MLB Exhibition Games 2013 Thread

[Droford]

Andrew Rickli @THE_REAL_RICKLI

Jurrjens ERA against AL since 2010? BAL 0.00 (CG 1 hit), BOS 1.17, HOU 1.23, TEX 1.69, TOR 3.00. @masnRoch @masnSteve #orioles

[RoXer]

Didn't know the Dodgers picked up Skip Schumaker. Good move, I like him.

[screech]

Great baseball name.

[Boomer]

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.

I don't think it's silly if it was deserved. And why make the incumbent move when he has been used to playing that side of the field for three years now? Justin has already said he was fine moving to left, so it's a moot point.

[Boomer]

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.

Bourn goes somewhere else -> Braves should get a compensation pick. Coming back for one year (which is all the Braves could afford him) and probably losing that pick doesn't make sense. Braves' dealing Prado to free up cap space and then getting a deal on Justin Upton means Braves still have a similar amount of money to spend but are a better team because of it.

I'm hoping they aren't done, because they need a better third baseman, or some decent bench bats.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>The Mets are still appealing having to give up their first round pick for Bourn. I do see their point. They had the 10th worst record in baseball and should have had the 10th pick...and only the Pirates' failure to sign their first round pick last year bumped the Mets to 11th. The union had already said they will support the Mets in their argument.

But the new CBA just says the first 10 picks are protected, not the 10 teams with the worst records. If MLB supports the Mets on this, it will create a precedent that will drive up costs on certain players since teams with unprotected picks could now potentially get the rule vetoed in certain situations. Hard to imagine the owners want to create a situation where costs will be even higher.

MLB also said they won't even make a ruling until the Mets agree to sign Bourn. So the Mets will have to take a HUGE risk in signing Bourn and then potentially the protected pick thing falls through.

I'm at the point where I just want them to sign Bourn for 3 years and be done with it. You only have Strasburgs and Harpers in the draft every so often. Nobody they could take at #11 would be a lock to be a start anyway.</font>

[Damian Rey]

I have zero issue with either moving to left, but just feel that gold gloves are not a legitimate argument. Both are considered good defensive players, so regardless, it's a win.

Keith, there's no way, and I mean NO WAY BJ Upton would have remained in Tampa. None. They knew it, he knew it. Desmond Jennings will do fine in CF with Joyce eventually Myers flanking him.

[Boomer]

Well I've seen a lot of people cite current fielding statistics as misleading, so I'm not sure what you want me to say. Like plenty of other awards in sports and elsewhere, Gold Gloves only lose their muster because people who occasionally don't deserve them get them anyway. I don't think Heyward is one of those people - from me watching over 100 Braves games last year, he was damn good - much improved over his first two seasons.

[Droford]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BBZ1tccCEAEQvMz.jpg

[Keith]

So Brian Cashman says it's possible ARod will miss the entire season.

Wow.

[screech]

Why didn't he have his surgery right after the season, anyway?

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

So Brian Cashman says it's possible ARod will miss the entire season.

Wow.

Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes!

[Keith]

The Yankees are just going to hand -out over $20million to ARod and he might not even have an at-bat this season.

LOL geez, what a bad contract.

[Damian Rey]

The Yankees aren't idiots. I'm sure Arod's contract is insured, which means, after filing a claim, the Yankees aren't stuck wasting the money on a lost year while Rodriguez gets paid.

[YOUR Hero]

Why didn't he have his surgery right after the season, anyway?

The reports say he had to condition it some first before having the surgery.

[Emperor Smeat]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>OFFICIAL: @<a href="https://twitter.com/cubs">cubs</a>, RHP Carlos Villanueva have agreed to terms on 2-year deal.</p>&mdash; MLB (@MLB) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLB/status/295298887374229504">January 26, 2013</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[RP]

w/e

[Bad News Gertner]

Prey to God he doesn't start

[YOUR Hero]

He wasn't terrible (always)

[Bad News Gertner]

If you enjoy your pitcher giving up multiple home runs a game, you'll love Carlos V!

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Mets may bring Jon Rauch back for another year.

I'd be fine with it. Rauch was actually way better than expected last year.</font>

[Frank Drebin]

w/e

That is your reaction to everything the Cubs have done, RP. C'mon, what do you expect outta this offseason? Trade Brett Jackson straight up for Clayton Kershaw? I know, it would take way more than that to pry Brett Jackson away, but...just...c'mon.

If you are the GM, what do you do?

[Skippord]

God I wish the Cubs could trade Brett Jackson for Clayton Kershaw

[Evil Vito]

Mets sign Scott Atchison to a minor league deal with a ST invite. Looking at his stats, I'd say he's got a very god chance at making the team.

[Keith]

So A-Rod, Gio Gonzalez, Nelson Cruz, Melky Cabrera and Bartolo Colon, among others, showed up as customers for this clinic in South Florida whose owners are now under State and Federal Investigation for distributing PED's.


http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=8893588

[ClockShot]

Nick Johnson retires.

Steady Freddy Garcia goes to San Diego. 1-year, $1.3 mil. minor league deal

Softbank Hawks release Hideki Okajima. He wants to come back and play in the MLB.

[Emperor Smeat]

MLB and the Dodgers might be clashing soon over the new Dodgers tv network because of how the Dodgers are trying to weasel out of more revenue sharing requirements.

MLB already gave them a special discount as part of the deal for the new owners but the Dodgers found more ways to drop the required payments which is something MLB implied they are not to do.

http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/mlb/story/_/id/8889859/los-angeles-dodgers-launching-regional-sports-tv-network-sportsnet-la

[ClockShot]

So A-Rod, Gio Gonzalez, Nelson Cruz, Melky Cabrera and Bartolo Colon, among others, showed up as customers for this clinic in South Florida whose owners are now under State and Federal Investigation for distributing PED's.


http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=8893588


Yankees are thinking about working on voiding A-Rod's contract. But they already said they're gonna sit tight and wait until MLB does their investigation before they make a move.

[McLegend]

I love every A-Rod story.

[Keith]

I see no way A-Rod is able to go back to the Bronx after this. As detailed as the information we saw today, I doubt these Bosch's are making this up.

It coincides with A-Rod coming back after hip surgery in '09, hitting 30 homers, and for once in his life having a good postseason, helping the Yankees win the World Series.

[The Condor]

A-Rod has that self-destruct mechanism built into his brain. Also, he is has a universal hatred gene that sets off everyone including 75% of Yankees fans. I hope NYY lawyers can find a way to get out of this.

