Official 2008 MLB thread

[Dodger]

So, unlike my team, I guess I came through in the clutch. Playoffs were great, but the WS blew.

We'll, this offseason looks likes a good one.

I hope we all have a good offseason, and our teams have a great season.

Good Luck everyone in '08! :D :up:

[Excel]

Red Sox seem poised to repeat...


avg/hr/rbis

1. Ellsbury: 335 12 70
2. Pedroia: 330 5 50
3. Papi: 325 50 140 (with fixed knee will hit for wole season like he did in sep. this year)
4. Manny: 310 40 125 (contract year; look for big rebound)
5. Lowell (if signed): 320 16 100
6. J.D. Drew: 280 20 80
7. Youk: 300 20 75
8. Tek: 270 20 60
9. Lugo: 250 8 50

Rotation:

wins/losses/era

1. Beckett: 22-6 3.1
2. Dice-k: 20-10 3.3
3. Lester: 15-7 3.4
4. Buchholz:....19-7 3.1
5. Wake: 18-13 4.2

Pap in pen...42 saves in 46 chances

word is they wanna sign Lowell AND arod and dump Lugo; as well as signing JOHAN SANTANA....

[Dodger]

Red Sox seem poised to repeat...


avg/hr/rbis

1. Ellsbury: 335 12 70
2. Pedroia: 330 5 50
3. Papi: 325 50 140 (with fixed knee will hit for wole season like he did in sep. this year)
4. Manny: 310 40 125 (contract year; look for big rebound)
5. Lowell (if signed): 320 16 100
6. J.D. Drew: 280 20 80
7. Youk: 300 20 75
8. Tek: 270 20 60
9. Lugo: 250 8 50

Rotation:

wins/losses/era

1. Beckett: 22-6 3.1
2. Dice-k: 20-10 3.3
3. Lester: 15-7 3.4
4. Buchholz:....19-7 3.1
5. Wake: 18-13 4.2

Pap in pen...42 saves in 46 chances

word is they wanna sign Lowell AND arod and dump Lugo; as well as signing JOHAN SANTANA....


jesus Chrsit. the red sox are looking like the 1905 sox dynasty.

[Superman79]

jesus Chrsit. the red sox are looking like the 1905 sox dynasty.

So you're saying we'll keep winning until 2018 and then have another 86 year drought??? I can live with that I guess, but my poor future kids and grandkids are screwed :(

[X-Chick]

Next year will be the 100th anniversary for the Cubs winning a series, which is my husband's favorite team. And of course, my Sox will win again preventing them from even having a chance. Rubbing it in his face it his ridiculous amounts of fun. :up:

[Dodger]

So you're saying we'll keep winning until 2018 and then have another 86 year drought??? I can live with that I guess, but my poor future kids and grandkids are screwed :(

Yes. that exactly what I'm saying. lol :D I read about you being at the game. How awesome.. I know you hate gagne, I know, but I have too say that I am really glad that he won a ring. I will never forget him in '03 when he won his cy young.

Yeah, he did not earn it but he has one. Good for him.

[X-Chick]

I wonder what Johnny Damon is doing right now. I bet he feels like a winner. Assbag. :up:

[NewYorkSpider]

I wonder what Johnny Damon is doing right now. I bet he feels like a winner. Assbag. :up:

He's getting ready for his cameo apperance on the show Cavemen.

[NewYorkSpider]

Sportscenter has the breaking news about Joe Torre on there right now.

[Jerry!]

Grady Little: the next manager for the Royals.

[Kingfish]

word is they wanna sign Lowell AND arod and dump Lugo; as well as signing JOHAN SANTANA....

they might as well start calling themselves "we just got better at being the yankees then the yankees"...

[cookiva]

I always felt bad for Little. He isnt that bad of a manager. In LA, they had a new injury every other day. Dont get me started about his stint in Boston. While Francona is my boy, Little got a bad rap for leaving his best pitcher by far in a game....

[cookiva]

word is they wanna sign Lowell AND arod and dump Lugo; as well as signing JOHAN SANTANA....

Wth are you talking about???? I have heard that Lowell is almost a lock to resign, but the only reason Arod is rumored is because the Sox have money. Thats a horrible reason. The chemistry on the Red Sox is such that Arod would kill them, and everyone in that organization knows that. As far as Santana, I would love to see him pitch in Boston, but I see the Mets picking him up.

[NewYorkSpider]

word is they wanna sign Lowell AND arod and dump Lugo; as well as signing JOHAN SANTANA....


A-Rod is not going to Boston. The way Theo Espstein sounded after the World Series is that they weren't going to sign him. I think Theo even gave a bunch of reason why they wouldn't sign him. I think A-Rod ends up in L.A(Dodgers) or Chicago(Cubs)

The Mets and Yankees are in the running to acquire Santana. The Twins would probably ask for Reyes from the Mets. I don't know if the Mets would actually go through with it cause Reyes is one of their biggest offensive producers, but they need pitching. Livan Hernandez said he would love to join the Mets with his half brother "El Duque" so that may be the hole they fill.

The Yankees would offer Melky Cabrera to the Twins to fill the hole in center field, they would also give up either Phil Hughes or Ian Kennedy and another prospect to acquire Santana.

[Silver Knight]

Abit early dont you think?

Anyways I hope A-Rod joins the Cubs.

[Erzengel]

I'd like to see the Yankees win next year or the year after that or both to commemorate the closing of the old Yankee Stadium and the opening of the new one.

Have to make it to the stadium next year. :up:

[Silver Knight]

Without A-Rod its going to be very hard.

[The Incredible Hulk]

word is they wanna sign Lowell AND arod and dump Lugo; as well as signing JOHAN SANTANA....

Santana isnt a free agent, they'd have to trade for him which would probably entail giving up Ellsbury and Bucholz in the process.

although doesnt it disgust you, that the Red Sox have basically become the Yankees now?

[El ASESINO]

All I have to say for now is



GO BRAVES!

