MLB 2005-2006 Offseason Thread

[The Miz]

Any team, no. The Angels, desperate for a #5 guy, yes.

No one even thought about Weaver until now because he lowered his asking price to a one-year deal, the only deal he should ever get. His 5 or 6 year ask earlier in the offseason was a joke.

I was on his bandwagon for a while early in his career but I'm tired of making excuses for him. He's always been a #5 starter and that's all he ever will be.

[YOUR Hero]

I don't know of too many #5 starters that rack up 220+ inings of work, or post a 1.15ish WHIP. He gives up too many hits, but still posts a very respectful WHIP

[The Miz]

Last year was he only year his WHIP was that good, and it was offset by the fact that he gave up more than one home run per start.

1.32 career WHIP. 4.44 career ERA. Last 2 years in the NL, ERA's of 4.01 and 4.22. Classic #5 numbers

[YOUR Hero]

You are picking and choosing your stats.

[The Miz]

Career ERA and WHIP is picking and choosing?

[YOUR Hero]

220+ innings, 150+ K's every year. Those aren't #5 starter stats.

[BCWWF]

I would also throw in that since he left Detroit he has been in major markets with increased pressure to be great. He could still pan out to be a solid pitcher somewhere.

[CNM]

Weaver is a solid pitcher right now. He just will never be great like people thought he'd be. I'd say he's at least a #3, but doesn't deserve anywhere close to as much money as he was asking for.

[The Miz]

You underrate the rest of the league then. Out of the "class of the AL" (Yanks, Red Sox, White Sox, Twins, Indians, Angels and A's), only the Indians and Angels would have a spot for him in their rotation, acting as the #5 guy in both. Yeah he'd be a #2 or #3 on some other teams, so would Scott Elarton and Brett Tomko. When I say he's a #5, I mean he's at best a #5 on almost any team with any chance of a playoff berth.

[The Miz]

I would also throw in that since he left Detroit he has been in major markets with increased pressure to be great. He could still pan out to be a solid pitcher somewhere.

So your saying Weaver is only valuable if he's pitching in Kansas City or Pittsburgh? Awesome, I'd love to have him on my team. If he can't produce in a pressure-situation, what playoff-contending team would want him?

[The Miz]

Weaver is also going to get Bronson Arroyo treatment and face lineups stacked with lefties, because Weaver has never gotten a lefty out in his life. His line against lefties last year (yes these are all NL lefties, and none of them are Barry Bonds)

.309/.369/.506/.875

I don't like his chances against the A's and Rangers lefty-stacked lineups. Macha will likely line up Bradley/Kotsay/Chavez/Johnson/Swisher in a row against Weaver and they will feast on him. I don't want to even begin to think about what will happen when the Angels go to Texas' ballpark and Weaver has to face Teixeira, Blalock, Wilkerson, and Dellucci.

While I'm looking at his splits, his career AL ERA is 4.59, WHIP 1.36

[BCWWF]

So your saying Weaver is only valuable if he's pitching in Kansas City or Pittsburgh? Awesome, I'd love to have him on my team. If he can't produce in a pressure-situation, what playoff-contending team would want him?

No, I'm saying that when you are rated a top prospect and developing in a Detroit, it's quite a bit different than being a top prospect and developing with the Yankees.

I'm not saying that he can never pitch in a normal market, I'm just saying that his development was hindered or slowed down by the trade to New York. The last couple years are probably not the best way to judge that he will never be more than a fifth starter.

[The Miz]

I don't know too many pitchers who were average/below average for the first 7 years of their career and then suddenly became great at age 30. It can happen but the chances are slim

[YOUR Hero]

OMG, I'm agreeing with BCWWF!

[BCWWF]

I never said great, I just said there is still room to improve

[The Miz]

We'll see. You've stated how its possible for guys who weren't developed correctly can bounce back, is it possibly for a guy who has been consistently dominated by LH hitters his whole career suddenly figure out how to get them out? Making 3 or 4 starts each against Texas and Oakland isn't going to help.

[YOUR Hero]

Read that the White Sox are potentially looking to trade for Abreu. They'd trade Dye and Contreas for Abreu. Ouch

[The Miz]

That rumor was shot down by a ton of people (including Kenny Williams) a few days ago. If I were the White Sox I'd pull the trigger on it with no hesitation.

[YOUR Hero]

Agreed. If that trade was offered by the Phillies, I'd not hesitate.

[The Icon of Elisim]

Blue Jays sign Benjie Molina to a 1 year 4.5 million dollar contract with an option for a second year at 7.5

I'm really happy with what the team looks like this year but I'm really worried that there is too much turnover in players

[The Miz]

Bengie Molina was the most obvious "stay-away" for GM's this year. Look at every season before this year, he is an awful hitter who put together a good year his contract year in a weak free agent class. We'll never know now but I would've bet good money that a Zaun/Quiroz tandem outhits Molina this year.

You can probably say goodbye to Quiroz in Toronto. This is a stupid signing.

[YOUR Hero]

This signing does not fill a need. That's the problem I see with this signing. I hope Molina does well as a Jay, it's just that the outfield was a bigger priority.
Zaun deserves better (:()

[The Miz]

Zaun to DH, Hillenbrand to OF?

[BCWWF]

I dunno though, Dye is probably the most underrated White Sock in my opinion. He was huge last year, second to only Konerko. And Contreras was awesome when it mattered.

Abreu is the man, but didn't he slump hardcore after the home run derby last year? Or am I just thinking things again.

