Manny Loves LA, Bay to Beantown, Pitt Restocks Farm

The Manny Ramirez saga finally came to a merciful end this afternoon, with the Dodgers snagging the disgruntled outfielder for Andy LaRoche and Bryan Morris (who were sent to Pittsburgh). The Pirates sent Jason Bay to Boston, who gave up Brandon Moss and Craig Hansen (also to Pittsburgh). The Sox are also playing Manny’s salary for the rest of this year as well. Thanks to everyone in the live chat this afternoon for being there during this.

Instant Analysis? Manny gives the Dodgers the bat they have needed for years, Bay gives the Red Sox a more than capable replacement in left, and the Pirates get a much better haul than they did in the Nady/Marte deal. Like this deal all the way around.

Manny to Green Bay?

So Manny wants to be traded straight up for Brett Favre? Okay, we can break that one down. I’m not sure either team would agree to it, but it will be my job to try to convince them that’s its worth it.

I’ll start with Manny Ramirez as quarterback for the Green Bay Packers.

Here are the Negatives

-The first hurdle would be the drug test. I hope Manny has a nice masking agent, because we all know why you hang out in the Green Monster…and let me stress the word Green.

-Manny goes 6’0”, 200…That is fairly small for an NFL quarterback. In comparison, Rex Grossman goes 6’1” 215, and he is tiny (and worthless). Manny’s size could certainly scare the Pack away, unless Ramirez goes all Doug Flutie on us…and that aint happening.

-A quarterback must have quick instincts. I don’t believe the word quick is in the Manny dictionary.

-A quarterback must be a leader, and be vocal. Manny only opens his mouth to complain about his contract.

-A quarterback must be able to memorize a playbook, and decipher signs and codes. Manny…err… (See write-up on drug testing).

Here about the Positives:

-Manny has a deceptive arm. He could lull you to sleep, and then all of a sudden toss a 50 yard bomb.

-Manny is probably a huge fan of Bratwurst…the official food of Wisconsin.

-Manny is an aggressive runner. He would be willing to go that extra yard. (I know really bad cliché).

-Just imagine the possibilities of those touchdown celebrations.

-An incentive-laden contract would push him to actually compete.

After breaking it down I think it’s safe to say Manny could quite possibly be the worst quarterback of all time…or could start for the Chicago Bears.

So how about Favre? Could he control Fenway’s left field? Let’s go to the tape.

First, the negatives:

-He’s nearly 39 years old. Only pitchers and Julio Franco should compete at and beyond that age.

-If he is rushed to make a throw, expect Jerry Remy to intercept the ball in the press box.

-Fans will have to endure countless years of retirement talk.

-He will be second to Tom Brady as QB God in New England. This may crush him.

-Let’s be honest, that man can’t hit a curveball.

-I sense problems with Dustin Pedroia.

The positives:

-Brett can chew tobacco freely with his teammates.

-Brett does have a hell of an arm. Even with no accuracy, he should still manage to hold runners at third.

-His redneck ways will go over well with Mike Timlin and Curt Schilling.

-I don’t believe pain killers are frowned upon in the MLB. Have at it Favre!

-John Madden will become the Red Sox biggest fan…wait…maybe this should be a negative.

This is an easy call. Brett Favre just wouldn’t cut it with the Sox. It’s not that he can’t play some outfield; it’s the John Madden link. I think the Pirates would love Favre in the outfield…maybe more than 2,000 fans would care.

Now if this trade were actually to happen who gets the better deal? Neither team. But if I was forced to answer, The Packers would get my vote. It has nothing to do with Manny or Brett. To be honest, I’m sick of both of them. The reason why Green Bay gets my vote is simple. Jon Madden would leave the Cheese State, and follow Favre to New England. Good luck trying to find a good lobster after that tubby rolls through.

Chris Sedenka is the host of the PM JAB, which can be heard weekdays between 3-7pm on 95.5FM and AM1440 Sportsradio WJAB in Central and Southern, Maine.

Thursday MLB Trade Update and Rumors

MLB

Chicago seems to be a player this AM. Chicago is trying to land Huston Street from the A’s and apparently they have acquired Ken Griffey, Jr. This deal is contingent on Griffey approving the trade because of those pesky 10/5 rights.
Update 11:35 AM: per Ken Rosenthal, Griffey has approved the deal…

The AP is reporting there is nothing imminent in the Manny deal.

The KC Star is reporting that the Twins are looking for a second baseman.

The Tampa Rays are still looking to get Jason Bay, obviously if the Red Sox don’t get him, but will also look at Adam Dunn, Craig Monroe, Jayson Werth.

