MLB Offseason Discussion...HOT STOVE, SSSSSSSSS!!!

[K.C.]

why? We're winning 2-1.

Fuck Gavin Floyd. His team won't be in the playoffs this year.

And he's not going to throw a no hitter.

HERE COMES THE FAILDOZER!

[midwestjeff]

Way to go Epschtein. :nono:

[Kevin]

NICE Work new Jinxy.

[Epschtein]

how many times have you seen an announce crew not mention the no-no and when they finally do, it ends within a few at bats

im not an announcer, and i dont believe in magic sorry, but have fun blaming me anyway and believing in voodoo lol.

its over, shot to the gap. clearly this post is the reason, and all those other no-hitters that have been broken up were clearly announcers faults, or the guy sitting on the couch with you.

couldnt just be that no-hitters are really fuckin' rare even when they make it into the 9th.

[Team_Ramrod]

No worries Jinxy mcJinxerson.... I will not blame you, nor will I be angry.

Just don't mention anything when Roy Hallday has a no-no going into the 8th.

[midwestjeff]

what team has had the most no-'s thrown against them

Phillies, with 17.

What do I win?

[K.C.]

Phillies, with 17.

What do I win?

Of course it was the Phillies...they have the largest sample size of losses, to begin with.


...good thing that's all history now...this is the Adam Eaton era...things are looking up!

[cougarjake13]

im not an announcer, and i dont believe in magic sorry, but have fun blaming me anyway and believing in voodoo lol.

its over, shot to the gap. clearly this post is the reason, and all those other no-hitters that have been broken up were clearly announcers faults, or the guy sitting on the couch with you.

couldnt just be that no-hitters are really fuckin' rare even when they make it into the 9th.


is it rare ?? yes

and clearly you know not of the power of the jinx

[DarkHippie]

no one is happier than Hippo right now. The Jinx is dead, long live the Jinx!

[Epschtein]

i seriously dont believe in jinxs but i do respect baseball tradition and not talk about no-hitters/perfect games when im watchin MY team with family/friends, but i will respect the majoirty opinion expressed here and not post about them in the future.

thought some people might like to see it.

[cougarjake13]

maybe the thread title should be changed to breaking news : epstein the new jinxy

[midwestjeff]

i seriously dont believe in jinx's but i do respect baseball tradition and not talk about no-hitters/perfect games when im watchin MY team with family/friends, but i will respect the majoirty opinion expressed here and not post about them in the future.

thought some people might like to see it.

Actually, I'll give you 20 bucks for every thread you start about any potential Cubs or Brewers no-hitters. Ride the snake!

[Epschtein]

or maybe "breaking news: monsters under my bed, please help! cougarjake."

:P ;)

[Bossanova]

Actually, I'll give you 20 bucks for every thread you start about any potential Cubs or Brewers no-hitters. Ride the snake!

Seriously, look what you just posted. Those threads will never exist

[midwestjeff]

Seriously, look what you just posted. Those threads will never exist

I just hit my head from laughing so hard. Thanks. :lol:

Don't worry though, I don't have an egg shell hockey skull like you, so no emergency room.

[cougarjake13]

or maybe "breaking news: monsters under my bed, please help! cougarjake."

:P ;)

well i was in that movie with howie mandel and fred savage

[midwestjeff]

Breaking News.

Ankiel goes deep. Way deep. Love the HGH.

[TheMojoPin]

Breaking News.

Ankiel goes deep. Way deep. Love the HGH and cocaine and freak-cloned dinosaur DNA.

Fixed.

[midwestjeff]

Fixed.

What's that? I'm sorry, I can't hear you, it's like you're three games back or something.

[Epschtein]

What's that? I'm sorry, I can't hear you, it's like you're three games back or something.

hahaha thats pretty fuckin' funny :)

[K.C.]

hahaha thats pretty fuckin' funny :)

agreed, I had a genuine LOL at that one too.




I have a buddy who's a huge Redbirds fan. We usually go to some Phils/Cards games at Citizens Bank, and then down to Washington for some Nats/Cards games.

We're heading down to Washington for the June 5th game.

[midwestjeff]

Breaking News.

Ankiel goes deep. Way deep. Love the HGH.

And a rocket throw to get the runner trying to stretch a double.

Jesus, the man knows no limits.

[TheMojoPin]

Sorry, I don't speak hillbilly.

http://z.about.com/d/politicalhumor/1/0/n/U/moran.jpg

[TheMojoPin]

And a rocket throw to get the runner trying to stretch a double.

Jesus, the man knows no limits.

Really?

http://www.nydailynews.com/img/2007/09/07/amd_ankiel1.jpg

Awwwwwwwww.

[midwestjeff]

agreed, I had a genuine LOL at that one too.




I have a buddy who's a huge Redbirds fan. We usually go to some Phils/Cards games at Citizens Bank, and then down to Washington for some Nats/Cards games.

We're heading down to Washington for the June 5th game.

There's still room on the bandwagon.

[K.C.]

There's still room on the bandwagon.

No, it's too late for me...I've grown too accustomed to the giant kick in the balls that usually comes with baseball season to switch it up now.

Cards fans are a fun bunch, though.

[TheMojoPin]

Cards fans are a fun bunch, though.

As much crap as I'll talk about the team, I totally agree on this. I've been to plenty of Cards games, and know lots of Cards fans here and they've always been nothing but fun. The rivalry between the Cubs and Cards really seems to be more about the teams and generally doesn't get ugly between the fans like it does between the Yanks and Red Sox or Cubs and White Sox. I love going to Busch to see Cubs games or when the Cards come here with their fans.

[jauble]

As much crap as I'll talk about the team, I totally agree on this. I've been to plenty of Cards games, and know lots of Cards fans here and they've always been nothing but fun. The rivalry between the Cubs and Cards really seems to be more about the teams and generally doesn't get ugly between the fans like it does between the Yanks and Red Sox or Cubs and White Sox. I love going to Busch to see Cubs games or when the Cards come here with their fans.

QFT

I love watching the cards lose (which isn't happening much right now) but the fans are 95% class act from the ones I've met. The only one that I didnt like was just an ass in general it had nothing to do with the team. Hope you all feel the same way about us.

[K.C.]

I'll agree with that.

On the flip side, the Phils/Mets rivalry is turning pretty ugly. I know Mets fans will balk at it and say 'that's because Phillies fans started it by acting like assholes.'

There's a little truth to it...but it really turned ugly when Mets fans started showing up in droves at Citizens Bank Park and acting like obnoxious douchebags in '06.

I've owned a ticket package to the park for a while...I can trace it to an exact game.


People misunderstand the Philly crowd a little bit. There are some vile people that show up, especially when you get a College Night or a Dollar Dog night. But by in large, they'll bust opposing fans balls pretty good, and then shake their hand at the end of the night.

A crowd in Philly only starts to turn when someone shows up with the whole 'we're taking over' attitude. And that's where it started.

[K.C.]

I'll agree with that.

On the flip side, the Phils/Mets rivalry is turning pretty ugly. I know Mets fans will balk at it and say 'that's because Phillies fans started it by acting like assholes.'

There's a little truth to it...but it really turned ugly when Mets fans started showing up in droves at Citizens Bank Park and acting like obnoxious douchebags in '06.

I've owned a ticket package to the park for a while...I can trace it to an exact game.


People misunderstand the Philly crowd a little bit. There are some vile people that show up, especially when you get a College Night or a Dollar Dog night. But by in large, they'll bust opposing fans balls pretty good, and then shake their hand at the end of the night.

A crowd in Philly only starts to turn when someone shows up with the whole 'we're taking over' attitude. And that's where it started.


And the sad thing about it all is that the Mets fans that probably did a lot of that to really get it started probably are from Philadelphia, don't even watch the Mets regularly, and don't see the team.

Yet, they've made it awkward for any Mets fan that would want to travel and support their team now.

[midwestjeff]

Larussa is leaving starters in too long sometimes and it almost cost them the game tonight. Looper does not need to pitch past the seventh. Getting him through a quality six is enough.

And I like Cubs fans, until they win a World Series and then I will be hopping in my car and running as many of them down as possible.

[Earlshog]

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/jon_heyman/05/07/heyman.teixeira/index.html?eref=T1

Interesting article on Teixeira

[underdog]

And a rocket throw to get the runner trying to stretch a double.

The man has a fucking cannon :

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[TheMojoPin]

It's crazy...it's almost as if he was once a pitcher who could throw in the 90's.

[underdog]

It's crazy...it's almost as if he was once a pitcher who could throw in the 90's.

Yeah, with zero accuracy. That's why these throws are surprising.

[Earlshog]

Yeah, with zero accuracy. That's why these throws are surprising.


he should have pitched from shallow centerfield

[cougarjake13]

And the sad thing about it all is that the Mets fans that probably did a lot of that to really get it started probably are from Philadelphia, don't even watch the Mets regularly, and don't see the team.

Yet, they've made it awkward for any Mets fan that would want to travel and support their team now.

yeh i was sick of the whole mets braves rivalry

its kinda interesting to have a new rivalry

not that there wasnt one before but for some reason the mets and phils never seemed to be good at the same time until recently

and i used to go to the vet a lot from 98-2003 and not once did i have a bad experience

was there heckling and what not , yeh but nothing brutal

[Bulldogcakes]

Early reviews of off season deals (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/columns/story?columnist=stark_jayson&id=3386182)


Good stuff from Stark, as usual.

[cougarjake13]

Early reviews of off season deals (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/columns/story?columnist=stark_jayson&id=3386182)


Good stuff from Stark, as usual.

nice !!!

[Bulldogcakes]

MLB trade rumors (http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2008/05/thoughts-on-han.html)

Thoughts On Hanley's Deal

Tim here. I thought I'd weigh in on Hanley Ramirez's six-year, $70MM contract. I've seen the $11.66MM average annual value tossed around, but I don't think that figure helps us evaluate it. It's not as if this is a free agent contract.

As far as I can tell, Ramirez's contract starts with the 2009 season. That would mean it buys out all three arbitration years plus another three free agent years. What did Hanley stand to make in his arb years? Miguel Cabrera will have been paid $33.7MM for that chunk of his career. Given that Ryan Howard received 35% more than Cabrera did for his first arb year, it's possible that Hanley would've earned $45MM for his three arb years.

