And So it Begins

[Bored 0]

Just his ninth team but his seventh since 2001.

[The Czech Republic 0]

Couple mid-season trades and waiver placements and he can at least go for 15 in two years.

[Kahran Ramsus 0]

Toronto traded a PTBNL to Cleveland for John McDonald and resigned Menechino for 1 YR/$650000. Both will be back up middle IFs.

 

http://toronto.bluejays.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb...s_tor&fext=.jsp

[EVIL~! alkeiper 0]

Felix Rodriguez is an acceptable, above average bullpen arm. He'll give you a 3-3.5 ERA and eat up innings. His only concern was his $5 Million contract, but that doesn't effect his on field performance.

 

I am happy about the trade. Lofton isn't a world beater anymore, but the Phillies suffered at center last season. Byrd slumped badly, and Michaels' defense was a stretch. This move shores up the only real hole in the lineup, and leaves us with a solid reserve outfielder. The bullpen has Wagner and Worrell, so we didn't really need another right handed setup man. Another nice little side benefit is that it saves the club nearly $2 Million.

 

The Yankees did fairly well out of all this, as they now have a bullpen of Rivera, Gordon, Quantrill, Rodriguez and Stanton. If Jorge DePaula comes back, they're set. The only problem is that the move leaves them without a safety net in center field.

[mike546 0]

Plus Karsay and Sturtze.

 

And if they sign Beltran, thats not a problem.

[EVIL~! alkeiper 0]

I keep forgetting about Karsay.

[DerangedHermit 0]

I keep forgetting about Karsay.

You're not the only one

[MrRant 0]

Rumor Mill

 

SportsLine.com staff   

 

Team by Team

 

Anaheim Angels Updated:12/02/2004

The Los Angeles Times reported the Angels had agreed to terms on an incentive-laden six-year contract with Cuban prospect Kendry Morales. If Morales, 21, attains the bulk of the incentives included in the contract, which includes a $3-million signing bonus, he will earn around $10 million, according to two sources familiar with the negotiations. The Times said agreement was contingent upon the switch-hitter receiving clearance from the U.S. Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control, a relatively routine procedure completed by other Cuban defectors who now play in the majors.

 

Arizona Diamondbacks Updated:12/02/2004

The Arizona Republic reported the much-anticipated trade of ace pitcher Randy Johnson appeared imminent, with the Yankees the most likely destination but with the Red Sox emerging as a contender. The newspaper said Arizona stood a strong chance of landing free-agent pitcher Russ Ortiz but first baseman Richie Sexson had rejected the D-Backs' latest contract offer.

 

Atlanta Braves Updated:12/02/2004

The Journal-Constitution reported the Mariners had made a three-year, $15 million offer to right-hander Jaret Wright that far exceeded Atlanta's offer. The newspaper said the Yankees could be poised to give Wright a proposal within a week. The J-C also said J.D. Drew was seeking a five-year deal for more than $50 million, perhaps too rich for the Braves, who already had $39.5 million of next season's projected $82 million payroll committed to Chipper Jones, Andruw Jones and John Smoltz. The newspaper also said Marcus Giles had been mentioned in trade rumors involving the Oakland Athletics and one of their starting pitchers -— Tim Hudson, Mark Mulder or Barry Zito.

 

Baltimore Orioles Updated:12/02/2004

The Baltimore Sun, citing Orioles insiders, reported Carl Pavano had emerged as one of Baltimore's primary offseason targets -- along with free-agent first basemen Carlos Delgado and Richie Sexson -- so the team wanted to make their best possible impression when the pitcher visits Camdern Yards on Dec. 5-6.

