DR Mariner

2004-11-11T20:23:00.000-08:00

For all you grammical police that are on the Seattle PI Blog...especially Leathers:

I cdnuolt blveiee taht I cluod aulaclty uesdnatnrd waht I was rdgnieg.The phaonmneal pweor of the hmuan mnid Aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at Cmabridge Uinervtisy, it deosn't mttaer inwaht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoatnt tihng is taht the frist and lsat ltteer be in the rghit pclae. The rset can be a taotl mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit a porbelm.Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe.Amzanig huh?Yaeh and I awlyas thought slpeling was ipmorantt! So awlyas rmbemer taht this is a baesabll blog, and not a egnlish or a grmacial calss! But I will sitll do my bset on tihs bolg!

2004-11-01T07:34:00.000-08:00

I know the Orioles have stated several times since this past July that they overpaid on Tejada big time...even though his 2004 performance was so OUTSTANDING!

If the M's brass could ever pull a Boone for Tejada trade off...that would be something! Roberts isn't too impressive at 2B for the O's, and there are A LOT of SS's out their as FA's that are good quality and great defensive SS's that will be very cheap for the O's to pickup.

The other thing is that the M's offered Tejada a 5yr $60M deal, so after 2004 his remaining contract is in the M's ballpark. The O's only paid Tejada $7M in 2004, and $4M was deferred until 2010 & 2011. Besides the $4M deferred salary, Tejada has another $61M over the next 5 years owing. Considering the way that salaries have fallen so drastically over the past 3 yrs, it would benefit the O's to trade Tejada for Boone just to gain the salary relief longterm...and then focus on their pitching over the course of the next 2 years. The O's probably would even pay the deferred $4M on Tejada's contract since they only paid him $7M this year.

By doing this trade, the O's would have a Boone surrounded in the lineup with the likes of:

Palmeiro
Mora
Javy Lopez
Bigbie
Segui

I think Boone would do incredible in that kind of a power lineup surrounding him! And, the O's would be saving several extra million $$$ for 2005. Several days ago there are strong rumors that the O's will be going HARD after Delgado. So if they add Delgado or Sexson at 1b, and add Boone on top of that, that would be pretty potent for the O's:

Palmeiro
Mora
Javy Lopez
Bigbie
Segui
Delgado/Sexson
Boone

Then the O's would have and extra $12M freed up in 2006 for add'l offseason moves next year.

Let me rephrase that:

Then the O's would have an extra $12M freed up from Tejada's salary in 2006 AND they would have the $9M freed up from Boone's salary...for add'l offseason moves next year.

If the M's were able to do this sort of a trade for Tejada, we could use the entire offseason money to pickup:

1. Beltran, AND
2. Beltre, AND
3. A Starting Pitcher

Another thing: The O's are very well aware that there are more SS's out there this offseason than ever:

http://www.startribune.com/stories/509/5061762.html

They could "easily" swap Tejada for Boone, and then take the $2M salary difference and apply it to Nomar who will only end up getting in the $7M range...costing the O's only $5M to have Nomar & Boone together versus ONLY Tejada for $11M. AND, they would have stellar defensive at both SS and 2B.

Palmeiro
Mora
Javy Lopez
Bigbie
Segui

Adding: Nomar & Boone around those power hitters

AND, the O's would still have nearly $20M to go after 1-2 starting pitchers...OR 1 starter and Delgado.

Noone thought Nomar would go as cheap as he will end up going this offseason, especially considering the rumored offer early last year that he "supposedly" turned down from BoSox for BIG money. Now Nomar is stating openly that he's willing to sign a 1-2 yr deal for cheap in order to "prove" himself during this time to a team?!

I also wouldn't have a problem with picking up Nomar since we'd be buying in a very low market on him. We could give him a base salary with incentives that could reach as high as $8-9M, since he's big on "proving" himself.

I'd prefer Tejada though since the M's are focusing on getting younger, and Tejada's (28) is 3 yrs younger than Nomar, and a big enthusiastic clubhouse guy.

If the Tejada trade went down, we could either move Lopez to 2B. Or, sign Polanco who can play stellar D at 2B,SS,3B for $3-5M. Or trade Winn (and his $3.75M) for Chase Utley $300k, and let the Philly's resign Polanco. We then could focus on Beltran & Delgado & SP with our entire offseason money.

Since the O's are hurting for pitching, a Boone/Franklin/Nageotte for Tejada would be a salary swap.

I wouldn't be so quick to write off this Tejada thing! Especially with all the SS's out there for the O's to make a cheaper run at. The other thing everyone knows is that Boone will probably only get around $5-6M after 2006. This would be a pretty smart move for the O's to gain salary relief over the next several years and still have not only a decent team...but A LOT of extra offseason money over the next several years to do some damage in the AL East and take more games away from the Yanks & BoSox!

Something about Franklin: I have really liked him, and I can't believe the lack of run support he never gets! I also have noticed that he's been "trying" to be like a Jamie Moyer kind of a pitcher for the past couple of years, and he's gotten jammed because of it. Did you notice his last several starts, and then his comments following his starts? He was throwing lights out, and he followed up stating that he was starting to be more aggressive and throw more fastballs in amongst all his other stuff. That was throwing all the hitters off, because they were so use to him being a RHed Moyer on the mound.

I do like the thought of Franklin in the long relief role, but I do personally feel that he's got value for his $2.4M contract next year. And, that a number of teams would be very interested in him!
A Boone/Franklin/Nageotte could be a pretty enticing trade for Tejada. It might not happen?! The O's might laugh at the topic?! But then again, with all the SS's out there on the open market, they just might think it would actually be reasonable...

We should at least be acquiring about it, and throwing it the O's way though.

Just to back what I said about Franklin up:

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/gamelog?statsId=6225

His last 4 games in September:

9/15: 9 inning CG, 2 Hits, 0 Runs
9/20: 5 innings, 4 Runs
9/25: 6 innings, 6 Hits, 3 Runs
9/30: 7 innings, 3 Hits, 2 Runs

His 1st 5 games in August:

8/1: 7 innings, 6 Hits, 3 Runs
8/6: 7 innings, 7 Hits, 1 Run
8/12: 5 innings, 8 Hits, 6 Runs (He Got Tapped on this Game!)
8/18: 8 innings, 5 Hits, 3 Runs
8/24: 8 innings, 8 Hits, 4 Runs

Franklin would definitely be an awesome #5 starter in the O's rotation that could eat up a chunck of innings (200+ innings) for them in 2005!

Franklin would also get a hell of a lot more run support with the O's offense vs the M's offense over the past couple of years!

NOW...

http://www.nypost.com/sports/31465.htm

Colorado wants out of the Helton commitment and has a first base prospect (Ryan Shealy) due in 2006.

2005: $12.6M
2006: $16.6M
2007: $16.6M
2008: $16.6M
2009: $16.6M
2010: $16.6M
2011: $19.1M
2012: $23M option and NO buyout; can void after 2007

I've been a big Delgado fan for 1B for us, but I have to say that if Helton became availalbe AND Colorado would cut some salary back from his contract...I'd take Helton over Delgado anyday! He's not only 1.5yrs younger, but he's got 2 gold gloves to go along with it!

Colorado needs pitching, and is looking for salary relief from Helton's contract. Maybe they would take the following players off our hands in order to move Helton's salary:

Mateo, Shiggy, Speizio (this would give Ryan Shealy one extra year with Speizio, and decent 1B defense with Speizio too). Hell give them Nageotte too!

Mateo $350k

Shiggy
2005: $2.98
2006: $330k buyout

Speizio
2005: $3.1M
2006: $3.1M
2007: $250k bouyout

How about Franklin too
2005: $2.4M

Colorado would be getting 3 pitchers (or 4 with Nageotte), and Seattle would only have to dish out:

2005: $4M extra out of our budget in 2005 for Helton
2006: $12.8M in 2006 Helton would cost us
2007: $16.6M
2008: $16.6M
2009: $16.6M
2010: $16.6M
2011: $19.1M

Maybe Colorado would dish back $3M/yr starting in 2007 to make his contract a little more reasonable.

So we trade for Shiggy/Franklin/Mateo/Nageotte/Speizio for Helton and end up having to pay:

2005: $4M extra out of our budget in 2005 for Helton
2006: $12.8M in 2006 Helton would cost us
2007: $13.6M (Rockies cutback $3M to us) & opt out of his 2012 option
2008: $13.6M (Rockies cutback $3M to us)
2009: $13.6M (Rockies cutback $3M to us)
2010: $13.6M (Rockies cutback $3M to us)
2011: $16.1M (Rockies cutback $3M to us)

I'm NOW getting a little too excited, but here goes:

1. Sign Beltran whatever it takes;
2. Sign Beltre whatever it takes;
3. Sign Clement for $6-7M/yr for 3yrs
4. Trade for Helton costing us $4M of our offseason money in 2005;
5. Trade Boone for Tejada costing us an add'l $2M in 2005, and move Lopez to 2B;
6. Trade Winn ($3.75m) for Chase Utley ($300k) to save $3.45M from Winn's salary, and platoon Utley's LHB at 2B with Lopez!

Our 2005 lineup would look like this:

RF Ichiro
2B Utley (Or LF Reed)
CF Beltran
1B Helton
SS Tejada (or Boone at 2B if not traded, and Utley/Lopez platooning at SS)
DH/LF Ibanez OR DH Bucky
3B Beltre
LF Reed
C Olivo/Wilson

2005 Rotation:
Pineiro
Moyer
Meche
Clement
Madritsch

2004-10-30T20:22:00.000-07:00

The front office for the M’s is at a cross roads this winter. They can either go about business as usual or they can step up to the plate and spend some of the cash they’ve been hording the past three seasons.

This is a franchise that has no debt. They’ve consistently run large profits since moving into Safeco Field and since they paid off the stadium cost over runs they’ve taken their profits and built up a huge war chest of cash that’s just sitting there earning interest.

If management continues to go the cheap route and cry poor, they are going to run this fan base into the ground.

There is absolutely no reason, from an operating standpoint that this franchise can’t spend $100+ million on player payroll and not loose money on a cash basis. An organization of this size probably has $10-$15 million in depreciation/amortization expense (this is a non-cash expense) included in their operating expenses every season. So when the organization says they generated $10 or $12 million in “operating profits", they really had $20 - $27 million in “operating cash flow” that season. Now there are certain expense items that need to be covered by that “operating cash flow", like interest expense, debt reduction (they haven’t had any debt since the stadium cost over runs were paid off) capital projects on the stadium (think batters eye) adn the likes, however those items don’t come anywhere close to totalling up to $20 million (assuming the low side).

This franchise has been stocking cash away for a rainy day…..well, that rainy day has come via the 2004 season. Its time to step up and crying poor or budget contraints, just isn’t going to cut it any longer.

I have NO DOUBT that the M’s have the cash reserves to sign all of these players:
Beltran, Beltre, Delgado, Clement

THEY WON'T, but they have the cash resources to do it.

The other thing that disturbs me? Our 2004 budget was $95M, and management stated publicly last November that they would be “willing” to go over $95M by the July 2004 trading deadline if the right deal came along. Well hello, we ended the season paying out $79M in payroll…that is $16M less than the entire 2004 pre-approved budget of AT LEAST $95M.

Why, Why, Why in the world don’t they apply that $16M toward the bad contracts that we ended up releasing but are still stuck with through 2005: Cirillo, Jarvis…So that their salary doesn’t effect the payroll budget in 2005?!

Then, WHY can’t they take the difference and extend our 2005 budget from $95M to at least $105M?

This would ensure several things:

1. That we could lock up Beltran for the next 6-7 years.
2. That we could lock up Beltre for the next 5-6 years.
3. That we could lock up Delgado for the next 3-5 years.
4. That we could lock up Clement for the next 3 years, with an option year.
5. That we could even pickup Nomar for CHEAP for the next 1-2 years, on a incentive laden deal, with an option year.

Everybody will deny that the M’s would do "all" of this, but my point being is that the money $$$ is there to do all of this. And in noway am I going to except any BS regarding how much money we “don’t” have this offseason from people and idiots like Finnegan!

SEATTLE MARINERS
Under Guaranteed Contract:
2B- Bret Boone 2005: $9m
1B- Scott Spiezio 2005: $3.1m
C- Wiki Gonzalez 2005: $2.25m
SP- Kevin Jarvis 2005: $500k Buyout
LF- Randy Winn 2005: $3.75m
RF- Ichiro Suzski 2005: $10.5m
LF- Raul Ibanez 2005: $3.75m
SP- Joel Pineiro 2005: $4.2m
SP- Ryan Franklin 2005: $2.40m
RP- Shigetoshi Hasegawa 2005: $2.90m
SP- Jamie Moyer 2005: $3.0m + $1.5m for 30+ GS in 2003 + $1.5m for 30+ GS in 2004 = $6M
RP- Eddie Guardado 2005: $4.5M Seattle will decline option, Guardado will pickup his $4.5M contract with the M’s…considering his health is still questionable.

2005 GUARANTEED CONTRACT TOTALS: $52.85M

Arbitration Eligible: SP- Gil Meche – Made $1.9M in 2004. He will no doubt sign a very similar contract like Franklin did. There are still questionable things regarding Meche that doesn’t merit a huge contract. Look for a 2yr deal with an option year: 2005-$2M, 2006-$2.4M, 2007-$3M team option

UT- Willie Bloomquist – Made $330k in 2004. Non-Tender him and let him find his way to Arizona with Melvin

2005 ARBITRATION CONTRACT TOTALS: $2M (Meche)

Cheap Team Controlled Contracts:
C- Miguel Olivo– 2004: $170k
3B- Greg Dobbs– 2004: $50k
3B- Justin Leone– 2004: $50k
2B- Mickey Lopez– 2004: $50k
SS- Jose Lopez– 2004: $50k
SS- Ramon Santiago– 2004: $50k
CF- Jeremy Reed???
DH- Bucky Jacobsen???
C Rene Rivera???
SP- Bobby Madritsch– 2004: $50k
SP- Clint Nageotte– 2004: $50k
SP- Travis Blackley???
SP- Cha Seung Baek– 2004: $50k
RP- Julio Mateo– 2004: $350k
RP- J.J. Putz– 2004: $50k
RP- George Sherrill???
RP- Matt Thornton– 2004: $50k
RP- Randy Williams???
RP- Scott Atchison (I see us trading Atchison)
RP- Aaron Taylor– 2004: $300k
RP- Rafael Soriano– 2004: $340k
OF- Chris Snelling– 2004: $300k (Trade him, I’m tired of his injures)

2005 TOTAL TEAM CONTROLLED CONTRACTS ESTIMATE: $2.5M (this total is including team approved raises for all these guys)

Free Agents:
C- Dan Wilson– 2004: $3.5M. I’m estimating Dan will resign a 1yr contract for $2-2.5M
RP- Ron Villone– 2004: $1M. I’m estimating Villone will resign a 1y contract for $1.5MRP- Masao Kida ??? I not impress with this guy

2005 TOTAL FA SIGNINGS FOR WILSON & VILLONE: $3.5M

2005 TOTAL COMMITTED SO FAR: $60.85M

NOW, with a $95M budget...How in the hell can anybody justify publicly writing an article stating the M's only have $12.5M available for FA signings?!

The M's spent a total payroll of $79M in 2004, a total of $16M under their $95M budget that was approved last November 2003. Nearly $9M of this money was from Sasaki's salary that was never paid out.

It is way past the time for the FO to step up to the plate and spend $40M this offseason, for the future of the M's...for their fan base! I have personally been a M's optimist for the past 3 years, counting on them to make the appropriate moves and invest in this team. I really think this is the LAST offseason they will have to remedy this problem with all fans!

2004-10-27T21:57:00.000-07:00

Well, game 4 ended up being 3 hours and 14 minutes long...6 minutes shy of the lunar eclipse ending, which was at 11:45PM ET!

It was just ment to be for Boston in 2004!

One other thing regarding Jersey numbers:

1918
+34 Ortiz
+33 Varitek
+24 Manny
-5 Nomar

= 2004

So, with Nomar it would of taken Boston another 5 years! Just thought I'd throw that tidbit in.

2004-10-27T13:38:00.000-07:00

We all know how superstitous baseball players/fans are. And, what is really whacky is how Boston has gotten here. Being down 3-0 to the Yanks, and accomplishing something that's never been done in MLB history. The first two games of the WS combining for 8 errors. And the list goes on and on and on according to Starks useless information article.

Game 1:http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/fallclassic/columns/story?columnist=stark_jayson&id=1908044

Game 2:http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/fallclassic/columns/story?columnist=stark_jayson&id=1908756

Game 3:http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/fallclassic/columns/story?columnist=stark_jayson&id=1910177

And not to mention Boone's father passing away after Game 3 of the BoSox/Yanks game from a massive heart attack. Many will be thinking he's been up there since Game 3 negotiating with Babe Ruth to reverse the curse. And what timing to do it too!

What a year to break the curse of the Bambino though, in MLB's 100th world series!

What a night to break the curse of the Bambino...the evening of the Lunar Eclipse!

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6345294/?GT1=5472

Who would of thought that Boston would be possibly be going into game 4, the evening of the lunar eclipse, with a possible sweep against the Cards offense. Just amazing! It will be something that will be added to Starks Useless Information article for game 4 if it happens!

Another note on the Lunar Eclipse tonight:

The game starts at 8:25PM ET, and should end approximately at 11:25PM ET.

The eclipse starts at 8:06PM ET, and ends at 11:45PM ET. So the entire game will be played at during the entire eclipse.

At 10:23PM ET (1 hour before the game ends, the earth will be "in total shadow at 10:23 p.m. ET, the moon might turn a shade of deep red that frightened the ancients.")

The Total Eclipse ends at 11:45PM.

Now, what is really interesting is that game 2 in Boston ended up being a total game time of exactly 3 hours 20 minutes...tonights game 4 (game 2 in St Louis) starts at 8:25PM ET...and if followed the same pattern as game 2 in Boston would officially end at 11:45PM ET tonight.

Wow, this is leading up to the most incredible reversal of the curse of the Bambino that anyone would of ever thought possible!!! Is Babe Ruth finally sick and tired of George Steinbrenner now?! Will he forward the curse onto the future of the Yankees for the next 100 years?

Us M's fans can only hope!

2004-10-24T16:21:00.000-07:00

While Nomar Garciaparra took the time to call some of his former Sox mates, including Jason Varitek and Trot Nixon, according to Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune, the future of the former Sox shortstop remains highly uncertain. A likely scenario, according to sources close to Garciaparra, is he may seek a one-year deal this winter as a free agent in order to reestablish his market value. He could return to the Cubs, but there is some talk the Dodgers might consider moving shortstop Cesar Izturis to second to make room for the native southern Californian

Cardinals reliever Steve Kline wasn't happy with being left off the World Series roster. "I'm dumbfounded, shocked," Kline told reporters last night before Game 1. "You get to the end of the rainbow and there's no pot of gold for me. I could have had surgery a month ago." Kline had delayed surgery to repair a 70% tear of a tendon in his left index finger. Ray King is now the only southpaw in the Cardinals bullpen - he gave up a hard-hit, bad hop infield hit to David Ortiz and got Kevin Millar to foul out last night. "At this level of competition, to try to compete at less than 100% is not fair to him, or to us," pitching coach Dave Duncan said. Kline, a free-agent-to-be, figures the decision seals his fate with St. Louis as far as 2005.

The Twins' interest in Cleveland free-agent shortstop Omar Vizquel, 37, is believed to be as a one-season stopgap while minor league Jason Bartlett prepares to take over the job in 2006.

As for Javy Vazquez, the other half of Joe Torre's Game 7 suicide tag team, it appears the Yankees are resigned to trading him rather than attempting to resurrect him next spring. They'll undoubtedly try to re-visit the Randy Johnson talks with Arizona, but as exciting as the prospect of the Big Unit in pinstripes may be, trading young for old with nothing coming in the barren farm system is a recipe for long-term disaster. Again, the failures of the Yankees' player development department over the last eight years has severely handicapped their ability to make necessary improvements and, as such, this team could get old in a hurry.

The Boston Red Sox's interest in Twins free-agent starter Brad Radke is huge.

There's already speculation that Pedro Martinez will go to Anaheim, where he is close to Vladimir Guerrero and Bartolo Colon, and owner Arte Moreno is serious about winning.

Mets people have talked about trying to sign Richie Sexson or Troy Glaus for first base but have concerns because both missed most of 2004 with injuries. Sexson isn't likely to return to Arizona, and his hometown Mariners will pursue him. Glaus is still thought to prefer third base. Magglio Ordoñez remains an option. But he missed the last four months with a knee injury.

Nomar Garciaparra's health problems in 2004 make a big multiyear offer unlikely this winter. But he has told friends he's willing to take a one-year deal for 2005 with an option for 2006 to prove to teams he can play an entire season. If that happens, the Cubs chances of re-signing him will improve significantly.

The Marlins continue to have trouble completing their stadium deal, leaving Mike Lowell on the cusp of free agency and creating uncertainty about the franchise's long-term future. Unless Lowell is traded in the next week, he will very likely be in position to declare for free agency in the first week of November. With a stadium deal unlikely to be completed by Nov. 1, the 2006 and 2007 seasons of Lowell's contract (worth $18 million combined) would be voided. If he chooses, Lowell could stay with the Marlins next season for $7.5 million. But he's better off opting for free agency, having said he prefers to decide where he will play instead of putting himself in position to be traded.

So much has been speculated about the Yankees signing ">Carlos Beltran to play center field, but before they do that, they'd better have a game plan for Bernie Williams, who otherwise becomes a very expensive 300 at-bat fourth outfielder.

The Cubs officially will decline the $11 million option on left fielder Moises Alou in the next week, making Alou a free agent after three seasons with the club. There's an outside chance Alou could return at a much smaller price tag. Alou, 38, hit a career-high 39 home runs and had a team-leading 106 RBIs this season, but his eight errors tied for second among National League left fielders. The Cubs would like some more speed in the outfield, and if Alou and right fielder Sammy Sosa leave, they will get that opportunity.

2004-10-23T10:16:00.000-07:00

http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/sports/bb/2862462

The Houston Chronicle reports that the Astros likely won't be able to afford to re-sign free agent Carlos Beltran this offseason. Beltran said he plans to consider the Astros, though.

How much will Beltran sign for & how long? Lets look at one of the best hitters in the game that was signed last year:

Feb 20th, 2004 – Albert Pujols officially signed a seven-year, $100 million contract with the Cardinals, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

2004: $7.05M
2005: $11M
2006: $14M
2007: $12M
2008: $13M
2009: $13M
2010: $13M
2011: $5M buyout, $16M option

Shouldn’t a similar $100M contract for Beltran be reasonable for us to pull off? We could build around him for the next 8 years with an option year!

Beltran fits our needs more this year than Tejada did last offseason, and the M’s offered a 5yr $60M $12M/yr contract to Tejada. With Beltran only 27yrs old, that would lock him up until he’s 34-35yrs old with us.

2005: $12M
2006: $12M
2007: $12M
2008: $12M
2009: $12M
2010: $12M
2011: $12M
2011: $5M buyout, $16M option

That would total $100M.

OR even more competitive @ $110M:

2005: $12M
2006: $14M
2007: $14M
2008: $14M
2009: $13M
2010: $13M
2011: $13M
2011: $5M buyout, $16M option

That would total $110M

OR if it’s backloaded with a signing bonus if he’s willing to make $9M again in 2005:

2005: $9M
2006: $12M
2007: $15M
2008: $15M
2009: $14M
2010: $14M
2011: $14M
2011: $5M buyout, $16M option

Considering the M’s Tejada offer last year, I really think they will open their checkbook on Beltran for a $90-110M 7yr contract with an option year. The longer out we go, the better overall annual rate we will end up getting for him.

2004-10-23T09:36:00.000-07:00

2004-10-23T07:48:00.000-07:00

The Cubs officially will decline the $11 million option on left fielder Moises Alou in the next week, making Alou a free agent after three seasons with the club. There's an outside chance Alou could return at a much smaller price tag. Alou, 38, hit a career-high 39 home runs and had a team-leading 106 RBIs this season, but his eight errors tied for second among National League left fielders. The Cubs would like some more speed in the outfield, and if Alou and right fielder Sammy Sosa leave, they will get that opportunity.

The Dodgers have identified retaining third baseman Adrian Beltre as their top off-season priority but have yet to make him an offer and are unlikely to do so in the weeks before their exclusive negotiating rights expire. Beltre can file for free agency as soon as the day after the World Series and can sign with another club as soon as 16 days after the Series. But negotiations are expected to be lengthy, with Beltre and agent Scott Boras expected to solicit bids from other clubs before considering any offer from the Dodgers.

The Cubs will explore the possibility of signing center fielder Carlos Beltran to a multiyear deal, hoping he doesn't price himself out of their range. Beltran declined to speculate about his upcoming free agency after the Astros bowed out of the postseason on Thursday. "That's a decision I'll make in Puerto Rico," he said.

Yankees OF Kenny Lofton doesn't believe he got a chance to make a difference. "I know what I've done in past postseasons," Lofton said yesterday. "I didn't get the opportunities." Lofton, a .277 hitter with nine steals in 30 LCS games prior to this year, played in just three of the seven games against the Red Sox. He was 3-for-10 with two walks and three strikeouts. When he signed a three-year deal with the Yankees, Lofton said he was under the impression that he would play every day. It turned out to be an awkward arrangement. He has two years left on his deal, but because of his inexpensive salary ($3.1 million), it wouldn't be shocking if the Yankees dealt him, especially if they make a run at free agent Carlos Beltran.

Hideki Matsui was one of a half-dozen players who showed up yesterday to clean out their lockers. With one year and $8 million remaining on the three-year contract he signed before the 2003 season, the left fielder is thinking ahead, and hoping he can be with the Yankees beyond the 2005 season. "It would be nice if I could stay," Matsui said, through interpreter Roger Kahlon. "I think, for me, this is the best environment to play baseball. But that's not my decision." Matsui said his agent, Arn Tellem, had not yet begun discussions with the Yankees about an extension, and he didn't sound as if he expected it to happen before the start of next season.

