MLB 2013-14 Offseason Thread

[DaveBrawl]

From what I remember reading in some article last year when this came up according to some players in already, they knew others in there have used but they didn't give names.

Maddux is probably one of, if not, my favorite player of all time, and while I would have loved to see him make it in unanimously just to see him make it in on the first try with the way these writers are treating everyone from his era is pretty awesome.

[Frank Drebin]

Still remember his 78 pitch complete game shutout in 1997 with sportscenter showing every pitch.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Maddux and Glavine are locks to go in. Biggio is a most likely, and I think The Big Hurt will get in first ballot as well but idiots who are unfairly anti-every-steroid-era-hitter will cost him some votes and make it a closer call than it should.

Meanwhile I think those same idiots cause Piazza and Bagwell to miss out again. And I don't think Jack Morris makes it in either.</font>

[DaveWadding]

Fuck Jack Morris. And every person that would vote for him.

[McLegend]

<font color=goldenrod>Maddux and Glavine are locks to go in. Biggio is a most likely, and I think The Big Hurt will get in first ballot as well but idiots who are unfairly anti-every-steroid-era-hitter will cost him some votes and make it a closer call than it should.

Meanwhile I think those same idiots cause Piazza and Bagwell to miss out again. And I don't think Jack Morris makes it in either.</font>

So if Bagwell isn't getting in then how can Biggio? How can we be so sure Biggio didn't take steroids?

The whole thing is a joke.

[RP]

Because he's fucking Craig Biggio. Look at him. He's the size of my cock.

[McLegend]

He hit 24 home runs when he was 38 years old, and 26 home runs when he was 39 years old, which are career high. It's not greatly higher any than his normal numbers, but you are going to tell me someone who had as much wear and tear on them as Biggio is going to hit his career highs as a 38 and 39 year old without steroids?

I don't believe it.

[ClockShot]

Call to the hall in about 10 minutes.

[ClockShot]

Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine, and Frank Thomas got elected to the hall.

[screech]

Niceeee

[Evil Vito]

Biggio missed election by .02%. Damn.

[Evil Vito]

Bagwell's % actually went down from last year. God I hate these voters.

[Hanso Amore]

He hit 24 home runs when he was 38 years old, and 26 home runs when he was 39 years old, which are career high. It's not greatly higher any than his normal numbers, but you are going to tell me someone who had as much wear and tear on them as Biggio is going to hit his career highs as a 38 and 39 year old without steroids?

I don't believe it.

This is a completely valid argument.

I dont like Biggio because he is an example of why stat thresholds are enough.

He was a GOOD player for 20 years and amassed stats to make him a Hall of Famer. but he was never once in his career one of the 3 best at his position IMHO. He was never a perennial all start or all time great. Just a damn good solid player that was durable.

Meanwhile Pedro Martinez is one of the most dominant players of all time and is going to have detractors because of his "totals".

[Hanso Amore]

next year will be interesting.

Randy Johnson
Pedro Martinez
John Smoltz
gary Sheffield

Those are the only 4 legit candidates.

I think Johnson and Smoltz are first ballot guys. Pedro should be but wont (Remember im a Yankees Fan too).

Sheffield will never make it.

[DaveWadding]

*REVEALED* Frank Drebin's Hall of Fame ballot! LOOK!!!!!!!!!!!!


1. Jacque Jones
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

[Emperor Smeat]

Bagwell's % actually went down from last year. God I hate these voters.

Probably more of him being this year's bad luck candidate since something like that always happens whenever there are multiple "lock" picks. Won't get any better next year but after that he'll probably go back up in percentage.

[RP]

He hit 24 home runs when he was 38 years old, and 26 home runs when he was 39 years old, which are career high. It's not greatly higher any than his normal numbers, but you are going to tell me someone who had as much wear and tear on them as Biggio is going to hit his career highs as a 38 and 39 year old without steroids?

I don't believe it.

To my knowledge, he was hitting in a great lineup. It's not like teams were pitching around him. Not with Bagwell behind him.

[weather vane]

The baseball hof is a joke. Just terrible.

[Frank Drebin]

Biggio missed election by .02%. Damn.

If he played the majority of his career in say, Boston, he would have been a shoe in

*REVEALED* Frank Drebin's Hall of Fame ballot! LOOK!!!!!!!!!!!!


1. Jacque Jones
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

Wrong, Dave. It goes like this:

1. Jacque Jones
2. Jacque Jones
3. Jacque Jones
4. Jacque Jones
5. Jacque Jones
6. Jacque Jones
7. Jacque Jones
8. Jacque Jones
9. Jacque Jones
10. Jacque Jones

[DaveWadding]

To my knowledge, he was hitting in a great lineup. It's not like teams were pitching around him. Not with Bagwell behind him.

And not only that, pulling the ball into the Crawford Boxes.

[owenbrown]

so apparently the one who turned his Hall of Fame ballot over to Deadspin was Dan LeBatard.

http://deadspin.com/revealed-the-hall-of-fame-voter-who-turned-his-ballot-1496558341

http://deadspin.com/dan-le-batards-producers-were-shocked-to-learn-he-gave-1497366704

[FakeLaser]

The following are Hall of Famers to me:

Bonds - duh
Clemens - duh
Maddux - duh
Biggio - duh
Bagwell - duh
Piazza - duh
Thomas - duh
Glavine - duh
Mussina - actually better than Glavine in many ways, similar, overall, to Schilling.
Schilling - lowest K/BB ratio of all time, a bunch of video game seasons
Raines - One of the best players of the 80s, very similar to Tony Gwynn in many respects
Martinez - Best DH ever (if you don't count Thomas as a DH) and one of the best pure hitters ever.
Trammell - Top 5-10 shortstop
McGwire - duh
Sosa - controversial, but the numbers don't lie (completely)

On the fence on Walker, Kent and Raffy (who's off the ballot now)

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>I am encouraged that Piazza actually increased his vote total while so many decreased. I'm not sure he'll get into the HOF next year with 3 "locks" (Johnson, Pedro, Smoltz) set to go in plus Biggio probably going over the hump. But 2016 might be his year. Griffey is the only "lock" that year. Wagner should be a lock for 2016 as well but voters seem to be rather stingy with closers.</font>

[RoXer]

<font color=goldenrod> Wagner should be a lock for 2016 as well </font>

I doubt it

[FakeLaser]

Wagner definitely won't get in first ballot, but he has a chance. He is probably the best left-handed reliever of all-time.

[Emperor Smeat]

According to ESPN, Masahiro Tanaka bidding war already has about 1/3rd of the league involved and might top around the 6 years, $100 million range.

Cubs and White Sox are rumored to be the first teams to negotiate with him.

One official estimated that more than one-third of MLB teams are interested in Tanaka, who will likely garner a contract in the six-year, $100 million range. Among the interested teams are the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Angels, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Seattle Mariners, Arizona Diamondbacks, Texas Rangers, Philadelphia Phillies, Oakland Athletics and Houston Astros.

Tanaka and agent Casey Close have until a deadline of 5 p.m. ET Jan. 24 to have a contract and physical completed with a team.

