Oakland Athletics – Prospect Report

Billy Beane runs a tight ship.  That is not to be debated.  And his success in the draft in the past has produced such stars like Mark Mulder, Barry Zito, Tim Hudson, Jason Giambi, Nick Swisher and others that have gone on to become productive major leaguers. 

However, in the past few years, it’s become more apparent that much of that has changed

Many have credited Beane with being a draft genius and for being the main reason why Oakland continues to win with a limited budget, all on the mantle of the “Moneyball” philosophy.

People seem to forget how lucky Beane has been as well.

Much of the Athletics’ success has to do with the fact that Oakland was able to develop three front of the rotation pitchers at the exact same time.  Had Oakland taken Ben Sheets instead of Barry Zito (who was taken only because Oakland was unable to reach an agreement with Sheets prior to the draft), Oakland’s future would have turned out quite differently. 

With that said, there has been a lot that Beane has done right.  Taking advantage of college products when others avoided them like the plague has changed scouting, but hurt the Athletics in terms of the talent available for them to choose from (a side effect from having a opportunistic, narcissistic writer chronicle the way you handle your day to day job).  Oakland has managed sustain it’s winning, but the talent pool on the farm is not as deep as it once was during Oakland’s stretch of playoff appearances.  With the most recent round of graduations, the talent pool is shallower still.

Athletics Top 15

1 – Daric Barton (1B)

• DOB: 8/16/85
• Drafted: 1st round, 2003, California High School (Cardinals)
• 2008 Club:  Athletics (MLB)
• Height/Weight: 6-0/205
• Bats/Throws: L/R
• The Skinny:  Barton was regarded, at the time of the Mark Mulder deal, to be the real centerpiece of the deal.  Since then, Barton hasn’t disappointed, but with the emergence of Dan Haren as the ace of the staff, Barton is strictly a side piece that could make the entire deal a slam dunk winner for Oakland (considering that Kiki Calero also came in the deal.)  He was called up late in the year and left a good enough impression for people to be hopeful for the future.
• The Good: The gifted natural hitter was holding his own as a 20-year-old at Triple-A before breaking a bone in his elbow in a freak collision on a pickoff throw. Both his approach and his pitch recognition are above-average on a major-league level, and he can make contact on pitches of any type in any location.
• The Bad:  The biggest power potential that was once seen in Barton has never arrived, meaning that Barton is going to be a rather unconventional first baseman.  Many believe that while he’s got the power to hit 20+ homers annually, he may never do so.  As far as his defense, Barton was originally drafted as a catcher, but no one thought he’d be able to stay there.  Oakland hoped to develop his bat faster, so they moved him to first base.  Because of the power outage, Barton was moved to third, where he profiled better, but his terrible fielding resulted in a move back to first.  Hence, he’s awful defensively.
• Projection:  Low.  Barton has nothing left to prove and is ready to start contributing to the big league club this season, so this is likely the last year we’ll see him.
• What He Can Be:  A John Olerud type of first baseman.
• 2008 Course Of Action:  The job is Barton’s starting next year, and with Jack Cust now installed as the everyday DH, this will likely force Oakland to trade Dan Johnson.  That said, Barton probably isn’t a player I would be thrilled to have as my everyday first baseman, but he’s a decent stopgap while he’s inexpensive. 

2 – Kevin Melillo (2B)

• DOB: 5/14/82
• Drafted: 5th round, 2004, University of South Carolina
• 2008 Club:  Sacramento River Cats (Triple A)
• Height/Weight: 6-0/190
• Bats/Throws: L/R
• The Skinny:  Melillo’s 2007 campaign is pretty much the same for what you would expect for him.  He really is just what he is, an average second baseman that could be a steady regular in the majors. 
• The Good: An offensive minded second baseman, Milillo has a short, quick swing that has suprising pop.  He works the count well, gets on base, and all the usual things that Oakland likes it’s players to do.  His defensive fundamentals are good.  All in all, he’s near ready for the show and could be a producer in the 6 or 7 hole. 
• The Bad: Melillo has had some minor knee issues in the past and when he falls in love with the long ball, he gets pull happy.  He also has below average range and hands, and is nowhere near the Gold Glover type defense Oakland has come to expect from it’s second basemen.
• Projection: Low.  Melillo is ready for the show and with this year looking like a rebuilding one, Oakland would be wise to see what they have.
• What He Can Be: An average second baseman.
• 2008 Course Of Action: Ellis has recently had his $5 million club option for 2008 exercised, but that doesn’t mean he’ll remain on the team.  Ellis is pretty attractive right now as a cheap date and could fetch a decent prize while allowing Melillo to play everyday.

3 – Trevor Cahill (RHP)

• DOB: 3/01/88
• Drafted:  2nd Round, 2006, California High School
• 2008 Club:  Stockton Ports (High A)
• Height/Weight: 6-3/195
• Bats/Throws: R/R
• The Skinny:  A surprise pick for the Athletics last year, Cahill had a solid senior season in high school as a first year pitcher, but fell after illness caused him to tail off.  Oakland took him and thus far, Cahill has continued the tradition of Kane County pitching dominance.  But his big coming out party was when he made a spot start for Sacramento at the end of the season and carried a perfect game and a no-hitter once the perfecto was gone until the 8th.  Now that’s awesomeness. 
• The Good:  Cahill’s biggest strength is his command and control, which are surprisingly good for a young pitcher.  He’s able to locate the ball low and induce groundballs.  He throws in the low 90’s and can touch 90’s, but his best pitch is a spike curveball that has wicked break.  He's a solid athlete and is regarded to be an excellent character guy.
• The Bad:  Cahill doesn't over-power anyone.  He also needs to refine a third pitch.
• Projection:  High.  Cahill is still developing as a pitcher, as he was only pitching for a year after he was drafted, but the promise is there for him to be a capable major league starter. 
• What He Can Be:  A Number 3 starter, maybe a two.
• 2008 Course Of Action:  Cahill will be heading to the California League, where his groundball tendencies should help him survive the year in the extreme hitters league.

