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Per Texas Rangers Website: Rangers say Marlins rule Texas out as trading partner for pitcher Josh Beckett. "In the end, a deal wasn?t there," Rangers GM Jon Daniels said. Details to come. Guess it's only Boston and a mystery team. Great news. So was it the Marlins that ruled Texas out? if so even better news

So far, I'm liking the Dodgers rumors better. We have in Andino whatever Ramirez can bring us, and he is not ready for the major leagues yet. Joel Guzman is a stud, and if we could pry him off the Dodgers, and at the expense of Lowell and Beckett, it would be great for us. I personally would prefer Chad Billinsley and Jonathon Broxton for Mike Lowell and Josh Beckett Now if its Loroche then thats a different story. Joel Guzman doesn't project to stay in the infield and if he does stay in the infield its at 3B. He also has bad strike zone judgement.

Billingsley > Lester > Danks > Broxton > Sanchez > Orenduff Billingsley is a stud and IMO the most ready, best prospect, and most potential. If we can get the Dodgers to also give up Guzman who is not really projected to be a SS cause he is already 6-6 and about 225. Scouts compare him to Juan Gonzalez and think he's future is in the OF. Broxton is a bulldog type pitcher who just battles you and is not afraid to pitch. Has some A.J Burnett like arm with a better head but a horrible body. He's almost at 300 pounds now at 275. Has a type of Bobby Jenks, Roger Clemens body with just a good arm. Dodgers are our best match cause of prospects, new GM, and pressure on the owner to spend money, followed by Boston if they give up Lester, if not Texas is ahead of them, if they do give up Danks.

Penn is a projected number 1 but he is ranked like 80th-90th depending on who you ask they have Markalis (sp) OF that is a projected future all star and looks like the real thing. But, he is untouchable as hermida is for us. Really after that the rest are B/C type prospects. Penn is not projected to be a number one. More like a 3 and if everything clicks a 2. The pitcher who has the most potential in that system is Adam Loewen who has number 1 potential.

If the Red Sox take on Lowell whole contract and give up Hanley Ramirez and Jon Lester who is a beats and im extremely high on then yes. But not for Anibal Sanchez

this trade will not happen unless a third team is involved because neither the Twins nor the Marlins want to pay Lowell's contract. Marlins have said they would pay part of his deal, even in the Beckett scenario (so help me God, Beinfest). I think the bigger key to this trade (assuming Willis and Beckett stay) is finding a taker for Lohse. You all know that Lohse and Romero don't have contracts so that means all we have to do is not offer them arbritration and they are free agenst and we don't pay a dime.

Baker, Romero and Lohse for Lowell? I think this is to good to be true even if we have to lets say pick up 80% of Lowell salary. If this offer is really true and we don't accept it then I believe indeed are heading for another firesale like 1997. I doubt its true though but if it is I say trade Loduca, Pierre, Mota and Delgado if needed to clear salary and then cover 80% of Lowell salary and get a excellent package like this where all three players help us out for the upcoming season. Most importantly keep Beckett!!!!!!!!! 1) Dontrelle Willis 2) Josh Beckett 3) Kyle Lohse- just cause he can eat up innings and is a veteran 4-5 Let Vargas, Olsen, Johnson, and Baker battle it out Bullpen LHP J.C Romero LHP Ron Villone- hope he is traded, like Mota RHP Chris Resop RHP Randy Messenger rest of pen can come from cheapr free agent signing's or trades. I want to add to my lasy post Romero and Lohse salry combine after arbritration will likely be7 million but we can always not offer them arbitration and let them become free agents or just trade them somewhere immediately or later on in the year and still keep Baker.

Baker, Romero and Lohse for Lowell? I think this is to good to be true even if we have to lets say pick up 80% of Lowell salary. If this offer is really true and we don't accept it then I believe indeed are heading for another firesale like 1997. I doubt its true though but if it is I say trade Loduca, Pierre, Mota and Delgado if needed to clear salary and then cover 80% of Lowell salary and get a excellent package like this where all three players help us out for the upcoming season. Most importantly keep Beckett!!!!!!!!! 1) Dontrelle Willis 2) Josh Beckett 3) Kyle Lohse- just cause he can eat up innings and is a veteran 4-5 Let Vargas, Olsen, Johnson, and Baker battle it out Bullpen LHP J.C Romero LHP Ron Villone- hope he is traded, like Mota RHP Chris Resop RHP Randy Messenger rest of pen can come from cheapr free agent signing's or trades.