Mike Jacobs to San Francisco for Bengie Molina? Rich Aurilia to Minnesota? Omar Vizquel to the Dodgers? Giants Trade rumors here. Ray Ratto had a great column about the differences between Billy Beane and Brian Sabean.

Chad Billingsley pitched a complete game shutout last night for the Dodgers. Rumors have the the Dodgers re-acquiring Greg Maddux, but Frank McCourt is concerned about Ned Colletti adding payroll (allegedly). Maybe if you hadn’t signed off on the Andruw Jones and Jason Schmidt’s deal financial flexibility wouldn’t be a problem.

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette summarizes the Jason Bay options they have. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Pirates demand a lot more for Bay than they did for Nady and Marte, because they were widely criticized for what they took back in that deal. Bay would be under any team’s control through 2009.

The Twins are looking at moving Boof Bonser, which would clear the way for Francisco Liriano to return to the rotation. That might be the type of jolt the Twins need to make a run.

NFL

The Minnesota Star Tribune is reporting(courtesy of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel) that the packers may now consider trading Brett Favre to the Vikings. If the Packers want to unpaint themselves from the corner, they pretty much have no other option then to get what they can from the Vikings. Besides if Aaron Rodgers is as good as they think, the Vikings shouldn’t be a threat, right?

John Lynch is leaving the Broncos.

NBA

The Bulls may move Larry Hughes, could acquire Brad Miller, and are now trying to get Ben Gordon signed long term.

Jazz fans hypothesize on a Josh Smith for Carlos Boozer deal. Still no movement on those trade rumors from over the weekend, although the Dallas Mavericks have been mentioned as a possible destination, as have the Golden St Warriors.

NHL

The New York Islanders have eliminated a candidate for their head coaching job, or maybe he eliminated them.

Manny is a Marlin? (Tentatively)?

Update-7/31/2008 9:06 am
Trade still not official, however when Marlins beat writers put something up like this I will link to it. I have a hunch this is going to be official this afternoon. It was classified as dead at 1pm est.

7/31/2008 12:08 am
The Palm Beach Post is reporting that a tentative deal is in place to send Manny Ramirez to Florida, Jeremy Hermida to Pittsburgh, and Jason Bay and John Grabow to Boston. The Sox will also cover Manny’s contract for the rest of the season, and Pittsburgh will get 4 prospects as well as Hermida. Win-Win deal for everyone, and who would have thought that amongst the Phillies, Mets, and Marlins, the Marlins would get the impact bat? Certainly not I. How did the Manny era end?(if this goes through) With a fly out to center field in the 8th inning on July 30th, 2008. More links in the morning, and an updated podcast from tonight as well.

Wednesday Rumor Updates

UPDATE 4:40 PM EST

The New York Yankees acquire Ivan Rodriguez.

Don’t forget TONIGHT!! 10 PM TO MIDNIGHT!! THE SPORTS VORTEX LIVE!!! We will wrap up the days happenings and continue updates on all rumor activity. Listen live from right here on CentralMaineSportsBlog.com. The link is to the left. Archived episodes are available here as well!
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UPDATE 3:52 PM EST

The Miami Herald is reporting that The Florida Marlins may land Arthur Rhodes.

The Star Telegram is reporting that the multitude of Texas Rangers catchers are generating MANY inquiries.

WIP in Philadelphia is reporting that Pat Gilick is saying there is “no truth” in the Manny Ramirez for Geoff Jenkins and AA Catcher Lou Marson.

Gordon Edes of The Boston Globe is reporting the Red Sox are hot on the trail of Will Ohman

UPDATE 1:42 PM EST

Dan Graziano of the Newark Star Ledger has some interesting updates, including J.J Putz possible availability, Mets need for pitching help if Maine’s injury is too serious and the Raul Ibanez sweepstakes continue. Catchers also seem to be in high demand today!

UPDATE 12:17 PM EST

A Wrap Up of Terry Francona’s weekly talk with Dale and Holley on WEEI in Boston. On Manny’s jog up the 1st base line last night against the Angels..”I know where you are going. Look, my job is to keep guys on the field and playing the game the right way and right now it is a challenge”. On recent inconsistent play…”we have been through this before. We have had stretches in the past where we sputtered and we were able to put stuff behind us and put things together”. Another Manny comment….”more importantly to me (than quotes in the media) is how they play, how they treat the team and how they play to win……if they are here, it is their responsibility to play to win”

Ken Rosenthal reports Raul Ibanez is on the Cubs radar. Other reports have the Cubs looking at the Phillies Jayson Werth.