[The Icon of Elisim]

I like Zaun but he had a pretty shitty arm, Molina is going to help the defense more

[YOUR Hero]

Abreu struggled -for the first time- in the second half last year, he's still one of the top 10 players in baseball.

Zaun called a good game last year behind the plate. (I'm repeating myself) so I believe he earned the job for this year, especially since he put up *decent* enough numbers from the catcher position. Now Benji's had more than just one good year offensively in his career, in fact, I'd say 4, 3 for sure were well above average for his position. Plus a gold glover, etc. Hey that's great, but I don't think he was a need. Fill the needs before the wants.

Zaun's #'s don't = that of a DH, He'll be traded at some point before the season starts or during the seaon, I fear.

[YOUR Hero]

...all I know is the Jays need to get Wilson from Pittsburgh. If not, I hope Rios gets his shit together... Fun Fact: Toronto drafted Wilson in 1995.

[Gertner]

this is a great signing, cause i think last year was a flash in the pan year for Zaun, and I haven't seen anything from Quiroz that I've liked

[YOUR Hero]

Noone disagrees that it's an improvement at the position. The question is, was it needed over the other team shortcomings.

Overall, I'm pretty pumped as a Jays fan.

[McDoogle]

Your 2006 World Series champs the Toronto Blue Jays!

[VonErich Lives]

The Red Sox are making a DVD to give Roger Clemens to show him how much fans want him here...

I do want him here, but this is one of the stupidist things I've heard.

[MVP]

Abreu is the man, but didn't he slump hardcore after the home run derby last year? Or am I just thinking things again.

Yup, he went about 3 weeks hitting like .125

[RoXer]

DBakcs signed Jef fDevnannon

[RoXer]

whoa

[BCWWF]

I don't know, it's the same thing as last year with Clemons. I think he is beyond the money now. He went to Houston to play at home, and they got to the World Series last year. He unretired specifically so he could play at home, and he would still be signed on Houston if it was economically possible. When they are allowed to sign him again, I'm sure he will sign for whatever they give him.

[The Miz]

Wayne Krivsky, formerly Terry Ryan's assistant, named Reds GM. Wouldn't be surprised to see Dunn or Kearns gone by spring.

[MVP]

We'd have to let go of one of two starters for Clemens. I want him here just as much as anybody, but like BCWWF said it doesn't make any sense for him to come back here at all.

[YOUR Hero]

Wayne Krivsky, formerly Terry Ryan's assistant, named Reds GM. Wouldn't be surprised to see Dunn or Kearns gone by spring.

Tell me why you think this.

[VonErich Lives]

I don't know, it's the same thing as last year with Clemons. I think he is beyond the money now. He went to Houston to play at home, and they got to the World Series last year. He unretired specifically so he could play at home, and he would still be signed on Houston if it was economically possible. When they are allowed to sign him again, I'm sure he will sign for whatever they give him.

It's Clemens, you're not "Sure" of anything.

He's most likely going to have a Red Sox hat in the HOF (since they took the choice away from the players after wore the hat of the "highest bidder" and Boggs wanted to wear a Tampa Bay hat)

Boston wouldn't suprise me, if healthy, Clemens, Schilling, Burkett and you still have some decent hitting/fielding.

Texas is supposed to also be after him.

Houston I would think if his son (his sons a catcher I think) might get called up, I could see him there because he'd be the first father to pitch to his son.

Again, it's Clemens who knows, he probably doesn't right now.

[VonErich Lives]

Also, Red Sox note, they changed around the upper seats behined home plate (they were luxury seats behined glass, now they're supposed to be luxury seats w/o the glass.

Anyway, some did a "study" and the wind blows different so they're saying less home runs to CF...

They claimed the same thing when the thing was built..

[The Miz]

We'd have to let go of one of two starters for Clemens

Clement, Arroyo and Wells all suck so why does that matter? Clemens is Clemens.

[The Miz]

Tell me why you think this.

Well now that the Reds have a GM they can do business. They need a pitcher and they've expressed interest in getting rid of one of their OFers. Griffey's contract is huge and Pena has no value so that means Kearns and Dunn. I think Kearns is more likely to go because it may be too late to get a huge package together that will be needed for Dunn. A bunch of NL teams could find use for Kearns.

[YOUR Hero]

Ah OK, I thought there was some history, some story behind either of those two and him.

[Gertner]

Jays re-signed Hillenbrand. Also re-signed Pete Walker to a $600,000 contract. Definite bargin

[The Miz]

Washington Times says its doubtful Sosa will accept their minor-league offer. There aren't really any other options. He doesn't seem like a guy who would go play in Japan. I think his career is over.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Since the fantasy thread seems to have died down, I figure I'd ask this here: what does everyone think of MLB.com's Fantasy Baseball Preview? I dunno, the Top 100 seems a little screwy.

Rollins getting ahead of Young solely because of SBs, Abreu at #5 also seems slightly high, dunno why though. Soriano is also entirely too high (#32)

Though I do give them credit for leaving off undeserving Cy Young winner Bartolo Colon. In fact, on the SPs list he's below Lackey and Escobar</font> :cool:

[The Miz]

Reds sign Scott Hatteberg, to a guaranteed major league deal? WTF? I can't think of a worse place for him. Jacob Cruz is going lose his job for this guy? Odd start to the Krivsky era

[The Miz]

But its possible that the Reds would be in a sudden desperate need for a 1B and sought Hatteberg's services, due to being on the verge of trading their first baseman Adam Dunn, or moving Dunn to the outfield after trading Austin Kearns.

