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[Eminem]

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THE MILL - SUNDAY

# Reports out of Texas have that mystery team in on the Teixeira talks as the Arizona Diamondbacks. Interest on the D'backs' part was not confirmed. While the Angels appear to be out and the Braves are still trying to get a little more for their Colon-to-Expos style offer, the Rangers are getting closer to the point where they're going to have to trade Teixeira. This is despite the continued insistence that the Rangers' GM, Jon Daniels, is willing to keep Teixeira, so that he can instead see what he can get in a deal during the offseason, or get by keeping having a perhaps disgruntled first baseman during the 2008 season.

# The Rangers also have a couple of small deals in the works, but none seem to be particularly close. Most instead seem to be the types of deals that would fall into place if Teixeira is dealt.

# One front office executive noted his frustration. "Everyone's locked in on their own guys, scared to death to make the trade Minaya did in Montreal. [Ed. note: the 2002 deal that brought Colon and Tim Drew to the Expos for Grady Sizemore, Cliff Lee, Brandon Phillips, and Lee Stevens.] The Dodgers scuttled a deal they had, the Angels won't budge, and you can't get Minnesota to even talk about their second-tier guys. Nothing's happening. I wouldn't be surprised if teams close up shop early and start trying to figure out who will clear."

# One name that a bunch of people mentioned to me was Eric Byrnes. They think that he could be moved in the right deal as a Plan B guy since center fielders seem hard to come by. Rumors about guys like Torii Hunter and Adam Jones continue to be unconfirmed by this reporter.

# The Cubs beat the Reds in Cincinnati on Saturday, and something happened that has frustrated the Reds front office time and time again occurred: there were more Cubs fans than Reds fans in attendance. The lack of support might be just enough for Bob Castellini to pull the plug on this team. We'll see if the price on Adam Dunn drops.

# It should be no surprise that the Cubs and Orioles are talking. Andy MacPhail still has a lot of fans in Chicago and friends in the front office. The Baltimore Sun reports that a deal involving Jay Payton for a couple of mid-level prospects is possible. The Cubs also still covet Dontrelle Willis as "the one that got away" and--despite his not being on the market--Willis is one player the Cubs could get if Larry Beinfest suddenly changes his mind about that. Adding Felix Pie to Jacque Jones and Donald Veal would get it done, while not adding to the Cubs payroll.

--Will Carroll

---

Update @ 7:25 p.m. ET

# Teams are consolidating, and all trying to figure out what their Plans B, C, or D might be. Everyone's making plenty of phonecalls, looking to see if anyone is shaking loose, or if those "untouchables" are still untouchable. It's going to be a sprint to the finish.

# The team everyone is watching is the Dodgers. After they pulled out of talks on Mark Teixeira, the smart money had them coming after a pitcher. Instead, it seems like the turmoil in the front office is continuing, making other teams unsure what the Dodgers are looking for, and who or what they should talking about.

# Morgan Ensberg was DFA'd after no takers were found leading up to the Ty Wigginton deal. Now, in the wake of picking up Wigginton, a couple of teams have called to see what the price is now. The Twins and Phillies are believed to be two teams kicking the tires, but both are offering very little. There's some speculation that the Phillies could deal Chris Coste to the Astros--full disclosure, Chris is a friend, though I haven't discussed this with him.

# Scouts from Philly and Seattle were in attendance for Jason Jennings' start today; that didn't go so well. It's also humorous to hear "the Padres need offense" when they're putting an 18 on the scoreboard. With Jennings' bleep-worthy performance, teams are now focusing more on the other few available pitchers, guys like Kyle Lohse. Yeah, it's that bad. As for the Pads and offense? They might bring home a couple guys from Houston; Mark Loretta and Mike Lamb are available at a reasonable price.

# More guys went off the board than became available today. Livan Hernandez is staying in Arizona, Tampa doesn't want to deal Al Reyes, the Twins aren't taking offers on Luis Castillo, and two teams are making it clear that they're done and out. Those two? Colorado and Florida, not that they were expected to be all that active. For those teams still in play, we haven't seen much in the way of any discounting--values are holding.

 

[scottnak]

Wow. A Hooteriffic sweep! 10+R in each game @ home...
10 wings x 40+K people... 400+K wings!

And damn you Choakland. Regardless.... This is gonna be one helluva serries comin' up!

 

[bluemax]

.

