MLB 2006-2007 Offseason Thread

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>When a guy with a career 4.60 ERA gets $42 million, it leaves me with no doubt that Zito's gonna get $95 million-$100 million</font>

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Come to think, there's absolutely no excuse for the Mets not to sign Zito. It would be ridiculous if we add no starter to the top of our rotation when close to $4 million tickets were sold last year, SNY took off, the naming rights to the new stadium were sold for $20 million a year, and when our tickets will go up by $12 this season.</font>

[Splaya]

Mets should get Zito. The way their rotation was hurt last season, they need someone reliable. Plus if some way some how Pedro can make a comeback, they would have a nice 1-2 punch towards the end of the season.

Something I've noticed that actually worries the Detroit Tiger fan in me. The Yankees have really beefed up their rotation again.

[OssMan]

WHAT THE FUCK should the mets get Zito, i dunno. i say just bring up some minor league dudes n let them struggle but that is not the Omar Minaya way.

[BCWWF]

Two years ago, I thought the Yankees had rebuilt their lineup and were ready to be dominant again. Didn't really think so last year, but right now they look like they could be just dominant. Also, I wouldn't be surprised to see the Rocket back in the Bronx, which wouldn't help matters.

[ClockShot]

Some big news right here.

Supposedly, the Arizona Diamondbacks pitched a trade to the Yankees. A package of players for Randy Johnson. Nothing set in stone yet, but New York is kicking it over.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2708203

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Right now I'm hearing RJ and some cash to the D-Backs, with Chad Tracy and 2 other prospects to the Yanks

Yanks completely fleece them there.</font>

[Gimmick]

The Jays need an arm, I suspect a trade before the season starts. I wouldn't be shocked to see Rios moved under the right conditions.

[Gimmick]

The other possibility is the Jays sign Mark Mulder. I know it's in fashion to bash the guy, but he played the last season + injured. I don't know if he'll be ready for the beginning of next season, but if he gets healthy, he could be a steal. Same thing with Brian Lawrence. Like Mulder, this guy had a bad/injury filled season last year + When healthy, they've put up really solid numbers. Someone's going to be bold and take chances on them, sure would like to see the Jays be one of the brave.

[OssMan]

Mulder is not going to get healthy. He lost it.

[Gimmick]

Keep your words sweet, it makes them easier to eat.

[Gimmick]

Besides all the trade talk, who do you think will be MLB's next new break out stars?

Brandon McCarthy is a top candidate of course, but who else comes to mind?

I think of Howie Kendrick in Anaheim. He played last season for about a quarter of a season, playing 1st base (not his position) he hit .285 or something. He should get proper playing time at his natural position next year, 2nd base.

Who else??

[BCWWF]

Nick Punto

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

Dustin Pedroia

[FakeLaser]

I wouldn't go with McCarthy. The Sox just unloaded him after praising him for years, so maybe there's something wrong with him. Even if there isn't his numbers will be inflated in Arlington.

Howie Kendrick is a decent one but I don't know, the last couple of "big prospects" the Angels have had have disapointed.

The obvious choice is Delmon Young.

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

Hanley Ramirez actaully :-\

Although he kinda already blew up, but he is only going to "get bigger"

[BCWWF]

Jason Kubel, realistically

[FakeLaser]

The Yankees and Diamondbacks might be working on a trade to get Unit sent back to Arizona. I'd love it if this went down. Johnson is good for a back of the rotation arm now (in the AL East anyway, he'd probably fare better in the NL), but he makes a lot more money than a 4th or 5th starter, not to mention how crappy his back is now.

We should unload him for prospects like we did with Sheffield. We need a first baseman, but I don't see Arizona parting with Connor Jackson or Chad Tracy.

If we free up Johnson's salary we can go after Zito if we see fit, or Roger Clemens. I kind of like the idea of Clemens since he'd only sign on a year to year basis (and who the hell knows what kind of deal Zito is gonna get), which would give us room for Philip Hughes (or Humbeto Sanchez) to make his way into the rotation in a year or two.

The way I see it, is either Pavano or Johnson are going.

[FakeLaser]

Other breakout candidates:
Stephen Drew (Arizona)
Chris Duncan (St. Louis)
Alex Gordon (Kansas City)
Matt Garza (Minnesota)
Mike Pelfry (NYM)

[DaveWadding]

We should unload him for prospects like we did with Sheffield. We need a first baseman, but I don't see Arizona parting with [...]Chad Tracy.



They've been shopping him. 95% positive (from my perspective) that he would be the major leaguer going the other way.

[FakeLaser]

We'll probably trade him for a reliever then. I don't know why, our bullpen is stacked, but Cashman seems to be obsessed with stockpiling relievers this offseason.

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

Alex Gordon was the man at Nebraska, I remember him tearing it up a few years back at the College World Series

[FakeLaser]

According to his agent, Keith Foulke is close to a one-year deal with a mutual option with the Indians.

Angels agreed to terms with infielder Shea Hillenbrand, who had been with the Giants, to a one-year, $6.5 million contract with a vesting club option for 2008.
---
Foulke probably won't pan out but he's a decent risk/reward pickup for the Indians, who desperately need a closer.

I guess I was wrong about Hillenbrand to the Yankees.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Christ I hope the Yanks don't trade RJ. I have a bad feeling Zito would pick the Yanks over the Mets no matter what the offer even though Zito would obviously be better off on the Mets. :mad:

No Zito, no World Series. It's simple really. A balky Pedro, old Glavine, and maybe even older El Duque doesn't win you a championship.</font>

[MVP]

Johnson is really close to a trade apparently.

[ct2k]

We'll probably trade him for a reliever then. I don't know why, our bullpen is stacked, but Cashman seems to be obsessed with stockpiling relievers this offseason.

Maybe he doesn't hold out much hope for the back of our rotation?

[MVP]

He knows Torre is gonna play one reliever every day til his arm falls off, so he's stacking up the bullpen.

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

Am I the only one who thinks Zito won't be able to handle the "New York scene"

[Loose Cannon]

oh man, Zito as a Yankee :love:

I'll def have to go to NY for a game next year if he pitches.

[Loose Cannon]

I actually think Zito would fit well in NY cause Damon is there. Those two were pretty close in Oakland.

[YOUR Hero]

Zito's quirkiness, IMO, would fit in real good in NY. Come on Mets pick him up before the Yanks do... or Jays.

[FakeLaser]

Scott Boras is probably jerking off right now because it will probably come down to a bidding war between the Yankees and Mets.

[BCWWF]

Personally, at first I was just saying it as a counterpoint for discussion, but Zito on the Rangers seems like the best fit, for Zito and the team, in my opinion. It just sucks for the A's that they just know they can't bring good players back. I don't get how the Twins have managed to keep Hunter, Radke, Santana, Stewart etc. all those years but the marquee A's players are never re-signed before they become overpriced.

[YOUR Hero]

Court rules feds are entitled to baseball steroid testing data



SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- The names and urine samples of about 100 Major League Baseball players who tested positive three years ago can be used by federal investigators, a court ruled Wednesday -- a decision that could have implications for Barry Bonds.
The ruling from the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals could bolster the government's perjury case against Bonds if investigators are able to link his name to a positive test from baseball's anonymous testing in 2003.
[...]

http://sports.yahoo.com/top/news;_ylt=AjZamPhDyRlVM_ahaY9wQU8RvLYF?slug=ap-athletes-steroids&prov=ap&type=lgns

Basically I think names are going to be named soon enough.

[ClockShot]

Yankees finally get Kei Igawa signed to 5 years, 20 million dollars.

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

Scott Boras is probably jerking off right now because it will probably come down to a bidding war between the Yankees and Mets.
I wonder how much money Boras makes, and also I wonder how he can continue to be a hardass agent when he has already made so much. Like I dont get how he hasn't lost the 'drive' for ridiculous contracts

[BCWWF]

Who is the Boras like hockey agent? I always thought it was Boras himself, but I looked him up on Wikipedia and he seems to only be baseball. If it helps, I know the guy I am thinking of represents Marian Gaborik.

[YOUR Hero]

I wonder how much money Boras makes, and also I wonder how he can continue to be a hardass agent when he has already made so much. Like I dont get how he hasn't lost the 'drive' for ridiculous contracts

I don't know the guy, but I'd bet a lot of it has to do with ego.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Barry Zito to Giants

On MLB.com :(

ESPN is reporting the figures to be 8 years, $125 million</font> :|

[Loose Cannon]

shit. Out of all the Cali teams, he chooses the worst.

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

I don't know the guy, but I'd bet a lot of it has to do with ego.
My personal favorite is Drew Rosenhaus, I don't think he represents baseball players though. It was hilarious when he was on the BK commerical making fun of his press conference with Terrell Owens. He also saved some little girl who was choking or something and he was like "yeah for once I'm the good guy"

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

My personal favorite is Drew Rosenhaus, I don't think he represents baseball players though. It was hilarious when he was on the BK commerical making fun of his press conference with Terrell Owens. He also saved some little girl who was choking or something and he was like "yeah for once I'm the good guy"
osenhaus predicted that, under his representation, McGahee would be a first-round NFL draft pick in the 2003 NFL draft. A seemingly arrogant prediction at the time, Rosenhaus also offered to waive his standard three-percent commission and work for free if McGahee failed to be drafted in the first round. During the Draft, cameras would cut to live shots of McGahee and Rosenhaus talking on their cellular phones, giving the impression that they were communicating with teams interested in drafting McGahee. What wasn't known until after the Draft was that McGahee was, in fact, talking to Rosenhaus, seated right next to him.

