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FanHouse MLB Chat

(07/24/2008)

2:00

Mullet:

Hey there baseball fans. Welcome to the latest FanHouse MLB chat. Another beautiful day in the big city here, and made more beautiful by the presence of AOL's own Andrew Johnson. Andrew, thanks as always. How's it going?

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:00 Mullet

2:01

Andrew Johnson:

Very well, an apt comparison calling this time of year like the anticipation for Christmas morning. This is my favorite part of the baseball calendar other than October.

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:01 Andrew Johnson

2:02

Mullet:

It really is like that. And the boxes under the tree seem to be getting bigger as the names are getting bigger. Let's start with the bottom feeders of the A.L. East starting to unload. How close is A.J. Burnett to getting dealt?

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:02 Mullet

2:04

Andrew Johnson:

Well what I keep hearing is, surprisingly, not very close at all. I was at Burnett's rain-shortened start last night in Baltimore. There were A LOT of scouts in the pressbox and elsewhere. He was good, but not great. Showing that big 95 mph fastball, 82-84 mph hook. But he gave up a lot of loud outs. He's really a fragile No. 2, and with his ability to opt out of his contract at the end of the year, the Jays might not be able to get as much as they'd like for him

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:04 Andrew Johnson

2:05

Andrew Johnson:

Roy Halladay, on the other hand ...

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:05 Andrew Johnson

2:06

Mullet:

Yes, his name made an appearance today!

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:06 Mullet

2:06

Mullet:

Is there a real chance that Halladay could be wheeled?

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:06 Mullet

2:06

Andrew Johnson:

I should add, probably several of those scouts were on hand to try and catch George Sherrill

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:06 Andrew Johnson

2:06

[Comment From ShawninSalisburyShawninSalisbury: ]

You mentioned the Baltimore game last night. How many people were there looking at Brian Roberts?

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:06 ShawninSalisbury

2:07

Andrew Johnson:

I don't think anyone, though I can't be sure. It's very unlikely Roberts will be dealt this year. I'll actually have a piece on that later today, but the short version is the Orioles are actually building toward something, and Roberts might be able to be a part of that

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:07 Andrew Johnson

2:08

Andrew Johnson:

Back to Halladay, I don't see him getting dealt, do you Mullet?

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:08 Andrew Johnson

2:08

Mullet:

I think the Jays would be crazy ... I had recently seen a piece where the Jays themselves had said that they wouldn't do it. But ...

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:08 Mullet

2:09

Andrew Johnson:

He's under contract for two more seasons AFTER this one.

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:09 Andrew Johnson

2:09

Mullet:

I think with CC Sabathia pitching so well these days, perhaps there are teams that will feel some pressure to up the ante and trade the world to get Halladay IF the Jays made him available. And if the J's get that "bowled over" trade, I wonder.

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:09 Mullet

2:09

Andrew Johnson:

They can hold onto him for next year and try again to make a run, and still get plenty in trade at the 2009 deadline or in the winter of 2009, or even at the 2010 deadline

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:09 Andrew Johnson

2:10

[Comment From kennykenny: ]

toronto will remain as they are,,,rebuilding if any will happen after season and halliday will want out

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:10 kenny

2:10

[Comment From GeorgeGeorge: ]

The Jays would be crazy to trade Halladay. They have some talent in the minors and they might be able to keep him and progress in a year or two

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:10 George

2:10

Mullet:

Yeah, I think the chances are slim. I wouldn't say none, but slim. The Jays have a bunch of smaller pieces they could trade if they wanted to sell off for minor leaguers.

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:10 Mullet

2:11

Andrew Johnson:

Toronto really needs offensive help. Maybe if they could get a prime mid-order bat that could help, they'd do it, but still ...

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:11 Andrew Johnson

2:11

Andrew Johnson:

They aren't going to get that bat from a contender at the deadline. Better to deal him in the winter.

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:11 Andrew Johnson

2:11

[Comment From kennykenny: ]

ricciardi wont stand silent this off season..in fact his job may depend on it

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:11 kenny

2:11

Andrew Johnson:

Assuming he has a job!

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:11 Andrew Johnson

2:12

Mullet:

Yeah, I don't think his job hinges on this trade deadline. If he gets fired, his fate has more than likely already been decided by now.

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:12 Mullet

2:13

Andrew Johnson:

I'm honestly a bit surprised he still has a job. The Jays farm system is pretty barren other than Travis Snider and a few pitchers.

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:13 Andrew Johnson

2:14

[Comment From GeorgeGeorge: ]

Well they could have landed Dunn but Ricardi blew his mouth off

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:14 George

2:14

Mullet:

There are some bats out there to be had. And I'm hearing that the price for a guy like Xavier Nady has gone down. How many outfielders do you see switching places in July?

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:14 Mullet

2:16

Andrew Johnson:

I think you'll see most of the lesser names available get moved. Raul Ibanez, Casey Blake, Nady as you mention. I don't get why no one has said much about Brian Giles, but he would be a nice addition too.

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:16 Andrew Johnson

2:16

[Comment From GeorgeGeorge: ]

Do you think Dunn and Griffey will be traded?

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:16 George

2:16

Andrew Johnson:

Not sure we're going to see Bay or Holliday get moved

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:16 Andrew Johnson

2:17

Andrew Johnson:

I don't think Griffey is getting moved.

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:17 Andrew Johnson

2:17

Mullet:

Griffey's numbers are not Griffey in his prime ... the Rays have gotten the same production out of Eric Hinske. I don't see a lot of interest in Junior.

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:17 Mullet

2:18

[Comment From johnjohn: ]

Milton Bradley is the middle of the order bat and would not cost as much

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:18 john

2:18

Mullet:

I don't think the Rangers would trade Bradley unless they could get a top flight pitcher for him, which isn't likely.

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:18 Mullet

2:18

Andrew Johnson:

Dunn, you get into a tough situation. Can a team offer Walt Jocketty more than the two draft picks he'll get for the slugger this winter?

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:18 Andrew Johnson

2:19

Andrew Johnson:

And who would give up much for Bradley? The guy has temper issues and isn't exactly Cal Ripken out there.

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:19 Andrew Johnson

2:19

Mullet:

Bradley's value is probably to the Rangers and the Rangers only.

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:19 Mullet

2:20

Mullet:

And Dunn is a strange case because his numbers are so extreme. He has a low average but a high OBP. How do you set value for someone like Dunn?

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:20 Mullet

2:20

[Comment From ScottScott: ]

What about Teixeira? I have heard the Braves have told him he will not be traded, but we are slipping farther out of contention with each day.

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:20 Scott

2:20

Andrew Johnson:

Right. Well, I think as JP Ricciardi's comments show, some teams appreciate him, others won't, which hurts his open market trade value.

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:20 Andrew Johnson

2:21

[Comment From Ron in LARon in LA: ]

Rumors have the DiamondBacks looking at Teixeira? How would that affect what the Dodgers do?

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:21 Ron in LA

2:22

Andrew Johnson:

I can't get a read on the Teixeira situation. The Braves absolutely SHOULD trade him. Yet, the rumors just over the last two days have Atlanta drafting a list of partners for a Teix trade and also scouting Jason Bay.

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:22 Andrew Johnson

2:22

Andrew Johnson:

I don't think Atlanta knows what it wants to do with him yet

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:22 Andrew Johnson

2:22

Mullet:

Arizona has Conor Jackson so I'm not sure they're a fit. The Angels though ...

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:22 Mullet

2:23

[Comment From BCCBCC: ]

Dbacks have a solid first with Conner.

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:23 BCC

2:23

Andrew Johnson:

The Dodgers would be in big trouble if Arizona got Teixeira. Worth noting that Jackson has played a lot of left field this year, though not very well

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:23 Andrew Johnson

2:24

[Comment From Ron in LARon in LA: ]

The dodgers are in big trouble anyway

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:24 Ron in LA

2:24

Mullet:

And if there's a team that has chips in the farm to get Big Tex, it's Arizona.

