MLB 2007-2008 Offseason Thread

[SammyG]

“I’m a Minnesota Twin. That’s all I know. It’s up to them. Whatever they have to do is going to happen. It has nothing to do with me at all. I said it from the beginning during the season last year, whatever will be the best for this team and this organization, I’ll agree with that.”

-1/11, Johan Santana to the News-Press (So. Fla)

---

That's usually what a player says when he knows he's gonna get traded really soon. I swear if the Mets don't come away with Johan it's gonna be hard to even look forward to the 2008 season...just way too big a tease. :-\
Kobe said the exact same thing basically in August, he never got traded.

[Hanso Amore]

Glaus still has some major pop.

Rolen is shit.

Imagine if this trade happened 10 years ago :) Would have been a blockbuster.

[ClockShot]

News and rumors.

It's pretty much official that the Yankees have pulled out of the Santana trade talks yet again. Red Sox and Mets are the only ones in it.

In the Clemens/McNamee saga. Brian McNamee has additional information he'll offer to congress in exchange for immunity. On Clemens' end, he was gonna skip the trip to D.C. and give an under oath deposition, but instead he's gonna go to congress and plead his case after all.

[Dragon]

News and rumors.

It's pretty much official that the Yankees have pulled out of the Santana trade talks yet again. Red Sox and Mets are the only ones in it.

In the Clemens/McNamee saga. Brian McNamee has additional information he'll offer to congress in exchange for immunity. On Clemens' end, he was gonna skip the trip to D.C. and give an under oath deposition, but instead he's gonna go to congress and plead his case after all.

I just read that Hank issued yet another statement saying that the Yankees aren't out of it and that there is still some discussions with the Twins.

The whole Santana thing is getting tiresome pretty quickly. Especially with Hank commenting every step of the way about his thoughts and opinions on the trade.

[YOUR Hero]

So it's finalized. Rolen to the Jays, Glaus to the Cards. I dunno, man...

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>This Santana shit is really driving me up the wall...camps open up in like a month, just get the shit done.</font>

[YOUR Hero]

Scott Rolen to Twins for Santana?

[ClockShot]

Some news about the tragic passing of Joe Kennedy. The tox report is still out, but the medical examiner found evidence of Heart Disease.

Congress has asked the Justice Dept. to look into Miguel Tejada to see if he lied to the House Committee during the Rafael Palmeiro steroids case.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Mets pitchers and catchers reort in exactly one month :cool:

Hoping Santana will be among them...but I've been waiting for a deal so long I could very well see it not happening. Barring any new contracts being brought in I'm guessing this is the pitching staff for next year:

Pedro, Maine, Perez, El Duque, Pelfrey/Humber
Wagner, Heilman, Sosa, Schoeneweis (I wish not), Feliciano, Sanchez (assuming healthy), and then a competition of like 5 other relievers for the last spot. If Sanchez can come back as the 2006 Sanchez it would be a HUGE boost...but I don't see it. And I don't see Heilman going back to the rotation.

I dunno...I feel bad shortchanging that pitching staff...but you just know El Duque is gonna get hurt and Pedro probably will as well. And even if Pedro pitches awesomely and stays healthy all year he'll still only be replacing Glavine's spot, still need someone else. I guess you have to go with a Freddy Garcia or something.</font> :-\

[SammyG]

For fuck's sake, get done with this shit already.

[ClockShot]

Talk about your bad day.

After learning he's gonna be investigated for Perjury by Congress, Miguel Tejada's brother dies in a motorcycle accident in the Dominican Republic on the same day.

[FakeLaser]

He also realized he's going to spend the next few years of his career in third place behind the Cubs and Brewers.

[YOUR Hero]

Better than 5th in the AL East

[Supreme Olajuwon]

He also realized he's going to spend the next few years of his career in third place behind the Cubs and Brewers.

*5th place

[ClockShot]

A few signings.

Cubs sign Jon Lieber to 1-year, 3.5 mil deal.

Tigers sign Nate Robertson to a 3-year, 21.25 mil. deal.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>This Johan shit is still driving me insane and probably will until the day he gets dealt. A few exec's have said that the Twins are thinking about just keeping him for '08 and making a run for it...which kinda baffles me since Santana has said he won't waive his no trade clause during the season and the Indians and Tigers are both miles ahead of the Twins.

A few other execs have said that any offer that involves Hughes (even a straight-up swap) is better than anything the Mets can offer, which is pretty asinine IMO.

Its been dragged out so long that I'm trying to get myself into the mindset that the Mets are gonna have to rely on Pedro being healthy to anchor the rotation in '08 and I hope I'll be surprised. :-\

My hope is that once we get to be about a week or so away from pitchers and catchers reporting...Johan's gonna give the Twins a deadline and reinforce that he won't allow himself to be traded once the year starts, and the Twins will then realize they have no shot in '08 and send him to the Mets for Gomez, Guerra, Humber, and Mulvey (MORE than fair IMO)</font>

[SammyG]

Start the season already. I'm ready for baseball.

[FakeLaser]

I've been ready for baseball since the World Series ended.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Yeah I'm so pumped for baseball.

Anyway, a new day...a new Johan rumor. The Star-Tribune has said that the Twins are all but certain to trade Santana before Spring Training, and that Bill Smith is pretty much trying to prepare fans for a deal they are gonna hate. With Ellsbury and Hughes still not on the table, the Twins may be forced to accept an offer of Gomez, Guerra, Mulvey, and Humber.

If thats what gets it done I have to give props for not throwing Fernando Martinez out there right away. :y: The fact is I think their current offer is the best one out there even without Martinez included. The fans might hate it because none of the 4 are ready to be big-league contributors, but they weren't winning anything this year as is. Including Fernando now would do nothing because Smith is still gonna wait on a Hughes or Ellsbury. As long as the Yanks and Sox stand pat, Johan will be a Met.

Unfortunately I'm fully expecting Hank to come out and say he's willing to include Hughes or something...just because thats how its been this offseason, for every positive report there is a negative one right back.</font>

[ClockShot]

Some news.

Jason Jennings signs a 1-year 4 mil. deal. With another $4 million in incentives.

Padres are looking for a corner outfielder. They prefer a trade.

The Devil Rays traded Jeff Ridgeway for Willy Aybar and Chase Fontaine.

[Dragon]

<font color=goldenrod>This Johan shit is still driving me insane and probably will until the day he gets dealt. A few exec's have said that the Twins are thinking about just keeping him for '08 and making a run for it...which kinda baffles me since Santana has said he won't waive his no trade clause during the season and the Indians and Tigers are both miles ahead of the Twins.

A few other execs have said that any offer that involves Hughes (even a straight-up swap) is better than anything the Mets can offer, which is pretty asinine IMO.

Its been dragged out so long that I'm trying to get myself into the mindset that the Mets are gonna have to rely on Pedro being healthy to anchor the rotation in '08 and I hope I'll be surprised. :-\

My hope is that once we get to be about a week or so away from pitchers and catchers reporting...Johan's gonna give the Twins a deadline and reinforce that he won't allow himself to be traded once the year starts, and the Twins will then realize they have no shot in '08 and send him to the Mets for Gomez, Guerra, Humber, and Mulvey (MORE than fair IMO)</font>

I dunno man. I think that Hughes, Melky, Marquez offer is better than or at least on par with that Mets offer without Martinez. Hughes is the best prospect in any rumors so far. Maybe I'm wrong but I've heard that Humber and Mulvey are projected to be 4-5 starters and middle of the rotation at best. And Guerra has a ton of upside but is a long ways away. I don't know a ton about those 3 guys but thats what I've heard. Ah, just saw you might be talking about the straight up swap of Hughes and Santana, my bad.

I am actually really intent on just going forward this season with what the Yankees have. It might be a little risky having 3 rookies pretty much in the rotation but I would trust three rookies more than Pavano, Karstens, Igawa, etc...all the crap we used at the beginning of the season last year. The Yankees were ridiculous the second half of the season last year and we have the same team coming back, except full years of Hughes, Joba and Kennedy. Really looking forward to this season just starting.

And if Santana reaches free agency I will be pretty damn ecstatic. The fact that the Yankees have 80 million coming off the books (Pettitte and Abreu are the only ones who'd possibly come back) after this upcoming season makes me even more excited about Santana possibly reaching free agency. I think theres a slim chance of that happening but one can hope. The ideal scenario would be the Twins keeping him and actually being in the race all of the season and then to have an epic Mets-like collapse at the end of the season. LOL, had to throw that in there.

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

Just finished reading Game of Shadows, wow what a crazy ass book. I was kinda surprised most of the stuff had to do with the Olympics, while for the most part it was billed towards uncovering steriods in baseball, I can see why it was marketed that way since most people in America are probably more interesting baseball. There was still a lot of baseball stuff obviously. I was kinda against the whole government getting involded thing but after reading the book I've kinda changed my mind. While most of the guys in politics have the wrong intetnions it seems, there was a select few who where stressing the whole role model thing which makes sense since people are dumb and still consider pro-athletes role models.

[Skippord]

God I want baseball to start

mostly to see if the Rockies were a fluke

[Hanso Amore]

WOw, Devil Rays land Aybar, Nice Trade, he will fit in greatly.

The Devil Rays are putting togther a pretty impressive offseason. If they had any form of budget, they would be a sleeper.

If they could only find someone to take Baldelli from them, they could get something nice in return. He is injured too much, but someone wouldtake a chance on him.

[MVP]

God I want baseball to start

mostly to see if the Rockies were a fluke

I'm kind of interested to see that as well. Matt Holiday had a career year, but he's been consistently good for the past few seasons, so I'm interested to see if he's going to perform again, especially given that he's a FA in 2009. I'm sure he will cause he's proven he's the real deal. Players like Jeff Francis and Garrett Atkins are also gonna need repeat performances of last season to keep the Rockies atop a very competitive NL West.

