MLB Exhibition Games 2013 Thread

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Lettuce see what's in the newspapers:

Tigers re up Jimmy Leyland
Andre Ethier/Or is on the trading block
Angels trying to trade Dan Haren and Ervin Santana before the option day on Wednesday
Rockies, Marlins, and Blue Jays need head coaches

[RP]

For the love of God, if the Cubs are starting Travis Wood or Chris Volstad next year, I might cut myself for sick sadistic fun.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

I thought you loved T Wood

[RP]

For like two games. It was like me and your mom.

[Evil Vito]

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/j_8Vp5HzyCc" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

<font color=goldenrod>Japanese CGI news report of the World Series. Incredible.</font>

[screech]

Is Andre Ethier still pretty good like I think he is? Maybe the Phillies could get him.

[screech]

Wait he'd be traded not just signed.

That thought was fun while it lasted.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

[/URL]

[URL="http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2011/04/2013-mlb-free-agents.html"]2013 MLB Free Agents (http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2011/04/arbitration-records-catchers.html)

By Tim Dierkes [April 27, 2011 at 10:32am CST]
MLBTR's up-to-date list of 2013 MLB free agents is below. These are players who project to be eligible for free agency after the 2012 season. The player's 2013 age is in parentheses. Players on the 2012 free agent list (http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2010/03/2012-mlb-free-agents.html) are not on this one.
If you have any corrections or omissions, please contact us (http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/contact.html). To see who represents these players, check out our agency database (http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/agencydatabase).
Updated 10-30-12

Catchers
Rod Barajas (37) - $3.5MM club option, no buyout
Henry Blanco (41) - $1.24MM mutual option
Gerald Laird (33)
Russell Martin (30)
Brian McCann (29) - $12MM club option with a $500K buyout
Jose Molina (37) - $1.5MM club option with a $300K buyout
Mike Napoli (31)
Dioner Navarro (29)
Miguel Olivo (34)
Ronny Paulino (32)
A.J. Pierzynski (36)
Humberto Quintero (33)
David Ross (36)
Brian Schneider (36)
Kelly Shoppach (33)
Chris Snyder (32) - $4MM mutual option for 2013 with a $500K buyout
Yorvit Torrealba (34)
Matt Treanor (37)


First basemen
Lance Berkman (36)
Miguel Cairo (39)
Jason Giambi (42)
Eric Hinske (35)
Aubrey Huff (36) - $10MM club option with a $2MM buyout
Jeff Keppinger (33)
Casey Kotchman (30)
Adam LaRoche (33) - $10MM mutual option with a $1MM buyout
Carlos Lee (37)
James Loney (29)
Mike Napoli (31)
Lyle Overbay (36)
Carlos Pena (35)
Nick Swisher (32)
Ty Wigginton (35)
Kevin Youkilis (34) - $13MM club option with a $1MM buyout


Second basemen
Yuniesky Betancourt (31)
Brian Bixler (30)
Ronny Cedeno (30)
Mike Fontenot (33)
Orlando Hudson (35)
Maicer Izturis (32)
Kelly Johnson (31)
Adam Kennedy (37)
Jeff Keppinger (33)
Juan Rivera (34)
Freddy Sanchez (34)
Marco Scutaro (37)
Ryan Theriot (33)


Shortstops
Jason Bartlett (33)
Brian Bixler (30)
Ronny Cedeno (30)
Stephen Drew (30)
Alberto Gonzalez (30)
Alex Gonzalez (35)
Cesar Izturis (33)
Munenori Kawasaki (32)
Marco Scutaro (37)


Third basemen
Miguel Cairo (39)
Eric Chavez (35)
Mark DeRosa (38)
Alberto Gonzalez (30)
Orlando Hudson (35)
Brandon Inge (36)
Maicer Izturis (32)
Adam Kennedy (37)
Jeff Keppinger (33)
Jose Lopez (29)
Placido Polanco (37)
Scott Rolen (38)
Drew Sutton (30)
Ty Wigginton (35)
David Wright (30) - $16MM club option with a $1MM buyout
Kevin Youkilis (34) - $13MM club option with a $1MM buyout


Left fielders
Bobby Abreu (39)
Travis Buck (29)
Melky Cabrera (28)
Johnny Damon (39)
Mark DeRosa (38)
Matt Diaz (35)
Kosuke Fukudome (36)
Jonny Gomes (32)
Scott Hairston (33)
Josh Hamilton (32)
Raul Ibanez (41)
Reed Johnson (36)
Andruw Jones (36)
Austin Kearns (33)
Ryan Ludwick (34) - $5MM mutual option for 2013 with a $500K buyout
Darnell McDonald (34)
Xavier Nady (34)
Juan Pierre (35)
Juan Rivera (34)
Cody Ross (32)
Drew Sutton (30)
Shane Victorino (32)
Delmon Young (27)


Center fielders
Rick Ankiel (33)
Michael Bourn (30)
Josh Hamilton (32)
Reed Johnson (36)
Mitch Maier (31)
Angel Pagan (31)
Grady Sizemore (30)
B.J. Upton (28)
Shane Victorino (32)


Right fielders
Jeff Baker (32)
Brian Bixler (30)
Travis Buck (29)
Mark DeRosa (38)
Kosuke Fukudome (36)
Scott Hairston (33)
Torii Hunter (37)
Reed Johnson (36)
Andruw Jones (36)
Xavier Nady (34)
Juan Rivera (34)
Cody Ross (32)
Ichiro Suzuki (39)
Nick Swisher (32)


Designated hitters
Bobby Abreu (39)
Johnny Damon (39)
Travis Hafner (36) - $13MM club option with a $2.75MM buyout
Raul Ibanez (41)
Hideki Matsui (39)
David Ortiz (38)
Luke Scott (35) - $6MM club option with a $1MM buyout
Jim Thome (42)
Delmon Young (27)


Starting pitchers
Scott Baker (31)
Erik Bedard (34)
Joe Blanton (32)
Bartolo Colon (40)
Aaron Cook (34)
Kevin Correia (32)
Jorge De La Rosa (32) - $11MM player option with a $1MM buyout
Ryan Dempster (36)
R.A. Dickey (38) - $5MM club option with a $300K buyout
Scott Feldman (29) - $9.25MM club option with a $600K buyout
Jeff Francis (32)
Gavin Floyd (30) - $9.5MM club option
Freddy Garcia (37)
Zack Greinke (28)
Jeremy Guthrie (34)
Rich Harden (31)
Dan Haren (32) - $15.5MM club option with a $3.5MM buyout
Roberto Hernandez (32) - $6MM club option (Reduced from $9MM after contract was restructured (http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2012/03/indians-roberto-hernandez-restructure-contract.html))
Tim Hudson (37) - $9MM club option with a $1MM buyout
Edwin Jackson (29)
Hiroki Kuroda (38)
Francisco Liriano (29)
Kyle Lohse (34)
Derek Lowe (40)
Paul Maholm (31) - $6.5MM club option with a $500K buyout
Shaun Marcum (31)
Jason Marquis (34)
Daisuke Matsuzaka (32)
Brandon McCarthy (29)
Kevin Millwood (38)
Dustin Moseley (31)
Jamie Moyer (50)
Roy Oswalt (35)
Carl Pavano (37)
Jake Peavy (31) - $22MM club option with a $4MM buyout
Anibal Sanchez (29)
Jonathan Sanchez (30)
Ervin Santana (30) - $13MM club option with a $1MM buyout
Joe Saunders (32)
James Shields (31) - $9MM club option with a $1.5MM buyout
Tim Stauffer (31)
Carlos Villanueva (29)
Chien-Ming Wang (33)
Kip Wells (36)
Randy Wells (30)
Randy Wolf (36)
Chris Young (34)
Carlos Zambrano (32)


