MLB 2009-2010 Off Season Thread [Archive]

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Evil Vito

11-05-2009, 12:12 AM

YES!!! THE 2009 SEASON IS OVER!!! :cool:

Well then, now that I've made the thread, may as well use it when we get around to discussing offseason matters. 15 days until free agency. :shifty:

C'monnnnnn Matt Holliday

Loose Cannon

11-05-2009, 12:19 AM

YANKEES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

screech

11-05-2009, 12:30 AM

NL ROY should be Happ

SammyG

11-05-2009, 05:14 AM

DODGERS

D Mac

11-05-2009, 05:40 AM

Winter begins. :(

Evil Vito

11-05-2009, 07:17 AM

Haven't ROY already been decided? Pretty sure Happ and Beckham won it.

screech

11-05-2009, 09:03 AM

I thought they didn't come out until after the World Series like the rest of the awards.

Supreme Olajuwon

11-05-2009, 09:15 AM

Evil Vito

11-05-2009, 10:20 AM

Holliday and Cardinals discussing a 6-year, $96 million deal

But the sense is that Boras will convince him to go on the market and sign with whoever gives him that guaranteed 7th year (because invariably some team WILL offer it).

Holliday turns 30 in December. If the Mets get him, a 7-year deal might start looking really bad once he hits 35/36 and is playing the spacious left field at Citi...but they kinda are in a position of need because I can't see them contending next year without a true power bat in ADDITION to Wright getting his power back.

Evil Vito

11-05-2009, 10:22 AM

Was listening to Mike & Mike this morning and Buster Olney was saying that small market teams are going to try to save money this offseason by simply releasing players instead of giving them arbitration. So what we're going to have are a bunch of 24-26 year old free agents.

Yeah I had read something about that. Gonna be ridiculous. Might be some good bargains out on the market...nothing earth shattering, but good value. I've heard the Royals will probably be dumping guys like Teahen and Buck.

Loose Cannon

11-05-2009, 10:46 AM

Loose Cannon

11-05-2009, 10:50 AM

I think if anything, The Phillies are in great shape. I easily can see them making a run for the Series for the next 3-4 years

Evil Vito

11-05-2009, 10:59 AM

Well as most are saying, I believe Matsui's last Yankee game was last night. What a way to go out though. He may sign with Seattle to play with his little buddy.

Damon is back.

Our pitching really worries me....again. Obviously we got AJ and CC, but after that it's like :wtf: I think Pettite got another good season left in him. I dunno what Wang will be. Joba and Hugues are ???? as Starters.

If we do anything this year, it will be for a pitcher and an outfielder.

It's an "I'll believe it when I see it" kind of thing but most seem to think the Yanks aren't willing to take on another huge, long-term, mega deal. Not so much a budget thing, but A-Rod, Teix, and CC all are getting raises (explains why their payroll was actually LOWER this year than '08) plus their are all signed through like 2015, 16, 17, etc.

Plus if Mo has a great 2010 he might decide to keep going...and Jeter's deal ends after 2010 and he has many great years left in him so he could charge the Yanks whatever he wanted.

That beiung said, Holliday has said the Yanks are his top choice, with the Mets being second. So if anything I could see the Yanks being used as a means of getting the Mets to pony up a 7th year.

Evil Vito

11-05-2009, 11:00 AM

I think if anything, The Phillies are in great shape. I easily can see them making a run for the Series for the next 3-4 years

Definitely agree with this, unfortunately. :(

Innovator

11-05-2009, 11:02 AM

Doc, AJ came here and got a ring...think about it

Loose Cannon

11-05-2009, 11:12 AM

It's an "I'll believe it when I see it" kind of thing but most seem to think the Yanks aren't willing to take on another huge, long-term, mega deal. Not so much a budget thing, but A-Rod, Teix, and CC all are getting raises (explains why their payroll was actually LOWER this year than '08) plus their are all signed through like 2015, 16, 17, etc.

Plus if Mo has a great 2010 he might decide to keep going...and Jeter's deal ends after 2010 and he has many great years left in him so he could charge the Yanks whatever he wanted.

That beiung said, Holliday has said the Yanks are his top choice, with the Mets being second. So if anything I could see the Yanks being used as a means of getting the Mets to pony up a 7th year.

yea, next year is going to be interesting to see what they do with Jeter. Obviously, they are keeping him. But how long will they give him?

and I thought about Roy. Could they even afford him. That would be really sick to have AJ, CC and Roy. Now he kind of fell off a little bit at the end of last year, so it will be interesting to see if his value might of fallen a little. He'll still get a ridiculous contract from someone though.

So is Predro done on the Phils?

Evil Vito

11-05-2009, 11:31 AM

Innovator

11-05-2009, 11:31 AM

I'd guess Pedro is done with the Phillies, probably done in general

Dragon

11-05-2009, 11:52 AM

I'm hoping the Yankees rotation is just CC-AJ-Andy-Joba-Hughes. Then resigning Gaudin and restructuring Wang's contract if he's gonna miss time from the injury. Those five along with Gaudin, Wang, Kennedy and others from the minors (McAllister) should be enough depth. Maybe sign a cheap starter that could eat up some innings/pitch out of the pen.

Loose Cannon

11-05-2009, 12:03 PM

Funny I mentioned Mark Teahen in that other post...cause we now already have the FIRST TRADE OF THE OFFSEASON:

Mark Teahen to the White Sox for Chris Getz and Josh Fields

Kenny Williams is high

saw Josh Fields a lot when he played for the Sox's minor league team (Charlotte Knights). He was really good in the minors, but I haven't followed him too much in the majors

Splaya

11-05-2009, 01:06 PM

Tigers are going to have a real interesting offseason. Rumors persist that Polanco is gone and we are going to be starting Sizemore at Second base. Carlos Guillen is going to be the starting left fielder :(. It's just going to be a mess

SammyG

11-05-2009, 02:32 PM

Dodgers declined a 10 mil option on Garland. Good.

Loose Cannon

11-05-2009, 03:36 PM

is Carl Crawford available this year? I thought they mentioned him being available on Mike and Mike

Supreme Olajuwon

11-05-2009, 03:41 PM

I think Matsui is best served going back to Japan. He'll have left America at the top and will get the national hero treatment back home. And that should equate to some $$$ that he might not see here.

Supreme Olajuwon

11-05-2009, 03:48 PM

The talk has stirred up again about where you put Mariano and Jeter on the list of all time Yankees. I've heard Rivera as high as 4th in front of Mantle and Berra.

Heros Welcome

11-05-2009, 03:56 PM

is Carl Crawford available this year? I thought they mentioned him being available on Mike and Mike

Rays have the chance to pick up the option. Its only 10 mil, but there is a possibility they pick it up and deal him if they fall out of the race come trade deadline.

Loose Cannon

11-05-2009, 04:02 PM

definately in the top 10 I would put them both. Are we counting A-Rod yet? Pettite?

Splaya

11-05-2009, 04:06 PM

There is talk that the Rays might not pick him up at all and he would become a free agent. He would make a great splash in Detroit, but there is no way the Tigers will pick him up for the type of money that he wants

Triple Naitch

11-05-2009, 04:27 PM

Funny I mentioned Mark Teahen in that other post...cause we now already have the FIRST TRADE OF THE OFFSEASON:

Mark Teahen to the White Sox for Chris Getz and Josh Fields

Kenny Williams is high

Teahen didn't have as terrible year as he has been last year. He's way better than the two guys they traded for. Fields is a complete bust and Getz is nothing special.

Hanso Amore

11-05-2009, 05:24 PM

Dimaggio
Gehrig
Ruth
Jeter
Mantle
Berra
Rivera
Munson
Reggie
Mattingly

IMHO

Triple Naitch

11-05-2009, 05:41 PM

Red Sox reportedly get Jeremy Hermida.

Heros Welcome

11-05-2009, 05:58 PM

Well that could mean adios to Rocco. Or could be the plan for LF if they don't resign Bay.

I like Hermida, he hasn't panned out yet but hes only 26. I think he can thrive in Fenway with that RF. Good trade for the Sox.

Triple Naitch

11-05-2009, 06:00 PM

Exactly what I think, but don't think they'll settle for Hermida in left. I'd say the Red Sox wind up with at least one of Jason Bay, Matt Holliday, Prince Fielder, and Adrian Gonzalez.

ClockShot

11-05-2009, 06:11 PM

Bobby Abreu takes a deal with the Angels. 2-years, $19 mil.

White Sox get Mark Teahen from the Royals for Chris Getz and Josh Fields.

White Sox resign Mark Kotsay.

Braves sign Scott Proctor.

And, IMO, the big opening day news for the offseason. The Rays trade Akinori Iwamura to the Pirates for Jesse Chavez.

ClockShot

11-05-2009, 06:24 PM

Heros Welcome

11-05-2009, 06:28 PM

Exactly what I think, but don't think they'll settle for Hermida in left. I'd say the Red Sox wind up with at least one of Jason Bay, Matt Holliday, Prince Fielder, and Adrian Gonzalez.

If Bay falls through, I think Gonzo is Red Sox bound. Even if they do retain Bay I wouldn't be shocked to still see them land him. I really think they have the prospects it takes to entice the Pads.

Can move Youk to 3rd for good, and you can move Lowell and Ortiz for one more season at DH.

Triple Naitch

11-05-2009, 06:30 PM

Somehow, I see Aroldis Chapman as a huge bust. The next Jose Contreras. He's a thrower, but doesn't know how to actually pitch.

Dragon

11-05-2009, 06:49 PM

The stats he's put up in the league he was in really weren't even impressive. Apparently all he has is a big fastball, with no secondary pitches and no control.

Doesn't exactly intrigue me too much.

Triple Naitch

11-05-2009, 06:51 PM

And one of the big teams is going to throw 50+ million at him. I pray to god it's not my favorite Major League Baseball organization.

Dragon

11-05-2009, 06:56 PM

As far as the Yankees are concerned. Here's what I want for next season/needs to be addressed.

1. Retain Matsui for 1-year. Let's face it, the man did major damage in the DH hole this year (last night being a perfect example.) But as we all know that his knees are shot to shit and the Yankees wanna rotate out the DH spot to the vets.

2. The outfield. Johnny Damon got a great bat but a horrible glove. He wants to come back, but I'd really sit back and think about 1 more year with him. Keep Swisher in RF, and we know he's doing extra credit this offseason with Long and Eiland. So that's a plus. CF is the tricky part. Do we go with Gardbrera another season, go in house, or aquire from trade/free agency.