4 – James Simmons (RHP)

• DOB: 9/29/86
• Drafted:  1st Round, 2007, UC Riverside
• 2008 Club:  Midland Rockhounds (Double A)
• Height/Weight: 6-3/205
• Bats/Throws: R/R
• The Skinny:  Simmons was regarded to be one of the most polished pitchers in the draft and was rated as one of the closest pitchers to the majors.  After going 11-3 with a 2.40 ERA in his junior season at UC Riverside, the Athletics took him in the 1st round, where he has already reached Double A. 
• The Good:  Simmons’ game is all about command and control and he has it in ####s.  His stuff is okay, but not overwhelming, with a fastball that sits around 90-92, complimented by a plus changeup and an average breaking ball. 
• The Bad:  Simmons isn’t overpowering and while he may be close to the majors, he’s not a sure fire star or anything.  He’s pretty much what I would call a right handed Joe Saunders, a guy that takes the ball every fifth day and gives you a shot to win.  He also loses speed on his fastball late in a game.
• Projection:  Low.  Simmons will rise quickly once he’s assigned to repeat Double A again.  Again, he’s got limited upside, which is the only thing you can really hold against him as far as his tools go.
• What He Can Be:  A back of the rotation starter.
• 2008 Course Of Action: Look for Simmons to repeat Double A this year before he gets an assignment to Triple A, where Oakland hopes he might be able to be a factor for a September call up.

5 – Sean Doolittle (1B)

• DOB: 9/26/86
• Drafted: 1st Round (S), 2007, Virginia
• 2008 Club:  Stockton Ports (High A)
• Height/Weight: 6-3/190
• Bats/Throws: L/L
• The Skinny:  Doolittle was on the rise after a year in Virginia and was projected to be picked somewhere in the lower end of the first round.  However, Porcello’s fall along with some other shenanigans with the Pirates resulted in Doolittle falling into the supplemental round, where Oakland took him.  He had a pretty good debut for Oakland in the lower minors.
• The Good: An athletic first baseman, Doolittle makes good, consistent solid contact from the left side and should hit for average in the future.  He has an above average arm, which was seen from his days as a two way player at Virginia, plus he shows decent range and can even run a bit too.
• The Bad:  Doolittle lacks any sort of power potential at first base, which isn’t what you want out of a power position. 
• Projection: Average.  Doolittle may rise quickly and while he may not have home run power, doubles power may exist within him.
• What He Can Be: A average first baseman that hits for average, but not for power.
• 2008 Course Of Action: Doolittle has talent, but unfortunately for him, he’s also blocked by both Dan Johnson and Daric Barton, meaning that in the future, Doolittle’s likely value to Oakland is trade bait.  He's going to open the season in the California League for Stockton.

6 – Henry Rodriguez (RHP)

• DOB: 2/25/87
• Signed: 2003, Venezuela
• 2008 Club:  Midland Rockhounds (Double A)
• Height/Weight: 6-1/175
• Bats/Throws: R/R
• The Skinny: A big signing out of Venezuela a few years ago has taken a big step forward with the Cougars this year, though his record doesn’t show for it.  Still, it’s pretty impressive considering how raw he was last year when he was torched in the Arizona Rookie League.
• The Good: Rodriguez has the best raw stuff in the organization, as his fastball sits in the low to mid 90’s and has been clocked as high as 100.  His curveball and changeup look like they could eventually be plus pitches, which could give him a potentially lethal arsenal if he’s able to put it all together.  All in all, he’s a project, but one that could pay off big.
• The Bad: Rodriguez is, as I’ve said, a raw product, and he’s had some issues with control that have resulted in some ugly outings for him.  There are also maturity issues with Rodriguez, but that really isn’t unexpected.
• Projection: Very High.  Rodriguez could become a beast if he continues to work on his stuff.  He’s more than just an arm strength type of prospect and he’s got the skill set to be a solid middle of the rotation K machine if he continues to develop on schedule.  Still, he’s got a long way to go.
• What He Can Be: A middle of the rotation strikeout machine.
• 2008 Course Of Action:  With another season under his belt in Double A, Rodriguez could very well help his cause to eventually become a option for Oakland come 2009 or 2010, joining some of the other young athletics in a potential rebuilding effort.

7 – Jermaine Mitchell (CF)

• DOB: 11/2/84
• Drafted: 5th round, 2006, UNC-Greensboro
• 2008 Club:  Stockton Ports (High A)
• Height/Weight: 6-0/200
• Bats/Throws: L/L
•  The Skinny: . Taken from a small school, many felt that Mitchell would only be organizational filler, a fourth outfielder at best.  He's since proven to be potentially better than that after another solid season, this time for Kane County.
• The Good: Mitchell could be one of the latest Oakland scouting department steals if he continues to produce.  Mitchell is a solid centerfielder with a good arm, good range and solid speed.  He’s also got a quick bat and some excellent plate discipline. All in all, he’s a good package of tools that could really blossom into something good.
• The Bad: Mitchell’s swing is complex and needs to be simplified.  The power that was thought to have been in Mitchell hasn’t manifested himself.  He’s also murdered by right handers and had some extreme home-away splits as well, meaning that he’s got some work to do unless he wants to be a platoon centerfielder.
• Projection: High.  Mitchell took a step forward in his development, not as big as Oakland may have expected, but it’s a start.
• What He Can Be: An everyday big-league outfielder.
• 2008 Course Of Action: I expect Mitchell to be the Ports' starting centerfielder this season.  Oakland eventually sees him to be a centerfielder for the future option, though at the moment, he's still got a long way to go.

8 – Javier Herrera (OF)

• DOB: 4/9/85
• Signed: 2001, Venezuela
• 2008 Club:  Sacramento River Cats (Triple A)
• Height/Weight: 5-10/160
• Bats/Throws: R/R
• The Skinny: After missing a year thanks to Tommy John Surgery, Herrera had a mostly average comeback season.  While it’s not pretty, it’s still a promising development and should be expected form a guy coming off TJ.
• The Good: Herrera has above-average hitting skills to go with plus power and speed, as well as good range to both sides in centerfield and an above-average arm.
• The Bad: Herrera's conditioning is a bit of an issue, as he did put on some weight during his inactivity, but he was able to drop most of it.  He’s also a bit reckless on the field, plus his power potential hasn’t manifested itself quite yet.
• Projection: High.  Herrera is still working to come all the way back from TJ, but so far so good. 
• What He Can Be: A above average centerfielder
• 2008 Course Of Action: Expect the Athletics to push Herrera a bit by promoting him to Triple A, where he could work well if he’s finally able to get his tools together.

