Interesting Tid-bits from Jayson Stark's Article.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

Purusing Jayson Stark's Extra Innings Rumblings, there were lots of interesting tidbits.

 

Abreu wasn't (isn't) likely to waive his no-trade clause.

 

The Phillies have told Bobby Abreu's agent, Peter Greenberg, that they were never shopping Abreu. But teams that have spoken to them say they were, at the very least, listening intently and, at most, initiating phone calls in which Abreu's name came up.

What the Phillies never did establish, as they held all of those conversations, was whether Abreu would have waived his no-trade clause to go anywhere.

 

"But if I were a betting man," says one friend of Abreu, "I bet he wouldn't -- for any deal."

 

 

That's interesting since he's been mentioned in a number of deals.

 

Anyone want Mota?

 

It was only a year ago that Guillermo Mota seemed ready to make the jump to that star-closer strata he has long aspired to. Instead, he turned into an OK-just-take-him add-on to the Josh Beckett deal this winter. And now, the Red Sox are making it known he's available again. Teams that have talked to Boston report that Mota has been dangled in several scenarios. But it's amazing how wary other teams are of Mota all of a sudden.

When the Marlins got him from the Dodgers at the 2004 trading deadline, it "looked like a steal," says one front-office man. "But now people are finding out why they were so willing to put him in that deal."

 

The rumblings around the Marlins last summer were that Mota wasn't particularly hardworking, wasn't a good influence on their younger players and sulked after getting into it with manager Jack McKeon. But he never did lose his stuff, and "when he pitched inside with his fastball," says one scout, "he was damn near unhittable."

 

So Mota has a lot to prove to many, many people this year -- no matter who employs him.

 

 

Weaver May Sign One Year Deal

 

It was only a year ago that Guillermo Mota seemed ready to make the jump to that star-closer strata he has long aspired to. Instead, he turned into an OK-just-take-him add-on to the Josh Beckett deal this winter. And now, the Red Sox are making it known he's available again. Teams that have talked to Boston report that Mota has been dangled in several scenarios. But it's amazing how wary other teams are of Mota all of a sudden.

When the Marlins got him from the Dodgers at the 2004 trading deadline, it "looked like a steal," says one front-office man. "But now people are finding out why they were so willing to put him in that deal."

 

The rumblings around the Marlins last summer were that Mota wasn't particularly hardworking, wasn't a good influence on their younger players and sulked after getting into it with manager Jack McKeon. But he never did lose his stuff, and "when he pitched inside with his fastball," says one scout, "he was damn near unhittable."

 

So Mota has a lot to prove to many, many people this year -- no matter who employs him.

 

 

And a little update on Sammy:

 

All that talk about Sammy Sosa heading for Washington appears to have been wildly overblown. One baseball man who has spoken with both sides says those Sosa talks were "very preliminary" and "nothing specific."

Several teams besides the Nationals are believed to have booted Sosa's tires this winter. And Sosa obviously wants to play, in an attempt to prove his ugly second half (.213 average, .273 on-base percentage, .362 slugging) was a result of his infected toe, not disintegrating talent.

 

But he'll probably have to take a nonroster deal to do it. And he has told friends in the Dominican he isn't necessarily opposed to that, if it looks like the right situation.

[erik316wttn]

What would it take to get Mota? If he could be had on the cheap, would he be worth it with his stuff?

 

Sammy bashing begins in 3....2.....1...

[Butterscup1679666578]

What would it take to get Mota? If he could be had on the cheap, would he be worth it with his stuff?

 

Sammy bashing begins in 3....2.....1...

 

I'd still give him a roster spot over Marquis Grissom or John Mabry.

[stitchface]

he'd be a good platoon partner for jones . . . .hahahhahaha

[Roast]

OMG BUT DONT YOU GUYZ NO DAT HE UZED ROIDS YOU CAN SEE IT IN HE'S EYEZ WHEN HE BEATS THOSe bABY SEALS!

