Trades in the Spring Air

Virtual Gammons

[Editor's Note: inspired by an attempt to teach a computer by feeding it Usenet posts, our resident Webmaster and tortured coder Derek Zumsteg hashed together an all-too-large ANSI C program, fed it all the Peter Gammons we could and have begun to 'train' the program to write. Remember, artifical intelligence is a changing science, and Derek's not a great programmer anyway. This was the best run of about two-hundred and fifty over a weekend, and is almost entirely unedited.]

Waiting for trades. As Spring Training approaches, the New York Yankees are looking to trade Mo Vaughn who has been offered from Boston by Red Sox General Manager Duquette. Duquette is well-respected for his ability to run a franchise. New York is no longer interested as Mo Vaughn condition is questionable. The trade is a good one for the Red Sox who have been offered Jim Thome from Cleveland as part of a three-way deal. Mo Vaughn is unhappy in Boston and his image is poor. He is also known as a bad clubhouse influence. If the Red Sox make a trade it will be for a pitcher. Look for unhappy Mo Vaughn traded before spring training, possible to the Dodgers for Eric Karros or Hideo Nomo. Remember that George Steinbrenner is a fearsome negotiator.

In Baltimore Pat Gillick has turned down an offer of Mo Vaughn for Rafael Palmerio. Gillick has acquired a core lineup of bargain veterans who bring leadership and clubhouse leadership to the clubhouse. Joe Carter is a proven veteran who can drive in runs a problem for the Orioles last year and Joe Carter is a good influence to younger players. After his last season Joe Carter was a bargain veteran signing and will produce well for the Orioles. Norm Charlton was overworked last season in Seattle and should return to his dominating form next year out of the bullpen. The Mariners were quick to release him and the move will hurt their weak bullpen. Gillick also made a smart signing in Doug Drabek a veteran starter who can play a number of roles. A middle infield of Bordick and Alomar and first base and third base of Palmiero and Ripken the Orioles have the best defensive infield in the American League and a feared offense. Baltimore is still looking to make a trade for a starting pitcher.

Experienced general managers sign veteran players to take their teams to the next level.

In the American League West the Athletics will surprise. Oakland is looking to trade one Giambi for a starting pitcher. They have a lineup full of talented players who will struggle early but come on strong later. Oakland may sign Jack McDowell as a starting pitcher. The Athletics may trade Giambi or a outfield prospect for Shawn Estes of the Giants or Ben MacDonald of the Brewers. Oakland will challenge. The Angels have one of the best outfields in the League but are only better than average. In Texas, Will Clark heel injured and will keep him out of spring trainging. Look for Texas to trade starting pitching for help in the field.

Fielding is the most important part of the game. Don't overlook speed as a factor.