MLB Thread

[screech]

Could you have been more of a dick about that?

[Droford]

All I saw was "pitcher Brad Halsey, 32, dies in climbing accident" but I didn't read the article.

Actually looked him up to find out who he pitched for and added that to the post without it being edited. Probably could have removed the haven't looked him up part.

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

Could you have been more of a dick about that?

Maybe Droford should have used Bing.

[screech]

The part you should have removed was this

Whoever Brad Halsey was

and just said who he was

[Clerk]

I still support A rod and always will. How dare these people disrespect an all time great

[Droford]

Only time I liked A rod was when he started with Seattle.. I have an old orioles game vs the mariners and its still weird seeing him and Griffey play.

[Droford]

I hope Don Wakamatsu gets the Rays manager job. Ben Maller used to have a game where he'd ask the caller if a person was a Coach, Player or Entertainer and no one ever got Don Wakamatsu right (most frequent guess was entertainer)

[Emperor Smeat]

She said Rodriguez came to the Miami home Rodriguez provided to the Sucarts in 2010 and vowed to destroy the family if they went public with his use of performance-enhancing drugs. Then he urinated on the wall and the patio, she said, as if to mark the house as his territory.

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/i-team/a-rod-devil-cousin-yuri-wife-carmen-article-1.2001588

[ClockShot]

IF Hal Steinbrenner wants to earn some points with the Yankee fanbase, he'd be doing anything he could to work out a buyout with Alex Rodriguez and make him go away.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Nice day for the Mets. Jacob deGrom won the NL ROTY Award and they signed Michael Cuddyer for 2 years, $21 million.</font>

[Droford]

Not sure Cuddyer was worth that plus losing their first round draft pick, but hey its the Mets

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>I love the Cuddyer move and he was the guy I've wanted them to get for months (realistically I know they weren't going to fork over money for Cruz or trade for a CarGo type of player). It's not like he's making a shitload of money. Plus they desperately needed to add an outfielder this offseason. Losing the first round pick hurts a bit, but going the trade route would have likely cost them far more.

Funny enough on November 10 I think their primary lineup may already be set. Lagares CF, Murphy 2B, Wright 3B, Duda 1B, Cuddyer RF, Granderson LF, d'Arnaud C, Flores SS. There's still a chance the move Murphy though as he's on his final arbitration year. Alexei Ramirez for Murphy and a prospect maybe? With Flores moving to SS.

We'll see. Just nice to see the Mets aren't as hampered by the Wilpon purse strings as I thought.</font>

[Emperor Smeat]

Red Sox going "all in" to get Pablo Sandoval this offseason while the Giants are hopeful they can persuade him to stay.

Only issue might be contract length since he wants in the 6 year, $90-$110 million range.

[ClockShot]

Buck Showalter and Matt Williams are your Managers of the Year.

Pretty shocked Showalter won. I had him and Yost head to head with whoever going to the Series winning it. Turns out, Yost came in 3rd. With Mike Scioscia coming in 2nd.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Showalter was an easy choice. Yost is a terrible manager, the team won in spite of him rather than because of him.</font>

[road doggy dogg]

I agree with Vito... Yost did a horrible job this season despite the team's massive success

[Droford]

Buck Showalter and Matt Williams are your Managers of the Year.

Pretty shocked Showalter won. I had him and Yost head to head with whoever going to the Series winning it. Turns out, Yost came in 3rd. With Mike Scioscia coming in 2nd.

Well they have to submit votes before the playoffs start, so playoff performance has nothing to do with it. Buck got the team to an AL East champion without 4 of their best players over various points of time (Wieters, Machado, Hardy and Davis).

Plus it was a year that ended in 4 (he won the award in 1994 and 2004 as well)

[road doggy dogg]

Showalter definitely the best choice

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Showalter has won AL manager of the year award in 1994, 2004, and 2014.

Droford - get your early bet in for Showalter for 2024 manager of the year.</font>

[RoXer]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>LaTroy Hawkins is still active, and man put machine on a comet. the year Hawkins was drafted, CERN put up the world's first website</p>&mdash; Jeff Sullivan (@based_ball) <a href="https://twitter.com/based_ball/status/532654339106803713">November 12, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[Droford]

<font color=goldenrod>Showalter has won AL manager of the year award in 1994, 2004, and 2014.

Droford - get your early bet in for Showalter for 2024 manager of the year.</font>

It won't be with the Orioles though.

[Emperor Smeat]

NL Cy Young Award went to Clayton Kershaw while AL Cy Young award went to Corey Kluber. AL race was a lot closer with Felix Hernandez being just 10 votes behind.

Tigers resigned Victor Martinez to a 4 year and around $70 million deal.

[road doggy dogg]

Tigers trade their top prospect to the Jays for Anthony Gose.smh

But wooo vmart!!!

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>A bunch of the "talking heads" are bitching that the V-Mart deal will cripple the Tigers in a few years. I don't think people get it: Mike Illitch is 85 years old and wants to win a World Series for Detroit before he passes away. The money is no issue for them at this point. Keeping V-Mart keeps the window of contention from slamming shut. Great move for the Tigers in keeping him.</font>

[road doggy dogg]

That's pretty much been the Tigers' MO the past 3 seasons.

[Clerk]

Kluber wins Cy Young.

If Michael Brantley doesen't win MVP then this is bullshitt.

[Bad News Gertner]

Tigers trade their top prospect to the Jays for Anthony Gose.smh

But wooo vmart!!!

Lol Gose is awful. He's basically another Joey Gathright

[Emperor Smeat]

MVP winners:
NL - Clayton Kershaw
AL - Mike Trout

[Damian Rey]

The Tigers' window is slowly collapsing. They're getting older, they may have very well just lost their best starting pitcher, and may lose Price next year. Cabrera is getting older, Martinez is already old, and they have an absolute barren farm system.

I get why they gave Martinez the money, but it is likely to cripple them once they're paying him, Cabrera and Verlander half their payroll when they're well past their prime.

[Emperor Smeat]

Giancarlo Stanton's next contract expected to be in the $300 million range since that was the initial offer the Marlins gave.

[Nicky Fives]

Lol Gose is awful. He's basically another Joey Gathright

great trade for the Jays.....

[Emperor Smeat]

Giancarlo Stanton and the Marlins are closing in on a landmark deal, believed to be for $325 million over 13 years, sources connected to the team told CBSSports.com.

Stanton's record deal will have a no-trade clause and is expected to include an opt-out clause as well, allowing him to exercise a right to leave after a number of years

In terms of how huge a jump this is in regards to how stingy the Marlins typically are with spending money ...

