Trading season begins

Dog · Post by **Dog** » Wed Jul 12, 2006 3:22 pm

Astros get Aubrey Huff from Devil Rays for a couple of minor leaguers.
Good news if you're an Astros fan.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2517046

Dog · Post by **Dog** » Wed Jul 12, 2006 3:22 pm

To make this thread more interesting. Post your trade predictions or team's needs here.

Bizzarofelice · Post by **Bizzarofelice** » Wed Jul 12, 2006 3:24 pm

So is he going to left to replace DP w/ RISP Wilson or to right to end the Jason Lane debacle?

Cicero · Post by **Cicero** » Wed Jul 12, 2006 3:28 pm

Lane was optioned to Triple A.

I dont mind the move. I am glad the D-Rays got something for him b/c Huff isnt the player he was 2 years ago. He was taking up a roster spot for Delmon Young anyway.

Dog · Post by **Dog** » Wed Jul 12, 2006 4:21 pm

You're right. The D-Rays need to give Delmon Young some Major League at bats so they can trade him away next year.

Cicero · Post by **Cicero** » Wed Jul 12, 2006 4:26 pm

If they do, I will lose what little faith I have in that franchise. They need to pony up, get him into the bigs and pay that man. The D-Rays have a lot of young talent, but they dont have any power hitters in that line up outside of Gomes. D Young is the future # 3 hitter for the next 10 years if the D-Rays are willing to pay him.

Shoalzie · Post by **Shoalzie** » Wed Jul 12, 2006 5:08 pm

The Tigers were looking at Huff...his versatility and the fact he's left made him a viable option. They are looking for a left-handed hitter...preferrably a guy to pencil in as the DH. Dmitri Young has been dealing with a lot of personal problems this season and from indications, his presence really isn't welcomed back into the Tigers' clubhouse.

They could look at another starter as well. Miner has been an excellent fill-in for Maroth, who likely won't return until after the trade deadline. The biggest names I've read that the Tigers are interested in or connected to: Willis, Soriano, Smoltz, Abreu. Dombrowski really hasn't tipped his hand on what he plans on doing but he did say he was looking for a left-handed bat. Considering the harmony in the clubhouse, making a deal will hopefully not include any of the players on the active roster.

PrimeX · Post by **PrimeX** » Wed Jul 12, 2006 6:22 pm

Bizzarofelice wrote:So is he going to left to replace DP w/ RISP Wilson or to right to end the Jason Lane debacle?

He'll be playing RF when a lefty is pitching and splitting time with Morgan at 3B until he finds a slump buster.

Good trade. GM says it's a "1st step" or some shit.

indyfrisco · Post by **indyfrisco** » Wed Jul 12, 2006 6:25 pm

Great pick up for the Stros. It isn't going to be enough though. I'm REALLY hoping for Soriano. I think getting Soriano is the only way the Stros will compete. We've got the pitching.

So long Jason ".205" Lane. He has potential to get his head out of his ass in AAA. Hopefully he does because he has more to offer than .205.

PrimeX · Post by **PrimeX** » Wed Jul 12, 2006 6:38 pm

'Stros are "allegedly" in discussions with Florida about a possible trade also. Not sure for who, but it's known Florida covets a young CF like Taveras.

Now that Morgan is trade bait...who knows?

indyfrisco · Post by **indyfrisco** » Wed Jul 12, 2006 6:44 pm

Ensberg isn't trade bait. He's got enough potential/power to stick around. Of course, Purpora said his PT would be cut so maybe he is. I just don't see it.

I see the Stros mortgaging thier future prospects to try to get Clemens one more ring. Stros brass seem to be playing for this year only. As long as they win the WS, I don't care if we're DAL the next 10 years.

Bizzarofelice · Post by **Bizzarofelice** » Wed Jul 12, 2006 6:53 pm

PrimeX wrote:Not sure for who, but it's known Florida covets a young CF like Taveras.

Why? He isn't that good.

Dog · Post by **Dog** » Wed Jul 12, 2006 6:54 pm

Cubs need middle infielder and pitching. I'm hoping for Soriano or Tejada. But as a Cub fan, I'm always hoping for the impossible.

indyfrisco · Post by **indyfrisco** » Wed Jul 12, 2006 6:56 pm

Bizzarofelice wrote:
PrimeX wrote:Not sure for who, but it's known Florida covets a young CF like Taveras.
Why? He isn't that good.

