Ohman has been awesome this year. Teams should be all over him.

I don't know if the Cardinals need Sherrill “more than anybody”, but they sure need him more than does Atlanta.

I don't believe the Yankees will take steps to keep Texeira "away from the Mets". The Red Sox, yes, but the Yankees and the Mets have never competed for the same free agent. I believe the two owners realize that the money would very quickly get out of hand and fan rancor would be a problem.

The Red Sox, yes, but the Yankees and the Mets have never competed for the same free agent.

There was Jorge Posada last offseason. Before that, I think you have to go back to the 90s before that though.

The Yankees probably wish they had competed for Beltran.

Braves shouldn't take bad offer for Teixeira.

Trade them all, damnit!!

The Yankees probably wish they had competed for Beltran.

They didn't need to compete for Beltran, he wanted to play for the Yankees and was willing to take less money to do so. Still don't understand WTF was going on that offseason.

The Cardinals, Phillies, Yankees, Brewers, Marlins, Dodgers, Cubs and Tigers all were represented. Sherrill would fit for every one of those clubs except for possibly the Cubs, who scouted the game as part of their normal coverage.

Someone isn't paying attention to the Yankees bullpen. They don't need any help there.

They didn't need to compete for Beltran, he wanted to play for the Yankees and was willing to take less money to do so. Still don't understand WTF was going on that offseason.

Look people, it isn't hard to see. You can sign Carlos Beltran, an elite hitter and Gold Glove center fielder or you can spend that same money on Carl Pavano, Jaret Wright and Tony Womack. And we all know that 3 is more than 1, so clearly the Yankees made the right choice.

I think the theory behind Sherrill is that the Yankees "need" a lefty. But I'd be shocked if that ranked higher than a SP on their priority list.

Someone isn't paying attention to the Yankees bullpen. They don't need any help there.

Some people believe without a lefty, a bullpen is not complete.

The Yankees bullpen is rock solid. Once Bruney comes back and LaTroy is DFA'd, they are going to be incredibly deep with options.

The Yanks don't need teixeira this year either, do they?

And re the Yanks' bullpen, it's been amazing, for sure, but hasn't its success to some extent highlighted Torre's mismanagement of it (and Girardi/Eiland's good use of it)?

But I'd be shocked if that ranked higher than a SP on their priority list.

Or hitter. I'll be pretty surprised if they don't at least make a run at Ibanez. They need a competent DH who can play the corners occasionally and he fits that bill perfectly. Any ideas on what Seattle wants for Ibanez?

I suppose Cashman usually makes his big trades under the radar (Abreu, Justice) but I'd like to have some idea WTF is going on.

And re the Yanks' bullpen, it's been amazing, for sure, but hasn't its success to some extent highlighted Torre's mismanagement of it (and Girardi/Eiland's good use of it)?

For sure. Edwar is the glaring example, but I don't think Torre would have used Robertson the same way (or even Giese). And he would still probably be trotting Traber out to face every lefty in the AL.

I suppose Cashman usually makes his big trades under the radar (Abreu, Justice) but I'd like to have some idea WTF is going on.

I prefer the surpise, I know Big Cecil wasn't his, but that trade blew my ####### mind.

Remember the Sammy Sosa fiasco of '00? We knew everything that happened with that one, and it sucked.

The Yanks don't need teixeira this year either, do they?

And re the Yanks' bullpen, it's been amazing, for sure, but hasn't its success to some extent highlighted Torre's mismanagement of it (and Girardi/Eiland's good use of it)?

Need Teixeira? Maybe not, but he would certainly be an upgrade on the Betemit/Sexson platoon if the cost isn't prohibitive and they get a negotiating window.

Also, yes, Girardi has been much, much better at handling the bullpen than Torre ever was.

And he would still probably be trotting Traber out to face every lefty in the AL.

Hawkins would probably be the setup man. Jose Veras mop up.

Also, yes, Girardi has been much, much better at handling the bullpen than Torre ever was.

Torre was really good when he started though, 96-98.

Jackson for Teixeira? This is the dumbest of all dumb rumors
Has Rosenthal even watched the Dbacks lately? Jackson is their left fielder, Tracy the first baseman
So if they trade CJ for Teix, they'll have 3 first basemen (along with Clark) and Chris Burke's rotten corpse in left
Good thinking there, Rosenthal

The Yankees shouldn't be in a rush to fill 1B, what with so many other players already under contract moving that direction quickly: Jorge, Godzilla...

Jeter?

Jeter?