 

I for one dont want sammy back here, the "fans" would be far to harsh on him. He doesnt deserve that. I hope wherever he goes he can stay there and finish out whatever is left of his career in happiness.

[Neuby]

interesting that weaver might take a one year deal. If I where Hendry I would have to make a run at him. You can never have enough pitching. Weaver seems to remain healthy over his career and could finally put it together working with Rothschild and being at best a number 3 on this staff. If the Cubs are tanking around July he'll bring in some nice prospects at the deadline.

[Roast]

Weaver seems to remain healthy over his career and could finally put it together working with Rothschild and

 

I have 0 trust in rothschild anymore.

[baseball7897]

I would try to make a deal for Mota. Im not really sold on Wuertz or Novoa just yet. Mota would give the Cubs more experience in the bullpen.

 

Dempster

Mota

Howry

Eyre

Ohman

Williamson

Rusch (If he is not part of the Mota deal)

 

This bullpen looks pretty good if you ask me

[Drew Doughty]

No way Jim goes for Mota. He had a terrible year last year, that's one of the requirements that goes towards joining the Cubs bullpen via acquisition. Unless you're coming off of injury.

[stitchface]

I'd definitely rather have weaver than rusch. I'd take mota if he came with marte. say for . . . neifi.

[Bgbird68]

OMG BUT DONT YOU GUYZ NO DAT HE UZED ROIDS YOU CAN SEE IT IN HE'S EYEZ WHEN HE BEATS THOSe bABY SEALS!

 

I for one dont want sammy back here, the "fans" would be far to harsh on him. He doesnt deserve that. I hope wherever he goes he can stay there and finish out whatever is left of his career in happiness.

\

 

So only true Cub "fans" wouldn't boo Sammy?

[badger1679666666]

OMG BUT DONT YOU GUYZ NO DAT HE UZED ROIDS YOU CAN SEE IT IN HE'S EYEZ WHEN HE BEATS THOSe bABY SEALS!

 

I for one dont want sammy back here, the "fans" would be far to harsh on him. He doesnt deserve that. I hope wherever he goes he can stay there and finish out whatever is left of his career in happiness.

 

You sure don't have any tolerance for those that don't like Sammy do you? Why do you act like your opinion is more valid than theirs by mocking anyone who might not like the way he acted or might have suspicions of illegal roid use? I know several fans who didn't like him not for "roid use" but more for how they perceived his attitude to be. I know alot of Grace fans that believe he ran Grace out of town.

 

Now I'm not saying any of those opinions are correct, but I'm certainly not going to mock everyone anytime the name Sammy is brought up like you undoubtedly do. I don't get why you feel the need to do it everytime, but carry on if you must.

[don_kessinger_was_good]

Mota is interesting, but if I can trade for any member of Boston's staff, it'd be Papelbon. That kid is nasty.

 

Aramis Ramirez and Jerry Hairston for Andy Marte, Dustin Pedroia and Jonathan Papelbon. I'll include Jerome Williams if Boston includes Kelly Shoppach and a AA pitcher.

[ConstableRabbit]

OMG BUT DONT YOU GUYZ NO DAT HE UZED ROIDS YOU CAN SEE IT IN HE'S EYEZ WHEN HE BEATS THOSe bABY SEALS!

 

I for one dont want sammy back here, the "fans" would be far to harsh on him. He doesnt deserve that. I hope wherever he goes he can stay there and finish out whatever is left of his career in happiness.

 

You sure don't have any tolerance for those that don't like Sammy do you? Why do you act like your opinion is more valid than theirs by mocking anyone who might not like the way he acted or might have suspicions of illegal roid use? I know several fans who didn't like him not for "roid use" but more for how they perceived his attitude to be. I know alot of Grace fans that believe he ran Grace out of town.

 

Now I'm not saying any of those opinions are correct, but I'm certainly not going to mock everyone anytime the name Sammy is brought up like you undoubtedly do. I don't get why you feel the need to do it everytime, but carry on if you must.

