MLB 2011-2012 Offseason Thread

[Splaya]

Tigers sign Octavio Dotel

[Gertner]

Tigers sign Octavio Dotel

lol good God. Have fun.

[Triple Naitch]

MLB record 13th club he'll play for.

[ClockShot]

Well my internet is back up and running. That storm we had in the northeast had some heavy winds in it and partially knocked out my cable for most of the day.

Anyway. Pretty crazy what the Angels did today. They did in 2 days what the Cardinals couldn't do in roughly 2 years. C.J. Should have taken what he might have gotten from the Nats. But I think Buehrle signing first cost him some $.

Anyway, the other big story of the day is that Yu Darvish got posted today. That auction runs until December 14.

[Innovator]

Weaver, Herin, Irvin Santana, and CJ Wilson

I'm gonna say it for them. DREAM TEAM.

[Triple Naitch]

*Vince Young nods in approval*

[Aguakate]

I was a little "weirded out" when the Cubs signed David DeJesus, I'll admit. I didn't like it.

Now, seeing that they have traded for 3B Ian Stewart, I'm really liking both deals, having DeJesus and Stewart.

I'm really digging the two moves. I feel good about 'em.

[Gertner]

Well my internet is back up and running. That storm we had in the northeast had some heavy winds in it and partially knocked out my cable for most of the day.

Anyway. Pretty crazy what the Angels did today. They did in 2 days what the Cardinals couldn't do in roughly 2 years. C.J. Should have taken what he might have gotten from the Nats. But I think Buehrle signing first cost him some $.

Anyway, the other big story of the day is that Yu Darvish got posted today. That auction runs until December 14.

If the Jays don't outbid everybody I'll be pissed.

[Droford]

I wanna see the Orioles go after a trade for Kendry Morales...he is expendable and probably on the cheap..would probably fit in with the rest of the moves the Os have made..DANA EVELAND! YES!

[Aguakate]

Vernon Wells should benefit greatly from hitting in front of Pujols. Maybe now he'll start to live up to his big contract.

[Gertner]

Wells is garbage. Fucking garbage.

[Evil Vito]

Rays sign Matt Moore to a 5-year, $14 million deal with options that can make it an 8 year deal.

Incredible deal for the Rays. If Moore pans out he will be kicking himself in 3 years.

[Aguakate]

When is Albert Pujols' press conference?

That's what I wanna know.

[OssMan]

For whatever reason there's a reporter on Twitter who constantly breaks news hours/days/weeks before anyone else and never gets any credit. Broke the Reyes signing in November and said they were just holding off on announcing it. And as far as the Wilson news...



No point linking to it as he's made his tweets private recently. If you have Twitter he's def worth a follow. Dude is on his shit and covers NFL, MLB and NHL
Who gives a shit? It's stupid enough that people follow the offseason so closely, saying things like they feel "euphoric" when their team signs a big free agent. Now you're interested in who breaks news first. Give me a break.

[OssMan]

Can we have an MLB Fantasy Offseason thread where we all pick which players go to which teams and draft reporters and get more points based on which reporter breaks the best news

[Triple Naitch]

Dbacks get Trevor Cahill. With Kennedy, Hudson, and Cahill, AZ has a sick big 3.

[Aguakate]

With Kennedy, Hudson, and Cahill, AZ has a sick big 3.

They should give 'em some antibiotics.

[ClockShot]

Evening round up:

Yankees make it official today and bring back Steady Freddy Garcia. 1-year, $4 mil. with $1.575 mil. in incentives on games started.

Notables who went under the radar during all the madness during the week: Erik Bedard and Nate McLouth to the Pirates, Lyle Overbay to the D-Backs.

Should be a quiet few days up until Wednesday afternoon when the Yu Darvish bidding ends at 4:00 pm eastern.

[Triple Naitch]

Uh-oh

National League MVP Ryan Braun (http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/28721/ryan-braun), who last season led the Milwaukee Brewers (http://espn.go.com/mlb/team/_/name/mil/milwaukee-brewers) to their first division title in nearly three decades, has tested positive for a performance-enhancing drug and faces a 50-game suspension if the initial finding is upheld, two sources familiar with the case told "Outside the Lines."
Major League Baseball has not announced the positive test because Braun is disputing the result through arbitration.
A spokesman for Braun issued a statement Saturday: "There are highly unusual circumstances surrounding this case which will support Ryan's complete innocence and demonstrate there was absolutely no intentional violation of the program. While Ryan has impeccable character and no previous history, unfortunately, because of the process we have to maintain confidentiality and are not able to discuss it any further, but we are confident he will ultimately be exonerated."
The 28-year-old Braun had to provide a urine sample for testing during the playoffs, and he was notified of the positive test sometime in late October -- about a month before he was named the National League's most valuable player.
The positive result was triggered by elevated levels of testosterone in Braun's system, the sources also told "Outside the Lines." A subsequent, more comprehensive test revealed the testosterone was synthetic -- not produced by Braun's body.
Every individual naturally produces testosterone and a substance called epitestosterone, typically at a ratio of 1-to-1. In Major League Baseball, if the ratio comes in at 4-to-1 or higher during testing, a player is deemed to have tested positive. The sources did not indicate how high above the threshold Braun's sample tested.

http://a.espncdn.com/photo/2011/1010/mlb_a_braun_gb1_288.jpg<cite>AP Photo/Jeff Roberson</cite>Milwaukee Brewers' Ryan Braun carried the team to its first division title in nearly three decades last season, leading the league in slugging percentage at .597, with a .332 batting average, 33 home runs and 111 runs batted in.


To affirm the results and strengthen its case, MLB asked the World Anti-Doping Agency lab in Montreal, which conducts its testing, to perform a secondary test to determine whether the testosterone spike resulted from natural variations within Braun's body or from an artificial source. The test indicated the testosterone was exogenous, meaning it came from outside his body.
Brewers spokesman Tyler Barnes said Saturday that the team had not been contacted by the commissioner's office and the team had no knowledge of a failed test. Messages left for MLB officials were not returned. Greg Bouris, spokesman for the Major League Baseball Players Association, declined comment.
Since being informed of the results, Braun has been disputing his case. The outfielder has told those around him that he did not knowingly take any banned substances and hoped to prove that during the arbitration process, said one of the sources, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss the case. No major league player has ever successfully appealed a positive test.
MLB's Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Policy calls for strict liability among players, meaning if a player tests positive, the league is "not required to otherwise establish intent, fault, negligence or knowing use of a Prohibited Substance on the Player's part to establish such a violation."
Even if a player can establish he did not knowingly take a banned substance, he must show he was not in any way negligent to appeal successfully. For example, taking a dietary supplement that contains an unlabeled performance-enhancing drug would not be sufficient grounds for appeal, but if he were to show that he ingested something that was either tampered with or no player reasonably could have assumed to have been contaminated, the appeal might succeed.
Once criticized for protecting its biggest stars from scandal, the league is now faced with the possibility of suspending one of the game's best and most-admired players.
Braun had never been linked to PEDs previously; in fact, at the 2009 All-Star Game in St. Louis, when commissioner Bud Selig addressed efforts by Albert Pujols (http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4574/albert-pujols) to tamp down questions about steroid use, he invoked Braun as a shining example of the sport's tough testing policy.
"Albert Pujols is absolutely right. He has been tested since he started playing," Selig said. "So has Ryan Howard (http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/6097/ryan-howard). So has Ryan Braun, Ryan Zimmerman (http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/6389/ryan-zimmerman). Since they were in the minors."
About a month before that, Selig was quoted in The Arizona Republic as saying, "Our minor league testing program is in its ninth year, and that means all the great young players in baseball, from Ryan Howard to Ryan Braun, have all been tested for nine years. There's a system in place, and it's working. We know we have the toughest testing program in major league sports."
Earlier that spring, after Alex Rodriguez (http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3115/alex-rodriguez) was exposed for using steroids, Braun spoke to MLB.com about the "mistakes" made by the superstar. Braun said he met Rodriguez in 2001 during a recruiting trip to the University of Miami.
Asked if he were surprised that Rodriguez had been exposed as a steroid user, Braun was quoted saying, "I don't know if I would say I was surprised. I feel like it was so rampant, so prevalent, in baseball during that time period that not much surprises me anymore. If anything, I was surprised he got caught, that it came out this long after he supposedly did it."
On whether he had ever been tempted to try performance-enhancing drugs, Braun said, "It's never something that I sought."
MLB.com wrote that Braun then showed "a flash of his sense of humor and his well-documented self-confidence" by adding, "I would never do it because if I took steroids, I would hit 60 or 70 home runs."
Braun was speaking to the website prior to the news conference at which Rodriguez admitted his use.
"... The best thing he can do is come out, admit to everything and be completely honest," Braun said. "The situation will die a lot faster if he tells the whole truth."
Since breaking into the majors in 2007 at 23, Braun has emerged as one of the sport's top young players. He won the NL Rookie of the Year in 2007 and was an All-Star each of the past four seasons.
In his rookie season, Braun hit 34 homers and drove in 97 runs, while amassing a .634 slugging percentage in just 113 games. He had 37 home runs and 106 RBI the following year, then saw his power numbers decline modestly over the next two seasons. He still hit 25 home run runs and had a .501 slugging percentage in 2010.
In April, Braun signed a five-year contract extension worth $105 million. He then went out and had his best season ever, carrying the Brewers to their first division title in nearly three decades. He led the league in slugging percentage at .597, with a .332 batting average, 33 home runs, 111 runs batted in, 109 runs scored and 33 stolen bases.
Braun turned 28 on Nov. 17 and five days later was named the NL MVP. Now, though, he's looking at a 50-game suspension to open the 2012 season, and, of course, all sorts of questions about what role steroids have played in his success.
Mark Fainaru-Wada and T.J. Quinn are investigative reporters with ESPN's enterprise unit. Fainaru-Wada can be reached at markfwespn@gmail.com (%20markfwespn@gmail.com). Quinn can be reached at tjquinn31@yahoo.com (%20tjquinn31@yahoo.com).

