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Evil Vito 02-09-2011 12:43 PM

<font color=goldenrod>Well, we wind up doing this every year right when camp's open: time to predict your team's Opening Day roster.

<b>Lineup</b>
SS Jose Reyes (S)
RF Angel Pagan (S)
3B David Wright (R)
CF Carlos Beltran (S)
LF Jason Bay (R)
1B Ike Davis (L)
C Josh Thole (L)
2B Daniel Murphy (L)

<b>Rotation</b>
RHP Mike Pelfrey
RHP R.A. Dickey
LHP Jonathon Niese
RHP Chris Young
LHP Chris Capuano

<b>Bullpen</b>
RHP Francisco Rodriguez (Closer)
RHP Bobby Parnell (8th Inning)
RHP DJ Carrasco
RHP Taylor Buchholz
LHP Taylor Tankersley
RHP Manny Acosta
LHP Pat Misch

<b>Bench</b>
C Mike Nickeas (R, would be Ronny Paulino but he's suspended to start)
2B/3B Brad Emaus (R)
2B/SS Chin-Lung Hu (R)
OF Willie Harris (L)
OF Scott Hairston (R)

The lack of Castillo, Perez, and Maine automatically make this better than last year's Opening Day roster.</font>

MVP 02-09-2011 03:14 PM

Lineup
CF Jacoby Ellsbury
2B Dustin Pedroia
LF Carl Crawford
3B Kevin Youkilis
1B Adrian Gonzalez
DH David Ortiz
RF J.D. Drew
SS Jed Lowrie
C Jarrod Saltalamachia

Rotation
LHP Jon Lester
RHP Clay Buchholz
RHP Josh Beckett
RHP John Lackey
RHP Daisuke Matsuzaka

Bullpen
RHP Jonathan Papelbon
RHP Daniel Bard
RHP Bobby Jenks
RHP Dan Wheeler
LHP Hideki Okajima
LHP Rich Hill
RHP Tim Wakefield

Bench
C Jason Varitek
IF Marco Scutaro
OF Mike Cameron
OF Darnell McDonald

I'll add my explanation later.

ClockShot 02-09-2011 03:19 PM

Ross Ohlendorf beats the Pirates in his Arbitration hearing today. He'll make $2.025 mil. instead of the $1.4 mil. the Pirates offered him.

Oh, by the way, he was 1-11 last year. Hell of a pay raise.

Dragon 02-09-2011 03:36 PM

Lineup
LF Bret Gardner
SS Derek Jeter
1B Mark Teixeira
3B Alex Rodriguez
2B Robinson Cano
RF Nick Swisher
DH Jorge Posada
CF Curtis Granderson
C Russell Martin

Rotation
LHP CC Sabathia
RHP Phil Hughes
RHP AJ Burnett
RHP Ivan Nova
RHP Freddy Garcia


Bullpen
RHP Mariano Rivera
RHP Rafael Soriano
RHP David Robertson
RHP Joba Chamberlain
LHP Pedro Feliciano
LHP Boone Logan
RHP Sergio Mitre

Bench
OF Andruw Jones
IF Eduardo Nunez
C Francisco Cervelli
3B/DH Eric Chavez


Guessing thats the most likely team to start out the season. Lineup is set and bullpen is pretty close to being set. Jones and Cervelli are locks for the bench I would think. Montero isn't coming up to be a back-up C so he won't be up until later on in the season to be the starting catcher, unless Martin is terrible from the start. Last spot on the bench will go to Chavez if healthy (huge if obviously) I think. He'd be able to give A-Rod and Tex days off at the corners when needed. If not him then probably Brandon Laird.

The back of the rotation will be changing a lot I'm guessing. Nova's a lock for the 4th spot and I like Garcia as the 5th guy to start the year. If Garcia could repeat what he did last year I'd be pretty happy. Had 18 QS starts as a 5th starter - should get him a decent amount of wins on the Yankees. Throughout the year they'll have quite a few guys fighting for these spots I assume. Brackman, Noesi, Warren, Phelps, etc...are all prospects close to being ML ready so I don't think the #4 and #5 spots will be the same the whole season.

Evil Vito 02-09-2011 03:46 PM

<font color=goldenrod>Oh yeah, forgot about my explanations.

The big competition this spring is obviously 2B. Castillo, Murphy, Emaus, and Justin Turner have been identified as candidates. Turner would have to have a beast spring to win it since he can be safely optioned back to Triple A. Castillo doesn't have the versatility to be a backup, so add that to the fact that Emaus will definitely be taken back by the Jays if he isn't on the roster and Castillo is gone. Murph and Emaus probably split time at 2B throughout the year.

Bullpen competition is also pretty open outside of the first 4 spots. There's a million lefties fighting for one spot so I just guessed Tankersley. Acosta is out of options and had a good year despite giving up some big HRs so he probably gets the benefit of the doubt to start. Misch is also out of options and can serve as both a second lefty and longman, so I like his chances more than the other 5,000 guys looking to get the spot.

Rotation is set except for the 5th spot. Dillon Gee has a chance at winning it from Capuano, which would send Capuano to the bullpen and send Misch packing. Young and the 5th starter are gonna be competing throughout the first half sicne Santana will take one of their spots at some point, probably the 5th guy.

