ultimopain

Inside Dish: Teams not biting on Devil Rays' Upton By Mike Berardino - SportingNews The Devil Rays have been willing to talk about trading top hitting prospects OF Delmon Young and IF B.J. Upton all winter, but the player teams are more wary of might surprise you. It's not Young, who was suspended for 50 games last summer after throwing his bat at an umpire in a Class AAA game. Rather, it's Upton, who was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2002 draft but is a shaky fielder and has struggled to find a position. A rival scout says he soured on Upton when he refused to pick up baseballs at the end of a batting practice at Class AAA Durham last year and brushed off a Bulls coach in the process. "There are serious questions about that kid," the scout says. "I just don't know how much he wants to play." . . . If the Giants really were trying to get out of their oral agreement with OF Barry Bonds, they easily could have had one of their doctors flunk him on a physical exam. This delay is all about leverage as the Giants seek to protect themselves if Bonds becomes unavailable for a large chunk of the season, either for physical or legal reasons. . . . Pirates G.M. Dave Littlefield completed a quest of sorts when he acquired 1B Adam LaRoche from the Braves. Back in 1999, when Littlefield was an assistant G.M. with the Marlins, Florida drafted LaRoche out of a community college in the 42nd round but failed to sign him. The Braves grabbed him in the 29th round in 2000. Hitting isn't LaRoche's only strength; he also figures to improve the Pirates' defense. "Having him at first is like having another shortstop on the field," a rival scout says. "He's a really slick, comfortable, fundamentally sound defender. He's agile and mobile. That's a big upgrade for Pittsburgh.". . . The Marlins, who already boast one of the most respected scouting departments in the game, recently got stronger with the addition of legendary scout Roger Jongewaard. Best known for his two decades with the Mariners, a period in which they drafted Ken Griffey and Alex Rodriguez, Jongewaard spent the past two years with the Devil Rays. He chose the Marlins over a handful of suitors, including the A's and Red Sox, in large part because of his strong relationship with Marlins G.M. Admin Beinfest and personnel director Dan Jennings, who worked under Jongewaard in Seattle. . . . The Blue Jays offered Alex Rios to the Marlins, who desperately need a center fielder, but Toronto was unable to pry away LHP Scott Olsen (their preferred target) or any other member of the game's best young rotation. "They won't break those pitchers up," a rival scout says, "and with the cost of pitching right now, I can't blame them." Rios is seeking $3.1 million in arbitration, and the Jays are offering $2 million. If Rios wins, his salary could make him more likely to be dealt before opening day. No matter what happens with Rios, the Jays will talk about trading productive LF Reed Johnson. He is seeking $3.6 million in arbitration; the club is offering $2.5 million. . . . An official from one team monitoring the Armando Benitez saga still believes the Giants will deal the embattled closer before opening day. "I really think in the end Benitez will not be there," the official says. The Giants have hinted they are willing to eat more than half the $7.6 million that remains on Benitez's contract, but they might have to swallow even more to get a decent prospect in return. LINK 1. Interesting to know that Upton has some attitude problems. 2. I never knew that we drafted LaRoche. 3. Our scouting department is awesome. 4. Good to see that we wouldn't give up Olsen or anyone else for Rios. While I really like Rios, I still would be very reluctant to give up Olsen for him. 5. I expect Armando to be dealt too, if he proves to be healthy.

Scott Thorman.

Astros signed RHP Brian Moehler to a minor league contract and invited him to spring training. Source: Rotoworld Good luck Moe.

Yep. He was traded to the Dodgers along with Todd Hundley for Eric Karros and Mark Grudzialanek from the Cubs.

Err... Edgar Gonzalez was signed by the Cards a few weeks ago, I thought this was common knowledge. Perhaps best known as the older brother of San Diego Padres first baseman Adrian Gonzalez, Edgar Gonzalez was one of 10 Minor League free agents signed by the Cardinals earlier this week. The 28-year-old second baseman excelled in the Florida Marlins organization this past season, hitting .327 over 428 at-bats split between three levels of play. Gonzalez is currently playing in the Mexican Pacific League as a member of the Venados de Mazatlan. The San Diego native is batting a solid .270 with 12 doubles and 19 RBIs over 54 games. He's also playing alongside his brother, who is currently serving as the Venados' starting first baseman. LINK

He's 29. He was also the tenth overall pick by the Pirates in '95, apparently. Anyone know what position he plays? I know he's an outfielder but I've just to find which exact position is his preferred, but I can't find anything.

