Thread: 2008-09 MLB Hot Stove

Originally Posted by geonaz

3. Manny Ramirez, Dodgers
- Manny Ramirez had an unbelievable season for the Dodgers and carried them to the NLCS. The fans adored him, the team loved him, and the city has become inundated with Manny gear. However, the Dodgers are low on funds, and may look to sign Furcal and Lowe instead.


Prediction: Phillies


Please Phillies, just say no!

As a Mets fan, Phillies-Just say no to Manny!!!... Please!!

Originally Posted by KCK_Halo

A resounding YES! He is now starting to lose velocity and it is only downhill from here. He'll be asking for huge bucks after his stellar year and the request is well-deserved. But, the bottom line is he is not going to be worth whatever his suitor pays for him in the long run. Plus, the Angels have a pick or two for closer up their sleeves come Spring Training.

KCK Halo, do you think K-Rod will be a good set-up man for anyone. I mean if his velocity is going down, he's still probably a good set-up man than a lot of the relievers out there.

Originally Posted by Mets82

KCK Halo, do you think K-Rod will be a good set-up man for anyone. I mean if his velocity is going down, he's still probably a good set-up man than a lot of the relievers out there.

Oh sure! Look, the kid's career is far from over. It's just that I eel the way the Angels'braintrust feels...and that we have seen the best of Frankie and from here on in it's downhill. Maybe a slight decline, but downhill nonetheless. And not near the long term, big buck contract I am sure he wil be after.

Originally Posted by Paul Wozniak

It's been awfully quite around here, not much speculation by even the newspapers. I will keep you posted on the rumors as I hear them.

Thats OK , really, if you recall there was no rumors about Cabrera coming here either, Dombrowski likes to keep things quiet when he can.

Jimbo

Red Sox Pursuing Teixeira

By Nat Boyle


Ken Davidoff of Newsday is confirming

the Red Sox will be pushing hard to sign Mark Teixeira this offseason, a free agent perfect storm situation for Teixeira who also has interest coming from the Yankees. Writes Davidoff,

"Boston will aggressively pursue Teixeira, two industry sources confirmed. While the Red Sox have a very good first baseman in Kevin Youkilis, they can move Youkilis to third to make room for Teixeira. Incumbent third baseman Mike Lowell is recovering from hip surgery and isn't expected to be ready until mid-March, and as much as the Red Sox like Lowell, they can look to trade him."

Or they may hold onto Lowell and explore the market during the season as they did with Coco Crisp this year.
Teixeira, a switch hitter, would give Terry Francona an impact bat and added flexibility with the middle of his lineup which figures to have lefties David Ortiz and J.D. Drew and righties Youkilis and a motivated Jason Bay.
In this piece, Davidoff also suggests the Sox part with Jason Varitek and move to acquire Jarrod Saltalamacchia for pitching, as
MLBTR discussed

earlier today; however, if Varitek can be had for little and the Red Sox can afford it, it may make sense to re-sign Varitek and transition in his replacement at a pace dictated by production and success.

Rangers Want Pitcher For Catcher

By Nat Boyle

The Rangers are seeking to deal one of their three catchers - Gerald Laird, Jarrod Saltalamacchia, or Max Ramirez - for pitching,
says Evan Grant of the Dallas News

. Grant notes that they would still have Taylor Teagarden, who they're also open to dealing if "the return is great enough."
Grant discusses potential matches in the Giants, Red Sox, Brewers, Reds, and Tigers:

"San Francisco has pitching depth, and the Rangers love the Giants' arms, but San Francisco has a more pressing need for a corner infielder than a catcher because Bengie Molina is signed for 2009. Getting a pitcher such as Matt Cain might require the Rangers to discuss trading Chris Davis. Boston, Milwaukee and Cincinnati, however, may be the best fits for a catcher-for-pitcher deal. Detroit also needs a catcher, but the Tigers' system is quite thin at pitcher."

MLBTR discussed this
on Friday

, including Hank Blalock in the discussion as well as the Rangers'
interest in Scott Olsen


.

Originally Posted by BillD1984

Red Sox Pursuing Teixeira

.

You guys got that kinda dough, Bill?

Originally Posted by KCK_Halo

You guys got that kinda dough, Bill?

I actually think they do.

Ramirez and Schilling (about $30mil per) will be off the books.

Originally Posted by BillD1984

I actually think they do.

Ramirez and Schilling (about $30mil per) will be off the books.

Is Schilling retiring ?
Isn't he hoping to come back with them next year ?

Jimbo