MLB 2009-2010 Off Season Thread

[Loose Cannon]

Wondering - if Mac was close to having the votes to get in the Hall, would we still have gotten this "heartfelt confession"??

exactly my thoughts on this. I'm not going to say much because I hate talking about this steroid stuff, but it's a little too late. Good for him for putting it behind him and moving on and finally baseball fan, media, and personal can move on. But I do not feel sorry for the guy one bit.

[Emperor Smeat]

I would think if he was close in votes then either the writers do not really care about steroid in baseball or they come to realize it would be impossible to just ignore a good 15-20+ years of players just because MLB was relaxed on drug testing (and Players Association).

I doubt he will get any closer in next few years since current mindset of most writers is that "juice = no chance" even though the Hall already contains cheaters, racists, and other less prestigious players.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Definitely think that McGwire pinch-hit thing might come to fruition, just to give him 5 extra years before he can be eligible again.</font>

[Hanso Amore]

I hate how the token steroid argument is the home run spike. Maris went from 39 to 61.

Mickey Mantle was on Amphetamines.

[FakeLaser]

If Mantle wasn't on amphetamines he wouldn't have been able to play at all due to being constantly hung over.

[McLegend]

Mind you I think McGwire should be in the Hall of Fame, but if he get's in after admitting doing steriods that would be kind of ridiclious and make no sense.

It's pretty much The Crucible coming to life.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>lol Nelson Cruz is gonna be pushed all the way down to 7th because Ron Washington doesn't wanna stack righties

Chris Davis will be batting ahead of him...so at least if there's men on with less than 2 outs, Cruz will get a chance to drive them in once Davis strikes out</font>

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Davis did hit .308 after he came back from the minors and at 23 you've got to give him another chance. Bill James has him down for 30 homers and 91 rbi this year.

[YOUR Hero]

Chris Davis will put together a full season yet.

[Hanso Amore]

So who would you rather have for a 5 mill DH...Nick Johnson, or Vlad?

[Supreme Olajuwon]

I really don't like the way the press is attacking the Big Mac story. Nobody is going to want to come clean now.

[Jeritron]

It's absurd. You get lambasted for not coming forward. If you "refuse to talk about the past" you're villified. If you lie, you're villified. And now, if you come out and tell the honest truth without being forced, you're nitpicked and mocked.
What can a person do? You can't change what happened. Apparently nothing is good enough for the media. Apparently anything less than performing Harry Carry on tv and calling yourself dirt isn't enough.

What's ridiculous to me is now it seems as though people would rather the players take the Clemens or Bonds route than this one. Makes 0 sense.
Some of the writers are talking about how they can bring themselves to vote for them because "they don't know for sure they did it."
Talk about ignorance and ass-backwards logic.

[Jeritron]

How about that players association list? The names on that were leaked at oppurtune times. There is no way the full list wouldn't be out unless there were other big names squirreled away for a rainy day.
Someone will get outed from that list during spring training or around opening day.

[SammyG]

I really don't like the way the press is attacking the Big Mac story. Nobody is going to want to come clean now.
Was thinking this earlier this morning, yeah.

[Triple Naitch]

LOL

MLB and MLBPA order the Marlins to spend more of their revenue share on payroll. Good sign for Fish fans with their new stadium on the way. Uggla and Johnson should be able to be resigned soon.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Ryan Church signs a 1-year, $1.5 million deal with the Pirates. He can earn an additional $1.32 million in plate appearance performances.</font>

[Emperor Smeat]

From what was being said in the complaints, the Marlins owner figured out what was the bare minimum (roughly 16-30 million per year) to pay in salary to get the maximum amount of revenue sharing possible from other teams. Then pocketed the majority of the money and only gave a token boost in team salary so to not look like a cheap-ass.

It just ended up being a "fluke" they managed to have decent seasons 2 out of the last 4 years when other teams in tougher divisions or in similar money range were absolute horrible (ex. Pirates, Rays until 2 years ago)

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>John Smoltz says he's willing to pitch in the bullpen again. Could be pretty interesting.</font>

[The Genius]

Im excited for the Giants this year now that they signed Huff, who is a significant upgrade over Travis Ishikawa.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Will Carroll of Baseball Prospectus left this Tweet:

http://twitter.com/injuryexpert/statuses/7730229872

"Big news pending for the Mets. Doesn't sound good."

*prays it's just another one of Carroll's infamous misleading tweets*</font>

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>The rumor is that Carlos Beltran is out for 2010 with microfracture knee surgery.

This has to be a fucking sick joke.</font>

[Innovator]

Damn

[Skippord]

that's a downer

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Now hearing that Beltran had microfracture knee surgery today without team permission. Not sure how much time will be missed, but the recovery time is at least 8-12 weeks AT MINIMUM

If this is true...what the fuck.</font>

[Skippord]

I heard Carlos Gonzalez is supposed to be a lot like Beltran

now I'm worried he's going to be hurt all the time too

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Mets issued a press release. He'll resume baseball activities in 12 weeks. Meaning he'll still have to get in game shape after then, by which point the season will have already started.

Fuck. Let's go Angel Pagan/Fernando Martinez!</font>

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Mets might be taking legal action on Beltran.

Kinda hope they can just void his contract. He's a good player, but he's making a shit-ton of money and his knee is obviously always getting hurt. Get his money off the books and go hog wild next offseason.</font>

[YOUR Hero]

without permission?

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Yeah. He went under the knife without permission, which is stupid.

But, as usual...some blame also has to go to the Mets medical staff. Beltran wanted to have surgery done on his knee in late July/early August when it became abundantly clear the Mets weren't going to be able to get back into contention. The Mets told him no, because if something went wrong it could force him to miss all of 2010.

So he rehabbed, felt good...then suddenly the injury comes back a month before ST starts and he gets the surgery anyway. He won't resume baseball activities for 8-12 weeks (since it's Beltran, probably the latter) and you'd have to assume it'll take another month to run, get the timing back, etc. So we're looking at a late May/early June return at the least. And even when he returns, one slip-up could spell the end of his Mets career.

I think the probability of Carlos Delgado coming back just increased tenfold. Also wouldn't mind checking out a guy like Reed Johnson.</font>

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Another thing that irks me about Mets fans...they are way too sentimental about numbers. New Japanese reliever Ryota Igarashi decided he'll wear #18...probably either the number he wore in Japan or a tribute to Dice-K.

But Mets fans bitch that it's Strawberry's number. They also do the same thing with Gooden's #16. Yes, they were key pieces to the '86 team...and two of the best talents to come out of the Met system, but they could have been legendary. Their personal lives really derailed their Met careers. I'd be all for letting them into the Mets' Hall of Fame, but retire their numbers? Nah. People wanna see Gary Carter's #8 retired, but he only spent 5 years with the team. IMO, nobody should have their number retired after just 5 years unless they were to put up absolute MONSTER numbers.

I DO think somebody from the '86 team should see his number hanging in left field, and that's #17 Keith Hernandez. The trade for him marked the Mets beginning to turn the corner, and he was the leader. Nobody's been issued it so far this year, so my hope is they've finally taken it out of circulation. Maybe they are waiting til 2011 to see if the Vet's Committee lets him into the HOF (which I don't think will happen unfortunately...1B is not a position where they really look at defense. Take his career and move it to SS and he'd be in already). But yeah, his number should go up.

And Piazza's #31 probably should have been retired in 2008 before Shea closed, but I'm guessing they're waiting for his eventual HOF induction. They've not issued it since he left so I'd be shocked if it wasn't hung up eventually. The fact that they've had him stand side-by-side alone with Seaver in on-field ceremonies speaks volumes.

I think it's just another case of Mets fans looking cross town, seeing the Yanks have retired like 50 numbers...and wanting to be the same. Fuck that.</font>

[RP]

<font color=goldenrod>Yeah. He went under the knife without permission, which is stupid.

But, as usual...some blame also has to go to the Mets medical staff. Beltran wanted to have surgery done on his knee in late July/early August when it became abundantly clear the Mets weren't going to be able to get back into contention. The Mets told him no, because if something went wrong it could force him to miss all of 2010.

