clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Sox not particularly high on Lastings Milledge?

[ken.davidoff@newsday.com]:

The bulk of Minaya's efforts, he indicated, will be focused on upgrading the Mets' pitching staff. The Mets have spoken numerous times with the Athletics about Joe Blanton and with the White Sox about Jose Contreras and Jon Garland, and those pitchers can be had once again. The Mets also will speak to the representatives of free-agent righthander Carlos Silva this week at the meetings. ...

... The White Sox are open to dealing Contreras, who has two years and $20 million left on his contract, and Garland, who has one year and $12 million. The Mets were intrigued by Contreras in the past, as they think the presence of Orlando Hernandez could help El Duque's fellow Cuban native. In return for starting pitchers, the White Sox are looking for outfield bats, bullpen arms and possibly a shortstop, as Juan Uribe is a potential free agent. They are not particularly high on Milledge, a person familiar with the team's thinking said.

Yes, our CF options are much better.
*****
In other news,

Speaking of CF options, look inside.

San Diego is looking for a centerfielder. Let's see what the Padres' Scott Merkin says.

[Corey Brock / MLB.com]:

The Padres need another outfielder who bats above .280, hits over 20 home runs and, hopefully, has above average speed. What's the availability of such a player, and what are the Padres' chances of signing him? -- Gary B., San Diego

It's no secret the Padres will, first and foremost, according to general manager Kevin Towers, be looking for a bat during the offseason to upgrade an offense that was among the worst in baseball last season. That bat, likely an outfielder, could be any number of players. The team is interested in Japanese outfielder Kosuke Fukudome, who can sign with any Major League team. Fukudome, a left-handed batter, is a doubles machine, which could play well at PETCO Park. He has been compared to Todd Helton for his approach to hitting. And he's a plus defender, though I'm not sure if he would be a fit in center field. Remember, the Padres don't need a bopper (although that wouldn't hurt) as much as they need a productive bat, someone with patience and the ability to drive in runs in critical situations. Geoff Jenkins, whose option was declined by the Brewers, could be a possibility. He's a left-handed hitter as well. Here's another name I like: Brian Anderson of the White Sox. He hasn't panned out in Chicago but he's a center fielder and a very good defensive player with a lot of offensive upside.