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:24 Mullet

2:24

[Comment From ScottScott: ]

What about a Tex for Holliday, straight up?

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:24 Scott

2:25

Mullet:

Ooh, a fantasy baseball type trade. Nice.

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:25 Mullet

2:25

Andrew Johnson:

Wouldn't work. Atlanta would have to send more than Teixeira since Holliday has another year on his contract.

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:25 Andrew Johnson

2:25

Andrew Johnson:

Also there's this Todd Helton guy who is under contract til like 2235

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:25 Andrew Johnson

2:25

Mullet:

And Atlanta isn't in the business of letting prospects go. They want young guys back.

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:25 Mullet

2:26

[Comment From BCCBCC: ]

Will the Angels get a big bat?

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:26 BCC

2:26

Andrew Johnson:

They don't seem to feel they need one, which is amazing to me.

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:26 Andrew Johnson

2:27

[Comment From BCCBCC: ]

Why?

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:27 BCC

2:27

Mullet:

We talked about the Angels in our last chat as a team that doesn't normally make their deals at the deadline ... and with the large lead they have in the division, they might have a false sense of security.

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:27 Mullet

2:27

Andrew Johnson:

I don't really have a good answer. They are built around young pitching and don't seem to be willing to divert from this plan.

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:27 Andrew Johnson

2:28

Andrew Johnson:

It's a REAL false sense of security. Their run differential isn't as good as either of the Soxes. Would anyone pick them in a playoff series against Boston? I wouldn't even though they've dominated the Red Sox this season.

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:28 Andrew Johnson

2:29

[Comment From johnjohn: ]

tex to Angles also makes some sence they tried for him last summer and we all know how Boras loves So Cal for his clients

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:29 john

2:29

Mullet:

I also read somewhere that the Rockies would want a package from the Angels which includes Santana/Saunders and Kendrick for Holliday. That, if it's true, would be a heck of a lot.

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:29 Mullet

2:30

Andrew Johnson:

I think the Angels SHOULD do something like that. For all their success, they haven't even been out of the first round since 2005.

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:30 Andrew Johnson

2:30

Andrew Johnson:

Yeah, that's way too much, particularly because LA is using those players in the majors right now.

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:30 Andrew Johnson

2:31

[Comment From BCCBCC: ]

No, not a good move for Angels. You need to look at how Mike manages....

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:31 BCC

2:31

Andrew Johnson:

I know they're aggressive on the basepaths, but that clearly isn't working in the postseason.

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:31 Andrew Johnson

2:32

Mullet:

Aggressivness on the bases is fine, but someone besides Vladdy has to knock 'em in.

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:32 Mullet

2:32

[Comment From Ron in LARon in LA: ]

What do the Dodgers do? They need a big bat, but don't seem willing to take on more salary?

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:32 Ron in LA

2:33

Mullet:

If I had Andruw Jones, I'd be scared of taking on more salary too.

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:33 Mullet

2:33

Andrew Johnson:

I don't think they're going to do much. Colletti is another guy who is in all the rumors then ends up reluctant to deal his young players in the end.

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:33 Andrew Johnson

2:33

Mullet:

Agreed. They really like Kemp and Loney, and with good reason.

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:33 Mullet

2:34

Andrew Johnson:

They need offensive help bigtime.

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:34 Andrew Johnson

2:34

[Comment From SamSam: ]

How about K-Rod for Manny?

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:34 Sam

2:35

Mullet:

The creativity out there is abundant. That's wild.

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:35 Mullet

2:35

Andrew Johnson:

Another fantasy trade. Boston needs Manny more than K-Rod

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:35 Andrew Johnson

2:35

[Comment From Green MonsterGreen Monster: ]

Do you think Boston will make a trade?

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:35 Green Monster

2:36

Mullet:

Maybe a back of the rotation starter. Other than that, Big Papi is on his way back, that will probably be their acquisition. I don't see it.

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:36 Mullet

2:36

Mullet:

The Red Sox in the trade market, that is.

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:36 Mullet

2:36

Andrew Johnson:

David Ortiz seems fine, so I don't think they'll need a big bat. They could use some bullpen help, and the name I keep hearing is Damaso Marte, but the guy to really watch is Justin Masterson.

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:36 Andrew Johnson

2:37

Andrew Johnson:

Boston converted him to relief in the minors and he made his first appearance yesterday.

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:37 Andrew Johnson

2:37

Andrew Johnson:

2 2/3 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 3 K

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:37 Andrew Johnson

2:37

Andrew Johnson:

If he does that, the Red Sox aren't going to need anyone.

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:37 Andrew Johnson

2:37

Mullet:

Masterson has looked good in his time up in the bigs. If he can make the switch to reliever, those guys are going to be impossible to beat ... again!

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:37 Mullet

2:37

[Comment From ant pant p: ]

what are the yankees gonna do

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:37 ant p

2:38

[Comment From Ron in LARon in LA: ]

Boston will be tough to beat as is, what do the Yankees do?

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:38 Ron in LA

2:38

Andrew Johnson:

It's pretty amazing. Boston has been ravaged by injuries and they just keep plugging guys in. If they can get everyone healthy for the second half, they've got to be the favorite again

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:38 Andrew Johnson

2:38

Andrew Johnson:

I think the Yankees are going to be pretty active looking for pitching.

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:38 Andrew Johnson

2:38

[Comment From BCCBCC: ]

Injuries will be Boston's concern....Manny and David are aging fast...

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:38 BCC

2:39

Mullet:

Would the Yankees trade an Ian Kennedy, for example, to get an established arm?

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:39 Mullet

2:39

[Comment From Ron in LARon in LA: ]

A-Rod for the entire Dodger team.

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:39 Ron in LA

2:40

[Comment From johnjohn: ]

kennedy for Padilla and Laird

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:40 john

2:40

Andrew Johnson:

I could see them moving Kennedy in the right deal.

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:40 Andrew Johnson

2:40

[Comment From MattMatt: ]

Any more leaving the A's? I've read the Street rumors, anyone else in the pipeline? Somebody please take Chavez!

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:40 Matt

2:40

Andrew Johnson:

What I think they're really going to do is look for a salary dump. That's why you keep hearing Jarrod Washburn.

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:40 Andrew Johnson

2:41

Andrew Johnson:

Flex their financial muscles so they don't have to give up any good prospects. That's the same thing Cashman did in 2006 in the Abreu-Lidle deal, if you recall

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:41 Andrew Johnson

2:42

Mullet:

And give up NOTHING for those two guys.

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:42 Mullet

2:42

Andrew Johnson:

Nobody's taking Chavez.

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:42 Andrew Johnson

2:42

Mullet:

No. But the Huston Street rumors are fascinating. I've heard Tampa linked to Street and Matt Murton in the same deal.

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:42 Mullet

2:42

Andrew Johnson:

Other than Street, I think you could see Justin Duchscherer or Bobby Crosby get moved.

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:42 Andrew Johnson

2:43

Andrew Johnson:

I don't think I'd want Street right now if I was a contender.

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:43 Andrew Johnson

2:43

Mullet:

Duchscherer would be a classic Beane trade. This is a guy at the peak of his value off of his first year as a starter. I'd be surprised if Duke stayed to be honest.

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:43 Mullet

2:43

[Comment From BCCBCC: ]

Why would they move Justin? He is great!

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:43 BCC

2:44

Andrew Johnson:

Justin's peripherals are not strong. He doesn't miss a lot of bats and he doesn't get that many ground balls. Mullet is right on here.

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:44 Andrew Johnson

2:44

Mullet:

Isn't Justin pushing 30, too? And this is his walk year. Beane trades guys like that all the time. And with teams wanting pitching, he can get a decent haul for him.