- Wikipedia

lol Rosenhaus is the fuckin man

[McLegend]

My personal favorite is Drew Rosenhaus, I don't think he represents baseball players though. It was hilarious when he was on the BK commerical making fun of his press conference with Terrell Owens. He also saved some little girl who was choking or something and he was like "yeah for once I'm the good guy"
lol but after that he said something along the lines of "I hope this helps my negations with the Eagles."

What a dick, which is what makes him a good agent.

[FakeLaser]

Why the hell would anyone want to play for the Giants now?

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

Zito has 126 million reasons to want to play in San Fransico [/T.O's publist answering for Zito]

[dablackguy]

Breakout candidates:
Mike Pelfrey
Ryan Shealy
Rich Hill

As a Metropolitan fan, my outlook on the Zito signing is this:

Yeah, I definitely definitely wanted Zito here, yeah it would have been a great situation for him. But the Giants aren't a terrible place for him either. Well, except for the whole he's never going to win anything there thing.

No one should be shocked. This is a typical Boras signing. Get your client the most money without any actual regard for whether or not the client will be happy where you put him. Barry will be happy with his 18 mil, but he won't be happy next year and the year after on a team that is probably at least 3 years from competing. And the longer Bonds stays, he makes it worse.

As a fan, I do not want my team putting 126 mil into someone who pitches every 5th day. I could see if its and everyday player, but consider he's a pitcher which even though he's never missed a start makes him more injury prone than most. And the fact that I don't want that kind of money tied up into that type of pitcher who is more a solid number 2 than an ace.

I too wanted him here, but not for that kind of money. and Personally, I probably wouldn't have wanted him here for 6 @ 100 either. So let the baby have its bottle and watch all parties involved be miserable in 2 years.

[FakeLaser]

The Giants aren't even 3 years from competing. They're the oldest team in baseball and they have a crappy farm system and a crappy GM who can't compensate for the farm system. Also, they have to deal with Barry Bonds.

They aren't going to be any better because Zito and Jason Schmidt can basically be looked at as equals for the next few years. It's a step in the right direction for the Giants but they are still going to be terrible for the next few years unless they somehow make some huge acquisitions next offseason; even more than the Cubs did this offseason.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Good point made by Steve Phillips

After the Zito signing...be on the lookout for Carlos Zambrano to make $150 million or more next offseason

Hell, then Johan Santana after 2008 may be the first player to ask for $30 million a year</font>

[BCWWF]

Wow, never would have expected that. It seems like a perfect signing for player and team though.

[Loose Cannon]

I wouldn't call it a perfect signing, but Zito gets to stay in the Bay Area, which is what I assumed he wanted the whole time. He's a west coast surfer dude kind of guy, so he'll be comfortable there. Plus he's in the NL now in the shittiest division in baseball, so his numbers will most likely improve.

On the Flip side, the Giants are insane. Zito is not a #1 starter by no means anymore. I mean he'll be that on the Giants, but he's not even a top 10 pitcher out there. I Love Barry Zito, but I'm not going to pass him off as an elite player. That money is crazy, especially for a team struggling all over the place. They give all this money to one guy when they could build there team up at a few positions for that money.

I dunno, we'll see in a couple years whether it was worth it. But I'm going to say no way.

[Adder]

This is the new pay structure of baseball, the sooner GMs realize this, the better. We might have sticker shock ourselves right now, but we'll soon think little of these high signings. 15.6 Million a season for Zito to Meche's 11 million a season.

He's still making less than Johnson will be next year.

[DaveWadding]

I wouldn't call it a perfect signing, but Zito gets to stay in the Bay Area, which is what I assumed he wanted the whole time. He's a west coast surfer dude kind of guy, so he'll be comfortable there. Plus he's in the NL now in the shittiest division in baseball, so his numbers will most likely improve.



Coors will flatten his curve and make him entirely ineffective and he'll HAVE to have his curve on at Chase if he doesnt wanna get slaughtered.

[Loose Cannon]

lol yea Colorado. good luck. forgot about that crazy park

[FakeLaser]

I don't know, the Coors effect disappeared last year with the humidors.

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

Baseball is so retarded when it comes to things like this, you'd think they'd learn from their past mistakes of ridiculous contracts but I guess not.

[YOUR Hero]

As far as I'm concerned, since the Jays didn't land him, SanFran is the perfect place for him.

[MVP]

So the Giants replaced Schmidt with Zito. I don't see how that is gonna change anything.

[BCWWF]

This is a typical Boras signing. Get your client the most money without any actual regard for whether or not the client will be happy where you put him.

I think it is pretty rediculous to imply that Barry Zito had nothing to do with the signing. Scott Boras is representing him, not making his decisions. Zito decided to sign with a local team for a hell of a lot of money knowing quite well that the Giants are not as good as the Mets. He isn't some idiot sitting in a back room with no input on his career.

[BCWWF]

I think you guys are looking way too far into this. The Giants didn't sign Barry Zito to win the World Series next year, they signed him because he and Barry Bonds are both big stars in the area and will help sell seats.

I never thought Zito belonged in New York, and to be a star pitcher in a shitty division in a familiar market seems like the perfect place for a guy like Zito to just chill out and do his thing.

As for Johan Santana, he will be resigned for a reasonable amount before he becomes a free agent, because Terry Ryan is not a dumbshit.

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

Santana doesn't get paid like Zito then he is the dumbshit

[BCWWF]

If Santana becomes a free agent in a year when every single team in baseball needs starting pitching and there are maybe three quality free agents, then I'd expect him to get one of the richest contracts in league history. Since he won't, he will probably resign for a contract no bigger than Zito's.

It's not some ever inflating thing. You notice how when Manny signed his big ass (stupid) contract, then in the following years better players signed for less money? It's the same concept.


<TABLE id=salaryGrid style="BORDER-RIGHT: white 1px; BORDER-TOP: white 1px; BORDER-LEFT: white 1px; WIDTH: 638px; BORDER-BOTTOM: white 1px" borderColor=white cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=4 border=0><TBODY><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffdccb" nowrap="nowrap"><TD class=front-lede-link style="WIDTH: 10%" align=middle>1</TD><TD class=front-lede-link style="WIDTH: 183px" align=left>Rodriguez, Alex (http://asp.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/salaries/playerdetail.aspx?player=53)</TD><TD class=front-lede-link style="WIDTH: 30%" align=right>$ 21,680,727 </TD><TD class=front-lede-link style="WIDTH: 30%" noWrap>New York Yankees (http://asp.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/salaries/teamdetail.aspx?year=2006&team=9)</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: white" nowrap="nowrap"><TD class=front-lede-link style="WIDTH: 10%" align=middle>2</TD><TD class=front-lede-link style="WIDTH: 183px" align=left>Jeter, Derek (http://asp.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/salaries/playerdetail.aspx?player=699)</TD><TD class=front-lede-link style="WIDTH: 30%" align=right>$ 20,600,000 </TD><TD class=front-lede-link style="WIDTH: 30%" noWrap>New York Yankees (http://asp.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/salaries/teamdetail.aspx?year=2006&team=9)</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffdccb" nowrap="nowrap"><TD class=front-lede-link style="WIDTH: 10%" align=middle>3</TD><TD class=front-lede-link style="WIDTH: 183px" align=left>Giambi, Jason (http://asp.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/salaries/playerdetail.aspx?player=1087)</TD><TD class=front-lede-link style="WIDTH: 30%" align=right>$ 20,428,571 </TD><TD class=front-lede-link style="WIDTH: 30%" noWrap>New York Yankees (http://asp.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/salaries/teamdetail.aspx?year=2006&team=9)</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: white" nowrap="nowrap"><TD class=front-lede-link style="WIDTH: 10%" align=middle>4</TD><TD class=front-lede-link style="WIDTH: 183px" align=left>Bagwell, Jeff (http://asp.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/salaries/playerdetail.aspx?player=1130)</TD><TD class=front-lede-link style="WIDTH: 30%" align=right>$ 19,369,019 </TD><TD class=front-lede-link style="WIDTH: 30%" noWrap>Houston Astros (http://asp.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/salaries/teamdetail.aspx?year=2006&team=21)</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffdccb" nowrap="nowrap"><TD class=front-lede-link style="WIDTH: 10%" align=middle>5</TD><TD class=front-lede-link style="WIDTH: 183px" align=left>Bonds, Barry (http://asp.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/salaries/playerdetail.aspx?player=115)</TD><TD class=front-lede-link style="WIDTH: 30%" align=right>$ 19,331,470 </TD><TD class=front-lede-link style="WIDTH: 30%" noWrap>San Francisco Giants (http://asp.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/salaries/teamdetail.aspx?year=2006&team=29)</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: white" nowrap="nowrap"><TD class=front-lede-link style="WIDTH: 10%" align=middle>6</TD><TD class=front-lede-link style="WIDTH: 183px" align=left>Mussina, Mike (http://asp.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/salaries/playerdetail.aspx?player=1916)</TD><TD class=front-lede-link style="WIDTH: 30%" align=right>$ 19,000,000 </TD><TD class=front-lede-link style="WIDTH: 30%" noWrap>New York Yankees (http://asp.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/salaries/teamdetail.aspx?year=2006&team=9)</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffdccb" nowrap="nowrap"><TD class=front-lede-link style="WIDTH: 10%" align=middle>7</TD><TD class=front-lede-link style="WIDTH: 183px" align=left>Ramirez, Manny (http://asp.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/salaries/playerdetail.aspx?player=1684)</TD><TD class=front-lede-link style="WIDTH: 30%" align=right>$ 18,279,238 </TD><TD class=front-lede-link style="WIDTH: 30%" noWrap>Boston Red Sox (http://asp.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/salaries/teamdetail.aspx?year=2006&team=3)</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: white" nowrap="nowrap"><TD class=front-lede-link style="WIDTH: 10%" align=middle>8</TD><TD class=front-lede-link style="WIDTH: 183px" align=left>Helton, Todd (http://asp.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/salaries/playerdetail.aspx?player=2597)</TD><TD class=front-lede-link style="WIDTH: 30%" align=right>$ 16,600,000 </TD><TD class=front-lede-link style="WIDTH: 30%" noWrap>Colorado Rockies (http://asp.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/salaries/teamdetail.aspx?year=2006&team=19)</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffdccb" nowrap="nowrap"><TD class=front-lede-link style="WIDTH: 10%" align=middle>9</TD><TD class=front-lede-link style="WIDTH: 183px" align=left>Pettitte, Andy (http://asp.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/salaries/playerdetail.aspx?player=86)</TD><TD class=front-lede-link style="WIDTH: 30%" align=right>$ 16,428,416 </TD><TD class=front-lede-link style="WIDTH: 30%" noWrap>Houston Astros (http://asp.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/salaries/teamdetail.aspx?year=2006&team=21)</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: white" nowrap="nowrap"><TD class=front-lede-link style="WIDTH: 10%" align=middle>10</TD><TD class=front-lede-link style="WIDTH: 183px" align=left>Ordonez, Magglio (http://asp.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/salaries/playerdetail.aspx?player=1680)</TD><TD class=front-lede-link style="WIDTH: 30%" align=right>$ 16,200,000 </TD><TD class=front-lede-link style="WIDTH: 30%" noWrap>Detroit Tigers (http://asp.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/salaries/teamdetail.aspx?year=2006&team=6) </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Those are the top 10 paid players in 2006, and obviously they are not the 10 best players in the league. Jason Giambi was being paid 20 million. Does that mean that for their next contracts, Pujols, Howard and Morneau are going to demand 20 million? Absolutely not. They are about as good last year and Giambi was in his contract year, but they aren't going to get the same contracts because the market drastically changes every year.

