MLB 2011-2012 Offseason Thread

[DaveWadding]

So, free agent predictions?

[OssMan]

knew it would be davewadding

[Gertner]

David Ortiz signs with Toronto

[ClockShot]

6 HOURS UNTIL FREE AGENCY!

[Emperor Smeat]

Yankees pick up the 2012 options for Swisher and Cano. Cano also has 2013 as an option year while Swisher was kept more for potential trade next season.

Brewers declined option for K-Rod.

[MVP]

Tony La Russa has retired. I wonder how this will affect Albert's decision.

[Innovator]

I know it's coming, but it'll be a sad day in the bleachers when Swisher leaves.

[Evil Vito]

It's being said that the Mets aren't going to be willing to commit more than 4 years with an option for Reyes.

Good as gone, then. :(

[Evil Vito]

Braves trade Derek Lowe to the Indians for a minor leaguer. Braves will eat most of his salary.

[Boomer]

Braves save 5 million in the deal. Couldn't have gone much better than that.

[Boomer]

And hey, they aren't paying Kawakami like 8 million in Double A anymore. Look at all this money the Braves have now!

[ClockShot]

A few teams/players are still kicking round options at this time. CC Sabathia, Octavio Dotel, Rafael Furcal, Rafael Soriano, and Zach Duke are the big names of the bunch.

[ClockShot]

Sabathia stays with the Yankees. Same deal with an extra year tacked on for 2016 worth $25 mil. with a vesting option for 2017.

[Emperor Smeat]

Red Sox starting the bullpen cleaning by rejecting the options for Dan Wheeler and Scott Atchison.

Marc Scutaro option was picked up for 2012 while Ortiz and Papelbon are Type A options and would bring in draft picks should either go to a new team next season.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Loving the changes to the Mets' outfield, including making the wall blue. According to Alderson, with these dimensions the Mets would have hit 81 more HRs at Citi over their first three seasons at the park.</font>

http://www.metsblog.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/Screen-shot-2011-10-31-at-1.48.49-PM-580x514.png

http://www.metsblog.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/Screen-shot-2011-10-31-at-1.49.10-PM1-580x312.png

http://www.metsblog.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/Screen-shot-2011-10-31-at-1.49.22-PM-580x348.png

[weather vane]

How many would the opposing teams hit?

[Supreme Olajuwon]

372

[weather vane]

ohhhh

[Supreme Olajuwon]

lot of home runs

[weather vane]

yep.

thanks eh

[Evil Vito]

How many would the opposing teams hit?

<font color=goldenrod>70, according to Alderson.

This should be a great move for Wright and Bay. Both guys have been robbed of so many homers thanks to that ridiculous LF wall.</font>

[ClockShot]

Yankees decline Andrew Brackman's option.

Killer B's 2.0 just lost a member.

[Droford]

Gold Gloves go out in 45 minutes. Im 100% confident Wieters wins at Catcher and I think Hardy should win at SS as he was much better defensively then Aybar and Cabrera, but he missed almost a month and that might hurt him. Markakis wont win, I think Hunter gets it in RF, but its nice to see him nominated.

[Triple Naitch]

Jeter will win again for being average.

[Droford]

Jeter isn't nominated. AL SS is Asdrubal Cabrera, JJ Hardy and Erick Aybar.

ESPN 2 at 10pm is the award show

[Triple Naitch]

There's an actual award show this year?

[Droford]

and its being pre-empted by a Northern Illinios/Toledo tuesday night football game that still has 12 minutes to go

rofl

[Droford]

silver slugger awards are tomorrow night on MLB network

MLB All Stars vs Taiwan All Stars is on now..how Jeremy Guthrie is an MLB all star is beyond me

[Droford]

lol theres a fat guy in the crowd with a dinosaur t-shirt and a doo-rag on his head yelling on mic to the crowd over the PA system

[Droford]

Matt Wieters wins! WHOO
Nick Markakis wins! Yay

JJ hardy will probably win the SS Silver Slugger Award then..and maybe comeback player..?

[Droford]

Potentially the entire list of winners...

AL: Buehrle, Wieters, Gonzalez, Pedroia, Aybar, Beltre, Gordon, Ellsbury, Markakis
NL: Kershaw, Molina, Votto, Phillips, Tulowitzki, Polanco, Parra, Kemp, Ethier

leaked from the press release which had players listed with a small font that seem to be the winners.

[ddpBANG]

I don't like that they changed it to position specific OF winners.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

nice they already put the list on espn.com

whoops

[Evil Vito]

I don't like that they changed it to position specific OF winners.

<font color=goldenrod>I do. The 3 OF positions are totally different. Under the old format it more often than not became CF-specific.</font>

[Skippord]

feel like the position specific OF fucked CarGo out of a Gold Glove

oh well

[ClockShot]

Frank McCourt throws in the towel. He's gonna sell off the L.A. Dodgers and Dodgers Stadium.

Current estimates put the sale price at $800 mil. - $1.2 billion.

[Gertner]

Gold Gloves go out in 45 minutes. Im 100% confident Wieters wins at Catcher and I think Hardy should win at SS as he was much better defensively then Aybar and Cabrera, but he missed almost a month and that might hurt him. Markakis wont win, I think Hunter gets it in RF, but its nice to see him nominated.

LaCava turned down the O's GM job. Good to see him stick with AA in Toronto, but I'm pretty surprised he didn't leave

[Triple Naitch]

I can't remember the last time that an assistant gm turned down an offer to become a general manager.

[Gertner]

Lol it's the O's job in the AL East. Chance of success= zero point zero

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Theo Epstein has informed Ryne Sandberg that he is not under consideration to be Cubs manager. The Cardinals have received permission from the Phillies to interview him.</font>

[Emperor Smeat]

Why do the Cubs management seem to dislike Sandberg a lot when it comes to taking a chance with him as manager?

This would be around the 3rd or 4th time they refuse to even consider him as an actual choice.

