The_Godfather

Like many of the Sox fans here I to am a little frustrated by the lack of moves made this offseason to date. With the winter meetings coming up next week I'am willing to sit back and wait to see what happens. My own thought is that the sox are planning to sit back and see where the market is for certain players that they have on their want list. Yes I know how sickening it must be to see the cubs improving their team but our time will come this offseason. Although KW has at times seemed like a total ass and has made some bone headed trades he has always done atleast one major move to try and make this team better at the winter meetings some may not have worked out the way he would have liked but he has shown a willingness to make moves. We will have a new SP and some RP help as well before the season starts who it will be your guess is as good as mine all I can say is give it a week or so and then the moves will start to happen.

this is true because the owners will be losing lots of money and the players know that and use it to their benefit, but in order to fix the problems in baseball they need to put down their feet and make the players crack for once.

MLB should go look at how the NFL has run their league with the salary cap it is the best run league period. They should get a cap going and if the players dont like it let them strike I really dont give a s*** cause in reality there is no other job any of them can do and make the money they make. When they realize that then they will come crawling back real fast. They should strike even if it means missing a whole season of baseball I would be fine with it if it meant that a cap was in place and the teams like the yankthese wouldnt be able to buy their way into the playoff every year. Baseball would become a much more enjoyable sport once again with a fair playing field. Just my thoughts

[WELL, OBVIOUSLY WE DISAGREE HERE. BUT, IF THE SOX DO THIS, AND WIN A W.S. WITH IT, I'LL BUY YOU A CAR! ] I will take you up on that if indeed they do

I'm guessig your referring to Willie harris when you said gys who cant hit a curveball. Well in all fairness to him he never really has gotten a chance to play everyday and if he were to start droping down some bunts with his speed could pull it off at the top of the order. Cedeno i guess would be the free swinger right? if he can get back number he put up 99-01( link Below ) i would be happy with him in the 2 hole.http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=5428. As far as Soriano please he has been one hell of a player since he has come into the league and will only put up better numbers in the 3 hole. Iwould like to see the top of the order being able to run at will and these three guys can definetly run plus we would be saving nearly nearly 20 million dollars off our payroll so yes I think I would be game for this lineup so we can get our pitching staff taken care of.

If we have to take on Weaver and his bad contract and s***y attitude in order to get Soriano I say you have to do that trade. Weaver wasn't all that bad in Det. before moving over to the big stage " Yankee Stadium". Potential Lineup Willie Harris cf Roger Cedeno rf Alfonso Soriano 2b Frank Thomas dh/1b Carlos Lee lf/dh Joe Crede 3b Rowand/Reed/Borchard lf/dh Jose Valentine ss Miguel Olivo/Sandy Alomar c Potential Pitching Staff Starting 5 Mark Buehrle lp Esteban Loaiza rp Jon Garland Rp Odalis Perez lp Jeff Weaver rp Tom Gordon cp Damaso Marte su I would have to say that would be a nice looking team we would have plenty of speed at the top and a middle of the order 3-7 to drive in the runs looks good on paper. As for our pitching MB and E-Lo should be fine we would need Garland, Perez, and Weaver to live up to their potential. With this team i think we could do very well next season just my 2 cents on it

just frustration over the lack of knowledge that our teams front office seems to have when it comes running a team. I just see it like this if you have a chance to pick up a guy for less money the blose 5m a year and may be better but will definetly help fill in some seats then you should take the gamble....how many asain would be there camera in hand waiting to take pics of one of there guy it would bring the attendence up and maybe then we could spend some money and stop acting like were a small market team when were sitting in the thrid biggest market its just sickening

No s*** I know that but what you fail to see is this just cause its called china town doesnt mean no japs live there I mean come on plus he is a player of asian decent and would be an instant hit on the southside with all the asian people in the area. does that make it a little clearer. Not to mention he would have cost us less money for a better player it just common sense dont you think???

We should have brought in the SS from Japan that would have been a major boast considering that the cell isnt located that far from china town... but we blew that cause we had to bring back blose Valentine for 5m. The front office seems to grow dumber and dumber by the year. On a side note I was wondering is it was true that they were goin to have a dumb and dumber 3 with JR and KW taking the staring roles????

Were on the rumor mill ..... Just that were metioned with the line " turned Down their offer and filed for free agency" looks like were not going to do jack s*** this offseason, and the sad thing about that is our window of oppurtunity is starting to close very fast.

WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY Alex Rodriguez Rangers Red Sox Orioles? Angels? Yankees? Nov. 11 - Newsday is reporting the Rangers, Red Sox and Angels have discussed a possible blockbuster three-team trade that would send Rodriguez to Boston, Red Sox shortstop Nomar Garciaparra to Anaheim and Angels shortstop David Eckstein and a few pitchers to Texas. Texas would rid itself of A-Rod's contract, which with seven years and $189 million remaining has become an albatross. Boston would get arguably the game's best player and avoid having to worry about re-signing both Garciaparra and Pedro Martinez while still paying Manny Ramirez his albatross of a contract. And Anaheim would get a significant upgrade at shortstop. However, A-Rod's contract includes a no-trade clause, so he'd have to approve any deal, and the Rangers likely would have to agree to cover a portion of his salary. Even the Red Sox couldn't afford to pay both Rodriguez and Ramirez, so something would have to give. And while previous reports listed Boston, Anaheim, Baltimore and the Yankees as teams A-Rod might agree to play for, those same reports indicated the Rangers don't want to eat any of his contract, and Scott Boras, Rodriguez's agent, won't restructure the deal to facilitate a trade. WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY Curt Schilling Diamondbacks Yankees Phillies Nov. 11 - Reports of Schilling heading to the Yankees won't go away. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported recently that New York, Arizona and St. Louis have discussed a three-way deal that would send Schilling and Jim Edmonds to the Yankees, Jeff Weaver and Alfonso Soriano to the Diamondbacks and Nick Johnson and Danny Bautista to the Cardinals. Schilling has waffled over whether or not he'd waive his no-trade clause for a deal to the Yankees, but reports indicated he'd do it for a two-year extension. He is eligible for free agency after the 2004 season. Previously, reports indicated the Phillies might pursue a trade for Schilling. The Delaware County Times reported in early October that Phillies GM Ed Wade has hinted he would be OK with trading prospects for an accomplished veteran, and the paper floated the names Chase Utley and Brandon Duckworth as possible trade candidates. WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY Jim Edmonds Cardinals Dodgers Yankees Nov. 11 - In addition to his reported inclusion in discussions of a three-way deal that would send him to the Yankees (see above), Edmonds also has been the subject of trade talks with the Dodgers. The Bergen (N.J.) Record cited a source who said the Cardinals are hoping to acquire pitching for Edmonds and thus are pondering L.A.'s reported offer of Odalis Perez for Edmonds. Edmonds has a limited no-trade clause that allows him to submit a list of seven teams to which he'd accept a trade. It's unclear which teams are on his list for this offseason, but it isn't expected to differ much from last year's list, which had all five California teams. WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY Eddie Guardado Twins Twins Cubs Red Sox Nov. 11 - The Red Sox have been in contact with Guardado, and the reliever's agent told the Boston Globe there is "quite a bit" of interest. The agent, Kevin Kohler, told the paper, "Eddie is real good friends with David Ortiz. He told him what the clubhouse was like last year, and Eddie thinks he'd be a really good fit. I think Boston and the Cubs are his first two choices." The Twins, of course, want to retain Guardado, who saved 41 games with a 2.89 ERA this season, but Minnesota also has to deal with free agents LaTroy Hawkins and Shannon Stewart, and they might not be able to afford to keep Gaurdado if high-payroll clubs like Boston and Chicago come calling. WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY Vladimir Guerrero Expos Orioles Yankees Nov. 11 - The Baltimore Sun reports the Orioles have been in contact with Guerrero's agents but have not yet made a formal proposal. But the Washington Post notes Baltimore is in a unique position as it pertains to Guerrero. Orioles' VP Jim Beattie signed Guerrero to his first long-term contract in Montreal. "He's one of the two or three [hitters] we have a lot of interest in," Beattie told the Post. "I know his agents pretty well, and obviously I know Vlady very well." The Yankees are expected to make a run at the Expos' rightfielder, as well, although New York is thought to covet Gary Sheffield above Guerrero and there have long been questions about Guererro's ability to handle, or interest in dealing with, the New York spotlight. WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY Raul Mondesi Diamondbacks Rockies Nov. 11 - The Denver Post reports Rockies manager Clint Hurdle is looking for a bigger (and cheaper) outfield bat than the one wielded by Jay Payton, who made $1.85 million last year and is eligible for arbitration. The paper lists Mondesi and Jeromy Burnitz as potential replacements if the team feels it can't afford to retain Payton. WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY Brian Anderson Royals Royals Indians Nov. 11 - Kansas City acquired Anderson from Cleveland in August and now apparently has a leg up on retaining his services. Anderson told the Cleveland Plain-Dealer the Royals have offered him a two-year deal, and anyone else bidding must at least match that. "A one-year deal, at this point, is just about out of the question," Anderson told the paper. "Kansas City has made me a two-year offer. That's more what I'd be looking for." Indians' GM Mark Shapiro declined to comment on any specifics, telling the paper, "We're going to take our time and determine what is the best way to fill as many needs as we can. To commit to a free agent immediately would make that difficult." WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY Pedro Astacio Mets Rockies Nov. 11 - The Rockies reportedly are following Astacio's recovery from labrum surgery and might be interested in signing him later this offseason. The Denver Post reports Astacio is working with a physical therapist in the Dominican Republic and tentatively plans to begin working out for teams in January. The right-hander won 53 games for Colorado from 1997-2001 and was 12-11 for the Mets in 2002. But he underwent season-ending surgery in June after a 3-2 start. THE TEAM CANDIDATES THE SKINNY Red Sox Manager T.Francona G.Hoffman J.Maddon Nov. 10 - The Red Sox will interview Angels bench coach Joe Maddon this week at the GM meetings in Phoenix, according to the Orange County Register. Earlier, Angels pitching coach Bud Black declined to interview for the position. Oakland A's bench coach Terry Francona and Dodgers third-base coach Glenn Hoffman, an infielder with the Red Sox from 1980-87 already have interviewed. WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY Andy Pettitte Yankees Yankees Astros Red Sox Nov. 10 - The Astros and Red Sox are among the teams expected to try and pry Pettitte from the Yankees in free agency. Astros GM Gary Hunsicker has said, "I can't imagine there's any team in baseball that wouldn't want to have Andy Pettitte pitching in their rotation. We certainly intend to look into the issue and explore things." The Red Sox, too, are expected to pursue Pettitte, but reports say re-signing the lefthander is New York's top offseason priority. WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY Ivan Rodriguez Marlins Marlins Orioles Nov. 10 - Florida plans to make an offer this week to retain Rodriguez, reports the Palm Beach Post, but team officials haven't received a final budget projection from ownership yet and aren't certain of their chances of keeping their MVP. Scott Boras, Rodriguez's agent, has mocked the idea of a "hometown discount," and reports have circulated that the 32-year-old catcher will seek a five-year, $50 