Around the Majors

 

just some tidbits

 

AROUND THE MAJORS

 

The Philadephia Inquirer reports that the Texas Rangers are looking to acquire a bat, possibly Mike Sweeney, Rondell White or Cliff Floyd.

 

With new budget in hand, Blue Jays GM J.P. Ricciardi is looking to sign second baseman Orlando Hudson to a long-term deal, reports the Toronto Sun.

 

According to the Dayton Daily News, the Washington Nationals are a likely destination for outfielder Wily Mo Pena who Nats GM Jim Bowden acquired when he was running the Reds.

 

Outfielder Brian Giles who is a free agent after the season could sign with the Atlanta Braves if he does not work out a deal with the Padres, according to the Chicago Tribune.

 

The St. Petersburg Times reports that speedster Carl Crawford is willing to sign a long-term deal that would keep him in Tampa Bay for anywhere between four and seven years.

 

According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Tim Hudson and the Braves are close to finalizing a contract extension.

 

Newsday has the lowdown on closer news.  The paper reports that the Cubs are speaking to the Tigers about Ugueth Urbina and the A's about Octavio Dotel.  The Mets are also reportedly interested in Urbina.

 

The Cleveland Indians are talking to catcher Victor Martinez about a long-term deal.  The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports that the two sides aren't close to a deal yet.

 

The L.A. Times reports that Angels catcher Bengie Molina has dropped 23 pounds and is looking to impress the team during his contract year.

 

According to the Washington Post, Baltimore Orioles Manager Lee Mazzilli thinks he knows who his Opening Day pitcher will be, but won't share it just yet.  It's reportedly between Rodrigo Lopez and Sidney Ponson.

 

The Boston Globe caught Cardinals outfielder Reggie Sanders working out with cannonballs.  Further investigation by the paper revealed that they were Russian Kettlebells, which originally were old cannonballs first used in the Russian military in 1704.

Four to seven years in Tampa Bay? Have fun Carl.

Four to seven years in Tampa Bay?  Have fun Carl.

 

After the four years would be when he is a free agent so it would not be a bad deal for him.

Four to seven years in Tampa Bay?  Have fun Carl.

 

 

They'll have to trade him for salary reasons before he stays there 4 years. July of 2007, He Gawn.

They'll have to trade him for salary reasons before he stays there 4 years.  July of 2007, He Gawn.

 

Why? This is only gonna be his third full year in the league. He is not gonna get any sort of ridiculous contract. It will be right around what he could have made in arbitration over that time.

Why? This is only gonna be his third full year in the league. He is not gonna get any sort of ridiculous contract. It will be right around what he could have made in arbitration over that time.

 

 

Look at TB's payroll.

Look at TB's payroll.

 

I think they can pay 2-4 million per year for someone who is turning into one of the best lead-off hitters in baseball.

It's sad that Tampa Bay will have a hard time ever making the playoffs aslong as New York and Boston keep at it. Someday they'll make it though, probably not duing the time Crawford is there.

Someday they'll make it though

I think they can pay 2-4 million per year for someone who is turning into one of the best lead-off hitters in baseball.

 

 

Well ... I said July of '07, which will be his 5th year. If he's that good of a leadoff hitter, he'll be looking at closer to 5 or 6 million in arbitration. Anything close to that and he's at 15 to 25 percent of the team's payroll. Sayanara, Carl.

 

 

I bet Tampa Bay contracts before it ever sniffs baseball in October.

The problem with TB is there are more Yankees fans in Tampa/St. Pete than DRays fans from years of the Yanks having their STing there.

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