DC Hot Stove

Here is a look at what's going on around the MLB, as we close in on Spring Training...

- The Padres have agreed to terms with outfielder Cliff Floyd on a one-year deal.

- The Dodgers are very close to signing Randy Wolf. The deal is will likely be done by the end of the week.

- The Jays have come to terms with Kevin Millar on a Minor League deal. Amazing how he has been on 3 different AL East teams now.

- The Rangers are no closer to signing Ben Sheets, which makes no sense, as the Rangers need pitching, and Sheets really needs a job. This is the perfect match, and if the Rangers could find a way to get this done, they could be a very interesting team, as they have some serious young pitchers coming up over the next couple of years.

- Manny and the Dodgers are no closer to a deal. Manny is insisting on a 4 year deal. We all know he won't get that, but in the end I think these two have to come to some kind of deal. I expect something like a 2 year deal for $50 million, plus a team option, or an option that kicks in if he hits certain stats. It has also come out that the Mets and Yankees have no interesting in the disgruntled slugger.

- The Royals have signed Brian Bannister to a one year deal worth $1.7375 million.

- Adam Dunn has an offer on the table from the Nationals, but will likely wait to see what the Dodgers do about Manny. If the Dodgers can't sign Manny, expect them to go hard after Adam Dunn.

DC Hot Stove

Here is what's going on around the MLB...

- Varitek's deadline might be fake. That is what is coming out of Boras' camp anyways. I really don't know, and I really don't care. I am so sick of this.

- The Mariners may be taking a look at Bobby Abreu. This would be a great fit, since Seattle has a lot of great pitching, and could really use a bat. The problem is they are at their payroll limit, so the report suggests they would have to trade Jarrod Washburn ($10.35MM), Miguel Batista ($9MM), or Carlos Silva ($11MM) to clear '09 payroll space for Abreu. Not going to happen, because all those players are terribly over paid.

- Pedro Martinez has received no new contract offers, so it looks like he will use the World Baseball Classic to sell himself to MLB teams.

- The Mets avoided arbitration with John Maine by signing him for $2.6M (plus another $25K based on innings pitched).

- The Orioles will not resign Kevin Millar. He shot back at them saying "Yeah, the bottom line is, obviously, they want to go in a different direction. Now, what that means, I don't know. Are they going to win games this year? No. Obviously we know that going in. You've got to be realistic (sportsline)." HAHA that guy cracks me up. Teams will look at him as a decent hitter off the bench.

- The Dodgers resumed contract talks with Randy Wolf, but he will not sign till Perez signs with the Mets. That way he can probably get the same kind of deal.

- The whole "Manny going to St. Louis" is already over. Sorry Pujols. When asked by the newspaper if the Cardinals are interested in the free agent slugger, St. Louis General Manager John Mozeliak said "The answer is no." Wow, arguably one of the best hitters of all time can't find a job.

- There are no Bonds rumors today, probably because he is a douche bag.

- Tom "Flash" Gordon may be heading to Philly. He is one of my favorite pitchers of all time, but had to shut it down in July with an elbow injury that eventually required surgery in October. No word on what the contract might look like, but it will most likely be a minor league deal.

DC Hot Stove

The MLB have been quiet, a little too quiet, here is what is going on around the league...

- The market for Manny may be heating up, as Boras has come out and said that several other teams than the Dodgers have offered Manny a contract, and he expects him signed before Spring Training. Obviously he could be lying, but it may be enough to get the Dodgers to up their two year $45 million offer (win an option for a 3rd year). Torre also admitted that he had called Manny to tell him he wanted him back on the team.

- No change in the Varitek debacle. The Red Sox have given Jason Varitek a deadline of Saturday to either take or leave the offer of $5 million in 2009, and includes a dual option for 2010 which would be $5 million if picked up the Red Sox and $3 million if Varitek picks it up. In short, he'll be a Red Sox by Saturday.

- The D-Backs have signed Jon Garland to a one-year deal with an option for 2010. It is said to be worth between $6-8 million. This is a great signing for the D-Backs, since I believe Garland will be a great pitcher in the NL (think Derek Lowe). He throws a lot of strikes, and I think you will see him as a boarder line All-Star this year.

- Tom Glavine has received a clean bill of health from Dr. James Andrews and will meet with Braves GM Frank Wren later this week to discuss the possibility of rejoining the club.

