Marlins already said they're gonna spend. Gotta put asses in those seats to pay off that new stadium.

The ax finally fell in Minnesota after their disaster of a season.

GM Bill Smith has been fired. Terry Ryan has been named interim GM.

and this guy

<iframe width="640" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/kREZHmOR1bg?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

I don't think the Yankees are gonna do that. They have been talking to CJ Wilson and basically all the pitchers. I really don't think they are done. At worst they are gonna sign Colon back on a 1 or 2 year deal as well. It is only November.

<font color=goldenrod>Welp, the Phillies are about to completely fuck up the market for free agent relievers. Getting close to a 4 year deal with Ryan Madson with a 5th year option - worth around $11 million a season. Holy fuck.

There goes the Mets' chances of signing a new closer. Better just dump that money into the Reyes Fund then.</font>

Phillies' CEO hasn't ok'd the deal yet. I don't think the yearly salary is too bad but relievers never get 4 years anymore after the BJ Ryan disaster.

If I was Theo I'd talk to the Mets about getting David Wright for Carlos Marmol and some prospects.

That would solve the Cubs' void at 3B left by Aramis Ramirez, and the Mets would have a Closer who can be good at times.

I can't imagine a "closer that can be good at times" is what the Mets would look for as a centerpiece if they deal Wright.

He's got promise. He can be good.

It won't happen, but...

If a guy only "can be good," you should not trade one your best players to get him.

It wouldn't be the first time.

So you take a shot at the Mets (or whomever) for making a move like this, yet you're suggesting it be made?

You're an idiot.

Our first Latin American Winter Baseball disaster story of the season: Nationals Catcher Wilson Ramos has been kidnapped.

LOL where'd you read that?

people on twitter are reporting it all over

@Oficialtigres Tigres de Aragua
Lamentablemente la noticia del secuestro de Wilson Ramos fué confirmada, presuntamente el mismo ocurrió en su casa en Valencia...

33 minutes ago via TweetDeck Favorite Retweet Reply

Cubs currently interviewing Rangers pitching coach Mike Maddux while Cardinals were rumored to have started early talks with Terry Francona. Most likely if Cubs get Maddux, then the Red Sox would go after Tampa Bay's assistant manager.

Jorge Posda hints his career with the Yankees is officially over and has no interest in playing for them next year.

It appears either MLB or a judge has officially prevented the Dodgers from making any free agency moves until the sale of the team is completed so any plans for a Pujohls or Prince Fielder bid are on hold for the moment.

Jays apparently in the running for Bailey, Papelbon or Nathan.

Mike Maddux would be the best choice for the Cubs, but you've gotta wonder if his heart is 100% into managing right now. He's said that all his family is in Texas, that he feels comfortable there, and that if offered the job, he'd have to talk with his family and that it'd be a tough decision. So I don't know, I don't think he's 100% committed.

I wonder if they are planning on trading Loney. Either that or I guess they are gonna teach him how to play a different position.

I don't even know if the Dodgers can make any big moves until they're sold.

I wonder if this will be it for Don Mattingly as Dodger Manager, once new ownership comes in.

Also, I wonder if Joe Torre knew "something was up" and that is why he just retired and went to for for the Comissioner.

News and notes:

In an update to the Wilson Ramos kidnapping, the car has been found. And there are reports that he his still alive. Here's hoping for the best.

Clarifiying what Aguakate said above, Dodgers are not allowed to talk to any free agents until after the sale. Which could take about 4-6 months.

Rod Barajas to the Pirates. 1-year, $4 mil. with an option for 2013.

So it'll be another long summer in LA.

What about trading? Can they do that before the sale is finalized? Cause 4-6 months they better just kiss getting Fielder or Pujols good bye. Cause by that point Pujols could be back on the Cards and Fielder could be on the Red Sox or the Cubs by that time.

They can probably make trades but not take on too much salary in the deal.

Looks like the Marlins are meeting with Pujols now. They're inquiring on everybody these days.

A Marlins beat reporter has said that Reyes signing with them is "basically a done deal".

What a punch in the balls that would be. Going to a division rival, having to play him 17 times a year, no first round pick compensation, and a guaranteed 5th place finish for the Mets.

Mets 2012 campaign is officially over according to Vito as of... November 11, 2011.

You won't find an objective Mets fan that says otherwise. Reporters, scouts, and executives from around the league have echoed the same sentiment. Even Alderson has said that he is more focused on building for the long-term than he is for 2012.

It's the right decision. They've needed a rebuild for quite some time. 2012 will be the first year where I don't focus on win-loss record, but the development of their young players.

It's just that Reyes staying in the division would seriously suck. Hopefully the Brewers pony up a big deal and he goes there instead.

Jonathan Papelbon to the Phillies. Hopefully can can still be known as Papelblown.

Papelbon to Phillies...

Not exactly happy about this.

lol going from Boston fans to Philly fans

that should help Papelbon's confidence for sure

Not surprised he left considering the Red Sox have said the past couple of years they were not going to over spend trying to resign him nor make him now the #1 paid reliever overall (#2 in money per year) like the Phillies did.

He had a great year stats-wise last season but also contributed towards the collapse done by the pitching and bullpen side of the team. Before last year, his main problem was becoming bad at the worst times possible either in a game or stretch of games.

Only concern is Bard still has issues giving up bad HRs and he struggled more often than Papelbon in pressure situations.

I wish we would have kept Papelbon.

Papelbon is a huge blow to the Red Sox. Bummed to see him leave, but at least now I get to see him play locally. Sox will probably now turn their attention to Heath Bell and Ryan Madson.

Marlins have made "substantial" offers to both Reyes and Pujols. All of the sudden, Florida looks like a big market team. Imagine a lineup with Reyes, Hanley, Stanton, and Pujols?

Noway they get both Pujols AND Reyes.

Is Hanley on his way out now then or does that mean he will probably be converted to a Outfielder?

And WOW, PAPS to the Phillies and just when I thought I could have liked the guy if he was playing on any other team. The Phillies are the only exception.

And I really don't think they'll get Pujols and Reyes. It's one or the other and maybe a pitcher. I am guessing Reyes and either Buerhle or CJ will be in Marlins Uniforms for 2012.

authorities have apparently found Wilson Ramos safe in the mountains somewhere