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Congratulations Matt Kemp, 2011 NL MVP.</font>

[Triple Naitch]

Mike Greenwell would disagree.

[Emperor Smeat]

I'd assume the MLB informed him privately of the results and made sure it wasn't leaked out because this would have really impacted the NL MVP race with the voters. Wouldn't be the first time they've done it although almost impossible for him to be cleared after the 2nd test triggered a positive result.

Prince Fielder actually benefits a bit from this because now he can increase his value by showing that Braun's stats that made him seem to be as good as Fielder was inflated due to roids/banned substances.

[ClockShot]

Evening round-up:

As Triple Naitch posted a little over an hour ago, Ryan Braun popped positive for PEDs. He's facing a 50 game ban.

Cardinals sign Rafael Furcal to a 2-year, $14 mil. deal pending physical.

And now that the Angels signed Albert Pujols, they have a few extra first basemen handy. They're planning on keeping Mike Trumbo around and finding a place in the field for him to play. They're also going to tender a contract to Kendry Morales before the deadline which is a little over 2 days away. As some of you may recall, Morales has not played a game since that freak accident at home when he hit that walk off grand slam back on May 29, 2010.

[screech]

I heard the other day on MLB Network that the Angels want to try Mark Trumbo at 3B.

[Aguakate]

Wow, the Milwaukee Brewers are going to have to go 50 games without Ryan Braun, in addition to having already lost Prince Fielder. Not good.

[Triple Naitch]

Brewers haven't technically lost Prince yet. This may incline them to up their offer.

[Aguakate]

They've gotta do something. They'll become very bad, very quick.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

even though they haven't done anything, this might be the best offseason in Reds history

[Aguakate]

Sad thing is, Ryan Braun's career is practically beginning. This may hunt him forever, no matter what he accomplishes.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

who gives a fuck

he's a cheater. fuck him

[Aguakate]

During today's Angels press conference where they were presenting their 2 newest members, I kept wondering if Albert Pujols is clean.

Now that Ryan Braun (someone I never imagined used PED's) has been busted, I wonder even more about Pujols.

[Hanso Amore]

Give Kemp the MVP.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Seeing Albert in a different cap just looked fucking weird. Never thought I'd see that. Love how the Cards fans are now saying that he A) did steroids despite there being no evidence and B) is older than 31 despite their being no proof of that and it's just general racial stereotyping.

Guess they'd NEVER consider rooting for another team for a quarter of a billion dollars.</font>

[Supreme Olajuwon]

seems like every time when a big name leaves a team in free agency, fans always make up ridiculous reasons to hate the guy when just the simple fact that the guy left your team is more than enough reason to hate him

you don't need another reason. you're allowed to hate him for leaving. that's totally fine

[DaveWadding]

<font color=goldenrod>
Guess they'd NEVER consider rooting for another team for a quarter of a billion dollars.</font>

Of course not. St. Louis Cardinal fans are the greatest and most pure at heart in all of sports.

[Aguakate]

<font color=goldenrod>Seeing Albert in a different cap just looked fucking weird. Never thought I'd see that. </font>

He didn't look that weird to me, since it's still a red cap.

[Evil Vito]

seems like every time when a big name leaves a team in free agency, fans always make up ridiculous reasons to hate the guy when just the simple fact that the guy left your team is more than enough reason to hate him

you don't need another reason. you're allowed to hate him for leaving. that's totally fine

<font color=goldenrod>Exactly. Cards fans seem to think he betrayed them by saying "I want to be a Cardinal for life...why would I switch teams for $3 million dollars extra?" he didn't...he switched for $30 million. That's a huge difference.

Plus it's not like he stayed in the division, or even in the league. Hell I don't hate Jose Reyes for leaving at all. I don't want to see him do well, because he's in the division...but I'm not gonna go ahead and act like the great years he put up in my team's uniform now mean precisely dick.</font>

[Emperor Smeat]

They should be blaming management more considering years ago he gave an early offer that ended up being way less than he got this year but somehow they thought it was more important to lock up Matt Holliday than Pujols for a long term deal.

He didn't leave for the Cubs or any other historic rival of the Cards and did help bring the city another 2 WS titles.

Now had he left for the Cubs, then the fans could hate him similar to how Red Sox fans hated Damon for joining the rival Yankees (and ending up helping them win another title).

[ClockShot]

Evening round-up (from mlbtraderumors.com):

An insider close to the Ryan Braun-PED drug test situation states that Braun's original test for performance-enhancing drugs was "insanely high, the highest ever for anyone who has ever taken a test, twice the level of the highest test ever taken".

Me thinks he's fucked. And since the new CBA lets the drug(s) taken known to the public, he has a chance to appeal it since the test was done under the old CBA.

[Innovator]

"Every man in here is in heaven. Two hot Baseballs Wives with no panties on. Well, sorry fellas, but I am already married to a baseball player. Here is the ring. Eight carats and it was expensive. In fact, I am still paying for it, it was not free. Eight carats equals taking it up the [bleep]. [Bleep], I don’t care, lots of girls do it for free. Poor things. I get eight carats for it. I also have four kids. No, seriously, does anyone want the name of my surgeon? Yeah, so I have fake funbags, but after four kids I deserve them. Fake or no, I will look good. Let’s talk about the unwritten rules of baseball. The rules don’t apply to me. Why? Because if you ain’t my daddy or I'm not [bleeping] you, then you can’t tell me what to do."

Anna Benson ladies and gentlemen.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

her four kids must be so proud

[ClockShot]

Oh Inno, you were watching Baseball Wives again. Wern't you?

[Gertner]

Jays trade minor league arm Frank Gailey to the Phillies for outfielder Ben Francisco. Thank God, because it's not like the Jays have 10000 outfielders on their roster already or anything.

[Triple Naitch]

Frank Gailey from my alma matar.

[ClockShot]

Evening round-up:

Well, Aramis Ramirez doesn't have to travel far to play for a new team. He's going to the Brewers. 3-year deal with mutual option for '15.

Rays aquire Burke Badenhop from the Marlins for minor leaguer Jake Jefferies.

Takashi Saito the the D-Backs.

Marlins sign Aaron Roward to a minor league gig.

[Aguakate]

They should be blaming management more considering years ago he gave an early offer that ended up being way less than he got this year but somehow they thought it was more important to lock up Matt Holliday than Pujols for a long term deal.

He didn't leave for the Cubs or any other historic rival of the Cards and did help bring the city another 2 WS titles.

Now had he left for the Cubs, then the fans could hate him similar to how Red Sox fans hated Damon for joining the rival Yankees (and ending up helping them win another title).

Let's make this perfectly clear: Albert Pujols owes nothing to the Cardinals.