million contract. He made $10 million on a one-year deal with the Marlins last season, with $7 million of that deferred and still unpaid. Florida is said to be pondering a two-year offer as a starting point. Baltimore, which made a strong push to sign Rodriguez last offseason, is said to be interested again, but reports say the Orioles are more likely to target a second-tier catcher than possibly overpay for Pudge. WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY Richie Sexson Brewers Diamondbacks Dodgers Nov. 10 - Brewers GM Doug Melvin told the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel he hasn't been ordered to trade Sexson or outfielder Geoff Jenkins, but the reality is the team likely cannot afford to keep both players and still remain under its projected salary budget for 2004. The paper reports the D-Backs have dangled a package for Sexson that could include three or more players from among a group that includes infielder Junior Spivey, first baseman Lyle Overbay, outfielder Danny Bautista, pitchers John Patterson and Oscar Villarreal and catcher Chad Moeller. Sexson is scheduled to make $8.6 million next season, then become a free agent. WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY A.J. Pierzynski Twins Padres Nov. 10 - The Twins are facing a big-time budget crunch and need to trim payroll to have a shot at re-signing guys like Eddie Guardado, LaTroy Hawkins and Shannon Stewart. With Joe Mauer waiting in the wings, there is speculation the Twins could elect to trade Pierzynski, who is eligible for arbitration and will earn a significant raise over the $365,000 he earned last season. If Minnesota does elect to shop Pierzynski, San Diego will be among those interested. WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY David Wells Yankees Yankees Padres Nov. 10 - The Padres are the popular early pick as Wells' destination, and San Diego might be interested. "We're looking for a veteran arm and David could be a good option," Padres' GM Kevin Towers said. Wells is a San Diego native. Of course, the possibility remains that the Yankees will re-sign Wells. WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY Freddy Garcia Mariners Red Sox Nov. 10 - Reports at the July 31 trading deadline had the Red Sox offering Trot Nixon to the Mariners for Garcia, and the Boston Herald reports that deal might be under consideration again. In July, Seattle reportedly wanted Bill Mueller instead of Nixon, and the Red Sox declined. Now, though, the Ms might reconsider Nixon. WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY Kazuo Matsui Seibu Lions Orioles Mets Mariners Dodgers Angels? Nov. 10 - While a number of reports indicate the Mariners are all but certain to land Matsui, the Orioles also plan to make a serious bid for the player thought to be the next Japanese sensation. The Mets, meanwhile, hope to be able to convince Matsui to switch to second base and team with young shortstop Jose Reyes to anchor the middle infield. Matsui has decided to take a shot at playing in the U.S., telling the Seibu Lions he's going to test free agency in the U.S. The seven-time Japanese All-Star batted .305 with 33 homers and 84 RBI this season. Who is Kazuo Matsui? WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY Luis Castillo Marlins Marlins Yankees Mets Nov. 10 - Told the Yankees were targeting Castillo, Marlins' president David Samson told the Palm Beach Post the team was "putting together an offer for Luis, and we think it is an offer that will be reasonable and good. I can't control what other teams do. Now if it looks like someone is going to sign Luis to three years for $10 million a year, congratulations. That's great for him." Castillo earned $4.85 million last season, and the bidding for his services could very easily price the Marlins out of the market. WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY Robin Ventura Dodgers Rockies Pirates Nov. 10 - The Rockies are expected to pursue Ventura or Vinny Castilla to play third base, according to the Rocky Mountain News, but will delay signing either player until after Dec. 7. That's the deadline for teams to offer arbitration to their eligible free agents, and Colorado wants to avoid having to surrender compensatory draft picks for signing a Type A free agent. Pittsburgh is another possible suitor. The Pirates are in the market for both a first baseman and third baseman, and Ventura would offer them the flexibility of being able to play both positions. WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY Preston Wilson Rockies Mets Nov. 10 - The Mets are believed to be interested in acquiring Wilson, whom the Rockies acknowledged last week they would make available under the right circumstances, according to the Denver Post. Wilson hit 36 home runs and drove in 141 runs last season, his first in Colorado, and the Mets are seeking a center fielder. However, the Rockies indicated they would have to be overwhelmed by an offer in order to deal Wilson, and it's unclear if New York would have enough to offer in return. WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY Rafael Palmeiro Rangers Yankees Nov. 10 - Reports out of New York indicate the Yankees could be targeting Palmeiro to serve as a DH and back-up to Jason Giambi at first base in the event the team winds up trading Nick Johnson for pitching. WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY Reggie Sanders Pirates Devil Rays Nov. 10 - Sanders is not likely to re-sign with the Pirates after completing his one-year contract with 31 homers and 87 RBI in 130 games, according to the Beaver County Times. But the Devil Rays have been mentioned as a possibly Sanders suitor ever since they declared their intention not to pursue a marquee outfielder like Gary Sheffield. WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY J.T. Snow Giants Pirates Nov. 10 - Cut loose by the Giants, who declined to pick up his $6.5 million option, Snow might find a home in Pittsburgh. The Beaver County Times reports the Pirates have begun investigating what interest the 35-year-old first baseman might have in coming to Pittsburgh. WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY Joe Randa Royals Royals Pirates Nov. 10 - The Pirates are also said to be exploring the feasibility of bringing Randa to Pittsburgh. The Royals have said they don't plan to offer the third baseman arbitration, but they intend to try to re-sign him. The 33-year-old Randa, spent the 1997 season with the Pirates. WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY Mike Cameron Mariners Mariners Devil Rays Mets Oct. 31 - The Mariners would love to re-sign Cameron, but he's likely to seek a home field where he can hit better than the .235 he posted at Safeco Field (he hit .268 on the road). The Devil Rays already have mentioned him as a possible target, and Friday the New York Post cited a source saying the Mets plan to pursue him, as well. WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY Jeff Suppan Red Sox Pirates Oct. 31 - Pittsburgh has been in touch with Suppan's agent to discuss bringing the right-hander they traded to Boston three months ago back to the Pirates, according to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. Suppan went 10-7 with a 3.57 ERA in 21 starts with the Pirates but struggled after joining the Red Sox, who declined to pick up his option for 2004 and allowed him to become a free agent. WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY Tino Martinez Cardinals Devil Rays Oct. 31 - The St. Petersburg Times reports the Devil Rays have held trade talks with the Cardinals about bringing Martinez, a Tampa native, home. Manager Lou Piniella told the paper he recently spoke with Martinez about the possibility. "I asked him how he felt, that it's not the easiest thing in the world coming home, and I think he felt it would be