NorthsideAvenger

I agree. If the Twins are going to trade Santana (I hope for the future of their club, they don't) they are going to ask for Phillp Hughes AND Tabata to begin any negotiations. But as I mention earlier, I believe the Dodgers/Angels have better shots at landing Santana, due to their deeper farm systems.

The Reds already have Coffey,Weathers, Bray, Majewski, Cormier, and Stanton for the pen. Do they really need Reitsma too? Maybe at some point in 2007 the Reds and O's are going to make a trade with one another?

Look I don't want Santana to go to NY, and I would prefer to see Santana spend his career with the Twins (or the Cubs), but unless they can get him signed to a long-term contract after 2007 season/pre 2008 season, I think you have to atleast consider the option. Personally, I believe the Dodgers/Angels have better shots of landing Santana then the Yankees. With that said, the Twins don't have to considering moving Santana for another year and a half. So the possibility of the Yankees grabbing him is moot, seeing as Steinbrenner doesn't have patient, and would rather go go after Willis now, instead of Santana later (ie settling for Mondesi a few yrs back, instead of being able to get Cliff Floyd).

i'd take zambrano over any of those three, and that's probably what the yankees are thinking too. I dont think many would disagree, but that still doesnt mean they have to trade Johnson. You can say that again (oh, wait; you DID say that again). :D :D Rumor has it that the Yanks believe they can lure Clemens for a full year and in order to do so had to get rid of Johnson since they are not the best of friends. And that they are stockpiling prospects for a Santana/Willis trade. Although, I think they have quite a ways to go unless they are going to give up hughes on that front. Both teams are going to want quality over quantity. And right now other than Hughes thats Tabata and Duncan and thats it. Owings and Nippert would help, but they probably still need to get more. But at least Cashman has a plan here. Willis maybe, but no way they could get Santana. Don't say that. I package starting with Hughes/Tabata and includes Duncan/Sanchez (the kid they got from Detroit) could be enough to get the Twins at least interested. But I'm sure Minny is going to want to get Santana signed to a new contract, because, if I am not mistaken, the Twins are getting a new stadium, and I'm sure they want Santana/Mauer/Morneau to be the foundation of the team.

Same to you. Have fun and drink a lot responsibly. Drink until Soriano looks like a good outfielder :wink: Drink until Albert Pujols looks like he is 26 yrs old. :lol:

Not me.. Bears 24 Packers 10

Exactly. Boras' whole strategy is playing teams off one another (or the appearance of playing teams off of one another). His main goal is to get to the open market ASAP. While he and the Whitesox do not have the best relationship, if its best for his client and best for his own pocketbook, he will do it. Moving to one of the best HR hitters parks in the league will definitely help his case in free agency. Its not probable, but its possible. But he stilll need the White Sox cooperation, cause everybody knows Kenny Williams will rarely, if ever now, deal with him. Not even Boras could convince teams that the White Sox are interested in A. Jones, when everybody in MLB knows of Williams dislike of Boras. So, I seriously doubt, Williams is going to play along with Boras.

But Ben Sheets falls into the Mark Prior catergory of "When healthy." A full season of Z is better then on off and on season of Sheets. Besides...if Z would cut down on his walks, I believe he would become a BETTER pitcher then Sheets.

Isn't Kevin Youkilis "Greek?" I remember somehwere where his nickname is "The Greek God of Walks." Maybe I heard wrong, but I doubt it. From his wikipedia page: Despite the "Greek God of Walks" nickname, Youkilis is not Greek. He is actually a Romanian Jew. Because, I thought I heard Peter Angelos was trying to secure Youkilis for the Greek National Team. Now I know why Youkilis wasn't invited.

Isn't Kevin Youkilis "Greek?" I remember somehwere where his nickname is "The Greek God of Walks." Maybe I heard wrong, but I doubt it.

Are the Cubs considering him for a minor league coaching job? Or a broadcaster? Cause it can't be as a baseball player, because I would prefer The Gremlin---you know who I am talking about---to David Newhan. I hope this is one "derby" the Cubs should lose.

Didn't know you were a Realgm'er, Rammy. Your take on the Posey suspension? Posey should have been SUSPENDED from a wire, like a pinata and the Bulls should be allowed to take their swings at this wannabe gangsta.

You'd rather have, say, Jose Macias over Mark Prior? I have to say, the lengths you're willing to go to to repeatedly slam Prior with this absurd notion of "baseball toughness" is beyond ridiculous at this point. It is. And Don isn't taking into consideration the given the current market $4mill on a 26 yr old pitcher with Prior's talent/upside is a flat out bargain. I know, don is tired on the "Expectations" of Prior, by the law of averages suggests that SOONER or later Prior will be healthy and dominant again. And I am glad, don is NOT the GM, or he would have traded ARam for a pack of gum, and a nudie mag.

