Well, after the Marlins preview, let's see who the hat has to check out today...

Hmm, we stay in the National League.

Los Angeles Dodgers - Team Preview

Well, so much of the Dodgers having the most talented group of youngsters in the division.  After a decision to commit too long to the veteren's, the Dodgers have instead decided to embrace their youthful core for the lack of better alternatives.  Still blessed with a solid farm system and a lot of pitching talent, the Dodgers aren't going to be a foe to be triffled with this season.  Still, there are some weaknesses on this team, mostly due to vets that have no business starting likely to be started anyway, thanks to Joe Torre.

Starting Rotation

• Brad Penny (RHP) – Underrated by many, Penny is a top of the rotation starter that can flat out dominate when he’s healthy.  His contract is a steal and the Dodgers wisely held onto him last season after debating about shopping him around.  It’s almost a sure bet that he’ll get his club option exercised next season, giving the Dodgers an extra season before bringing up uberprospect Clayton Kershaw.
• Chad Billingsley (RHP) – A good young pitcher, Billingsley showed last season that he could become a top of the rotation starter if given the chance to prove himself.  With a good combination of stuff and poise, Billingsley should rise through the rotation and establish himself as the next staff ace.
• Derek Lowe (RHP) – Lowe is an innings eater that will generate a lot of groundballs and should post respectable numbers.  All in all, it probably would have been best for Boston to keep him, as he was a good fit for their park, but overall he’s done rather well for himself in LA and should look to cash in free agency next season.
• Hiroki Kuroda (RHP) – The latest Japanese Import, Kuroda is a decent pitcher.  His fastball clocks in the high 80’s/low 90’s with some sink and he’s got a good curveball and a decent breaking ball.  He commands all of his offerings well, however, and though he had a bit of elbow trouble, it was cleared up by Dr. Lewis Yocum.  All in all, he’s a solid bet to be a good number four starter and isn’t expensive. 
• Jason Schmidt (RHP) – Well, it turns out the Giants did know what they were doing when they didn’t make a bigger push to keep their ace.  Schmidt is likely going to be the fifth man in the rotation due to his need for a slow recovery from shoulder surgery, and will likely never be the guy that the Dodgers hoped they signed.  But he could be a very good middle of the rotation man if he successfully bounces back.

Bullpen

• Takashi Saito (Closer) – One of the more effective closers in baseball, and one of the bigger bargains to boot, Saito is money in save opportunities, though I would caution that he is older and he has a lot of mileage on his arm.  Grady Little actually did a good job of keeping him fresh and not abusing him.  The man replacing him isn’t as kind.  Still, a decent season should be expected from him. 
• Jonathan Broxton (Setup Man) – The Dodgers’ closer of the future, Broxton is built like a bull and has great stuff to go with it.  He’s also a prime candidate to be overused by Joe Torre.
• Joe Beimel (LHP) - A dependable lefty that shouldn't be in anymore bar fights anytime soon, Beimel helps augment what should be a dynamite setup corps.
• Hong Chi Kuo (LHP) – Kuo had the stuff to be a starter, but not the stamina.  So, he returns to the middle relief/swingman role that he did well in back in 2006.
• Scott Proctor (RHP) – The one guy that was probably the least thrilled about Joe Torre coming to LA?  Proctor, who was overused by Torre during his time in New York as Torre lost confidence in reliever after reliever and kept on using his old reliables.  Proctor likely could have had a long career as a setup man if Torre wasn’t
• Esteban Loaiza (RHP) – The odd man out of the rotation mix, Loaiza was awful in his limited innings as a Dodger and now will have to accept a swingman role unless he wants out completely. 
• Rudy Seanez (RHP) - A retread of sorts, Seanez isn't exactly an elite reliever anymore, but as long as the Dodgers don't overexpose him, he should be a servicable reliever at best.

