MLB 2005-2006 Offseason Thread

[BCWWF]

I liked Looper on the Mets

[The Miz]

Steve Phillips prediction watch, week 2:

AJ Burnett to Blue Jays RIGHT
Trevor Hoffman to Padres RIGHT
Ramon Hernandez to Mets WRONG
Matt Morris to Baltimore WRONG
Bob Wickman to Cleveland RIGHT
Todd Jones to Florida WRONG
Kenny Rogers to Dodgers WRONG
Ricardo Rincon to Yanks WRONG
Carl Everett to Nats WRONG
Bill Mueller to Dodgers RIGHT
Brad Ausmus to Astros RIGHT
Ray Durham to Mariners WRONG - This wrong counts double because Durham isn't even a FA and his option was picked up before this article was written
Jamie Moyer to Mariners RIGHT

Steve hit a surprising .429 this week to bounce back from his .083 effort last week. His 7/26 season average sits him at .269

Don't worry, I've looked at his other predictions. It's going down fast.

[YOUR Hero]

I hope Tony Batista has a good year with the Twins. I've always liked him.

[BCWWF]

Well he is a career 250 hitter or something, but his last three years in the majors he was right around 30 HR, which is something I can't complain about.

[The Miz]

He's a good power option off the bench at under $1 million

[The Icon of Elisim]

Didn't watch any Twins games but ESPN is making it look like they wanted someone to play a signficant amount of time at 3B since Cuddeyer isn't the answer right now.

[The Miz]

The Mariners have had internal discussions about signing free agent Sidney Ponson.
Ponson has a good relationship with Mariners manager Mike Hargrove. "Sidney's going to be an asset to any club that picks him up," Hargrove said. "He has a long road ahead to re-establish himself, but Sidney has it in him. He's a good guy and a good competitor." The Rangers are also considering Ponson. Dec. 16 - 3:23 am et

Please god, don't do this to me

[YOUR Hero]

First Loaiza, then Everett, now Ponson?

Miz, you are going to have to remind why I should remain a Mariners fan.

[The Miz]

Originally Posted by YOUR Hero First Loaiza, then Everett, now Ponson? Miz, you are going to have to remind why I should remain a Mariners fan.

Who's Loaiza?

I remain a fan knowing that one day Bavasi will be fired. They still have some cool guys on the team; Felix, Ichiro, Reed, Betancourt, Sexy, Kenji. Aside from Johjima and the Torrealba trade this offseason has sucked a dick.

Most of us around here keep the faith hoping that King Felix will be something special

[The Miz]

Royals signed Mientkiewicz, Grudzielanek, Elarton, and Bako

[The Miz]

Boston has said they will trade Marte + Mota for Crisp, which Cleveland will agree to if they sign Nomar

[VonErich Lives]

Originally Posted by The Miz Boston has said they will trade Marte + Mota for Crisp, which Cleveland will agree to if they sign Nomar

I've heard the "rumor" also... this makes no sense. I understand Crisp is a decent young player (nothing special) and he's very cheap. But, WTF... deal for the prospect and then deal him for this? So, basiclly they delt

Hanley Ramirez
Anibal Sanchez
Jesus Delgado
Harvey Garcia
Edgar Renteria
11million cash

for

Josh Beckett
Mike Lowell
Coco Crisp

WTF.... this makes no sense unless someone knows something I don't, like Coco Crisp is about to break out or something. (I admit, I know little about him, just going off his stats, look nice, but nothing great).

Only way I consider liking this is if they have some Manny deal in the works and plan on maybe moving Crisp to LF and resinging Damon...

[Joey Slugs]

