Alright, just a quick rundown on the Santana Sweepstakes.

On The Block – Johan Santana

The reason for this?  Why not?

The Why:  Santana is entering his walk year and the Twins have already made it known that they won’t give him Barry Zito’s deal to keep him, mostly because of owner Carl Pohland, who one of the cheapest owners in sports, and they may want to see if they can acquire talent for him to help the club in the long run, as the system is starting to run a little dry thanks to some over-conservative drafting.

The Rumored Asking Price:  Three to four good prospects, that are either ready to start immediately or are close to.

Can A Trade Be Done:  Yes, provided that a window for a contract extension is granted to the acquiring team.  Otherwise, no team is going to give up a top of low cost talent in exchange for a one year rental.

The Good:  Santana is perhaps the best pitcher in baseball and could be the ace of ANY rotation.  He’s dominant, has proven to be healthy, and can pitch in the AL and has done so in many of the best hitters parks in the league.

Potential Hang-ups:

• Money – It’s going to be costly to extend Santana, who could be baseball’s first $20 million pitcher.  That’s a LOT of money and many couldn’t afford him. 
• Prospects – The Twins want high ceiling talent and a lot of it, which is going to make things difficult, as many teams simply don’t have farm systems that deep to send the necessary talent back.  So, that limits the amount of people that are legitimate suitors even further. 

Potential Suitors – In Alphabetical Order

• Boston Red Sox – Ummm, Boston apparently would be interested in Santana (but it makes no sense really, as they have a solid rotation already that is very cost effective), but they would likely offer the Twins a package of Jon Lester, Coco Crisp and probably infield prospect Jed Lowrie, plus a player to be mutually decided on.  The problem is that they would only give up Lester and would balk if asked for Ellsbury or Buchholz. 
• Los Angeles Dodgers – The Dodgers certainly have the ammunition to try and make a deal, with them offering a package that would include Andy LaRoche, their top third base prospect, Andre Ethier, who could start in left field, Matt Kemp, who would start in right, and likely Chad Billingsley, the top lefty prospect in the minors.  That is a hell of a package and would give the Twins immediate bonuses to three of their lineup spots while giving them a stud pitching prospect as well.  The problem is that Dodgers owner Frank McCourt might not like the price tag it would take to extend Santana. 
• New York Mets – Omar Minaya seems determined to make a huge splash, and has said he’s saving his trade chips for a front of the rotation pitcher.  There’s just one problem:  most of the Mets’ prospects suck.  Philip Humber and Mike Pelfrey have had their stocks take hits and they lack many other positional players to send back to Minnesota.  The best thing they COULD do would be to see if the Twins still want to do that Matt Garza-Carlos Gomez swap.  I’d be all over that in a second.
• New York Yankees – The Yankees are sure to be in on Santana, and apprently, after the Game 4 loss to the Indians, they immediately called the Twins asking what it would take to build a package around Chein Ming Wang to get Santana.  This was purely rumor, but any deal involving Santana would likely involve New York.  Wang wouldn’t be attractive to the Twins as he’s going to be getting expensive short and he really isn’t what they’re looking for.  They’d likely ask for a package centered around Melky Cabrera and one of the Phil Hughes/Joba Chamberlain duet, with Robinson Cano thrown in for good measure.  The Yankees would likely balk and try to see if Ian Kennedy would get the job done, after which they’re promptly be laughed at and hung up on.  That’s really how it would go down, as New York is so protective even of their worst prospects that it’s hard to get a deal done.  However, with Hank Steinbrenner spilling the beans about the negotiations to get him, this deal may have legs after all.
• Texas Rangers – Texas certainly has the ammunition to make a deal, with a package likely having to center around Eric Hurley, their top pitching prospect, Ian Kinsler, and Jarrod Saltalamacchia, which would allow them to use Mauer at DH more often.  It would be a good trade package, but wouldn’t be enough to compare with what other teams may offer. 