[screech]

A-Rod is pretty easy to hate. Might be the purple lips in the playoffs. Why won't he share his drink????

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

A-Rod has that self-destruct mechanism built into his brain. Also, he is has a universal hatred gene that sets off everyone including 75% of Yankees fans. I hope NYY lawyers can find a way to get out of this.

Fuck em.

[The Condor]

A-Rod is pretty easy to hate. Might be the purple lips in the playoffs. Why won't he share his drink????

Went to the stadium a few years back and two drunken fellas behind us started talking about his purple lips when his pic came up on the big screen. Their answer: Derek Jeter slathers purple icing on his dick after the games and A-Rod has to clean it. Thus, my friends and I decided that the MVP of every game would receive the Purple Icing award and A-Rod would service him. I'm glad you mentioned that and allowed me to tell that stupid, " you had to be there" story.

[Evil Vito]

I hope the Yankees can't get out of his contract. Watching them trying to stay within the luxury tax threshold while carrying A-Rod's contract would be entertaining.

[Innovator]

I hope the Mets pick him up after the Yankees dump him.

[RP]

That is your reaction to everything the Cubs have done, RP. C'mon, what do you expect outta this offseason? Trade Brett Jackson straight up for Clayton Kershaw? I know, it would take way more than that to pry Brett Jackson away, but...just...c'mon.

If you are the GM, what do you do?

What the hell? I would trade Brett Jackson for a bag of Taco Bell right now if i was the GM. He's worthless. I've seen enough of him and Vitters. I dont need to see much more. Everyone acts like hes being blocked by Dejesus. Dejesus is a pretty damn good CF that doesnt get enough props. He's the type of guy that will be a staple of a championship squad. Like Victorino during Phillies run or Eckstein during Los Angeles run. Brett Jackson had his chance and he stunk badly. And he already had issues with strike outs in the minors.

[RP]

I would trade Brett Jackson for owenbrowns dirty underwear.

[Keith]

I hope the Mets pick him up after the Yankees dump him.

If Omar Minaya was still Mets GM, that would happen, actually.

[Frank Drebin]

What the hell? I would trade Brett Jackson for a bag of Taco Bell right now if i was the GM. He's worthless. I've seen enough of him and Vitters. I dont need to see much more. Everyone acts like hes being blocked by Dejesus. Dejesus is a pretty damn good CF that doesnt get enough props. He's the type of guy that will be a staple of a championship squad. Like Victorino during Phillies run or Eckstein during Los Angeles run. Brett Jackson had his chance and he stunk badly. And he already had issues with strike outs in the minors.

I was being sarcastic about Jackson. Also love how you hate the kid who got called up and had a shitty half season. Would you have cut Rizzo, too?

You never answered my question, silly goose.

[Evil Vito]

If Omar Minaya was still Mets GM, that would happen, actually.

I remember when A-Rod was first hitting free agency in 2007, some Mets fans were calling for the Mets to sign A-Rod and move Reyes to 2B :o thank fuck Omat wasn't THAT stupid.

[RP]

I was being sarcastic about Jackson. Also love how you hate the kid who got called up and had a shitty half season. Would you have cut Rizzo, too?

You never answered my question, silly goose.

Comparing Rizzo as a prospect to Jackson as prospect is ridiculous. It's not even close.

[Keith]

I remember when A-Rod was first hitting free agency in 2007, some Mets fans were calling for the Mets to sign A-Rod and move Reyes to 2B :o thank fuck Omat wasn't THAT stupid.

I'm sure Omar at least made a call to Alex or his agent. Omar was signing every latino that hit the free agent market.

If he signed Miguel Cairo and Endy Chavez, I'm sure he tried to get A-Rod.

[Frank Drebin]

Comparing Rizzo as a prospect to Jackson as prospect is ridiculous. It's not even close.

That's not what I'm doing.....Trying to show you the hole in your logic.

[RP]

I understand and maybe i'm overstating my argument a bit here, so i'll pull back a bit, but IMO, Brett Jackson wont amount to much. I rather have Dejesus.

[Frank Drebin]

Dejesus is the better player now, sure. Jackson will be in AAA when the season starts, anyway.

I'm just trying to figure out what you want them to do in order for them to contend sooner because you don't seem to think anything they are doing is worthwhile.

[RP]

Josh Hamilton would have been a really good gamble. Especially at the price he got. Dejesus, Castro, Hamilton, Rizzo would be a sick top of the lineup.

[Emperor Smeat]

The Arizona Diamondbacks have agreed to a $40 million, four-year contract with Martin Prado just a week after acquiring the former All-Star infielder in a trade that sent Justin Upton to Atlanta.

[ClockShot]

So much for next year's plan b.

[DaveWadding]

so we got an extra year of a lesser player. Way to go, Towers.

[Keith]

Mark Grace is sentenced to 4 months in jail for a DUI

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mlb-big-league-stew/mark-grace-sentenced-four-months-jail-dui-192443802--mlb.html

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Mets bring in LaTroy Hawkins on a minor league deal. I've always been conditioned to think he's terrible...yet looking at his numbers he's been deceptively good the last few years.

So assuming health and the minor league invitees coming through, their bullpen right now is: Francisco, Parnell, Edgin, Feliciano, Atchison, Hawkins, and a long man. That's actually got potential. Still hoping they manage to grab Brian Wilson or somebody though.</font>

[Triple Naitch]

I got to meet LaTroy "Your Boy" Hawkins at the last WBC. He was beyond awesome and I've been rooting for him ever since.

[Skippord]

I also root for LaTroy Hawkins

[Frank Drebin]

Fans in Chicago hated him. Never figured out why other than he sucked as a closer. No one boo'd Mel Rojas.

Sad to hear about Grace. My favorite Cub as a kid. :(

[Boomer]

so we got an extra year of a lesser player. Way to go, Towers.

I think you vastly undervalue Prado. Braves fans think he is a steal at that price, and we would have signed him to that in a heartbeat if we had had the cash. He doesn't hit for much power, but he's a plus defender at any position not in the battery, he hits for a great average and is a fan favorite and a clubhouse guy. And third is currently a hot commodity in the MLB. A lot of teams have some shitty third basemen these days - the Braves now included.

I think Braves' fans are prone to overvalue him (myself included), but Prado is one of the best 2-hole hitters I've ever had the pleasure of watching. He was such a table-setter for the offense, and I'm not sure who is going to do that for the Braves now.

[DaveWadding]

I think you vastly undervalue Prado. Braves fans think he is a steal at that price, and we would have signed him to that in a heartbeat if we had had the cash.

