Jarrod Saltalamacchia Rumors

Cafardo's Latest: Lowe, Lowell, Dye, Saltalamacchia

Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe says when Derek Lowe sat down with his agent, he inquired first about the Boston Red Sox. Says Cafardo, "This Lowe doesn't bear much resemblance to the guy who left the Sox after 2004. Back then, his out-of-control personal life seemed to consume him. The Red Sox didn't want to deal with it and let him become a free agent. Lowe feels leaving was the best thing. 'I think I'm a lot better pitcher now, teammate now, than I was four years ago,' he said. 'Sometimes you have to learn, and I think getting...   Continue Reading

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Gammons' Latest: Penny, Jenks, Salty

Let's take a look at Peter Gammons' Saturday blog post. Gammons indicates that Brad Penny is working hard this offseason, and teams such as the Cardinals, Red Sox, Rangers, and Blue Jays "appreciate" his past success. The Mets are apparently worried about Bobby Jenks' declining strikeout rate, a sentiment echoed by Joel Sherman. Sherman talked to a Mets official who said the chances of acquiring Jenks are "close to zero." The Rangers apparently wanted Clay Buchholz or two of Justin Masterson/Nick Hagadone/Michael Bowden for Jarrod Saltalamacchia. The Red Sox aren't biting. The Rangers would probably have to trade Hank Blalock...   Continue Reading

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Odds And Ends: Saltalamacchia, White Sox, Ludwick

Links for Sunday... Jarrod Saltalamacchia says playing with Jason Varitek for the Red Sox would be a "dream come true." Ken Davidoff writes that the White Sox would like to trade Jermaine Dye, Paul Konerko or Jim Thome. Bernie Miklasz asks whether the Cardinals believe in Ryan Ludwick. According to the Chicago Tribune, 19-year-old Cuban prospect Dayan Viciedo has raw tools and questionable commitment. Yesterday, the Chicago Sun-Times suggested the Sox were interested. Mike Jacobs doesn't expect to walk more than he did last year. Tim Cowlishaw thinks the Rangers should try to sign Manny Ramirez. Phil Rogers says that...   Continue Reading

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Red Sox Rumors: Crisp, Lugo, Burnett, Baldelli

Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe has the latest on the Red Sox. GM Theo Epstein says there's one deal he might be able to do before the winter meetings, possibly involving Coco Crisp or Julio Lugo. The free agent market for center fielders and shortstops is weak this year. Cafardo doesn't believe the Sox are in on C.C. Sabathia or A.J. Burnett, and he says they're unsure about Derek Lowe. However, Buster Olney says "there is an expectation within other quarters of the AL East that the Red Sox will get in on the Burnett bidding." Cafardo does see...   Continue Reading

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Latest Red Sox Rumors

A few notes on the Red Sox... From Nick Cafardo of The Boston Globe Scott Boras met with Theo Epstein about Jason Varitek. Boras is still seeking a deal similar to the one signed by Jorge Posada (four years/$52.4MM). Epstein continues to look at other catchers including Jarrod Saltalamacchia or Taylor Teagarden. Cafardo also notes that the Red Sox could go after a veteran through the trade market like Bengie Molina. Other teams have expressed interest in both Coco Crisp and Julio Lugo, but noted that Lugo would not be part of a deal to the White Sox. Cafardo says...   Continue Reading

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Yankees Rumors: Sabathia, Marte, Mussina

11:09pm: Brian Cashman sums up the Yankees' plan: "We're going to show a lot of love." 12:15pm: It's about time we check in with Yankees links. The Yankees will make their record-breaking pitch to C.C. Sabathia. If it fails, they'll move on to A.J. Burnett, Derek Lowe, and Oliver Perez. Joel Sherman says the Yankees could get involved on Manny Ramirez, but only if they fail to sign Mark Teixeira and manage to trade Hideki Matsui. Sherman says the Yanks are in on the catching market just to be safe, engaging the Rangers about Gerald Laird and Jarrod Saltalamacchia. They'll...   Continue Reading

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Red Sox Rumors: Bay, Tazawa, Kawakami, Lugo

Collecting today's Red Sox rumors and links... Nick Cafardo says the Red Sox did not meet with C.C. Sabathia's agent and he doesn't appear to be in their plans. The Sox are eyeing southpaw reliever Billy Traber, according to WEEI's Alex Speier. Scott Boras believes Derek Lowe would be a good fit in Boston or New York. Nick Cafardo says Lowe would like to return to Boston, maybe even at a slight discount. Jason Bay's agents say he's loving Boston and is open to a contract extension. When asked about the possibility of Manny Ramirez signing with the Yankees, Red...   Continue Reading

