« October 2007 | Main | December 2007 »

November 30, 2007

More baseball talk

I sensed a sort of malaise on this blog, with Orioles news being so scarce. I’m glad my thoughts on the Mets’ offer for Erik Bedard have stirred up a few readers. Mission accomplished. I was beginning to wonder if everyone had hung a "Gone fishin’" sign on their computers.

Quick revisit: The Dodgers and Angels are capable of blowing away the Mets’ offer, but have they done that yet? The names being thrown around by some of you make for a much better package, but it’s fantasy until there’s a firm offer on the table. Everyone else has put the Orioles on hold. Yes, they can wait, and that’s what they’ve chosen to do. They also could just decide to hold onto Bedard for another season and discover that it’s much harder to trade him with free agency looming after 2009 – and if the unthinkable happens and he struggles next season or is injured.

I’m also not going to put Bedard in Johan Santana’s company. Check the 19- and 20-win seasons, the All-Star berths, the Cy Young Awards. Saying Bedard is just as good is a tad premature. He could be heading in that direction, but he’s not there yet.

Also, don’t be so quick to dismiss Philip Humber as some sort of bust. The guy was the third overall pick in 2004 and is two years removed from Tommy John surgery. His first major league start came in late September. Are we really judging him this harshly already?

Maybe I just want the Orioles to wind up with a Rice pitcher, one way or the other.

Possible landing spot for former Orioles pitcher Kris Benson: Kansas City.

The Royals need another starter, though they’re first choice appears to be Japan’s Hiroki Kuroda, who is 103-89 with a 3.69 ERA in 11 seasons. They’re also considering Carlos Silva, Matt Clement and Jason Jennings, among others. But Benson reportedly is on their list.

I’m still blown away that the Yankees gave Jorge Posada a four-year, $52.4 million deal. He’ll turn 40 in the final year of his contract. Aging catchers don’t usually increase in value, though Posada apparently has.

How long before he’s moved to first base?

Oh yeah, and so much for all that talk about players leaving the Bronx out of loyalty to Joe Torre. Money talks, and catchers in their late 30s are especially eager to listen.

Reliever Antonio Alfonseca might not be the only 12-digit pitcher in the majors next year. Oneli Perez, the White Sox’s Double-A closer last season, leads the Dominican Winter League in saves and could win a job in spring training. Must be the extra finger on each hand.

How would you have proceeded with your day without knowing this?

Posted by Roch Kubatko at 10:43 AM | | Comments (58)
                    

Trading Bedard

If you can get young pitchers Philip Humber and Aaron Heilman and elite outfield prospect Carlos Gomez from the Mets in exchange for Erik Bedard, you pull the trigger on that deal. And if you actually show even mild interest in Japanese pitcher (and Yankee bust) Kei Igawa, as the Orioles supposedly did, according to The Journal News’ Peter Abraham, you should be lined up against a wall and blindfolded before that trigger is pulled. No last meal allowed!

I appreciate team president Andy MacPhail making absolutely sure Bedard won’t sign an extension before any trade is consummated, but I think most of us would agree that the left-hander isn’t going to retire as an Oriole. Unless they overwhelm him with an offer – something in the Barry Zito range that only an idiot would turn down – he’s likely to test the free agent market. I’ll add that this is only my opinion. Bedard hasn’t pulled me aside and said, "I’m outta here!" But I’d wager heavily that he’s gone after 2009, so if the Mets want to hand over Humber, Heilman and Gomez, take them – unless the Dodgers, Mariners or Yankees can do better. And quickly, before the Mets change their minds.

Imagine Bedard wearing Yankee pinstripes. Now sit down and place your head between your knees before you pass out.

The Yankees have outstanding young pitching that I’d scarf like my Thanksgiving dinner if they were willing to give it up for Bedard. Toss in Melky Cabrera and we’re set. But I haven’t seen any signs yet that they’re willing to go that far – as in Joba Chamberlain and Phil Hughes far.

