2005-06 MLB Offseason Thread

[Bruiser Chong 0]

I know Seo was pitching over his head last season, but that seems like a fairly lopsided trade.

[MikeJordan23 0]

I don't like that trade for the Mets. Seo is pretty solid. Could've gotten more.

[Guest]

I really like that trade.

[Guest Gathering Moss]

Well I’m not too happy about this move, but it does fill a need. The Mets had a surplus of starting pitching and needed bullpen help. Talks with Tampa about a possible trade for Baez had stalled because of their inflexibility regarding Heilman, so the Mets took there business elsewhere. Minaya overpaying shouldn’t surprise anyone, as that’s been his modus operandi since he came to New York.

[DerangedHermit 0]

Seo was definitely pitching over his head, and the Mets desperately need live arms in the bullpen. And they got rid of Tim "My ERA is almost as high as my age" Hamulack.

[devo 0]

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/wire?section=mlb&id=2280531

 

That's their solution for the second base problem? Yeesh. Every day, it's looking more and more likely that Matsui will be starting at 2B on opening day. Not that that's terrible or anything, but finding someone better than him (or Bret Boone, for that matter) to fill that position should have been a priority. Maybe they should just throw Keppinger out there and see what happens.

 

Also, I like the trade to the Dodgers. I'm sad to see Seo go, but, as it's been said in this thread, he'll probably never pitch as good as he did last year again, and the Mets get two fairly good relievers to bolster their bullpen.

Edited January 5, 2006 by El Luchadore Magnifico

[EVIL~! alkeiper 0]

The Phillies' signed Ryan Franklin to a one year, $2.6 Million deal. Franklin becomes the team's 10th best option in the rotation, behind Brett Myers, Cory Lidle, Jon Lieber, Ryan Madson, Robinson Tejeda, Gavin Floyd, Cole Hamels, Edwin Moreno, and possibly Daniel Haigwood.

 

This deal could work out if most of Franklin's fly balls are shagged by Aaron Rowand. But he's a homer prone pitcher moving from a pitchers' park to a hitters' park. This could get ugly.

[the pinjockey 0]

What a stupid, stupid contract.

 

From ESPN's story:

"The Phillies were attracted to Franklin in part by his durability. He has averaged 31 starts and 201 innings over the past three seasons."

 

Woohoo. He won't even have the common courtesy to get injured when he blows. 200 IP of a 6 ERA coming up.

 

He had a career best GB/FB ratio last year and still allowed 28 HRs in 190 IP (a wonderful 18 HRs in 106 2/3 IP on the road).

 

Dead horse alert: Padilla at $4mil bad, Franklin at $2.6 apparently good?

[the pinjockey 0]

Franklin's BR page

http://www.baseball-reference.com/f/frankry01.shtml

 

The sponsor is gold.

[Bored 0]

http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/s...ls/13551693.htm

Three messages awaited Kevin Towers when he arrived at the San Diego Padres’ offices Wednesday. They were from co-workers in the baseball-operations office wondering when, exactly, Towers decided to sign Jose Lima.

 

All of them had read a story from the Dominican Republic in which El Caribe newspaper reported that Lima said he would sign a one-year, $1.7 million contract with the Padres.

 

Towers laughed. No such deal existed.

 

“Frankly,” the Padres general manager said, “that would make us look like buffoons.”

Ouch. At least Jose still has Mrs. Lima.

[Failed Bridge 0]

and herpes.

 

Boston Globe is reporting a possible 3 team deal between LA/OAK/BOS

 

David Wells headed to LA

Prospects to OAK

Corner OF from LA and pitcher from OAK to Bos

 

It would be nice if the Red Sox front office finally realised that trading David Wells is not at the top of the list in priorities. The team has no SS, no CF, and no adequate option for a leadoff hitter.

[Brett Favre 0]

I don't even care for Boston rumors anymore. Every freaking day, it's a 3 way trade.

