MLB 2008-2009 Offseason Thread

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Dock Ellis passed away yesterday at 63. RIP

:(

[ClockShot]

Nationals sign Daniel Cabrera.

[YOUR Hero]

Maybe he'll get his shit together there. Thought maybe the Jays would grab him and put him in the bullpen.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Really hope Tex signs somewhere soon because Boras' other big clients aren't signing anywhere until the Tex deal is done with.

Really want the Mets to get Lowe...I get the impression he's more concerned with the dollar amount than with the number of years. Perhaps he could be had for 3 years with an option.</font>

[SammyG]

Come back to LA , Derek :(

[Jeritron]

Derek belongs here, at home.

[YOUR Hero]

Angels withdraw offer to slugger Teixeira

LOS ANGELES (AP)—The Los Angeles Angels have pulled their eight-year offer to Mark Teixeira and will no longer go after the first baseman.

Team spokesman Tim Mead confirmed Sunday the Angels have withdrawn their offer and are “out of the Mark Teixeira derby.” The team made its offer, reportedly worth about $160 million, during the winter meetings in Las Vegas earlier this month.

The Red Sox said last week that they “are not going to be a factor” in signing the 28-year-old Maryland native. Washington and Baltimore have expressed interest in Teixeira.

The Angels obtained Teixeira from the Atlanta Braves in late July. Playing in a combined 157 games with the Angels and Braves, Teixeira had 33 homers and 121 RBIs along with a career-best .308 average.

****

Now this could just be postering, but you have to wonder if Boras is taking too long for the likes of some of these teams.

[YOUR Hero]

Agent dares Braves to boycott his players

Arn Tellem, lead agent for the Wasserman Media Group, on Thursday evening dared the jilted Atlanta Braves to boycott his players, a heading he said would defy baseball policies as well as national labor laws.

In a seven-point statement, the usually well-regarded Tellem disputed the Braves’ claim they’d been duped during negotiations with the agents for shortstop Rafael Furcal, who agreed Wednesday on a three-year contract with the Dodgers. The Braves believed they had come to an agreement 36 hours earlier.

In the aftermath, Braves president John Schuerholz called the agency – and, presumably, Tellem and fellow agent Paul Kinzer, in particular – “despicable” and “unprofessional,” according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. For the most part, Kinzer handled the Furcal negotiations.

Both Schuerholz and general manager Frank Wren said they no longer would deal with players represented by the Wasserman agency, whose clientèle includes Chase Utley, Hanley Ramirez, Aramis Ramirez, Hideki Matsui, Carlos Lee, Nomar Garciaparra, Frank Thomas and Francisco Rodriguez, among others. Tellem also represents Randy Wolf, a free-agent pitcher the Braves might have considered for their rotation.

“The Atlanta Braves will no longer do business with that company – ever,” Schuerholz said.

The dispute perhaps boils down to a conversation late Monday night between Wren and Kinzer, along with the authority held by a term sheet. During that discussion, Kinzer apparently requested the Braves fax him a signed term sheet. The Braves complied, believing an agreement had been reached.

According to Tellem’s statement, “the Braves were fully aware that Furcal was not prepared to make a decision but had requested an opportunity to sleep on it, before deciding.”

“Moreover,” the statement read, “the Baseball rules which all agents and teams operate under are clear that no deal exists between a player and a team unless and until: (i) there is a signed and executed player agreement or; (ii) the Player’s Union and the Commissioner’s office have otherwise confirmed the deal. Neither occurred here.”

Several general managers and agents contacted by Yahoo! Sports said Thursday the term sheet constitutes a handshake agreement, and they couldn’t recall a situation when such an agreement was broken.

“I’d be furious,” an American League general manager said.

Tellem further stated he would continue to engage the Braves regarding his clients, and he expected the Braves to be receptive.

“If it serves our clients, we will continue to present opportunities to the Braves, which in accordance with the rules governing Major League Baseball, the Braves must entertain. We hope that once emotions have subsided, the Braves will act in a manner consistent with not only their obligations under the Collective Bargaining Agreement and The National Labor Relations Act, but also the best interests of the franchise. In short, we would not want this incident to color their better judgment.”

Furcal was signed by the Braves and broke into the big leagues with them in 2000. Following six productive seasons as their shortstop, he became a free agent and signed a three-year deal with the Dodgers before the 2006 season. A free agent once again this offseason, he ultimately faced a tough choice between his two former teams, a situation that resulted in confusion and rancor.

****

In case anyone hadn't been following the Furcal nonsense. Sounds to me like Furcal and/or his agent walked away from an agreement in principal. Doesn't make Furcal or the agency look good, not against any law, but still some bad business.

[Boomer]

The agent and Furcal keep coming out with statements trying to act like its the Braves fault when the Braves are probably one of the classiest organizations in baseball, and wouldn't do anything like boycott an entire agency unless it was something serious. John Schuerholz of all people was probably the most respected GM in the league when he was with us. The fact that he came out to the media about all of this shows how serious an issue it was to our team.

[ClockShot]

Sweet. Yankees lock up Wang for another 3 years.

[Triple Naitch]

I wonder how Boras's other clients feel because they have to wait for Teixeira to sign in order to let the market develop. No big time hitters have signed yet, and the market is pretty much at a stand still.

[SammyG]

Boras is a huge fucking asshole.

[Triple Naitch]

SI reports Yankees are on the verge of signing Mark Teixeira to an 8-year $180 million contract. Here we go again.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>$423.5 million for three players. :|

What pisses me off is that this might force the Red Sox to step it up and overpay like shit for Derek Lowe.</font>

[Hanso Amore]

HOLY SHIT

I did not see this coming, I honestly though Teix was a pipe dream and didnt want it to happen.

Why did they trade for Swisher?

[Hanso Amore]

Maybe We will see Swish and melky platoon in CF. Damon in Left, nady in right, and Matsui at DH.

Wow.

They arent spending that much in the end, Since Teix and Burnett combined make the same or less yearly than Giambi and Abreu did coming off the books.

So really they only raised their payroll the difference between Mussina and CC, and since they let Pettite walk overall their payroll could be down.

[Triple Naitch]

The shitty thing is though is that the Yankees and Mets got NYC to give them tax money in order to finance the new stadium, while they're spending a combined half a billion dollars on players in the past three weeks.

[ClockShot]

Party time in the Bronx.

I totally thought that Teix would be going down to D.C. or Boston either late today or tomorrow. Anyhow, according to a few sources, he's got a full no-trade clause and he can't opt out. Joel Sherman reports that the Yankees may now try to trade off one of either Johnny Damon, Hideki Matsui, Xavier Nady, and Nick Swisher. I guess the bright side of this is that the Yankees are gonna be under $200 mil per season for payroll.

The shitty thing is though is that the Yankees and Mets got NYC to give them tax money in order to finance the new stadium, while they're spending a combined half a billion dollars on players in the past three weeks.

Don't worry, Selig just handed Hal a tax bill for $26.9 million.

<font color=goldenrod>
What pisses me off is that this might force the Red Sox to step it up and overpay like shit for Derek Lowe.</font>

Word going around is that your Mets are in deep talks with Lowe. Here's for a late birthday gift, my Hat City brother.

[Nervous Ferret]

lol I love the Yankees but this offseason just seems a little...

excessive :shifty:

[Dragon]

HOLY SHIT

I did not see this coming, I honestly though Teix was a pipe dream and didnt want it to happen.

Why did they trade for Swisher?

They didn't give up anything for Swisher really. They saw that they could get him for cheap and jumped on it. I think with Swisher they were looking more towards after next season when most of our outfielders are FA - Matsui, Damon and Nady will all probably be gone so Swisher can slot into LF or RF.

I hope they trade Nady now. He has the most value out of him, Damon and Matsui. They could probably get something decent back for him.

[SammyG]

It doesn't matter. The Yankees will still not win the World Series.

[Hanso Amore]

It doesn't matter. The Yankees will still not win the World Series.

Umm, You cant predict anything like that. Who would have thought that Tampa would do what they did.

This doesnt guarantee anything, but they are Yankees, and you cant count them out until l the end, and they just landed 3 of the top 4 Free Agents.

[Hanso Amore]

It doesn't matter. The Yankees will still not win the World Series.

Also, The Dodgers wont even win their Division.

