Prolly just trying to steal focus from the Red Sox and Phillies. Notice how nobody's talked about them since Cashman opened his mouth.

True. Or maybe they're just not getting along and Cashman's airing the dirty laundry? Either way it seems tense.

Apparently the Red Sox tried to acquire Jose Bautista during the winter meetings, but an agreement was never reached which is what motivated them to sign Carl Crawford. I think the Red Sox are better off now, not that I'm opposed to the team having Bautista on the team, but having Bautista for possibly one season as opposed to Crawford for the next eight is no contest as to which makes them better off.

<font color=goldenrod>First televised ST game a month from today</font> :love:

Crawford offers more value, in my opinion. He's a prototypical 2 hitter, and in that lineup and ballpark, is going to be dangerous. Bautista is a fluke as far as I'm concerned. if he goes out and hits another 30 HR while hitting around .250 I'll give him some more credit but one year does not equal a trend.

Back to the Yanks and Jetes...maybe Cashman is tired of being dragged around. he takes an awful lot of abuse in the media, and anytime the team doesn't win, it comes down to him with the blame. Though he should be held responsible to an extent, it's not as if he's the one out there playing.

Jeter at shortstop is horrendous. He has to be one of the most overrated defensive players in the last 10 years. The gold glove is a joke voted on by managers. If you're popular, as Jeter is around the league, then you will win the award.

I'm sure the COULD HAVE found a better option at short, but have chosen not to. That could come back to hurt them in the end. ARod should have been at short from day one. Fan backlash can piss off. ARod was by far the better player on both sides of the ball.

Oh well. I think Jeter will get moved to LF or RF by 2013 and the Yankees will have either traded for or signed a better defensive option.

Yankees sign Bartolo Colon to minor league deal.

Really? Why are we picking up everyone who was good 12 years ago?

because the Yankees wish they could go back and be as good as they were 12 years ago?

SWB is gonna be fun to watch this season. Mark Prior, Bartolo Colon, Kei Igawa's last season................:shifty:

Might have to make a trip to Scranton this year.

Hey, maybe the Yankees will sign Mike Hampton too.

I hear Cashman is looking at Mo Vaughn.

Forget Mo Vaughn, Julio Franco is the better option.

Which one are you talking about? Jeter, Rivera, Pettitte, or Posada?

The Jays bullpen going into this season had Jon Rauch and Octavio Dotel battling for the closer spot. Not good. Plus, our only consistent arms left via free agency(Downs) and the bullpen sucked to begin with. Napoli was just going to take time away from Arencibia.

Hechivarra is a young ss in the wings as well. The Jays tops prospects are sooooo young though. Any sooner seems unrealistic,

1 out of 4 ain't bad right?

We will see. I'm def. rooting for them. They can swing it. But like you said, the bullpen is a question and they need their young starters to emerge.

I'd rather give Nunez a shot. Eduardo Nunez was the kid who did a good job at third base while A-rod was out. I think A-rod got hurt and Nunez took third base. He is said to have high hopes at Shortstop and the Yankees have high hopes for him. He was kinda the differance maker in the Cliff Lee trade they asked for Montero AND Nunez and the Yankees said no. Now, had they caved and traded both of them Yankees may have gotten Cliff Lee last year.

It all depends on what happens the Yanks have gotten ourselves into a hole. They may need to make a Blockbuster trade at the deadline. And if they do and Nunez has to be traded then so be it. But , at this point I say we use him when/if Jeter moves to the outfield.

Just looked up Nunez' minor league numbers. He's not very impressive. At all. Doesn't draw a ton of walks, has zero punch in his bat, and his OBP is very reliant on his batting average. I don't think he's the answer long term. He's only 23, and will be 24 this year, so there's a chance, but I don't think he's going to be anything more than a light-hitting utitlity guy at best.

Granted, he may need some progress. And I'm just judging him from what his Major League appearance was. He was there for 30 games and he was pretty good for the injured A-rod. I wanna see what he can do in a full season instead of just 30 games. I don't think there's any short stop I really want. That's not gonna cost a fortune.

Andrus : He will never be traded I am pretty confident of that.

Hanley: As much as I like him and he's still young

I think different then you do. IMHO Ramiro Pena is a light hitting utility guy nothing more. It's not that I don't want a good shortstop it's just that good young short stops aren't very easy to come by. We have a few short stop choices. And Jeter won't be going to the out field this year and maybe not even next. I think in a couple of years he will be a suitable replacement. A lot of progress can happen in a few years. But, like I said if he and Ivan Nove and/or Montero need to be traded for a starter then so be it. I think we'd be fine with Sanchez and Romine. Sanchez I don't think is ready yet though. He's only like 19.