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:44 Mullet

2:45

Mullet:

If he traded Harden, why not Duchscherer?

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:45 Mullet

2:45

[Comment From BCCBCC: ]

When will the A's stay pat and try to win it all!

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:45 BCC

2:45

Andrew Johnson:

The thing everyone needs to remember with Oakland's pitchers, is that they play in front of a terrific defense. It can make even mediocre or declining pitchers look good. *Cough* Barry Zito *Cough*

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:45 Andrew Johnson

2:46

[Comment From BCCBCC: ]

Plus big foul area..

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:46 BCC

2:46

Andrew Johnson:

Yes it's also a good pitcher's park too

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:46 Andrew Johnson

2:46

Andrew Johnson:

I think the A's are building toward Fremont in 2010 or 11, cant remember which year it is. That said, I think they could be very good next year.

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:46 Andrew Johnson

2:47

[Comment From MattMatt: ]

do you still see the A's in the race? or has the fork been stuck in them?

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:47 Matt

2:47

Andrew Johnson:

Fork is in. I think the Rangers might even finish ahead of them this year. Speaking of Texas, that's going to be a very, very good ballclub very, very soon.

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:47 Andrew Johnson

2:48

Mullet:

With three good teams in the A.L. East, it'll be too tough for the A's to find that last gear, especially if these other guys get sold off.

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:48 Mullet

2:48

Mullet:

Andrew, totally agreed on the Rangers. I'd love to see what some good young sinkerball pitchers can do in that park with that lineup behind them.

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:48 Mullet

2:49

Andrew Johnson:

Jon Daniels set that team up for years last summer by having a great draft and trading Teixeira and Gagne.

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:49 Andrew Johnson

2:50

[Comment From DrakeSTLDrakeSTL: ]

Will the Cardinals deal for Fuente (Col) or Marte from Pittsburgh?

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:50 DrakeSTL

2:50

Andrew Johnson:

The name I've heard the most is actually George Sherrill from the Orioles.

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:50 Andrew Johnson

2:50

[Comment From DrakeSTLDrakeSTL: ]

We are dying on the vine in St. Louis, do you think Mozelack will make a move?

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:50 DrakeSTL

2:51

Andrew Johnson:

I'd like to see them go and get AJ Burnett if the cost wasn't prohibitive.

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:51 Andrew Johnson

2:51

Mullet:

Sherrill upped his profile in the All-Star game. He'd be a great get for the Cardinals, especially if the price for Fuentes and Marte remains high.

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:51 Mullet

2:51

Andrew Johnson:

But I think the Cards' season may hinge on what they get from Adam Wainwright and Chris Carpenter.

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:51 Andrew Johnson

2:52

Mullet:

Which is a lot to ask out of those guys, especially Carpenter after being out since last season.

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:52 Mullet

2:52

Andrew Johnson:

The left-handed relief market is pretty robust this year.

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:52 Andrew Johnson

2:53

Mullet:

I think the Rays would be wise to look at Fuentes ... I don't trust Percival to stay healthy the rest of the year.

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:53 Mullet

2:53

Mullet:

And perhaps the Marlins too.

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:53 Mullet

2:53

Andrew Johnson:

Yeah, look St. Louis has overachieved so far this year. I think it might be better to sit this one out and look toward 2009. By one I mean the trade deadline

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:53 Andrew Johnson

2:53

[Comment From DrakeSTLDrakeSTL: ]

Adding Burnett with Carp / Wainwright / Loshe / fill in the blank would be awesome!

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:53 DrakeSTL

2:54

Andrew Johnson:

Fuentes has been scouted by pretty much every AL contender.

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:54 Andrew Johnson

2:55

Andrew Johnson:

The Rockies are supposedly asking for a top pitching prospect in return. Hard to see that happening. They ain't getting Clay Buchholz for him, as an example.

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:55 Andrew Johnson

2:55

[Comment From michaelmichael: ]

is there no interest in corpas

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:55 michael

2:55

Mullet:

Fuentes has gotta get dealt. With the market so good for them, and with Corpas on the roster, it just makes sense. But no, they're not getting Buchholz. That's crazy talk.

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:55 Mullet

2:56

Mullet:

I think the Rockies will hold on to the younger Corpas rather than Fuentes.

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:56 Mullet

2:56

Andrew Johnson:

Corpas is going to be Colorado's closer next season. He's under the team's control for the next four years. Fuentes is going to be a free agent. That's why he's going and Manny is staying.

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:56 Andrew Johnson

2:56

[Comment From kk: ]

How about the Phillies?

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:56 k

2:56

Mullet:

Phillies need a starter more than a reliever.

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:56 Mullet

2:56

Andrew Johnson:

How about the Phillies, Mullet? They can't be feeling too comfortable this afternoon.

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:56 Andrew Johnson

2:57

Mullet:

No, they're out of first place now after a late inning loss to the Mets.

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:57 Mullet

2:57

Andrew Johnson:

I think they're in trouble. Blanton isn't a difference-maker, and that bullpen has been pitching way, way over its head.

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:57 Andrew Johnson

2:57

Mullet:

And give credit to the Mets for winning the series after a disastrous loss on Tuesday.

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:57 Mullet

2:58

Mullet:

Andrew, I agree. Blanton is going from the AL to the NL, but he's going from a big ballpark to a shoebox. That's a bad mix.

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:58 Mullet

2:59

[Comment From BCCBCC: ]

Can the Mets sit tight?

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:59 BCC

2:59

Mullet:

I still think it would behoove the Mets to get an outfielder like Nady, but they're playing well now on the back of Carlos Delgado (if you can believe it.)

Thursday July 24, 2008 2:59 Mullet

3:00

Mullet:

And Oliver Perez was outstanding again today.

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:00 Mullet

3:01

Andrew Johnson:

Yea. I don't think the Mets should be complacent just because they've started to play well. They need a real outfielder, even if Ryan Church comes back healthy. Nady, Blake, Ibanez, I still like Brian Giles too.

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:01 Andrew Johnson

3:01

Mullet:

I also like Giles. I think the Mets, if given the choice, would prefer a righty to a lefty if they were to make a deal. But depending on how the market shakes out, they may not have that choice.

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:01 Mullet

3:02

Andrew Johnson:

They don't need someone special out there. Just someone who isn't Fernando Tatis.

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:02 Andrew Johnson

3:02

Andrew Johnson:

And I like Endy Chavez and all, but he is much better as a fourth outfielder.

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:02 Andrew Johnson

3:02

[Comment From colincolin: ]

Who would the Mets deal to get these players?

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:02 colin

3:02

Mullet:

Tatis is perfect off the bench. As good as he's been, I don't know if you can depend on him to start every game.

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:02 Mullet

3:03

Mullet:

Colin, the high end of the Mets prospects are Fernando Martinez, who they're not dealing, and Jon Niese ... a lefty pitcher. That's pretty much it. And it doesn't give them a lot of flexibility to make a deal for a guy like Nady or what have you.

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:03 Mullet

3:03

Andrew Johnson:

Mullet could probably better answer that question. But the Mets pretty much emptied out their farm system for Johan Santana. Which is why you can just ignore any Matt Holliday or Jason Bay rumor. New York doesn't have the pieces for a star.

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:03 Andrew Johnson

3:04

Mullet:

The rest of the interesting prospects in the Mets system after those two might be the guys they drafted this season, like Ike Davis or Reese Havens. And I don't see those guys getting dealt either.

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:04 Mullet

3:04

Andrew Johnson:

And you can't trade them anyway ... except as a player to be named.

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:04 Andrew Johnson

3:05

[Comment From BCCBCC: ]

Mets had six allstars this year in the minors...

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:05 BCC

3:05

Mullet:

They have to be with the team for a full year before they can be put in a deal, right?

