VAfan

If the A's don't win the West outright, they are odds on to win the WC. But some writer on ESPN made a good point. With their young starters, they are likely to start hurting in September as their innings push past 150. And yet Rich Harden, their best starter, has gone only 13 games and only 3 starters, including Zito, are above 100 innings.

QUOTE(Tony82087 @ Jul 23, 2005 -> 09:00 PM) With how the Freddy Garica went down, I think a huge holding point in the Aj deal will be a contract extension. I beleive KW will be more hesitant to pull the trigger if he sees this is a 3 month rent-a-pitcher. With the end of July fast approaching, we're now down to a 2-month rental unless he's re-signed. The reason I'd be willing to deal Contreras for Burnett is that I think the Sox could sign Burnett into Contreras's salary slot for 3-4 years when he will likely be in his prime. But as far as this year goes, we have to remember we are getting Burnett for only 3 postseason starts, IF we're good enough to make it to the World Series. I mean, who here would be willing to put his wildness ahead of Buehrle, Garcia or Garland? As a 4th pitcher, he'd get into 1 ALDS game (if there was not a sweep), 1 ALCS game, and 1 WS game. He might start a 4th game if we ended up going the distance in one or more of the series. Now those 3-4 starts could mean a WS victory if Burnett can win them, but it is not worth selling out the future over, especially when the difference between Burnett and Contreras is not that much.

The Nevin deal is probably dead because Baltimore is one of 8 teams SD can't trade him to without his approval and his agent is suggesting it will take more money to get him to leave the West Coast. In 2002 he killed a deal to Cincy for Ken Griffey.

Here's the latest excerpt from ESPN on what's being considered for Burnett. Brandon McCarthy and Jose Contreras v. Double-A pitching prospect Anibel Sanchez and right-handed pitcher Bronson Arroyo from the Red Sox. BMac and Jose for Burnett? It's still way too costly. Contreras, Bajenaru and Munoz or Diaz. That would be my offer. I believe FL will get nothing better.

According to Jayson Stark, the White Sox are talking BMac AND Politte or Cotts or Jenks (not Marte) AND Contreras as a "second piece in the deal." Now, I don't believe this. But it would be a terrible trade for the Sox if true. The only player currently on the Sox major league club I'd give up for Burnett would be Contreras. He's better than Bronson Arroyo or anyone the Yankees could dredge up. So I don't see why KW doesn't just call Florida's bluff. Burnett is not signed next year; Contreras is. The numbers above suggest they would be getting a comparable pitcher they could put right into their rotation. And he might even draw some Cuban fans. Beyond that, Jeff Bejanaru and B-listers. No BMac. No Anderson. No Sweeney or Young. DON'T CAVE IN, KW. With Hermanson unable to pitch back to back to back, we need a 5-deep bullpen in the postseason, and since Wagner, Guardado, etc. are not getting moved, we can't afford to surrender any bullpen pitchers we currently have other than Takatsu.

Justin Germano was one of the players in the trade. 21 IP, 21 R in 2004. Should fit right in with the Reds. Randa would have been good insurance against Crede's back flaring up, and with Frank out, could have DH'ed occasionally or pinch hit. But it's too late now.