Like I said, Terry Ryan will resign Santana, probably for somewhere in the mid-teens, and we will never have to worry about how much some shitty team is willing to put up for him.

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

Yeah but Manny, A-Rod etc where the exception. Now you got guys like Gil Meche making 11 mil a year, JD Drew about to get 70 mil etc so I dunno.

[BCWWF]

I edited my last post, so it might have changed since you looked at it.

I'm just saying that guys like Gil Meche and JD Drew are the exception in the same way that Chan Ho Park was the exception when he signed for 15 mil per year.

I fully expect Santana to make a fair amount of money, whether he resigns or if something makes him want out of Minneapolis, but I don't think Zito's contract means that he will automatically make more, even though he is the better pitcher.

[ct2k]

I dunno about you guys or Barry Zito, but I'd take less money to play on a team that was going places. Either way the guys salary was gonna be monstrous, but now whilst its huge, and he can buy even more stuff he doesn't need, he's at a dead-end team who just spent their entire allowance on one guy who can only help them every 5 days:-\

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>I don't necessarily blame Barry...I mean let's face it, nobody in their right mind would leave an extra $58 million on the table.

Still, it'll be funny to watch him suffer for the next 7/8 years</font> :)

[YOUR Hero]

Zito would have been stupid not to take the deal. I think however that the same deal could have been gotten by him from other teams. I for one, wouldn't want to play on the same team as Bonds.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>It's difficult to say what Omar should do now. Going into the season with Glavine and El Duque as #1 and #2 starters is a very grim prospect...but then again at this point Omar will get raped in any trade he attempts to make.</font>

[BCWWF]

I don't know why, but for some reason I consider San Francisco a good place to play. It's a nice city, a great stadium, open division, just seems like a
good for for him.

Going on what Hero said, I am sure he could have got similar money with a contending team, maybe a slight oaycut, but I really just think the opportunity to make a lot of money and stay in the same city is what made his decision. I mean you really can't play down the change between playing ni the Bay Area and in New York.

All said, I think Texas is where he should be. He could have gotten a good contract, I guess probab;y not quite this good, but he would be in a winnable division with an up and coming team and in a rather low-kew baseball area.

[YOUR Hero]

I really thought he was going to end up in Texas.

[dablackguy]

I really thought they were using Texas to get him more money

[FakeLaser]

I thought the Mets were going to get him. The Mets needed him. They can't be sleeping on the Marlins.

[BCWWF]

I just don't see Zito working out for the Mets had they been the ones to pay him that contract though. He would have to do a helluva lot to prove his worth in New York, and I frankly don't think he would have.

[BCWWF]

Not saying that is why he didn't sign with the Mets, but just saying that I wouldn't have seen him being amazing had he signed there.

[FakeLaser]

I think he would have been fine. The NL is easier to pitch in, and Mets fans aren't like Yankee fans. There isn't as much pressure, and they're much more forgiving.

Personally, I think Zito would have done fine on the Yankees as well, but that's neither here nor there.

[BCWWF]

The New York and Boston newspapers cover baseball like most other markets cover NFL though. Every little thing is scrutinized, and I just don't see him fitting into that.

[BCWWF]

But admittedly, it's stupid to keep talking about it. It's all done, I'll stop bringing it up.

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

Yeah it's not so much the Boston papers, its the fucking radio. WEEI 850AM...they just talk about every little thing for hours.

[dablackguy]

Aubrey Huff went to the Orioles for 3 @ 20 million

This is the guy I think the Red Sox should have gotten. Fuck Drew. Yeah, he's a monster when healthy, but A) he's never healthy and B) he really doesn't offer any protection for Manny. My argument for Aubrey Huff:

The guy is a solid hitter with no real weaknesses. He's played in the AL East with Tampa before. He can hit lefties and he plays a few positions. He's played 1st, 3rd, Right and Left if I remember correctly. So what you do, you put him in right, you give him 3 @ 30 or so and you pocket the money you would have otherwise pissed away on J.D Drew.

The only real knock on Huff is that he's a notorious slow starter. But I doubt the people in Boston would care come June and August when he's a career .312 and .315 hitter respectively. You could also say that he's never been in a pennant race before last year, but I think he'd be fine. He was hurt towards the end of last year, which killed his value, thus why he's an oriole now.

[Adder]

I was thinking the Jays might pick up Huff and move Rios. Get a good starter for Rios while his value was high, Huff would have fit the bill in his stead.

[FakeLaser]

Great pickup by the O's. I totally forgot about Huff.

[FakeLaser]

Twins signed RHP Sidney Ponson to a minor league contract and invited him to spring training.

Ponson will get a one-year, $1 million contract if he makes the team and could earn an additional $2 million in incentives. The 30-year-old will battle Matt Garza, Scott Baker and Glen Perkins for two rotation spots behind Johan Santana, Carlos Silva and Boof Bonser. Maybe he can be an adequate fifth starter, but it seems doubtful that he'll be of any use in AL-only leagues.

The Red Sox and Joel Pineiro are close to agreeing to a one-year deal worth a guaranteed $4 million, ESPN.com reports.

Incentives could increase the total. We like the idea of Pineiro as a reliever, though Eric Gagne at $6 million guaranteed seems like a better investment than Pineiro at $4 million. For that kind of money, Pineiro will likely receive an opportunity to take over as Boston's closer. He had plenty of opportunities to start elsewhere, and it seems doubtful that he's passing them up in order to become a middle reliever.

[YOUR Hero]

Pineiro as a closer. Wow. This guy came into the league with so much potential, he's just never able to be consistent. I don't think inconsistency is a trait a closer should be saddled with.

[BCWWF]

Razor, thanks for keeping us updated. I learn more here than espn.com or wherever. Where are you getting the info?

[FakeLaser]

www.rotoworld.com

[FakeLaser]

Oh, and no problem.

[FakeLaser]

Speaking of Rotoworld:

The Yankees and Diamondbacks have advanced far enough in their discussions that Randy Johnson has already agreed, in principle, to a contract extension for 2008 with Arizona, two people familiar with the situation told Newsday.

So many varying opinions, but this is the most concrete report to come in so far. Newsday says the Yankees will get Luis Vizcaino, not Brandon Medders, in the deal. They're also expected to get Dustin Nippert, Ross Ohlendorf or Micah Owings. It's still possible they'll receive two of the three pitching prospects, but they'd have to kick in more money for that to happen. According to the report, the deal remains two or three days away from being finalized.