Excited to get camp underway.</font>

Emperor Smeat 02-09-2011 05:21 PM

I just hope that the bullpen for the Red Sox doesn't become a huge disappointment and failure like last season. Also include starting pitching outside of Lester and Buchholz but at least Beckett shouldn't have a "fat Beckett" year since he had one last year.

Supreme Olajuwon 02-09-2011 06:03 PM

Lineup
CF Drew Stubbs
2B Brandon Phillips
1B Joey Votto
3B Scott Rolen
RF Jay Bruce
LF Jonny Gomes
C Ramon Hernandez
SS Paul Janish

Rotation
RHP Johhny Cueto
RHP Bronson Arroyo
RHP Edinson Volquez
LHP Travis Wood
RHP Homer Bailey

Bullpen
RHP Francisco Cordero
RHP Nick Masset
LHP Aroldis Chapman
RHP Logan Ondrusek
RHP Jose Arredondo
LHP Bill Bray
RHP Sam LeCure

Bench
C Ryan Hanigan
IF Edgar Renteria
UT Miguel Cairo
OF Chris Heisey
OF Fred Lewis

ClockShot 02-09-2011 09:20 PM

Yankees void their deal with Luis Vizcaino. Tore his Achilles tendon during Winter ball.

Damian Rey 02-09-2011 11:59 PM

San Diego Padres

LINEUP
Jason Bartlett-SS, RH
Orlando Hudson-2B, SH
Chase Headley-3B, SH
Ryan Ludwick-LF, RH
Brad Hawpe-1B, LH
Will Venable-RF, LH
Nick Hundley-C, RH
Cameron Maybin-CF, RH

BENCH
Jorge Cantu-1B/3B, RH
Kevin Frandsen-UTIL., RH
Eric Patterson-OF/2B, LH
Chris Denorfia-OF, RH
Greg Zaun-C, SH

STARTING ROTATION
Matt Latos-RHP
Clayton Richard-LHP
Tim Stauffer-RHP
Aaron Harang-RHP
Wade LeBlanc-LHP

BULLPEN
Dustin Mosely-RHP, long relief
Chad Qualls-RHP, mid relief/setup
Ernesto Frier-RHP, mid relief/setup
Joe Thatcher-LHP, lefty specialist
Luke Gregerson-RHP, 7th inn.
Mike Adama-RHP, 8th inn.
Heath Bell-RHP, Closer

Patterson was aqcuired via the Gonzalez trade, and he provides speed off the bench. He's also out of options so I think he's a lock.

Frandsen is going to be competing for a backup job, but there really isn't any other player who is as versatile, so he's almost a done deal unless he gets hurt or hits .050 in ST.

I think Zaun being a switch hitter is going to edge him over Rob Johnson and Guileermo Quiroz for the backup backstop job.

The biggest question mark is both the bullpen and the starting rotation. George Kontos was the Padres' Rule 5 pick from the Yanks' system. His fate relies on both his performance in ST, and who ever locks down the 5th starter spot.

Luebke was the org's top pitching prospect last year, and is close to if not ready, and was solid in his four outings last year.

Wade LeBlanc has options, as does Luebke, but he doesn't offer the same ceiling and with his velocity being in the mid 80s, he's a goner if he can't locate.

Moseley is on the team regardless of his role, but is going to be given a legit chance to lock up the 5th spot in the rotation. If he does, it becomes a win for the Padres in that Luebke can be optioned down to AAA Tuscon and get more time, and Leblanc can fill the spot start/long relief role out of the pen. I don't think there is much hope for Kontos.

I think this is Chase Headley's last year to show he's the guy going forward. Defensively, he was astounding last year. But he fell off a cliff the second half with the bat, and he has still yet to display the power he showed in 2007 and 2008 in the minors. He really doesn't fit into the middle of the order, so I think he's best slotted for the 3 hole if he hits the way he did the first half of 2010.

Skippord 02-10-2011 03:32 AM

Rockies

Lineup:
CF Dexter Fowler
2B Jose Lopez
LF Carlos Gonzalez
SS Troy Tulowitzki
1B Todd Helton
RF Seth Smith
C Chris Iannetta
3B Ian Stewart

Rotation:
RHP Ubaldo Jimenez
LHP Jorge De La Rosa
RHP Aaron Cook
RHP Jhoulys Chacin
RHP Jason Hammel

Bullpen:
RHP Huston Street
RHP Matt Lindstrom
LHP Franklin Morales
RHP Matt Belisle
RHP Esmil Rogers
LHP Matt Reynolds
RHP Felipe Paulino

Bench:
1B Jason Giambi
2B/3B Jonathan Herrera
UTIL Ty Wigginton
OF Ryan Spilborghs
C Jose Morales

Vox Populi 02-10-2011 03:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MVP (Post 3425992)
Lineup
CF Jacoby Ellsbury
2B Dustin Pedroia
LF Carl Crawford
3B Kevin Youkilis
1B Adrian Gonzalez
DH David Ortiz
RF J.D. Drew
SS Jed Lowrie
C Jarrod Saltalamachia

Rotation
LHP Jon Lester
RHP Clay Buchholz
RHP Josh Beckett
RHP John Lackey
RHP Daisuke Matsuzaka

Bullpen
RHP Jonathan Papelbon
RHP Daniel Bard
RHP Bobby Jenks
RHP Dan Wheeler
LHP Hideki Okajima
LHP Rich Hill
RHP Tim Wakefield

Bench
C Jason Varitek
IF Marco Scutaro
1B/DH Lars Anderson
OF Darnell McDonald

I'll add my explanation later.