Under that assumption, there's only $25MM left to cover the three free agency years. That's just $8.3MM a year for 2012-14! Ramirez figures to be worth at least three times that salary, regardless of his defense or position. Aside from his superstar performance, Ramirez has been very durable and has shown no ill effects from October shoulder surgery. As if this deal wasn't team friendly enough, it appears to lack any no-trade provisions. This contract seems so favorable to the Marlins that they would've had to sign it regardless of their stadium situation. Of course, nothing has been officially announced yet.

These extensions have become all the rage in Baseball, just about every GM seems to want to lock up their young stars be they position players or pitchers. As this article shows, its usually a very good deal for the team assuming the player doesn't get hurt.

This is also why its increasingly important to develop your own talent. The free agent market in recent years is either barren of top talent or exceedingly thin to the point where big spending teams like the Yanks, Mets and Bosox can't build a team solely through free agency like they did in the past. Teams will also trade free agents-to-be and haul in huge prospect packages. Overall, I think its good for Baseball. Small market teams keep their homegrown guys through their most productive years to build around and their fans have players they can get attached to without worrying about them leaving a few years after they reach their potential. Even for the big market team's fans it's a lot more fun to develop your own guys than just write a check.

In this environment any team that is smart and a little lucky with their draft picks can compete. Even the smallest of small market teams can pay top draft talent, whether domestic and international.

[Bulldogcakes]

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/98/217117350_6e8bd74974.jpg?v=0
http://www.stealee.us/oldpics/gazoo1.jpg

Separated at birth?

[Bulldogcakes]

Kazmir agrees to three-year, $28.5M extension with Rays (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3396451)

Another one bites the dust. A pitcher, no less. This tells me two things

1-The Rays are serious about winning and are willing to put their money into doing so.

2-The extensions getting thrown around all over baseball lately to young talent means the free agent market is going to be weak or completely barren of top talent in the coming years. A few guys may slip through the cracks, or become available in their early 30's when they don't have many peak years left. But building from within will soon be the only way to build a championship. I think the days of building a team like the 97 Marlins are over.

Build your farm systems people. There's no alternative anymore. You'll need a good farm system either for your own needs or to acquire talent via trade.

[Bulldogcakes]

Matt Holiday on the block? (http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2008/05/rosenthals-la-3.html)

In Ken Rosenthal's latest column (http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/8143654/Rockies-could-be-in-market-to-trade-Holliday?CMP=OTC-K9B140813162&ATT=3498), he sees Matt Holliday as a prime candidate to be traded this summer. Rosenthal notes that the Rockies are already ten games back and have very little chance of signing Holliday to an extension. Holliday is signed through '09 with $13MM due next season.

Previously, Rosenthal speculated that the Rockies might be willing to go to six years and $96MM to keep last year's NL MVP runner-up. However, all we know of Holliday's demands are that he wants more than a four-year deal. Rosenthal sees the Indians, Cardinals, Yankees, A's, Tigers, Blue Jays, Mariners, and Mets as potential suitors. This should provide an interesting new storyline for July.

Not sure about the Yanks, they have 2 high priced LF as it is. Great player, though.

[Bulldogcakes]

History's worst free-agent deals (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/jon_heyman/04/16/heyman.contracts/index.html)

1. Mike Hampton, $121 million, Rockies (and Braves). The deals for him and Denny Neagle ($55 million, five years) set the Rockies back five years. On the other hand, the complicated trade to send him away and get the Rockies on the path to the World Series was a stroke of genius. The Braves, who got him from the Marlins in November 2002, two days after Colorado dumped him, are known for wise pitching decisions, but this has to be their worst.

2. Carl Pavano, $40 million, four (long) years, Yankees. Never really looked interested. Changed agents more times than he actually pitched.

3. Albert Belle, $65 million, five years, Orioles. Brought surly mood, diminished power and bad hip to Peter Angelos' brand of bad baseball.

4. Chan Ho Park, $65 million, five years, Rangers. Poor Tom Hicks. Or should I say, rich Tom Hicks. Park showed up without much zip on his pitches, then delivered almost zip for the money.

5. Jason Giambi, $120 million, seven years, Yankees. He apologized for who knows what but hasn't yet apologized for taking all this money, which is, of course, obscene. He's still got $26 million to go in this the final year alone, assuming the Yankees decline the option year for a measly $5 mil.

6. Kevin Brown, $105 million, Dodgers (and Yankees). The first $100-million free agent. There were whispers that no one was offering anywhere near nine figures, but the truth is that while L.A. was the high bidder, there were other fools out there, as well. He brought his surly demeanor to the Bronx for two years, and left without a word, never to be heard from again. That is, until the Mitchell Report was released.

7. Darren Dreifort, $55 million, five years, Dodgers. Dreifort had the talent but was always hurt. And that's always, meaning before and after the contract.

8. Bobby Higginson, $35 million, five years, Tigers. With his buddy Kirk Gibson, then in the Tigers TV booth, constantly saying how great Higginson was, and with a terrible Tigers team where Higginson was the "star,'' owner Mike Ilitch felt compelled to give silly money to Higginson. Immediately upon signing, his bat turned to a wet noodle. Ilitch has done a lot better lately, with worthwhile big-bucks deals for Pudge Rodriguez and Magglio Ordonez.

9. Barry Zito, $126 million, seven years, Giants. Hard as it is to believe now, at least one other team (the Mariners) was willing to hit nine figures. Zito has lost 4-5 mph, leaving too little discrepancy between the fastball and his signature breaking ball. He's still got almost six years to go, so there's time to turn it around, but he turns 30 next month.

10. Mo Vaughn, $80 million, six years, Angels (and Mets). Got heavy, hurt his knees and became such a non-entity that no one cared when he showed up in the Mitchell Report.

11. Julio Lugo, $36 million, four years, Red Sox. They won a title in his first year at shortstop. But otherwise, file this under the heading, "Smart people can do dumb things.'' Boston looked into A-Rod for shortstop this winter.

12. Russ Ortiz, $33 million, four years, Diamondbacks. This contract bombed so badly, and so fast, that the D-Backs wound up eating a majority of it. Ortiz tried a comeback with the Giants last year and looked a little better with his old team ... at least for a while.

13. Juan Pierre, $44 million, five years, Dodgers. He's riding the bench only one year into his term. Great guy. But the lesson here is, never pay big bucks for a singles hitter with a nice personality.

[Bulldogcakes]

Ranking the best free-agent signings in history (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/jon_heyman/05/14/heyman.bestfreeagents/index.html)

1. David Ortiz, Red Sox designated hitter, 2003; $1.25 million, one year. When Ortiz was signed just weeks before the start of spring training, newly hired and 29-year-old Red Sox GM Theo Epstein claimed that one day Ortiz could emerge as a key middle-of-the-order hitter. Some might have scoffed, but as it turns out, Ortiz has done much more than that, and is probably a Hall of Famer based only on the half a career he's spent in Boston. Later, the Red Sox signed Ortiz to two more team-friendly deals (though not nearly this team friendly).

2. Reggie Jackson, Yankees outfielder, 1977; $2.9 million, five years. It sounded like a lot of money at the time. But never has a free agent made such an impression in his very first year. The three home runs in the clinching Game 6 of the World Series were worth 10 times the entire contract, if not more. Not to mention all the other headlines Jackson made in his triumphant and newsworthy stay.

3. Greg Maddux, Braves pitcher, 1993; $28 million, five years. Maddux could have gotten at least $34 million, and maybe more, from the Yankees. Instead, he helped the Braves roll to 11 straight division titles. The Cy Young awards he won in each of his first three years there made this contract an all-time bargain and helped earn him a hefty raise when it expired.

4. Barry Bonds, Giants outfielder, 1993; $43.75 million, six years. The deal was a record at the time, but Bonds proved to be worth every penny, winning the NL MVP award in his debut season in San Francisco. Even before he and his head got so big, he was the best there was. He wound up staying 15 years, breaking baseball's biggest record, making everyone a lot of money, and eventually upsetting enough folks that no one wanted to employ him. But that part came later. A lot later.

5. Manny Ramirez, Red Sox outfielder, 2001; $160 million, eight years. Three years into this deal, the Red Sox put Ramirez on waivers, offering him -- and the contract -- to all 30 teams and asking nothing in return. There were no takers. Good thing, too. Ramirez cut back on his goofy ways but kept hitting and helped the team that never won to two World Series titles. The Red Sox also hold two option years for 2009 and 2010 at $20 million apiece, plus some deferred monies make this contract worth somewhat less than $160 million.

6. Don Baylor, Angels designated hitter, 1977; $1.6 million, six years. In Baylor's excellent career, some of his best years were in Anaheim, especially 1979 when he was MVP and led the Angels to their first AL West title.

7. Catfish Hunter, Yankees pitcher, 1975; $3.35 million, five years. He was baseball's first big-time free agent, and the Southerner from Hereford, N.C., delivered big-time in the Bronx. He left Oakland after winning three straight World Series titles, then helped the Yankees win two more titles (with his buddy Reggie). A gutsy performer who eventually threw until his arm fell off but still made the Hall.

8. Carlton Fisk, White Sox catcher, 1981; $2.9 million, five years. This New Hampshire native shocked a lot of folks by leaving Boston at age 33. And shocked even more by playing another 13 years, fashioning a Hall of Fame career by doing as much in his second decade in the bigs as his first. Trivia: his agent for the deal, Jerry Kapstein, now serves in the Red Sox front office.

9. Ichiro Suzuki, Mariners outfielder, 2001; $27.125 million, three years (including. $13.125 million posting fee). Tremendous all-around talent who's probably unappreciated in the United States since he's tucked away in the Northwest. Nobody combines a great arm, great legs and hitting ability like him. A Hall of Famer once he gets his 10 years in.

10. Nolan Ryan, Astros starter, 1980; $3 million, three years. When he signed this deal in the early '80s to play for his hometown team, he talked like it might be his last one. Who knew he'd pitch another decade after this deal expired?
11. Vladimir Guerrero, Angels outfielder, 2004; $75 million, five years. Guerrero's deal was signed in a tough winter for free agents, when all the owners decided to toughen their stance on big contracts. In the end, the Angels got him, right before the Dodgers could get their act together to match or beat it.

12. Bernie Williams, Yankees outfielder, re-signed 1999; $87.5 million, seven years. While this was a lot of money, it was worth it. The beauty was keeping Williams away from the Red Sox, who chased Williams once he became a free agent. Two World Series titles soon followed.

13. Paul Molitor, Blue Jays designated hitter, 1993; $13 million, three years. Back then, the Blue Jays were doing almost everything right and Molitor was the right guy for the right team. He won World Series MVP honors in his first season as the Jays captured their second straight title.

