MLB 2005-2006 Offseason Thread - Page 24

**VonErich Lives** · 12-21-2005, 05:35 AM

someone explain this to me, ESPN says the damon signing shifts the power in the AL East...

Last I checked the Yankees won the division last year, and the year before and.... so how did this shift the power? it just made the best team better, simple.

**Joey Slugs** · 12-21-2005, 06:21 AM

That is just fucking annoying.

**Hardkore Kidd J** · 12-21-2005, 08:17 AM

I was so excited when I heard this, this morning. But, heck I'm a Yankees fan.

**Excellance of Execution** · 12-21-2005, 08:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joey Slugs

That is just fucking annoying.

I would assume your referring to the salaries, right? If that's the case, i agree no baseball player should make the money that any of them do, but the bottom line is, if the owners are raking in tons of money because of the players, then why shouldn't they get a piece of the pie? It always annoys me when people talk shit about how the Yanks spend so much money. If you have the money to invest in your 'product', then why not? They pay the luxury tax, and its not their fault the lower market teams pocket it, and don't put it into their team like they should. About Damon, he is reportedly getting a 4 yr 52 mil. That's the same as Matsui, at that price, IMO the Red Sox could have easily afforded that. I think by Boston not resigning him will hurt them more than anyone would think. Damon getting on base made Manny and Ortiz alot better players. He is one of the best leadoff hitters in the game right now and to me 13 mil in this day and age is a bargain.

**Hardkore Kidd J** · 12-21-2005, 09:10 AM

What I don't understand is maybe someone could fill me in because I'm not up to date with all the sports news. But wasn't Damon's agent asking for a 7 year contract? How did the Yankees sign him for 4?

**toxic rooster** · 12-21-2005, 09:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hardkore Kidd J

What I don't understand is maybe someone could fill me in because I'm not up to date with all the sports news. But wasn't Damon's agent asking for a 7 year contract? How did the Yankees sign him for 4?

Because Boston offered him 4 as well, but for less money and they were the only 2 offers.

Or so I've heard.

Simple economics, more money = more money.

**VonErich Lives** · 12-21-2005, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Gooch

Damon as a Yankee just seems wrong. I'm talking fucking your sister wrong.

What's wrong with me fucking your sister?

Anyway, yeah, sox offered 4/10mil/yr and the yanks came in with 4/13mil/yr.

The Yanks told them "you have 24hrs to decide or we're moving on". Could have been a bluff, they might have stayed in it, or let him play one team off another... but, they bit and took it. I can't fault him.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joey Slugs

That is just fucking annoying.

I agree, can't they throw Cano another 780K so he won't be the only guy without 1mil/yr?

**Loose Cannon** · 12-21-2005, 09:11 AM

HAHAHAHA. Money Money Money Money Money

**The Gooch** · 12-21-2005, 09:32 AM

Damon as a Yankee just seems wrong. I'm talking fucking your sister wrong.

**Joey Slugs** · 12-21-2005, 09:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Gooch

Damon as a Yankee just seems wrong. I'm talking fucking your sister wrong.

I'm not a Red Sox fan in the least, but I have to agree with you there. His whole rock star/caveman look kinda of sumed up the "idiot" thing with the 04 team.

It'll be weird seeing him looking like he's in a KC uni all over again.

**VonErich Lives** · 12-21-2005, 01:36 PM

my take, it does hurt the Sox, but he's replaceable, he's a good fielder with a horrible arm. He's a great leadoff hitter, but keep in mind last year was a contact year and he put up his best numbers ever, will he keep it up? we'll see. I'm not worried about his HR's and Rbi's, you don't expect that from your leadoff guy, the word is Loretta will hit leadoff and if he hits like last year I'm good with that.

Defense and Pitching win championships, plain and simple, the Yankees proved that, the sox (white and red) proved that.

The sox getting Beckett is a big upgrade, the key still remains to me, does Foulke return to the old Foulke or can Timlin handle being the closer.

I'm still waiting to see what happens with Manny, that decides the team, what they get for him or if he decides to stay.

