I read over on Capitol Punishment this morning that the Washington Post's Barry Svrluga indicated in an interview that the Nationals are looking to trade Alfonso Soriano. This would certainly help explain why we're hearing reports about the Nats' interest in yet another option for their outfield, Daryle Ward. Soriano and the $12 million he's trying … Read more »
Ooops! It seems I have made my analysis of the Gonzalez-to-Boston trade rumor a little too quickly. According to All-Baseball.com, the trade is for Alex Gonzalez of the Marlins, not Alex Scott Gonzalez of the Devil Rays. This works out a little better for Boston, as the former Marlin possesses slightly better defensive skills. Both of … Read more »
MLB.com is reporting that the Nationals are interested in possibly signing 1B Daryle Ward and reliever Felix Rodriguez, and are also closely watching to see if pitcher Ugueth Urbina can beat the attempted murder charge against him in Venezuela.I didn't realize Ward was a free agent this year. He's definitely a catch, with impressive fielding stats … Read more »
I've heard from several sources (including this post at MLB Trade Rumors) that Alex Gonzalez is very close to signing with the Red Sox. Alex was a favourite of mine when he played for Toronto, but while he sported decent defense skills, his offense never really lived up to the hype. Still, I was happy to … Read more »
Indians' management is not happy about it, but news of a possible trade that will send Coco Crisp to the Red Sox leaked over the weekend and is now at the center of the Hot Stove. 3B prospect Andy Marte, who was acquired in late 2005 in a deal with the Braves, is also included in the package. Marte is … Read more »
New York Mets GM Omar Minaya made another big splash this weekend with the trade of Kris Benson to the Orioles for pitchers Jorge Julio and John Maine. Minaya has been very busy this off-season re-tooling his hometown Mets: he has acquired no less than 15 players, and let go of another 20. The team that hits the … Read more »
UPDATE, January 21st, 2006: Benson has been traded to the Mets. Precursor to the A's shipping Zito to NY? Read more at MLB Trade Rumors » MLB Trade Rumors is reporting about a possible trade that would send Oakland A's pitcher Barry Zito off to join the Mets. The Orioles are apparently in on this one … Read more »
It's official: Theo Epstein is rejoining the Red Sox organization in some yet-undetermined, but full-time capacity. Is this news surprising? I've had a hunch ever since Epstein donned that gorilla suit and fled the club that he would return. Boston fans have got to be happy. This off-season, the Red Sox showed some serious wear and tear internally … Read more »
I read over at Bluebird Banter that J.P. Ricciardi and the Jays are reportedly still interested in free agent catcher Mike Piazza. Yesterday, I mentioned in a post that I'd like to see Molina signed to the Jays. Both the New York Daily News and Newsday reported earlier this week that the Jays … Read more »
Here's a rare smart move this off-season by GM Jim Bowden: the Nationals have avoided two years of arbitration and two years of free agency by signing home grown catcher Brian Schneider to a 4-year deal. Read the full press release on MLB.com. In the past three seasons, Schneider has not only positioned himself as one … Read more »
"If you aim to steal thirty to forty bases a year, you do it by surprising the other side. But if your goal is fifty to one hundred bases, the element of surprise doesn’t matter. You go even though they know you’re going to go. Then each steal becomes a contest, matching your skills against theirs." – Lou Brock, Cardinal outfielder (1964-79)