14. Pete Rose, Phillies first baseman, 1979; $3.2 million four years. In his second year in Philadelphia, Rose sparked the Phillies to their only World Series title. He'll be remembered as a Red, but he made a big contribution in Philly, too.

15. Steve Garvey, Padres first baseman, 1983; $6.6 million, five years. He took his act 120 miles south to San Diego, and it worked. The 1984 NLCS MVP led the Padres to their first World Series appearance.

16. Magglio Ordonez, Tigers outfielder, 2005; $75 million, five years. This contract seemed plain nuts when it was agreed to following a year in which Ordonez was out with a knee injury. But it now looks as reasonable as Guerrero's deal with the Angels. One of several free agents who helped turn the Tigers from laughingstock to winner.

17. Jimmy Key, Yankees pitcher, 1993; $17 million, four years. He was the right man at the right time after the Yankees failed to lure Maddux and David Cone to the Bronx. Cool customer aided the Yankees' revival, then stuck around for the World Series title in 1996. Better than most remember.

18. Pudge Rodriguez, Tigers catcher, 2004; $40 million, four years. Left the World Champion Marlins and took a chance on coming to Detroit when no one else would and helped turn things around in Motown.

19. Hideki Okajima, Red Sox reliever, 2007; $2.5 million, two years. His signing drew no headlines, yet he has been superb as a set-up man in Boston. The Astros and Mets should have regrets because they also had an inkling what Okajima could be. Both those teams were kicking the tires when Boston got the mega-bargain done, which also includes an option for $1.75 million for 2009.

20. Hideki Matsui, Yankees outfielder, 2003; $21 million, three years. "Godzilla" has not been the monster power hitter he was in Japan, but still a productive hitter and all-around team player who came cheap.

[spadanko]

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[ralphbxny]

Congrats to Mr. Lester!! Cancer to NO-NO!!!

[K.C.]

So, we've got the Yankees, Tigers, Mariners, Brewers, and Padres all in last place in their divisions.

All five of these teams were considered legitimate contenders for their divisions before the season.

I'd say the Padres are pretty much done...I got an up close and personal look at this team and the offense is absolutely non-existent.

The one thing that's keeping me from writing off the Tigers is that the AL Central looks so weak this year. The White Sox and Twins are not particularly good...the Royals play hard, but are still a year or two away from having seasoned enough talent to piece together long winning streaks. But make no mistake...this team has been bad in every sense of the word. If you evaluate performance alone, then they're done. I'm giving them a slight benefit of the doubt based on reputation of the players that are on this team, and particularly in the rotation, which has been horrific.

The biggest issue the Mariners are going to have is that they have a hell of a hole to dig out of while chasing Anaheim. Anaheim is too even-keeled a team to really go in the tank. I do think the Mariners will hit, and real off a nice streak of wins, but they may have just started too deep to catch the Angels.

I think the Brewers are going to hover around .500 for most of the year. They may get hot late and finish a few games above, but I don't really see where the starting pitching will come from there, and the Cubs and Cardinals are going to run a two-horse race...especially when the Cards start getting guys back.

The Yankees are going to hit sooner or later...that's a given. I don't see how they can solve the starting pitching problem, though. Their hitting is good enough to keep them in the race, but they need some pitching stability to really make a run at the playoffs this year.

[K.C.]

Damn, I hate to say it, but the Marlins are starting to worry me.

This team doesn't look anywhere close to fading...in fact, they look like they're getting stronger.

And if they get Anibal Sanchez back at the break, and pitching well....yikes.

[Bulldogcakes]

Quote of the year? (http://yankees.lhblogs.com/2008/05/24/giambi-respect-the-stache/)

Here’s what Ichiro told the Seattle writers yesterday:

“Playing on this team and seeing what is happening around me, I feel that something is beginning to fall apart. But, if I was not in this situation, and I was objectively watching what just happened this week, I would probably be drinking a lot of beers and booing.”

[Da Fish]

Damn, I hate to say it, but the Marlins are starting to worry me.

This team doesn't look anywhere close to fading...in fact, they look like they're getting stronger.

And if they get Anibal Sanchez back at the break, and pitching well....yikes.

They are hitting the ball well.

30-20 as of 5/27/08. Fisrt time being 10 over .500 since 2005.

[TheMojoPin]

Awww, even as a CFer Ankiel can't keep himself from firing the ball into the fence when trying to throw home.

[cougarjake13]

They are hitting the ball well.

30-20 as of 5/27/08. Fisrt time being 10 over .500 since 2005.



so who's on board for an all florida world series ?????


rays vs marlins in oct

[Da Fish]

so who's on board for an all florida world series ?????


rays vs marlins in oct

I wouldn't mind that. At least one of the teams is going to fall.:sad:

I would be happy just to be in the race in Sept.

[Epschtein]

i was just reading yesterday about clemens adding things to his defamation suit against mcnamee, then today about the FBI questioning that 15 year old singer clemens supposedly was bangin'.

i cant believe clemens is continuing with this thing but i suppose he doesnt really have a choice at this point. i just dont see any way that he is completely innocent at this point so its a shame that he brought this all on himself in a way.

its similar to the way i feel about belichick, if he wasnt such a prick (before and during) the whole thing would never have been such a big deal.

i feel a little bad for both of them, but hell they are still ridiculously rich and have tons of people that still believe in them so they arent too bad off.

[Bulldogcakes]

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[TheMojoPin]

Wow...there's been a political blogger out there who has been making uncanny predicitons about a bunch of the primaries based on statistical history...and it turns it he's none other than Mr. PECOTA himself, Nate Silver of Baseball Prospectus. (http://www.fivethirtyeight.com/2008/05/no-im-not-chuck-todd.html)

This is only slightly more awesome than Ken Tremendous of FireJoeMorgan.com turning out to be a writer and actor (he plays Mose, Dwight's weird, Amish-bearded cousin) for The Office.

[Bulldogcakes]

Season-Ending Surgery For Prior (http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2008/06/mark-prior-will.html)

[underdog]

Season-Ending Surgery For Prior (http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2008/06/mark-prior-will.html)

I feel so bad for Cincinnati fans. They have their hopes so high with the great young talent they have, but Dusty Baker is their coach. They'll feel his effects for the next 20 years.

[K.C.]

As much as I'd like to say Chase Utley is a lock for the NL MVP right now, it's hard to argue with Chipper Jones hitting over .400 still, and Lance Berkman hitting .385 and being a few HRs and RBI shy of holding all three triple crown numbers.

Not that those averages will likely hold up...but it's still damn impressive.

[K.C.]

Ok, so looking at the way things are shaking out, these should be your buyers and sellers next month:

Sellers
-Orioles
-Royals
-Mariners
-Nationals
-Rockies
-Padres
-Giants

On The Bubble
-Tigers
-Rangers
-Reds

Likely to stand pat
-Rays
-Blue Jays
-Twins
-Angels
-Athletics
-Marlins
-Braves
-Brewers
-Diamondbacks

Buyers
-Red Sox
-Yankees
-White Sox
-Indians
-Phillies
-Mets
-Cubs
-Cardinals
-Astros
-Dodgers

[ChrisTheCop]

I feel so bad for Cincinnati fans. They have their hopes so high with the great young talent they have, but Dusty Baker is their coach. They'll feel his effects for the next 20 years.

That's a little ofensive, dontcha think?
You think cuz the sox have won 2 titles this decade that gives you the right to appreciate it?

Shame on you Sox fans for commenting on anyone else's team.
Youre bad fans!!!!! booooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[K.C.]

Now this is who's likely available:

-Orioles
2B - Brian Roberts (limited no-trade) (under contract through '09 at $8 mil)
3B - Melvin Mora (under contract through '09 at $9 mil)
1B - Kevin Millar ($2.75 mil vesting option for '09)
OF - Jay Payton (free agent after '08)
SP - Steve Traschel (free agent after '08)
RHP - Corey Bradford (under contract through '09 at $3.5 mil)

-Royals
2B - Mark Grudzielanek (free agent after '08)
LHP - Ron Mahay (under contract through '09 at $4 mil)
LHP - Jimmy Gobble (arbitration eligible after '08)

-Mariners
1B - Richie Sexson (free agent after '08)
3B - Adrian Beltre (limited no-trade) (under contract through '09 at $12 mil)
LHP - Jarrod Washburn (under contract through '09 at $10.35 mil)
RHP - Miguel Batista (under contract through '09 at $9 mil)
2B - Jose Vidro (limited no-trade) (vesting option for '09)
OF - Raul Ibanez (free agent after '08)
LHP - Arthur Rhodes (free agent after '08)

-Nationals
RHP - Chad Cordero (if back from injury by then) (arbitration eligible after '08)
C - Paul Lo Duca (free agent after '08)
1B - Dimitri Young (under contract for '09 at $5 mil...vesting option for '10 at $6 mil)
IF - Felipe Lopez (free agent after '08)
SS - Cristian Guzman (free agent after '08)
SP - Tim Redding (arbitration eligible after '08)
SP - Odalis Perez (free agent after '08)
RHP - Luis Ayala (free agent after '08)

-Rockies (contrary to rumors, I think there's no way in hell they trade Holliday)
LHP - Brian Fuentes (free agent after '08)
3B - Garrett Atkins (arbitration eligible after '08)
RHP - Matt Herges (club option for '09)
OF - Willy Taveras (arbitraton eligible after '08)
RHP - Jason Grilli (arbitration eligible after '08)

-Padres
RHP - Greg Maddux (no-trade clause) (free agent after '08)
LHP - Randy Wolf (free agent after '08)
OF - Brian Giles (limited no-trade) ($9 million club option for '09 with a $3 million buyout)
2B - Tadahito Iguchi (arbitration eligible after '08)
RHP - Heath Bell (arbitration eligible after '08)
RHP - Brian Corey (club-controlled contract after '08)

-Giants
OF - Randy Winn (limited no trade) (signed through 2009 at $8.25 mil
2B - Ray Durham (no trade clause) (free agent after '08)
C - Bengie Molina (signed through 2009 at $6 mil)
SS - Omar Vizquel ($5.2 mil '09 club option with $300,000 buyout)
IF - Rich Aurillia (free agent after '08)
RHP - Vinnie Chulk (arbitration eligible after '08)

[underdog]

That's a little ofensive, dontcha think?
You think cuz the sox have won 2 titles this decade that gives you the right to appreciate it?

Shame on you Sox fans for commenting on anyone else's team.
Youre bad fans!!!!! booooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Didn't you quit this board once?

