The Trib is saying that the Dodgers might be interested in Greg Maddux, which would precipitate the Perez, prospects for offense deal. It is just a theory, but it makes sense.

 

There are no guarantees, but this finally could be the week Greg Maddux and Ivan Rodriguez find new homes.

 

Whether Maddux and Rodriguez wind up with the Cubs and Detroit Tigers, respectively, could depend on developments in Los Angeles and Seattle.

 

With a limited market for two free agents who have combined for 14 All-Star appearances, agent Scott Boras has kept the Cubs and Tigers waiting almost two weeks since their initial offers. Major-league sources believe Boras is attempting to lure the Dodgers and Mariners to jump into bidding wars.

 

Though the Dodgers desperately need to add productive hitters, they have been able to make only cosmetic changes while awaiting Major League Baseball's approval of the proposed sale to Boston developer Frank McCourt. That could come via conference call early this week, giving McCourt a small window to authorize general manager Dan Evans to land the best players available.

 

Though pitching isn't the Dodgers' need, Maddux could be a good fit at Dodger Stadium. His signing could make it easier for Evans to trade a package of pitchers, including Odalis Perez and highly sought prospects Edwin Jackson and Greg Miller.

 

Rodriguez would be a better fit, but the Dodgers have $10.4 million committed to catchers Paul Lo Duca and Todd Hundley.

 

Seattle could enter the bidding for Rodriguez once it is assured it no longer is obligated to pay Kazuhiro Sasaki, who was due $9.5 million but plans to remain in Japan this season. That contract could be resolved early this week. The Mariners, like the Dodgers, already have two catchers but believe they could trade Dan Wilson or Ben Davis.

 

"We won't operate in hypotheticals," Seattle GM Bill Bavasi said. "We don't deal with players that way. We're not in a position to do anything yet, and to intimate otherwise is absolutely unfair."

 

While awaiting resolution of the Maddux situation, the Cubs are considering a bid for right-hander Maels Rodriguez, the latest Cuban defector. They were among 15 teams who sent scouts to El Salvador to watch him last week.

 

Though Rodriguez has been clocked at 100 m.p.h. in international competition, his fastball failed to reach 90 during the tryout, according to the Associated Press.

 

At least the White Sox didn't have to travel so far to study possible upgrades to their pitching depth. They were among 11 teams watching former Baltimore Orioles right-hander Scott Erickson work out Tuesday in Tempe, Ariz.

 

Erickson, who has only 10 victories in the last four seasons, impressed scouts with his slider and has high-80s velocity.

I hate to lose Mags, but I don't think there's anything we can do to see Mags playing in a White Sox uniform after the 2004 season. I would definitely be open to the Perez, Jackson, and Miller for Mags deal that has been talked about as many times as the A-Rod deal here.

 

I also think picking up Scott Erickson would be great for this ballclub. With these two moves, I really see A LOT of potential for the 2004 season.

Yeah I wouldn't mind bringing in Erickson to be the 4th starter and letting the winner of Cotts/Rauch/Diaz/whoever else take the 5th spot, while sliding both Schow and Wright into the pen along with Koch, Shingo, Wunsch, Marte, Grilli.

I would definitely be open to the Perez, Jackson, and Miller for Mags deal that has been talked about as many times as the A-Rod deal here.

 

Forget the word AND when you type Miller/Jackson. IF either of them is traded, it will only be one of them NOT both. Don't be surprised if the name Hanrahan pops into the picture rather than Miller or Jackson.

Hanrahan had a very solid year at Jacksonville. Then he got roughed upl in five starts at Triple A. Only 22. Ranked the 12th best starting pitching prospect in the entire minor leagues by Baseball America and 6th best prospect in Southern League (ahead of Cotts). Right hander.

 

Sounds intriguing.

 

What say you, Rex?

I'd rather see Schowenwais start then Erickson. I think Erickson is overated. I think Cooper was saying Schowenwais was working on a cutter. If he picks that up then he could be a devistating starter. I've just never liked Erickson.

Hanrahan had a very solid year at Jacksonville. Then he got roughed upl in five starts at Triple A. Only 22. Ranked the 12th best starting pitching prospect in the entire minor leagues by Baseball America and 6th best prospect in Southern League (ahead of Cotts). Right hander.

 

Sounds intriguing.

 

What say you, Rex?

Hanrahan was good. He was a better pitcher this year than was Jackson. Of course Jackson is considered a better prospect.

 

Hanrahan edged out Pacheco for the RH pitcher on the post-season Southern League All-Star team. Cotts was the LH. For some stupid reason, the SL All-Star team (post-season) only has one RH and one LH. Makes no sense to me.

 

The SL also had Dan Haren (Cardinals), Dontrelle Willis and Greg Miller for short stints. Not a bad year for pitching prospects in the league. I am probably fogetting someone as well.