Starting Lineup

• Rafael Furcal (SS) – Still a good shortstop with a solid bat, power and speed, Furcal is entering the last year in his deal and wants a contract extension to stay with LA.  I don’t think it’ll happen, now with Hui down in Triple A ready to start, so expect Furcal to have a solid year before leaving LA to go elsewhere, giving the Dodgers some nice draft picks in the process.
• Juan Pierre (LF) – Does Pierre deserve to be starting ahead of the more talented Andre Ethier?  #### No.  Does that mean he will?  Yes, because we have seen throughout the ages that there is one common trait about Joe Torre.  He always starts his veteran’s and won’t start a youngster unless he has no choice.  In this case, he’ll likely start Pierre in left, where his speed should help him, but other than that, he’s got little value.
• James Loney (1B) – A nifty young player that the Dodgers finally appear to be done screwing wtih, Loney has a solid bat with plenty of power potential and should be a solid middle of the order presence for years.
• Andruw Jones (CF) – Last season’s down year resulted in Jones going from the top centerfielder on the market to a considerable risk.  I do credit the Dodgers for getting him at two years, as if he bombs, they’ll only be on the hook for one more year, unlike Juan Pierre.  Jones is still a good defensive center fielder who hits for power and shows some patience, but he also lengthens his swing as he tries to crush the ball and he’s lost a step as far as his speed goes.  Still, he’s an excellent buy and should give the Dodger lineup more thunder. 
• Jeff Kent (2B) – Kent can still hit and he’s still a reliable power source in the middle of the order, but he has no business playing second base anymore.  He really should be either at first base or a DH, but he doesn’t seem inclined to do either.  Still, expect Kent to put up some serious numbers here, especially if the Dodgers finally allow Kemp and Loney to stay in everyday and not want to switch to retreads and vets with nothing left in the tank.
• Matt Kemp (RF) – Kemp has all the tools to be a superstar, as he could become a power hitting right fielder in the mold of a J.D. Drew, but he’s still raw in several facets of the game.  Nonetheless, these flaws will only be worked out with playing time, so the Dodgers need to play him, as he is a big part of the Dodgers’ future once some of the vets move on.
• Russell Martin (C) – One of the best young catchers in the NL, Martin was probably a bit overworked last season, but his offensive performance didn't suffer much for it.  Overall, I think he's a great young player that should continue to be a presence in the lineup.   Also, he'd be a nice fit hitting second, but that likely won't happen.
• Nomar Garciaparra (3B) –Nomar is no longer the offensive player he was and he’s too brittle for the hot corner, so I’m not sure why Torre would start him, as his power is gone and all he really is able to do is hit for a superficially high average.  But, as I said, Torre won’t start kids unless he has no choice, meaning that the Dodgers will see a lot of Nomar hitting 8th.

Bench

• Andre Ethier (COF) – Ethier would be a solid left fielder, but it seems that the Dodgers are determined to get as much use out of Juan Pierre's contract as possible.  Plus, knowing Torre's affinity for Vets, and it's likely that Ethier will strictly be used in pinch hit duty until Pierre plays himself out of the lineup.
• Andy LaRoche (CINF) – Another casualty of Joe Torre will likely be Andy LaRoche, who will be on the bench as Nomar Garciaparra is started.  Still, I do give the Dodgers some credit to committing to at least carrying with the big league club.  LaRoche has all the tools to be a star third baseman in the mold of Troy Glaus, though only the Dodgers
• Gary Bennett (C) – A decent backup catcher with an okay bat, look at Bennett to be able to relieve Russell Martin, who was overworked last season.
• Wilson Valdez (UTIL) - Strictly a gloveman with no offensive value.
• Tony Abreu (UTIL) – A decent utility man, Abreu will likely backup all the middle infield positions, plus get the occasional start in the outfield.  He’s not a bad hitter either and could pinch hit in necessary.

Minor League Notables

• Clayton Kershaw (LHP) - The Dodgers' top prospect, Kershaw has already reached Double A at the age of 19.  He's got a big fastball and slider and potentially could be a major league ace.  While the Dodgers won't rush him, it's not inconcievable that Kershaw could get a big league look in the pen at the end of the season.
• Chin-lung Hu (SS) - Chien Ming Wang's ex-classmate, Hu has an incredible glove and enough of a bat that he won't be a drag on the offense.  He'll likely be Furcal's successor at short, though he could be called up in case of injury.
• Justin Meloan (RHP) - A solid setup man, Meloan is also a potential call up should one of the relievers flame out.

Final Analysis

Overall, the Dodgers have a good squad and will be in the mix for the National League Wild Card.  However, I don't feel that they'll have quite an easy run at the division or the WC thanks to the rise of the Diamondbacks and the Rockies.  Overall, this squad is dependant on it's youth.  If Torre decides to play the vets like Pierre and Garciaparra over more deserving talent, it will ultimately cost the Blue Crew at chance at the post-season.

