MLB 2009-2010 Off Season Thread

[Hardkore Kidd J]

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.


I wonder though what will they do with Nate and Melky. What they could do is put Melky or Nate on the Bench.

[MVP]

Probably Melky even though they traded Vasquez away for him.

[Hardkore Kidd J]

Probably Melky even though they traded Vasquez away for him.

Maybe! I could see it happening with Nate but, I really don't know how good Nate is. I think it might be an outfield of Damon, Melky, and whoever is in Right.

[Loose Cannon]

still can't believe how Wang totally collapsed

[Hardkore Kidd J]

still can't believe how Wang totally collapsed

I feel kinda bad for him he wasn't the same since that game against Houston and now he's probably gonna have to bat all the time.
:(

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Wow, major swerve. Red Sox get Hernandez from Seattle.</font>

http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/extras/extra_bases/2010/02/red_sox_claim_h.html

[MVP]

You made me think that the Sox got FELIX Hernandez even though he just signed an extension. Now I'm disappointed.

[Hardkore Kidd J]

You made me think that the Sox got FELIX Hernandez even though he just signed an extension. Now I'm disappointed.

That would almost be unfair to everyone else. I mean I could never imagine a rotation of

King Felix

Josh Beckett

John Lackey

Jon Lester

Clay Bucholz

That is quite possibly the best 5 man rotation ever. But you would have to give up a shit load for him.

[MVP]

Yeah Buchholz, Ellsbury, Casey Kelly, and Ryan Westmoreland would probably be gone. Still would be a ridiculous rotation though.

[Hardkore Kidd J]

Yeah Buchholz, Ellsbury, Casey Kelly, and Ryan Westmoreland would probably be gone. Still would be a ridiculous rotation though.

I wouldn't be surprised if that one DH was gone too I forget his name. Oh, yeah now I remember who I mean Lars Anderson. But, yeah you get a rotation like that I would seriously give Everything I fucking own just to have someone in the MLB transfer the Red Sox to the National League East and move a NL East team to American just so I wouldn't have to worry about facing a sick rotation like that.

[Evil Vito]

You made me think that the Sox got FELIX Hernandez even though he just signed an extension. Now I'm disappointed.

<font color=goldenrod>That was kind of the point. :o

Amazed at how Gaby Hernandez hasn't panned out at all. He's still really young, but I remember him being well touted and I was a bit upset when the Mets traded him to the Marlins for Paul Lo Duca way back in December 2005.</font>

[Big Fat Mike]

If the Mets want Wang they can fucking have him. What a train wreck.

[Emperor Smeat]

That would almost be unfair to everyone else. I mean I could never imagine a rotation of

King Felix

Josh Beckett

John Lackey

Jon Lester

Clay Bucholz

That is quite possibly the best 5 man rotation ever. But you would have to give up a shit load for him.

Sickest part about that dream rotation would be how young 3 of those pitchers are while Lackey and Beckett are still dominate (well in non-fat Beckett years) enough to provide tips and training experience to Bucholz or any other quality youth pitcher from Pawtucket. That is easily worth 5 years of dominant pitching and enough time to rebuild the defense/batting using younger players or quality non-expensive players.

[Boomer]

The Braves outfield will be an interesting mess, but if they get Damon, I won't mind. He will be "fast", at least in comparison to the rest of the team.

[YOUR Hero]

Maybe! I could see it happening with Nate but, I really don't know how good Nate is. I think it might be an outfield of Damon, Melky, and whoever is in Right.
The Braves also have a top outfield prospect they believe will make the team. Jason Heyward.

[ClockShot]

Johnny Damon bidding has heated up within the last few hours.

Braves offered 1-year, $4 mil.

Tigers topped that with $4.5 mil. But Tigers owner Mike Ilitch has given the green light to a 2-year, $14 mil. offer.

White Sox are involved, but have been quiet.

[ClockShot]

"The Big Hurt" Frank Thomas calls it a career.

[Triple Naitch]

And so does Tom Glavine.

Could have sworn they both retired months ago.

[Emperor Smeat]

Johnny Damon bidding has heated up within the last few hours.

Braves offered 1-year, $4 mil.

Tigers topped that with $4.5 mil. But Tigers owner Mike Ilitch has given the green light to a 2-year, $14 mil. offer.

White Sox are involved, but have been quiet.

Did the Tigers just out-bid themselves by $5 million with the 2-year deal?

Damon would obviously take the 2 year deal than the single year deal even if that single year deal was highest offered.

[SammyG]

<font color=goldenrod>Wow, major swerve. Red Sox get Hernandez from Seattle.</font>

http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/extras/extra_bases/2010/02/red_sox_claim_h.html

:mad:

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

Nomar is coming back to Boston

[Hardkore Kidd J]

Nomar is coming back to Boston

Link?

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Giants sign Lincecum, two years, $23 million

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Good deal for both sides.</font>

[Splaya]

Two things....

Yes the Tigers outbid themselves to get Damon, if he signs with us. My friends and I do not understand the 2 year part of the deal or the 7 million a season. They could have gotten him for 2 years 10 million total.

Also, Granderson the batter was bad because of his strikeouts and his inability to hit lefties

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Frank Thomas is officially retiring.

Not a first balloter IMO but a Hall of Famer no question about it.

[Adder]

Damon was initially after what? 13mil. per season??

[Big Fat Mike]

I know the economy is shitty and all, but Lincecum is worth more than 11.5 mil a season.

Pothead.

[ClockShot]

It was either pay him a boatload of cash out of arb. or let him walk out the door. This 2-year deal really just bought the Giants another couple years to re-sign him to a bigger deal.

[Hanso Amore]

I know the economy is shitty and all, but Lincecum is worth more than 11.5 mil a season.

Pothead.

He only signed that to get him throuhg arbitration. He could risk only getting 8 a year for the next 2, or lock up 23 (A Raise from 650k) and hit the market in 2 years. It is a standard move. Thats more than anyone ever got from arbitration so he wins./

[FakeLaser]

Frank Thomas is a first ballot HOFer

521 HRs
2 MVPs
1 ring
15th all time in OPS
.301 lifetime batting average

Also he had no steroid implications at all and spoke out against steroids, as well as worked with Senator Mitchell. That will gain him a lot of points.

He played about 55 percent of his games as a DH so I guess THAT'S the argument but whatever. Ridiculously good hitter. Was reading this article today and his numbers through age 30 are basically the same as Albert Pujols' numbers at age 30 (Pujols being 30 now). Frank Thomas tailed off a decent amount but he had a bunch of great years after he turned 30 as well and ultimately remained a very productive player.

[McLegend]

I will never understand Hall of Fame voting.

[Hanso Amore]

They like the whole "Dominted his era" deal.

Big Hurt was arguably the best offensive force in the MLB from 93-98

[Triple Naitch]

Frank Thomas is a first ballot HOFer

521 HRs
2 MVPs
1 ring
15th all time in OPS
.301 lifetime batting average

Also he had no steroid implications at all and spoke out against steroids, as well as worked with Senator Mitchell. That will gain him a lot of points.

He played about 55 percent of his games as a DH so I guess THAT'S the argument but whatever. Ridiculously good hitter. Was reading this article today and his numbers through age 30 are basically the same as Albert Pujols' numbers at age 30 (Pujols being 30 now). Frank Thomas tailed off a decent amount but he had a bunch of great years after he turned 30 as well and ultimately remained a very productive player.

Big Hurt was hurt in '05 and unfortunately never got to play in the World Series, even though he technically has a ring.

Regardless he should be a first ballot, but if Larkin and Alomar weren't first ballot selections he might not make it his first time either. Still was a top-10 hitter in the entire decade of the '90s without the help of PED's.

http://www.coverbrowser.com/image/dos-games/743-1.jpg

[Triple Naitch]

Damn, 2014 ballot is going to have Maddux, Glavine, Mussina, Kent, and Thomas on it.

