The Dolphins Make Me Cry.com - Forums

I know the season has just ended...But I find it interesting to see what teams are starting to do...

I think the rumor,that made me laugh the most was Derrick Lee, for Adrian Gonzalez....I'd have a hard time seeing the Padres parting ways with Gonzalez.....

The Peavy Saga does intrigue me,I'm curious to see who trades for him....

Gonzalez can be had for the right price, but a more expensive and older player is not that price. Hell, Derek Jeter can be had for the right price, no one is untouchable.

I think Peavy lands with the Braves, but you can never rule out the Yankees or Red Sox. They have the money for an extension and Peavy would help his team more if he did NOT hit.  .186 lifetime AVG with a .468 OPS. Yeah, thanks for the "purity" Jake, but never touch a bat again.

I firmly believe Matt Cain is also on the move. His W-L is deplorable, but you can blame the Giants offense for that one. He can be had with the right offer from a smart GM, as I think Sabean undervalues Cain due to his poor record. The kid is young, has 3 seasons under his belt where he never missed a start  and averages just above 200 IP. He is not an ace, but he is young, cheap and really can be had for an aging bat and a decent prospect. He would be an awesome #3 starter.

Agree completely, though I believe that Towers wants to keep Adrian locked in SD for a while. I think if a "very" impressive package of young pitching was offered, he might be tempted. I really don't think it will be this year though, because the 1B that I believe Towers would want to replace Adrian with is currently in our own farm system...Kyle Blanks. Kyle is probably another season or two away from the big leagues, assuming he continues to impress like he has at A and AA the last two seasons.

I have been hearing Manny to Yankee talks.

Hank Steinbrenner says he likes Manny. It doesn't make sense for the Yankees though. They need an outfielder, especially a young one. Hideki is basically a DH at this point, as his knees have deteriorated. So, they need a body in the outfield. Manny will be 37 next year and probably wants a 4-5 year deal. 1B/DH belongs to Hideki/Matsui/Jeter in the next few years.

I won't pretend that Manny isn't a great hitter, or that he won't hit .700 against Boston out of spite because he is an asshole, but it' just isn't worth it.

i hope abreu and pettite stay

NYY would be nuts to let Abreu walk.  Great defensive glove, great speed on the basis and he's a doubles / RBI machine.  He is worthy of a 3 year contract.

You can include Posada in that list as well.  Meaning the Yankees will need catching help.  Now the question is, if Jeter is DH'ing, do you move A-Rod back to his natural position at SS or keep him at 3B?   

I actually meant to include Posada, but instead I listed Hideki/Matsui/Jeter. Thank God I am not a GM, we would've been ruined!

Any guesses on how much money and stuff the Red Sox and Yankees will throw at Sabathia?

Abreu was a very good player in the past and even solid this year, but his defense is now terrible. He used to have a good arm and range, but now he is a complete liability. If they went into 2009 with him, I wouldn't be sad, but he will get a multi-year deal and is a Type A free agent. So, that would net you the signing's team's first round pick PLUS a supplemental pick between the first and 2nd round. That's where Joba was selected.

I would do the same thing with Damaso Marte. When you have lots of money like the Yankees, signing draft picks is never a problem, unless they had no intention of signing anyway like Gerritt Cole this year.

The Yankees want him badly, even though I am not sure how great of a bet he will be in 5-6 years. The Red Sox would love to add him, but they aren't really as desperate for pitching as the Yankees are. Lester/Beckett/Matsuzaka/Wakefield. They just need a 5th starter and could use Masterson or Buchholz for that.

I think CC can be had for 7 years/$140 Million. I think the Yankees will give him $184 Million because Hank Steinbrenner is an idiot who bets against himself. That's why A-Rod got 10 years/$300 Million when no one else would've came close.

^Don't tell me that the Sox will plan on keeping Wake. It's time to say goodbye.

Wake's option was already picked up.

181 IP
4.11 ERA
112 ERA+
$4 Million

That's probably the best bargain in all of baseball, not including younger players who didn't hit arbitration yet. Wake is supposed to be a 4th starter and he pitched just as well if not better than Josh Beckett.

As a Yankee fan, yes, it's time for Wakefield to go.

And by taking this club option, they've triggered one for next year - every year they pick up the club option, they gain one for the following year

The Sox won't be going after CC.  You'll see them chasing down lower end targets like Derek Lowe.

The Sox will pretend to go after CC to drive up the price, but I think the Yankees opening offer will be so ridiculous, it won't matter.

I just don't understand the hard on for this guy.  I really don't.  He folds like a tent when really needed.  Why blow your budget on someone like that?

I am on the fence with this guy. On one hand, he is a workhorse and the Yankees need reliable pitching more than anything. He is pretty much coming off of back to back Cy Young years, even though he won't win it this season due to the trade. Plus, money is virtually no object because of the new stadium, so it's worth the risk.

On the other hand, his playoff record is spotty, though he did perform amazing down the stretch this season with the Brewers.

I am in favor of it, but I am a bit skeptical too. It's better than giving Tex all that money though. Ooh, a power hitting 1B, where on Earth can you find one of those? Oh that's right, EVERYWHERE! You can put a monkey at 1B as long as he hits. I would rather sign Adam Dunn and move him to 1B.

Padres GM Kevin Towers said Jake Peavy has added the Yankees and Angels to the list of teams to whom he'd approve a trade.
That's very good news for the Padres, as it doesn't look like the NL teams on Peavy's list were interested in anteing up. The Yankees and Angels have the talent to put together strong packages if they wish. The Padres would probably want Phil Hughes from the Yankees as part of the deal. Nick Adenhart, Brandon Wood and Sean Rodriguez are possibilites from the Angels. The Padres might also request Reggie Willits as part of a deal.
Source: SI.com

I gotta be honest, I am starting to sour a bit on Peavy. Sabathia would cost a shitload of cash. Peavy would want an extension, meaning a shitload of cash AND a shitload of prospects. Not to mention, Peavy didn't even average 6 and a half innings per start this year, and that was in the NL and pitcher's paradise. A move to the brutal AL East and a 9 man lineup may not produce ace-like results.

I would still take Peavy in a heartbeat, but I would rather just have Sabathia due to the cash. I can part with Hughes and some other guys, just not prospects and cash. So, I would like to stay away from Peavy.

Agent Rick Thurman indicated Monday that the Rockies have already made it clear they won't re-sign Brian Fuentes.
The Rockies would love to have Fuentes back, but they're not going to try to compete with offers that could guarantee the left-hander $11 million-$12 million per season for three or four years. The Mets, Cardinals and Angels are among those interested.
Source: Denver Post

Oooh, a 33 year old reliever who wants $40 Million. SIGN ME UP! He is a nice asset, but closers are a dime a dozen. It's the guys who can do it for 7+ years who are the real gems. Even then, the difference between a top closer and a good one isn't that wide a gap. Over a career it can be, but not season to season.

SI.com reports that the Brewers have, within the past day or so, presented CC Sabathia with a contract offer in the $100 million range.
Jon Heyman says that the word is that the proposal was for four or five years and between $20 and $25 million, and quite possibly for $100 million over five years. That fits in quite well with yesterday's speculation from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Sabathia seems highly, highly unlikely to re-sign with the Brewers before hitting the open market next week.
Source: SI.com

It won't nearly be enough, but kudos to the Brewers for trying. This is a real offer, not like a fake real offer that Billy Beane used to make.

MLB.com reports that the Nationals "have targeted" free agent Adam Dunn.
Washington is also said to be interested in sluggers like Prince Fielder, Matt Holliday and Mark Teixeira, but Dunn is by far the most realistic option given that Nationals general manager Jim Bowden drafted him back when he was with the Reds.
Source: MLB.com

I would love to have Dunn in the outfield or play 1B for the Yankees. 4 years in a row he has had exactly 40 HR. That is the definition of consistency. He isn't an MVP like Pujols or A-Rod, but he makes your team better and he is still young. He seems to be overlooked because of his low AVG and high K totals, but he is an OBP machine and produces. I would gladly take him for 5 years/$75 Million. I would consider it a bargain.

what day can we actually start signing?

I read in our local paper yesterday that the Cardinals are interested in Holliday, but it is not a high priority, so they probably will not get him.

^^^STAY AWAY FROM HOLLIDAY YOU NATIONAL LEAGUE SCURGE!!!!!

HE'S MIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIINE!

Ahem.

What I meant to say is that I sure would like to see Matty patrolling CF next year in Boston. 

SO KEEP YOUR MITS OFF, LADY!!!

 :D

I want the Yankees to have Adam Dunn too.

...then I want a video collage at the end of the season showing every single ball hit to him in the field. I'll sit there for hours, laughing hysterically as I watch Adam misjudge, boot, gack and choke play after play after play.

I don't want the Yankees to have Peavy though... Nothing funny about that situation.

If the Yankees get Peavy, I'll be sure to gravedig this post so I can laugh so hard that I'll cry. 

hahaha Maine.  You know the Cardinals will never cough up enough to get him.  They have been stingy since 1892.

Stingy and multiple time World Champions!  Something is working for them!

And they do open up the wallet from time to time, look no further than Hudson for proof of that.  Right?

Yeah, but they still think Carpenter is going to come back and are in complete denial that we need more pitching.  TLR and Dave Duncan manufactured some good teams out of squat. They have an abundance of good young outfielders.  They need middle infielders and pitching.  However, I wouldn't turn down a big bat to hit behind AP.  We have a saying here:  "DeWitt needs to open DeWallet."   

^^LOL...

Dan Patrick show this morning,Were talking that Mark Cuban is pretty much out of the race to buy the Cubs....

Alos the Towers,the Padres GM,pretty much talking J.Peavy to the Braves or the Cubs....We're also trying to resign R.Dempster...(Who I think will be a clossal failure in 2009...Maybe have a .500 record...12-10 at best)..I'm not sure if J.Peavy would help what woes us,add a couple of left handed Bats,Some middle relief help,and resign Kerry Wood....or a different Closer..I'm happy to hear us talking about getting rid of Marquis...

The Cubbies are probably the only potential "realistic" trade partner for Peavy that would allow me to still cheer for him after he's gone...so that'd be just fine by me.

Tell me of your farm system, Usul...

Water falls from the sky in my world.

I actually wondered if "anyone" would catch that little reference...

Do you give water to the dead?

The Jake Peavy trade watch continues....
A source in San Diego expected that the Padres would ask the Cubs about top pitching prospect Jeff Samardzija, who has full no-trade protection. If Samardzija's name entered the equation, the answer would be no. The Cubs are said to be pushing a deal built around left-hander Sean Marshall. Right-handed reliever Kevin Hart also could be included in the package, and even lefty-hitting second baseman Mike Fontenot.

I don't like Giving up Samardzija,and it's rumored were trying to go after Brian Roberts again....
http://www.suntimes.com/sports/baseball/cubs/1267764,CST-SPT-cub08.article (http://www.suntimes.com/sports/baseball/cubs/1267764,CST-SPT-cub08.article)

I wasn't likeing seeing this...
The Cardinals are the Leading in the Hunt for Matt Holiday....
According to reports in three different newspapers, St. Louis is a serious player for Holliday, who is widely expected to be dealt before Spring Training. Reports indicate that Ryan Ludwick, coming off a breakout season that may garner him down-ballot MVP votes, would be the centerpiece of any Cardinals package for Holliday.

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20081107&content_id=3670839&vkey=hotstove2008&fext=.jsp (http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20081107&content_id=3670839&vkey=hotstove2008&fext=.jsp)

Ryan Ludwick is 30 years old and this was his first great season. It was so out of nowhere that I doubt he could pass a drug test. He is expendable if it gets you Matt Holliday.

I would not trade Jeff Smrazdahiajiarajizajija if I were the Cubs, even if he waived his no-trade, which I doubt he would. He is a real talent and cost controlled for 5 years. Peavy is great, but would he be $20 Million a year better? I don't know.

Then again, we said this about Phil Hughes and Ian Kennedy about Johan Santana last winter and that turned out quite poorly.

How the hell are you supposed to Get a good Juicy Internet rumor going when a team Kills it so Fast...

St. Louis
PostDispatch say the Holiday is Dead...
The Cardinals won’t be celebrating a Holliday before Thanksgiving.

Or for that matter, anytime, according to general manager John Mozeliak.

Mozeliak insisted Sunday that discussions involving Colorado Rockies left fielder Matt Holliday have ceased and that "nothing is imminent. That one’s not happening — at all."
http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/sports/stories.nsf/cardinals/story/C3ADED8E4103B66A862574FD000C8F58?OpenDocument (http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/sports/stories.nsf/cardinals/story/C3ADED8E4103B66A862574FD000C8F58?OpenDocument)

fixed the link

I prefer to go after Brian Roberts over Peavy Personally...If you're gonna lose Wood in the Bullpen,leave Jeff there another year,so you have atleast one hard thrower in the pen...I loved what I saw of him in his time with the Big boys....He still needs work,but he's one of those guys that we hear we've got in the minors(He's really good,blah blah,blah),and it's actually true...A rarity as a Cubs fan...

I just want a couple of impact prospects for my Padres in any Peavy deal, and would prefer pitching prospects who can make the club this year or next. I do really like Samardzija though, and wouldn't mind seeing a deal around him at all. I think SD has a lot more quality hitting in their system than people think, and I think a few of them (Headley, Antonelli, Blanks, etc...) are "this close" to being MLB-ready. We need more pitching though...and we need a couple of blue-chippers at the front.

Since the link does not work I will tell you the Rockies wanted Ludwick as well as Skip Schumaker and Mitchell Boggs.  No. Sorry.

I will let my favorite Yankee site nomaas.org explain why:

11.12.2008 Of all the options available, they chose the worst one

It was announced on Wednesday that the Yankees signed left-handed reliever Damaso Marte to a 3-yr, $12 million contract.  We hope this is not an indication of how the rest of the offseason will go, because this deal makes no sense to us. 

It makes no sense because there were two much better options available to the front office in their dealings with Marte.

First of all, it's not often that you have the opportunity to grab two draft picks in exchange for a player who will only contribute in about 60 innings per season.  The Yankees have the opportunity to make a killing in the next draft.  Keeping Marte reduces the potential plunder.

Next, if you believe the Yankees need Marte in 2009 (which is definitely a valid argument and one we originally advocated), why in the world would you sign him for 3 years when you only had to keep him for one?  While Marte is good, there is no need to sign him through age 36.  Relievers are notoriously volatile.  Signing one into his golden years doesn't seem very logical, especially when you have young arms in waiting.  The Yankees also lost the possibility of obtaining draft picks for him after the 2009 season, which likely would have been the case if they simply picked up his one-year option. 

A bullpen needs to be fluid and cost-effective.  We were under the impression that the front office understood that.  This blunder makes us a little less confident.

A couple lines of thought on Marte:

The Yankees HAD to sign him.  The bullpen is a pretty big weakness and Marte is a solid contributor to it.  And, right now, he's still young.  So we're taking the draft picks out of the conversation because letting a quality bullpen arm walk wasn't an option.

There are at least eight other teams out there that would have given Marte the exact same contract. 

Look at the state of the Yankees starting pitching and the realistic chance of landing a big name free agent.  CC has already all but said he doesn't want Yankee money.  Derek Lowe ain't going to NY.  Those are the only two reliable inning eater type guys on the market, everyone else is a toss.  So you're going into your season with a bunch of guys that could barely get into the 6th inning -- and you know you are going to be torching your bullpen again.

