MLB 2011-2012 Offseason Thread

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Kelvim Escobar. Awesome 8th inning guy for me in MLB 10 The Show...but of course in real life he didn't throw a single inning with the Mets. :mad:</font>

[Droford]

@DanielKimW:
@jorgearangure Baltimore Orioles' scouts are now banned from all baseball stadiums in Korea.

@DanielKim:
@jorgearangure Dan Duquette... very famous in Korea right now. Plus, the kid is not even a prospect. Very bad signing. #whatWEREtheyTHINKING

Os are banned in South Korea! haha

[Hanso Amore]

Any context for that? Like why or how?

[Droford]

The Orioles have been banned from attending games (http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/culturesports/2012/02/09/93/0702000000AEN20120209006100315F.HTML) by the South Korea governing body of baseball after signing 17-year-old pitching prospect Kim Seong-min for $550,000 in January.
In an attempt to stop Major League Baseball from draining its young talent, the Korean Baseball Association told both the MLB commissioner's office and the Orioles that any team that signs South Korean players before they reach their final years of school will be banned from any KBA regulated games.
Seong-min has been punished for his contact with the Orioles, as he has been banned from playing and coaching in South Korea for an indefinite amount of time. The 17-year-old violated KBA guidelines by contacting a major league organization.
Major League Baseball has also heard from the Korea Baseball Organization in regards to a separate complaint about the Orioles.

Pretty sure the Os have to go with the "we didn't know he was 17!" defense

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Those Koreans don't fuck around. Remember when Shin Soo Choo had to either go back to Korea and serve in the military, win the gold medal in the Asian Games, or be banned for life from ever going back home?

Thank god they won the medal.

[Damian Rey]

What's funny is that ESPN's resident scout Keith Law has said that the kid Duquette signed isn't even a legitimate prospect. That may he soley his opinion, but with MLB seemingly priding themselves in having strong relationships with foreign organizations, it's hilarious to think that Duquette (who's having a wonderfully bad offseason, mind you) has flushed some of that down the shitter to sign a guy who won't even show up on their top prospect lists.

Speaking of Law, he ranked my SAN DIEGO FUCKING PADRES as the number 1 organization in terms of prospects! Finally, some God damn hope. He states his feelings are the team is in a great position to compete over the next half decade or so with a mediocre payroll due to the talent heavy farm system they've compiled over the past few years. Hopefully that comes to fruition.

[Triple Naitch]

Law is the biggest Negative Nancy in baseball. He hates every move that every team makes.

[Damian Rey]

No he does not. He seems to hate a lot of free agnet signings, but even then, he conceedes that the contracts are necessary to get the player you want. He's 50/50 in my view. I prefer his take over anyone else's on that site. Has anyone ever read Jim Bowden's trade proposals? It's no wonder he's no longer running a front office.

[Triple Naitch]

Just follow Law's twitter and you'll see what I'm talking about.

[Emperor Smeat]

Speaking of Law, he ranked my SAN DIEGO FUCKING PADRES as the number 1 organization in terms of prospects! Finally, some God damn hope. He states his feelings are the team is in a great position to compete over the next half decade or so with a mediocre payroll due to the talent heavy farm system they've compiled over the past few years. Hopefully that comes to fruition.

He did throw in the little stat of while the Padres are ranked #1 by him, they don't have any Top 25 prospects which means nobody really huge is there. Although he did counter it by saying overall the Padres have some nice talent and the expectation won't be really high which could make the payoff huge if it works out in the end.

He ranked the Red Sox as 18th which makes sense since they spend most of the time developing a certain position than overall. Ends up hurting them overall and also got ranked as last in the division as a result (1 spot below the Orioles).


Speaking of the Red Sox, they lost out on Roy Oswalt because he doesn't want to play in a potentially cold-weather area late in the season or playoffs. He didn't care about the money or the state of the team for his decision. Oswalt himself even lowered his asking price from around the $14 million per year range to now just $10 million per year for the remaining teams left in the bidding.

[ClockShot]

Those Koreans don't fuck around. Remember when Shin Soo Choo had to either go back to Korea and serve in the military, win the gold medal in the Asian Games, or be banned for life from ever going back home?

Thank god they won the medal.

You got it partially right. In South Korea, it's mandatory to serve in the military. But you just gotta do your 2 years before age 30 and you're done. When Choo was due to go, I guess they had the Asian Games going and since he took South Korea all the way, the government made him exempt.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Sounds like I got it 100% right.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

closer to 110% really

[RP]

Lol Josh Hamilton, getting drunk and tagging average hoes in the bathroom since 1998.

[ClockShot]

To all my Yankee brothers out there, start saying a little prayer.

[Hardkore Kidd J]

He did throw in the little stat of while the Padres are ranked #1 by him, they don't have any Top 25 prospects which means nobody really huge is there. Although he did counter it by saying overall the Padres have some nice talent and the expectation won't be really high which could make the payoff huge if it works out in the end.

He ranked the Red Sox as 18th which makes sense since they spend most of the time developing a certain position than overall. Ends up hurting them overall and also got ranked as last in the division as a result (1 spot below the Orioles).


Speaking of the Red Sox, they lost out on Roy Oswalt because he doesn't want to play in a potentially cold-weather area late in the season or playoffs. He didn't care about the money or the state of the team for his decision. Oswalt himself even lowered his asking price from around the $14 million per year range to now just $10 million per year for the remaining teams left in the bidding.

If the Padres had not traded Rizzo they would have had someone in the top 25. Wow, I guess that rules out the Colorado Rockies for Oswalt doesn't it? LOL!! I guess now he's probably gonna go to like maybe LA or Houston. Maybe the Rangers are gonna be in on this.

[ClockShot]

Evening round-up (from mlbtraderumors.com):

If anybody read my earlier post, I was eluding to the chatter going around that the Yankees are trying to work out a deal to send A.J. Burnett to the Pirates. Yankees want to get Garrett Jones out of it but it's looking like they'll get a prospect instead. The sticking point is the money. Burnett got $33 mil. remaining on his deal. Yanks wanna split it down the middle, Pirates only wanna pay $10 mil. of it. New York says that's not enough. No developments at this time.

O's sign Luis Ayala to a 1-year deal with an option for '13.

[Gertner]

Keith Law loves him some Blue Jays.

[ClockShot]

HAPPY PITCHERS & CATCHERS DAY EVERYBODY!

Mariners are the first to open camp today. Getting ready for their showdown with the A's in Japan on March 28th.

Evening round-up (from mlbtraderumors.com):

A.J. Burnett trade talk is still the hot topic. Framework is in place to get a deal done, but both sides wanna walk away happy.

Rangers and Mike Napoli avoid arb. 1-year, $9.4 mil.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>According to MLB Network, the Top 10 3rd Baseman Right Now are:

10. David Wright
9. Hanley Ramirez
8. Alex Rodriguez
7. Pablo Sandoval
6. Brett Lawrie
5. Ryan Zimmerman
4. Adrian Beltre
3. Kevin Youkilis
2. Evan Longoria
1. Miguel Cabrera

Nice to see defense matters in these rankings.</font> :y:

[Droford]

Cespedes to...Oakland? 4/36

[ClockShot]

Marlins must be pissed.

Besides, he can't sign yet. Government gotta clear him first.

[Gertner]

Wow, Brett Lawrie already 6

[Emperor Smeat]

Red Sox avoid arbitration with David Ortiz as he accepts the $14.5 million deal which ends up splitting the difference he ($16.5) and the team had for offers ($12.5).

Red Sox also still going after Roy Oswalt even though he earlier rejected their offers. All they are going to do is just sweeten a potential deal more or load it up with incentives as a way to get him to sign.

[Triple Naitch]

According to MLB Network, the Top 10 3rd Baseman Right Now are:

10. David Wright
9. Hanley Ramirez
8. Alex Rodriguez
7. Pablo Sandoval
6. Brett Lawrie
5. Ryan Zimmerman
4. Adrian Beltre
3. Kevin Youkilis
2. Evan Longoria
1. Miguel Cabrera

Nice to see defense matters in these rankings. :y:

That stupid computer they use to gather the data, "The Shredder", is ridiculous. For centerfielders, they had Andres Torres at #10.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Really? Holy shit, I hadn't seen that one. I assumed that Wright was going to be the only Met to make it onto one of these lists, and he barely did. Ike probably could be on the 1B list, but it seems that injuries cause you to lose a shitload of points in the rankings.</font>

[The Gold Standard]

http://cdn1.tauntr.com/sites/default/files/MLBeersLarge.jpg

[ClockShot]

Evening round-up (from mlbtraderumors.com):

Yeah. Yoenis Cespedes finds work today. Moving on.