[X-Chick]

All I have to say for now is



GO BRAVES!

lol. keep dreaming :o

[El ASESINO]

The Braves are a good team. I'll be surprised if they don't make the playoffs in 2008.



GO BRAVES!

[Erzengel]

Without A-Rod its going to be very hard.
They won 4 World Series without him. :cwink:

[sinewave]

Red Sox seem poised to repeat...


avg/hr/rbis

1. Ellsbury: 335 12 70
2. Pedroia: 330 5 50
3. Papi: 325 50 140 (with fixed knee will hit for wole season like he did in sep. this year)
4. Manny: 310 40 125 (contract year; look for big rebound)
5. Lowell (if signed): 320 16 100
6. J.D. Drew: 280 20 80
7. Youk: 300 20 75
8. Tek: 270 20 60
9. Lugo: 250 8 50

Rotation:

wins/losses/era

1. Beckett: 22-6 3.1
2. Dice-k: 20-10 3.3
3. Lester: 15-7 3.4
4. Buchholz:....19-7 3.1
5. Wake: 18-13 4.2

Pap in pen...42 saves in 46 chances

word is they wanna sign Lowell AND arod and dump Lugo; as well as signing JOHAN SANTANA....

man, if everyone put up the numbers you project they'd be unstoppable, but those are unrealistic expectations. i think a few of the players will improve a bit next year, but a few will decline, too. there's not way the rotation ends up with all 5 starters getting over 15 wins.

Grady Little: the next manager for the Royals.

nah, they just hired trey hillman to manage the club. he was the minor league manager of the year twice in the yankees organization and i think he won 1 or 2 championships in japan as a manager. he's a big up-and-comer.

Santana isnt a free agent, they'd have to trade for him which would probably entail giving up Ellsbury and Bucholz in the process.

although doesnt it disgust you, that the Red Sox have basically become the Yankees now?

i doubt the sox would make that deal. santana still has one year left on his contract and the sox wouldn't trade away their best prospects for a one-year rental.

[Silver Knight]

ANy chance at all A-Rod come back to NY?

[X-Chick]

They won 4 World Series without him. :cwink:

He's overrated anyway. He just sounds like a whiny little *****. :down

[Showtime]

I just heard on the radio that they are going to go hard after Carlos Pena??

[sinewave]

I just heard on the radio that they are going to go hard after Carlos Pena??

:huh: they already had him on the roster last year and gave up on him. i know he had a great year with tampa bay, but what's wrong with youk and lowell?

[Showtime]

:huh: they already had him on the roster last year and gave up on him. i know he had a great year with tampa bay, but what's wrong with youk and lowell?

Maybe as an alternative in case they can't sign Lowell, moving Youkilis to 3rd and Pena to first? I don't know.

[Dark Donnie]

So, unlike my team, I guess I came through in the clutch. Playoffs were great, but the WS blew.

We'll, this offseason looks likes a good one.

I hope we all have a good offseason, and our teams have a great season.

Good Luck everyone in '08! :D :up:

Nice job getting Torre :up:

[cyborg ninja 14]

Any predictions on where Torii Hunter will end up?

[DarthRekal]

TORRE TO THE DODGERS!!!!!!!! :up: :woot: :word:

[cyborg ninja 14]

TORRE TO THE DODGERS!!!!!!!! :up: :woot: :word:

Is this official for sure?

[Spidey-Bat]

word is they wanna sign Lowell AND arod and dump Lugo; as well as signing JOHAN SANTANA....

Red Sox won't go after A-Rod, especially since he announced he'd opt out during the WS. Santana isn't a free agent. If he's traded, it will be to the NL.

Any predictions on where Torii Hunter will end up?

Braves

[cyborg ninja 14]

Braves

Would work, interesting to see how similar his and Andruw's contract will be.

[cookiva]

Any predictions on where Torii Hunter will end up?

Anywhere outside of the Yanks. He is my favorite baseball player, and I cant root for a Yankee.

[DarthRekal]

Is this official for sure?
no :csad:

but its in the works... and supposedly the guy who broke it is pretty reliable

[DarthRekal]

BTW.. i love how "DODGER" will be linked with this page for the NEXT YEAR:woot: ... please bring us good luck

[sinewave]

TORRE TO THE DODGERS!!!!!!!! :up: :woot: :word:

that's a good question. i hadn't really thought about it. i guess he could go to the braves, but i'm not sure they'd want to invest the amount of money he'll be asking for in someone who's older than the CF they let walk. maybe the giants.

[DarthRekal]

that's a good question. i hadn't really thought about it. i guess he could go to the braves, but i'm not sure they'd want to invest the amount of money he'll be asking for in someone who's older than the CF they let walk. maybe the giants.

espn already reportin it being in the works:woot:

[Excel]

Wth are you talking about???? I have heard that Lowell is almost a lock to resign, but the only reason Arod is rumored is because the Sox have money.

I said lowell AND arod; and sox ownership have a man crush on arod.

Santana isnt a free agent, they'd have to trade for him which would probably entail giving up Ellsbury and Bucholz in the process.

although doesnt it disgust you, that the Red Sox have basically become the Yankees now?

Kind of; we just need some good back ups and were good to go I think; we dont need any huge stars. Beckett, Dice K, Lester, and Buchholz will all be hear for years to come.

[sinewave]

espn already reportin it being in the works:woot:

whuzzahuh??? i'm not seeing it on there.

[cookiva]

I said lowell AND arod; and sox ownership have a man crush on arod.

Epstein was asked about Arod after the world series, and basically shot that idea down. Im pretty sure they dont want/need him.

[DarthRekal]

whuzzahuh??? i'm not seeing it on there.
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3086202

[sinewave]

I said lowell AND arod; and sox ownership have a man crush on arod.

since when?

[sinewave]

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3086202

that's about torre. i was talking about torii hunter.