9 – Andrew Carignan (RHP)

• Born: 7/23/86
• Drafted:  5th Round, 2007, UNC Chapel Hill
• 2008 Club:  Stockton Ports (High A)
• Height/Weight: 5-11/200
• Bats/Throws: R/R
• The Skinny:  Oakland took the Tar Heels’ highly acclaimed closer after he fell down to the 5th round and quickly signed him.  Assigning him to Low A Kane County, where he was lights out with the Cougars in limited duty.  Carignan should be heading up to the California League next season, his first real test of his pro career.
• The Good:  Despite being small of stature, Carignan gets results.  He’s got  good arm strength excellent poise on the mound and a bulldog’s mentality on the mound.  His fastball is his best pitch and he throws it well in the 88-92 mph range.
• The Bad:  Unfortunately, that’s all he really has in terms of weapons.  Carignan got by in college by using his fastball to overpower hitters.  His slider is below average and his command is the same way.  One pitch pitchers don’t go far, so he is going to need a lot of work.
• Projection:  Average.  Carignan has gotten excellent results in the past in spite of his lacking gifts, but with work, he could be a part of a big league bullpen if he’s diligent and works hard. 
• What He Can Be:  A Big League Setup Man
• 2008 Course Of Action:  As I said, Carignan will likely be headed to the California League, his first real test, as I don’t think he’s ever really been pushed.  He’ll have to put in some serious work on the slider, or things could get ugly real quickly.

10 – Corey Brown (RF)

• DOB: 11/2/84
• Drafted: 1st round (S), 2007. Oklahoma State University
• 2008 Club:  Kane County Cougars (Low A)
• Height/Weight:  6-2/210
• Bats/Throws:  11/26/85
• The Skinny:  Going into this year’s draft, Brown was often overshadowed by his more highly regarded teammate, Matt Mangini.  However, Brown was a legitimate prospect in his own right, drawing Mike Cameron comparisons.  When teams began scooping up some of the falling talent, Brown got lost in the woods a bit until Oakland took him.  Since then, Brown has had a decent pro debut, but has shown that he still has work to do.
• The Good:  Brown’s best tool is power, and he has a lot of it.  Because of that, though he did have the arm and range to play center, Oakland slid Brown over to right, where his bat fits better.  He’s got good speed and shows a quick bat along with the willingness to draw a walk now and them. 
• The Bad: Brown’s biggest problem is strikeouts, as he amassed a lot of them in college and a lot in the Northwestern League,.  The bigger flag is that he faced fairly serious criminal charges in high school.
• Projection:  High.  He’s got the tools to be a regular, but with work, he could be a star, one of the few that fits that description in an otherwise blah system.  He should be capable of some 25-homer, 15-steal seasons down the road.
• What He Can Be: A power hitting corner that should strikeout a lot to make Nick Swisher feel less guilty.
• 2008 Course Of Action:  Brown will likely be promoted to Low A Kane County, where Oakland hopes he’ll be able to finish in Stockton once the year ends.

11 – Josh Horton (SS)

• DOB: 2/19/86
• Drafted:  2nd Round, 2007, UNC Chapel Hill
• 2008 Club:  Stockton Ports (High A)
• Height/Weight: 6-1/195
• Bats/Throws: L/R
• The Skinny:  Horton was one of the key reasons why North Carolina was able to make back-to-back trips to Omaha.  Though he was one of the best players on his team, Horton was rather ignored by many teams, but he fit the classic Oakland player profile, that of a player with good stats that looked relatively safe to pick. 
• The Good:  I do like Horton a lot, even though he is one of those gritty type players that hustles his way to success that I hate so much hearing about.  Horton handles the bat well and hits to all fields.  He has decent speed, good hands and a decent arm as well.  He also displayed some very solid plate discipline as well.
• The Bad:  Horton has no power to speak of and his range isn’t enough where he could stay at short. 
• Projection:  Average.  Horton has got the chops to make a major league roster.
• What He Can Be:  A decent second baseman or a very good utilityguy.
• 2008 Course Of Action:  Horton will likely head to High A ball, where Oakland hopes that he continues grinding it out to eventually be a factor for the athletics before it is time to cut bait with Bobby Crosby.

12 – Matt Sulentic (LF)

• DOB: 10/6/87
• Drafted: 3rd round, 2006, Texas High School
• 2008 Club:  Kane County Cougars (Low A)
• Height/Weight: 5-10/170
• Bats/Throws: L/R
• The Skinny: .A high school hitter that destroyed competition in Dallas, but fell because many were concerned about whether or not his power potential was legitimate or if he was just beating up on weaker competition.
• The Good: Sulentic has a quick bat that, when combined with his pitch recognition result in the potential for a high average and walk totals.  He also has some power that should eventually make him a 20 home run threat.
• The Bad: The only way Sulentic will ever really pan out is if his power comes through as expected, or he’s a bust.
• Projection: High.  Sulentic will likely give the Midwestern League another shot after his initial shellacking.
• What He Can Be: A starting corner outfielder.
• 2008 Course Of Action: Sulentic will likely return to the Midwestern League, where another year of seasoning should yield better results.  Suffice to say, however, Oakland is now going to be a little more careful with him in terms of hype.

13 – Jason Windsor (RHP)

• DOB: 7/16/82
• Drafted: 3rd round, 2004, Cal State Fullerton
• 2008 Club:  Oakland Athletics (MLB)
• Height/Weight: 6-2/220
• Bats/Throws: R/R
• The Skinny: Windsor’s 2007 season didn’t go as expected.  He wasn’t selected to be the A’s 5th starter and went down in May for much of the year due to injury.  Now healthy and with Oakland lacking in viable alternatives to the end of the rotation, Windsor may have another shot at the rotation, but he’d have to be awfully good to do so.
• The Good: Windsor bounced back in 2006, reeling off 16 straight wins at one point wrapped around a brief MLB stint. Outstanding command allows his below-average fastball (87-89 mph) to play up a bit, but he's used it effectively to set up a plus changeup, his primary out pitch. His curveball has improved to become an average offering.
• The Bad: In 2005, Windsor experienced arm soreness and was shut down and last season he lost most of the season due to shoulder strain of his right shoulder.  Windsor also doesn’t have great stuff and is far from overpowering and will likely be nothing more than a 5th starter.
• Projection: Low.  He’s pretty much completed his development and aside from the injuries, he should be with Oakland by now. 
• What He Can Be: A 5th Starter or Swingman
• 2008 Course Of Action:  Windsor is going to try it all over again, where hopefully he’ll be able to latch on the big league club.