If I Had To Pick A Deal Right Now...Traded To The New York Yankees For RHP Phil Hughes, RHP Ian Kennedy, CF Melky Cabrera and OF Austin Jackson

Will A Deal Ultimately Happen – Yes.  Frankly, the Twins could see themselves as being able to bounce back in contention with the return of Francisco Liriano, but let’s be reasonable.  The Twins also have a lot of holes and their owners’ reluctance to spend money means they can’t buy themselves the necessary fixes to help remedy the problem.  As a result, they’ve got to move him now to be able to at least reload with their current nucleus.

I had posted this earlier, but for some reason it didn't take, so here it is again.

On The Block – Jason Bay

Recent talk out of Pittsburgh has the Pirates potentially trading the face of their franchise, Jason Bay, in order to help replensish a impoverished farm system.  Bay is regarded to be the best moveable part not starting in the rotaiton right now, as he's due $13.25 million the next two seasons. 

Bay for the most part has accepted the fact, though he'd like to stay with the Pirates and help turn things around. 

The Why:  I've just said the why just now, but pretty much because the Pirates feel they have options, he's cheap and it wouldn't hurt to see what potential package you could get in return.

The Rumored Asking Price:  The papers have people predicting a Bartolo Colon/Mark Teixeira deal.  That won’t happen.  More likely, an average pitching prospect and a positional player prospect will get it done, though a third guy could be included.  Who knows?

Can A Trade Be Done:  Yes.  Bay doesn’t have a no-trade clause and with the market for outfield corners looking rather shallow at the moment, Bay would fetch a couple of decent prospects, should a GM have expendable prospects he’d be willing to deal. 

The Good:  Bay is coming off of an off year, but he'#### for power and has good speed on the basepaths.  His plate discipline is reasonably good and he's regarded to be a solid defender in left field.  He's also regarded to be a good clubhouse guy and would be a solid complimentry piece (not a star) to add to your lineup.

Potential Hang-ups:

• Performance In 2007:  Are you buying on the pre-2007 Bay or the 2007 version of Bay?  He's a gamble, but it's got to be asked what you're getting here.
• Health - Bay has also undergone some health issues this past year and you have to wonder if they'll creep back up again.
• Stupid Asking Prices - The Pirates have asked for absolutely stupid packages in the past for their players and have either been burned or shot down completely, the most recent of which was their offer for Jack Wilson (3B Troy Glaus) from the Jays, although, looking back, maybe the Jays should have taken it.

Potential Suitors – In Alphabetical Order

• San Francisco Giants – San Fran is going to need an outfielder and Bay could fit the bill.  The Giants could concievably decide to package Noah Lowry along with someone else, perhaps Nate Scherholtz, in order to get a deal done.
• Philadelphia Phillies – This could be done if the Phillies feel that they could have a deal for Pat Burrell, which could be done if they were to involve the next team bellow.  They could flip Burrell to the White Sox, provided he waives his no trade, and gain Bay, who is cheaper, and potentially Joe Crede, who would be a solid fit at third base, strengthening the lineup and making it a bit more fiscally flexible if they want to add anything else during the off-season.
• Chicago White Sox – Or, the White Sox could flip Bay for Crede and change and bypass the Phillies altogether, though the Pirates and White Sox would need to come up with a fit.  Perhaps Bay and Zach Duke for Crede and Lance Broadway?
• Texas Rangers – This is an interesting fit, from a non-homer perspective.  .Texas needs a left fielder and could use someone young to build around like Bay.  It would allow the Rangers to use Frank Cattalonotto at first base, limiting his defensive limitations and allow Texas to field a potential outfield of Bay, Centerfielder to Be Named Later, and David Murphy with Marlon Byrd as the utility outfielder.  The Rangers could trade for Bay, including Joaquin Arias, who could still be useful to the Pirates in the future, along with a couple of interesting arms in Robinson Tejeda, who could still be an effective starter and would be able to work in the pen for a bit to get his confidence up, and Gerald Laird, who needs to get the hell out of Texas and has experience to handle a staff.  If the Pirates want to sub, I'd give them the option of adding Luis Mendoza, who has become an effective groundball pitcher with some promise.  This could be overpaying a bit, but I'd be willing to give it a shot.
• New York Mets – The Mets are another organization that could potentially go after Bay, as they are in need of a left fielder.  However, it would almost certainly involve one of their talented young outfielders, likely Carlos Gomez, who needs another year, and a pitching prospect, likely Mike Pelfrey, who the Mets are quickly souring on.
• Minnesota Twins – Bucco Blog reported that the Twins may have some interest, with Matt Garza being mentioned in return.  I don't think it would be Garza, but another prospect, Kevin Slowley perhps, would be close enough to a deal.  The Twins in the past haven't been willing to make a trade, especially when it comes to their small horde of pitching prospects, but I would pull the trigger here, especially since the Twins need a big bat and much of their lineup is filled with defensive replacements.  I think it would benefit both sides. 