He carried that franchise beginning his rookie year, which was, coincidentally, Mark McGwire's final season. He picked up right where "Big Mac" left off, in terms of ticket sales, becoming the face of the franchise, carrying the offense, in short, filling the void left by a retired (at the time) future Hall of Famer. He helped them get to the playoffs almost every year he was there. He helped them win two World Series Championships, after they hadn't won any since 1982.

People talk about him being "selfish" for leaving, yet I think he would've been more selfish had he stayed, because he did everything there was to do in STL...playoffs, MVP awards, World Series Titles...had he stayed, it would've been all about HIM solidifying HIS legacy as a Cardinal. There's something to be said for someone who's already got a solid legacy somewhere deciding to "start over" in another franchise.

[Droford]

Jo Jo Reyes is no longer an Oriole..and neither is Luke Scott.

And Felix Pie is now a Cleveland Indian.

[Droford]

<object style="height: 390px; width: 640px"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/kXKnkRYjxgQ?version=3&feature=player_detailpage"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/kXKnkRYjxgQ?version=3&feature=player_detailpage" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="640" height="360"></object>

enjoy him Cleveland lol

[Aguakate]

I remember when he was a can't-miss Cubs prospect.

I guess he DID miss.

[Innovator]

http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/manhattan/jeter_booty_hauls_smU8lFebpsBGJXpyHoMKSN

I love Jeter.

[MVP]

People talk about him being "selfish" for leaving, yet I think he would've been more selfish had he stayed, because he did everything there was to do in STL...playoffs, MVP awards, World Series Titles...had he stayed, it would've been all about HIM solidifying HIS legacy as a Cardinal. There's something to be said for someone who's already got a solid legacy somewhere deciding to "start over" in another franchise.

I don't think he's selfish for signing with Anaheim, but I can't buy the argument that staying in St. Louis would have made him more selfish. It would be more about him remaining loyal to the team that made him what he is, and whose success he played a major part in.

[Innovator]

Dontrelle Willis to Philly. DREAM TEAM.

[Emperor Smeat]

Its almost official but Varitek won't be back with the Red Sox next season in any way after the team signed Kelly Shoppach to a 1-year deal to back up Saltalamacchia. Its also possible they might trade away their current top catching prospect, Ryan Lavarnway, for maybe some pitchers or keep him back in Pawtucket for another year.

Also revealed last week was the official date for Fenway's 100th anniversary occurs on April 20th against the Yankees who ended up being the 1st MLB opponent the team had when the park opened. Although neither team will be wearing their 1912 throwbacks for the game.

[Droford]

<iframe width="640" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/OhzxuFPiNio?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Signed with the Orioles. Bleh

Wadamania will run wild!

[Droford]

The Associated Press obtained the document that includes several changes, many starting next year. Among them:
-allowing teams from the same division to meet in the playoffs before the league championship series.
http://ads.pgatour.com/event.ng/Type=count&ClientType=2&ASeg=&AMod=&AOpt=0&AdID=581233&FlightID=422992&TargetID=136164&SiteID=61799&EntityDefResetFlag=0&Segments=2743,3285,13097,13099,13304,13309,17251,18886,18903,18906,19419,25504,25507,25511,25517,255 31,25537,25540,25549,27657,29397,32749,32922,33852,35306,36341,38705,39286,40253,45604,45611,46694,5 0092,51253,52207,52472,52691,52827,53055,53472,53586,54665,54895,54974,55309,55431,55478,55523,55817 ,56198,56416,56448,56454,56455,56456,56457,56458,56459,56460,56461,56463,56534,56535,56746,56748&Targets=1515,132614,135055,112404,135776,112406,105188,127422,133942,131998,135843,105471,134548,133 494,108306,130389,136164,103162,131876,89610,125773,130800,138958&Values=46,60,82,100,150,685,686,917,1031,1285,1671,1686,1730,4447,11302,47117,47458,52263,52896,5605 8,56872,57005,58570,58702,59988,61089,61266,61754,61759,61799,61907&RawValues=NGUSERID%252Ca3d00df-20873-1205769224-1%252CTID%252C1323819394041388%252CTIL%252C1323819394041388&random=bgunRcr,bhopymcccvgly&Params.tag.transactionid=1323819394041388&Params.User.UserID=a3d00df-20873-1205769224-1



-a ban on players getting tattoos with corporate logos.
-the possibility of players wearing microphones during games.
Players have already ratified the hundreds of pages contained in Major League Baseball’s Memorandum of Understanding. Owners are scheduled to vote Thursday.
Also part of the deal: Any big leaguer who wants to change uniform numbers without switching teams better give eight months’ notice unless he’s willing to buy warehouses full of his overstocked jerseys.
MLB wants to expand replay to include fair-or-foul calls, “whether a fly ball or line drive was trapped” and fan interference all around the ballpark. Umpires still must give their approval and it’s uncertain whether the extra replay will be in place by opening day.
Video review began in August 2008, but only to look at potential home runs.
The All-Star break will be expanded to four days, rather than the traditional three-day gap. The five-year deal says starting in 2013 that MLB “shall have the right to elect to switch the All-Star game from Tuesday to Wednesday and the Home Run Derby from Monday to Tuesday.” Sixty-nine of 82 All-Star games have been played on Tuesday, according to STATS LLC.
Gone, too, are the days of roommates, something that dates back decades, to the days players rode the rails to Florida. Now, all players on 40-man rosters are assured of single rooms during spring training. They’ve had that perk during the regular season since 1997.
And for players thinking about selling ads on their bodies, MLB has thought ahead. The agreement says “no player may have any visible markings or logos tattooed on his body” as part of the uniform regulations.
“Just trying to head something off at the pass,” said Rob Manfred, baseball’s executive vice president for labor relations.
The NFL has a rule against “unauthorized commercial identification,” according to spokesman Greg Aiello, and the NBA has a rule banning corporate insignia, spokesman Mike Bass said. Baseball appears to be the first U.S. major pro league to specifically ban commercial tattoos.
Quick uniform number switches will be a thing of the past.
Players must tell the commissioner’s office by July 31 of the preceding year if they want a new jersey. That is, unless “the player (or someone on his behalf) purchases the existing finished goods inventory of apparel containing the player’s jersey number.” As in, every replica jersey, jacket, T-shirt, mug and anything else with a number that’s anywhere in stock.
The deal also bans players and team officials from asking official scorers to reconsider decisions - clubs must instead send video to MLB to appeal calls - and increases punishments for slow-moving hitters and pitchers, raising pace-of-game fines up to $10,000 each for the sixth violation and beyond.


I guess CM Punk will never be able to play baseball..oh well.

[Emperor Smeat]

Selig and future commissioners would also have "Goodell"-like powers to suspend players for off-field issues like the NFL does.

Like both the extra day for the All-Star break and the removal of the rule preventing division teams from facing each other in the Wild Card round.

The HR derby won't feel rushed into due to the previous day having regular games and now the playoffs have some freshness possible due to the pairings no longer being forced to keep repeating (ex. Rays vs Rangers last 2 years in a row, Angels vs Red Sox a lot of times).

[ClockShot]

The Yu Darvish auction closes in an hour.

Who's gonna get him and what's going to be the highest bid?

[Aguakate]

Cubs, probably.

[Splaya]

Cubs 5 years 72 million

[Emperor Smeat]

Red Sox traded Jed Lowrie and Kyle Weiland to the Astros for Mark Melancon.

The idea is for Melancon to be a potential closer in case Bard struggles again and make Bard a full time setup man. Bard is also being considered to become a starting pitcher for next season with the test occurring during Spring Training.

[Triple Naitch]

Melancon is not gonna be the closer next year. They'll probably look to add another piece still.

[ClockShot]

Evening round-up (from mlbtraderumors.com):

Ok. As of right now. Here's the list of who put in bids for Yu Darvish. And who didn't.

Didn't: Rays, Angels, Red Sox, Twins, O's,

Did: Yankees, Blue Jays (not confrimed), Rangers (not confrimed).

The winner could be announced late tonight, and as of now, the Nippon Ham Fighters know who it is and it is a big $ amount. You guys feel free to update the list as the night progresses.

Red Sox take no time in replacing Jed Lowrie today. They sign Nick Punto to a 2-year, $3 mil. deal with an extra $500k in incentives.

[FearedSanctity]

incarceratedbob Incarcerated Bob
**BREAKING MLB NEWS**Source: Confirms that Cubs & Blue Jays put in big bids4 Yu Darvish (As reported here L-Night) Blue Jays may have won

[Aguakate]

Evening round-up (from mlbtraderumors.com):

Ok. As of right now. Here's the list of who put in bids for Yu Darvish. And who didn't.