3. Starting pitching. 1 & 2 are set. But I'd like 2 to get his act together during the offseason. Again, we play the waiting game with Pettite. Same contract as this year if he wants back in. I'd let Joba, Hughes, Wang, Gaudin, and Kennedy fight for the 4 and 5 spots. Not much in the market for starting pitchers. Lackey, Garland, Lee, and Wolf. But all eyes are on Aroldis Chapman.

The Yankees have said they want to get a little younger however they can but I don't think there's much they can do. There really isn't much options for LF since I don't see them throwing big money at Bay or Holliday. If there was a decent LF available on the market I could understand letting Damon go but there isn't one that won't cost them a huge contract. I'm assuming Damon will be back unless they make a trade for a LF.

The whole Gardner/Cabrera thing has worked out pretty well. I think they stick with that for CF and maybe get Jackson involved later in the year.

I wouldn't mind having Matsui back if its in a role similar to this year and maybe a little reduced. He could be the DH except for days when Posada needs a day off from catching. I'm not sure who else they'd want to give DH time to besides Posada, Damon if he's back or maybe A-Rod.

Emperor Smeat

11-05-2009, 10:11 PM

If Bay falls through, I think Gonzo is Red Sox bound. Even if they do retain Bay I wouldn't be shocked to still see them land him. I really think they have the prospects it takes to entice the Pads.

Can move Youk to 3rd for good, and you can move Lowell and Ortiz for one more season at DH.

I believe the goal is to keep Bay since he's been a good replacement once they got rid of Manny and Lowell probably retires either this year or gives 1 more year. I don't think Pawtucket has any good 3rd base players ready so Youkilis to 3rd base frees them to get a good 1st basemen.

The big question is what to do with the closer since Papelbon has been shaky lately (mostly due to having a big mouth) while Bard isn't 100% ready to take over.

Triple Naitch

11-05-2009, 10:13 PM

Papelbon is still a top 3 closer in the league. A shaky season for him is an above average season for everyone else.

Emperor Smeat

11-05-2009, 10:29 PM

He's more shaky because he relies too much on the fastball and not because he sucks. I think NESN basically said after his injury, he lost confidence in his other pitches and just kept relying on the fastball.

That was the main reason why Bard was put as set-up man as a wake-up call for him to be better since he has a lot of potential to be better.

Splaya

11-05-2009, 10:37 PM

And we have our first drug citation of the off season...Ladies and Gentleman please give a warm welcome to our NA meeting.....

Tim Lincecum :lol:

Triple Naitch

11-05-2009, 10:42 PM

Totally not surprised this guy was caught with a bag of pot.

http://upperdeckblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/tim-lincecum-ap2.jpg

Hardkore Kidd J

11-06-2009, 03:09 AM

The Yankees have said they want to get a little younger however they can but I don't think there's much they can do. There really isn't much options for LF since I don't see them throwing big money at Bay or Holliday. If there was a decent LF available on the market I could understand letting Damon go but there isn't one that won't cost them a huge contract. I'm assuming Damon will be back unless they make a trade for a LF.

The whole Gardner/Cabrera thing has worked out pretty well. I think they stick with that for CF and maybe get Jackson involved later in the year.

I wouldn't mind having Matsui back if its in a role similar to this year and maybe a little reduced. He could be the DH except for days when Posada needs a day off from catching. I'm not sure who else they'd want to give DH time to besides Posada, Damon if he's back or maybe A-Rod.

During the season there was a rumor going around that the Yankees could trade for Figgins and make him a Left Fielder. If the Yankees trade for Chone or something then Damon is unfortunately gone.

I'm a little bit worried about pitching. Halladay is going to be awesome for us. But, think about it this is a man who is in the same league as the Yankees. So you know Toronto is gonna ask for the moon for him. He's just not worth all the people we'd have to hand over to Toronto for him.

I don't think Wang is done. If we can get the 2007 Wang
we're in good shape. Even in 2008 he was still 8-2 despite getting injured. I'm willing to bet his 2010 will be better. Depending on what is being asked I might take a flier on Lackey. He's a good pitcher.

Dragon

11-06-2009, 03:54 AM

I still think if Andy comes back we are pretty much set. Unless they take a flier on a high-risk/high-reward type guy.

I mean CC-AJ-Andy-Joba-Hughes is solid I think. We have the top 3 guys that pretty much won us the WS this year along with the potential of both Joba and Hughes. Joba will be let loose and not have to deal with all the Joba rules stuff since he'll be able to pitch a full season. I know people were disappointed in what Joba did this year but I'm really looking forward to what he can do next year without all the restrictions and pitch and inning limits.

Those five guys, along with Wang (depending on what happens with him), Gaudin, Aceves, Kennedy, etc...gives them enough depth to handle Hughes' innings limit. The Yankees really don't need a big pitcher like Lackey.

YOUR Hero

11-06-2009, 10:00 AM

YOUR Hero

11-06-2009, 10:09 AM

Bay had said he'dlike to play for Toronto, that was @ a year ago. Wonder if that is still an option for the Jays.

Loose Cannon

11-06-2009, 10:15 AM

Chone Figgins? wtf? That's not happening. An injured Damon is better then Chone Figgins

Evil Vito

11-06-2009, 12:08 PM

Brewers get: OF Carlos Gomez

Twins get: SS J.J. Hardy

---

2 days into the off-season and that's now three arbitration-eligible players traded.

Evil Vito

11-06-2009, 12:09 PM

Actually, with that move...Deolis Guerra is now the only player left with the Twins from the Johan trade. Damn.

Triple Naitch

11-06-2009, 12:13 PM

Both teams just plugged each other's holes (that's what she said). Span will probably move to center and Delmon Young will go back to being a starter.

dablackguy

11-06-2009, 12:14 PM

The Yankees are gonna let Damon go and get Holliday - not that they have any real need for him

dablackguy

11-06-2009, 12:17 PM

I still think if Andy comes back we are pretty much set. Unless they take a flier on a high-risk/high-reward type guy.

I mean CC-AJ-Andy-Joba-Hughes is solid I think. We have the top 3 guys that pretty much won us the WS this year along with the potential of both Joba and Hughes. Joba will be let loose and not have to deal with all the Joba rules stuff since he'll be able to pitch a full season. I know people were disappointed in what Joba did this year but I'm really looking forward to what he can do next year without all the restrictions and pitch and inning limits.

Hughes hasnt shown anything as a starter. Only as a reliever has he been good.

Joba's strikeout rate dropped, his hit rate jumped, and rumors of injury were scattered. I wouldn't be so sure about him

Dragon

11-06-2009, 01:28 PM

Hughes hasnt shown anything as a starter. Only as a reliever has he been good.

Joba's strikeout rate dropped, his hit rate jumped, and rumors of injury were scattered. I wouldn't be so sure about him

Actually, in his limited starts this year he was really solid for a 23 year old starter.

He had 7 starts and if you take out one where he just got bombed he had a 3.5 ERA in the others. Obviously a really small sample size but still.

Big Fat Mike

11-06-2009, 01:37 PM

If Joba begins next season in the rotation and fails, his career might as well be over. It's a surefire way to render his confidence nonexistent. Keep the guy in the pen, and groom him to be Rivera's successor.

Adder

11-06-2009, 01:45 PM

The Yankees are gonna let Damon go and get Holliday - not that they have any real need for him
Damon just about wins the WS MVP, put up really good offensive #'s and you guys seem to think that a guy that dropped a game ending flyball in the playoffs is a smart move.

Big Fat Mike

11-06-2009, 02:02 PM

Damon just about wins the WS MVP, put up really good offensive #'s and you guys seem to think that a guy that dropped a game ending flyball in the playoffs is a smart move.

Exactly. I dont fucking want somebody who can't catch patrolling left field.

Evil Vito

11-06-2009, 02:16 PM

I don't think that drop will badly diminish Holliday's value. Mistakes happen.

Heros Welcome

11-06-2009, 02:16 PM

It was one play. I wouldn't call him a bad outfielder over one play.

He is a great player, with speed, athleticism, and would be a great guy on a number of teams this off season. Do I think he is going to get the Teixeira money that boras claims his worth? No not even close. Closer to 6 years worth 120, so the Beltran contract.

I hope the Mets pursue him and land him, but obviously its going to take more than him to fix my beloved Metropolitans. But thats an entire conversation in itself so I'll hold off on my offseason plans on them for now.

But Vito I'm really curious to see your thoughts on how you would handle the offseason for the Mets.

Evil Vito

11-06-2009, 02:21 PM

I was actually planning on posting something about that tonight. :y:

Heros Welcome

11-06-2009, 02:23 PM

Sounds good. I hope to have mine up sometime this weekend.

Loose Cannon

11-06-2009, 03:03 PM

anybody that's played outfield from High school baseball or beyond knows that catch Holliday missed is one of the hardest catches to make. With those line drives straight at you, you have like 1 second to think and the ball can carry and move at you at the last milisecond. So it's definately not reason for concern. It happens

dablackguy

11-06-2009, 03:27 PM

Actually, in his limited starts this year he was really solid for a 23 year old starter.

He had 7 starts and if you take out one where he just got bombed he had a 3.5 ERA in the others. Obviously a really small sample size but still.

What about his 21 career starts prior to this season? Same rule applies, small sample size, but there isn't a whole lot there. Not someone I'd lock in as a starter.

Damon just about wins the WS MVP, put up really good offensive #'s and you guys seem to think that a guy that dropped a game ending flyball in the playoffs is a smart move.

Exactly. I dont fucking want somebody who can't catch patrolling left field.

Holliday > Damon. Lest you forget Damon getting removed for defense in the Angel series because of his lack of arm

Triple Naitch

11-06-2009, 03:33 PM

Johnny Damon: Looks like Jesus, acts like Judas, throws like Mary.

dablackguy

11-06-2009, 03:49 PM

As for the Mets:

As a Met fan myself, I wanna blow this team up and start over. I'd LOVE to trade Jose Reyes but he has no value after the season long injury he had. Ples, a lot of teams probably share my personal opinion of the guy: he's an immature head case. Talent can't fix immaturity and stupidity, so we're stuck with him. Though there are pieces to work with here:

C: Thole/Santos
1B:
2B: Castillo
3B: Wright
SS: Reyes
LF:
CF: Beltran
RF: Francoeur

SP: Santana
SP:
SP: Perez
SP:
SP: Pelfrey

I'm not sold on Murphy. For me, let him earn a spot at 1st this year. If Delgado won't come back in for a fair price with incentives (I don't believe he will), bring in a Nick Johnson and have them platoon/compete for a job. With Nick's injury history it won't be long before Murphy plays anyways.