workable," Piniella said. "I told him we've got time, that nothing's imminent." The Devil Rays parted company, at least for now, with first baseman Travis Lee, and the Cardinals are looking to move Martinez, who is due to earn $7 million next season. Martinez played for Piniella in Seattle from 1993-95. WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY Keith Foulke A's A's Mets Red Sox Phillies Oct. 30 - The A's already are at work on a deal to re-sign their free-agent closer, but the Mets' hiring of Rick Peterson as pitching coach could gum up those plans. Foulke and A's GM Billy Beane acknowledge mutual interest in Foulke remaining in Oakland, but the San Francisco Chronicle notes that Foulke has credited Peterson with helping him recover the form that made him the White Sox closer in 2000 and 2001. The paper also reports the Red Sox are expected to have interest in Foulke, and the Philadelphia Inquirer has Foulke on a list of potential closers for the Phillies. WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY Carlos Beltran Royals Yankees? Angels Royals Oct. 30 - The New York Post suggests Beltran's contract status would make a deal to the Yankees for Alfonso Soriano unlikely. Beltran is eligible for arbitration this offseason and for free agency after next season. New York is unlikely to trade Soriano for a player who is free-agent eligible, and Beltran's agent, Scott Boras, is unlikely to let his client sign a long-term deal without testing free agency. Wednesday, the Kansas City Star reported that Royals' GM Allard Baird has long coveted Soriano, and while he has made it known he wants to keep Beltran, he also is still listening to offers. Previously reports have suggested the Angels might be able to put together a package that would interest the Royals. However, Baird recently told the Kansas City Star, "I expect Carlos Beltran to be our center fielder next season, because I don't think any club is going to offer the kind of package we believe is necessary for a trade. But I have to listen." WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY Bartolo Colon White Sox Angels Orioles Oct. 30 - The Angels reportedly perked up their ears when Colon turned down a three-year, $36 million offer from the White Sox and filed for free agency. The Orange County Register reports that Anaheim is likely to make Colon their No. 1 target among available starting pitchers. However, reports during the season indicated Colon would be among the top-line pitchers the Orioles would target for next year, as well. Baltimore is expexted to clear about $30 million in salary off its books in expiring contracts, and reports indicate the team will be looking to spend to acquire pitching. WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY Kevin Millwood Phillies Phillies Oct. 30 - As expected, Millwood filed for free agency, but the Philadelphia Inquirer reports the Phillies haven't given up hope of bringing him back. "We still have interest in Kevin," Phillies GM Ed Wade told the paper, which indicated the team is expected to offer Millwood a three-year deal. But Millwood and agent Scott Boras likely will see what the market will bear before opening negotiations with the Phils. WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY Shannon Stewart Twins Angels Twins A's Oct. 30 - The L.A. Times reported this week that the Angels are expected to make Stewart one of their prime free-agent targets this offseason. Stewart, who hit .307 with a .364 on-base percentage for the Blue Jays and Twins last season, would give Anaheim a leadoff hitter and left-fielder while still allowing the team to pursue a top-flight shortstop and/or starting pitcher. Stewart has filed for free agency and is not expected to return to the Twins, whose $55 million payroll is not likely to rise and probably won't be able to accomodate Stewart, who made $6.2 million last season. However, the Blue Jays found a soft market when trying to deal Stewart in the summer. Minnesota finally made the move, and it paid off, but it remains to be seen how that will translate into offseason interest. An AL GM told Insider's Jerry Crasnick, "He's not real good defensively. He can't throw at all. He runs pretty well, but he doesn't steal bases anymore. And I'm not sure how much teams will pay for a corner guy who doesn't hit home runs." WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY Miguel Batista Diamondbacks Diamondbacks Oct. 30 - Batista and the Diamondbacks are no closer to a new deal for 2004, the right-hander appears headed for free agency. Arizona declined his $5 million option for next year, but both sides have indicated a willingness to work out a new deal. However, it appears unlikely that will happen quickly, so Batista is likely to file for free agency. "It makes sense for him to find out as best they can the depth of interest (on the free-agent market)," Arizona GM Joe Garagiola Jr. told the East Valley Tribune. WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY Greg Maddux Braves Padres? Oct. 30 - Maddux filed for free agency this week, and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution indicates the move likely signals the end of the right-hander's 11-year tenure with the Braves. Earlier reports out of San Diego indicated the Padres might target Maddux, who is 11 wins shy of the 300 mark, as they look for a front-line starting pitcher. Maddux reportedly is building a home in the Southern California community of Dana Point. If Maddux and agent Scott Boras aren't looking to break the bank, the Padres could be a possibility. WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY Eric Young Giants Rockies? Oct. 30 - Young reportedly told his agent specifically to explore a possible return to Colorado, where he blossomed early in his career, and Rockies manage Clint Hurdle acknowledged to the Denver Post the team has discussed signing Young. WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY Fernando Viña Cardinals ? Oct. 30 - The St. Louis Post Dispatch reports the Cardinals don't want to pick up the $4.5 million option on Viña's contract for next season and are actively seeking takers for the second baseman. The Cardinals can buy Viña out for $1 million, but they'd prefer to trade him for young players. WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY Jose Cruz Jr. Giants ? Oct. 23 - The Giants declined to pick up Cruz's $4 million option for next season and will instead pay him a $300,000 buyout and allow him to become a free agent. The San Francisco Chronicle reports the team isn't expected to try to bring him back at a lesser salary. Though Cruz performed admirably in right field, registering 18 outfield assists, he was dismal at the plate, batting just .250 with 20 home runs and 68 RBI. WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY Miguel Tejada Athletics Mets? Angels? Phillies? Oct. 9 - Tejada reportedly told the San Francisco Chronicle the Mets are one of the teams with which he'd consider signing, in large part because he'd like to reunite with manager Art Howe, for whom he played in Oakland. However, with the emergence this season of Jose Reyes, shortstop is not a need for the Mets. It's possible Tejada could agree to play third, which is considered a longshot. Last week, Angels owner Arte Moreno told the L.A. Times that Tejada initiated a conversation with him in an L.A. restaurant. "If you're in the bar and Tejada walks over and says hello," Moreno told the paper, "you're not going to say hello?" Tejada acknowledged the encounter but insisted it was not a meeting. "I just said hi," Tejada told the S.F. Chronicle. "We didn't have a meeting. You can't do that." In Philadelphia, meanwhile, the Delaware County Times suggests the Phillies might make a run at Tejada, whom the paper says "never has denied whispers he would like to play shortstop in