If you know that you are going to get 60-70 innings out of a proven reliever, and that he's not going to kill you while doing those innings, you have to. 

If the Yankees front end were built better and full of horses you can take your chance on building a cheaper bullpen.  Yankees are not in that position.  Even Tampa had some higher priced guys in their bullpen.  That is an area where you need to be smart.  Don't overspend like Baltimore did a couple years ago but don't underspend and go into a gun battle with a fork.

I read this on the Braves site this morning.


http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20081113&content_id=3677434&vkey=news_atl&fext=.jsp&c_id=atl

Report: Braves, Friars near Peavy deal


The Padres are on the verge of trading All-Star right-hander Jake Peavy to the Braves, CBS Sportsline.com reported late Wednesday night.
The deal, which has been in the works for more than a month, would reportedly net the Padres shortstop Yunel Escobar, Class A outfielder Gorkys Hernandez, one of two starting pitchers -- Charlie Morton or Jo-Jo Reyes -- and either reliever Blaine Boyer or one of two Minor League left-handers

I'm really bummed that San Diego is doing this.  I get it, but bummed.

The Braves have had the most to offer,I think Towers was using the Cubs as a bargining chip against Atlanta.The Cubs were trying to get a third team involved so the Padres could get the pitching that they wanted in return....

Sabathia is going to be a Yankee. They are going to offer him the world and unless he hates NY more than Homer Simpson, he will be donning the pinstripes next season. They will also re-sign Pettitte, meaning they just need one more starter if Mussina does retire. So, they are in good shape there.

The bullpen was actually good last year and filled with guys Cashman either drafted or bought off of the scrap heap. Mark Melancon should be called up this season and he is the heir apparent to Mo. So, no need to go 3 years on Marte. If they were worried about this year, they could've picked up his option and then collected 2 draft picks next season.

The length of the contract is the issue I have because you just don't give middle relievers longer than 2 years, it always blows up in your face.

I'll give ya "usually" for that, but there are some cases where setup guys get a 3+ year contract and pitch just fine. Scott Linebrink when he came to SD from Houston is one...Scot Shields in Anaheim is probably the best example.  I wouldn't give a setup guy a long-term deal either, but occasionally you hit on one that can anchor in at that pen slot and remain consistent.

Yeah, the usually part should go there. It's just a bad idea because the way the Yankees spend money on draft picks, we can land a first overall pick talent wise at our draft slot due to signability issues. Get a bunch of those and within 2 years you have a Top 3 farm system. With the ages of some of our players, drafting kids at non-pitching positions is vital.

Plus, I am scared of Marte in NY. I know it's a small sample size, but he sucked over here and we JUST got rid of Farnsworth. Don't want the left handed sequel.

The New York Post speculates that the Yankees will offer CC Sabathia a six-year, $150 million contract.
And that just may be where the bidding starts. The newspaper quotes "one Yankee executive" as saying that "we have to separate ourselves" and notes that "unless Sabathia really will reject the largest pitching package ever, the Yankees have the inside track." If the Yankees fail to land Sabathia the newspaper reports that Derek Lowe and A.J. Burnett are "their next choices."
Source: New York Post

6 years at $25 Million per. Largest contract ever for a pitcher, annual salary wise. I think Hampton got more, but that terrible contract shouldn't count. The only way Sabathia will not be a Yankee, is if he truly hates NY and wants to pitch on the west coast, because the Yankees will offer at least $5 Million more per season than anyone else. They are loaded with cash and have another $40 Million off the books next season. It's up to CC.

I don't view Marte as a set up guy.  A set up guy is a guy designed for 8th inning action.  Yes he did that in spots last year, but his true value could be more of a bridge roll.  And, in that roll, I think his true value lies.

I'll believe CC goes to NY when I see it.  I don't doubt that they'll build him his very own bank - I doubt CC will take that money.  I think he'll get a huge contract to pitch in a city where he's more comfortable.  Just pure opinion.

I know we've danced to this tune before, but when you read that statement, doesn't the inherent inequity of it bother you at all? Don't you want to cheer for a team that wins because it plans/manages/plays better than the competition, rather than because you were able to throw more money at it?

I don't think you'll ever see any "major market" team completely home grown.  Look at Boston.  They have some great parts out of the farm system.  Starting 1b, 2b, CF, SP, C, several bullpen pieces.  They had a chance to make their outfield completely home grown and patrolled by Moss, Murphy and Ellsbury and then dumped a bunch of money at JD Drew's door. 

Boston has more patience with their system than the Yankees do and Boston will still end up spending too much money this offseason.  Thankfully you will see them doing that with role players and not chasing down the likes of guys like Burnett.

NYY's system is far out valued and they know it, which is why they are doing what the Yankees do -- chase everyone and anyone.  You would think they would have learned by now. 

The Yankees have tried recently with the farm system, but it's coming up short on the starting pitching front, so they are going after the big names. Hell, just last year they decided to hang onto their prospects and kissed Santana goodbye. This year, they can get a 2 time Cy Young winner(if he wasn't traded) for just a bazillion dollars, no prospects.

I don't like them buying every single player, but I am alright with pitching. That, and smart trades like the Swisher one.

Sabathia
Wang
Joba
Pettitte
Mussina

With Hughes and Kennedy at AAA all year and only available for spot starts. That is fine by me. 3 of those guys could give you 200 IP with Mussina close by and Chamberlain hopefully at 180. That's a much safer offseason plan than last season.

They went too gung ho last year with rookies, now they are just using some farm guys (mainly in the pen) and having some stud starters. I am fine with it as long as they don't get Burnett or Tex, who I think vanishes when the shit hits the fan like A-Rod.

Bump...
http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20081123&content_id=3689772&vkey=hotstove2008&fext=.jsp (http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20081123&content_id=3689772&vkey=hotstove2008&fext=.jsp)

According to this Article, the Cubs are still looking at Mark Tehan....Trading Sean Marshall,and Mike Fontenot  for him...I hate the Idea of this....I feel this is a horrible move for the Cubs....No I don't think Marshall or Fontennot are Great players by any stretch...But I don't think Teahan is the answer either....I feel this a lot like Jacque Jones all over again..." Well he had a down year last year,But we feel he'll get back to his form he had a couple of years ago with us..." mentality.....

This also makes think of the Juan Pierre trade.. >:( >:(

thanks !

The guy is a walking and HR machine. You can't have too many of him in the lineup, as the A's have showed this season, but he is still very valuable. Considering the cost of Tex, Dunn would make a great 1B alternative.

Damon
Jeter
Matsui
A-Rod
Posada
Dunn
Nady
Cano
Some Scrub

Sounds good to me. Tex is better, but offensively he isn't THAT much better than people think. 32.6 to 27.7 in VORP favors Tex, but that isn't worth an extra $10 Million a year for 4 additional seasons.

Oh God - I couldn't disagree with you more about these two.  Have you looked inside Dunn's numbers?  Have you looked at his defensive numbers with runners on, versus Mark's?  Have you looked at his K/hit ratio with runners in scoring position?

Have you noticed that Dunn is a CAREER .247 hitter?  That is awful.  Simply awful.  So you get 40 jacks out of him...at what cost?  His highest BA ever was .264 and his career OBP of .381 is OKAY but it's not earth shattering.  Not to mention his 166 strikeouts this season.  23 doubles.  That's it.  His power he should have been lacing balls that one hop walls all the time.

The guy hit 40 home runs...and still only had 100 RBI on the season.  Eight errors in the OUTFIELD? Career .974 fielding average?

It would be a dream come true for the Yankees to sign Adam Dunn.  I would love it. 

Meanwhile Teixeira is a career .290 hitter that gives you a consistent 30/110 each year.  He struck out last than 100 times this past year.  Career fielding percentage of .995 (and he's not in the outfield...not outfielder should have a fielding percentage of .974 and still have a job).

Teixeira in the Yankees lineup?  I might as well stop watching.  Gold glove defense, amazing pop in the bat, young guy AND a great club house guy.  Adam Dunn?  I'm dancing a jig.  40 HRs in a season and...that's about it.  162 games in a year, I'll take my chances facing Dunn!

This guy sucks.  He really does. 

I'm gonna hijack here...My apologies ...

I think it might have been on Cowherd,or Dan Patrick during the baseball season....Mentioned the Down side of Tex was that He doesn't seem to make the people around him better,While he's got good numbers...He doesn't make the others around him better...

Ie Manny The hitters in front of him,and Behind their numbers are better,they get better things to hit...

I'm probably totally off base here,and the numbers will show me I'm wrong...I thought it was intresting...
End hijack....

I read that Towers still thinks the Cubs are leading for Jake Peavy.... :o

I'm not sure I completely agree with that stance on Tex, although I understand it.  But I think it's important to look at what he had around him.  In Texas the only firepower around him was Young.  In Atlanta...well...he didn't really have any.  Same kind of goes in Anaheim - he strapped that team to his back and kind of carried them.

I'm personally drinking the Tex special juice.  A line up that looks like this is a wet dream for me:

Ellsbury - CF
Dusty - 2B
Ortiz - DH
Tex - 1B
Youkilis - 3B
Bay - LF
Drew - RF
Salty - C
Lowrie - SS

...THAT would be a balanced offense with a ton of punch...I don't even know what to do with Mikey Lowell...

As a Yankee fan, I have grown to be discomforted by any deal longer than 3 years, so I would prefer they don't sign Tex. However, as of now he is an awesome player. Whether or not he is just this great because of his walk years and whether he can maintain this after getting a massive deal remains to be seen.

I also heard he keeps to himself and isn't the greatest teammate, though that doesn't mean he is a bad guy, just kinda a loner. I would be happier with CC/Dunn/Pettitte than I would Tex/Burnett/Hughes.

Are you saying a ten year deal for Tex scares you a little, Edge?  Now why would THAT be??
;)

Gotta love being a fan nowadays. If the Yankees signed him for 10 years I would say "Shit, we're doomed". However, if the Red Sox signed him for 10 years I would say "Shit, we're doomed".

LMAO.  It's so true.

I'm looking at his age (he's 28, I think).  If they actually gave him a ten year deal I don't see where he wouldn't be able to man a decent 1B for 6-7 of it, anyway.  Of all the positions to fan out a ten year deal for...1B is the one with the least risk.  After he starts going downhill a little defensively I would think there would be a place for him as a DH.

Tex is one guy that I think a ten year deal might work - no matter who signs him.  You know what you're getting.  He'll get you between .290 - .300 each year with about a .390 OBP and 30/110 with solid defense.  Not bad at all, as long as you have the guys around him to help.  He has the type of bat that makes other 30/110 guys like Lowell and Jason Bay even better.  But if you stick him in with a bunch of .260 / 15 / 70 guys you're in trouble.

This time they don't need to post a Brink's truck worth of money just to talk to the kid.  Looks like Boston is close to pulling the trigger on 22 year old Junichi Tazawa.  He's one of the better younger guns in the ranks in Japan, he'll need a good chunk of time in the minors before he sees the light of day at the MLB level.  I would think he might even start in Lowell with a fast track to Portland.

I'm reading the latest Cubs Tidbits,Thankfully the Cubs are not intrested in Fontenot,and marshall for Teahan rumor,But at the end of the tidbits it says they're waiting to find out if Kerry Wood is a Type A/or B

Could somebody explain what's the criteria for being a type A or B free agent?

I understand if you sign a Type A free agent you lose your first round draft pick....But What makes them a Type A.....

I get that question a lot, it's a good one.  The Elias Sports Bureau compiles stats for ESPN, SI, major sports companies, etc.

Elias compiles rankings for each player based upon their performance over the two most recent seasons. These rankings are used to place players into three tiers of value:
Type A - top 20%
Type B -20% - 40%
Type C - remaining 60%

The compensation is determined by that.

Take Matt Holliday, now in Oakland.  People think Oakland will trade him.  No way.  They'll keep him this year and let him walk - and earn themselves two first round picks.  It's brilliant.  He's the classic type A FA.

Thank you Maine...

I have to admit, I'm waiting for that first domino to fall,to set off a bunch of signings/trades... :D

I'm confused on why Kevin Towers the Gm from the Padres,is being so transparent about the Jake Peavy trade,but I like the info....

Jake Peavy could be a little closer to being traded and the Chicago Cubs could be a little closer to getting him.

San Diego Padres general manager Kevin Towers said Wednesday night he might have identified a third team that would facilitate sending the standout pitcher to the Cubs, who don’t possess the depth in prospects or big league-ready talent to meet the Padres’ asking price.

Towers, who last week hit an impasse in negotiations with the Atlanta Braves, declined to name the third team. He said he intended to speak again to Cubs GM Jim Hendry after the Thanksgiving holiday.


(That's the whole article,but Here's the link...)
http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news?slug=ti-peavycubs112608&prov=yhoo&type=lgns (http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news?slug=ti-peavycubs112608&prov=yhoo&type=lgns)

I also find it interseting that Pinella,basically thought we didn't need Peavy (or didn't think it was going to happen),and was looking for a middle of the order Bat  ???

I admit, What little Payroll we have to work with, Adding a starting pitcher isn't where I want to spend the cash....I'd love to move Jason Marquis...P.O.S. ,and maybe even Koske....and spend the money elsewhere...Ie Middle relief,a better closer option,lead off man...Better bench

Tentative deal in place: Javier Vazquez to Atlanta (along with RP Boone Logan). 

The four players going the other way are:
P Santos Rodriguez
3B Jon Gilmore
C Tyler Flowers
SS/2B Brent Lillibridge

Chicago has been hot for Lillibridge for a while, I guess.

Let the run on reliever Start...
The Giants Sign Bob Howery (Thankfully he wont be a Cubs again)

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/sfgate/detail?blogid=22&entry_id=33208&tsp=1 (http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/sfgate/detail?blogid=22&entry_id=33208&tsp=1)

The Cardinals Sign Trevor Miller....

http://www.stltoday.com/discussions/sports/joe-strauss-live/LD120108581 (http://www.stltoday.com/discussions/sports/joe-strauss-live/LD120108581)

Edited for Legibility

That's one need addressed.

The New York post is talking that Khalil Greene will probably be moved before the winter meetings....A salary dump...
http://blogs.nypost.com/sports/st/archives/2008/12/khalil_greene_o.html (http://blogs.nypost.com/sports/st/archives/2008/12/khalil_greene_o.html)

Updating the Above Trade K. Greene to the Cardinals!
http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/sports/stories.nsf/cardinals/story/592462BD94133328862575150029C606?OpenDocument (http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/sports/stories.nsf/cardinals/story/592462BD94133328862575150029C606?OpenDocument)

http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2008/dec/03/padres-cardinals-agree-deal-will-send-greene-st-lo/?padres (http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2008/dec/03/padres-cardinals-agree-deal-will-send-greene-st-lo/?padres)

See ya, Spicoli... I'll miss  your defense, but not your wild hacks at the plate.

I reeeeeally like the Braves' Yunel Escobar, and hope he's part of the Peavy deal if it goes down with Atlanta.

The Tigers Aquired Pirates SS Jack Wilson
http://www.nj.com/yankees/index.ssf/2008/12/detroit_tigers_acquire_ss_jack.html (http://www.nj.com/yankees/index.ssf/2008/12/detroit_tigers_acquire_ss_jack.html)

Edgar Renteria reportly Signs With Giants
http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/8888962/Sources:-Giants-sign-Renteria-to-two-year-deal (http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/8888962/Sources:-Giants-sign-Renteria-to-two-year-deal)

Sorry Stroke,but I don't think Atlanta is going to pursue Jake
Peavy...They've made an offer to A.J. Burnett.....
http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/braves/stories/2008/12/04/braves_burnett.html (http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/braves/stories/2008/12/04/braves_burnett.html)

Well not so fast on the Wilson deal...
from the pittsburgh post gazzette...
A report in the Newark Star-Ledger says that the Pirates have traded shortstop Jack Wilson to the Detroit Tigers. That has not been independently confirmed, and no other details are mentioned.

