Offseason trading begins, Nats move Castilla to Padres

[metirish]

More moves, good move for the Angels.

] MINNEAPOLIS -- J.C. Romero got what he asked for. Saying he felt "disrespected" in his last few seasons with the Minnesota Twins, Romero says he asked for a trade and was accommodated on Friday. The Twins shipped the left-handed reliever to the Los Angeles Angels for minor-league infielder Alexi Casilla. "When you feel disrespected, and feel you can't do anything about it, that's when you get frustrated," Romero said in a teleconference. "You have to move on. If you don't move on, you're going to be a mediocre pitcher and a mediocre person." The 29-year-old Romero was 4-3 with a 3.47 ERA and had 48 strikeouts in 57 innings last season, but clashed with manager Ron Gardenhire and struggled to keep inherited runners from scoring. ]

Frayed Knot Dec 16 2005 04:49 PM

Yanx deal some minor leaguer for LHP Ron Villone He's been a useful left arm to have during his career.

Johnny Dickshot Dec 20 2005 03:51 PM

Pads trade Eaton to Texas in 6-player swapperino: he Texas Rangers have helped address their pitching woes by reaching agreement to acquire San Diego Padres right-handed pitchers Adam Eaton and Akinori Otsuka and a minor league prospect in exchange for right-handed pitcher Chris Young, first baseman Adrian Gonzalez and outfielder Terrmel Sledge, ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick has confirmed. The Rangers and Padres had been discussing a deal for Eaton for several weeks, but Texas was reluctant to part with young catcher Gerald Laird, The Dallas Morning News reported. The main motivation for the Padres to deal Eaton was because they were far apart in negotiations on a new multi-year contract, and Eaton will enter the final year of his current deal in '06, Crasnick reports. Eaton and his agent, Jim Lindell, were seeking a three-year, $27 million deal, while the Padres had floated an offer of three years and $17 million. Eaton told ESPN.com last week that he was growing impatient over the Padres' unwillingness to "extend a hand" in contract talks. "I feel like I've always been on the outside of their plans, and that's frustrating," Eaton said. "I feel like I'm being put off and put off, and that's not something anybody likes to have done to them." In the aftermath of the trade, San Diego's starting rotation currently consists of Jake Peavy, Young, Woody Williams, Chan Ho Park and youngsters Clay Hensley and Tim Stauffer. The Padres have also been in talks with free agents Brett Tomko and Pedro Astacio. The addition of Sledge and Gonzalez could make outfielder Dave Roberts expendable in a trade. Roberts, San Diego's center fielder last season, lost his center field job when the Padres acquired Mike Cameron from the New York Mets. Eaton, 28, was 11-5 with San Diego last year, but pitched only 128 2/3 innings due to a middle finger strain. Otsuka, 33, was 2-8 last season with a 3.59 ERA, striking out 60 batters in 63 2/3 innings. The Rangers, while still on the market for more bullpen arms, will likely slide Otsuka into a setup role. Young tied a Rangers' rookie record by recording 12 wins last season, but stuggled later in the season with fatigue. Gonzalez, who was the first overall pick by the Florida Marlins in the 2000 draft, batted .227 in 150 at bats for the Rangers last season. With Mark Teixeira entrenched at first base already, Gonzalez did not have much opportunity in Texas. Sledge was acquired by the Rangers earlier in the month from the Washington Nationals.

seawolf17 Dec 20 2005 04:25 PM

Terrmel Sledge: Bruce Chen's spiritual brother. You know he bought Rangers shirts as holiday presents for his whole family. Sorry, Terrmel.

smg58 Dec 20 2005 10:48 PM

OK, so Texas gets Eaton in exchange for a guy who had the same ERA last year except he did it in the AL at as bad a park for pitchers as petco is good, AND a 1B prospect that at least a few teams considered a desirable commodity, AND half the package they got for Soriano. Oh wait, the Rangers also got a righty setup guy with a 3.60 ERA in petco. That leaves them very screwed, as opposed to utterly screwed. The Padres' lineup is a little too lefthanded right now, but you can't really complain about the deal from their end. If they had gotten Shoppach instead of Mirabelli for Loretta, they'd be having a great offseason.

