MLB 2008-2009 Offseason Thread

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Quickest offseason thread creation of all time. :shifty: Best to let this season in the past.</font> :(

[Kris P Lettus]

Phillie Blunts

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>First trade of the offseason

Royals get: 1B Mike Jacobs
Marlins get: RHP Leo Nunez</font>

[Innovator]

Heads are going to start rolling in the Bronx

[ClockShot]

Heads are going to start rolling in the Bronx

I doubt it. If Cashman can do what he did at mid-season this year....

Anywho, Ken Macha gets the job as Brewers skipper.

[Loose Cannon]

I hate this period. fuckin sucks without baseball.

[SammyG]

Resign Manny

[ClockShot]

Mets sign Fernando Tatis to a 1-year deal.

Word going around is that A.J. Burnett is gonna make a decision on opting out of his contract with the Blue Jays before GM meetings start on Monday. The general vibe is that he will.

[MVP]

Jason Varitek is going to sign with the Tigers.

[DaveWadding]

Anywho, Ken Macha gets the job as Brewers skipper.

Brenly in the Cubs booth next year :love:

[Gertner]

Mets sign Fernando Tatis to a 1-year deal.

Word going around is that A.J. Burnett is gonna make a decision on opting out of his contract with the Blue Jays before GM meetings start on Monday. The general vibe is that he will.

Didn't bother me much before that Burnett was gonna leave my Jays until we lost Shawn Marcum for the 2009. That's two big holes to fill. We get McGowen back but he's inconsistent. Cecil is gonna have to come up from the minors of Janssen is gonna come up from the bullpen.

The Blue Jays blow out more arms than anybody I've seen.

In the past two years we've lost B.J Ryan, Casey Janseen, Shawn Marcum and Dustin McGowen.

[ClockShot]

This should be stickied by now. :shifty:

GM meetings get going today. And some teams made some moves, signings, and announcements.

Ruben Amaro Jr. is the new Phillies GM.

Brewers pick up Mike Cameron's option.

Jake Peavy might be going to Atlanta by week's end. Unless something pops.

Marlins claim pitcher Dan Meyer off waivers from the A's.

Yankees sign Sergio Mitre. But he won't be ready to go until midseason since he had Tommy John surgery.

Rays decline the options of Cliff Floyd and Trever Miller

The Rockies won't be re-signing closer Brian Fuentes

[Gertner]

I'd love to see the Jays somehow unload B.J, promote League to closer and sign Fuentes. Ain't gonna happen but one can dream can't he?

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Whoever gets Fuentes is gonna have to act quickly...as word has it he wants to sign with someone quickly and his agent will be meeting with Mets management at the meetings.

Even though my initial thought was that I wanted K-Rod, the fact is he's not worth the kind of money he's gonna want and even if he was, he WILL drag out contract offers to get every last cent. So if the Mets went after him they'd pretty much be allowing Fuentes to go elsewhere.</font>

[ClockShot]

Tonight's news.

According to his agent, AJ Burnett will opt out of his contract with the Blue Jays.

Jake Peavy has added the Angels and Yankees to his list of teams he'll agree to a trade wtih. The others being the Cubs, Astros, Dodgers, Cardinals, and Braves.

Yankees decline the options on Jason Giambi and Carl Pavano. :yes:

[Big Fat Mike]

I swear, if one more person tries to tell me about how Manny would save the Yankees, Im going to punch them in the face. The guy is a jerkoff. Lazy, unkempt, and surly. Come on, he physically assaulted a senior citizen for cryin out loud. They're fine with the corner outfielders they have as it is. Now Xavier Nady, there's a haircut you can set your watch too.

[ClockShot]

I swear, if one more person tries to tell me about how Manny would save the Yankees, Im going to punch them in the face. The guy is a jerkoff. Lazy, unkempt, and surly. Come on, he physically assaulted a senior citizen for cryin out loud. They're fine with the corner outfielders they have as it is. Now Xavier Nady, there's a haircut you can set your watch too.


You are correct, sir.

We do not need him. What we need are arms. Followed by a 1B if we got some cash left over.

[Gertner]

Tonight's news.

According to his agent, AJ Burnett will opt out of his contract with the Blue Jays.

Jake Peavy has added the Angels and Yankees to his list of teams he'll agree to a trade wtih. The others being the Cubs, Astros, Dodgers, Cardinals, and Braves.

Yankees decline the options on Jason Giambi and Carl Pavano. :yes:
lol I love how A.J says re-signing with the Jays is a possibility. There's about as much chance of that happening as a black man being named president of the United States.............oh wait.

[SammyG]

Dodgers decline Penny's option WOOOOO

[The Gold Standard]

There is a report that Manny was offered 2 years a little over 50 mil. This is an insane offer. And Boras turned it down. He said that Manny needs 5 years before they even start talking

[Supreme Olajuwon]

NL Gold Gloves

<table class="left" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td>P</td> <td>Greg Maddux, Dodgers</td> </tr> <tr class="io-evenRow"> <td>C</td> <td>Yadier Molina, Cardinals</td> </tr> <tr> <td>1B</td> <td>Adrian Gonzalez, Padres</td> </tr> <tr class="io-evenRow"> <td>2B</td> <td>Brandon Phillips, Reds</td> </tr> <tr> <td>3B</td> <td>David Wright, Mets</td> </tr> <tr class="io-evenRow"> <td>SS</td> <td>Jimmy Rollins, Phillies</td> </tr> <tr> <td>OF</td> <td>Nate McLouth, Pirates;
Carlos Beltran, Mets;
Shane Victorino, Phillie</td></tr></tbody></table>

WOOO BRANDON

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>I'm expecting Johan Santana to start being the perennial NL Gold Glove winning pitcher if Maddux retires.

Then again, the Gold Glove award stopped meaning anything when Rafael Palmeiro won the Gold Glove one year despite having only played 28 games at first base.</font> :o

[ClockShot]

Your 2008 AL Gold Glove winners.

P Mike Mussina, Yankees
C Joe Mauer, Twins
1B Carlos Pena, Rays
2B Dustin Pedroia, Red Sox
3B Adrian Beltre, Mariners
SS Michael Young, Rangers
OF Torii Hunter, Angels; Grady Sizemore, Indians; Ichiro Suzuki, Mariners

I thought for sure K-Rod or Cliff Lee would would be getting the pitching nod. But it seems they're the frontrunners for Cy Young with Mussina being the dark horse. But props to Mike Mussina. When Wang went down he stepped up, and as bad as the Yankees were this season, I enjoyed watching him.

[Loose Cannon]

CC to the Yanks 20 years, 59 billion

[Splaya]

LOL That would be the most insane contract ever

[The Gold Standard]

Possible trade, Holliday for Ludwick, Schumaker, Boggs. I think the Cards would be getting a steal for Holliday. Just think Pujols 3 Holliday 4. Wow

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Not a bad deal for Colorado IMO. Ludwick is nasty and Schumaker is pretty underrated. Not too high on Boggs but he's got time.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

New Nationals jerseys

http://f3.yahoofs.com/ymg/ept_sports_mlb_experts__16/ept_sports_mlb_experts-979702398-1226002219.jpg?ymrMOSADZYZn.2i.

Road jerseys are sexy. Other 2 are meh.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

The red alternate is pretty much an exact copy of the Reds'.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>So they aren't going to have a home white uniform at all? That's a bit surprising.</font>

[OssMan]

Eh the Nationals had the most boring jerseys of any team so whatever.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

No silly, they're going to use the ones they already have.

[ClockShot]

Brewers sign Willie Randolph as bench coach.

Damn. Would have loved to see him in pinstripes again.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Matt Holliday to the A's</font>

[ClockShot]

Wonder how Billy Beane cooked this up.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Longoria and Soto are your rookies of the year to the surprise of no one.

Edinson Volquez finished 4th in the NL Rookie balloting despite the fact that he's not a rookie. And these votes came from paid professionals whose job it is to cover baseball. Gotta love it.

[ClockShot]

Greg Smith, Huston Street, and Carlos Gonzalez are the 3 going to Colorado in exchange for Holliday.

Another trade went down today.

Nationals trade away Emilio Bonifacio and two minor league players, pitcher P.J. Dean and shortstop Jake Smolinski to the Marlins for Scott Olsen and Josh Willingham.

[YOUR Hero]

Street is done. I don't know if I see him turning his career around. especially leaving a pitcher friendly park for a hitter friendly park.

[Skippord]

well just gonna go ahead and kill myself

[DaveWadding]

Street is done. I don't know if I see him turning his career around. especially leaving a pitcher friendly park for a hitter friendly park.

What I've heard is that they are going to flip Street to a 3rd team. So, we'll see.

