Morning Buzz: 10/29

Number one on Digg.com's baseball page today? The ESPN boxscore for game 1. Maybe if I start posting boxscores I'll get some traffic too.

The Hardball Times posted their top ten prospects for the Yankees and Red Sox in 2010. It's unfortunate when the Yankees have built a farm system.

Manny Ramirez is is exercising the option and returning to LA in 2010. The player option is worth $20 million. It would have been interesting to see what he could have gotten as a free agent, but it's not worth hearing his name everyday in the offseason to find out.

Jorge Says No discusses trading one of the Braves starters for the power bat they need. I pretty much agree that Javier Vazquez is the only one that will bring back the value they need to fill the hole, yet the Braves should not trade Vazquez. He has been a tremendous help to Jair Jurrjens and is one of the main pieces of this strong staff. Not to mention he's a free agent after 2010 and the Braves might not be able to get a full return because of it.

Therefore, I wouldn't be opposed to trying to deal Derek Lowe or Kenshin Kawakami in a package for the bat. I feel Lowe will rebound and have a better 2010, but if the Braves were able to add a little money to the deal they could get a solid return because of his history. Kawakami would have to be pieced in a deal but I don't see why a package couldn't bring a bat back. In any case, whether it's by trading a pitcher or signing a free agent, the Braves must add home runs to the outfield next season.

Craig Calcaterra tells Yankees fans that there's no reason to panic. He provides the perspective of being a Braves fan in 1996. That's just dandy.

Pedro Martinez and A.J. Burnett in game two tonight. While the Halloween parties will be in full swing around town, I'll be in front of the TV with the better entertainment. Pedro knows his way around Yankee Stadium. You never know what you'll get from Burnett in a playoff game. The Phillies are the safe pick. The Yankees are determined to take a split going to Philly.