Closers
Jonathan Broxton (29)
Matt Capps (29)
Brandon League (30)
Ryan Madson (32) - $11MM mutual option with a $2.5MM buyout
Brett Myers (32) - $10MM vesting option with a $3MM buyout
Mariano Rivera (43)
Fernando Rodney (36) - $2.5MM club option with a $250K buyout
Joakim Soria (29) - $8MM club option with a $750K buyout
Rafael Soriano (33) - $14MM player option or a $1.5MM buyout
Jose Valverde (35)


Right-handed relievers
Jeremy Accardo (31)
Mike Adams (34)
Luis Ayala (35)
Miguel Batista (42)
Shawn Camp (37)
Todd Coffey (32)
Jose Contreras (41)
Francisco Cordero (38)
Juan Cruz (34)
Chad Durbin (35)
Kyle Farnsworth (37)
Jason Frasor (35)
Kevin Gregg (35)
Jason Grilli (36)
LaTroy Hawkins (38)
Livan Hernandez (38)
Bobby Jenks (32)
Brad Lidge (36)
Matt Lindstrom (33) - $4MM club option with a $200K buyout
Mark Lowe (30)
Brandon Lyon (33)
Guillermo Mota (39)
Juan Carlos Oviedo (29)
Vicente Padilla (35)
Brad Penny (35)
Joel Peralta (37)
Chad Qualls (34)
Ramon Ramirez (31)
Jon Rauch (34)
Francisco Rodriguez (31)
Takashi Saito (43)
Koji Uehara (38)
Jamey Wright (38)


Left-handed relievers
Jeremy Affeldt (34)
Sean Burnett (30) - $3.5MM mutual option with a $250K buyout
Tim Byrdak (39)
Randy Choate (37)
Dana Eveland (29)
Pedro Feliciano (35) - $4.5MM club option
Brian Fuentes (37)
Mike Gonzalez (35)
Alex Hinshaw (30)
J.P. Howell (28)
Will Ohman (35)
Darren Oliver (42) - $3MM club option with a $500K buyout
J.C. Romero (37)
Hisanori Takahashi (38)


Cot's Baseball Contracts (http://mlbcontracts.blogspot.com/) was used in the creation of this list.


Read more at http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2011/04/2013-mlb-free-agents.html#6rZyMC1D1tDQyX2K.99

[The Condor]

Brian McCann caught my eye there. He ought to be picked up on option, probably the most criminally underrated catcher in the game. Possibly the best not named Wieters.

[Adder]

McCann underrated? I don't think so.

[Ermaximus]

McCann will stay in Atlanta, as will Hudson. Maholm is outta here though!

Would love to see Uggla leave and have Swisher take his place, but that's a pipe dream for sure.

On a positive note, Brandon Beachy will be able to play again after his surgery! Woo Hoo, I like that guy. He's got "IT."

[SammyG]

Ugh, do not want Ethier gone. Having said that, he has been struggling mightily.

[Damian Rey]

Ethiers a platoon player at thispoint. He is useless against LHP. I wouldn't want anything to do with that contract,unless the Dodgers are eating half of it.

And, to carry over a convo from the season thread, Darwin Barney should definitely win the gold glove. Though Phillips will likely win it because hes a league fave.

[weather vane]

I want Griffey!

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Would love to see Uggla leave and have Swisher take his place, but that's a pipe dream for sure.



how does this work

[Triple Naitch]

A lefty playing second base always works.

[Triple Naitch]

For the love of God, if the Cubs are starting Travis Wood or Chris Volstad next year, I might cut myself for sick sadistic fun.

Volstad got claimed by the Royals. One down.

Brian McCann caught my eye there. He ought to be picked up on option, probably the most criminally underrated catcher in the game. Possibly the best not named Wieters.

Yadier Molina is giving you a big FUCK YOU right now.

[Ermaximus]

how does this work

Uggla just hasn't done much as a Brave and I'd like to see him leave and have a different veteran 2nd baseman try his hand as a Brave. Then again, it's been a while since the Braves had a good all around 2nd baseman.

[Skippord]

Swisher isn't a second baseman

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Wright and Dickey will have their 2013 options picked up this week. A lot of Mets fans are calling for both to get traded and just completely blow the team up to continue the rebuild.

If Wright gets his contract extension, it's expected that it'll be the largest contract in team history. In fairness, it'll probably be more than he's worth, especially considering his awful second half and the fact that he'll be entering his age 30 season. But fuck it...the Mets NEVER get to keep a star for his whole career. I'd love for him to retire with all of the Mets' offensive records and get his number on the left field wall someday.

Dickey is so much fun to watch and seems like the nicest guy ever, but I'd be much more open to dealing him. Potential Cy Young Award winner making only $5 million? A lot of insiders are projecting teams would give up 2 top prospects for him - or a solid Major Leaguer with a decent prospect.

One rumor I read had the Angels (who have a ton of outfielders and will soon have rotation vacancies assuming they do dump Haren and Ervin) trading Trumbo to the Mets for Dickey and Josh Thole (who knows Dickey's unique knuckler). I find it hard to imagine the Angels would deal Trumbo for a 38 year old pitcher...but fuck I'd sign up for that in a heartbeat.</font>

[Ermaximus]

Swisher isn't a second baseman

Yea, I totally forgot that. Well, fuck it, he can learn.

[Corndad]

Dear Pirates,

Do something relevant this off season.

Signed,

Anyone who has watched you over the last 20 years

[Evil Vito]

McCann will stay in Atlanta, as will Hudson. Maholm is outta here though!

<font color=goldenrod>The Braves have picked up the 2013 options for all three guys today.</font>

[Ermaximus]

Dear Pirates,

Do something relevant this off season.

Signed,

Anyone who has watched you over the last 20 years
Agreed. McCutchen can't do it all by himself.

<font color=goldenrod>The Braves have picked up the 2013 options for all three guys today.</font>
Well that's good news! Mostly!

[Shisen Kopf]

:| Leyland and the whole staff is back :wtf: I'm sure the Los Tigres will win the WS now.

[Droford]

O's free agents are thome, Ayala and eveland. Adios!

They really need a 2b at the least..

[Emperor Smeat]

Giants-Tigers World Series ended up becoming the lowest ever for ratings on average since they started to track ratings for the WS.

Almost a full point below the previous worst of Phillies-Rays and Giants-Rangers.