Yahoo Sports rated the rotations of Arizona, San Diego, and LA in the top 3 of the NL, so the Rockies will have to face difficult pitching all season again.

[YOUR Hero]

WOw, Devil Rays land Aybar, Nice Trade, he will fit in greatly.

The Devil Rays are putting togther a pretty impressive offseason. If they had any form of budget, they would be a sleeper.

If they could only find someone to take Baldelli from them, they could get something nice in return. He is injured too much, but someone wouldtake a chance on him.

Last year I stated that the DRays were getting close to being legit. They've got the offense, but pitching had remained not just weak, but incredibly weak. IF they can address this, watch out status quo.

[Evil Vito]

I dunno man. I think that Hughes, Melky, Marquez offer is better than or at least on par with that Mets offer without Martinez. Hughes is the best prospect in any rumors so far. Maybe I'm wrong but I've heard that Humber and Mulvey are projected to be 4-5 starters and middle of the rotation at best. And Guerra has a ton of upside but is a long ways away. I don't know a ton about those 3 guys but thats what I've heard. Ah, just saw you might be talking about the straight up swap of Hughes and Santana, my bad.

I am actually really intent on just going forward this season with what the Yankees have. It might be a little risky having 3 rookies pretty much in the rotation but I would trust three rookies more than Pavano, Karstens, Igawa, etc...all the crap we used at the beginning of the season last year. The Yankees were ridiculous the second half of the season last year and we have the same team coming back, except full years of Hughes, Joba and Kennedy. Really looking forward to this season just starting.

And if Santana reaches free agency I will be pretty damn ecstatic. The fact that the Yankees have 80 million coming off the books (Pettitte and Abreu are the only ones who'd possibly come back) after this upcoming season makes me even more excited about Santana possibly reaching free agency. I think theres a slim chance of that happening but one can hope. The ideal scenario would be the Twins keeping him and actually being in the race all of the season and then to have an epic Mets-like collapse at the end of the season. LOL, had to throw that in there.

<font color=goldenrod>Oddly enough, I seem to be one of the few people left that would gladly make that 5-for-1 trade to get Santana. Sure I'd love to keep one of Gomez or Martinez...but if need be, I'd make the trade. Martinez is 19 and Guerra is 18...there is no way to know if they'll pan out whereas Santana is a sure thing. Buster Olney is spewing some crap about how Santana must be injured if the Twins trade him to the Mets for a "medicore package" but fuck him.

A lot of Mets fans are going on about how the Mets might win in 2008 if they trade for Johan, but then they'd suck in 2009 and beyond. I just don't get that thinking. If the 5-for-1 trade goes down, you'll have Santana and Maine as locks for the 2009 rotation, and Perez will probably be signed for at least $10M...which is a good deal for a Boras client and he'll stll cost less than Pedro will in '08. Pelfrey will be the #4 starter (sounds like he's the odd man out in the trade), and he may very well be a soild pitcher by then. Then you just use a minor leaguer or sign a vet for that last spot.

In the lineup...you'll still have Wright, Reyes, Beltran. Schneider and Church will also still be under contract...and honestly I think Church might be solid in '08. A void will need to be filled at 1B and LF...but Delgado and Alou coming off the books SHOULD free up money...I bet they'd even have enough to jump into the Texeira derby though I'm sure a team like the Yankees will blow him out of the water with a huge offer he can't refuse.

I dunno...maybe I'm just still bitter from the collapse but I want the Mets to make this trade and win in 2008...it seems to be better than standing pat for three years and hoping the kids meet their expectations. If the trade doesn't go through, all the kids are gonna be heavily scrutinized when they come up as well.

Plus other things to consider: Getting like $32 million a year for Citi Field naming rights, having 3 of the top 33 or so draft picks this year, Omar's tendency to find young Latin players who wind up being big prospects (Gomez, Martinez, etc.)...there's no reason to think they can't contend in 2009 and beyond as well as rebuild the farm if they make that trade to bring Santana in now.</font>

[ClockShot]

Last year I stated that the DRays were getting close to being legit. They've got the offense, but pitching had remained not just weak, but incredibly weak. IF they can address this, watch out status quo.

Scotty Kazmir is the only thing they got going on the pitching end. Curious to see if they make a grab at someone else.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Rays lock up Pena for 3 years, good on them.

Also the Rockies gave Holliday a 2 year deal so they won't have to deal with arbitration.</font>

[ClockShot]

Tigers lock in Miguel Cabrera for 1-year $11.3 mil.

Braves do the same to Mark Teixeira only for $12.5 mil.

Other names who recently agreed to deals are Justin Morneau, Jason Kubel, Brad Lidge, Joe Crede, Juan Rivera, and Huston Street.

Octavio Dotel signs 2-year, $11 mil. deal with the White Sox.

Scott Downs resigns with the Blue Jays for 3-years, $10 million.

Speaking of Scott Kazmir, sources say he's on his way to Arbitration.

[Hanso Amore]

Tampa has a decent 2 and 3 in Shields and Garza. They also have some amazing pitching prospcts in the minors.

If Longoria can come into spring training and lands the 3b job, and live up to his .300 25 HR potential, allowin them to move Iwamura to 2nd and maybe Upton to the outfield, they can be a really surprising team. They have only gotten stronger from the team with the best 2nd half record 2 years ago. IF Boston or the Yanks come out weak this year, they could challenge for 2nd place. I doubt they do with their weak coaching, but they*could*

[Dragon]

Tampa has a decent 2 and 3 in Shields and Garza. They also have some amazing pitching prospcts in the minors.

If Longoria can come into spring training and lands the 3b job, and live up to his .300 25 HR potential, allowin them to move Iwamura to 2nd and maybe Upton to the outfield, they can be a really surprising team. They have only gotten stronger from the team with the best 2nd half record 2 years ago. IF Boston or the Yanks come out weak this year, they could challenge for 2nd place. I doubt they do with their weak coaching, but they*could*

I don't think they are ready to compete for 2nd place yet though. I actually think they've got a pretty solid team going into next year but just not enough to compete yet. They have Kazmir, Shields and Garza, which is a pretty solid top of the order and they have big pitching prospects in Price, McGee, etc... coming up. The big thing is whether guys like Kazmir, Crawford, etc... will be around when these other guys come up.

[FakeLaser]

I like Tampa Bay a lot but they'll finish in 4th behind the Blue Jays.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Apparently the Dotel signing was a false report, and he is still a free agent. Wouldn't mind seeing the Mets sign him but I'd rather focus on another pitcher first.</font> :shifty:

[FakeLaser]

I don't know why the Yankees just let him go. They essentially paid for him to rehab, then he pitched like 4 innings and they didn't sign him.

[Skippord]

I'm kind of interested to see that as well. Matt Holiday had a career year, but he's been consistently good for the past few seasons, so I'm interested to see if he's going to perform again, especially given that he's a FA in 2009. I'm sure he will cause he's proven he's the real deal. Players like Jeff Francis and Garrett Atkins are also gonna need repeat performances of last season to keep the Rockies atop a very competitive NL West.

Yahoo Sports rated the rotations of Arizona, San Diego, and LA in the top 3 of the NL, so the Rockies will have to face difficult pitching all season again.
I'd also like to see who our second baseman will be

[MVP]

Apparently the Dotel signing was a false report, and he is still a free agent. Wouldn't mind seeing the Mets sign him but I'd rather focus on another pitcher first. :shifty:

That's good cause I thought it was ridiculous that he got signed for 2 years, $11 million.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Some interesting arbitration developments...Ryan Howard asked for $10 million in his first year of arbitration, which would be a new record for first year if he wins. Meanwhile, the Phillies lowballed him by $3 million.

Mets have 5 players arbitration eligible, but in typical Mets fashion I expect deals to be worked out as they haven't had to go to a hearing since David Cone in 1992.

Though it really shouldn't, the fact that the Mets offered Oliver Perez $4.725 million and Perez asked for $6.5M really worries me. With Boras as his agent, I can see him saying "Ollie, they are trying to screw you...just wait to you hit the FA market", causing Ollie to ignore any talks of a contract extension during the year.</font> :(

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Well if the Mets put any money into Perez they're taking a pretty huge gamble that he won't do the same thing he did in Pittsburgh and pitch great for a season then lapse and post 5.85 and 6.55 ERAs the following seasons.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Brandon Phillips is exchanging his arbitration numbers with the Reds. Phillips wants $4.2 million and the Reds want $2.7 million. Hey, here's an idea: give that man his money and then ask him if you can get him a bottled water or a hot pretzel.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

I know it's still very early and they have a lot of time to work it out, but if the Reds don't sign Phillips to a loooooooooong term contract and he leaves I don't see how they will have a fan base anymore. Aside from Braun and Fielder and I guess Pujols is only 28, the NL Central is extremely thin on young hitters so this is as good a time as any for the Reds to make their move in the division while St. Louis is rebuilding.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Wow I have to put up with Pujols for another decade. That is super depressing.

[Hanso Amore]

I dont think the jays are going to even top the D Rays this year.

Honestly, they have only been getting worse, and the D Rays have improved and will be getting some re-enforcements this year.

[ClockShot]

Interesting.

There are reports going around that O's owner Peter Angelos killed a deal that would send Erik Bedard and Brian Roberts to the cubs in exchange of 7 farm boys. However, others are saying that there was never such a deal.

Scott Kazmir and the Rays were able to agree on a 1-year, $3.785 million deal.

[Evil Vito]

Well if the Mets put any money into Perez they're taking a pretty huge gamble that he won't do the same thing he did in Pittsburgh and pitch great for a season then lapse and post 5.85 and 6.55 ERAs the following seasons.

<font color=goldenrod>Yeah I know it is risky...but I dunno, I think Peterson may have got him on the right track. He's got awesome stuff, just a matter of harnessing it.