Heck, I’d take Ed Figueroa and Mickey Rivers, just to watch Bedard’s daily interaction with the New York media. But that’s just me.

(By the way, and purely by accident, I just packaged two former Yankees who actually were involved in the same trade in December 1975 for Bobby Bonds).

My first choice, still, is for the homegrown Bedard to remain an Oriole. Make a legitimate offer. Make two of them. Enough of determining parameters and opening the lines of communication with his agent. Be aggressive. And then take the best offer once that fails – an offer that bolsters your rotation, bullpen and lineup.

Quick jump of topics before I jump in the shower: I texted Brady Anderson a few nights ago about the rumor that he was going to appear on "Dancing With The Stars." His reply arrived around 4 a.m. and left no doubt that the rumor was unfounded.

I won’t provide a transcription, since it wasn’t a formal interview and I never indicated that we were on the record, but it was predictably hilarious and a tad graphic.

Let’s just say Brady had his own idea for the show and it would be a real ratings-grabber.

Posted by Roch Kubatko at 8:28 AM | | Comments (60)
                    

November 29, 2007

Moreno unplugged

I find it refreshing that Angels owner Arte Moreno was so open this week about his team's interest in Marlins third baseman Miguel Cabrera.

Moreno, obviously unaffected by the word "tampering," told reporters he twice thought the Angels had a deal in place for Cabrera, but the Marlins kept coming back and asking for more.

Sure beats a "No comment" or "We don't discuss players on other teams."

The Marlins reportedly are seeking as many as four young major leaguers or major league ready prospects. Players discussed include second baseman Howie Kendrick, catcher Jeff Mathis, pitchers Ervin Santana and Joe Saunders, and prospects Nick Adenhart and Brandon Wood.

As you already know, the Angels are interested in Miguel Tejada, but not until they exhaust all efforts to reel in Cabrera.

Did you know that former Tampa Bay outfielder Delmon Young is the first player traded in an offseason after placing first or second in Rookie of the Year voting since 1953, when the Red Sox dealt outfielder Tom Umphlett to Washington?

Former Oriole report: The Tigers have serious interest in reliever LaTroy Hawkins and reportedly made a multi-year offer to him. I can't imagine many other teams doing that, so look for Hawkins to return to the American League. The Tigers want him to replace injured set-up man Joel Zumaya.

Why doesn't anyone want Kenny Rogers? It's believed that no team has topped the Tigers' offer of $8 million over one year.

Three Maryland football players were chosen to The Sporting News Freshman All-ACC Team: receiver LaQuan Williams, linebacker Adrian Moten and punter Travis Baltz.

Posted by Roch Kubatko at 3:56 PM | | Comments (22)
                    

Down 295

Nationals general manager Jim Bowden has signed 19 minor league free agents, with more likely to come. His list includes former Orioles prospect Ed Rogers -- once compared to Alex Rodriguez during a spring training workout. That's how he became known as E-Rog by the local media (OK, I started it).

That also was before his visa problems led the club to discover that he was three years older than anyone realized. Since he still was assigned to Single-A Frederick, his prospect status took a major hit.

Too bad he never hit in the majors.

The Nationals also signed pitcher Bobby Brownlie, former No. 1 pick of the Cubs in 2002 who pitched in the independent Atlantic League this year. And Mike Bacsik, who served up Barry Bonds' historic 756th home run.

Bacsik dotted the "i" in his name with an asterisk.

Dan Connolly, The Sun's national baseball writer, tells me the five teams that will share the new Dominican complex with the Orioles are believed to be the Cubs, White Sox, Twins, Reds and Diamondbacks.

Posted by Roch Kubatko at 10:52 AM | | Comments (18)
                    

This and that

O.J. Simpson pleaded “not guilty” yesterday. He’s not even sure about what.
 
I see the headline “Steeler Players Want To Keep Grass” and I think, “Bam Morris is back in the league?”
 