[Knowledged_one]

Well the draft is today, lets get ready

[Kevin]

bah wrong thread

[K.C.]

Anyone see this?

Tigers send struggling Willis to Class A
June 10, 2008
CBSSports.com wire reports

DETROIT -- After watching yet another wild show on the mound, the Detroit Tigers sent Dontrelle Willis down to Class A on Tuesday in hopes the struggling lefty can find his control, as first reported by Danny Knobler of CBSSports.com

The Tigers optioned Willis to Lakeland of the Florida State League -- and home to the Tigers' spring training camp -- a day after he matched a career high by giving eight earned runs on five walks and three hits in 1 1/3 innings against Cleveland.

Willis (0-1) has walked 21 batters in 11 1/3 innings. The 8-2 loss to the Indians came in his second start since going on the disabled list with a hyperextended right knee.

"Our objective is to get Dontrelle back to being Dontrelle," Tigers president, CEO and general manager Dave Dombrowski said. "We don't want to put a time frame on this. We want to get it right. The arm strength is still there, on occasion. The breaking ball is still there. But we want to get him back to being comfortable throwing strikes."

Detroit signed Willis to a $29 million, three-year deal after getting him in a trade last winter with the Florida Marlins.

"We knew his walks were up last year, but not anywhere near the extent of this," Dombrowski said. "We studied it very thoroughly. We knew he hadn't pitched as well the last couple of years but we didn't see this command situation."

Dombrowski also said no decision will be made immediately about who will replace Willis in the starting rotation.

"We'll tackle that in a few days," Dombrowski said.

The Tigers also recently placed right-handed starter Jeremy Bonderman on the disabled list with a blood clot in his shoulder.
AP NEWS
The Associated Press News Service

Copyright 2007-2008, The Associated Press, All Rights Reserved

Ouch.

That deal is looking better and better for the Marlins, if for no other reason than they're not locked in to awful contracts with Willis and Cabrera.

Not to mention, they got two solid prospects.

[Kevin]

Anyone see this?



Ouch.

That deal is looking better and better for the Marlins, if for no other reason than they're not locked in to awful contracts with Willis and Cabrera.

Not to mention, they got two solid prospects.

Didnt the stupid Tigers give Dontrll an extension?

Hey dumbasses.. He had a 5.79 era in the NL and the NL with huge parks, minus Philly. How in the blue hell did anyone think he would be any good?

And its at least 2. they got 6 guys for them.

[underdog]

That deal is looking better and better for the Marlins, if for no other reason than they're not locked in to awful contracts with Willis and Cabrera.

I don't get why teams like the Marlins and Twins are so much better at judging talent than most of the rest of the league.

Is it because the scouts and GMs of most of the other teams are "old school" baseball people (or as they should be called : "retarded") and the good scouting teams hire the "new school" baseball people (or as they should be called : "smart").

Although, I cannot figure out the Reds. They've obviously done a decent job at scouting and player management, as they have some great young players. Yet, the person in charge of that also hired a guy who thinks Adam Dunn laying down a sacrifice bunt in the 9th inning is a good idea.

[Kevin]

I don't get why teams like the Marlins and Twins are so much better at judging talent than most of the rest of the league.

Is it because the scouts and GMs of most of the other teams are "old school" baseball people (or as they should be called : "retarded") and the good scouting teams hire the "new school" baseball people (or as they should be called : "smart").

Although, I cannot figure out the Reds. They've obviously done a decent job at scouting and player management, as they have some great young players. Yet, the person in charge of that also hired a guy who thinks Adam Dunn laying down a sacrifice bunt in the 9th inning is a good idea.

And thinks that 190 pitches is a normal outing for a sp.

[underdog]

And thinks that 190 pitches is a normal outing for a sp.

Only Japanese pitchers can do that.

[Kevin]

Only Japanese pitchers can do that.

Then apprently to Dusty, Prior san and Wood san are Japanese.

[underdog]

Then apprently to Dusty, Prior san and Wood san are Japanese.

All white people look alike to him.

[K.C.]

I think there's a couple aspects to it.

First, the Marlins and Twins, as well as the A's, dangle a lot of 'top notch' players in trades. Clubs are stupid enough to pay a hefty price, because if you're a winning club at the deadline, or an older team in the offseason, I think a sense of desperation starts to set in in the office, and guys will always gamble for that one player that could put them over the top.

Second, those team almost never sign their free agent superstars, nor do they hardly ever sign Class A Free Agents, which means they're always loaded with draft picks.

And then, yeah, it really does come down to scouting, and while those teams don't put a lot of money in their MLB payroll, they well finance their scouting.


As for some of the richer teams, aside from dealing their prospects and losing their draft picks from the moves they make, quite a few of them have pretty lackluster scouting.

The Phillies, for example, almost don't even compete in Puerto Rico, the Dominican, and Dominican Republic for players because the scouting there is so competitive. I think they focus more a lot of resources in Venezuela, which has turned out decent Latin prospects, but not on par with the DR.

[Kevin]

All white people look alike to him.

You're not gunna turn on me mid post, if a Japanese guy comes here and starts an argument now will you?:dry:

[TheMojoPin]

All white people look alike to him.

He also thinks black players are better suited to play in the sun.

Seriously.

[underdog]

You're not gunna turn on me mid post, if a Japanese guy comes here and starts an argument now will you?:dry:

I'll make sure I turn on you much earlier next time.

[Knowledged_one]

He also thinks black players are better suited to play in the sun.

Seriously.

im guessing we are talking about Dusty Baker here?

[TheMojoPin]

im guessing we are talking about Dusty Baker here?

You are correct, sir.

[Knowledged_one]

You are correct, sir.

he is such a dullard in pre game interviews now, no good nuggets no veiled racist comments just one word answers on the reds pregame radio shows

[midwestjeff]

he is such a dullard in pre game interviews now, no good nuggets no veiled racist comments just one word answers on the reds pregame radio shows

Speaking of the Reds' radio team, they fucking suck. The guy that isn't Marty Brenneman has zero energy and they both get the calls and names wrong constantly. I don't mind listening to the home teams announcers on XM because it's cool to hear other perspectives but the Reds guys are trash. Makes me appreciate Mike Shannon and the time I spent listening to Jack Buck so much more.


*Please ignore the hypocrisy if I spelled "Brenneman" wrong. I'm a messageboard tool, not a professional broadcaster.

[Knowledged_one]

its brenneman and i think jeff brantley

and they have zero energy and everyone says that brenneman is one of the best and i just dont see it

the only good thing is that brenneman went on a rant about a month and a half ago and didnt cover his mic and it went out, he called a pitch a ball when it was a strike and someone corrected him and he went off. "Motherfucker dont tell me what it is? dont you ever fucking question me? I dont care if you are dusty fucking baker dont you ever question me"

I was stunned to hear it, but i did laugh

[cougarjake13]

its brenneman and i think jeff brantley

and they have zero energy and everyone says that brenneman is one of the best and i just dont see it

the only good thing is that brenneman went on a rant about a month and a half ago and didnt cover his mic and it went out, he called a pitch a ball when it was a strike and someone corrected him and he went off. "Motherfucker dont tell me what it is? dont you ever fucking question me? I dont care if you are dusty fucking baker dont you ever question me"

I was stunned to hear it, but i did laugh


he's evil b/c he spells his name thom

[Fallon]

Just saw on ESPNews that Griffey might waive his no trade clause and go to Tampa. That's gonna make things interesting.

[Kevin]

Just saw on ESPNews that Griffey might waive his no trade clause and go to Tampa. That's gonna make things interesting.

I think his family is in FLA, so it makes sense.

[cougarjake13]

I think his family is in FLA, so it makes sense.

yeh just outside orlando

[A.J.]

Just saw on ESPNews that Griffey might waive his no trade clause and go to Tampa. That's gonna make things interesting.

Him as a lefty DH in that lineup? That could be dangerous.

[cougarjake13]

Him as a lefty DH in that lineup? That could be dangerous.

they've had a few things in the local papers

and basically management wont give up any young prospects worth a damn for him

[TheMojoPin]

Him as a lefty DH in that lineup? That could be dangerous.

Considering how much their pitching outside of one starter and the closer sucks as much as ever, they might want to look at upgrading somewhere else besides the offense.

[Kevin]

Considering how much their pitching outside of one starter and the closer sucks as much as ever, they might want to look at upgrading somewhere else besides the offense.

They are the Anti Yankees. The Yanks always seem to draft pitchers, and the Rays, hitters.

[Kevin]

Jays fudging Halladay's ERA?
Posted: Sunday June 15, 2008 09:09AM ET

Now the Cubs know what Orlando Cabrera was thinking when the White Sox shortstop called the Toronto press box last month to complain about a scoring decision. Manager Lou Piniella was puzzled by a scoring change during Saturday's 6-2 win that gave Toronto shortstop David Eckstein an error on Ronny Cedeno's second-inning shot up the middle that resulted in the first Cubs run. Eckstein had to go far to his left and dive just to get his glove on the ball, which glanced off it. Official scorer Doug Hobbs originally called it a hit but changed the decision after Reed Johnson's three-run home run off Roy Halladay. With the error, all four runs off Halladay became unearned, helping keep his earned-run average at 3.09.


This is somehow the Yankees fault, i just know it.

[Fallon]

Jays fudging Halladay's ERA?
Posted: Sunday June 15, 2008 09:09AM ET

Now the Cubs know what Orlando Cabrera was thinking when the White Sox shortstop called the Toronto press box last month to complain about a scoring decision. Manager Lou Piniella was puzzled by a scoring change during Saturday's 6-2 win that gave Toronto shortstop David Eckstein an error on Ronny Cedeno's second-inning shot up the middle that resulted in the first Cubs run. Eckstein had to go far to his left and dive just to get his glove on the ball, which glanced off it. Official scorer Doug Hobbs originally called it a hit but changed the decision after Reed Johnson's three-run home run off Roy Halladay. With the error, all four runs off Halladay became unearned, helping keep his earned-run average at 3.09.


This is somehow the Yankees fault, i just know it.

Fucking Canadians.

[TheMojoPin]

So disturbing...