[Hanso Amore]

FLIP THAT STREET!

I am going to Miss Giambi. I love him. I realize there really is no room for him anymore, but I hate to see him go, he has grown on me.

What is the status on Abreu? I want him gone.

Is Melky going to rebound? If not we are looking at a Matsui/Damon/Abreu outfield, that is shit. Then we let our DH walk.

I have faith in Cashman, but he has his work cut out for him.

[ClockShot]

FLIP THAT STREET!

I am going to Miss Giambi. I love him. I realize there really is no room for him anymore, but I hate to see him go, he has grown on me.

What is the status on Abreu? I want him gone.

Is Melky going to rebound? If not we are looking at a Matsui/Damon/Abreu outfield, that is shit. Then we let our DH walk.

I have faith in Cashman, but he has his work cut out for him.

Here's the state of the Yankees, Matt.

Abreu is going out. We don't need him anymore. With X-Man in RF, Damon/Matsui swapping between LF and DH. We are in the market for a CF. But it all depends on how much money we got left over. And no, Manny is not the answer

Top priority right now is to sign 2 big name starting pitchers. We're talking either Lowe, Sabathia, Peavy, Burnett. But we can't do jack until we hear from Mussina and Pettitte.

Second on the list is a 1B. Teixeira is the go-to guy, but it all depends on the money situation.

Hope that helps ya.

[YOUR Hero]

Padres have withdrawn their offer $4 million, to Hoffman.

[YOUR Hero]

Man, do the Nationals ever seem to go after players with disipline troubles. Getting Olsen is just the latest example.

[Hanso Amore]

They are trying to round up players with superior talent at cheap prices, and that comes by taking headcases. See Elijah Dukes.

[Hanso Amore]

Here's the state of the Yankees, Matt.

Abreu is going out. We don't need him anymore. With X-Man in RF, Damon/Matsui swapping between LF and DH. We are in the market for a CF. But it all depends on how much money we got left over. And no, Manny is not the answer

Top priority right now is to sign 2 big name starting pitchers. We're talking either Lowe, Sabathia, Peavy, Burnett. But we can't do jack until we hear from Mussina and Pettitte.

Second on the list is a 1B. Teixeira is the go-to guy, but it all depends on the money situation.

Hope that helps ya.

I thought Nadywas a Free Agent? I am cool with a Damon Matsui platoon DH/LF, will keep them fresh. Nady is a solid RF, we dont need Manny I agree.

I dont want to see Teixiara either. I guess it is inevitable though. The guy is good, but not as good as he will get paid.

I would be happy with signing Lowe regardless of of what Muss and Pettite do, he will be a solid back of the rotation starter. If we go Teixeira, I think we need to go cheaper on pitching, and maybe take Burnett rather than Sheets/Sabathia.

I just dont want to see them drop 500 million on Free Agents.

[Loose Cannon]

pitching pitching pitching. that's what the Yankees need.

[MVP]

Tim Lincecum wins the NL Cy Young. Best choice in my opinion.

[YOUR Hero]

Too abd the Jays didn't get him last year when they tried to trade Rios for him.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

If the Yankees don't go after Teixeira they are insane. There hasn't been an elite 1B free agent since Thome in like 2002. New York just cleared $25 million in salary from Giambi alone. They're not going to sign Sabbathia and Burnett and Sheets are serious health risks.

[Hanso Amore]

If I am Cashman, I make a bid on Peavy, Sign Lowe, and Maybe Bring back Muss.

That gives a Peavy, Wang, Lowe, Muss, kennedy/Hughes Rotation.

I would Bring Melky back up as the 4th outfielder.

Looking at the market, there is not a single starting option other than Teix, so We have to sign him I guess.

I would arbitrate with Marte. I would sign Brian Shouse to a medium deal.

[Loose Cannon]

you're forgeting Joba is a starter now too. Hopefully Hughes/Kennedy get thier asses in gear and we can bring back Pettite. But still, we really need help from the young guys

[Hanso Amore]

Cashman already said Joba is coming out of the pen to start next year

[Hanso Amore]

a Peavy/Wang/Lowe/Muss/Kennedy (trade Hughes for peavy) rotation would be stellar, with a pen of Mo, Joba, Marte, Shouse.

[Jeritron]

well just gonna go ahead and kill myself


Don't worry. He won't put up nearly as good of numbers in another park. Look at his away stats his entire stint with the Rockies. You can just get another slightly above average player and make him look good a mile above sea level

[Hanso Amore]

Carlos Gonzalez is going to hit put up 315 Average, 30 HR and 100 RBI I bet.

[ClockShot]

Yanks declined Marte's option last week. And we got Sergio Mitre buried in the minors in case of emergency.

Ian Kennedy's ship has sailed. If he hasn't figured out that he's trade fodder then something is wrong. Cashman wants to give Phil Hughes one last chance to prove himself. He's either gotta kick the big injuries or the stage fright if he wants to survive on this team.

[ClockShot]

Congrats to Tim Lincecum. Sole reason to go out to see the Giants this year. I thought Brandon Webb would get it.

[YOUR Hero]

Henry Owens (no big deal) a pitcher for the Marlins will be suspended 50 games to start next year because he tested positive for 'roids.

[Skippord]

Don't worry. He won't put up nearly as good of numbers in another park. Look at his away stats his entire stint with the Rockies. You can just get another slightly above average player and make him look good a mile above sea level
but I love Matt Holiday :(

[Hanso Amore]

If the rockies are packing it in on Holliday, they should trade Helton to the Yanks for some spare parts too.

THat way I dont have to root for Teix, who I hate, ifyou havent noticed already.

[ClockShot]

Joe Maddon and "Loopy" Lou Piniella are your '08 Managers of the Year.

Yankees re-sign Damasso Marte to a 3-year, $12 million deal.

Why sign the man to a new contract when we could have took the option and pay him 6 mil.? I got a feeling Hank and/or Hal had a hand in this.

[Hanso Amore]

6 million for 1 year and then a new deal or he walks.

Instead they get him for 3 years at a cheaper price and can always trade him for a return.

pretty good move IMHO

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Marlins get: RHP Jose Ceda
Cubs get: RHP Kevin Gregg</font>

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>And in no surprise, Cliff Lee is the 2008 AL Cy Young Award Winner. Absolutely NOBODY could have predicted that going into the season, awesome job.</font>

[Triple Naitch]

Yanks get Nick Swisher for Wilson Betemit and two minor leaguers.

Not a bad move for them considering that he can be their 1B if they get another OF or an OF if they get a good 1B.

[Hanso Amore]

Nice Pickup by the yanks

[RoXer]

What do I do?

I love Swish but I hate the Yanks :(

[ClockShot]

Smooth move by Cashman. We also got Texeira in that trade.............well ChiSox pitching prospect Kanekoa Texeira, that is.

Also, we're gonna shoot our proposal to CC Sabathia tomorrow. Can't wait to hear that one.

[Hanso Amore]

WOW

The Cubs have decided not to offer to Kerry Wood. Instead they trade for Florida Pitcher Kelly Gregg.

Did not see that coming.

Where you think he goes?

[Triple Naitch]

I could see Wood closing in Arizona next year.

Swisher is gonna look weird without the long hair and facial hair. I hope he grows a mustache like Thurman Munson.

[Loose Cannon]

who's Thurman Munson :wtf:

[Hanso Amore]

who's Thurman Munson :wtf:

I swear to god, you had better be kidding, or I will come to your house and burn any Yankees gear you have!

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Yanks' opening offer for Sabathia was said to be 6 years, $140 million. That would be $2.5 million more than Johan's deal from last year and thus, the largest contract ever given to a pitcher if accepted.

More than likely going to be 3 straight years in which the biggest contract ever for a pitcher record is broken. Zito, Santana, Sabathia.</font>

[Hanso Amore]

yanks confirmed the offer to Sabathia, and said they are about to make offers to Lowe and Burnett.

I think this confirms they will NOT be making an offer on Teix. Swisher will play first and Nady will play right. Maybe they will bring in a bench player to take come games there, but no big names.

If they land all 3 pitchers, OMG!

CC, Wang, Lowe, Burnett, Hughes, kennedy, Joba etc!

[Hanso Amore]

Maybe they could package kennedy and prospects for a 1st baseman/OF so that they can rotate Damon/matsui in left and DH, have Damon/Swisher in Center, Swisher/Nady in right, and Swisher/??? at first, to keep everyone fresh.

So matsui/damon/nady/Swisher/??? could play the 3 OF spots, DH and 1b. if nady can play first, then they can just bring up melky as the 5th guy in that spot.