Before this deal, which is for $25 million a year, the Marlins had only $8 million in future obligations, according to mlbtraderumors.com. Now that figure will rise by about 40 times.

[ClockShot]

:lol:

The MLB All-Stars that went over to Japan for a few exhibition games got no-hit today by the Japanese team.

[Droford]

Robbie Cano...broke his toe

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

A Mariner fan "D'oh"

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Braves send Jason Heyward and Jordan Walden to the Cardinals for Shelby Miller and Tyrell Jenkins.

Russell Martin signs with the Blue Jays for 5 years, $84 million.

Giancarlo Stanton's contract with the Marlins is finalized. He can opt out at age 30 (after 2019) and a full no-trade clause. 13 years, $325 million.

HOT FUCKING STOVE</font>

[Sepholio]

dumbass ATL decisions ahoy.

[screech]

I'm a bit surprised with the Heyward trade. Didn't have him "on my radar" at all.

[ClockShot]

Figured Heyward would be a Brave for life.


Russell Martin got paid.

[Emperor Smeat]

Hasn't been as great as his rookie season but also surprised with that trade.

Guess the Braves GM wanted to start the rebuilding process a lot sooner with all those young arms in the rotation especially if the rumors of them also losing Justin Upton occurs.

[Nicky Fives]

Russell Martin is a great catcher.... not $84 million great....

[Droford]

In LOLMets news, by the time Giancarlo Stanton's 13 year contract with the Marlins is over, the Mets will still be paying Bobby Bonilla for another 8 years.

[Clerk]

$325? Lol next A-Rod

[screech]

BOBBY BONILLA

[screech]

Russell Martin is a great catcher.... not $84 million great....

Yeah that seems like a lot for him. I guess he's a great "clubhouse guy"

[Sepholio]

Braves are apparently building for 2017......LOLOLOLOLOL F that noise.

[Bad News Gertner]

Wished the Jays would have spent that cash on a 2nd baseman or a starting pitcher, but Martin is solid.

[Emperor Smeat]

A's signed Billy Butler to a 3 year, $30 million deal. Royals weren't willing to cover his option for next year ($12.5 million) and bought out the rest of his contract for $1 million.

[Emperor Smeat]

Red Sox currently the frontrunners to get Pablo Sandoval after offering him a 5 year, $95 million deal. Giants, Padres, and Blue Jays also are in the race to get him.

[screech]

White Sox sign Adam LaRoche for two years at $25 million. Likely that he splits between 1B and DH with Abreu.

I like that move. I know he's 35, but he can still hit and did win a gold glove just two years ago. Also he's a good "clubhouse guy" apparently.

[Damian Rey]

Padres have reportedly made the most significant offer to Sandoval thus far. Either they added a 6th year or pushed a 5yr deal for 100 million. Either way, nice to see they're legit serious in signing an actual top tier free agent. Reports indicate he's leaning towards Boston, however.

[Bad News Gertner]

Red Sox currently the frontrunners to get Pablo Sandoval after offering him a 5 year, $95 million deal. Giants, Padres, and Blue Jays also are in the race to get him.

I will kill the Blue Jays if they sign Pablo

[Emperor Smeat]

Fox Sports reporting Red Sox expected to be signing Hanely Ramirez soon with the deal in the 5 year, $90 million range. ESPN speculates the reason either as possible insurance in case Pablo Sandoval goes somewhere else or more depth for 3B.

Probably a huge sign of next season as a last chance for Will Middlesbrook in Boston since he's going to lose out the most with these new signings.

[Droford]

2015 red Sox, trying to win games 15-13 because they have tons of offense but no pitching and a sketchy defense.Let's see how that works out.

[Innovator]

Great, now Cashman will panic and sign some more DHs

[screech]

Maybe he'll panic and deal for Ryan Howard

[Nark Order]

Pablo going to the Sox. Pretty heartbreaking. Follow the money, I guess. I've heard that the Giants offer wasn't far off though. Confused.

[Innovator]

Maybe he'll panic and deal for Ryan Howard

Nah we already have a first baseman that didn't live up to his contract

[ClockShot]

Woke up to hear Boston signed HanRam and Kung Fu Panda this morning. Looking like Boston will continure it's pattern of worst to first to worst to first this season.

[Droford]

I didn't know Sandoval and Ramirez could pitch

Edit: apparently Sandoval can pitch (http://www.mercurynews.com/giants/ci_25575134/panda-pitcher-watch-giants-pablo-sandoval-throw-bullpen-session)

[Nicky Fives]

Hanley will be on DL for more games this year than games he will play....

[screech]

Nah we already have a first baseman that didn't live up to his contract

There's always room for one more!

[Droford]

Orioles aren't signing Andrew Miller, watch him go back to Boston..ugh

[Emperor Smeat]

Not surprised about him leaving since he did tease a few times about bolting once the offseason began. Probably knew the Os weren't going to offer him a long term deal from what they gave away in that trade.

He does like playing in Boston but also struggled a bit last season which was why he got traded away.

[Emperor Smeat]

Jon Lester meeting with the Giants next week for talks about a possible deal. Braves, Cubs, Blue Jays, and Cardinals also are interested in him along with rumors of the Yankees likely getting involved later.

[screech]

Yasmany Tomas reportedly agrees to 6 year, $68.5 million deal with Diamondbacks. Deal includes an opt-out after 4 years, according to "sources."

[screech]

The amount surprises me, since the Phillies backed down after he apparently wanted 7/$100 million. Though maybe his camp realized he wouldn't get that much?

[DaveWadding]

TOMASSSSSSSS.

Although it pisses me off to no end that the old regime thought that Upton was too expensive on his 6 year 51 million contract and traded him away for peanuts, then the new regime comes in and signs Tomas for way more.

[Bad News Gertner]

Jays just got Josh Donaldson for basically nothing. Fucking right bitches! Lawrie sucks, Baretto is a solid spect but 4-5 years away, Gravemen is ok and Nolin is basically a AAAA guy.

[RoXer]

Giants fans talk about "torture" but trying rooting for a team who ships off their players. It's really difficult to be a fan of a team when you know you can't get attached to anyone.

Or it's just a bigger life lesson and teaches you how to adapt. And survive.