[Gertner]

Jays retained Mathis and picked up Bobby Wilson. Have a feeling J.P Arencibia might be dealt for some pitching, especially with D'Arnaud waiting in the wings.

[Skippord]

wooooo CarGo undeserved Gold Glove

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>I feel bad for Wright. Headley is no slouch or anything, but Wright led Headley in every advanced defensive metric and had easily the best defensive year of his career. Ah well. Guess it makes up for the 2007 and 2008 seasons when Wright was pretty terrible defensively yet seemingly won it because of his offense.

Gold Gloves have been pretty pointless for quite some time anyway.</font>

[Shisen Kopf]

Jays retained Mathis and picked up Bobby Wilson. Have a feeling J.P Arencibia might be dealt for some pitching, especially with D'Arnaud waiting in the wings.

I live like 3 miles from the Blue Jays spring training ground in Dunedin. I've been to one game there. I hate standing for two anthems, plus everyone knows Greenland is the true north strong and free. They should sue! Jays should be better next year. Maybe an 80 win team. Maybe.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>There seems to be a ton of outrage over Adam Jones winning the AL CF Gold Glove over Trout.

One theory being tossed around has to do with the fact that when Peter Bourjos played, he'd be the guy in CF with Trout moving over to LF. Could be seen as Scioscia pretty much admitting that Trout isn't even the best CF on his own team.</font>

[YOUR Hero]

Jays retained Mathis and picked up Bobby Wilson. Have a feeling J.P Arencibia might be dealt for some pitching, especially with D'Arnaud waiting in the wings.

Which woud be ok. He seems a bit too out spoken for a guy that's nominal

[YOUR Hero]

The Jays former 3B coach nd their 1B coach are off to Bean Town with Farrell

[YOUR Hero]

Oh,, also Romero is to have elbow surgery. Jays pitching staff is in shambles

[The Condor]

Seeing the O's free agents makes it look like its going to be the same team next year, with the exception of Brian Roberts actually coming back to play. I think he's too old now though, in his thirties and not playing for a few years.

[Damian Rey]

Hey Vito, site are you using to look at defensive metrics? I looked through baseball reference, and they had Headley as the top third baseman in total zone runs.

[Skippord]

Royals traded for Ervin Santana

[Evil Vito]

Hey Vito, site are you using to look at defensive metrics? I looked through baseball reference, and they had Headley as the top third baseman in total zone runs.

<font color=goldenrod>I was using FanGraphs. They had Wright with a 15.4 UZR as opposed to Headley's 6.0. Also this article breaks it down pretty nicely:

http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/mets/post/_/id/58619/why-wright-should-have-won-a-gold-glove

Really though all I care about is Dickey winning the NL Cy Young. I don't think there's an argument to be made against him. Yet I can still see Kershaw or somebody inexplicably winning it.</font>

[Damian Rey]

I think Gonzalez has a legit chance to "steal" the award from Dickey. Kershaw did lead pitchers in WAR, according to bball reference. I don't know, I think Dickey should win the award, but have a feeling he won't.

[YOUR Hero]

Royals traded for Ervin Santana
what they give up

[YOUR Hero]

what they give up

some 27 year old venezuelean minor leaguer

[The Condor]

Decent get for the Royals.

[Triple Naitch]

Marlins hire everyone's favorite backup catcher, Mike Redmond, to be their manager.

[Adder]

Anyone here remember Pascual Perez?

I do. He was a pitcher for the Expos (maybe other teams too I forget)


Pascual Perez killed in stabbing

Former major league pitcher Pascual Perez, who had a troubled 11-season career that included two suspensions for drug use, was killed at his home in the Dominican Republic in an apparent robbery, police said Thursday.

(link below for rest of story)

http://sports.ca.msn.com/headlines/pascual-perez-killed-in-stabbing-1

[Evil Vito]

Marlins hire everyone's favorite backup catcher, Mike Redmond, to be their manager.

<font color=goldenrod>Nearly half of the managers in MLB today have big league catching experience. Funny how that seems to work out.</font>

[Triple Naitch]

Catchers make the best managers. They're involved in every aspect of the game.

[Droford]

Seeing the O's free agents makes it look like its going to be the same team next year, with the exception of Brian Roberts actually coming back to play. I think he's too old now though, in his thirties and not playing for a few years.
Roberts has one more year on his contract and his failed short comeback pretty much sealed he'all get paid to not play it.

They did decline the team option on mark Reynolds but its entirely possible and probable they resign him to a newer deal for less money, since they really don't have any in system 1b that are even close to ready and 1b fa kinda stink.

[Hanso Amore]

I think its more about their ability to handle players.

Catchers are the only position that need to motivate and "coach" other players. a Good catcher keeps his pitchers focused and has to calm them down, etc. Lots of catchers that can handle pitchers make a career out of substandard offense.

Brad Ausmus for example. Im surprised hes not still not catching somewhere. He was an OK Hitter, Very Good Defensively but is an all time staff handler or whatever they call it.

That dude will be an MLB manager within 5 years.

[Hanso Amore]

So if my point wasnt clear, I think that experience, coupled with the gameplanning they do makes them the ideal MLB manager.

[Hanso Amore]

Looking at today's catchers, Yadier Molina will be a good manager IMHO

[Triple Naitch]

Can't wait to see the first manager with neck tattoos.

[RP]

Yadier Molina is a hall of famer imo. Coming from a Cubs fan, that guy might be the most feared player for the Cubs. Him and Carlos Lee. I swear to god they need to make a statue of Carlos Lee outside Wrigley. I dont think i've seen a game where he didnt crush a bomb to left field on us. But Molina is incredible. Such a defensive force too. The way he hold runners on base. Never lets a first basemen jog back to first after a strike. Dude is just dangerous .

[RP]

Cubs are interested in Dan Haren

[RP]

The thing about that is that the Cubs could buy low on Haren, give up a decent prospect, then sell high at the trade deadline next season. That would be a shrewd move. I dont know if Theo has the chops for that. We'll see.

[RP]

I would give Jackson and Vitters right now. Have'em LA.

[RP]

Cubs are also talking with Dempster. If they can put together and Dempster, Garza, Haren, Samarijzda, someone, rotation, they could challenge for the division.

[RP]

Sign Kyle Lohse as a fifth starter

[RP]

Lose Travis Wood in a desert at Spring Training.

[Emperor Smeat]

Rangers give the first offer to Josh Hamilton of 1 year, $13.3 million although its less than the money he received last year ($13.75) but allows them a draft pick if he rejects it and someone else nabs him. Already hinted he'll reject it before the November 9th deadline.

Red Sox gave their initial offer to David Ortiz of 1 year $13.3 million to ensure they'd get a draft pick if he leaves although ESPN is saying he won't be leaving and will get a new 2 year contract.

O's Ryan Adams suspended 25 games for next season after testing positive for amphetamines.

Mark McGwire hints he's leaving the Cards hitting coach job to take the same job for the Dodgers soon.

[Damian Rey]

Cubs are nowhere near as good as the Cards, Brewers, our Reds. Theyre a long way from contention.