Final Prediction - 2nd Place, National League West 

The Rangers Report – Offseason Edition

Hot Stove Coals

Here's some of the names that the Rangers have been connected with so far:

• Carlos Quentin (OF) - The Rangers did make a inquiry to see what it would take to acquire the potential hard hitting right fielder from the Arizona Diamondbacks.  It was Eric Hurley.  I'm not opposed to trading Hurley, but only if it's for a pitcher, such as Santana or Haren.  I would even trade him if maybe Texas had other pitching prospects close to ready.   Since they don't, onto the new stop.
• Scott Rolen (3B) and Chris Duncan (1B/LF) - This was strictly a salary dump in exchange for Hank Blalock.  Duncan I'm not sure about, as he's a big hacking slugger that would be a fit as a platoon DH or FIrst Baseman.  Rolen is pretty much done.  Sorry.  I just can't.
• Andy LaRoche (3B) - There are also talks that Texas is looking to trade Hank Blalock to the Dodgers for Andy LaRoche and change.  However, it looks like the reports are that this was strictly smoke with no substance.  That's a pity.  I would have loved to have had LaRoche.
• Coco Crisp (CF) - And back to Mr. Crisp.  Word is that Boston asked for C.J. Wilson in return and are not interested in Gerald Laird.  Ummmm, no.  Wilson is the closer next year and is one of the few lefties available for the pen, with Murray heading to the rotation in Oklahoma next year, leaving only Rheinecker as the lone lefty aside for Wilson.  Still, this offer is a lot better than what the Red Sox originally asked for, which was Hurley, Luis Mendoza, who actually was a Red Sox, and another player.  TIme to find the next Ron Mahay...
• Josh Hamilton (CF) – Hamilton is attractive in that he’s young and is a physical freak of nature.  He’s got loads of talent and could be a fixture long term in Texas.  The only real question, aside from the past substance abuse issues (not fair, but unfortunately, still valid) are what potential trade matches could be done, as judging from the two teams and their respective farm systems, it doesn’t look like a match can be made.
• David DeJesus (CF) – This is still a valid rumor, especially if you consider the fact that the Royals are going hard after the batshit crazy outfielder we all know as Jose Guillen.  If they sign him, they’ll have a outfield of Mark Teahen, Joey Gathright, whom the Royals love, and Guillen, leaving DeJesus out in the cold.  The Rangers could make an offer of Joaquin Arias, Luis Mendoza, and either Doug Mathis or Michael Schlact in return for DeJesus and change. 
• Chris Shelton (1B) - Shelton was designated for assignment by the Tigers to make room for Kenny Rogers.  Were I the Rangers, I actually would make a play for Shelton, who could at least be a platoon partner for Cat at first next year.

Raid The Pirates

Actually, there is a way for the Rangers to be able to fill several holes at once to help fill their needs.

The Pirates are looking to move RF Xavier Nady and LF Jason Bay in order to stock on prospects, as they seem to have realized that this current core of the team just isn’t working and are looking to make some deals. 

Nady is a virtual lock to be traded, as the Pirates have shown no desire to pay him in arbitration and will look to either trade him or non-tender him.  Jon Daniels discussed Bay with the Pirates earlier today and is in the mix to try and get him.

I’d try to make a deal for both, which would take care of left and right field and allowing them to use some sort of Marlon Byrd/David Murphy combo in center.  It would also allow Texas to leave Frank Catalanotto at first base and would add a pair of decent bats in the middle.  The best part is, neither of them blocks any of the Rangers’ prospects long term and potentially could allow the Rangers to reap some draft picks if they do well in Texas. 

What would I hit the Pirates with for both guys?  Well, it looks like the Pirates are looking for a catcher and a pitching prospect in exchange for Bay and are just looking to get something for Nady.  So, here’s what I’d do:

First off, I’d offer them Laird, who is still three years away from free agency.  That would be for Nady, as it is a trade of pieces that just don’t fit with their current clubs.

For Bay, since I have already offered a catcher, I would ask them if a trade for Joaquin The Dream would work, with another pitcher, possibly Michael Schlact or Armando Galarraga would work.  If they elect for it, cool.  If not, I’d offer some potential Rule 5 picks that may get selected from the Rangers, likely Tug Hulett a utility man, and Jesse Ingram, who had a bounceback season last year, but was blocked from getting onto the Rangers’ 40 this year.

So, if all things considered fall into place, I’d offer the following:

The Texas Rangers offer C Gerald Laird, RHP Armando Galaragga, SS Joaquin Arias and RHP Jesse Ingram for RF Xavier Nady and LF Jason Bay

I know it’s more quantity than quality right now, but it would kill some holes on the team and would allow them to try and trade Jack Wilson while trying to eat some of his salary.  All in all, it’s a pretty fair deal.