[Hanso Amore]

Maddux is a 1st ballot. Glavine too. Muss is not a HOF. blyleveyn is way ahead of him.

Kent is borderline, maybe he makes it after year one.

Thomas is a hands down 1st ballot.

[Hanso Amore]

PS big Hurt would be a 3 time MVP if not for giambis roids.

[SammyG]

Jeff Kent was a racist.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

would pretty hilarious if Kent gets in and Bonds doesn't

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>With camps opening up next week and me dying of boredom, I'm gonna go ahead and take a way-too-early guess at the Mets' Opening Day roster:

LINEUP
1. SS Jose Reyes (S)
2. 2B Luis Castillo (S)
3. 3B David Wright (R)
4. LF Jason Bay (R)
5. 1B Daniel Murphy (L)
6. RF Jeff Francoeur (R)
7. C Omir Santos (R)
8. CF Angel Pagan (S)

ROTATION
9. LH Johan Santana (Opening Day Starter)
10. RH Mike Pelfrey
11. LH Oliver Perez
12. RH John Maine

BULLPEN
13. RH Francisco Rodriguez (Closer)
14. LH Pedro Feliciano
15. RH Ryota Igarashi
16. RH Kelvim Escobar
17. RH Bobby Parnell
18. RH Sean Green
19. RH Fernando Nieve

BENCH
20. C Henry Blanco (R)
21. UTIL Fernando Tatis (R)
22. IF Alex Cora (L)
23. OF Gary Matthews, Jr. (S)
24. UTIL Frank Catalanotto (L)
25. 1B/OF Chris Carter (L)

LHP Jonathon Niese wins the 5th starter spot, but he has options remaining so they carry Chris Carter as the 25th man until they need to activate Niese.

I think Nieve would have to fall flat on his face to not wind up on the pitching staff in some capacity since he's got good stuff and is out of options, but if Niese pushes him to the limit in the 5th starter chase I can see them both making the team. Not too thrilled about only having one lefty in the bullpen again, but I just really can't see any of the nobodies in camp impressing...I have some small hope that Igarashi will pitch well against lefties just due to the fact that nobody has seen him. I dunno.

I picked Pagan to win the Opening Day CF job but really all of April is going to feel almost like extended ST for him, GMJ, and Frank the Cat...because somebody's gotta go when Beltran is ready to come back (this, of course, is me being hopeful that there are no injuries early in the year).</font>

[Big Fat Mike]

I forgot - the Mets didn't bother to sign a good contact pitcher. Cuz, you know, Citi Field is a cavern and the Mets pitching staff was a joke last season .

[Emperor Smeat]

Maddux is a 1st ballot. Glavine too. Muss is not a HOF. blyleveyn is way ahead of him.

Kent is borderline, maybe he makes it after year one.

Thomas is a hands down 1st ballot.

I think Kent would be more similar to Mussina where its going to be 5+ years before he goes in based on the future classes nominees and how both are borderline HoF based on last few years of stats.

If Maddux, Glavine, and Thomas all go in the same year, I can see Maddux being the "top" votes received and given the most attention by ESPN and others just from his dominance as a pitcher.

[Evil Vito]

I forgot - the Mets didn't bother to sign a good contact pitcher. Cuz, you know, Citi Field is a cavern and the Mets pitching staff was a joke last season .

<font color=goldenrod>There really weren't any surefire difference-making options for the rotation outside of Lackey, who had no desire of pitching in NY. For the Mets to get him they probably would have had to dish out at least $100M and I'm sorry but John Lackey just is not worth that.

I wanted Sheets, but I get the reasoning for not making that trade...A's gave $10M for a move that will pretty much guarantee Sheets winds up on a contending ballclub when they inevitably trade him. Garland was intriguing as a guaranteed innings guy, but he wanted to stay out West and can hardly be considered a huge difference maker.

Beyond that, Mets already owe 2 years and $24 million to Perez. I commend Omar for not dishing out those 2 year deals for Pineiro and Wolf. They aren't enough of an improvement to warrant the commitment. Stick with what you have...if the Mets surprise people and do well, you can always add during the year. Furthermore, next year's free agent class is much better than this year's.</font>

[Droford]

Saw this on an Orioles fan site..When Baltimore experiences a blizzard, the Orioles usually make the playoffs..

1966 - Swept Dodgers in World Series
1979 - World Series loss to Pittsburgh
1983 - Beat Phillies in World Series
1996 - ALCS loss to Jeffrey Meier
2003 - didnt happen
2010 - ???

[Jeritron]

I don't think Kent is going in the Hall. Especially with the big wave of great players coming up for eligibility over the coming years.
There will always be several more deserving players in each voting year.

His only chance is to get in way down the road, during a lean year. I still don't think it will happen though

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Mark Mulder retires at age 32

Damn, that guy had so much potential but just couldn't stay on the field.</font>

[Loose Cannon]

WOW, that's a shame. Back in 2000, I was touting him for a 250 win career with HOF standards. just goes to show you how easily injuries can kill you.

[FakeLaser]

Maddux, Glavine and Thomas all get in first ballot.

I still am of the opinion that Mussina gets in eventually but I might just be a homer.

Kent should get in too, especially stacking his numbers against other second basemen. One of the best offensive middle infielders ever. Probably not first ballot if Robbie Alomar doesn't get in first ballot but definitely in.

[Droford]

Mussina is going to take awhile to get in the HOF. He had some good years but I dont think he was ever really a top 10 pitcher in his career. Never won a Cy Young, never won a World Series, came close several times to No hitters/Perfect Games. Kinda funny that the Yankees never won a world series with him which was the reason he left Baltimore, he retired and they went on to win in 09. I like how they pop stats about him having the same winning % as Jim Palmer and 600 more K's than Palmer..they can't compare him to someone from another team besides the Orioles could they? He will get in, but I predict it will take at least a 3rd ballot to get him in if not more.

[FakeLaser]

I think it will take more than 3 ballots but I am fairly certain he'll get in. Look at all the support for Frank Viola. He isn't half the pitcher Mike Mussina is.

Moose did it in the steroid era and entirely in the AL East. He was definitely a top 10 pitcher. There were always guys better than him but their names were Maddux, Glavine, Martinez, Clemens and Johnson. That's it.

[YOUR Hero]

So the Mets haven't made a substantial offer to Delgado?

...wonder if he'll get any offers he's interested in.

[Evil Vito]

So the Mets haven't made a substantial offer to Delgado?

...wonder if he'll get any offers he's interested in.

<font color=goldenrod>The Mets have pretty much ended all discussion of Delgado (at least as far as the start of the year is concerned) after reports that he was playing horribly at 1B and limping all over the place. I'd have to think Daniel Murphy will get the bulk of the starts there unless Mike Jacobs puts together an awesome spring.

Thing that annoys me is how so many around baseball (including Mets fans) are saying "Daniel Murphy cannot be a 1B on a contending team" - I really don't get why. Jason Bay replaces Carlos Delgado, and Jeff Francoeur is an UPGRADE over Ryan Church...their lineup looks better this year than it did starting last year. People seem to think 1B has to be a power guy or bust. Never really got that thinking.

If the Mets offense is really slumping, Mets could always give Delgado a call mid-year (I'm sure he'll be working out constantly waiting for the call), but I do think he'd be best suited as a DH.</font>

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Maddux, Glavine and Thomas all get in first ballot.

I still am of the opinion that Mussina gets in eventually but I might just be a homer.