Theo wants a manager with MLB experience but when he helped the Red Sox hire Francona in 2004, he was around an average or "meh" in terms of record and time with Philly.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

the reason the Cubs have had so much success the past 100 years is because of solid front office decisions

[ClockShot]

D-Backs sign Connecticut's own John McDonald to a 2-year, $3 mil. deal.

Nats are close to bringing back Chien-Ming Wang on a new deal.

[ClockShot]

Your Silver Sluggers:

AL:

1B: Adrian Gonzalez
2B: Robinson Cano
SS: Asdrubral Cabrera
3B: Adrian Beltre
OF: Curtis Granderson
OF: Jose Bautista
OF: Jacoby Ellsbury
C: Alex Avila
DH: David Ortiz

NL:

1B: Prince Fielder
2B: Brandon Phillips
SS: Troy Tulowitski
3B: Aramis Ramirez
OF: Ryan Braun
OF: Matt Kemp
OF: Justin Upton
C: Brian McCann
P: Daniel Hudson

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Sounds about right.</font>

[Evil Vito]

Trying not to get my hopes up, but beat writers from every team linked to Reyes were interviewed and NONE of them expected their respective teams to get him, either due to budget cuts or not having room.

I still think some team will hit the panic button and blow him out of the water with an offer...but I will be ecstatic if Reyes had to settle for the Mets' offer and they found common ground at like 5 years, $90 or so million with incentives or an option.

[Triple Naitch]

I want Mike and his mustache as the Red Sox new manager. Bring in his brother as pitching coach.

[Droford]

Orioles claimed Darren O'Day off the waivers from the Rangers.

ive missed the Os having a submariner out in the bullpen

Chad Bradford..Todd Frohwirth..

ugh

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kl-4VYh7R3Y/SmvXPxEbAXI/AAAAAAAACNM/d1ujv-3vEs4/s320/93frohwirthtsc.jpg

thats looks like it hurts

[Emperor Smeat]

Not sure why ESPN keeps thinking Francona could join the Cubs as a potential manager when he had a lot of problems dealing with Theo last season alone. Supposedly those two were bickering and arguing enough to have management get involved to end the small "feud."


MLB released the list of the 10 candidates on the Veterans Committee ballot for this year's Hall of Fame voting:
• Gil Hodges
• Ron Santo
• Jim Kaat
• Luis Tiant
• Ken Boyer
• Minnie Minoso
• Tony Olivo
• Allie Reynolds
• Buzzie Bavasi
• Charlie Finley

The 2013 Hall of Fame ballot is going to be strong on the managers side because Bobby Cox, Tony La Russa, and Joe Torre will all be available as choices.

[Aguakate]

Tony LaRussa will already be on the HOF ballot in 2013?

[Aguakate]

Why do the Cubs management seem to dislike Sandberg a lot when it comes to taking a chance with him as manager?

This would be around the 3rd or 4th time they refuse to even consider him as an actual choice.

Theo wants a manager with MLB experience but when he helped the Red Sox hire Francona in 2004, he was around an average or "meh" in terms of record and time with Philly.

Well, he said the next manager has to have MLB coaching or managerial experience...he never said it had to be POSITIVE experience.

If I was Theo, I'd hire Mike Maddux.

[Gertner]

I'm surprised Cito Gaston hasn't gotten some Hall of Fame love.

[Triple Naitch]

Jim Thome's coming back to Philly.

[Triple Naitch]

http://mark.stubbornlights.org/phils/050204/thome1.jpg

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/L--AiPGAqSY" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[ClockShot]

Hmmm? Bit of an odd move going to the NL. Can the old man still field?

[Triple Naitch]

Can play 1B for a couple of months while Howard recovers. Then moves into the PH spot. Plus, he's very close with Charlie Manuel.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Thome should rake as per usual. That being said, he hasn't picked up a first baseman's mitt since 2007 and he'll be getting the starts til May or longer. It's hard not to like Thome...but hopefully this move will backfire.</font>

[Aguakate]

Is Jim Thome the "600 Home Run Club Member" who has played for the most teams? You wouldn't think a guy like that would move around so much.

Great guy, though. Future HOF'er.

[screech]

Love Jim Thome. Excited about this.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Jose Reyes has far too much fashion sense to wear these for the next 5+ years. Horrible.</font>

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v140/robbman21/MLB%20Retooled/MarlinsUnis1.png

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v140/robbman21/MLB%20Retooled/MarlinsUnis2.png

[weather vane]

what is with Miami and those stupid fucking colours?

[Aguakate]

Call me crazy, but I like 'em. That's what Miami is all about...bright colors, sunny weather, lively atmosphere, having fun...

...they're nice.

[Triple Naitch]

The black one's not too terrible.

[Aguakate]

They look like College Baseball uniforms...which is not bad, BTW.

[ClockShot]

O's gonna name Dan Duquette their new GM.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

orange and yellow hat

are you kidding

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>The orange and yellow hats are specifically designed to burn out the retinas of the opposing players.</font>

[ClockShot]

The Mets are looking for money again.

The deal is, you invest say $20 mil. and you get a stake in the team and 3% interest per year gets added over time, but you're locked in for 6 years. After the 6 years are up, you get your $20 mil. back with the interest tacked on. Or you can keep your money with the team altogether and keep your share.

The catch is, you don't have a way to get a majority ownership of the team.

[Emperor Smeat]

Could someone buy out the shares from others after 6 years as a way to increase their own share of the team?

Only real way would be to cover the $25 million loan owned to MLB because that could become a collateral piece which is something the Wilpons haven't been able to repay to MLB in time.

[Skippord]

who's watching the AFL Rising Stars game?

[Droford]

O's gonna name Dan Duquette their new GM.
I bet he backs out at the last minute like the last 2.

Actually considering he hasn't done anything in the Majors for almost 10 years, Im surprised only if he doesn't take the job. Only the Os would give the GM position to a guy that hasn't done anything on the Major League level for 10 years.

[Triple Naitch]

Duquette is more of a yes man than the others, which is why this job is so appealing to him. As much shit as he got in Boston for letting Clemens go, he did get Varitek, Lowe, Pedro, and developed Nomar and Vlad Guerrero (when he was Montreal's GM).