 

I'm not trying to speak for Goat, but I think he was getting at the fact that during Sosa's glory years, the many fair weather fans were praising his name were the first to bash him when things went wrong as opposed to others who stuck by him. Additionally, anyone who would boo Sosa during his first start back would probably be a jerk anyway, imo.

[RynoRules]

OMG BUT DONT YOU GUYZ NO DAT HE UZED ROIDS YOU CAN SEE IT IN HE'S EYEZ WHEN HE BEATS THOSe bABY SEALS!

 

I for one dont want sammy back here, the "fans" would be far to harsh on him. He doesnt deserve that. I hope wherever he goes he can stay there and finish out whatever is left of his career in happiness.

 

You sure don't have any tolerance for those that don't like Sammy do you? Why do you act like your opinion is more valid than theirs by mocking anyone who might not like the way he acted or might have suspicions of illegal roid use? I know several fans who didn't like him not for "roid use" but more for how they perceived his attitude to be. I know alot of Grace fans that believe he ran Grace out of town.

 

Now I'm not saying any of those opinions are correct, but I'm certainly not going to mock everyone anytime the name Sammy is brought up like you undoubtedly do. I don't get why you feel the need to do it everytime, but carry on if you must.

 

I'm not trying to speak for Goat, but I think he was getting at the fact that during Sosa's glory years, the many fair weather fans were praising his name were the first to bash him when things went wrong as opposed to others who stuck by him. Additionally, anyone who would boo Sosa during his first start back would probably be a jerk anyway, imo.

 

Having participated in previous convos on this topic, I don't think that is what Roast meant.

 

And I agree with Badger that its ridiculous to mock people who are still peeved with Sammy. If people want to be, they have the right to be.

 

I have stated ad nauseum on this bd that I am mad at him for how he handled the "Game 162 incident" two seasons ago. I had supported him through every other issue - corking; alleged steroid use; etc. Skipping out on his team was the straw that broke my back.

[USSoccer]

I'd target Weaver. It removes the need for Rusch at the start of the season, and frees up Williams to be used to aquire an OF bat to replace Jones in RF around June or July.

 

Especially considering Weaver could be had at a 1 yr "show me" deal for probably a reasonable figure...yeah. I like that.

 

Z

Prior

Weaver

Maddux

Williams

 

Looks a whole lot better than

 

Z

Prior

Maddux

Rusch

Williams

 

for the first month.

[CuseCubFan69]

I'd target Weaver. It removes the need for Rusch at the start of the season, and frees up Williams to be used to aquire an OF bat to replace Jones in RF around June or July.

 

Especially considering Weaver could be had at a 1 yr "show me" deal for probably a reasonable figure...yeah. I like that.

 

Z

Prior

Weaver

Maddux

Williams

 

Looks a whole lot better than

 

Z

Prior

Maddux

Rusch

Williams

 

for the first month.

 

I wonder if Tampa would be more interested in Williams than the guys the Cubs sent to Florida? I think they would.

[USSoccer]

I'd target Weaver. It removes the need for Rusch at the start of the season, and frees up Williams to be used to aquire an OF bat to replace Jones in RF around June or July.

 

Especially considering Weaver could be had at a 1 yr "show me" deal for probably a reasonable figure...yeah. I like that.

 

Z

Prior

Weaver

Maddux

Williams

 

Looks a whole lot better than

 

Z

Prior

Maddux

Rusch

Williams

 

for the first month.

 

I wonder if Tampa would be more interested in Williams than the guys the Cubs sent to Florida? I think they would.

 

Are you thinking Lugo? I would rather keep Williams as a part of a bigger deal, or for ourselves if he's as good as I think he is going to be. I don't think the difference between Lugo and Cedeno is really worth much, plus after next season we're going to have 3 open rotation spots to fill. Williams would look nice in there given his age, salary and potential.

[CuseCubFan69]

I'd target Weaver. It removes the need for Rusch at the start of the season, and frees up Williams to be used to aquire an OF bat to replace Jones in RF around June or July.