Defensive tackle Fred Evans was suspended two games for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy by being arrested twice in the offseason before the Vikings signed him. The league tacked on another game after discovering that Evans spilled his milk in the third grade.
 
Hulk Hogan is ready to start dating after his wife filed for divorce last week. I hear he just signed up for Steel-Cage Match.com.
 
But seriously …
 
Fans can hear comprehensive coverage of baseball’s winter meetings next week on XM Satellite Radio’s “MLB Home Plate” on channel 175. And you're a real fan if you tune in all four days. Anything less and you're a slacker.
 
The Pirates are making left fielder Jason Bay available, which sounds intriguing. He’s owed only $13.5 million over the next two years. But the Pirates reportedly want two young, major league ready players and a top prospect in return.
 
They’re also desperate to move veteran pitcher Matt Morris. Good luck with that one.
 
I know the Rays need pitching, but Matt Garza for Delmon Young? Really? I bet you’re thinking, “Couldn’t a package including Daniel Cabrera have gotten it done?”

The Rays envision Rocco Baldelli moving to right field. I’m just not sure his IV line will reach that far.

Posted by Roch Kubatko at 7:14 AM | | Comments (26)
                    

November 28, 2007

Stamping out another rumor

In this case, we'll use both feet.

The Sun’s Jeff Zrebiec confirms that the Orioles have no interest in outfielder Jose Guillen, contrary to published reports. Absolutely none. Pure fabrication.

Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

But at least it gave us something to talk about for a day. Same with last year around this time, when a New York paper reported that the Orioles made a late and extravagant offer to pitcher Andy Pettitte. Not even close to the truth.

I miss the days when the Orioles supposedly wanted Ruben Sierra every winter.

I said it before and I’ll say it again: Melvin Mora going to the Phillies makes the most sense. They need a third baseman. And Mora clearly needs a change of scenery. He’s also more likely to waive his no-trade clause to join a contending team in the National League that’s near the Baltimore area.

Zrebiec also reported today that Mora will play some left field in Venezuela this winter. The Orioles could move him there – left field, not Venezuela - and go with Scott Moore at third base. I don’t see them moving Tejada to third because I don’t see Tejada being here on Opening Day.

When the dust clears, I predict that Mora will be gone, too.

I also wonder how the pending release of names in the Mitchell Report will affect the dealings at next week’s winter meetings. If you’re a general manager – or someone with a much longer title – are you hesitant to pursue certain guys for fear that they’ll be suspended?

Which brings me to this question: Do we know for certain that guys will be suspended? Or are they getting fined? Slapped on the wrist? Slapped someplace lower? Forced to watch video of Victor Zambrano’s starts? Forced to braid Lee Elia’s back hair? The names should come out sometime between the end of the meetings and Christmas. At least that’s the word on the street. It’s doubtful that they’ll be released the week between Christmas and New Years. That wouldn’t exactly be in keeping with the holiday spirit.

“Ho ho…holy cow, his name’s on there, too?”

 

Posted by Roch Kubatko at 8:52 AM | | Comments (54)
                    

November 27, 2007

Another suspension

If you were hoping that your team would sign free-agent left-handed pitcher Dan Serafini, you might want to consider that 50-game suspension he received today from Major League Baseball for testing positive for a performance-enhancing substance. Serafini, the Twins’ first-round pick in the 1992 draft, appeared in three games with the Rockies this year after rosters expanded in September. He spent the past three years in Japan and says he failed the drug test because he ingested something given to him by a team doctor. That’s a brand new excuse, though it very well could be true.

Meanwhile, two voting committees will consider the ballots of 10 managers/umpires and 10 executives/pioneers for the Hall of Fame’s Veterans Committee election next year. A candidate must receive at least 75 percent of the votes, and the results will be announced at 11 a.m. Monday at the winter meetings in Nashville.

The eligible managers include Davey Johnson. Putting your Orioles bias aside, should he be elected?

