This will be a good place to post any trade rumors that you find noteworthy (Tiger related or not).

This first one isn't so much a "rumor" as it is "speculation".

Interesting nonetheless...

http://www.nypost.com/sports/yankees/65927.htm


With Carl Pavano and Octavio Dotel expected to rejoin the team soon, the Yanks could have some excess pitching to trade to find a stopgap or they could dip into the best of their slim prospect basket to try to do better. Cashman said, "My preference is always to look from within."

Still, the push from outside will be strong, and Soriano is the most obvious name. He is now playing left field, has stated his strong desire to return to the Yankees and Washington GM Jim Bowden has indicated in the past week that his team is disappointing enough that he might be willing to trade now. The Nationals also have the erratic Jose Guillen, who is coming up on free agency and could be available.

Ken Griffey just returned from yet another DL stint, but his expense/injury history is probably too much, even for the Yanks. The Phillies dangled Bobby Abreu previously, but they were looking for top-of-the-rotation help. As for more temporary salves the Yanks could look into Kansas City's Reggie Sanders, Minnesota's Lew Ford, Detroit's Craig Monroe or Dmitri Young, Arizona's Eric Byrnes or Jeff DaVanon, Milwaukee's Brady Clark, Pittsburgh's Craig Wilson, Baltimore's Jeff Conine and Philadelphia's David Dellucci.

For now, they will be forced to live with Melky Cabrera, Bubba Crosby and Bernie Williams sharing the corner jobs, with Kevin Reese being summoned from Columbus for further depth. "We are not going to sit around and say, 'what if,' " Torre said.

Thats great. I'm not sure about our 3rd base issue, a name I'm considering is Alex Rodriguez.

For DY I want ARod and Rivera, well, and cash to cover those big contracts.

Realistically, if we could get anything worthwhile for DY I'd be happy.

We are just fine at 3rd base, defensively and offensively.

I'd love to trade Young for a reliever. I think our bats are just fine with Thames/Vance at the DH. I wouldn't mind getting a good reliever so Zumaya could start or go back down.

I wouldn't mind getting a good reliever so Zumaya could start or go back down.

Sorry, Arch, but I see no way of that happening. In Detroit, Zumaya will be in the 'pen. It seems Dombrowski's pretty set on it. And with his performance in Detroit so far, there's no reason to send him down. He wouldn't be the one to go down if we got another reliever, because he means too much to our success.

As strange as it sounds, I'm not really sure what I would want for this team that the Yankees could give us. I mean, a middle infielder to back up Polanco and Guillen (for when he eventually does get hurt again) would be nice - something that makes me more confident than Omar Infante or Ramon Santiago - but do the Yankees have anything there that they would give up? That rumor talks about tham having extra starting pitchers to trade. We have statistically the best starters in all of baseball right now. Sure, they aren't big names that you would want to hang all your hopes on, but it's hard to knock their performance so far. If we were to take a deal with one of their starters, who would it be and which of our starters would be the guy to lose his job? Unless you can make a valid point, I don't think the Tigers would deal. And even though his average sucks right now, I don't think Craig Monroe should be traded unless it was a cost-cutting move for another team. He's a good piece on this club and he'll heat up. If you look at splits for his past 3 seasons, you'll see that he hits .250 in April and .247 in May, but .283 in June, .281 in July, .276 in August and .284 in Spetmeber. August and September are his leading power months as well. While he's currently only hitting a horrible .230, the fact is he has won a number of games for this team and in spite of everything he's tied for 2nd on the team in RBI and 3rd in HR. Just wait until after the All-Star break with this cat. You won't want to trade him.
As for the DY trade talks, that's fine. He's getting older and older and health continues to be a factor, but if he's healthy he might be valuable in a pennant run. Don't let early-season Vance Wilson numbers fool you into thinking he's a nice DH for us.

The TB Devil Rays have talked to a number of teams about sending LF Carl Crawford packing because TB does not feel they can keep him beyond this season because of his pending Free Agency. The demands seem to be reasonable at this point however as more teams become interested the price will go up.

TB is looking for pitching prospects if not a young ML ready arm.

The Rays have talked to Detroit but no offical offer has occured. The Angels have reportedly offered Ervin Santana The Dodgers are also in the running. It is believed that TB likes several of the Tigers minor league prospects, and the Tigers could be the front runners according to Richard Justice of the Houston Chronicle, and of ESPN news fame.

Two days ago Leyland expressed his desire to add speed perhaps this was a subtle hint in regards to acquiring Crawford. Crawford can move on the bases, hits for average, has power and is left handed, so to me it seems like the perfect deal to get in on.

I think picking him up would be solid, as long as we don't have to talk about losing young studs like Zoumaya or Rodney. If we can keep guys like that and still get a good bat, then I'd be pretty excited about getting Crawford.

Crawford would be a great add for us.

The national pundits have been saying that the Tigers really lack speed, not that that means anything, but I know that Leyland wants to run more.

As much as I would like Crawford (as long as we don't have to give up too much), it occurs to me with Sheffield and Matsui possibly out for the year, we're likely competing with the Yankees for him too, not that they have a whole lot to offer besides $.

Do you have a link to this JS, or was it overheard?

Crawford+Grand+Maybin=good coverage in the outfield, yes? Maggs can DH in a couple years.

I fucking LOVE CARL CRAWFORD! He is a stud. I would trade virtually anything for him NOT NAMED Verlander or Zumaya.

Maybe we can snag Huff to play 3B too, then Inge could go back to being a Super Utility guy or he could even shuffle off to TB himself.

I heard there were rumors about Huff coming a while ago...Not sure if they are still true. If we were to grab Huff and Crawford from them it would be a robbery.

Huff is hitting like .180. Rather use Hanny.

So you're against buying low? lol

So you're against buying low? lol
I was thinking the same thing.

Do you actually think that Huff is a .180 hitter?

well, I checked his stats, and yes I think he's a .180 hitter. Maybe he lights it up and gets to .210 when he arives, I don't know. I'm no fan of Inge and consider a lefty stick our biggest need, but when a guy stinks he stinks.

Yeah...a career .283 hitter. He sucks

how can we acquire his career? Can we deal the ghost of Al Kaline?

There's an old baseball cliche that goes something like "at the end of the day, a player will end up with similar stats to those on the back of his baseball card".

Basically, a .200 hitter doesn't suddenly become a consistent .300 hitter, just as a .283 hitter doesn't suddenly become a .180 hitter.

Hey Glenn, there's a "Sam Sosa" on line one wants to talk to you.

Yeah, I think there is an "end of your career" exception to that cliche.

