vance_the_cubs_fan

What if Jones is in the Sheffield deal? With Matsui, Damon, Cabrera, Bernie Williams, and Giambi, I don't see much of a reason for the Yanks to want Jones. He can't play 1B and would just crowd their OF even more, unless they would in turn deal him for a 1B or pitching help. I agree. I don't think the Yankees would want Jones. It's not like they are dumping Sheff since they could always decline the option. I don't think they plan to get much for him either, but at the same time I doubt they take back a player they don't want. I could see an Ohman or Eyre for Sheffield deal happening. My fear is that the Cubs acquire Sheff to play LF over Murton.

According to this, Bonds is drawing some interest and his price may be above what I think the Cubs should pay. The Orioles and Rangers could have interest.

If the Cubs could pull a deal for Burrell, why not deal Jones and a prospect like Mateo or Marmol for Bonderman? Vance, I still think the logical places to deal Jones are to San Diego or Seattle. I think Detroit could be a destination, but it won't be for Bonderman unless the Cubs include someone from the Veal, Pawelek and Gallagher group (my opinion). The Padres have an opening in LF if they don't re-sign Roberts, and I'm sure Seattle would prefer to have Ibanez DH full time. Since San Diego and Seattle are probably not the likely destinations for Soriano, CLee and Bonds, those teams would probably look at Jacque favorably, although both teams seem to be enamored with Luis Gonzalez right now. Another destination could be San Francisco. Although, I think they will end up with either Bonds, Soriano or CLee. If they don't, and Jacque plays well for Bochy in the Japan series, Bochy could ask Sabean to make a trade. I'm hearing the Giants have some interest in Luis Gonzalez. I also hear the Rangers discussing him as well.

Sheffield is problematic. He's expressed his opinions, so any team trading for him would need to extend him or they will be dealing with an unhappy camper. If the Cubs get Sheffield, they will need to move Jones' contract or decide to move Jones to CF.

Padres begin to interview candidates. Link.

The Rangers might take a package of Prior + Izturis + Pie.

I don't think teams and players can actually get down to negotiating, but I believe the player can lay out the parameters of what they are seeking. What would be tampering is if Baltimore countered that with an offer that included finances.

Whatever the question, Hermanson is not the answer.

Link. Holy Schnikeees! (And no wonder Ramirez opted for FA. He'll get more than Alphonso!)

Moore is starting to heat up.

What's clear is that for the past few years, Weaver hasn't been good. Any team that signs him will have to wonder has he turned a corner under Duncan's tuteledge or was this simply a string of good starts? Given his career numbers, I'm more inclined to believe the latter. It is possible that I'm wrong. But until he shows otherwise, it is clear that Weaver hasn't been a good pitcher.

The Reds fans have tossed around Dunn for Bonderman over at Redszone, and I could see that one happening as well. I don't think the Tigers would do it either. But if Bonderman were on the blocks, I'd like the Cubs to take a run at him. It's probably not feasable, but he would be worth the effort. I wonder if the Rangers would trade Tex for Bonderman...hmm.

Weaver's best year with the Dodgers he had 103 ERA+, so he was barely above average. In his other year with the Dodgers, he had an ERA of 96, which means he was below average. Even if he returns to his Dodger form, he's an average pitcher at best. That's not good...that's average.

If the Cubs could pull a deal for Burrell, why not deal Jones and a prospect like Mateo or Marmol for Bonderman? That's crazy. Bonderman would probably command a lot more than JJ. Probably. But it could be the start of a conversation.

According to this, the Tigers might shop Bonderman. If the Cubs could pull a deal for Burrell, why not deal Jones and a prospect like Mateo or Marmol for Bonderman?

QFT

Just sharing knowledge.

Why would the Padres not ask for compensation? I don't see the point in not asking for something back. Because Alderson likely wanted him gone. Makes sense, but even if that's true, I still don't understand why you don't ask for something in return. At least ask. It's better to get a low level prospect that doesn't project to ever make the big leagues, rather than getting nothing. My guess is that the Padres would rather not pay him the 1.9 million owed for next season and will hire a manager that won't make half of that. If they had asked for compensation, the Giants likely move to another choice. The Padres then have Bochy for another year, which is something they may not have wanted.

I just find you very annoying. You don't no when to stop. or That's important to know!

Some might suggest violence is pretty immature. In fact, most therapists would. I think it's pretty idiotic to want to punch someone in the face. ;)

will it be a fatal dose or you just gonna hang out and get high?http://www.mamut.com/homepages/United_States/3/16/BossboyXProductions/towelie.jpg "Wanna get high?"

pics plz

Why would the Padres not ask for compensation? I don't see the point in not asking for something back. Because Alderson likely wanted him gone.

I've been saying to get Soriano for CF for months now, but at 18 million? I'd have to think hard about doing that. It's an extra 3 million more than what I'd like to sign him for, but is it really worth letting him walk and getting a worse CF and other bench players for that 18M? The Cubs need to add another bat. Period. If an extra 3-4 million is going to stop them from signing the best bat on the market, then they're nowhere near as serious about winning at all as they have been saying. The big issue is that it's a dry market. There's really not much there. On top of that, many teams have money to spend. The bad contracts signed in 2000 are now off the books of most teams. Many teams have 30-40 million to spend. With few targets, the bidding will rise because most teams know they won't get but one of these guys anyway. I like the fact that the Cubs seem willing to spend. I fear that it still won't be enough. Or they'll waste too much of it on the mediocre types and notice that most of the money has already been spent and Plan B From Outer Space once again takes over. Hendry has to keep Ramirez and nail 2 impact guys right away. I'm not sure that's possible. A lot of the impact guys will wait it out. Allowing more GM's to grow nervous. While it makes since for teams to want to sign the big names early, it doesn't always make sense for the big names to sign early.

Weaver and Suppan are who we should target. Post season pitchers, baby!