2006 OFFICIAL MLB OFFSEASON DISCUSSION THREAD! [Archive] - Page 6

Kevin

12-12-2006, 05:12 PM

BoondockSaint wrote: Kevin wrote: richg0404 wrote: Kevin wrote: ...... There are just over 500 or under 500 pitchers getting 11-14 mil, why should he demand any less? .... Well, maybe because he hasn't won even one game in the Major Leagues.  Sure there are plenty of pitchers being overpayed in MLB, but at least they have shown that they can play in the Majors.No pitcher who is worth anything should demand any less than Gil Mech. Start at 12 a year. The agent should start every convo with Gil Mech and go on from there.This message was edited by Kevin on 12-12-06 @ 8:39 PM So you'll be fine if the Yankees give Igawa 13mil per year?2 diff cases. Igawa is looked as a back of rotation guy, 3rd at Best. Matsasuzka is looked as an ace.

BoondockSaint

12-12-2006, 05:21 PM

Kevin wrote: BoondockSaint wrote: Kevin wrote: richg0404 wrote: Kevin wrote: ...... There are just over 500 or under 500 pitchers getting 11-14 mil, why should he demand any less? .... Well, maybe because he hasn't won even one game in the Major Leagues.  Sure there are plenty of pitchers being overpayed in MLB, but at least they have shown that they can play in the Majors.No pitcher who is worth anything should demand any less than Gil Mech. Start at 12 a year. The agent should start every convo with Gil Mech and go on from there.This message was edited by Kevin on 12-12-06 @ 8:39 PM So you'll be fine if the Yankees give Igawa 13mil per year?2 diff cases. Igawa is looked as a back of rotation guy, 3rd at Best. Matsasuzka is looked as an ace.But if the Sox give Matsuzaka 16 or 17 mil a year then why shouldn't Igawa demand 11 or 12?

OGC

12-12-2006, 05:22 PM

Kevin wrote: That's because their offer was like 7 mil a year. Boras did not even bother.And from what I've heard (yeah, I know, speculation) Boras was looking for somewhere near $17 million per year for 6 years. I suppose that neither side should even bother because they both started out will unrealistic offers.

crb1

12-13-2006, 05:18 AM

BoondockSaint wrote: But if the Sox give Matsuzaka 16 or 17 mil a year then why shouldn't Igawa demand 11 or 12?  Because he's not viewed as anything more than a back of the rotation (4-5) guy, as Kevin said.  Meche, Padilla, Lilly, and even Adam Eaton are viewed as #3 (or #2 depending on who you talk to), which no one expects of Igawa.  They shouldn't pay him as much, or more, than those three got if they see him as a lower tier starter.

crb1

12-13-2006, 06:32 AM

Good news for Spoon...It sounds like the Jays are making an effort to keep Wells...<a href="http://www.globesports.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20061213.wspt-wells-12/GSStory/GlobeSportsBaseball/home">http://www.globesports.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20061213.wspt-wells-12/GSStory/GlobeSportsBaseball/home</a>

Kevin

12-13-2006, 04:15 PM

crb1 wrote: Good news for Spoon...It sounds like the Jays are making an effort to keep Wells...<a href="http://www.globesports.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20061213.wspt-wells-12/GSStory/GlobeSportsBaseball/home">http://www.globesports.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20061213.wspt-wells-12/GSStory/GlobeSportsBaseball/home</a>I heard that he really wants to go home to Texas and will not accept the deal. He has a ranch there. I could be wrong though. But it was said on Espn this morn.

Marc with a c

12-14-2006, 03:23 PM

mariners are going to the world series. Signed to contracts with AAA Tacoma were: Renee Cortez, RHP; Jesse Foppert, RHP; Rey Ordonez, INF; Tony Torcato, OF and Brant Ust, INF.  boom boom boom let me hear you say rey o.

spoon

12-14-2006, 03:46 PM

Kevin wrote: crb1 wrote: Good news for Spoon...It sounds like the Jays are making an effort to keep Wells...<a href="http://www.globesports.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20061213.wspt-wells-12/GSStory/GlobeSportsBaseball/home">http://www.globesports.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20061213.wspt-wells-12/GSStory/GlobeSportsBaseball/home</a>I heard that he really wants to go home to Texas and will not accept the deal. He has a ranch there. I could be wrong though. But it was said on Espn this morn.Yah, yah it's been a factor for years.  Too bad the Jays weren't smart enough to give him a longer contract a few years back so they'd have him a little longer.  The other point is that he's from Texas and his best friend, Michael Young (also Vernon's best man at his wedding) already plays there.  It didn't help that another good friend just signed there, Frank Catalanotto.  And let's face it, if Wells turns this deal down or the Jays don't make it work teams will use it against them if they do ever trade him if they fall far enough out of the race.  Yet is Shef garners what he did, the Jays should rightfully push for a lot if they do deal him.  The Dodgers are a huge possibility, along with the neighboring Angels.

spoon

12-15-2006, 12:26 AM

Things are looking up! <a href="http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/6274400">http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/6274400</a>

cougarjake13

12-15-2006, 06:04 AM

spoon wrote: Things are looking up! <a href="http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/6274400">http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/6274400</a>that would be awesome if they could keep him, just for the sake of keeping things competitive and not having big market and big pocket teams always getting the good players

spoon

12-15-2006, 03:11 PM

<a href="http://toronto.bluejays.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20061215&content_id=1761800&vkey=n ews_tor&fext=.jsp&c_id=tor">http://toronto.bluejays.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20061215&content_id=1761800&vkey=n ews_tor&fext=.jsp&c_id=tor</a>Things looking very good now as reported on the Blue Jay site.  But can they win without another pitcher?  They really need an arm bad, and some outfield depth.  So trading Rios or Johnson just doesn't sit well with me.  Having Johnson/Wells/Rios out there for the next few years is as good as it gets defensively, and sure as hell pretty damn solid in terms of O.  Especially if Jonhnson and Rios continue to grow as they have.  And can it be possible now that the Jays make a move for Young??  Man that's a dream that seems all but impossible.

Kevin

12-15-2006, 07:56 PM

<a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2698288">Its Official</a>

Snacks

12-15-2006, 07:58 PM

spoon wrote: <a href="http://toronto.bluejays.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20061215&content_id=1761800&vkey=n ews_tor&fext=.jsp&c_id=tor">http://toronto.bluejays.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20061215&content_id=1761800&vkey=n ews_tor&fext=.jsp&c_id=tor</a>Things looking very good now as reported on the Blue Jay site.  But can they win without another pitcher?  They really need an arm bad, and some outfield depth.  So trading Rios or Johnson just doesn't sit well with me.  Having Johnson/Wells/Rios out there for the next few years is as good as it gets defensively, and sure as hell pretty damn solid in terms of O.  Especially if Jonhnson and Rios continue to grow as they have.  And can it be possible now that the Jays make a move for Young??  Man that's a dream that seems all but impossible. I like what the jays are doing but 126 million is a lot for Wells dont you think?

Kevin

12-15-2006, 09:57 PM

Snacks wrote: spoon wrote: <a href="http://toronto.bluejays.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20061215&content_id=1761800&vkey=n ews_tor&fext=.jsp&c_id=tor">http://toronto.bluejays.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20061215&content_id=1761800&vkey=n ews_tor&fext=.jsp&c_id=tor</a>Things looking very good now as reported on the Blue Jay site.  But can they win without another pitcher?  They really need an arm bad, and some outfield depth.  So trading Rios or Johnson just doesn't sit well with me.  Having Johnson/Wells/Rios out there for the next few years is as good as it gets defensively, and sure as hell pretty damn solid in terms of O.  Especially if Jonhnson and Rios continue to grow as they have.  And can it be possible now that the Jays make a move for Young??  Man that's a dream that seems all but impossible. I like what the jays are doing but 126 million is a lot for Wells dont you think?He got 10 mil less than Soriano. And i think he is a much better all around player than him. Plus Vernon is good guy who loves the game. He will never loaf or take plays off like Sori does. Expecialy now since Sori got his money.

This message was edited by Kevin on 12-16-06 @ 1:57 AM

cougarjake13

12-16-2006, 08:00 AM

Kevin wrote: Snacks wrote: spoon wrote: <a href="http://toronto.bluejays.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20061215&content_id=1761800&vkey=n ews_tor&fext=.jsp&c_id=tor">http://toronto.bluejays.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20061215&content_id=1761800&vkey=n ews_tor&fext=.jsp&c_id=tor</a>Things looking very good now as reported on the Blue Jay site.  But can they win without another pitcher?  They really need an arm bad, and some outfield depth.  So trading Rios or Johnson just doesn't sit well with me.  Having Johnson/Wells/Rios out there for the next few years is as good as it gets defensively, and sure as hell pretty damn solid in terms of O.  Especially if Jonhnson and Rios continue to grow as they have.  And can it be possible now that the Jays make a move for Young??  Man that's a dream that seems all but impossible. I like what the jays are doing but 126 million is a lot for Wells dont you think?He got 10 mil less than Soriano. And i think he is a much better all around player than him. Plus Vernon is good guy who loves the game. He will never loaf or take plays off like Sori does. Expecialy now since Sori got his money.This message was edited by Kevin on 12-16-06 @ 1:57 AM he got 10 mil less but also one year lesssoriano  8 - 136  17 mil a year wells  7 -126  18 mil a yearbut i agree wells is a better all around player

BoondockSaint

12-16-2006, 08:55 AM

I'm confused.  How does this work into him replacing Damon in center field?

Snacks

12-16-2006, 08:58 AM

cougarjake13 wrote: Kevin wrote: Snacks wrote: spoon wrote: <a href="http://toronto.bluejays.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20061215&content_id=1761800&vkey=n ews_tor&fext=.jsp&c_id=tor">http://toronto.bluejays.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20061215&content_id=1761800&vkey=n ews_tor&fext=.jsp&c_id=tor</a>Things looking very good now as reported on the Blue Jay site.  But can they win without another pitcher?  They really need an arm bad, and some outfield depth.  So trading Rios or Johnson just doesn't sit well with me.  Having Johnson/Wells/Rios out there for the next few years is as good as it gets defensively, and sure as hell pretty damn solid in terms of O.  Especially if Jonhnson and Rios continue to grow as they have.  And can it be possible now that the Jays make a move for Young??  Man that's a dream that seems all but impossible. I like what the jays are doing but 126 million is a lot for Wells dont you think?He got 10 mil less than Soriano. And i think he is a much better all around player than him. Plus Vernon is good guy who loves the game. He will never loaf or take plays off like Sori does. Expecialy now since Sori got his money.This message was edited by Kevin on 12-16-06 @ 1:57 AM he got 10 mil less but also one year lesssoriano  8 - 136  17 mil a year wells  7 -126  18 mil a yearbut i agree wells is a better all around player I dont know if I would say wells is an all around better player. Soriano isnt the best defensive player, but now he will move back to 2nd so who cares. As for offensive #'s I think soriano has him. Soriano is having arod/ bonds type #'s 40/40 has only happened 4 times and soriano almos did it twice. I love wells but I think Soriano is a stud.

BoondockSaint

12-16-2006, 09:06 AM

I see that Bagwell retired.  Anyone think he's going to the hall of fame?

Kevin

12-16-2006, 09:07 AM

BoondockSaint wrote: I'm confused.  How does this work into him replacing Damon in center field? He has a claus where he can opt out in 4 years.

BoondockSaint

12-16-2006, 09:14 AM

Kevin wrote: BoondockSaint wrote: I'm confused.  How does this work into him replacing Damon in center field? He has a claus where he can opt out in 4 years.But that would leave a year in between.  Well, I guess they will just have to live with Tori Hunter.

Snacks

12-16-2006, 09:16 AM

BoondockSaint wrote: I see that Bagwell retired.  Anyone think he's going to the hall of fame? I think he will make it but I think he should be boarderline

HBox

12-16-2006, 09:17 AM

Kevin wrote: BoondockSaint wrote: I'm confused. How does this work into him replacing Damon in center field? He has a claus where he can opt out in 4 years.Yes, he has:<img src="http://img440.imageshack.us/img440/2351/b000068tqv01ss500sclzzzzl4.jpg" border="0" />

cougarjake13

12-16-2006, 09:20 AM

Snacks wrote: cougarjake13 wrote: Kevin wrote: Snacks wrote: spoon wrote: <a href="http://toronto.bluejays.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20061215&content_id=1761800&vkey=n ews_tor&fext=.jsp&c_id=tor">http://toronto.bluejays.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20061215&content_id=1761800&vkey=n ews_tor&fext=.jsp&c_id=tor</a>Things looking very good now as reported on the Blue Jay site.  But can they win without another pitcher?  They really need an arm bad, and some outfield depth.  So trading Rios or Johnson just doesn't sit well with me.  Having Johnson/Wells/Rios out there for the next few years is as good as it gets defensively, and sure as hell pretty damn solid in terms of O.  Especially if Jonhnson and Rios continue to grow as they have.  And can it be possible now that the Jays make a move for Young??  Man that's a dream that seems all but impossible. I like what the jays are doing but 126 million is a lot for Wells dont you think?He got 10 mil less than Soriano. And i think he is a much better all around player than him. Plus Vernon is good guy who loves the game. He will never loaf or take plays off like Sori does. Expecialy now since Sori got his money.This message was edited by Kevin on 12-16-06 @ 1:57 AM he got 10 mil less but also one year lesssoriano  8 - 136  17 mil a year wells  7 -126  18 mil a yearbut i agree wells is a better all around player I dont know if I would say wells is an all around better player. Soriano isnt the best defensive player, but now he will move back to 2nd so who cares. As for offensive #'s I think soriano has him. Soriano is having arod/ bonds type #'s 40/40 has only happened 4 times and soriano almos did it twice. I love wells but I think Soriano is a stud.wellsYear Ag Tm  Lg  G       AB    R       H  2B  3B  HR  RBI  SB CS  BB  SO   BA     1999 20 <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/TOR/1999.shtml">TOR</a> <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL_1999.shtml">AL</a>  24    88     8     23   5    0   1      8     1  1   4    18  .261   2000 21 <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/TOR/2000.shtml">TOR</a> <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL_2000.shtml">AL</a>   3      2      0      0   0    0   0      0     0  0   0      0  .000   2001 22 <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/TOR/2001.shtml">TOR</a> <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL_2001.shtml">AL</a>  30    96    14    30   8    0   1      6     5  0   5    15  .312   2002 23 <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/TOR/2002.shtml">TOR</a> <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL_2002.shtml">AL</a> 159  608    87  167  34&nb

spoon

12-16-2006, 10:56 AM

cougarjake13 wrote: Kevin wrote: Snacks wrote: spoon wrote: <a href="http://toronto.bluejays.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20061215&content_id=1761800&vkey=n ews_tor&fext=.jsp&c_id=tor">http://toronto.bluejays.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20061215&content_id=1761800&vkey=n ews_tor&fext=.jsp&c_id=tor</a>Things looking very good now as reported on the Blue Jay site.  But can they win without another pitcher?  They really need an arm bad, and some outfield depth.  So trading Rios or Johnson just doesn't sit well with me.  Having Johnson/Wells/Rios out there for the next few years is as good as it gets defensively, and sure as hell pretty damn solid in terms of O.  Especially if Jonhnson and Rios continue to grow as they have.  And can it be possible now that the Jays make a move for Young??  Man that's a dream that seems all but impossible. I like what the jays are doing but 126 million is a lot for Wells dont you think?He got 10 mil less than Soriano. And i think he is a much better all around player than him. Plus Vernon is good guy who loves the game. He will never loaf or take plays off like Sori does. Expecialy now since Sori got his money.This message was edited by Kevin on 12-16-06 @ 1:57 AM he got 10 mil less but also one year lesssoriano  8 - 136  17 mil a year wells  7 -126  18 mil a yearbut i agree wells is a better all around player The sori contract is in fact a little less as the Wells contract is the 6th highest to date in the league.  However, it makes sense to wrap it up at this price for this long as he'd be 35 at the end of the contract, still a good age.  He's a team leader, 3x gold-glover at arguably the most important postion defensively (SS the other), and continues to hit the shit out of the ball.  The Sori contract and others this year made it clear that signing him next year would cost a ton more too as the experts think he already could get as much as 7/200 million if moved this year to the Angels or Dodgers.  So, they gave him his request taking him at his word and he backed it up.  He's home grown and I have no problem with the contract.

