 22.5M for 2 players) is highly unlikely. Why not try and sign JuanGone or Sanders for 3-5M and get much better bang for your buck? I think a domino affect will happen after the ARod trade does/or doesn't go through. Teams will have a better understand of what they need and the possibilities available to address their needs. I don't think you will see a Sox trade until that is clarified. Furthermore, you might not see a trade until the Dec 20 non-tender deadline to see if players like Garcia could be had for nothing in return. Sorry for the length

Why would the Sox want/need him? The guy hit .208 last year and is questionable defensively. I hope that this isn't Beane's backup plan to replace Hernandez, because it would make the Hernandez trade that much worse. I really think Oakland is going to take a hit, even with their talented starting staff. The lose of Tejada, Hernandez, Foulke, Guillen, Long, and Lilly(plus a couple of PTBN) and replacing them with Kotsay, Kielty, and Barrett so far, is a significant decrease for Oakland.

The O's are making some moves. They are the AL version of the Padres. They are going to be drasticly improved, but I still don't think they will be able to hang with the Yankees and Red Sox(not unless they significantly improve their starting pitching). However, this has to be one of the biggest offseasons by one team in a long time. They could possible sign Tejada, Guerrero, IRod, and Ponson. Thats 4 possible AS's. Pretty impressive. Wouldn't it be nice to see the Sox lose some salary during the offseason and go on a big spending spree like the O's? I can dream can't I?

There was some good analysis in this thread. I have no problem with trading prospects. I hate when people overract when a top prospect is traded. I do understand the importance of a solid minor league system and building from within, but what few people realize is that VERY FEW prospects ever make it. If you trade prospects for proven players, than you are trading an uncertainty for a proven comodity. Yet people neglect this simple fact, the fact that VERY RARELY do the prospects traded ever develop into an equal/better player then the proven major leaguer they were traded for. Furthermore, you need to understand this simple concept, prospects are unproven potential until they prove themselves at the major league level(which is the only thing that matters). I makes no difference that Harris hit close to .400 at AAA last year, if he can barely hit .200 in the majors. These are simple ideas that people often neglect because they put too much faith/stock into prospects. This thread helps prove these points.

14 million reasons why he should be traded. Maggs is one of my favorite players, but I root for the team before I root for individual players, and if trading Maggs makes this a better team, than he should be traded. Furthermore, the Sox will have about 63-65M tied up next year after arbitration and increases, and reports say that the target payroll is around 58M. That means the Sox will probably have to cut about 5-7M AND fill holes in the rotation, 2B, and relief pitching among others. You want to trade Konerko, Valentin, and Koch, but you don't understand that few teams have interest in those players because of the combination of their salaries and performance. Furthermore, you probably won't get much in return AND will probably have to eat some of their salary OR take on a big salary in return. Maggs is probably the only player that will 1) net the Sox some decent talent to fill holes and 2) give them SOME financial relief. This is why the Sox are in a tough situation and is probably the reason why the Sox haven't made any moves so far.

I doubt that the DRays are trading Huff. Sure there have been some rumors, but why would you trade a cheap, young, talented player when you are trying to build for the future? It just doesn't make any sense, however, if they do trade Huff they will get a lot in return because of the above mentioned reasons. It will take a lot more then a good pitching prospect to get him, so keep that in mind while you are throwing out trade purposals.

You missed the point...Pettite, Colon, Escobar were signed by some of the few teams with money to spend this offseason. $$$$$$$$ - didn't necassarily mean that Ponson wants a ton of money, but meant that few teams have the financial flexibility to invest 6-7M/yr for a FA. Like I said before, most of the teams with money to spend AND who needed starting pitching have addressed their needs. What other teams have money to spend AND are in drastic need of starting pitching? Baltimore??? - and it is no coincidence that they are in the hunt for Ponson. San Diego??? - has also been mentioned with Ponson, however it appears that they are more interested in Maddux at this point. Atlanta??? - are after Maddux and Millwood first, but might go after Ponson if eveyrthing falls through. St. Loius??? - they might have the flexibility to go after Ponson now that they unloaded some salary. Mets??? - really haven't been mentioned with any starting pitchers. Detriot??? - see Mets. As you can see there are few teams with money to spend AND who are STILL looking for starting pitching. The few teams that do fit that description are going after Millwood and Muddax first. So you can see that the lack of interest in Ponson really doesn't have anything to do with his ability.

The M's are willing to part with Winn. The M's also wouldn't need another outfielder if they traded Winn and picked up Maggs, because they would move Ichiro to CF(his natural position), Maggs in RF, and remember that they signed Ibanez to play LF. Thats why I have a feeling that if Maggs is traded to Seattle, than Winn might be included else Winn would be a 3M/yr bench player for Seattle. I really like the idea of getting Winn to leadoff. He has quietly put together some good seasons the past 2 years and would look good leading off.

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$...The fact remains that most teams are still cutting payroll. Most of the teams with money to spend AND who needed starting pitching have already addressed their needs. I predicted that after the big spenders get their needs, than there would be some good bargains because most teams are cutting payroll. Ponson at 6M/yr that would be a good investment, and until an credible/offical article comes out comfirming an injury I am going to assume that he is healthy. As someone else pointed out, he would have to pass a physical before he signs, and they will make sure that nothing is wrong with his arm.