[sinewave]

oops. i see where i went wrong, DR. i quoted the wrong post when i was talking about hunter. sorry.

[DarthRekal]

LOL.. its gravy sine.... no worries :up:

[sinewave]

mmmm, gravy!

[Excel]

since when?

since they attempted to trade hanley ramirez and manny for him after 2003.

[cookiva]

since they attempted to trade hanley ramirez and manny for him after 2003.

And its 4 years later, and the sox are coming off of 2 World Series wins. They dont "need" him like they did then. That would have put them over the edge, but now what. They cant go any higher.

[sinewave]

since they attempted to trade hanley ramirez and manny for him after 2003.

i don't think i'd classify that as a "man crush", though. they were more concerned with replacing nomar and getting rid of manny's contract. have they mentioned him since? nope.

[NickSox]

Would work, interesting to see how similar his and Andruw's contract will be. Does anyone know who Hunters agent is? I know Boras is Jones' agent so you know he's gonna go for the big bucks even after a subpar year for Jones.

[souloffire]

Red Sox seem poised to repeat...


avg/hr/rbis

1. Ellsbury: 335 12 70
2. Pedroia: 330 5 50
3. Papi: 325 50 140 (with fixed knee will hit for wole season like he did in sep. this year)
4. Manny: 310 40 125 (contract year; look for big rebound)
5. Lowell (if signed): 320 16 100
6. J.D. Drew: 280 20 80
7. Youk: 300 20 75
8. Tek: 270 20 60
9. Lugo: 250 8 50

Rotation:

wins/losses/era

1. Beckett: 22-6 3.1
2. Dice-k: 20-10 3.3
3. Lester: 15-7 3.4
4. Buchholz:....19-7 3.1
5. Wake: 18-13 4.2

Pap in pen...42 saves in 46 chances

word is they wanna sign Lowell AND arod and dump Lugo; as well as signing JOHAN SANTANA....
They may very well repeat but there is no way in hell their putting up those numbers.

[Jerry!]

Yeah I don't see Dice-K doing that. Or Bucholz. Or Ellsbury. Lester, maybe. Be a little more realistic.

[Superman79]

word is they wanna sign Lowell AND arod and dump Lugo; as well as signing JOHAN SANTANA....

They'll never sign A-Rod...too much $$ and when hes on a team he IS the team in his mind, which just ruins things...dammit I hate that guy.

[Superman79]

Next year will be the 100th anniversary for the Cubs winning a series, which is my husband's favorite team. And of course, my Sox will win again preventing them from even having a chance. Rubbing it in his face it his ridiculous amounts of fun. :up:

Nothing like a replay of 1918 ;)

[Superman79]

Yes. that exactly what I'm saying. lol :D I read about you being at the game. How awesome.. I know you hate gagne, I know, but I have too say that I am really glad that he won a ring. I will never forget him in '03 when he won his cy young.

Yeah, he did not earn it but he has one. Good for him.

haha. Yeah, since we won it all, I can't fault him, but you gotta be happy for a guy getting a ring, just like I was for Nomar even if he didn't play for the Sawx in the WS. It still makes you smile.

[souloffire]

Yeah I don't see Dice-K doing that. Or Bucholz. Or Ellsbury. Lester, maybe. Be a little more realistic.
Yeah, 84 wins from the starters ain't gonna happen.

[Superman79]

Yeah, 84 wins from the starters ain't gonna happen.


Kinda like coming back from a 3-0 deficit in the ALCS against the Yanks wasn't gonna happen?? After that, I wouldn't shoot down any possibility too quickly ;)

[Spidey-Bat]

4 starters with 18+ wins each? That's not happening.

[Superman79]

4 starters with 18+ wins each? That's not happening.


I realize this, but I can dream can't I!?! Geez, SB, always nay-saying...sitting in your tower...geez...


:oldrazz::woot:

[Excel]

dice k had 14 wins this year and 6 of his lsses were 6 innings+ & 3 runs or less...

with good run support dice k woulda gotten to 20 this year

[Spidey-Bat]

You have to factor in the bullpen blowing games. Yes, it happens.

[Superman79]

You have to factor in the bullpen blowing games. Yes, it happens.

Death to Gagne :dry:

[Jerry!]

dice k had 14 wins this year and 6 of his lsses were 6 innings+ & 3 runs or less...

with good run support dice k woulda gotten to 20 this year

But heres one thing that I was wrong about, Dice K got worse as the season went along. I think hitters are figuring him out, he may get 14-15 wins again next season, but I don't see his ERA being lower than 4. To put it in a little more perspective this season Beckett had an ERA of 3.27. You see Dice K doing that with his stuff next season? You have him penciled in with a 3.3 ERA for next season.

[Excel]

Psh.

Dice k has the same **** beckett had going for him enter his 2nd season.

2nd season in league; 2nd season with tek

know the huge improvement we got from beckett from last year to this year...dice k will be seeing a similar one.

[Dodger]

Grady Little Just Re-signed as Manager of the Dodgers

Sources: Little resigns as Dodgers manager

By Tim Brown, Yahoo! Sports
October 30, 2007





LOS ANGELES – Grady Little has resigned as manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers, according to sources, ending a turbulent month between him and the club, and broadening the possibility that the Dodgers will hire Joe Torre as his replacement.

A season-ending disagreement between Little and general manager Ned Colletti resulted in three weeks of uneasy silence between the two, that distance spurring the club's recent attempts to replace Little last week with Joe Girardi and this week with Torre, according to baseball sources.

The Dodgers believed they had reached an agreement with Girardi at the end of last week, with the announcement to be made at the conclusion of the World Series. Instead, the New York Yankees matched the Dodgers' offer of $7.5 million over three seasons, and Girardi accepted.

Colletti then shifted his emphasis to Torre, who on Oct. 18 declined a one-year, incentive-heavy offer to manage a 13th season for the Yankees, calling it, "insulting." Torre, who took the Yankees to 12 consecutive postseasons and won four World Series titles, is expected to command significantly more in compensation than Girardi, whose one season in Florida, while successful, ended in conflict with owner Jeffrey Loria and his dismissal.