The way Jeter has played defense this year, he has at least one more year at SS. As for 1b, Giambi is gone this year. Matsui to DH/LF with Posada DH/C assuming his shoulder heals enough for him to throw, which I don't think is unreasonable, it's his arm not his legs that are the problem, the rest of his body is still up to the rigors of catching. The year after that, Matsui is gone, Posada can DH fulltime if he wants for the next two years. So say Jeter falls to pieces defensively in 09 like he did in 07. If you're going to move him down the defensive spectrum, I would think a move to the OF would be more likely than 1st. The offensive average is lower and Jeter has a better chance of being a good defender out there. Not only do the Yanks have room at first, I think it's important to sign a guy like Tex (or Dunn I guess) who can stabilize first for a long time (til Montero is ready at least) because so many of they're big hitters are old and have health issues AND will be off contract in the next couple of years.

A trade of Chad Tracy for Teixeira might make sense to both teams, however

I think it's important to sign a guy like Tex (or Dunn I guess) who can stabilize first for a long time (til Montero is ready at least) because so many of they're big hitters are old and have health issues AND will be off contract in the next couple of years.

Definitely. If you look at the Yankee roster for next year, the only guy who seems like a lock to post a 120+ OPS+ is A-Rod. Everybody else is either an injury concern, an aging/decline risk, or likely to be off the team. Lot of question marks on offense for the next year or two.

I think it's important to sign a guy like Tex (or Dunn I guess) who can stabilize first for a long time (til Montero is ready at least)

are there concerns that Montero isn't going to be able to catch long-term (or in the majors, I guess)? does he not have the body for it, or are there concerns about his defense?

A trade of Chad Tracy for Teixeira might make sense to both teams, however

That doesn't make any sense for the Braves at all. Trade Teixeira for eight months of a stop-gap first baseman? That is horrible.

are there concerns that Montero isn't going to be able to catch long-term (or in the majors, I guess)? does he not have the body for it, or are there concerns about his defense?

Both. He's already huge, and while his defense has improved a lot, it's just gone from holy #### god awful to plain old god awful.

Definitely. If you look at the Yankee roster for next year, the only guy who seems like a lock to post a 120+ OPS+ is A-Rod. Everybody else is either an injury concern, an aging/decline risk, or likely to be off the team. Lot of question marks on offense for the next year or two.

I'll be shocked if Tex and Sabathia aren't Yankees next year. They have the money and they have the need and those two fill those needs perfectly. CC and Tex are about to become very, very wealthy.

That doesn't make any sense for the Braves at all. Trade Teixeira for eight months of a stop-gap first baseman? That is horrible.

Am not sure what the Braves are expecting back. Whatever it is, they won't get that much

Chad Tracy 3b
3 years/$13.25M (2007-09), plus $7M 2010 club option

* signed extension 5/06
* $1M signing bonus
* 07:$2.75M, 08:$3.75M, 09:$4.75M, 10:$7M club option ($1M buyout)

I can potentially see a trade of Chad Tracy and Micah Owings (local GA kid) for Teixeira and either cash or a reasonable prospect. The Dbacks can insert Petit/Scherzer in Owings's spot, the Braves get 4 1/2 years of control on a solid back of the rotation starter (who's scuffling lately, granted)

The braves could just keep tex, offer him arbitration, and get two first rounders. They're not going to give him away.

With Tracy only, I would rather have the draft choices.

BTW-our last local boy, Francouer, has played horribly but his local status has instilled some fear in management on trying to correct the problem (hello Jackson, Mississippi, but for 3 days only). I am not sure managment want another perceived PR headache for another local kid who isn't playing well (although Owings left GTech in a snit, so maybe the locals don't like him so much).

And don't forget, this trade involves trading away a local kid (Teixera 3 years at Gtech).

I can potentially see a trade of Chad Tracy and Micah Owings (local GA kid) for Teixeira and either cash or a reasonable prospect. The Dbacks can insert Scherzer in Owings's spot, the Braves get 4 1/2 years of control on a solid back of the rotation starter (who's scuffling lately, granted)

Now, that's an interesting deal that both teams should make.

Owings is still popular as a local kid. He went to Forsyth Central HS and Gainesville HS as well as Tech - he has plenty of fans. Owings and Scherzer make this potential trade very interesting.

Look people, it isn't hard to see. You can sign Carlos Beltran, an elite hitter and Gold Glove center fielder or you can spend that same money on Carl Pavano, Jaret Wright and Tony Womack.

Those were signings that had to be made. Jaret Wright rocked the Yankees' world with almost two quality starts in 1997. And Womack hit a big double on November 4, 2001. And Pavano probably had a 1-2-3 inning against New York sometime.

Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer.

Owings and Scherzer make this potential trade very interesting.

Now, let's not get carried away here

Now, that's an interesting deal that both teams should make.

Wow. Someone agrees with a levski trade proposal? The world must be coming to an end.
While I'm at it: Eric Byrnes for Mike Pelfrey?

Francouer

Francœur.

And Pavano probably had a 1-2-3 inning against New York sometime.

