Running Baseball VII (or second half I, if you like)

I think the thought process is that with Martinez and Shoppach, they're OK there, but I think fans would have liked to see them trade one of their litany of outfielders for help. Maube that's coming, still.

 

If this were 1996, it would be a great trade for Cleveland.

 

If this were 1996, I wish the Cubs would go get Sosa.

Also, fitting, Mark Grace played 142 games for the Cubs at first base in 1996, hitting .331 with just nine home runs and 75 RBIs. D. Lee on a similar pace with a little more pop. His lack of power this year has been weird. Not sure if it's the wrist, or his lack of adjusting his power swing to all the low-and-away pitching he's been getting ... or ... maybe ... nah, I don't want to say it.

 

If lofton takes nixon's spot this is just fine. They basically traded wickman for him. That's who they traded for that catcher

 

OK, small rant here.

As little as I am tapped into the MLB scene, I have it from someone who would know that the Padres have serious, serious interest in adding Dunn (though they could just DFA Barrett and go right back where they were). Some people have questioned how much Petco would hurt Dunn's numbers, which to me is ridiculous.

Dunn is huge ... about 6-6, 270 pounds. He does three things at the plate — he walks, strikes out or hits homers that would leave any park (except maybe Yellowstone). I can't see any park really hurting his numbers.

That is all.

I'm just wondering what the Pads would give up for him. I'm guessing Headley, a top pitching prospect and another top 30 prospect.

 

With two solid catchers already on the major-league team, there was no way Max Ramirez was going to see Cleveland any time soon, so the Indians didn't really lose much there. Lofton is batting .303 this year and has been a lot more productive than what the Indians have gotten out of their corner outfielders so far this year. Plus, they can drop Sizemore down to the No. 2 spot, where he'll get more run-producing opportunities at the plate.

 

The Marlins pitcher = Tony Saunders (he tried to make a comeback with the Orioles last season).

Also, the Indians sent down Cliff Lee. What the heck happened to that guy? Went from decent to extremely hittable.

 

Per Rosenthal, Braves have offered Salty, top young lefty prospect Matt Harrison and top young shortstop prospect Elvis Andrus for Texiera.

I think that's a win-win trade, if it happens. The Braves have to move Salty to first base or deal him, and he'll have to be a great player to eventually become what Texiera is. Harrison is 6-5, and 21 years old, and his numbers are good, but dude's fastball is topping out at 88 this season. And having Escobar makes it easier to deal Andrus, though losing Andrus and Pena Jr. in the same year is a risk.

 

I'm wondering if Lofton might end up at the bottom of the lineup rather than make Sizemore move. Of course, that could spark an episode of Lofton being a pain in the ass.

 

Indians might want to nip that locker-room music issue in the bud before Lofton gets there.

 

Awkward quoting, but can I take credit for this yet, or does somewhat still think they are a serious team?

 

I can't wait to see Bonds break the record!

McGwire needs to be in the HOF as well!

Buster Olney rocks!!!