MLB Exhibition Games 2013 Thread

[DaveWadding]

Justin Upton is a future MVP. Chase Headley has had one good season.

[Damian Rey]

I agree. But he's under contract for one more year longer than Headley is under control through arbitration. The Padres, adding Upton in exchange for Headley, are not any better than they were with Headley and without Upton.

The Padres might, MIGHT compete in one of the next three years, if their prospects pan out. I doubt they have the funds to sign Upton to a deal over 5-7 years worth $20 mil/year when his current contract is up. Not worth it unless Upton is being added on to a team with Headley still on it.

[Ermaximus]

http://www.gannett-cdn.com/media/USATODAY/gameon/2012/12/27/braves-4_3_r560.jpg?f061b7ce9937c38b702e6f308816ac2a14e2a4ec


I dunno, it's kinda racist. I dunno if it's more racist than the Indians logo.

Dunno why the Braves would even want to bring the logo back and have this conversation.

It Stinks!

[Damian Rey]

LaRoche signs with the Nats for two years. Good deal for Washington since they stuck to their guns on a two year deal and got who they wanted for what they wanted.

[RP]

Rangers expect Ian Kinsler to remain at second base; Profar likely headed for minors
0 10

comments (3)
By Evan Grant/Blogger
egrant@dallasnews.com
9:04 pm on January 7, 2013 | Permalink

ARLINGTON – In addition to announcing the signing of Lance Berkman on Monday to be the team’s primary DH, Rangers GM Jon Daniels also tried to clear up the muddled roster picture.

Here’s the breakdown on what he said:

1. Ian Kinsler, who was at one point likely headed for a move from second to first, will almost certainly remain at second base.

2. Mitch Moreland will get a shot to play first base full-time.

3. Jurickson Profar will get a shot to win a job this spring, but the club is open to returning him to the minor leagues if such an opportunity doesn’t present itself.

“We’ve got a lot of different guys and a lot of different attractive options,” Daniels said shortly after introducing Berkman. “The reality is that we have a really attractive young option in Profar, but we will let things play out. If it happens naturally that things play out that way, that’s usually better. We’re not going to try to manipulate anything.”

In mid-December, Daniels indicated the team was leaning towards having Kinsler do a considerable amount of work during spring training at first base with the idea he could be the team’s regular first baseman. That would have created an opening for Profar and left Moreland in limbo.

Moreland, who will play the majority of the season at the age of 26 in 2013, has never gotten a full-time opportunity. He has been hurt for significant amounts of time in each of the last two years and when healthy, he’s had very few at-bats against left-handed hitters. Moreland is a left-handed hitter, had only 46 at-bats vs. lefties in 2012. He hit .239 with a .280 OBP. For his career, he is a .239 hitter with a .298 OBP and four homers in 177 career at-bats vs. lefties.





STUPID

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>The Mets have sent out invoices for All Star Game festivities. Everything (game, HR derby, Futures Game, Softball game, etc.) is being sold together as a package deal.

Fucking $723 for the worst seats at Citi Field</font> :|

[YOUR Hero]

How many did you buy?

[Keith]

In honor of tomorrow being the day the 2013 Baseball Hall of Fame inductees are announced, here is my 2013 Baseball Hall of Fame ballot:

1) Barry Bonds

2) Roger Clemens

3) Sammy Sosa

4) Curt Schilling

5) Jeff Bagwell

6) Craig Biggio

7) Mike Piazza

8) Rafael Palmeiro

9) Edgar Martinez

10) Fred McGriff

[The Condor]

Bagwell, Biggio, Piazza, Edgar Martinez, Larry Walker.

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

In honor of tomorrow being the day the 2013 Baseball Hall of Fame inductees are announced, here is my 2013 Baseball Hall of Fame ballot:

1) Barry Bonds

2) Roger Clemens

3) Sammy Sosa

4) Curt Schilling

5) Jeff Bagwell

6) Craig Biggio

7) Mike Piazza

8) Rafael Palmeiro

9) Edgar Martinez

10) Fred McGriff

Clearly you aren't on any Posting Enhancement drugs with this list. :)

Edgar's would be better if Schilling was included. #BloodySock.

[The Condor]

As a Yankees fan I am genetically unable to even utter that man's name.

[Keith]

That's who I'd vote for.

But out of those ten, I think only Craig Biggio and Mike Piazza have a shot at making it later today.

And maybe Schilling.

[Evil Vito]

How many did you buy?

<font color=goldenrod>None, the ASG would be fun to go to but I'm not shelling out that much for a glorified exhibition game.</font>

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>If Piazza doesn't get in, I fucking riot. Don't see how he couldn't be considered a first ballot guy unless the crotchety old voters decide that everybody who played in the 90's/early '00s automatically roided. Which given that Bagwell is inexplicably already on try #3 at getting into the Hall, it wouldn't be too surprising.</font>

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>The voters would be well advised to at least let some guys in this year, considering that next year there already figures to be more of a logjam (Maddux and Glavine are locks plus you have Thomas and Mussina to get debate as well).</font>

[The Condor]

Frank Thomas is not a debate, the man is as close to a sure thing as you can get in the steroids era. His stats are nuts, and he's a naturally big, genetically freaked Bo Jakson type of guy. I remember when he was in Toronto and in the on-deck circle he would swing a 40lb rebar bar rather than a bat. Dude is just a monster

[screech]

Love Frank Thomas. So good.

[Evil Vito]

Frank Thomas is not a debate, the man is as close to a sure thing as you can get in the steroids era. His stats are nuts, and he's a naturally big, genetically freaked Bo Jakson type of guy. I remember when he was in Toronto and in the on-deck circle he would swing a 40lb rebar bar rather than a bat. Dude is just a monster

Agreed. But tell that to voters who will be all like. "A DH in the Hall? NOPE!!!" The HOF is mostly bulllshit at this point.

[screech]

<font color=goldenrod>None, the ASG would be fun to go to but I'm not shelling out that much for a glorified exhibition game.</font>

But, it counts now!!!

[Emperor Smeat]

Nobody made it this year for the Hall. Craig Biggio was the closest at 68%.

Schillings did better than Clemens who did better than Bonds but all three did better than McGwire in the first year.

[Keith]

Terrible.

[Triple Naitch]

Disgusting.

[Evil Vito]

Shut down the HOF. It is officially pointless.

[screech]

What a joke.

[Keith]

These voters mean to tell us that no player who's in the HOF already used PED's back in the day, when they weren't illegal? That's a joke. I'm sure we have HOF'ers who used.

[ClockShot]

Figured Jack Morris would make it in. Next year is his last.

But yeah, crazy NOBODY is going in this year.