Didn't: Rays, Angels, Red Sox, Twins, O's,

Did: Yankees, Blue Jays (not confrimed), Rangers (not confrimed).

The winner could be announced late tonight, and as of now, the Nippon Ham Fighters know who it is and it is a big $ amount. You guys feel free to update the list as the night progresses.

Red Sox take no time in replacing Jed Lowrie today. They sign Nick Punto to a 2-year, $3 mil. deal with an extra $500k in incentives.


Well, according to Andrew Marchand, from ESPN:

Unless it is leaked out the Japanese team does not know the identity of the MLB team that won the bid. Just the $ amount. They will have until 5 p.m. Tuesday to accept or decline.

[Hardkore Kidd J]

Melancon is not gonna be the closer next year. They'll probably look to add another piece still.

Yeah, are the Red Sox still considering Bailey from the A'S? They are gonna rob the Red Sox blind for him.

[ClockShot]

With all the dough the Marlins are throwing around, they're not in on Darvish.

Same goes with the Mets.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Gotta love how accustomed the New York media is to bad news from the Mets. With Johan, the expectation was to have him back for Spring Training and Opening Day while having a safety net starting pitcher in place just in case...because you never can be so sure he's ready until he's actually on the mound in a game.

So when Sandy indicated as much to the media the other day, the headline was "SANTANA LIKELY TO MISS OPENING DAY".</font> :roll:

[MVP]

Yeah, are the Red Sox still considering Bailey from the A'S? They are gonna rob the Red Sox blind for him.

Last I heard Oakland is waiting until the Trade Deadline to deal Bailey.

[Hardkore Kidd J]

Last I heard Oakland is waiting until the Trade Deadline to deal Bailey.


That might be best. The Jays are probably in on him too. By the Trade deadline I'd say the A's are gonna wanna trade Bailey to get some good prospects for him. Especially with Pujols on the Angels and maybe the possibility of Fielder going to the Rangers trying to counter the Angels. The Angels are gonna be one scary team that's for sure.

[Aguakate]

Melancon is not gonna be the closer next year. They'll probably look to add another piece still.

It's still a little strange to me that Jed Lowrie got traded by the Red Sox. I thought he was their "shortstop of the future".

[Emperor Smeat]

Wrong person.

Jose Iglesias is the one who is their "shortstop of the future" while Lowrie and Scutaro mostly tried to be the ones to bring some quality to the spot ever since Nomar left (and Orlando Cabrera in a way). Supposedly its been rumored Francona never really favored using Lowrie at SS and wanted him at 3B but the SS position was lacking depth and Youkilis is better than Lowrie at the 3B spot.

SS and catching were the two big spots to be lacking badly for years with the SS spot lacking good quality since 2004 and no decent 2nd catchers until last season to ease up on Varitek's workload.

[Aguakate]

Harold Reynolds said that he believes that by the July 31 trading deadline, Carl Crawford will be playing LF for the Cubs.

These analysts are almost always wrong on everything they predict, but...that'd be interesting.

[Hardkore Kidd J]

I wonder how much that'd cost the Cubs. He had a very down year last year. This year I believe he will be A LOT Better then he was. Boston would probably be foolish to trade him.

[Gertner]

Looks like my Jays won the bidding for Darvish. About God damn time Rogers spent some of their 10 trillion dollars on the team.

[screech]

Michael Cuddyer signs with the Rockies. 3 years, $31.5 million

[Triple Naitch]

Michael Cuddyer signs with the Rockies. 3 years, $31.5 million

One of my fav players in baseball.

[ClockShot]

Evening round-up:

The Barry Bonds perjury saga concluded today. He was sentenced to 30 days house arrest and 2 year probation for his obstruction of justice conviction way back when.

Indians aquire Aaron Cunningham from the Padres for minor leaguer Cory Burns.

[screech]

One of my fav players in baseball.

I'm a fan. I think he'll do well there.

[Skippord]

Meant to do this earlier, but CUDDYYYYYYYYYYYYYY

[ClockShot]

Reds aquire Mat Latos from the Padres for a king's ransom of Edinson Volquez, Yonder Alonso, Yasmani Grandal, and Brad Boxberger.

Wow.

[DaveWadding]

Holy shit.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

LATOSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

[screech]

That is nuts.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

At first I thought they gave up a lot but that was before I realized Latos is only 24. They gave up two top prospects who are stuck behind a better position player, a pitcher with the worst control I've ever seen who used to be good before a PED bust and Tommy John surgery, and a pretty good reliever who should be a solid 8th inning guy.

[screech]

Just saw this: Rollins stays in Philly. 3 years, $33 million with a vesting option for a fourth year.

http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/7362574/2011-mlb-free-agency-jimmy-rollins-philadelphia-phillies-agree-three-year-deal-source-says

[Triple Naitch]

Feel like the Reds gave up a shitload of talent. Latos is really good but I dunno if he's worth that much. I would rather take Gio for that package.

[screech]

Latos is only 24? Wow, thought he was older.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Ya me too. Only made $400,000 last year.

[Aguakate]

Reds aquire Mat Latos from the Padres for a king's ransom of Edinson Volquez, Yonder Alonso, Yasmani Grandal, and Brad Boxberger.

Wow.

WOW.

The Reds better hope Latos doesn't get injured, because...hell, even if he doesn't, this trade still seems a bit lopsided.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Nah, you guys are dumb.

They have Latos under control for FOUR YEARS before they even have to start paying him big kid money.

[Aguakate]

ESPN analyst and former GM Jim Bowden wrote on Twitter:

Josh Byrnes just made trade of the year for the Padres....memories of Herschel Walker deal


My question is, what does he mean? What is "the Herschel Walker deal" all about?

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Jim Bowden is a retard. Pay him no mind.

[ClockShot]

I got a feeling Jocketty was reading the thread and saw post #528 and decided to kick it into high gear and start his shopping.

He's got an eye out of Gonzalez and Jurrjens, too.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Hate giving up Grandal because I'm pretty sure he's gonna be legit. Boxberger is gonna be good too. Alonso is a hitting machine but he can't play defense. Volquez is worthless.

The Reds definitely gave up a lot, but nothing they couldn't replace. And they got a 24 year old ace with 4 years of team control in return. I'll take it.

[Aguakate]

...'til he blows his elbow out or something (God forbid, but...we've seen it).

[Triple Naitch]

ESPN analyst and former GM Jim Bowden wrote on Twitter:

Josh Byrnes just made trade of the year for the Padres....memories of Herschel Walker deal


My question is, what does he mean? What is "the Herschel Walker deal" all about?

Do some research on the Cowboys/Vikings trade.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

All four of the guys the Padres got could get hurt too. Anything is possible. Is that really how you're gonna judge a trade?

[Aguakate]

Do some research on the Cowboys/Vikings trade.

It's even got it's own Wikipedia page!

Ok, after reading what that's all about, Jim Bowden may be overreacting just a tad.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>That's a great trade for the Reds. They were disappointing last year but now's the time to strike while the iron's hot. Padres have been stockpiling minor league talent but prospects are prospects for a reason. No guarantees of guys panning out.

The move makes sense for the Reds on a lot of levels, especially because it's a very winnable division. No more Pujols in the division. Possibly no more Fielder in the division (and the Cubs not being in particularly good shape for 2012 unless they get him). Braun probably missing 50 games. Pirates being a team I need to see get above .500 before I'll believe in them. Astros basically packing it in for a year before the league switch.</font>

[Triple Naitch]

Two of their three prospects are blocked in the majors by young studs. Volquez may have peaked three seasons ago.

[ClockShot]

Evening round-up from mlbtraderumors.com (getting it out of the way early since we already discussed today's big move/signing:

The only other news today comes from japan. The Nippon Ham Fighters are keeping their lips locked on who won the posting for Yu Darvish. Hell, even Darvish himself doesn't know who won. Details probably won't be released until the tuesday deadline when the Fighters choose to accept or reject the bid. Most people are saying the Blue Jays are favored to win.

Also, the Yakult Swallows accepted the $2.5 mil. bid for outfielder Norichika Aoki. No word on which team won the bidding. But, insiders say Aoki is "Ichiro Lite". The guy can swing a bat and has good defensive range, but got a bad throwing arm. The Mets, A's, and Nats. had interest in him.