I dunno

[Bad News Gertner]

Josh Donaldson!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Sounds like Barreto was the lynchpin of the trade. The A's believe he will be one of the top SS prospects in baseball in a couple of years and they feel that it was worth downgrading from Donaldson to Lawrie to get him.</font>

[Bad News Gertner]

His fielding definitely needs some work, but he's one hell of an athlete. Jays have Urena and Lugo down in the lower levels who are very good middle infield prospects, so it's a gamble worth taking.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Barreto might not even be the top SS prospect in Oakland before long. Supposedly they're in talks with the White Sox on a Samardzija deal. If they can somehow pry away Tim Anderson that would be a brilliant trade for the A's. Basically just replacing Addison Russell with Anderson.</font>

[Damian Rey]

Lawrie doesn't suck but man the Jays win this in a landslide. Donaldson is an mvp caliber player and he's under control for 4 more years. Great pickup.

[Bad News Gertner]

Lawrie is amazing defensively, but his batting has left alot to be desired. Plus he makes alot of bonehead decisions. I HATE Lawrie.

[Droford]

The Machado/Donaldson feud is on for real now

http://www.trbimg.com/img-53932a9d/turbine/bal-orioles-manny-machado-just-had-to-get-up-a-001/580/580x365

[ClockShot]

Mariners sign Nelson Cruz. 4-years, $58 mil.

[Innovator]

WOOO HOT FUCKING STOVE

[Droford]

Safeco will rob him of his power and they'll be paying him when he's 38.

It does kind of suck though but really never figured he'd hang around anyway.

[ClockShot]

Torii Hunter goes back to Minnesota. 1-year, $10.5 mil.

[Nicky Fives]

Hunter to Minnesota is a great pick-up, but when will Seattle learn that they cannot sign sluggers in that park.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Hunter has said he feels he has another 2-3 years left in the tank. I doubt he got any multiyear offers though, also $10.5 million for one year is a crazy amount to turn down at his age.</font>

[Evil Vito]

Nick Markakis to the Braves. 4 years, $44 million. They also signed Jim Johnson for 1 year, $1.4 million.

[road doggy dogg]

Sad to see Torii leave, but for that kinda money and whatever I get it. Good to see him go back to Minnesota to finish off his career. Will probably get the standing ovation treatment on Opening Day (MIN @ DET)

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>The Dodgers have jumped in on the Jon Lester sweepstakes. They fart in the luxury tax's general direction.</font>

[ClockShot]

The New York Yankees are off the hook if they get Lester for a crazy amount of money.

[ClockShot]

Raul Ibanez pulls out the Rays' manager job search.

[Emperor Smeat]

<font color=goldenrod>The Dodgers have jumped in on the Jon Lester sweepstakes. They fart in the luxury tax's general direction.</font>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>FWIW Dodgers have $322m committed to rotation so far: Kershaw (193m), Greinke (94m), Ryu (25m), Haren (10m). Grinch has an opt-out after ‘15</p>&mdash; Gordon Edes (@GordonEdes) <a href="https://twitter.com/GordonEdes/status/540378163285884929">December 4, 2014</a></blockquote>
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Would not be surprised if they splurge on him and that number goes over $400 million. All depends how serious the other teams are and/or the Yankees/Red Sox get involved in a bidding war.

[ClockShot]

Yankees just solved their shortstop problem.

Yankees, Tigers, and D-Backs work out a 3-team deal. Didi Gregorius is the centerpiece it seems.

Yankees get: Didi Gregorius
D-Backs get: Robbie Ray, Domingo Leyba
Tigers get: Shane Greene

Edit: Just realized their starting pitching problem just got worse.

[road doggy dogg]

I like it

[road doggy dogg]

Lots of people saying that this opens the door for a Porcello-for-Cespedes trade now. Not sure if I like that as much...

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Mets had been interested in Gregorious for over a year but the D-Backs were demanding Noah Syndergaard. I'm glad Alderson stuck to his guns on that.</font>

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Thinking about it, I'm not too sure the Mets will be able to move Niese, Gee, or Colon as they planned. I assumed they'd be able to at worst swap one of them for a righty outfield bat for the bench or something. They may still be able to get a shortstop like Brad Miller from Seattle early next year once the market shakes out. But really I'm a mark for Murphy so I'm just as happy keeping him at 2B and letting Wilmer Flores have a full year at SS. I've seen that Flores is projected to have as good of a year as Xander Bogaerts if not better...so why stretch to make a trade when you don't have to?

I felt like it'd be good for them to get rid of one Niese/Gee/Colon just because I don't view either of those guys as good bullpen candidates. But I guess if Gee opens the year as the longman and gets a spot start once or twice a month in place of Harvey I'd be on board with that. They really want to limit Harvey to 200 innings if possible, so if they are making a playoff push it'd be better to conserve innings earlier in the year rather than later lest we wind up with some Strasburg-esque fiasco.</font>

[ClockShot]

Kevin Cash won the Rays manager job.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Former catcher named manager. Water is wet.</font>

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Andrew Miller to the Yankees. 4 years, $36 million.</font>

[Emperor Smeat]

Ryan Dempster signed a 1-day deal with the Cubs and quickly retired after it was official. Got a new job in management for the team with his first task being to sway Jon Lester to sign with them.

[Droford]

Orioles are one of the teams interested in trading for Justin Upton. I'd be for it if they don't have to trade away too much since its a 1 year rental

Pretty sure Kate Upton won't be bothered to show up to support him in Baltimore after her appearance during the playoffs.

[ClockShot]

Jason Werth sentenced to 10 days in Jail for reckless driving in D.C.

Do not pass go, do not collect your overpaid salary.

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

Jason Werth sentenced to 10 days in Jail for reckless driving in D.C.

Do not pass go, do not collect your overpaid salary.

The Rated DUI Superstar.

[Bad News Gertner]

Did you hurt your groin SlickyTrickyDamon?

[ClockShot]

Indians acquire Brandon Moss from the A's for Joe Wendle.

[Emperor Smeat]

Jon Lester expected to announce which team he picked tomorrow with the Giants making one last big push to sway his decision.

With the way the Red Sox and Gordon Edes have been tweeting the past day or so, doesn't seem like he's coming back to Boston. If I had to guess, its either going to be the Cubs, Dodgers, or Giants.

[Emperor Smeat]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-cards="hidden" lang="en"><p>BREAKING: A's trade Jeff Samardzija to White Sox for Marcus Semien, Trayce Thompson &amp; Chris Beck. (via <a href="https://twitter.com/FOXSports">@FOXSports</a>) <a href="http://t.co/patLImaUmr">pic.twitter.com/patLImaUmr</a></p>&mdash; SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) <a href="https://twitter.com/SportsCenter/status/542195961557438464">December 9, 2014</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-cards="hidden" lang="en"><p>White Sox sign closer David Robertson to 4-year contract worth $46 million. (via media reports) <a href="http://t.co/PNFQdf3Xqs">pic.twitter.com/PNFQdf3Xqs</a></p>&mdash; SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) <a href="https://twitter.com/SportsCenter/status/542199501701017601">December 9, 2014</a></blockquote>
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[ClockShot]

Hi-Sox left New York on sorta kinda bad terms. Wish Cashman made a better effort to get him back.