[RP]

I'm calling bullshit on the Astros , A's , D-Bags and White Sox. I'm crossing the Mariners out. That's unlikely. I gotta believe the Angels have some limit considering all the money they've squander with shit results. So that list is now..

Phillies
Yanks
Red Sox
Cubs
Dodgers
Rangers

[RP]

Sort of surprised to not see the Tigers on there. Not counting the Pirates out either. This guy could be the piece that takes the Pirates to the World Series.

[ClockShot]

Probably sitting on a lot of Prince's money still.

[owenbrown]

Fallout from the Dan LeBatard HoF vote "scandal"

http://deadspin.com/dan-le-batard-loses-hall-of-fame-vote-suspended-from-b-1498090172?utm_campaign=socialflow_deadspin_facebook&utm_source=deadspin_facebook&utm_medium=socialflow

http://deadspin.com/costas-no-hof-vote-for-fans-because-they-vote-for-the-1498180751

http://deadspin.com/the-angry-things-writers-are-saying-about-our-hall-of-f-1497810100

http://deadspin.com/the-pti-guys-said-some-really-dumb-things-about-dan-le-1497463504

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>The BBWAA are a bunch of babies. Funny part is Deadspin's ballot was probably the best one out of all of them.</font>

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>I hope the Veteran's Committee lets the Bonds and Clemens' of the world in someday as a middle finger to the BBWAA. Just let the steroid era guys in. The Baseball HOF is meant to be a museum. Last I checked, museums were supposed to chronicle all history, not just the good parts of it.</font>

[owenbrown]

LeBatard is awesome

[Ruien]

<font color=goldenrod>I hope the Veteran's Committee lets the Bonds and Clemens' of the world in someday as a middle finger to the BBWAA. Just let the steroid era guys in. The Baseball HOF is meant to be a museum. Last I checked, museums were supposed to chronicle all history, not just the good parts of it.</font>

Well, the history moments will be in there. They will just not have their jerseys in the room with the people elected to go. The people who deserve to be in there.
I do not know if you have ever been there but it is two separate things. This is basically a big ass room with jerseys of specific players. Everything else is in a different section that has the records and so fourth.

[Ruien]

I do agree with it is stupid that people will not be elected in because they used steroids before it was banned in baseball.

[Emperor Smeat]

<font color=goldenrod>I hope the Veteran's Committee lets the Bonds and Clemens' of the world in someday as a middle finger to the BBWAA. Just let the steroid era guys in. The Baseball HOF is meant to be a museum. Last I checked, museums were supposed to chronicle all history, not just the good parts of it.</font>

Unless I'm thinking of a different committee, they are just as stubborn as the writers when it comes to electing players. On paper they have a better chance but wouldn't be surprised if they never get in without some huge rehaul.

[ClockShot]

Yankees DFA Vernon Wells.

[YOUR Hero]

Angels still paying the guys salary

[Innovator]

Alex Rodriguez suspended for the season

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Should just pop a shitton of roids in September and come back for the playoffs.</font>

[ClockShot]

Suspension includes playoffs.

SWEET! $25 mil. freed up.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>I imagine the Yankees will now throw some extra Tanaka's way. I'd think Michael Young would be the most logical guy for the Yankees to sign for a 1 year stopgap at 3rd. Part of me wonders if they'd re-engage on talks with Stephen Drew after previously ruling him out (before they knew about A-Rod's status), but then again I can't really see why Drew would want to learn to play 3B for a year when there are other teams that would keep him at SS.

Red Sox and Mets are the only teams I've even really heard linked to Drew at this point, and neither is willing to go more than 1 year guaranteed. If Drew decides to take 1 year it's difficult to imagine him not going back to Boston. Mets probably need to throw in a 2nd year guaranteed to get him. I'd be on board with 2 years for Drew. He's not great by any means but he's still a clear upgrade over automatic out Ruben Tejada.</font>

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>If the Mets got Drew their lineup would look something like:

LF Eric Young, Jr.
2B Daniel Murphy
3B David Wright
RF Curtis Granderson
1B Ike Davis or a Lucas Duda/Josh Satin platoon
CF Chris Young
SS Stephen Drew
C Travis d'Arnaud

Batting order is still up in the air...especially if Juan Lagares wins the CF job based on his glove. In that case he'd likely supplant EYJ and I have no idea who the fuck hits leadoff then. That lineup wouldn't set the world on fire and they'd still clearly be behind Washington and Atlanta, but it's still way better looking than this time last year. Throw in their solid looking rotation and bullpen filled with young arms and they might at least be able to stay in the Wild Card mix.</font>

[SammyG]

Dodgers are gonna land Tanaka. This rotation is sttacckkkeeedddd

[ClockShot]

So Tony Bosch on 60 Minutes. Telling the truth, or whole lot of bullshit?

[RoXer]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Still figryuing out how 2 tyype with these big pawz. Will gett lessons from <a href="https://twitter.com/Cubs">@Cubs</a>. Come back soon!!</p>&mdash; Clark the Cub (@ClarktheCub) <a href="https://twitter.com/ClarktheCub/statuses/422835268727500800">January 13, 2014</a></blockquote>
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Go Cubs Go

[Emperor Smeat]

A-Rod has officially filed a lawsuit against MLB over the reduced suspension claiming it should have been even lower or nothing at all. Also is suing the Players Union claiming they worked with MLB to ensure a suspension would happen and didn't do enough to fight it.

He tried to get parts of the evidence and ruling from the arbitrator's case to be sealed from the public and MLB for this lawsuit but got denied by a judge.

[RoXer]

http://img.gawkerassets.com/img/19cgbbfp6eb34gif/ku-medium.gif

[Frank Drebin]

Wadding is creaming his pants

[YOUR Hero]

MLB should change it's acronym to A-ROD

[ClockShot]

Dodgers lock up Clayton Kershaw before he hits free agency.

7-years, $215 mil.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Nearly $31 million a year. Jesus.

So basically $1 million per start.</font>

[YOUR Hero]

really good deal for both sides imo (in this crazy new MLB salary era)

[SammyG]

Clayton fucking KERSHAW deserves all of it

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>His deal also includes an opt-out clause after year 5, meaning he could potentially opt out at age 30 and get another monster of a contract.</font>

[DaveWadding]

Kevin Gausman Steroid Watch:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Gausman: &quot;I’ve put on 12 pounds already. I feel great physically. I’m probably somewhere [near] the best physically I’ve felt.&quot; <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Orioles&amp;src=hash">#Orioles</a></p>&mdash; Eduardo A. Encina (@EddieInTheYard) <a href="https://twitter.com/EddieInTheYard/statuses/423845558185234432">January 16, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[ClockShot]

Aaaaaaaaand Vernon Wells has been released by the Yankees.

[Emperor Smeat]

Rays resigned David Price to a 1-year, $14 million deal.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Expanded instant replay is officially a go for 2014.</font>

[Corndad]

What. A. Team...



https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BeJLHoNIUAAS5nU.jpg

[Frank Drebin]

Thinking the Cubs ripped off the O's in the Feldman trade. Everyone who's talking about the Cubs future extols the virtues of Baez, Bryant and the like but I think they found another Travis Wood.