UPDATE 12:36 p.m.: The Pirates have no response to the report.

12:46 p.m.: No one has informed Wilson or his agent, Page Odle, of any trade. This is significant because Wilson's limited no-trade clause includes Detroit, and he would have to give his approval. No such approval has happened yet.

12:52 p.m.: Frank Coonelly, the Pirates' president, denied that Wilson has been traded.

12:58 p.m.: This is what is known: The Pirates and Los Angeles Dodgers continued talks regarding Wilson throughout the week, but Detroit re-emerged last night with a fresh offer, one that was enough to cause some buzz within the Pirates' front office. That, apparently, has turned up the heat on both parties. One source a few minutes ago told me, "I know that the Dodgers are still players in this." There still are no names on the Tigers' side.

http://community.post-gazette.com/blogs/pbc/default.aspx (http://community.post-gazette.com/blogs/pbc/default.aspx)

I have a couple pals covering the Vegas meetings.  Here is what they tell me.

The Mets are close to signing K-Rod.  Looks like they will come to terms to something like 37 million over three years.

The Cubs and Padres are close on a deal to send Peavy to Chicago.  I don't want to comment on the package because I think what I am hearing for players is a load of crap, but I believe something is close.

Boston is very close on Burnett.  Don't buy the Atlanta hype.  If Atlanta ups the ante and offers AJ a six year deal, he'll take that.  I also think that Boston is close to signing Teixeira.

I said this a month ago, I'll say it now.  Sabathia doesn't want the Yankees money.  He just doesn't.  I think he's praying someone comes close to the Yankees offer so he doesn't have to bow to the PA's pressure to take the offer and set the bar.

The Cubs are looking at Milton Bradley and Adam Dunn.  I also think they are going to make a run at Abreu.

The Yankees will most likely hop in the Manny sweepstakes if nothing else than to drive up the price.  They are also shopping Damon and might have a dance partner in Oakland, of all places.  The Yankees are also talking to Derek Lowe and Huston Street.

Surprise, surprise...by the way, the Yankees will make an offer to Ben Sheets and Brad Penny soon.

The Braves and Cards are talking about Ankiel.  The Braves have some pieces in AAA that the Cards want.

The Dodgers are close to a three year deal with Casey Blake.

Two players were dangling as trade bait recently:  Seattle has made J.J. Putz available and Toronto said they will listen to offers for Halladay.

I think the Dye for Homer Bailey trade will still go through.  And it's really freaking stupid. 

...that is what I am hearing from Vegas.  Take it for what you will.

I read this morning that CC wants to play in SoCal, preferably for the Dodgers.

Modified to add: The Cardinals apparently want Mike Gonzalez in a trade for Ankiel.  I would be happy to see this trade, but I doubt the Braves will pull the trigger on that one.

I have to admit I Thought this trade rumor was intresting...
http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/extras/extra_bases/2008/12/and_another_thi.html (http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/extras/extra_bases/2008/12/and_another_thi.html)
Francoeur for Greinke

I'm reading Lot's of rumors the Cubs,Padres pretty much have a deal..Some involve the Phillies,getting Derosa.The Cubs Trading Pie,to Baltimore for G. Olsen to flip in the Peavy Deal... :-\

The Cubs are insisting that we need to pick up a bat,and Move Jason Marquis (some reports have Marquis as part of the Peavy deal) Before the Cubs Pull the Peavy Deal...

I'm thinking If the Cubs get Peavy,it may mean Bull pen action for Dempster again....

if boston signs my namesake i would love a boston jersey with his/my name on it !

that would rule

Indians Appear to be close to a deal with Kerry Wood according to MLB.com
http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20081209&content_id=3708244&vkey=news_cle&fext=.jsp&c_id=cle&partnerId=rss_cle (http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20081209&content_id=3708244&vkey=news_cle&fext=.jsp&c_id=cle&partnerId=rss_cle)

2 year deal,with a possible option year..I'm curious to see the cash....

I wish John Maine would get sent to the Sox for that reason...

;)

If CC wanted to play for the Yankees, he would've signed by now. He wants a California team, but at an offer close to what the Yankees are offering, and that hasn't happened yet.

I would hate for the Yankees to get Burnett, but if they signed Derek Lowe or Ben Sheets to a 2 year deal as well as Pettitte to a 1 year, they would have more leverage and pretty much tell CC to take it or leave it. I don't think Sabathia is better than Johan, but it's hard to argue with 2 Cy Youngs in a row(he didn't win it this year, but he had a better season than the NL guys who did).

The San Jose Mercury News passes along a rumor that CC Sabathia has declined the Yankees' six-year, $140 million offer.
Apparently, the rumor is spreading fast, and the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel has also picked up on it. An executive close to the CC Sabathia talks told the Andrew Baggerly of the Mercury News that the Brewers are emerging as the frontrunners for Sabathia. Dec. 9 - 4:50 pm et
Source: San Jose Mercury News

If true, it's obvious he hates NY and needs a more relaxed environment. Can't really blame the guy. He turned down the richest pitching contract in history to be happy.

  I'm glad CC told the Yankees to go fuck themselves.  It's good too see that it's not always about the money, and pretty much dispell the myth that "everyone wants to play for the Yankees."  Kudos to you, CC Sabathia.

Unfortunately, Ken rosenthal of foxsports says it's not True that C.C. Declined the yanks offer yet....I hope CC does reject the Yankees...
http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/8916168/LIVE:-Tuesday-updates-from-winter-meetings (http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/8916168/LIVE:-Tuesday-updates-from-winter-meetings)

The Reds have Traded Ryan Freel, for Ramon Hernandez,prospects Brandon Waring and Justin Turner and will send $1MM to the Reds.
http://cincinnati.reds.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20081209&content_id=3708460&vkey=news_cin&fext=.jsp&c_id=cin (http://cincinnati.reds.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20081209&content_id=3708460&vkey=news_cin&fext=.jsp&c_id=cin)

I really like Ryan Freel...that dude goes balls to the wall on every single play. Unfortunately, that style of play has led to some injuries the past few years. Hopefully he can stay healthy in Baltimore.

Yeah, I doubt the rumor is true either. It shocked me at first, but now I realize it is false. What sense does it make to tell your highest bidder that you won't sign with them with no other similar offers in place?

I can honestly believe he WILL reject the Yankees, but he will let them think they still have a chance to drive up other offers.

I won't kill myself if they miss out on CC, but I will kill myself if they sign Burnett in his place. AJ was below average last year when not facing the Yankees, something he will not be doing if he wears pinstripes. Ooh, he struck out a lot of people! Great, too bad he also gave up a lot of runs. Strikeouts are just fancy outs, they don't disqualify homeruns and doubles given up.

According to SI.com,The Yankees are talking to Scott Boras about Derek Lowe 4 year 65 million dollar deal...
http://www.fannation.com/si_blogs/hot_stove/posts/30781-yankees-may-consider-fifth-year-for-burnett (http://www.fannation.com/si_blogs/hot_stove/posts/30781-yankees-may-consider-fifth-year-for-burnett)

Unfortunately, that is the going rate for pitching nowadays. I like Lowe, though I feel if he pitched in the AL East with the Yankees defense, he would have an ERA+ of around 110 and go 200 IP, which is valuable, just not ace worthy.

Still:

Sabathia
Wang
Lowe
Joba
Pettitte/Sheets/AAA Guy

That's pretty solid and a vast improvement over last year. They still need offensive help, but that would be one of the top rotations in the majors.

The Yankees may have had a breakthrough with CC Sabathia prior to GM Brian Cashman flying out to see the left-hander on Tuesday.
"From (Tuesday) morning until (Tuesday) night, things are looking a lot more positive in terms of us signing this guy," a Yankees official told the Star-Ledger. "If you'd asked me at 11 a.m. (Tuesday) morning, I'd have told you no way. But right now, we have a real shot." There is no indication that the Yankees have raised their offer, but it's possible the two sides are working on an opt-out clause that would allow Sabathia to leave after two or three years if he doesn't like New York.
Source: Newark Star-Ledger

An opt-out clause would really be something. He wouldn't use it to make more money, because the Yankees offer was already the highest. Then again, that's EXACTLY what A-Rod did because the Steinbrenners are idiots.

NY is a culture shock and Randy Johnson didn't handle it particularly well, so there is legit concern, but Mussina retired and they have assloads of cash from the new stadium. They have to make this move happen.

Piece of shit Sabbatia is all talk no action, John Heyman of SI.com is saying Sabbathia is signing with the Yankees,No Kudos,or Dog Biscuit for you Mr Sabatthia.,..I hope your arm falls off....

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/jon_heyman/12/10/sabathia.yanks/index.html (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/jon_heyman/12/10/sabathia.yanks/index.html)

Ahh F- it,a lot of people are saying it now..Ken Rosenthal
http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/8921184/Sabathia-ends-suspense,-agrees-to-deal-with-Yankees (http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/8921184/Sabathia-ends-suspense,-agrees-to-deal-with-Yankees)

7 year 160 million

Also, I missed this yesterday (sorting through all the Jake Peavy B.S.)..

The Dodgers Signed Casey Blake and Mark Loretta yesterday,I had to add that for our Favorite Dodger Fan,AZ....
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3756550 (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3756550)

John Heyman just talking on Dan patrick radio,that He think the Yankees will stil sign Derek lowe,or Burnett (probably Lowe),and then Go get one more pitcher,probably Ben Sheets....

I think you are fooling yourself a little if you think this is one of the top rotations in the majors.  I just don't agree.

CC is a legit ace and he'll get you 20 wins and keep you in another 5-8 games.  He'll only take 5ish losses.

Wang is coming off two injury plagued seasons.

Lowe is awesome and I want him, but he's grossly out of place at #3.  He is a .500ish pitcher with a consistent 4.50 ERA - but he eats innings.  He's more suited for #4.

Joba hasn't proved he can be in the rotation.

Hanging your hat at #5 on Sheets...yikes.  Healthy?  The steal of the century.

Better rotation than last year?  Sure.  I think the Yanks would be better off going like this -

1) CC
2) Andy (toss whatever you need at him to stay)
3) Wang
4) Hughes
5) Sheets / Penny / Kennedy?

Joba needs to be in the bullpen.  8th inning guy and then move him to a closer role.

You just signed CC to a SIX year deal...do you really want to break the bank for Derek Lowe?  Seriously?  The CC signing is awesome for this year and next...by the time you get around 3rd, 4th...FIFTH year...total liability.  Do you really want to tack on a 40 year old Derek Lowe into that mix?  The same reasons I think NYY should stay away from Lowe is the same reasons I think Boston should stay away from Burnett.  You don't give pitchers that many years.  You just don't.

Hughes is going to be healthy.  He has ace material.   I think you anchor the top with CC, Andy and Wang and fill out the rest as you can with waiver moves and call ups.  That gives you better flexibility for the future AND a pretty damn good rotation now.

I have to amdit, it makes me think Zambrano @ 91 million dollar deal was a steal....Even the P.O.S. Soriano @ 136 Million a good deal,atleast he plays err shows up every third day or so.... :D

^^It's amazing how new deals make old ones look good!  Manny at 20 million a year looked like a bargain compared to what he'll get on the open market.  And the fact that Boston will most like sign Tex to an 8 year / 160 million deal.  Holy crap. 

^^^ WORD!

Heyman is talking about A-Rod type money for Teixeira...
http://www.fannation.com/si_blogs/hot_stove/posts/30941-teixeira-might-get-200-million (http://www.fannation.com/si_blogs/hot_stove/posts/30941-teixeira-might-get-200-million)

The Braves have made an offer for AJ Burnett,according to sources 5 year 80 millon
http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/8921818/Source:-Braves-make-$80M-offer-to-Burnett (http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/8921818/Source:-Braves-make-$80M-offer-to-Burnett)

The Rays turned down a Trade offer by the Marlins for Hermida...
Jeremy Hermida for two top pitching prospects, likely from a group including RHPs Jeff Niemann, Wade Davis, Jeremy Hellickson and Mitch Talbot.
http://blogs.sun-sentinel.com/sports_baseball_marlins/2008/12/rays-reject-her.html (http://blogs.sun-sentinel.com/sports_baseball_marlins/2008/12/rays-reject-her.html)

1) Wang only missed 3 starts in 2007. Last year was a fluke injury running the bases, it wasn't arm troubles.

2) You have to remain a few different rotations that would be better than the one I proposed. I am sure you can make an argument for 1 or 2, but 5 or 6? I can't see that. I am fine with a 2 year gamble on Sheets with a bunch of vesting options. He is very talented, but injured. Funny, he has a better track record than AJ, yet is being overlooked. AJ has had TWO healthy seasons, both walk years. Not a coincidence.

3) Manny is the only massive contract I can remember that was worth it. A-Rod too from a statistical point of view.

I'll defend the A Rod contract.  I would defend the Santana signing from last year, so far, as well.  There are some large signings that have worked.  Some that "kind of" worked.  Giambi put up good numbers for the Yankees.  The Moose contract, at the time, was mind boggling and it turns out he earned every penny of it.  So sometimes they work.

I think Tex will be a good signing for who ever gets him.

You are right on the Wang thing, I think I over stated 2007 in my head and thought it was more than three starts.  CC and Wang make a hell of a 1, 2.  I still say Andy comes back.  If that happens and they get Lowe and put him at 4, then you're right.  That is a nightmare of a rotation.  Lefty, righty, lefty, righty.  Power, sinker, power, sinker.  Jesus.  I do hope Cano holds his ground better defensively.  On a good note, anything is better defense wise at 1B than Giambi...right?

The wild card for the Yankees here is Hughes.  I hope to God they get over confident and trade him.  Because Hughes, in my opinion, could be the next Doc Halladay.  He really could.  This guy has 20 win material running in his blood.  I love Hughes.  I LIKE Kennedy.  But I don't think he has the mental make up for New York.  I LOVE Hughes. 

Hughes is an enigma, no one knows what is going on with him. If he can just stay healthy for a whole season he would be easier to gauge. Kennedy is impressing and I think is more MLB ready at this point, which is weird to say.

Burnett is about to sign with the Braves. Thank Christ.

Five years for that headcase is a headache that is best served in a market like Atlanta where no one cares.  That is a good spot for him.

You wait and see on Hughes versus Kennedy.  Remember this conversation in five years!  You'll think "man...that Maine guy was ahead of his time!"  Kennedy will be bagging groceries somewhere and Hughes will be a legit 1 or 2...

Just an inkling...

I do like Hughes more than Kennedy, I am just saying that Hughes hasn't impressed since his near no-hitter in 2007. Ever since then, injuries and terrible starts.

Kennedy has also been tragic, but he has been healthier and did very well in winter ball. If I had to pick one of them right now to make an impact first, it would be Kennedy, though I know Hughes' upside is far greater.

That said, I would feel much better with Pettitte or Alfredo Aceves as a 5th starter this season than those 2. With the way the AL East is, I think you have to have Pettitte as your 4th or 5th guy. Too much offense in the division and the Yanks aren't going to upgrade offensively enough to match them, so they are going to upgrade the staff.