So he rehabbed, felt good...then suddenly the injury comes back a month before ST starts and he gets the surgery anyway. He won't resume baseball activities for 8-12 weeks (since it's Beltran, probably the latter) and you'd have to assume it'll take another month to run, get the timing back, etc. So we're looking at a late May/early June return at the least. And even when he returns, one slip-up could spell the end of his Mets career.

I think the probability of Carlos Delgado coming back just increased tenfold. Also wouldn't mind checking out a guy like Reed Johnson.</font>


Trade Beltran to the Cubs, we'll wait for him. :wave:

[parkmania]

From what was being said in the complaints, the Marlins owner figured out what was the bare minimum (roughly 16-30 million per year) to pay in salary to get the maximum amount of revenue sharing possible from other teams. Then pocketed the majority of the money and only gave a token boost in team salary so to not look like a cheap-ass.

It just ended up being a "fluke" they managed to have decent seasons 2 out of the last 4 years when other teams in tougher divisions or in similar money range were absolute horrible (ex. Pirates, Rays until 2 years ago)

To be fair, the only reason I've heard for the Pirates not getting a "talking to" was that they spent a bunch of money on some developmental facility in the Dominican or somewhere down there.

[Triple Naitch]

Pirates spent like $64 million more than the Marlins in the last 5 years or something.

[FakeLaser]

lol Mets

[ClockShot]

Adam LaRoche to the D-Backs. 1-year, $4.5 mil with an option.

Bit of a head scratcher since he turned down 2-years, $17.5 mil. from the Giants.

After getting yelled at by the union and MLB front office, the Marlins throw Josh Johnson an extension. 4-years, $39 mil.

[DaveWadding]

Adam LaRoche to the D-Backs. 1-year, $4.5 mil with an option.

Bit of a head scratcher since he turned down 2-years, $17.5 mil. from the Giants.

He was an idiot. He turned down that money, the Giants went and signed Aubrey Huff instead, and his market evaporated.

Contract details: KTAR is reporting LaRoche’s deal to be worth $4 million with an $8 million mutual option for 2011 or a $2 million buyout. So it’s either one year and $6 million or two years and $12 million.

DBacks considering releasing Eric "PigPen" Byrnes to vlear a roster spot.

:y: :D

[Emperor Smeat]

To be fair, the only reason I've heard for the Pirates not getting a "talking to" was that they spent a bunch of money on some developmental facility in the Dominican or somewhere down there.

Yeah Pirates do spend more than the Marlins. I was trying to think of another team similar in bad quality but low spending once I remembered how Rays basically jumped from the $15 to $30+ to the $50-$60 million they were this year.

Pirates issue is they spend money but then have no long term development plans which is why they seem to have a roster overhaul every trade-deadline.

[RatedGSuperstar]

The Pirates are just stupid, not greedy. The Marlins manage to stay competitive because their baseball operations people are some of the best in the game and do apparently spend a good amount of money on player development (but the player's union only cares about MLB payroll -- Florida could spend a billion every year in player development and scouting and the union would still complain).

The Pirates spend a good amount more on MLB players every year (I hesitate to say "MLB talent" considering some of their lineups the past few years), but they're horribly cheap when it comes to signing foreign free agents and draft picks. They've only recently started getting better at this, drafting and signing Pedro Alvarez a couple years ago despite him being a Boras guy.

The Marlins have gotten a lot of bang for their buck, but something did need to be done. With their new stadium on the way, they can't really plead poverty anymore, especially since they don't even really play in a small market. Milwaukee has something like 2.2 million less people in their market area and spent about $45 million more last year.

[Evil Vito]

http://www.sporcle.com/games/Uproar2099/allstars_traded_marlins

[Emperor Smeat]

Looks like 2B is the only position where an all-star after a trade didn't occur by leaving the Marlins.

[Triple Naitch]

Got 17/23.

[Gertner]

Mind you I think McGwire should be in the Hall of Fame, but if he get's in after admitting doing steriods that would be kind of ridiclious and make no sense.

It's pretty much The Crucible coming to life.

Fred McGriff was a better player than MCGwire and he's not even close to getting in.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Do you think adding Aubrey Huff gives the Giants enough offense to make the playoffs? He's an improvement, but they still seem a bit lacking in that department.

They have to REALLY hope their offense steps it up this year to get them into October, cause shit might be hard financially in 2011. Matt Cain has a $6.25 million club option for 2011, but Lincecum looks like he's poised to shatter the arbitration records every year until he becomes a free agent, so much so that they might not even be able to afford to keep Cain AND add more offense/whatever else they might need.</font>

[ClockShot]

Something to look forward to next week.

Ben Sheets is gonna throw for teams at the University of Louisiana on tuesday.

Blue Jays, Cards, Rangers, Brewers, Dodgers, and Mets have been confirmed to be watching. M's and Cubs have interest.

[Evil Vito]

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=4833375

<font color=goldenrod>lol Jose Offerman. Can't believe he was even able to get a job after his first incident.</font>

[Triple Naitch]

Do you think adding Aubrey Huff gives the Giants enough offense to make the playoffs? He's an improvement, but they still seem a bit lacking in that department.

They have to REALLY hope their offense steps it up this year to get them into October, cause shit might be hard financially in 2011. Matt Cain has a $6.25 million club option for 2011, but Lincecum looks like he's poised to shatter the arbitration records every year until he becomes a free agent, so much so that they might not even be able to afford to keep Cain AND add more offense/whatever else they might need.

Don't think Huff will put them over the top, but the NL West should be pretty competitive this year. Madison Bumgarner is my choice for pre-season NL ROTY.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=4833375

lol Jose Offerman. Can't believe he was even able to get a job after his first incident.

Always had a grudge with Offerman since he played for the Sox. Most frustrating player ever. Prob my least favorite baseball player ever.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>For whatever reason I seem to remember Offerman being decent with the Mets in his one-year tenure in 2005. Looked up his stats and he only batted .250 with them. My guess is he had a couple of hot weeks and then cooled down, so I just remember the hot streak.

But yeah, huge dickhead.</font>

[Triple Naitch]

All I remember of him is the Red Sox paying him a shit load of money, him under-performing, and the Sox never giving up on him in the line-up.

[FakeLaser]

lol that was such a bitch punch

[YOUR Hero]

phantom punch

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Jerry Hairston Jr's about to sign with the Padres for 1 year, $2 million, putting him on the same team as his brother Scott.

Padres seem obsessed with signing brothers. They also used to have Adrian/Edgar Gonzalez and Brian/Marcus Giles</font>

[ClockShot]

Jerry got his ring. He should be happy.

Add the Nationals, and D-Backs to see Ben Sheets throw tomorrow. Astros and Angels have publicly stated they have no interest.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>No word on figures yet, but the Mariners apparently reached a multiyear agreement with King Felix

Felix might be the only player in baseball I'd even remotely consider giving a 10-year contract to.</font>

[RBM]

I hope it's not just Seattle buying out his 2 arb years. Pretty sure it's going to be more years than that.

Really hoping its something along the lines of 5/75 or 6/90, give or take a few mil. That would put him ahead of Greinke and Josh Johnson's numbers, without breaking the bank too much and he'd still be set up for another big payday opportunity at age 29/30ish.

[The Genius]

this giants roster is looking promising:
Rowand CF
Freddy Sanchez 2b
DeRosa LF
Sandoval 3b
Huff 1b
Scheirholz/ (possibly Ankiel?) RF
Renteria/Uribe platoon
Buster Posey C

Rotation with: Lincecum, Cain, Zito, Sanchez, Baumgarner

[FakeLaser]

this giants roster is looking promising:
Rowand CF
Freddy Sanchez 2b
DeRosa LF
Sandoval 3b
Huff 1b
Scheirholz/ (possibly Ankiel?) RF
Renteria/Uribe platoon
Buster Posey C

Rotation with: Lincecum, Cain, Zito, Sanchez, Baumgarner
Rowand - garbage
Sanchez - average
DeRosa - slightly above average
Sandoval - awesome
Huff - garbage
Scheirholz/Ankiel - average
Renteria/Uribe platoon - garbage
Posey - not ready

Rotation - nasty

Another year of awesome pitching and absolutely no offense. I would just walk Sandoval every AB. Giants really needed to add a bat. They should look at Damon, Dye or Jonny Gomes. Not really too many attractive options out there anymore.

