With the MLB non-waiver trading deadline coming up, I’m watching the rumor mills like a hawk. http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/ is really the best site I’ve found for this stuff. It’s a cornucopia of trade rumors and you can sort by team.
Yesterday’s big headline was the Sox had started calling around offering Carl Crawford. The rumor was Crawford to the Marlins for Hanley Ramirez. Then it was Ramirez and Jose Reyes. Then it was Ramirez or Reyes.
This report came from Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports. A respected journalist who certainly has reputable sources. His reports were shot down by Peter Gammons when he was on with Felger and Mazz yesterday afternoon.
Here’s my issue. Gammons is a guy I used to go to for everything. But then he left ESPN. Now he works part time for MLB and part time for the Sox. The second one is suspect.
How are we supposed to believe that Gammons isn’t on the Sox payroll? Meaning he’s collecting a check from the Sox can they compromise his integrity? “Peter, when you go on the air, deny the Crawford rumors.” And like a good soldier he follows orders?
I’d like to think it’s not true but at the same time I picture Lucchino standing next to him while he’s on the phone making sure he says what the Sox want out there.
I know Crawford sucked last year, will need Tommy John, and has a contract he’ll never be worth. But you know Ellsbury is leaving when his contract is up, and since they’re essentially the same player wouldn’t you try and move Ellsbury?
Or is the plan to dump Crawford’s contract and throw the kitchen sink at the oft injured Ellsbury?
Regardless, I have to say, I love hearing this kind of rumor. It shows the club wants to win now and wants to make a bold move to do it. Now whether or not they have the balls to pull the trigger…