[Innovator]

Red Sox sign Ortiz to 2 year, 26 million.

[Skippord]

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2012/11/cubs-acquire-dan-haren-for-carlos-marmol.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

Dan Haren for Carlos Marmol?

CUBS WIN! CUBS WIN! HOLY COW!

[ClockShot]

Trade is hold pending MLB approval. But's a crazy way to kick off free agency.

[RP]

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Skippord]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Source: Marmol would have OK'ed trade to <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23Angels">#Angels</a>, but <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23Cubs">#Cubs</a> pulled deal off table and trade is not happening. Angels talking to other clubs.</p>&mdash; Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ken_Rosenthal/status/264553640625315844" data-datetime="2012-11-03T02:24:37+00:00">November 3, 2012</a></blockquote>

nvm

[Droford]

O's claimed 2b Alexi cassila from the twins..hmm

More of what they already had at 2b..whatever

[screech]

Sucks for the Cubs

[screech]

Though they pulled the deal so they are stuck with Marmol for now.

[SammyG]

David Stern vetoed it

[Gertner]

Anyone here remember Pascual Perez?

I do. He was a pitcher for the Expos (maybe other teams too I forget)


Pascual Perez killed in stabbing

Former major league pitcher Pascual Perez, who had a troubled 11-season career that included two suspensions for drug use, was killed at his home in the Dominican Republic in an apparent robbery, police said Thursday.

(link below for rest of story)

http://sports.ca.msn.com/headlines/pascual-perez-killed-in-stabbing-1

Sure do. Guy was a character.

[RP]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Source: Marmol would have OK'ed trade to <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23Angels">#Angels</a>, but <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23Cubs">#Cubs</a> pulled deal off table and trade is not happening. Angels talking to other clubs.</p>&mdash; Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ken_Rosenthal/status/264553640625315844" data-datetime="2012-11-03T02:24:37+00:00">November 3, 2012</a></blockquote>

nvm

MOTHERFUCKER!

[SammyG]

lol Mark Mcgwire gonna be our hitting coach

[Gertner]

Jays deal Mike Aviles and Yan Gomes to Indians for Pitcher Esmil Rogers.

Whatever.

[SammyG]

ALL I SEE IS A BUNCH OF NON AMERICANS WHO CARES

[Ermaximus]

I hope Bourn stays in Atlanta too. That guy is easily one of the best outfielders available right now.

[YOUR Hero]

Jays deal Mike Aviles and Yan Gomes to Indians for Pitcher Esmil Rogers.

Whatever.

wtf?

Esmil Rogers better be someone that's good. gimme some stats

[Damian Rey]

Rogers throws hard, like 95 mph, and had decent numbers.

[Emperor Smeat]

Mariano Rivera informs Yankees he's coming back for one last year since he doesn't want the last moment of his career being that freak injury.

A's resign Bartolo Colon for 1 year, $3 million but won't have him for the first 5 games of 2013 as part of the 50 game suspension he got late last year.

[Skippord]

Esmil Rogers is a great dude, but he really sucked here. Gives up a lot of home runs and walks a lot of people as well.

Then again every pitcher who is not Josh Fogg apparently sucks here

[DaveBrawl]

For one beautiful piece of a season Jeff Francis didn't suck.

[DaveBrawl]

Well looking back on his stats apparently he did kind of suck, I guess I just bought into the dragon slayer moniker.:'(

[Skippord]

Josh Fogg was the dragon slayer

but yeah Jeff Francis is probably the best the Rockies can do :'(

[DaveBrawl]

All of that fawning over Jeff Francis for nothing.

[Droford]

I do not approve of the astro's new orange jerseys

http://ww4.hdnux.com/photos/16/03/22/3683475/3/628x471.jpg

[Droford]

Nothing like watching the Arizona fall league rising stars game on MLB network

Live baseball still..yay

[RoXer]

I do not approve of the astro's new orange jerseys

http://ww4.hdnux.com/photos/16/03/22/3683475/3/628x471.jpg

I do. Too many fucking red teams

[ClockShot]

MARIANO IS COMING BACK!

[Damian Rey]

Those 'Stros unis are pretty bland. I liked the previous version. Maybe have the modern script with thevintage 80s colors.

Hey, Skip. Wasn't Francis a CY candidate in 07?

[Skippord]

He finished ninth in the voting so I suppose he was a bit of a candidate. I love Jeff Francis :'(

[Gertner]

Rogers throws hard, like 95 mph, and had decent numbers.

For Cleveland. He's been awful his entire career except half a season.

[Nicky Fives]

Give me Shaun Marcum back in a Jays uniform, and I will be happy.....

[The Condor]

Astro's ought to go back to the Colt .45's. Sad part is that most of America wouldn't support a team named after a firearm, but they are in the perfect place: Texas.

[Gertner]

Give me Shaun Marcum back in a Jays uniform, and I will be happy.....

In a friggen heartbeat

[ClockShot]

Josh Hamilton wants 7-years, $175 mil.

Any takers? Anybody?

[Evil Vito]

7-years, $175 mil.


<font color=goldenrod>BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA :lol: :lol: :lol:

He'll probably actually get something to close to that, and I will laugh at that team.</font>

[Triple Naitch]

Still a better deal than Jason Bay, Vito.

[Ermaximus]

Josh Hamilton wants 7-years, $175 mil.

Any takers? Anybody?

He'll be a Yankee before the season starts.

[Emperor Smeat]

7 years is too much considering he'd be around 38/39 when its done but the $25 million per year is doable maybe as a 4-5 year deal.

Then again had he been a free agent last year, he could have easily gotten that money with all the huge contracts being given.

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

He'll be a Yankee before the season starts.

No way he can sign with New York. He'd go off the wagon faster you can say Chinese Fire Drill.

[Triple Naitch]

Yeah, because New York is the only city in the world that has bars and speakeasies.

[screech]

He can sign with any team and be great.

[Damian Rey]

No way any team justify giving a 7 year deal to a guy who only plays about 130 games a year. That number is not going to increase as he gets in his mid 30s. If I really wanted Hamilton, I would offer him 3 years at 90 mil. Thats probably close to how many elite years he has in the tank before he becomes an overpaid player who misses a ton of games and is above average rather than elite.

[ClockShot]

He won't be a yankee. Hal might as well go back on his word on bringing down payroll.

[Nicky Fives]

Hamilton will be in Boston..... Ellsbury is a band-aid and they need to make a statement after shitting the bed the last 2 years.....

[Emperor Smeat]

Last thing the Red Sox need is another potentially "bloated" contract since they just shed a few of them last year.

Only way Hamilton would get his money is if the Yanks just grabbed him or a huge bidding war occurs to drive up his price. All the big spending teams of last year already hinted they are not splurging this offseason which hurts him a lot.

[The Condor]

Hamilton will stay where he is at 5 years and a high but manageable salary.

[Damian Rey]

Hamilton is better than Ellsbury, but both frequent the DL too often to anchor down long term, and in Ellsbury's case, outside of one fluke season, hes never been a $20 million player.