I dont really see the decent players we are bringing back. Blaylock the 3B with the light bat we dont need, or the toss up of two medicore pitching prospects that wouldn't even break the top 10 of Marlins pitching prospects. Umm... both Danks and Diamond are very good prospects. Danks is 3 on our prospect list if he is aquired. Same goes for Diamond. 1. Jeremy Hermida, of 2. Scott Olsen, lhp 3. Josh Johnson, rhp 4. Chris Volstad, rhp 5. Aaron Thompson, lhp 6. Robert Andino, ss 7. Taylor Tankersley, lhp 8. Josh Willingham, c/1b 9. Kris Harvey, 3b/of 10. Ryan Tucker, rhp

Marlins 2005 Top 10 The List: 1. Jeremy Hermida, of 2. Scott Olsen, lhp 3. Josh Johnson, rhp 4. Chris Volstad, rhp 5. Aaron Thompson, lhp 6. Robert Andino, ss 7. Taylor Tankersley, lhp 8. Josh Willingham, c/1b 9. Kris Harvey, 3b/of 10. Ryan Tucker, rhp Updated probable New list 1. Jeremy Hermida, of 2. Scott Olsen, lhp 3. John Danks lhp 4. Josh Johnson, rhp 5. Chris Volstad, rhp 6. Aaron Thompson, lhp 7. Robert Andino, ss 8. Taylor Tankersley, lhp 9. Josh Willingham, c/1b 10. Kris Harvey, 3b/of

I hope that the Marlins have some magical play to immediately deal Blalock for something great. I hope so also to lets say a team like the Twins thats need a 3B and can give us something good in return.

we are getting raped in this deal and this should be a lesson to never reward a big money backloaded contract with the hope that in those years you will have the mythical new stadium that will never be built in florida. No I think the lesson is don't give players large contracts just cause they are well known fan favorite's or big names. EX: Jeff Conine, Charles Johnson, Al Leiter, Lowell and to some extent Preston Wilson. A gm and owner job is to put the best players they can out there and I don't feel they been doing that these last couple of years.

Another thing. We better not pay a dime of Lowell contract. Lowell has a good chance to turn it around playing in a small ball park, good hitting line-up like Texas.

Sources: Rangers set to deal Blalock, Danks Trade with Marlins would bring ace Beckett, third baseman Lowell 08:25 PM CST on Saturday, November 19, 2005 By TODD WILLS / The Dallas Morning News The Rangers were on the verge Saturday of dealing for a long-desired No. 1 starting pitcher, Florida ace Josh Beckett, in a four-player trade involving All-Star third baseman Hank Blalock, major league sources confirmed. Rangers sources said Saturday that a deal, which has reached ownership level, would likely be done by Monday. The trade would send Blalock and top left-handed pitching prospect John Danks to the Marlins for Beckett and third baseman Mike Lowell, team sources said. Rangers owner Tom Hicks has reportedly had conversations with Florida Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria, but didn't care to get into those talks Saturday afternoon. "I'm not going to comment on anything today," Hicks said. New Rangers general manager Jon Daniels also wouldn't comment on any trade speculation. "We've talked to every team," Daniels said. Beckett, from the Houston suburb of Spring, is a former World Series MVP and would potentially give the Rangers the ace they have been in search of for years. Beckett, 25, was 15-8 with a 3.37 ERA and 166 strikeouts last season. The right-hander, who made $2.4 million last year, would be under contract with the Rangers for the next two seasons. Lowell, a three-time All-Star from 2002 to 2004, struggled offensively last season, batting .236 in 150 games with a career-low eight home runs. The 2005 Gold Glove Award winner had averaged 28 home runs during his All-Star seasons. The financially strapped Marlins are interested in unloading Lowell's contract, which has two years remaining for a total of $18 million. Blalock is much more of a bargain at $2 million in 2006, $4.75 million in 2007 and $5.95 million in 2008. Blalock is considered part of a young nucleus of Rangers All-Stars that also includes first baseman Mark Teixeira and shortstop Michael Young. Blalock batted .263 with 25 home runs and 92 RBIs in 2005 and led American League third baseman in fielding percentage. But he struggled for the second straight season after the All-Star break, hitting .236 with nine home runs and 35 RBIs. Danks, reached at his off-season home in Surprise, Ariz., said his mother called him Saturday to tell him about the trade rumors. Coincidentally, Danks said he is trying to sell his house in Surprise. Danks, the Rangers' first-round pick in 2003 out of Round Rock High School, was dominant at Class A Bakersfield last year but struggled after a promotion to Double-A Frisco. He was 4-10 with a 5.49 ERA for the RoughRiders. "I'll see how it goes," Danks said. "It's kind of cool to be thought of, but I'm a Ranger right now. Anything the Rangers feel they need to do, I'm really just an employee. I'm just getting ready for spring training and pitching for the Rangers." Damn, I still hope this deal doesn't fall through. I expect Blalock to be traded some where else for other pieces. Only thing I like about this deal is John Danks who im high on. I was hoping it will be him and not Diamond if the deal happened.

