Yesterday’s Part 1 of my Will Carroll interview is available here. Here’s the rest.
MLBTradeRumors: Would you agree with Buster Olney that the Mets are the most likely destination for Sammy Sosa? The Pirates are out of it now, so there aren’t many vacancies.
Will Carroll: If you can get him for nothing plus incentives, why not? I think the Mets would be a nice fit, but that team is trying to win, not get fans in there. I’d think a team that looks like a 500 team in a weak division could take the gamble. San Francisco?
MLB: What kind of performance would you expect for Aaron Heilman as a starter?
WC: I saw his first AAA start and wasn’t that impressed there. I think he’s overexposed as a starter, but could be solid as a reliever. Remember, Brad Lidge was a starter at Notre Dame too.
MLB: Does the new Devil Rays management team have a mindset similar to Chuck LaMar, or will the Rays find worthwhile deals for Lugo, Huff, and Baez before the season begins?
WC: Dear lord no. I was very impressed with the Rays staff that I met in Dallas. I think being patient is being mistaken for being stubborn due to the history of Lamar. I mean, it looks like the same result, but the difference is that this administration just has a plan.
MLB: Your guess on Kerry Wood’s number of innings pitched for 2006?
WC: 140.
MLB: Who’s the Jonny Gomes of 2006 – a player on the verge of breakout who just needs an opportunity?
WC: Corey Hart.
MLB: Will we see Daisuke Matsuzaka in the Majors in 2007?
WC: I hope so, but he’s so good and so overused, we may never see how good he could have been.
MLB: Do you expect anything out of the Florida rotation besides Willis and Vargas? Can Olsen, Petit, or Mitre post solid seasons?
WC: In a couple years, the Fish could have a ton of pitching or none. I think those three could be league average but look better in the park. I’m curious to see how Girardi will handle things, whether he’ll have any touch with a pitching staff, whether he’ll grab a mask and glove like Boone used to do.
TD: Does Keith Foulke finish 2006 as Boston’s closer?
WC: Craig Hansen will be there about a decade.