4/40 is too much for Prado, but you just took on Upton's 3 years and 38 mil deal. Don't have the cash. Mmkay.

[Keith]

Yankees sign Matt Diaz and Juan Rivera.

[Triple Naitch]

Rickie Weeks, Brian Roberts, Chris Young, Michael Young, and Vernon Wells are all making more than Prado next year. I'd take him over all of them.

You're just still butt hurt that your local team traded your favorite player, even though he hasn't yet lived up to his hype/potential.

[Droford]

Hey now, Brian Roberts might actually play this year. Its a contract year after all, lol.

[DaveWadding]

Rickie Weeks, Brian Roberts, Chris Young, Michael Young, and Vernon Wells are all making more than Prado next year. I'd take him over all of them.

You're just still butt hurt that your local team traded your favorite player, even though he hasn't yet lived up to his hype/potential.

You can not try and tell me that Justin Upton is a lesser player than Marteen Prado. you can't. I can't see the logic in it. at all.

[Triple Naitch]

I never said he was, but things were not working for him in Arizona. He just was not fitting in with that team.

[DaveWadding]

Justin Upton is 25, 3 years remaining on his contract at $38.5 million.

Martin Prado is 29, with 4 years on a deal at 40 million.

Would you rather have Justin Upton from 25-28 (typically the prime years of a hitter), or Martin Prado from 29-33 (when the downside sets in typically)?? Come the fuck on.

[DaveWadding]

I cannot wait until Upton starts cranking out MVP seasons.

[Triple Naitch]

Wasn't he supposed to be doing that already? What happened to the greatest pure prospect since Ken Griffey?

[DaveWadding]

I dont believe any of the shit they say about prospects until I see that shit. Also, pushing him up to the big leagues at 19 probably stunted his growth. Could have used another year or 2 in the minors. Still has Top 5 MVP finish.

[Triple Naitch]

I don't believe MVP potential til I see it either. :p

Shannon Stewart has a Top 5 MVP finish too.

[DaveWadding]

I went and looked that up. I can hardly fucking believe my eyes.

[RoXer]

WHO CARES MORE TIME FOR PARRA TO SHINE SHUT UP

[Skippord]

Shannon Stewart was awesome :'(

[YOUR Hero]

Shannon Stewart was going to save the world.

[Keith]

Rickie Weeks, Brian Roberts, Chris Young, Michael Young, and Vernon Wells are all making more than Prado next year. I'd take him over all of them.

You'd take Martin Prado over Chris Young?

You're crazy.

[Triple Naitch]

Yeah I would. Young has never hit over .250 or had an OBP over .341.

[screech]

I would too. Chris Young stinks.

[The Condor]

Im marking my territory and pissing on Upton over Prado.

[Keith]

Now it is being reported Anthony Bosch himself injected A-Rod with steroids.

Things aren't looking good for him.

[ClockShot]

I hope these guys talk.

Unlike Greg Anderson. That guy kept his mouth shut and did a couple of stints in the slammer when they were going after Bonds.

[Emperor Smeat]

MLB hinted they won't be punishing anyone that gets exposed in this latest PED scandal. Only way they will get involved in this mess is if the Feds get involved to the point sworn affidavits are made.

[Keith]

MLB is going to have to do something. I have the feeling there's still a lot of info that's gonna come out and make the situation even worse for the players, especially A-Rod.

[Triple Naitch]

Were players suspended for being involved in the Mitchell Report? If not, then the players now may use that as precedence.

[Emperor Smeat]

Doubt it would be successful since I believe the roids policy at the time didn't cover anything done prior to the report and even some of the stuff listed didn't get covered until MLB redid the policy to be more strict after the report.

[Keith]

Were players suspended for being involved in the Mitchell Report? If not, then the players now may use that as precedence.

I don't think that'd work, because if I'm not mistaken, players were asked to speak to George Mitchell and were told they wouldn't be punished for anything they told him.

[Boomer]

4/40 is too much for Prado, but you just took on Upton's 3 years and 38 mil deal. Don't have the cash. Mmkay.

Prado was rumored to be asking for 13 per from the Braves when they entered contract negotiations; they obviously tried to resign him, but the financials weren't there so instead of the them including Simmons they started including Prado. I'm no contract expert or anything.

And I don't think you can just compare Upton/Prado. You got Randall Delgado for like six years or something, and he will become a decent back-end starter at worst, from what I saw of him.

[Boomer]

I mean I wouldn't have made the trade either, but I imagine Prado will be the backbone of the top of your order. The only time he ever struggled in his Braves tenure was when he played half a year injured. He almost certainly won't get better than he has been, but he has been incredibly reliable at a position that is not reliable. The Braves will probably spend a while trying to find his/Chipper's replacement.

[Triple Naitch]

I have a weird feeling that Juan Francisco may have a very good season.

[DaveWadding]

I would too. Chris Young stinks.

[DaveWadding]

Lol @Mitch Williams

"Jim Johnson was 51/54 in save opportunities that's why the Orioles were so good."

Try absolutely unsustainable success in 1 run games, bro. Not some closer that will likely get shelled next season.

[Innovator]

I've over A-Rod and all A-Rod stories.

[Frank Drebin]

Lol @Mitch Williams

"Jim Johnson was 51/54 in save opportunities that's why the Orioles were so good."

Try absolutely unsustainable success in 1 run games, bro. Not some closer that will likely get shelled next season.

Correct. Maybe that's what he was getting at, but probably not.

O's might have been one of the luckiest teams I've seen other than the 2005 White Sox in the playoffs. Goes to show what a years worth of a shutdown bullpen can get you. Lets see that again.

One run games: 29-9
Extra Inning games: 16-2
Total Run Differential: +7

[DaveWadding]

Mitch Williams is a moron, so definitely not.

[Triple Naitch]

Please watch what you say about Mitch Williams. :'(

[The Condor]

Just met Mitch at a meet and greet last night. Any man who despises pitch counts is a good guy by me.

[DaveWadding]

Pitch counts are a useful guideline. Not a hard and fast rule to follow.

[Skippord]

the Rockies would inaccurately throw 75 baseballs at you for insulting pitch counts

[Frank Drebin]

After watching Mark Prior, you can't help but know that pitch counts should not be ignored.

[Bad News Gertner]

I went and looked that up. I can hardly fucking believe my eyes.

Shannon Stewart used to be a beast for my Jays

[The Condor]

After watching Mark Prior, you can't help but know that pitch counts should not be ignored.

