According to MLBTR the Pirates are still considering shopping Ian Snell to the Mariners.  The post states the M's would offer Jeff Clement but the Bucs would request Adam Jones.

In my mind, allowing Snell (a 26 year old top of the rotation power pitcher) to go cross division would be far and away our biggest offseason blunder this year.  Does anyone else agree with this?  I haven't seen Snell play, but his stats look great for a young pitcher with 4 years of service time remaining.

How much more than Salty would be required from the Buccos to make this trade?  I wouldn't move Hurley, Tea, or Davis and would try to keep Harrison... but beyond that I think I'd give them anyone else they might want.  Isn't this exactly what we're trying to add????  Young, quality starting pitching with 4 years of service time left.

If the M's pull this off and come at us for 4 years with a top of the rotation that reads Felix, Snell it won't matter how old the Angels try to get before opening day.

Anybody know anything about Snell that would make me not puke if this deal goes down?

mlbtraderumors reported that the DRays Edwin Jackson can be had, and they are looking for either a veteran 1b or young catching.  Should the Rangers inquire here?  Would they take Laird?  Or Laird and what prospect?  What are you guys thoughts on Jackson and our chances here?

No mention of the Rangers yet, just thinking...

If you could get each for a 4 year deal, Fukudome at 45-48 or Jones for 60-65, which one would you rather have?

Chone projects Fuk's line at 283/373/465 or 112 strikeouts, 69 walks, 38 doubles, 4 triples, 16 homers over 600 PAs

Andruw's lines over the last 3 years

2007. 222/311/413    
      
2006. 262/363/531    
      
2005. 263/347/575    

Andruw is 3 days older, so age is not relevant.  Andruw has won 10 straight gold gloves and regardless of what some call declining defense, still seems to rank near the top in many CF rankings and would instantly be the best defensive CF ever in a Rangers uniform.  Even in 2007, his worst offensive year by far, he hit 26 home runs.  He has never had a significant injury, but has obvious weight issues.

From everything ive read Fukudome is less than an average CF, but is plus in RF.  Fukudome has ZERO chance of hitting 40+ HRs, something we've seen Andruw do 2 of the past 3 years and 30+ 7 of the past 10 years.  He probably brings all the intangibles you see the other Japanese guys bring, hard working, fundamentally sound, good teammate, etc.  

Is Jones worth the extra 4-5 million a year, knowing he could either rebound back to his career mean (while giving plus defense in CF), or is it too risky considering his atrocious year at the plate in 2007?

IMO, I wanted nothing to do with Jones heading into this offseason.  However, the way everything has played out (read: the total lack of interest by anyone in Andruw Jones) I think he is a nice risk/reward play.  His career line is pretty solid, and if we do come across a CF prospect in the next 3-4 years (no guarantee) his bat could move to a corner spot.  Neither guy costs a draft pick or prospects, so I'd be fairly disappointed if we don't bring one of them here.