There's No Cryogenics In Baseball

[cubfan33]

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.

[KCBOOMER]

Originally posted by cubfan33
Allard Baird, oft-ridiculed GM of the Royals and Billy Beane's prison bitch, recieved an extension from the Royals today.

This may not be as bad a deal as you infer. Baird who has engaged in self flagellation on a number of occasions and has had to learn to be a GM on the job (all too frequently as some one's prison love child) and without much guidance. He may actually be turning the corner to becoming a productive GM.

He has grasped the importance of the farm system and has made major strides to improve it but it is still years away from paying off. He has discovered there is more to baseball than battings averages in Denver. He has figured out that you can pay too much for what you get.

What he needs is a break. For someone reason no one is giving him any credit for signing Paul Byrd. He needs Angel Berroa to step up and be a bona fide major league shortstop. He needs one or two of the zillion pitchers we have drafted to develop into a stud. He needs Carlos Beltran to pull his head out of the clouds and play everyday.

Baird has only been a GM two years. He's just 40 years old. Give him another two years or until the next bone-head move.

[cubfan33]

Ok, KC, I'll bite. How has Baird and his toolsy draft picks improved the farm system? Name one signing or trade that gives you hope that Baird is learning.

I LOVE Kaufmann Stadium and KC in general. Great, great city and the headquarters of my former employer. Baird has done nothing, in my view, to earn an extension unless it was at slightly above minimum wage, but I'm willing to listen.

[gyb13]

Originally posted by cubfan33
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.

do i drop him then?

[cubfan33]

Wouldn't drop him yet ... especially if there's even a chance he could end up in Colorado. WOW.

[gyb13]

Originally posted by cubfan33
Wouldn't drop him yet ... especially if there's even a chance he could end up in Colorado. WOW.

true, but a month to heal?

[moose]

Originally posted by gyb13

true, but a month to heal?

thats why they have the DL, man

[sweaver]

Originally posted by gyb13

do i drop him then?

If I had him, I'd drop him. I would have dropped him long ago.

[SmedIndy]

If you have to ask for outside advice to run your fantasy team you may as well give it up, Gustavo.

At least you aren't PAYING for it....

[gyb13]

hey, after neglecting my teams the past month and a half, i could use a tad of advice.....and i'm not paying for it, so there