I've had about enough of the Johan Santana rumor mill.

It's becoming increasingly obvious that he'll be there opening day with the Twins and will remain with them till at least the trade deadline.

Why?

Because it's becoming increasinly obvious that there is a lot of chatter from all sides, but no action.  Usually, the more rumors that are passed around about a player, the more unlikely it's going to happen.  It's like talking the whole night how you're going to go after the prettiest girl in the room, but at the end of the night, you're going back home to nothing but a hard drive full of porn and a full box of kleenex.

Sorry for the visual analogy, but that's what it's become in the Santana Sweepstakes, which have become nothing more than just a lot of shock jock fodder and a whole lot of New York centric media opinions (oh god, the New York media opionions!  Newsday has become unreadable!)  I swear to god, if I hear one more Hank Steinbrenner quote, I'll go up to Yankee Stadium myself and stuff his father's turtleneck in his piehole, just so he'd shut up!

BTW, is it just me, or is Steinbrenner the Younger seeming to enjoy the limelight that comes with his new job.  I think he's likely to follow in his father's footsteps, which means that the Yankees will be sucking in about five to eight years, thanks to Hank trading away the farm and signing the various Mel Hall and Danny Tartabull types on a whim.

The fact is, a trade should have already happened, as Boston, New York and New York should have pulled the trigger on a deal.

And spare me the talk about how Santana would require a huge contract extension that makes him unaffordable.  All three of these teams would be lining up to get into a money fight for Santana if he hits the market next winter.

And the Yankees are the last one's to be preaching fiscal responsibility.  Didn't they just spend $275 million on Alex Rodriguez?  They can easily afford to extend Santana, who fills a need and has more upside to any Yankee prospect with the exception of Joba.  They have $58.3 million coming off the books anyway, not counting the sunk costs of $6.95 million for paying Giambi and Pavano to go away.

Don't snicker Red Sox fans.  You all aren't any better.  You have about the same amount of money leaving the books, with Manny and Varitek's contracts coming off the books.  And you have the farm system depth to fill the holes as well. 

The Twins too also have to be reasonable.  You aren't going to get a team to completely gut their system for Santana.   It's unrealistic.  You need to get teams to agree to a reasonable set of demands and flip as soon as the best deal comes up. 

Financial reasons aside, here is what the Twins should reasonably expect to get for their ace:

• 1 High Quality Pitching Prospect
• 1 High Quality Positional Prospect
• 1 Above Average Pitching Prospect
• 1 Average Prospect Or Young Player

Here are the offers for each team:

Boston - Jon Lester (LHP), Jed Lowrie (SS/2B), Justin Masterson (RHP), Coco Crisp (CF)

I honestly don't know why the Twins haven't agreed to this deal, as it matches up with my qualifications perfectly.  I think the Twins are hoping that Boston will toss in Clay Buchholz, which won't happen.  Lester is an above average lefty who could be a number two starter.  Lowrie could start for Minnesota now and be the best second baseman they've had since Chuck Knoblauch.  Masterson has the potential to be a good pitcher in this league and Crisp helps give Minnesota a solid outfield for the first time in years.

New York (AL) - Phil Hughes (RHP), Melky Cabrera (CF), Jeff Marquez (RHP), Mitch Hillgross

This is insulting, actually.  While Hughes is very good and I like Marquez to be a solid innings eater in the NATIONAL league, the rest is just ####.  Cabrera is a average regular, not a star and I don't blame the Twins for shooing away fhe Yankees with this offer.  If you want to give me something to think about, here is what I would ask for:

Phil Hughes (RHP), Melky Cabrera (CF), Ian Kennedy (RHP), Alan Horne (RHP)

And before Yankee Fans jump on me, consider this.  Kennedy has been highly overrated since he was drafted and has been made to be a lot better than he is by the Yankee spin machine.  He is, at best, a average pitcher with excellent command and is at best a Number Three pitcher, nothing more.  He's not the second coming of Mike Mussia, who had better stuff than Kennedy at the beginning of his career.  Horne has good stuff, but is injury prone and likely a bullpen guy in the end.  Cabrera is an average regular, not a star. 

