ESPN.COM Trade Deadline Chat

At Tuesday's trade deadline, espn.com held a special Trade Deadline Livechat with Rob Neyer. Kevin and I chimed in with plenty of questions, none of which were answered. Some examples -

Dan from Pittsburgh: What about the rumors of Joe Randa, Kip Wells and Craig Wilson for A-Rod? I don't think the Pirates should do it because he doesn't come through in the clutch like Randa.

Kevin from Philly: With Abreu gone, do you think the Phils could package Burrell and Arthur Rhodes for a top pitching prospect like Liriano or Pedro Martinez?

Kevin from Philly: Any validity to the Soriano for Terry Mulholland swap?

Dan from Pittsburgh: I heard The Mariners are interested in Craig Wilson. Who are The Mariners?

[Our friend Matt chimed in, and the questions got worse]

Matt from Pittsburgh: I'm wondering when the Pirates are going to pick up a solid sweeper. There are so many great players at that position that have been exposed to us by the World Cup. Thoughts.

Kevin from Philly: Any truth to the mega deal that has the Phils shipping Lieberthal and Geoff Geary to the Angels for Guerrero, Guerrero to the Timberwolves for Garnett, Iverson to the New York Liberty, and Danica Patrick to the Phils as Gordon's setup man?

[With time getting tighter, we tried to make the questions 1% more plausible to try to get an answer]

Dan from Cleveland: I think it's too early to count out the Indians. With their pickup of Hector Luna, I see them as being one lefty reliver short of being a World Series contender. Any chance they'll make that deal?

Kevin from Philly: You think any team is willing to pick up David Wright's ridiculous contract? If I were the Mets, I'd trade him for Eric Gagne in a heartbeart if they want to win the Series this year.

Dan from New York: When is George Steinbrenner gonna make a move? Abreu thing was a start, but come on, we need a righty second baseman and another reliever. Is Papelbon on the market?

[Still nothing, so we went back to abandoning reality]

Kevin from Philly: Any truth to the rumor that they're going to actually combine the Marlins and the D-Rays? I heard they'd be called the Panhandle Sea Creatures and their colors would be the most awesome combo of teal and purple, otherwise known as turple.

Kevin from Philly: Just wanted to let you know that in addition to Justin Germano, the Reds also threw in a mixed CD of Bronson Arroyo covering Oasis, OAR, and Guster to get Cormier from Philly

Kevin from Philly: You guys seen this Ortiz in Boston? Kid can hit. Needs a nickname. How about Big Batty?

[One final last ditch effort...]

TRADE UPDATE FROM JAYSON STARK: The Red Sox and the Braves have talked about a deal that would send Andruw Jones to Boston for Coco Crisp, Craig Hansen and a prospect. But according to an executive familiar with the discussions, the Braves made a counter offer, asking for Jon Lester to be the third player.

Dan from Pittsburgh: I heard The Red Sox and the Braves have talked about a deal that would send Andruw Jones to Boston for Coco Crisp, Craig Hansen and a prospect. But according to an executive familiar with the discussions, the Braves made a counter offer, asking for Jon Lester to be the third player. Is this true?

[Nothing. With so many important questions left unanswered, the trade deadline came and went as a confusing blur. How do we get confirmation on the "Panhandle Sea Creatures" rumor? Maybe we have to sign up for ESPN Insider...]