Guys that hang on too long defy that logic for sure.

I think it's meant more as a general rule of thumb.

Injuries, age and massively growing heads can throw a wrench into the equation.

He's also trending down.

03 - .311
04 - .297
05 - .261

I'll take a "down" year of .261, 22 HR & 92 RBI over our current .211 hitting, .236 career hitting 3B anytime.

But there are concerns, no doubt, as Huff has had some injuries in his past. But I don't think there's any doubt that he's an upgrade over Inge.

Huff has averaged 28 HR & 101 RBI over his past three years.

That looks awfully good to me.

(apologies to JS, we're losing sight of this being a Carl Crawford thread. Feel free to split this off if you'd like to, JS)

He's also trending down.

03 - .311
04 - .297
05 - .261

It's as if the end of the steroids era was the end of his competency.

I'm not saying he's gonna come here and hit .200, but I'd be much more shocked if he just snapped back to All-Star form.

Huff's also a huge stretch playing 3B. They tried to stick him everywhere else they could think of before conceding to their lack of an alternative at third and leaving him there. Inge isn't a "great" defensive third baseman by any means, but for every error he makes, it seems like he saves a double or a triple with a great play down the line (not to mention alot of infield singles with his cannon). I'm not opposed to acquiring Huff as a throw-in, but he's not necessarily a "perfect" fit.

As for Crawford, I think we're all in agreement that he'd be an outstanding pickup. He's 24, has all the tools, and would be a great, great fit. By no means do I want to see it happen like this, but I wouldn't even be completely opposed to throwing Maybin into a package for him. I only mention this because we would probably have to throw him in if we wanted to get this done. They're not going to give him up for a Zach Minor and a Will Ledezma alone.

I don't know where anyone got the idea that the Rays are worried about keeping him, though, so all this speculation might be pointless. He's locked up through 2010 at a pretty friendly contract. He only makes 4 mill next year, and 5 mill in 2008. I really can't see them dealing him unless they get a king's ransom in return, thus I mentioned Maybin.

The speculation probably comes because they have a surplus of good if not great outfielders. They have Crawford, Jonny Gomes, Joey Gaithright, and Rocco Baldelli, plus Delmon Young who, though controversial, is still far and away the best hitting prospect in baseball. I could see them trading somebody, just not necessarily Crawford.

I could see this playing out like it did for the Royals a few years back. Every year there was talk of them trading Damon and Beltran, and every year they waited and waited and then didn't do anything untill they were in their contract years.

His OBP is a little lower than what I would like but I wouldn't mind trading for him as long as we don't have to break the bank to get him.

ESPN insider said he is a pending FA. If he is not great then all the power to trade whatever it takes. However what I don't get is why TB would want to trade a "5 Tool Player" who is locked in for a reasonable rate. I guess they must think they have enough young bats and need arms.

http://www.benmaller.com/archives/2006/june/08.html#102368


jun 1 - According to published reports, the Dodgers are one of several teams interested in Carl Crawford, but unless the Devil Rays receive an overwhelming offer for the speedy outfielder, they probably won't move him before the July 31 deadline.

"That's just a normal, logical thought, but that's not to say we want to get rid of C.C.," manager Joe Maddon told the St. Petersburg Times. "You could take one guy on a lot of different teams and pinpoint that one guy and say you're going to get four or five nice players for him, absolutely. I love C.C. I hope he never goes anywhere but here."

Richard Justice talk about the Tigers was from Gamenight and a brief mention on BBTN

He's locked in at 4 million for next year, 5 mill in 08, and then there are team options for 2009 and 2010 at like 9 and 10 million each. I'll see if I can find some backup.

ESPN insider said he is a pending FA. If he is not great then all the power to trade whatever it takes. However what I don't get is why TB would want to trade a "5 Tool Player" who is locked in for a reasonable rate. I guess they must think they have enough young bats and need arms.

Well, he certainly would bring the most value, which is why I guess they would trade him instead of one of the others.

Sure, they prefer Crawford over Baldelli, but they must be thinking of it like this:

Carl Crawford and What they could get for Rocco Baldelli

<

Baldelli and What they can get for Crawford..

I've never seen this site before, but they have listed what I remember hearing for Crawford, so I'm going to assume it's legit:

http://www.mlb4u.com/profile.php?id=217


Contract:

deal for 2005 season worth 370K was renewed on 3/11/05- + he could earn 20K in bonuses for reaching 500PA- + signed 4-year deal worth 15.25M on 4/1/05 that superceded deal for 2005 season- + he receives a 500K signing bonus and salaries of 500K in 2005, 2.5M in 2006, 4M in 2007, and 5.25M in 2008- + the deal includes a Team Option for 2009 worth 8.25M or a 2.5M buyout- + if the 2009 option is exercised, then a Team Option for 2010 worth 10M or a 1.25M buyout is added- + 2010 option value could rise to 11.5M based on various escalators, including one for AL MVP votes- + as part of the deal, he will donate up to 400K to the Rays of Hope Foundation- + if traded, he receives a bonus worth up to 800K
Agent: Brian Peters

Send them Gomez, Colon and ANYONE they want from the farm system, just nobody else from the majors (unless they want Santiago for some reason). Send them $5 million if they need it as well. It's well worth it to get this kid. Absolute freaking stud.

Question though. If we land him, what spot in the lineup do we use him? He's batting #2 for the D-Rays tonight. I hate to talk about taking Granderson from the leadoff spot, but Crawford has more speed. Would you consider Crawford at #1 and Granderson somewhere else? Granderson has the better OBP (though Crawford still has .350), but CC is SO much faster. 21 SB so far this year.

You absolutly lead him off. Grandy's done a great job getting on, but I say put him in an RBI slot and let CC tear up the bases.

The angels are now talking about him.

Screw the Angels. They have Garret Anderson in left. We'll put Crawford in left and Monroe at DH (and spot duty at all 3 OF positions to give regulars a day off and let Pudge DH).

Actually, if the Angels are going to get Crawford, the least they could do is send us Anderson.

http://fantasysports.yahoo.com/analysis/news?slug=skinny_061906&prov=yhoo&type=lgns&league=fantasy/mlb


Earmuffs, AL-only owners: Trade rumors for crazy legs Carl Crawford are really beginning to heat up. Over the last couple of weeks the Angels, Cubs, Dodgers and Rockies have contacted the D-Rays front office inquiring about his services. One of the elite players in fantasy, Crawford said that the trade rumors were "not really serious," but he is intrigued by the possibilities of playing for a contender. According to one source, the Angels low-balled Tampa Bay, offering starter Ervin Santana straight up for Crawford. Ultimately, it will take a number of top prospects, along with a frontline starter, in order for a deal to get done considering he is one of the premiere all-around threats, and only 25 years of age.