[RoXer]

Everyone is outraged about these hats and yet no one is talking about the HOF

[RoXer]

MLB To Introduce “Interview Caps.” You Know, For Interviews.

http://deadspin.com/5974474/mlb-to-introduce-interview-caps-you-know-for-interviews



http://img.gawkerassets.com/img/17smjh55wt234jpg/avt-small.jpg Barry Petchesky

How funny! I was just saying to myself the other day, "MLB needs more caps. Sure, they've got home caps, road caps, alternate caps, throwback caps, second alternate caps, batting practice caps, road batting practice caps, fashion caps, and playoff caps for each round, but that's not nearly enough caps. If only someone could make some more caps."
Someone heard my prayer, because Uni Watch's Paul Lukas is reporting that MLB will be introducing "Interview Caps" for every team. (http://www.uni-watch.com/2013/01/09/mlb-comes-up-with-such-a-assinine-idea-i-wont-even-bother-to-explain-it-in-this-url/) The Mets' cap, seen above, is the only one to come out so far, so we'll leave the style critiques to the experts (it's hideous). Instead we'll ask: What the hell is this thing for?
According to MetsBro, a blogger who first leaked the design yesterday, (http://www.metsbro.com/#%21blog/c1r8o) "From what I hear its purpose is to be worn during interviews and off-the-field stuff (charity events, blood drives, etc.). Unlike the NHL's version, however, it will not be mandatory for players/coaches to wear the cap during interviews. It's more if just a ‘Here if you want it' type of thing."
As pointed out, the NHL already has specific caps for players to wear when meeting with the media, and the NFL will fine anyone who doesn't wear officially licensed gear. (http://deadspin.com/5944705/) So the fact that MLB's interview caps aren't mandatory would seem benevolent. But then—why bother at all? To have more caps, dummy! It'd be foolish to have fewer caps, and to keep the same number of caps? Well, that's no solution at all! More caps! More caps is the only way! Caps available for sale at your team's clubhouse store, or online at MLB.com. Caps! Caps for everyone! Buy more caps and support America!




http://img.gawkerassets.com/img/18ayzlpiawezcjpg/original.jpg

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Fitted trucker caps with a pre-worn bill! Hell yeah! Best day ever.

[Keith]

So if a player is taking batting practice during spring training, and a reporter asks for a quick interview, he's gonna run into the clubhouse, get his "interview cap", and come back out?

[Supreme Olajuwon]

if they wanna look fly they will

[screech]

you know that's right

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

Pretty pathetic nobody got in this year. They need to expand the people who can vote. They should include more members of the media other than just nerdy baseball writers.

[Keith]

I would just have HOF members vote. They know what it takes to do Spring Training, play 162 games (or 154), play the LDS, LCS, and World Series. They know what it takes to have a HOF career.

I don't want fucking Howard Bryant turning in an empty ballot as he did this time around. That's a joke.

[Droford]

I do not like the rumored 3 team trade where the orioles get some scrubs from the cubs, the tigers get jj hardy and the cubs get porcello

[Emperor Smeat]

I would just have HOF members vote. They know what it takes to do Spring Training, play 162 games (or 154), play the LDS, LCS, and World Series. They know what it takes to have a HOF career.

I don't want fucking Howard Bryant turning in an empty ballot as he did this time around. That's a joke.

Think they already do that with the Veterans Committee and end up just like the writers when it comes to be stringent towards new members.

Then again I think they are worse overall unless its a specialty year the MLB promotes (ex. Negro Leagues year, etc).

[ClockShot]

Kosuke Fukudome goes home to Japan. Signed with the Hanshin Tigers for 3-years, $5.5 mil.

Can't remember the last time so many players picked up sticks and went to play for Japan. Alot of Japanese born players are going back and and good chunk of MLB talent is going over as well this offseason.

[The Condor]

Good, Andruw Jones is not welcome here.

[The Condor]

As for the HOF voting today, I have to say I knew something like this would happen and I don't begrudge voters for punishing these guys for a year or two, because eventually most will probably get in. Peeved at how they treated Biggio, Bagwell, Piazza and Edgar but it is what it is. As for Morris, Murphy, Schilling and Mattingly--- they are just not good enough. I was against Santo and Jim Rice going in because I feel you have to draw a line where there are best players NOT in the HOF, and the velvet line starts with guys like that. The exclusivity of MLB's HOF is what makes it more special than the others. No-name guys and filler go into the NFL's because they have to have 7-8 guys every year and it diludes the accomplishment. The MLB might be strict, but I would rather that than include guys like Chris Hanburger, Charlie Wehrly and Charlie Sanders like the NFL has done. Anyway, Clemens, Bonds will get in eventually as will the other guys I mentioned (and hopefully Larry Walker) but it is what it is and I'm not going to cry about it, even Bernie Williams not making the 5%.

[weather vane]

So dumb that some of these guys aren't getting in. Ridiculous.

[Keith]

http://espn.go.com/blog/boston/red-sox/post/_/id/24346/schilling-fitting-that-no-one-got-hall-call

According to Curt Schilling, he believes that voters didn't elect anybody this year because they wanted to punish those who are believed to have used PED's as well as those that didn't, but didn't do anything to point out that PED use was going on.

I don't like it. These voters aren't supposed to send any messages. Their job is to elect those players whose numbers warrant being in the HOF. That simple. Any voter that wants to send a message can go write a blog.

You want to know how "seriously" these writers take voting people into the HOF?

Aaron Sele and Steve Finley got HOF votes.

[Droford]

Pete rose will get in before any of these guys just because he's probably gonna die first

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Pete Rose is the best

[screech]

Free Pete Rose!

[Keith]

If Pete Rose was ever reinstated, I'm sure these writers wouldn't vote for him the first time he appears on the ballot.

You know, just to send "a message".

[Bad News Gertner]

Jack Morris should be in. One of the best if not the best big game pitchers of his era.

[Damian Rey]

3.9 career era, 5k/9 career. Morris doesn't belong anywhere near the Hall. Schilling on the other hand, deserves the nod. As did Piazza and Biggio.

I hate the way things go down, making people wait,but until a newer, more modern writers get in, I think the current trend of guys waiting despite being worthy will continue.

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

If Pedro doesn't get in on the first ballot in 2015 I'm going to fucking riot.

Morris:
254-186
Three World Championships
World Series MVP.
5-Time All Star (before it became a fan-infected popularity contest)
21-win season in his 16th year in the league.

Deserves it.

[Damian Rey]

No he does not. Career numbers are decent, at best. Schilling blows him away in postseason stats. Morris was a good pitcher on great teams. But he's not one of the best ever. The only arguments people can make for him are cherry picked stats (see above post) and made up characteristics, aka intangibles.

[YOUR Hero]

BIGGIO DOESN'T DESERVE TO BE LINKED TO THESE GUYS FOR YEARS TO COME AS A FOOTNOTE OF "WHO GOT IN WHEN THE OTHERS.....[\]"

FOR THAT REASON I'M HAPPY HE DIDN'T GET IN THIS YEAR.