Texiera is untouchable so im not even gonna go there but why not a package of Michael Young, and either Danks or Diamond for Beckett and Lowell? Texas has a very good prospect at SS in Arias and has Kisler who can play SS right now. Marlins biggest need right now IMO is SS and Michael Young is a top 5 SS in the game. So why no Young? Well what this does is tell me that the Marlins plan on dealing Blalock to another ball club for other pieces. Ex: Blalock and a prospect or something to the Twins for Juan Rincon, Boof Bonser, Travis Bowyer? I don't know but things don't add up. Blalock is best suited at 3B and so is Miguel Cabrera and I don't think Blalock is winning that war and pushing Cabs back to LF where he has said he is uncomfortable and prefers not to play. With all that being said I rather keep Beckett and see if Lowell turns it around. Probably doubtful but is dealing Lowell worth Beckett?

Rockies want Lo Duca and Mota Yo think we could get Holliday and Atkins in return :drool Rockies to this deal in a heart beta but we get raped. Holliday is basically a 4 or 5 OF and Atkins is a bad fielding 3B and scouts say he has no true position. Players we should traget if we trade Loduca and Mota to the Rockies are Jennings, Francis, Carjaval, Jimenez, Tsao, Fuentes, Barnes, Morrillo and Cook.

The Pierre trade is not gonna happen and kinda of unrealistic. Why? cause the pirates are a young team, with a low payroll, who have a good CF prospect and are really high on Mike Gonzalez. What we can do is maybe trade Mota and a low level prospect for Kip Wells which is something they might do. Another thing is that its highly unlikely that Molina will be cheaper than Loduca. IMO I say he probably cost more and if the Angels offer him arbitration we lose draft picks on top of that.