Tomorrow, the San Diego Padres Farm System goes up, with the Seattle Mariners going up on Friday.  Look for a Rangers Report GM Meetings Wrap Up On Thursday. 

And now, back to your regularly scheduled program...

On The Block – Miguel Cabrera

Just to address the other sexy name on the block.

The Why:  A farm system with some depth, but with a lot of graduations, an ownership unwilling to invest more than what they get in the luxury tax, and a assortment of problems at the ownership level results in the Marlins being unable to afford their superstar third baseman and potential MVP candidate.  The Marlins recognize they have holes in their team that they weren’t able to fill in the fire sale two years ago and are going to try and jettison their most attractive piece in order to fill them.

The Rumored Asking Price:  The Marlins are demanding FOUR players with 0-3 years in service time and all have to be studs.  Ouch.  That’s hard enough for any team to handle and the Marlins have already made it clear who they want from each team, no if’s, ands, or buts about it.

Can A Trade Be Done:  Iffy.  The Marlins have acquired a lot of talent as well as a reputation for being difficult to negotiate with.  They are going to demand the very best players for Cabrera and mean to get him, but what they’re asking for is going to scare off a lot of people.

The Good:  Cabrera has drawn many comparisons to Manny Ramirez in terms of hitting ability and power.  He could be a potential Hall Of Famer if he continues to improve and is already better than several superstar players were at his age, including Saint Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez.

Potential Hang-ups:

• Prospects – The amount and quality of prospects that Florida is going to want makes a trade very prohibitive for many teams, even those with the prospect depth to do so.
• Health – People are wondering if Cabrera’s weight issues will continue to be a problem, limiting his long-term value.
• Money – Any team that is looking to acquire Cabrera would want a negotiating window to extend him beyond his two remaining years.  The problem is, the Marlins have no intention of granting one, meaning it’s a buyer beware proposition.

Potential Suitors – In Alphabetical Order

• Chicago White Sox – The White Sox were aggressively going after Cabrera, offering a package of 3B Josh Fields, CF Jerry Owens, LHP Gio Gonzalez and reportedly LHP Jon Danks.  That probably won’t cut it, as the Marlins seem to be going after superstar prospects and nothing less.
• Los Angeles Angels – The Angels already look like they’re gearing up for a Cabrera trade, filling a rotation hole by the recent addition of Jon Garland.  They can now offer Florida a package that includes Ervin Santana, who fits the service time requirements.  However, the Angels would also need to add in 2B Howie Kendrick, top pitching prospect Nick Adenhart, OF Reggie Willits or one of Mike Napoli or Jeff Mathis catching tandem.  Reportedly, Adenhart and Kendrick are the sticking points, as the Angels are willing to give up one, but not both.  Also, the Marlins aren't too high on Santana. 
• Los Angeles Dodgers – The Dodgers also can offer a good package, maybe even better than the Angels.  Top pitching prospect Clayton Kershaw would have to be included in the deal, as well as 3B prospect Andy LaRoche, RHP Jonathan Broxton and one of either 1B James Loney or RF Matt Kemp.  That’s a hell of a price to pay with Kershaw alone, let alone the rest of the young talent on the Roster.  The Dodgers look like they’re all about it, but to be quite honest, I think I would rather pass.
• New York Yankees – Yup, the Yankees apparently are still in it, looking to move Cabrera to first base.  A package would have to be centered around CF Melky Cabrera, RHP Phil Hughes, and 2B Robinson Cano, which the Yankees would balk at, then state publicly that they’re waiting for the market to go down, all the while wondering why the Marlins are simply giving Cabrera to them.
• San Francisco Giants – The Giants looked into getting Cabrera early in the off-season, but they lacked positional players to send back to Florida.  Even then, would it really be worth sacrificing \either Matt Cain or Tim Lincecum?
• Texas Rangers – The Rangers have the talent to make a trade, but the Marlins would insist on RHP Eric Hurley, C Jarrod Saltalamacchia, 2B German Duran and SS Joaquin Arias (allowing them to move Hanley Ramirez to centerfield.)  That is a VERY high price to pay and the Rangers have made it known that they’re rebuilding, not looking to gut the farm.  This really is only out there to shut up those emails about whether or not the Rangers have a shot at Cabrera. 

If I Had To Pick A Deal Right Now…Traded To The Los Angeles Angels For RHP Ervin Santana, RHP Nick Adenhart, OF Reggie Willits, 2B Howie Kendrick.