cougarjake13

12-16-2006, 11:00 AM

i'm just suprised that even with knowledge that he could possibly get 7 -200 he decided to stay with the blue jays for less moneyyou dont see that a lot in pro sports and i love it when a guy gives the hometeam discount

spoon

12-16-2006, 11:02 AM

Hell, they're both great offensive players but overall you have to go Wells easily.  Sori has a slight edge on HRs, but he rarely shortens his swing or looks to move people over in key points of games.  He's only played on one winning team with those stats as well, as I think he's a stat whore.  I'd take him no doubt, but I wouldn't fleece my team for him.  I'd save it for an around player at a key position or a top of the rotation pitcher.  Your focus has to be a Jeter, Wells, Sanatana type player.  Not a 2b or LF who has a good bat and terrible defensive skills.  The question is how will Frank Thomas hitting in the Jays lineup help his numbers?  He'll be seeing even more good pitches this year like he did when Delgado protected him. 

spoon

12-16-2006, 11:04 AM

cougarjake13 wrote: i'm just suprised that even with knowledge that he could possibly get 7 -200 he decided to stay with the blue jays for less moneyyou dont see that a lot in pro sports and i love it when a guy gives the hometeam discountSure he could have got more, but hell that's still a lot of money.  He was quoted as saying he really just wanted to be stable in one place for his kids for a while and also get enough to help his family financially for a few generations.

cougarjake13

12-16-2006, 11:08 AM

and if you look at the stats on the previous page sori has one full year as a starter more than wells and the hr difference is 208 - 141 with sori having 34 hrs in that extra season, yeh sori hits more in a season on avg but as the recent yankees have shown waiting around for the proverbial 3 run homer isnt going to work all the time

spoon

12-16-2006, 11:42 AM

The Jays lineup looks pretty damn scary.  Yet I still fear their d up the middle infield with their top two pitchers being ground ball dominant.Lineup:1)  Reed Johnson (LF)   .319 BA / 12 HR / 49 RBIs  / 86 R  (split time in left last year/great fielder)2)  Aaron Hill       (2B)   .291 BA / 6 HR  / 50 RBIs  / 70 R  (no more switching bt 2/SS)3)  Vernon Wells  (CF)   .303 BA / 32 HR / 106 RBIs / 91 R  (*3 x Gold Glover)4)  Troy Glaus     (3B)   .252 BA / 38 HR / 104 RBIs / 105 R 5)  Frank Thomas (DH) .270 BA / 39 HR / 114 RBIs / 77 R6)  Lyle Overbay  (1B)   .312 BA / 22 HR / 92 RBIs / 82 R  (Great Fielder)7)  Alex Rios       (RF)   .302 BA / 17 HR / 82 RBIs / 68 R  (Great Fielder & missed some of 2006)8)  Greg Zaun      (C)    .272 BA / 12 HR / 40 RBIs / 39 R  (Less then split last year)9)  Clayton/Smith/McDonald  ???  Who the hell knows who will start and how this works out. Bench:  Matt Stairs, Lind, Mottola, and who the hell else is up in the air right now.Pitching:1)  Halladay2)  Burnett3)  Chacin4)  Marcum5)  Towers/Jansen/Taubenheim/McGowan????

Kevin

12-16-2006, 11:55 AM

spoon wrote: The Jays lineup looks pretty damn scary.  Yet I still fear their d up the middle infield with their top two pitchers being ground ball dominant.Lineup:1)  Reed Johnson (LF)   .319 BA / 12 HR / 49 RBIs  / 86 R  (split time in left last year/great fielder)2)  Aaron Hill       (2B)   .291 BA / 6 HR  / 50 RBIs  / 70 R  (no more switching bt 2/SS)3)  Vernon Wells  (CF)   .303 BA / 32 HR / 106 RBIs / 91 R  (*3 x Gold Glover)4)  Troy Glaus     (3B)   .252 BA / 38 HR / 104 RBIs / 105 R 5)  Frank Thomas (DH) .270 BA / 39 HR / 114 RBIs / 77 R6)  Lyle Overbay  (1B)   .312 BA / 22 HR / 92 RBIs / 82 R  (Great Fielder)7)  Alex Rios       (RF)   .302 BA / 17 HR / 82 RBIs / 68 R  (Great Fielder & missed some of 2006)8)  Greg Zaun      (C)    .272 BA / 12 HR / 40 RBIs / 39 R  (Less then split last year)9)  Clayton/Smith/McDonald  ???  Who the hell knows who will start and how this works out. Bench:  Matt Stairs, Lind, Mottola, and who the hell else is up in the air right now.Pitching:1)  Halladay2)  Burnett3)  Chacin4)  Marcum5)  Towers/Jansen/Taubenheim/McGowan????Jays will Have a good team. The sp needs to step it up. Mainly Burnett. You can always count on Doc, if he is not injured. They could be in 2nd place again. Sox will either be really really good or a disatser. There is an outside shot they could win a wc or even the div. If both Yanks and sox have an offer year, but i think thats highly unlikly. I think the Jays are at least 1 sp away from really being a threat.

spoon

12-16-2006, 12:39 PM

Well remember that they didn't have Chacin and Burnett for half the year last year too so there's a gain already.  Still, they need to replace Lilly no doubt and I hear they're actually after two mid rotation type pitchers still.  I fear a trade where they move Johnson or Rios for a pitcher bc that's nuts right now.  They're both young, cheap, great defenders, .300 hitters and proved themselves last year.  Both are good enough for center field and hell, Johnson might be better defensively than Wells.  I watched every game last year and that's no joke.  Rios didn't make any errors really, but he doesn't get the jump on the ball like Wells and Johnson.

cougarjake13

12-17-2006, 07:08 AM

what kind of a bullpen do the jays have after bj ryan ???

Kevin

12-17-2006, 07:40 PM

This message was edited by Kevin on 12-19-06 @ 9:15 PM

spoon

12-19-2006, 04:35 PM

I really don't want the Jays to move Rios as they really can't land any great pitching that way and can get the same production out of their system.  The biggest mistake they made this year was Thomas vs Lugo or someone else at short.  That way they fill two holes SS defense and a solid bat with speed at the end of the lineup.  The Jays have a ton of groundball pitchers and the fact that they didn't plug this hole first as it hurt them the most last year kills me.  They missed on Gonzo, Lugo, Kennedy at second and more.  To me, Gonzo was cheaper, better defensively and would have been the best fit.  You bat him 8th or 9th and let him clean up on the field.  He's not a big hitter, but hits a few hrs and batted around .40 pts higher then the position for the Jays last year.  That's a huge upgrade offensively and even more defensively for less then Lugo would have cost.  Yet they added more O with Thomas, but at a huge risk for the next two years.  Not a bad move if they made moves to get a SS and pitcher too, but they didn't.  Yet 10 million for the guy isn't quite the deal the A's made last year.  This one is very suspect and could be the end of the Jays if he goes down.  I was happy with Lind and others filling the position next year.  If they signed Lugo or Gonzo, they could have made a move on Catt again for DH and 4th outfielder position.  I'm just a little concerned again about pitching and D up the middle.  Trading cheap talent as the wallet gets tighter doesn't make sense to me as Rios is very cheap.

spoon

12-19-2006, 04:39 PM

Kev, you have to take down that last post it's fucking driving me nuts. Here's some other news as to how important Rogers was in keeping my team afloat.<a href="http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/6270258">http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/6270258</a>

Kevin

12-19-2006, 05:07 PM

spoon wrote: Kev, you have to take down that last post it's fucking driving me nuts. Here's some other news as to how important Rogers was in keeping my team afloat.<a href="http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/6270258">http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/6270258</a>Fine, The SpoonF'nRules stuff is not in white text. Nevermind, I get it now.

This message was edited by Kevin on 12-19-06 @ 9:16 PM

spoon

12-19-2006, 05:27 PM

cougarjake13 wrote: what kind of a bullpen do the jays have after bj ryan ??? Young but I think pretty good with a few flame throwers and a couple crafty lefties too.  It shouldn't be a weak point, but I wouldn't call it top five in the league just yet either.  It has a ton of potential, but losing Speier hurts as well as dipping into it to fill the #4 and #5 SP roles so far as well.  That's not fair I guess as Marcum is the #5 in my books no matter what and only one will come from the pen or maybe the sp role from AAA.

spoon

12-19-2006, 05:34 PM

League and Accardo will split the setup role with League being top notch for the position.  I really think he'll earn the spot full time very soon.  Accardo has a deep arsenal, but does get tagged a few times.  Downs is a real strong lefty out of the pen and can go put in long relief as well.  He's a borderline starter.  Frasor is the key here as he can be great or terrible and he ended last year on a tear.  They say he was having issues controlling his fastball and he went to AAA to get in under control and did.  Rosario and Tallet (L) both had pretty interesting years in 2006 with Tallet showing he was a top notch reliever, and Rosario showing great signs but is really young for the majors in terms of experience.  The rest will be worked out with new acquitions and depends on the SP role.  I really think this area of the Jays is pretty solid though.  In fact, I'd love the Jays to hold onto Rios and work from within or go out and sign a lesser SP for the long haul.  I like Jansen, McGowan, Marcum and others for the role.

Basedow

12-22-2006, 07:39 AM

Two funny Stories in the MLB Today.... <a href="http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news;_ylt=ApysfY0u4TYxwwk5VQ2gE3oRvLYF?slug=ap-marlins-willisdui&prov=ap&type=lgns">Dontrelle got arrested  </a>  <a href="http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2006/12/sammy.html">Sammy Sosa may rejoin the MLB in DC </a>

crb1

12-22-2006, 07:59 AM

Basedow wrote: Two funny Stories in the MLB Today....<a href="http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news;_ylt=ApysfY0u4TYxwwk5VQ2gE3oRvLYF?slug=ap-marlins-willisdui&prov=ap&type=lgns">Dontrelle got arrested  </a><a href="http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2006/12/sammy.html">Sammy Sosa may rejoin the MLB in DC </a>  What about this one?<a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2706196">http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2706196</a>More sad than funny, considering what he could have been.

TheMojoPin

12-22-2006, 09:13 AM

Such a damn shame about Griffey.  Prettiest swing I've ever seen.

Marc with a c

12-22-2006, 09:15 AM

prettiest? keep showing your baseball ignorance mojo.   <img src="http://store.nypost.com/shp_images/merch_157.jpg" border="0" width="384" height="384" />

TheMojoPin

12-22-2006, 10:52 AM

Marc with a c wrote: prettiest? keep showing your baseball ignorance mojo.   <img src="http://store.nypost.com/shp_images/merch_157.jpg" border="0" width="384" height="384" />You're fucking high out of your gourd.  Griffey has the best looking, most flawless swing I've ever seen when he hits a home run.

crb1

12-22-2006, 11:03 AM

TheMojoPin wrote: Marc with a c wrote: prettiest? keep showing your baseball ignorance mojo.You're fucking high out of your gourd.  Griffey has the best looking, most flawless swing I've ever seen when he hits a home run. Is there any right-handed hitters that people bring up in a "prettiest swing" discussion?  Why is that all the best looking swings seem to belong to lefties?  Is there some anatomical reason for this?

Snoogans

12-22-2006, 01:01 PM

prettiest swing is griffey hands down. For some reason, right handers don't come up in a prettiest swing discussion ever. But it still wouldnt matter, cause Griffey is better then them all. Not to mention probably the best player in his prime that i have ever watched play baseball

TheMojoPin

12-22-2006, 01:05 PM

In a better world, Griffey has already shattered Aaron's HR record.

spoon

12-22-2006, 01:32 PM

TheMojoPin wrote: Marc with a c wrote: prettiest? keep showing your baseball ignorance mojo.   <img src="http://store.nypost.com/shp_images/merch_157.jpg" border="0" width="384" height="384" />You're fucking high out of your gourd.  Griffey has the best looking, most flawless swing I've ever seen when he hits a home run. You guys are both high, the answer was Tony Batista.  Tony Batista. Thanks for playing.<img src="http://www.elmasacre.com/fotos/94448042.jpg" border="0" width="200" height="200" />

TheMojoPin

12-22-2006, 01:36 PM

You sir...are insane.

cougarjake13

12-22-2006, 03:16 PM

TheMojoPin wrote: In a better world, Griffey has already shattered Aaron's HR record. definitely Year Ag Tm  Lg  G   AB    R    H   2B 3B     HR  RBI  SB CS  BB  SO   BA   +--------------+---+----+----+----+---+--+---+----+---+--+---+---+---- 1989 19 <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/SEA/1989.shtml">SEA</a> <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL_1989.shtml">AL</a> 127  455   61  120  23  0   16   61  16  7  44  83  .264   1990 20 <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/SEA/1990.shtml">SEA</a> <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL_1990.shtml">AL</a> 155  597   91  179  28  7   22   80  16 11  63  81  .300    1991 21 <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/SEA/1991.shtml">SEA</a> <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL_1991.shtml">AL</a> 154  548   76  179  42  1   22  100  18  6  71  82  .327    1992 22 <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/SEA/1992.shtml">SEA</a> <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL_1992.shtml">AL</a> 142  565   83  174  39  4   27  103  10  5  44  67  .308  1993 23 <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/SEA/1993.shtml">SEA</a> <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL_1993.shtml">AL</a> 156  582  113  180  38  3  45  109  17  9  96  91  .309  1994 24 <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/SEA/1994.shtml">SEA</a> <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL_1994.shtml">AL</a> 111  433   94  140  24  4   40   90  11  3  56  73  .323     1995 25 <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/SEA/1995.shtml">SEA</a> <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL_1995.shtml">AL</a>   72  260   52   67   7  0    17   42   4  2  52  53  .258   1996 26 <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/SEA/1996.shtml">SEA</a> <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL_1996.shtml">AL</a> 140  545  125  165  26  2  49  140  16  1  78 104  .303   1997 27 <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/SEA/1997.shtml">SEA</a> <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL_1997.shtml">AL</a> 157  608  125  185  34  3  56  147  15  4  76 121  .304   1998 28 <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/SEA/1998.shtml">SEA</a> <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL_1998.shtml">AL</a> 161  633  120  180  33  3

