Time for the team previews to resume.

Today, the hat says...we're going North of the Border.

Team Previews 2008 – Toronto Blue Jays

The Blue Jays have in recent years made the setp toward respectability, but that has come in spite of of bad signings, bad drafts and bad personnel decisions overall by management, specifically J.P Riccardi.  To put it bluntly, the Jays are in a tough spot, as they don't suck as bad as some of the other teams in the AL, but they aren't as good as the cream of the crop. 

Starting Rotation

1. Roy Halladay (RHP) – Halladay is still an effective pitcher, though he has begun depending more on groundballs these days instead of flat out dominating hitters like he used to.  He’s still a bit of a health risk, but as long as that knuckle-curve of his remains solid and the fastball low, he should be dominant again.
2. A.J. Burnett (RHP) – Gifted, but injured, Burnett is entering his walk year, as he’s likely to opt out of his current contract to hit free agency this coming off-season.  Burnett could be a legitimate top of the rotation starter, but he either gets injured or struggles just when it looks like he’s turned a corner.  However, because of the money at stake, look for him to actually pitch nearly a complete season, with decent numbers.
3. Dustin McGowan (RHP) – Best pure stuff of the young starters, McGowan should be able to elevate his status enough to where he can be considered a capable number two.  He’s got four good pitches, including his fastball that can reach the mid 90’s and has some ink to it.  His only real weakness is lefties, but aside from that, he could effectively replace Burnett as soon as next season, provided that the Jays have some help to replace his spot in the rotation. 
4. Shaun Marcum (RHP) – I’m not sold on Marcum, as I feel he gets by more on the command of his average stuff than anything else.  That doesn’t mean he can’t be an effective fourth starter, it just means don’t expect him to be lights out.  Last year is probably the best case scenario for him.
5. Jesse Litsch (RHP) – Litsch is an average fifth starter that depends on his defense to help him pitch effectively. 

Bullpen

• B.J. Ryan (Closer) – Ryan’s injury and subsequent Tommy John Surgery were probably a prime example of some of the worst
• Jeremy Accardo (Setup Man) – The fact that the Jays were able to get him for a declining Shea Hillenbrand amounts to Highway Robbery.  Accardo will likely be moving back to the setup role, as it appears that Ryan will be ready at the start of the season.
• Casey Janseen (RHP) – Janseen is likely going to remain in the pen as the primary 7th inning man, a role that he succeeded in last season, though the Jays have made note that they haven’t given up on him as a starter.
• Gustavo Chacin (LHP) – I’m not sure why Chacin is still on the roster, but it looks like he’ll remain in the bullpen as a swingman unless Litsch or someone else plays their way out.
• Jason Frasor (RHP) - Only as good as his command takes him.
• Brandon League (RHP) – League failed to establish himself as a setup man last season, but he still has a lot of use as a middle reliever, with the chance to setup later.
• Scott Downs (LHP) - Dominant lefty reliever completes the pen.

Starting Lineup

1. Reed Johnson (LF) – Johnson was effective as a leadoff man in 2006, but injuries killed his season last year and resulted in the lack of effectiveness.  Johnson will likely share time with Matt Stairs this season.
2. Lyle Overbay (1B) - Not a great power hitter, Overbay has at least done a decent job of getting on base before injuries hit.
3. Vernon Wells (CF) - A disappointment, Wells needs to bounce back from a terrible year at the plate.  With the departure of Glaus, a lot more is riding on Wells' ability to drive in runs.
4. Frank Thomas (DH) - Still a capable masher, Thomas will see the bulk of at bats at DH.  It looks like his health issues are behind him, but keep in mind he is older and will need regular rest. 
5. Alex Rios (RF) - Rios is rapidly turning into a solid all around player.  He's able to hit for power and a decent average and isn't a slouch on the basepaths either.  He's a great right fielder.  All in all, here is one long term commitment I wouldn't mind the Jays making.
6. Scott Rolen (3B) – Rolen is now in the fold and frankly, this is a bad trade.  There is a difference between "passionate" and "high maintenence."  Rolen is the later.  He's a decent defender, but there is no guarnatee that he'll stay healthy, especially now that he's playing on turf.
7. Gregg Zaun (C) – Zaun is rapidly declining as a catcher.  The only thing he really can do now is hit lefties.
8. Aaron  Hill (2B) - A nifty second baseman, Hill should be on an All Star squad in the near future.  His defensive value will help make up for the questionable signing up next...
9. David Eckstein (SS) - The Blue Jays are betting that Eckstein and Rolen will bring in some of that "gritty" atmosphere from St. Louis.  Eckstein is old, not a great bet to stay healthy and can't hit.  That spells winner!

