Day 1 of the Rumor Heaven (GM Meetings) and Some Other Transactions
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by user Jeeves
Day 1
-Looks like Minaya is looking to focus on pitching. You know what that means, Sox fans, time to start praying Zito signs elsewhere. Minaya strikes me as the aggressive type (sort of like Kenny) that is willing to overpay a little bit to get what he feels will put his team over the top. The Mets also have some good young pitching that I wouldn't mind getting, so I think it will work out best for the Sox if Zito stays out of Queens.
For all you Vazquez haters, I bet this quote cheers you up...
"If I'm going to trade some of my young guys, I need to be able to get guys I'm going to control," Minaya said. "I don't think we're going to be trading our better young players for one year [of a pitcher]."
-The Rangers have all but locked up Padilla, which is one less pitcher on the market.
-Then there are the never ending Aaron Rowand and Vernon Wells rumors. Rowand isn't good enough; as much as I love him, there's no need for him back on the Sox. Wells is more likely, but still doubtful, seeing as he is going to cost a lot to trade for.
-I don't Kenny is going to make any big splashes during the winter meetings (watch him prove me wrong). I reckon he'll wait til Zito signs and then look to move one or more of our pitchers. I would like to see him get a back up catcher though, because it looks more and more like Ol' Creaky Knee, Sandy Alomar will be back unless we get someone else.
Gear Up for Some Coco Crisp Rumors
J.D. Drew finally signed with the Red Sox, contingent on a physical, for a five-year, $70 million contract. It's been widely speculated that if/when this deal was completed, Coco Crisp would be available via trade, and the Sox would be a logical destination. As you all know, we're looking for a CF/LF and Crisp could fill that void.
Expect to hear a lot of rumors and rumblings about such a trade.
Mad-Dog's New Team
Just found out that Maddux has signed a 1-year, $10 million contract with the Padres.
There are two things about this contract that could benefit the Sox. First, this opens up another team, looking for pitching. I'm not sure what the Dodgers' pitching situation was, but they definitely have a hole in their rotation, now. Second, Maddux got a pretty fat contract; considering Maddux is in his 40's, the Sox pitchers suddenly look even more attractive by comparison.
The Pixie Is Back
Looks like the sprite, Pablo Ozuna, will be back working his magic in Chicago again. Pablo was signed to a 1-year, $800,000 contract. While he may not have gotten that much on the market, I don't fault KW for overpaying, if he did. Pablo was a very useful player for us off the bench, and he hit lefties pretty damn well (.315/.350/.423).
The Sox now have quite a few outfielders, Pablo, Mack, Pods, Dye, Anderson, Terrero, and Sweeney. It looks more and more doubtful that Gload will find time in the OF; he may be consigned to strictly backing up Paulie at first.