Snoogans

12-22-2006, 03:18 PM

cougarjake13 wrote: [quote]TheMojoPin wrote: In a better world, Griffey has already shattered Aaron's HR record. definitely Year Ag Tm Lg G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB CS BB SO BA +--------------+---+----+----+----+---+--+---+----+---+--+---+---+---- 1989 19 <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/SEA/1989.shtml">SEA</a> <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL_1989.shtml">AL</a> 127 455 61 120 23 0 16 61 16 7 44 83 .264 1990 20 <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/SEA/1990.shtml">SEA</a> <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL_1990.shtml">AL</a> 155 597 91 179 28 7 22 80 16 11 63 81 .300 1991 21 <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/SEA/1991.shtml">SEA</a> <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL_1991.shtml">AL</a> 154 548 76 179 42 1 22 100 18 6 71 82 .327 1992 22 <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/SEA/1992.shtml">SEA</a> <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL_1992.shtml">AL</a> 142 565 83 174 39 4 27 103 10 5 44 67 .308 1993 23 <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/SEA/1993.shtml">SEA</a> <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL_1993.shtml">AL</a> 156 582 113 180 38 3 45 109 17 9 96 91 .309 1994 24 <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/SEA/1994.shtml">SEA</a> <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL_1994.shtml">AL</a> 111 433 94 140 24 4 40 90 11 3 56 73 .323 1995 25 <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/SEA/1995.shtml">SEA</a> <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL_1995.shtml">AL</a> 72 260 52 67 7 0 17 42 4 2 52 53 .258 1996 26 <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/SEA/1996.shtml">SEA</a> <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL_1996.shtml">AL</a> 140 545 125 165 26 2 49 140 16 1 78 104 .303 1997 27 <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/SEA/1997.shtml">SEA</a> <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL_1997.shtml">AL</a> 157 608 125 185 34 3 56 147 15 4 76 121 .304 1998 28 <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/SEA/1998.shtml">SEA</a> <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL_1998.shtml">AL</a> 161 633 120 180 33 3 56 146 20 5 76 121 .284 1999 29 <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/SEA/1999.shtml">SEA</a> <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL_1999.shtml">AL</a> 160 606 123 173 26 3 48 134 24 7 91 108 .285 he hit 398 homers in 11 seasons with seattle for an avg of 36.18 a yr at that pace he would have 252 homers from 00-06 giving him 650 homers at the end of the 06 seasonin the one decent yr he had in cincy before getting injured almost every season he had<span class=

cougarjake13

12-22-2006, 03:43 PM

Snoogans wrote: [quote]cougarjake13 wrote: [quote]TheMojoPin wrote: In a better world, Griffey has already shattered Aaron's HR record. definitelyYear Ag Tm Lg G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB CS BB SO BA +--------------+---+----+----+----+---+--+---+----+---+--+---+---+---- 1989 19 <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/SEA/1989.shtml">SEA</a> <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL_1989.shtml">AL</a> 127 455 61 120 23 0 16 61 16 7 44 83 .264 1990 20 <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/SEA/1990.shtml">SEA</a> <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL_1990.shtml">AL</a> 155 597 91 179 28 7 22 80 16 11 63 81 .300 1991 21 <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/SEA/1991.shtml">SEA</a> <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL_1991.shtml">AL</a> 154 548 76 179 42 1 22 100 18 6 71 82 .327 1992 22 <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/SEA/1992.shtml">SEA</a> <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL_1992.shtml">AL</a> 142 565 83 174 39 4 27 103 10 5 44 67 .308 1993 23 <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/SEA/1993.shtml">SEA</a> <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL_1993.shtml">AL</a> 156 582 113 180 38 3 45 109 17 9 96 91 .309 1994 24 <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/SEA/1994.shtml">SEA</a> <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL_1994.shtml">AL</a> 111 433 94 140 24 4 40 90 11 3 56 73 .323 1995 25 <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/SEA/1995.shtml">SEA</a> <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL_1995.shtml">AL</a> 72 260 52 67 7 0 17 42 4 2 52 53 .258 1996 26 <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/SEA/1996.shtml">SEA</a> <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL_1996.shtml">AL</a> 140 545 125 165 26 2 49 140 16 1 78 104 .303 1997 27 <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/SEA/1997.shtml">SEA</a> <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL_1997.shtml">AL</a> 157 608 125 185 34 3 56 147 15 4 76 121 .304 1998 28 <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/SEA/1998.shtml">SEA</a> <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL_1998.shtml">AL</a> 161 633 120 180 33 3 56 146 20 5 76 121 .284 1999 29 <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/SEA/1999.shtml">SEA</a> <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL_1999.shtml">AL</a> 160 606 123 173 26 3 48 134 24 7 91 108 .285 he hit 398 homers in 11 seasons with seattle for an avg of 36.18 a yr at that pace he would have 252 homers from 00-06 giving him 650 homers at the end of the 06 seasonin the one decent yr he had in cincy before getting injured almost every season he had2000 30 <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/CIN/2000.shtml">CIN</a> <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/l

Snoogans

12-22-2006, 03:59 PM

i think he would havehe only needed around 200 more then he has now and missed 4+ full seasons in time about

Basedow

12-23-2006, 01:47 AM

i gotta back mojo and say that in 95/96 nobody had any doubt that griffy was going to break the HR record by legal means.... and he does have a beautiful swing. poor guy couldnt stay healthy.  im a yanks fan and i saw plenty of it in 95. nobody has a more fluid motion in the game today. he's exactly what the video games modeled swings on between 92-97. But the best swing of all time belongs to :<h2 class="r"><a href="http://www.mishalov.com/DiMaggio.html">Joltin' Joe DiMaggio</a></h2>  followed by strawberry  followed by griffey

TheMojoPin

12-23-2006, 03:37 AM

Basedow wrote: i gotta back mojo and say that in 95/96 nobody had any doubt that griffy was going to break the HR record by legal means.... and he does have a beautiful swing. poor guy couldnt stay healthy. im a yanks fan and i saw plenty of it in 95. nobody has a more fluid motion in the game today. he's exactly what the video games modeled swings on between 92-97. But the best swing of all time belongs to :<h2 class="r"><a href="http://www.mishalov.com/DiMaggio.html">Joltin' Joe DiMaggio</a></h2>  followed by strawberry  followed by griffey Hmmmmm...does Joe have powers we don't know about?  Both of the guys you have following him have had their careers sidetracked time and time again...

Bulldogcakes

12-23-2006, 03:46 AM

Basedow wrote:<h2 class="r"><a href="http://www.mishalov.com/DiMaggio.html">Joltin' Joe DiMaggio</a></h2>  followed by strawberry  followed by griffey Joe D Is one of the last icons to play before games were regularly televised (The main reason why he had such an aura and legend surrounding him). How do you know what his swing looked like? I wouldn't call Straw's swing pretty, it was more lazy. His HR's were awesome though. Griffey's swing is pretty. And so is he.    

This message was edited by Bulldogcakes on 12-23-06 @ 7:47 AM

BoondockSaint

12-23-2006, 04:18 AM

Will Clark had a nice swing.

Kevin

12-23-2006, 10:33 AM

I have always liked Carlos Beltrans swing.

Basedow

12-23-2006, 11:11 AM

Bulldogcakes wrote: Joe D Is one of the last icons to play before games were regularly televised (The main reason why he had such an aura and legend surrounding him). How do you know what his swing looked like? I wouldn't call Straw's swing pretty, it was more lazy. His HR's were awesome though. Griffey's swing is pretty. And so is he.    This message was edited by Bulldogcakes on 12-23-06 @ 7:47 AM Im sure youve seen a good deal of footage of his swing. It's not like i got to watch his games on TV but I've seen enough to know what it looked like. The same way you know what ruth's looked like. Actually I always though strawberry modeled  his swing a bit after Joe D because they both had that effortless look to them through the zone and on the follow through.  Maybe thats just my personal preference coming through and the swings I like are more unique than they are beautiful , because there is no dispute that Griffy's swing had a purity to it. I guess some people would think  Mickey Tettleton and Wade Boggs had good looking swings.

spoon

12-23-2006, 02:17 PM

TheMojoPin

12-23-2006, 03:01 PM

Spoon, I don't get your point.  Nobody's saying he deserves some kind of recognition for not having actually broken any of the records...just that if he didn't have the slew of serious injuries he'd likely have already broken them (instead of himself.  Repeatedly).  Very few players don't get injured...Griffey's just been unusually fragile compared to most.  What doesn't he "deserve?"  He hasn't gotten anything, nor will he.  If you're saying he doesn't deserve to be in the HOF, again, you're nuts.

spoon

12-23-2006, 03:14 PM

That's not what I'm saying, but the whole putting Griff up there with Aaron doesn't float with me almost as much as Bonds (cheating is way worse really).  The point is I hear this all the time with Griff bc he's loved but bottom line is he's not in the top of the standings bc of one of the factors involved with the record.  He's not at the level people put him at.  Injuries are a part of the record, obviously.  So acting out possible outcomes if he was less injury prone puts him there without any substance.  Should I put Bo in discussions of the most tds and yards in the nfl based on his possibility?  I know he isn't even close, but imagine if he wasn't injured, Clemente killed and many others.  Sure it's fun to do, but I just wanted to post the other side of it.

Bulldogcakes

12-24-2006, 06:55 AM

<a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2707317">Rangers get McCarthy from ChiSox in five-player deal</a>  Forget about any A-Rod deal with the ChiSox, if there ever was a chance of one. McCarthy would have been the centerpiece.   For the Met Fans, Texas GM talking about their chances on getting Zito.  "I don't want to get into specifics about our discussions other than to say that I'm not terribly encouraged about our chances," Daniels said on a conference call. "Regardless of whether or not we felt we were going to be able to sign somebody like Barry, we would have made this deal. This is about the future with Brandon." Is Omar bidding against himself here? Who else has made an offer?

Kevin

12-24-2006, 10:01 AM

Bulldogcakes wrote: <a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2707317">Rangers get McCarthy from ChiSox in five-player deal</a>  Forget about any A-Rod deal with the ChiSox, if there ever was a chance of one. McCarthy would have been the centerpiece.   For the Met Fans, Texas GM talking about their chances on getting Zito. "I don't want to get into specifics about our discussions other than to say that I'm not terribly encouraged about our chances," Daniels said on a conference call. "Regardless of whether or not we felt we were going to be able to sign somebody like Barry, we would have made this deal. This is about the future with Brandon."   Is Omar bidding against himself here? Who else has made an offer? M's are heavily after Zito also

HBox

12-24-2006, 12:29 PM

<a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2707975">Maybe THIS is a bigger reason why small market teams don't compete.</a>

lleeder

12-24-2006, 01:28 PM

HBox wrote: <a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2707975">Maybe THIS is a bigger reason why small market teams don't compete.</a> I don't understand why these guys run off the teams they won the World Series with. Like when the Red Sox won so many guys left that off season to free agency. I know the money is a lure but don't they want a chance to repeat. I guess winning doen't matter any more if they have a few extra million.

cougarjake13

12-24-2006, 01:53 PM

lleeder wrote: HBox wrote: <a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2707975">Maybe THIS is a bigger reason why small market teams don't compete.</a> I don't understand why these guys run off the teams they won the World Series with. Like when the Red Sox won so many guys left that off season to free agency. I know the money is a lure but don't they want a chance to repeat. I guess winning doen't matter any more if they have a few extra million.most players are all about the money, and i know for myself regardless of loyalty or whatever if there's another team out there offering more money i'm gonna take itas in suppan's case its not like he's gonna be a hall of famer and a few more world series championships will help out his cause so he's gonna go for the money

lleeder

12-24-2006, 01:56 PM

cougarjake13 wrote: lleeder wrote: HBox wrote: <a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2707975">Maybe THIS is a bigger reason why small market teams don't compete.</a> I don't understand why these guys run off the teams they won the World Series with. Like when the Red Sox won so many guys left that off season to free agency. I know the money is a lure but don't they want a chance to repeat. I guess winning doen't matter any more if they have a few extra million.most players are all about the money, and i know for myself regardless of loyalty or whatever if there's another team out there offering more money i'm gonna take itas in suppan's case its not like he's gonna be a hall of famer and a few more world series championships will help out his cause so he's gonna go for the moneyI understand that but winning is like a drug for me. I can't imagine guys not wanting to win. After a while how much money do you need. The rush of winning can't be bought.

cougarjake13

12-24-2006, 02:13 PM

lleeder wrote: cougarjake13 wrote: lleeder wrote: HBox wrote: <a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2707975">Maybe THIS is a bigger reason why small market teams don't compete.</a> I don't understand why these guys run off the teams they won the World Series with. Like when the Red Sox won so many guys left that off season to free agency. I know the money is a lure but don't they want a chance to repeat. I guess winning doen't matter any more if they have a few extra million.most players are all about the money, and i know for myself regardless of loyalty or whatever if there's another team out there offering more money i'm gonna take itas in suppan's case its not like he's gonna be a hall of famer and a few more world series championships will help out his cause so he's gonna go for the moneyI understand that but winning is like a drug for me. I can't imagine guys not wanting to win. After a while how much money do you need. The rush of winning can't be bought.true but everythings relativewe make x amount of  dollars and live within that budgetthey make x amount of dollars times 10 and live within that budgetso yes if they made that kind of money but lived like most normal middle class people then yeh its enough money but they dont live that wayalso how often is suppan gonna come off a world series championship season where he helped big time to contribute to winning it all and cash in b/c of it ??? not often im gonna go out on a limb and say he'll never see the world series again, provided he doesnt get traded during this 4 yr deal to a contender

Kevin

12-24-2006, 02:15 PM

If the formula holds, we are all fucked anyway because Texas will win the WS.

This message was edited by Kevin on 12-24-06 @ 6:15 PM

cougarjake13

12-24-2006, 02:21 PM

Kevin wrote: If the formula holds, we are all fucked anyway because Texas will win the WS. This message was edited by Kevin on 12-24-06 @ 6:15 PM what formula is that ???

Kevin

12-24-2006, 02:22 PM

cougarjake13 wrote: Kevin wrote: If the formula holds, we are all fucked anyway because Texas will win the WS. This message was edited by Kevin on 12-24-06 @ 6:15 PM what formula is that ???Fire Buck Showalter win the WS next year. Yankees 96 Zona 01.

cougarjake13

12-24-2006, 02:31 PM

Kevin wrote: cougarjake13 wrote: Kevin wrote: If the formula holds, we are all fucked anyway because Texas will win the WS. This message was edited by Kevin on 12-24-06 @ 6:15 PM what formula is that ???Fire Buck Showalter win the WS next year. Yankees 96 Zona 01.oh yeh i forgot about thatshit if they get zito then it may just happen for a 3rd time for sure

kellermcgee21

12-26-2006, 03:12 AM

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5zEHF_ajIw&eurl">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5zEHF_ajIw&eurl</a>=this ones for you mojo

crb1

12-26-2006, 04:54 AM

<a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/story/483266p-406772c.html">http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/story/483266p-406772c.html</a>Apparently, this story has some truth since it's being reported in the NY, Arizona, and a couple of CA papers. I would be totally in favor of this move if: 1) The Yanks don't have to pay his salary and 2) It doesn't lead to them going after Zito.Johnson hasn't been terrible, but he has been far too inconsistent. He's 43, coming off surgery, and is clearly no longer a pitcher you can depend on. One thing I noticed was how everyone compared him to Clemens, since he was another HOFer, but they also said he was never as good as Clemens was in NY.  To that, I submit these numbers.  One is Clemens' last season in NY (2003), and the other is Johnson's 1st season in NY (2005).  What set of numbers looks better?GS CG SHO  IP      H      R   ER  BB  SO   W   L   ERA 34  4    0   225.2  207  102 95  47  211  17  8  3.79 33  1    1   211.2  199   99  92  58  190  17  9  3.91

cougarjake13

12-26-2006, 04:42 PM

crb1 wrote: <a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/story/483266p-406772c.html">http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/story/483266p-406772c.html</a>Apparently, this story has some truth since it's being reported in the NY, Arizona, and a couple of CA papers. I would be totally in favor of this move if: 1) The Yanks don't have to pay his salary and 2) It doesn't lead to them going after Zito.Johnson hasn't been terrible, but he has been far too inconsistent. He's 43, coming off surgery, and is clearly no longer a pitcher you can depend on. One thing I noticed was how everyone compared him to Clemens, since he was another HOFer, but they also said he was never as good as Clemens was in NY.  To that, I submit these numbers.  One is Clemens' last season in NY (2003), and the other is Johnson's 1st season in NY (2005).  What set of numbers looks better?GS CG SHO  IP      H      R   ER  BB  SO   W   L   ERA 34  4    0   225.2  207  102 95  47  211  17  8  3.79 33  1    1   211.2  199   99  92  58  190  17  9  3.91 the top numbers are slighty betterwhich one is that clemens or rj ???

crb1

12-27-2006, 04:02 AM

cougarjake13 wrote: crb1 wrote: <a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/story/483266p-406772c.html">http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/story/483266p-406772c.html</a>Apparently, this story has some truth since it's being reported in the NY, Arizona, and a couple of CA papers. I would be totally in favor of this move if: 1) The Yanks don't have to pay his salary and 2) It doesn't lead to them going after Zito.Johnson hasn't been terrible, but he has been far too inconsistent. He's 43, coming off surgery, and is clearly no longer a pitcher you can depend on. One thing I noticed was how everyone compared him to Clemens, since he was another HOFer, but they also said he was never as good as Clemens was in NY.  To that, I submit these numbers.  One is Clemens' last season in NY (2003), and the other is Johnson's 1st season in NY (2005).  What set of numbers looks better?GS CG SHO  IP      H      R   ER  BB  SO   W   L   ERA 34  4    0   225.2  207  102 95  47  211  17  8  3.79 33  1    1   211.2  199   99  92  58  190  17  9  3.91 the top numbers are slighty betterwhich one is that clemens or rj ???The top #'s are Johnson's from 2005, and the bottom set is Clemens from 2003.

johnniewalker

12-27-2006, 11:30 AM

HBox wrote: <a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2707975">Maybe THIS is a bigger reason why small market teams don't compete.</a>I really don't like Suppan, but i guess the deal fits in this market.  I like the brewers getting into the market, but he is the highest paid person on the team now. It kills when you put so much money and he doesn't play like Ben Sheets for the past two years.  Suppan is no where near the talent of Sheets.  It's kinda nice to see a move after losing C. Lee, but i hope they didn't sink too much money into this.