Will A Deal Ultimately Happen – Yes.  The Angels are up to something and that something is likely Cabrera, as all of their moves this off-season look more and more like their gearing up to trade parts to gain him.  However, the Marlins also need to realize that they can’t keep doing this, trading talent away for more prospects because they’re getting expensive.  Ultimately, this is a symptom of a cancer at the top and Jeffrey Loria needs to address it with one of two solutions:  move the team or sell it to someone willing to put money into it.  Because, quite honestly, this can’t work for much longer.  

This is a quick update to Tuesday's On The Block.  Today's On The Block will be posted shortly...

On The Block - Johan Santana (again...)

Well, the trade acquistions of Delmon Young and Brendan Harris have changed what exactly the Twinkies will want in return for Santana and, subsequently, changes the amount of bidders available.  The Twins will now likely look for a centerfielder as well as near ready starting pitching, and positional players.  Harris is merely a stopgap shortstop and would actually be better at third base, assuming that the Twins go with Alexi Casilla and not the awful Nick Punto and second.

Here's who is going to likely not have a match:

• Texas Rangers – Not that Texas was ever really in it, but this kinda kills any offer the Rangers could send.  A package could be built around Hurley and Salty, but Kinsler wouldn't be as attractive. 
• New York Mets - The Mets now have no shot to even interest the Twins.  The best thing they could do would be to try and acquire one of the Twins' lesser arms for an outfielder, but there isn't anything the Mets have that could interest Minnesota in any way.

That leaves four teams that realistically could trade for Santana, three of them the same from Tuesday, one of them new....

Potential Suitors – In Alphabetical Order

• Boston Red Sox – Boston actually now would make the most sense, as they could send the Twins a good looking package of Jed Lowrie, a shortstop, Jon Lester, a ready made pitcher, Coco Crisp, a centerfielder, and likely a fourth prospect, possbly Brandon Moss, another outfielder, which could DH for the Twins, or something else.
• Los Angeles Angels – Artie Moreno and Co. look like their willing to go all in this offseason, with the acquisitions of Garland and Hunter.  It would be tough to see who Santana would replace, though it would likely come at the expense of Jered Weaver, a pitcher who is nowhere near as good as he's made out to be.  The Angels could offer Minnesota a package of Reggie Willits, who could man center and bat leadoff, Brandon Wood or Erick Aybar, both of whom can play shortstop, Weaver, who could slot in right away, and likely a fourth prospect, maybe Mark Sweeney, a power hitting first baseman in the lower minors.
• Los Angeles Dodgers – The Dodgers MIGHT be able to make a deal now.  Since the outfield is now out of player, the Dodgers would likely have to center a deal around Andy LaRoche, their top third base prospect, Chin-Lung Hu, their top shortstop prospect, as well as Clayton Kershaw and one more player.  That would be too rich for me. 
• New York Yankees – The one team that the Young trade screws over the most is the Yankees, who now not only have to include Melky Cabrera in a trade, but would also have to include Robinson Cano, along with Kennedy and Hughes for a deal to work.  And before the Yankee hate mail comes it, there aren't ANY positional prospects in the Yankees' minors aside from Austin Jackson, thanks to a lot of pitching centered drafts.

If I Had To Pick A Deal Right Now...Traded To The Boston Red Sox for SS Jed Lowrie, LHP Jon Lester, OF Brandon Wood and CF Coco Crisp.

Will A Trade Happen - Yes.  The Twins are nowhere near close to competing in a very stiff AL Central and the window with this current nucleus closed about two years ago, making a rebuilding effort long delayed.  At the very least, the trades of Santana and Joe Nathan would allow the Twins to get enough young pieces that the farm has failed to produce to put together a nice, young talent core to mount a challenge to the Indians and Tigers in two years.

The Red Sox Top 15 will be up later, right now I have something that just set me off that I saw on Sportscenter (had no choice, was at the Gym and it was either that or reruns of ER.  And I hate ER.)

Steve Phillips was asked for his recommandations to the Dodgers on how he would make their team a World Series contender.  After hearing him talk, I quickly wondered what reality he was talking about. 

Here are Phillips' takes, more or less, and my own, in full unedited glory.

Step 1 – Trade for Miguel Cabrera or Sign Alex Rodriguez

First off, I will credit Phillips with correctly identifying the Dodgers' need for power in the lineup.  However, this is the wrong way to go with it.  If you take Phillips’ later assumptions into account, it’s going to have to be Rodriguez or nothing, as the Marlins currently are assembling a list of players that they are targeting from different organizations that they would want in return for the potential Hall of Fame hopeful.  One of those is almost certainly going to be Clayton Kershaw, a young lefty that is going to be as good as Red Sox pitcher Clay Buchholz. 