The Rangers have made an offer to free agent Mark Loretta, but they have been told that he will sign somewhere else.

No word on the team that's going to sign him. The Yankees have expressed interest. The Reds also had some, but that was before they signed Jeff Conine. The Rangers just don't have much playing time to offer him. He could start over Frank Catalanotto or Hank Blalock against lefties, but he'd rarely play second base with Texas anticipating a strong sophomore year from Ian Kinsler.

The Yankees will consider signing Travis Lee if they can't bring in Doug Mientkiewicz on a one-year deal.

Lee, who briefly played for the Yankees in 2004 before suffering a torn labrum, has drawn little interest this winter. The Yankees are likely going public with interest in him only to drive down Mientkiewicz's asking price.

[FakeLaser]

Pretty psyched for the RJ trade. A good deal for everyone. I guess. The D'Backs are kind of built to win in the future, not now, but whatever, RJ is one of the faces of their franchise. Vizcaino is pretty mediocre but some of those young arms are pretty solid (I've heard a lot of good htings about Ohlendorf, in particular).

Loretta makes no sense on the Rangers. Loretta is the victim of a shitty market for second baseman. Pretty much every team is set at second. I wouldn't mind him on the Yankees, I guess. I'd rather have a better defensive 1st baseman.

Speaking of 1st baseman, if we're thinking of Travis Lee, I'd rather just stick with Andy Phillips. At least Phillips is younger and still getting used to the big leagues. He had a pretty bad season last year and still put up Travis Lee-like numbers. Phillips could get better, his numbers in the minors (last 2 seasons at Triple A were around .300/.380/.550) indicate that he should.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Loretta has agreed to sign with the Astros. 1 year deal worth $2.5 million

Fucking hell. Jose Valentin is gonna be getting $3.8 million. I woulda taken Loretta over Valentin anyday</font>

[FakeLaser]

Victim of a shit market.

[FakeLaser]

What do you think of this idea for the Yankees at first base?

Bernie Williams.

He wants to play another season or two, but there's no spot for him in the outfield or as a DH. He's a switch hitter (better from the right), which is what the Yankees want, because they're lefty-heavy. He'd be a better hitter than Mientikiewicz, Phillips, Phelps or Lee.

The question of course, is defense. Bernie still has a good glove and is fairly athletic (former CF), the problem is he is slow and has no arm, but he wouldn't need speed or a great arm as a first baseman. I think if he was approached about this, he'd do it. He wants to play badly, and only for the Yankees. He has said in the past he'd take "whatever role they have for me." The Sheffield experiment was a failure, but he didn't have much time to learn (whereas Bernie would have the offseason and spring training), nor was Sheffield ever the defender that Bernie Williams was. I think he'd be better than Giambi.

I haven't seen this reported anywhere, just a crazy idea I had.

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

I think Pineiro has a real good shot at becoming the Red Sox closer, I had a feeling the Red Sox might do this - try to get somebody people really don't expect, without dropping a ton of cash for him, to see if he could fill the role. Well I was thinking they might do this after not signing Gagne anyway, really thought they were going to make a move at Gagne at the start of the offseason.

[ClockShot]

What do you think of this idea for the Yankees at first base?

Bernie Williams.

He wants to play another season or two, but there's no spot for him in the outfield or as a DH. He's a switch hitter (better from the right), which is what the Yankees want, because they're lefty-heavy. He'd be a better hitter than Mientikiewicz, Phillips, Phelps or Lee.

The question of course, is defense. Bernie still has a good glove and is fairly athletic (former CF), the problem is he is slow and has no arm, but he wouldn't need speed or a great arm as a first baseman. I think if he was approached about this, he'd do it. He wants to play badly, and only for the Yankees. He has said in the past he'd take "whatever role they have for me." The Sheffield experiment was a failure, but he didn't have much time to learn (whereas Bernie would have the offseason and spring training), nor was Sheffield ever the defender that Bernie Williams was. I think he'd be better than Giambi.

I haven't seen this reported anywhere, just a crazy idea I had.

This could work. However there are somethings that you pointed out, that may or may not cause trouble. If he were to go for it, he would have to be groomed for the job really soon.

But we do have Giambi and Phillips. I wouldn't mind if we got one more person incase something bad happens to either one of them.

[YOUR Hero]

Why not just keep Giambi at 1st? Or platoon them between DH and 1B

[OssMan]

Cause Giambi jizzed on a chick and then licked it off

[YOUR Hero]

Chicks dig the load ball.

[YOUR Hero]

Anyway, all the Yankees are getting for Johnson is 2 minor leaguers. Nothing else.

[DaveWadding]

Anyway, all the Yankees are getting for Johnson is 2 minor leaguers. Nothing else.

what? ESPN says 4 players. Vizcaino, Ohlendorf, Steven Jackson, and Alberto Gonzalez

[YOUR Hero]

Let me get what I just read.

[YOUR Hero]

The New York Yankees and Arizona Diamondbacks on Thursday afternoon agreed in principle to a trade that would send five-time Cy Young Award winner Randy Johnson back to Arizona, according to a source with knowledge of the talks.

The Yankees will receive right-handed reliever Luis Vizcaino, according to a Diamondbacks source, in a broader package with two minor leaguers.
Major League Baseball granted the Diamondbacks a 72-hour window to negotiate terms of an extension for Johnson, whose contract contains a full no-trade clause. That window expires Sunday at 5 p.m. Eastern.

The Yankees will pay $2 million of Johnson's $16 million salary in 2007, according to a source who had seen the particulars of the deal. Citing two sources, Newsday reported Johnson and the Diamondbacks had agreed "through back-channel discussions" on a $10 million contract for 2008.

Johnson, 43, first must pass a physical. The 6-foot-10 left-hander had surgery to repair a herniated disk in November.

Johnson is 31st all-time with 280 career wins. Should he recover and remain healthy for two seasons, Johnson likely would win his 300th game with the Diamondbacks, for whom he won 103 games – and four of his Cy Young awards – from 1999-2004.

The Yankees are expected to receive two minor leaguers – 6-foot-4 right-hander Ross Ohlendorf and shortstop Alberto Gonzalez – who spent most of last season in double-A, in addition to Vizcaino. Vizcaino had a 3.58 ERA in 70 appearances for the Diamondbacks last season.

Yankees general manager Brian Cashman had serious talks with the San Diego Padres as well.

The trade of Johnson continues the recent trend by Cashman to reduce the Yankees' payroll while stocking the top end of the farm system.

In early November, he traded slugger Gary Sheffield to the Detroit Tigers for three minor-league pitchers. Less than a week later, the Yankees were outbid by the Boston Red Sox for the rights to negotiate with Japanese pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka.

That said, the Yankees are believed to be interested in signing Roger Clemens, should the 348-game winner resume his career at 44.
Johnson would join Brandon Webb, the reigning National League Cy Young winner, Livan Hernandez, Doug Davis and Juan Cruz in the Diamondbacks' rotation.

Though he won 17 games for the Yankees in 2006, Johnson appeared to show the wear of age and his ailing back. His ERA was 5.00, the highest of his career, and he allowed 28 home runs, near his career high. He was worse in the postseason, allowing five runs in 5 2/3 innings in a division series start against the Detroit Tigers, who eliminated the Yankees in four games.

OK, 3 players, missed the Vizcaino part 1st time I read it.

[RP]

This whole Mark McGuire HoF thing is stupid. Ty Cobb anyone?

[OssMan]

dang the yankees got rid of randy johnson, love to hate him so much :(

[BCWWF]

Yeah, give it up about Mark McGuire. It's so irrelivant to baseball right now, and I think it is safe to say that Mark McGuire still would have been regarded as a great hitter without the record breaking season.

[FakeLaser]

Looks like we signed Mientikiewicz anyway.

[BCWWF]

Apparantly the Yankees are trying to load up on prospects for their run at Johan Santana :mad:

[FakeLaser]

Apparantly the Yankees are trying to load up on prospects for their run at Johan Santana :mad:
:drool::drool::drool::drool::drool::drool::drool::drool::drool::drool::drool::drool::drool::drool::d rool::drool::drool::drool::drool::drool::drool::drool::drool::drool::drool::drool::drool::drool::dro ol::drool:

[ClockShot]

Santana? Why the hell am I still hearing The Rocket still being bounced around?

[BCWWF]

Obviously they wouldn't be getting Santana this year. He still has like three years left on a modest contract in Minnesota, and with the reigning MVP and batting champ they aren't in a hurry to begin rebuilding.

[YOUR Hero]

yeah that's a bit of a stretch I would say, Yankees trying to go after Santana.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Johan's under contract until the end of 2008...so don't look for him to be moved until mid 2008 at the earliest</font>

[YOUR Hero]

When you look at what the Diamond Backs have been doing over the last 2-3 years, they sure have been wise. What they got for the Big Unit, what they gave up for the Big Unit and everything sandwiched in between, they are poised to make a sustained run at things in their division.

[BCWWF]

It is concievable that the Yankees would be doing this, but again, Santana is a huge bargain right now. I assume they try to get him to sign a modest extension, somewhere in the market of like five years close to 15 mil per year, and if he doesn't bite they will have to trade him.