Kinda a hard situation to predict...if they manage to lock him up to a reasonable deal now, they'll still have him for future years whether he pitches well or sucks. But if he pitches great and doesn't get an extension before the year, Boras'll direct him to the FA pool and from there it'll depend on what Perez cares more about: money or the team.</font>

[Hanso Amore]

<font color=goldenrod>Yeah I know it is risky...but I dunno, I think Peterson may have got him on the right track. He's got awesome stuff, just a matter of harnessing it.

Kinda a hard situation to predict...if they manage to lock him up to a reasonable deal now, they'll still have him for future years whether he pitches well or sucks. But if he pitches great and doesn't get an extension before the year, Boras'll direct him to the FA pool and from there it'll depend on what Perez cares more about: money or the team.</font>

I dont think he will ever be as good as his breakout season in Pitssburgh again, but I dont think he will drop off again. Pitchers on his level are going to have a chance on any team, so they need to lock him up now, or someone else will.

[SammyG]

Guess we are not trading any outfielder. That means we are gonna have Kemp, Ethier, Andruw, Pierre. One of em is gonna have to sit on dat bench, niggum.

[YOUR Hero]

I dont think the jays are going to even top the D Rays this year.

Honestly, they have only been getting worse, and the D Rays have improved and will be getting some re-enforcements this year.

Jays are pretty damn deep in the pitching area. That'll keep them ahead of the DRays. All things being what they are right now.

[YOUR Hero]

A little twist that might see the Twins keep Santana?...


Minnesota Twins GM Bill Smith was very disappointed to learn that pitching prospect Jose Mijares broke his left (pitching) elbow in a one-car crash in Venezuela when he fell asleep at the wheel the Boston Globe reported.

Mijares is a 40-man roster player and throws hard (sound familiar?). He was 5-3 with a 3.54 ERA in Double A New Britain last season and had a 1.86 ERA in 37 games in the winter league in Venezuela.

Last year, it was Francisco Liriano's Tommy John surgery, and with a Johan Santana deal looming, Mijares was a young pitcher the Twins looked forward to having on the horizon.

Source: Boston Globe (http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/articles/2008/01/20/dealers_choice_for_smith/?page=3)http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/nt/ic/ut/bsc/newwin12_1.gif (http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/articles/2008/01/20/dealers_choice_for_smith/?page=3)

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Nah I don't think that'll keep the Twins from trading Santana. I can't help but think that once we get to about 1-2 weeks away from spring training camps opening, Johan'll remind Smith that he isn't waiving his no-trade clause during the year and off he'll go, especially since the Indians and Tigers will be amazing.</font>

[YOUR Hero]

I wonder if the Jays are still pursuing Linsecum (or however it's spelt) for Rios. We just took a hit offensively by moving Glaus for Rolen, so I kinda think not. but you know, it wouldn't be a bad idea looking forward.

[ClockShot]

The Rock Cats are one of the Twins' farms. Did not know that.

Brett Tomko signs a 1-year, $3 mil. deal with the Royals.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Talks are quite on the Johan front...apparently its now evident that the Twins know what they can get, its just a matter of preparing the fanbase from what they will view as a disappointment. I even heard that in order to make the Mets budge with Fernando Martinez, they might add an extra prospect to go along with Johan.</font>

[ClockShot]

Ok. The Octavio Dotel to White Sox report is for real this time.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3207135

[YOUR Hero]

Read about Pujols denying some reporters access at a press conference. They were from the same station that put his name out there as a steroid user. When his name didn't appear on the Mitchell report they retracted, but Pujols is pissed.

[ClockShot]

Mets sign Endy Chavez to a 2-year, $3.85 mil. deal.

[SammyG]

Endy Chavez is the mane. I like him a lot.

[ClockShot]

A few late items.

Chuck Knoblauch has been subpoenaed by the House Committee for a deposition before the hearing next month.

And for those that care, Jose Canseco found a new publisher for his "Juiced" sequel.

[Evil Vito]

Mets sign Endy Chavez to a 2-year, $3.85 mil. deal.

<font color=goldenrod>Nice. :cool: Endy, Castro, and Marlon all locked in for 2 years. Great bench.</font>

[tuney41]

hope the cardinals can kick ass this year

[VonErichLives]

<font color=goldenrod>Talks are quite on the Johan front...apparently its now evident that the Twins know what they can get, its just a matter of preparing the fanbase from what they will view as a disappointment. I even heard that in order to make the Mets budge with Fernando Martinez, they might add an extra prospect to go along with Johan.</font>

ESPN was reporting right now it's the Mets or no one, that the Sox and Yanks got frustrated and have actully scaled back their offers..

could be a team playing possum..

if he doesn't go to the Red Sox the NL would make me happy :)

[The Lone Wolf]

I think that Johan will be gone in probably about 3 weeks or so (around when pitchers and catchers report)

[SammyG]

Fuck Santana. He's not great anymore.

[FakeLaser]

Yeah ok

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Good call Sammy. The Dodgers shouldn't waste their money on declining superstars. They save it so they can spend it on up and coming talent like Andruw Jones, Jeff Kent, and Nomar Garciaparra.

[The Lone Wolf]

Fuck Santana. He's not great anymore.

You got to be kidding. He had good numbers for a sub-par team last year. Plus I think that if he were to go to the Mets he would be nearly untouchable in the NL.

[ClockShot]

Nothing much going down in the news and rumors.

Barry Bonds wants his Perjury case thrown out.

Jaret Wright signs a minor league deal with the Pirates. Oh the memories.........

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

Fuck Santana. He's not great anymore.

ROFLLLLLLLL

[Skippord]

I am so very happy the Rox signed Tulowitzki for 6 more years

[Dragon]

Apparently Jose Canseco offered not to name Magglio Ordonez in his next book if Ordonez invested in a film project of Canseco's. LOL.

Also, Chuck Knoblauch is on the loose. Nobody can find him to serve the subpoena about the steroids stuff.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Him and Leyritz are on the lam together.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Sounding like the deal that'll net the Mets Santana is gonna be along the lines of:

Fernando Martinez
Ryan Church (Twins want someone ML ready)
Two other prospects (probably two of Guerra/Mulvey/Humber)

Getting Santana and keeping one of Gomez or Fernando would be AWESOME. I'm not sure Gomez is ready to start in RF everyday...and Endy is probably better off the bench...worst case scenario we just go and sign a fill-in vet and let the other guys get their ABs.</font>

[ClockShot]

Braves sign Rafael Soriano to a 2-year deal.

Yankees are getting ready to re-sign Robinson Cano to a 4-year $30 mil. deal.

[ClockShot]

Apparently Jose Canseco offered not to name Magglio Ordonez in his next book if Ordonez invested in a film project of Canseco's. LOL.

What a stupid move. Just when I thought the guy was pretty much clearing himself of getting trashed on by everyone, he gotta go and pull and extortion job. Dumb fuck.

[The Lone Wolf]

I am so very happy the Rox signed Tulowitzki for 6 more years

I agree. Tulo is the next great player in the league.

[Hanso Amore]

Braves sign Rafael Soriano to a 2-year deal.

Yankees are getting ready to re-sign Robinson Cano to a 4-year $30 mil. deal.

I would lock up Cano for 5+, but as long as they lock him up it is cool

[The Lone Wolf]

I would lock up Cano for 5+, but as long as they lock him up it is cool

At his age it is hard to lock up a player for that long of term since he will probably looking for more money in a couple of years.

[FakeLaser]

Apparently the Cano deal will have options for 2012 and 2013. They should just sign him for 15 yrs. because he is the man

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

I hate it say it but I really think the Red Sox gotta build a new stadium, they would bring it so much more money if they did. I mean I love the history of Fenway and everything, but if they got rid of the Boston Garden they can get rid of Fenway Park.

[Hanso Amore]

I hate it say it but I really think the Red Sox gotta build a new stadium, they would bring it so much more money if they did. I mean I love the history of Fenway and everything, but if they got rid of the Boston Garden they can get rid of Fenway Park.

Wow. I dunno. Im not even a Boston Fan and I cannot imagine Fenway closing.

Same with Wrigley. I barely can take it that Yankee Stadium is closing.

[Dragon]

Yeah, there are two option years so it at least buys out two years of free agency.

[ClockShot]

I hate it say it but I really think the Red Sox gotta build a new stadium, they would bring it so much more money if they did. I mean I love the history of Fenway and everything, but if they got rid of the Boston Garden they can get rid of Fenway Park.

Didn't I hear something that the Red Sox brass are trying to stretch it out to 100 years so Fenway could get landmark status?

[YOUR Hero]

I think the shear economics of the game will lead Boston to build a new staduim at some point in the near future.

I did hear they wanted to make it to 100 years before they brought up the talk of a new building. Time will tell.

[YOUR Hero]

Barry Bonds, Sammy Sosa, Mike Piazza, Luis Gonzalez, Shawn Green and Reggie Sanders

Kenny Lofton, Shannon Stewart, Corey Patterson.

Pedro Feliz. Tony Clark. Brad Wilkerson. Bobby Kielty. Kevin Mench. Ryan Klesko. Sean Casey.

Mike Sweeney. Preston Wilson. Olmedo Saenz. Trot Nixon. Rondell White. Jeff Conine.

Kyle Lohse. Josh Fogg and Livan Hernandez

Bartolo Colon, Kris Benson, Freddy Garcia, Jeff Weaver, Eric Milton and Steve Trachsel.

###

Players still unsigned and available.

[MVP]

Put Kielty back in a Red Sox uniform. We could use his bat against lefties.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Conine has retired.

Anyway, assuming the rumored Santana deal takes place as rumored with Ryan Church going in the trade...I definitely wouldn't mind signing Kenny Lofton.</font>

[Supreme Olajuwon]

surprised Feliz is still on the market

he'd be a pretty solid utility guy wherever he goes

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>I wonder if the Red Sox are gonna do something of a 6-day rotation (with the exception being Beckett, whose too good for a legit 6-day and needs to stay on his 5-day.