Why is Adam Jones name in there. ;_;

 

[distantmantra]

Why is Adam Jones name in there. ;_;

Who knows. National sports writers continuing to mention Adam Jones in trade rumors is just like game journalists continuing to fuel the baseless MGS4 to 360 rumors.

It's not happening.

I can see us moving Balentein, but not Jones.

 

[Eminem]

I wouldn't see him leaving either, but I sure as hell trust the BP guys more than Gammons or anyone else at ESPN.

The Coste rumor mentioned there is laughable as well.

 

[Y2Kev]

LORD OF THE CURVE

AND

bringer of puppies?

 

[The Frankman]

Chris Coste hits and gets on base. Why not take a flyer on a fringe player when you're on the fringe? Houston got burned on the Jennings deal as it is.

 

[Joe]

“I don’t like it at all,” Farnsworth said. “I didn’t come here to sit on the bench. That definitely doesn’t help.”

:lol. first he gets pissed for being taken out for the best reliever in baseball history and now this. get this guy out of here PLEASE

 

[Eminem]

The White Sox are still considering signing right fielder Jermaine Dye to a contact extension, but it is unlikely a deal will occur before the non-waiver deadline.

Good, just re-sign him. KW already gave Gooch away for absolutely nothing, at least re-sign JD.

 

[NomarTyme]

# The team everyone is watching is the Dodgers. After they pulled out of talks on Mark Teixeira, the smart money had them coming after a pitcher. Instead, it seems like the turmoil in the front office is continuing, making other teams unsure what the Dodgers are looking for, and who or what they should talking about.

Figures, I don't know what the Dodgers are really going for right now Either get a starting pitcher or reliever or even a hitter, so I guess the Dodgers won't be trading anybody with this stuff going on.

 

[The Frankman]

C'mon GMs. You can have a like-new condition Shawn Green. YOU CAN HAVE 'EM!! Do I hear any offers?

 

[Karakand]

Wow. A Hooteriffic sweep! 10+R in each game @ home...
10 wings x 40+K people... 400+K wings!

I took advantage of the Hooters offer yesterday. :lol

Nice to have breathing room in the division again.

 

[Joe]

NY Post doing everything they can to get farnsworth traded

 

[captmcblack]

:lol

Well, I guess I have to admit people in this thread in 2005 and 2006 were right about Farnsworth; he is pretty terrible. He throws the world's straightest fastball. :-(

Move him for prospects, and then bring back goddamn Edwar Ramirez! I dunno about bringing Joba up still (though I'd be much more amenable to it if I could send say...Mike Mussina or something down and have Joba start)...but it looks like JOBATON is going down whether I like it or not.

Finally, why can't we have both Damon and Abreu fscking hitting consistently all the time like they used to? With GIAMBEAST returning soon to be DH, I can't justify playing Damon if he doesn't hit. Same for Abreu. :-( :-(

 

[Dr. Strangelove]

:lol
Finally, why can't we have both Damon and Abreu fscking hitting consistently all the time like they used to? With GIAMBEAST returning soon to be DH, I can't justify playing Damon if he doesn't hit. Same for Abreu. :-( :-(

Because Damon is broken and Abreu is fifty years old.

 

[captmcblack]

No one with Coco Crisp and JD Drew in their outfield is allowed to make jokes at the Yankee OF's expense :-(

 

[Dr. Strangelove]

No one with Coco Crisp and JD Drew in their outfield is allowed to make jokes at the Yankee OF's expense :-(

Umm, Coco Crisp is playing very well and is now pretty much in line with his career averages after that dreadful first season in a Sawx uniform.

JD Drew... well yeah. He stinks.

And just for fun:

Crisp 2007 OPS = .738
Damon 2007 OPS = .691

 

[siamesedreamer]

David O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal Constitution adds that the shortstop going to Texas could be Brent Lillibridge instead of Elvis Andrus. John Schuerholz is still engaged in talks. Neither O'Brien or Grant mentions Matt Harrison's injury. Harrison is a top pitching prospect who was supposed to be included in the deal. O'Brien has the Braves, Angels, and Diamondbacks as the teams in the mix for Teixeira. In a separate article O'Brien adds that the Braves might be able to get southpaw Ron Mahay added to the deal.

My money is on the Braves not getting Tex. I think Daniels is trying to play JS into getting a better deal from other teams. I think its gonna backfire.

 

[Flizzzipper]

If the Reds don't trade Dunn, Lohse, Conine, Hatteberg, Weathers and Griffey for nothing but young pitchers I'm gonna be pissed.