[Triple Naitch]

Don't worry, Selig just handed Hal a tax bill for $26.9 million.


Tax bills don't mean shit. They pay A-Rod more than that. The luxury tax is useless because the teams who can afford to go over the luxury threshold can also afford to pay the luxury tax.

But especially when you see New York State taxing soda and itunes, people in the city have to pay more taxes for the new stadiums. The Yanks and Mets claim that they are in desperate need of the relief in building their stadiums, but then go off and spend half a billion dollars this winter.

[SammyG]

Also, The Dodgers wont even win their Division.
Depends on if we get Manny back.

[DaveWadding]

Nationals signed LHP Gustavo Chacin to a minor league contract and invited him to spring training.

He's still way better than Joe Blanton.

[ClockShot]

Yankees sign Kevin Cash to a minor league deal.

[YOUR Hero]

At some point if baseball wants it's smaller markets to survive, they're going to have to implement a real cap.

[Evil Vito]

Word going around is that your Mets are in deep talks with Lowe. Here's for a late birthday gift, my Hat City brother.

:love:

<font color=goldenrod>Yeah, now I'm hearing a deal is almost in place. 4 years, $13-14 mil a year. However, it might wind up being 3 years with a 4th year option (which I kind of hope it is).

But yeah. Johan/Lowe/Maine/Pelfrey/5th guy is pretty good.

Hopefully they can sign a couple low-end starters to compete for the 5th spot with Jon Niese and Bobby Parnell. I wouldn't be opposed to giving Pedro a shot so long as it wasn't a guaranteed roster spot.</font>

[YOUR Hero]

Randy JOhnson signed with the Giants. 1 year deal @ 8 million.

[DaveWadding]

that's a big :foc: :foc: :foc: to D'Backs ownership.

[ClockShot]

The Big Unit to the Giants. Wow. I'm with Dave on this. I too thought that he would call it a career in Arizona. Maybe the Giants think he could mentor Zito? :shifty:

[RP]

Did you know that New York times own 17.5 percent of New England Sports Ventures, who owns the Red Sox?

[DaveWadding]

The Big Unit to the Giants. Wow. I'm with Dave on this. I too thought that he would call it a career in Arizona. Maybe the Giants think he could mentor Zito? :shifty:

Me too, but the tightasses over here decided that 2 shitty players (Felipe Lopez and Scott Schoenejew) were a better use of their money than the best player in franchise history on the road to 300 wins.

[RP]

Johnson is atleast a # 3 in anyones staff, still.

[YOUR Hero]

He was very good last year in the second half. I was kinda hoping the Jays might somehow get him.

[ClockShot]

Reds sign Willy Taveras to a 2-year deal.

[DaveWadding]

LOL Taveras sucks.

[ClockShot]

Red Sox close to a 1-year deal with Brad Penny.

[Triple Naitch]

... and a deal with Josh Bard. Not my choice as the Sox's next moves, but it fills some much needed holes.

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

Yankees sign Kevin Cash to a minor league deal.

SONS OF BITCHES

[SammyG]

1. Good riddance to Brad Penny.

2. ARE WE SERIOUS ON TRYING TO SIGN DUNN?! We can't get Manny back so we are gonna pursue Dunn? GTFO with that shit.

[ClockShot]

Blue Jays sign Mike Barrett to a minor league deal.

[Triple Naitch]

Interesting tidbit from SI.com. The Red Sox reportedly tried to re-acquire Hanley Ramirez from the Marlins after failing to get Teixeira. That would have been huge if it went through. The Marlins reportedly asked for Clay Buchholz and/or Jacoby Ellsbury. I would have done it if I were the Red Sox. Ramirez is a bonafide star, and Ellsbury is replaceable.

[YOUR Hero]

Hanley is a top player. Big time talent. That would have been huge. Yeah, all due respect to Ellesbury and Buchholz, but this trade would have been a no brainer for me.

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

I would have done it, you sure Lester wasn't involved? If he was I wouldn't have done it, Lester is going to be an All-Star pitcher real soon (maybe even this year)

[SammyG]

ROFL @ Andruw Jones to Mets rumored deal. Why the fuck would anyone trade for that fat piece of shit.

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

Did you know that New York times own 17.5 percent of New England Sports Ventures, who owns the Red Sox?

They also own one of the big papers here too, I think the Boston Herald.

[YOUR Hero]

ROFL @ Andruw Jones to Mets rumored deal. Why the fuck would anyone trade for that fat piece of shit.
Your Dodgers liked him well enought to sign him to big money.

[Boomer]

Andruw could be a useful player if his offense became sub-par again. His defense was and will probably always be immense.

He's just stubborn. He never listened to Braves hitting coaches and developed a horrible batting habit. He can't get much worse than he's already gotten though.

[Hanso Amore]

Andruw;s Defense is average at this point, 12+ years of Day to day play has worn him down. Add his huge weight gain the last 6 years.

He has fallen too far. The best hitting coach in the world, Don Mattingly, Could save him in LA.

[ClockShot]

Jason Marquis for Luis Vizcaino trade is in the works and almost complete.

[DaveWadding]

:wave: Marquis

[ClockShot]

Mets pitch their offer to Derek Lowe. 3-years, $36 mil.

Earlier in the offseason, he was asking for 5-years and $90 mil. So let's see how this goes.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>I don't see it happening, but I would be ecstatic if Lowe signed for that price and Perez' price drops too to the point where he's a reasonable signing.

Santana
Lowe
Pelfrey
Perez
Maine

Now THAT'S a rotation.</font>

[ClockShot]

Breaking News:

Brian Fuentes and the Angels agree to a 2-year, $17.5 mil. deal.

Indians aquire Mark DaRosa from the Cubs for 3 players to be named later.

[DaveWadding]

:wavesad: DeRo

[Hanso Amore]

Breaking News:

Brian Fuentes and the Angels agree to a 2-year, $17.5 mil. deal.

Indians aquire Mark DaRosa from the Cubs for 3 players to be named later.

WOw, angels lose Teix and K rod, and only gain Fuentes. They are still going to be a top team, but with another year old Vlad and Hunter, and no Garrett Anderson, they have some holes to fill.

[Hanso Amore]

Not to mention they have no 1st baseman.

[YOUR Hero]

What I don't quite get with the Angels is they trade Kotchman to get Tex. Now Kotch wasn't setting the world on fire, but he wasn't a slouch and was only going to get better.(I think) Anyway they give him up and then let Tex walk.

[Boomer]

The funny thing is that Braves fans aren't thrilled at all about Kotch. He has potential and he's fairly young, but you just can't tell about him right now.

And the Braves need some power in their lineup, which most teams find from a 1st baseman.

[ClockShot]

Lowe gives a :n: to the Mets' offer.

Reports flying around are that the Giants are going after Manny hard.

Scott Proctor signs with the Marlins.

[SammyG]

Stay here Lowe.
Stay here Manny.

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

What I don't quite get with the Angels is they trade Kotchman to get Tex. Now Kotch wasn't setting the world on fire, but he wasn't a slouch and was only going to get better.(I think) Anyway they give him up and then let Tex walk.Tried to get all the horses to make a run at the World Series last year.

[YOUR Hero]

I get that, but if you're going to give up the future for the present, the present is also today.
Know what I mean?

[Hanso Amore]

I get that, but if you're going to give up the future for the present, the present is also today.
Know what I mean?

What?!?!

Sometimes it works (see Celtics or CC) sometimes it doesnt. It usually boils down to how hot the GMs seat is.

[Boomer]

Dear Atlanta Braves,

Wake the fuck up. Do something.

Sincerely,

Boomer

[SammyG]

lol if this rumor is true... oh my god. I guess we are reworking Andruw's contract, so that will free up a shitload of money to give to Manny. No Andruw and Yes Manny? AMAZING.

[Adder]

Jones is in winter ball working out his mechanics. Wonder if he'll get anywhere.

[SammyG]

No way. He is done.

[YOUR Hero]

never know.

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

I get that, but if you're going to give up the future for the present, the present is also today.
Know what I mean?No I don't get what you are saying. They put everything into last season thinking it was their best shot, without thinking about this season. They probably thought half a season of Tex (and having their aging stars a year younger) was more likely to lead to a World Series than two seasons of Kotchman (with their aging stars a year older)

[Triple Naitch]

They were probably pretty confident that they could re-sign Tex. And also felt that a team like the Yankees wouldn't blow everyone else out of the water.