[The Miz]

Since the fantasy thread seems to have died down, I figure I'd ask this here: what does everyone think of MLB.com's Fantasy Baseball Preview? I dunno, the Top 100 seems a little screwy.

Rollins getting ahead of Young solely because of SBs, Abreu at #5 also seems slightly high, dunno why though. Soriano is also entirely too high (#32)

Though I do give them credit for leaving off undeserving Cy Young winner Bartolo Colon. In fact, on the SPs list he's below Lackey and Escobar :cool:

All I saw was that Roy Halladay was ranked #14 SP, thats where I stopped reading

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Reds lock up Dunn for 2 years, $18 million + a $13 million club option for 2008</font>

[CNM]

They should have locked him up longer

[The Miz]

Weaver is officially an Angel
Tino retired
Sosa turned down Washingotn's offer

[CNM]

Sosa is done. I'm suprised he actually got an offer.

[The Miz]

Sosa has retired.

[The Miz]

I remember after the 2004 season YOUR Hero stated that Sosa was done. Good call

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

Supsrised he would hang it up though, I know he's only 12 homeruns away from some type of milestone.

[Nervous Ferret]

600

[BCWWF]

The Twins will pick him up midseason for extra power

[YOUR Hero]

Did you guys read about Albert Belle?

He's been charged with stalking his ex girlfriend. He hid a GPS unit on his g/f's vehicle even.

[The Miz]

Remember that time Albert Belle chased down a bunch of trick or treaters who threw eggs at his house and ran them over with his car, or when a fan called him a drunk and he threw a baseball at him and hit him in the face. He is the man.

[YOUR Hero]

I remember him hitting 50hrs and 50 doubles in a season. I think he's still the only one to ever do that. I remember him getting caught using a corked bat too. He was always a hot head.... After a HR this one time I remember him in the dugout trash-talking the pitcher and other team, he was flexing his muscles and pointing to his bicep... :lol:

Good riddance to him.

[YOUR Hero]

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=yspsctnhdln>Police: Belle tracked ex-girlfriend with GPS device</TD></TR><TR><TD height=7><SPACER height="1" type="block" width="1"></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>By BOB CHRISTIE, Associated Press Writer
February 17, 2006</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

PHOENIX (AP) -- Albert Belle tracked his ex-girlfriend with a GPS device and repeatedly threatened her, according to a police probable cause statement filed in support of stalking charges.

The 39-year-old former baseball star was arrested in Scottsdale on Thursday and charged with stalking. He made an initial court appearance late Thursday, and a judge set bail at $108,000, ordered him to be electronically monitored and to stay away from the victim.

Reached by The Associated Press on Friday morning, Belle declined to comment on the case.

"You didn't write a story about my Hall of Fame induction," said Belle, referring to joining the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame last year. "You guys never report the good stuff that I do."

Belle's next court appearance is set for Feb. 24. Despite impressive statistics, Belle collected just 40 of the 390 votes needed to reach the Hall of Fame in voting by the Baseball Writers' Association of America in January. His prickly past was blamed by many for his low vote total.

The police probable cause statement said that Belle's former girlfriend discovered a Global Positioning System tracking device that had fallen off her car on Jan. 26. Believing that Belle was responsible, she called police, who began an investigation.


The unidentified woman told investigators that for several months Belle "had been showing up everywhere she went (the store, on dates, the gym, etc.)," the probable cause document stated. The woman asked Belle if he had placed the tracking device on her car, and he initially denied it.

But on Feb. 3, he left her a message apologizing for "doing all that tracking stuff," the statement said. A later recording had Belle threatening the woman, telling her she needed to hire a bodyguard for protection and that she "would never know what hit her," the statement said.

The volatile Belle often ran into trouble on and off the field during his playing days.

A five-time All-Star outfielder, Belle hit 381 career home runs in a 12-year career that began with the Cleveland Indians (http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/teams/cle/) in 1989. He also played for the Chicago White Sox (http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/teams/chw/) and Baltimore before retiring in 2000 after his second season with the Orioles.

He was fined in 1994 for using a corked bat and suspended after instigating a brawl by elbowing an opposing player. In 1991, he threw a baseball into the chest of a fan taunting him. Years later, he was fined $50,000 for berating a TV reporter and tossed a ball at a photographer.
Belle, who has lived in Arizona for several years, was arrested on a DUI charge in September 2002.


http://us.news2.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20060217/capt.wxs10602172112.belle_arrested_baseball_wxs106.jpg
In this photo provided by the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office for Major League Baseball player Albert Belle is shown in a booking mug on Thursday, Feb. 16, 2006. Belle was arrested in Scottsdale, Ariz. on Thursday and charged with stalking. Belle tracked his ex-girlfriend with a GPS device and repeatedly threatened her, according to a police probable cause statement filed in support of stalking charges. He made an initial court appearance late Thursday, and a judge set bail at $108,000, ordered him to be electronically monitored and to stay away from the victim.

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news;_ylt=AjMxLcOGr2Vw8PdutnjSZK4RvLYF?slug=ap-bellearrested&prov=ap&type=lgns

[The Miz]

Livan Hernandez and Mark Buehrle are the first to be officially named opening day starters.

[The Miz]

Kevin Brown just retired, citing back problems.

Career numbers (Rangers, Orioles, Marlins, Padres, Dodgers, Yankees)

211-144, 3.28 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, 3256 IP, 2397 K

[YOUR Hero]

He had some really decent years, one hell of a competitor. That's one of the things that ended up hurting him too though.