Bench

• John McDonald (SS) - A defensive shortstop, McDonald will likely spell Eckstein late in games.
• Matt Stairs (UTIL) - There is still some life in that bat, as Stairs enjoyed one of his best seasons last year.  You'll see him pop up all around the diamond, spelling Johnson, Overbay and Thomas when necessary.
• Rod Barajas (C) - Barajas signs up with the very team he spurned last season.  Regardless of my personal feeligns of Barajas, he may have at least another solid year left in him.  All he needs is the chance to sieze it.
• Marco Scutaro (INF) – Scutaro may wind up beating out Eckstein for the starting gig at short this season.  Scutaro can play short and second and has a bit of pop to his bat.  But that's really about all he can do. 

Minor League Notables

• Curtis Thigpen (C) – Thigpen did well enough in limited action last season that he’ll likely be the starter come 2009.  While he’ll likely spend the year in the minors, should injuries decimate
• Ricky Romero (LHP) - Famously picked ahead of Troy Tulowitzski, Romero may be ready to contribute at the end of the season.  His ceiling is a Number Four starter.

Final Thoughts

This is really Toronto’s last shot at contending, as this team was built to win now.  After this season, there will be a lot of people leaving the organization via free agency and Toronto lacks the major pieces in the farm other than Travis Snider that will  help out long term.  Even then, unless Toronto gets the benefit of a lot of injuries among their division mates, they are, at best, the third best team in the division.

Final Prediction - 3rd Place, American League East. 

Now that the Santana deal is all but over, it's time to see what exactly will happen next.

I can tell you this much.  A lot more things are going to fall into place now that the deal has been done.

Here's what is likely going to happen:

1.  Bedard Deal Likely Going To Happen Soon

With the Santana deal likely gone, the Orioles should decide in the next couple of days whether or not to accept a deal from Seattle that will send Adam Jones and three or four prospects in exchange for their ace.  It would be a good deal for the Orioles, who would gain a franchise centerfielder, more pitching depth with Chris Tillman likely headed in the deal, as well as a potential closer in George Sherill, all of whom are named in the deal.  As for the Mariners, it's a lot of farm depth to give up, which I'd be hesitant to do for a palyer likely to test free agency in two years.  And even then, there isn't a guarnatee that Bedard would put Seattle over the top with the Angels and their strong staff in the divison.

2.  Final Decision On Sabathia To Be Made Soon

Look for also the Indians to decide once and for all on the fate of C.C. Sabathia, who is entering his walk year and likely looking for a contract similar to what Santana will get.  Sabathia recently refused a 4 year, $70 million extension and wants a lot of money for a lot of years.  While Sabathia is an excellent young pitcher, his condition habits have to give one pause.  The union will also be pressuring Sabathia to hit free agency, due to their desire to increase player salaries all around.  Personally, I think the Indians are going to ride out the year before seeing Sabathia likely sign with the Yankees, who covet Sabathia and asked the Indians about a trade midseason.

3.  Remaining Free Agent Starters To Find Homes

Also, it's about now that we'll the remaining big free agent starters find homes.  Bartolo Colon, Kyle Lohse, Livan Hernandez and others should have their phones ringing now that the Santana and Bedard dramas are nearing their respective ends.  This may work out to the benefit of several teams, as Colon, Lohse and Hernandez have all been looking for multiple years in contracts.  After having to wait for a while, they may be more willing to settle for fewer years.

4.  Blame to Be Assigned In The Bronx

Now that the actually Santana trade has been agreed to, look for blame to be assigned among the Yankees staff. 

Hank Steinbrenner will likely blame Brian Cashman for not wanting to pull the trigger on a deal that could have seen Santana in pinstripes, saying that while prospects are fine and good, acquiring a legitimate ace of the staff outwieghed any possible risk of said prospects coming back to haunt them.

Cashman will likely disagree, stating that the price in prospects was simply too high.  However, when you consider that you were, essentially, sacrificng Chein Ming Wang, Melky Cabrera and what appears to be now Ian Kennedy for Santana, the sacrifice really should have been an easy one.  Say yes.