 

Boston Red Sox Updated:12/03/2004

The Boston Herald, citing an industry sources, reported the latest offer made to the Red Sox by agent Scott Boras would allow Boston to void a proposed five-year contract for Jason Varitek after four years. Such a concession could prove significant because, until now, Varitek and Boras were standing firm on a guaranteed five-year deal while the Sox were offering only four years. The newspaper said under the latest proposal, the Red Sox would have the right to void the contract if injury prevented Varitek from playing in a specified number of games (or achieving a certain number of plate appearances) during the final stages of the contract. Earlier, the Boston Globe reported the Red Sox had talked to the Diamondbacks about trading for Randy Johnson, though a team source said the left-hander was "not necessarily our top priority." The newspaper also said the BoSox had talked to Oakland about trading for right-hander Tim Hudson, though the chances are remote. Also, Boston had talked to the Washington Nationals about trading for catcher Brian Schneider (with no success) and had contacted an array of free-agent catchers in case Varitek signs elsewhere.

 

Chicago Cubs Updated:12/02/2004

The Sun-Times reported shortstop Nomar Garciaparra could be returning to the Cubs despite speculation to the contrary. The newspaper said GM Jim Hendry had been meeting with agent Arn Tellem on a deal to keep Garciaparra, 31, even if it becomes a short-term contract.

 

Chicago White Sox Updated:12/03/2004

The Sun-Times reported though the White Sox still had Randy Johnson on their wish list, the team had made a push to sign right-hander Jaret Wright, sources confirmed. But, the newspaper added, the ChiSox might not be able to match the other offers for Wright, who reportedly had been offered a three-year, $15 million contract from the Mariners. The Yankees also were interested and likely would match or exceed the Mariners' offer.

 

Cleveland Indians Updated:12/01/2004

The Plain Dealer reported the Indians met with right-hander Matt Clement for several hours at Jacobs Field after meeting with fellow free agent Jon Lieber a week earlier. The newspaper said that while the Indians like Lieber, it's believed they'd prefer Clement because he's younger and throws harder.

 

Colorado Rockies Updated:12/02/2004

The Denver Post reported the odds of Charles Johnson accepting a trade to the Devil Rays dwindled after the sides were unable to reach compromise on financial issues. The newspaper said if negotiations with Tampa Bay fell through, the Rockies would continue to explore deals with the Pirates and Cubs.

 

Detroit Tigers Updated:12/02/2004

The Free Press reported Tigers pitching coach Bob Cluck and manager Alan Trammell are flying to Detroit from the West Coast to have dinner with free agent Carl Pavano on Dec. 2. Then, along with members of the front office, they will spend time with the pitcher and his agent Scott Shapiro on Dec. 3.

 

Florida Marlins Updated:12/03/2004

Several South Florida newspapers reported Al Leiter and the Marlins were closing in on a one-year deal worth between $5 million and 8 million. Earlier, the Miami Herald reported the Marlins had increased their offer, in both money and years, to free-agent outfielder David Dellucci, according to an industry official. Agent Gregg Clifton said the Marlins had not been ruled out but were "in the background" behind other suitors offering more playing time. The Herald also said the Marlins told reliever Chad Fox they were interested in bringing him back; had shown interest in free-agent left-hander Eric Milton; and had told free-agent infielder Mike Mordecai they would like to re-sign him but hadn't offered him a contract. The Sun-Sentinel reported the Marlins were considering infielder Geoff Blum to help fill out their bench.

 

Houston Astros Updated:11/30/2004

The Houston Chronicle reported the Astros appeared ready to offer Carlos Beltran a six- or seven-year deal worth around $13.5 million per season. The newspaper also said Houston had discussed a trade for Tampa Bay center fielder Jose Cruz Jr.; had considered making a one-year offer to free-agent center fielder Steve Finley; refused to give Jeff Kent the second year he's seeking; discussed making an offer to Houston native Woody Williams; and possibly could sign former Angels setup man Ben Weber to a minor-league contract.

 

Los Angeles Dodgers Updated:12/03/2004

The Los Angeles Times reported the Dodgers had made a two-year offer to outfielder David Dellucci, who has said he prefers to re-sign with the Rangers. The Rockies and Diamondbacks also were interested in him.