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Rangers Want Pitcher For Catcher

The Rangers are seeking to deal one of their three catchers - Gerald Laird, Jarrod Saltalamacchia, or Max Ramirez - for pitching, says Evan Grant of the Dallas News. Grant notes that they would still have Taylor Teagarden, who they're also open to dealing if "the return is great enough." Grant discusses potential matches in the Giants, Red Sox, Brewers, Reds, and Tigers: "San Francisco has pitching depth, and the Rangers love the Giants' arms, but San Francisco has a more pressing need for a corner infielder than a catcher because Bengie Molina is signed for 2009. Getting a pitcher...   Continue Reading

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Dallas Morning News: Jon Daniels Q&A

Mike Hindman of the Dallas Morning News recently conducted a Q&A with Rangers GM Jon Daniels. A few highlights: Daniels thought the Rangers had a great chance to sign Michael Inoa, as ownership made a budget exception to pursue him. Daniels doesn't seem inclined to trade his top pitching prospects for a young big league starter. He still has certain targets though. A contract extension for Josh Hamilton will probably be explored during the first three months of 2009. Daniels knows what he wants to do with Milton Bradley, but wouldn't reveal it. He expects to exercise Hank Blalock's $6.2MM...   Continue Reading

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Cafardo's Latest: Salty, Renteria, Pudge

Let's take a look at the latest column from Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe. The Red Sox are "intrigued" by Rangers catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia (I believe they have been for some time). Jamey Newberg would like to see Clay Buchholz in a Rangers uniform, but admits the deal would have to be expanded. The Red Sox will not have to pay the $3MM buyout on Edgar Renteria if the Tigers decline his $11MM option for '09. The free agent market for shorstops is weak, but the Tigers will probably look elsewhere given Renteria's .269/.318/.375 showing. Cafardo wonders if Jason...   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Downs, Furcal, Saltalamacchia

Today's link collection... Perhaps sparked by successful conversions by Ryan Dempster and Justin Duchscherer, the Blue Jays are considering putting Scott Downs in the rotation next year. Downs has 50 big league starts under his belt, most recently in 2006. The Jays might be more inclined to make the switch if A.J. Burnett opts out of his contract. They also may be less willing to shop B.J. Ryan this winter. Rany Jazayerli takes a look at the '09 Royals, noting whispers regarding their interest in Rafael Furcal. Jamey Newberg notes that Rangers catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia will attempt to prove his...   Continue Reading

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Breaking Down The Rangers Offseason

The Rangers figure to be very active this offseason. With the only pitching staff in baseball with a negative VORP (-46.7), that would likely be the area that sees the most change. We have already seen that Tom Hicks is not willing to throw free agency dollars at starting pitchers over 30. The Rangers have several good prospects that could be used as trade bait, including Engel Beltre and Elvis Andrus. And many feel that Jarrod Saltalamacchia will be moved this winter as the Rangers are deep at catcher. Jamey Newberg breaks down what the Rangers need to do this...   Continue Reading

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Cafardo's Latest: Ausmus, Towles, Mariners, Giants, Sheffield, Salty

Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe has a few items in his Sunday column... Cafardo says that the Red Sox, despite being in the market for a catcher, are not interested in Brad Ausmus. They did inquire with the Astros about J.R. Towles, who is currently in Triple A, but were told he is unavailable. One executive told Cafardo that the Mariners continue to demand other teams take entire contracts and give up prospects for players like Raul Ibanez, Jarrod Washburn and Adrian Beltre. In the cases of Ibanez and Beltre, that position is defensible. Cafardo interviewed Brian Sabean about...   Continue Reading

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Baseball Blogs Weigh In: Millar, Sheffield, Dunn, Rangers, Salty

A few random notes from around the baseball Blogosphere... Beerleaguer feels that Kevin Millar would make a nice addition to the Phillies' bench. MetsBlog says Gary Sheffield is the right-handed outfield bat the Mets need and this is the best time to add a player with something to prove. True Blue LA is angered that the Dodgers did not block the D'Backs' claim of Adam Dunn. Newberg Report discusses which players the Rangers must be willing to part with if they are to land an "All-Star level, legitimate number one" pitcher or even a pitcher from the next level of...   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Lowell, Carroll, Saltalamacchia