If the Twins need to trade Jacque Jones, and Kubel is unavailable, they have other options for right field. Lew Ford, who batted .299 with 15 homers and 72 RBI in his first full season of action, could move to the outfield. Rochester native Michael Restovich, who spent most of the season in the minors, could get his long-awaited break. And one Twins official pointed out that Michael Cuddyer, mentioned as a possible replacement for free agent Corey Koskie at third or for underperforming Luis Rivas at second, could play right field. Ryan declined to discuss if Kubel's injury disrupts his plans for right field.

2004-10-22T15:14:00.000-07:00

Angels likely to cut salary next season, possibily down to $90M

http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/sports/9936898.htm

After committing $146 million to add Vladimir Guerrero, Jose Guillen, Bartolo Colon and Kelvim Escobar a year ago, Moreno reportedly would like to reduce the Angels' payroll from $112 million to somewhere below $100 million, perhaps even as low as $90 million.

2004-10-19T13:54:00.000-07:00

Carlos Beltran is the way out of the mire for the Phillies. All they have to do is play with the big boys and decide that greatness is a goal worth attaining. Sounds improbable, but you never know. By now, it is obvious that Beltran - hitting .462 for Houston with eight homers in the postseason - will be one of the most sought-after free agents in the short but very lucrative history of sought-after free agents. There is good timing in life and then there is ridiculously good timing. Beltran, who began the season as a well-regarded member of the Kansas City Royals, is ending it as baseball royalty.

There is also the matter of starting pitching - which has to be the Yankees' primary concern this offseason. They need to sign at least one and probably two starting pitchers (assuming they still haven't enough to interest the Diamondbacks in revisiting the Randy Johnson talks) and that's going to be another $20-plus million.

The Twins have made no immediate effort to re-sign shortstop Cristian Guzman, whose $5.25 million contract option for 2005 they declined last week, and it's apparent they have someone else in mind for next season. It wouldn't be surprising to see the Twins trade Jacque Jones for a shortstop.

The pitching-starved Baltimore Orioles likely will pursue Boston Red Sox pitcher Derek Lowe, a free agent after this season. Baltimore officials already are discussing the possibility of signing Lowe, 31, who was 14-12 this season with a 5.42 ERA. The Orioles hope Lowe's sub-par 2004 season has brought down his asking price. The team is encouraged with their good relationship with Lowe's agent, Scott Boras.

With the Mariners' quick search for a manager in its stretch run, Mike Hargrove and Grady Little seem to have become the lead candidates. Or possibly the only candidates, at least the only ones certain of coming to Seattle today and tomorrow for final interviews as the club presses to hire Bob Melvin's replacement prior to Saturday's Game 1 of the World Series.

George Steinbrenner and Scott Boras are destined for a very expensive collision course over Carlos Beltran next month. With Beltran and fellow free agent Adrian Beltre, the NL home run champ, in his stable, Boras is indeed sitting pretty this winter, although it remains to be seen if the market is what he perceives it to be. The seven-year, $100-plus million contracts that Boras had been accustomed to using as a starting point have gone the way of grunge rock in the aftermath of the disastrous Jason Giambi, Chan Ho Park, Kevin Brown and Mike Hampton deals. Still, both Beltran and possibly Beltre (despite having just this one big season), figure to command the sort of five-year, $60-70 million deal that Vladimir Guerrero got from the Angels in the "corrected" market last winter.

As Carlos Beltran cruises through a historic postseason, it's clear Houston's trade for him in June worked out, to put it lightly. But the ballclub is braced for it being a short-term fling. Houston general manager Gerry Hunsicker said he has considered the Beltran trade a rental, because the burgeoning star is likely to command too high a price for the Astros to re-sign. Already, the New York Yankees and Chicago Cubs are believed to be prepping offers. "It depends on if you went there thinking you had to keep him for the trade to make sense," Hunsicker said when asked if signing Beltran would complete the trade's success. "We went into it with the intention it was going to be a rental because - just like the Randy Johnson trade (in 1998) - we didn't think we would have a chance of re-signing him."

2004-10-18T09:12:00.000-07:00

Another possible center field solution for the Yankees would be bringing back Alfonso Soriano, who likely would be willing to move off second base for them only. The Rangers are interested in pursuing Gold Glove shortstop Omar Vizquel, whose option was not picked up by the Indians, and moving Michael Young back to second, which would make Soriano expendable.

I'm told George Steinbrenner was heaping praise on Pedro Martinez throughout the Game 2 pitching duel with Jon Lieber (there might even have been a "warrior" or two tossed out during the night). And when it became apparent to all what Pedro's motives were when he volunteered to come into the postgame press conference after having blown off the media the first two days of the ALCS, someone in the room spoke up. "Sounds a lot like he's auditioning for us," the person told Steinbrenner. To that, Steinbrenner reportedly asked who Martinez's agent is. No doubt, signing Martinez is something Steinbrenner might find hard to resist, even though Pedro is detested by the Yankee players and staff.

David Wells, 41, enjoyed his one season pitching for the hometown Padres, but speculation around the Yankees is owner George Steinbrenner will make another one-on-one offseason run at returning the big left-hander to the Bronx

Before the Marlins put much more thought into trading third baseman Mike Lowell, they might want to consider one huge procedural drawback with that scenario. Sure, trading Lowell before Nov. 1 would mean he is under contract to his new team for the next three seasons. However, as a player with a multiyear contract and at least five years of major league service time, he would have the right to demand a trade. That request would have to be met by March 15 or Lowell would again have the right to opt for free agency. According to a source close to Lowell, the three-time All-Star would definitely exercise that right. "What team would trade for Mike under those circumstances?" the source said. One possibility considered was linking Lowell, 30, to overpriced right fielder Juan Encarnacion in the same deal. If the Marlins could rid themselves of Encarnacion's $4.45 million obligation for next year, they would be willing to take much less in return for Lowell.

If the Yankees don't sign free-agent Houston outfielder Carlos Beltran, they might have a strong interest in trading for Twins outfielder Jacque Jones, who is a cinch to be on the market.

A source close to Mike Lowell said Saturday the three-time All-Star would definitely exercise his right to demand a trade as soon as possible if the Marlins dealt him away. That vow figures to put a damper on trade demand.

2004-10-16T08:29:00.000-07:00

Two of the Marlins' top potential trading partners are still playing. The Yankees could be interested in reacquiring Mike Lowell to play first base, with Jason Giambi becoming the designated hitter, but the Yankees are unlikely to negotiate any deals until seeing how far they go in the postseason. The Red Sox are another contender for Lowell, but relations between the two front offices have been strained since the spring 2003 debacle over the Marlins' attempted sale of Kevin Millar to Japan. Boston outfielder Trot Nixon, signed at $6.5 million per year through 2006, has been a trade target in the past. Other clubs that could have both the interest and the means to deal for Lowell are the Tigers, Mariners, Padres and Dodgers, although the Dodgers' first option is to re-sign free agent third baseman Adrian Beltre. "He's afraid that's going to happen," a source close to Lowell said. "He wants to choose where he wants to go. He doesn't care about the money or if he makes $5 million next year. He'd rather pick the place he goes than let them pick it, but [the Marlins] aren't going to let him walk away for free."

If Seattle decides to try to sign free agents like Jason Varitek, Derek Lowe or Nomar Garciaparra, Grady Little could be a significant plus.

Seattle club officials also interviewed Joe Maddon, Anaheim's bench coach, but a source said they prefer someone with managerial experience in the major leagues. The Mariners, who are also believed to have met with Terry Collins, also are setting up meetings, or seeking permission to do so, with Don Baylor and Jimy Williams. Grady Little is an intriguing possibility for Seattle, a club in transition seeking to meld veterans and younger players into a competitive group in 2005.

Most of baseball expects Carlos Beltran, the Houston Astros' five-tool center fielder, to sign a lucrative free-agent contract with the Yankees this off-season. Asked about that possibility Thursday before Game 2 of the NLCS in St. Louis, Beltran had high praise for Yankees owner George Steinbrenner. "When I see an owner who cares about winning, I like it," Beltran told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. "As a player, you want to be in this situation every year. You like to see what plans a team has for the future. I'm going to go some place I feel comfortable. Right now I don't know where I'm going to end up." The Yankees would like to trade Kenny Lofton to clear room for Beltran. Bernie Williams, another Boras client, would spend the final year of his Yankee contract as a DH or a bench player in that scenario.

2004-10-15T22:14:00.000-07:00

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=1902843

Lowell's contract is tied to the Marlins' ability to secure financing for a new ballpark by Nov. 1, for which they currently are $30 million short.
…
If the Marlins trade Lowell, they would move Miguel Cabrera to third base, which is his natural position, and search for a left fielder at baseball's winter meetings.

There is $23.5M left on Lowell’s contract over the next 3 years. Trading Winn and his salary, for Lowell would give them one of the best defensive LFer’s for only $3.75M/yr. And Winn is only signed for 2 years. This will be very appealing to Florida.

This frees up substantial funds that the Marlins will need for their new stadium. Lowell is a very consistent hitter against RHP’s and LHP’s. But, Lowell just smashes LHPing. Currently the only guy on our team that has been smashing LHPing is Edgar & Bucky…and now Edgar is gone.

I prefer Lowell over Beltre. Especially if he is traded to us under his current contract situation:

2005: $7.5M
2006: $8M
2007: $8M

At the same time we’re moving Winn’s $3.75M salary. So, it’s kind of like paying Lowell only $4.25M. We then use the rest of our offseason funds to acquire Beltran, Delgado, and Polanco. Then trade Boone for Vasquez with Steinbrenner picking up Vasquez’s salary above $9M over the next 3 years, to make the trade a salary wash.

The Yanks expressed A LOT of interest in Moyer this past July. Maybe they would be willing to move Vasquez for both Boone/Moyer straight up. With the extra $5M the M’s would be saving could go toward signing Clement for $6-7M.

Also, there’s been a lot of talk about picking up Matsuzaka from Japan, in a similar way that the M’s picked up Ichiro. The money used to bid on Matsuzaka would not come out of our 2005 budget.

Pineiro
Meche
Madritsch
Vasquez (Trade)
Clement or Matsuzaka

Lowell $4.25M (Salary difference from Lowell & Winn)
Beltran $15M
Delgado $8M
Polanco $4-5M

2004-10-15T09:29:00.000-07:00

After watching Beltran this postseason, I just can't see how we can just watch Beltran slip through our fingers with the kind of money we have available. He's now got AL & NL proven experience. And now look what he's doing to the NL teams in the playoffs. I was only expecting him to go for a 5-6 year contract at $12M/yr, but if it takes $15-16/yr I think we just need to DO IT!

This is a very encouraging article about the M's bumping payroll up to the $100M mark:

http://mariners.theinsiders.com/2/297056.html

They offered Tejada a 5yr $55M deal for $11M year. And the way this article is
reading, Lincoln is giving Bavasi an open checkbook to get the legitimate money deals done with possible 5-6 year contracts.

Why? Insider.com comments:

"Howard Lincoln and the rest of the ownership group isn’t as shortsighted as we thought. Translation: The owners won’t continue to make money if the team loses 100 games a season, and they just couldn’t bear to sit around and do nothing about the bank account not getting fatter anymore.

In other words, Lincoln does understand that the fans will not stand for bad baseball. Finally, he gets it. The motive might not be what we’d like it to be but the action required is very much the same.

New General Manager Bill Bavasi will have free reign to go out and turn over the Mariner roster and bring a winner back to Safeco Field. What’s so different about that is the approach of the front office in general.

heading into his second year as Mariners GM, Bavasi will be backed 100% by Lincoln and the checkbook.

Bavasi has stated on more than one occasion that he and Lincoln both realize that the only way to start the turnaround is to make smart but aggressive financial investments in the free agent market this winter.

Something Bavasi convinced the club to do for one player last year, he will have the leeway to do with any players he sees fit, beginning November 1."

I haven't seen one thing suggesting that Seattle will be in the Beltran sweepstakes. In fact, the teams we've been reading about are the Yanks, Cubs & LA that will be in the bidding war. The Cubs will have to dump Sosa, before they do anything. The Yanks have Bernie they would have to move, which is taking up $12M in 2005, and they also have the Giambi dilemma. And, LA's priority is resigning Beltre, which is going to be a tough thing for them to do. Especially considering rumors that LA will be cutting payroll, and not offering anymore than 3yr contracts.

Hopefully Seattle will sneak in at the last moment, like Anaheim did with Vlad, and just pay Beltran the appropriate $$$ and just lock him up longterm.

2004-10-15T09:25:00.000-07:00

Something else for us to consider. We are losing Edgar, who despite his horrible 2004 year, creams LHPing. I haven't been too impressed with Boone's numbers over the past 3 years, but at least he has been consistent whether he's batting against RHP's or LHP's. His averages there seem to be pretty consistent.

Bucky is the only guy on our team that currently smashes LHPing. I know everyone wants to focus on power LHB's in our lineup, but the power RHB's we end up getting have to throw up better numbers & averages against LHP's than Boonie has over the past 3 years, or we will be in dire staits!

BELTRE (RHB) VS LOWELL (RHB):
After looking at Beltre versus Lowell, I am going to have to say that I prefer Lowell over Beltre because of our hitting needs. Everyday that goes by, it's sounding more and more definite that Lowell is going to be available as a FA. Lowell just smashes LHP, and he's nearly as good with RHP's. Beltre this year has defied logic, and his power numbers on LHP's are very poor, while he maintains a 347BA, 42HR, 104RBI stats this year on RHP's alone. And even though he has hit 291BA in 2004 on LHP's, he only has 6HR's to show for that. Don't get me wrong: I would love to have Beltre, but Lowell seems to be a better fit for us as a power RHB, and he's been consistently good for more than 1 year.

Solution: Sign Lowell hopefully in the $8-9M range.

BOONE (RHB) VS POLANCO (RHB):
Polanco is signed for $3.9M in 2004, and is now a FA. He just doesn't want to share time with Utley anymore, so he will know doubt welcome a starting position @ $4-5M over a 3yr contract. Polanco is a gold-glove defender at 2B, and he smashes LHP as well. His 3 yr average is 322BA against southpaws, and a 3 yr average of 281BA against righties. He doesn't have as much power that Boone has shown, but would prove to be a perfect fit at Safeco field.

Solution: Trade Boone for Vasquez. Steinbrenner pays Vasquez's salary above Boone's $9M for the next 3 years. And, sign Polanco.

GRIFFEY:
Only if he's for free, like what has been posted above. And only as a DH. Bucky plays 1B and backs up Griffey as DH. Trade Winn/prospects for Ryan Howard, and platoon Howard/Bucky at 1B. Ibanez to LF (even though I would love to have Jacque Jones in LF, since he's one of the best defensive LFers). Reed as 4th OFer.

LOPEZ:
Leave Lopez at SS, and periodically fillin Cabrerra off the bench.

2005 Lineup
RF Ichiro
CF Beltran
3B Lowell
DH Griffey (only if for free like posted above)
2B Polanco
LF Ibanez OR Jones
1B Bucky/Howard Platoon
SS Lopez
C Olivo/Wilson

Starting Pitchers
Pinerio
Meche
Vasquez
Madritsch
Matsuzaka ($6M)

Franklin to Long Relief

Moyer (hopefully retires and starts coaching, or is traded)

2004-10-15T09:20:00.000-07:00

TheInsider.Com has rumored a possible three-way trade with the Reds-Colorado-Mariners.

In order for the Reds to move Griffey and save money, they assume the remaining contracts of Neagle and Wilson, which is about 31.5 million (see the above post on the salary/contract breakdown). After the 2005 season, the Reds would have them off their books. Considering Griffey is still owed 54 million (if you include the 2009 buyout), the Reds are saving 22.5 million for one year's worth of Neagle and Wilson's contracts.

The Rockies would contribute 22.5 million to the Mariners to help cover Griffey's portion of the contract. They would be saving 9.5 million for the 2005 season by unloading Neagle and Wilson.

The Mariners would have Griffey to be their DH and wouldn't cost them a penny because his contract would be covered by payouts by the Reds and Rockies.

Mariners would send Pitching prospects to Colorado in exchange for Griffey. Seattle would only owe Griffey's 2009 difference of his $12.5M contract minus his $4M buyout amount, if Seattle picks up Griffey's 2009 contract. Seattle ends up getting Griffey for free, in exchange for some pitching prospects. And in 2009, will only have to pay him $8.5M if they pickup his 2009 contract.
Hello, this is a no brainer if you're able to pickup Griffey for free. Who gives a rats ass if he only does play 80-120 games for the M's, as long as he's free for the next 4 years! Our DH slot would be covered for the next 5 years, between Griffey & Bucky.

2004-10-15T08:23:00.000-07:00

The Marlins apparently are prepared to cut ties with All-Star third baseman Mike Lowell, although the timing remains unclear. Lowell was a chief topic this week at the team's annual organizational meetings, during which the Marlins discussed ways to free themselves of the $34 million contract he signed nearly a year ago, a source said. The Marlins would prefer to trade Lowell but that would have to happen before Nov. 1, when he becomes eligible for free agency if the team has not yet reached a deal to build a new stadium.

The once snuggly relationship between the White Sox and Magglio Ordonez is turning into one of baseball's most bizarre off-season stories, and general manager Ken Williams clearly is tiring of it. Ordonez, who sat with Williams at U.S. Cellular Field waving to fans and TV cameras near the end of the season, has become a puzzle to the organization. Not only did he strangely go to Austria to have knee surgery, he apparently has switched agents from Tom Reich to Scott Boras. Right now the Sox's plan appears to be progressing without Ordonez. "I have to proceed with the information in front of me and make plans based on that," Williams said. "Everything else is pure conjecture. If I have to make an adjustment because more information comes our way, so be it. I can't be caught waiting around."

The most sought-after free agent this winter is expected to wind up with the New York Yankees, but the Cubs won't let center fielder Carlos Beltran go there without a fight. Whether the Cubs can come up with a back-loaded five- or six-year deal to persuade Beltran to come to Chicago remains unknown, especially if they are unable to unload Sammy Sosa's contract. But Beltran said Thursday night he would welcome an opportunity to talk to the Cubs about playing at Wrigley Field. "Of course," he said before Game 2 of the National League Championship Series, in which Houston trails St. Louis two games to none. "I feel good hitting in that ballpark. It's a great hitter's ballpark. You could see that from their lineup. Almost every one of those hitters hit more than 30 home runs. "It's fun to play over there. The fans are good fans. The ballpark is sold out every day. I'd like to see what's going to happen in the off-season."

Sources say the Angels remain interested in Cubs free-agent shortstop Nomar Garciaparra. Second baseman Adam Kennedy is scheduled for reconstructive surgery on his right knee today and is expected to miss at least the first half of the 2005 season.

Twins general manager Terry Ryan, on a rumor that instead of trying to trade right fielder Jacque Jones for economic reasons, he might try to trade left fielder Shannon Stewart: "Shannon Stewart is our best offensive player. And we need offense. So you can put that one to rest."

It remains to be seen how many teams will actively bid for Carlos Beltran. His expected asking price, at least $75 million for 5 years, according to the best estimates, eliminates most clubs. The Astros insist they will do what they can to keep him, and he blended in almost immediately after being acquired from the Royals on June 24. In addition to the Yankees, he could wind up with maybe the Mets (although they have Mike Cameron), maybe the Cubs (although the Tribune Co. isn't known for overspending for players), maybe the Red Sox (although Johnny Damon is one of their key players). The Phillies, of course, have acknowledged they will look for a centerfelder this winter. But it appears doubtful they will have payroll room to make a bid.

2004-10-14T07:37:00.000-07:00

The plan is to definitely trade outfielder Jacque Jones to open right field for Jason Kubel. Torii Hunter, Jones' best buddy, will do everything he can to persuade the Twins to keep Jones.

The Tacoma News Tribune has floated the name of Whitey Herzog as a managerial candidate for Seattle because he once promoted current Mariners general manager Bill Bavasi to be his assistant more than a decade ago in Anaheim. But Herzog, a former Cardinals manager and general manager, said he had heard nothing about it and wondered if that would be a good job for him anyway. "I don't think I'll live long enough," the 72-year-old Herzog said. Long enough for what? "Long enough for them to win," joked Herzog, mindful of the Mariners' last-place finish this season in the American League West. "I like Bill," Herzog said. "He called me when they were in town this year. But what direction are they going? They'd better have some young pitching in the minors." Herzog's name reportedly also had come up very informally in Philadelphia, where Larry Bowa was fired. But even though Herzog hasn't been contacted, that doesn't mean that he wouldn't listen. "I would talk to people, let's put it that way," he said. "But, to be honest, they'd really have to sit down and talk turkey. "If a team's got a chance to win, I'd have to look at the whole situation. I might have to try it. It wouldn't have to be a lifetime contract. Maybe it would have to be a day-to-day deal."

In the case of free agent Corey Koskie, the Twins will not pay the third baseman the $4.5 million he received this year. But Koskie says that money is not the big issue, he is building a new house and wants to stay here. However, the Twins are concerned about Koskie being injury-prone.

The Twins have exclusive rights for 10 days after the World Series to sign free agent Brad Radke. Look for the Twins to see what the market is for the pitcher and then definitely sign him.

Jason Varitek also has hit more postseason home runs in a Red Sox uniform than any other player, one more than Nomar Garciaparra.

Can the Braves pay their own veteran free agents? Not all of them. Maybe J.D. Drew and Jaret Wright. "I hope they sign him," Franco said of Drew. "I think this ballclub needs him. He was a great acquisition. I don't think they would have signed him for just one year." They didn't sign him. The Braves traded for Drew last season, desperate to find a cheaper option who might potentially fill the shoes of departed free agent Gary Sheffield. Drew answered critics by staying healthy and carrying much of the Braves' offensive load. Wright was the Braves' best starting pitcher (15-8, 3.28), and his $850,000 salary was a reflection of a career sidetracked by two shoulder surgeries. After his career-best season, he can expect multi-year offers from many teams if the Braves don't make him a strong offer.

2004-10-13T09:32:00.000-07:00

The only way Carlos Beltran is going to help the Orioles become a contender next year is by drawing so much interest in the free-agent market that other marquee players may feel the need to sign quickly to avoid being caught in a late-winter budget squeeze. It's not that the Orioles wouldn't be interested in a 27-year-old switch-hitting superstar who dominated the Division Series against the Atlanta Braves. It's just that everyone correctly assumes Beltran will end up with the Yankees after a protracted bidding war, so why waste a big chunk of an important offseason that would be better spent focused on free agents with a legitimate chance to end up in Baltimore? They will be better served to move quickly and decisively in their pursuit of outfielder Magglio Ordonez and at least one of the front-line pitchers expected to reach the market.

Dr. Tim Kremchek said his jaw dropped when he finally got inside Scott Williamson's right elbow with an arthroscope on Monday in Cincinnati. ``I couldn't believe what I saw,'' said Kremchek, who is the Cincinnati Reds team physician. ``It looked like a grenade had gone off in there. The damage was far worse that the MRIs or any examination alluded to.''' As it turned out, Williamson pitched the last month of the regular season with a completely torn ulnar collateral ligament, mangled cartilage ripped from the bone on the outer part of the elbow and several bone chips and loose bodies within the cavity of the joint. Kremchek performed Tommy John surgery on the Red Sox reliever, taking a hamstring tendon from his right leg and transplanting it to the elbow to form a new UCL. It is the second such procedure for Williamson, who also had Tommy John surgery in April 2001. ``I can't believe he was able to pitch with the elbow like that,'' Kremchek said.

The Reds' decision to part ways with captain Barry Larkin yesterday could have implications on the Red Sox. Depending on which way they go with the shortstop position in the offseason - retaining free agent Orlando Cabrera or signing Edgar Renteria - Larkin could draw serious interest from the Sox as a backup. The 41-year-old has always been considered a tremendous clubhouse presence and a humble teacher with younger players, which is precisely the type of character the Sox' organization seeks. Pokey Reese, meanwhile, is expected to draw strong interest from the Reds - his former team - when he hits the free agent market next year.

2004-10-13T09:18:00.001-07:00

2004-10-13T09:18:00.000-07:00

2004-10-12T09:00:00.000-07:00

Insiders say the Yankees' top free agent pursuit this winter will be former Twins starter Eric Milton, whom the Yankees traded to Minnesota as part of the Chuck Knoblauch deal before the 1998 season.

Agent Scott Boras has declined to discuss his plans for Adrian Beltre, but baseball sources familiar with Boras' thinking said he might initially seek more than $12 million a season in a seven-year deal. Dodger sources said it was highly doubtful that DePodesta would recommend committing anything in that range to Beltre, who made $5 million in 2004. The Dodgers might not go beyond a four-year contract that averaged $11 million, a team source said. "We're going to make wise decisions," said McCourt, not specifically commenting on Beltre. "When I came to L.A., I said we were going to bring a winner for the fans. "That's what we've done and will continue to do. But we're going to be smart about it. We're going to make good decisions."

Craig Biggio had a terrific season as well, but they'd like to find a way to work Jason Lane into the lineup. My guess is that they have to keep Biggio. He has reached the point in his career where he has earned the right to go out on his own terms. Houston will offer Carlos Beltran a huge contract, but if the Yankees or Cubs come in with a deal worth $18 million or more per season, the Astros won't get him. As for Clemens, it's his call. The Astros are hopeful he'll pitch another season.

Contract negotiations with the agent for free-agent shortstop Nomar Garciaparra could begin next week, Hendry said Monday. If Garciaparra's financial demands are too high, the Cubs aren't expected to be interested in bringing him back. But if Garciaparra is willing to consider a three-year deal in which the base salary is $7 million to $8 million, the Cubs might be willing to cut a deal.

Anybody who thinks money is not important to free agent Corey Koskie regarding a return to the Twins is hallucinating. Koskie prefers to remain in Minnesota, but a handful of other clubs are expected to offer market value for the sure-fielding third baseman who hit a club-high 25 home runs this season. On the open market, Koskie could get at least the $4.5 million he was paid this year.