Friday, December 16
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Johnny Damon Red Sox	Dodgers? Orioles? Red Sox Yankees? Cubs?	O's not optimistic Dec 16 - While the Orioles have talked to agent Scott Boras about Johnny Damon, they don't expect to see Damon roaming around Camden Yards on Opening Day, reports ESPN.com's Jayson Stark. "How can you not have interest in the guy?" Jim Duquette, the Orioles' vice president for baseball operations, told Stark Friday morning. "But the likelihood is not very high. It's going to be prohibitive, money-wise." Duquette wouldn't discuss what the Orioles were willing to offer Damon. But indications are that, like the Red Sox and Yankees, they wouldn't want to go beyond four years for a player who just turned 32 last month. Boras has been telling teams he already has "offers" of more than five years for Damon. But the four teams known to be interested -- the Red Sox, Yankees, Dodgers and Orioles -- all dispute suggestions that any of those offers came from them. And only the Red Sox (at four years, $40 million) have admitted making any formal proposal. Duquette said the Orioles have done no more than mention to Boras that they're interested. But most of their conversations with Boras have concerned free-agent pitchers Kevin Millwood and Jarrod Washburn. The New York Post, meanwhile, reports Damon is expected to visit the Dodgers this weekend.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Frank Thomas White Sox	Athletics? Twins? Angels?	A's for the effort? Dec 16 - Oakland?s trade for Milton Bradley this week doesn?t slam the door on their pursuit of Frank Thomas. But indications are that if the A?s do add Thomas, they would have to trade an outfielder to open sufficient playing time for him, ESPN.com's Jayson Stark reports. Without Thomas, Oakland would move Nick Swisher to first base, where he and Dan Johnson would split time and also DH. But if Thomas became part of that mix, Swisher would have to go back to the outfield, where there wouldn't be enough room for him, Bradley, Mark Kotsay, Bobby Kielty and Jay Payton. Kielty would seem to be most likely to be dealt. Clubs interested in Thomas are waiting on a January medical report which is expected to clear him to run and resume most baseball activities.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Nomar Garciaparra Cubs	Astros Yankees Dodgers? Indians?	Four-team race for Nomar Dec 16 - Nomar Garciaparra likely will decide early next week where he is going to play next year, The New York Post reports. "Nomar is very pleased to have several attractive options for next season," agent Arn Tellem told the newspaper. "He is weighing all of them carefully and hopes to make the best decision for him and his family in the very near future." The Yankees would like Garciaparra, 32, to play first base and DH. The Indians and Astros are looking at him as an outfielder, and the Dodgers view him as a first base option. Garciaparra, who has a home in Manhattan Beach, Calif., met with Dodger brass for several hours Thursday. According to one of the teams interested, Garciaparra is looking for a base salary of $6 million with incentives. He made $8.25 million last year with the Cubs when he was limited to 62 games because of a groin injury. Nomar Garciaparra's agent, Arn Tellem, said Wednesday that Garciaparra hopes to make a decision on his next destination "by the end of the week," and might decide as early as Thursday, ESPN.com's Jayson Stark reports. Garciaparra, who is testing free agency for the second straight winter, is "zeroing in on four teams," Tellem said. The Yankees, Indians and Astros are known to be three of them. The Dodgers could be the fourth. The Yankees view him as a guy who could bounce between first base and DH. The Indians want him to play right field. In Houston, he has been told he would play left field. The Dodgers are still interested in him at first base, left field or possibly both. It's believed Garciaparra is willing to take a one-year deal for between $6 million and $8 million, plus incentives.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Matt Clement Red Sox		Welcome to Seattle? Dec 16 - The Mariners are trying to acquire a starting pitcher in a trade with Boston, The Seattle Times reports. The Red sox called to offer right-hander Matt Clement for Mariners center fielder Jeremy Reed. According to multiple sources, Seattle is believed to have countered the Red Sox's offer of Clement with a request for right-hander Bronson Arroyo. One East Coast source suggested a scenario in which Boston might make a deal even if it hasn't reached resolution in efforts to re-sign free agent center fielder Johnny Damon. But that seems unlikely.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Jacque Jones Twins	Royals Blue Jays? Cardinals? Pirates? Cubs?	Cub life? Dec 16 - The Cubs are not opposed to offering free agent Jacque Jones a three-year contract, despite recent published suggestions to the contrary, ESPN.com's Jayson Stark reports. According to sources who have spoken with the Cubs, their list of desirable, left-handed-hitting outfield bats has shrunk so dramatically, they now appear willing to add a third year to their offer if that's what it takes to sign Jones. The Cubs also are now re-thinking Aubrey Huff, whose defensive questions had previously placed him lower on their shopping list. They have struck out in attempts to deal for Brad Wilkerson, Seattle's Raul Ibanez and Baltimore's Jay Gibbons.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Sidney Ponson Orioles	Phillies? Rangers? Cardinals?	No shortage of suitors Dec 16 - Sidney Ponson's agent, Barry Praver, told ESPN.com's Jayson Stark on Friday that Ponson probably will sign with some team next week. But an official of a team that once had interest said it would be difficult to negotiate a contract until the grievance is heard on the Orioles' attempt to void the rest of Ponson's current contract. He was due to make $10 million (with $3 million deferred without interest) in 2006 under that deal. The Rangers, Cardinals and Phillies are among the teams known to have interest in Ponson.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Darren Oliver Cubs	Mets?	Oliver the Met Dec 16 - Left-hander Darren Oliver will sign a minor-league deal with the Mets that will make him $600,000 plus incentives if he makes the team, reports ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick. Oliver has a 87-79 record (5.07 ERA) in 12 seasons with six teams.