New York (NL) - Carlos Gomez (CF), Delouis Guerra (RHP), Phil Humber (RHP), Kevin Mulvey (RHP)

A good offer, it's better than what the Yankees are offering and it sends Santana to the NL, where he wouldn't haunt the Twins.  However, I would ask for Fernando Martinez, who has a chance to be a star, instead of Gomez.  That would trump the Red Sox offer and if I had that deal on the table, I'd take it and run with it.  Guerra has a chance to be a solid Number Two pitcher, Humber an inninsg eater, and Mulvey a solid 3.  That's not a bad return.

Oh, and by the way, Omar Minaya is a fool for not agreeing to trade Gomez back in November for Matt Garza, who had a chance to be the best pitcher on the Mets' roster.  The Twins should thank him, as they got Delmon Young in the deal, who is a lot better.

Unfortunately, it looks like we'll be inundated with more of the Santana claptrap, with more rantings for Hank Steinbrenner, more of us seeing Theo Epstein's Fraiser Crane impersonation with him saying "I'm listening", and more pleas from Omar Minaya for the Twins to accept his good, but not great offer. 

So sorry folks, we'll be listening to three more months of the same #### till Spring Training ends.

Well, I'm not the first to comment on the Matt Garza, Delmon Young trade, but I hope that I'll give you all something to check out here.  Here's how each piece of the deal ranks:

Delmon Young (RF) - Young is one of the most high touted baseball talents of the past ten years.  He's drawn a lot of comparisons to Vlad Guerrero, though he hasn't hit for the power just yet.  Still, he's young and has got Hall of Fame potential if he lives up to it and all in all is the best piece exchanged here.  All in all, it's surprising to see Young dealt.  Maybe it's the makeup issues that Tampa finally tired of.  Maybe they know something we don't know.  But all in all, Minnesota makes out well for themselves.

Matt Garza (RHP) - I'm a big Garza fan and this is possibly the biggest impact piece of the deal.  Garza has the potential to be a very good Number 2 or 3 starter and slots in perfectly for Tampa behind Scott Kazmir and James Shields, giving Tampa it's first stable rotation since...ever!  

Jason Bartlett (SS) - A solid defensive shortstop with a good enough bat, Barlett is a big upgrade over Brendan Harris, who's better as a utilityman or as a second baseman.  Barlett will give Tampa a solid infield in the meantime, as they have a solid shortstop prospect in Reid Brignac that is coming up quickly. 

Eduardo Morlan (RHP) - Regarded as a future closer, Morlan is one of the better relief prospects in baseball.  He's got a mid 90's fastball that touches 98 and compliments it with a #### slider.  WIth some refinement, Tampa could find a potential match for Boston's Jonathan Papelbon, and no, that's no #### either.

Brendan Harris (SS) - Harris is a cheaper, lower quality version of Bartlett.  He's a decent defender with a little pop that is probably a better option to be placed over at second or third base, either place he'd offer a lot better option than the gastly Nick Punto.

Jason Pridie (CF) - A bit of a wildcard here, Pridie was originally taken two years ago by Minnesota in the Rule 5 Draft, but he didn't stick.  Pridie's got leadoff potential with some pop and could probably evolve into a poor man's version of Torii Hunter in time, or become a very good fourth outfielder, provided he stays health.

All in all, a good trade for both sides.  Tampa sacrifices a bit of offense in order to greatly improve at two other positions overall.  Of course, part of that is also depending a lot on Rocco Baldelli returning to form, at least until one of Tampa's other top outfield prospects is ready for the show.  In the meantime, the Twins gain a potential boost in the middle of the order, though they do lose a bit of heat in the middle of the rotaiotn with Garza gone, leaving a lot of command and control types after Santana and Liriano.  But really, it's a small quibbling.  When you have a chance to add a potential once in a generation bat in Young, you take the ball and run away.

Grade For Both Sides - A

Well, only one team logo left in the hat.  Which means this will be the last team preview and that posting will go back to it's usual, sporatic schedule.  So, you should all be able to guess who's left....

Tampa Bay Devil Rays

Tampa actually has one of the more promising farm systems in all of baseball, with a great deal of pitching and position prospects nearly ready for the big club.  Unfortunately, that means #### for the current guys on the roster, also very talented and are among some of the more pined after products in all of baseball.