[DaveWadding]

When you look at what the Diamond Backs have been doing over the last 2-3 years, they sure have been wise. What they got for the Big Unit, what they gave up for the Big Unit and everything sandwiched in between, they are poised to make a sustained run at things in their division.

We are not going to win shit with Eric Byrnes hitting clean up.

[FakeLaser]

Dodgers are taking the NL West.

[Gimmick]

Padres

[DaveWadding]

Rockies

[BCWWF]

Giants

[YOUR Hero]

Giants?

Barry brothers!

[ClockShot]

Well. Randy Johnson signs a 2-year deal worth $26 mil. with the D-Backs (physical pending). That pretty much locks up the trade.

[YOUR Hero]

16 & 10 I presume.
2 payed by the Yankees, I presume.

[BCWWF]

(I only said Giants to follow the trend, to clarify)

[RP]

How in the hell did Randy Johnson get a 2 year 26 million extension? Do these GM's watch these players play at all??? Thats rediculous. I cant wait for the next baseball strike. Its coming.

[BCWWF]

I was just going to point out that it seemed a pretty excessive amount of money for him.

[FakeLaser]

Well, he was getting 16 next year no matter what.

10 million isn't a lot considering the market this year. Gil Meche got 11. Johnson is old and pretty much garbage, but he is immensly popular in Arizona and has a decent chance at being good again. I wouldn't give him 10 million but I can see why.

[RP]

WHO THE FUCK IS GIL MECHE?

[YOUR Hero]

<TABLE class=ysptblclbg3 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=top align=middle width=70 rowSpan=2>http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/sp/v/mlb/players/2006_1/6266.jpg</TD><TD colSpan=3><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>Gil Meche #55 | Starting Pitcher | Kansas City Royals (http://us.lrd.yahoo.com/_ylt=AhzpnAXTG_SM6cjAcFx1U4.FCLcF/SIG=11a0dkufh/**http%3a//sports.yahoo.com/mlb/teams/kan)</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Height: 6-3 Weight: 220
Bats: R Throws: R
Born: Sep 8, 1978 - Lafayette, LA
<TABLE class=yspwhitebg cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=yspdetailttl style="BORDER-RIGHT: #f4f5f1 1px solid; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: #e2e2e2; PADDING-BOTTOM: 7px; PADDING-TOP: 7px" align=middle width=60>W-L</TD><TD class=yspdetailttl style="BORDER-RIGHT: #f4f5f1 1px solid; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: #e2e2e2; PADDING-BOTTOM: 7px; PADDING-TOP: 7px" align=middle width=60>ERA</TD><TD class=yspdetailttl style="BORDER-RIGHT: #f4f5f1 1px solid; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: #e2e2e2; PADDING-BOTTOM: 7px; PADDING-TOP: 7px" align=middle width=60>K</TD><TD class=yspdetailttl style="BORDER-RIGHT: #f4f5f1 1px solid; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: #e2e2e2; PADDING-BOTTOM: 7px; PADDING-TOP: 7px" align=middle width=60>Walks</TD><TD class="yspdetailttl padded3px" style="BACKGROUND: #e2e2e2" align=middle width=60>WHIP</TD></TR><TR><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: #f4f5f1 1px solid" align=middle>11-8
</TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: #f4f5f1 1px solid" align=middle>4.48
</TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: #f4f5f1 1px solid" align=middle>156
</TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: #f4f5f1 1px solid" align=middle>84
</TD><TD align=middle>1.43
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

College: None
Draft: 1996 - 1st round (22nd overall) by the Seattle Mariners


<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR class=yspsctbg><TD class=ysptblhdr colSpan=20 height=18>Pitching</TD></TR><TR class=ysptblthbody1 align=right><TD class=yspdetailttl align=left width="18%" height=18> Last 3 years</TD><TD class=yspdetailttl align=left width="6%">Team</TD><TD class=yspdetailttl>G</TD><TD class=yspdetailttl>GS</TD><TD class=yspdetailttl>W</TD><TD class=yspdetailttl>L</TD><TD class=yspdetailttl>SV</TD><TD class=yspdetailttl>CG</TD><TD class=yspdetailttl>SHO</TD><TD class=yspdetailttl>IP</TD><TD class=yspdetailttl>H</TD><TD class=yspdetailttl>R</TD><TD class=yspdetailttl>ER</TD><TD class=yspdetailttl>HR</TD><TD class=yspdetailttl>BB</TD><TD class=yspdetailttl>K</TD><TD class=yspdetailttl>ERA</TD><TD class=yspdetailttl>WHIP</TD><TD class=yspdetailttl>BAA</TD><TD> </TD></TR><TR class=ysprow2 align=right><TD class=yspscores align=left height=16> 2004</TD><TD class=yspscores align=left height=16>SEA</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>23</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>23</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>7</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>7</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>0</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>1</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>1</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>127.2</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>139</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>73</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>71</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>21</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>47</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>99</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>5.01</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>1.46</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>.273</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16> </TD></TR><TR class=ysprow1 align=right><TD class=yspscores align=left height=16> 2005</TD><TD class=yspscores align=left height=16>SEA</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>29</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>26</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>10</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>8</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>0</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>0</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>0</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>143.1</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>153</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>92</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>81</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>18</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>72</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>83</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>5.09</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>1.57</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>.275</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16> </TD></TR><TR class=ysprow2 align=right><TD class=yspscores align=left height=16> 2006</TD><TD class=yspscores align=left height=16>SEA</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>32</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>32</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>11</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>8</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>0</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>1</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>0</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>186.2</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>183</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>106</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>93</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>24</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>84</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>156</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>4.48</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>1.43</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>.256</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16> </TD></TR><TR class=ysprow1 align=right><TD class=yspscores align=left height=16> Career</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16> </TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>147</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>143</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>55</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>44</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>0</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>4</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>2</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>815.1</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>810</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>453</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>421</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>109</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>363</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>575</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>4.65</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>1.44</TD><TD class=yspscores height=16>.260</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

[YOUR Hero]

Gil's has(d) tons of potential, as a rather big Mariner fan, I've seen alot of him over the years. Some nights he's been lights out. Other nights utterly painful to watch. Maybe this move is what he needs to get everything to work.

[Loose Cannon]

pretty much guaranteed a hit per inning with this guy. he's awesome.

[MVP]

Meche was solid the first half of the season, but kinda fell off the map in the 2nd half. Hopefully he's worth the money with Kansas City.

[FakeLaser]

He's going to suck pitching in the AL Central. He'll get no run support in Kansas City either.

8-14, 125K, 5.00/1.45 sounds about right.

[FakeLaser]

Some more updates:

Astros agreed to terms with RHP Dan Wheeler on a one-year, $2.1 million contract.

Wheeler, the top alternative for saves in the Houston pen should Brad Lidge falter again, made $930,000 last year in his first year of arbitration. He'll be eligible for free agency after 2008.

Ken Griffey Jr.'s broken left hand was X-rays over the weekend and found to be healing as expected.

Griffey broke the hand Dec. 21 in an accident at home. He'll have additional X-rays in about 10 days. If he continues to make steady progress, he should be ready to go once the spring training schedule starts.

Mets agreed to terms with RHP Duaner Sanchez on a one-year, $850,000 contract.

He can earn $100,000 in performance bonuses: $25,000 each for 50, 55, 60 and 65 games. Sanchez, who missed the final two months of last season with a separated right shoulder sustained in a car accident, was eligible for arbitration for the first time. He's expected to be healthy to resume his setup role on Opening Day.

Even though they're dangling Alex Rios, the Blue Jays have been unable to trade for a quality starter.

"To trade just for the sake of making a trade doesn't make any sense," GM J.P. Ricciardi said of his attempts to upgrade the pitching. "If you're not getting something back of substance then what's the point?" The Jays might end up signing someone like Tomo Ohka or Tony Armas Jr. and then head to camp with a competition for the fifth spot in the rotation.

[YOUR Hero]

If the Jays can't move Rios for the right price (right pitcher) there's no need moving him. Let him blossom. There are other pitchers and other years and other ways to get what's needed. Besides, who knows, perhaps Towers rebounds or Jansen steps up and produces. I think JP is right in holding on to an asset like Rios. Adam Lind is most likely capable of replacing Rios in the outfield, but Rios is just as 'most likely' to wow everyone again next season.

[FakeLaser]

I can't see Towers rebounding. Still, I'd keep Rios.

If I were the Jays I'd sign Tomo Ohka. He's underrated as hell.

Oh, and the RJ deal is official now.

[YOUR Hero]

I watched Toma Ohka and Tony Armas Jr play as Expos, both have some great stuff. Alas, inconsistency and in Armas' case injuries plague them.

[FakeLaser]

Armas might not be a bad gamble, though he can never put it together. He's still only 28 though, so he has a shot at turning it around.

[ClockShot]

The votes are in. The class of 2007 for the Baseball Hall of Fame are Cal Ripken Jr., and Tony Gwynn.

Here's the lowdown.

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news;_ylt=Ardpsc0JQ1k1QE_xZbAsYxgRvLYF?slug=ap-halloffame&prov=ap&type=lgns

[FakeLaser]

Ripkin and Gwynn were shoe-ins.

I'm pretty shocked McGwire didn't get more votes than that. I didn't think he'd get in but wow, only like 23 percent.