 

[Triumph]

David O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal Constitution adds that the shortstop going to Texas could be Brent Lillibridge instead of Elvis Andrus. John Schuerholz is still engaged in talks. Neither O'Brien or Grant mentions Matt Harrison's injury. Harrison is a top pitching prospect who was supposed to be included in the deal. O'Brien has the Braves, Angels, and Diamondbacks as the teams in the mix for Teixeira. In a separate article O'Brien adds that the Braves might be able to get southpaw Ron Mahay added to the deal.

My money is on the Braves not getting Tex. I think Daniels is trying to play JS into getting a better deal from other teams. I think its gonna backfire.

Buster Olney just said the trade was done pending physicals. Braves get Tex and Mahay, Rangers get Salty, Elvis and two additional players.

 

[Flizzzipper]

Well, if true I think the trading dominoes will start to fall.

 

[siamesedreamer]

Buster Olney just said the trade was done pending physicals. Braves get Tex and Mahay, Rangers get Salty, Elvis and two additional players.

PLEASE SHOOT ME

 

[Enron]

The two other players in that deal: AA Lefthander Matt Harrison and pitcher Neftali Perez.
Rangers are essentially recieving the braves' #1, #2, #3, and #13 prospects in the Braves farm system (according to Baseball America).

This is awesome, as my two favorite teams are the Rangers and the Braves. Rangers get a haul, and the Braves fill both of their most glaring holes.

Can you imgaine all the fastballs that chipper jones is now going to see with Teix behind him in the cleanup spot? wow.

 

[Flizzzipper]

That is one impressive haul for the Rangers. I don't know why it took so much...I mean Salty by himself should have a lot of value as a young, cheap, good hitting catcher. And it's never a good idea to trade a guy named Elvis.

 

[Enron]

That is one impressive haul for the Rangers. I don't know why it took so much...I mean Salty by himself should have a lot of value as a young, cheap, good hitting catcher. And it's never a good idea to trade a guy named Elvis.

Because with the exception of Salty, none of the other guys are close to being major-league ready. Also, Teix still has a year left on his contract beyond this season. So its not like he's a rental. The Angels and Dodgers were in on the bidding, as well, so the Braves had to top their offers... the angels were reportedly offering Kotchman, Saunders, and a B-level prospect. The Dodgers supposedly offered Loney/Ethier and one other player.

Also, the Braves recieve Ron Mahay, who, as a left-handed reliever, is worth his weight in gold. So its a reasonable package, considering what the Braves got back.

I'm getting tix for the Braves' next home game now.

 

[siamesedreamer]

Rangers are essentially recieving the braves' #1, #2, #3, and #13 prospects in the Braves farm system (according to Baseball America).

I'm utterly sick to my stomach. With Bobby and JS gone after next year, this is the trade everyone in Braves nation was worried about happening.

Our farm system has been gutted to get a guy who'll be a Yankee after next season (who also has a career OPS .100 lower away from Texas).

The only reason why I believe Salty became expandable is because of the rise of Kala Kaaihue.

 

[Flizzzipper]

Yea, I guess the Braves are built to win now, better go for it. Smoltz arm might fall off at any time, Chipper's body might come apart at any time, Andruw probably won't be around next year.

 

[Enron]

I'm utterly sick to my stomach. With Bobby and JS gone after next year, this is the trade everyone in Braves nation was worried about happening.

Our farm system has been gutted to get a guy who'll be a Yankee after next season (who also has a career OPS .100 lower away from Texas).

The only reason why I believe Salty became expandable is because of the rise of Kala Kaaihue.

sd, why?

It's hardly gutted. Remember, these guys are PROSPECTS. Andrus, Harrison, and Feliz are NOWHERE NEAR major league ready. They are all at least 2 years away, and maybe more in Andrus' case. Also, I have to think that JS wouldnt make this deal without intending to sign him to an extension. AJ is probably going to be gone next year, so the money to throw at Texiera will be there.

Anyways, you and I both know the Braves needed a reliever. Relief pitching isn't cheap. Any major league reliever that is any good will cost you a top prospect. I don't know why fans are so fixated on prospects. Half the time the guys don't pan out, but everytime one is traded there are always those that worry that they are giving up too much.

 

[siamesedreamer]

Also, I have to think that JS wouldnt make this deal without intending to sign him to an extension.