Starting Rotation

1. Scott Kazmir (LHP) – The talented young lefty that was stolen from the Mets in the Victor Zambrano trade has teased Tampa fans with his excellent stuff and his tendency for injury.  Quite a lot of it has to do with his size, as he’s small.  However, I do think that this year, Kazmir is able to last a full season and should set franchise highs in wins, k’s and ERA.  Then again, it’s Tampa, and that might not be hard to do…
2. Casey Fossum (RHP) – Fossum has average stuff at best, but he’s never stayed healthy enough or consistent enough in the majors to have any sort of meaningful career.  He was average last season, but didn’t play the entire season thanks to fraying in his rotation cup.  Fossum has since had surgery to get the injury cleaned up and right now is Tampa’s number two starter.
3. James Shields (RHP) – Shields showed last season that he has the potential to become a solid middle of the rotation pitcher, when he went 6-8 with a 4.84 ERA.  However, the Rays shut him down last year when he began to approach his the 200 inning mark in innings pitch, fearing that they would possibly hurt him.  Shields now has had a full summer to rest up and should be in the Tampa rotation at the starter of the season. 
4. Jae Seo (RHP) – Seo isn’t nearly as bad as his record was last year and he expressed a desire to show some improvement in his performance.  I think that he’ll be a very tolerable fifth starter, but he shouldn’t be depended on to provide any more than that.
5. J.P. Howell (LHP) – Howell was once a highly regarded Royals prospect, but Kansas City rushed him to the majors, even though he wasn’t ready, and Howell was destroyed.  Howell did well after the trade to Tampa and improved a bit, going 1-3 with a 5.10 ERA, considerably better than when he was in KC and showed some dominance at times.   Howell has some decent stuff, relying mostly on deception, but his stuff is good enough that he could succeed in the middle of the rotation.  Howell will likely be the fifth starter and will get more time to be worked with at the major league level, as this should have been the year he debuted.

Bullpen

• Seth McClung (Closer) – Not sure what to make of McClung.  He looked solid in a few spot saves last season and it’s possible that he may be able to use his above average stuff more effectively in the closer’s role.  I don’t know.  We’ll have to see how well he looks in Spring Training and the beginning of the season to be able to tell if he’s for real or not.
• Dan Miceli (Setup Man) – This veteran right-hander will setup and spot close when necessary.
• Chad Orvella (RHP) – Orvellla was rocked much of last season, but he’s not nearly as bad as the final record goes.  We’ll see what happens now that he’s got a full year’s experience under his belt.
• Juan Salas (RHP) – Salas was very poor last season, but it’s possible that experience could help him improve his showing.
• Shawn Camp (RHP) – Average right hander is somewhat dependable out of the pen.
• Ruddy Lugo (RHP) – This solid right hander gives the pen one of its more reliable weapons.
• Jon Swister (LHP) – Average lefty rounds out the pen.

