cubfan33
07-10-2002, 01:56 AM
An abbreviated issue of UTK tonight, but there's some info worth sending out. I hope everyone enjoyed the feature today. If you have any questions on it, feel free to send them to me ... or better, ask over at Netshrine. There's some great discussion over there now on everything from trade rumors to Yankee payroll to Ted "The Popsicle" Williams.
I'll start with the trade rumors that are simply flying. As the Marlins-Expos deal fizzles, the Rangers are filling in with several possibilities. They're working hard to get something done with the Rockies and a rumor of a deal with the Dodgers is coming in on the heels of the potential Dodgers-Mets deal. Rumors of a Frank Thomas trade - I've heard the Cubs, A's, and Red Sox mentioned - don't seem to be true. The Cardinals are looking for pitching, the Cubs are both buying and selling, and even the Devil Rays are sending out messages. It should be an interesting week and I expect to see at least one deal announced tomorrow.
Allard Baird, oft-ridiculed GM of the Royals and Billy Beane's prison bitch, recieved an extension from the Royals today. I spent all day wondering what would be written about this. I know Rob Neyer is just gonna load up on this one, so I'll leave it to him. All Royals fans get my sympathy. One reader did have an interesting take that Baird's extension was a clear sign the Royals would be contracted!
Since Juan Gonzalez is one of the many possible names in the rumored Rockies deal, there may be some hesitation before disabling him.His chronic thumb problem has recurred. Worse, the reports I'm getting say that it will need a month of rest to heal fully and what's damaging it is ... hitting. Ouch.
The Giants are feeling a bit better about their pitching since Jason Schmidt's MRI came back negative. While the pain he's having is still troublesome, he shouldn't miss any starts. Keep an eye on him for innings and effectiveness. Discount ANY rumor you hear involving Orlando Hernandez and the Giants. Isn't going to happen.
Ken Griffey will make his second return during the Reds next series with Pittsburgh, likely the 17th. Today on my radio interview, Greg Rakestraw pointed out that the Reds are playing well without him. He has a real point and the Reds - if they really want to make a run - have to trade one of their excess outfielders to get some pitching. How about Wily Mo Pena back to the Yankees for Orlando Hernandez? I hear from a Reds source that Griffey has a first baseman's mitt he's trying out.
The Cards are cursed. There's really no other explanation. Woody Williams will head for the DL if he's unable to go late this week and the likely replacement will be Andy Benes. Benes has been tolerable in Triple A Memphis, but even Dave Duncan knows Benes isn't a long term solution for a contender.
Kane Davis is out for the season after surgery yesterday to remove bone chips from his pitching elbow. He's been rather ineffective all year, so the loss isn't great, but the Mets are looking for some relief pitching as well as the starter they need. Don't be surprised to see the Alomar for Beltre/Daal deal expand some to get someone like Jesse Orosco or Terry Mulholland to the Mets.
Shane Reynolds went on record today to say that his recent back surgery saved his career. It also sounds like he won't be back for the early part of next season. He'll likely re-sign with the Astros on a one year deal.
Torii Hunter rules. The ASG may not mean much, but catches like that are what becomes legend.
Read the Bud Selig "town meeting" on MLB.com. Try not to cry.
Next report tomorrow with more on the injuries to watch for in the second half.
I'll start with the trade rumors that are simply flying. As the Marlins-Expos deal fizzles, the Rangers are filling in with several possibilities. They're working hard to get something done with the Rockies and a rumor of a deal with the Dodgers is coming in on the heels of the potential Dodgers-Mets deal. Rumors of a Frank Thomas trade - I've heard the Cubs, A's, and Red Sox mentioned - don't seem to be true. The Cardinals are looking for pitching, the Cubs are both buying and selling, and even the Devil Rays are sending out messages. It should be an interesting week and I expect to see at least one deal announced tomorrow.
Allard Baird, oft-ridiculed GM of the Royals and Billy Beane's prison bitch, recieved an extension from the Royals today. I spent all day wondering what would be written about this. I know Rob Neyer is just gonna load up on this one, so I'll leave it to him. All Royals fans get my sympathy. One reader did have an interesting take that Baird's extension was a clear sign the Royals would be contracted!
Since Juan Gonzalez is one of the many possible names in the rumored Rockies deal, there may be some hesitation before disabling him.His chronic thumb problem has recurred. Worse, the reports I'm getting say that it will need a month of rest to heal fully and what's damaging it is ... hitting. Ouch.
The Giants are feeling a bit better about their pitching since Jason Schmidt's MRI came back negative. While the pain he's having is still troublesome, he shouldn't miss any starts. Keep an eye on him for innings and effectiveness. Discount ANY rumor you hear involving Orlando Hernandez and the Giants. Isn't going to happen.
Ken Griffey will make his second return during the Reds next series with Pittsburgh, likely the 17th. Today on my radio interview, Greg Rakestraw pointed out that the Reds are playing well without him. He has a real point and the Reds - if they really want to make a run - have to trade one of their excess outfielders to get some pitching. How about Wily Mo Pena back to the Yankees for Orlando Hernandez? I hear from a Reds source that Griffey has a first baseman's mitt he's trying out.
The Cards are cursed. There's really no other explanation. Woody Williams will head for the DL if he's unable to go late this week and the likely replacement will be Andy Benes. Benes has been tolerable in Triple A Memphis, but even Dave Duncan knows Benes isn't a long term solution for a contender.
Kane Davis is out for the season after surgery yesterday to remove bone chips from his pitching elbow. He's been rather ineffective all year, so the loss isn't great, but the Mets are looking for some relief pitching as well as the starter they need. Don't be surprised to see the Alomar for Beltre/Daal deal expand some to get someone like Jesse Orosco or Terry Mulholland to the Mets.
Shane Reynolds went on record today to say that his recent back surgery saved his career. It also sounds like he won't be back for the early part of next season. He'll likely re-sign with the Astros on a one year deal.
Torii Hunter rules. The ASG may not mean much, but catches like that are what becomes legend.
Read the Bud Selig "town meeting" on MLB.com. Try not to cry.
Next report tomorrow with more on the injuries to watch for in the second half.