Apparently you forgot the "I hate Scott Boras, and will never deal with his clients ever again" proclamation he made awhile back. The White Sox only has one Boras client on their teams, (Joe Crede), I believe, and the only reason why they haven't moved him yet, is because of two reasons: 1. there isn't a credible stopgap replacement on the FA market and 2. Josh Fields isn't ready. So I doubt Andruw Jones goes to the White Sox.

Had Z been a free agent this offseason, I think he'd have received more money in his contract than Zito. Nah. I think Z would get somewhere in the neighborhood of 6 yr $96 mill. The Cy Young that Zito won and the fact that Z doesn't have one, (as silly as it sounds, as someone mentioned earlier) is a big difference. Now could anybody imagine had JOHAN SANTANA been a FA this yr? He could have easily broken the $150 mill barrier for pitchers.

Apparently the Giants didn't learn from the Dodgers/Rockies mistakes (Brown/Hampton) are on dued to experience there version of "buyer's remorse" within 3 yrs. Under no circumstance SHOULD ANY PITCHER---healthy or not---shoudl get more then 5 yrs or said team is severely risking finicancial suicide. I know the pros and cons on the Zito deal, but the Giants screwed themselves.

Two words: Free Agency. AJ knows he has the chance to put up some monster numbers with Soriano/Murton/Lee hitting in front of him and ARam hitting behind him, at plus hitting at Wrigley. He could approach 45 hrs and 120 + rbis in his WALK YR, something he might not be able to approach in ATL.

That's an awful lot for a 1 year rental and salary relief to the team wanting to be out from under his contract. I wouldn't think it would take that much. But, the market is awful whack this offseason. And the Cubs wouldn't be forced to give up much to get AJ. I would be fine with J. Jones in CF, with Pie comin gup in 2008, rather then to give up Veal and Marshall for a possible one yr rental. Now, if the Cubs could extend AJ for at least 4 yrs at around $70 mill, that's another story.

Z firing Boras has little effect on the chances of the Cubs re-signing Z. Boras prides himself on telling his clients to "Wait till their FA agency before they sign a new deal" theory. Boras never liked signing a contract during season, or before there FA, and maybe that is whyZfired him, cause Z doesn't want to leave Chicago, and in Z's eyes his best chance at staying is find an agent who will get him the money his talent deserves, and do it quickly, instead of waiting. So, I HONESTLY believe Z will be signed in Spring Training, ala Aramis Ramirez (without the OPT OUT clause, tho) and Lee.

Could it be the best rotation in the NL Central? I don't think so, but it depends on the health of the players involved. I'd place the Cubs rotation slightly in front of the Brewers, or at least equal, based on health history. The Brewers are still counting on Sheets the way the Cubs counted on Prior and Wood for the last two seasons, and that is the main problem with their rotation. You have to figure Zambrano over Sheets simply based on durability alone. I'd equate Suppan, Capuano, and Bush as about equal value to Lilly, Prior/Miller, and Marquis. Both Vargas and Hill are mostly unknowns with lots of potential. Now, if you assume full health for Sheets and full health for Prior, I think the Cubs still have the edge. If you assume full health for Sheets, but not for Prior, then the Brewers probably have a slight edge based on Marquis/Bush #4 comparison. Pretty good though process, "TheDude", and I agree with it. Both Sheets and Prior will continue to be keys to their teams. If Prior is healthy, the Cubs 1A and 1B aces in Z and Prior, something no other NLCentral can boost. But as of right now, I believe the Cubs/Brewers starting rotations are about equal footing. The bullpen......that is a debate for after the new yr.

