1) Since the race is almost even, you are essentially getting Tex for 2 seasons
2) Everyone (fans) seem gun shy about trading prospects for vets nearing the walk year after the Drew/Wainright trade, but even though Boros is his agent, Tex is not the flake that Drew is. With more money from Liberty and Andruw’s salary coming off the books after this year, I think they would have a chance to be competitive for him in ’09. If he likes it here, he might take a few MM less to play here than in NY.
3) I just drew up a lineup with him in it, and I am willing to take the chance that you are trading the next Piazza for a 14-month (and 2 postseason) rental.
4) I don’t want them to leave the cupboards bare for the next era (starting in 2009), but JS, BC and Smoltz have only a few more shots at a WS… I think for everything they have done for the organization, it is worth the risk…even with no Salty, you will still have plenty of good young talent in 2009…
Willie Harris is turning into an anchor in that lineup… he had the big game Saturday, but I would love to see KJ back in the leadoff spot and Diaz playing everyday…it does not look like Julio has much left in the tank, but I think he will make an excellent coach next year…maybe even Cox’s successor…I stayed up late last night to watch the 9th inning meltdown… after Villareal K’d Bonds in the 10th, I gave up and went to bed…
DM: I could be wrong, but I think all those Teixeira rumors are way off base…even if Andruw leaves and Liberty expands payroll. JS knew when he traded LaRoche that Andruw would be leaving, but he also knew what he had in the minor leagues. Teixeira has Scott Boras for an agent (as does Andruw)…JS has always been patient enough to turn better, less expensive, less obvious deals than most obvious high-priced rumors. Reports from Texas say Teixeira is backing off his trade demands. He is a free agent after 2008…so JS wouldn’t trade what Texas would want for offense for one year, when the pitching is in such dire straits. Boras won’t want to sign without testing the market.
I guess Wickman won’t be back next year…his was a one year contract, right? Hopefully JS will keep his sanity and not overpay for a mediocre starter…his track record has been pretty good so far on that. Seems like you can get just as much production from a Buddy Carlyle or Jaret Wright than signing a mediocre 4th or 5th starter for 15 million. For every flop…we had a few last year, at least you’re saving millions. Seems like for what you get, it’s not worth it to overpay for pitching. This may change a little if payroll is increased.
Andruw’s lack of plate discipline is all the more reason to let him walk (he did line out to RF last night…the at bat after he looked at six straight pitches to strike out with runners in scoring position). Better to have Tori Hunter or Mike Cameron than Andruw or Teixeira.
Seems like this would be potent enough lineup next year…allowing money to buy more pitching...
Escobar 2B
Renteria SS
Chipper 3B
McCann C
Francoeur CF/RF
Salty 1B
K. Johnson RF/LF
Diaz/Harris LF/CF
Last night I watched episode 3 of The Bronx is Burning…I missed episode 2. They do a good job of recreating actual events…last night was when Martin pulled Reggie from the middle of the game. At the end of the show they air comments from players, and I haven’t believed any of Reggie’s retorts yet.
At 11 pm I switched to the Braves and watched until Hudson was pulled for Wickman…glad I went to bed at that point. Leno was supposed to have on Lindsey Lohan, fresh from her DUI the night before. Since she didn’t make it, Leno had Rob Schneider come out dressed as Lohan. Schneider’s first comment was ‘I sure am tired…I was out late last night.’ Letterman had on Colts coach Tony Dungy. I’d been sick Monday and yesterday…feeling so bad on the drive in yesterday I considered turning around, so last night I took it easy…though I stayed up too late.
Fell asleep during the game Monday night a couple of times, though I knew we had the lead. Saw Smoltz walk Bonds to load the bases, then bounce the wild pitch to the inside, though McCann was set up outside. Interesting rumor regarding Renteria to the ChiSox, though I didn’t think it as outrageous as Rowland’s Office did. I’d hate to see Edgar go, though I know he’s not a long term solution…particularly the way he’s been playing. Even if he is traded, it’ll be interesting to see where he signs his next free agent contract with…the NL, I’d guess.
D Murphy
The scary thing is that with Scott Boras as his agent the asking price will be driven up for his services. There are widely reported rumours that the asking price might even start as high as $25m per year. That'd be insane offcourse in this day and age when there aren't that many teams around that can afford that price. Some game last night between the Braves and Giants wasn't it ? Thirteen innings and the Braves were able to pull off the win.
I agree with tophatal. We've seen the damage Boras does to a franchise in Texas. Add a stupid owner and you see money go bye bye.
I'd try NOT to sign Tex, just to avoid Boras. Team's don't draft Boras players.
ian - look for Lohan to get the Hilton suite in LA County Lockup. Sweet! Hey, I don't know how the coke got in my pocket! I asked for horse!
DMurphy and tophatal I was at that game and had to buy standing room only since all of the seats were sold out due to the fact everyone thought Bonds would be breaking the record in the Atlanta series. What really was the pits is that alot of those bozos didn't even show for the game as a ton of seats in the upper deck were empty. I had to stand for all 4 plus hours and thirteen innings on that cold right field brick wall with the wind on your back. It was a great game though even though the Giants lost. Great ninth inning comeback and despite the Giants being in last place they didn't show any quit right down to the final out. I wound up going to the next nights game once again standing room only which the Giants won 2-1. A great pitchers duel between Lowry and Jones. Thank god it was a quick 2 1/2 hour game.
Unfortunately Boras always seems to have the best players and if you want to have them on your team you have to pay the asking price. There's no hometown discount with this guy. That's why trading for Texeria now is a risk as he might not be sharp since he has spent so much time on the DL recently and may not help you right away. I was surprised the Braves picked up Julio Franco. I thought only the Giants picked up old washed up players.
slshusker
The scary thing is that there'll be some team willing to step up to the plate just to get to the 'Holy Grail' of the game.
Who'd have thought we'd be even se the day where a baseball player might be paid $30m a year ? It's completely insane and way beyond what the game can withstand in terms of its financial repsonsibilities.
I am not sure why the braves are not making this deal, it is a win win situation. Why did the Braves bring Franco back he is washed up? Then Bobby wants to start him all week this is why we are sliding fact in the East. Bobby maybe a players manager but with only one WS title he needs to retire and ride off into the sunset. This is the reason the only time the Braves sell out is when the Red Sox or Cardinals come to town at that point it should be an away game.
Thanks for the comments guys...those were some exciting games. I'm going to the Friday SF / Pirates game...hopefully Barry will hold off til then...I'll post game notes afterwards.
Schneider is funny...but I hear Barbara Walters didn't think so.
Boras will be asking for the moon...perhaps by then the Braves will be in a position to pay for him...they're losing $20 million with Andruw and Wickman's contracts.
DMurphy
I onl hope for the Braves' sake they know what they're doing when it comes to dealing with Boras ? He's been known to drive a hard bargain and takes no prisoners. As he's always known to want blood if nothing else !
No relation to Dale! Lifetime Georgia boy...enjoys visiting the rest of the USA. The CPA is my buddy with a finger on the pulse of MLB. I'm a GT grad who also appreciates UGA. Love the Braves & MLB, tolerate the Falcons, Hawks, & Thrashers. A worker bee enjoying Little League & ballet - my excuse for not having hours to write & research. More ramblings can be found at www.sacrifice fly.blogspot. com