Johnny Dickshot Dec 23 2005 11:36 PM

Troy Glaus to Toronto for Batista & Hudson at least, tentatively: The deal is contingent on a physical, which Glaus is expected to take Monday in Toronto. A press conference is tentatively scheduled for Tuesday. In return for Glaus, the Diamondbacks are expected to acquire second baseman Orlando Hudson and right-hander Miguel Batista. The Jays also might receive a prospect in the deal. Glaus, 29, had the power to invoke the limited no-trade protection in his contract to block a trade to Toronto, but he apparently has agreed to waive that right and approve the deal. The Diamondbacks were seeking to unload Glaus without paying any of his remaining salary - $32 million over the next three years. Batista is due $4.75 million next season. Hudson is expected to be in the $2 million range in salary arbitration. Glaus is expected to remain at third base for the Jays, who possess a surplus of corner infielders � first baseman Lyle Overbay and third baseman Corey Koskie, plus Shea Hillenbrand and Eric Hinske, who play both positions. Hillenbrand is the most likely of the group to be traded. Koskie, attracting minimal trade interest, could be reduced to a designated hitter if he remains with the team. In recent years, star players have balked at moving to Canada, but the addition of Glaus is another testament to the Jays' rising profile. Earlier this off-season, the Jays signed free-agent right-hander A.J. Burnett and left-handed closer B.J. Ryan for a combined $102 million. If the Jays absorb the entire financial commitment to Glaus, it is doubtful they would use him as a DH. Overbay, recently acquired from the Brewers, is set at first. Which leaves Koskie, Hinske and Hillenbrand, at least one of whom will be moved. Koskie, 32, is guaranteed $11 million over the next two seasons. Hinske, 28, is owed $9.95 million. Hillenbrand, 30, stands to earn at least $5 million in salary arbitration. He is the most attractive of the holdovers to rival clubs, having averaged 18 homers and 86 RBIs the past three seasons. To accommodate Glaus' contract, the Jays likely would need to clear other salaries in addition to Hillenbrand's. General manager J.P. Ricciardi has said the team's payroll will be $75 million.

smg58 Dec 23 2005 11:54 PM

If the Jays can move Hillenbrand for an outfielder with comparable hitting ability, they will have done quite well for themselves. I like the deal from the D-Backs perspective, because it clears one of the big contracts blocking Chad Tracy and two live prospects. That Mark Green deal is killing them, though.

Nymr83 Dec 24 2005 12:52 AM

]The Padres' lineup is a little too lefthanded right now i believe that park favors lefties, though i'm not sure

Frayed Knot Dec 24 2005 08:29 AM

"That Mark Green deal is killing them, though" You're right, he'll never get elected mayor. "i believe that park favors lefties, though i'm not sure" Actually it's pretty much the opposite (although they are bringing in the RCF fence a bit this year).

Johnny Dickshot Dec 24 2005 09:08 AM

I saw a game there this summer and granted it was a small sample size, seemed to me that Skydome favors nothing but boring baseball: It's too round , too fast and too true -- there's no gappy doubles or triples, just HRs, doubles off the wall, and a lot of singles that zip past the infielders.

MFS62 Dec 24 2005 02:17 PM

Its no longer called Skydome. They changed the name this year to Rogers Center (or is it Centre?). That made my Jays fan friend, whose last name is Rogers, very happy. Later

Frayed Knot Dec 26 2005 07:50 PM

I was actually referring to PETCO in SD in answer to Nymr's guess that IT may somewhat favor leftys. But you're right, Skydome/Rogers - being symmetrical and enclosed - isn't likely to favor anyone.

Nymr83 Dec 26 2005 08:16 PM

frayed, i cant find the numbers anywhere, where have u seen them?

Frayed Knot Dec 29 2005 09:28 AM

"One of the most extreme pitchers' parks in the league will be not quite as extreme. Major League Baseball has approved the San Diego Padres' request to move Petco Park’s right-center field wall in 11 feet. San Diego will be the home of the championship for the World Baseball Classic in March 2006, and the team fully expects the wall to be moved in by then. Padres Chief Executive Officer Sandy Alderson claimed that the team did a study that showed the shorter fence would have resulted in approximately 11 more home runs last year, five for the Padres. There’s some speculation that this might be a precursor to more changes in right field. For now, it looks like the team will analyze the effects of the new distance and go from there." http://www.hardballtimes.com/main/article/business-of-baseball-report30/

TheOldMole Dec 29 2005 10:52 AM

]the team did a study that showed the shorter fence would have resulted in approximately 11 more home runs last year, five for the Padres. This would be a net loss for the home team, then, wouldn't it?

Nymr83 Dec 29 2005 05:28 PM

i want numbers, not words, can anyone find the park factors split for lefties and righties since the place opened?

smg58 Dec 30 2005 12:56 PM

http://baseball.about.com/od/theballparkeffect/a/parkeffecthit.htm This site makes reference to the numbers, which they got from Bill James, but doesn't post anything specific. Apparently Petco was last from both sides of the plate, but I guess the Padres feel it more keenly from the left side because of Giles and Klesko. (On a side note, it wouldn't surprise me if Giles or his agent insisted on taking in the fence as a condition for his returning.)

DocTee Jan 07 2006 10:31 PM

Jays relieve some corner infield conjestion, send native Hoser Corey Koskie to Milwaukee for minor league pitching.

Edgy DC Jan 08 2006 12:14 PM

]i want numbers, not words, can anyone find the park factors split for lefties and righties since the place opened? Any leads yet on the studies showing the effects of pitching winter ball?