- Reports are coming in that the Mets are really close to signing Oliver Perez, and with Jon Garland now signed expect the Mets to push even harder for him.

- All trade rumors for Jermaine Dye have died, and it is expected he will start the season for the White Sox. How long he is on the team could have a lot to do with how good the team's record is.

- The Twins are on the verge of announcing a two-year contract with outfielder Jason Kubel worth about $7 million

- Still no offers for Barry Bond, because he is a douche bag, and no one wants to deal with him.

- The Cubs have been placing more calls for Jake Peavy recently, and there may be a chance to get a deal done before the season starts. Yea...but how many time have we heard that before?

The Hot Stove

The Hot Stove, well it hasn't been very hot lately, here is the latest around the MLB...

- Tom Glavine has been improving everyday, and the Braves may be willing to resign him to a 1 year deal.

- The Twins seem like they will be making a few moves before spring training starts, as they have been in serious discussions with Eric Gagne, and Brandon Lyon. They also are holding a workout for Joe Crede later this week.

- Bobby Abreu has lost another team that may have been interested in him, as the Reds have stated they have reached their payroll limit. I still don't understand why no one is interested in this guy, and I think the Angels should jump all over him.

- Nothing really new on the Manny front. The Dodgers and Giants are the most likely places where he will land, but there are always rumors the Yankees are still looking at him.

- Suddenly the market for Freddy Garcia is heating up, as the Yankees and Mets are both gearing up to make offers to him.

- The D-Backs have made an offer to Braden Looper, and if he does not accept they will try for Jason Jennings.

- Desite whatever you have heard Dan Uggla is not for sale.

- Still no word on Bonds, probably because he is a douche bag.

- Scary comments were made by Papelbon today as he said he had no interest in signing a long term deal.."You have to weigh so many different things [in negotiating a long-term contract], and it's so hard to put it in perspective," In short he want to test the market in 2011. I really think that will be his last year with the Red Sox.

- The Tigers are still looking for more bullpen help, and actually have a decent set of guys to choose from... Brandon Lyon, Chad Cordero, Joe Borowski, Jason Isringhausen and Luis Ayala.

- The Rangers have signed 41 year old Omar Vizquel to a minor league contract.

- The Red Sox and Varitek are no closer to a deal, even after the metting with John Henry last week. The Sox refuse to up their offer, and I don't think Varitek has many other options.

The Daily Hot Stove

Here's a look at what's going on around the MLB...

- The Brewers have jumped out of the Adam Dunn race. To me this is a smart move, he is not worth the amount of money that he is asking for (around 14 million). He strikes out too much and can't carry a team.

- The Twins are interested in Eric Gagne. Sorry Twins, don't bother with this guy, he is a steroid using bum.

- No word on any teams interested in Barry Bonds, most likely because he is a douche bag.

- The Asain movement continues, as the Cubs signed So Taguchi to a 1 year deal worth 900k.

- Garland news has been quiet lately, other than he rejected a D-Back offer. They are still the most likely team for his services.

- Greg Zaun finally signed with the Orioles. I hate this guy, because for some reason he always plays well against the Sox.

- The White Sox still might sign Freddy Garcia even though they picked up Colon. The deal with be very similar to the fat man.

- The only way the Braves are signing Andruw Jones is if he signs a minor league deal.

- The Tigers are looking for a closer, and their most likely option is Jason Isringhausen. I don't know what he has left in the tank, but I really think he will get crushed in the AL.

- The Rockies signed Scott Podsednik to a minor league deal. What a bust he has become.

- The Red Sox have named their "player to be named later" from the Byrd trade last season. It will be Mickey Hall, nothing serious here, but here are his stats 232/.333/.456 in 82 AA games.

- We can stop all that Michael Young to Boston talk, he has agreed to play 3rd for Texas.

- The Padres have signed David Eckstein to a 1 year deal.

-BMack

The Daily Hot Stove

Here's a look at what's going on in the MLB...

- There has not been a lot of talk about where Orlando Cabrera ends up, but now there are a couple of rumors that he may be heading to the Marlins or the Blue Jays. For some reason the White Sox really seem to want to get rid of this guy (seems like we hear that a lot about him with each team), but few teams are biting. Of the two teams (Marlins and Blue Jays) the Jays make a lot more sense, since they could use an upgrade at SS. If Cabrera was to go to the Marlins he would most certainly have to move to 2nd.

