MLB 2013-14 Offseason Thread

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>MLB doesn't mess around getting started with its offseason anymore. Teams now have 5 days of exclusive negotiations with their free agents, but as of 9 AM this morning the following players all had their contracts expire:

Atlanta Braves
Luis Ayala, rhp
Scott Downs, lhp
Freddy Garcia, rhp
Tim Hudson, rhp
Kameron Loe, rhp
Paul Maholm, lhp
Brian McCann, c
Eric O'Flaherty, lhp

Arizona Diamondbacks
Willie Bloomquist, utility
Eric Chavez, 3b
Wil Nieves, c

Baltimore Orioles
Scott Feldman, rhp
Jason Hammel, rhp
Nate McLouth, of
Michael Morse, of
Brian Roberts, 2b
Chris Snyder, c

Boston Red Sox
Stephen Drew, ss
Jacoby Ellsbury, of
Joel Hanrahan, rhp
John McDonald, if
Mike Napoli, 1b/c
Jarrod Saltalamacchia, c

Chicago Cubs
Scott Baker, rhp
Kevin Gregg, rhp
Matt Guerrier, rhp
Dioner Navarro, c

Cincinnati Reds
Bronson Arroyo, rhp
Shin-Soo Choo, of
Zach Duke, lhp
Cesar Izturis, if
Nick Masset, rhp
Manny Parra, lhp

Cleveland Indians
Matt Albers, rhp
Jason Giambi, dh
Rich Hill, lhp
Scott Kazmir, lhp
Joe Smith, rhp
Kelly Shoppach, c

Colorado Rockies
Rafael Betancourt, rhp
Jeff Francis, lhp
Todd Helton, 1b
Roy Oswalt, rhp
Yorvit Torrealba, c

Chicago White Sox
Gavin Floyd, rhp
Paul Konerko, 1b

Detroit Tigers
Joaquin Benoit, rhp
Jeremy Bonderman, rhp
Octavio Dotel, rhp
Omar Infante, 2b/utility
Brayan Pena, c
Jhonny Peralta, ss/3b
Ramon Santiago, if

Houston Astros
Erik Bedard, lhp

Kansas City Royals
Bruce Chen, rhp
Carlos Pena, 1b
Ervin Santana, rhp
Miguel Tejada, 3b

Los Angeles Angels
Jason Vargas, lhp
Jerry Hairston Jr., if/of

Los Angeles Dodgers
J.P. Howell, rhp
Carlos Marmol, rhp
Ricky Nolasco, rhp
Nick Punto, if
Skip Schumaker, of/2b
Juan Uribe, 3b
Edinson Volquez, rhp
Brian Wilson, rhp
Michael Young, if

Miami Marlins
Matt Diaz, of
Austin Kearns, of
Juan Pierre, of
Placido Polanco, 3b
Chad Qualls, rhp

Milwaukee Brewers
Yuniesky Betancourt, if
Mike Gonzalez, lhp
Corey Hart, of/1b

Minnesota Twins
Mike Pelfrey, rhp

New York Mets
David Aardsma, rhp
Tim Byrdak, lhp
Pedro Feliciano, lhp
Frank Francisco, rhp
Aaron Harang, rhp
LaTroy Hawkins, rhp
Daisuke Matsuzaka, rhp

New York Yankees
Robinson Cano, 2b
Joba Chamberlain, rhp
Curtis Granderson, of
Travis Hafner, dh/1b
Phil Hughes, rhp
Hiroki Kuroda, rhp
Lyle Overbay, 1b
Andy Pettitte, lhp
Mark Reynolds, 3b/1b
Mariano Rivera, rhp
Brendan Ryan, ss
Kevin Youkilis, 3b/1b

Oakland Athletics
Grant Balfour, rhp
Bartolo Colon, rhp

Philadelphia Phillies
Roy Halladay, rhp
Carlos Ruiz, c

Pittsburgh Pirates
Clint Barmes, ss/2b
John Buck, c
A.J. Burnett, rhp
Marlon Byrd, of
Kyle Farnsworth, rhp
Jeff Karstens, rhp
Justin Morneau, 1b

San Diego Padres
Ronny Cedeno, if
Mark Kotsay, of/1b
Jason Marquis, rhp

Seattle Mariners
Endy Chavez, of
Raul Ibanez, of
Kendrys Morales, 1b/dh
Oliver Perez, lhp
Humberto Quintero, c

San Francisco Giants
Chad Gaudin, rhp
Javier Lopez, lhp

St. Louis Cardinals
Carlos Beltran, of
Chris Carpenter, rhp
Rafael Furcal, ss
Edward Mujica, rhp

Tampa Bay Rays
Jesse Crain, rhp
Roberto Hernandez, rhp
Kelly Johnson, 2b
James Loney, 1b
Jose Molina, c
Fernando Rodney, rhp
Luke Scott, of/1b
Jamey Wright, rhp
Delmon Young, of

Texas Rangers
Lance Berkman, 1b/dh
Nelson Cruz, of
Jason Frasor, rhp
Matt Garza, rhp
Colby Lewis, rhp
David Murphy, of
A.J. Pierzynski, c
Geovany Soto, c

Toronto Blue Jays
Rajai Davis, of
Josh Johnson, rhp
Darren Oliver, lhp
Ramon Ortiz, rhp

Washington Nationals
Dan Haren, rhp</font>

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>First re-signing off the offseason goes to the Indians. Jason Giambi is headed back to the Tribe. Got a minor league contract with an invitation to Spring Training. He'll be trying to crack the roster again at age 43.</font>

[Innovator]

VITO IT'S HOT FUCKING STOVE TIME!!!!

$189! LETS GO

[ClockShot]

I dunno. I think Cashman & Co. are gonna go over that $189 mil. figure.

[YOUR Hero]

Wonder if Toronto will try and sign Roy (Doc) Halladay

[Emperor Smeat]

<font color=goldenrod>MLB doesn't mess around getting started with its offseason anymore. Teams now have 5 days of exclusive negotiations with their free agents, but as of 9 AM this morning the following players all had their contracts expire:

Boston Red Sox
Stephen Drew, ss
Jacoby Ellsbury, of
Joel Hanrahan, rhp
John McDonald, if
Mike Napoli, 1b/c
Jarrod Saltalamacchia, c
Of that group, the Sox probably end up keeping Salty, Napoli, and maybe Ellsbury.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>The Mets have a lot of holes to fill. Word is they want to repeat the Red Sox' offseason plan of not giving out huge deals or anything, just giving out reasonable short term deals to veteran players. Problem is a bunch of other teams will try the same approach, which will lead to needing to overpay anyway. But they should. They need to do SOMETHING. Alderson has said for three years now that the 2013-14 offseason is when they will have a lot of money coming off the books. Time to put up or shut up.