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[TheMojoPin]

Jays fudging Halladay's ERA?
Posted: Sunday June 15, 2008 09:09AM ET

Now the Cubs know what Orlando Cabrera was thinking when the White Sox shortstop called the Toronto press box last month to complain about a scoring decision. Manager Lou Piniella was puzzled by a scoring change during Saturday's 6-2 win that gave Toronto shortstop David Eckstein an error on Ronny Cedeno's second-inning shot up the middle that resulted in the first Cubs run. Eckstein had to go far to his left and dive just to get his glove on the ball, which glanced off it. Official scorer Doug Hobbs originally called it a hit but changed the decision after Reed Johnson's three-run home run off Roy Halladay. With the error, all four runs off Halladay became unearned, helping keep his earned-run average at 3.09.


This is somehow the Yankees fault, i just know it.

I actually agreed with the scoring change.

[Kevin]

I actually agreed with the scoring change.

Booooooooooooooooooooo.

[Kevin]

So disturbing...

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Wow..

[TheMojoPin]

Booooooooooooooooooooo.

Dude, watch the play. Cedeno and the Cubs are lucky it bounced out of Eckstein's glove.

[Kevin]

Dude, watch the play. Cedeno and the Cubs are lucky it bounced out of Eckstein's glove.

Why was it called a hit before?

[TheMojoPin]

Why was it called a hit before?

Because the scorer miscalled it. Plays get changed all the time by the scorer. It's his perogative to change a close call over the course of a game. If there was anything suspect to this, the Cubs would have raised some kind of a stink when it happened, but nobody did...not on the fild or in either of the broadcast booths. It was a close call that could be argued either way, but leaned a bit more towards being an error based on how much glove he got on the ball.

[Kevin]

Because the scorer miscalled it. Plays get changed all the time by the scorer. It's his perogative to change a close call over the course of a game. If there was anything suspect to this, the Cubs would have raised some kind of a stink when it happened, but nobody did...not on the fild or in either of the broadcast booths. It was a close call that could be argued either way, but leaned a bit more towards being an error based on how much glove he got on the ball.

Fair enough, you watched it, i did not. You are fair with your assessments, so i shall take yee for your word.

[TheMojoPin]

Fair enough, you watched it, i did not. You are fair with your assessments, so i shall take yee for your word.

Thanks. I could be wrong, but if I thought that was a clear hit, I would have annoyed everyone with my bitching here.

[Kevin]

Thanks. I could be wrong, but if I thought that was a clear hit, I would have annoyed everyone with my bitching here.

Yea, im sure you would. The Cabrera thing got me thinking there was something too it.

[TheMojoPin]

Yea, im sure you would. The Cabrera thing got me thinking there was something too it.

Hey, there could be. They might have pushed for it, realizing it was a play that could pretty easily be scored either way. They saw their shot and took it.

[Kevin]

Hey, there could be. They might have pushed for it, realizing it was a play that could pretty easily be scored either way. They saw their shot and took it.

I wonder how many times it has happened with them. I'm sure other teams do it.

[cougarjake13]

mariners fire john mc claren

replaced with jim riggleman

maybe this sets up the bobby v to seattle rumors even more

[cougarjake13]

on todays espn's first take they talked about how torre could be one and done with LA since they arent following him the way the yankees players did


maybe a joe torre - mets reunion ???

i'm personally not in favor of that

[underdog]

Players name Jeter most Overrated player for 2nd time in 3 years (http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/yankees/2008/06/19/2008-06-19_sports_illustrated_players_poll_names_de-1.html)

[Kevin]

Anyone hear what the M's manager said when he got fired?

If you really wanted to do this right, you should have done it at 3:15am.

Glad to see he had a sense of humor even though he was being fired.

[cougarjake13]

Anyone hear what the M's manager said when he got fired?

If you really wanted to do this right, you should have done it at 3:15am.

Glad to see he had a sense of humor even though he was being fired.

thats awesome

[Towelie]

Players name Jeter most Overrated player for 2nd time in 3 years (http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/yankees/2008/06/19/2008-06-19_sports_illustrated_players_poll_names_de-1.html)

That list just reaks of jealousy.

You have arguably the greatest player of all time getting 7% of the vote?

Plus the captain of the Yankees and the face of the Mets and two Red Sox players, who coincidentally or not both happen to be white guys.

Plus I don't think Barry Zito is overrated, I think everyone knows he sucks. Overpaid? Sure. Overrated? Nah.

[TheMojoPin]

I can't believe I agree with Buster Olney, but I definitely think Sabathia is the Brewers' to have if they want him. They're definitely a competitive team this year, and trading for him and then resigning him gives them an amazing rotation if their other key starters can stay healthy. On top of that, their farm is stacked with offensive players made for the AL, which is what the Indis need most of all right now. If the Brewers really want Sabathia, he's gonna be there unless some crazy, non-competitive team like the Dodgers with an amazing farm system swoops in with a retardedly awesome deal. My concern is that Cubs' GM Jim Hendry is putting all of his eggs in one basket with one player as his goal, as he seems wont to do, and then when this falls apart for whatever reason he'll have no backup plan and the Cubs end up with garbage at the deadline. My only hope is that despite his flaws, Hendry has pretty much always been able to get a player he wants via trade.

[Fallon]

That list just reaks of jealousy.

You have arguably the greatest player of all time getting 7% of the vote?

Plus the captain of the Yankees and the face of the Mets and two Red Sox players, who coincidentally or not both happen to be white guys.

Plus I don't think Barry Zito is overrated, I think everyone knows he sucks. Overpaid? Sure. Overrated? Nah.

Three Sox players listed in the website poll. Dumb New York paper.

[Towelie]

Three Sox players listed in the website poll. Dumb New York paper.

It was a Sports Illustrated article. The Daily News was just getting reactions to it.

[Crippler]

Astros Suspend Shawn Chacon for Throttling GM Ed Wade (http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news?slug=ap-astros-chaconsuspended&prov=ap&type=)...and fans in Philly are jealous of Chacon!

[K.C.]

Astros Suspend Shawn Chacon for Throttling GM Ed Wade (http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news?slug=ap-astros-chaconsuspended&prov=ap&type=)...and fans in Philly are jealous of Chacon!

Chacon's got to be done after this...he wasn't even pitching well. Why would anyone be desperate enough to take him on now??


"Ed, I have Hank Steinbrenner on Line 2"


If Sidney Ponson found a home, Chacon will too.

[underdog]

Angels pitchers combine to no-hit the Dodgers, and they still lost.

Wow.

[Kevin]

Angels pitchers combine to no-hit the Dodgers, and they still lost.

Wow.

Wow, indeed

[Kevin]

I would have felt bad for Snoogans if his Dodgers got no hit, and lost.

[cozzie]

Angels pitchers combine to no-hit the Dodgers, and they still lost.

Wow.

How?

[cougarjake13]

How?

an infield grounder ruled an error eventually scored

[Towelie]

The difference between home and road records this season is getting pretty nuts.

Its ridiculous this year, or at least it seems that way

Only 3 AL Teams (Yankees, Anaheim and Texas) and 2 NL Teams (Philly, St. Louis) have records over .500 on the road

Without doing any research, I figure this year is one of the worst year for road teams.

Possible effect of the game getting clean? Awful scheduling? A mix of both?

[hammersavage]

no more greenies. its getting to be like the NBA where even the best teams in the league are .500 on the road.

[TheMojoPin]

no more greenies.

Damn right.

[RF Godfather]

I still believe the Mets can win it all this year! ;)

[epo]

I can't believe I agree with Buster Olney, but I definitely think Sabathia is the Brewers' to have if they want him. They're definitely a competitive team this year, and trading for him and then resigning him gives them an amazing rotation if their other key starters can stay healthy. On top of that, their farm is stacked with offensive players made for the AL, which is what the Indis need most of all right now. If the Brewers really want Sabathia, he's gonna be there unless some crazy, non-competitive team like the Dodgers with an amazing farm system swoops in with a retardedly awesome deal. My concern is that Cubs' GM Jim Hendry is putting all of his eggs in one basket with one player as his goal, as he seems wont to do, and then when this falls apart for whatever reason he'll have no backup plan and the Cubs end up with garbage at the deadline. My only hope is that despite his flaws, Hendry has pretty much always been able to get a player he wants via trade.

This whole thing will hinge upon 1B/OF Matt LaPorta. If the Indians insist upon him, there is no deal. If the Indians can handle getting other good prospects, then we've got a deal.

By the way, the Brewers probably wouldn't be able to resign Sabathia at the end of the season and would most likely take the draft picks. The organization is very confident in their scouting/talent department and loves getting draft pick compensation.

[TheMojoPin]

This whole thing will hinge upon 1B/OF Matt LaPorta. If the Indians insist upon him, there is no deal. If the Indians can handle getting other good prospects, then we've got a deal.

By the way, the Brewers probably wouldn't be able to resign Sabathia at the end of the season and would most likely take the draft picks. The organization is very confident in their scouting/talent department and loves getting draft pick compensation.

Well, they should be, look at all the young talent they're packed with right now in the bigs and on the farm.

What about the talk that Sheets is likely going to be gone after this season? Maybe that weighs into going after Sabathia with the idea of signing him to an extension to replace Sheets?

[epo]

Well, they should be, look at all the young talent they're packed with right now in the bigs and on the farm.

What about the talk that Sheets is likely going to be gone after this season? Maybe that weighs into going after Sabathia with the idea of signing him to an extension to replace Sheets?

Sheets. This is like the nightmare situation for Doug Melvin. Sheets is an amazing pitcher when he's on & healthy. However he is rarely healthy. So this off-season Melvin wanted to see if Ben could stay healthy and then initiate an extension.

Sheets announced last week that he wants to "test" free agency. (Link to story here (http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=765740).) The big problem isn't going to be the money, the problem for a franchise like Milwaukee is going to be the years as they can't afford big contract injuries. So they'll probably lose him to free agency this off-season. I keep hearing that Sheets has a home near the Ballpark in Arlington, so that wouldn't shock me at all.

This is why they can't trade LaPorta, as he is the (shh) heir apparent at first base. During the off-season they could (gulp) trade Prince Fielder and pretty much rebuild their pitching staff very quickly.

The Sabathia thing is going to be interesting to say the least.

[TheMojoPin]

Sheets. This is like the nightmare situation for Doug Melvin. Sheets is an amazing pitcher when he's on & healthy. However he is rarely healthy. So this off-season Melvin wanted to see if Ben could stay healthy and then initiate an extension.

Sheets announced last week that he wants to "test" free agency. (Link to story here (http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=765740).) The big problem isn't going to be the money, the problem for a franchise like Milwaukee is going to be the years as they can't afford big contract injuries. So they'll probably lose him to free agency this off-season. I keep hearing that Sheets has a home near the Ballpark in Arlington, so that wouldn't shock me at all.