UPDATE 10:56 AM EST

Dale Arnold of WEEI is saying the Phillies – Red Sox discussions are on again this time including Geoff Jenkins and AA Catcher Lou Marson. No confirmation can be found on the net yet.

UPDATE 10:07 AM EST

Bronson Arroyo likely staying put. Other Reds news as well.

Well Red Sox Fans, another contender might be on the verge of a big deal. The Pittsburgh Post Gazette is reporting Jason Bay may be on the move to Tampa.

Jose Guillen is all in it yet again.her stuff.

Ken Rosenthal’s updates on Manny, The Angels and other stuff

INITIAL POST 7:00 AM EST

The Minnesota Twins have apparent recalled Adam Everett from a “conditional AAA assignment”.

Jayson Stark keeps putting down Manny to anyone rumors. Stark also reports the LA Dodgers are hot after a shortstop since Nomar Garciaparra is hurt again…shocker!

T.J. Simers not confident the Los Angeles Dodgers are going to keep up with their So. Cal AL neighbors.

New York Newsday reports the Washburn to Yankees deal is “dead”.

Pedro Martinez pushing for the Mets to deal for Manny.

Gregg Zaun apparently wants out of Toronto.

Wednesday Morning Quick Hitters

MLB

John Lackey nearly no hit the Red Sox on a night when The California Angels acquired Mark Teixeira. Lil Dusty Pedroia broke up the no hit bid with 1 out in the 9th and YOOOUK followed that up with a 2 run shot over the monster to ruin the complete game shut out bid. The Sox lost 6 – 2, leaving them 2 games behind Tampa Bay.

Speaking of Tampa Bay, they extended their lead on the Sox by shutting out the Toronto Blue Jays 3 – 0. Matt Garza threw his 1st career shutout allowing only 5 hits while striking out 5.

Kevin Millar played Yankee killer again hitting his 2nd home run in as many nights helping the Orioles to a 7 – 6 win. Daniel Cabrera pitched into the 8th inning before getting tossed for intentionally hitting A-Rod after an A Bomb…nope can’t finish it…The loss put the Yankees 4 games back of Tampa Bay.

Game 2 of the NLCS goes to the Cubs. Carlos Zambrano pitched flawlessly for 8 innings and Fukudome and Mark Derosa contributed 2 RBIs a piece to put the Cubs 3 full games up on The Brew Crew. Cubs Win, Cubs Win 7 – 1.

The Minnesota Twins moved to within a 1/2 game of the White Sox, coming back from a 4 -0 deficit to beat Pale Hose 6 -5. Justin Morneau finished off the 5 run 5th inning with a bases clearing double. Clayton Richard took the loss in his 2nd career start.

The New York Mets offense kept going as they put down the Florida Marlins 4 -1, keeping a 1/2 game lead on Philadelphia. Carlos Delgado kept up his HR hitting prowess, smacking another 2 run job in the 8th inning to seal the deal against the Marlins.

The Philadelphia Phillies kept pace with the Mets by beating the Washington Nationals 2 – 1. Brett “Boom…Outta Here” Myers pitched 7 strong innings to help outlast the Nats. The “allegedly” hurt Chase Utley hit a 2 run homer to give Philly all they needed.

Doug Davis pitched 6 2/3 innings of perfect baseball. Brian Giles broke up the perfect game bid with a blazing single in the 7th. Arizona survived a scare in the 8th when the Padres loaded the bases with 2 outs and Jody Gerut blasted a shot to deep centerfield, but rookie cneterfielder Alex Romero made an amazing catch to save the game for Davis. The DBacks won 3 – 0.

Jason Johnson returned to the majors and helped pitch the Los Angeles to a 2 – 0 win over the San Francisco Giants. The LA area had a scare earlier when a 5.3 earthquake rattled Southern California, but the game went on and the Dodgers kept pace with the Arizona DBacks. The Dodgers are 1 game back of Arizona.

NFL

So. Cal’s Sedrick Ellis signed a 5 year $49 Million contract with the New Orleans Saints late Tuesday afternoon. Ellis ends his holdout as $19 million of the contract is guaranteed. Ellis was in camp for the afternoon session

Tried to stay away…Brett Favre signed reinstatement papers and faxed them to the league offices. The Packers try to figure out what comes next.

As previously reported, Terrence Newman is out for 3 to 4 weeks. Goodbye, Newman….

NBA

ESPN’s Marc Stein is reporting that Chicago’s Luol Deng is staying put.

Remember, we will do our best today to keep an eye on any trades in MLB before the deadline, and make sure to join us tonight at 9pm for a live edition of “The Sports Vortex”. If you need to catch up, all Vortex shows are archived on the left hand side, you can listen while you read….