[BCWWF]

You could put money that Radke opens again for the Twins

As for Brown, yeah he was a real good pitcher for a while. I thought he would be real good on the Yankees too, but just too many injury problems.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Assuming his toe allows, Pedro is virtually guaranteed to be the Opening Day starter for the Mets. If not, it'll be Glavine. Pedro vs. Livan should be pretty awesome.

Anyways, a little surprised Brown retired, I'm certain some team would have taken a flyer on him. Though back problems at 40 usually is a sign it's over.</font>

[The Miz]

You could put money that Radke opens again for the Twins

As for Brown, yeah he was a real good pitcher for a while. I thought he would be real good on the Yankees too, but just too many injury problems.

Lohse opened last year. Why won't it be Santana?

My guesses on the Opening Day pitching matchups

Mark Buehrle vs. C.C. Sabathia
Livan Hernandez vs. Pedro Martinez
Oliver Perez vs. Ben Sheets
Curt Schilling vs. Kevin Millwood
Mark Prior vs. Eric Milton
Scott Kazmir vs. Rodrigo Lopez
Chris Carpenter vs. Jon Lieber
Brandon Webb vs. Jason Jennings
Jeremy Bonderman vs. Scott Elarton
John Smoltz vs. Derek Lowe
Bartolo Colon vs. Jamie Moyer
Dontrelle Willis vs. Andy Pettitte
Jason Schmidt vs. Jake Peavy
Randy Johnson vs. Barry Zito
Johan Santana vs. Roy Halladay

[The Miz]

Toronto Sun reports that John Gibbons wants Eric Hinske to learn RF in Spring Training, seems to me that both Gibbons and Ricciardi want Hinske to platoon with a corner OFer but aren't agreeing on which one. Gibbons seems to want him to split time with Rios and Ricciardi wants to give Hinske some of Catalanotto's PT. Cat is obviously better offensively and defensively than Rios but Rios is young and at this point in his career they want him to see righties and lefties or he could turn out to be a career platoon player.

Craig Wilson for Guillermo Quiroz and Shaun Marcum (or another reliever) is the ideal situation IMO

[The Miz]

"I'm not playing baseball anymore after this (season)" - Barry Bonds

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/nl/giants/2006-02-19-bonds-retirement_x.htm

[BCWWF]

Miz, I don't remember Lohse starting last year and I have no idea why he did, must have been injuries or something, but Radke has been the traditional opening day starter for years. He was around when the Twins were horse shit in the late 1990's and took less money to stay, so he is still the No. 1 guy up there.

[The Miz]

I realize that radke has been with them forever and has been their best or second best pitcher for ever, but at this point Santana is 10 times better than Radke and every other pitcher on the planet, why not give him the nod? I guess it doesn't really matter since the other one will pitch the next day, but I'd like to see Santana get more recognition as the best pitcher in baseball.

[YOUR Hero]

Funny how Bonds says he wants people to forget about him. One of... no, the biggest ego in the game.

[CNM]

Yeah, I definately won't miss Barry

[The Miz]

"If I can play (in 2007), I'm going to play; if I can't, I won't." - Barry Bonds, hours later

http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060219&content_id=1315857&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb

[BCWWF]

The Miz, I think Lohse was the home-opening pitcher last season, because I think Radke has started for like seven years or something. Also, I don't really consider it bad to Johan to not start him first, just because Radke really has been the cornerstone of the program and I don't think it neccessarily has to be the best guy out there. I mean it shouldn't be like the No. 5 pitcher over Mark Buehlre just because of tenure, but Radke has done a lot and had his best years go unnoticed because of no run support.

[DaveWadding]

http://us.news2.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20060217/capt.wxs10602172112.belle_arrested_baseball_wxs106.jpg


looks like pink underwear/handcuffs and green bologna for Albert.

[YOUR Hero]

"If I can play (in 2007), I'm going to play; if I can't, I won't." - Barry Bonds, hours later

http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060219&content_id=1315857&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb



profound!

[The Miz]

Something I found interesting, the Nationals are going to be the only team to open the 2006 with no true backup catcher, they will instead use a platoon of firstbasemen/outfielder Robert Fick (hasn't caught regularly since 2001) and Matt LeCroy (not since 2000). Should be interesting to see how it works, especially if Brian Schneider gets injured.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Strange, IIRC the Nats signed like 4 guys to minor league deals to compete for a backup spot (Mike DiFelice and Wiki Gonzalez being the two I remember)

Though a LeCroy and Fick platoon > those guys any day of the week</font>

[The Icon of Elisim]

I'm surprised how little interest in Erubiel Durazo there's been. He's hit 20+ homers his last two healthy seasons and had a OPS over .900 in 2004. A team like the Yankees who need a lefty power bat off the bench should look into him.

Signed a minor league contract with the Rangers today

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

OMGGGGG I can't wait for the season to start. I am seriously thinking about buying a ticket from a scapler to the first Yankees game in Fenway, probably gonna be like 400 dollars but I'll remember the experiencing of booing the shit out of Johnny Damon, I won't remember the 400 dollars.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Brian Lawrence, acquired by the Nationals from the Padres for Vinny Castilla...tore his labrum and is out till at least the All-Star Break</font>

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

Manny Ramirez and Aramis Ramirez are skipping out of the WBC and not playing for DR. Pedro is also doubtful for play, atleast in the opening rounds.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Yeah, he just started throwing off the slope of a mound yesterday...no way he'll be ready for the start of the tourney

I'm really not too concerned if he joins in towards the end. He'll be pitching just as much as he would be if he were in ST.</font>

[The Miz]

J.P. Ricciardi really needs to get on the phone. The Pirates Kip Wells found out he has a blood clot and will likely need surgery that will cause him to miss 5-8 months. This means that there is now a huge hole in their rotation because they now have only two reliable starters. They need to trade for pitching now, and Craig Wilson is the guy teams are going to want.