I'm happy to see that Someone is reporting Mark Derosa Wont be included in a Peavy Trade....It's not that I think he's such a great player,but I think his versatility will be need after we sell the franchise for Peavy..He can play 2nd base,3rd base,and the outfield....http://hotstove.mlblogs.com/archives/2008/12/cubs_derosa_is_staying_put.html (http://hotstove.mlblogs.com/archives/2008/12/cubs_derosa_is_staying_put.html)

ok I have a hard time Believing that Baltimore is offering 20 mil for 9 years,and the Nats are offering 10 years at 20 mil for Mark Teixeira  ???
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/sports_blog/2008/12/teixeira-negoti.html (http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/sports_blog/2008/12/teixeira-negoti.html)

A Cardinal Rumor..
The Tigers are interested in Putz and the Cardinals have offered center fielder Rick Ankiel and a prospect, according to a rival general manager.
http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/8922020/Wednesday-MLB-winter-meetings-blog (http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/8922020/Wednesday-MLB-winter-meetings-blog) (About halfway down the page....)

I just read earlier today that the Rays were interested in Ankiel.

Heard on the radio that CC got picked up by the Yanks at $160M for 7 years.

They've offered AJ Burnett a five year / 91 million dollar contract. 

Did they not learn ANYTHING from Carl Pavano?

They are also rumored to have offered Big Tex a ten year / 190 million dollar deal.

I would LOVE to see the Yankees get 'em both.  I really would at this point.  I've always wanted to see a 300 million dollar payroll!   ;D

Like Father, Like Son

http://hotstove.mlblogs.com/archives/2008/12/still_no_news_on_peavy.html (http://hotstove.mlblogs.com/archives/2008/12/still_no_news_on_peavy.html)
According To San Diego Padres GM Kevin Towers the Peavy to the Cubs deal is Dead....He proposed a Deadline last night,that Something had to be get done today...(He also said that Peavy would be traded before free agency too...) TO ME, It Seemed like Towers was trying to put together a deal,through the Media,without really talking to all the parties involved....Jim Hendry Didn't want to Trade Mark Derosa,and as soon as the rumor that He could be offered in the deal,Hendry got flooded with Offers for Derosa,supposedly better than the ones in the Peavy deal....

I have to admit,I like Peavy,but I don't think that was our biggest problem,and it seemed like we were going to trade half our team to get him..... ??? We did win 97 games without Peavy....

I'd rather trade for a Brian Roberts,lead off guy,get some Bull pen help (Other than Gregg,I'm hating that trade) Some outfield Help...Then see where we are.....

I don't think they offered Tex that. However, they probably did offer Burnett that and it makes me sad. The man pitched 32 starts in a year twice. Once in his walk year and the other.....in his walk year. On that of that, he wasn't very good last season when he wasn't facing the Yankees. 243 K's is a sexy number, but a 4.70 ERA against non-Yankee teams isn't.

It would be a terrible signing for the Yanks. I would much rather throw Hughes or Kennedy out there for a full season.

The New York Post reports that Yankees GM Brian Cashman flew off to see free agent Andy Pettitte upon leaving the winter meetings Thursday.
The Post believes that Cashman is giving Pettitte a heads up that it's now or never time. The Yankees could very well sign two more pitchers in the coming days, leaving Pettitte without a rotation spot. If Pettitte is willing to commit now, then the Yankees would probably sign just one pitcher in addition to CC Sabathia. It's looking like it will be A.J. Burnett.
Source: New York Post

It's obvious Cashman wants Pettitte back, but on his terms. I know Andy fell apart in the 2nd half, but a lot of that was defense failing him. I still see him as a 200 IP guy at a league average ERA, and to have to just commit to one year for this is an amazing offer almost never given in baseball. Plus, it would HOPEFULLY make the Yankees skip on Burnett. Come on Atlanta, raise the bid!

Just a few minor details left, like who the 2nd player the Yankees send over will be. Since it will be a second or 3rd tier prospect, no big deal.

I have no idea what happened to Melky after April last year. He slugged 8 HR that month and looked to be on his way. Then, he just died offensively. Defensively he is still a stud, but it didn't make up for his pitcher-like at bats.

Cameron is a solid stop gap for a year until Austin Jackson is ready. So, I like this deal, but this isn't a massive offensive improvement.

As long as he passes a physical, which is in no way guaranteed. 5 years/$82.5 Million or $16.5 Million annually. I am not offing myself for three reasons:

1) I have a life outside of cheering for the Yankees

2) His record against the AL East is actually pretty impressive.

3) His inevitable injuries open up starts for Hughes and Kennedy and Aceves.

I am still not happy about it, but he is not Pavano Part 2. AJ has talent, he is just an oft-injured douchebag. Pavano was just a douchebag who never pitched.

I keep Reading the Cubs Number one Target for the Outfield is Milton Bradley...Milton Fucking Bradley? I guess we don't give a rat's ass about Team Chemistry do we?  I was a little sad to see the Philies Sign Raul Ibanez (sp?)
I wouldn't mind taking a Shot At Willie Tavearas,or Joey Gathright for a lead off hitter..Both Non Tender free agents...


Sunstroke...Do not Read beyond this point! For your own good...



This might interest Yankee and Sox fans...
“Jake has a strong preference to stay in the National League. If Jake's ever going to accept anything to the American League – and I don't want this to be taken wrong – I can safely say that it's going to be the Yankees or Red Sox or maybe the Angels. Those teams are going to be in contention and are going to spend money. If there were circumstances where he would be asked to go to the AL, kicking and screaming, those are the three places.”
Padres General Manager Kevin Towers said in November that he doubts Peavy would OK a trade to the Red Sox. After Cubs GM Jim Hendry told Towers on Thursday that trade talks on Peavy had collapsed, Towers was visited by Red Sox GM Theo Epstein. Towers said later his chat with Epstein was unrelated to Peavy.

http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2008/dec/12/s13padres-peavy-frustrated-trade-talks-cubs/?padres (http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2008/dec/12/s13padres-peavy-frustrated-trade-talks-cubs/?padres)

Unfortunately, I had read that already, and could post a couple more links that point to the same situation.

dis--gusting...

I can't fucking believe this.  They're gonna give $82 million to a guy who's never had an ERA below 3.44 or lasted a full season!!!!!

Terrible signing, but I don't think they had much of a choice.  They needed to do something to bolster the rotation and the farm system is not ready yet. 

What I don't get is the length of these deals.  7 years for a guy overweight and over worked, 5 years for an injury case...mind boggling.

One thing makes me happy as a Red Sox fan - the old Yankees are back.  Over spending and over paying and leaving little wiggle room to grow your own talent.  They are overreacting to the market and fears of putting asses in the new stadium.  I love it.  The only thing I'll love more is a 210 million / 10 year deal to Tex.

The Yankees cleared money off the books and filled it with two signings.  Beautiful.

That kind of thinking won them four World Series titles in five years.

no, it did not.  they won with a good mix of veterans and up and comers from their farm system.  the big-spending really came in the post-title era (giambi, etc), which led to embarassing 1st round collapses.

Not even close to the truth.  The Yankees teams that won those titles were largely home grown with chemistry non-impact team-first free agents sprinkled in.  Ever since they started opening the wallet like this they haven't won jack.  See also Giambi, Jason, Damon, Johnny, Pavano, Carl and Johnson, Randy.

I agree with you Maine and I disagree with you. I agree they are tossing around money like they are allergic to it, but the old Yankee ways was throwing money AND young minor league talent at AGING superstars, well past their prime. Randy Johnson and Kevin Brown come to mind. This is just money, they actually kept all of their talent. Buster Olney's latest article kind of sums up my feelings:

The winter obsession last year was Johan Santana -- and the Yankees or the Red Sox could have had him. They could have traded for the accomplished left-hander who was about to turn 29. But what folks in both front offices decided was that the double-barreled cost was prohibitive.

On the front end, both teams would have been required to surrender their top pitching prospects -- for the Red Sox, that was Jon Lester, and for the Yankees, that was Phil Hughes -- and then they would have to pay Santana like he was a free agent. It was such an extraordinary price that even some folks in the Mets' organization wondered, after getting Santana, whether it was the right thing to do.

The argument that several executives made with the Red Sox and Yankees was that if you were patient -- patient -- then you might have a shot at a pitcher much like Santana in CC Sabathia, and the cost would only have one layer. Sure, you'd have to give him a huge contract, but you wouldn't have to give up top prospects along the way.

So the Yankees, in the end, were patient and got Sabathia, and the pundits who are saying that the team has blown up its plan for player development are simply not paying attention. In fact, the signings of Sabathia and A.J. Burnett are absolutely in keeping with the refocus on the farm system.

Because the Yankees waited to pursue Sabathia, rather than deal for Santana, they still have Hughes and Ian Kennedy and Austin Jackson and all the players mentioned in the Santana talks, and as the pitching talent pool has increased at the major league level, there is now more time for those youngsters to develop. It actually has been more than a decade since the Yankees have had as much minor league talent stacked up as they do now.

Yes, they will sacrifice draft picks in landing Sabathia and Burnett. But keep in mind that the Yankees will have picks in the first and second round of the draft in 2009 because of players unsigned in 2008; it's not as if they are being shut down.

The Yankees spun themselves into a hole in the past decade partly by acquiring and relying on aging pitchers (Kevin Brown, Randy Johnson) at premium prices. Now, when the free-agent machinations are over and the new Yankee Stadium opens, this is what the Yankees' rotation will look like:

   1. Sabathia, 28 years old
   2. Burnett, 32
   3. Chien-Ming Wang, 29
   4. Andy Pettitte, 36; or Ben Sheets, 30; or Derek Lowe, 35
   5. Joba Chamberlain, 23

Compare that rotation with the Yankees' rotation in the year of their epic playoff collapse against the Red Sox:

   1. Mike Mussina, 35
   2. Javier Vazquez, 27
   3. Jon Lieber, 34
   4. Brown, 39
   5. Jose Contreras, 32

The Yankees' rotation will be much younger next season, and it has a chance to be the strongest it has been since 1998, when Pettitte, David Cone, David Wells and Orlando Hernandez filled out the top four spots, in front of Hideki Irabu.

Marlins president David Samson ripped the Yankees this week for what he portrayed as wild spending, but apparently he doesn't realize that the team's payroll is going to go down by around 10 percent. The Yankees had about $85 million in expiring contracts, and for next season, so far they've spent $23 million on Sabathia and $15 million on Burnett, and they'll spend on another veteran pitcher and probably acquire Mike Cameron; it's possible the Yankees' payroll for next season will be about $180 million to $190 million.

So to review: The Yankees will be younger, cheaper and deeper, and maybe better.

Who knows if all of that will be good enough to win the AL East? Burnett is an enormous risk, nobody knows if Chamberlain can stay healthy, and the Yankees don't know whether Jorge Posada can be an everyday catcher, and they don't know if Alex Rodriguez will be the monster of 2007 or the guy who seems to disappear in big spots.

The Red Sox are years ahead of the Yankees in their player development and have their pipeline of talent already flowing into the big leagues, and by the end of this week, they may land the best position player, Mark Teixeira (some executives strongly believe the bidding will, in fact, end up around $200 million). The Rays have a chance to be as good or perhaps even better, because it appears they will wind up with a solid veteran hitter, and David Price will step into the rotation in 2009.

In the fall of 2005, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman mapped out a course for the organization to begin building a powerhouse that combines player development and the power of the dollar, a model that looks an awful lot like what we've been seeing from the Red Sox over the past three seasons. The Yankees continue to move closer to achieving that goal.

Nick Cafardo wonders if the Yankees are poised for a fall like the one the Tigers had last year. Mike Lupica has a much different opinion than my own on the Yankees' pursuit of Sabathia and Burnett.

Heard this: Sabathia will arrive in New York on Monday.

I don't like the attitude of A-Rod, nor do I like Jeter's attitude recently either, so I point to those things when the Yankees make the playoffs and then just lay down. However, I really think this improves the team and won't really affect them mentally. Now, signing Manny will absolutely do that.

The Yankees still have too many offensive question marks though. Their rotation may look really good right now, but I have no faith in this offense to average even 4 runs a game.

Edge - please keep in mind that I LOVE pitching and don't think you can ever have enough of it.  So there is a lot of jealousy in my tone as well!  I do think 7 years and 5 years are mistakes, long term, for CC and AJ, but for right now?  This season?  Very good signings.

When Maine talks Yankees and money a ton of that can be marked down as "sour grapes!" :)

A pretty reliable outlet is saying Boston has offered Mark Teixeira an eight year, 175 million dollar offer.  This exceeds the next highest offer made by Anaheim (8 years / 160 million).  If the same information is true there is a mutual club and player option for a 9th and 10th year that could bring the total value of the contract to 210 million.

If this is true I would expect Boston to lock him up soon.

I think Teixeira is great, but...damn!!

I found a video re-creation of the negotiations between Teixeira and the Red Sox, with Stewie Griffin playing Teixeira and their dog Brian playing the Red Sox.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EuAVgWJ28Hw (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EuAVgWJ28Hw)

Tex is a great hitter and a legitimate Gold Glove 1B. That is a SHITLOAD of cash and there is always risk on an 8 year deal, but there is more risk for pitching. So, if you can afford it, why not?

Boston got lucky in that the Manny deal pretty much worked out for them exactly as planned in terms of production. I hope this one doesn't, but it's a much safer bet than CC. Burnett too, but that's a given.

There are a couple things here that are saving graces on an eight year deal:

1 - His age.  He'll only be 36 when the deal is complete.
2 - His position.  1B isn't exactly a wear and tear position.  It's where some good players go to die, actually, when they can't play their "normal" position.
3 - When positional players can't field effectively anymore they usually can still swing a stick.  If he can't field at 36 (and that would have to be because the guy got hurt, which could happen) they can slot him at DH.  Now for that type of money he better still be mashing at a 35 / 120 rate...

It's high risk, of course. 

The thing is this - I don't know if Boston NEEDS him.  After the Manny trade and without Ortiz for a huge chunk of the season, Boston was still the 3rd best overall offense in the league.  Ellsbury hit .280 and swiped a billion bases.  There are no indications that Dusty's two years were a fluke.  Youkilis is, in the least, good for 20/90.  Drew, when healthy, is also good for 20/90.  Mike Lowell should be effective.  Jed Lowrie will hover around .300 and provide a little pop at the bottom of the order.

And the largest thing people around Boston seem to forget?  We have this little guy named JASON BAY.  Personally, if I were Theo, I would make sure you take care of Bay before you do anything else.  You do not let this guy hit the open market next year under ANY condition.

Can never have too much offense, as long as it's not at the expense of pitching. The Yankees didn't make the playoffs last year mainly because their offense was so mediocre. Their pitching wasn't amazing, but not the reason they stayed home in October.

You just don't know with Ortiz anymore, nor with Mike Lowell. Lowrie was pretty damn crappy and Ellsbury doesn't hit for any power, not even doubles. It'd be moronic to just write them off because they are amazingly talented, but it'd be unwise to assume they will have years like Pedroia had, so if you can get Tex, you have to do it. With the staffs of the Yankees and Rays, not to mention the Blue Jays once their 5 starters recover from Tommy John, you need all the offense you can get.

I guess the Red sox are out of the Tex race....
http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/extras/extra_bases/2008/12/henry_we_are_no.html (http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/extras/extra_bases/2008/12/henry_we_are_no.html)
Red Sox owner John Henry e-mailed several media members late tonight with a stunning twist in the team's pursuit of free-agent first baseman Mark Teixeira.