Can't go into another Mets season trying to convince myself that players like Brad Emaus, Andres Torres, or Collin Cowgill matter.</font>

[Ermaximus]

<font color=goldenrod>First re-signing off the offseason goes to the Indians. Jason Giambi is headed back to the Tribe. Got a minor league contract with an invitation to Spring Training. He'll be trying to crack the roster again at age 43.</font>

Who the fuck does he think he is? Kenny Powers?

[screech]

Phillies will probably re-sign both Halladay and Ruiz.

Could see the Rangers bringing back both OF and probably Lewis. Hoping Berkman lands somewhere. Big fan of that guy.

[screech]

Forgot Eric Chavez was still playing. Damn.

[Innovator]

Who the fuck does he think he is? Kenny Fucking Powers?

[ClockShot]

Yankees resign Capt. Jeter to a 1-year, $12 mil. deal.

Yeah, I don't know how this works. There was a player option for $9.5 mil. and supposedly if they cut a new deal they save around $3 mil. and change to get below $189.

Get your tickets early, me thinks this is the last year of the last of the Core Four.

[Emperor Smeat]

Tigers hiring Brad Ausmus as their new manager.

[DaveWadding]

Yankees resign Capt. Jeter to a 1-year, $12 mil. deal.

Yeah, I don't know how this works. There was a player option for $9.5 mil. and supposedly if they cut a new deal they save around $3 mil. and change to get below $189.

Get your tickets early, me thinks this is the last year of the last of the Core Four.

Core Four Minus 2

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

Yankees resign Capt. Jeter to a 1-year, $12 mil. deal.

Yeah, I don't know how this works. There was a player option for $9.5 mil. and supposedly if they cut a new deal they save around $3 mil. and change to get below $189.

Get your tickets early, me thinks this is the last year of the last of the Core Four.

Jeter deserves a send off season like Mo got. Hopefully he can last long enough.

[weather vane]

Yeah Mo's celebration wasn't overkill at all.

[ClockShot]

Brad Ausmus is your new Manager of the Detroit Tigers.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>I love how if you're a former catcher, you really don't even need to have managerial experience at this point. It's just implied that you'll be good.</font>

[YOUR Hero]

Jeter deserves a send off season like Mo got. Hopefully he can last long enough.
Why?

[DaveWadding]

<font color=goldenrod>I love how if you're a former catcher, you really don't even need to have managerial experience at this point. It's just implied that you'll be good.</font>

Brad Ausmus can't be any worse than AJ Hinch. He has a low bar to hurdle.

[weather vane]

Napoli is on a tear right now.

[YOUR Hero]

Clint Hurdle?

[Bad News Gertner]

No more Munenori Kawasaki :(. My heart has been ripped out.

[ClockShot]

mlbtraderumors.com has their predictions on the top 50 Free Agents and where they think they'll end up.

They lost me at #2.

[YOUR Hero]

2. Jacoby Ellsbury - Mariners.

[Emperor Smeat]

Marlins GM says the team isn't interested in any trade deals that involve Giancarlo Stanton.
http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/9925789/miami-marlins-vow-rebuild-giancarlo-stanton


Add in a failed 2006 drug test among the roid related issues A-Rod has been involved with during his career.
http://espn.go.com/new-york/mlb/story/_/id/9924143/alex-rodriguez-new-york-yankees-failed-test-stimulants-2006

[Innovator]

So has Ortiz ever gotten to the bottom of that 2003 test?

[Ermaximus]

Marlins GM says the team isn't interested in any trade deals that involve Giancarlo Stanton.
http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/9925789/miami-marlins-vow-rebuild-giancarlo-stanton


I call bullshit.

[RP]

When's the 2015 season thread start? Go Cubs Go!

[RP]

Oh...2015..ok. The year of Javier Baez!

[YOUR Hero]

AL MVP finalists
• Miguel Cabrera (Detroit Tigers)
• Chris Davis (Baltimore Orioles)
• Mike Trout (Los Angeles Angels)

NL MVP finalists
• Paul Goldschmidt (Arizona Diamondbacks)
• Andrew McCutchen (Pittsburgh Pirates)
• Yadier Molina (St. Louis Cardinals)

AL Cy Young finalists:
• Yu Darvish (Texas Rangers)
• Hisashi Iwakuma (Seattle Mariners)
• Max Scherzer (Detroit Tigers)

NL Cy Young finalists:
• Jose Fernandez (Miami Marlins)
• Clayton Kershaw (Los Angeles Dodgers)
• Adam Wainwright (St. Louis Cardinals)

AL Rookie of the Year finalists:
• Chris Archer (Tampa Bay Rays)
• Jose Iglesias (Detroit Tigers/Boston Red Sox)
• Wil Myers (Tampa Bay Rays)

NL Rookie of the Year finalists:
• Jose Fernandez (Miami Marlins)
• Shelby Miller (St. Louis Cardinals)
• Yasiel Puig (Los Angeles Dodgers)

AL Manager of the Year finalists:
• John Farrell (Boston Red Sox)
• Terry Francona (Cleveland Indians)
• Bob Melvin (Oakland Athletics)

NL Manager of the Year finalists:
• Fredi Gonzalez (Atlanta Braves)
• Clint Hurdle (Pittsburgh Pirates)
• Don Mattingly (Los Angeles Dodgers)

[The Condor]

So has Ortiz ever gotten to the bottom of that 2003 test?

[Frank Drebin]

Ortiz is on something. Pretty damn sure of it. No one gets a "second wind" like him without some sort of performance enhancement.

Jr. Griffey never did any. How do I know? Because he sucked at the end of his career like a baseball player should.

[Emperor Smeat]

:-\ Such a shame that Griffey became injury prone shortly after going to Cincy.

[The Condor]

Ortiz is on something. Pretty damn sure of it. No one gets a "second wind" like him without some sort of performance enhancement.

Jr. Griffey never did any. How do I know? Because he sucked at the end of his career like a baseball player should.

I was a huge Paul O'Neill mark, saw it happen to him. Saw it happen to Piazza, Jeff Kent, Griffey and Larry Walker. Awesome talent indeed declines, it does not naturally follow the tracks of Clemens, Bonds, Ortiz, etc...

[Emperor Smeat]

According to Peter Gammons and others, the Cubs currently likely to name Rick Renteria as their new manager tomorrow but he wasn't their top choice.

The Cubs were more interested in Torey Lovullo but were unable to get the Red Sox to change the terms in the deal that sent Theo Epstein to the Cubs. The biggest being the Cubs couldn't hire any more Red Sox personnel within the near future.

[Frank Drebin]

Glad to see the Curse of Frank Drebin is alive and well.

[Adder]

Here are my picks


AL MVP finalists
• Miguel Cabrera (Detroit Tigers)


NL MVP finalists
• Paul Goldschmidt (Arizona Diamondbacks)


AL Cy Young finalists:
• Max Scherzer (Detroit Tigers)

NL Cy Young finalists:
• Clayton Kershaw (Los Angeles Dodgers)


AL Rookie of the Year finalists:
• Wil Myers (Tampa Bay Rays)

NL Rookie of the Year finalists:
• Jose Fernandez (Miami Marlins)


AL Manager of the Year finalists:
• Terry Francona (Cleveland Indians)


NL Manager of the Year finalists:
• Clint Hurdle (Pittsburgh Pirates)

[DaveWadding]

Glad to see the Curse of Frank Drebin is alive and well.