Kent should get in too, especially stacking his numbers against other second basemen. One of the best offensive middle infielders ever. Probably not first ballot if Robbie Alomar doesn't get in first ballot but definitely in.
A huge thing against Mussina is Schilling is on the ballot the year before. If Schilling doesn't get in, Mussina has no chance.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Sabermetrics are killing baseball discussion for me. I tried formulating my opinion that the Phillies rotation isn't a lock to be as good or as imposing as people make it out to be...because it largely is a bunch of question marks beyond Halladay (Hamels has to bounce back from a year-after effect, Blanton is entirely mediocre, Happ will probably come down to Earth, and Moyer is 72 years old). My logic seems sound, and it doesn't take a rocket scientist to find support for what I said.

And some Phillies fan goes ahead and responds by citing a million convoluted, complicated statistics as to why my opinion is somehow wrong (as if there is such a thing). I now have to look all this shit up before I can make a response. I miss when baseball discussion was simplistic.</font>

[YOUR Hero]

The Miz is a Phillies fan now.

[Splaya]

Wang + Nationals = More wasted money spent by the people in DC.

[Big Fat Mike]

LOL Wang gonna go 3-16 with a 6.34 ERA.

[Loose Cannon]

poor guy. I want to give him a hug

[Hardkore Kidd J]

Why is everyone so down on Wang? Might I remind you in 2006 and 2007 he was almost a 20 game winner. The only reason he is as bad as he is is because of his surgery. Couldn't it be possible that the Nats got the 19 game winner Wang from 2007?

[ClockShot]

A interleague game in Houston led to his downfall. He's gonna be at the plate and maybe running bases on a regular basis.

I love CMW as much as the next guy. But I'd bet he would rebound better if a AL team threw him a deal.

[Triple Naitch]

Down on Wang. :lol:

[Dragon]

Why is everyone so down on Wang? Might I remind you in 2006 and 2007 he was almost a 20 game winner. The only reason he is as bad as he is is because of his surgery. Couldn't it be possible that the Nats got the 19 game winner Wang from 2007?

I think some of it has to do with the fact that a lot of "baseball guys" were saying Wang's numbers would slide eventually because he didn't have or use another pitch besides the sinker. And this was before his injury.

And when he was at his best his sinker was mid-90s, if he doesn't get that back he'll be very hittable again.

He could definitely still be decent but I'm not sure he'll be able to get back to where he was.

[RoXer]

R.I.P. The Miz

[YOUR Hero]

What Dragon said, plus Wang's wins were inflated due to who he pitched for.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Well there's an especially sucky thing about camp this year. After last year, ANY Mets injury incurred in camp, even the routine injuries most guys get in spring...will send most Mets fans into irrational panic.

Case in point, today it was learned that Kelvim Escobar is already feeling shoulder discomfort, and he doesn't even report til tomorrow. He's now expected to be behind all of the other pitchers in camp and is in competition for the set-up man role. It might not even be a huge deal but Mets fans are all "WELL THAT'S IT HERE WE GO AGAIN!!!" etc. Ridiculous. I hate most other Mets fans.

Besides, if I had to pick one guy to get injured this year, Escobar was the obvious choice. Tends to happen when you pitch 5 innings in 2 years.</font>

[Supreme Olajuwon]

That Mets fan you just described sounds exactly this one poster on TPWW. There's a Giants fan who does it too. Might even be the same guy.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>lol. Not even I am bad enough to start panicking about injuries yet.

Really though, if you want to see pathetic...check out the official Mets message boards. I sincerely think the Mets might have one of the worst fanbases in baseball. The people there put any of my negativity to absolute shame.</font>

[FakeLaser]

lolMets

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Nice insightful post there.</font>

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Snooping around the free agents still left, I'm pretty shocked Kiko Calero hasn't signed anywhere yet. Dude's been a solid reliever for pretty much his whole career.</font>

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

That Mets fan you just described sounds exactly this one poster on TPWW. There's a Giants fan who does it too. Might even be the same guy.lol

[Supreme Olajuwon]

HAPPY PITCHERS AND CATCHERS DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Yessssssssssssssssssssssssss hurry the fuck up April 5th</font>

[SammyG]

I'm not that excited this year. Dodgers will reach the NLCS again somehow, and lose to the Phillies agan.

[Big Fat Mike]

The Dodgers won't lose the game so much as be "asked to stop playing and then give up because they are giant douchebags".

Just sayin'

[DaveWadding]

PECOTA says

Rockies 88-74
D'Backs 84-78
Dodgers 81-81
Giants 81-81
Padres 70-92

[DaveWadding]

http://www.baseballprospectus.com/fantasy/dc/index.php

[ClockShot]

Other than pitchers and catchers on the move to camp. A few tidbits.

Rockies offer Eric Gagne a minor league deal.

Mets offer Rod Barajas a 1-year, $1 mil. minor league deal.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Despite it technically being a minor league deal...if Barajas accepts it I'd be shocked if he wasn't the Mets' Opening Day catcher. A Barajas/Blanco duo won't do much offensively, but they'll be one of the best defensive catching tandems in baseball. The pitching staff needs that.</font>

[Supreme Olajuwon]

How come MLB doesn't do an all pro team? They love awards

[McLegend]

I guess they think Gold glove and Silver Slugger cover that idea.

However an All-pro baseball team would be way better.

[FakeLaser]

All-Pro Baseball '94 for Sega Genesis was the jumpoff

[Skippord]

PECOTA says

Rockies 88-74
D'Backs 84-78
Dodgers 81-81
Giants 81-81
Padres 70-92
I feel like the winner of the West will have to get somewhere around 90

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

Tim Wakefield re-upped for another year CUE THE DUCKBOATS

[DaveWadding]

I feel like the winner of the West will have to get somewhere around 90

is 88 not somewhere around 90? Or am I missing something?

[Skippord]

well I mean somewhere in the 90's

[Hardkore Kidd J]

You know what I would find hilarious if these Pecota predictions came true? According to Pecota the White Sox/Tigers/and Twins will all finish with the same record 80-82. I would love to see what they would do with a 3 team tie to get to the playoffs.

http://www.baseballprospectus.com/team_audit.php?team=MIN

[Skippord]

they have two teams play one game and then the winner of that game plays the other team I believe

[Hardkore Kidd J]

they have two teams play one game and then the winner of that game plays the other team I believe

True it will probably go just like the the Twins/Tigers game. Except instead of 1 game to decide who will get to the playoffs it will be 2 games.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Manuel's toying with the idea of batting Reyes 3rd. He thought about it last spring but everyone thought it was stupid. This year though, with Beltran out for probably a month and a half I think sticking Reyes 3rd could be a great move. I'd rather he have Wright, Bay, etc. hitting directly behind him as opposed to Slappy Castillo.

It'd also allow Angel Pagan to leadoff in Beltran's absence, which would be good because I think Pagan's talents would be otherwise wasted in the 7th or 8th spot.</font>

[ClockShot]

Eric Gagne signs with the Dodgers. 1-year minor league deal up to $1 mil. He gets $500k if he leaves spring training with the dodgers, the other $500k in incentives.

Blue Jays sign Jose Molina to a 1-year with an club option for '11. $400k guarenteed, another $400k if he makes the opening day roster.

Russell Branyan to the Indians. 1-year, $2 mil. with $1 mil. in incentives.

[Droford]

http://www.baseballprospectus.com/fantasy/dc/index.php
As usual, it sucks to be the Orioles..being in the only division in baseball projected to have 3 90+ win teams. At least they're projected to be as good as the Cubs lol.

[ClockShot]

Rangers offered Rod Barajas a $1.5 mil. deal. Mets countered and made the contract a major league contract. Still offering $1 mil., but its guaranteed.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Barajas accepts the Mets' offer, 1 year, $1 million...plus an extra $1 million in incentives. Nice. Low BA, but a decent guy to have at the bottom of the order to drive guys in and hit a few longballs. More importantly, he and Blanco will be a good defensive catching tandem.

