Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Linc's Rumblings, Whispers, and Rumors

Welcome one and all to Week 2 (semana dos a mi Mexicana-Americana amigos) of what Linc has learned – the 4th of July collector’s edition. With precisely 30 long-hot days until the July 31st trade deadline Linc has smelled a lot of smoke but seen very little fire on the trade front.

Since we all have raw meat to grill, cold beer to drink, and 30 minutes to wait before we can go swimming after we eat (safety first) let us get started!

Bronson Arroyo (SP) – The Reds appear to be one of those rare buyer/seller combinations around the trade deadline and Walt Jocketty has gone on record saying he plans to be aggressive. Since arriving from Boston Arroyo has been too inconsistent to justify his $9.5 million 2009 salary, let alone the $11 million owed to him in 2010. The Mets and Giants have had mild interest but Texas appears to be the most likely destination with Hank Blalock getting shipped to the Queen City in return.

Felipe Lopez (INF) – Clearly the Cubs offense needs a spark and one rumor making the rounds has Lopez involved in his second consecutive trade deadline deal. If Lopez heads to the north side he could serve as a solid #2 hitter and provide some much needed speed near the top of the Cubs order. Couple a Lopez addition with the return of Aramis Ramirez and the baby bears might have the kick in the offensive butt needed to power their way back to the top of the NL Central.

Eric Bedard (SP) – Seattle’s desire to trade Bedard took a hit with his recent DL stint though don’t worry – it only delayed the inevitable. Bedard is a lock to be on the move with the Dodgers, Brewers, and Phillies all possible destinations. When healthy Bedard can solidify a shaky rotation and put his high K rate to good use for a team with an offense.

Mark DeRosa (INF) – DeRosa’s name has been floating around for a while now and I fully expect we will be hearing it a bit longer. The Indian’s brass claim they might hold onto him and see if the team can catch lightning in a bottle with the return of Westbrook and Sizemore. Should this comment have been made during a poker game I believe the appropriate term used to describe such a statement is BLUFF and DeRosa will have another uniform to hang on his game room wall after he retires. Both NY teams, as well as the Marlins have expressed interest. My money is on the Cardinals however. Troy Glaus’s throwing arm has fallen off – pretty much literally – and DeRosa would provide some pop at the hot corner and experience in a young dugout.

Jeff Nieman (SP) – The pitching rich Rays will have one too many starters once Kazmir returns from his rehab assignment. Price could be optioned to 3A or go to the bullpen to make room. Another option is for the Rays to trade Nieman to Texas, Colorado, Milwaukee, or the Dodgers who would covet a young experienced arm. Unfortunately, the Rays biggest need is bullpen help and none of the four teams listed above have the parts to give. That is unless the Rockies fall apart and then you might see a Hudson Street to Tampa for Nieman and a prospect or two.

Matt Holiday (OF) – Just like Kenny dying at the end every South Park episode (you bastards!) or Macgyver defusing a bomb with a paperclip, a roll of duct tape, and a tampon you can count on there being a Matt Holiday rumor. The team de jour now is the San Francisco Giants. Much like the Adam Dunn to the Bay rumor last week Holiday would provide some power to a team that ranks near the bottom of the league in every offensive category. SF can buy low and hope Holiday can channel his inner Barry while roaming left field.

19 comments:

Sulceski said...

With DeRosa literally being traded to the Cardinals 3 days ago I just lost a little faith in your rumblings.

Can anyone explain the Nyjer Morgan and Sean Burnett trade to the Nat's for Lastings Milledge and Joe Hanarahan? I just don't understand why Pittsburgh makes that trade? It's not like they were dumping salary or getting a great prospect in return.

Jim said...

Take it easy, 3K. I recall a "A-Rod to the White Sox because he was wearing a Crazy Horse T-shirt in batting practice" prediction years ago that leaves little faith in any of your commentary. Rumors are rumors, it is impossible to be 100% accurate, you should know that.

Is it me, or should the Cubs focus on finding a REAL leadoff hitter? And if anyone mentions the name Alphonso Soriano, I will fly back from the Cape and beat you senseless.

Linc said...

Andy -

Jimmy can attest that I send my articles to him on Fridays so the DeRosa to the Cards post was made BEFORE the trade.

Never doubt the musing of BUSTER LINC!

PG said...

He's right. I received the email last weekend, before the DeRosa trade.

Would it be foolish forthe Yankees to go out and get a pitcher for their pen? If Bruney gets hurt, the ONLY solution, in my mind, is Joba Chamberlain. Without Bruney, we have no bridge to Mo. Without Bruney, Joba is that bridge and Hughes can go back to the rotation.

Anonymous said...

I have to defend 3K on this one, he didn't know the article was submitted in advance of the trade, so his comment wasn't out of bounds.

With that said, good call on the DeRosa trade to the Cards.

Unknown said...

Yanks have a bridge in Hughes this year. Joba has been good, not great and needs to be more consistent. If Bruney goes back down with an injury however, then a move will be made.

As always with Cashman, you never know. Hinske was out of the blue.

Good post, thank you for PG for clearing up the confusion.

Does anyone think AZ will trade Haren????

Sulceski said...

Thanks for defending me Ger. PG likes come at me swinging, even though most of the time he misconstrues my statements.

For instance, how is going out on a limb and suggesting a trade will happen, even though it already has happened comparable to suggesting a trade that hasn't happened yet? (I know that Linc had sent the email off prior to the trade, though that wasn't made clear to the viewing public - btw, nice call Linc).

The fact is that I suggested years ago the White Sox were interested in ARod, and ARod was seen taking BP in a Crazy Horse T-Shirt. It is well documented that Jerry Reinsdorf and the White Sox made every attempt to land ARod. Even offering $150M to him. The fact that Boras was deceptive enough to get Texas to bid against themselves upping the price to $252M when the White Sox were the next highest offer is why he gets paid the big bucks.

As for the T-Shirt, PG can now be seen wearing his collection of Crazy Horse tshirts while singing Baby PG lullaby's

Linc said...

Once the DeRosa deal was announced I should have updated the post and given PG a heads up.

Apologies for the drama!

Sulceski said...

No drama....but just to be clear Eric Hinske has already been traded.

PG said...

Everyone needs to calm down, that's all I'm saying. This blog was created to talk about our fantasy league, baseball, and to share ideas and thoughts. It's becoming more evident that the blog has morphed into something that was not intended and perhaps we should reconsider it's existence?

If you want to join the speech and debate team, I will more than happy find the closest high school.

Sulceski said...

Is it me or is PG just looking to shut the site down yet again???

PG said...

Actually, I was implying that we ban you from the site.

Sulceski said...

Damn a week on the East Coast and you go all hardcore on me...

Edward said...

PG if you are on the Cape what the fuck are you doing posting so much to the blog in the comments section?

PG said...

When is rains nonstop, it makes it easier.

Unknown said...

Then put together a Friday gutcheck if you have so much time on your hands....

Sulceski said...

CO Yank just swept the leg!!

PG said...

Wow, what a Pearl Harbor job from Yankee Mike. That's ok, I have a good memory.

Unknown said...

all in good fun PG....