Left Field is where you spend your money. Go get Holliday. He went to the AL and was mediocre. I think he's an NL guy at heart. Get him here. At which point, your lineup looks like:

Reyes
Castillo
Holliday
Beltran
Wright
Francoeur
Murphy/Johnson
Thole/Santos

There's a more complete, less power reliant lineup you need in Citi Field.

Pitching is another place I'd spend at. Call the Royals, can Gil Meche be had? He'd be a good number 2 starter in the NL. I'm sure given his contract situation, a couple of decent prospects would do the job. If not, how about Brett Myers? The Phillies kept screwing with him (starting and then closing and then relieving again) and apparently he didn't like it. Will he come here? I'd love Lackey, but his injury history scares me. If the price is right, sure, but he hasn't made a full season of starts since 07. Bring back John Maine, high risk high reward, but you also have Misch, and anyone else you want to take a flier on as your number 4. Mike Pelfrey is a number 5 start at best. I don't care how good his sinker is, no one swings at it because he's behind in the count all the time.

So hypothetically, you have:

Santana
Meche
Perez
Maine/Misch/whomever
Pelfrey

And now you have a complete club that can run, hit for power, play defense amd pitch

Evil Vito

11-06-2009, 11:59 PM

I don't think Reyes is really an immature headcase. And even if you wanted to classify him as that, the fact is he isn't being traded and, if healthy, he is a top 10 player in the league.

Health is obviously a HUGE concern for the Mets. The 2008 disaster must have set some sort of record for injuries. The fact is if you get totally healthy years from Wright, Beltran, Reyes, and Santana...that alone should improve the Mets record.

That being said, some major changes must be made.

The way I see it, there are two primary concerns for the Mets - getting a power bat in the lineup and getting a #2 starter. Really, I don't even know if I could pick between those two needs, because there are sound arguments both ways.

You could point at the power troubles last year, but I find it hard to believe that David Wright's power numbers aren't going to be better...he was trying too hard to abandon his power to adjust to Citi Field, and Beltran's HRs should go up with a full year as well. But then from the pitching point of view you can say Pelfrey is due to bounce back (traditionally pitchers struggle the first year after they reach over 200 innings, which he went through already) and that would be key.

The Wilpons told Omar that he would have all the financial help he needs...but I'll believe it when I see it. In a town with the Yankees, having all the financial help you need would mean abandoning any sort of budget and going all out to get anybody you think would make your team better. I would feel unbelievably good about this team if they were to sign Matt Holliday AND John Lackey...but I realistically can't see it happening. According to Cot's Baseball Contracts, the payroll for 2010 right now is about $92 million (as opposed to nearly $150 million this year)...but that number doesn't factor in the raises some guys will be getting in arbitration, etc. So...I really don't even know how they are going to approach this.

Hitting: If the core is back and healthy then Wright, Beltran, and Reyes is incredible. Add a guaranteed power bat and now we're talking. But whether they get one or not...I want them to get a righty first baseman to platoon with Murph (I love Murph, but I don't want to totally bestow the 2010 job to him...get a cheap option like Troy Glaus or something). I love Delgado, but I think it's time for both sides to move on and let him DH somewhere. Also although Castillo had a good year, if any team is willing to take him I think you have to do it and sign Orlando Hudson. They'll also probably get a 1 year deal for a catcher since they want Thole to start in AAA and don't view Santos as an everyday guy. Also hope to see continued development from Jeff Francoeur.

Rotation: Johan's had this bone chip surgery before supposedly and he said he'll be fine...he'd better because without him, the Mets go nowhere. I'd dump Perez but the only way you could get rid of him is by taking in an equally bad (or worse) contract. Maine is solid enough to find a spot, and I hope maybe Niese can get a shot. But regardless, they need someone else. I'd love Lackey...but if they get Holliday I don't see him in the plans. Marquis is interested in the Mets but he just SCREAMS contract year...so I dunno. I'm guessing we'll be hearing a lot about fringe guys like Jon Garland in the future, maybe even gambles like Erik Bedard.

Bullpen: K-Rod is obviously the closer, like him or not. Feliciano will be back and has been fantastic, I just hope his arm doesn't fall off after breaking the Mets' single season games record 2 years in a row. Green will probably back which could be good if his new delivery holds up for an entire season. Stokes is serviceable. I see Parnell sticking in the bullpen until he develops another pitch. That being said, they still need another arm or two. They declined J.J. Putz option (rightfully so) but unless a team comes knocking on the door for him to get a chance at closing, I'd be more than interested in bringing him back on an incentive-laden deal (he's expressed interest in it)...it'd give the Mets a chance to let that deal pay dividends. Plus there really aren't that many good releivers on the market.

Bench: Omir Santos is good but again, not sure he's a full-time catcher. Alex Cora will likely be back...which I don't mind, he's a good filler guy that got exposed last year from too much playing time. Plus he is good in the clubhouse...I just hope they don't let their emotions get in the way and give him a 2-year deal ala Marlon Anderson and Julio Franco. Cory Sullivan is probably the reserve outfielder, which is fine with me. Not sure about Tatis, I hope the Mets aren't blinded by his hot streak in September...cause he grounded into like 4383482 DPs the rest of the year.

Hardkore Kidd J

11-07-2009, 12:37 AM

I would pick up Holliday once his value goes down significantly. I mean if Holliday wants a 3 maybe a 4 year deal I'd consider it but 6 or 7 is way to long for the guy. And JJ Hardy was all ready traded? Judging by the Red Sox some what need at Short Stop I would have thought the Red Sox would have at least tried to trade for him.

dablackguy

11-07-2009, 03:56 AM

I don't think Reyes is really an immature headcase. And even if you wanted to classify him as that, the fact is he isn't being traded and, if healthy, he is a top 10 player in the league.

Health is obviously a HUGE concern for the Mets. The 2008 disaster must have set some sort of record for injuries. The fact is if you get totally healthy years from Wright, Beltran, Reyes, and Santana...that alone should improve the Mets record.

That being said, some major changes must be made.

The way I see it, there are two primary concerns for the Mets - getting a power bat in the lineup and getting a #2 starter. Really, I don't even know if I could pick between those two needs, because there are sound arguments both ways.

You could point at the power troubles last year, but I find it hard to believe that David Wright's power numbers aren't going to be better...he was trying too hard to abandon his power to adjust to Citi Field, and Beltran's HRs should go up with a full year as well. But then from the pitching point of view you can say Pelfrey is due to bounce back (traditionally pitchers struggle the first year after they reach over 200 innings, which he went through already) and that would be key.

The Wilpons told Omar that he would have all the financial help he needs...but I'll believe it when I see it. In a town with the Yankees, having all the financial help you need would mean abandoning any sort of budget and going all out to get anybody you think would make your team better. I would feel unbelievably good about this team if they were to sign Matt Holliday AND John Lackey...but I realistically can't see it happening. According to Cot's Baseball Contracts, the payroll for 2010 right now is about $92 million (as opposed to nearly $150 million this year)...but that number doesn't factor in the raises some guys will be getting in arbitration, etc. So...I really don't even know how they are going to approach this.

Hitting: If the core is back and healthy then Wright, Beltran, and Reyes is incredible. Add a guaranteed power bat and now we're talking. But whether they get one or not...I want them to get a righty first baseman to platoon with Murph (I love Murph, but I don't want to totally bestow the 2010 job to him...get a cheap option like Troy Glaus or something). I love Delgado, but I think it's time for both sides to move on and let him DH somewhere. Also although Castillo had a good year, if any team is willing to take him I think you have to do it and sign Orlando Hudson. They'll also probably get a 1 year deal for a catcher since they want Thole to start in AAA and don't view Santos as an everyday guy. Also hope to see continued development from Jeff Francoeur.

Rotation: Johan's had this bone chip surgery before supposedly and he said he'll be fine. Hbut the only way you'd be able to trade him is for an equally bad (or worse) cope he's right, cause he's absolutely key, as is Pelfrey having a bounce back year. I'd dump Perez but the only way you could get rid of him is by taking in an equally bad (or worse) contract. Maine is solid enough to find a spot, and I hope maybe Niese can get a shot. But regardless, they need someone else. I'd love Lackey...but if they get Holliday I don't see him in the plans. Marquis is interested in the Mets but he just SCREAMS contract year...so I dunno. I'm guessing we'll be hearing a lot about fringe guys like Jon Garland in the future, maybe even gambles like Erik Bedard.

Bullpen: K-Rod is obviously the closer, like him or not. Feliciano will be back and has been fantastic, I just hope his arm doesn't fall off after breaking the Mets' single season games record 2 years in a row. Green will probably back which could be good if his new delivery holds up for an entire season. Stokes is serviceable. I see Parnell sticking in the bullpen until he develops another pitch. That being said, they still need another arm or two. They declined J.J. Putz option (rightfully so) but unless a team comes knocking on the door for him to get a chance at closing, I'd be more than interested in bringing him back on an incentive-laden deal (he's expressed interest in it)...it'd give the Mets a chance to let that deal pay dividends. Plus there really aren't that many good releivers on the market.

Bench: Omir Santos is good but again, not sure he's a full-time catcher. Alex Cora will likely be back...which I don't mind, he's a good filler guy that got exposed last year from too much playing time. Plus he is good in the clubhouse...I just hope they don't let their emotions get in the way and give him a 2-year deal ala Marlon Anderson and Julio Franco. Cory Sullivan is probably the reserve outfielder, which is fine with me. Not sure about Tatis, I hope the Mets aren't blinded by his hot streak in September...cause he grounded into like 4383482 DPs the rest of the year.

I respectfully disagree on some of this.

While I agree that Reyes isn't getting traded, I think we're at the point where if someone calls and asks about him that you have to listen. To me, there's just too many instances where the guy obviously didn't have his head in the game and made complete boneheaded plays for me not to wonder. I won't start with the whole glove on the ground incident.

The more and more I see of David Wright, the more I see a guy who can do anything on a diamond but is not a leader. Sure, he says all the right things and conducts properly but I don't know what's missing. He's essentially Carlos Beltran, a guy who can do anything on a diamond but not a leader. If its not him and not Beltran and certainly not Reyes, where's the leadership coming from on this team?

Onto more tangible things:

Guys like Garland don't fit here. The Mets didn't fail last year because of a taxed bullpen as in previous years, they failed due to injuries and suspect starting pitching. Marquis is decent, but meh. As you said, a number 2 starter is needed. Not someone just to fill out the end of the rotation.