This is why they can't trade LaPorta, as he is the (shh) heir apparent at first base. During the off-season they could (gulp) trade Prince Fielder and pretty much rebuild their pitching staff very quickly.

The Sabathia thing is going to be interesting to say the least.

If Sabathia is available, with this Sheets stuff sounding like it is, I have little doubt that Sabathia ends up on the Brewers. Given wheat the Brewers can offer on the cheap and well those very good players can fit the Indians' needs and it sends Sabathia to the NL, it's almost a lock. The only chance for the Cubs would be to offer something like, "hey, instead of getting a couple of A+ prospects/players, how about half a dozen B+ prospects-players?"

[cougarjake13]

Sheets. This is like the nightmare situation for Doug Melvin. Sheets is an amazing pitcher when he's on & healthy. However he is rarely healthy. So this off-season Melvin wanted to see if Ben could stay healthy and then initiate an extension.

Sheets announced last week that he wants to "test" free agency. (Link to story here (http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=765740).) The big problem isn't going to be the money, the problem for a franchise like Milwaukee is going to be the years as they can't afford big contract injuries. So they'll probably lose him to free agency this off-season. I keep hearing that Sheets has a home near the Ballpark in Arlington, so that wouldn't shock me at all.


so any chance they trade him by the deadline so they at least get something for him ???

i know they're only 4.5 out right now

[TheMojoPin]

so any chance they trade him by the deadline so they at least get something for him ???

i know they're only 4.5 out right now

If they keep up their pace now or better, there's no reason to. Keep him, trade for Sabathia, then let Sheets go after the season, throw his money at Sabathia and take the two picks for letting Sheets go.

[epo]

so any chance they trade him by the deadline so they at least get something for him ???

i know they're only 4.5 out right now

Not a shot in hell. Keep him for the balance of the season and get the Type A free agent compensation. With their scouting department, they probably think they can do better with the picks than taking somebody else's shitty minor leaguers anyways.

[cougarjake13]

If they keep up their pace now or better, there's no reason to. Keep him, trade for Sabathia, then let Sheets go after the season, throw his money at Sabathia and take the two picks for letting Sheets go.

Not a shot in hell. Keep him for the balance of the season and get the Type A free agent compensation. With their scouting department, they probably think they can do better with the picks than taking somebody else's shitty minor leaguers anyways.


ah didnt know they got compensation

[TheMojoPin]

YAAAARRRRRRRRRRRGH!!!

Diamondbacks placed catcher Chris Snyder on the disabled list with a left testicular fracture.

[TheGameHHH]

he fractured his left nut? HOW???

[TheMojoPin]

Foul tip caught him just "right."

[epo]

The Brewers have officially made an offer to Cleveland for Sabathia. They are waiting for the reply.... (Link to story here. (http://blogs.jsonline.com/brewers/archive/2008/07/05/brewers-waiting-for-indians-reply.aspx))

The word has it that the Brewers are offering three minor leaguers, including 1b/OF Matt LaPorta.

And they are only 3.5 out now!

[TheMojoPin]

I'll be very surprised if the Brewers don't end up with Sabathia.

I'll also be very surprised if the Brewers end the year with both Sabathia and Sheets picking.

I will also very much enjoy the Brewers sans Sheets and Sabathia and the prospects they gave up next year. They'll pick up some great comp picks, no doubt, but it'll be a break for a couple of seasons.

If the Cubs actually trade anything of value for AJ Burnett, I'll murder someone. If they steal Milton Bradley like they should have done a long time ago, I'll make out with somebody.

[K.C.]

I'll be very surprised if the Brewers don't end up with Sabathia.

I'll also be very surprised if the Brewers end the year with both Sabathia and Sheets picking.

I will also very much enjoy the Brewers sans Sheets and Sabathia and the prospects they gave up next year. They'll pick up some great comp picks, no doubt, but it'll be a break for a couple of seasons.

If the Cubs actually trade anything of value for AJ Burnett, I'll murder someone. If they steal Milton Bradley like they should have done a long time ago, I'll make out with somebody.

They'll have something like five of the top 30 picks next year.

[TheMojoPin]

They'll have something like five of the top 30 picks next year.

I know, and I have little doubt that most of them will produce. But it'll still likely take 2-3 seasons for that to happen. The Cubs' window is to win now or myb the next season or 2 at the most.

[epo]

They'll have something like five of the top 30 picks next year.

They had 6 of the top 45 picks this year too.

[epo]

I'll be very surprised if the Brewers don't end up with Sabathia.

I'll also be very surprised if the Brewers end the year with both Sabathia and Sheets picking.

I will also very much enjoy the Brewers sans Sheets and Sabathia and the prospects they gave up next year. They'll pick up some great comp picks, no doubt, but it'll be a break for a couple of seasons.

If the Cubs actually trade anything of value for AJ Burnett, I'll murder someone. If they steal Milton Bradley like they should have done a long time ago, I'll make out with somebody.

If I read the articles right, Melvin is offering LaPorta & two average prospects. I'm just happy that he isn't gutting that Double A Huntsville team to hopefully make this happen.

And those kids from Huntsville will probably start appearing in the majors starting next spring.

[TheMojoPin]

If Matt Cain is actually available like it's now being rumored, that better be who the Cubs go after. He's their best bet for an impact pitcher due to SF being almost completely devoid of talent.

In other news...I can't even begin to figure out how many levels of wrong this is:

http://mlb.imageg.net/graphics/product_images/pMLB2-4837016dt.jpg

[epo]

Ryan Braun is an NL starter in the All-Star game. Smoke on that Griffey!

And screw you to the NY Post and their "report" on the starters!

[K.C.]

Billy Wagner's apparently the only Met.

http://imagecache2.allposters.com/images/pic/ATA/24818BP~Nelson-Posters.jpg

[BoondockSaint]

Good. Give these boys some rest.

[Kevin]

Sigh.. Fans show once again how stupid they are.

Kinsler should be hands down the starter at 2b. Not even close
Ortiz has not played in 2 months..
Fukudome?

[TheMojoPin]

Fuck the ASG. I hope none of the 7 Cubs selected play.

[TheMojoPin]

Fukudome?

It's fan voting, what did you expect? It's a stupid choice.

[Kevin]

If Matt Cain is actually available like it's now being rumored, that better be who the Cubs go after. He's their best bet for an impact pitcher due to SF being almost completely devoid of talent.

In other news...I can't even begin to figure out how many levels of wrong this is:

http://mlb.imageg.net/graphics/product_images/pMLB2-4837016dt.jpg

Wow, thats awful.

[BoondockSaint]

Sabathia to Brewers deal may be complete. (http://castrovince.mlblogs.com/archives/2008/07/cc_to_the_brew_crew_done_deal.html)

[K.C.]

Sabathia to Brewers deal may be complete. (http://castrovince.mlblogs.com/archives/2008/07/cc_to_the_brew_crew_done_deal.html)

It appears to be done. LaPorta is out of the lineup for the Brewers Double-A team tonight.

[TheMojoPin]

Sabathia to Brewers deal may be complete. (http://castrovince.mlblogs.com/archives/2008/07/cc_to_the_brew_crew_done_deal.html)

I think it is. Laporta is out of the lineup for the Brewers' team in Huntsville.

Over/under that Sheets is on the DL by the end of the month to help negate the trade?

DAMN YOUR SPEEDY FINGERS, K.C..

[TheMojoPin]

Call me crazy, but I think the NL has a decent shot to win the ASG this year. I think the AL has a lot more shitty fan-favorite picks...and almost shutting out the Rays is pretty dumb.

[epo]

I think it is. Laporta is out of the lineup for the Brewers' team in Huntsville.

Over/under that Sheets is on the DL by the end of the month to help negate the trade?

DAMN YOUR SPEEDY FINGERS, K.C..

What are the chances that Zambrano breaks his leg?

Why be that way?

[TheMojoPin]

What are the chances that Zambrano breaks his leg?

Why be that way?

Oh, OK, I just completely imagined his really obvious injury history. I'm not saying I want the guy to ruin his caeer...I'm saying there's a very decent shot he's on the DL again at least once before the end of the season.

[epo]

According to Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (http://blogs.jsonline.com/brewers/archive/2008/07/06/brewers-indians-agree-on-sabathia.aspx), the deal is all but done. They are just exchanging medical records, etc.

Look for Sabathia to start on Tuesday night in Miller Park against the Rockies.

[Towelie]

Its nice to finally see these "small market" teams start spending the money they've basically been stealing from the larger markets teams since the CBA was signed

[barjockey]

Werth HR

[Kevin]

Its nice to finally see these "small market" teams start spending the money they've basically been stealing from the larger markets teams since the CBA was signed

Gotta agree there..

How many summer homes have been payed by big market teams?

[barjockey]

Good game. Extra innings and Wagner will prolly end up with the win:unsure:

[Bossanova]

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/8318218/Report:-Brewers-acquire-Sabathia-from-Indians

Looks like the Brewers will get the deal done

[epo]

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/8318218/Report:-Brewers-acquire-Sabathia-from-Indians

Looks like the Brewers will get the deal done

And he'll be starting Tuesday night for the Crew! WooHoo!

[Bossanova]

And he'll be starting Tuesday night for the Crew! WooHoo!

HAHA, good for you guys. I wouldn't mind seeing the Brewers make some noise

[epo]

HAHA, good for you guys. I wouldn't mind seeing the Brewers make some noise

Now if we can get rid of that turd former Met Guillermo Mota!

[Bossanova]

Now if we can get rid of that turd former Met Guillermo Mota!

Why the Brewers ever made that deal is beyond me. At least we cut your dead weight right away

[epo]

Why the Brewers ever made that deal is beyond me. At least we cut your dead weight right away

Melvin had extra cash and was trying to rebuild that bullpen. It was a good gamble, however the gamble didn't work.

[Bossanova]

Melvin had extra cash and was trying to rebuild that bullpen. It was a good gamble, however the gamble didn't work.

The gamble stopped working with the Mets when he couldn't juice anymore. Trash for trash trades always suck

[PD]

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/8318218/Report:-Brewers-acquire-Sabathia-from-Indians

Looks like the Brewers will get the deal done

And he'll be starting Tuesday night for the Crew! WooHoo!

yeah; this is a surprising move- especially since they don't expect to resign him.

Hardy is hitting again, so maybe they can make a move.

[epo]

yeah; this is a surprising move- especially since they don't expect to resign him.