AJ Burnett's numbers DATE GAME W L ERA IP H R ER HR BB SO NP-S GO-AO APR 07 ATL 0 1 3.00 6.0 7 4 2 0 2 6 86-55 9-3 APR 12 PHI 1 0 2.40 9.0 8 2 2 0 0 3 103-71 16-8 APR 17 @NYN 1 0 2.25 9.0 4 2 2 1 3 5 105-70 16-5 APR 22 CIN 0 0 2.40 6.0 4 2 2 0 5 13 115-68 5-0 APR 29 @PHI 1 0 2.43 7.0 5 2 2 1 1 8 105-67 9-4 MAY 04 @ATL 0 1 2.72 6.0 9 3 3 2 2 8 96-61 7-3 MAY 09 HOU 0 1 2.70 7.0 6 2 2 0 1 9 109-68 6-5 MAY 15 @SDN 0 1 3.05 6.0 8 5 4 0 4 4 114-65 7-6 MAY 21 TBA 0 0 3.19 6.0 3 3 3 1 3 6 98-59 5-6 MAY 31 @PIT 0 0 2.91 6.0 4 3 0 0 2 2 96-56 12-4 JUN 05 @WAS 0 0 3.03 6.1 6 3 3 0 1 6 98-63 8-5 JUN 10 TEX 0 0 3.09 7.1 7 3 3 0 3 10 111-70 8-4 JUN 15 @CHN 1 0 3.36 6.2 11 5 5 1 1 2 105-75 9-9 JUN 21 @ATL 0 1 3.43 6.0 6 3 3 0 3 4 105-66 12-2 JUN 26 @TBA 1 0 3.14 9.0 2 0 0 0 2 7 123-76 16-4 JUL 01 @NYN 0 0 3.18 4.1 5 5 2 0 2 4 87-54 5-4 JUL 06 MIL 0 0 3.33 6.0 4 4 4 0 5 14 125-74 4-0 JUL 14 @PHI 0 1 3.64 5.0 6 6 6 3 4 3 86-47 5-6 JUL 19 @ARI 1 0 3.68 6.0 6 3 3 0 3 6 112-68 8-4 Contreras's numbers DATE GAME W L ERA G GS CG SHO SV SVO IP H R ER HR BB SO NP-S GO-AO APR 07 CLE 0 0 1.50 6.0 4 1 1 0 2 4 96-62 11-3 APR 13 @CLE 0 0 3.55 6.2 5 4 4 1 5 3 104-55 5-11 APR 18 MIN 0 0 3.63 4.2 6 3 2 0 4 2 104-62 7-5 APR 23 @KCA 0 0 3.48 3.1 1 1 1 1 1 6 61-36 2-2 APR 29 DET 0 0 3.04 6.0 3 1 1 1 3 6 113-63 7-5 MAY 05 KCA 1 0 2.60 8.0 4 1 1 1 1 6 102-69 8-9 MAY 10 @TBA 0 0 3.18 5.0 5 4 4 1 5 3 90-51 5-7 MAY 15 BAL 0 1 3.52 6.1 7 5 4 2 1 4 100-62 9-6 MAY 21 @CHN 1 0 3.23 7.0 4 1 1 0 1 4 78-52 8-9 MAY 26 @ANA 0 1 3.30 7.0 4 3 3 1 1 9 95-65 5-7 JUN 01 ANA 0 0 3.27 6.0 5 4 2 1 3 4 102-66 8-6 JUN 07 @COL 1 0 3.13 6.0 5 1 1 0 2 6 103-64 4-8 JUN 13 ARI 0 1 3.81 6.0 9 8 8 4 3 4 118-65 4-10 JUN 19 LAN 0 0 3.83 6.2 6 3 3 0 4 5 102-61 8-7 JUN 25 CHN 0 1 4.15 6.1 8 6 6 1 2 3 105-61 7-8 JUL 01 @OAK 0 1 4.34 4.1 4 4 4 0 7 2 97-50 5-6 JUL 06 TBA 1 0 4.26 6.0 6 2 2 2 3 1 85-51 4-12 JUL 14 @CLE 1 0 3.99 7.0 3 0 0 0 3 7 97-62 4-10 JUL 19 DET 0 1 4.34 5.2 8 7 7 1 0 4 94-67 7-6 Why do I put up these numbers? I'm not sold on selling out our team for an AJ Burnett trade. I have questions about how he'll translate into the AL (I expect it might move his ERA from 3.68 up to 4.00 or higher). Given his wildness, he's basically a 6 inning pitcher (and likely will struggle some against patient clubs like Boston, Oakland, or NYY). And he's had durability issues throughout his career. I would not weaken our bullpen as part of the deal (Marte). Nor would I give up BMac or another top prospect in the bargain. (And I certainly would not be willing to take on Mike Lowell's contract.) But I would be willing to support a trade for Burnett if Jose Contreras were the primary pitcher we gave up in the deal. To that I would be willing to add Jeff Bajenaru and possibly one or two other B-level prospects. Of course if we sent Contreras to FL for Burnett, that would prevent us from flipping Burnett to the Phillies for Wagner, but I think that's a pipe dream anyway. And since Wagner will not likely re-sign with us next year, while Burnett might, I'm not sure it's such a good move anyway.

ESPN link says Baltimore is out of Burnett sweepstakes. http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2114944 Too bad. I don't want to give FL anything for Burnett, but I didn't really want Boston or the Yankees to have him.