Edgy DC Jan 09 2006 05:33 PM

The Cubs send Corey Patterson to Baltimore for two minor leaguers.

Yancy Street Gang Jan 09 2006 05:39 PM

Corey Patterson helped get the Mets' 2003 season and Tom Glavine's Mets career off to a terrible start.

seawolf17 Jan 14 2006 09:17 PM

And Danys Baez will not be a Met, as he goes to LA: ]LA gets Baez from Rays for prospects By Ken Gurnick / MLB.com LOS ANGELES -- With Eric Gagne returning from elbow surgery and eligible for free agency after 2006, the Dodgers reinforced their bullpen on Saturday for the near-term -- and maybe longer -- by acquiring 2005 All-Star closer Danys Baez, 2003 All-Star reliever Lance Carter and cash considerations from the Tampa Bay Devil Rays for young pitchers Edwin Jackson and Chuck Tiffany. The 28-year-old Baez, a Cuban-born right-hander, saved 41 games -- fifth in the American League -- with a 2.86 ERA for Tampa Bay in 2005, and has 102 saves in four seasons. He started his career with Cleveland, was released after the 2003 season and signed with Tampa Bay. Baez pitched for Cleveland in 2001, when new Dodgers manager Grady Little was an Indians coach, and made his only postseason appearance that year. Baez is under contract for 2006 with a $4 million salary and is eligible for free agency after the 2006 season. The Dodgers are paying Gagne $10 million this year and the club has a 2007 option for $12 million, but Gagne can void the option, receive a buyout of $250,000 ($650,000 if he finishes 50 games this year) and also declare free agency. The 31-year-old Carter logged 57 innings in 39 games with a 4.89 ERA in 2005. He is expected to pick up some of the innings lost by the departures of Duaner Sanchez and Giovanni Carrara. Carter underwent Tommy John elbow reconstruction twice, in 1996 and 2000. "The opportunity to add two relievers of this caliber to our bullpen fills a big need for us," said Dodgers general manager Ned Colletti. "Danys is one of the top closers in the American League, and Lance has had success in the Major Leagues as well." The 22-year-old Jackson, once the top prospect in the Dodgers' farm system, has been a disappointment the past two seasons, plagued by a sore forearm in 2004 and continued inconsistency in 2005, when he was briefly demoted to Double-A. In 19 games with the Dodgers over three seasons, he is 6-4 with a 5.50 ERA. The left-handed Tiffany, who turns 21 this month, was taken in the second round of the 2003 First-Year Player Draft. Some in the organization believe he has been passed by 20-year-old left-hander Scott Elbert, who was selected in the first round of the 2004 draft. Tiffany went 11-7 with a 3.93 ERA at Class A Vero Beach last year. Jackson and Tiffany are the first top prospects Colletti has traded during his extreme makeover of the Dodgers' roster. The Dodgers now have $95 million committed in 2006 payroll to 18 players. Colletti, on the job less than two months, has moved off the roster 17 of the 39 players he inherited. In addition to Baez and Carter, he has acquired veterans Rafael Furcal, Bill Mueller, Nomar Garciaparra, Kenny Lofton, Brett Tomko and Sandy Alomar Jr. The two Florida teams are amassing quite a stockpile of pitching prospects.

SI Metman Jan 14 2006 10:53 PM

not a bad trade... for the Dodgers. Vastly improves their bullpen. Carter and Baez are an upgrade over Sanchez. Jackson's stock plummeted. Maybe he'll rebound in Tampa.

Johnny Dickshot Jan 14 2006 11:44 PM

Jeezus. This seems like a very good trade for the Rays.

metirish Jan 14 2006 11:47 PM

Jackson IIRC picthed a few decnet games against the Mets, or one at least, has good stuff, rays like those young pitchers, looks like a decent trade for both teams. on edit, checking yahoo stats he never pitched V the Mets