Philadelphia." WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY David Eckstein Angels Red Sox? Oct. 9 - The L.A. Times cites a Red Sox official as saying Boston would be interested in acquiring Eckstein should the Angels make him available in trade. Anaheim is said to be considering making a run at big-time shortstop like Miguel Tejada or, potentially, Japanese import Kazuo Matsui. If they land one, they could trade Eckstein, according to the paper. Boston would be a good fit because Eckstein started his career as a second baseman in the Red Sox organization and plays better defense and has a higher on-base percentage than Todd Walker. WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY Javier Vazquez Expos Phillies Oct. 8 - Vazquez is eligible for arbitration, and reports over the weekend indicate the Phillies might choose not to re-sign Kevin Millwood, who is eligible for free agency, and instead focus on acquiring Vazquez from Montreal. Philadelphia was one of the clubs in hot pursuit of Vazquez last offseason, when the Expos were shopping both he and Bartolo Colon. The St. Louis Post Dispatch quoted Expos assistant GM Tony Siegle saying, "We would entertain a legitimate deal. And I stress legitimate deal. We don't have to get rid of him. We're not soliciting offers. We have to arbitrate him, but we don't have to trade him." Vazquez, who went 13-12 with a 3.24 ERA for the Expos this season, made $6 million and should command close to $10 million in arbitration. WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY Benito Santiago Giants Padres? Oct. 8 - The Giants aren't expected to re-sign the veteran catcher, giving the job instead to Yorvit Torrealba, and the Padres might be interested. San Diego spent a good part of the summer negotiating with the Pirates for Jason Kendall, but Santiago would be much less expensive and carry a much shorter commitment. Santiago made $1.775 million last season, hitting .279 with 11 homers and 56 RBI in just 401 at-bats. WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY Carlos Baerga Diamondbacks Diamondbacks Oct. 8 - The Diamondbacks have opened negotiations to re-sign Baerga, reports the Arizona Republic. The former all-star enjoyed something of a revival in Arizona, setting a team record with 19 pinch-hits and batting .343 in part-time duty (207 at-bats). WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY Scott Spiezio Angels Angels? Oct. 8 - Spiezio reiterated his intention to explore the free-agent market this offseason, according to the L.A. Times. Spiezio didn't like the utility role that he evolved into in 2003, nor does he think he'll get the salary he believes he has earned. Spiezio's agent, Barry Meister, told the Times, "There is no way I could see Scott Spiezio returning if they don't feel like he's an everyday guy." WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY Javy Lopez Braves ? Oct. 8 - Lopez told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution he doesn't expect to return to the Braves next season. "I don't know where I'm going to end up," Lopez told the paper. "I'm in limbo right now." Lopez earned $7 million last season and enjoyed a career year, hitting .328 with 43 home runs and 109 RBI. He is one of many free agents about whom the Braves must make decisions, and the newspaper indicated the team is not likely to re-sign him. WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY Cory Lidle Blue Jays ? Oct. 3 - With the Blue Jays focused on re-signing Kelvim Escobar and with Roy Halladay in line for an extension based on his Cy Young-caliber season, Lidle is not expected to return to Toronto. GM J.P. Ricciardi tried to move Lidle in the summer to no avail. Now the team has let it be known it won't offer him arbitration and risk being stuck with another huge contract for a starting pitcher. Lidle earned $5.35 million last season. WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY Ken Griffey Jr. Reds Mariners? Oct. 3 - The Seattle Times speculated Wednesday that the Mariners might try to bring Griffey back to Seattle. Thursday, the paper carried a response from Junior himself, saying, "You know I can't say anything about that," but apparently hinting that he would be warm to the idea. The Times' initial speculation was fueled by the announcement that GM Pat Gillick would not return in that capacity. Given different management in Seattle, the theory goes, Junior might be willing to return. The Reds tried to trade Griffey to San Diego last offseason, and there were reports of a possible trade to the Yankees just before Griffey's season was ended by injury. WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY Jason Kendall Pirates Padres Oct. 3 - The Padres still are in need of a front-line catcher, and the Pirates presumably still would like to move the $42 million or so Kendall is owed. Talks to include Kendall in the deal that sent Brian Giles from Pittsburgh to San Diego in August broke down over how much of that salary the Pirates were willing to eat. The paper also listed Benito Santiago and Brad Ausmus as possible candidates for the Padres' catching job. WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY Gary Sheffield Braves Devil Rays? Oct. 3 - Sheffield told the St. Petersburg Times he'd consider signing with the Devil Rays next season if the team makes a fair and competitive offer. Sheffield, a Tampa native who is set to become a free agent after the World Series, has not received an offer for next season from the Braves. However, Sheffield is looking for a salary of $8 million to $10 million for next season, in line with his current market value, and the Rays may not be willing to commit that much money. WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY John Thomson Rangers Rangers Oct. 3 - Thomson was a hot name in the rumor mill all summer, even clearing waivers in August for a possible trade to a playoff contender. But he remained with the Rangers through season's end, and now the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports the team hopes to re-sign him for next season. Thomson made $1.3 million this season and is eligible for free agency. WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY Jeff D'Amico Pirates? Oct. 3 - The Pirates released D'Amico, who was due to become a free agent anyway after the World Series, to make room for minor league left-hander Cory Stewart and complete the trade that sent Brian Giles to San Diego in August. D'Amico was 9-16 with a 4.77 ERA this season. He set career highs with 29 starts and 175 1/3 innings pitched. WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY Jose Guillen A's Oct. 3 - According to the San Francisco Chronicle, Guillen has expressed interest in remaining in Oakland and told the paper he has parted ways with his longtime agent, Adam Katz. He has not yet named a new representative. WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY Jose Jimenez Rockies Rockies? Oct. 3 - Jimenez refused assignment to a minor-league roster this week and became a free agent, a move the Rocky Mountain News reports might actually help his chances of returning to the Rockies' roster. Jimenez, the club's career saves leader with 102, was arbitration-eligible, and the team could have held onto him until the Dec. 20 deadline for tendering a contract. But by cutting him loose now the team opened a spot on its 40-man roster, and Jimenez get the opportunity to test free agency two months early. Depending how the market treats him, he could re-sign with Colorado later. Jimenez, who had 20 saves and a 5.22 ERA, made $3.6 million this year. WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY Nate Cornejo Tigers? Oct. 3 - The 24-year-old right-hander went 6-17 for Detroit this year, and if the Tigers decide they have to part with a young pitcher to boost their offense, the Detroit Free Press speculates Cornejo could be the one to go.