Starting Lineup

1. Rocco Baldelli (CF) – An immensely talented centerfielder, Baldelli has a slick glove, speed, range, and a strong arm.  And that’s just on defense.  Offensively, he’s got great bat speed, great power and outstanding plate discipline.  The only flaw with Baldelli is his injury history, as he has had two major injuries and has missed an entire season due to one of them.  However, he seems to have recovered and is Tampa’s biggest trade chip thanks to an extremely club-favorable contract.   The Angels and White Sox both covet him, but Tampa has held off on inquiries, seeing him as a building block of success.
2. Akinori Iwamura (3B) – The Devil Rays got one of the bargains of the off-season by acquiring Akinori Iwamura at a cost of $7.7 million for the next three years.  Iwamura will likely hit second and replaces the defensively challenged B.J. Upton at third.  Iwamura won’t hit for a lot of power, but he will get on base and will provide above average defense for this squad.  Plus, his speed sets up the next pair of batters very nicely.
3. Carl Crawford (LF) – Crawford is a budding superstar, and he continued to convert his ability into performance in 2006.  He has great bat speed, power and is one of the fastest players in the majors.  The only real flaw with him is that his arm is below average, though that’s only nitpicking at this point.  Crawford is also a highly tradable commodity thanks to his club friendly contract, but the D-Rays have also indicated that he’s going to be their face of the franchise. 
4. Delmon Young (RF) – Young is a five-tool player that is one of the best young talents in the game.  Though he’s had some temperament issues (has asked to be traded, flung his bat at an umpire in a Triple-A game last May) but he’s made an effort to improve his reputation as of late.  .Young has the perfect blend of speed and power, plus he’s got a strong arm and great instincts in the outfield, though he could also be a very good centerfielder.  Young does need to learn to develop some plate discipline, but as far as the best pure talent in the game is considered, Young is at the top of the list.
5. Greg Norton (1B) – Norton had a solid season as part of a platoon at first with Ty Wigginton that was very much production, accounting for around 40 home runs and over 100 RBI’s.  I expect them to stick with the platoon again this year, allowing the kids one more year of maturation (in particular Elijah Dukes) before both Norton and Wigginton get shopped around for bullpen help.
6. Jonny Gomes (DH) –Gomes remade his swing before the 2005 season, giving himself a much shorter path to the ball, resulting in a much high contact rate at the expense of some power.  However, a shoulder injury slowed his bat and ultimately led to surgery.  He’s expected to be 100% now in Spring Training and will be a solid presence in the lineup.
7. Jorge Cantu (2B) – Cantu has solid power for the position and is pretty productive, but his fielding and plate discipline are both below average, making for a rather unpleasant combination that you really don’t want in your second baseman.  Cantu will likely be moved at some point this season, as Evan Longoria is capable of playing second and may be a better option, offensively, to fill the role.
8. Dioner Navarro (C) –I've always felt that Navarro could be a talented catcher, but he’s seemed to have had some troubles getting there.  Tampa has made it known he’s the starter and he should be an average bat.
9. Ben Zobrist (SS) –I've liked Zobrist since he was in the Astros’ system, and felt that if he got a shot, he could make a solid major league regular.  Zobrist was got his shot after Julio Lugo was traded and played solid defense, though his bat, always solid in the minors, didn’t come up with him.  Zobrist had a solid AFL showing and will be the starter for this season, but I still feel that no matter how well he does, Zobrist will be demoted to utilityman once Reid Brignac is ready.

Bench

• Ty Wigginton (1B) – Part of the D-Ray’s first base platoon, Wigginton was also very much productive and will share the spot in the lineup with Norton.
• B.J. Upton (???) – No one seems to know where the hell Upton is going to play, as he’s pretty much been a crappy defender wherever he’s been.  Upton can mash, that is true, but the deal is where he fits into the lineup.
• Josh Paul (C) – A capable defender that really isnt’ all that much of a hitter, despite what the average says about his stats last year.
• Elijah Dukes (1B/OF) – One of the more interesting prospects in baseball, Dukes is a solid prospect who is an outstanding athlete with skills up the wazoo.  He’s got great plate discipline, power, speed, a strong arm, is an extremely good fielder and is built like a house.  However, he’s also one of the most insane people you’ll ever meet.  Dukes has anger issues and his desire to play comes and goes, depending on his mood.  It should be noted that Dukes does enjoy playing the game, as he clearly has stuck with it and returned to play in the AFL after threatening to quit baseball permanently.  Dukes may or may not make the big club, it depends on what happens with Upton, but it may be that Tampa’s best option for keeping Dukes in line may be to keep him with the big club, in order to keep a closer eye on him, as he’s really physically ready to perform now.

   

  Down On The Farm…

The American League East is one of the worst divisions to be in, especially when you have a pair of financial superpowers in the Red Sox and Yankees at the top.  However, Tampa has done well to carefully bring along their talent in the minors, especially pitching.  And, as luck would have it, the Rays’ pitching staff is finally getting ready to start sending re-enforcements to the main club, starting with Jeff Niemann and Mitch Talbot, with other prospects that have been carefully developed being available as soon as next year.  Plus, with the amount of position prospects that are also near ready, this team could have some viable trade chips in the coming months. 