The fighting will likely turn ugly and should provide further proof that Cashman is out of New York at the end of the year.

5.  Crisp Situation Now Front Burner

Now that the Santana deal has been resolved, look for Boston to finally decide what to do with Coco Crisp.

While the entire Santana drama was playing out, many of the spots that were logical places for the Red Sox to send Crisp to addressed their centerfield needs via trade or free agency, resulting in a much smaller market for his services.

Now, really, there are two places where the Red Sox could concievably go to shop Crisp around, three if you count Oakland and their sudden dearth of prospects, two if you realize that Oakland has no intention of shopping any of them just now.

Minnesota is the place where, ironically, the Red Sox could ask if they're interested.  The Twins, now in full fledged rebuilding mode, could offer back a bullpen arm, possibly Jesse Crain, though a package from Boston for Joe Nathan would be much more plausible.

The other place is Baltimore, which could use Crisp and has some minor league depth to deal from, if Boston would prefer a player that isn't as close to free agency and could develop into something promising.

Or the Red Sox could just hang onto Crisp, though that would likely result in a lot of resentment from Crisp, who wants to start.  Say all you want about choosing to start for a bad team or being a fourth outfielder for a great one.  Most people would still prefer a starting gig.

This could turn out ugly if nothing is resolved soon.

Coming up later today!  My Super Bowl Spread Plans!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Astros Report - Offseason Edition

Because I had to settle a bet.

Some Wisdom in Trading Away The Farm

There is some wisdom in what the Astros did during the off-season, in the trades that brought them Miguel Tejada, Jose Valverde, and Michael Bourn.  While Ken Rosenthal can rail against the deals all he wants, there is one thing you need to keep in mind.

None of the players traded was really a superstar.  In fact, many weren't really all that good.

Yes, I know, Chad Qualls and Brad Lidge are plenty badass.  But Lidge was likely gone in a year and Qualls, while solid, isn't a lights out reliever.

And of the prospects, the only one of real note was Troy Patton, who was sent to the Orioles.  Everyone else that was dealt was either a disappointment or wasn't a world beater. 

Overall, the Astros likely looked at their system, didn't like what they saw, and decided to spent what little collateral they had to improve their team.  So long as they draft the best player available from now on, there is every reason that the Astros can replensih the farm in a short period of time.

That's IF they spend money and IF they draft the best player available, not just who will sign.

Koby Clemens Moving To Catcher

After another year of disappointment, the Astros are moving Koby Clemens back to catcher.

Originally drafted as a catcher, the Astros moved Clemens to third base, feeling that he would his stocky frame would allow him to take the abuse of catching, and his arm would be more than adequate from behind the plate.  His bat, which has been disappointing thus far, would also look a lot better from behind the bag as well.

It's clear that there was some pressure on the Astros to draft Koby due to his dad, who was on the staff, but really, the Astros would have been better off spending the six figure bonus on someone else.  Anyhow, Clemens could really provide some value from behind the plate if he's able to be a adequate catcher.  Catching prospects are currently lacking in the majors and if Clemens can turn into at the very least a Gregg Zaun type of player, he's got a lot of value.

Astros Need To Re-Establish International Presence

Okay, one more, because quite frankly, I've had enough.

The Astros need to figure out why their pipeline to Latin America has dried up.

In the past, the Astros were kings of the Venezuelan Talent Market, with them signing player after player that was a serious talent.  Some of the former talent mined from Venezuela:  Bobby Abreu, Richard HIdalgo and Freddy Garcia, all of whom have enjoyed solid big league careers.

The talent has dried up.

Part of it has been Drayton McLane's tightening of the purse strings and refusing to pay up for big money talent in the draft or abroad.  But the other part is that the Astros didn't evolve  They weren't able to adjust for the times and as a result, several other teams now dominate the Venezuelan market and the Domincan, areas where the Astros did relatively well.

Whatever the case, it's time for Houston to re-establish their presence on the International Market.

Because all of the patch jobs, no matter the price, won't keep the franchise stable for much longer.

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.

Congrats to Goose Gossage for the Hall Of Fame.

He also adds another win to my Hall Of Fame Record, which is a pathetic 3-6

Here's the past three years of picks, starting from the inception of this blog, January of 2006...