Henry's words: "We met with Mr. Teixeira and were very much impressed with him. After hearing about his other offers, however, it seems clear that we are not going to be a factor."

Rumors were the Red sox were the leading canidate to sign him,to pulling out ...(no sexual pun intended) :D
So does that Leave the Angels to really sign him for the money he wants,and a chance to win? I don't take the Nationals,and Orioles as places to win....

I think this is just a "Your move asshole" statement to Scott Boras. It's just stating that if Tex indeed has superior offers on the table, then good luck to you but we won't be used to jack up his price.

In reality, I think Boston has the best offer. The last one I heard was something like 8 years/$180 Million. I can MAYBE see the Angels coming close to that, but not putting in a $200 Million offer. That would be insane.

I hope it's true that they are out of it, but odds are he will sign with the Red Sox when the dust settles.

I've heard the Nationals have ten years on the table but the overall value doesn't exceed Boston's.  I also don't have the same level of contacts this time of year that I normally once did as I have stepped away from all media duties and well as duties within the AA level...so I don't know how reliable that source is.

I am sort of happy Boston did this.  I have a strange feeling Mikey Lowell comes back as good as always.  All we need is two more years out of Lowell and then the world will be introduced to Mister Lars Anderson.  You don't know him now.  You will, however, very soon.

His name makes me giggle - Lars

but I agree with you. I'm cool with this

God, I am so sick of Boston consistently bringing up young talent and having them perform well. Assholes and their excellent scouting and development.

Even the ones who had crappy seasons like Ellsbury and Lowrie didn't have too bad of a year and will most likely improve. Ass!

If this is true it'll be huge - rumor of the day:

Arizona gets:  Justin Masterson, Lars Anderson, Manny Delcarmen

Boston gets:  Brandon Webb and a player to be named later.

I don't want to lose Masterson and Anderson.  But holy shit...Webb?  In a BoSox uni???  Sign me up!!!

boo

I read somewhere that the D'Backs Red Sox were possibly talking about an Byrnes trade again...I'd really hate to see the Red sox get Brandon Webb.....

According to WGN radio over the weekend,Adam Dunn,mentuioned his first choice would be the Cubs.He just wants a Fair contract....Ummm Don't we already have a lousy fielding corner outfielder?  ???

In other News, TDMMC Saturday night,have taken our offer off the Table To Mark Teixeira....We feel the money would be better spent,by Buying some warm third world country,and a Few Beautiful Models to give us Sexual pleasure....

Sorry I'm a little tired of reading nothing but Mark Teixeira rumors,like the way I got tired of Brian Roberts rumors last year,and Jake Peavy Rumors this year....

As long as the host gets some prime beach real estate and a couple of hot midgets to serve me umbrella drinks and keep my toes pedicured out of the deal, I approve any and all appropriation of funds from the show account.

On a side thought...and you know I'm just fukking with you a little because I love ya like a brother... but when I read that post of yours, I have to wonder if you have a keyboard that randomly capitalizes words in the middle of sentences, or if you just have the damned twitchiest left pinky finger on the planet.

;)

Umm I figure if we own a small third world country they'll give us plenty of beach front property.....

A little of Both, My left hand always tend to drag the left shift key,I try to go back and fix it if I'm not in a hurry :-[

I thought the Cubs weren't trying to trade Mark Derosa,but I read a rumor that the talks with the Twins are going no where because they wont throw in Jason Kubel.

Just got a call from a friend working the beat in D.C.  Appears that Teixeira and Boston are going to announce this hour that they have reached an agreement.  Terms seem to be 8 years and $184 million.  The monkey wrench is that the Nationals are trying to scramble to put something together last second to trump this.

Boston is also close to signing Derek Lowe, 'Tek and a trade is in the works with Texas for Salty. 

Personally I'll believe all of this when Santa lands on my roof.  But I'm jaded by nature.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3790141

Apparently, they "swooped in" when it seemed likely that Teshy would be going to the Red Sox. I personally don't like it. I would rather we had Saltalamacchia!

http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/extras/extra_bases/2008/12/reports_teixeir.html

Sure about that Maine? Globe's reporting Yanks have him

here we go again....

i hate the Yankees >:(

I kinda like em!



 ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D


This is pretty friggin' ridiculous though.

Thank GOD!  When my buddy called me I had this sick feeling in my stomach.  I like this guy (Tex) but I don't think any players is worth strapping yourself to him for that long.  And the one thing that kept going through my mind was "they are now going to trade Lars Anderson.  They are now going to trade Lars Anderson."  The more I thought about Anderson never wearing a Sox uniform and patrolling 1B made me even more sick.

People used to ask me all the time "why don't you give us the rumors you hear while you're out there?"  And this is exactly why.  The guy that called me is one of the best writers in D.C. and really has his thumb on things that are going on.  And he was duped. 

I think the Yankees got a great player and will be a great player into his 30's.  But I also know that he isn't worth almost 30 million a year.  When Lars Anderson is hitting 35 / 110 every year and playing gold glove defense at a fraction of the cost, and Boston is able to put that money back into the farm system and develop more guys like Anderson, I am going to be very happy.

Viva La Lars!

this makes me kinda sad .. i woulda worn a Teixeira jersey .. :( ..

now i won't ever wear a yankees jersey .. booo

i wonder if i can still get away with wearing my Teixeira hat i got when he was with texas

I think you should get a Marlins Teixeira jersey for yourself!  It's your name!

Sweet! Teixeira signs with the Yankees for $180 M. It's really a 10-year old boy's dream to read that headline (not that I like the Yankees but it sounds freaking so cool to me)...so I live vicariously through him.

Go Tex! (I may have to like the Yankees now, like I liked the Braves and the Rangers before that b/c of him)

  Easiest job in the world has to be is Yankees GM.  No scouting ability, no payroll,  nothing is required. 

Just be capable to sign a contract.

This is why MLB baseball is no longer Americas favorite sport to watch.   

The Yankees still have to develop talent and make trades, not to mention knowing which free agents to go after. Oh, and dealing with the Steinbrenners who like to do 10 year/$300 Million contracts behind your back.

Having a blank check DOES make it easier, but it doesn't solve everything.

Damon
Jeter
Tex
A-Rod
Matsui
Posada
Nady
Cano
Swisher

Still some question marks in terms of rebound performances and declines, but it's much improved now.

Its simple to know which FA to go after.  The best players available.

Who needs to develop talent, when you can simply let other teams be your farm system?

If the Steinbrenners are doing deals behind your back.  Great for you.  If the player bombs, its not your screw up. 

Like I said.  Easiest job.

BTW who gets the Yanks 1st Rd. pick this year?  The Angles, Brewers or Marlins?

Why would the Marlins get a pick? I think the Brewers get our first rounder and the Jays our 2nd rounder. I honestly don't know what the Angels will get, could be nothing. We have first and 2nd round picks from last year because we didn't sign our picks, but those are protected.

Man, that would suck for the Angels if they didn't even get one of our picks.

This is a mistake. The Angels are obviously a very good team, but not on the level of the Red Sox who represent the upper tier, even though they lost to the Rays.

So, they lose their best hitter, lost their overrated but reliable closer, lose their top free agent starter and now say they won't even bother with Manny. This is probably due to him being a Boras client and Arte Moreno doesn't want to deal with him anymore. Can't say that I blame him, but you hurt your own team by eliminating Boras clients. The man is scum and pure evil, but he represents some of the best talent in the game.

The Angels need offense badly. I hope they don't get it and not really talking to Boras over his childish negotiating tactics is a way of accomplishing that goal.

The New York Post has learned that Boston's final bid for Mark Teixeira was $168 million over eight years.
$12 million less than what the Yankees paid. Boston might also have been held back by its refusal to give out no-trade clauses. The Red Sox surely would have rather seen Teixeira go to Washington than to the Yankees, but the current regime doesn't worry about what New York is doing as much as the older ones did. It's believed the Nationals were at $180 million for nine years for Teixeira. The Orioles probably never budged from seven years and $140 million-$150 million.
Source: New York Post

If the no-trade clause was legit, then I can understand to a degree. However, if it was just $12 Million over 8 years, then he is a true Boras client and probably made a mistake. The Yankees improved tremendously, but it's probably better to be with the Red Sox now than the Yanks in terms of winning.

Let's clear some things up first about picks.  Teixeira was a type A FA and the Angels had him last, therefore the Angels get two picks as compensation for losing him.

Secondly, it's not "only" 12 million over eight years, the contract back builds as do most long / huge contracts.  The final seasons of the deal are worth more than the original.  12 million dollars buys you a lot of things.  It locks up Ellsbury, Youkilis and Papelbon long term.  That is huge. 

Finally, Boston signing Teixeira sends ripples through the organization that simply wasn't worth it.  The first step is that you would have to trade Mike Lowell, a widely popular and stable force in the clubhouse.  That wouldn't go over well.  Anyone that tells you chemistry in baseball doesn't matter has never played organized baseball.  The second step is that Lars Anderson is starting '09 in AA and will be in AAA before the end of the season.  He is Boston's top prospect and is a switch hitting (primary left, but can hit both sides), power hitting, amazingly good defensive 1B.  Sound familiar?  I have waived over the Teixeira for a long time.  Do I want his type of thunder in the lineup?  Sure.  Does Boston NEED it?

No.  Check Boston's stats before and after Manny left.  They improved.  Boston has five guys that can easily hit 30/110, two that can hit .290/20/80 and two question marks.  That is a ton of offense behind a starting rotation that is scary good.

I said in an earlier post, Teixeira is a very good ball player.  He is not worth this contract.  This rings loudly like the Giambi deal a handful of years ago.  Yes, the numbers will be there.  And how many guys in the league are going to hit 30/110 over the course of the next eight years that won't cost $25 million a season?  A ton of them.  The Yankees had to make a move.  Boston didn't. 

I am just praying that they trade Nady.  Let NY bulk up on the Teixeira and Burnett's of the world...I don't want Nady anywhere near this division.

  Sorry, Jays.   Mental burp while typing.

Don't hate the Yankees, hate the salary capless MLB.

Oh, I hate the Yankees and it has nothing to do with money

You know what I want for Christmas?

Manny getting a haircut in a NY barbershop, putting on pinstripes, and promising to hit about .500 w/ 20 homers against the Sox; all to the tune of about, oh, say 3 years for 35 mil.

And then, I'd like that promise to come true.

Manny signing with NY would be a disaster.


For everyone else.


I'm not sure how you approach that line up with Manny in it.

Maybe the Yanks can give Robinson Cano and eleventy billion dollars to Philly and get Chase Utley too...

Didn't the Sox withdraw their offer from Tex, and walk away?

Not exactly.  Boston's offer was 8 years and $164 million and Henry and Theo told Borus "this is as high as we go, period."  Boras told them that he is expecting an offer of about $184 million and Boston brass said "you need to take that one then, we aren't going up on our offer."

The rumor is that when the Yankees offer came in Boras made one more call to Boston and Boston DID beat that contract, financially, but one million.  But then the Yankees came in with the full no-trade Boston won't give anyone a no trade.  Once that was determined the deal was sealed.

They don't even need him do they?

I always wondered how long Boston's "NO no-trade" policy has been in effect. Forever? Recently? What is the reason for it? I hate no-trade clauses, but if it can land you a great player, I can understand making exceptions.

Angels get the Yankees 1st rounder for Teixeira
Brewers get the Yankees 2nd rounder for Sabathia
Blue Jays get the Yankees 3rd rounder for Burnett

That sucks ass for the Brewers and Blue Jays. If they signed a guy like Manny or Varitek(both highly unlikely), would that mean Boston would get the Yankees 5th rounder, or do they just stop offering picks after the 3rd round?

What is this based on?  Basically how does it work?

If you offer a free agent arbitration and he declines to sign with another team, you get compensation picks to offset the loss. Players are ranked as Type A or B players, depending on their skill. It's basically whoever was in the top 10% of their position the last 2 years, that's why a guy like Varitek is a Type A because catcher is a weak position.

Type A guys gives you the signing teams first rounder plus a sandwich pick between the 1st and 2nd round. Type B is that team's 2nd rounder.

Unfortunately, when a team signs multiple Type A guys(like the Yankees), that means you have to go to their exact rankings(done by the Elias Sports Bureau) and see which team gets the best picks.

Teixeira was rated the highest out of all the free agents, mainly because he plays at 1B and is above almost every 1B in the game except Pujols and maybe one more. CC was second because while he is amazing, you can name about 4-5 better pitchers the past 2 years. Then there was AJ who was 3rd for obvious reasons.

So, the Blue Jays get banged out.

Boston is close to signing Penny to a 1 year deal.  Great signing - if healthy he's a legit ace. 

http://blogs.weei.com/robbradford/ (http://blogs.weei.com/robbradford/)
http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/baseball/red_sox/view.bg?articleid=1141749&srvc=home&position=1 (http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/baseball/red_sox/view.bg?articleid=1141749&srvc=home&position=1)
Confirmed it's 1 year deal for Penny,Plus the Red sox also signed Free agent Catcher Josh Bard....

$5 Million guaranteed with $3 Million more in incentives. Very nice deal. Practically no downside, because if he sucks then you just don't pitch him. No commitment beyond a year. That's why I am so high on the Yankees with Pettitte, 1 year commitments can be great things in certain circumstances.

I heard this last week, now it's being picked up by the wire.  Not sure how much I believe this one, but it's fun to talk about.

Appears Boston contacted Florida about Hanley Ramirez.  They weren't wild about trading Ramirez but also know they can't afford him.  They really love two of Boston's players: Clay Buchholz and Jacoby Ellsbury.  Boston was willing to trade both.  Then the asking price went up to those two plus Lars Anderson and Boston said "no way, Jose" and talks stalled.

However Boston has now agreed to chip in either Daniel Bard or Bowden, both high velocity pitchers (Bard hits 103 on a regular basis) and the talks may be back on. 

Ramirez would play the outfield, possibly center - a position he played in Boston's system and in high school.

Hmmmm.

So you get back the guy you gave up to get Mike Lowell.  This would bolster the Marlins pitching staff big time. 

The trade makes sense on both sides.  Boston has pitching after pitching to give up, the Marlins need pitching.  Boston could use another impact offensive player but would be giving up a ton on defense, just not up the middle.

I don't know how wild I am about giving up Bowden, this kid is going to be really good.  As is Bard.

going to be good isn't the same as "is good"

"is good" is worth much more

Okay - two of the pieces are MLB ready and VERY good right now: Buchholz has a no hitter under his belt and Ellsbury hit .280 last season, stole 50+ bags and played a gold glove caliber defense.  Combine those two players with Bowden, a guy that made a last second start for Boston on three days rest and went five innings, k'd 3, and gave up two earned runs to a very good White Sox team...

Me thinks that is a steal for the Marlins.  Especially if you are also talking about adding in a pitcher that throws 100 mph on a regular basis and has a change up that dips to 86 in Bard.

Keep in mind when it comes to Boston's pitchers that the only reason they aren't in the bigs NOW is because of the log jam.  Bowden and Bard are both MLB ready.  Bowden showed that last season.

I heard a rumor that San Diego was talking to the Yankees about giving us A-Rod, but continuing to pay his salary the next three years.

Ok, not really...but it's in the same realm of possibility as Hanley going back to Boston this offseason.

Hey, the Marlins are going to move him - one way or the other - prior to 2011 when they'll need to start paying him big bucks.  Everyone knows it! 