• Evan Longoria (3B) – The best bat in the draft, there were concerns that Longoria wouldn’t be able to transition his excellent college stats into production.  He destroyed those concerns by storming through the minors, beginning in Short Season ball and ending in Double A.  He hit 18 home runs in 248 at-bats and has great natural power, plus excellent plate discipline.  He can play third base, but is also a capable defender at short and second (where people think he’ll end up) as well.  Longoria will likely end up in the majors by the end of the year, making Jorge Cantu a interesting piece of trade bait.
• Mitch Talbot (RHP) – Talbot frustrated the Astros through much of his career, but he put it all together last year, improving his control and throwing for more strikes.  Talbot has an excellent changeup and a solid fastball.  He’s in the process of developing a breaking ball, but make no mistake that Talbot will be a very good middle of the rotation starter in a couple of years.
• Reid Brignac (SS) – Brignac is one of the best shortstop prospects in the minors, possibly the best now that Brandon Wood is transitioning to third base.  Brignac has some power, but his plate discipline is excellent.  He’s also has a strong arm and is a hard worker.  The problem is that many in the Devil Rays’ camp feel that Brignac, like Wood, will eventually be a third baseman, as he lacks the range to play the position.  Still, he’s got to be a monster once he breaks into the majors, which could be as soon as this year.
• Jeff Niemann (RHP) – I never trust Rice pitchers as a rule, because they seem to always get hurt.  Niemann is no different, as he’s been hampered by groin and shoulder problems since he signed almost three years ago.  That aside, Niemann does have great potential, with a fastball that sits in the low 90’s and hits 97 at times, plus a power slider and a good changeup.  The problem is whether or not Neimann can continue his development.  The Devil Rays are cautiously optimistic that he can, so it’s likely that he’ll begin the season in Triple A with the opportunity to force his way into the majors.
• Jae-kuk Ryu (RHP) – One of the more famous bird killers in baseball (even more so because he did it intentionally), Ryu has the potential to be a solid fifth or fourth guy.  Ryu has got some decent talent, with a sinking fastball that generally was sitting at 90-92 mph with touches of 94 mph.  His offspeed pitches consisting of a nasty curve, a good changeup, and a average splitter, a good enough to keep him as a starter.  The only problem is that his durability is in question.  Regardless of that, he’ll have a job with Tampa.

In Conclusion

Tampa will likely be staying in last place for at least this year.  But, once the young talent in the farm begins arriving, which it could as soon as this year, the Yankees and the Red Sox will have a new force to reckon with in their own division.  And it sure as hell won’t be Toronto or Baltimore.

Final Standing:  Fifth In The American League East

Slow baseball day, especially with the Super Bowl coming soon (by the way, I beat the Dolphins 30-21 in the Super Bowl in my Madden Game, in case anyone is interested.)

D-Rays Would Be Foolish To Deal Young

Apparently B.J. Upton isn't getting the interest that you might think.  He's talented, but it's that Upton hasn't been able to find a position.  Furthermore, teams are wary of his attitude.  Apparently, many scouts are questioning how much desire Upton has for the game.  As a result, the Rays have discussed a package of outfielder Delmon Young, he of the enormous talent and the questionable attitude, in order to make teams more willing to take Upton.  

Such a trade would be vastly one sided unless the Rays are able to acquire two starting pitchers.  And even then, I would be parting with a potential superstar, as Young has the same tool set as a young Barry Bonds.  As for Upton, I'd move him to the outfield (swap him out on days where Young would DH), where he'd be able to showcase his skills enough to make a trade.  Other than that, I really don't know where else he could be moved, except maybe first, where a wooden Indian can play.

Heir To Rivera?  Not A Good Idea.

With the greatest closer in the modern era nearing retirement in New York, the Yankees are looking around for options to succeed him, as it's likely Rivera will only play for another two years, then ride off into the sunset.

They have made sure to hold onto in house options, such as J.B. Cox and Scott Proctor, they are rumored to have heavy interest in Los Angeles' Francisco Rodriguez to be a replacement.

Rodriguez hits Free Agency after the 2008 season.  I'm guessing that Rivera at most plays until then.  Should he hit free agency, Rodriguez could expect to surpass the record deal given to B.J. Ryan by Toronto, possibly earning four years, maybe $48 million or more, depending on how much the market has corrected by then.

However, I don't think this is a wise investment.

Rodriguez, despite his potential, is possibly the one closer currently in baseball that is headed for a disastrous breakdown. 

He's had shoulder and elbow problems bite him when he was a starter, and despite his reasonable durability as a closer, his mechanics, his delivery, and his size all scream potential breakdown.  I'm already surprised the Rodriguez hasn't suffered a breakdown. 