For those of you hoarding FAAB cash in NL-only formats, start sacrificing small animals to the trade gods now. Although a deal is highly unlikely at this point, could you imagine if Crawford played everyday in Colorado? On pace for a libido driving 20 HR, 75 RBIs, 100 runs and 50 steals, his power totals would certainly edge closer to 30 bombs and 90 RBIs with a move to Coors. If you're in a competitive AL-only league, don't panic. It will take a blockbuster offer for the D-Rays to pack his bags.

I hate that quote Glenn. Some fantasy dork talking about Crawford playing every day in Coors. Truth is, nobody plays in Coors every day. It's always only half the time. Besides that, I don't think Coors inflates numbers quite as much as it used to. There are enough other small parks and bad pitchers that Coors has a limited impact.

Anyhow, Ervin Santana straight up is a joke. Until 2 weeks ago he was 4-3 with a 4.64 ERA. Sure, he's young, but so is Crawford. I think there's only a 1 year difference, and that's if you believe Santana's age (you never know with those Domincans). Santana looks good, but Crawford is proven over a longer time period. If the Angels added a couple prospects with him (not necessarily top end, but solid) they probably could have had a deal.

Fact of the matter is that the Devil Rays will only move him if they feel their current club doesn't suffer too much and their farm system gets better for it. I say we offer Nook Logan for one, so they can replace an outfield spot in organization depth, and then add Roman Colon and Wilfredo Ledezma, see what they say about that. You can't offer them top picks because their organization ruins top picks (see issues with Delmon Young, BJ Upton, Tyler Hamilton, etc) Hey, maybe they would take Dmitri to mentor Delmon - I say we even offer to pay most of his salary this year. He certainly isn't doing us any good. Then again, with his current issues of his own he might not be the greatest mentor.

In baseball I don't think trading picks is allowed, but I see your point.

Does anyone know how much value Humberto Sanchez has? I know he's been pitching at both Erie and Toledo and has something like an 8-3 record with a sub 2.00 ERA, and will be representing the Tigers organization in the futures game. If he had strong trade value, I think we could afford to let him go given the current and upcoming depth we have in pitching.

It seems to me Tampa Bay has 3 solid starters in Kazmir, Hendrickson and Shields, but they need something better than Fossum and McClung. Looking at their offense and the Travis Lee/Greg Norton combo at 1B, it even seems that they could benefit from a guy like Josh Phelps, though I don't know how much percieved value he has. Anyhow, a package of Sanchez, Phelps and Nook certainly seems like it should bring something in. Maybe Ledezma instead of Sanchez if they feel like they need someone with major league experience, though Sanchez may have more value.

Does anyone know how much value Humberto Sanchez has? I know he's been pitching at both Erie and Toledo and has something like an 8-3 record with a sub 2.00 ERA, and will be representing the Tigers organization in the futures game. If he had strong trade value, I think we could afford to let him go given the current and upcoming depth we have in pitching.

It seems to me Tampa Bay has 3 solid starters in Kazmir, Hendrickson and Shields, but they need something better than Fossum and McClung. Looking at their offense and the Travis Lee/Greg Norton combo at 1B, it even seems that they could benefit from a guy like Josh Phelps, though I don't know how much percieved value he has. Anyhow, a package of Sanchez, Phelps and Nook certainly seems like it should bring something in. Maybe Ledezma instead of Sanchez if they feel like they need someone with major league experience, though Sanchez may have more value.


Sanchez definitely has more value than Ledezma.

I'm not sure how much value he has, but he up there as a prospect. A dominating AAA pitcher, 21 years old, and in the Futures game and all that.

http://www.philly.com/mld/dailynews/sports/14903173.htm



BOSTON - The Detroit Tigers appear to have serious interest in acquiring Phillies rightfielder Bobby Abreu.
They have not talked deal specifics, but Phillies general manager Pat Gillick acknowledged that the scouting circles have been abuzz with the Tigers' rabid interest in lefthanded hitting.
No thanks, Gillick said.
"I know they're looking for lefthanded hitters, but we're not getting rid of hitting right now," Gillick said.
Abreu is hitting .290 with eight homers, 51 RBI and 14 stolen bases. Since becoming a full-time starter for the Phillies in 1998, Abreu, 32, has hit .305 and has averaged nearly 24 homers, 100 RBI and 30 steals a season.
The Tigers have good, young pitching, and they might be willing to give up a righthanded-hitting outfielder. They also seem willing to assume much, if not all, of Abreu's salary. He is the highest-paid Phillie: $13 million this season and $15 million next season. There is a club option for $16 million for 2008 with a $2 million buyout.
Abreu also holds a full no-trade clause, which he did not seem eager to waive to land in Detroit, even if the deal included the Tigers picking up the $16 million option.
"I'd have to think about all of that," Abreu said.

According to espn insider, the Tigers are hot and heavy after Phillies OF Bobby Abreu, the Philly GM Pat Gillick however says he is not trading Abreu. The brief article said that the cost if the Tigers were able to trade for Abreu would mainly be paying for Bobby's contract and either a rh outfielder or young pitcher, not a steep price persay.

As for Smoltz the rumors are hot and cold, with the chances of us getting him less than 10 percent, however on ATR and on the FSN Houston broadcast both mentioned Detroit as a likley destination for Smoltz. The FSN Houston report was interesting because they mentioned how the Braves are in the process of being sold and the deal will be done by the trade deadline. What makes that interesting is the fact that company( corp).. buying the Braves will likley want to slash payroll, and the guys who could be on the way out are the high price veterans that are healthy.

Wow. If there was a way to get Abreu it would be amazing. The question I have is where do you play him? He's a lefty bat with a great on base percentage and HR potential (I think he's shown he can hit them out of Comerica, ie HR Derby at last year's All-Star game). He's a Gold Glove RF, so you don't want to ask him to move. So do you ask Magglio to play some LF? Or do you make Magglio a full-time DH because he had injury issues for a few years?

Bottom line: Can they make this move and not suffer potential chemistry problems?

Other names I've heard being thrown around a lot to the Tigers are Aubrey Huff and Carlos Lee, but with Lee being a RH bat I'm not as sure the Tigers would go after him. I think that sounds like a future Yankee if he moves.