ADVERTISEMENT


Negotiations between the Dodgers and Torre went into Tuesday evening, and a three-year deal has been offered, according to sources. There were no immediate plans for the sides to meet in person, either in Los Angeles or near Torre's home in Harrison, N.Y.

The Dodgers have been portrayed as eager to cast aside Little in the wake of their second-half collapse, and as the attractive options of Girardi and Torre became available. In fact, Colletti expected Little to return for a third season until recently, according to sources, when he came to believe Little was having reservations about returning.

According to a source, Colletti met with Little and his coaching staff in the manager's office on Sept. 30, shortly after the Dodgers ended their season with an 11-2 loss to the San Francisco Giants. The loss left the Dodgers in fourth place, eight games behind the Arizona Diamondbacks. They'd been in first place on July 26. Two weeks later, they were in fourth place, and a month later the clubhouse had degenerated into daily bickering and finger-pointing, with high-profile veterans and young players debating the other's role in the collapse.

In that setting, Colletti opened the meeting by blaming himself for personnel decisions that might have left the team thin in the starting rotation and everyday lineup, then put equal responsibility for the 82-80 record on Little and his staff. Little, according to the source, "didn't take it well."

Little defended himself and his staff, saying they'd worked harder and gotten more out of the team in 2007 than they had in 2006, when the Dodgers won the National League wild card, ultimately losing in a division series to the New York Mets.

"It went downhill from there," the source said.


When the meeting was over, Little left with the impression Colletti would rather he not return, but would have him back because he was under contract for 2008, the option for which was exercised in March. Colletti believed Little would take two weeks to consider his future with the Dodgers. By the end of three weeks, when he hadn't heard from Little, Colletti began the process of identifying a potential replacement, turning first to Girardi, whom he knew when both were employed by the Chicago Cubs.

By then, however, Little had decided he was of the mind and heart to manage the Dodgers again in 2008. He called Colletti, they talked through the pointed parts of the meeting, and told him so.

Colletti, by then, had what he believed to be an agreement with Girardi's agent, and couldn't be sure of Little's enthusiasm for the job. When he was notified of Girardi's decision, therefore, Colletti engaged Torre in conversations, still unsure if he was in a full-scale manager search or simply hedging against Little's hesitation.

A friend of Little's said Little had been eager to continue as manager of the Dodgers and that his relationship with Colletti was not irreparably damaged.

Little did not return messages left on his cell phone or at his Pinehurst, N.C. home. Colletti declined to comment.

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news;_ylt=AqHO2rMvURHvXRCI8iLeF0c5nYcB?slug=ti-brown103007&prov=yhoo&type=lgns

[Jerry!]

Wow a lot of sport writers look like idiots right now.

[Spidey-Bat]

They can still buyout his contract and hire Torre.

[Excel]

they dont mean resign as in signed to another contract; it resigned as in he is LEAVING under his own will. He is gone.

[Spidey-Bat]

You're right. Dodger deceived us with the "Re-signed".

[Jerry!]

Ahahaha. Now it is I who looks like the idiot.

[FaT_tONle]

Whats the Dogders pay roll right now? Just wondering if they have enough to bring in A-Rod... or maybe they can move some veteran players and clear some salary for him... the best place for A-Rod other than the Angels is probably SF. Its the perfect fit for him IMO. Cubs won't be that serious... and if the Mets are even rumored I will puke. He should sign with the Giants. Its a good division... he'll be playing meaningful games there.

[Spidey-Bat]

http://mlbcontracts.blogspot.com/2005/01/los-angeles-dodgers.html

[Dodger]

Whats the Dogders pay roll right now? Just wondering if they have enough to bring in A-Rod... or maybe they can move some veteran players and clear some salary for him... the best place for A-Rod other than the Angels is probably SF. Its the perfect fit for him IMO. Cubs won't be that serious... and if the Mets are even rumored I will puke. He should sign with the Giants. Its a good division... he'll be playing meaningful games there.

Didn't mean to confuse you all with the mix up of words. I was not thinking. :dry:

But, Frank McCourt was quoted, saying that he will open up the "purse strings" if need be and we do have the money to spend on A-rod.

[Spidey-Bat]

and if the Mets are even rumored I will puke. He should sign with the Giants. Its a good division... he'll be playing meaningful games there.

The Mets are rumored. I think they even said they were going to talk and discuss it during some executive meeting. It's not going to happen. They are likely doing it because they want to be on the back page (They haven't been since Oct. 1). Wilpons won't sign him. They tried it before, they won't try again. They already have a 3B and SS.

[souloffire]

Kinda like coming back from a 3-0 deficit in the ALCS against the Yanks wasn't gonna happen?? After that, I wouldn't shoot down any possibility too quickly ;)
True. It still isn't gonna happen.

[Matt]

I said it back in the 2006 thread, I said it back in the 2007 thread, and I will say it again...THE PIRATES ARE GOING TO THE WORLD SERIES THIS YEAR! (or at least hopefully not tying the record for the most losing seasons in a row :csad:)

[Superman79]

True. It still isn't gonna happen.

Always nay-saying :p


As for Dice-K, having been discussed a ways back...his problem ast he season went on is he can't pitch inside...when he does POW!

Once they spend the off-season teaching him to pitch inside to batters, it'll be like a whole new Dice-K

[Superman79]

Very much digging this article (highlights some differences between the Yanks and Boston):

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/columns/story?columnist=wojciechowski_gene&id=3084772&sportCat=mlb

Red Sox are masters of baseball's universe:

DENVER -- "The Red Sox can have their Nation. The Yankees have the universe."
-- Hank Steinbrenner, New York Yankees senior vice president

Not anymore, they don't.

