Players on the Block: Fact or Fiction?

Ok so as a part of a 2-part trading deadline feature, we'll play "Fact or Fiction" with players that could be trading in their uniform soon.


Jason Schmidt, Giants: A beat writer visiting Angel's manager Mike Scioscia's office said that Schmidt's profile was on Scioscia's computer screen. This recent report has opened up the floodgates for possible trade rumors once again, while the Giants continually assure the public that Schmidt will not be traded.

Fact or Fiction? Most definitely Fiction, in this case, the main giveaway being the fact the Giants are telling us that it won't happen. Schmidt is not particularly old and is still the staff ace. The Giants have demanded at least 2 major league ready starters and top prospects in trade offers and have been turned down, so unless a lucrative trade offer comes in at the last second, Schmidt is going to stay a Giant.

A.J. Burnett, Marlins: His name has been in trade rumors for almost a month now with nothing happening. Teams right and left have been mentioned, the most recent being the Twins and White Sox in a possible three team deal. The Marlins want to throw in struggling third baseman Mike Lowell in any deal to shed his $21 million salary, but so far no one has shown interest.

Fact or Fiction? Fact. He's the big fish of the deadline right now, and the Marlins want him gone. The three way trade between the Twins and White Sox would make sense. The Twins need a third baseman, and the White Sox could use a starter to complement staff aces Jon Garland and Mark Buerhle. Both teams have the minor league depth available to swing a deal so look for Burnett to be gone by July 31st.

Jeff Weaver, Dodgers: His name hasn't appeared in the rumor mill until recently, but apparently the Orioles would love to insert him into their rotation. If he was to be dealt, it would likely be for prospects, and would indicate that the Dodgers have given up on this year and are looking towards the 2006 season.

Fact or Fiction? Most likely Fiction, but there's still a slight possibility of a trade. The Dodger's season is now on the upswing with a recent hotstreak and the return of long-injured slugger Milton Bradley today. Unless the Dodger's get major league ready impact players in return, Weaver is going to stay in Los Angeles. Meaning, they won't trade him for prospects that are going to be ready in 2-3 years. If they're going to make an sort of run for the division title the Dodgers are going to need Weaver, or some pretty decent players in return for him.


Alfonso Soriano, Rangers: His name has come up in deals with teams from the Giants, to the Yankees. There have been rumors that he would accept a move to center field if he was traded to the Yankees, as well as rumors of him being dealt to the Giants for Jason Schmidt.

Fact or Fiction? Once again, Fiction. He has denied all rumors that he would want to go the Yankees. He wants to stay on the Rangers, and considering they traded Alex Rodriguez to get him, they likely won't move him.


J.C. Romero, Twins: Romero is a hard throwing lefty capable of setting up for any team seeking bullpen help. His name has come up in trade rumors to the Red Sox, who are in desparate need of a presence to fill injured closer Keith Foulke's shoes. He's not sensational, so he won't cost too much in return, and he won't cost much salary-wise so he would be a smart pickup for anyone who might get him.

Fact or Fiction? Fact. Every year around the deadline theres one or two average not so sensational players that are dealt and Romero falls under that category this season. He would be an ideal pickup for the Red Sox, who have just cut loose left handed pitcher Alan Embree.


Shawn Chacon, Rockies: He started his career as a starter, and was moved into the closer's role last season. The disasterous results of that experiment have shifted back into his role as a starting pitcher. This season he has been a result of being a pretty decent pitcher on a terrible team. He's 1-7 with a 4.11 ERA. On a contending team he could just as easily be 10-2 but he's unfortunate enough to be in the situation he's in now. His stock has dropped, and the teams that have been previously interested in him (Giants, Rangers, Padres, Yankees) have looked towards bigger prizes recently though.

Fact or Fiction? This one's not so clear cut as the others, but I have to say Fact. The Giants want Jason Jennings, not Chacon, the Rangers want more of an ace pitcher, the Yankees have Al Leiter so their need for an extra starter has diminished, but I could see Chacon going to the Padres. If it goes down to the wire, the Rangers might settle for him and another player, possibly Brian Fuentes in exchange for first base prospect Adrian Rodriguez.


Randy Winn, Mariners: The Yankees currently are in desparate need of a center fielder, with the Bubba Crosby experience having yet to produce much of anything. This would also solve their lack of a leadoff hitter problem, and allow them to shift the slumping Derek Jeter into the number 2 spot in the lineup, a spot he's much more comfortable hitting in. Even with all this hype, one general manage is quoted as saying Winn "can't play centerfield".

Fact or Fiction? Fact. Even with rumors of his lack or prowess in center field, I don't see how he could be much worse than Bernie Williams defensively. The Yankees need someone who can play center and hit and Randy Winn fills this need. He hits for average, with some power and a good amount of speed. He would be an ideal fit in New York. The Mariners don't want him anymore and Winn wants to play for a contender so everyone's happy.


Ken Griffey Jr., Reds: His name hasn't appeared on the rumor mill until about a week ago with many team's growing need for center fielders. Griffey wants to be traded to a contender, but apparently he hasn't been in contact with management and they have not discussed with him any possibility of being traded. He's been in the majors for 10 years and 5 seasons with one team, which gives him the right to veto any trade.

Fact or Fiction? Fiction. Griffey has said that "I don't remember the last time I saw [Reds GM] Dan O'Brien." There simply hasn't been enough effort on the part of the Reds to arrange a deal with a big name like his. There's the issue of getting enough in return for Griffey, and the problem of having to eat the rest of his fairly large salary ($12.5 million through 2008) if they do deal him. This isn't the sort of deal that can be thrown together at the last second with all the variables involved with moving a big name and a big salary.