[ClockShot]

MLB has decided to eliminate land line bullpen phones and have partnered with T-Mobile to make a wireless network in all the stadiums.

http://riveraveblues.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Bullpen-phones.jpg


The "dock".

http://riveraveblues.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Bullpen-phone-dock.jpg



So how long before a manager or bench coach loses the bullpen phone?

[Innovator]

I give it two weeks before players hide the phones from the managers as a prank

[Skippord]

I was really hoping the manager would just have the phone in his pocket

[The Condor]

No he does not. Career numbers are decent, at best. Schilling blows him away in postseason stats. Morris was a good pitcher on great teams. But he's not one of the best ever. The only arguments people can make for him are cherry picked stats (see above post) and made up characteristics, aka intangibles.

Jim Kaat has 30 more wins and something like 14 Gold Gloves as a pitcher. If he is not in, and he is off the ballot now, Jack Morris certainly doesn't get in. Have to draw the line somehwere and pity for Morris he is on the outside.

[Hanso Amore]

Im "OK" with keeping know offenders out, Im OK with them going in.

But the way in which Baseball writers conduct their voting every year is a fucking joke.

Their job is to select the best players to be enshrined in the Hall of fame. They act like Guardians of the Hall of Fame, keeping certain guys out, putting others that might not need to go in.

The Hall of Fame is a place to remember the history of baseball. Its a place for the history of the game to be documented and the players involved remembered. They act like its a non stop party celebrating the best players and they need to "protect the hall" and baseball integrity. NO. They were chosen as the means to populate the hall with the greats of all time.

Love them or hate them, Bonds and Clemens and Sosa and Big Mac are all huge parts of the game and need to be placed into the hall at some point as part of the history of the game.

I heard a great guy talking on the radio exactly about this and how the Hall is a Museum of Baseball and they need to cut the shit with heir Moral High Horses. If they want to go about this as they are, time to take out all the players from segregated leagues. Throw that drunk racist Ty Cobb on the street.

I hate Baseball writers and hate what they have turned the hall of fame into.

[Droford]

I wonder how silly they feel installing those bullpen phones in stadiums where the bullpen is done the foul line from the dugout and they never used a phone to start with..

[Hanso Amore]

I wonder how silly they feel installing those bullpen phones in stadiums where the bullpen is done the foul line from the dugout and they never used a phone to start with..

Probably not all that silly. MLB just cares about T mobile paying them cash for advertising, and To Mobile is happy to have its product on the field.

Neither give a shit about practicality or even if it works, and that wasnt even part of their motivation.

[Emperor Smeat]

http://riveraveblues.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Bullpen-phone-dock.jpg



So how long before a manager or bench coach loses the bullpen phone?

Seeing as there are 4 phones, MLB probably already knows one is getting lost on Opening Day.

If those phones can make calls outside of the stadium its probably only a matter of time until the cameras catch a pizza or Chinese delivery guy in the dugout during a game.

[RoXer]

I'm assuming they're leaving the landlines in, just in case?

[RoXer]

Just in case an EMP blast from the Koreans blows out all electronics which is something Droford probably believes will happen

[RoXer]

Yo, Spring Training tickets for the stupid Giants went on sale today at 11 and my sister and her kids are coming down to see some games.

So we're at our computers waiting to buy them, also gunna call the office too.

Fucking A's/Giants sold out at 11:07. Seven minutes. And at like 2.5 times the normal value too.

Which means they're going to be resold at like 4 times that. Unreal. I'm not paying $50 for a spring training ticket. I'm sure as shit not going pay 4 times that from someones else. I can't even do the math when it comes to numbers that high. Need my calcumalator.

[RoXer]

two thousand dollars??!?!?!?!

[Keith]

Shit just got real.


http://i45.tinypic.com/2ecf320.png

[Frank Drebin]

That phone dock looks like it should sell tampons and Spanish fly.

Can't wait to see a guy like Charlie Manuel try to use that for the first time.

[Frank Drebin]

Shit just got real.


http://i45.tinypic.com/2ecf320.png

Pretty sweet. Still waiting on instant replay.

[Frank Drebin]

Also, a couple of years ago the Cubs put a nice new Gatorade machine in the dougout. It lasted about 6 weeks before someone (dempster?) took a bat to it. Should do a straw pull on when the first phone bank gets destroyed.

[The Condor]

I think Big Z was the one swinging at the gatorade machine

[Keith]

That phone dock looks like it should sell tampons and Spanish fly.

Can't wait to see a guy like Charlie Manuel try to use that for the first time.

LOL or Jim Leyland.

[RoXer]

Sammy Sosa. Yes, I'm the real Sammy Sosa, and this is my Pinterest.Sammy Sosa. Yes, I'm the real Sammy Sosa, and this is my Pinterest.Sammy Sosa. Yes, I'm the real Sammy Sosa, and this is my Pinterest.Sammy Sosa. Yes, I'm the real Sammy Sosa, and this is my Pinterest.Sammy Sosa. Yes, I'm the real Sammy Sosa, and this is my Pinterest.Sammy Sosa. Yes, I'm the real Sammy Sosa, and this is my Pinterest.Sammy Sosa. Yes, I'm the real Sammy Sosa, and this is my Pinterest.Sammy Sosa. Yes, I'm the real Sammy Sosa, and this is my Pinterest.Sammy Sosa. Yes, I'm the real Sammy Sosa, and this is my Pinterest.Sammy Sosa. Yes, I'm the real Sammy Sosa, and this is my Pinterest.Sammy Sosa. Yes, I'm the real Sammy Sosa, and this is my Pinterest.Sammy Sosa. Yes, I'm the real Sammy Sosa, and this is my Pinterest.Sammy Sosa. Yes, I'm the real Sammy Sosa, and this is my Pinterest.Sammy Sosa. Yes, I'm the real Sammy Sosa, and this is my Pinterest.Sammy Sosa. Yes, I'm the real Sammy Sosa, and this is my Pinterest.Sammy Sosa. Yes, I'm the real Sammy Sosa, and this is my Pinterest.Sammy Sosa. Yes, I'm the real Sammy Sosa, and this is my Pinterest.Sammy Sosa. Yes, I'm the real Sammy Sosa, and this is my Pinterest.Sammy Sosa. Yes, I'm the real Sammy Sosa, and this is my Pinterest.Sammy Sosa. Yes, I'm the real Sammy Sosa, and this is my Pinterest.Sammy Sosa. Yes, I'm the real Sammy Sosa, and this is my Pinterest.Sammy Sosa. Yes, I'm the real Sammy Sosa, and this is my Pinterest.