WORLD SERIES

Rockies-Red Sox
series page

For the second time in four seasons, the Boston Red Sox are World Series champions and the indisputable rulers of the baseball universe as we know it. They are the Roman Empire of the postseason, having won eight World Series games in a row. Hail, Tito.

That the Yankees' Steinbrenner says otherwise is one-third arrogance, one-third ignorance and one-third stupidity. Then again, that sort of self-infatuation helps explain why the Yankees haven't played in a World Series since 2003 and haven't hoisted the sterling silver Commissioner's Trophy above their heads since 2000.

Didn't anybody from the House of Steinbrenner (George and sons Hank and executive vice president Hal) see what the Red Sox just did to the Colorado Rockies? Four games, four wins. They could have played a best-of-17 series, and the Red Sox still would have swept.

This was the Europeans versus USA in the Ryder Cup, New England Patriots versus anybody, chocolate eclairs versus Britney. Less than two weeks ago, the Red Sox were a loss away from playoff elimination. Now, they reek of champagne again.

Sunday night, in the plastic-covered visitors clubhouse of Coors Field, the Red Sox popped open green bottles of Domaine Ste. Michelle and soaked themselves in victory. DH/first baseman David Ortiz, looking ridiculous with blue swim goggles covering his eyes, stood on a small stage and yelled playful obscenities at his teammates. Ballplayers.

Then a half-dozen Red Sox shook their bottles and aimed them at their beloved Big Papi. He danced in the champagne like a child dancing in the gushing water of a fire hydrant.

Red Sox

AP Photo/Ed Andrieski

Let the good times roll. For the second time in four seasons, the Red Sox are on top of the world.

"When I first came here in '03, it was like the most impossible thing to get done," said Ortiz of Boston's winning a world championship.

But then the Red Sox swept the St. Louis Cardinals to claim the 2004 World Series. Now this.

The Nation keeps annexing territory that once belonged to the Yankees. And with each championship, the Red Sox are reversing the conventional financial wisdom of the sport. Fat payrolls -- and the Red Sox have the second-fattest in the majors at $143 million -- can work if the people operating the wallet know what they're doing.

The Red Sox know what they're doing. They are what the other big-money franchises -- New York Mets ($116 million payroll in 2007), Los Angeles Angels ($109 million), Chicago White Sox ($109 million), Los Angeles Dodgers ($108 million), Seattle Mariners ($106 million), Chicago Cubs ($99 million), Detroit Tigers ($95 million), Baltimore Orioles ($95 million) and, yes, even the Yankees ($195 million) -- want to be when they grow up.

"I think if you look at who the stars were of this Series, it's not all about payroll," said Red Sox owner John Henry. "It's never all about payroll. … But it takes 25 guys to win. The guys at the bottom of this pay scale were just as important to this team … [pause for Henry getting champagne-sprayed by shortstop Julio Lugo] … as the guys at the top."

Ortiz made a beeline toward Henry. There were hugs, then Ortiz announced, "The best owner in baseball." Henry beamed.

"I think we have a good, young team," Henry said. "I think we have a solid team that's going to be strong for some time. But the competition isn't getting any easier in the American League. It's a really tough league."

Money guarantees nothing in baseball except expectations. But what happened to the Red Sox this season, as well as in 2004, isn't an accident. They spent money, lots of it, but they mostly spent it wisely. They did a lot of things wisely.

This is the 103rd World Series. Only two teams have won successive championships by 4-0 sweeps: the Red Sox (2007, '04) and, before they began to self-destruct, the Yankees (1998-99). It is entirely possible, if not probable, that Boston could win it all next season too.

The Red Sox are the Warren Buffetts of baseball. They invest and trade well.

While the Yankees were committing $120 million to Jason Giambi in 2002, the Red Sox waited a year and took a $1.25 million flier on a DH discarded by the Minnesota Twins. Maybe you've heard of him … Ortiz.

When the Yankees signed starting pitcher Carl Pavano, the Red Sox would later trade for Pavano's Florida Marlins teammate, Josh Beckett. To be fair, Boston also pursued Pavano. Pavano's Yankees career is deader than a Barry Bonds-Bud Selig photo op. Meanwhile, Beckett is building a résumé that one day could include Cooperstown.

The Red Sox aren't nostalgic or sentimental. Pedro Martinez? Johnny Damon? Enjoy New York, fellas. General manager Theo Epstein and his staff designate a value to a player and rarely waver from that value. That's why Damon is in a Yankees uni and Pedro in a Mets uni. Epstein isn't afraid of selective personnel turnover. If he were, that '04 team might be intact still.

Did I mention the 2005 draft? Pedro's departure meant a supplemental choice used to select Clay Buchholz, whose second career start resulted in a no-hitter last month. Center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury, who apparently hits nothing but doubles, was taken with the Orlando Cabrera pick. He hit .438 for the Series. Pitcher Craig Hansen came with the Derek Lowe pick.

Depending on the situation, the Red Sox aren't afraid to ignore slotting and signability issues. They invest heavily in scouting the Caribbean and Asia. They understand baseball has no borders.

They aren't perfect. (Hello, Edgar Renteria. And until recently, hello, J.D. Drew.) But if Epstein wants someone, if he's absolutely convinced that player will be the difference between a duck boat parade or losing, the Red Sox will cowboy up.

They outbid and outsmarted the Yankees on Daisuke Matsuzaka. So the Yankees settled for Dice-K Really Lite, Kei Igawa. Igawa was a disaster, finishing 2-3 with a 6.25 ERA.

"We just know that we're blesssed to have great resources," Epstein said. "But that in and of itself doesn't get you anywhere, as other teams have shown."

Greed, as Gordon Gekko said, is good. Or it can be. The Red Sox want more. More playoff appearances (that's the starting point for Epstein) and, if possible, more moments like Sunday night, when commissioner Selig handed them another World Series trophy.

A payroll of $143 million, when used the way the Red Sox use those dollars, can result in more of everything, including another championship run next season.