[Aguakate]

11/07/2011


Ron Washington's Game 7 pre-game speech is a bleeping, blanking winner



Rangers manager Ron Washington is not the first man to bend the truth, or lie, to the media. Seems Ron told the media before the start of Game 7 of the World Series that he didn't say anything out of the ordinary to his team. Baseball is not football in that rah-rah speeches are seldom delivered because there are just so many games.

But Ron, in fact, did go a little Knute Rockne on his team.

An audio file of Washington's speech to the team in the visitor's clubhouse in St. Louis has been found, and click here to listen to the raw audio.

Say this for the Rangers, from the sounds of this audio they were loose.

WARNING: This language isn't exactly straight out of a Disney movie. As to be expected with Wash', and baseball, this is over-loaded with language that would make a trucker blush.

Here are a pair of excerpts from this speech:

"When the series started I told you guys last night that it was seven games. Well, it's seven (bleeping) games. We've believed in each other throughout the whole (bleep bleep) year and there is no reason not to do it now. We knew how close we were last night but now we've found out how tough it is to win a World Series. It was one of the most tremendous baseball games that I have ever had the pleasure of being a part of and I hope you felt the same way. We were champions out there last night, and those (bleeping) guys were champions, too."

"We can play this (bleeping bleeping) game, ain't no doubt about it. We can beat those (bleeping bleepings) over there. No doubt about it. But I can tell you this - they are over there saying the same (bleeping bleeping) thing. Why? Because they are champions, too. And good (bleeping bleeping) champions. But we know we can beat those (blanking blankers). They aren't so sure about us."

Michael Young can be heard speaking up:"Fellas, we got this man. Last night was a (blank). It was an incredible game let's not think about last night. We can tell stories 20 years from now how we survived Game 6 and came back and sprayed champagne in Game 7."

And then Wash threw in this as well:
"Remember - all for one, one for all. ... It ain't nothin' but a (blanking blanking) game that we can play."


Read more: http://sportsblogs.star-telegram.com/mac-engel/2011/11/ron-washingtons-game-7-pre-game-speech-is-a-bleeping-blanking-winner.html#ixzz1cxioesS0

[ClockShot]

Royals trade Melky Cabrera to the Giants for Jonathan Sanchez.

Royals are gonna bring up their top guy Lorenzo Cain to play center field.

[Evil Vito]

Great trade by the Royals.

[Innovator]

Melkman :'(

[Emperor Smeat]

Dan Duquette signs 3 year deal to become the GM for the Orioles.

Originally Baltimore wanted Allard Baird, Red Sox VP of player personal and scouting, but he declined after hearing all the restrictions the job has and the Orioles looking more for a "yes" man to Angelo.


Yankees and CJ Wilson's agent officially start early talks but it appears to be more of a price driver to make Wilson more expensive than the Yankees actually wanting him now that CC is staying.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Hope the Yankees don't think their rotation is fixed just because they brought CC back.

[Innovator]

I am all for overpaying for CJ Wilson.

[Dragon]

Apparently the Marlins are interested in everybody. Reyes, Fielder, Pujols, Wilson, etc...

[ClockShot]

Marlins already said they're gonna spend. Gotta put asses in those seats to pay off that new stadium.

[ClockShot]

The ax finally fell in Minnesota after their disaster of a season.

GM Bill Smith has been fired. Terry Ryan has been named interim GM.

[Droford]

Apparently the Marlins are interested in everybody. Reyes, Fielder, Pujols, Wilson, etc...

and this guy

<iframe width="640" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/kREZHmOR1bg?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Hardkore Kidd J]

Hope the Yankees don't think their rotation is fixed just because they brought CC back.

I don't think the Yankees are gonna do that. They have been talking to CJ Wilson and basically all the pitchers. I really don't think they are done. At worst they are gonna sign Colon back on a 1 or 2 year deal as well. It is only November.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Welp, the Phillies are about to completely fuck up the market for free agent relievers. Getting close to a 4 year deal with Ryan Madson with a 5th year option - worth around $11 million a season. Holy fuck.

There goes the Mets' chances of signing a new closer. Better just dump that money into the Reyes Fund then.</font>

[Triple Naitch]

Phillies' CEO hasn't ok'd the deal yet. I don't think the yearly salary is too bad but relievers never get 4 years anymore after the BJ Ryan disaster.

[Aguakate]

<font color=goldenrod>Welp, the Phillies are about to completely fuck up the market for free agent relievers. Getting close to a 4 year deal with Ryan Madson with a 5th year option - worth around $11 million a season. Holy fuck.

There goes the Mets' chances of signing a new closer. Better just dump that money into the Reyes Fund then.</font>

If I was Theo I'd talk to the Mets about getting David Wright for Carlos Marmol and some prospects.

That would solve the Cubs' void at 3B left by Aramis Ramirez, and the Mets would have a Closer who can be good at times.

[Dragon]

I can't imagine a "closer that can be good at times" is what the Mets would look for as a centerpiece if they deal Wright.

[Aguakate]

He's got promise. He can be good.

It won't happen, but...

[screech]

If a guy only "can be good," you should not trade one your best players to get him.

[Aguakate]

It wouldn't be the first time.

[screech]

So you take a shot at the Mets (or whomever) for making a move like this, yet you're suggesting it be made?

You're an idiot.

[Triple Naitch]

Our first Latin American Winter Baseball disaster story of the season: Nationals Catcher Wilson Ramos has been kidnapped.

[Aguakate]

Our first Latin American Winter Baseball disaster story of the season: Nationals Catcher Wilson Ramos has been kidnapped.

LOL where'd you read that?

[Skippord]

people on twitter are reporting it all over

[Triple Naitch]

@Oficialtigres (http://twitter.com/#%21/Oficialtigres) Tigres de Aragua
Lamentablemente la noticia del secuestro de Wilson Ramos fué confirmada, presuntamente el mismo ocurrió en su casa en Valencia...