**Corkscrewed** · 12-21-2005, 01:54 PM

Quote:

I agree, can't they throw Cano another 780K so he won't be the only guy without 1mil/yr?

He's still in his rookie contract.

**Excellance of Execution** · 12-21-2005, 03:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VonErich Lives

my take, it does hurt the Sox, but he's replaceable, he's a good fielder with a horrible arm. He's a great leadoff hitter, but keep in mind last year was a contact year and he put up his best numbers ever, will he keep it up? we'll see. I'm not worried about his HR's and Rbi's, you don't expect that from your leadoff guy, the word is Loretta will hit leadoff and if he hits like last year I'm good with that.

Defense and Pitching win championships, plain and simple, the Yankees proved that, the sox (white and red) proved that.

The sox getting Beckett is a big upgrade, the key still remains to me, does Foulke return to the old Foulke or can Timlin handle being the closer.

I'm still waiting to see what happens with Manny, that decides the team, what they get for him or if he decides to stay.

I'm not to sure of your assesment of Damon being replaceable. I agree he has a horrible arm, but i feel he made Manny and Ortiz way better. Good leadoff hitters are hard to find. Having your leadoff runner on makes it possible for your 3rd and 4th batter to come up with runner(s) on (unless someone hits into a dp). Loretta may do ok, but he's not in the same league as Damon IMO as a leadoff hitter.

As for Beckett, i'm not sold on him at all. He had an awesome playoff and World Series run in 03, but what has he done since? He was dominant that year and he hasn't even come close to repeating that performance. Granted he was on Florida, but still he hasn't come close to 03. It seems like he's on the DL for blisters atleast once a month. We'll see what happens though.

Manny will be the key for you guys. If he goes and you don't replace him with someone close to his caliber, than i believe Ortiz's numbers will decline. Manny make Ortiz better. Pitchers will pitch differently to him if there is not a dangerous hitter in front of him.

**VonErich Lives** · 12-21-2005, 03:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Excellance of Execution

I'm not to sure of your assesment of Damon being replaceable. I agree he has a horrible arm, but i feel he made Manny and Ortiz way better. Good leadoff hitters are hard to find. Having your leadoff runner on makes it possible for your 3rd and 4th batter to come up with runner(s) on (unless someone hits into a dp). Loretta may do ok, but he's not in the same league as Damon IMO as a leadoff hitter.

As for Beckett, i'm not sold on him at all. He had an awesome playoff and World Series run in 03, but what has he done since? He was dominant that year and he hasn't even come close to repeating that performance. Granted he was on Florida, but still he hasn't come close to 03. It seems like he's on the DL for blisters atleast once a month. We'll see what happens though.

Manny will be the key for you guys. If he goes and you don't replace him with someone close to his caliber, than i believe Ortiz's numbers will decline. Manny make Ortiz better. Pitchers will pitch differently to him if there is not a dangerous hitter in front of him.

I agree on some of your points. Damon does make the rest better by being on base, but Loretta has had a better avg, slg and OBP the last 2yrs then Damon, so I'm not overly worried there.

Does leave a hole at the 2spot though if you move him up to leadoff.

Manny clearly makes Ortiz better, no question about it, take away Manny and they walk Ortiz almost every at bat or pitch around.

Hopefully Manny stays or they get something of his caliber for him, a deal that somehow brings in a Tejada or even a deal that bring in Hunter. But if it brings "prospects" or dumps salary it could be a long summer.

I was uneasy about Beckett, but the more people talk the more I seem to get sold on him.

**The Miz** · 12-21-2005, 03:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VonErich Lives

but Loretta has had a better avg, slg and OBP the last 2yrs then Damon, so I'm not overly worried there.

lol where did you read that

**VonErich Lives** · 12-21-2005, 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Miz

lol where did you read that

pulled his stats on MLB.com for 2003 and 2004. hmm... ok, just realised that's missing 2005... ok, so 2 out of the last 3yrs...

http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/team/p...ayer_id=113028

http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/team/p...ayer_id=117928

yep, Damon had better stats in 2005, but also I see Loretta didn't play a full season so who knows.