Mark Prior may have needed them, sure. But guys like CC Sabathia + Scot Shields have rubber arms and pitch counts are not really an issue. It is more of an arbitrary guide to use with pitchers depending upon their fatigue level, size, and body make-up. When Girardi limits CC to 110 pitches in September when the man can easily toss 145 and be ready for his next start, it drives me nuts because its unnecessary and puts the most important thing for a team (the W) At risk, but it's a trendy strategy that a lot of baseball people have bought into as gospel rather than a tool to be used in CERTAIN situations and not UNIVERSALLY by all pitchers.

[Frank Drebin]

Guys like CC and King Felix are different cases because they're built like dump trucks. (I assume you meant) James Shields isn't a power pitcher (ave 92.3 mph fastball in 2012, a career high and 90.9 career) who's best pitch is a changeup which is much less stressful to throw.

Innings limits on younger pitchers and pitch counts for individual games are a major part of pitching now due to the high attrition rate of young pitchers, especially when compared to position players.

Here is a favorite article of mine from Baseball Prospectus (http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=1477)

[The Condor]

As a Yankees fan I see the otherside of pitch counts: inability of some pitchers to condition themselves past them-- Joba and Phil Hughes are prime examples. And body type is a main point I was making as a component of when pitch counts ought to be necessary. They are not something to be used in all cases, but for those who most need them in order to develop. And I did mean former reliever Scot Shields who was known in college for his freakish arm and its lack of frailty. I respect your side Drebs, and I'm not calling for teams to abolish them but to be more prudent In using them rather than treating all pitchers universally.

[Frank Drebin]

Understood. You basically agree with DaveWadding's comment then?

So what has gone wrong with Phil and Joba?

[DaveWadding]

Dusty Baker don't know what a pitch count is and he don't care.

[Frank Drebin]

I need my horses, dude.

Guys who take walks just clog up the bases.

[DaveWadding]

You know who I really need on my team? That Alex Gonzalez. Man, what a fielder.

[Frank Drebin]

I must have Corey Patterson bat leadoff. Every....single.....game.

[The Condor]

At one point Joba was their big prospect, their ace of the future. Then Came the "Joba rules" and he was placed on strict pitch counts and days of rest which ended up making him more fragile and he became conditioned down to a point that he's now nothing but a relief pitcher. Hughes can't go longer than 7 innings or 95-100 pitches. Pitch counts are fine in the beginning of development to build a pitcher up but they must continue to be built upon and allowed to be let off the leash, so to speak, as they mature.

[Emperor Smeat]

Innings limits on younger pitchers and pitch counts for individual games are a major part of pitching now due to the high attrition rate of young pitchers, especially when compared to position players.

Here is a favorite article of mine from Baseball Prospectus (http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=1477)

Remember reading on ESPN or somewhere else that blamed Little League and similar youth leagues for the problem. Had to do with pitchers that young are throwing a lot harder and more pitches than in the past which is causing a lot more MLB-like injuries to occur and carry over in their careers.

[Frank Drebin]

At one point Joba was their big prospect, their ace of the future. Then Came the "Joba rules" and he was placed on strict pitch counts and days of rest which ended up making him more fragile and he became conditioned down to a point that he's now nothing but a relief pitcher. Hughes can't go longer than 7 innings or 95-100 pitches. Pitch counts are fine in the beginning of development to build a pitcher up but they must continue to be built upon and allowed to be let off the leash, so to speak, as they mature.

I was aware of the Joba Rules, but what was the exact schedule? Was it goofy like pitching every 7 days or throwing no more than 75 pitches per outing? If it was like then I understand your point about to FEW pitches/innings.

I'm not for off the grid type pitch limits over a season. That's for Rookie ball. I'm about innings limits for young pitchers, gradually increasing their workload over a season much like a normal person would start a workout routine. Simply put: Build endurance.

You don't get anything out of 5 minute jogs (Joba Rules). You start with a decent but manageable workout and gradually move up so that before you know it, you can exercise for long periods of time. Increase a pitchers innings limit by 20 per season if your intent is to make him a starter. Its was the Cubs are doing with Shark, and what the Nats are doing with Strausberg. The risk of pitcher injury if you increase his innnings limit by more than 20 rises dramatically. That's what I would want to prevent. Monitor pitch count on a normal game by game basis (No one should be throwing over 115 unless its CC, Felix or its an important game), not over a season.

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

I'm sure Youk is glad he's on the same team as Joba now. He can't head hunt him anymore.

[Frank Drebin]

Remember reading on ESPN or somewhere else that blamed Little League and similar youth leagues for the problem. Had to do with pitchers that young are throwing a lot harder and more pitches than in the past which is causing a lot more MLB-like injuries to occur and carry over in their careers.

Was thinking about this last night. Thought about how we never see any of those kids crack the show except for Sean Buroughs. Wondering if those kids actually get hurt or if they just peak at an early age.

[screech]

Kevin Millwood hangs em up after 16 seasons.

[Frank Drebin]

I memba Millwood being the "worst" in a rotation of Maddux, Glavine, Smoltz, and Neagle.

He was still useful as a starter. Solid career.

[DaveWadding]

Brandon Webb retires :'(

I was at his last major league start ever (Opening Day '09 vs. the Rox). One of my all time faves. Can't believe he never got back from that shoulder shit.

[ClockShot]

Where in the world is Alex Rodriguez?

*cue Carmen Sandiego theme*

Yankees got him stashed away somewhere at an "undisclosed location" to avoid the the press and paparazzi getting on him about the steroids list.

[ClockShot]

A's aquire Jed Lowrie and Fernando Rodriguez from the Astros for Chris Carter, Brad Peacock, and prospect Max Stassi.

[RoXer]

Not Chris Carter!

I liked Chris Carter!

[Keith]

Brandon Webb retires :'(

I was at his last major league start ever (Opening Day '09 vs. the Rox). One of my all time faves. Can't believe he never got back from that shoulder shit.

Mark Prior, too. He hasn't been back either in a while.

[DaveWadding]

Mark Prior was the nicest dude ever when I met him :(

[Frank Drebin]

Story?

[Evil Vito]

Johan is getting takes over the coals for wanting to pitch in the World Baseball Classic.

[YOUR Hero]

Sad about Webb. He was one I enjoyed watching.

[YOUR Hero]

(Yahoo Rankings)

30. Astros
29. Marlins
28. Mets
27. Rockies
26. Twins
25. Pirates
24. Indians
23. Mariners
22. Padres
21. Cubs
20. Brewers
19. Red Sox
18. White Sox
17. Royals
16. Orioles
15. Phillies
14. Diamondbacks
13. A's
12. Rangers
11. Yankees
10. Rays
09. Cardinals
08. Giants
07. Tigers
06.
05.
04.
03.
02.
01.

