Light the Hot Stove fires

Rumor has it that the Royals are interested in the Nationals' Ryan Church. What I'm more curious about is what they do with Mark Teahen who was on fire last season after the All-Star break (.318 BA / 11 HR / 40 RBI).

 

According to the Milwaukee JS, the Brewers and Phillies are considering a Kevin Mench for Jon Lieber swap.

 

According to the Strib, the Twins are the frontrunners for Jennings of Colorado.

 

The Red Sox finally signed JD Drew

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/baseball/mlb/12/05/drew.redsox/index.html

I admit that I was hoping this would not happen

 

Why wouldn't you want a broken-down malcontent with zero drive to win?

 

This on the other hand does not make me giggle:

http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20061205&content_id=1751300&vkey=hotstove2006&fext=.jsp

$15 million for a one-year deal for Andy Pettitte? I want Pettitte back, but not for that much, unless it includes Roger Clemens returning as well.

 

Not to mention Ryan Shealy. But hey, I'm happy to see the Royals targeting young players rather than retreads and duming salary.

 

On Drew, he's better than Nixon, so if their just spending more, it shouldn't bother you and they'll be better - he'll be the 3rd best hitter in a lineup that used to have two bests & a bunch of 5th & 6th best types. As the #3 "option", there also shouldn't be too much pressure. If he's there to replace Manny, you have a right to be pissed.

As for Petitte, I love the guy, but thought they made the right move not matching Houston on a 3 yr deal. $15 million is alot, but he's the only guy you'll get to sign for one year. I'd rather 1 for 15, than 2 for 24.

 

There is a report out of Canada that Boston has also signed Julio Lugo for 4-years $36 million

 

I've asked this before: Why don't the Angels and Braves swap K Escobar and A LaRoche; Escobar proved two years ago he can be a closer, and LaRoche would fill the Halo's first base hole and add some pop.

Fair trade, IMO.

 

How?

 

Curly Ps are about to shake things up, according to internet/radio/newspaper reports:

Supposedly it's Lieber to Milwaukee for Mench and Capellan. Phils then send Rowand/Madson or Rowand/Floyd to the White Sox for Freddy Garcia.

Claim is that the Milwaukee half of the deal has been agreed to, pending the Chicago half's finalization.