One possibility I could see if the Pads fall completely out of their race somehow is Brian Giles. This could just be wishful thinking on my part, but he's a solid lefty bat whose salary San Diego may want to dump if they're not in contention.

http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060627/SPORTS0104/606270358/1129



Leyland puts an end to trade rumors
He says the Tigers are not making a deal for Phillies' Abreu, but won't rule out other moves.
Tom Gage / The Detroit News
DETROIT -- So much for that one.
The Tigers aren't trading for Bobby Abreu.
Responding to the question, "Can trade rumors be a distraction?" manager Jim Leyland clearly outlined on Monday what won't become a distraction.
"I think they can be," he said, "but I want to go on the record, so all of you get your pens and pencils out -- so you hear this one time. We are not getting Bobby Abreu, nor are we pursuing him. End of conversation."

According to Insider add Tejada, Floyd to the list of targets. I can't see Miggy, we need a lefty and what do you do with Carlos you can't deal him.

To me, Floyd seems a lot like Rondell White. In fact, until White joined the Tigers I was consistently getting their careers confused with one another.

As for Tejada, I think a guy like Dombrowski would certainly listen to anything out there. If there's a deal where you can get Tejada without having to give up very much (in his eyes), I think he would make the deal and worry about how to get PT spread out after the fact. With Carlos and his injury concerns, it certainly wouldn't hurt to let him DH every now and then, get in a few games at 3B when Inge needs a break, and have more frequent days off.

Rumor is that Baltimore is trying to move Tejada because he is linked to the Jason Grimsley HGH scandal, and they don't want to wreck their clubhouse again like they did with Palmiero.

If you recall, Raffy said that he blamed his positive test on some "b12" that he got from Tejada.

You connect the dots.

Vance Wilson for Ben Broussard.

At least that's what I was thinking we should do last night.

Rumor is that Baltimore is trying to move Tejada because he is linked to the Jason Grimsley HGH scandal, and they don't want to wreck their clubhouse again like they did with Palmiero.

If you recall, Raffy said that he blamed his positive test on some "b12" that he got from Tejada.

You connect the dots.

It's pure speculation, but there's talk that Raffy wants to come back now, and he's a lefty bat. I wouldn't be against him in a purely situational role.

Sammy Sosa is talking about coming back now too, lol.

They've had time to get the HGH out of their systems, now they want to get paid.

The Tampa Bay Devil Rays have talked to the Tigers, in their effort to unload the overpaid and underperforming Aubrey Huff. The Devil Rays consider the Tigers and the Los Angeles Dodgers to be the best fits for Huff, who bats left-handed but carries a $6.9 million salary and a .175 batting average with runners in scoring position.

One baseball executive went so far as to suggest a Craig Monroe-for-Huff trade, but another executive doubted that the Devil Rays would make such a deal.

I hate that deal.





Signed
Craig Monroe Fan Club

Yeah, Huff has nice career numbers, but I don't think anything he's done this year warrants getting a promising major league player in return. I think they would actually be lucky to get a middle of the road prospect for him, someone like a Tony Giarratano.

I would be pretty upset if they traded monroe for Huff

Id rather have Monroe as part of a package deal to get Crawford or Soriano

Are you guys serious?

You wouldn't want a career .287/.342/.475 (Huff) hitter to replace a career .263/.308/.454 hitter (Monroe)?

Even with his horrendeous start to the season (.182 BA in April, .175 BA in May), Huff has a better Average, OBP, SLG and OPS than Monroe this year. Not to mention Huff has a much better Walk-to-Strikeout ratio.

The way I look at it, adding Huff is a win-win situation.

Does Huff have any retail theft in his background? (jk)

I'll take him.

Except Huff is injury-prone and plays no defense in the outfield or third base.

There isn't much of a difference between Huff's and Monroe's career numbers anyway. Their numbers last year are almost identical. Fuck career numbers. What have you done for me lately? And lately(the last year and a half), Monroe has more homers, RBIs, and runs scored.

Huff is a HUGE downgrade if he were on this team. Dmitri, Monroe and Thames are all better than this fraud.

We don't need to make any changes to our offense. It's fine as it is.

Huff got off to an awful start, but has come on in terms of BA lately he is now batting .285, he has hit 22 more homers in each of his last 4 seasons. Assuming Monroe is the guy we trade for him I think Huff is an upgrade in our lineup, assuming Huff moves to the OF.

Right now he is batting 4th with TB and has become productive, imagine his current production being moved to the end of our lineup, it is only going to improve us and him. The TB lineup is also quite imbalanced 6 guys 7 (if you count Gaithright before the trade) can bat left handed Perez is a switch hitter, that doesn't create favorable situations. If Pitchers can get comfortable with pitching to lefties the advantage lefties generally have is gone or nullified at least. With our lineup assuming DY gets back and Gomez is sent down Huff would be 1 of 2 everyday lefties or only the fourth guy on the team with the ability to bat left handed. That is the kind of balance Jim Leyland likes.

When you really take a hard look at the numbers over the season Huff is only a slight down grade in terms of RBI's and HR's over Monroe. Over the course of a carrer things are in favor of Huff. Huff is 30 Monroe is 29 so there is no major change in direction of age of players in this deal. In 5 MLB season Monroe has a .263 BA 77 HR's and 279 RBI's, Huff in 6 seasons has .283 BA 128 HR's and 449 RBI's. If baseball teaches us anything avg's generally hold true over a course of a season or career, therefore if I had to pick one these guys to help me make a run at the WS it would be Huff.

Except Huff is injury-prone and plays no defense in the outfield or third base.

I am not going to say that Huff is a Gold Glove caliber defender but he is certainly better than you think.

He has a career Fielding Percentage of .990 at 1B in 149 games, .940 at 3B in 283 games and a .978 Fielding Percentage at RF in 200 games.

And although he has been injured this year, over the last 3 years he has played 154+ games. So I wouldn't necessarily call him injury-prone.

Does Huff have any retail theft in his background? (jk)

I'll take him.


In December 2004, he was arrested for trying to steal a belt from a department store in Florida. Police arrested Monroe on Dec. 3 after they say he wrapped a $29.99 belt around his waist and tried to leave without paying for it. He was released on bond the same day. Monroe, who made $335,000 that year, agreed to enter a diversion program in order to have the petty theft charge against him dropped.

Yooooo I tottally forgot about that....damn Craig

I gotta disagree about Huff's defense, he'd be a major major downgrade over Monroe. It's not just a matter of errors, Monroe gets to so many balls that Huff wouldn't even try for. He may not get errors on the play, but they're still outs we wouldn't get.

I gotta disagree about Huff's defense, he'd be a major major downgrade over Monroe. It's not just a matter of errors, Monroe gets to so many balls that Huff wouldn't even try for. He may not get errors on the play, but they're still outs we wouldn't get.