[YOUR Hero]

No I don't get what you are saying. They put everything into last season thinking it was their best shot, without thinking about this season. They probably thought half a season of Tex (and having their aging stars a year younger) was more likely to lead to a World Series than two seasons of Kotchman (with their aging stars a year older)
OK, I guess my thoughts on it weren't complete, I appologize. The Angels are abig market team and can afford to spend. Why they would give up a wanted prospect and then let Tex go doesn't make sense. They can afford to pay, even overpay for Tex. They are not say, Toronto taking a run at things and then having to fall back.

[ClockShot]

Andruw Jones restructures his deal so he can be traded or released from the Dodgers.

Derek Lowe wants $16 mil. per season. Other than the Mets, the Red Sox, Phillies, Braves, and a mystery team are also involved in talks.

[YOUR Hero]

Vasquez to the Braves.

He gets his K's and eats up a lot of innings. He should be better than he is, not sure why he's never made it as an 'elite' pitcher. Still not a bad signing.

I was reading that the Giants are front runners for Manny now.Don't know if this is Boras trying to pressure the Dodgers or not.

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

OK, I guess my thoughts on it weren't complete, I appologize. The Angels are abig market team and can afford to spend. Why they would give up a wanted prospect and then let Tex go doesn't make sense. They can afford to pay, even overpay for Tex. They are not say, Toronto taking a run at things and then having to fall back.
For what I understand they offered him a pretty huge deal but I also read in SI that he said hes an "east coast guy" so that might have been up there with what he wanted from his contract (big money with a contender on the east coast) and the Angels can really only offer 2 of those 3 things.

[YOUR Hero]

Well CC was a west coast guy, but he ended up on the East coast. Stories about east coast - west coast are just that stories. Guys play for money and/or championships, then they play for 'the hometown'.
I wouldn't doubt that SI story was all about Baltimore or Washington landing him. What I hear was both those teams were going to offer him up a ton of dough but he didn't sign with either of them. Anyway, doesn't matter now. He's a Yankee and he'll pull a quad in spring training and suffer all season, people will they critisize him and he'll demand a trade by this time next year.

[YOUR Hero]

little fact and ficton rite thur

[ClockShot]

Pat Burrell signs with the Rays. 2-years, $16 mil.

Milton Bradley signs with the Cubs. 3-years, $30 mil.

Angels manager Mike Scioscia signs an extension going into 2012.

[Triple Naitch]

Really surprised Burrell signed for $16 mil. He turned down offers between $10-12 million a year in the past from the Phils, and is now going to make much less. Bad move on his/his agent's part.

Good for Scioscia, he's one of the best around.

[Hanso Amore]

Wow, Burrell as a steal to the Rays, great move by them.

With Price coming into the rotation, they are reloading. Good for them.

[McLegend]

Really surprised Burrell signed for $16 mil. He turned down offers between $10-12 million a year in the past from the Phils, and is now going to make much less. Bad move on his/his agent's part.

Good for Scioscia, he's one of the best around.

Phillies didn't want him back.

[Triple Naitch]

Well of course not, they already signed Ibanez a month ago. But last spring they tried to sign him to an extension, but he turned them down. Now he will make significantly less.

[SammyG]

Dodgers continue to do nothing. Awesome.

[DaveWadding]

Maybe he hated Filthydelphia like everyone else?

[Triple Naitch]

And Arizona is so much better? What with all that sand that they have and shit?

[DaveWadding]

And Arizona is so much better? What with all that sand that they have and shit?

I don't live on the fucking beach, chief.

[McLegend]

Maybe he hated Filthydelphia like everyone else?

Burrell loves Philadelphia. So many Urban legends about him at bars and various other establishments in the City.

[Triple Naitch]

They don't have sand in deserts?

[McLegend]

Well of course not, they already signed Ibanez a month ago. But last spring they tried to sign him to an extension, but he turned them down. Now he will make significantly less.

I don't remember this.

[Triple Naitch]

Phillies | Burrell turned down deal
Fri, 31 Oct 2008 08:08:18 -0700

The Philadelphia Inquirer's Paul Hagen reports Philadelphia Phillies OF Pat Burrell turned down a two-year, $22 million offer to stay with the team.

[Triple Naitch]

I know I heard it somewhere during Spring Training, this was the best I could find.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>JC Romero suspended for 50 games</font>

[SammyG]

Thought it was 30? wow. for what, what did he do

[The Genius]

hopefully a's can sign jason giambi. loved that guy when he used to play here.

[SammyG]

DODGERS RE-SIGN MANNY AND LOWE! WOO!!

Oh wait no we didn't because we are not doing jack shit this offseason and Coletti can suck my nuts. Boras, too.

[ClockShot]

Yankees P Sergio Mitre suspened 50 games for steroids.

N.Y. Times is reporting Andy Pettitte turned down the Yankees' 1-year, $10 mil. offer.

I wonder if they're gonna give Hughes one last chance for a starter spot. Or go grab someone cheap.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>I hope they are in the minority...but a bunch of my Yanks' fan friends are all pissed off at Andy, accusing him of not having loyalty and being all about the money :|

The irony of this is astounding.</font>

[Supreme Olajuwon]

You have stupid friends, Vito. Good for Pettitte though. The Yanks are willing to overpay everybody else but then want to cut his salary by 40%. I'd be mad too.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Yeah they are pretty stupid when it comes to baseball...everytime a free agent turns down the Yankees (didn't happen much this offseason so far) they act shocked as though every single player in the Major Leagues WANTS to play there no matter what. Get the fuck out.

As for Andy, wouldn't be surprised to see the Dodgers make a run for him. The need is obviously there, plus Torre is at the helm. Could be a good fit...just depends if he's willing to go somewhere other than NY or Houston.</font>

[Adder]

Pettitte in Dodger blue. Be good.

[Triple Naitch]

Indians reportedly agree to a contract with...Carl Pavano!

Yankees sign journeyman pitcher Jason Johnson.

A's and Jason Giambi appear destined for a reunion

[SammyG]

I wouldn't mind Petitte

[RoXer]

They don't have sand in deserts?

Exactly.

http://naturalpatriot.org/wp-content/uploads/2007/11/sahara.jpg


Welcome to Phoenix, Arizona!

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Gotta love how people are calling Pat Burrell a steal for the Rays at $8 million a year but nobody wants Adam Dunn on their team.

[YOUR Hero]

yeah what's up with Dunn. Is it his attitude? I thought I heard or read something about him saying he doesn't really care about baseball?? - something like that? I dunno, fill me in.

[Dragon]

You have stupid friends, Vito. Good for Pettitte though. The Yanks are willing to overpay everybody else but then want to cut his salary by 40%. I'd be mad too.

10 million was more than fair for Pettitte. I mean they've been overpaying him the last two years as one of the highest paid pitchers when he clearly wasn't. After the season he had last year I don't really think he can expect much more than 10 million from any team in baseball. Maybe another million or two but thats it.

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

Still can't believe the Yankees got Tex. As for the other pick ups, I really don't think Burnett will hold up and I'm curious to see how C.C. does with the pressure of playing in NY (his track record isn't very good) but with the addition of Tex their offense is downright ridiculous, especially if Cano returns to form.

Red Sox really aren't looking too hot right now either, still haven't picked up a catcher - curious to see how that turns out. Also lost Coco Crisp so they are lacking outfield depth right now (which is a huge issue since JD Drew seems to also be pulling muscles or having spasms or some shit)

[Supreme Olajuwon]

yeah what's up with Dunn. Is it his attitude? I thought I heard or read something about him saying he doesn't really care about baseball?? - something like that? I dunno, fill me in.

From all accounts, Dunn is one of the nicest people you'll ever meet. But apparently his good ole country boy attitude gets in the way of his win at all costs attitude. Like he's fine just where he is and if he doesn't win a World Series he'll be perfectly fine in life.

I dunno, if a guy who's not obsessed with baseball can hit 40 homers and drive in 100 runs, imagine what he could do with a manager who could motivate him.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

10 million was more than fair for Pettitte. I mean they've been overpaying him the last two years as one of the highest paid pitchers when he clearly wasn't. After the season he had last year I don't really think he can expect much more than 10 million from any team in baseball. Maybe another million or two but thats it.