**VonErich Lives** · 12-21-2005, 03:00 PM

So, the word is the Red Sox thought Boras was bluffing, and the Sox said 4yrs/40mil and you have 7days to decide or the offer is off the table.

The Sox thought Boras was bluffing, that's funny. Also, aparently the Sox "brass" found out about Damon via a reporter.

that's funny.

bring back Theo!

**Dragon** · 12-21-2005, 03:05 PM

With Damon leaving I don't see Red Sox possibly trading Manny. Never really thought it would happen before but now it just seems impossible unless they get a big bat in return.

**The Miz** · 12-21-2005, 03:16 PM

Notables that were non-tendered and are now free agents

Jos� Acevedo, RP - COL
Joe Borowski, RP - TB
Chad Bradford, RP - BOS
Dewon Brazelton, RP - SD
Jim Brower, RP - ATL
Eric Byrnes, OF - BAL
Endy Ch�vez, OF - PHI
Josh Fogg, SP - PIT
Ryan Franklin, SP - SEA (Merry Christmas Miz)
Willie Harris, 2B - CHW
Ken Harvey, DH - KC
Dan Kolb, RP - MIL
Trever Miller, RP - TB
Wade Miller, SP - BOS
Wes Obermueller, RP - ATL
Miguel Olivo, C - SD
Ram�n Ortiz, SP - CIN
Timo P�rez, OF - CHW
Jason Phillips, C - LAD
Junior Spivey, 2B - WAS

Full list on post #1

**Dragon** · 12-21-2005, 03:23 PM

The more I think about the signing of Damon though the more I think about how the Yankees should have gone after Reed or stuck with Crosby, if nothing else than for defense.

I dunno, I guess we will see how good this signing is. Can't wait until the season starts.

**The Miz** · 12-21-2005, 05:52 PM

Keep in mind which league & division Damon and Loretta put up their numbers in. Loretta is also two years older.

(offensively) Damon > Loretta

**VonErich Lives** · 12-21-2005, 07:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Miz

Keep in mind which league & division Damon and Loretta put up their numbers in. Loretta is also two years older.

(offensively) Damon > Loretta

agreed, my point being Loretta makes a lot less money, letting them spend elsewhere and wont be a "huge letdown" as a leadoff hitter.

**Excellance of Execution** · 12-21-2005, 07:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VonErich Lives

agreed, my point being Loretta makes a lot less money, letting them spend elsewhere and wont be a "huge letdown" as a leadoff hitter.

It appears that there cutting payroll and not spending much money at all. Its as if they are saying "we won the world series, so thats all that matters". Atleast thats how the last year seems. I mean, they trade Renteria (10 mill) and they didn't resign Damon. It just seems weird that they are not signing another huge SS or CF to a big contract to replace them.

**VonErich Lives** · 12-21-2005, 08:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dragon

What is Boston's infield supposedly looking like anyway? I know they have Marte and Lowell at third, who's going to be the starter there? And then Varitek, Youkilis?, Loretta and then they need to find a shortstop.

the assumption right now is

3B: Lowell
SS: Graffanino
2B: Loretta
1B: Youkillis
C: Teck

Quote:

Originally Posted by Excellance of Execution

It appears that there cutting payroll and not spending much money at all. Its as if they are saying "we won the world series, so thats all that matters". Atleast thats how the last year seems. I mean, they trade Renteria (10 mill) and they didn't resign Damon. It just seems weird that they are not signing another huge SS or CF to a big contract to replace them.

Right now I agree, Reneria was more then the money though and I'll wait to pass judgement until I see whatelse they do.

That being said, they (mostly Henry) has a lot of loans to payback and there was talk before the 04 season that they were in a position for the bank to take the team, last year they made a small profit, so the idea of cutting 10-20mil of payroll to payback the loans thats much faster... and they're spending lots of money on the park (some they over with advertising, like the new "Budwieser roof") and while the improvements mean more seats and mostly highend seats it takes awhile for those tickets revenue to cover the money spent.