Kevin

12-27-2006, 02:08 PM

crb1 wrote: cougarjake13 wrote: crb1 wrote: <a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/story/483266p-406772c.html">http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/story/483266p-406772c.html</a>Apparently, this story has some truth since it's being reported in the NY, Arizona, and a couple of CA papers. I would be totally in favor of this move if: 1) The Yanks don't have to pay his salary and 2) It doesn't lead to them going after Zito.Johnson hasn't been terrible, but he has been far too inconsistent. He's 43, coming off surgery, and is clearly no longer a pitcher you can depend on. One thing I noticed was how everyone compared him to Clemens, since he was another HOFer, but they also said he was never as good as Clemens was in NY.  To that, I submit these numbers.  One is Clemens' last season in NY (2003), and the other is Johnson's 1st season in NY (2005).  What set of numbers looks better?GS CG SHO  IP      H      R   ER  BB  SO   W   L   ERA 34  4    0   225.2  207  102 95  47  211  17  8  3.79 33  1    1   211.2  199   99  92  58  190  17  9  3.91 the top numbers are slighty betterwhich one is that clemens or rj ???The top #'s are Johnson's from 2005, and the bottom set is Clemens from 2003.The big difference between the 2 is after Clemens 1st 2 years, he pitched lights out in the playoffs. He pitched a big game in Fenway and that amazing 15 k 1 hitter in Seattle. Where he came within an inch of Tino's glove from pitching a perfect game. Where RJ has been an abomination in the playoffs. He killed us in that gm 3 against the Angels and last year he got bombed again. So i give Clemens a gigantic edge.

This message was edited by Kevin on 12-27-06 @ 6:09 PM

cougarjake13

12-27-2006, 02:54 PM

spoon

12-27-2006, 08:18 PM

Kevin wrote: crb1 wrote: cougarjake13 wrote: crb1 wrote: <a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/story/483266p-406772c.html">http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/story/483266p-406772c.html</a>Apparently, this story has some truth since it's being reported in the NY, Arizona, and a couple of CA papers. I would be totally in favor of this move if: 1) The Yanks don't have to pay his salary and 2) It doesn't lead to them going after Zito.Johnson hasn't been terrible, but he has been far too inconsistent. He's 43, coming off surgery, and is clearly no longer a pitcher you can depend on. One thing I noticed was how everyone compared him to Clemens, since he was another HOFer, but they also said he was never as good as Clemens was in NY.  To that, I submit these numbers.  One is Clemens' last season in NY (2003), and the other is Johnson's 1st season in NY (2005).  What set of numbers looks better?GS CG SHO  IP      H      R   ER  BB  SO   W   L   ERA 34  4    0   225.2  207  102 95  47  211  17  8  3.79 33  1    1   211.2  199   99  92  58  190  17  9  3.91 the top numbers are slighty betterwhich one is that clemens or rj ???The top #'s are Johnson's from 2005, and the bottom set is Clemens from 2003.The big difference between the 2 is after Clemens 1st 2 years, he pitched lights out in the playoffs. He pitched a big game in Fenway and that amazing 15 k 1 hitter in Seattle. Where he came within an inch of Tino's glove from pitching a perfect game. Where RJ has been an abomination in the playoffs. He killed us in that gm 3 against the Angels and last year he got bombed again. So i give Clemens a gigantic edge.This message was edited by Kevin on 12-27-06 @ 6:09 PM Come on Kev, the main point here is that NY yank fans are rabid and run with the pack on all stories and issues.  When Clemens came everyone hated him and he really was never accepted fully until he left and now you can't get him back quick enough.  As for Johnson, almost every fan here was stoked and couldn't wait, and when he isn't the ace, he's dirt.  Fair weather bullshit and I hope you get Clemens and he gets his ass rocked, which he will if he returns to the AL East, so you can all cry about the 50th huge pitcher signing in the last 7 years with the yanks you didn't really want.  I also can't wait until Andy fucks around on his woman again and starts gay clubbing with Jeter and Arod after the split.  That's yank team spirit baby.

Kevin

12-27-2006, 09:26 PM

<img src="http://www.brittonnet.com/images/ManScratchingHead.gif" border="0" width="165" height="223" />WHAT???? Dude did you read your post to check if it made any sense what so ever???? The reason why we fucking Hate RJ is he has let us down in big spot after big fucking spot. We saw year after year of this man killing and dominating us, then he comes here and fucking STINKS in big spots. Hey guess what, he is being payed 16million dollars and most of that money by us we have a right to like him or not like him. You see reg season does not fucking matter to us. It is what you do in the big spots in the playoffs that matter to us. That is why we love Andy. As i stated before, Andy at his fucking best never had great numbers. But when the big spots came up, more often than not, he was fucking money. You do well in NY you are fucking king, if you do not, You are dirt. Players who chose to come here should know that by now. Its not being fucking fair weathers its giving a shit and having passion. We dislike Arod because he not only failed in not 1 post season, not 2 postseasons BUT 3! And RJ in 2 in a row. The only reason why we never fully warmed up to Clemens was the Redsox ties and the fact that he comes off phony when he says how he came because the Yankees had this and that. Bullshit he had the chance in 97 to come here as a FA and chose to go to Toronto. Then when the Yankees were winning title after title he decided to come and win titles. THATS why we dislike Clemens. And your wrong Andy could go 2-15 and we will never turn on him. He is one of the all time fav Yankees. And its not just Yankee fans, it Met fans, Knick, Giant, Jet fans. The only fan base that you could is paitent and does give their time to do things and take losing is the Ranger fans. Met fans have never warmed up to Glavin either. Because of the Brave years. Do they cheer when he does well? Yes. That is because he wearing a Met Uni. But chances are most Met fan do not like Glavin or any Brave. They Booed and disliked Beltran just like we do to Arod. It was not until he a break year, that they warmed up to him. And i am sure that if he went a combined 5-50 after gm3 of 04 LCS like Arod has done, They treat him the same, As they Should. They here here to one thing and one only, be big part in a WS Title for each teams. Your telling me that if the Jays make the Playoffs say 2 3 in row and Burnett who is making 11mil a year to be a big pitcher, and Vernon Wells who is now making 18mil to be big player, are both abominations in the playoffs. Burnett Gets bombed in big games and Vernon Strikes out in huge spots, Fails to simply sac fly to bring in the runner from 3rd for big runs time after time. And they do this 2 3 years in a row, Your telling me that you won't start to not like them?. because if are, then you are not a real baseball fan. 

This message was edited by Kevin on 12-28-06 @ 2:20 AM

Don Stugots

12-28-2006, 04:39 AM

spoon wrote: Kevin wrote: crb1 wrote: cougarjake13 wrote: crb1 wrote: <a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/story/483266p-406772c.html">http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/story/483266p-406772c.html</a>Apparently, this story has some truth since it's being reported in the NY, Arizona, and a couple of CA papers. I would be totally in favor of this move if: 1) The Yanks don't have to pay his salary and 2) It doesn't lead to them going after Zito.Johnson hasn't been terrible, but he has been far too inconsistent. He's 43, coming off surgery, and is clearly no longer a pitcher you can depend on. One thing I noticed was how everyone compared him to Clemens, since he was another HOFer, but they also said he was never as good as Clemens was in NY. To that, I submit these numbers. One is Clemens' last season in NY (2003), and the other is Johnson's 1st season in NY (2005). What set of numbers looks better?GS CG SHO IP H R ER BB SO W L ERA 34 4 0 225.2 207 102 95 47 211 17 8 3.79 33 1 1 211.2 199 99 92 58 190 17 9 3.91 the top numbers are slighty betterwhich one is that clemens or rj ???The top #'s are Johnson's from 2005, and the bottom set is Clemens from 2003.The big difference between the 2 is after Clemens 1st 2 years, he pitched lights out in the playoffs. He pitched a big game in Fenway and that amazing 15 k 1 hitter in Seattle. Where he came within an inch of Tino's glove from pitching a perfect game. Where RJ has been an abomination in the playoffs. He killed us in that gm 3 against the Angels and last year he got bombed again. So i give Clemens a gigantic edge.This message was edited by Kevin on 12-27-06 @ 6:09 PM Come on Kev, the main point here is that NY yank fans are rabid and run with the pack on all stories and issues. When Clemens came everyone hated him and he really was never accepted fully until he left and now you can't get him back quick enough. As for Johnson, almost every fan here was stoked and couldn't wait, and when he isn't the ace, he's dirt. Fair weather bullshit and I hope you get Clemens and he gets his ass rocked, which he will if he returns to the AL East, so you can all cry about the 50th huge pitcher signing in the last 7 years with the yanks you didn't really want. I also can't wait until Andy fucks around on his woman again and starts gay clubbing with Jeter and Arod after the split. That's yank team spirit baby.  spoon, when the yanks were going after Johnson, i for one didnt want him.  I still dont.  We gave up two young starters that I feel needed some time to adjust to NY and in Halsey's case, adjust to the big leauge.  We also gave $$$ and a young catcher that we will have to go out and get.  Plus, Johnson never acted liked he wanted to come to NEW YORK just any team that was winning.  I still hold a grudge against him for the 01 series where he was just coming off as an ass in every interview in regards to 9/11 and the spirit of NY. Clemens wasnt accepted at first for one reason, the yanks traded away a fan favorite at the time.  Wells was all over the media and print ads for the team that coming season coming off of the perfect game.  Him being traded was something no one saw coming.  Clemens never accepted by the fans till he left?  all the guy was standing ovations every time he walked off the mound.  I dont know of anyone that didnt want the guy to stay on.

cougarjake13

12-28-2006, 02:27 PM

barry zito signs with the giantsfor this kind of money im glad the mets didnt sign him<a href="http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/6312316">http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/6312316</a>

crb1

12-29-2006, 06:36 AM

cougarjake13 wrote: barry zito signs with the giantsfor this kind of money im glad the mets didnt sign him<a href="http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/6312316">http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/6312316</a>As much as I can't stand him, Scott Boras is a genius.  I never thought he'd get more than $80 mil for him.  Didn't the Giants even look at his performance the past 3 years?!  And it sounds like no one else was even close to that bid.  Wow. Great job by Boras.

Kevin

12-29-2006, 09:24 AM

crb1 wrote: cougarjake13 wrote: barry zito signs with the giantsfor this kind of money im glad the mets didnt sign himhttp<a href="http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/6312316">://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/6312316</a>As much as I can't stand him, Scott Boras is a genius. I never thought he'd get more than $80 mil for him. Didn't the Giants even look at his performance the past 3 years?! And it sounds like no one else was even close to that bid. Wow. Great job by Boras.  Don't you get it? Boras is secretly working for the Evil Empire known as the Yankees. He negotiates these ridiculous deals forcing other teams to pay 40-100 million more than then the player is worth or has been offered by other teams. They are doing it to drive up the salary scale and RUIIIIIIN BAAAAAASSSSSSEEBAAAAAALLLLLLL. DAAAAAAAAAMMMMMMNNNNNN YOUUUUUUUUU YAAAAANKEEEEEEEEES!!!!!!!! They need to be contracted. For the good of the sport.

cougarjake13

12-29-2006, 10:31 AM

Kevin wrote: crb1 wrote: cougarjake13 wrote: barry zito signs with the giantsforthis kind of money im glad the mets didnt sign himhttp<a href="http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/6312316">://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/6312316</a>As much as I can't stand him, Scott Boras is a genius. I never thought he'd get more than $80 mil for him. Didn't the Giants even look at his performance the past 3 years?! And it sounds like no one else was even close to that bid. Wow. Great job by Boras.  Don't you get it? Boras is secretly working for the Evil Empire known as the Yankees. He negotiates these ridiculous deals forcing other teams to pay 40-100 million more than then the player is worth or has been offered by other teams. They are doing it to drive up the salary scale and RUIIIIIIN BAAAAAASSSSSSEEBAAAAAALLLLLLL. DAAAAAAAAAMMMMMMNNNNNN YOUUUUUUUUU YAAAAANKEEEEEEEEES!!!!!!!! They need to be contracted. For the good of the sport. if the yankees were winning the world series these last 6 yrs then i'd agree that something should be done, but they havent won since 2000 so them overspending only fucks themselves and yeh they get the best talent available, when they want it but in a way i think it's made other teams better by forcing them to develop their farm system more and be more creative in trades and free agency

Kevin

01-02-2007, 02:33 PM

<div class="pagetitle"><div class="pagedate">Updated: Jan. 2, 2007</div><h1>Yankees, Red Sox reign in offseason</h1></div><div class="bylinebox" style="margin-top: 8px"><div class="insiderbyline"><a href="http://insider.espn.go.com/insider/index"><img src="http://espn-ak.starwave.com/i/story/design05/insider_byline.gif" border="0" alt="Insider" width="95" height="25" /></a></div><div class="bylinephoto"><a href="http://x.go.com/cgi/x.pl?goto=http://search.espn.go.com/keyword/search?searchString=keith_law&name=SEARCH_m_archiv e&srvc=sz"><img src="http://espn-ak.starwave.com/i/columnists/Law_Keith_55.jpg" border="0" alt="Law" width="55" height="55" align="absMiddle" /></a></div><div class="bylinetext">By Keith Law Scouts Inc. <a href="http://x.go.com/cgi/x.pl?goto=http://search.espn.go.com/keyword/search?searchString=keith_law&name=SEARCH_m_archiv e&srvc=sz">Archive</a></div></div> <div class="text11" style="background: #fff"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td valign="top" style="padding-top: 10px">With the bulk of the offseason activity behind us -- save a <a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=4288">Randy Johnson</a> trade here and a <a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=6200">Jeff Weaver</a> signing there -- let's take a look at which teams did the most to help or hurt themselves and which contracts look like the best and worst deals of the winter. <div class="subhead">Three teams that came out ahead</div> <img src="http://espn-ak.starwave.com/i/teamlogos/mlb/med/nyy.gif" border="0" width="80" height="80" align="right" />1. Yankees: In a winter when everyone else was eager to commit lots of dollars to older players, the Yankees managed to stick to short-term commitments, and even flipped <a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=4268">Gary Sheffield</a> for three minor league arms with upside. <a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=5331">Andy Pettitte</a> was one of the best starters available, and the Yankees got him for two years (one if he declines the player option). <a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=4715">Mike Mussina</a> was also one of the best starters available, and the Yankees retained him at what was clearly a below-market salary. And they even dumped <a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=5839">Jaret Wright</a> on Baltimore, getting back a useful back-of-the-pen arm in <a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=7729">Chris Britton</a> and saving a little cash there as well. <img src="http://espn-ak.starwave.com/i/teamlogos/mlb/med/bos.gif" border="0" width="80" height="80" align="right" />2. Red Sox: The Sox went into the offseason with five major needs and filled three of them. They needed another starter, preferably a No. 3 or better, and landed one in Daisuke Matsuzaka, the best starting pitcher available. They needed a shortstop and landed <a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=6451">Julio Lugo</a>, who was the only true everyday shortstop on the free-agent market. They needed a No. 5 hitter, and may have landed one in <a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=6117">J.D. Drew</a>, assuming that the issues around his contract and his physical can be worked out. While the Sox added relief pitchers like Brendan Donnelly and J.C. Romero, they still don't have a suitable closer. And another thing the Sox didn't address externally was second base, choosing to go with rookie <a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=7631">Dustin Pedroia</a> to

crb1

01-09-2007, 04:41 AM

HOF Inductees are announced today.  Any predictions for who will make it?Personally, I think there will 3 players elected.  Besides the 2 obvious choices (Ripken and Gwynn), I think Gossage will make it this year.  I think the writers will "teach Mark McGwire a lesson" and he'll get far less support than he should.  I also think Rice and Blylevyn get close, but just miss. It was a tough call between Blylevyn, Rice and Gossage for the 3rd spot, but I think Sutter getting elected last year may have softened some voters.