2006 Picks For The Hall Of Fame

• My Picks:  Goose Gossage, Jim Rice, Lee Smtih, Bert Blyleven, Tommy John
• Actual Inductees:  Bruce Sutter

I was overly optomistic here.  This was before I would learn the hard lessons of blogging.  That and I never thought Sutter was a Hall of Famer.  Obviously, the voters of the BBWAA thought differently.

2007 Picks For The Hall Of Fame

• My Picks:  Tony Gywnn, Cal Rikpen Jr.
• Actual Inductees:  Same

No brainers really.

2008 Picks For The Hall Of Fame

• My Picks:  Gossage, Rice
• Actuall Inductees:  Gossage

Damn it, I thought for sure Rice would get in.  He came up just short.

Quick Thoughts On Next Year

• We'll see two more Hall Of Famers Inducted, Rice (who will be riding high on his near induction and will likely make it in his final year on the ballot) and Ricky Henderson (a slam dunk first ballot induction.)
• Bert Blyleven will come close, but just fall short of induction.
• Same With Andre Dawson

It’s that time again…

TIme when I try to forecast who will get into the Hall of Fame.

And every year, I've been wrong except for last year, when no brainers Tony Gwynn and Cal Ripken got in (I whiffed on Gossage twice already.)

No matter.

Here's this year's edition.

Cooperstown Locks

Rich "Goose" Gossage – This is the year Goose gets in.  He got close last season, even with Ripkin and Gwynn on the ballot and will almost certainly make the hall of fame, barring any sort of mental lapse amongst the voters.  There is no reason why it should have taken this long, but as I have said, I believe that Gossage’s years as a setup man may have hurt his case for the Hall of Fame.

Jim Rice – There’s been a lot of debate recently as to whether or not Rice truly is Hall of Fame worthy.  Rice does have some good career averages, and he’s got 382 HR’s, though that isn’t good enough for a man with the reputation for a power hitter.  His numbers were partially inflated by Fenway, but he did net a MVP award in 1978.  He does get bonus points for being a slugger in a Pitcher’s Era, however and overall, with his support in Boston and much of the Eastern Seaboard, I say he gets in this year.  I don’t agree with it, however.

Dark Horses

Bert Blyleven – A great pitcher, ranks fifth all time in strikeouts (3701), nine all time in shutouts, and 13th all time in innings.  His career record is great (287-250) his ERA is solid (3.31) and has a career ERA of 2.47 in the post season.   If he had better run support, he’d easily have over 300 wins.  He should have been in a long time ago, but for some reason, voters are reluctant to admit him in, yet they are upset over why a lesser pitcher, Jack Morris, whom Blyleven laps in every category and is even better in the post-season than Morris, is not in.  There’s been a rise of support for Blyleven.  Unfortunately, it won’t be enough.

Tim Raines – Raines merits induction, as he was one of the best Leadoff Men in baseball for much of his career.  He hit .294 lifetime, tallied 2605 hits, has a career on base percentage of .385, and scored 1571 times.  People crack on his stolen bases, saying that he was afraid to drop his stolen base percentage when in reality, Raines stole bases only when necessary, not just to pad stats.  He also walked more than he struck out.  However, Raines won’t get his due, as people will again feel he wasn’t as good as Henderson, his rival as far as leadoff men are concerned, plus his cocaine use.  Raines may have lasted even longer in baseball if he hadn’t played much of his career on the hard Astroturf in Montreal.  I feel she should get in.  The voters are divided so far.

Screwed

Lee Smith – A good closer, is number two on the All-Time Saves List (478), and truckload of innings logged in.  His career ERA is good (3.03) and he was usually consistent.  However, what kills Smith is that most people see him as a compiler and is regarded by many to be consistent, but not dominant.  The fact that he only played on two playoff teams and was 0-2 with an 8.44 ERA in the postseason doesn’t help him much.  Still, accumulating 478 saves is amazing (just ask Trevor Hoffman), but unfortunately, it’s looking more and more like Smith will be at the mercy of the Veteran’s committee and won’t be elected by the BBWAA.

Tommy John – Almost as good as Blyleven, in terms of Wins (288-231) and ERA (3.34), John would have been a lock if he had just won 300 wins.  However, people don’t realize that had it not been for the procedure that now bears his name, he wouldn’t even be close to his numbers.  John was a great pitcher for some time.  Why he’s not in is beyond me.

