Thursday Hot Stove

While Johan Santana is still a Minnesota Twin, Andruw Jones, an Atlanta Brave for 12 years, is now an LA Dodger. Jones agreed to a 2-year, $36.2 million deal, that includes a no-trade clause. Jones' deal makes him the 5th highest player per season. Source

The Astros are on the verge of a major deal- at least that's what they're telling other teams. They've been shopping Chris Burke and Luke Scott, but there are no other details. Source

Anyone who is a regular on this site knows how much we can't stand Tony LaRussa. His words yesterday were another example of why that is. The Cardinals have been trying to deal Scott Rolen for a few reasons- fairly large contract, prone to injury, and his utter distaste for LaRussa. Rolen isn't the 1st player to feel that way about the self-centered jack ass (oops, did we say that out loud?). But this may be the 1st time LaRussa has taken a shot at the player in the press, rather than have one of his cronies from the St. Louis Dispatch do it, which happened with Tino Martinez. Source

As for the rift with Rolen, La Russa said, "I can't remember ever being the combination of mystified and concerned as I am about this situation."

La Russa admitted hostilities began after Rolen expressed unhappiness over the way he was treated while suffering shoulder problems last year but indicated the veteran third-sacker was off-base.

"I think he has put some things in his mind, and I think he needs to understand that our Cardinals have given him a lot since he's gotten there. He's been given a contract, he's been given a couple of World Series, he's been given a world championship, been a part of it, and he's given back some. But he needs to give back more."

As for Rolen's desire to be traded, La Russa said, "The whole idea isn't to please Scott. It's to take care of the St. Louis Cardinals. I don't understand why he can be down on the Cardinals. I don't understand why he can be down on me, to be honest.

"The idea is to accommodate the St. Louis Cardinals, our team, our responsibility to our players and to the competition. So, no, I don't want to accomodate(sic) Scott.

"What I care about is that he re-establish his stature as a major league, productive star. He needs to understand that he has slipped. Not in his play, but just in the way he's perceived in being the Scott they knew for years. It's in his best interests, and I think that means a lot to him. He can play mad every day if he wants to. That's OK."

The Orioles continue to market Brian Roberts and have had extensive talks with the Cubs. It really makes no sense to deal Roberts and hang on to Miguel Tejada. Source

The Rangers acquired 1st Baseman/DH Chris Shelton from the Tigers last night for Freddy Guzman. Shelton burst on to the scene 3 seasons ago, hitting 18 home runs in less than 400 at-bats. But after hitting 10 home runs in April of '06, he faded and was sent to the minors where he played all of this past season. Source