Billy Martin also is on the ballot, and it would be a shame if he’s excluded. Few managers have been better than Martin, whose off-field indescretions shouldn’t be taken into account. I’m pretty sure he never bet on the Yankees…or the Tigers, Twins or Athletics.

Former Pirates manager Danny Murtaugh also is on the ballot. If it wasn’t for the ’71 World Series, I’d have nothing but love for the guy.

Here are the other managers under consideration: Gene Mauch, Billy Southworth and Dick Williams.

Gotta admit, I never heard of Southworth, who died in 1969. He compiled a 1,770-1,044 record and won two World Series and four pennants in 13 seasons with the Cardinals and Boston Braves. I should have known about him.

Posted by Roch Kubatko at 5:24 PM | | Comments (6)
                    

More Taylor

As David Steele points out in an excellent blog entry, it’s unfortunate that a young man such as Sean Taylor dies in an act of violence and many of us confuse the victim with the perpetrator, as if Taylor somehow brought this on himself. It’s almost a reflex action.   Consider the tragic roll-call that also includes Bryant Pata. Also a former Miami Hurricane – a product of a university that revels in its thuggish, bad-boy image. Or at least it did, going back to the 1987 Fiesta Bowl. The reputation seems so outdated now.

Perhaps the general public jumps to conclusions, as unfortunate as it is, because of this image. That doesn’t make it right, but it’s a theory.

I wonder if Taylor would be facing the same scrutiny he played safety at Boise State.

Taylor had a checkered past, but all indications were that he had matured and accepted the responsibilities that come with being an adult and a highly-paid employee of a professional football team. He had a girlfriend and a baby – and such a promising future. To have it end so suddenly is, indeed, a tragedy. So is the predicable response.

Posted by Roch Kubatko at 11:32 AM | | Comments (20)
                    

Remembering Bechler

Jose Guillen is looking for $30 million over three years. He wears steroid allegations like a uniform jersey, with the hGH links a nice accessory. He’s been a headache for more than one manager because of his anger-management issues. He has a short fuse and a shorter shelf life. And ESPN Deportes has the Orioles in the running to sign him. They must want him in left field – the same place where this rumor came from.

Don’t be shocked if it’s a figment of someone’s imagination.

Guillen, based only on his tools, would be a tremendous upgrade over Jay Payton. The guy hits for average and power, and he has a cannon for an arm. But it would take 27 bellhops to handle all his baggage, and they’d each have to make two trips.

This doesn’t sound like Andy MacPhail’s kind of guy, but it’s worth looking into. Nothing surprises me anymore.

Thanks to the reader who sent along an article from the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle that reports on the Twins signing a few familiar names to minor league deals.

Yes, Howie Clark has resurfaced. He played for the Rochester Red Wings from 1998-2000 and again in 2002 while they served as the Orioles’ top affiliate. He’s going to be wearing their uniform again, unless he manages to make the Twins out of spring training.

The Twins also signed catcher Eli Whiteside and outfielder Jon Knott.

It won’t be spring training for me without seeing Whiteside sitting at his locker on catchers row, his gray hair making him appear much older. He never had a shot at making the roster, and he symbolized the lack of catching talent in the system, because the Orioles didn’t have anyone considerably better in the minors before drafting Matt Wieters this year. (I don’t count Brandon Snyder, since he’s destined to be a corner infielder/DH).

Whiteside actually ranked as a prospect at one time, which, again, said more about the sorry state of the Orioles’ system than it did his ability.

Nice guy. Decent arm. That’s about it. But we’ll wish him luck in Rochester.

I mentioned Steve Bechler in a previous post. Sean Taylor’s death brings back such horrible memories of the 2003 spring training. I watched Bechler being rushed into the clubhouse after collapsing during a workout. I saw him having a seizure in the training room as the medical staff attended to him and waited for an ambulance to arrive. Reporters were ushered outside, and we watched from beyond the back entrance as Bechler was carried away on a stretcher.