###

So what do you think of their rankings?
Who do you think you should be 06-01?
Who do you think Yahoo will put 06-01?

Teams left,/not yet ranked;
Jays
Angels
Dodgers
Braves
Nationals
Reds

[RP]

I'd say

Dodgers
Braves
Jays
Reds
Angels
Nationals

[YOUR Hero]

You or Yahoo posting that?

[RP]

Are you asking what i think it will be? I havent seen yahoo. I'm assuming they're doing it day by day... That's the order i think it will be.

[YOUR Hero]

(if I agreed with everything Yahoo posted so far)

Me:
06. Reds
05. Braves
04. Dodgers
03. Nationals
02. Jays
01. Angels

Yahoo
06. Braves
05. Reds
04. Jays
03. Nationals
02. Dodgers
01. Angels

[Keith]

Rays 10th.

Not bad.

We don't have James Shields anymore. I'm scared.

[RP]

(if I agreed with everything Yahoo posted so far)

Me:
06. Reds
05. Braves
04. Dodgers
03. Nationals
02. Jays
01. Angels

Yahoo
06. Braves
05. Reds
04. Jays
03. Nationals
02. Dodgers
01. Angels


( being lazy atm ) So has yahoo released the last 6 or is that what you think yahoo will say?

[YOUR Hero]

no they haven't released their picks yet.

[DaveBrawl]

Sweet there's somebody that sucks more than the Rockies.

[RP]

no they haven't released their picks yet.

ok give me a second then. I'll play this game.

[RP]

What " I " personally think it should be...

I'd say

Dodgers
Braves
Jays
Reds
Angels
Nationals

What I think Yahoo will come up with..

Braves
Reds
Jays
Dodgers
Nats
Angels

[ClockShot]

I don't know. But I feel like my Yankees should be a tad bit lower.

Not looking forward to this season.

[Evil Vito]

Honestly I don't think the Mets are THAT bad. Their outfield is shit but I've got high hopes for their pitching staff. Also Bourn is still in play.

I'd certainly put them ahead of teams like the Mariners, Twins, and Cubs.

[RP]

Cubs v Mets full strength?? Listen I realize the Cubs might not make the playoffs, but the Mets wont be better. Cubs have really gotten deep in the rotation. I think Camp/Russell are one of the best middle relieving duo's in the league. Castro might have a major breakout year this year. I'm expecting 30 HR's and .300 average. Potential MVP season if they can manage to compete for a playoff spot. Barney is the best D player in the league and Rizzo has a ton of potential. Add Dejesus, Soriano and Navarro ( A nice upgrade at catcher ) and i think the Cubs are better than the Mets. If the Mets had Dickey, than sure. They would be close. But I think the Cubs are sneaky this season. I'm not saying they make it to the playoffs, but I think they contend for a decent amount of the season before finally bowing out.

[Evil Vito]

Maybe so. But still, I'd at least put the Mets at a similar level to the Cubs on that list. I think the Mets could be sneaky too. Barring injuries I'd assume the Nationals and Braves will be in a 1st place battle in the East with the loser getting the top wild card spot. The Marlins suck and the Phillies may finally be falling out of relevance...so a third place finish and potentially staying in the 2nd Wild Card hunt is at least possible.

[Innovator]

I don't know. But I feel like my Yankees should be a tad bit lower.

Not looking forward to this season.

Me too, got a bad feeling about this.

[RP]

I will say that everyone between the Mets and Cubs, with the exception of the Pirates, I would put the Mets in front of.

[Innovator]

Why, Nerf? Because the everyone is older, the opening day catcher is Fransisco Cervelli, Jeter and A-Rod are old, Youkilis won't be good for anything above .260, and because the Blue Jays and Orioles are catching up.

[Triple Naitch]

As much as I enjoyed what the O's did last year, they did not do enough to keep up with everyone for 2013.

[RP]

Really? They have some players that i dont think have peaked yet. Jones, that one dude and that other dude. Good players you know?

[Keith]

As much as I enjoyed what the O's did last year, they did not do enough to keep up with everyone for 2013.

I think they'll finish above the Yankees and Red Sox, TBH.

And I'm talking about 3rd place, right behind the Jays, who will finish 2nd and my Rays, who are gonna win the division!

[RP]

Machado is going to be a top 5 player in the league for sure.

[ClockShot]

Yeah, Nerf. Pretty much everything Inno said. But I'd feel alot better if we didn't miss out on the first 5 position players Cashman had targeted and they all went somewhere else.

Crazy as it sounds, I ain't the least bit worried about the pitching this season.

[Triple Naitch]

Machado can be great but not for a few years. Jones is a stud. Markakis does everything good, but nothing great. They have no ace that can carry them in the playoffs. Plus they have shit ownership who won't sign a big free agent.

[ClockShot]

Busy news day today.

You guys remember that Manny Ramirez fella? Well, he popped on the radar again. He's in talks to play for the EDR Rhinos out of the Taiwanese baseball leauge. Not Japan, not South Korea, Taiwan. He's hoping this will draw interest from MLB teams and get him back in the league.

The MLB Inquisition Squad is in Miami to get all the info about that leaked clinic list.

[Triple Naitch]

Chris Carpenter is done. Bummer.

[Keith]

That is a big blow to the Cardinals.

He's going to definitely miss this season, and it's very likely he's going to have to retire.

Maybe now STL panicks and signs Lohse.

[Adder]

6. Braves
5. Jays
4. Nationals
3. Reds
2. Angels
1. Dodgers

That's how I believe Yahoo will place them. Mostly because of the division they are in and what their main competition will be.
As a Jays fan, I'd like to see them ranked #1, but because they do have to play The Rays, O's they won't run over them. Even the Red Sox and Yankees know how to win and will remain tough competition. Team like the Dodgers, they don't have a tough division outside of SF to play, so for that reason, they will (on paper) win a lot of games and be ranked #1 by Yahoo.

[Keith]

I think Yahoo will go:

6) Reds
5) Nationals
4) Jays
3) Braves
2) Dodgers
1) Angels

That's how I'd go, anyway.

[Triple Naitch]

6. Reds
5. Blue Jays
4. Braves
3. Dodgers
2. Nationals
1. Angels

[Emperor Smeat]

:lol: A-Rod says he thinks the MLB and/or Yankees are fabricating the whole recent roids scandal as part of a conspiracy against him since he's the biggest name revealed so far.


