Notes from Heyman: The Padres wanted more than Clay Buchholz, Justin Masterson and Jed Lowrie for Adrian Gonzalez. Heyman says too much talk, too much candor and an overly steep price prevented Ricciardi from making a deal. Heyman hears that Halladay would have approved trades to a variety of teams in the East and Midwest. The Jays never agreed on prospects with the Rangers, but would have sent $5MM to Texas in a possible Halladay deal. One executive says the Jays "overplayed their hand." LOL! How was that not enough for AGon?? Get real.
The Hernandez to the Sox thing would have been epic and it sounds like it came semi-close to actually happening. This is a little old but I was surprised to see just how much they offered. Hopefully they pick up talks again this winter. http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/marinersblog/2009591133_mariners_turned_down_three-way.html Bard, Buchholz, Reddick, Navaro, and Hagadone would have been a perfect package for a team looking for youth.
I think it could. Buchholz is starting to remind me of Craig Hansen in that he dominated the minor leagues, has electric stuff, but just does not have the ability to make it all translate to success in the bigs. This off-season is their last chance to trade him. Replace Bard with Kelly and maybe someone in the 30-40 range and things could get very interesting next off-season. By next trading deadline at least a few of those guys will either have lost some value or have become significant parts of the team... I think their efforts at the deadline show they feel they still need to make a major addition, maybe not this year but certainly for next so they might try and build off this during the winter.
I would most certainly not mind seeing Bucholtz and Anderson gone. Bard or Papelbon would also be something that would be tough to look down upon, all considering. Theres holes this team needs filled, and with the pitching surplus we apperently have, we can fill them.
unknown team claimed Alex Rios according to Buster Olney. 250k fine if the MLB league office finds out who leaked that.
Pudge got traded to Texas earlier this week. from sportsline: Smoltz agrees to deal with Cards: John Smoltz will resume his major league career, agreeing to a contract with the Cardinals. The former Cy Young winner was released Monday by the Boston Red Sox after struggling as a starter. He agreed to a deal Wednesday with the NL Central-leading Cardinals. The 42-year-old Smoltz is expected to join the Cardinals on Thursday in San Diego. (Updated 08/19/2009).
