Hmmm interesting, no way he's leaving though. From Newsday,

 

While the Mets appeared to be close on Benson late last night, only hours earlier, they were in serious discussions with the Devil Rays involving Victor Zambrano and also asked the White Sox about Esteban Loiaza. One baseball official said five teams still were chasing Zambrano, but the Mets had moved near the top of the list, and the likely reason was the inclusion of coveted lefthander Scott Kazmir.

I would take Victor Zambrano over Loaiza anyday. Too bad the Sox couldn't find a way to nab him.

I would take Victor Zambrano over Loaiza anyday. Too bad the Sox couldn't find a way to nab him.

Zambrano's had major control issues all year, if they could get Kazmir for him, that'd be a great deal for the D-Rays this year, especially since Zambrano's hitting arbitration this year I believe.

Well Zambrano has had control probs but Loaiza hasn't exactly been the master of control lately either.

Well Zambrano has had control probs but Loaiza hasn't exactly been the master of control lately either.

loaiza's been the master of sucking lately, that's about it.

Loaiza has returned to his career norm.

 

Last year was the aberration, not this year.

If the Mets are offering Kasmir for Loiaza, do it in a heartbeat.

If the Mets are offering Kasmir for Loiaza, do it in a heartbeat.

That would be the complete opposite of what KW's doing right now. Why trade Sweeney for Floyd and then Loaiza for Kazmir. We'd need another arm in the rotation for starters, Felix Diaz would probably be given the 1st chance though.

If the Mets are offering Kasmir for Loiaza, do it in a heartbeat.

Seriously. Felix Diaz can't do any worse than ELo...

That would be the complete opposite of what KW's doing right now. Why trade Sweeney for Floyd and then Loaiza for Kazmir. We'd need another arm in the rotation for starters, Felix Diaz would probably be given the 1st chance though.

I don't care if it is the complete opposite, Kasmir is going to be something special. Plus he will be a rookie and much cheaper. And I would be willing to bet he puts up much better numbers than Loz does next year.

I don't care if it is the complete opposite,  Kasmir is going to be something special.  Plus he will be a rookie and much cheaper.  And I would be willing to bet he puts up much better numbers than Loz does next year.

Kazmir won't be with the White Sox in 2005, I believe he's in single A ball right now, had arm problems problems earlier in the season. But I'd love for this deal to happen as well.

Do you get the impression that Ozzie is fed up with Esteban? I do for some reason. When he talks about if these guys can't win that they won't be back next year, I feel like he's indicting Loaiza.

Do you get the impression that Ozzie is fed up with Esteban?  I do for some reason.  When he talks about if these guys can't win that they won't be back next year, I feel like he's indicting Loaiza.

Ozzie just wants to see the Loaiza of last year, we all knew Loaiza wasn't going to repeat his numbers this season though.

Good lord, I'd trade Loaiza for pretty much anything at this point.

 

This is only because I am coming from the standpoint that this season is toast(though I realize KW/JR can't act accordingly), and the team would be better off looking towards next year.

Hasn’t Victor Zambrano allowed over 100 walks?

Hasn’t Victor Zambrano allowed over 100 walks?

Victor's problem is that he has too much movement on his pitches. Nothing is straight. If he had just one pitch that he could count on, he would be one of the best in the game.

What the hell are you people sniffing thinking Duquette would trade his best prospect in Scott Kazmir for Esteban Loaiza? I want some of it.

 

Kazmir is in AA, not high-A St. Lucie and could be in line for a 2005 callup.

Edited July 30, 200421 yr by Cerbaho-WG