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

Where is the love for Jim Rice?

[FakeLaser]

Blue Jays signed RHP John Thomson, who had been with the Braves, to a one-year contract.

He's believed to be guaranteed $500,000. It's safe to assume there are also some incentives involved. Thomson finished with ERAs of 4.47 and 4.82 while being limited to 32 starts over the last two seasons, but at 33, he's young enough to settle back in as a third or fourth starter. At $500,000, he's a great pickup for a Blue Jays team short on starting pitching.

Not bad.

[FakeLaser]

Oh yeah, and:

Rockies signed catcher Javy Lopez to a one-year, $750,000 contract.

The contract isn't guaranteed, so the Rockies would owe him just a fraction of the salary if they cut him in spring training. If Lopez makes the team, his salary will be boosted to $1 million and he'll have a chance to make $600,000 in incentives. Lopez was brutal during his time with the Red Sox, but his .265/.314/.412 line in 279 at-bats with the Orioles last season suggests he still has a little something left. While he's currently third on the Rockies' depth chart at catcher, there is the chance that a good spring could earn him the start on Opening Day.

[Gimmick]

Where is the love for Jim Rice?
Andre Dawson

[FakeLaser]

The tumor that was removed from Yankees broadcaster Bobby Murcer's brain during surgery last month was found to be malignant.

Awful news. Murcer, who spent 17 years in the majors before retiring in 1983, is scheduled to travel back to Houston this week to consult with doctors. "I'm not having to battle this alone, but am fortified with the most loving family, an abundance of wonderful friends and fans and the very best class of physicians," Murcer said in a statement. "I'm gaining confidence that with God and my faith leading the way, we will as a team put up an incredible fight. Please continue to send up prayers. That's all I can really ask of you at this time."

According to ESPN's Peter Gammons, Mark Mulder will be guaranteed $13 million by the Cardinals over the next two years.

Gammons also reports that if he makes 30 starts in 2007 and 2008, incentives can make the deal worth three years and $45 million. However, there's almost no way he's starting 30 games this season. He's hoping to return in May or June, but both the Indians and Rangers seemed to be thinking July.

Giants announced the retirement of RHP Tim Worrell.

John Thomson said he picked the Jays over the Mets in part because of Paul Lo Duca's presence in New York.

"As far as just looking at Paul Lo Duca across the field, I'm not really into how he acts behind the plate," Thomson said on a conference call. "I know a bit about Gregg Zaun and I know he wants to win and he's not going to let anything get in his way to do that, and I like that." Lo Duca has seemingly been well liked whereever he's played, but it's easy to see why his opponents wouldn't like him. Still, to choose maybe a third-place team in the AL East over a first-place team in the NL East might not been the best career move for the 33-year-old.

The Mets are close to signing left-hander Scott Schoeneweis to a three-year deal, ESPN.com reports.

Free agent Esteban Yan has agreed to terms with the Hanshin Tigers of Japan on a one-year contract.

Before the Orioles could sign him to a three-year deal? Yan, 31, had a 5.54 ERA in 37 1/3 innings with the Angels and Reds last season. He finished the year in the Royals' minor league system.

The Cubs haven't made any progress recently in talks with free agent Cliff Floyd.

The Chicago Tribune reported three weeks ago that the two sides were close to deal, but the paper has had little to say on the subject since. If the season started today, the Cubs would likely go with an outfield with Matt Murton in left, Jacque Jones in center and Alfonso Soriano in right. Trading Jones remains a possibility, but they don't seem to see Soriano as an option in center, meaning they'd have to get a stopgap back with Felix Pie still not ready.

The Blue Jays have discussed a long-term deal with Lyle Overbay, who is eligible for arbitration for the second time.

Overbay is due for a raise to about $4.5 million-$5 million after making $2.525 million in his first season with Toronto. He'll be eligible for free agency after 2008. The Jays could try signing him for about $21 million for three years or $30 million for four.

The Cardinals are talking with free agent Preston Wilson, probably about a one-year deal.

Wilson hit .243/.300/.486 in 111 at-bats after joining the Cardinals last season and then .200 with two RBI in 35 at-bats in the playoffs. St. Louis could bring him back as a fourth outfielder. Giving him any of Chris Duncan's playing time against righties would be a bad idea.

The Pirates made their initial contract offer to free agent Brian Lawrence late Monday.

It's likely a one-year major league contract. The Mariners and Padres have also made offers to Lawrence, and it's only a matter of time before the Rockies do the same. Because he's expressed a preference for playing on the West Coast, the Pirates are long shots to sign him.

[FakeLaser]

Really sucks about Murcer. I wish him the best. One of my favorite announcers. No Murcer OR Jim Kaat this year? Terrible. Looks like we'll be dealing with Singleton, Michael Kay and Leiter/Girardi/O'Neill. Michael Kay is such a tool. I love hearing him and Leiter argue all the time though.

Mulder could bounce back, though I doubt he does it this season. 2008 might be his year.

Retarded move by the Mets giving an old, slightly above average middle reliever a 3 year deal.

Cliff Floyd could be a great pickup for the Cubs, but that's if he stays healthy which is highly unlikely.

Preston Wilson is useless.

I wonder how much Lawrence will get. Whatever it is, it'll be too much.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>WTF - we couldn't give Bradford 3 years yet we give one to Schoenweis?</font>

[Gimmick]

I'd take a gamble on Lawrence. You could sign him on the cheap. In fact if a team had made a move in this direction a month ago, they'd have gotten him even cheaper.

[FakeLaser]

I don't know, he's on the wrong side of 30, hasn't pitched in a year and couldn't post sub 4.00 ERAs in the best pitching park in the worst division in baseball when he was healthy. If he were a few years younger I'd say he'd be worth a gamble because he has good control and doesn't walk anybody.

Then again, I doubt he'd be anything more than a number 4 starter, so he might pan out for somebody.

[MVP]

Cliff Floyd would make a solid backup OF/pinch hitter. Nothing more than that I think.

[RP]

DAMN THAT MARK SWEENEY! ALLWAYS OUT TO GET A NIG!

[ct2k]

lol Junior Griffey injured again what a surprise

[RP]

lol Barry Bonds caught doing steroids again what a suprise

[Nervous Ferret]

Really sucks about Murcer. I wish him the best. One of my favorite announcers. No Murcer OR Jim Kaat this year? Terrible. Looks like we'll be dealing with Singleton, Michael Kay and Leiter/Girardi/O'Neill. Michael Kay is such a tool. I love hearing him and Leiter argue all the time though
Oh Murcer was the greatest :(

Freakin hate Micheal Kay and his stupid "Seeya". God so annoying

[YOUR Hero]

Amphetimines, not steriods for Bonds. There was a story he got them from Mike Sweeney, but Bonds has stated he did not.
The Barry Gong Show.

[BCWWF]

I really don't pay a bit of attention to any of this steroid talk, especially with Bonds, until he is actually suspended. Sure, he most likely did it, but what is the point of speculating? Nothing matters until he is suspended.

[YOUR Hero]

Your love for him is sickening, BCWWF!

[Loose Cannon]

Mark Sweeny, not Mike Sweeny. I read "Mike" at first too because I don't know who the hell Mark is.

[BCWWF]

Your love for him is sickening, BCWWF!

Lol, I know this is somewhat sarcastic and is based on what I said in the past (when I alluded to the media purposely depicting Bonds the way they do because he is an ass hole, but when he actually did a full out live interview on ESPN that time he seemed a lot more legit...but whatever).

But the other time that I am referring to in my post earlier today is when those San Francisco Chronical reporters wrote that book on him. I mean, good for them, I've heard they did excellent reporting and stuff, but why the fuck should I care? They didn't have any real impact with that book. The only real impact comes when Bonds is officially tested and suspended, which I am sure he soon will be, but until then, I don't give a shit about this weekly speculation.

[ClockShot]

It's been rumored now. But according to Yanks. GM Brian Cashman, they are ready to make a run for Roger Clemens.

Here's the story.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2728285

[BCWWF]

I would be shocked if they didn't. If there is one team that is makes sense for Rocket to play for, it is the Yankees, and if he doesn't randomly fall off, he would instantly make them the favorites for the WS...in 1999, probably in 2007 too.

[FakeLaser]

This one's for the Mets fans:

The Rays have discussed a minor league deal with free agent Victor Zambrano.

LOL

[YOUR Hero]

Jays locked up Overbay with a 4 year extension. 24 mill. Sweet :cool:

[FakeLaser]

Great deal right there for the Jays.

[BCWWF]

This one's for the Mets fans:

The Rays have discussed a minor league deal with free agent Victor Zambrano.

LOL

A TPWW poster put a different perspective on this last fall. He was pointing out how if the Mets never made that trade, the change in management that brough in Beltran, Delgado, Pedro, Lo Duca, etc. would not have been in place.

Dunno, think its a unique perspective.

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

Willis signs for one year 6.45 mil? What the fuck?

[BCWWF]

Modest deal. I like that.

[YOUR Hero]

But the other time that I am referring to in my post earlier today is when those San Francisco Chronical reporters wrote that book on him. I mean, good for them, I've heard they did excellent reporting and stuff, but why the fuck should I care? They didn't have any real impact with that book. The only real impact comes when Bonds is officially tested and suspended, which I am sure he soon will be, but until then, I don't give a shit about this weekly speculation.

