The shortstop we have: Juan Uribe is back in court, but who the hell knows why. The
last we heard, the farmer had 10 days to produce evidence. Ten days passed, and 10 more days passed, and 10 more days passed, and now some 37 days later, we find out that he's not in the clear.
And we think our legal system is screwed up.
The shortstop we don't have: Thanks to Al M. for sending
this fascinating rumor my way. Sure, they're just words on a message board, but it's good discussion fodder if nothing else:
I had to come here and let everyone know of some juicy gossip I got from a friend.
Take this for what it is worth, here is my source: My brother and I's
best buddy used to date JR's daughter awhile back and they are still
friends. I called my buddy for the whole happy holidays thing today and
caught up with him. Here is what he told me:
That Kenny wants Tejada and is willing to give up Fields and a
young pitching stud combined with whatever else to make it work out. He
also said they prefer Crede to Fields and are really just trying to up
Fields value in a trade right now. All of the recent young arms are
being acquired for a possible run at Miggy.
Miguel Tejada, huh? Let's say this rumor is coming from Ken Rosenthal or somebody, and the Orioles haven't made outrageous demands for Tejada in the past. Like Mr. T says,
it's fun to pretend. Here's what Tejada offers:
- His slugging/home run total has dropped for two straight years in a hitter's ballpark, but
- He set a career high in batting average last year.
- He's played in 162 games for six straight years.
- He's stolen 25 bases in his last 29 attempts.
- He stands to make $38 million over the next three years.
- He was perfectly average defensively, according to Zone Rating.
- He'll turn 31 next May.
- The Bill James Handbook likes him as a baserunner (+1)
Say they want two pitching prospects and Fields/Crede -- because if they only want one of the arms the Sox just acquired, I'd do the deal without thinking twice. One on the level of John Danks/Gio Gonzalez, the other Lance Broadwayish in quality. Plus Crede.
Would you pull the trigger?