I do feel bad for Omir Santos. When the Mets wanted Molina, everybody figured Santos would be shipped off to AAA...then they wouldn't up their offer for Molina, so Santos was essentially proclaimed the likely Opening Day catcher. Now, he appears to be ticketed for AAA again. He was decent last year for a rookie, but I'm glad they got a veteran presence in there to work with the pitching staff.

Barring a really surprising spring from Mike Jacobs or Gary Matthews, Jr...or *knock on wood* and injury, Mets have their 9 Opening Day players identified. Wish it was April.</font>

[ClockShot]

And for the news everybody in baseball has been waiting for......

Johnny Damon to the Tigers. 1-year, $8 mil. pending a physical.

[YOUR Hero]

I sure thought the Tigers would offer 2 years and @ $15

[YOUR Hero]

How do you guys thing Miguel Cabrera will fare this year? - Do you think this whole alcohol fiasco and implosion at the end of last year will haunt his production this year?

-Me, I do. He seems fragile (imo) and I don't believe he'll be the dominant hitter he has been.

[Hardkore Kidd J]

And for the news everybody in baseball has been waiting for......

Johnny Damon to the Tigers. 1-year, $8 mil. pending a physical.

I don't see why Damon wouldn't pass the Physical. They have got quite the DH. I'm really amazed that it took him this long to find a team when he was pretty good for the Yankees last year.

How do you guys thing Miguel Cabrera will fare this year? - Do you think this whole alcohol fiasco and implosion at the end of last year will haunt his production this year?

-Me, I do. He seems fragile (imo) and I don't believe he'll be the dominant hitter he has been.

I don't think so either . In fact I thought he'd be out the door by this off season. I really think by the trade deadline he will be on his way out of Detroit. Especially if this does haunt his production.

[Splaya]

Well I just puked in my mouth a little bit

[Supreme Olajuwon]

How do you guys thing Miguel Cabrera will fare this year? - Do you think this whole alcohol fiasco and implosion at the end of last year will haunt his production this year?

-Me, I do. He seems fragile (imo) and I don't believe he'll be the dominant hitter he has been.

I dunno. I hope not. He has Hall level talent and it's always a shame when guys like that let the off field stuff derail them.


Look at who Cabrera's stats match up with:

Similar Batters through 26
View Player Links in Pop-up
Compare Stats to Similars (http://www.baseball-reference.com/friv/scomp_bat.cgi?I=cabremi01:Miguel%20Cabrera&st=age&compage=26&age=26)


Ken Griffey (http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/griffke02.shtml) (940)
Hank Aaron (http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/a/aaronha01.shtml) (934) *
Orlando Cepeda (http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/cepedor01.shtml) (934) *
Frank Robinson (http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/robinfr02.shtml) (924) *
Hal Trosky (http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/t/troskha01.shtml) (890)
Mickey Mantle (http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/mantlmi01.shtml) (882) *
Al Kaline (http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/kalinal01.shtml) (880) *
Andruw Jones (http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/j/jonesan01.shtml) (879)
Joe Medwick (http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/medwijo01.shtml) (869) *
Albert Pujols (http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/pujolal01.shtml) (865)

* - Signifies Hall of Famer




And he's just now entering his prime.

[Hardkore Kidd J]

Well I just puked in my mouth a little bit

At what? At the possibility of Miguel not being as good as a hitter as he was? Or signing Johnny Damon? Can I ask you why if it's Damon? You've all ready got a Left Fielder so Damon would be your DH anyway and he is a real good hitter. And you only got him for 1 year 8 million. That sounds fair to me at least. I don't see what the problem is with getting Damon since the guy can still hit.

[Splaya]

Sorry I had misread it. Thought we got him for 2 years.

who is the left fielder that we already have tho

[Hardkore Kidd J]

Sorry I had misread it. Thought we got him for 2 years.

who is the left fielder that we already have tho

Most likely Carlos Guillen.

I could see Tigers outfield like this.....

Guillen in Left

A-Jax in Center

and

Ordonez in Right.

[Splaya]

That would be the outfield you speak of. Remember though Damon's numbers were inflated due to new Yankee stadium. Comerica Park is a pitchers park

[YOUR Hero]

for a 1 year deal, I believe Damon went to the wrong ballpark. Because of what Comerica is in terms of being a pitchers park. Look how tough it was for Damon to land a deal after playing in a hitter's park. Because he'll need to lobby for a cntract again next year unless he retires) he should have went to the Braves - (assuming the Atlanta bid was legit)

[SammyG]

Russell Martin reported to camp at 231 pounds. Looking like a fucking fullback.

[ClockShot]

From the "What the Fuck" dept.

Yankees sign Chan Ho Park 1-year, $1.2 mil. deal. He can get an extra 300k in incentives.

Well now, this is quite the mind boggler.

[SammyG]

Eric Gagne admits to HGH use while with Dodgers. Great. So we re-signed him.

[Innovator]

CHAN HO

CHAN HO

[Hardkore Kidd J]

From the "What the Fuck" dept.

Yankees sign Chan Ho Park 1-year, $1.2 mil. deal. He can get an extra 300k in incentives.

Well now, this is quite the mind boggler.


Well having him can't do that much harm to our bullpen. I think it may have been what the Yankees saw from Park during the World Series as well.

[Skippord]

Uh oh, Manny's upset

[SammyG]

not really... He just said it's gonna be his last year in LA. So what, everyone knew it anyways.

[MVP]

Manny's just jealous of Tiger's publicity. He's lucky the media didn't blow up his affair with Edgar Renteria's wife.

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

Uh oh, Manny's upset

http://images.yuku.com/image/jpeg/8012557e90ad3110b9587929ba3c47898123b82.jpg

[Hardkore Kidd J]

Well I really hope Manny enjoys retirement in 2011. It's gonna take him a while to find a team in the 2010 offseason to find a team that will take him as a DH.

[Triple Naitch]

Part of me really wants to see him finish his career back in Cleveland as their DH.

[Hardkore Kidd J]

Part of me really wants to see him finish his career back in Cleveland as their DH.

It really depends on what Manny wants. Since Boras is Manny's agent it may take a while. I can't see Cleveland giving out more then maybe 2 years. 2 years even sounds like a stretch. If Manny becomes a free agent he is not getting more then Hideki or Damon that's pretty much guaranteed. And his attitude doesn't help because Damon and Matsui don't even have attitudes.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Since it's Spring Training, gotta roll out the video of the greatest Spring Training prank ever:</font>

<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/0nKKqPOiJxI&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/0nKKqPOiJxI&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

[Triple Naitch]

It really depends on what Manny wants. Since Boras is Manny's agent it may take a while. I can't see Cleveland giving out more then maybe 2 years. 2 years even sounds like a stretch. If Manny becomes a free agent he is not getting more then Hideki or Damon that's pretty much guaranteed. And his attitude doesn't help because Damon and Matsui don't even have attitudes.

Why not? Because Ramirez isn't a Yankee? Manny has more ability to change a game with one swing than Matsui and Damon do combined. The Dodgers knew Manny had attitude problems last year and still gave him $45 million for two years. Teams will look past his issues. I mean, Christ, Milton Bradley still has a job.

In a perfect world, next year Ramirez will take a one year, $10 million deal with the Indians to serve as their DH, get 600 home runs, then call it a career.

[FakeLaser]

Best line of the spring so far: Andrew Jones showed up in great shape, about 25 pounds lighter than last year. And he proclaimed to others, "I am the best CFer you guys have in camp." To which Joey Cora replied, "You should be. Only pitchers and catchers have reported."