Huff is a nice gamble but he was atrocious last year for two different teams.

[ClockShot]

King Felix gets 5-years, $78 mil.

Bummer. Scratch him off next year's wish list.

Rockies give Huston Street and Rafael Betancourt new deals.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Bengie Molina turned down the Mets' latest offer, sounds like the Mets are now saying fuck off and moving elsewhere. GOOD. Blanco and Santos are enough to get by with, IMO.

I'd like to see them sign two starters now. Omar probably won't do it though. He'll sign one and then declare the rotation set, he's too loyal to his guys to move one into the bullpen.</font>

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Felix Hernandez: 5 years, $80 million
John Lackey: 5 years, $82 million

lol what a steal for the M's</font>

[FakeLaser]

Molina signed with the Giants again. lol Mets again. I do, hwoever enjoy their strategy of signing every backup catcher on the market, robbing teams of necessary depth :roll:

Lincecum only asked for $13 million in arb, pretty modest, Giants lowballed him big time with 8 million. After all the hype around Lincecum being awarded like 20 million in arb, this is pretty anti-climactic. They'll probably settle at around 10 or 11 million.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>So glad Molina went back to the Giants. Blanco/Santos is more than adequate, saves another $5-6 million to spend elsewhere. I think Molina wanted to stay in SF and was willing to take 1 year, and wanted 2 years and an option for anywhere else. Really happy the Mets didn't cave into those demands.

Carlos Delgado re-signed with the Blue Jays, I guess even he is willing to admit he just can't play 1B full-time. Hopefully the Mets grab Garko or Nady to platoon with Murphy.</font>

[The Genius]

im glad molina signed with the giants too. now posey can spend half the season in fresno and this solidifies the 6 spot and protects Huff. still would like to see the giants take a look at xavier nady, jermaine dye, rick ankiel or some sort of decent hitting OF.

[RBM]

With 2 years of arbitration left, you really can't compare Felix's extension to a free agent signing like Lackey. He'll also only be 28 at the end of this extension, plenty of time to sign another huge contract.

Lincecum's asking price had no right to be that much more than what Ryan Howard got in arbitration. It's also pretty much in line with what Josh Johnson gets annually on his extension.

What I like is that Felix's 2010 salary is only going to be 6.5 million, which is at least 1.5/2 million if not 3.5ish million less that what they would have had to pay him on an arbitration number. Which combined with a bit more money to theoretically spend, hopefully leads to Seattle looking at another bat and taking their chances with Ben Sheets or at the very least Washburn as a cheap backup plan.

[YOUR Hero]

Lackey and Felix are not the same, as RBM stated.

[Skippord]

hey the Rockies did something today

woo

[Triple Naitch]

hey the Rockies did something today

woo

Signing Paul Lo Duca. :lol:

[Skippord]

I meant the Huston Street and Betancourt deals

I had not heard that other thing

[Skippord]

really? fucking guy was analyzing horse races

They couldn't just re sign Giambi?

[Emperor Smeat]

Red Sox avoid arbitration and sign Papelbon to largest single year deal ever for a closer at 1 year, $9.35 million.

ESPN also had an interesting stats screen showing how similar Papelbon's stats are to Riveria in 1st 4 years in MLB. Biggest difference is Riveria had 3 rings compared to Papelbon's 1 ring.

http://img207.imageshack.us/img207/5585/24927806.png

[McLegend]

Biggest differnence now is Mariano Rivera is still really good while Papelbon has tapered off.

[Emperor Smeat]

Agree. Ever since he got hurt a few years ago, he's relying too much on his fastball that his pitching gets flat after the 1st couple of batters or he just flat out looses focus in certain games. Used to have a good 3-4 pitch types he could throw but has almost ignored them all for the fastball.

His mechanics are good but his trash talking and lack of mental preparation with pitches is hurting him in the long run.

[YOUR Hero]

Papelbon (all players) needs to evolve his stuff and his game to be effective or long serving. I ind Papelbon isn't the automatic that Rivera has been for so many years.

[McLegend]

Eww Rumors are that the Phillies are interested in Eric Gagne.

[SammyG]

Yesssssssssss, get him!

[FakeLaser]

Well that will bring some consistency to a bullpen that already features stalwarts Brad Lidge and Chan Ho Park.

[McLegend]

Hey now Chan Ho Park was pretty good last year.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>I feel as though Eric Gagne would do great if he signed with the Phillies. Seems like every guy they pick up turns to gold.</font>

[McLegend]

Yeah you might be right.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Joel Pineiro to the Angels. 2 years, $16 million. Awesome...really didn't want him. He screams "Dave Duncan Product"

Doug Davis to the Brewers. 1 years, $5.25 million. Again, not a guy I really wanted.

Really hope the Mets can get Sheets. Unlike the other choices he actually CAN be a #2 starter.</font> :love:

[YOUR Hero]

Wow. Did the Angels ever over-pay for Pineiro.

[SammyG]

They did, but I'm glad he's outta the NL

[FakeLaser]

Pineiro has had 3 good seasons in his 10 year career. Now, getting a hit 30% of the time is an accomplishment and potentially warrants 8 million a year, but I'd say having a good season 30% of the time falls a tad short of that.

I can't say I'm surprised though. I knew Piniero would be the overpay of the offseason. I'm surprised the Mets didn't lolMets again and sign him.

[FakeLaser]

Angels lose Figgins, Lackey and Guererro. They gain Piniero and Matsui. Matsui is better than Vlad at this point in their careers and the loss of Figgins hurts. They're losing their ace and I doubt Piniero provides much more than number four or five starter numbers next year. His history in the AL West isn't too inspiring. Have fun looking up at Seattle (and maybe Texas) next year. Nice to see the Angels finally crumbling.

[Droford]

The Os might bring back Miguel Tejada to play 3b, or they are also looking at Joe Crede.

Or they could always just go right to Josh Bell from Opening Day and let him take his lumps at 3b and play Scott/Atkins/Aubrey/someone else at 1B, because they don't need whiny Tejada back and Joe Crede might play a decent 3B but he can't hit and they already give up offense at SS with Izturis.

[Triple Naitch]

FakeRazor:
http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2713/140/118/16812188/n16812188_40650786_4964569.jpg



Former Blue Jays GM, J.P. Ricciardi:
http://www3.whig.com/whig/blogs/dobservations/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/jp_ricciardi.jpg

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Are we still debating this? FakeRazor is Jason Marquis. End of discussion

[Triple Naitch]

http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/11/2009/12/1116marquis.jpg

Possibly

[YOUR Hero]

<s>Fat Kapoutman</s> Thin Marquis

[Nervous Ferret]

Joaquim Phoenix

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Mets are getting Gary Matthews, Jr. from the Angels.

I was PISSED when I first heard this...but it turns out the Angels will be paying like $20 million out of the $24 million he has left. So really, they aren't spending much at all on it.

Also, though I like Angel Pagan...a lot of teams are interested in him so maybe he can be expendable in a trade for a pitcher. Who knows. If both are still there in Spring Training, they'll be competing for the Opening Day CF job.</font>

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Turns out the Mets are giving up reliever Brian Stokes.

Dunno how I feel about this move then. :-\ Stokes wasn't the best, but he was cheap and had a live fastball. He wasn't a lock for the 2010 bullpen though, and he's out of options. So, I guess it does make SOME sense. I dunno.</font>

[ClockShot]

Rick Ankiel to the Royals. 1-year, $3.25 mil. With a $6 mil. mutual option for '11.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Let's see. So far the Mets have Francisco Rodriguez, Kelvim Escobar, Ryota Igarashi, Pedro Feliciano, and Sean Green as locks for the bullpen. That's 5. I'm also pretty sure they want to have a second lefty in there...they have some in-house options and will probably invite a vet or two to ST, so that's 6. That means Brian Stokes, Fernando Nieve, Bobby Parnell, and some other guys would be competing for the final spot.

