MLB 2010-2011 Off Season Thread

[Innovator]

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20101214&content_id=16316850&vkey=news_nyy&c_id=nyy&partnerId=rss_nyy

BOOM THERE IT IS.

[SammyG]

Why are you happy? I am glad he is gone. Had 2 all star years and then went to COMPLETE shit. He is not that good anymore, guys. Too injury prone, as well.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

So the Yankees will sign a catcher with a broken hip, but not a Cy Young winner with a bad shoulder. Hmmm

[Innovator]

Why are you happy? I am glad he is gone. Had 2 all star years and then went to COMPLETE shit. He is not that good anymore, guys. Too injury prone, as well.

If you've sat through watching Jorge Posada catch, you'd understand.

[McLegend]

What the fuck? Why is Francesca not on The YES network today?

I really wanted to hear him cry.

[Johnny Vegas]

Cliff Lee

[Innovator]

Ahahaha, the midday guys are filling in for Francesa...even worse. 5 hours of Mets talk.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>I don't mind Evan Roberts, but Joe Benigno can fuck right off. Most Mets fans can be pessimistic at times, myself included - but he sucks the joy out of absolutely everything.

I'll never forget the massive rejoice in 2008 when the Mets traded Santana, only for Joe to be like "He's probably going to blow out his elbow or something"</font>

[Hardkore Kidd J]

Yeah. It kills me that it's the Phillies...but I can't deny that it's a cool move on his part to fuck off the union and sign for less money to go where he really wanted to go.

Rangers fans definitely have the right to be pissed off though. Sounds like he had his sights set on Philly all along, so saying he'd definitely stay if offered 6 years was kind of a dick move since their final offer was like 6 years, $140 million or something.

He also said that he would definitely have stayed in Texas if they won the WS. Makes me wonder if he was telling the truth there.


I don't know I had read that a "source" said Texas was too hot for him. Obviously some pitchers don't like pitching where it's really, hot. Just like some pitchers don't want to pitch where it's really cold. That sounds like one of the factors he had to consider.

[Jeritron]

Yankees fans are cracking me up nationwide. There seems to be tons of them going on and on about how glad they are that the Yankees didn't sign Lee or Crawford, because they aren't any good.
Suddenly they're frugal and content with a quiet offseason.
Give me a break.

[Hardkore Kidd J]

Yankees fans are cracking me up nationwide. There seems to be tons of them going on and on about how glad they are that the Yankees didn't sign Lee or Crawford, because they aren't any good.
Suddenly they're frugal and content with a quiet offseason.
Give me a break.

I don't get that. I am glad we did not get Crawford. Don't get me wrong I love Crawford but not a 7 year contract. 3 years? AMAZING Contract. 4 years: Still pretty good. By year five he'll be reaching his decline if he doesn't get it even sooner.

I am not glad that we didn't get Lee or Crawford. I am glad that we don't have Crawford for 7 years. Lee would have been excellent to have but we have other options.

And I'm not ready to call it a "Quiet off season" just yet. We just signed Martin. We might just be coming out of the gate slow. Let's see if they really wow someone and trade for a Josh Johnson or something. (Even though we'd get pretty fleeced for him)

[ClockShot]

Lyle Overbay to the Pirates.

Matt Stairs to the Nationals.

Gerald Laird to the Cardinals.

[Jeritron]

lol Matt Stairs

[Hardkore Kidd J]

Did the Nats think Stairs is a better choice then Derek Lee?

[Triple Naitch]

Minor league deal

[Hardkore Kidd J]

Oh, well that makes sense.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Cardinals have the two best defensive catchers in the majors now. Although neither of them can hit.

[ClockShot]

The Yankees sign.........to a minor league deal.............

















the legendary
























Mark Prior.

[Hardkore Kidd J]

The Yankees sign.........to a minor league deal.............

















the legendary
























Mark Prior.

Low risk move I like it. He'd be good to have just in case.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

First Wood and now Prior. The Yankees are probably just bringing them in so they can personally apologize to Joba Chamerblain for scaring the Yanks into stifling his career.

[Aguakate]

Skip Bayless:

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[dablackguy]

Bayless is an idiot. There's so much wrong with his logic that I don't have the time or energy to point out right now

[dablackguy]

<font color=goldenrod>I don't mind Evan Roberts, but Joe Benigno can fuck right off. Most Mets fans can be pessimistic at times, myself included - but he sucks the joy out of absolutely everything.

I'll never forget the massive rejoice in 2008 when the Mets traded Santana, only for Joe to be like "He's probably going to blow out his elbow or something"</font>

:y:

The Mets could win 12 in a row in September and he'd be saying that they're gonna collapse again

[dablackguy]

Yankees fans are cracking me up nationwide. There seems to be tons of them going on and on about how glad they are that the Yankees didn't sign Lee or Crawford, because they aren't any good.
Suddenly they're frugal and content with a quiet offseason.
Give me a break.

The problem is that their front office and the Yankee supporters spit the retarded rhetoric and the fans drink the kool-aid, allowing them to rewrite history to some degree.

I think it was some writer who said that he was glad they found out Lee wasn't going to work out in NY before it was too late. Which is odd, considering the bucketful of cash the Yankees wanted to give him and then the second bucketful with the additional year - then the flying down to his home and begging him to come here.

Clearly, they weren't concerned about it as of last week.

[Loose Cannon]

so the Yanks get punched sqaure in the face earlier this morning and they fire back with a Mark Prior signing :lol: April Fools right?

[Jeritron]

Skip Bayless is a monumental retard. Just a notch above Colin Cowherd.

[Loose Cannon]

yea, he gets paid to make retarded comments

[Loose Cannon]

hate that whole show where there's 4 people and that moron host presses the mute button

[Aguakate]

Bayless just says things to get people riled up and make himself controversial.

[Triple Naitch]

Lol the Philly news stations are praising Cliff Lee for being selfless and not caring about money. In the end, he's still making $24 million per year.

[dablackguy]

Lol the Philly news stations are praising Cliff Lee for being selfless and not caring about money. In the end, he's still making $24 million per year.

Well he did leave 40 or 50 million on the table....

[Aguakate]

Lol the Philly news stations are praising for Cliff Lee being selfless and not caring about money. In the end, he's still making $24 million per year.

I know, right? Everybody's like "Oh, Cliff Lee shows us that for some athletes, it's really not all about the money".

Dude's making $24 million per year. Since when does making $24 million a year signify not caring about the dough? Yeah, he would've made more money with the Yankees and Rangers, but it's not like he took a 2 year deal worth $10 million to pitch for the A's or anything.

[dablackguy]

Also, never understood what the difference is between 90 and 120 million dollars is. I mean, is there really something you can do with 120 that you couldn't afford with 90? I feel like Ryan Braun said something to this affect when he signed his contract. Its kinda true IMO.

[Triple Naitch]

Gilbert Arenas said it. "What can I buy with $120 million that I can't buy with $100 million?"

[McLegend]

I can buy stuff that's worth 120 million.

[McLegend]

Why did I not think of the phrase "Cliff Lee took his talents to South Street?"

I'm upset with my self.

[Dragon]

If Pettitte doesn't come back to the Yankees for the start of next year I would be disappointed if he didn't at least make a Clemens-esque triumphant return around the All-Star Break to save our season, complete with Suzyn Waldman hysteria.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fdtn0Z4o8cM

[Hardkore Kidd J]

so the Yanks get punched sqaure in the face earlier this morning and they fire back with a Mark Prior signing :lol: April Fools right?

Well Lee was the best option on the free agent market wait a few days they'll get back. And think about this The Yankees beat out Red Sox and Blue Jays for Russel Martin.

And beat out Texas for Mark Prior. Mark Prior was also pursued by the Rangers.

[Aguakate]

Well Lee was the best option on the free agent market wait a few days they'll get back. And think about this The Yankees beat out Red Sox and Blue Jays for Russel Martin.

And beat out Texas for Mark Prior. Mark Prior was also pursued by the Rangers.

...and what have those two done lately?