**The Miz** · 12-21-2005, 06:05 PM

VEL and stima will love this quote:

"There's no way I can go play for the Yankees, but I know they are going to come after me hard. It's definitely not the most important thing to go out there for the top dollar, which the Yankees are going to offer me. It's not what I need."
- Johnny Damon, May 2 2005

**MVP** · 12-21-2005, 06:25 PM

See that's what bothers me. I'm over the money factor, it's just that he went back on what he said last season and so much that he stood for.

**Excellance of Execution** · 12-21-2005, 06:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MVP

See that's what bothers me. I'm over the money factor, it's just that he went back on what he said last season and so much that he stood for.

Maybe he felt like Boston didn't want him. I mean, c'mon, if they really wanted him they would have signed him along time ago.

**MVP** · 12-21-2005, 07:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Excellance of Execution

Maybe he felt like Boston didn't want him. I mean, c'mon, if they really wanted him they would have signed him along time ago.

He refused arbitration.

**BCWWF** · 12-21-2005, 06:35 PM

His excuse on Sports Center was something along the lines of

"We all know how much George Stienbrenner wants to win, and I think this is the best chance to win"

**The Miz** · 12-21-2005, 07:32 PM

Doesn't mean they couldn't have extended him before arby

**Dragon** · 12-21-2005, 07:48 PM

What is Boston's infield supposedly looking like anyway? I know they have Marte and Lowell at third, who's going to be the starter there? And then Varitek, Youkilis?, Loretta and then they need to find a shortstop.

**VonErich Lives** · 12-21-2005, 07:56 PM

On the Damon quote, yeah I remember that and I said at the time it was crap, money would decide and it did.

As for "try harder" the sox tried a few times to sign him, but there was no way him and or his agent would let him not go to free agency.

The way the story seems to be putting together, The sox last offer was more then then 4/40, like 4/46 or 4/44, they told Damon the offer was good through xmas, there is a little debate as to weather or not that meant they would pull the offer and let him walk after xmas or if that meant they didn't plan on working on a new figure until then. The Yanks gave the 4/52 and said "you have 24hrs to accept or we move on and you're off our board".

Where it then gets interesting is they took that offer and didn't go back to the sox and try saying "we got this offer, want to match/beat".

There's also talk the Damons wife wasn't happy how the Boston media treated her (heck, the Red Sox gave her a pre-game show") and Damon wasn't happy about the "team chemistry" keep in mind him and Schilling don't get along, and Damon and Schillings wives don't get along.

Whatever, what's done is done... Roger "I want to be closer to home" Clemens, Mike "Dan Duqette is the devil" Greenwell, Mo "It's not about the money" Vaughn, Nomar "I'm a short stop (insert john valentin speach)" Garciapara, Pedro "they don't respect me, but it's a great place for my buddy David Ortiz to sign a deal a below market value to stay because of my advice" Martinez.

The game will go on, the team will go on.

My main concern.. the "Dan Duqette response", making a move for the sake of making a move, something big and over spending or giving up way too many prospects (such as the Arroyo, Clement & Marte for Reed).

I'm curious where the payroll ends up, and if part of this was a "cost cutting" move...

Also, how did the yankees lose 60-80mil and then up their payroll? or is it possible that figure didn't count the YES network which makes them a ton of money (like NESN does the Red Sox).

**The Miz** · 12-21-2005, 08:26 PM

**Excellance of Execution** · 12-21-2005, 08:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Miz

He looks like a rookie again!!

**YOUR Hero** · 12-21-2005, 09:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Miz

I should make that VEL's avatar.

**Excellance of Execution** · 12-21-2005, 09:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YOUR Hero

I should make that VEL's avatar.

DO IT!!!!

**DaveWadding** · 12-21-2005, 10:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Excellance of Execution

DO IT!!!!

hell yeah.

**VonErich Lives** · 12-22-2005, 05:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YOUR Hero

I should make that VEL's avatar.