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:05 Mullet

3:05

Andrew Johnson:

That's right.

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:05 Andrew Johnson

3:06

Mullet:

Like Andrew said, the Mets don't necessarily need a star like Bay or Holliday, just a solid starter like Nady, Giles, or Ibanez.

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:06 Mullet

3:06

Andrew Johnson:

Minor league All-Star appearances don't matter, unless they appeared in the Futures Game

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:06 Andrew Johnson

3:07

[Comment From BCCBCC: ]

I will ask.....So nobody will take a flyer on Bonds?

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:07 BCC

3:08

Mullet:

Their next best high prospect is a first baseman named Mike Carp ... and he's not seen as anything but a bench guy or maybe a DH for an AL team in the majors.

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:08 Mullet

3:08

Mullet:

I think we've seen the last of Bonds.

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:08 Mullet

3:08

Andrew Johnson:

I agree. We can debate whether he should be signed til we're blue in the face.

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:08 Andrew Johnson

3:08

Andrew Johnson:

I don't think it matters anymore.

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:08 Andrew Johnson

3:09

Mullet:

There are too many good outfielders available now for a team to get rather than get a guy who hasn't swung a bat in the majors in over nine months.

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:09 Mullet

3:11

[Comment From Tiger-RabbitTiger-Rabbit: ]

any takers for Edgar Renteria

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:11 Tiger-Rabbit

3:12

Mullet:

I'm not sure any contenders need a shortstop. The Red Sox might but ... oh yeah, that didn't work out so well the first time.

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:12 Mullet

3:12

Andrew Johnson:

I don't see it. Plus the Tigers are on the periphery of the race and don't really have a replacement for him.

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:12 Andrew Johnson

3:12

[Comment From colincolin: ]

Dodgers need a SS

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:12 colin

3:13

Andrew Johnson:

The Red Sox have Jed Lowrie, who I think might keep the shortstop job even when Julio Lugo returns. And speaking of that, doesn't Dave Dombrowski deserve a little of our scorn? Renteria clearly seems like a player not cut out for the Varsity League

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:13 Andrew Johnson

3:13

Mullet:

Yes. But they'll stay with the stopgap Berroa and pray that Furcal comes back healthy. (They'll have to pray hard.)

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:13 Mullet

3:13

Andrew Johnson:

I've heard Bobby Crosby as a possibility for the Dodgers.

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:13 Andrew Johnson

3:14

Mullet:

He'd be a better risk for LA than Renteria.

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:14 Mullet

3:15

[Comment From Ray CRay C: ]

So will Griffey Jr. go back to Seattle?

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:15 Ray C

3:15

Mullet:

Not this year. He's not what Seattle needs.

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:15 Mullet

3:15

[Comment From CubbieCubbie: ]

Do you think the Cub's should make another run for a starting Pitcher like AJ Burnett of Toronto?

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:15 Cubbie

3:16

Andrew Johnson:

I think the Cubs are fine. Maybe get another bullpen arm?

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:16 Andrew Johnson

3:16

Mullet:

I think the Cubs may make smaller deals but not a big one like Burnett. They're team is on the field for the most part.

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:16 Mullet

3:16

[Comment From michaelmichael: ]

is oswalt going anywhere

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:16 michael

3:16

Mullet:

Not while he's on the DL.

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:16 Mullet

3:16

Andrew Johnson:

Seriously, other than the Red Sox, Chicago is the team most ready for the postseason right now.

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:16 Andrew Johnson

3:17

Andrew Johnson:

Ed Wade is also delusional and thinks his team is contending, so I don't think Oswalt is going anywhere even if he was healthy.

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:17 Andrew Johnson

3:17

[Comment From EricEric: ]

Joba Chamberlain is better than any prospect the Red Sox have - fact or fiction?

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:17 Eric

3:17

Mullet:

Randy Wolf!!! LOL

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:17 Mullet

3:17

Andrew Johnson:

OK, first things first, he's not a prospect anymore.

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:17 Andrew Johnson

3:18

Andrew Johnson:

I think it's pretty clear, at least so far, that he was the best prospect in either organization coming into 2008. Definitely ahead of Clay Buchholz ... for now

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:18 Andrew Johnson

3:19

Andrew Johnson:

That said, Boston has a much, much better farm system on the whole.

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:19 Andrew Johnson

3:19

Mullet:

Once Joba learns to keep his pitch count down as a starter he'll be a star. But that's a road more difficult than you think for a power pitcher.

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:19 Mullet

3:19

[Comment From TONY NAVYTONY NAVY: ]

THAT WOULD BE A CLASSIC CUBBIES AND RED SOX

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:19 TONY NAVY

3:19

[Comment From colincolin: ]

Nate Silver said he wouldn't even trade the Cubs straight up for the Red Sox in his chat yesterday. That's quite the endorsement. And it probably means they're standing pat.

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:19 colin

3:20

Andrew Johnson:

It means if Nate Silver was running the Cubs, they'd be standing pat. But Jim Hendry is running Chicago. He isn't as smart as Nate is.

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:20 Andrew Johnson

3:21

Mullet:

If it was a Cubbies/Red Sox Series, I give the Cubs a good chance in that best of seven ... I'd give them a better chance if the N.L. had won that All Star game.

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:21 Mullet

3:21	Who wins a Cubs/Red Sox World Series? Cubs ( 48% ) Red Sox ( 52% ) Thursday July 24, 2008 3:21

3:22

[Comment From Green MonsterGreen Monster: ]

Will Boston resign TEK or go elsewhere at the end of this season?

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:22 Green Monster

3:22

Andrew Johnson:

I think whatever team comes out of the AL is going to be the favorite.

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:22 Andrew Johnson

3:23

Mullet:

Varitek is their heart and soul. He'll catch for them until he drops. And even then they'll find a spot for him.

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:23 Mullet

3:23

Andrew Johnson:

I have no idea about Varitek, my hunch is a short one or two-year deal, just because Boston doesn't have any other options on the horizon

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:23 Andrew Johnson

3:23

Andrew Johnson:

I think Boston will be talking to Texas quite a bit about one of their four catchers in the offseason.

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:23 Andrew Johnson

3:24

Mullet:

They have enough prospects to get Saltalamacchia if that's where they wanted to go.

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:24 Mullet

3:24

[Comment From BCCBCC: ]

Boston needs to win on the road before we crown them champs....

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:24 BCC

3:24

Mullet:

Laird wouldn't be a bad option either.

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:24 Mullet

3:25

[Comment From Green MonsterGreen Monster: ]

Is Cash the catcher they have now worth keeping in your opinion?

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:25 Green Monster

3:25

Andrew Johnson:

Do we actually believe this? The Red Sox have entered late-90s Yankees territory for me. "Show me the body" as Rob Neyer said the other day.

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:25 Andrew Johnson

3:26

Mullet:

Yeah. The Sox will be there when it counts. That's a good way of putting it, Andrew. Right now the Sox are a movie that we already know the ending to.

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:26 Mullet

3:26

Andrew Johnson:

God no. Kevin Cash is a terrible, terrible hitter, even for a catcher.

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:26 Andrew Johnson

3:26

[Comment From DanDan: ]

Who would be a good option for the Tampa Bay Rays to trade for? Is Josh Hamilton of the Rangers an option?

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:26 Dan

3:27

Andrew Johnson:

Just a hunch, but I don't think Josh Hamilton is on the block

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:27 Andrew Johnson

3:27

Mullet:

That would be quite ironic. But no, I don't think Hamilton is going anywhere.

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:27 Mullet

3:27

Mullet:

You don't trade cult heroes who have 95 RBI's at the all-star break.

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:27 Mullet

3:27

Andrew Johnson:

The Rays need a right-handed outfield bat and maybe some bullpen help. Mullet mentioned Matt Murton earlier, he'd be a nice fit.