[Droford]

<embed width="600" height="361" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" wmode="transparent" src="http://static.photobucket.com/player.swf?file=http://vid224.photobucket.com/albums/dd105/Braves_Love/Videos/72608OhmanasHarryCaray.flv">

He's an Oriole now, want to see him do that for the Os lineup.

[MVP]

ROFL Harry Caray

[DaveWadding]

Sorry, nothing beats the real deal.

[Hardkore Kidd J]

Why not? Because Ramirez isn't a Yankee? Manny has more ability to change a game with one swing than Matsui and Damon do combined. The Dodgers knew Manny had attitude problems last year and still gave him $45 million for two years. Teams will look past his issues. I mean, Christ, Milton Bradley still has a job.

In a perfect world, next year Ramirez will take a one year, $10 million deal with the Indians to serve as their DH, get 600 home runs, then call it a career.

It really has nothing to do with not being a Yankee. I'm just assuming because of what happened when Manny was a free agent last year. If I remember correctly it took Manny just as long for him to find a team as it did for Damon. Perhaps it was even longer.

It was just an assumption I placed because it took Manny a while to get a team last year. I could be wrong it may have had nothing to do with it.

I checked Wiki and it assumes he wasn't signed to a team Until March 4th. Maybe the attitude had nothing to do with it in fact it probably didn't but if next year is anything like it was the last time with Manny being a free agent. This could take a while.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Mets are still willing to sign a second lefty for the bullpen, be it Joe Beimel or Ron Mahay, if they are willing to take a similiar deal to Rod Barajas (1 year, $1 million or something)

Really would like to bring another lefty on board. I love Feliciano, but he turns 34 this season and he's appeared in over 85 games for two consecutive years now (only like the 5th pitcher ever to do that). I'm afraid his arm might fall off if he doesn't get any help...or if someone else in the 'pen doesn't become a crossover reliever.</font>

[Triple Naitch]

http://www.tpww.net/forums/picture.php?albumid=26&pictureid=1091


http://s3.amazonaws.com/twitpic/photos/large/68420176.jpg?AWSAccessKeyId=0ZRYP5X5F6FSMBCCSE82&Expires=1267198353&Signature=umu1yk6ptghLuALHS5J8QgR2bpY%3D

[Splaya]

Naitch x3 whats up dude.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Francesa had Steve Phillips on for an interview today for pretty much the entire show. Was pretty interesting, there were some cool stories and then other times where he sounded completely full of it.

Then they got to talking current baseball and Mike went on one of his patented anti-Murphy rants. I don't think I've ever heard a sports-talk personality crap on a player as much as Mike's crapped on Murphy the past 12 months.</font>

[Triple Naitch]

Did they ask him about the relationship he had with Meatloaf's sister?

http://www.cnpanyu.com/uploadfile/2009/1022/20091022100309846.jpg

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Yeah I dunno wtf he was thinking, that barely qualifies as a woman. But he talked about his sex addiction, not that anybody should really give a shit. They also both agreed that if Cole Hamels goes back to 2008 form then the Phillies have already locked up the division, which is a bit ridiculous if you ask me. I just can't see some of their guys replicating their 2009 seasons (namely Ibanez and Werth).

I wish 1050 ESPN Radio came in well in my car, but since it doesn't I pretty much just listen to the FAN even though Fatcesa drives me up the wall. He was talking about his impending trips to the Yanks and Mets spring training camps. Sounded really excited about seeing the Yanks, but then was like "Yeah I'll be in Mets camp too, even though we already know the company-line answers they are gonna give me". Yet I guarantee when he interviews them he will kiss their asses. Huge dickhead.</font>

[ClockShot]

Cards sign Felipe Lopez to a 1-year, $1mil. deal.

[YOUR Hero]

Happ/Hamels/Halladay/HolyCrap

[McLegend]

It could have been Lee/Halladay/Hamels :-\

[YOUR Hero]

Howard

[Evil Vito]

It could have been Lee/Halladay/Hamels :-\

<font color=goldenrod>I get why they made the move, helped re-stock after losing prospects in the Halladay deal...the prospects they got back aren't quite as good, but still decent. I bet Aumont will be really good.

But yeah Halladay/Lee/Hamels would have sealed it barring injuries</font>

[Hardkore Kidd J]

I get why they made the move, helped re-stock after losing prospects in the Halladay deal...the prospects they got back aren't quite as good, but still decent. I bet Aumont will be really good.

But yeah Halladay/Lee/Hamels would have sealed it barring injuries

I don't know about Hamels. If he could be the 2008 Hamels instead of the 2009 probably. But his 2009 wasn't very good.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>As much as I hate to say it, I think Hamels' 2009 was a clear case of the year-after effect that happens to so many young pitchers, so I'm fully expecting a bounceback giving the Phillies a potentially awesome 1/2.

Thankfully, I think Mike Pelfrey also suffered from year-after, so I'm expecting him and the rest of the rotation to bounce back as well.</font>

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>For what it's worth, Bobby Valentine AND John Kruk both said they think Halladay will get 23-24 wins this year.

Then again, I seem to remember that back in 2005 Kruk said Randy Johnson would get 30 wins with the Yankee offense behind him.</font> :lol:

[Emperor Smeat]

I wouldn't be too surprised if he gets close to that since he's coming out of probably the toughest division in baseball and the A.L. in general to the "weaker" National League.

[Hardkore Kidd J]

I would not be surprised if Halladay wins the NL Cy Young and gets 24 -25 wins.

[Skippord]

I would be

[ClockShot]

It was bound to happen....

Yankees DFA Edwar Ramirez.

Guy had a sick change-up when he got into the big leagues. Then it all just fell apart shortly there after. We'll see how Chan Ho Park does in his place.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>I could see Halladay getting close to 20 wins, but that's really hard to predict. In 2008 Santana should have had close to 20 wins and definitely the Cy Young Award, but the offense shit the bed half the time he pitched. Baseball is weird.</font>

[MVP]

I wouldn't be surprised to see Doc put up at least 20 wins this season given he's been so effective in the AL East.

[YOUR Hero]

CY Young, Halladay

[Triple Naitch]

Hamels admitted last year that he did not stay in shape at all during the 08-09 offseason and that is what led to his sub-par '09 season. Hopefully Halladay can get Hamels in prime condition again the same way that he mentored the young Blue Jays staff who still use Halladay's training regimen.

[McLegend]

Hamels will be a Cy Young candidate. Just watch

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Halladay's IP numbers are insane. Imagine if he put up similar ones this year AND the Phils went deep into the postseason again? He's straight out of the early 1900's.</font>

[Dragon]

It was bound to happen....

Yankees DFA Edwar Ramirez.

Guy had a sick change-up when he got into the big leagues. Then it all just fell apart shortly there after. We'll see how Chan Ho Park does in his place.

He still has the nasty change-up but he has nothing to go with that. His fastball wasn't good enough to be that other pitch and guys just waited for it.

He can strike out a ton of guys but he'll give up a ton of homeruns too. Wouldn't of been in the bullpen anyway now with Chan Ho.

[Loose Cannon]

Halladay has always reminded me of a modern day Walter Johnson

[Big Fat Mike]

"Reminded you of"? What are you, 120 years old?