Sure, if that makes you happy, you're just upset I'm not freaking out about this. Eh, players move on, would like to have seen him here but he aint, no use crying over it... like people who have been going nuts today "I'm never going to watch again" or "my daughter wants a Damon yankees jersey for xmas, that will tear this house apart"... really, get a grip people... I admit I like the timing, season ticket renewals are now and I'm around 4,000 on the waiting list...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Excellance of Execution

DO IT!!!!

but then you'd get something like this:

The bloody sock (yeah, just woke up, first thing I could think of... could probably do better later)

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaveWadding

hell yeah.

and of course for you, yours would be:

Corky from life goes on!

By the way wadding, while you've crawled out from your cave, I've noticed you've been absent from the NFL thread since the Chargers beat the Colts, you remember, that whole tantrum you had about how "it can't be possible" and my point "of course it's possible, it might not be likely but there's always a chance" then you going on a rant of personal insults that made little sense, much like you're argument that made little sense.

Anyway, yeah, just wanted to remind you of that thread incase you forgot.

**The Miz** · 12-21-2005, 08:50 PM

He looks like a dork

**YOUR Hero** · 12-22-2005, 12:24 AM

Ponson and the Cardinals come to terms.

ST. LOUIS (AP) -- After agreeing Wednesday to a one-year contract with the St. Louis Cardinals, Sidney Ponson said he's changed in the three months since the Baltimore Orioles voided his contract and released him. Ponson went to an alcohol rehabilitation facility in September and has been seeing a psychiatrist weekly.

"After my last problem, I sought help and didn't wait for anybody to push me," Ponson said. "I just did it on my own. Since the last time I had trouble I've been clean."

Ponson's agreement with the Cardinals calls for a $1 million base salary and allows him to earn an additional $1.5 million in performance bonuses. Ponson, 7-11 with a 6.21 ERA last season, will compete for a spot in the rotation.
"We signed him with that purpose in mind, based on his past career," Cardinals general manager Walt Jocketty said. "It provides more depth to our rotation, more depth to our pitching staff, and that has been the priority of our offseason plan."
Jocketty said the team did a "thorough background check" of Ponson and met with the pitcher and his agent in Florida a few weeks ago. Jocketty thinks Ponson is "sincere in wanting to turn things around."
"Everybody deserves a second chance and we're here to provide that," Jocketty said. "That doesn't mean we're going to let things slide, either."
Jocketty said the contract includes language pertaining to alcohol abuse but characterized it as "pretty common language."
Ponson had a $7.5 million salary last year in the middle season of a $22.5 million, three-year contract. He was arrested Aug. 25 and charged with driving under the influence and driving while impaired. He served a five-day jail sentence last week for driving while impaired, and the charge of driving under the influence was dropped under a plea agreement.
"Sidney has made it very clear to us that he is committed to turning both his life and his career around," Jocketty said. "He's a tremendous talent who has made mistakes, but he's been making huge strides in trying to return himself to a much better quality of life."
Baltimore released Ponson on Sept. 6 and the team voided his contract, prompting a grievance from the players' association seeking he be paid the remaining $11 million called for in the Orioles' contract. The case is scheduled to be heard in March by arbitrator Shyam Das.
If the 29-year-old right-hander wins the grievance, the players' association probably would argue that he is owed the money from his St. Louis contract in addition to the Baltimore deal. Management, if Ponson prevails, likely would say that any money paid by the Cardinals should be offset against the Orioles' contract.
Ponson, the opening day starter for the Orioles in 2004, will compete for the rotation slot vacated when Matt Morris left to sign with the San Francisco Giants. The Cardinals also have rookie Anthony Reyes under consideration.
That surplus could enable the Cardinals to deal one of their starters, perhaps arbitration-eligible Jason Marquis, for a corner outfielder. They have openings in left and right field after Reggie Sanders left as a free agent and Larry Walker retired.
For now, Jocketty said the Cardinals have a "big six."
"I think the idea is to go to spring training and have a competition and see," Jocketty said. "What it does provide is some insurance if we feel Anthony is not ready."
St. Louis gave Ponson a full no-trade clause. He would earn $300,000 each for 24, 26, 28, 30 and 32 starts.
A native of Aruba, Ponson has a career record of 76-91 with a 4.81 ERA. But he has 28 complete games since 1999, fourth-best among active pitchers and was a 17-game winner in 2003.
Ponson was charged in January with driving under the influence in Florida, and he spent 11 days in an Aruban jail after he hit a judge during a Christmas Day fight at a beach in his home country.
In other news, the Cardinals agreed to minor league contracts with first baseman/outfielder Brian Daubach and right-handed pitcher John Riedling.
Daubach, who lives in nearby O'Fallon, Ill., appeared in 15 games last year for the New York Mets and batted .325 with 16 homers and 62 RBIs in 99 games at Triple-A Norfolk. Riedling made 29 relief appearances for the Marlins last season and was 4-1 with a 7.16 ERA. The Cardinals did not offer contracts to infielder Bo Hart and Scott Seabol, catcher Mike Mahoney and pitcher Mike Lincoln prior to Tuesday night's deadline. They also sent right-hander Rhett Parrott outright to Triple-A Memphis.