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:27 Andrew Johnson

3:28

Andrew Johnson:

Tampa is more like Boston and the Cubs than the Yankees or the Mets. They're only in need of some minor tweaks.

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:28 Andrew Johnson

3:28

[Comment From EricEric: ]

Is that a joke? The Yankees won 4 titles in 5 years, the Sox have won 2 in 4...how are they in "late 90s Yankees territory"?

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:28 Eric

3:28

Mullet:

Matt Murton is one of those guys that could be seen as a minor tweak but pay off some major dividends for the Rays.

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:28 Mullet

3:29

Andrew Johnson:

My point was that we know the Red Sox will be there at the end. Not that they are in Yankees dynasty territory yet.

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:29 Andrew Johnson

3:29

Andrew Johnson:

They are developing a similar mystique or whatever you want to call it.

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:29 Andrew Johnson

3:30

Mullet:

He's not talking about pure numbers of titles Eric. It's just the way that team is set up on a game-by-game basis. The Yankees, in their dynasty years, were a team that you'd see down by two in the eighth, and you knew they were winning that game. (I called the Brosius HR in Game 5, for example). The Red Sox are in that place now.

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:30 Mullet

3:31

Andrew Johnson:

In no way am I saying the Red Sox are as good as those late 90s Yankees teams. Though if they win again this year, we can start having that discussion.

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:31 Andrew Johnson

3:32

Andrew Johnson:

Still don't see them matching that dynasty. The '98 Yankees team might be the best ever.

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:32 Andrew Johnson

3:32

[Comment From BCCBCC: ]

No one fears the Sox...especially not the Yankees....

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:32 BCC

3:33

[Comment From nohanoha: ]

everyone fears the sox they are killer

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:33 noha

3:33

[Comment From BCCBCC: ]

The Sox need to prove they can beat the Rays first....

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:33 BCC

3:33

Andrew Johnson:

Boston has owned Tampa at Fenway and Tampa has owned Boston at the Trop. The season series is tied 6-6.

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:33 Andrew Johnson

3:34

Mullet:

That's why winning the A.L. East instead of going in as the wild card will be big for those two teams.

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:34 Mullet

3:34

[Comment From robrob: ]

will the yankees trade Cano to the dodgers

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:34 rob

3:34

Mullet:

I don't see it.

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:34 Mullet

3:34

Mullet:

Who would they get from LA for him?

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:34 Mullet

3:34

[Comment From BCCBCC: ]

Cano is untouchable...

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:34 BCC

3:35

Andrew Johnson:

I read this today. I have a hard time seeing it happen.

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:35 Andrew Johnson

3:35

Mullet:

Especially with Cano heating up again. The Yanks need him.

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:35 Mullet

3:35

Andrew Johnson:

Cano is not untouchable. The rumor from George King of the NY Post is Derek Lowe and Matt Kemp for Cano.

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:35 Andrew Johnson

3:36

Andrew Johnson:

If that had been offered Cano would already be a Dodger.

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:36 Andrew Johnson

3:36

Andrew Johnson:

Matt Kemp alone is worth more than him.

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:36 Andrew Johnson

3:36

Mullet:

If that's the rumor, I don't see the Dodgers making that deal.

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:36 Mullet

3:36

[Comment From AndrewAndrew: ]

I think Cano is a Yankee for a while

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:36 Andrew

3:37

[Comment From SantiSanti: ]

Melki is more tradeable for the Yanks due to Gardner.

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:37 Santi

3:37

Andrew Johnson:

And Austin Jackson, who I think will the Yankees' starting center fielder by the end of 2009.

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:37 Andrew Johnson

3:37

[Comment From Buck NikedBuck Niked: ]

Any rumors that the Tigers will be adding pitching prior to the deadline

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:37 Buck Niked

3:37

Mullet:

Melky's value has long since fallen. The time to trade him was last season. They aren't going to get much for him now. Too streaky.

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:37 Mullet

3:38

Andrew Johnson:

Detroit sure needs pitching.

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:38 Andrew Johnson

3:39

Mullet:

They're in striking distance in the Central, maybe an arm for the pen would work for them. But I haven't heard anything concerning them.

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:39 Mullet

3:39

Andrew Johnson:

They don't have much to offer in a trade. They have shown interest in Freddy Garcia, who might be their best option.

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:39 Andrew Johnson

3:39

Andrew Johnson:

Garcia is a free agent.

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:39 Andrew Johnson

3:39

[Comment From BCCBCC: ]

What happen to Detroits offense?

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:39 BCC

3:40

Mullet:

They've invested so much into this season that they should think about adding somebody. Garcia would be an interesting option ... he should be just getting healthy now.

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:40 Mullet

3:40

[Comment From TJ WHITE SOX!!!TJ WHITE SOX!!!: ]

white sox will win division....and roll

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:40 TJ WHITE SOX!!!

3:41

[Comment From neil scapinoneil scapino: ]

White Sox have the division in hand, starting pitching wins championships

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:41 neil scapino

3:41

Andrew Johnson:

It's coming around. A couple of things happened. Granderson missed the first month and Miguel Cabrera and Edgar Renteria have had trouble adjusting to the AL. Also Sheffield has missed time.

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:41 Andrew Johnson

3:41

Mullet:

Along with Magglio.

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:41 Mullet

3:42

Mullet:

I don't know about the White Sox having the division "in hand", but their rotation has been good. Don't sleep on their bullpen either.

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:42 Mullet

3:42

Andrew Johnson:

But I have to agree with the White Sox fans in here. That team is really flying under the radar. They look a lot like the team that won in 2005.

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:42 Andrew Johnson

3:42

Andrew Johnson:

They have the second best run differential in the AL

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:42 Andrew Johnson

3:43

[Comment From scm2125scm2125: ]

Doesnt KC have a reliever that would interest some teams - say the NL team down the road?

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:43 scm2125

3:43

Andrew Johnson:

Ron Mahay? He's certainly on the block and could help the Cardinals.

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:43 Andrew Johnson

3:43

Andrew Johnson:

KC could also deal David DeJesus.

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:43 Andrew Johnson

3:44

[Comment From neil scapinoneil scapino: ]

soria, and he is real good...would be a nice addition

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:44 neil scapino

3:44

Andrew Johnson:

Joakim Soria is not going anywhere.

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:44 Andrew Johnson

3:44

Mullet:

Agreed. They wouldn't trade him at this stage.

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:44 Mullet

3:44

[Comment From AndrewAndrew: ]

Every year the Yankees rely on veteran pitchers or unproven talent (Hughes, Kennedy, and Mussina) and has beens (Ponson, Sexson, Hawkins) when will they make a move to get a real ace Wang isn't in my book

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:44 Andrew

3:45

Mullet:

The aces have all been traded already.

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:45 Mullet

3:45

Andrew Johnson:

Wang is particularly not in the ace in the playoffs. He allows too much contact.

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:45 Andrew Johnson

3:45

Andrew Johnson:

My suggestion would be look at Joba Chamberlain.

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:45 Andrew Johnson

3:45

[Comment From BCCBCC: ]

They Yankees have one - Joba..

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:45 BCC

3:45

Andrew Johnson:

He's going to be an ace.

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:45 Andrew Johnson

3:46

Andrew Johnson:

I also think they're going to be right in the hunt for CC Sabathia this winter. If they have CC and Joba, they'll have quite the rotation.

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:46 Andrew Johnson

3:46

Andrew Johnson:

A physically imposing one as well.

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:46 Andrew Johnson

3:47

[Comment From BCCBCC: ]

Mussina is Moyer (45) who pitched great today...Do you resign Mussina?

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:47 BCC

3:47

Andrew Johnson:

Not a chance. No way, not in the American League East.