Hey, you know who'd be a great manager of the Cubs?

Ryne Sa....

MIKE QUADE

- Quade proceeds to lick balls

Hey, we need a manager again. How about Ryne Sandb....

DALE SVEUM

and so forth.

[Frank Drebin]

Fuck Ryno. Philly knows they have some retooling to do. Why invest in a high profile manager?

[DaveWadding]

Do the Cubs NOT have some retooling to do?

[Frank Drebin]

They'l both be fired in 1-3 years.

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

When do they fire Theo?

[DaveWadding]

never, because by my calculations, Kris Bryant is going to hit 60 homers in the bigs in 2015 at the latest.

[Frank Drebin]

No playoffs or significant advancement by 2016 the rumors fly. He would probably still get 2017 though.
Only way out is to break the curse of Drebin.

[Frank Drebin]

Also love how they explicitly said they would look for someone with significant managerial experience, then hire someone with zero MLB managerial experience.

[Adder]

I need some baseball action (not A-Rod)

[Frank Drebin]

Arizona Fall League is great. If you go, DaveWadding will offer to give you a handy too.

[DaveWadding]

Exp. 10/18/2013

[DaveWadding]

Ricky Nolasco wants 80 million this year. :lol:

[Frank Drebin]

Not much of a stretch when you think about possible comparisons. So he thinks hes AJ Burnett, John Lackey, Josh Beckett, CJ Wilson or Anibal Sanchez. Potentially maddeningly inconsistent with the possibility to be a good to great #2 starter if he can put it all together.
I can see the parallels and Ill bet someone gives him close to what he wants.

[DaveWadding]

and all those contracts have turned out shitty except Sanchez. 80 mil is #2 starter money, not "oh hey, I'm going to eat innings as your #4 and not embarass myself" money.

[weather vane]

People who complain about Ortiz are morons.

[Frank Drebin]

and all those contracts have turned out shitty except Sanchez. 80 mil is #2 starter money, not "oh hey, I'm going to eat innings as your #4 and not embarass myself" money.

I agree, but tell that to the Red Sox about Lackey and the Pirates about Burnett.

[road doggy dogg]

To be fair, EVERYBODY was saying Tigers overpaid Sanchez when that deal was signed

[Frank Drebin]

Cubs weren't offering him that much less. Teams were in on him.

[The Condor]

I thought the Sanchez deal was nuts, and to be honest it's only been 1 year with 4 (I think) left to go. Things could still happen, though this years results were spec-tastic.

[YOUR Hero]

qualifying offers are 14.1 million theses days. The numbers aren't terrible when you look at things with that perspective

[DaveWadding]

I agree, but tell that to the Red Sox about Lackey and the Pirates about Burnett.

Yes, but the first 3 years of Lackey's deal were a total disaster, and the Pirates have to overpay everyone because they're the Pirates.

[YOUR Hero]

that's changing by the looks of it

[Frank Drebin]

Yes, but the first 3 years of Lackey's deal were a total disaster, and the Pirates have to overpay everyone because they're the Pirates.

Was a Championship worth it for the Red Sox? The franchise turnaround for the Pirates?

If the Cubs had won 1 championship in say, 2008, you would be perfectly fine with Soriano's garbage contract.

[Boomer]

Atlanta just announced a new park that's opening in 2017. Just crazy...third Atlanta park in my lifetime, and I'm still in my 20s.

[McLegend]

When did Turner field open?

[Innovator]

Braves were there since 1997, I think it was built in 1996 for the Olympics.

[Boomer]

It was opened a year or two after the 1996 Olympics, which was why it was built in the first place. So technically the Braves (I believe) have been leasing the stadium from whoever paid for it previously and probably want a larger stake in the new stadium. Atlanta fans are stunned right now. Turner has never been my favorite park (it's not exactly in the best location in Atlanta for people to get to easily, and it's near a pretty run-down area), so I'm not mad or anything, but I'm not sure moving the park is going to change some of the problems Turner already has (public transit in Atlanta is completely awful). The new park is next to an exit for two big interstates in Atlanta, so while getting there might be easier in theory, traffic at that intersection is always bad and this will just make it worse.

[Boomer]

Not to mention, the park will no longer technically be in Atlanta...but that's not all that unheard of for sports teams anymore.

[Boomer]

But having been to two Os games in the past few years on trips to Baltimore, it is insane how much easier it is to get to Camden than Turner. In fact, I didn't go to a Braves game two years ago (Chipper's retirement year) just because it was too inconvenient for me to get to the stadium. I went opening day at Turner this year, and the traffic was so bad I didn't get to the park until the third inning (I stayed underneath the sign for one of the Turner exits for about an hour at one point).

[Innovator]

New park is going to be in Cobb County, GA? GETTING READY TO SERVE HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARD TIME

[Evil Vito]

Good. Turner was a house of horrors for the Mets. Crazy to get a new stadium so soon though.

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

Probably trying to shy away from the Turner legacy which is why they are letting lease talks die down in Atlanta.

[Emperor Smeat]

Some MLB news:

* Nelson Cruz rejected a $14.5 million qualifying offer from the Rangers.

* Jacoby Ellsbury and Stephen Drew both rejected their qualifying offers from the Red Sox while Mike Napoli is expected to reject his soon and Jarrod Saltalamacchia wasn't offered one.

* Dodgers state Don Mattingly and all except one of his coaching staff will return for next season.

* Twins state Joe Mauer will become a full-time 1B starting next season.

[Frank Drebin]

New park is going to be in Cobb County, GA? GETTING READY TO SERVE HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARD TIME

Fuck yeah. Big Bossman is finnaly getting a statue.

[ClockShot]

Wil Myers and Jose Fernandez are your Rookies of the Year.

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

MLB.com has an article on Masahiro Tanaka. Great combination of Japanese wrestler's names. He should be great.

[Corndad]

Jay Bell moving from Pirates to be Bench Coach for Reds

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Sounds like the Mets are going after Curtis Granderson. I dunno. He'll give them power but probably not at the level he got at Yankee Bandbox.</font>

[Skippord]

I want the Rockies to go after Granderson

would be a nice fit here

[weather vane]

Champs

[Emperor Smeat]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>THIS JUST IN: Clint Hurdle named NL Manager of the Year. Hurdle led Pirates to first playoff appearance since 1992.</p>&mdash; SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) <a href="https://twitter.com/SportsCenter/statuses/400403623424708608">November 12, 2013</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[Evil Vito]

Marlon Byrd to the Phillies. 2 years, $16 million. Loved the guy last year and he was deserving of a raise but that's a massive overpay.