Crippler

01-09-2007, 04:52 AM

As much as I hated him, I still think Rice deserves to get in, but probably won't...again.

Crippler

01-09-2007, 10:08 AM

...and Rice didn't make it.  Neither did Goose or Big Mac:<a href="http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070109&content_id=1775441&vkey=n ews_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb">http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070109&content_id=1775441&vkey=n ews_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb</a>It's Ripken & Gwynn going in together.

cougarjake13

01-11-2007, 04:22 PM

Crippler wrote: ...and Rice didn't make it.  Neither did Goose or Big Mac:<a href="http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070109&content_id=1775441&vkey=n ews_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb">http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070109&content_id=1775441&vkey=n ews_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb</a>It's Ripken & Gwynn going in together.well at least we'll know what caps they'll be wearing

BoondockSaint

01-11-2007, 04:25 PM

cougarjake13 wrote: Crippler wrote: ...and Rice didn't make it.  Neither did Goose or Big Mac:<a href="http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070109&content_id=1775441&vkey=n ews_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb">http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070109&content_id=1775441&vkey=n ews_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb</a>It's Ripken & Gwynn going in together.well at least we'll know what caps they'll be wearingYup.  Yankees.

Kevin

01-11-2007, 04:27 PM

BoondockSaint wrote: cougarjake13 wrote: Crippler wrote: ...and Rice didn't make it. Neither did Goose or Big Mac:<a href="http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070109&content_id=1775441&vkey=n ews_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb">http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070109&content_id=1775441&vkey=n ews_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb</a>It's Ripken & Gwynn going in together.well at least we'll know what caps they'll be wearingYup. Yankees. Are there any playes BUT Yankee players in the HOF...... I THINK NOT!

This message was edited by Kevin on 1-11-07 @ 8:27 PM

Kevin

01-12-2007, 01:38 PM

<div class="pagetitle" style="width: 480px"><h1>Yanks clear launchpad for Rocket</h1></div>posted: Friday, January 12, 2007  |  <a href="http://proxy.espn.go.com/chat/chatESPN?event_id=6999">Feedback</a>  |  <a href="http://insider.espn.go.com/espn/print?id=2728737&type=blogEntry">Print Entry</a> The largest hurdle for the Yankees in their pursuit of Roger Clemens last season -- had they ever gotten really serious -- might have been Clemens's preference to leave the team in between his starts, a perk he has always had with the Astros. The Yankees didn't want to set that precedent while bringing Clemens on board, because they had another pitcher almost equal in stature to the Rocket: Randy Johnson, also a future Hall of Famer, also a multiple winner of the Cy Young Award. The Yankees were leery of creating a situation in which Johnson -- and perhaps other players -- would also want days away from the team. But now Johnson is gone, and it seems very likely that the Yankees will be much more flexible with Clemens if he requests to leave the team between some starts. They are in a much better position now to give him that kind of special treatment. Mike Mussina, another well-established veteran on the staff, is not the type who would ask for that kind of perk, and Andy Pettitte has played with Clemens for years and never suggested in Houston that he should get the same kind of treatment as his friend. The Clemens sweepstakes won't play out until the spring, maybe April, and injuries could change the circumstances and rotation needs for the Astros, Red Sox and Yankees between now and then. But as of now, the Red Sox front office doesn't seem to have a lot of internal desire to bid as aggressively for Clemens as they did last year, because of the money committed to Daisuke Matsuzaka, Julio Lugo and J.D. Drew. It remains to be seen if the Astros play well enough early in the season to satisfy Clemens's desire to pitch for a contender, and whether Houston is willing to pay Clemens as lushly as it did last season, when he made a little over $3.5 million per month. But there can be no doubting that the Yankees will have both the interest and the money to go after Clemens now, even if it means overpaying him, because they've cleared so much payroll this winter with the trades of Gary Sheffield and Johnson. And now they may be willing to bend their usually rigid rules to help lure the seven-time Cy Young Award winner. • Pettitte met with the New York media yesterday and <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/12/sports/baseball/12yanks.html?ref=sports" target="_new">answered a whole lot of questions</a> about Clemens. The Yankees are open in their <a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/story/488026p-410943c.html" target="_new">desire to land Clemens</a>, writes John Harper. • Mariano Rivera isn't sure <a href="http://www.nypost.com/seven/01122007/sports/yankees/big_units_failure_mystifies_rivera_yankees_dan_mar tin.htm" target="_new">why the Big Unit didn't work out</a> in New York, Dan Martin writes. • <a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/story/488050p-410966c.html" target="_new">Barry Bonds apologized to Mark Sweeney</a> on Wednesday for the mess that has now touched Sweeney publicly, in the aftermath of T.J. Quinn's story in the Daily News. It still seems likely that the Giants will complete their delicate contract negotiations with Bonds, but don't rule out the possibility that this new issue could eventually blow up the talks, either, and leave Bonds without a team. It figures that the Giants will use this latest news to apply more leverage in their contract talks with Bonds. As the San Jose Mer

cougarjake13

01-14-2007, 09:55 AM

Kevin wrote: • Jeff Blair thinks <a href="http://www.theglobeandmail.com/blogs/baseball" target="_new">Roberto Alomar is a Hall of Famer</a>, but wonders how the Hirschbeck spitting incident will affect his candidacy. right in the article it says it allAlomar had 2,724 career hits and scored 1,508 runs and 474 steals and was an All-Star in each of the five years he played with the Blue Jays, which included two World Series appearances. His numbers are better than Joe Morgan and Ryne Sandberg. maybe before all this steroid talk the spitting incident might have affected his chances, but now in comparison its nothing

johnniewalker

01-14-2007, 10:00 AM

<a href="http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/6369264">Blue Jays to keep Overbay in fold with $24 million deal</a>I think its a great move for 4 years, he's constantly one of the leaders in doubles, produces rbi's, high obp, and stays healthy.

cougarjake13

01-14-2007, 10:02 AM

johnniewalker wrote: <a href="http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/6369264">Blue Jays to keep Overbay in fold with $24 million deal</a>I think its a great move for 4 years, he's constantly one of the leaders in doubles, produces rbi's, high obp, and stays healthy.   yeh i wass just gonna post that btw  where the hell is spoon ??? he shoulda been on top of that

Kevin

01-14-2007, 09:30 PM

cougarjake13 wrote: johnniewalker wrote: <a href="http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/6369264">Blue Jays to keep Overbay in fold with $24 million deal</a>I think its a great move for 4 years, he's constantly one of the leaders in doubles, produces rbi's, high obp, and stays healthy.   yeh i wass just gonna post that btw  where the hell is spoon ??? he shoulda been on top of thatSpoon is only around during Yankee season and during the hight of FA..... If he can't yell at Yankee fans in the Yankee furom... There is nothing for him to talk about...... Spoon has 6238 posts...Here is the ratio5000 Yankee threads......500 MLB threads500 NFL threads (Yelling at Yankee/Giant fans)238 NHL thread.

This message was edited by Kevin on 1-15-07 @ 1:33 AM

cougarjake13

01-15-2007, 04:53 AM

Kevin wrote: cougarjake13 wrote: johnniewalker wrote: <a href="http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/6369264">Blue Jays to keep Overbay in fold with $24 million deal</a>I think its a great move for 4 years, he's constantly one of the leaders in doubles, produces rbi's, high obp, and stays healthy.   yeh i wass just gonna post that btw  where the hell is spoon ??? he shoulda been on top of thatSpoon is only around during Yankee season and during the hight of FA..... If he can't yell at Yankee fans in the Yankee furom... There is nothing for him to talk about...... Spoon has 6238 posts...Here is the ratio5000 Yankee threads......500 MLB threads500 NFL threads (Yelling at Yankee/Giant fans)238 NHL thread.This message was edited by Kevin on 1-15-07 @ 1:33 AM nice breakdownbut at the very least you forgot the posts during the great spoon moe war of 06, i dont think they all occured in a sports forum

Kevin

01-15-2007, 01:19 PM

cougarjake13 wrote: Kevin wrote: cougarjake13 wrote: johnniewalker wrote: <a href="http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/6369264">Blue Jays to keep Overbay in fold with $24 million deal</a>I think its a great move for 4 years, he's constantly one of the leaders in doubles, produces rbi's, high obp, and stays healthy.   yeh i wass just gonna post that btw  where the hell is spoon ??? he shoulda been on top of thatSpoon is only around during Yankee season and during the hight of FA..... If he can't yell at Yankee fans in the Yankee furom... There is nothing for him to talk about...... Spoon has 6238 posts...Here is the ratio5000 Yankee threads......500 MLB threads500 NFL threads (Yelling at Yankee/Giant fans)238 NHL thread.This message was edited by Kevin on 1-15-07 @ 1:33 AM nice breakdownbut at the very least you forgot the posts during the great spoon moe war of 06, i dont think they all occured in a sports forumFine... 150 hockey... The rest Moe war..

BoondockSaint

01-19-2007, 12:46 PM

<a href="http://www.sportsnetwork.com/default.asp?c=sportsnetwork&page=/mlb/news/AAN4059032.htm" target="_blank">Cubs sign the Shark.</a>

TheMojoPin

01-19-2007, 01:08 PM

I'll applaud it when he produces.Right now I'm much more happy over Mark Prior and Wade Miller taking the mound reguarly and pitching during the offseason.  It's a welcome change of pace.

This message was edited by TheMojoPin on 1-19-07 @ 6:59 PM

cougarjake13

01-19-2007, 02:23 PM

is it that he's a much better pitcher ??? or that the cubs were offering more money than he possibly could have gotten in the nfl ??? and will we see a drew henson type situation if he doesnt perform ???

TheMojoPin

01-19-2007, 02:58 PM

cougarjake13 wrote: is it that he's a much better pitcher ??? or that the cubs were offering more money than he possibly could have gotten in the nfl ??? and will we see a drew henson type situation if he doesnt perform ???His scouting reports are pretty damn impressive, but he's still very raw.  Here's the best summary I've found so far:-Reports on his fastball velocity vary, but he was working in the low to mid 90s and apparently was able to dial it up to 98/99. -His breaking ball and changeup are both works in progress. Both have the potential to be good pitches, but he needs to work on them a bit more extensively. -Being a guy who played WR most of his life and had the potential to be a first round draft pick, he has a solid frame that's pretty well filled up. The guy keeps himself in good shape. -He's really raw. While he's been a two sport guy for most of his life, he's focused primarily on football. On the upside of this, it means that he has less wear and tear on his arm than some other guys his age, which is a nice bonus. -He's likable and coachable. Boise's coaches were impressed with him during his limited stint down there. -The one downside that I've heard about him that merits keeping an eye on is the fact that his fastball apparently doesn't have much movement to it. This could change now that he's focusing on baseball, but it's something worth noting. It's a good pickup for the Cubs, imo. The biggest step for him will be pitching a full season, given his limited time as a pitcher. If he is able to pitch 150 innings next season without any health or conditioning concerns, he'll have a really nice future.

Gvac

01-20-2007, 05:52 AM

The Reds are speaking to Ken "Mr. Glass" Griffey Jr. about moving from center to rightfield.  I guess they're planning on making Ryan Freel their everyday centerfielder.  The odds of them landing a bona fide star are a million to one.

cougarjake13

01-20-2007, 06:02 AM

Gvac wrote: The Reds are speaking to Ken "Mr. Glass" Griffey Jr. about moving from center to rightfield.  I guess they're planning on making Ryan Freel their everyday centerfielder.  The odds of them landing a bona fide star are a million to one. maybe moving to a corner outfield spot will help him stay healthyalthough his latest injury had nothing to do with being on the field

Dan 'Hampton

01-20-2007, 06:07 AM

TheMojoPin wrote: I'll applaud it when he produces.Right now I'm much more happy over Mark Prior and Wade Miller taking the mound reguarly and pitching during the offseason. It's a welcome change of pace. This message was edited by TheMojoPin on 1-19-07 @ 6:59 PM God that guy needs to go away. Cubs need to cut him loose right now.  Sox had expectations for him and his spaghetti arm never got right again.

Gvac

01-20-2007, 06:13 AM

cougarjake13 wrote: Gvac wrote: The Reds are speaking to Ken "Mr. Glass" Griffey Jr. about moving from center to rightfield. I guess they're planning on making Ryan Freel their everyday centerfielder. The odds of them landing a bona fide star are a million to one. maybe moving to a corner outfield spot will help him stay healthyalthough his latest injury had nothing to do with being on the fieldIt's incredible.  The guy breaks his hand in his house.  He'll be the greatest "what if" player ever when he retires.

johnniewalker

01-20-2007, 09:31 AM

Gvac wrote: The Reds are speaking to Ken "Mr. Glass" Griffey Jr. about moving from center to rightfield. I guess they're planning on making Ryan Freel their everyday centerfielder. The odds of them landing a bona fide star are a million to one.  That''s great about Freel.  He could be one of the better leadoff men in the league.  He played great last year when they played him.  One of the few leadoff hitters with a decent obp, and consistant.

Gvac

01-20-2007, 09:35 AM

Freel's been an invaluable utility man for the Reds these past few years.  He's played left, center, right, SS, 3B, and 2B and shown a great glove everywhere they've put him.  He's also got speed and good gap power.  I'd love to see him play every day, but I'd also love for him to lay off the booze.He's gotten popped for DWI twice in the past 2 years.