If I Had To Make A Trade Now:   It would look like this...

The Texas Rangers trade RHP Robinson Tejeda, RHP Luis Mendoza, SS Joaquin Arias to the Pittsburgh Pirates for LF Jason Bay

That's really the only deal that I can think of right now on short notice that would go through.  Thoughts?

This is a disturbing new tidbit that has begun to make itself known.  I don’t know how much of it is fact, but from what I’ve dug up, it’s starting to look like there is some truth to it.

The Boras corporation employs several people, including different coaches, to evaluate his clients and to possibly see where they are at in this stage of their careers.

But what if the Boras Corporation is starting to insist on their own player development?

This is apparently the story with the signals that the Mets have begun to leak out that Mike Pelfrey is in fact very much available for a trade.  The reason is because Boras and his operation have told the Mets prospect that their own coaching, scouting, and development guys know better than that of the Mets’ organization.

Another player that has begun to wear out his welcome is Mark Teixeira, who according to Peter Gammons in a recent interview, with a Boston Radio Station, has moved away from the advice of Rangers Hitting Coach Rudy Jaramillo and is instead taking instruction from Boras’ group.  This may have been the source of the earlier blowup between Ron Washington and Teixeira, which was apparently over the subject of Teixeira’s hitting.

This is a problem that needs to be stopped, as Boras can’t suddenly inject himself into the player development process of a player.  Do you really mean to tell me that Scott Boras has better coaches on his payroll than Rick Peterson and Rudy Jaramillo, two of the best coaches in the business for pitching and hitting? 

Gammons doesn’t stop there.

He also says that the Boras Corporation may have ruined pitching prospects Craig Hansen and Luke Hochevar, a pair of first round picks, Hansen by changing his delivery as throwing mechanics and Hochevar by changing his arsenal.  Apparently, Hochevar no longer throws the four seam fastball and curveball that made him a potential first rounder, and have changed it to a two seam fastball and a slider, new pitches that Hochevar doesn’t have as much experience throwing.

Again, I have my disputes with Gammons and take a lot of what he says with a grain of salt.  But there’s a ton of stuff here that makes a lot of sense and Gammons, for his faults and bias’, is very well connected and probably wouldn’t be slinging this #### out on the public if it were true.  

This also isn’t just ESPN saying this.  Baseball Prospectus, one of the more objective baseball think factories on the web is also alleging this and broke the story about Pelfrey. 

In any case, this shouldn’t be happening.  As good as Boras can be, he doesn’t have better coaches on his staff than those in major league baseball.  Tinkering too much with a client risks destroying a clients career, something which you were entrusted to work and guide.  Doing this isn’t only irresponsible, it should be grounds from banishment for the game, as you are tampering with competitive balance.

Boras may have his heart in the right place, as he may be just trying to extend clients’ career.  However, what he is doing is wrong and he’s going to make the game worse for it if he continues.

Or maybe it’s simply just another liberty that Boras has taken on himself.  He already controls the players’ negotiations, career choices, and even the types of relationships that the player may have with the team.

This is wrong.

I know it.

Does he?

And now, what's replacing Friday Morning Closer...Sunday Strikeouts.  Enjoy!

Pelfrey As A Reliever And The Impact On The Mets' Starting Rotation

Mike Pelfrey made his first career relief appearance on Friday, leading to talk that Pelfrey could be done as a starter and will begin to be groomed into that of a bullpen role.  Tentatively, however, the Mets appear to be devoted to keeping Pelfrey as a starter, for the time being.

But, let’s take a look too see whether the idea has merit.