A Boy Named Seo Jan 15 2006 01:29 PM

Jackson's been a mystery for a while, but is still just 22 and has a world of potential. When Edwin went MIA, Tiffany assumed his position of "Gem of the Organization" for a while, and he's younger than Jackson, a lefty, and both of them are starters. Seems a steep ransom to me to pay for a very good relief pitcher and an okay one. A couple of interesting lines in this morn's LA Times. Would that "win NOW!!!" quote scare you, or does it remind you of Omar a bit? Seems to me he's trying to cut the criticism off at the pass with this justification. Dodger Trade a Real Setup Colletti gets All-Star Baez from Devil Rays for prospects Jackson and Tiffany, adding depth behind Gagne. By Steve Henson, Times Staff Writer The Dodgers finally loosened the lock on their prize prospects, picking up short relief for the short term and sending an unmistakable message to anyone who hasn't gotten it already. By acquiring Danys Baez and Lance Carter from the Tampa Bay Devil Rays for Edwin Jackson and Chuck Tiffany on Saturday, General Manager Ned Colletti again made it clear he wants a championship team in 2006. "I can't sit around and wait," he said. "I want the Dodgers to win now." Colletti's whirlwind of wheeling and dealing since taking the job two months ago has resulted in five free-agent signings and the acquisition of four pitchers via trade. This time he picked up a top reliever in Baez, who saved 41 games and was an All-Star last season. He will be Eric Gagne's primary setup man and serve as insurance in case Gagne doesn't recover from the elbow injury that restricted him to 14 appearances in 2005. "We've got one of the all-time best closers in Eric, and I thought we needed more support for him," Colletti said. "Without a strong bullpen, you are going to struggle most days." Dodger trainer Stan Johnston said Gagne's recovery from his June surgery has gone well and that he will be ready for spring training. Colletti said he has no plans to trade Gagne, who is under contract for one more season at $10 million, or Baez, who will make $4 million in the last year of his deal. "I don't have any information that leads me to believe Eric will not be healthy," Colletti said. "He gave me every indication he was feeling great and is looking forward to being back to where he was in 2004. "Baez can close on a day when Eric has been out there two or three days in a row. There is strength in numbers." Carter, 31, has been a solid setup reliever since losing the Devil Ray closer job to Baez, 28, two years ago. Both will help fill the void left by departed Dodger relievers Duaner Sanchez, Giovanni Carrara, Steve Schmoll, Wilson Alvarez and Elmer Dessens. The Dodgers also will receive an undisclosed amount of cash or a minor leaguer in the deal. Although Colletti has said starting pitchers are generally more valuable than relievers, he gave up two starters in Jackson, 22, and Tiffany, 20, who were among the group of Dodger minor leaguers coveted by opposing teams. Jackson had been considered the team's top pitching prospect until last season. However, since out-dueling Randy Johnson in a memorable game near the end of the 2003 season, he has posted some frightful earned-run averages � 9.28 in 2004 spring training; 7.30 with the Dodgers in 2004; 8.79 in 2005 spring training; 8.62 at triple-A Las Vegas in 2005; and 6.28 with the Dodgers in 2005. "I'm not disappointed," Jackson said of the trade. "I'm not mad at anyone. As far as I'm concerned, it's a new start and a clean slate." Tiffany, who grew up in Covina and has been a lifelong Dodger fan, tempered his disappointment with the realization he might get to the big leagues faster with Tampa Bay. The left-hander was 11-7 with 134 strikeouts in 110 innings at Class-A Vero Beach last season. "I was shocked at first and the Dodgers were nothing but good to me, but it's another opportunity," he said. Trade talks between the Dodgers and the Devil Rays began weeks ago when the New York Mets tried to acquire Baez and the Dodgers sought Met starter Jae Seo. Colletti was able to trade for Seo without involving Tampa Bay, and he recognized an opportunity when the Mets wouldn't part with pitcher Aaron Heilman for Baez. Baez said he didn't want to be a setup man when it appeared he might be traded to the Mets � who already have star closer Billy Wagner. Colletti got a different impression in a conversation with him Saturday. "He knows we have Gagne and he said he wants to be on a team that wins a lot of games," Colletti said. "He knows it's a long season, there will be twists and turns in it, and he's ready to do whatever it takes."

DocTee Jan 23 2006 12:47 AM

Coco to Bosox-- more to come?? http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2301457

Edgy DC Jan 23 2006 12:51 AM

I'll confess that it's been years since I've been able to keep track of which Alex Gonzalez was which.

Edgy DC Jan 24 2006 11:49 PM

Looks like Guillermo Mota failed his physical, phys-i-cal, and the deal may be off.

smg58 Jan 25 2006 10:06 AM

That situation is getting really confusing. I can't say any more than that until something actually happens.

Frayed Knot Jan 27 2006 04:35 PM

Phils -----> Jason Michaels ----> seriously, I just used a racist word when I really meant "Guardians" seriously, I just used a racist word when I really meant "Guardians" -----> Arthur Rhodes -----> Phils

Johnny Dickshot Jan 27 2006 04:41 PM

seriously, I just used a racist word when I really meant "Guardians" win!!!! I guess this greaases the skids for the Coco traade

Johnny Dickshot Jan 27 2006 10:37 PM

]The Coco Crisp trade is done, pending the approval of baseball Commissioner Bud Selig. Left-hander Arthur Rhodes' physical was the only thing delaying the three-team deal, but the Phillies were expected to make the acquisition of the veteran reliever official at 8 p.m. The Indians received outfielder Jason Michaels in exchange for Rhodes.That allowed the Indians to send Crisp, switch-hitting catcher Josh Bard and right-hander David Riske to Boston for third base prospect Andy Marte, catcher Kelly Shoppach, right-hander Guillermo Mota, cash and a player to be named. Boston right-hander Manny Delcarmen was not included in the deal. The Indians will receive at least $1 million from the Red Sox. The exact amount is not known, but the commissioner must approve any deal in which more than $1 million in cash is involved. The trade, which stalled in midweek, regained momentum Friday morning when Rhodes flew to Philadelphia for a physical. The Associated Press reported the Indians agreed to Rhodes for Michaels portion of the trade pending his physical.Michaels will replace Crisp in left field. The Indians believe Marte, scheduled to open the season at Class AAA Buffalo, will be their third baseman of the future. They think he could develop into the middle-of-the-order right-handed hitter they've lacked. Shoppach hit 26 homers at Class AAA Pawtucket last year. He will compete to be Victor Martinez's backup.The player to be named would come from a list of prospects made available to the Indians.