"This team is built well," said veteran reliever Mike Timlin. "You can't predict what's going to happen, but this team is built extremely well."

The outfield of Manny Being Manny, Ellsbury and Drew returns. Third baseman, Series MVP and free agent-to-be Mike Lowell will be asked back at a nice raise. If he leaves, Kevin Youkilis might take his place. Or maybe, just maybe, the Red Sox will romance Alex Rodriguez again (his ego-driven agent, Scott Boras, chose Sunday night to make the announcement of A-Rod's opt-out). It isn't as if they can't afford him, although Red Sox fans chanted "Don't sign A-Rod" as the Boston players and management mingled on the field hours after the game.

Big Papi is signed through 2010, with a club option in 2011. Dustin Pedroia looks like a fixture at second. Lugo? Not sure. Catcher and captain Jason Varitek is here for at least another season.

The starting rotation is a half-light-year ahead of the Yankees'. Beckett, Jon Lester, Buchholz, Dice-K, Tim Wakefield, possibly Curt Schilling (doubt it) or a free agent (don't doubt it). And the bullpen is mostly state-of-the-art (with Jonathan Papelbon, Hideki Okajima, Manny Delcarmen as the centerpieces).

Manager Terry Francona will return, as will Epstein, who appears to have designated his gorilla suit (remember his walkout two years ago?) for assignment.

"We've got a lot of young guys, we've got a lot of talent, a lot of guys in their prime," said Lester, who won the Game 4 clincher. "It should be fun for years to come, hopefully. Put some runs together and be in the playoffs every year."

Henry had it right when he said Steinbrenner and the Yankees "can have Mars and Pluto. We'll take Red Sox Nation."

They'll take that. And more trophies.

[Spidey-Bat]

Hank Steinbrenner is a complete idiot. Joe Torre needed to win the WS next year. But with the new manager, he preached patience. The most successful manager in franchise history has to produce next season but all of a sudden the new guy deserves patience from the front office?

"I don't want anybody who doesn't want to be a Yankee on my team"
He said this about A-Rod. What about Mattingly? He was the reason fans went to the games in the 80's and early-90's. He wants to be a Yankee but he's just throw in the gutter.

"We want to win the World Series every year, but we're not dumb enough to think we can."
You have been for a long, long time.

George Steinbrenner should fire his son. He is a complete idiot.

[fu manchu]

From the New York Post:


JOE TORRE AGREES TO MANAGE LOS ANGELES DODGERS
By GEORGE KING

October 30, 2007 -- With Grady Little out of the way, Joe Torre is the Dodgers' first choice to take over the club. According to sources, Torre has agreed in principle to a three-year deal worth $14.5 million and could be introduced Thursday, the same day the Yankees are holding a press conference to welcome Joe Girardi, Torre's successor, at Yankee Stadium. The Dodgers are denying a deal is complete.

Alex Rodriguez could be following Torre from The Bronx to Hollywood. One of the reasons Rodriguez opted out of the last three years on his Yankees' contract was he wasn't sure what Yankees life would be like without Torre's calming presence in the clubhouse and dugout. In the Dodgers, Rodriguez will find a club in dire need of a jolt at the plate and in the stands.

Third-base coach Larry Bowa and Don Mattingly are expected to join Torre in L.A. Hitting coach Kevin Long is staying with the Yankees and is close to signing a three-year deal worth nearly $1M. There are whispers Jose Cardenal, a coach under Torre in the early Yankees years, will be part of Torre’s staff. Current Dodgers pitching coach Rick Honeycutt is a candidate to remain.

The Dodgers first made contact with Torre's agent Maury Gostfriend before Torre flew to Tampa two weeks ago and rejected the Yankees' one-year offer of $5 million with a chance to make $3 million more in incentives. It's the first time Gostfriend, who usually does endorsement deals for Torre, got involved in baseball negotiations for Torre. Out of respect for Little, who managed the Dodgers for two years and fell victim to a fractured clubhouse and less than solid relationship with some of his coaches, Torre refused comment on the situation.

Little resigned yesterday with $1 million guaranteed for next season. The Dodgers recently picked up a 2009 option on Little for an undisclosed amount of money. The Dodgers started talking to Little about a buyout last week.

Torre, who spurned the Yankees' one-year, $5 million offer to return on Oct. 18, didn't return messages last night.

"(Dodgers GM) Ned (Colletti) and I have been in constant communication since the end of the season and decided mutually that this was the best move for the Dodgers to take," Little said yesterday in a conference call.

Little, who was sacked by the Red Sox following Aaron Boone's dramatic homer in Game 7 of the 2003 ALCS, said talk of Torre taking his job didn't play a part in stepping down.

"None whatsoever; I have personal reasons," Little said.

Though Colletti contradicted Little saying it was a mutual decision - Colletti said he wanted Little back - the hiring of Torre was believed to be orchestrated by owner Frank McCourt wanting to make a splash with his underachieving club.

"I wanted Grady Little back, I encouraged him to think it through," Colletti said.

Because Girardi turned down a three-year deal worth $7.5 million from the Dodgers to follow Torre in The Bronx, many believe Torre was the Dodgers' second choice. However, that hasn't been confirmed.

"We've talked to other people a little bit to gauge their level of interest because talking to Grady at the end of the season I wasn't sure he was coming back," Colletti said.
http://www.nypost.com/seven/10302007/sports/joe_torre_agrees_to_manage_los.htm

[NewYorkSpider]

I hope the Dodgers win the World Series so I can laugh at the Yankees front office.

[Superman79]

Yet another reason the Red Sox are nothing like the Yankees: The Sawx are not so uptight and all business, they can cut loose and have fun. I don't see Jeter dancing any jigs ;)

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3086685


Red Sox Celebrate Title with Parade

BOSTON -- When the Red Sox needed a closer -- even for their World Series championship parade -- Jonathan Papelbon was their man.