Pelfrey, since he was taken from Wichita State nearly two years ago, was regarded to be a talented pitcher that lacked any sort of breaking ball to compliment his impressive heater. 

At the moment, Pelfrey has since seen his once promising secondary pitches abandon him, making him a one pitch pitcher.

What could happen is that the Mets could instead try to bring back Pelfrey's confidence by making him a late innings setup man, maybe even giving him the opportunity to spot close every once in a while.  In the meantime, the Mets would be able to force Pelfrey to stop overrelying on his fastball and get him to focus working on his changeup and slider, which could be solid  pitches once he gets them going.

It's a gamble that could be worthwhile and could help improve the formitable Met setup corps, but it doesn't solve the process of the Mets' starting pitching situation.  With the lack of starting pitchers for the Mets, the Mets are going to be severely shorthanded for the rest of the year, as the Mets' rotaiton stands like this:

• Tom Glavine (LHP)
• Orlando Hernandez (RHP)
• John Maine (RHP)
• Oliver Perez (LHP)
• Miscellanious

That's not an imposing lineup and it looks weak considering that the Mets could have acquired an innings eater during the year instead of sitting back and hoping the bullpen would be spectacular again.

The trade market offers almost nothing unless you want to try and go after a pair of right handers that are locked into long term deals, Jose Contreras and Roy Oswalt.  Oswalt has said that he may consider dropping the no-trade clause on his contract if the Astros were able to get a good deal in return, but I don't think it'll happen, as the Mets have become reluctant to part with any talent whatsoever, this deal will be hard, as I don't think either side will be able to match up with a deal that meets their satisfaction.  That and I doubt the Astros would trade Oswalt, as he's locked in a club friendly contract and parting with an ace of his caliber is insane.

Contreras, on the other hand, is a name that could work, as it would involve parting with a part of the system that Minaya is very well stocked with, outfielders, in exchange for him, provided that Contreras' contract is nearly all paid by the Mets.  The White Sox would be able to clear a spot for Gio Gonzalez, a stud lefty that is tearing up Triple A at the moment, and would gain a piece of their future outfield to replace the awful combination of Darin Erstad/Scott Podsednik.  The only real issue is who the Mets will want to send back in return.  Williams will likely want Lastings Milledge, while Minaya will want to offer back Carlos Gomez instead.

Still, regardless of what happens with Pelfrey, he was another failure of the Mets not signing a free agent during the summer.  Instead of targeting the currently injured Moises Alou, had Minaya instead gone after Jeff Suppan or Jason Marquis, this wouldn't be an issue.

Porcello, Harvey Likely To Go To North Carolina

During the draft, a lot of people gave Detroit and Los Angeles credit for pulling the trigger on Boras Clients Rick Porcello and Matt Harvey, citing them as organizations that got it and were willing to invest in talent, regardless of the price tag.

It looks like both players will probably wind up at North Carolina, for vastly different reasons.

For Porcello, it’s not the money.  It’s the contract.

Scott Boras feels that Porcello is deserving of a major league contract, saying that Porcello is the second coming of Josh Beckett.

At last count, only two high school players ever got MLB contracts from the get-go.

Beckett was one.

The other was Todd Van Poppel, who was rushed through the system and wasn’t ready for the majors once the options on his contract ran out.

And, even though the Tigers have been willing to gamble, I don’t think they’ll compromise a player’s development cycle because of an agent’s outrageous demands.  Besides, they’ve got a young staff already and if they don’t acquire Porcello, they’ll gain an extra first rounder next year. 

As for Harvey, it’s going to be about money.

Even though the Angels have been willing to pay good money for talent in the lower rounds, Boras is going to demand a LOT of it to sign Harvey.  It was surprising to see him fall as far as he did, mostly because of the price tag, but the price to sign Harvey, rumored to be around $2 million dollars, may be too much for the Angels to want to pay.  Another reason is that Harvey, if he chooses to go to Chapel Hill, would be a first round pick in three years anyway and would get more than that as a Top Ten pick, assuming he progresses as planned.

So, really, when I think of all of these factors, I don’t think either player will be heading to the minors anytime soon.