Is his stuff overpowering?  Yes.  Is he great?  Yes.  Do I hate to see him come in from the pen whenever the Rangers and Angels play?  Yes.  But would I invest money in him?  No.  I think that sooner or later, much like Pedro Martinez, who also has explosive mechanics and a small frame that have taken their toll on him, I think that K-Rod is time bomb waiting to go off. 

Who’s Closing For Boston?

Boston enters 2007 much like they did 2005 and 2006.

No closer.  I wouldn't be talking about this topic, but Sleepless got me thinking about it (thanks a lot.  I owe you a Hot Pocket.)

Unlike last season, where B.J. Ryan had hit the market, the Red Sox found the 2006 Free Agency class to be without any solid options.  Their lone plausible option, Eric Gagne, signed with the Texas Rangers.  Their top trade target, Mike Gonzalez, was dealt this season to Atlanta, who seems to be collecting relievers like others do baseball cards.  The only other two potential closers that can teams are listening to offers for, Texas’ Akinori Otsuka and Washington’s Chad Cordero, will cost Boston a solid starting pitching prospect, a price that Boston isn’t willing to pay.

Internally, options are few and far between.  Theoretically, there are several players that they can use to fill the role:

• Jonathan Papelbon – Last year’s closer, Boston planned to use Papelbon as a reliever for at least another year until Schilling left the rotation due to retirement, allowing Papelbon to slide into the rotation.  However, at the All-Star break, Papelbon suffered from weakness in the shoulder joint.   After a second incident in September, in which he suffered a slight shoulder subluxation, Papelbon was shut down for the remainder of the season.  While it’s tempting to think that after some rest, Paps would be as good as new and able to handle the role for another year, Papelbon may be better off becoming a starter now, where his workload would be much more routine, as there is doubt that Papelbon can handle pitching everyday.
• Matt Clement – Clement has said that he’s willing to give closing a try, depending on what the team needs him to do.  Why Clement may benefit from a move to a closers role, as it would limit his workload and allow him to continue a career in the majors.  However, Clement was shaky all of last year and there’s doubt as to whether or not his stuff is still dominating enough to where he can be effective for one inning.
• Mike Timlin – Timlin has been an invaluable workhorse for the Sox for the last four seasons, averaging nearly 75 appearances a year. But Timlin will be 41 before the season starts and over the course of his 16-year major league career, has been far more effective as a set-up man than a closer. 
• Joel Pineiro - Recently signed out of Seattle, Pineiro was decent as a reliever.  With him pitching in shorter stints, Pineiro's velocity improved.  The question is can he handle the pressure cooker that is Boston and the mental demands of the role.
• Craig Hansen - The Sox drafted him to be the closer of the future, but he seems to have regressed over the past few years and has been demoted twice.  Unless he sets the world on fire and rediscovers that filthy break on his slider, he's going to be a 7th inning option at best.

I’m Sailinnnnngggggggggg…….

This should get fans in Pittsburgh to the ballpark. 

The Pirates have disclosed some of their new promotions for the upcoming season.

We’ve got Jason Bay and Adam LaRoche bobbleheads, a collectable Roberto Clemente statute, fireworks, and a concern after the game on July 4 that will feature Big & Rich. Styx, Smash Mouth and PovertyNeck Hillbillies.

Why do I have visions of Shooter standing on the Pirates dugout, leading the fans in a rendition of “Come Sail Away?”

Note:  I don’t know if Shoot likes Styx.  Come to think of it, I should grab a beer with Shoot one of thse days.  He only lives like 90 miles away, give or take. 

On The Block:  Brandon McCarthy

Why He’s On The Block:  If the White Sox do keep Mark Buerhle, Brandon McCarthy is screwed.  Thus, his status shifts from potential starter to high quality trade chip. 

Negotiable:  Hell no.  McCarthy is a highly touted starting pitching prospect.  The White Sox will probably demand good bullpen help.

What He Offers:  Here’s what Buehrle offers:

·          Plus:  Young pitcher with oodles of talent.

·          Plus:  Inexpensive.

·          Plus:  Strong command.

·          Minus:  Still unproven in the Majors.

·          Minus:  Gives up the long ball.