[DaveWadding]

Wow, TWO Travis Woods. They'll definitely win the Central with that.

[Frank Drebin]

Travis Wood was pretty good. Yeah they may not have a #1 (Tanaka? ) but a 2 thru 5 of shark, wood, Jackson, Arietta plus whoever wants to step up (viscaino, Edwards? ) isn't too shabby.

[Emperor Smeat]

Nats avoided arbitration for Jordan Zimmermann and signed him to a 2 year, $24 million deal.

Shortstop Ian Desmond also agreed to a two-year deal with the Nationals before Friday's deadline for submitting arbitration figures. Other Nationals players agreeing to contracts included former closer Drew Storen, catcher Wilson Ramos, and lefties Ross Detwiler and Jerry Blevins.

[DaveWadding]

Travis Wood was pretty good. Yeah they may not have a #1 (Tanaka? ) but a 2 thru 5 of shark, wood, Jackson, Arietta plus whoever wants to step up (viscaino, Edwards? ) isn't too shabby.

And the Cubs track record with the Japanese is so good.

[Frank Drebin]

0-1?

Guess everyone who started their career 0-1 should have gotten cut.....and I liked Fukudome.

[DaveWadding]

We totally had this discussion. He was a great player from February-May.

[Droford]

Kevin Gausman Steroid Watch:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Gausman: &quot;I’ve put on 12 pounds already. I feel great physically. I’m probably somewhere [near] the best physically I’ve felt.&quot; <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Orioles&amp;src=hash">#Orioles</a></p>&mdash; Eduardo A. Encina (@EddieInTheYard) <a href="https://twitter.com/EddieInTheYard/statuses/423845558185234432">January 16, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
http://l1.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/_YcUTcvyybl1388Njxk6fw--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7cT04NTt3PTYzMA--/http://media.zenfs.com/en/blogs/sptusmlbexperts/Donuts.jpg
If donuts are Steroids then yes

Thinking the Cubs ripped off the O's in the Feldman trade. Everyone who's talking about the Cubs future extols the virtues of Baez, Bryant and the like but I think they found another Travis Wood.
Considering Feldman is now in Houston ... yes they did although I doubt Arrieta will ever amount to anything.

Speaking of the Cubs I'm planning on a trip to Wrigley to see the O's play there in August.

[Droford]

What. A. Team...



https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BeJLHoNIUAAS5nU.jpg

Jack Elliot should be playing 1b...he was Mr Baseball for crying out loud

http://www.dvd-covers.org/d/73966-3/1565mr_baseball.jpg

Funny that not only was Denis Haysbert in the movie, but so was now Hall of Famer Frank Thomas as an upstart rookie.

[RoXer]

Who do you think is the sexiest player in the league at the moment Droford?

[Emperor Smeat]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>MLB commissioner Bud Selig to receive the 1st &quot;Commissioner Bud Selig Leadership Award&quot; from Baseball Assistance Team next Tuesday.</p>&mdash; SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) <a href="https://twitter.com/SportsCenter/statuses/425749617095892992">January 21, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[ClockShot]

Gonna throw a big party when his retirement day comes around.

What the hell is a "Baseball Assistance Team" anyway?

[Emperor Smeat]

Group that helps families of retired players and later became officially sponsored by MLB.

What is B.A.T.?

Baseball Assistance Team Logo The Baseball Assistance Team (B.A.T.) was formed in 1986 by a group of former Major League Baseball players. B.A.T. was founded to confidentially help members of the Baseball Family who were in need of assistance with nowhere else to turn. In 1991, a one-time contribution was jointly made by Major League Baseball, the Major League Baseball Players Association and the Gannett affiliated Freedom Foundation to establish an endowment for B.A.T.

[Frank Drebin]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>MLB commissioner Bud Selig to receive the 1st &quot;Commissioner Bud Selig Leadership Award&quot; from Baseball Assistance Team next Tuesday.</p>&mdash; SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) <a href="https://twitter.com/SportsCenter/statuses/425749617095892992">January 21, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Wonder who he knows on the award executive board.....

[Bad News Gertner]

Jack Elliot should be playing 1b...he was Mr Baseball for crying out loud

http://www.dvd-covers.org/d/73966-3/1565mr_baseball.jpg

Funny that not only was Denis Haysbert in the movie, but so was now Hall of Famer Frank Thomas as an upstart rookie.

Fuck that, Stan Ross should be playing first base!

http://0.tqn.com/d/movies/1/0/g/7/5/mr3000pubc.jpg

[ClockShot]

Yankees win the Masahiro Tanaka sweepstakes.

7-years, $155 mil. With an opt out after 4.

Awesome!

[Innovator]

Yes!

[Evil Vito]

Tanaka to the Yankees seemed like a foregone conclusion because they were always going to give him a shitload of money but moreover he could play with some of his countrymen.

[Droford]

Kinda crazy he got $100 million more than Darvish, who is regarded as the better pitcher between the two.

[RoXer]

Droford, who do you regard to be the most attractive baseball player currently playing in the MLB?

[Droford]

I bet the Mariners wished the hadn't given Cano so much money. A rotation with Hernandez, Tanaka and Iwakuma would be pretty badass.

[RoXer]

Speaking of wishes, Droford, which current MLB player's badass would you wish you could rotate yourself into?

[Evil Vito]

Unless I missed something I think this move bumps the Yanks over the luxury tax threshold even after deducting A-Rod's salary. They might just say fuck it and go after Drew and Balfour or something.

[Droford]

I'm rooting for A Rod to win his court case and the Yankees have to pay him as well.

They've doled out almost $500 million in contracts to 9 players so far, what's another couple million for Balfour and another pitcher.

You'd also think they would have spent a few more bucks on a better 2b not named Brian Roberts

[RoXer]

Speaking of courting, Droford, which current MLB player would you most like to start a relationship with?

[ClockShot]

I'm rooting for A Rod to win his court case and the Yankees have to pay him as well.


<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/9Uc3V8NxKWw" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>

[DaveWadding]

Matt Garza signs with the Brewers for 4 years, $52mil.

I bet the Twins and Royals feel stupid right now.

[Emperor Smeat]

Rays signed to a Grant Balfour 2 year, $12 million deal.

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

Red Sox win the championship by downsizing their big roster and getting great role players and not going overboard with contracts. What do the Yankees learn about this? Absolutely nothing. SIGNS ANYTHING THAT MOVES!

[Droford]

The final piece in closer swap 2014 would be for the Os to sign Rodney but not happening

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Aaaand the Yankees are back in on the Stephen Drew sweepstakes since they've already passed the threshold.

Mets may as well cross him off their wish list then.</font>

[DaveWadding]

Painful irony of Eric Byrnes talking about how Carlos Quentin is the #8 overall left fielder RIGHT NOW.

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

Would be more ironic if he talked about a catcher having great plate-blocking ability.

[Emperor Smeat]

MLB approves new protective caps for pitchers with the caps to be made available for this year and all levels of the game.