6. Braves
5. Blue Jays
4. Reds
3. Dodgers
2. Angels
1. Nationals

That would be my guess. Think of those 6, I'd have the Dodgers being most likely to struggle similar to the Angels last year after they splurged but struggled for most of the season. Playing in arguably the toughest division in MLB wouldn't make it that big of a surprise if the Jays were to struggle this season.

[Triple Naitch]

Uh oh

http://l2.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/l.3YcN33miqBVDi5WgLb2w--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7cT04NTt3PTMxMA--/http://l.yimg.com/j/assets/ipt/braunname.jpg

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Uh oh. Somebody took that list home and added Ryan Braun's name to it. Clearly tampered. No credibility.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>NOOOOOO! Danny Valencia's legacy is tarnished.</font> :(

[Triple Naitch]

It explains Francisco Cervelli's odd shaped head.

[Emperor Smeat]

According to ESPN's tweet, Braun's name so far only showed up on the larger customer records list but doesn't have any roids attributed to him listed unlike others names that were leaked before.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>BREAKING: Report: Ryan Braun's name in records of clinic that allegedly distributed PEDs, but not listed next to PEDs. (via Yahoo Sports)</p>&mdash; SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) <a href="https://twitter.com/SportsCenter/status/298963165578940416">February 6, 2013</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[Keith]

Ryan Braun already tested positive once, he just beat the system.

[Keith]

Wait a minute. Last year, when Braun tested positive and appealed, he used Tony Bosch (the guy who's under investigation now for providing PED's to Braun, A-Rod, Gio Gonzalez and the rest of them) as an expert.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------


http://brewersbeat.mlblogs.com/2013/02/05/braun-statement-2/

Braun statement

Brewers outfielder Ryan Braun just released this statement:

“During the course of preparing for my successful appeal last year, my attorneys, who were previously familiar with Tony Bosch, used him as a consultant. More specifically, he answered questions about T/E ratio and possibilities of tampering with samples.

“There was a dispute over compensation for Bosch’s work, which is why my lawyer and I are listed under ‘moneys owed’ and not on any other list.

“I have nothing to hide and have never had any other relationship with Bosch.

“I will fully cooperate with any inquiry into this matter.”

[ClockShot]

Frankie Cervelli? OF ALL PEOPLE?!

Hey Cashman, time to go to plan z.

[Innovator]

GOOD GOD IT'S AUSTIN ROMINE

[Keith]

FUCK THE RYAN BRAUN MEXICAN DICK!

[ClockShot]

GOOD GOD IT'S AUSTIN ROMINE

You forgot about Chris Stewart.

[YOUR Hero]

Wait a minute. Last year, when Braun tested positive and appealed, he used Tony Bosch (the guy who's under investigation now for providing PED's to Braun, A-Rod, Gio Gonzalez and the rest of them) as an expert.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------


http://brewersbeat.mlblogs.com/2013/02/05/braun-statement-2/

Braun statement

Brewers outfielder Ryan Braun just released this statement:

“During the course of preparing for my successful appeal last year, my attorneys, who were previously familiar with Tony Bosch, used him as a consultant. More specifically, he answered questions about T/E ratio and possibilities of tampering with samples.

“There was a dispute over compensation for Bosch’s work, which is why my lawyer and I are listed under ‘moneys owed’ and not on any other list.

“I have nothing to hide and have never had any other relationship with Bosch.

“I will fully cooperate with any inquiry into this matter.”

pay yr bills

[Adder]

Saw an article on Todd Helton.
Nice little article on him being arrested for DUI.

[Adder]

Yahoo put up #6 and #5 on their list.

6 is Atlanta
5 is Angels

I find it sort of surprising they didn't have the Angels in a higher spot.

[RP]

So typical to overrate teams like the Jays and Dodgers. Obviously the lesson wasnt learned with Miami and personally, I dont think the Dodgers are that good. On paper they look good, but I feel like they're a Kemp injury riddled season away from being 3rd in the West.

[Adder]

I like their signing of Greinke, but yeah, the other signings are huge IFs

Im biased as a Jays fan, I really do think they will translate well on the field as they d'o on paper. Like I said, I'm biased. Hell I'm just happy to have a positive feeling about the team I root for going into the season.

[RP]

Heres the problem the Jays have. The Yankee's and the Red Sox are not organization that will just sit back and toil in mediocrity. They will make trades at the deadline. They will go after the division. And we havent even gotten to the O's who are going to be good because Showalter wont let them underachieve. That division is going to be a beast and that WC will be even tougher. And the Jay's arent exactly coming in with a lot of " team " just a lot of good players. It could take them half the season just to gel together. It's funny. I though Miami ejected too fast. They should of given it a couple years.

[RP]

If the Jay's were in the N.L., I would pencil them in for a playoff spot.

[RP]

I will say this much though. If Josh Johnson stays healthy and gets back to 80% of what he was, that rotation is a beast.

[RP]

But there closing is shaky at best. I'm not sold on Casey Jansen.

[YOUR Hero]

Santos is supposed to be back this year. Janssen was/is a good closer - for a short to mid term, IMO.

I' exciteed about the Jays and their rotation. I'm cautiously optimistic Bautista will be back to being awesome. Although he showed signs of chasing and presing too much last year before the injury.

[Triple Naitch]

Saw an article on Todd Helton.
Nice little article on him being arrested for DUI.

http://img.gawkerassets.com/img/18du1rbr2khttjpg/original.jpg

Ooooof :'(

[Keith]

Haha OMG, Todd Helton!

LOL in that picture he's like "I've had a rough night".

[Skippord]

that didn't happen :'(

[Keith]

It'll blow over. I mean, look at Tony LaRussa. He was found sleeping at a stoplight a few years ago, wasted out of his mind. No one talks about it anymore.

Todd Helton will be fine. He'll retire, and get some HOF votes when his time comes.

[DaveWadding]

http://img.gawkerassets.com/img/18du1rbr2khttjpg/original.jpg

Ooooof :'(

John Travolta?

[DaveBrawl]

Gonna pretend that's fat Jose Canseco.

[McLegend]

Lol I thought it was Jose Canseco.

[Keith]

Looks more like Ray Romano to me.

[Droford]

As much as I enjoyed what the O's did last year, they did not do enough to keep up with everyone for 2013.

As they say, less is more.

[Keith]

Jesus Montero and Jhonny Peralta both are now being linked to the South Florida clinic owned by the Bosch's.

Also, Michael Bourn may be headed to Queens.