[ClockShot]

Evening round-up:

George Sherrill to the Mariners. 1-year, $1.1 mil. plus incentives.

Brewers won the Norichika Aoki bidding.

Endy Chavez to the O's. 1-year deal.

[Damian Rey]

Not a fan of the Latos to the Reds trade and here's why;

First and foremost, I do not understand the reasoning behind trading the best player on the team when he's only 24, controllable until 2016, and is more than affordable. I thought the Padres approach was to keep these guys.

Secondly, Grandal is obviously the key piece and only positive gain in this trade. The Padres do have Jason Hagerty developing but he's nowhere near as good ans Grandal is now, and Austin Hedges won't be catching in the big leagues for atleast 4 years or more.

I do not get acquiring Yonder Alonso at all. The Padres already have Anthony Rizzo, who is younger, and by all accounts and scouting analyses, better and deeper in potential than Alonso. I just don't understand this. Other than Alonso having a good 80 plus at bats at the major league level, while Rizzo struggled mightily, there's not much to go off of to try and argue Alonso is the better option. At least I haven't seen it.

Boxberger is a nice looking reliever, but so long as PETCO plays the way it does, the Padres will churn out relievers with ease. Heath Bell and Mike Adams were nobodies before coming to San Diego, only to become hot commodities on the trade and free agent market. The Padres do not need more pitching, especially relief pitching when they can make anyone look good to great in that park and the division.

Volquez has been an otherwise flop on the losing end of the Josh Hamilton trade barring his 2008 year. Add to that he's 4 years older than Latos, and hasn't been as good in more time, and I again don't get the acquisition. He also has control issues and I doubt that's a result of where pitches.

Overall, I feel like all the Padres did was fill a big hole by creating another one. While they upgraded long term at catcher with Grandal, who instantly cracks their top prospect list, the downgraded their rotation both in the short and long term. While the Padres have tons of pitching depth on the current roster and with prospects, they are lacking a true, top-of-the-rotation type of arm in the system and Latos no doubt was that. His numbers indicate that he could likely be the number 1 over Cueto in Cincy, as he was not overly aided by PETCO park like others. The Padres also create an even deeper logjam on the major league roster at 1st base, with 3 first baseman, 2 of which need playing time at the major league level, with Jesus Guzman, Kyle Blanks and Anthony Rizzo having no clue as to how all three will be in the lineup. Alonso now adds to that confusion, and heir apparent Adrian Gonzalez successor Anthony Rizzo is now likely to be traded elsewhere.

I am HEAVILY against trading Rizzo away, and don't see the point of sending him back to AAA. I am blindly wishing/hoping GM Josh Byrnes has some deal waiting where Alonso is used to acquire a corner outfielder and another electric, ace type pitching prospect, but, in all likelyhood, Rizzo is on his way out and Alonso is the guy going forward.

Not a happy Padres camper right now.

[Triple Naitch]

Rizzo needs more time in AAA. Alonso is ready.

[Hanso Amore]

LOL at Walker talks.

That trade was so lopsided that it caused the Cowboys to become the 3 time suprt bowl champions and a Dynasty.

San Diego will still finish under 500. For at least 5 more years.

[Damian Rey]

Rizzo mashed in AAA last year. Repeating a level he's already conquered only hampers his development. Rizzo needs MLB at bats, not AAA.

[ClockShot]

Nippon Ham Fighters are going to announce the winner of the Yu Darvish auction tonight sometime between 7-8 central time. It's either going to be the Blue Jays or the Rangers with a bid north of $51 mil. breaking the Matsuzaka record.

Jason Kubel to the D-Backs. 2-years, $15 mil. with an option.

Padres grab Jeremy Hermida on a minor league deal.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>I definitely thought the Mets should have looked into bringing Endy back. Would have been a great guy to spell Duda late in games. But I think that's going to ultimately be Adam Loewen's job.

Mets seem to be linked to Ryan Theriot and Jack Wilson as options for a reserve infielder. Hopefully neither guy gets more than a 1 year contract, I don't want a repeat of the Minaya regime in needlessly giving more than one year to mediocre players. If I had to pick between the two, I'd take Theriot as I have more confidence in his bat when spelling Murphy.

Once the backup infielder situation is sorted out, I think that might be it for the Mets in terms of Major League deals. Probably would just be Minor League signings for the rest of the way out and seeing who sticks with the team in Spring Training. Painfully quiet offseason but it is what it is.</font>

[ClockShot]

Anytime now..............yup..................

[ClockShot]

BREAKING NEWS!!!


























North Koreans win the bidding for Yu Darvish. He's the new dictator.




















Ha. Made ya look. :p

Actually, word going around is that the announcement got push back to 11 eastern time.

[ClockShot]

THIS JUST IN:

Texas Rangers win the bidding for Yu Darvish.

Update: They put up $51.7 mil.

[Gertner]

Mother fucking Nigger!

[Droford]

The Dodgers are going to give away Mike Scioscia and Kirk Gibson bobbleheads next year. While I know they were both former famous dodgers, just something funny about giving away a bobblehead of the opposing team's coach.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>$51.7 million just for the posting fee, and then a huge contract on top of that. Probably going to be over a $100 million investment for a guy who has essentially never played above AAA level. Crazy.</font>

[Supreme Olajuwon]

remember when the Rangers were bankrupt

memmmmmmmmmmmoriessssssssssssss

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>But yeah, the Jays probably should just trade Bautista now. They could get a fuckload for him and they aren't going to be contending anytime soon.</font>

[Aguakate]

<font color=goldenrod>But yeah, the Jays probably should just trade Bautista now. They could get a fuckload for him and they aren't going to be contending anytime soon.</font>

They need SOMETHING to make fans want to attend games, and right now, that "something" is Jose Bautista.

[Damian Rey]

If that 2nd Wild Card team kicks in for this season I could easily see the Jays being one of the teams vying for it. They're not that far off. One more pitcher and Adam Lind deciding to show up would make them a hard team to beat as it stands.

[RP]

Rofl at the Reds trading those prospects for fucking Matt Latos. The Reds ballpark is a lot smaller then San Diegos. They better hope Alonso doesn't turn into a beast. Grandal might be a beast too. Funny though because the Padres have Anthony Rizzo and Alonso as firstbase prospects. I bet they're hoping the N.L adopts the DH rule that has been rumored. I mean, Latos is good, but I wonder what his split stats are in much smaller ball parks

[RP]

He's not horrible at Great American Ballpark, but there is not enough innings pitched. I think he's only pitched 2 games in three years there. I don't like this trade for the Reds. That ballpark is the second smallest in the majors I believe. His numbers may have been skewed by how big the Pads park was.

[Aguakate]

I've heard and read alot of these baseball writers and analysts saying that there's no way the Padres would've traded Latos unless they knew there's something going on with him (similar to the Rockies when they traded Ubaldo).

[ClockShot]

Evening round-up:

A bunch of signings today. Here's the notables.

Yuniesky Betancourt to the Royals. 1-year, $2 mil. with an extra $500k in playing time incentives.

Casey Blake to the Rockies. 1-year, $2 mil. non-guarenteed contract. With an extra $1 mil. in performance incentives.

Nationals sign Mike Cameron to the minor league deal.

Rays and Joel Peralta avoid arb. 1-year, $2.175 mil. deal.

Finally, Roy Oswalt has dropped his asking price. He wanted a 3-year deal, but now will settle for 1 year. His phone is ringing off the hook and 6-teams are now talking to his agent about a deal. He really wants to prove there's nothing wrong with his back and hopefully next year will snag him a multiyear deal.

[Nicky Fives]

Jays don't need Darvish.....They need a proven pitcher..... and Prince.....

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Was surprised to hear Cameron got a minor league deal but I guess I didn't pay attention to him last year.

[Damian Rey]

Latos' splits are pretty much identical away from PETCO. He shouldn't be too effected by leaving PETCO. And I can only hope the DH is adopted in 2013, but that would mean a wasted year in AAA for Rizzo..

[Gertner]

Jays don't need Darvish.....They need a proven pitcher..... and Prince.....

lol yes, yes they did. His name alone would have brought tons of fans and revenue. They have a shitload of pitching prospects, but they are all 1-2 years away.

[Droford]

Os turned down Prado/Jurrjens and a pitching prospect from Atlanta for Adam Jones.

hmph

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Mariners formally make an offer to Prince Fielder.