The newly approved caps, manufactured by 4Licensing Corporation subsidiary isoBlox, will be made available to pitchers for spring training next month. Their use is optional.

The company says the caps are a little more than a half-inch thicker in the front and an inch thicker on the sides -- near the temples -- than standard caps, and afford protection for frontal impact locations against line drives of up to 90 mph and for side impact locations at up to 85 mph. The soft padding, isoBlox says, is made of "plastic injection molded polymers combined with a foam substrate" and is designed to diffuse energy upon impact through a combination of dispersion and absorption techniques.
http://espn.go.com/espn/otl/story/_/id/10363291/pitchers-protective-caps-approved-major-league-baseball

[YOUR Hero]

Would it fit on Bond's head??

[Emperor Smeat]

Braves resigned both Freddie Freeman and Jason Heyward with Freeman's deal rumored to be in the 8 years, $125 million range and Heyward's deal confirmed for 2 years, $13 million.

[ClockShot]

8, $125 mil.

Where'd that figure come from?

[Droford]

Chris Davis probably will get $25 mil a year from someone if Freddie Freeman is worth $17..damnit

[Bad News Gertner]

Curt Schilling diagnosed with cancer. I know he was a dip user. I'm willing to bet that he has ora cancer. Ugh, quitting dip is rough. It's been since Sunday morning for me and it's been awful.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>That sucks. Hopefully he can fight through it.</font>

[screech]

:(

Love Schilling

[Bad News Gertner]

Feel terrible for the guy. I know how hard it is to quit.

[weather vane]

He has had a rough couple of years. Too bad.

[Evil Vito]

Hall of Famer Ralph Kiner passes away at 91.

Made occasional visits to the Mets broadcast booth right up to the last year of his life. RIP :(

[Emperor Smeat]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>THIS JUST IN: Alex Rodriguez has dropped his lawsuit against MLB, commissioner Bud Selig and the MLBPA.</p>&mdash; SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) <a href="https://twitter.com/SportsCenter/statuses/431903543428001792">February 7, 2014</a></blockquote>
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A's resigned Coco Crisp to a two year contract extension worth around an extra $22 million.

Royals signed former 1B Mike Sweeney to a job in management although didn't mention what it was at the time.

Mariners signed Fernando Rodney to a 2 year, $14 million deal.

[ClockShot]

Great. Now if the Yankees can cut a deal with A-Rod for a buyout......

Nah. Never happen.

[DaveWadding]

D'Backs sign Bronson Arroyo 2 years, 19 million

[Frank Drebin]

Love Arroyo as a #4 starter. Can't tell you enough how having your #4 be a guy who you know will take the mound every 5 days and eat up innings more often than not. Yeah, he will throw some stinkers because HE'S A #4 STARTER but he will also have that 6 week run where he pitches better than 3 others in the rotation and keeps the team from hitting long losing streaks. The fact that they got him for this price when the going rate for a pitcher of his type has been 5/$55 is great market timing by the dbacks.

[DaveWadding]

I love the signing, but the D'Backs don't have an ace at all.

Brandon McCarthy
Patrick Corbin
Bronson Arroyo
Trevor Cahill
Wade Miley

[RoXer]

Corbin

[DaveWadding]

I'm going downtown with my niece tomorrow for the Fanfest at Chase Field. Always a fun afternoon.

[Frank Drebin]

Yeah. Pre head injury McCarthy could have fit the mold of my prototypical 4th starter. Dunno now. In any case, I wouldn't want two of the same guys. They still have young guys to trade so they could still deal for a top of the line guy at the deadline. (Samardjia for the top 7 prospects)

[DaveWadding]

They really need to trade for Price. That's my dream scenario.

[Frank Drebin]

Also agree with Roxer. I like Corbin. Too soon to call him a #1 though. Dan Hudson would be great here. Damn. Really liked him.

[DaveWadding]

He's still in the system, but they've done a really good job of basically flushing the guy out of their plans.

[Frank Drebin]

Other than Price and Shark, is any other high end starter likely to be available at the deadline?

[Frank Drebin]

If Hudson does anything more then a few spot starts followed by another devastating injury or being moved to the pen before suffering another devastating injury, I'll be shocked.

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>THIS JUST IN: Alex Rodriguez has dropped his lawsuit against MLB, commissioner Bud Selig and the MLBPA.</p>&mdash; SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) <a href="https://twitter.com/SportsCenter/statuses/431903543428001792">February 7, 2014</a></blockquote>
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A's resigned Coco Crisp to a two year contract extension worth around an extra $22 million.

Royals signed former 1B Mike Sweeney to a job in management although didn't mention what it was at the time.

Mariners signed Fernando Rodney to a 2 year, $14 million deal.

and I thought the slimiest person who fucked Torrie Wilson was Kidman.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>MLB finished up its annual Top 10 Right Now series where this computerized "Shredder" system goes position by position and rank the top 10 players at each position, pretty much all based on performance from last year. Here's a breakdown of all of the players that were named to their respective lists by team. A couple of really obscure selections but for the most part probably accurate. NL West and AL East with the most representation.

-NL East(17)-
Braves(6): Jason Heyward, Andrelton Simmons, Freddie Freeman, Justin Upton, Craig Kimbrel, Luis Avilan
Nationals(5): Jayson Werth, Ian Desmond, Bryce Harper, Ryan Zimmerman, Wilson Ramos
Phillies(3): Cliff Lee, Chase Utley, Carlos Ruiz
Marlins(2): Giancarlo Stanton, Jose Fernandez
Mets(1): David Wright

-NL Central(16)-
Cardinals(6): Allen Craig, Adam Wainwright, Jhonny Peralta, Matt Holliday, Matt Carpenter, Yadier Molina
Brewers(5): Carlos Gomez, Ryan Braun, Jean Segura, Aramis Ramirez, Jonathan Lucroy
Pirates(3): Andrew McCutchen, Starling Marte, Neil Walker
Reds(2): Joey Votto, Aroldis Chapman
Cubs(0):

-NL West(19)-
Dodgers(6): Matt Kemp, Yasiel Puig, Clayton Kershaw, Hanley Ramirez, Adrian Gonzalez, Kenley Jansen
Giants(4): Hunter Pence, Marco Scutaro, Pablo Sandobal, Buster Posey
Diamondbacks(3): Paul Goldschmidt, Aaron Hill, Miguel Montero
Padres(3): Carlos Quentin, Joaquin Benoit, Chase Headley
Rockies(3): Carlos Gonzalez, Troy Tulowitzki, Wilin Rosario



-AL East(19)-
Red Sox(5): Shane Victorino, Mike Napoli, Daniel Nava, Koji Uehara, Dustin Pedroia
Orioles(4): Adam Jones, J.J. Hardy, Chris Davis, Manny Machado
Yankees(4): Jacoby Ellsbury, Carlos Beltran, Brett Gardner, David Robertson
Blue Jays(3): Jose Bautista, Jose Reyes, Edwin Encarnacion
Rays(3): David Price, Ben Zobrist, Evan Longoria

-AL Central(15)-
Tigers(6): Austin Jackson, Justin Verlander, Max Scherzer, Miguel Cabrera, Joe Nathan, Ian Kinsler
Royals(4): Alex Gordon, Greg Holland, Salvador Perez, Alcides Escobar
Indians(2): Jason Kipnis, Carlos Santana
Twins(2): Joe Mauer, Glen Perkins
White Sox(1): Chris Sale

-AL West(14)-
Rangers(4): Elvis Andrus, Shin-Soo Choo, Prince Fielder, Adrian Beltre
Angels(3): Mike Trout, Josh Hamilton, Howie Kendrick
Mariners(3): Felix Hernandez, Hisashi Iwakuma, Robinson Cano
Astros(2): Dexter Fowler, Jason Castro
Athletics(2): Coco Crisp, Josh Donaldson</font>

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Can't really argue with Wright being the only Met. They acknowledged during the Starting Pitcher one that Harvey would have been in the top 3 if he were actually scheduled to pitch this year. Murphy also barely missed the cut at 2B and I can only imagine Parnell might have been in the RP discussion were it not for his injury.