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:47 Andrew Johnson

3:47	If you're the Yankees, and you had one free agent to get in 2009, who would it be? CC Sabathia ( 78% ) Mark Teixeira ( 22% ) Thursday July 24, 2008 3:47

3:48

[Comment From ToddTodd: ]

Do you see the Pirates moving any or all of these players..Nady..Bay..Marte..Wilson

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:48 Todd

3:48

Mullet:

You just don't know how long this Mussina renaissance (sorry if I spelled that wrong) is going to last.

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:48 Mullet

3:49

Andrew Johnson:

I think Nady and Marte are pretty close to locks to get moved.

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:49 Andrew Johnson

3:49

Mullet:

I think Nady is gone. They'd have to be bowled over for Bay. Is there even enough interest in Jack Wison?

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:49 Mullet

3:49

Mullet:

Wilson?

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:49 Mullet

3:50

Andrew Johnson:

Keep hearing the Dodgers ... but yeah, it's Jack Wilson, I'd give him away for a nice low-level arm.

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:50 Andrew Johnson

3:50

Andrew Johnson:

The Pirates should try and move Bay, but someone has to meet their price.

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:50 Andrew Johnson

3:50

Mullet:

The Pirates really like Marte, so I could see the Bucs holding out for a king's ransom for him too.

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:50 Mullet

3:50	Who's most likely to get moved to a contender? Xavier Nady ( 47% ) Damaso Marte ( 33% ) Jason Bay ( 16% ) Jack Wilson ( 5% ) Thursday July 24, 2008 3:50

3:51

[Comment From nicknick: ]

what are the chances they keep everyone

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:51 nick

3:51

Andrew Johnson:

0.01 percent

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:51 Andrew Johnson

3:52

Mullet:

Only if their price is too high for all of them. That's a longshot.

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:52 Mullet

3:52

Andrew Johnson:

Pittsburgh isn't close enough to contending to hold onto these players. None of them are going to play a significant role when the team is good again.

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:52 Andrew Johnson

3:52

[Comment From nicknick: ]

Which player leaving would have the greatest impact on the pirates

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:52 nick

3:53

Andrew Johnson:

You'll have to clarify. Do you mean which player leaving would hurt them in the short run or which player leaving would help them most in the long run

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:53 Andrew Johnson

3:53

Mullet:

Depends on what they get back for them. But losing any of these guys in themselves isn't going to impact a team that hasn't been in the playoffs in forever anyway.

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:53 Mullet

3:54

Andrew Johnson:

Bay would obviously net the biggest and presumably best future return and his departure would also hurt the 2008 team the most

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:54 Andrew Johnson

3:54

[Comment From shawnshawn: ]

do u think the rays can hold on to the east lead

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:54 shawn

3:55

Mullet:

The Pirates have to be careful. After the Littlefield era, they absolutely have to make sure that they get good haul for these guys or it's going to be another five years before they can think about contention.

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:55 Mullet

3:55

Mullet:

I think the Rays can, but they've got to figure out a way to be better on the road. No more sweeps to the likes of Cleveland, for example.

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:55 Mullet

3:56	Will the Rays win the east in 2008? Yes ( 21% ) No ( 79% ) Thursday July 24, 2008 3:56

3:56

Andrew Johnson:

I don't think the Rays are going to hold on for the AL East title. By run differential they aren't as good as Boston. They've also played nine more home games than the Red Sox to date.

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:56 Andrew Johnson

3:57

Andrew Johnson:

34 of Boston's final 59 games are at home.

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:57 Andrew Johnson

3:57

Mullet:

Wild card? That's more of a possibility.

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:57 Mullet

3:58

Andrew Johnson:

I'm actually starting to believe it's going to be old hat in the East. Red Sox for the division title, Yankees for the wild card.

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:58 Andrew Johnson

3:58

Mullet:

The Yanks are hot right now. And experience in these races counts for a lot.

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:58 Mullet

3:59

[Comment From shawnshawn: ]

i dont think the yankees will be in the play offs

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:59 shawn

3:59

[Comment From PhilliePhanaticPhilliePhanatic: ]

stick a fork in the yankees the are done

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:59 PhilliePhanatic

3:59

Andrew Johnson:

They're 3 1/2 out of first and undefeated since the break.

Thursday July 24, 2008 3:59 Andrew Johnson

4:00

Andrew Johnson:

Dead they are not

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:00 Andrew Johnson

4:00

Mullet:

The Yanks are never done until Yogi says it's over.

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:00 Mullet

4:01

[Comment From BCCBCC: ]

Who is pitching better than the Yanks right now?

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:01 BCC

4:01

[Comment From PhilliePhanaticPhilliePhanatic: ]

Chin - Min Wang will be a big help if he comes back healthy

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:01 PhilliePhanatic

4:02

Andrew Johnson:

They're on a hot streak, let's not go crazy. I still think the Red Sox and Rays have better starting pitching.

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:02 Andrew Johnson

4:02	Will the Yankees make the playoffs? Yes ( 58% ) No ( 42% ) Thursday July 24, 2008 4:02

4:03

[Comment From BCCBCC: ]

Rays yes...Red Sox not so sure...

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:03 BCC

4:03

Mullet:

If the Yankees have to depend on Darrell Rasner and Sidney Ponson for long stretches, they're in trouble.

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:03 Mullet

4:03

Andrew Johnson:

C'mon, they have Ponson and Rasner in their rotation. Boston's starters aren't perfect, but they're much better than New York's.

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:03 Andrew Johnson

4:04

Andrew Johnson:

Have you watched Jon Lester lately? He's been pretty terrific since the no-hitter.

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:04 Andrew Johnson

4:04

Mullet:

It's like a light went on in Lester. Right now, he might be your Game 2 starter in a playoff series.

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:04 Mullet

4:05

[Comment From PhilliePhanaticPhilliePhanatic: ]

that is an amazing story, he has been untouchable

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:05 PhilliePhanatic

4:05

Andrew Johnson:

Almost no doubt about it. Tim Wakefield is quietly having a great season too.

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:05 Andrew Johnson

4:05

[Comment From BCCBCC: ]

Come on... Lester is good....Sox go three deep and Dice K can be great at times...

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:05 BCC

4:06

[Comment From JPJP: ]

Any truth to the rumour that Yanks are close to getting Washburn....and do you think he will help?

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:06 JP

4:07

Mullet:

I think Washburn would be a nice addition for the Yankees being a lefty in that ballpark. For a fourth or fifth starter, you could do worse.

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:07 Mullet

4:07

Andrew Johnson:

I know they're interested in him. I think he would help in that he's reliable. He would give their rotation a lot of stability.

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:07 Andrew Johnson

4:08

Andrew Johnson:

An ace isn't coming. What they need is someone who can go five or six innings every fifth day. Washburn is that. Not flashy, but steady.

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:08 Andrew Johnson

4:09

[Comment From BCCBCC: ]

A semi ace is coming....Wang...

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:09 BCC

4:09

Mullet:

There aren't any aces out there for anybody to get. The Yankees are better served to get a Washburn, or maybe an arm for the 'pen.

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:09 Mullet

4:09

[Comment From Deven ShahDeven Shah: ]

Dice K is bostons best pitcher right now not the 3rd best

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:09 Deven Shah

4:09

Andrew Johnson:

Got to take issue with this. Daisuke Matsuzaka has walked 60 batters this year in 95 innings.

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:09 Andrew Johnson

4:09

[Comment From BCCBCC: ]

Wake is having a fine season...but do you want a knuckler in a crucial game in the playoffs

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:09 BCC

4:10

Andrew Johnson:

He hasn't been nearly as good as his ERA and record would suggest.

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:10 Andrew Johnson

4:10

Andrew Johnson:

Lester has pitched 30 more innings and walked 16 fewer batters

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:10 Andrew Johnson

4:10

[Comment From Deven ShahDeven Shah: ]

Right, but its the record that counts and hes kept boston in every game regardless his walk ratio

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:10 Deven Shah

4:11

Andrew Johnson:

Not when you're forecasting future performance.