Basedow

01-20-2007, 10:01 AM

<h3 class="entry-header"><a href="http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2007/01/wells_agrees_to.html">Wells Agrees To Contract With Padres</a></h3> <a href="http://www.signonsandiego.com/sports/padres/20070119-1751-bn19wells.html">According to the San Diego Union-Tribune</a>, <a href="http://www.thebaseballcube.com/players/W/David-Wells.shtml">David Wells</a> has agreed to a one-year deal.  He gets $3MM guaranteed and can earn an additional $4MM in incentives.  Kevin Towers thinks <a href="http://www.thebaseballcube.com/players/P/Jake-Peavy.shtml">Jake Peavy</a>, <a href="http://www.thebaseballcube.com/players/M/Greg-Maddux.shtml">Greg Maddux</a>, <a href="http://www.thebaseballcube.com/players/Y/Chris-Young.shtml">Chris Young</a>, <a href="http://www.thebaseballcube.com/players/H/Clay-Hensley.shtml">Clay Hensley</a>, and Wells make up the team's best rotation since '98. The <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/SDP/1998.shtml">'98 NL Champs</a> used <a href="http://www.thebaseballcube.com/players/B/Kevin-Brown-1.shtml">Kevin Brown</a>, <a href="http://www.thebaseballcube.com/players/H/Joey-Hamilton.shtml">Joey Hamilton</a>, <a href="http://www.thebaseballcube.com/players/A/Andy-Ashby.shtml">Andy Ashby</a>, <a href="http://www.thebaseballcube.com/players/H/Sterling-Hitchcock.shtml">Sterling Hitchcock</a>, and <a href="http://www.thebaseballcube.com/players/L/Mark-Langston.shtml">Mark Langston</a>.  maddux and wells have go to be almost 90 years old combined. havent thought about sterling hitchcock in a while.

TheMojoPin

01-20-2007, 10:08 AM

dschef wrote: TheMojoPin wrote: I'll applaud it when he produces.Right now I'm much more happy over Mark Prior and Wade Miller taking the mound reguarly and pitching during the offseason. It's a welcome change of pace.This message was edited by TheMojoPin on 1-19-07 @ 6:59 PM  God that guy needs to go away. Cubs need to cut him loose right now.  Sox had expectations for him and his spaghetti arm never got right again. Well, sometimes you need to wait out a pitching injury or surgery.  Miller looked really good last year in his starts.  Good command, nice pitch selection...he had lost some velocity, but that's what he'll get back, at least somewhat, as he trains.  For just $1.5 million, anything he does is cake.

cougarjake13

01-21-2007, 08:11 AM

Gvac wrote: cougarjake13 wrote: Gvac wrote: The Reds are speaking to Ken "Mr. Glass" Griffey Jr. about moving from center to rightfield. I guess they're planning on making Ryan Freel their everyday centerfielder. The odds of them landing a bona fide star are a million to one. maybe moving to a corner outfield spot will help him stay healthyalthough his latest injury had nothing to do with being on the fieldIt's incredible.  The guy breaks his hand in his house.  He'll be the greatest "what if" player ever when he retires.   i have to disagree somewhat about the greatest what if player b/c when he does retire he'll still have some impressive stats, close to or more than 600 homers, almost a .300 lifetime avg, between 1600(he has now) to 2000 rbi's (if he plays a few more yrs)to me the epitome of great what if players is darryl strawberry, he could and should have around griffey's numbers but he destroyed himself and his career with the drugs

cougarjake13

01-21-2007, 08:14 AM

Basedow wrote: <h3 class="entry-header"><a href="http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2007/01/wells_agrees_to.html">Wells Agrees To Contract With Padres</a></h3><a href="http://www.signonsandiego.com/sports/padres/20070119-1751-bn19wells.html">According to the San Diego Union-Tribune</a>, <a href="http://www.thebaseballcube.com/players/W/David-Wells.shtml">David Wells</a> has agreed to a one-year deal.  He gets $3MM guaranteed and can earn an additional $4MM in incentives.  Kevin Towers thinks <a href="http://www.thebaseballcube.com/players/P/Jake-Peavy.shtml">Jake Peavy</a>, <a href="http://www.thebaseballcube.com/players/M/Greg-Maddux.shtml">Greg Maddux</a>, <a href="http://www.thebaseballcube.com/players/Y/Chris-Young.shtml">Chris Young</a>, <a href="http://www.thebaseballcube.com/players/H/Clay-Hensley.shtml">Clay Hensley</a>, and Wells make up the team's best rotation since '98. The <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/SDP/1998.shtml">'98 NL Champs</a> used <a href="http://www.thebaseballcube.com/players/B/Kevin-Brown-1.shtml">Kevin Brown</a>, <a href="http://www.thebaseballcube.com/players/H/Joey-Hamilton.shtml">Joey Hamilton</a>, <a href="http://www.thebaseballcube.com/players/A/Andy-Ashby.shtml">Andy Ashby</a>, <a href="http://www.thebaseballcube.com/players/H/Sterling-Hitchcock.shtml">Sterling Hitchcock</a>, and <a href="http://www.thebaseballcube.com/players/L/Mark-Langston.shtml">Mark Langston</a>.  maddux and wells have go to be almost 90 years old combined. havent thought about sterling hitchcock in a while. i havent thought of ashby or hamilton in a while, man what happened to those guys???

cougarjake13

01-21-2007, 08:19 AM

TheMojoPin wrote: dschef wrote: TheMojoPin wrote: I'll applaud it when he produces.Right now I'm much more happy over Mark Prior and Wade Miller taking the mound reguarly and pitching during the offseason. It's a welcome change of pace.This message was edited by TheMojoPin on 1-19-07 @ 6:59 PM  God that guy needs to go away. Cubs need to cut him loose right now.  Sox had expectations for him and his spaghetti arm never got right again. Well, sometimes you need to wait out a pitching injury or surgery.  Miller looked really good last year in his starts.  Good command, nice pitch selection...he had lost some velocity, but that's what he'll get back, at least somewhat, as he trains.  For just $1.5 million, anything he does is cake.i think i made this point before but look what the yankees did with former cub jon leiber, they signed him to a 2 yr deal i think and he didnt even pitch the first year, just recouperated and didnt rush back and the yanks were rewarded by their patienceYear Ag  Tm  Lg  W   L   G   GS  CG SHO  GF SV        IP     H     R    ER   HR   BB   SO   2004 34 <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/NYY/2004.shtml">NYY</a> <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL_2004.shtml">AL</a>  14   8  27  27    0     0    0   0   176.7   216   95   85    20   18  102

cougarjake13

01-21-2007, 03:41 PM

chase utley just made some serious cash .. 7 yrs 85 mil12 mil a year ??? i guess thats the market<a href="http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/6391446">http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/6391446</a>

HBox

01-23-2007, 03:38 PM

<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/20/sports/baseball/20base.html?_r=3&em&ex=1169442000&en=0a62344328e8c 9bd&ei=5087%0A&oref=slogin&oref=slogin&oref=slogin" target="_blank">MLB Extra Innings is about to go exclusively to DirecTV.</a>

TheMojoPin

01-23-2007, 03:45 PM

HBox wrote: <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/20/sports/baseball/20base.html?_r=3&em&ex=1169442000&en=0a62344328e8c 9bd&ei=5087%0A&oref=slogin&oref=slogin&oref=slogin" target="_blank">MLB Extra Innings is about to go exclusively to DirecTV.</a> I was kind of upset about that at first, since DirectTV blows huge amounts of really shoddy quality cock, but then I realized that going to Chicago that I'll get almost every Cubs game between the local Comcast sports station and WGN.Suck it, DirectTV.

Kevin

01-23-2007, 06:36 PM

I Apologize in advance for the full article but i can't post a link because it is an insider article....  <div class="pagetitle" style="width: 480px"><h1>Young players on the riseposted</h1></div>: Sunday, January 21, 2007  |  <a href="http://proxy.espn.go.com/chat/chatESPN?event_id=6999">Feedback</a>  |  <a href="http://insider.espn.go.com/espn/print?id=2738106&type=blogEntry">Print Entry</a> Ten young position players who will be intriguing to watch this year (among others): 1. Howie Kendrick, Angels Playing in the big leagues for the first time was trying enough, what with a lot of pitchers throwing changeups when Kendrick expected fastballs, and vice versa. But on top of all that, Kendrick -- a second baseman -- was also asked to temporarily shift to a new position, at first base. "I just went in open-minded," Kendrick recalled the other day, in a phone interview. "I just wanted to go in and try my hardest and try to win ballgames ... I just got to the point of thinking, 'I'm a first baseman now.'" Despite the offense and defense overload, Kendrick ended up having a decent rookie season, compiling 21 doubles, one triple and four homers in 267 at-bats and hitting .285. Now that Adam Kennedy has moved on as a free agent, Kendrick is shifting back to second base. He has always hit, and been known as someone who observes, retains, and uses a lot of information about pitchers: tendencies, strengths and weaknesses, pitching patterns from at-bats in years past. He'll stand at the front of the dugout between his own at-bats to watch pitchers, and last season, he posed a lot of questions to teammates, like veteran Tim Salmon. Early in the year, Kendrick struggled against softer throwers who tended to go with off-speed pitches when they were behind in the count. Kendrick returned to the minor leagues briefly and worked on his approach against these kinds of pitchers, and felt much more comfortable the second time around. "I've got a feel for the way guys are going to pitch me," said Kendrick. He married on Jan. 6, and after a honeymoon in Hawaii, he is back into his offseason workout regimen. Kendrick could be the hitter who gives the Angels the kind of complement they so desperately need for Vladimir Guerrero. "I just want to work hard and never let my guard down," he said. 2. Bobby Crosby, A's You can sense his confidence when you talk to him, his presence, and he's shown he can hit for power, having slammed 22 homers in <a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/stats?playerId=5770" target="new">his rookie season</a>. But here's the thing: Injuries are keeping him out of the lineup. Crosby played in 84 games in 2005 and managed just 96 games last year, hitting .229 with nine homers and 40 RBIs. If he has a third straight season sabotaged by physical problems, the Athletics will really have no choice but to look for an alternative to a player who they hope to build around. 3. Brandon Phillips, Reds Reds general manager Wayne Krivsky took a flier on Phillips's athleticism at the end of spring training, making a trade with Cleveland largely because he liked the infielder's defense. Phillips turned out to be much better than Krivsky expected, hitting 17 homers, driving in 75 runs and finishing with a .276 average. But his production plummeted in the second half of the season -- after hitting .306 before the All-Star break, Phillips batted just .243 thereafter, including a .149 average in September. "That was above-average for our team," Krivsky joked the other day. "We had a team-wide slump for the last 30 games. If he's my biggest concern for this year, then we're in good shape." "

Marc with a c

01-23-2007, 06:40 PM

HBox wrote: <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/20/sports/baseball/20base.html?_r=3&em&ex=1169442000&en=0a62344328e8c 9bd&ei=5087%0A&oref=slogin&oref=slogin&oref=slogin" target="_blank">MLB Extra Innings is about to go exclusively to DirecTV.</a> my roommate and i got the package a couple years ago, and i never slept.  mlb extra innings is the devil.

johnniewalker

01-23-2007, 06:48 PM

TheMojoPin wrote: HBox wrote: <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/20/sports/baseball/20base.html?_r=3&em&ex=1169442000&en=0a62344328e8c 9bd&ei=5087%0A&oref=slogin&oref=slogin&oref=slogin" target="_blank">MLB Extra Innings is about to go exclusively to DirecTV.</a> I was kind of upset about that at first, since DirectTV blows huge amounts of really shoddy quality cock, but then I realized that going to Chicago that I'll get almost every Cubs game between the local Comcast sports station and WGN.Suck it, DirectTV.Comcast and wgn do rock for that.  The replays are always on too if you miss it.  Sweet home chicago.

Kevin

01-24-2007, 01:54 PM

<h1><a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2738583">Floyd's Cubs deal could be worth $17.5M</a></h1> Mojo....... Comment???

TheMojoPin

01-24-2007, 09:10 PM

Kevin wrote: <h1><a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2738583">Floyd's Cubs deal could be worth $17.5M</a></h1> Mojo....... Comment??? That's a bit of a sensational headline there...his deal can only be worth that much if he plays 2 consecutive years where he makes at least 550 plate appearances each season.  Otherwise the deal is 1 year for $3 million, which in this market is pretty good for a bat like Floyd's off the bench.  Look, f the guy somehow magically gets at least 550 appearances, odds are he'd be worth the extra money.  But this is reality and he's not going to even come close to that.

johnniewalker

01-29-2007, 10:27 AM

Kevin, i'm not happy at anyone who complains about you posting full articles.  I love that you do it.   Please do it  more often.  I always check here when reading about sports and such.

Kevin

01-31-2007, 11:13 AM

johnniewalker wrote: Kevin, i'm not happy at anyone who complains about you posting full articles. I love that you do it. Please do it more often. I always check here when reading about sports and such. Thanx!  <table border="0" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="3" class="tablehead"><tbody><tr class="stathead"> <td colspan="3">Wednesday, January 31</td></tr> <tr class="colhead"> <td width="65">WHO</td> <td>INTERESTED</td> <td>THE SKINNY</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow" valign="top"> <td align="center"> <div><img src="http://espn.go.com/i/mlb/profiles/players/65x90/6742.jpg" border="0" alt="Aaron Rowand" /></div> <div class="bi"><a href="/mlb/players/profile?statsId=6742">Aaron Rowand</a></div> <div>Phillies</div></td> <td> <div style="margin: 2px 0px"><a href="/mlb/clubhouse?team=sdg">Padres</a>?</div></td> <td> <div class="bi">Surf's up?</div> <div>Jan 31 - The Padres have at least temporarily tabled a trade offer from Philadelphia that would have brought outfielder Aaron Rowand to San Diego for relief pitcher Scott Linebrink,the San Diego Union-Tribune reports. "It might be something we discuss again later this spring," Padres GM Kevin Towers told the newspaper. "But right now, I want to see what we have in spring training. I want to see how [outfielder] Terrmel Sledge plays and how our bullpen shapes up."</div></td></tr> <tr class="stathead"> <td colspan="3">Tuesday, January 30</td></tr> <tr class="colhead"> <td width="65">WHO</td> <td>INTERESTED</td> <td>THE SKINNY</td></tr> <tr class="evenrow" valign="top"> <td align="center"> <div><img src="http://espn.go.com/i/mlb/profiles/players/65x90/4122.jpg" border="0" alt="Tom Glavine" /></div> <div class="bi"><a href="/mlb/players/profile?statsId=4122">Tom Glavine</a></div> <div>Mets</div></td> <td> </td> <td> <div class="bi">Final pitch?</div> <div>Jan 30 - Don't be surprised if Tom Glavine calls it a career after this season. The 40-year-old lefty has a one-year contract for 2007 and says there's no better than a "50-50 chance" he'll be pitching in 2008, The New York Post reports. "I think that if, knock on wood, I stay healthy and I win my 300th game, then it becomes really hard for me to pitch next year," said Glavine, who owns 290 career victories.</div></td></tr> <tr class="colhead"> <td width="65">WHO</td> <td>INTERESTED</td> <td>THE SKINNY</td></tr> <tr class="oddrow" valign="top"> <td align="center"> <div><img src="http://espn.go.com/i/mlb/profiles/players/65x90/5870.jpg" border="0" alt="Todd Helton" /></div> <div class="bi"><a href="/mlb/players/profile?statsId=5870">Todd Helton</a></div> <div>Rockies</div></td> <td> </td> <td> <div class="bi">Just say no deal</div> <div>Jan 30 - Todd Helton will not be going to the Red Sox. The Rockies called off talks after both sides refused to budge. Boston agreed to pay $53.5 million of Helton's remaining $90.1 million contract, but the team would not part with Manny Delcarmen or Craig Hansen, both relief pitchers. The Rockies wouldn't settle for significant financial relief and third baseman Mike Lowell and reliever Julian Tavarez. </div></td></tr> <tr class="colhead"> <td width="65">WHO</td> <td>INTERESTED</td> <td>THE SKINNY</td></tr> <tr class="evenrow" valign="top"> <td align="center"> <div><img src="http://espn.go.com/i/mlb/profiles/players/65x90/3340.jpg" border="0" alt="Roger Clemens" /></div> <div class="bi"><a href="/mlb/players/profile?statsId=3340">Roger Clemens</a></div> <div>Astros</div></td> <td> <div style="margin: 2px 0px"><a href="/mlb/clubhouse?team=nyy">Yankees</a></div> <div style="margin: 2px 0px"><a href="/mlb/clubhouse?team=hou">Astros</a></div> <div style="margin: 2px 0px"><a href="/mlb/clubhouse?team=bos">Red Sox</a></div></td> <td> <div class="bi">Patience is a virtue</div> <div><sp