 

Minnesota Twins Updated:12/02/2004

The Pioneer Press reported Brad Radke's agent said he didn't foresee a quick resolution to negotiations between the Twins and the free-agent pitcher, but he also didn't expect the Dec. 7 deadline for teams to offer arbitration to their free agents to affect his client's situation. That could mean talks between the Twins and Radke crawling into, and possibly beyond, next week's annual winter meetings in Anaheim, Calif. The newspaper said the Twins' other key free agent, third baseman Corey Koskie, expressed little optimism the team would make a strong enough effort to keep him. But the Star-Tribune reported the Twins were expected to make a final push to sign Koskie, according to a person familiar with negotiations.

 

New York Mets Updated:12/02/2004

The Daily News reported the Yankees were close to bringing back Mike Stanton from the Mets in exchange for fellow lefty reliever Felix Heredia. Earlier, Newsday reported that at a meeting with 10 other front-office members, including his hand-picked manager Willie Randolph, Mets GM Omar Minaya and special assistant Sandy Johnson were the only two who supported the idea of acquiring Sammy Sosa for Cliff Floyd, according to a person familiar with the situation. The New York Post reported the Mets were very interested in free agent Richie Sexson and maintained some interest in trading for Boston's Doug Mientkiewicz, but pursuing free-agent third baseman Troy Glaus (who would be willing to shift to first in the right situation) was a longshot. The New York Daily News reported the Mets had expressed interest in free-agent catcher Henry Blanco.

 

New York Yankees Updated:12/03/2004

The New York Daily News reported baseball sources familiar with the stalled Randy Johnson negotiations said the Diamondbacks' options seemed limited and, for all the stonewalling, Arizona will have no recourse but to eventually deal the Big Unit to the Yankees. The News also said the Yankees had turned their attention to the pursuit of "secondary" starting pitchers Carl Pavano, Jaret Wright and Eric Milton. The Daily News also reported the Yankees were close to bringing back Mike Stanton from the Mets in exchange for fellow lefty reliever Felix Heredia.

 

Oakland Athletics Updated:12/02/2004

The San Fancisco Chronicle and Oakland Tribune reported A's right-hander Tim Hudson said he'd like to be signed to a new contract by March 1 and won't talk after that. "Tim made the decision (Tuesday) night," agent Paul Cohen told the Chronicle. "He wants to express clearly to the fans that he wants to come back, but it's up to ownership. The one thing he doesn't want is to go into spring-training games (which begin March 3) without an extension. If it goes beyond that, Tim is going to play out the season and he is going to leave." The Tribune said many people in baseball believe GM Billy Beane is weighing potential trade offers for Hudson, Mark Mulder or Barry Zito. Once the GM decides if trading one of the aces is worth it, and which one to trade, he would start negotiations with Hudson.

 

Philadelphia Phillies Updated:12/03/2004

The Philadelphia Daily News reported Sandy Alomar Jr. was in Philadelphia to take a physical, according to sources close to the situation. Barring an unexpected hitch, Alomar will sign to back up Mike Lieberthal. Earlier, the Inquirer reported David Wells remained on the Phillies' wish list. "They've stepped up recently," agent Gregg Clifton said. "And David likes the Phillies. He likes (manager) Charlie Manuel. He's friends with Jim Thome. Spring training (in Clearwater, Fla.) is just 10 minutes away from his house. They're going to score a lot of runs. Philadelphia is attractive for a lot of reasons." The Philadelphia Daily News reported catcher Mike Lieberthal said he wouldn't rule out the possibility of accepting a trade from the only organization he's ever been with. "I've thought about it," he said. "What teams would I go to? There aren't many. But anything can happen in this game. Obviously, I'd be open to discussing it if they want to trade me. Because if they want to trade you, they think they're making themselves better." Lieberthal stressed that his preference was to remain in Philadelphia.