I really can't see where Hamilton fits, other than maybe Detroit. I can see them handing him some massive contract and outbidding themselves like they did with Fielder last year. He'd be a huge upgrade over Delmon Young, but a 32 year old outfielder with a knack for getting hurt and likely destined to DH, on a team that already had 3 DHs already, sounds like an unsafe bet, which means it'll probably happen.

[The Condor]

I think Victor Martinez returns from injury for the Tigers next year too.

[screech]

Tigers have said they have "no room" for Delmon Young with a "crowded" OF and Martinez returning to DH. Would be a scary lineup if they added Hamilton though.

[screech]

Kinda effed up if they did that to Delmon Young.

"We can't afford to bring you back."

*sign Hamilton*

[screech]

I kinda wanna see Delmon in a Phillies uniform next year. Might not have the best arm, but he's way better offensively than Brown and Mayberry.

[Triple Naitch]

Just don't let him near Bryn Mawr, Villanova, or Bala Cynwyd.

[Damian Rey]

Delmon Young
267/296/411 in 2012
284/317/425 career

John Mayberry Jr.
245/301/395 in 2012
254/313/448 career

Young isn't even a marginal upgrade. Mayberry's also cheaper, under control til 2017, and can play two positions.

[Skippord]

hey Delmon Young can almost play one position

[Damian Rey]

Hes probably a gold glover at the catering table in the clubhouse.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

just keep him away from the matzah ball soup!

[screech]

Delmon Young
267/296/411 in 2012
284/317/425 career

John Mayberry Jr.
245/301/395 in 2012
254/313/448 career

Young isn't even a marginal upgrade. Mayberry's also cheaper, under control til 2017, and can play two positions.

Got me there.

Would still rather see Young than Brown, though.

[screech]

Would rather see just about anyone in the outfield than Dominic Brown.

[Triple Naitch]

I haven't given up hope on Dom Brown yet.

[screech]

I hope I'm wrong about him, but right now he's not an everyday player to me.

[Damian Rey]

Hes 25 and hasnt been given anything resembling a real opportunity to play everyday. How can you judge him on such a small sample size? Tell Amaro to trade him to San Diego. Id love him here.

[The Condor]

San Diego with Maybin would be fun to watch. I like how gnarly the Padres played after the break.

[ClockShot]

Yankees are claiming players off waivers left and right. I wonder if Cashman is building up a big trade package?

[screech]

Hes 25 and hasnt been given anything resembling a real opportunity to play everyday. How can you judge him on such a small sample size? Tell Amaro to trade him to San Diego. Id love him here.

Part of it is his hype. When Victorino and Werth were hurting the year before last, people were all about Brown getting the call like he was going to be "the man" or something. I never felt this way.

And watching him when he did get to start this year was not so great but again, he was supposed to be "the man" so seeing him underperform "wasn't supposed to happen."

[Damian Rey]

Again, hes 25, what exactly were you expecting? Not every rookie is Mike Trout. Hes yet to play a full season. Sometimes ut takes a while.

Loved how the Padres played in the second half. Im hoping some sokid additions to the pitchibg stsff this offseason will inch them closer to .500.

[The Condor]

The stadium is made for pitching, and the way that team gelled is promising for next year. Amarista is a lot of fun to watch.

[Damian Rey]

Love Amarista. Hes got some pop for a little guy. And he can play almost anywhere. Im intetested to see how much of a difference moving the fences in creates. I dint think the ball will all of a sudden fly out but I do see games being more exciting.

Player wise, Im excited for Yasmani Grandal. He put together a really good rookie campaign and im hoping he cintinues hitting like a beast. Also hope Chase Headley produces another excellent season.

[The Condor]

I swore that Headley was going to be a Pirate by the end of July but I like that the Padres kept him. Grandal can do big things, I like him.

[Damian Rey]

Yeah they missed the boat. Headley wouldve been huge with McCutchen having such a rough second half.

I hope Alonso takes a huge step forward. He was a doubles machine, but I would like to see him start turning on the ball over the fence.

Their top hitting prospect, Jedd Gyorko, is rumored to have an inside job on the starting second base gig. That means that one of Everth Cabrera, Alexi Amarista or Logan Forsythe are going to win out the shortstop gig. Amarista and Cabrera are speedsters, but Forsythe, imo, is a much better hitter than either of them and has a steady history of getting on base. I dont think hes going to be to be particularly good at shortstop, but we will see.

[Skippord]

H8 Amarista

[screech]

Again, hes 25, what exactly were you expecting?

Him to not strike out or pop it up in just about every run-producing at-bat he has. I know he's only 25 but right now, to me, he sucks and does not seem like he is fit to be an everyday player.

Again, I hope I'm wrong for the good of the team.

[screech]

Where is Vladimir Guerrero when you need him?

[Skippord]

drunk on a beach in the Dominican Republic

[screech]

Well, he's earned it.

[Skippord]

he's the best :'(

[Skippord]

speaking of which the Rockies are probably going to hire Walt Weiss by the end of the week

[Damian Rey]

How do you feel about that, Skip?

[Damian Rey]

And back to Domonic Brown...

319/393/468 with runners in scoring position this year. Still not holding up, Screech. But I completely get your frustration. Cameron Maybin was a blackhole in the lineup the first half. He didnt srart to figure things out until August, or right around then. I know watching once elite prospects hit a wall when it counts is mind numbing.

Hell, I was just about ready to give up on Chase Headley afterabout 3.5 mediocre at best seasons. I hping last year wasnt a fluke and thst hes a 20 something homerun hitter who walks a ton and is a steady if not grest defensive third baseman.

[Skippord]

I loved Walt Weiss when I was a kid and he seems like a good dude who knows baseball and will hold people accountable and improve the infield defense. So I'm pretty on board with it.

They also might hire Matt Williams, which I would also be on board with. But Walt Weiss is probably the guy.

[RP]

Again, hes 25, what exactly were you expecting? Not every rookie is Mike Trout. Hes yet to play a full season. Sometimes ut takes a while.

Loved how the Padres played in the second half. Im hoping some sokid additions to the pitchibg stsff this offseason will inch them closer to .500.

Dominic Brown was suppose to be amazing like 2 years ago. Serious issues there. Everyone say's " sometimes it takes awhile " until they're Josh Vitters.

Rules of life.

[Damian Rey]

Vitters has had plate discipline issues his entire career, and wad never on the level of D. Brown as a prospect. Brown was beastly all the way up to his debut. Then the Phillies saw his swing, decided they didnt like it, and changed it, which has lwad to what we are seeung now.

Those two arent anywhere near comorable. Anthony Rizzo is a closer comp. Came up, struggled mightily, went down, got traded, made adjustments, and is now the starting first baseman for the Cubs and probably their best hitter.

[Skippord]

Mets and Jason Bay agreed to a buyout, that's weird.

[Evil Vito]

YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES!

[screech]

And back to Domonic Brown...

319/393/468 with runners in scoring position this year. Still not holding up, Screech. But I completely get your frustration. Cameron Maybin was a blackhole in the lineup the first half. He didnt srart to figure things out until August, or right around then. I know watching once elite prospects hit a wall when it counts is mind numbing.