Hardy is hitting again, so maybe they can make a move.

They've been moving. On May 19th, they were in last place and 20-24. They are 29-15 since then, the best record in baseball in that time.

[cougarjake13]

Now if we can get rid of that turd former Met Guillermo Mota!

Why the Brewers ever made that deal is beyond me. At least we cut your dead weight right away

they really must have hated estrada

[TheMojoPin]

Batting average sucks cooooooooock.

ERA sucks coooooooooooooooock.

Pitching W/L records suck coooooooooooooooooooooooock.

If you use any of those stats on their own (or the 3rd one at all) to try and argue whether a player is good or bad...

Stop.

Now.

Please.

Thank you.

[Towelie]

How can you say ERA is a bad stat?

I'll agree that Win/Loss and BA are terrible, but ERA and specifically ERA+ are really the two best ways to judge a pitcher

[TheMojoPin]

How can you say ERA is a bad stat?

I'll agree that Win/Loss and BA are terrible, but ERA and specifically ERA+ are really the two best ways to judge a pitcher

ERA+ is an excellent stat. ERA can be valuable as part of the big picture. Too often, however, people toss ERA out there all by itself as if it's the end-all-be-all of a pitcher's worth. Just listen to sports radio anywhere after the ASG selections and listen to how many hosts, callers, guests and analysts throw out a pitcher's ERA as THE reason why guys should or shouldn't be picked.

[Towelie]

Hiroki Kuroda perfect through 7 for the Dodgers against ATL tonight.

Only at 65 pitches too

:ohmy:

[cougarjake13]

Hiroki Kuroda perfect through 7 for the Dodgers against ATL tonight.

Only at 65 pitches too

:ohmy:



you ruined it

[Towelie]

you ruined it

If we can't have one, no one can.

[Towelie]

Rich Harden to the Cubs is done

Details soon

[Towelie]

Harden and Gaudin for Gallagher, Murton, Patterson and Donaldson

[cougarjake13]

Harden and Gaudin for Gallagher, Murton, Patterson and Donaldson

did you hear that ???


i think we just heard mojo come

[TheGameHHH]

the cubs are flexing nuts, thats a solid counter punch if harden stays healthy

[Towelie]

Now will the Cardinals do anything to counter back both?

Not much left.

[cougarjake13]

Now will the Cardinals do anything to counter back both?

Not much left.

cards will trade for bedard

[Bossanova]

I believe the Cardinals hae developed a better HGH for Pujols so he can be the old monster he once was when no one cared

[Towelie]

cards will trade for bedard

I look at the Bedard trade everyday and laugh at what they gave up compared to what we gave up for Johan.

If we're a disaster, Seattle is a mega ultra super disaster

[cougarjake13]

I look at the Bedard trade everyday and laugh at what they gave up compared to what we gave up for Johan.

If we're a disaster, Seattle is a mega ultra super disaster

agreed

[BoondockSaint]

Harden is great when he's not on the DL. There have been reports of his velocity has been down of late, too.

[Towelie]

It could be a great move or it could just as quickly blow up on Harden's shoulder.

But I like the enthusiasm.

[midwestjeff]

Now will the Cardinals do anything to counter back both?

Not much left.

Yeah, Cardinals, what the fuck are you going to do?
Oh, I know, Mulder's back so everything is fine.
MAKE A MOVE!!!

[Snoogans]

I believe the Cardinals hae developed a better HGH for Pujols so he can be the old monster he once was when no one cared

people care now?

[IMSlacker]

Wow. I sure hope Harden's shoulder holds up.

[TheMojoPin]

Wow. I sure hope Harden's shoulder holds up.

That's the big question. He's doing amazing this year, but when was the last time he pitched more than a 100 innings in a season? My nightmare scenario involves Dempster and Harden both breaking down not being used to stretching out this far into a season. It's with that in mind that I hope Hendry follows up on the rumors that Tim Hudson is available. Offer Marshall/Hill/Pie/prospect for him...then the Cubs have a starting rotation of Zambrano/Harden/Hudson/Dempster/Lilly with Marquis, Hart and Lieber standing by if anyone goes down or needs a start skipped.

[cougarjake13]

That's the big question. He's doing amazing this year, but when was the last time he pitched more than a 100 innings in a season? .


2005


http://www.baseball-reference.com/h/harderi01.shtml

[TheMojoPin]

2005


http://www.baseball-reference.com/h/harderi01.shtml

Yeah, I'm not gonna lie and say that doesn't make me a little nervous. Fingers crossed. If Hill can keep looking great in the minors, him coming back either makes an awesome lineup even better or he can provide some huge cushioning if Dempster or Harden gets hurt.

Pretty badass 1-2 rumble between the Cubs and the Brewers...Sabathia & Sheets vs. Zambrano & Harden.

FIGHT.

[King Hippos Bandaid]

.Sabathia & Sheets vs. Zambrano & Harden.

FIGHT.


Sabathia & Sheets Rd 4 KO

Thank god for the rest of your team

[Kevin]

Sabathia & Sheets Rd 4 KO

Thank god for the rest of your team

Not too mention Harden and Z , and Sheets would get hurt before the fight.

[TheMojoPin]

Not too mention Harden and Z , and Sheets would get hurt before the fight.

Z? Z is invincible. He went on the DL this year to give the rest of baseball a break from him.

[Kevin]

Z? Z is invincible. He went on the DL this year to give the rest of baseball a break from him.

Can Z bodyslam fat C.C?

[epo]

The NL Central is in a serious arms race! Goodbye Cardinals!

In Brewers news...rumors have started that Yovani Gallardo is way ahead of schedule and may return in September if the Brewers are doing well enough to warrant it. Link here. (http://baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=7766)

Also, Milwaukee's owner said today that they may not be done dealing, hinting at bullpen help. Link here. (http://www.jsonline.com/watch/?watch=1&date=7/8/2008&id=42813)

This is going to get very, very interesting.

[TheMojoPin]

Also, Milwaukee's owner said today that they may not be done dealing, hinting at bullpen help. Link here. (http://www.jsonline.com/watch/?watch=1&date=7/8/2008&id=42813)

He better be doing more than hinting. That bullpen is hideous.

[midwestjeff]

The NL Central is in a serious arms race! Goodbye Cardinals!
This is going to get very, very interesting.

If one thing is certain, it is that you can never count out the Cardinals.
Ask Mojo, he'll tell you.

[TheMojoPin]

If one thing is certain, it is that you can never count out the Cardinals.
Ask Mojo, he'll tell you.

The Cardinals will not make the playoffs this year and will be lucky to finish the year less than 8 games out.

[cougarjake13]

espn crawl


after all star break


don mattingly to repalce mike easler as hitting coach

[Towelie]

Yeah, Cardinals, what the fuck are you going to do?
Oh, I know, Mulder's back so everything is fine.
MAKE A MOVE!!!

And thats the end of Mulder's career

Donk.

[midwestjeff]

And thats the end of Mulder's career

Donk.

It's been over since 2005.

[epo]

It's been over since 2005.

You beat me to the real answer.

[Towelie]

Billy Beane turned Mark Mulder into Carlos Gomez, Dana Eveland, Kiko Calero and Daric Barton as well as three of their top 10 prospects:

Brett Anderson (#3)
Aaron Cunningham (#9)
Chris Carter (#10)

Does anyone do more with less?

[Kevin]

Billy Beane turned Mark Mulder into Carlos Gomez, Dana Eveland, Kiko Calero and Daric Barton as well as three of their top 10 prospects:

Brett Anderson (#3)
Aaron Cunningham (#9)
Chris Carter (#10)

Does anyone do more with less?

Didn't he get Haren in that deal?

[Towelie]

Didn't he get Haren in that deal?

Yes, I added in the players that Haren netted for the A's.

[underdog]

Does anyone do more with less?

And you can still read dumb, old sportswriters that still write columns about how Billy Beane's system doesn't work.

[TheMojoPin]

And you can still read dumb, old sportswriters that still write columns about how Billy Beane's system doesn't work.

They always point to the lack of WS or relatively quick playoff exits, but nobody can deny that Beane has consistently put his team in a position to win. If the A's ever opt to spend on top of Beane's team-making, they would be real dangerous.

[Towelie]

Just think of the amount of talent he's lost (at the time)

Zito, Mulder, Hudson, Tejada, Damon, Giambi, Dye, Lilly, Haren

It would have been interesting to see what he could have done with Boston

[epo]

Just think of the amount of talent he's lost (at the time)

Zito, Mulder, Hudson, Tejada, Damon, Giambi, Dye, Lilly, Haren

It would have been interesting to see what he could have done with Boston

Is that what the Mets were thinking when they hired Art Howe?

[BoondockSaint]

Mota.

[epo]

Mota.

Words don't hurt. Mota pitching...that hurts.

[underdog]

They always point to the lack of WS or relatively quick playoff exits, but nobody can deny that Beane has consistently put his team in a position to win. If the A's ever opt to spend on top of Beane's team-making, they would be real dangerous.

And when Jeremy Brown retired this year, there were columns about how it was the end of "moneyball" or how it showed that "moneyball" had failed. But they all skipped over the fact that Brown quit for "personal reasons", not because he was so awful that he was booed out of the league.

It would have been interesting to see what he could have done with Boston

I wonder if the money would have gone to his head. Big pockets ruined Ricciardi's outlook on whatever Beane might have taught him, and Theo Epstein has made some real dumb moves with just throwing money at people. Luckily, he's made some other good moves to make up for it.

[Towelie]

I wonder if the money would have gone to his head. Big pockets ruined Ricciardi's outlook on whatever Beane might have taught him, and Theo Epstein has made some real dumb moves with just throwing money at people. Luckily, he's made some other good moves to make up for it.

I wouldn't think so.

But then again, we'll never know.

[epo]

The final all-stars have been announced:

American League: 3B Evan Longoria, Tampa Bay
National League: OF Corey Hart, Milwaukee

[Towelie]

David Wright was fucked over for sure.

The entire all-star selection process sucks and Clint Hurdle did and extraordinary job in making sure the NL was a shit product.

[Brock Lee]

I think Longoria should go over Giambi but it is surprising Giambi didn't win after all the press the mustauche gimmic has gotten over the last week.

[K.C.]

MLB.com is giving a free week of premium MLB.TV to anyone who voted in the All-Star Final Vote.

Watching the Cubbies/Giants game right now.

[Kevin]

I think its safe to say Tampa is realizing that they are Tampa and coming back down to earth, hard and fast..