33 minutes ago (http://twitter.com/#%21/Oficialtigres/status/134432752698265600) via TweetDeck (http://www.tweetdeck.com/) Favorite (http://twitter.com/#) Retweet (http://twitter.com/#) Reply (http://twitter.com/#)

[Emperor Smeat]

Cubs currently interviewing Rangers pitching coach Mike Maddux while Cardinals were rumored to have started early talks with Terry Francona. Most likely if Cubs get Maddux, then the Red Sox would go after Tampa Bay's assistant manager.

Jorge Posda hints his career with the Yankees is officially over and has no interest in playing for them next year.

It appears either MLB or a judge has officially prevented the Dodgers from making any free agency moves until the sale of the team is completed so any plans for a Pujohls or Prince Fielder bid are on hold for the moment.

[Gertner]

Jays apparently in the running for Bailey, Papelbon or Nathan.

[Aguakate]

Cubs currently interviewing Rangers pitching coach Mike Maddux while Cardinals were rumored to have started early talks with Terry Francona.

Mike Maddux would be the best choice for the Cubs, but you've gotta wonder if his heart is 100% into managing right now. He's said that all his family is in Texas, that he feels comfortable there, and that if offered the job, he'd have to talk with his family and that it'd be a tough decision. So I don't know, I don't think he's 100% committed.

[Hardkore Kidd J]

Cubs currently interviewing Rangers pitching coach Mike Maddux while Cardinals were rumored to have started early talks with Terry Francona. Most likely if Cubs get Maddux, then the Red Sox would go after Tampa Bay's assistant manager.

Jorge Posda hints his career with the Yankees is officially over and has no interest in playing for them next year.

It appears either MLB or a judge has officially prevented the Dodgers from making any free agency moves until the sale of the team is completed so any plans for a Pujohls or Prince Fielder bid are on hold for the moment.

I wonder if they are planning on trading Loney. Either that or I guess they are gonna teach him how to play a different position.

[Aguakate]

I don't even know if the Dodgers can make any big moves until they're sold.

I wonder if this will be it for Don Mattingly as Dodger Manager, once new ownership comes in.

Also, I wonder if Joe Torre knew "something was up" and that is why he just retired and went to for for the Comissioner.

[ClockShot]

News and notes:

In an update to the Wilson Ramos kidnapping, the car has been found. And there are reports that he his still alive. Here's hoping for the best.

Clarifiying what Aguakate said above, Dodgers are not allowed to talk to any free agents until after the sale. Which could take about 4-6 months.

Rod Barajas to the Pirates. 1-year, $4 mil. with an option for 2013.

[Aguakate]

Clarifiying what Aguakate said above, Dodgers are not allowed to talk to any free agents until after the sale. Which could take about 4-6 months.




So it'll be another long summer in LA.

[Hardkore Kidd J]

What about trading? Can they do that before the sale is finalized? Cause 4-6 months they better just kiss getting Fielder or Pujols good bye. Cause by that point Pujols could be back on the Cards and Fielder could be on the Red Sox or the Cubs by that time.

[Triple Naitch]

They can probably make trades but not take on too much salary in the deal.

[MVP]

Looks like the Marlins are meeting with Pujols now. They're inquiring on everybody these days.

[Evil Vito]

A Marlins beat reporter has said that Reyes signing with them is "basically a done deal".

What a punch in the balls that would be. Going to a division rival, having to play him 17 times a year, no first round pick compensation, and a guaranteed 5th place finish for the Mets.

[Innovator]

Mets 2012 campaign is officially over according to Vito as of... November 11, 2011.

[Evil Vito]

You won't find an objective Mets fan that says otherwise. Reporters, scouts, and executives from around the league have echoed the same sentiment. Even Alderson has said that he is more focused on building for the long-term than he is for 2012.

It's the right decision. They've needed a rebuild for quite some time. 2012 will be the first year where I don't focus on win-loss record, but the development of their young players.

It's just that Reyes staying in the division would seriously suck. Hopefully the Brewers pony up a big deal and he goes there instead.

[Evil Vito]

Jonathan Papelbon to the Phillies. Hopefully can can still be known as Papelblown.

[weather vane]

Papelbon to Phillies...

Not exactly happy about this.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

lol going from Boston fans to Philly fans

that should help Papelbon's confidence for sure

[Emperor Smeat]

Not surprised he left considering the Red Sox have said the past couple of years they were not going to over spend trying to resign him nor make him now the #1 paid reliever overall (#2 in money per year) like the Phillies did.

He had a great year stats-wise last season but also contributed towards the collapse done by the pitching and bullpen side of the team. Before last year, his main problem was becoming bad at the worst times possible either in a game or stretch of games.

Only concern is Bard still has issues giving up bad HRs and he struggled more often than Papelbon in pressure situations.

[weather vane]

I wish we would have kept Papelbon.

[OssMan]

dammit wilson ramos is the future of the nationals

strasburg is nothing without him calling the game

[Triple Naitch]

Papelbon is a huge blow to the Red Sox. Bummed to see him leave, but at least now I get to see him play locally. Sox will probably now turn their attention to Heath Bell and Ryan Madson.

[Triple Naitch]

Marlins have made "substantial" offers to both Reyes and Pujols. All of the sudden, Florida looks like a big market team. Imagine a lineup with Reyes, Hanley, Stanton, and Pujols?

[weather vane]

Noway they get both Pujols AND Reyes.

[Hardkore Kidd J]

Is Hanley on his way out now then or does that mean he will probably be converted to a Outfielder?

And WOW, PAPS to the Phillies and just when I thought I could have liked the guy if he was playing on any other team. The Phillies are the only exception.

And I really don't think they'll get Pujols and Reyes. It's one or the other and maybe a pitcher. I am guessing Reyes and either Buerhle or CJ will be in Marlins Uniforms for 2012.

[Skippord]

authorities have apparently found Wilson Ramos safe in the mountains somewhere

[ClockShot]

Yeah. VZ National Guard and Cops pretty much went in guns blazing.

Happy to hear he's ok.

[The Gold Standard]

The craziest think about the whole Ramos kidnapping, is no one seemed to care that someone's life was in danger.