Time to gather up today's links. With Mike Lowell headed to the DL, Jeff Horrigan wonders if a waiver trade for an infielder could be in order. ESPN's Buster Olney mentioned the Indians' Jamey Carroll as a possibility for the D'Backs on Monday, though he noted the two teams have not talked. Evan Grant suggests the Rangers trade Engel Beltre or Elvis Andrus for pitching this winter. Additionally, he thinks the Rangers might end up trading Jarrod Saltalamacchia rather than Gerald Laird. Aaron Gleeman revisits the '03 trade of Bobby Kielty for Shannon Stewart. Patrick Newman runs down some lesser-known...   Continue Reading

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Gammons Chat: Lucchino, Lugo, Manny

The Boston Globe has a Peter Gammons chat transcript up on its blog. Let's take a look at his nuggets of rumor wisdom. Gammons heard from someone close to Larry Lucchino that the Red Sox would not let him leave. The Red Sox could try to unload Julio Lugo in the offseason, or convince him to accept a super-utility role. Gammons says neither Hank Steinbrenner nor Brian Cashman have any interest in Manny Ramirez as a winter signing. He expects the Yankees to chase C.C. Sabathia. Manny apparently wants four years and $100MM, but Gammons expects something more in the...   Continue Reading

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Graziano's Latest: Dunn, Putz, Laird

Time to check in with Dan Graziano of the Newark Star-Ledger. Graziano calls Adam Dunn "the man without a rumor." Even with his flaws this one is hard to figure out. [UPDATE: SI.com's Jon Heyman is finally hearing a couple of teams are in on Dunn.] John Maine's rotator cuff strain has the Mets looking at pitching. Graziano suggests names like Livan Hernandez, Paul Byrd, and Jarrod Washburn. The Mets have talked to the Tigers about Scott Schoeneweis. They'd have to replace him, maybe with Arthur Rhodes or Eddie Guardado. The Mariners will listen on J.J. Putz, but he won't...   Continue Reading

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Jarrod Washburn Rumors: Monday

8:44pm: The Mariners aren't amused with the Yankees, blaming them for the way negotiations have been portrayed publicly. 4:18pm: Media drama? On the Seattle side, Larry LaRue says "arrogant New York writers" and the "near hysteria of the internet and blogs in late July" caused some to believe the Yankees were close to getting Washburn for nothing. LaRue believes GM Lee Pelekoudas "has probably talked to 20 other teams, too." On the New York side, Peter Abraham says the Yankees are the lone team interested in Washburn, and the idea of Seattle having leverage is "a bit comical." 12:05pm: Geoff...   Continue Reading

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Rosenthal's Latest: Teixeira, Fuentes, Laird

Here's Ken Rosenthal's latest. Rosenthal firmly believes the Braves will find a match on a Mark Teixeira trade. He finds the D'Backs and Angels as the most reasonable fits. ESPN's Keith Law says the Braves have spoken to at least four teams about Tex within the past two days. Despite yesterday's "highly unlikely" comment from Dan O'Dowd, Rosenthal says the Rockies would trade Brian Fuentes for a young MLB-ready starter. It's still possible that the Mets stand pat on a corner outfielder and just deal with it internally or make a minor trade in August. Rosenthal talked to one club...   Continue Reading

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Will Salty Callup Lead To Laird Trade?

Jarrod Saltalamacchia has been called up, and GM Jon Daniels has no plans for him to warm the bench. Salty performed well at AAA Oklahoma, and when backup backstop Adam Melhuse broke a bone in his hand on Thursday, the call-up seemed imminent. However, incumbent Rangers catcher Gerald Laird has also been solid to start the season. Given the organization's desire to get Saltalamacchia regular at-bats and the lackluster hitting of first baseman Ben Broussard, I think it's likely that the defensively sub-par Salty will see at least some time at the "cold corner." But with the Rangers off to...   Continue Reading

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Laird Likely To Stay Put

According to MLB.com's T.R. Sullivan, the Rangers don't plan on trading catcher Gerald Laird despite some interested parties. In fact, Laird could catch 100+ games this year despite last year's Jarrod Saltalamacchia acquisition. Salty could take a smaller role with the big club or get some Triple A seasoning. It's easy to forget that he skipped that level. The Rangers prefer Laird's strong defense and spotty offense to Salty's subpar defense and offensive potential. And it's not fair to write Laird off offensively quite yet; he hit well in a half-season in '06. '07 was his first year catching full-time....   Continue Reading

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Rangers Rumors: DeJesus, Lamb, Millar

