(Not so) Hot Stove Report

There hasn't been much news to report around Major League Baseball the last few days, except for a few stories that I expect will mean nothing a few months from now:

SAMMY SOSA AGREES ON A DEAL WITH TEXAS
Sammy Sosa and the Texas Rangers agreed on a minor league contract worth $500,000 plus incentives. Sosa, with 588 career home runs, was terrible in 2005 with the Baltimore Orioles, and didn't play in 2006. I don't see the 38-year-old Sosa making the team out of spring training, but I'd say he at least has more upside than Tony Batista did for the Twins last year. If he does make the team, he could put up good power numbers, as the ball flied out of Ameriquest field, but I don't expect him to hit any higher than .250 or play anywhere other than DH.

BARRY BONDS SAYS ROSE AND MCGWIRE ARE HALL-WORTHY
Hmm... Bonds thinks a guy who broke the rules by betting on baseball and a guy who probably used steroids should be allowed in the Hall. Think he's trying to pave the way for somebody else who broke the rules by using performance-enhancing substances?

BONDS TO RED SOX?
This seems ridiculous to me, but many are saying that the Giants may back away from the deal they agreed upon in principle with Bonds. The Red Sox face a similar situation, in that they may back away from a deal agreed upon with J.D. Drew. The Sox outfield defense would certainly struggle with both Bonds and Manny Ramirez, but this is interesting because it would form - arguably - the most powerful heart of the order in baseball history. Ortiz, followed by Ramirez, followed by Bonds... incredible protection for each of the three. But honestly, can anybody really see it? I fully expect Bonds to be in a Giants uniform once again next year.

I'll also take this opportunity to plug my favorite non-Twin, Wily Mo Pena. Boston would be just fine without Drew, as they already have a right fielder with great power (.301/.349/.489/.838 last year), who by many accounts just needs the at-bats and experience to become a better hitter. Yes, this would also hurt their outfield defense, so once again Pena will be the 4th outfielder, just as he was in Cincinnati.


A story that actually will have some effect on the 2007 MLB season:
LAROCHE TO PITTSBURGH, GONZALEZ TO ATLANTA
Adam LaRoche may be the most underrated player in baseball. I had no idea, until I looked at his stats, that he hit 32 HR with a .915 OPS last season. Mike Gonzalez took over as closer for Pittsburgh last year and converted all 24 of his save opportunities. I'm not sure if I should be surprised or not that this deal didn't get more coverage - it has been rumored since the winter meetings, but doesn't involve a New York team, so ESPN isn't interested. The teams also swapped prospects who spent last year in A-ball - OF Jamie Romak going to Pittsburgh and SS Brent Lillibridge going to Atlanta. Romak is 21 and has some power, and Lillibridge is a 23-year-old speedster (a little old for A-ball) who swiped 53 bags last year between low- and high-A.

I'm from the school of thought that most closers are overrated (Mariano Rivera, Joe Nathan, and Trevor Hoffman being exceptions), and that most teams can find a serviceable option among their other relievers. Add to that the fact that Atlanta doesn't need a closer (they already have Bob Wickman), and I'd say Pittsburgh got the better of the deal. Atlanta did need some bullpen help, but I don't think it's worth giving up a 30+ HR guy just entering the prime of his career.


OTHER NEWS

• In former Twin news, Eddie Guardado is close to a minor league deal with the Reds (who could probably be known as the Former-Twins).
• A guy I'd like to see take a roster spot from Lew Ford or Jason Tyner - 33-year-old North Dakotan Darin Erstad - has been offered a minor league deal by Oakland.
• Shannon Stewart could be headed to his home state of Florida to play for the Marlins, though the team has some concerns about his foot.
• The Twins have expressed interest in a minor league contract with Ramon Ortiz, who reportedly could go back to Washington on a one-year, $2.5 million deal.
• Another name the Twins have been linked to, Tomo Ohka, is said to be holding out for a three-year deal. There are reportedly at least three teams interested, and I'd be very suprised if the Twins were willing to give any more than a minor league or one-year contract.