Quick Update on LaRoche Deal

Unfortunately, it seems the Post-Gazette and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution got into the middle of this trade and screwed it up. Both papers prematurely released statements that the Braves and Pirates were close to doing a LaRoche for Gonzalez deal when, in fact, they weren't.

Those newspaper reports sent Bavasi into overdrive and Schuerholz did the other deal, or so the whispers on the floor indicate. If you listened to my podcast last night you know I was a bit concerned about Littlefield matching up to do any deal with Schuerholz anyway.

If -- read my lips -- IF -- Schuerholz did present Littlefield with an offer, and the newspapers hadn't gotten in the middle of the deal releasing speculative reports - especially since it was released in both cities, the offer might very well still be on the table.

Again, IF the offer was on the table and the events unfolded like we are hearing, it is almost like someone in Atlanta's media didn't want LaRoche traded and ******** the Post-Gazette into releasing the 'deal is almost done' story too knowing full well it would upset Schuerholz. I don't personally know who released the first 'deal is almost done' report but I have been told the AJC did and the Post-Gazette picked it up and ran with it too.

As of right now, I'm not sure there was any real offer this week. Credible sources have told me that Schuerholz and Littlefield hadn't placed an offer on the table since the GM meetings, although they have talked, and that everything since has been fantasy unfolded by rumors running amuck in the media. My original sources from this rumor stand by the fact there was an offer/talks/exchange at the GM meetings that didn't go anywhere, but they haven't heard anything since. However, both are quick to say they aren't in Littlefield's suite.

That's what I am hearing on this deal.

There are new rumors floating about Gonzalez tonight and I am still trying to get a second source to confirm each one of them. One will rock your socks if true.

More later..