- The Tigers made a couple of signings today. Fernando Rodney and Marcus Thames both signed 1 year deals to avoid arbitration.

- The Marlins seem to be going hard after closer Chad Cordero. The Marlins currently have Matt Lindstrom penciled in as the closer, with recently acquired Scott Proctor looking to fill the role as the setup man, but if Cordero can prove he is healthy he might take that closers spot.

- B.J Upton will miss at least the first week of the 2009 season, as he is still recovering from offseason surgery on his left shoulder. It will be interesting to see if he can show the same power he showed in the playoffs, and 2007 season (he showed none in 2008).

- No teams seem to be interested in Bonds, because he is a dick and no one likes him.

- After seeing what Lowe got, Perez is raising his price tag on the Mets. He was rumored to want a 3 year $30 million deal, but now wants something like 4 years $40+ million. I think the Mets will pay it, because they have no choice.

- The White Sox have signed Bartolo Colon (pending a physical, HA yea I laughed too). I think this is a great signing, since Jenks can show him all the best places to eat.

- The Pirates are still open to the idea of bringing Doug Mientkiewicz back. I don't really get this, since they should really focus on developing their young guys.

-BMack

The Daily Hot Stove

Here is a look at what's going on around the MLB...

- The Mets have made an offer to Oliver Perez (as reported yesterday), the problem is that he wants basically what Lowe got, and the Mets were not willing to go that high. I think the Mets will cave, because the players on the Mets want Oliver back, plus he is only 27 years old.

- The Rangers are making a serious run at Ben Sheets, and I think this would be the best move they can make. Listen, no one wants to pitch there, so they are going to need to take risks. I don't believe Sheets is washed up, and with that powerful lineup behind him he would have a good shot at racking up some W's.

- The Mets are also believe to be taking a look at Sheets, but are very worried about him injury problems.

- The Angels GM is denying that they are going after Jermaine Dye. Well if they aren't they really should be, as I think he would be a great addition to the team if they can get a deal worked out with the White Sox.

- Alex Cora is going to sign with the Mets for 1 year at about $2 million. He is a great utility guy, and does all the "little things" right.

- Greg Zaun is reported to have a deal done with the Orioles, and will officially sign by the end of the week. No word on how much or how long.

- You might now know who Brandon Morrow, but Seattle has decided to put him in the rotation, and I'll tell you right now that Seattle has a great rotation if Bedard can stay healthy. Morrow will win a Cy Young within the next 3 years.

- The Dodgers have basically said that Andruw Jones will be traded or released by Thursday. Either way look for Atlanta to be after him.

-BMack

The Daily Hot Stove

Here's a look at what's happening around the MLB...

- As reported earlier Derek Lowe was offered a 4 year $60 million contract. He really should take this deal. He would be a great fit with the Braves, and the Braves really need him after this implosion they called an offseason.

- Pedro Martinez is still floating out there, but it seems the Mets have very little interest in him, much like the Marlins declared yesterday. The Mets will only go after him if they can't sign Lowe, Wolf, or Perez. Basically, his time with the Mets is over. The Diamondbacks seem to be the only team making any kind of play for his services.

- The Dodgers are very close to signing Guillermo Mota. I expect the deal to be complete by tomorrow.

- John Smoltz was officially introduced by the Red Sox today.

- The Mets have made a 3 year $30 million offer to Oliver Perez. This is most likely in reaction to Lowe probably going to the Braves.

- The Astros signed Jose Valverde to a 1 year $8 million deal.

- The Reds are making serious moves to land Bobby Abreu. I am still surprised at the lack of offers coming Abreu's way. The Reds might be able to sign him for a lot less then he is worth.

- The Angles are showing interest in Jermaine Dye. The Angles need a bat to replace Tex, but it sounds like they would have to give up Figgins in return. I would still do it.

**UPDATE** Lowe signs 4 year $60 million deal with Braves. Finally the Braves get someone they were after....

-BMack

The Daily Hot Stove

Here's a look at what's going on around the MLB...

- A lot of stuff going on with Michael Young. I would love to see him in the Sox uniform, but it doesn't look like it's going to happen. According to CBS possible teams that would be interested are Twins, Mets, Angels, Dodgers, Royals, White Sox. Young does have a no trade clause, so he will have to waive that. That basically cuts out the Royals.