The biggest issue is the Mets are locked up in key spots. Yeah, Hudson is an upgrade, but who takes Castillo's contract without us paying most of that deal? Yeah, Murphy can play 1st, but there needs to be a better glove there and we know that defense isnt really Murphy's thing. Admittedly, he wasn't awful at first but is still learning the position. There's talent in the free agent market but how much of it really fits? I don't see Bay leaving and coming to the NL again and Holliday is probably going to the higest bidder. In my opinion, the team is very broken and there arent a whole lot of ways to fix it. More likely than not, the team is going to have to take on some bad contracts on high risk high reward guys to possibly improve.

Evil Vito

11-07-2009, 11:08 AM

I think Wright is a leader, whatever that really means. What is a leader but a guy you can count on to consistently produce and be the guy the media usually talks to after games? That's what Wright does. Wright still put up respectable numbers in 2009 despite developing somewhat of a strikeout problem...I think he'll be fine. He's the face of the team.

Actually I think a team might be willing to take on all (or the vast majority of) Castillo's deal, at least that's the sense I'm getting. He was one of the few Mets to stay on the field this year and he had decent numbers. Whether or not the Mets actually make a move though I have no idea.

The Mets' system apparently isn't as barren as I thought it was...in fact most people feel they could pull off a trade for a big name player if they really wanted to. For instance, Adrian Gonzalez is ridiculously affordable for the next 2 years but a lot of people around baseball think he will be traded before the season starts. Could you imagine getting him AND getting a power bat in LF?

Something like

SS Reyes
2B Castillo/Hudson
3B Wright
1B Gonzalez
LF Holliday
CF Beltran
RF Francoeur
C Santos/Thole

Given the cheapness of Gonzo's contract, it's not as implausible as it sounds. His and Beltran's deals both run out after 2011 so you let Beltran go and then give Gonzo the big money. I dunno. But even in that scenario, you'd probably have to part with Pelfrey or Maine to get Gonzo so you still have at least 2 holes to fill in the rotation, plus you are still lacking another bullpen arm. An amazing lineup like that could carry the Mets for the long haul into the postseason, but as we all know when it comes to playoff time...pitching wins championships.

So...it's safe to say the Mets are in a tough spot. They are heading into the 2nd year of a new stadium, ticket prices have gone down but are still quite expensive...they have to sell to their fans that they are trying to win, and they have many holes to fill. Fixing it going to involve spending money and trading away some prospects. The Mets' fanbase is NOT going to want to wait to see if all of their prospects actually pan out. They want to win now. Is it shortsighted? To an extent, yes...and I don't agree with it. But that's the way it goes in NY. I'll part with SOME prospects but only for a proven commodity.

The Phillies are gonna be a tough team to top for years to come...especially since they are beginning to remind me of the Braves when they won the division every year in that every player they pick up turns to gold.

SammyG

11-07-2009, 02:15 PM

Fuck, Manny is back

Supreme Olajuwon

11-07-2009, 02:55 PM

What a difference a year makes in Mannywood.

SammyG

11-07-2009, 03:03 PM

I know, right.

Innovator

11-07-2009, 03:57 PM

As a Yankee fan, I hope the Red Sox sign Holliday. The guy was horrible in Oakland, moved to the NL and batted behind Pujols and inflated the stats.

McLegend

11-07-2009, 04:02 PM

I would like to have Matt Holliday.

Innovator

11-07-2009, 04:46 PM

Well it'd make sense for you, you're in the NL. Sandwich him between Utley and Howard

Innovator

11-07-2009, 04:46 PM

Or Howard and Werth

Hardkore Kidd J

11-07-2009, 09:08 PM

As a Yankee fan, I hope the Red Sox sign Holliday. The guy was horrible in Oakland, moved to the NL and batted behind Pujols and inflated the stats.

I see no reason why they wouldn't sign Bay back. Jason Bay had a really good 2009. I think they are definately gonna sign Bay back unless they happen to trade for a Young Left Fielder. And seeing as how they went against the idea of getting Hardy because the Brewers wanted either Bucholz or Bard for him. I assume that if they wanted a good young Left Fielder the asking price would probably be the same.

But, if the Red Sox don't get Bay back. I would be happy if the Yankees got him instead of Holliday.

Triple Naitch

11-07-2009, 09:10 PM

Bay has already proven he can play in a big city.

Evil Vito

11-07-2009, 09:49 PM

There would be nowhere for Holliday to play in Philly. Either him or Ibanez would have to end up in right field, and then Jayson Werth would be out of a job. So it's not gonna happen...thank fuck.

McLegend

11-08-2009, 03:44 AM

Triple Naitch

11-08-2009, 09:21 AM

Yeah, as awesome as Victorino can be he is one of the dumbest baseball players today. Just makes stupid baserunning mistakes constantly.

Evil Vito

11-08-2009, 09:35 AM

I would glady get rid of Shane Victorino.

Yeah but does Werth play center? Ibanez and Holliday definitely won't. Either way that might make for the worst defensive OF in the league

Evil Vito

11-08-2009, 09:40 AM

I think my biggest feeling of hope for the Yanks NOT signing Holliday would be that Damon right now is the perfect #2 hitter for them...and it would be a good idea to bring him back.

Obv they could always sign Holliday AND bring back Damon, but then Johnny would be reduced to DH duty and I'm pretty sure they want to continue easing Posada into that role. Unless they moved Johnny or Holliday to RF which would be stupid. If they do get Holliday though, just let them hold onto the 2010 trophy cause that's prolly where it'd end up anyway. :o

Seriously though, as soon as the Yanks back down from Holliday, my hope for the Mets getting him will skyrocket. Can't wait for free agency to start.

dablackguy

11-08-2009, 10:28 AM

I would glady get rid of Shane Victorino.

As a Met fan, I would gladly take Shane Victorino. The guy plays with heart and a whole lot of balls. Something we seem to lack at times.

McLegend

11-08-2009, 12:18 PM

Yeah, as awesome as Victorino can be he is one of the dumbest baseball players today. Just makes stupid baserunning mistakes constantly.
He's a moron. He has no baseball instincts. Every fly ball with him in center is adventure because he always takes the wrong angles to the ball.
Yeah but does Werth play center? Ibanez and Holliday definitely won't. Either way that might make for the worst defensive OF in the league

Werth is a natural Center fielder.

Triple Naitch

11-08-2009, 12:26 PM

You can probably get more in return for Werth, but I'd rather keep him.

McLegend

11-08-2009, 12:32 PM

As a Met fan, I would gladly take Shane Victorino. The guy plays with heart and a whole lot of balls. Something we seem to lack at times.

Yeah the is true... He is good, but he pisses me off.

There is no way the Phillies get Holliday though.

OssMan

11-08-2009, 02:05 PM

How can anyone aside from Philly fans like Shane Victorino. That guy is such a little weasel. Hate him

Hardkore Kidd J

11-08-2009, 02:38 PM

I think my biggest feeling of hope for the Yanks NOT signing Holliday would be that Damon right now is the perfect #2 hitter for them...and it would be a good idea to bring him back.

Obv they could always sign Holliday AND bring back Damon, but then Johnny would be reduced to DH duty and I'm pretty sure they want to continue easing Posada into that role. Unless they moved Johnny or Holliday to RF which would be stupid. If they do get Holliday though, just let them hold onto the 2010 trophy cause that's prolly where it'd end up anyway. :o

Seriously though, as soon as the Yanks back down from Holliday, my hope for the Mets getting him will skyrocket. Can't wait for free agency to start.

Right now you guys can have him. I'd much rather give Damon a two year deal with an option for a third more then giving Holliday a six or 7 year deal.

But, if by chance we do get Holliday. As much of a Johnny Damon fan I am I would much rather go after Lackey. Because unless Pettite comes back we've seriously got 3 question marks on our starting pitching.

Wang? Can he go back to the way that he was pitching before his injury?

Joba? Is he ready to be a starter yet?

Hughes? Aceves? Kennedy? Gaudin?

So if we get anyone with Holliday I hope they realize they need to do one thing or both.

1. Trade for a competitive starter. And or.........

2. Get John Lackey during the offseason.

Triple Naitch

11-08-2009, 06:32 PM

Holy fuck, Sammy Sosa.

http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/deadspin/2009/11/sosathenandnow.jpg

SammyG

11-08-2009, 06:45 PM

He looks like A-rod.

Or michael jackson.

McLegend

11-08-2009, 07:24 PM

Phillies decline option on Pedro Feliz.

Hardkore Kidd J

11-08-2009, 07:45 PM

There is a possible trade between Toronto and the D-backs.

Chris Snyder for Lyle Overbay. Right now the trade talks are on hold though.

ClockShot

11-08-2009, 07:50 PM

Toronto backed off. They heard about Snyder's surgically repaired neck.

Hardkore Kidd J

11-08-2009, 07:57 PM

Really? I had just heard that the trade talk was put on hold. Which brings me wonder I wonder if Lyle Overbay will be traded for someone else.

Evil Vito

11-08-2009, 09:56 PM

Right now you guys can have him. I'd much rather give Damon a two year deal with an option for a third more then giving Holliday a six or 7 year deal.

But, if by chance we do get Holliday. As much of a Johnny Damon fan I am I would much rather go after Lackey. Because unless Pettite comes back we've seriously got 3 question marks on our starting pitching.

Wang? Can he go back to the way that he was pitching before his injury?

Joba? Is he ready to be a starter yet?

Hughes? Aceves? Kennedy? Gaudin?

So if we get anyone with Holliday I hope they realize they need to do one thing or both.

1. Trade for a competitive starter. And or.........

2. Get John Lackey during the offseason.

I agree that 6/7 years for Holliday is too much...problem is Mets are faced in a similar situation that they've found themselves in in the past. They had to give Pedro 4 years, they had to give Beltran 7, had to give Wagner 4, etc...pretty much, when they are in a serious position of need at a certain area they are willing to overpay and worry about the consequences later.

Like I said, if they are intent on going balls out next year I'd LOVE for them to trade for Adrian Gonzalez in addition to getting a #2 starter and probably an extra bat, but I can't see it ALL getting accomplished.

Hardkore Kidd J

11-08-2009, 10:08 PM

I agree that 6/7 years for Holliday is too much...problem is Mets are faced in a similar situation that they've found themselves in in the past. They had to give Pedro 4 years, they had to give Beltran 7, had to give Wagner 4, etc...pretty much, when they are in a serious position of need at a certain area they are willing to overpay and worry about the consequences later.

Like I said, if they are intent on going balls out next year I'd LOVE for them to trade for Adrian Gonzalez in addition to getting a #2 starter and probably an extra bat, but I can't see it ALL getting accomplished.

Yeah, someone like A-Gon would really help you out. But remember he's not a FA. So there is a possibility you could get screwed. How much is to much when you are dealing for Adrian? Do they have the chips it takes to get Adrian?

