New Rumors: Luis Gonzalez, Brad Lidge

In his latest article, Dayn Perry threw out some interesting trade bait names that I hadn't heard too much previously.  Assuming Perry ran them by Rosenthal for a gut check, there could be some truth to these.

Brad Lidge to the Braves.  Now there's an intriguing thought.  Could the Braves somehow emerge with the best closer on the market?  One who no one even knew was on the market?  I wouldn't put it past Schuerholz.  I can't see Houston doing the deal for anything less than catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia or shortstop Elvis Andrus.

Luis Gonzalez to the Cubs.  This one occurred to me back on November 7th, but it was only idle speculation at that point:

"Speaking of Kevin Mench, why do teams desire him?  A redux of Luis Gonzalez would be better for the Cubs.  The deal would make sense for the Diamondbacks as well, as Gonzo and Shawn Green are blocking uber-prospect Carlos Quentin."

Troy Glaus to the Pirates.  Stranger things have happened, I guess.  The Bucs would at least have a nasty 1-2 punch in Glaus and Jason Bay.  Littlefield does have a stable of young arms with which he could broker a deal, if he's willing to cough up the cash.

Kris Benson to the Royals.  Ugh.  Not so sure if Anna would sit well in Kansas City.  Benson as the de facto ace on a team going nowhere doesn't sit well, either.

Comments

[Nick]

Lidge will not be going ANYWHERE. And Houston has no need for Marte with Ensburg at third.

[RumorMonger]

Good point about Ensberg, I wasn't thinking when I said that. I think I'll change it.

But I do think Lidge could go in the right deal.

[James]

Uhhh, Is there a reason that Perry is the only writer in the country that seems to think the Dodgers got Furcal "cheap"??? He mentions it in his grades for both the Dodgers and the Braves in the article linked above?. What was he expecting Furcal to get, 15 mil a year?

[BiggestCubsFanever]

Ya we would move Luis or Murton to Right and keep one at left,

[Nick]

Anything is possible but some one would have to blow away the 'stros front office for Lidge to be considered...he is one of the most untouchable guys on this team, along with Berkman, Oswalt etc...sure he is due arby, and based on what Wagner made he will demand a nice contract after the year is up but I really think this is reaching...Lidge will be a cornerstone of this team that is built aroundfor years to come, along with Roy O and Berkman after next year when Roger will be gone (one way or another) as well as Bagwell, and possibly Pettitte also....all that said, anything is possible, and Houston has a deep pen, see trade Wagner, replace with Dotel, trade Dotel, replace with Lidge...etc. I see Qualls as a better possibility for this Marte guy, maybe if he can play a corner outfield spot...

[RumorMonger]

Lidge has a history of arm problems, and he's about to get expensive. This would be classic sell high move, and the Astros could use a top notch young player or two.

[Nick]

Lidge had an arm issue and look how he has preformed since then, Top 4 closers in Baseball along with Rivera Wagner and Gagne in any order. I am not worried about his arm, nor is anyone else it seems. He will get expensive, but look how much money will come off the books next year for Houston. The money is there. My def. of sell high is quality major league prospects, not a few AAA guys...we already have Burke, Scott and Pence for "prospects" and Buckholtz, Nieve, etc in the pitching department...more prospect are great, but Houston is not going the way of the Marlins...they want Major League talent NOW to fill the holes. You want sell high? McCann and Francour for Lidge and PTBNL. Thats sell high. Dont expect this to go anywhere.

With the Astros financial bind and lack of offense, I don't think anyone outside of Berkman and Oswalt is untouchable. I wouldn't be terribly surprised if Lidge is moved... it would have to be for a player than can come in and make an immediate offensive impact though.

[RumorMonger]

Good point...what player could that be? Francoeur's not going anywhere.

[Scott]

From an ESPN article:

"Andy Pettitte, Roy Oswalt, Jeff Bagwell, Craig Biggio and Lance Berkman are scheduled to make about $65 million in 2006, up from about $45 million last year. The Astros also have six players eligible for arbitration, including closer Brad Lidge and cleanup hitter Morgan Ensberg."

Notice those numbers exclude Clemens, who the article indicates would retire if forced to choose today; then again, we've heard that one before.from him. The Astros have serious payroll issues. It'd be foolish for them not to consider forgoing the luxury of a dominant closer in exchange for some young, inexpensive talent. Don't be naive, Nick.

[Nick]

Thats the point, outside of McCann or Franc....no one else will provide that...

..I say again...Lidge will not be the one causing a salary strain this year...trading Lidge is not going to free up a bunch of money to illeviate the current issue, the benefit doesnt even come close to the cost....when Lidge will command money, NEXT year and beyond, they will have over 50+ mil off the booksafter next season... (Clemens, Baggy,Pettitte)....plenty to re-up him, bring on Dunn, another starter...etc...again, Lidge won't be going anywhere.

acctully the only player the strso have under contract next year is berkman so theres more than 50 million to spend. He makes 15 million per.

[Nick]

Houston could be the Mets of the 06 offseason next year scooping up ALOT of people....I'm just glad they will get a vastly better FA market to do it in. One thing is for sure, be it some how a trade this offseason, trading deadline or next offseason, Dunn will be an Astro, take it to the bank.

[chicagO]

miguel tejada's supposedly saying win now or I want out. Maybe everett and lidge for tejada?

[The Mets Fans]

Please get rid of Kris and Anna. Yes, she is SMOKIN hot, but when she talks I get a headache. Send them both to KC for some scrubs.

[Tony Yayo]

Holy shit! Holy shit!!!