Imagine if he signed there? Poor Astros still wouldn't be able to escape Pujols and Fielder.</font>

[Hardkore Kidd J]

Os turned down Prado/Jurrjens and a pitching prospect from Atlanta for Adam Jones.

hmph

Straight Up? Hold the phone, Baltimore would have gotten Prado/Jurrjens and a pitching prospect for just Adam Jones? And Baltimore said no? No offense to Adam Jones or anything, but just Jones for Jurrjens feels like it's lopsided in Baltimore's favor. You add in 2 more players, for just one player it's even more lopsided. Unless there's a few details you may have missed or that I am missing.

[Aguakate]

<font color=goldenrod>Mariners formally make an offer to Prince Fielder.

Imagine if he signed there? Poor Astros still wouldn't be able to escape Pujols and Fielder.</font>

I don't think he'll sign there, because of that ballpark.

You'd think he'd rather go to Chicago (I hope) or Texas.

[Triple Naitch]

lol yes, yes they did. His name alone would have brought tons of fans and revenue. They have a shitload of pitching prospects, but they are all 1-2 years away.

Isn't there a large middle eastern population in Toronto that Darvish could appeal to?

[Droford]

Straight Up? Hold the phone, Baltimore would have gotten Prado/Jurrjens and a pitching prospect for just Adam Jones? And Baltimore said no? No offense to Adam Jones or anything, but just Jones for Jurrjens feels like it's lopsided in Baltimore's favor. You add in 2 more players, for just one player it's even more lopsided. Unless there's a few details you may have missed or that I am missing.

The only detail that hasn't been mentioned is who the prospect was:

Well, Adam Jones is the team’s best trade chip. But unless the Orioles get a front-line pitcher in return, I don’t see them dealing Jones. The Atlanta Braves made a run this month, offering second baseman-outfielder Martin Prado, starter Jair Jurrjens and, eventually, a pitching prospect, and the Orioles didn’t bite. So that tells you just how much they value their center fielder. (Jurrjens looked like a front-line starter in the first half of 2011, but there have been some durability concerns surrounding the 25-year-old righty since his 215-inning season in 2009.)The Baltimore Sun (http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/blog/bal-orioles-thoughts-on-prince-fielder-edwin-jackson-roy-oswalt-and-more-20111220,0,5404920.story)

Its been mentioned as a rumor but not verified the Os would have taken it if the Braves added a 2nd prospect, but the Braves turned that down. Im thinking the Os have other potential suitors for Jones in line if they thought they could get all that for him from the Braves.

[DaveWadding]

The Cubs trade Sean Marshall to the Reds. Fuck.

[Gertner]

Isn't there a large middle eastern population in Toronto that Darvish could appeal to?

There's a huge Asian population in Toronto that would have came in droves.

[DaveWadding]

and on the South Side (aka Opposite Land), the Sox sign John Danks to a 5 year $65 million extension, even though they've been trying to deal him since the beginning of the offseason.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

The Cubs trade Sean Marshall to the Reds. Fuck.

You guys got Travis Wood back who I think is gonna be a pretty good pitcher. Plus he's a serious gamer so Cubs fans will like him.

[DaveWadding]

Marshall has been my favorite Cub for a while though.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Oh. Well Wood was probably in my top 20 Reds. So we're both hurt...

[DaveWadding]

Right after Paul Janish, amirite?

[Aguakate]

Bill Buckner will be hitting coach for the Cubs' Single-A team.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

who?

[Aguakate]

http://espn.go.com/chicago/mlb/story/_/id/7376319/source-bill-buckner-coach-cubs-farm-team-not-boston-red-sox

Kind of weird he'd sign just to be hitting coach at Class A.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

my post was directed at David Wadding but obviously I've muddled everything and ruined this thread beyond repair

[Aguakate]

my post was directed at David Wadding but obviously I've muddled everything and ruined this thread beyond repair

I wasn't talking to you. I was just elaborating on the story.

You know...

[Supreme Olajuwon]

I was talking to the general population too. But now I feel even worse because I've made you think I was attacking you personally.

I CAN'T DO ANYTHING RIGHT

[Supreme Olajuwon]

which makes me the perfect choice for the Cubs front office

[Supreme Olajuwon]

BAM

saved it

[Aguakate]

BAM

saved it

LOL

Damn you, Austin...

[RP]

Theo must be up to something. Cubs bullpen was already horrible. Now they trade there best reliever?? Gotta be something else working here.

[Aguakate]

I don't know, man. Theo trades Sean Marshall...re-signs Reed Johnson...signs David De Jesus...trades for Ian Stewart...doesn't go all-in for Albert Pujols, Mark Buehrle or CJ Wilson...let's Aramis Ramirez walk...we haven't heard anything concrete about Prince Fielder...

...IDK. I hope he's up to something.

[RP]

Totally agree with resigning Reed Johnson. He's one of the best bench players in baseball. Love Reed Johnson.

[ClockShot]

1 less pitcher off the trade market. White Sox and John Danks agree toa 5-year, $65 mil. extension.

Talk about that and other things. I'll have the wrap up of other events later tonight.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Gio Gonzalez to the Nationals for 4 minor leaguers.</font>

[Aguakate]

<font color=goldenrod>Gio Gonzalez to the Nationals for 4 minor leaguers.</font>

The Nationals had been looking to either overpay for a free agent or trade for someone.

Had they not gotten Gio, they probably would've broken down and signed Edwin Jackson to a 6 year deal or something :shifty:

[Emperor Smeat]

Bob McClure gets promoted as pitching coach for the Red Sox after being a scout last season and the Royals pitching coach before he got fired midseason.

The Peoria Chiefs, Cubs minor league team, could be close to shutting down due to massive yearly losses the last 5 years. Last 2 years alone lost over $1.6 million while another $1.4 million was lost between 2007 to 2009.

[ClockShot]

What kinda of minor league team are they? AAA, A, rookie?

[DaveWadding]

A.

[Aguakate]

A.

Wait, is that the same team with who Bill Buckner just signed on as hitting coach?

[Droford]

buckner's going to Idaho so I dont think so

[Aguakate]

Carlos Beltran signs a 2 year $26 Million contract with the St Louis Cardinals.

AND he has a full no-trade clause.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Know St. Louis has a great rep with older players finding themselves, but that's a butt ton of money.

[Aguakate]

Yeah, I was surprised at the amount.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Beltran was great last year, I think he's be a really nice fit in St. Louis. Seeing him in a Cards uniform is gonna be weird as shit though.</font>

[Supreme Olajuwon]

At least Wainwright can't strike him out looking anymore, right Vito?

[Evil Vito]

:(

<font color=goldenrod>Retroactively the worst loss in franchise history right there. Funny how when it happened it sucked, but it didn't feel like a crushing blow because the Mets had appeared to build a team that would contend for years.

Yeahhhhh, about that...</font>

[MVP]

Washington can have Gio Gonzlaez and his 90 walks a year.

[Hardkore Kidd J]

I truthfully thought Prince Fielder would have at least been signed to a team before Carlos Beltran was. And that does seem like to much for Beltran.

[Hanso Amore]

Washington can have Gio Gonzlaez and his 90 walks a year.

Gio is going to be a beast in the NL.

The Nats are doing some good work the last few years.

[MVP]

He definitely could be. I think Washington paid more for Gio than I was willing to see the Red Sox give up for him. Then again his 200 innings, low ERA and high strikeout rate will outweigh his control problems if they don't bite him in the ass.

[Aguakate]

We'll see if he can pitch as well in Washington as he did in that ballpark in Oakland.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Also, the Giants deserve a hearty LOL for trading their best prospect for nothing. Couldn't pony up a similar deal when their lineup is perenially terrible.</font>

[ClockShot]

Heard Fogerty's Centerfield on the radio on way home from work today. God I miss baseball. :'(

On to the news:

Here we go again. It's Red Sox vs. Yankees. The contest: Hiroki Kuroda's services. Red Sox were pondering wether to go after Kuroda or trade up for Gio Gonzalez. But since the Nats already did that, they're going with the first option.

The next big news story of the offseason is looking like when Yoesis Cespedes goes up for grabs. As of now, he's trying to establish residency in the Dominican Republic and may not become an official free agent until January. Yanks and Marlins are rumored to be in on him, but both front offices are in a divide on kicking the tires on him.

[Hanso Amore]

He definitely could be. I think Washington paid more for Gio than I was willing to see the Red Sox give up for him. Then again his 200 innings, low ERA and high strikeout rate will outweigh his control problems if they don't bite him in the ass.