Well that puts you in the minority. This man is most likely going to break the greatest record in all of sport. He's big news, what's going on with the circus of his life is equally big news. I'm sick of it, tons of people claim they're sick of it, yet enough people can still make money and ratings off this spectacle.

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

Modest deal. I like that.
Modest? More like ridiculously cheap. Gil Meche just got 10 mil a year...

[BCWWF]

Well that puts you in the minority. This man is most likely going to break the greatest record in all of sport. He's big news, what's going on with the circus of his life is equally big news. I'm sick of it, tons of people claim they're sick of it, yet enough people can still make money and ratings off this spectacle.

If he is guilty, he is going to be punished. Having a spasm everytime somebody leaks some information is a bit overkill. There is reason to be pissed off, but all we have in talking points to this point. Somebody get solid evidence, convict him, and take his records away. That is all that matters.

[BCWWF]

Also, the "greatest record in all of sport" is a little overkill. In 10 years, nobody will give a shit about this award until it is broken again. Same as any record.

[FakeLaser]

A-Rod and/or Pujols have a pretty realistic shot at breaking it eventually.

[YOUR Hero]

Also, the "greatest record in all of sport" is a little overkill. In 10 years, nobody will give a shit about this award until it is broken again. Same as any record.

OK, tell me a greater record.

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

63 consective saves, 56 game hit streak, 130 stolen bases in one year...I can think of a few more too

[BCWWF]

Honestly, I don't know what I would call "the greatest record in all of sports." There might not be one specific record that fits that bill.

[YOUR Hero]

63 consective saves, 56 game hit streak, 130 stolen bases in one year...I can think of a few more too

You think those are more impressive than a career record? You've basically listed single season records, yet you'd state they're more impressive than a what takes a man his career to accomplish?

Each to his own.


PS. I see that Sammy Sosa signed a minor league contract with the Texas Rangers.

[BCWWF]

That kind of surprised me. I thought he said that would be a bruise to his pride a few months back?

[FakeLaser]

That kind of surprised me. I thought he said that would be a bruise to his pride a few months back?
Yeah, then he realized nobody in their right mind would give him a major league deal.

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

You think those are more impressive than a career record? You've basically listed single season records, yet you'd state they're more impressive than a what takes a man his career to accomplish?

Each to his own.


PS. I see that Sammy Sosa signed a minor league contract with the Texas Rangers.
Hank Aaron's homerun record

[FakeLaser]

News update:

There's been a shitload of arbitration deals lately, way too many to post.

ESPN.com is reporting that the Braves and Pirates have agreed to a swap of Adam LaRoche and Mike Gonzalez.

After Elijah Dukes was charged with misdemeanor marijuana possession during a traffic stop on Monday night, the passenger in the vehicle claimed that the marijuana found in the vehicle was his.

Still, Dukes admitted to smoking marijuana earlier in the day. Monday's incident was the fifth time since 2003 that Dukes has been arrested and charged with a misdemeanor. He had, however, stayed clean of late. The most recent incident prior to Monday's arrest came in September 2005 when Dukes was charged with operating an unregistered vehicle.

Marcus Giles was handcuffed, detained and escorted from Qualcomm Stadium during Sunday's Chargers playoff game after getting involved in a fight on the stadium's club level, according to police.

San Diego Police Lt. Dan Christman said Giles and a friend were involved in a fight with at least one other person, who slipped away before being caught. Giles was given the option of returning after being detained but chose to leave. He does not face charges for the incident.

Like Sammy Sosa, Rafael Palmeiro inquired about a comeback attempt with the Rangers. However, he was toled he wouldn't be a fit.

The Rangers wanted a right-handed hitter, not another lefty. Palmeiro hasn't drawn any interest since saying a month and a half ago that he wanted to play again.

According to FOXSports.com's Ken Rosenthal, Brett Myers and Chad Billingsley were two of the players the Blue Jays targeted in trade talks involving Alex Rios.

The Jays actually wanted a second prime piece along with Billingsley from the Dodgers for Rios. We like Rios, but Billingsley alone could have been too much to pay, especially with the Dodgers not exactly hurting for young outfielders. The Rios talks have died down now, and it looks like the soon-to-be 26-year-old will stay with the Jays.

Angels agreed to terms with RHP Francisco Rodriguez on a one-year, $7 million contract.

K-Rod took $200,000 less than Brad Lidge when he settled for $3.775 million last year. Now he'll make $1.65 million more than Houston's closer after a year in which he saved 47 games. Rodriguez will be eligible for free agency after 2008. A multiyear deal could get done this spring.

AL MVP Justin Morneau asked for $5 million in arbitration and was offered $4 million by the Twins.

Joe Mauer asked for $4.5 million and was offered $3.3 million. If the Twins settle at the midpoint with both, they'll be paying $8.4 million for two players who earned a combined $785,000 last year.

Carlos Delgado said he has entered the final part of his rehabilitation from arm surgery and will be ready for spring training.

Delgado had surgery in October to repair a torn tendon in his left elbow. "I believe that I have recovered rather well. I am not 100 percent, but anyway, the doctors say that I am not supposed to be 100 percent right now," he said. Delgado is also recovering from minor surgery to his right wrist.

Reds manager Jerry Narron said he'd likely have Ken Griffey Jr. play some right field after the first couple of weeks of spring training.

The Marlins likely will go to arbitration with Miguel Cabrera after he failed to accept their improved offer of $6.7 million on Tuesday.

That's also the figure they submitted for an arbitration exchange. Cabrera is asking for $7.4 million. Albert Pujols has the highest salary ever for a first-year abitration player at $7 million. However, that was part of a long-term deal he had already agreed to, making it difficult to compare his case to Cabrera's.

According to the Chicago Tribune, Carlos Zambrano is expected to seek $100 million-$110 million over six years from the Cubs when a multiyear deal is finally discussed.

The same paper said two months ago that Zambrano would ask for $85 million-$90 million over six years. The Cubs waited too long to begin negotiations, especially after playing such a big part in driving up the market for players this winter.

[BCWWF]

Lol @ the Twins being cheap. Whatever works I guess.

[YOUR Hero]

Hank Aaron's homerun record

Dude, what the hell did you think I was talking about?

[YOUR Hero]

Lol @ the Twins being cheap. Whatever works I guess.

I hope they aren't being so low, that their stars consider the offers insults. They've got to be careful in that regard.

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

Dude, what the hell did you think I was talking about?
Oops my bad I thought you were talking about Cal Ripkens record for some reason

[YOUR Hero]

Not too sure I understand why the Pirates gave up Gonzales for LaRoche.

[FakeLaser]

The Nationals are set to sign Tony Womack to a minor league contract and invite him to spring training.

To think there could be times that the Nationals could have Womack, Nook Logan and Cristian Guzman all in the lineup at the same time. Never has there been the potential for so many outs to be made so quickly.

lol, the Nats are going to be so terrible.

[FakeLaser]

Trot Nixon has agreed to a one-year, $3 million deal with the Indians, ESPN.com's Peter Gammons reports.

Braves agreed to terms with first baseman-outfielder Craig Wilson, who had been with the Yankees, on a one-year, $2 million deal.

Now the LaRoche deal makes a lot of sense.

[YOUR Hero]

Craig Wilson is way under valued. Good move, IMO, by the Braves.

[BCWWF]

He has a generic name.

[YOUR Hero]

"Drew deal near"

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news;_ylt=AqTDkdU111uoJ9EjXQxfp3wRvLYF?slug=ap-redsox-drew&prov=ap&type=lgns

[YOUR Hero]

The Phillies locked up Utley with an extension



PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- All-Star second baseman Chase Utley (http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/7072/) signed an $85 million, seven-year contract extension with the Phillies on Sunday through the 2013 season. Utley hit .309 last season with 40 doubles, 32 home runs, 102 RBIs and 131 runs. He also had a 35-game hitting streak that tied for the 10th-longest in major league history and longest by a second baseman.

[McLegend]

Sweet now he better not pull a Burrell and suck

Now we better lock up Howard, and I am also pretty excited for baseball this year.

[YOUR Hero]

David Wells signed again with the Padres. There was talk the Jays might land him if the Padres could get it done. 'Ol Boomer just keeps on going.

[ClockShot]

Interesting tidbit I just heard while watching Cold Pizza this morning. Yankees asked Robinson Cano to change his number if Clemens does return.

I wonder if a deal is close.

[SammyG]

Yeah I just heard that too. Clemens is gonna come back I believe.

BTW, Dodgers rotation looks way solid.

[BCWWF]

I don't see why Clemons wouldn't come back. If he is coming back at all, it is to the Yankees.

[Loose Cannon]

Clemens would be awesome. Can't wait for baseball.

BTW: My baseball team this year (NABA League): The Red Sox. lol, wtf

[Dragon]

A lot of rumors about what will happen with Bernie. He's been my favorite player since I can remember so obviously I hope the Yankees can resign him, especially after what he did last year.