metirish Jan 27 2006 10:39 PM

WOW, are Boston giving up a whole lot to get Crisp?

Rockin' Doc Jan 27 2006 11:33 PM

Makes me wonder what Cameron could have been worth now had we not traded before Damon went to the Yankees. The Indians got a lot of young prospects. This could turn out to be a great trade for them in the future.

metirish Jan 27 2006 11:35 PM

True Doc, Cleveland has one of the best General Managers going, he's done some job rebuilding that team.

Nymr83 Jan 27 2006 11:46 PM

CLE ripped the red sox off big time. sucks that we traded cameron so soon

MFS62 Jan 28 2006 09:14 AM

Marte is one of the best third base prospects in the game. And Shopach is a very highly regarded lefty hitting catching prospect. He is supposedly a good defender, and has shown power. Doc is right. I wonder what Cameron would have brought in return. Either one of those prospects probably has at least a higher upside than Nady. But both of them together? For a centerfielder? Echhhhh! Later

Frayed Knot Jan 28 2006 09:29 AM Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Jan 28 2006 05:33 PM

Keep in mind also that Crisp is 26 y/o and will be under club control for at least another 3 years at arb-determined prices -- as opposed to Cameron who's in his 30's at a FA salary and could up and leave after just a year. There are also two other players going to Boston in the swap; the reliever Riske turned in almost 80 IPs last year of 3.10 ERA and has had 2 of his last 3 seasons w/a sub-1.00 WHiP. That's better than a mere throw-in.

smg58 Jan 28 2006 11:26 AM

We probably could have traded Cameron for Shoppach and Mota, avoided having one right-handed hitter too many, and we'd still have Gaby Hernandez and either Seo or Benson. Riske is no slouch, though, and is probably a significant upgrade over Mota. Jason Michaels is no slouch, either; his number have always suggested he could be an everyday player somewhere. Rhodes had a terrific year last year, but at his age I wouldn't bank on him doing it twice. I'd say it's a good deal for the Sox and a great one for Cleveland. But do the Indians have room for both Shoppach and Ryan Garko?

[Frayed Knot]

Yanx deal some minor leaguer for LHP Ron Villone
He's been a useful left arm to have during his career.

[Guest Johnny Dickshot]

Pads trade Eaton to Texas in 6-player swapperino:

he Texas Rangers have helped address their pitching woes by reaching agreement to acquire San Diego Padres right-handed pitchers Adam Eaton and Akinori Otsuka and a minor league prospect in exchange for right-handed pitcher Chris Young, first baseman Adrian Gonzalez and outfielder Terrmel Sledge, ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick has confirmed.


The Rangers and Padres had been discussing a deal for Eaton for several weeks, but Texas was reluctant to part with young catcher Gerald Laird, The Dallas Morning News reported.

The main motivation for the Padres to deal Eaton was because they were far apart in negotiations on a new multi-year contract, and Eaton will enter the final year of his current deal in '06, Crasnick reports.

Eaton and his agent, Jim Lindell, were seeking a three-year, $27 million deal, while the Padres had floated an offer of three years and $17 million.

Eaton told ESPN.com last week that he was growing impatient over the Padres' unwillingness to "extend a hand" in contract talks.

"I feel like I've always been on the outside of their plans, and that's frustrating," Eaton said. "I feel like I'm being put off and put off, and that's not something anybody likes to have done to them."

In the aftermath of the trade, San Diego's starting rotation currently consists of Jake Peavy, Young, Woody Williams, Chan Ho Park and youngsters Clay Hensley and Tim Stauffer. The Padres have also been in talks with free agents Brett Tomko and Pedro Astacio.

The addition of Sledge and Gonzalez could make outfielder Dave Roberts expendable in a trade. Roberts, San Diego's center fielder last season, lost his center field job when the Padres acquired Mike Cameron from the New York Mets.

Eaton, 28, was 11-5 with San Diego last year, but pitched only 128 2/3 innings due to a middle finger strain.

Otsuka, 33, was 2-8 last season with a 3.59 ERA, striking out 60 batters in 63 2/3 innings. The Rangers, while still on the market for more bullpen arms, will likely slide Otsuka into a setup role.

Young tied a Rangers' rookie record by recording 12 wins last season, but stuggled later in the season with fatigue.