Craig Wilson for Dustin McGowan, make it happen

[BCWWF]

Jason Bay for Kyle Lohse and Terry Mulholland :shifty:

[The Miz]

Poor Nats. The only deal they won this offseason, Brian Lawrence for Vinny Castilla, means nothing now because Lawrence will miss the season and they'll decline his 2007 option.

[Joey Slugs]

from espn.com

Roger Clemens (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=3340)' first pitch of his simulated game against Houston Astros (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=hou) minor-leaguers went over the left-field fence. Next time that batter was up, he got buzzed high and tight. Who was in the box against Rocket?

His son Koby.

-----------------

:lol:

[The Outlaw]

lol nice

What about the whole Frank Thomas - Kenny Williams feud? :eek:

[BCWWF]

Frank Thomas doesn't neccessarily have the best reputation in the clubhouse, but the GM is the one coming off as the dick in this situation.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Bret Boone announced his retirement today.

Second straight year in which someone in Mets camp retired despite having a potential spot on the roster to compete for</font> :o

[BCWWF]

I'm sure he had no chance of competing for it, since he lost his spot on the Twins to Nick Punto last year, I don't see why he would beat out Jose Reyes or Kaz Matsui this year.

[The Miz]

According to the Boston Herald, Curt Schilling and pitching coach Al Nipper "had an animated exchange" during a bullpen session yesterday.
Schilling said that the disagreement was about the number of pitches he will throw Friday, with Schilling wanting an increased workload. Mar. 1 - 8:18 am et
Source: Boston Herald (http://redsox.bostonherald.com/redSox/view.bg?articleid=128552)

I like Schilling's subtle attempts to get out to the media what a hard worker he is.

[The Miz]

Zack Greinke left spring training and according to Buster Olney, may retire. Olney says Greinke doesn't like his new pitching coach and is beginning to realize he doesn't like playing baseball.

[The Miz]

Marlins terminate the contract of Pokey Reese, apparently due to not reporting to Spring Training. Dan Uggla will now start

[BCWWF]

Yeah I caught the report of him not going to training camp, but isn't there something behind it? Like I thought the reason he didn't show up was something more than just "I don't want to play here."

[YOUR Hero]

Guess making loads of money is too much of a chore for him.

[The Miz]

His agent said he was dealing with "a family matter". He's had his share, both of his wives died, and his grandparents (I think) were murdered. I understand they need to hear from him but I dunno, I think they could have been a little less strict, especially when you're the Marlins.

[YOUR Hero]

I didn't know that about him. Geesh, lots of bad breaks. Hopefully he can sort himself out.

[Joey Slugs]

Latest revelations seal the deal for Bonds' legacy (http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/columns/story?columnist=wojciechowski_gene&id=2358771)

[BCWWF]

ESPN had some pretty bad headlines yesterday. The headlines tried to play it up like a huge deal, and then the c-dek was just like "maybe".

In terms of the book, I can't determine how credible the sources are, so I will continue to wait for more information. I never really cared that much anyway (for some reason I see Your Hero making a big fuss about this)

[The Miz]

White Sox get:
INF Alex Cintrón

Diamondbacks get:
RP Jeff Bajenaru

Pretty even trade with a slight advantage to the White Sox. Slugs, who is going to take Bejanaru's bullpen spot? Javier Lopez?

[RoXer]

Cintron is a very solid player, but I dont think there was room for him in the infield. I don't know how Bajenaru is.

[Joey Slugs]

I like the Cintron trade. Gives us an actual backup SS now (instead of using Dye in an emergecy situation).

And Miz, it looks like Lopez is going to get that bullpen spot when it gets down to the 25 man roster.

[YOUR Hero]

David Wells had some pretty strong words about Bonds.

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/5393700

FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) - David Wells (http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/player/85028) gave up Barry Bonds (http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/player/85852)' 701st home run. He doesn't want the Giants (http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/team/71612) slugger to pass Babe Ruth's total of 714.


"No. Not really," the Boston Red Sox (http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/team/71588) left-hander said Wednesday, one day after excerpts of a book were released alleging that Bonds used steroids and other performance-enhancing drugs.

[...]
###

read on it's gets pretty good.

[RoXer]

Wells pitched a no-hitter while he was drunk.

[BCWWF]

Against the Twins :y:

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

lol Wells talked a bunch of shit about Selig yesterday too

[Nervous Ferret]

Wells pitched a no-hitter while he was drunk.I was there :love:

And it was a perfect game :o

[The Outlaw]

Wells is the man.

[OssMan]

Meet the Marlins new centerfielder!

His name is Reginald Demascus Abercrombie.

Check him out!

http://florida.marlins.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/team/player.jsp?player_id=430631

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Kaz Matsui injured his MCL and will not be involved in any baseball activities for 3 weeks.......meaning Anderson Hernandez is the likely canidate to start Opening Day

I hope Hernandez impresses the first week of the year...keep Kaz on the DL</font>

[BCWWF]

What's so special about Reggie Abercrombie? Nothing stood out to me in his bio.

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

It's AssMan, he just posts the most random shit. Probably because his last name is Abcercrombie, like the store I guess.