2004-10-10T14:54:00.000-07:00

A Mets article on things their executives are mulling over:

http://nypost.com/sports/mets/30053.htm

Alfonso Soriano's offense diminished in a hitter's park in Texas and his defense at second was worse than ever. He is about to make big money, and there is no definable proof he can play the outfield. Toronto 1B Carlos Delgado is a bad defender, unproven in a big media market, going to command at least $10 million annually for three years, and as one GM said, "Regardless of your politics, his refusal to come out for the national anthem or 'God Bless America' while playing for an American-based team is going to cause problems with the fan base."…

Here are thoughts that were run by executives and scouts on whom the Mets should pursue….

1. Mike Piazza to the Dodgers for Shawn Green

2. Cliff Floyd and Kaz Matsui to the Mariners for Bret Boone and Eddie Guardado

This is a salary wash in 2005. The Mets save $10 million in 2006, so they might also have to take a player (Scott Spiezio) to make Seattle more financially comfortable. For Japanese ownership, playing with Ichiro Suzuki and away from the New York glare, talented Matsui has a chance to excel. Floyd helps replace retiring DH Edgar Martinez. Boone brings second-base knowledge and stability for a year next to Jose Reyes. Guardado, with a dubious shoulder, is a medical risk, but not much bigger than fragile Floyd. If right, Guardado and Braden Looper would form an excellent end-game, 1-2 punch.

3. Tom Glavine to his home-state Red Sox for Doug Mientkiewicz and Trot Nixon

4. Sign free agents Tino Martinez and Magglio Ordonez

2004-10-10T11:22:00.000-07:00

Anaheim and Seattle appear to be possible landing spots for Nomar Garciaparra, while the Dodgers and Mariners are being mentioned as possible suitors for Sox free agent catcher Jason Varitek.

As well as Orlando Cabrera has played for the Sox, there are some in the Red Sox organization who retain keen interest in Cardinals free agent Edgar Renteria, 29, one of the best shortstops in the game. Renteria is expected to seek a deal in the $10 million range, and while the Cardinals are expected to make every effort to retain a player manager Tony La Russa calls the "total package," financial constraints may make that an issue.

The Yankees and Mets can scratch Carl Pavano off their free agent lists. Pavano, who fired his previous agents at IMG and is said to be shifting to Ron Simon, has privately told friends he has no interest in pitching in New York. He is said to favor staying in Florida (if the Marlins get a stadium deal approved) or, failing that, staying east (as in the Orioles or Red Sox). Pavano is perhaps the best free agent pitcher out there.

Cliff Floyd and Kaz Matsui to the Mariners for Bret Boone and Eddie Guardado? This is a salary wash in 2005. The Mets save $10 million in 2006, so they might also have to take a player (Scott Spiezio) to make Seattle more financially comfortable. For Japanese ownership, playing with Ichiro Suzuki and away from the New York glare, talented Matsui has a chance to excel. Floyd helps replace retiring DH Edgar Martinez. Boone brings second-base knowledge and stability for a year next to Jose Reyes. Guardado, with a dubious shoulder, is a medical risk, but not much bigger than fragile Floyd. If right, Guardado and Braden Looper would form an excellent end-game, 1-2 punch.

There are major league managing jobs open in Philadelphia, Arizona, New York (the Mets), and Seattle. Don't be surprised if Grady Little winds up with one of them. You tend to get serious consideration when you've averaged 94 wins a year in your previous go-round as a manager, as Little did in his two years with the Red Sox. Little, still young at 54, told Stone he "has interest in one day getting another opportunity to manage in the major leagues, yes. Any time you get an opportunity to manage at the major league level, it's a good opportunity."

The interview process has begun for the Mets', Diamondbacks', Phillies' and Mariners' managerial vacancies. Angels bench coach Joe Maddon appears to be this year's "hot" candidate (as Ken Macha was a couple of years ago), with both the Mariners and D-Backs having him high on their list. Maddon's relationship with Mariners GM Bill Bavasi (who formerly headed up the Angels) makes him the heavy favorite in Seattle.

Only one player definitely available this offseason deserves substantial commitment in dollars and years: Houston OF Carlos Beltran. With suitors likely to include the Yankees, Dodgers, Angels, Cubs and Astros, the Mets' chances fall someplace between none and none.

2004-10-09T13:56:00.000-07:00

Much to the chagrin of excited Phillies fans, Ryan Howard's outfield experiment in Arizona (which is expected to fail) won't give him a future in Philadelphia. The Phillies remain convinced their heralded 6-foot-4, 230-pound bruiser will be traded this winter or in the future due to high-priced roadblocks that are going nowhere - first baseman Jim Thome, right fielder Bobby Abreu and left fielder Pat Burrell. Although the Phillies will be in the market this winter for a starting center fielder, they have no plans to move players around to align a Burrell-Abreu-Howard outfield. Furthermore, general manager Ed Wade would never consider dealing Abreu, and Burrell is not tradable due to his big contract and consecutive down seasons. Meantime, Howard simply will attempt to learn how to play the outfield in Arizona, which could enhance or hurt his trade value.

2004-10-07T07:37:00.000-07:00

Scott Boras will cite the rare combination of Carlos Beltran's talent, experience and age (27) as reasons that some team should pay him $20 million a year for six or seven years. He will hope to use teams like the Cubs, Los Angeles and maybe the Washington Expos to give Beltran an alternative to the Yankees or Mets, as he doesn't seem drawn to the brightest lights.

Edgar Renteria has become such an integral part of the Cardinals' lineup and is so popular in St. Louis that many are hoping he won't be allowed to leave. But he'll be in demand on the free-agent market, and if the Cubs don't re-sign Nomar Garciaparra, they might turn their attention to Renteria. General manager Jim Hendry was in the Florida organization when it signed Renteria in 1992, and he long has admired the Colombian-born shortstop. The Cardinals' payroll was in the mid-$80 million range this season. They have added Walker, and some of their pitchers are in line for significant raises. They're one of baseball's top draws, but their broadcast income is limited in the St. Louis market, and they're no longer owned by brewing conglomerate Anheuser-Busch. Thus they might have a hard time fitting Renteria into their budget.

In the free-agent market first, then possibly in trade, Mariners GM Bill Bavasi will look to add run production and must decide where. While the most common guess has been first base, with Toronto free agent Carlos Delgado often mentioned, Seattle has people who can play there, Ibanez for offense and Spiezio for defense. But they have no viable everyday option at third base. Adrian Beltre of Los Angeles is tempting, especially at age 26 next year, but could be a free-agent season phenom, hitting .240 with 23 home runs and 80 RBI in 2003, before jumping to a monster season this year of .334-48-121. Seattle could be more interested in Florida's Mike Lowell, if he chooses to walk away from a mutual option in his contract, which still has three years to run at $25 million in his native Miami area.

About all that is widely known is that the Mariners will have money to work with — while less than previous speculation, it should be about $20 million to $22 million — and possibly a bit more if they trade Bret Boone. Trade Boone? That is one of the choices, depending on, (a) how fast Seattle times its return to contention; (b) there is a taker.

The Marlins are among a number of teams interested in signing Cuban defector Kendry Morales, although the 21-year-old switch-hitter might not fit into the team's 2005 budget. Fred Ferreira, a senior vice president and the team's director of international operations, saw Morales perform in a closed workout in the Dominican Republic last week and came away impressed. ''He's a legitimate hitter,'' said Ferreira, a savvy talent evaluator who has signed 39 major-leaguers, including Anaheim's Vladimir Guerrero and the Yankees' Bernie Williams. ``He's not ready [for the majors] immediately, but he's not far. He's a guy that you can look into and say that he will play in the major leagues.'' Less certain is whether the Marlins can afford him.

Atlanta Braves shortstop Rafael Furcal was allowed to play in the postseason — despite violating probation from a drunken driving conviction — but when the last game is over, he'll have to spend 21 days in jail. Furcal will be under virtual house arrest until he turns himself in to the Cobb County Jail by 5 p.m. the day after the Braves' postseason ends — whether this weekend or through the World Series.

If the Los Angeles Dodgers can't re-sign free-agent third baseman Adrian Beltre, who could seek a $10 million per season, multi-year contract, look for them to pursue the Twins' Corey Koskie, who can become a free agent after the season. Some baseball people believe Koskie, who is making $4.5 million this year, could improve on that next season. The way it appears now, the Twins will try to re-sign Koskie as well as pick up the option on shortstop Cristian Guzman.

In a letter to fans and season ticket-holders, general manager Ken Williams said he will explore the free-agent market and "I also am willing to pull the trigger on a trade." If his comments are any indication, a trade would not involve Paul Konerko, whom Williams lauded. "[Konerko] grabbed all kinds of deserving headlines with his 40-plus home runs, but he proves his value as a player and teammate each and every day by how he approaches the game," Williams wrote. "I am convinced that if Paul came into the last at-bat of the season with the chance for either the home run crown or the opportunity to win the game, he would willingly sacrifice his own success for the team. He is as unselfish a player as we have." Not mentioned is designated hitter Frank Thomas. Although they haven't spoken to each other in months and aren't likely to do so, Williams did not intentionally omit Thomas.

The Indians have targeted between 12 and 15 free-agent starting pitchers. Russ Ortiz, Odalis Perez, Matt Clement, Derek Lowe, Cory Lidle, Paul Wilson, Radke, Milton, Jon Leiber, Orlando Hernandez, Kris Benson, Ismael Valdez, Brett Tomko and Matt Morris could be among them. The Indians would like to bring back Bob Wickman as their closer, but he might retire. The free-agent closer market includes Troy Percival, John Smoltz, Armando Benitez, Ugueth Urbina, Jose Mesa, Trevor Hoffman, Matt Mantei and others.

Omar Vizquel is all but gone. That's the truth of it. For Vizquel to spend next season with the Indians would take a near miracle of maneuvering by General Manager Mark Shapiro. Shapiro would have to be close to signing a free-agent starting pitcher and closer and create payroll by trading a big salary - Matt Lawton and C.C. Sabathia are the only big-money players left on the roster - before Dec. 7 to have a chance at bringing Vizquel back for 2005. The chances of even one of those things happening by Dec. 7 is unlikely because the free-agent market usually hasn't established itself by then. Shapiro told Vizquel and agent Adam Katz as much Monday when they met. Why didn't he just shake Vizquel's hand and say thanks for 11 seasons as the Indians shortstop? "I told Omar that would be the lazy . . . easy thing to do," said Shapiro. "It's a long shot. It's an uphill battle. It's unlikely. It's all those words. But I'm not going to say it can't be done."

As much as the Red Sox want to prevent Jason Varitek from playing elsewhere next year, they had their last best chance this season to work out a deal with him in spring training. They have not negotiated with Varitek, a potential free agent, since then and will not have their next opportunity to reach an agreement until their exclusive window to hammer out a deal begins when the World Series ends. Varitek's agent, Scott Boras, who said midway through the season he would not negotiate for either Varitek or Derek Lowe until the season ends, said he has stood by his position. Boras, who attended Game 1 of the Division Series, believes the potential distraction of contract talks during the season can affect players.

2004-10-06T08:27:00.000-07:00

Our available money this offseason being freed up is $37M (which also includes things like the $4M incentives Edgar had in his contract but did get in 2004, incentives Moyer had in his contract but WON'T get in 2005 now, etc).

Moving Winn ($3.75M), and Franklin ($2.4M), totals a "possible" add'l $6.15M.
That would bring us up to $43.15M available this offseason.

And Moyer will be losing approx $4M of his 2005 incentives, because of his performance, etc in 2004.

That now brings us to approx $47.15M.

Earlier in July, the M's brass mentioned that they "wouldn't add" the 2004 savings of $12.5M to our 2005 budget. Now with Edgar not getting his incentives in 2004, the M's saved approx $16.5M in 2004 UNDER THEIR $95M BUDGET!!!

NOW...After Lincoln's comments in his interview yesturday, the M's Brass sounds like they are changing their stance on the savings from this 2004 season.

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/baseball/193932_lincoln06.html

"He said the club would maintain a top-10 payroll and, for the first time since the 1999 opening of Safeco Field, would budget for an annual operating loss "in the many millions" to subsidize the fix....etc,etc,etc,"

**********************************************

Could the M's Brass decide to actually add the $12.5-$16.5M on TOP of their 2005 $95M budget?

If so, they will be commiting to spend $63.65M that will be available for this offseason & for tradeing deadline moves.

This is not even considering if trade Boone for Vasquez (with the Yanks picking up the annual salary difference above $9M) as an add'l starter for us...THEN picking up either Polanco in FA, or Utley (league minimum) in a trade (possibly the rumor could be Winn) to the Philly's!

I would really reaaly like to get Utley for $300k at 2B, instead of Boone. He is a gold glove caliber guy, with a POWER LHB & is over 10 yrs younger than Boone!

Give Philly Winn, which they already stated they are looking for a CF with speed, #2 hitter, with a approx 270BA! Add another prospect they may want out of the 15 that we were showcasing this season!

Howard is another one of their studs that will be awesome for us. But, I think Utley would be the priority so we can move Boone's salary and replace it with Vasquez in our starting rotation. With Utley at 2B, and Vasquez in our starting rotation, we would still have the ENTIRE wad of money to spend this offseason!!!

If the M’s brass actually add $12-16M on top of the $95M budget, THERE IS NO REASON WHY we couldn’t sign Beltran, Beltre, Delgado, Pavano (and have Vasquez in our rotation from the Boone trade)…HELL, we could even go after Nomar @ SS, and signing Varitek (so we can wait on Olivo getting up to par in the next 1-2 years).

If they are totally commited in spending this money, then we could have a lineup & rotation in the likes of:

Ichiro
Utley $300k
Beltran $12-13M
Beltre $9-12M
Delgado $8-10M
Nomar $8-10M
Ibanez
Bucky
Varitek/Olivo

Pavano $12M
Vasquez (picked up from the Boone trade)
Pineiro
Meche
Madritsch
Moyer???

Add Lowe to bullpen as a backup starter for $4-5M!

The encouraging thing?

I would be happy with half of the players I just mentioned. But we HAVE the money to sign all of them, if the M's brass is that committed to it!!!

2004-10-06T07:47:00.000-07:00

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/baseball/193914_myouth06.html

Justin Leone, 3B: The 2003 Texas League Player of the Year hit five homers in his first month in the majors, but hit .210 in July and finished at .216. He might have posted better numbers had his season not ended with two broken fingers on Aug. 17. Even before the injury, however, team officials were indicating privately that Leone was not in their long-term plans.

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/baseball/193917_johnlineup06.html

I’m beginning to think John Hickey is retarted, Here is what he mentioned:

So I'd make big plays for third baseman Troy Glaus of the Anaheim Angels and first baseman Richie Sexson of the Arizona Diamondbacks. Both are likely to want something in the range of $9-11 million per season, so the Mariners won't be able to go after much else if they land these two.
Scouts say that for a right-handed hitter, Glaus is almost perfect for Safeco Field because so much of his power is to the opposite field. He has the bonus of having the Boston Red Sox and Yankees basically not interested. Glaus wants to stay on the West Coast, which is part of the reason for the East Coast disinterest. He has missed big chunks of the past two seasons, but he swung a hefty bat this past month for the Angels, and hit a home run off Red Sox ace Curt Schilling yesterday in Game 1 of the ALDS.
Sexson is the kind of guy the Mariners like -- local (sort of; he's from Portland), young and, assuming his left shoulder is fixed, has the kind of power that makes scouts drool. He hit 45 homers in 2001 and '03.
Land those two, and if the money's gone, let the pitching take care of itself. No one in the organization thought the starters would suffer as much as they did this season. Jamie Moyer and Ryan Franklin, in particular, are due for a rebound.
His “wishful” 2005 lineup is:
Ichiro
Winn
Boone
Glaus
Sexson
Ibanez
Bucky
Wilson
Lopez

His 2005 Starters are:
Moyer
Pineiro
Meche
Franklin
Madritsch

YEAH Hickey…That’ll solve all of our problems…paying Glaus $9-11M and Sexson $9-11M!!! NOT!!! Signing 2 power hitters that have been injury prone over the past several years, coming off major injury in 2004, and that both have the following scary averages:

Glaus Career 253BA Average; Career 154 Annual Strikeout Average
Sexson Career 271BA Average; Career 156 Annual Strikeout Average

Yeah, we all like their added power potential, but do we want to add 2 $10M players that resemble Cameron on SO’s?! Not only that, but their defense at 1B & 3B is only sub-par!

Dave Andriesen’s 2005 lineup
Ichiro
Winn
Drew
Beltre
Boone
Bucky
Ibanez
Olivo
Lopez

Dave Andriesen’s 2005 Rotation
Lowe
Pineiro
Moyer
Madritsch
Meche

Dave Andriesen’s Final Comments:
The job of rebuilding the Mariners is going to be a tough one. I'm glad it's not mine.

* FYI Dave: I’m glad it’s not your responsibility either! Though I do like the Drew & Beltre additions to our lineup. We need a better frontline starter than Lowe!

HERE IS SOMETHING VERY VERY VERY INCOURAGING:

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/baseball/193932_lincoln06.html

Editor's note: P-I sports columnist Art Thiel interviewed Mariners CEO Howard Lincoln yesterday in his office. After expressing his disappointment over the season, a chastened Lincoln vowed that Mariners fans would not be subject to a long-term turnaround project. He said the club would maintain a top-10 payroll and, for the first time since the 1999 opening of Safeco Field, would budget for an annual operating loss "in the many millions" to subsidize the fix.

Q: There is no consensus among them to change the club's approach?
A: The most important thing we can do is maintain a very high major league player payroll, at least in the top 10. If we can do that, that's the most significant contribution the ownership group can make to the Mariners.
That's precisely what we intend to do in 2005, even though in doing so we will budget for a loss. We are prepared to accept that loss in order to provide maximum financial flexibility to (general manager) Bill Bavasi and the baseball people, to give them the full opportunity to get things done right.
Q: So you're anticipating an attendance falloff that will jeopardize profit next season?
A: It's hard to say what will happen. Fans don't make decisions in October about what they'll do next year. Our offseason moves will have a lot to do with attendance. We're very appreciative of the tremendous support fans have given us over the years. We don't take it for granted. Nevertheless, it's fair to say we have to anticipate some decline in attendance. We will go into the season projecting an operating loss in the many millions of dollars, without getting specific.
Q: If there is a second year of non-contention, have you talked about those consequences?
A: We certainly project for not only next year, but following years. Where things stand now is that we don't want to be part of a five-year rebuilding plan that other teams have followed. Our plan is get this turned as quickly as possible.
Our group has been told by Bill Bavasi there are a number of holes to fill. We're going to do our best to fill as many holes as quickly as possible. We want to maintain a high payroll, instead of cutting.
Q: Speaking of perceptions, you've always been a strong advocate of a balanced budget. Why are you willing now to take an operations loss in 2005?
A: There is a perception that we have some kind of static business model that never changes regardless of circumstances. That's not the case. If we're going to achieve the objective, there are times when we have to consider taking a loss. It's not something we look forward to, and we've had seasons where we've made a profit and maintained a high payroll. Every season is different. We don't operate with a model that never changes.
Q: How does the ownership agree to take on a loss?
A: We meet monthly. The budget for the new year (starting Nov. 1) has not been finalized. I have already advised our group that we are going to have a significant loss to accomplish the objective. I anticipate the budget will be approved.

2004-10-05T09:40:00.000-07:00

According to sources, Sammy Sosa has told friends in baseball that he might be amenable to a fresh start elsewhere. He is still very popular at Wrigley Field, but he was booed with increasing frequency this season as he put up numbers that were far below his career norm. He was also dogged by injuries for a second straight year. The booing in the ballpark where he was once idolized clearly bothered him. According to sources, Sosa became upset when the Cubs suggested that waiving or restructuring the 2006 option was the only way to facilitate a trade, and his anger may have fueled Sunday's chain of events. Hendry said "disciplinary action" would be taken against Sosa, but declined to be specific. If he were to be fined a day's pay it would cost Sosa nearly $100,000.

One more bat wouldn't hurt, either. The Orioles want a right-handed slugger such as the Chicago White Sox's Magglio Ordonez, someone they can plug into right field. They believe Tejada and third baseman Melvin Mora, who set the team record with a .340 average, can lure Ordonez to Baltimore.

Are Carlos Lee and/or Paul Konerko bargaining chips in trades? Both would have some value after stellar seasons. Konerko is due to make $8.75 million next season, which, when added to Thomas and Garcia, each due $8 million next season, puts the Sox at $24.75 million for just three players before they even figure out how to proceed with Ordonez. Ross Gload's season and defensive play at first makes an interesting option if the Sox wanted to deal Konerko for pitching. Lee always takes grounders at first during batting practice. Perhaps he winds up there—if the Sox don't move him for a pitcher.

Should the Pirates trade the best catcher in the National League? Jason Kendall's .306 career batting average is 13th among active players, but he will make $10 million next year, $11 million in 2006 and $13 million in 2007. He is 30 and has caught more games in less time than almost any catcher in history. If the Pirates are to have the scratch to pay the likes of Jason Bay, Oliver Perez and Jack Wilson in a few years, now is a good time to shop Kendall. He has a no-trade clause, but the (gag, wheeze) Cubs could use a leadoff hitter and the Dodgers could use a catcher.

Many baseball people believe that longtime Angels coach and minor-league manager Joe Maddon will wind up high on Bavasi's list in Seattle. Maddon, 50, has had three stints as interim manager of the Angels and is currently their bench coach. He also held that position in 2002, when the Angels won the World Series. Asked about the job yesterday in Anaheim, where the Angels held a workout to prepare for their AL Division Series against Boston, Maddon told the Los Angeles Times he's "focused on what we're doing here right now, and when this is over, then I'll think about things like that." However, those with knowledge of the situation believe Maddon would be very interested in the Seattle job, and the interest is likely to be mutual. Speculation immediately began to center on some prominent former managers such as Grady Little, Art Howe, Bobby Valentine, Jimy Williams, Don Baylor and Lee Elia, the latter having strong links to Seattle's glory days under Lou Piniella. Two other names to tuck away are Terry Collins, former Astros and Angels manager who was hired by Bavasi in 1996 to replace Marcel Lachemann in Anaheim, and Jim Riggleman, former manager of the Padres and Cubs who now serves as the Dodgers' bench coach.

Jim Hendry and Moises Alou will talk, but don't look for a happy ending. Alou's career-high 39 home runs and team-leading 106 RBIs may prompt him to ask for more money than the Cubs believe a 39-year-old outfielder is worth. Hendry said sentiment won't be involved in any decision-making, which suggests Alou is a goner. His eight errors tied for second most among NL left fielders. Jason Dubois will get a shot in left, though the Cubs are expected to make a bid for free agent Carlos Beltran if they can trade Sammy Sosa.

M's GM Bill Bavasi said he made a phone call later yesterday morning to tell an unnamed club that Bob Melvin might make a good manager for it. That club is almost certainly Arizona, for which Melvin had been bench coach under Bob Brenly, who was fired as manager earlier this season.

The Cubs will decline Moises Alou's $11 million option for 2005 and consider what is expected to be Alou's request to return at $6 million for one year. ''Mo gave us a great year,'' Hendry said. ''I don't know what Mo's expectations are about coming back. Every decision we make over the winter will be for the good of the club and not the sentiment involved.''

With most of the MVP talk centered on Vladimir Guerrero, Manny Ramirez, David Ortiz and Gary Sheffield, some in the Sox organization find it curious that Johnny Damon isn't being mentioned more as a candidate. The Boston leadoff hitter batted .304 with 20 home runs, 94 RBI and 123 runs scored this season. ``He's been one of the most valuable players in all of baseball,'' Epstein said. ``It's his combination of on-base skills, run production, seeing a ton of pitches, stealing bases, understanding baserunning, playing a fantastic center field, and staying in the lineup. He's done it all.''

Everyone seems to be in agreement the Orioles are "only a couple players away," a phrase that could become their winter slogan, if such a thing existed. Improved by seven games this year, they might be on the cusp of contending in a division that has long been reviled for its unforgiving nature. It's clear the Orioles need an ace. They like Minnesota's Brad Radke, though he might not want to leave the Twins as a free agent. They also have interest in the Philadelphia Philllies' Eric Milton, a University of Maryland alum, and they sent two scouts to watch the Florida Marlins' Carl Pavano.

Cub GM Jim Hendry has not yet talked to any team about a potential deal involving Sammy Sosa, and the Cubs' All-Star right fielder remains a longshot to be dealt to the Mets. Why? Sosa is nearly 36 years old, slumped to .253 with 35 homers and 80 RBIs this year and is due approximately $35 million over the next two seasons (if Sosa gets traded, his 2006 option automatically gets picked up). At the same time, due to Sosa's history with Minaya, his situation bears watching this offseason.

David Ortiz predicted Anaheim's decision to suspend Jose Guillen might cost the Angels a World Series title. Ortiz, the Boston slugger who has dampened his usually provocative sound bites since saying the Yankees were "very worried about us" last month, said Guillen's suspension was a death penalty when a slap on the wrist might've been more appropriate. In fact, he seemed to indicate it might be the deciding factor in the best-of-five ALDS vs. the Red Sox. Guillen, a power-hitting left fielder, was suspended Sept. 26 for the remainder of the regular season and postseason for a dugout tirade a day earlier. He went nuts after being removed for a pinch runner.

Sammy Sosa lashed out at Cubs manager Dusty Baker after Sunday's 10-8 victory over Atlanta, upset at Baker's pregame remarks that the right fielder needed to intensify his offseason preparation both physically and mentally to be ready for 2005. ''I'm tired of being blamed by Dusty Baker for all the failures of this club,'' Sosa said. ''I resent the inference that I'm not prepared. I live my life every minute every day to prepare for combat.' Asked why he didn't remain at Wrigley Field until the game ended, Sosa said that he has wearied of being singled out for criticism and wanted to duck the postgame questions. Sosa had turned down reporters before the game when he was asked to talk after his late arrival at the park for a 1:20 p.m. game. ''I'm always the guy they are going to blame,'' he said. ''They blame me for not going to the World Series last year. They blame me for not going to the playoffs this year. I'm tired of it.''