But how can the Yankees justify that? They've obviously put forth an offseason plan that disregards paying for value so why should they then shun one of the faces of their franchise?

[Triple Naitch]

So we're halfway through the MLB Offseason and there are still a ton of good names available. Let's play a game and give your predictions on who's going where

Manny Ramirez:
Ben Sheets:
Derek Lowe:
Adam Dunn:
Oliver Perez
Ken Griffey Jr.:
Ivan Rodriguez:
Trevor Hoffman:
Bobby Abreu:
Orlando Hudson:
Jason Varitek:
Joe Crede:
Orlando Cabrera:
Jon Garland:
Jeff Kent:
Eric Gagne:
Pedro Martinez:
Mark Mulder:
Omar Vizquel:
Rocco Baldelli:

Big Name to be Traded:

[Triple Naitch]

Manny Ramirez: Dodgers
Ben Sheets: Rangers
Derek Lowe: Mets
Adam Dunn: Nationals
Oliver Perez: Mets
Ken Griffey Jr.: Mariners
Ivan Rodriguez: Orioles
Trevor Hoffman: Dodgers
Bobby Abreu: Cardinals
Orlando Hudson: Giants
Jason Varitek: Red Sox
Joe Crede: Giants
Orlando Cabrera: Athletics
Jon Garland: Brewers
Jeff Kent: Retired
Eric Gagne: Brewers
Pedro Martinez: Dodgers
Mark Mulder: Athletics
Omar Vizquel: Padres
Rocco Baldelli: Red Sox

Big Name to be Traded: Brian Roberts

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Perez' asking price has been so ridiculous so far that I could see him being this year's Kyle Lohse: Boras has him wait too long and he ultimately has to settle on a one-year deal.

Santana-Lowe-Pelfrey-Perez-Maine</font>

:drool:

[Hanso Amore]

Baldelli is a free Agent? Not that he will be missed or even play much, but I thought he had some years left.

I would not mind the Yanks giving Mulder a 1 year deal and let him fight for the 5 spot.

[Dragon]

But how can the Yankees justify that? They've obviously put forth an offseason plan that disregards paying for value so why should they then shun one of the faces of their franchise?

He wants 16 million. No team in baseball is giving him that. The only thing I can say is that Sabathia and Burnett actually had productive seasons last year. Pettitte was pretty bad. They already overpayed him the last two years for things he's done in the past, they shouldn't have to overpay him again.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Oh well, you can't blame him for trying. I'm sure he's banking on the rotation staying thin on the back end and the Yankees eventually caving in.

And 14 wins and a 4.54 ERA is hardly a "pretty bad" season.

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

I'd like to see Rocco Baldelli on the Sox, I think it could be a nice fit as the 4th outfielder - would be an instant fan favorite too due to the fact he's from New England.

:| @ the lack of FA catchers though, really starting to think the Sox are gonna go into the season with Bard as their #1...

[Splaya]

Nah, you guys will get Pudge

[ClockShot]

Yankees sign Angel Berroa to a minor league deal. He'll compete with Cody Ransom for the utility man spot.

Orioles sign Koji Uehara.

Reds sign Jerry Hairston Jr.

[Triple Naitch]

Red Sox appear close to deals with John Smoltz and Rocco Baldelli.

Trevor Hoffman expected to choose between the Dodgers and Brewers tomorrow.

I anticipated Baldelli signing with Boston, but Smoltz is a bit of a surprise. He gives them some flexibility with their rotation and hopefully clears the path for them to trade a young talented pitcher for a young talented catcher.

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

Smoltz? Thought for sure he'd be back with the Braves, out of any of the marquee Braves pitchers of the 90's to come to Boston I figured it'd be Tom Glavine since he's from the area.

[Boomer]

I'll be upset if Smoltz leaves, but I won't blame him if he had to. It was like Warrick Dunn with the Falcons. Old but still productive, but the team has to move on and work on getting some younger blood.

Still would have liked him around the clubhouse though.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Trevor Hoffman is a Brewer.

[Hanso Amore]

Wow, GOod pickup for Angel berroa as a possible utility man, I like him on the bench.

[Adder]

Will Hoffamn be their closer or the 8th inning guy?

[Adder]

Salomon Torres retired. Oh.

[ClockShot]

I guess Brian Cashman flipped a coin. He wants to keep Nick Swisher and trade off Xavier Nady.

[Dragon]

I guess Brian Cashman flipped a coin. He wants to keep Nick Swisher and trade off Xavier Nady.

I hope they only trade one of them if they get something good in return. They shouldn't feel forced to trade one of them just for the sake of it.

If they do trade one, Nady is the smart one to move. Yankees need outfielders past next year and out of Nady, Damon, Matsui and Swisher; Swisher is the only one under contract.

[Heros Welcome]

Mets are close to signing Tim Redding to a 1 year deal for 2.25 mil with incentives.

He is nothing to brag about but its nice depth being added to the starting staff. I wish we had got Wolf.

[OssMan]

Mets <3 Nationals rejects

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>God I can't wait until Rickey Henderson's HOF speech...gonna be hilarious.</font>

[MVP]

Red Sox signed Takashi Saito today. So this is their bullpen as of today:

Jonathan Papelbon
Takashi Saito
Ramon Ramirez
Justin Masterson
Hideki Okajima
Manny Delcarmen
Javier Lopez
Tim Wakefield (?)

Pretty strong bullpen if you ask me. I think they're looking to make a big trade given all the signings they've made this week. Whether that move is going to be in the offseason or at the trade deadline I'm not sure.

[ClockShot]

Braves win the Kenshin Kawakami sweepstakes. 3-year deal.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

These are the commemorative sleeve patches that will be worn by the Yankees and Mets for their new stadiums this year:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3128/3175534726_711087cc87_o.png

Is it really any wonder why people don't take the Mets seriously?

[Triple Naitch]

It looks like the Sam's Club Logo

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Yeah that patch is really pathetic. They make it sound like the 2009 season is the first season ever for the Mets. I can only hope it says "Citi Field" right above it in different stitching or something.</font>

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

LOL @ The Mets patch...give me a break

[Supreme Olajuwon]

<font color=goldenrod>Yeah that patch is really pathetic. They make it sound like the 2009 season is the first season ever for the Mets. I can only hope it says "Citi Field" right above it in different stitching or something.</font>

I don't think they legally can put the citi name anywhere on their jerseys. It violates the rules about advertising on major league apparel or something like that. So yeah I think that patch is exactly how its gonna look

[Evil Vito]

I don't think they legally can put the citi name anywhere on their jerseys. It violates the rules about advertising on major league apparel or something like that. So yeah I think that patch is exactly how its gonna look

<font color=goldenrod>Shit, forgot about that rule. I would rather not even bother with a patch at that rate. I do wonder who was in charge of coming up with the logo to Citi Field, which is exactly the same as the patch anyway.

http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/rangers/docs/images/CITI-FIELD-LOGO.jpg

Not only is the logo boring looking...but it's clearly unoriginal as it looks all too similar to:

http://tenminutesports.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/dominos-logo.gif

---

Maybe Domino's Pizza is the backup sponsor if CitiBank folds.</font> :o

[Triple Naitch]

Michael Young wants out of Texas after discovering that the team plans on having him play 3B this year.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Rickey Henderson and Jim Rice are the headlining Baseball Hall of Fame class of 2009 inductees</font>

[McLegend]

LOL Mets.

[DaveWadding]

<font color=goldenrod>Yeah that patch is really pathetic. They make it sound like the 2009 season is the first season ever for the Mets. I can only hope it says "Shiti Field" right above it in different stitching or something.</font>

Fixed. ;)

[Adder]

Young and Wells are really good, if not best friends. Wonder if the Jays can sign him. Here's me hoping for good things again :n:

[OssMan]

Fixed. ;)
Absolutely the most fucking hilarious thing i've ever read in my life

[Jeritron]

lol at the Mets

[Jeritron]

<font color=goldenrod>Rickey Henderson and Jim Rice are the headlining Baseball Hall of Fame class of 2009 inductees</font>

:y:

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Supposedly Billy Wagner is ahead of schedule in his rehab and is shooting for a return in late August.