Who knows what will happen though. Maybe we will get rid of one of the 3 shitty 1st basemen we have on the roster (Phillips, Mientkiewicz or Phelps). I have to say that was the worst part about this offseason. Mientkiewicz's offense has never been good and his defense is pretty overrated as it has been declining every year. If those were our choices I would rather let Phillips have 1st base and not waste a roster spot, I really thought that Craig Wilson was a perfect fit but because of how bad he was in his short stint here last season I knew it wouldn't happen.

[BCWWF]

Lol, since you have watched Mientkiewicz play like, ever? He is incredible at first base. His offense can be suspect, but his fielding is fine. If gold gloves weren't affected by batting he would have about five.

[Gertner]

Jays sign Ohka.

not a bad signing except I love the headline in the paper.

"Jays sign Japanesse Star"

Didn't realize Ohka was a former Cy Young Winner lol

[Dragon]

Not saying he is bad defensively but he doesn't seem like the defensive wiz he once was. It has been a while since he's been in Minnesota you know. And now coming off back surgery who knows. He's obviously a big upgrade over what we had before playing first base but it just seems he's not as great as he was back then.

[YOUR Hero]

Jays should grab Armas Jr too.

[BCWWF]

I'm just saying, he was a stupid signing by the Royals last year, which they quickly realized and started playing a younger player at first. For a role similar to what he had in Boston in 2004, I think he is still a great pick up for you. The Yankees have got enough dominant hitters to win a World Series, this year it looks like the pitching staff and intangibles are going to be among the best in the league too.

[FakeLaser]

Cubs signed outfielder Cliff Floyd, who had been with the Mets, to a one-year, $3 million contract with a mutual option for 2008.

[FakeLaser]

3 weeks until pitchers and catchers report.

Another year for me to dominate Fantasy MLB as well.

[BCWWF]

FakeRazor = This year's Miz

[SammyG]

Yeah, it was expected for Cliff to go, Mets got Alou.

[FakeLaser]

I wonder if this means they have a Jacques Jones deal set up, since they have Matt Murton waiting to start somewhere in the outfield.

[OssMan]

so the Mets signed 40 year old Hispanic Moises Alou for EIGHT MILLION DOLLARS for one year, during which he will hit 12 home runs and miss approximately 74 games. Tell me why Cliff Floyd can't do the same thing and be 7 years younger and black.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>I really don't give a shit if Alou or Green go down because then that would mean Endy Chavez plays everyday</font> :cool:

[OssMan]

yes and endy chavez should being playing every day anyway, the team just likes to think that he isnt capable of being an everyday player because no team has ever given him that role before. Green going down would probably be the best thing to happen for the mets

[YOUR Hero]

No, the best thing for Green and the Mets would be if he had a big year.

[OssMan]

Nah even if he hit 35 HR they would all be in blowouts

[YOUR Hero]

Oh right, a site that was around 2 years ago but no longer said so, so it must be right.
Come on AssMan, don't drink the Kool Aid

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

Sox offically signed Drew today

We'll see

[Splaya]

All the media outlets are saying the Tigers are STACKED.

[DaveWadding]

Oh right, a site that was around 2 years ago but no longer said so, so it must be right.
Come on AssMan, don't drink the Kool Aid

I think you're the one drinking the Kool-Aid. Have you seen him play a game after oh...2002? HE SUCKS.

[YOUR Hero]

Yeah Dave, we're all right and MLB teams are wrong.

[YOUR Hero]

Sounds like Helton and The Rockies are going to be divorced from each other soon enough. At least one of the stories I read stated so.

[YOUR Hero]

Weaver to the Mariners. Not official yet, but very close. A one year deal with incentives.

I also read my man, Nolan Ryan, was hospitalized. :(

[YOUR Hero]

OH, also read that Bernie Williams wants to keep playing, even though teh Yankees are saying they've roster spot for him. That = Bernie to another team.

Red Sox?


LOL, Imagine that.

[DaveWadding]

Yeah Dave, we're all right and MLB teams are wrong.

Jason Marquis, 2006: 194.1 IP, 14-16, 6.02 ERA, 1.52 WHIP, 96 K, 75 BB (1.28 K/BB ratio), .289 Batting Average Against

Jason Marquis, 2007: 21 million dollars richer

MLB teams = NEVER WRONG

[YOUR Hero]

I'm pretty sure Green and his 15 HRs, 70 or so RBIs 80+ runs, 275ish avg are better numbers than people credit him as having. Not to mention next year, he'll not be the go to guy and will be protected by so many bigger bats, that his numbers will be quite a bit higher than that (barring injuries of course)

Green is a good fit for the Mets.

[FakeLaser]

The only other team I could see Bernie playing for is the Mets, and I don't think that will happen. I think he'll just have to bite the bullet and retire.

It sucks, he's one of my favorite players, but it comes with the territory. He's just not very good anymore. The only thing he has to offer at this point is a mediocre bat.

[YOUR Hero]

only 420 at bats and some decent #s. I think theres a place for him somewhere

[MVP]

Sounds like Helton and The Rockies are going to be divorced from each other soon enough. At least one of the stories I read stated so.

Supposedly the Red Sox are gonna trade Mike Lowell and Julian Tavarez for him. There might be a prospect involved in that as well, not sure though.

I'd be sad to see Lowell go, but at the same time we can make Youkilis a full time 3B, and I know he'd do a good job there, and Helton is a gold glove 1B so there wouldn't be any slack in the fielding. Tavarez is basically useless to the team anyway. My only other worry is that since Helton's numbers have been slipping a little bit in the last 2 seasons, he'd struggle in the AL East. Going from the NL West to the AL East won't be an easy transition for him, not to mention the atmospheric change between Denver and Boston.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Pretty sure I read somewhere that Bernie is still holding out hope that the Yanks will find room for him on the roster. If not, he'll probably just hang 'em up. So its Yanks or nothing basically.</font>

[Gertner]

jays looking at Ron Villone supposedly..........why?

[YOUR Hero]

I think they think he can be a spot starter 'slash' reliever. :-\

[FakeLaser]

Latest hot trade rumor:

Rockies Get:
SP - Matt Clement
3B - Mike Lowell
RP - Julian Tavarez

Red Sox Get:
1B - Todd Helton

[MVP]

As long as Helton has a good season that trade doesn't bother me. Tavarez is garbage and Clement would be relegated to long relief with our full rotation. Letting go of Lowell is tough, but Youkilis will hopefully pick up that slack.

[BCWWF]

Yeah, I would agree. That trade would be a great one for the Red Sox. Tavarez is worth nothing, Clement is the odd-man out in the rotation anyway, and Lowell is old and on the decline. Even if Helton isn't at his best, he is a great first baseman.

[FakeLaser]

The Rockies apparantly want Lester or Delcarmen too, so I don't know if it's going to happen.

[CNM]

The Rockies are only going to do it if they get a good prospect. Why would they pay some of Helton's salary and take shit in return?

[Gertner]

I think they think he can be a spot starter 'slash' reliever. :-\

it's not like the Jays need another lefty.

[BCWWF]

Like CNM said, the Rockies wouldn't gain anything significant without a decent prospect, at least.

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

Can't see the Red Sox making that trade if the Rockies want 2 young arms. Actaully don't see the Red Sox giving up anyone other then maybe Lester. If they do start giving up prospects then what was the point of last season? Would kinda defeat the whole purpose.

[MVP]

Yeah Clement/Lowell/Tavarez are all I'm comfortable with trading for Helton.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Reportedly the trade talks between the Rockies and Red Sox are officially over. No deal</font>

[FakeLaser]

Mariners signed RHP Jeff Weaver, who had been with the Cardinals, to a one-year, $8.325 million contract.

According to The Associated Press, the Giants and Barry Bonds have finalized a one-year, $15.8 million contract.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

If Sosa makes the Rangers then I hope it's in his contract that he has to rock the mustache and the jheri curl again.

[ClockShot]

If Sosa makes the Rangers then I hope it's in his contract that he has to rock the mustache and the jheri curl again.

Well he's signed a contract.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2748276

[Supreme Olajuwon]

yeah but he still has to make the roster

I hope he does and does well for himself.

[ClockShot]

As many of you may know. Barry Bonds is gonna go another year with the giants. However, if things go south with BALCO trial, and ends up getting indicted, the giants can drop him with a snap of their fingers.

Here's the story.
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2748744

[Gertner]

jays sign Victor Zambrano to a minor league deal. Can't say I'm unhappy with that

[FakeLaser]

Damn it, I really wanted the Devil Rays to sign Zambrano.

[YOUR Hero]

Zambrano to the Jays? Yeah, that's a smart gamble. :y:

[FakeLaser]

Yankees offered Bernie a minor league deal. About what I expected.

[YOUR Hero]

They had said Bonds' contract was all worked out, but some of the things I'm reading states Bonds won't sign it. Doesn't like some of the stipulations and also there is something about it not being legal in regard to the player's association.

Awesome.

[Splaya]

Thats because Barry Bonds is a bitch.

yeah

[Splaya]

I SAID IT

[BCWWF]

I thought Bonds was all locked up? Was that just that he would stay with the Giants, but no contract yet?

[FakeLaser]

The agreed to a deal initially but they never finalized it.

[ct2k]

As far as Todd Helton going to the Sox....

Well I dunno, he seems to have gone down hill in the last few years (thats not to suggest anything dirty) and thats at coors...

How dya think he'd do in the AL and the limelight for the first time?