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Was listening to Stephen A. Smith this morning (his show's actually not bad) and they were talking about how Cliff Lee's kid has cancer and Philadelphia has a better children's hospital than Dallas and New York. So if that's the reason he took less money, that actually makes a lot of sense.

[YOUR Hero]

Kinda Baffled how Matsui is signed for under 5 Million. Guy's numbers and history show he's for real. Kinda surprised my Jays didn't make a bid for him. He'd be a great fit, imo.

Waiting to see who signs Randy Gregg. I believe the Jays get a #1 pick from whomeever inks him to a deal. - LOL

[McLegend]

Was listening to Stephen A. Smith this morning (his show's actually not bad) and they were talking about how Cliff Lee's kid has cancer and Philadelphia has a better children's hospital than Dallas and New York. So if that's the reason he took less money, that actually makes a lot of sense.

How come this hasn't come out before?

[YOUR Hero]

Before what?

[McLegend]

Before anything... That stuff usually comes out. That's obviously more important reason to come to Philadelphia over anything else even the money.

I'm just surprised I haven't heard that before.

[Innovator]

Kinda Baffled how Matsui is signed for under 5 Million. Guy's numbers and history show he's for real. Kinda surprised my Jays didn't make a bid for him. He'd be a great fit, imo.

Waiting to see who signs Randy Gregg. I believe the Jays get a #1 pick from whomeever inks him to a deal. - LOL
Matsui's knees couldn't handle the turf when he occasionally played in Toronto, even just running the bases.

[Adder]

Before anything... That stuff usually comes out. That's obviously more important reason to come to Philadelphia over anything else even the money.

I'm just surprised I haven't heard that before.

I recall when he was in Philly during the playoff push there was talk of his son and cancer. So it was known.

[Dragon]

I heard the stuff about Lee's kid before but everyone I saw write about it assumed the hospital he wanted to be near was in Texas I think. Guess they assumed wrong.

And I guess the contract he took from Philly really wasn't as huge a difference as first thought.

He gets a 5 year $120M deal with a vesting option for a 6th year at $27.5M (or 12.5M buyout).

Yankees offered most guaranteed at $148M. Rangers offered $138M guaranteed with an option that could have brought it to $161M.

[McLegend]

Interesting, becasue I've never heard anything about his child with cancer.

I hear it's really easy to get that option for the 6th year. So the contract is basically is guaranteed $147.5 million.

[Innovator]

AW someone in Seattle listened to me...

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/thehotstoneleague/2013676742_should_ms_take_advantage_of_ya.html

[Innovator]

AHAHAHA the comments on the blog there are amazing. Cano and Hughes for Felix.

[ClockShot]

Hughes & Montero should get it done. But I want Seattle to eat some money.

/wishful thinking

[Loose Cannon]

no way on Hughes. They would just be trading one good pitcher for another. Hughes is not as good as Felix is right now, but I think he will be an Ace is a few years.

Trading Hughes for Felix just puts them back where they are.

[Innovator]

Exactly. And Cano....yeah that's not happening.

[Aguakate]

The Mariners are not going to trade Felix. I think they'd rather trade Ichiro.

[Innovator]

It'd be stupid for Seattle to trade one of the two main draws they have, can't stop me from dreaming.

[Hardkore Kidd J]

I might even trade Hughes for Hernandez. But, it either or if you want Montero package you can't have Hughes and if they want a Hughes package they can't have Montero. Cano is out of the question.

We do have a lot of good young pitching talent so if all they wanted was like Hughes and maybe 1 or 2 single A guys it's kinda stupid not to do it.

Let's say the Mariners came up and said Hughes straight up for Hernandez ? I'd do it because we do have quite a few good minor league pitchers who'd do us good in the rotation. I love Hughes. But this is King Felix we are talking about.

But, it's never gonna happen that way.................ever.

[Droford]

Derrek Lee to the Padres

I have no idea who the Orioles are going to have at 1B

[ClockShot]

Rich Harden to the A's. 1-year, $1.5 mil.

Matt Guerrier to the Dodgers. 3-years, $12 mil.

Randy Choate to the Marlins. 2-years, $2.5 mil.

[Aguakate]

Wow, didn't know the Red Sox got Joe Blanton. That might turn out to be a good deal for Boston.

[Loose Cannon]

Bob Feller passes away at 92.

[Hardkore Kidd J]

Wow, didn't know the Red Sox got Joe Blanton. That might turn out to be a good deal for Boston.

Where did you see this? I am checking all around and don't see any links.

[Jeritron]

Bob Feller passes away at 92.

Bob Feller was/is the fucking man

[Aguakate]

Where did you see this? I am checking all around and don't see any links.

Ok, the deal fell through. They had conversations, but it never materialized.

The information came as a result of Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal.

http://www.nesn.com/2010/12/report-red-sox-seriously-discussed-joe-blanton-with-phillies.html

[Hardkore Kidd J]

I wonder if Joe Blanton will be traded before the season starts. If the Phillies want to get rid of Blanton how much prospect wise ya think it will cost the Yankees? Or do you think they should steer clear of him?

[Aguakate]

Yankees should try to get him, I mean...if they take get Blanton, and somehow convince Pettitte to come back, their rotation won't be bad at all.

Sabathia, Burnett, Pettitte, Blanton, Hughes.

Not bad.

Also, puzzling as to why they'd sign Mark Prior and Russell Martin. I don't get those two deals. Prior's arm couldn't handle the NL, I don't think he'll do well in the AL, unless he becomes a reliever.

[Hardkore Kidd J]

Yankees should try to get him, I mean...if they take get Blanton, and somehow convince Pettitte to come back, their rotation won't be bad at all.

Sabathia, Burnett, Pettitte, Blanton, Hughes.

Not bad.

Also, puzzling as to why they'd sign Mark Prior and Russell Martin. I don't get those two deals. Prior's arm couldn't handle the NL, I don't think he'll do well in the AL, unless he becomes a reliever.

Can't hurt really since he has a minor league deal. I would have said Prior could be an 8th inning guy but Kerry Wood has been doing Ok at that. I don't pay much attention though for all I know Wood is a free agent.

And don't worry if things go right Romine, or Montero will have more time as catcher then Martin.

[Aguakate]

Wood is a free agent still, I think.

[Hardkore Kidd J]

[quote=Aguakate;3358036]Wood is a free agent still, I think.[/quoted]

Yes, the White Sox tried to sign him on a 2 year deal. But I think that died after they got Jesse Crain. They needed a 7th, and 8th, inning guy who could sometimes pitch the 9th. And Crain seems to be that guy.

[DaveWadding]

. Prior's arm couldn't handle Dusty Baker

[glanville6]

Kerry Wood is close to coming back to the Cubs!!!!!!!!!!!

And was sad to hear about Bob Feller. Great guy.

[Hardkore Kidd J]

Derrek Lee to the Padres

I have no idea who the Orioles are going to have at 1B

Well they could still go after LaRoche I think. How good are Mahoney and Snyder? Maybe they have a lot of faith in one of them.

[Emperor Smeat]

MLB Network spent a few good minutes discussing how the Yankees could make a move for Carlos Zambrano either this offseason or next year.

The biggest issue is Yankees don't want to eat up most of the $55 million left since the Cubs won't be willing to pay and his price range as a #3 starter since they don't see him fitting as a #1 or #2.

Only reason it came up was due to Yankees making deals for Pryor and Zambrano hinted if he had to leave, Yankees would be a good option.

[glanville6]

MLB Network spent a few good minutes discussing how the Yankees could make a move for Carlos Zambrano either this offseason or next year.

The biggest issue is Yankees don't want to eat up most of the $55 million left since the Cubs won't be willing to pay and his price range as a #3 starter since they don't see him fitting as a #1 or #2.

Only reason it came up was due to Yankees making deals for Pryor and Zambrano hinted if he had to leave, Yankees would be a good option.



I wonder how fans from both sides of this would feel about AJ Burnett straight up for Zambrano.

I want Zambrano gone. And even better, out of the NL

[Aguakate]

Kerry Wood is close to coming back to the Cubs!!!!!!!!!!!

And was sad to hear about Bob Feller. Great guy.

I hope Wood does become a Cub again.

[Hardkore Kidd J]

I hope Wood does become a Cub again.

