News Roundup: Pedro, Liriano, Mussina, Randa, Byung-Hyun Kim, Matsuzaka, Gagne, LUIS TERRERO

Let us have a talk about recent news!

The biggest news that we haven't talked about yet: The White Sox have stolen Luis Terrero from us. Yes, it's true, and I know how upset you all must be. Terrero is 26 and quite a AAA player. In all candor, if the White Sox further block Ross Gload because now they have Terrero, I'm gonna LOSE IT! It's Gload time, baby!

If Pedro Martinez's shoulder doesn't get back to 100 percent, he may retire. Right now, he's just considering the idea, and it hinges on that "if." You would not be without an argument if you stood up and declared that Pedro Martinez is the best pitcher in the history of baseball. 206-92, career 2.81 ERA in a big hitters era, 2998 strikeouts. If he retired without pitching another game, he'd have my Hall of Fame vote. Not that I have one, but you know what I'm saying. He's bona fide.

As I'm sure you've heard, Francisco Liriano is going to have Tommy John surgery and miss 2007. Big blow to the Twins in '07, needing to find replacements for Radke and Liriano.

If the Yankees don't want him back (and I don't know why they wouldn't other than the curse), Mike Mussina would definitely consider pitching for the Mets. Come home, Mike. Pete's real sorry, promise.

Joe Randa's gonna retire. I always liked Randa, but I always have a soft spot for good-average, mediocre-power hitters like Randa. Not so much that I want a team full of them or anything, but Randa's just one of those guys. Most years Randa was good enough to not actively hurt a team. He was drafted by Kansas City in 1991, in the 11th round, and came up with the Royals in 1995. He was involved in a lot of trades. Let's recap them, just for fun! Everyone loves to talk Joe Randa shop!

1. December 13, 1996: Traded by the Kansas City Royals with Jeff Martin, Jeff Granger, and Jeff Wallace to the Pittsburgh Pirates for Jay Bell and Jeff King.
   
2. November 18, 1997: Traded by the Arizona Diamondbacks with Matt Drews and Gabe Alvarez to the Detroit Tigers for Travis Fryman.
   
3. December 4, 1998: Traded by the Detroit Tigers to the New York Mets for Willie Blair.
   
4. December 10, 1998: Traded by the New York Mets to the Kansas City Royals for Juan LeBron.
   
5. July 23, 2005: Traded by the Cincinnati Reds to the San Diego Padres for Justin Germano and Travis Chick.

Footnotes: Randa never played for Arizona, he was an expansion draft pick. He also never played for the Mets. Fryman also never played for Arizona -- he was traded to Cleveland for Matt Williams a couple weeks later. Juan LeBron is a cool name.

In all, Randa spent 12 seasons in the majors, for five different organizations: Kansas City (1995-1996, 1999-2004), Pittsburgh (1997, 2006), Detroit (1998), Cincinnati (2005) and San Diego (2005). He was a lifetime .364/.417/.455 hitter in the postseason. Of course, he only played three postseason games.

The Rangers have a second interview set up with Ron Washington. I can't say enough how awesome I think Wash is. I wish he managed our team. I'm really excited for some possible Wash interviews, and a potential Ozzie Guillen/Wash feud if there's a questionable White Sox/whoever game or series at some point.

Tigers hitting coach Don Slaught will not return, but first base coach Andy Van Slyke will.

Byung-Hyun Kim will still be in Colorado next year. Good choice, BK.

Eric Gagne's option was not picked up by the Dodgers. It sure is a quick fall from being the world's most badass closer to being a dude whose option isn't getting picked up because you never pitch, EVER. I'll tell you though, on the cheap, if he's healthy, Gagne's going to be a hell of a pickup for someone, even if he just stays with the Dodgers.

Jeromy Burnitz won't be back in Pittsburgh. By the way, thanks for saving us the time, J-Bone.

Bonds is talking with the Giants about a contract.

The Mariners are not going to be in the Matsuzaka sweepstakes.