Indians sign Jon Garland to a minor league deal.

Blue Jays keep Casey Janssen around. 2-years. $5.9 mil. with an option for '14.

Finally a bit of news on Yanks/Pirates/A.J. Burnett talks. Insiders are confident that the deal with get done. But both sides are playing chicken right now. Pirates still want to pay $10 mil. But if they'll pay more that $13 mil., the Yankees will do the deal.

[Droford]

in that beer thing, the Astros should have been the Colt 45's

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Read an article on FOX Sports which was said to be detailing the 5 teams that have already waved the white flag and will not win the World Series in 2012: Mariners, A's, White Sox, Astros, Mets

So by that logic...the Royals, Orioles, and Padres among others have a more realistic chance at winning the World Series than the Mets this season. Fuck me that's a sad thought. :( Damn you John Paul Morosi.</font>

[Supreme Olajuwon]

THIS IS A BIG VITO 22 SUICIDE WATCH ALERT

THIS IS NOT A DRILL

http://cache.dealbreaker.com/uploads/2010/06/animated-siren-gif-animated-siren-gif-animated-siren-gif-drudge-report1.gifhttp://cache.dealbreaker.com/uploads/2010/06/animated-siren-gif-animated-siren-gif-animated-siren-gif-drudge-report1.gifhttp://cache.dealbreaker.com/uploads/2010/06/animated-siren-gif-animated-siren-gif-animated-siren-gif-drudge-report1.gifhttp://cache.dealbreaker.com/uploads/2010/06/animated-siren-gif-animated-siren-gif-animated-siren-gif-drudge-report1.gifhttp://cache.dealbreaker.com/uploads/2010/06/animated-siren-gif-animated-siren-gif-animated-siren-gif-drudge-report1.gifhttp://cache.dealbreaker.com/uploads/2010/06/animated-siren-gif-animated-siren-gif-animated-siren-gif-drudge-report1.gifhttp://cache.dealbreaker.com/uploads/2010/06/animated-siren-gif-animated-siren-gif-animated-siren-gif-drudge-report1.gifhttp://cache.dealbreaker.com/uploads/2010/06/animated-siren-gif-animated-siren-gif-animated-siren-gif-drudge-report1.gif

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>And as such, there have been a bunch of writers who are no longer being credentialed by the Mets this season. Not coincidentally the ones being banned are the ones that tend to be realistic and focus on how the ownership situation is in shambles and how the team assembled now looks less than inspiring. Banned from the ballpark for speaking the truth. Ouch.

It's probably why sites like MetsBlog are starting to get a ton of flack because the people who write there seem to put a positive spin on every story to the point where it's impossible to even take it as a credible source of information. "Based on Wins Above Replacement statsistics, if everything goes right for the Mets this year they are capable of winning 94 games" get the fuck out of here.</font>

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Idk who Big Vito 22 is</font>

[Droford]

Read an article on FOX Sports which was said to be detailing the 5 teams that have already waved the white flag and will not win the World Series in 2012: Mariners, A's, White Sox, Astros, Mets

So by that logic...the Royals, Orioles, and Padres among others have a more realistic chance at winning the World Series than the Mets this season. Fuck me that's a sad thought. :( Damn you John Paul Morosi.

lol I have no idea how they didnt include the Orioles in that...the Os likely wont even win 60 games.

[RP]

I would take the O's over the Mets every time. Mets roster is horrible. I wouldn't be suprised if they're the worst in the majors next season.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>I think the Mets will finish last in the East, but I'd be pretty shocked if they had the worst record in the league. They lost Reyes but are getting Murph, Davis, Wright, etc. back for a full year...plus hopefully Santana and they gave their shitty bullpen a makeover. I see them finishing right around the 77 win mark they had last year, maybe a little less since the rest of the division got better.

But they're not the Astros or anything...who have another 100+ loss season written all over them. They have a couple token vets but beyond that they're basically an expansion team.</font>

[YOUR Hero]

Evening round-up (from mlbtraderumors.com):

Yeah. Yoenis Cespedes finds work today. Moving on.

Indians sign Jon Garland to a minor league deal.

Blue Jays keep Casey Janssen around. 2-years. $5.9 mil. with an option for '14.

Finally a bit of news on Yanks/Pirates/A.J. Burnett talks. Insiders are confident that the deal with get done. But both sides are playing chicken right now. Pirates still want to pay $10 mil. But if they'll pay more that $13 mil., the Yankees will do the deal.

I have zero understanding why the Bucs would want AJ.

[Triple Naitch]

Because they've seen what guys like Carl Pavano and Javier Vazquez did after leaving the pressures of New York. By only paying $13 mil over the next two years they could get a 200 strikeout guy for a bargain.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>LOL holy shit. Sandy Alderson has a Twitter account. I assumed it was fake, but it's now verified. Loads of low blows about the team's ownership situation.</font>

https://twitter.com/#!/MetsGM

[Gertner]

Nice to have Casey Janssen back. He was fantastic last season.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

http://cdn3.sbnation.com/fan_shot_images/208958/ilFLbg.gif

http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/950139/HerreraSwing.gif.opt.gif

http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/950181/Guerrero9.gif.opt.gif

[Hardkore Kidd J]

Because they've seen what guys like Carl Pavano and Javier Vazquez did after leaving the pressures of New York. By only paying $13 mil over the next two years they could get a 200 strikeout guy for a bargain.

Yeah, I wonder what the Yankees will get for Burnett. They are supposedly getting a few prospects for Burnett as well if he gets traded there. There were rumors that the Angels had some real interest in him but they were on his No Trade List because AJ Burnett's wife is afraid of flying.

[Dragon]

If Cashman can get the Pirates to eat $13M of AJs contract and get two prospects back (I don't expect anybody good here, I imagine it'd just be minors depth type players) that'd be great. A lot more than I thought he'd be able to get for AJ.

As for why the Pirates would want AJ, I'd imagine its basically because nobody wants to sign there. They offered Edwin Jackson a three year $30M deal but he turned it down to go to the Nationals on a 1 year/$11M deal. Doesn't seem like anyone has interest in signing there.

That said I thought they'd be able to do a better deal than for AJ. His stuff has clearly diminished the past couple years and I can't imagine he's getting any better. A flamethrowing pitcher that never really learned how to "pitch" was always bound to be a disaster when he gets older and loses his stuff.

The AL-to-NL switch will obviously help but I don't think AJ would even be worth the $6-7M the Pirates would be paying. I'd be happy though.

[Emperor Smeat]

Yeah the Pirates would be foolish to give away too much (either in terms of money or prospects) based on the diminished quality of AJ over the past few years.

Seems too much for the Pirates to add in the extra $3 million and another prospect when most of the rumors hinted only 1 prospect would get swapped and the Pirates willing to "eat" $10 million of AJ's current contract.

[ClockShot]

Kosuke Fukudome goes to the southside of Chicago to find work. 1-year, $1 mil.

Joe Maddon is staying in Tampa Bay until 2015.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>MLB Network did a great breakdown of whether or not the Nationals should start the year with Bryce Harper in the big leagues. Historically, there have only been 2 great 19 year old hitters in the bigs (Mel Ott and Tony Conigliaro). The rest (Mantle, Griffey, etc.) didn't turn into stars until their age 20 season.

If I had to guess, they'll probably wait to call him up until they can fully guarantee he'll be under team control for an extra season. Otherwise, he'll hit free agency by the time he's 25. If he lives up to the hype he'd probably land the biggest contract of all time.</font>

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Not too sure about the logistics of baseball contracts, but I definitely remember reading about how the Mets in 2010 purposely waited until the end of April to call up Ike Davis because it would guarantee he'd be under team control for that extra year.

If that's always the case, I really don't think Harper will break camp in the bigs. Is an extra 3-4 weeks of Bryce Harper really worth sacrificing an extra year of having him under team control? They appear to have a good team even without him. Call him up at the end of April if he gets off to a hot start.</font>

[ClockShot]

Yankees and Pirates are at an impasse with A.J. Burnett. Insiders are saying that if nothing gets done by saturday, it probably won't go down. Pitchers and catchers for all teams are reporting in throughout the week.