Hell, I was just about ready to give up on Chase Headley afterabout 3.5 mediocre at best seasons. I hping last year wasnt a fluke and thst hes a 20 something homerun hitter who walks a ton and is a steady if not grest defensive third baseman.

Watch him play sometime and you will see that he is mediocre at best. I don't care about numbers (which are inflated due to his limited time) - when I see him, he does nothing and I cannot help but think "easy out" when his name is called.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Player wise, Im excited for Yasmani Grandal. He put together a really good rookie campaign and im hoping he cintinues hitting like a beast.

Grandal can do big things, I like him.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>BREAKING: @<a href="https://twitter.com/padres">padres</a> C Yasmani Grandal suspended 50 games without pay for testing positive for Testosterone, a performance-enhancing substance.</p>&mdash; MLB (@MLB) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLB/status/266270494918066176" data-datetime="2012-11-07T20:06:47+00:00">November 7, 2012</a></blockquote>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[Supreme Olajuwon]

was kinda bummed that the Reds kept Mesoraco over Grandal but NEVERMIND

[screech]

Well that sucks

[Damian Rey]

WHYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY GOD WHYYYYYYYYY!?

[Damian Rey]

Ugh, I cannot believe this. God damnit. And Supreme, you heartless bastard.

[screech]

You can have Domonic Brown.

He can't catch a cold, though, so that'd be awkward having him fill-in at that position.

[Nicky Fives]

I hate hearing the typical "Jason Bay coming to Toronto because he's Canadian" crap.....he's the one Canadian I wouldn't want....

[screech]

http://cdn.mlbmemes.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/197056_444799978910639_184266693_n.jpg

[Skippord]

so that's why Grandal hit like 6 home runs against the Rockies in 5 games last year

WHO HAS TERRIBLE PITCHING NOW, REST OF BASEBALL

[Damian Rey]

Didnt Amarista have a multi homer game at Coors? Yeah, pretty sure the Rox still have horrendous pitching. Sorry, Skip.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>So apparently they have official finalists for the awards this year:

NL Rookie of the Year (winner announced Mon., Nov. 12 at 5 p.m. CT)

Todd Frazier (CIN)
Bryce Harper (WSH)
Wade Miley (ARI)

AL Rookie of the Year (Mon., Nov. 12; 5 p.m. CT)

Yoenis Cespedes (OAK)
Yu Darvish (TEX)
Mike Trout (LAA)

NL Manager of the Year (Tues., Nov. 13; 5 p.m. CT)

Dusty Baker (CIN)
Bruce Bochy (SF)
Davey Johnson (WSH)

AL Manager of the Year (Tues., Nov. 13; 5 p.m. CT)

Bob Melvin (OAK)
Buck Showalter (BAL)
Robin Ventura (CWS)

NL Cy Young Award (Wed., Nov. 14; 5 p.m. CT)

R.A. Dickey (NYM)
Gio Gonzalez (WSH)
Clayton Kershaw (LAD)

AL Cy Young Award (Wed., Nov. 14; 5 p.m. CT)

David Price (TB)
Justin Verlander (DET)
Jered Weaver (LAA)

NL MVP Award (Thurs., Nov. 15; 5 p.m. CT)

Ryan Braun (MIL)
Chase Headley (SD)
Andrew McCutchen (PIT)
Yadier Molina (STL)
Buster Posey (SF)

AL MVP Award (Thurs., Nov. 15; 5 p.m. CT)

Adrian Beltre (TEX)
Miguel Cabrera (DET)
Robinson Cano (NYY)
Josh Hamilton (TEX)
Mike Trout (LAA)</font>

[Skippord]

Didnt Amarista have a multi homer game at Coors? Yeah, pretty sure the Rox still have horrendous pitching. Sorry, Skip.
Yes he did and it was deeply upsetting. I was like "HE'S FIVE FOOT TWO YOU FUCK ". So that was not may favorite game.

[loopydate]

Harper
Trout
Johnson
Showalter
Gonzalez
Weaver (want Verlander, but he's following up a monster year with one that was just very good)
Posey
Cabrera

[Damian Rey]

Without looking at the numbers, I would have voted for Dickey for CY. But, with looking at everything considered, I would honestly vote for Kershaw.

And Im begging or Trout to win mvp, just to see the media shit storm that would follow.

[Skippord]

Who I think should win:
Miley
Trout
Bochy
Melvin
Dickey
Verlander
Posey
Trout

Who will win:
Harper
Trout
Johnson
Showalter
Dickey
Price
Posey
Cabrera

[Damian Rey]

Harper
Trout
Johnson
Melvin
Kershaw
Verlander
Braun
Trout

[Emperor Smeat]

Bryce Harper (WSH)
Mike Trout (LAA)
Davey Johnson (WSH)
Buck Showalter (BAL)
R.A. Dickey (NYM)
Justin Verlander (DET)
Buster Posey (SF)
Miguel Cabrera (DET)

NL MVP was a bit hard but Cabrera's Triple Crown achievement should be enough for him to win.

[ClockShot]

THIS JUST IN:

Jeff Kent just got voted off the island on Survivor.


You may now return to your regular thread viewing.

[Skippord]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Walt Weiss has been named the 6th manager in <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23Rockies">#Rockies</a> history.</p>&mdash; Colorado Rockies (@Rockies) <a href="https://twitter.com/Rockies/status/266404357073944576" data-datetime="2012-11-08T04:58:42+00:00">November 8, 2012</a></blockquote>

[Damian Rey]

Yay?

[DaveBrawl]

Rocktober is back on the schedule for 2013.

[Skippord]

Rocktober and Rockvember

[Skippord]

and Rockworldserieschampionshipparade

[Triple Naitch]

Waltober

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Ya! I love Valt Veiss!

[Hanso Amore]

Remember playing Tony La Russa Baseball on Sega and thinking Walt Weiss was the greatest thing ever.

[Skippord]

I remember when he left here when I was little and I didn't understand that players could leave so I was always confused as to why he wasn't a Rockie anymore.

[Splaya]

Trout not winning the Gold Glove makes me believe that he is not winning MVP

[Emperor Smeat]

Mets GM hints that they might end up trading Dickey if he doesn't agree to a new long term deal as soon as possible.

Also don't care if he ends up winning the Cy Young award since it won't have an impact on the decision to trade him or not.

http://espn.go.com/new-york/mlb/story/_/id/8607988/new-york-mets-sandy-alderson-sees-ra-dickey-winning-cy-young-contract-talks-ongoing

[ClockShot]

Tomorrow is the due date for players to reject or accept the offer their team have given them. If rejected, you got yourself a draft pick coming your way.

On the Yankees side of things, Nick Swisher and Rafael Soriano are gonna reject their offers. There's a chance Hiroki Kuroda will accept his.

[Triple Naitch]

Trout not winning the Gold Glove makes me believe that he is not winning MVP

Trout wasn't even the best centerfielder on his team.

[Damian Rey]

Thats not even half way true.