If Juan Lagares can show any sort of offensive prowess this year, I think that combined with his stellar D could land him on the CF list for 2015.</font>

[DaveWadding]

I'm going to be pissed if Mike Olt is somehow not starting at 3rd base for the Cubs this Opening Day.

[Frank Drebin]

Better get your Luis Valbuena jersey ready.

[DaveWadding]

Thanks for loaning me that shit. Really appreciate it.

[Frank Drebin]

Really pulling for Olt. Hope he didn't get Greenberged and comes back strong. If he does, get his place ready in the hall of really really good.

[Frank Drebin]

Thanks for loaning me that shit. Really appreciate it.

Only size they had was XXXL for some reason.

[Frank Drebin]

Wondering what the hell they do with all these guys on the left side of the IF. Castro, Baez, Bryant, Olt, Villanueva, Alcantara. Not all will pan out and I'm sure someone can take 2B from Barney.

[DaveWadding]

trade some of them for young pitching?

[ClockShot]

Yanks about to hold a presser to introduce Masahiro Tanaka.

Should be interesting to watch/listen.

[RP]

No it shouldn't.

[Corndad]

AJ Burnett to the Phillies :'(

[Evil Vito]

Mets sign Jose Valverde to a minor league deal with a ST invite.

Potentially Farnsworth and/or Valverde in the Mets pen? My heart can't take it.

[Evil Vito]

Derek Jeter announces that 2014 will be his final season.

[Droford]

MLB network had Jeter's Prime 9 moments and Jeter's #4 moment shouldn't be a moment for him since that snot nosed brat had to reach over and interfere for it to be a home run.

Also, Mr Baseball is on tonight...

[RoXer]

Speaking of reaching over, Droford, ...

[ClockShot]

Derek Geezer is retiring. And Yankees ticket sales for the 2014 season skyrocketed.

Might have to pay up now just to see him one last time. But as I was arguing with a few of my buddies last night, he should have retired a few years ago.

[Droford]

Orioles may or may not have signed a Korean pitcher Suk Min Yoon

[RoXer]

Speaking of sucking, Droford, ...

[Hanso Amore]

Derek Geezer is retiring. And Yankees ticket sales for the 2014 season skyrocketed.

Might have to pay up now just to see him one last time. But as I was arguing with a few of my buddies last night, he should have retired a few years ago.

If you think Jeter should have "retired a few years ago" then Todd Helton should have retired 5 years ago.

[Droford]

http://www.cutecatgifs.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/djcat.gif

I still get a good laugh

[Droford]

Jim Fregosi died..I remember more of his final run in Toronto 99/00 than even the Phillies WS run but its hard to believe he managed 15 years and had a sub .500 record (last 2 in Toronto were above .500 and the Jays still canned him)

[screech]

:( loved Jim Fregosi

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>I have to say I'm kind of interested in seeing the kind of victory lap Jeter gets. Teams will certainly give him gifts and I'd think he gets a nice ovation in most stadiums, but I can see a few cities booing him just because they love to do it. Rivera was universally loved, whereas Jeter is somebody most non-Yankee fans "loved to hate".

Boston in particular could be interesting since it's the last series of the year. Imagine if the AL East were on the line and Boston did this big thing to honor Jeter? Would seem kinda weird. Could see Boston honoring him in the Yanks' first trip to Fenway this year to avoid the potential awkwardness.

He'll definitely get a big ASG sendoff too. He finished top 5 in the AL SS voting despite barely playing last year, no way is he not getting voted in in his final year.</font>

[Emperor Smeat]

I'd say no to him getting something special done for his first trip to Boston but could see them give him extra time for applause (or booing) when his name is announced for lineups.

[Hanso Amore]

Sox fans have been good about this lately. I bet his last game at Fenway his first at bat he gets a standing O

[Droford]

jeter will end up hurt and his season done before the All Star Game

[Emperor Smeat]

Braves resigned Craig Kimbrel to a 4 year, $42 million deal.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>The deal also includes a 2018 club option which would almost certainly be exercised barring an unforeseen drop in production, so it's essentially a 5 year deal. Smart move by the Braves. Locks up his 3 remaining arbitration years plus 2 years of free agency. If Kimbrel is still as nasty as he is now after 2018 he'll only be 30 so he'll still have a chance to cash in.</font>

[Schlomey]

Ryan Dempster not pitching this year to be a stay at home dad.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Shit, now the Sox have some extra money to get Drew. Still had a very slim hope the Mets would get him for a year or something.</font>

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Reds close to an extension with Homer Bailey for 6 years, $100 million.</font>

[ClockShot]

O's sign Ubaldo Jimenez. 4-years, $50 mil.

[Droford]

I wonder if Gary throne will call homers he gives up Ubaldo bombs now that he works for the WWE

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Braves lock up Andrelton Simmons for 7 years, $58 million. They're on fire locking up these young guys.</font>

[Ermaximus]

Now they just gotta win when it counts.

[Boomer]

An Atlanta sports team winning when it counts!?!?!

[Ermaximus]

Yeah, that's asking too much eh Boomer?

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Nelson Cruz to the Orioles. 1 year, $8 million plus incentives.

Jesus...and he could have had $14 million if he took the Rangers' qualifying offer.</font>

[Droford]

Most orioles fans didn't want him, but for $8 he can be the DH and smack 30 HRs and we'll all be happy.
If he plays well it'll only be 1 year anyway..

[Droford]

Orioles are still supposedly after Ervin Santana. If they can pull it off they'll have the best rotation for an orioles club this side of the year 2000

Tillman
Jimenez
Santana
Chen
Gonzalez/Norris

Even without Santana I kind of like it.

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

<font color=goldenrod>Nelson Cruz to the Orioles. 1 year, $8 million plus incentives.

Jesus...and he could have had $14 million if he took the Rangers' qualifying offer.</font>

Is he a Boras client?

[ClockShot]

Yankees sign Andrew Bailey to a minor league deal with a boatload of incentives in it.

Won't be ready to go until mid-may. But if he can bounce back, it'll be a huge boost to the bullpen. Since Cashman hasn't done nothing to rebuild it so far.

