Fleecing Of The Red Sox

31 07 2008

Manny Ramirez was traded at the deadline in a three way trade with the Pittsburgh Pirates and Los Angeles Dodgers.  In the trade, Ramirez went to the Dodgers, Jason Bay to the Red Sox, and the Pirates received Andy Laroche, Brandon Moss, Craig Hansen, and Bryan Morris.  A three way trade had been rumored to the Florida Marlins, but fell through this morning and the Dodgers entered the equation.

This trade truly shows just how desperate the Red Sox were to rid themselves of Ramirez, as Moss and Hansen are both top prospects.  Bay does have one more year on his contract at just 7.5 million.  After weeks of rumors surrounding whether the Pirates would or would not trade Bay, this deadline deal has brought them a very nice haul of young players who are major league ready.


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Categories : Dodgers, Pirates, Red Sox

Lendale White – The Backup?

30 07 2008
The Nashville Tennessean is reporting that Tennessee Titans first-round draft pick Chris Johnson is among the Titans top performers thus far in training camp.  In fact, he’s been so impressive that offensive coordinator Mike Heimerdinger was quoted as saying, “I am just looking at him as a tailback.  What we do outside of turning and handing him the ball is a bonus. He can do a lot of things, but I want to find out if we can turn and hand him the ball and how many times we can do that. I look at it different than all the ‘experts.’ I expect to see him out there on first and second down.” 
Johsnon ran for 1423 yards in his senior season at East Carolina on 236 carries, good for 6.0 yards per carry average.  He had 17 rushing touchdowns and 37 receptions for 528 yards (14.3 average) and six scores.  He was the fastest player at the scouting combine and in a shocking move the Titans selected him with the 24th pick in this years draft.  Many felt that Johnson should be a second rounder and that the Titans had many needs to fill, running back not being one of them.

FANTASY IMPACT – This is a huge development in fantasy circles, especially for those of you who may have considered Lendale White a keeper in dynasty leagues.  If Johnson is out there on first and second downs, that makes him the primary back.  There’s a long way to go until the regular season, but this development is certainly worth keeping an eye on.

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Categories : Fantasy Football, Titans

Greg Maddux Shakes Off The Phils

30 07 2008

According to Scott Miller from CBSsports.com, Greg Maddux has informed the San Diego Padres that he would not be willing to accept a trade to the Philadelphia Phillies.  According to Miller, no trade specifics had been discussed other than Philadelphia inquiring about the the 42 year old Maddux’s availability.  Maddux has a full no-trade clause in his contract and has made no secret of the fact that he prefers the West Coast. 

As a Phillies fan, I just don’t get it.  Maddux has a 4.29 ERA while playing home games in the most pitcher friendly park in baseball.  The last season he maintained an ERA under 4.00 was 2003 and even then it was 3.96. 

Playoff contenders are gearing up prior to the July 31st non-waiver trade deadline.  The Brewers have acquired C.C. Sabathia, the Cubs Rich Harden, and the A’s Mark Teixera.  If the Phillies truly have aspirations of competing in the postseason it’s time to quit tinkering and make a real move for an ace.


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Categories : Padres, Phillies

Fantasy Baseball – August Adds!

30 07 2008

Here’s some quick adds for an August fantasy baseball playoff push…

1)  Adam Jones, Baltimore - Can you say five tool stud?  Jones is what fantasy dreams are made of and has a .314 batting average since May, hitting his first career grand slam in the sixth inning on Monday against the Yankees.  Jones was the key player in the trade that sent Bedard to the Mariners and is starting to pay dividends for the O’s.  Grab him now.

2)  Ian Stewart, Colorado - The 2003 first round pick of the Colorado Rockies (10th overall) is finally getting regular playing time.  Better yet, due to a myriad of injuries in the Colorado infield, Stewart now qualifies at second base.  Stewart has good power and balls fly out of Coors field in August!

3)  Jeff Baker, Colorado - As I said with Stewart…balls fly out of Coors field in August.  Jeff Baker has been a hit machine since the all-star break batting nearly .500 with three home runs.  He qualifies at first and second base.

4)  Paul Maholm, Pittsburgh - If you need wins you may want to look elsewhere but Maholm is on an impressive 11 start streak in which he has compiled a 2.76 ERA, 1.02 WHIP and 51 Ks in his last 78.1 innings.  He’s 5-1 in that span, but again…don’t look for too many wins pitching for the Pirates.


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Categories : Fantasy Baseball

A.C. Surf

30 07 2008

The Rising Of A Phoenix
by John Leon

Just about a year ago, I wrote a scalding letter about how the Atlantic City Surf was being run into the ground by a new ownership. The owner has let the front office, led by former manager Chris Carmanucci, resurrect this proud franchise, and renewed hopes that baseball will indeed be around in the near future. The property that Bernie Robbins Stadium is situated, has been rumored to be sold soon at the price of at least 800 million dollars at last writing, to a future casino developer. If the CRDA does nothing else with that found revenue, a new stadium should be built, possibly the Hamilton Mall area in my opinion. Read the rest of this entry »


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Categories : Baseball

Shawn Andrews Still M.I.A.

