MLB 2010-2011 Off Season Thread

[Dragon]

Originally Posted by ClockShot Yankees trade Sergio Mitre to the Brewers for Chris Dickerson. A. It was bound to happen. B. I guess this injury to Granderson is worse than expected.

I think Mitre might have been let go of soon anyway. Mitre was the odd man out with Colon pitching well and Garcia probably getting a shot.

I'm hoping its Nova-Garcia in the rotation and then Colon as the long man out of the pen.

[Evil Vito]

Originally Posted by Gertner Emaus had a big game last night. Looks like he's staying with your Mets Vito.

Yeah, he all but officially made the team once Justin Turner got optioned to minor league camp that morning. Emaus looked good. His homer was completely wind-aided, but it's good to see him finally start to swing the bat.

He'll probably get most of the starts. Murphy may start Opening Day against Johnson but that doesn't mean a whole lot. Hope Emaus shows something and can stick around all year.

[ClockShot]

The New York Yankees 2011 Starting Rotation:

1. Carsten Charles "CC" Sabathia
2. Allen James "A.J." Burnett
3. Phil Hughes
4. Ivan Nova
5. Freddy Garcia

Bartolo Colon starts out in the bullpen, Mark Prior goes to SWB for the time being, everyone else, thanks for playing.

Oh that's cute.

[Aguakate]

That can be a good rotation. I guess the "X" factor would have to be Burnett.

[ClockShot]

The Brewers will aquire just about anybody these days. They get Nyjer Morgan from the Nationals for Cutter Dykstra (yes, Lenny Dykstra's son) and cash.

[One Eight Sven]

Even with Cabrera going bananas I still feel pretty positive about the Tigers chances this year. I feel like they have a solid team with a lot of young talent. The only downside here is that the AL Central should be as tough as ever with the Twins and White Sox both fielding quality teams this season. I can't wait for the season to start.

lol young talent? Aside from Jackson and Cabrera the Tigers positional players are old and shit. They will probably have the worst defence in the league.

[One Eight Sven]

Rick Porcello is 22
Max Scherzer is 26
Jacob Turner will be up soon and is only 19
Alex Avila is 24
Brennan Boesch is 25

Plenty of young talent

[Supreme Olajuwon]

How old is Verlander? Feel like he's about 33 at this point.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

28. Damn.

[OssMan]

Nats trade Nyjer Morgan NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Originally Posted by One Eight Sven Rick Porcello is 22 Max Scherzer is 26 Jacob Turner will be up soon and is only 19 Alex Avila is 24 Brennan Boesch is 25 Yeah no young talent at all. Do some research next time so you don't look foolish.

Boesch sucks ass (Chris Shelton 2.0), Avila can't hit above .220 to save his life. The Tigers have one of the worst farm systems in the league. They have 1 prospect exactly who I'd be excited about: Jacob Turner. I'm from your area tard and from the columnists that I read in Detroit and radio shows I'm not the only one who thinks that.

But nice try.

Ugh, the Jays are starting the season with 5 players on the d/l and both our closer and set up men injured. I hope to God Morrow's arm is going to be ok.

Starting Rotation

1. Romero
2. Drabek
3. Cecil
4. Jo Jo Reyes lol
5. Jesse Litsch ugh

Morrow, McGowen on the d/l

Bullpen

Rauch
Scrabble
Purcey
Frasor
Camp
Villaneuava
Janssen

Dotel and Francisco on the d/l


1. Davis CF
2. Escobar SS
3. Bautista 3b
4. Lind 1b
5. Hill 2b
6. Encarnacion DH
7. Snider LF
8. Rivera RF
9. Arencibia C

Bench

Molina C
McCoy 2b
McDonald SS
Patterson Outfield

Podsednik d/l

[One Eight Sven]

I'm remaining positive about the Tigers chances this year. Really think they're gonna have success. Guess we'll just have to wait and see.

Well, they play in a weak division so they should rack up wins against Cleveland and KC. The Twins I think are going to take a step back and the Sox have question marks in their bullpen.

Just be thankful the Tigers don't play in the East like my Jays.

[Vox Populi]

Originally Posted by Aguakate That can be a good rotation. I guess the "X" factor would have to be Burnett.

If by "X" you mean "his laughable contract ought to be X'd out", I'd agree.