[Innovator]

yanks confirmed the offer to Sabathia, and said they are about to make offers to Lowe and Burnett.

I think this confirms they will NOT be making an offer on Teix. Swisher will play first and Nady will play right. Maybe they will bring in a bench player to take come games there, but no big names.

If they land all 3 pitchers, OMG!

CC, Wang, Lowe, Burnett, Hughes, kennedy, Joba etc!
CC
Wang
Burnett
Joba
Hughes/Moose if he comes back

Thats a fucking rotation

[Loose Cannon]

I could see Burnett being another Pavano. I can definately see Lowe fitting the system. CC is CC. Would of loved Tex, but yea, I figured when they signed Swisher, he would play first a lot. you can tell they have lost a lot of hope in thier young pitchers, minus Joba, though.

[Loose Cannon]

I'm sure Pettite will resign too.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>I'm hoping the Mets bring in Lowe...but the problem is, like all starters on the market not named CC, the starting price is like 4 years, $50 million and Lowe is already 35 years old. But then again Johan is their only total sure thing next year because it's no guarantee that Pelfrey will pitch this well next year or if Maine will be fully effective.

Also, supposedly K-Rod really likes New York and wants to be a Met. Problem is the Mets aren't big on the idea of giving him the 5 years, $75 million he's seeking. Hoping they can settle on 4 years with an option.

Mets have roughly $25 million to spend this offseason and they need to somehow get a closer, 2 starters (at least one needs to be really solid, the other can be a low risk guy), and for fuck's sake, fix the bullpen. I get the sense their bullpen help (outside of closer) will be with trades and some addition by subtraction.</font>

[Hanso Amore]

Closers should make no more than 8 million a year. MAX. Seriously, spending 15 million a year on a guy that pitches 60 innings a year is retarded.

[Dragon]

Cashman already said Joba is coming out of the pen to start next year

Nah, positive he said Joba will be in the rotation all year. He'll be the 5th starter so they can skip his turn in the rotation every now and then.

That Swisher trade is nice, they gave up a bunch of garbage to get him.

I think the best thing the Yankees could do is to trade Damon or Nady. Both only have one year left. Nady could probably bring back a solid pitcher or prospects.

The only thing that sucks is that getting Swisher probably means they don't go after Tex. Thats why trading Nady would be ideal. Tired of first base for the Yankees being a landing spot for old guys that can't play anywhere else. The longer they leave that spot open, the more willing they are to keep so many DH types on their team.

Basically, sign Tex, trade Nady and put Swisher in right.

C - Posada
1B - Teixiera
2B - Cano
3B - A-Rod
SS - Jeter
LF - Damon
CF - Gardner
RF - Swisher
DH - Matsui

[Dragon]

Also, Burnett is probably the worst possible idea for the Yankees. They need stability in their rotation and a guy that has pitched 200 innings only 3 times in his career doesn't cut it. Also, the fact that the first time he threw 200 innings he pitched 30 innings the next year. And the second time he pitched 130 innings the following year. I'd say coming off a career high in innings doesn't bode well for him next year.

Not sure about Lowe either, he's getting up there in age and he was pretty terrible in Boston his last two years.

[Hanso Amore]

Lowe isnt a superstar, but he can eat innings up and throw some gems. I would rather have Lowe than Mussina.

Nady isnt exactly old, he is like in his late 20s, only a few yers older than Teix, and much cheaper. There wont be much of a market for him anyway until deadline, and since when are the Yanks a Deadline seller?

THere is no way they can sign Teix.

DO you really think they will hand out 2 125+ million dollar contracts? Plus 50 million to Lowe and Burnett. Not in their plans.

[Loose Cannon]

nothing has even happened yet. so you can't really so "no way" to anything. Yea, I agree with everything Deagon said about Burnett. That's why I kind of compare him to a Pavano deal. I think Lowe will be great. The veterans always seem to shine with the Yankees for some reason. It's classic late 90's Yankees formula.

[Hanso Amore]

I think the 140 million offer to Sabathia and the confirmed offers for Lowe and Burnett, plus a trade for Swisher makes it 99 percent "No way" they sign Teix.

Did you figure out who Thurman Munson was yet? You were kidding, right?

[Loose Cannon]

http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/1826/munsonbq3.jpg

[Loose Cannon]

and what I meant was yea they offered those guys deals, but you never know. Those deals could easily fall through or never come about and then they could make a play for Tex

[Hanso Amore]

True. But looking at the way they are approaching this offseason, Teix is not in their plans, and a 125 mIllion dollar man rarely is a fallback plan :)

I was pretty scared for a minute. Just making sure. How many pics you have on the walls? Is it lik a Yankees room? In my office I have A huge picture of Joe Dimaggio sliding into third, then a Framed picture of every captain in order around the room.

[Hanso Amore]

Also, didnt mean to call you out, but I have started a crusade to kill fake yankees fans for the last 10 years.

[Dragon]

Lowe isnt a superstar, but he can eat innings up and throw some gems. I would rather have Lowe than Mussina.

Nady isnt exactly old, he is like in his late 20s, only a few yers older than Teix, and much cheaper. There wont be much of a market for him anyway until deadline, and since when are the Yanks a Deadline seller?

THere is no way they can sign Teix.

DO you really think they will hand out 2 125+ million dollar contracts? Plus 50 million to Lowe and Burnett. Not in their plans.

It all depends on how long Lowe wants. If its a two year deal I would love that. Maybe 3 years.

I know Nady isn't old, but he has one year left on his contract. I think they could get a solid return for him. I mean, whatever team that misses out on Manny and the other corner outfielders could definitely use him. I know it won't happen but it would be smart.

Money wise they could sign all 4 guys and that will bring them back to their payroll last year. Obviously they aren't getting all 4 though. They won't get all three of those pitchers anyway.

I just think Cashman will focus on all pitching this offseason and while pitching is the priority, the offense is a problem as well. There are so many question marks offensively next year it isn't even funny.

Posada coming back from surgery is a question. Swisher and Cano are question marks coming off the worst seasons of their career. Matsui is coming off knee surgery. Jeter has been declining a bit every year. Nobody knows if Gardner can hit ML pitching and Nady has had one good year, and he really trailed off towards the end of the year.

Teixeira would really solidify the lineup for a while along with A-Rod.

[Dragon]

You could also say the offense was almost as much to blame as the pitching for our troubles last year. There were so many games where we lost by 1 or 2 runs.

[Evil Vito]

Closers should make no more than 8 million a year. MAX. Seriously, spending 15 million a year on a guy that pitches 60 innings a year is retarded.

<font color=goldenrod>Couldn't agree more, but unfortunately the market is going that way anyway.

I think K-Rod is hella overrated, but I still think he's the best option out there. Fuentes is cheaper but I dunno, something about him just worries me.</font>

[YOUR Hero]

Even if the Jays re-sign Burnett, next year they will be a big question mark. I could see them trading away their assets for prospects. I'm talking about everyone... including Halladay.

[ClockShot]

Wow. Now here's one out of the department of the completely unexpected.

Yankees sell Darrell Rasner to the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles for $1 mil.

Kinda wondering if we're gonna get our heads back into Japan. Picking up Igawa a couple years ago really spooked us.

[Loose Cannon]

Also, didnt mean to call you out, but I have started a crusade to kill fake yankees fans for the last 10 years.

ha, not me. raised in the Bronx and Yonkers (NY) and lived in New Rochelle, NY forever. I've got just those two on the wall. I live in an apartment right now with the wife. That wall is just part of the dining room. I've got a lot more pictures and all my baseball memorabilia back in my old room at my parents house. Once we get a house, it'll all move into my "man land" :yes:

[McLegend]

Nice beater you fag

[McLegend]

WORLD CHAMPS

[Innovator]

Gotta work on my Yankee/Giant pictures. Have Babe/Yogi shaking hands, Dimaggio, and Catch 42

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Yeah once I'm out of school and have my own place I'm gonna definitely gonna decorate my office or sports room with Mets and Giants stuff.</font>

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Anyway, apparently K-Rod took a physical in New York already and the Mets are said to have made the best offer so far, although he isn't entirely happy with the money.</font>

[MVP]

If Manny wins the NL MVP I will lose all respect for every baseball writer.

[Heros Welcome]

Well he put the team on his back and hit RIDICULOUSLY!

I mean I don't think he is going to win it, I think Pujols is getting it. But I feel Manny was everything an MVP is. Without him, the dodgers don't make the playoffs.

[MVP]

I think the Dodgers would have made the playoffs without Manny because the NL West was so terrible this year. If they were in any other division, they would have struggled. Pujols or Howard deserve it more.