He Stay Or Will He Go:  No Percentage available, because of the status of Mark Buerhle.  However, if Buerhle get’s a deal done, McCarthy's days in Chicago are numbered.  With that in mind, here’s where he could go:

·          Minnesota Twins – 30%.  If the Twins are really going to dismantle, then they could possibly make a run for McCarthy, as he would be able to provide the Twins with a future pitcher in their rotation to be partnered with Francisco Liriano.  They could offer the White Sox closer Joe Nathan or Juan Rincon, either of which would be great in the bullpen.  

           Texas Rangers – 25%.  Texas is also close to the top of the list thanks to the depth of their pitching prospects in Triple A.  Again, Texas could offer a package of reliever Fabio Castro, and pitching prospect Andres Gallaraga or starter John Rheinecker to send back.  Chicago would gain two pitchers that are major league ready and can serve in relief.  If Gallaraga is dealt, he could net another reliever for another team.  However, Texas likes Castro a lot and would likely be very gun shy about dealing him to the White Sox. 

·          Tampa Bay Devil Rays – 20%.  The D-Rays need another pitcher to complement Scott Kazmir.  McCarthy is exactly the type of player they’re looking for:  a young player that can be a good starter and is very affordable.  Tampa has a depth of people they could send to the White Sox, namely one of their cheaper outfielders, like Joey Gathright, who is highly coveted by many teams, or prospect Delmon Young if they decide he’s a lost cause.  Either one could be dealt to a young team with a surplus of arms needing a powerful outfielder, namely the Marlins or the Twins, giving the White Sox the bullpen help they need. 

·          Boston Red Sox – 10%.  I would rate the Red Sox higher up, but Boston has such a good amount of starters already in the minors.  Plus, the White Sox need someone that can help them now, and I doubt that Boston will gut it’s bullpen, which is improved but still shaky in some areas, with the exception of  Papelbon, Timlin, and possible Foulke, just to gain another starting pitcher. 

·          Houston Astros – 8%.  Houston could possibly make a bid for McCarthy, but Houston has a nice amount of young pitchers in their farm system.  Unless McCarthy shows something really special, the Astros will probably pass.

        New York Yankees – 7%.  New York needs pitching, as Randy Johnson is flaming out faster than expected.  And while I expect Brian Cashman to make an inquiry about him, the Yankees don't have anything to offer Chicago in terms of bullpen health.  However, they could offer them a couple of prospects, such as right-handers Matt DeSalvo, Darrell Rasner, or Tyler Clippard.  It all depends on whether or Chicago is willing to take the prospects, then deal them to someone else for help.

Friday Morning Closer

So, here’s my five-pitch outing for the day:

Clemens Watch

What is becoming increasingly apparent is that the Yankees almost certainly don't have the kind of starting rotation needed to win the World Series.  The rotation should hold together long enough to make the playoffs, but that’s about it.  Johnson, Wang, Wright, and Pavano are all health risks, it’s unknown if Mussina can still keep it stead enough to long in those 12 to 13 wins per season and it’s likely that what we saw from Chacon and Small were simply one-year wonders. 

With that said, the Yankees are going to go hard for Roger Clemens.

Clemens is the best starting pitcher currently on the market and will cost the Yankees nothing in terms of prospects.  They avoided sending Robinson Cano and Chien Ming Wang to Minnesota for Torii Hunter when they needed a centerfielder.  Oakland wanted Philip Hughes when they tried to get Mark Kotsay.  With Clemens, all they’ll need is money, which the Yankees have in ####s. 

Clemens will have suitors in the form of the Red Sox, Rangers, and Astros.  However, the Astros and Rangers will not bid beyond a certain point.  The Red Sox, who have a blossoming young crop of pitchers coming up, could use him, but it’s unknown if they are prepared to match what the Yankees will offer their one time ace.   I’m guessing that the price could end up being close to $1.5 Million per start, or $30 million for half a season’s work. 

To be honest, I do wonder if it would be better for the Yankees to concede the division for a couple of years, allowing the young starts that they do have in their system to mature or deal some of their older players that can contribute to other, farm rich teams, and start anew.  That was how the Yankees originally returned to power, and how they constantly won during that magical period in the nineties.

