OK...I know the playoffs are still going but it's interesting to see what else is going on in the meantime...

Feel free to report any rumors, trades, free agent signings, etc.

The Phillies fired their GM Ed Wade which was what every fan wanted. Good Riddance...

And now the rumors have begun...

Top candidates to replace him: former Astros GM Gerry Hunsicker, Red Sox GM Theo Epstein, Yankees GM Brian Cashman among others.

Personally, I'd love to see Epstein hired as the new Phillies GM.

Why would Epstein leave Boston?

Well, his contract expires on October 31 and it doesn't look like the Red Sox are eager to resign him. They would've extended his contract after they won the World Series if that was the case. From everything I've read, he and Lucchino don't seem to be on the same page.

I heard Mel Stottlemeyer is leaving the Yankees and they are going to make a HUGE push to get Leo Mazzone.

Mentioned earlier, but Nomar maybe to the Braves if we don't resign Furcal.

Hunsicker would be good in Philly I think.

I play ball with a guy we call "Stove" because he has no range.

Get it???!?!? HAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHHA!

I've heard it's unlikely the Braves will re-sign Furcal (he did express his desire/willingness to play for the Mets, on a side note). I think they'd be stupid to overpay for Nomar. They need to give Betemit a chance.

Hmm, the speculation I hear is less about Theo and LL not getting along (they've known each other since Theo was 19), than about the numbers for Theo's contract. Besides, most of the Theo vs. LL stuff I've read is based on that Colorado Rockies trade, which was both inconsequential and kinda crappy anyhow.

As to extending contracts, this organization has thus far proven itself largely unwilling to renegotiate or extend contracts during the season, except as it impacts the day-to-day success/morale of the present team (so, Pedro's option, extending Papi). Theo and the trio met yesterday to begin negotiating his contract, so it would seem that the issue is currently about the particulars, not necessarily if/whether either side is interested in re-signing.

Theo absolutely deserves some latitude in light of his success here, but it's very debatable what his worth is as a talent developer, which is the big story for the next 10, maybe 20 years of the Red Sox. They want to be the Braves (but successful in the playoffs). Theo needs to work on his own skills evaluating bullpen/relief assembly...

giants need some offense - especially at 1b - Overbay, Konerko, Wilkerson have been mentioned.

I have a feeling Overbay will be going somewhere, Brewers need to make room for Prince...a lot of room.

What about trading Jenkins and shifting Overbay to right?

It worked for Charlie Moore (a move from infield, catcher in his case, to right).

Plus, Jenkins, since he has a bit of a dinger-stroke, probably has more trade value. Especially since his power appears to have not been the product of 'roids... Though, durability would be a concern for the acquiring club.

it's a good thought, but Overbay can't move very well, not that Jenks is cat out there...I just have a hard time seeing lyle in the outfield. Overbay is a better overall hitter and I'd be bummed to see him go, jenks, despite his long tenure, I have no problem getting rid of.

Ramon Hernandez will be grossly overpaid by the Mets.

I do have to give Jenks his propers since he was the subject of rumour at my high-school that had him banging one of my classmates when he first got to the Show. That would have been '97, then.

I doubt the stories true, of course... But, J Ward (the allegedly banged jail-bait), if you're out there - you rock, babe; totally rock.

Well, looks like Theo might be leaving Boston after all. The Trio totally low-balled him on their contract offer, so...

Now, hopefully that idiot Monty will bring him in for an interview.

Congrats ATLers on picking up Dan Uggla. I think it'll be worth Infante and Dunn.

Well that's a jump in time.

Yeah, there were a few threads, but for some reason they all stopped in '05.

Kinda funny that Konerko was being discussed in this thread then, and is once again being discussed this off-season.

I think it's a good pickup and obviously Fredi has some good insight on Uggla since he managed him in Florida.

Also has to put Chipper's return in question since this probably means Prado goes to third.

Yeah, as important as Infante was to our playoff run (saving us during some bad injury bug stretches) he's not the solid every day player than Uggla is. Especially if Uggla can be a 30/100 guy. That said, it did nothing to improve our HORRENDOUS defensive woes. Still, i'll take a solid bat which is something we sorely needed in the lineup.

GM Frank Wren is exactly what you want in a GM if you don't have Yankee money to spend at will. The guy just keeps being proactive and trying to find the right formula. The only truly bad move he's made IMO is the Mark Texiera trade. It really crippled us the following season. Also, the Kawakami contract but there was no indication he was going to be as big a bust as he was.

Now, if Chipper can just find the fountain of youth.

As a lot of people were saying, Infante's worth will never be higher than it is now. I think you'll see that is a great move. I was really hoping the O's would make another run at him. They tried last season, but it fell through. Problem is, I don't know that we had anyone that we'd want to give up prospect-wise for him.

Changed my mind...I don't want Cliff Lee....
If he is willing to take 3 years, we can talk.....
6 years, and the Yanks are idiots....

Yeah, it was odd to read this thread. It seems like ages ago that Jenkins and Overbay were on the Brewers

yeah, even i don't want cliff lee for more than 3-4 years

he'll be pushing 40 in 6 years