[RoXer]

http://pinterest.com/sammysosamr609/sammy-sosa-sammy-sosa-official-pinterest/

[Supreme Olajuwon]

I didn't know Justin Upton had a no trade clause, but apparently he just used it to veto a trade to Seattle.

[The Condor]

Good for him. Wouldn't want to go to that hell hole

[Keith]

If Justin Upton went to the Mariners and had to play 81 games at Safeco, his career would die.

[Frank Drebin]

Wonder how different a guy like "crazy" Edgar Martinez or even Jay Buhner's numbers would look if they played their careers in Safeco.

[The Condor]

Wonder how different a guy like "crazy" Edgar Martinez or even Jay Buhner's numbers would look if they played their careers in Safeco.

Are you flirting, Frank?

[The Condor]

By the way, Edgar was one of my favorites growing up even though he broke a little boys heart in the '95 ALDS

[Keith]

Wonder how different a guy like "crazy" Edgar Martinez or even Jay Buhner's numbers would look if they played their careers in Safeco.

In Edgar Martinez's case, you could also ask yourself how different his numbers would be had he been called-up earlier.

I think he was like 26 or 27 when he was called-up.

[RoXer]

Safeco is moving in their fences too this year, I think

[Frank Drebin]

Are you flirting, Frank?

There is no flirting in Baseball.

[Keith]

There is no flirting in Baseball.

According to A-Rod, there is. Especially during the playoffs.

[Frank Drebin]

Hey-yo

That's what Ryan Braun calls it, but it has a different meaning to him.

[owenbrown]

http://larrybrownsports.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/New-York-Times-blank-Hall-of-Fame.jpg

[Bad News Gertner]

No he does not. Career numbers are decent, at best. Schilling blows him away in postseason stats. Morris was a good pitcher on great teams. But he's not one of the best ever. The only arguments people can make for him are cherry picked stats (see above post) and made up characteristics, aka intangibles.

Morris was probably the best big game pitcher in the 1980's. Growing up watching Morris, he'd always pitch to the level of his opposition, but always won. He'd win games 2-1 and win games 7-6. He just always won, but it also effected his era. That being said, there's no other pitcher id want starting in the 80's if I had to win one game. They guy was just clutch.

[Droford]

espn (http://m.espn.go.com/general/blogs/blogpost?blogname=sweetspot&id=14104)

Starting pitching: We’ve left moundsmen to the side, but there’s a good reason for that -- Jack Morris, and the odd notion that somehow he was a great pitcher. Given that the ’80s comprised the bulk of Morris’ useful career, you’d expect that he’d rate among the best pitchers of the era. He doesn’t.

Taking a look at the pitchers’ table, you’re sure to ask: Where’s Morris? Take it all the way down to 15th, and that’s where you’d find the mustachioed workhorse -- behind Teddy Higuera and Bruce Hurst, and behind fellow warhorse Charlie Hough.

The top 10 is an interesting group itself, because it includes so many guys who suffered major arm injuries or early burnout. The ’80s represented a new, tough challenge for pitchers. Run-scoring increased, and a lot of guys broke down trying to live up to workload standards established in the ’60s and ’70s. Gooden, Tudor, Saberhagen, Hershiser -- outside of Clemens, the best pitchers of this generation all blew out their arms. The field was open for odd ducks like Mike Scott and Dave Stewart to wind up having tremendous but brief runs of greatness, but as wonderful as they were, nobody’s putting them in the Hall of Fame.

Let's bring this back to Morris. Say you want to just look at the good bits of Morris’ career -- 1978-92. Morris was just the seventh-best pitcher in that span via WAR, behind the Rocket, the Ryan Express, the Eck and Bert Blyleven, not to mention those stars of the ’80s who usually don’t get much press -- Dave Stieb and Bob Welch.

What Morris leads in from his own heyday is two big counting stats. First, there’s his 236 wins. That’s a product of three things: playing with a star-studded lineup, great run support and his durability. In the rush to condemn Morris’ worthiness, the durability seems to get short shrift, but he did throw 400 more innings than anybody else in baseball in this “Age of Morris.” If you want to argue that a man should make the Hall for being durable during an age of fast burnouts, that’s not such a bad thing.

But at that point we may as well start talking about Stieb’s worthiness as well, since he had the best balance of durability and quality during this time. But like Whitaker, Stieb is someone the BBWAA forgot, eliminating him in his first year on the ballot in 2004 with just 1.4 percent of the vote. But that isn’t going to stop me from tabbing Dave Stieb as the starting pitcher of the ‘80s, not Morris. Besides Stieb’s leading WAR tally, he was third in wins (158), behind Morris (177) and Welch (164), tied with Fernando in shutouts with 29, and his ERA+ of 128 tops even Doc Gooden (125) and the oft-injured Tudor (126). Besides, Stieb had no-hitters broken up in consecutive 1988 starts with two outs and two strikes in the ninth, and a perfect game busted up with two outs in the ninth in 1989. (He did finally get a no-hitter in 1990, against the Indians.) If anyone in this field deserves a break, it’s Stieb.



Saw that article on ESPN looking for something else and thought I'd share.

[Droford]

I remember all of these names pitching wise a hell of a lot more from playing rbi baseball 1-3 on nes than actually watching game lol

[Bad News Gertner]

Dave Steib is horribly under-rated. He was so friggen good. Too bad his arm gave out right before the Jays started winning championships.

[Shisen Kopf]

Jack Morris should be in and in no way am I biased toward him.

[Innovator]

HGH testing? A-Rod is fucked.

[Hanso Amore]

A Rod has already moved on to the next level shit that they havent even heard of yet.

Jack Morris is 80s Mark Beurle. Or Earlier 80s Jimmy Key.

Not hall of fame worthy.

[Bad News Gertner]

It's amazing with Key and Steib that the Jays didn't win the world series in the 80's. George Bell was a monster, Jesse Barfield probably had the best outfield aarm I've ever seen and they played great defence

[Bad News Gertner]

The 89 Jays were stacked. Steib, Key at the head with John Cerutti and Todd Stottlemyre holding their own, Duane Ward and Tom Henke were dominnt setup and closers, Fred McGriff hit 36, the team had Kelly Gruber , George Bell was solid but whined after being DH'd, Tony Fernandez was stellar, Ernie Whitt, Junior Felix were good. The A's were just too good though.

[Shisen Kopf]

Remember the last game of the 87 season Mr Balding?

[Shisen Kopf]

Of course I'm referring to Tigers/Jays. Spilchuk is a shithead!

[Keith]

HGH testing? A-Rod is fucked.

A Rod has already moved on to the next level shit that they havent even heard of yet.

Jack Morris is 80s Mark Beurle. Or Earlier 80s Jimmy Key.

Not hall of fame worthy.

I'm pretty sure A-Rod isn't using anything, that's why he's always injured and on a decline.