[Droford]

Adam Jones signed a 1 year contract. I guess the plan will be to wait til the trade deadline to deal him.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Just purchased tickets for OPENING DAY

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Nice. I've never gone to a proper Opening Day, but I did go to the Mets' home opener in 2008 like a week into the season so whatever. There's just a feeling of "newness" when everybody is getting introduced and stuff. It was awesome. Only shitty part is that I was slated to see Pedro pitch but he got hurt in the 2nd game of the season, so I was saddled with Oliver Perez.</font> :o

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Come to think, the Mets are actually starting the season at home this year and a lot of people don't even think it will sell out. Wasn't really planning on going to games this year but I think Opening Day would have to be the one exception. Depends on what my job situation is then and whether or not I could afford to play hookey so soon into starting.</font>

[ClockShot]

MLB voids the contract of Seong-Min Kim and the Orioles. The move is to hopefully improve relations with MLB and Korean Baseball after the O's were banned from scouting there..

According to sources, a Yankees/Pirates deal with A.J. Burnett could be completed within 24 hours.

[Emperor Smeat]

Lots of complaining and grumbling by unnamed Red Sox players after Bobby V showed of his new training style. Some of them hate it because of how tough and strict his style is compared to the more laid back approach Francona did with training camps.

So far A-Gon and Buccholz like it if it means the team will improve.

Edit: Apparently both the Rangers and Cardinals might drop out of the Roy Oswalt bidding due to a lack of funds even after he dropped his value to $10 million per season. He might end up as a Red Sox after all since nobody else is willing to spend the money nor has any other big team made an offer to him. Its also possible he goes back to the Phillies at a much lower deal than he tried in free angency with the Reds the only other NL team in discussion.

[screech]

According to Amaro, the Phillies "have no room" for Oswalt because of all the SP on the roster.

Halladay, Lee, Hamels, Worley are for sure I would think. Fifth guy could be Blanton, Willis or Kendrick. I'd rather have Oswalt as the regular and use the latter three as spot starters if possible (or long relief, but there are plenty of guys back there already).

Dunno. I don't really have faith in Blanton anymore, never know what Willis will bring and I've never been a fan of Kendrick in the rotation.

[screech]

Forgot Joel Pinero signed a minor-league deal a few weeks ago. Pretty sure he got invited to Spring Training, too.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Gary Carter has passed away at age 57 due to complications from brain cancer.

Fuck. :( RIP Kid</font>

[MVP]

RIP :(

[Triple Naitch]

:'(

[YOUR Hero]

sad

[Droford]

Im tentatively planning on going to Boston for the Os/Red Sox first weekend in May series for my 30th birthday. Might try to get an Andino Jersey to wear for extra fun. I got to go to the old Yankee stadium the last year it was open and it'll be cool to go to Fenway during its 100th year.

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

Get a couple of Fenway Franks while you're there.

[YOUR Hero]

Because they've seen what guys like Carl Pavano and Javier Vazquez did after leaving the pressures of New York. By only paying $13 mil over the next two years they could get a 200 strikeout guy for a bargain.
how short is their memory? does everyone not remember that he was a terribly inconsistent pitcher everywhere he pitched, not just in NY

[Innovator]

Talks are heating up. SOURCEZ say the Pirates will give 13-15 million in salary relief for AJ.

[Nervous Ferret]

QUESTION

Does Droford bring his own hot dogs to a baseball game

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

Talks are heating up. SOURCEZ say the Pirates will give 13-15 million in salary relief for AJ.

Wow they are that desperate to get a mediocre pitcher?

[ClockShot]

Wow they are that desperate to get a mediocre pitcher?

It'll be this season's ultimate swerve. Burnett gets traded, wins 20+ games, and wins the Cy Young.

But how is that possible, you say?

It's the National League.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Hideki Okajima fails his physical, and so his minor league deal with the Yankees has been voided.</font>

[Innovator]

Good

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Tim Wakefield hangs 'em up.</font>

[Emperor Smeat]

Great player and career he had with the Red Sox. Also ends the pure knuckleball pitch in baseball for now considering nobody else throws the pitch unless its a variation of a different pitch.

It sucks how he wasn't able to get more wins due to how low the run support during games he pitched (lowest for the past few years). Only needed around 7 more wins to break the team record and could of last season before the team fell apart during his games.

[ClockShot]

Details of the Burnett trade.

Yankees are getting Diego Moreno and Exicardo Cayones. They're also paying $20 mil.

Pirates never budged. They're paying $13 mil. 5 this season, 8 the next.

Still needs approval from Selig.

[Corndad]

Pirates will take anyone any more, especially Pitching wise. Figured it's a shot in the dark for them. At least if comes back as a bust, not really out a season for the team cause feel they are still a few years away from becoming a realistic contender.

I think it has a lot to do with the majority of the major free agents out there, especially the Pitchers, even when given good contract offers, refused to even look at coming to Pirates.

[Innovator]

AJ was pitching better at the end of the year, but I feel an enormous sense of relief and giddiness now.

[Damian Rey]

Considering Edwin Jackson is making $10 mil this season, am I the only one who finds paying Burnett $8 million in 2013 a bit of an odd decision? I mean, maybe he does do well and puts up decent numbers (thinking an ERA of 4.5ish), but at $8 million? I dunno.

Excellent deal on the Yankees end that makes them better by subtraction. No longer do they have to wonder which Burnette they are going to get when he takes the mound, and $20 million to them is chump change. What an exceptional off season Cashman is having.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Playing in the NL and PNC is only going to help Burnett. It was a good trade for both sides.

I do hope that the Pirates can, at the least, finally get over the .500 mark for the first time since 1992. Gonna be tough though. They seemed like shoe-ins for it last year and still managed to blow it with an awful 2nd half, all stemming from that bad call in the Braves game.</font>

[Triple Naitch]

Considering Edwin Jackson is making $10 mil this season, am I the only one who finds paying Burnett $8 million in 2013 a bit of an odd decision? I mean, maybe he does do well and puts up decent numbers (thinking an ERA of 4.5ish), but at $8 million? I dunno.

Excellent deal on the Yankees end that makes them better by subtraction. No longer do they have to wonder which Burnette they are going to get when he takes the mound, and $20 million to them is chump change. What an exceptional off season Cashman is having.

It's not about the money with Pittsburgh. They offered Edwin Jackson more than what the Nationals did, but people just don't want to play there.

[Triple Naitch]

Sad to see Tim Wakefield hang it up today, but I'm glad to see him leave with the Red Sox and what MLB Network did to commemorate his career.

This is why I love MLB Network so much. He would barely make the ticker on Sportscenter.

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

You think it would be easy enough to convince the Red Sox to post a video message about an upcoming wedding on the scoreboards? Has anybody had an experience with this?

[ClockShot]

Come on, Selig. Green light this deal and let us party.

[Emperor Smeat]

Pirates will take anyone any more, especially Pitching wise. Figured it's a shot in the dark for them. At least if comes back as a bust, not really out a season for the team cause feel they are still a few years away from becoming a realistic contender.

I think it has a lot to do with the majority of the major free agents out there, especially the Pitchers, even when given good contract offers, refused to even look at coming to Pirates.

I also think its a result of the negative stigma attached to the team due to all those years of having really cheap-ass ownership along with the constant tossing of players the moment they increase their value. No chance to really develop any long-term stars nor any real incentives by good free agents to sign with the team.

Once the Expos left, the Pirates became the de facto "farm system" club for MLB teams.

[RoXer]

QUESTION

Does Droford bring his own hot dogs to a baseball game

nah he's got a b1g1 coupon

[Droford]

You can bring your own food and drinks to Camden Yards, which I do. Who the hell is paying 6 bucks for a hot dog...not me.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Used to take sandwiches into Shea all the time...were also allowed to take water/soda/etc. in as long as you took the cap off before entering. Not sure if you can do that at Citi Field, but then again I'm content getting a burger from Shake Shack. Crazy delicious.</font>

[Triple Naitch]

Usually bring a Primos hoagie to Phillies games and get the popular item from each new stadium I visit.

[Emperor Smeat]

Never been to Fenway but been to a bunch of Pawtucket Paw Sox games (minor league team) and they allow drinks to be brought in.

Not 100% sure but I believe food can be brought if you bring kids to the game or pets.

[Droford]

first baseball game of 2012 I saw on tv

UC Irvine vs Southern at Minutemaid Park in Houston..was on MLB Network

pretty sure more people on the field than actually in the stands though

[MVP]

Never been to Fenway but been to a bunch of Pawtucket Paw Sox games (minor league team) and they allow drinks to be brought in.

Not 100% sure but I believe food can be brought if you bring kids to the game or pets.

You used to be able to bring opened water bottles into Fenway, but that changed after the car bombing attempt in NYC.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Mike Cameron retires rather than reporting to Nationals camp.