The A's finished the night only 1/2 game behind the pitcherless Yankees for the wild card, and 1-1/2 games behind the Twins. In a week, they've blown by Texas, Cleveland, and Baltimore for the last postseason slot, and now only trail two teams. I expect them to pass both before the first week of August is out. The only question in my mind is whether the A's will catch the Angels. I think it is possible, but the Angels play them tough. Otherwise, I think we can expect a round 1 matchup against our hated West Coast nemesis.

When Frank says he's at a 10 on the pain meter for his ankle, and that it is affecting his play, I think we may not see Frank again this season. And if he can't prove he is healthy against live pitching again this year, I fear the Sox may just buy out his contract and let him go, notwithstanding what KW said just a few weeks ago. I'd be interested to know the rules about adding him to the playoff roster is he's not reactivated until sometime in September. Does anyone know? I assume because he's an injury-casualty that he could be added at any time. Practically speaking then, we only really need him to come back in mid-September for him to get his form back. But I don't expect to see him before that. We don't need a Frank Thomas at 70%. Better to rest and try to get back to 90%. In the meantime, I hope Ozzie moves Rowand up in the order. He looks like he might resume his torrid hitting from last year and help carry the team. And I'd like to see a lot of Ross Gload if he can hit at all like he did last year. We could use someone that can crack the .300 hitting barrier and draw walks.

I still don't get all the drooling over AJ Burnett. Great stuff, but really poor performances. No track record at all of winning or even eating innings. He's a 6 inning pitcher. Aack. Let the O's have him.

QUOTE(JUGGERNAUT @ Jul 22, 2005 -> 04:57 PM) You've got the contract wrong. Griffey 2001-2008 $12.5M ($6.5M deferred w 0 interest until 2009). Griffey 2009 : team option $4M buyout OR $16.5M ($6.5M deferred w int). The deferred payment period is 2009-2025. You have to understand the Giants are not in a position to where they have to sell. With Bonds being the meal ticket, the seats are sold for 2005 & with him being on the menu in 2006 they will have no trouble selling seats next year. From the Giants perspective making a trade is all about making the team that much better in 2006. So young talent is not what they are after. If you check out the Giants rumor pages it sure seems like they are waiting for the Rangers to make them an offer. They seem to be locking in on Soriano to replace Durham at 2B. They look at the potential of Soriano - Bonds - Alou in 2006 & feel that $10.5M on Schmidt is not a bad deal. Of course that's only if they can get Soriano. We don't have anything like Soriano that they need so the only trades will be doing with them are minor. If you are interested in these players: Brett Tomko, Kirk Rueter, J.T. Snow, Ray Durham and Edgardo Alfonzo & your not the GM of the Rangers the Giants are taking your calls. I still think a deal for Schmidt-Vizquel that gives the Giants Contreras-Uribe and Brian Anderson as its foundation is a sound one for both teams. The Giants want major league ready players, and the 3 guys I listed on our side fit that bill. If the Giants also have any interest in Willie Harris because Durham's defense has slipped, I'm sure he could be added. And if they want Shingo Takatsu as a toss in, I bet we'd pay his salary. Now if the Giants insisted on BMac instead of Anderson, then that would give me pause, and I probably wouldn't do it. But I would be willing to add Bajenaru or Munoz or Diaz. It is true the Giants don't have to deal, but at some point it would become worth their while without costing us any key players and without messing up our salary structure. This deal may not happen until the last minute, but I still think it is possible.

Burnett to Baltimore cannot hurt us. The O's have little chance holding on for a wild card, and does anyone think they will beat out the BoSox and Yankees in the stretch run? Personally, I never really wanted Burnett for the price they were seeking. I guess we'll soon find out how cheaply he came. (But we also couldn't afford to be burdened with a bad contract for Mike Lowell.) If he could be flipped for Wagner, maybe, but I think that was a pipe dream.

My overall feeling today is I hope KW doesn't do anything stupid. With Contreras and Marte pitching very well last night, I'm no longer eager to trade them for anything at the moment. I'd rate the biggest needs at having a reliable alternative to Joe Crede because of his back problems that will allow us to bring up Ross Gload as a lefty bat who can spell Konerko. And if we can substitute Omar Vizquel's lefty bat at SS, I see that as a plus too. On the pitching front, I still like Schmidt, but I would rather ship El Duque and a prospect than Contreras if the Giants would make that deal. Would I give them BMac? No, but I'd give them just about any other pitcher in the minors (except Jenks).