I do think we'll see some other high-profile players test positive, though.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

I'm sure it won't be either of these two:


http://www.sportsnet.ca/fanfuel/2012/11/28/encarnacion_bautista_fuel_640.jpg

[Keith]

Of course not. Those two are prime examples of baseball players that are 100% natural.

Hard work. Talent. Determination. Discipline.

[Droford]

The 89 Jays were stacked. Steib, Key at the head with John Cerutti and Todd Stottlemyre holding their own, Duane Ward and Tom Henke were dominnt setup and closers, Fred McGriff hit 36, the team had Kelly Gruber , George Bell was solid but whined after being DH'd, Tony Fernandez was stellar, Ernie Whitt, Junior Felix were good. The A's were just too good though.

Fuck the 1989 Toronto blue jays

Signed
The 1989 Baltimore orioles

[Bad News Gertner]

Amazing stat about an O's player that year

Jeff Ballard pitched 215 innings went 18-8 and had only 62 k's.

[ClockShot]

"Mr. Board Game" Milton Bradley been charged with 13 counts of a.d.w., vandalism, and dissuading a witness from making a report. All of this stems from abusing his wife.

He's looking at about 13 years in jail. He does not pass go, and he does not collect $200. Sorry, couldn't resist that one.

[RoXer]

Was at a spring training game 2 years ago where he struck out looking, yelled every obscenity you can imagine on the way back to the dugout (and it's a small stadium so the whole place heard him), and got promptly ejected from the game.

[RoXer]

But that would happen like every game so that's not saying much

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>I'm reading that the Mets and Diamondbacks are resuming talks for Upton. I just can't see how a deal gets done there. They had agreed to send Upton to Seattle for WAY more than the Mets could offer. Wheeler and Harvey are both untouchables, and they aren't about to flip d'Arnaud right after trading a Cy Young winner for him.

I do think they'd be willing to flip Syndergaard and they'd probably include Wilmer Flores too. There'd probably have to be 2-3 more guys in the trade too and none of them would be big time prospects or anything.

I can dream but I really can't see it happening. Even if the D-Backs lowered their asking price (which would be stupid) there are other teams who would still be able to easily outbid the Mets.</font>

[Skippord]

http://www.purplerow.com/2013/1/12/3869228/rockies-trade-rumors-michael-cuddyer-hot-stove

I just want everyone to know that I hate the Rockies as much as I love them

[Emperor Smeat]

Mets rumored to be going after Brian Wilson for bullpen depth after reports of him having a private workout for the team occurred recently.

[RoXer]

Which means they're going to be resold at like 4 times that. Unreal. I'm not paying $50 for a spring training ticket. I'm sure as shit not going pay 4 times that from someones else. I can't even do the math when it comes to numbers that high. Need my calcumalator.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=250758014898

People are out of their fucking minds

[RoXer]

But I dunno, some napa valley tycoon on vacation will probably be more than happy to pay that so more to em

[Hanso Amore]

I'm pretty sure A-Rod isn't using anything, that's why he's always injured and on a decline.

I do think we'll see some other high-profile players test positive, though.

Yeah, as soon as people got his name as being a juicer he dropped off and is always hurt, like most guys his age.

Fucktard.

[Evil Vito]

Mets rumored to be going after Brian Wilson for bullpen depth after reports of him having a private workout for the team occurred recently.

<font color=goldenrod>Would love to have Wilson. Sounds like they're not willing to offer more than a minor league deal though. Surely some other team would at least give him a 1 year Major League deal.

Also every article I've read said he'd become Frank Francisco's set up man even if Wilson is totally healthy and ready to go. Because why use a multiple time All Star as a closer when you can use a guy with a 5.53 ERA as your closer?</font>

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Yeah but how far can Wilson throw a chair into the stands? Not as far as Francisco, I'll tell ya that much.

[ClockShot]

News and notes:

D-Backs tack on an extra year to J.J. Putz's deal. He'll get an extra $7 mil. in 2014.

Pirates sign Jeff Karstens to a 1-year, $2.5 mil. deal.

Reds sign Cesar Izturis to a minor league deal with an invite to spring training.

A's skipper Bob Melvin gets extended 2 more years in Oakland. He's there 'til 2016.

Finally, at the owners meetings last week, the owners approved a few new rules and rule changes last week.

* Managers are now allowed to bring interpreters out to the mound to speak to pitchers who don't speak fluent english.

* A 7th coach can now be in uniform on the bench. This came about since a few teams added a second hitting coach this offseason.

* The Jeff Nelson (fake to third, throw to first pickoff move), which was gonna be outlawed starting this season, will now be considered a balk.

[Innovator]

HOT FUCKING STOVE

Nationals and Rafael Soriano agree to deal. 2 years, 28 mil.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

ssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssizzle

[Damian Rey]

WOW!

[Triple Naitch]

Best rotation, best bullpen in baseball. No team comes even close.

[ClockShot]

Thanks for the draft pick, Nats.

[Triple Naitch]

Best rotation, best bullpen in baseball. No team comes even close.

Nvm, Braves have the best bullpen. Guess that's why they play the games, right lads?

[Damian Rey]

Love how the Nats are being intelligently aggressive in improving their team and trying to win now. I typically find free agent reliever deals to be a waste of resources, but a two year deal for Soriano, the best reliever on the market, is a steal if he can replicate his success from Tampa and last year with the Yanks.

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

I give it two weeks before players hide the phones from the managers as a prank

It probably will have a key or something to make sure the manager is the only one who can take it out.

[ClockShot]

Ok, so here's Soriano's deal with the Nationals.

2-years, $28 mil.

$7 mil. in 2013, $7 mil. in 2014.

The other $14 mil.? Spread out in deferred payments between 2018 - 2025.

He totally read the Bobby Bonilla book on how to milk a team for every single dollar.

[Emperor Smeat]

Either that or the Nats learned how to do one properly considering the Mets was like 10-12 years of interest and then 25 years of actual payments with interest.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Looks like the Nats have learned how to do deferred payments considering they signed Soriano through 2025.

[Evil Vito]

It's being said that the Rangers and Braves still match up best with the D-Backs for an Upton trade, however there is speculation now that both teams may hold onto their prospects in hopes of making a Stanton push either this summer or next offseason.

So if the Braves bring back Bourn for a year (seems probable since nobody wants to lose a 1st round pick for Bourn) and the Rangers don't want to move their prospects - maybe the DBacks lower their asking price if they really are determined to get rid of Upton.

Landing Upton while keeping Harvey, Wheeler, and d'Arnaud would be a dream. Not trying to get my hopes up, but I can dream.

[ClockShot]

Vicente Padilla and Jo-Jo Reyes join the growing exodus to Asia.

Padilla signs a 1-year, $3.25 mil. deal withe the SoftBank Hawks in Japan.

The Angels gave Jo-Jo Reyes his uncondtional release ane he signs with SK Wyverns in South Korea.

