It looks to me like the Mariners are getting a good deal. Winn is a very solid top of the order hitter and should excell hitting in the two slot behind Ichiro.

 

I don't know why the Devil Rays would give up their best player for a manager that is great, but it isn't like he can do anything with the lack of talent the Rays have.

 

I'll tell you one thing, if Sweet Lou does something then I'll give him a whole lot of credit.

I agree, it solidifies their outifield. they have three guys who can play center, have good speed and arms.

 

I don't think Piniella can do anything for the D-Rays personally. I respect him for going there though cause that is a challenge and can really seperate the good managers from the Joe Torre's. of course, the D-rays don't have to win 90 games or so, but if they finish with 75-80 wins this coming season, kudos to him.

 

I wonder how much say he's gonna have within the organization? usually bad organizations stay away from proven winning coaches if they are content on losing. perhaps the D-rays are looking to be a real baseball team now.

 

one thing is for sure. with Yanks pitching staff getting old, Twins players being up for contracts, the A's and M's losing two quality managers, the AL seems to be wide open next season.

 

The A's may not even compete. they only got 30,000 or so for the playoffs and their obvious payroll constraints may lead to more deals.

 

if the Sox were smart, they'd really take advantage of this and jump on top while the competition is diminishing.

Lets not forget Steinbrenner is cutting salary. He's already fired about 30 employees and I think thats just the beginning. He's feeling the heat of all the extra money he's going to pay.

 

Personally I think Oakland stays good because of their pitchers, but I now know Oakland will either have to move or dump all their talented players once they ask for money.

 

As far as Tampa goes, it wasn't too long ago where they were spending a ton of money, but they spent it on the wrong players.

 

My guess is Lou is their to help land the big names over and they will try to compete within 3 years and he'll retire after that point, if it works. Of course if things go horribly he may just retire sooner.

 

They'll go prospects prospects prospects year one, add some vets in year two, then try to put it all together for year 3.

is it possible the d-rays have a worse gm then the sox??? what kind of crack has he been smoking to get ride of randy winn for a manager

I think they have a worse gm, but for me to say that I probably should know what their gm's name is. Of course, I don't. I'll still call him stupid for making that move, but he's been stupid for his tenure with the Drays. I've yet to see any of their so called top prospects do anything and I've yet to see them even come close to being competitive.

I hope Pinella loses some weight cause he'll have to steal a lot of bases and hit +.300. WHAT THE f*** IS THAT?

Tampa did not WINN in this "trade." Instead, they are the LOUser!