Here are some scouting reports. 2. FELIX PIE, of Age: 20 B-T: L-L Ht: 6-2 Wt.: 185 Signed: Dominican Republic, 2001 Signed by: Jose Serra Background: Pie has won championships with each of the four teams he has played for as a pro. He kept another streak going in 2004 by playing in his second straight Futures Game. Strengths: Florida State League managers recognized Pies varied tools, voting him the circuits best batting prospect, fastest baserunner, best defensive outfielder and most exciting player. From the Cubs perspective, hes their best athlete, top defensive outfielder and strongest outfield arm. His speed stands out the most, and he consistently has hit for average despite being young for his leagues. Weaknesses: While Pie has more than held his own, his skills remain raw. His plate discipline slipped in 2004, and he wont show much power until he adds strength and lift to his swing. Hes still honing his basestealing instincts, getting caught 16 times in 47 tries last year. He plays a shallow center field because hes not smooth coming in on balls, and needs to improve his routes. The Future: Pie has a lot of work to do, but hes just 20 and has plenty of time to do it. Hell move up to Double-A this year and is on course to arrive in Chicago in 2007. 2004 Club (Class) AVG OBP SLG AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB Daytona (Hi A) .299 .361 .442 412 79 123 17 9 8 47 38 113 31 4. ANGEL GUZMAN, rhp Age: 23 B-T: R-R Ht: 6-3 Wt: 190 Signed: Dominican Republic, 1999 Signed by: Hector Ortega Background: Guzman was pushing for his first big league promotion in June 2003 before his shoulder acted up. Following his arthroscopic surgery to repair a slight labrum tear, the Cubs handled him cautiously in 2004, shutting him down in July because he was tired after working nonstop on his rehab. Strengths: Before he got hurt, Guzman had an explosive 91-96 mph sinker, a sharp curveball and a deceptive changeup. All were plus-plus pitches at times. His velocity came back last summer, as did his above-average control. He throws strikes and keeps the ball down in the zone. Weaknesses: Guzmans secondary pitches and location havent gotten back to where they were, though that was expected. They should return in 2005. He still has to prove his health and durability, as he has worked more than 90 innings just once in five pro seasons. The Future: Assuming Guzman recaptures his previous stuff, he would give Chicago a fourth homegrown frontline starter alongside Mark Prior, Kerry Wood and Carlos Zambrano. The Cubs will continue to bring him back slowly, probably starting him in Double-A this year. 2004 Club (Class) W L ERA G GS CG SV IP H HR BB SO AVG Daytona (Hi A) 3 1 4.20 7 7 0 0 30 27 2 0 40 .237 West Tenn (AA) 0 3 5.60 4 4 0 0 18 20 2 4 13 .286 6. RENYEL PINTO, lhp Age: 22 B-T: L-L Ht: 6-4 Wt: 195 Signed: Venezuela, 1999 Signed by: Alberto Rondon Background: Pinto went 21-31, 4.22 over his first five pro seasons and spent 2001-03 in Class A before he broke out last season. He led the Double-A Southern League in ERA and strikeouts, and was the Cubs minor league pitcher of the year. Strengths: Pintos best pitch is a plus changeup with good deception, sink and fade. His lively 92-94 mph fastball darts in and out of the strike zone. He may throw harder as he fills out his lanky frame, and even if he doesnt, hitters have trouble picking up his pitches from his low three-quarters delivery. His slider shows flashes of becoming a third above-average pitch. Weaknesses: Pintos biggest need is to keep his fastball in the zone, because when hitters dont chase it he gives up too many walks. He needs added consistency with his slider. Some scouts think his stuff grades better than he pitches and question whether he can win in the majors without better command. The Future: Pinto will return to the Triple-A Pacific Coast League after pitching well there in the playoffs. Chicago has several lefty relief options, so hell probably stay in the Iowa rotation all year. 2004 Club (Class) W L ERA G GS CG SV IP H HR BB SO AVG West Tenn (AA) 11 8 2.92 25 25 0 0 142 107 10 72 179 .213 Iowa (AAA) 1 1 7.71 2 2 0 0 9 9 2 8 9 .250 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7. SEAN MARSHALL, lhp Age: 22 B-T: L-L Ht: 6-5 Wt: 185 Drafted: Virginia Commonwealth, 2003 (6th round) Signed by: Billy Swoope Background: Marshall and his twin brother Brian helped Virginia Commonwealth top NCAA Division I with a 2.54 ERA in 2003, when Boston drafted Brian in the fifth round and Chicago grabbed Sean in the sixth. He excelled in his first two pro stops before partially rupturing a tendon in his left middle finger while throwing a breaking pitch in mid June, and the problem recurred in the Arizona Fall League. Strengths: Marshalls 88-92 mph sinker tops out at 95 and generates a lot of groundballs and strikeouts. His No. 2 pitch is a sharp downer curveball that he can change speeds with. His command and stuff allowed him to reach Double-A after 22 pro starts. Weaknesses: Marshall also throws a slider and changeup, and improving the latter pitch is the key to him remaining a starter. His finger injury has perplexed the Cubs, but he saw a specialist in January and is expected to be ready for spring training. The Future: He got knocked around in Double-A before he got hurt, so Marshall will return there in 2005. He and Renyel Pinto are close to giving the Cubs a much-needed quality lefthanded starter. 2004 Club (Class) W L ERA G GS CG SV IP H HR BB SO AVG Lansing (Lo A) 2 0 1.11 7 7 1 0 49 29 1 4 51 .171 West Tenn (AA) 2 2 5.90 6 6 0 0 29 36 2 12 23 .310 10. Jae-kuk Ryu, rhp Age: 20. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 6-3. Wt.: 210. Signed: Korea, 2001. Signed by: Leon Lee. Background: Ryu has pitched well since the Cubs signed him out of Korea for $1.6 million, but his performance and potential were overshadowed by an incident in April 2003. Ryu killed an osprey by throwing a baseball and knocking it from its perch atop a light pole at Daytonas Jackie Robinson Ballpark. He dominated low Class A after a punitive demotion, then was inconsistent in his first try at Double-A. Strengths: Ryu can toy with hitters when hes on. His 92-93 mph fastball and his curveball are his primary pitches, and he commands them well. He gets good run on his changeup. Weaknesses: Ryu could use better control of his changeup, and his overall command deteriorated in Double-A. Some Cubs officials arent enamored with his splitter. But his biggest need is to mature and acclimate himself to the United States. In addition to the osprey attack, Ryu also has had multiple run-ins with teammates. The Future: Ryu wasnt ready for Double-A last year, but the Cubs couldnt send him back to Daytona. Hell get another shot in 2004. Team W-L SV ERA G GS IP H R ER BB SO AVG Daytona (Hi A) 0-1 0 3.05 4 4 20.2 14 14 7 11 22 .187 Lansing (Lo A) 6-1 0 1.75 11 11 72.0 59 19 14 19 57 .225 West Tenn (AA) 2-5 0 5.43 11 11 58.0 63 37 35 25 45 .280 http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2005/11/juan_pierre_to_.html Cubs To Trade Todd Walker For Aaron Heilman | Main Juan Pierre To The Cubs Joe Capozzi of the Palm Beach Post has been floating Juan Pierre rumors for some time now. The Yankees have backed off, but apparently the Cubs are still very interested. ESPN Radio's Bruce Levine is reporting that the Cubs are in the "final stages" of a trade for Pierre. Levine claims that the Cubs would only surrender minor leaguers in the deal. Corey Patterson is not expected to be involved. No names were mentioned, so it's open to speculation. I doubt Pierre could bring in a jewel like Felix Pie or Brandon Sing. Top Double A West Tenn pitchers from '05 included Jae-kuk Ryu, Ricky Nolasco, Sean Marshall, and Renyel Pinto. Angel Guzman has looked decent in the AFL. Nolasco had a fine year in Double A after a rough turn in Triple A Iowa the previous year. Given Ryu's questionable behavior in the past, he could be paired with Nolasco in the deal. Jermaine Van Buren is expendable as well. We'll wait to see if Bruce Levine can expound upon the minor leaguers involved. The 27 year-old Pierre's stock dropped considerably in 2005. He posted a career-low .326. His defense was far from spectacular as well, but Pierre hasn't really been a good defender for years. Pierre's value as a leadoff hitter is very dependent on his OBP, so Hendry is banking that he can reach base 37% of the time as he did in 2004. Durability is a point in Pierre's favor. He's played every single game for the last three seasons. Pierre is also somewhat affordable, although that could change after arbitration.