[ClockShot]

And Spring Training games get under way today. Pirates and Tigers play colleges today, Mets take on the Braves.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Mets lineup this morning:

CF Gary Matthews Jr.
2B Luis Castillo
SS Jose Reyes
3B David Wright
LF Jason Bay
DH Mike Jacobs
RF Jeff Francoeur
1B Ike Davis
C Chris Coste
P Nelson Figueroa

Then it rains about 2 hours before the game, leaving the field somewhat damp. New lineup:

LF Jesus Feliciano
SS Ruben Tejada
CF Gary Matthews Jr.
DH Mike Jacobs
3B Mike Hessman
1B Ike Davis
C Chris Coste
RF Jason Pridie
2B Luis Hernandez
P Nelson Figueroa

Gotta love spring training.</font> :love:

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Jason Pridie is this year's "Guy whose name I've been pronouncing wrong this whole time".

Assumed it was Priddy...but according to the commentators it's Pride-y.</font>

[DaveWadding]

D'BACKS SIGN JUSTIN UPTON TO A NEW CONTRACT - 6 YEARS $51 MIL


WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOo

[Skippord]

damn

J-Up can butcher plays in the outfield for years to come

[YOUR Hero]

I heard he wanted to be traded to a real city.

[YOUR Hero]

Like Timmins Ontario.

[DaveWadding]

damn

J-Up can butcher plays in the outfield for years to come

God, shut the fuck up you faggot homer.

[Heros Welcome]

Great deal for the D Backs. Upton is going to be a superstar, no doubt and this deal is going to look extremely good down the line. Same way the Rays deal to Longoria is going to look.

[Skippord]

I actually like the Diamondbacks, mister snappy

[SammyG]

lol @ other NL West teams. Dodgers are still winning the division.

[DaveWadding]

LOL @ Dodgers not improving at all in the offseason because the owner is in divorce court.

[Triple Naitch]

Yeah, Dodgers made no improvement this offseason. They still have a few question marks in their rotation. Wouldn't be surprised to see them finish third this year. Although Kemp should have a huge year.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Dodgers rotation looks even worse than the Mets rotation</font>

[Skippord]

I'm pretty happy about the Diamondbacks having Brandon Webb back while the Rockies have Francis back

hot feud

[Triple Naitch]

Don't think the Giants have completely solved their offensive issue yet, but they could still easily win that division with that pitching staff.

[YOUR Hero]

No Jokes. Zito was decent last year. Not worth the amount of $$ they paid for him, but he was 'alright' last year and a half.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Tim Wakefield is set to top 3,000 IP, 2,000 K, and 200 wins this season if he makes the Red Sox rotation at age 43.

How do we not have more knuckleballers in the game?

[Big Fat Mike]

I don't know, why don't you go call Tom Candiotti and see what he's up to.

[SammyG]

lol, k. I heard the same shit last year.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

I don't know, why don't you go call Tom Candiotti and see what he's up to.
He's doing broadcasts for the Diamondbacks. He should be down on the field teaching kids the good stuff.

[ClockShot]

WOOHOO!

YANKEES SPRING BASEBALL GETS GOING RIGHT NOW!

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Mike Francesa: If you’re trying to hit home runs, that’s an imposing ballpark, right?

Daniel Murphy: If you’re trying to hit home runs, you’re in trouble to begin with.

Murph</font> :love:

[RP]

I have Cubs tickets for May 1st against the Diamondbacks

[Emperor Smeat]

Tim Wakefield is set to top 3,000 IP, 2,000 K, and 200 wins this season if he makes the Red Sox rotation at age 43.

How do we not have more knuckleballers in the game?

Almost all the catchers in the MLB can't catch the pitch properly. When Mirabelli was Wakefield's personal catcher, he used something similar to a 1st baseman glove since a catcher's glove is too small.

Until this year, Red Sox had another knuckleball pitcher in the minor leagues in case they wanted a specialty pitcher like Wakefield but I guess he got signed by St. Louis in free agency.

[Droford]

Os won today 12-2 over the Rays. Josh Bell hit a HR in his first ST AB and had another one. I wish they had never signed Tejada to play 3B. Rhyne Hughes also hit 2 HRs, he was the guy the Os got from the Rays for Greg Zaun last year and he plays 1B...hmm.

[Triple Naitch]

I have Cubs tickets for May 1st against the Diamondbacks

I'm making a summer trip out to Chicago myself at the end of July. I got Cubs/Cards Sunday Night Baseball tickets and White Sox/Mariners tickets for the next day.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Mets sign Kiko Calero to a minor league deal. Nice.</font>

[Big Fat Mike]

Francisco Cervelli can't keep his head out of the way

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>LOL wow Goose Gossage is an asshole. He did an interview with a NY Post and declared that Rivera is not the best closer of all time, he was. His reason? He's had 53 7-out saves in his career, while Rivera and Trevor Hoffman have had two. What a retard. Goose was obviously a great closer but I don't think anybody could ever make a logical argument for Rivera not being the best.

He also called K-Rod a clown for celebrating his saves, which again, is bullshit. I'll never understand why every pitcher in baseball that celebrates after a win, save, strikeout, etc. gets shat on yet hitters can grandstand all they want and dogpile on each other after walkoffs without criticism.</font>

[Droford]

So happy to finally see ST baseball, and its in HD as a bonus! (DVRed Os loss to Boston today, MASN is in HD fulltime now which is sweet)

[Emperor Smeat]

<font color=goldenrod>LOL wow Goose Gossage is an asshole. He did an interview with a NY Post and declared that Rivera is not the best closer of all time, he was. His reason? He's had 53 7-out saves in his career, while Rivera and Trevor Hoffman have had two. What a retard. Goose was obviously a great closer but I don't think anybody could ever make a logical argument for Rivera not being the best.

He also called K-Rod a clown for celebrating his saves, which again, is bullshit. I'll never understand why every pitcher in baseball that celebrates after a win, save, strikeout, etc. gets shat on yet hitters can grandstand all they want and dogpile on each other after walkoffs without criticism.</font>

To be fair, he is sort of correct in the sense that back in his day a closer was seen as a 2-3 inning type pitcher unlike last 10ish years where you could get by with a 1-3 out person as a successful closer.

Rivera is easily the best closer during the Steroid Era since that era was all about bringing in more power for batting. For Rivera to have saved all those games and keep his ERA low easily makes him one of the best of all time.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>I couldn't care less about inning totals. Different game back then. Fact is Rivera has saved more big games than any other closer, and that's what the closer is supposed to do. Goose is just bitter that Mo will get in first ballot with at LEAST 90% of the vote (because there will probably be some old people voting who think "Well, Goose threw more innings and didn't get in first try, sorry Mo!"</font>

[Hardkore Kidd J]

LOL wow Goose Gossage is an asshole. He did an interview with a NY Post and declared that Rivera is not the best closer of all time, he was. His reason? He's had 53 7-out saves in his career, while Rivera and Trevor Hoffman have had two. What a retard. Goose was obviously a great closer but I don't think anybody could ever make a logical argument for Rivera not being the best.

He also called K-Rod a clown for celebrating his saves, which again, is bullshit. I'll never understand why every pitcher in baseball that celebrates after a win, save, strikeout, etc. gets shat on yet hitters can grandstand all they want and dogpile on each other after walkoffs without criticism.

Well K-rod does seem to go a little overboard at celebrating when he gets a save. I mean celebrating is one thing but he does seem to go just a bit overboard in it.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>I dunno, I didn't really notice K-Rod doing anything too offensive last year. He just does his point to the sky thing and if it happened to be a particularly big save he was a bit more animated, but really that's to be expected. People get way too uptight with pitcher celebrations.

Might also have to do with the fact that it was a horrible season and K-Rod was balls the second half because he was used so irregularly. Not sure.</font>

[Hardkore Kidd J]

I dunno, I didn't really notice K-Rod doing anything too offensive last year. He just does his point to the sky thing and if it happened to be a particularly big save he was a bit more animated, but really that's to be expected. People get way too uptight with pitcher celebrations.

Might also have to do with the fact that it was a horrible season and K-Rod was balls the second half because he was used so irregularly. Not sure.