Kershaw would have to be sent back in any deal that for Cabrera, that's a given.  It was Kershaw that was a sticking point in the Dodgers' failed negotiations this past summer for Mark Teixeira.  

As for A-Rod, he'll cost nothing but money, but it'll be a WHOLE LOT of money. 

My Solution - Why Not Settle With What you have in house?  The Dodgers have a perfectly good third base prospect in Andy LaRoche, who has hit the batting line of .295/.525/.901 in the minors and has averaged 18 Homers and 61 RBIs in an average of 90 games per season.  Why not give him a full season to prove that he can hit?  He's a lot cheaper than Rodriguez or Cabrera and would give a power boost to the lineup as well.

And if you must get rid of LaRoche, go after a cheaper first baseman to save some money for what is about to come next.  The Rangers would be happ to give up Hank Blalock straight up for LaRoche.  The Pirates would be willing to give up Freddy Sanchez if it meant getting LaRoche. 

The only possible way of getting Cabrera might be asking the Marlins if they'd be receptive to a deal of a paid for Juan Pierre (solving their centerfield issue), LaRoche (solving third while improving the infield defense) and including Andre Ethier and Jonathan Broxton.  That woudl be the only way I could see a deal for Cabrera working, though I would prefer to just use LaRoche.

Step 2 – Sign Andruw Jones, Aaron Rowand, or Torii Hunter to play centerfield and move Juan Pierre to left

Yikes.  Here's another bad idea.

Pierre is a terrible outfielder and has a weak arm as well.  He's probably one of the worst contracts signed in the Ned Colletti era. 

Philips said that acquriing one of the three centerfielders mentioned above would not only improve the offense, but also improve the defense as well.

Here's an idea, which would work with Philips' plan and would still have the desired effect.

Trade Pierre for whoever you can get, preferrably a reliever or a swingman to help the pen and the rotation if necessary.  Second, play Etheir (provided he's not traded, of course) in left, and play Matt Kemp, a blossoming young monster, in right.  If you get Andruw Jones, which would work, in center, congradulations.  You just improved the outfield defense and upgraded the offense to boot.

Step 3 – Trade For Johan Santana

Ooookay, where to start.

Provided you haven't already traded Kershaw, going after Santana creates more problems than it does solve any.

First off, you would immediately open a hole in right field, as it would likely require a package of Kershaw, Kemp and LaRoche to get Santana, even if you do get him to agree to a contract extension. 

Guess what, you just opened a hole in right and third base.

You could play Ethier at right, but I like his bat better in left field.  And it would make the necessary the addition of a Rodriguez and a Andruw Jones in order to fill those holes, leaving you with a much more expensive roster which wasn't necessary in the first place.

The Dodgers could enter next season by making only one foray into the free agent market and that would be it:

Starting Lineup

• Furcal (SS)

• Martin (C)

• Kent (2B)

• Loney (1B)

• Kemp (RF)

• Jones (CF) - Brought In Via Free Agency

• LaRoche (3B)

• Ethier (LF)

Rotation

• Penny (RHP)

• Lowe (RHP)

• Billingsley (RHP)

• Schmidt (RHP)

• Wolf (RHP) - Brought Back

Contracts Traded For Bullpen Help - Pierre (CF) to Marlins For Kevin Gregg (RHP), Nomar Garciaparra (1B) To Texas For Akinori Otsuka (RHP)

And there you have it.  I'm done.  That team I just put together should win 88 games, maybe 90 if the team stays healthy and the youngsters develop.  There was no need to go spend foolishly on several players that may not have been worth it.  That's the reason why you have a farm system.  So you can eventually have young, cheaper, higher upside pieces to build around and eventually contend with.

And all without having to mortgage my best pieces in the farm and to keep the payroll more or less reasonable in the long run.

I'm beginning to understand why Phillips was tossed out so quickly by the Mets.

He just sucked.

Normally I love the guys from Baseball Prospectus and their various takes on the world of Baseball, but there are times when I do take issue with some of the opinions they write.

Like this recent piece that Joe Sheehan, writing for SI.com, indicating five trades that need to happen raised my ire.  Sheehan's words are in italics, mine are normal.