Gonzalez, who was the first overall pick by the Florida Marlins in the 2000 draft, batted .227 in 150 at bats for the Rangers last season. With Mark Teixeira entrenched at first base already, Gonzalez did not have much opportunity in Texas.

Sledge was acquired by the Rangers earlier in the month from the Washington Nationals.

[seawolf17]

Terrmel Sledge: Bruce Chen's spiritual brother. You know he bought Rangers shirts as holiday presents for his whole family. Sorry, Terrmel.

[smg58]

OK, so Texas gets Eaton in exchange for a guy who had the same ERA last year except he did it in the AL at as bad a park for pitchers as petco is good, AND a 1B prospect that at least a few teams considered a desirable commodity, AND half the package they got for Soriano. Oh wait, the Rangers also got a righty setup guy with a 3.60 ERA in petco. That leaves them very screwed, as opposed to utterly screwed.

The Padres' lineup is a little too lefthanded right now, but you can't really complain about the deal from their end. If they had gotten Shoppach instead of Mirabelli for Loretta, they'd be having a great offseason.

[Guest Johnny Dickshot]

Troy Glaus to Toronto for Batista & Hudson at least, tentatively:

The deal is contingent on a physical, which Glaus is expected to take Monday in Toronto. A press conference is tentatively scheduled for Tuesday.

In return for Glaus, the Diamondbacks are expected to acquire second baseman Orlando Hudson and right-hander Miguel Batista. The Jays also might receive a prospect in the deal.

Glaus, 29, had the power to invoke the limited no-trade protection in his contract to block a trade to Toronto, but he apparently has agreed to waive that right and approve the deal.

The Diamondbacks were seeking to unload Glaus without paying any of his remaining salary - $32 million over the next three years. Batista is due $4.75 million next season. Hudson is expected to be in the $2 million range in salary arbitration.

Glaus is expected to remain at third base for the Jays, who possess a surplus of corner infielders � first baseman Lyle Overbay and third baseman Corey Koskie, plus Shea Hillenbrand and Eric Hinske, who play both positions.

Hillenbrand is the most likely of the group to be traded. Koskie, attracting minimal trade interest, could be reduced to a designated hitter if he remains with the team.

In recent years, star players have balked at moving to Canada, but the addition of Glaus is another testament to the Jays' rising profile. Earlier this off-season, the Jays signed free-agent right-hander A.J. Burnett and left-handed closer B.J. Ryan for a combined $102 million.

If the Jays absorb the entire financial commitment to Glaus, it is doubtful they would use him as a DH. Overbay, recently acquired from the Brewers, is set at first. Which leaves Koskie, Hinske and Hillenbrand, at least one of whom will be moved.

Koskie, 32, is guaranteed $11 million over the next two seasons. Hinske, 28, is owed $9.95 million. Hillenbrand, 30, stands to earn at least $5 million in salary arbitration. He is the most attractive of the holdovers to rival clubs, having averaged 18 homers and 86 RBIs the past three seasons.

To accommodate Glaus' contract, the Jays likely would need to clear other salaries in addition to Hillenbrand's. General manager J.P. Ricciardi has said the team's payroll will be $75 million.

[smg58]

If the Jays can move Hillenbrand for an outfielder with comparable hitting ability, they will have done quite well for themselves. I like the deal from the D-Backs perspective, because it clears one of the big contracts blocking Chad Tracy and two live prospects. That Mark Green deal is killing them, though.

[nymr83]

]The Padres' lineup is a little too lefthanded right now

i believe that park favors lefties, though i'm not sure

[Frayed Knot]

"That Mark Green deal is killing them, though"

You're right, he'll never get elected mayor.



"i believe that park favors lefties, though i'm not sure"

Actually it's pretty much the opposite (although they are bringing in the RCF fence a bit this year).

[Guest Johnny Dickshot]

I saw a game there this summer and granted it was a small sample size, seemed to me that Skydome favors nothing but boring baseball: It's too round , too fast and too true -- there's no gappy doubles or triples, just HRs, doubles off the wall, and a lot of singles that zip past the infielders.

[MFS62]

Its no longer called Skydome.
They changed the name this year to Rogers Center (or is it Centre?).
That made my Jays fan friend, whose last name is Rogers, very happy.

Later

[Frayed Knot]

I was actually referring to PETCO in SD in answer to Nymr's guess that IT may somewhat favor leftys.



But you're right, Skydome/Rogers - being symmetrical and enclosed - isn't likely to favor anyone.

[nymr83]

frayed, i cant find the numbers anywhere, where have u seen them?

[Frayed Knot]

"One of the most extreme pitchers' parks in the league will be not quite as extreme. Major League Baseball has approved the San Diego Padres' request to move Petco Park’s right-center field wall in 11 feet. San Diego will be the home of the championship for the World Baseball Classic in March 2006, and the team fully expects the wall to be moved in by then. Padres Chief Executive Officer Sandy Alderson claimed that the team did a study that showed the shorter fence would have resulted in approximately 11 more home runs last year, five for the Padres.