We braced for the worst. I remember telling an editor late that night, after The Sun’s deadline had passed, that I’d be writing an obit in the morning.

It still gives me a chill when I recall former manager Mike Hargrove, standing on one of the back fields, abruptly ending the next day’s workout and signaling his players into the clubhouse. He placed an arm around pitcher Matt Riley, Bechler’s closest friend on the team. We knew at that moment that Bechler had died.

I had seen Bechler over the winter at a holiday gathering, and he teased me about carrying a beer in each hand. I explained that one of them belonged to a friend, but he wasn’t buying my story. We shook hands and spoke again on the first day that pitchers and catchers reported to camp. We already began to form a bond after the Orioles called him up to the majors, and it was getting stronger. I covered the minor leagues and had interviewed him in the past. He seemed comfortable with me. He was going to be one of my go-to guys, someone I’d look forward to seeing each year.

He was a decent, humble young man who wanted to stay in the majors so badly that he was willing to do anything to get in shape and impress the coaching staff.

I never could accept that he was gone. It was all so sudden, so senseless, so tragic. And the memory still haunts me to this day – especially now.

Posted by Roch Kubatko at 9:01 AM | | Comments (36)
                    

Sean Taylor

The news is absolutely stunning.

Redskins safety Sean Taylor died early this morning from a gunshot wound to his upper leg. My first thought, beyond the tragic nature of this story, is how people have survived multiple wounds, yet Taylor died from a single shot to an area of his body that wouldn’t seem to bring a fatal ending. But the bullet struck an artery and caused a significant amount of blood loss.

Also, there had been a break-in reported eight days before the shooting, with the intruder prying open a window. And Taylor was shot after someone burst through his bedroom door. I would have assumed that Taylor’s home was equipped with an alarm system, but apparently not.

Unfortunately, any story about Taylor’s death, including the one I linked, will include details of his past transgressions on and off the field. My thoughts also turn to the reporters who cover the NFL, and especially the Redskins. I was on the Orioles beat when 23-year-old minor league pitcher Steve Bechler collapsed during a spring training workout and died the next day. That’s when the word “Ephedra” became a regular part of our vernacular.

I’ll have more on that later. I need to drive my daughter to school. But I wanted to pass along the news on Taylor in case you hadn’t heard.

Posted by Roch Kubatko at 7:17 AM | | Comments (15)
                    

November 26, 2007

Minor stuff

The No. 1 cause of the marital problems between Hulk Hogan and his wife:

Refuses to take off championship belt during love making.

I’m sure all those Mr. T sleepovers didn’t help, either.

In my never-ending quest to provide Orioles news, I contacted David Stockstill, director of minor league operations. Stockstill spent the Thanksgiving holiday in the Dominican and has relocated to Curacao – perhaps in pursuit of the next Andruw Jones, since the Orioles have no interest in signing the real one.

This trip is more about the Orioles making their presence known, for young players to get acquainted with the organization, and for the organization to discover a hidden gem or two.

It shouldn’t be much longer before the Orioles introduce their new managers at Bowie and Aberdeen.

I asked Stockstill if the hires will be in-house or come from outside the organization, and he said it will be a “combination.” If one manager changes affiliates, someone else will be brought in to take his place. Stockstill said it’s all “moving smoothly.”

The club also is continuing negotiations with some six-year minor league free agents, but there’s nothing to report right now. I doubt they’ll go after Terry Tiffee again, but he’s out there. So is Raul Chavez.

 

Posted by Roch Kubatko at 6:26 PM | | Comments (6)
                    

FanFest information

Hulk Hogan's wife has filed for divorce. I know there's a joke in there somewhere. Actually, there are about 75, if you look hard enough.

I'll turn you loose and see what you come up with. So far, all I've got is, "She finally had grown tired of finding his clothes in a piledriver on the floor."

OK, it was only a start. I'm not saying the best lines come first.

How about, "Hogan's wife wants a mediator to handle the dividing of property. Hogan suggested a steel-cage match."

