Odds and Ends: Crisp, King, Sweeney

Here's today's linkage. Bobby Kielty's hand injury drastically reduces the chance of a Coco Crisp trade within the next month. Who needs a lefty reliever? The Nationals' Ray King would like to be traded rather than head to Triple A. Mike Sweeney was excited about signing with the Twins last winter, but the Craig Monroe trade ended that possibility. Susan Slusser doesn't expect the A's to keep both Frank Thomas and Sweeney for very long. Joe Sports Fan ranks the seven best long-term contracts. Any additions? How about Dan Haren at four years and $12.65MM?

Odds and Ends: Dan Johnson, Baldelli, Soria

Let's round up some linkage. Last Thursday I appeared on WVOX 1460 out of New York with Russell Mafes. You can download the file here (it's about 12 mb and 16 minutes long). Jim Hendry is very candid about the Cubs' desire to add a right-handed hitting outfielder who can handle center. Mike Sweeney's success and good health could mean Dan Johnson is on his way out of Oakland. Jim Salisbury says the Phillies might have taken Rocco Baldelli 15th in the 2000 draft instead of Chase Utley, if they'd had the chance. Would the Mets or Dodgers have taken...