Not a fan of moving Ellsbury

Then is it too much to ask for the rest of baseball to quit groping at him until 2011??

Personally, I think by 2011, the Marlins are going to pay him what he needs to stay. I could be wrong, and history isn't kind to predictions of Marlins' spending...but I think Hanley will be such a S FL sports icon by that point that the team will give him what he wants on the paycheck.

Would you agree that teams really pay for the bat and not the defense?  If yes, you would have to agree that Ramirez is on par an offensive player with Teixeira, right?  Teixeria gets more RBI but also hits lower in the order, they both hit in the mid 30's for home runs and Ramirez steals 30+ bags a year.  So it all kind of washes. 

Do you really think that Florida will be able to come up with the money that Ramirez is going to command in 2011?  It's going to make Teixeira's deal look like a steal by then. 

I'll grope all I want!  :)

I will say this, however - if Boston is going to give up prospects I want them to go to Kansas City in return for John Buck.

I think Hanley's defense will improve... The only area he really seems to have a problem is in pulling the damned ball out of his glove. It's a small thing, sure<g>...but it can be coached out of him (I hope).

I want to see Hanley leave S FL about as much as I wanted to see Tony Gwynn leave San Diego...it's just unthinkable!

I agree.  One of the reasons I don't want to trade Lars Anderson.  Defense can be taught, power and skill at hitting can not.  Anderson, like Ramirez, can hit the leather off the ball, both need defensive upgrades...which can be coached.

Is Hanley not signed through 2014?

Good point...he signed a 6 year deal in April that locks him through 2014 at a very team-friendly rate, not 2011.

AL East gropers...begone!!

He hits $11 Million in 2011 and it goes up from there

Considering he's already one of the 3 best offensive players in the game...and that the contract market is only going up, I'm betting we'll look at $11 million in 2011 for Hanley as being a screaming deal.  Just my opinion though...

We'll grope, and you'll like it.

You can't tell me you wouldn't like to see Clay Buchholz in the #3 slot on that team?  Ellsbury leading off for the next six years?  Bard slamming the door shut with this 103mph heat? 

the marlins already have a lead-off hitter .. unless jacoby would do well at the #2 slot

Maybin ! .. who btw .. had a 1.106 OPS during his september call-up in the middle of a wild-card run.

between him and cody ross we have no shortage of fast CF types

i still don't think the marlins really need this deal with boston unless we can totally rape their farm system .. which is possible now that they're desperate to keep up with the Jones-es (steinbrenners-s)

and our projected closer can already hit 103 .. *yawn*

Not at the cost of a singular type offensive talent like Hanley...no sir, I don't. Buchholz could end up being a very good pitcher. Ellsbury could get his OBP up and turn into a top shelf leadoff guy. Those are some good "coulds" there...but Hanley already "is."

102, actually, and he's done that once.  He's hit 100 a couple other times.  Bard hits 103, 102 every outing...and has since high school.

Unless we're talking about a different guy that was drafted seven years ago and just broke the majors in '07 at the young age of 27?  A guy that has a difficult time getting his fastball over the plate for strikes when they are over 95mph...in other words a guy that hasn't been able to find control in six years while bouncing around the minors?

Have you seen this guy's walk rate in the minors? 

Or are we talking about different a Matt Lindstrom?  You know - the same guy that issued 47 walks to 105 k's in 124 innings of pro ball in Florida?  Nothing screams "closer" like that bb/k ratio!  Holy shit.  I generally don't like my closers with WHIPS rapidly approaching 1.50, personally.

Take a look at the good closers in the league and you'll generally see about 10 walks on the season and WHIPS under 1.00.

Yeah, have fun with that one.

Errr another stupid Cubs trade? We seem to do about 3-5 moves ayear that make me go WTF?
Rockies Luis Vizcaino,for Jason Marquis,and the Cubs pay 1 million of Marquis salary....We net 5 million,to help us sign Milton Bradley...I thought we gave a shit about team chemistry.... ???
http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/9007452/Source:-Cubs-near-deal-to-send-Marquis-to-Rockies (http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/9007452/Source:-Cubs-near-deal-to-send-Marquis-to-Rockies)

I saw this earlier today,and have actually calmed down abit....I mena Atleast Marquis is ok,till the all star break,for a guy that sucks and was injured most of last year....

Boy I just keep shaking my head in amazement and wonder.... ???

The Cubs sign former Cardinals Inf Arron Miles to a 2 year deal 4.9 mil deal,then trade Mark Derosa to the Indians for three young pitchers...Sunstroke is now a Cub! The Cubs got J. Stevens RHP,LHP John Gaub,and RHP Chris archer....

They are also talking that the Signing of Milton Bradley is close,and we supposedly have some pieces for a Jake Peavy trade ???
http://www.suntimes.com/sports/baseball/cubs/1356723,cst-spt-cubs-miles31.article (http://www.suntimes.com/sports/baseball/cubs/1356723,cst-spt-cubs-miles31.article)
(edited to fix errors and typos)

I originally had the Cubbies listed in my no-trade clause, but when my agent negotiated a lifetime supply of Chicago deep dish pizza to my contract, I signed off on it. My mission is to become the first 300 pounder to win 20 games in the majors...

You're gonna do a Fernando Valenzuela Impression? I'm not sure if he ever made it to 3 bills....

You can have Miles. Good guy.  Mediocre player.

Maine, any news on the jays front.

Hey Raptor,Yester day the Jays signed Mike Maroth,and Micheal Barrett...Hey it's something... :D

Boston might be close to signing Takashi Saito to a 3 year deal.  This would be a pretty decent move, Saito had a solid year for the Dodgers in '08, tired down the stretch.  I don't think Torre used him correctly.  Even still he was 4-4, 18 saves, 60 k's in 47 innings and a 2.49 ERA.  Not bad at all.

If they sign Saito one would have to wonder what that means for Delcarmen?  With the Ramirez / Crisp trade that bullpen is already starting to get crowded.

you can't have enough good relievers

espn is reporting that the rays signed pat burrell

As much as I hate the DH, Pat Burrell is a great fit for Tampa's DH slot. An already very talented offensive lineup just got a little bit tougher.

^^ And they have slotted him 6. 

6!!!

Holy shit.

Yeah, that's a really tough line up and it just got tougher.  People talk about Yankees, Yankees, Sox...and they really should be talking about Crawford...Longoria...Upton.. .BURRELL!  Yikes.

You can't, but there are only so many slots on a team.  And if they make this signing, they are one over the number for regular season (assuming they actually sign a starting catcher).  I am not even including Aardsma, that makes two.  So who goes?  I have a tough time believing it will be Masterson.

I am shocked Pat The Bat went for so little. The Yankees were right not to offer Abreu arbitration. He is 2 years older than Burrell, and would've made at least $16 Million this year, or what Pat is making the next 2 years combined.

Great deal for Tampa Bay.

Add in Carlos Pena, and even at the bottom of their order, Bartlett and Navarro are solid hitters at SS and C in the 8 and 9 slot

And, oh yeah, all that fukkin' pitching. A full season for David Price, Kazmir recovered from the arm woes, Shields, Garza, Sonnanstine...

Damn, I'm having an acute case of ballclub envy here.

I agree that Tampa Bay will be tough.

I also think that Boston's inactivity in this market has made people forget how potent that club already is - even without any moves.  The pitching staff is pretty damned great and Lester has supplanted Matsusaka as the #2:

1 - Beckett
2 - Lester
3 - Matsuzaka
4 - Penny
5 - Wakefield

Toss in that they have Buchholz, Masterson and Bowden in the wings as possible #5's or #4's, that's pretty impressive.  There are also rumors that continue to swirl that Boston will end up inking Derek Lowe.

Boston's bullpen last season was pretty darned good as well and they've added Ramirez to that staff in the trade with Kansas City that sent Coco to the Royals.

Offensively Boston got better after the Manny trade...and that was also with Lowell on the shelf and Ortiz a shell of himself.  If Lowell is healthy and Ortiz is even 80%...that's pretty damned good:

1 - Ellsbury  (.280 hitter with 50 steal ability)
2 - Dusty  (.300 hitter with some pop and good OBP)
3 - Ortiz (even in a horrible year hit .270 / 25 / 90)
4 - Youkilis  (career .300+ with improving power numbers)
5 - Lowell (should easily be .280 / 20 / 90)
6 - Bay (should easily by .280 / 25 / 105)
7 - Drew (no reason to think he won't be .280 / 20 / 80)
8 - Lowrie / Lugo (who knows what to expect here)
9 - Bard (as of right now)

That's a pretty potent lineup in it's own right.  Very well balanced.  Good speed, good averages, nice power.  There isn't one bat in that line up that terrifies you...but the line up as a whole is hard to pitch to.  You blink and suddenly they've put four up on you.

Anyone that thinks Boston is going into the season with only Josh Bard as a catcher needs to re-think that.  Bard is coming off a tough '08 but really showed some pop in his bat in '07 with San Diego.  Sunstroke knows how much I love Bard, I think he has every day catcher written all over him eventually, but I would like to see him eased into that role.

All that said, I am hearing too many rumbles to not believe that something is on it's way.  For a while I thought it was Holliday as Billy Bean has a massive hardon for Ellsbury and Boston prospects.  But then Oakland signed Giambi and that idea was shot to shit, Giambi was signed to protect Holliday in that line up.  Unless Oakland is out of it early they won't move him, they'll keep him and take the two draft picks in 2010 when he bails.

But something is on it's way with Boston, I just don't know what. 

Way to list the whole Sox roster there...do you not like it when other AL East teams inspire ballclub envy? 

That roster definitely looks good, but Josh Bard is going to be your regular catcher? Wow...definitely the weak spot there. Be prepared to watch opposing baserunners steal bases at will. When he stopped squatting behind the Padres plate, I celebrated like we won the war.

Not at all, I was (more or less) thinking out loud. 

With Bard, I just don't think he's had enough time behind the plate in general.  Defensive skills can be learned.  I'm not sure if he's a full time solution, but catching is so watered down right now (in general) that you need to at least look at the guy.  Right?

I think he'll hit for a decent average (.280's) for ya, but no power at all. As far as his defense goes...you may be able to coach him into blocking the plate better, but cannon arms aren't taught, they're born. This is where Bard is going to kill you, especially against a team with speed like the Rays.

Bet ya a buck on the side that by the all star break, Boston will be looking hard for someone to take his place. That'll probably be your trade deadline move...

Not to derail this thread, but Jason Bartlett is a TERRIBLE hitter and hurts the Rays whenever he is in their lineup. 87 OPS+ is very bad.

That being said, their lineup still has a bunch of question marks, but should remain solid, if not improved because of Burrell.

He hit .286 last year, which for a #9 hitter, doesn't really qualify as extreme suckage.

His OBP of .329, while not phenomenal, isn't bad for a #9 hitter either.

Would you appreciate him more if he wore pinstripes?

He also slugged .361, which is terrible. He didn't get on base and he didn't really steal. 20 SB with 6 CS is not a good ratio. It was actually an 82 OPS+, which is even more terrible. He was also garbage in the playoffs, though it's just one season, so it shouldn't be made that big of a deal.

As far as his fielding goes, he was 12 out of 18th in Range Factor (Jeter being 16th because he sucks). 18th out of 20 in fielding percentage. In terms of VORP.....Jesus Christ.

In every facet, he is a bad baseball player. The fact that his average wasn't terrible due to slap singles and he is white pretty much made him a story, just like David Eckstein. The media loves a good, shitty ballplayer who hustles and plays hard to make up for the fact that he sucks. It's a great story, but it doesn't change the fact that an asshole like Gray Sheffield is a better ballplayer.

I appreciate work ethic, I really do. I feel it can help a team sometimes by making your teammates play harder just by watching that player do so as well, but it has it's limits. Hard work doesn't make a guy who hit 1 HR be worth 45 HR.

http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/01/07/report-john-smoltz-nears-deal-with-red-sox/ (http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/01/07/report-john-smoltz-nears-deal-with-red-sox/)

Sorry, but I felt this needed it's own thread. Smoltz is one of my favorite pitchers ever. He is a warrior, that rare player that elevates his game come playoff time. Him, Curt Schilling and Mariano Rivera are the Trifecta of Playoff Death. You face them, you lose.

I don't even remember hearing that he was on the way out in Atlanta. Why wouldn't they want him back? He wouldn't have cost much and he is versatile. If he can't start, he can close. It was worth the gamble.

Favre did not belong with the Jets and Smoltz does not belong with the Red Sox.

Smoltz is a little long in the tooth.  That's probably why Atlanta didn't want him around.  They were looking to get younger.

I love it when people took the "well what Bartlett doesn't give you at the plate he makes up for in the field."  (and no one has said that here, I'm talking about Joe 'I don't know anything' Buck on national games)

LOL...really?  I'm completely with Edge on this one.  Along with a pretty weak bat he's always in double digits in errors.  He had 26 the year before with the Twins in only 138 games played. 

I don't mind SS that are weak with the bat but bring a "nuttin' gets through me" mindset in the field.  Give me a .250 hitting short stop any day that fields his position at a .990 rate.  Bartlett basically let Boston back into the ALCS by himself with his bad defensive play last season.  What I really loved about that is that they had just showed Maddon talking about Bartlett being the "one guy I can't do without" as Boston rallied for seven runs, started by Bartlett's back to back errors. 

You should know better than anyone about Bartlett, Stroke.  Once San Diego got this kid in camp they couldn't get rid of him fast enough.  They drafted him and signed him and dumped him less than one year after seeing him in the lower levels.  The Twins stuck with him longer because he showed some promise but always skidded back to who he is.

In other news, looks like the Brewers are about to tab Hoffman is their closer. 

Boston signed Smoltz and Baldelli last night which begs the questions:

1 - What does this mean for Tim Wakefield?
2 - Boston will STILL need another OF player.  I love Baldelli and when he's right he's a 30/110 guy.  But until his condition is proved to be one that can be managed and he can play multiple games in a row you can't go into the season with only Baldelli as your 4th OF player.

My bio-dad hear rumors floating up north that Wake is thinking of retiring... have you head anything along those lines Maine?

I'm not sure why he would agree to Boston's annual one year deal only to step away after agreeing to it.  I haven't heard anything, but I'll dig around.  I could see him shutting it down after the WS in '07 and coming off that injury filled season, but he pretty much stayed on his feet in '08.

Then again I also don't think anyone thought Boston's catching situation would be as messed up as it is right now.  He could have signed the deal, saw Cash go to the Yankees, saw no light at the end of the tunnel with Varitek and then see Boston bring in the amazing passed ball machine Bard and thought "yeah.  I'm out."

yeah, apparently the catching situation has something to do with it.

As for the deal, isn't it a club option? I know they exercised the option, but did he sign it?

Boston signed John Smotlz and Rocco Baldelli...
http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/extras/extra_bases/2009/01/sox_sign_baldel.html (http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/extras/extra_bases/2009/01/sox_sign_baldel.html)

I kind of thought Smoltz would be a Brave for life...

Atlanta offered him over 2 mil a year guaranteed and up to 7 mil in pitching incentives. Boston offered him more.  Bobby Cox has been mentioned as "distraught" by the decision. 

Braves fans are very bummed about this for a few reasons. It would be kind of like Dan Marino deciding to play for the Eagles instead of signing his last contract with Miami.  This offseason has not gone well for Atlanta.