What will the White Sox do about Magglio Ordonez? Ordonez, 30, was paid $14 million this season, the last year of a three-year deal, and one in which he played just 52 games because bone marrow edema in his left knee. Do the Sox offer arbitration to Ordonez without knowing how well he'll recover? That's a $14 million gamble that might be too big for the Sox's coffers. Instead, the Sox likely won't offer arbitration by the Dec. 15 deadline and will take their chances on signing Ordonez for less—unless another team is ready to take a gamble. A report Monday that Ordonez had surgery on his ailing left knee by doctors in Vienna about a month ago was reluctantly confirmed by Sox general manager Ken Williams.

Mike Piazza's $15 million salary and declining production will make it difficult to move him, though the Mets figure to explore the possibility, with Anaheim and Los Angeles the most logical destinations. The likelihood is that Piazza returns, mainly at catcher - his first-base foray considered a flop. Piazza's batting totals justify the move back behind the plate. He hit .337 as a catcher and .221 at first base this year.

SS Nomar Garciaparra said he laughs at ongoing reports he rejected a four-year, $48 million deal from Boston. ''I never turned down any money in Boston,'' he said Sunday. ''So that's kind of funny they keep saying that.'' It's anybody's guess what Cubs general manager Jim Hendry might offer him as a free agent. ''This is definitely a place I will consider,'' Garciaparra said. ''The fans have been great. They have opened their arms, and I appreciate that. Free agency is all new for me.

The Rangers may try and package Alfonso Soriano in a trade for a No. 1 or No. 2 starter in the offseason, according to the Dallas Morning News.

The Angles have decided to leave Aaron Sele off the postseason roster despite his 9-4 regular season record, according to the Boston Globe.

2004-10-04T13:04:00.000-07:00

Omar Vizquel has a meeting today with General Manager Mark Shapiro to find out if he'll be an Indian next year. "I want to know where I'm standing," Vizquel said. "He should know by now if he wants to keep me or not." This is the last year of Vizquel's contract. He's played with the Indians for 11 seasons and wants to return. His contract has a mutual option for 2005, which the Indians will not exercise. Vizquel will receive a $1 million buyout.

Only a few questions remain. Rafael Palmeiro, whose contract did not vest because he didn't play in 140 games in the field, said he would like to return. The team also doesn't have a set closer for next year. Jorge Julio lost his closing job to B.J. Ryan, who established himself as the best left-handed reliever in baseball. The team has asked Julio to come to Baltimore in December to work on his conditioning.

While Royals general manager Allard Baird held out the prospect of Joe Randa's return, Randa said with near-certainty that Sunday marked his last time in a Royals uniform. “Yes,” Randa said. “Yes, it was. It's time. Nothing against the organization. I don't like to close doors, but there'd have to be a miracle that would happen.”

Blue Jays 1B Carlos Delgado a free agent to be: "You get to a situation where it's not just the money," he said. "I'm 32 years old. I want to have the opportunity to win and not finish last."

The Mets have a $10 million option on Al Leiter's contract for 2005, but instead will pay a $2 million buyout. The Mets want Leiter to return at a reduced salary.

Yesterday's game likely ended Carlos Delgado's 10-year stint with the Blue Jays, who aren't expected to re-sign the free agent first baseman. Delgado received a standing ovation when he came to the plate in the seventh inning. He went 2-for-4 with a pair of soft doubles.

2004-10-03T09:52:00.000-07:00

https://registration.dfw.com/reg/login.do?url=http://www.dfw.com%2Fmld%2Fdfw%2Fsports%2Fbaseball%2F9825862.htm%3F1c

When the Rangers look hard at their financial situation and their on-field needs, they realize that trading Alfonso Soriano is something they must consider. Soriano made $5 million this year and has two years of arbitration eligibility left. His salary could go to $8 million or more next season and higher than that in 2006. If Soriano is traded, the Rangers would likely pursue a shortstop and move Michael Young back to second base. The list of potential free-agent shortstops is deep -- Nomar Garciaparra, Orlando Cabrera and Edgar Renteria -- but Cleveland's Omar Vizquel could prove to be the right fit, a short-term solution until Ian Kinsler or Joaquin Arias is ready.

http://www.sptimes.com/2004/10/03/Rays/Rays_take_away_a_few_.shtml

Minnesota's Brad Radke, a bay-area product, could be a perfect fit for the Rays, though the market will be crowded and the price may be too high. More realistic is going to be the Jon Lieber type, pitchers who can be consistent, durable and win 15 games.

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/baseball/orl-sptberardino03100304oct03,1,1514365.story?coll=orl-sports-headlines

With Anaheim's Jose Guillen suspended for the rest of the season, playoffs included, after another spat with Manager Mike Scioscia, the Angels figure to put the productive, if high maintenance, outfielder on the market this winter. Maybe the Marlins can interest them in a swap for Juan Encarnacion, although they might have to split the $945,000 difference in their 2005 salaries. Guillen is due $3.5 million next year, a bargain if he just plays along. He's looking at joining his eighth organization in seven years.

http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/cs-041002cubsbrite,1,6245692.story?coll=cs-cubs-headlines

Sunday's finale at Wrigley Field will be a swan song for several Cubs who won't be back in 2005. Where does free-agent shortstop Nomar Garciaparra stand in the overall picture? "Who knows how off-seasons go?" Garciaparra said. "Who knows what comes up or what happens? I've never experienced [free agency] before, so this is my first time too. A lot of the questions I have no idea about. Right now I'm still not thinking about it." Garciaparra is hitting .294 in 42 games for the Cubs with four home runs and 19 RBIs since he was acquired from Boston. He has missed games with an Achilles' tendon problem, a sore wrist and a groin injury.

http://www.ohio.com/mld/beaconjournal/sports/9824905.htm

The Indians should deal Matt Lawton. It won't be easy. Lawton has one year at $7.5 million left on his contract. After the All-Star break, he hit only .239 with 5 HR, 21 RBI. His on-base percentage is still a respectable .352. No one will pick up all of Lawton's contract, or even half of it. But his overall numbers are pretty good: .277 average, 20 home runs, 70 RBI, 109 runs scored, 23 steals, .366 on-base percentage. I'd offer Lawton all over baseball, saying I'd be willing to assume at least $5 million on the contract. My goal would be to at least save $2 million. I'd say, ``You can have Lawton for free -- or a marginal prospect -- and all it will cost you is $2.5 million on the contract.''

http://www.washtimes.com/sports/20041003-125849-8410r.htm

The deal also promises to establish a dangerous precedent for baseball. The sport obviously has a natural reluctance toward relocation. But officials in northern New Jersey; Portland, Ore.; and Las Vegas have their eye on landing a relocated team in the next few years, with the leading candidates being the Oakland Athletics and Florida Marlins.

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/04277/389561.stm

The Houston Astros have had preliminary discussions with Carlos Beltran and his agent, Scott Boras, about signing the potential free-agent outfielder. Never mind that most people think that won't happen. For the record anyway, Beltran said he'd listen to the Astros. "This is a great organization," said Beltran, 27. "There is a lot of talent on this team. At the same time, the owner and the front office have to go after some other guys, too, because I don't want to sign here for five years and see [Lance] Berkman go or some other guys [go]."

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/04277/389561.stm

Astros OF Lance Berkman, who earned $6.5 million this season, can be a free agent after next season. Pitcher Roy Oswalt isn't far away from possible free agency, either.

http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/articles/2004/10/03/stylish_finish_for_arroyo/

Defending batting champion Bill Mueller began the day hitting .283, 43 points below the .326 he hit last season. A drop in average for a batting champion is hardly a surprise. Since 1990, only two AL batting champions have hit for a higher average the following season: Garciaparra, who won the '99 title with a .357 average and hit .372 the next season to repeat as batting champ, and the Yankees' Bernie Williams, who hit .339 in 1998 and followed that up with a .342 average. Every other batting champion dropped, from 24 points (2002 champ Manny Ramirez, from .349 to .325) to 107 points (1991 champ Julio Franco, from .341 to .234).

http://nypost.com/sports/29617.htm

FIVE FREE AGENTS-TO-BE WHO HURT THE CAUSE:
1. Nomar Garciaparra, Cubs: Whiny. Injury-prone. Paranoid. Rejected $60M, four years. Will not get that now.
2. Esteban Loaiza, Yankees: From second in Cy voting to second-best player in trade for Jose Contreras.
3. Kevin Millwood, Phillies: The days of eight-figure salaries are gone.
4. Derek Lowe, Red Sox: Perhaps home-state Tigers will overpay.
5. Richard Hidalgo, Mets: Up-and-too-often down for two teams in '04.

FIVE FREE AGENTS-TO-BE WHO HELPED THE CAUSE:
1. Adrian Beltre, Dodgers: Among best years ever by a third baseman.
2. J.D. Drew, Braves: Played most games, had best year of injury-prone career.
3. Carl Pavano, Marlins: Cy Young contender.
4. Odalis Perez, Dodgers: LA's best starter, and a lefty.
5. Aramis Ramirez, Cubs: .300, 35, 100.
Also: Armando Benitez (Marlins), Pedro Martinez (Red Sox), Jose Mesa (Pirates), Brad Radke (Twins), Jason Varitek (Red Sox) and Jaret Wright (Braves).

2004-10-02T10:33:00.000-07:00

Philly's don't have a space for Ryan Howard
http://www.philly.com%2Fmld%2Finquirer%2Fsports%2F9716894.htmPhils rookie first baseman Ryan Howard has impressed his coaches and teammates in his limited at-bats. In case they hadn't known it before, the man hits the ball hard. But his future with the Phillies is still uncertain. He is a first baseman. Always has been. Asked about it over and over and over again, Phillies personnel said Howard is best suited to play first base. Outfield wasn't even a possibility. But that stance has shifted recently. Howard will receive outfield instruction in the Arizona Fall League. Of course, even if Howard shows he can play in the outfield, it appears his path to the big leagues with the Phillies remains blocked. Jim Thome has him blocked at first base, and Pat Burrell and Bobby Abreu have him blocked in the corner outfield positions. Those three are all signed to long-term contracts. "I still think it's worth our while to go through the exercise of seeing him out there," Phillies GM Ed Wade said.

http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/sports/9716894.htm

Phils rookie first baseman Ryan Howard has impressed his coaches and teammates in his limited at-bats. In case they hadn't known it before, the man hits the ball hard. But his future with the Phillies is still uncertain. He is a first baseman. Always has been. Asked about it over and over and over again, Phillies personnel said Howard is best suited to play first base. Outfield wasn't even a possibility. But that stance has shifted recently. Howard will receive outfield instruction in the Arizona Fall League. Of course, even if Howard shows he can play in the outfield, it appears his path to the big leagues with the Phillies remains blocked. Jim Thome has him blocked at first base, and Pat Burrell and Bobby Abreu have him blocked in the corner outfield positions. Those three are all signed to long-term contracts. "I still think it's worth our while to go through the exercise of seeing him out there," Phillies GM Ed Wade said.

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/sfl-marnot28sep28,0,6769797.story?coll=sfla-sports-headlines

One national sports publication speculated this week that third baseman Mike Lowell would be willing to move across the diamond if he becomes a free agent. The same report said teams such as the Yankees, Mets and Orioles might look at signing him to play first. A Gold Glove-caliber third baseman, Lowell didn't disregard a position switch, but he acknowledged it would be a long shot. "I would under the right circumstances," Lowell said. "I still have to believe there's a major league team that wants me to play third."
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/sfl-marnotes22sep22,0,2799693.story?coll=sfla-sports-headlines

It wasn't lost on third baseman Mike Lowell that he could be beginning his final home series in a Marlins uniform Tuesday. Lowell's four-year, $32 million contract is tied to the Marlins' stadium plans, and the plans still need financial help from the Florida Legislature. If the plans aren't in place by Nov. 1, Lowell can opt out of a contract that would pay $7.5 million next year. Although Lowell recognizes what a stadium would do, he is more concerned about the team's competitive approach. He doesn't have a no-trade clause in his contract. He isn't likely to stay with the team unless he is guaranteed that he won't be traded, and the team will remain at a competitive level.

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/baseball/marlins/sfl-mikeb24sep24,0,1721575.column?coll=sfla-sports-marlins

Deep-pocketed teams like the Red Sox, Yankees, Mets and Dodgers will come after Carl Pavano, but the Marlins have familiarity on their side. They should be prepared to pay $30 million over four years. "Carl can still say no," Lowell said. "If you try to sign Carl to a four-year, $8 million deal, Carl is going to tell you to take a hike."

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/sfl-marnot01oct01,0,1330289.story?coll=sfla-sports-headlines

Carl Pavano has changed his tone about his pending free agency. Before Thursday's game in Philadelphia, Pavano did not mention any sense of loyalty to the Marlins as he did earlier this season. He didn't echo earlier sentiments that remaining here was his first choice. "I really don't have a preference to tell you the truth," said Pavano. He did reiterate he wants to play for a team that will field a solid defensive unit behind him in a pitcher-friendly park. Ideally, he would like to remain in the National League.

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/story/234536p-201464c.html

Yankees starter Javier Vazquez has landed firmly in George Steinbrenner's cross-hairs. "We'd all like him to be better, but you know, he is what he is," The Boss said before entering the Stadium last night. "They better get him straightened around." "They," in Boss parlance in these instances, generally means manager Joe Torre and pitching coach Mel Stottlemyre. But everyone within the Yankees' hierarchy seems dumbfounded by Vazquez's inconsistency in posting a 14-10 record and a 4.77 ERA in 30 starts this season. He has not turned in quality starts in back-to-back outings since the All-Star break; and he has been torched for a 7.63 ERA over that span.

Philadelphia Daily News:http://www.philly.com/mld/dailynews/sports/9796224.htm"You hope the new centerfielder can occupy the No. 2 slot, move runners, bunt, and manage about a .270 average with decent speed. Actually, what you really hope for is winning a bidding war for Astros free-agent-to-be Carlos Beltran, but the Phils aren't likely to drop $15 million a year in an outfield whose corners will be making almost $20 million combined."

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/tribune-review/sports/pirateslive/s_257110.html

For all of Jason Kendall's attributes, the Pirates probably will dangle their 30-year-old catcher's name in trade talks this winter. Since Kendall signed his six-year, $60 million contract in November 2000, it's become a ritual at this time of year for reporters to speculate on his future with the organization. The Pirates have been trying to get out from under that albatross of a deal practically from the moment the ink dried on his signature. The talk has become so commonplace that Kendall shrugs off the rumors by saying he's been dealt to every major-league team once and some teams twice. He's collected a paycheck from the Pirates for nine years, and he sees no reason for that to change in 2005. The Los Angeles Dodgers could re-emerge as suitors this winter after making initial inquiries about Kendall when they made over their team at the trading deadline. It was rumored that the Dodgers were willing to take Kendall's entire contract off the Pirates' hands as long as Oliver Perez also was added to a deal. They would have absorbed most of it had Kip Wells been included…

Therein lies the rub. For all of the interest Littlefield has received in Kendall, and there has been plenty, financial considerations have prevented any deals from being consummated. The San Diego Padres pulled the plug on a potential deal last January when they didn't feel comfortable paying $24 million to Kendall in 2006-07
Any team interested in acquiring Kendall, of course, would need to get him to waive the no-trade clause in his contract. With Kendall privately wanting to play on the West Coast if he leaves the Pirates, that leaves few potential trading partners.
Trading Kendall would be a way for the Pirates to plug some holes heading into 2005. But it also would weaken the team at a crucial position. Littlefield estimates that Kendall is one of only seven premium catchers in the majors.
"We need to improve in a lot of different areas," Littlefield said, "but we know we've got a good catcher. They are hard to find."

http://www.cleveland.com/sports/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/sports/1096277488130290.xml

Indians SS Omar Vizquel, 37, is eager to return. This is the first time since 1996 he has not had a guaranteed contract. The uncertainty of next year concerns him. "Mark Shapiro has talked to just about everyone on the team about next year," Vizquel said. "He told me he'd like to wait until the end of the season to talk to me. I can't stand the suspense." Vizquel said he would sign a one-year deal. "It just depends on what they ask me to do," he said. "I would like a two-year deal. It would give me the option of retiring [as an Indian]. "They could defer the money. I could get $2,000 a month 30 years from now."

http://www.nj.com/sports/ledger/index.ssf?/base/sports-2/109609146729570.xml

Yankees officials have been in contact with the agent for Cuban defector Kendry Morales and maintain an interest in signing the switch-hitting slugger. Morales, the 21-year-old outfielder/first baseman who defected from Cuba in June, is negotiating with several teams, and the Yankees plan to be in the bidding when it gets serious. Morales defected just before the wife of former Yankee pitcher Jose Contreras, and in early August he obtained citizenship in the Dominican Republic, making him free to sign with any big-league team.

2004-10-02T10:25:00.000-07:00

http://www.azcentral.com/sports/diamondbacks/articles/1002dbacksobit1002.html
Richie Sexson, who made $8.6 million this year but missed two-thirds of the season following shoulder surgery, wants a three-year deal worth an average of $10 million a season. If the Diamondbacks don't deliver, he will auction off his talents to the highest bidder on the free-agent market next month, during which clubs such as Seattle, Houston, Los Angeles and yes, possibly even the New York Yankees, eagerly await. That won't sit well in the clubhouse or in the stands at Bank One Ballpark.
http://www.washtimes.com/sports/20041002-122224-9846r.htm
Former Toronto, Baltimore and Seattle general manager Pat Gillick has told The Washington Times he would like to be considered for the vacant Montreal Expos general manager position even though the franchise's future ownership remains uncertain. Gillick has been working as a consultant for the Seattle Mariners since he resigned as GM at the end of the 2003 season. But he would like to come back and run another baseball operation.
***************************************************

Regarding Sexson? You're dreaming Sexson if you think you'll get a $30M 3yr deal!!!

Regarding Gillick? Don't let the door hit you in the butt on your way out!

2004-10-02T08:39:00.000-07:00

Philadelphia Daily News:

http://www.philly.com/mld/dailynews/sports/9796224.htm

"You hope the new centerfielder can occupy the No. 2 slot, move runners, bunt, and manage about a .270 average with decent speed. Actually, what you really hope for is winning a bidding war for Astros free-agent-to-be Carlos Beltran, but the Phils aren't likely to drop $15 million a year in an outfield whose corners will be making almost $20 million combined."

That sounds like Randy Winn to me.

Also, KC & ChiSox both have mentioned the same EXACT thing since this past June. I really think that Winn's trading value is high, and a number of teams will be VERY interested. Especially for his $3.75M contract!

2004-10-01T09:18:00.000-07:00

http://www.ocregister.com/ocr/2004/09/27/sections/sports/sports_columns/article_255508.php

Going into weekend play, the five AL pitchers with the worst run support: 1. Ryan Franklin, Seattle, 3.07 runs per start; 2. Freddy Garcia, Chicago, 3.68; 3. Escobar, 3.70; Mark Henderson, Tampa Bay, 4.15; and Jason Johnson, Detroit, 4.23.

Franklin needs to go back to long relief, where he will no doubt double in Wins in 2005! He would be pitching in the innings where the M's would be scoring the most runs.

2004-10-01T08:08:00.000-07:00

Count the Royals among the interested parties if the Angels choose to part with suspended outfielder Jose Guillen in the off-season. Club officials can't comment on the matter because Guillen remains under contract. But manager Tony Peña is well-acquainted with Guillen, a fellow Dominican, and the Royals have a gaping need to add a corner outfielder with a power bat. Guillen, 28, is under contract next season to the Angels for $3.5 million.

Carl Pavano has changed his tone about his pending free agency. Before Thursday's game in Philadelphia, Pavano did not mention any sense of loyalty to the Marlins as he did earlier this season. He didn't echo earlier sentiments that remaining here was his first choice. "I really don't have a preference to tell you the truth," said Pavano. He did reiterate he wants to play for a team that will field a solid defensive unit behind him in a pitcher-friendly park. Ideally, he would like to remain in the National League.

In addition to the Phillies, at least three other teams are expected to be looking for managers shortly after the season ends. The hot rumor in Toronto is that former big-league catcher John Gibbons has the inside track. Bobby Valentine, now with Chiba Lotte in Japan, could get consideration with both the Mariners and the Mets. And the Diamondbacks' list supposedly includes Wally Backman, Jim Riggleman, Mark Grace, Jim Fregosi, Art Howeand Bob Melvin (assuming he's let go in Seattle).

For all of Jason Kendall's attributes, the Pirates probably will dangle their 30-year-old catcher's name in trade talks this winter. Since Kendall signed his six-year, $60 million contract in November 2000, it's become a ritual at this time of year for reporters to speculate on his future with the organization. The Pirates have been trying to get out from under that albatross of a deal practically from the moment the ink dried on his signature. The talk has become so commonplace that Kendall shrugs off the rumors by saying he's been dealt to every major-league team once and some teams twice. He's collected a paycheck from the Pirates for nine years, and he sees no reason for that to change in 2005. The Los Angeles Dodgers could re-emerge as suitors this winter after making initial inquiries about Kendall when they made over their team at the trading deadline. It was rumored that the Dodgers were willing to take Kendall's entire contract off the Pirates' hands as long as Oliver Perez also was added to a deal. They would have absorbed most of it had Kip Wells been included.

Bret Boone is scheduled to have laser surgery on his eyes Oct. 18 in Newport Beach, Calif. Before talking about the procedure, which Boone expects to correct both a stigmatism and an overall vision problem, the Mariners' second baseman had one basic demand. "This is not to be taken as any kind of excuse for me having a crappy year," Boone said. "It has been a bad year, but it's also been a tough year seeing-wise because it was so unpredictable, which prescription lenses I should use, for the stigmatism or for my general sight."

Here is something that puts a damper on the Yankees' winning their seventh straight AL East title last night: Gary Sheffield's left shoulder is barking. "It's been bothering me again, that shot didn't do much," said Sheffield, who has returned to catching fly balls belt high because it pains him to lift his arm any higher. "I just have to gut it out." "It really only bothers me in the field," said Sheffield, who is in a 9-for-42 (.214) slump after going 0-for-4 last night.

Pirates manager Lloyd McClendon, noting that every team in history that's won 100 games has been among the top three in on-base percentage, will stress plate discipline from the very start next year. He will insist the hitters take more pitches in spring training.

As disappointing a season as Anaheim righthander Bartolo Colon has this year, it could have been much worse if the Rangers weren't in the league. Colon was 6-0 with a 2.14 earned run average against Texas this season. He was 11-12, 5.99 against everybody else.

Javier Vazquez started for the Yankees the right-hander, who still has won just once since Aug. 6, pitched 6 2/3 innings and allowed seven hits, including a pair of home runs, and four earned runs. "Vazquez was good," manager Joe Torre said. "He made some bad pitches, but I thought he was good. ...I thought overall he pitched better."

2004-09-29T09:12:00.000-07:00

Moises Alou is contemplating retirement after the season if he doesn't get a call from the right team this winter. "Whoever is going to sign me is pretty much going to take me out of retirement," he said. "I love playing the game and I do want to play some more, but it has to be the right situation." Alou, 38, becomes a free agent in November if the Cubs decline his $11 million option for 2005, as expected. Though the end of his Cubs career is probably at hand, Alou remains hopeful his numbers can convince general manager Jim Hendry to offer him a respectable one-year contract. Returning to Chicago is "my No. 1 priority," Alou said, but he also acknowledged the Cubs already are committed financially to several other big-salaried players next year. The rumor for weeks has been that Alou will join his father, Giants manager Felipe Alou, in San Francisco next year. Of course, the Giants already have a left fielder named Barry Bonds. "I play right field too," Alou said.

Red Sox ace Pedro Martinez laughed off a report in New York's Newsday about a purported message he sent to Felix Heredia, who wears the same number (45) for the Yankees. Newsday reported that Martinez sent a message through a mutual friend to Heredia: "Next year, when I'm a Yankee, you've got to give me your number." Martinez said the story went like this: "[Heredia] joked that if I came over, he would give me the number without any hesitation. That was it. He said he would give it to me willingly."

Ross Gload went 2-for-4 with two doubles to extend his hitting streak to a career-high 12 games. That has increased speculation that the White Sox might make him their every-day first baseman in 2005 and deal Paul Konerko during the offseason. "I learned early on in my professional career that you can't be shocked by trades,'' said Konerko, who has been traded by the Los Angeles Dodgers and Cincinnati Reds. "Everybody can get traded. I saw Mike Piazza get traded right in front of me, so that pretty much makes anybody tradable because he was the best-hitting catcher of all time.''

Suddenly, the Mariners are playing with more passion and focus and energy than they have all season. It's probably too late to save Bob Melvin, but it will help him leave with his head held high. The players never quit on him, and he never quit on the players. Melvin said that former Arizona manager Bob Brenly, a close friend, has helped him deal with the uncertainty and speculation. Brenly, with whom Melvin won a World Series championship in 2001 as the bench coach, went through much the same thing this year, and was fired in July. Lo and behold, he discovered that life went on.

One national sports publication speculated this week that third baseman Mike Lowell would be willing to move across the diamond if he becomes a free agent. The same report said teams such as the Yankees, Mets and Orioles might look at signing him to play first. A Gold Glove-caliber third baseman, Lowell didn't disregard a position switch, but he acknowledged it would be a long shot. "I would under the right circumstances," Lowell said. "I still have to believe there's a major league team that wants me to play third."

2004-09-28T14:40:00.000-07:00

I noticed that there are a few grammical police on the Seattle PI Mariner's Blog. So for all you grammical police:

I cdnuolt blveiee taht I cluod aulaclty uesdnatnrd waht I was rdgnieg.

The phaonmneal pweor of the hmuan mnid Aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at Cmabridge Uinervtisy, it deosn't mttaer inwaht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoatnt tihng is taht the frist and lsat ltteer be in the rghit pclae. The rset can be a taotl mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit a porbelm.

Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe.

Amzanig huh?

Yaeh and I awlyas thought slpeling was ipmorantt! So awlyas rmbemer taht this is a baesabll blog, and not a egnlish or a grmacial calss! But I will sitll do my bset on tihs bolg!

2004-09-28T08:33:00.000-07:00

One national sports publication speculated this week that third baseman Mike Lowell would be willing to move across the diamond if he becomes a free agent. The same report said teams such as the Yankees, Mets and Orioles might look at signing him to play first. A Gold Glove-caliber third baseman, Lowell didn't disregard a position switch, but he acknowledged it would be a long shot. "I would under the right circumstances," Lowell said. "I still have to believe there's a major league team that wants me to play third."