You do? I hope he stays with the Yankees as our 8th inning guy. But we do have quite a few ready minor leaguers or Prior who could do an ok job as 7th, and 8th guy I guess.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

I hope Zambrano never leaves the Cubs.

[Hardkore Kidd J]

I hope Zambrano never leaves the Cubs.

In a way I hope that too. The Cubs is really the place where he should be.

[dablackguy]

Zambrano to the Yankees is a terrible idea. Walking 4 batters per 9 in the AL East is a great way to a 5 ERA

[Supreme Olajuwon]

In a way I hope that too. The Cubs is really the place where he should be.

I should rephrase. I hope Zambrano never stops sabotaging the Cubs.

[Splaya]

Tigers sign Magglio Ordonez to a 1 year 10 million dollar deal.

[Emperor Smeat]

Red Sox sign Bobby Jenks to 2 year $12 million deal with incentives to become a full-time closer should Papelbon end up being traded or looses his spot as the closer during Spring Training.

Its expected for now he will be the setup man or at least split time with Bard for the spot.

[Innovator]

Papelbon, we'll give you ten dollars and #41.

[MVP]

Red Sox sign Bobby Jenks to 2 year $12 million deal with incentives to become a full-time closer should Papelbon end up being traded or looses his spot as the closer during Spring Training.

Its expected for now he will be the setup man or at least split time with Bard for the spot.

I like this since last year it seemed like Bard and/or Papelbon had to pitch almost every game cause Okajima and Ramirez made 5 run leads turn into 1-2 run leads. Hopefully Papelbon doesn't pull a hissy fit this time like he did when the Red Sox acquired Eric Gagne and again when they acquired Billy Wagner.

[Hardkore Kidd J]

I like this since last year it seemed like Bard and/or Papelbon had to pitch almost every game cause Okajima and Ramirez made 5 run leads turn into 1-2 run leads. Hopefully Papelbon doesn't pull a hissy fit this time like he did when the Red Sox acquired Eric Gagne and again when they acquired Billy Wagner.

You know before everyone thought when the Red Sox offered Mariano a contract that it was a ploy for the Yankees to pay more for him. Now, I see they did w ant him so Papelbon could be gone. I say by the trading deadline Papelbon is traded any takers?

Let's say Hypothetically Papelbon is traded at the dead line. You think Jenks will be the closer? I think Bard may not be ready for the closer role yet.

Now, The Red Sox scare the shit out of me.

[ClockShot]

Twins agree to terms with japanese player Tsuyoshi Nishioka. 3-years, $10 mil.

Chien-Ming Wang goes back to the Nationals. 1-year, $1 mil. with incentives that could get him up to $5 mil.

A few details of Zach Greinke's contract came out for those interested in trading up for him. He has block power on 15 teams. With the Yankees, Red Sox and Nationals included. Tigers, Angels, and the Rangers are not.

And finally, with all pretty much a signing each day, the Red Sox pass the Yankees for highest payroll in MLB. Remember, they still gotta hammer out a deal with A-Gon in the spring.

[MVP]

You know before everyone thought when the Red Sox offered Mariano a contract that it was a ploy for the Yankees to pay more for him. Now, I see they did w ant him so Papelbon could be gone. I say by the trading deadline Papelbon is traded any takers?

Let's say Hypothetically Papelbon is traded at the dead line. You think Jenks will be the closer? I think Bard may not be ready for the closer role yet.

Now, The Red Sox scare the shit out of me.

My guess is that if Jenks is pitching well he'd be the closer, but Bard has been touted as the closer of the future since he came up in 2009 so I don't think Jenks would have the role permanently.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>One of my Yankee fan friends feeld like the Red Sox offering Mariano a deal gives him a new reason to hate them.

Yeah, fuck them for trying to make their team better! I'm sure they knew he wouldn't accept, but no harm in trying since it made the Yanks offer more anyway.</font>

[Triple Naitch]

Yeah because the Yankees would never do that or anything. (see: Johnny Damon)

[Hardkore Kidd J]

My guess is that if Jenks is pitching well he'd be the closer, but Bard has been touted as the closer of the future since he came up in 2009 so I don't think Jenks would have the role permanently.

I know ! Trust me I have seen how Bard is. But, in my honest opinion that would be like making Eduardo Nunuz leap into being a short stop for the season. How old is Bard like 21? He's still got some time to being the closer. They should switch them from time to time. And then by the time of Jenks contract ends in 2012 Bard will be an amazing closer.


One of my Yankee fan friends feeld like the Red Sox offering Mariano a deal gives him a new reason to hate them.




One question, do you think that some Red Sox fans didn't feel the same way when the Yankees signed Johnny Damon? I know, it's not really the same thing but, I bet you that gave some of them a new reason to hate the Yankees.

[Evil Vito]

One question, do you think that some Red Sox fans didn't feel the same way when the Yankees signed Johnny Damon? I know, it's not really the same thing but, I bet you that gave some of them a new reason to hate the Yankees.

<font color=goldenrod>I don't see why that would make the Red Sox fans hate the Yankees as much as it would make them hate Johnny himself. Being a beloved player and jumping to your top rival is perfectly reasonable grounds to put the player on your shitlist (especially in Damon's case when he had said throughout that season that the Yanks weren't his kind of team). But the team can hardly be faulted for wanting to make their team better.

Much like Jeter, seeing Mo in a Red Sox uni would have been a total mindfuck. No doubt either man would become public enemy #1 and get booed mercilessly at the first game in New York. It'd all be forgiven once they retired, though.</font>

[Hardkore Kidd J]

I don't see why that would make the Red Sox fans hate the Yankees as much as it would make them hate Johnny himself. Being a beloved player and jumping to your top rival is perfectly reasonable grounds to put the player on your shitlist (especially in Damon's case when he had said throughout that season that the Yanks weren't his kind of team). But the team can hardly be faulted for wanting to make their team better.

Much like Jeter, seeing Mo in a Red Sox uni would have been a total mindfuck. No doubt either man would become public enemy #1 and get booed mercilessly at the first game in New York. It'd all be forgiven once they retired, though.

You bring up a very valid point. Now that I think about it you're absolutely right. If Mo or Jeter did go to he Red Sox I don't think I'd hate the Red Sox anymore.

I might hate PLAYING the Red Sox cause they looked so good. I would most likely be very sad. I would also most likely be very angry with said player. And a bunch of questions would be going through my head like "Why the Fuck would Mo/Jeter do something like that?"

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Pedro Feliciano to the Yankees. 2 years, $8 million plus an option.

Farewell Pedro. :( It's been a great run but $4 million is a lot to pay a LOOGY who has logged 266 appearances over the past 3 seasons. Thanks for declining arbitration so the Mets can get a sandwich 1st round pick. :cool:

Could see the Mets grabbing Joe Beimel or something when camp opens up. Basically the same numbers but he can likely be had for around $1 million.</font>

[Innovator]

I bet Feliciano will be happy to not have to pitch the middle innings every night.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>I do wonder how much Girardi will use Pedro. Dude is money against lefties. Think his workload won't be as heavy though once Marte comes back.</font>

[Dragon]

<font color=goldenrod>I do wonder how much Girardi will use Pedro. Dude is money against lefties. Think his workload won't be as heavy though once Marte comes back.</font>

Last I heard about Marte he might be missing the whole season.

Girardi will use him alot. He loves working matchups to the point where it gets a little crazy.

[glanville6]

Zack Greinke wants out of Kansas City for sure. He's gotta be going to New York.

But hey...watch out for the Phillies. I bet right now, his salary is low...and if they have prospects to trade, they could probably unload Hamels or Oswalt after this season to give Greinke good money

[ClockShot]

Dayton Moore will likely ask for a king's ransom. However, if I were GM of a smart team, the smart team not being on Greinke's no-trade list and from a small market, I'd place a call. Rangers could probably work something out...

Phillies gotta be all but maxed out on the black amex by now. They're looking at $157 mil. going into 2011. They'll probably add a cheap bat or bullpen arm. But that's it.

[Emperor Smeat]

There were initial fears of the Royals mimicking what Toronto did by basically giving away 2 players for nothing but supposedly there is plans to ensure it won't happen.