Great, with a depleted rotation, we also need a closer now.

[road doggy dogg]

Didn't you just pick up Miller... I would think you'd want to keep Betances in the set-up role if possible (why mess with a good thing?)

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>If Girardi is smart he should just avoid naming a closer really. Use Betances/Miller for the 8th and 9th depending on when it makes the most sense. Tired of this "relievers need defined roles to be effective!" crap.</font>

[road doggy dogg]

One of the few things that bugged me so much about Leyland's tenure with the Tigers

[ClockShot]

Robertson, Miller, Betances bullpen would be a feared thing in baseball.

[road doggy dogg]

Definitely. I still think Miller-Betances will be a good consolation prize though. Maybe not 2014 Royals good but should definitely scare some teams.

[Innovator]

I really wanted the 7-8-9 of Miller/Betances/Robertson, oh well.

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

<font color=goldenrod>If Girardi is smart he should just avoid naming a closer really. Use Betances/Miller for the 8th and 9th depending on when it makes the most sense. Tired of this "relievers need defined roles to be effective!" crap.</font>

Miller has one save in his entire career. I bet the Sox are pissed that the Yanks have Miller now though.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Hopefully Lester makes his decision earlier today rather than later. Holding up the entire market.</font>

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

Probably milk it for all its worth. It supposedly going to be like 7 years. So, this is basically the last time he'll have this kind of power.

[Evil Vito]

http://www.sbnation.com/lookit/2014/12/9/7360277/madison-bumgarner-madison-bumgarner

<font color=goldenrod>Madison Bumgarner once dated a girl named Madison Bumgarner.</font> :lol:

[SammyG]

We just traded our backup catcher... Deal with the Padres is definitely going down now. Bye Kemp :(

[Damian Rey]

I really want Kemp in a Padres jersey, but if Grandal has to go, I'd hope AJ Ellis is thrown into the deal

[Emperor Smeat]

Whatever the Giants did for their last minute push didn't work at all for Lester. Could also possibly miss out on some backup plan players since all the effort the past few days was on just Lester and nobody else.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Giants GM Brian Sabean just told me Giants are out on Lester.</p>&mdash; Gordon Edes (@GordonEdes) <a href="https://twitter.com/GordonEdes/status/542506815481581568">December 10, 2014</a></blockquote>
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Cardinals rumored to be making a big push to get Max Scherzer while the Tigers already teased they won't go all out to keep him. Tigers also considering a possible trade with the Red Sox.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Always thought Scherzer would go back to Detroit, but one Tiger official says &quot;not happening,&quot; but might do Porcello for Cespedes &amp; DeLarosa</p>&mdash; Peter Gammons (@pgammo) <a href="https://twitter.com/pgammo/status/542510662786617345">December 10, 2014</a></blockquote>
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[Damian Rey]

Porcello would be a decent add for Cespedes.

[Emperor Smeat]

Cubs won the Lester sweeps. 6 years overall with an option for a 7th year.

Red Sox were the runner up with same amount of years but at $20 million less and no 7th year option.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-cards="hidden" lang="en"><p>Jon Lester's $155M contract is largest given to free agent in Cubs history &amp; 2nd-largest ever by free-agent pitcher. <a href="http://t.co/3aOARtxG0s">http://t.co/3aOARtxG0s</a></p>&mdash; SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) <a href="https://twitter.com/SportsCenter/status/542569700018765824">December 10, 2014</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Jon Lester reportedly agrees to 6-year/$155M deal with Cubs

Previous largest Cubs free agent contract was $136M to Alfonso Soriano</p>&mdash; ESPN Stats &amp; Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNStatsInfo/status/542566831320743936">December 10, 2014</a></blockquote>
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[SlickyTrickyDamon]

Red Sox offering a 1-year deal for Justin Masterson.

[road doggy dogg]

Really hope the Porcello-for-Cespedes rumors that have been flying around all week do not come to fruition. Or at least, there better be more to it than just that.

Scherzer supposedly looking for excess of $200M. I don't think he'll get it but wouldn't be surprised if someone pays it. He turned down 6/$144M from the Tigers already.

[Innovator]

I'm just casually awaiting word Cashman overpaid for Scherzer

[Droford]

http://ih2.redbubble.net/image.11640188.0302/fig,asphalt,mens,ffffff.jpg

[screech]

Jimmy Rollins to the Dodgers, according to "baseball sources." Not clear who the Phillies received in return.

[Emperor Smeat]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Yankees, Dodgers, BOS talking with Sergio Romo, reports <a href="https://twitter.com/jcrasnick">@jcrasnick</a>. Looked at as a versatile reliever who can fill different roles by teams.</p>&mdash; Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) <a href="https://twitter.com/Buster_ESPN/status/542766888367841280">December 10, 2014</a></blockquote>
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D'backs and Tony La Russa denied rumors of them trading Wade Miley and Miguel Montero. Red Sox were rumored to offer a deal to get Miley while Dodgers would have offered Andre Ethier, Tim Federowicz, and cash in return for Montero and a few prospects.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Marlins acquire Dee Gordon and Dan Haren in exchange for four prospects, including their top prospect Andrew Heaney (#2 lefty SP prospect in baseball).</font>

[ClockShot]

End of an era in Philly for Rollins. Figured he play his entire career there.

Don't know if I should feel good or bad for the Marlins getting Dan Haren. Always was a "west coast guy".

[Damian Rey]

Apparently Haren had stated he'd retire if he couldn't play for either LA teams. Dodgers are paying his salary. Think they're betting on him calling it a day.

[McLegend]

Thanks for the World Series Jimmy, and I've never forget

"We're the team to beat in the east, finally."

[Emperor Smeat]

Red Sox-D'Backs trade:

Red Sox got Wade Miley.
D'Backs got Rubby De La Rosa, Allen Webster, and a prospect to be named later.