 

Pittsburgh Pirates Updated:12/02/2004

The Tribune-Review reported some financial obstacles need to be cleared, but the Pirates were exploring a trade for Rockies catcher Charles Johnson.

San Diego Padres Updated:12/03/2004

The San Diego Union reported Padres GM Kevin Towers and left-hander David Wells were close to striking a deal. The newspaper said although the Phillies reportedly offered Wells more than $5 million for 2005, the Padres were likely to sign Wells by Dec. 7, when they would lose rights to him if they haven't come to terms or offered arbitration.

 

Seattle Mariners Updated:12/02/2004

The Post-Intelligencer reported the Mariners were thought to be after both Carlos Delgado and Richie Sexson but, contrary to earlier reports, the twin pursuits are about keeping options open and almost certainly will not lead to acquiring both free agents. Earlier, the Seattle Times reported the Mariners extended an offer to right-hander Jaret Wright. The newspaper said unconfirmed word had the offer at $15 million over three years. In New York, there was speculation the Yankees were about to make a similar offer to Wright.

 

St. Louis Cardinals Updated:12/03/2004

The Post-Dispatch reported reported free-agent catcher Mike Matheny said he has had only limited contact with the Cardinals' front office since cleaning out his locker after the World Series. The newspaper said GM Walt Jocketty phoned Matheny's agent recently but he did not make an offer. Matheny has said his preference is to remain in St. Louis.

 

Tampa Bay Devil Rays Updated:12/01/2004

The Tampa Tribune reported that with an anticipated $30 million-35 million payroll for 2005, the Devil Rays hope to sign the team's arbitration-eligible players, add two or three hitters to the lineup (including a starting left fielder, a designated hitter and either a third baseman or a second baseman), then sign one veteran starting pitcher. The Tribune said the D-Rays had focused their attention on less-expensive free-agent options such as third basemen Tony Batista and Joe Randa; second basemen Todd Walker and Mark Grudzielanek; outfielders Juan Gonzalez and Danny Bautista; and pitchers Shawn Estes and Esteban Loiaza. The St. Petersburg Times said don't rule out the return of free-agent first baseman Tino Martinez, who may not, as previously believed, be headed to the Yankees or Mets.

 

Texas Rangers Updated:12/02/2004

The Star-Telegram reported the Rangers' off-season objectives had not changed after owner Tom Hicks spent two days meeting with GM John Hart, manager Buck Showalter and pitching coach Orel Hershiser. The newspaper said the Rangers were still looking for a right fielder, DH and starting pitcher and were likely to wait until after Dec. 7 to see which free agents will require compensation to their old teams. "I know we're not going to give up draft picks," Hicks said. "I think we had a very good meeting. There's agreement on how we're going to approach the off-season. We're going over lots of names and lots of scenarios. Now it's time for me to let the general manager do his job." Earlier, the Dallas Morning News reported that although Dave Dellucci reportedly had offers from three other teams –- including a two-year proposal from Los Angeles -– agent Greg Clifton said Dellucci's first goal was to remain with the Rangers. Dellucci also had offers from Arizona and Colorado. Clifton said he planned to "reach out" to the Rangers again to resuscitate talks.

 

Toronto Blue Jays Updated:12/01/2004

The Toronto Sun reported right-hander Matt Clement continued to top the list of free agents in whom the Blue Jays were interested. "We've had a number of discussions with his agent but we haven't made an offer yet," GM J.P. Ricciardi said. "I'd say we're in the mix. I don't know if we're a front-runner or not but our hat's in the ring." The Sun said if the Jays sign Clement or another starter of equal calibre, they will then probably keep Miguel Batista as the club's closer.

[EVIL~! alkeiper 0]

Sandy Alomar. His offense took a turn for the worse last year, and at 38, that is not a good sign. I guess the idea is to take defense over offense at catcher, which would be nice if Alomar weren't so injury prone. But the market's not much better after Alomar anyway. Thumbs in the middle.