I think that it was a given that Huff plays worse D than Monroe(and also that Huff has a better bat), but the point was that it wasn't THAT bad of defense.

If we get Huff though for Monroe, we still can platoon LF. If DY is not straight Thames, Huff, and Gomez can rotate at DH and OF.

Monroe has seen the ball 104 times 99 PO 4 A and 1 error

Gomez has seen the ball 20 times 19 PO 1 A no errors

Thames has seen the ball 48 times 46 PO 1 A and 1 error

So Thames and Gomez are not that bad or a major drop off if you move Huff to DH F/T the other option is moving Inge to LF F/T.

In 55 Games at 3B Huff has had 138 touches, 32 PO's 104 Assists and 2 Errors for Fielding % of .986.

Inge in 85 games has had 293 chances, 69 PO's 212 A and 12 errors for a fielding % of .959.

So in terms of numbers Huff is the better fielding 3B men, but has far less range and natural ability to play third than Inge.

So as much as Huff may be a defensive dropoff in LF I will take that chance considering in the second half he would likle only see the ball 100-150 times comapred to plaing the hot corner.

I gotta disagree about Huff's defense, he'd be a major major downgrade over Monroe. It's not just a matter of errors, Monroe gets to so many balls that Huff wouldn't even try for. He may not get errors on the play, but they're still outs we wouldn't get.

I think that it was a given that Huff plays worse D than Monroe(and also that Huff has a better bat), but the point was that it wasn't THAT bad of defense.

No, but it is. Seriously. Watch him out there. He's not even on Monroe's planet playing right, let alone left.

Other than Bonderman, our pitchers heavily rely on their defense, and I don't think you can underestimate how important that is. Huff will give up a lot of doubles that monroe and Thames would catch or at least hold to singles.

What makes us so sure that TB even wants Monroe? The contract that he signed back in February (1 year @ $2.8m) means he's a free agent that they'll have to re-sign, so why wouldn't they want a cheaper, under contract player or prospects?

According ESPN Glenn is right they (TB) want guys with less than 3 years of MLB service or MLb ready prospects in any deal.

According ESPN Glenn is right they (TB) want guys with less than 3 years of MLB service or MLb ready prospects in any deal.

Then they can eat a dick. (ps-I was wrong about Huff getting his average back up).

^Traded to Astros for some crap.

Real fucking bargain for Houston.

They didn't lose a lot in terms of prospects to obtain him (2 Double A prospects). And Tampa is picking up most of Huff's contract.

We could've made a much better deal than that without losing any of our highly ranked prospects (Maybin, Sanchez, Jurrjens, Tata & Such).

Well, there goes that then.

That's a head scratcher.

Here's a name for you. Jacque Jones. Lefty bat, outfielder or DH, having the only good year of anyone in Chicago. They're likely sellers at this point. He's a veteran at 31, makes $4 million (enough that he's worth moving for the Cubs but super easy for Ilitch to take on, especially considering his current "open checkbook" status). He struggled his last 2 years in Minnesota batting around .250, but still hit 20+ HR's those years and stole a dozen bases. Now he's hitting .300 again, with a carrer average of .281. Like Huff, you could say he's very similar to Craig Monroe statistically, but this is a case where his worst year ever he still hit .250, drove in 70 and scored 70. He's familiar with life in the AL Central, and the Cubs are terribly desperate for young arms, something we seem to have more than anything else. I have no idea how long his contract runs, but whether it's 1 year or 6 I gladly take him for the fact that he seems like everything the team is looking for. By the way, he can play all 3 outfield spots quite well.

Here's a name for you. Jacque Jones. Lefty bat, outfielder or DH, having the only good year of anyone in Chicago. They're likely sellers at this point. He's a veteran at 31, makes $4 million (enough that he's worth moving for the Cubs but super easy for Ilitch to take on, especially considering his current "open checkbook" status). He struggled his last 2 years in Minnesota batting around .250, but still hit 20+ HR's those years and stole a dozen bases. Now he's hitting .300 again, with a carrer average of .281. Like Huff, you could say he's very similar to Craig Monroe statistically, but this is a case where his worst year ever he still hit .250, drove in 70 and scored 70. He's familiar with life in the AL Central, and the Cubs are terribly desperate for young arms, something we seem to have more than anything else. I have no idea how long his contract runs, but whether it's 1 year or 6 I gladly take him for the fact that he seems like everything the team is looking for. By the way, he can play all 3 outfield spots quite well.

I don't know how true it is but I heard his contract balloons to around 9 million next season, so that is why he hasn't been a hotstove guy thus far.

Even with a ballooning contract, I like Jones. Besides, Dmitri will be off the books next year and losing his $5 million can make up for the increase in Jones.

Besides a lefty bat, the other thing I would like is a closer, but more on that to come.

Other possibilities for a lefty hitter include:
Chipper Jones (expensive but ability to absolutely mash, play any outfield spot or infield corners, or DH)
Daryle Ward (utility bat, lefty PH)
Sean Casey (professional hitter, plain and simple)

There are other names mentioned too, like Burnitz, but I hate that guy and I'm not excited for someone that strikes out 9 out of 10 AB. We have enough of that already.

Even with a ballooning contract, I like Jones. Besides, Dmitri will be off the books next year and losing his $5 million can make up for the increase in Jones.

Besides a lefty bat, the other thing I would like is a closer, but more on that to come.

Other possibilities for a lefty hitter include:
Chipper Jones (expensive but ability to absolutely mash, play any outfield spot or infield corners, or DH)
Daryle Ward (utility bat, lefty PH)
Sean Casey (professional hitter, plain and simple)

There are other names mentioned too, like Burnitz, but I hate that guy and I'm not excited for someone that strikes out 9 out of 10 AB. We have enough of that already.

I don't disagree with you, I think JJ is a solid guy all around but I think that if the Tigers are going to trade prospects it will be for a Superstar not a role player. I also Agree with getting a closer, I wouldn't mind Tom Gordon (who may be available) or a vet who is comfortable with either closing or being a set up guy. I just can't see if we were to accquire a Closer, Jones being a great set up man, thus if we have a guy who can set up and if Jones continues to be a gas can make the switch then. Maybe if Jones knows a guy is on the staff who is a bonafide closer he will become more focused.

Sean Casey is a solid pick up, the money Pittsburgh would save may be enough ammo with low garde prospect to get Casey.

Chipper would be coup IMO.

I love switch hitting batters so I would be all for either Jones or Casey.