Red Sox trade CF Coco Crisp to the White Sox for 1B Chris Carter. Boston must unload Crisp, who was supplanted as the team's centerfielder by Jacoby Ellsbury during the ALCS. The Red Sox' every-day lineup is set for 2008, but they could use some depth among their hitting prospects as they move toward the end of the Manny Ramirez -- David Ortiz era. The White Sox are focused on the short term, as shown by their extending the contracts of veterans Jermaine Dye and Mark Buehrle. So 20-year-old first baseman Carter, who was third in the Class A Sally League with 25 homers, is expendable. Getting Crisp, 28, who is owed a very reasonable $11 million over the next two years, at a down moment would be smart shopping.

I would almost agree with this if the Red Sox on record hadn't already said they would target high talent in the lower minors.  With that in mind, the Red Sox would be more likely to target Faustino De Los Santos, a impact righthander in the White Sox's Low A affiliate.  That would probably kill the trade.

A more plausible trade would likely be with Texas, who could offer a young arm in Jake Brigham, a highly projectable right hander who is similar to Sox prospect Michael Bowden, or the Dodgers, who have a load of ammunition they could offer in return.

Rockies trade 3B Garrett Atkins to the Twins for RHPs Anthony Swarzak and Eduardo Morlan. Ian Stewart (.304/.379/.478 at Triple A Colorado Springs) is ready to take over at third base for Colorado, which should be looking to add strikeout pitchers to a staff heavy on contact guys. Minnesota has a glut of young pitchers and desperately needs to add a bat to help Justin Morneau and Joe Mauer. Swarzak, 22, a starter who projects as a mid-rotation guy, is buried in the Twins' system. Morlan, 21, struck out 12.6 men per nine innings as a reliever in high A ball and could be a 2008 version of closer Manny Corpas.

Actually, I'm all about that trade.  Sheehan nails this one.  It will never happen, however, as Minnesota stockpiles arms and never uses them, which has possibly killed several trades that could have helped the team.  Another thing is that Atkins is untradable thanks to the recent success and the fan backlash may not be desirable to the Rox.  Stewart is more likely to be traded and he could fetch a solid young arm in a trade.  One trade likely to be bandied about:  Stewart to New York for Ian Kennedy.

Orioles trade SS Miguel Tejada to the Blue Jays for OF Adam Lind, RHP Brandon League and LHP David Purcey. The Blue Jays' window is fast closing since they'll lose the services of Troy Glaus, A.J. Burnett and Frank Thomas after 2008. With the Yankees going through a transition, it may be '08 or never for the J.P. Ricciardi regime. Tejada would give Toronto a big offensive boost over the current shortstop, glove man John McDonald. The rebuilding Orioles won't get the Jays' best prospect (outfielder Travis Snider), but they would get three major-league-ready guys, at low cost.

Not Happening.  The Orioles could probably get a lot more for Tejada than Lind, a solid outfielder, Purcey, a okay, but not great lefty, and League, a setup man.  If they really wanted to shop Tejada, they could probably get something better from the Angels, likely 3B Brandon Wood, a Troy Glaus-esque third baseman and RHP Ervin Santana, who could be an ace if he gets out of LA.  A third prospect, possible Reggie WIllits, could go back in return and could be passable in center if they so chose.

Another option would be the Dodgers, who could sent back a package of CF Juan Pierre, 3B Andy LaRoche, and LF Andre Etheir.  EIther option would be a lot better than what Sheehan offers in his column.

Brewers trade SS Alcides Escobar to the Rangers for 3B Hank Blalock. Milwaukee could then move Ryan Braun, the first third baseman in 14 years with a sub-.900 fielding percentage, to rightfield, rightfielder Corey Hart to center and centerfielder Bill Hall to third base, where he'd platoon with Blalock, another high-split guy. That would put two players, Braun and Hall, in positions where they're better suited, while stretching Hart slightly. Blalock would provide a key lefty bat for a team that lists to the right. Meanwhile, with Escobar, 20, Texas G.M. Jon Daniels would add to his collection of prospects a glove-first shortstop who could eventually move Michael Young to third base.

Won't happen.  The Rangers already have a highly projectable shortstop in Elvis Andrus and a similar version of Escobar in Joaquin "The Machine" Arias.  They'd be more likely to add someone else that could play centerfield, or a highly projectable athlete.  If the Rangers were to trade Blalock, which likely won't happen because Blalock's value is low, they'd target someone like Crisp, actually, though a more realistic option would likely be Luke Scott of the Astros, who reporteldy have been thinking about using Wigginton at second.