[Boomer]

It's being said that the Rangers and Braves still match up best with the D-Backs for an Upton trade, however there is speculation now that both teams may hold onto their prospects in hopes of making a Stanton push either this summer or next offseason.

So if the Braves bring back Bourn for a year (seems probable since nobody wants to lose a 1st round pick for Bourn) and the Rangers don't want to move their prospects - maybe the DBacks lower their asking price if they really are determined to get rid of Upton.

Landing Upton while keeping Harvey, Wheeler, and d'Arnaud would be a dream. Not trying to get my hopes up, but I can dream.

For the Braves, I'd say trading for Upton is probably more likely than Bourn. Either way, sick defensive outfield.

[ClockShot]

3-team trade just went down between the Nats, Mariners, and the A's.

Mariners get Michael Morse
A's get John Jaso
Nationals get A.J. Cole, a "good" prospect from one of the teams, and a PTBNL.

[Keith]

For Michael Morse's sake, I hope the Mariners are in fact bringing in the fences over at Safeco.

[Triple Naitch]

If Ackley can get out of his Sophomore Slump, the Mariners might actually have a good offense this year.

[Droford]

Who will the Yankees closer be if Rivera doesnt pan out in his return?

[Keith]

Robertson?

[Triple Naitch]

I could see them signing K-Rod to a one year deal as insurance.

[Keith]

They could also look into Brian Wilson.

Edit: Nevermind. He's got a beard.

[Droford]

Buck Showalter will be in Baltimore through 2018

good news

[Keith]

That means Baltimore will go to the 2019 World Series. Good for them.

[ClockShot]

Who will the Yankees closer be if Rivera doesnt pan out in his return?

Most likely Hi-sox. Unless Joba finds himself again.

[DaveWadding]

Realized I've never seen what Michael Morse looks like despite owning him in several fantasy leagues:

http://www.rotoworld.com/images/headshots/MLB/4026.jpg

[Keith]

Shades of Ryan Klesko.

[The Condor]

Most likely Hi-sox. Unless Joba finds himself again.

Joba should be publicly executed.

[Evil Vito]

Orioles sign Buck Showalter through 2018.

[Bad News Gertner]

Darren Oliver coming back for a 20th season. Thank God! He was amazing last year.

[Evil Vito]

Darren Oliver in 2006 had to be one of Omar Minaya's best signings. Picked him up off the scrap heap, he barely made the Opening Day roster, and he's been experiencing a career rejuvenation ever since.

Conversely, not bringing him back after his 2006 season was one of Omar's biggest fuck ups. Didn't wanna hand out multi year deals to re-sign Oliver or Chad Bradford because he didn't think non-closing relievers should get multi years deals. Then he gave out a 3 year deal to noted terrible pitcher Scott Schoeneweis. :mad:

[RP]

3-team trade just went down between the Nats, Mariners, and the A's.

Mariners get Michael Morse
A's get John Jaso
Nationals get A.J. Cole, a "good" prospect from one of the teams, and a PTBNL.

Michael Morse would of been a great Cub. He's well on his way to deserving a statue outside Wrigley along side Carlos Lee and Adam LaRoche.

[Emperor Smeat]

Red Sox and Mike Napoli finally agree on a new deal which ends up being a 1 year, $5 million deal. Another $8 million is included as incentives making the deal worth up to $13 million.

The original deal was for 3 years and $39 million but was reworked once he failed his physical and other teams dropped their 3-year offers as well.

[Triple Naitch]

I was hoping the Sox would get Morse, but Napoli for $5 mil guaranteed is PrettyCool.

[Emperor Smeat]

Think the Nats were asking for too much for a potential trade at the time even after they resigned Adam LaRoche. Probably the best the Red Sox were willing to offer was whatever they gave from their recent trade with the Pirates.

[ClockShot]

Curt Schilling is strapped for cash yet again. He's putting the "bloody sock" from the '04 world series up for auction.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Your Team USA starting rotation for the World Baseball Classic:

R.A. Dickey, Ryan Vogelsong, Kris Medlen, Derek Holland

Ouch.</font>

[Keith]

Spain has a team in the World Baseball Classic. Wut?

[screech]

Still love the Napoli move for the Red Sox. Think he will do great there.

[Evil Vito]

The Mets have not signed a Major League free agent in 376 days...pathetic.

[Triple Naitch]

<font color=goldenrod>Your Team USA starting rotation for the World Baseball Classic:

R.A. Dickey, Ryan Vogelsong, Kris Medlen, Derek Holland

Ouch.</font>

Still better than almost every other country. Did you watch Medlen last year?

[Emperor Smeat]

Giants reach single year agreements on 4 players to avoid arbitration occurring on all of them. Buster Posey gets $8 million, Hunter Pence gets $13.8 million, Gregor Blanco gets $1.35 million, and Jose Mijares gets $1.8 million.

Red Sox had several as well with Jacoby Ellsbury getting $9 million and Joel Hanrahan gets $7.04 million.

Entire list of everyone who settled today: http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/blog/eye-on-baseball/21576619/many-players-avoid-arbitration-headlined-by-hunter-pence

[Skippord]

Hunter Pence being paid more than Buster Posey gives me a sad

[YOUR Hero]

Hunter Pence should have been set loose, he steps in the bucket everytime he swings. He had a bit of magic in last's years post seaso, but I do think he's done

[Triple Naitch]

Pence still had 100 RBI last year. I wouldn't say he's done at all. The guy isn't even 30 yet.

[Evil Vito]

Still better than almost every other country. Did you watch Medlen last year?

<font color=goldenrod>I can't help but see Medlen taking a step back this year. Dunno though.

I can't see Team USA winning the WBC anyway. They just really don't take it seriously. Japan winning it yet again wouldn't really be a surprise.</font>

[RoXer]

I guess I should get tickets to the WBC...

...right?

[RoXer]

$100 for all 4 games. That's not bad.

$0 to just watch it on tv. That's also good too.

[RoXer]

Have we decided if the WBC is important or not?

Or do we have to wait on deciding the importance of the HOF first?

[Keith]

USA has a pretty good roster. I'm not too excited about the pitching, but in terms of position players, it's not that bad at all. And Joe Torre is the Manager, so:


http://i48.tinypic.com/a3kowm.png


You can go here to look at the other teams' rosters and unis:

http://web.worldbaseballclassic.com/index.jsp

[Keith]

Watch out for Venezuela, though. They have "King" Felix, Miguel Cabrera, Pablo Sandoval, Carlos Gonzalez, Marco Scutaro, Elvis Andrus, Martin Prado and Asdrubal Cabrera, among others.

[RP]

So am i to assume there will be atleast 45 games played by the US in this thing? If not, they may as well just leave Mark Teixeira home.