You'll have something like:

Beckett
Schilling
Dice-K
Wakefield
Lester
Beckett
Buchholz
Schilling
Dice-K
Wakefield
Beckett
Lester
Buchholz
Schilling
Dice-K

etc...

Schilling and Wakefield would probably benefit from the extra rest in their old years...Buhcholz and Lester can get fully used to a full season without a huge risk of wearing out...and Dice-K gets back to his 6-day routine. Anybody with extra rest can also be in the bullpen for emergency reasons.</font>

[Hanso Amore]

<font color=goldenrod>I wonder if the Red Sox are gonna do something of a 6-day rotation (with the exception being Beckett, whose too good for a legit 6-day and needs to stay on his 5-day.

You'll have something like:

Beckett
Schilling
Dice-K
Wakefield
Lester
Beckett
Buchholz
Schilling
Dice-K
Wakefield
Beckett
Lester
Buchholz
Schilling
Dice-K

etc...

Schilling and Wakefield would probably benefit from the extra rest in their old years...Buhcholz and Lester can get fully used to a full season without a huge risk of wearing out...and Dice-K gets back to his 6-day routine. Anybody with extra rest can also be in the bullpen for emergency reasons.</font>

Definitely a solid idea, but it would get tricky and leave your bullpen thin. What if you need to fall on the 6th starter, then you have to jumbled everyones day off. It would throw off the rotation. Just seems very complicated to me. Might as well just have one of them come out of the pen as a long reliver, and if he is rested, spot start here and there to keep the od and young fresh.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>The Twins have reportedly signed Justin Morneau and Michael Cuddyer to multi-year contracts...a press conference will be held later.

Originally...it was said that they wouldn't negotiate or announce long term deals with them until the Santana issue was settled...so either A) It's settled or B) This is their way of doing "damage control" because they know Twins fans would be pissed with the Johan deal, this may calm that as everyone was appalled over Morneau's contract yet now he's locked up long-term.</font>

[Hanso Amore]

<font color=goldenrod>The Twins have reportedly signed Justin Morneau and Michael Cuddyer to multi-year contracts...a press conference will be held later.

Originally...it was said that they wouldn't negotiate or announce long term deals with them until the Santana issue was settled...so either A) It's settled or B) This is their way of doing "damage control" because they know Twins fans would be pissed with the Johan deal, this may calm that as everyone was appalled over Morneau's contract yet now he's locked up long-term.</font>

They are opening a new park? Will they finally spend some money then?

[The Lone Wolf]

<font color=goldenrod>I wonder if the Red Sox are gonna do something of a 6-day rotation (with the exception being Beckett, whose too good for a legit 6-day and needs to stay on his 5-day.

You'll have something like:

Beckett
Schilling
Dice-K
Wakefield
Lester
Beckett
Buchholz
Schilling
Dice-K
Wakefield
Beckett
Lester
Buchholz
Schilling
Dice-K

etc...

Schilling and Wakefield would probably benefit from the extra rest in their old years...Buhcholz and Lester can get fully used to a full season without a huge risk of wearing out...and Dice-K gets back to his 6-day routine. Anybody with extra rest can also be in the bullpen for emergency reasons.</font>

i can see this happening but i would be interested to see how dice adapts this season because if he is better they may want him to pitch more often since in japan there was no sign of him ever having any fatigue

[The Gold Standard]

<font color=goldenrod>The Twins have reportedly signed Justin Morneau and Michael Cuddyer to multi-year contracts...a press conference will be held later.

Originally...it was said that they wouldn't negotiate or announce long term deals with them until the Santana issue was settled...so either A) It's settled or B) This is their way of doing "damage control" because they know Twins fans would be pissed with the Johan deal, this may calm that as everyone was appalled over Morneau's contract yet now he's locked up long-term.</font>

I think this is a great move on the Twins part. All they need to do is lock up Santana and Liriano and they will be one of the dominant teams again in the central.

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

They are opening a new park? Will they finally spend some money then?

Yeah its gonna be pretty sweet too, except its an open roof stadium. I dunno doesn't make much sense in Minnesota but I guess they can pull it off with the scheduling of early season games or something.

[ClockShot]

Word going around is that if the Mets can't land Santana, they're gonna go after Kyle Lohse and not Livan Hernandez as their top free agent target.

[MVP]

If that's true then the Mets should just put a scarecrow on the mound, it would be just a productive as Hernandez and Lohse on the mound, and more intimidating.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>I'd rather have Livan tbh...he eats innings without much risk of getting hurt, about all you can ask for out of the #5 starter.

But if we don't get Santana after all of this I'm gonna be beyond pissed...especially with the rumors flying every day. I really pray the Twins realize they have little chance at competing with the Indians and Tigers and just decide to trade him.

Aaron Heilman, Ryan Church, Fernando Martinez, Kevin Mulvey, and a 3rd/4th place finish > 2 draft picks and a 3rd/4th place finish

Kinda scary though...the Twins Owner is one of the richest in the league, but has kept a strict budget. One would think that he'd be done after signing Morneau to the richest deal in team history plus getting Cuddyer...but he could conceivably break the bank at any moment and lock up Johan, making this offseason the biggest wild goose chase in history.</font>

[The Gold Standard]

I think as long as Livan stays in the National League he will be a good pitcher. He will give you 200+ innings a year and now a days that is a tone. He also barely gets hurt. He can also hit which is always a plus.

[Heros Welcome]

Being a Mets fan, I would be more prone to having Livan than Lohse. No way would I wanna see 4 years and 40 mil thrown at Lohse, he is no way worth that type of money. Livan is what he is an thats an innings eater. It would help our questioned bullpen every time he toes the rubber. Of course he is far from an ace but I believe he would help more than hurt. Also I am still holding out for a deal for Santana, but I don't think we should give up the entire farm for him.

[The Lone Wolf]

Livan would be good for the mets because he would sure up the #5 spot and give them room in dealing their younger talent for a front line starter.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Yeah, even at just 1-year deals I'd rather have Livan than Lohse because Livan will save your bullpen most nights. Livan's deal will probably be one year with maybe an option of some sort...I think the players who haven't signed with teams yet are at the point where they have to stick with 1-year deals and hope for a better one next year.

A rotation of Pedro, Maine, Perez, Duque, and Livan isn't awful...though it is a little worrisome. A rotation of Santana, Pedro, Maine, Perez, and Livan with Duque going to the bullpen on the other hand, would rule.</font>

[YOUR Hero]

If money ball = taking advantages of overlooked strategies why not start signing some of the aging stars to one year, incentive loaded contracts?

That's new age money ball if you ask me.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

you guys also need to factor in that Kyle Lohse is terrible

[YOUR Hero]

Lohse, the '09 Cy Young Award winner

[The Gold Standard]

Lohse is the most overrated free agent pitcher since Carl Pavano. I do not see why he is getting so much attention. He is nothing special.

[The Lone Wolf]

<font color=goldenrod>Yeah, even at just 1-year deals I'd rather have Livan than Lohse because Livan will save your bullpen most nights. Livan's deal will probably be one year with maybe an option of some sort...I think the players who haven't signed with teams yet are at the point where they have to stick with 1-year deals and hope for a better one next year.

A rotation of Pedro, Maine, Perez, Duque, and Livan isn't awful...though it is a little worrisome. A rotation of Santana, Pedro, Maine, Perez, and Livan with Duque going to the bullpen on the other hand, would rule.</font>

my thoughts exactly

[ClockShot]

Mike Lieberthal calls it a career.

[YOUR Hero]

Lohse is the most overrated free agent pitcher since Carl Pavano. I do not see why he is getting so much attention. He is nothing special.

Where's the attention he's getting? He remains unsigned.

[ClockShot]

Some late news and rumors.

A rumor going around says Erik Bedard might be going to Seattle next week. Adam Jones, George Sherrill and Chris Tillman and one other might be coming over in exchange. However, there are still rumblings of a Bedard/Roberts trade to the Cubs in the air.

A source out of Minnesota reports that Johan Santana might be traded within 10 days. Yanks, Red Sox, and Mets are still in the mix. However, Buster Olney reports that the Red Sox may have pulled Jon Lester off the table.

The Twins are also keeping an eye of Corey Patterson and Kenny Lofton, should they fail to trade Santana, they may go after one of them.

[YOUR Hero]

Bedard's going to Seattle. The M's have called Adam Jones back from winter ball and he's going to Baltimore for a physical.

[OssMan]

EriK :(

[YOUR Hero]

yah

guy wants to play for The Blue Jays too :'(

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Wow...I'd be jumping for joy if my team got Erik Bedard...but apparently Mariners fans are pissed and feel that they should have gotten more than Bedard in return for Jones.

Said one fan: "We are screwed until at least 2014"</font>

[FakeLaser]

They'll win 82-88 games next year, about what they did last year. They played over their heads a bit last year, so any difference Bedard might have made will be offset by that. They can't compete with the Red Sox, Yankees, Tigers, Indians and Angels yet.

I expect Sexson to keep sucking. Lopez and Betancourt should improve but Ibanez is on the decline. They lost Guillen. They lose Jones and Guillen. They need a bat.

Felix Hernandez needs to step it up. Batista and Washburn are going to take a step back. Nasty bullpen though.

[YOUR Hero]

So now Angelos is apparently stepping in and putting the deal off/on hold. LOL, what a dysfunctional organization the O's are..

[ClockShot]

So now Angelos is apparently stepping in and putting the deal off/on hold. LOL, what a dysfunctional organization the O's are..

This guy is gonna be the next George Steinbrenner if he keeps pulling this crap.