One thing I will say about Vina is he isnt affaird of getting hit by a pitch. I dont know about you guys but there were many times last year when I was watching the games and one of our guys nearly got hit and instead moved out of the way then they eventually made an out. I would be sitting there thinking they should have taken the ball off their ass and taken first Vina will do that thats for sure. As for his production it wouldnt be any worse then what we got last year at @B maybe even better. Play Willie in center and Vina At second would be nice if willie could find the stroke he has in the monors at the major league level and with his speed we could have many situations where vina would simply bunt him over to either second or thrid base and have a RISP with less then 2 outs. Having him batting second would go along with the game plan that ozzie wants to bring to the Sox Small Ball and team players which Vina IS.

Yea I like season ticket and Moguul 2003 as i have both of them . Only b**** I have about the games are it is way to simple to sign FA they should make it harder and also where certain guys wont sign with certain teams you know. That aside they are great games no doubt.

do you have a link that says he's a free agents casue I have looked at every site and not one of them have him listed as a free agent.

Preston and Carl Everett are very similar players difference being Wilson is a much better fielder the carl. and even if his salary were to jump to let say 8mil which im about 90% sure he doesn't he would still be a great pick up to play CF let Harris play 2B, A solid Defensive SS maybe A cabrera Or another name I haven't seen mentioned A renteria since the cards are looking to dump some salary wouldn't hurt to look into maybe a stretch but what the hell. I think we will see rey ordonez playing SS for the sox. God I hope not