It took place in the middle of the Penn State fiasco and it was an after thought. It was a filler on SportsCenter.

[Aguakate]

I really like these new Marlins uniforms

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/CWg2PM_ypd0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[screech]

The only one that looks somewhat okay is the black one. The white one & orange one are both horrendous.

[Emperor Smeat]

It looks like any deal for Ryan Madson is starting at around 4 years $40-$44 million based on a failed deal Scott Boras tried with the Phillies.

Boras ended up blundering a bit with a potential Madson deal in Philly by saying a deal was in place when the Phillies never said one was being discussed and they were more interested in Papelbon. The Phillies ended up quickly rejecting the offer from Madson once it was officially made to them.

[OssMan]

I really like these new Marlins uniforms

<iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/CWg2PM_ypd0" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560"></iframe>
what ... the
hell

Miami teams need to stop with these offseason victory parades

next year the Dolphins are gonna have some mad party in the stadium for the new TV deal they will sign

[ClockShot]

Mike Matheny is your new Manager of the St. Louis Cardinals.

[SammyG]

god Pitbull sucks

[Triple Naitch]

Mike Matheny is your new Manager of the St. Louis Cardinals.

Catchers really do make the best managers. I still remember the collision that ended Matheny's career.

[ClockShot]

3 years ago. Brian Cashman traded Wilson Betemit and 2 minor leaguers to the White Sox for Nick Swisher and Kanekoa Teixeira.


Best. Robbery. Ever.

[Aguakate]

Ok, a couple hours ago I heard somewhere that Jose Reyes and the Marlins had agreed to a deal. I'm trying to think of where it was.

I've looked everywhere and I haven't found anything. But I DID hear it on tv.

[Skippord]

Sirius reported it and then the Marlins beat writer denied that it was finished

[Emperor Smeat]

It got debunked for now with the main issue being where to move Hanley Ramirez (either outfield or 3B).

[Aguakate]

Ok, I knew I'd heard that somewhere.

[screech]

Would Hanley actually play OF? And if he did, would he be any good at it?

[Skippord]

probably not, and no

didn't someone say he said he would move to third if they signed Reyes?

[screech]

He said he'd consider moving to third.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Matheny is a decent choice. That being said I feel bad for Jose Oquendo. 12 years standing at 3rd base, hoping the Cards job would open. It finally does and he's passed over for a guy with no coaching experience.</font>

[Triple Naitch]

Gotta wonder if Oquendo will stay on board now. I'm sure Dave Duncan will, but you've gotta think Jose's pride took a hit after being overlooked.

[Aguakate]

Also, will Mark McGwire come back?

[MVP]

Anybody doing the Free Agent Prediction Contest on mlbtraderumors.com? I'm 0 for 3 so far. :mad:

[ClockShot]

GM Meetings go down in Milwaukee today. Something might happen......

Rookie of the Year honors get announced at 1 pm. central by the BBWAA.

[Triple Naitch]

Anybody doing the Free Agent Prediction Contest on mlbtraderumors.com? I'm 0 for 3 so far. :mad:

Same

[Emperor Smeat]

ESPN is reporting the Dodgers are close to an 8 year, $160 million deal with Matt Kemp to keep him on the team.

The Dodgers are also expected to buyout his final year in the current contract for the new deal to take place since its not an extension but a brand new contract. They still seemed barred from making any real free agent signings unless its from their own team.

http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/mlb/story/_/id/7233500/sources-matt-kemp-los-angeles-dodgers-160-million-deal

[ClockShot]

Where's that money coming from?

[ClockShot]

Braves closer Craig Kimbrel and Rays starter Jeremy Hellickson are your 2011 Rookies of the Year. Kimbrel got all 32 first place votes in the NL.

[SammyG]

I have no idea how we're giving Kemp 160 million.

[Aguakate]

...Or WHY.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Yeah why would you give a 27 year old gold glove centerfielder who nearly hit the triple crown and 40/40 marks this season a ton of money?

IT MAKES NO SENSE I TELLS YA

[Supreme Olajuwon]

what the fuck do you mean why?

[Aguakate]

Not when you're in bankruptcy.

[ClockShot]

Anybody want Chone Figgins? Anybody? Mariners are willing to kick in some cash to take him off their hands.

Dodgers agree to a 2-year, $8.75mil. deal with Mark Ellis.

Aaron Hill stays with the D-Backs. 2-years, $11 mil.

[Innovator]

Not when you're in bankruptcy.
Because the team needs a reason for people to come to the games?

[RP]

Yeah why would you give a 27 year old gold glove centerfielder who nearly hit the triple crown and 40/40 marks this season a ton of money?

IT MAKES NO SENSE I TELLS YA

It's not like he's about to be the reigning NL mvp or anything.

[Hanso Amore]

Not when you're in bankruptcy.

So they should just not sign anyone? They are in bankruptcy but they still have an perating budget and will be purchased soon.

[Evil Vito]

As expected, Justin Verlander is the unanimous AL Cy Young winner. Now the only question is whether or not he'll win the AL MVP next week.

[Emperor Smeat]

No doubt he should win it primarily due to the other potential top contenders probably are going to split their votes (ex. Tex with Granderson, Gonzalez with Ellsbury).


It looks like the Cubs won't be dropping Carlos Zambrano after Theo said the team was willing to give him another chance but they will be loosing Aramis Ramirez due to his agent saying his time with the team is done and he has better offers available.

[Aguakate]

Aramis Ramirez's agent knows that Theo said they weren't going to sign him, so he's just trying to make Aramis look good.

[Innovator]

No doubt he should win it primarily due to the other potential top contenders probably are going to split their votes (ex. Cano with Granderson, Gonzalez with Ellsbury).


It looks like the Cubs won't be dropping Carlos Zambrano after Theo said the team was willing to give him another chance but they will be loosing Aramis Ramirez due to his agent saying his time with the team is done and he has better offers available.

[ClockShot]

Vito's buddy Omar Minaya showed up on the radar. Blue Jays offered him a scouting position. He's kicking it around right now.

