Sunday, December 14, 2003
NOT SO FAST....
Larry Stone from New Orleans
.com's take
Ah yes, there are conflicting reports everywhere...
The official M's webpage says that Miguel Tejada was offered a 5-year deal worth 45 million, but was "initially rejected." The Seattle Times, however, doesn't make any mention of the "rejected initial offer."
One of the parallel paths being explored by the Mariners involves pitcher Freddy Garcia, whose future with the Mariners is murky. He could become a free agent on Dec. 21 if the Mariners don't tender him a contract, or he could be traded before then.
Another possibility, it appears, is that he could be signed to a new contract before the nontender date, with assistant GM Lee Pelekoudas engaging yesterday in discussions with Garcia's agent, Peter Greenberg.
"We want to exhaust all possibilities, because he's a talented guy," Bavasi said. "But we also have the luxury of a farm system with arms that are ready to fit in."
The White Sox are a possible trade partner for Garcia, and one baseball person said that another high-powered name — outfielder Magglio Ordonez — might have come into play in talks with Chicago. Ordonez, who hit .317 with 29 homers and 99 RBI last year, will make $14 million in 2004, the final year of his contract.
Magglio Ordonez would be an awesome fit to the Mariners lineup. However, there's no way Maggs is coming to Seattle if Tejada is signed. Actually, there is no chance whatsoever. The M's can't piss off the royal heiness, i.e. Ichiro. Area 51 my ass. Area 51 can move to CF for all I care IF the M's had a shot at Maggs. One guy who could have been acquired for Garcia, J.D. Drew, was dealt to the Braves Saturday afternoon.
Which leads me back to Tejada...
If the Mariners did make that 5-year deal, and Tejada "rejected" it, then I don't know what to think. I would hate to think that the offer was the final effort from the M's brass, but we are talking about the Seattle Mariners here. This is all part of the negotiation party, of course. But I tell you, the Mariners will not go overboard for Tejada. However, 5-6 years is NOT overboard for a former American League MVP.
It appears the Tigers are prepared to overpay for Tejada to offset the stigma of being a 119-loss team.
According to sources, the Tigers have offered at least five years and $50 million for Tejada, who reportedly countered with a request for seven years and $105 million. Detroit GM Dave Dombrowski yesterday characterized the gulf between the two teams as "immense."
Many baseball people find it hard to believe that Tejada, who has been in the playoffs four straight years with Oakland, would sign with the lowly Tigers.
"We are fighting that," admitted Detroit manager Alan Trammell. "But look back to Cleveland. They were in a similar situation. They had a reputation, and they turned it around. It can be done in Detroit and it will done."
Tejada, he said, would give the Tigers instant credibility. "We feel with someone like him, he can help us get there real quick. We have made him a substantial offer, definitely a serious offer. Guys like that aren't out there too often."
Tejada can't possibly join the Detroit Tigers, can he?
Detroit is a hellhole. Tell me one good reason why Detroit is more attractive than Seattle. There isn't one.
Mariners manager Bob Melvin covets Tejada as well.
"This guy is a serious middle-of-the-lineup guy," he said. "Not only that, it gets him out of Oakland, out of our hair. It's going to be tough. I know there's some teams out there, and he's a high-profile guy. By no means is it a slam dunk, but he's someone we're definitely trying to lure."
No kidding, Blow-Mel.
Melvin, in a media briefing yesterday, said Ben Davis will be given an opportunity in spring training to win the catching job from Dan Wilson. Davis hit .294 with five homers and 32 runs batted in before the All-Star break last year, and just .140-1-10 after.
"We want to challenge Ben to take the job this year," Melvin said. "He's one of those guys where the scouts look at his tools and salivate. It's time for Ben to take the ball and try to win the job."
Yeah, I'll believe when I see it. Just watch, Dan Wilson will start Opening Day because he helped a young child with his coloring book. Man I hate this franchise sometimes....
Anyways, to sum this all up....
IF the Mariners don't sign Miguel Tejada, then Magglio Ordonez HAS to be their target. I don't care if he's only signed for 2004. Like the immortal Curtis Armstrong once said, "sometimes you just have to say what the f%$&?"
I just hope the Mariners have that same attitude....and hopefully that means Tejada is a Mariner soon. But hell, Ordonez wouldn't be a bad alternative...
Screw it, I want Tejada.
