SRYD's NOTEBOOK

There have been several interesting developments since my last article. I would like to take a look at some of them and give a quick look at the playoff contenders in the A.L. since the All Star Break. I think that August will be a very good month for the Sox and I do think that first place by the end of the month is a strong possibility.

The Trade- Rose, Wasdin, Frye, Taglinetti for Arrojo, Lansing, and Croushore and cash (1 million is what I heard) I was not a huge fan of this trade for reasons, but I hope that I am wrong. A change of scenery may end up helping everyone involved in this trade, however. In the short run, this trade should help this season, as Rose and Wasdin seemed destined for insignificant roles for the remainder of the season and Lansing definitely provides more pop than Frye with the bat. The real long term effects of this deal will not be known for several years. Most of that, though, depends on how Brian Rose develops and whether or not Arrojo can regain his prior form. Anyhow, onto my thoughts on the trade.

1. Lansing pulls in 6 million next season and has a 1.25 million buyout for 2002. He is coming off his second back Surgery and has struggled in Colorado. This money will occupy any money that would have been freed up when Frye (2.5 million) and Stanley (3.5 million) do not return next year. Lansing can be a decent player, similar to John Valentin (when healthy) but his price is awfully high.

2. How old is Arrojo and can he return to his 98 form? By all estimates, Arrojo is actually 36 or 37, not 32. He hasn't been the same guy since 98. Rose was only 24, although he had been given several opportunities over the last 3 years. I still think that Rose will be a good pitcher, but it was obvious that he and Kerrigan did not see eye to eye. He may blossom away from Boston as Aaron Sele has.

3. Wasdin needed to get out of Boston and Frye would not have returned next year. Basically, Boston had to take on Lansing's salary if they wanted Arrojo. Logically, Duquette got Colorado to take Frye in return.

Ramon and Schourek to the DL:
Neither of these moves was a huge surprise. Schourek gave 2 good months, but I think that his career in Boston is over (He won't be back next year IMHO). Maybe time off will really help Ramon. If Ramon does come back next year, Boston will need to renegotiate his contract. No way that they can pick up his $ 8 million option for next year.

Everett's Suspension:
Thankfully, the Sox have survived his suspension (4-5 so far) and Carl is back on Saturday.

Sox pick up Brogna:
I'm not sure that he is worth it. His numbers over the last 2 years have a lot to do with the fact that he batted 3rd or 4th mainly. Since he will mainly play vs. righties, I looked up some stats on him for last year and 97-99. This move sends Burkhart back to AAA. There will also be a roster dilemma when Offerman returns in 2 weeks. This may also cut into Hatteberg's playing time. Here are some number's to ponder:

Brogna:
(vs. right in 99) 123-433 (.284 BA), 15 HR, 69 RBI, 21 2B, 1 3B, 41 BB, 85 K
(vs. right in 99) .343 OBP, .441 SLUG, .784 OPS - UGH !!!!
(vs. right in 97-99) .277 BA, .330 OBP, .466 SLUG, .796 OPS
(Runners in scoring position 97-99) .281 BA

Burkhart:
(vs. right in 00) 13-41 (.317 BA), 2 HR, 11 RBI , 2 2B, 11 BB, 15 K, .482 OBP, .512 SLUG, .994 OPS

Hatteberg:
(vs. right in 00) 32-112, .286 BA, 7 HR, 24 RBI, 9 2B, 14 BB, 21 K, .362 OBP, .554 SLUG, .916 OPS

Brett Saberhagen:
Sabes makes a rehab start on Saturday for Pawtucket in Ottawa. That should determine if he makes another rehab start or if his next start will be for Boston. His return could be a huge boost.

Finally a look at some things in July and August and the A.L. contenders since the All Star Break.

These were the standings at the Break:

* Seattle lead Oakland by 3 games in the A.L. West with a 51-35 record.