[Emperor Smeat]

Terry Francona took the AL Manager of the Year award.

[screech]

I was hoping the Phillies would make a run at Granderson or Cruz or someone like that, but getting Byrd for that price isn't terrible. Plus it allows for a little wiggle room to fix some other issues.

[DaveWadding]

Was a Championship worth it for the Red Sox? The franchise turnaround for the Pirates?

If the Cubs had won 1 championship in say, 2008, you would be perfectly fine with Soriano's garbage contract.

I am officially banned from ever complaining about Alfonso Soriano for any reason.

[DaveWadding]

and 80 million dollars worth of Ricky Nolasco isn't ever turning the Cubs fortune around

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

Terry Francona took the AL Manager of the Year award.

Don't get their reasoning. Farrell brings the worst to first and the AL East Crown. Giradi getting any fucking votes at all is bullshit.

[Bad News Gertner]

Jays are apparently going to spend more money this off-season. It'd better start with a fucking catcher.

[ClockShot]

Don't get their reasoning. Farrell brings the worst to first and the AL East Crown. Giradi getting any fucking votes at all is bullshit.

Worst to first means nothing these days. Clubhouse purge and a management change is the fastest way to fix a team.

Francona brought the Indians back to the postseason with some players and a sense of direction. Something Cleveland hasn't had in a while.

Girardi held the Yankees together with nothing more than duct tape and superglue with all the problems they had and they still contended. I would have thrown a vote his way.

[Frank Drebin]

Jays are apparently going to spend more money this off-season. It'd better start with a fucking catcher.

Dionner Navarro.

[DaveWadding]

Now Ervin Santana is aiming for 5 years, $112 million. :lol:

3rd starters gonna ball!

[screech]

Santana is at least better than Nolasco. Still crazy, though.

[Evil Vito]

Jeff Wilpon is truly clueless. He said that the Mets were getting very close to making an announcement. Any fanbase, especially New York, takes this as a sign that a player addition may be forthcoming.

Nope. A couple of hours later the announcement was made that Huey Lewis and Boyz II Men would be performing at Citi Field in 2014.

[screech]

Wooooo! Finally!

[Emperor Smeat]

Jeff Wilpon is truly clueless. He said that the Mets were getting very close to making an announcement. Any fanbase, especially New York, takes this as a sign that a player addition may be forthcoming.

Nope. A couple of hours later the announcement was made that Huey Lewis and Boyz II Men would be performing at Citi Field in 2014.

:lol:

Is he still involved in that Ponzi scheme scandal or got cleared/let off the hook?

[Emperor Smeat]

Cy Young winners were announced:
NL - Clayton Kershaw
AL - Max Scherzer

[Frank Drebin]

Jeff Wilpon is truly clueless. He said that the Mets were getting very close to making an announcement. Any fanbase, especially New York, takes this as a sign that a player addition may be forthcoming.

Nope. A couple of hours later the announcement was made that Huey Lewis and Boyz II Men would be performing at Citi Field in 2014.

WILL "THE NEWS" BE WITH HUEY??

[Bad News Gertner]

Multiple teams are apparently interested in J.P Arencibia. Guess the market is high on catchers hitting below the Mendoza line and being able to throw out 10% of runners.

[Frank Drebin]

Chicks must still dig the occasional long ball.

[Ermaximus]

Jays are apparently going to spend more money this off-season. It'd better start with a fucking catcher.

You can have McCann. Braves have Gattis now so they don't have to keep McCann, and likely won't.

[Frank Drebin]

Feel like someone is going to sign McCann to a huge contract and he will tear his acl during April.

[thecc]

Cy Young winners were announced:
NL - Clayton Kershaw
AL - Max Scherzer
http://blog.zap2it.com/pop2it/cy-young-award-2013-wwe-championship.jpg

[RoXer]

Where was that graphic that listed all the incredible late game stats Goldschmidt led in? I'll have to find it tonight or tomorrow.

[Emperor Smeat]

MVP winners were announced:
NL - Andrew McCutchen
AL - Miguel Cabrera

[DaveWadding]

So, here's how that Max Scherzer trade is working out for the Diamondbacks:

Ian Kennedy: 8.5 total WAR with DBacks
Edwin Jackson: 0.1 WAR with DBacks + 1 no hitter

Jackson was traded for Daniel Hudson and David Holmberg

Hudson: 4.5 total WAR (still with team, recovering from Tommy John surgery)
Holmberg: 0.1 WAR (still with team)

Kennedy traded for Joe Thatcher and Matt Stites

Thatcher: -0.3 WAR (still with team)

Stites: played at AA San Antonio next year, jury still out.

TOTAL: 12.9 WAR

Scherzer: Worth 15.4 WAR to Detroit BY HIMSELF over the past 4 seasons to Detroit.

Going to go hang myself now.

[Corndad]

http://l.yimg.com/os/publish-images/sports/2013-11-14/7e10b45d-5ca1-4d98-834b-7447b535481f_tumblr_mwa3jlEBd71ro5xweo1_400.gif

Love this guy.

[Bad News Gertner]

You can have McCann. Braves have Gattis now so they don't have to keep McCann, and likely won't.

I would die if that happened, even though I highly doubt it will.

[Evil Vito]

:lol:

Is he still involved in that Ponzi scheme scandal or got cleared/let off the hook?

<font color=goldenrod>I believe they reached a settlement. But it's painfully obvious at this point that they have no money. Since Alderson came on board they've raised the fan bases' expectations that this was the offseason where they'd start to spend money, but now they're backing off of it.

Alderson carefully dances around every answer, simply saying "we'll spend more on free agents than we did last year" when they only spent $5 million on free agents last year. He also belittled the fan base this week, saying "it's a shame that a part of the fanbases' team loyalty is tied in to how much money we spend". Fuck off with that shit.

With the Byrd contract there are already whispers that it will set a baseline for corner outfielder that the Mets will not be able to afford, and I'm hearing they still don't want to sign anybody who will make them lose a draft pick even though their 1st round pick is protected.</font>

[Adder]

Multiple teams are apparently interested in J.P Arencibia. Guess the market is high on catchers hitting below the Mendoza line and being able to throw out 10% of runners.

Dear AA; Take the very first offer you get!

[screech]

Carlos Ruiz staying in PHI: 3yrs/$26mil. $4.5mil club option or $500k buyout for 2017. Can also make $500k per year if he starts 125 games, which he has never done in his career.

[screech]

Not crazy about the years, but I'm not sure there was a better RH option besides McCann and he'll command a ton of money. And again, more money to spend on other areas (like pitching!).

[ClockShot]

Giants sign Tim Hudson. 2 years, $23 mil.

MadBum, Cain, The Freak, and now Hudson. That's a solid lineup the Giants got there.