Kevin

01-31-2007, 11:16 AM

<div class="text11" style="border: 0px solid #555555; padding: 20px; width: 480px"><div class="pagetitle" style="width: 480px"> <h1>Top 25 prospects</h1></div>posted: Monday, January 29, 2007  |  <a href="http://insider.espn.go.com/espn/print?id=2747284&type=blogEntry">Print Entry</a> I'm pleased to present the first annual Scouts Inc. top baseball prospects list. Given the late start we got on pro coverage last year, this list is short, with the top 25 prospects ranked and another 10 who merited consideration listed alphabetically afterward. Here are a few notes to explain where the rankings came from.: • Both ability (tools) and performance count. The closer the prospect is to the majors, the more important his performance becomes. • Players must still have rookie eligibility to qualify. • Players with little or no pro experience, or only experience in a complex or rookie league, don't make the cut. Andrew Miller and Luke Hochevar would both be candidates for this list if I chose to include them, but I'd rather see how players really adjust to the pro game before ranking them against players with full-season experience. For example: Clayton Kershaw was outstanding in the Gulf Coast League this summer -- but he was facing mostly 18-year-olds who were swinging wood bats regularly for the first time. • I also excluded Japanese players. Even though they're rookies, they're not "prospects" in any conventional sense of the term, especially since they have already played in a major league. • As always, proximity to the majors counts. The list is largely populated by players with at least some Double-A experience, and of the A-ballers on the list, only Cameron Maybin looks like he won't move that quickly. To put it another way, if you're still in A-ball, you need to have superstar potential to rate highly in these rankings. With that in mind, here's a quick rundown of the top prospects in the minors. 1. Alex Gordon, 3B, Royals A complete hitter with a chance to be an above-average glove at a skill position. Ready for the majors now, and the leading non-Japanese contender for Rookie of the Year if he makes the big club in April. 2. Delmon Young, RF, Devil Rays More raw talent than Gordon, but problems with his patience and his temper push him to No. 2. It would still be a huge upset if he doesn't become a big star, hitting for average and power with good defense. 3. Chris Young, CF, Diamondbacks Power-walks-strikeouts. Probably a 50-55 bat at his peak, but for a center fielder, this is a star-caliber bat. 4. Philip Hughes, RHP, Yankees Hughes vs. Homer Bailey is a toss-up. Hughes is more polished, with outstanding control, and he ends up higher because he has more probability than Bailey, who has the ceiling. 5. Homer Bailey, RHP, Reds If it all clicks for him, he's a No. 1 starter, one of the only such candidates in the minors. Lots of power in a classic Texas workhorse build. 6. Fernando Martinez, CF, Mets Martinez doesn't look or carry himself like a teenager, and he had no trouble against Double-A and Triple-A pitchers in the Arizona Fall League. A plus glove in center, as well. 7. Adam Miller, RHP, Cleveland Plus-plus fastball, holds his velocity deep into games, plus slider and plus command. Could use a solid third pitch, and has some minor delivery issues to work out, but he's a potential No. 1, as well. 8. Brandon Wood, SS, Angels Swings and misses an awful lot, but even if he ends up at third base, this kind of power is tough to ignore -- and

BoondockSaint

02-02-2007, 05:17 PM

Is anyone else watching the Cairibbean World Series on SNY?  Currently it's Venezula vs. Dominican Republic tied at 3 in the bottom of the 18th.

cougarjake13

02-02-2007, 05:29 PM

BoondockSaint wrote: Is anyone else watching the Cairibbean World Series on SNY?  Currently it's Venezula vs. Dominican Republic tied at 3 in the bottom of the 18th. yeh ... ummm....  no

BoondockSaint

02-02-2007, 05:35 PM

cougarjake13 wrote: BoondockSaint wrote: Is anyone else watching the Cairibbean World Series on SNY?  Currently it's Venezula vs. Dominican Republic tied at 3 in the bottom of the 18th. yeh ... ummm....  noYou should have.  Great game.  It ended with DR winning 4-3 in the bottom of the 18th.  Plenty of MLB players playing, too.  Coming up in about an hour is Mexico vs. Puerto Rico.

Bulldogcakes

02-02-2007, 06:12 PM

BoondockSaint wrote: Is anyone else watching the Cairibbean World Series on SNY? Currently it's Venezula vs. Dominican Republic tied at 3 in the bottom of the 18th.Is your boy Lima pitching? I hear he's doing great in the Dominican league

BoondockSaint

02-02-2007, 06:21 PM

Bulldogcakes wrote: BoondockSaint wrote: Is anyone else watching the Cairibbean World Series on SNY? Currently it's Venezula vs. Dominican Republic tied at 3 in the bottom of the 18th. Is your boy Lima pitching? I hear he's doing great in the Dominican league  I have no idea.  I do know that my Anderson Hernandez is and he's tearing it up.

TheMojoPin

02-02-2007, 07:33 PM

That was an awesome 18 innings.  I was expecting people to start dropping dead if it went on much longer.

cougarjake13

02-04-2007, 07:06 AM

BoondockSaint

02-13-2007, 09:47 AM

<a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2763803" target="_blank">Zambrano</a> says he's leaving if Cubs don't sign him before season starts.

TheMojoPin

02-13-2007, 10:09 AM

BoondockSaint wrote: <a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2763803" target="_blank">Zambrano</a> says he's leaving if Cubs don't sign him before season starts. I've actually been on the "trade Zambrano" bandwagon for over a month now.  The guy is a bunch of DL stints waiting to happen with all the abuse he's chalked up.  He also has chronic bat problems that get worse when he puts on weight throughout the season, and that's only get worse as he gets older.  Add that walks WAY too many guys and I could very easily live with him being traded for the right package.  He could get you 2-3 MLB-ready young players now (Angels, hello!), or young players that could be spun off to, say, Florida for Cabrerra, or to a team for the Yankees for a guy like ARod...all players that'll be impact now and play everyday and solve multiple problems as opposed to just being a pitcher (albeit a very good one) who pitches every 5 days.  I love Big Z, but I won't lose sleep if he's traded smartly.

Bulldogcakes

02-14-2007, 02:54 AM

I'd love Zambrano as a mid season rental too see how he does in NY, but if you trade him for A-Rod you're getting a rental in return. PLus, A-Rod has a blanket no trade so the Cubbies would need to be at least contending for A-Rod to consider it I would think. Factor in his stepdaddy Pinella and maybe it happens. Also, Santana on the Twins will likely be a free agent, and Minn. papers have already reported he's likely to be dealt either mid season or after this season if they cant make a deal. Thats one reason why the Yanks stockpiled young arms this off season.  

This message was edited by Bulldogcakes on 2-14-07 @ 4:51 PM

cougarjake13

02-15-2007, 03:52 PM

kerry wood got hurt getting out of a hottub<a href="http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/6476512">http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/6476512</a>

A.J.

02-16-2007, 05:01 AM

cougarjake13 wrote: kerry wood got hurt getting out of <strike>a</strike> hottub Ewwwwwwww.

Basedow

02-16-2007, 05:53 AM

<h3 class="entry-header"><a href="http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2007/02/zambrano_close_.html">Zambrano Close To Five-Year Deal?</a></h3> <a href="http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/cs-070215wood,1,6806718.story?coll=cs-cubs-headlines">According to Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune</a>, Carlos Zambrano announced yesterday that he's close to signing a five-year contract with the Cubs.  However, Sullivan's source says the two sides still have a long way to go and Zambrano has yet to receive a concrete offer. Based on comments from Zambrano and Cubs GM Jim Hendry, the two parties seem to agree on a five-year length.  Capping at five instead of six or seven years is a huge win for the Cubs, even if they go up to $17MM annually.  Most likely, the sides will settle around five years and $80MM.  That'd be a significant loyalty discount for the Cubs.  On the other hand, Zambrano's deal would be on par with those of Roy Oswalt and Chris Carpenter.

RF Godfather

02-16-2007, 08:49 AM

Are we going to unpin this thread now? It's no longer OFFSEASON!!! It's Spring Training peeps!

Fallon

02-16-2007, 02:39 PM

Keith Foulke retired.

BoondockSaint

02-16-2007, 02:57 PM

<a href="http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/sports/16710334.htm" target="_blank">Barry Zito</a> has completely changed his delivery, much to the surprise of his new team.

Fallon

02-16-2007, 02:59 PM

Good, fuck the Giants.

cougarjake13

02-16-2007, 04:19 PM

Fallon wrote: Keith Foulke retired. didnt he just sign with cleveland in the offseason ???

J.Clints

02-16-2007, 04:20 PM

Anyone heard if the REDS have done much this off season. I have not payed much attetion

cougarjake13

02-16-2007, 04:34 PM

jclintsma wrote: Anyone heard if the REDS have done much this off season. I have not payed much attetion not anything huge

J.Clints

02-16-2007, 04:36 PM

cougarjake13 wrote: jclintsma wrote: Anyone heard if the REDS have done much this off season. I have not payed much attetion not anything huge I dont belive they are real commited to winning anytime soon. I thought they had a chance last year but just like awalys they blew it in the second half of the season

cougarjake13

02-16-2007, 04:41 PM

jclintsma wrote: cougarjake13 wrote: jclintsma wrote: Anyone heard if the REDS have done much this off season. I have not payed much attetion not anything huge I dont belive they are real commited to winning anytime soon. I thought they had a chance last year but just like awalys they blew it in the second half of the seasonheres the reds offseasons moves<table border="0" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="2" width="100%" class="bgBdr"><tbody><tr class="bgHdr1"><td colspan="2">Transactions</td></tr><tr class="bgC" valign="top"><td>2/14</td><td>Kerry Ligtenberg (P) Signed to a Minor League Contract </td></tr><tr class="bgC" valign="top"><td>2/8</td><td>Bronson Arroyo (P) Signed ( 2009-2010; Opt 2011)(two-year extension)</td></tr><tr class="bgC" valign="top"><td>2/6</td><td>Aaron Harang (P) Signed ( 2007-2010; Opt 2011)(four-year extension, avoids arbitration)</td></tr><tr class="bgC" valign="top"><td>2/5</td><td>Eddie Guardado (P) Signed to a Minor League Contract </td></tr><tr class="bgC" valign="top"><td>2/1</td><td>Brian Meadows (P) Signed to a Minor League Contract </td></tr><tr class="bgC" valign="top"><td>1/23</td><td>Mark Bellhorn (3B) Signed to a Minor League Contract </td></tr><tr class="bgC" valign="top"><td>1/23</td><td>Kirk Saarloos (P) Traded From Oakland (for RHP David Shafer in four-player deal)</td></tr><tr class="bgC" valign="top"><td>1/16</td><td>Kyle Lohse (P) Signed ( 2007)(avoids arbitration)</td></tr><tr class="bgC" valign="top"><td>1/15</td><td>David Ross (C) Signed ( 2007-2008; Opt 2009)(avoids arbitration)</td></tr><tr class="bgC" valign="top"><td>1/15</td><td>Paul Wilson (P) Signed to a Minor League Contract </td></tr><tr class="bgC" valign="top"><td>1/14</td><td>Tyrell Godwin (CF) Signed to a Minor League Contract </td></tr><tr class="bgC" valign="top"><td>1/14</td><td>Brian O'Connor (P) Signed to a Minor League Contract </td></tr><tr class="bgC" valign="top"><td>1/10</td><td>Jason Johnson (P) Signed to Play in Japan (Seibu Lions)</td></tr><tr class="bgC" valign="top"><td>1/10</td><td>Jeff Keppinger (2B) Traded From Kansas City (for RHP Russ Haltiwanger)</td></tr><tr class="bgC" valign="top"><td>1/10</td><td>Ray Olmedo (3B) Designated for Assignment </td></tr><tr class="bgC" valign="top"><td>1/8</td><td>Ryan Jorgensen (C) Signed to a Minor League Contract </td></tr><tr class="bgC" valign="top"><td>1/8</td><td>Jason Kershner (P) Signed to a Minor League Contract </td></tr><tr class="bgC" valign="top"><td>1/8</td><td>Victor Santos (P) Signed to a Minor League Contract </td></tr><tr class="bgC" valign="top"><td>1/8</td><td>Dewayne Wise (LF) Signed to a Minor League Contract </td></tr><tr class="bgC" valign="top"><td>12/21</td><td>Jeff Conine (1B) Traded From Philadelphia (for OF Javon Moran and 3B Brad Key)</td></tr><tr class="bgC" valign="top"><td>12/21</td><td>Brendan Harris (3B) Designated for Assignment </td></tr><tr class="bgC" valign="top"><td>12/14</td><td>Scott Chiasson (P) Signed to Play in Japan (Yokohama BayStars)</td></tr><tr class="bgC" valign="top"><td>12/14</td><td>Miguel Perez (C) Signed to a Minor League Contract </td></tr><tr class="bgC" valign="top"><td>12/13</td><td>Brandon Claussen (P) Not Offered Contract and Became Free Agent (non-tendered)</td></tr><tr class="bgC" valign="top"><td>12/13</td><td>Miguel Perez (C) Not Offered Contract and Became Free Agent (non-tendered)</td></tr><tr class="bgC" valign="top"><td>12/12</td><td>Bobby Livingston (P) Acquired Off Waivers From Seattle </td></tr><tr class="bgC" valign="top"><td>12/11</td><td>Brandon Claussen (P) Designated for Assignment </td></tr><tr class="bgC" valign="top"><td>12/11</td><td>David Weathers (P) Signed as Free Agent ( 2007-2008)</td></tr><tr class="bgC" valign="top"><td>11/30</td><td>Brandon Watson (CF) Refused Minor League Assignment - Free Agent </td></tr><tr class="bgC" valign="top"><td>11/29</td><td>Mike Stanton (P) S

Fallon

02-16-2007, 04:43 PM

<hr color="cococo" align="left">cougarjake13 wrote: Fallon wrote: Keith Foulke retired. didnt he just sign with cleveland in the offseason ???<hr color="cococo" align="left">
 
Yeah, but he said he just wasn't feeling like he could do it anymore and decided to hang it up before Cleveland had to start paying him.