I'd rather see Schowenwais start then Erickson. I think Erickson is overated. I think Cooper was saying Schowenwais was working on a cutter. If he picks that up then he could be a devistating starter. I've just never liked Erickson.

I haven't seen anything out of Show, that tells me he can get out righties at any kind of a consistant rate. I would rather see the guy work mop up out of the pen.

Pick up Erickson and give him a shot what do we have to lose? I don't think he would get a guaranteed contract. You can never have enough mediocore to below average starting pitchers.

I also think maggs will cost the Dodgers Ishii (sp?)

Yeah I wouldn't mind bringing in Erickson to be the 4th starter and letting the winner of Cotts/Rauch/Diaz/whoever else take the 5th spot, while sliding both Schow and Wright into the pen along with Koch, Shingo, Wunsch, Marte, Grilli.

Scott has too many off the field issues.. I think he would be a major distraction to this team.

That is my concern about Scott Erickson ... this web site is not the only place where it's been suggested he has some bad off the field habits.

 

If Lisa Guerrero can't keep the guy in line who the hell can?

 

Seriously, IF the Sox brought him in, it would have to be a no-risk move. I don't know that Erickson is "humbled" enough to take a minor league deal with no guarantee. He certainly has enough money.

 

I'm a big advocate for competition though. But not at the risk of major distraction.

Chemistry has been enough of the problem, no need to make it worse.

 

And I have little faith in the Sox's ability to thoroughly check out purported character issues ... see chapter 2001, Royce Clayton.

That is my concern about Scott Erickson ... this web site is not the only place where it's been suggested he has some bad off the field habits.

 

If Lisa Guerrero can't keep the guy in line who the hell can?

 

Seriously, IF the Sox brought him in, it would have to be a no-risk move.  I don't know that Erickson is "humbled" enough to take a minor league deal with no guarantee.  He certainly has enough money.

 

I'm a big advocate for competition though.  But not at the risk of major distraction.

Chemistry has been enough of the problem, no need to make it worse.

 

And I have little faith in the Sox's ability to thoroughly check out purported character issues ... see chapter 2001, Royce Clayton.

Hmmm I hadn't heard anything about Erickson as a problem, all though that would really affect my opinion of the guy if it were true. As tenuous as chemistry has been, I would take a lessor guy over a trouble maker.

That is my concern about Scott Erickson ... this web site is not the only place where it's been suggested he has some bad off the field habits.

 

If Lisa Guerrero can't keep the guy in line who the hell can?

From what I was told the issue was, I don't want that crap anywhere near this team.

Hmmm I hadn't heard anything about Erickson as a problem, all though that would really affect my opinion of the guy if it were true.  As tenuous as chemistry has been, I would take a lessor guy over a trouble maker.

Not a problem with others.. a problem with himself.

From what I was told the issue was, I don't want that crap anywhere near this team.

It is snowing outside, sniff, sniff, wow there is a lot of white powder out there, sniff.

It is snowing outside, sniff, sniff, wow there is a lot of white powder out there, sniff.

Yep.. sure is.

 

 

BTW.. anyone see that Blow was on Sunday night.. great movie. All that Cocaine everywhere...

Not a problem with others.. a problem with himself.

Ego or lazy?

It is snowing outside, sniff, sniff, wow there is a lot of white powder out there, sniff.

Ahhh, now I see. Hey has anyone seen Scarface? Great movie.

Ego or lazy?

Hmmm I hadn't heard anything about Erickson as a problem, all though that would really affect my opinion of the guy if it were true.  As tenuous as chemistry has been, I would take a lessor guy over a trouble maker.

I heard he was a bad influence on younger guys with a David wells type party lifestyle. Didn't he drag Sidney Ponson to a Metallica concert the day before a start aginst the Yankees or somehting like that. His character did seem to be an issue. Although that has never stopped KW before.

I heard he was a bad influence on younger guys with a David wells type party lifestyle.  Didn't he drag Sidney Ponson to a Metallica concert the day before a start aginst the Yankees or somehting like that.  His character did seem to be an issue.  Although that has never stopped KW before.

Yep, he did do that to Sidney. And it's no coincidence that once Sidney cut ties with him that he got in better shape and his attitude improved greatly.

Ahhh, now I see.  Hey has anyone seen Scarface?  Great movie.

Scarface is one of the greatest of all time.

Pick up Erickson and give him a shot what do we have to lose?  I don't think he would get a guaranteed contract.  You can never have enough mediocore to below average starting pitchers.

wouldnt you rather have burkett than erickson..atleast burket is not an injury risk...or did burkett already sign with someone??

i would rather have burkett than erickson considering the injury trouble that scott has had of late, but i do still like erickson..if we don't get one, i would like to see the other one come