Mark Kotsay goes back to San Diego. 1-year, $1.25 mil.

[Triple Naitch]

http://www.sportslogos.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Screen-shot-2011-11-15-at-09.32.25--1024x664.png

Sweet

[Aguakate]

Blue Jays also brought back the "Blue Jay".

Out with the new, in with the old.

...and it's not bad at all.

[Skippord]

really want the Rockies to sign Grady Sizemore or trade for Martin Prado

or just find a way to get rid of Ty Wigginton

[Droford]

hate the goofy looking fatheaded bird which is essentially a combo of the "proud bird" and "baby bird".

wanted the pissed off bird (5th one over)

http://mlblogscookandsonbats.files.wordpress.com/2010/10/9-orioles-evolution-thumb-550x412-2500281.jpg?w=550&h=412

http://www.interpretationbydesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/oriole-roid.gif

[RP]

Has Sizemore played more then a hundred games in the last 3 seasons combined?

[Skippord]

probably not

[Evil Vito]

Marlins offer Albert Pujols a 9 year, $225 million contract.

[Hardkore Kidd J]

Marlins offer Albert Pujols a 9 year, $225 million contract.

WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I highly doubt many teams will be able to top that except if Albert goes back to the Cards on a Discount.

[Emperor Smeat]

Cardinals announced if they lose Pujols, they won't offer a Pujols-like mega deal to Prince Fielder which could somewhat impact the value of Fielder this offseason (not by much).

Based on the potentially new CBA deal, MLB will have 6 months inter-league play, 15 teams per league, and 2 extra wild card spots.

MLB also offering a huge discount for the Astros new owner to purchase the team with the condition the Astros move to the AL by 2012/2013.

[screech]

Two extra wild cards? Not a fan. Eight playoff teams are enough.

I like the Astros moving to the AL. Assuming it'd be to the West to even the divisions.

[Evil Vito]

Joe Maddon and Kirk Gibson are Managers of the Year. There were some head-scratching 3rd place votes with Don Mattingly, Bruce Bochy, and Fredi Gonzalez getting votes.

[Aguakate]

I would just leave the voting in all categories to just the players, managers, and former players and managers, and take the writers off the equation.

Ditto for the HOF.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Players and managers pay less attention than the writers. They're busy playing baseball.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Also Gonzalez and Bochy aren't that strange of votes.

[Aguakate]

Bah, players know what's up. They know what it takes to succeed.

[RP]

I could make a case for Mattingly

[ClockShot]

Slow news day today. Here's what's noteworthy.

Terry Francona has withdrawn his name from Cubs manager consideration. Apparently, he's really bummed out not getting the Cardinals job.

About a week ago, the top pitcher coming out of Korea, Suk-Min Moon, hired super agent to the MLB stars Scott Boras to represent him as he makes the jump to the MLB. Today, he decided to stay in Korea with the Kia Tigers for the 2012 season.

Rafael Furcal seems to be next big sweepstakes. 8 teams are gunning for his services. 4 want him at 2nd base 3 of them being the Tigers, Blue Jays and Rockies. While the other 4 want him at shortstop, with one of those being the Brewers.

[Gertner]

Furcal would be interesting on toronto. Jays fans want Escobar moved to 2nd because he's getting fat lol, plus Hechivarra is coming up soon.

[Aguakate]

Apparently the Cubs have made an offer to Dale Sveum.

[ClockShot]

Tigers are close to signing a backup catcher. No idea who it is, but it's confirmed it ain't Kelly Shoppach.

Avila is going to be their everyday guy, Martinez is gonna be the DH.

EDIT: Turns out it was Gerald Laird. 1-year deal.

[MVP]

Apparently Tim Wakefield wants to pitch in 2012. Just retire already.

[ClockShot]

MLB owners approve the sale of the Astros to Jim Crane. Selig also confirmed that they'll move to the AL West at the start of the 2013 season.

[OssMan]

pujols is an asshole if he goes to florida

[Aguakate]

If I was Pujols, I'd make sure that if I sign with the Marlins, I'll actually play out my contract with them.

Carlos Delgado signed a pretty big deal with them in 2005, and then was traded to the Mets.

[Evil Vito]

Pretty disgusting that MLB outright forced the Astros to change leagues or else the sale wouldn't get approved. There is a lot of disappointment in Houston now - a lifelong NL team having to switch.

Can't say I blame them. I'd be crushed if my team had to start playing boring AL baseball.

[Evil Vito]

Also, a second wild card has been approved. One game playoff will be implemented. They're not sure if it'll take effect in 2012 or wait til 2013.

This might grow on me just because winning the division will mean something. Only downside is that the losing wild card team gets to add a postseason appearance to their record books even if they get bounced after one game.

[Dragon]

pujols is an asshole if he goes to florida

I wonder if Pujols, Reyes and Hanley are planning their Miami Heat-esque introduction show yet.

[Aguakate]

Pretty disgusting that MLB outright forced the Astros to change leagues or else the sale wouldn't get approved. There is a lot of disappointment in Houston now - a lifelong NL team having to switch.

Can't say I blame them. I'd be crushed if my team had to start playing boring AL baseball.

There's talk that both leagues may have a DH, so...

[Evil Vito]

Not gonna happen, they'll stay separate. Most executives, players, and fans prefer the NL game as you actually have to utilize your entire roster. The only reason they don't drop the DH is because the union has a hard on for extending the careers of old guys who can't play the field.

[Evil Vito]

Clayton Kershaw wins the Cy Young. Halladay, Lee, Kennedy, and Hamels round out the top 5 in that order.

[Emperor Smeat]

Pretty disgusting that MLB outright forced the Astros to change leagues or else the sale wouldn't get approved. There is a lot of disappointment in Houston now - a lifelong NL team having to switch.

Can't say I blame them. I'd be crushed if my team had to start playing boring AL baseball.

I thought it was more of if the new owner accepts then he gets a $70 million discount and the plans to have all the changes done by 2013 would still be in effect. If he said no, I'd assume the new CBA would have been changed as a result.