Roger Clemens' agent released a 40 page report comparing his stats to the info in the Mitchell report. Another stupid move in the wrong direction IMO.

Pedro Feliz signs a 2-year deal with the Phillies.

Red Sox trade Willy Mota and Miguel Socolovich to the White Sox for David Aardsma. I like to hear Sox fans from both cities about this.

And. In a strange move, Brandon Inge is going down to spring training as a Catcher with the tigers. :?:

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>The Mets have reportedly pulled Carlos Gomez from the Caribbean Series.

The new rumored deal: Johan Santana for Carlos Gomez, Deolis Guerra, Phil Humber, Kevin Mulvey, and Ruben Gotay.

Holy shit if that trade goes through. :drool: Mets get Johan and get to keep Martinez and Pelfrey? Sign me up!</font>

[OssMan]

Gotay :(

[OssMan]

Classic Mets giving away the farm system for a Latino player though :shifty:

[The Lone Wolf]

<font color=goldenrod>The Mets have reportedly pulled Carlos Gomez from the Caribbean Series.

The new rumored deal: Johan Santana for Carlos Gomez, Deolis Guerra, Phil Humber, Kevin Mulvey, and Ruben Gotay.

Holy shit if that trade goes through. :drool: Mets get Johan and get to keep Martinez and Pelfrey? Sign me up!</font>

If thats all we have to give up I'm in too.

[Heros Welcome]

If thats all we have to give up I'm in too.

It is gutting our farm of our pitching,as well as losing Gomez and Milledge in the same offseason. But we are in dyer need of an ACE and Johan is the absolute goods. We keep FMart and Pelfry....Pull the trigger.

[The Gold Standard]

Johan will stay a Twin. I have been saying this since day 1. The twins do not want to get rid of him.

[Dragon]

Johan will stay a Twin. I have been saying this since day 1. The twins do not want to get rid of him.

They don't have a choice but to get rid of him unless they are gonna offer up the money he wants. I don't think they will after giving all that money to Morneau and Cuddyer.

[Heros Welcome]

They just coughed up over 100 mil in money between Morneau and Cuddyer, and THAT seemed like a stretch for the tight pocketed Twins owner. No chance he plans on giving Johan 120+ mil.

[YOUR Hero]

Inge was a catcher before. So I imagine he wants to remains a Tiger and the Tigers are trying to 're train' him to add depth to their bench. If Inge is all for it, then this is a good baseball move by the the Tigers.

[ClockShot]

Johnny Estrada signs a 1-year, $1.25 million deal with the Nats.

The Erik Bedard to Seattle deal is a big mess yet again. Rosenthal has 3 theories why this is being held up. One reason that popped early last night was that nobody could get through to Pete Angelos because of a family matter. But.....

Pete Angelos still wants to sign Bedard to an extension.
Pete Angelos is mad about Adam Jones leaking the deal to the Venezuelan press.
Or Pete Angelos just wants more/different players than Andy MacPhail negotiated.

[YOUR Hero]

Angelos should just fire his managers, coaches and center fielder and assume those positions himself.

[ClockShot]

Inge was a catcher before. So I imagine he wants to remains a Tiger and the Tigers are trying to 're train' him to add depth to their bench. If Inge is all for it, then this is a good baseball move by the the Tigers.

Well he still pretty pissed now that Miguel Cabrera has his job now. I guess this could work out if Ivan Rodriguez goes someplace else after his contract is up. Pretty surprised nobody has interest in him.

[YOUR Hero]

Pudge is wearing down, all catchers do. I expect Inge to be depth, not a replacement. At this stage anyway.
If Inge wasn't pissed to loose his job, I wouldn't want him on my team. If he's willing to change for the good of the team (and of course himself) then he's a huge asset, the kind of team player you want.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Buster Olney reports the Twins now are no longer giving a deadline and might wait to trade him even after pitchers and catchers report.

...Kill me now. :| I just can't take this shit any longer. Make a fucking decision.</font>

[Splaya]

Pudge is wearing down, all catchers do. I expect Inge to be depth, not a replacement. At this stage anyway.
If Inge wasn't pissed to loose his job, I wouldn't want him on my team. If he's willing to change for the good of the team (and of course himself) then he's a huge asset, the kind of team player you want.


Oh he is still pissed but I'm relieved he is going to do this for us. It makes a big difference to have him backing up Pudge instead of Vance Wilson. Plus, if memory serves me Riberio went in the deal to Florida so they have no one left at catcher to back Pudge up. I could see the Tigers getting Inge's value up, shopping him at the deadline, and add a veteran or young catcher with some experience.

[FakeLaser]

Buster Olney reports the Twins now are no longer giving a deadline and might wait to trade him even after pitchers and catchers report.

...Kill me now. :| I just can't take this shit any longer. Make a fucking decision.
It's better to just ignore Santana talk. It has greatly helped my sanity.

[OssMan]

Johnny Estrada signs a 1-year, $1.25 million deal with the Nats.

The Erik Bedard to Seattle deal is a big mess yet again. Rosenthal has 3 theories why this is being held up. One reason that popped early last night was that nobody could get through to Pete Angelos because of a family matter. But.....

Pete Angelos still wants to sign Bedard to an extension.
Pete Angelos is mad about Adam Jones leaking the deal to the Venezuelan press.
Or Pete Angelos just wants more/different players than Andy MacPhail negotiated.Or Pete Angelos wants to be Pete Angelos one more time

[ClockShot]

Kris Benson popped on the radar again. He's gonna throw for teams again about a week from today. Only reported team in attendance are the Phillies.

[FakeLaser]

Benson sucks

[Dragon]

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/2008-01-29-twins-mets-santana_N.htm

Reporting that the deal is agreed upon. Gomez, Humber, Mulvey and Guerra for Santana.

That is a steal for the Mets.

[Heros Welcome]

We end up keeping Pelfry and FMart, though the farm is gutted from pitching I am still EXTREMLY EXCITED!

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

Yessss Yankees didn't get Santana and the Sox are keeping all their young talent. Let the domination begin :cool:

[FakeLaser]

Yeah, wow, the Twins are fucking dumb. They could have had the best pitching prospect in baseball, Phil Hughes, a 23 year old really good CF with 2 seasons already under his belt, Melky Cabrera and another prospect, or a top pitching prospect like Jon Lester, a potential future star in Jacoby Ellsbury, etc.

Instead, they get Carlos Gomez, who is comparable to Melky Cabrera, as the centerpiece. They get Philip Humber, who has a future as a number 3 starter. I never heard of Guerra. I've heard good things about Mulvey, but he's not a top prospect or anything. Mets kept their 2 best prospects, Martinez and Pelfrey. What a steal. Twins are retarded. That's what they get for giving the Yankees and Red Sox blue balls for months.

I am very happy. We keep Hughes. The Red Sox don't get Santana. The Mets still won't win the World Series. Life is good.

[FakeLaser]

I still can't believe that THIS is what they were holding out for. lollllllllllll

[Dragon]

Yeah, I really think the Twins dropped the ball. Gomez and Guerra are supposedly pretty big prospects but Humber and Mulvey are projected to be #4 starters, #3 starters at best.

Gomez has the potential to be good, has a ton of speed and everything. And Guerra has "front-line" potential but he's also in like A ball and years away.

I really think the Twins screwed up though. A package headed by Lester, Ellsbury or Hughes would be better.

[FakeLaser]

If I were them, I'd have preferred Ian Kennedy, Melky and 2 prospects to this deal.

[Dragon]

How can you seriously lose Santana, Silva and Garza in one offseason and not get a big pitching prospect back to fill in the rotation? Mulvey and Humber are close to being ready but are projected to be back-end pitchers. Guerra is a while away I think.

Definitely happy the Yanks kept Hughes though.

[FakeLaser]

Kennedy is better than them. He is severely underrated. He was amazing last year. He's a first round pick. Also, look at his minor league numbers, they're as good as anyone ever:

149 IP, 12-3, 165 Ks, 52 BBs, 1.87/0.97

Nasty

[Dragon]

If I were them, I'd have preferred Ian Kennedy, Melky and 2 prospects to this deal.

Yeah, me too. And I don't even think I'm overvaluing the Yankees prospects at all. You'd think a Kennedy, Tabata, Marquez deal would have gotten this done in minutes. I've heard Mets fans say Gomez really isn't ready yet for bigs either.

[OssMan]

Jawful move by the Twins

Mets get Santana and the Giants are in the Superbowl...WOOOOOO

[The Lone Wolf]

Johan is winning the NL Cy Young for the METS and lead us to a world series win over Detriot. It is as simple as that.

[Heros Welcome]

When you lose those 3 guys, you can't expect to win this year. They shelled out the cash to keep Morneau for there future, so go young and rebuild and hopefully be ready to contend come the time of their new stadium.

[Dragon]

Kennedy is better than them. He is severely underrated. He was amazing last year. He's a first round pick. Also, look at his minor league numbers, they're as good as anyone ever:

149 IP, 12-3, 165 Ks, 52 BBs, 1.87/0.97

Nasty

Yeah, I agree. I actually think he will be the most successful next year for us. He doesn't have the pure stuff and might never be an ace but he is the most polished out of the big three. And he has the best chance at pitching a good amount of innings next year. Probably like 180 which will be more than Hughes or Joba.

Man, can't wait for the season to start.

[Heros Welcome]

Johan is winning the NL Cy Young for the METS and lead us to a world series win over Detriot. It is as simple as that.

YES!

[Dragon]

Hopefully Santana is gonna hold out for that 7 year extension though. LOL, don't want the Mets to get him this easily. I really think the Mets are just gonna have to give him what he wants now. They don't have much choice.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>DSIFUJSDIJFIGVJFIJGODJFJIBJ :love:

Give him 7 years...seriously. Four/five brilliant years of Johan is worth it.</font>

[Dragon]

As long as Santana holds out for his 7 year extension I will be happy.