Exactly. Perfect fit for the "cash strapped" Marlins. Good utility. Cheap price.

PrimeX · Post by **PrimeX** » Wed Jul 12, 2006 7:10 pm

Bizzarofelice wrote:
PrimeX wrote:Not sure for who, but it's known Florida covets a young CF like Taveras.
Why? He isn't that good.

You tell me. I'd much rather have Burke in CF and wave buhbye to Willy, but the Marlins don't need to know these things.

And Frisco, trust me...Morgan is now trade bait. Especially for another young 3B. We might have to give up Hunter Spence and a lilttle bit more of the farm along with Ensberg and Willy, but it would be worth it for a certain 23 year old.

rozy · Post by **rozy** » Thu Jul 13, 2006 2:34 am

PrimeX wrote:
Bizzarofelice wrote:
PrimeX wrote:Not sure for who, but it's known Florida covets a young CF like Taveras.
Why? He isn't that good.
You tell me. I'd much rather have Burke in CF and wave buhbye to Willy, but the Marlins don't need to know these things.

And Frisco, trust me...Morgan is now trade bait. Especially for another young 3B. We might have to give up Hunter Spence and a lilttle bit more of the farm along with Ensberg and Willy, but it would be worth it for a certain 23 year old.

Florida only has 2 options for us. And granted I LOVE both of them, but I don't see them parting with Miggy. Dontrelle was BORN to wear the star!!

But in all seriousness, the Tejada rumors simply won't go away.
My opinion remains the same. Carlos Lee. Carlos Lee. Carlos Lee. (but thoughts of Cabrera could swiftly influence my opinion, mind you...) I want NOTHING to do with Alphonzie Sorelyanal.

Here's the problem, though. Garner has lost the clubhouse with the All Star debacle involving Roy and Biggio. And now with Lane demoted, Purpura has lost the clubhouse as well. The players LOVE Lane. I don't envy Huff when he shows up in Miamuh tomorrow...

Ensberg is massive jumbo shrimp bait now, IF. Big time bait. Trading away Pence would be a mistake as big as EMonster's forehead.

Bizzarofelice · Post by **Bizzarofelice** » Thu Jul 13, 2006 1:17 pm

1) why would the brewers trade withing the division when they are "in contention"?
2) why would they trade with a team just below them in the standings?

indyfrisco · Post by **indyfrisco** » Thu Jul 13, 2006 1:21 pm

rozy,

I must have missed something. What All Star debacle are you talking about with Roy and Biggio?

And who the hell is Pence? What fucking language are you speaking?

indyfrisco · Post by **indyfrisco** » Thu Jul 13, 2006 1:24 pm

Oh, and about Lane...this is the big leagues. The rest of the players may like Lane, but I every damn one of them knows Lane was bringing this team down. It's the nature of the business. Perform, or seeya.

PrimeX · Post by **PrimeX** » Thu Jul 13, 2006 1:45 pm

IndyFrisco wrote:And who the hell is Pence? What fucking language are you speaking?

He's a 23 year old Corpus Christi Hook and he's the next Big Puma, but with speed and no jelly belly. He's one of our jewel's in the minor league system who could see playing time in the major leagues as early as next year.

rozy · Post by **rozy** » Thu Jul 13, 2006 1:58 pm

Bizzarofelice wrote:1) why would the brewers trade withing the division when they are "in contention"?
2) why would they trade with a team just below them in the standings?

Because you, I, and they know 2 things. They won't be there in October and they cannot afford Carlos Lee for next year. Odds are at least 70% he will be wearing a new uniform no later than Aug. 1 of this year. If they keep him to try and make the run, then they get nothing for him at the end of the year. I do recognize what you are saying and they could require more from us than they might someone else. In-division trading isn't as tabboo in MLB as it is in the NFL or NBA.

indyfrisco · Post by **indyfrisco** » Thu Jul 13, 2006 1:59 pm

Ahhh....Pen-Say!

rozy · Post by **rozy** » Thu Jul 13, 2006 2:03 pm

IndyFrisco wrote:rozy,

I must have missed something. What All Star debacle are you talking about with Roy and Biggio?