QUOTE(JUGGERNAUT @ Jul 15, 2005 -> 05:35 PM) I think you are all becoming victims of teams vying for the White Sox talent. You need to take a step back & look at your team. Marte comes off the DL & looks superb. D Marte relieved C Politte. BOT 8th LHB G Sizemore struck out swinging. SHB C Crisp struck out looking. LHB T Hafner struck out swinging. TOP 9th Convince me again why we are trading Contreras for Burnett? Batting #1 .269/.731 - not bad Batting #2 .176/.616 - wow! Batting #3 .271/.783 - not bad Batting #4 .233/.842 - should we compare #4 in NL vs #4 in AL this year? Not a pretty picture for the NL. Batting #5 .178/.628 - wow! Batting #6 .154/.622 - wow! Batting #7 .136/.493 - unbelievable! Batting #8 .359/1.174 - aberration Batting #9 .225/.506 - unbelievable! You can look back to see how that compares with AJB. Contreras is pitching like everyone thought he would when the Yanks signed him. You would be a fool to trade him right now. The Yanks threw in cash to drop his cost to below $7M next year. That's a good deal. If Marte's improved strength is for real this team doesn't need much in terms of pitching & defense. You can argue a solid closer only because Hermy has never had to close day in & day out like this. The main weakness in this team is hitting vs RHP: .248/.707 Contrast that with our hitting vs LHP: .296/.830 Gload is sure to help once KW can convince OZ to bring him up. Gload 04-05 vs LHers: .383/.994 vs RHers: .298/.803 Cincy has the cure to what ails us: vs RHers S Casey 1B VS. L: .346/.840 VS. R: .291/.711 H: .309/.722 A: .317/.802 : Split time w Paulie in 2005 & if Ozzie likes him buh bye Paulie. A Dunn LF/1B VS. L: .184/.765 VS. R: .267/1.018, H: .250/1.019 A: .226/.841 : Split time w Pods in 2005 & if Ozzie likes him buh bye Paulie. K Griffey CF VS. L: .287/.891 VS. R: .287/.867 H: .311/.921 A: .261/.825 : There is no rule that says you have to play him in CF. He could play any OF position or DH for that matter. Griffey's versatility at the plate means Ozzie has a future HOFer bat he can play in no less than 4 positions everyday. The contract is a dream for JR & company. A marquee player sure to draw at the gate for $6M/yr thru 2009. Then about $58M deferred after that. He can still keep his home in Cinn. On a private carrier it's less than an hr's flight time from MDW to Cinn. He can copter from the Cell to MDW in less than 30 minutes. Copter home from Cinn airport in about the same time. 3 hours commute tops. Joe Randa 3B VS. L: .290/.847 VS. R: .305/.882 H: .298/.892 A: .303/.851 Perfect pick up to split time with Crede. Omar Vizquel SS VS. L: .255/.684 VS. R: .324/.795 H: .277/.699 A: .333/.832 Perfect pick up to split time with Uribe. That's where KW should be spending his time dealing. Some of what you write makes sense, but you lose me when you start wanting half of the Cincy Reds lineup. No to Dunn, Kearns, or Griffey. I'd take Randa as insurance for Crede if his price is right. But if we add Randa and send out Willie Harris, we still don't get Ross Gload, because we have to keep Ozuna as backup SS. (That may be a trade off we have to make.) And I'm all for Omar Vizquel, but SF is going to need a replacement SS that can start, and only Juan Uribe fills that bill.