You do know who Tex's agent is right?

 

[Windu]

I'm utterly sick to my stomach. With Bobby and JS gone after next year, this is the trade everyone in Braves nation was worried about happening.

Our farm system has been gutted to get a guy who'll be a Yankee after next season (who also has a career OPS .100 lower away from Texas).

The only reason why I believe Salty became expandable is because of the rise of Kala Kaaihue.

im fine with it.

Salty has no where to play except at first and i would rather see him catch, but we have mccann. Elvis is still a ways off and hasn't hit yet. And I have read that we have lots of pitching depth in the low minors so i wont worry about losing two pitchers. Tex is a awsome player and i feel like we have a chance to resign him too. Its worth the risk to me.

 

[Enron]

You do know who Tex's agent is right?

Yes, I'm well aware. And it won't matter. Liberty has already given JS the go-ahead to spend $$$ on whatever he sees fit, and not resigning andruw will "free-up" at least 18 million that you would otherwise be paying him. That's 18 million you use to throw at Mark.

 

[Windu]

Yes, I'm well aware. And it won't matter. Liberty has already given JS the go-ahead to spend $$$ on whatever he sees fit, and not resigning andruw will "free-up" at least 18 million that you would otherwise be paying him. That's 18 million you use to throw at Mark.

Yeah when Smoltz got that new contract of 14 million and Mccann got a 6 year deal it told me that this new ownership group would spend a little bit more money than time warner. It should give us a much better shot to resign Tex. Although some of that 18 million will likely go to other players as well, still need to lock up Francoeur for long term.

 

[siamesedreamer]

The Braves are not expected to pursue a long-term contract with Teixeira, who is due to become a free agent after the 2008 season.

CNNSI

WS or bust.

Admittedly, when these 4 prospects would be expected to produce, the power pitching combo of Smoltz and Huddy would be long gone.

So, where do you put Tex?

1) Johnson/Harris
2) Renteria
3) Chipper
4) Andruw
5) Texeira
6) McCannimal
7) Francoeur
8) Johnson/Diaz/Escobar

 

[Windu]

So, where do you put Tex?

1) Johnson/Harris
2) Renteria
3) Chipper
4) Andruw
5) Texeira
6) McCannimal
7) Francoeur
8) Johnson/Diaz/Escobar

cleanup

 

[kIdMuScLe]

what is wrong with the Dodgers front office? i didn't even know there was turmoil with the Dodgers. Hope the Dodgers don't trade anybody and just wait till next season when every starting pitcher is healthy.

 

[tyguy20204]

I don't see how you can doubt JS at this point. He rarely misfires.

Keep in mind that even if Teixeira (sp) walks, you're still receiving 1 1/2 years of all-star value, in addition to two high draft picks.

 

[distantmantra]

From the USS Mariner:

Call this preventative maintenance, as it’s not a rumor yet, but I’m sure someone will make one out of it once news gets out that Wladimir Balentien will be missing his second consecutive game for the Rainiers today.

He hasn’t been traded. He’s nursing a sore right hand. Don’t freak out when he’s not in the line-up in a half hour. Yes, the Rainiers are playing a 10:00 am game today, since they’re on the road in Oklahoma. As always, you can catch it live at the Rainiers official site.

I wonder who the M's will move...

 

[Enron]

CNNSI

WS or bust.

Admittedly, when these 4 prospects would be expected to produce, the power pitching combo of Smoltz and Huddy would be long gone.

So, where do you put Tex?

1) Johnson/Harris
2) Renteria
3) Chipper
4) Andruw
5) Texeira
6) McCannimal
7) Francoeur
8) Johnson/Diaz/Escobar

He's likely going to hit cleanup, with chipper hitting third. Oh man, Chipper is leading the NL in hitting as it is now....with Teix behind him, dear GOD.

 

[Windu]

How many times do people have to use "Brave new world" for a article title? Its getting old.

edit:

The Braves could be on the verge of not only acquiring the best hitter on the trade market, but one of the best relievers as well.

In addition to reaching a preliminary agreement for Rangers first baseman Mark Teixeira, the Braves are close to a deal for Royals closer Octavio Dotel, according to major-league sources.

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/7074020

ok i was fine with the tex trade, but i atleast want to have a farm system after this season.

 

[Enron]

How many times do people have to use "Brave new world" for a article title? Its getting old.

edit:

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/7074020

ok i was fine with the tex trade, but i atleast want to have a farm system after this season.

