Who's gonna replace A-Rod? How about Miguel Tejada? He'd cost the Yankees less talent than Miguel Cabrera, and he's healthier than Scott Rolen. Honestly, I'd be all in favor of it. For one thing, I think New York would be brutal for Tejada. He says so many stupid things and so routinely fails to deliver "in the clutch" that he'd get eaten alive by the media. And, frankly, I'm sick of Tejada's whole act. I'd be able to just flat-out hate the guy. I think many of us would like that chance.
Andy Pettitte has decided not to exercise his $16 million option for 2008, but that doesn't mean he won't play next year. And, if he does, it's going to be with the Yankees. He's not going to play anywhere else. The only question is whether or not he'll retire. He wasn't amazing or anything, but he and Wang were the only reliable starters New York had all season.
Greg Maddux, 42 in April, will be back with the Padres on a one-year, $10 million deal.
Curt Schilling's free agent search is likely to be short and uneventful, as it looks like he'll be back in Boston next year.
John Russell will manage the Pirates. The only thing I can say to give Pirates fans any encouragement is, hey, my man Rod Marinelli is doing pretty well with the Super Bowl-bound Detroit Lions. Matt Millen had a plan all along. I always said he was a smart guy who should definitely be running an NFL team.
Annoyed by his pudginess and general demeanor, the Marlins could trade Miguel Cabrera for starting pitching. Would you flip Bedard for Cabrera? Given that Cabrera is 24 and one of the best hitters in baseball, I think it's foolish to not at least say you'd strongly consider it. Bedard is a legit ace, though. Doesn't matter, that's not happening.
Scott Rolen is probably headed out of St. Louis, as he thinks Tony La Russa is a major shit. I can't say as though I disagree with him. Rolen's still a good ballplayer when he's healthy. Remember when we didn't make a trade for Scott Rolen? 'Cause the Phillies also wanted Sean Douglass? And we said no? 'Cause Sean Douglass was too valuable to give away? The Orioles. God.
The Twins have talked to Boston about Coco Crisp. Makes sense. They need a center fielder and Boston has the spare with the emergence of that goddamned Jacoby Ellsbury, who I can tell is going to annoy the hell out of me for the next decade or so.
The Cubs are interested in Fuck You, Dome.
The Padres could pick up David Eckstein to play second base. Whatever, dude.