Dave Concepcion – The last member of the Big Red Machine not in the Hall (not counting Pete Rose), Concepcion was probably one of the best shortstops of his time.  Many remember him for his glove work, but his career averages (.267/.322/.357) and his 2326 hits aren’t enough to get him in.  It’s possible that many could point to Ozzie Smith as a possible induction into the Hall of Fame from Concepcion, but unfortunately, I don’t think he’ll get in, leaving him as a option for the veteran’s committee.

Andre Dawson – Blessed with a long, steady career that lasted 21 seasons, Dawson tallied 438 homers, 2774 hits, 314 steals, and was the 1987 NL MVP.  Dawson was a great defender at both right and centerfield and hit with good power.  He didn’t walk much, which is why he’s got a #### OBP, but he does have some favorable stats to some Hall of Famers already in.  He was also one of the classiest men to play the game, another reason why I like him, though that’s beside the point.  But unfortunately, he's seen as a complier, and most likely won't be allowed in anytime soon, which sucks for him.

Alan Trammell – Trammell totaled 2,365 hits, 185 homers, 412 doubles, 236 steals and a World Series MVP to his name.  Those are solid stats and should be Hall of Fame worthy when you consider that Trammell played in an era when shortstops were expected to defend, not him.  However, shortly after Trammell retired, the rise of offensive shortstops, such as Ripken, Jeter, Garciaparra, Rodriguez and others have made his numbers look quite pedestrian when compared to how they will finish.  Because of that, Trammell isn’t getting in, even though he probably should.

Harold Baines – Seemingly ageless, as he played for over 20 seasons, Baines is probably regarded as one of the best hitters in White Sox history.  As a whole, he was a very good hitter for a very long time, with a career .289 Batting Average and totals of 2,866 hits and 384 home runs.  He played on six postseason teams but never won a ring. Not at all shabby.  However, Baines was a terrible defender and never had a monster season.  He also never really took walks either, meaning he’s out.

The Hall of Very Good

Dave Parker – The Cobra has a lot of good credentials.  He’s got 2712 hits, led the league three times in scoring, is in the top 30 of all time in doubles and was the 1978 NL MVP, three Gold Gloves.  He also won two batting titles.   Those are good numbers, but not great ones, and Parker’s cocaine use has turned off several of the more self righteous voters, which means Parker is likely going in that class of Very Good, but not Hall Worthy players. 

Jack Morris – Morris is a somewhat lesser version of Tommy John.  He has pitched well in the postseason, and averaged at least 14 wins per season.  However, Morris has an ERA of 3.90 and going through some of his career numbers, many of his wins are the result of good run support and a strong defensive unit.  I don’t think he should be allowed in, even though many of the old school media are pushing hard for him to go in.  He’d easily be the worst Hall of Fame pitcher ever elected.

Mark McGwire – 500 Home Runs used to guarantee you admission into the hall of fame, but times have changed and McGwire has been made the posterboy of the era.  It’s not fair, but unfortunately, it happens.  He won’t get in, but will likely hang around the ballot.  He could get in during his final year of eligibility. 

Don Mattingly – One of the most popular Yankees in history, a nine-time Gold Glover, a six time All-Star, and the 1985 MVP.  A good man and a great leader, who stuck with the Yankees through the lean years and retired just before all the fun started.  Early in his career, Mattingly seemed like a lock, but lingering back problems would eventually claim his career.  Again, as with another 80’s era first baseman, Will Clark, Mattingly had good career averages (.307-.358-.471), but his overall numbers (222 HR’s, 2153 Hits) aren’t enough to get him in, though he’ll be immortalized in Legends Park sooner or later.  To put it bluntly, Yankee fans, let it go.  Unfortunately, he’ll hang around for the next few years, making this a perennial comment.

Dale Murphy – Murphy has two MVP awards and 398 homers.  But other than that, he's not Hall Worthy.

Chuck Finley – Finely made quite a few All-Star teams based on raw win totals alone, but his control was average and his ERA doesn’t fairly show that he could be god-awful a great deal.  He did have a reputation as an innings eater, but other than that, what else can you say except that he’s a slightly above average pitcher who likely would be vastly overpaid if he played today and isn’t worthy of Hall of Fame consideration.

Robb Nen – A former Ranger Draft Pick, Nen was traded to Florida for Cris Carpenter (the bad one) and became one of the better closers in baseball, finishing his career with 314 saves, a 45-42 record, a career 2.98 ERA and a WHIP of 1.213.  However, that’s not hall worthy, meaning Nen is out.

