Buzzmaster

  (2:00 PM)

Karl and John will be here shortly!

Karl Ravech

  (2:02 PM)

hello and welcome, yankees and mets apparently are recession proof, let's start the questions..i'm here with krukker

Dan (Buffalo, NY)

Kruker and Carl, what do you think of the Indians getting Wood? If the offense (Martinez and Hafner especially) can bounce back this year, are they contenders in the Central again?

Karl Ravech

  (2:03 PM)

love wood in cleveland, some guys seem to just fit in with organizations and wood coming out of the bullpen in cleveland fits well, let's hope he's healthy

Ken (Toronto, ON)

Gentlemen, this an early Christmas. What does a fan need to do to make his home team (Blue Jays) open their wallets for the players (Furcal, Ibanez, Burnett) that they need to contend? I'm lost and demoralized.

Karl Ravech

  (2:05 PM)

ecnomory not helping in toronto, don't blame you for being upset inlight of yankees and red sox and rays improving..they have the best pitcher in al in halladay..furcal would get em close, burentt and furcal would get them there

Bonney (Fairfield, CT)

Hey guys, what do you think are the chances of the yankees signing another starter and moving Joba to the bullpen?

Karl Ravech

  (2:05 PM)

has to happen but i would focus on position players too, outfield not exactly strong, when do they enter the manny race?

Rob (Ashland, OR)

If you're the Red Sox, and the only way you pry away one of the Texas catchers is to trade Buchholz, do you do it?

Karl Ravech

  (2:07 PM)

varitek is not the full time answer, i have always been one to to be willing to trade away unproven pitchers but a guy like Lester makes you think twice before pulling the trigger on a deal like that

Kevin (Houston)

No farm system, and an owner not willing to spend any money this free agency. Why am I an Astros fan again?

John Kruk

  (2:08 PM)

great question, why not trade oswalt, lee and the big puma..

Chris {roanoke,va}

Who gets the next big deal Texieria? Will it be red sox or angels or another team

Karl Ravech

  (2:09 PM)

i really believe the red sox are going to make a huge play for texeira, good relationship with the red sox for boras..10 years is ridiculous but he fits the mold for sure

Gary Ross (Buffalo Grove, IL)

What is the latest rumor of Peavy goiing to the cubs?

Karl Ravech

  (2:10 PM)

its going to happen. he can not go back to san diego

Phil, Milwaukee, WI on the ledge

So guys, Brewers lost out on CC, which was bound to happen. It appears though that Doug Melvin doesn't really have a plan B. What do you think the Brewers should stive to accomplish/need to accomplish to stay competitve for a playoff spot?

Karl Ravech

  (2:10 PM)

would not be surprised if they go after a guy like garland..etc

Sam (LA)

With the Dodgers seemingly in a one man race for Manny, what sort of Contract do you think he'll sign? 3 years 65 mil? Thanks

John, Philly

As a Phils fan, I will miss the heck out of Heilman closing games for the Mets. Still, unless their offense can start pouring it on in the late innings, I think F. Rod will have little impact on the Mets' final record.

Karl Ravech

  (2:13 PM)

I don't agree with that I do say that the Mets still need someone for the 8th inning K-Rod gives them the security that Heilman won't have to be used in the 9th inning

Jeremy CT

Speaking of Garland, how come a team like the Yankees, Mets or Soxs aren't interested in him?

Karl Ravech

  (2:16 PM)

I have no idea you are looking at a 3 or 4 starter who can't demand a huge contract if I was a GM I would take him and not expect him to be a 20 game winner but a guy who matches up favorably against any other teams 3 or 4 starter

Tom (Glassboro, NJ)

What's your take on the Yankees getting C.C.? Does that fix their problems? And where do they turn their attention to next, if anywhere?

Karl Ravech

  (2:17 PM)

it helps, it won't solve the problems..they need offense and outfield defense..nady is strong..cabrera and damon are not..

Shawn (FL)

You mentioned the Rays have improved their team. Did we sign anyone recently?

Karl Ravech

  (2:17 PM)

david price contributes more than he did last season and i am confident they will add another bat..another year of experience barring injury means they should be better as well

John, Atlanta

Why is it that my Braves seem to be floundering? It seems that they're going to be left out in the cold...even in the desert.

Karl Ravech

  (2:18 PM)

burnett would help..

Chris (Mt. Pleasant, MI)

Hey Karl and John, will the tigers trade for J.J. Putz?

John Kruk

  (2:19 PM)

they should, little has worked in detroit since the world series season, why not shake it up a little..i like putz, not concerned about injuries either

John (Dallas)

KARL, YOUR ANSWER TO THE MANNY QUESTION DID NOT GET POSTED, PLEASE REPLY TO IT.

Karl Ravech

  (2:20 PM)

i think manny ends up with a 1 year deal annual value somewhere in the 23-25 million range and i fully expect to see the mets/yankees get invovled in the talks

E (Omaha)

Ravey, what kind of salary would the Krukker command in today's market?

Karl Ravech

  (2:21 PM)

he thinks he'd be worth 8 million a year, i say priceless

Dusty (Sacramento)

Hey guys - any more Giants moves or are they about done. What did you think of Bochy's line-up?

Karl Ravech

  (2:22 PM)

dusty, focus on your reds..should be a great race between reds and giants for better record, go get jermaine dye and bring him to cincy

J.B. (Dunmore, PA)

Just a wild idea but what about Manny to Atlanta? They can use a big stick in LF and maybe he'd work well with Bobby Cox.