Stokes AND Nieve are both out of options I think, so either of them will have likely been claimed with no return. So in that respect, it makes sense to get SOMETHING.

Still, GMJ played BELOW replacement-level last season. So I have no idea.</font>

[Droford]

OAKLAND, Calif. -- Oakland Athletics prospect Grant Desme is retiring from baseball to enter the priesthood.
Desme was recently selected the 2009 Arizona Fall League MVP and was considered one of the top prospects in Oakland's system.
"We respect Grant's decision and wish him nothing but the best in his future endeavors," A's general manager Billy Beane said in a statement.
The 23-year-old outfielder batted .288 with 31 homers, 89 RBIs and 40 stolen bases in 131 games at Class-A Kane County and Stockton last season.
He then hit .315 with a league-leading 11 home runs and 27 RBIs in 27 games in the fall league.
Desme was a second-round pick selection in the 2007 draft after being named Big West Player of the Year at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.


and I thought it was bad being an Os fan.

[FakeLaser]

Matthews sucks but at least the Mets aren't paying shit for him. They could have signed Reed Johnson or something and not given anything up and paid him the same thing though. Plus Reed Johnson is probably a better defender now and hits lefties while while Matthews hits no one well.

Oh well. It's the lolMets again

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>I'm really not all that bothered about it. I looked at Stokes' numbers and he definitely wasn't as good as I remembered him being last year...prolly cause the whole team sucked so anybody who was a remote bright spot looked better than he actually was. He was prolly just gonna get DFA'ed and claimed by someone else anyway.</font>

[RBM]

Looks like the Nationals are considering trading Willingham and putting Dunn back in the outfield. That is pretty ridiculous. Dunn should be nowhere near an outfield.

I'm hoping the Mariners can pull off a Jose Lopez for Willingham trade with maybe another name or two involved and then sign Orlando Hudson. Signing Ben Sheets would be ideal (if they can afford it), if not then Washburn to a cheap contract and I think they'd be set and have a fairly legit shot at competing.

[CSL]

and I thought it was bad being an Os fan.

Was gonna come in here and mention that. What a dick.

[FakeLaser]

Also none of those dudes look like me

Joaquin all the way

[Triple Naitch]

Looks like the Nationals are considering trading Willingham and putting Dunn back in the outfield. That is pretty ridiculous. Dunn should be nowhere near an outfield.

I'm hoping the Mariners can pull off a Jose Lopez for Willingham trade with maybe another name or two involved and then sign Orlando Hudson. Signing Ben Sheets would be ideal (if they can afford it), if not then Washburn to a cheap contract and I think they'd be set and have a fairly legit shot at competing.

Dunn shouldn't be anywhere near a glove of any sort.

[Hanso Amore]

Dunn Should be DHing in the Bronx and cranking out a 200 home run season

[OssMan]

lolMets
mest

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Reds sign RP Jose Arredondo a month before he's scheduled to undergo Tommy John surgery. Since Arredono has only 2 years in the majors, the Reds would control him past the 2011 season.

[YOUR Hero]

Tejada back to the O's. Going to switch to 3B from what I've read. 1 year dealio.

[ClockShot]

So the Yankees got in touch with Johnny Damon and he's got "days" according to Jon Heyman to take the deal we offered him. If not, we gonna sign one of either Reed Johnson, Xavier Nady, Randy Winn, Jim Edmonds, and Jermaine Dye.

Sounds fair enough. Would finally like to get this over and done with.

[YOUR Hero]

Damon is the best of that class. What's up with Nady? - woulda thought he'd have been picked up early, almost a sleeper/overlooked guy that can bring some real tangibles yet not be overly high priced.

[ClockShot]

X-Man got Tommy John surgery. Went down a few games in last season. Pretty much fell into the high risk, high reward pool this offseason.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Word is that Nady WILL be ready to play in Spring Training...so more than likely ready for Opening Day as well.

I'd really love for the Mets to bring back Nady. He'd be a great righty platoon guy with Murphy, plus he can play all three OF positions.</font>

[Dragon]

I think the thing with Nady is that it was his second Tommy John surgery. So people really have no idea how he'll be when he comes back from it.

As for Damon, I'm guessing the Yankees offered something like 5-6M base salary. If they can get him for that it'd be great if not I'd go after Reed Johnson or Nady.

I'd be fine with Gardner in LF and Johnson getting some time out there too. The fact that Johnson could step into CF against tough lefties that Granderson won't be able to hit would be nice too. But having Damon back would make the lineup plain ridiculous. A lineup of Jeter-Damon-Tex-ARod-Granderson-Posada-Johnson-Cano-Swisher is crazy.

[parkmania]

Noone mentioned that the Pirates signed Octavio Dotel.

Hmmm... let up and coming Matt Capps go and then sign washed up, barely-was Dotel.

GOOD THINKING!@#!@%&!%#$



"But we're spending money..."

[Droford]

Tejada back to the O's. Going to switch to 3B from what I've read. 1 year dealio.

Tejada will be a joke at 3B. Im glad its only a one year deal but come on..

[YOUR Hero]

3B is typically a power # position. Now Tejeda had a high BA but his power was non-exixtant most of the year. Be interesting to see if he can rebound with semi-decent power #'s.

[ClockShot]

Rockies sign Jason Giambi to a 1-year, $1.75 mil deal.

Padres sign Matt Stairs to a minor league deal and got an invite to Spring Training.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Apparently Delgado has been majorly limping everytime he plays first in the Dominican League. His bat still intrigued me, but the consensus now is he simply can't play first at this point...time to get a righty platoon partner for Murphy. Nady and Garko are the two most appealing options.</font>

[YOUR Hero]

Matt "Moon Shot" Stairs. Someone needs to give this guy another real chance to play

[Big Fat Mike]

I think the thing with Nady is that it was his second Tommy John surgery. So people really have no idea how he'll be when he comes back from it.

As for Damon, I'm guessing the Yankees offered something like 5-6M base salary. If they can get him for that it'd be great if not I'd go after Reed Johnson or Nady.

I'd be fine with Gardner in LF and Johnson getting some time out there too. The fact that Johnson could step into CF against tough lefties that Granderson won't be able to hit would be nice too. But having Damon back would make the lineup plain ridiculous. A lineup of Jeter-Damon-Tex-ARod-Granderson-Posada-Johnson-Cano-Swisher is crazy.

What? Johnson in CF? Have you ever watched the guy play before?

[McLegend]

Matt "Moon Shot" Stairs. Someone needs to give this guy another real chance to play

I love him, but it's pretty clear he's washed up.

[Big Fat Mike]

Thats what they said about Sammy Sosa when he played with the Rangers. Oh wait :(

[The Gold Standard]

I think when it is all said and done, Damon will be a Yankee for 1 year 5-6 mil.

[Big Fat Mike]

Damon is going to end up back in Kansas City. Watch.

[The Gold Standard]

Both the Yankees and Damon want to be together, so it will happen.

[DaveWadding]

What? Johnson in CF? Have you ever watched the guy play before?

I think he means REED Johnson.

[Hardkore Kidd J]

I think he means REED Johnson.


I'm pretty sure that's who he meant. Nick Johnson will probably be a DH most of the time. All though I wouldn't mind seeing him at first when Tex needs a day off or somethin.

[YOUR Hero]

I love him, but it's pretty clear he's washed up.

Nah. He's been put on the bench for too long. Someone ought to give him at least platoon duty. I see him doing good things still.

[Skippord]

Rockies sign Jason Giambi to a 1-year, $1.75 mil deal.


well that's the best news I've read ever

mostly because I get to hear the Wolfpack music in Coors Field again

[Dragon]

Yeah, talking about Reed Johnson. Nick's obviously gonna be full-time DH and back-up 1B.