Evan Grant writes for the Dallas Morning News, but he posted this column at night. Go figure. He's got some new info regarding the Rangers. As you know, the Rangers have had difficulty finding a long-term center fielder. That's the main focus of this offseason. The team has already shown interest in Torii Hunter and Aaron Rowand, the top center fielders available. Other free agents such as Andruw Jones and Mike Cameron appear to be in play as well. Grant's trade candidates: Coco Crisp, David DeJesus, Mark Kotsay, and Carlos Beltran. We've speculated on DeJesus to Atlanta in the past...   Continue Reading

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Braves Acquire Mark Teixeira

UPDATE: ESPN adds that one of the pitching prospects is Neftali Feliz. According to Ken Rosenthal, the deal is finally done, pending a review of medical records. The Braves will receive Mark Teixeira and lefty reliever Ron Mahay, while the Rangers will get Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Elvis Andrus, and two pitching prospects. Matt Harrison is said to be one of them; his MRI today came up clean. I'll have some analysis of the deal once we have all the details. Kind of makes tomorrow anticlimactic, doesn't it   Continue Reading

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Matt Harrison Removed From Teixeira Deal

UPDATE: Sent Bowman an email about Harrison - it was definitely supposed to be his left (pitching) shoulder. The MLB.com article has been updated. 22 year-old Double A southpaw Matt Harrison might be the Braves' top pitching prospect, and he was part of the team's offer for Mark Teixeira. However, Harrison is having shoulder problems and has apparently been removed from the deal. Ken Rosenthal does not indicate which shoulder, while MLB.com's Mark Bowman repeatedly says it's his right shoulder. Harrison is to see a doctor on Monday. Furthermore, one source of Bowman's thinks Harrison is still in the Braves'..   Continue Reading

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Braves Make Offer For Teixeira

According to Ken Rosenthal's sources, the Braves have made an offer to the Rangers for Mark Teixeira: Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Matt Harrison, and Elvis Andrus. That's without any relievers coming back to Atlanta. That's three young players all with a chance to become above-average big league regulars. You couldn't really criticize Daniels for it, no matter how it turned out. The only other major player seems to be the Angels. The Halos recently tweaked their original offer of Casey Kotchman plus Nathan Haynes or Terry Evans. There's now a pitcher in the mix, apparently one of Ervin Santana, Joe Saunders, or..   Continue Reading

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Mark Teixeira Trade Update

The Mark Teixeira talks are really heating up, with the Braves, Dodgers, Angels, Yankees, and Red Sox all involved. Ken Rosenthal has updated this column, and Evan Grant has new info as well. The Braves still appear to be in front. The names going to Texas would include Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Elvis Andrus, and one of Matt Harrison or Kyle Davies. A very nice package, but to get three solid prospects the Rangers would have to pair Teixeira with a reliever. The Braves have their eye on Eric Gagne, C.J. Wilson, and Ron Mahay, with the latter most likely. It's unclear..   Continue Reading

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Mark Teixeira Update; Halos After Konerko?

Here's the latest on Texas first baseman Mark Teixeira as well as a new one involving Paul Konerko. Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News expects Teixeira to be traded. He seems to think that Jon Daniels can convince John Schuerholz to give up Jarrod Saltalamacchia and a pitching prospect for Teixeira. Meanwhile, Mark Bowman of MLB.com confirms discussions are in progress and believes Salty is pretty much a necessity in the deal. Buster Olney considers the Braves and Yankees as the only real serious suitors for Tex. Olney's sources make a Teixeira trade seem quite likely. Will Carroll doesn't..   Continue Reading

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Teixeira Talk Heating Up

UPDATE: Jon Heyman of SI.com has a nice rundown of the Teixeira suitors. His sources seem to indicate that the chances of a trade are now better than Rosenthal's 50/50. Good point raised by Heyman and many commenters - even if the Braves wanted to trade Escobar, the Rangers don't really have a need for a middle infielder. UPDATE 2: Jim Molony of MLB.com says the Red Sox are the frontrunner. The Rangers have scouted all of their major pitching prospects. Ken Rosenthal has the latest on Mark Teixeira, who is now 50/50 to be dealt according to one source..   Continue Reading

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Latest From Baseball Prospectus: Jacque, Snell

Will Carroll and John Perrotto have teamed up at BP to join the rumor mill, and yesterday's post is free to nonsubscribers. Some highlights: Carroll reports that the Cubs could swap Jacque Jones and a prospect for Jeff Conine. Perhaps such a move would be in tandem with Adam Dunn leaving Cincinnati. The Cubs might want to hold on to Jones though; he's playing well lately. Carroll heard a far out Alex Rodriguez to the Dodgers rumor, but doesn't buy it. Neither do I - the Yankees don't seem to be selling. Carroll says Brian Cashman and Co. will wait..   Continue Reading