IMHO we should hold off on giving MB a contract till after this upcoming season reasoning being we have a very limited amount of money to spend and with some of the glaring holes we have we need to spend money elsewhere in order to contend. If we can contend and make the playoff next year we should then be able to spend some more money on player and then award MB for his hard work. In the real world though I just dont see MB signing any long term deals to stay here, I think he is just killing time until he is free to sign with the cards just MPO

Every site I have checked make no mention of him being non-tendered plus the fact that he was their player of the year I doubt you will see him in a sox uni next year unless KW over pays for him http://montreal.expos.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/m...t=.jsp&c_id=mon

I heard of him as a matter of fact he was on my fantasy baseball team this past season but I wasnt sure which cabrera everyone was speaking of since nowadaysit seems like every team has atleast one cabrera with the explosion of latin players in the last few years

Just checked espn and according to them he isnt on the non tender list and is still under contract. List of free agents link http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=1644909

Now orlando makes more sense but I still dont see the spos trading him. He would be a nice pick up thou

I hope you guys are not talking about the Miguel cabrera from the marlins!!! LOL that would be the f***ing dumbest s*** on this board. Why would they trade him when he is only 20 and showed how much promise he has during the most important time of the year i.e the postseason. He is their top prospect there is 0 chance of seeing him in a Sox uni next year lets please wake up people!!!!

Just wondering who the hell this caberra guy is that everyone is talking about us getting to play short next season. I have looked through all the free agents and cant find this guy.