Indeed. There is risk, but I thin kthe reward is amazing.

They are making moves, spending money, they will slowly get it going.

A Strasburg-Gonzalez 1-2 can be lethal. And they havesome major pitching prospects left.

Add in Harper as a potential star, and things look good.

They still pay too much to Worth, but hey, its that first step to getting big names. If they could land Fielder....Lookout.

[Aguakate]

The Marlins, Nationals and Reds seem to be going for it in the NL. It'll be interesting to see where they finish up.

[ClockShot]

It's been rather quiet these past few days, but here are a few notes.

Evening round-up (from mlbtraderumors.com):

Somebody let the cat out of the bag in Oakland. It came out that the A's are going to get the green light to move to San Jose and build their new stadium. But the official word won't come down until February. Billy Beane denies it, but sources in the MLB front offices told USA Today that the A's have recieved "private assurances" that's it's going to happen, but can say anything publicly. As some of you may know, the Giants got a good chunk of fans down in San Jose. A's are going to have to pay the Giants for turf rights. The amount is yet to be determined.

Sorta on topic with the A's. Any of you guys remember Hisashi Iwakuma? You know, the Japanese pitcher that got posted last offseason and the A's won the bidding. And it turned out that Iwakuma wanted a $100+ mil. contract and ended up going back to Japan because there was no way in hell that was going to happen? Well, he's a full free agent now, and 4 teams have been in talks with him. 2 of those clubs are the A's (ironic, eh?) and the Twins. O's might be in on him, too.

Padres and Cameron Maybin are going to restart extension talks in January.

And finally, this one goes out my Yankee brethren here on the boards. Jorge Posada still wants to play in 2012 and is drawing some interest. According to Posada's father, the Phillies, O's and Rays have checked in on him.

[ClockShot]

Venezuelan Baseball League slaps Yorvit Torrealba with a 66 game suspension for slapping an ump a few days ago. It covers the rest of this season and all of next season.

[Aguakate]

I wonder if the Rangers and/or MLB can/will discipline him in any way.

[Emperor Smeat]

The new CBA done by the owners and players union for baseball does give Selig the power to punish players for non-MLB stuff similar to the NFL but I doubt it will be used for incidents involving other leagues.

Not sure if there are any clauses in the new CBA that would only give Selig the power starting next season which means Torrealba wouldn't be punished but him loosing winter ball in Venezuela for next season is already a harsh one.

[Aguakate]

He can always go play winter ball in Mexico, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico.

[ClockShot]

He can always go play winter ball in Mexico, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico.

Torrealba I think is a citizen of Venezuela. Don't think he can bouce to another country to play ball during the winter.

And Smelly is correct. Punishment during offseason winter ball has zero effect on your MLB play.

[ClockShot]

Andy Sonnanstine to the Cubs.

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

Shit can't beat up on his no-talent ass anymore.

[Emperor Smeat]

Yankees Alex Rodriguez undergoes "experimental" knee therapy in Germany after both the Yankees along with MLB approved of the therapy and after listening to advice from Kobe Bryant who had the same therapy done a few weeks ago.

http://espn.go.com/new-york/mlb/story/_/id/7395892/report-kobe-bryant-new-york-yankees-alex-rodriguez-knee-treated-germany

[Dragon]

Red Sox get Andrew Bailey and Ryan Sweeney.

Red Sox are putting together a really good back of the bullpen with Melancon, Bailey and Bard if he doesn't stick in the rotation.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Athletics are getting outfielder Josh Reddick, third base prospect Miles Head, and pitching prospect Raul Alcantara. So much for only trading Bailey for a king's ransom.

Ryan Madson is probably crying.</font>

[Dragon]

Seriously, seems like a steal for the Red Sox. Gave up an okay player in Reddick and two prospects who aren't even in their top 10.

[Evil Vito]

<font cololr=goldenrod>If that was the best deal that the A's could get right now, they should have just waited until the deadline.</font>

[Triple Naitch]

Really excited to see the Sox get Bailey, but I'm bummed to see Reddick go. Kalish should be just as good in right field though.

[Hardkore Kidd J]

Seriously, seems like a steal for the Red Sox. Gave up an okay player in Reddick and two prospects who aren't even in their top 10.

Yeah, I know when I first read this today it seemed like so little. I mean Oakland would have probably charged the Yankees a lot more for that. I'm thinking Betances/Montero package. Weren't the Jays in the running too? What is it that makes me feel that they probably would have gotten more from the Blue Jays?

[Gertner]

I think my Jays lost interest when they picked up Santos from the White Sox.

[ClockShot]

Evening round-up (from mlbtraderumors.com):

Nats officially announce their signing of Mark DaRosa.

Yankees sign Hideki Okajima to a minor league gig.

Lastings Milledge is taking his talents to Japan. Signs with the Yakult Swallows for $570k with performance bonuses and a club option.

Matt Garza talks are heating up. Yanks, Red Sox, and Blue Jays are in on him. But Theo got a high asking price for him.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Lastings Milledge...right there with Fernando Martinez and Carlos Gomez in the long line of overhyped Mets outfield prospects.</font>

[Triple Naitch]

Don't forget Alex Escobar

[Triple Naitch]

The real loser of the Sox/A's trade is Ryan Madson, who has basically zero suitors for his talents.

[Emperor Smeat]

The real loser of the Sox/A's trade is Ryan Madson, who has basically zero suitors for his talents.

One of the big downsides to being a Scott Boras client because only those who get deals early or are big name players get the huge payday. After the winter meetings, nobody is willing to accept a huge contract offer unless a big name is still left.

Even the 2nd tier wealthy clubs finished up their big shopping or trades and don't really need him.

[Triple Naitch]

Madson had a deal with the Phillies, but tried to bluff them to get a fifth year. They called him on it and signed Paps. Not a good offseason for Boras.

[Aguakate]

Yeah, it seems like Boras isn't what he used to be. I don't think Prince will get the years he's asking for, either.

[MVP]

Love the Andrew Bailey deal for the Red Sox. They didn't even have to trade any top prospects.

[RP]

Yeah, it seems like Boras isn't what he used to be. I don't think Prince will get the years he's asking for, either.

You're wrong. This is Boras game. He holds out until the end and gets a great contract. I bet the Nationals overpay.

[RP]

Still hopr the Cubs get him.

[Evil Vito]

Don't forget Alex Escobar

<font color=goldenrod>Almost makes me feel better when Mets outfielders get called up with little or no hype. Daniel Murphy came up as an outfielder and was good. Lucas Duda has been good. Maybe Captain Kirk Niewenhuis does a decent job when he eventually gets some playing time in 2012.</font>

[Evil Vito]

The real loser of the Sox/A's trade is Ryan Madson, who has basically zero suitors for his talents.

<font color=goldenrod>I think the Reds might try to get him now. His price and years are gonna have to come down by necessity and he'd certainly be an improvement over another year of Cordero. I think Madson could be had for 2 years at this point, maybe with a vesting option.</font>

[Damian Rey]

The Alcantara kid looks like he could be the prize of the deal. Only 19, can touch mid 90s on the fastball and has already made good progress on the k/bb ratio. I feel like Beane has shortchanged himself on 2 of the 3 big trades he's made this offseason, though.

He should have gotten more for a very good, very cheap, and very controllable Trevor Cahill. I liked the pitching prospect they got (Jarrod Parker, I think), but the rest of the guys are meh. Beane should have gotten an everyday outfielder, like Gerardo Parra, instead of Cowgill, who's going to be a scrub if he plays even half the time.

In the Bailey to the BoSox deal, he got the wrong outfielder. Reddick had a hot start then hit under .250 after the break. Good 4th OF type, but he's pretty much Ryan Sweeny 2.0. They should have gotten Ryan Kalish.

[Damian Rey]

I still think it's going to take a guarenteed 3 yr. deal to bring in Madson, but that's still a good sign for anyone looking for a closer. I'm thinking he's going to have to reduce his price down to Heath Bell-ish money to sign. The market has all but shut the door on him with little place to go. If he gets a 3 yr deal worth $25-$30mil, he should jump on it.

A 3 yr. deal also works great for the Reds, who are obviously trying to win it all in the final few years of Votto and Phillips. Whatever the outcome after the final 2 yrs of those mainstays, Madson being moved with a year left isn't difficult, either. Seems like the right fit if Madson humbles himself with a lower asking price.

[Innovator]

I'm gonna punch a baby when Okajima gets into his first game.