Was always a fan of his during his 2 year tenure with the Mets. His strikeouts got to be infuriating, but he was a great fielder and had some nice pop. His outfield collision with Beltran is still one of the nastiest baseball injuries I've seen.</font>

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Ugh Mike Cameron. :(

The Reds traded Paul Konerko to get him, then traded him away to get Griffey.

[Triple Naitch]

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eNYmujOMvUQ/TvUUmuElgMI/AAAAAAAAWcg/nISi7y20av0/s1600/mike+cameron+%252810%2529.jpg

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Here's Cameron's 4 home run game with 2002, complete with Hawk Harrelson proving why he is the worst announcer in sports. How anybody can be that surly about a 4 home run game is beyond me.</font>

http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=20050395&c_id=mlb

[Droford]

http://l.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/GqxxzaFFGg7y4yEUwLr6Aw--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7cT04NTt3PTMxMA--/http://media.zenfs.com/en/blogs/sptusmlbexperts/djkitty216.jpg

<iframe width="640" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/DT9nG7f-rE0?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

LOL

[ClockShot]

It's official. Pirates aquire A.J. Burnett from the Yankees. Everyone passed their physicals and Selig approved it.

PARTY TIME!


<IFRAME height=315 src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/AeTgx_pj6m8" frameBorder=0 width=420 allowfullscreen></IFRAME>

[Innovator]

Christmas came early. WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

[Innovator]

And Raul Ibanez is now a Yankee.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Ibanez is going to absolutely rake in that park.</font>

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>The Mets are discussing the best way to honor Gary Carter this year. Many are calling for the team to formally retire #8, as it's been taken out of circulation since he got inducted into the HOF. There was some outrage when they didn't retire it last year when news of his cancer came out and everybody feared that if they didn't do a ceremony for him, it'd be too late.

Not trying to sound insensitive...but while Gary was a great on-field leader, his numbers as a Met simply weren't all that good. As it is, Seaver's the only Met to have his number retired based on on-field merit. Besides him you have Stengel's #37 (retired only because he was the first manager) and Hodges' #14 (manager of the '69 championship team, and only then the only reason it got retired is because he died suddenly while still Mets manager). If Carter's #8 goes up, I think Keith Hernandez' #17 deserves to go up just as much, if not more.

I think/hope that Piazza's #31 is going to go up as soon as he gets into the HOF...so it'll at least be another Met getting his number retired based on actual numbers. Dunno though. The organization in general has been very reluctant to retire numbers.</font>

[Skippord]

Steve Berthiaume <s>@</s>SBerthiaumeESPN (https://twitter.com/#%21/SBerthiaumeESPN) Manny Ramirez to <s>#</s>Athletics (https://twitter.com/#%21/search?q=%23Athletics). After 50 game suspension, he'll be eligible about June 2. This is fun, isn't it? es.pn/zuaUjq (http://t.co/szui6krU)

[Skippord]

Jon Heyman also reported it, but not in an easy to read tweet.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>A's might already be out of it by then.</font>

[Emperor Smeat]

Did they change the punishments again since I thought its 100 days for a 2nd penalty?

He already served a 50 games with the Dodger, then got caught again and decided to retire instead of a 100 game suspension.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

they reduced it because he basically was serving the suspension by being retired last year

[Triple Naitch]

Dunno why the A's would take ABs away from their young hitters for Manny. They already have clusterfucks at 1B and OF.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

yeah but have you seen the players who make up that clusterfuck? Jonny Gomes is penciled in as their DH right now

[Hardkore Kidd J]

<font color=goldenrod>Ibanez is going to absolutely rake in that park.</font>

I kinda would have preferred Damon back in pinstripes. But, I really like Ibanez too. And it's only 1 year, so no harm done. Now, the Yankees just pick up Eric Chavez and the Yankees are good to go.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

I'd love to have Ibanez on my team. Seems like a good clubhouse guy.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Mariano pretty much all but said he's done at the end of the season. Not surprising since he's 42, but still kinda surreal to think this is his last season.

[YOUR Hero]

Raul is a 'True Grit' kinda guy, it seems.

[Innovator]

Mariano pretty much all but said he's done at the end of the season. Not surprising since he's 42, but still kinda surreal to think this is his last season.

I might cry when he retires, because I love him and cause how bad many games will Yankees will blow when he's done.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>On MLB Network they said that if Rivera has, in fact, decided he's going to retire...he should announce it before camp breaks simply so that the fans across baseball can give him a sendoff when the Yankees roll into town. Very few guys in baseball history have been afforded such an honor.</font>

[Hanso Amore]

I think there is no debate that he is the greatest closer, and in turn, relief pitcher in MLB history.

Hoffman is the only one close IMHO over a career, and I think he is over-rated.

[Frank Drebin]

Red Sox get Chris Carpenter and a PTBNL as comp for Theo.

I liked Chris Carpenter. Could be a closer if he develops a secondary pitch and can control his 99 MPH fastball. Still has some work to do, but thats not a bad prospect for the Red Sox to get when you consider what the Cubs gave to the Twins for Andy McPhail back in the day (cash, and their 31st ranked prospect).

Not sure whos a fan of what team here, but what are yalls thoughs?

[ClockShot]

Shit, took them long enough to work that out.

[Hanso Amore]

Red Sox get Chris Carpenter and a PTBNL as comp for Theo.

I liked Chris Carpenter. Could be a closer if he develops a secondary pitch and can control his 99 MPH fastball. Still has some work to do, but thats not a bad prospect for the Red Sox to get when you consider what the Cubs gave to the Twins for Andy McPhail back in the day (cash, and their 31st ranked prospect).

Not sure whos a fan of what team here, but what are yalls thoughs?

ITS ENRICO PALAZZO!!!!!

[Frank Drebin]

<object style="height: 390px; width: 640px"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/VTcR9Gzvwf8?version=3&feature=player_detailpage"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/VTcR9Gzvwf8?version=3&feature=player_detailpage" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="640" height="360"></object>

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Less than 2 weeks til the Grapefruit League opener. Pretty much impossible for me to not get excited about it after the news that Santana is slated to start it, keeping him on track for Opening Day. His bullpen sessions have looked good, and mechanically he's looking like the Johan of old.

Cannot describe how much of a morale boost it'd be to see Santana out there to start the year. He's been such a forgotten guy with the recent pitching explosion in baseball. If he even remotely resembles his old self, it'll be a huge upgrade to the rotation from last year. Keeping my fingers crossed that he'll feel good throughout the spring.</font>

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Eric Wedge announced that Ichiro will bat third this year. Now that he doesn't have to restrain his full power anymore, he's clearly going to break Barry Bonds' HR record.</font>

[Triple Naitch]

Dunno how Chone Figgins still has a starting job there.

[Droford]

Orioles are #29 in MLB Networks 30 in 30, so they wont be covered until april 2nd.

Should have been #28 and done on April Fools Day.

[Triple Naitch]

Carlos Beltran paid for Jon Niese to get a nose job.

[Emperor Smeat]

Red Sox get Chris Carpenter and a PTBNL as comp for Theo.

I liked Chris Carpenter. Could be a closer if he develops a secondary pitch and can control his 99 MPH fastball. Still has some work to do, but thats not a bad prospect for the Red Sox to get when you consider what the Cubs gave to the Twins for Andy McPhail back in the day (cash, and their 31st ranked prospect).

Not sure whos a fan of what team here, but what are yalls thoughs?

I doubt Carpenter would get a chance to be a closer considering the team is leaning heavily towards Bailey this year and have Bard as a #2 option. Although he brings in more depth to the bullpen which has been pretty horrible the last 2 years in a row.

:-\ Too bad no Cards vs Red Sox games set for this season (unless its the World Series) because of the potential for a Chris Carpenter vs Chris Carpenter game being possible would generate at least a few good jokes on NESN during the game.

[Frank Drebin]

Dont get me wrong, hes not a closer right now. If things go well for him this year He would be a solid 7th inning guy. Totally forgot hes 26 already, so hes not even a prospect in my book.

[ClockShot]

Eric Chavez is back with the Yankees.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>I'm pretty surprised that Damon hasn't found a place to play yet. I know he's basically a DH at this point and he may not be a prototypical power DH guy but he still gets on base consistently. Hope he latches on somewhere, he's 277 hits away from 3,000 so if he could somehow find a place to DH full-time for 2 more years he'd get there. Always been a Damon fan so it would be great to see him get there.

Feel like he's going to have to wait for an injury in spring training though, or possibly be a mid-season signing if he plays at all...taking 3,000 out of play. Don't think he really wants to be a bench player, and if he went to the NL he'd be basically limited to 1 pinch hit AB a game because he really can't throw at all.</font>

[ClockShot]

Probably gonna retire. Look at Jermaine Dye last offseason.