Holy shit, the thought of going into September with K-Rod, Putz, and Wagner in the back of the bullpen is pretty amazing.</font>

[Triple Naitch]

Young and Wells are really good, if not best friends. Wonder if the Jays can sign him. Here's me hoping for good things again :n:

The Blue Jays are probably the best fit for Young. He would slot in nicely and help them compete in the AL East. I don't know if the two teams can match up on an offer.

<font color=goldenrod>Rickey Henderson and Jim Rice are the headlining Baseball Hall of Fame class of 2009 inductees</font>

Rickey is the best leadoff hitter ever. I'm looking forward to induction speech. I'm so glad Jim Rice made the Hall. I just wish my dad was able to see him finally make it. :'(

[Hanso Amore]

Rice should not have made it. If he is in, Mattingly should be in, and they would be opening the doors to the hall.

He was a great player, but not HOF.

Blyleven should have been in ahead of Rice.

Rickey's speech is going to be epic. Get ready to drink every time he says RIckey Henderson.

[Triple Naitch]

He may be the first player ever to introduce himself.

Ladies and Gentlemen, Rickey Henderson presents to you 2009 Hall of Famer Rickey Henderson.

Thank you Rickey Henderson. Rickey would like to thank Rickey for giving Rickey all the strength Rickey needs.

[Hanso Amore]

Rickey Henderson truly changed the game for Players like Rickey Henderson.

Rickey Henderson gave it all that Rickey Henderson could give in each and every game Rickey Henderson played.

Rickey Henderson thanks you for coming to see Rickey Henderson inducted in the Hall of Fame. It has been an honor for Rickey Henderson.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Supposedly the Braves offered 4 years to Lowe, so the Mets backed off and offered 3 years to Oliver Perez.

I really don't see why they are so reluctant to give 4 years to Lowe. I get that the age is a factor, but christ. When they gave Pedro 4 years, they knew full well of the fact that he would be injured. At least Lowe has been healthy his entire career. Lowe is just a million times more consistent than Ollie.

Not to mention, there's no way Boras is gonna allow Perez to accept a 3 year deal...because I'm sure Boras can find a mystery team at the last second to force the Mets to pony up a 4th year.

The only way I'll be happy bringing the inconsistent Oliver Perez back is if they also take a chance on Ben Sheets. I can live with Santana-Sheets-Pelfrey-Perez-Maine, even though Sheets will be injured.</font>

[YOUR Hero]

Sheets is dominant when healthy. Ultra dominant. He is worth the risk

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Aaaand there it is. Lowe agrees to terms with the Braves, 4 years, $60 million.

Mets are gonna be forced to give Ollie 4 years now since they are in a position of need.</font>

[Hanso Amore]

Jays should make a run at sheets.

Now I just cannot see where he will go!

[Adder]

Maybe the Yankees will sign Sheets now that Pettitte rejected their offer.

[ClockShot]

Thinking the same thing.

A small, low risk contract. In case he injures himself again.

[Boomer]

I must thank Frank Wren for (at least) giving the Braves a feasible rotation going into the year. If Tommy Hanson is anything the scouts say he is, we might actually have a really amazing staff without Smoltz.

Now I wonder what else he has up his sleeve. Wren did state in an interview that he actually had been working on some trades and had one on the table already. We'll see whats in the cards. It's pretty much a given that Andruw is coming our way, so we'll see if the Braves are willing to part with one of their many many outfield prospects for something...another pitcher? That would be crazy...but awesome.

[Boomer]

Actually, now that I think about it, trading for another starter is probably out of the question, considering Hudson will be back late season. Maybe he's got a deal for a left fielder...who knows.

[ClockShot]

Padres sign Mark Prior to a 1-year deal in the minors.

[VonErichLives]

Rice should not have made it. If he is in, Mattingly should be in, and they would be opening the doors to the hall.

He was a great player, but not HOF.

Blyleven should have been in ahead of Rice.

Rickey's speech is going to be epic. Get ready to drink every time he says RIckey Henderson.

Had Mattingly not had back problems he might have been in, and may someday.

Rice was a dominant player and feared bat when he played.

take a full look at the stats and careers of the two of them and you'll realize how wrong you are.

but again, had mattingly not had back problems that hampered the last 5yrs of his career, he'd probably would have made it.

[VonErichLives]

anyone know anything about the investigation into the money used for the new yankee stadium?

[Triple Naitch]

I'm pretty sure it's because the Yankees got NY to give them all this tax money after claiming they couldn't afford to finish building New Yankee Stadium and then went out and spent half a billion dollars on three players.

[ClockShot]

T.N. is pretty much right. Both the Yanks and Mets are asking for more cash for other purposes in their parks.

Basically, New York wants to know why they need more taxpayer dollars when they already gave both teams a few truckloads.

[Hanso Amore]

yeah, the Mets and Yanks have already combined for like 1.5 billion in taxpayer dollars, adn want a combined 500 million MORE.

I FUCKING HATE THAT SHIT

Buffalo cannot even get money for the highways, and we give billions to SPORTS TEAMS!

[Hanso Amore]

The New money they are asking for is to add bigger HD screens and add more restaurants to the stadiums FYI.

[MVP]

I'm pretty sure it's because the Yankees got NY to give them all this tax money after claiming they couldn't afford to finish building New Yankee Stadium and then went out and spent half a billion dollars on three players.

The half a billion dollars on Sabathia, Teixeira, and Burnett will be spent over the next 7 or 8 years, whereas the additional cash needed to construct the stadiums had to be invested immediately. The city of New York hopes that the new stadiums will increase tourism, and hence, bring in more tax dollars for the city.

Then again, the Yankees probably could have still afforded to build the stadium without tax dollars, cause they're the Yankees.

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

I have no idea why states invest in sport stadiums, there is no concrete proof of it bringing any positives to the state/city. It may boost the local economy around the stadium (which is pretty small area when you look at the big picture) but a lot of times its just taking pre-existing money from other areas within the city/state and bringing to the area where the stadium is. It's stupid

[Hanso Amore]

I have no idea why states invest in sport stadiums, there is no concrete proof of it bringing any positives to the state/city. It may boost the local economy around the stadium (which is pretty small area when you look at the big picture) but a lot of times its just taking pre-existing money from other areas within the city/state and bringing to the area where the stadium is. It's stupid

I agree.

I think it should come from the county, not the state.

[ClockShot]

A few signings here and there.

Rockies re-sign Scott Podsednik to a minor-league deal.

Alex Cora signs with the Mets. 1-year, $2 mil.

White Sox agree to terms with Bartolo Colon on a 1-year deal.

Angels re-sign Chone Figgins for 1-year, $5.7 mil.

And Andruw Jones is expected to be released tomorrow.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Cora is a decent pickup, should have no problem filling in Damion Easley's role.

Apparently the Mets have been bombarded with new design suggestions rather than the AWFUL patch they have right now.

This one is my personal fav:</font>

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3500/3198852585_f66df1fd33_o.png

[Heros Welcome]

I just saw that patch on Metsblog, and I too like that one 10000000 times better. Anything to make us look credible and not a compete joke. It is a very nice patch.

[Adder]

I hope they stick with their original patch.

[Adder]

Because it sucks, bad.

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

I agree.

I think it should come from the county, not the state.
It should come from the private sector, not the public.

[Dragon]

Teams must see something pretty terrible in Sheets medical record if noone has signed him yet. Obviously he is prone to injuries but it must be something that could affect him a lot next year. Sheets was the second best pitcher in market this offseason and it doesn't even seem like any teams are too interested. Sheets must feel okay himself though if he declined arbitration.

If the Yankees don't get Pettitte back it'd be nice to go after Sheets though. Yeah, its adding another injury risk to a rotation with some question marks but adding him leads to some better depth.

Sabathia-Wang-Burnett-Joba-Sheets Hughes/Aceves/Kennedy

Definitely a risky rotation but I would feel comfortable with it because Hughes, Aceves and Kennedy is decent depth for 6-7-8 pitchers. That could be the most dominant rotation in baseball if everything clicks or there could be 2 guys on the DL at any given time.

[YOUR Hero]

Only 8 starters, maybe get afew more. Maybe 12.

[Dragon]

Hey, the Yankees have gone through at least 8 starters each year for the past couple now. Plus, they gotta keep pace with the Red Sox now.