I love rational Red Sox fans.

My only disputes here are that SS, based upon salary alone, has got to be Scutaro's job to lose, and I'd flip-flop A-Gone and Youk in the lineup. I know and fully understand your defense of your lineup, I'd still do it.

See you in October, my friend.

Innovator 02-10-2011 09:54 AM

I saw Brian Cashman at dinner last night, he was getting out of his car when I got into mine. His wife is pretty hot. That is all.

ClockShot 02-10-2011 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Innovator (Post 3426960)
I saw Brian Cashman at dinner last night, he was getting out of his car when I got into mine. His wife is pretty hot. That is all.

Whereabouts was this?

ClockShot 02-10-2011 06:58 PM

Josh Hamilton stays with the Rangers. 2-years, $24 mil.

Orlando Cabrera to the Indians. Don't know the numbers, but he's on a major league deal, yet he they're making him compete for the 2nd baseman job and keeping Asdrubal Cabrera at SS.

Loose Cannon 02-10-2011 07:05 PM

didn't know the Yanks signed Chavez. Big fan of his

Aguakate 02-10-2011 07:41 PM

So ya'll don't think Bartolo Colon will make the Yankees?

ClockShot 02-10-2011 08:01 PM

It all depends on who impresses Girardi and Rothschild at spring training. Garcia, Prior, Colon, Nova, Mitre all got an equal shot with 2 spots up for grabs.

Of course, Colon got the opt out if he don't make the team out of spring training.

MVP 02-10-2011 08:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vox Populi (Post 3426806)
I love rational Red Sox fans.

My only disputes here are that SS, based upon salary alone, has got to be Scutaro's job to lose, and I'd flip-flop A-Gone and Youk in the lineup. I know and fully understand your defense of your lineup, I'd still do it.

See you in October, my friend.

Word

I think if Lowrie has a full healthy season he'll be an offensive threat at the bottom of the order. I'm pretty indifferent between Youk and Gonzalez being flipped. Youk will probably walk more in the 5-hole and hit more in the cleanup spot and Gonzalez will be a major threat where ever he hits in the order.

Dragon 02-10-2011 09:45 PM

Sox still have Mike Cameron don't they? Didn't see him on the roster.

Emperor Smeat 02-10-2011 10:00 PM

2-year deal so yeah he's still on the team even though he missed out on most of 2010.

He probably gets pushed to 4th/5th OF role for both depth and to keep him healthy.

MVP 02-10-2011 11:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dragon
Sox still have Mike Cameron don't they? Didn't see him on the roster.

I forgot all about Cameron actually. I'll replace Lars Anderson with him.

Innovator 02-11-2011 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ClockShot (Post 3427026)
Whereabouts was this?

Rowayton, CT, I think he lives in Stamford.

Damian Rey 02-12-2011 12:14 AM

I think Youk becomes more dangerous hitting behind Gonzalez, who is a walks machine. Add Ellsbury, Crawford and Pedroia infront of both Gonzo and Youk, and those two could be looking at 120 RBI a piece.

Also, Lowrie could be a line drive machine hitting in the 8th or 9th spot in an already stacked lineup. I think his bat offers more than Scutaro's.

Innovator 02-12-2011 06:45 PM

I was gonna say if I was the Red Sox I'd put Douchkalis in front of Gonzalez so he'd see more pitches, but then I forgot about Crawford...now I'm worried as a Yankee fan.

Damian Rey 02-13-2011 12:13 AM

So...the Padres had their fan fest today, and just like last year, I had a blast. Got some autographs and got to do a bit of Q&A that made the Padres video site. All in all, pretty sweet day.

Only complaint was, some of the security guards were being dicks and when I went up to the player table for autographs with two photos to sign (one for me, one for my grandfather), security would quickly mention "only one per person".

Thankfully, most of the players didn't mind and signed both my photos anyways.

I cannot wait for Opening Day.

Evil Vito 02-13-2011 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Damian Rey (Post 3429695)
I cannot wait for Opening Day.

<font color=goldenrod>Ditto. Fucking love this time of year. If you can't get a sense of optimism and embrace the feel-good vibe of spring you should just give up. No matter what team you root for, spring just makes you think "maybe everything will go right".

It's probably the one thing that irks me about MLB Network. They do a great job of getting everybody hyped about the spring but then Hot Stove they'll bluntly state which teams have "no chance". Spring isn't the time to focus on the negatives - that's what the meaningful games are for.</font>

Damian Rey 02-13-2011 07:39 PM

That's true Vito, but at the same time, you have to be realistic. The Pirates have no chance this year. And if they say that, it's because they're analyzing the team.

What I don't like about MLB Network is some of their analysts. Harold Reynolds and Kevin Millar are my least favorites.

Supreme Olajuwon 02-13-2011 07:44 PM

LOL @ Big Vito telling people to be optimistic. That's like Glenn Beck telling people to be rational.

Supreme Olajuwon 02-13-2011 07:48 PM

Speaking of the MLB Network, I really really hate these lists they're coming out with. They are just atrocious. There does not seem to be any reasoning for how they rank stuff. It's just a bunch of names thrown into a random list generator. And the analysts breaking down the rankings are so terrible.

Aguakate 02-13-2011 09:45 PM

Ahhhh...Spring Training is finally here...