[MVP]

I'm pretty surprised that Damon hasn't found a place to play yet. I know he's basically a DH at this point and he may not be a prototypical power DH guy but he still gets on base consistently. Hope he latches on somewhere, he's 277 hits away from 3,000 so if he could somehow find a place to DH full-time for 2 more years he'd get there. Always been a Damon fan so it would be great to see him get there.

Feel like he's going to have to wait for an injury in spring training though, or possibly be a mid-season signing if he plays at all...taking 3,000 out of play. Don't think he really wants to be a bench player, and if he went to the NL he'd be basically limited to 1 pinch hit AB a game because he really can't throw at all.

I'm surprised that both Detroit and Tampa have passed on re-signing Damon last 2 offseasons. Both teams have young outfielders that could benefit from Damon's veteran presence.

[Frank Drebin]

It wouldnt surprise me to see Damon go the way of guys like Jermaine Dye and Ray Durham - guys who may have been productive, but cost more than they are worth and never really retire but just vanish. You pointed out that hes not a power guy, but he didnt get on base either last year (.326). When you factor in continued age regression, whats Damon worth then? Every team has that guy in AAA that can mash but cant play the field, and they dont crack the 25 man roster. Damon would have to do something really well to warrent a big league deal, and I dont think he cant provide that. I mean, the A's think Manny has more to offer than Damon, even with a 50 game ban.

As far as the 3000 hits go: 277 hits is alot. It may even be 3 years to make that if you figure he dosent have much chance of playing in another 150 games this season. Hell, Fred Mcgriff was 7 homers shy of 500, and no one gave him a job.

I feel for you if you are a Damon fan. He was a good (if at times overrated) player. You are right in that he would need an injury to happen in Spring training to get picked up, but even then everyone will have a cheep young guy with possible upside in camp already. Good luck to your boy.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>I know it would never happen, but I would probably mark out if the Mets signed Damon just because I like him. It would make zero sense based on the park they play in because Collins likes to feel confident that he can play his reserves in the field and Damon's noodle arm in that park would just be death, unfortunately. Not that Damon would accept a strictly bench role, anyway.</font>

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Actually, now that I look at the Mets roster, this is the fewest Opening Day roster spots they've had to fill entering spring in a very long time...which is odd considering how underwhelming the team looks on paper.

From what I can see, they really only need to fill the final bench spot (probably going to go to a lefty outfielder, ST invites Adam Loewen and Mike Baxter are the main candidates) and a final bullpen spot (probably going to be a lefty, I'd say Chuck James has the early edge since he can also be a swingman and throw multiple innings). I guess Mike Nickeas could play his way out of the backup catcher spot too if he has a horrendous spring...but he's already on the 40-man roster and it's not like Rob Johnson or Lucas May are anything to write home about. Everybody else is set in stone.

Just seems kinda weird. The teams in years past that have looked a lot better on paper had way more spots up for grabs than they do now. Probably speaks volumes about the organization at this point that they really can't afford to bring any new guys in.</font>

[ClockShot]

Yankees grab David Aardsma out of the bargain bin. $500k major league deal.

[Emperor Smeat]

The biggest problem for Damon this offseason was the lack of interest in the DH market considering almost all of the AL teams already had the spot filled on their team for 2012 with the rest choosing the cheaper/youth player.

Would be a waste for NL teams to go after him considering his lack of defense and throwing range.

[Dragon]

I think the problem with Damon is that he wants 5M when similar DH types are getting 1-2M or nothing at all.

[Dragon]

Also, Yankees sign Burt Reynolds.

[Droford]

Orioles owner Peter Angelos is obviously very busy suing Facebook (http://www.bizjournals.com/washington/news/2012/02/22/Peter_Angelos_sues_Facebook.html)..

theres a joke here, I just dont care.

[YOUR Hero]

Damon shoud be playing for benchmarks now, not money (aside from championships)

[Innovator]

http://www.mlb.com/news/wall/article.jsp?content_id=26811286

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Tim Byrdak arrived to camp channeling Hulk Hogan.</font>

http://p.twimg.com/AmV4VRwCIAAgmGV.jpg

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Ryan Braun avoids the 50-game suspension. Uhhh.....what the fuck?

Selig :heart:s the Brewers.</font>

[Frank Drebin]

valtrex?

[Triple Naitch]

Good for Braun.

[Dragon]

I don't know how much this really improves his reputation. Apparently he won the appeal by arguing the testing process itself and not the actual results. I guess the argument was that the sample wasn't shipped in a timely fashion or something.

Sucks for Braun since none of this was supposed to be made public unless he failed the appeal anyway. But I don't know how much this is really gonna change opinion of him if he really did just win the appeal on a technicality.

[Triple Naitch]

The argument was that somebody leaked the story and broke confidentiality. This whole process would have been kept a secret if somebody didn't squeal in November.

[Emperor Smeat]

Bobby Jenks out till mid-season for the Red Sox after it was recently revealed the back surgery he had in December was to correct a screw up from a surgery he had in September. Got bad enough to be diagnosed as a life threatening situation due to the mistake.

Roy Oswalt also coincides he won't be getting any decent deals after holding out this long and is looking at a mid-season window for a job this season. He keeps refusing offers by the Red Sox and now its rumored his value dropped again from $10 million to now just $5 million.

[Innovator]

Apparently the guy who took the piss test didn't ship it immediately, but put it in his fridge.

[Skippord]

lol what? was he planning on cloning Ryan Braun?

[Emperor Smeat]

Maybe he has some dirt of Braun like McNamee with Clemens or instead of baseball cards, the guy likes to collect athlete pee to show to his friends.

[RoXer]

Browsing Spring Training tix and looking at a Reds/Angels game, 1st row 3rd baseline. Hate the Angels but I'd like to see Pujols maybe. Haven't been to that ballpark either.

[RoXer]

https://uberseat.com/checkout/12706065?quantity=4&ref_id=1360831&price=26

[Supreme Olajuwon]

so jeal rite now

[RoXer]

I KNOW

[RoXer]

The best part is I could be like a king and just pick and choose when and where I want.

"Hmmmm, the Reds you say? Psh. I'll just wait for a good matchup"

[RoXer]

Wadding, you wanna go to that?

[RoXer]

Damn and then the A's play at Camelback Ranch the next day and I haven't been there either.

1st row, $16.

Gee, I dunno. I'm so busy and all.

[RoXer]

Still have to go to Goodyear (Red/Indians), Camelback (White Sox/Dodgres), Diablo (Angels), and Hohokom (Cubs). Then I can say I've been to all of them. Wanna go to the first two this year hopefully.

Can't believe I live down the road from one. Maryvale (Brewers) are in the middle of a fucking ghetto.

[RoXer]

I always get a kick out of how the star players of the visiting team never travel to Maryvale.

[DaveWadding]

I need Camelback, Goodyear, Diablo, and Talking Stick.

[Frank Drebin]

Good for Braun.

What?! Good for Braun?!?! He never argued that he never took PEDs, just that the chain of custody written per MLB's own policy was not followed, even though what was actually done was standard operating procedures in other sports. So in other words: "I'm guilty, but....HAHAHAHAHA FUCK YOU!!"

[Corndad]

Couldn't stand Braun before. Really can't now. Always had a fakeness to him.

[Triple Naitch]

Haters keep hating.

[Frank Drebin]

-EDIT-

[Frank Drebin]

"Today is for everybody who has ever been wrongly accused," Braun said Friday at a news conference at the Brewers' training facility in Maryvale, Ariz.

I'm gonna barf.

[Triple Naitch]

Brett Anderson ‏ <s>@</s>BrettAnderson49 (https://twitter.com/#%21/BrettAnderson49) Follow

Manny just asked if I was the video coordinator...our relationship can only go up from here.

[Frank Drebin]

Eric Chavez is back with the Yankees.

-EDIT-

[Triple Naitch]

You're new here, so I'll cut you a break. Memes aren't allowed in MLB threads.

[Frank Drebin]

-EDIT-

[Emperor Smeat]

Joe Torre's group that was in the running to buy the Dodgers pulled out because McCourt refuses to add in the stadium parking ownership in the deal.

He wants anyone who buys the team to still pay him for parking fees used by the team during games.

[Frank Drebin]

Joe Torre's group that was in the running to buy the Dodgers pulled out because McCourt refuses to add in the stadium parking ownership in the deal.