Indians trade SS Jhonny Peralta to the Cubs for OF Matt Murton and RHP Sean Gallagher. Rather than move Peralta to second or third base to make room for Asdrubal Cabrera, Cleveland should trade him near the peak of his value for a much-needed corner-outfielder bat. The Cubs made do with fan fave Ryan Theriot at short this year, but Peralta, 25, is a clear upgrade. His below-average defense with the Tribe wouldn't be as much of a liability with the Cubs' high-strikeout, fly ball staff.

First of all, I don't think that Gallagher would be a good fit for the Jake, or the AL for that matter, so he's out.  Murton is a solid outfielder, but the Indians have David Dellucci on the team and rather than admit they made a mistake and move on, they'll likely stick him in left field next season as the starter.  Nice try, but this deal would be a disaster for the Indians, who would get a player with the same upside as Cliff Lee.  I really don't see why this would work out.

Tomorrow night, I'll post my own trades that should be done.

Try not to rip me too hard.

Top 15 Red Sox Prospects Tomorrow!

Before I being, congrats to the Kansas City Royals, as they appear to be getting ready to hire former Nippon Ham Fighters Manager Trey Hillman.  Hillman's a good man and will provide a lot of guidance to those players.

Onto the show!

On The Block - Coco Crisp

This is no longer out of the realm of possibility, as the Crisp himself has expressed a near certainty that he could be dealt. 

The Why:  Because Jacoby Ellsbury is bad ####.

Okay, aside from that.

Really, Ellsbury is ready to play now and the Red Sox don't seem too inclined to have him go into the 2008 Season as a supersub (which he'd still get reasonably playing time spotting Manny and Drew and Crisp).  Plus, Crisp is at the height of his value and would net some quality stuff in return for the Red Sox.

The Rumored Asking Price:  Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.......I'd say at least one stud prospect and a couple of B grade prospects, not stars, but good ones.   Or, potentially a third baseman with control left on him and a couple of prospects.  This is guesstimating right now.

Can A Trade Be Done:  Yes.  I should probably eliminate this section.  In all seriousness, Crisp is attractive because of his defense and because of his contract, which pays him $4.75 million in 2008, $5.75 million in 2009 and an $8 million club option for 2010.  That's a sweet deal, especially if you're gunshy about going after some of the centerfielders in the market this year. 

The Good:  Aside from his Gold Glove caliber defense, Crisp has a great deal of talent.  He was probably miscast as the leadoff man last year, but he's got a presence in the back of the order and reasonably could hit in the Number Two Slot if you've got an established leadoff guy already. 

Potential Hang-ups:

• Prospects – It really depends on what you're willing to give up for him.  Boston could easily scare off quite a few teams if they asked for several top prospects, especially in this day and age where prospects are overvalued a bit. Teixiera may have made the market harder for everyone else, as now everyone will be wondering if they could get a bounty of players in exchange for a player again.
• Lack Of Suitors - The quality of a lot of farm systems is down due to graduations or long term need.  As a result, many teams are either set with centerfielders, are playing a guy in center simply because of his contract, or don't have the goods to make a deal.

Potential Suitors – In Alphabetical Order

• Atlanta Braves – This is probably the most obvious one, as Atlanta needs a centerfielder.  Unfortunately, the Bravos are thin in the farm system after dealing prospects
• Florida Marlins – The Marlins could use a centerfielder and have some prospect depth to do it.  The Red Sox could even try to do a deal for Miguel Cabrera, although that likely would result in more being sent back to Florida in return.
• Los Angeles Dodgers - The Dodgers seem to be wanting to build more from other peoples' rosters instead of from their own, which is a shame.  Fortunately, there's a prospect in the Dodgers' minors that would be a solid swap for Crisp, Andy LaRoche, whom the Dodgers seem to have an allergy to playing. 
• Milwaukee Brewers - The Brewers could use a centerfielder and could concievably trade Bill Hall, who'd play third for the Red Sox, along with change elsewhere.
• Minnesota Twins – The Twins need a centerfielder and could part with some of their arms in the minors, but I don't have a feel for how the new regime in Minnesota thinks yet.  Terry Ryan wouldn't deal for anyone, so let's see how things shake out.
• Texas Rangers – Texas could use Crisp, but after restocking the system, I'm not so sure how much they're eager to start spending from it.  It's more likely they stand pat.

If I had To Hazard A Guess...Crisp Stays Put, Leaving Ellsbury to Supersub Duty.

If I Had To Make A Trade...The Boston Red Sox trade CF Coco Crisp to the Minnesota Twins for RHP Matt Garza.

Thoughts?