[EVIL~! alkeiper 0]

Indeed. This one doesn't even have any names!

[Failed Bridge 0]

Another new twist in "As Manny's World Turns" with the slugger saying he now wants to stay in Boston.

 

Link

 

MIAMI (ESPNdeportes.com)-- Manny Ramirez doesn't think he'll be traded to the Baltimore Orioles, or any other team for that matter. Now he's getting used to the idea of being in a Boston Red Sox uniform for a long time to come.

 

"There will be no trade, I'm staying in Boston, where I'm familiar with the system and where I have a lot of friends, especially David Ortiz," Ramirez told ESPNdeportes.com while in Miami on personal business.

 

Ramirez, one of the most feared hitters in the majors, had once again demanded a trade from the Red Sox, and even threatened to hold out during spring training if Boston did not grant his wish. The outfielder's contract, through which he is still owed $57 millon over the next three seasons, in addition to the unpredictability of his expressed wishes, have hampered Boston's efforts to trade him.

 

Over the last two weeks, the Red Sox held multiple conversations with Baltimore about a trade for Miguel Tejada, who also asked to be dealt from the Orioles, but the talks stalled when Ramirez reportedly said that he would approve the trade only if the team he was dealt to would exercise two $20 millon options on his contract.

 

The New York Mets also attempted to acquire the slugger during this offseason.

 

"I'm going to take things easy and focus on my career," said Ramirez.

 

The MVP of the 2004 World Series thinks Boston may still try to trade him, but Ramirez has the right to veto any deal and wants to stay in the American League. "I know the American League system. That's one reason I don't want to go to the National League," he said. "I also want to play for a contender, and I think with Boston I'm assured of that."

 

Ramirez, 33, hit .292 with 45 home runs and 140 RBI in 2005, his fifth season with the Red Sox. Boston signed the slugger to a eight-year, $160 million contract in December of 2000.

 

In his 13-year career, the first eight with the Cleveland Indians, the nine time All-Star has a .314 average, with 435 home runs and 1,414 RBI. He was the American League batting champion in 2002 (.349) and lead the junior circuit that year in home runs (43). He lead the majors with 165 RBI in 1999.

 

Ramirez also reiterated his intention of playing for his native Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic, and gave a vote of support to Alex Rodriguez, who reportedly will play for the United States in the international event.

 

"Alex is American. We have to understand that and respect him and his decision."

 

Its rumored that the reason Manny demanded the trade this time around is because his wife caught him cheating and said "Get traded out of Boston(where the mistress lives) or I'm leaving".

[Bruiser Chong 0]

I just realized that these constant Red Sox blurbs have made me weary of even checking this thread or other baseball-related sites. I wish Manny Ramirez never existed.

[mike546 0]

The Sox really are the new Yankees.

[Guest]

I just realized that these constant Red Sox blurbs have made me weary of even checking this thread or other baseball-related sites. I wish Manny Ramirez never existed.

[Cheech Tremendous 0]

It would be nice if the Red Sox front office finally realised that trading David Wells is not at the top of the list in priorities. The team has no SS, no CF, and no adequate option for a leadoff hitter.

 

I don't think that the Sox have the holes that the media is claiming. I'll address each of your aforementioned concerns individually.

 

Youkilis is a more than adequate replacement for Damon in the leadoff spot because of his ability to get on base. While there is a loss in speed at the top of the order, that shouldn't be a main concern given that Manny-Ortiz are mashing behind him.

 

A Cora/Pedroia platoon at short is going to give at least what Renteria offered last year, both offensively and defensively. Don't forget the added advantage of not having Renterial clogging up the order by batting in the two spot.

 

Centerfield is the only major hole at the moment. Jeremy Reed appears to still be a backup option after all the other pieces fall (which could hinge on the Wells deal). Worst case scenario they put Adam Stern in center, which would be a disaster offensively but a major defensive upgrade over Damon.