[Big Fat Mike]

Sorry. Low blood sugar.

[Big Fat Mike]

Jason Giambi:Pet Detective

[ClockShot]

Mark Loretta retired. And got a front office job as Special Assistant to Baseball Operations with the Padres.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Mets might have made an offer to Smoltz. Can't help but shake the thought that it'll be worth way more than anybody else would give, or for 2 years or something.

If they do get Smoltz though, I'd give him the chance to win a rotation spot (since he WANTS to start but will do whatever he has to) but hope that Nieve or Niese step up and Smoltz cna be bullpen bound instead.</font>

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>A's sign Ben Sheets...Cubs sign Xavier Nady...

UGH...pretty much the two FAs left I really wanted, now off the board. Fucking Billy Beane. I can't see the A's competing this year so this move was clearly just a "if you stay healthy, we're gonna get a shitload for you in July" move.</font>

[DaveWadding]

http://aroundthesphere.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/simpsons_nelson_haha2.jpg

[DaveWadding]

Cubs strike a deal to keep their Spring Training facility in Arizona :love:

[Evil Vito]

:foc:

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Jon Garland signs with the Padres...</font>

[Droford]

http://www.baltimoresun.com/media/photo/2010-01/51814144.jpg

Nick Markakis - Terrorist

too bad that'll be gone by ST due to the Os stupid policy against facial hair

[ClockShot]

Busy day in baseball.

Twins sign Jim Thome.

[FakeLaser]

A's signed Ben Sheets to replace Rich Harden as the most injury prone pitcher ever on their roster

[Triple Naitch]

http://www.baltimoresun.com/media/photo/2010-01/51814144.jpg

Nick Markakis - Terrorist

too bad that'll be gone by ST due to the Os stupid policy against facial hair

You Don't Mess with the Markakis

[Big Fat Mike]

lol John Smoltz

[The Genius]

A's will be so far out of contention by june Sheets will be traded for some prospects, same goes for Justin Duscherer too.

[Dragon]

Yankees sign Randy Winn. Would have rather had someone like Reed Johnson but whatever. Hopefully Gardner still gets the majority of time out there.

I guess Damon is officially done as a Yankee. What a screw up by Boras with Damon. He's gonna get a couple million maximum now.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Winn has never been to the postseason in his 12 year career. That's the longest current streak in the majors. And now it's over.

[ClockShot]

Good. Glad this is over and done with.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Twins expected to announce a contract extension with Joe Mauer. No official word but I'm hearing it's something like 5 years, $100 million

Makes me glad cause I've seen so many Yanks/Red Sox fans penciling him into their "Lineup for year 201?"</font>

[Droford]

Winn has never been to the postseason in his 12 year career. That's the longest current streak in the majors. And now it's over.

Maybe he's a curse to whatever team hes on and the Yankees dont make the playoffs!

Can we clone him and send the clone to Boston and Tampa? Then the Os might have a shot.

[SammyG]

Dodgers re-signed Belliard. Why do we hate Hudson so much, Jesus, dude is good!

[Skippord]

because the Dodgers are stupid

[SammyG]

Agreed.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Really don't understand what Boras is doing with Damon. I mean I get trying to get your guy the most money, but don't be stupid. And then trying to use the Tigers and Reds' interests as leverage is just dumb. The Tigers are in salary dump mode and the Reds never have any money anyway.

[ClockShot]

It's Scott Boras. Super agent to the stars in baseball. Like Rosenhaus is to football. He thinks his clients are that good they deserve all that extra money. Either let him get the money, or go around his back if you're tired of waiting.

[FakeLaser]

Scott Boras is an idiot

Randy Winn... yeahhhhhhhhhh

[Triple Naitch]

Can't completely blame Boras. Damon had one of his best seasons as a Yankee, practically won them the World Series after winning Game 4 for them, and deserves to paid paid so accordingly. Sure, initially he didn't want to make less than the $13 mil he made last year, but what kind of person goes into negotiations starting with a proposal for making less money? And all of the sudden, the Yankees finally get a payroll limit and won't budge to give Damon more than $5 mil?

[FakeLaser]

Yeah, you can completely blame Boras. Of course Damon should make less money, he's 37 years old now. Why would you pay a 37 year old left fielder with no arm an an above average bat 13 million a year?

The Yankees made him a fair offer of 2 years and 16 million which is honestly more than Damon is worth AT LEAST in years.

The Yankees weren't going to bid against themselves. They don't need Damon. Damon wants to play for the Yankees and he and Boras should have realized no one else was showing any interest and the Yankees are the only team that is going to blow someone elses offer away.

I give Cashman a lot of credit for calling Boras' bluff, not that everyone couldn't see it a mile away.

I don't think Boras should have jumped at the Yankees first offer, but he rejected that like 2 months ago and Damon has barely been linked to anyone else. He should have saw that there was no demand for Damon A LOT earlier and called them back to make a deal. Demand is what dictates the market, nothing else. Not much demand for a 37 year old left fielder who has BY FAR the worst arm in baseball and is a defensive liability in general. Damon is a good hitter but he should be a DH. The market for DH's is horrible this year, there's a bunch of productive bats still sitting there awaiting a deal, and plenty of them aren't going to get one. At least those guys know they're DHs and have no problem DHing, Damon still thinks he's an outfielder though.

Cashman took no bullshit, he went out and got Nick Johnson and Damon's leverage was basically gone right then and there, not that he had much anyway.

Why should the Yankees pay him anymore than 5 million a year anyway? No one else is going to give him more than that. Boras and Damon are going to find that one out the hard way and Damon will go down in baseball history as a hired gun who is more concerned with his paycheck then winning. Damon's not the brightest guy, Boras is supposed to handle these matters for him and properly read the market. I think he's the only person in the world who thought someone was going to give him more money than the Yankees. Mystery teams showing interest? Yeah, ok. Where are they now?

We're definitely downgrading big time with the Gardner/Winn platoon but our left field defense improves dramatically. Plus Gardner hasn't had the opportunity to play a full season so who knows what we really have in him? I don't really think he's more than a 4th outfielder but I could see him being a Juan Pierre-type player because he makes a lot of contact, doesn't strike out a ton and is the fastest player in the Yankee system. Winn sucks now for the most part but he provides above average defense and an ok bat. He's insurance and nothing more.

[Triple Naitch]

Now you know how the Red Sox fans felt 4 years ago.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>lol, A-Rod says he was staring at potential retirement with his hip injury last year. What a crock of shit, there is no way he was walking away from the 9 years and like $250 million left on his deal. He would have ridden it out as either a terrible DH or just collected his money on the disabled list, but he wasn't gonna retire.</font>

[Triple Naitch]

Honestly though, Damon is perfect for the Blue Jays. They need a left fielder and a leadoff man. Plus, they'll probably trade him back to the Yankees in July.

[Triple Naitch]

lol, A-Rod says he was staring at potential retirement with his hip injury last year. What a crock of shit, there is no way he was walking away from the 9 years and like $250 million left on his deal. He would have ridden it out as either a terrible DH or just collected his money on the disabled list, but he wasn't gonna retire.

A-Rod is the Brett Favre of baseball. Finding any way to get into the headlines. Last week it was him crying when he received the World Series MVP award from the writers and this week it's him saying he was this close to retiring. He's just looking for some sympathy from the fans and media.

[FakeLaser]

Johnny can go out there and get a one year Bobby Abreu type deal and show that he can't hit for power outside of Yankee stadium, nor is he much of a threat on the bases anymore because he's falling apart. His shitty defense will be more pronounced as his offense won't offset it as much and he'll be looking at another shitty one year deal for 2011 as well, if he even gets one because he should be a DH.

Well done, Boras.

[Miotch]

Twins expected to announce a contract extension with Joe Mauer. No official word but I'm hearing it's something like 5 years, $100 million

Makes me glad cause I've seen so many Yanks/Red Sox fans penciling him into their "Lineup for year 201?"

I need your source on this. Last I heard they were going to wait until the end of the year to start negotiations, which would obviously be a huge mistake.