Just thought I would revive this thread. Now that Jose has had back-to-back solid outings, should we consider keeping him for the stretch run? Or do we think he'll crash and burn like he seemed to in part of June and early July. This is his game by game log. DATE GAME W L ERA G GS CG SHO SV SVO IP H R ER HR BB SO NP-S GO-AO APR 07 CLE 0 0 1.50 1 1 0 0 0 0 6.0 4 1 1 0 2 4 96-62 11-3 APR 13 @CLE 0 0 3.55 1 1 0 0 0 0 6.2 5 4 4 1 5 3 104-55 5-11 APR 18 MIN 0 0 3.63 1 1 0 0 0 0 4.2 6 3 2 0 4 2 104-62 7-5 APR 23 @KCA 0 0 3.48 1 1 0 0 0 0 3.1 1 1 1 1 1 6 61-36 2-2 APR 29 DET 0 0 3.04 1 1 0 0 0 0 6.0 3 1 1 1 3 6 113-63 7-5 MAY 05 KCA 1 0 2.60 1 1 0 0 0 0 8.0 4 1 1 1 1 6 102-69 8-9 MAY 10 @TBA 0 0 3.18 1 1 0 0 0 0 5.0 5 4 4 1 5 3 90-51 5-7 MAY 15 BAL 0 1 3.52 1 1 0 0 0 0 6.1 7 5 4 2 1 4 100-62 9-6 MAY 21 @CHN 1 0 3.23 1 1 0 0 0 0 7.0 4 1 1 0 1 4 78-52 8-9 MAY 26 @ANA 0 1 3.30 1 1 0 0 0 0 7.0 4 3 3 1 1 9 95-65 5-7 JUN 01 ANA 0 0 3.27 1 1 0 0 0 0 6.0 5 4 2 1 3 4 102-66 8-6 JUN 07 @COL 1 0 3.13 1 1 0 0 0 0 6.0 5 1 1 0 2 6 103-64 4-8 JUN 13 ARI 0 1 3.81 1 1 0 0 0 0 6.0 9 8 8 4 3 4 118-65 4-10 JUN 19 LAN 0 0 3.83 1 1 0 0 0 0 6.2 6 3 3 0 4 5 102-61 8-7 JUN 25 CHN 0 1 4.15 1 1 0 0 0 0 6.1 8 6 6 1 2 3 105-61 7-8 JUL 01 @OAK 0 1 4.34 1 1 0 0 0 0 4.1 4 4 4 0 7 2 97-50 5-6 JUL 06 TBA 1 0 4.26 1 1 0 0 0 0 6.0 6 2 2 2 3 1 85-51 4-12 JUL 14 @CLE 1 0 3.99 1 1 0 0 0 0 7.0 3 0 0 0 3 7 97-62 4-10 I've highlighted the outings where he's gone at least 6 innings and given up 0, 1, or 2 runs. He's done it against Cleveland, Detroit, KC, Cubs, Colorado, Tampa, and Cleveland again. So, out of 18 starts, 7 have been very high quality. He's also had 2 games where he's pitched at least 6 and given up 3 runs, against Anaheim and the Dodgers. In 5 other games he's given up 4 runs, against Cleveland, Tampa, Baltimore, Anaheim, and Oakland. In 2 starts he was torched for 8 runs by Arizona and 6 runs by the Cubs. In the last 2 games he only went 3.1 innings and 4.2 innings, but gave up 1 and 3 runs respectively, to Minn. and KC. ********************* I'll say this. I don't want to trade him for AJ Burnett. Contreras is signed for this year and next, and he seems as reliable a pitcher as Burnett, who has only 1 game where he surrendered 1 or 0 runs this year. Would I still trade him for Jason Schmidt? Probably, but it sure looks a lot closer to an even exchange at this point. The good news for us is we don't need to be in a panic, especially if El Duque comes back Monday and pitches well. Marte's resurgence at the point where Neal Cotts was showing signs of overuse is also welcome. We could do worse than going into the postseason with the pitching we currently have.

Jason Schmidt's night: 6 innings, 4 hits, 4 BBs, 7 Ks, 1 run, left for pinch hitter in 7th in 1-1 tie at Dodger Stadium. He's still the right move for the Sox. Now that Contreras has found his form in back to back games, I wouldn't give much more than Contreras-Uribe for Schmidt-Vizquel, but it's still the best deal that has been discussed over the last two weeks. One A list prospect like Anderson and a B list prospect should be enough. And I'm not in a hurry to make this deal. July 31 would be fine.

QUOTE(Tony82087 @ Jul 15, 2005 -> 03:13 AM) This team is just not built on big names AT ALL, and adding Lowell and Burrnet just frankly scare me in not only the whole "chemistry" stuff, but just the makeup, and the look and feel of the team, sort of down the chemistry path. In my eyes, Lilly just fits more than anyone right now. But tell me again why Toronto is shopping Lilly when they just lost their starting ACE? Toronto needs to add a starter, not subtract another one. We may think they are out of the wild card, but I'll bet they don't think that.

Contreras pitches 7 shutout innings against a division rival. Burnett gives up 6 runs on 6 hits (3 HRs) and 4 walks, with 3 Ks in 5 innings against a division rival. 86 pitches, only 47 strikes. Marlins give him a 3-0 lead in the top of the 2nd, and it doesn't even last a half inning. I hope we steer clear of Burnett at this point. I don't watch Marlins games, but he seems just as much of a head case that can't control his great "stuff" as Jose. Burnett has had only had 1 outing this year when he gave up less than 2 runs. After tonight, Contreras has had 6. Yes, 6.