2003 WS

The Beltran non-signing wasn't about Womack, Wright and Pavano as much as it was about Randy Johnson. The Yankees were convinced that what they needed was Randy Johnson, and nobody BUT Randy Johnson. Beltran would have filled a much more vital need, but they had tunnel vision that offseason, because they felt that with Randy Johnson, they would have won the ALCS. Ignoring the fact that they couldn't go back and win the ALCS.

To think, the Yankees could have had Vlad Guerrero and Carlos Beltran in their outfield right now, and for not much more than they've invested in Damon/Sheffield/Abreu these past few seasons. Oh well.

Also, yes, Girardi has been much, much better at handling the bullpen than Torre ever was.

I think that's as much a product of uncertainty as anything. When Joba moved to the rotation, they didn't know who they could trust other than Rivera, so everyone got used. And everyone pitched well (except Hawkins), so everyone kept getting used. Torre seemed to ride the first guy who pitched well the last few years, and took forever to trust someone new.

Girardi did still have the Britton anti-fetish before he got hurt, too.

The Beltran non-signing wasn't about Womack, Wright and Pavano as much as it was about Randy Johnson. The Yankees were convinced that what they needed was Randy Johnson, and nobody BUT Randy Johnson. Beltran would have filled a much more vital need, but they had tunnel vision that offseason, because they felt that with Randy Johnson, they would have won the ALCS. Ignoring the fact that they couldn't go back and win the ALCS.

They wanted a lefty that could get David Ortiz out. I really think it is as simple as that.

Britton is not good.

Torre seemed to ride the first guy who pitched well the last few years, and took forever to trust someone new.

That still makes it seem like Girardi is better than Torre at managing a bullpen. Which he is.

Girardi did still have the Britton anti-fetish before he got hurt, too.

Girardi at least said he would try to use Britton more the next time he came up.

I doubt Milwaukee will acquire any more players. Four minor leaguers are supposed to be under consideration as the the last piece in the CC trade so they aren't available. The "Gang of Four" in Huntsville (Salome, Gillespie, Escobar, Gamel) are certainly NOT available. So unless someone is willing to give up a reliever for a Brad Nelson I don't see it happening.

As for the major league roster, Melvin isn't going to touch that area until the offseason. He doesn't want to stir the pot.

Now, let's not get carried away here

I have every intention of getting carried away. If the Diamondbacks offered Tracy, Owings, and Scherzer for Teixeira, I would personally sign off on the deal in Frank Wren's stead. (They'll let me do that, right?) I would also start Owings in right field.

As for the major league roster, Melvin isn't going to touch that area until the offseason. He doesn't want to stir the pot.

Just curious, would you have said this a week ago? in other words, was the Ray Durham trade a surprise?

Britton is not good.

Based on...?

Crispix:

I meant no players from the big league team will be included as part of a trade.

I also know for a fact that a good contingent of the players in the clubhouse were not happy about Dillon's demotion. Joe was a popular guy and worked to help the younger players get better. He is a real "grinder" so knows all about the need for extra work.

Based on...?

um...his ability?

Just to play devil's advocate for a second, but why can't the Brewers sign CC? Sure, Sheets would be kinda dumb since he is so often injured. But CC is a beast. The Brewers have a very wealthy and wonderfully enthusiastic owner. They have a talent pipe-line to replace others who get too expensive, or acquire pieces mid-season. They have a ravenous fanbase and plenty of character to appeal to a national audience. Plus, if they are making the playoffs regularly, they'll have a lot of extra income and attention. Seems like we shouldn't be quite so fast to dismiss it out of hand.

And why sink money in a league-average-ish innings eater to protect Gallardo/Parra? They already have one of those. Spend a bit more and have CC to line up in front of Gallardo/Parra.

And now you may all proceed to gauge away...

Bah, wrong thread...

I have every intention of getting carried away. If the Diamondbacks offered Tracy, Owings, and Scherzer for Teixeira, I would personally sign off on the deal in Frank Wren's stead. (They'll let me do that, right?) I would also start Owings in right field.

See, if you read far enough down someone will have said it already. I don't think 3 months of Tiexiera for Owings and Tracy is a bad deal thought I'd try to make it a little better. Getting a top prospect in the deal makes it a no brainer. And in all honesty I suspect that Owings could outhit Frenchfry if he played every day.

Then you buy CC Sabathia and Adam Dunn.

Girardi did still have the Britton anti-fetish before he got hurt, too.

The real issue with Britton is that you can't have him and Ponson on the roster at the same time unless the grounds crew is willing to sacrifice a pinstriped tarp to make another pair of uniform pants.

Based on...?

um...his ability?

chris britton career:
IP H BB K ERA+ WHIP
73.3 58 25 48 141 1.132

yeah, he totally sucks.