A lot of the resentment also seems split between leaving the NL and having been a mistake to place them in the NL to begin with due to "wasting" all those years of never having a Rangers-Astros local rivalry. Although a lot of blame should be on Selig for moving his Brewers to the NL instead of moving the Astros to the AL when realignment was needed.

[Hanso Amore]

As a Non Astros Fan I like this.

4 team division in the west is stupid.

Astros will have a much better chance to win.

Houston vs Texas is great.

[MVP]

At least it means that interleague play will now be going on all season instead of all of the games at once.

[weather vane]

Not liking the 5 team playoffs, even though it will be amazingly exciting. A one game playoff between the two wild card teams? I am not a fan of one game playoffs for anything other than a tie in the season.

[Dragon]

Yeah, not a fan of a 162 game season hinging on one game unless its actually necessary like in the case of ties.

I like that winning the division takes more importance and think that WC teams should be at a disadvantage but not a fan of the one game play in for the WC teams. But I'm also someone that thinks the Division Series is too short at 5 games.

Can't wait for the first time theres a tie for the second WC spot and theres a one game playoff to get to another one game playoff to finally get to the actual division series.

[weather vane]

that would be sickkk

[Triple Naitch]

Since they're adding another Wild Card team, then they need to make sure that the Wild Card winner definitely plays the #1 seed regardless of which division they are in. The #1 seed deserves some sort of advantage over the other three teams in the playoffs.

[Evil Vito]

Bobby Valentine has entered the Red Sox managerial hunt. Sox fans seem horrified by this, and I really don't know why. He was a successful, well-respected manager in both the bigs and Japan. They seem to be basing their entire opinion on his less than stellar ESPN Sunday Night Baseball run.

[Triple Naitch]

Valentine comes off as the same type of laid back manager that Tito was. That's the last thing they need.

[Hanso Amore]

I love the idea of giving someone a one game shot at wrestling the Wild Card Spot from the Yankees/Red Sox/Rays

[Hanso Amore]

And that comes as a Yankees fan.

[Droford]

I love the idea of giving someone a one game shot at wrestling the Wild Card Spot from the Yankees/Red Sox/Rays

In other words you like the idea that the AL East is gonna send 3 teams to the playoffs pretty much every year.

[weather vane]

http://storage.canoe.ca/v1/dynamic_resize/?src=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Baseball/MLB/Toronto/2011/11/18/1297213861386.jpg&size=250x600&quality=85

New logo on the right. I like it!

[Aguakate]

Great to see the new Blue Jays' uniform:



http://i39.tinypic.com/jzh1ja.jpg

[Emperor Smeat]

Valentine comes off as the same type of laid back manager that Tito was. That's the last thing they need.

If worse comes to worst, he could always wear a disguise to fool the players thinking he's someone else like that one time he fooled the umpires by wearing a mustache in the dugout.

It appeared as if the Red Sox were leaning towards Dale Sveum for the new manager but the Cubs got him right after the Red Sox gave him a 2nd interview.

[Aguakate]

Bobby Valentine is exactly what those "divas" the Red Sox have on their roster need. Those players need some fire, and Bobby won't put up with the BS that Terry Francona put up with and let happen.

[Skippord]

Bobby Valentine looks like a leprechaun, just throwing that out there

[Hanso Amore]

In other words you like the idea that the AL East is gonna send 3 teams to the playoffs pretty much every year.

Well, good point. If they have the best records then yes. But Its a better chance for teams like the Twins and Angels to sneak in past them.

[ClockShot]

MLB and players agree to a new CBA. We got baseball for another 5 years.

Ryan Doumit to the twins. 1-year, $3 mil.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Surprised Doumit couldn't get a starting gig somewhere. He's a pretty good hitter for a catcher and is at least passable behind the plate.

[Hanso Amore]

Surprised Doumit couldn't get a starting gig somewhere. He's a pretty good hitter for a catcher and is at least passable behind the plate.

I bet he gets alot of play. Mauer hitting DH, playing first, and being injured quite a bit.

[Triple Naitch]

Doumit gets injured a lot too though. He and Mauer splitting time between DH and C gives them both some much needed breaks.

[Triple Naitch]

http://i39.tinypic.com/jzh1ja.jpg

Love the jersey, but I'd rather them use this hat.

http://prime-merchandise.com/jpg/newera/NewEra-TorontoBlueJays2.jpg

[Droford]

there can't be two AL East Teams with Trucker hats

[Triple Naitch]

God forbid

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>The Mets have new uniforms for next year as well to celebrate their 50th anniversary.

http://images.scribblelive.com/2011/11/16/3c9b27c3-1d4c-454a-8423-746d8760031c_400.png

http://metspolice.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Mets-2012-jerseys.jpg

Love it. Removing the black dropshadow from the text was a great move. Also they are apparently only wearing the blue caps this year, with the exception of black jersey days which are going to be greatly scaled back and probably eliminated by 2013 in favor of the slick orange-on-blue jersey.

Great move. The Mets wore blue caps with their road greys once in 2008 and people have been calling for it to return ever since.</font>

[Triple Naitch]

The away jersey looks nice. For some reason, I don't like pinstripes with the Mets color scheme.

[Aguakate]

I remember a time when MLB did their "Turn Ahead The Clock" thing, where they had teams come out wearing what they thought would be the jerseys those teams would be wearing in the future, in the new millenium.

Funny thing is that instead of adopting the "futuristic look", teams haven't changed their uniforms much, for the most part (thankfully), and in the case of the Blue Jays, Mets and Orioles, some are actually going back to their classic look.


http://i.imgur.com/egrvs.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/93h7C.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/TU9C5.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/ijbUy.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/rkWC8.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/p2FML.jpg

[ClockShot]

Indians are trying their hardest to keep Grady Sizemore around for another year.

Dunno. Guy keeps getting injured, but I understand he's a fixture on that team. One more for the gipper I suppose.

[OssMan]

kris benson was the most notable pirate at the time that photo was taken

[screech]

That Rockies one is great.