14 – Daniel Meyer (LHP)

• DOB: 7/03/81
• Drafted: 2002, 1st Round (S), James Madison (Atlanta)
• 2008 Club:  Oakland Athletics (MLB)
• Height/Weight: 6-3/210
• Bats/Throws: R/L
• The Skinny:  The big piece of the Tim Hudson trade, Meyer has struggled since being traded, being both injury-prone and ineffective until this year, where he managed to put up a solid enough Triple A season to merit time with Oakland late in the season.
• The Good:  Meyer throws a low 90’s fastball, but his best offering is his slider, which has regained it’s former edge to become a plus pitch again.  He also throws a decent changeup as well.
• The Bad:  Meyer used to throw a lot harder, but he’ll never get that velocity back.  He also still has command issues and throws too many pitches. 
• Projection:  None.  There really isn’t much more you can expect out of the dude.  He is what he is.
• What He Can Be:  Middle Reliever
• 2008 Course Of Action:  Meyer will likely be competing for a job at Spring Training.  With Oakland in a bit of transition, the 5th starters role should be an open race.  Otherwise, I think Meyer could do a good impersonation of Kirk Saarloos in the bullpen.

15 – Andrew Bailey (RHP)

• DOB:  5//31/84
• Drafted: 6th round, 2006, Wagner College
• 2008 Club:  Stockton Ports (High A)
• Height/Weight:  6-3/220
• Bats/Throws:  R/R
• The Skinny:  Another pick looking like a late round steal, Bailey performed well with Kane County and with Stockton, and put up a very good ERA while exhibiting excellent command over his stuff.
• The Good: Bailey’s got a nice three-pitch mix, sporting an 89-93 mph fastball along with a pair of solid breaking pitches in his curve and changeup.  His command and control are also very good as well.
• The Bad: There’s some skepticism about Bailey’s results considering his age, as Oakland has a history of several of these type of players that dominate the low minors before getting destroyed as they move up. 
• Projection: Low.  Bailey should be tested at the next level for you to really buy into his performance. 
• What He Can Be: A back of the rotation starter.
• 2008 Course Of Action: Bailey will likely head back to Stockton, where Oakland will see how he handles the California League on a more extended basis before deciding what to do with him next.

Final Thoughts

Oakland is in a bit of transition.  There really isn’t much in terms of high impact talent waiting in the wings and many of the players that are in the minors are either solid everyday players or talented role players, with almost zero in terms of future stars.  I will gives props to Billy Beane, who has tried at various points to keep the system stocked with various prospects in an effort to keep the lifeline of cheap talent flowing, but at the moment, the well is a little dry.  While he’s found talent on the waiver wire, Beane has recently acknowledged that it may be time for him to blow up the current squad in order to acquire more young talent in order to fuel the next Oakland run.  The process began in earnest last season with the Athletics allowing various players to get claimed via waivers in an attempt to clear salary, and with the trade of Marco Scutaro to Toronto for a pair of arms.  Beane will also hear offers for Huston Street, Joe Blanton, and perhaps Dan Haren and Nick Swisher in order to restock on talent, though there is one problem if he does that.  Because of how Beane evaluates talent, many will wonder if there is something that Beane knows that they don’t know, and could be scared off. 

Sources, Scouting Reports, and Thanks to:  Kevin Goldstein (Baseball Prospectus), Keith Law (ESPN), Soxprospects.com, B.J. Medrano, Jim Callis And The Rest Of Baseball America, Jonathan Mayo (MLB.com), MiLB.com, Sam Corral and Erica Belmontes, Ernie Carlson, Lonestarball.com, Jamey Newberg (Newbergreport.com), Brewerfan.net and Mike Hindman (Rangers Farm Report)

I'd stay the hell away from the Twins' free agents, especially since their market is going to shoot through the roof tomorrow, when agents can discuss dollars and cents.

Torii Hunter and Carlos Silva are looking to cash in, Hunter by reputation, Silva by scarcity, and both will be overpaid greatly and will likely be looked at in the same way we look at the Jason Giambi/Carl Pavano deals.

Hunter is coming off of a career year and will be picked up by a team making a splash and wanting Hunter's mix of attitude and charisma on their team. 

But he's not an elite centerfielder anymore.  He's never hit for a lot of power and he's not a run producer in the heart of the lineup.  And worse, his defense is center is beginnng to degrade, thanks to the numerous injuries and surgeries he's had on his legs.  Baseball Prospectus' PETCOA system has Hunter becoming a part time player by 2010.  That's not a great idea for the amount of dollars Hunter is looking for. 

As for Silva, he's a groundball pitcher that is young and entering a market that is lacking in decent pitching.  He'll have takers needing a innings eating starter, such as the Mets, Tigers, Reds and Dodgers, just to name a few.  But he's going to get Number Two starter money for a guy that's been a Number Three at best and a Number Four for his career.

Plus, to compound the reasons on Hunter, he's a Type A free agent and unless your pick is draft protected, he's going to cost you your Number One pick, not a wise idea unless you have a Type A on your team that won't be back, allowing you to recoup the pick.

Both guys are going to get ridiculously overpaid and both will likely put up decent numbers in the beginning of the deal.  But in the long run, both are like to disappoint and will break someone's heart.

The Rangers Report - Spring Training Edition

Spring Training Position Battles

Spring Training – Week Three

• Fifth Starter (Leader) – Jamey Wright.  With the optioning of Thomas Diamond, Josh Rupe, John Koronka, Edinson Volquez and others, only Jamey Wright, Bruce Chen, and Kameron Loe remain.  Wright is looking very good, as is Chen and Loe is doing well, plus he's a sinkerballer.  But Wright appears to be the favorite.
• Long Reliever (Leader) – Joaquin Benoit.  Benoit has never looked as good as he has been this year, so I'm skeptical about this newfound dominance that he's showing.  However, Bauer continues to get roughed up and it's looking more and more like he's the one that's going to get traded.  There's talk about sending him to the Phillies for yet another catcher.  I'd rather get a prospect in return, but beggers can't be choosers.
• Backup Catcher (Leader) – Guillermo Quiroz.  Stewart certainly has had better stats, but Quiroz doesn't look to shabby either.  I think Quiroz is going to be the starter, mostly because he doesn't have any options left.
• Utilityman ( Leader) – Jerry Hairston Jr.  Hairston looks to be all but locked in as the utilityman.  That and Gerald Laird still needs some vengance (see below).
• Designated Hitter (Leader) – Sammy Sosa.  I'm not sure about Sosa.  He seems to be cheating a bit by htting on fastballs, which won't cut it.  I would much rather give Jason Botts or Victor Diaz a shot, but for some reason it's almost a lock that Sosa will be made the everyday DH. 

Gerald Laird Arrested…Or So We Thought

Catcher Gerald Laird was led out of the Rangers clubhouse on Sunday in handcuffs, escorted by two Surprise police officers.  Apparently, he was going to be taken to police headquarters to get a DNA sample, as he was named in a paternity suit.