[Ermaximus]

As long as he can stay healthy.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Phil Hughes to the Twins for 3 years, $24 million. What the fuck, free agency?</font>

[Emperor Smeat]

Robinson Cano ended up dropping around $58 million and 1 year from his demands with him now wanting around $252 million and 9 years from the Yankees.

Yankees increased their offer by $10 million and 2 years to $170 million and 9 years while he'd probably need to drop another $50 million to get anyone else interested if the Yankees drop out.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>I've always assumed Cano and the Yankees would wind up coming to an agreement. Until he actually signs elsewhere I don't believe he will leave.</font>

[ClockShot]

$8 mil. a year for Philbert. That sounds fair. Could have gotten more if he didn't stink it up this season.

Cano ain't getting $200+ mil. Good for the Yankees for playing hardball right now. Although I would like them to give him their final offer with a time limit on it.

[Innovator]

I just fist pumped reading Hughes signed elsewhere.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>I've said it ad nauseum already this offseason but the Mets really are fucked with these prices for free agents. They were hoping to get Bronson Arroyo for 2 years tops but there's really no reason for him to not want 3 guaranteed years given that he's been better and more reliable than Hughes.

Already reading the Mets are shifting their attention to 3rd tier free agents who will sign for 1 year. Ugh.</font>

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Also for some reason MetsBlog keeps posting updates on the Cano contract negotiation. "The Mets and Cano met in early November but there has been nothing since then indicating interest from either side."

Seeing Yankee/Cano updates on MetsBlog is like watching your ex live it up on Facebook.</font>

[ClockShot]

Don't jinx it, Vito. Cano may very well stay in New York. But as a Met with a big ass albatross contract.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>There is zero chance Cano would come to the Mets. He'd probably demand double from them what he's asking from the Yankees.

Say what you will about the Omar Minaya era, but at least his Mets teams were mostly competitive and I actually looked forward to the offseason when he was at the helm.</font>

[Emperor Smeat]

A's signed Scott Kazmir to a 2 year, $22 million deal. A's originally wanted Tim Hudson but took Kazmir after Hudson signed with the Giants (2 year, $23 million).

[Emperor Smeat]

The Washington Nationals acquired pitcher Doug Fister in a Monday night trade with the Detroit Tigers

In exchange, the Nationals sent infielder Steve Lombardozzi, left-hander Ian Krol and minor league lefty Robbie Ray to the Tigers.

Tigers save around $6 million from the trade while also currently having Drew Smyly replace Fister's spot in the rotation.

[RoXer]

Goddamnit those are all perfect Washington Nationals player names being traded away and ruining my theory that only players with weird last names play for the Washington Nationals. This really hurts.

[RoXer]

Fister is a pretty good name though. Not a huge loss actually.

[ClockShot]

Looks like the Tigers are saying "Fuck it. Let's start over again with Miggy at the center of it all and go from there."

[DaveWadding]

So, here's how that Max Scherzer trade is working out for the Diamondbacks:

Ian Kennedy: 8.5 total WAR with DBacks
Edwin Jackson: 0.1 WAR with DBacks + 1 no hitter

Jackson was traded for Daniel Hudson and David Holmberg

Hudson: 4.5 total WAR (still with team, recovering from Tommy John surgery)
Holmberg: 0.1 WAR (still with team)

Kennedy traded for Joe Thatcher and Matt Stites

Thatcher: -0.3 WAR (still with team)

Stites: played at AA San Antonio next year, jury still out.

TOTAL: 12.9 WAR

Scherzer: Worth 15.4 WAR to Detroit BY HIMSELF over the past 4 seasons to Detroit.

Going to go hang myself now.

UPDATE: Daniel Hudson non-tendered by D'Backs. Sigh.

[Bad News Gertner]

J.P Arencibia non-tendered after the Jays sign Navarro

Bye. Hope you get shot leaving Toronto.

[ClockShot]

O's trade Jim Johnson to the A's for Jemile Weeks.

Winter Meetings are gonna be boring.

[YOUR Hero]

J.P. was a highly touted catcher, supposed to be face of the franchise kind-of-guy.


LOL, but then he mostly sucked

[Emperor Smeat]

Red Sox signed A.J. Pierzynski to a 1 year, $8.25 million deal. Talks between them and Jarrod Saltalamacchia broke down completely with the biggest issue being years since he wanted at least 3 years while the team was only willing to offer 1-2 years.


Tigers close to signing Joe Nathan after their previous choice of Brian Wilson dropped interest in potentially signing a deal.

[DaveWadding]

D-Backs traded Heath Bell to the Rays. Rays also get Ryan Hanigan from Cincy.

#HeathBellExperience

[RoXer]

GOODBYE

[road doggy dogg]

Tigers make a terrible trade getting rid of Fister. Were having such a good offseason too. Oh well.

[Innovator]

HOT FUCKING STOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE

[Emperor Smeat]

Mariners officially joined the bidding war for Robinson Cano and according to ESPN, very unlikely the Yankees are keeping him unless they give him at least $200 million.


Jacoby Ellsbury is asking for at least a "Carl Crawford"-like deal (7 years, $142 million range) as the minimum for him to stay with the Red Sox and/or any other teams interested.

[Evil Vito]

Yankees supposedly closing in on a deal for Ellsbury.

[weather vane]

Fucking yuck.

[Emperor Smeat]

Yankees supposedly closing in on a deal for Ellsbury.

Signed him to a 7 year, $153 million deal.


Surprised a bit it wasn't Seattle that got him since they were rumored to easily be willing to offer more than what the Sox and others would.

[Innovator]

Going to feel dirty about this until his first good game, then I'll buy his jersey.

Going to be interesting what to do with Gardner if they play Ellsbury in center, seeing if he can stay healthy.

[screech]

Horrible news.

[ClockShot]

McCann, Ellsbury, this is 2009 all over again. $189 is going out the window.

THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK! WE TURNED DAMON AFTER HIS WORLD SERIES, NOW WE BRING WELCOME ELLSBURY TO THE DARK SIDE AFTER HIS!

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/-bzWSJG93P8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>

[Dragon]

Thats a horrible deal for Ellsbury. He's the one guy I wanted the Yankees to stay away from because of how overrated he has become. Terrible move if it means them missing out on Cano. Oh well.

[DaveWadding]

Ellsbury is a trader

http://deadspin.com/angry-dumb-red-sox-fans-call-jacoby-ellsbury-a-trader-1476102468?utm_campaign=socialflow_deadspin_facebook&utm_source=deadspin_facebook&utm_medium=socialflow

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

Hahahahhaha Yankees. hahahahahahahahahahhaahahahahahahah

[Bad News Gertner]

Jays linked to Brett Anderson. Great idea for the Jays because I thought they lacked starting pitchers who get hurt.

[Bad News Gertner]

J.P. was a highly touted catcher, supposed to be face of the franchise kind-of-guy.


LOL, but then he mostly sucked

Lol Gregg Zaun had a great comment: he hit 20 homers but 95 % of players could hit 20 in this park if they swung for the fences every time they went to bat.