- The Sox are very close to trading for young catcher Miguel Montero. No word on who they would be giving up, but Buchholz and Bowden are off the table. Don't be surprised if Masterson is dealt.

- Pedro Martinez seems to be shit out of luck, as the Marlins have no interest in him anymore. The most likely team to sign Pedro is the Mets, but I think it will be some small market team who will sign him just for his name...like the Nationals.

- Baltimore is very close to signing Gregg Zaun. Matt Wieters is the Orioles future at catcher, but they would like to have a veteran to bring him along.

- Nomar may have found a team, as the Phillies seem to want him, as they need a right handed bat off the bench.

- The Braves have sign Japanese All-Star Kensin Kawakami (pending a physical). Kawakami has won 112 games in 11 seasons in Japan, and was named MVP in 2004. The signing is very needed as the Braves have lost Smoltz and Hampton, and may be without Tim Hudson for a while as he recovers from elbow surgery.

- The Red Sox are going to talk to Jason Bay about an extension before the season starts, no word on how long or how much the Sox are willing to offer.


-BMack

The Daily Hot Stove

Here is a look at what's going on around the MLB...

- The Red Sox are pursuing Jason Varitek. Judging by Theo's comment's it sounds like he is coming back..."There's still some unfinished business," Red Sox GM Theo Epstein said Thursday. "Jason is still out there. As I said at the beginning of the offseason, he's been a really important guy here to this organization and by no means have we shut the door on him (Sportsline)."

- As we reported earlier the Sox have signed Mark Kotsay to a one-year deal worth $1.5MM plus incentives. I love this deal, and really can solidify the Sox bench.

- According to Ken Rosenthal "the Red Sox still are not willing to trade Clay Buchholz for Jarrod Saltalamacchia. The Sox may be willing to move Michael Bowden or especially Daniel Bard for Salty (Sportsline)."

- The Brewers are taking offers from Prince Fielder (I hate him more then anyone active in the MLB). They are looking a very good starter, and if they were to trade him then they would go after Adam Dunn to replace him.

- The Braves made an offer to Lowe yesterday, no word on how much, or how long, but it is being said that Lowe is considering it.

- Mark Bellhorn (remember him?) will be trying out for the Brewers this week.

- The Giants are making a serious run at Manny, and that could be enough for the Dodgers to cave in to Manny's demands.

- Yankees are taking offers for Nady and Swisher.

-BMack

The Daily Hot Stove

Here is a look at the action around the MLB...

- As reported earlier the Brewers have signed Hoffman to will earn him 6MM in '09 with $1.5MM in incentives, plus the 2010 club option.

- John Smoltz has preliminary agreement with the Sox. No word on how much.

- Since the Sox got Smoltz the Braves are really going hard have Derek Lowe. the Braves have lost in almost every offseason move they wanted to do, so expect them to just give Lowe what he wants. Derek Lowe is scheduled to meet with the Braves today in Atlanta.

- Andy Pettitte is now looking to the Astros after turning down a deal with the Yankees this week.

- We all know the Sox are about to sign Baldelli, but what you may not know is that his "disease" is not as serious as it was believe to be. "a few weeks ago, a report surfaced that new medical tests revealed that Baldelli in fact has channelopathy, a non-progressive, highly treatable disease". That is much better news then teams just accepting that he can't play more then 60-80 games a year. We shall see....

- The Rangers are taking a look at Joe Crede, as they would like to upgrade there defense, which is why Crede is more appealing then Ty Wiggington. Crede is great when healthy, but that happens rarely.

- The Orioles and Brian Roberts have moved no closer to a contract extension, which makes it more likely that the Orioles will look to trade him.

- The Orioles are keeping an eye on Greg Zaun, but they are not willing to give him the 2 year deal that he wants.

- Bobby Abreu seems to be the odd man out, as most teams that were looking at him (Cubs, Rays and Athletics) have all decided to look elsewhere. I still think he can bring a lot to a team, and some team will probably be able to steal him for a lot less then he is worth.

-BMack

The Daily Hot Stove

Here is a look at what's going on around the MLB...

- The Dodgers have now jumped into the race for Trevor Hoffman. I reported yesterday that the Brewers were the only team after him, but today the Dodgers have jumped in, and I think they will get him since he really wants to stay on the West Coast.