Initial plan is to only accept teams Greinke approves to do offers and ask for players in spots the Royals need the most. At the same time, he's leaving the door open for other teams and allowing the demands to be flexible to prevent low-balling by big market teams.

Its a smart plan since Royals guaranteed either a few big names or enough middle-tier names to fill out depth and positions they wanted.

[Triple Naitch]

Phillies have completely gutted their farm system over the past two years. They have no one to trade.

[Hardkore Kidd J]

Doesn't Greinke have Block Power over the Yankees as one of the teams?

[Aguakate]

Phillies have completely gutted their farm system over the past two years. They have no one to trade.

They should just trade Cole Hamels for Zack Greinke, straight up.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Dan Wheeler to the Red Sox - 1 year, $3 million plus a $3 million option.

Looks like the Red Sox are trying to buy their championship!!1!!</font> :shifty:

[Aguakate]

Cubs sign Kerry Wood to a 1 year deal. "Kid K" is back!

[glanville6]

Doesn't Greinke have Block Power over the Yankees as one of the teams?


Yeah, but I heard he might change his mind


Cubs sign Kerry Wood to a 1 year deal. "Kid K" is back!


So happy. He passed up double the money and double the years too.

[Aguakate]

Don't talk to me about Cliff Lee giving up years and money, while he's still getting paid $24 Million a year.

Talk to me about Kerry Wood giving up years and money, while he's getting paid $1 Million for only one year.

[Emperor Smeat]

That was Lee's main goal this offseason in getting a contract that would get him as close to $25 million a year that he wanted. Next goal was to get a 6-7 year deal with 7 being the ideal number of years.

Yankees closet offer was $23.3 million but refused on giving him CC quality money and #1 spot while the Rangers varied around $22-$23 million with their multiple offers.

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

Red Sox just got another player from the Devil Rays, Relief pitcher Dan Wheeler. Looks like it's a fire sale in Tampa. Back to the bottom of the ALE for them!

[Hardkore Kidd J]

Red Sox just got another player from the Devil Rays, Relief pitcher Dan Wheeler. Looks like it's a fire sale in Tampa. Back to the bottom of the ALE for them!

Who did the Red Sox give up for him?

[Emperor Smeat]

Who did the Red Sox give up for him?

None since he was a free agent but it looks like the Red Sox were willing to let Bill Hall go to the Astros instead of offering him a new deal (also a free agent).

It might be an even trade off in terms of money since Hall is getting $3 million from the Astros.

Red Sox do save some money since Hall was paid $8 million last season and save $5 million from letting him go for Wheeler.

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

Too bad Hall was a great ult. guy last year. Really stepped up when Youk and Pedroia got hurt.

Only three million bucks? That's too bad I thought he could have cashed in a little bit more for the solid season he had. I think he pitched once during the season making him one of the only people in the MLB who have played every position except catcher.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Sounds like the Brewers could be getting close to landing Zack Greinke.

The rumor making the rounds is Greinke, Yuniesky Betancourt, and about $2 million for Alcides Escobar, Lorenzo Cain, and Jeremy Jeffress</font>

[Aguakate]

Greinke AND Betancourt? Wow.

[Triple Naitch]

Betancourt is awful.

[Jeritron]

The Brewers' main focus this offseason should be going back to their old unis

[Hardkore Kidd J]

Betancourt is awful.

Kinda agree! Now, if it was Greinke AND Soria in a trade that's unbelievable.

[FakeLaser]

It's official... wowwwwwwwww

Brewers def have a shot in the NL Central now. Greinke/Gallardo/Marcum/Wolf is a pretty solid 1-4. Should be quite a slugfest between the Reds, Cards and Brewers now. I wonder if that means Prince won't be traded. Isn't he a free agent after this season? Maybe he has one more year. Or maybe they'll just trade Greinke and Fielder if they fall out of contention early and really rebuild. The prospects they gave up for Greinke weren't anything incredibly spectacular.

Marlins trying to trade Ricky Nolasco. Looks like the only other "big fish" (ah cha) on the market for the Yankees now. Dunno how much faith I'd have, big K guy but can't seem to get it figured out, which is weird because he doesn't really walk too many guys. Prone to the long ball though. Not sure how that would play at Yankee Stadium.

[Triple Naitch]

Yankees haven't had much success with ex-Marlins pitchers either.

[ClockShot]

So the Brew Crew gets Greinke. Why they needed Betancourt along for the ride boggles me.

NL Central is gonna be a warzone next year.

[Emperor Smeat]

Probably to match the salaries being swapped around since Brewers are also getting some cash in the deal.

The Rangers and Yankees must have been putting too many of their players on a no-touch list since it doesn't appear the Royals got the mega-deal they wanted from trading Greinke.

[Hanso Amore]

I thought Betancourt was a top notch Defensive SS? Am I wrong? Surely it assists in his offensive shortcomings

[Aguakate]

Watch Betancourt come out and have a decent year with the Brewers.

[Innovator]

Luis Vizcaino signed to a minor league deal. Scranton-Wilkes Barre is gonna be stacked this year...

[YOUR Hero]

Watch Betancourt come out and have a decent year with the Brewers.

He had a decent year last year with the Royals

[ClockShot]

Austin Kearns goes back to Cleveland.

Rick Ankiel to the Nationals.

And, the Orix Buffaloes out of Japan Chan Ho Park. This will probably do it for his career.

[Aguakate]

He had a decent year last year with the Royals

Right, but since everyone's all like "Betancourt sucks", it'd be nice if he came out and played well.

[Triple Naitch]

Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports noted some leftover tidbits (http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/New-York-Yankees-had-pieces-to-trade-for-Zack-Greinke-but-never-got-close-122010) from the Greinke deal, and here are a few of the highlights: The Yankees made a strong push for Greinke in July 2010, but the pitcher didn't want to leave the Royals then. The Royals liked a package of prospects the Blue Jays offered for Greinke, but he didn't want to play for Toronto. One rival executive said the Brewers' acquisition of Yuniesky Betancourt (http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/betanyu01.shtml?utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker&utm_campaign=Linker) with Greinke "nullifies" the benefits of adding the ace.

LOL

[YOUR Hero]

I speculate that Marcum (if he stays healthy) will have a better era and overall numbers than Grienke.

[YOUR Hero]

If that's why the Jays didn't get Greinke, that would make sense, because the Jays were front runners right out of the gate this off season. I didn't think Greinke wouldn't want to play for T.O. The Jays are rebuilding themselves fast.

[Jeritron]

I think Greinke probably didn't want to play in a big city, tbh. He has very severe social anxiety disorder

[YOUR Hero]

orly???

He's medicated and all better now. Just ask him. *twitch*

[glanville6]

Brewers pitching vs. Cardinals hitting is the story to look out for in the NL Central

[McLegend]

Supreme is rolling in his grave after that post.

[ClockShot]

Cashman says he's operating under the assumption that Andy Pettitte will not return next season.

So right now, we're looking at a rotation of:

CC Sabathia
AJ Burnett
Phil Hughes
Ivan Nova
Sergio Mitre

*shivers*

[YOUR Hero]

Vasquez is looking pretty good right about now, huh?!

[Dragon]

Not after the season he had last year. They should be able to find someone to put up a 5.30 ERA. Hopefully.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

They already did. He's your #2 starter.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Brewers pitching vs. Cardinals hitting is the story to look out for in the NL Central

Yup I can't wait till that epic Zack Greinke/David Freese showdown. Yovani Gallardo vs. Skip Schumaker? Yes please!

I'm kidding of course. We all know everyone will be waiting for that Brewers/Cardinals game when Milwaukee's pitchers go toe to toe with the reigning MVP. OH WAIT A MINUTE!

[Hardkore Kidd J]

Cashman says he's operating under the assumption that Andy Pettitte will not return next season.

So right now, we're looking at a rotation of:

CC Sabathia
AJ Burnett
Phil Hughes
Ivan Nova
Sergio Mitre

*shivers*

I don't think "Mitre" I have heard it will be someone else like Brackman, Betances, or Noesi. I think those are 3 of the people Cashman are considering if I read his statement correctly.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

ANDREW BRACKMAN!