A's are working on a trade with Seattle to aquire Chone Figgins for Kevin Kouzmanoff. A third team, possibly the Blue Jays might get involed as well.

Why would Oakland go after Figgins who had that fluke year in '09 and that big contract the M's gave him because of it?

Because Billy Beane is one of the most overrated GMs in all of baseball and is constantly getting fleeced on trade deals?

You may think different, but the numbers are what they are for Nunez. He has very little punch in his bat. He's not a bad piece, but his minor stats haven't shown that he's particularly exceptional in any one area.

And he's turning 24, and has still yet to be given a chance at an everyday spot and it's likely he's not going to at this point. I don't think there's any faith behind him at all from Yankee brass. They'll get another shortstop through either trade or fee agency, but I HIGHLY doubt Nunez is the answer there, short term or long.

Pena and Nunez are pretty much the same type of player. Nunez has more speed and more pop (not saying much), but niether look like they're going to be anything more than what they are.

Yanks could, and will do a lot better when the time comes. Also, if the Mets don't resign Jose Reyes, I'm betting the Yankees are a top suitor.

I don't mind Jose Reyes. I like Reyes. The main problem is why be so quick to move Jeter out there? Now, I am guessing by the time Jose Reyes is a free agent it's gonna be next year. Now, Gardner, Curtis, and Swish have been doing a good job in the Outfield in my personal opinion. So I am in no rush to get Jeter out there when they are doing a good job. You are probably right I just really prefer Home Grown talent.

I love homegrown talent but there are certain positions that are tough to get it right at, and shortstop is one of them.

If (bigIF) the Yankees somehow manage to sign Reyes, I'd say the writing is on the wall for Bret Gardner. He's a great player to have and fill a role, but if moving him out of left to slot Jeter there and bring in Reyes at short becomes an option, he's the odd man out.

The reason I'm so quick Jeter in the outfield is the cold hard fact that he is the worst defensive shortstop in baseball right now, and that he's not helping the Yankees playing a position he's no longer capable of playing. It is the Yankees' best interest to get him out of the position asap.

<font color=goldenrod>I would cry if Reyes went to the Yankees.

That being said, if he goes back to his 2008 form he's going to want Crawford money, and Alderson doesn't seem like the type to spend a fuckload on one guy.</font>

Fuck Jose Reyes.

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no:(

please no

Jeters wins Gold Glove, is called worst SS in league. Should be moved to the OF.


yummmmy

Gold Glove, for all intents and purposes, is a joke. It's voted on by managers. It's not like an RBI or homerun title that is based on numbers.

I'm not saying he's terrible because I'm a Jeter hater. I'm saying he's terrible because he is.

Albert Pujols will reject any trade the Cardinals might consider for him between now and the end of next season since he has a No-Trade clause.

He wants his mega-money deal either from the Cardinals or another team if he becomes a free agent. Cardinals can only get 2 draft picks should he leave unless he breaks the no-trade clause.

I doubt he breaks it. Honestly, there are not a whole lot of teams that are going to be able to dole out the type of deal Albert is worth. Realistically, the Cardinals are not one of those teams, but they almost have to sign him.

I think the Cards are gonna have to sign him. Problem is can they do it for A-rod money? Maybe Pujols would take a pay cut and year cut so he could stay on the Cards. All though I don't expect a 10 year contract . I expect maybe 7 or 8 year contract.

I can't see the Cardinals not signing Pujols...somehow they will. He just means so much to the team, to the St Louis area, etc.

Martin Luther King III is leading a group that wants to buy 50% of the Mets.

The problem with signing Pujols is that the Cards are not a large market team, and giving $25 to $30mil to a team that, realistically, is going to be sitting around $80mil per year, and already owes Matt Holiday a boat load of money, is really going to handcuff them down the line.

The only way I see it working is if Albert accepts a deal similar to Ichiro's in Seattle, where Ichiro will be getting paid long after his contract is up.

Wish players would just stay on their teams

Word going around is that CitiField gets the All-star game in 2013.

I just saw it on the ESPN ticker, so take it for what it's worth.

I would be interested in Pujols to the Orioles, but I doubt that they would put the money up. If they are able to be competitive this year maybe they would. Its just good to know that theres no way the Red Sox or Yankees will end up with him.