[Emperor Smeat]

:-\ I liked him a lot when he was with the Red Sox and even more than Dice-K. Sucked that he struggled badly the last few years either with control or injury issues.

Complimentary :foc: for joining the Yankees though.

[ClockShot]

Melvin Mora hangs 'em up after 13 seasons.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>A-Rod is reportedly dating Torrie Wilson. Never thought I'd see the day when A-Rod gets Billy Kidman's sloppy seconds...sloppy thirds if you want to count Mitch from the Spirit Squad as well.</font>

[Supreme Olajuwon]

I'd probably take those sloppy seconds.

We can't all be deflowering virgins, Vito.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Well obviously. Mitch to A-Rod is possibly the biggest jump ever.

Clearly A-Rod is attempting to challenge Jeter's "banged the hottest chicks" title.</font>

[Skippord]

and he is failing miserably at it

[Skippord]

I'm assuming Torrie is still attractive though, so respect

[Evil Vito]

http://www.radaronline.com/sites/radaronline.com/files/imagecache/350width/Alex-Rodriguez-new-blonde-Torrie-GSI-WENN.jpg

<font color=goldenrod>Not a particularly flattering pic...but it's still Torrie Wilson so whatever.</font>

[Skippord]

holding up pretty well, better than Madonna at least

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Yeah, she's still got it. Probably would insert my R.A. Dickey into her no matter what she looked like though solely because she was in my "rotation" back in the day.</font>

[Hardkore Kidd J]

I'm gonna punch a baby when Okajima gets into his first game.

Don't worry he will probably be in competition with Cesar Cabral during Spring Training. They just want another Left Handed specialist out of the Pen. And we can only hope that Cesar a left handed pitcher can beat out Okajima for the job.

[Splaya]

What does Madonna look like these days?

[Gertner]

Jays have apparently signed Darren Oliver for one year plus a club option for 2013

[Aguakate]

LOL everyone talking about Torrie Wilson, Madonna, etc, and Gertner brings up Darren Oliver.

This is the section to do it, but...made me lol.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>That's rather surprising. Oliver said he only wanted to pitch one more season and everybody expected it to be with Texas. Guess Darvish really did max out their budget.</font>

[ClockShot]

Evening round-up (from mlbtraderumors.com):

Signings and annoucements galore today. Let's get to it.

Gertner, along with Darren Oliver, they also sign Aaron Laffey to a deal.

Yankees take back Andruw Jones for another season. 1-year, $2 mil. with $1.4 mil. in in incentives. He's the 4th outfielder yet again.

Cubs sign cuban prospects Yasiel Balaguert and Carlos Martinez.

Mariners officially sign George Sherrill to a 1-year, $1.1 mil. deal with incentives.

[ClockShot]

Padres aquire Carlos Quentin from the White Sox for pitching prospects Simon Castro and Pedro Hernandez.

[ClockShot]

Kenny Williams is having a fire sale in Chicago no pun intended.

Blue Jays aquire Jason Frasor from the White Sox for pitchers Myles Jaye and Daniel Webb.

[Aguakate]

Both Chicago teams seem to be in rebuilding mode.

[DaveWadding]

Aguakate is very perceptive.

[Aguakate]

Yeah, yet you're not, since you didn't catch the sarcasm with which I wrote what I did. It happens.

BTW...when is Jerry going to fire Kenny Williams? He's got to have the longest leash ever.

[Triple Naitch]

Winning a World Series with a nothing team buys you some time.

[Aguakate]

Yeah but he was there before Ozzie, and he's gone.

[Damian Rey]

Kenny Williams, I think, will be out the door soon. While he's picking up minor leaguers, none of them seem to be top prospect types. Not to mention, handing Danks that fat contract doesn't make sense in rebuild mode. Add to that the fact that his owner cheapens out on the draft every year, which handcuffs his GM when trying to trade for established players, and it just looks like the writing is on the wall.

[Gertner]

lol christ, Jason " Tweek" Frasor is back convulsing in the 8th inning for Toronto.

[Droford]

Os got Jai Miller from the A's.

all together now!

JAI WHO?

[ClockShot]

Evening round-up:

A boat load of signings today. I'll just name the big ones.

Rangers aquire Brandon Snyder from the O's for cash.

Red Sox sign Carlos Silva to a minor league gig.

Coco Crisp stays with the A's. 2-years, $14 mil.

Cubs sign Reed Johnson. 1-year, $1.15 mil.

Jo-Jo Reyes to the Pirates on a minor league gig.

Edwin Jackson wants a 5-year deal and $15-17 million per. Mind you Scott Boras is his agent.

Mariners are the frontrunners for Hisashi Iwakuma.

Yu Darvish is in Dallas this week to try to get a deal together with the Rangers. Both sides are far apart in talks. He'll fly back to Japan at the end of the week to start offseason workouts. January 17th is the deadline.

Finally, it's unlikely the Yankees are going to sign Hiroyuki Nakajima. The deadline for that deal is this Friday at 4 Central time. Yankees see him as a bench guy and want to pay him bench player money.

[Evil Vito]

Edwin Jackson wants a 5-year deal and $15-17 million per.

:rofl:

[RP]

Pretty stunned Reed Johnson could only get 1 .15 mil. That's the type of player that's on championship teams.

[Droford]

thephilipbrown (https://twitter.com/thephilipbrown) Phil Brown @



<s>@</s>AktanE (https://twitter.com/AktanE) No. <s>@</s>MLBInsideNews (https://twitter.com/MLBInsideNews) is right---(Adam) Jones to Atl, Crisp then traded from Oak to Bal for Davis & a midlevel pitching prospect

5 hours ago (https://twitter.com/#%21/thephilipbrown/status/154349297318625280)

Can't believe they're back on this trade and they want to replace Adam Jones with Coco fucking Crisp just to get Jurrjens and Prado.

[RP]

thephilipbrown (https://twitter.com/thephilipbrown) Phil Brown @



<s>@</s>AktanE (https://twitter.com/AktanE) No. <s>@</s>MLBInsideNews (https://twitter.com/MLBInsideNews) is right---(Adam) Jones to Atl, Crisp then traded from Oak to Bal for Davis & a midlevel pitching prospect

5 hours ago (https://twitter.com/#%21/thephilipbrown/status/154349297318625280)

Can't believe they're back on this trade and they want to replace Adam Jones with Coco fucking Crisp just to get Jurrjens and Prado.

Lol if that's true. If they could get Prado and Jurrgens and they don't, wow. But is Jones really worth that much? No.

[Droford]

I cant even imagine getting psyched up every night to see Coco Crisp in CF.

ugh

[Triple Naitch]

Crisp already agreed to re-sign in Oakland. He's not going to be involved in trade talks.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

I don't have any news to talk about, but I just wanted to let you all know that Francisco Cordero's agent's name is Bean Stringfellow.


And frankly, I think that's neat.

[screech]

That is neat.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Fernando Rodney signs a 1-year deal with the Rays.</font>

[Emperor Smeat]

Joe Torre quits his job with MLB in order to join a new group placing their bid to buy the Dodgers.

http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/mlb/story/_/id/7423044/joe-torre-quits-mlb-job-attempt-buy-los-angeles-dodgers

[Droford]

Crisp already agreed to re-sign in Oakland. He's not going to be involved in trade talks.
the rumor was the Os would Send Chris Davis and a prospect to Oakland for Crisp.

[Triple Naitch]

Yeah, but why would Crisp agree to a deal only to be traded in a matter of hours? Surely the Player's Union would have a problem with it.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Marlins on the verge of acquiring Carlos Zambrano</font> :lol:

[Triple Naitch]

Marlins on the verge of acquiring Carlos Zambrano :lol:

Probably the biggest move that was bound to happen this offseason.

[ClockShot]

If Big Z goes to Miami, I sure hope he don't blow up that brand spankin' new stadium the Marlins just built. Can't recall how many times he went ballistic in Wrigleyville.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Hanley, Ozzie, and Chubby Z in the same clubhouse. Love it.

[Triple Naitch]

Don't forget the token white guy, Logan Morrison.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Apparently Selig encouraged and asked Torre to quit and try to buy the Dodgers...much like he encouraged Sandy Alderson to leave his job with MLB to be the Mets GM. Kinda interesting how Selig tries to use his guys to bail out troubled franchises.

This is Selig's last year on the job before retirement. Holding out hope that he takes the Mets from the Wilpons before he leaves.</font>