No Chance In Hell

Chuck Knoblauch – Knoblauch certainly looked like a Hall of Fame caliber player back when he was in Minnesota.  However, a neurosis that affected his glovework and eventually his hitting ended his career.  Many felt that the pressure of playing in New York finally got to him.  However, the fact is that what’s done is done and in the end, Knoblauch doesn’t deserve to be bronzed in Cooperstown.  His mention in the Mitchell Report will also mean he falls off the ballot.

Todd Stottlemyre–An okay pitcher for the most part, I remember him mostly from his brief time with the Texas Rangers.  He shouldn’t be on here.  Who screens these things?

Rod Beck –Sorry, I know Beck is very much beloved by many fans, but realistically, he had a 7 year run in which he was good, after which he flamed out spectacularly.  This may be his first and only time you’ll see him on the ballot.

David Justice – Justice is going to be one and done on the ballot.  He was good for a long time, but was never great.  His numbers (1571 Hits, 305 HR, .279 Career BA) just aren’t special enough, though he’ll likely get credit for all of his playoff experience.  But, to be quite honest, he just doesn’t belong on the ballot.

Travis Fryman – Fryman played for a long time, both in Detroit and in Cleveland, and was an All-Star five times, but for the most part he was just a solid contributor and nothing more. 

Brady Anderson – Another solid contributor, nothing more, Anderson shouldn’t be on the ballot.

Shawon Dunston – Dunston had a decent start to his career, but injuries and ineffectiveness turned him into a very good bench player for the most part.  He was also named as one of “Barry’s Guys” in the book Love Me, Hate Me, who defended Eric Davis, who was being berated by Bonds and the time, only to shut him up by grabbing Davis’ World Series ring and asking him “Have one of these?”

Jose Rijo – Okay, but never great.  Out.

Explaining The Rangers' Moves, Playing Russian Roulette For A Fifth Starter, And What To Do With Gerald Laird.

The Rangers Report – Offseason Edition

Rangers’ Moves Make Some Sense When You Look At It

Despite it being a rather quiet off-season for the Rangers, without the signings of some of the sexier names that were available on the free agent market, many of the moves that the Rangers did do are designed to allow for some of the youngsters in the minors some additional time to develop.

Many of the moves correlate to several of the Rangers’ rookies in the minors, designed to delay them for at least another half a season.  Let’s check it out:

• Alex Rodriguez Opts Out Of 10, Year, $252 Million Deal – A+.  This was possible the best deal that the Rangers had happen to them this off-season, as the Rangers now have $21.3 Million to spend on THEIR OWN players.  If this deal had been it, the Rangers may have had arguably the best off-seasons based on this alone.  What this deal also does for the Rangers is to allow them to toss in a bit more coin on the draft, allowing them to compete with the Yankees and Red Sox for more lower round gems, as well as allowing them to attack the International Signing Period more vigously.
• Sign RHP Joaquin Benoit To 2 Years, $6 million – A.  To add another cherry on top, the Rangers also extended the ace of their bullpen to an extension, buying out his final year of arbitration and his first year of free agency.  Benoit will now be competing for the role of closer next season.  Suffice to say, this is good news, as Benoit could have gotten a lot more coin out on the open market.
• Sign RHP Warner Madrigal To A Major League Contract – A.  This makes the list simply because of the fact that the Rangers in essence get a prospect for free, without giving up anything.  This was more thanks to the Angels’ screwing up than Texas monitoring the situation, but nonetheless, they get a relief prospect that throws hard and could be a potential closer.  All in all, it’s a great way to add to the farm without giving anything other than a 40 Man spot.  As for how he rates, think of a younger K-Rod.
• Re-Signed UTIL Ramon Vasquez For 1 Year, $810,000 – D.  Okay, Vasquez is a decent little utility man, but I think there were better options internally that could have been used, such as Tug Hulett, until German Duran is ready.  Not loving this, really, but considering the salary and that he could be DFA’d with no trouble, ehh, whatever.
• Trade CF Freddy Guzman To The Detroit Tigers For 1B Chris Shelton – B.  Guzman wasn’t going to be with the Rangers for much longer anyway.  While he is fast, his bat is rather anemic, making it hard to project him on the Rangers' as more of a fourth outfielder, pinch runner.  As for Shelton, he's a valuable bench player that will see playing time as part of a platoon with Big Ben Broussard.  More on how this helps in a minute...
• Trade INF Tug Hulett to The Seattle Mariners For 1B Ben Broussard - A.  Here's where the Shelton move comes in.  For the price of a prospect that had no future here anyway, the Rangers get themselves a stopgap first baseman in the Bris Broulton combo that will now play at first.  Broussard will take the majority of the at bats while Shleton spells him against lefties.  This gives Texas roughly the equivalent of a major league first baseman.  It also allows the Rangers to keep Chris Davis in the minors for another year, allowing him to benefit from coaching, at bats, and the opportunity to fine tune his skills until he gets the job next season.
• Sign RF Milton Bradley For 1 year, $5 million - B.  This one could blow up either way for the Rangers.  Bradley could be a model citizen like Jurassic Carl was during his tenure with the Rangers or he could be a disaster and DFA'd soon after.  However, Bradley is an elite bat that is now instantly the second best outfielder on the squad and will give the lineup a temporary boost.
• Trade RHP Edinson Volquez and LHP Danny Ray Herrera To The Cincinnati Reds For CF Josh Hamilton - A-.  For all the outcry of the Rangers trading pitching, this deal does make a lot of sense.  Texas has no outfielders.  On my top 40 Rangers prospects, only two prospects in the top 20 were outfielders, both of whom were acquired this year and both of whom are not anywhere near ready.  Volquez, while he has talent, I'm beginning to think that he wasn't going to make it, long term, as his control was just too inconsistent.  The Rangers jumped at the chance of adding a impact centerfielder and Hamilton also gives the Rangers a legitimate power presence that was lost when Mark Teixeira was traded.  Plus, when Borbon is ready, the Rangers could then slide Hamilton to right field, where he'd be a solid fit.