12-21-2005, 05:35 AM	#1
VonErich Lives WTF do you want? Posts: 14,760	someone explain this to me, ESPN says the damon signing shifts the power in the AL East... Last I checked the Yankees won the division last year, and the year before and.... so how did this shift the power? it just made the best team better, simple.

12-21-2005, 06:21 AM	#2
Joey Slugs Second City Saint Posts: 5,806	That is just fucking annoying.

12-21-2005, 08:17 AM	#3
Hardkore Kidd J Time to Nut Up or Shut up Posts: 2,803	I was so excited when I heard this, this morning. But, heck I'm a Yankees fan.

12-21-2005, 09:10 AM	#5
Hardkore Kidd J Time to Nut Up or Shut up Posts: 2,803	What I don't understand is maybe someone could fill me in because I'm not up to date with all the sports news. But wasn't Damon's agent asking for a 7 year contract? How did the Yankees sign him for 4?

12-21-2005, 09:11 AM	#8
Loose Cannon I'm all there is Posts: 31,811	HAHAHAHA. Money Money Money Money Money

12-21-2005, 09:32 AM	#9
The Gooch Enlarged Member Posts: 2,070	Damon as a Yankee just seems wrong. I'm talking fucking your sister wrong.

12-21-2005, 01:36 PM	#11
VonErich Lives WTF do you want? Posts: 14,760	my take, it does hurt the Sox, but he's replaceable, he's a good fielder with a horrible arm. He's a great leadoff hitter, but keep in mind last year was a contact year and he put up his best numbers ever, will he keep it up? we'll see. I'm not worried about his HR's and Rbi's, you don't expect that from your leadoff guy, the word is Loretta will hit leadoff and if he hits like last year I'm good with that. Defense and Pitching win championships, plain and simple, the Yankees proved that, the sox (white and red) proved that. The sox getting Beckett is a big upgrade, the key still remains to me, does Foulke return to the old Foulke or can Timlin handle being the closer. I'm still waiting to see what happens with Manny, that decides the team, what they get for him or if he decides to stay.

12-21-2005, 03:00 PM	#17
VonErich Lives WTF do you want? Posts: 14,760	So, the word is the Red Sox thought Boras was bluffing, and the Sox said 4yrs/40mil and you have 7days to decide or the offer is off the table. The Sox thought Boras was bluffing, that's funny. Also, aparently the Sox "brass" found out about Damon via a reporter. that's funny. bring back Theo!

12-21-2005, 03:05 PM	#18
Dragon REALMENTE Posts: 11,271	With Damon leaving I don't see Red Sox possibly trading Manny. Never really thought it would happen before but now it just seems impossible unless they get a big bat in return.