God dammit. Petco fucking park has been open since 2004. It is one of the most beautiful parks in all of baseball. Not trying to knock Citi Field, as it is a lovely upgrade over Shea, but come the fuck on.

The weather here in San Diego is perfect come the All Star game.

Trust me I don't really want Pujols on the Yankees anyway. He is like Joe Mauer. Joe Mauer needs to stay with the Twins while Pujols needs to stay with the Cards. And the Cardinals are good competitors so he doesn't need to go anywhere to get another ring. Truth be told if I was going for a DH I'd likely choose Fielder actually. But, unfortunately it doesn't look like the Yankees will be looking for a DH for a little while.

The Red Sox signed Adrian Gonzalez to an 8 year, $167 million contract. :cool:

Where'd you hear this?

Justin Duchscherer to the O's.

Alexei Ramirez stays with the White Sox. 4-years. $32.5 mil.

Yankees sign Freddy Garcia to a minor league deal.

He didn't.

Garcia seems like a decent option as the 5th starter for the Yankees. He's obviously not gonna go out there and dominate but he can still put up some decent games.

Looking at his stats from last year he actually had more quality starts (18) than any pitcher the Yanks had besides CC. With the Yankees offense behind him and that bullpen following him he could win a decent amount of games next year if he repeats that performance and just throws up some average outings.

It was reported on NESN during the "Red Sox Town Hall" show with Francona, Theo Epstein, and Larry Luchino. I couldn't find it anywhere else though so now I don't know if it's official yet.

:wtf: ESPN is pushing hard saying the Rays has a legit chance to win the AL East title this season.

They lost more than they gained this offseason and their new batch of youth players are untested compared to their previous set of players. Depending on how Toronto plays, Rays will probably end up fighting for the #3 to #4 spot with #2 going to Toronto or NY.

With Manny, Damon, and the rest I can see the Rays being the in the 3rd spot. I really hope the Yankees can stay in the running this year.

http://deadspin.com/5749453/wrigley-...ights-blizzard

The Cubs 2011 collapse starts on Groundhog Day. Appropriate, I bet Cubs fans think they're stuck in the movie too.

alright, Yankees making some hot moves. Colon, Garcia, maybe throw some money at Matt Morris or Mark Mulder next

lol who's next? Andruw Jones?

Yankees aquire Justin Maxwell from the Nats for some guy down on the farm.

Yeah, whatever.

Is it an actual major league contract? I don't even know anymore.

Just another utility guy for the outfield, bro.

Colin Curtis, Greg Golson, and Andruw Jones are there now.

Why add another?

He better be packaging some of these guys.

Need to fill out the minor leagues.

So many unknowns in the AL East this year.

Will the Red Sox live up to the hype?

Will the Yankees overcome odds and play to their usual standard?

How will the Rays end up? Has their window closed?

What about the Orioles? Will they finish close to, or above, .500 under Buck Showalter for a full season?

And the Blue Jays...can they continue to improve, and perhaps, pull off a surprise?

Call me crazy, but the AL East is wide-open.

Seems like there's two unknowns in the AL East this year:

1. ?
2. ?
3. Rays
4. Blue Jays
5. Orioles

Pretty compelling stuff.

Calling the AL East wide open seems pretty fucking stupid to me.

I dunno, honestly the Yanks pitching could really go either way.

Maybe I didn't explain myself correctly.

What I meant to say is that there are alot of compelling stories, and alot of unknowns, in the AL East.

Not to say ANY TEAM can win it, but of those who can, there's not a clear-cut winner...

...and of those teams who most of us say "they're not going to win", granted, they may not, but it's not a foregone conclusion they will be horrible.

Chase Field has been open since 1998 and is JUST getting the game this year. Stop crying.

Great American Ball Park hasn't had a game yet and we're much better than you faggy expansion teams.

Whiney bitches

There needs to be an All Star Game at Wrigley Field.

Fenway got it in '99, so...how 'bout going to the other "old" ballpark again?

I don't care. All I care about is when they did it Golson and or Curtis didn't go to the minors. And luckily they sent that Jordan Parazz kid back to the minors. Haven't seen him play. All I am going to say is a 4 people on the bench couldn't hurt.

Rob Neyer left ESPN and now he's on SB Nation. Woooooooooo.

SOURCE: Pettite to announce retirement.

Inno is sad...