Karl Ravech

  (2:22 PM)

did you say work well with bobby cox, bobby not to into guys who check in and out of game

ANGEL N.Y.

ARE THE METS STRONGLY PURSUING ANY STARTING PITCHER?

Karl Ravech

  (2:23 PM)

they better, olver perez works but they seem cool on him, pelfrey may be a rising star and maine needs to stay healthy

Mike ( Boston )

Where do you think the Red Sox stack up this year in the AL EAst with the yankees aquasition of C.C

John Kruk

  (2:24 PM)

i think they are right there with the rays..right now..red sox/rays ahead of the yankees..more money from new york can change that though

scott (Philly)

Krukker, Why is ESPN using your "before" nutrisystem picture

John Kruk

  (2:24 PM)

we like it better

Mike (Toledo)

Fill in the blank question, the Indians rotation will be Lee, Carmona, and....

John Kruk

  (2:24 PM)

a couple of rain outs

RAY GORDON REID ( JACKSONVILLE FLA 32277)

MESSAGE TO KARL RAVECH / STAY AWAY KRUK / HI KARL I HAVE FILLED MY HORN WITH OIL WHAT IS NEXT? SENT AT 2.24 PM

John Kruk

  (2:25 PM)

i think you are confusing me with someone else..no idea what you are talking about..

Ben studying for finals

Can you guys grade out for me the Texas/Det deal?

John Kruk

  (2:27 PM)

not earth shattering but it certainly satisfies detroits need for a catcher, get back to your studies

Jake (Tulsa)

If the Phillies get DeRosa, how do you see the impact? What other moves that could be seen as aggressive to you think would be wise to make?

John Kruk

  (2:27 PM)

someone has to play second base when utley is hurt

Josh Queens

Could this happen...The mets trade delgado to the rays for either garza or shields then they sign tex for a deal around 7 years 160 million?

John Kruk

  (2:30 PM)

Wishful thinking but I think Garza in the post season established himself as a top of the rotation guy and even though Delgado had a great 2nd half he can't demand a pitcher of Garza's ability

Jess (LA)

What do you guys see the Angels doing?

John Kruk

  (2:31 PM)

I think they still have great starting pitching but now they have to make a strong run at Teixeira to offset the loss of Garret Anderson

Jeff, New Haven

Hot dog eating contest, CC or Kruker?

John Kruk

  (2:33 PM)

I would kick cc's butt in that one I may never get a hit off of him but now he is treading in my territory

Brian, Levittown,Pa

Hey guys, Do either of you see the Phillies addressing the starting rotation or catcher by free agency or trade?

John Kruk

  (2:37 PM)

Carlos Ruiz is the catcher if you are counting on your 8th hitter to be a force in your lineup than you are going to lose. He does a great job of handling the staff so no need to get someone else. I think if Moyer doesn't accept offer they already have feelers out on Lowe and others they aren't waiting for Moyer to make a decision

jp (nyc)

How many pies do I have to eat in order to be your assistant Kruker?

John Kruk

  (2:38 PM)

You don't have to eat any your job would be to bring them to me...come on use your head

Jason (Indianapolis)

Who has the better chance of getting an inside the park homer, Kruk or CC?

John Kruk

  (2:39 PM)

I think if you check stats I do have 1 in my career so I am betting me

Sean Clinton,Ia

what do you guys think the White Sox will do?

John Kruk

  (2:40 PM)

They have to get younger somehow. the onle tradeable people are Jenks and Dye then what do you have left?

james, new jersey

next move for the yankees?

John Kruk

  (2:42 PM)

They still need another starting pitcher CC, Wang and Joba and nothing else ain't going to get it done against the AL East

Kane, GA

If the braves get burnett do you think they will be contenders in the national league this year.

John Kruk

  (2:43 PM)

Who else pitches Smoltz? Hudson? Glavine?

Tom (College Park)

Who do you think would be better for the Yankees now that CC is on board: Burnett, Lowe, or Sheets?

John Kruk

  (2:45 PM)

Lowe never been on the DL has pitched and won in that atmosphere where the others you hold your breath everytime they throw a pitch

gavy chi-town

For heavens sake please answer a cubs question. What are they doing about lead-off spot?

John Kruk

  (2:47 PM)

I think Bobby Abreu would be a perfect fit for Cubs high on base can still run and he has driven in 100 runs in the last 6 years

Chris, PA

Wouldn't trading for Peavy (stud) for his current salary a better option then Lowe or Burnett? Even if you have to give some minor league talent? Why aren't more teams in on Peavy?

John Kruk

  (2:48 PM)

Peavy has a no trade clause and he only wants to play for the Cubs that is what makes this deal so difficult to get done

Jason, Clairmont, CA

It seems the Angels stand to lose a lot more than they can gain if they lose out on Teixiera. What are the chances that they land Tex, and if they don't, are they in trouble offensively?

John Kruk

  (2:50 PM)

They are in trouble unless Howie Kendrick can pick up the power numbers and stay healthy for an entire year even so no Tex no GA trouble

Ryan,Baltimore

Come on guys Orioles fans have suffered enough, please answer an O's question. Do they have a chance at the hometown boy Texiera?

John Kruk

  (2:52 PM)

No, if the O's had achance to compete maybe but they are rebuilding with a young centerfielder and a rookie catcher so if he wants to win he will go somewhere else

John Kruk

  (2:52 PM)

have a good one..thanks for checking in

John Kruk

  (2:52 PM)

see you all at 5 and 7:30et on espn 2