[Hanso Amore]

http://i39.tinypic.com/jzh1ja.jpg

Love the jersey, but I'd rather them use this hat.

http://prime-merchandise.com/jpg/newera/NewEra-TorontoBlueJays2.jpg

Love hats like that.

Actually buried my Grandfather with a hat just like that. He loved the Jays, no idea why :(

[Supreme Olajuwon]

I bet that giant Pirates logo would make the ball really hard to pick up for hitters. Probably the Rockies one too.

[Skippord]

had the Rockies just gone with those uniforms full time they wouldn't have had to put in the humidor

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Those unis were ridiculous. Love how everybody just made blown up versions of their logos...whereas the Mets inferred that the franchise would be moved to another fucking planet. Insane lol.</font>

[Skippord]

they should bring those back like once a year, I would probably buy one

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>So apparently yesterday was the day where teams had to add prospects to their 40-man rosters to keep them from being Rule 5 draft eligible. The Mets actually added a whopping 7 players: RHP Jeruys Familia, LHP Robert Carson, 2B Reese Havens, SS Wilmer Flores, OF Kirk Niewenhuis, OF Cesar Puello, and OF Juan Lagares.

Familia, Flores, Puello, and Lagares appear to be at least 2 years away...kinda shocked they've been in the organization long enough where they already have to go on the 40 man. Carson's probably not ready, but will get a token look as a potential 2nd lefty in the pen. Captain Kirk and Havens, if they stay healthy, should probably see their first big league action in 2012 even if its just as September call-ups.

I could see teams taking flyers on pitchers Brad Holt or Collin McHugh in the Rule 5 draft. I'm a little surprised the Mets didn't throw 3B Jefry Marte onto the 40-man, but the odds of a 20 year old position player who hasn't passed Single A yet staying on a big league roster aren't very good.</font>

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Pretty important new change to the CBA: Type A relievers no longer force you to forfeit your 1st round pick. Reason being that every year there are set up guys/middle relievers who get fucked over because no team will forfeit a 1st rounder for a middle reliever.

Phillies still have to forfeit a pick for Papelbon since the signing happened under the old CBA. Bell, K-Rod, and Madson can all be had without losing a pick.</font>

[Emperor Smeat]

Probably would also change how teams deal with Type A players because a lot of times they get put on a waiver as a test to see what the potential trade value could be knowing full well no team can just take them without giving up something (ex. Red Sox with Papelbon a bunch of times).

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>The Padres also got screwed by this because they probably would have traded Bell had they known they wouldn't get draft picks for him.

Of course, the likely landing spot for him was the Cardinals and it wound up being a non-issue.</font>

[ClockShot]

from mlbtraderumors.com

Selig is gonna pay a visit to San Francisco within 2 weeks and chat with the Giants top brass about the A's creeping into their turf.

The A's want to relocate to San Jose and build a new stadium there. The Giants got alot of fans in that part of the area and they don't want to be drawn away to the new A's stadium in the future. They need 3.2 million fans to break even on their $130 mil. payroll this upcoming season.

If the Giants don't loosen up on their turf rights, MLB might buy the club, get a new stadium deal, and turn around and sell it off again.

[Hanso Amore]

from mlbtraderumors.com

Selig is gonna pay a visit to San Francisco within 2 weeks and chat with the Giants top brass about the A's creeping into their turf.

The A's want to relocate to San Jose and build a new stadium there. The Giants got alot of fans in that part of the area and they don't want to be drawn away to the new A's stadium in the future. They need 3.2 million fans to break even on their $130 mil. payroll this upcoming season.

If the Giants don't loosen up on their turf rights, MLB might buy the club, get a new stadium deal, and turn around and sell it off again.

Is SJ that much closer to SF than Oakland? Maybe I dont understand the dynamics of the Bay Area. Though Oakland and SF were right across the bay from each other, and SJ was a bit further north. Wouldnt Oakland moving to SJ cause more Oakland area peeps to go into the SF zone?

[Triple Naitch]

http://www.ca.sandia.gov/about/assets/images/bay_area_map.gif

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>I wonder if the team would become the San Jose Athletics or if they'd get a new name. They've already moved once and kept the Athletics name.</font>

[Aguakate]

If the Orioles and Nationals could make it work, the Giants and A's should as well.

[ClockShot]

Philllies aquire Ty Wigginton from the Rockies for a PTBNL or Cash. Both teams will split his 2012 $4 mil. salary.

[Triple Naitch]

http://a3.twimg.com/profile_images/1636207325/LoMo_Miami_Marlins_normal.jpg
LoMoMarlins (http://twitter.com/#%21/LoMoMarlins) Logan Morrison



Congrats to the phillies on getting Ty! Great dude and I'm gonna love talking sh** to him!

[Skippord]

I would like for the A's to be called The San JosA's if they move

[Skippord]

also WOOOO NO MORE TY WIGGINTON NOT HITTING IN SCORING POSITION

[ClockShot]

Mariners outfielder Greg Halman was stabbed to death in The Netherlands and his brother has been arrested as a suspect.

[Triple Naitch]

Holy shit. I remember watching him play at the WBC and thought he had some potential.

[Skippord]

yeah watched him in a few Mariners games and Spring Training

feel pretty bad about this

[Evil Vito]

Horrible news. :( RIP

[Hardkore Kidd J]

I don't think I have ever felt this horrible about a Baseball player dying since Nick Adenhart. So young, So much Potential.

[Aguakate]

Justin Verlander is the 2011 AL MVP.

[Evil Vito]

Normally think MVP should be reserved for position players, but fuck it...love Verlander.

[Evil Vito]

Reading comments by Yanks, Red Sox, and Jays fans and there is just rage from all sides.

[Aguakate]

I love the point Harold Reynolds made: "Justin Verlander might not even be the MVP of his TEAM!" (Referring to Miguel Cabrera)

[Splaya]

Fuck anyone that doesnt think Verlander didn't deserve the MVP award. The only person who has an argument was Jacoby

[Gertner]

Bautista was robbed. Verlander shouldn't be top 5.