[The Miz]

Abercrombie isn't even going to be their CF anyway

[The Miz]

Red Sox get:
OF Wily Mo Peña

Reds get:
SP Bronson Arroyo

Wow, awesome Reds. You finally trade one of your OF for pitching and you get Bronson Arroyo. :|

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

haha I am sure Wily Mo's name will be able to be turned into sweet 10 dollar tshirts.

http://www.sullystees.com/sullystees/store-boston.html

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Wily Mo is made to hit in Fenway too. I loved watching his BP and hopefully he can work out his swing to be a star.

Also fuck Bronson Arroyo

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

Yeah Arroyo is one of those close to 30 year old pitchers with "potential" Seems be a lot of those types of pitchers around the MLB, when are they ever going to pan out? I liked him but if he didn't do all the "cool" shit on the side like having a band he wouldn't have last aslong as he did in Boston. For some reason people ignored his subpar stats, that usually doesn't happen when you play for the Red Sox haha

He actaully had a real good outing yesterday, his first of the spring. So he could still have a strong season, he was having an awful spring though. Surprised anybody even wanted him in a trade.

[FakeLaser]

Arroyo might be better in the NL, not sure about in that ballpark though...

[The Miz]

I'm not sold on Wily Mo at all. .303 career OBP. And his numbers away from Cincinnati are less than impressive. Just seems to me to be one of those guys who isn't going to hit in the AL. I wonder if they'll try to trade Nixon now.

And yeah Arroyo sucks. If your opening day lineup consists of Tony Womack and Scott Hatteberg, it is safe to assume you will occupy last place.

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

They won't trade Nixon. Willy Mo will start againest Lefties, and Nixon will be in the line up for righties.

Also, Willy Mo might be able to spell Manny every now and then. Pena will be better then past players that platooned with Nixon (Gabe Kapler, Kevin Millar) I don't think Pena will be anymore than the 4th outfielder. I'd be surprised to see Nixon traded.

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

Jay Payton was a good option for the 4th outfielder last season though but he went crazy becuase he didn't get any playing time. Now that I think about it, they have Adam Stern too, so I guess trading Nixon COULD be in the works, but I don't know. I think they'll keep both Trot and Wily Mo

[FakeLaser]

Yeah, I can't see Pena starting. He sucks. Never bought into the Willy Mo/Kearns hype.

[The Miz]

Dustan Mohr is having a great spring. And they just signed Juan Gon. I think Esptein would prefer a Mohr/Pena platoon to Nixon.

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

I don't know, if Nixon can stay heathly he is very good and I guess he has been improving on hitting againest lefties. Health might be the thing though, he hasn't really stayed healthy in the last few seasons.

[Boondock Saint]

If they trade Nix, heads will roll. :mad:

[The Miz]

Yeah, why have good players when you could have bad ones

[The Miz]

I think the Red Sox still aren't done on the trade market. Right now their outfield consists of:

Manny Ramirez
Coco Crisp
Trot Nixon
Wily Mo Pena
Dustan Mohr
Willie Harris
Adam Stern
Juan Gonzalez
Gabe Kapler

Obviously some of these guys can play in the minors but all are of major league caliber, they're going to have to trade at least one or there are going to be alot of unhappy outfielders.

[The Outlaw]

Dustan Mohr representin'. :cool:

[BCWWF]

Former Twin

[RoXer]

Tony Womack

Don't bag on T-Wo :(

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

Yeah, why have good players when you could have bad ones
lol How is Trot Nixon a bad player? He's a pretty good hitter plus he always seems to be making great grabs here and there. I don't think he is an all star or anything, but he's definetly not a bad player.

I didn't even realize Kapler was on the team anymore lol, I haven't heard one thing about him the entire spring. I think that shows where he'll be at haha, plus Juan Gon was only signed to a minor league deal. I don't know what they are going to do with the rest. This Wily Mo/Bronson trade also opened the door for Papelbon to have a spot in the 11 man staff, if Bronson was still around Jon probably would have had to start off in TripleA.

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

I'm not sold on Wily Mo at all. .303 career OBP. And his numbers away from Cincinnati are less than impressive. Just seems to me to be one of those guys who isn't going to hit in the AL. I wonder if they'll try to trade Nixon now.I got this from another site but check this out..


David Oritz (at 25 years old):
303 ABs, .234 avg/ .324 obp/ .475 slg, 18 HR, 17 2B
Wily Mo Pena (23 years old):
311 ABs, .254 avg/ .304 obp/ .492 slg, 19 HR, 17 2B

Wishful thinking haha

And I just read up about Nixon, he is a free agent after this season so they will probably keep him, and platoon with Wily Mo and then hopefully Wily Mo will be able to take over full time by next season. My original thought that Wily Mo would start againest lefties seems to be correct, since he had an OPS of .881 againest left handed pitchers.

[The Miz]

lol How is Trot Nixon a bad player? He's a pretty good hitter plus he always seems to be making great grabs here and there. I don't think he is an all star or anything, but he's definetly not a bad player.

I didn't even realize Kapler was on the team anymore lol, I haven't heard one thing about him the entire spring. I think that shows where he'll be at haha, plus Juan Gon was only signed to a minor league deal. I don't know what they are going to do with the rest. This Wily Mo/Bronson trade also opened the door for Papelbon to have a spot in the 11 man staff, if Bronson was still around Jon probably would have had to start off in TripleA.

I didn't mean Nixon is a bad player, I just meant that I get tired of fans attitude of keeping guys who have been there forever even if they aren't effective anymore, and then get pissed when theyre traded/released.