Guy went to my rival high school. Nasty nasty stuff. Thought his arm was gonna give out on him before he got to the show. Glad to see he's still fighting .

[ClockShot]

No, no, no, no, no. Killer B's ain't ready yet. I'm hearing MAYBE one might get to the bigs around mid-season. Yankees asked for Freddy Garcia's medical records, but haven't heard nothing new for a few days. I don't know what Cashman can do. Take another spin with Carl Pavano, fly down to Texas and beg Pettitte to come back, pray to god that Mark Prior hasn't lost it? We're in tight spot.

Rangers, Nationals, and "a mystery NL Central team" are fighting for Brandon Webb's services right now. Let the speculation begin.

[Aguakate]

I don't think Andy Pettitte wants to go back to New York, for some reason. It wouldn't shcok me if he decides to pitch for the Rangers, since they're a good team, it's close to home, and he won't have to deal with whatever is going on in New York. I just don't see him showing interest in the Yankees, for some reason.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Rangers, Nationals, and "a mystery NL Central team" are fighting for Brandon Webb's services right now. Let the speculation begin.

Hmm, well I could def see the Astros or Cubs going after him out of need. He's a Kentucky kid so he could have interest in the Reds, but I dunno where he'd fit. It's not out of the question that the Brewers are going all in this season and they'd sign him as their #4 or 5 guy.

Interesting...

[Aguakate]

It was said early on that the Cubs were interested in him...so maybe it's the Cubs.

[Dragon]

I don't think Andy Pettitte wants to go back to New York, for some reason. It wouldn't shcok me if he decides to pitch for the Rangers, since they're a good team, it's close to home, and he won't have to deal with whatever is going on in New York. I just don't see him showing interest in the Yankees, for some reason.

I don't really know where you get this from. He's already said he's either retiring or pitching for the Yankees. Seems like he's leaning more towards retiring though.

[Aguakate]

I don't really know where you get this from. He's already said he's either retiring or pitching for the Yankees. Seems like he's leaning more towards retiring though.

"Realmente"?

You don't think he'd accept a deal from the Rangers if it was right? He already left New York once to pitch with the Astros, so...I wouldn't completely throw it out the window. It's already been reported (briefly) that the Rangers had contacted him, and that it infuriated the Yankees.

[Dragon]

No, no, no, no, no. Killer B's ain't ready yet. I'm hearing MAYBE one might get to the bigs around mid-season. Yankees asked for Freddy Garcia's medical records, but haven't heard nothing new for a few days. I don't know what Cashman can do. Take another spin with Carl Pavano, fly down to Texas and beg Pettitte to come back, pray to god that Mark Prior hasn't lost it? We're in tight spot.

Rangers, Nationals, and "a mystery NL Central team" are fighting for Brandon Webb's services right now. Let the speculation begin.

Yeah, Betances and Banuelos aren't close to ready. I could see Brackman up mid-season though. He's gonna be 25 next year so they should start pushing him some. And I think they're only looking at Prior in the bullpen.

[Dragon]

"Realmente"?

You don't think he'd accept a deal from the Rangers if it was right? He already left New York once to pitch with the Astros, so...I wouldn't completely throw it out the window. It's already been reported (briefly) that the Rangers had contacted him, and that it infuriated the Yankees.

Anything can happen but I highly doubt it. He's already said if he pitches next year it will be with the Yankees and it'd be his last year. I just doubt he wants to spend his last year chasing a ring on a team he's never been on before. Especially when the Yankees are obviously pushing him to come back and he pretty much will get a blank check if he does decide to return.

[Hardkore Kidd J]

Anything can happen but I highly doubt it. He's already said if he pitches next year it will be with the Yankees and it'd be his last year. I just doubt he wants to spend his last year chasing a ring on a team he's never been on before. Especially when the Yankees are obviously pushing him to come back and he pretty much will get a blank check if he does decide to return.

And another thing is at his age he may not wanna pitch every five days in Texas. For some people pitching every five days where it's very hot or very cold could be really bad. I don't know how he felt about pitching in Houston so I don't know. But, that could be one of the factors.

And it does look like right now the Rangers are more inclined to get Webb. It looks like they are pushing for him hard. Ya think they will get Webb and Pettitte?

[Splaya]

Cashman says he's operating under the assumption that Andy Pettitte will not return next season.

So right now, we're looking at a rotation of:

CC Sabathia
AJ Burnett
Phil Hughes
Ivan Nova
Sergio Mitre

*shivers*

Better hope that Offense carries your team

[glanville6]

Yup I can't wait till that epic Zack Greinke/David Freese showdown. Yovani Gallardo vs. Skip Schumaker? Yes please!

I'm kidding of course. We all know everyone will be waiting for that Brewers/Cardinals game when Milwaukee's pitchers go toe to toe with the reigning MVP. OH WAIT A MINUTE!


Ha. Well personally I don't see the Reds repeating, and Pirates and Astros and my Cubs will suck.

The middle of that Cardinals lineup, if Berkman can stay healthy, is pretty formidable.

And I was only talking about one division

[ClockShot]

The guy convicted in the Nick Adenhart death gets 51 years to life.

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

Sox picked up another RP: Bobby Jenks. Wow!

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

The guy convicted in the Nick Adenhart death gets 51 years to life.

How old is he?

[Aguakate]

Sox picked up another RP: Bobby Jenks. Wow!

I'm REALLY liking the Red Sox.

That Red Sox vs Phillies World Series is going to be awesome.

[Hardkore Kidd J]

I'm REALLY liking the Red Sox.

That Red Sox vs Phillies World Series is going to be awesome.

Aren't you a Yankees fan?

[YOUR Hero]

How old is he?
mid 20's

He has a history of felony DUIs

[Aguakate]

Aren't you a Yankees fan?

No. My favorite team is the Chicago Cubs, but we all know they're going nowhere this year.

[Hardkore Kidd J]

No. My favorite team is the Chicago Cubs, but we all know they're going nowhere this year.

Ahhhhh well you never know. Let's see if all the Cubs needed is a new manager. I mean let's look at the O'S and how well their second half was because they changed managers. This is baseball anything can happen.

But, yeah with the Cards hitting and now Greinke on the Brewers the Cubs are gonna have a real hard time staying in second or third.

But, like I said anything can happen. With the Mariners off season they had last year I thought they'd be shoo in's to be in at least second place. If everyone stays healthy on the Phillies and the Red Sox it is going to be a tough ride.

[Droford]

No. My favorite team is the Chicago Cubs, but we all know they're going nowhere this year.


http://www.chicagonow.com/blogs/show-me-chicago/assets_c/2010/10/quade1-thumb-545x408-245417.jpg

My doppleganger will lead them to the World Series Championship!

or not, for the 103rd straight year.

[Aguakate]

http://www.chicagonow.com/blogs/show-me-chicago/assets_c/2010/10/quade1-thumb-545x408-245417.jpg

My doppleganger will lead them to the World Series Championship!

or not, for the 103rd straight year.

I still don't understand how this guy beat Ryne Sandberg for the job as Cubs Manager. There's GOT to be something else. Maybe Jim Hendry just doesn't like Sandberg or something. It boggles my mind. If you're going to rebuild, it doesn't matter if it's with Sandberg, or the bald version of Gary Busey...so why not give it to Ryno?

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Quade drinks vanilla coke. That's gotta be worth a couple karma points.

[Innovator]

INNO FACT: Inno's high school a cappella group sang at the opening of Vanilla Coke.

[ClockShot]

Nationals are out of the Brandon Webb sweepstakes. It's down to the Rangers and a NL Central team not named the Cubs.

[parkmania]

Nationals are out of the Brandon Webb sweepstakes. It's down to the Rangers and a NL Central team not named the Cubs.

Well, it's surely not the Pirates. B-Webb actually has some talent left in his body.

[ClockShot]

Brandon Webb to the Rangers. 1-year deal pending physical. The Reds were the mystery team all along.

Blue Jays and Octavio Dotel are close to a 1-year deal.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

DANG

[Aguakate]

IDK if pitching in Arlington is the best thing for a pitcher trying to make it back from injury.