- With the Dodgers the likely destination for Hoffman the Brewers have widened their closer search to former Washington Nationals closer Chad Cordero. He will make a stop by there to show them that he is healthy during a throwing session.

- Pitcher John Patterson announced his retirement today at age 30. Patterson was just never able to get healthy. Too bad, since he is so young, and really had a lot of talent coming out of the minors.

- The Dodgers are also looking for setup men, their list of possibilities include Dennys Reyes, Guillermo Mota, and Juan Cruz. It is amazing how serious teams take bullpens now, and it is about damn time!

- The Nationals made an offer for Nick Swisher, who has to be pissed that he basically lost his job without playing a single game for the Yankees. The Yankees were not impressed with the offer, and rejected it. Mets and Braves are the two other possibilities, since they wanted him before he was traded to the Yankees.

- The Cubs seem to be getting back on the Jake Peavy bandwagon. No offer has been put on the table, but they seem like they may make another run at him before spring training.

-BMack

Daily Hot Stove Report

Here is a look at today's rumors and headlines...

- Andy Pettitte has turned down a 1 year $10 million offer from the Yankees. I don't know how much the Yankees are willing to offer him after this, but maybe this means his days in pinstripes are over. I still think he will be a Yankee next year, but I also thought he would take that offer.

- The Mets are sticking to their offer for Lowe (3 years $36 million), and as of right now have no plans to increase their offer. I think this is stupid by them, they need this guy, and at the end of the day what he is asking for (3-4 years at 14-16 million a year) isn't all that bad.

- The Orioles are in need of some pitching bad, and now have switched their focus to over seas. As of right now they are chasing Kenshin Kawakami, and Koji Uehara. I don't know too much about these guys, but needless to say they will both be on DP's fantasy team.

- The Indians are in "serious" talks with Carl Pavano. If they can sign him for a 1 year deal, he might be worth it, but anything more then that is just foolish.

- Trevor Hoffman may have found a home in Milwakee. As the Brewers seem to have him at the top of their list of closers for next season.

- The Orioles, Red Sox, and A's are all interested in the services of Gregg Zaun.

- Mark Mulder is ready to set throwing later this month. Word is that the Sox, A's, and Brewers are all interested in how he does.

- Buster Olney insists that the Sox will eventually sign Rocco Baldelli.

**UPDATE** "Pavano and the Indians have agreed to a one-year Major League deal that was to be announced Tuesday afternoon. The deal does not include an option. Financial terms were not immediately available (MLB.com)". As I said before, if they could sign him to a 1 year deal, he is definitly worth the risk.


-BMack

MLB Hot Stove

Here is a look at the MLB rumors circulating today...

- Daniel Barbarisi of The Providence Journal says the Red Sox and Varitek are on their way to signing a 2 year deal. No word for how much. Varitek was rumored to be looking for a four-year deal worth $40 million deal, but if his stock has sunk low enough for a two year deal, the Sox will probably jump on it.

- The Braves seem to be going after Jon Garland. I think that would be a good guy from them to grab, since he always seemed like an NL pitcher to me, and he can really eat up some innings.

- Derek Lowe laughed at the Mets three years and $36 million offer. He is looking to make at least 16 million a year, and wants at least 3 years.

- The Rangers are keeping an eye on Manny Ramirez. I don't take that report seriously, and the Rangers should really be focusing on their awful pitching.

- The Dodgers are rumored to be pursuing a trade for Cubs pitcher Jason Marquis. No actual trades have been offered yet.

- According to Sportsline "that Marlins-Red Sox conversation about Hanley Ramirez? Lasted 20 seconds, and took place a week before Thanksgiving. And that was for a package including Clay Buchholz and Jacoby Ellsbury". Funny how information comes out.

- **UPDATE** "According to Ken Rosenthal, the Rays are close to signing Pat Burrell to a two-year, $16MM deal. It'd be a solid move, as the Rays can increase his value by not using him in the field. The '08 Rays struggled against lefties (.726 OPS) and Burrell crushes them (.952 OPS in '08) (Sportsline)." This would be a great move for the Rays, since the contract isn't too long, and he can be used as a DH.