[TheGameHHH]

Derby time, anybody watching?

[PD]

Damn Hamilton hits em far.

[K.C.]

Suzuki rant, in English, spices up AL clubhouse
Seattle outfielder's vocabulary a shock

Jeff Passan
Yahoo Sports

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

NEW YORK -- Piece by piece, the legend started to reveal itself.

"How do you know about that?" Michael Young asked.

A whisper here. A story there.

Something about the greatest pregame speech since Knute Rockne invoked the Gipper, one laced with profanity and delivered to the American League all-stars every year.

"It's why we win," David Ortiz said. He pointed to Ichiro Suzuki, the Seattle Mariners' wisp of an outfielder, a man who still uses a translator to do interviews with English-speaking reporters.

Every year, after the AL manager addresses his team, Ichiro bursts from his locker, a bundle of kinetic energy, and proceeds, in English, to disparage the National League with a barrage of F-bombs, stunning first-timers who had no idea Ichiro speaks English fluently, and making returnees happy that they had played well enough to hear the pep talk again.

The tradition began in 2001, Ichiro's first all-star appearance, and the AL hasn't lost a game since.

Coincidence? Um, no.

"I know how important it is to the game," Ichiro said. "I'm more concentrated at that moment than I am in the game."

A wide grin spread across his face. Ichiro's secret had been exposed, so, hey, why not have fun with it?

He crafts a public profile similar to the image he projects on the field: a technician, a warrior, a PhD in stoicism.

In reality, Ichiro's all-star teammates love him for his wicked sense of humour and sly deceit, shown with a vocabulary far more expansive than he lets on.

All the first baseman around the AL know Ichiro speaks English -- singles account for 1,393 of his 1,711 hits since joining Seattle in 2001.

Generally, the conversation doesn't move much past pleasantries -- which just makes the speech all the more shocking.

"That's kind of what gets you, too," said Minnesota first baseman Justin Morneau.

"Hearing him say what he says. At first, I talked to him a little bit. But I didn't know he knew some of the words he knows."

The exact words are not available. Players are too busy laughing to remember them. Ichiro wouldn't dare repeat them in public.

So here's the best facsimile possible: "Bleep ... bleep bleep bleep ... National League ... bleep ... bleep ... bleeeeeeeeep ... National - bleep bleep bleepbleepbleep!"

"If you've never seen it, it's definitely something pretty funny," said Morneau, the New Westminster guy who won Monday night's home-run derby.

"It's hard to explain, the effect it has on everyone. It's such a tense environment. Everyone's a little nervous for the game, and then he comes out. He doesn't say a whole lot the whole time he's in there, and all of a sudden, the manager gets done with his speech, and he pops off."

And on to the field they go, enemies during the regular season, friends because together they just saw a

5-foot-9, 160-pound man from Japan, a national icon who surely could win office there, create beef where there wasn't any.

Certainly it ranks high on his list of accomplishments. Two-time AL batting champion. Rookie of the Year. MVP. Unparalleled instigator.

Ichiro was asked how much he believes the speech has contributed to the AL dominance that has stretched more than a decade now.

"I've got to say over 90 per cent," he said.

Well, maybe last year, when Ichiro went 3-for-3, hit the all-star game's first-ever inside-the-park home run and won MVP honours in the AL's 5-4 victory.

And, remember, he concentrates more on the speech.

Jeff Passan is a national baseball writer for Yahoo! Sports.

:lol:

[K.C.]

Xavier Nady pulled from the Pirates lineup tonight. Suspected to have been traded. No indication of where to.

UPDATE: Xavier Nady and Damaso Marte were traded. No indication of what team.

[cougarjake13]

Xavier Nady pulled from the Pirates lineup tonight. Suspected to have been traded. No indication of where to.

UPDATE: Xavier Nady and Damaso Marte were traded. No indication of what team.



to the yankees


http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080725&content_id=3193664&vkey=trade2008&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb

[Towelie]

Source: Indians, Dodgers working on deal sending Blake to L.A.
By Jayson Stark
ESPN.com

The Cleveland Indians are closing in on a trade that would send third baseman/outfielder Casey Blake and cash to the Los Angeles Dodgers for two minor leaguers, according to a source with knowledge of the deal.

The teams were in the process of finalizing the deal early Saturday and it appeared the trade could be completed by the end of the day.

The Indians were believed to be receiving minor league catcher Carlos Santana and right-handed pitcher Jon Meloan. Santana is hitting .323, with 14 homers, for Inland Empire, in the Class A California League. The hard-throwing Meloan is 5-10, with a 4.97 ERA, at Triple-A Las Vegas -- but has piled up 335 strikeouts in only 262 innings in his minor league career.

With the trade of Xavier Nady to the Yankees on Friday, Blake was possibly the most highly sought-after bat on the market. Other teams pursuing him included the Rays, Mets and Phillies.

Those three teams would have played Blake in the outfield. But if the trade goes through he'll become the Dodgers' everyday third baseman, replacing slumping rookies Blake DeWitt and Andy LaRoche.

Blake, who can be a free agent after this season, was batting .289 for the Indians, with 11 homers, 58 RBIs and a .398 average with runners in scoring position.

Jayson Stark is a senior writer for ESPN.com.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3506150

[HBox]

According the the EPSN trade blog the Angels are about to trade for Texeira. They are close enough that Casey Kotchman, the potential centerpiece of the deal, was pulled from the lineup tonight.

[TheGameHHH]

According the the EPSN trade blog the Angels are about to trade for Texeira. They are close enough that Casey Kotchman, the potential centerpiece of the deal, was pulled from the lineup tonight.

that immediately makes the Angels much more interesting

[cougarjake13]

According the the EPSN trade blog the Angels are about to trade for Texeira. They are close enough that Casey Kotchman, the potential centerpiece of the deal, was pulled from the lineup tonight.

texeria to angels for casey kotchman and a minor league pitcher (http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/8391756/Angels-add-power,-nab-Teixeira-from-Braves)

[TheMojoPin]

that immediately makes the Angels much more interesting

They were already arguably the best team in baseball. I think this definitely pushes them over the top in that regard. It's amazing how under the radar they are as a team that good.

[cougarjake13]

They were already arguably the best team in baseball. I think this definitely pushes them over the top in that regard. It's amazing how under the radar they are as a team that good.

its that east coast bias

if they were the yanks or sawx espn would be all over their shit

[TheMojoPin]

its that east coast bias

if they were the yanks or sawx espn would be all over their shit

No kidding. Granted, they're in a weak division with a commanding lead, so there's really no drama involved, but they stack up against all 3 top teams in the AL East and then some.

[cougarjake13]

No kidding. Granted, they're in a weak division with a commanding lead, so there's really no drama involved, but they stack up against all 3 top teams in the AL East and then some.

yeh i was gonna bring that up but in the same token the yanks and sawx got to beat up on the jays rays and orioles all these years and still got respect and won titles

[TheMojoPin]

yeh i was gonna bring that up but in the same token the yanks and sawx got to beat up on the jays rays and orioles all these years and still got respect and won titles

Oh, I know, I'm just saying that the current siuation makes the Angels' chances of coverage even less.

[TheGameHHH]

They were already arguably the best team in baseball. I think this definitely pushes them over the top in that regard. It's amazing how under the radar they are as a team that good.

i still stand by what i said, it makes them much more interesting now. i never said they were bad before tex, im well aware of how good they are.

[cougarjake13]

Oh, I know, I'm just saying that the current siuation makes the Angels' chances of coverage even less.

yeh and just think

since scioscia took over the halos have won 3 out of 6 division titles, 2 alcs's and 1 world series championship

and no one really talks about them being a top echelon team in the decade of the 00's

[TheGameHHH]

yeh and just think

since scioscia took over the halos have won 3 out of 6 division titles, 2 alcs's and 1 world series championship

and no one really talks about them being a top echelon team in the decade of the 00's

because the yanks and sox have done just as well or better in all those categories since 2000.

[cougarjake13]

because the yanks and sox have done just as well or better in all those categories since 2000.

yeh i didnt say they were better just that you dont hear about their success as much

you hear more about the revolving door of division champs in the al central then anything out west

[Kevin]

because the yanks and sox have done just as well or better in all those categories since 2000.

Yea, Angels have not done jack shit since 02.. Got swept by the sox a few times, and didnt even make the playoffs others..

[TheMojoPin]

i still stand by what i said, it makes them much more interesting now. i never said they were bad before tex, im well aware of how good they are.

That was just a general statement. I wasn't saying anything about what you did or didn't say.

[TheGameHHH]

That was just a general statement. I wasn't saying anything about what you did or didn't say.

word. i guess i didnt understand why you quoted me then. i took it out of context.

[K.C.]

its that east coast bias

if they were the yanks or sawx espn would be all over their shit

Agreed. The Angels get the shaft in the grand scheme of things, but then again, most West Coast team in baseball get little to no favor with the national media, with maybe the exception of FOX, who gives them a little more coverage being based out of LA.

And nobody can objectively look at the American League and say the Angels
a) Weren't the favorites to win the AL before this move.
b) Are even more of the favorites to win the AL after this move.

It's just top to bottom a solid team with no real visible holes, especially after this Teixeira addition.

[TheGameHHH]

Agreed. The Angels get the shaft in the grand scheme of things, but then again, most West Coast team in baseball get little to no favor with the national media, with maybe the exception of FOX, who gives them a little more coverage being based out of LA.

And nobody can objectively look at the American League and say the Angels
a) Weren't the favorites to win the AL before this move.
b) Are even more of the favorites to win the AL after this move.

It's just top to bottom a solid team with no real visible holes, especially after this Teixeira addition.

B I'm willing to give you, but i think I can make solid arguments for the Sox and Rays for part A.

[Captain Rooster]

Manny is going, going, GONE! (http://www.courant.com/sports/baseball/redsox/hc-redsox0801.artaug01,0,6751632.story)

[TheMojoPin]

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I wish Manny would hug me.

[Kevin]

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I wish Manny would hug me.


I don't understand the propaganda and gibberish coming out of that communist place that Boston is. Manny seems to be like a lovable down to earth, cuddly teddy bear.

[midwestjeff]

http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/images/2008/08/05/Rl5qxo5E.jpg

http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080805&content_id=3256624&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl

[cougarjake13]

http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/images/2008/08/05/Rl5qxo5E.jpg

http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080805&content_id=3256624&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl

who cares the nl will just lose again

[TheGameHHH]

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3521954

i wish more managers acted this way. good for joe maddon