[ClockShot]

Yeah. Just read the breaking news ticker on A.T.H. Only thing that's being held up is Mets deal to Santana when he gets here.

But finally! The wait is over on this.

[ClockShot]

Couple other things I dug up.

According to a Yankees pitching coach, they're gonna start Joba Chamberlain in the pen and break him into the rotation down the line in the season.

On Erik Bedard's end, a radio rumor arose on the Baltimore airwaves this afternoon that the reason the trade is on hold is because that the O's were informed of a "degenerative hip condtion" with Adam Jones. The Orioles are concerned, but no news as of late.

[McLegend]

Fuuuuuuuuuuuucccccccckkkkkkkkkkkkkkk

[Splaya]

Johan is winning the NL Cy Young for the METS and lead us to a world series defeat against Detroit. It is as simple as that.

[SammyG]

lol Assmane texting me telling me about this.

[Hardkore Kidd J]

I am so fricken happy right now. Yankees keep their players and the Red Sox don't get 2 times better then they were. I don't understand why Smith would do this deal though. Minnesota fans are gonna be pissed. Congrats on getting Santana to all the Mets fans.

[Hanso Amore]

This is great.

Good on the mets.

Bad on the Twins.

The Yanks and Boston stay the same....good stuff.

[Nervous Ferret]

Johan will stay a Twin. I have been saying this since day 1. The twins do not want to get rid of him.
lol comeon, like 15 hours after this

[YOUR Hero]

Here's what I think. The Twins think they can work some sort of over achieving magic in the next couple years.

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

Ever think the Twins wanted to get him out of the American League?

[MVP]

I'd like to see the Red Sox go after Erik Bedard now that Johan is off the market, but Batlimore wouldn't be very intelligent to trade him within the division.

[YOUR Hero]

Ever think the Twins wanted to get him out of the American League?

Yeah that too. I was going to mention that about where people were saying they could have gotten a better group of players from the Yankees or the Red Sox, but you have to also factor in that the Twins would have to face him still.

[YOUR Hero]

WASHINGTON (AP) - A lawyer for Andy Pettitte's former personal trainer said Tuesday he believes the pitcher will tell Congress he discussed human growth hormone with Roger Clemens between the 2001 and 2002 seasons.

The lawyer, Earl Ward, said Pettitte talked about HGH with trainer Brian McNamee following a conversation with Clemens, who has denied that he used HGH or steroids. McNamee worked with both Clemens and Pettitte.

"We're hopeful based on Andy's reputation that he will corroborate Brian's statements with regard to Roger," Ward said in a telephone interview.

Pettitte's meeting with a congressional committee investigating drug use in baseball was postponed until Monday. He originally was slated to appear for a deposition or transcribed interview Wednesday but the date was changed Tuesday by the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee.

McNamee said in last month's Mitchell Report that he injected Clemens at least 16 times with steroids or HGH in 1998, 2000 and 2001. He said he injected Pettitte two to four times with HGH.

Pettitte admitted two days after the Mitchell Report was released that he tried HGH for two days in 2002 - before it was banned by players and owners.

Ward said the discussion he was referring to occurred at Clemens' house.

"Based on what we know, there was a situation where Andy was speaking to Roger in Brian's presence, then Andy came over to Brian and essentially said, 'Why didn't you tell me about this stuff?' He referred to HGH," Ward said. "Brian discouraged him and then several months later, when he (Pettitte) got injured, he came back and asked Brian about it, and that's when Brian injected him. We believe that based on the fact that Andy came to Brian and asked him about HGH, it was Roger who told Andy about HGH and that's why he asked Brian about it."

Richard Emery, another lawyer for McNamee, said his client and Pettitte also discussed steroids use by Clemens.

"Pettitte is certainly going to tell the truth and if he tells the truth everything will be fine," Emery said.

"There are a number of conversations where Pettitte and Brian talked about Clemens' use. I think there is everything to believe Pettitte is not a liar."

Jay Reisinger, Pettitte's lawyer, would not discuss what Pettitte would say.

"He hasn't testified yet, and I'm not going to comment on what he's going to testify about," Reisinger said.

Lanny Breuer, Clemens' new lawyer, said the seven-time Cy Young Award winner, stood by his denials.

"Roger Clemens remarkable success as a pitcher has everything to do with his extraordinary work ethic and his innate abilities, and nothing to do with HGH. or steroids," Breuer said in a statement. "Let me be clear: Roger Clemens never took HGH and he never took steroids."

Ward's claims about the discussion were first reported by The New York Times on its Web site.

The delay of Pettitte's deposition or transcribed interview was the latest switch in the schedule of meetings between witnesses and staff before the Feb. 13 hearing.

"Just a mutually agreeable postponement," said Keith Ausbrook, Republican general counsel for the committee. "It give us a little more time to prepare and gives him a little more time to prepare."

Also asked to appear at next month's hearing are Clemens, McNamee, former Yankees second baseman Chuck Knoblauch, and former New York Mets clubhouse employee Kirk Radomski.

"Mr. Pettitte is cooperating voluntarily with the committee, and we look forward to his testimony on Monday," panel chairman Henry Waxman and ranking Republican Tom Davis said in a joint statement. "We appreciate Mr. Pettitte's willingness to assist the committee."

Knoblauch now is scheduled for Friday and would be the first of the five Feb. 13 witnesses to provide a deposition or transcribed interview. He agreed to appear after a subpoena was issued.

Clemens is to follow Feb. 5, with McNamee down for Feb. 7, and Radomski on Feb. 12 - pending further changes to a repeatedly shuffled schedule.

Letters sent by Waxman and Davis to Clemens, Pettitte and Knoblauch on Jan. 16, requesting their appearances both at the hearing and a pre-hearing meeting, said: "The committee asks that you provide testimony about allegations in Senator George Mitchell's report ... that you and other Major League Baseball players used performance enhancing drugs during your professional baseball career."

Clemens, Pettitte and Knoblauch were among more than 80 players named in the Mitchell Report.

McNamee told Mitchell he acquired HGH from Radomski for Knoblauch in 2001, and that he injected the player with it. Knoblauch's major league career ended in 2002.

Radomski pleaded guilty in April to federal felony charges of distributing steroids and laundering money, and is scheduled to be sentenced Feb. 8.

The 35-year-old Pettitte has a 201-113 major league record and won four World Series championships with the Yankees. He also helped his hometown Houston Astros reach their first World Series.

Pettitte returned to the Yankees last season and went 15-9. This offseason, he put off retirement and agreed to a $16 million, one-year contract to play for the Yankees next season.

---

Blum reported from New York, Fendrich from Washington.

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/7735688/Pettitte-may-corroborate-accusation-against-Clemens?MSNHPHMA

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Hahaha, Johan is the man. Reortedly Johan and his agent were just as sick of the trade talks as everyone else, so they called Twins management during the middle of the day yesterday to say "If you don't trade me today, I'm waiving my no trade clause for all of 2008"</font> :lol:

[Dragon]

Wow, apparently the Twins asked for Ian Kennedy, Melky and another prospect from the Yankees as a final offer and the Yankees denied them...If this is true, Cashman is the biggest idiot ever.

[FakeLaser]

Yeah, that is kind of dumb, but then again Kennedy is the man and all the decent centerfielders are now off the market. I really don't want an outfield with Matsui in left and Damon in center again. Their poor defense will almost offset whatever Santana would have added to the team. I can't understate how much Cabrera in center and Damon in left improves the team defensively.

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

I heard the guy the Twins got is suppose to be faster than Jose Reyes...any truth to this?

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Yeah, Gomez and Reyes frequently had races in Spring Training and Gomez won most of them. Crazy fast.</font>

[The Lone Wolf]

Gomez is definantly a great talent but he isnt ready for a full time role this upcoming season.

[ClockShot]

Some news and rumors.

Rockies and Scott Podsednik are finalizing a 1-year deal minor league deal.

Even after the Santana trade, the Red Sox are still shopping Coco Crisp.

The White Sox and Giants are in talks of a Joe Crede deal. Apparently, new Giants CF Aaron Rowand is lobbying the front office to make a move on Joe. Sources say if he's looking good during spring training, he might be gone around mid-march.

And finally. FINALLY! The Erik Bedard trade that has been killed or halted many a time, might be a done deal by the end of the week.

[FakeLaser]

Gomez is fast but he can't hit for power and has very poor plate discipline. He's got a decent arm and a good glove though. He's a less disciplined, faster Melky Cabrera with a worse arm. And he's the centerpiece of the deal. Wow.

[Hanso Amore]

That does not seem like so much that the Yanks would have had to give up, but the money is the biggie.

It would have been in a sense

Kennedy
Melky
Another prospect
120 million
Replacement CF from somewhere


Maybe this is a sign that they are working to lower the payroll.

Essentially the Twins out bid themselves and missed out

[The Lone Wolf]

Gomez is fast but he can't hit for power and has very poor plate discipline. He's got a decent arm and a good glove though. He's a less disciplined, faster Melky Cabrera with a worse arm. And he's the centerpiece of the deal. Wow.

The difference is Gomez only has 125 big league at bats compared to Melky with 1024 and Gomez may become a gold glover and is potentially the fastest man in baseball.

[Hanso Amore]

I dunno, I like Gomez, but he is sort of a younger Juan Pierre. but I dont know if he is 200 hit potential. He would be a better fielder. he may be better, he may be worse, but he is not a top prospect that should be the center of the Biggest Trade in years.

[Splaya]

I dunno, I like Gomez, but he is sort of a younger Juan Pierre. but I dont know if he is 200 hit potential. He would be a better fielder. he may be better, he may be worse, but he is not a top prospect that should be the center of the Biggest Trade in years.

WTF are you even talking about. This a big trade, but this is under no comparison to the deal the Tigers and Marlins made.