[Evil Vito]

Is he a Boras client?

<font color=goldenrod>I don't believe so. Stephen Drew is though...and he's not training at Boras' ST complex until he signs somewhere. He's still looking for a multiyear deal which is ludicrous at this point.

I'm betting he signs somewhere for around the $8 million Cruz got...and the Mets will still cheap out of paying the price.</font>

[RP]

Orioles are still supposedly after Ervin Santana. If they can pull it off they'll have the best rotation for an orioles club this side of the year 2000

Tillman
Jimenez
Santana
Chen
Gonzalez/Norris

Even without Santana I kind of like it.

That's a pretty average rotation imo

[Emperor Smeat]

Yankees sign Andrew Bailey to a minor league deal with a boatload of incentives in it.

Won't be ready to go until mid-may. But if he can bounce back, it'll be a huge boost to the bullpen. Since Cashman hasn't done nothing to rebuild it so far.

Wouldn't expect anything considering him and Hanrahan managed to make Aceves look great in comparison for the closer spot on the Sox.

[Droford]

That's a pretty average rotation imo

Which tells you all you need to know about O's starting pitching over the last 14 years.

Guys like Jose Mercedes, Calvin Maduro, Willis Roberts, Travis Driskill, Omar Daal,
Eric Dubose, Kurt Ainsworth, Kris Benson (and his wife), Brian Burres, Radhames Liz, Garrett Olson, Rich Hill, Henricus VandenHurk (only started 3 game, but the name..), Jo Jo Reyes and Chris Jakubauskas.

The best pitchers the Orioles had over that stretch were probably Rodrigo Lopez, Erik Bedard (traded for Adam Jones and our current best Pitcher Chris Tillman), Jeremy Guthrie and Sidney Ponson. Bedard was good enough to con the Mariners out of 3 good players, the rest of them probably wouldn't have been starters anywhere else.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Droford's trip down memory lane made me look at Mets pitching staffs from past years. I've had high hopes for the Mets rotation (even without Harvey) for quite some time, but in actually looking at it this might be the best Mets rotation since I started watching baseball. Mind the bar is pretty low as they've sucked for most of my life, but while they've usually had a legit ace or even a really good 1 and 2 starter, usually everyone else in the rotation is mediocre at best. This year I really love their 1-4 and I'm not sure I've felt that way headed into a Mets season before. Even the 2006 Mets team I loved really had a pretty bad rotation that was bailed out by a great lineup and a killer bullpen.

Wheeler has electric stuff. Niese is dependable and should be better than last year without the nagging injury he worked through. Gee was one of the best pitchers in the NL from late May and on last year. Colon is old and fat but he has a rubber arm and can still go, going to the NL will only help him as long as he doesn't spontaneously combust trying to run the bases. I'm pulling for Mejia for the 5th spot but it'll probably be Dice-K, either way it shouldn't matter as Syndergaard should be up by July.

I'd put that rotation right up there with some of the top ones in the NL. They're the least of my worries. They should keep the team in most games, the question is whether or not they'll score enough runs. Everything beyond 2-4 in the lineup is a massive question mark, and even that is being generous to Granderson who I like but the potential is still there for him to be underwhelming.</font>

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>It speaks volumes to me about how the Mets view the future of their rotation that a bunch of their quality SP prospects are going to work out of the bullpen in spring to see how they handle it because it'll be their only real shot at making the bigs in this organization. Hopefully Sandy sacks up and trades some of that depth for a big bat at the deadline if they can hang around contention that long.</font>

[ClockShot]

Yankees lock up Brett Gardner. 4-years, $52 mil. Goes into effect in 2015.

[toxic rooster]

greinke made some comment yesterday about not being excited to play in australia. caused something of an uproar here. kinda get his point (gonna be a tad disruptive to cut spring training short, fly 16 hours x 2 etc to start off the season) but he probably could have worded it better. specially given the cash people are paying through the nose here for a ticket

[road doggy dogg]

Debating taking one of my vacation weeks for opening day, and just going to like 6 Tigers games (opening the season hosting the Royals then Orioles), just feel like I'd probably get angry with myself if I wanted to use that week elsewhere in the year. But ehhhh fuckit, it's baseball. Woo!

[ClockShot]

Ozzie "The Wizard" Smith wants the Federal Government to make Opening Day a national holiday. He got his 100,000 signatures with the We The People petitioning program and Obama has to review it. This also got backing by Budweiser.

I'm for this. Massachusetts shuts down for Patriots Day. BoSox play a 10 a.m. game.

IT AIN'T FAIR!

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>It won't get approved.

That being said I've already requested and got the day off. Strongly considering actually going to Citi Field for it. Tickets are expensive as balls, but I've always wanted to go to an actual season opener (only have gone to the home opener in the second week). This is the 4th time in the last 5 years the Mets are opening at home, so they're probably due for a stretch of starting on the road the next few years.</font>

[screech]

I went to a few Opening Day games at the Vet (when the team(s) were terrible and tickets were super cheap lol). Always a good time.

[Emperor Smeat]

Angels avoided arbitration and signed Mike Trout to a 1 year, $1 million deal. Both sides are also still working on getting an actual multi-year deal finished in the near future.

[Droford]

Ozzie "The Wizard" Smith wants the Federal Government to make Opening Day a national holiday. He got his 100,000 signatures with the We The People petitioning program and Obama has to review it. This also got backing by Budweiser.

I'm for this. Massachusetts shuts down for Patriots Day. BoSox play a 10 a.m. game.

IT AIN'T FAIR!


If Opening Day is a holiday and Opening Day is In Australia where its tomorrow already..does that mean its a 2 day holiday?

[Evil Vito]

Opening Day starter Jon Niese heading to NY for an MRI on his left shoulder. Oh for the love of christ....

[Schlomey]

Pirates with the comeback win! Now off to watch the Dodgers/D-Bags. God I'm so happy. Wrestling Network and baseball back in the same week....Im in a constant state of orgasm. #Dehydrated

[DaveWadding]

was going to go to Cubs Park tomorrow, but it's on WGN. So meh.

[RoXer]

I'm going Tuesday

[RP]

Is Russell Wilson playing baseball?

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

I think he's just going to work out. I doubt he's going to dual sport it. Would be pretty cool though.

[ClockShot]

Carl Pavano retires.

[The Condor]

I think he's just going to work out. I doubt he's going to dual sport it. Would be pretty cool though.

Heard Pete Gammons say he's going to watch him play within the next week. I think a Super Bowl winning QB is really going to kick the tires in minor league baseball.

[DaveWadding]

he's supposed to be suiting up for the Rangers game today.

[Droford]

http://larrybrownsports.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Toledo-Mud-Hens-Ghostbusters.jpg

Toldeo Mudhens will be wearing these on May 30th

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>LOL @ this stupid "Face of MLB" contest MLB was running on Twitter. A's fans hijacked it in favor of Eric Sogard, who got past guys like Buster Posey and Jose Bautista en route to facing David Wright in the finals. Sogard had like a 42k vote lead when Wright had a mysterious surge of votes, many of whom came from South Korea on what appeared to be robot accounts.