12-21-2005, 03:16 PM	#19
The Miz Clutch Poster Posts: 11,997	Notables that were non-tendered and are now free agents Jos� Acevedo, RP - COL Joe Borowski, RP - TB Chad Bradford, RP - BOS Dewon Brazelton, RP - SD Jim Brower, RP - ATL Eric Byrnes, OF - BAL Endy Ch�vez, OF - PHI Josh Fogg, SP - PIT Ryan Franklin, SP - SEA (Merry Christmas Miz) Willie Harris, 2B - CHW Ken Harvey, DH - KC Dan Kolb, RP - MIL Trever Miller, RP - TB Wade Miller, SP - BOS Wes Obermueller, RP - ATL Miguel Olivo, C - SD Ram�n Ortiz, SP - CIN Timo P�rez, OF - CHW Jason Phillips, C - LAD Junior Spivey, 2B - WAS Full list on post #1

12-21-2005, 03:23 PM	#20
Dragon REALMENTE Posts: 11,271	The more I think about the signing of Damon though the more I think about how the Yankees should have gone after Reed or stuck with Crosby, if nothing else than for defense. I dunno, I guess we will see how good this signing is. Can't wait until the season starts.

12-21-2005, 05:52 PM	#21
The Miz Clutch Poster Posts: 11,997	Keep in mind which league & division Damon and Loretta put up their numbers in. Loretta is also two years older. (offensively) Damon > Loretta

12-21-2005, 06:05 PM	#25
The Miz Clutch Poster Posts: 11,997	VEL and stima will love this quote: "There's no way I can go play for the Yankees, but I know they are going to come after me hard. It's definitely not the most important thing to go out there for the top dollar, which the Yankees are going to offer me. It's not what I need." - Johnny Damon, May 2 2005

12-21-2005, 06:25 PM	#26
MVP Mas Vagina Porfavor Posts: 11,343	See that's what bothers me. I'm over the money factor, it's just that he went back on what he said last season and so much that he stood for.

12-21-2005, 06:35 PM	#29
BCWWF The People's Member Posts: 18,092	His excuse on Sports Center was something along the lines of "We all know how much George Stienbrenner wants to win, and I think this is the best chance to win"

12-21-2005, 07:32 PM	#30
The Miz Clutch Poster Posts: 11,997	Doesn't mean they couldn't have extended him before arby

12-21-2005, 07:48 PM	#31
Dragon REALMENTE Posts: 11,271	What is Boston's infield supposedly looking like anyway? I know they have Marte and Lowell at third, who's going to be the starter there? And then Varitek, Youkilis?, Loretta and then they need to find a shortstop.

12-21-2005, 07:56 PM	#32
VonErich Lives WTF do you want? Posts: 14,760	On the Damon quote, yeah I remember that and I said at the time it was crap, money would decide and it did. As for "try harder" the sox tried a few times to sign him, but there was no way him and or his agent would let him not go to free agency. The way the story seems to be putting together, The sox last offer was more then then 4/40, like 4/46 or 4/44, they told Damon the offer was good through xmas, there is a little debate as to weather or not that meant they would pull the offer and let him walk after xmas or if that meant they didn't plan on working on a new figure until then. The Yanks gave the 4/52 and said "you have 24hrs to accept or we move on and you're off our board". Where it then gets interesting is they took that offer and didn't go back to the sox and try saying "we got this offer, want to match/beat". There's also talk the Damons wife wasn't happy how the Boston media treated her (heck, the Red Sox gave her a pre-game show") and Damon wasn't happy about the "team chemistry" keep in mind him and Schilling don't get along, and Damon and Schillings wives don't get along. Whatever, what's done is done... Roger "I want to be closer to home" Clemens, Mike "Dan Duqette is the devil" Greenwell, Mo "It's not about the money" Vaughn, Nomar "I'm a short stop (insert john valentin speach)" Garciapara, Pedro "they don't respect me, but it's a great place for my buddy David Ortiz to sign a deal a below market value to stay because of my advice" Martinez. The game will go on, the team will go on. My main concern.. the "Dan Duqette response", making a move for the sake of making a move, something big and over spending or giving up way too many prospects (such as the Arroyo, Clement & Marte for Reed). I'm curious where the payroll ends up, and if part of this was a "cost cutting" move... Also, how did the yankees lose 60-80mil and then up their payroll? or is it possible that figure didn't count the YES network which makes them a ton of money (like NESN does the Red Sox).

