Tiger Land Catcher in Trade with Rangers

Thanks to an overabundance of catchers in their organization, the Rangers were able to move catcher Gerald Laird to the Tigers in exchange for two pitching prospects.

The move frees up some money for the Rangers, with Laird expected to make around $3 million in salary arbitration.

According to ESPN.com, the Rangers acquired right-handers Guillermo Moscoso and Carlos Melo from the Tigers.

Moscoso, 25, was 5-4 with a 2.70 ERA in 21 games at Class A Lakeland and Double-A Erie last season. Melo, 17, played in the Dominican Republic's summer league.

Red Sox -Tigers Talking Trade

According to multiple sources (MLB.com/ESPN.com) the Tigers and the Red Sox have been talking trade lately.

The Tigers are reportedly looking to deal for a new short stop, with their release of Edgar Renteria creating a void in their infield. The Red Sox are interested in dealing Julio Lugo, as he became expendable after missing nearly half the season due to a severely torn left quad.

The Red Sox are looking at either accepting Dontrelle Willis or Nate Robertson from the Tigers, two lefties who each had miserable seasons last year. Willis (0-2) posted a 9.38 era in eight games with the Tigers while Robertson (7-11) had an era of 6.35 in 32 games.

Baseball Roundup: 2/6/08

Spring training is right around the corner and here's a look at some early February activity around the league;

The Phillies are looking into signing Kris Benson to a one year deal, according to MLB.com. While remaining quiet about the possibility of adding Benson into the rotation, the Phillies have scouted him on two different occasions, liking what they saw in the 33 year old right hander.

The reigning National League Champion Rockies signed Scott Podsednik and Victor Zambrano to minor league deals and invited them to spring training.

The Detroit Tigers have pulled off a minor trade with the Rangers to add depth to their farm system, acquiring right-handed pitcher Armando Galarraga from Texas in exchange for outfielder Michael Hernandez.

Remember me? Kelsie Smith of the Pioneer Press reports that Randy Keisler will be in line to compete for a shot at cracking the Twins Rotation.

The Pirates avoided arbitration with Freddie Sanchez, giving him a new deal that could net him up to $19 million for three seasons.

Flashback, July 31, 2001

Now that the parties are over and the New Year hangover is gone (for most of us), let's take a moment to relive some sports "highlights" of yester-year. Sure, most sites like ESPN and MLB.com will hit you with highlights from the 2007 season, but here at 108 Red Stitches, we prefer to go back a little deeper.

Browsing around Baseball America's archived trade history list, we stumbled on this beauty of a headline:

Astro's Win Astacio Sweepsteaks

Wow.

Scott Earlton goes to the Rockies, and the Astros pull one over the Rockies eyes.

Here's another one of our favorites:

Tiger, Padres Add Possible Regulars

Just in case you didn't click the link, that would be OF Gene Kingsdale and C Mike Rivera.

That's the type of trade that makes a GM famous.

Giants Come Away With Prized Starter Ponson

Hehehe.....

Happy New Year!
108 Red Stitches Writers.