J.Clints

02-16-2007, 04:45 PM

cougarjake13 wrote: jclintsma wrote: cougarjake13 wrote: [quote]jclintsma wrote: Anyone heard if the REDS have done much this off season. I have not payed much attetion not anything huge I dont belive they are real commited to winning anytime soon. I thought they had a chance last year but just like awalys they blew it in the second half of the seasonheres the reds offseasons moves<table border="0" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="2" width="100%" class="bgBdr"><tbody><tr class="bgHdr1"><td colspan="2">Transactions</td></tr><tr class="bgC" valign="top"><td>2/14</td><td>Kerry Ligtenberg (P) Signed to a Minor League Contract </td></tr><tr class="bgC" valign="top"><td>2/8</td><td>Bronson Arroyo (P) Signed ( 2009-2010; Opt 2011)(two-year extension)</td></tr><tr class="bgC" valign="top"><td>2/6</td><td>Aaron Harang (P) Signed ( 2007-2010; Opt 2011)(four-year extension, avoids arbitration)</td></tr><tr class="bgC" valign="top"><td>2/5</td><td>Eddie Guardado (P) Signed to a Minor League Contract </td></tr><tr class="bgC" valign="top"><td>2/1</td><td>Brian Meadows (P) Signed to a Minor League Contract </td></tr><tr class="bgC" valign="top"><td>1/23</td><td>Mark Bellhorn (3B) Signed to a Minor League Contract </td></tr><tr class="bgC" valign="top"><td>1/23</td><td>Kirk Saarloos (P) Traded From Oakland (for RHP David Shafer in four-player deal)</td></tr><tr class="bgC" valign="top"><td>1/16</td><td>Kyle Lohse (P) Signed ( 2007)(avoids arbitration)</td></tr><tr class="bgC" valign="top"><td>1/15</td><td>David Ross (C) Signed ( 2007-2008; Opt 2009)(avoids arbitration)</td></tr><tr class="bgC" valign="top"><td>1/15</td><td>Paul Wilson (P) Signed to a Minor League Contract </td></tr><tr class="bgC" valign="top"><td>1/14</td><td>Tyrell Godwin (CF) Signed to a Minor League Contract </td></tr><tr class="bgC" valign="top"><td>1/14</td><td>Brian O'Connor (P) Signed to a Minor League Contract </td></tr><tr class="bgC" valign="top"><td>1/10</td><td>Jason Johnson (P) Signed to Play in Japan (Seibu Lions)</td></tr><tr class="bgC" valign="top"><td>1/10</td><td>Jeff Keppinger (2B) Traded From Kansas City (for RHP Russ Haltiwanger)</td></tr><tr class="bgC" valign="top"><td>1/10</td><td>Ray Olmedo (3B) Designated for Assignment </td></tr><tr class="bgC" valign="top"><td>1/8</td><td>Ryan Jorgensen (C) Signed to a Minor League Contract </td></tr><tr class="bgC" valign="top"><td>1/8</td><td>Jason Kershner (P) Signed to a Minor League Contract </td></tr><tr class="bgC" valign="top"><td>1/8</td><td>Victor Santos (P) Signed to a Minor League Contract </td></tr><tr class="bgC" valign="top"><td>1/8</td><td>Dewayne Wise (LF) Signed to a Minor League Contract </td></tr><tr class="bgC" valign="top"><td>12/21</td><td>Jeff Conine (1B) Traded From Philadelphia (for OF Javon Moran and 3B Brad Key)</td></tr><tr class="bgC" valign="top"><td>12/21</td><td>Brendan Harris (3B) Designated for Assignment </td></tr><tr class="bgC" valign="top"><td>12/14</td><td>Scott Chiasson (P) Signed to Play in Japan (Yokohama BayStars)</td></tr><tr class="bgC" valign="top"><td>12/14</td><td>Miguel Perez (C) Signed to a Minor League Contract </td></tr><tr class="bgC" valign="top"><td>12/13</td><td>Brandon Claussen (P) Not Offered Contract and Became Free Agent (non-tendered)</td></tr><tr class="bgC" valign="top"><td>12/13</td><td>Miguel Perez (C) Not Offered Contract and Became Free Agent (non-tendered)</td></tr><tr class="bgC" valign="top"><td>12/12</td><td>Bobby Livingston (P) Acquired Off Waivers From Seattle </td></tr><tr class="bgC" valign="top"><td>12/11</td><td>Brandon Claussen (P) Designated for Assignment </td></tr><tr class="bgC" valign="top"><td>12/11</td><td>David Weathers (P) Signed as Free Agent ( 2007-2008)</td></tr><tr class="bgC" valign="top"><td>11/30</td><td>Brandon Watson (CF) Refused Minor League Assignment - Free Agent </td></tr><tr c

cougarjake13

02-16-2007, 04:45 PM

Fallon wrote: cougarjake13 wrote: Fallon wrote: Keith Foulke retired. didnt he just sign with cleveland in the offseason ???  Yeah, but he said he just wasn't feeling like he could do it anymore and decided to hang it up before Cleveland had to start paying him. what a stand up guyid taken the money then left

OGC

02-16-2007, 04:52 PM

cougarjake13 wrote: Fallon wrote: cougarjake13 wrote: Fallon wrote: Keith Foulke retired. didnt he just sign with cleveland in the offseason ??? Yeah, but he said he just wasn't feeling like he could do it anymore and decided to hang it up before Cleveland had to start paying him. what a stand up guyid taken the money then left It is uncommon that a guy would walk away from guaranteed money, remember, he could have picked up the $5.25 million option on his contract with the Red Sox at the end of last season but he chose free agency.  edit

This message was edited by richg0404 on 2-17-07 @ 5:28 PM

Bulldogcakes

02-17-2007, 03:37 AM

<a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2768949">Thumbs up: MLB makes 1st rules changes in 11 years</a> Interesting stuff.

Bulldogcakes

02-18-2007, 04:09 AM

<a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/story/498426p-420182c.html" target="_blank"> Closers vs. starters</a> Pinella talks about his new team "I want to establish a Cubs swagger this year," Piniella said. "That's what we've got to develop here - a kind of subdued cockiness and quiet confidence. You do that by playing hard and being prepared every day and that's what you're going to see here."

johnniewalker

02-18-2007, 10:25 AM

Bulldogcakes wrote: <a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/story/498426p-420182c.html" target="_blank"> Closers vs. starters</a> Pinella talks about his new team   "I want to establish a Cubs swagger this year," Piniella said. "That's what we've got to develop here - a kind of subdued cockiness and quiet confidence. You do that by playing hard and being prepared every day and that's what you're going to see here."     "I like this team and all I'm gonna say is, we're going to be playing in October this year," Piniella said. Cubbie fans can count on that." ehhhh, I hope so, but i think the central is going to come right down to the end as usual.

cougarjake13

02-18-2007, 02:20 PM

johnniewalker wrote: Bulldogcakes wrote: <a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/story/498426p-420182c.html" target="_blank">Closers vs. starters</a> Pinella talks about his new team  "I want to establish a Cubs swagger this year," Piniella said. "That's what we've got to develop here - a kind of subdued cockiness and quiet confidence. You do that by playing hard and being prepared every day and that's what you're going to see here."    "I like this team and all I'm gonna say is, we're going to be playing in October this year," Piniella said. Cubbie fans can count on that." ehhhh, I hope so, but i think the central is going to come right down to the end as usual.   yeh it should def be an intersting year in the nl central

Bulldogcakes

02-18-2007, 04:02 PM

It might sound empty now, but its a smart move by Pinella. Before a team can win, they have to believe that its possible. They have to break the culture of losing surrounding the team, and replace it with expecting more of themselves. If you really want something, you'll find a way. If you really dont, you'll find an excuse. EDIT-Right on cue, this just popped up on ESPN<a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/spring2007/news/story?id=2770524">Cactus news: New attitude already evident with Cubs</a>    

This message was edited by Bulldogcakes on 2-18-07 @ 8:42 PM

Bulldogcakes

03-04-2007, 05:32 AM

<a href="http://www.suntimes.com/sports/deluca/282075,CST-SPT-deluca04.article" target="_blank"> Despite admiration for Piniella, A-Rod out of Cubs' range</a> Before getting too carried away, let's look at this with a clear head. The Cubs might have been baseball's big spenders this winter, but that doesn't mean a repeat performance is on tap next offseason. Rodriguez is set to earn $27 million each of the remaining four years on his original 10-year contract he signed with the Texas Rangers in December 2000. No matter how tough the going gets in New York, Rodriguez has an agent -- Scott Boras -- who doesn't make a habit of negotiating lesser deals for his high-profile clients.  Not necessarily.  Here's one thing most people either never knew or are forgetting. When the Yanks dealt Soriano to the Rangers for A-Rod, they got the Rangers to pick up about a third of the contract. So the Yanks pay A-Rod 16 mil per year. Thats what a prospective team would have to pay him if they work out a trade with the Yanks. A-Rod has a blanket no trade so he would have to approve any deal, and he may or may not want an extension. If he opts out, he'd have to think he can get MORE than 27 mil per, which is doubtful even in this market.

BoondockSaint

03-04-2007, 06:27 AM

Bulldogcakes wrote: <a href="http://www.suntimes.com/sports/deluca/282075,CST-SPT-deluca04.article" target="_blank">Despite admiration for Piniella, A-Rod out of Cubs' range</a> Before getting too carried away, let's look at this with a clear head. The Cubs might have been baseball's big spenders this winter, but that doesn't mean a repeat performance is on tap next offseason. Rodriguez is set to earn $27 million each of the remaining four years on his original 10-year contract he signed with the Texas Rangers in December 2000. No matter how tough the going gets in New York, Rodriguez has an agent -- Scott Boras -- who doesn't make a habit of negotiating lesser deals for his high-profile clients.   Not necessarily.  Here's one thing most people either never knew or are forgetting. When the Yanks dealt Soriano to the Rangers for A-Rod, they got the Rangers to pick up about a third of the contract. So the Yanks pay A-Rod 16 mil per year. Thats what a prospective team would have to pay him if they work out a trade with the Yanks. A-Rod has a blanket no trade so he would have to approve any deal, and he may or may not want an extension. If he opts out, he'd have to think he can get MORE than 27 mil per, which is doubtful even in this market.  If he opts out of his contract he won't be looking for more per year just a higher total.  He has 3 years and 70 something million coming to him.  He could opt out and get a 5 year 100 million contract from somebody.  It's the same thing Boras had J.D. Drew do this year. And the Cubs could always trade Aramis Ramirez if they wanted to get A-Rod.

Bulldogcakes

03-04-2007, 07:20 AM

BoondockSaint wrote:If he opts out of his contract he won't be looking for more per year just a higher total. He has 3 years and 70 something million coming to him. He could opt out and get a 5 year 100 million contract from somebody. It's the same thing Boras had J.D. Drew do this year. And the Cubs could always trade Aramis Ramirez if they wanted to get A-Rod.Yeah, thats a possibility as well. But then he would no longer be the highest paid player in the game. Something he wears as a badge of honor. And he would likely get more total dollars by having the Yanks trade him and him working out an extension with his new team, as opposed to your scenario. Then he has the best of both worlds. The three years at 27 per and a big fat extension for say, another 51 for three years (17 per). That's 120+ mil total.  The Cubs dont have to trade Ramirez. A-Rod can go back to short, which might entice him further to approve a deal. That and reuniting with Sweet Lou. Now if the Cubs only had anything in their farm system, this would all make sense.

TheMojoPin

03-04-2007, 07:29 AM

Bulldogcakes wrote: BoondockSaint wrote: If he opts out of his contract he won't be looking for more per year just a higher total. He has 3 years and 70 something million coming to him. He could opt out and get a 5 year 100 million contract from somebody. It's the same thing Boras had J.D. Drew do this year. And the Cubs could always trade Aramis Ramirez if they wanted to get A-Rod.Yeah, thats a possibility as well. But then he would no longer be the highest paid player in the game. Something he wears as a badge of honor. And he would likely get more total dollars by having the Yanks trade him and him working out an extension with his new team, as opposed to your scenario. Then he has the best of both worlds. The three years at 27 per and a big fat extension for say, another 51 for three years (17 per). That's 120+ mil total.  The Cubs dont have to trade Ramirez. A-Rod can go back to short, which might entice him further to approve a deal. That and reuniting with Sweet Lou. Now if the Cubs only had anything in their farm system, this would all make sense.    All scuttlebutt indicates that if the Cubs could somehow snag ARod in a trade or signing, they want him for SS and Aramis isn't going anywhere.  Personally, and I've seen some other analysts voice the same, I'd trade Zambrano and a decent reliever, which we have plenty off, for ARod.  Zambrano is going to be the next big punch to the Cubs bank, and I'd much rather spend that money on an everyday superstar like ARod than Zambrano, no matter how much I love the Big Z.  Of course a lot of this hinges on Prior.  If Prior looks even remotely like his former self, I trade Zambrano, no question.  Two aces on a staff, quite frankly, is superfluous.  It's a nice luxury, but one of those aces can net you everyday players that are going to impact much more than just every five days.  I'd much rather wait a couple months, see how Prior is, and if it's still ARod vs. New York I'd offer up Zamrano.  I'd much rather move ARod in with his current deal and an extension than to try and sign him after he opts out.And the Cubs do have a lot of decent to awesome young players in their farm system...they're just 99% pitchers.  Offensively, there's pretty much just Felix Pie (CF) and Eric Patterson (2B) about ready to go at this point.

BoondockSaint

03-04-2007, 07:30 AM

The reason I mentioned them trading Ramirez was because of the money.  Obviously you would want them both but it may not be viable financially.

TheMojoPin

03-04-2007, 07:56 AM

BoondockSaint wrote: The reason I mentioned them trading Ramirez was because of the money.  Obviously you would want them both but it may not be viable financially. It is if you trade Zambrano, or even just spin off some of our more pricey "minor" players (Dempster, Eyre, Howry, Izturius) for whatever.  Everyone throws out that the Cubs are somehow near breaking the bank, yet there's no indication that that is the case.  They're owned by the Tribune Company, so until a direct command is voiced that enough is enough, there's zero reason they can't spend more, even if 2009 is gonna be a bitch with backloaded contracts (though I expect someone like, say, Marquis to be gone by then if he can show that he's not awful).  The only two big in-house extensions coming up are Prior and Zambrano.  Just replace Zambrano's supposed 5+ year and at least $16+ million per with ARod and they're relatively fine.  Bottom line, if the Cubs want to spend for someone like ARod, they can.

Bulldogcakes

03-04-2007, 08:02 AM

BoondockSaint wrote: The reason I mentioned them trading Ramirez was because of the money. Obviously you would want them both but it may not be viable financially. Well, if they're willing to deal Zambrano then its a wash. Again, A-Rod costs 16 per and Zambrano will likely get more then that (Zito $$ 18 per) as a free agent next year.  Mojo, I'm suprised you'd so be willing to deal Zambrano. You never have enough pitchers, but I understand your logic. THe Yanks are always looking for pitching, in particular starters. It would take more than just Zambrano, since you'd be getting A-Rod for three years and the Yanks would get Z for either one or as a rental, depending on when the deal happened. But I'd sign up for Z+ right now.

TheMojoPin

03-04-2007, 08:15 AM

Bulldogcakes wrote: BoondockSaint wrote: The reason I mentioned them trading Ramirez was because of the money. Obviously you would want them both but it may not be viable financially.  Well, if they're willing to deal Zambrano then its a wash. Again, A-Rod costs 16 per and Zambrano will likely get more then that (Zito $$ 18 per) as a free agent next year.  Mojo, I'm suprised you'd so be willing to deal Zambrano. You never have enough pitchers, but I understand your logic. THe Yanks are always looking for pitching, in particular starters. It would take more than just Zambrano, since you'd be getting A-Rod for three years and the Yanks would get Z for either one or as a rental, depending on when the deal happened. But I'd sign up for Z+ right now.   I'd assume the Yanks would want Zamrano only with at least a three year guarenteed deal, so it's probably safe to assume that that would get done for this to take place.  Like I said, when you get down to it, having more than one pitching ace is a luxury, not a necessity.  You only need two aces if the rest of the staff is complete shit, and, contrary to what people may think, the Cubs' roation isn't that bad.  They have Rich Hill, they have Angel Guzman in waiting, who is basically Zambrano jr..  I think Lilly will do well moving to the NL and I think Marquis won't be a disaster.  Add Wade Miller waiting in the wings and the 2-3 other prospects who can pitch now if needed and Zambrano is expendable for an everyday impact player (or more)...as long as Prior hasn't broken down.  A healthy Prior is the team's ace, no question about it.  I love Big Z, but Prior pitching like Prior is going to have a longer and better career.Like I said, I'd add in one of our decent relievers to the deal and, hell, you can have Scott Moore, too.  He's our 3B prospect who is ready to go...he's nothing earth-shattering, but with the rest of the Yankees' offense around him he'd be fine, plus you'd get the instant HUGE upgrade of Zambrano and a boost to the bullpen, too.  We've got at least 4 guys sitting around who can close...might not be bad idea for NY to have one of them available down the line.Otherwise, I'd like to see the Cubs trade Zambrano to a team like the Angels, who have a plethora of MLB-ready young players, and either use them to help set the future or spin them off to the Marlins for Cabrera.  Bottom line, a healthy Prior opens up a ton of options for the Cubs.