There’s some speculation that this might be a precursor to more changes in right field. For now, it looks like the team will analyze the effects of the new distance and go from there."


http://www.hardballtimes.com/main/article/business-of-baseball-report30/

[Theoldmole]

]the team did a study that showed the shorter fence would have resulted in approximately 11 more home runs last year, five for the Padres.

This would be a net loss for the home team, then, wouldn't it?

[nymr83]

i want numbers, not words, can anyone find the park factors split for lefties and righties since the place opened?

[smg58]

http://baseball.about.com/od/theballparkeffect/a/parkeffecthit.htm

This site makes reference to the numbers, which they got from Bill James, but doesn't post anything specific. Apparently Petco was last from both sides of the plate, but I guess the Padres feel it more keenly from the left side because of Giles and Klesko.

(On a side note, it wouldn't surprise me if Giles or his agent insisted on taking in the fence as a condition for his returning.)

[DocTee]

Jays relieve some corner infield conjestion, send native Hoser Corey Koskie to Milwaukee for minor league pitching.

[Guest Edgy DC]

]i want numbers, not words, can anyone find the park factors split for lefties and righties since the place opened?

Any leads yet on the studies showing the effects of pitching winter ball?

[Guest Edgy DC]

The Cubs send Corey Patterson to Baltimore for two minor leaguers.

[Guest Yancy Street Gang]

Corey Patterson helped get the Mets' 2003 season and Tom Glavine's Mets career off to a terrible start.

[seawolf17]

And Danys Baez will not be a Met, as he goes to LA:

]LA gets Baez from Rays for prospects By Ken Gurnick / MLB.com LOS ANGELES -- With Eric Gagne returning from elbow surgery and eligible for free agency after 2006, the Dodgers reinforced their bullpen on Saturday for the near-term -- and maybe longer -- by acquiring 2005 All-Star closer Danys Baez, 2003 All-Star reliever Lance Carter and cash considerations from the Tampa Bay Devil Rays for young pitchers Edwin Jackson and Chuck Tiffany. The 28-year-old Baez, a Cuban-born right-hander, saved 41 games -- fifth in the American League -- with a 2.86 ERA for Tampa Bay in 2005, and has 102 saves in four seasons. He started his career with Cleveland, was released after the 2003 season and signed with Tampa Bay. Baez pitched for Cleveland in 2001, when new Dodgers manager Grady Little was an Indians coach, and made his only postseason appearance that year. Baez is under contract for 2006 with a $4 million salary and is eligible for free agency after the 2006 season. The Dodgers are paying Gagne $10 million this year and the club has a 2007 option for $12 million, but Gagne can void the option, receive a buyout of $250,000 ($650,000 if he finishes 50 games this year) and also declare free agency. The 31-year-old Carter logged 57 innings in 39 games with a 4.89 ERA in 2005. He is expected to pick up some of the innings lost by the departures of Duaner Sanchez and Giovanni Carrara. Carter underwent Tommy John elbow reconstruction twice, in 1996 and 2000. "The opportunity to add two relievers of this caliber to our bullpen fills a big need for us," said Dodgers general manager Ned Colletti. "Danys is one of the top closers in the American League, and Lance has had success in the Major Leagues as well." The 22-year-old Jackson, once the top prospect in the Dodgers' farm system, has been a disappointment the past two seasons, plagued by a sore forearm in 2004 and continued inconsistency in 2005, when he was briefly demoted to Double-A. In 19 games with the Dodgers over three seasons, he is 6-4 with a 5.50 ERA. The left-handed Tiffany, who turns 21 this month, was taken in the second round of the 2003 First-Year Player Draft. Some in the organization believe he has been passed by 20-year-old left-hander Scott Elbert, who was selected in the first round of the 2004 draft. Tiffany went 11-7 with a 3.93 ERA at Class A Vero Beach last year. Jackson and Tiffany are the first top prospects Colletti has traded during his extreme makeover of the Dodgers' roster. The Dodgers now have $95 million committed in 2006 payroll to 18 players. Colletti, on the job less than two months, has moved off the roster 17 of the 39 players he inherited. In addition to Baez and Carter, he has acquired veterans Rafael Furcal, Bill Mueller, Nomar Garciaparra, Kenny Lofton, Brett Tomko and Sandy Alomar Jr.

The two Florida teams are amassing quite a stockpile of pitching prospects.

[Guest SI Metman]

not a bad trade... for the Dodgers.

Vastly improves their bullpen. Carter and Baez are an upgrade over Sanchez.

Jackson's stock plummeted. Maybe he'll rebound in Tampa.

[Guest Johnny Dickshot]

Jeezus. This seems like a very good trade for the Rays.