Tigers close to a trade for Abreu, according to a report out of the Twin cities:


) A little birdie says the first-place Detroit Tigers are close to a deal with the Philadelphia Phillies for right fielder Bobby Abreu.

http://www.twincities.com/mld/twincities/sports/15048544.htm

Interesting. If this happens, I wonder how Leyland will feel. Remember his classic line about Abreau? Something like, let me make this perfectly clear, we aren't getting Abreau. I wonder how much he and Dombrowski talk about this type of stuff.

I'm sure leyland would feel ecstatic. We couldn't make a better bat for this lineup if we designed it from scratch.

^^Werd.

does it say who for?

Interesting. If this happens, I wonder how Leyland will feel. Remember his classic line about Abreau? Something like, let me make this perfectly clear, we aren't getting Abreau. I wonder how much he and Dombrowski talk about this type of stuff.

Every Manager and GM says " we aren't looking at..." in every sport up until 5 seconds after the trade is offically announced. And then they say when the trade went down that their was minimal talks with others teams and then this gem landed in their lap.

What about Soriano?

Fox's Rosenthal and BBTN's Olney both said that they believe Detroit is the favorite to land Soriano. I am not sure how much stock you can put into those rumors but it is interesting nonetheless.

I personally don't think Soriano is the answer to our teams offensive shortcomings but its hard to argue given his production.

I like Soriano's versatiliy too.

I think he'd be great "injury insurance" and a whole lot more.

If you can deal with the fact that he's most likely a rental player, then I don't see why you wouldn't add him for the right price (Ledezma, another prospect?)

Rob Parker is claiming a deal for Abreu is on the table and it doesn't seem like we would get hurt too much long term. Parker claims its Abreu( with a contract ext) for Thames and Miner.

http://detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060719/SPORTS08/607190314/1004/SPORTS

Which seems fair if not a steal for us. My only real issue is we need to have a plan to get a 5th starter, sure Maroth is coming back but it is too risky to count on him or that no one else will miss time. I think I would trade Tata to Washington for Livian to get another playoff tested arm in the roation. DD is familar with Livian so it wouldn't surprise me.

Wow. That's solid young talent we would be giving up. Counting triple A, Miner is 12-2 this season with an ERA under 3. Thames leads the team in HR and nobody else on the team is within .100 of him in OPS. His HR lead comes in spite of the fact that he's 9th on the team in total AB, 125 AB behind the team leader, Granderson, 65 behind the 8th highest, Monroe. If he had been an everyday player all season his numbers (based on 340 AB) would be 29 HR, 66 RBI. While Abreau is a great hitter and a lefty bat, even his production is a downgrade from Thames.
Personally, I think that deal would be mortgaging the future for a short run.
Miner is the favorite right now to pick up Rogers spot in the rotation and, like I said, Thames should be a middle-of-the-lineup hitter for us for 5-10 years.

However, if this deal is made, I would expect Ledezma to move into the starting rotation.

I'm not sure I'd call Thames a "young" talent. Dude's almost 30.

Wow. That's solid young talent we would be giving up. Counting triple A, Miner is 12-2 this season with an ERA under 3. Thames leads the team in HR and nobody else on the team is within .100 of him in OPS. His HR lead comes in spite of the fact that he's 9th on the team in total AB, 125 AB behind the team leader, Granderson, 65 behind the 8th highest, Monroe. If he had been an everyday player all season his numbers (based on 340 AB) would be 29 HR, 66 RBI. While Abreau is a great hitter and a lefty bat, even his production is a downgrade from Thames.
Personally, I think that deal would be mortgaging the future for a short run.
Miner is the favorite right now to pick up Rogers spot in the rotation and, like I said, Thames should be a middle-of-the-lineup hitter for us for 5-10 years.

However, if this deal is made, I would expect Ledezma to move into the starting rotation.

I agree with you. Change Thames into Monroe or Infante?....

Not saying they would do it, but I like that deal much better ;)

I'm not sure I'd call Thames a "young" talent. Dude's almost 30.

That's a good point. I guess maybe it would be better to say he's relatively unknown and really emerging as a potential star in this league.

Could it be that he's a one-year wonder? Sure, that's always a possibility with someone that's reaching stats they never have before, but it's tough to make that call.

Yes, Abreau has proven his performance across several years, but at the same time, it is widely questioned whether or not he can do it anymore, given his sharp decline over the last year.

Isnt 30 young in baseball terms?

I'm not sure I'd call Thames a "young" talent. Dude's almost 30.

Young.

Players these days are playing(some being productive) well into their late 30's/older 40's.

I'm not necessarily advocating a trade involving Thames to get Abreu, just saying I don't consider him a young player. 30 is a vet, IMO. Young players are low 20s to 25-26-27ish.

Add Giles and Green to the list of possibilites...


A . We hate to be repetitive, but why the Tigers are shaking their heads at Bobby Abreu -- other than timing and fear of disrupting their clubhouse -- is beyond us. If the Yankees end up with Abreu, the Tigers might take a shot at Shawn Green. You also never know if San Diego -- which has some commotion in its front office -- might be in a mood in 10 days to deal Brian Giles.

http://detroitnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060720/SPORTS08/607200312/1004

Weird, I was just thinking about Shawn Green this morning.

Anybody know his contract/salary status?

Weird, I was just thinking about Shawn Green this morning.

Anybody know his contract/salary status?


When he was traded to Arizona he was given a new 5 deal for I believe 40-50 million a lot on the back end of the deal though. So I think he still has 3 years left after this one.

PHOENIX -- Arizona and Shawn Green reached an agreement in principle Sunday night on a three-year, $32 million contract that would clear the way for the Los Angeles Dodgers slugger to waive his no-trade clause and be dealt to the Arizona Diamondbacks.

I was wrong

Shawn Green:

was traded to ARI from LA on 1/11/05 and contract was RESTRUCTURED to a 3-year deal worth $31,900,016 thru 2007- he receives a 7M signing bonus (5M paid in 2005 and the other 2M payable by 2008) and salaries of 5.5M in 2005, 8M in 2006 and 9.5M in 2007- + the deal includes a Mutual Option for 2008 worth 10M or a 2M buyout, if the team should decline the option (if Green declines the option and elects for Free Agency, he would forfeit the buyout)- + the deal includes a full NO-TRADE clause in 2005 and a limited NTC in 2006 and 2007, meaning he could only be traded to 3 teams without his written consent (the only three teams he can be traded to in 2006 and 2007 without his permission are SF/LAD, SD and LAA)- + the 850K bonuses from original contract for 2005 season remain- + he will make a 250K donation to Diamondback's Charities in 2005- + he will receive 4 premium home plate tickets to all games at the- + he receives a hotel suite on the road BOB

Here's Abreu's:


5 years worth 64M , will make in 2003-8.5M plus 3M signing Bonus, in 2004-10M, in 2005-12.5 and in 2006-13M, in 2007-15M, and in 2008- Team Option worth 16M ;or 2M Buyout- + Salary Can increase 275K the next year for MVP 1st place finish or 150K 2nd place in voting or 100K for 3rd place- + the deal includes Complete NO-TRADE Clause- + BONUSES he has received: 50K in 2004 for Silver Slugger, 50K for 2005 All-Star selection, 75K for 2005 Gold Glove
Agent: Peter Greenberg

Damn Vinny. Don't suppose you would be willing to share where you found that info would you?