[Evil Vito]

I need your source on this. Last I heard they were going to wait until the end of the year to start negotiations, which would obviously be a huge mistake.

<font color=goldenrod>It was all over the Twins message board last night, numerous Twins beat writers were saying something should be announced at TwinsFest.</font>

[Miotch]

According to mlbtradrumors.com:

Ron Shapiro, confirmed to Jon Heyman of SI.com (http://twitter.com/SI_JonHeyman/status/8383359659) that talks have begun, but cautions that "nothing is imminent."

Who knows. I'm just glad they're actually working on something.

[Dragon]

Really don't understand what Boras is doing with Damon. I mean I get trying to get your guy the most money, but don't be stupid. And then trying to use the Tigers and Reds' interests as leverage is just dumb. The Tigers are in salary dump mode and the Reds never have any money anyway.

This is what Boras has done for a while now. He keeps getting his star players the big contracts but all his lesser guys he asks for the moon and they get screwed. He did a good job making the Cards bid against themselves for Holliday but when he plays the same kind of game for guys that teams don't absolutely needs he kind of screws them over.

As for Damon, he keeps saying he wanted to be a Yankee but if he really did he would be there now. He was offered that 2 year deal a while back and didn't want it and as late as last week he was offered a one year 6M dollar deal. Which is pretty reasonable considering what the market has been like the past few years for guys who aren't superstars. If Boras was smart he would have seen what happened to Abreu last year and jumped on the 2 year deal earlier in the offseason. Now Damon is pretty much in the same boat as Abreu was and chances are he gets 5M or less next year.

I'm sure teams are aware of how much Yankee Stadium skewed his power stats last year. If he get a 1 year/6M dollar offer like the one the Yankees offered last week I'd be surprised.

[Emperor Smeat]

Manny Ramirez was the same last off-season. Boras kept refusing the Dodgers intial set of offers while on the mean time he got the big payouts for CC Sabathia and Burnett. Difference was the Yankees could afford to spend big in the weak economy while Dodgers refused and in the end Manny looked stupid and ridiculed for waiting near March/April just to accept same offer Dodgers presented the previous December.

[YOUR Hero]

Didn't Thome, who has a ton more threat than Damon just sign a 1 year $1.5 deal? Overall Damon is more stable (imo) than Thome, but Thome has the POTENIAL to win games for a stretch on his own.

I think the Yankees allowing Gardner to lose the job was the wise move. If he falters or needs platooning, Winn fits in nicely. The Yankees, I feel, were willing to bring Damon ack out of loyalty tohim, not out of need. He and Boras didn't recognize this and are now paying for it.

[ClockShot]

Mets sign Frank Catalanotto to a minor league deal with an invite to spring training.

He's got skills. But got lost in the shuffle after leaving Toronto if I recall.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Frank's a guy I've seen linked to the Mets for years now...good to see him finally on board, I like him. I figure the locks for the bench so far are Tatis, Cora, whoever isn't starting between Pagan/Matthews, and whoever isn't starting between Santos/Blanco. That leaves one slot left so Frank will be competing with Anderson Hernandez, Chris Carter, Nick Evans, and anyone else they've invited to camp. Definitely see him making it.</font>

[parkmania]

This is what Boras has done for a while now. He keeps getting his star players the big contracts but all his lesser guys he asks for the moon and they get screwed. He did a good job making the Cards bid against themselves for Holliday but when he plays the same kind of game for guys that teams don't absolutely needs he kind of screws them over.

As for Damon, he keeps saying he wanted to be a Yankee but if he really did he would be there now. He was offered that 2 year deal a while back and didn't want it and as late as last week he was offered a one year 6M dollar deal. Which is pretty reasonable considering what the market has been like the past few years for guys who aren't superstars. If Boras was smart he would have seen what happened to Abreu last year and jumped on the 2 year deal earlier in the offseason. Now Damon is pretty much in the same boat as Abreu was and chances are he gets 5M or less next year.

I'm sure teams are aware of how much Yankee Stadium skewed his power stats last year. If he get a 1 year/6M dollar offer like the one the Yankees offered last week I'd be surprised.

Heck, at this point I wouldn't be surprised to see Damon here in PGH in '11. We seem to be the graveyard of careers.

[Triple Naitch]

I would say the Mets are the graveyard for careers, parkman.

Mo Vaughn, Willie Mays, Robbie Alomar, etc.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Pittsburgh is the jump off for careers. You start there and go make yourself some bank.



Pittsburgh's not a graveyard. Except for Clemente.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Reds sign Orlando Cabrera to a $3 million deal with an option for 2011.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Reds trade Adam Rosales and Willy Taveras to the Athletics for Aaron Miles and a PTBNL</font>

[Miotch]

I really don't understand that.

[Dragon]

<font color=goldenrod>Reds trade Adam Rosales and Willy Taveras to the Athletics for Aaron Miles and a PTBNL</font>

And then the Athletics DFA Taveras.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Wow, now hearing like Mauer's extension is going to be for 10 years. Crazy.</font>

[Supreme Olajuwon]

TAVERAS IS GOOOOOOOOOONNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEE

[Skippord]

poor Willie

[FakeLaser]

Everyone always sucks when they play for the Mets

[Jeritron]

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__HunCbN5gxY/Sm9VsybGOWI/AAAAAAAAAJM/zq6HMu2Nqh4/s320/free-willy.jpg

[Jeritron]

Everyone always sucks when they play for the Mets


http://mlb.mlb.com/images/2004/01/30/DbII999G.jpg

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Saw a vid of Jose Reyes running full speed today, feeling 100%. Despite the pretty MEH feeling I have about this upcoming campaign, the thought of a healthy Reyes alone makes me excited. He can take the worst games and make them fun to watch.</font>

[Big Fat Mike]

<font color=goldenrod>Saw a vid of Jose Reyes running full speed today, feeling 100%. Despite the pretty MEH feeling I have about this upcoming campaign, the thought of a healthy Reyes alone makes me excited. He can take the worst games and make them fun to watch.</font>

By committing a throwing error? Or by not running out routine ground balls?

[YOUR Hero]

Mario Lemieux and the Pittsburgh Penguins tried to buy the Pirates. Anyone got a news source on it?

[ClockShot]

Article from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. But Pirate owner says team ain't for sale.

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10030/1032299-63.stm

[ClockShot]

Dodgers re-sign Jeff Weaver to a minor league deal. $800k with $100k in incentives.

Rich Aurilia is lobbying for a job with either the Yankees or Mets minor league teams. I say no thanks.

[parkmania]

Pirates won't be for sale unless 1 of 2 things happen:

1) Pirates have a winning season and current ownership "proves they knew what they were doing", or
2) Pirates lose 110 in a single season and current ownership is ran out of town once and for all.

Owners are making $9M per year for putting no effort into getting better - would YOU want to sell if you were them?


Looking forward to going to games this year and starting up "Mario" chants.

[Skippord]

haven't the Pirates put more money into the draft than any team over the past couple years?

I thought I heard that on MLB Network or something

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>I wouldn't mind giving Aurilia a minor league deal, if only because the Mets' top infield prospects are basically all at AA level or lower right now, so extra bodies wouldn't hurt. That being said if he actually wound up on the big league roster either he tore shit up in AAA or something went seriously wrong.</font>

[DaveWadding]

you mean "we got a month into the 2010 season and all the Mets players are essentially dead"

[ClockShot]

Justin Verlander re-signs with the Tigers. 5-years, $80 mil.

[Emperor Smeat]

haven't the Pirates put more money into the draft than any team over the past couple years?

I thought I heard that on MLB Network or something

Pirates are in the top 5/10 for investing in the draft but unlike the Rays, they dump their prospects once they get the potential to be a bit pricey and come off as a yearly salary dump team than developing a future. Rays basically drafted well, then developed and kept their core youth which is paying off now the last 2 successful seasons.

[Splaya]

Justin Verlander re-signs with the Tigers. 5-years, $80 mil.


