Odds and Ends: Byrnes, Teixeira, Swisher

I never heard that was the reason why Teixera actually refused to sign with the Sox, I always heard the "Boras convinced him to go to college." Ah, good old Dan Duquette, one of Boston's most hated men.

Just another opportunity to think about what the D-Backs would have looked like with Quentin in LF this year instead of Byrnes. Doh!

Byrnes and and cash for Freddy Sanchez? Pirates want to add a little offense and the move wouldn't be too far from payroll neutral. Plus, Byrnes would be a nice trade candidate if he is healthy. Don't know who the Pirates would stick at 2nd, but does it really matter what the Pirates do one way or another?

Byrnes for Kaz Matsui? Byrnes can handle CF. Kaz Matsui is occasionally healthy and smokes.

I'd love to see Eric Byrnes playing CF at Minute Maid Park, but I don't see Ed Wade giving up Kaz Matsui... unless he struck a deal for Orlando Hudson.

What about Swisher for Kouzmanoff and Heath Bell?

Make any sense at all with Josh Fields having a horrible year.?

3 way idea

White Sox get: Rowand, Kevin Pucetas, Heath Bell, cash
Giants get: Kouzmanoff
Padres get: Swisher

A) If Johan Santana wins a Cy Young, I'm okay with it locking in his option. He strikes me as someone who is going to age well anyways, works off of speed differential so velocity isn't all that, doesn't throw many breaking pitches.

B) I can't think of a player the Mets need less then Pudge Rodriguez. His numbers Offensively were right in the same territory of that of Schneider, and Schneider is much better Defensively and with a pitching staff.

C) I would love a Byrnes for Castillo swap. It might be a little more money up front, but it gives the Mets a pretty good (albeit overpaid) outfielder with the right intangibles that this team could use. But for Castillo, that's probably as good as we're going to do. Move Murphy to 2nd, run out a lineup of Reyes, Murphy, Wright, Delgado, Beltran, Church, Byrnes, Schneider and Pitcher, or something to that effect.

The pirates should inquire about Eric Byrnes. I think he would be a nice fit if he was willing to play here. The pirates need a veteran bat...

I'd love for the Orioles to sign Teixeira. Native son going home? Who wouldn't want that. They could sign him to be the team leader and whatnot.

"They could sign him to be the team leader and whatnot."

The issue with Teixiera is that he doesn't really strike me as a big time leadership guy. He is an excellent player and that certainly means he leads somewhat by example, but he isn't the type who is going to take over and carry a team on his back.

Cal and Eddie weren't very vocal leaders. I think that stuff can be overrated and unpredictable. The vest talented players are not necessarily the leaders of the team. In Boston you have Varitek who may not have ever been the big bat in their lineups but he is the unquestioned captain. In NY Jeter doesn't necessarily post the best stats but fills the same role too. This past year I think one could argue that the lead guy for the Os was Millar in spite of not having the best stats on the team. Usually the leader is the guy who pulls the most weight in the clubhouse, and that depends on a lot of factors, not just stats.

That being said, Tex being able to carry the team or not is not even arguable because the Orioles are rebuilding and they need more than a few pieces. The Os aren't a small-market team and they are one of those teams out there who could pick up a big contract and still rebuild. The problem is that their margin of error is that much smaller. I personally find MacPhail's initiative to install a better International program compelling. If I had the reins, I wouldn't sign Tex if it meant giving up on that plan.

@ Meoveryouok

My point exactly. Tex is valuable to the right team in the right situation. The Angels were a perfect fit for him this year because they were a piece away from becoming a great team. Tex would also be a great fit for other teams. Unfortunately, the Orioles are not one of them.

Being a lifelong Angels fan I can only tell you how frustrating this organization has been to follow. They made the exact same mistakes the Orioles have the past few years.

Seemed like for 2 decades our game plan was to look at our team and realize the club was sub 500. So, they would bring in over priced veterans to try to right the ship. Only the vets didn't pay off. They either became huge injury risks or suffered from declining performance. And while payroll was always high (for their market) they never succeeded.

It wasn't until around 8 years ago when the organization finally realized the value of rebuilding around the youth. Once they did that it became hard to argue against the game plan. Vets were brought in to fill the gaps. The Angels went from being a sub 500 club to being consistent AL West winners.

For the record - I'm not someone who wants Tex at any price. I'd love to have him back at a 5/100 type deal. Anything more in years or dollars will be a bad signing.

I meant to say Byrnes ( 2 years, $22 mil left).

"How bout Jose Guillen for Luis Castillo and a Nick Evans?"

I'd think the Mets could get better than Guillen, even if it means offering Castillo up for a bag of peanuts. The fact of the amtter is Guillen is just way too streaky and unpredictable for the Mets next year.

Byrnes has stated openly, if the organization wants to move him, he will be willing. He loves the D'Backs, so much that if he thinks they feel moving him is for the ebst of the team, he will allow it.