Ron Artest Headed To Houston

The Houston Chronicle is reporting that Ron Artest has been traded to the Rockets for Bobby Jackson, a no. 1 pick in 2009, and an unidentified player. McGrady, Yao and Artest, good lord. Nice trade for the Rockets here, it was time for them to either go all in or fold, looks like they just pushed their chips to the middle of the table…

Manny To Philly a Reality?

Now that one Mark Teixeira is on the West Coast, we can turn our attention to Manny Ramirez. Jon Heyman from SI.com is reporting that there is a three team race for Manny Ramirez with Philadelphia in the lead, the Dodgers running in second, and a mystery team in third. You have to check out his article to read, you won’t even believe it….

The Phillies deal just makes no sense to me whatsoever. The Dodgers I can see, they always need a bat, but the Phillies already have a left-fielder who can hit who doesn’t push travelling secretaries and pimp-slap teammates, his name is Pat Burrell.

The Angels Put the Bill Stoneman Era Behind Them

Welcome to the top of the heap, Angels fans. Ken Rosenthal is reporting that Mark Teixeira is heading to Orange County for Casey Kotchman and Stephen Marek. This is a great move by the Angels, and I want to thank them for proving me wrong when I said earlier on this very blog that they wouldn’t pull the trigger. In the era of former GM Bill Stoneman, they never traded for anyone. They finally got some lineup protection for Vlad Guerrero, and if they lose Teixeira, oh well, they get two first round picks next year. For the Braves, they get a proven commodity in Kotchman to play first base, something they need, and he will be under their control for 3 years. Beers all around….

In Bum Phillips I Trust

With the NFL season just weeks away, it’s time for the annual adoption pick. If you are unaware of what I am talking about, well it’s simple. Each year, along with cheering for my beloved Patriots, I adopt a second squad to support. Now…you may ask yourself why. Isn’t cheering for one team enough? Isn’t it going against the cheering code if you have a second team? Do you have a mental disorder? The answer is no to all of these questions (at least as far as I know I don’t have a mental disorder.) Let me break it down for you.

Being a Patriots fan in the regular season is like cheering for anyone who picks a fight with France; you already know the outcome. And with the easiest schedule this season, there is no doubt the Pats are in the playoffs. I’ll watch them every week, and cheer out loud, but everyone knows it’s a mortal lock for New England to move on. Where is the drama? As for the cheering code, just stay away from a rival. And I did graduate with a 3.0+ GPA in Broadcast Journalism from a University, so I believe I’m still sane…at least I think so.

So the next question should be how the selection is made. It all starts with a series of conditions which may qualify the certain team you are looking to adopt.

Condition 1: It cannot be a rival or in the same division as your favorite team.

Condition 2: They must play at least two games against rivals of your team.

Condition 3: You must have a rooting interest in at least three players on the team.

Condition 4: They must pose no threat to your favorite team, at least at the beginning of the season.

Condition 5: You must be able to name the team’s head coach, starting quarterback, and stadium.

If you and the adoptive team pass these five requirements, then congratulations, you have officially adopted an NFL team.

It just so happens that I have found that team. It’s a team that hasn’t had a lot of success in its young existence…a team that has tremendous upside…a team that has really hot cheerleaders. I have officially adopted the Houston Texans.

Before you ask, the head coach is Gary Kubiak, Matt Schaub is their starter (for now), and they play in Reliant Stadium…Condition 5…check.

They play in the AFC South, and by no means are they a rival…Condition 1…check.

They play the Steelers, Fins, and Colts twice…Condition 2…check.

They have an outside shot of reaching the playoffs. By no means are they a threat to the Pats….Condition 4…check.

The three players I’ll be following are running backs Steve Slaton and Darius Walker, and quarterback Matt Schaub. Slaton is an obvious selection, having gone to the ole alma mater West Virginia. A product of Notre Dame, Walker gets also gets the nod. Yeah I like Notre Dame Football, what of it? Schaub is thrown some love as well, since I continue to claim he is the next best thing…Condition 3…check.

Somebody wake Bum Phillips up from his old-age-induced coma, and raise a shot of Old Crow, because the Texans make the cut, and have been officially adopted as my second team this year. And not a bad team to select, considering they improved their offensive line, have a solid detail at the skill positions, and a young, fast defense. Their biggest issue will be the division they play in. The Colts are the perennial favorites, and the Jags are not far behind. Both the Texans and Titans are long shots in the AFC South, but don’t be surprised if two from the division reach the playoffs.

Chris Sedenka is the host of the PM JAB, which can be heard weekdays between 3-7pm on 95.5FM and AM1440 Sportsradio WJAB in Central and Southern, Maine.