...awesome.

Damian Rey 02-13-2011 10:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Supreme Olajuwon (Post 3430413)
Speaking of the MLB Network, I really really hate these lists they're coming out with. They are just atrocious. There does not seem to be any reasoning for how they rank stuff. It's just a bunch of names thrown into a random list generator. And the analysts breaking down the rankings are so terrible.

Agreed. For instance; Vernon Wells and Brian Robers ranked higher in the top 100 than Justin Morneau. Are you fucking serious? I'd take Morneau over both of them in a hearbeat.

Other things like Martin Prado being ranked in the top 10 LF's even though he was at 2nd last year.

I honestly watch those for the highlight reels on the players I enjoy watching but don't get to see.

RP 02-14-2011 08:50 AM

if Pujos signs with the Cubs, will the t-shirt vendors in Wrigleyville have to stop selling the racist Pujos t-shirts?

Evil Vito 02-14-2011 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Supreme Olajuwon (Post 3430402)
LOL @ Big Vito telling people to be optimistic. That's like Glenn Beck telling people to be rational.

<font color=goldenrod>Hey now - I always look for the silver lining at the start of the year. Usually takes a couple of months before I'm willing to give up on the year and start focusing on 2012.

When predictions time rolls around - will I pick the Mets? Probably not...but that doesn't mean I don't think they're capable. I see the potential for one of the best lineups in the league, their best since '06/'07. I also see a pitching staff headed with three improving guys that should have decent campaigns.

On the flipside, most Mets fans have already given up on the year and the only time MLB Network has talked about them was talking about the Madoff situation or talking about how Reyes and Beltran need to have good years so they can be traded. Nobody on that network has given them a remote chance of doing anything this year, and most "early season predictions" have them finishing no higher than 4th.

The Phillies obv have the best team on paper but I really don't think the Braves and certainly not the Marlins look a whole lot better than the Mets.</font>

Evil Vito 02-14-2011 11:42 AM

<font color=goldenrod>Pujols declined the Cards' most recent offer. He's not backing down from 10 years.

Albert has all the leverage too. He knows he's getting the biggest contract in MLB history after this year anyway.</font>

Innovator 02-14-2011 03:03 PM

50 DEGREES OUTSIDE AND PITCHERS AND CATCHERS. LETS DO THIS.

DaveWadding 02-14-2011 03:45 PM

Cubs reup Marmol for 3 years/$20 mil

Supreme Olajuwon 02-14-2011 03:56 PM

That's a pretty great deal for the Cubs. Which is surprising because, you know, the Cubs.

Dragon 02-14-2011 07:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big Vito 22 (Post 3431258)
<font color=goldenrod>Pujols declined the Cards' most recent offer. He's not backing down from 10 years.

Albert has all the leverage too. He knows he's getting the biggest contract in MLB history after this year anyway.</font>

I dunno, I can't imagine Pujols getting that 300M he's looking for. Not with the Yankees, Red Sox and Phillies presumably out.

He'll get paid a ton but I can't picture what team is giving him 30M for 10 years. A lot of the teams in baseball would be crippled having a 3rd of their payroll locked up in one guy. Looking at last years payrolls there were 8 teams with 100M+ payrolls. Yankees, Red Sox, Phillies, Tigers, White Sox and Angels have 1B out of those 8.

MVP 02-15-2011 10:47 AM

Heard a report here in New England this morning stating that there's a strong possibility that C.C. Sabathia will opt out of his contract at the end of this season. All I know is that when asked about it, C.C. replied with "anything is possible in a contract". I don't interpret that as a "strong possibility". It sounds more like in the off-chance that he does opt out after this season he said that so he doesn't look like an asshole if he told the media that he wouldn't opt out and then did.

Supreme Olajuwon 02-15-2011 11:47 AM

Well he'll only be 31 at the end of the year and he's always got that extra leverage of heading back to Frisco or LA. But I can't see what else would motivate him because even though Cliff Lee's yearly salary averages out to $1 million more than CC's, is that really worth opting out of a guaranteed $92 million while pitching for the Yankees? I dunno.

OssMan 02-15-2011 01:18 PM

Isn't Pujols "a great guy" who is all about his family and religion and "loves God" and is "just happy to be playing baseball." Shut the fuck up and stop asking for 300 million dollars.

Dragon 02-15-2011 03:29 PM

I can't imagine CC not opting out. Or at least not leveraging the opt out to get a couple years tacked on to his deal.

Emperor Smeat 02-15-2011 06:05 PM

If he opts out, he'll pull what A-Rod did and what Jeter and Mariano sort of hinted this offseason and use it as leverage for more money.

Very few teams would be willing to lock CC for that much money based on his age even though he's a good pitcher but everyone also knows the Yankees tend to panic and outbid themselves a lot of times as well.

Same for Pujols using his deadline as a way to gain more money since he knows his best value is at St. Louis but also knows that once A-Rod got his $300 million, he was going to give a shot at it. Also helps that Pujols is compared a lot to Babe Ruth in stats.

Aguakate 02-15-2011 06:45 PM

I don't think Albert Pujols will play anywhere else BUT St Louis, I just can't see it happening. Eventually, somehow, they'll come to an agreement. I don't even see the situation getting as nasty as what Derek Jeter and the Yankees went through this winter.

However...if somehow Pujols didn't sign with the Cardinals, I could see them taking that money and making a push for CC Sabathia, if he was to opt out.

