Sweeney for Sosa rumors?? What!?

[PianoMonkey]

Actually, I don't think "rumors" the right word. It's known, apparently, that as yet no specific communications regarding this deal have been made. But there is speculation that this deal will be made nonetheless, or that at the very least, both sides would win in such a deal (or three out of four, counting the players).

Royals need a hitting outfielder. Not a great-hitting outfielder, but an average outfielder. (For the unbelievable numbers from this season, check out: Rob & Rany (http://www.robneyer.com/robrany.html)). Sosa would certainly provide that, plus significant if dwindling defensive strengths.

The cubs, for their part, gain a great trading candidate in Mike Sweeney. They certainly don't need him to 1B. The Cubs also seem more and more disenchanted by Sosa nowadays.

The above angles are courtesy an article from the KC Star: here (http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/sports/baseball/mlb/kansas_city_royals/9844227.htm).

[Crash Course]

Does Pena have a previous relationship with Sosa?

[PianoMonkey]

Not personally, though they're both Dominican. But as mentioned in the article, Royals hitting coach Jeff Pentland has worked with Sosa extensively in the past.

[KCBOOMER]

If the Royals trade Sweeney for Sosa please come to my house and shoot my ass. I will be absolutely apoplectic. If they are that desperate for a corner OF stick Sweeney out there. His defense will not be any worse than Sosa's. It might even keep his back limber.

And while they are at they can trade the carcass that is Ken Harvey and let Pickering play first. They can send Stairs along with Harvey or use him as the backup 1B/DH.

[schernak]

The FOX StLouis/LA game was just talking about how Sosa didn't dress for the final game of the season and got fined $87,000. As a result they are speculating that he is off to the Mets.

[mainsr]

Amen to the Harvey/Pickering move, Boomer!

Latest is that Sosa's filing a grievance. It almost seems that he wants to get out of Chicago. Too bad about that contract.

[KCBOOMER]

I don't see anyone picking up Sosa unless he waives the clause in his contract that turns his option year in 2006 for $19M into a guaranteed year with a $4.5 buyout in 2007. That's 40+M for a guy who is fading fast.

[Crash Course]

Poor Chicago - Sosa and Frank Thomas in the same town. Maybe it's the water?

[captain_napalm]

What are the odds that the Cubs will try to put Sosa through waivers like the Sox did with Manny?

[KCBOOMER]

What are the odds that the Cubs will try to put Sosa through waivers like the Sox did with Manny?

Zero. If someone claimed him the Cubs would be on the hook for his whole salary less the ML minimum and it might guarantee his 2006 season, too.

[RedSeat]

Zero. If someone claimed him the Cubs would be on the hook for his whole salary less the ML minimum and it might guarantee his 2006 season, too.
I don't believe that's true. If a team claims a player placed on irrevocable waivers, that team claims the contract as well.

[Crash Course]

yup
it's on the release where the cubs are on the hook