[The Miz]

Yanks pick up Ron Villone from Fish

[Dragon]

Yankees bullpen shaping up pretty decently compared to last year.

They seem to be focusing on Nomar a lot too, but I don't see him coming here for some reason. I was hoping something would happen this offseason that would get Sheffield out of right field and into the DH spot where he should be, but with this interest in Nomar it looks like Shef is staying put. I don't know how much more I can handle seeing him make basket catches and letting balls drop all the time. Not too sure how Shef being the full time DH would work either because there are so many players on this team that need breaks from playing the field.

[VonErich Lives]

Originally Posted by Dragon Yankees bullpen shaping up pretty decently compared to last year. They seem to be focusing on Nomar a lot too, but I don't see him coming here for some reason. I was hoping something would happen this offseason that would get Sheffield out of right field and into the DH spot where he should be, but with this interest in Nomar it looks like Shef is staying put. I don't know how much more I can handle seeing him make basket catches and letting balls drop all the time. Not too sure how Shef being the full time DH would work either because there are so many players on this team that need breaks from playing the field.

I've heard a few teams want Nomar to play CF, so why not try him in RF?

screw it, by the time he signs somewhere he'll be a pitcher!

[The Miz]

A 26 year old with a .340+ OBP, 15/15 HR/SB, GG defense at two positisons is more than nothing special. I agree that Crisp is too much for Marte and Mota, but I'd rather have 26 year old Crisp for $400 K than 32 year old Damon for $10 M

[The Miz]

Mariners are about to sign Washburn. Filled a need I guess, but why do they always have to sign Angels rejects that I hate?

[YOUR Hero]

I hope the Jays land Jacques Jones.

[YOUR Hero]

I didn't see much of Blanton last year. Chacin I did. Early, Chacin was a world beater. Even in his loss', early he always looked poised and composed, kept battling. Later in the year, after the all star break he looked tired, he got his groove back later on in the year. I think he'll do well next season all things considered.

[The Miz]

I am willing to bet that (barring significant injury), Blanton will be > Chacin in IP, ERA, K, WHIP in 2006.

[YOUR Hero]

NEW YORK (AP) - Doug Mientkiewicz and the Red Sox are going to arbitration to decide who owns the ball from the final out of Boston's 2004 World Series victory.

On the same day Mientkiewicz finalized a contract with the Kansas City Royals, the Red Sox agreed to dismiss the lawsuit they filed last month asking for the Suffolk Superior Court in Massachusetts to order that the ball be returned to the team.
Instead, the commissioner's office filed a grievance Friday. Unless settled, the case will be heard by arbitrator Shyam Das.
"The grievance asserts Mr. Mientkiewicz has no ownership interest in the ball," management lawyer Frank Coonelly said.
Mientkiewicz was the Red Sox first baseman when pitcher Keith Foulke threw the ball to him on Oct. 27, 2004, for the final out of Boston's four-game sweep of St. Louis, the first Series title for the Red Sox since 1918.
Mientkiewicz took the ball with him and, after the team asked for it back, he agreed last January to loan the special sphere to the club for a year. The players' association said as part of Friday's agreement, Mientkiewicz waived a provision requiring the Red Sox to return the ball to Mientkiewicz by Jan. 1.
"The players' association strongly believed that this dispute belonged in the grievance procedure," union general counsel Michael Weiner said.
Management and union lawyers will meet to schedule a hearing date for the grievance.
Mientkiewicz was traded to the New York Mets last offseason and had a terrible year. Bothered by a hamstring injury, he hit .240 with 11 homers and 29 RBIs in 275 at-bats. His deal with the Royals calls for a $1.85 million salary and gives him the chance to earn $700,000 in performance bonuses.