Emperor Smeat 02-15-2011 09:56 PM

Based on the pre-Spring Training Vegas odds, Vegas has the Phillies winning the World Series and most likely going against the Yankees (#2 in odds rank).

If the matchups were to work out correctly, then Giants (#4 in odds) would face Phillies (#1) and Red Sox (#3 in odds) vs Yankees (#2) based on Vegas odds. #5 was Chicago White Sox.

Damian Rey 02-16-2011 03:59 AM

The Yanks, to me, have far too many question marks at the moment to be a lock for a WS birth. After CC, their rotation is suspect. Can Hughes repeat? can Burnett regain form? Will Nova emerge? Will Duchsherer be healthy?

I'd vote for the BoSox as WS favs at the moment.

McLegend 02-16-2011 01:51 PM

Cashman on Joba

"he's heavier." How much heavier? "He's heavier." Is he out of shape? "He's heavier."

McLegend 02-16-2011 01:52 PM

Innovator, was Cashman out to dinner with Joba when you saw him? That could explain a few things.

Innovator 02-16-2011 02:10 PM

Negative ghostrider. The female he was with was not heavy at all.

Emperor Smeat 02-16-2011 04:00 PM

Pujols rejected last pre-season offer from Cardinals. Pujols and his agent liked the years but not the money.

The Cards offered Top 10 player money (around Lee/Sabathia $25 million per year as max) but Pujols and his agent wanted Top 5 player money (Jeter/A-Rod $27-$30 million per year as max).

Supreme Olajuwon 02-16-2011 05:08 PM

So what is Top 1 player money then

Emperor Smeat 02-16-2011 05:18 PM

A-Rod at $33 million a year but that might be with all the incentives he gained so far.

Jeter's old deal was around the $26-27 million after all the incentives were factored in.

Vox Populi 02-16-2011 05:58 PM

A-Rod made 33 mil a year pre-incentives the past 2 seasons. When you consider that, you really can't fault the superior, nearly 5 years younger (as far as we know) Pujols for expecting at least as much.

ClockShot 02-16-2011 07:05 PM

Brewers give Rickie Weeks a 4-year, $38.5 mil. deal.

Russell Branyan hooks on with the D-Backs on a minor league deal. He got an invite to spring training.

Blue Jays sign Scott Podsednik to a minor league deal. Also got an invite to spring training.

Supreme Olajuwon 02-16-2011 08:24 PM

So it seems like either Pujols goes somewhere else next year or the Cardinals sign him and don't have money to field a decent team.

Dragon 02-16-2011 08:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smelly Meatball (Post 3434964)
A-Rod at $33 million a year but that might be with all the incentives he gained so far.

Jeter's old deal was around the $26-27 million after all the incentives were factored in.

Jeter's tops was $21M last year. I think his contract averaged out to 18M a year.

A-Rod's deal averages $27M over the course of it. If he gets all the incentives near the end - mostly all HR record type stuff it'll average out to 30M a year over the life of it.

Just saw some report that the Cards offered an average salary of $19-21M a year. Thats obviously not close to what he deserves.

Dragon 02-16-2011 09:04 PM

Blue Jays close to agreeing to a contract with Jose Bautista. 5 years $65M.

I've liked almost every move the new Jays GM has done recently but this seems like a pretty bad deal for a 30 year who just had his first good year, even if it was a monster one.

Dragon 02-16-2011 09:51 PM

Didn't realize he's a free agent after this season. Understand it a little more knowing that but still seems like a lot.

Snowden 02-16-2011 10:19 PM

Really doubted up until today that Pujols would have gone anywhere but the Cards...but if he hits the open market, anything is possible.

Olney and Kurkjian mentioned today that Pujols has been making less than top 10 money these past five or so seasons and that it may be his desire to be recognized as the best in the game, more so than the money, thats actually halting the contract talks.

Loose Cannon 02-16-2011 11:05 PM

dunno, just came across this again.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/mul...zito/2zito.jpg

OssMan 02-17-2011 12:45 AM

Remember that thread where everybody posted pics of Eric Byrnes and he looked ridiculous in each one.

weather vane 02-17-2011 01:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dragon (Post 3435218)
Blue Jays close to agreeing to a contract with Jose Bautista. 5 years $65M.

I've liked almost every move the new Jays GM has done recently but this seems like a pretty bad deal for a 30 year who just had his first good year, even if it was a monster one.


Well it was either this or let him walk. I would say it's a gamble... the guy plays with heart at least. They HAD to sign him.

Innovator 02-17-2011 11:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeadSpin
Spring Training Kicks Off With First Miguel Cabrera DUI Of The Year


Barry Petchesky — So, not good news obviously for the Tigers, but more to the point, not good news for the man who spent last year's offseason in rehab. Pushing a deputy, talking to imaginary friends, and drinking Scotch straight from the bottle while being arrested? Yeah, it was an eventful night.

Cabrera's car was on the side of the road, his engine smoking, when a deputy pulled over to assist. With bloodshoot eyes and slurred speech,

"I am going to (expletive) kill him," Cabrera is quoted as saying.

The deputy saw no one else in the vehicle or in the area. Cabrera, of Boca Raton, grabbed a bottle of James Buchanan's scotch and started drinking.