He wants anyone who buys the team to still pay him for parking fees used by the team during games.

This seems like its going to be the most convoluted change in ownership yet. Didnt McCourt break the team up into something like 20 different companies/groups for tax reasons?

[Damian Rey]

Ryan Braun is a joke. The fact that he's coming out and proclaiming to be innocent is ludicrous. Doe she not realize that he only won his case due to a technicality? A technicality, mind you, that was so miniscule it should not have even been considered as a reason to doubt the process. He was not proven innocent of anything. The test result was not reversed or deemed a false positive. He still cheated. Period. His testosterone levels were still at an unusually high rate and when asked about that he had no answer. Though I'm sure he knows exactly why.

I didn't mind Braun before this. Excellent player. Seemed a bit cocky but that's the attitude of those who attend the U so I understood. But after this fiasco I have lost all respect for him as a player and as an integral human being. He gets off on a "chain of custody" defense and acts as if his innocence has come to light. Add to that, what he's done is in no way good for the game in any way, shape or form. Fuck Ryan Braun.

[ClockShot]

Joe Torre's group that was in the running to buy the Dodgers pulled out because McCourt refuses to add in the stadium parking ownership in the deal.

He wants anyone who buys the team to still pay him for parking fees used by the team during games.

O'Malley backed out too, right? I think that leaves Magic's group and whatever hedgefund managers left in the running.

Grady Sizemore is hurt yet again and will miss Opening Day. I'm now 100% convinced this guy broke a mirror and got 7 seasons bad luck.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Frank Drebin, please refrain from spoiling the purity of our pastime with your silly internet pictures.

That's what Ryan Braun would do.

[Frank Drebin]

Oh great mod - please forgive me, and allow my crops to grow plentiful this spring.

[Frank Drebin]

O'Malley backed out too, right? I think that leaves Magic's group and whatever hedgefund managers left in the running.

Grady Sizemore is hurt yet again and will miss Opening Day. I'm now 100% convinced this guy broke a mirror and got 7 seasons bad luck.

How can you speak about this when the Yankees have signed

CLAY RAPADA!!!!

[ClockShot]

Yeah, and?

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Going back to Damon, a bunch of writers are claiming that guys like him and Matsui are being "unfairly" forced out of the league and that it's another reason why the NL should have a DH, so that there would be more teams for these guys to actually go to for DH opportunities.

Seems like the "make the NL have a DH!" thing is an annual spring training argument at this point. I like the idea that these old guys who can't field anymore are more entitled to big league roster spots than the NL bench guys whose jobs would be taken away as a result. Never quite understood why people are obsessed with making both leagues have the same rules. NL fans like NL baseball. AL fans like AL baseball. Let's keep it that way rather than piss off an entire league's worth of fans.</font>

[Frank Drebin]

Yeah, and?

This signing, along with Eric Chavez, can really establish the Yankees as one of the premire teams in the league.........

Going back to Damon, a bunch of writers are claiming that guys like him and Matsui are being "unfairly" forced out of the league and that it's another reason why the NL should have a DH, so that there would be more teams for these guys to actually go to for DH opportunities.

Seems like the "make the NL have a DH!" thing is an annual spring training argument at this point. I like the idea that these old guys who can't field anymore are more entitled to big league roster spots than the NL bench guys whose jobs would be taken away as a result. Never quite understood why people are obsessed with making both leagues have the same rules. NL fans like NL baseball. AL fans like AL baseball. Let's keep it that way rather than piss off an entire league's worth of fans.

The Damon thing has become a pretty normal thing the last few years. Vets who wont take a minor league deal cost more, and with his age and production you can probably find an internal option that has more upside and is less expensive. The days when these vets would find their second wind at age 35 (wink wink, nudge nudge) is a thing of the past, so why would a team pay his asking price?

I agree with your belief of the DH rule. MLB has no reason to alter the DH rule in either league because the way it has been working is fine. People who want uniform rules look at what the NFL has (which Ill admit is pretty flawless), and want the same for MLB. But do we want MLB to be the NFL?? One of the great things about baseball is that, unlike other sports, the product on the field is unique in every stadium. In this case, the DH rule is an enjoyable quirk in the sport that I think works well.

[Dragon]

I don't really see how its forcing guys out of the league. Both could probably get minor league deals somewhere and Damon could probably get a major league one for less money than he thinks he deserves. If older guys keep letting their egos get in the way when they are nowhere near the players they used to be its noones fault but their own if they have no job.

[Evil Vito]

I agree with your belief of the DH rule. MLB has no reason to alter the DH rule in either league because the way it has been working is fine. People who want uniform rules look at what the NFL has (which Ill admit is pretty flawless), and want the same for MLB. But do we want MLB to be the NFL?? One of the great things about baseball is that, unlike other sports, the product on the field is unique in every stadium. In this case, the DH rule is an enjoyable quirk in the sport that I think works well.

<font color=goldenrod>Exactly. If people are so gung-ho about uniform rules, then make sure every stadium has identical dimensions. Tear down the Green Monster. Get rid of the short porches. Make sure no team has any competetive advantage at all.

That would suck, clearly. I feel the same way about the DH rule. Let it be separate.</font>

[Supreme Olajuwon]

I don't really see how its forcing guys out of the league. Both could probably get minor league deals somewhere and Damon could probably get a major league one for less money than he thinks he deserves. If older guys keep letting their egos get in the way when they are nowhere near the players they used to be its noones fault but their own if they have no job.

Yeah, this is pretty much the only argument. I don't feel bad for a guy who won't take less money to play.

[YOUR Hero]

Vlad will be gone soon too be because he won't play for less than 5mil

[Frank Drebin]

Exactly. If people are so gung-ho about uniform rules, then make sure every stadium has identical dimensions. Tear down the Green Monster. Get rid of the short porches. Make sure no team has any competetive advantage at all.

Its funny because many baseball fans have dreams of being able to visit every active stadium in MLB, but I have yet to hear an NFL, NBA, or NHL fan say the same about that sport.

Yeah, this is pretty much the only argument. I don't feel bad for a guy who won't take less money to play.

Thats what this all comes down to. They could all latch on with a lesser deal. Hell, Jermain Dye is the classic example. Turned down a $3 Million deal to be a 4th OF with the Cubs and hasnt been seen since.

Vlad will be gone soon too be because he won't play for less than 5mil
Forgot all about Vlad. One of my all time fav players who never played for my team.

[screech]

Love Vlad

[Emperor Smeat]

Its funny because many baseball fans have dreams of being able to visit every active stadium in MLB, but I have yet to hear an NFL, NBA, or NHL fan say the same about that sport.

Yeup that is one of the special attractions about baseball stadiums is that every stadium feels different enough due to having pretty relaxed rules on field and stadium design for most of baseball's history.

Fenway has the short right wall because of Ted Williams while one of the Phillies old stadiums once had a deep center due to the owner being a cheapass and unwilling to buy more balls for games. Rockies figured since they were unlikely to every land a great pitcher as a free agent, might as well built it in a way that benefits their batters the most.

[Droford]

How can you speak about this when the Yankees have signed

CLAY RAPADA!!!!

The Yankees are taking the Os crappy pitchers now?

lol

[Frank Drebin]

Phillies old stadiums once had a deep center due to the owner being a cheapass and unwilling to buy more balls for games.

The 'Stroes must have thought it was a great idea, too.....
http://ts3.mm.bing.net/images/thumbnail.aspx?q=1598491270394&id=0e36edbb37e84db1bcd15238379090bf
But they forgot to not build a short porch in left, and how to build a roster.

[Frank Drebin]

Still have to go to Goodyear (Red/Indians), Camelback (White Sox/Dodgres), Diablo (Angels), and Hohokom (Cubs). Then I can say I've been to all of them. Wanna go to the first two this year hopefully.

Can't believe I live down the road from one. Maryvale (Brewers) are in the middle of a fucking ghetto.

Never made it to spring training. Would do it, but it seems like it can get a little nuts. Whats the Arizona Fall League like compared to Spring Training? Seems like the better deal with fewer people going, getting more for your money, and alot of top prospects playing all the time. Too bad its after the season when people get baseball fatigue.

[DaveWadding]

Never made it to spring training. Would do it, but it seems like it can get a little nuts. Whats the Arizona Fall League like compared to Spring Training? Seems like the better deal with fewer people going, getting more for your money, and alot of top prospects playing all the time. Too bad its after the season when people get baseball fatigue.