 

Especially considering Weaver could be had at a 1 yr "show me" deal for probably a reasonable figure...yeah. I like that.

 

Z

Prior

Weaver

Maddux

Williams

 

Looks a whole lot better than

 

Z

Prior

Maddux

Rusch

Williams

 

for the first month.

 

I wonder if Tampa would be more interested in Williams than the guys the Cubs sent to Florida? I think they would.

 

Are you thinking Lugo? I would rather keep Williams as a part of a bigger deal, or for ourselves if he's as good as I think he is going to be. I don't think the difference between Lugo and Cedeno is really worth much, plus after next season we're going to have 3 open rotation spots to fill. Williams would look nice in there given his age, salary and potential.

 

I agree with you about the Cedeno/Lugo thing but Baker is the manager and I really don't see Perez, Walker and Hairston watching Cedeno play. If the Cubs have those guys on Opening Day it's going to be Perez at SS and Walker/Hairston at second. Now if Walker or Hairston do get dealt then maybe there will be a chance for Cedeno to start but I still see the Vets getting the nod thus Lugo would be a lot better than Perez.

 

What really worries me is all the contracts that will be up next year and a deal for Lugo would just be one more added to the pile.

 

Now, if Hendry can get an impact bat for LF using Williams and Murton (if he has to) then go for it.

[rawaction]

Now everyone's stealing my idea. I am the originator of the Jeff Weaver 1-year make good deal. And everyone thought I was crazy, because Boras is his agent, or because lesser pitchers are getting 3/$27M. He's a guaranteed 220 IP, decent to good ERA, with the stuff still to be a major steal.

[CuseCubFan69]

Now everyone's stealing my idea. I am the originator of the Jeff Weaver 1-year make good deal. And everyone thought I was crazy, because Boras is his agent, or because lesser pitchers are getting 3/$27M. He's a guaranteed 220 IP, decent to good ERA, with the stuff still to be a major steal.

 

List all the posters that stole your idea and hire JC to sue them.

 

I'd rather give Weaver a 3/24-27 than Clement.

[rawaction]

Now everyone's stealing my idea. I am the originator of the Jeff Weaver 1-year make good deal. And everyone thought I was crazy, because Boras is his agent, or because lesser pitchers are getting 3/$27M. He's a guaranteed 220 IP, decent to good ERA, with the stuff still to be a major steal.

 

List all the posters that stole your idea and hire JC to sue them.

 

I'd rather give Weaver a 3/24-27 than Clement.

 

I'd rather give that to Weaver than anyone who's gotten similar recently.

[CuseCubFan69]

Now everyone's stealing my idea. I am the originator of the Jeff Weaver 1-year make good deal. And everyone thought I was crazy, because Boras is his agent, or because lesser pitchers are getting 3/$27M. He's a guaranteed 220 IP, decent to good ERA, with the stuff still to be a major steal.

 

List all the posters that stole your idea and hire JC to sue them.

 

I'd rather give Weaver a 3/24-27 than Clement.

 

I'd rather give that to Weaver than anyone who's gotten similar recently.

 

I'd like to see Jimmy go in that direction or as Sully wrote a while back hand the ball to Hill and let him prove he belongs. Why is it everytime I write something I think of Baker and get upset because I know Baker wouldn't let Hill struggle for any length of time like the Cubs let Maddux do his first year. I think they are way too spoiled after Prior and Z to be patient with a young pitcher.

[Wheelimus]

I'd love to see us get Weaver, but would prefer we get a team option for the next year if we want to keep him around. Say a 1 year $8 million deal with a $9 million 2007 option or something like that.

 

And yeah, just say no to Lugo, give me Cedeno at short and Walker at second.

[Blueheart05]

Stark also mentioned, in his Insider Rumblings and Grumbings, that the Orioles are giving some consideration to trading for Walker.

 

• The Orioles are concerned enough about Brian Roberts' recovery from a dislocated elbow that they're talking to the Cubs about Todd Walker.

 

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