[Emperor Smeat]

Angels-Dodgers trade:

Angels get Andrew Heaney
Dodgers get Howie Kendrick


<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-cards="hidden" lang="en"><p>Brandon McCarthy is close to agreement on 4-year, $48 million contract with Dodgers. (via ESPN &amp; multiple reports) <a href="http://t.co/1QlxiLboLh">pic.twitter.com/1QlxiLboLh</a></p>&mdash; SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) <a href="https://twitter.com/SportsCenter/status/542932731689467905">December 11, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[ClockShot]

Padres acquire Matt Kemp from the Dodgers for Tim Federowicz, Yasmani Grandal, Joe Weiland, and a PTBNL.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>4 years, $48 million is an ungodly amount of money for somebody with McCarthy's injury history, but trading away Kemp gives them some financial relief.</font>

[road doggy dogg]

fuck off baseball

fuck right off

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

http://ih2.redbubble.net/image.11640188.0302/fig,asphalt,mens,ffffff.jpg

That 0 looks like an 8.

[ClockShot]

BoSox & Tigers swap Yoenis Cespedes and Rick Porcello

[ClockShot]

My Red Sox worst-to first-to worst-to first theory is looking good right now.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Reds trade 2 starting pitchers in a day. Mat Latos to the Marlins, Alfredo Simon to the Tigers.</font>

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

Justin Masterson agrees to join the Red Sox again.

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

My Red Sox worst-to first-to worst-to first theory is looking good right now.

We have no true #1 pitcher. Sort of feels like the George Carlin joke about fucking 5 2's in one night to make 10.

[road doggy dogg]

Porcello is gonna be great. He put up very respectable numbers in a "breakout" year, as a groundball pitcher for a team with an atrocious defense.

Masterson, if he's more 2013 than 2014, should be fine.

Agreed that nobody on the roster is a bonafide "ace" but I'd hardly call them a bunch of 2's (out of 10). Should be a very solid rotation even after missing out on Lester.

[Emperor Smeat]

Was hoping the Red Sox would find a way to keep Cespedes but like the deals done.

In regards to not having an actual ace or #1 yet, ESPN said they are talking to a bunch of guys at the moment.
Cherington indicated the Sox are not done in their search for more starting pitching. The Sox met here this week with Page Odle, the agent for free-agent pitcher James Shields and are waiting to see how the market develops for free-agent pitcher Max Scherzer. In addition, there are a potential trade scenarios involving Phillies left-hander Cole Hamels and Nationals right-handers Jordan Zimmerman and Doug Fister.
Could see them go all out for Shields rather than wait longer for Scherzer and his likely bigger deal.

[Droford]

I dont even get my hopes up the Orioles will make any deals anymore.. I know it wont be til late February when they start going after whoevers left in the rejected scrap heap of unsigned guys to fill out their roster. While it paid off with cruz last year i dont see anyone being left this year worth a damn

[ClockShot]

Lady at work who's got the inside track on some details told me Reds ownership told Walk Jocketty to slash payroll. That's why he's selling off right now.

Hal must have Cashman by the balls or something. If he doesn't come out of the winter meetings with something big, ain't no reason to go down to The Bronx next year.

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

Lady at work who's got the inside track on some details told me Reds ownership told Walk Jocketty to slash payroll. That's why he's selling off right now.

Hal must have Cashman by the balls or something. If he doesn't come out of the winter meetings with something big, ain't no reason to go down to The Bronx next year.

Too bad. Playoffs 2 out of the last 3 years and a Division victory.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>The Mets' winter meetings went pretty much as I expected. Signed John Mayberry Jr which is whatever. They needed a righty outfield bat off the bench with some pop and he fits the mold.

Kicked the tires on a few Dillon Gee trades but ultimately the pitching market is still so deep he's viewed as a backup plan. I imagine he'll get moved in January. I'm fine with Wilmer Flores at SS but depending on the market late in the offseason they may jump at an Asdrubal Cabrera/Jed Lowrie type if they're still around.</font>

[screech]

Just read a RUMOR that the Phillies are looking to trade Ben Revere to the Cubs for Travis Wood. I'm not sure I like that because it means Dom Brown stays. h8 Dom Brown. Wood can eat up the innings, though, which is a plus.

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

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

Right in the feels.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>I'm sure u guys all remember seeing this little girl on YouTube about me leaving the jays so I thot I'd surprise her�� <a href="http://t.co/AUNyRloTgi">pic.twitter.com/AUNyRloTgi</a></p>&mdash; Brett Lawrie (@blawrie13) <a href="https://twitter.com/blawrie13/status/543529686765023232">December 12, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

He took her out for pizza as a thank you for being a loyal fan.

:y:

[road doggy dogg]

thot

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

144 characters.

[road doggy dogg]

thot

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

i no rite

[screech]

Melky Cabrera to the White Sox, 3 years/$42 million

Rick Hahn is not fucking around this HOTSTOVE season

[Bad News Gertner]

Bye Melky. Donaldson and Encarnacion make less, so yeah that's a lot of money for him.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Chase Headley back to the Yankees. 4 years, $52 million.</font>

[ClockShot]

Hmmmmmmm. Conflicted about this signing. A bit too much money for my liking. But, he's young. But, can the Chase Headley from a few years ago come back?

[RoXer]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>In their own rendering of Suntrust Park, Braves are losing 6-3 to the Nats and have committed an error <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheBravesWay?src=hash">#TheBravesWay</a> <a href="http://t.co/5Hm3vqCHZT">pic.twitter.com/5Hm3vqCHZT</a></p>&mdash; mr. macintosh (@gritty_grinder) <a href="https://twitter.com/gritty_grinder/status/544649270679568385">December 16, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>White Sox sign BRAD PENNY to a minor league deal? Remember him?

Best analysis ever:</font> http://www.southsidesox.com/2014/12/16/7403489/white-sox-sign-brad-penny-to-minor-league-deal

[Damian Rey]

Padres and Rays are on the cusp of a deal that would send Wil Myers to San Diego for prospects. The rays would then possibly flip some of that talent to Washington.

[ClockShot]

Figured Wil would be around for the Tampa Bay rebuilding process.

[poopfromweiner dude]

Seems like a bunch of baseball stuff has happened and nobody told me


Did yall know Matt Kemp was traded ?

[road doggy dogg]

yeah

[Emperor Smeat]

Padres considering voiding the Kemp trade after finding out he has arthritis in both hips. According to ESPN, 2-3 other trades are going to be affected if the Padres void the deal.

The Padres and Dodgers agreed to a trade one week ago that would send Kemp, catcher Tim Federowicz and $32 million to San Diego for catcher Yasmani Grandal and pitching prospects Joe Wieland and Zach Eflin. The Dodgers then planned to trade Eflin and their pitching prospect Tom Windle to the Philadelphia Phillies for shortstop Jimmy Rollins.

In addition, if the Kemp deal crumbles, the Padres might have to rework a three-team trade with the Washington Nationals and Tampa Bay Rays agreed to Wednesday since their interest in catcher Ryan Hanigan -- one of the pieces in that trade -- presumably would be affected by whether Grandal remains a Padre.