Also, as a Red Sox fan, I don't want to see a player we traded away win the MVP on a different team. Already saw it happen a few years ago when the Bruins traded Joe Thornton to San Jose.

[Hanso Amore]

If Manny wins the NL MVP I will lose all respect for every baseball writer.

Why? This isnt about the best player, or who played the most games with a team, it is about the value to a player to a team.

Manny took the dodgers from fighting for second, to the NL championship game.

Who else even came close to that value?

take Pujols away and cards are still a middle of the road team. Take away manny and there is no way the dodgers make the playoffs.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

The Cards are a middle of the road team? They had a better record than the Dodgers while playing in a much, MUCH tougher division. The only reason the Dodgers went to the playoffs is because the NL West is garbage. 30 of Manny's 53 games with LA were against teams with losing records.

It was bad enough that Pujols was robbed of the MVP in 2006 but if he doesn't win it this year it'll be a travesty.

[Triple Naitch]

Ryan Braun deserves some consideration. More than Manny does. Pujols should wind up winning because he helped make Ryan Ludwick and the rest of that line-up look legitimate. Ryan Howard's first half numbers were too atrocious for them to let him win the award. This is how it will probably wind up:

1. Albert Pujols
2. Ryan Howard
3. Ryan Braun
4. Manny Ramirez
5. Aramis Ramirez

[Hanso Amore]

Take away Pujols and the Cards still finish 3rd in their division.

So that is middle of the road to me. They dont suck, but they arent a playoff team.

Without manny the Dodgers finish no better than 3rd. That is Value.

[Hanso Amore]

Yeah, I can see Braun having a case. Good point there.

Howard/Utley cancel each other out and eat up one anothers vote, plus utley missed time.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

The Dodgers were playing .500 baseball and only 2 games back in the division before Manny came so to say they'd somehow finish 3rd behind Colorado without Manny is ludicrous. Arizona played sub .500 baseball after the Manny deal as well. And people seem to easily forget that LA had the NL's best team ERA.

St. Louis was in contention for the wild card up until the last two weeks of the season. If you think they would've been anywhere close to that without Pujols you are grossly mistaken.

[Hanso Amore]

I think a team needs to make a playoff for a guy to count as MVP...But to each their own.

If you want Pujols to win it, then you support voting for Josh Hamilton for MVP too. Neither team made the playoffs but would be "Worse" off without them.

[Triple Naitch]

Pujols wins

2. Howard
3. Braun
4. Manny

I think I got it right

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Howard winning would be even worse than Manny. The argument that Manny was valuable is at least legitimate. Howard is a candidate entirely on stat inflation because he hits in a monster lineup. If Pujols had the opportunities Howard had the MVP race wouldn't even be a contest. Howard had 223 plate appearances with runners in scoring position (4th most in the majors) compared to Pujols' 176 (57th). And even despite Howard's high HR and RBI numbers, he only ranked 25th in Runs Created (Pujols is #1).

This doesn't even get into the 13 less errors Pujols made at 1st base.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

I think a team needs to make a playoff for a guy to count as MVP...But to each their own.

If you want Pujols to win it, then you support voting for Josh Hamilton for MVP too. Neither team made the playoffs but would be "Worse" off without them.
There's more to it than making the playoffs. If St. Louis was in the NL West you know they would have won that division easily.

[MVP]

For most of the season, the 3 NL teams with the best records were Chicago, Milwaukee, and St. Louis. Playoffs or not, Pujols rightfully earned the MVP award this season.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Giants sign Jeremy Affeldt to a 2-year deal, first player to change teams via free agency this offseason.

Look for teams needing an upgrade at lefty specialist to all start going hard for Joe Beimel.</font>

[Hanso Amore]

So you guys were cool with A Rod winning it in texas? I know thats an extreme example, I just think some form of accomplishment should be part of the MVP race.

Im not trying to knock on Pujols, the guy is a beast, I just dont like his MVP win.

Who is taking the AL MVP?

[Supreme Olajuwon]

A-Rod won because there was no one else to give it to. It was either him or Delgado whose team was also out of contention. Shannon Stewart finished 4th in the MVP voting that year. SHANNON STEWART

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>In a relatively odd decision, the Yanks and Cubs will play their final Spring Training games of the year in the new Yankee Stadium. Seems odd to want to have your first game in a new park being an exhibition, though I'm sure the Mets will do something similar as well.

If the Subway Series weren't a yearly occurrence, it woulda been awesome to see both NY teams play exhibitions against each other to start their new parks.</font>

[Supreme Olajuwon]

The Reds played two exhibition games against Cleveland when they opened Great American. It only makes sense to want to have a test run to make sure everything goes accordingly.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Good point, suppose it would suck to open a stadium to silence because the PA system wasn't installed properly or something.</font> :o

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>One thing I never got - why is rookie status determined by at-bats and not plate appearances? If you exceed 130 ABs as a hitter, you are not a rookie for the next year. But if you walk, it doesn't count towards the total. Odd.

I just realized that Daniel Murphy had 131 ABs on the year to kill his chances for 2009 ROY :o If he had walked instead of striking out in his pinch-hitting appearance on the last day of the year, he'd still be rookie eligible.</font> :(

[YOUR Hero]

Going to make a bit of a bold prediction here...

Andruw Jones will regain his form next year.

[Hanso Amore]

Going to make a bit of a bold prediction here...

Andruw Jones will regain his form next year.

What form is the to regain? He has bee sliding for a few years now, makes me wonder if he was juicing.

[Triple Naitch]

My AL MVP Predictions. Let's see if I get this one right too.

1. Dustin Pedroia
2. Justin Morneau
3. Francisco Rodriguez
4. Carlos Quentin
5. Josh Hamilton

[Triple Naitch]

Oh and Andruw Jones is done. He may be able to hit 20 HR's if he has enough at-bats, but his batting average will be hovering around .200

[Gertner]

Going to make a bit of a bold prediction here...

Andruw Jones will regain his form next year.

Flubber always regains it's natural form. Didn't you know that.

[Triple Naitch]

Pedroia wins AL MVP, Morneau second

[ClockShot]

Cubbies re-sign Ryan Dempster.

[YOUR Hero]

Pedroia? Terrible, IMO

[Supreme Olajuwon]

I think it's fair. I would have been ok with any of Pedroia, Morneau, or Youkilis winning.

I mean the Red Sox lineup went through a lot of turmoil this year and only had 3 guys qualify for the batting title.

Really nobody stood out from the pack enough to be a runaway candidate.

[Triple Naitch]

If you watched enough Red Sox games this season you would see that Pedroia came through in the clutch more than anybody in the AL. He spent parts of the season hitting leadoff and clean-up. Won a gold glove, silver slugger, led the league in hits, runs, and doubles. And his team made the playoffs. What more do you want?

[Triple Naitch]

Very surprised that Youkilis finished third, I thought the votes would have been split between him and Pedroia and he would have finished 5-6.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

The Reds are apparently seriously interested in trading for Garrett Atkins from Colorado. Not sure what they're offering in return but Bruce won't be involved. Dunno about Cueto though.

[VonErichLives]

one reporter had him off his ballot completely...

they have the reporter on the local radio station now and they're killing this guy.

This guy has no good argument.. They keep asking him why and comparing people and all he says "i just thought..."

At least the guy from Chicago years ago who didn't vote for Pedro at all said "I'll never put a pitcher on my list".

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>A's bench coach Don Wakamatsu is the new skipper of the Mariners</font>

[Triple Naitch]

I think Joey Cora will wind up being a better major league manager, but Wakamatsu is a good choice for Seattle. I don't know if he knows any Japanese, but maybe he can finally reach out to Ichiro and pull his head out of his ass.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>I had a class canceled today and thus, a sudden influx of free time. So I went ahead and planned out what would be my dream offseason for the Mets.

With about $25 million available to spend for the 2009 season (probably more factoring in stadium naming rights and ticket prices going up), here's what I'd like to see:

1. Sign K-Rod: He's overrated, but I trust him a lot more than Brian Fuentes and I'm afraid of Wood. They are trying to give him 3 with 2 option years, but odds are they'll have to go 4 guaranteed. Either way, make it backloaded so it doesn't eat the offseason budget.

2. Sign Derek Lowe: I'm REALLY leery of giving another old pitcher a 4 year deal right after finally getting Pedro off the books, but he's been crafty and consistent, and will probably go for less than bringing back Oliver Perez due to not being young and left-handed.

3. Sign Joe Beimel: The lefty tandem of Scott Schoeneweis and Pedro Feliciano just didn't cut it last year. Beimel should certainly be an upgrade, I'm expecting he'll get a similar deal to what Jeremy Affeldt got from the Giants.