So fucking happy

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Mets still interested in Rod Barajas. He might not hit for average, but he's got decent enough pop and more importantly, really solid defense. I'll gladly take the offensive reduction to get the defensive-minded Barajas/Blanco tandem, especially with such a questionable pitching staff.</font>

[Gertner]

<font color=goldenrod>Mets still interested in Rod Barajas. He might not hit for average, but he's got decent enough pop and more importantly, really solid defense. I'll gladly take the offensive reduction to get the defensive-minded Barajas/Blanco tandem, especially with such a questionable pitching staff.</font>

lol probably the slowest player in the majors. We'll miss him in Toronto though.

[Gertner]

Jays sign Kevin Gregg 1 year 2.75 million. I really like the moves Double A has made in the off season for my Jays. A potential bullpen of Gregg, Downs, Carlson, Frasor, Tallet and Accardo should be solid.

[FakeLaser]

Too bad the Jays will still suck cock and there's no reason for them to add a shit veteran closer like Kevin Gregg when they're rebuilding.

[Droford]

anyone know when Yahoo fantasy baseball starts and if theres a TPWW league going?

Im doing pretty good at NBA and NHL so far..

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Orlando Hudson to the Twins, Adam Kennedy to the Nationals</font>

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Twins will be opening Target Field with a pretty damn good lineup.

Span, Hudson, Mauer, Morneau, Cuddyer, Kubel, Young, Hardy, Harris</font>

[Gertner]

Too bad the Jays will still suck cock and there's no reason for them to add a shit veteran closer like Kevin Gregg when they're rebuilding.

I think the Jays may deal Frasor so this makes sense.

[Hardkore Kidd J]

Twins will be opening Target Field with a pretty damn good lineup.

Span, Hudson, Mauer, Morneau, Cuddyer, Kubel, Young, Hardy, Harris

Is that the name of the new field they are working on? I should have known it was gonna be named after a big company . How much longer until Best Buy Field or Walmart stadium?

But, yeah the Twins are lookin good line up wise.

I wonder how this will affect the Twins if they give this 10 year contract to Mauer. That's kinda risky.

[Triple Naitch]

Well, isn't Target a Minneapolis-based company? It isn't like it's Volkswagon Field or anything.

[Heros Welcome]

Don't forget to throw Thome in that Twins lineup as a spot DH with Kubal. Very formidable lineup.

[Triple Naitch]

O-Dawg will fit in perfectly in front of Mauer. Twins should easily repeat as division champs this year.

[Heros Welcome]

Definitely. I expect those RBI numbers to jump a lil higher for Mauer and Morneau with Span and O Dog setting the table in front of them.

[DaveWadding]

anyone know when Yahoo fantasy baseball starts and if theres a TPWW league going?

Im doing pretty good at NBA and NHL so far..

There will be quite a few.

[Hardkore Kidd J]

Well, isn't Target a Minneapolis-based company? It isn't like it's Volkswagon Field or anything.


I just looked it up and you are right. My bad, I didn't know that.

I just know that many teams name their stadiums after companies. At least the Twins have a reason to call their field that. My bad and yeah, Thome is gonna be a good addition.

[ClockShot]

Padres sign Yorvit Torrealba.

Rockies sign Melvin Mora.

M's re-sign Erik Bedard.

And the world still waits where Johnny Damon is gonna play this season....

[DaveWadding]

I just looked it up and you are right. My bad, I didn't know that.

I just know that many teams name their stadiums after companies. At least the Twins have a reason to call their field that. My bad and yeah, Thome is gonna be a good addition.

it's called licensing agreements. Teams make money on it. Not everyone's team can be as rich as the Yankees.

[OssMan]

Melvin Mora NOOOOOOOOOOOOO :(

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Mets interested in lefty Japanese reliever Hisanori Takahashi.

He has a decent screwball from what I've read...and they definitely do need a second lefty in the bullpen this year.

Would be pretty epic if Takahashi as well as fellow newcomer Ryota Igarashi are both really good out of the bullpen. Best Japanese duo since Kai En Tai.</font>

[OssMan]

Nats got ADAM KENNEDY

[Hardkore Kidd J]

it's called licensing agreements. Teams make money on it. Not everyone's team can be as rich as the Yankees.


I wasn't saying that it was a bad idea or I have anything against it. I was just making a comment.

[Big Fat Mike]

Damon's career is over. LOL. I hope he has fun playing in Japan.

[Hardkore Kidd J]

I still really hope we can sign Damon at maybe the deadline. I think by then he will be ours. Clemens wasn't really on a team the last time the Yankees picked him up was he? The Yankees picked him up mid season if I recall. I think the same thing will happen with Damon at least I hope.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>I just can't see Damon waiting until mid-season, some team will offer him something cheap before camp and he'll accept it. I mean I guess he could wait around and hope a contender suffers some injuries, but that's normally just something that pitchers do (Clemens, Pedro, and now it looks like Smoltz will do that)</font>

[Hardkore Kidd J]

I just can't see Damon waiting until mid-season, some team will offer him something cheap before camp and he'll accept it. I mean I guess he could wait around and hope a contender suffers some injuries, but that's normally just something that pitchers do (Clemens, Pedro, and now it looks like Smoltz will do that)

I don't know with Boras as his Agent he might have to say "Go Fuck Yourself" to Scott. I really can't see any Boras client signing something "Cheap" Either way I think we might get him. If he does sign on the cheap we may be able to get him by trade by not using that many players to get him depending on who the team is. If it's a team who has a real chance at getting to the playoffs then I don't want him for the amount of talent he'll cost.

[OssMan]

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[Triple Naitch]

Which washed up player do you think is most likely to wind up winning a roster spot in Spring Training?

Brian Giles, Dodgers
Jim Edmonds, Brewers
B.H. Kim, Giants
Paul Lo Duca, Rockies

[DaveWadding]

BK Kim is not washed up. That implies you had to be good in the 1st place.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Can't see Giles making the roster in LA. There's no room, especially with Reed Johnson there now. And Giles was beyond bad last year. He's gotta be done.

Kim had 2 good seasons and nothing else. I don't think he has a chance.

Lo Duca at 38 probably doesn't have it in him. And even if he does the Rockies already have Iannetta and Olivo who's a pretty decent backup.

Edmonds was bad in 08 but he was the best of the group in his prime and he might be able to get a spot on name rep. And Milwaukee's CF spot is pretty underwhelming and they are loaded with right handed hitters.

[Hardkore Kidd J]

Can't see Giles making the roster in LA. There's no room, especially with Reed Johnson there now. And Giles was beyond bad last year. He's gotta be done.

Kim had 2 good seasons and nothing else. I don't think he has a chance.

Lo Duca at 38 probably doesn't have it in him. And even if he does the Rockies already have Iannetta and Olivo who's a pretty decent backup.

Edmonds was bad in 08 but he was the best of the group in his prime and he might be able to get a spot on name rep. And Milwaukee's CF spot is pretty underwhelming and they are loaded with right handed hitters.

When did the Dodgers pick up Reed? It must have been really recently cause I don't even remember reading that. And according to MLB Giles is still a free agent. Though you imply that he's on the team.

Is there a rumor that the Dodgers will pick up Giles?

[SammyG]

Who the fuck is Reed Johnson

[Jeritron]

Reed all about it

[Skippord]

Reed Johnson is the Dodgers new less good Juan Pierre

[Supreme Olajuwon]

When did the Dodgers pick up Reed? It must have been really recently cause I don't even remember reading that. And according to MLB Giles is still a free agent. Though you imply that he's on the team.

Is there a rumor that the Dodgers will pick up Giles?

They signed Johnson last week. And Giles was signed to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training

[ClockShot]

Yankees bring back Marcus Thames to a minor league deal to up $900K if he makes the team. We had extra money since we officially signed Randy Winn to $1.1 mil. today.

Nice little signing.

[YOUR Hero]

Does anyone think Damon is willing to take a pay-cut? Or do you thnk he still believes there's a buyer out there for him at his asking price? -What's his character like.