[Hardkore Kidd J]

IDK if pitching in Arlington is the best thing for a pitcher trying to make it back from injury.

With some pitchers you gotta take a chance and plus it's only a 1 year contract.

[dablackguy]

With some pitchers you gotta take a chance and plus it's only a 1 year contract.


That and he had that big sinker when he was in Arizona. If he can get that back, he shouldn't have too much to worry about ballpark wise.

[screech]

Takashi Saito to the Brewers, one year deal. His fourth team in as many seasons.

J.C. Romero stays with the Phillies, also a one year deal.

[Emperor Smeat]

Angels only team left going after Adrian Beltre since the Rangers bailed out due to asking price of 5-year $85 million and the need to move Michael Young to DH spot or trade him. The Angels could get Beltre cheap if nobody else joins and a few more weeks pass by to lower his value.

11 teams in the bidding war for Brian Fuentes with the asking price of at least 3-years $15 million. The Blue Jays, Rays, Rockies, Mariners, Twins, Pirates, Phillies, Brewers, Yankees, Red Sox, and Mets all are in the race to get him.

[Hardkore Kidd J]

Angels only team left going after Adrian Beltre since the Rangers bailed out due to asking price of 5-year $85 million and the need to move Michael Young to DH spot or trade him. The Angels could get Beltre cheap if nobody else joins and a few more weeks pass by to lower his value.

11 teams in the bidding war for Brian Fuentes with the asking price of at least 3-years $15 million. The Blue Jays, Rays, Rockies, Mariners, Twins, Pirates, Phillies, Brewers, Yankees, Red Sox, and Mets all are in the race to get him.

If the Red Sox get Fuentes then Papelbon is gone, sooner. I mean you guys all ready have Jenks being the 8th inning guy. I don't think Fuentes would settle for anything less then an 8th inning guy. And switching the 8th inning between Fuentes and Jenks might get a bit dicey. So if the Red Sox pick up Fuentes it is nearly 100 percent sure that they have a trade place for Paps.

I wonder what team will get him. The Jays did just get Dotel right? But would they consider him a closer? He strikes me more as an 8th inning guy. I think the Jays might go hard after him. But, I could say that about all of the teams here.

[YOUR Hero]

The Jays don't really need to lock up a closer for 3 years. They need to put money elsewhere and maybe find a closer within the organization. Personally a closer that eats up a lot of salary on a rebuilding team is wasteful.... but it's a sign of willing to spend some dough-ray-me, so I'm happy about that. AS LONG AS they don't turn around and say they can't sign or extend *player X* because of budget concerns.

[YOUR Hero]

Palmeiro still insists he never used steroids

Rafael Palmeiro is sticking to his story that a tainted vitamin shot caused his failed drug test five years ago, and hopes Hall of Fame voters will overlook the mistake and honor him for his 3,020 hits and 569 homers.

A week before the Baseball Writers Association of America announces its inductees to baseball’s Hall of Fame, Palmeiro told SI.com in a phone interview posted Wednesday that he never used performance-enhancing drugs in his 20-year career. As he asserted in 2005 after he was suspended for failing a test, Palmeiro again insisted the anabolic steroid was in a B-12 vial given to him by Baltimore Orioles teammate Miguel Tejada(notes).
[...]

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news;_ylt=AnpD5RuwzTwmFqHevK961SYRvLYF?slug=ap-palmeiro-peds

####

Finger wagging at Tejada
*tsk*

-surely this clears his name!

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Harmon Killebrew has esophageal cancer :(

[Aguakate]

Palmeiro still insists he never used steroids

Rafael Palmeiro is sticking to his story that a tainted vitamin shot caused his failed drug test five years ago, and hopes Hall of Fame voters will overlook the mistake and honor him for his 3,020 hits and 569 homers.

A week before the Baseball Writers Association of America announces its inductees to baseball’s Hall of Fame, Palmeiro told SI.com in a phone interview posted Wednesday that he never used performance-enhancing drugs in his 20-year career. As he asserted in 2005 after he was suspended for failing a test, Palmeiro again insisted the anabolic steroid was in a B-12 vial given to him by Baltimore Orioles teammate Miguel Tejada(notes).
[...]

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news;_ylt=AnpD5RuwzTwmFqHevK961SYRvLYF?slug=ap-palmeiro-peds

####

Finger wagging at Tejada
*tsk*

-surely this clears his name!

You never know with those guys from the 90's and early 2000's...there's no way to know who was clean and who wasn't. I have a tough time believing Rafael Palmerio knowingly took Steroids, but that's just me.

Anyway, whether you take Steroids or not, being able to hit a 95MPH Fastball 400 Feet, or a Breaking Curve to the opposite field, takes skill, hand eye coordination, and if any of us took Steroids, it doesn't mean we will be able to go to the Major Leagues and hit 40 Home Runs.

So I believe they should vote in the guys who have the numbers, and leave it at that. What are you going to do...

[parkmania]

11 teams in the bidding war for Brian Fuentes with the asking price of at least 3-years $15 million. The... Pirates... are in the race to get him.

LMFAO! Sure they are. I've got a bridge to sell you if you believe that.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>If Fuentes' price drops down to say 2 years, $10 million I'd LOVE for the Mets to jump in. Parnell-Fuentes-K-Rod would be a decent late inning punch.

Even better - they could give Fuentes a few chances to close out games and keep K-Rod from getting that 55 games finished option from vesting. I'm pretty sure the Players Association is gonna file a grievance if that option doesn't vest, so the Mets would need a really good excuse.</font>

[Emperor Smeat]

<font color=goldenrod>If Fuentes' price drops down to say 2 years, $10 million I'd LOVE for the Mets to jump in. Parnell-Fuentes-K-Rod would be a decent late inning punch.

Even better - they could give Fuentes a few chances to close out games and keep K-Rod from getting that 55 games finished option from vesting. I'm pretty sure the Players Association is gonna file a grievance if that option doesn't vest, so the Mets would need a really good excuse.</font>

I doubt he's going to drop either in years or price since he wants a 3-year deal and all those teams in the hunt means good news to his agent since he's going to go well over $5 million per year in the original request.

I'd be more worried about the Yankees boosting his price more than the Phillies since its been pretty disappointing off-season and no way they let the other New York team have the media focus and a "win" in free agency for a player.

[YOUR Hero]

You never know with those guys from the 90's and early 2000's...there's no way to know who was clean and who wasn't. I have a tough time believing Rafael Palmerio knowingly took Steroids, but that's just me.

Anyway, whether you take Steroids or not, being able to hit a 95MPH Fastball 400 Feet, or a Breaking Curve to the opposite field, takes skill, hand eye coordination, and if any of us took Steroids, it doesn't mean we will be able to go to the Major Leagues and hit 40 Home Runs.

So I believe they should vote in the guys who have the numbers, and leave it at that. What are you going to do...

You make it sound so black and white.

You leave it how it helps recover from injuries quicker, builds muscle just to name a couple things.

Guy that already have baseball skills are able with 'drugs' to take themselves to a higher level, play longer, recover faster. Those are advantages based not on God given gifts but on chemicals.

just saying...

[Supreme Olajuwon]

If steroids didn't help, people wouldn't use them.

If they weren't a problem, they wouldn't be illegal.

[Evil Vito]

http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2010/12/29/jeff-bagwell-a-no-for-this-hall-voter/

<font color=goldenrod>It disgusts me that douchebags like this are allowed to vote for the HOF.

"Yeah I don't know that he did steroids and there's no evidence that he did, but I'm not gonna vote for him anyway!"

That's almost as bad as the assholes who send in blank ballots every year to prevent there being a unanimous HOFer.</font>

[Aguakate]

You make it sound so black and white.

You leave it how it helps recover from injuries quicker, builds muscle just to name a couple things.

Guy that already have baseball skills are able with 'drugs' to take themselves to a higher level, play longer, recover faster. Those are advantages based not on God given gifts but on chemicals.

just saying...

You mention, the guy has to have the baseball skills in the first place.