[Emperor Smeat]

Padres keeping Kemp even with his hip issues.


<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-cards="hidden" lang="en"><p>A's, Padres continue busy offseasons: Oakland trades Derek Norris to San Diego. (via <a href="https://twitter.com/Buster_ESPN">@Buster_ESPN</a> &amp; multiple reports) <a href="http://t.co/mf2eMUpjJs">pic.twitter.com/mf2eMUpjJs</a></p>&mdash; SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) <a href="https://twitter.com/SportsCenter/status/545765883302645760">December 19, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
A's got Jesse Hahn (prospect) and R.J. Alvarez (from the Padres-Angels deal earlier) in return.


Also a few other trades involving the A's occurred today.
Meanwhile, the Athletics acquired left-hander Eury De La Rosa from the Arizona Diamondbacks for cash.

The A's also designated right-hander Fernando Rodriguez for assignment to clear room on the 40-man roster and released right-hander Jorge De Leon outright.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Now the Padres have traded for Justin Upton. What the hell.</font>

[Damian Rey]

I never thought I'd see the day the sorry ass Padres actually went out and owned the offseason. Kemp, Myers, Upton and Norris are all legitimate all-star caliber bats, and they're all on my fucking team.

Is this real life? And fuck me, please Mr Aj Preller, my body is ready.

[Emperor Smeat]

Red Sox-Padres deal currently in the works:

Red Sox would get Ryan Hanigan (from the earlier Rays deal)
Padres would get Will Middlesbrook

<s>Padres also signing David Ross to replace Hanigan at the catcher spot.</s>

[Damian Rey]

Middlebrooks for Hanigan deal done. Ross signed with Cubbies.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Man...the Padres aren't fucking around. Neither are the Marlins to a degree (just got Martin Prado from the Yankees today) or the Cubs.

I pretty much knew the Mets' offseason was done with the Cuddyer signing and was okay with that since Harvey and a healthy Wright are basically additions in their own way and I think the team can be good...but god damn what the Pads are doing makes me sad again that the Wilpons have no money.</font>

[ClockShot]

I'm gonna ask you guys these questions I asked the lady I work with today.

Who is this new Padres GM? and Where did all this money come from?

[DaveWadding]

Can't wait to watch Justin Upton all the time again (via MLB.TV/Dbacks games).

[Damian Rey]

I'm gonna ask you guys these questions I asked the lady I work with today.

Who is this new Padres GM? and Where did all this money come from?

New gm is AJ Preller. He was highly regarded in the Texas org as a talent guru. The Padres have always had money. They're a mid market team,like the Cardinals. Problem is, the previous two ownerships refused to spend. They'd rather patch job with veterans.

Then Jed Hoyer showed up and started stockpiling the farm system. When he left, Josh Byrnes took over. Through ill advised trades and extensions, his team was still able to continue drafting well. After 2.5 mediocre years, the 3rd ownership team since 2009 threw him out, hired Preller on a 5 year deal, and loosened the purse strings from their decent tv deal.

Preller has been amazing so far. In the span of a week, he revamped the outfield and upgraded at catcher. 4 everyday starters who could realistically be all-stars. Amazing. I can't see them not being an 85 win team. Kemp, Myers and Norris are all significant upgrades over their predecessors.

[Nicky Fives]

He's certainly giving it the old college effort.....

[ClockShot]

Braves sign Jason Grilli. 2-years, $8 mil.


Wouldn't have minded the Yankees bringing him in for some bullpen/closer depth.

[The Fraze]

Could give a fuck about Pablo, really upset to see Morse go.

Just saying hi. :wave:

[Adder]

Was hoping the Jays would go after Morse myself.

[Damian Rey]

Never understood the love for Morse.

[Bad News Gertner]

He can barely move

[Damian Rey]

Bruce Bochy benching him in the series in favor of Travis Ishikawa in left field, who's a first baseman by trait, wasn't exactly a ringing endorsement.

[Emperor Smeat]

Hiroki Kuroda leaving MLB to go back to Japan. Yankees also hinted they likely won't be signing a starter for this offseason.

Hiroki Kuroda is returning to Japan to pitch for the Hiroshima Toyo Carp, an official with knowledge of the move told ESPNNewYork.com, confirming Japanese media reports.

The free-agent right-hander reunites with his first professional team, reportedly on a one-year contract worth $3.3 million.

The Yankees believe they are set to begin the 2015 season with Masahiro Tanaka, CC Sabathia, Michael Pineda, Nathan Eovaldi and Chris Capuano in the rotation, a source told ESPNNewYork.com. Plus, they have Ivan Nova due to return from Tommy John surgery in late May.

[poopfromweiner dude]

Yankees rotation June 2015

____________________
_____________________
____________________
Nate Eovaldi
____________________

[road doggy dogg]

lol

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

What about the other Japanese guy? Is he hurt?

[poopfromweiner dude]

Guys don't say anything let him figure this out on his own

He has to learn to think before he posts

[road doggy dogg]

Lmao again

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Scherzer and Shields might have overshot with their asking prices.</font>

[ClockShot]

Yankees deal Shawn Kelley to the Padres for minor leaguer Johnny Barbato.


Great. Just keep dealing away the arms, Cashman.

[The Fraze]

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/1NdIzGtu2H0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

So wrong having Dropkick Murphy's not about the Red Sox.

[ClockShot]

Rays get a steal in Asdrubal Cabrera with a 1-year, $8 mil. deal.

No doubt he was the best Shortstop on the market, but I'm kinda shocked by this. He could have gotten so much more.

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

14 errors last year, .241 avg, 108Ks.

He got what he was worth from his play in 2013.

[screech]

Phillies trade Marlon Byrd to Reds for minor league RHP Ben Lively.

I like Byrd, but they gotta restock the farm somehow so I'm okay with this. Now to cross my fingers that Dom Brown goes next!

[ClockShot]

Yankees trade Manny Banuelos to the Braves for David Carpenter and Chasen Shreve.

Dellin Betances, is the last of the Yankee "Killer B's" to stay with the team.

[ClockShot]

A few weeks after being traded to the Marlins, Dan Haren has requested a trade to a west coast team. Surprise, surprise.

I wonder if San Diego will nab him with all the moves they've been making?

[screech]

Didn't he say he'd retire if he couldn't play out west?

[Clerk]

They hit baseballs with bats. We hit niggas wit em. Sometimes

[ClockShot]

Big day today as the Hall of Fame inductees will be announced today. And with the changes to how long you can stay on the ballot, I'm predicting a surprise entrant.

