From rotoworld;

 

The Pirates and Indians are discussing a trade that would send Matt Lawton to Pittsburgh for Arthur Rhodes.

It makes sense. Lawton is owed $7.25 million in the final year of his deal, and Rhodes will make $7 million over the next two seasons. The deal would free up enough 2005 money for the Indians to keep Ronnie Belliard, and Casey Blake could move to left field to replace Lawton. Lawton would take over for Tike Redman in Pittsburgh and give the team a true leadoff hitter. Dec. 8 - 4:12 am et

Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

An interesting note:

 

The Braves severed its ties to J.D. Drew, deciding not to offer salary arbitration to the outfielder after his breakthrough season.

An interesting note:

That's really surprising. Is there an injury not known about?

That's really surprising.  Is there an injury not known about?

No the Braves just couldn't afford the risk of him accepting arbitration, as they don't hav much payroll flexibility unless they can move Andruw Jones. I've heard Bora$$ wants Drew to get $50 million over 5 years, maybe more.

The Pirates and Indians are discussing a trade that would send Matt Lawton to Pittsburgh for Arthur Rhodes.

It makes sense. Lawton is owed $7.25 million in the final year of his deal, and Rhodes will make $7 million over the next two seasons. The deal would free up enough 2005 money for the Indians to keep Ronnie Belliard, and Casey Blake could move to left field to replace Lawton. Lawton would take over for Tike Redman in Pittsburgh and give the team a true leadoff hitter. Dec. 8 - 4:12 am et

 

Anyone else think this is a bad deal for Cleveland?

Anyone else think this is a bad deal for Cleveland?

It's not really a great deal for them, but Clev's biggest weakness was their bullpen. I guess they're trying to do anything possible to sure that up.

Anyone else think this is a bad deal for Cleveland?

Which is why I hope they make it.

 

I was at the game where Shingo blew his only save of the season because Lawton hit a 3 run homer in the top of the ninth.

 

Arthur Rhodes is f***ing terrible.

Leiter signed a one-year deal with the Marlins.

 

Linky

 

I never thought King George would let Leiter's arm leave the city of New York. This came as quite a suprise. They have obviously targeted some other guys (Wright,Milton).

Kelly Wunsch signed with the Dodgers per the Score.

gammons says the Red Sawx signed Matt Mantei to a one year deal. What a great pickup. I was hoping we'd look at him.

White Sox signed Dustin Hermanson.

2 year deal worth 5.5 million per WSCR

Why hasn't there been Odalis Perez talk? Seemed like KW was in love with him for awhile. I would have thought we'd look pretty good at him.

Why hasn't there been Odalis Perez talk? Seemed like KW was in love with him for awhile. I would have thought we'd look pretty good at him.

The more I look at his numbers, and I do admit I have some concerns, I think he could be a fantastic pickup.

 

Holds opponents to low averages, solid strikeout numbers, doesn't turn 28 till June. Very low WHIP (1.14 this season and two years back had a .99).

 

If he turns can stay healthy, he could be the bargain of FA. By health I mean if you look at his starts, he either goes pretty deep or leaves games relatively early. He had quite a few starts of 5 innings or less which is a concern.

 

Stuff wise he's good. Plus he's a ground ball pitcher. Gave up quite a few long balls, but his career G/F is 1.68

Was going to point out their are some reports that Nomar turned down a multi year deal with the Angels. Personally I think thats 100% BS, cause I can't see him accepting a one year deal in Chicago, rather then getting to play in Anaheim unless the Angels only offered him like 6 mil a year.

Was going to point out their are some reports that Nomar turned down a multi year deal with the Angels.  Personally I think thats 100% BS, cause I can't see him accepting a one year deal in Chicago, rather then getting to play in Anaheim unless the Angels only offered him like 6 mil a year.

The Cubs did offer $3 million in incentives on top of the base salary...

The Devil Rays have discussed minor league contracts with Billy Koch and Rusty Greer.

Koch still seems likely to get a major league deal. What pitching coach wouldn't want to be the one to turn his career around?

 

Koch didn't put up bad numbers with the Marlins. Their are far worse relievers out their, imo.

Anyone else think this is a bad deal for Cleveland?

I do, I think Rhodes is done. The left-handed Mike Jackson.

Pitchers agree; Pavano gets offer

 

The Marlins reached agreement Tuesday on a two-year, $4.75 million contract with reliever Antonio Alfonseca...

Pitchers agree; Pavano gets offer

They are gonna try him as their closer with mota setting him up. That is a good move because i do not think mota would do well in the closers role.

Why hasn't there been Odalis Perez talk? Seemed like KW was in love with him for awhile. I would have thought we'd look pretty good at him.

You're right steve it seemed like kenny has liked the guy for a while. The Hermanson signing came out of nowhere, think that could possibly happen with Odalis?? Who knows....I'd sure be happy with our entire pitching staff though if that were to happen.

They are gonna try him as their closer with mota setting him up. That is a good move because i do not think mota would do well in the closers role.

Not saying I disagree but just curious why you think that?? Mental Makeup??

Woddy williams signed a one year with the Pads. There goes anotehr of my suggestions. Let's go get 'em KW. I have sort of chagne dmy tune on Dustin. I think it could be a helpful signing.

Not saying I disagree but just curious why you think that??  Mental Makeup??

Because people on the marlins boards really don't like him since he was pretty shaky in his time there. They were saying that their number one priority should be to get someone to close. He just seems to be comfortable as a set-up man.

Don't know if anyone posted this, but I do believe it is of some importance...

 

ESPN (Jayson Stark) is reporting on Insider and the FA tracker that Jaret Wright has signed with the Yankees for 3 years, $21 mil. So much for that idea.

 

 

 

Edit- sorry, wrong thread. someone please move this to the FA resource.