Anyway, I promised some Orioles news and here's what I've discovered so far:

FanFest will take place on Saturday, March 29, at Camden Yards.

Run with it.

It will be the same arrangement as last year. Players will work out and sign autographs before heading to D.C. for their exhibition game.

More details will follow, including the starting time.

I'm told the event was so popular last year, it made sense to keep the same format. And the scheduling is easier than reserving dates and space at the Baltimore Convention Center.

And this way, there won't be any conflicts with the Ravens playoff game.

Posted by Roch Kubatko at 11:04 AM | | Comments (40)
                    

Taking the points

Only the New England Patriots could make me sweat out a fourth quarter when I take their opponent, and 22 points, and they’re losing.

I wasn’t convinced that they’d fail to cover until the two-minute warning.

I’m 12-3 against the spread going into tonight. Special thanks to the Broncos (+1) for coughing up a 14-point lead and ruining my chance at a better week (OK, I’m greedy). But I also should give Gus Frerotte a nod for fumbling the snap on fourth-and-goal from the 1 at the end of the game, which allowed my Seahawks (-3) to cover.

Count me among the minority when it comes to Chad Johnson’s penalty yesterday for excessive celebration. I saw nothing wrong with it – and everything that’s wrong with the joyless NFL. He wasn’t taunting another player. There wasn’t a Titan anywhere near him (Trust me, I know. I took the Titans and they never showed up). His "celebration" lasted about five seconds and was harmless.

It’s OK to dunk the ball over the crossbar or have five guys leap into the air at the same time to bump torsos, but Johnson can’t swivel a television camera? Ridiculous.

And I’m not even a Chad Johnson fan. I just thought 15 yards was "excessive."

I always know it’s Sunday without checking the calendar because, somewhere, a Ravens quarterback is fumbling the ball.

Redskins tight end Chris Cooley might be the most underrated player in the league. Nobody talks about this guy and he catches everything.

I think he even intercepted one of Eli Manning’s passes yesterday. Weird.

I vow to have something to report on the Orioles today. I’m not sure exactly what, but it will be something. I’m working the phones. I'm also offering bribes.

Posted by Roch Kubatko at 7:42 AM | | Comments (8)
                    

November 25, 2007

Touring the world of sports

I want the Orioles to do something soon. Anything. Sign some minor league free agents. Name a new manager at Aberdeen. Isn’t there an opening in Bowie?

I can only hold your interest for so long.

Maybe Brian Burres will appear on Howard Stern’s radio show this week and reveal that he mixes skim and two-percent milk in his cereal.

Former track star Marion Jones was stripped of all her victories since 2000, which no longer makes her bowl eligible.

Too bad. Everyone else will be playing in one.

The Terps are candidates for the Humanitarian Bowl and the Emerald Bowl, but coach Ralph Friedgen mentioned yesterday how they might be in the mix for the Meineke Car Care Bowl.

Oooh…fingers crossed.

If I’m on the team, I’m hoping for the Emerald Bowl. But pay no attention to the man behind the curtain.

Actually, it’s in San Francisco, which gives it a decided edge over Boise and Charlotte…unless you’re smoking blue grass or breathing speedway fumes.

Remember when the Terps played in the Cherry Bowl in Pontiac, Michigan back in 1985? They beat Syracuse, 35-18, in the second annual game, which folded before there was a third annual game.

I believe the two universities are still waiting for their checks to arrive in the mail.

Imagine how the two coaches tried to sell their players on going to Pontiac.

"Hey guys, who wants to spend the holiday in Detroit? I’m kidding, I’m kidding. It’s really outside of Detroit."

Every time receiver Koren Robinson is on the field when the Green Bay Packers are moving the ball, I expect him to be flagged for driving under the influence.

The Cowboys will beat the Packers Thursday. And I’ll miss it because my cable company doesn’t carry the NFL Network.

That’s OK. I can always watch the 72nd showing of "You, Me and Dupree" on HBO. It all evens out.

