Hudson to the Braves/Dodgers?

[ensanimal]

looks like hudson won't be moving for a 2b...

Keith Ginter - 2B - OAK


Athletics acquired infielder Keith Ginter from the Brewers for RHP Justin Lehr and outfielder Nelson Cruz.
A's GM Billy Beane hasn't had any luck getting a quality second baseman in the Tim Hudson trade talks, so he picked up some Mark Ellis insurance elsewhere. Ginter, 28, hit .262/.333/.479 in 386 AB last season. He lacks range at second base, but he hits enough to still be an adequate option at the position. Also, he gives the team a nice backup for Eric Chavez. It will be interesting to see what happens if Ellis does show up at 100 percent in the spring. His defense might result in Ginter remaining a part-time player. Dec. 15 - 4:44 pm et

Justin Lehr - R - MLW


Brewers acquired RHP Justin Lehr and outfielder Nelson Cruz from the Athletics in exchange for infielder Keith Ginter.
With Rickie Weeks available in case Junior Spivey gets hurt and Russell Branyan and Wes Helms at third base, Ginter was expendable, and GM Doug Melvin needed to rebuild his pen after trading Danny Kolb and Luis Vizcaino. This is a decent first step. Lehr, 27, needs a better second pitch if he's going to turn into a quality setup man, but with his 94 mph fastball, he can be adequate in the middle innings now. The Brewers will need to keep looking for a closer. Dec. 15 - 4:40 pm et

Nelson Cruz - OF - MLW


Outfielder Nelson Cruz was traded from Oakland to Milwaukee in a three-player deal.
Given his walk rate, it's no surprise that Cruz was trade bait. Still, he's a legitimate prospect. The 24-year-old hit .345/.407/.582 in 66 games at Single-A Modesto and .313/.377/.542 in 67 games at Double-A Midland last season. He has a chance to be a regular corner outfielder, but we see him as more of a reserve. Dec. 15 - 4:37 pm et

[slomo007]

Another good deal for Milwaukee. What has gotten in to them? Are they actually trying to compete?

[LBJackal]

Well, you tell me, is Smoltz starting or not? If not, why trade for Kolb? Facts are, he's in the rotation. If you don't think the MLBPA looks at it this way, well, you and I will just have to disagree.

Well it seems we agree

They're both in the same situation; the money isn't guaranteed. But like I said, they take it case by case and look at the possibility of having the clause triggered without voiding it.

And there have been talks about Sammy being traded with the clause still intact, and the Cubs eating $4.5M of his 2006 contract. I really don't think they want him back whatsoever and if the contract clause is left intact they could still trade him to somebody.

[Dawgpound 1613]

Well, you tell me, is Smoltz starting or not? If not, why trade for Kolb? Facts are, he's in the rotation. If you don't think the MLBPA looks at it this way, well, you and I will just have to disagree.

Well it seems we agree

They're both in the same situation; the money isn't guaranteed. But like I said, they take it case by case and look at the possibility of having the clause triggered without voiding it.

And there have been talks about Sammy being traded with the clause still intact, and the Cubs eating $4.5M of his 2006 contract. I really don't think they want him back whatsoever and if the contract clause is left intact they could still trade him to somebody.

If they trade him with that clause intact, they better be prepared to eat a lot of money. Not only would he be obscenely overpaid for 2005 AND 2006, but there'd also be another, I believe, $4.5M buyout for 2007. I know they want him gone, but that's close to $40M for two years, and I doubt the team getting him will want to pay more than $5M/year. Who knows, maybe it happens.