Beckett-DiceK-Lester-Wakefield-Penny-Smoltz-Buchholz

[YOUR Hero]

yeah, get 12 !

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>lol so the Sox have signed Youkilis to a $40 million contract...couple that with Pedroia's $40.5 million awhile back...they just signed 2 of their top hitters for less than what Burnett's total Yankees contract is.</font> :lol:

[Triple Naitch]

I see that as a good thing

[Hanso Amore]

<font color=goldenrod>lol so the Sox have signed Youkilis to a $40 million contract...couple that with Pedroia's $40.5 million awhile back...they just signed 2 of their top hitters for less than what Burnett's total Yankees contract is.</font> :lol:

Good for the Team, bad for the players, they could have gotten mad paid.

Although they really just sold their arbitration years, and for 10 mill a year, that aint bad.

[Triple Naitch]

There is never a guarantee that you are going to be healthy enough to make it to your arbitration years. Look at Mark Prior. I would have taken the same offer.

[SammyG]

Bye, Andruw

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>They've added the pitchers and catchers reporting date clock onto MLB.com websites......this is really the time where I start to get antsy. :o

I honestly like seeing players report to ST and seeing pics of baseball being played out in the sun...it helps distract me from the gayass Northeast winter</font> :(

[McLegend]

Phillies sign Madsen 3 year 12 million.

Sweet.

[ClockShot]

Arbitration deadlines are looming. And teams are signing.

Mariners sign "King" Felix Hernandez for $3.8 mil.

Cubs sign Kevin Gregg for $4.2 mil.

Dodgers sign Jason Repko for $500K plus incentives

Rockies sign Huston Street for $4.5 mil.

Blue Jays sign Brandon League for $640K

[SammyG]

Ok are we gonna fuckin sign Manny or what, this is ridiculous.

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

I think the Red Sox are going to end up signing Varitek, I think Boras was wrong and there isn't much demand for him...should have just taken the 10 million in arbitration because now he could be looking at a lot less.

[Dragon]

I think the Red Sox are going to end up signing Varitek, I think Boras was wrong and there isn't much demand for him...should have just taken the 10 million in arbitration because now he could be looking at a lot less.

Yeah, I think he'll be back there too. He clearly wasn't getting a big deal so I'm not sure what Boras was thinking not having him accept arbitration though. I don't think people expected this bad of an offseason for some guys but they had to know it wouldn't be a huge one with the economy. I mean I just read something that said Dunn shouldn't be expecting more than 5 million/year, which is pretty crazy. I'm sure he'll get more than that but still.

[Triple Naitch]

Nick Markakis signs a 6 year/$66 million extension with Baltimore. He is a personal favorite of mine and could turn into a superstar.

[YOUR Hero]

I don't think people expected this bad of an offseason for some guys but they had to know it wouldn't be a huge one with the economy.
That's why Boras is a failure. The economy was tanked and he was still getting his players to manuever for big paydays, which equaled taking a risk. This was the wrong time to take risks for anyone other than top top TOP players.

[OssMan]

I'm shocked that Nick Markakis didn't go to the Yankees

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Mets sign Cory Sullivan to a 1-year $600,000 deal.

Pretty puzzling signing actually. Sullivan is a decent player but they've already got Ryan Church, Daniel Murphy, Fernando Tatis, Jeremy Reed, Angel Pagan, Marlon Anderson, and Nick Evans. Eh, depth never can hurt.

Hopefully they can sign up Sheets...if they get him I'll be satisfied.</font>

[ClockShot]

Alot more arbitration deadline signings today. Mainly the noteables. All are one year deals.

Phillies sign Shane Victorino. $3.125 mil.

Pirates sign Adam LaRoche for $7.05 mil.

Mariners sign Erik Bedard for $7.75 mil. along with $650K in incentives.

Red Sox sign Jon Papelbon for $6.25 mil.

Yankees sign Xavier Nady for $6.55 mil.

Tigers sign Edwin Jackson for $2.2 mil. along with $200K in incentives.

[YOUR Hero]

I'm shocked that Nick Markakis didn't go to the Yankees
too young and still affordable

[D Mac]

Looks like the Royals actually want to get better. :cool:

[SammyG]

Ethier the only one left to sign now...

[Splaya]

Interesting stat here

Tigers were only offering Justin Verlander 3.2 million and he wanted 4.5



Are you serious, Dombroski?? Give the man the extra money considering how good he is

[RatedGSuperstar]

Looks like Ryan Howard and the Phillies were the furthest apart in their arbitration bids. Howard wants $18 million and the Phils submitted $14 million. Howard has some balls asking for an 80% raise after one of his worst seasons in the Majors and saving his ass with that hot September.

[Dragon]

Isn't arbitration supposed to keep the salaries somewhat manageable? If he gets the 18M thats crazy. This is his second year of arbitration right? That means next year he could be asking for more than 20M in arbitration, especially since it seems salaries don't go down, only up.

I mean Melky had his salary tripled after having a terrible year and being sent down to the minors. Obviously thats a small case since he'll only be making 1.4M next year. Still seems crazy though.

[RatedGSuperstar]

Yeah, Howard's shattering the arby record every year. He got a record $10 million last year in his first arby hearing, but that was mostly because the Phillies screwed up and severely low-balled him. The arbitrator has to choose either the team's number or the player's number, so when a team lowballs a player like that the guy has no choice but to choose the inflated number.

Once you get into the second and third year, there's some rule saying a team can't submit a paycut more than a certain percentage, even if the guy was the worst player in the world. Melky could've hit .200 and still probably gotten a small increase...it's just the way the system works. It's mostly in place because for the first three years, the team gets to pay the player whatever they want. If a player's really spiteful (kinda like Howard and to a lesser extent Prince Fielder), they'll try to get some level of revenge at the hearing.

I remember Fielder being especially vocal about not liking the fact that the Brewers didn't pay him much more than the minimum in his first three years, despite him becoming the youngest player to ever hit 50 HR. He said something like "I'm not too worried, I'll eventually get mine." Then again, he is a Scott Boras client.

[YOUR Hero]

48 homers and 146 RBIs last year. I wouldn't say that was a shitty year. I know very well his avg was lower and his Ks were higher, but in the end; 48 homers and 146 RBIs last year...

I hope he gets the 14million, not the 18 though.

[ClockShot]

News and rumors.

Jeff Kent will announce his retirement today.

Omar Vizquel and Adam Melhuse sign minor league deals with the Rangers.

Both New York ball clubs are in a battle for Freddy Garcia's services.

[SammyG]

Good. Jeff Kunt is a douchebag.

[Triple Naitch]

48 homers and 146 RBIs last year. I wouldn't say that was a shitty year. I know very well his avg was lower and his Ks were higher, but in the end; 48 homers and 146 RBIs last year...

I hope he gets the 14million, not the 18 though.

I have a feeling the arbitrator will decide that Howard's progression is worthy of a $4 million raise and not an $8 million raise. They won't give him two straight vcitories. It will completely offset every future arbitration case.

[RatedGSuperstar]

Jeff Kent may be the world's biggest douchebag, but he'll probably go down as one of the better offensive second basemen ever. He'll eventually be in the Hall of Fame, even if he gets the Jim Rice treatment for being such a dick. Anyone who gets into a fistfight with Barry Bonds is alright in my book, though.

[Hanso Amore]

LA can use that 10 mill of Kent's salary to finally lock down Manny for christ sake.

[SammyG]

No shit.

[YOUR Hero]

Report: McGwire accused by brother of steroid use

NEW YORK (AP)—Mark McGwire’s youngest brother says in a book proposal that he injected the former baseball star with steroids, according to Deadspin.com.

Jay McGwire is circulating a manuscript titled “The McGwire Family Secret: The Truth about Steroids, a slugger and Ultimate Redemption,” the Web site reported Wednesday. Jay McGwire, a body builder, said his brother started using steroids in 1994 and that he injected Mark with Deca-Durabolin.

“Mark is a man I think most would like to forgive because his reason wasn’t nefarious—it was for survival,” the proposal says, according to the Web site. “My bringing the truth to surface about Mark is out of love. I want Mark to live in truth to see the light, to come to repentance so he can live in freedom — which is the only way to live.”

Jay McGwire, who says he has a strained relationship with his brother, could not be reached for comment Thursday. Telephone numbers for his home and fitness center in California were disconnected.

