It’s the all-underdog series, where virtually everyone outside of the greater St. Louis and Miami metropolitan areas seem to be entertaining fuzzy Cubby thoughts. After all, the Cubs are supremely telegenic, feature a healthy dose of celebrity, and some of the best pitching on the planet. But there’s another organization in this series, one with a recent World Series win a couple of owners ago to its credit, something achieved with almost galling ease compared to the decades of North Side misery. Moreover, these latest Marlins are an interesting collection of homegrown talents, other people’s prospects, a rented superstar, and the definitive retreaded manager.
A lost season for the Angels has folks in Anaheim scratching their heads. John Smoltz’s injury buries Bobby Thigpen’s name for another year. The Royals’ run evokes memories of George Brett and company. Sandy Alomar…you can probably guess what Chris will write about Sandy Alomar. Witticisms, Kahrlisms and roster schmisms in this edition of Transaction Analysis.
David Eckstein’s miserable season for the Angels runs into injury. The White Sox add Scott Sullivan to a good-looking bullpen. The Expos grab Todd Zeile in their desperate attempt to fill the third base void. Cliff Floyd’s injury allows the Mets to look at Jeff Duncan. The Giants could get crushed if they start Dustin Hermanson in the playoffs. These and other transaction news and Kahrlisms in this edition of Transaction Analysis.
The Angels grant Benji Gil his freedom, while the Orioles do the same for Rick Helling. The Cubs continue their quest to field one of the worst infields on a pennant contender in decades. The Royals make the best of a cloudy rotation situation. The Rangers’ pitching buffet’s not looking too appetizing. These and other news, notes, and Kahrlisms in this edition of Transaction Analysis.
Adam Riggs gets a well-deserved shot with the Angels. The Braves aim to avoid the mistake made by the ’93 Phillies. Neal Cotts could end up being the prize in the Koch-Foulke deal for the White Sox. The Royals and A’s designate Febles and Piatt for assignment, drawing mixed reviews. These and other transactions, Chris Kahrl-style, in this edition of Transaction Analysis.
Ramiro Mendoza mercifully heads to the DL for the Red Sox. Sandy Alomar Jr. is a waste of space for the White Sox. The Indians and Blue Jays sort through their multiple catching options. The Twins continue to jerk around their young talent. The Giants’ big lead may get a lot smaller without their starting middle infield. These and other tidbits and Kahrlisms in this edition of Transaction Analysis.
The Diamondbacks will surely plummet to last place with Mark Grace’s veteran leadership on the DL. Jack Cust gets his shot with the Orioles. Jeff Nelson’s return signals a Yankees A-Team reunion. Ray Durham opens the door for some unattractive options for the Giants. These and other tidbits in this edition of Transaction Analysis.
Mark Prior returns as the Cubs hang on the fringes of the pennant race. Garrett Atkins gets his shot with the Rockies. The Tigers’ love affair with Matt Walbeck and Alex Sanchez continues. Jack Clark gets the blame for the Dodgers’ offensive incompetence. Corey Koskie returns just when the Twins need him most. These and other happenings in today’s Transaction Analysis.
Transactions galore: the Yankees practice running in place; the Red Sox beef up their bullpen; the Giants aquire a starter for the postseason; the A’s add a little power to their outfield; and the Reds throw up the white flag, but get some pretty good arms in return. All this and much more news from around the league in your post-Trading Deadline edition of Transaction Analysis.
Transaction Analysis brings you the latest of Chris Kahrl’s daily updates, featured all Trade Deadline week long. The Braves’ battered bullpen needs Jason Marquis to contribute. The Reds clean house. The Astros will have to somehow cope without Brian Hunter. Scratch Kris Benson off the trade market. These and other tidbits and Kahrlisms in today’s TA.
The Cubs made a steal of a deal; the Expos are getting Vladimir Guererro back, and not a moment too soon; the A’s are investing their money unwisely; the Cardinals take another hit in losing Matt Morris; and the Padres get a small-scale boost in regaining Phil Nevin. All this and much more news from around the league in your Tuesday edition of Transaction Analysis.
Bill Stoneman and Mike Scioscia get rewarded for 2002. The Indians and Rangers swap pitching prospect for hitting prospect. The Yankees grab Armando Benitez in a non-Sierran move. The Jays get a steal in Stewart-for-Kielty. These and other tidbits, plus a full array of Kahrlisms, in this edition of Transaction Analysis.
The White Sox begin the summer trading season with a bang; the Reds make a great acquisition in D’Angelo Jimenez; Josh Beckett is unleashed from the DL in Florida; and the Royals take a flyer on a man named Gookie (remember him?). All this and much more news from around the league in your Wednesday edition of Transaction Analysis.
Brad Fullmer’s down in Anaheim, setting back the defending champs just that much more; the Indians are beginning their youth-movement; Mike Sweeney is taking some time off in Kansas City just when the Royals need him most; Brandon Claussen finally makes it back after the long road through surgery; and BP favorite Kevin Young gets shown the door in Pittsburgh. All this and much more news from around the league in your Wednesday edition of Transaction Analysis.
The Diamondbacks resurrect Ricky Bottalico. The Red Sox take a flyer on Gabe Kapler. The Expos lose their best reliever in Luis Ayala thanks to the latest in a long line of Expo shoulder injuries. The Yankees add Karim Garcia and Dan Miceli for no apparent reason. Chris Kahrl has these and other news and notes in the latest edition of Transaction Analysis.
The White Sox may finally commit to Willie Harris. The Reds are playing all the wrong players. The Miguel Cabrera era begins in Florida. The Twins’ handling of Johan Santana is a crime. News, notes, and Kahrlisms in the latest edition of Transaction Analysis.