Light the Hot Stove fires

Kenny! Kenny!! What the hell were you thinking about a deal that didn't include Rowand in it?

 

It's actually both teams trading away guys whose injuries they're tired of dealing with. Soriano is filthy, but he's starting to look like a guy who will never stay healthy. Interestingly enough, after all the injuries for both of these guys, they also both took balls off the noggin' last year. But I will agree that Soriano has considerably more upside. I just think this is a who-gives-a-shit deal in a year or so.

 

The Mariners are insane for doing that deal. You don't trade guys who can throw in the mid-90s for fifth starters. You just don't.

And the Lilly signing is the worst deal of the winter. This hour, at least.

 

No more iffy than righties.

 

This hasn't been mentioned yet I don't think, and it's far from a blockbuster, but Matt Stairs has signed with the Jays. One year, didn't see the dollars.

 

Yes they are, with lineups stacked with righties.

Billy Wagner was able to get by, when he would hit 100 and throw strikes.

 

The Ted Lilly deal astounds me. It just makes no sense.

 

Of note from the Rule 5 this morning:

Josh Hamilton taken by the Cubs, and will apparently be traded to Cincinnati.

 

I agree. The Braves got what they needed (cheese-throwing middle relief), and it was clear that with Hampton returning, there was not going to be room for Ramirez in their rotation. To be sure, there's no guarantee Hampton will remain healthy or be the pitcher he was at his best, but there was no guarantee of anything with Ramirez, either. Atlanta's stuck with Hampton's contract, so he stays. And I'll say this: Ramirez gives up a lot of home runs. Isn't Safeco the least homer-friendly park in the AL? Maybe the move will be good for him.

 

ESPN is reporting Gil Meche to the Royals, 4 years, $45 mill.

So now even the whiny we-can't-compete "small market" teams are throwing around stupid money.


The more insane money that gets thrown around, the more obvious it becomes that the Cards made the deal of the year by re-upping Carpenter for 5-65 before he hit free agency next year. An absolute steal in this ridiculous market.

 

Chronicle:

Astros getting Garland from Sox. Rumored chips are Tavarez, Buchholz.
ESPN1000 in Chicago, though, supposedly says it's not happening.

Stay tuned.