It's almost as if MLB rigged their own farce of a contest to prevent Eric Sogard from winning.</font> :lol:

[Emperor Smeat]

MLB's authority only views Eric Sogard as a B+ player.

[ClockShot]

O's rumored to be closing in on a minor league deal with Johan Santana.

Might end up as a reliever.

[Droford]

In Norfolk (AAA )

[Bad News Gertner]

<font color=goldenrod>LOL @ this stupid "Face of MLB" contest MLB was running on Twitter. A's fans hijacked it in favor of Eric Sogard, who got past guys like Buster Posey and Jose Bautista en route to facing David Wright in the finals. Sogard had like a 42k vote lead when Wright had a mysterious surge of votes, many of whom came from South Korea on what appeared to be robot accounts.

It's almost as if MLB rigged their own farce of a contest to prevent Eric Sogard from winning.</font> :lol:

Lol that is so friggen hilarious

[Droford]

http://cdn2.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1022260/kZyTY.jpg

Minor league guy on third sounds like a decent band name

[Droford]

Anyone on here want a Kerry Wood 20k game bobblehead? Its the giveaway for the game I'm going to and if I get it I won't want it, I'll send it to whoever if you cover the couple bucks to ship it via Paypal.

Also, Im in the process of getting 2 tickets for the game since, for whatever reason, 2 tickets are cheaper than 1. I'm verifying they aren't obstructed before I buy since I've got a feeling that they're probably behind a pole. If they aren't, if there's anyone that's going to be in Chicago on 8/22 and wants to go to a Cubs game for free let me know.

[DaveWadding]

Dro, I'll take it. Love you forever big guy.

But the giveaways at Wrigley are stupid hard to get, so I won't hold my breath.

[Droford]

When I went to Fenway, I got there at 2:30 for 7pm game and had to walk around Fenway 4 times before I could get in a line to enter. This game is 1pm so I dunno.

My seats aren't obstructed, I ordered them. 511 in the upper deck, row 1. $50 for both tickets. Can't believe I found such cheap tickets. I had budgeted needing $75 for one decent seat, I don't mind sitting higher up as long as the view is good.
http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MzAwWDMwMA==/z/t90AAMXQVERS6mpI/$_35.JPG

[DaveWadding]

I can. The Cubs are terrible.

[Droford]

Same general area directly from the cubs costs $23 per ticket plus they tack on $10 in taxes and fees per ticket which is ridiculous.

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

Cubs have a mini-Wrigley now too?

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>They should apologize for their regular season lineup.</p>&mdash; John W. Henry (@John_W_Henry) <a href="https://twitter.com/John_W_Henry/statuses/442416348908781568">March 8, 2014</a></blockquote>
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Suck it Marlins.

[Droford]

Funny the Orioles scrub lineup for the whole game beat the Red Sox starters for 1/2 of it 13-2

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

hahahaha Oriole fan thinking Spring Training wins mean anything. You silly.

[ClockShot]

Ervin Santana caves and takes a $14.1 mil. 1-year deal with the Braves.

[Emperor Smeat]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-cards="hidden" lang="en"><p>Braves P Kris Medlen is expected to have a second Tommy John surgery. » <a href="http://t.co/3fViVSBXuv">http://t.co/3fViVSBXuv</a></p>&mdash; SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) <a href="https://twitter.com/SportsCenter/statuses/443825014312558592">March 12, 2014</a></blockquote>
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[RP]

If the Cubs don't keep Baez up and start him at 2nd, FUCK YOU CUBS! Hey I like Darwin. I like his defense. Darwin Barney's defense won't push us to 80 wins and not having Barneys defense wont push us further down the barrel. We're already at the bottom. The Cubs are spooning with the Astros at the bottom of the barrel and the Twins have there nuts on our heads. Baez could be an All-Star at 2nd, this season. He could easily hit 35 home runs and open up the plate for Rizzo and Castro. Will the Castro to Baez connection be horrendous? ABSOLUTELY! Probably to the point of entertainment. Bob Golic could get a reboot if his sports follies tv show , strictly based on Castro and Baez trying to turn double plays. But are pitching is fixing to be bad. I'll take the 35 HRs coming from my number 2 hitter playing second base.

Stop fucking around Chicago.

Also.... A L S O . . . .Keep Kris Bryant's number on your speed dial.

P.S. Mike Olt is fucking back.

[Bad News Gertner]

Ohhhhh Blue Jays. Gonna be a long summer. Ownership has money coming out of its ass and won't spend money on a starter. Not referencing Santana. Lol Ricky Romero is making a push for the 5h starter.


Ricky Romero.

[Emperor Smeat]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Stephen Drew and Kendrys Morales could wait until June to sign with new teams, according to agent Scott Boras. » <a href="http://t.co/9aaPyFV9uX">http://t.co/9aaPyFV9uX</a></p>&mdash; SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) <a href="https://twitter.com/SportsCenter/statuses/444552139449589761">March 14, 2014</a></blockquote>
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[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>I cannot fucking believe the Mets still aren't willing to give Drew what he wants. Mets brass spent all last season publicly criticizing Ruben Tejada pretty much from the start of ST when he arrived overweight and out of shape. His confidence was clearly shot, he was horrendous last year, they sent him to a fucking fat camp in the offseason...and now 2 weeks from Opening Day they're trying to sell the fans on Tejada being a viable option at SS. He's already committed 3 errors in spring and he looks distracted.

Hell even if they trade for Nick Franklin I'd be happy at this point...and most feel he doesn't have the range for SS.

The Mets had the worst offensive production in baseball at both 1B and SS positions last year and they did absolutely nothing to address either this offseason. Just goes to show you that Alderson really is planning on punting another season. I do love the look of their pitching but they're gonna struggle to score more than 2 runs a game.</font>

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Oh and their biggest competition going into the year was Davis vs. Duda at 1B, two guys who absolutely sucked last year. And neither of them have played since the first weekend of ST due to injury. Ugh.</font>

[Emperor Smeat]

Detroit Tigers currently rumored to be frontrunners for Stephen Drew due to Jose Iglesias expected to out till around the All-star break this season.

Red Sox would get a draft pick as compensation if he signs with anyone else this year.

[SammyG]

WHEELS UP TO AUSTRALIA BITCHESSSSS

[Fenix122]

<font color=goldenrod>I cannot fucking believe the Mets still aren't willing to give Drew what he wants. Mets brass spent all last season publicly criticizing Ruben Tejada pretty much from the start of ST when he arrived overweight and out of shape. His confidence was clearly shot, he was horrendous last year, they sent him to a fucking fat camp in the offseason...and now 2 weeks from Opening Day they're trying to sell the fans on Tejada being a viable option at SS. He's already committed 3 errors in spring and he looks distracted.

Hell even if they trade for Nick Franklin I'd be happy at this point...and most feel he doesn't have the range for SS.