Hahahaha, fricking hilarious, great job guys. Can I please ask what is the full name/title of that song when Reggie's bit starts to play, you know the dramatic fight scene type music? I've been looking for that song for ages.

Until one of our better prospects was ready to take the step up... yep. He's better in the rotation than in the pen, that's for sure.

So Spike, I'm really curious, what are your thoughts on Mitre? Because I just don't think that you've expressed it enough, in the 285758375 threads you've mentioned him in...

Apologies, I didn't see it already posted. As for stability at the closer position, I agree, but I think that will come in the next few years. If Owens/Lindstrom/Gregg doesn't place a hold on it this year, I expect one of our relief prospects like Harvey Garcia to put their stamp on it for years to come. I think Tank is too valuable in the 7th or 8th inning right now to use in the closer's role.

Would've been a risk to turn it down, can't blame him at all for taking the deal now. Not like he'll be poor. Exactly. I can't fathom how people say "he should've waited until free agency" when he just got $128 MILLION. Not everything is about money, obviously he is happy in Toronto, and imo he deserves massive kudos for showing some loyalty... unlike some other greedy players out there.

Joel Piniero has been non-tendered by Seattle. In no way do I want him as a starter, but I think he has potential to be a really good relief pitcher. However, money is likely to be the issue, and I'm sure someone will probably offer him a chance to start which he'll probably take over coming here as a reliever.

nice moves by the rocks...sullivan may be much more available now This is true, good thinking.

The Astros have acquired Jason Jennings and Miguel Asencio from the Rockies for Jason Hirsh, Willy Taveras and Taylor Buchholz, FOXSports.com's Ken Rosenthal reports. When Houston GM Tim Purpura got his extension this winter, we indicated that he probably ranked among the top half of MLB GMs. Let us now revise that assessment. Yes, it looks like he was handcuffed by ownership on the Andy Pettitte negotiations, and indications were that the overwhelming bid for Carlos Lee was also fueled by ownership. This, however, has got to be mostly Purpura and it is one ugly trade. Hirsh is probably going to be a better pitcher than Jennings someday -- maybe as soon as 2008. We don't hold Taveras in high regard and Buchholz is probably better utilized as a reliever than as a starter, but there's no way the Astros should have made this trade, not when Jennings is just a year away from free agency. Source: Rotoworld What. the. frick? I can't believe the Astros just gave up Buccholz AND Hirsh, as well as Taveras, for what little they got in return! Jennings in a fourth or fifth starter at best, where as Hirsh has so much potential and Taveras will really thrive in Coors, imo. This is the most one-sided trade of the off-season.

That would be a fantastic trade for us, however I don't think the Yankees would part with that much of their future.

Jason Michaels would be freaking awesome... except I don't know what salary he would command. Every other suggestion in this thread is horrible, to be honest.

LT Brees Peyton Peppers Merriman

Actually, I remember watching a game where McClung closed for the D-Rays and he was quite impressive. His WHIP is pretty bad but I think because he's been tossed back and forth between a starter and a reliever, if he had one set position in the 'pen, he could have potential.

If the Marlins sign Hernandez it will pretty much sum up this god awful awful offseason the Marlins have had. You do realize that last year we hadn't signed a lot of key contributors like Helms, Borowski and Olivo until after this point in the off-season, right? All hope is not lost yet.

I remember a few years ago when he was playing for some team, was it the Pirates or Royals or Dodgers... can't remember... anyway he was about to break the ALL-TIME strikeout record and didn't the manager sit him as he didn't want to be shamed with that illustrious record... or am I thinking of someone else?

Bring back Lenny! (I'm half serious)

Unbelievable work guys, well done.

A source with direct knowledge of negotiations between the Red Sox and free agent Eric Gagne told the Boston Globe's Gordon Edes that there is nothing pending. Gagne is believed to want at least $5 million guaranteed for 2007. Reports have indicated that he's only interested in a one-year deal, as he wants to go back on the market next winter. Source: Rotoworld. Yeah, no chance.

God the Royals are a pathetic organization.

I personally haven't given up on Vargas. You realize we traded him, right?