Royals sign Edinson Volquez to a 2-year, $20 mil. deal with a mutual option for a 3rd.


Rumor going around is that James Shields got a 5-year, $110 mil. offer on the table from an unknown team. Why he hasn't jumped on it yet is the head scratcher.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Big Unit, Pedro, and Smoltz should all waltz in on the first ballot. Biggio should also get in on his second go-around having barely missed out last year.

5 entrants have gone into the HOF together only once, the first-ever HOF class, so it's unlikely anybody else gets in other than the 4 mentioned already. I think Piazza will be next in line but right now only about 77% of ballots made public have him on it, and only 30% of ballots tallied. He's clearly going to fall short of 75%. Hopefully can inch close enough that next year is the year with Griffey the only slam dunk.</font>

[The Fraze]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>.<a href="https://twitter.com/onlyinsf">@onlyinsf</a> has featured my photo, thank you! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SFGiants?src=hash">#SFGiants</a> Theirs → <a href="http://t.co/B1L7pVMbh2">http://t.co/B1L7pVMbh2</a> Mine → <a href="http://t.co/U1wwybRGLX">http://t.co/U1wwybRGLX</a> <a href="http://t.co/seJzHLxExr">pic.twitter.com/seJzHLxExr</a></p>&mdash; Matt Fraser (@TheMattFraser9) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheMattFraser9/status/552529810107662338">January 6, 2015</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[ClockShot]

Craig Biggio, Randy Johnson, Pedro Martinez, and John Smoltz all got in.

[Innovator]

Mike Piazza had 69%, lost out.

Aarone Boone got 2 votes.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>No complaints with anyone who got in. As I suspected, Piazza missed out again but a 7% jump from last year. Not unreasonable to think he gets the extra 6% bump next year on a ballot not as loaded as this one.

It's such a strange process. You're allowed to vote for 10 but it seems that the old-school voters don't ever want more than 3 or 4 to get in at a time. The only class of 5 was the inaugural one, so they don't think anyone else should get the honor. Same reason nobody will ever go in unanimously.</font>

[screech]

Great class. Bummed Piazza missed out, but he'll get in next year I think.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Also Tim Raines not being in sucks. Dude was a great leadoff hitter. Looks like he'll need to wait for the Veterans Committee unless he gets a really sharp uptick in votes in the next 2 years.</font>

[screech]

<font color=goldenrod>
It's such a strange process. You're allowed to vote for 10 but it seems that the old-school voters don't ever want more than 3 or 4 to get in at a time. The only class of 5 was the inaugural one, so they don't think anyone else should get the honor. Same reason nobody will ever go in unanimously.</font>

Yeah I don't get why there isn't a minimum number of votes these writers need to give on their ballots. I can't see that Rule of 10 changing soon, so whatever on that, but I don't think guys should be able to vote for just one or two (or none). I would max it out every year to try to really get the best players enshrined.

[Emperor Smeat]

:y: Pedro's in the Hall. Really great class this year.


<font color=goldenrod>
It's such a strange process. You're allowed to vote for 10 but it seems that the old-school voters don't ever want more than 3 or 4 to get in at a time. The only class of 5 was the inaugural one, so they don't think anyone else should get the honor. Same reason nobody will ever go in unanimously.</font>
I like the process the NFL uses where they go through a few rounds with the ballots to trim some fat and then have the final vote to ensure a better chance for more guys to get elected per year.

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

WHOOOO! PEDRO!

Want to see a good bump for Curt Schilling next year. Griffey Jr. better get 100 fucking percent.

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

Don Mattingly is done unless he gets specially voted in.

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

<font color=goldenrod>Big Unit, Pedro, and Smoltz should all waltz in on the first ballot. Biggio should also get in on his second go-around having barely missed out last year.

5 entrants have gone into the HOF together only once, the first-ever HOF class, so it's unlikely anybody else gets in other than the 4 mentioned already. I think Piazza will be next in line but right now only about 77% of ballots made public have him on it, and only 30% of ballots tallied. He's clearly going to fall short of 75%. Hopefully can inch close enough that next year is the year with Griffey the only slam dunk.</font>

Trevor Hoffman.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>I think Hoffman will take a year or two to get in, honestly. In general a lot of voters do not hold relievers in high regard.

Hoffman will get in before Mo gets in. Mo will get in first ballot. That might be it for closers pretty much ever. Maybe Wagner will get in after waiting for 10 years or something. Who knows.</font>

[ClockShot]

Don Mattingly is done unless he gets specially voted in.

Bummed out about Donnie Baseball. Hope the Vets or that other committee get him in.

I'd like to wonder hats Pedro and Big Unit are gonna wear?

Most important of all, however, Mark McGwire, Alan Trammell, and Fred McGriff are starring down their last year on the ballot next year.

[Droford]

Don Mattingly is done unless he gets specially voted in.

Maybe he can win a bunch of WS with the Dodgers and go in as a manager

[DaveWadding]

I'd like to wonder hats Pedro and Big Unit are gonna wear?


Boston and Arizona.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Looking at next year's first of first year HOF eligible players, Griffey is the obvious headliner. Trevor Hoffman and Billy Wagner are there too. There's not a chance in hell that two closers are going in at the same time, and frankly even with 601 saves I'm not sure Hoffman will be a first ballot guy. Voters in general seem to have devalued closers. I think Hoffman will get in but maybe in his second or third year (but definitely before Rivera). Wagner might stick on the ballot for ages ala Lee Smith but not sure he's a lock. Jim Edmonds is another guy I can see sticking on the ballot if only from support from the new-school voters as he has far better WAR numbers than several outfielders who are already in.

So yeah, I'm fairly optimistic about Piazza next year. It does alarm me though that of the people who didn't vote for him - a lot of them were New York writers who covered him enough to feel suspicious based only on his physique. One of them even said "I'd rather risk leaving out someone innocent than letting someone guilty in." God bless America. I think he'll make it though unless something concrete comes out.</font>

[ClockShot]

Yankees (for some stupid reason) bring back Stephen Drew on a 1-year, $5 mil. deal.

Ugh. So are he and Sir Didi gonna fight it out for SS and the loser gets 2B? Was looking forward to the kids competing for the spot at 2B.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>The A's acquire Ben Zobrist AND Yunel Escobar from the Rays in exchange for C John Jaso, SS Daniel Robertson, and OF Boog Powell.

Robertson was Oakland's best prospect.</font>

[Droford]

If i can take anything going into the season its the fact that the Orioles cannot possibly finish last in the AL East for the next two years given how much TB has dismantled its club. If it werent for the fact they still have some decent starting pitching theyd probably be well over 100 losses easily

[Nicky Fives]

Escobar does not seem like a player Oakland would want....guy is a giant headache....