Cabrera refused to follow the deputy's orders, saying "Do you know who I am, you don't know anything about my problems" and at one point, pushing off the car into the arresting officer. He was brought down with knee strikes and cuffed. He's charged with DUI and two counts of resisting arrest.

It makes you sad, because just last year Cabrera said he hadn't touched a drop of alcohol since his 2009 incident. But it also makes you made, because drinking and driving is about the worst, most dangerous decision you can make for everyone else on the road. And the 2011 Tigers, who had a great offseason, have their first major roadblock before intrasquad games even begin.

BASEBALL IS IN THE AIR FOLKS!

Hanso Amore 02-17-2011 11:46 AM

I love it. IT sounds like a scene from cops.

Splaya 02-17-2011 11:47 AM

Want to punch him in his fucking face right now

Nervous Ferret 02-17-2011 01:35 PM

Haha

ClockShot 02-17-2011 02:25 PM

Joe Crede is back on the free agent market after not reporting to Rockies spring training.

The Rockies in turn sign John Maine to a minor league deal. He got an invite to spring training.

Gary Sheffield calls it a career. Hall of Fame worthy?

Hanso Amore 02-17-2011 02:43 PM

Nope, and the Roids didnt help him.

Hardkore Kidd J 02-17-2011 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Damian Rey (Post 3434334)
The Yanks, to me, have far too many question marks at the moment to be a lock for a WS birth. After CC, their rotation is suspect. Can Hughes repeat? can Burnett regain form? Will Nova emerge? Will Duchsherer be healthy?

I'd vote for the BoSox as WS favs at the moment.

The Yankees got Duchsherer? When the hell did that happen? I have been following the Yankees off season since day 1. I don't think Yankees got him cause I would have known.

Right now the five man rotation will probably be....

1. CC

2. Burnett

3. Hughes

4. Nova

5. Garcia

Unless I am missing out on something I don't think we got Duchsherer. There had been talks but never happened. The O'S got Duchsherer you probably just got confused.

Triple Naitch 02-17-2011 06:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ClockShot (Post 3435979)
Gary Sheffield calls it a career. Hall of Fame worthy?

Only if he goes in as the first Florida Marlin.

Emperor Smeat 02-17-2011 06:26 PM

Its the only team he managed to stay on for more than 2-3 years so it would make sense if he had the Marlin cap.

He probably won't go in the Hall since his name is on the Mitchell Report and the voters are too hesitant to put any potential roid players in the Hall. Griffey Jr probably will be the only mega-slugger from that era to go in the Hall without a debate or waiting years for the selection.

MVP 02-17-2011 07:42 PM

Sheffield won't get in. Palmiero probably won't get in and he's in the 3000/500 club. Not sure how much of that is a result of steroid use, but still.

Gertner 02-17-2011 09:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dragon (Post 3435218)
Blue Jays close to agreeing to a contract with Jose Bautista. 5 years $65M.

I've liked almost every move the new Jays GM has done recently but this seems like a pretty bad deal for a 30 year who just had his first good year, even if it was a monster one.

They took so much money off the books with Wells and Roy and B.J Ryan's contract now that it's worth it. I don't mind this one bit.

DaveWadding 02-17-2011 09:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ClockShot (Post 3435074)
Russell Branyan hooks on with the D-Backs on a minor league deal. He got an invite to spring training.

I'm a fan of this move.

Nervous Ferret 02-18-2011 03:59 AM

God I love Griffey Jr. He's the greatest.

Vox Populi 02-18-2011 10:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MVP (Post 3436314)
Palmiero probably won't get in and he's in the 3000/500 club. Not sure how much of that is a result of steroid use, but still.

I would say that it's 100% related to steroid use, as he'd be a mortal first ballot lock without that stench all over him.

Hanso Amore 02-18-2011 10:25 AM

I wish griffey could have stayed healthy and been a legit record breaker.

MVP 02-18-2011 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vox Populi (Post 3436815)
I would say that it's 100% related to steroid use, as he'd be a mortal first ballot lock without that stench all over him.

I meant his stats actually, but I agree that he'd have been a sure-fire first ballot lock.

Evil Vito 02-18-2011 10:53 AM

<font color=goldenrod>It's gonna be a shit show in 2013 when Bonds and Clemens are eligible. No matter who gets in that year (Mikey P :() the story won't be about them, it will be about whether or not those two guys made it.

On the flipside, a lot of people think A-Rod is a first ballot lock no matter what despite everybody knowing he juiced. I guess the fact that he fessed up helps his cause, but McGwire fessing up didn't help him at all this year. Of course, A-Rod has a long way to go before he gets in (won't be eligible til like 2023 assuming he retires when his contract is up) by which point most of the "old school" voters who won't allow the roiders in will be gone.

I think it's a bit ridiculous that a lot of these guys are going to miss out on the HOF because of this. Yeah it's unfortunate that so many of them were roiding up but I'm certain that there are plenty of guys in the HOF from decades ago that also cheated in one way or another. Again, the voters are way too old school. That's why there will never be a unanimous first ballot HOFer, because some crotchety old fuck says "Well Ruth wasn't unanimous, so Ken Griffey Jr. shouldn't be either!"</font>

McLegend 02-18-2011 12:17 PM

Hall of Fame voting is so stupid. It took Joe DiMaggio 3 years to get into the Hall of Fame after reaching eligibly.

