Other Deals in the Works

[DBAHO]

Nothin much bout us really but that ain't a suprise now is it.

The Braves are talking with the Cardinals about a trade for right fielder J.D. Drew. The deal could be expanded to include a third team because of the Cardinals' desire for front-line pitching. One possibility would be for the Braves to land Drew, the Cardinals to acquire Angels left-hander Jarrod Washburn or right-hander Ramon Ortiz and the Angels to receive right-hander Jason Marquis and a prospect. The Braves also could deal directly with the Cardinals, but they don't have a proven starting pitcher to trade. The Cardinals also are trying to move the versatile Eli Marrero.

 

In the wake of the Pettitte signing, the Astros could trade RHP Tim Redding or LHP Jeriome Robertson, either individually or as part of a package with infielder Geoff Blum. The Astros have discussed Blum with the Astros and could target Pirates right-hander Kip Wells. The Pirates, however, are more willing to trade right-hander Kris Benson, who is owed $6.25 million next season and coming off a shoulder injury. If the Astros traded a starter, they would be left with a rotation of Pettitte, Roy Oswalt, Wade Miller, Redding or Robertson and possibly Carlos Hernandez, who is throwing well in Venezuela.

 

The Blue Jays are awaiting a decision from free-agent right-hander Miguel Batista, who is drawing interest from the Mets and numerous other clubs. Batista would become the Jays' No. 2 starter behind Roy Halladay and in front of Ted Lilly, Pat Hentgen and Josh Towers. Their front three couldn't match Pedro Martinez-Curt Schilling-Derek Lowe or Mike Mussina-Kevin Brown-Javier Vazquez, but it would be a solid upgrade for a team that loses Kelvim Escobar and Cory Lidle.

 

The Tigers not only are bidding for free-agent shortstop Miguel Tejada, but also want to sign a corner outfielder, with Reggie Sanders, Raul Mondesi and Rondell White among their possibilities. Sanders also is drawing interest from the Mets and Dodgers and could become a fallback option for the Yankees if they nix the Gary Sheffield deal and decline to pursue Vladimir Guerrero.

[DBAHO]

Also this from David Van Dyck,

AL Central

Movers: This is the most frugal division in baseball (some say "cheap" is a better word), but the White Sox seem most intent on movin' and groovin' in N'awlins. With Two-Ton Bartolo Colon and Tom Gordon already gone, the Sox have some money to spend.

 

They might have more to spend if they really do trade the $14 million of All-Star outfielder Magglio Ordonez. GM Kenny Williams is not afraid to put his neck on the line in an effort to compete with the big boys.

 

Shakers: The Twins and Royals would like to keep their newfound status as contenders in order, but neither has much money. The Twins badly need to get relief help and another starter. The Royals would like a veteran hitter like Raul Mondesi and may even end up dealing Carlos Beltran in the right trade.

 

Spectators: Cleveland is rebuilding with youth, and Detroit is Detroit. Enough said. The Tigers act like they would like to get into the free-agent fray but signing Fernando Vina hardly counts as "major."

 

But GM Omar Minaya could still try to deal Livan Hernandez or Jose Vidro.

 

What about the Marlins? Well, the champs expect to do only some fine-tuning. But there is one blockbuster that could still be left: signing catcher Javy Lopez.

[witesoxfan]

The Twins.....would like to keep their newfound status as contenders in order

 

I thought the Twins were contenders in 2001 when they finished in second place to the then very powerful Indians?