All in all, that's my take on the Rangers' off-season activity.  This Rangers' team is vastly improved from what the Rangers ended the year with, so with some luck, the Rangers will keep things respectable, but won't contend for the most part.  However, with the kids arriving soon, the future does look like it will swing for the better.

However, Volquez's trade does leave the rotation short an arm.  What to do about that?

Playing The Free Agent Russian Roulette For Starters…

Despite the Rangers publicly saying that they will likely fill in the hole in the rotation created by the Josh Hamilton trade, I do expect the Rangers to make a play for one of the free agent starters looking for a bounce back year due to injury.  This is a good way to either waste money (which usually happens) or to cash in on a suddenly viable asset if a pitcher were to suddenly return to form (see Paul Byrd’s last stint with the Royals).   This is also meant to give two prospects, Eric Hurley and Matt Harrison, more time to develop in the minors to ensure that they won’t get torched immediately once they get promoted.  For the most part, the Rangers are doing their homework on the options available.  Mark Prior was recently shot down by the Rangers after deeming his medicals a mess along with his refusal to take a club option with his deal.  Kyle Lohse is also not going to be an option, especially when you consider just how inconsistent he was in the American League when he was in Minnesota and that his agent, Scott Boras, is going to hold out until teams get desperate and start to jump all over themselves for a pitcher.  Lohse is a option I would not take if I was Tom Hicks, nor is it a contract I would want, when you consider, again, Harrison and Hurley’s near readiness for the majors.  That means that the Rangers will be looking for a pitcher willing to take a one-year deal, likely with a club option if they can get it.  This would also rule out starters like Livan Hernandez and Josh Fogg.  With that in mind, here’s who is available:

• Jason Jennings (RHP) – Pass.  Jennings is going to get the most run because of his Baylor roots and because of his ability to pitch at hitters parks, as well as his age.  However, Jennings really is a guy without any real out pitch who can eat innings and keep you in games.  Basically, he’s the embodiment of a Number Three starter, not an ace.  With that said, he’s probably better off staying in the National League and recently, his agent has made noise that Jennings will be at full strength by opening day and isn’t going to be willing to take a one-year deal, with lots of incentives. 
• Bartolo Colon (RHP) - Already Ruled Out.  The Rangers have already ruled out Colon, who despite looking strong in winter ball so far, but apparently, not only are his medical reports a nightmare, he also wants a long term deal. 
• Freddy Garcia (RHP) – Strongly Consider, But Won’t Come To Texas.  Garcia would be an option I would consider strongly.  He has success pitching in the American League, as well as in a pitchers park, and is still reasonably in his prime as far as a starting pitcher could be considered.  However, he likely wouldn’t be an option for the Rangers for two reasons:  first off, he’s considering holding himself out of the market until June, allowing him to sell himself to the highest bidder, and second, there’s been a lot of smoke signals that he will likely end up with the Mets.
• Kris Benson (RHP) – Strongly Consider.  My crush on the wife with the big ta-ta’s aside, Benson would be what the Rangers would consider as far as a guy hoping to be brought in as a 4th/5th starter.  He’s able to keep you in games, can flash a little more at times and may be willing to take a one-year deal in an attempt to build up his value.  I’d be fine with him as a one year option in the back of the rotation.
• Roger Clemens (RHP) – Pass.  In spite of the Mitchell Allegations, Clemens may be willing to return for one more year, just to try and prove the doubters wrong in an attempt to prove that he’s clean.  Hicks may choose to consider Clemens due to his Texas roots and because Clemens was still able to dominate in games last season.  However, the negatives outside of the Mitchell investigation outweigh any benefits from Clemens.  First off, he will undoubtedly want to come back on a shortened season, which does Texas no good whatsoever, and he broke down late last year, as his body began to break down.  Finally, in spite of some dominating performances, Clemens for the most part looked average against American League lineups.  While the Rangers wouldn’t be looking for an ace, Clemens’ agents would demand a paycheck worthy of the Clemens of old, not the Clemens of the present.
• Jon Lieber (RHP) - Pass.  Lieber should stick to the NL.
• Josh Towers (RHP) - Strongley Consider.  Towers' stats, on the surface, do match up a lot to Carlos Silva, who the Mariners paid a lot for.  He's a groundball pitcher that won't walk a lot, nor strike out a lot, but he'd be a reasonable option as a fourth or fifth starter, provided that the defense keeps runs off the board.  He'd be a smart signing.
• Jamey Wright (RHP) – Last Choice.  There is always the return of the Jamey Wright experience.  Wright was tolerable as a starter for the most part and was excellent in relief.  He’s still got good stuff and may be amendable to taking another one year deal from the Rangers.  But at this point, you have to wonder if maybe it wouldn’t be better just leaving Kameron Loe back in the rotation and hoping it goes well.
• Jeff Weaver (RHP) – Oh Hell No!  This is really only here as a comparison to where the market is at.  Weaver will get consideration because he’s a live body. 
• Mike Maroth (RHP) – Are You #### Kidding Me?  Yes, the Rangers have looked at him for a possible minor league deal with a spring training invite.  No, I don’t think it’s a good idea.  The last thing the Rangers need is for a washed up vet like Maroth to take up space in the minors. 

Gerald Laird’s Situation Getting A Little Ugly

Gerald Laird’s situation is starting to get a little…annoying actually.

Two months into the off-season, Laird is still a Ranger and the situation has the potential to get ugly.  Laird has already made several comments about how he feels that the Rangers have never given him the opportunity to play full time and that it seems he has always had to fight for what he’s been able to get in the majors.

Laird could start for about ten teams and backup for another five if he were shopped, but the Rangers aren't able to find a buyer yet.  There was a mention of Laird being traded for Coco Crisp, which made sense at the time, but Boston killed the deal by changing course and demanding Eric Hurley and Luis Mendoza in the deal as well.

Texas could flip him to the Yankees, but New York would demand the Rangers accept a lesser prospect in return, or worse, demand more in return for one of them lesser prospects, which would be a good way to just #### me off.

The Mets were rumored to be interested, but rejected a trade of Laird and Benoit for Lastings Milledge.  They then traded Milledge for Brian Schneider's carcass and Ryan Church.

The Pirates would be an option, seeing as how they want Paulino out of the starting role, but what would the Pirates send back in return?  Would it be an Xavier Nady deal, with the Pirates possibly accepting Robinson Tejeda in return? 

I'll work out a more detailed list next week, as the Rangers not only need to move Laird, but need to make some decisions on other 40 Man Roster spots soon.

Draft Nugget I Missed

The Rangers have apparently scored well in Baseball America’s Draft Scores, with them receiving the second best grade of all,

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

On The Block – Miguel Cabrera

Just to address the other sexy name on the block.

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

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

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

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

Potential Hang-ups:

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

Potential Suitors – In Alphabetical Order

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Potential Suitors – In Alphabetical Order

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

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

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

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.