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:11 Andrew Johnson

4:11

Mullet:

The Sox can't afford to have Dice K put the Sox in an early hole in the playoffs with a clunker of a game where he just can't find the plate. He's had a couple of games like that already this season.

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:11 Mullet

4:11

[Comment From PhilliePhanaticPhilliePhanatic: ]

Who will win the A.L. Central? That has been a great race also, just like the N.L. East , A.L East, and N.L. Central

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:11 PhilliePhanatic

4:11

Andrew Johnson:

OK, Mullet, let's pick all four divisions, right now

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:11 Andrew Johnson

4:12

Mullet:

I'm with you in the A.L. east, I like Boston.

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:12 Mullet

4:12

Andrew Johnson:

Red Sox, White Sox, Cubs, Mets

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:12 Andrew Johnson

4:12

Andrew Johnson:

The easy picks, but the best ones

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:12 Andrew Johnson

4:13

Mullet:

Yeah, I'm with you. Red Sox, White Sox, Cubs, Mets.

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:13 Mullet

4:13

[Comment From PhilliePhanaticPhilliePhanatic: ]

who will win the N.L. wild card

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:13 PhilliePhanatic

4:13

Mullet:

Especially if the Mets get an outfielder.

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:13 Mullet

4:13

Mullet:

The way CC is going, how could you pick against the Brewers for the NL wild card?

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:13 Mullet

4:13

Andrew Johnson:

I've got the Brewers

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:13 Andrew Johnson

4:14

[Comment From WMizeraWMizera: ]

I think you guys are missing it w/ the Mets

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:14 WMizera

4:14

[Comment From Deven ShahDeven Shah: ]

I think Philly will win the NL East.

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:14 Deven Shah

4:14

Mullet:

The Phillies can win that division for sure. But if Blanton is the best they can do in a trade then that's a problem.

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:14 Mullet

4:15

Mullet:

If they get Burnett, then it's a different story.

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:15 Mullet

4:15

Andrew Johnson:

I like the Mets starters quite a bit more than Philly's

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:15 Andrew Johnson

4:15

[Comment From WMizeraWMizera: ]

Come on ..... the Mets are starting Chavez, Tatis, and Easley LOL

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:15 WMizera

4:15

Mullet:

That's a fair point. They need an outfielder.

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:15 Mullet

4:15

[Comment From BCCBCC: ]

Dodgers or D-backs?

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:15 BCC

4:16

Andrew Johnson:

I think both Mullet and I are expecting Omar Minaya to get an outfielder

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:16 Andrew Johnson

4:16

[Comment From BCCBCC: ]

Mets have Santana and thats the difference...

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:16 BCC

4:16

Andrew Johnson:

I actually don't think he's the difference. Cole Hamels matches up pretty nicely with Johan. He's even a southpaw! It's the back of the rotation where the Mets have the edge.

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:16 Andrew Johnson

4:17

[Comment From WMizeraWMizera: ]

Not the way Santana has been reacting to the big city pressures

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:17 WMizera

4:17

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

Santana is not the same dominating pitcher he once was

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:17 Guest

4:17

Mullet:

Santana has been fine pitching in New York.

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:17 Mullet

4:17

Andrew Johnson:

OK, he's not quite what he has been, but Johan Santana is still one of the 10 best pitchers in baseball.

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:17 Andrew Johnson

4:18

Mullet:

It's not like he's worn earplugs to drown out boos like Bobby Bonilla did.

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:18 Mullet

4:18

Andrew Johnson:

I don't get all the talk about him not living up to the hype. What were people expecting? Pedro Martinez in 1999?

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:18 Andrew Johnson

4:19

Mullet:

If Johan got any run support nobody would care about his slightly raised batting average against or his slightly high (for him) WHIP.

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:19 Mullet

4:19

[Comment From WMizeraWMizera: ]

Not the same as when he was w/ Minnesota

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:19 WMizera

4:20

Mullet:

No it's not. But with run support, he'd have 10-12 wins by now.

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:20 Mullet

4:20

[Comment From BCCBCC: ]

First year in NL and NY...he will adjust.

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:20 BCC

4:20

Andrew Johnson:

Again ... so what. Those years in Minnesota were probably the best pitching seasons of the decade. Santana is, again, still one of the 10 best pitchers in baseball.

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:20 Andrew Johnson

4:20

[Comment From nick from pittsburghnick from pittsburgh: ]

Ok who is the best pitcher in the mlb?

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:20 nick from pittsburgh

4:21

Mullet:

And just to throw it in to avoid any our east coast bias, I'll go with Arizona in the N.L. West by a hair.

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:21 Mullet

4:21

Mullet:

Right now? It's CC.

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:21 Mullet

4:21

Andrew Johnson:

Whoops. I picked the D'backs before the season and I'm sticking with them.

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:21 Andrew Johnson

4:22

Andrew Johnson:

Right now or for the next five years, I think you almost have to pick Sabathia. Though I like both Jake Peavy and Brandon Webb.

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:22 Andrew Johnson

4:22

Mullet:

I think I actually picked the Dodgers at the start of the season, but with both teams neck and neck I like the top of Arizona's rotation.

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:22 Mullet

4:22

[Comment From WMizeraWMizera: ]

Webb

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:22 WMizera

4:22

[Comment From BCCBCC: ]

What about Halliday?

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:22 BCC

4:22

Mullet:

Webb has scary good stuff. And I've always been a big fan of Jake Peavy.

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:22 Mullet

4:22

[Comment From nick from pittsburghnick from pittsburgh: ]

what about volquez

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:22 nick from pittsburgh

4:23

Mullet:

You have to give Volquez a lot of credit for doing what he's done in that park.

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:23 Mullet

4:23

Andrew Johnson:

You can make an argument for Doc too. I really love watching Webb pitch and think his sinker might be the toughest pitch in baseball, when he's right.

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:23 Andrew Johnson

4:23

Andrew Johnson:

Let's give Volquez another season or two before we really include him in this conversation.

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:23 Andrew Johnson

4:24

[Comment From CubbieCubbie: ]

Zambrano is the best

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:24 Cubbie

4:24

[Comment From BCCBCC: ]

Beckett???

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:24 BCC

4:24

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

If Felix Hernandez gets his mechanics in order he can be the next Pedro martinez. He has that devestating stuff.!!!

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:24 Guest

4:24	Who's the best pitcher in baseball? Brandon Webb ( 15% ) Jake Peavy ( 9% ) CC Sabathia ( 21% ) Dan Haren ( 0% ) Josh Beckett ( 27% ) Somebody else ( 27% ) Thursday July 24, 2008 4:24

4:25

Andrew Johnson:

I think Zambrano and Beckett are both a hair back of the top guys, though Beckett's postseason heroics have to count for something.

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:25 Andrew Johnson

4:25

Mullet:

You could put Dan Haren on the list too. Webb overshadows him in that rotation, but Haren could be in this conversation.

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:25 Mullet

4:25

Andrew Johnson:

I can buy Felix if we're talking for the next five seasons.

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:25 Andrew Johnson

4:27

[Comment From WMizeraWMizera: ]

Wicked lag on posting here ..... I believe that Liriano will be a better pitcher than Santana

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:27 WMizera

4:27

Andrew Johnson:

Career-wise?

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:27 Andrew Johnson

4:27

Andrew Johnson:

Or going forward?

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:27 Andrew Johnson

4:27

Mullet:

After the injury he had, that's a lot to assume.

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:27 Mullet

4:28

[Comment From WMizeraWMizera: ]

going forward

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:28 WMizera

4:28

Andrew Johnson:

If Liriano can stay healthy I can see it as a possibility.

