In his newest piece for the Boston Globe, Nick Cafardo discusses Manny Ramirez's Hall of Fame chances, concluding that the slugger's positive test for a banned substance last season may keep him out of Cooperstown. Here are a few other topics that Cafardo's column explores:
- The Phillies would love to add a left-hander to their bullpen, particularly while J.C. Romero remains on the shelf. They're looking at Scott Downs, but given the Blue Jays' solid start, the team may hang on to him for the time being. When the Jays are ready to sell, Downs should provide a decent return.
- Juan Cruz is another reliever on the trade market, albeit a less impressive one. He'll earn $3.75MM this year for the Royals, who may have to eat most of that salary to pull off a deal.
- Jermaine Dye and Gary Sheffield should sign somewhere soon. When asked his thoughts on Orlando Hudson's insinuation that racism factored into Dye's and Sheffield's unemployment, Sheffield said he appreciated Hudson's concern, but "I'm not going to comment."
- Cafardo names Jerry Manuel and Dave Trembley as two managers who could be on the hot seat and speculates about who would be next in line to replace the skippers. Cafardo points out that there are plenty of ex-managers available who have history with Orioles president Andy MacPhail, while for the Mets, Bob Melvin might be "the logical successor."
anyone but manuel
Did Cafardo just learn Manny was suspended last year? He’s about 11 months too late with this article, there’s been about 500 that stated the same thing: HOF career, PEDs will hurt his chances, have to wait and see how voters react as more names come out.
Mix in a little relief pitcher trade talk, managers on hot seats for bad teams, mediocre players having hot starts to the season, and point of Alfonso Soriano numbers have been declining- yet another amazing article Mr. Cafardo.
What do people think the Phillies would need to give up to get Scott Downs? He really is a great reliever – he hasn’t had a FIP above 3.39 since 2006, and his highest ERA through that period was a 3.09, with 2007 at 2.17 and 2008 at 1.78.
He’s a guy who definitely projects to be a Type B, with a chance at being a Type A, so I’m sure the Jays would ask for a fair bit. As a Jays fan (and Canadian), I’d love to see them grab Tyson Gillies from the Phillies, though the Phillies may be reluctant to give up someone they just acquired in the Lee trade, that’s been ridiculed for the most part.
Romero may be back by the end of the week, so barring any unforeseen setbacks, I can’t imagine the Phillies giving up one of their top 5 prospects for Downs.
Of course, if they were to give up a prospect, it would be an outfielder. One of the few areas of strength in the Phillies system.
Really? Not trying to start an argument, and I really dont know your system, but is there a fear the if Werth leaves and Dom Brown struggles, there may not be someone to replace him?
But guys like Gillies and Anthony Gose are far away still, so they probably aren’t seen as replacements for Werth.
ok.. like I said, im just curious because I really dont know the Phillies system. One question is would the Jays want an OF?
Well, if they’ve decided that Lind is a long-term DH, then they probably have an opening in the outfield down the road – specifically in center field, where Vernon Wells likely can’t stick for too much longer. Snider and Wells will roam the outfield for the next while, but neither of them are defensive specialists, so having a speedy, defensive center fielder like Tyson Gillies or Anthony Gose, just as examples, would probably be pieces they would want.
Well, strength is a relative term. Its the one area they have decent prospects, with Brown, Gose, and Gillies. After that though, it does get a bit thin.
Brown would be the replacement for Werth, should it come to that. When Ibanez’s contract is up 2012, you have to hope Gillies is ready to step in. If not, it could get a little dicey.
Jerry Manuel needs to get canned very soon. He probably ruined their star closer’s season last night by warming him up every inning just to win a game in April. He threw around 100 pitches and came in with a dead arm. Sounds a lot like what happened to Lidge in the all star game. I feel bad for Mets fans.
That first sentenced could have been posted a year ago and would still ring true then.
If Andy gives Tom Kelly a nice offer, I bet he would take it. Baltimore has top prospects and great young players. He could really make them into contenders like he did in ’87.
Hudson and shieffield are a 1 and 1A entry. It is not like the stuff that the black players went thru in the late 40`s 50` or 60`s if you bring something to the table regardless of skin color you will be paid. A rotten citizen like Gary Shieffield has always gotten big pay days because he can handle a bat. Hudson you were offered 29 million for four years and your sense of what you were worth made you choose to turn down the offer. A poor choice , and a tanked economy.White guys, and latino guys, and asian guys are all signing shorter term less money contracts. Unless you are a superstar that is the way it is, and the color of your skin has nothing to do with it. Sorry Orlando I have several family membrers, and friends and neighbors who were hard working tax paying citizens who have lost there jobs, there homes etc. You are still a multi millionare so maybe it is time to button your lip. God forbid a team does not want to give you a risky long term contract when you might have to earn it year to year.