[Hardkore Kidd J]

Wow, apparently the Twins asked for Ian Kennedy, Melky and another prospect from the Yankees as a final offer and the Yankees denied them...If this is true, Cashman is the biggest idiot ever.

So that was it? My god, Santana could have been in our hands for that? Damn it! I would have packed Ian Kennedy and Melky's bags and drove them to Minnesota if that's all it took. Man, Cashman you are a total idiot.

[Hanso Amore]

WTF are you even talking about. This a big trade, but this is under no comparison to the deal the Tigers and Marlins made.

The Hype around this trade is way bigger. Detroit landed 2 top stars....But the Mets landed the TOP Pitcher. This had been dragged out for months with all the big names involved. The Detroit trade happened over night with very little hullabaloo. So WTF are you talking about?

[FakeLaser]

They're comparable, especially considering the complete assraping done by the Mets.

[ClockShot]

Some news and rumors.

From Buster Olney's blog regarding the last minute offer to the Yankees by the Twins for Santana: "The Twins tried to re-engage the Yankees Monday night, calling and asking, again, for Hughes to be in a package. The Yankees said no, and the Twins then asked, instead, for Chien-Ming Wang and Ian Kennedy, and the Yankees said no."

Jorge Julio signs a minor league deal with the Indians.

Jayson Stark reports that the Santana/Mets contract talks are gonna go into Friday, the last day to make a deal.

Luis Gonzalez signs a 1-year, $2 milllion deal with the Marlins.

[MVP]

The Hype around this trade is way bigger. Detroit landed 2 top stars....But the Mets landed the TOP Pitcher. This had been dragged out for months with all the big names involved. The Detroit trade happened over night with very little hullabaloo. So WTF are you talking about?

Well Miguel Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis were involved in trade talks all last season, just not packaged together or with Detroit at all. You are right about the Santana deal having more hype. In terms of the impact that each trade has had on the respective teams, it doesn't vary that much. Detroit and New York have stacked their team for the upcoming season, and Minnesota and Florida are rebuilding for future seasons.

[Hanso Amore]

I think Detroit got more talent, but the Mets made the Biggest splash in the media.

Obviously Bonds' is not the best FA this offseason, but if anyone signed him, it would be the biggest FA signing.

[MVP]

Yeah especially since that team would be the first ever to have an incarcerated player on the 25-man roster.

[ClockShot]

Late news.

2 new details came up on the Erik Bedard front. 1. The Orioles offered him a last minute extension to his current contract. 2. The Indians made a late offer.

Yankees make another move this (quiet) offseason. Signing Morgan Ensberg to a 1-year deal.

Marlins also sign Dallas MacPherson to a 1-year deal today as well.

Mariners sign Brad Wilkeson to a 1-year deal.

Latest numbers on the Santana talks are 6-years, $129 million starting in '09. Plus his salary for '08 rounding out $142.5 mil. Santana's camp wants to reach $170 million total.

[Heros Welcome]

As the hours are beginning to dwindle, being a die hard mets fan and knowing the way how freddy coupon can be, I grow worried about this deal. We stole him from the twins, now just pay the man! I don't believe the reports of 7/170. Offer 6 with a 7th year option for a total of 140-150 mil. If this fails, I'll be expecting an army of met fans rallying up to burn shea.

[YOUR Hero]

170 / 7 = 24+ million a year.

Given they gave away what's considered very little for Santana, I believe that's a deal worth signing for the Mets.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Yeah, Johan is in the driver's seat 100% of the way. The Mets pretty much HAVE to give him what he wants or risk a revolt. I think even I'd consider boycotting in 2008 if Coupon backed out of it.</font>

[SammyG]

Santana should sit out the season. Win-win situation.

[SammyG]

for everyone except the Mets.

[ClockShot]

Tick tock goes the clock. Just 3 hours and 30 mins. for a deal to happen.

Since Santana might be out the door in a little while. The new target on the Twins' radar is Josh Fogg.

Since Livan Hernandez ain't getting the Mets job, he's made an offer to the Nationals.

Sean Casey signs a 1-year, $700k deal with the Red Sox.

[The Gold Standard]

Even though I thought the Twins weren't going to actuallly trade him, I think they couldve gotten a lot more from the Sox or Yankees. Even though they were asking for a lot i think what they were offered was still better than what the Mets gave. The Mets made out like bandits on this one. I say good job by Omar.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Jon Heyman reports Santana and the Mets are about to sign. 7 years, $152 million and it starts with the 2008 season.</font>

[Heros Welcome]

8 minutes....my heart is in my throat

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>2 hour extension</font>

[Heros Welcome]

2 more killer hours. But it seems like this is going to get done.

[Dragon]

Apparently Santana is being pretty tough. Definitely gonna be a huge contract. Can't really blame him too much though about getting what he wants. The Mets really have no choice and will have to give in sooner or later.

He started out at 28 million per year and wants the guaranteed six or seven years. Also heard Santana and his agent were campaigning for an opt-out clause after 3 years.

[Heros Welcome]

There have been so many conflicting reports im not sure what to think is true and what is false.

[Hanso Amore]

how do you justify 24+ million for a guy that plays every 5th day? I dont think posistion players should even make 20 million.

[Hanso Amore]

Baseball doesnt need a cap, it needs to cap salaries. the NBA has max and min contracts, the MLB needs it.

[Heros Welcome]

I agree with you, but there are owners out there that crumble and give someone like Barry Zito 127 mil, so you have to expect someone the caliber of Johan Santana to make more than that.

[Heros Welcome]

The market is so messed up its rediculous. I still can't believe last year Ted Lilly got 40 mil for 4 years. What a JOKE!

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Santana to take his physical tomorrow</font>

[SammyG]

So it's official?

[Heros Welcome]

ESPN just reported it. Pending the physical tomorrow it is a done deal! WOOOOOOO

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>I am so pumped right now...holy shit.

If he fails his physical after all of this I'm probably gonna commit suicide.</font> :o

[SammyG]

big diehl for the mets. big diehl for the lakers. huge sports day

[The Gold Standard]

That deal is huge...I can't believe this market now a days

[ClockShot]

Yup. Done deal. Must have been some wild numbers thrown in those 2 extra hours. Can't wait to hear the final word.

[Dragon]

Wonder how much he got in the end. I've heard a lot of different reports and stuff. One even said he it would be 7 years with an 8th year option.

This affects Sabathia a lot considering he's a free agent after this season. A lot of people expect him to sign an extension with the Indians but this is gonna make that a lot harder.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>I'd love to see a huge offseason for the Mets this year.....I can see it now...</font>

http://www.sportsmogul.com/vbulletin2/attachment.php?attachmentid=11349&stc=1&d=1192668064

http://www.sportsmogul.com/vbulletin2/attachment.php?attachmentid=11351&stc=1&d=1192668084

http://www.sportsmogul.com/vbulletin2/attachment.php?attachmentid=11352&stc=1&d=1192668093

http://www.sportsmogul.com/vbulletin2/attachment.php?attachmentid=11353&stc=1&d=1192668109

:shifty: <font color=goldenrod>Hey, I can dream. But I wouldn't be surprised if they got at least one of them, they NEED to make a huge splash.</font>

[ClockShot]

Ladies and Gentlemen. The numbers are in.


SI.com is reporting that the deal is for $137.5MM for six years with a $7MM signing bonus added to Santana's 2008 salary. The total deal is worth $150.75MM. Ken Rosenthal confirms it. So, the Mets had to give in on six guaranteed years.

[YOUR Hero]

A bargain for the Mets, imo

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Indians fans are all panicking because now they are all but certain that Sabathia is a goner after 2008.</font>

[The Gold Standard]

Even though the Mets are paying all that money for Santana, they pulled a fast one over the Twins. I have to say good job by Omar.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>The Mets are now holding a conference call, announcing the acquisition as final.

The press conference probably won't be until Wednesday as half the media is in Arizona and Tuesday is Super Tuesday.</font>

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Indians fans are all panicking because now they are all but certain that Sabathia is a goner after 2008.</font>

<font color=goldenrod>Scratch that...now, some are saying they wouldn't be opposed to trading Sabathia NOW if they can't lock him up. How retarded, that would basically be handing the division to the Tigers.</font>

[YOUR Hero]

CC isn't Santana. I understand he'd be due a big contract, but not of the likes of Santana.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Sabathia figures to be around 6 years, $100 million guaranteed plus options with the way it is now, I'd think. I've actually read though that several GMs have said that they'd be wary of giving Sabathia that big a deal...not just because he's a pitcher, but also because he's pushing 300 lbs.</font>

[OssMan]

I'm pretty sure that every big name pitcher is just gonna keep pushing the market, "Santana got this much, I should get more" and Sabathia will get the biggest contract for a pitcher in baseball histroy like Santana just did. Then this process will repeat with whoever is the big name pitcher the following year. This will happen consistently for 5-7 years until everything spirals out of control and Major League Baseball collapses on itself.

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

I'm pretty sure that every big name pitcher is just gonna keep pushing the market, "Santana got this much, I should get more" and Sabathia will get the biggest contract for a pitcher in baseball histroy like Santana just did. Then this process will repeat with whoever is the big name pitcher the following year. This will happen consistently for 5-7 years until everything spirals out of control and Major League Baseball collapses on itself.
I don't think so, otherwise it would be happening right now with positional player after Manny, A-Rod and Jeter all got their deals.

Sabathia will make at least 35 million less than Santana IMO

[Heros Welcome]

Its not Johan that is going to be the marker, its going to be Zito I believe. Sure Santana is making 150 mil and every picther who is considered an ace probably feels they should make that much, but it is someone like CC who could say "Hey Zito got 127 mil and I am better than him" which he is. I mean Zito is a good picther, but he is not 127 mil worth. I'm expecting CC to land a deal in the range of 130 mil.

[Heros Welcome]

It all comes down to Scott Boras. He is what is wrong with baseball, aside from steroids.