I had such hopes for J.P. Navarro/Kratz are such a giant upgrade over Arencibia/Thole.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Oh, what was that? Another day where the Mets get linked to several free agents but don't actually pull the trigger on any of them? Shocker!</font>

[ClockShot]

Yankees to sign Kelly Johnson.

Window's closing, Cano. Better make a decision, quick.

[YOUR Hero]

Jays linked to Brett Anderson. Great idea for the Jays because I thought they lacked starting pitchers who get hurt.

They have to fill Josh Johnson's IR spot

[YOUR Hero]

Who are the Yankees planning on having in the outfield?

[Innovator]

So far sounds like Gardner in left, Ellsbury in center, Soriano in right

[ClockShot]

You got Ichiro on the bench or as DH?

[Emperor Smeat]

From ESPN and Rotoworld:

* Marlins signed Jarrod Saltalamacchia to a 3 year, $21 million deal

* Carlos Beltran expected to sign with the Royals with the deal being in the 3 years, $48 million range.

* Mariners rumored to be in a possible trade with the Dodgers for Matt Kemp although Dodgers would need to eat most of Kemp's contract in the deal.

* White Sox resigned Paul Konerko to a 1 year, $2.5 million deal

* Mets and Red Sox currently are going after Curtis Granderson with the Mets likely to offer the 4th year that he wants.

* Rockies signed Justin Morneau to a 2 year, $13 million deal

* Yankees increased their offer to Robinson Cano to now $175 million while the Mariners are rumored to be willing to offer around $200 million and 8 years.

[ClockShot]

Don't know why anyone would wanna play for the Marlins these days.

[YOUR Hero]

lots of talk of the mariners being a buyer for the last couple years, but haven't seen it happen yet.

[Innovator]

You got Ichiro on the bench or as DH?

I can see their switching DH/RF between Soriano and Ichiro, depending on what type of pitcher it is. Girardi loves his binder matchups.

[Emperor Smeat]

From Rotoworld:

* Mets are very close to signing Curtis Granderson with the deal rumored to be in the range of $15+ million per year for 3-4 years.

* Red Sox signed Edward Mujica to a 2 year, $9.5 million deal.

* Brewers traded Norichika Aoki to the Royals in return for Will Smith. Brewers also stated Ryan Braun will take over Aoki's spot next year in RF.

* Dodgers currently in talks with Brian Wilson with the deal likely being 2 years with just the first year guaranteed.

* Red Sox currently rumored to be interested in Matt Kemp with the Dodgers willing to eat up most of his contract while the Sox are unsure how many players they would be willing to give up.

[ClockShot]

Hmmmm. With these new posting rules that might go into effect, the Rakuten Golden Eagles might not post Masahiro Tanaka.

Kinda sucks.

[Dragon]

Apparently the Mariners are willing to offer Cano 10 years/230-240M.

I don't think the Yankees are getting near that number.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Mets are supposedly holding firm on a 3 year deal for Granderson. If the Red Sox or another team jump in with a guaranteed 4 year deal the Mets will probably miss out just like they did with Michael Bourn last year.</font>

[ClockShot]

Apparently the Mariners are willing to offer Cano 10 years/230-240M.

I don't think the Yankees are getting near that number.

WiiU must have sold well over in Japan.

Let Seattle jump on board the Titanic with us. The Angels did when they signed Pujols to that mega deal. Look how that's turned out.

[DaveWadding]

Jay-Z asked for 10 years, 252 mil from Seattle. They're now out of the bidding.

[Evil Vito]

Lol turning down 9 years at $225 million.

I still believe he will come back to the Bronx. His price will drop further as I can't see anyone else coming close to what Seattle was offering.

Maybe he was always looking to stay with the Yankees at around $190-200 million and they were just stringing Seattle along to try and force the Yankees' hand.

[YOUR Hero]

Of course he's stringing the Mariners along. Everyone does

[Evil Vito]

Holy shit now it sounds like the Mariners might cave for 10 years, around $240 million.

[Innovator]

ESPN is saying they've agreed to to 10/$240

[Evil Vito]

Granderson to the Mets! They gave him the 4th year.

With Granderson and Chris Young, the Mets should get a lot more power production from their outfield and fantastic defense paired with Lagares. A shitload of K's but I'll take it.

[Innovator]

Good for Mets/Grandy. Always liked him, got into a bad string of getting hit. Since he won't be on the Yankees, pitchers will throw at him less.

[ClockShot]

Thanks for your service, Grandy & Cano.

Well, $189 is looking pretty real right now.

[Emperor Smeat]

From ESPN and Rotoworld:

* Mariners are currently be interested in Bartolo Colon, David Price, Shin-Soo Choo, Carlos Beltran, and Nelson Cruz

* Rangers signed J.P. Arencibia

* Rangers currently the frontrunners to get Mike Napoli with the Red Sox as #2. Marlins and Mariners also interested in him.

* Yankees close to resigning Hiroki Kuroda to a 1 year, $16 million deal

* Dodgers resigned Brian Wilson to a 1 year, $10 million deal.

[Dragon]

Thanks for your service, Grandy & Cano.

Well, $189 is looking pretty real right now.

$189M, a horrible Ellsbury contract and no playoffs.

The Ellsbury contract really doesn't make a lot of sense to me in any scenario. Adding him with Cano is the only situation where I could maybe understand. Him instead of Cano is a pretty huge step back now though.

[screech]

Not even with the addition of McCann?

[Innovator]

$189M, a horrible Ellsbury contract and no playoffs.

The Ellsbury contract really doesn't make a lot of sense to me in any scenario. Adding him with Cano is the only situation where I could maybe understand. Him instead of Cano is a pretty huge step back now though.

I'd rather that money go towards getting some pitching. Nova and CC, until Kuroda's deal gets done, are the only two pitchers in the rotation.

[ClockShot]

Don't forget the ghost of Michael Pineda.

[Hanso Amore]

Ellsbury is 5.8 WAR. Way above the other OFs. Cano is 6 even.

Ill take that trade off. If the Yanks play it safe they can land Infante and Jacoby for a lot less than Cano on MUCH shorter deals and come out ahead.

[Dragon]

Ellsbury is 5.8 WAR. Way above the other OFs. Cano is 6 even.

Ill take that trade off. If the Yanks play it safe they can land Infante and Jacoby for a lot less than Cano on MUCH shorter deals and come out ahead.

Ellsbury was also 1.4, 9.2, -0.2, 2.1, 4.1 and 1.3 WAR his previous years. Not exactly any model of consistency. I take Cano over Ellsbury/Infante any day.

Not saying I would have gone 10 years for Cano but I would have upped the offer if I was the Yankees and at least make him think a little about it. Sticking firm at 170M obviously meant Cano was leaving.

[DaveWadding]

Fear Nap's Beard. Back in Bahstan for 2 years and 32 mil

[ClockShot]

Carlos Beltran lands in Yankeeland. 3-years, $45 mil.