I understand the reason for making this a stand alone thread but if we start doing that for every signing it'll make this entire section of TDMMC look like "Hot Stove only" talk.  So I hope y'all understand why I merged it.  Plus I already mentioned this signing earlier this morning.

Smoltz didn't feel wanted, plain and simple.  The Yankees were in play for Smoltz as well and felt Boston was a better fit.

Smoltz would've been nice in pinstripes. Can't ask for a better 5th starter.

Speaking of feeling unwanted, Pettitte should be going to the Astros very soon after declining the Yankees $10 Million offer.

It'd be kind of like Trevor Hoffman deciding to play the last year of his career for the Brewers instead of the Padres.

oh, wait...

Hey, the Padres really insulted him with their cost cutting ways. I mean, he definitely is on the downside of his career and what does a shitty team need a closer for anyway? But they still handled it very poorly.

Hoffman may breathe new life into his career with a change of scenery. At the very least, can he be any worse than Gagne and co. last year for Milwaukee?

Boston bolstered it's bench by signing Mark Kotsay yesterday.  Decent move.  He can play 1st and OF.

Baldelli is wearing No. 5. Gotta say I did a double take at the photo

Oft-injured people in a Boston uniform wearing #5...

I wonder if they could run Nomar AND Baldelli out there at the same time, both wearing #5?  It's not like there is ANY shot of them both being on the field at the same time...

LOL... thanks, now I have to clean Diet Coke off my monitor

Kotsay
Penny
Smoltz
Baldelli

I am all for finding deals in the bargain in, but not fill 4 of your 25 roster spots with them. If these guys keep up their usual injured play, Boston will be shorthanded very soon.

^^I think you're forgetting that Boston is returning every starter except catcher.  That's the same starting 8 that was in the top 3 in offense in the league.

The pitching moves didn't even need to be made because they had five starters, maybe six.  Now they have eight.  Signing Penny and Smoltz to a rotation that already featured Beckett, Lester, Matsuzaka, Wakefield, Buchholz and Masterson.  There is a good chance that Smoltz will be a spot starter / rotation guy.

The only position Boston needed to sign was a 4th outfielder and they signed two in Baldelli and Kotsay.  Plus Kotsay can play 1st.  They have two SS in camp, one of which can play 3rd.

I love these moves.  If none of them work out?  So what?  Seriously.  If all four of those guys aren't on the team come June 1st, does it matter?  Nope.  But if they contribute to an already very good team it'll be gravy.  What if they get 10 wins out of Penny?  Or 50 innings in the bullpen out of Smoltz?  What if Baldelli gives them 15/60?  High reward / almost zero risk.

http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/01/11/the-dugout-more-of-the-same/ (http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/01/11/the-dugout-more-of-the-same/)

I can't recommend The Dugout enough. Probably the funniest sports satire in the world. Check out their archives, especially the Yankee ones where they give CC Sabathia $438 Billion and enough spending money to destroy the United States,.

http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/01/11/due-to-dishonesty-during-mark-teixeira-talks-red-sox-plan-to/ (http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/01/11/due-to-dishonesty-during-mark-teixeira-talks-red-sox-plan-to/)

Allegedly of course. I hate Boras, as do most people who follow baseball, but I don't know if I can side with them on this one. I mean, wasn't there a bunch of shady things leading up to JD Drew's departure from LA to go to Boston? It was okay for Boras to lie and mislead then?

Boras lies to everybody, this is nothing new. I am sure if this report is true, Boston will rethink things at a later date. Don't want to miss out on players the team may need because of one agent. On top of that, their own players may be represented by him, does that mean they won't resign a guy like Papelbon or Beckett because of their agent?

Boston is one of the few teams willing to play ball with the guy and this might have strained relations beyond repair.  There are clubs that literally won't touch a Boras client come hell or high water.  Boston might be leaning in that direction.

This isn't the first run in with Boras for Boston.  It goes back a long ways including the Manny thing.  A lot of people suspect that act in Boston was Boras' doing.  He benefited ZERO if Boston picked up his options.  Same thing with Dice-K, those were strained talks.  Varitek has become strained.

This has been a long time coming.

Any truth behind rumors of Tek to Marlins?

and why would we want him if those rumors are true ?

It makes no sense for the Marlins. It will cost them at least $5 Million and a draft pick. The Marlins are a team that relies on draft picks, so they would be stupid to waste one on Jason Varitek.

I've read it will be a sign and trade, so no draft pick given up

Still makes no sense for the Marlins to add on $5 Million or more in payroll when they already choose to be so limited in spending.

It makes perfect sense for a handful of reasons.

1 - They were a very good team last year that lacked a veteran club house presense.

2 - NO ONE handles a young pitching staff like Varitek does.

3 - 5 million isn't that much, even for a low spending team.

4 - Pedro is probabaly going to sign with the Marlins as well and Schilling has been contacted by Florida.  Add Pedro and Schilling to that group of youngsters, in addition to the presense that 'Tek brings...

5 million well spent.

A deal between Boston and Arizona is in the works.  Boston gets catcher Miguel Montero in exchange for Michael Bowden and/or Daniel Bard.

If it's AND - that's a steep price.  But it's not like good young catchers are growing on trees.  If it's OR I would rather see Bard go than Bowden.  But I would be okay with either to get my hands on Montero.


 

I'd much rather see Montero behind the plate for a team I am cheering for than Josh Bard.

As far as Daniel Bard goes...I remember him pitching for UNC the same time that Andrew Miller was there. That guy was supposed to be damned near as good a prospect as Andrew.

Bard throws some serious gas.  The joke around Hadlock is that he's like Charlie Sheen in "Wild Thing."

"Nice velocity."

"Sounded like it."

"Someone needs to teach this kid some control before he kills someone."

He throws over 100 on a regular basis and has 103.  He hit 103 one time on a pitch that whizzed past everyone, and the ump's head, and slammed into the backstop.  The batter walked away laughing and his teammates were waving white towels out of the dug out.

Now - the upside - when he's ON you can't touch him.

I'm excited about the Rays picking up Pat Burrell and Gabe Kapler...Kapler had .301 BA last year and Burrell hit 33 HRs...Although those numbers aren't "lights out", having another HR threat in Burrell only makes the team better...Kapler can fill in nicely with a decent BA like that...This is how I see the starting lineup now...

1. Akinori Iwamura 2B
2. Carl Crawford OF
3. B.J. Upton OF
4. Carlos Pena 1B
5. Evan Longoria 3B
6. Pat Burrell DH/OF
7. Gabe Kapler OF/DH
8. Dioner Navarro C
9. Jason Bartlett SS

and still having Willie Aybar on the bench isn't too shabby

Ok my nipples are hard now  ;)...that lineup looks pretty solid!  ;D

I like Gabe. Good guy

Kap is one of the most down to earth, nicest, salt of the earth people you'll ever meet.  He's a REAL person and qualifies for this title:  he's a SWEET man. 

He is a former skipper and knows how to work with the kids, he'll be huge in that club house.  He's actually a five tool player, just in a quiet way.  Tampa could not have signed a more perfect fit for that club house.  He instantly brings a veteran leadership quality to that team. 

Braves sign Lowe to a 4 year 60 million dollar deal

wow .. talk about overspending like crazy !

HA

At least he's younger than Smoltz.  Smoltz does not have much time left.

The man is 35 years old, his sinker is getting better with age, and he has never pitched less than 200 innings per year in his career.  To top all that off, check out his post season stats, the guy is a bulldog when the game is big. 

How is he NOT worth 15 million a year (in the context that pitchers like Burnett, who are always injured, get upwards of 17)?

Lowe and his agent were giggling and high-fiving all the way home... ;)

7 straight seasons with 32 starts. Lowe is absolutely worth it, much moreso than AJ Burnett. The Mets were stupid to not improve on their pathetic first offer, and now they will pay for it. Not just by having to face Lowe and have him greatly improve a division rival, but by trying to resign Oliver Perez now that Lowe is gone.

Frankly, I may rate the Braves above the Mets right now with the additions of Vasquez and Lowe.

both below the marlins

Perhaps.  I would like to see them add another arm or two to that rotation, if nothing else stock up on some junk veteran arms.  I would also like to see a little more depth in the infield, another Alex Cora type player.

don't they have amezaga and bonifacio .. and andino .. how many scrappy jack of all trades infielders can one team carry ?

they got cantu, and gaby sanchez as far as the corners go with mcpherson and wes helms as options as well .. i think that's plenty of infield depth

amezaga is the key there i think .. he's both a good CF as well as a SS / 2B type .. plays solid defense .. hits for average and is speedy fast.

if anything i'd like to see the marlins get some outfield depth .. they have hermida, ross and maybin as the 3 projected starters and a whole list of "who?" behind them. one of the "whos" brett carrol batted .314 with 19 home runs and 70 RBI in 88 games with albuquerque .. but who knows how he'll hold up in the majors

I still see the infield depth with the Marlins as a rag-tag group of either has beens (Cantu) or never was.  I would like to see the Marlins bring in someone that has won something in this league and brings a steady defense to the middle infield without giving up too much with the bat. 

A player I thought would have been perfect for Florida for outfield depth was Craig Monroe, I was a little surprised to see him accept a minor league deal from Pittsburgh.

Boston and Youk have agreed to a four year / 43 (ish) million dollar deal with a 5th year player & club option.

Great contract for Kevin and Boston.

No player has ever gone to arbitration under Theo's watch, not one.  Although I think that will change this year with Papelbon.  Boston won't sign him long term.  Why should they?  Keep him on the cheap until his arm falls off.  Or groom a new closer, stretch him out and make him a starter - and THEN lock him up.

As long as he is throwing his arm out of the socket every day on a closer's routine?  No long term deal for you, Pap!

LA just dumped andruw Jones

LA and I have something in common...I took an Andruw Jones-sized dump this morning as well.

Mine didn't stink as bad though

I was very glad to see that Youk got a deal done - his agent was quoted as saying they were not even close.

As far as Paps, I'd like to see him signed, but that just cause I love the guy.

I will say this about Theo, he is amazing when it comes to convincing your own players to accept below-average deals. Very unlikely that will happen with Papelbon, who will be 30 when he hits the market (I think they let him walk), but I think he is the best in the Majors at it.

Oh no!Now there's talk of him coming to the Marlins if Atlanta doesn't sign him...please no!

The whole Andruw Jones thing is shocking. Sure, he has always been overrated, but he was still putting up some HoF numbers at the CF position. He just ate himself out of a career.

The Cubs traded Felix Pie for Scott Olsen,and a A ball pitcher the other day (some think possibily for a Peavey trade  ::)) anyaways they mentioned that Pie ,Rich Hill,and I think it was Cedano are out of options....So they would probably be moved...In one of the commentc under the article I saw the question was posed...So when they're traded are they still out of options?So Baltimore has to keep Pie in the majors all year?

It's been rumored that the Cubs would like to trade Cedano for Arron Heilman..

I'm curious to see who is going to sign Manny,Abreu,and Adam Dunn..It seems like they've all over valued themselves....

^I think someone will sign Manny to a one year / 20 million ish type deal.  Most likely the Dodgers or Giants.  Manny, unlike Dunn or Abreu, can risk a one year deal and hope the market for corner infielders improves over the offseason.  And trust me when I say teams want him badly, they just don't want his act long term.  Manny is a division changing bat, period.  Whoever he signs with, be it Colorado, Florida or San Fran automatically becomes a threat to win their division. 

His bat is THAT valuable.

Dunn wants something like 4 years at a rate of 15 million a pop.  Won't get it.  Abreu wants something close to the same.  Also won't get it.  There are far better corner outfielders out there that should be signing extensions soon (Bay with Boston, Nady once NYY trades him) and those signings should set the market.  Dunn and Abreu could very well be on the sidelines well into spring training.  It'll take an injury to a starter for someone to pony up their asking price.

Washington is willing to pay Dunn about 11 million a year for three years.  He should take that money and run.  There is no real market for Abreu right now.

Paps signed a one year deal according to ESPN
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3846966

The Boston Red Sox have signed closer Jonathan Papelbon to a one-year contract worth $6.25 million Tuesday, the largest deal in history for a closer who was eligible for arbitration for the first time.

The two sides also discussed multiple-year deals but were unable to strike an agreement. Papelbon will not be eligible for free agency until after the 2011 season.

Papelbon's contract surpasses the $5.65 million deal signed by White Sox closer Bobby Jenks the day before as the largest ever for a closer who entered arbitration for the first time. The previous record was $5 million, by Eric Gagne, in 2004.

Papelbon's contract is also the third-highest in history by any arbitration-eligible player. The only ones higher were Ryan Howard's $10 million arbitration award last year and the $7.4 million that was awarded to Miguel Cabrera after he won his case in 2007. So Papelbon's deal becomes the biggest ever by any first-time eligible pitcher -- starter or reliever.

The Red Sox and Papelbon haven't ruled out exploring a longer deal later in the offseason. There are indications they discussed both two-year and three-year extensions before agreeing to a one-year deal.

The Associated Press reports that left-hander Javier Lopez agreed to a one-year deal with Boston worth $1.35 million.

16 days til the Truck leaves Fenway :)

And for the first time in eight years I WON'T BE THERE TO COVER IT!

Thank God almighty, I'm free at last!!!!

but what am I going to do without my live from Maine updates of the truck being packed with baseballs, bats and cups? Goodness me

I guess you'll just have to wait until the next day when the Herald posts it on line!

Trust me, this is a good thing.

Well...for me it is!

When do pitchers and catchers report?

Depends on the team.

Red Sox pitchers and catchers report on Feb. 12th... WOO HOO It's almost here!

No one will disclose the amount, but Theo confirmed it.  Boston has an offer on the table for Jason Varitek.  It's a fair offer, I would assume it's a one year deal around eight million or so.  The Red Sox have told Jason that he has a home with them - and they hold no grudges if he finds a better deal. 

This is a VERY classy move on Boston's behalf.  "Go find a market for yourself, get your payday.  If you can't, you have a home with us."

For a 37 year old catcher coming off a season where he hit .222 and his defense eroded a lot, eight million is a HUGE contract.

Even if Boston signs a young catcher they said they'll carry three if 'Tek takes the offer after they make a move.

Apparently, Theo and Cashman aren't concerned with the catcher's position. Varitek would be a very poor choice, and who knows if Jorge can even swing a bat more than 300 times a year?

What is Varitek waiting for? There are NO other offers because signing him would mean the forfeit of a first rounder. That, and he was terrible last year. How is this not hurting him with his teammates? He is the captain of the team and he is still squabbling over money he doesn't deserve.

Theo has been very patient and generous. Pettitte just went through a salary battle with NY and he got bitchslapped by reality. He should just shut up and sign.

Side note: Mauer will be a free agent after 2010 if the Twins don't lock him up first. How insane do you think THAT bidding war will be?

I told the Baseball Gods that if they would just give my Padres a catcher who could throw out the occasional baserunner, I wouldn't ask for anything else for a while. Nick Hundley was delivered unto us, so I am content for now in our backstop. Bonus actually, as I watched Nick's college career at Arizona, and reeeeeally like the kid a lot.

Yankees win that one easily.  They'll trump whatever bid the stinkin lousy Red Sox can put up.  They need catching help as badly as the Red Sox do.

I would love to see the Yankees lock up Mauer for 15 years and 300 million dollars.

And you know what?  You'll STILL need a catcher after 2011.  Do a little research on Mauer and get back to me.

Saw the Sox set a deadline for Tek to accept the deal on the table.

