December 3, 2004
Walton’s Wanderings
By Brian Walton
Strauss Says Hudson
Joe Strauss of the P-D says that Walt Jocketty has approached Oakland about Tim Hudson. He is allegedly willing to part with Jeff Suppan and catcher Daric Barton, but not Rick Ankiel or Dan Haren. Interesting, since the Oakland system is full of catching prospects and they just traded for Jason Kendall. I wouldn’t think Barton would be high on their list, anyway. Strauss noted that Yadier Molina has “attracted the Diamondbacks’ attention”.
Sosa on ‘Roids, too?
Newsday implicates Sammy Sosa as a steroid user with no hard evidence, pointing to the Mets’ interest in him cooling. Not pretty.
Cards Juice up Ticket Prices
Dodgers Interested in Matheny
The Riverside Press-Enterprise reports LA Dodgers’ general manager Paul DiPodesta is interested in free agent catcher Mike Matheny, though no offer has been made yet, according to Matheny’s agent. The agent, John Boggs, called the Dodgers “a great fit”.
La Russa Returning to Chitown
Just for a day. Tony La Russa will return to support his first major league managerial stop on January 15 as he appears at SoxFest 2005 for the Chicago White Sox. La Russa will sign autographs and participate in an informational seminar. The White Sox request a $5 donation for each autograph he signs, which will benefit his Animal Rescue Foundation.
Vizcaino Returning to Astros
Shortstop Jose Vizcaino agreed to a one-year, $1.25 million deal to rejoin the Houston Astros in 2005. He appeared in 138 games after starter Adam Everett went down with a season-ending injury.