[Innovator]

This stove isn't fucking hot enough

[Droford]

Braves trade Evan Gattis to the Astros for some minor leaguers

[ClockShot]

Escobar does not seem like a player Oakland would want....guy is a giant headache....

Billy Beane must have read this. Because he sent Yunel Escobar to Washington for Tyler Clippard.

[screech]

Read on SI that the Blue Jays want Dan Duquette from the Orioles to make him CEO.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Losing Gattis and Clippard from the NL East? I like it.</font>

[Boomer]

Like anyone should have been worried about the Braves this year anyway. Crazy how big the blowup of the roster has been though. I cancelled my MLB.TV subscription this year well before all of this happened, and now I feel OK with my decision.

[Emperor Smeat]

MLB approved using a pitch clock for the minors this season. Still need to negotiate with the players union in order to use it in the majors and work out some tweaks.

[Nicky Fives]

Billy Beane must have read this. Because he sent Yunel Escobar to Washington for Tyler Clippard.

great minds think alike.... Clippard seems much more like an "Athletic" player.....

[Emperor Smeat]

Tigers resigned David Price to a 1 year, $19.75 million deal and broke an arbitration record.

The agreement, which has yet to be announced, is the largest one-year deal for a player who filed for arbitration, topping Max Scherzer's $15,525,000 agreement with the Tigers last year.

[Emperor Smeat]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>BREAKING: Max Scherzer agrees to 7-year deal with Washington Nationals. (via multiple reports) <a href="http://t.co/JgTg0DJUgF">pic.twitter.com/JgTg0DJUgF</a></p>&mdash; SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) <a href="https://twitter.com/SportsCenter/status/557042759110889472">January 19, 2015</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[Droford]

Read on SI that the Blue Jays want Dan Duquette from the Orioles to make him CEO.
The Orioles want too much for him in a trade and hes under contract til 2018. Most people believe even though he won GM of the year last year he doesnt want to stay in Baltimore.

The debate is whether the Orioles could keep him from going to Toronto if he were to quit.

The Orioles are already on mlb's shitlist for taking them to court overthe fees for MASN & the Nationals who apparently are pleading poverty over getting very little money from MASN due to the deal the Orioles & MLB agreed to in order to move the Expos to DC.

Baltimore was supposed to be a lock for 2016 all star game but it went to SD even though that's back to back NL host cities with DC supposedly frontrunning for 2017.

[road doggy dogg]

see ya Max, say hi to Fister :wavesad: :fu:

[screech]

Scherzer in the NL East. Well, shit.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Stephen Strasburg
Max Scherzer
Jordan Zimmermann
Gio Gonzalez
Doug Fister

Fuck.

They may trade one of Zimmermann or Fister since they're both free agents at the end of the year, but then they could just put Tanner Roark into the 5th spot instead.

Again, fuck.</font>

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>The Scherzer deal is even more expensive than initially reported. It's 7 years, $210 million however they will "only" pay $105 million over the 7 years he's on the team and $105 million is deferred between 2022-28. They're going to be paying him for a very, very long time.</font>

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>By the time Scherzer is done getting paid on his contract I will be about to turn 40. That is terrifying.</font>

[Droford]

Thats nothing. The Mets are still paying Bobby Bonilla $1.2 mil a year for 20 more years and he hasnt played for them since 1999. He'll still be getting checks from the Mets after Scherzers deal is completely over for another 7 years (2035) almost 40 years after he played with the Mets.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Yes but not nearly the amount Scherzer will be getting. Scherzer's deal has broken the deferment record by a landslide.

Actually would be interested to see if other guys try to do something similar with their contracts.</font>

[Droford]

Bonilla turned a $5 mil total contract into almost $30 million by getting it deferred over 25 years with interest. I'm not sure too many teams are that financially stupid.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>The Madoff scandal had a pretty large part of why they did it in the first place.

http://www.celebritynetworth.com/articles/entertainment-articles/bobby-bonilla-baseball-contract/

And now this idiot who fell for a too-good-to-be-true Ponzi scheme is the head of MLB's Finance Committee, meaning he's in good graces with Manfred just like he was with Selig. Was reallllllly hoping Manfred would basically force out the Wilpons just like Selig did with the McCourts.</font>

[ClockShot]

Cubs acquire Dexter Fowler from the 'Stros for Dan Straily and Luis Valbuena

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

Looks like the hot stove has already cooked its biggest meal but it's on a pre-bake cycle for another go around.

[ClockShot]

Rangers get Yovani Gallardo from the Brewers for Luis Sardinas, Corey Knebel, and Marcos Diplan.

[Emperor Smeat]

MLB considering more time savings rules for games with pitchers only getting 30 seconds and batters 20 seconds to be ready after a commercial break.

On paper, game times could get shortened by around 10-15 minutes on average (1-2 minutes per inning).

Under a new proposal by Major League Baseball, pitchers would be required to finish their warm-up pitches and be ready to make their first pitch of an inning 30 seconds before the end of all between-inning commercial breaks, sources told ESPN.com.

Similarly, hitters would have to be in the batter's box, ready to start their at-bats, 20 seconds before the end of each break.

[ClockShot]

Yeah, what if the bathroom break takes longer than usual?

If this is the first act of the new commish, he ain't getting off on the right foot. He'd be better off looking to find ways to cut down on marathon games. Example being Red Sox/Yankees 4+ hour long regulation games.

[Emperor Smeat]

It wouldn't as long as it also covers commercial time and end of inning replays.

Mangers have been complaining commercial breaks are too long while players have been complaining tv networks need to have quicker end of inning replays or less of them.

[DaveWadding]

<font color=goldenrod>By the time Scherzer is done getting paid on his contract I will be about to turn 40. That is terrifying.</font>

IT's very terrifying, given the fact that you are 12.

[road doggy dogg]

I'm all for anything and everything that makes baseball games shorter.

[RP]

Cubs acquire Dexter Fowler from the 'Stros for Dan Straily and Luis Valbuena

I'm not a fan of this trade. I really like Valbuena. But I also understand we have to make roomfor Kris Bryant. I dunno. I like Chris Coglan too.

[RP]

<font color=goldenrod>Stephen Strasburg
Max Scherzer
Jordan Zimmermann
Gio Gonzalez
Doug Fister

Fuck.

They may trade one of Zimmermann or Fister since they're both free agents at the end of the year, but then they could just put Tanner Roark into the 5th spot instead.

Again, fuck.</font>

Can't see them trading Zimmerman.