After the 2nd Sunday of May last year, Phil Hughes' ERA was a 5, his win total was hugely inflated by league leading run support, and he allowed the most home runs in the league. Burnett's most direct comparable at this point in his career is Pete Harnisch, yet he's getting paid ace money for reasons that no one can truly explain. Ivan Nova had nearly a 4 ERA and a 1.4 WHIP in his minor league career, and Freddy Garcia is now at least 5 seasons away from being anything more than a league average innings eater, plus he's become injury prone. This is, on its best day, the third best rotation in the AL East, and that's solely because of the guy heading it up.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Cubs released Carlos Silva for being a fat whiny bitch.

Yet Zambrano is still there

[RP]

Zambrano was the best pitcher in baseball from august on last year. Plus his contact is untradeable and unreleaseable.

[One Eight Sven]

Originally Posted by Gertner Well, they play in a weak division so they should rack up wins against Cleveland and KC. The Twins I think are going to take a step back and the Sox have question marks in their bullpen. Just be thankful the Tigers don't play in the East like my Jays.

Oh trust me I am very thankful. Toronto has had so much talent come and go since they last made the playoffs. People think the balance in the East is there just because the Rays made the postseason a couple times but that was only after they spent a decade stockpiling draft picks.

Oh well I think the Jays have a legit shot at the wild card this year with the Yanks and Rays both taking big steps back.

lol my Jays will be lucky to not finish last this year.

[Droford]

Max Sherzer in 2.1 ip gave up 12 runs to the Os today. Good thing it didn't count but pitches Sunday vs the Yankees and misses the Os on their opening homestand lol damnit

Also, Jake Fox hit his 10th HR and I think they have to keep him on the roster somehow..

[Damian Rey]

Padres made a flurry of moves in recent days. They traded for INF Alberto Gonzalez, who will likely be backing up shortstop. That move lead to the optioning of Everth Cabrera to AAA.

Wade LeBlanc was optioned to AAA (YES), while Corey Luebke will break camp as the long reliever, though I suspect he will crack the starting 5 by the end of the year.

Rob Johnson was named the backup catcher, which got Guillermo Quiroz reassigned to minor league camp.

And, with Corey Patterson on the DL with a sore hamstring, former 3 round pick and Padre prospect outfielder Cedric Hunter gets the nod for the opening day roster. Honestly, I think this is a tryout for either the left or right field spots next year, as one of, if not both og Ludwick and Venable could be gone or no longer starting come 2012.

The bummer is Mat Latos got put on the DL with bursitis in his throwing shoulder. Thankfully, there's a shit ton of off days in April, so they don't need a 5th starter.

[Dragon]

Originally Posted by One Eight Sven Oh trust me I am very thankful. Toronto has had so much talent come and go since they last made the playoffs. People think the balance in the East is there just because the Rays made the postseason a couple times but that was only after they spent a decade stockpiling draft picks. Oh well I think the Jays have a legit shot at the wild card this year with the Yanks and Rays both taking big steps back.

The Yankees really haven't taken a huge step back this year though. Boston took a big step forward but the Yankees really didn't get worse than last year. I've seen a lot of people talk about the Yankees rotation problems but I don't know if they remember how bad Burnett and Vazquez were last year.

They lost 130 good innings from Pettitte. Thats the only loss they have from last year. They also lose 150 atrocious innings from Vazquez. Garcia and Nova should be able to surpass or at the very least match what he did last year. I really can't imagine Burnett being as terrible as last year either. If he puts up a league average year he'd be vastly improved. This is all with an improved bench and bullpen.

I'm not trying to argue that the Yanks rotation doesn't have question marks, because it obviously does. Just saying that the Yankees problems and offseason "losses" are a little blown out of proportion.

[Damian Rey]

I'd say losing a reliable go to guy in the rotation, like Pettite was, is a huge loss. Yea, you can say "well he only threw x amount of innings", but the fact is, they're relying on an unproven starter in Nova, who could continue to grow or get shalacked, and a wash up in Garcia, who is being backed by another washup in Colon, with plan C being Millwood in the minors, who hasn't been what I would call stellar.

Not trying to hate on the Yankees, but with Joba having his usual issues, and having only two reliable starters, their rotation is in trouble.