Realize that the Red Sox may be in on this too. And if they actually give up Clay or Bard in a package I regret to inform you that you may not have the prospects to top that.

Emperor Smeat

11-08-2009, 11:16 PM

According to early indications, Padres want the trade to be mainly high-level prospects and not that much in terms of MLB players. Padres also want to cut their team salary more than match up salaries.

http://www.nesn.com/2009/11/adrian-gonzalez-would-add-necessary-pop-to-red-sox-lineup.html

Evil Vito

11-08-2009, 11:46 PM

If the Red Sox decided to not make the move I think the Mets would have enough. Their prospects are looked at pretty favorably, it's just that most haven't passed Double-A yet.

I dunno, it really depends on the Pads' desperation. Gonzo is signed through this year and then a team option next year...but when Towers got canned he was pretty outspoken that the Pads wanna deal him ASAP since they are awhile away from competing. No idea.

Evil Vito

11-09-2009, 09:13 AM

Great...so pretty much every baseball writer is saying Matt Holliday would be a bad choice for Citi Field because of his David Wright-like power to right center.

Only the Mets would build a stadium that makes the deepest part of the park the area that your franchise player has the most power. :|

YOUR Hero

11-09-2009, 10:22 AM

Who bats behind Jeter or before Jeter if he;s leadoff/second up?

Damon, that's who. Holliday for Damon is a poor decision. If you kept Damon and let Matsui go. He may leave anyway and move Posada as well, then You free up this whole DH issue. Matsui may leave on his own anyway and Posada is a guy you could let go. Not too sure why he's not being considered more as a moveable piece.

Loose Cannon

11-09-2009, 10:34 AM

I don't know, as much as Posada seemed to have a bunch of mental break downs this postseason, the guy is a really good hitter for a catcher.

Innovator

11-09-2009, 11:03 AM

When does Ruiz's current contract run out? Cashman should camp out in his yard, start moving Posada to more DH time

SammyG

11-09-2009, 11:31 AM

Carlos Ruiz uses "Turn my Swag on" as his walkup music. Just saying.

11-09-2009, 12:51 PM

I hope the Cubs find a sucker to take Milton Bradley

ClockShot

11-09-2009, 03:38 PM

Tim Wakefield gets a new 2-year deal with the Red Sox. They declined Jason Varitek's $5 mil. option, but he's got 5 days to take up his $3 mil. player option.

Splaya

11-09-2009, 04:35 PM

I hope he doesnt take the option, signs with the Tigers for an incentive laden deal, and helps Avila to teach him the ropes of being a catcher

Loose Cannon

11-09-2009, 04:53 PM

Holy fuck, Sammy Sosa.

http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/deadspin/2009/11/sosathenandnow.jpg

what the

Evil Vito

11-09-2009, 05:41 PM

Rays pick up Carl Crawford's $10 million option. Probably still gonna trade him somewhere though.

ClockShot

11-09-2009, 07:07 PM

Rosenthal reports a three-way trade in the works between the Cubs, Mets and Blue Jays.

Blue Jays get Milton Bradley.
Cubs get Luis Castillo.
Mets get Lyle Overbay.

Again, it's not official, just in the works.

Evil Vito

11-09-2009, 07:17 PM

I'd definitely sign off on that. Overbay's only making $1M more than Castillo and will be gone after 1 year as opposed to 2 for Luis. As much as I love Murph, Overbay is an offensive upgrade but especially a defensive upgrade. Also, frees up space to get Hudson.

I do wonder what that means for Murph though. Either he gets a full year of 1B seasoning at Triple A which would seem kind of odd since usually you do that BEFORE the guy gets a full MLB season under his belt, or they plan on making him part of a trade package.

Terrible deal for the Jays though. Gotta put up with Milton's shit for two years on top of having Vernon Wells' unmovable deal.

Boomer

11-09-2009, 07:26 PM

Tim Hudson's three-year extensions with the Braves will probably be announced soon, unless he pulls a Furcal.

Hardkore Kidd J

11-09-2009, 08:06 PM

Heros Welcome

11-09-2009, 08:10 PM

I literally jumped out of my seat with Joy when I saw the possible 3 way deal. Getting rid of Louie is overdue. Yes I know he had a good year last year but I just want him gone. I want O Dog to come where he really wants to play. Get his defense and a bat with some more pop.

As for Overbay, great glove solid bat. I think what he is is what many think Murph can become. Atleast I'm in that camp, the .280 type hitter with 15-20 bombs and 80 rbi's. It would be a sad day for me If Murph does get dealt since I'm a huge suporter of him, but we shall see what happens.

Droford

11-09-2009, 08:16 PM

Adam Jones supposedly won a gold glove..according to twitter/facebook/myspace/word on the net. Its officially announced tomorrow so I can believe it maybe...Personally I think Markakis should have won but hey..

Evil Vito

11-09-2009, 09:01 PM

Sounds like the deal is a longshot now, and the Jays GM isn't sure if he wants a trade for Bradley to be his first major move.

Knew it'd be too good to be true. :(

Emperor Smeat

11-09-2009, 09:40 PM

Sounds like the deal is a longshot now, and the Jays GM isn't sure if he wants a trade for Bradley to be his first major move.

Knew it'd be too good to be true. :(

I don't blame him though, who would want to take a player that any moment could snap or cause more distractions than normal during a season. Probably better to make the 1st deal be something safe or small rather than a huge risk that could backfire within weeks.

Jesus Shuttlesworth

11-10-2009, 12:32 AM

Wakefield for 2 more years? What the? I thought they had an automatic roll over type contract with a joint option at the end of season?

Don't think the Red Sox are gonna make any huge moves this off-season. If they didn't get in on any of the action last off-season what makes this year different? Ownership got their 2 titles, don't think they are gonna be so willing to just toss cash around like before.

Dragon

11-10-2009, 01:46 AM

From what I read the two year deal only guarantees him 5M over the two years instead of the 8 he would have got. $3.5 next year and $1.5M in 2011 with incentives that could push it to 7M over the two years. I guess they wanted to save a little money in case he gets injured.

Red Sox are lucky Wakefield really loves it there though. Does seem a little strange to get cheap on a couple million when the guy has seemingly played for below his market value his whole career with the Sox.

Dragon

11-10-2009, 01:50 AM

Looking back at Wakefield's contracts over the years its pretty surprising when you see that he's had pretty much the same contract for the last 10+ years. Especially in recent years when you consider average starters were making 10 million a year.

Seems like one of the few (probably only) guys that doesn't care about making top dollar.

Emperor Smeat

11-10-2009, 01:58 AM

Its rare to get a good knuckleball pitcher to begin with and even rarer for them to be good for a long stretch of years. Its mostly due to how slow they pitch and the unpredictableness of the pitch itself.

I bet he realized this early on in his career and figured that if he asked for a low value, the team would be more likely to keep him than just toss away once he got to a certain age.

The strange part is Red Sox actually have another knuckleball pitcher in the minor leagues so if they want the future rotation to include a knuckleballer, they have one ready in Pawtucket/Portland.

Evil Vito

11-10-2009, 09:34 AM

Evil Vito

11-10-2009, 10:48 AM

Varitek intends to exercise his option.

Innovator

11-10-2009, 10:52 AM

Great news for the Yankees

Innovator

11-10-2009, 10:52 AM

Obviously Varitek will want to come back, but good for the Red Sox not paying him $5 million, he really isn't worth $3 right now

Loose Cannon

11-10-2009, 11:05 AM

Mets just picked up a big bat. They've signed 43 year old slugger Albert Bell to a 5 million dollar 1 year deal.

SammyG

11-10-2009, 01:19 PM

you're joking, right.

screech

11-10-2009, 01:21 PM

lol

DaveWadding

11-10-2009, 02:03 PM

Dodgers sign Sammy Sosa.

Evil Vito

11-10-2009, 02:14 PM

Bonds and Clemens sign with KC Royals

Heros Welcome

11-10-2009, 03:21 PM

Really can't wait for the FA signing period to start. Just like every other year, two completely different reports about what the Mets are gonna do.

One says they are gonna go after the top guys...another says they feel Holliday and Bay will be "too expensive" for them.

"Too expensive" for a NY team? When you are charging up the ass for tickets and set a new franchise attendance record despite having a terrible year? Christ, it's no wonder why the Mets will always be the #2 team in NY.

Gonna be so pissed if they just sign Randy Wolf and someone like Jermaine Dye and call it an off-season.

After seeing this it has to be a just a lay low tactic that they did with the k Rod contract and Beltran and all the others, because lets be honest The Mets HAVE to attack this off season with a vengeance! If not they can just kiss the fans goodbye.

A quote I read off Metsblog had me laughing because its 100% true.
“Omar Minaya expected the salary demands of Matt Holliday and Jason Bay to be too high for the Mets.”

In response, Anthony De Rosa of Hotfoot writes, “If Holliday and Bay are too expensive for the Mets, your tickets are too expensive for me.”

Nothing gets done this off season that gives me hope as a fan, Citi and the Mets will not be getting any of my business, just like I refused to go this year.

ClockShot

11-10-2009, 03:26 PM

Your 2009 American League Glove Winners.

C: Joe Mauer (Twins)
1B: Mark Teixeira (Yankees)
2B: Placidio Polanco (Tigers)
3B: Evan Longoria (Rays)
SS: Derek Jeter (Yankees)
OF: Torii Hunter (Angels)
OF: Ichiro Suzuki (Mariners)
OF: Adam Jones (Orioles)
P: Mark Buehrle (White Sox) :wtf:

Supreme Olajuwon

11-10-2009, 04:42 PM

Laird should've won for Catcher. Led the all catchers in fielding % and runners caught stealing. But he's got a sub .700 OPS so not a chance.

Evil Vito

11-10-2009, 04:50 PM

Gold Gloves are an absolute joke anyway.

Buerhle has been good defensively for years but finally wins a Gold Glove in a year he pitches a perfect game. HMMMMM

McLegend

11-10-2009, 04:51 PM

Some rumored talks about being Cole Hamels being traded for Roy Halladay.

Yeah I love Roy Halladay, but I wouldn't do it.

McLegend

11-10-2009, 04:52 PM

lol Derek Jeter winning a gold glove.

Evil Vito

11-10-2009, 04:59 PM

After seeing this it has to be a just a lay low tactic that they did with the k Rod contract and Beltran and all the others, because lets be honest The Mets HAVE to attack this off season with a vengeance! If not they can just kiss the fans goodbye.