2008 Free Agency – Corner Infielder

Unfortunately, there are no first basemen of note coming out.  Hence, I lumped first and third base all together, partially because there is also a first baseman that can double as a third baseman as well.  Anyhow, this is a very thin class unless Alex Rodriguez decides to opt out.  Then, we would really have a frenzy of people that would love to get their hands on the too vocal for his own good Rodriguez in order to plug him into their lineup.  For the sake of argument, we’ll assume that A-Rod opts out, inciting riots on message boards everywhere.  Here’s who you got to choose from:

• Alex Rodriguez (Yankees) – Yankee fans and the New York media have all pretty much come to terms with the fact that Rodriguez will likely opt  out of his deal, as he’s one of the more fanatically loyal Boras clients and will pretty much do what he says, no matter how much he says he likes New York.  Rodriguez would get a lot of interest, as both LA Teams, The Red Sox, and a few other contenders would be more than happy to overpay to get his production into the lineup. 
• Mike Lowell (Red Sox) – Lowell is having a fine season so far, flashing his trademark defense, but he’s also faded badly down the stretch last year and faded in May this year, leaving one to wonder about his long term durability at the position.  I figure he’ll be the second most attractive corner this year.
• Mike Lamb (Houston) – Lamb is a fine backup corner infielder that fields the position well and hits for some contact and can draw some walks.  I don’t know if he’s starting material though, as neither the Rangers, Yankees, or Astros have thought so.  Someone will give him a shot, however, if the need arises that a sure handed first or third baseman is needed.
• Sean Tracy Casey (Tigers) – Tracy has excellent plate discipline, is sure handed at first and is a good team player.  He’s also entering his mid 30’s, doesn’t hit for power and is going to be entering his decline phase sooner rather than later.  Unless the team already is stacked with power bats, I would pass.
• Pedro Feliz (Giants) – I really don’t know what’s going to happen to Feliz.  He’s likely to stay in Frisco, mostly because there really isn’t many options out there at the hot corner, unless they decide to go crazy and pursue Alex Rodriguez.  Feliz has some value in that he can contribute some power late in the lineup and can play multiple positions, but he’s a subpar defender and K’s enough to the point in that he negates his power.  Pursue at your own risk.
• Shea Hillenbrand (Angels) – He’s as close to done as done gets.

Rangers Report Is Tomorrw.  See ya then.

Friday Morning Closer

Here’s my three-pitch outing for the day.

Carlos Beltran All Over Again

A rumor appeared earlier this week that Vernon Wells had told Blue Jays' management that he had no intention of signing a contract extension to stay in Toronto.  J.P. Ricciardi went on the offensive, calling the origin of the rumor, Keith Law, an ####, though at this point of the season, Ricciardi would do better trying to avoid a meltdown in Canada, especially after the ugly incident with Ted Lilly.  But, all that aside, the Jays would do well in trading Wells.  He has faced public criticism from J.P. Ricciardi in terms of performance at times, despite the fact that Wells has put up MVP caliber numbers this year.  Plus, it’s never a good sign when said player hasn’t made much of an attempt to re-sing with a team before free agency, indicating the lack of interest or the fact that he may be a Scott Boras client (keep an eye on this situation, as Boras is notorious for stealing clients before free agency.)

Wells has one year remaining on the five-year deal he signed in spring training of 2003 and will earn just $5.6 million in 2006, after which he'll be eligible for free agency.  He’ll be 29.  With centerfielders having high prices lately (it’s expected that Wells could receive a similar contract to that of Carlos Beltran), the Blue Jays have almost no shot on keeping him, thanks to the fact that the Blue Jays will experience a salary crunch in 2008, when the salaries of A.J. Burnett, Roy Halladay, B.J. Ryan, and Troy Glaus all start escalating.   And this is after the Jays made the trades of Scott Schoeneweis (to Cincinnati) and Eric Hinske (to Boston), saving a whopping $5 million (yes, that’s sarcasm.)

If the Jays are willing to go for it all next season and go guns blazing for possibly their only chance to contend for a World Series, then they should go for it and play next season with Wells.  They’ll receive two first round draft picks if he signs elsewhere, which is more than they got when Carlos Delgado signed with the Marlins.