Before he was going to be driven off, Jerry Hairston ran out of the clubhouse and asked the officers if he could give Laird a message.  They gave him permission and Hairston jumped in the back seat.

Hairston then told his teammate that he had, essentially, been punked.

Laird's response:

"Man, I thought I was getting a divorce."

Michael Young had ribbed him, asking him if he called his attorney, which brought this response in return.

"Who do you think I was going to call, my wife?"

Sammy Sosa responded with an offer to call his attorney for him.

It's the most elaborite practical joke pulled in Rangers camp since two years ago, when a Surprise officer pulled Hank Blalock over for allegidly going 59 in a 35.  Blalock was also told he would go to jail if he didn't stop arguing.   He was never handcuffed however.  I've been cuffed before.  It's not pleasent.  Don't ask my how I experienced it.

It's going to be intersting to see how Laird gets back at Hairston.  Stay tuned...

Bunts About The Rangers Around The League

• In spite of their public posturing about Mike Timlin and Julian Tavarez being their closer, the Red Sox are apparently worried about their closer’s situation and really want to acquire Akinori Otsuka.  Word is that perhaps a pitcher, maybe Jon Lester, could be involved.
• Oakland is also worried about how Huston Street is throwing.  Thus, it’s possible that former Ranger Justin Duchscherer could open the season as their closer.
• WIth how poorly Bobby Jenks has done in camp, plus the fact that his health is a bit in question, I wonder if maybe Nick Masset could get a shot as the White Sox' closer.
• The Orioles have made no secret that they would love to have Mark Teixeira and plan to do their best to lure him to Camden Yards once he hits free agency.  But they're going to have some major competition.  The Yankees will have cash freed up once Jason Giambi's contract expires after the 2008 season and, surprisingly enough, the Nationals may make a bid to bring in a big hitter to their new ballpark and give them a big bat to put behind Ryan Zimmerman. 
• The Rangers are also discussing trading for Clint Barmes in order to make him a utilityman that can play both the infield and outfield positions.  The Rockies aren't biting however and have preferred to keep him, inspite of inquiries from Texas, Chicago and Kansas City.

For Later On This Week

I plan on posting a "State Of The System" of the Rangers' minors.  Hope you all will look for it. 

Let’s see where the hat goes today…

Oh, these guys.

New York Yankees

The Yankees again won their division and again were knocked out of the playoffs.  But instead of splurging on expensive free agents like Barry Zito and others, the Yankees instead showed restrain, dealing Randy Johnson and Gary Sheffield for prospects that are able to contribute soon.  Though they did spend on some nice things (Kei Igawa and Andy Pettitte), this Yankee team seems to be determined to depend more on the youth in the system instead of players from former competitors that would cost a pretty penny to acquire.  Whether or not this will mean a return to the World Series remains to be seen.

Starting Rotation

1. Chien Ming Wang (RHP) – Wang emerged as the Yankees’ ace last season and not only put up a Cy Young caliber season, but he was also very durable and was dominant in the post-season.  Wang will head up the Yankees’ staff this season, but I’m not sold on him staying durable for the entire season.  Expect a missed start or two, but expect a good season from him as well.
2. Mike Mussina (RHP) – Moose returns on a bargain basement contract to help bolster the Yankees rotation and finally win himself a ring.  Moose still can eat up innings and will keep his team in games, but his stuff is starting to decline a bit.  However, his control is still superb, helping to counterbalance the loss in raw power.  Moose should be good to go, but again, as with Wang and new rotation mate Pettitte, Mussina will likely miss a start or two.
3. Andy Pettitte (LHP) – Pettitte returns to New York (he should have never left, but take that issue up with Steinbrenner) after three years in Houston.  Pettitte isn’t the same pitcher he was with the Yankees during the Dynasty, but he’s still very good and will be a solid middle of the rotation presence for New York.  The problem is that Pettitte is beginning to experience some durability issues, making it almost certain he’ll miss a start or two this year.
4. Carl Pavano (RHP) – Depending on Pavano this high in the rotation is a stretch, with the problems that he’s had, plus the fact he hasn’t pitched in over a year at the major league level.  For all I know, he could be a comeback player of the year candidate.  But the odds are a lot higher that Pavano should go back to the National League, in which case the Rockies figure to come calling, a deal that could work out well for New York, as the Rockies have some positional players that the Yankees would need to help replace some of their own soon.
5. Kei Igawa (LHP) – Igawa is the other major Japanese import that got a lot of attention this past season.  Igawa isn't the stud that Matsuzaka is; in fact, there's doubt that Igawa will be anything more than a competent setup man or middle reliever.  But the Igawa did lead his league in strikeouts and posted an ERA in the mid 3 region or so.For now, Igawa is going to be in the rotation as the number five starter.

Bullpen

• Mariano Rivera (Closer) – Rivera enters what could be his final season as a Yankee, as concerns about his age and durability are starting to come into the conversation, despite another season in which he could have been considered for a Cy Young Award.  Rivera should again be solid, provided he’s not abused by Joe Torre after he loses confidence in yet another reliever.
• Kyle Farnsworth (Setup Man) – Farnsworth was less than satisfactory as a setup man, and definitely didn’t provide the security the Yankees hoped for in case Rivera went down.  
• Scott Proctor (RHP) – Proctor was a solid reliever, but he’s absolutely abused by Joe Torre last season, leading relievers in innings logged.  He’s going to have some setback this year as the fatigue from last year comes back to bite him, but that’s not a reason to give up on him.  He’s going to have a bright future, possibly as Rivera’s heir (unless they make the incredibly stupid decision to go after Frankie Rodriguez when he hits the market.)
• Mike Myers (LHP) – The bullpen’s lone lefty is really only a one out guy.  That’s bad.
• Darrell Rasner (RHP) – Ranser was pretty good in some starts, but was also very good in relief.  The Yankees hope that this former Nationals farmhand will eventually be a fifth starter/swingman.  Stuffwise, Rasner gets decent movement on his 90-mph fastball and showed an improved curve last season. 
• Luis Vizcaino (RHP) – Vizcaino joins his fourth team in four seasons, as Arizona acquired him in the December 2005 deal that sent Javier Vazquez to the White Sox.  Vizcaino is a power pitcher who can struggle with his command at times and could help bolster the setup corps.
• Brian Bruney (RHP) – Bruney was obtained off of the Diamondback’s scrap heap and was dominant in 19 games last season.  I like him to make the squad, as I think that he could be a great setup man in the future.