So far, general manager Mark Shapiro's priority is signing a starting pitcher over the winter, not an outfielder. Asked if the GM was targeting pitchers likely to be more than No. 4 or No. 5 starters, Wedge said: ``Ideally, yes. We have to see where the market lies and get the best starter we can.'' Fans should not expect the Tribe to be chasing premier free-agent starters Pedro Martinez or Carl Pavano, who will command in excess of $10 million. Speculation is that Shapiro will go shopping for pitchers in the $5 million and under category.

Angels OF Jose Guillen, in the first year of a two-year contract that pays him $2.2 million this season and guarantees him $3.5 million next season, might also argue that the suspension is a breach of his contract and that he should be allowed to become a free agent this winter.

Forget any notions spurred by a report last night that Carlos Delgado, the Jays' greatest run producer, will be offered a new contract sometime this week. An offer — if it comes at all — won't happen until this season ends, Jays GM J.P. Ricciardi said last night after his club opened a four-game series here with some strong pitching from Roy Halladay and rookie Brandon League in a 4-1 win over the Orioles. "That report is totally false," Ricciardi said of a Toronto television report which claimed the Jays are on the verge of offering their superstar first baseman a three-year deal worth $21 million (all figures U.S.). "We haven't talked to Carlos or his agent about anything. The end of the season would be the time we'd make that decision."

It's do-or-die time for Scott Williamson. The veteran relief pitcher was told by manager Terry Francona and pitching coach Dave Wallace prior to last night's game against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays at Tropicana Field that he will have to prove that his right elbow is sound enough to allow him to work in back-to-back games, while showing more velocity on his fastball. If those conditions aren't met by the end of the weekend, Williamson probably won't be on the American League Division Series roster and most likely won't pitch again for the Red Sox.

If all had gone well, Carlos Guillen would have more than 100 RBI by now — maybe even pushing 110. Instead he’ll be having knee surgery today at Henry Ford Hospital to repair the anterior cruciate ligament of his damaged right knee. Kyle Anderson, one of the Tigers’ physicians, will perform the surgery. “Dr. Anderson has done a number of these and it makes a lot of sense for him to do this one,” Manager Alan Trammell said. “Carlos won’t have to fly somewhere else to get it checked later on.”

Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez told ESPN's Peter Gammons, "There's no way that anyone but Buck Showalter can be Manager of the Year. I'd tip my cap to him."

YOU MEAN NOONE IS CONSIDERING MELVIN AS MANAGER OF THE YEAR?!!! JEEZE, WHAT’S WRONG WITH EVERYBODY? HE’S SET SO MANY RECORDS…TOO BAD ALL THE RECORDS HE’S SETTING AS A COUCH ARE BASED ON LOSSES (ETC), AND NOT WINS!

2004-09-27T08:24:00.000-07:00

Indians SS Omar Vizquel, 37, is eager to return. This is the first time since 1996 he has not had a guaranteed contract. The uncertainty of next year concerns him. "Mark Shapiro has talked to just about everyone on the team about next year," Vizquel said. "He told me he'd like to wait until the end of the season to talk to me. I can't stand the suspense." Vizquel said he would sign a one-year deal. "It just depends on what they ask me to do," he said. "I would like a two-year deal. It would give me the option of retiring [as an Indian]. "They could defer the money. I could get $2,000 a month 30 years from now."

2004-09-26T07:30:00.000-07:00

When Pedro Martínez says he can't beat the Yankees, it makes you wonder if he has officially kicked off a campaign to join them. The Yankee-taunting, head-hunting, Zimmer-tossing Pedro in pinstripes? You say: blasphemy. I say: Roger Clemens. If Pedro is calling the Yankees daddy, he may as well move on down to the Bronx when his contract expires after this season and take his place in the Steinbrenner family business.

Two players should lead Detroit’s free-agent wish list this autumn, although wishing might be as far as the Tigers get with Carl Pavano and Carlos Beltran. Pavano, a glorious right-hander for Florida, is 29 years old and as close to a sure thing as there is in a free-agent starting pitcher. Any club that commits a bundle of bucks to Pavano is going to get a marvelous front-line pitcher — assuming (we’re happy to do the assuming, Owner Mike Ilitch can do the spending) he stays healthy. Local folks, of course, want Dearborn’s Derek Lowe to come to Detroit. It might work out, although Lowe is going to be expensive and his 2004 season with Boston has been choppy.

The Royals aren't saying so publicly, but it's no secret they don't plan to pick up their $3.25 million option to retain Joe Randa for 2005. Instead, they will pay a $500,000 buyout that allows Randa, who turns 35 in December, to become a free agent. “We didn't rule out anything,” general manager Allard Baird said, “but I would anticipate him exploring other opportunities. And I would expect us to do the same, to explore things that may fit in line with Mark Teahen being the guy at some point next season.”

Speaking of potential free agents, one who obviously bears watching is Jason Varitek. While everyone in Boston understands Varitek's value to the Red Sox, one of the teams interested in him will be the Baltimore Orioles, who hope to move Javy Lopez to first base, at least on a part-time basis. Lopez has acknowledged that he would be receptive to the switch, an easy move given that the O's will not be committed to Rafael Palmeiro. Another team that could have interest in Varitek? The Rangers.

The Mets free agent shopping list:
C Jason Varitek. Not only is he a good all-around player, he will become the gritty team leader this club has needed for a long time. Not afraid to get in anyone's face, regardless of the player's stature, and is a full-accountability guy.
RHP Matt Morris. He's been inconsistent this year, so he won't command as much money in this market, but he's had a very good overall body of work. A local guy from Rockland County, N.Y., who went to Seton Hall, he's pitched in pennant races and has performed under pressure. Second choice is Russ Ortiz.
1B Paul Konerko. He will probably be available in a trade and this would solve a lot of problems about who plays where.

Kevin Millwood was asked if he expected to be someplace else in 2005. Millwood accepted salary arbitration last off-season after he could not find the multiyear contract he had hoped for and signed a one-year, $11 million contract. The Phillies went over budget to sign Millwood, and it's unlikely they would be able to pay that salary again. "I'm not sure they've come out and said they want anybody right now," Millwood said. "There's always a chance of coming back. I've said it before. They have to show interest before anything can go in that direction. I'll wait and see who calls, and if Philly is one of those teams I'm sure we'll talk." So if these were his final pitches in a Phillies uniform, how would he sum up his two seasons in Philadelphia? "Less than stellar," said Millwood, a free agent after the season and one of the most affable players in the Phillies clubhouse. "I didn't think last year was quite as bad as it seemed. This year, it seemed, right when I started pitching well things went south health-wise. There's really nothing you can do about it, but at the same time you don't have to like it, either."

There are some other intriguing closers, led by Troy Percival, who will be replaced by Francisco Rodriguez in Anaheim, and Armando Benitez, who had a tremendous season for the Marlins. Detroit is undecided about picking up Ugueth Urbina's option.

Mike Lowell has a clause in his contract that stipulates he can become a free agent if the Marlins do not get a new stadium deal, and the third baseman is expected to opt out this off-season under that circumstance. The Mets have long wanted Lowell, and have had internal discussions about pursuing Lowell as a first baseman and mentor to David Wright (they share the same agent, the Levinson brothers).

Former Twins manager Tom Kelly, who has done a lot of advance scouting after he gave up his job as manager, is not doing any scouting this season. The Yankees have six scouts following the Twins these days, led by Gene Michael, who has been quoted about how impressed he is with Twins pitcher Johan Santana.

It didn't sit well with the Diamondbacks' Randy Johnson last week when ESPN listed Roger Clemens, Carl Pavano and Jason Schmidt as the favorites for the NL Cy Young Award. Johnson is 14-14 with a 2.69 ERA, and leads the league with 272 strikeouts and a .240 opponents' batting average. "My year's being overlooked simply because we've lost 100 ballgames," Johnson said. "Wins are out of my control. The other people that are in line for the Cy Young, I'd like to see what their record would be here." Ben's Take: Randy Johnson had a chance to play for a winner and he decided he would rather be a loser in Arizona than wear Dodger Blue... He gets what he deserves...

Jason Varitek is the heart and soul of the Red Sox, and he likes playing in Boston. Don't look for Varitek to seriously test the market, even though he's a Scott Boras client. St. Louis' Mike Matheny is a Gold Glover and handles a pitching staff well.

Not only is Pedro Martinez running scared from the Yankees, but he has some company. Repeating Martinez' claims after Friday's 6-4 loss, Red Sox outfielder Johnny Damon said he'd also like to avoid the Bombers in October. "To be honest with you, I would much rather not face them in the ALCS, too, so we don't have that Red Sox-Yankee thing going again," Damon said before last night's game. With Martinez's verbal concession speech late Friday and Damon's admission yesterday, the evidence is mounting that the Yanks have invaded the heads of their rivals and hold an important psychological edge heading into the playoffs.

Before Adrian Beltre heads home to the Dominican Republic for the winter -- Los Angeles hopes that's at least a month from now -- Manager Jim Tracy will meet with his star third baseman to let him know how much he wants Beltre back in Dodger blue. Beltre can become a free agent after the World Series. He is having a breakout season, and Tracy strongly believes the 25-year-old Beltre deserves as much consideration for NL most valuable player as Barry Bonds. Tracy realizes he doesn't have the final say on whether to keep Beltre with the club that signed him before his 16th birthday and patiently developed him into a superstar. Still, the skipper will make his opinion known to GM Paul DePodesta. "I'm very hopeful we have the opportunity to have Adrian Beltre," Tracy said. "Do I want to watch this guy walk off and do this for somebody else? No."

2004-09-25T20:56:00.000-07:00

Pedro Martinez on losing to the Yankees: "I'd wish they'd disappear and never come back," he continued, spicing his sentence with a well-chosen expletive. "What can I say? "All I can do is tip my cap and call the Yankees my daddy." The Yankees' newest son took a long time following the game to meet with the media. While his teammates dressed hurriedly and quietly, many of them exiting without speaking to reporters, the pitcher stayed in a back room "cooling off," as one team official put it. When Martinez, who allowed eight runs and eight hits in five innings on Sunday at Yankee Stadium, finally walked into the interview room, he still had not showered and was clad only in gym shorts and a T-shirt.

Yankees officials have been in contact with the agent for Cuban defector Kendry Morales and maintain an interest in signing the switch-hitting slugger. Morales, the 21-year-old outfielder/first baseman who defected from Cuba in June, is negotiating with several teams, and the Yankees plan to be in the bidding when it gets serious. Morales defected just before the wife of former Yankee pitcher Jose Contreras, and in early August he obtained citizenship in the Dominican Republic, making him free to sign with any big-league team.

2004-09-24T08:46:00.000-07:00

I've posted newspaper articles over the past month on Mark Lieberthal, and a possible trade this offseason...and the Philly's possibily moving him this offseason.

I'm still holding to my guns that a possible 3 team trade is still likely this offseason with Seattle/NYY/Philly's...

NYY will go after Varitek just to piss off Boston, then:

Vasquez to Seattle
Boone to NYY
Posada to Philly's
Chase Utley/Howard to Seattle

Seattle would have to throw in whatever prospects the Philly's wanted from our system, But I posted yesturday the link about Howard & the Philly's having NO spot to put him, so he'll more than likely be moved, because they even have their corner OF spots locked up longterm. And, if Philly's won't send Utley then the M's can go hard after Polanco as a FA...since we'd be losing our 2B in the above trade.

Why could a trade like this go down?
1. NYY tryed HARD to move Posada this past offseason, and wanted to pick up Pudge. So, if George wanted to really piss off Boston even more and go after Pedro & Varitek...George will be moving salary...Posada being for sure.

2. Last December Philly's & M's were rumored on a potential trade, on several occasions, of trading: Ben Davis for Chase Utley & Jason Michaels!!! Why? Because they wanted Davis to eventually take over for Lieberthal within a year or two! Well, Ben Davis is out of the picture, but they still need to figure out a backup plan for Lieberthal OR trade him and then pickup a Posada kind of a power bat catcher.

3. I provided a link yesturday to George's issues with Vasquez...total disappointment...so expect George to move him in someway so that he can concentrate on signing Pedro or Pavano or etc etc etc.

Also, remember that George really wanted Boone this past July, but really didn't want to pickup his $9M in 2005. If George is disappointed in the Vasquez deal, another $32.5M owing between 2005-2007, then Boone's $9M salary looks pretty good at this point...especially considering that is their main position weakness. I have been posting comments of a Vasquez/Boone trade with NYY throwing in $7M spread over 3 yrs to offset the difference above Boone's $9M 2005 salary. That would solve our Starting Pitcher move that we need to make this offseason, and we would have done it with Boone's salary...with $37M still left to spend.

Here is the link again:

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/story/234536p-201464c.html

4. Philly's don't have a space for Ryan Howard...Ben Maller reporting yesturday:

https://registration.philly.com/reg/login.do?url=http://www.philly.com%2Fmld%2Finquirer%2Fsports%2F9716894.htm

Phils rookie first baseman Ryan Howard has impressed his coaches and teammates in his limited at-bats. In case they hadn't known it before, the man hits the ball hard. But his future with the Phillies is still uncertain. He is a first baseman. Always has been. Asked about it over and over and over again, Phillies personnel said Howard is best suited to play first base. Outfield wasn't even a possibility. But that stance has shifted recently. Howard will receive outfield instruction in the Arizona Fall League. Of course, even if Howard shows he can play in the outfield, it appears his path to the big leagues with the Phillies remains blocked. Jim Thome has him blocked at first base, and Pat Burrell and Bobby Abreu have him blocked in the corner outfield positions. Those three are all signed to long-term contracts. "I still think it's worth our while to go through the exercise of seeing him out there," Phillies GM Ed Wade said.

2004-09-24T08:11:00.000-07:00

The free agent that provides the most intrigue is White Sox outfielder Magglio Ordonez, who is sidelined with torn cartilage in his right knee. He may have to settle for a one-year deal and try to rebuild his value next season. The Rangers have definite interest and will check those medical records carefully.

Deep-pocketed teams like the Red Sox, Yankees, Mets and Dodgers will come after Carl Pavano, but the Marlins have familiarity on their side. They should be prepared to pay $30 million over four years. "Carl can still say no," Lowell said. "If you try to sign Carl to a four-year, $8 million deal, Carl is going to tell you to take a hike."

How badly is Magglio Ordonez's injured? Only a bone bruise, as Ordonez is quoted as saying, or one that could linger into spring training, as the White Sox have hinted? In still another day of the ongoing Ordonez free-agent saga, Sox general manager Ken Williams said, "We would like him at some point to come back and see our doctors." Williams was intentionally obscure about when the Sox might decide whether they would offer their $14 million right fielder a new contract. "That's difficult to determine, and as time goes on, [the media] will understand—when certain truths come out—more so why we are in a holding pattern, that we can't make any overtures prematurely," Williams said.

Mike Lieberthal is hitting .381 with four homers and nine RBIs in September, which gives him hope for a better 2005. He said it has crossed his mind that the Phillies might trade him. Lieberthal makes $7.5 million next season, and has a $7.5 million option for 2006 that automatically vests if he has 1,200 plate appearances from 2003 to '05, or 850 plate appearances from '04 to '05, or 475 plate appearances in 2005. He entered last night's game with 1,057 plate appearances the last two seasons, including 496 plate appearances this season. "I'm lucky to be a catcher and not an outfielder," he said with a chuckle. "Or a first baseman. Or a third baseman. Then I'd be in trouble. But [a trade] crosses your mind at the trading deadline. I could be traded this off-season, but they can't trade me without my consent." A 10-year veteran with at least five seasons with the same team, Lieberthal can veto any trade.

San Francisco's Brett Tomko is 5-0, 1.21 in his last six starts. The hot streak started after he began seeing a sports psychologist in Los Angeles who, he said, has helped him relax. "It's a piece of the puzzle that fits nicely," Tomko said.

2004-09-22T21:58:00.000-07:00

First baseman Mike Sweeney won't play again this season. The Royals made that decision before Monday's game because they believe Sweeney hasn't recovered sufficiently from a herniated disk to risk playing in the final two weeks. “Everyone just came to the conclusion that it would be for the best to get myself 100 percent,” he said. “Because I'm not 100 percent right now. The way I look at it, my off-season program starts today.” Sweeney is scheduled to depart today to consult with Dr. Robert Watkins in Los Angeles about an off-season conditioning program. “We said all along,” general manager Allard Baird said, “that he would not come back unless he was 100 percent.”

Phils rookie first baseman Ryan Howard has impressed his coaches and teammates in his limited at-bats. In case they hadn't known it before, the man hits the ball hard. But his future with the Phillies is still uncertain. He is a first baseman. Always has been. Asked about it over and over and over again, Phillies personnel said Howard is best suited to play first base. Outfield wasn't even a possibility. But that stance has shifted recently. Howard will receive outfield instruction in the Arizona Fall League. Of course, even if Howard shows he can play in the outfield, it appears his path to the big leagues with the Phillies remains blocked. Jim Thome has him blocked at first base, and Pat Burrell and Bobby Abreu have him blocked in the corner outfield positions. Those three are all signed to long-term contracts. "I still think it's worth our while to go through the exercise of seeing him out there," Phillies GM Ed Wade said.

It wasn't lost on third baseman Mike Lowell that he could be beginning his final home series in a Marlins uniform Tuesday. Lowell's four-year, $32 million contract is tied to the Marlins' stadium plans, and the plans still need financial help from the Florida Legislature. If the plans aren't in place by Nov. 1, Lowell can opt out of a contract that would pay $7.5 million next year. Although Lowell recognizes what a stadium would do, he is more concerned about the team's competitive approach. He doesn't have a no-trade clause in his contract. He isn't likely to stay with the team unless he is guaranteed that he won't be traded, and the team will remain at a competitive level.

White Sox general manager Ken Williams already has plenty on his to-do list as the season winds down and he plans for the 2005 campaign. But the biggest concern looming is the increasing chance All-Star slugger Magglio Ordonez may not be healed sufficiently to start next season. The Sox have played the second half of this season without veteran sluggers Ordonez and Frank Thomas (stress fracture in left ankle). Ordonez was placed on the disabled list July 22 with bone marrow edema in his left knee. Williams thinks Thomas will be ready to go next spring, but perhaps not Ordonez. The injury to Ordonez, who is being paid $14 million in the last year of his contract, also makes it difficult to negotiate a free-agent deal with him and his agent.

Yankees starter Javier Vazquez has landed firmly in George Steinbrenner's cross-hairs. "We'd all like him to be better, but you know, he is what he is," The Boss said before entering the Stadium last night. "They better get him straightened around." "They," in Boss parlance in these instances, generally means manager Joe Torre and pitching coach Mel Stottlemyre. But everyone within the Yankees' hierarchy seems dumbfounded by Vazquez's inconsistency in posting a 14-10 record and a 4.77 ERA in 30 starts this season. He has not turned in quality starts in back-to-back outings since the All-Star break; and he has been torched for a 7.63 ERA over that span.

Royals first baseman Mike Sweeney isn't running from the reality. His back problems can no longer be regarded as a matter of coincidence and bad luck. Not when they have curtailed his playing time for three straight seasons. “I know in the industry that I'm labeled now as the guy with back trouble,” he said. “It's frustrating because up until the 2002 season, I don't think I ever missed more than one game because of an injury.” Sweeney still wants to avoid surgery but expressed willingness to consider all other options. One possibility is to consult the pain-management specialist in Colorado who worked with Yankees pitcher Kevin Brown. “If I have to go stay in Colorado for two weeks,” Sweeney vowed, “I'll do it. If I have to hire an instructor in Kansas City to come to the house every day, or meet me at the gym every day, I'll do it. I'll do whatever it takes to get healthy.”

2004-09-20T09:14:00.000-07:00

Red Sox ace Pedro Martinez on losing to the Yankees: "I'm the most-hated man in New York," said Martinez, who is the highest-paid pitcher in the game ($18 million this season) and will become a free agent this fall. Asked how he thought the same fans would react if he were signed by the Yanks, he said, "They would love me." A move to the Yankees might be attractive to Martinez because he'd no longer have to pitch against them. In his last 20 starts against the Bombers he is 5-7.

Nomar Garciaparra: Anaheim figures to make the biggest bid. Garciaparra is from California and reportedly longed to go home when he played in Boston. He seems to enjoy playing and living in Chicago, but Garciaparra may not be overwhelmed by the Cubs' offer, which is likely to reflect his recent spate of injuries. St. Louis' Edgar Renteria, another free agent-to-be, is not a bad option if Garciaparra leaves.

Omar Vizquel can't understand what the problem is. If the Indians do not exercise the option clause in his contract at the end of the season (which they won't), he can become a free agent. But that doesn't interest him. Only one thing does: remaining with the Indians. ``My decision is not hard,'' he said Sunday. ``I want to stay. '' Asked if he had any interest in testing the market, Vizquel said, ``Not really. There's no other team I want to play for. I had some interest in Seattle (his home), but I don't want to go through another rebuilding process. ``Why go anywhere? I think we can win here.'' Vizquel is keenly aware that general manager Mark Shapiro has a myriad of concerns and alternatives. Young shortstop Jhonny Peralta is waiting in the wings, and there are budgetary limitations.

An early line on the most tradable Tigers heading into the 2004 off-season: Bobby Higginson: The Tigers are trying to clear roster space and likely will use Higginson as a fourth outfielder if he sticks in Detroit to finish the last year of his contract. Detroit would need to pay almost all of Higginson’s remaining $8.85 million salary if he is traded, but the possibility of a team such as the Yankees bringing on Higginson as a bench presence isn’t out of the question.

2004-09-19T08:44:00.000-07:00

Adrian Beltre clearly wants to stay in Southern California -- his wife is from Los Angeles, and the Beltres have a house there. So if the Dodgers can't meet Boras' price, deep-pocketed Angel owner Arte Moreno, who landed free agent Vladimir Guerrero last winter, could sign Beltre as well. Beltre has said he wants to stay with the Dodgers but has also expressed an interest in the Angels because he likes manager Mike Scioscia and has good relationship with many of Anaheim's players.

As Blue Jays first baseman Carlos Delgado heads to free agency, he must look for a team with a need and a team with some dollars to spend. The Baltimore Orioles both have a need and money. And they have an outstanding barbecue in right field operated by former Orioles first baseman Boog Powell.

Though their priority will be to re-sign Adrian Beltre, it's hard to imagine the Dodgers not having interest in Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek after they traded Paul Lo Duca in the Brad Penny deal.

Because they didn't sign him to an extension last winter, the Angels could lose closer Troy Percival to free agency. Will he interest the Cubs?

If the Marlins have the same $53 million payroll, that would leave only about $16 million for 19 players. Just three of those players -- free agent Carl Pavano and arbitration-eligible Paul Lo Duca and A.J. Burnett -- figure to collectively command well more than $16 million. That leaves Pavano's return especially questionable. Former Mets general manager Steve Phillips, now with ESPN, said off the air last week he expects the Mets and Yankees to have interest in Pavano.

Baltimore will look to move potential non-tender Jay Gibbons this winter. Put him on the list of potential replacements for Magglio Ordonez, assuming the White Sox don't sign their right fielder to a one-year contract.

While the Diamondbacks made their first contract offer to Richie Sexson last Monday, they are expected to receive stiff competition from the Mariners, who play near Sexson's home in Vancouver, Wash., and need a big bat in the middle of their lineup.

The Tigers offered Bobby Higginson for Cliff Floyd, one bad idea the Mets quickly rejected. The Mets are discussing Richie Sexson internally but believe he'll remain in Arizona (if not, he'll probably go home to Seattle). It's better not to break the bank for a first baseman, anyway. One idea is Lyle Overbay since Milwaukee has Prince Fielder (Cecil's son) coming.

Mets people need to ask Mike Piazza about waiving his no-trade rights. He's been a great Met, but for the sake of his safety, he needs to DH now. Jason Varitek is mentioned as a Mets possibility. But he may be allergic to New York: Varitek was hitting .300 heading into today's game but was 0-for-30 with 16 K's at Yankee Stadium.

The Rays are trying to get to the playoffs by getting out of the AL East. Vince Naimoli says: "We campaign almost every day to get in a different division."

2004-09-18T10:00:00.000-07:00

Al Leiter has a mutual option for $10 million for 2005 with a $2 million buyout. He definitely wants to pitch next year and expects the Mets to decline the option and ask him to come back for less money. But people close to him are recommending he sign with the Yankees or Phillies next year. "Of course I want to be a Met forever," he said. "But it's very upsetting. I just don't know." Ideally Leiter wants to stay and retire as a Met. But the environment around the club has become so poisoned by all the losing and finger-pointing that things have changed. He has been accused of sinking both Bobby Valentine and Art Howe, as well as initiating everything from the Scott Kazmir trade to picking the design pattern that is mowed into the outfield grass.

The Giants missed out on Richie Sexson last time around when he was dealt to the Diamondbacks. Sexson has crushed the ball at SBC Park and would give the Giants the needed power threat behind Barry Bonds.

The Angels need a legit third baseman next season. If they are hesitant to throw millions at the brittle Troy Glaus, how about stealing Adrian Beltre from the Dodgers? If the Dodgers stop crying poor mouth, get smart and re-sign the 26-year-old MVP candidate Beltre, the Angels could look toward Jeff Kent, Vinny Castilla or Corey Koskie at the far turn.

Where will Nomar go? The Angels want to upgrade at short, David Eckstein will find a new home while Nomar Garciaparra settles in Anaheim. The deep-pocket Angels will take a chance on the injury-riddled shortstop. The Cubs won't.

So who goes to the Cubs to play short? How about Edgar Renteria or Boston's Orlando Cabrera, if the Red Sox decide they would rather have Renteria? For some strange reason the Cards are lukewarm on re-signing Renteria, who would crush the ball in Wrigley or Fenway, if given the chance.

Texas needs starting pitching. Carl Pavano, Eric Milton, Brad Radke, Matt Morris, Russ Ortiz, Pedro Martinez and Derek Lowe will be available. Trouble is the Yankees need pitching too, and at least one or two on the list will be in the Bronx next season.