Meanwhile, there’s no way I expect the Philadelphia Eagles to upset the New England Patriots tonight, or stay close to them, or convince me they belong on the same field, or in the same league. But how can I give up 22 points?

I can’t. So I’m taking the Eagles +22 – fully prepared to regret it later.

Best bet of the day, in my opinion: Tampa Bay -3 against Washington.

Does any coach look happier on the sideline than Wade Phillips? I keep waiting for him to be penalized for intentional grinning.

So have the Orioles done anything yet?

No?

I hear Kevin Millar has been invited to throw out the first drunk at the Clask ‘N Flagon.

Posted by Roch Kubatko at 12:20 PM | | Comments (21)
                    

November 23, 2007

Forget that Gary Matthews reunion

I went 3-0 against the spread yesterday, which means I won’t win a single game on Sunday. I’m not foolish enough to think I’m suddenly on a roll.

I was greeted with some tragic news this morning. Pitcher Joe Kennedy died early today at age 28.

Kennedy, who was close friends with Aubrey Huff, was visiting his wife’s parents in the Tampa area when he collapsed. His agent, Damon Lapa, told FOXSports.com that Kennedy suffered a heart attack or brain aneurysm. Either way, it was sudden and unexpected.

Kennedy pitched for the Athletics, Diamondbacks and Blue Jays this season. He was a free agent.

In lighter baseball news, don’t expect the Orioles to make any major announcements this weekend. It should remain quiet. And don’t expect any trades before Opening Day that will involve Gary Matthews. That’s just nonsense.

The Orioles have no interest in bringing back Matthews. That’s not exactly the direction they’re looking to go.

The Angels most certainly have another trade in the works with their wealth of starting pitching, but that doesn’t mean the Orioles are next in line. That’s just the assumption among fans and some media types. And you know what happens when you assume.

And while the Angels still could look to acquire a shortstop after dealing Orlando Cabrera, it’s not like there’s a shortage of in-house candidates. Erick Aybar or Brandon Wood could be their solution, though both guys come with questions attached. Aybar might be nothing more than a utility guy, according to some scouts. Wood might not be good enough defensively and he strikes out too much.

Miguel Tejada would seem to be a good fit for the Angels, but clubs aren’t beating down the doors at the warehouse. Andy MacPhail’s office has become a waiting room.

It’s not inconceivable that the Angels still push to acquire Miguel Cabrera from the Marlins and move Chone Figgins to shortstop.

Meanwhile, the Twins appear willing to trade Johan Santana, Joe Nathan and Matt Garza to acquire a third baseman and center fielder. They apparently made Santana a five-year, $93 million offer and were blown away when his agent, Peter Greenberg, gave about 126 million reasons why that wasn’t enough.

The Twins seem willing to exceed the $91.5 million deal the Cubs gave pitcher Carlos Zambrano, but Greenberg is citing the seven-year, $126 million deal the Giants gave Barry Zito.

Posted by Roch Kubatko at 3:16 PM | | Comments (25)
                    

November 22, 2007

While losing my first bet...

Happy Thanksgiving!

Every time I find Turkey on a map, I get sleepy. It’s kind of weird.

Mike Tyson reportedly ate sloppy joes and read "American Gangster" while serving his 24-hour jail term for a DUI conviction.

The guy’s living better than I am. Darn my loving family and proper upbringing.

Tyson must perform 360 hours of community service. His suggestion of roughing up guys who owe his friends money was denied.

Colts receiver Marvin Harrison will miss his sixth consecutive game tonight with a bruised left knee – which leads me to ask: Just how big is this bruise?

I’m guessing roughly the size of the RCA Dome.

Vinny Testaverde has been named the Panthers’ starting quarterback for the rest of the season.

Players agreed he’s the best choice. They also say he’s the coolest dad in the neighborhood.

The last time Testaverde was held in such high regard, the Panthers still hadn’t joined the NFL. And Alaska and Hawaii hadn’t joined the Union.