FIRE UP THE MIGGY HOT STOVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
.com's take
Ah yes, there are conflicting reports everywhere...
The official M's webpage says that Miguel Tejada was offered a 5-year deal worth 45 million, but was "initially rejected." The Seattle Times, however, doesn't make any mention of the "rejected initial offer."
One of the parallel paths being explored by the Mariners involves pitcher Freddy Garcia, whose future with the Mariners is murky. He could become a free agent on Dec. 21 if the Mariners don't tender him a contract, or he could be traded before then.
Another possibility, it appears, is that he could be signed to a new contract before the nontender date, with assistant GM Lee Pelekoudas engaging yesterday in discussions with Garcia's agent, Peter Greenberg.
"We want to exhaust all possibilities, because he's a talented guy," Bavasi said. "But we also have the luxury of a farm system with arms that are ready to fit in."
The White Sox are a possible trade partner for Garcia, and one baseball person said that another high-powered name — outfielder Magglio Ordonez — might have come into play in talks with Chicago. Ordonez, who hit .317 with 29 homers and 99 RBI last year, will make $14 million in 2004, the final year of his contract.
Magglio Ordonez would be an awesome fit to the Mariners lineup. However, there's no way Maggs is coming to Seattle if Tejada is signed. Actually, there is no chance whatsoever. The M's can't piss off the royal heiness, i.e. Ichiro. Area 51 my ass. Area 51 can move to CF for all I care IF the M's had a shot at Maggs. One guy who could have been acquired for Garcia, J.D. Drew, was dealt to the Braves Saturday afternoon.
Which leads me back to Tejada...
If the Mariners did make that 5-year deal, and Tejada "rejected" it, then I don't know what to think. I would hate to think that the offer was the final effort from the M's brass, but we are talking about the Seattle Mariners here. This is all part of the negotiation party, of course. But I tell you, the Mariners will not go overboard for Tejada. However, 5-6 years is NOT overboard for a former American League MVP.
It appears the Tigers are prepared to overpay for Tejada to offset the stigma of being a 119-loss team.
According to sources, the Tigers have offered at least five years and $50 million for Tejada, who reportedly countered with a request for seven years and $105 million. Detroit GM Dave Dombrowski yesterday characterized the gulf between the two teams as "immense."
Many baseball people find it hard to believe that Tejada, who has been in the playoffs four straight years with Oakland, would sign with the lowly Tigers.
"We are fighting that," admitted Detroit manager Alan Trammell. "But look back to Cleveland. They were in a similar situation. They had a reputation, and they turned it around. It can be done in Detroit and it will done."
Tejada, he said, would give the Tigers instant credibility. "We feel with someone like him, he can help us get there real quick. We have made him a substantial offer, definitely a serious offer. Guys like that aren't out there too often."
Tejada can't possibly join the Detroit Tigers, can he?
Detroit is a hellhole. Tell me one good reason why Detroit is more attractive than Seattle. There isn't one.
Mariners manager Bob Melvin covets Tejada as well.
"This guy is a serious middle-of-the-lineup guy," he said. "Not only that, it gets him out of Oakland, out of our hair. It's going to be tough. I know there's some teams out there, and he's a high-profile guy. By no means is it a slam dunk, but he's someone we're definitely trying to lure."
No kidding, Blow-Mel.
Melvin, in a media briefing yesterday, said Ben Davis will be given an opportunity in spring training to win the catching job from Dan Wilson. Davis hit .294 with five homers and 32 runs batted in before the All-Star break last year, and just .140-1-10 after.
"We want to challenge Ben to take the job this year," Melvin said. "He's one of those guys where the scouts look at his tools and salivate. It's time for Ben to take the ball and try to win the job."
Yeah, I'll believe when I see it. Just watch, Dan Wilson will start Opening Day because he helped a young child with his coloring book. Man I hate this franchise sometimes....
Anyways, to sum this all up....
IF the Mariners don't sign Miguel Tejada, then Magglio Ordonez HAS to be their target. I don't care if he's only signed for 2004. Like the immortal Curtis Armstrong once said, "sometimes you just have to say what the f%$&?"
I just hope the Mariners have that same attitude....and hopefully that means Tejada is a Mariner soon. But hell, Ordonez wouldn't be a bad alternative...
Screw it, I want Tejada.
FIRE UP THE MIGGY HOT STOVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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