Marlins trying to deal Beckett, Delgado

[atlfan25]

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2229919

The Florida Marlins annually find a way to put an entertaining team on the field. But the problems with funding a stadium -- complicated by the hurricanes of the last two years -- prevent them from being able to compete in the payroll levels of the Phillies and Mets.

Josh Beckett
Beckett

Carlos Delgado
Delgado

So to clear payroll and make it possible to sign Dontrelle Willis and Miguel Cabrera to long-term contracts, sources indicate that Florida is deep in trade discussions involving Josh Beckett and Carlos Delgado.

To get Beckett, the trading partner has to take Mike Lowell's contract, which has nearly $18 million remaining over the next two seasons. Beckett is a four-year arbitration-eligible player who made $2.4 million in 2005.

Right now, the two teams hottest on Beckett are Texas and Boston. The Rangers would deal third baseman Hank Blalock, but thus far have balked at dealing either of their two prize pitchers, John Danks or Thomas Diamond. From the Red Sox, the Marlins want shortstop Hanley Ramirez and a young pitcher, either Jon Lester or Anibel Sanchez.

The three teams interested in Delgado are the Orioles, Mets and Yankees.

"Florida is being very aggressive, trying to beat everyone into the market," a GM for another team said. "Once again, they are being very creative."

[atlfan25]

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/spt/stories/112005dnsporanglede.7867bd30.html

02:09 AM CST on Sunday, November 20, 2005

By EVAN GRANT and TODD WILLS / The Dallas Morning News

The Rangers could be on the verge of acquiring the pitching ace they've long desired.

Major league sources confirmed Saturday that the Rangers were in serious talks with Florida about right-hander Josh Beckett, the 2003 World Series MVP. The talks were serious enough that the Rangers were willing to include third baseman Hank Blalock, once considered untouchable, in the proposed deal.
Rangers/MLB

According to one Rangers source, a four-player deal could be completed as early as today – if the Rangers include left-hander John Danks, the team's No. 1 draft choice in 2003. The Rangers would also receive third baseman Mike Lowell. The Rangers are wrestling with parting with Danks.

The Rangers, however, aren't the only team interested in Beckett, who was 15-8 with a 3.37 ERA last season. The South Florida Sun-Sentinel reported that Detroit and Boston had also expressed significant interest. Boston has a major league-ready shortstop in Hanley Ramirez, which could be Florida's most pressing need if it loses free agent shortstop Alex Gonzalez.

According to one Rangers source, owner Tom Hicks and Florida counterpart Jeffrey Loria have been engaged in the talks. Hicks saw Loria at Thursday's owners meetings in Milwaukee. Hicks declined to comment on his involvement Saturday.

GM Jon Daniels also declined to comment on trade speculation.

"We've talked to every team," Daniels said.

Beckett is from the Houston suburb of Spring. The right-hander, who made $2.4 million last year, would be under the Rangers' control via salary arbitration for the next two seasons. His salary is expected to rise to $4 million for 2006.

Lowell, a three-time All-Star from 2002 to 2004, struggled offensively last season, batting .236 in 150 games last season with a career-low eight home runs. The 2005 Gold Glove Award winner had averaged 28 home runs during his All-Star seasons.

The Marlins' motivation in any deal is saving money. They are again slashing payroll and have also talked to clubs about dealing Carlos Delgado and his $13 million annual salary. The Marlins would save a significant amount by dealing Lowell, who is signed for $18 million over the next two seasons. Blalock has $12.75 million remaining on his contract for the next three years. Blalock, in turn, could be dealt again by the Marlins for younger, cheaper players.

Blalock is considered part of a young nucleus of Rangers All-Stars that includes first baseman Mark Teixeira and shortstop Michael Young. Blalock batted .263 with 25 home runs and 92 RBIs in 2005 and led American League third baseman in fielding percentage. But he struggled for the second straight season after the All-Star break, hitting .236 with nine home runs and 35 RBIs. At the GM meetings last week, Daniels indicated he'd listen to offers for Blalock, only if the return was overwhelming.

Danks, reached at his off-season home in Surprise, Ariz., said his mother called him Saturday to tell him about the trade rumors. Coincidentally, Danks said he is trying to sell his house in Surprise.

Danks was dominant at Class A Bakersfield last year but struggled after a promotion to Double-A Frisco. He was 4-10 with a 5.49 ERA for the RoughRiders.

"I'll see how it goes," Danks said. "It's kind of cool to be thought of, but I'm a Ranger right now. Anything the Rangers feel they need to do, I'm really just an employee. I'm just getting ready for spring training and pitching for the Rangers."

[TheTruth]

they both sucks...go reds

[Das Texan]

fuck my team. they can fucking goto hell.

and the rangers are fucking stupid if they arent willing to trade one of danks or diamond, they should be offering both for a pitcher of beckett's capabiliites; its not like they are getting a totally shitty player in lowell also, just a guy who had a miserable season after many, many productive ones.

i hope the rangers fuck this one up due to their continued stupidity.