12-21-2005, 08:26 PM	#33
The Miz Clutch Poster Posts: 11,997

12-21-2005, 08:50 PM	#39
The Miz Clutch Poster Posts: 11,997	He looks like a dork

12-22-2005, 12:24 AM	#40
YOUR Hero Adminstigator Posts: 102,491	Ponson and the Cardinals come to terms. ST. LOUIS (AP) -- After agreeing Wednesday to a one-year contract with the St. Louis Cardinals, Sidney Ponson said he's changed in the three months since the Baltimore Orioles voided his contract and released him. Ponson went to an alcohol rehabilitation facility in September and has been seeing a psychiatrist weekly. "After my last problem, I sought help and didn't wait for anybody to push me," Ponson said. "I just did it on my own. Since the last time I had trouble I've been clean." Ponson's agreement with the Cardinals calls for a $1 million base salary and allows him to earn an additional $1.5 million in performance bonuses. Ponson, 7-11 with a 6.21 ERA last season, will compete for a spot in the rotation. "We signed him with that purpose in mind, based on his past career," Cardinals general manager Walt Jocketty said. "It provides more depth to our rotation, more depth to our pitching staff, and that has been the priority of our offseason plan." Jocketty said the team did a "thorough background check" of Ponson and met with the pitcher and his agent in Florida a few weeks ago. Jocketty thinks Ponson is "sincere in wanting to turn things around." "Everybody deserves a second chance and we're here to provide that," Jocketty said. "That doesn't mean we're going to let things slide, either." Jocketty said the contract includes language pertaining to alcohol abuse but characterized it as "pretty common language." Ponson had a $7.5 million salary last year in the middle season of a $22.5 million, three-year contract. He was arrested Aug. 25 and charged with driving under the influence and driving while impaired. He served a five-day jail sentence last week for driving while impaired, and the charge of driving under the influence was dropped under a plea agreement. "Sidney has made it very clear to us that he is committed to turning both his life and his career around," Jocketty said. "He's a tremendous talent who has made mistakes, but he's been making huge strides in trying to return himself to a much better quality of life." Baltimore released Ponson on Sept. 6 and the team voided his contract, prompting a grievance from the players' association seeking he be paid the remaining $11 million called for in the Orioles' contract. The case is scheduled to be heard in March by arbitrator Shyam Das. If the 29-year-old right-hander wins the grievance, the players' association probably would argue that he is owed the money from his St. Louis contract in addition to the Baltimore deal. Management, if Ponson prevails, likely would say that any money paid by the Cardinals should be offset against the Orioles' contract. Ponson, the opening day starter for the Orioles in 2004, will compete for the rotation slot vacated when Matt Morris left to sign with the San Francisco Giants. The Cardinals also have rookie Anthony Reyes under consideration. That surplus could enable the Cardinals to deal one of their starters, perhaps arbitration-eligible Jason Marquis, for a corner outfielder. They have openings in left and right field after Reggie Sanders left as a free agent and Larry Walker retired. For now, Jocketty said the Cardinals have a "big six." "I think the idea is to go to spring training and have a competition and see," Jocketty said. "What it does provide is some insurance if we feel Anthony is not ready." St. Louis gave Ponson a full no-trade clause. He would earn $300,000 each for 24, 26, 28, 30 and 32 starts. A native of Aruba, Ponson has a career record of 76-91 with a 4.81 ERA. But he has 28 complete games since 1999, fourth-best among active pitchers and was a 17-game winner in 2003. Ponson was charged in January with driving under the influence in Florida, and he spent 11 days in an Aruban jail after he hit a judge during a Christmas Day fight at a beach in his home country. In other news, the Cardinals agreed to minor league contracts with first baseman/outfielder Brian Daubach and right-handed pitcher John Riedling. Daubach, who lives in nearby O'Fallon, Ill., appeared in 15 games last year for the New York Mets and batted .325 with 16 homers and 62 RBIs in 99 games at Triple-A Norfolk. Riedling made 29 relief appearances for the Marlins last season and was 4-1 with a 7.16 ERA. The Cardinals did not offer contracts to infielder Bo Hart and Scott Seabol, catcher Mike Mahoney and pitcher Mike Lincoln prior to Tuesday night's deadline. They also sent right-hander Rhett Parrott outright to Triple-A Memphis.