[Droford]

Earl Weaver died :-(

[The Condor]

Bummer about Weaver. I thought he was dead already actually, but thats just the sadness of premature greying hair; he looked old 40 years ago when he was really quite young for an MLB manager.

[Triple Naitch]

I guess I should get tickets to the WBC...

...right?

I went in 2009 and it was incredible.

[DaveWadding]

Kevin Towers asked for Starlin Castro in exchange for Justin Upton. Bro just needs to give it up cause he has ZERO leverage. Take Mike Olt & Martin Perez off the Rangers & let's move on with our lives. I'm sick of this shit.

[RP]

Theo : Upton for who?

Towers: Starli...

Theo : * Ring tone *

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Towers is an idiot.</font>

[Keith]

Does Kevin Towers not know Jim Hendry is no longer Cubs GM? These kinds of deals aren't happening under Theo and Jed Hoyer's watch.

[Skippord]

Stan Musial died too

[Keith]

The Man.

[ClockShot]

The Birds are acting up today. :'(

R.I.P. Stan "The Man" and Earl Weaver.

[Keith]

Cito Gaston, you're on deck.

[Droford]

Roberto Alomar better watch out

[Droford]

Cito Gaston, you're on deck.

He's not in the hall of fame

[Keith]

He's not in the hall of fame

Well, Pat Gillick, you're on deck!

[Droford]

http://cdn.memegenerator.net/instances/400x/26163037.jpg

[Keith]

LOL that picture oozes charisma.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Here's an article making the case that Mark Reynolds is blind:</font>

http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=19409

[Triple Naitch]

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/QWQbN0jFo_k" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>

RIP

[Triple Naitch]

I have this record signed by Stan Musial. I wonder how much it could be worth. I can't find anything like it online.

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41VScVQmOtL._SS500_.jpg

[RoXer]

I went in 2009 and it was incredible.

Yeah fuck it, bought tickets.

Although, I don't know what kind of American I am. I own no American-flag-themed shirts nor hats. I don't want people to think I'm rooting for the dirty Canadians or dirty Mexicans or dirty Italians.

Maybe I should just drape myself with an American flag the entire time.

[Keith]

Here's an article making the case that Mark Reynolds is blind:

http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=19409


This article is hilarious. It's a great read.

[Emperor Smeat]

I have this record signed by Stan Musial. I wonder how much it could be worth. I can't find anything like it online.

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41VScVQmOtL._SS500_.jpg

Checked Ebay along with Google and the highest selling price was around $50 although none were autographed. Might be one of those cases where its more obscure than valuable for rarity or demand.

[Droford]

<font color=goldenrod>Here's an article making the case that Mark Reynolds is blind:</font>

http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=19409

How can you say Reynolds is blind and not include this as proof?

http://cdn3.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1062102/tumblr_m3krsrHxYK1qdlh1io1_400_medium.gif

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Mets sign Pedro Feliciano to a minor league deal with an invitation to Spring Training.

Pedro was the fucking man during his last Mets tenure - one of the few relievers the Mets have trotted out the last few years where I felt confident about him getting the job done. He was literally a waste of money for the Yankees - and he got the Mets an extra draft pick, Michael Fulmer, who has potential. Would be funny if he actually managed to make the team as a second lefty.</font>

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Tim Kurkjian obscure stat time: Pedro Feliciano has the 15th most appearances by lefty relievers over the past 5 seasons - despite him not pitching at all in 2011 or 2012.</font>

[ClockShot]

Mets sign Pedro Feliciano to a minor league deal with an invitation to Spring Training.

Pedro was the fucking man during his last Mets tenure - one of the few relievers the Mets have trotted out the last few years where I felt confident about him getting the job done. He was literally a waste of money for the Yankees - and he got the Mets an extra draft pick, Michael Fulmer, who has potential. Would be funny if he actually managed to make the team as a second lefty.

Can we have that $8 mil. back?

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Cincinnati gets the 2015 All Star Game.</font>

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Yay!

[YOUR Hero]

Pence still had 100 RBI last year. I wouldn't say he's done at all. The guy isn't even 30 yet.

I dunno. We'll see, but he looked out of place last year, like he lost it.

[screech]

Phillies sign Delmon Young. One year, $750,000 plus potential performance bonuses.

[screech]

I like it. Certainly an upgrade offensively, provided he stays healthy and out of trouble. He kinda sucks at playing outfield, but so did Pat Burrell and he won a ring patrolling left (still love Pat the Bat).

Low-risk, high-reward :y:

[Triple Naitch]

Philadelphia is now the oldest and Youngest team in baseball.

[Keith]

Delmon Young had some timely hits for Detroit last season, especially in the postseason.

I don't know if they'll feel his absence that much, especially with Victor Martinez coming back and the signing of Torii Hunter, but still. He was important for them.

[Triple Naitch]

Delmon Young had some timely hits for Detroit last season, especially against an old Jewish guy in New York.

[Keith]

^^^^
He did hit Andy Pettitte hard in October, so yeah.

[Skippord]

lol hope Delmon Young plays 100 games in the outfield

[YOUR Hero]

In baseball's new day and age, it's hard to see Delmon Young 'only' making that amount of money.

[Triple Naitch]

Hard to believe the ALCS MVP signed a free agent contract for $750 k.

[screech]

I should point out that I have been on the Delmon Young wagon since he debuted. Mostly because I got him in a fantasy draft in MLB the show, but still.

[Triple Naitch]

Was this pre or post him throwing his bat at an umpire?

[screech]

So really I love this move and can't wait to see him play.

[screech]

Was this pre or post him throwing his bat at an umpire?

I believe after it happened but before I knew about it.

[Keith]

I wonder how Dimitri feels about all this.

[Triple Naitch]

I honestly think Delmon Young is a piece of shit but I'm looking forward to seeing him drop bombs at CBP.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

I wonder how Dimitri feels about all this.

I saw Dmitri a month or two ago in downtown Cincy. He looks good. Slimmed down a bunch, wasn't punching any women. Happy for him.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

In baseball's new day and age, it's hard to see Delmon Young 'only' making that amount of money.

Hard to believe the ALCS MVP signed a free agent contract for $750 k.

That's what happens when you won't let a Jew negotiate for you.

[Innovator]

Youkilis is wearing #36 for the Yankees. Ugh.

[Evil Vito]

Why ugh? Youkilis had been wearing number 20, which would have caused a shitstorm if he wore it in the Bronx.

[Damian Rey]

Delmon Young is coming off of ankle surgery, and might miss time early on. That might he something to with such a menial base salary. That, and I think he sucks.

[Innovator]

Why ugh? Youkilis had been wearing number 20, which would have caused a shitstorm if he wore it in the Bronx.

Some dude named David Cone wore it, pitched a perfect game.

[The Condor]

I don't want to see Youkilis in a Yankees jersey regardless of the number. Going to be a long year I feel.