Mark McGwire repeatedly has denied using illegal performance-enhancing drugs. When he testified under oath before Congress in 2005, however, he wouldn’t discuss whether he did.

“Who knows what might have happened if I didn’t get Mark involved with all the training, supplements, the right foods, steroids, and HGH?” the Web site quoted Jay McGwire as writing. “He would not have broken any records, and the congressional hearings would have gone on without him. Maybe Barry Bonds wouldn’t have ever gotten involved with the stuff, either.”

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news;_ylt=AiDmmObAtLIhdlc3Bdzq3P8RvLYF?slug=ap-mcgwire-steroids&prov=ap&type=lgns

[Heros Welcome]

Freddy Garcia signs Minor League deal with Mets which is incentive based that can reach 8-9 Million.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

If McGwire's brother is doing it out of love, why does he have to choose a method that he can profit from as the way to tell everyone? And then he basically just claims he's the reason McGwire and Bonds broke records.

I'm not saying I think he's a liar, but this is clearly about attention.

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

That's why Boras is a failure. The economy was tanked and he was still getting his players to manuever for big paydays, which equaled taking a risk. This was the wrong time to take risks for anyone other than top top TOP players.
Boras is a failure? I dunno about all that, I see Varitek still getting a pretty hefty contract and still getting to play for the organization he really wants to play for...all while coming off a year where he hit like .230

Isn't arbitration supposed to keep the salaries somewhat manageable? If he gets the 18M thats crazy. This is his second year of arbitration right? That means next year he could be asking for more than 20M in arbitration, especially since it seems salaries don't go down, only up.18M isn't that ridiculous if the Phillie's put their offer at 14M - The whole process of arbitration in MLB though is crazy if you really look into it.

[YOUR Hero]

Boris is a failure. He wasn't always, I'm not saying that, but in the last year or so he has lost a lot of luster and is failing a lot of his clients.

[Triple Naitch]

If McGwire's brother is doing it out of love, why does he have to choose a method that he can profit from as the way to tell everyone? And then he basically just claims he's the reason McGwire and Bonds broke records.

I'm not saying I think he's a liar, but this is clearly about attention.

If he wanted to do it out of love, wouldn't he just take the first book offer he gets instead of shopping it around? I'm sure Mark made sure that his brother wouldn't have any money problems during his prime.

[Triple Naitch]

Boris is a failure. He wasn't always, I'm not saying that, but in the last year or so he has lost a lot of luster and is failing a lot of his clients.

Boras is not a failure because he still represents some of the top players in the league. Look at what he got Teixeira. But by all means, Boras is a fucking asshole. He interrupted the World Series to announce A-Rod opting out, only for A-Rod to eventually drop him as his agent. Boras also has a way of focusing on some of his clients over others. A lot of his guys must be frustrated by the way Boras drags along negotiations with some players for a $10,000 meal allowance while also wasting valuable negotiating time for his other clients.

[SammyG]

Dodgers gonna get Randy Wolf back... Eh.

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

Boris is a failure. He wasn't always, I'm not saying that, but in the last year or so he has lost a lot of luster and is failing a lot of his clients.
Really? In the last year he's been a failure?


Alex Rodriquez $275M/10yr
Mark Teixeira $180M/8yr
Derek Lowe $60M/4yr
Prince Fielder $18M/2yr


Those are some of the highlights from the "last year or so" not to mention the contracts he has gotten for Daisuke Matsuzaka, J.D. Drew, Johnny Damon & Barry Zito in the last few years. On top of that you have Manny Ramirez who got out of 2 club option years which had no long term security for him and Jason Varitek who is probably going to be grossly overpaid by the Red Sox. Plus even his "lesser known" guys seem to be doing alright as Alex Cora just signed 1 year 2 million dollar contract w/ the Mets.

If that's a failure in your eyes then I hope I never need to live up to your expectations.

[YOUR Hero]

what did I say about boras that you're all over looking?

[Hanso Amore]

Yeah, you said recently....But Jesus just showed you that this year has been good for him.

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

You said hes lost his luster (which isn't true, if you are saying that because teams don't like him now - well they have never liked him) I'm not sure why you think that, yeah the A-Rod thing looked bad but so does pretty much everything A-Rod does so I dunno if you can really put that all on Boras. You also said he's failed his clients recently, which obviously isn't the case and you also said something about him only getting good deals for his "primetime" (or something to that effect) clients which also isn't true. So I don't really know what I'm overlooking

[DaveWadding]

Tigers sign Brandon Lyon to close.

He's awful.

[Dragon]

Really? In the last year he's been a failure?


Alex Rodriquez $275M/10yr
Mark Teixeira $180M/8yr
Derek Lowe $60M/4yr
Prince Fielder $18M/2yr


Those are some of the highlights from the "last year or so" not to mention the contracts he has gotten for Daisuke Matsuzaka, J.D. Drew, Johnny Damon & Barry Zito in the last few years. On top of that you have Manny Ramirez who got out of 2 club option years which had no long term security for him and Jason Varitek who is probably going to be grossly overpaid by the Red Sox. Plus even his "lesser known" guys seem to be doing alright as Alex Cora just signed 1 year 2 million dollar contract w/ the Mets.

If that's a failure in your eyes then I hope I never need to live up to your expectations.

You really think Boston is gonna overpay for Varitek? I just don't see it. No other team seems even the slightest interested in him and to get him they have to give up a first round draft pick. I'd be surprised if he gets more than a 1 year/5-6M dollar deal.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Word has it the Mets want to get a deal done with Oliver Perez by the end of the weekend. Their original offer was 3 years, $30 million but Omar said he's willing to bump it to 4 years at no more than $10 million per year. Unfortunately, I fully expect Boras to pop in with a mystery team at the last second :roll:

Really torn on the Mets' offense. They scored the second most runs in the league last year but two years in a row the entire offense folded in September. I'd rather sign Perez and Sheets...and then if need be, make a trade later on. It's much easier it is to trade for a bat then it is to trade for a pitcher during the year.</font>

[SammyG]

Garland prolly gonna be a Dodger. I'd love that.

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

You really think Boston is gonna overpay for Varitek? I just don't see it. No other team seems even the slightest interested in him and to get him they have to give up a first round draft pick. I'd be surprised if he gets more than a 1 year/5-6M dollar deal.

It's a huge gamble though, I'm not the biggest Varitek supporter due to his declining skills (I kinda think "calling games" is a bit overrated) but the Sox really need him this year - they are bringing a bunch of back ups or future prospects into camp as of right now. So if the Sox "call his bluff" and he does have a slightly better offer elsewhere they are in trouble. I don't really know who else could have that offer though, but you never know.

If he does take a low offer from the Sox though you could put that one on Boras, but I still don't think that makes anywhere close to a failure...

[YOUR Hero]

If Manny signs something better than what he had in Boston, I'll take back my Boras statement. If ARod re-hires him after the PG fiasco from a year or so ago, I'll change my opinion. If I recall right, Boras didn't ink the Yankee deal with A Rod.Boras caused a PR faux-pas in his negotiations with the Yankees VS A Rod and in the end, A Rod dropped Boras and got the deal done without Boras.
Tex. was a no brainer.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Manny will go unsigned through Spring Training and the first week of the regular season. Then on Opening Day of Citi Field, he will pop out of the new apple and trot out to left field for the Mets.</font>

:shifty:

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

Manny might not have even had a deal this year with Boston though - there was two club options left @ 20 million a year. I suspect the Red Sox would have picked up one of those option years, so if Manny gets anything longer than 1 year (which I would assume he will) than I'd say its better than the deal he had in Boston.

As I said the A-Rod thing did look bad but you can never know for sure who was more at fault there because what is Boras going to do? Throw his client under the bus when he comes out and says things? Also Boras still negotiated the contract after A-Rod's private meeting with the Yankees front office - he is still A-Rod's agent, thus will still be getting 5% of potentially 315 million dollars (if A-Rod hits all of the incentives)

If Tex was a no brainier there's gotta be a reason he choose to go with Boras? I don't really know what that argument is, that's like saying me or you could get Tex the same contract which I don't think is the case.