The A's have coveted reliever Scott Williamson from his days in Cincinnati, even considering at one point trading Mark Mulder for the hard throwing righty. If Boston doesn't make an effort to re-sign Williamson, he would be a welcome addition to the A's bullpen.

Armando Benitez has regained top-closer status. Cleveland should look at Benitez or Troy Percival, who will be replaced by Frankie Rodriguez in Anaheim next season.

The Rangers are expecting to be without All-Star second baseman Alfonso Soriano for the remainder of the season with an injured left hamstring muscle. The injury is similar to tendon/hamstring problems former Rangers outfielder Doug Glanville had last season and Ricky Ledee had in 2001. Both required surgery and missed significant amounts of playing time. Soriano had played all but one of the Rangers' games, and is hitting .280 with 28 home runs and 91 RBI. "This makes me mad, because I like to play every day and this is the end of the season," Soriano said. "We're fighting for the playoffs, and it's not good."

A rather displeased George Steinbrenner had nothing to say to reporters as he hustled to his waiting car after the game.

2004-09-17T10:02:00.000-07:00

There should be some interesting names out there. The crown jewel, clearly, is Carlos Beltran, who started the year at Kansas City and was traded to Houston. But the reality is that the Yankees are expected to go after him hard. And when the Yankees decide they won't be outbid, they usually get who they want. The ripple effect, however, could be that the Yankees might then make Kenny Lofton or Bernie Williams available. Both are signed through 2005. Steve Finley will be a free agent, but every indication is that he would prefer to remain out West. J.D. Drew (rhymes with boo) will be a free agent, but Citizens Bank might not be the most, ahem, hospitable environment for the onetime draft refusenik. Here's an intriguing thought: If the rumors are true, the Braves are going to have to lower their payroll dramatically again this winter and could make available Andruw Jones, who is owed a total of $39 million over the next 3 years.

If Frank Thomas makes it official and agrees to return to the White Sox for 2005, his salary gets locked in at $8 million for the season. If he rejects his option, the Sox could use their option to keep Thomas at $11 million. If both sides decline to pick up their options, Thomas would become a free agent. If Thomas could have stayed healthy and posted strong numbers this season, one theory had Thomas taking a chance on declining his option in the hopes that the Sox used theirs at the higher price. Since Magglio Ordonez is not expected to return next season Thomas might have taken a chance that the Sox did not want to lose both hitters from the heart of the order. Questions about how long it will take for Thomas to get up to speed after missing more than half the season make it unlikely that the designated hitter now would decline his option and risk becoming a free agent. He is not likely to come close to making the amount he would earn by just renewing his Sox contract.

The Cardinals have suspended contract talks with all pending free agents until the completion of the postseason, general manager Walt Jocketty confirmed Thursday. The Cardinals' free-agent list is an impressive one, including opening-day starter Matt Morris, Renteria, second baseman Tony Womack, catcher Mike Matheny, utility player Marlon Anderson, outfielder Ray Lankford, middle reliever Cal Eldred, lefthanded setup man Steve Kline and outfielder John Mabry. The club holds an option on starters Woody Williams and Chris Carpenter. The club approached Morris, Matheny and Renteria at various times this year but failed to come close on any deals. Morris declined a two-year offer, Matheny rejected a one-year bid and Renteria was unimpressed by a four-year proposal during spring training.

2004-09-16T09:35:00.001-07:00

"If the Twins make a market-value offer to Johan Santana this winter, as expected, it will be for about $22 million over three years."

If the Twins are expected to work a $22M 3yr deal for Santana, then my question is: What will they want Radke for...it's got to be less than $7.3M/yr

I don't think Radke will be taking that major of a paycut to $7M! If he did I think Radke is sounding pretty good for $7M!

Radke's 4yr Contract:
2001 Salary: $7M
2002 Salary: $8M
2003 Salary: $8M + $1.5M (1/2 signing bonus paid this year)
2004 Salary: $10M + $1.5M (1/2 signing bonus paid this year)

2004-09-16T09:35:00.000-07:00

https://registration.twincities.com/reg/login.do?url=http://www.twincities.com%2Fmld%2Fpioneerpress%2Fsports%2F9674449.htm

If the Twins make a market-value offer to Johan Santana this winter, as expected, it will be for about $22 million over three years.

https://registration.twincities.com/reg/login.do?url=http://www.twincities.com%2Fmld%2Fpioneerpress%2Fsports%2F9674449.htm

As dominant as Johan Santana has been, fellow Twins pitcher Brad Radke, has been nearly as effective. "Everybody talks about Santana, but if Radke would have gotten some run support, he would be right up there with him," right fielder Jacque Jones said. Radke has had 11 starts this season in which he has allowed two runs or fewer and not gotten a decision. Radke (11-7) and Santana (18-6) are tied for first in the major leagues with 23 quality starts. A quality start is when a pitcher goes six innings or more and allows three or fewer runs. Arizona's Randy Johnson and Boston's Pedro Martinez are tied for second with 22 each.

http://www.cleveland.com/sports/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/sports/1095327070124520.xml

Indians GM Mark Shapiro said that when it comes to determining if Omar Vizquel stays or is turned loose, there is no decision. "There is no decision on what I want to do," Shapiro said. "I want to keep him. He is an unbelievably talented player. You cannot overlook the year he's had, especially coming back from knee surgery. "I feel that it's been an honor watching him this year." Money (surprise, surprise) will dictate if Vizquel, 37, returns. "Our decision will be based on this market," Shapiro said.

http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/sports/baseball/mlb/kansas_city_royals/9674606.htm

The Royals also hold options for next season on third baseman Joe Randa and outfielder Juan Gonzalez. Baird has already said the club will exercise its $500,000 buyout to void a $7 million contract with Gonzalez. The Royals are also expected to pay another $500,000 to void Randa's $3.25 million deal.

ESPN Scouting Defense on Randa:
Randa really shines with the glove. He has quick feet and hands, and a strong, accurate arm. He'll usually make a few errors in a short span, then none for long stretches. Randa is accomplished at charging bunts and is surehanded enough for spot second-base duty. His 2003 campaign was deserving of Gold Glove consideration.

Since 1999 Randa’s yearly averages have been:
14.2 HR’s
85 RBI’s
289 BA (and he rarely strikes out!)

The M’s were seriously looking at trying to get him last offseason. So, if their efforts fail in acquiring Beltre, or Lowell if he becomes available, look for them to go after Randa for cheap. Koskie is also out there for pretty cheap, that plays superb defense, and is a LHB.

If Randa or Koskie was placed at 3B, our offseason money can be spent for Beltran CF, Delgado 1B, and SP like Pavano or Radke.

2004-09-07T14:26:00.000-07:00

Yankees sources and baseball union sources also contended that two major airlines had offered to charter the Devil Rays to New York Sunday night. And DuPuy acknowledged that multiple flights were available Friday night through Saturday afternoon. "I think it's very important to be consistent and follow the rules," Levine said. "It's now undisputed from the Commissioner's office that the Devil Rays told them they were trying to get to New York, when, in fact, they were not. ... "We were here ready to play. The Devil Rays weren't. ... The rule states if your team is here and ready to play and the other team isn't here, there should be a forfeit. We believe there should be a forfeit because there was clear and present opportunity to get through this."

As Lou Piniella spoke, his voice got louder and his face got redder. "I don't know anything about forfeits," the Tampa Bay Devil Rays manager said. "Let me tell you this: I think when you look at baseball, it's important. Your family is doubly important or triply important and when a hurricane is beating down on the Florida coast, 160, 70, 80 miles from your hometown, I think you take care of your family first and you worry about the ballgame second. "I know the Yankees are in a pennant race, but I also know that our kids are young and have a lot of young kids at home. There was flooding, there are a lot of things that occurred over a two-day period in Florida, and I think everybody was more comfortable being with their family than being in New York sitting in a hotel waiting to play a baseball game. "If it'd been reversed, and that hurricane would have been here in the New York area as opposed to the Tampa area, the Yankees should have stayed at home and forgotten about the ballgame in Tampa. Period."

This shows the Yanks are more than concerned about the standings coming down the stretch this September, especially with Brown out for the rest of September!

George is pushing to STEAL a game from Tampa Bay on a forfeiture. Unreal. That just shows how much confidence he doesn't have in this team at this point in the game. Also, he knows that he will be having to play several double headers in the next 3 weeks, thus putting more pressure on his pitching rotation...and thus losing some extra games to Tampa, Orioles, and Boston!

I heard on Baseball Tonight last night that the next double header the Yanks have to play is, I think, this weekend. They mentioned that the Yanks were "planning" on revolting and not showing up for the second game!

1st off, I totally agree with what Lou brought out regarding a Natural Disaster. But now, for George to pull this crap and not showing up for their 2nd game on the double header this next week, could very well end up being a forfeiture on the Yankee's side.

You go Lou! You go Tampa! I have been projecting that Boston will win 4-6 against their last 6 games with Yanks. But if they end up playing these "required" double headers with Tampa before the Boston series, there will be a pretty good chance that Boston sweeps them in both series! If that happens, the Yanks would lose 6 games, and be tied with the Angels for the wildcard...with the Angels having the upper hand on their pitching.

I never EVER thought I would be rooting for the Angels over the M's, but I am this September!

Projected final standings:

Boston 102-60
Yankees 93-69
Oakland 97-65
Angels 95-67

2004 AL Playoff Teams: Boston, Twins, Oakland, & the Angels for the Wildcard!

2004-09-06T08:21:00.000-07:00

It is no secret that general manager Ken Williams and manager Ozzie Guillen have their eyes on a sleeker, swifter, less powerful model for next season. And that leaves the plodding, powerful Paul Konerko dangling at the end of a question mark if the Sox need trade bait. "I think they're definitely going to reshape or retool the team a different way, and that could mean someone like myself [will go]," he said. "I know what they want to go with, and that's not the way I am. "But I also know if you want to have a successful team, you have to have guys who can hit the ball out of the ballpark. You have to balance it right. It has been proven to me that's the way to go about it, [with] pitching, defense and speed. Look at the Marlins and Twins."

2004-09-05T22:05:00.000-07:00

Here's a very AWESOME article regarding the future woes of the Yankee's pitching staff beyond 2004, and also on Beltran looking to changing agents. If Beltran does make a change, it could really benefit the M's for possibly swooping in early, while Yanks & Boston will be going head to head duking it out for Pedro/Lowe/Williamson. This will allow the M's to focus right away on FA signings in early November, instead of after the Winter meetings.

http://nypost.com/sports/19193.htm

In a move that could radically alter the offseason, Carlos Beltran might change agents from Scott Boras to Alan Nero, according to an official from a team unlikely to bid on the star center fielder. With players of this ability, Boras has a penchant to patiently wait deep into the offseason. In addition, some teams are scared to even consider bidding when Boras is involved. The Yanks and Red Sox are probably going to be in pursuit of the speedy, powerful switch-hitter.

2004-09-04T23:45:00.000-07:00

Only 25, Adrian Beltre is already in his seventh season with the Dodgers. Entering this year, he was sandwiched between the Cardinals' Albert Pujols and Cincinnati's Adam Dunn as the under-25 league leaders in total home runs. Those same three now lead the majors in home runs, with Beltre and Pujols entering Friday's game at Busch Stadium tied with 43. That puts Beltre five shy of tying Mike Schmidt's record for home runs by a third baseman and three shy of doubling his career high.

Lets look at some recently signed contracts over the past couple of years.

Albert Pujols
2004: $ 7.05
2005: $11.00
2006: $14.00
2007: $12.00
2008: $13.00
2009: $13.00
2010: $13.00
2011: $5.00 buyout, or $16M Option

But notice that Pujols is 24 yrs old, and has been averaging 40 HR's with an avg of 120 RBI's over the past 4 years...with a career BA of .334!!!

Jim Edmonds
2001: $6.0M (+$2.0M signing bonus)
2002: $7.0M
2003: $8.0M
2004: $9.0M
2005: $10.0M
2006: $12.0M
2007: Team option $10.0M or $3.0M buyout

-Around $1.0M of the above totals each year deferred without interest

Prior to signing with the Cards in 2001, Edmonds had 4 proven years with the Angels averaging 28 HR's in 1995, 96, 97, and 98! Oh, and lets remember he's now received 6 gold gloves too! Another proven player! Was also 30 yrs old in 2000 when signing his contract with the Cards.

Scott Rolen
2004: $ 6.18
2005: $ 9.75
2006: $10.38
2007: $14.50
2008: $13.79
2009: $13.25
2010: $12.63

Prior to 2004 he's averaged 31 HR's each year with an avg of 116 RBI's per year. 7 years of a proven track record. And, prior to signing his 2004 contract with the Cards he was 28 yrs old, and his defense was superb and proven as well!

The Cards have been building their team around these three guys: Edmonds (now 34), Pujols 24, and Rolen 30. And now picking up Larry Walker, despite his age of 37, with Colorado paying a good chuck of his salary. But, Walker's contract is only for 2 more yrs after 2004.

BELTRE
Now, lets discuss Beltre again and what everyone thinks he will go for this offseason.

Even with his stellar year of .339 BA, 43 HR's, 100 RBI's...his career average counting this year is: 24 HR's, 84 RBI's, .273 BA

Not bad averages! But, lets take this years totals out and what do we have on an average?
16.5 HR's each year, 64.8 RBI's each year, with a career BA of .261!!!

Also, his defense has improved this year, and it has been noted that LA has waiting for his "potential" for 6 yrs now. He only has 9 erros at 3B this year, but prior to 2004 he's been averaging exactly 20 every year.

I keep hearing a number of M's fans say he will be going for $13M/yr because of his MVP type year, and being 25 yrs old.

Scott Boras has NOT mentioned any figures at the present, but he has mentioned that they wanted to "start" at pushing for a 6 yr contract. I think that will rule out the Dodgers right there, because they have been openly advocating a month ago about not signing more than 3 yr contracts any longer!

The big money teams like Boston & Yanks don't need Beltre. And besides, they will be focusing on resigning their big ticket players...as well as duking it out for Pedro. Boston has Pedro, Lowe, Varitek, Williamson, etc. to resign as well.

One other thing that has to be mentioned about what we have already gone through as the biggest flop in M's history is Cirillo. Granted he came from Coor's field, but check out his career numbers prior to coming to Seattle:

He averaged 13 HR's each year, 80 RBI's, and had a career BA of .310!!!

Plus he was proven the BEST defensive 3B glove in all of MLB. Look what kind of money he ended up signing with Seattle for, over 4 yrs. A proven gold glove & career .310 BA! Look what salary he got while the market & economy was still HOT. The economy, especially MLB salaries, has taken a major nose dive over the past several years.

Beltre is 25 yrs old, and finally in 2004 playing up to the potential that LA has been openly stating that he's always had.

Here's the ESPN Scouting Report on him:

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/scouting?statsId=6039

2004 Outlook
The Dodgers face a tough decision with Beltre, who is now arbitration-eligible. While many media types blame the third baseman for the team's woes and feel the club should non-tender him, the Dodgers have only Robin Ventura available to take his place, and he is likely to play a reserve role that includes some time at first base. Beltre has lots of room for improvement in all aspects of the game. It's easy to forget how young he is. At an age when many so-called prospects are just getting their feet wet, Beltre already has five full big league seasons under his belt.

I do think it is worth comparing Beltre to the likes Pujols, Edmonds, & Rolen's contracts...even Cirillo's (pre-Seattle numbers).

Prior to Beltre's 2004 year his career avgs: 16 HR's, 64 RBI's, .261 BA
Cirillo's career averages prior to coming to Seattle: 13 HR's, 80 RBI's, .310 BA

Don't get me wrong, I would love to see the M's pickup Beltre, but we have to be reasonable here too. If signed by the M's, I bet we can expect Beltre to make $5-6M in his first contract year (2005). Then, after 2005 when Cirillo's salary is off the books kicking in the incentives starting in 2006 and beyond, and allowing him to make upwards of $7-9M/yr if he plays up to his potential every year. If he makes 450PA in the previous year, if he makes the all-star team every year, etc.

I really think Beltre can be had for $48M over 6 years, with incentives that would be included inside that $48M. Regarding the teams that would be in the market for a 3B guy like Beltre, I just don't see very many money teams that will be involved in pursuing Beltre except for LA and Seattle.

I do have to mention a pretty awesome thing about 2006. The only players that currently have any effect on our payroll are:

$0.25M Wiki's buyout
$4.5M Guardado
$0.33M Shiggy's buyout
$4.25M Ibanez
$6.3M Pineiro
$3.1M Speizo
$12.5M Ichiro
$3.75M Winn

$34.98M Total

This total is also based on NOT moving Winn/Ibanez/Speizo, which will no doubt happen.

Edmonds, Pujols, Rolens contracts were ALL backloaded with Edmonds having $1M deferred annually. The 1st year of each of their contracts were ALL very low:

Pujols 2004 salary: $7M Edmonds 2001 salary: $6M Rolens 2004 salary: $6M

So don't think the M's can't do the same before 2005 with:

Beltre
Beltran
Delgado
Berkman - if we can pull him away from Houston this offseason by trading either Winn or Ibanez. Both their lower salaries would appeal to the Astros.

And still have enough to pickup a starter like Pavano or Radke, and a RP such as Williamson or Lowe!

The M's do need to really think about 5-6 yr incentive laden contracts. We would be truly building the next decade around these guys:

Beltre 25 yrs old (would take $6M in his first year of his 5-6 yr contract)
Beltran 28 yrs old (would take $9M in his first year of his 5-6 yr contract)
Berkman 28 yrs old (would take $6M in his first year of his 5-6 yr contract)
Delgado 32 yrs old (would take $6M in his first year of his 5-6 yr contract)

And our team would be SET to compete against an aging Yankee's & Boston teams. And while the Yankee's will be fighting to stay under a $250M payroll in 2005 (not counting luxury tax & revenue sharing), we will be rebuilding for the next decade.

I can see attendance going through the roof at Safeco every year if our management can negotiate ALL the above contracts and then build the rest of our team around them.

I would project that if the M's could pickup Beltre, Berkman, and Delgado for the 2005 season, each would sign a contract similiar to:

Beltre & Berkman & Delgado ($48M 6/yr Contracts)
2005 $6M
2006 $7M
2007 $7.5M
2008 $8.5M
2009 $9M
2010 $10M Option year

Beltran ($60M 5/yr Contract)
2005 $9M
2006 $14M
2007 $13M
2008 $12M
2009 $12M

Establishing contracts similiar to the above for these four players would only cost our club $27M this offseason. And, if we were able to acquire an OF of Berkman/Beltran/Ichiro with Beltre @ 3B and Delgado at 1B, we can plan to move: Ibanez $3.75M, Winn $3.75M, Franklin $2.4M. Thus saving an add'l total of $9.9M. We would EASILY have enough to acquire a starting pitcher like Pavano, Morris, Radke, Clement in the $8-9M range....AND a RP in the likes of Williamson or Lowe in the $3.5-5M range...AND still be UNDER a $95M payroll.

And all of this doesn't even include the $13M that the M's ended up in the bank with (under budget for 2004), that management publicly stated would not add that $13M on top of the 2005 $95M budget.

I was very optimistic all last offseason that ended in utter dissappointment! This offseason, I'm a fanatical M's fan that expects NO LESS than the lineup I projected above. Our management should be knowledgeable enough to get these kind of contracts negotiated and set in stone.

I will NOT be happy with anything less than a 2005 lineup of:

2005 Lineup
RF Ichiro
LF Berkman
CF Beltran or Drew
1B Delgado or Sexson
3B Beltre
2B Boone
DH Bucky/Zapp (platooning base on RHP's and LHP's)
C Olivo
SS Lopez/Little Matsui (Matsui if Mets will trade us Matsui for Speizo & Wiki & $1M cash for the salary difference)

I actually think Matsui would shine in Seattle with Ichiro here. And, it wouldn't hurt our Japanese revenue from the fans that are caught in the middle between NYY and Seattle, between Godzilla and Ichiro.

2005 Starters
Pavano/Radke/Morris or Clemente
Piniero
Moyer
Meche
Madritch

2005 Relief Pitcher to Add
Williamson OR Lowe

2004-09-02T10:30:00.000-07:00

I've heard several times on some recent blogs Kaz not having any honor. Two months prior to his announcement of going back to Japan, and prior to any "rumors" on him as well, I was advocating moving him and trading him for the 2004 season.

We then picked up Guardado, and we had a "healthy" Soriano at the time that was pitching in the Winter league with a 1.0ERA or less. We could of easily moved Kaz's $8M+ salary, and everyone told me that I was nuts, and that management would never do that to one of our Japanese players. Then all of a sudden when Kaz, out of the blue, showed up to renig on his contract (1st time ever in MLB history a player would just "walk" away from $8.1M of guaranteed money)...and then to sign a lot lessor contract in Japan.

I honestly felt that our Japanese owner called Kaz in and sat down with him in Japan last October displaying his extreme disappointment regarding his lack of production & injuries throughout the entire season for $8M. I have been advocating for nearly a year since Kaz left that it was his honor & pride that made him leave Seattle...honor & pride that was pushed by our Japanese owner. What happened? Kaz backed out of his contract of $8.1M for 2004. NOW, just reported today: Kaz is undergoing season ending surgery on his elbow in Japan.

I have a lot of Japanese friends in Seattle, and they pride themselves on their honor. That is their culture! So don't think for one minute Kaz didn't leave Seattle to help the M's, after the worse disappointing season he's ever had. You can't dawg him for that!

Just a side note: A month prior to "any" rumors on Kaz walking away from his contract, the M's had signed Guardado. It was stated that Guardado could be our closer in 2005 & 2006, because Kaz wanted to finish his career out in Japan after the 2004 season. And remember Kaz was in Japan during this entire time, and didn't meet with "any" management until he flew in to sign the paperwork at Safeco field. This also tells me that the only personal contact he had back in Japan was with our owner!

Just my two cents that I have already advocated many times last offseason. NOW, not spending that $8.1M to make our team more competitive was just the most pathetic thing I've ever seen. In fact, we are currently sitting at $82M...nearly $13M under budget for 2004...with Management stating that "they will NOT add that $13M to the 2005 budget".

What they have mentioned though? They will be spending more than this year (2004). Does that mean more than $82M that was actually spent, or a more than the $95M 2004 budget?!
Remember too that that money was there prior to the start of the year accruing interest, so the M's have nearly made an additional $1M just on interest alone during this calendar year.
So the M's technically would have approx $109M to work with IF THEY CHOSE TO DO SO. The money is there!

Kaz honored the team enough to walk away from over $8M to help the M's out. But, what about ownership & management? Do they honor the fans enough to step up to the plate and USE ALL this money to put a kick ass team out there next year? With the kind of money available to them this offseason, the M's are the team that can have the biggest splash in MLB for FA signings. They "could" pull off multiple FA signings that could have a major impact for 2005:

Beltre, Beltran, Delgado or Sexson, Pavano.

They didn't step up to the plate and do it in 2004, and history shows that 2005 isn't looking good either...BUT, considering what the M's have accomplished over the past decade, and how extreme this year has gone, I say this year is a MAJOR eye opener for them to actually go out and surprise us all.

I'm staying optimistic this offseason. This year we were told that the "money" was being reserved for a July trading deadline move. Many of us posted that by July we would be so far out of it that July would be TOO late! And sure enough that is exactly what happened.
Fans will EXPECT big moves this offseason, or shit is going to hit the fans! Fans will NOT want to hear "we are saving money for a trading deadline move"! Our power roster & starting pitching better be set by April 1! I feel very strongly that management knows that they need to do this as well, or they will have the worse ticket sales ever! Remember that the majority of season ticket sales are done in the offseason based upon the moves of the teams (ie: Detriot signing Pudge. That week Detriot had more ticket sales than Florida had the entire offseason!). No doubt management will be continually analyzing all of this as April 1st fast approaches.

2004-09-02T09:40:00.000-07:00

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/sports/2002023154_melvin02.html

If Bob Melvin's fate as Mariners manager has not already been decided — and with a win-loss mark at minus-30 after yesterday's loss, it may have been — it will be soon. Sources indicate that Melvin's job will be a primary topic at Seattle's annual organizational meetings, which usually are held during the last homestand of the season. General manager Bill Bavasi has refused to be drawn into speculation on the manager's status. "I refuse to entertain the question," is Bavasi's standard response. "I'm not about to discuss anyone's job status in public — Bob's, mine or yours."

http://www.canoe.ca/NewsStand/TorontoSun/Sports/2004/09/02/612687.html

Think the Blue Jays offence has sputtered worse than a 1986 Pinto? Wait until you see 2005, if the Jays don't re-sign first baseman Carlos Delgado. The Los Angles Dodgers, the Boston Rod Sox and the Florida Marlins expressed interest in Delgado at the trade deadline. The Seattle Mariners may be another possible suitor and if the Montreal Expos relocate they'll need someone to sell tickets. "Trying to replace a 30-homer, 100-RBI guy, which he could be even though he was out for a month, isn't easy," said Rene Lachemann, who managed the Florida Marlins and the M's and is now their bench coach.

http://www.washtimes.com/sports/20040902-121343-2792r.htm

If Ichiro continues to average 4.4 at-bats a game, he would need 71 hits in the final month to reach .400 — assuming, that is, he plays every game. A mere 70 hits would leave him at .3983. In other words, he would have to bat .522 over the last 31 games to join Ted Williams in the .400 Club.

http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=thestar/Layout/Article_Type1&c=Article&cid=1094076610974&call_pageid=969907739730&col=970081600908&DPL=JvsODSH7Aw0u%2bwoQO%2bYJDSbkFxAj%2bwoUO%2bYNDSbgFxMn%2bwkVO%2bUODSXhFxMv%2bwkYO%2bQKDSTkFxUn%2bw8QO%2bMIDSPjFxUi%2bw8XO%2bMMDSPvFxUu%2bw4RO%2bIKDSLlFxQk%2bw4XFw%3d%3d&tacodalogin=yes

Despite Carlos Delgado's travails of the first four months, the soon-to-be-free-agent, entered last night needing six homers and 25 RBIs in 30 games to reach the 30-100 plateau for the seventh straight season. Swinging a hot bat, the odds seemed good. "As a slugger, as a run-producer, once you get to 100 (RBIs), that's the bar," Delgado explained. "I've always said this is a team sport played by individuals. If you do what you need to do, at the end of the day, you'll be helping your ball club. If I get 25 RBIs, that's 25 runs that the Blue Jays score. It's not 25 runs for me. "It would be nice to reach 30 and 100. I don't think I'm hurting the ball club by doing that. There's no need to think anyone's being selfish or greedy. Having a guy at second and third, what are you going to do? You want to drive them in. You can't go wrong trying to better yourself.

http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-salmon2sep02,1,3207816.story?coll=la-headlines-sports

The lengthy and distinguished Angel career of Tim Salmon, the franchise's home run leader and one of the most popular players in club history, could be over. The veteran outfielder said Wednesday he would have surgery on his ailing left shoulder and left knee — undergoing one procedure as early as next week and the other in the next three months — and he probably would sit out the 2005 season.