Like C'mon

ClockShot 02-18-2011 03:28 PM

Jim Edmonds had to retire. Signed a minor league deal with the Cardinals not too long ago, but doctors wouldn't clear him after the achilles tendon he tore back in september hasn't gotten back to 100%

That sucks.

Hanso Amore 02-18-2011 03:32 PM

Man, I just looked at Cabreras stats. WOW.

If he could get his shit together, he could be the best hitter in baseball. I knew he was good, but never really looked at the body of work.

Hanso Amore 02-18-2011 03:33 PM

Imagine where Cabrera would be today stats wise if he wasnt a fat drunk.

Damian Rey 02-19-2011 02:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hardkore Kidd J (Post 3436167)
The Yankees got Duchsherer? When the hell did that happen? I have been following the Yankees off season since day 1. I don't think Yankees got him cause I would have known.

Right now the five man rotation will probably be....

1. CC

2. Burnett

3. Hughes

4. Nova

5. Garcia

Unless I am missing out on something I don't think we got Duchsherer. There had been talks but never happened. The O'S got Duchsherer you probably just got confused.

Yea, I don't know how I missed that, but you are correct. I still stand by my statement that the Yanks have far too many question marks at the moment to be penciled into the World Series.

Hardkore Kidd J 02-19-2011 03:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Damian Rey (Post 3437942)
Yea, I don't know how I missed that, but you are correct. I still stand by my statement that the Yanks have far too many question marks at the moment to be penciled into the World Series.

I agree with you somewhat. I don't even know if we'll make the playoffs but somehow I think we will. We will either go through 1 or 2 options.

option number 1: Our pitching and hitting remains steady for the season.

option number 2: We tread water until the trade deadline at which point we will trade for a decent pitcher or two.

I'm leaning toward option 2. What do you think? And with Sabathia opting out I think a piece or two would be needed if we don't have him in 2012. So it just seems more likely we'll trade for a pitcher or two.

Snowden 02-19-2011 05:52 PM

If the Cards fall out of contention, there's rumblings that they'll put Carpenter on the market...who the Yankees would make a HUGE play for.

The Yankees have an abundance of catching prospects on top of Montero, so I have no doubt in my mind they'll make a deal at the deadline. I just hope they move someone like Romine and not Jesus...he's supposed to be a young Manny Ramirez, and I don't think the Yanks, even with an extra arm, are WS contenders when stacked against the Sox and Phillies.

Aguakate 02-19-2011 09:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hanso (Post 3437131)
Man, I just looked at Cabreras stats. WOW.

If he could get his shit together, he could be the best hitter in baseball. I knew he was good, but never really looked at the body of work.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hanso (Post 3437132)
Imagine where Cabrera would be today stats wise if he wasnt a fat drunk.

http://i56.tinypic.com/2wrp8jc.jpg

100% right.

He has the ability to be even better than Pujols, but it seems he either doesn't take his position as one of the best pure hitters in baseball seriously, or he can't handle whatever problems he has in his personal life.

Hardkore Kidd J 02-20-2011 05:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snowden (Post 3438079)
If the Cards fall out of contention, there's rumblings that they'll put Carpenter on the market...who the Yankees would make a HUGE play for.

The Yankees have an abundance of catching prospects on top of Montero, so I have no doubt in my mind they'll make a deal at the deadline. I just hope they move someone like Romine and not Jesus...he's supposed to be a young Manny Ramirez, and I don't think the Yanks, even with an extra arm, are WS contenders when stacked against the Sox and Phillies.

I never said they were. But getting to the playoffs is not the same as being "World Series competitors" . Yankees will make it there by some way or another. I would prefer anyone more then Montero to be traded. By the deadline Montero could be up and that could be the piece that makes the Yankees say no. I love Carpenter but there are only a select few I would trade Montero for.

If the Yankees got King Felix for example there's a possibility that I will give Seattle a Montero package. But, yeah we need Carpenter if it means we will have to give up Sanchez and a few more of our pitchers to hold on to Montero I'd do it.

Damian Rey 02-21-2011 12:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hardkore Kidd J (Post 3437961)
I agree with you somewhat. I don't even know if we'll make the playoffs but somehow I think we will. We will either go through 1 or 2 options.

option number 1: Our pitching and hitting remains steady for the season.

option number 2: We tread water until the trade deadline at which point we will trade for a decent pitcher or two.

I'm leaning toward option 2. What do you think? And with Sabathia opting out I think a piece or two would be needed if we don't have him in 2012. So it just seems more likely we'll trade for a pitcher or two.

I think Sabathia would be an idiot to opt out of his contract, personally. I also think that, if anything, the Yankees are going to be riding their offense. With the addition of Montero (if he breaks camp, and he should as a DH), the Yankees will be fine.

I don't think any team in the East, sans the BoSox, can compete with them. I think the teams they should be worried about are the Twins, ChiSox, Rangers and A's, who are all wild card contenders if they don't win their division. The AL is looking pretty stacked at the moment.

Hardkore Kidd J 02-21-2011 07:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Damian Rey (Post 3439983)
I think Sabathia would be an idiot to opt out of his contract, personally. I also think that, if anything, the Yankees are going to be riding their offense. With the addition of Montero (if he breaks camp, and he should as a DH), the Yankees will be fine.

I don't think any team in the East, sans the BoSox, can compete with them. I think the teams they should be worried about are the Twins, ChiSox, Rangers and A's, who are all wild card contenders if they don't win their division. The AL is looking pretty stacked at the moment.