[Keith]

Why ugh? Youkilis had been wearing number 20, which would have caused a shitstorm if he wore it in the Bronx.

That used to be Jorge Posada's number.

"Too Soon" I guess.

[Evil Vito]

David Cone? Come on. Not that pitching a perfect game isn't amazing but it takes more than that to get your number retired. I swear some Yankee fans actually want them to wind up having to wear triple digits.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

There's nothing Youk can do to disrespect David Cone's legacy that David Cone hasn't already done to himself.

[Triple Naitch]

Mike Witt threw a perfect game too. GET THAT FUCKING JERSEY OFF OF MARK TRUMBO!!!!!

[Emperor Smeat]

Nick Swisher wore #33 and nobody ever yelled at him for not doing something amazing while drunk (Wells perfect game).

[Skippord]

I think Inno just means that he doesn't like Kevin Youkilis and does like David Cone not that there was any disrespect to David Cone being shown.

[The Condor]

I think Inno just means that he doesn't like Kevin Youkilis and does like David Cone not that there was any disrespect to David Cone being shown.

Logic#

[Emperor Smeat]

The Arizona Diamondbacks are seriously discussing a trade of Justin Upton to the Atlanta Braves on Wednesday night, according to sources.

A deal to the Braves would unite Upton with his older brother, B.J. Upton, who signed as a free agent with Atlanta this winter.

The Diamondbacks want to decide whether to trade Justin Upton after more than a year of dangling the young star outfielder, or Jason Kubel sometime in the next 48 hours. Arizona has been discussing a possible Kubel deal with Baltimore, and sources involved in the Upton talks said Atlanta has made a strong offer that is likely built around pitching.

In any Upton deal, the Braves probably would surrender a package of prospects that won't include young shortstop Andrelton Simmons, a player Arizona asked for earlier in this offseason, sources said.
http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/8874098/arizona-diamondbacks-atlanta-braves-discussing-justin-upton-trade-according-sources

[Keith]

Here's an article about a webcast Sammy Sosa made:

http://espn.go.com/chicago/mlb/story/_/id/8873871/sammy-sosa-says-chicago-cubs-jersey-retired



Here's a quote:

If there is a return to the Cubs for Sosa, he says it won't be as a coach -- for now.


"The way that I dress says everything," said Sosa, who was wearing a blue sport coat while sitting behind a desk at his office on the webcast. "My life, my career has been such a great career that I believe that my ability is not to be a coach. No offense. Maybe one day, we never know. But right now, I have two beautiful companies with Riverhead Homes and Injex 21, which is moving forward very strongly".

Also, this is kinda ironic:

Sosa is a managing member of the Fort Lauderdale, Fla.-based Injex 21, which specializes in injections that don't use needles.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Scott Hairston to the Cubs on a 2-year deal.

The Mets are petitioning MLB to protect the 11th pick in the draft. The top 10 picks are normally protected. The Mets' argument is that they would have had the 10th pick except baseball awarded the Pirates with a bonus top 10 pick because they didn't sign Mark Appel last year.

I doubt it works. But if baseball allows them to protect the pick...they may actually sign Bourn. If not, with Hairston off the board they're looking out an outfield of Lucas Duda, Kirk Nieuwenhuis, Mike Baxter, Colin Cowgill, and Andrew Brown. Hello 90 losses.</font>

[Innovator]

I think Inno just means that he doesn't like Kevin Youkilis and does like David Cone not that there was any disrespect to David Cone being shown.

Pretty much

[Evil Vito]

Mets sign Shaun Marcum. 1 year deal. I like it.

[Evil Vito]

Santana
Harvey
Niese
Marcum
Gee

Health is a big issue with Santana and Marcum. But if healthy that can actually be a damn good rotation.

[Boomer]

Did the Braves just trade away Prado? I'm heartbroken if true.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

You'll get over it.

[Boomer]

Oh I will. It's a fantastic long-term deal for the Braves. But 3rd base is currently a black hole.

[Boomer]

I don't know if I've ever had a true favorite Brave, but Martin was up there. Just a class act, and the dude can play anywhere.

[Droford]

Phillies sign Delmon Young. One year, $750,000 plus potential performance bonuses.

The bonuses aren't necessarily performance based..he can make $100,000 just for making weight (sub 230) each of 6 random weigh ins during the season. He can make almost as much as his base salary if he's not a fat ass basically.

[screech]

The bonuses aren't necessarily performance based..he can make $100,000 just for making weight (sub 230) each of 6 random weigh ins during the season. He can make almost as much as his base salary if he's not a fat ass basically.

Saw that after I posted. Under 230 the first three, under 235 the last three.

Wish my job gave me bonuses for making weight.

[Droford]

Cue skits of him running around during the summer in the Phillie Phanatic costume to make weight

[ClockShot]

Son of a bitch, Frankie pulled off what most said probably won't happen this offseason.

[Evil Vito]

Wren absolutely assfucked Towers.

[Damian Rey]

And he didn't even bother groping him first. Absolute rape on Atlantas part.

[DaveWadding]

FUCK YOU KEVIN TOWERS, I HOPE YOU BURN IN HELL.

[Adder]

They shopped Upton so much, they put themselves in a position where they pretty much had to trade him. I'm so baffled by it.

[DaveWadding]

No Vaseline: The Justin Upton Story

[RoXer]

Could be worse. I'm happy getting Prado and happy Parra gets more playing time.

[The Condor]

I don't understand the entire Justin Upton saga. It never HAD to be this way.

[Boomer]

The Braves' outfield is sick.

[DaveWadding]

oh shit, we got Marteen Prado, look out National League!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[DaveWadding]

You may as well just put me on Vito Cruz suicide watch for this season.

[Ermaximus]

The Braves' outfield is sick.

So who moves over to left now? Upton or Heyward?

[Boomer]

Heyward just won a Gold Glove in right, I doubt they'll move him.

[Keith]

The Braves' outfield is sick.

They do have a good outfield, but if I was an Atlanta Braves fan, I would've preferred Justin Upton, Jason Heyward and Michael Bourne.

But ATL will be just fine.

[Damian Rey]

Why? BJ Upton is essentially Michael Bourne, except he hits for power and has a better arm.

I don't know who should move to left, but using gold gloves as a basis of figuring it out is silly.

[Keith]

Because that would've meant BJ Upton probably would've stayed in Tampa Bay, man.

[Ermaximus]

Would've never thought that I'd see both of the Upton brothers on the same team.

[Droford]

In other former braves news, the orioles actually signed somebody. Jair Jurrgens 1 year 1.5 million.
A steal considering they were close to trading adam jones for him and prado last year. Had a bad year after going 13-6 with a sub 3 era..Now the orioles havelike 10 or 11 starters to figure out a rotation with..