MLB - 2006 Season! Continued!

[Ming]

I agree with their opinion that he can help their team

While they could also use a pitcher, a little more offense is what the doctor ordered for them

I think it's more than just a big name in this case.

[Imran Siddiqui]

The Yankees are 2nd in runs scored in the majors. I don't think that was their problem .

The problem is (why it is just a big name) is because they gave up their biggest bargaining chip, Henry, who they could have used for a pitcher... like perhaps Zito.

[Stuie]

Abreu's not even dressed for the Phillies' game. So it looks like a done deal.

Now that he's gone, I'm actually going to miss him.

[Stuie]

It's official:

Abreu and Lidle to the Yankees for:

C.J. Henry
Matt Smith
Jesus Sanchez
Carlos Monasterios

I hope Gillick knows what he's doing...

[Sava]

Cubs complete the 4 game sweep of the Cardinals

1st time in like 34 years IIRC...

[Imran Siddiqui]

And the Mets sweep the Braves

Beltran ties the record with 3 Grand Slams in a month.

[Arrian]

Imran,

I think Henry was a meh #1 pick. He wasn't doing very well, and as such I think his trade value was quite limited. So it wasn't like they were gonna get Zito for this package of prospects.

This was a salary dump. I'm pleased with it. Abreu is a good player and a good replacement for Sheffield (short and long term). Lidle stands a decent chance of being better than Ponson/Chacon.

There just wasn't much pitching available for trade this year, and even if there was, the Yankees simply don't have the trade chips (that they are willing to actually deal - Hughes is off-limits). So they went and added a .400+ OBP outfielder. Yummy.

And then, just for the hell of it, the Yanks traded Chacon to the Pirates for Craig Wilson. By the way, if you're the Pirates... WHY?

...

In other news, David Ortiz is a ****ing monster. Wow.

-Arrian

[Stuie]

Originally posted by Arrian
I think Henry was a meh #1 pick. He wasn't doing very well, and as such I think his trade value was quite limited.

The Phillies actually have a better SS that was a sandwich pick between the 1st and 2nd rounds of that same draft. This was strictly salary dump for little or no value, hopefully giving Gillick enough money to play with this off-season to address the C/3B/SP issues that the Phillies have.

[Arrian]

Exactly. Imran seemed to think that CJ Henry was a valueable trade chip. He wasn't. There are at least three or four prospects (maybe more!) with higher trade value. Off the top of my head:

Hughes
Tabata
Duncan (even with his poor AAA showing, he's doing well back in AA is is still young)

Obviously the top two are "untouchables." Duncan, however, I think could've been had. But the Phils would've had to pay some of Abreu's salary if they wanted Duncan, methinks, and the primary purpose of the deal was to shed the salary. So they get a first-round SS who has played poorly, a decent 27-yr old LH reliever who has pitched 9 innings in MLB (scoreless, albeit with too many walks), and... some guys.

-Arrian

[Guynemer]

Today, August 1st, the Tigers have matched their win total from last season. Un-freaking-believable.

Carlos Guillen hits for the cycle. Good for the Tigers, good for me as a Tigers fan, and good for my Poly fantasy team!

[OzzyKP]

Originally posted by Guynemer
Today, August 1st, the Tigers have matched their win total from last season. Un-freaking-believable.

Carlos Guillen hits for the cycle. Good for the Tigers, good for me as a Tigers fan, and good for my Poly fantasy team!

And we picked up Casey, who while not a blockbuster trade, should help out our already good team.

[Arrian]

The Tigers just keep on rolling.

The Yanks win, the Red Sox lose and it's all tied up atop the AL East.

Jason Varitek hurt his knee, needs a scope, will be out 4-6wks. Even with his sub-par season this year, that will hurt the Sox. I take no pleasure in that.

-Arrian

[Ming]

And now... they are going to have a hard time replacing Varitek, because I'll bet none of the teams chasing them will allow a "real" catcher through waivers

They have no depth at that position, and are basically screwed!

[Imran Siddiqui]

Originally posted by Ming
They have no depth at that position, and are basically screwed!

Huh? Doug Mirabelli is probably one the better backup catchers in the game today.

[Ming]

Originally posted by Imran Siddiqui

Huh? Doug Mirabelli is probably one the better backup catchers in the game today.

A 35 year old journyman catcher who has a career batting average of 236 and who is batting 180 and slugging 227 this year so far.

He's only played more than 60 games twice in his long career, and now he has to be an everyday player...

There are FAR better backups than this guy. Sure, he knows the game, and how to handle pitchers... but talk about a black hole in your line up.