[metirish]

Jackson IIRC picthed a few decnet games against the Mets, or one at least, has good stuff, rays like those young pitchers, looks like a decent trade for both teams.

on edit, checking yahoo stats he never pitched V the Mets

[A Boy Named Seo]

Jackson's been a mystery for a while, but is still just 22 and has a world of potential. When Edwin went MIA, Tiffany assumed his position of "Gem of the Organization" for a while, and he's younger than Jackson, a lefty, and both of them are starters. Seems a steep ransom to me to pay for a very good relief pitcher and an okay one.

A couple of interesting lines in this morn's LA Times. Would that "win NOW!!!" quote scare you, or does it remind you of Omar a bit? Seems to me he's trying to cut the criticism off at the pass with this justification.

Dodger Trade a Real Setup
Colletti gets All-Star Baez from Devil Rays for prospects Jackson and Tiffany, adding depth behind Gagne.

By Steve Henson, Times Staff Writer

The Dodgers finally loosened the lock on their prize prospects, picking up short relief for the short term and sending an unmistakable message to anyone who hasn't gotten it already.

By acquiring Danys Baez and Lance Carter from the Tampa Bay Devil Rays for Edwin Jackson and Chuck Tiffany on Saturday, General Manager Ned Colletti again made it clear he wants a championship team in 2006.

"I can't sit around and wait," he said. "I want the Dodgers to win now."

Colletti's whirlwind of wheeling and dealing since taking the job two months ago has resulted in five free-agent signings and the acquisition of four pitchers via trade. This time he picked up a top reliever in Baez, who saved 41 games and was an All-Star last season.

He will be Eric Gagne's primary setup man and serve as insurance in case Gagne doesn't recover from the elbow injury that restricted him to 14 appearances in 2005.

"We've got one of the all-time best closers in Eric, and I thought we needed more support for him," Colletti said. "Without a strong bullpen, you are going to struggle most days."

Dodger trainer Stan Johnston said Gagne's recovery from his June surgery has gone well and that he will be ready for spring training. Colletti said he has no plans to trade Gagne, who is under contract for one more season at $10 million, or Baez, who will make $4 million in the last year of his deal.

"I don't have any information that leads me to believe Eric will not be healthy," Colletti said. "He gave me every indication he was feeling great and is looking forward to being back to where he was in 2004.

"Baez can close on a day when Eric has been out there two or three days in a row. There is strength in numbers."

Carter, 31, has been a solid setup reliever since losing the Devil Ray closer job to Baez, 28, two years ago. Both will help fill the void left by departed Dodger relievers Duaner Sanchez, Giovanni Carrara, Steve Schmoll, Wilson Alvarez and Elmer Dessens.

The Dodgers also will receive an undisclosed amount of cash or a minor leaguer in the deal.

Although Colletti has said starting pitchers are generally more valuable than relievers, he gave up two starters in Jackson, 22, and Tiffany, 20, who were among the group of Dodger minor leaguers coveted by opposing teams.

Jackson had been considered the team's top pitching prospect until last season. However, since out-dueling Randy Johnson in a memorable game near the end of the 2003 season, he has posted some frightful earned-run averages � 9.28 in 2004 spring training; 7.30 with the Dodgers in 2004; 8.79 in 2005 spring training; 8.62 at triple-A Las Vegas in 2005; and 6.28 with the Dodgers in 2005.

"I'm not disappointed," Jackson said of the trade. "I'm not mad at anyone. As far as I'm concerned, it's a new start and a clean slate."

Tiffany, who grew up in Covina and has been a lifelong Dodger fan, tempered his disappointment with the realization he might get to the big leagues faster with Tampa Bay. The left-hander was 11-7 with 134 strikeouts in 110 innings at Class-A Vero Beach last season.

"I was shocked at first and the Dodgers were nothing but good to me, but it's another opportunity," he said.

Trade talks between the Dodgers and the Devil Rays began weeks ago when the New York Mets tried to acquire Baez and the Dodgers sought Met starter Jae Seo. Colletti was able to trade for Seo without involving Tampa Bay, and he recognized an opportunity when the Mets wouldn't part with pitcher Aaron Heilman for Baez.

Baez said he didn't want to be a setup man when it appeared he might be traded to the Mets � who already have star closer Billy Wagner. Colletti got a different impression in a conversation with him Saturday.

"He knows we have Gagne and he said he wants to be on a team that wins a lot of games," Colletti said. "He knows it's a long season, there will be twists and turns in it, and he's ready to do whatever it takes."

[DocTee]

Coco to Bosox-- more to come??

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2301457

[Guest Edgy DC]

I'll confess that it's been years since I've been able to keep track of which Alex Gonzalez was which.

[Guest Edgy DC]

Looks like Guillermo Mota failed his physical, phys-i-cal, and the deal may be off.

[smg58]

That situation is getting really confusing. I can't say any more than that until something actually happens.