4. Trade Schoeneweis or Feliciano: Once you get Beimel, there's no point in having three lefty relievers. Try to trade one of the two other guys, take anything you can get in return. Schoeneweis had the better year last year of the two, but is much more expensive. Surely someone would be interested though.

5. Trade Aaron Heilman: Get him the fuck out, one way or another.

6.. Trade for Huston Street: I keep hearing two things - the Rockies want to trade Street and are one of the only teams still interested in Heilman. Supposedly, they would trade Heilman and make him a starter again, something Heilman's been begging for since 2006. If they really like him like I hear they do, I'm hoping maybe something like Heilman, Nick Evans, and change could get it done...if so, I'd jump at it.

6. Trade Luis Castillo: This is not gonna be easy, as Minaya's stupid contract means Castillo still has 3 more years to go. If he goes, it would certainly be as a part of a "crap for crap" swap, which is just fine with me.

7. Sign Orlando Hudson: Obviously, this can only happen if Castillo is traded. Hudson's deal would also most likely have to be backloaded in order to squeeze into the budget. I really like O-Dawg and supposedly he wants to be a Met...but it all depends on if Luis can be offloaded.

Doing all that would leave the team with:

C Brian Schneider/Ramon Castro
1B Carlos Delgado
2B Orlando Hudson
SS Jose Reyes
3B David Wright
LF Daniel Murphy/someone else to platoon with him (Angel Pagan maybe?)
CF Carlos Beltran
RF Ryan Church

LH Johan Santana
RH Derek Lowe
RH Mike Pelfrey
RH John Maine
LH Jonathon Niese

RH Francisco Rodriguez (Closer)
RH Huston Street
LH Joe Beimel
LH Pedro Feliciano or LH Scott Schoeneweis
RH Joe Smith
Then 2 of: RH Bobby Parnell, RH Eddie Kunz, RH Duaner Sanchez, RH Brian Stokes, or anyone else brought into Spring Training

Bench: Backup C, OF Endy Chavez, OF Angel Pagan, a utility infielder (possibly bring back Damion Easley), and someone else to fill in the last spot

----

Do I see all of that happening? Nope, but I think it would be one hell of a team.</font> :o

[YOUR Hero]

To me pitchers just pitched to Pedroia, he didn't strike fear into them like a Morneau would.
I dunno.
Guys as player, don't get me wrong, I'd take him on my team.

[Gertner]

If it wasn't for Morneau the Twins would have finished last.

[VonErichLives]

To me pitchers just pitched to Pedroia, he didn't strike fear into them like a Morneau would.
I dunno.
Guys as player, don't get me wrong, I'd take him on my team.

The question that always comes up is can you have a "League MVP" if the team isn't in the playoffs or atleast close.

I watched a lot of Pedoria, I don't think they pitched to him, they also didn't pitch around him... (I know that doesn't make sense...) it wasn't like how many made Ortiz better because they'd pitch to Ortiz cause they didn't want to pitch to manny (and sometimes vice versa).

with all the injuries, he really didn't have protection... maybe at somepoint you could argue Youke when he hit #2...

I just can't see this guy who left him off the ballet... especially when he said he had him as #1 for MVP most the season and when they kept asking specificly what changed his mind he had no answer.

Anyway.. off-season is here... word is Derek Lowe wants to come back to the East Coast... he's divorced his wife and hopefully controlling his drinking, if so, love to have him back.

he was the MVP of that 04 champ, he pitched every big game in the off-season.

[Triple Naitch]

According to a sports radio station in Kansas City, the Red Sox have traded Coco Crisp to the Royals for reliever Ramon Ramirez. I haven't seen any of Ramirez's work, but he has posted respectable numbers the last two years in KC and Colorado. They are also saving a shit load of money too as Ramirez isn't eligible for arbitration until 2012. Not sure what to make of it though as Coco really picked up at the end of the season when Ellsbury started slumping.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Time to have a nice big glass of LOL:

In a recent report for FoxSports.com, Ken Rosenthal says free-agent RHP Derek Lowe is seeking a ‘Zito-type contract,’ according to executives with two different teams.

:lol:

I mean, I guess it makes sense for him to shoot for the moon while the Yanks are still hunting for starters...but once they lock up Sabathia and Burnett, his price SHOULD drop. But my God...</font>

[Triple Naitch]

I don't think Lowe's price will drop after Sabathia and Burnett sign. He becomes the top starting pitcher on the market after them. Boras can claim that he is better in the playoffs than Sabathia and is more durable than Burnett so he should be making around the same as they do. Typical Boras claims.

In the end, Lowe will probably sign for $14-15 million for three years with an east-coast team. And yes I know that I just contradicted myself.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>That's just it though. Saying he wants a Zito like contract means he wants 6 or 7 years for well over $100 million. As good as Lowe's been, anybody who commits to a 35 year old for anything longer than 4 guaranteed is batshit crazy.</font>

[VonErichLives]

yeah, cause Zito's deal turned out great.

It's Borus... what did we expect?

it's interesting that the economy is effecting sports... Nascarr is in big trouble, Golf is having issues with sponers pulling out.

Football expects to get hit because one of the top 2 advertisers/sponsers are auto companies.

if people are having trouble paying their mortgage, they aren't going to renew their 50/seat baseball tickets.

Mets/Yanks should still make a splash with the new stadium.

Lowe is a good lefty who has a good post-season record.

As for the Coco trade, it made sense... Ellsbury did slump, but he will be the future, we get a great set-up or specialist and a low price/future.

Also, there is talk Masterson may be a starter next year, so that role gets filled.

[Evil Vito]

Lowe is a good lefty who has a good post-season record.

<font color=goldenrod>Lowe is a righty...

Anyway, according to Ken Rosenthal, Mussina is hanging 'em up.</font>

[Triple Naitch]

I always enjoyed Moose even though he was a Yankee. He was awesome as an Oriole and until this year he was probably going to be the greatest starting pitcher to never win 20 games.

I hope the Sox keep Masterson in the bullpen, he did good as a starter but I think he will find his calling setting up for Paps. They should be able to find a reliable starter on the market.

[Gertner]

J.P Ricchardi said in a report that he probably isn't gonna sign anyone. That's great, because our hitting was SOOOOOO good last year, and it's not like we didn't lose our #2 pitcher to Free Agency, our #3 to Tommy John surgery and our #4 just returning from major arm surgery or anything.

[ClockShot]

Cardinals sign Trever Miller

A's sign Chris Schroder

[DaveWadding]

BREAKING NEWS:









































JAVIER VAZQUEZ STILL FUCKING SUCKS

[Heros Welcome]

Mets rumor: Could be trading a package of prospects including F Mart for Bobby Jenks and Jermaine Dye.

Not sure what I think of it yet. What you think of it BV?

[ClockShot]

Padres trade Khalil Green to the Cardinals for 2 prospects to be named.

Looks like Edgar Renteria is on his way to San Francisco.

And winter meetings start today!

[YOUR Hero]

Khalil Green, if he could ever get his batting Avg. up, he`d be something to fear with all the extra protection that he`ll have in the Cardinal line up.

[Hanso Amore]

Vazquez's Era will drop .50 with the league change, so he is a viable 3rd pitcher in the NL, for cheap. The guy eats up innings and has a huge K total.

I like that move for the Braves.

If they land Peavy and somehow sign a bat, they could contend in the east.



Any word on where Dunn is going? I really thought the Jays should haev made a run at him.

[Hanso Amore]

Yeah, if Greene could bat .290, he would be a great threat in front of Pujols.

[Triple Naitch]

I think Dunn will probably wind up in Washington. They don't need another outfielder, but Bowden loves him some OF and will find a way to give Dunn, Willingham, Dukes, and Kearns AB's. Maybe Nick Johnson could be on his way out if they sign Dunn.

And I think Javier Vazquez slept with Dave Wadding's relative while spending a season in Arizona. That has to be the reason he hates him so much.

[DaveWadding]

And I think Javier Vazquez slept with Dave Wadding's relative while spending a season in Arizona. That has to be the reason he hates him so much.

11-15 4.42 ERA

Randy Johnson in 2005: 17-8 3.79 ERA

[Triple Naitch]

Greg Maddux expected to announce his retirement at the Winter Meetings. Maddux was the second best pitcher of his time in terms of longevity and is the smartest baseball player to ever touch the rubber. If he wants, he can have any pitching coach job he wants right now.

In other news, David Ross signs a 2-year deal to be McCann's backup in Atlanta.

[ClockShot]

Everybody is waiting.

According to Pete Gammons, CC Sabathia won't make a move until Mark Teixeira signs, and Derek Lowe won't make a move until Sabathia signs.

This is gonna be a long offseason if this is the case.