Starting Lineup

1. Johnny Damon (CF) – Damon was a solid presence in the Yankee lineup last season, hitting well at leadoff while showing some power at the top as well.  Damon was also solid at centerfield last season, vastly improving the outfield defense that had been declining for several years as Bernie Williams began to decline.  Damon should be solid, but his terrible September bears some notice, be it from the toll that his style of play takes on him or from nagging injuries.  Hence, it’s best that the Yankees be careful with him, as he’s not getting any younger.
2. Derek Jeter (SS) – Jeter had a solid season last season, staying in contention for a batting title as well as an MVP award for most of the season until a pair of Twins made off with both.  Jeter would have sacrificed them both for a chance to go to another World Series, which didn’t happen.  Jeter should again be solid at the second spot, and his defense will again be Golden (pun intended), but the A-Rod situation bears watching, as I firmly believe that Jeter should have spoke up last season to defend his teammate, as he did with Chuck Knoblauch and Jason Giambi.  There comes a certain point in time where you have to put some animosities behind you and do what you have to in order to help the team.  That’s what comes with being a Captain.  And that’s precisely what Jeter failed to do.
3. Alex Rodriguez (3B) – In Rodriguez’s defense, he had a solid year last year, hitting. 290 with 35 Homers and 121 RBI’s.  However, his defense slipped last season, whether it was due to psychological issues or something else and he’s got to strongly work to get himself back to where he was on defense.  He’s still a capable offensive player and is in his prime, but Yankee fans are hard on Rodriguez, largely because they view him as a mercenary type player and not a “True Yankee” (whatever the #### that means.)  A lot of Rodriguez’s flak he causes himself (life coach, his OCD like desire to keep a squeaky clean image), but some of it could have been diffused by Jeter, which wasn’t.  Regardless of all that, Rodriguez will be under a bigger microscope this season because of his agent, who put in an Opt Out Clause that would allow him to opt out of his contract after the 2007 season (which I fully would have expected him to exercise had he remained in Texas.)  We’ll see what happens…
4. Jason Giambi (DH) – This is one contract New York would want back.  When signed, it was hoped that Giambi would be able to provide the offensive firepower to replace Tino Martinez at first.  Five years, one return of Martinez, a stomach parasite and a mysterious apology later, Giambi is now a DH, as his defense has regressed from “bad” to “horrific.”   A .253 hitter in 139 games for New York last year, Giambi is also starting to wear down and hasn’t played a full season in years.  Though the Yankees hope he’ll become their version of David Ortiz, it’s likely that Giambi will play 120 to 130 games, the other 32 games being interleague or games where Matsui or Abreu are in the lineup to allow Melky Cabrera to play. 
5. Hideki Matsui (LF) – Matsui may actually be better suited in right, as his arm isn’t the strongest, but this is where he’s listed and where he’s likely to remain.  Matsui was limited to 51 games after a fluke wrist injury, but he came back and hit well.  He’s not a guy who has a ton of power, but another 20 homer season with over 100 RBI’s in the lineup isn’t unreasonable to expect from him. 
6. Bobby Abreu (RF) – A classic throwback to the Yankees of the 90’s, Abreu works the count, takes walks, hits for contact and some power and plays a good right field, plus has some speed on the baselines.  In Philly, Abreu was depended on to be a run producer.  Here, Abreu is allowed to do his thing.  The best part is, the Yankees got him for pocket change.  He’s a steal and another solid bat in the linep.
7. Jorge Posada (C) – Posada had a solid year least year, putting up his best numbers since 2003.  Posada is still a solid defensive catcher, but at his age, the Yankees need to start searching for his successor, as he’s going to start declining seriously after this year.  As far as his long term future is concerned, Posada could switch to backup catcher/DH, but the DH spot filled by Giambi, meaning that the Yankees are going to have to make a hard decision as soon as the year is up.
8. Robinson Cano (2B) – How often do you find a guy hitting 8th in the lineup contending for a batting title?  Only in New York.  Cano has become a solid young player, playing a solid second base while looking like a player that will hit over .300 for his career.  Cano also has some thunder in his bat, plus can steal a few.  He should be hitting toward the top of the order.  But in this lineup, he adds some much dreaded depth.
9. Doug Mientkiewicz (1B) – Minky was brought aboard to play first mostly on his defensive skills.  While the decision remains questionable, as Mientkiewicz has regressed a bit defensively over the years, the question remains whether or not he’ll hit and be no better than the pitcher at the 9th spot.  Plus there’s the injury factor to take into consideration as well.  We’ll see how this works out.

Bench

• Melky Cabrera (OF) – Cabrera was a revelation last season, stepping in after Gary Sheffield, then Matsui went down, and provided a spark of life not seen in the Yankees in some time.  Cabrera doesn’t hit for a ton of power, but he’s got some solid hitting ability and is good in the field.  The Yankees will keep him with the big club because he can play all three outfield positions, but long term, he’s going to be a regular in one of the corners.
• Miguel Cairo (UTIL) – Cairo can’t hit worth a damn, but his main value is that he’s so versatile.  Cairo can play second base, shortstop and third base well, while is a passable defender at first and in the outfield. 
• Josh Phelps (1B) – Will likely make the team, or New York wouldn’t have spent the money on him during the Rule V Draft.  Phelps has the potential to hit for some power and can play a decent first base.  He’s at the very least a better option over perennial underachiever Andy Phillips.
• Wil Nieves (C) – The favorite to win the backup catcher job, Nieves is a powerless hitter that can hit for average while performing well above average behind the bag.  But he’s not an heir to Posada by any means.

Down On The Farm…

The Yankees have managed to acquire quite a bit of talent in recent years, mostly due to their spending big on talents that have fallen in the draft due to signability, plus some good scouting on the international market.  The recent trades have also bolstered their pool of talent, which is now regarded to be some of the best in the majors.  However, there’s a problem; most of the talent is pitching.  Outside of Jose Tabata, who is years from contributing to the big club, there are almost no hitters.