Papelbon donned a kilt and danced his trademark Irish jig to the roars of tens of thousands of fans Tuesday as the city celebrated Boston's second World Series title in four years with a three-mile-long rolling rally from Fenway Park to City Hall Plaza.

"The fans connect to Papelbon because he cuts loose, he's passionate," said Red Sox fan Ryan McCarty, who was carrying "Mobile Papelbon," a giant cardboard likeness with its legs on hinges.

Players and their families boarded 20 amphibious, World War II-era duck boats outside the stadium for a journey through the city. Manny Ramirez grabbed a microphone and yelled to fans along the route. "You guys are No. 1." "There's a party at my house tonight." "We did it for you guys." "We're gonna do it again next year." "You guys are the best fans in the whole world."

Fans showed their love back for the team, chanting "MVP" to Mike Lowell and waving signs with wedding proposals to rookie Jacoby Ellsbury.

The two-hour parade paused three times for Papelbon to dance on a flatbed truck, accompanied by the Dropkick Murphys, a Boston-based punk rock band with heavy Irish folk music influence.

Before the parade, the band presented Papelbon with his own kilt plus one for ace Josh Beckett and general manager Theo Epstein, who had promised to dance with him. They also made a kilt for slugger David Ortiz, whom they hoped to coax into the jig.

At the first two stops at Copley Plaza and Boston Common, Papelbon danced alone, wearing jeans, a red championship T-shirt and dark sunglasses and waving a large cigar in his hand. Along the route, he played air guitar on a broom -- a reference to Boston's sweep of the Colorado Rockies.

They're two flavors of ice cream -- they both taste good. You can't choose among them. I think the next one is going to taste good, too.

--Red Sox president Larry Lucchino on the team's recent titles

But he saved his best dancing -- and wardrobe change, putting the kilt over his jeans -- for the largest crowd which packed City Hall Plaza, the end of the parade. He was joined by relievers Hideki Okajima and Mike Timlin, who earlier had tied the bullpen mascot, a stuffed parrot, onto one of the speakers on the Dropkick Murphys' flatbed. On another boat, six members of Boston's bullpen recreated their postseason jam sessions.

Ortiz and Epstein never got the chance to don their kilts, as their duck boats continued on the route.

The caravan of duck boats followed a similar route to the rolling celebration staged after the Red Sox broke an 86-year World Series drought in 2004 by sweeping the St. Louis Cardinals. The Red Sox completed a sweep of the Rockies on Sunday with a 4-3 win in Denver.

Mark Rinaldi, a student at Harvard, said he attended the 2004 parade and "I never thought I'd be able to do it again in my lifetime. To do it twice is pretty incredible."

Most of the players and manager Terry Francona wore bright red hooded championship sweat shirts. Some, including first baseman Kevin Youkilis and Timlin, wore T-shirts that said "We did it AGAIN." Many of the players took photos or video recordings of the fans along the way.

Owner John Henry, wearing an argyle gray sweater, tapped his hand on his heart in thanks as he waved to fans from a lead boat, which also carried the new World Series trophy.

Fans decked out in Red Sox gear lined the route, holding signs and cheering for the team. Some couldn't resist a shot at the archrival New York Yankees and former Red Sox star Johnny Damon, who defected to New York after the 2004 championship.

"Johnny Damon is home changing diapers," read one sign. "This is better."

Along the way, fans yelled to team management "Re-sign Lowell."

Ramirez agreed, telling a City Hall crowd, "Forget about A-Rod, we've got Mike Lowell in the house."

One fan held a sign also referring to Alex Rodriguez, the Yankees third baseman who this week opted out of his contract with New York: "A-Rod: Mr. April, Miss October."

There were some indications Boston fans might even be getting picky about their championships, with 2004 and 2007 coming when the Sox were on the road.

Ortiz said a fan asked him when the team was going to win a World Series at Fenway.

"I told him, 'Dude, it doesn't matter where you win it, as long as you win it,"' Ortiz said.

Red Sox president Larry Lucchino said before the parade that he could not choose which Series win he liked better.

"They're two flavors of ice cream -- they both taste good," he said. "You can't choose among them. I think the next one is going to taste good, too."

Mayor Thomas Menino acknowledged having the celebration on a week day would inconvenience some businesses and keep school children away, but said players were eager to get home to their families and begin their vacation. This year's parade had one significant difference from the 2004 parade: it did not proceed into the Charles River. Menino said that decision was made by the team.

Before the parade, Menino stumbled on the stairs at Fenway while carrying the 2004 World Series trophy and injured his knee. A spokeswoman said he hyperextended his knee, but was fine.

Menino also said a "rolling rally" was easier for city officials to manage, because it spread out the crowds. He estimated security would cost $500,000.

Police refused to give a crowd estimate. People were lined up along the three-mile route, dozens deep at some points.

[Erzengel]

Sox win a World Series, and Red Sox fans still have to mention the Yankees? :p

[Fran]

Curt Schilling has a list of 13 teams he would sign with next year.

On that list: Tigers. :heart:

[Erzengel]

Riveria is negotiating with the Yankees. I hope he stays, he's always been a Yankee and I'd like to see him retire as one. While not in his prime, still better than most of the closers out there.

[Spidey-Bat]

I want to vomit reading all these "Mets want A-Rod" rumors. They are supposedly considering it because they want to boost their channel ratings. They can do it by making the team good and dropping all the passive, "eh" players (ie Carlos Delgado). Put a winning team on the field, and I'll watch it. You don't need A-Rod to get a winning team.

[sinewave]

man, i wish we'd get some hard proof that torre has actually signed on as the dodgers' manager already. i keep seeing articles claiming that they've come to an agreement, but still nothing definite. the season's only been over for three days and i'm already starved for baseball news. :(

[Shuley]

F A-Rod, he's good i the regular season but sucks in the post season, the post season is when the Sox could use a guy like him,but since he chokes in October,he's useless...like Clemens was.