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:28 Andrew Johnson

4:29

[Comment From WMizeraWMizera: ]

It was just the one occurance ...... we're not talking Rich Harden here LOL

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:29 WMizera

4:30

Mullet:

He's got great stuff. But he does have to stay healthy. He seems to throw with so much torque on his arm you wonder if he'll be more prone to injury ... not that I'm a doctor or anything. But if healthy, yes, it's possible. I just want to see him come up to the majors again.

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:30 Mullet

4:30

Andrew Johnson:

OK, but Liriano doesn't even have a full season under his belt and some people think his mechanics were what made his slider so nasty ... the same mechanics that put him on the operating table.

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:30 Andrew Johnson

4:30

Andrew Johnson:

So does he alter his mechanics and become less effective? Or does he keep his mechanics and risk another injury?

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:30 Andrew Johnson

4:31	Will Liriano have a better career than Santana? Yes ( 29% ) No ( 71% ) Thursday July 24, 2008 4:31

4:31

[Comment From FrankFrank: ]

What about Joba....do you think he can be dominant if he progresses the way Santana did before he became an ace?

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:31 Frank

4:32

Mullet:

Yes. For Joba, he needs to learn to keep his pitch counts down so he could go seven or eight every once in a while. That's tough for a power pitcher. But he can do it for sure.

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:32 Mullet

4:32

Andrew Johnson:

Two answers to that question. Yes, I think Joba can be an ace. No, I wouldn't put the burden of matching Johan Santana on any pitcher.

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:32 Andrew Johnson

4:32

Andrew Johnson:

Santana is probably the best pitcher of the decade.

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:32 Andrew Johnson

4:32

[Comment From WMizeraWMizera: ]

But those mechanics have been in place for years and years already without a history of problems.

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:32 WMizera

4:33

Mullet:

To say somebody, anybody is going to be Santana is premature to talk about for anybody who's 22 or 23. But Joba can be a dominant pitcher.

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:33 Mullet

4:33

Mullet:

But now he does have a history.

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:33 Mullet

4:33

Mullet:

To miss a whole season is pretty significant.

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:33 Mullet

4:34

[Comment From dhartdhart: ]

are the indians going to move blake ?

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:34 dhart

4:34

[Comment From BillBill: ]

Casey Blake attracting any interest?

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:34 Bill

4:34

Andrew Johnson:

One last note on this. Liriano didn't even come up as a pitcher. I believe he was a catcher first. He's never had to throw this many innings before. He pitched part of one major league season and suffered a major injury. It's fair to wonder if he can hold up over 200 innings every season.

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:34 Andrew Johnson

4:35

Mullet:

If the Mets can't get Nady from Pittsburgh I think they'll look at Casey Blake. He hits right handed and can play both first and the outfield.

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:35 Mullet

4:35

Andrew Johnson:

Blake is going to end up on some contending team. Mets seem like a good possibility.

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:35 Andrew Johnson

4:35

Andrew Johnson:

He's versatile, which is nice. He can fill in at third if need be.

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:35 Andrew Johnson

4:36

[Comment From GeorgeGeorge: ]

Wo will the Mets trade for Nady not Murphy,Martinez, Or Niese

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:36 George

4:36

Mullet:

The Pirates will probably want one of those guys. The Mets aren't giving up Fernando. If the Pirates ask for two, talks end there, I think.

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:36 Mullet

4:37

Andrew Johnson:

I wouldn't be giving up too much at all for Nady. He's having a career year.

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:37 Andrew Johnson

4:37

[Comment From GeorgeGeorge: ]

Nady has been solid but this is his first year of being amazing why so high

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:37 George

4:38

Andrew Johnson:

Brilliant move on Pittsburgh's part to group him with Jason Bay in the media. I think it's actually given a boost to his value.

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:38 Andrew Johnson

4:38

Mullet:

And the fact that Nady was very good in the four months he was a Met boosts his value in New York even further.

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:38 Mullet

4:39

[Comment From GeorgeGeorge: ]

He was but would Raul Ibanez be cheaper than Nady

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:39 George

4:40

Mullet:

Conventional wisdom says yes. Seattle has to be realistic and stop asking for guys like Max Scherzer for him.

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:40 Mullet

4:40

Andrew Johnson:

Not necessarily. I think Casey Blake is the real bargain bin option among them alll, but then he's not quite as good as Nady or Ibanez right now.

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:40 Andrew Johnson

4:41

Mullet:

There are enough teams that need/want outfielders where Blake will be moved somewhere easily.

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:41 Mullet

4:41

Mullet:

Even after guys like Nady/Ibanez are moved.

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:41 Mullet

4:42

[Comment From heshhesh: ]

would love to see mets move beltran for holiday and fuentes

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:42 hesh

4:42

Andrew Johnson:

Wouldn't this be robbing Peter to pay Paul?

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:42 Andrew Johnson

4:43

Andrew Johnson:

Who plays center field then?

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:43 Andrew Johnson

4:43

Mullet:

Yeah, that's not happening.

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:43 Mullet

4:43

[Comment From GeorgeGeorge: ]

That would be awesome but who wold play center Chavez

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:43 George

4:43

Mullet:

Would you want Chavez in your everyday lineup?

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:43 Mullet

4:43

Mullet:

Not me.

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:43 Mullet

4:44

Andrew Johnson:

I think Beltran's actually a better player than Holliday right now, when you account for his excellent defense.

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:44 Andrew Johnson

4:44

Mullet:

And I love Endy ... but he's a fourth OF.

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:44 Mullet

4:44

Mullet:

And also account for Beltran's ability to steal bases.

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:44 Mullet

4:45

Andrew Johnson:

And we haven't even touched on Holliday's struggles away from Coors Field and the fact that he's only three years younger than Beltran.

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:45 Andrew Johnson

4:45

Mullet:

Beltran's downfall is that his numbers close and late have been horrible ... that's why there's a good amount of anti-Beltran sentiment in N.Y. ... more than there should be. But not only are his numbers good, his defense is great, but he's also willing to dive and crash into walls in the outfield, and his willingness to play hurt. That doesn't get talked about enough.

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:45 Mullet

4:46

Andrew Johnson:

Beltran does have a pedigree for success in the postseason. Remember the show he put on in 2004 for the Astros.

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:46 Andrew Johnson

4:46

[Comment From GeorgeGeorge: ]

Who would the Mets trade Martinez for

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:46 George

4:47

Mullet:

If they wouldn't trade him for Santana, then they're not trading him for anybody. (I assume you mean Fernando and not Pedro.)

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:47 Mullet

4:48

Andrew Johnson:

Omar's got to hold onto the blue-chippers he has in the high minors.

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:48 Andrew Johnson

4:52

[Comment From GeorgeGeorge: ]

Do u think Ike Davis will be a good pick for the Mets or will they use Mike Carp

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:52 George

4:52

Mullet:

Carp is a decent prospect, but the Mets see Davis as their first baseman of the future.

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:52 Mullet

4:53

Mullet:

So it looks like it's time to wrap things up. Before we go, I ask you Andrew: What will be the biggest trade left, and what will be the biggest name to be moved that will surprise us?

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:53 Mullet

4:56

Andrew Johnson:

Hmmm, well I still think AJ Burnett will get moved, and he'll have a big impact wherever he ends up. As for a surprise deal, I'll say Jeff Francoeur. Feel like Atlanta could move him.

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:56 Andrew Johnson

4:56

Andrew Johnson:

Thanks for having me Mullet. I'll try not to wake the neighbors on my way out.

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:56 Andrew Johnson

4:57

Mullet:

Take your shoes off and tip-toe! Thanks to you Andrew, and thanks to all of you for being a part of it. With the trade deadline coming, we'll be sure to do this again very soon!!!

Thursday July 24, 2008 4:57 Mullet

4:57

Writer: John Walters

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