Wait, what? Why are we trading for dotel?

 

[Windu]

Wait, what? Why are we trading for dotel?

trade for dotel = wickman not the closer anymore

 

[siamesedreamer]

I've always liked Dotel.

KC is basically baseball's Siberia. Seems like an adequate destination for Davies.

 

[distantmantra]

Oh, thank God. I'm so glad we didn't pick up Dotel.

 

[Weaselred]

Wlad lives to see another day. I'm going to Rainers games on the 1st and 2nd and expect to see Jones, Wlad and Clement or else I will personally cock punch Bavasi.

 

[Windu]

I've always liked Dotel.

KC is basically baseball's Siberia. Seems like an adequate destination for Davies.

i would still like to keep Davies. i think he just needs to get his head on straight and he will be good, but then again when has a player that has been given lots of chances and then pulled so fast by Bobby and sent down not been traded away?

 

[captmcblack]

ATTN: Brian Cashman

- Eat Farnsworth's money and trade him to the Rockies for a player to be named later.
- Trade Igawa to the Pirates for Salomon Torres or Damaso Marte. Either of those guys becomes the 7th inning guy along w/Joba, Viz is 8th inning, and Mo is closer.
- Now that Teixiera is off the market, do NOT **** with the lineup via trade, unless either of Damon or Abreu can be eliminated in an appropriate fashion. Giambi MUST DH. Melky MUST be starting in the OF every single day, all of the time.
- Do not trade Scott Proctor for Wilson Betemit. Trade prospects for him, though. Wilson Betemit replaces either Cairo or Dougie Alphabet (when he returns) on the bench.
- DO NOT TRADE TYLER CLIPPARD
- DO NOT TRADE HUGHES/JOBA/KENNEDY/HORNE

 

[Enron]

i would still like to keep Davies. i think he just needs to get his head on straight and he will be good, but then again when has a player that has been given lots of chances and then pulled so fast by Bobby and sent down not been traded away?

I like Dotel as well, but I don't think the braves really need him, now that we have Mahay. Also, I don't think Dotel will take wickman's job. If anyone was going to take wicks' job, its going to be Soriano.

The deal is supposedly Scott Thorman/Kyle Davies for Dotel.

I like this a whole lot more, now. Thor and Davies both suck! Good riddance.

JS is an evil genius.

 

[Enron]

ATTN: Brian Cashman

- Eat Farnsworth's money and trade him to the Rockies for a player to be named later.
- Trade Igawa to the Pirates for Salomon Torres or Damaso Marte. Either of those guys becomes the 7th inning guy along w/Joba, Viz is 8th inning, and Mo is closer.
- Now that Teixiera is off the market, do NOT **** with the lineup via trade, unless either of Damon or Abreu can be eliminated in an appropriate fashion. Giambi MUST DH. Melky MUST be starting in the OF every single day, all of the time.
- Do not trade Scott Proctor for Wilson Betemit. Trade prospects for him, though. Wilson Betemit replaces either Cairo or Dougie Alphabet (when he returns) on the bench.
- DO NOT TRADE TYLER CLIPPARD
- DO NOT TRADE HUGHES/JOBA/KENNEDY/HORNE

Why do all yankee fans overvalue their prospects? I was reading yankee boards and blogs in regard to potential trades for Gagne or Teixiera, and I saw yankee fans that bristled at trading CLIPPARD for Gagne, saying Texas should kick in MORE. FOR A PROJECTED MLB 4th STARTER WHOSE FASTBALL DOESNT EVEN HIT THE LOW 90s. Some were also suggesting that Texas would have to kick in MORE than Teix for Hughes. lol.

I hate the yankees and everything about them.

 

[Flizzzipper]

Phillies count by picking up Kyle Lohse, Braves and Mets doomed.

 

[Dr. Strangelove]

Why do all yankee fans overvalue their prospects? I was reading yankee boards and blogs in regard to potential trades for Gagne or Teixiera, and I saw yankee fans that bristled at trading CLIPPARD for Gagne, saying Texas should kick in MORE. FOR A PROJECTED MLB 4th STARTER WHOSE FASTBALL DOESNT EVEN HIT THE LOW 90s. Some were also suggesting that Texas would have to kick in MORE than Teix for Hughes. lol.

I hate the yankees and everything about them.

Oh, you didn't know? The Yankees have a farm system full of future hall of famers.