[Splaya]

LOL

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Since I'm bored, here's a quick look at some of the big signings/trades I think will ultimately happen, in no particular order:

1. Teixeira - Angels: I just can't see the Angels letting Tex get away. Local teams like the Orioles and Nationals are apparently craving Tex but I'd think he would prefer to sign with a team that actually has a chance of competing.

2. Peavy - Cubs: Rumor has it the Orioles are gonna be the 3rd team in a deal, so I can see this happening. Cubs will have an awesome rotation.

3. CC - Dodgers: They have two rotation spots opening up, CC wants to be on the West Coast, and presumably play in the NL. I doubt the Dodgers will offer as much as the Yanks will, but I think CC will agree to take a couple million less to settle somewhere he wants to be.

4. Burnett - Braves: No explanation needed here really, this is close to getting done.

5. K-Rod - Mets: The Mets need a closer and they have a ton of options available to them in both free agency and trading. However, I think they really want K-Rod and will sign him, as well as trading for a guy like Huston Street to set up and give K-Rod a day off now and then.

6. Manny - Giants: Don't think I've seen this one mentioned anywhere. But anyway, the Giants are rumored to be willing to spend a fuckload to get Sabathia, so that shows they do have money to spend. If CC goes to the Giants, I think they'll invest their money at trying to fix their offense. Manny doesn't seem to care where he goes as long as the money is right.

7. Lowe - Yankees: With Sabathia and Burnett gone, I see no way the Yanks let Lowe get away as well. He's concerned more about dollar amount than years, so that should be no problem for the Yanks.

8. Fuentes - Brewers: Brewers seem to be the Mets' only competition at the two main FA closers, so I can see them settling for Fuentes when the Mets outbid them for K-Rod.

9. Wood - Tigers: Tigers seem to have interest in Wood and I can just see it being a fit. Probably a 2 year, incentive laden deal.

10. Oliver Perez and Ben Sheets: I can see both of these guys either staying with their old teams or essentially swapping teams. Sheets could be a nice #2 for the Mets if he can stay healthy, which is a big if.</font>

[YOUR Hero]

CC to the Giants is what I'm hearing more so than the Dodgers.

[YOUR Hero]

AN ALEX STORY...



A-Rod desperately seeking himself



Alex Rodriguez is a walking identity crisis. He is perpetually looking for something new because he never has found himself. He is the Howard Hughes of baseball, rich and famous beyond belief and still searching, seeking, yearning.

Right now, he is dabbling in a new religion, dating 50-year-old Madonna after divorcing his wife and trying to reaffirm his status as the best baseball player in the world instead of a $300 million nightmare. And now, in the latest chapter of his early midlife autopsy, Rodriguez is planning on dissecting his heritage.

Boston Red Sox slugger David Ortiz told Yahoo! Sports on Thursday that Rodriguez plans to play for the Dominican Republic in the upcoming World Baseball Classic. Rodriguez played for the United States last time around, though the decision, as is de rigueur with A-Rod, came with all sorts of consternation.

Before the inaugural WBC in 2006, he first leaned toward playing for the Dominican. Then he wouldn’t dare choose between his native country (the United States) and his family’s homeland (the Dominican). Eventually, he bowed to the wishes of Major League Baseball, which needed his star power for the U.S. team.

Whatever the current motive of Rodriguez’s decision – to honor his family, to win the tournament or to rehabilitate an image tarnished like dull silver – it reeks of calculation, as do many of his actions. However brilliant Rodriguez looks on the field – and at his best, he is without peer – he continuously sports a dunce cap with his other antics. He gets caught by cameras with a stripper fling, disses Derek Jeter, apologizes and says he misses having sleepovers with the Yankees captain, opts out of his richest-ever contract during the World Series so he can get one even more lucrative, spends his money on apartment complexes that The New York Times exposes him running like a slumlord and, if that wasn’t enough, dumps his wife for the world’s biggest tabloid magnet and finds himself strewn in the pages of glossy magazines here and across the pond.

Rodriguez needs, like, a prayer. Because the confusion that consumes him isn’t all self-induced.

He joined Seattle as an 18-year-old, thrust into the life of a ballplayer that is so different from reality. Adoration was a birthright, attention a drug, and it took a place like New York, where a person’s true self is always exposed, to show that Rodriguez’s actions weren’t guided by narcissism or stupidity as much as immaturity and the indecision that accompanies it.

He is a kid, or at least his actions say he is, and Rodriguez is either acting out or on the path toward an adulthood filled with contentment and peace. If he is self-aware enough to understand that decisions about religion and marriage and ethnicity are not ones made willy-nilly – that all of these things comprise a person and should not be dictated by others – then he’s well on his way to the latter.

Though everything points toward this being another in a long line of A-Rod decisions made for the wrong reason. He was born in New York, lived in Santo Domingo for about four years and moved to Miami as an 8-year-old. Even though the WBC allows a player whose family comes from a country to play for it, that rule exists primarily so teams such as Italy aren’t filled with no-names.

Without A-Rod, the Dominican is loaded. That makes him look like even more of a carpetbagger.

Rehabilitating his public image at this point is like cleaning up the Exxon Valdez, so the best Rodriguez can hope for is little victories. Leading the Dominican to the WBC championship after it struggled as the favorite last time would help. And if he hits for the Dominican like he has for the Yankees in the postseason – well, it’s tough to get beaten up much more than Rodriguez already has.

Before any of the public reconciliation starts, Rodriguez needs to start by figuring out himself. Never will he be Joe DiMaggio, the New York Yankee who handled his tabloid life with the world’s most famous blonde with grace and style. A-Rod hasn’t even officially confirmed he’s dating Madonna and the whole thing is already a disaster.

The best he can hope for is to be Alex Rodriguez, the best baseball player in the world, who after years of looking found his identity and realized he no longer needed to search, seek, yearn.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Tigers acquire C Gerald Laird from the Rangers for pitching prospects Guillermo Moscoso and Carlos Melo</font>

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>The Mets bought K-Rod and his agent a steak dinner...Jeff Wilpon even attended. Wilpon is typically involved in the final stages of Mets negotiations with big players.....so I wouldn't be shocked at all to see the Mets leave the Meetings with K-Rod as their new closer</font> :love:

[Innovator]

Hopefully he can do well when asked to get 6 out saves all year

[ClockShot]

WINTER MEETINGS!

Reports going around saying that Cashman's chat with CC Sabathia was "great".

[Triple Naitch]

Sources claim that CC Sabathia wants to be a Dodger. The Dodgers are the perfect fit for CC. It allows him to hit, it's close to his home, and he wants to win. If they offer CC a contract somewhere near the Yankees I guarantee he'll take it. The belief that players are forced to take the highest offer by the Player's Union is a myth. Same goes for the agents pressuring the player. The union and agents will do what the player wants.

Tigers reportedly sign SS Adam Everett to a contract.

Brewers sign RP Todd Coffey.

[Splaya]

I'm very happy with what the Tigers have done so far.

All they have to do is sign Wood or Fuentes and I will call this offseason a success

[ClockShot]

Greg Maddux calls it a career.

[ClockShot]

Lots of stuff went down over night.

Dodgers sign Mark Loretta.

Andy Pettitte to the Red Sox?

Yankees are prepping an offer to Ben Sheets.

Mets deal for K-Rod is about 3-years $37 mil.

[Triple Naitch]

I haven't heard Dodgers signed Mark Loretta. Where did you find this?

[ClockShot]

I get most of my info from mlbtraderumors.com

[Triple Naitch]

Yeah me too, but I still haven't seen the Loretta signing anywhere

[Triple Naitch]

Nevermind, I dug deep into the archives and found it. I'm surprised ESPN and Fox Sports didn't pick up the story

[Triple Naitch]

It seems like the Peavy to the Cubs rumors are getting serious. The Orioles and Phillies are reportedly in on the deal. Personally I think that pitching isn't the Cubs' problem, it's their strength. They should be spending more time on getting hitters. But I don't blame them for trying to get Peavy, especially for the package they're giving up.

[ClockShot]

The Vets vote 2B Tom Gordon into the Hall of Fame.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Listening to Mike Francesa on the radio today made me want to vomit. He was going on and on about how Sabathia is "embarrassing" the Yankees by not taking their contract offer. And a bunch of people were calling in and agreeing, saying he's an idiot for needing to be sold on the Yanks, etc.

It's like they refuse to believe that a professional baseball player doesn't want to sign with the Yankees...AND for less money, no less.</font>

[ClockShot]

Done deal! K-Rod and the Mets agree to 3-years, $37 million.

Casey Blake is also on his way to the Dodgers.