As for who Wells could sign with, there isn’t exactly a shortage of teams that he can go to.  Wells is a solid middle of the order threat who plays some mean defense. 

There will be no shortage of teams interested in Wells, a middle-of-the-order bat and plus defensive center fielder who'll hit the market in the middle of his offensive peak. Texas and Houston are likely to have interest because they might be able to sign him to an extension before he hits free agency, and neither team has a solid incumbent in center fielder.   Here is a list of the teams in the order that will pursue Wells, if he’s placed on the block.

Texas Rangers – Wells is from Arlington and is good friends with Ranger shortstop Michael Young.  The two have desired to be on the same team for some time and with Young not going anywhere (Texas is going to give him the large contract he deserves) Texas is the best place for him.  Texas is unlikely to sign Gary Matthews Jr., who is peaking just when free agency is looming, and is far from a proven talent.  Carlos Lee would like to remain a Ranger, but the Rangers have a contingency plan by sticking Nelson Cruz into right field and moving Mark DeRosa to left field.  Wells makes a lot of sense to the Rangers, but if Toronto insists on gutting the Rangers in terms of pitching, Texas will pass on a deal.

Houston Astros – Houston could use some more offense, and have the pitching prospects to send to Toronto for Wells.  However, the Astros have several needs to fill in terms of offense.  Morgan Ensberg needs to be brought back to his old self and the Astros have options in the outfield that could be used.  Luke Scott has impressed many and top prospect Hunter Pence is also another option to use as well.  Toss in Chris Burke, Willy Taveras, and Jason Lane and the Astros could cobble together a pretty nice little outfield.  And that’s not including Aubrey Huff, who will probably be re-signed.  If anything, the Astros need more offense out of the catching and shortstop position, though Adam Everett’s defense in a way makes up for the lack of hitting.

Los Angeles Dodgers – I could see this happening since the Dodgers have enough talent in the farm system to make a deal for Wells.  It would definitely rank as one of the most powerful outfields in the National League and the Dodgers could part with some prospects.  But I’m not sure what arts could be swapped in terms of pitching, which is what the Jays need.

Los Angeles Angels – Juan Rivera is a good bench player that’s experiencing a hot year and Darin Erstad, Chone Figgins, and Garret Anderson are not or no longer impact players.  The Angels make a lot of sense in that Wells gives the Angels a big bat to hit behind Vlad Guerrero, but any deal would requite the Angels to give up Ervin Santana and possibly top shortstop prospect Erick Aybar, plus another minor leaguer.  GM Bill Stoneman showed no desire to make a deal for another pair of impact players, Carlos Lee and Miguel Tejada.  It’s likely that he’ll object to the price the Jays will ask for.

Seattle Mariners – Could make a play, but the pieces don’t line up for well enough for them to make a deal.  The Mariners at the moment have a pair of centerfielders that they could plug and play, with Jeremy Reed and Adam Jones, both of which are young and could be serviceable.  Plus, the Mariners I think are more likely to pursue another workhorse pitcher that can eat innings long enough for the bullpen to come in. 

Boston Red Sox – Has the money to give Wells a lucrative extension and Wells is similar to a player the Red Sox pursued in the off-season, Andruw Jones.  However, there isn’t enough pitching options to send back to Boston to make things work, plus I doubt that the Jays would be willing to ship Wells within the division, where they would see him 19 times a year.

St. Louis Cardinals – The Cardinals would get Wells, who would more than replace Jim Edmond’s in center and they have the money to do it.  However, the Cardinals have many other needs in the off-season.  Almost the entire rotation is entering free agency, with only Carpenter and Anthony Reyes returning.  The Cardinals don’t have any ready talent to plug in the rotation, plus the offense in St. Louis is lacking in many other areas, namely catcher, Left AND Right field as well as second base.  The Cardinals have to solve these other problems before trying to pursue Wells, who is a luxury.