The Mets had the worst offensive production in baseball at both 1B and SS positions last year and they did absolutely nothing to address either this offseason. Just goes to show you that Alderson really is planning on punting another season. I do love the look of their pitching but they're gonna struggle to score more than 2 runs a game.</font>

I haven't watched a Mets game in years because they have no idea what the fuck they're doing.

[Sepholio]

Fuck me Freddy the Braves starting rotation is becoming the who's who of Tommy John surgeries.

[Emperor Smeat]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>ICYMI: Today's Red Sox-Yankees spring training game was delayed after a swarm of bees invaded the outfield. <a href="http://t.co/atF3SXocpC">pic.twitter.com/atF3SXocpC</a></p>&mdash; SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) <a href="https://twitter.com/SportsCenter/statuses/446051441233252352">March 18, 2014</a></blockquote>
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[Bad News Gertner]

Ricky Romero walked 5 batters today in 2 innings and still wasn't close to being the worst Blue Jay pitcher against the Tigers.

[RP]

Baez has to make the opening day roster. Just fucking do it Theo.

[Sepholio]

Ricky Romero walked 5 batters today in 2 innings and still wasn't close to being the worst Blue Jay pitcher against the Tigers.

Is McGowan back this year for you the Jays finally?

[Bad News Gertner]

Yes, he wants to start but it's a bad idea. He was fantastic out of the pen.
It looks like the rotation will be Dickey, Morrow, Happ, Hutchison and Buerhle. Ugh. The Jays need to start drafting better.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Here is Bartolo Colon getting a base hit and RBI in today's ST game and receiving a standing O for it</font>

http://instagram.com/p/l2wL3Rh-9x/#

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Jenrry Mejia looked great today, clearly the best choice for the #5 starter spot. Sorry Dice-K, but the absolute best thing that could happen for the Mets is if you get rocked in your next time out to eliminate any doubt.

They can't even use Dice-K's veteran opt out clause as an excuse, since it doesn't take effect until May 30th. He has to report to AAA if the Mets want him to. Can always call him up later if Mejia slumps.</font>

[Emperor Smeat]

David Ortiz agrees to a 1-year, $15 million contract extension with the Red Sox. Now becomes a free agent at the end of the 2015 season instead of this year.

[ClockShot]

Fucking fantasy team is falling apart piece by piece and the season hasn't started yet. Josh Johnson out for a month with a strained flexor muscle and now Jurickson Profar is out 10-12 weeks with a torn right shoulder muscle.


DAMN IT!

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Josh Johnson is a perennial cripple.</font>

[RP]

Baez back to the minors. Cubs back to the bottom of the NL one week into the season.

[ClockShot]

Josh Johnson is a perennial cripple.


I know. When you've got the 12th pick. Most "good" pitchers are usually gone. Finding him was like find treasure in the trash. Took a chance, what can I say.


/shrugs

[Droford]

The Tigers traded Lomardozzi to the Orioles for the other Alex Gonzalez, who will likely be starting at SS with the Iglesias injury. It also makes their trade with the Nats for Fister look stupid, as they essentially got a 37 year old SS and two scrub pitchers in return.

[ClockShot]

Stephen Drew is still unemployed.

Boggles the mind.

[Emperor Smeat]

Not too surprisingly considering very few teams were actually interested in him to begin with and since he's a Boras client, took way too long to lower his asking price (if he did at all).

[DaveWadding]

The Tigers traded Lomardozzi to the Orioles for the other Alex Gonzalez, who will likely be starting at SS with the Iglesias injury. It also makes their trade with the Nats for Fister look stupid, as they essentially got a 37 year old SS and two scrub pitchers in return.

There's like 17 Alex Gonzalezes. You're going to have to be more specific.

[Droford]

There's like 17 Alex Gonzalezes. You're going to have to be more specific.

The one that's 37 and started playing with the Florida Marlins.

[DaveWadding]

oh, you mean that fucking dirty piece of shit Alex Gonzalez.

[Skippord]

The Tigers traded Lomardozzi to the Orioles for the other Alex Gonzalez, who will likely be starting at SS with the Iglesias injury. It also makes their trade with the Nats for Fister look stupid, as they essentially got a 37 year old SS and two scrub pitchers in return.
it was never not stupid

[Droford]

Lombardozzi is 25 and has some potential/value

[Bad News Gertner]

The Tigers have had an atrocious off-season.

Didn't qualify Veres or Peralta and got no picks back
Fielder is gone with Victor Martinez who can't stay healthy in his place
Are going to have Scherzer go to free agency, which they tried to avoid by basically giving away Fister
No shortstop
Bullpen still a mess
Dirks is out for a long time
An aging Kinsler at 2nd

[Droford]

And yet they're still projected to win the division by a for margin. Probably will be between them and the Royals, whoever beats up on the Twins and White Sox more.

Got me to thinking about my projections

AL East
Orioles
Rays
Red Sox
Yankees
Blue Jays

AL Central
Tigers
Royals
Indians
White Sox
Twins

AL West
Angels
Athletics
Rangers
Mariners
Astros

WCs - A's and Royals

NL East
Nationals
Braves
Phillies
Marlins
Mets

NL Central
Cardinals
Reds
Pirates
Brewers
Cubs

NL West
Dodgers
D-Backs
Padres
Giants
Rockies

WCs - Braves and D-backs

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

Somebody else join Moonax's fantasy league already we should have already drafted by now.

[ClockShot]

Buccos opened up a can of whoop ass on the Blue Jays today in a spring training game. Won 22-5.

Pirates farm that good, or Blue Jays farm that bad?

[DaveWadding]

Texas Rangers prospect Rougned Odor

[Bad News Gertner]

Buccos opened up a can of whoop ass on the Blue Jays today in a spring training game. Won 22-5.

Pirates farm that good, or Blue Jays farm that bad?

Ugh, J.A Happ allowed 7 runs in three innings. 20.25 ERA and he's probablyy in the rotation. Yup.

Esmil Rogers gave up 9 runs in 2.2 innings.

Two gguys competing for the 5th start spot.

[ClockShot]

Special thanks goes out to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Ending the New York Yankees' streak of 15 years of having the highest payroll in baseball.

$235 mil. for the Dodgers, $204 mil. for the Yankees this season.

[Emperor Smeat]

Pirates and Starling Marte agrees to a 6-year, $31 million contract extension with the Pirates.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Odd, I thought the Pirates and Starling Marte would agree to a contract extension with another team.</font>

[DaveWadding]

Pirates and Starling Marte agrees to a 6-year, $31 million contract extension with the Padres.

[Skippord]

Pretty nice of the Pirates

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Miguel Cabrera now owns the largest deal in history. 10 year, $292 million contract extension with the Tigers.</font>

[Innovator]

Thank you Tigers.

[OssMan]

Jose reyes leaves after 1 at bat wtf... Starting the tally of how many full games will I watch this year again. Didn't watch any games yesterday... Over/under this year is looking grim at 2.5

What did I end up with last year

[RP]

It's no wonder Matt Garza has a no hitter going against the Braves right now . What with the likes of Dan Uggla swinging at EVRRYTHING! Christ Uggla! Leave it on your shoulder every once in a while.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>The season has started. Mods close this.</font>