[tominator89 0]

I don't like the idea of the Phillies pursuing, and in the case of Lofton, already signing, guys who are getting up there in terms of age.

[MarvinisaLunatic 0]

If Carl Pavano can be had cheaply as to allow to sign Delgado, then Im for it, but I wouldn't give him a huge contract. and Im reading he wants 4 years/ 12 million a year which is too much. Let the Yankees pay him that.

[EVIL~! alkeiper 0]

I don't like the idea of the Phillies pursuing, and in the case of Lofton, already signing, guys who are getting up there in terms of age.

Lofton is ok, because he takes care of several problems for the Phillies. He gives them their fifth outfielder, provides solid defense, and fills the only shaky issue in the Phillies' lineup. He's not a star anymore, but he can be a useful player. There weren't many better players on the market in any case. Steve Finley is due for a meltdown.

 

As for Alomar, the Phillies re-signed Todd Pratt for a year, so I imagine that is a dead issue. I'm happy to see that.

[Guest Brian]

Houston offers Beltran five years at $70 million

[Conspiracy_Victim 0]

Well, with BorAss as Beltran's agent, I don't think it'll be enough in years or dollars. Just a hunch. It would be nice if he took it since let's face it, $14 million a year is nothing to sneeze at.

[EVIL~! alkeiper 0]

The Rockies terminated Denny Neagle's contract. Assuming it holds up, at $19 Million Neagle may well have received the most expensive blowjob in recorded history.

[Bored 0]

The player's union is going to step in on this one no doubt. If Neagle was healthy and still a decent pitcher there is no way the Rockies would void his deal over this.

[Fuzzy Dunlop 0]

So is it true that today is the last day for a team to sign back their own free agents without offering arbitration? Like, the last day for Boston to sign Pedro and Varitek? The last day for Houston to sign Beltran? The last day for my Cubs to sign Walker and Nomar?

[Guest Smell the ratings!!!]

if you lose a guy who you offered arbitration, you get draft picks. But if no one takes the guy then you're stuck with him at whatever price the arbitrator says.

[Guest Brian]

Sox offer arbitration to Pedro, Cabrera, Lowe, Varitek

[Der Kommissar 0]

Nomar re-signs with the Cubs

 

A one year deal. Not bad.

[Guest Failed Mascot]

Cubs are close to bringing back Todd Walker as well. I didn't read the Nomar article so I don't know if that was mentioned, but there ya go.

[The Czech Republic 0]

Let's hope it happens. All we need now are to get Beltran in and Sosa out and we're good to go.

[Guest Failed Mascot]

So is it true that today is the last day for a team to sign back their own free agents without offering arbitration? Like, the last day for Boston to sign Pedro and Varitek? The last day for Houston to sign Beltran? The last day for my Cubs to sign Walker and Nomar?

Kind of. If they don't reach an agreement with the player and then don't offer said player arbitration then the team can't negotiate with the player until May 1. Also any players signed before this time frame are treated as if they were offered arbitration. The Giants signing Omar Vizquel so early was pretty stupid since Cleveland wasn't going to offer him arbitration anyways, and if they lost out on him to another team they could have easily gotten another SS.

 

The Giants have already lost draft picks for picking up both Vizquel and Benitez. Although Vizquel will probably only cost them a third rounder and Benitez maybe a first or a second.

[treble 0]

So, SportsCentre just listed their top 10 Blue Jays players of all-time since it looks like Delgado's leaving.

 

10: Roger Clemens

9: John Olerud

8: Pat Hentgen

7: Tony Fernandez

6: Tom Henke

5: George Bell

4: Joe Carter

3: Carlos Delgado

2: Dave Stieb

1: Roberto Alomar

[Guest Failed Mascot]

I would think Jimmy Key would have gotten the nod over Clemens.

[Guest Failed Mascot]

oh, and here's a picture of the prostitute Denny Neagle was caught with

 

 

Link

[Spaceman Spiff 0]

Oof. Looks like a tranny.