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/5174176
####

I say the ball belongs to Mientkiewicz. There is no rule stating that the game ball belongs to the team. If that were the case, all the fans that have caught memorable balls wouldn't have had any claim to them. Either the MLB needs to ammend rules on ball ownership, or teams cannot claim ownership.

[VonErich Lives]

Originally Posted by YOUR Hero I say the ball belongs to Mientkiewicz. There is no rule stating that the game ball belongs to the team. If that were the case, all the fans that have caught memorable balls wouldn't have had any claim to them. Either the MLB needs to ammend rules on ball ownership, or teams cannot claim ownership.

honestly, I could care less.

that being said, does MLB pay/supply the balls or the home teams? maybe the ball belongs to MLB, what about bats? jerseys? gloves? is the team pays/supplies it, isn't it like your job buying you a screw driver to use and then asking for it back and you trying to keep it?

As for the fans, that could be considerd a choice MLB makes, also I've seen the home club send people into the stands to negoatiate with somone to get a ball.

I was at a sox game I think Ortiz his 40 or something and they called out the guy who caught it and he came back with an autographed bat.

[Joey Slugs]

Originally Posted by VonErich Lives As for the fans, that could be considerd a choice MLB makes, also I've seen the home club send people into the stands to negoatiate with somone to get a ball.

MLB doesn't have people @ the games to get the ball back. It's the players that do that. A friend of mine caught Podsednik's home run ball from Game 1 of the ALDS and an offical from the Sox came out and asked him if he would like to exchange the ball for some swag. He ended up meeting Pods and getting another ball autographed, a bat, and a picture with him after the game.

It's not a MLB thing, it's just up to the player if he wants it for himself or not.

[VonErich Lives]

Originally Posted by YOUR Hero VEL, don't start with your hypothetical shit. I won't tolerate it any further. I'm completely right, you are completely wrong.

yes, I know age before beauty.

Originally Posted by Joey Slugs MLB doesn't have people @ the games to get the ball back. It's the players that do that. A friend of mine caught Podsednik's home run ball from Game 1 of the ALDS and an offical from the Sox came out and asked him if he would like to exchange the ball for some swag. He ended up meeting Pods and getting another ball autographed, a bat, and a picture with him after the game. It's not a MLB thing, it's just up to the player if he wants it for himself or not.

I know your very busy in this thread right now, but please read before you reply.

Originally Posted by VonErich Lives As for the fans, that could be considerd a choice MLB makes, also I've seen the home club send people into the stands to negoatiate with somone to get a ball.

[The Miz]

It's all part of the Royal conspiracy Hero. Mientkiewicz signed with KC to bring the ball to its rightful home

[YOUR Hero]

RoyalGate

[YOUR Hero]

VEL, don't start with your hypothetical shit. I won't tolerate it any further. I'm completely right, you are completely wrong.

[BCWWF]

I bet The Miz would like a picture with the Pod

[The Miz]

I have one. 2001 Tacoma Rainiers bitch

[RoXer]

lol

[RoXer]

Pretty sure hes being sarcastic

[RoXer]

Lets hope at least.

[RoXer]

You're all pulling my leg

[RoXer]

Twisting my arm

[RoXer]

Yanking my chain

the big point is it was said that there are "500 reasons why Blanton is better"

And I'm telling you that is pure crap.

[The Outlaw]

Originally Posted by L L Cool G the big point is it was said that there are "500 reasons why Blanton is better" And I'm telling you that is pure crap.

Yeah word, there's only 499 reasons.

Originally Posted by The Outlaw Yeah word, there's only 499 reasons.

hardly. Chacin will win at least 15 games this year

[The Miz]

Originally Posted by L L Cool G hardly. Chacin will win at least 15 games this year

Doubt it, you still have no offense past Wells/Overbay, but even if he doesn't, who cares? I'd be more excited about Chacin's chances to put up 200+ IP, 100+ K, sub-3.50 ERA. If the offense and the bullpen can't get the job done, not his fault.