DBAHO

This is really an insane asking price by the D-Backs. Just sign Clement or Perez and Cora or Pierzynski and that should be fine for the rest of this off-season. And Tim Hudson commands a lower price than RJ, especially after seeing their demands.

Really gotta learn that green text thing there dude.

There's no doubt the Sox's recent track record of players leaving on good terms isn't all that great. And usually KW is to blame for that as I pointed out earlier. But any publicity is good publicity I guess, well for the media anyways, and Cowley is at least trying to justify the trade more which was quite interestlingly the exact opposite of what Phil Arvia did yesterday.

Yeah I've long been a fan of Burnett, and he'll be 2 years after major arm surgery at the beginning of next season. My question about him is this though, why doesn't Florida just lock him up to a 3 year deal for $21 to $24 million, instead of trading for Javier Vazquez and paying him the same amount?

Greg Maddux's personal catcher.

Loaiza was getting 3 year offers amazingly a week ago from the Nationals I think (Jim Bowden, suprise suprise), so it'll be doubtful he'll come back here. And I think the Sox would probably take their chances on Shoe or even Grilli (can't believe I just said that) instead of bringing him back. Pierzynski though could be had for $4 million in that range if no team puts in a waiver claim and takes him to arbitration where he could get $5 million. I think the Dodgers will go after him fairly heavily though, since it's likely they won't be getting Jason Varitek. And welcome to SoxTalk finally.

That's something Ozzie has to keep in mind for 2005, that we're not in the NL and we shouldn't be playing like we are.

And that 3 million could be used on the other holes that could be filled with players like Alex Cora. Most likely we'll be waiting to see which players are non - tendered on December 20th.

Jim Bowden has said already that he offered Odalis Perez $20 million over 3 years, and he didn't think that would be enough to sign him. Basically it's because of the inflated market for starting pitching from Kris Benson's contract. It's funny that a guy like Derek Lowe could end up with less money than Matt Clement, which you definitely wouldn't have picked after the world series.

Now Willie Harris, that's a whole different story.

Realistically that $5 or $6 million alone isn't going to be enough for us to get either Perez or Clement in my mind. Clement will probably get somewhere in between $24 and $27 million over 3 years from the Angels, Red Sox or the White Sox, while Perez could sign for a million or two less. And then we've still got holes at catcher and second base / shortstop they could still do with some upgrading. It all depends on where JR sets the payroll.

Runs Scored in 2004 - 865 Minny's Runs Scored in 2004 - 780 Runs Conceeded in 2004 - 831 Minny's Runs Conceeded in 2004 - 715 Jason Grilli ERA - 7.40

I think it was inevitable that a story like this was going to come up however. I mean taking away the money from the deal, it's definitely in favour of Milwaulkee, and there's always going to be questions asked, when a player from our team is traded. Like couldn't Jeremy Reed hit with that wrist of his, or couldn't Miguel Olivo call a game right etc. Although I will say I'm suprised it's come from Cowley and not Mariotti, but the Southtown usually seem to report a lot of stories and info that isn't in Chicago's major papers, or at least that's the general feeling I've had when I've read the sports reports most days.

Trade on hold until the end of the month;

Howard's still a major risk, despite his lofty stats in the minors. With the Sox moving away from major power hitters, and Paul Konerko a real leader on this team, it's hard to see us acquire Howard. And I don't think the Phillies would want Contreras, they already have a full rotation in Wolf, Padillia, Lieber, Myers and Cory Lidle. They were also cutting payroll from last season, so it doesn't really make much sense for them to be taking on salary.

The latest rumors from ProSportsDaily; Derek Lowe and his demand$; Mark Redman could be had in a trade; Anaheim to meet with Clement's agent today;

What about Phil?

There seemed to be some minor rumors flying around about Carlos and his attitude. At least this time KW didn't bad mouth him after he left the organization this time I guess, but at the same time, Carlos has done nothing but produce for us, and hopefully he'll continue to do so for the Brewers. And yes, Buerhle and Konerko do seem the be the clubhouse leaders on this team.

Breakout Stars of 2004: Ashlee Simpson. LMAO.

Look for the Cardinals or Braves to end up with Hudson now.

Meche is an interesting guy to consider. He was really overworked in 2003, and it showed last season, but he has a really fantastic knuckle curve, and should be a guy to consider possibly if we miss out on Clement or Perez.

At least the Mets are probably out of the race for Odalis Perez now though.

Hey our dollar is rising against yours ya know. It's taken me over a year and a half to make it to 10,000 posts, and yes it is possible, (you just have to spam a lot like Southsider). It's been a lot of fun posting here though and being able to meet lots of different people in the States and all the different personalities. And congrats to YASNY too on reaching 10,000 quality posts.