Is it one of the links in the links thread?

Damn Vinny. Don't suppose you would be willing to share where you found that info would you?

Is it one of the links in the links thread?

http://wtfdetroit.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6117

Fourth from the top, one of my favorite sites.

http://wtfdetroit.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6117

Fourth from the top, one of my favorite sites.

That's cross promotion, folks.

Thanks, I'm going to check that site out in between innings.

i still dont see the point of giving up your best pitching prospect for a 32 year old..being a dickhead about his no trade clause


i dont want the piece of shit

Rumor from Buster Olney, Soriano to Tigers most likely. Olney went on to say the Tigers are willing to trade Sanchez, but it may not be just a deal for Soriano, it may include either bullpen help or Livian. There is also a prevailing thought that Detroit may make a secondary smaller deal for a Veteran, hitter but not a traditional impact guy more like a Conine (named mentioned) who is role player .

I saw that Soriano hit another HR today, and Livan had a good outing too.

That second vet guy that you are talking about sounds like Mientkiewiez or even Burnitz to me.

I saw that Soriano hit another HR today, and Livan had a good outing too.

That second vet guy that you are talking about sounds like Mientkiewiez or even Burnitz to me.

Yeah I would think it would be a lefty. In case of injury it would be good to have a left handed bat, no matter how good DY is doing.

I think Livian would be great because he is prime time pitcher and would really allow the young guys to rest like Miner, Bonderman and JV, since Maroth is more like a month or more away then the next few weeks like reported. A 6 man rotation may be the best route can't do it though without an extra starter.

Livan has postseason experience. That is the one thing I like about him. He's the anti-Kenny Rogers. People say that Rogers dies after the AS break. Well, Livan comes alive in October. Plus, if we were to make the World Series, it would be nice to have a pitcher with National League experience.

At this point, if the deal brought both Livan and Soriano, I would gladly give up Miner. His last couple starts really have me wondering, while other teams might still like what they saw before that to think he's a top notch prospect. So throw Miner and Sanchez at the Nationals, take on the $18 million in salary, but to me the big part is to get a contract extension done. I don't know what the story is with Livan in terms of free agency or what-not, but I want to see Soriano play here at least a couple more years beyond this one and I frankly don't care what it costs. If he wants $15 million, give it to him. Why not? Like Ilitch has said, the time is now. We're at or near the beginning of this window but who really knows how long it will be open? Let's get some postseason success out of it before it closes.
Just don't give up Maybin or Zumaya in the deal. That's my big deal.

Soriano as we know is a FA, but Livian is under contract at 7 million for 07, but to be honest I don't see that as an overbearing salary, given his exp, wins and the general market. The knock of Livian is he hates being on a loser, and if tends to lose focus in bad situation but I would hardly consider that a problem. He was shit on in Florida as a rookie in 97 who won the World Series who then had to play through the fire sale.

I think that's a pretty decent contract figure for him for next season.

Like I said though, I'm way hesitant to deal for Soriano if we can't get some kind of extension in place. Unless he was WAY against playing here (a la Juan Gone) then I don't see why he wouldn't want to do it. We're a winner, we're young, we're throwing money at him, we're showing him the love. What's not to like?

I recall hearing that his (Livan's) "stuff" isn't nearly what it used to be, but I'll rely on someone here that knows more about him than I do from looking at box scores and watching highlights on Sportscenter when it comes to Washington Nationals baseball.

I think that's a pretty decent contract figure for him for next season.

Like I said though, I'm way hesitant to deal for Soriano if we can't get some kind of extension in place. Unless he was WAY against playing here (a la Juan Gone) then I don't see why he wouldn't want to do it. We're a winner, we're young, we're throwing money at him, we're showing him the love. What's not to like?

Soriano wants to be with his next team long term he wants to be wanted by fans and his team, he hates being traded. So I would give Soriano the money he wants, and throw in a no-trade clause and he would be game. I don't think he would be a hard sell if they give him what he is worth and once he sees, Detroit is just as much a baseball town as NY, the difference we rarely boo our HOF caliber players for going 0-4 the night before.

Livan Hernadez sucks. Period. I don't no part of him or his contract on this team.

Theoretically, if we get Soriano, won't he want to go somewhere where he could play 2B?

Theoretically, if we get Soriano, won't he want to go somewhere where he could play 2B?

I think his concern is getting paid as a unique player, a 30/30 man at 2b was unheard of thus he would command a huge salary, but as a OF 30/30 while still amazing could be shrugged off as highly paid but not unique. I think he is beyond that for now. I Doubt as FA he would be playing 2b in NY, Chi or really any of the big players in FA, they all have solid 2b men.

I've heard it said that the reason that playing 2B is important to him is because he really wants to make the Hall of Fame, which of course is much easier to do in the middle infield than in the outfield.

Theoretically, if we get Soriano, won't he want to go somewhere where he could play 2B?

He would play 2B here too, at least a lot. We'd probably move Polanco to 3rd and use Inge to backup almost every position. Leyland rests guys almost every night, so he'd basically have a 10 man rotation with:

Maggs
Guillen
Pudge
Shelton
Granderson
Monroe or Thames (one would be gone)
Soriano
Polanco
Young
Inge

No need for Vance Wilson or Infante unless multiple people had nights off. Soriano might see some time in OF if Thames/Monroe had a night off, but he'd mostly be an IF I think.

At any rate, I think we stand pat with DY batting well.

Not a chance Leyland moves Polanco to third. I was anti Inge at third for a long time, but Leyland has man love for his defense. As it turns out, he really is quite good there. I realize Polanco could be even better, but they love the range and athleticism Inge has there. I haven't seen the numbers but apparently Inge leads the league in putouts and opportunities at third and has relatively few errors considering. Not sure what the real story is, just heard some radio or tv guy relaying something.

Anyhow, Polanco, I think, plays gold glove 2B and Leyland is keeping Inge put. Soriano is completely horrible at second. The way I see it, Soriano plays occasional left field, mostly DH, and occasional at best at second. I think he would play second when Leyland wants to rest Polanco or Inge, and even then he would still want Infante to get some at-bats. We've seen that Infante has been used in center to accomodate that, and it was a disaster. But as much as you want Infante's bat around from time to time, you ALWAYS wants Soriano's bat around.