That may be a good move by the Mets. Michael Bourn hitting in that spacious Citi Field should be exciting for Mets fans. I don't know about the 4 years they are reportedly about to offer him, but other than that, not a bad move.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>4 years is one year too many, but I'd still do it.

The Bourn drama is doing my head in though. Boras claims he has better offers than the one he has from the Mets...which he probably doesn't. He ALWAYS generates a fake market for his clients and I do hope Sandy is smart enough to not fall for his bullshit.

But then once they agree to a deal in principle, only then will MLB rule on whether or not the 11th pick in the draft should be protected. If they choose not to protect it, the Mets will retract their offer and this whole thing will have been a massive waste of time.

It's a tough call. You know that the intent was to help the teams with the 10 worst records retain their picks - they didn't anticipate the Pirates not being able to sign Mark Appel and getting an extra top 10 pick next year. Why should the Mets be punished because the Pirates fucked up? But then again...does MLB want to set a precedent? The whole qualifying offer system has really fucked over any of the fringe guys like Bourn.</font>

[Evil Vito]

Blue Jays become the first team to officially announce their Opening Day starter. R.A. Dickey gets the nod. Respect. :cool:

[Bad News Gertner]

Dickey
Morrow
Buerhle
Johnson
Romero

Pitching order for the year. Crazy that Romero went from the 1 to the 5 from last year. Can't remember being this jacked for the season. This team hasn't had this much speed since the early 90's.

[Emperor Smeat]

<font color=goldenrod>The Bourn drama is doing my head in though. Boras claims he has better offers than the one he has from the Mets...which he probably doesn't. He ALWAYS generates a fake market for his clients and I do hope Sandy is smart enough to not fall for his bullshit.

But then once they agree to a deal in principle, only then will MLB rule on whether or not the 11th pick in the draft should be protected. If they choose not to protect it, the Mets will retract their offer and this whole thing will have been a massive waste of time.

It's a tough call. You know that the intent was to help the teams with the 10 worst records retain their picks - they didn't anticipate the Pirates not being able to sign Mark Appel and getting an extra top 10 pick next year. Why should the Mets be punished because the Pirates fucked up? But then again...does MLB want to set a precedent? The whole qualifying offer system has really fucked over any of the fringe guys like Bourn.</font>

MLB hinted recently they will protect the Mets pick once he gets signed but can't tweak the actual rule until next offseason. Supposedly the union is already on the side of the Mets while MLB knows they goofed up a bit when it came to the rule's wording.

[Innovator]

King Felix is getting paaaaaaaiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiid

7 years, $175 million extension from Seattle.

[Skippord]

good for him, and good for Seattle

love Felix

[DaveWadding]

<3 King Felix and <3 that he's staying in Seattle.

[ClockShot]

Jack Z's final act in Seattle, I bet.

Gone are my dreams of seeing King Felix in pinstripes.

[DaveWadding]

3 spots open in the original TPWW Fantasy Baseball League. PM me if interested.

[RoXer]

The one I won?

If not then I'll take it.

I also want to defend my title in the one I won also.

[Triple Naitch]

I'll join

[DaveWadding]

Joey, check PMs. IT is the one that you won.

NaitchNaitchNaitch, give me a second.

[Triple Naitch]

Good2Go

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Joined.</font> :cool:

[RoXer]

Wait a second...

Justin Verlander didn't win the Cy Young this year?

[Droford]

Wait a second...

Justin Verlander didn't win the Cy Young this year?

David price

[YOUR Hero]

Yahoo rankings

06. Braves
05. Angels
04. Reds
03. Dodgers

wow

that leaves the Nationals (Expos) and the Jays to battle for their #02 and #01

[Keith]

Yahoo is on crack.

[Droford]

Orioles should be higher than 16

[Keith]

Wait a second...

Justin Verlander didn't win the Cy Young this year?

http://i.imgur.com/rTssV8t.jpg

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

http://i.imgur.com/5jUaUeT.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/Jt9E26o.jpg

[RoXer]

When did this happen?

[Supreme Olajuwon]

http://cdn2.sbnation.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/7818809/felix-hernandez-contract-celebration-where-the-wild-things-are.0_standard_500.0.png

Yes

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>The Mets seem to be converting any infield prospect with potential that they have into an outfielder. They already have Lucas Duda as a left fielder and played Jordany Valdespin all around the outfield last year. Now Zach Lutz and Wilmer Flores are getting playing time out there. Even Justin Turner, who was already a lock to make the Opening Day roster as a utility infielder, is getting outfield reps in spring.

I guess it makes sense with Wright, Davis, Tejada, and Murphy all basically locked in while they have no outfield to speak of. Still, I think I'd rather they keep a guy like Flores playing 3B. He's only 21 and might be able to crack 30 or so HRs in Vegas as a 3rd baseman. I'm not sure he really has anywhere to play in Queens, so they should try to maximize his trade value.</font>

[ClockShot]

I guess the msm jumped the gun on King Felix getting signed. The Mariners front office is saying that no extension has been signed. And there have been no talks are scheduled for the future.

D-Backs keep Aaron Hill around for another 3 years. They signed him to a $35 mil. extension today.

Marlins sign Chone Figgins to a minor league deal with an invite to spring training.

[Innovator]

DRO STAT

Yankees are 1-0 in the World Series after A-Rod admits to steroid use. Fess up Alex.

[Innovator]

In serious news, Yankees break protocol about not discussing extensions and reached out to Boras about Cano.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Mets sign Brandon Lyon to a 1 year deal. Despite Sandy inferring there will be a closer competition in spring, Terry Collins has already said Frank Francisco will keep the job to start the year. But Lyon and Parnell could vulture saves if Frank sucks again.

Francisco
Lyon
Parnell
Edgin
Atchison
Hawkins
Feliciano

Maybe not all of the last 3 make it...but still that's actually quite good.</font>

[The Condor]

Fuck Feliciano. Good 2 years across town.

[YOUR Hero]

Good for Aaron Hill, he was all but washed up at the end of his stint in Toronto. I always liked what he brought.
When his swing is compact and he's not trying to hit HRs, he does really well...and hits HRs

[Keith]

In serious news, Yankees break protocol about not discussing extensions and reached out to Boras about Cano.

Imagine the Yankees signing Cano to a long-term extension and then having to deal with allegations of PED use, or worse yet, confirmed PED use.

Long-term deals haven't exactly worked out all that great for NYY the past couple years. I wouldn't sign Cano to anything more than a 4-year deal.