[Triple Naitch]

Then why did Peter Bourjos play center when the two of them were starting at the same time?

[RP]

Mets GM hints that they might end up trading Dickey if he doesn't agree to a new long term deal as soon as possible.

Also don't care if he ends up winning the Cy Young award since it won't have an impact on the decision to trade him or not.

http://espn.go.com/new-york/mlb/story/_/id/8607988/new-york-mets-sandy-alderson-sees-ra-dickey-winning-cy-young-contract-talks-ongoing

Maybe it's just me, but dont you think that if you were to give a big contract to a pitcher, it would be a CY Young winning knuckleball pitcher? They have a history of having long and productive careers.

[Gertner]

Jays sign Maicer Izturis 3 years 3 mill plus club option

[Triple Naitch]

http://img.gawkerassets.com/img/184op94kzga47jpg/medium.jpg

[DaveWadding]

Facts:
I can't stop watching MLB Network even though it's the offseason.
I'm super gay for Clubhouse Confidential.
I still can't help but refer to Billy Ripken as Fuck Face when he's on TV.

[Skippord]

Then why did Peter Bourjos play center when the two of them were starting at the same time?
Was probably to keep Trout from getting hurt

The Rockies used to do that all the time with Cargo to keep him a little safer from running into walls and such. He's still the best center fielder on the team though.

[Damian Rey]

Then why did Peter Bourjos play center when the two of them were starting at the same time?

The same reason Scioscia started Bobby Wilson and Jeff Mathis over Mike Napoli; hes an idiot. Just because a manager whos been known to be overly loyal to sub par players he favors puts the bettet player at a different position doesnt mean that said player all of a sudden isnt the est option. Trout is clearly their best defensive player, and its not even close.

[Damian Rey]

Hey, Skip. Did you know Cargo is considered a sub par defensive outfielder?

[Gertner]

The same reason Scioscia started Bobby Wilson and Jeff Mathis over Mike Napoli; hes an idiot. Just because a manager whos been known to be overly loyal to sub par players he favors puts the bettet player at a different position doesnt mean that said player all of a sudden isnt the est option. Trout is clearly their best defensive player, and its not even close.

lol and look who has both Wilson and Mathis and is about to deal Arencibia.

D'Arnaud better be ready this year.

[Skippord]

Hey, Skip. Did you know Cargo is considered a sub par defensive outfielder?
I know he was this year

[Damian Rey]

Lol I forgot the Jays got both of those scrubs. Im sure the new kid will be fine.

[Evil Vito]

Maybe it's just me, but dont you think that if you were to give a big contract to a pitcher, it would be a CY Young winning knuckleball pitcher? They have a history of having long and productive careers.

<font color=goldenrod>There's been some concern that Dickey is still susceptible to arm troubles because he throws a harder knuckleball than pretty much everybody else. He has the movement of a regular knuckleball but it comes in at like 85 MPH which makes it so much harder to hit.

At this point I just want the Mets to make a decision. I'll be really sad if Dickey isn't taking the mound in blue and orange on Opening Day, but if they can get a good return for him I can live with it.</font>

[Innovator]

Marlins hire TINOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO as their hitting coach. Sad.

[Damian Rey]

Agree with Vito. Even in a likely career year for Dickey, the Mets were not in playoff contention,. When you look at what they need and what they have, there are glaring holes almost everywhere that keeping Dickey and signing him long term doesnt solve. You could say the same for Wright, but, imo, its harder to find a starting third naseman who is above average on noth sides of the ball.

I think the Mets would be doing the right thing in shopping Dickey now, and perhaps gaining a return similar to what the Padres got for Mat Latos; major league ready talent that can impact the club for the next 5 years. You also have to wonder if Dickey will ever pitch like again. Mets should capitalize on the high stock of Dickey and the thin market for pitchung.

[Triple Naitch]

The same reason Scioscia started Bobby Wilson and Jeff Mathis over Mike Napoli; hes an idiot. Just because a manager whos been known to be overly loyal to sub par players he favors puts the bettet player at a different position doesnt mean that said player all of a sudden isnt the est option. Trout is clearly their best defensive player, and its not even close.

Child, please. Bourjos had better stats in fielding percentage, runs saved/year, and range factor/9 innings. It is a lot closer than you think. Don't get me wrong. I'd take Trout over Bourjos anytime, but Bourjos can more than handle his own in center. Hence, why he will be their opening day centerfielder in 2013.



Hey, Skip. Did you know Cargo is considered a sub par defensive outfielder?


You can never turn Skippord against me.

[Skippord]

Bourjos is a pretty great fielder. Still think Mike Trout should win all of the awards though.

[RP]

If the Cubs really wanted to roll the dice and they signed Hamilton, traded for Dickey and maybe picked up another arm like Haren or someone. They could make a run for the central division, but i just have a feeling they are 1 more year away from being a playoff contender. But i dunno. Maybe Starlin goes next level. Maybe Rizzo has a major improvement. Not that he needs a lot of improvement.

Dejesus, Castro, Hamilton, Rizzo, Soriano, assuming Soriano has a similar year next year, would be a really impressive. Especially if Castro and Rizzo improve.

[Skippord]

well 5 minutes into the Walt Weiss press conference and I'm already deeply concerned

[Skippord]

"This is Walt's job as long as he wants it"

STOP SAYING THAT ABOUT EVERYONE YOU IDIOTS

[Adder]

If the Cubs really wanted to roll the dice and they signed Hamilton, traded for Dickey and maybe picked up another arm like Haren or someone. They could make a run for the central division, but i just have a feeling they are 1 more year away from being a playoff contender. But i dunno. Maybe Starlin goes next level. Maybe Rizzo has a major improvement. Not that he needs a lot of improvement.

Dejesus, Castro, Hamilton, Rizzo, Soriano, assuming Soriano has a similar year next year, would be a really impressive. Especially if Castro and Rizzo improve.

Hamilton in Wrigley? That would be sweet

[ClockShot]

5 o'clock. Free agent frenzy begins.

[ClockShot]

A report just hit the web saying the Cubs won the bidding for Hyun-Jin Ryu. Cubbies bid $25.7 mil. and now got 30 days to sign him to a deal.

EDIT:

UPDATE: False report. Cubs didn't win the bidding. Someone jumped the gun. But someone did pay that amount to talk to the guy.

[Damian Rey]

Wonder who won.

Theres a report claiming the Rangers wouldnt go past three years on a new Hamilton contract. Sounds like theyre done unless he comes crawling back.

[DaveWadding]

Can you imagine Hamilton in Wrigleyville? That's a relapse waiting to happen.

[Emperor Smeat]

Wonder who won.

Theres a report claiming the Rangers wouldnt go past three years on a new Hamilton contract. Sounds like theyre done unless he comes crawling back.

They are only offering 3 years but its a max deal so in terms of money, Hamilton would still get the money he wants for per season. Although based on the tone from ESPN, it does sound like the Rangers already assume he's gone since they already told him don't bother wasting their time if he doesn't make a decision soon.

