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Don't kill the messenger, but these are today's rumors according to Boston.com Last updated: 7/19 Sox have an eye on Adams BUZZ FACTOR -- Low: The Sox have been in contact with the Blue Jays about some of their veterans, including Terry Adams, a reliever who has held left-handed batters to a sub-.200 batting average this season. Nixon for Beltran? BUZZ FACTOR -- Low: The Red Sox are very interested in Beltran, who may become available again before the trading deadline if the Astros fall further out of the playoff hunt. What would Boston give up to get him? There are rumors that Trot Nixon, who signed a new contract in the offseason, could be dangled to try to bring Beltran to Boston for the rest of the season, but we doubt anything will come of it. Nixon is a home-grown product signed beyond this season, while Beltran would assuredly be a three-month rental. ... The Carlos Beltran Sweepstakes may not be over after all. Houston GM Gerry Hunsicker said recently, "We're on the verge of falling out of the race," which could turn the Astros from buyers to sellers. Carlos Beltran is most mentioned in that scenario. ---------------------------- Um, Terry Adams maybe if he comes cheaply enough...but Nixon for Beltran?!? No way! I love Trot.

I have to agree. If this team doesn't dispatch of Seattle and Ron Villone...I will become deeply concerned. This is, a team, however, that hasn't won 2 games in a row on the road since June.

on Delgado: The last I heard, he was unwilling to waive his no-trade clause, meaning he's probably going to finish his season in Toronto on McGriff: I feel sorry for the Crime Dog, I really do. A quality person, and a good hitter. I just don't see him picking it up with another club because he doesn't seem to be producing anymore. What he probably needs is regular playing time to get into a groove, but who would be willing to give it to him? I can't think of ONE team. on Carl Everett: I can't believe GMs keep paying this guy to tear up their clubhouses... Kenny Williams must have been desperate for a bat and desperate to ditch Jon Rauch

Gosox, This isn't exactly the 2003 Detroit Tigres we're talking about here....Arizona has a decent team, and EVERYTHING has gone wrong for them this year. They traded Schilling basically so they could get Richie Sexson, a big bopper (which they needed) and he got hurt VERY early. Also, the NL West isn't exactly the AL East. A team doesn't have to flat-out dominate to win the division.....and in a short series....With Randy Johnson, this team could be dangerous. If I'm the Diamondbacks, I'm looking at 2005 no question about it, but I gear up my team to COMPETE in 2005 because I have the chance....hell, the Rockies have a chance in that division because NO team is overpowering. Keep in mind, Randy WANTS to stay in Arizona if they can contend if at all possible. Who would want to be 3000 miles from their family?

The thing that bugs me this game is that the BEST hitter against LHP in the game (Manny Ramirez) might not play vs Villone tonight. We'll see, as we've heard nothing about Manny other than it's sore, and the team wants to keep him out. Can I just say that Kapler's been pretty damn good lately? He kicked ass in the Anaheim series...if Manny's not playing tonight, I hope to see Kapler (not Millar) although since it's a lefty, Trot will probably NOT start. Arroyo's 4.06 ERA is not bad in this era. Plus, as someone else pointed out (in the Bronson Arroyo thread)...he's much better on the road. C'mon Sox....let's keep some momentum going!

I couldn't agree more, honestly. Derek Lowe has done very little to prove he still deserves a spot in the rotation. I think Arroyo (despite his record) has been one of the better #5 starters in baseball, and will continue to be a quality starter in the future. He seems to be a classic "tough luck" pitcher this year, when he pitches well, it seems the Sox don't score runs for him. We'll see how his next few starts play out...anyone with an idea of Kim's ETA?

Delgado has said (through his agent) that he won't waive his no-trade. I'd rather see Olerud than Delgado anyway because: He wouldn't cost as much $$. The Sox could pick up Olerud AND make other moves. He wouldn't cost as many prospects. He's better defensively. He's a proven leader, and a proven winner. I wouldn't be surprised if the Sox made a run at Delgado as a FA next year, but I seriously doubt they'll pick him up in 04. Olerud is a possibility though...we'll see.

The latest news on Johnson is that the D-Backs are going to try to convince Randy that they'll compete NEXT YEAR, and not move him. Again, the Rangers said they were gunna keep A-Rod just days before sending him to the Yankees, so we'll see. That's the latest I heard.

I think the problem was that David WASN'T thinking......Sometimes people get mad and overreact....and he'll pay the price. We'll see what happens.

Hey, I was curious as to what moves (outside of Red Sox rumors) may be in the fold. Here are some: Carlos Delgado says he's not waiving his no trade. LA seems very interested in him. Bret Boone is a gold glove infielder with a huge salary. He's usually a good offensive second baseman, but is struggling this year. Will he be moved before the deadline? Fred McGriff just doesn't fit in with Tampa Bay's youth movement. Will he retire or be moved to a contender? Kris Benson has been coveted by the Mets. Will they finally complete a deal? Will someone else swoop in and pick him up (MFY, Cardinals, Cubbies etc) Mark Prior injured again. Will the Cubs counter with a move? Please post your reactions/ideas/theories/rumors

We'll see how it plays out. I certainly wouldn't be upset if Olerud replaced Millar on the roster. The problem with Millar is that he makes $3.3 million. So finding someone else to take him would be hard. Although, Olerud makes 7.7 mil. Think the Sox could do a 1 for 1 swap of Olerud for Millar? Seattle would still save money....

