Got to find it interesting that Bob Boone, the Nationals' assistant GM, appeared in Trenton this week to see the Double-A affiliates of the Yankees and Blue Jays.
For someone as big as Boone to show up, it certainly means the Nationals are serious. Still believe the Nationals won't budge on Alfonso Soriano unless they get Phil Hughes in return. But obviously Jose Guillen could be had for a cheap price. And don't discount the Blue Jays in this scenario. Boone saw their 2004 top pick, David Purcey, pitch that night, so maybe the Nats have interest in him.
Thoughts?
Comments (11)
Regarding the poll today for a starting pitcher...why Dontrelle? Every time we a get a National League starter he stinks. (Maybe I am still scarred from the the big Steve Trout deal). GO FOR AN AL STARTER!
MMC Gutt in Norfolk.
So much for that media "clap trap" that the Yankee farm system is empty. Only in a Soriano deal should Hughes even be mentioned by the Yanks. We should get both Soriano and Guillen in 1 deal which includes Hughes. Then we go after Eddie Guardado of Seattle. We have plenty of minor league talent to get these 3 players, with Hughes being the "crown jewel" that gets the Nationals to trade us Soriano. The Nationals have to move Soriano due to his impending free agency. We have to make sure that we sign him long term, before the trade is final. No long term deal, no Hughes.
I don't want Guillen for free.
As previously mentioned, the Yankees should be looking at John Smoltz, who together with Mussina and Wang would give them three solid starters in the post-season.
Hughes for Soriano? OMG.
I'll be watching Smoltz pitch tonite @ St.Pete vs Rays. He would look good in pinstripes, but when he was a free agent last time, he turned down more $ to sign here. I don't envision him waiving no-trade clause to come here.
Frankly, I am hoping there are no trades at all.
The Yankees need to STOP trading prospects for short-term fixes.
I would rather see the Yankees miss the playoffs this year and make it the next 10 years with their up and coming talent. Am I the only one tired of seeing our young talent depart to other teams in exchange for aging players that never seem to meet expectations and then are gone within 18 months?
The team's average age is still, I believe, the highest in the major leagues. Sure, some veterans are invaluable to have on a team, but a mix is the best.
Most midseason acquisitions have been awful. David Justice and Glenallen Hill were exceptions and both were excellent additions, though I think Hill left the next year pretty quickly.
The Yankees are going to move very carefully at the trading deadline. Gone are the days of packaging young talent for aged veterans. Oliver Perez would be a disastrous move, he has no control at all. If they can get a corner outfielder for cheap they may bite but they do not need to.
Moving Hughes would also be a disaster. I think they will just sit tight and see how things shape up with Pavano, and gauge where they are in the standings.
Remember, the Red Sox have middle relief woes as well and they are due for their usual swoon. Besides, they do not have the firepower to bludgeon teams to death anymore.
Same holds true for Detroit. They will come back to the pack, they may not fold, but they will come back to the pack.
The Yanks will probably pick up a starter who can give them innings, if Pavano can not come back and if Chacon continues to falter. They do not need Soriano, and if Melky continues to grow and either Sheffield or Matsui are fine they will be ok. A Rod will come to his level and have a solid July/August.
Yanks will win the east and will need to get proper pitching alignement for the October run.
Jimmy say hi to your dad Ron.
I second Paul's comment about handing talent over for aging veterans. Look at Cano, Wang and Phillips. There is more down on the farm. Wait til its harvested.
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