And who the hell is Pence? What fucking language are you speaking?

Garner left them both off. When he tried to name Roy, Drayton had to convince Roy to go. Garner couldn't. The players felt it was the perfect opportunity to reward Biggio for his career. Not saying I think he should have gone, just pointing out how the team felt about it.

indyfrisco · Post by **indyfrisco** » Thu Jul 13, 2006 2:28 pm

Oh, didn't know that about Roy. Moving away from Texas and only getting ESPN Radio makes it hard to keep up on the local buzz there.

I heard the All Star selections live in the car on the way to Churchhill Downs though and I remember saying out loud, "Why the fuick wasn't Oswalt selected?" I wrote it off as Garner knew something I didn't such as maybe he was getting a tired arm or something. Then, in the game, seeing he was the second pitcher used, I said to myself again, "So he isn't Garner's selection yet now he's the second pitcher used?"

It didn't add up for me at all. This makes sense now. And yes, Garner should have his nuts cut off for not picking Oz from the beginning. Scrap Iron will be gone after this year unless the Stros win the WS. With a $106 million ayroll now, Houston trails only Boston and NYY as far as payroll goes.

And Biggio should have stayed home. This is one thing I do not understand. Joe Morgan was bitching about how Ken Griffey Jr. wasn't selected because he has something like 550 home runs or so. So fucking what? He's not an elite player anymore. The All Star Team is not the All Time Team. It's for the best players in the game AT THE TIME.

Bizzarofelice · Post by **Bizzarofelice** » Thu Jul 13, 2006 3:41 pm

whole lotta drama.

either the Cards are sans drama or, more likely, there are tighter lips in the 314 clubhouse. nobody really knows the drama behind Ponson being let go.

PrimeX · Post by **PrimeX** » Thu Jul 13, 2006 4:18 pm

Hearing the Cards and the ATL. are in talks for a trade involving Renteria and Giles. Any word on this in the 314?

PrimeX would NOT be down wit' it.

PS- No way would I wanna trade away Eckstein. Dude is just $$$ at the top of the lineup.

Bizzarofelice · Post by **Bizzarofelice** » Thu Jul 13, 2006 4:22 pm

1) Why both? ATL want to get rid of Giles contract? I figure if Renteria shows up, then Eckberg moves over to 2nd. Then there's Giles... LF?

2) Cards need pitching more than anything. They have Wainright who dominates for a couple innings, but then is pulled. For some reason the Cards think if his stuff was exposed for more than one turn through the order he'd get lit up. We need Reyes for a #2 behind Carpenter. Ain't much else to trade.

I see that the Stros were so pleased with the Ensberg and Lane bats that they fired Nice Guy Eddie.

jiminphilly · Post by **jiminphilly** » Fri Jul 14, 2006 2:33 pm

WhiteSox wan't Rowand back in the worse way.. rumors are either Garland or Vasquez for him.

indyfrisco · Post by **indyfrisco** » Fri Jul 14, 2006 5:34 pm

Bizzarofelice wrote:whole lotta drama.

either the Cards are sans drama or, more likely, there are tighter lips in the 314 clubhouse. nobody really knows the drama behind Ponson being let go.

It's easy to be humble and quiet when you're winning.

Shoalzie · Post by **Shoalzie** » Mon Jul 24, 2006 8:24 pm

Just heard on the radio, the White Sox acquired Mike McDougal from the Royals for two minor league pitchers to replace the void left by the recently let-go Cliff Pollitte. Also, the Sox are supposedly close to picking up Soriano...Brandon McCarthy would expected to be part of the deal.

Dombo, it's your move...

Laxplayer · Post by **Laxplayer** » Mon Jul 24, 2006 8:53 pm

wow, Soriano in that line up would be freaking murder......

PrimeX · Post by **PrimeX** » Mon Jul 24, 2006 9:25 pm

Houston and Baltimore are allegedly in very serious discussions about a trade involving the Orioles sending Tejada to Houston with the 'Stros packaging Everett, Pence, Nueve and another prospect together. The 'Stros have also been in light discussions with the Yankees hoping to deal Preston Wilson to the Bronx, therefore opening up a position for Huff when Ensberg comes back, IF he's not traded to the Padres.