Spring is fine. It's usually 7-8K in a stadium that holds 12-14K. Fall League is in the same stadium with 750-1000 people.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

My stadium list is pretty tiny. Need to beef it up soon. Also, the Reds played at Yankee Stadium in its last year and I didn't go. Still regret that. Been to

Riverfront Stadium
Great American Ballpark
Wrigley Field
PNC Park
Comerica Park
Citi Field (didn't see a game though)
AT&T Park

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Yeah my list is small too. Really wanna add to it soon. Might try to see if I can do another Mets road series. They happen play in Toronto this year and I've not been to Canada yet so I think that has the early edge.

-Shea Stadium (many times)

-Citi Field (many times)

-Yankee Stadium (twice, vs. Devil Rays in 2007 and vs. Red Sox in 2008)

-New Yankee Stadium (once vs. Royals in 2009)

-Fenway Park (once in 1998 to see Red Sox/Indians...barely remember anything about it so I need to go again. Reading the box score of the game I saw Wakefield, Eckersley, Indians-era Manny, Thome, etc.)

-Citizen's Bank Park (once vs. Mets in 2007)

-PNC Park (three games last year for the Pirates/Mets series, awesome park. I'd prolly go to a shitload of Pirates games if I lived in Pittsburgh.)</font>

[DaveWadding]

My major league park list is pathetic, to be fair, it's a pretty big trip to get anywhere from here:

Chase Field (yeah)

Wrigley Field (2x, more this year probably)

Rangers Ballpark in Arlington

[Hardkore Kidd J]

My list is real small too

-Old Yankee Stadium

-New Yankee Stadium

- Citizens Bank Park

-Fenway Park

- Camden Yards( Really wanted to go see the Yankees play there last year. But, I skipped it because this was about the time of Hurricane Irene. So I settled on going when they were playing the Red Sox in September.)

Really need to check out more ball parks.

[Triple Naitch]

Citizens Bank Park
Veterans Stadium
Fenway Park (2002 vs. Rangers and Angels)
Oriole Park at Camden Yards (many times)
Pro Player/Land Shark/Dolphins Stadium (2009 WBC)
Wrigley Field (2010 vs. Cardinals)
U.S. Cellular Field (2010 vs. Mariners)
Dodger Stadium (2001 vs. Mariners, sat right next to Ichiro :cool:)
PNC Park (Opening Day 2007 vs. Cardinals)

Gonna try and hit Nationals Park, Yankee Stadium, and Citi Field this summer.

[Triple Naitch]

Dunno what's more shocking. Grady Sizemore getting injured or Joel Zumaya getting injured.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Nationals sign Ryan Zimmerman to a 6 year, $100 million extension with a 7 year option.

Welp, David Wright just became unaffordable if the Mets wanted to extend him.</font>

[Frank Drebin]

Wrigley Field - one of two parks left where you arent bombarded with sound effects and cartoons after every pitch. About as pure a venue as you are going to see an MLB game at. Favorite stadium.

Miller Park - Best stadium I've been to. Huge area for tailgating/parking makes the outside fun. Brand new scoreboard. Has everything you could want in a stadium. Still hard to believe a small market like MKE built a park like this. I go to opening day here every year.

Fenway Park - the other old school park. Too bad half the seats face center field. Great experience as a fan to see a game there. I will say that Boston fans dont get enough credit for being loud mouth idiots. Not scumbags like Philly, just loud.

Great American Ballpark - Saw the first game there. Nice park. Seemed kinda small and bland at the time. I'm sure they've made some improvements. Supreme Olajuwon seems like a Reds fan - what do you think?

Dodger Stadium - nice place. The view was really cool. Dodger dogs are gross. $10 beers?!

US Cellular - Shit neighborhood, nothing to do outside the park unless you're tailgating in a close by parking lot. Food is really good. Park looks much better than when it first opened. You will die if you trip on any set of stairs in the upper deck. Seriously.

Skydome (Rogers Centre) - didnt see a game, just went inside and looked around.

Old Busch Stadium - Nothing special. Its was fine I guess.

Safeco Field - In a sports complex along with Quest Field, which you can see if you sit higher which looks kinda cool. Nothing that makes it stand apart from all the other nice new parks, but cant complain about anything other than it took about a week to get out of the parking lot after the game.

Really want to see PNC Park, AT&T Park, Camden Yards and Chase Field (just because I think it will remind me of Miller Park). Maybe Citi Field because the Mets need the money and to shop at Alyssa Milano's clothing butique......

[Frank Drebin]

Dunno what's more shocking. Grady Sizemore getting injured or Joel Zumaya getting injured.

Thought Grady would make it to opening day but only play in like 70 games this year. Ill be surprised if Zumaya ever pitches in the bigs again.

[screech]

I've only been to a few stadiums. Damn me being broke.

Veterans Stadium (went to Opening Day & final home games many times)

Fenway Park (1997 vs Phillies - got autographs from Rolen, Nomar, Francona, Rico Brogna & a few others. Kevin Stocker told my brother to fuck off also.)

Camden Yards (once for a game in 1998 I think and I also toured it in 2007)

Citizens Bank Park (many times)

My godmother lives near DC, so I'm gonna try to go to Nationals Park this season.

[Hanso Amore]

New Yankee
Old Yankee
Jacobs Field
Wrigley
PNC Park
Miller Park

PNC is my favorite. Such an amazing area around the stadium, a great stadium and view. Sucks that the team is garbage.

[ClockShot]

Ryan Zimmerman will be in D.C. for the next 6-years. $100 mil. extension.

[Emperor Smeat]

I wonder how likely the Rangers will keep Josh Hamilton once he hits free agency next season. Him and the team have been going back and forth on any potential deal or extension but the biggest issue is Hamilton will not offer a "hometown" discount in order to stay.

Rangers probably can't afford to have a 3rd big spending offseason in a row considering they ran out of cash in the budget after the Darvish deal and Hamilton will easily be worth a lot more than Darvish's deal was.

[Dragon]

I don't think Hamilton is gonna get nearly as much as people think he is. Not with his history and complete inability to stay healthy.

[ClockShot]

Joel Zumaya tore a ligament in his right elbow. He's done for the year.

He's right up there with Sizemore.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

http://everyhalloffamer.com/

Kind of a cool project. This lady is drawing every baseball hall of famer. Definitely worth checking out if you're one of those kids like me who cares way too much about baseball history.

[Triple Naitch]

That's really cool. I like the Clemente one a lot.

[DaveWadding]

Yu Darvish's first spring outing is going to be March 7th at the stadium nearest to my house. I will have a full eyewitness report.

[Droford]

Grady Sizemore, Scott Sizemore..

I dont know any other Sizemores in baseball so Tom Sizemore better watch his back

[ClockShot]

Jason Varitek and Danny Baez call it a career.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Salvador Perez played in 39 games for the Royals last year, and has been rewarded with a 5 year contract with 3 option years. Alrighty then.</font>

[Emperor Smeat]

Probably going to be interesting to see what gets done with the captain tag considering Varitek is done and was pretty rare in Red Sox history. He didn't get it until after the 04 WS and the last captain was Jim Rice.

Perez's deal seems odd but at the same time its very incentive-based since he can push it to $26 million if all the bonuses get reached.

[Frank Drebin]

Yu Darvish's first spring outing is going to be March 7th at the stadium nearest to my house. I will have a full eyewitness report.

Hope he gets as welcome a reception in Arlington as Fukudome got in Chicago.

http://ts4.mm.bing.net/images/thumbnail.aspx?q=1548150247943&id=e05938ae65fe24fb6a6659dbf5be11ba

http://ts4.mm.bing.net/images/thumbnail.aspx?q=1622849225799&id=61e954fd211ca90fcca8bbdee55b82c7

http://ts2.mm.bing.net/images/thumbnail.aspx?q=1643261736765&id=e1a8c9f8413d7f0a0d2e278686af6476

[Frank Drebin]

The options in the Perez deal are all team options, so they can opt out and go to arb with him if it isnt worth it.

[Triple Naitch]

Matt Moore got an extension after pitching 19.1 innings. Why not?

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Just seemed to come out of left field. The Royals made a big deal about a contract extension they were going to announce, and everybody was predicting it'd be Alex Gordon or Eric Hosmer...instead it was Salvador Perez.

Also I had never even heard of Salvador Perez until now. :o That probably has something to do with it.</font>

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Just looked up Perez' minor league numbers thinking maybe he was a can't miss prospect or something. He OPS'ed .725 in the minors and only had 48 AAA level at bats.