 

Seeing that the team has tremendously improved its starting pitching, bullpen and defense, sacrificing some offense should be of less concern than it was in years past.

 

If trading Wells (who could retire if not moved) isn't a priority, what is? Especially since some of the names being mentioned in this deal are Justin Duscherer and JD Drew. It's time to look at filling out the roster instead of searching for "names" to patch up their perceived deficiencies.

[Guest]

JD Drew's being mentioned? I love Boston.

[Failed Bridge 0]

Drew has only been mentioned as an OF the Dodgers would be willing to part with.

 

Quite frankly I'd be happy if the Red Sox just went and signed Alex Gonzales to play SS, traded for Coco Crisp to play CF, and then just traded David Wells for a prospect. All of that with finalising the deal with J.T. Snow would be fine and dandy with me, I don't need them aquiring Tejada or any other big names. I suppose they outta trade Tony Graffanino as well but that's not a major concern at this point.

[Bruiser Chong 0]

Corey Patterson's on his way to Baltimore in exchange for a minor leaguer. I hope this works out as well as the Sosa deal.

[therealworldschampion 0]

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/5224028

 

While the agent for Red Sox left fielder Manny Ramirez says that Ramirez remains open to a trade, the Orioles instead could deal shortstop Miguel Tejada for Phillies outfielder Bobby Abreu, FOXSports.com has learned.

 

The Phillies have proposed an Abreu-for-Tejada exchange with the intention of playing Tejada at third base. The Orioles want pitching in addition to Abreu, according to sources with knowledge of the negotiations, raising the possibility of an expanded deal.

Meanwhile, Ramirez's agent, Greg Genske, told FOXSports.com Thursday night that Ramirez would consider waiving his no-trade clause for the Orioles or another team, discounting Ramirez's statement to ESPNDeportes.com that he was "staying in Boston."

 

The Tejada-for-Ramirez talks, while stalled, are not dead, sources say. The same is true of the talks between the Cubs and Orioles regarding Tejada, which also are stalemated but could revive quickly. Other teams, such as the Angels and Tigers, also could be in the mix.

 

The latest intrigue over Ramirez comes after he told ESPNDeportes.com, "There will be no trade. I'm staying in Boston, where I'm familiar with the system and where I have a lot of friends, especially David Ortiz."

 

Genske, however, said he called Ramirez after learning of the slugger's remarks, and Ramirez denied making the comments.

 

"If Boston is able to work out a trade with Baltimore or another team, Manny is still open to making a move," Genske said.

 

The Orioles reportedly have rejected the Red Sox's offer of Ramirez and right-hander Matt Clement for Tejada, seeking additional pitching or third-base prospect Andy Marte in the deal.

 

If the Phillies acquired Tejada, they would gain the option of flipping him for a top-of-the-rotation starter, either in a three-way trade or separate deal; the Cubs, for example, have shown a willingness to trade right-hander Mark Prior for Tejada, but not Abreu. However, the Cubs would want a starting pitcher back for Prior — they've asked the Orioles for left-hander Erik Bedard - and the Phillies probably lack the depth to make that type of move.

 

Abreu, who turns 32 in March, is not as accomplished a hitter as Ramirez, but he's less expensive, less controversial and two years younger. In addition, the Orioles almost certainly would prefer to trade Tejada to a club outside of their division rather than the Red Sox.

 

After losing free-agent outfielder Jeromy Burnitz to the Pirates, the Orioles' outfield currently consists of Jay Gibbons, Luis Matos and Jeff Conine. If they traded Tejada for Abreu or Ramirez, they could make a separate deal for another shortstop or sign a free agent such as Alex Gonzalez.

 

For the Phillies, Tejada would represent a major upgrade at third over David Bell, who is signed for next season at $4.5 million and perhaps could be traded for a comparably priced outfielder. Tejada, who turns 30 on May 25, has only played shortstop during his nine-year major-league career. However, Tejada is pushing for a trade to a contender, and Alex Rodriguez agreed to move from short to third when he wanted to leave the Rangers for the Yankees.