This is being suck. Another bat would be great, more pitching would be spectacular.

PrimeX · Post by **PrimeX** » Mon Jul 24, 2006 9:30 pm

Shoalzie wrote:Also, the Sox are supposedly close to picking up Soriano...

That's just sick, but it's their SP that's keeping them below the Tigers.

Shoalzie · Post by **Shoalzie** » Tue Jul 25, 2006 12:28 am

Laxplayer wrote:wow, Soriano in that line up would be freaking murder......

Damn straight...

Stick Soriano in left and move Podsednik to center...2nd through 7th would be the scariest in baseball. Just thinking out loud...

Podsednik, CF
Soriano, LF
Thome, DH
Konerko, 1B
Dye, RF
Pierzynski, C
Crede, 3B
Iguchi, 2B
Uribe, SS

...and Iguchi is nothing to sneeze at either. Maybe you move Soriano to lead off and hit Podsednik 8th or 9th and keep Iguchi hitting 2nd. From a TigerFan perspective, I'm shitting myself thinking about this lineup. Dombrowski would have to counter this move because the Tigers order wasn't better than Chicago's to start and they'd be even further behind. I'd like to think they try to snag Abreu or Carlos Lee. Or maybe he gets another veteran starter because the Maroth/Miner spot in the rotation isn't a sure thing.

Shoalzie · Post by **Shoalzie** » Fri Jul 28, 2006 5:48 pm

The Rangers add the best RBI bat that was available...but at a steep price.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2532418

The Brewers did a kickass job in adding quality players when they unloaded Sexson to Arizona...Chris Capuano was part of the deal and is one the best lefties in the NL. This trade is very comparable. For a potential free agent, they are able to pick up three quality major leaguers. Mench can almost replace Lee's power, Nix is a guy who could start in the outfield if they intend on trading away Brady Clark and Cordero could be the closer with Turnbow hitting the skids lately and he could moved in another deal before the 31st. Brilliant work again by Doug Melvin. He deals one every day player...albeit an elite player and run-producer...for three guys who can help you now instead of A or AA prospects that might not pan out.

From the Rangers standpoint, the middle of the order gets tougher and Mench, Nix and Cordero were expendable. Otsuka is the closer now and Mench and Nix didn't play every day but were quality contributors. I'd call this win-win barring the Rangers being able to re-sign Lee beyond this year.

JCT · Post by **JCT** » Fri Jul 28, 2006 6:00 pm

I don't understand why the white sox are looking for more hitters. Their problem right now is starting pitchers. Buehrle, Garcia, and Contreras are 0-12 in their last 12 starts. Buehrle giving up 36 runs in his last 5 starts. No amount of hitting is going to help when you cough up 7 runs a start.

Laxplayer · Post by **Laxplayer** » Fri Jul 28, 2006 9:26 pm

I agree JCT...
Sin,
The Yankees of the late 80's

JCT · Post by **JCT** » Sat Jul 29, 2006 2:21 am

Are you kidding me?

Andy Hawkins, Dave LaPoint, Greg Cadaret, Chuck Cary and Dale Mohorcic were money.

WolverineSteve · Post by **WolverineSteve** » Mon Jul 31, 2006 5:14 pm

Tigers get Casey for AA reliever Rogers.

Good LH bat.

Shelton to minors.

We are supposedly back in the Soriano dealings.

Shoalzie · Post by **Shoalzie** » Mon Jul 31, 2006 5:47 pm

Feel bad for Big Red...didn't expect to see him get sent down. I thought D.Y. would've stopped the idea of trading for a lefty bat. Casey is a professional hitter and hopefully he'd provide a good glove at first. Doesn't look like they had to give up much to get him at

I don't know about the whole idea with getting Soriano but maybe they brought up Clevlen yesterday to showcase him. I can't think that Bowden will ask for too much now that he's up against the clock and there's no guarantee he'll be able to re-sign Soriano to a new deal before the winter time. We'll see, I guess...