My question is more along the lines of who would bat in what position. (by the way, I think when Soriano is the DH Young would probably be 1B considering the way he's been swinging the bat compared to Shelton.
I would love to see a batting order of:
Soriano
Guillen
Rodriguez
Ordonez
Thames
Young
Inge
Polanco
Granderson

Soriano's the worst second baseman I've ever seen. If he plays any second I'll throw up all over myself. Our team's built around playing great defense, no way would we replace a combo of Polanco, a pretty good 2B and Inge, a great 3B with a combo of Polanco, a mediocre 3B and Soriano, a historically bad 2b. No way. It would fly so far in the face of everything we've built our team on.

(Edit: started typing this before Jethro posted...)

Brewers now looking to move Carlos Lee:

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/5822932

I'd love to get this guy if we could get him at a reasonable price.

The question on Lee would be did he reject the offer because he didn't think it was enough money or because he didn't want to stay in Milwaukee?
My take on him is the same as anyone that's a potential free agent. I would want the extension. I know DD understands the time to win is now, but he doesn't strike me as someone that would give up big prospects for a 2 month rental. At least I kinda hope that's his philosophy.

If we get two compensatory 1st round picks if these guys bolt, I'm okay with a rental at the right price.

Win now or forever hold your peace.

Lee was dealt to the rangers for Mench and Cordero and Nix.

Mientkiewicz has a bad back, so I'm going to stop bringing him up.

As does Pudge and Maggs.

The reason I'm not into Mientkiewicz is because he's a 1B with God-awful offense and we already have good depth at the 1B/DH position.

I agree that Dmitri probably changes the dynamic a bit. When I first started thinking about adding a left handed hitting 1B that plays solid D a few weeks ago, Mietkiewicz made some sense, especially with Shelton's drop off. I saw them platooning almost.

But if Dmitri's bat stays hot, and if he doesn't kill them when he's in the field, he could take some of Shelton's time at 1B if he starts slumping again.

That being said, Shelton is hitting .288 over the past month, so he seems to be coming out of it.

I wanna see Thames and Sanchez or Tata for Soriano....

Soriano LF
Polanco 2b
Pudge C
Ordonez RF
Guillen SS
Granderson CF
Young or Monroe DH
Shelton 1b
Inge 3b

I say Thames because I think his value is at it's peak, actually I see him falling off down the stretch but I think he has a trade market right now. And of course that line-up could be shifted around the DH position w/ Monore playing outfield or Young playing 1b.

This trade season is confusing. According to Jason Stark the market is purely a sellers market after the Lee deal and that deal allows Bowden's demand of 3 prospects to seem reasonable. Therefore you would assume if you are going make a splash it will be costly, so it would sort of be assumed that big is not the way to go, smaller deals make more sense. However in the Danny Knobler Mlive column he says DD if he is going to make a move it will only a big one, he doesn't want to tweak it a little, he wants to make only moves that send ripples through the baseball universe.

Watch the Tigers over the next 24 hours. One source indicated that he's heard around the league that the team is "making its best, final offers" on the players they like, but that they'd be perfectly willing to play the hand they have. The Tigers and their AL Central compadres are all eyeing the other closely; if one makes a move, the other won't be far behind.
http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=5355

New rumor between the Nats and the Tigers


RHP Zach Miner
RHP Humberto Sanchez
1B Chris Shelton

for

OF Alfonso Soriano
OF/1B Daryl Ward
1B Nick Johnson
Player To Be Named Later

Johnson's numbers look fairly good from an offensive standpoint -- what's his defense like? And where would we turn for our fifth starter til Maroth gets back? Colon? Ledezma?

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO on the Colon idea. Too bad we cant put him in the trade instead of Minor. I fucking hate that guy.

That's an interesting trade there.
Do you have a link or a source? Just wondering who it is throwing it out there before I consider it too much. Some media call it a rumor when it's really their own idea of what a nice trade could be. (cough) Ford (cough)
I would also be interested in which team allegedly made the offer.
The nice thing about the deal is that both Johnson and Ward are lefties. Beyond that, both are hitting over .300 and Johnson, who would likely platoon 1B/DH with Young and take over 1B next year if Young isn't re-signed, only strikes out once every 17 AB's while he walks once every 17 plate appearances. That's very nice (and the reason he leads the NL in OBP). The only concern is that those numbers seem to be an exception to his career, not a trend. Perhaps the Nationals are taking a sell-high approach with him. But hey, we would be doing something similar it seems with the 3 players we're sending.
The big thing for me, still, is that this deal absolutely sucks if we fail to do at least one of the following 2 things: a) win a championship, b) re-sign Soriano.

That may be true that the OBP for Johnson is an exception, but I took a quick glance at his career averages and OBP's and they've done nothing but steadily increase.

Tigers may be attempting to land Soriano in a three way deal with the Marlins, according to Jayson Stark and Ken Rosenthal.


Meanwhile, the Nationals had another surprise shopper on Soriano on Sunday -- the Marlins. Florida seems like the least likely bidder out there. But if you think creatively -- which is the Marlins' specialty -- it's actually the most likely bidder. If the Nationals want bright young pitching prospects back, there's no team that has more of them than Florida. Heck, the Fish traded for about 12 of them last winter. So the Marlins could lop off some of their pitching depth, reel in Soriano and then spin him to address its position-player needs, to a bidder that couldn't make it work with Washington.

There was some buzz Sunday afternoon, in fact, that the Marlins and Tigers had had some conversations about Soriano in the event Florida pulls this off. So watch out for that possibility.


The buzz Sunday night was that the Marlins were trying to broker a deal for Soriano with the idea of flipping him to the Tigers in a three-way deal. The Mariners and Twins retain some level of interest in Soriano as well

As long as we dont sell the farm for a rental player, i'm getting pretty fucking excited. Trade shelton.

What position prospects do we have?

Barley any, Maybin, Clevelen, Larrish, then it's crap like Raburn or Tony G, who need help to make the majors.

Maybe they want Shelton and Sanchez, or some crap like that.

The Marlins tried to broker a deal for Soriano on Sunday with the idea of flipping him to the Tigers in a three-way trade that potentially could have landed them prime outfield prospect Cameron Maybin.

An official with knowledge of those talks, however, say that such a deal is unlikely to occur.

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/5832004

There is no fucking way I am dealing Maybin for Soriano unless the Marlins package Cabrera in any trade they make.