Kapler is injured and probably won't be ready till the All-Star Break but he's a fan favorite and I'm sure he'll find away up to the majors. Juan Gon will start in the minors of course, but if he stays healthy and hits like the Juan Gon of old they will have no choice but to promote him. I just think that with their outfield depth Nixon is very expendable.

I don't see how this gets Papelbon a place in the pen; Foulke, Timlin, Seanez, Rikse, and Tavarez are guaranteed spots and they need a lefty so that would be DiNardo right?

[The Miz]

Alfonso Soriano, asshole of the year.

"Soriano, who played most of March representing the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic, was set to hit leadoff and play the outfield for the Nationals against the Dodgers on Monday night. But when the players took the field, only eight ran to their positions.

During the game, Bowden indicated that Soriano will be given a second chance to play the outfield on Wednesday afternoon against the Cardinals. If Soriano refuses to play the outfield that day, Bowden said the team most likely will put him on the disqualified list without pay."

I really hope they don't trade him to a team that will let him play second. He doesn't deserve to be playing major league baseball. This is ridiculous

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

I don't see how this gets Papelbon a place in the pen; Foulke, Timlin, Seanez, Rikse, and Tavarez are guaranteed spots and they need a lefty so that would be DiNardo right?I was reading in the paper and it said Papelbon was the 12th man out (before the Arroyo trade) but looking at that, that doesn't really make sense now. Maybe it ment if Wells was start off the year on the DL? DiNardo is the only leftie in the pen so they couldn't send him down.

-edit Just checked out the depthchart on RedSox.com and they have Papelbon listed as the 6th starter, so that is what they must have been talking about? What would have happened if they didn't trade Arroyo though?

[The Miz]

If they didn't trade Arroyo I would assume they would go with the same rotation of Schilling/Beckett/Wakefield/Clement/Wells and bump Arroyo to the pen, but there's no one they could really send down so they would have to go with 12 pitchers and send down a bench guy. They could survive with 4 bench players.

I think either Clement or Wells will be traded before Opening Day but if not, you can never have too much pitching and Papelbon is a great guy to step in if a starter gets injured. He doesn't have anything left to prove in AAA but I think it's probably better for him to be a starter there than a 12th reliever and not get much action. He projects as a starter and relieving in the majors could slow his progress, I say if they don't trade Clement or Wells they let him start in AAA and call him up if any starter gets injured (Delcarmen and Hansen should be used for bullpen injuries) and he can open 2007 with a guaranteed rotation spot.

[Boondock Saint]

I'm not that upset about Arroyo. I liked the dude but not enough to get riled up over him being traded. I've always been big on Nix though.

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

I kinda want Clement or Wells to be traded so Papelbon will be in the rotation from day one, but at the sametime I like having the insurance incase of any injuries.

Eitherway, Red Sox pitching situation is much more favorable than it was last year this time.

[Boondock Saint]

Hells yes it is.

[MVP]

I'd rather see Wells traded than Clement. I know Clement tanked after mid-season, but he was clutch as the staff ace during most of Schilling's injury. I think his performance will regard heavily on how Schilling/Beckett perform.

I just can't see Wells doing anything better for the team than Papelbon. He's too old, way past his prime, and doesn't even want to play in Boston. Papelbon is young, but I think he's more worthy of the #5 spot than Wells is.

[YOUR Hero]

I hope Soriano doesn't play outfield again and I hope he gets put on the DQ list. It's completely unacceptable what he's doing.

(Now awaits BCWWF to come in and call him 'the man')

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

I really don't understand. It's not like he is a good defensive second baseman anyways.

Also, heard that Juan Gon ended up joining the A's on a minor league deal instead of the Sox.

[BCWWF]

Bode Miller was disqualified because he goes balls to the wall down the hill and stradled gates. That's not the same thing as refusing to play left feild.

[Joey Slugs]

Alfonso Soriano, asshole of the year.

"Soriano, who played most of March representing the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic, was set to hit leadoff and play the outfield for the Nationals against the Dodgers on Monday night. But when the players took the field, only eight ran to their positions.

During the game, Bowden indicated that Soriano will be given a second chance to play the outfield on Wednesday afternoon against the Cardinals. If Soriano refuses to play the outfield that day, Bowden said the team most likely will put him on the disqualified list without pay."

I really hope they don't trade him to a team that will let him play second. He doesn't deserve to be playing major league baseball. This is ridiculous

I know this is somewhat "old" news now because he is going to be an outfielder now, but the hell is wrong with him? Does he honestly believe that he is that good of a second baseman? If I was Bowden or Robinson there would be no "second chance". His ass would be on the DQ list ASAP.
The single most disrespectful thing you can do in baseball (bunting for a hit to break up a no hitter in the 9th is second) is to sit on the bench while the rest of your team takes the field to start a game. There was a kid on my team in high school that did this same thing... he nearly got expelled from school (I went to a VERY hardcore sport-loving Chicago catholic high school).

I don't know about anyone else, but I don't think he deserves to get close enough to the field to even smell the grass clippings right now.

[The Miz]

lol enough with the Ben Davis shit. 2-0 game, Padres were still very much in it, all he was trying to do is get on base.

[The Miz]

Jeremy Reed broke his hand again. Great. It should be interesting to see if Bavasi does the obvious thing and move Ichiro to center and platoons Lawton and Borchard in right or does the Bavasi thing and puts Willie "I can't hit Double-A pitching" Bloomquist in center.

[The Miz]

Red Sox claim Hee-Seop Choi from Dodgers off of waivers

[BCWWF]

Slugs, part of the reason is because his offensive numbers are much more impressive for a second baseman than an outfielder.