30 07 2008

The mysterious and unexcused absence of Shawn Andrews from Philadelphia Eagles training camp has taken another bizarre twist as Andrews, apparently through a text message to ESPN, said the following…

“You can let everyone know all the rumors are not true. From contractual to retirement and God knows whatever else is being said. I’m prayed up right now and trying to get right, though.”

Rumors are not true?  How about shedding some light on what is.  All accounts continue to site “personal reasons” as the cause of Andrew’s absence.  In all honesty, it would have probably been best for Andrews to keep quiet.  At this point, rumors of contractual issues sound a lot better than “this guy’s a f-cking nutcase.”

Shawn’s brother Stacy is the starting left tackle for the Cincinnati Bengals and was asked yesterday about his brother’s absence from the Eagles training camp…

“He has a few personal things he has to deal with and he’s going to get them taken care of.  I really can’t elaborate.”

Sounds promising…


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Manny Being Marlin

30 07 2008
This Way To Florida?

This Way To Florida?

The Boston Red Sox, Florida Marlins, and Pittsburgh Pirates are reportedly closing in on a three way deal that would send Manny Ramirez and cash to the Florida Marlins, Jeremy Hermida to the Pittsburgh Pirates, and Jason Bay and John Grabow to the Boston Red Sox. The Pirates would also receive several prospects from the Marlins including pitcher Ryan Tucker, ranked the #4 prospect in the Marlins organization.

The deal would instantly upgrade the Marlins offense while virtually doubling their payroll.  The Marlins, a notoriously financially frugal franchise (say that ten times fast) would not be expected to pick up Manny’s $20 million option for 2009.

This trade would be a coup for the Red Sox, who would rid themselves of all the headaches associated with Manny Ramirez and replace him with Bay, a comparable batter and superior defensive player.  Bay is signed through 2009 at just $7.5 million.  John Grabow is a left handed reliever, currently with a 3.19 ERA, that would round out the Red Sox bullpen which has seen it’s struggles recently.


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Categories : Marlins, Pirates, Red Sox

Teixera Traded To Angels

29 07 2008

The Angels acquired two time gold glove first basemen Mark Teixeira from the Atlanta Braves today for infielder Casey Kotchman and minor league pitcher Stephen Marek.  Last year, the Angels lost the Teixera sweepstakes when he was dealt to the Braves.  The offer at that time was Kotchman and Joe Saunders (and the Rangers might be playoff contenders if they chose that package).  The switch hitting first baseman is batting .283 with 20 home runs and 78 runs batted in for the Braves.

Kotchman, 24, is having a fantastic season.  He’s currently batting .287 with 12 home runs and 54 RBIs.  The trade makes sense for the Braves who would have lost Teixera to free agency after the season.  He is expected to command upwards of $20 million per year.


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Categories : Angels, Braves

Happ Recalled Following Eaton Demotion

28 07 2008

J.A. Happ

Adam Eaton was finally demoted by the Philadelphia Phillies after a disastrous outing against the Atlanta Braves on Sunday in which he forfeited two long balls and nearly allowed a third to the pitcher. Eaton, 31, signed a 3 year deal in November of 2006 worth 24.5 million dollars. He posted a 5.80 ERA in 21 appearances in the 2008 season, the final two being relief appearances.

J.A. Happ was recalled today and is expected to take a spot in the bullpen, where he has made just three relief appearances throughout his entire professional career.  Happ’s possible return to the rotation will depend on how Brett Myers, who pitches tonight against the Nationals, fares.  Happ’s recall was expected after he was removed after just 2.2 scoreless innings of his last minor league appearance.


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Manny Reuniting With Manuel

27 07 2008

Manny Ramirez

In a dialogue with Tim McCarver, Red Sox General Manager Theo Epstein said that he would try to trade Manny Ramirez if he would be willing to waive his no-trade rights.  Joel Sherman and Mike Puma speculated today on a possible trade destination for Manny…the Philadelphia Phillies.  According to the article, Philadelphia is the most likely destination due to Manny’s strong relationship with Phil’s skipper Charlie Manuel.  In fact, they went on to say “he might not accept a trade to anywhere but Philadelphia.”

In my opinion…thanks but no thanks.  There are several scenarios for a Manny trade to the Phils, I’ll break them down:

  1. Shane Victorino for Manny Ramirez – The idea is ludicrous.  It’s also the most likely scenario if this trade were to occur, since every rumor involving the acquisition of an outfielder so far has involved the Phils shipping Victorino out of town.  What a disaster it would be to have Burrell in left, Werth in center, and Manny in right.
  2. Pat Burrell for Manny Ramirez – Doesn’t sound bad on paper, but when you break it down for the Phils..it just doesn’t make much sense.  Burrell’s having a better overall season…more home runs, better OPS, and is a better fielder.  Why take on the distraction along with additional salary.
  3. Geoff Jenkins + Prospects – Alright, I’ll cave on this one so long as we’re not giving up Carrasco, Marson, Golson, Donald, or Bastardo.  A couple mid-level prosepects and Jenkins would get it done for me…Boston wouldn’t go for it.

For the Phillies, this would be a one year rental.  They’d appease Manny by promising not to pick up his $20 million option.  There’s no shot they’d sign him to a long term deal.  In my opinion…let Manny be Manny somewhere else.


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Categories : Phillies, Red Sox

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