• Philip Hughes (RHP) – Hughes is the best pitching prospect in the game.  He’s not only got size, but he’s got the mound presence to go with it.  His stuff is ace quality, starting with a mid 90’s fastball with good movement and a hard curveball that is major league ready.  He’s got a decent changeup and his mechanics are almost flawless.  He hasn’t proven that he can handle a major league workload yet, as the Yankees have been careful with him, but Hughes was dominant last year, enough that all of baseball has now taken notice of him.  Though the Yankees want Hughes to spend at least one more year at Triple A, a dominant Spring Training could make one of the starters expendable.  And even then, he’ll be in the Stadium by September.
• Chris Britton (RHP) – Obtained for Jaret Wright from the Orioles, Britton will likely become a part of the Yankees’ future bullpen.  Britton has a low 90’s fastball and a nice, tight curve and throws for strikes.  The only problem is that he’s been injury prone in his career and is a big man, if you know what I mean.  Still, he’s got a future with the Yankees as they try to get young and save up their pennies for some of the bigger free agents coming down the road (cough *Johan Santana* cough.)
• Sean Henn (LHP) – Henn isn’t looked at as a starter anymore, but he could be a solid lefty reliever and could displace Mike Myers if Henn is able to strikeout righties as well as lefties.
• Russ Ohlendorf (RHP) – Obtained from the Diamondbacks in the Randy Johnson Trade, Ohlendorf went 10-8, 3.29 with a 125 K’s and 29 walks in 27 starts at Double A Tennessee. He’s got great size and his stuff isn’t bad.  He throws a hard 89-94 mph sinker, a solid changeup and a decent slider.  Lefties murder him, and because of his slider, he may be better off in the pen.
• Stephen Jackson (RHP) – Another good sized right hander that has some solid stuff.  However, unlike Ohlendorf, who can at least entertain notions of being a starter, Jackson’s future is definitely in the pen, as he’s got four pitches, but only two, a sinker and a slider, are major league worthy.
• Eric Duncan (1B) – Duncan was a first round pick that New York may have ruined due to their aggressive promotion of him last year.  Duncan should have remained in Trenton instead of being sent to Columbus last year and getting demoted and the prospect that returned to Double A was shell-shocked enough that he needed time to recover from the experience.  Duncan is still young and the power potential is still there, but it’s beginning to look like he may be a bust.  Duncan will remain in Triple A, but a solid season could earn him a call up, be it as a regular or as a possible trade piece.
• Humberto Sanchez (RHP) – A big pitcher, Sanchez was the jewel of the trade that sent Sheffield to Detroit.  Sanchez has good arm strength and his stuff is great.  His fastball sits at 92-95 mph and touches 97-98, and his slider gives him a second plus pitch.  However, Sanchez has some durability issues, as he’s never thrown more than 123 innings in a season due to various injuries and conditioning issues.  Sanchez will be a Triple A, but could get a look as the season progresses.
• J. Brent Cox (RHP) – Another possible heir to Rivera, Cox is a polished college reliever who dominated Double A as a closer.  Cox induces groundballs thanks to his 88-92 mph sinker and hard-tilting slider, and he’s got a quick delivery as well.  However, many feel that Cox lacks pure dominating stuff and he may be better off as a setup man.

In Conclusion…

The Yankees have enough talent to win the division.  Whether or not the talent is enough to advance to the next round is a difference story…

Final Standing:  First In The American League East.

If I didn't response to Sheff's allegations like I did to Barry's, I'd be a total hypocrite. Anyhow, this is going to be a quick column. Parts of the Article are italicized, my responses aren't.

"Game of Shadows," which centers on Bonds' allegedly extensive drug regimen -- steroids, human growth hormone, insulin and more -- also undercuts Sheffield's claims that he took designer steroids unwittingly. The book says BALCO's performance-enhancing drugs were used by several athletes, including track stars Marion Jones and Tim Montgomery, NFL players such as Bill Romanowski, and sluggers including Bonds, Sheffield and Giambi.

Again, no surprise here with the exception of Jones. I was surprised when her name came up.

Sheffield has admitted that he used a cream two years ago but said he did not know it contained illegal steroids. The authors, however, say Bonds' trainer, Greg Anderson, put Sheffield on injectable testosterone and a human growth hormone in 2002, and later sold him designer steroids known as the "cream" and the "clear." Sheffield adopted Bonds' heavy training program when he visited the San Francisco star after the 2001 season and lived in his home in Hillsborough, Calif., for two months, according to the book. Though the two had a personal falling out, Sheffield wanted to maintain a relationship with Anderson so he could keep getting the drugs, the authors wrote. On Wednesday in Tampa, Sheffield denied using any drugs mentioned in the book. "What can I do? I'm not going to defend myself my whole life," he said. "It doesn't matter to me. I don't have anything to say. No need to. It is what it is."

The fact that Sheff roided up isn't anything new. The fact that he may have done it intentionally is a different matter. We're all willing to grant a pass to athletes that are either duped or are generally sorry, a la Matt Lawton and Jason Giambi. Sheff got the benefit of the doubt. He obtained a cream from a trainer to help him heal, and it turned out to be roids. Okay, end of stroy. If he did so intentionally, then yes, Sheff should be investigated.

Taking Steroids is illegal in society. If you're caught with it in a sport, you should not only be suspended, you should face JAIL time. Yes people, jail time. Try to get some steroids in your possession, see what happens to you. As for the suspension, who cares if it is wasn't illegal before 2005? You were #### with the integrity of the game! You were cheating, much as ####lord Perry was with his spitball that made all of the voters chuckle when they put his cheating #### in! Am I a investigation on everyone suspected. Yes. Will it happen? No.

Baseball ####ked up royally when they didn't start investigating the Steroid Era. When the Home Runs started to rise and sluggers started to beef up and looking like Pro Wrestlers, Baseball should have launched their Tazmanian Devil investigator, John Dowd, to look into things. He would have gotten to the root of the problem and would have come up with something so damning that the players association would have been shaking in their boots.

As for why Sheffield isn't getting anywhere near the pub that Bonds has gotten, it's because he isn't threatening any historic records that have been standing for ages. Hence the public outcry over Bonds. Another thing about Sheff is that he didn't deliberately go overboard on the stuff. I remember seeing a young Sheffield playing for the Diablos in the minors and he was a stocky guy back then (this should give away my location if anyone is wondering.) His bodily transformation was small, as he did seem to be a little more bulky up on top.  Still, his transformation, while small, wasn't as dramatic as Bonds', who seemed to turn into Lou Farigno in front of our eyes.  Nor has Sheff had as many telling health issues as Bonds has had.  Bottom line is this:  Sheffield was smarter.  Isn't it incredible that Pete Rose, who played his heart and soul out on the field, is banned from baseball for placing a few bets here and there while other players that have deliberately cheated may be placed in the Hall of Fame before him? What's this world coming to?

And no, Rose didn't bet against his own team. No conclusive evidence, as the Bonds apologists will gladly try to point out.

