And we're back

by Scott Christ on Dec 27, 2006 12:30 PM EST in News & Rumors

Alright then. Let's catch up.

Craig Wilson is a real possibility, as talks have advanced on that front. Wilson would likely be a platoon guy against lefties, which would be great since he crushes them, giving Gibbons or Patterson the chance to sit those games out, which would be great since they suck against lefties, particularly Patterson (.560 OPS in '06, .629 career).

The Yankees are looking to deal Randy Johnson, and the Diamondbacks are interested in having him return to Arizona. This makes a lot of sense, as Johnson is 43 years old and sucked last season. It wasn't "a bad year for Randy Johnson," it was a bad year, period. It was his worst season since 1989, and nearly the worst of his career.

The Angels signed Shea Hillenbrand to a one-year, $6.5 million deal. This comes after Juan Rivera broke his leg playing winter ball.

Over at the Griffey residence, Ken Jr. broke his hand. I kid you not.

The White Sox and Rangers completed a five-player trade, with RHP Brandon McCarthy and 18-year old OF David Paisano (I kid you not) going to Texas, and LHP John Danks and RHPs Nick Masset and Jacob Rasner. McCarthy will immediately enter the Rangers rotation. I like him and was hoping the O's could have figured out a way to deal for him over the last couple of years, but again, the genius Rangers out-think us all.

We're STAYING IN FORT LAUDERDALE. HIP! HIP! HOORAY! HIP! HIP! HOORAY!

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Comments

Wilson

Not a bad idea, really, if that's his role. Cheaper than Huff with similar skills and near-equal numbers (if not equal). I'd be all for that move.

by punkrawka on Dec 27, 2006 2:23 PM EST reply actions

true

I think Wilson is one of those guys, that if used correctly, can put up great numbers. He hit like .330 in the first half a couple years ago, but wore down in the second. An interesting stat: Wilson's career slugging pct. of .480 puts him in a tie with Tejada for best on the Orioles. Not saying Wilson is better than Miguel, but hes worth acquiring

by nittany lion on Dec 27, 2006 3:44 PM EST up reply actions

Backup C

Could also serve as a third catcher or emergency guy in lieu of Millar being the emergency guy.

"Hating the New York Yankees is as American as apple pie, unwed mothers and cheating on your income tax." Mike Royko.

by BPinOK on Dec 27, 2006 3:53 PM EST reply actions

re:

I still want to see Millar end up having to catch. Maybe Jamie Walker can pick off three guys in a row.

"I don't want any credit. I'm not looking for credit. You know what? I don't want any blame if we're horse shit, either." -- Jim Leyland

by Scott Christ on Dec 27, 2006 4:10 PM EST up reply actions

Help...

I've fallen into the trap of thinking about backup catchers.

On the other hand, it is only 90+ days until opening day. 94 until the O's play I believe.

"Hating the New York Yankees is as American as apple pie, unwed mothers and cheating on your income tax." Mike Royko.

by BPinOK on Dec 27, 2006 4:25 PM EST up reply actions

Oh, absolutely.

That would be comedy gold.

by 2632 on Dec 27, 2006 11:21 PM EST up reply actions

Glad they didn't trade for him...

Brandon McCarthy gives up the long ball (17 this past season) like he's standing in line at a soup kitchen. What's worse is that that doesn't make any sense! He's a bad fit for the Rangers and would have been terrible at home with the Orioles. Not to mention in 53 (84.2 IP) games he had a record of 4-7 with an ERA of 4.68 in relief. Strike-outs to walks were 69-33; not bad.

My wife left me, my daughter has a driver's license, and keeping the cosmos from chaos lacks so much of the razzle dazzle."

by Dr Orpheus on Dec 27, 2006 5:34 PM EST reply actions

re:

4-7 with a 4.68 ERA in 84 innings of relief at age 22 in his first real season in the majors after a 3.39 ERA in 470 minor league innings with a good K-rate (10.26 K/9) in the minors. He also said repeatedly that he wasn't comfortable relieving.

"I don't want any credit. I'm not looking for credit. You know what? I don't want any blame if we're horse shit, either." -- Jim Leyland

by Scott Christ on Dec 27, 2006 11:15 PM EST up reply actions