I can't really say what he what he did with the Mets but I remember him going real crazy like he was having an Orgasm whenever he got a save pitching on the Angels.

[YOUR Hero]

Gossage has some points as HK J pointed them out.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Omir Santos hit a ground-ball, inside-the-park grand slam during yesterday's game. Love ST.</font>

[Big Fat Mike]

<font color=goldenrod>Omir Santos hit a ground-ball, inside-the-park grand slam during yesterday's game. Love ST.</font>

I was watching that and thinking to myself , "Who the fuck is Omir Santos?"

I agree, ST is awesome. Also, LOL @ Jason Marquis.

[ClockShot]

Hank Blalock to the Rays. Minor league deal with $925k with an extra $350k in incentives. He got the opt out option if he doesn't make the team out of spring training.

Joe Nathan got torn tendons in his throwing elbow. May try to still throw or do season ending TJ surgery.

[Big Fat Mike]

I seem to remember Hank Blalock as being an up-and-comer a few years ago. WTF happened

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Injuries. He has some disorder too. I remember he had to have a rib removed because of it.

[Jeritron]

Got my Cubs tickets for 3 games against the Cards at Wrigley today, and 2 White Sox games at Commiskey with the Mariners.

Can't wait for the trip

[DaveWadding]

Don't get shot on the South Side Jerry. :(

[Jeritron]

3 game series Red Sox road trip, to:

a) Camden with the O's
b) Citizen Bank Park with The Philles

Help me choose.

[DaveWadding]

Phillies would probably be more fun to watch.

[DaveWadding]

I started buying my tix this week too. Got the Cubs/D'Backs @ Chase exhibition game, Opening Day vs. the Padres and Yankees tickets.

[Jeritron]

True, but if I go to Camden we can also shoot down to Washington easily and go to a game there for peanuts

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Heh, interesting. Red Sox travel to Port St. Lucie on Thursday to play the Mets. John Lackey is actually taking the 3 1/2 hour trip to make his start rather than stay back and pitch a simulated game or itnrasquad game at Sox camp.

I think MLB has some rules in place saying you have to bring a certain amount of regulars (or at least people you think are going to be on the roster during the year) to road games, surprised Lackey's going.</font>

[Skippord]

The Dodgers spring training broadcast is pretty brtl

[SammyG]

lol @ Kuroda, Broxton and Sherill today

[Triple Naitch]

Both Aroldis Chapman and Stephen Strasburg impressed this week. Talk of both beginning the season with the big league clubs.

[Triple Naitch]

Got my Cubs tickets for 3 games against the Cards at Wrigley today, and 2 White Sox games at Commiskey with the Mariners.

Can't wait for the trip

I will see you there.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Don't think Chapman will make the club out of camp. Don't think he should at least. If he does it will be because he annihilates people. But who knows? Josh Hamilton wasn't supposed to make the club out of camp either until it became abundantly clear he was that much better than everyone else.

[Jeritron]

Josh Hamilton made it to the club, alright

[Triple Naitch]

3 game series Red Sox road trip, to:

a) Camden with the O's
b) Citizen Bank Park with The Philles

Help me choose.

CBP is a great ball park, but if you have never been to Camden it is a must see. Way much more to do if you go for the whole weekend. There's not much within walking distance from Citizen's Bank, where in Baltimore you have the entire inner harbor.

[Skippord]

lol @ Kuroda, Broxton and Sherill today
Sherrill wasn't really bad

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>lol one of my favorite baseball moments ever:</font>

<object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/esyiOB6kMNM&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/esyiOB6kMNM&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object>

[DaveWadding]

What the hell? who's that Randy Johnson impersonator?

[YOUR Hero]

where's Koo now? That was fabulous.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Koo pitches for the Hanwha Eagles in Korea. He's 40 years old now. He was 35 when he got that hit. Impressive

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>What made that moment hilarious was that a few days earlier, Randolph did the same thing (leaving Koo in to hit as he was the only lefty reliever) against the Reds. It was his first ever ML at-bat and he stood there and took 4 pitches in a strikeout. Never took the bat off his shoulder, looked scared to death.</font>

[Big Fat Mike]

That WAS hilarious. 5 years later, the Yankees have another World Championship, and the Mets have Oliver Perez.

:shifty:

[Splaya]

<object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/4_iHug-xUYQ&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/4_iHug-xUYQ&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object>

I remember this like it was yesterday :(

[Splaya]

<object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Z-j2VKwO2oQ&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Z-j2VKwO2oQ&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object>

Amateur video is always amazing

[Triple Naitch]

:wavesad: Nomar.

[Droford]

3 game series Red Sox road trip, to:

a) Camden with the O's
b) Citizen Bank Park with The Philles

Help me choose.

Dont come to Baltimore..we don't need any more Sox fans at the games.

[Droford]

Also..

MLB Network has the rematch of the 1979 World Series on at 7pm. Its a rare opportunity to see the Orioles and Pirates battle it out on National Television!

[Supreme Olajuwon]

The Reds haven't done anything worth filming since the invention of camera phones :(

[Droford]

LOL@ The Chicago White Sox shorts uniforms

http://dubsism.files.wordpress.com/2009/08/white-sox-shorts.jpg

[Emperor Smeat]

:wavesad: Nomar.

Pre-injury the fan feud between who was better between Nomar and Jeter was crazy. Both players went back and forth with good numbers but Nomar got hurt and never was the same. Crazy part he never won a regular season MVP award even though his numbers was similar or better on certain years than Jeter.

Him and Mo Vaughn were my favorite Red Sox batters during the late 1990s.

:lol: ESPN managed to get A-Rod's opionion on Nomar retiring. How was he related in any way to the Nomar-Jeter debate.

[Triple Naitch]

They had a great interview with Nomar on MLB radio today. He told some great stories and had no regrets. He didn't seem bitter about how his career ended and was really passionate and still has a huge love for the game. He should be a great analyst for ESPN.

[Emperor Smeat]

He's said for a few years that his goal was to retire in some way with the Red Sox and unlike Clemens who hated the Red Sox because of Dan Duquette and then for some strange reason hated the city/area itself, Nomar both understood why he was traded and still liked his former team mates.

Then again he is married to Mia Hamm so I doubt he feels upset about most things. :shifty:

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Torii Hunter is a fucking idiot.

---

In the report, Hunter was quoted as saying: "People see dark faces out there, and the perception is that they're African-American. They're not us. They're impostors. Even people I know come up and say: 'Hey, what color is Vladimir Guerrero? Is he a black player?' I say, 'Come on, he's Dominican. He's not black.' ...

"As African-American players, we have a theory that baseball can go get an imitator and pass them off as us. It's like they had to get some kind of dark faces, so they go to the Dominican or Venezuela because you can get them cheaper. It's like, 'Why should I get this kid from the South Side of Chicago and have Scott Boras represent him and pay him $5 million when you can get a Dominican guy for a bag of chips?' ... I'm telling you, it's sad," he said.</font>

[Skippord]

just watched the Rockies commercials for this year, pretty funny stuff.



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example

[Dragon]

Pre-injury the fan feud between who was better between Nomar and Jeter was crazy. Both players went back and forth with good numbers but Nomar got hurt and never was the same. Crazy part he never won a regular season MVP award even though his numbers was similar or better on certain years than Jeter.

Him and Mo Vaughn were my favorite Red Sox batters during the late 1990s.

:lol: ESPN managed to get A-Rod's opionion on Nomar retiring. How was he related in any way to the Nomar-Jeter debate.

I dunno, the discussion was always the big three shortstops at the time. ARod-Jeter-Nomar. And A-Rod was clearly the best of the three.