Unconfrimed right now, but CC Sabathia has declined the Yankees offer. The Giants are supposed to be heavy hitters right now.

Kerry Wood could be on his way to the Indians.

Trade news: Orioles trade catcher Ramon Hernandez to the Reds for Ryan Freel and a prospect.

[SammyG]

Wow, we resigned Blake, and if we could get CC, it would be amazing

[Dragon]

The CC thing is ridiculous. In the past two days I've heard he told the Dodgers he wanted to be with them, that the Giants are "supremely confident" that they will sign CC and then today I heard that the Brewers are the front-runners.

I just hope one of the big free agents signs soon so all the pieces start falling.

If CC goes elsewhere I am actually dreading what Brian Cashman will offer Burnett and Lowe. Glad that they sent an offer to Sheets though. Obviously injured a lot but he will cost a lot less than Burnett and Lowe and if healthy is better than both.

[Adder]

It's not always about the highest dollar. CC couldn't spend 140 million in his or his kid's or his grandkid's life, not could he spend 100 million. After the number gets way up there it becomes, or it should, about fitting into a plan and a lifestyle.
Some people will want to go to the Yankees or Red Sox, but for others that's not going to suit their personality or their lifestyle. If anything, people should applaud a guy like CC that recognizes this and isn't just looking for top dollar.
Maybe he ends up in New York pinstripes in the end anyway.

[Heros Welcome]

Very happy we landed K ROD, but it doesn't end there. We have got to build a bridge to get to him. Still a long ways to go.

[ClockShot]

I'm with you on Sheets, Dragon. I would have thrown a low-risk offer to Sheets just to see how he would stay healthy and sign either one of Sabathia/Lowe/Burnett.

All I know is that Cashman better get the ball rolling, getting kinda nervous right now we're gonna walk out of this with nothing.

[YOUR Hero]

37 / 3 = 12.333 million. For a closer. Crazy.

If he has 70 appearances, that's 70 innings (ish), he'd be commanding over $176,000 per inning/appearance. Hard to justify that, IMO

[Triple Naitch]

Like it or not, closers have all the leverage on the free agent market. It takes a certain breed of pitcher to spend one inning warming up and then being at your best for one inning a night. Some great starting pitchers can never make the adjustment to the bullpen, and the claim that anyone can be a closer is ridiculous. When has a closer by committee ever worked for a team? Especially when it concerns a team like the Mets who could have had another eight wins this year if it weren't for the bullpen. They can afford to spend the $12 mil a year on a closer.

OT: Which has been a more frustrating rumor so far this week? The CC Sabathia drama or the Jake Peavy is going to the Cubs, I mean not going to the Cubs, I mean certain to go to the Cubs, err no chance of going to the Cubs until the team is sold rumor?

[YOUR Hero]

Is a player worth $28.5 Mil per season?

That's what K-Rod is making in a pro-rated season.

[Triple Naitch]

But still, teams like the Mets can afford to spend that kind of money on a closer. Closers get paid to do what they do, just like hitters get paid to hit, and starters get paid to pitch at least 6 innings a go around.

[Triple Naitch]

And doesn't A-Rod make $28.5 million a year?

[Heros Welcome]

3 for 37? I take that anyday of the week! Its better than 5 75 thats for sure

This had to be done, we needed the premier closer on the market and we got it at a discount.

[YOUR Hero]

3 for 37? I take that anyday of the week! Its better than 5 75 thats for sure

This had to be done, we needed the premier closer on the market and we got it at a discount.

His value dropped or at least no one was buying into his demands. 15 mil a year for 5? that's garbage.

[ClockShot]

BREAKING NEWS: Reports flying around this morning is that CC Sabathia has agreed to the Yankees' offer.

Rockies agree to a deal with Alan Ambree

Rafael Furcal is still being bounced around.

Cubs and Padres got a long way to go to iron out a Jake Peavy trade.

The Yankees topped the Braves' offer to AJ Burnett but just a few million.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Listening to Mike Francesa on the radio today made me want to vomit. He was going on and on about how Sabathia is "embarrassing" the Yankees by not taking their contract offer. And a bunch of people were calling in and agreeing, saying he's an idiot for needing to be sold on the Yanks, etc.

It's like they refuse to believe that a professional baseball player doesn't want to sign with the Yankees...AND for less money, no less.</font>

<font color=goldenrod>Shame that after all that, he decided to sign there anyway. Then again its the largest contract ever given to a pitcher. I give Sabathia credit for fully looking at his options first.</font>

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>According to ESPN, the Yanks had to guarantee a 7th year. $160 million

And now they are on the verge of signing Lowe for 4 years, $66 million</font>

[YOUR Hero]

What I've read, says Cashman went to meet CC, not that he signed him. But it does sound like it's getting close.

[McLegend]

Jesus that's a lot of money for a 300 pound man.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>3-way deal supposedly in the works that would see the Mets land J.J. Putz to be their new set up man......they'd be dealing Aaron Heilman, Endy Chavez, and Mike Carp</font>

[Supreme Olajuwon]

So Sabathia gets 7 years with an opt out clause after 3. 3 years is supposedly when all of the California teams will have the money to sign him. Apparently the Brewers would've had to put the same 3 year clause in.

I don't get it, I don't really care, but Sabathia and his agent are geniuses.

[Heros Welcome]

<font color=goldenrod>3-way deal supposedly in the works that would see the Mets land J.J. Putz to be their new set up man......they'd be dealing Aaron Heilman, Endy Chavez, and Mike Carp</font>

Its lookin like were dealing Heilman and Joe Smith now. The idea of Putz and K Rod is very nice, and I would welcome it with open arms, I'm just a big fan of Smith's.

[Heros Welcome]

Now its a 12 man deal

Under terms of the deal, the Mets would get Putz, outfielder Jeremy Reed and reliever Sean Green from Seattle. The Mariners would receive reliever Aaron Heilman, outfielder Endy Chavez and first baseman Mike Carp from the Mets. They'd also get Franklin Gutierrez from the Indians and minor leaguers. The Indians would get reliever Joe Smith from the Mets and infielder Luis Valbuena from Seattle.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>The problem with Smith is that he really can only get righties out. Manuel has said he wants more transition guys in his bullpen who can get both lefties and righties out....hence why I feel that one of Feliciano or Schoeneweis will still be dealt.</font>

[Heros Welcome]

Done deal.

Welcome to Citi JJ Putz, Jeremy Reed and Sean Green

[ClockShot]

Royals reach an agreement with Kyle Farnsworth. 2-years, $9.25 mil.

Yankees are talking with the Brewers about a trade for Mike Cameron.

Marlins release Catcher Matt Treanor.

Tigers aquire Edwin Jackson from the Rays for Matt Joyce

Current offers to Mark Teixeira:
Nationals: 8-years, $160 mil.
Orioles: 7-years, $140-$150 mil.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Keith Law called Jeremy Reed a “a defensive specialist who makes a lot of contact but lacks power or patience” and then called Sean Green a “right-handed ground-ball machine”.

So it seems Omar traded Aaron Heilman, Endy Chavez, and Joe Smith for JJ Putz, Endy Chavez, and Joe Smith

Heilman for Putz 4tw</font> :shifty:

[YOUR Hero]

Sean Green is the Gem in that deal guys. I'm totally floored that Seattle gave him up. You guys who didn't get to see much Mariner ball or Green, are in for a nice surprise. And Putz? Wow. one bad injury plagued season and they let him go. I expect a big bounce back from him. Not sure though about him as a set up man, he's a real deal closer still. Trade KRod!

[YOUR Hero]

PPutz has been public about wanting to remain as a closer. Just read that the Meta talked to him about his new role as a set up man and that Putz was excited to go to New York. Chance to win it all seems to soothed his desires.

[ClockShot]

Update.

Yankees get Mike Cameron and MAYBE Bill Hall
Brewers get Melky Cabrera.

Still getting worked on, but damn. I'd rather send Ian Kennedy over instead. Gonna miss the Melk Man if this does go through. :'(

[DaveWadding]

Sean Green is the Gem in that deal guys. I'm totally floored that Seattle gave him up. You guys who didn't get to see much Mariner ball or Green, are in for a nice surprise. And Putz? Wow. one bad injury plagued season and they let him go. I expect a big bounce back from him. Not sure though about him as a set up man, he's a real deal closer still. Trade KRod!

Shawn Green is still a yamaka wearing douchebag who sucks at life and baseball. Whoever let him pitch should probably be shot.