2004-04-15T21:04:00.000-07:00

DELGADO News:

I've been hearing for the past several months that Delgado will only go for $8-$9M in free agency, this next offseason. I've been hearing for the past 2-3 weeks that Toronto is going to do whatever they can to resign Delgado...and 'Rumbling & Grumlings' are stating that Toronto will only be offering half his current $17M salary...meaning $8.5M!!!

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/columns/story?columnist=stark_jayson&id=1783200

He will not be staying in Toronto. It has been my push to spend the money that is freed up in 2005 on Delgado, Beltran and possibly Nomar. We still have approximately $10M still in cash on hand to spend in 2004. I still favor picking up Jason Kendall, and paying half his salary, which will average approx $5.4M/year. Then Davis is sent packing to the Philly's for Chase Utley, saving us another $1M/year. I also am hoping the Royals fall off the face of the earth, and out of contention, so we can make a run at Beltran (as long as he signs an extension along with the deal!)...if not, then Griffey at half his salary.

Now, lets list the salaries that will be more than likely coming off the books in 2005:

Edgar $7M
Olerud $7.7M
Aurilla $3.5
Wilson $3.5
Garcia $6.9M
McCracken $2.2M (counting 1/2 diff from Colbrunn trade)
Davis $1.4M
Jarvis $4.25
Hansen $750k
Borders $500k
Mabry $250k (buyout in 2004)
Villone $1M

Total = $39M+

Positions Seattle will be serious in acquiring for 2005: DH, 1B, SS, C

Our 2003 budget was $92M, and by the end of 2003 (since we didn't make a deadline trade for Aaron Boone)...our 2003 payroll ended at $89M. Interestingly the M's came out in November and publicly stated that their 2004 payroll budget would be $95M. All they did was basically roll the 2003 savings over to 2004. But yet we currently sit at a $85M payroll so far in 2004!

So basically, if the M's don't spend any money before the trading deadline...we will have the $10M for 2004, AND the $10M extra for 2005, totally an additional $20M to be added to our budget for 2005. So along with the above salaries totaling over $39M, and this $20M cash floating out their, that gives the M's approximately $59M to possibly spend in 2005.

Now, they know they have to pull something major off this year or they will lose major fan support. So far in 2004, our offense has done a great job on moving runners around the bases, but there is no question that we continue to lack the one (1) more needed power bat in our lineup! I feel very strongly that the M's will pull off a Kendall trade (offensive slap/gap hitter upgrade over Davis), and either Griffey or Beltran. If KC is out of contention, I could see them agreeing to a Franklin/Winn/Putz (or Looper) trade for Beltran, and then moving Blackley or Nageotte to our #5 spot...but for us to make a deal like this, we would need security (an guaranteed extension from Beltran). For Beltran, I could actually see the M's going 4yrs with a 5th option year for $12M starting in 2005, especially considering the cash available in 2005.

If we used our $10M left in 2004 on Kendall & Griffey, I would see the M's resigning Wilson as our backup catcher in 2005 at approx $2M, instead of $3.5M. If we picked Griffey up in 2004, and keep Winn as our 4th OFer, then we could use $30-$39M to fill DH, 1B, SS (Delgado $9-12M, Sexson $9M, Nomar $12M).

Or, we use our $10M left in 2004 on Kendall now, and Beltran in June for his remaining 2004 salary (approx $4.5M), which would put us right at our 2004 $95M budget, and have in place a 4-5 year extension for $12M for Beltran. The difference from Beltran's 2004 and 2005 salary would be $7.5M, leaving us still nearly $32M to spend in 2005. Sign Wilson at a discount for approx $2M, as our "backup" catcher, and we have $30M still to spend for 2005, and our outfield would be in tack with Ibanez/Winn/Beltran/Ichiro. Ibanez makes several million less in 2005, which will cover the nominal pay raises for Franklin & Pineiro. Our needs would then be DH, 1B & SS. Considering the Yankees and Boston DO NOT need another DH, or 1B, this should drive the price of Delgado, Sexson, Olerud down since the Yankees & Boston won't be driving their price up! I say pay Delgado $10M, Sexson $9M, Nomar $11M (Totaling $30M). We wouldn't be able to afford Garcia, but that would be a small price to pay considering the offense we would inherit...PLUS, we have the arms to bring up (ie: Blackley, Nageotte, etc!) Nomar would bring back the Defense in the SS position, but I could live with Garcia & Aurilla in 2005 (and forget Nomar)...as long as we acquired Delgado/Beltran/Sexson!!!

Could we be actually looking at a 2005 lineup of the following that is within a $95M budget for 2005:

2005 Lineup
RF Ichiro
C Kendall
2B Boone
DH Delgado
CF Beltran (or Griffey instead)
1B Sexson
SS Nomar
LF Ibanez/Winn
3B Speizo

2005 Rotation
Pineiro
Moyer
Franklin (or Nageotte)
Meche
Blackley

OR WITHOUT NOMAR & KEEP AURILLA & GARCIA:
RF Ichiro
C Kendall
2B Boone
DH Delgado
CF Beltran (or Griffey instead)
1B Sexson
LF Ibanez/Winn
SS Aurilla
3B Speizo

2005 Rotation
Garica
Moyer
Pineiro
Franklin (Blackley or Nageotte if Franklin was traded for Beltran)
Meche

Ok Bavasi, there's the Dr's diagnosis...now just DO IT!

2004-04-07T10:20:00.000-07:00

You heard it here first!

I thought I'd post something else I have a feeling on...Steinbrenner will eat the majority of Giambi's salary and move him in the next year sometimes...

We all know what happens when disgrunted players lash out. Even Sheffield almost blew it this past offseason with George! Here's the link for Giambi, and I would suspect he could be had for $8M/year...he would be an interesting DH in 2005 huh?!...

http://nypost.com/sports/yankees/22423.htm

One day after the Yankees and Major League Baseball consented to allow Jason Giambi's strength and conditioning guru on the plane, the first baseman was still uncomfortable with the way Bobby Alejo has been treated. And Giambi's comments drew a strong reaction from Yanks GM Brian Cashman, setting up the possibility that Alejo could be bounced off the plane. "I guess it's business 101, get it in writing," Giambi said. "We told them and they said, 'Fine, bring him along and it will be fine and we will work it out.' " Cashman's take on the situation is a lot different and mentioned the possibility of Alejo being banned from the flights. "I suggest he talk to his agent," an annoyed Cashman said outside the Yankees' clubhouse prior to last night's game against the Devil Rays at Tropicana Field. "Arn Tellem knows the score. It's not in the contract. If it was contractual, it would be there and it's not. It was a courtesy and that can be taken away. I suggest he gets the facts straight. Courtesies can be rescinded."

2004-04-07T09:58:00.000-07:00

Come on Seattle, pick Aaron Boone up before it's too late. I can't believe Boone would go back to the Yanks after they released him, and got out from paying him his entire salary this year.

We can easily pull off picking this guy up, which would strength our bench this year if he returns by Aug/Sept! If he makes it back in 2004 then Speizo & Boone can split time at 3B if need be, and Speizo can backup Olerud at 1B:

http://www.nj.com/sports/ledger/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/1081318592280250.xml

The Yankees and Aaron Boone are near agreement on a two-year contract that will bring the injured playoff hero back as the team's second baseman in 2005, according to a baseball official familiar with the talks.

Boone was the Yankees' starting third baseman for the second half of last season after they acquired him from Cincinnati. His home run against Tim Wakefield beat the Red Sox in Game 7 of the ALCS, sending the Yankees to the World Series. But he injured his knee playing pickup basketball in January in violation of his contract, and the Yankees voided his 2004 contract and released him. The injury prompted the team to deal for Alex Rodriguez and move him to third base.

Boone's new deal would include a small salary for this season and a larger, incentive-laden deal for 2005.

2004-04-07T09:57:00.000-07:00

More Griffey Talk...

http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/sports/stories.nsf/Sports/Cardinals/A5EC9CA9AB8E222E86256E6F00138E63?OpenDocument&Headline=G.+Bamberger+dies%3B+managed+2+teams

Mariners: Seattle has mild interest in acquiring Ken Griffey Jr. from the Reds, a source said, but want the Reds to pay for at least half of the $66.5 million he is still owed. Also in Seattle, third baseman Scott Spiezio will miss several weeks with a soft tissue injury in the middle of his back. Doctors said he does not have a herniated disc.

http://www.azcentral.com/sports/diamondbacks/0407nlgame.html

Cincinnati: Ken Griffey Jr. was a surprise extraction from Monday's lineup when the medical staff told manager Dave Miley that Griffey still felt a little something in his strained right calf. "It wasn't worth the risk to have him out there with a chance to make it worse," Miley said. Will he play tonight in Game 2 against the Cubs and Maddux? Miley won't put his name on the lineup card until Griffey and the medical staff indicates there isn't even a twinge in the calf.

2004-04-06T11:06:00.000-07:00

Considering Speizo maybe out for over a month...

I would like to pass this along as a viable option that the M's could possibly pull off: I have included some of my offseason research in this post.

Picking up Lowell, would instantly strengthen our bench, because Speizo would be moved to our bench as a 3B/1B backup!

Is Lowell even available?! Checkout the links below.

FLORIDA & Mike Lowell

http://www.sportsline.com/mlb/teams/report/FLA/7235473

http://nypost.com/sports/yankees/45235.htm

"Aside from Beltre, the most intriguing name on the potential replacement list is Florida's Mike Lowell. The former Yankee just signed a four-year deal, but the catch is that the final three years are based on the Marlins' getting approval for a new stadium. The city has a referendum on March 15, and if the Marlins don't get the new park, they will listen to offers for Lowell."

I'm really favoring a trade for Kendall, and trade for Mike Lowell if we could swing a deal.

Florida NEEDS & WANTS: Setup men; bench help, particularly catcher, first base, outfield.

If we picked up Kendall, we could possibly move Davis to Florida, and great pitching prospects we can send their way.

http://www.contracostatimes.com/mld/cctimes/sports/baseball/mlb/san_francisco_giants/7775934.htm

"Team President David Samson said Thursday his team hasn't sold even 5,000 season tickets yet. This is depressing, unfathomable, inexplicable, damning and probably without precedent in major American sports.

As a fan base, we continue to lead the league in awful. Our baseball team may be the best in the majors, but this town remains minor-league. You will not find a sports city in North America, not one, that would treat a defending baseball champion with this kind of yawn....The Tigers, coming off the second-worst season in the history of baseball, have somehow sold more season tickets than the Marlins....If a champion can't appreciably increase and sustain interest, why would a new building?"

USA Today News:

12/02/03: The four-year contract between Mike Lowell and the Marlins is actually contingent on the team getting a new stadium deal approved, according to ESPN. Absent of that, Lowell's contract becomes a one-year deal with player options beyond 2004.

11/27/03: The Palm Beach Post reports that Mike Lowell (3B) has agreed in principle on a four-year, $32 million contract with the Marlins. The deal should be announced later this week after medical tests are conducted.

2004-04-05T12:11:00.000-07:00

Latest News & my personal comments

http://www.nj.com/sports/ledger/index.ssf?/base/sports-3/10810721793640.xml

Mariners GM BILL BAVASI continues to mull a return engagement for KEN GRIFFEY JR. but is also carefully scouting Pirates catcher JASON KENDALL in his quest to add a hitter. Bavasi, not the impulsive sort, is worried about SCOTT SPIEZIO's back and also wants to get at least one long-term solution in place because EDGAR MARTINEZ and JOHN OLERUD are in the last year of contracts.

Just DO IT Bavasi!!! We still have $9.9M to work with on the books! Jarvis is looking good, and 8-9 teams have been watching him like a hawk for the past 2 weeks. The way Jarvis is pitching, we just might not have to give up any money to trade him!

http://www.sptimes.com/2004/04/04/Rays/Roster_in_no_way_set_.shtml

RAYS RUMBLINGS: .....Aaron Boone ends up on the open market, the Rays will be interested.....

I say he will sign a 2 year deal with the M's...with incentives for making the team in Aug/Sept this year!

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/rockies/article/0,1299,DRMN_19_2782857,00.html

Projected Opening Day payroll: $90 million.

WRONG: I would like to correct this guys figure...we are currently at $85.1M in payroll at this point.

http://www.tribnet.com/sports/baseball/mariners/story/4927542p-4860971c.html

Ex-Mariner Mark McLemore was released by the Baltimore Orioles, but he agreed to a one-year deal with the Oakland Athletics. ...

Wow Beane surprised me on this one. They need A LOT more offense than what McClemore can give them

http://seattle.mariners.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/sea/news/sea_news.jsp?ymd=20040404&content_id=689247&vkey=spt2004news&fext=.jsp

Bavasi meanwhile would not comment on a report by a San Diego radio station that said the Mariners are talking to the Pirates about obtaining catcher Jason Kendall. The report on the Padres flagship station, XPRES, indicated the sticking point remains Kendall's guaranteed contract which will pay him $8 million this season, $10 million next year, $11 million in 2006 and $13 million in 2007. The Pirates want the Mariners to absorb some of the contract.

You Go BAVASI!!!!

2004-04-04T09:44:00.000-07:00

Seattle picks up Cabrera, for Looper & single "A" LHP prospect

We now have our McClemore replacement. I like this move, because I think it will force Bloomquist & other potential bench players to step up to the plate...if they want to play. When Speizo comes back, look for Bloomquist to move to AAA.

Scouting Report

2003 Season
After totaling just 12 at-bats for the Dodgers in 2002, little was expected of Jolbert Cabrera at the beginning of last season. He started the year as half of a second-base platoon, but he kept hitting and Jim Tracy kept finding a spot for him. In the last two months of the season, Cabrera hit .312.

Hitting, Baserunning & Defense
Cabrera takes a big cut and has enough power to reach either gap or yank a pitch over the left-field wall. Righthanders can beat him with breaking stuff off the plate, but he handles just about everything that lefties have to offer. The 31-year-old has above-average speed and can swipe the occasional bag. Cabrera played every position but pitcher and catcher last year and held his own wherever he went.

2004 Outlook
While many utility players tend to get over-exposed with more playing time, Cabrera actually hit better as the season moved along. At times last year, he was the best righthanded hitter on the club, and now looks to have at least a part-time job locked up for this coming campaign.

2004-03-31T19:44:00.000-08:00

Arod

http://www.dfw.com/mld/dfw/sports/baseball/8319295.htm?1c

"Alex Rodriguez insisted he felt a sense of depression last year and said there were days when he didn't want to go to the Ballpark. "I know no one is going to feel sorry for me because of the contract, but I'd never really dealt with the frustration of the first two losing seasons, and that made last year even worse," Rodriguez said. "I hit rock bottom in the middle of the season. I remember driving home with my wife, Cynthia, after a game and telling her, 'I just don't see the light. Where is the light? What am I in this for?' "I would have never gone to Texas if they had told me, 'Alex, it's going to be you and 24 kids.' Never. For no amount of money.""

All I have to say to Arod is...he's forgetting some of the power hitters he was playing with...like...Juan Gonzalez, Carl Everett, Palmeiro, etc, etc!

3 years ago I told two avid Oakland fans, at my work, that you quote me on this..."Arod will be in pinstripes in 3-4 years, because once he has all the money he won't know what to do with he'll figure out a way to go to the Yankees and getting a WS ring will be more important to him." The interesting thing about his comments above, is that Texas will have ended up paying him $46.5M/year for the 3 years he played with them. Considering the salary Texas will still need to dish out, I would encourage Arod not to open his mouth about "no amount of money" issues.

The other interesting thing about the Yanks: They have shown that they will do anything, with whatever it will cost them. The Luxury Tax & Revenue sharing will start hurting them...and I do mean "hurting". They are currently projected to pay $80M+ for 2004, meaning their 2004 salary combined with Luxury Tax & RS is around $270M for their 2004 team! Ouch! After 2004, they are really going to feel it. The players will feel it too, because if they don't win it all the way in 2004...heads will spin YES once again (YES...pun intented!)

2004-03-31T18:13:00.000-08:00

Why do the Pirates HAVE to make this deal? MONEY!!!

They are stuck doing NOTHING until they move Kendall's contract. They know it, and we know it! The M's definitely have the upper hand on the negotiating table.

Let's analyze this in greater detail as to why:

http://www.sportsline.com/mlb/teams/report/PIT/7019160

"The Pirates claim they have lost $30 million since moving into PNC Park, built primarily with public funding, at the start of the 2001 season. Owner Kevin McClatchy reportedly wants to take the payroll down to $35 million this season, which would be among the lowest in the major leagues."

"San Diego again began pursuing Kendall midway through last season, but the Padres and Pirates could not agree to financial terms on what would have been a blockbuster trade. The deal collapsed in late July when San Diego wanted the Pirates to include $25 million to defray Kendall's salary while Pittsburgh held the line at $18 million."

http://www.sportsline.com/mlb/teams/report/SD/7019163

Florida and San Diego both have offered to take Kendall off of Pitts hands if Pitts pays $24M of his remaining $42M. Pitts has mentioned that they would do $19M cash...or "may" go a "little" higher but not $24M. That comes out for picking up Kendall for NO MORE than $5.75M/year for the next 4 years. I would venture to guess that they would even take Wiki's 2/yr contract off our hands if we through in a 2nd or 3rd tier pitching prospect like Putz or Taylor, since they need a closer too. Including Wiki we would actually get $3.5M back from Cirillo's salary in 2004 & 2005. We also could lose Dan Wilson's $3.5M salary in 2005, and having Kendall on hand could result in picking up Wilson for around $2M in 2005.

Jarvis looks like he's finally heating up well enough to get some serious looks. It would benefit us if we can figure a way to dish him off to Brewers/Giants/Detriot and getting WHATEVER cash we can get back! Then pickup Kendall with $19M cash, and do a Wiki/Prospect swap with Pitts. I say Wiki instead of Davis, because I'm still a FIRM believer that the Philly's would trade for Davis, and we could easily get either Michaels or Utley...or even both!

2004-03-31T18:11:00.000-08:00

Friends we are getting close to a deal!

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/tribune-review/sports/pirateslive/s_187065.html

One person conspicuous by his absence is Pete Vuckovich, who has been scouting the Cactus League this spring. Vuckovich reportedly has been shadowing the Seattle Mariners to scout players for a potential Jason Kendall trade. While the other assistants reported to Florida, Vuckovich was told to stay in Arizona, which means a deal with the Mariners could be building.

The Mariners have offered catcher Ben Davis and pitcher Kevin Jarvis, and they want the Pirates to pick up a significant portion of the $42 million remaining on Kendall's contract.

2004-03-31T18:03:00.000-08:00

Higginson

http://www.detnews.com/2004/tigers/0403/31/e01-108782.htm

"The Detroit Tigers are shopping OF Bobby Higginson for a 5th starter."

I would hope Seattle looks the other way if Detriot comes knocking, even for Jarvis, wanting to ditch Higginson to us. He's got $17M+ left on his contract for 2 years. I personally would prefer Griffey, if we end up dishing out $5M+ for a power LH bat! Of course, Geoff Jenkins is still out there too.

Current talk really heating up A LOT more now than ever is:

1. Sending Jarvis/Davis to Pitts for Kendall/Cash;
2. Sending Jarvis/??? to Brewers for Jenkins;
3. Sending Jarvis/Cash to Giants (but Brewers already sent a pitcher to the Giants the other day, so the Giant's are likely out of the Jarvis bidding)

2004-03-29T20:09:00.000-08:00

GRIFFEY...being reported with minor calf strain.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=1771512

Cincy was already desperate enough to move his contract, before Griffey's minor calf strain that pulled him out of the game today in the 2nd inning. whatever trade value he had left, was just dropped to the floor.

I'm really starting to wonder if all this isn't just a setup Griffey is pulling so that Cincy would end up paying the majority of his salary, and the team he would be going to will prosper over the trade and get him for really cheap!

I've never seen him in possibly "purposefully" play like he didn't care about the game, until this spring when he knew he was going to be moved. And now this "minor" calf strain?!

Makes me wonder, if he knows he's coming to Seattle for the rest of his career, and wants Cincy to eat the majority of his contract?!

Something to ponder anyways...

2004-03-29T14:53:00.000-08:00

I just thought I'd post several articles that are hinting to a Griffey & Kendall deal for the M's:

KENDALL
Mariners assistant GM Roger Jongewaard ventured to Bradenton this week to watch Jason Kendall, adding further fuel to the deal with the Pirates. One GM who called Bucs GM Dave Littlefield said he is distracted trying to move Kendall.

GRIFFEY
http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/baseball/bal-sp.schmuck28mar28,0,2963178.story?coll=bal-sports-baseball

And another article:
http://tcpalm.com/tcp/baseball/article/0,1651,TCP_1057_2766760,00.html
Mariners manager Bob Melvin has a particular problem with the Griffey-to-Seattle rumors, as he tends to deal with baseball issues rooted in reality. He's handcuffed, too.

"I know nothing," Melvin said Sunday. He shrugged and sighed. He knew nothing.

"But you'll notice," the manager offered with a straight face, referring to the player always mentioned in trade scenarios involving the Reds, "that we're not starting Randy Winn in center field."

2004-03-27T02:33:00.000-08:00

Since I've been at it this evening, I have to throw one more scenerio out there. I truly don't feel the Brewers are seriously scouting the past 12 games JUST for Jarvis. That would be too absurd to think! I really feel its a Jenkins deal.

Something else to consider - The Brewers are VERY weak in their C position. Ben Davis would be a substantial improvement, and bats LH. They currently have 2 catchers with ZERO power. They even make Davis look really good with his current HR's thus far.

The Brewers are in a rebuilding & restructuring stage. And, 3-4 year $7.5M contracts are NOT part of that right now. They need young players with "POTENTIAL" like Davis & Franklin.

There was talk back in early December of trading Jenkins/Spivey to LA for Perez. Perez is NOT consistent, and had several bouts on the DL with shoulder soreness & a split fingernail. I think Franklin is a lot better pitcher than Perez, and has twice as many different kinds of pitches too!

We could be looking at a trade of:

Franklin/Jarvis/Davis for Jenkins/Spivey

Seattle would only have to come up with about $2.5M to get this deal done. If we include Rhett & McCracken (to replace LF), the Brewers are still coming out ahead in salary:

Franklin/Jarvis/Davis/Rhett/McCracken for Jenkins/Spivey

They get Franklin/Jarvis for SP. Rhett for long relief. Davis for C, which is hands down better than anything they got right now. And McCracken who's got incredibily AWESOME defense for every OF position w/speed.

The Brewers fill all needs, while getting smaller contract players that have a lot "potential".

2004-03-27T02:30:00.000-08:00

Ok, so here is what I personally would like to see done:

1. Jarvis: If Brewers will pick him up, and Seattle pays ½ his salary...DO IT! If Seattle has to pay $3M...DO IT! Get this Jack Wipe from the Cirillo trade off our team!

*NOTE 1: Don't forget about all of the Jenkins talk from back in December now. Back in early Nov, Brewers/Jenkins were discussing a contract extension, and THEN the Brewers halted negotiations. There was then a lot of talk that Brewers were planning to move him, and not resign him. THEN, come late December Seattle/Brewers rumors start flying. I stated back then that I didn't think Seattle would dish out ANY major potential pitching, especially someone like Franklin, unless a 3 year contract extension was guaranteed on Jenkins first...and I was estimating around $6.5-7.5M that Seattle would want himfor. All of a sudden, the Brewers start picking up MAJOR pace to get an extension done. Their initial offer was $18M for 3yrs...INTERESTING! All-Star outfielder agreed to a $23 million, three-year contract extension, a deal that includes a "team" option for 2008. If everyone has kept up with the financial problems regarding the Brewers, there was NO reason to get an extension done with Jenkins especially for that kind of money unless they had arrangements with another team. I just have a feeling the reason the Brewers scouts have been in our camp, is not only to watch Jarvis, but all our prospects (pitchers & position players). It wouldn't surprise me to see a trade that involved Franklin/Jarvis/Prospects for Jenkins! If this happened, then I see Seattle using Ibanez to backup Jenkins/Ichiro/Olerud/Speizo/Edgar & Ichiro would backup Winn in CF. Ibanez would pretty much play fulltime. We still could pull off a Winn/Griffey trade too!

*NOTE 2: If "NOTE 1" was too whacked regarding a Jenkins trade, and according to the rumors the Brewers are wanting Jarvis at a discounted price, then whatever the Brewers are "willing" to pay for his contract is gravy for us, and we get an available roster spot. Considering their scouts have seen how great Villone/Myers/Mullohand have done, it wouldn't surprise me if they negotiated someone like Mullohand & a position prospect like J. Strong...and then Brewers would pay more of Jarvis' salary.

2. Gibbons: If we don't get Jenkins, then I would seriously like the M's to make a strong run for Gibbons. If we picked up Gibbons, I would play the same scenerio with Ibanez...like I mentioned above...and whether we kept Winn or traded Winn for Griffey we'd be set in the OF. Gibbons jumped from $375k in 2003 to $2.4M in 2004, and he will NOT be a FA until after 2006...so we would have him locked up for 3 full seasons! I really think that a Franklin/Prospect would get the trade done, basically a salary wash, and Seattle would place Blackley in our rotation.