Rasmus and Reyes? No way. Maybe, maybe not, but do you see Beuhrle staying with the White Sox past 2007? No, and that's why I don't think the Cards would part with that much for a free agent at the end of next season (one who, as RationalSoxFan pointed out, is likely headed to St Louis as a free agent). Well maybe, the Cards won't add Rasmus, BUT I doubt it will take only Reyes. I do think Buehlre will be dealt, the question is...would a team like NY be willing to give up Heilman and Milledge for Buehlre (seeing as that was the going package for a similar pitcher in Zito) that also includes a deal similar to what Zito gets? What I am saying is...I don't see Buehrle going to St. Louis JUST YET. I think the Mets will swooped in and offer said package of Heilman/Milledge for Buehrle and then extend him at a deal OF SAY 5 YRS AT OVER $11 MILL per. So, again, while Buehrle "heart" maybe in St. Lou, but I think his agent/MLBPA would pushed him into taking a "higher deal" then what the Cards will offer. Huh? Beuhrle is a FA after next year, if the cards offered Reyes for Beuhrle straight up that would be an amazing deal for the sox. One that is much much better than the deal this thread is based upon. Exactly. I don't see the Mets offering Heilman/Milledge even if their opinion of Milledge is lowered for a pitcher they will then have to extend. Considering the new rules for draft pick compensation, I can't see the White Sox holding onto Buehrle for very much longer. Now, I do believe the White Sox will get a young player of a Milledge/Reyes caliber back in the deal, the question will be if they can get a solid 2nd prospect in return. But if the Mets/Angels offer a nice package, not to mention a very "lucrative" extension, you can't tell me he would prefer pitching in St. Lou for less money, MLBPA would FROWNED on Buehrle not setting up the market for next winter. I just don't see Buehrle going to St. Louis before Age 30, and the Cards may be leery are going after another "stud" lefty from the AL, considering how poorly Mulder pitched since he arrived in the NL. I know the temptation is for the Cards to bring home Buehrle, but St. Louis isn't Chicago, or even LA financially, and they would have to cut corners (ie continue to go after the Juan Encarnacions' of the world) to continue to build around Pujols offesnively. Don't plus Buehrle into the St.Lou rotation, JUST YET.

Rasmus and Reyes? No way. Maybe, maybe not, but do you see Beuhrle staying with the White Sox past 2007? No, and that's why I don't think the Cards would part with that much for a free agent at the end of next season (one who, as RationalSoxFan pointed out, is likely headed to St Louis as a free agent). Well maybe, the Cards won't add Rasmus, BUT I doubt it will take only Reyes. I do think Buehlre will be dealt, the question is...would a team like NY be willing to give up Heilman and Milledge for Buehlre (seeing as that was the going package for a similar pitcher in Zito) that also includes a deal similar to what Zito gets? What I am saying is...I don't see Buehrle going to St. Louis JUST YET. I think the Mets will swooped in and offer said package of Heilman/Milledge for Buehrle and then extend him at a deal OF SAY 5 YRS AT OVER $11 MILL per. So, again, while Buehrle "heart" maybe in St. Lou, but I think his agent/MLBPA would pushed him into taking a "higher deal" then what the Cards will offer.

Rasmus and Reyes? No way. Maybe, maybe not, but do you see Beuhrle staying with the White Sox past 2007?

Because he's a solid, durable pitcher. And he's getting the same deal as Lilly, when he's a way better pitcher than Lilly. Please, "way better" ... nice pitcher, but not worthy of "way better" I think you can make the case that Lilly is an OVERALL better pitcher. Considering Suppan's numbers against a pretty weak NL Central/NL .v. Lilly's numbers against a stronger AL EAST/AL, I think had Lilly waited, Lilly could had gotten prolly closer to $45 mill over 4.

Didn't Gary Carter and Mazeroski play defense? A defensive 1B with little power will never make the HOF. Unfortunately, certain positions (2B, SS, etc.) are considered defensive positions whereas other positions (1B, OF, etc.) are not only considered offensive positions, but offensive with power positions. Unless you are someone like Tony Gwynn with 3000+ hits, you need to show some muscle. So if 3,000 hits is the absolute mandate for automatic introduction then why is Mazeroski of 2,016 hits, a good 300 its fewer then Grace, and Mark played 1 few yr then Maz? Or Gary Carter of 2092 hits same reason with Maz? So what I am saying is Mark Grace was as great of a defensive 1B, as Maz was as a 2B, and Gary Carter as a C, and Grace was a significantly better offensive player then both, and yet Maz/Carter are considered HOFers, and yet Grace isn't considered a HOF? My guess is both Maz and Carter and Joe Morgan............you fill in the blank. I don't get why you seem to think Carter isn't a HOF catcher. WARP3 has Grace's best season coming in 1993, when he posted a total of 8.8. He also posted an 8.7 in 1992 and an 8.1 in 1989. But he didn't go over 8 again. From 1977 through 1986, Carter's WARP3 scores came in at... 8.4, 8.7, 8.8, 9.9, 7.6, 11.9, 9.5, 9.8, 10.3, 8.4 That's as good of a stretch as your are going to see. I don't pretend to know what WARP is, nor do I care about it. All I know is from prolly 1990 to his retirement, Grace was widely considered the 2nd most dangerous hitter----especially in the clutch---behind Tony Gywnn. There were times which teams would rather pitch to Sosa, then they would Grace, to which the Cubs had to often switch Grace from 3 slot to 4th slot. To me that has as much of an impact on the game, as a 500 ft homerun. IMO, if Carter is a HOFer, then Gracie is a HOFer, WARP be damned.