Corey Patterson sucks. If he is involved in any deal with Pierre we are basically wasting Pierre true trade value. The type of players I will be willing to give up for Patterson are the likes Perisho, Treanor, Alfonseca, Jorgenson, Lieter, etc u know what I mean. Also Williangham or Aguila or Dillion > Patterson Not to mention them there to together don't make half of what Patterson makes.

umm what is the fasination with Corey Patterson? he makes 3 million a year, gets on base at below a .300 average which is worse than Juan E and Gonzo, and K's a ton. Like I said was is the fasination? And why do we need Ronny Cedeno when he is basically a Josh Wilson and Robert Andino? What we need are position players like Pie or Murton, or pitchers like Jerome Williams, Rich Hill, Renyel Pinto, Sean Marshall, or Angel Guzman.

Customize More Player News AL NL Juan Pierre - OF - Marlins ESPN Radio 1000 is reporting that the Cubs are close to acquiring Juan Pierre from the Marlins for a pair of minor leaguers. No Corey Patterson? We hope the Cubs wouldn't give up Felix Pie for one year of Pierre. Parting with pitching prospects, say Rich Hill along with Sean Marshall or Renyel Pinto, would be preferable. Nov. 14 - 7:27 pm et This is from rotoworld. I just hope we don't acquire Corey Patterson. Im crossing my fingers for a package of Sean Marshall, Felix Pie, Matt Murton, Rich Hill, Renyel Pinto, Angel Guzman, or even Sergio Mitre. Again I hope we don't acquire Corey Patterson if not I want Beinfest fired.

If the Angel don't offer Benji Molina arbritration I think we should make a run at him. And if we can sign him for something like lets 4years 16 million I think the FO should look into trading Loduca in a Lowell package just to get rid of Lowell's contract or with Pierre to get something really big in return.

Me thinks we can get Vazquez for Pierre or Loduca and Mota and I for one will do it in a heart beat especially since I believe (not to sure) that the Dbacks are only paying him 7mil a year while the Yanks pay the rest. There is no way however I trade Resop, Vargas, Olsen, and Johnson who are all cheap and almost if not ready to pitch in the big League's.