We got ourselves quite the party in the outfield.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Yankees need to do something about those outfielders. A bunch of reporters have thrown out a crosstown Daniel Murphy for Brett Gardner trade possibility.

I don't get it. Gardner would instantly be the Mets' best leadoff hitter option but losing Murphy would still be an overall downgrade for the lineup. Also Gardner is a free agent after 2014 whereas Murphy will be under team control through 2015. Granderson-Lagares-Chris Young with Eric Young Jr. as a roving 4th outfielder should be fine.</font>

[Frank Drebin]

All these moves seem outlandish at first glance.

Are the Mariners really doing this?? I memba when the internet got hot n heavy when Jack Z built a team all around pitching and defense (Franklin Gutierrez and Jose Lopez were hitting 3 and 4....yup) and it bombed horribly. Now he's just going balls out. Bet he's fired mid season.

Thought the Yanks were trying to trim payroll. Not thinking they were going to retool or anything but they'be tried this before with "meh" results. Picturing Jacoby losing his legs and just being super expensive Johnny Damon. Great thing about being the Yankees is one contract won't cripple your franchise like a Vernon Wells deal does to a team like the Jays.

Yeah...Thought Detroit knew how good Fister was.

Thought the A's learned their lesson after giving Ben Sheets $10 mil to rehab. how does anyone trust Kazmir for anything more than a year?

Granderson makes the Mets....what? Maybe a .500 team? Is there something they have that I'm missing? Matt Harvey is out all year, right?

Long time to go before Ps & Cs report, but this is a strange time on the hot stove.

[YOUR Hero]

Go Jays!

[Bad News Gertner]

Eric Kratz baby!

[ClockShot]

Ugh. Rakuten Golden Eagles must have caved. New NPB posting rules might go into effect this week. Any team who ponies up $20 mil. will be able to negotiate with the player.

No more highest bid, exclusive negotiation rights.

[Frank Drebin]

Why ugh? Just adds another free agent to the pool but add $20 mil.

If ugh is for the Eagles not being able to cash out on Tanaka, then Yah.

[ClockShot]

Kinda that.

But I don't like how MLB is sorta being a bully in this. I'm looking at this as being like "If you won't agree to our rules/changes, then your players can't play in MLB"

I liked the silent auction system. Fax over a figure, NPB team will announce the winner on a certain day, and we the fan base can debate on the $ figure.


Gotta admit, Matsuzaka getting posted all those years ago made this stuff entertaining and good watercooler material the day after.

[Emperor Smeat]

Supposedly the biggest proposal left undecided is what happens in case of multiple teams. Small market teams are pushing for the worst record team to get first dibs while bigger teams want the NPB player to decide.

Whole thing revolves around a rumor of the Yankees wanting to go all out with a contract offer if it was up to the NBP player choice without having to worry about the big posting fee needed to be paid to the NPB team and also counting towards the luxury cap.

[ClockShot]

That WAS the plan from the get go. Put up a big dollar amount and no one matches us and try to work out a deal.

[ClockShot]

Joe Torre, Bobby Cox, and Tony La Russa have been unanimously to the Baseball Hall of Fame by the "expansion era committee".

[Frank Drebin]

Maybe next year for Dale Sveum

[Evil Vito]

Roy Halladay to sign a one day contract with the Blue Jays and retire.

[screech]

Roy Halladay to sign a one day contract with the Blue Jays and retire.

Bummer :(

Always loved watching him pitch.

[DaveWadding]

Mark Prior officially hangs up the cleats.

Fucking hate Dusty Baker so much.

[YOUR Hero]

Matt Kemp to the Mariners?

what do you think about that senerio

[DaveWadding]

Kevin Towers is a madman right now.

Trying to swing a deal for Trumbo, potentially sign Shin Soo Choo, and then another free agent SP. Crazy.

[road doggy dogg]

Is it even allowed in sports for someone to retire while being beloved by both Toronto and Philadelphia fans? Halladay broke the rules!

[DaveBrawl]

He should go into the Hall of Fame right away just for that.

[ClockShot]

Tigers sign Rajai Davis. 2-years, $10 mil.

D-Backs, Angels, and ChiSox work out a 3-team trade. With Mark Trumbo as the centerpiece.

D-Backs get Mark Trumbo, A.J. Schugel, and a PTBNL.

ChiSox get Adam Eaton

Angels get Hector Santiago and Tyler Skaggs.

[Skippord]

Rockies got Brett Anderson which I'm very excited about

until his arm explodes

[RP]

Who doesn't get excited for a 6.00+ era.

[DaveWadding]

goddammit, I'm going to miss Adam Eaton.

[Bad News Gertner]

Tigers sign Rajai Davis. 2-years, $10 mil.

D-Backs, Angels, and ChiSox work out a 3-team trade. With Mark Trumbo as the centerpiece.

D-Backs get Mark Trumbo, A.J. Schugel, and a PTBNL.

ChiSox get Adam Eaton

Angels get Hector Santiago and Tyler Skaggs.

Rajah Davis will play 2-3 games in a row and you'll ask yourself "why isn't this guy starting", and then game 4 will come around and you'll say "oh, that's why".

[RoXer]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>The <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Athletics&amp;src=hash">#Athletics</a> have acquired minor league OF Billy Burns from the <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Nationals&amp;src=hash">#Nationals</a> in exchange for LHP Jerry Blevins.</p>&mdash; Oakland Athletics (@Athletics) <a href="https://twitter.com/Athletics/statuses/410848966205390848">December 11, 2013</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

NOOOOOOOOOOOO :(

Blevins is my favorite pitcher simply because of his name :(

BUT this only adds to the theme of Natioanlas players having weird names

[ClockShot]

Jack Z is either on one hell of a hot seat, or ownership gave him a blank check this offseason.

Mariners sign Corey Hart to a 1-year deal. They also acquire Logan Morrison from the Marlins for Carter Capps.

[Frank Drebin]

First GM fired in 2014

[ClockShot]

Mets sign Bartolo Colon. 2-years, $20 mil.

We go live to TPWW's resident Mets fan, Vito Cruz.

Mr. Cruz, your thoughts please?

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>I like it. With a guy in his 40s I'd prefer to go with a 1-year deal, but the reality is damn near every pitcher is getting a multiyear deal this offseason, so you're going to have to pony up the extra year if you want somebody good. I'd rather have Colon for 2 years than Bronson Arroyo for 3.

Hopefully he can provide quality innings and help make the transition to Harvey's return in 2015 a bit easier.

Zack Wheeler
Jon Niese
Bartolo Colon
Dillon Gee
Jenry Mejia or Stopgap. Rafael Montero or Noah Syndergaard by June or July

That's not bad at all.</font>

[ClockShot]

Just read MLB is about to ban home plate collisions. Just needs union approval.

Slides or summersaults are the way to go.