[Emperor Smeat]

He didn't really become a factor into the best A.L. shortstop debate until 1999/2000 and by that point the Nomar-Jeter debate had ragged on for 3-4 years. The whole Nomar-Jeter debate also focused on those 2 guys being the best non-pitchers on their team while A-Rod had Griffey Jr. as the main star of the Mariners.

I will agree that his years with the Rangers is when he really began to separate himself and become a legit choice as best shortstop in A.L.

[YOUR Hero]

Torii Hunter is a fucking idiot.

---

In the report, Hunter was quoted as saying: "People see dark faces out there, and the perception is that they're African-American. They're not us. They're impostors. Even people I know come up and say: 'Hey, what color is Vladimir Guerrero? Is he a black player?' I say, 'Come on, he's Dominican. He's not black.' ...

"As African-American players, we have a theory that baseball can go get an imitator and pass them off as us. It's like they had to get some kind of dark faces, so they go to the Dominican or Venezuela because you can get them cheaper. It's like, 'Why should I get this kid from the South Side of Chicago and have Scott Boras represent him and pay him $5 million when you can get a Dominican guy for a bag of chips?' ... I'm telling you, it's sad," he said.

It's true. Vlad was never really good enough to be a major league player. It was a conspiracy of the Expos to get cheap <s>Mexican</s> Dominican labour.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>I feel so bad for Jose Reyes. The good news is, his thyroid is simply overactive, and it will clear up on its own. The bad news is, it will be anywhere from 2-8 weeks before he can resume baseball activity. The numbers are definitely more in favor of him missing Opening Day. Dude came into camp in the best shape of his life and was running 100%, then this completely unrelated thing happens and could cause him to miss regular season time. Poor guy.

From a baseball perspective, the Mets are definitely fucked if he misses any significant time during the season. I felt they could get by without Beltran, but Reyes too is devastating. Alex Cora will probably get the bulk of playing time at shortstop, which means they'll have the worst defensive middle infield in baseball with a pitching staff that heavily relies on defense up the middle. Not good.

Get well soon, Jose.</font> :(

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Selig's committee discussed some realignment plans yesterday, namely the concept of "floating realignment". Basically, every year teams could swap divisions or possibly even leagues based on finances, realistic chances of competing, etc. the main limitation would be time zones, you can't move to a time zone that would regularly affect start times.

The main example given is that a shitty AL Central team could move to the AL East and spend a year rebuilding while getting the extra revenue that would come from 18 home games against the Yanks and Sox. Meanwhile, a team like the Rays could shift to the Central and be serious contenders.

Teams out West wouldn't be able to move sideways because of time zones except for maybe the Rangers, but they could potentially swap leagues with another West team. Teams in the East and Central might also be allowed to swap leagues. The number of teams per league could vary year to year as well.

It'll never happen, just seems like a cluttered mess and it really would be admitting that the game revolves around the Yanks and Sox. "Well no other team has a chance of beating them, just let the rest of the division be patsies!" They'd probably be able to set the new record for wins in a season.</font>

[Emperor Smeat]

That would make it almost impossible to do long term schedules since MLB and other leagues like to make schedules 1-2 years in advance for any given new season.

Could also kill any non-big rivarly in the MLB and end the specialness of Inter-league series.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Interleague play really isn't even special nowadays anyway. In-state matchups might have a little extra buzz but the rest is just blah. In some cases, rilvaries could be expanded. The Cubs and White Sox could end up in the same division and play each other like 20 times.

I think they should realign by jersey colors, into a westerly rainbow</font>

[Droford]

Joe Mauer got hurt in the st game vs the Os.

fouled a ball off his shoulder.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Mets might actually give 20-year old shortstop Ruben Tejada the nod to start the year. I hope so, he's easily the best defensive middle infielder in camp. He could probably bat for a decent average in the 8th spot, no worse than any of the other guys they could put there.

Certainly preferrable to the other options (Alex Cora, Anderson Hernandez, Russ Adams) at least.</font>

[Hanso Amore]

The way Fenway treated Nomar when he came back last year is the only reason I think Red Sex Nation might be somewhat human.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>I think if I was in charge of making baseball "more fair" via realignment, I'd just revert back to the old days. No divisions, just leagues. I'd move an NL team to the AL to make it 15 per league, and as a result I'd get rid of the 3 or so weeks of interleague play and just run one interleague series at any given time all season. Top 4 teams from each league get into the playoffs (tiebreakers played if necessary)...1 seed vs. 4 seed, 2 seed vs. 3 seed, format exactly like it is now.

Obviously this would never happen because it would reduce the amount of times we see certain marquee matchups...but it would prevent teams like the Orioles and Blue Jays from complaining that they play in an unwinnable division. But, teams like the Yanks and Sox could still dominate at which point people would keep bitching and then you'd have to start discussing caps and floors.</font>

[Emperor Smeat]

If it wasn't for the fact of MLB being a bit stubborn on the rules for leagues needing even number of teams and opened up more inter-league games, they could just make each division 5 teams to be more fair.

Makes it hard to claim parity or equal opportunity for everyone when 1 division has 6 times fighting for 1 spot while another division has just 4 teams.

[OssMan]

True, but if I go to Camden we can also shoot down to Washington easily and go to a game there for peanuts
Fuck you

[OssMan]

lol one of my favorite baseball moments ever:

<object height="385" width="480">


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lol i remember this

fuck yes

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Hideki Matsui is a fucking idiot.

---

In the report, Matsui was quoted as saying: "People see Asians out there, and the perception is that they're Japanese. They're not us. They're impostors. Even people I know come up and say: 'Hey, what race is Shin-Soo Choo? Is he a Japanese player?' I say, 'Come on, he's Korean. He's not Japanese.' ..

"As Japanese players, we have a theory that baseball can go get an imitator and pass them off as us. It's like they had to get some kind of Asian faces, so they go to the Korea or Taiwan because you can get them cheaper. It's like, 'Why should I get this kid from the South Side of Tokyo and have Scott Boras represent him and pay him $5 million when you can get a Korean guy for a bag of ramen?' ... I'm telling you, it's sad," he said.</font>

[YOUR Hero]

lol

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Arolids Chapman threw two more scoreless innings against LA yesterday. His second inning of work was a popout-strikeout-strikeout of Ethier, Kemp, and Blake. Reports were that his slider was pedestrian and he couldn't locate his fastball, but his changeup was unhittable.

[YOUR Hero]

floating alignment might be the most ridiculous thing I ever heard of.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

http://s3.amazonaws.com/twitpic/photos/full/69389135.jpg?AWSAccessKeyId=0ZRYP5X5F6FSMBCCSE82&Expires=1268516375&Signature=p9nIIpOFnLPR9pZO2cafBTYJvfo%3D


Tulowitzki might've just become one of my favorite players

[Skippord]

I wish I could see the picture that is probably there

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>The Mets could possibly break camp this year with two 20-year olds on their Opening Day roster, shortstop Ruben Tejada (more than likely to be there if Reyes does indeed start on the DL) and RHP Jenrry Mejia (top pitching prospect, a longshot but he's looked nasty in spring thus far). Both guys were born in October 1989.

If that happens, I will officially feel old :o I already felt a bit old when Rick Porcello (5 days younger than me) was in the majors last year. Plus this year there will be other guys like Jason Heyward who are also younger than me in the bigs.</font>

[Jeritron]

The Mets could possibly...nah

[Droford]

As an Os fan, the realignment debate is kind of..good idea/bad idea with me.

In the next couple of years (maybe as earlier as next year), I think the Os could definitely compete for just about any division in baseball with the exception of the one they are currently in. But really the plans Ive seen are all really dumb.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Red Sox top prospect Ryan Westmoreland to have brain surgery. Damn.</font>