What is going on here

[Gertner]

Saw Perez in a series against the Tigers last season and he was amazing.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Welp, Tim Byrdak just became my favorite player on the Mets. Even threw in a Macho Man reference at the end.</font>

<object width="400" height="254"><param name="movie" value="http://web.sny.tv//shared/flash/video/share/ObjectEmbedFrame.swf?width=400&height=254&content_id=20111349&property=sny" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><param name="scale" value="noscale" /><param name="salign" value="tl" /><embed src="http://web.sny.tv//shared/flash/video/share/ObjectEmbedFrame.swf?width=400&height=254&content_id=20111349&property=sny" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" window="transparent" width="400" height="254" scale="noscale" salign ="tl" /> </object>

[Frank Drebin]

What does everyone think about the new 10-team playoffs that appear to be 99% done?

I dont think the level of competition drops, as you are just going to see another 88-91 win team included but it seems like MLB is trying to re-create the last day of last years regular season every year by doing a one game playoff (much like movie studios thought the secret ingredient to Avatar was 3D, so everything else had to be 3D). I dont generally like the one game playoff unless its a tie break of the regualr season which is a special situation.

I also dont like extending the postseason further into the cold season and think MLB needs to go the other way when it comes to this (they are going to have another Tampa/Philly nightmare sooner or later), but if they cut out 1 or 2 off days during the postseason then I can live with it.

I'm generally fine with this and am interested to see how it work.

[ClockShot]

Rangers might have gotten themselves into trouble just now. They signed Domincan outfielder Jairo Beras for $4.5 mil. He claims he's 17 years old, but other clubs who scouted him are claiming he's 16. The MLB Scooby Gang is already investigating.

[Innovator]

Rangers might have gotten themselves into trouble just now. They signed Domincan outfielder Jairo Beras for $4.5 mil. He claims he's 17 years old, but other clubs who scouted him are claiming he's 16. The MLB Scooby Gang is already investigating.

I'm sure someone will keep him in their fridge until he's 18.

[Emperor Smeat]

What does everyone think about the new 10-team playoffs that appear to be 99% done?

I dont think the level of competition drops, as you are just going to see another 88-91 win team included but it seems like MLB is trying to re-create the last day of last years regular season every year by doing a one game playoff (much like movie studios thought the secret ingredient to Avatar was 3D, so everything else had to be 3D). I dont generally like the one game playoff unless its a tie break of the regualr season which is a special situation.

I also dont like extending the postseason further into the cold season and think MLB needs to go the other way when it comes to this (they are going to have another Tampa/Philly nightmare sooner or later), but if they cut out 1 or 2 off days during the postseason then I can live with it.

I'm generally fine with this and am interested to see how it work.

Probably could solve the extended playoff problems if they reduced the schedule back to the old 158 game schedule and have the Play-In Round take those days.

The owners probably would reject it though considering they'd lose out on 2 home games worth of revenue and then the sticky of issue of if current contracts should deduct or stay the same due to the 4 less games per year.

[Triple Naitch]

I'm sure someone will keep him in their fridge until he's 18.

He'll last longer in the freezer.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>I was initially against the 2nd wild card idea because Day 162 was so incredible, but there can still be scenarios where multiple teams are gunning for that last wild card spot on the final day. I'm sure everybody will shit on it right away though if the 2nd wild card gets to make up a 5 game deficit in one game or something.

I'm interested in seeing how these new rules impact something like the trading deadline. Can't help but feel like we'll see less movement because more teams view themselves as in contention for the 2nd wild card.</font>

[Triple Naitch]

The new CBA says that if you trade for a top guy at midseason, if you lose him in the offseason you don't get draft pick compensation.

[Innovator]

Welcome to Pittsburgh! AJ Burnett fouls a bunt into his face during practice.

[ClockShot]

Yankees release Burt Reynolds after signing him a week ago. So sad right now.

[MVP]

If A.J. sports an eye patch he'll be a true Pirate.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Burnett set up a college fund for Daniel McCutchen's unborn daughter in exchange for being able to wear #34. Class act.</font>

[Supreme Olajuwon]

and he's got an orbital fracture and needs surgery

oooh

[Emperor Smeat]

Yankees release Burt Reynolds after signing him a week ago. So sad right now.

They probably thought the same as everyone else in him being the actor and ended up being disappointed. Either that or found out his real name and age was completely different which already occurred to 2-3 teams this offseason.

[DaveWadding]

Call me Giancarlo.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Glad he changed his recognized MLB name. Not enough room for 2 Mike Stanons in baseball history.</font> :shifty:

[ClockShot]

They probably thought the same as everyone else in him being the actor and ended up being disappointed. Either that or found out his real name and age was completely different which already occurred to 2-3 teams this offseason.

C'mon man. It was the running gag for us yankee fans for the week we had him.

[Innovator]

http://img.gawkerassets.com/img/17f7kg8tox7zejpg/original.jpg

[RoXer]

ugh

I'm forced to go see the Reds TWICE next week

woe is me :(

[Supreme Olajuwon]

FUCK YOU JOEY ROxER

YOU FUCKING SUCK BRO

[ClockShot]

A.J. Burnett went under the knife yesterday. He'll be out 2-3 months.

Yadier Molina got himself the 3rd biggest catcher's salary. 5-years, $75 mil. to stay in St. Louis.

MLB officially announced the new playoff system goes into effect this postseason.

[Gertner]

Jordan Carver. Think I'm gonna be an Angels fan.

http://www.411mania.com/siteimages/carverpcn1_137345.jpg

http://www.411mania.com/siteimages/carverpcn2_137346.jpg

http://www.411mania.com/siteimages/carverpcn3_137347.jpg

[RoXer]

meh

just a model with angels stuff on

[Damian Rey]

Cameron Maybin and the Padres are "very close" to an extension.
:love::love::love::love:

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>FOX has increased its Saturday primetime coverage for this season...from late May-late July there will be like 5-6 games on FOX a week. Sucks for MLB.TV subscribers because FOX block out all of their games and force you to stick with the local ones.

http://www.awfulannouncing.com/2012-articles/february/your-2012-mlb-on-fox-schedule.html

I know it's the New York market, but even I'm amazed at how many Mets games they have on the schedule...including one in September.</font>

[Supreme Olajuwon]

I bet they still have that gay rule where if your team is playing when there's a Fox game on, but your team's game isn't the Fox game, then your game can't be televised.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Cameron Maybin and the Padres agree to a 5 year, $25 million deal.</font>

[ClockShot]

Spring training games got underway today. Yankees beat the Phillies. D-Backs spilt the team up and they're taking on the Giants and Rockies today. Boston annihilated Northeastern today 25-0. That game went 7 innings.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>lol wow...the Mets have only practiced and played intrasquad games thus far and they're already dropping like flies. Several of their top prospects have gotten hurt already. David Wright is sidelined with a ribcage injury. Scott Hairston re-injured the same oblique that ended his season early last year, espectations are that he'll miss Opening Day thereby weakening what was already the worst bench in the Majors.

Worse than all that though, Ike Davis apparently has Valley Fever. He's been cleared to play for now, but if it takes the turn for the worse it can be horrible. Conor Jackson had it in 2009 and missed pretty much the entire season, and his career was derailed as a result.

Death, taxes, and unbelievable Mets health issues. lolMets</font> :(

[DaveWadding]

This is a Big Vito 22 SUICIDE WATCH ALERT.

[Emperor Smeat]

1st game in the annual Mayor's Cup between Red Sox and Twins ends up in a Sox victory.

Usually don't care that much about Spring Training games and more about nobody getting injured or struggling with hitting/pitching that it cares over into the regular season.

[Droford]

FOX has increased its Saturday primetime coverage for this season...from late May-late July there will be like 5-6 games on FOX a week. Sucks for MLB.TV subscribers because FOX block out all of their games and force you to stick with the local ones.

http://www.awfulannouncing.com/2012-articles/february/your-2012-mlb-on-fox-schedule.html

I know it's the New York market, but even I'm amazed at how many Mets games they have on the schedule...including one in September.

I bet MASN (network that airs Orioles and Nationals games)is really pissed, the only two times either team is on FOX is 2 of their interleague games.

[Corndad]

Pirates re-sign McCutchen for 6 years.

You mean to tell me they knew they had a good player and actually resigned him. Long-term even. I think the Mayans were right. This is the freakin end of the World here fellas.

[ClockShot]

Hideki Okajima goes home. Signed a deal with the Softbank Hawks over in Japan.

[Emperor Smeat]

I liked him a lot more than Dice-K although probably the best move for him to do.

After first 1-2 years of being great on the Red Sox, he just randomly started to struggle for no real reason. The worst was his sudden loss of control of his pitches and falling apart if there was even 1 guy on base when he entered a game.