A quote I read off Metsblog had me laughing because its 100% true.
“Omar Minaya expected the salary demands of Matt Holliday and Jason Bay to be too high for the Mets.”

In response, Anthony De Rosa of Hotfoot writes, “If Holliday and Bay are too expensive for the Mets, your tickets are too expensive for me.”

Nothing gets done this off season that gives me hope as a fan, Citi and the Mets will not be getting any of my business, just like I refused to go this year.

I hope you're right. Another point is that I really hope sluggers don't turn down the Mets because they are afraid their numbers will be hurt in Citi. It's not like it's impossible to hit home runs there, plus there are still 81 road games to play.

I'll invariably go to a game this year, I always go to at least one or two every year. Last year I went to four despite the team becoming more and more irrelevant each time and I was 0-4 when I went. But now the thrill and intrigue of a new stadium is no longer there. I'm sure a lot of fans feel that same way.

Hardkore Kidd J

11-10-2009, 05:00 PM

Some rumored talks about being Cole Hamels being traded for Roy Halladay.

Yeah I love Roy Halladay, but I wouldn't do it.

Why not? Halladay is a really awesome pitcher. If I were you I'd do it. Even if this was a bad year for Cole and he bounces back.

McLegend

11-10-2009, 05:02 PM

Why not? Halladay is a really awesome pitcher. If I were you I'd do it. Even if this was a bad year for Cole and he bounces back.

Cause I guarantee you can make the Cy young award in Cole Hamels image next year.

Also Hamels is under contract for the next 3 years I think.

Loose Cannon

11-10-2009, 05:04 PM

dunno, that could be hit or miss. Hamels may or may not bouce back, but Halladay may be on the downspin of his career soon.

Hardkore Kidd J

11-10-2009, 05:06 PM

Cause I guarantee you can make the Cy young award in Cole Hamels image next year.

Also Hamels is under contract for the next 3 years I think.

I guess straight up sounds like to good of a deal to pass up for someone like Halladay. If it was a package that I could understand but Cole straight up for Halladay sounds kinda good. But maybe that's just because there is no way Halladay would ever come to the Yankees straight up for anyone.

What if Toronto asked for a Happ package instead for Halladay?

McLegend

11-10-2009, 05:09 PM

It wouldn't be straight up. I don't know the details yet. I highly doubt Hamels will be traded.

I would trade Happ in a heartbeat. However if the Phillies didn't want to part with Happ in July when Halladay had a year and half left on his contract. I doubt they part with Happ now.

Dragon

11-10-2009, 06:50 PM

lol Derek Jeter winning a gold glove.

Surprisingly he actually deserved it this year (unlike the other 3 or 4). His defense was actually really good compared to past years. Not sure if he was statistically the best AL SS but last time I checked he was up there this year.

McLegend

11-10-2009, 07:28 PM

Surprisingly he actually deserved it this year (unlike the other 3 or 4). His defense was actually really good compared to past years. Not sure if he was statistically the best AL SS but last time I checked he was up there this year.

I will take your word for it, Dragon. I withdraw my lol.

RBM

11-10-2009, 07:43 PM

While Jeter was better than in previous years this year (I thought players are supposed to get worse when they age, particularly defensively... more proof that he's a cyborg) Jeter still wasn't even in the top 3 defensively.

Cesar Izturis, Elvis Andrus, Adam Everett, and Erick Aybar were all ahead of him statistically, but all of them were all fairly no-namish.

Jack Wilson blew them all away statistically but he mainly played in the NL this year.

I'm annoyed that Franklin Gutierrez didn't win the award for outfield despite destroying everyone else defensively.

http://www.fangraphs.com/leaders.aspx?pos=ss&stats=fld&lg=al&qual=y&type=0&season=2009&month=0

http://www.fieldingbible.com/

Triple Naitch

11-10-2009, 07:44 PM

So Varitek is going to talk over picking up his player option with Boras. Uh oh.

SammyG

11-10-2009, 09:40 PM

Manny gonna win a gold glove this year.

OssMan

11-10-2009, 10:29 PM

Dodgers sign Sammy Sosa.

Bonds and Clemens sign with KC Royals
huh

Emperor Smeat

11-11-2009, 01:46 AM

Mets just picked up a big bat. They've signed 43 year old slugger Albert Bell to a 5 million dollar 1 year deal.

That started the joke

Supreme Olajuwon

11-11-2009, 11:55 AM

Reds are looking to deal Brandon Phillips to cut payroll.

Good to know now so I don't have to waste time getting my hopes up for next year.

Splaya

11-11-2009, 11:55 AM

Honestly, Granderson should have won the gold glove this year. Man was outstanding in Centerfield...

Splaya

11-11-2009, 11:57 AM

Also, reports have surfaced that the Tigers are looking to trade both Laird and Edwin Jackson.

The Laird thing I like because Avila looks ready to be the full time guy. Jackson is a very interesting idea. If you trade for him to restock the bullpen, then it works perfectly. If you can SOMEHOW work out a deal to get a closer that's even better. But if you do this deal to restock the farm system then its crazy....

Unless you restock the farm system to go after Halladay...

ClockShot

11-11-2009, 01:31 PM

Ken Griffey Jr. is gonna stick with the Mariners another year.

1-year, $2 mil. deal with incentives that could give him another mil.

Evil Vito

11-11-2009, 01:33 PM

No new replay calls will be implemented this year...still home runs only.

*raises glass for another year of crappy umpiring coming up*

Seriously, can't even have a challenge system or something like the NFL? It's not like they'd be needed EVERY game. Ugh.

Loose Cannon

11-11-2009, 01:36 PM

I do like the idea of challenging one time during the game. I do not like the idea of instant replay for a bunch of suspective calls. Baseball has always had a certain degree of error in it. Being in the technology age has just brought it out a lot more now that they have these freeze frame closeups and everything.

Splaya

11-11-2009, 01:51 PM

The Tigers are reportedly shopping Edwin Jackson to the Dodgers for George Sherill....

DO IT

SammyG

11-11-2009, 02:27 PM

wtf? NO! I love Sherill

Dragon

11-11-2009, 03:14 PM

RBM

11-11-2009, 04:24 PM

Bahhhh, Griffey is such a waste of a roster spot.

Splaya

11-11-2009, 06:26 PM

Apparently they're making Granderson available too.

THAT has me PISSED

Evil Vito

11-11-2009, 06:27 PM

2009 National League Gold Gloves:

C: Yadier Molina (Cardinals)
1B: Adrian Gonzalez (Padres)
2B: Orlando Hudson (Dodgers)
3B: Ryan Zimmerman (Nationals)
SS: Jimmy Rollins (Phillies)
OF: Shane Victorino (Phillies)
OF: Michael Bourn (Astros)
OF: Matt Kemp (Dodgers)
P: <s>Greg Maddux</s> Adam Wainwright (Cardinals)

OssMan

11-11-2009, 06:27 PM

THAT has me PISSED
You forgot to talk in 3rd person

SammyG

11-11-2009, 06:51 PM

Niiiice, O-Dog and Kemp. Sucks O-dog won't be a Dodger next year cuz Torre was dumb and started Belliard in the playoffs.

Droford

11-11-2009, 06:53 PM

I was looking at the FA lists and saw Bedard filed, it would be obnoxiously awesome if the Orioles got him back after all the Mariners gave up for him 2 years ago. The Orioles need starting pitching badly.

Also it would be cool if they could snag Belte as well, they need a 3B.

OssMan

11-11-2009, 07:06 PM

Erik Bedard can go fuck himself

Jesus Shuttlesworth

11-11-2009, 09:57 PM

lol Derek Jeter wins another Gold Glove? Seriously? How?

Emperor Smeat

11-12-2009, 01:33 AM

I bet one day someone actually comes up with a formula or theory on how Jeter manages to win them in years he shouldn't. Its sort of like Kobe in NBA where he wins the MVP in years he shouldn't and loses them in years he should.

Probably would win the Nobel Prize in math or science if it was done and be used to explain a lot of weird stuff in awards.

SammyG

11-12-2009, 02:40 AM

Huh? Kobe didn't deserve MVP couple years ago? and uh... he.... has only won 1....

DaveWadding

11-12-2009, 02:48 AM

http://www.nba.com/media/suns/nash_0506mvp_index.jpg

SammyG

11-12-2009, 03:10 AM

http://egpnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/Kobe-4-Chmapionships-Nike1453.JPG

Juan

11-12-2009, 03:13 AM

http://www.nba.com/media/suns/nash_0506mvp_index.jpg

http://www.everyjoe.com/expertfantasy/files/2009/09/kobe-bryant-finals-mvp-lakersafplivetwo910692-BKN-NBA-FINAL-LAKE.jpg

SammyG

11-12-2009, 03:14 AM

lol, Bye Wadding.

Juan

11-12-2009, 03:17 AM

You can't tell me Steve Nash wouldn't trade his two regular season MVP awards for just one Finals MVP award.

SammyG

11-12-2009, 03:20 AM

Shit, for a Finals appearance.

Juan

11-12-2009, 03:24 AM

Anywho, how about them SF Giants?

DaveWadding

11-12-2009, 03:29 AM

They suck. like every other team you assholes like.

Juan

11-12-2009, 03:38 AM

They suck. like every other team you assholes like.

Unlike the Cubs and Suns.

OssMan

11-12-2009, 09:11 AM

MLB thread
Juan

wat

OssMan

11-12-2009, 09:11 AM

LOS DOYERS

Evil Vito

11-12-2009, 10:02 AM

Jim Riggleman has been hired as Nationals manager.

So with Bobby Valentine still on the market...all eyes point to New York. If the Mets are struggling around June, I could very easily see Manuel get shown the door just like Randolph.

ClockShot

11-12-2009, 10:21 AM

You honestly think the Wilpons will bring Bobby V back to the Mets? If they do, he better take them to the god damn cleaners.

They'll probably look at Lidge first.

ClockShot

11-12-2009, 10:27 AM

Anyway.

Jason Varitek exercises his option to warm the pine for the Red Sox.

Tim Hudson gets a 3-year, $12 mil. extension with the Braves with an option for 2013.

Evil Vito

11-12-2009, 10:29 AM

I dunno, there has been a ton of Bobby V to the Mets discussion, the fans want him there. I'm not sure I've ever seen a fanbase want a manager back so badly.

Personally, I'm okay with giving Manuel another shot. I like him. He makes some questionable decisions, but what manager doesn't?

That being said, if 2010 is not a good year...I'd be all for letting Bobby V come in. The team will need to see wholesale changes, let him mold the team the way he wants. He was great at utilizing players to their best abilities. Making the playoffs a couple of times with an outfield of Benny Agbayani, Jay Payton, and Timo Perez 4tw.