The way Jeter has played defense this year, he has at least one more year at SS.

Have been hearing that he only has a year or two left at the position since the inception of Primer. My thought is that barring a significant injury, catastrophic October error, or can't-miss SS prospect, he will be at shortstop until he retires.

can't-miss SS prospect

He wouldn't do it for the best-hitting shortstop we'll ever see.

They didn't need to compete for Beltran, he wanted to play for the Yankees and was willing to take less money to do so. Still don't understand WTF was going on that offseason.

That was a crazy offseason, but is this really true, or is it just based on the Boras phone call? My reading of the Boras phone call was not "Carlos, in his heart of hearts, really wants to be a Yankee", but that "I'd really like another team to get in on the bidding."

I could be misremembering, but wasn't Boras' offer to the Yankees actually for more $ than the Mets paid him, once you took the value of deferred $ into account.

I could be misremembering, but wasn't Boras' offer to the Yankees actually for more $ than the Mets paid him

I believe it was for significantly less

See, if you read far enough down someone will have said it already. I don't think 3 months of Tiexiera for Owings and Tracy is a bad deal thought I'd try to make it a little better. Getting a top prospect in the deal makes it a no brainer. And in all honesty I suspect that Owings could outhit Frenchfry if he played every day.

Atlanta is in a box. All of the contenders have first base covered. Those who don't, like the Angels probably don't see the need (though they should). The Yankees are interesting, but why give up prospects when you can get Tex for cash next year, and Tex won't make a big difference this year?

The best fit is Arizona. But even there, AZ is already likely to make the playoffs without Tex. Adding Tex makes AZ more of a realistic contender once in the playoffs, but the organization's real priority has to be building a stronger core over the next two years. Atlanta can't go back to having a huge hole at 1B, and those two draft picks aren't going to help for years.

So I'd argue Tracy for Tex is a fair deal. Tracy is cheap, controlled, league average or better if he remains healthy, and AZ can give him up without hurting this year's team, or their real playoff contenders 2-3 years from now. AZ can throw in a couple of lower level prospects to make up for the lost draft picks and call it a deal. It wouldn't be smart for AZ to give up any more than that. And it wouldn't be smart for Atlanta to turn that down. Otherwise they finish in 3rd with Tex this year, and get significantly worse over next year.

um...his ability?

This is an utterly stupid thing of you to say.

His stuff is fine. He's performed well at every level his entire professional career, including in the majors. His only negative is that he's fat, but there have been plenty of fat pitchers.

Nobody is saying that Chris Britton is Mariano Rivera, but the fact is that he's got solid stuff and has never pitched badly. To call him up from the minors and have him sit in the bullpen for a week or so, then send him down without using him (all the while bringing in guys who have struggled and continue to struggle)... that's inexplicable.

The Yankees are interesting, but why give up prospects when you can get Tex for cash next year, and Tex won't make a big difference this year?

I think that's why Boston is floating that "get back to us on Youkilis and Hansen for Tex" story -- the Yankees can't afford to let him go to Boston. Boston would love to see the Yankees trade prospects for him.

And he could have a HUGE impact for the team this year. Their offense has struggled, and their offensive resurgence since the break has been largely because Cano is hitting over .500. Without Matsui and Posada, the Yankees could very much use another bat, and 1B happens to be an area where they can improve. I'd go so far as to say that adding Tex this year could mean the difference between making the playoffs and missing the playoffs.

I don't know if that's worth it, though. Depends on what Atlanta wants.

I could be misremembering, but wasn't Boras' offer to the Yankees actually for more $ than the Mets paid him, once you took the value of deferred $ into account.

It was for less per year and for one fewer year, and it wasn't a "hey, wanna get in on this?" thing, it was a "he'll sign right now for this" deal.

Atlanta is in a box. All of the contenders have first base covered.

I don't know. Tampa could sure use Teixeira, putting him at 1B, letting Pena DH and getting rid of the rotting corpse of Jonny Gomes.

I don't know. Tampa could sure use Teixeira, putting him at 1B, letting Pena DH and getting rid of the rotting corpse of Jonny Gomes.

DON'T GIVE THEM ANY IDEAS!

It was for less per year and for one fewer year, and it wasn't a "hey, wanna get in on this?" thing, it was a "he'll sign right now for this" deal.

What I remember is that Boras offered him to the Yankees for 6 yrs/ $96-100M, "He'll sign right now." However when you take into account the actual value of the deferred $ ($22M) in the Mets deal, they are a lot closer in value. Of course, from such a grossly simplified report we can't know for sure, but I doubt Boras had any deferred $ in that proposal (and of course if the Yankees call back and say we'll do it for "X" then Boras counters with "Y" and "Hey, Omar, we're negotiating! I need a bit more from you."