Double Issue: Sports Week(s) (continued)
In the world of Major League Baseball trades and free agent signings have been happening right and left as well as arbitration offers and other transactions.
The Trading block has seen elite players such as Javier Vazquez, Edgar Renteria, Johnny Estrada and Lyle Overbay move to new homes.
In a move that will strengthen what is already arguably the best pitching staff in the AL, the White Sox acquired Vazquez in exchange for Orlando "El Duque" Hernandez and Luis Vizcaino. This move will be a great one for both teams.
The Red Sox ship Edgar Renteria out to the Braves for Andy Marte, giving up on the shortstop just one year after signing him. Look for Renteria to have a breakthrough year and for the Red-Sox shortstop problems to continue.
The Blue Jays continued there flurry of offseason moves by acquiring Lyle Overbay. Overbay, a highly overrated player will not prove to be much of a difference on this Blue Jays team.
The Yankees discarded Tony Womack to the Reds for a couple minor-leaguers, doing away with the infielder/outfielder just a year after bringing him to the Bronx.
The Braves sent catcher Johnny Estrada to Arizona in a move that I do not fully understand.
The Cubs fill their leadoff spot and centerfield void by acquiring Juan Pierre from the Marlins fire-sale for a handful of young pitchers.
The Yankees get Ron Villone as part of the aforementioned fire-sale, for a minor leaguer.
Free agent signings have seen the Tigers overpay for starting pitcher Kenny Rogers ($16M, two years) and closer Todd Jones ($11M, 2 years). The free agent market has also lost marquee catcher Ramon Hernandez to the Orioles (4 yrs, $27.5M), Paul Konerko opting to give the White Sox a 'hometown discount' and signing for five years and $$60M (he and new acquisition Jim Thome will likely split time at DH and first-base), and Trevor Hoffman and Bob Wickman both sign with their previous teams the Padres and Indians respectively (1 yr, $5M and 2 yrs $13.5M respectively).
In arbitration, the big news was the Houston Astros declining to offer to Roger Clemens, meaning that the free agent superstar right-hander cannot speak with or sign with the Astros until May 1. Rumors have already been swirling about Clemens possibly signing with the Red-Sox, Yankees, Cardinals and Rangers. Clemens did mention that those would be the four teams he will talk with if he decides not to retire.
The Yankees offered arbitration to three players with the agreement that they would not accept, giving the Yankees until January 8th to come to terms with the players. Bernie Williams (close to a one-year, $2M deal), Al Leiter (leaning towards retirement), and Ramiro Mendoza (signing a minor-league contract) are those three players. The Yankees bring in two pitchers to help bolster their bullpen. Mike Myers signs a two year contract and Octavio Dotel, a one year deal.
The New York Mets did not offer arbitration to Roberto Hernandez, opting to let go one of their most reliable setup/specialty pitchers of 2005. Also not being offered by the Mets were Miguel Cairo, Mike Piazza, Braden Looper and Doug Mientkiewicz as well as six others.
Much more has gone on in the MLB world, including World Baseball Classic news, and I will report in the upcoming articles.
Until then...
oVeR AnD oUt!!
The Trading block has seen elite players such as Javier Vazquez, Edgar Renteria, Johnny Estrada and Lyle Overbay move to new homes.
In a move that will strengthen what is already arguably the best pitching staff in the AL, the White Sox acquired Vazquez in exchange for Orlando "El Duque" Hernandez and Luis Vizcaino. This move will be a great one for both teams.
The Red Sox ship Edgar Renteria out to the Braves for Andy Marte, giving up on the shortstop just one year after signing him. Look for Renteria to have a breakthrough year and for the Red-Sox shortstop problems to continue.
The Blue Jays continued there flurry of offseason moves by acquiring Lyle Overbay. Overbay, a highly overrated player will not prove to be much of a difference on this Blue Jays team.
The Yankees discarded Tony Womack to the Reds for a couple minor-leaguers, doing away with the infielder/outfielder just a year after bringing him to the Bronx.
The Braves sent catcher Johnny Estrada to Arizona in a move that I do not fully understand.
The Cubs fill their leadoff spot and centerfield void by acquiring Juan Pierre from the Marlins fire-sale for a handful of young pitchers.
The Yankees get Ron Villone as part of the aforementioned fire-sale, for a minor leaguer.
Free agent signings have seen the Tigers overpay for starting pitcher Kenny Rogers ($16M, two years) and closer Todd Jones ($11M, 2 years). The free agent market has also lost marquee catcher Ramon Hernandez to the Orioles (4 yrs, $27.5M), Paul Konerko opting to give the White Sox a 'hometown discount' and signing for five years and $$60M (he and new acquisition Jim Thome will likely split time at DH and first-base), and Trevor Hoffman and Bob Wickman both sign with their previous teams the Padres and Indians respectively (1 yr, $5M and 2 yrs $13.5M respectively).
In arbitration, the big news was the Houston Astros declining to offer to Roger Clemens, meaning that the free agent superstar right-hander cannot speak with or sign with the Astros until May 1. Rumors have already been swirling about Clemens possibly signing with the Red-Sox, Yankees, Cardinals and Rangers. Clemens did mention that those would be the four teams he will talk with if he decides not to retire.
The Yankees offered arbitration to three players with the agreement that they would not accept, giving the Yankees until January 8th to come to terms with the players. Bernie Williams (close to a one-year, $2M deal), Al Leiter (leaning towards retirement), and Ramiro Mendoza (signing a minor-league contract) are those three players. The Yankees bring in two pitchers to help bolster their bullpen. Mike Myers signs a two year contract and Octavio Dotel, a one year deal.
The New York Mets did not offer arbitration to Roberto Hernandez, opting to let go one of their most reliable setup/specialty pitchers of 2005. Also not being offered by the Mets were Miguel Cairo, Mike Piazza, Braden Looper and Doug Mientkiewicz as well as six others.
Much more has gone on in the MLB world, including World Baseball Classic news, and I will report in the upcoming articles.
Until then...
oVeR AnD oUt!!
posted by Levi M. at 9:49 PM
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