[Guest Failed Mascot]

A list of the players not offered arbitration. Thus they will cost the team that signs them no draft picks at all. I'll update the list as I find more.

 

Anaheim - 3B Troy Glaus, 1B Andres Galarraga, INF Shane Halter and RHP Aaron Sele

Arizona -

Atlanta - OF J.D. Drew, RHP Russ Ortiz and RHP Antonio Alfonseca.

Baltimore - LHP Buddy Groom, LHP Omar Daal, OF Marty Cordova and DH David Segui.

Boston - RHP Scott Williamson, RHP Terry Adams, RHP Curtis Leskanic, RHP Ramiro Mendoza, INF Ricky Gutierrez and DH Ellis Burks.

Chi Cubs - OF Moises Alou, 2B Mark Grudzielanek, OF Tom Goodwin, OF Ben Grieve, SS Ramon Martinez, C Paul Bako and LHP Kent Mercker

Chi WhiSox - OF Magglio Ordonez, SS Jose Valentin, 2B Roberto Alomar and C Sandy Alomar Jr.

Cinci - SS Barry Larkin, OF Darren Bragg, RHP Todd Van Poppel and LHP Gabe White.

Cleveland - RHP Rick White

Colorado -

Detroit - RHP Esteban Yan and RHP Al Levine

Florida - RHP David Weathers, INF Mike Mordecai, 1B-OF Wil Cordero, RHP Chad Fox and RHP Josias Manzanillo

Houston - 2B Jeff Kent, RHP Dan Miceli and LHP Darren Oliver

KC -

LA - OF Steve Finley, RHP Jose Lima, C Todd Hundley, RHP Hideo Nomo, 2B Jose Hernandez, RHP Paul Shuey and 3B Robin Ventura

Minn -

Milwaukee - INF Craig Counsell

NY Mets - OF Richard Hidalgo, LHP Al Leiter, LHP John Franco, RHP Ricky Bottalico, INF Todd Zeile and DH Mo Vaughn

NY Yanks - 1B/DH Tony Clark, 1B Travis Lee, RHP Esteban Loaiza, LHP C.J. Nitkowski and INF Enrique Wilson

Oakland - LHP Chris Hammond, OF Jermaine Dye, INF Mark McLemore and RHP Jim Mecir.

Pittsburgh -

Phili - LHP Eric Milton, RHP Kevin Millwood, RHP Todd Jones and RHP Roberto Hernandez.

San D - SS Alex Gonzalez, RHP Andy Ashby, RHP Antonio Osuna, SS Rich Aurilia, 1B Robert Fick and 1B Dave Hansen

San F - RHP Dustin Hermanson, RHP Robb Nen and RHP Dave Burba

Seattle -

St. Louis - LHP Steve Kline, 2B Tony Womack, RHP Woody Williams and OF Ray Lankford

Tampa - 1B Tino Martinez, LHP John Halama, C Brook Fordyce, INF Rey Sanchez and RHP Todd Ritchie.

Texas - 2B-OF Eric Young, RHP Jeff Nelson, RHP Jay Powell, RHP Jeff Zimmerman, OF Rusty Greer, OF Brian Jordan, 1B Brad Fullmer, SS Andy Fox and 1B-3B Herbert Perry.

Toronto - 1B Carlos Delgado, SS Chris Gomez, INF Dave Berg, LHP Valerio De Los Santos and RHP Pat Hentgen

Washington - 3B Tony Batista and C Einar Diaz

[strummer 0]

oh, and here's a picture of the prostitute Denny Neagle was caught with

 

 

Link

is that Jeremy Irons?

[Guest Smues]

oh, and here's a picture of the prostitute Denny Neagle was caught with

 

 

Link

Wow......just wow. You're telling me a guy making that kind of money who'se a pro athlete can't find anything better? Suddenly Hugh Grant with Divine Brown doesn't look so bad.