[Gertner]

Lol I forgot the Jays got both of those scrubs. Im sure the new kid will be fine.

If he can hit over .200 he'll beat them both out.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>And David Ross becomes the first player to switch teams in free agency this year. He goes to the Red Sox on a 2 year, $6.2 million deal.</font>

[Gertner]

<font color=goldenrod>And David Ross becomes the first player to switch teams in free agency this year. He goes to the Red Sox on a 2 year, $6.2 million deal.</font>

Maicer Izturis signed with the Jays earlier this week

[Boomer]

Every Braves fan is sad about losing Ross, especially with McCann out at the beginning of next season. But that's a hell of a lot more than the Braves wanted to spend on a backup catcher.

[YOUR Hero]

Jays picked up Justin Germano

OMG OMG OMG

[Gertner]

Well AA seems to have to pick up a reliver every friggen day

[Triple Naitch]

Dodgers won the right to negotiate with the guy who sang "Gangnam Style".

[Damian Rey]

Lol, Naitch.

The Dodgers seem to be spending money for the sake of spending money.

I wonder how the Rangers' unwillingness to go beyond a three year deal will effect Hamilton's free agent stock. Surely, any gm can see that a team with loaded pockets drawing the line on a player like this is a huge red flag.

This stance being made public could sway teams into offering similar years for a lot of money.

[YOUR Hero]

Hamilton as a Jay. Healthy Batita and Encarnacion, improving Lawrie, would make for an explosive offence. Pay him a ton of cash for 3 years

[YOUR Hero]

Dodgers won the right to negotiate with the guy who sang "Gangnam Style".

Dodgers bid $25.7 million for South Korean lefty

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) -- The Los Angeles Dodgers have bid nearly $26 million for a chance to sign pitcher Ryu Hyun-jin.
The Hanwha Eagles of the Korea Baseball Organization said Saturday they have accepted a posting fee of $25.7 million for the 25-year-old left-hander. Major League Baseball later announced that the team was the Dodgers. The big league team that submitted the winning bid was not revealed.

http://ca.sports.yahoo.com/news/dodgers-bid-25-7-million-184256914--mlb.html

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Five teams have expressed interest in Melky Cabrera so far, the Mets and Yankees are not among them.

A month ago I scoffed at the idea of the Mets getting Melky, figuring the team already had a shitty enough public image without getting a PED user who went out of his way to create an elaborate cover up. But the more I think about it, even if you throw out his 2012 season, the 2011 Melky would still be the best outfielder on the Mets roster. Guess you could also argue he may have juiced in 2011 too but just didn't get caught.</font>

[ClockShot]

I'd like to know where the Dodgers money pit AND tree is in L.A.

[Droford]

I could see the is being interested in melky, he'll come cheap cuz of the ped stigma and he should still putup good numbrts

[The Condor]

I watched Melky steal Bernie Williams' centerfield and make a mockery of it and then spend four seasons with four different teams before he realized to be any good he needed PEDs. I wouldn't offer him the minimum. Everybody has those one or two players they despise, and he is one of mine.

[Triple Naitch]

I'd like to know where the Dodgers money pit AND tree is in L.A.

Same place where Magic Johnson hides his cure for AIDs.

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

Dodgers bid $25.7 million for South Korean lefty

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) -- The Los Angeles Dodgers have bid nearly $26 million for a chance to sign pitcher Ryu Hyun-jin.
The Hanwha Eagles of the Korea Baseball Organization said Saturday they have accepted a posting fee of $25.7 million for the 25-year-old left-hander. Major League Baseball later announced that the team was the Dodgers. The big league team that submitted the winning bid was not revealed.

http://ca.sports.yahoo.com/news/dodgers-bid-25-7-million-184256914--mlb.html

Hadouken!

[screech]

I could see the is being interested in melky, he'll come cheap cuz of the ped stigma and he should still putup good numbrts

Go is! World champs 2013!

[owenbrown]

Droford I thought you got a new keyboard

[ClockShot]

Mike Trout is your unanimous AL Rookie of the Year.

[Hanso Amore]

Also just in, the Sky is blue.

[Emperor Smeat]

Bruce Harper took the RoY award on the NL side. Only took about half the first place votes (16 of 32) with Wade Miley from Arizona the next closest with 12.

[screech]

Yeah Bruce!

[weather vane]

BRUUUUUCCCCEEEE

[Skippord]

Rockies hired Dante Bichette to be their new hitting coach

they're doing great hiring all of my favorite former players

[Damian Rey]

Hey, It worked for the Cardinals, right?

[DaveBrawl]

Rockies hired Dante Bichette to be their new hitting coach

they're doing great hiring all of my favorite former players
Awesome.

[Triple Naitch]

Just need Ellis Burks and Vinny Castilla.

[Innovator]

Robbie Cano is now an American citizen

[Adder]

Who is Bruce Harper?

[screech]

NL rookie of the year!

[Triple Naitch]

The Boss

[The Condor]

So Larry Walker is going to purchase the Rockies in the not too distant future?

[Skippord]

Jays are getting Josh Johnson and maybe Jose Reyes

[Skippord]

and Mark Buerhle

[Gertner]

Yunel Escobar and Hechivarria going to Florida.

This is amazing!

[Skippord]

#HOTFUCKINGSTOVE

[Gertner]

This is fucking unreal
!

[The Condor]

Awesome trade for the Jays. Aside from the Red Sux the AL East will be fun to watch again next year.

[Gertner]

Lol I literally want to pull out my cock at work and jerk off

[Gertner]

Emilio Bonifacio and John Buck going to the Jays as well as Reyes!


HOLY FUCKING SHIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Damian Rey]

The Jays arent fucking around. Johnson would be a great grab.

[Gertner]

To Blue Jays so far

John Buck
Emilio Bonifacio
Mark Buerhle
Josh Johnson
Jose Reyes

To Florida

Adeiney Hechivarrira
Yunel Escobar
Jake Marsnick
Henderson Alvarez
Justin Nicolino

[Dragon]

Don't know much about the prospects going to the Marlins, but the Marlins are kind of a joke. Go on a spending spree and dismantle the whole team every couple years. Always a good way to build a fan base.

[Gertner]

Nicolino is a good prospect. Marsnick is nothing special really. Alvarez is decent but he needs to develop a strikeout pitch. Escobar can fuck off.

Marlins got raped. They didn't even get the Jays top spects in D'Arnaud, Synndegarrd, Davis, and Sanchez.

Losing Adeiny Hechavarria is sad.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>LOLLLLL @ the Marlins already unloading all of their big contracts from last year. Awesome trade for the Jays.</font>

[Dragon]

Giancarlo Stanton ‏@Giancarlo818

Alright, I'm pissed off!!! Plain & Simple


Wonder if they go all out and trade Stanton. They could probably get more than that whole package they got from Toronto if they deal him. He is only another year from being arbitration eligible so its bound to happen sooner or later.

[Adder]

really excited about Emilio Bonifacio

[Damian Rey]

I dont think the Marlins would even get the best package for Stanton. It'd likely take one high upside prospect and some decent second tiers, and cash.