Even ignoring the Texeria deal, if you look at his track record with all his other clients I really don't see how you could ever consider the guy a failure. His biggest issue right now is with guys coming out of the draft however he has been able to secure great deals for rookies, like getting a major league deal for Craig Hansen right off the bat, but a few times that has backfired. Other than that though he really hasn't done much wrong for his clients. I'm not a Boras fan or anything and I can understand not liking him due to some of his techniques but saying he is a failure is ridiculous in my opinion and I really don't see how you could even think that.

[ClockShot]

Sean Casey retires.

You can now see him on the MLB network.

[YOUR Hero]

Manny might not have even had a deal this year with Boston though - there was two club options left @ 20 million a year. I suspect the Red Sox would have picked up one of those option years, so if Manny gets anything longer than 1 year (which I would assume he will) than I'd say its better than the deal he had in Boston.

As I said the A-Rod thing did look bad but you can never know for sure who was more at fault there because what is Boras going to do? Throw his client under the bus when he comes out and says things? Also Boras still negotiated the contract after A-Rod's private meeting with the Yankees front office - he is still A-Rod's agent, thus will still be getting 5% of potentially 315 million dollars (if A-Rod hits all of the incentives)

If Tex was a no brainier there's gotta be a reason he choose to go with Boras? I don't really know what that argument is, that's like saying me or you could get Tex the same contract which I don't think is the case.

Even ignoring the Texeria deal, if you look at his track record with all his other clients I really don't see how you could ever consider the guy a failure. His biggest issue right now is with guys coming out of the draft however he has been able to secure great deals for rookies, like getting a major league deal for Craig Hansen right off the bat, but a few times that has backfired. Other than that though he really hasn't done much wrong for his clients. I'm not a Boras fan or anything and I can understand not liking him due to some of his techniques but saying he is a failure is ridiculous in my opinion and I really don't see how you could even think that.

Time will tell if I am more right or you are more right. Going back to what I said, Boras over the last year or so has been a failure. Now there's no doubt that I am taking it to the extreme calling him a failure, but I do believe he's becoming just that.
Could you have gotten Tex that deal? LOl, well probablynot, but I do not think Boras was alone in the abilityto have swung that deal. I actually think Tex is taking less money for more years in this deal. Not a typical Boras tactic. Tex may have had something to do with that mind you.

Anyway. My Jays aregoing to suck this year unless they have a few surprises emerge from theminors. I believe the Rays will be good again this year, Red Sox will do well as always, Yankees I feel will under achieve but still be close. - That's my thoughts on the AL East

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Sean Casey retires.

You can now see him on the MLB network.

Without question the nicest person I have ever met, celebrity or otherwise.

He wasn't a superstar but he will forever be one of my all time favorite players.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>This one guy goes to the Shea Stadium deconstruction sight every day to take new pics...it's really surreal. The entire field is covered in remains of the stadium...he posted a vid showing an entire section coming down. The whole stadium is expected to be rubble by the end of the week.

I know Shea always was considered a dump...but damn. :( Seeing the stadium you always went to as a kid get destroyed slowly sucks. I'll probably feel the same way after the next NFL season when Giants Stadium goes down.</font>

[Splaya]

This one guy goes to the Shea Stadium deconstruction sight every day to take new pics...it's really surreal. The entire field is covered in remains of the stadium...he posted a vid showing an entire section coming down. The whole stadium is expected to be rubble by the end of the week.

I know Shea always was considered a dump...but damn. :( Seeing the stadium you always went to as a kid get destroyed slowly sucks. I'll probably feel the same way after the next NFL season when Giants Stadium goes down.


Like seriously, they are finally tearing down Tiger Stadium. I remember those days like it was yesterday and I was 10 when I went to my last game there. When they tear down Joe Louis Arena, I will feel the same way

[Triple Naitch]

Somewhat surprising news today. The Yankees may be closing in with Andy Pettite on a 1-year deal worth $6 mil with another $6 mil in incentives.

[Big Fat Mike]

Somewhat surprising news today. The Yankees may be closing in with Andy Pettite on a 1-year deal worth $6 mil with another $6 mil in incentives.


After all that posturing before the Sabathia and Burnett signings? I love Andy Pettitte, but it's really starting to look like he's just in it for the money.

[Dragon]

After all that posturing before the Sabathia and Burnett signings? I love Andy Pettitte, but it's really starting to look like he's just in it for the money.

If he's taking 6M guaranteed money how is he in it for the money? I don't think he's worth the 16M he wanted before but I think the 10M offer early on was fair. Kind of surprised he'll only get 6 million guaranteed. Hopefully this gets done, really sets the rotation up nice.

[ClockShot]

I wanna know what these incentives are to get him the rest before I buy this. I'm all for bringing Andy back. But what made him bite at this?

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Royals give Zach Greinke 4 years, $38 million

[Dragon]

I wanna know what these incentives are to get him the rest before I buy this. I'm all for bringing Andy back. But what made him bite at this?

I'm sure they are fairly easy and reachable incentives. Just something like pitching 200 innings I'm guessing. I think I read something like he has to stay on the active roster for a certain amount of time as one part of the incentives. So pretty much staying off the DL.

Basically the Yankees could pay an extra 1.5M (over the earlier offer of 10.5) if Pettitte stays healthy all year but they could save 5M if he doesn't.

I don't know the definite incentive terms or whatever but thats what I'm assuming after reading some stuff about it.

[Big Fat Mike]

If he's taking 6M guaranteed money how is he in it for the money? I don't think he's worth the 16M he wanted before but I think the 10M offer early on was fair. Kind of surprised he'll only get 6 million guaranteed. Hopefully this gets done, really sets the rotation up nice.

Yeah, but I don't buy the whole "he just wanted to pitch for the Yankees" bit this time. Face it, he couldn't get the money he wanted from the Von Steingrabbers so he tried to get it elsewhere. He talked to the Dodgers and the Astros whether you want to believe it or not. After he couldn't get the money he wanted there, he came back to the Yankees to take the $10 million offer, but it was gone. Going back to other clubs, I'm sure they decided they could find better things to spend their money on than a 37 year old guy that just went 2-7 down the stretch last year. That leaves Andy the option to try and save face, sign for six million, and hope he can stay healthy enough to hit the incentives in days on the active roster and innings pitched.

I really want to believe that Andy just wanted to pitch for the Yankees the entire time, but it just doesnt seem that way.

The guy makes me nervous anyway. Even as a fifth starter, he's not the same pitcher that he was even 5 years ago. His Fastball doesn't reach above 89-91 too often anymore and his cutter isn't exactly the knuckle bruiser it used to be. Plus the guy's off-speed stuff is very, very hittable. Jamie Moyer can pitch until he's got one foot in the grave because he is the living definition of a crafty lefty. The more I watched Andy last year, the more I thought he was trying to rely on stuff he might not have anymore. Hopefully he gets a ton of run support this upcoming season.

Or maybe someone could coax Jim Leyritz out of retirement to be the guy's personal catcher again.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

The only thing I can say about this is GAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3363/3226458621_fd6e7c4551.jpg

[RatedGSuperstar]

Royals give Zach Greinke 4 years, $38 million

Great deal for the Royals. Nice to see them committing to keeping one of their few good homegrown players, and buying out two years of free agency. Not to mention that's an awesome price for a guy as good as Greinke.

[Triple Naitch]

The only thing I can say about this is GAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3363/3226458621_fd6e7c4551.jpg

I can only say one thing.

IT'S MORPHING TIME! MASTADON, TERADACTYL...eh shit I forget the rest

[RatedGSuperstar]

I can only say one thing.

IT'S MORPHING TIME! MASTADON, TERADACTYL...eh shit I forget the rest

Didn't you hear? They changed their name to the Texas Power Rangers.

The Mets have done the dual-color helmet thing for awhile now, but theirs doesn't look bad because it's blue/black. The Rangers one looks photoshopped it's so ugly.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

LOL Mets alternate patch designs

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3267/3208443246_edd9ee2040_o.png

[Triple Naitch]

They should totally go with those designs. It would be hilarious and gain them some PR points

[Hanso Amore]

Great deal for the Royals. Nice to see them committing to keeping one of their few good homegrown players, and buying out two years of free agency. Not to mention that's an awesome price for a guy as good as Greinke.

Shit, they give Gil Meche 13 million a year, so why the fuck not Greinke?

They spend enough to field an actualy team, they just spend it poorly. They let good talent walk then sign meche to a huge deal, it makes no sense.