Hopefully though, the Wilpons let Omar acquire the players this year that can get the Mets back to the postseason...and it won't even be a discussion.

Heros Welcome

11-12-2009, 03:43 PM

In a post to Twitter today, Buster Olney of ESPN.com said, “The Dodgers aggressively seeking a second baseman.”

Meanwhile, Jon Heyman of SI.com believes the Dodgers have contacted the Mets about 2B Luis Castillo, as have other teams.

Heyman thinks the Mets should consider sending Castillo to the Dodgers for OF Juan Pierre.

The 32–year-old Pierre will earn $10 million next season and $8.5 million in 2011, after which he can become a free agent.

He hit .308 with a .365 OBP, 24 extra base hits, 30 stolen bases and 27 walks in 380 at bats in 2009.

Hey if the Dodgers want to take him, be my guest. The thought of trading him for Pierre doesn't make any sense to me. Its the same player but Pierre is making more money. They can take Castillo for a bag of balls.

But whats interesting is the fact that the Dodgers say they need a second basemen, when O Dog just won another gold glove and had a very decent year. Makes you wonder why they are so sour on Hudson.

I still want Hudson to wear a Met uni, but if they rumors of Phillips are true about the Reds having him on the block I think you have to give them a call first.

SammyG

11-12-2009, 06:27 PM

We didn't even start O-Dog in the playoffs, so retarded. I don't wanna lose Pierre. I wanna start Pierre over Manny.

Triple Naitch

11-12-2009, 10:13 PM

Anybody wanna play TPWW Free Agent Frenzy?

Pick the destinations.

Jason Bay:
Erik Bedard:
Adrian Beltre:
Mike Cameron:
Aroldis Chapman:
Johnny Damon:
Mark DeRosa:
Jermaine Dye:
Chone Figgins:
Vladimir Guerrero:
Rich Harden:
Matt Holliday:
Orlando Hudson:
John Lackey:
Hideki Matsui:
Andy Pettite:
Marco Scutaro
Miguel Tejada:
Jose Valverde:
Billy Wagner:
Randy Wolf:

Five guys who get traded.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Emperor Smeat

11-13-2009, 01:28 AM

Anyway.

Jason Varitek exercises his option to warm the pine for the Red Sox.

Tim Hudson gets a 3-year, $12 mil. extension with the Braves with an option for 2013.

As much as V-tek has been struggling with his batting after his injury a few years ago, its good he's coming back since he works very well guiding and helping the young pitchers the Red Sox have.

Braves did a good move with Hudson since it ensures that Braves right now have enough pitchers that they can now focus on better batters/fielders or the bullpen.

ClockShot

11-13-2009, 06:59 PM

Mariners re-sign Jack Wilson to a 2-year, $10 mil. deal.

GOLDBERG'S BEST FRIEND

11-14-2009, 03:18 PM

Anybody wanna play TPWW Free Agent Frenzy?

Pick the destinations.

Jason Bay: Boston
Erik Bedard: Dodgers
Adrian Beltre: Phillies
Mike Cameron: Brewers
Aroldis Chapman: Angels
Johnny Damon: Yankees
Mark DeRosa: Dodgers
Jermaine Dye: Cleveland
Chone Figgins: Angels
Vladimir Guerrero: Angels(That is a team option, no?)
Rich Harden: Dodgers
Matt Holliday: St. Louis
Orlando Hudson: Mets
John Lackey: Yankees
Hideki Matsui: Yankees
Andy Pettite: Yankees
Marco Scutaro: I wish the Dodgers, but probably Oakland
Miguel Tejada: Houston
Jose Valverde: Houston
Billy Wagner: Billy Fagner
Randy Wolf: Diamonbacks

Five guys who get traded.
1. Luis Castillo
2. Juan Pierre
3. Edwin Jackson
4. Javier Vasquez
5. Ryan Doumit

Evil Vito

11-15-2009, 07:42 PM

Eric Wedge is being considered for the Mets' bench coach job. Interesting. If he gets the job he'd almost certainly be taking over if the Mets have a bad year.

ClockShot

11-16-2009, 03:30 PM

Your '09 Rookies o' the Year.

NL: Marlin's OF Chris Coghlan
AL: A's P Andrew Bailey

Emperor Smeat

11-16-2009, 05:24 PM

Did the ever announce the CY Young winners yet ?

Literally forgot all about the awards once they did the Gold Gloves and World Series started to begin since MLB is too dam slow in releasing the awards.

ClockShot

11-16-2009, 06:28 PM

Cy Youngs I think are last. Next up is MVP I think.

The dates are somewhere on mlb.com

Triple Naitch

11-16-2009, 07:50 PM

Happ should have been ROY.

screech

11-16-2009, 08:34 PM

Here are the award dates (from MLB.com):

Tuesday 11-17: AL Cy Young
Wednesday 11-18: AL/NL Manager of the Year
Thursday 11-19: NL Cy Young
Monday 11-23: AL MVP
Tuesday 11-24: NL MVP

screech

11-16-2009, 08:37 PM

Happ should have been ROY.

I agree with this. Great year and he was there for the entire season.

Triple Naitch

11-16-2009, 08:38 PM

AL Cy Young is really up in the air. Halladay had an awesome first half, but tailed off towards the ends. Grienke was great, but was on Kansas City. And CC is CC.

Here's my picks.
1. Zack Grienke
2. CC Sabthia
3. Roy Halladay

Evil Vito

11-16-2009, 09:12 PM

Greinke has to win it I think, with Halladay second.

ClockShot

11-16-2009, 09:37 PM

Triple Naitch

11-16-2009, 09:45 PM

If CC couldn't then Cliff won't. It will be a Cardinal; Wainwright or Carpenter.

Emperor Smeat

11-16-2009, 10:58 PM

Most likely Greinke is going to win based on how bad the Royals are and how he had something like 25% of the team's wins and for a while almost no run support so he had to pitch knowing a mistake could cost him the win or decision.

Halladay basically declined near the end of the season while Sabathia probably gets ignored due to how powerful the Yankees pitching staff/bullpen and bats were during the season.

Heros Welcome

11-17-2009, 01:22 AM

I've been wanting to post my ideas for a Met offseason for a while, but with having zero idea as to what this teams managment is actually going to do I figured what the hell I'm going to go nuts. If they wanted to go for the throat I think this offseason is doable, but in reality its a pipe dream.

My 2009/2010 Mets Offseason that will no chance in hell happen, but I'm going to post it anyway....

Offseason Attack
1. Sign John Lackey to a 5 year $90 million contract
2. Trade Ike Davis, F-Mart, Jenry Meija, Kirk Nieuwenhuis, and Jon Niese for Adrian Gonzalez
3. Trade Luis Castillo to the Dodgers for Juan Pierre
4. Sign Orlando Hudson to a 2 year 18 mil deal
5. Sign Jason Marquis to a 3 year 25 mil deal
6. Sign Rod Barajas to a 1 year deal 2 mil

2010 Starting Lineup
1. Jose Reyes SS
2. Juan Pierre LF
3. Carlos Beltran CF
4. Adrian Gonzalez 1B
5. David Wright 3B
6. Jeff Francouer RF
7. Orlando Hudson 2B
8. Barajas/Santos/Thole
9. Pitcher

Starting Rotation
1. Johan Santana
2. John Lackey
3. Jason Marquis
4. Mike Pelfry
5. Oliver Perez

The money figures are probably a lil off for Hudson, Marquis, and Barajas, but you get the picture.

OssMan

11-17-2009, 09:10 AM

Heros Welcome

11-17-2009, 10:14 AM

Thank you for the insight

screech

11-17-2009, 01:23 PM

I don't know why, but I just can't see Adrian Gonzalez on the Mets. I think Delgado is going to be at first base next season.

Heros Welcome

11-17-2009, 02:07 PM

If Delgado is back, its the biggest mistake IMO. He is a 38 year old coming off hip surgery, its time for him to look to sign with an AL Club to be a DH because thats where it best suits him at this time.

Some Met fans are split on him, but for me, if you can't make a deal for a Gonzalez type to play first, then I say you go with Murphy at first, who I am a huge supporter of, and sign Holliday for left and get your power there.

Emperor Smeat

11-17-2009, 02:15 PM

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=4663979

Greinke is 2009 A.L. Cy Young winner, won by 54 points.

Evil Vito

11-17-2009, 02:29 PM

It's gonna be one of the 3. MAYBE Jon Lester could be in the mix. I think he's the K king this season.

Everybody probably threw Greinke's, Sabathia's, and Halladay's name in a hat and picked one out and voted. All were stellar.

NL........Think Cliff Lee will go 2 in a row for about 3 months work?

How the fuck did we forget about King Felix when we were composing this list? :o

Anyways, congrats Greinke.

Evil Vito

11-17-2009, 02:33 PM

The first-place votes for Hernandez came from Chris Assenheimer of The Chronicle-Telegram in Elyria, Ohio, and Mark Feinsand of the Daily News In New York. Verlander's first-place vote was cast by Steve Kornacki of Booth Newspapers in Michigan.

---

lol homer

Evil Vito

11-17-2009, 02:36 PM

ClockShot

11-17-2009, 03:08 PM

ERA wins this year. Great. Now if Kansas City can spend some cash...

Supreme Olajuwon

11-17-2009, 04:32 PM

Greinke seemed like a no-brainer. As for NL Cy Young, I have no clue. I think Lincecum probably wins his 2nd because Carpenter didn't top 200 innings.

Skippord

11-17-2009, 05:17 PM

Lincecum will be too busy getting high to recieve the award

Zing

Emperor Smeat

11-17-2009, 05:55 PM

Come to think, have they ALWAYS revealed votes like that? They really ought to do that for the HOF when Greg Maddux inevitably misses being the first unanimous HOFer by 1 or 2 bitter voters.

Whats worse is when that does occur, usually its some crazy or non-related reason that makes people question why they let them vote to begin with. For Example, the 1-2 people who didn't vote for Ricky Henderson was because Babe Ruth didn't get perfection and not because something was bad about Henderson.

Evil Vito

11-18-2009, 12:08 AM

Blue Jays say that they will allow a contract negotiation window for Halladay. Seriously it's become exactly like the Santana sweepstakes, including the same three teams as the only real possible landing spots: Yanks, Sox, Mets.

Sox are focusing on Adrian Gonzalez, so that leaves the NY teams. And sources say the Yanks would be willing to part with Hughes. Him being the key piece to the deal already trumps anything the Mets can offer.