The bullpen looks stellar, and the offense is what it is, but a great set up relief core isn't going to do squat if the middle and back end of the rotation can't give them the lead.

[Evil Vito]

The Mets were bringing their entire Opening Day lineup to Viera today, complete with Beltran in right. Then before the game Bay gets scratched with a ribcage injury and he may start on the DL.

Unreal. The good news is that the DL trip could be backdated and he'd likely only have to miss a week or so, and Luca Duda's having a good spring as his likely replacement anyway. But it just feels like such a kick in the groin/typical Mets luck that as soon as the most injury prone guy on the team is announced as ready for Opening Day, somebody else goes down.

Jays acquire Jayson Nix from the Indians for cash. I'm guessing this was due to Corey Patterson joining Podsednik on the d/l and the Jays not wanting to bring up Thames or Mastronianni and having them sit on the bench.

Hmm, Nix hits .224, has a shitty OBP. Just what we needed.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

well that's at least even with Patterson's numbers

call it a draw

[Damian Rey]

Originally Posted by Big Vito 22 The Mets were bringing their entire Opening Day lineup to Viera today, complete with Beltran in right. Then before the game Bay gets scratched with a ribcage injury and he may start on the DL. Unreal. The good news is that the DL trip could be backdated and he'd likely only have to miss a week or so, and Luca Duda's having a good spring as his likely replacement anyway. But it just feels like such a kick in the groin/typical Mets luck that as soon as the most injury prone guy on the team is announced as ready for Opening Day, somebody else goes down.

Yeesh. The backdating thing is good news though. I'm wondering how Beltran will hold up. Honestly, RF in Citi Field is no walk in the park. That stadium is huge, and I have a feeling they're going to need to have some built in rest days for Beltran.

Honestly, I don't why they haven't discussed a possible move to 1st base, and wouldn't be surprised to see it go down that way if Beltran stays in the NL after this year. He has more than enough athleticism to play there, and it would prolong his career.

[Hardkore Kidd J]

Originally Posted by Damian Rey I'd say losing a reliable go to guy in the rotation, like Pettite was, is a huge loss. Yea, you can say "well he only threw x amount of innings", but the fact is, they're relying on an unproven starter in Nova, who could continue to grow or get shalacked, and a wash up in Garcia, who is being backed by another washup in Colon, with plan C being Millwood in the minors, who hasn't been what I would call stellar. Not trying to hate on the Yankees, but with Joba having his usual issues, and having only two reliable starters, their rotation is in trouble. The bullpen looks stellar, and the offense is what it is, but a great set up relief core isn't going to do squat if the middle and back end of the rotation can't give them the lead.

I'd say they had 2 huge losses. Both pitching. First they lost on Lee. HUGE LOSS and then Pettitte didn't come back: ANOTHER HUGE LOSS! Do you know what I think will happen? They will tread water for maybe 2 to 3 months just until the deadline and then put together a package for a good pitcher. By then some pitchers may even cost less (Player wise of course) because of the team. By then Garcia will be gone. Ivan Nova may be gone (If he doesn't do well) I admit the Yankees have problems major problems but I think they have enough skill to stand tough just until the trading deadline.

I am actually a little worried not about the season but who will be traded. I think Montero will probably be traded. But, if we need to trade Banuelous I would be extremely sad. He had a really good spring and I really don't wanna lose him. I can't wait till I see him get a call up.

[Vox Populi]

Originally Posted by Damian Rey Not trying to hate on the Yankees, but with Joba having his usual issues, and having only two reliable starters, their rotation is in trouble.

Wait, when did they acquire a second reliable starter? Burnett takes all of the heat, but after April last year, Hughes was putting up extremely comparable numbers to him.

[Damian Rey]

Originally Posted by Hardkore Kidd J I'd say they had 2 huge losses. Both pitching. First they lost on Lee. HUGE LOSS and then Pettitte didn't come back: ANOTHER HUGE LOSS! Do you know what I think will happen? They will tread water for maybe 2 to 3 months just until the deadline and then put together a package for a good pitcher. By then some pitchers may even cost less (Player wise of course) because of the team. By then Garcia will be gone. Ivan Nova may be gone (If he doesn't do well) I admit the Yankees have problems major problems but I think they have enough skill to stand tough just until the trading deadline. I am actually a little worried not about the season but who will be traded. I think Montero will probably be traded. But, if we need to trade Banuelous I would be extremely sad. He had a really good spring and I really don't wanna lose him. I can't wait till I see him get a call up.