Then, Steinbrenner, desperate to continue winning and not acknowledging that eras do come to an end, sabotaged the team with his deals that he hammered through to get the older, aging players that he hoped would help them advance to the post-season.

I do wonder about that.

Then I realize that I’m just kidding myself.

The fans, and much less Steinbrenner, won’t allow it.

Still, I have to wonder if the team won’t be better in the long run for it.  And if it wouldn’t soften the inevitable crash that will come.

Is This What $55 Million bought the Blue Jays?!?!?!?!?

So much for that Jays spending spree this past season. 

Burnett was removed from last Friday’s start after three innings and 78 pitches, after he felt pain in his right elbow consistent with what he felt at spring training and will fly to Birmingham, Ala., to see orthopedist Dr. James Andrews.   Burnett had Tommy John surgery in 2002, and missed most of the '03 season.  During Spring Training, it was said that he had a "tearing of scar tissue."   The Boston Globe tossed more intrigue into the mix, reporting that it could possibly be the ligament.  If that is true, then this is disastrous not only for Burnett, but the Blue Jays.  They invested a ton of cash in Burnett, who, when healthy, is electric.  They didn’t put in any language to protect them in the event that the Burnett’s history reared it’s ugly head.  Now, they may be handcuffed like the Texas Rangers were when they signed an injury prone pitcher to a contract.

His name?

Chan-#### Park.

Good luck to you Toronto if my prediction comes true.  You’ll need it.

 Balls To The Hall

One of the more bizarre cases that has popped up in the sports world has finally been laid to rest.  The Boston Red Sox and their former first baseman, Doug Mientkiewicz, agreed to end their legal fight over ownership of the ball from the final out of the 2004 World Series by sending it to the Hall of Fame.  Mientkiewicz held onto the ball after he caught the final out of the 2004 World Series, gave it to his wife, and then secured it in a safe deposit box and claimed it as his own.  Boston, seeking to have it in their museum, said they were the rightful owners of the ball, and even though Mientkiewicz loaned the team the ball for a year, the team went to court last November to get permanent ownership.  The suit was dropped a few days later and the sides agreed to arbitration. 

The more and more we hear things about that 2004 Red Sox team, such as Damon’s naked pull-ups, the dislike between Pedro and Schilling, the whole ball business, and some of the ugly splits between Boston and some of their former players kind of makes me think that sometime in the future, we may have made a little too much about about the whole impact of the Red Sox World Series win, especially considering how well the White Sox handled their own World Series drought.

Someone Besides Scott Kazmir can throw for the Devil Rays

In the first inning of Wednesday’s game between the Pawtucket Red Sox and the Durham Bulls, Bulls right fielder Delmon Young, dissatisfied with a called third strike call, was ejected for arguing the call, then threw his bat directly at the home plate umpire, hitting him in his midsection, likely earning a suspension around 30 or so games.  Marvelous.  This is why Young, despite being a first overall pick in the 2003 draft, Baseball America’s 2005 Minor League Player of the Year is not ready.  He is often called “The Reggie Bush of Baseball”, but has a high sense of entitlement, seeing that he should have been allowed to start right after being drafed.  He’s had numerous run-in’s with authority already and has acted incredibly immature since he started in the minors.  And when you’re still acting immature at the farm league level, what are you going to do when things get heated in the major league level?  Arguing a call is normal.  Deliberately flipping the bat at another man (even with padding) is unacceptable.  I think Young just cost himself a September call up, which may be for the best with the Devil Rays.  At least they won’t gain any service time anytime soon.

Jenn Sterger Mailbag?  I’m There!

Unless you’ve been living under a rock the past year, you would probably know who Jenn Sterger is.  If not, here is some random ####mp;A:

Anyhow, Jenn has managed to turn her 15 minutes of fame into a possible sports reporting career.  SI.com’s Scorecard Daily is now featuring Jenn answering email on Wednesday’s.  You can check out her inaugeral post by clicking here:

Reading through it, the mailbag does not come off as ditsy, egotistical, or anything like that.  She’s actually quite level headed and is at times insightful.  While I may not tune in every week, she’s at least intrigued me enough to want to tune in next week.

Plus, she’s a hell of a lot better on the eyes (and butchers the English language a lot less) than the guy she’s replacing, Jay Mohr.

See you all next week!