[YOUR Hero]

Boras is just a product of the game that happens outside the real game. It should also be noted that (imo) Boras overplayed his hand a couple times now and the shine, the luster of the man's swagger is off.

Good point about Zito being the market setter. Now Zito did win a Cy Young as was still young when he signed his deal, but yeah everyone knows he wasn't the same Zito that had once won the Cy Young 5+ years ago.

[VonErichLives]

if I was a pro athlete I'd want Borus...

His job is to do what's in his clients best interest, which is up to the player and most of them say "get me the most you can" and thats what he does.

Should baseball have a cap? I dunno about that, on one hand you may level the playing field on the other what right does someone have to tell a company "you cant spend your profits on making your team better". Plus, you have the steinbrenner argument against the luxury tax.

His issue always was he's fine paying it, however the teams that get the money should be required to increase their payroll by that amount or lose the funds because otherwise it defeats the purpose.

if the Royals have a 20mil payroll and from the luxury tax get another 5mil but keep payroll at 20mil, that what good has it done?

[Dragon]

Yeah, Zito's contract really set the bar for pitchers. Santana based his off Zito's and thought he deserved more. And Sabathia will probably do the same.

[YOUR Hero]

if I was a pro athlete I'd want Borus...

His job is to do what's in his clients best interest, which is up to the player and most of them say "get me the most you can" and thats what he does.

Should baseball have a cap? I dunno about that, on one hand you may level the playing field on the other what right does someone have to tell a company "you cant spend your profits on making your team better". Plus, you have the steinbrenner argument against the luxury tax.

His issue always was he's fine paying it, however the teams that get the money should be required to increase their payroll by that amount or lose the funds because otherwise it defeats the purpose.

if the Royals have a 20mil payroll and from the luxury tax get another 5mil but keep payroll at 20mil, that what good has it done?

What right therefore do they have in saying "You have to spend your luxury transfer cash on the team?" You can't argue they have no right telling someone they can't spend lots but then say you can't spend little. If it's going to be free marketed then it has to be free marketed. The consumer will walk away if the product isn't good enough. That's the whole gist of free market.

Now baseball is a hybrid of this free market stuff. They do penalize teams when they reach a certain threshold, the transfer does go to all the other teams, those teams should be spending it on the product. What's saying they don't? Maybe (using your example) they'd have only spent 15 million instead of 20 in the first place.

Where I see baseball needing controls is with these rookies. Hughes should never have been a Yankee. Other teams passed him up because they couldn't sign him to the type of cash he was commanding. Therefore he falls to the rich team. I'd argue draft eligible players are basically slaves until they prove themselves in the big leagues.

[Heros Welcome]

In the end, you don't even need Boras to be your agent to make money. He does his job by getting a mediocre pitcher paid big, that means that all mediocre pitchers and going to be looking to land big money deals. Same goes for a superstar everyday player. I mean I believe JD Drew is his agent and he got out of a 60 mil dollar deal with the dodgers to go on to sign a 90 mil deal with the Red Sox I believe? JD Drew is NOT worth 90 mil. I just feel it is Boras who is taking the integrity away from the game by making it so money oriented.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Yeah, the fact that Scott Boras is Oliver Perez' agent really scares me for the Mets' future

Their 2008 rotation is gonna be Santana-Pedro-Perez-Maine-El Duque. That's awesome...but then after the year we might be down to Santana and Maine...if Perez has another 15 win season with like a 3.50 ERA and a load of K's, I have no doubt Boras is gonna look for a Gil Meche-type contract.</font>

[Heros Welcome]

Ollie is one of my fav Mets, and I too feel this way. I would love to see him come back because even though people say he is a on/off pitcher I still believe he thrives in NY. Would I pay him 65 mil? I would because I don't want him to go, but coupon just dished out 150 mil on a pitcher so I'm expecting him to walk.

[OssMan]

if I was a pro athlete I'd want Borus...

His job is to do what's in his clients best interest, which is up to the player and most of them say "get me the most you can" and thats what he does.

Should baseball have a cap? I dunno about that, on one hand you may level the playing field on the other what right does someone have to tell a company "you cant spend your profits on making your team better". Plus, you have the steinbrenner argument against the luxury tax.

His issue always was he's fine paying it, however the teams that get the money should be required to increase their payroll by that amount or lose the funds because otherwise it defeats the purpose.

if the Royals have a 20mil payroll and from the luxury tax get another 5mil but keep payroll at 20mil, that what good has it done?If I was a pro athlete I would be my own agent and sign for the minimum salary no matter how good I was. Just tired about sports being all about money, maybe I could do something good for the league by actually caring about the sport and not the money

[Evil Vito]

If I was a pro athlete I would be my own agent and sign for the minimum salary no matter how good I was.

:lol:

[YOUR Hero]

If I was a pro athlete I would be my own agent and sign for the minimum salary no matter how good I was. Just tired about sports being all about money, maybe I could do something good for the league by actually caring about the sport and not the money

I feel what you're saying but I'm sure there are alot of other pressures we'd have on ourselves if we were in that position.
Besides there are players that sign for league minimum in sport, but you rarely hear about them. There are also guys that are their own agents, again, they don't set trends by doing this.

Much respect from me to you for having that type of character, AssMan :y:

[OssMan]

Well you don't hear about those players because no one cares about them. It would be big news if Derek Jeter signed for the league minimum.

:lol:

I also seem to be the only person in the world who does not want to be rich, so that is cool, I guess

[SammyG]

Spoilers: Dodgers win NL

[Skippord]

Spoilers: Dodgers win NL
*Rockies

[ddpBANG]

Spoilers: Padres win NL
:y:




:rofl:

[Heros Welcome]

Spoilers: Mets win NL

:yes:

[Splaya]

Tigers lock up Curtis Granderson for 5 more years at 30mil. That is a HUGE bargain

[Heros Welcome]

Holy hell that is a STEAL for the Tigers.

[MVP]

That's a major steal since Torii Hunter really threw off the market for center fielders with his massive contract. I'd take Granderson over Hunter for pretty much everything except fielding.

[FakeLaser]

Wow, amazing deal for the Tigers. Granderson is the man.

[ClockShot]

Damn fine deal by the Tigers. I'd like to shake his hand for a deal like that.

Some news I found.

With Johan Santana now setting the bar for pitchers contracts, Pete Gammons put out a article today involving the Red Sox. In Particular Josh Beckett, whose contract runs out in a couple more years. A unnamed Red Sox official quotes "We'd better enjoy Josh Beckett the next three years. Because we won't be able to sign him after his deal is up after 2010."

Yankees are taking a look at Kevin Mench as a possible 5th outfielder. However, he would be signed to a minor league deal. The Rangers want to get him back as well.

Juan Gonzalez signs a minor league deal with the Cardinals. Apparently, Albert Pujols and Yadier Molina pushed for this.

Yeah, I'll say it again. The Bedard deal is almost done. :roll:

Tigers are gettting ready to trade Michael Hernandez to the Rangers for Armando Galarraga.

[YOUR Hero]

Granderson at 6 milliona year? Sounds like Curtis read Assman's post.

[OssMan]

Boom

[ClockShot]

News and rumors. But before we begin...............TOSS UP!


Whose mugshot is more creppy.

http://static-p-a.comcast.net/api/assets/img/2008/02/fb/fbb8a0dab584a34c10cc80578f7621ab.jpg
Kim Mattingly?


Or
http://www.thesmokinggun.com/graphics/packageart/mugshots/noltemug.jpg
Nick Nolte?


From ESPN.com
The estranged wife of Los Angeles Dodgers (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=lad) coach Don Mattingly was arrested and charged with public intoxication and disorderly conduct after police say she refused to leave his property in Indiana.

Police arrested 45-year-old Kim Mattingly after they were called to the home of the former Yankee first baseman to investigate reports of a person refusing to leave on Saturday, a probable cause affidavit said. The affidavit, signed by a Vanderburgh County Sheriff's Deputy Chad Howard, said she smelled of alcohol and screamed at officers.

The couple filed for divorce in November on the grounds of irreconcilable differences. The divorce has not been finalized, and no further action has been taken.

Kim Mattingly was released from the Vanderburgh County Jail after posting $50 bond shortly after her arrest and made her first court appearance Monday on the charges. She is scheduled to appear next on March 3.
Her lawyer, Angela Freel, did not return a telephone call seeking comment.
Kim Mattingly told investigators that Don Mattingly had taken her phone and she wanted it back, the affidavit said. Police spoke to Mattingly, who said he did not have the phone.

Police had told her not to go to the house earlier in the day, Howard said in the affidavit.

On Monday, Don Mattingly filed for a protective order against his wife, which the court granted. In the petition, Mattingly cited three examples of his wife appearing at his home, including an incident on Jan. 22 during which she tried to kick down his door.

Mattingly, who grew up and lives in Evansville, cited family reasons when the Dodgers announced last month that he would serve as special assignment coach for the 2008 season instead of hitting coach.

A former AL MVP during 14 seasons with the Yankees from 1982-95, Mattingly spent the past four seasons as a coach under Joe Torre. After losing out to Joe Girardi for the Yankees' manager job, Mattingly followed Torre to the Dodgers.

[ClockShot]

Other than the above news.

Freddy Sanchez signs a 3-year deal with the Pirates

Roger Clemens gives his deposition to the House Committee today.

Twins are likely gonna retain the services of Joe Nathan.

[YOUR Hero]

Roger Clemens gives his deposition to the House Committee today.



What's important in this ongoing saga is that <u>under oath</u>, Clemens stated he didn't use steroids.

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news;_ylt=AqzNg_miQZ2Sa46z3TrOC0cRvLYF?slug=ap-congress-clemens&prov=ap&type=lgns

[Heros Welcome]

Johan sure does look good in the Met Uni!