**UPDATE** Rays have signed Burrell

-BMack

MLB Hot Stove

Here is a look at what's going on around the MLB:

- Manny Ramirez seems to have found another suitor as the Giants have jumped in to the race for the disgruntled slugger. Rumor has it that the deal would be for 3 years, and a club option for the 4th. No word on the dollar amount, but you can expect it to be above $20 million a year. If there is another city other than LA that would embrace Manny's personality, it would be the city of San Fransisco. I mean that put up with that asshole Bonds for so long, Manny would be a breeze.

- Lowe is not happy with the Mets offer of three-year, $36MM offer, since it is basically the same deal that Silva got last offseason, and Lowe thinks he is a much better pitcher then him. I agree, and I think he will get a 4 year deal from the Mets within the next month or so.

- The Rangers are still in contact with "Everday" Eddie Guardado, and that looks like the most probable place for the old reliever.

- Boston may still be looking to make a move "The Red Sox would like to trade for a young star player; they've already attempted to acquire Mark Teixeira and Hanley Ramirez this offseason. The Sox seem willing to discuss some very talented young players of their own (Clay Buchholz seems a bit more available). Sherman speculates on all kinds of names that could make sense for Boston (Joel Sherman of the New York Post )". I don't know if they actually will, but something interesting to keep an eye on.

- The Giants are going after free agent Joe Crede, but any deal that he will be offered from the Giants will only be a 1 year deal, since he always seems to be on the DL. When he is healthy, he can be a difference maker in your lineup.

- The Dodgers are still trying to unload Andruw Jones, but no one wants him, because he is a terrible baseball player, and doesn't deserve to be on any team.

-BMack

Rumors

Interesting news, a possible trade between the D-bags, i mean D-backs, and the Sox. Reported Byrnes for Lugo. This would provide needs for both teams being a second base option for the D-bags and a fourth out fielder for the Sox.

Also, the Nationals offered a 160 million offer over 8 years to Tex while the O's have offered a 6 year deal. While the majority of baseball followers see the Sox doing everything possible to obtain Tex, there is the possibility that he does go back home to help turn either franchise around, i dont know if I buy it thought. It is also reported that the Angels have made an offer in the ball park of the Nat's. As a Sox fan I am not optimistic of the signing of the first baseman, even though it would be awesome. However, Ken Rosenthal has reported on Foxsportsnet.com that the Sox are getting close to acquiring him. Saying that "Headway was being made earlier today, A rival general manager whose plans could be affected by the Red Sox's addition of Teixeira also indicated that a deal was getting closer. Teixeira is seeking a 10-year contract for at least $20 million per season. The Red Sox preference would be to sign him to a deal between six and eight years."

Burnett apparently got offered a 5th year from the Yanks who are doing anything and everything buying a new rotation cause they realize that their prospect pitchers are a couple of punk bitches. Damn i bet they are kicking themselves for not trading for Santana.

Lowe and Sheets has been circled around the Yanks too, but if the Yanks get Burnett I see only one of the two being signed. Lowe has been cited as saying that Boston is his primary choice, but is looking for a 3 year deal. Sheets is interesting because of his injury history. The way I see it, which ever signs first with the Yanks the other will be in a Sox uniform to counter their purchasing of a starting rotation.

As we know the Yanks are getting CC. But guess what I think this is a dumb sign for the money considering he has NEVER won 20 games in a season, while they lost Mussina who won 20 last year. Even with this signing, and the possible signing of Burnett, Lowe, and/or Sheets the Yanks still arent that great. They have gotten better, but their offense just isnt that great. A-Rod will have another A-Rod type season, Jeter has been on a decline, but is still consistant in output and leadership, and the only other name that really stands out is Swisher. Swisher might be the steal of the offseason in my opinion. He didnt have a good year last year but the guy flat out has raked previous to being dealt to the White Sox. What Im saying is that he is the typical type player that will be a Frank Catalano type, a Sox killer. But thats just a prediction.

Big trade went down with the Mets, Mariners, and Cleveland. Mets get JJ Putz, Jeremy Reed, and Sean Green. Mariners get Aaron Heilman, Endy Chavez, Jason Vargas and 3 minor leaguers from the Mets along with Franklin Guetirez. The Indians got Joe Smith from the Mets and Luis Valbuena from the Mariners. Pretty good trade all around I guess, only question is how many trades are the Indians going to make for a second baseman?