I'm not much of an autograph guy,but I jumped at the chance to meet Marty Brennaman,the hall of fame announcer for my beloved Cincinnati Reds!
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm11/cortezuno/th_019.jpg) (http://s292.photobucket.com/albums/mm11/cortezuno/?action=view&current=019.jpg)
That's Marty,me,and gold glove second baseman Brandon Phillips from left to right.

That's pretty damned cool.  I would have loved to have known Ken Coleman, my all time favorite broadcaster.

Well the Cubs are rumored to be close to a trade to acquire Aaron Heilman from the Mariners,for Ronnie Cedano and a pitching prospect...I finally read something on Cubs pitcher Rich Hill,that seemed to be a dirty word around the Cubs orginization for awhile,I guess he's out of options,and they're trying to trade him....Last year there was talk of him being our 3rd or fourth stating pitcher,to What the hell happened to his confidence,and control...Talk about talant gone awray.

Looks like we're also bringing Paul Bako back for a second round with the Cubs...to Back up Soto...

There is a buzz that Since the Cubs probably have Ricketts (pun intended),they will try to get the ok to add payroll to next years team (2010),and try to trade for Jake Peavy....again...***This sounds alot like Brian Roberts last year...huh..***

on other teams note, does nobody want the Diamond backs money? I think i read like 3 or 4 pitchers have turned down contact offers from them.....

Link to the Cedano for Heilman tade.
http://stations.espn.go.com/stations/espnradio1000/blog?id=3738908&post=3836128 (http://stations.espn.go.com/stations/espnradio1000/blog?id=3738908&post=3836128)

Appears that Boston is getting pissed that Varitek is taking so long to maul over their offer.  I would too, this is way too long in the tooth.

Boston and Texas has a tentative agreement in place that could be announced as soon as Friday, effectively ending 'Tek's run with Boston.  That deal is Jarrod Saltalamacchia straight up for Clay Buchholz.

Also - from the "things that make you go hmmmmm" files - Boston has opened talks with Adam Dunn.  Interesting.  If you work Dunn into the DH role along with days off for Youkilis as well as days off for Lowell (moving Youk to 3B and Dunn to 1B) he could still see 300AB's for the year. 

A question on your "things that make you go Hmmm" ,do you think that's because Dunns price has fallen,that Boston is considering him?

Modified to add..
errr We traded Cedano,and Olson for Heilman?  ??? WTF? so we basicly got nothing for Pie....Who we traded to get Olsen...UGGGHHH! :-\ ??? :-[
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3866647 (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3866647)

I do.  I think Dunn would be wise to sign a one year deal - put up some more big numbers in a tough division and then cash in next year when the market is a little better.

Dunn is a great pickup for one year at around $6 Million. With players like Dunn, they are valuable, but you can't have too many of them. The 1996-2001 Yankees were great because while they always led or almost led the league in walks, they had guys who hit for averages too, that got the runs in.

Nowadays, people look at the .250/40/100 guys and their .390 OBP and say it's okay, and it is, as long as you have some .310 hitters on the team. If not, you get "Oakland scored 3 runs on 2 hits and 9 walks to lose".

Dunn as a 7 or 8 hitter is great.

As far as Salty and Clay goes, I wouldn't do this if I were Texas. Salty is a potential franchise stud for years to come. Young catchers don't grow on trees, it took Texas trading Teixeira just to get him. He is 23, I would hold onto him until he posts 5 straight .210 seasons in a row. Clay is talented, but he isn't a slam dunk and if you are going to trade a guy like Salty, you trade him in a Jake Peavy deal, not prospect for prospect.

Varitek is an asshole. I wouldn't even want him to be captain if I were on his team. Give that to Lowell or Ortiz.

Why is he an asshole?  He's 37 and trying to arrange the last contract of his professional baseball career.  I don't blame him for wanting the best deal possible - but I also don't blame Boston for saying "we're looking elsewhere as of Friday."

And - honestly - Boston basically told him that even if they do trade for a guy like Salty there is still a place for him on the team.

Jake Taylor:  "I just wanna let you know that carrying three catchers is... probably... a good idea"

Roger Dorn:  "Jake, I admire the work you've done.  The way you helped that kid with his problem is amazing."

Lou Brown:  "What Roger is trying to say, Jake, is that we're not carrying three catchers.  We'd like you to stick around as a coach."

~ Major League II

^^^

LOL, good one!

The more I think about this Varitek thing the more it pisses me off.  I'm doing a complete 180 on this guy.

'Tek hit a paltry .220 last year, gunned down something horrific like 1 out of every 1,456 runners that tried to steal on him, has eroding defensive skills, can't catch up to a fastball over 89mph...and turned down arbitration that would have paid him 11 million for this coming season.

Okay, that I could let slide.  He wants to get more than a one year deal and arbitration means almost nothing, Boston could have still cut him during spring training and been on the hook for 10 cents on the dollar for his remaining contract (almost nothing).

But then Boston offers the guy a one year 5 million dollar deal or two year, 9 million dollar deal.  And he's "insulted" by it.

Insulted?!  Excuse fucking me?  You're insulted????

What, exactly, do you bring to the team asshole?  You "handle the pitchers well?"  Really?  Well -- let's see.  I'm a pitcher.  Granted not at your level, but a pitcher.  Four high school state titles, four all state awards, one national title, two honorable mention all American, one second team all American.  I know how to pitch.  I've thrown to one or two catchers in my day.  I can say this with a lot of confidence - the real thing a catcher is good for is making sure the ball doesn't go to the fucking back stop.

These are professional pitchers that know the hitters as well as you do.  Frikkin' assclown.

People in this country are suffering.  Hard workers - people that do their job well are losing their jobs, retirement savings, homes...

You're a shitty ass catcher that sucks the life out of a game every time you come to bat and you're insulted by a five million dollar contract to play a game? 

I could have accepted "I appreciate Boston's offer, I was hoping for something with a little more security."  Or "I think my value is a little higher than that but I understand where Boston is coming from based on my performance the last couple of years."

But "I'm insulted and would rather retire?"

You know what that 'C' on your chest should stand for?  'Cock gobbler.'

Fuck off, Jason Varitek.  Seriously.  Go cheat on your wife or something.  Oh, wait.  You already did that, didn't you?  Whoa is me, I am going through a divorce and have a lot on my mind.  That's why I suck.  Well had you not fucked someone that wasn't your WIFE you wouldn't have gone through that.  Would you?

Rot in hell you piece of shit.  The fans that have cheered for you, and supported you -- the same fans that are now losing their homes and jobs, you know the ones that pay maybe $50,000 a year, deserve better than you and you're "I'm insulted by 5 million" act.

Go away.

I am kinda surprised about how violently you can turn on a guy you used to vehemently defend.

I mentioned to SportsChick that it would only be a matter of time before she hated Varitek as much as she hates Manny and Johnny Damon.  She told me "no, I doubt it"

I guess we'll see.

Nice rant, Maine.

Whoa.  Show me one time I've "vehemently" defending Jason Varitek?

maybe at some point americans will wake up and just not take this freaking shit anymore. this is not an out of the ordinary example. it is just a reflection of today's america...

in miami, while the city is going into the toilet, the taxpayer foots the bill for a $609 million dollar stadium. jets & giants fans are looking forward to $50,000 psl's just so they have the option of getting season tix, all this while there was a good amount of public financing used to build the new stadium (dallas is going to be the same, maybe more).

unnamed corporate ceo made 10 million this year, plus another 50+ million in exercised options, all while announcing major US layoffs.

have you seen the salaries college football coaches are pulling in lately?? good grief... the budget for one big time school athletic department will exceed $100 million this year alone. all while tuition hikes up 15% year over.

sports is just big corporate business, thats all. it deserves the same amount of scrutiny and public outrage as projected on oil, auto, financial companies, etc... and probably even more so.

It is pretty hilarious how fast boston fans can turn on their players.  I don't know why any player would ever want to play for a boston team.

^I understand that bandwagon hopping fans find it hard to understand the passion that goes into following a team for a long time.  I am quite sure that you wouldn't be able to name the starting line up of the Devil Rays in the year 2000 without pulling it up on google.  I could.  I know you couldn't.

So ease up on the "Boston fans" thing.  I'll forgive the ignorance behind the comment - especially seeing that you missed the entire nature of the post.

LOL great argument champ.  You are right that I couldn't name the Devil Rays 2000 starting line up.  Mostly because I have never liked the Devil Rays, therefore I will ignore the ignorance behind your comment.

^I actually started to confuse you with a member that isn't a moron, my apologies to tenshot on that one.  My bad.

I like the direction of dolfan13's post.  He's right. 

In this situation, I can't imagine what MORE Varitek is looking for.  Does he want a long term deal, or more money?  Really, he has to realize that his hitting numbers aren't stellar.  It has always baffled me why Red Sox fans in general were so in love with this guy.  Maybe its just me...

as long as he doesn't come to the marlins i'm cool .. if we wanted a nover the hill catcher we could just sign lo-duca again

Generally because of his hard nosed approach to the game.  Always prepared.  Always professional.  He sprints the same way whether he's hit a double or home run.  He always punches in and gets to work.  Boston, after all, is a blue collar town.  Same reason they loved Trot Nixon, a lifetime .270 hitter that wasn't anything special.  The guy played his heart out and fans appreciate that.

The thing that gets me with any athlete is the sense of entitlement.  One of the great things about football contracts is the lack of guaranteed money.  Perform or you're gone.  Varitek is not a five million dollar a year player anymore and his "feeling insulted" by that amount is staggering - especially when the people paying his salary, ultimately the fans (the same people that have been cheering for the guy) are struggling as much as they are.

Maine - How much of this is Tek and how much is Boras? I am not pulling blame from Tek, this situation is BS (Also remember he declined arbitration which would have paid him somewhere around $10 Mil) but Boras being Boras, I wonder if that's playing into this shitty-ass'd situation.

As for turning on him Brian - there's a difference between Tek, Manny and Damon. Damon bolted for the sworn enemy. Period. End of story. Manny QUIT ON THE TEAM multiple times, the most serious being this last year. It wasn't a matter of turning on him but waking the F up and seeing what was going on.

Tek, as Maine said, is a professional who is always prepared and ready to play. He's been with the Sox for 11 years. This is a shitty situation, but no, I'm not going to turn on him.

Jason is a grown man that can make his own decisions.  I don't think it's right to hide behind an agent.  I say it is 100% Varitek because he is the one that has final say.

I never liked Varitek because he wears a C on his chest for captain. Dunno, always found that annoying. That, and he fought A-Rod with his mask on. Hard to make Alex seem like the manlier of the two during a confrontation, but he succeeded.

Theo has been more than fair with Jason, even letting him try to make more money elsewhere and still have an offer for him. But enough's enough, threatening to sit out a season? You hit .220 and are 37 years old. Be grateful they are offering you so much money and sign the contract.

My bio-dad just called. Said ESPN is reporting on the radio that Tek signed a two year deal - guaranteed for both years. I don't see anything on ESPN.com about it though

Boston.com is reporting it's a one year deal with an option however,
http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/extras/extra_bases/2009/01/varitek_sox_agr.html

Crap.

There goes my dream of getting Salty and dumping Buchholz all at once...

The sign of a great line... Ten years from now, when I see a player come out of a dugout with a C on his chest, I'm STILL going to be laughing at this. ;)

It's Truck Day! YAY!

Thursday is the big day.  Pitchers and catchers report for the Yankees!!!!

Jon Lester and Kevin Youklis have already reported to Sox camp. Pitchers and Catchers are due on the 12th with the first workout on the 14th.

FYI- I'll throw it here instead of starting another thread. The Phillies avoid arbitration with Ryan Howard for the remainder of his years of salary arbitration eligibility, by locking into a 3 year deal for $54 Million.

He'll get $15 Million in 09, $19 Million in '10, and $20 Million in '11. Is salary will jump $1 million in 2010 and 2011 if he is named the NL MVP the preceding year. He also gets other incentive bonuses (things like Gold Gloves, All Star appearances) and another $1 million if he is traded before Nov. 1, 2010.

Howard wanted $18 million in arbitration, and the Phils offered him $14 million. The contract averages $18 million a season, so only a handful of players made more last year (A Rod, Jason Giambi, Jeter, Manny Ramirez, and Carlos Beltran)

Cardinals waived Adam Kennedy.

FWIW, I think the Phillies are right with how they are handling Howard. The guy is very large and the history of large 1B who have lengthy careers is a very bad one. On top of that, the guy has slipped from his massive 2006 season. His RBI totals are very impressive, but not so much when you consider who he has in front of him. It's still impressive, but not mind boggling anymore.

At the end of this deal he will be 32, the time when players leave their peak and enter their decline. Some team will probably give him $160 Million and the Phillies will be wise to let him accept it.

Two GREAT signings, in my opinion:

Bobby Abreu / 1 year / 5 million.  This could be the signing of the year.  The Angels have the pitching and defense, they lack punch.  With Anderson gone, this clears the way for Abreu - who still hits for power, average - has great OBP, runs the bases well.  Abreu can provide the Angels with a nice spark on offense.

Adam Dunn signs a 2 year / 20 million dollar deal.  Good signing for the team and player.  10 million is far below what Dunn wanted and far above what anyone thought he would get in this market.  He'll continue to put up his 40/90 numbers on a young team that needs offensive output as well.

Well done by both teams.

It's Spring! Pitchers and Catchers are reporting! Yay baseball!

Beckett, Lester and Penny all threw bullpen sessions yesterday.  Beckett was popping them at 98 and 99 and looks like he is in the best shape of his life. 

I read that, glad to hear it, we're gonna need him. Paps reported today

I guess Saito tossed pretty well, too.  He threw like 30 pitches?  I didn't hear anything about his velocity.

I heard that Penny showed up looking like Curt Schilling.  Great.

Wonderful, great, just what I was hoping for

It's nice to see pictures of the guys in uniform again on my sports page.

^^^ Word...Zambrano with a mustache  ???

He and the Cardinals avoided arbitration and agreed on a reported one year $3.7 contract.

YAY!  ;D

This is the first year Ludwick has been arbitration eligible, he is under Cardinal control for the next three seasons.  He ain't going no where unless they trade him.

Which might be a possible thing - the guy is 30.  If the A's are out of it early and want to clear some salary, watch for them to make a play for Ludwick for Holliday.  By the time Ludwick will be eligible to become a free agent he'll be 34 and won't be as valued as he would have been had he cracked sooner.

Ken Griffey Jr back to the Mariners!
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3917214 (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3917214)

  Not real sure why Oakland would have an interest in this guy.  He is a former A's & I do not put much into his '08 season.

For a couple reasons:

1 - Holliday has a big contract and is walking, one way or the other, when the season is over. 

2 - St. Louis has wanted Holliday for a while.  In order to obtain him they might need to dangle Ludwick.  The A's would be shedding salary for a player that they control until he is in his mid-30's and only paying arbitration numbers.  If he doesn't do great, they don't pay as much.  If he does really well he becomes a great trading chip to load up on prospects.

This has Billy Bean written all over it.

  I think Ludwick will have to continue to impress for Oakland to be interested, plus St. Louis will have to give up a quality prospect or two.

The Holliday train left the station a long time ago.  The Cardinals do not seem to be willing to give up what it would take to get him.  I would hate to see them give up the young guys who's names were being thrown around, especially Boggs.

I'm shutting this thread down, it has served a long and happy life!

I'll start a new thread aimed at something more topical now that spring training has arrived.

Thank you, everyone, for making this thread as long as it is and never getting it into trouble.  You guys rock!