I know it's not the same guy. :shifty:

[Innovator]

Gonna miss Melky, but getting him away from Cano will get Cano focused again

[ClockShot]

The Padres have had enough. According to yahoosports.com, the Padres told the Cubs they got until the end of the day to make this this Jake Peavy trade go through. All the other teams are set, but the Cubs don't wanna give up Jason Marquis. It's the only hiccup halting this trade.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>I want to see the Mets trade one of Feliciano/Schoeneweis, both of whom were great against lefties but got toasted beyond belief by righties...sign Everyday Eddie to provide a lefty serviceable against both sides of the plate...and sign Chad Cordero as a low risk/high reward.

K-Rod
Putz
Cordero
Feliciano/Schoeneweis
Everyday Eddie
Sanchez
Brian Stokes

Not only is that a much better bullpen then last year...if guys like Cordero and Sanchez regain their old form...christ. That bullpen could keep the Mets in the game.</font>

[Triple Naitch]

It's a day of dying deals.

The Yankee-Brewers Cameron for Cabrera trade is waning as the Yanks tried to get Milwaukee to take Igawa.

The Peavy to the Cubs deal is officially dead, Kevin Towers told reporters. Makes sense. The Cubs rotation would have been too dominant. Can't give those Cubs fans too much hope now, can we?

[OssMan]

Endy Chavez :mad: and Mike Carp was supposed to be our future 1B

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>He was, but that was like 2 or 3 years ago. He's fallen off tremendously. And he was so horrid at 1B that they've had him learning the outfield despite there already being a logjam of OFs.

And I love Endy...but his playing time was decreasing to almost nothing. He didn't even play much at all last year with Alou and Church out. Jeremy Reed is supposed to be similar.</font>

[ClockShot]

Everybody is flying home, a few odds and ends going on right now.

Cameron/Cabrera deal is back on right now. They got past the speedbump T.N. mentioned a few couple post above.

Brian Cashman is en route or is already in Texas to talk to Andy Pettitte. The mission is simple: He'll offer Pettitte what could be the last rotation spot for $10 million. Take it, or leave it.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>HOLY SHIT Ramirez agrees to terms with the Royals</font> :eek: :|

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/blog/index?entryID=3763156&name=winter_meetings_2008

[DaveWadding]

<font color=goldenrod>HOLY SHIT Ramirez agrees to terms with the Royals</font> :eek: :|

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/blog/index?entryID=3763156&name=winter_meetings_2008

Well Jesus Kev, how big do you think the market was for Horacio?

[Triple Naitch]

Phillies agree to terms with OF Raul Ibanez on a 3-year deal. I've always like Ibanez, but he is 36 years old and will be 39 when his contract is up. I'm interested to see how the Phils' lineup will look at full strength with their 3-4-5 hitters all lefties.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Burnett agrees to the Yanks' contract offer - 5 years, $82.5 million

My pick to be Carl Pavano revisited.</font>

[Dragon]

Happy about getting CC. Contract is ridiculous but whatever, Yankees needed him badly. The opt out thing doesn't really bother me. Worst case scenario is he leaves after 3 years and the Yankees get him for his prime pitching years. Unless he completely bombs and the Yanks have him for 7 years, I guess that is the worst case scenario. Anyway, happy no matter what about that deal.

Not a fan of giving Burnett such a ridiculous offer though. Doubt it works out well but what can you do. Although a rotation of Sabathia-Wang-Burnett-Pettitte-Joba does look pretty great. Hopefully they get Pettitte back for this next season. That way Hughes starts in the minors and comes up when Burnett gets hurt. Then next year he can slide into the rotation when Pettitte's gone.

[ClockShot]

I'm with both of ya. I too seeing Burnett being Carl Pavano 2.0, and we gave him way too much. Should have let Atlanta take him and work on Lowe and Sheets.

Mike Cameron talks have been put on the back burner at the moment.

[Adder]

Burnett at 16.5 million a season ?
People thought the Jays were crazy when they gave him 10 million a season.
Not to sound bitter, but I do hope he's injury plagued.

[Triple Naitch]

Burnett is going to make Carl Pavano look like a bargain in a couple years. But Ben Sheets isn't much of a better option. He has been more injury plagued than Burnett. I also think Sabathia is not going to like NY as much as he thinks he will and will opt out after 3 years.

[ClockShot]

Mets trade Scott Shoeneweis to the D-Backs for Conor Robertson and cash considerations.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Kerry Wood to the Indians - 2 years $20 million

I thought the K Rod deal was steep but holy shit. $10 mil a year for a closer with Wood's injury history? Yikes.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Angels offer 8 years, $160 million for Tex. They are hoping he takes their offer, which is less than what the Nationals are offering, for the chance to compete.</font>

[Heros Welcome]

The Yankees are likely out of the Lowe sweepstakes, says Crasnick, considering the $243 million they've already committed to the rotation. By process of elimination, Crasnick names the Mets as frontrunners for Lowe's services.

I do like me some Derek Lowe, as long as the price comes down.

[YOUR Hero]

Really like the Raul Ibanez deal the Phillies got done. Raul puts up quiet good numbers. He's going to be another big weapon for the Phillies.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Yeah I would love to see what Ibanez can do on a good team. It's amazing that this guy didn't get a full season in as an every day player until he was 30.

But yeah great move the Phillies. They get a better, cheaper replacement for Burrell and the only sacrifice is a 4 year age difference.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

K Rod's already talking shit to the NL East:

"Of course, we're going to try to win the division. Of course, we're going to be the front-runner. Of course, we're going to be the team to beat."

This worked when Rollins said it a couple of years ago but then Rollins went and backed it up with an MVP award. Mets-Phillies is slowly becoming the 2nd best rivalry in baseball and you gotta love adding fuel to the fire this early.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Yeah, I normally HATE it when players talk shit early on even after they blew it the previous year, but it seemed to fire the Phillies up when Rollins did it so we'll see.

K-Rod will probably wind up blowing his first save chance of the year against the Phillies :o Much like how Rollins caused the error to give the Mets the win in the first Mets/Phillies meeting of 07 after his comments.

2 more months until pitchers and catchers</font> :(

[ClockShot]

Phillies loading up on arms.

They re-sign Jamie Moyer, and sign Chan-Ho Park.

Yankees/Brewers talks for Mike Cameron resume today. They're still arguing about who's gonna pay who.

Brewers are close to re-signing Chris Capuano to a minor league deal.

Orioles and Cesar Izturis reach an agreement.

Rafael Furcal and A's are back in talks.

[Triple Naitch]

According to Ken Rosenthal, the Braves and Rafael Furcal are closing in on a deal

[Boomer]

Crasnick says the preliminary agreement is done.

Welcome home, Rafey. Now we just have to figure out where to put you.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Jamie Moyer, eh? Guess I have to post the mandatory pic:</font>

http://espn.go.com/photo/2007/0501/moyer_HOF.jpg

[SammyG]

Fuckin Furcal. Hope you choke just like you did in the playoffs last year.

[SammyG]

Manny to the Angels...?

[ClockShot]

Cubbies sign Joey Gathright.

[Triple Naitch]

Yankees are reportedly about to go hard after Manny Ramirez and are willing to give him 3 years. It just never ends.

[ClockShot]

For the record:

I DON'T WANT MANNY RAMIREZ IN NEW YORK!

Thank you.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Watching K-Rod's press conference :love: Love the press conference after a big signing.

Looks weird seeing him wear #75 tho. Hopefully he ptches a million times better than the only other #75 in baseball.</font>

[ClockShot]

Rafael Furcal agrees to a 3-year, $30 mil. deal with the Dodgers. Let's see if he burns this bridge.

Catcher Matt Treanor has agreed to a deal with the Tigers.

Brewers/Yankees talks for Mike Cameron may be all but dead.

[Boomer]

Frank Wren will probably be replaced within a year or so. He's no Schuerholz, but everybody knew that. Lots of Braves fans are clamoring for Manny now, but I just don't see that happening.

[ClockShot]

Trot Nixon and Chris Duffy sign minor league deals with the Brewers.

Other than that, no decent news.

[YOUR Hero]

WILL MANNY CUT HIS LOCKS TO JOIN THE YANKEES?!?!?!?111///1/1/1/1

[Supreme Olajuwon]

You know what Cubs blunder doesn't get talked about nearly enough? They sold Josh Hamilton to the Reds for $100,000.

[Triple Naitch]

It doesn't really work like that. The Reds bought the Cubs' pick in the Rule 5 Draft for $100,000. But officially, the Cubs have to draft somebody then trade him to the Reds. So the Reds tell the Cubs who to take. But yeah it does suck that all those other teams never took a flyer on Hamilton.

[SammyG]

lmfao @ the Furcal shit.

[McLegend]

According to Buster Olney and Peter Gammons...

Scott Boras wants $195 million for Mark Teixeira. Scott Boras denies this though.