Giambi, the 2000 American League MVP when he played with Oakland, developed a relationship with Anderson during a baseball exhibition trip to Japan in 2002, by which time he had signed with the Yankees, the authors wrote. The book said Giambi wanted to learn "what was Anderson doing to keep Bonds playing at so high a level. Could Anderson help Giambi, too?" Giambi later flew to Bay Area and met Anderson at a gym, and that the pair went to the hospital to have Giambi's blood drawn and take a blood and urine sample to BALCO. The book said Giambi tested positive for Deca-Durabolin, and that Anderson advised the slugger he would fail baseball's new drug test, which was starting in the upcoming season. Anderson then started Giambi on a cycle of testosterone, saying the hormone would clear his system before he was tested by the league. Calendars seized by government agents show Giambi took drugs similar to Bonds. "I have nothing to say. I haven't seen it," Giambi said at New York Yankees camp in Tampa, Fla. The book, which also implicates Giambi's brother Jeremy, said Giambi wanted to succeed at baseball in part because of his perfectionist father who loved the sport.

There isn't any defending Giambi, nor should there be, as he should and was barbacued along with Rafael Palmeiro and Mark McGwire. He took the Juice to please his father? Look Jason, sooner or later, your Pop has got to see the fact that you did well for yourself, flaws and all. We're all going to do stuff that our parents don't approve of, or don't feel that we've done as we've supposed to. But sooner or later, he would have had to have realized that you did alright. As for Poppa Giambi, you have no right to talk to your son about perfection on the diamond until you've taken a major league at bat.  Jason, your Dad is a ####. 

 One last notation before I go grab a soda from the back: Do I have a vendetta against Barry Bonds? No. I just can't stand it when someone is cheating. I wouldn't have given a #### if Barry was a ####. Had he remained clean, I would have gladly applauded him for resisting what other ballplayers were doing and being honest. Not anymore.

 On The Block:  Jason Giambi

Jason Giambi is not as entrenched at first as one might think. 

Giambi probably saved his career last season when he went on a hot streak from July to the end of the season, where he put up near legendary numbers in Yankee Stadium.  It was an effort that was a great story (man conquers his demons) and was good enough to earn Giambi Comeback Player of the Year honors. 

But I don’t think Giambi is safe from being traded.

The biggest threat to Giambi staying in New York is Eric Duncan.  Duncan was to be the Yankee’s third baseman of the future until Alex Rodriguez arrived.  Since then, he has expressed a desire to remain in the Yankee’s organization and has switched to first base.  Duncan has many advantages over Giambi.  He hits for power, he’s quicker, he’s younger, and despite the fact that changing positions is genuinely a rocky transition, he’s going to be a superior defender at first.  The also offers one final benefit:  he’s cheap.  All of these factors considered together create a problem at first base within the next two years.  What happens when Duncan is ready?

Duncan will likely spend 2006 and about half of 2007 in the minors.  If he performs as advertised, it is likely that Duncan could push out Giambi just like a young Mark Teixiera pushed out a aging, but still productive Rafael Palmeiro.  If Duncan has a impressive spring training, he could see action as soon as roster expansion, making Giambi’s job a little more stressful.

Another rreason why I think the Yankees will try hard to deal Giambi is to make a push for either Barry Zito or Mark Mulder, both of whom are successful pitchers that will be entering free agency.  The Yankees, by that time, will need a shot of young talent in the arm to stay competitive with the young, promising staff of Toronto and Boston’s wealth of young talent.  With prospect Philip Hughes still about three years from being ready, either one of them would keep the Yankee rotation afloat. 

Even though payroll is falling, the Yankees would still need some relief to make a run at the top arms on the market this fall.  Here’s Giambi’s current contract status:

7-Year, $120 Million (Signed in 2001 Off-season)

·          2002 – 8 Million (salary), 3Million (bonus)

·          2003 – 9 Million (salary), 4M (bonus)

·          2004 – 10 Million (salary), 4 Million (bonus)

·          2005 – 11 Million (salary), 4.5 Million (bonus)

·          2006 – 18 Million (salary), 1 Million (bonus)

·          2007 – 21 Million (salary) 500K (bonus)

·          2008 – 21 Million (salary)

·          2009 – Team Option (22 Million w/5 Million buyout)

A combination of relief on the Giambi contract, plus the Mussina contract expiring and Wright’s contract buyout will give the Yanks some money to play with to make a play.  So that’s my piece on why he’s on the block.

What He Offers:  Giambi offers the following:

·          Plus:  Great power.  Can drive in runs like no one believes.

·          Plus:  Great on base percentage.

·          Plus:  Consistent against both left-handed and right-handed batters.

·          Plus:  Great clubhouse guy (Met him once at a restaurant in Tampa.  Hell of a nice guy).

·          Plus:  Great plate discipline.  Works counts well.

·          Minus: Will always have the shadow of steroids linked to his name.

·          Minus:  He’s a terrible defender, but seems to only hit when he’s at first.

·          Minus:  Will be 35 years old.

·          Minus:  Slow on the bases.

·          Minus:  Has had injury troubles in the past.

Asking Price:  Moderate.  The Yankees would want the recipient to take on some of his salary (probably about $10 million or so), and will request a top-flight position player, most likely an outfielder. 

Negotiable:  Definitely, but it will be on the salary, not the player.

Will He Stay Or Will He Go:  Giambi will most likely remain in New York for at least 2006, as he plays a big part in the Yankees’ ambitions for a World Series win.  2007 will be the deal breaker year though, as he’ll be shopped as aggressively as possible, particularly if he has an exceptional year.  

Where Will He Go:  Here’s what I see happening to Giambi, as far as where he’ll move to:

·          Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim – 60%.  The Angels are in dire need of a power bat to protect Vlad Guerrero.  Giambi would do just that.   With Giambi on the team, Guerrero won’t be walked as often and will see a good deal more good pitches.  As a result, the one dimensional feel that the Angels have will be gone and they’ll be much better offensively.   Plus, the Angels will be able to absorb the salary and have an overabundance of talent in their farm system to make a deal.

·          Los Angeles Dodgers – 40%.  This would be in the event Nomar Garciaparra implodes at first base.  If he is sent to the Blue Crew, Giambi would have the same effect on the Dodgers as he would on the Angels.  Like the Angels, the Dodgers have one of the deepest farm systems in baseball.  Plus, Giambi wouldn’t come back to haunt them during the season.

End Result –Traded to Angels (2006 Off-season)

Coming up on Wednesday's column:  Why George Steinbrenner will be proven a liar coming September.  You don't want to miss it.