Colorado Rockies – A team that would be awesome if they brought in Wells.  The Rockies had been shopping around for a centerfielder at the deadline.  If the Rockies could land Wells, not only would they have a largely improved outfield defense with Wells in center and Holliday in left, but they would have one of the strongest middle of the lineup threats with Holliday, Wells, and Helton batting 3, 4 & 5.  The Rockies could do it if they’re willing to spend some smart money for once, as well as trade some of their more expendable prospects.  But again, the Rockies also would need to send back one of their better starters, which would kill any deal.  In all honesty, I think the Rockies would pass and go after an improvement at shortstop.  Julio Lugo would be a nice fit.

As you can see, there are several good fits for Wells in baseball.  But, depending on Toronto’s demands, a trade could get killed with all of the above teams.  As far as who could be the favorites, it would be the Texas teams followed by the Los Angeles Teams.

Buying Barry – Part Two

The other day, I went down the list of teams that will likely be going after Barry Zito.  I went through the league, eliminating the teams that I thought had no chance, and whittles the list down to five.  Here’s the final detailed analysis of who will sign Barry, why, and why the team may not get him.

Los Angeles (NL) – Zito is from the LA area and with his work in music could decide to settle in LA, where he would not only be returning to his hometown, but would also be close to numerous record companies in his side business.  Zito would fit in great in that lineup, providing some diversity to a lineup that has Brad Penny and Derek Lowe.  He also wouldn’t have to have the pressure of being an ace.  Plus, in that ballpark, Zito could be masterful and possibly become a Cy Young contender once again.  But, with large commitments already given to Penny and Lowe, plus several arms in the farm system needing a chance, LA might be priced out of range

Chicago (NL) – The Cubs need some pitching, but I'm wondering if they'll make the jump for Zito.  He's going to be expensive and the Cubs seem to be looking toward signing Juan Pierre long term.  The Cubs do have the money, with Wood's and Maddux's large contracts off the books, but I don't think Zito has pitched at Wrigley.  How well would he do with all those funky wind currents that inhabit the area?

Boston - Boston needs a lot of help in terms of the rotation.  Schilling has only one year left.  Beckett has been a disaster this year.  Lester isn't ready and Papelbon isn't due to become a starter for at least another year.  Zito could help be an option, but it should be noted that Fenway isn't very kind to lefty pitchers, which Lester has found out rather painfully.

Texas - Zito has always done well in Texas and would form a solid one-two punch with him and Millwood, plus the possibility of Padilla and Eaton in the mix.  However, Zito has never let a draft day insult from Texas, who refused to give him an extra $50,000 on his signing bonus, go.  Plus, he has little interest in pitching in Texas.  Thus, despite

New York (NL) - Zito's old pitching coach is with the Mets and the Mets certainly will have the money to go after.  There is a definate need here for Zito, as the Mets have little to count on in their rotaiton aside from Pedro Martinez and his gimpy leg and the ageless Tom Glavine, who seems to be battling injuries back just long enough to reach 300 wins.  With only Mike Pelfrey in the system and the rather unremarkable Alay Soler, Zito would fare well here, especially in a pitchers park.  I think the Mets will ultimately lose out to the next team, but will make them pay dearly for it.

New York (AL) - Ultimately, I do think that the Yankees will win over Zito, as they not only have a pair of former teammates in Johnny Damon and Jason Giambi to help their cause, but they'll also have a nice tidy amount of cash to go to work with.  They'll have Mussina's large contract off the books and they'll also be losing the Randy Johnson contract after next year as well, along with Gary Sheffield's as well.  Hence, they could give Zito a rather vanilla starting amount before kicking in his larger money after Johnson is gone.  Do I like the fact that Zito would be in New York.  No.  But I suppose it was inevitable.

Canseco Watch!!!!

In other Canseco Related News, Nine Yards Entertainment has optioned the rights to produce a film version of his book "Juiced: Wild Times, Rampant 'Roids, Smash Hits and How Baseball Got Big".  Canseco will be listed as a producer on the film.

Kipp Marcus, who was last seen as an extra on the movie Jason Goes To Hell,  has been hired to adapt the book.  Former Saved By The Bell Star Mario Lopez is rumored to be the favorite to play Canseco himself.

Does this movie sound like a train wreck waiting to happen?  Hell yes.  Will I see it?

Hell Yes!

Have a great weekend everyone.