If it was all about the drugs, Arnold Schwarzenegger could've played in the Majors and hit 50 Home Runs.

[ClockShot]

A few teams just made some moves.

O's and Derrek Lee agree to a 1-year deal worth about $7.5 - $8 mil.

Hideki Okajima goes back to Boston on a 1-year deal.

Nationals offer Adam LaRoche a 2-year deal after the O's picked Derrek Lee.

[Droford]

The 1 year deal for Lee to me means the Os are gonna go hard after Fielder next offseason.

[Hardkore Kidd J]

The 1 year deal for Lee to me means the Os are gonna go hard after Fielder next offseason.

What makes you think it's Fielder and not Pujols? Pujols would be a equally good guy to have short term at least.

[Aguakate]

The 1 year deal for Lee to me means the Os are gonna go hard after Fielder next offseason.

I am REALLY liking the Orioles. I'm not saying they're going to win the AL East, but I believe they can finish above .500.

[screech]

http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2010/12/29/jeff-bagwell-a-no-for-this-hall-voter/

<font color=goldenrod>It disgusts me that douchebags like this are allowed to vote for the HOF.

"Yeah I don't know that he did steroids and there's no evidence that he did, but I'm not gonna vote for him anyway!"

That's almost as bad as the assholes who send in blank ballots every year to prevent there being a unanimous HOFer.</font>

That pissed me off too. And this:

...This is a Hall of Fame vote. I don't need proof beyond a reasonable doubt in order to cast a vote for any candidate in either direction. I could refuse to vote for someone because I didn't like him personally, though I think that would be wrong. I could refuse to vote for somebody based on racial or ethnic or religious grounds, though I think that would be despicable. I could withhold a vote because I don't want people in the Hall of Fame who have blue eyes, or owned cats, or ever played on a Texas team. It's my vote, and the only standards to which I am beholden are my own.

Made him sound like even more of a jerk.

[screech]

But it's the world in which we voters and Bagwell and his fellow Hall candidates now live -- a world of the cheaters' creation. If Bagwell's upset about it, and if he truly is innocent, then he has my apology, but I'd also advise him to seek one from McGwire and Palmeiro and all of his peers and contemporaries who decided they had to cheat and break the law in order to play baseball better.

Makes it seem like he is going to point the finger (or is already doing it) at players who took steroids if Bagwell doesn't make the Hall. Unreal.

[Aguakate]

That pissed me off too. And this:



Made him sound like even more of a jerk.

Writers irk me. They think they know it all. They haven't played in the MLB yet they think they know what it takes to be a Hall of Famer.

I think the only people who should get to vote for who gets in the HOF should be those IN the HOF. I would have the Hall of Famers vote, since they know what it takes to be a HOF'er, and see things from a different perspective...that of a player.

[screech]

I totally want Jeff Bagwell in the Hall, by the way.

Just sayin...

[Emperor Smeat]

Writers irk me. They think they know it all. They haven't played in the MLB yet they think they know what it takes to be a Hall of Famer.

I think the only people who should get to vote for who gets in the HOF should be those IN the HOF. I would have the Hall of Famers vote, since they know what it takes to be a HOF'er, and see things from a different perspective...that of a player.

If I remember correctly, the idea behind the veterans committee was to try to get players into the Hall that the writers either ignored or forgot about.

The big problem was the veterans committee is even more stingy in voting since a lot of them don't want to expand the membership or only cared about themselves once they actually got inducted.

[Aguakate]

What qualifications must a writer have in order to have a vote? I know some writers vote, others don't.

[Emperor Smeat]

Need to be part of the Baseball Writers' Association of America (BBWAA) for 10 years as the minimum requirement and its possible to lose the ability to vote if the employer is upset at a writer or doesn't want to be involved in the BBWAA or Hall of Fame.

The writer himself/herself also has to be part of an approved list of companies and newspapers to be eligible as well. Also have to be at a certain number of games each year in person as part of reporter part of the requirement.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_Writers_Association_of_America

I think it has to be 10 years straight but doesn't have to be about the same team or same company for a writer to be eligible.

[Aguakate]

No writer should vote for who gets into the HOF. I don't think it's fair. I'm still upset Roberto Alomar didn't make it last year. It should be up to the players already in the HOF.

[Triple Naitch]

It's douchebags like that who try to make themselves bigger than the players.

[YOUR Hero]

Lee is one player that would have filled a need in Toronto. I was hoping the Jays were in talkes with Lee is silence.

[Aguakate]

The Jays should sign Carlos Delgado once he is healthy again. It could be to a Minor League contract or whatever.

[YOUR Hero]

or Jose Canseco!

[Aguakate]

Jose Canseco is in talks with the Puerto Rico Baseball League about coming down here and playing.

[YOUR Hero]

You mention, the guy has to have the baseball skills in the first place.

If it was all about the drugs, Arnold Schwarzenegger could've played in the Majors and hit 50 Home Runs.
of course it's not all about the drugs. no one has ever in the history of intelligence argued it was.

[Aguakate]

of course it's not all about the drugs. no one has ever in the history of intelligence argued it was.

You'd be surprised at how much "power" some people will give to Steroids.

[Droford]

fangraphs is predicting the Os upgraded lineup will produce 5 runs a game (800 runs total) this year, up from 3.3 last year. Only two AL Teams scored 800 runs last year, and unfortunately they were both in the AL East.

[Vox Populi]

What makes you think it's Fielder and not Pujols?

Probably due to the fact that Albert Pujols is going to be buried in some sort of St. Louis Cardinals memorabilia. Few and far between are the athletes in this day and age that will be borne to and die with the same franchise, but he's pretty clearly one of the few.

[Hardkore Kidd J]

Probably due to the fact that Albert Pujols is going to be buried in some sort of St. Louis Cardinals memorabilia. Few and far between are the athletes in this day and age that will be borne to and die with the same franchise, but he's pretty clearly one of the few.


Jeter and Mariano are probably some of that few.

[Droford]

Os reliever Alfredo Simon main suspect in shooting (http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/40877819/ns/sports-baseball/)

way to start 2011..ugh

[YOUR Hero]

main suspect in killing, not just shooting.

[DaveWadding]

Wow, Alfredo Simon actually blew someone away.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

If only he had that kind of accuracy with a breaking ball.

[Hardkore Kidd J]

Wow, I never expected to hear this. I'm kinda shocked.

[Emperor Smeat]

Adrian Beltre close to a deal with Texas since Oakland dropped out and Angels lowered its interest in him. The deal is expected between a 5-6 year and $90-$96 million range.

If Rangers get Beltre, Young most likely gets traded if he agrees to waive his no trade clause. Neither Rangers nor Young feel he would fit in their DH spot.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Mets sign Chris Capuano and Taylor Buccholz to 1-year contracts.

No idea what they are getting paid but it can't be much. Fine by me, both are low risk, high reward bullpen picks (maybe even starting for Capuano).

Hope they still go after Chris Young though.</font>

[screech]

If Rangers get Beltre, Young most likely gets traded if he agrees to waive his no trade clause. Neither Rangers nor Young feel he would fit in their DH spot.

Do you think Beltre would DH if it meant keeping Young on the team?

[YOUR Hero]

Young might go to 1st base

[YOUR Hero]

Do you think Beltre would DH if it meant keeping Young on the team?
one thing that can't be argued is Adrian's defensive ability. GG

[Emperor Smeat]

Do you think Beltre would DH if it meant keeping Young on the team?

I don't think Beltre would be a good fit for a DH spot and Rangers have shown no intention to move him there since all the talk has been about Young possibly being moved as a DH.

Like Your Hero has said, Rangers are trying to get him for a defense upgrade more than power or offense upgrade. Rangers might end up just keeping Young but they want to see if there is any real interest for Young that benefits the Rangers enough to trade him.

[Triple Naitch]

I could easily see Young going back to Toronto for a catching prospect.

[screech]

one thing that can't be argued is Adrian's defensive ability. GG

I know, but if the Rangers wanted to keep both of them it could be an option. Putting Young at first would probably be a better plan, though if he doesn't get shipped somewhere else.

[Skippord]

Carlos Gonzalez getting close to a 7 year contract to stay here

:heart:

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Tulowitzki and Cargo are gonna get sick of each other by 2020.