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

Red Sox claim Hee-Seop Choi from Dodgers off of waivers
Pretty good no risk pick up. Will only cost the Sox about $750,000 and will be good insurance for back up 1B incase JT Snow gets injuried.

[YOUR Hero]

Kinda surprised the Dodgers would waive him.

[The Miz]

Colletti and the new management is not keen on moneyball like DePo so its no surprise they let him go. With Garciaparra and Saenz on the roster, there wasn't going to be any room for him anyway

[YOUR Hero]

...and when Garciaparra gets injured, they'll have no one to fall back on.

[The Miz]

Saenz

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

For some reason I don't think Garciaparra is going to get injuried this year. Even though he got hurt last year coming out of the box, I think the position switch will be in his favor. Too bad he got hit with the injury bug though, was the best shortstop in baseball for a little while there.

Don't they also have another first basemen ontop of Saenz? Because I thought I heard Nomar might have to move to the outfield when " " returns from injury or something. I just can't remember who it was, could possibly even be Saenz haha

[The Miz]

When Cesar Izturis comes back, theyre probably going to put him at 2B, move Kent to 1B, and Nomar to left

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

Yeah thats what it was. I don't think Nomar will be a very good outfield at all though, I am sure he is regretting turning down that contract offer the Red Sox gave him the year before they won the World Series now.

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

Oh man, I was just browsing Eastbay.com and the this years Nike baseball undershirts are the same ones they used in the WBC, with the elbows that kinda look like they are a "dirty" I hope they don't rock those this year. They look fucking awful

http://a712.g.akamai.net/7/712/225/1d/www.eastbay.com/images/products/zoom/18855051_z.jpg

Dunno who is incharge of this shit for Nike, but they gotta chill out. College football was bad enough (with the 2 different colored sleeves) and now they are pushing this shit for baseball. Who buys this garbage?

[YOUR Hero]

apart from the elbow patch, it's a nice shirt. It's all about offering up something a little different to get people to keep on buying. We all know that of course, but they could have done something a little better than that.

[DaveWadding]

D'Backs get:
Juan Cruz

A's get:
Brad Halsey

Cruz sucks :(

[RoXer]

No Cruz is pretty good.

[RoXer]

In MVP 2005.

[DaveWadding]

In MVP 2005.

pretty hard to measure inconsistency in a video game, isnt it?

[BCWWF]

You can't hit the ball without swinging the beat...Meat.

[RoXer]

I don't know why he was running. What was he thinking? This isn't bush league MEAT!

[BCWWF]

Where does the whole meat thing come from? I saw part of Bull Durham on TV and I thought I heard them say it once, but not sure. Anybody know?

[Adder]

Cruz will give you a good production in the firsdt month or so of the season, then he'll tail off.

Wait, I'm thinking of Jose Cruz Jr

[BCWWF]

Apparently Juan Castro and Luis Castillo have looked pretty stellar playing down the middle together, but don't think it will last.

[The Miz]

I think it will unless Castro totally blows it. Gardenhire hates Bartlett

[The Miz]

Royals claim IF Tony Graffanino off of waivers from Red Sox :rofl:

[BCWWF]

Bartlett is injured right now, but I'm not incredibly high on him either. Dunno though, I guess we'll find out.

I like Graffanino, the Twins should have given him some thought.

[MVP]

Ryan Zimmerman hit 2 more HR today. :y:

[YOUR Hero]

Royals claim IF Tony Graffanino off of waivers from Red Sox :rofl:

oh dear


:D

[Joey Slugs]

http://www.eugenewei.com/images/misc/maddux-wood-prior.jpg
Anyone else laugh at the fact that the healthiest guy in the pic is the 40 year old?

[The Miz]

lol took Cyan Franklin just 3 months to get bumped to the bullpen.

[RoXer]

The Bensons want a divorce.

[YOUR Hero]

Does that mean she's going to fuck all the guys in the clubhouse now?

[The Miz]

A's get:
SP Juan Dominguez

Rangers get:
OF/2B Freddie Bynum
SP John Rheinecker (AAA)

Rangers then traded Bynum to Cubs, but I forget for whom

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Anyone happen to know how hard teams generally try to get Opening Day in?

All of a sudden there's like a 40% chance of showers Monday...I'm hoping the weathermen are wrong as usual, because I've already taken work/school off that day to watch the game</font> :mad:

[Gertner]

lol jays waive Guierrlmo Quiroz

well then

[YOUR Hero]

...and Zaun is on the DL. Go figure.

[The Miz]

Mariners designate Marcos Carvajal for assignment

WHAT. If they are giving this guy away for nothing I will shoot myself

Quiroz is a good pickup for us though. Much better hitter than Rivera and a guy who can step in if Johjima is a bust

[The Miz]

Phillies get:
OF David Dellucci

Rangers get:
RP Robinson Tejeda
OF Jake Blalock (AA)

Wow, way to completely destroy someones fantasy value

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

OPENING MOTHERFUCKIN DAY

[Joey Slugs]

oh what a night this is going to be. i just traded my wrestlemania ticket to be two blocks from my house for opening day.

fuck it. i've been to 2 wrestlemanias already.... how many chances in your life can you see a world series championship banner raised in your home park? for your home team? and take your father (who was at the 1959 world series)?




i live two blocks from "the cell".

[The Miz]

You should unsticky this Hero

[YOUR Hero]

aha... I was just coming in to post a message that I was about to unsticky this as the first game(s) are about to begin.

This has been a good thread, guys. Game on!