Donovan McNabb didn’t practice yesterday because of a sprained right ankle and swollen thumb.

Now Andy Reid’s critics say he should resign immediately and spend more time with his quarterback.

Ricky Williams participated in his first full day of practice, but it’s unknown whether he’ll play Monday against the Steelers.

Dolphins coach Cam Cameron hasn’t determined Williams’ status. Williams says it should be a joint decision.

Meanwhile, the NFL players association has filed a grievance on Williams’ behalf, protesting that the league punished the running back unfairly by reinstating him and forcing him to play for the Dolphins.

Titans running back Chris Henry dropped his appeal and began serving a four-game suspension for violating the league’s substance abuse policy.

Henry tried to hide from the NFL, but it probably was a bad idea to change his name to "Travis."

I’ll return later with a list of things I’m thankful for – beginning with the people who keep this blog alive and kicking.

Posted by Roch Kubatko at 1:16 PM | | Comments (20)
                    

November 21, 2007

Mets catching situation

The Tampa Bay Devil Rays will hold a press conference next Wednesday to announce "details and renderings of a new waterfront ballpark and redevelopment of Tropicana Field."

By "redevelopment," I hope they mean "wrecking ball."

Now that the Mets have acquired Johnny Estrada, you’d think they no longer have interest in Ramon Hernandez. But not so fast.

They could non-tender Estrada next month, making him a free agent. And they’d still be in the market for a catcher.

They’d like one who’s low maintenance, unlike Paul Lo Duca, who turned out to be on the high end of that scale. They’d also like one with healthy oblique muscles. And one who runs out every ground ball. That could work against Hernandez.

Of course, the Estrada trade once again puts the Orioles on hold while the Mets decide what to do with him. Doesn’t anyone want to make this team a priority?

Erik Bedard’s the only guy on the roster who seems to make teams jump. And the Dodgers still are the best fit because they have the need, and the most to offer in the way of prospects. But they’re a little preoccupied with Miguel Cabrera, which puts the Orioles, you know, on hold.

The Indians agreed to terms with Japanese pitcher Masahide Kobayashi on a two-year deal. Kobayashi promptly ate the contract.

I wish the Orioles had gone after him, but the notion that they’d finally tap into the Asian market is pretty hard to swallow.

OK, I’m done.

If they decide not to re-sign Corey Patterson, the Orioles certainly would have to consider Scott Podsednik, who was designated by the White Sox. He hit .243 in an injury-plagued 2007, but batted .290 with 59 stolen bases in 2005. That may be as good as it gets with this guy, but it’s worth discussing.

Podsednik batted .314 with 58 RBIs and 43 steals in ’03. His average dropped to .244 the following season, in the same amount of games, but he had 70 steals. He had 12 homers in ’04 and none in ’05, when he changed leagues.

He’s not exactly predictable. But he has played in a World Series. And he’s fast.

Posted by Roch Kubatko at 11:33 AM | | Comments (48)
                    

November 20, 2007

Just speculating

As the dominoes keep falling, the Orioles stand pat, waiting for the line to reach them.

With Alex Rodriguez and Mike Lowell seemingly out of the mix, taking the Yankees and Red Sox with them, everyone’s attention spins to Marlins third baseman Miguel Cabrera. The Dodgers want him. So do the Angels. The loser will turn to the Orioles and Miguel Tejada.

It really becomes interesting with the Dodgers. If they get Cabrera, they’re not getting Erik Bedard. They only have so many prospects to surrender in a trade, and the Dodgers are the best fit for the Orioles.

So if you’re OK with the Orioles parting with Bedard, you should be rooting for the Angels to acquire Cabrera. But if you prefer the Angels’ young talent, you should be rooting for the Dodgers to acquire Cabrera. Or would the Angels take on both Cabrera and Tejada? Seems doubtful.

Whose stock has dropped faster, Tejada’s or Ramon Hernandez’s?

I’m s