 

Earlier this off-season, the Phillies sought to trade Abreu for a top starting pitcher, inquiring about Prior, Bedard and Dodgers' Derek Lowe, among others. The Phillies never obtained the pitcher they wanted, but did sign free-agent right-hander Ryan Franklin to a one-year, $2.6 million contract on Thursday. They continue to search for either another starter or setup man, which could make it difficult for them to include pitching in any trade with the Orioles.

 

Like Ramirez, Abreu has the right to reject any trade. He is guaranteed $28 million over the next two seasons, plus a $2 million buyout for 2008 if his $16 million option is not exercised. The Orioles' roster includes three other native Venezuelans - third baseman Melvin Mora, catcher Ramon Hernandez and reliever Jorge Julio. But Abreu could require that the Orioles to pick up his '08 option before he would approve a trade.

 

Ramirez is guaranteed $57 million over the next three years, and his contract also includes two option years, each worth $20 million. He, too, could insist that the Orioles or another team effectively extend his contract. A deal involving either Abreu or Ramirez almost certainly would necessitate the opening of a 72-hour negotiating window to resolve such issues.

 

Another obstacle to consider: Abreu, Ramirez and Tejada would gain the right to demand a trade at the end of next season if they were dealt in the middle of multi-year contracts. A player who makes such a demand can become a free agent if his request is not met by the following March 15, though players rarely are willing to take that step and forfeit their remaining salary. The Diamondbacks traded pitcher Javier Vazquez to the White Sox after he filed a trade demand in November.

[Boon 0]

Hey- here's something the Red Sox actually did.

 

Sox sign JT Snow for a 1-year $2 million deal, expected to split time at 1st w/ Youkilis.

[Failed Bridge 0]

That's not a bad deal at all considering the amount of money being thrown around this off-season. I wonder if Kevin Millar will end up signing on with any team (Yankees maybe due to the relationship with Damon and the fact he can back-up both 1B and LF?) or if he retires since he has previously said he's no desire to play in Japan.

[Guest Leelee]

Red Sox. Yankees. Yawn.

 

A week ago, or so, the D-Backs traded Glaus and some scrub away for Orlando Hudson and Mike Batista. This sounds like a bad deal, because doesn't Arizona's hitting like really suck?

[Crimson G 0]

I'm not even sure Hanley Ramirez is ready for AAA, let alone the majors. A starting infield job is Pokey's to lose at this stage. I still can't believe the Marlins non-tendered Joe Dillon.

 

Sadly, despite Olivo being a .227 hitter, he's still their best option short of punting defense for Josh Willingham.

 

Reviewing the post thus far, this post makes me laugh. Not only did the Marlins pick up two men that are never wanted back in Mariners territory (ever again), but they're actually being praised for doing so. Al, who is usually dead-on with what he says, talks about Olivo being taken for his defense. Olivo has trouble catching the ball behind the plate and Pokey Reese was out all of last year (getting paid a huge salary to do so.) He's supposed to be pretty good on defense, but will hardly bring anything to the plate.

 

Anyway, the Mariners aren't doing anything (yet again), so I foresee another cellar finish, possibly losing 100 games. Their pitching prospects (aside from Felix Hernandez) that were brought up last year were Jeff Harris and Jorge Campano, who are both 30 years old+. The M's need to get their act together because it's looking like the late 80's/early 90's again.

[Failed Bridge 0]

The Mariners brought in Jarrod Washburn and that japanese catcher so they have done something.

 

The Reds on the other hand have done nothing. I can't recall a single move they've made this offseason.

[Guest]

They traded Sean Casey, right?

[Failed Bridge 0]

Oh yeah, they traded him to the Pirates. I forget about that deal because I was in the hospital when it went down. Hmmmm...Rockies haven't done anything of note I believe.

[Guest]

Bingo.