Amazing offseason for Colorado's future.

[Skippord]

I'm fairly certain Dan O' Dowd is some sort of wizard

[Aguakate]

Tulowitzki and Cargo are gonna get sick of each other by 2020.

Amazing offseason for Colorado's future.

Colorado's track record when giving players big money isn't great.

[Emperor Smeat]

Unless something drastic happens today when Beltre arrives to sign the contract, Rangers get Beltre on a 6-year, $96 million deal with the last year being an option year at $16 million. Since Beltre was a restricted FA, Red Sox get a 1st Round draft pick from the Rangers.

Dan Uggla agrees to 5-year $62 million extension deal with the Braves.

[Aguakate]

Today all us Puerto Ricans SHOULD get the news that our fellow countryman, Roberto Alomar, has been elected to the Hall of Fame.

I'm guessing Blyleven goes in too.

[ClockShot]

Yankees looking at Jeremy Bonderman.

Adam LaRoche to the Nationals. 2-years, $15 mil. with an option for a 3rd.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Blue Jays sign Ocavio Dotel. That's his 11th team in 12 seasons.

Also signed Chad Codero to a minor league deal.

Both positive moves for Toronto who just can't ever seem to find a reliable closer.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Reds are looking hard at Scott Podsednik, which is fine with me because I'm assuming Scott Podsednik's wife would come too as part of a package deal.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Just want the Mets to lock up Chris Young and then probably call it an offseason. Maybe get either Scott Podsednik or Fred Lewis, but if that doesn't happen they have enough backup OF options anyway.</font>

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Lol someone hacked the BBWAA website last night.

My guess is it was Alan Trammell. Or maybe Dave Parker. Cobra.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Alomar and Blyleven are in the HOF.

Jeff Bagwell was picked on only 41% of ballots, which is ridiculous. Gotta figure he'll get in eventually.

Mark McGwire was picked on 19%, Rafael Palmeiro on 11%. I figured many of the steroid guys would get in eventually but now I have my doubts about the writers ever allowing them in.

Juan Gonzalez - 5.4%

Barry Larkin - 62%

Kevin Brown didn't get enough votes to stay on the ballot at all.

Zero votes (aka why the fuck are they even on the ballot?):
Raul Mondesi
Kirk Rueter
Charles Johnson
Bobby Higginson
Lenny Harris
Carlos Baerga

BJ Surhoff also got 1 pity vote.</font>

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>The fact that Bagwell, a guy with no steroid implications outside of the fact that he happened to play in the era, only got 41% of the votes - leads me to believe that Mike Piazza is going to be screwed in his first elibible year in 2013.

In fact, the 2013 ballot is going to be fucking crazy - Clemens, Bonds, Sosa, Piazza, Schilling, Biggio. Dare I say only Biggio is a first ballot lock due to the 3,000 hits. Schilling may get in on the first try due to postseason.

Whatever. Fuck the writers.</font>

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>John Franco - 424 saves. Only on 4.6% of the ballots so he's gone.

Christ. He's more of a Hall of Very Good type guy, but still no reason he should have been one-and-done.</font>

[Vox Populi]

<font color=goldenrod>The fact that Bagwell, a guy with no steroid implications outside of the fact that he happened to play in the era, only got 41% of the votes - leads me to believe that Mike Piazza is going to be screwed in his first elibible year in 2013.
</font>

Nah. Piazza was the greatest offensive catcher of all time. While Bagwell got screwed pretty royally here today, he doesn't have any such claim that makes him a first ballot lock.

[ClockShot]

Blyleven will probably shut up now. Always bitched and moaned each year after they announced who was going in.

Looks like Larkin will make it in next season

[Vox Populi]

Blyleven will probably shut up now. Always bitched and moaned each year after they announced who was going in.


I'm actually going to miss that a bit, because at times he came off genuinely crazy and it always made for some great soundbytes.

[Aguakate]

Roberto Alomar made it, baby...Puerto Rico is in PARTY-MODE! We only have two Hall of Famers, Orlando Cepeda and Roberto Clemente...so now we have a third.

Also, I knew Blyleven would get in.

About Bagwell, voters have to understand it's not their job to make "statements". They're there to look at the statistics, and vote. If they want to make a "statement", then they should call somebody or write an email. It's stupid.

Also, how Fred McGriff doesn't get more support sucks, too.

[Vox Populi]

Absolute dark horse candidate with no real chance of getting in here, but how is it that some Mets fan somewhere hasn't at least come up with a pamphlet trumpeting John Franco's credentials? His closest career comparison is Lee Smith, who always gets people shouting their support for him.

[Hanso Amore]

Beltre gets 6 years and 96 million from Texas.


Salaries are out of control. Last contract Beltre got - after a 48 HR year was about 40 millions less.

[Vox Populi]

5 years 80 million - there's a vesting option for a 6th year.

The deal with Seattle was 5 years, 64 million.

[OssMan]

Raul Mongedesi

[Triple Naitch]

Bagwell isn't a first ballot hall of famer anyway, but he deserves to make it eventually. Blyleven started with only 12% of the vote, so it seems Larkin and Bagwell will get in soon enough. Especially considering next year's class is pretty wekasauce.

[Loose Cannon]

Roberto Alamor Starting Lineup gets added to my HOF SLU shelf.

[Vox Populi]

Bagwell isn't a first ballot hall of famer anyway.

Can't for the life of me see why not:

http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bagweje01.shtml

If measured by WAR, a very good statistical device in debates such as this, the only more productive offensive player than Bagwell over the course of his career was Barry Bonds. Bagwell doesn't have so much as a single legitimate juicing allegation hanging over his head. Batted nearly .300 for his career. He's got the 40th highest on base percentage in the history of baseball, the 35th highest slugging percentage, the 34th most home runs and the 21st highest OPS, all of which ranks him well ahead of literally dozens of those who have already been enshrined. Also, while it's a bit less important, it's worth noting that no one has yet been enshrined to the HOF as an Astro; this guy clearly deserves to be the first.

I'm just struggling to find any of these reasons that exist amongst the voters as to why he's not a first ballot HOFer. Far worse have gotten in their first time out.

[MVP]

5 years 80 million - there's a vesting option for a 6th year.

The deal with Seattle was 5 years, 64 million.

This is just baffling considering Beltre was 26 when he came off that monster season in LA. It shows how the free agent market fluctuates each offseason since he can land an even larger contract when he's probably past the peak of his career.

[Emperor Smeat]

I think the voters are going to limit 1st time inductees as a way to keep part of the Hall special since the last few votes involved players from the steroid era.

Last year Roberto Alomar was punished from being a first ballot winner due to playing during the era and the excuse of an off-field issue from the 1990s as a reason why.

Its a stupid reason but the last few years when ESPN and other places gets articles on why people voted a certain way, it sort of hinted at the voters believing in that mentality now.

[MVP]

FUN FACT: I share a birthday with Adrian Beltre

[Hanso Amore]

Bagwell was never even one of the 5 best players in the league at any point in his career.

I think he is a HOFer, but not a sure 1st ballot player. All of your reasons why he is, are actually just signs of his 2nd tier greatness.

HOLY BALLS! 35th HIGHEST SLUGGING! Thats a stat of someone in the hall, but not someone that must be.

[McLegend]

If you aren't a first ballot Hall of Famer you shouldn't be in the Hall of Fame. The whole thing doesn't make sense.

[Aguakate]

If you aren't a first ballot Hall of Famer you shouldn't be in the Hall of Fame. The whole thing doesn't make sense.

Right...it's not like Blyleven picked up any more wins or strikeouts during these 14 years...

...and Alomar certainly didn't hit more Home Runs or get more hits from 2010 to 2011.

It's all these voters making stupid "statements" with their votes and stuff. The voting process is a joke.

[Vox Populi]

Bagwell was never even one of the 5 best players in the league at any point in his career.

Well, except for that one year where he unanimously won the MVP award, the other seasons where he finished top 5, and several other seasons where statistically speaking he clearly should have but was penalized by voters for playing on a bad team.

Other than that, though, never.