3. Kendall: Pitts has been trying to unload Kendall with $19-20M cash, without getting anything in return. Jarvis & Wiki both have a total of $8.25M left on their 2004 & 2005 contracts combined. So picking up Kendalll & $11-12M would be something that would get done. It would benefit Seattle more if the Brewers took Jarvis/prospects and paid whatever amt for Jarvis that is agreed upon. This way we would be getting "actual" cash back from the Cirillo trade. THEN, we just negotiate a Wiki/Kendall trade and Seattle gets $17M cash from Pitts. This will average out to be around $6.2M we are paying for Kendal for the next 4 years (amts vary every year though), but remember Wiki's contract is $1.25M/2004 & $2.25M/2005, and whatever we get Brewers to pay for Jarvis...lets assume $2M...that's another $5.5m. So, in essence, what we end up paying Kendall over the next 4 years is $19.5M total or on a "avg" of $4.9M. We also would move Davis' $1.4M salary annually, so that would actually avg about $3.5M for Kendall that the M's would pay...INTERESTING...isn't that what we are paying Wilson. And, I actually expect the M's would keep Wilson around, but at a reduced rate. I'm projecting the M's will sign him to another 2 year contract that is incentive laden. I'm guessing $2-2.5M w/$1M incentives.

4. Davis: Goes packing to the Philly's for Michaels & Utley.

5. Aaron Boone: Sign Boone to a 2 year contract, and if he makes the team this year in Aug/Sept, then he gets so much. If he makes the team in 2005, then he makes a specified amount with incentives.

6. Griffey: If a Jenkins OR Gibbons trade worked out, then we could choose to keep Winn since he's a switch hitter, or pull off a Winn for Griffey/$5m cash trade. This would give Cincy a great player with a cheap 3 year contract, that can fit into the any OF position, and will free up an additional $4.5M annually immediately (remember even though Griffey has $6.5M deferred, Cincy takes that money out of their budget every year

With Gibbons/Griffey/Kendall/A-Boone our lineup would look like:

Ichiro
Kendall
B.Boone
Griffey
Edgar
Gibbons (Ibanez can play LF & RF)
Aurilla
Olerud (Ibanez can play 1B)
Speizo/A.Boone (Ibanez can play 3B)

With Jenkins/Griffey/Kendall/A-Boone our lineup would look like:

Ichiro
Kendall
B.Boone
Griffey
Edgar
Jenkins (Ibanez can play LF & RF)
Aurilla
Olerud (Ibanez can play 1B)
Speizo/A.Boone (Ibanez can play 3B)

With Jenkins/Winn/Kendall/A-Boone our lineup would look like:

Ichiro
Kendall
B.Boone
Jenkins (Ibanez can play LF & RF)
Edgar
Winn
Aurilla
Olerud (Ibanez can play 1B)
Speizo/A.Boone (Ibanez can play 3B)

2004-03-27T02:27:00.000-08:00

Here is a little research I did this evening regarding possible trades & issues I've discuss earlier:

KENDALL

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/04087/292326.stm

“NOTES -- Seattle's chief scout was at yesterday's game, fueling speculation that the Mariners are serious about pursuing Jason Kendall.”

GRIFFEY
http://www.daytondailynews.com/sports/content/sports/reds/daily/0324reds.html

"And there was pre-game drama — more intrigue involving Ken Griffey Jr.

A pair of Seattle scouts were in the house, including senior scout Roger Jongewaard, who doesn't go out of his way to watch every Tom, Dick and Harry.

Griffey spotted them eating in the media dining room and said, "Oh, oh. You know what that means? Been nice knowin' you."

GIBBONS

http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/articles/2004/03/26/theo_and_the_trio_get_high_marks_around_mlb/

Q: With Trot Nixon out for a month (or longer!) does Theo know that the O's are shopping Jay Gibbons to the Dodgers for a relief pitcher? Gibbons is a young guy who had great numbers last year and salary-wise he would be comparatively cheap. He'd be a steal!! Tell Theo to take his eyes of the waiver wire and make a deal for this kid!
-- Bill Reynolds, Dublin, Va.

A: Bill, that's a good call, and I can assure you that Theo has a good idea of everyone that might be available at this point. I think the Orioles would prefer to use Gibbons to get a starting pitcher, and the Sox don't exactly have a surplus of those around.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A61335-2004Mar15.html

“For Orioles, a Deal May Be in Cards - Gibbons for a Pitcher Is a Possibility”

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A56241-2004Mar13.html

“Baltimore Ponders Move to Add a Starter -
Payroll Flexibility, Lack of Depth in Rotation Make a Deal Look Attractive”

Willie & Bocachica?!

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/baseball/166573_mbok27.html

NOTES: …Hiram Bocachica keeps pushing Willie Bloomquist for the top utility job.

2004-03-19T23:01:00.000-08:00

More O's News & Rumors:

http://www.latimes.com/sports/baseball/mlb/dodgers/la-sp-dodrep19mar19,1,5916949.story?coll=la-headlines-sports-mlb-dodger

Baltimore Oriole outfielder Larry Bigbie apparently is high on the list of players the Dodgers are pursuing in trade talks, sources said.

In 83 games for the Orioles last season, Bigbie, 26, batted .303 with nine home runs and 31 runs batted in and had a .365 on-base percentage. He has played in 146 games in parts of the last three seasons, batting .272 with a .339 on-base percentage.

The Orioles, sources said, would prefer to trade outfielder Jay Gibbons to the Dodgers for rotation help.

This would mean they are looking for a Perez kind of a pitcher, and I think they won't consider the $9M price tag for Nomo. Perez had a horrible 2nd half in 2003, on and off the DL several times because of shoulder soreness & split fingernail.

I really think that Franklin would be a better fit for them, and basically a salary swap! I feel Franklin would of been a 20 game winner in 2003 if he would of got ANY kind of run support from our offense. The O's have the offense to make Franklin shine!. Plus Franklin has a better ERA than Perez, and more consistent, and has 5-6 different kinds of pitches.

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/baseball/bal-sp.vecsey19mar19,0,1424783.column?coll=bal-sports-baseball

"The Orioles' good young arms of tomorrow are just that. Tomorrow...Time to find a No. 2 or 3 starter to bolster this rotation. Kris Benson, Odalis Perez, Danny Haren, Jarrod Washburn."

Franklin would be A LOT cheaper than Benson, Perez, Haren, or Washburn!

2004-03-18T19:25:00.000-08:00

O's Marketing Jay Gibbons

http://baltimore.orioles.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/bal/news/bal_news.jsp?ymd=20040316&content_id=657894&vkey=spt2004news&fext=.jsp

Rumors, rumors: A published report Tuesday said the Orioles were interested in a starting pitcher and would be willing to deal right fielder Jay Gibbons, who would be considered a bargain at $2.6 million this season.

Beattie said the club would be interested in a front-line pitcher, but none of the team's outfielders, including Larry Bigbie and Luis Matos, are on the trading block.

"We don't want to make a trade to improve ourselves in one area and hurt ourselves in another," Beattie said. "That's kind of the balancing act of where we are. We're not looking for a fifth starter.

"I read something about Gibbons saying he took back-to-back trips [to be showcased for other teams], but we never tell [manager Lee] Mazzilli who to bring."

The Dodgers, who are desperate for offense, are believed to be interested in Gibbons but likely don't have the premium starter to offer Baltimore. Kaz Ishii and Odalis Perez apparently are available, but neither is a front-line starter.

Suggestions
Franklin maybe enough to pick him up, and the salary is about a wash. But, if we have to give up Franklin & Nageotte, I'm all for it!

2004-03-18T13:49:00.000-08:00

Davis & Philly's

I posted this back on 1/28/2004, but I'm not finding it in my archives, so I'll post it again.

Philly's Needs & Wants: Bullpen depth to replace Mesa, Williams, Adams, Plesac and Wendell.

Although the Phils have not openly announced that they are looking to trade either Michaels or Utley, they have casually mentioned the possibility. It was even speculated that the Phils might dangle the pair in hopes of acquiring a solid young catcher to back up and someday replace the veteran Mike Lieberthal.

This was an interesting revelation, especially with word out of Seattle that the Mariners might be close to signing World Series hero, Pudge Rodgriguez, to a free agent contract. The Mariners have made no secret of their interest in Pudge, but acknowledge that they would first have to trade one of their two catchers, veteran Dan Wilson or youngster Ben Davis.

The mention of Davis might bring forth more than a passing interest among Phillie officials. Only 27 years of age, Davis is a local player, with roots to Philadelphia, and a solid lefty bat to support Lieberthal. It does not take a vivid imagination to picture the Phils potential interest in Davis, given the dirth of catching prospects in the organization, and Davis’s potential long-term future as a Phil.

Would a Jason Michaels, or Chase Utley be enough to interest the Mariners in a trade. Perhaps. Davis has a contract for 1.4 million dollars this year, and a Michaels/Utley duo might be enough to entice the Mariners to say yes. Would the Phils be interested? While difficult to say, they seem to be going out of their way to indicate that Michaels and Utley are far from guaranteed employment in Philadelphia this year.

Add to this conjecture the fact that Arbuckle said that it was “highly unlikely” that either Michaels or Utley would be sent to the minors, and a Davis for Michaels/Utley trade makes perfect sense. I don't think that Michaels & Utley are arbitration eligible for another 2 years either!

If we were able to pickup Kendall, then trading Davis to the Philly's for Michaels & Utley would save us approx. another $900k. Maybe they would even take Bloomquist, since we would get Utley back in return.

2004-03-18T09:07:00.000-08:00

PITTS/Kendall

"The Pirates claim they have lost $30 million since moving into PNC Park, built primarily with public funding, at the start of the 2001 season. Owner Kevin McClatchy reportedly wants to take the payroll down to $35 million this season, which would be among the lowest in the major leagues."

"San Diego again began pursuing Kendall midway through last season, but the Padres and Pirates could not agree to financial terms on what would have been a blockbuster trade. The deal collapsed in late July when San Diego wanted the Pirates to include $25 million to defray Kendall's salary while Pittsburgh held the line at $18 million."

"But now, General Manager Dave Littlefield must hope that lightning can strike thrice or maybe four times once again, as he goes about the business of trying to find a third baseman, a closer, a left-handed power hitter that can contribute at first base and in right field and a starting pitcher."

During this offseason, Pitts actually agreed to send $19M with Kendall's contract. Florida and San Diego both have offered to take Kendall off of Pitts hands if Pitts pays $24-$25M of his remaining $42M. Pitts has mentioned that they would do $19M cash...or may go a "little" higher but not $24M. I think $21 would be the MAX they would go, and all that was getting nothing in return except to dump the difference in Kendall's salary.

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/04035/268900.stm

"No question Kendall's contract, especially the final two years of it when he's due about $24 million, is a nagging hamstring injury to their financial flexibility. Kendall will play hard for the Pirates for however long he's here, but, yes, he certainly wouldn't mind playing in San Diego or somewhere on the West Coast or with a team that has a much better opportunity to win than do the Pirates. Problem with trading him is that back end of his contract."

I haven't a doubt Pitts would take Jarvis & Wiki in a hardbeat and just take the difference off the $19-21M they can arrange with the M's (Jarvis/Wiki for Kendall & $14M cash). We could also throw in a 2nd or 3rd tier pitching prospect like Looper or Putz or Taylor. The salary difference in Kendalls 2004 $8M contract? Seattle only pays $2.5M in 2004, and arrange for the entire $14M cash from Pitts to be evenly dispursed to Kendall durring 2005-2007.

Kendall is a gap hitter that uses the "entire" field, and would do awesome at Safeco.

My 2004 Projections: Will will pickup Griffey's deferred portion of his salary, maybe pay an additional $1M with Cinny picking up $5M/yr, and pickup Kendall while sending Davis packing in a Philly's trade. Earlier this week, rumor has it that the O's are shopping Jay Gibbons and his $2.6M for a starting pitcher that would fill their #5 slot.

We have $9.9M in cash at the moment on the books. Seattle management is GREAT at down playing how much money they have to spend to the media, and I think with good reason! If teams, agents, players figure out exactly how much we have on hand, they will be asking for every penny of it. Other teams know we have "a little" money right now, but supposedly not a lot, and we are NOT desperate by any means. This will be great for the M's on the negotiating table, and will allow them to have the upper hand!

Seattle should do the following trades in this order (remember we have $9.9M in cash):
1. Jarvis/Wiki for Kendall/$14M cash - (Throw in Looper if need be)
- Our cost will be $2.5 extra in 2004 for Kendall's 2004 salary,
- Arrange for Pitts to pay the $14M during 2005-2007 averaging $4.66M/year to,
- M's management can use this trade to down play their cash on hand even more.
2. Move Davis to Philly for Utley/Michaels
- See my 1/28/2004 post regarding why this will happen
- Saves us approximately an additional $900k
3. Move Franklin ($2M) for Jay Gibbons ($2.6M)
- See my 3/16/2004 post regarding the O's shopping Gibbons,
- This would virtually be a salary swap,
- We move Blackley into the rotation,
- Scouting report has him hitting 300BA and 35HR+ in 2004
- Gibbons not FA eligible until after 2006 season
- LH power bat that plays LF/RF/1B, and gets great jumps on balls
- Plays great defense, could be a great backup for either Winn or Griffey in CF, and Olerud at 1B
4. If we get Gibbons, then move Winn/Rhett Johnson for Griffey (+ cash)
- Cinny will pay $5M in Griffey's remaining salary
- We will be responsible for the deferred portions
- We invest the deferred portions, which will start to be distributed starting in 2013

2004-03-17T21:59:00.000-08:00

Kendall News

I have been mentioning this for the past several weeks on the Seattle PI Blog, but actually added it to my blog early this morning. Impecable timing! This just in this evening:

http://www.foxsports.com/content/view?contentId=2239944

Mariners eyeing Pirates' Kendall The Mariners, intensifying their efforts to land an impact hitter, have expressed an interest in Pirates catcher Jason Kendall, according to major-league sources.

Kendall, 29, has four years and $42 million remaining on his contract. To complete a deal, the Pirates likely would take back pitcher Kevin Jarvis, who is earning $4.25 million, and a catcher, either Ben Davis or Wiki Gonzalez. Pittsburgh would also assume a chunk of Kendall's remaining salary.
The Mariners, a team that stresses defense, might not be entirely comfortable with Kendall's work behind the plate, but the career .304 hitter also could serve as a designated hitter and has played outfield in the past.
Kendall has a no-trade clause, and his approval would be required to complete any deal. He consented to a proposed trade to the Padres in January, but San Diego ownership nixed the deal.
The Pirates also are trying to add a second baseman and have expressed interest in the Brewers' Keith Ginter.

http://www.foxsports.com/named/FS/MLB/player?categoryId=85757

Mar 09 2004 - The Dodgers are believed to have spoken with the Pirates about Jason Kendall. It is believed Kendall would waive his no-trade clause to go to Los Angeles. If the Dodgers acquire him, Paul LoDuca would probably move to first base, allowing Shawn Green to go back to right field. Kendall would fit nicely into the No. 2 spot in the order. The hang-up is Kendall's contract, which pays him $42 million until 2007. No word what the Pirates would get from LA, but Odalis Perez is a strong possibility.

I've been pushing this trade since December.

Pitts had actually agreed to send $19M cash just to move Kendall's $42M contract, but mentioned they could possibly do a "little" more. Both Florida & San Diego wanted him but wanted Pitts to pickup $24-25M of his remaining contract. And all of this was without Florida or San Diego giving up "anything"!

I believe Pitts will send upto $21M with Kendall. I have been saying since December, that we could send Jarvis/Wiki to Pitts for Kendall & $14M in cash. The salary difference in 2004 is ONLY $2.5M. Then we package up Davis and send him to the Phillys for Jason Michaels & Utley. They will keep Wilson around after 2004, to work & help Kendall with his defense, be Wilson a backup catcher, and take a cut in salary $2-2.5M with an incentive laden contract for another $1. By dishing Davis to Philly's for Michaels & Utley, we would be saving approximately $1M in salary difference to the Philly's in 2004. So in essence we are getting kendall for $1.5M for 2004, and improving our bench with Utley & Michaels at the same time! The $14M cash wouldn't kick in until 2005-2007 that would average $4.3M/annually that Pitts pays Kendall.

For those close games, in the 7th inning that Kendall starts, we can always throw Wilson in to finish the game for his defense!

2004-03-17T11:48:00.000-08:00

Trade Moves I Want by April

I have broken down the Mariner contracts we currently have on our 25-man & 40-man roster. I come up with $9,912,000 in cash on hand at the present. Here is a summary of some of my ideas that could really put the M's over the top this year, and we would be within our $95M budget:

1. First of all, trade 2 of our good pitching prospects to Cinn for Griffey. Cinn has already acknowledged on several occasions last year that they were willing to pay $5M/cash annually for the remaining of Griffey's contract through 2009. We would be responsible for $1M cash & the entire $6.5M deferred salary every year through 2009, just make sure that we are responsible for the deferred portion. The M's can then turn around and invest the deferred amount of Griffey's salary and get much (if not all) of the $39M deferred salary back on interest alone by the time Griffey's last distribution is paid out. If we need to move a player for a roster spot, then give them Santiago or McCracken. I reviewed McCracken's defense in all outfield positions, and his defense is superb! If I recall, out of around 2,900 innings he has only about 9 errors. He would be a great bench player, for us to keep, that could be used to come off the bench after the 7th inning in very close games, that defense would be critical past the 7th inning! Only if the M's can pull off my next trade (Franklin for Gibbons), would I favor trading Winn/Prospect for Griffey.

2. Swap Franklin ($2M) with Jay Gibbons ($2.6M) which would almost be a wash. Move Blackley into the rotation. We would have two LHP's Moyer/Blackley. Moyer being a soft throwing lefty, and Blackley being just the opposite, a hard throwing lefty. We also have Nageotte or Villone that would fit really nicely in the #5 spot as well.

3. If and only if we pickup both Jay Gibbons & Griffey, then trade Winn away and free up his salary. If Cinny demanded Winn in the trade, then Seattle could go aggressively at Gibbons. Also, the Cards would die to get their hands on a leadoff man that is an OFer like Winn! Would Tampa Bay do a Aubrey Huff for Winn/Prospect trade? If we only pickup Griffey, then I really would like to see us keep Winn as our 4th OFer that Platoons with Ibanez, and contributes greatly toward giving all our OFers proper rest, so we're fresh by the end of the year!

4. Pickup Aaron Boone on a minor league contract, while he's rehabing, and give him a pre-determined amount if he makes the team by Aug/Sept. Same thing for 2005, have a team option for 2005 if he makes the team, and have incentives built into the contract.

5. Trade Jarvis/Wiki to Pitts for (Kendall + $14M in cash). Kendall makes $8M in 2004...salary difference of $2.5M for 2004, remaining cash of $14M Pitts owes will go toward his salary in 2005-07!

6. If we picked up Kendall, then trade Davis to Philly's for Utley & Michaels (saving $900k). We still have Pat Borders available as well to call up if need be, if we traded Davis.

We have many prospects that we can entice teams to make the above moves. But, considering that Cinny & Pitts are both extremely desperate to move Griffey & Kendall, Seattle would be holding the best cards on the negotiating table!

2004-03-17T11:31:00.000-08:00

Griffey reunion
I really feel strongly that a Griffey reunion would be big P/R for Seattle. And, I really think we can pull this off in a financial way that makes total financial sense.

I have heard baseball analyst state, since last July, that Cinn Reds would be willing to pay up to $5M/annually of Griffey's remaining contract just to move him! There is also the $5.5M in deferred salary in 2000, and $6.5M in deferred salary from 2001-2003 that Cinn Reds have been budgeting in, according to management, every year since the contract started (even though they don't have to pay it out until starting in 2009 and beyond). Cinn is responsible for the deferred money from FY2000-FY2003 payable in 2009-2012.

If we can arrange a trade with Cinn that would allow us to defer his $6.5M portion of his salary, and then also pay $1M of his cash salary the remaining 6 years, and Cinn Reds pay the remaining $5M in cash annually...our deferred money wouldn't have to be paid out until "after" Cinn pays there portion of deferred money through 2012. If Seattle could be responsible for Griffey's deferred money for 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 then that money wouldn't be payable until 2013 and beyond! Starting in 2004 Seattle puts $6.5M/annually into "guaranteed" fixed funds of at least 6%-7.5% and after 2009 the money compounds annually until the 1st dispursment is made in 2013 for $6.5M, and then every year thereafter. Estimating a "gauranteed" 6-7.5% is very conservative with this amount of money, and there are fixed rates that actually get above 10% and that are safe haven's. I figured out detailed charts on interest money the would make on these gauranteed fixed funds at 6%, 7.5%, and also 10%.

If we agreed to pay $1M of his cash salary annually, and Cinn Reds pick up the remaining $5M in cash…It's like us paying Griffey' only $2M/year for the next 6 years when investing his annual deferral into a "gauranteed" 6% fixed fund. This is being very conservative, and for this amount of money, 7.5-10% in guaranteed funds are available and very management!

By investing in a "gauranteed" 7.5% fixed fund, we actually make more interest than Griffey's deferred $39M (including 2009) salary combined. And, we still have $7.4M extra! So, if we agreed to pay $1M of his cash salary from 2004-2009, which totals $6M, and Cinn Reds pay $5M cash from 2004-2009 for his annual salary...it's like getting Griffey for free for the next 6 years!!!

The question is: How can we entice Cinn Reds to pay the $5M cash annually, and let us defer the $6.5M & pay the additional $1M? Give them a couple of our top pitching prospects, and I don't know what the recent issue in spring training regarding Rhett Johnson's attitude is, but I would say Rhett & possible Nageotte.

PLEASE NOTE: I really think we need to keep Winn as our backup 4th OFer for security reasons. But, if we make a strong move for Jay Gibbons, then I would move Winn/prospect for Griffey. This way if Griffey does go down this year we have an awesome player to fillin, either Winn or Gibbons. Also, if Edgar goes down then Griffey or Gibbons can step into Edgar's lineup spot! Also, Gibbons is another LH bat that can play well at 1B. We would have Speizo/Ibanez/Gibbons to backup Olerud as well.

Gibbons salary in 2004 is $2.6M, and they are marketing him for another pitcher. Move Franklin for Gibbons, and then we can move Blackley in the rotation.

INVESTMENT RESOURCES & RESEARCH TO CONSIDER
FDIC - CD's - http://www.fisn.com/rates.htm
CD Alternative Investments - http://www.fisn.com/CDalternatives.htm
CD Tips - http://www.bankrate.com/overkeyword/news/sav/20000918a.asp
Playing CD's - http://www.bankrate.com/overkeyword/news/sav/20000609.asp

Another issue would be annual taxes for the M's on the interest earned. But, there are many ways to "defer" this money, that would be similiar to 457 Plans that the M's can setup for this purpose!

2004-03-16T19:26:00.000-08:00

Jay Gibbons is noted to be on the trading block, with LA interested.

This guy plays GREAT defense, and is a LH power bat, made $375,000 in 2003, will make $2.6M in 2004. Plays LF/RF/1B, but "could" do very well in CF also, because he's known to have great jumps on the ball, and charges agressively at base hits. Orioles are shopping him for a pitcher. How about Franklin, and move Blackley into the rotation?

I've been wanting us to go after Griffey & keep Winn as our 4th OFer, but if we were able to pickup Gibbons & Griffey I wouldn't hesitate on moving Winn in the Griffey deal. Ibanez/Gibbons/Speizo could backup Olerud giving Olerud 70-80% playing time, and ample rest during the season. Gibbons would give Ibanez/Griffey/Ichiro proper rest. Griffey/Gibbons can give Edgar proper rest, and backup Edgar just in case of an injury. All OFers could easily get 80% playing time, making sure that everyone is well rested by Aug/Sept! If all OFers knew that the intent was to play them all equally, and under the best situational hitting, then you wouldn't have to worry about "Mondesi" kind of egos to tend with.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/stats?statsId=6635&context=batting

Mar. 16 The Orioles have made it known that would trade Jay Gibbons for the right deal and it's believed that the Dodgers would be willing to part with a starting pitcher to land him, according to the Washington Post.

Mar. 14 The Dodgers are reportedly interested in acquiring Jay Gibbons from the Orioles, according to the LA Times.

SCOUTING REPORT
2003 Season
This former Rule 5 draftee continued to pay dividends for the Orioles. Jay Gibbons posted career highs in at-bats, doubles, RBI and batting average. It's likely his .245 batting average in September was due to a lack of stamina after two years of injuries. He made terrific strides in driving in runs as the Orioles' No. 5 hitter. Gibbons finally avoided the wrist ailments that plagued him the prior two seasons.

Hitting
Gibbons generates a lot of his power from mistake fastballs, especially ones thrown on the inside part of the plate. His plate discipline has improved, and he doesn't chase high fastballs as often as he did in the past. Gibbons' compact swing allows him to inside-out pitches and drive them to the left-center gap. This approach helps him hold his own against southpaws. He does a good job of studying pitchers and is very effective the third and fourth time around the batting order.

Baserunning & Defense
Gibbons began his career as an above-average first baseman. Over the last two seasons, he's spent most of his time in right field. He works hard on his defense and has made good progress. He aggressively charges balls hit in front of him, making spectacular catches at times. He's improved his range to nearly average, so he's no longer a liability in right. His throws are accurate, and he'll throw out runners who test his arm. He struggles at times getting to balls hit into the right-center gap because he lacks foot speed. He remains a station-to-station runner who can clog up the bases. Gibbons can go from first to third only when the ball is driven into the gap and to the wall. He rarely attempts to steal a base.

2004 Outlook
Gibbons is in the prime of his career and continues to make solid progress. This should be the year he reaches the 35-homer plateau and records a batting average better than .300. If the Orioles improve at the top of the order, his run production will improve as well.

Ariticles on Jay Gibbons
Here is the Washington Post Link:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A17287-2004Feb29.html

You have to register to get access to the LA Times, but here is the link:
http://www.latimes.com/sports/baseball/mlb/dodgers/la-sp-dodgers14mar14,1,5443255.story?coll=la-headlines-sports-mlb-dodger

2004-03-16T19:20:00.000-08:00

2004-01-28T13:46:00.000-08:00

This site will be dedicated toward presenting the DR's opinions & brainstorming trade/move ideas for the M's. Get the DR's opinions of what adjustments & fixes are needed to fill and patch the Mariners Gaps and Holes.