[Jeritron]

He'll take a cut if that's what it takes to get paid at all to begin with. He obviously wants his asking price, but if nobody pays it he's obviously going to take what he can get rather than 0 dollars.

His character, ha, I dunno. He said he'd never play for the Yankees and all that jazz here in Boston, and then he went there for the extra bucks.
I don't think he's a slime, or a bad dude like some guys in baseball probably are. I think he's just a meathead that's easily controlled.

[FakeLaser]

ROGAH CLEMANS IS A YANKEE!!!! OF ALL THE DRAMATI-ROGER CLEMENS IS IN GEORGE'S BOX

[ClockShot]

After Johnny Damon hosted RAW, I'd doubt nobody would hire him. :shifty:

Bobby Abreu got paid $5 mil. from the Angels cause he's scared of the wall in the outfield. Got double this pay this season cause of what he did at the plate.

I've heard the Tigers might have some interest. Ordonez and Ajax are slated to head up right and center field. Some other guy is in left. Ask our Splaya, our resident Tigers fan. Also gotta wonder if Damon can do long ball damage at U.S. Cellular.

Johnny Rocket is getting old, can't throw, can't field. He's better off getting a gig as a DH if there's any spots left. Time's running out, he'll either make his own deal out of desperation, or maybe hang 'em up.

[FakeLaser]

Lots of demand and dollars being thrown at DH's out there this offseason :shifty:

[Emperor Smeat]

He'll take a cut if that's what it takes to get paid at all to begin with. He obviously wants his asking price, but if nobody pays it he's obviously going to take what he can get rather than 0 dollars.

His character, ha, I dunno. He said he'd never play for the Yankees and all that jazz here in Boston, and then he went there for the extra bucks.
I don't think he's a slime, or a bad dude like some guys in baseball probably are. I think he's just a meathead that's easily controlled.

Maybe he got dumber after launching himself at one of the walls at Fenway Park a few years ago and forgot about "hating" the Yankees

http://home.comcast.net/~heritageacad/BlogImageStore/chalkOutline.jpg :shifty:

[Hardkore Kidd J]

After Johnny Damon hosted RAW, I'd doubt nobody would hire him. :shifty:

Bobby Abreu got paid $5 mil. from the Angels cause he's scared of the wall in the outfield. Got double this pay this season cause of what he did at the plate.

I've heard the Tigers might have some interest. Ordonez and Ajax are slated to head up right and center field. Some other guy is in left. Ask our Splaya, our resident Tigers fan. Also gotta wonder if Damon can do long ball damage at U.S. Cellular.

Johnny Rocket is getting old, can't throw, can't field. He's better off getting a gig as a DH if there's any spots left. Time's running out, he'll either make his own deal out of desperation, or maybe hang 'em up.

They have Guillen in Left Field for the White Sox. But, guess what they don't have a DH.

http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/team/roster_active.jsp?c_id=det

I don't think Damon is gonna hang them up. At least not for long. Remember what happened the last time Clemens played for the Yankees? I believe he wasn't playing for a team either. But we signed him mid season. I believe the Yankees or at least someone will give him a contract by mid season.

[Splaya]

From what I am hearing around here, we are going to throw Guillen in left field. I would rather they sign Damon, and DH Guillen.

I've said this from day one, I will miss Curtis Granderson the player and the outfielder. I will not miss Curtis Granderson the player

[Skippord]

wait what?

[McLegend]

I guess he meant to say batter, but he fucked up

[Supreme Olajuwon]

what's wrong with Granderson the batter

[Dragon]

They have Guillen in Left Field for the White Sox. But, guess what they don't have a DH.

http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/team/roster_active.jsp?c_id=det

I don't think Damon is gonna hang them up. At least not for long. Remember what happened the last time Clemens played for the Yankees? I believe he wasn't playing for a team either. But we signed him mid season. I believe the Yankees or at least someone will give him a contract by mid season.

Was reading a while back about how apparently Damon and Boras are still asking for 2 years from Detroit. Pretty amazing how much they think Damon is worth. I think Damon will sign soon for a small 1 year contract. He doesn't really have a choice. Boras is saying there is still a ton of interest in him (lol).

Also, Damon and Boras tactics with Detroit are apparently Damon brings Detroit to the favorites of the AL Central. He said he went to Boston and brought them a WS, went to NY and brought them a WS and could do the same for Detroit.

I think Damon is just a little delusional about his worth.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Mets close to inking Mike Jacobs to a minor league deal. I'll always have somewhat of a soft spot for him since I was there live when he made his first ever big league appearance by hitting a pinch-hit 3 run HR. Pretty sure AssMan said he was at that game too.</font>

[Hardkore Kidd J]

what's wrong with Granderson the batter

Well Granderson the batter does seem to get K'd quite a bit

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Looks like the Nats are going to sign Chien Ming Wang.

Jesus. Omar was already probably getting canned if his plan to "stick to his guns" didn't work out...but now it might even come in the form of a last place finish.</font>

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>And now Wang has another suitor and will decide within the next couple weeks. Really hate all the back-and-forth bullshit rumors that the offseason brings. 8 more days!</font>

[Hardkore Kidd J]

Looks like the Nats are going to sign Chien Ming Wang.

Jesus. Omar was already probably getting canned if his plan to "stick to his guns" didn't work out...but now it might even come in the form of a last place finish.

The Jason Bay signing was good. But, that's about the only thing Mets have right now. They might end up in 4th place if they play their cards right

[Evil Vito]

The Jason Bay signing was good. But, that's about the only thing Mets have right now. They might end up in 4th place if they play their cards right

<font color=goldenrod>Nah, "if they play their cards right" implies everybody will play well. If everybody played well, they would definitely be in the playoff hunt. They have enough talent, most guys on the team have been successful at some point. But, there are just WAY too many if's to enter 2010 with anything more than extremely cautious, subdued optimism.

IF Mike Pelfrey has a bounce-back year, IF John Maine can stay healthy, IF Oliver Perez has his head screwed on right, IF the new bullpen guys pan out, IF the lineup stays healthy, IF Beltran returns sooner rather than later, etc. Mets are a case of guys that HAVE succeeded, so you know they are capable...but the likelihood of it all happening in one season? Not very good. Every team has some question marks...but not this many. If the Mets were to somehow make the playoffs in 2010, Jerry is guaranteed Manager of the Year.

Kinda refreshing in a way though, I can really sit back and enjoy the games a bit more this year. If they suck I won't be as heated as I've been in past years, because my expectations are lower.</font>

[Hardkore Kidd J]

Nah, "if they play their cards right" implies everybody will play well. If everybody played well, they would definitely be in the playoff hunt. They have enough talent, most guys on the team have been successful at some point. But, there are just WAY too many if's to enter 2010 with anything more than extremely cautious, subdued optimism.

IF Mike Pelfrey has a bounce-back year, IF John Maine can stay healthy, IF Oliver Perez has his head screwed on right, IF the new bullpen guys pan out, IF the lineup stays healthy, IF Beltran returns sooner rather than later, etc. Mets are a case of guys that HAVE succeeded, so you know they are capable...but the likelihood of it all happening in one season? Not very good. Every team has some question marks...but not this many. If the Mets were to somehow make the playoffs in 2010, Jerry is guaranteed Manager of the Year.

Kinda refreshing in a way though, I can really sit back and enjoy the games a bit more this year. If they suck I won't be as heated as I've been in past years, because my expectations are lower.


That's a really great way of thinking man.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Yeah, for me...this year is really gonna be about seeing if Wright's power loss in 2009 was just an aberration, seeing Jose Reyes back full speed, seeing another dominant year from Johan, seeing how Murph plays knowing Ike Davis is looming on the horizon, etc. I'm not throwing in the towel on the year or anything, but I feel it'll be more about player development than record.</font>

[OssMan]

Chien Ming Wang, keep this fucker away from the Nats

[Hardkore Kidd J]

For right now it looks like Damon will be a Brave.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>lol think I called Damon going to the Braves back in like November/December. I figured nobody would give into his demands so he'd settle for a 1-year deal with the team that has a ST complex closest to him.</font>