[YOUR Hero]

http://l2.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/55vYeStoPWjFilYjd.mbnA--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7cT04NTt3PTMxMA--/http://media.zenfs.com/en/blogs/sptusmlbexperts/BCmpWwqCQAAC0N7.jpg (http://us.lrd.yahoo.com/_ylt=AiL9ztL3iPG77hK4w5E9eUqCnAY6;_ylu=X3oDMTFka3BkYnE0BG1pdANCbG9nIEJvZHkEcG9zAzEEc2VjA01lZGlhQmxvZ 0JvZHlBc3NlbWJseQ--;_ylg=X3oDMTJta2djc2h1BGludGwDY2EEbGFuZwNlbi1jYQRwc3RhaWQDNDAxZTg3OWYtYTAzOC0zYmJiLThjMDUtM2QyY2I4MD czZGU0BHBzdGNhdANtbGIEcHQDc3RvcnlwYWdl;_ylv=0/SIG=15djktav7/EXP=1361583065/**http%3A//l1.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/DKFhvcttvN5s9yvaJqPvUw--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7cT04NQ--/http%3A//media.zenfs.com/en/blogs/sptusmlbexperts/BCmpWwqCQAAC0N7.jpg)

TIM LINCECUM

[Keith]

http://i47.tinypic.com/4gz0i.gif

[YOUR Hero]

we'll see which one is better

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Red Sox prospect Bryce Bentz shot himself while cleaning a loaded handgun.</font>

[Droford]

Still not as good as trying to iron a shirt while wearing it

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Marlins single game tickets went on sale yesterday:</font>

http://d3j5vwomefv46c.cloudfront.net/photos/large/729277658.jpg?key=25921936&Expires=1360479564&Key-Pair-Id=APKAIYVGSUJFNRFZBBTA&Signature=rpefTltSQOW6KIXlcDIYnkVQGl9W6ybNnswvGLlTatGaGoS-XFkceobS~oH58FJD8-BRYKNXfchyhRrR7f4z3RUC6ZjCHfHb6s-hSSSwvhmgivl3zLy2RNVHecysV5zhjSv7DWt4cjixT1sMeLR5DSvBtVKQ6zLqj8ehsCV5TT4_

[Skippord]

I'd love to hang out with camouflage shirt and khaki shorts guy

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

I'd love to hang out with camouflage shirt and khaki shorts guy

But not a Marlins game.

[YOUR Hero]

Jays come in ranked #2 by Yahoo
leaving the Nationals to be #1

[ClockShot]

Jason Giambi signs with the Indians on a minor league deal. If he makes the team out of training camp, he'll grab $750k.

[Keith]

Good signing for Cleveland. Giambi can still rake, and being in the AL, he'll have much more playing time than he did in Colorado.

[Triple Naitch]

Dunno how much more Giambi can rake. I would have rather seen them sign Thome if they're looking for a LH DH.

[Keith]

Well, Giambi had 1 home run last season in 60 games, but he did hit 13 the year before in 64 games. I think he can still contribute.

I wish the Rays would sign Jim Thome.

[Emperor Smeat]

Jason Giambi signs with the Indians on a minor league deal. If he makes the team out of training camp, he'll grab $750k.

Indians also signed Dice-K to a minor league deal although his is worth up to $4 million.

[screech]

Thome > Giambi

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>According to Buster Olney, the Felix extension may fall through entirely because there are concerns about his elbow injury.</font>

[Keith]

The Cubs designate Tony Campana for assignment and sign Scott Hairston.

[RP]

Good signing for Cleveland. Giambi can still rake, and being in the AL, he'll have much more playing time than he did in Colorado.

no

[YOUR Hero]

According to Buster Olney, the Felix extension may fall through entirely because there are concerns about his elbow injury.

Yeah, whats that all about

[Keith]

Consider this:

http://i.imgur.com/wNotVOh.png

Basically, the Mariners have worked him hard all these years, and now when it's time to pay up or shut up, they're concerned about the effect all those innings have had on his pitching elbow.

From: http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/8933842/elbow-condition-eyed-seattle-mariners-felix-hernandez-deal-source-says

Hernandez has been a workhorse in his career, throwing 1,620 1/3 innings already; in fact, since 1969, only three pitchers have thrown more innings before their 27th birthday, according to Elias Sports Bureau -- Bert Blyleven, Fernando Valenzuela and Dwight Gooden.

[Emperor Smeat]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>REPORTS: Free-agent OF Michael Bourn and Indians agree on 4-yr/$48M deal. Bourn led the NL in steals in each season from 2009-11.</p>&mdash; SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) <a href="https://twitter.com/SportsCenter/status/301144862705725440">February 12, 2013</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Indians draft pick (#5 spot) is still protected since its well within the Top 10.

[Keith]

The Indians making some moves.

[ClockShot]

Indians are spending some dough this offseason.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Fuck. So the Mets outfield officially is:

LF: Lucas Duda
CF: Kirk Nieuwenhuis/Collin Cowgill platoon
RF: Mike Baxter/Marlon Byrd platoon

Ugh.</font>

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Apparently Bourn's deal can go up to 5 years, $60 million. The 5th year is pretty easily vested.

Way too much for Bourn. Probably for the better that Sandy didn't go that high with his offer. Hopefully Captain Kirk can be productive over a full season.</font>

[The Condor]

When did the Indians get into any cash?

[Keith]

It's good for baseball when the Indians are competitive. This doesn't necessarily mean they will be, but at least they're not sitting on their ass like my Rays.

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

I'd like to know where the Indians got this money like Edgar said. Is Cleveland going to more games now that the Cavs are a lost cause?

[Supreme Olajuwon]

HAPPY PITCHERS AND CATCHERS DAY, EVERYONE!!!!

[ClockShot]

Same to you.

[Innovator]

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO NO MORE HOT FUCKING STOVE JUST BASE FUCKING BALL WOOOOOOOOOOOOO

[Keith]

Baseball's here.

Fuck yeah.

[Ermaximus]

Upton, Upton, Heyward. Hot damn that outfield is tits.

[screech]

Love tits.

And that baseball is back :D

[The Condor]

Tits! Pitchers and catchers! Baseball!

[ClockShot]

King Felix and the Mariners finally get that 7-year, $175 mil. deal hammered out.

New deal has "minor concessions" that involve his elbow.

[Bad News Gertner]

Interesting stat I read.

The Jays added all those players but if you factor in the money they received from the Marlins, the team only spent $250,000 for this season.

[Innovator]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BDAEnT4CMAAKRLB.jpg:large