Don’t Believe the Contreras Hype
All signs on the impending Jason Michaels deal point to today. Phillyburbs.com has already gone so far to say the deal is done. The Akron Beacon Journal is a bit more hesitant, claiming "the deal should be consummated as early as today." I hate to admit it, but all sources indicate it will in fact be Arthur Rhodes whom the Phils pick up. That would be most disappointing. Maybe Gillick just really wants to see Madson in the rotation since he knows he will not be able to improve the starting 5 from outside the organization.
On that note, I’m sure we’ve all heard the latest rumors about the Phillies and White Sox starters, but there are many reasons the World Champion White Sox probably won’t make a move. They have a solid offense already, again one that won the World Series – plus added Thome. If, as rumored, the deal was be Jose Contreras and Jermaine Dye for Abreu, the Sox would be taking on a lot of salary. The addition of Abreu to the payroll would equal an extra $13 million over the next two years. Contreras is a free agent after 2006 so the Phils wouldn’t benefit on this trade in the medium-term unless they could resign him. It’s likely they could, since the large contracts of Lieberthal and Bell expire at the same time. Jon Garland’s name has also been mentioned but it seems Pat Gillick is looking for a bit more of a legitimate ace. Unfortunately, Jayson Stark reported the Sox are not interested in moving Freddy Garcia and Mark Buehrle.
Nothing like some sad trade rumors to start the day.