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Rosenthal On Teixeira, Dunn

I neglected to mention a Ken Rosenthal article from yesterday, chock full of rumory goodness as always. Rosenthal believes the Yankees need a backup plan in case they are not able to retain Alex Rodriguez. Wilson Betemit definitely makes sense in that he'd be useful even if they do keep A-Rod. Rosenthal basically names every third baseman you can think of. The most likely option, to me, is to simply sign Mike Lowell as a free agent. Would he switch sides? Perhaps, if the Red Sox don't make an offer or try to lowball him. The Braves apparently won't give..   Continue Reading

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Braves Want Young Impact Pitcher For Salty

Back on June 24th, Dejan Kovacevic of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette mentioned that the Pirates inquired as to the availability of catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia. At that point the required bounty was thought to be a frontline starting pitcher like Mark Buehrle. Today, Kovacevic clarifies: the Braves want an impact-caliber young pitcher. That makes sense. The Pirates have a couple of those: Tom Gorzelanny and Ian Snell. They'd have to give one up to get Salty. Such a trade would be excellent for Atlanta but wouldn't really seem to move the Pirates forward. While shaky in terms of confirmation, we do have..   Continue Reading

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Braves Still Interested In Teixeira?

We've seen the Braves connected in Mark Teixeira rumors before; in late June Kat O'Brien included the Braves in a sizeable list of interested teams. Speculation for quite a while now has placed catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia in the discussion. David O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution says the Teixeira-to-Atlanta rumor was still making the rounds at the All-Star Game. He seems to be speculating when he says Jon Daniels would require Salty and another young player, but that sounds about right. Perhaps the Braves wouldn't be daunted by Teixeira's free agency after 2008. They could definitely let him walk and collect..   Continue Reading

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Pirates Inquire On Saltalamacchia

According to Dejan Kovacevic of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the Pirates have inquired regarding the availability of Braves catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia. Kovacevic says the Braves want frontline pitching for Salty (ie, Mark Buehrle). This makes a deal unlikely for the Bucs. What would John Schuerholz want from the Pirates? I can't see how it would get done without Ian Snell or Tom Gorzelanny included. A trade of either would be shocking. Kovacevic mentions that multiple teams have an eye on Zach Duke, but he's not comparable to the aforementioned pair   Continue Reading

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Stark's Latest

Jayson Stark has an assessment of the trade market over at ESPN.com. Aside from the usual Mark Teixeira/Eric Gagne mentions, Stark believes many Rangers may be headed out at the trading deadline. Specifically, he names Brad Wilkerson, Kenny Lofton, and Sammy Sosa. Lofton is always a good midseason mercenary. He's like a Mike Stanton in that way. Ken Griffey Jr. would approve a trade to Atlanta and might consider certain other teams. Junior is making $12.5MM this year and next, plus a $4MM buyout for '09. Quite a bit of the contract is deferred, also. $29MM over 2007-08 is still..   Continue Reading

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Rosenthal's Latest

Ken Rosenthal posted a new article this afternoon. A good read as usual, though not chock full of new rumors. Rocco Baldelli remains the Devil Rays' best trading chip; they hope to see the 25 year-old return and re-establish the trade value he had in 2006. Many are already saying the Rays waited too long on Baldelli, but let's see what they get for him before making that judgment. Reggie Willits has hit his way into a starting job for the Angels. Nice to see an Angel drawing walks 12% of the time. That will enable Willits to remain effective..   Continue Reading

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The Salt of New York?

As far as Retrosheet and I can tell, the last time the Mets and Braves hooked up for a trade was November 25, 1996, when the Mets sent Paul Byrd and a PTBNL (the inestimable Andy Zwirchitz) to the Braves for Greg McMichael. Over the years John Schuerholz has preferred to trade with Milwaukee, Kansas City or Oakland over the Mets. But with a friendly new GM in Omar Minaya and a player with all the promise and last name of Jarrod Saltalamacchia (Salt-uh-la-ma-chee-a) on the board, anything is possible. As was pointed out in this space a week ago,..   Continue Reading

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Let's Make A Deal: Jarrod Saltalamacchia

Double A catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia is a rare player: a bona fide top prospect at the position. The Braves might be able to maximize his value not by switching Salty or Brian McCann to first base, but by trading the minor leaguer. Saltalamacchia is off to a hot start after a lost '06, and one team especially interested in acquiring a young catcher is the Tigers. As a 22 year-old in Double A, Salty is at the perfect stage in his career as the Tigers would be able to exercise Pudge's 2008 option and have Saltalamacchia ready to take over..   Continue Reading

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