It was just as stupid in personal opinion for the Yankees to put the opt out clause in his contract to begin with. Frankly I don't think they should have done that in the first place.

You forgot Tampa, believe me I am worried about all five of those teams getting to the wild card.

But, I really think the Yankees stand a chance.

Aguakate 02-21-2011 10:13 AM

My team to watch out for are the Orioles.

Even if they don't make the Playoffs, they have a real chance of finishing above .500 and playing real well the role of spoilers.

Emperor Smeat 02-21-2011 05:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hardkore Kidd J (Post 3440095)
It was just as stupid in personal opinion for the Yankees to put the opt out clause in his contract to begin with. Frankly I don't think they should have done that in the first place.

You forgot Tampa, believe me I am worried about all five of those teams getting to the wild card.

But, I really think the Yankees stand a chance.

They probably wouldn't have been able to get Sabathia without the clause since he was really hesitant about moving to NY but the clause and money ended up tipping his decision to go to New York.

Aguakate 02-21-2011 05:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smelly Meatball (Post 3440484)
They probably wouldn't have been able to get Sabathia without the clause since he was really hesitant about moving to NY but the clause and money ended up tipping his decision to go to New York.

He already got his ring, so maybe winning won't be as much of a factor as it was in 2008 when he was a Free Agent. I'm not saying he'll go to a losing franchise, but it won't be a "win at all costs even if it means becoming a Yankee" thing. He'll probably look at other good teams where he may be a little bit more comfortable, with less pressure.

Damian Rey 02-22-2011 07:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hardkore Kidd J (Post 3440095)
It was just as stupid in personal opinion for the Yankees to put the opt out clause in his contract to begin with. Frankly I don't think they should have done that in the first place.

You forgot Tampa, believe me I am worried about all five of those teams getting to the wild card.

But, I really think the Yankees stand a chance.

Agreed, but like Smelly said, that may have been the selling point. Honestly, there really is no other franchise outside of New York and Boston that is going to give him a legit year in/year out shot at winning a ring, so he shouldn't be too serious about opt'n out, but we shall see.

Tampa is going to have some really good pitching. Hellickson, I believe, has the ceiling to be an ace, and he should be an upgrade over Garza if he continues to develop. But they have pretty much his the reset button on their bullpen. I don't think they're competing for anything other than 3rd place this year.

Yanks will do fine. They had a plethora of pitching issues last year and they got to the ALCS. This year, they could try and move some pieces to get a solid middle of the order starter if their staff falters.

Supreme Olajuwon 02-23-2011 07:43 AM

Is Yuniesky Betancourt really the Brewers starting shortstop? How is this guy still in the majors, let alone a starting shortstop? Since he debuted in 2005, he has the worst fielding numbers of any shortstop in baseball. Worse than Jeter, Hanley, and Young who are all great hitters. But Bentancourt is a terrible, terrible hitter. Career OBP is .296.

Evil Vito 02-23-2011 10:22 AM

<font color=goldenrod>Wainwright has an elbow injury. He's flying to St. Louis for exams but club officials think he'll need Tommy John.

Wow that was sudden.</font>

Hardkore Kidd J 02-23-2011 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Damian Rey (Post 3441973)
Agreed, but like Smelly said, that may have been the selling point. Honestly, there really is no other franchise outside of New York and Boston that is going to give him a legit year in/year out shot at winning a ring, so he shouldn't be too serious about opt'n out, but we shall see.

Tampa is going to have some really good pitching. Hellickson, I believe, has the ceiling to be an ace, and he should be an upgrade over Garza if he continues to develop. But they have pretty much his the reset button on their bullpen. I don't think they're competing for anything other than 3rd place this year.

Yanks will do fine. They had a plethora of pitching issues last year and they got to the ALCS. This year, they could try and move some pieces to get a solid middle of the order starter if their staff falters.

All that I can say is at least our bats will do great.Starters is the only thing I am worried about. Starting pitchers seems to be our only issue. Our bats will be the same as last year if not even better. Their bullpen has gotten even stronger with Feliciano, and Soriano.

Really with the team we have we are not expected to win the World Series with the starters we have out there. So I'm all ready expecting them to not be in the world series. I just don't want the Yankees to be so far behind they don't stand a chance.

But, I know the Yanks and seeing that the only visible problem is the starting pitching I think we'll be right in the middle of the fray fighting for the WC. And then maybe losing in the first or second round. But, I pray it's not the Red Sox/Phillies. With every world series there's always been a clear cut favorite. A team I want to win more then anyone else. If it's Red Sox vs. Phils I can't do that because there won't be a favorite. I hate both teams an equal amount.

Boomer 02-23-2011 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big Vito 22 (Post 3442468)
<font color=goldenrod>Wainwright has an elbow injury. He's flying to St. Louis for exams but club officials think he'll need Tommy John.

Wow that was sudden.</font>

Well there goes their chances this year. And w/o Pujols next year, I wonder how much their pitching overall can carry the team.

Vox Populi 02-23-2011 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boomer (Post 3442519)
And w/o Pujols next year...


That's more than a little bit presumptive, wouldn't you say?

Boomer 02-23-2011 12:26 PM

It's certainly presumptive, but they had a chance to sign him without any opposition and didn't get it done. Do you really think they want to have a bidding match with a team like the Cubs or someone else with a lot of money to kill?


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