There is speculation on OrangeWhoopass that the Wilson signing could be a signal that Taveras or Lane are on their way out. Do the Orioles have a need for a CF? I think Luis Matos is their current CF.
just thinking out loud...but lane could be just another part added to a tejada deal. lidge/everett/lane for tejada. something like that. again...i dont' know anything about it...just guessing.
Baltimore has Jay Gibbons, Luis Matos, and Eric Byrnes in the outfield right now. Lane would be about the equivalent to Gibbons, but an upgrade to Byrnes at the plate...I guess if they wanted Willy T. they could slide Matos to LF, or maybe package him with Tejada. Either way I'd love to see it get done. I'd go all out to get Tejada...we just have to hope Boston or Manny screws up, which is likely knowing Manny and his mouth. Hunsicker would have been all over this...we just have to hope Purpura is doing the same.
Eric Byrnes was non tendered and signed with Arizona. They have a hole in a corner OF spot because of Burnitz's change of heart.
Hmmmm ... As long as we're dreamcasting, what could this mean for an Abreu deal? Lane/Backe for Abreu? Lane/Qualls/prospect for Abreu?
If anything, it may intensify the rumor that Taveras is being traded to the White Sox for Jose Contreras. If Wilson is healthy, he can be a good producer. He does strikeout a ton (148 last year alone and he didn't even play the whole year). I'm not too sure about him playing center, but, again, if he's healthy, he's got the speed to do it and a good arm. At the least, it's good insurance if Bagwell can't go. At the best, we picked up a good power bat with some speed.
With Wilson getting only a one year contract and Bagwell in his last season, there's going to be a huge hole in the outfield in 2007 and some money to spend to get a serious player.
I really like the sound of both trades (dreamcasting or not). I am not sure we can beat the BoRox' offer for Miguel and I and reluctant to let the great Lidge go even for Miggy.
It's about time we made a move. Now All have to do is trade for Tejada, Zito and sign Clemens in May. *Rodriguez,Astacio, and Prospect to Oakland for Zito *Lane,Everett and Lidge to BAL for Tejada Opening Day 2006: 2B Biggio CF Taveras SS Tejada 1B Berkman 3B Ensberg RF Wilson LF Burke C Ausmus P Oswalt Rotation (Pre Clemens) With Clemens Oswalt Oswalt Pettitte Pettitte Zito Clemens Backe ZIto Bucholz Backe
Why is everyone so quick to dismiss Taveras ? I thought he had a terrific year & he is young. Especially if both Preston & Bagwell could be gone next year.
Unless the prospect you left unnamed is one of our bigger hitting prospects, like Hunter Spence, then I don't see why Oakland would do this dea.
I don't think anyone is quick to dismiss him. It's just that with his better than expected rookie season last year, his value is pretty high right now. Sure, he could turn into a .300+, .350 OBP hitter with 50 steals a season and play stellar defense in CF, but I think it is just as likely he never progresses much past what he did last season. If they trade him now, they capitalize on that potential.
I don't think simply because we signed Wilson that means Taveras is out. Wilson is a middle of the order hitter, while Taveras is a true leadoff hitter. Having Wilson in left and Taveras in Center with Lane in right is a pretty nice combo in my opinion. This of course puts Mike Lamb in an odd position with Berkman taking 1st unless Bagwell can produce... like usual, we have an abundance of outfielders.
I am not sure my heart can take the excitement such a lineup will give me. Orgasmic indeed.......but that lineup is a very long shot. P.S. Will Zito agree to re-sign with us since his contract runs out after this upcoming season?
I think obtaining Abreu is more likely than getting Tejada, especially if the Orioles are reportedly turning down packages including Mark Prior. In any case, this deal gives the Astros more options to pick up another bat, or deal with any contingency that arises. Preston Wilson is a good option, despite the strikeouts.