Heros Welcome

11-18-2009, 12:12 AM

Unless the Mets offer to take on the dreadful Vernon Wells contract. But that wouldn't accomplish anything on the Met side because having that contract then having to pay upwards of 140 mil for Halladay it leaves no room for improvement elsewhere.

So yeah looks pretty bleak at the moment.

Evil Vito

11-18-2009, 12:19 AM

Holliday is still the big target. His power numbers will most likely trail off playing 81 games in Citi, but he's still a damn good hitter, plus his power will be useful everywhere else.

I doubt they'll get Lackey, so I really hope they can get Pineiro and possibly Marquis. I'm not big on Marquis, I think he was definitely a contract year guy...but he's better than what they have already.

That frees up the ability to trade Perez for a bag of balls, or package Maine in a deal to improve elsewhere. Santana, Pineiro, Marquis, Pelfrey, Perez/Maine isn't a rotation that will set the world on fire, but it will certainly be more reliable than 2009.

So glad FA signing starts Friday.

Triple Naitch

11-18-2009, 12:06 PM

I'm thinking Joe Girardi and Jim Tracy will be managers of the year this afternoon.

Heros Welcome

11-18-2009, 12:11 PM

I'm pulling for Gardenhire, he's the one who really deserves it.

And I think Tracy takes it for the NL.

Triple Naitch

11-18-2009, 12:20 PM

Gardenhire is definitely the most underrated manager in baseball. He's won the Central division 5 times in 8 years.

Heros Welcome

11-18-2009, 12:44 PM

Not to mention he has been the runner up for the manager of the year 4 times! MLB GIVE THE MAN HIS DUE!

Heros Welcome

11-18-2009, 02:57 PM

Scioscia, Tracy Named Managers Of The Year
By Mike Axisa

Congrats to Mike Scioscia of the Angels and Jim Tracy of the Rockies, both of whom were named Manager of the Year in their respective leagues this afternoon. Scioscia led the Halos to their third consecutive division title, while Tracy took over an 18-28 Rockies club in late May and guided them to a 74-42 finish.

I have all the respect in the world for Mike Scioscia. I feel he is the best manager in the game, with a close second being Ron Gardenhire, who I feel should have won the award.

No Mauer for a month, losing pitchers, and losing Justin Morneau in the middle of your push towards a division title and the playoffs, and STILL managed to make it! I feel he got hosed.

Jim tracy in the NL seemed like a no brainer. Taking over a team who looked to be heading no where and turning it around the way he did warrants the award.

Evil Vito

11-18-2009, 03:27 PM

Yeah Gardenhire got screwed. Nothing against Scioscia but there was little chance the Angels WEREN'T winning their division...I kinda feel they gave it to him because of Adenhart.

Heros Welcome

11-18-2009, 03:56 PM

Vito what you think about Wally getting the job in Brooklyn?

You think its a way of them saying we wanna see what you can do as a manager so we'll start off simple? Ultimately leading him to one day taking the Met job?

Do you think it would have been smarter to have a guy with his fire and passion on the staff in some vein right now to light a fire under this teams ass,which we all have seen could be a good thing for this group of players.

screech

11-18-2009, 04:06 PM

I love Scioscia and I think he is the best manager in the game today, but I think Gardenhire should have gotten it. He faced a lot of adversity this year and still managed to make the playoffs. Not taking anything away from Scioscia, though.

Tracy was a given, I think.

Skippord

11-18-2009, 04:11 PM

I wish the Rockies would finish up the contract negotiations with Jim Tracy

I love that man

Heros Welcome

11-18-2009, 04:19 PM

Rockies Sign Tracy to Three-Year Extension
By Mike Axisa [November 18 at 1:50pm CST]

The Rockies have signed manager Jim Tracy to a three-year contract extension, according to Tracy Ringolsby of Inside The Rockies. The news comes on the heels of Tracy's Manager of the Year Award, so it's a pretty good day in the Tracy household.

Ringolsby mentions that Tracy's entire coaching staff has agreed to return for 2010 as well. The Rockies were 18-28 and 14 games out when Tracy took over in late-May, going 74-42 the rest of the way while securing the NL Wild Card.

Wish granted Skip

Skippord

11-18-2009, 05:46 PM

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOoo

Evil Vito

11-18-2009, 06:18 PM

Emperor Smeat

11-18-2009, 11:28 PM

Apparently Bug Selig thought this year's playoffs went too slow so next year he's pushing for fewer days off in between series. Him and the current tv contracts (since 2007) are the main reason MLB playoffs started to inch more into November than usual.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=4668918

Dragon

11-19-2009, 02:23 AM

Playoffs definitely went too slow this year. Its pretty insane to have like 3 off days a month during the regular season then during the postseason having games only every other day.

Although that schedule helped the Yankees a great deal in winning the WS by only having to use 3 starters.

Evil Vito

11-19-2009, 08:33 AM

Free agency begins at midnight :love:

The Gold Standard

11-19-2009, 08:56 AM

I just read that the Cardinals think Holliday is only an average defender and may look to upgrade starting pitching this offseason.

I think their #1 priority should be to sign Holliday to protect Pujols in the lineup. He is really not bad in the outfield, and I think their view of him is skewed because of the pop up he dropped in the playoffs.

The Gold Standard

11-19-2009, 08:57 AM

Adam Wainwright should win the Cy Young this year. I think he was the best pitcher in the NL this year. Lincecum a close second and Carpenter a close 3rd.

ClockShot

11-19-2009, 09:20 AM

Free agency begins at midnight :love:

<EMBED src=http://www.youtube.com/v/dXxbwp17YDc&hl=en_US&fs=1& width=425 height=344 type=application/x-shockwave-flash allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always"></EMBED>

Evil Vito

11-19-2009, 10:23 AM

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3006/3842822251_e072fb7fe3_m.jpg

Nice, they are gonna be wearing these cream-colored throwbacks pretty regularly next year. I like it. Unfortunately though, they are gonna do away with the current white with blue pinstriped jersey they have, which is a shame. Good to know that now though before I ordered one.

Would prefer to have chucked out the black uniforms instead. I don't hate them as much as most Mets fans but I'd much sooner see those go than the white and blue pinstripes.

Splaya

11-19-2009, 01:13 PM

I guess Jason Bay said no to a 4 year 60 million dollar deal with Boston and will test free agency

Heros Welcome

11-19-2009, 02:02 PM

Back to Back Cy Young awards for Mr. Tim Lincecum

Evil Vito

11-19-2009, 02:04 PM

Wow, eager for the voting tallies to come out. I wouldn't be surprised if the two Cards pitchers cancelled each other out. Not that Lincecum is un-deserving or anything.

Heros Welcome

11-19-2009, 02:05 PM

Tim Lincecum Wins NL Cy Young Award
By Ben Nicholson-Smith [November 19 at 1:04pm CST]

Tim Lincecum won the NL Cy Young award for the second straight season, edging out Adam Wainwright and Chris Carpenter. Lincecum, 25, went 15-7 with a 2.48 ERA. He struck out a league-leading 261 batters, walking 68 in 225.1 innings. He made his second consecutive All-Star appearance and led the league in complete games and shutouts. According to WAR, Lincecum was the NL's best pitcher.

He'll be arbitration-eligible as a Super Two this offseason and the Giants will likely have to hand out a record-setting contract. Lincecum has said before that he's open to an extension.

Wainwright - who obtained the most first place votes - and Carpenter each receive $100K bonuses for their finishes in the Cy Young voting, according to Cot's Baseball Contracts.

Evil Vito

11-19-2009, 02:07 PM

Didn't even get the most first place votes. Wow.

Heros Welcome

11-19-2009, 02:12 PM

Yeah that is pretty shocking.

For me I was on the Carpenter bandwagon for most of the year calling him to win the award, but as I looked over the numbers just now they were all very close. Any of the 3 were very deserving IMO.

Looking closely at it you would say Wainwright though. Tough call in the end.

Splaya

11-19-2009, 02:47 PM

Looks like Timmy boy is going to be getting a higher paycheck

Evil Vito

11-19-2009, 03:18 PM

Wainwright and Lincecum appeared on all ballots. Carpenter was left off of 2. Will Carroll of Baseball Prospectus had Dan Haren, Keith Law of ESPN had Javier Vazquez.

So glad they reveal votes. Fucking Keith Law. He tried justifying leaving Carpenter off his ballot because the Cards had better defense. Wow.

SammyG

11-19-2009, 03:26 PM

Dan Haren? what?

Triple Naitch

11-19-2009, 04:20 PM

Wainwright and Lincecum appeared on all ballots. Carpenter was left off of 2. Will Carroll of Baseball Prospectus had Dan Haren, Keith Law of ESPN had Javier Vazquez.

So glad they reveal votes. Fucking Keith Law. He tried justifying leaving Carpenter off his ballot because the Cards had better defense. Wow.

Yeah I heard him say that. He also justified saying Carpenter pitched 30 less innings than everyone else. Come on.

Heros Welcome

11-19-2009, 05:57 PM

D'Backs Acquire Aaron Heilman
By Ben Nicholson-Smith [November 19 at 3:37pm CST]

The Diamondbacks acquired Aaron Heilman from the Cubs, according to Jon Heyman of SI.com. Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports says the Cubs obtained minor leaguers Scott Maine and Ryne White in return.

Tim listed Heilman as a non-tender candidate last month, so it's not a surprise that the Cubs were willing to part with the 31-year-old righty. He pitched to a 4.11 ERA in 72.1 innings with the Cubs last year, allowing 68 hits and 34 walks, while striking out 65.

Heilman has started before, but GM Josh Byrnes suggests to the Arizona Republic that the D'Backs see him as a reliever.

Aarons on the move again, and yet another team doesn't see him as a starter. Sorry Aaron.

Triple Naitch

11-19-2009, 06:39 PM

Pick the destinations.

Jason Bay: Angels
Erik Bedard: Blue Jays
Adrian Beltre: Twins
Mike Cameron: Padres
Aroldis Chapman: Yankees
Johnny Damon: Yankees
Mark DeRosa: Phillies
Jermaine Dye: Athletics
Chone Figgins: Angels
Vladimir Guerrero: Rangers
Rich Harden: Red Sox
Matt Holliday: Red Sox
Orlando Hudson: Mets
John Lackey: Mets
Hideki Matsui: Mariners
Andy Pettite: Yankees
Marco Scutaro: Red Sox
Miguel Tejada: Athletics
Jose Valverde: Tigers
Billy Wagner: Braves
Randy Wolf: Dodgers

Five guys who get traded.
1. Luis Castillo
2. Milton Bradley
3. Chad Billingsley
4. Roy Halladay
5. Adrian Gonzalez