Pat Gillick’s Best Abbott and Costello Impersonation

When asked about the crush of left-handed power hitting first basemen in Philadelphia, Pat Gillick bellowed, "Nobody’s the first baseman right now." He went on to explain it’s "because it’s the off-season."  He may not be as funny as the duo but he’s profound nonetheless.  So until opening day, we will continue to spread rumours (sorry) with Pat’s blessing.  

Since the White Sox will mostly likely lose Paul Konerko to free agency, they have begun talking about bringing Thome back to his home state.  I’m not sure who the Sox would be willing to give up but they have been shopping around Frank Thomas. Though he’d be a fish out of water in the National League. Those White Sox starting pictures would be pretty alluring however.

Returning back to reality, the Phils may find a starting pitching opportunity in Javier Vazquez and his decision to invoke his right to be traded. The right-hander has two years remaining on his contract worth $11.5 million in 2006 and $12.5 million in ’07. But I feel the Phils would be unwilling to put out that kind of money unless it involves the D’Backs taking Thome or Lieberthal.

I’m gonna for the most part ignore the whole Bobby Abreu for Vernon Wells talk.  Just because a newspaper gossips like we do here doesn’t make it any more substantive.  The Phils are just out trying to determine his value, which like his career for the most part, will probably be underrated.  I think he’s more valuable on the team than as trade currency.

The Mariners are really looking for some left-handed hitting so keep them in mind for trading Thome.  Man, I can’t even describe how much would I love to have Ichiro in the lineup.  Wishful thinking…

The A.J. Burnett talk has been heating up again but it doesn’t seem Philadelphia is a likely target as of yet.  CBC Sports reports Burnett doesn’t seem to be interested in "heading to baseball’s glamorous markets." Zing! He is, however, visiting Toronto, Baltimore, Seattle and Washington.  Though Washington is won’t hesitate to make trades

, throwing money at free agents will continue to be hampered by MLB’s reluctance to sell the team expeditiously.  It’s odd that since even before the team moved to DC most everyone knew the Washington Baseball Club group would likely be the owners of any baseball team in the district.  What are they waiting for?

The latest news in Billy Wagner saga has the New York Post claiming the Mets have yet to make him an offer, and are not expected to do so until mid-next week.  If Wagner goes to the Mets he’s an idiot.  We all know it would be just for the money which is fine, except one day he’ll wake up and realize everyone’s laughing at him.  For the second time I’ve read a New York area newspaper call him "country boy."  Now we all take jabs at Charlie Manuel for being from West Virginia but it’s usually not institutionalized by major newspapers.  It’s as if they think Wagner walks around with a corn cob pipe and will be frightened by the city’s tall buildings – typical New York snobbery.  Don’t be fooled Billy, stay in Philly.

Finally if you want to keep tabs on all the gossip yourself check out The Hot Stove Report & Pro Sports Daily Trade Rumors.