Isn't Banuelos a starter, and close? If that's the case, they're better off keeping him and bringing him up and starting Montero than trading them for some veteran. Honestly, who is out there right now that looks like a viable option to trade for that's actually worth it?

[Vox Populi]

There's been talk of a Liriano deal off and on throughout the offseason, but understandably the Twins are asking big for him.

[Hardkore Kidd J]

Originally Posted by Damian Rey Isn't Banuelos a starter, and close? If that's the case, they're better off keeping him and bringing him up and starting Montero than trading them for some veteran. Honestly, who is out there right now that looks like a viable option to trade for that's actually worth it?

He is a starter and he's close. But in my honest opinion he isn't 2011 close. He's maybe 2012 close or 2013 close. The kid just turned 20 years old this month and all though we may see some of our prospects I think he's got a year or two before he actually does anything in the majors. And Montero isn't gonna be starting just yet. His spring was so shitty they sent him back to the minors which I couldn't be more angry/upset/sad about. Gustavo Molina will be in Montero's place. Now will Montero be back? Most likely!

[Evil Vito]

Originally Posted by Damian Rey Yeesh. The backdating thing is good news though. I'm wondering how Beltran will hold up. Honestly, RF in Citi Field is no walk in the park. That stadium is huge, and I have a feeling they're going to need to have some built in rest days for Beltran. Honestly, I don't why they haven't discussed a possible move to 1st base, and wouldn't be surprised to see it go down that way if Beltran stays in the NL after this year. He has more than enough athleticism to play there, and it would prolong his career.

Collins already said Beltran will have built-in off days, he expects him to play 5 out of every 7 games or so - at least until he proves he can handle a full workload. Problem is with Bay gone, the Mets OF on days Beltran is off will be Duda-Pagan-Willie Harris or Scott Hairston. Harris and Hairston have had beast springs but...yeah, it's Spring Training.

It makes sense that they never discussed moving him to 1B though - because Sir Isaac Davis is there. I can't see Beltran as a 1B. If anything I'm sure a team will let him DH if need be. Beltran being healthy and productive in the first half is huge, ditto for Reyes because both are likely to be out the door if the Mets aren't in reasonable striking distance by July (which for Alderson might mean 1-2 games out since I think he's already made up his mind that he's trading them otherwise).

Admittedly, out of the top 6 guys in the order (Reyes, Pagan, Wright, Beltran, Bay, Davis) if you told me I had to pick one to go without I'd likely say Bay anyway. Still I hope his (seemingly inevitable) DL trip is short.

[Evil Vito]

Luis Castillo released for the 2nd time in a week and a half.

[Damian Rey]

Originally Posted by Vox Populi Wait, when did they acquire a second reliable starter? Burnett takes all of the heat, but after April last year, Hughes was putting up extremely comparable numbers to him.

They "acquired" him via the Rule 4 draft. His name is Phillip Hughes. I don't think he's lights out, but after CC and Pettite, he was there to lean on.

Originally Posted by Vox Populi There's been talk of a Liriano deal off and on throughout the offseason, but understandably the Twins are asking big for him.

I don't know if the Yankees would bite on that. The Twins, as you said, are justifiably asking for the moon, and I think theyre more likely to keep Liriano and either extend him for a reasonable price or take the draft picks when the time to make that decision comes. I do not think they're going to get hosed like they did with the Santana deal.

Originally Posted by Hardkore Kidd J He is a starter and he's close. But in my honest opinion he isn't 2011 close. He's maybe 2012 close or 2013 close. The kid just turned 20 years old this month and all though we may see some of our prospects I think he's got a year or two before he actually does anything in the majors. And Montero isn't gonna be starting just yet. His spring was so shitty they sent him back to the minors which I couldn't be more angry/upset/sad about. Gustavo Molina will be in Montero's place. Now will Montero be back? Most likely!

I'll have to do some more digging on him, then. Could've sworn I read somewhere that he could come up and pitch for the Yankees today. I'll have to scour my Keith Law prospect rankings. I don't think Montero going down is such a bad thing. Let him get some time in AAA to get going and build his confidence back up, and when he's ready, he will get his chance.