Splaya is sad. Pettite is prolly like one of my top 5 pitchers.

Also, if the Yanks are so desperate for OF help, why don't they go get Vlad Guerrero

Because he can't play OF anymore.

Yeah, didn't the Orioles get him yet? I thought he was picked up all ready. Must still be in talks.

Yankees have enough washed up players

Orioles are currently in discussion with Vlad but his agent pulled the "mystery team" ploy to get the Orioles to $8+ million this supposed mystery team is offering.

Andy, please, DON'T GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!


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It's Detroit

Vlad to the O's

1-year, $8 mil.

Part of me figures he plays with the Os til the deadline and they trade him to a contender though there might not be as much interest in him considering he usually tanks in the playoffs..

Still, I suppose the offense will be one of the best the Os have had in a long time. If the pitching is as decent as it was the last half of the season last year, they might at least be able to stay in contention through September for a WC spot.

C - Wieters
1B - Lee
2B - Roberts
SS - Hardy
3B - Reynolds
LF - Scott
CF - Jones
RF - Markakis
DH - Guerrero

yea, was talking to my friend yesterday who's an O's fan and said the same thing. They look good enough to grab a WC. They remind me of the Rays a couple years back.

Surprised at how solid the Orioles 25 man roster looks right now. Can't really pinpoint a weakness. Plus you gotta figure at least one of Weiters, Jones, Bell, Matusz, Arrieta, Tillman is gonna have a breakout season.

Dunno if they're postseason material but they'll definitely compete.

Meh, I think the Os have a shotto be a surprise Wild Card Contender. I dont think they will win it. I am not that impressed with that roster. Alot of guys whos best days are behind them. If some kids do step up, then yeah, they could be much better than last year.

I dont see Vlad having nearly as productive a year in that park and that lineup as he did in Texas. Roberts is over the hill and without the PEDs not the same player. Reynolds is going to whiff 200 times and hit 30 homes runs with no one on base. Lee is on the decline.

And these guys are going to get eaten up in the east.

So Its all on Markakis, Jones and Wieters. I dont buy any of them as true super stars to carry a team from the cellar.

The Rays are rebuilding. The Jays are primed for their breakout year. Into 3rd place.

...I don't care what people say about Steroids...

...this is awesome (Check out 1:04):

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the good ol days

I still remember the Joe Buck call.

I'm sorry, but Steroids don't give you that swing.

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Pretty sure Bonds wasn't on the juice at that point in his career. I also agree that, while making you stronger, roids doesn't automatically make you a great player. McGuire had the talent and skill set to play in the MLB, juice or not. PEDs just allowed him to hit homeruns on some balls that may not have gotten out, and added an extra 50 feet to those that did.

No, it doesn't at all. But what it does do is make the balls go farther, and harder, once you hit them. Ground balls find holes easier, line drives shoot the gap before outfielders can grab them. Its not JUST home runs, people act like having more strength only makes a difference on balls that get out of the park.

Yeah, you still have to make contact well, thats why bodybuilders couldn't play baseball. But it sure as shit helps.

Michael Young wants out of Texas. He doesn't want to be a full time DH. He'll accept trades to Cardinals, Yankees, Twins, Astros, Rockies, Dodgers, Angels, and Padres.

Less than a week 'til pitchers and catchers report! :love:

That is a real good line-up, people...if they get any kind of good pitching, look out.

Alfredo Aceves signs with the Red Sox.

*coughcoughtraitorcoughcough*

<font color=goldenrod>I try not to get too bogged down in ownership rumors, but this one if too juicy to pass up: a group of investors are going to be making an offer to buy 100% ownership of the Mets and SNY.

Among those in the group are: Martin Luther King III, Ed Kranepool, Charles Dolan, Mark Cuban, and Peter Kalikow.

I have my doubts of this since it is basically every single person rumored in the past few weeks as potential suitors to buy the Mets...but hot damn it would be crazy.</font>

Who the fuck would be top dog of that group. I heard MLK was working on getting 50%. When did Cuban and Dolan get in?

<font color=goldenrod>King had wanted 50%. Cuban had wanted all or nothing. Not sure what the others wanted. All the while, the Wilpons kept saying they only wanted to sell 25% of the team and that they had no intention of selling all of it.

I can see why they'd all decide to team up though. An overwhelming offer could get the Wilpons to budge, and Cuban might realize that there is no way in hell the other owners would let him own a team by himself.</font>

GOD DAMMIT