[Emperor Smeat]

If the union approves it, the rule takes effect next year and if they reject it, MLB can still pass it although are required to wait an extra year to make it official without the union's input.

[RP]

Just read MLB is about to ban home plate collisions. Just needs union approval.

Slides or summersaults are the way to go.

I dont know how I feel about this.

[DaveWadding]

Fat Bartolo probably missed the pizza in New York.

[Frank Drebin]

Where is the catcher supposed to be on a play at the plate?

[YOUR Hero]

Rajah Davis will play 2-3 games in a row and you'll ask yourself "why isn't this guy starting", and then game 4 will come around and you'll say "oh, that's why".

soooo true

so much raw talent, but mentally he has short comings. great bench guy though, will miss him

[YOUR Hero]

Just read MLB is about to ban home plate collisions. Just needs union approval.

Slides or summersaults are the way to go.

The concussion genie/lawsuits is out of the bottle in the NFL and NHL.

[YOUR Hero]

So, for example, intentionally running over the catcher might result in an out call. So I think that the enforcement will be on the field as well as subsequent consequences in the form of fines and suspensions and the like.''

The NCAA instituted a rule on collisions for the 2011 season, saying ''contact above the waist that was initiated by the base runner shall not be judged as an attempt to reach the base or plate.''


(from an article on Yahoo)

[Innovator]

Yankees turn down on offer to swap Gardner with Brandon Phillips

[Innovator]

Joba Chamberlain and Tigers agree on a deal

THE ERA IS OVER!

[Emperor Smeat]

Guess its back to randomly beaning Youkilis now.

Speaking of Kevin Youkilis, Yankees are interested in resigning him for next season while Youkilis is more interested in playing for a West Coast team. Wants to be closer to home for next season.

[ClockShot]

Good. I'd rather he put 2000 miles worth of distance between him and New York. Didn't even play a month before his season was over.

[Skippord]

yay Boone Logan

[Emperor Smeat]

Royals signed Omar Infante to a 4-year, $30 million deal.

[ClockShot]

Well. I guess the Yankees are going to plan b.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>3 years and $16.5 million for a lefty specialist. Jesus H Christ.</font>

[DaveWadding]

Pretty sure the DBacks could have done better than just Addison Reed for Matt Davidson straight up.

[Frank Drebin]

Davidson any good? Read up on him and all, but what are your thoughts, Dave?

[Innovator]

Brian Roberts to the Yankees. 1 year, 2 million.

[ClockShot]

Betcha a dollar he ends up becoming this year's Kevin Youkilis. Plays for a month, gets injured, done for the season.

[Frank Drebin]

If he makes it out of spring training alive.

[RoXer]

Davidson any good? Read up on him and all, but what are your thoughts, Dave?

He showed real good defense last year. His bat was iffy but he's young so who knows how he'll develop.

[Frank Drebin]

I don't think Gavin Floyd's deal has been mentioned yet. Always liked him better than guys like John Danks. He won't be ready until May or June, but if I'm a contender I want him on my team. Could be a valuable 3 or 4 type starter down the stretch.

[Innovator]

HOT STOVE:

Brian Roberts tears rotator cuff signing contract, out until May.

[screech]

Who does he think he is, Nick Johnson?

[ClockShot]

O's sign Grant Balfour. 2-years, $15 mil.

This one hurts. Wanted the Yankees to get him so we don't have to throw Hi-Sox to the wolves as the closer. Now it seems we don't have a choice.

[Emperor Smeat]

Dodgers and Yankees end up being the only teams having to pay the luxury tax for this year. Yankees owe $28 million while the Dodgers owe $11.4 million.

In terms of next year, the Yankees right now are $12 million under the $189 million limit but only have half the roster locked up.

http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/10154043/new-york-yankees-hit-28m-luxury-tax

[ClockShot]

$189 is the limit. The $178 figure is operating under A-Rod being suspended right now.

[ClockShot]

Busy Wednesday.

Rockies aquire Drew Stubbs from the Indians.


Angels sign Raul Ibanez. 1-year, $2.75 mil. That can hit $5 mil. in incentives.


Padres sign Joaquin Benoit to a 2-year, $15.5 mil. pact.

Yankees had a 7-year $140 mil. deal on the table to Shin-Soo Choo even after they signed Ellsbury. But, super agent Scott Boras wanted Choo to get Ellsbury money. So they went with Beltran.

[DaveWadding]

Jacque Jones for HOF.

[Frank Drebin]

Oh JJ. So good as a twin. Then sucked balls in Chicago and played the race card. Missed Jeromy Burnitz.

[Frank Drebin]

Still can't wrap my head around what Seattle is doing. Fully expecting them to sell the farm and get Price at this point. Cubs should be trying to give them the hard sell on Samardjia since they seem so inclined to "go for it"

[screech]

Seattle wants to make the AL West its bitch, clearly.

[Frank Drebin]

I'd be willing to bet that they are a dysfunctional mess and Jack Z gets fired around the All Star break.

[ClockShot]

Kevin Youkilis is taking his talents to Japan. Signed a deal with the Rakuten Golden Eagles.




http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NYJjoT-A8C0/UAP7JsS9DVI/AAAAAAAAB6g/S_VVq2I21BU/s1600/jeremy-piven-gtfo.gif

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Grant Balfour fails his physical with the O's and is back on the market.</font>

[ClockShot]

Rangers win the Shin-Soo Choo sweepstakes.


7-years, $130 mil.

[Emperor Smeat]

Dodgers signed Chris Perez to a 1 year deal.

[ClockShot]

Tanaka's going on the auction block.

Let the games begin.

[YOUR Hero]

Puig killed in car accident [/in the near future]

[SammyG]

never. He is immortal.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Mark Mulder is back in baseball, having not played the last 5 seasons. 1 year deal with the Angels.</font>

[Emperor Smeat]

Dodgers expected to sign a contract extension with Don Mattingly keeping him with the team for at least the next 3 seasons.
http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/mlb/story/_/id/10258959/don-mattingly-receive-contract-extension-los-angeles-dodgers


Greg Maddux revealed to have missed out on being a unanimous Hall of Fame selection by at least one known vote.
Ken Gurnick of MLB.com, a former reporter for the Los Angeles Herald Examiner, says the only player he voted for was pitcher Jack Morris. Morris is on the Baseball Writers' Association of America ballot for the 15th and final time after falling 42 votes shy last year.

Gurnick said Tuesday that he excluded "everybody from the steroid era."

"I just don't know who did and who didn't," Gurnick said, adding: "Some people quibble over when the era starts, but the bulk of [Morris'] career was in my opinion well before all of the widespread use of performance-enhancing drugs."
http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/10259259/greg-maddux-unanimous-hall-selection

[screech]

So how does that guy know Morris didn't use? Just because it wasn't widespread doesn't mean it didn't exist. How do we know current Hall of Fame guys didn't use at some point?

Fucking stupid logic, in my opinion.