[Damian Rey]

Originally Posted by Big Vito 22 Collins already said Beltran will have built-in off days, he expects him to play 5 out of every 7 games or so - at least until he proves he can handle a full workload. Problem is with Bay gone, the Mets OF on days Beltran is off will be Duda-Pagan-Willie Harris or Scott Hairston. Harris and Hairston have had beast springs but...yeah, it's Spring Training. It makes sense that they never discussed moving him to 1B though - because Sir Isaac Davis is there. I can't see Beltran as a 1B. If anything I'm sure a team will let him DH if need be. Beltran being healthy and productive in the first half is huge, ditto for Reyes because both are likely to be out the door if the Mets aren't in reasonable striking distance by July (which for Alderson might mean 1-2 games out since I think he's already made up his mind that he's trading them otherwise). Admittedly, out of the top 6 guys in the order (Reyes, Pagan, Wright, Beltran, Bay, Davis) if you told me I had to pick one to go without I'd likely say Bay anyway. Still I hope his (seemingly inevitable) DL trip is short.

Speaking of Keith Law, I just read what he had ot say about Ike Davis, and I like what I've read. I agree that keeping him at 1st base is the right thing to do.

That's good that the organization is protecting Beltran as much as possible. I think Bay being on the DL hurts, but it's not looking long term so we will see. Scot Hairston's pretty useless. He's adequate defensively, but he's horrible against RHP, especially with breaking balls. He really is a fastball only hitter, and that's only if he knows it's coming, and even then....

Alderson probably got the job and made up his mind he didn't like the majority of what the roster has to offer. I think David Wright needs to be extended long term, as he has been nothing less than a rock for that team. Not having a healthy, dynamic Reyes is going to hurt, too. I think Sandy is going to go the college hitter route to try and get some of those drafted bats fast tracked, like he did in San Diego.

[Hardkore Kidd J]

Originally Posted by Damian Rey They "acquired" him via the Rule 4 draft. His name is Phillip Hughes. I don't think he's lights out, but after CC and Pettite, he was there to lean on. I don't know if the Yankees would bite on that. The Twins, as you said, are justifiably asking for the moon, and I think theyre more likely to keep Liriano and either extend him for a reasonable price or take the draft picks when the time to make that decision comes. I do not think they're going to get hosed like they did with the Santana deal. I'll have to do some more digging on him, then. Could've sworn I read somewhere that he could come up and pitch for the Yankees today. I'll have to scour my Keith Law prospect rankings. I don't think Montero going down is such a bad thing. Let him get some time in AAA to get going and build his confidence back up, and when he's ready, he will get his chance.

20 is really young for anyone to break into the majors. We may see Noesi, Betances, etc.etc. I just don't think he'd be ready today. It's better to maybe wait a while longer let him be in the minors then at some point you let Colon go and let him get his feet wet by being sixth starter sometimes for this season then he'll be ready to be a number 2 or a number 3 come 2012 or 2013.

They might be going the Bryce Harper route. Which I don't think is such a bad idea. Bryce Harper is ready to go right now. But, he will probably end up being a September call up. And maybe they are hoping Banuelous is a September call up too.

[Damian Rey]

Originally Posted by Hardkore Kidd J 20 is really young for anyone to break into the majors. We may see Noesi, Betances, etc.etc. I just don't think he'd be ready today. It's better to maybe wait a while longer let him be in the minors then at some point you let Colon go and let him get his feet wet by being sixth starter sometimes for this season then he'll be ready to be a number 2 or a number 3 come 2012 or 2013. They might be going the Bryce Harper route. Which I don't think is such a bad idea. Bryce Harper is ready to go right now. But, he will probably end up being a September call up. And maybe they are hoping Banuelous is a September call up too.

I think if Harper came up today, he'd get owned for awhile. With pitching, if you have great stuff, you can get away with things. Hitting is different. Harper could come up, but he's gonna be facing savvy veteran pitchers who know how to get guys out. He wouldn't be facing those kinds of guys in the minors, where kids are still developing mechanics and what not.

I agree. No need to rush period. Garcia, Colon, Millwood is the totem pole I'm seeing for the 5th starter role. If that collapses, I can see them trying to acquire a solid, middle to back end innings eater, who, while not a sexy name, can give them quality innings. It's just a matter of who fits that profile that's currently out there.