Wilson is only making 6 mil a year he's only 29 years old has some speed and is a much better CF then anyone we currently have on our roster. Plus the fact that the rockies would unload him for some second tier prospects makes him an interesting option. Here are his stats as you can see he has put up good numbers before. http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/prof...le?statsId=5994

When you have committed 90 percent of your payroll to six players -- one of whom pitches 1,400 miles away and another of whom will not pitch in 2004 -- something has to give. In Denver -- where that is the economic model -- that something may well be franchise player Todd Helton. Troy E. Renck of the Denver Post reports that the team is willing to listen to offers on Helton and centerfielder Preston Wilson. HeltonWhat has driven the Colorado Rockies to this point of desperation is a series of bad financial decisions involving Mike Hampton (the one they are paying not to pitch for them) and Denny Neagle (the one too injured to pitch next year) along with an exorbitant contract for Helton. While the slugging first baseman deserves to be one of the better-paid players in the game, he is on a long-term deal that has him signed through the age of 38 at something like $16 million per year. As the Red Sox found out when they put Manny Ramirez on waivers and saw no takers, these kinds of deals are extremely forebidding to other clubs. What is more, even if Colorado can find somebody to pony up some quality bodies in exchange for Helton, he has a no-trade clause that will allow him to shoot down any deal not to his liking. (The Rockies were on the wrong end of a no-trade clause last season when they tried to deal another of those six highest-paid players, Larry Walker. Matt Williams, then of the Diamondbacks, put the kibosh on that one.) Clearly, this is a team in trouble. Anytime Darren Oliver is your most valuable pitcher, changes are in order. Unfortunately, their largesse of the past will make it extremely difficult to get very active. Renck points out that, at $10 million per season, Wilson might be the best bet for trading action. The National League RBI champ, Wilson took every advantage of the hitting-friendly environment in Coors Field. Away from Denver, he posted an OPS under .800 and looked very much like the player he was in 2000 while with the Florida Marlins (the last time he played as much as he did this past season). Taking his away stats and doubling them, we find that Wilson has not risen to another level but was the benefactor of the happy circumstance of playing at altitude: Preston Wilson Comparison 2000 2003 adjusted HR 31 30 RBI 121 114 B.A. .264 .260 OBP .331 .316 S.A. .486 .479 That's still a fairly decent year, but not one for which you'd want to pay $10 million. It seems unlikely in this day and age that there is a general manager out there who would look at Wilson's 141-RBI figure and be tempted to send real talent to Denver in exchange for him. It is more likely that a GM would make a fire sale kind of offer -- Wilson for a couple of non-prospects and then absorb his salary. For the Rockies to hope for both talent acquisition and ridding themselves of his salary is probably unrealistic. For his part, Wilson is being very diplomatic about the situation. He told Renck: "I would really like to remain in Denver. I feel like the foundation is there for a great franchise. However, I do understand that because of financial reasons, the organization may have to make a move. It's unfortunate that a couple of signings in the past couple of years have turned out poorly and may result in the team having to start over from scratch." WilsonWhat he really should be saying is this: "I would kill to remain in Denver. I feel like the foundation here is so high up in the sky that everything I touch with my bat turns to gold. However, these idiots signed two pitchers to long-term deals and neither one will pitch for us next year so I might have to kiss all those RBI goodbye." Getting back to Helton, is there a team that could afford him that also needs a first baseman? The Dodgers might fit that bill. Helton would certainly fit into the Red Sox modus operandi. The Orioles are patrolling the free agent market for big-name talent. The Angels? The Cubs could certainly use a first baseman as could their arch-rivals, the Cardinals. The Giants have a need but are probably not in the mood to pay that kind of salary. It's a very small group of teams that fit these two criteria: Have a need Have anything close to that kind of money It's a much smaller group that fits the third criteria: Have talent to trade and are willing to give it up Then, even if all of those conditions can be met, there is one more criterion that must be met: Be a team for which Helton wants to play Given all this, it seems highly unlikely that he will be playing for anybody but the Rockies for the next few years. Still, that this is even a topic of discussion illustrates how desperate the Rockies situation has become and just how out of control spending was in baseball three years ago. I wouldnt mind making a move for Preston Wilson his salary is not so high like most guys plus he has put up solid numbers in places other then mile high. What are your thoughts????

Although I would hate to see Maggs if a deal for Soriano were on the table I would have to strongly consider it. Couple of quick points that would make this trade a good one for us. 1) maggs makes 14m a year Soriano makes no where near that much money. 2) Soriano is a second baseman or even shortstop which was his orginal position where Maggs is a RF which of the two positions do you feel is harder to fill??? 3) Soriano would give us something we havent had in sometime a real bas stealing threat... yes Mags has stolen 20+ bases in some seasons but Soriano could steal 50 bases in one year. When you look at things in a whole we could save money by not bringing back Jose to play SS trade mags for Soriano put Soriano at SS bring back Alomar or maybe even make a run at Castillo to play second and still add A solid SP and setupman maybe someone like a Hawkins and Ponson or Millwood. Like I said I would hate to see mags leave I followed him when he was in the minors and knew he would be a great player for our team but it is a business after all and sometimes in business you have to make tough choices.That being said if we could move Mags and his salary and pick up a guy as good as Soriano and the flexibilty to make other moves i think this would be a great move for our team not only now but for the future as well.