I was just curious if anyone had any updates or information on the status of Carlos Febles, an infielder currently in AAA Pawtucket. He used to be considrered a top prospect for KC...he's stolen 13 bases with Pawtucket this year.... Any info is appreciated. Thanks

No doubt. I think he managed to piss off just about EVERYONE.

Ortiz, I certainly understand your desire to ditch Millar, as I see him more useful as a cheerleader than a player.... The question becomes: Who do you replace him with?

Rocker was with Atlanta, then got traded to Cleveland, where he didn't do too well. I don't know how, but he ended up in Texas in 02, where he pitched for 25 innings. According to ESPN, he pitched 1 inning for Tampa Bay last year. I don't think he's in MLB this year

Sara, I have to admit, I literally laughed out loud when I read your post about Randy not putting in Embree. I understand your point, and respect your opinion. Mostly the point of this poll was to try to guage from RSN what people thought the BIGGEST issue is. Of course, I don't believe any one of those things would solve all the problems.

His numbers are poor that's true. The guys on WEEI last night were saying John Olerud's been struggling this year, some scouts (again they didn't say who) think he'd pick it right back up on a contender... He would DEFINATELY be better with the glove than anyone we have (he's a GOLD GLOVE first baseman. McCarty is good, but Olerud is better. If he DID turn around with the bat...he'd be worth it. Who knows if he would though. Again, this would probably be a low-risk move if he ends up getting released. If the Sox have to pay the rest of his salary...it's a costly gamble (money wise) but either way the Sox probably won't give up decent prospects for him, and Seattle will likely move him for very little.

elem, Although I don't agree with you....I hope you're right. (see my comments in "Rumor Mill" section for notes on that

Crespo, I seriously believe that George gets what he wants. He wanted Contreras, he got him. He was angry that we got Schilling...so he goes out and gets Kevin Brown AND Javier Vazquez (who is their ACE by the way). Goes all the way down...Giambi, Mussina, Sheffield, Lofton, Matsui, A-Rod. Also, if Randy Johnson wants to win a world series....and he has his pick of teams (which he does) why would he pick the Red Sox when the Yankees are 8 games ahead? My point was that Randy can force a trade (like Junior Griffey did) and say he will only accept a trade to a certain team. This puts the D-Backs in the tough position of dealing with an unhappy superstar or getting whatever they can from that team. I sincerely hope that I am wrong on this one. I will be willing to swallow my pride... Again, this is just the FEELING I have...that Randy will go to NY...for the reasons stated above.

For me, the biggest dissapointment has been the starting pitching. Lowe/Arroyo have simply not been sufficient. If I could make only one move, I'd try to get a top-flight starting pitcher to throw behing Curt/Pedro. The rest of the team should take shape. Bench Millar, play Ortiz/McCarty at first, Trot in right, Johnny in center, Manny in left. Kapler replaces trot if necessary (vs lefties)

Curious to see what people's opinions are on this one. If you could only do one of these things.....Which one would you do?

And Francona would know we hate him.

Nomah, This situation will come down to 2 things (in my opinion): How desperate Arizona is to unload Johnson: (doesn't seem like they're too desperate....why would they be?) How desperate Johnson is to leave Arizona: This seems more likely. Last night the 'pen blew a win for him when he came out of a game where he had a shutout going. That frustrates ANYONE. If Randy asks out, Arizona has said they'll move him, and Randy is in complete control here. He can say "I want to go to the Yankees, please trade me to the Yankees," and about 10 minutes later the deal will be done....probably for Navarro and Cano. I WANT to agree with you, but I just can't. I have a VERY bad feeling that before too long, Randy will be in pinstripes. Why would Randy come to Boston? we don't have a championship team. White Sox? nope. Cubbies? Nah...no offense. The Yankees are in the hunt every year, GUARANTEED. He'll pitch in the playoffs with the Yankees, and he has the best supporting cast available. Randy has already proven he can beat the empire (in 2001) why not just take the sure-thing?

I agree. Francona's laid back attitude has gone too far. The man could care less if the Sox win as long as they all love each other, and can go out for a beer after the game. Hey Terry.....the fans don't care if you all love each other (yes, you ARE around for the fans believe it or not).

There is NO WAY this team beats the Yankees with Lowe, Arroyo and Wake 2/3. It just aint gunna happen. The Red Sox WILL NOT catch New York this season...they have to focus on the wild card, and Theo needs to build this team to win instead of just have an orgy in the clubhouse every night and suck it up on the field. I'm sick of Francona's "I love all these players so much" crap. MAKE THEM PLAY THE GAME TO WIN. Be a leader. That's your job. The bottom line is, the Yankees players don't necessarily LIKE each other. In fact, it's possible EVERYONE hates Lofton and Sheffield for their stupid mouths....But they win games, and that's what is important. I don't care if they all leave the park and sleep in separate CITIES after the game, just play the game and win.