QUOTE(Wedge @ Jul 15, 2005 -> 12:38 AM) I believe that most agreed that the price for Schmidt would be Contreras, BMac, and a prospect. That's pretty expensive for a guy that you're unsure if he'll be with you next year and if he can be healthy. Contreras yes (he can't pitch against Cleveland every game), but we wouldn't have to give up BMac. I'd let them have Brian Anderson though, because he's not going to beat out Dye this year or next, and after that Sweeney or Young might be ready. And Jeckle 2000, this is why you would buy Jason Schmidt: 2002 SF 29 29 2 2 185.1 148 78 71 15 73 196 13 8 0 0 -- 3.45 2003 SF 29 29 5 3 208.2 152 56 54 14 46 208 17 5 0 0 -- 2.34 2004 SF 32 32 4 3 225.0 165 84 80 18 77 251 18 7 0 0 -- 3.20 By comparison, Freddy Garcia had these years in a similar pitcher's park: 2002 Sea 34 34 1 0 224.2 227 110 109 30 63 181 16 10 0 0 -- 4.39 2003 Sea 33 33 1 0 201.1 196 109 101 31 71 144 12 14 0 0 -- 4.52 I take it you are happy with Freddy's production with us. If there wasn't some question about Schmidt there is no chance he would be available. But you can hardly say he's a lousy pitcher.

Ross Gload isn't coming back for now with Crede's 2 herniated disks. They won't go with just Ozuna as a backup infielder.

QUOTE(JUGGERNAUT @ Jul 14, 2005 -> 09:45 PM) No thank you. Moving Crede right now is a chemistry buster. Especially with the way Ozuna played everyday as his backup. Lowell is owed $18M/2yr for 2006/7. Lowell's ZR .758 vs Crede's .831. These two have similar innings played. That's a substantial decline. I don't like Lowell's lack of range and offensive funk (though maybe he'd hit more HRs in the Cell). But mostly I don't like his contract. Unless JR is going to up the payroll significantly, adding Lowell will cost us a significant piece somewhere else. And no way do I give them Marte too (as he's the best chip to getting Guardado if we want to upgrade the pen).

QUOTE(Wedge @ Jul 14, 2005 -> 09:02 PM) That is blockbuster; however, we have to remember what the goal of acquiring another starting pitcher is: to replace HERNANDEZ. If we trade Contreras, we still have the same problem that we had before. I disagree. If we want a 4th starter for the postseason, the best move is to send off Contreras and his $8 million salary. That would make Schmidt or Burnett affordable next year because they would be put into Jose's salary slot. El Duque will give us enough starts to help win the division, it is the postseason we should all be concerned about.

QUOTE(GreatScott82 @ Jul 14, 2005 -> 08:56 PM) THe Marlins beat-writer was just on 670WSCR and confirmed that 12 teams are after Burnett, but the 3 major teams interester are Baltamore, Toronto and the White Sox. He said the Marlins have been interested in Contreras for over 2 years now- and see him as there potential closer. He also said the Marlins want to dump Mike Lowell's contract so would most likely have to be involved with this trade. So this trade would most likely be: Contreras, Marte and Crede for Burnett and Lowell. WOW- thats Blockbuster. If we have to accept Mike Lowell's $32 million contract, then there is no way they should get Damaso Marte in the deal unless they are giving us something else or paying half of Lowell's contract.

QUOTE(Wedge @ Jul 14, 2005 -> 08:51 PM) You know, his stats don't look too much worse from Schmidt's... is everybody off the Schmidt bandwagon yet? I still think Schmidt is a much more likely trade target then AJ Burnett. For one, the Giants, but not the Marlins, are out of the race. For another, the Giants might accept Contreras as part of the return package. Then we won't have any problem exercising Schmidt's option for 2006. And everyone would recognize that Schmidt has been a whole lot better than Burnett over the last 3 years. The only concern people have is his early-season decline in velocity. Yet the last game he pitched I saw and he didn't look like an injured pitcher to me, and he was firing pitches at 95 consistently through the middle innings and into the 7th. Leiter? I'd take him for nothing if he'd accept a rehab assignment at AAA to see if he could be sorted out. Would he take that? I don't know.