[cyborg ninja 14]

I want to vomit reading all these "Mets want A-Rod" rumors. They are supposedly considering it because they want to boost their channel ratings. They can do it by making the team good and dropping all the passive, "eh" players (ie Carlos Delgado). Put a winning team on the field, and I'll watch it. You don't need A-Rod to get a winning team.

And don't forget the David Wright/Derek Jeter connection if A-Rod went to the Mets, and moved Wright to 1st base as part of his team-player role.

[Jerry!]

Well is Wright a better 3rd basemen than A-Rod? I don't know, haven't really followed how well he has done fielding wise.

[Spidey-Bat]

Well is Wright a better 3rd basemen than A-Rod? I don't know, haven't really followed how well he has done fielding wise.

I don't watch A-Rod. Going by RF9, Wright is 2.73 (lgRF9 is 2.68). A-Rod's is 2.42 (lgRF9 is 2.63). So Wright is the better fielder going by that. Wright would likely be the one to move since he's shown in the past he would move if the team acquired a good 3B.

The Mets won't get A-Rod.

BTW, The Mets told Wright to be quiet when he asked them what they were doing about A-Rod. They told him that because: A) There is an MLB policy about discussing free agents and B) The Mets don't want Boras to use them as leverage if he is negotiating a deal with another team. Hopefully they told him privately what they will do. He deserves to know since he'd be the one to move and Wright was the only guy who gave a damn about them choking.

[Superman79]

Well is Wright a better 3rd basemen than A-Rod? I don't know, haven't really followed how well he has done fielding wise.

Dunno, but IMHO Mike Lowell is a MUCH better 3-bagger than Gay-Rod :woot:

[Spidey-Bat]

I love Moises Alou.

“I’m angry at what happened last year and our fans deserved better. I’m coming back to help us win a championship. From the first day of spring training we have to show people that 2008 will be different.”

[The Dude]

Curt Schilling has a list of 13 teams he would sign with next year.

On that list: Tigers. :heart:

And Brewers:up:

[NewYorkSpider]

I want to vomit reading all these "Mets want A-Rod" rumors. They are supposedly considering it because they want to boost their channel ratings. They can do it by making the team good and dropping all the passive, "eh" players (ie Carlos Delgado). Put a winning team on the field, and I'll watch it. You don't need A-Rod to get a winning team.

I've been hearing those rumors too. They want to sign A-Rod and move Wright to 1st or 2nd.

[Spidey-Bat]

It's not going to happen considering Omar Minaya just released this statement:

“I expect to talk to David, because I think it’s only right, because with a free-agent like that there’s going to be speculation and all those things - and usually I try to communicate with my players to tell them exactly what our thinking is…I will tell you that we are very happy with David Wright as our third baseman, I will tell you that Willie is very happy with David Wright as our third baseman…Put it this way, we think we have one of the greatest young players, and greatest young third basemen in the game today.”

[NewYorkSpider]

I guess that puts that rumor to bed.

What about the Reyes for Santana deal? Would you like to see that happen?

[Spidey-Bat]

I'm on the fence but am leaning towards "No" because I have a Reyes jersey and shirt. Reyes, despite a poor 2nd half, still has incredible potential and is an MVP candidate. I don't think I would want to give up on that, especially since he's not even 25. The only way I would do it is if Santana signed a life debt to the Mets.

[NewYorkSpider]

I've heard that only the Mets and Yankees name come up for Santana. I wonder if Seattle will try to get him. I doubt they have anything good to give up though.

[Spidey-Bat]

It's unlikely Santana will be traded to an AL team. Part of the reason in trading him is to get him out of the league. Yankees also don't have any good prospects to part with. Their guys like Hughes and Melky are grossly overrated. They don't seem to have any super-star position players in their farm system they could part with. Mets don't have much either since the Twins are loaded with pitching and the Mets farm is mostly pitching. Mets would need to get a 3rd team (like the Rangers) involved to get Santana. Mets would get Santana, Twins would get Blalock, Botts, Milledge, and some money, Rangers would get Humber, Heilman, and a B-level pitcher. Probably won't happen. Just something I thought of when I was having trouble falling asleep.

[NewYorkSpider]

The only NL teams I see him going too is the Mets, Cubs or Braves.

[Spidey-Bat]

Cubs have too much money tied up in Zambrano, Ramirez, Lee, and Soriano. Braves seem to be in a "win later, shave the payroll" mode. Plus they just need a 4th or 5th starter.

[NewYorkSpider]

That 4th or 5th starter might be Schilling or Glavine. Kerry Wood is out there too. I'm sure the Yankees will make a run for him with Girardi as coach. I don't want him, but he might be a good reliever in the long run. With all his injuries though, he might not be worth it.

[Fran]

I am going to punch Eric Byrnes if I ever meet him in real life.

[Spidey-Bat]

That 4th or 5th starter might be Schilling or Glavine. Kerry Wood is out there too. I'm sure the Yankees will make a run for him with Girardi as coach. I don't want him, but he might be a good reliever in the long run. With all his injuries though, he might not be worth it.

Atlanta will likely stick with Glavine and one of their young guys to fill the rotation. Wood will likely stay with the Cubs since he feels he owes it to the fans and organization.

I am going to punch Eric Byrnes if I ever meet him in real life.
I would like to but I can't. He ended Peavy's 9-consecutive strikeouts to preserve Tom Seaver's record of 10-consecutive strikeouts, keeping his name alone in the record books.

[Silver Knight]

Any word where A-Rod might be heading?

[NewYorkSpider]

There's a ton of teams that are intrested. I think he ends up with either the Angles, Dodgers or the Cubs.

EDIT: The teams intrested are Angles, Dodgers, Cubs, Red Sox, Marlins, Tigers, Mariners, Rangers, Giants, and Mets. The Yankees can still negotiate with him but made it clear they wouldn't when he opted out of his contract.

[Silver Knight]

So the Yanks will get nothing for him.

What the chances he goes to the Cubs?

[Showtime]

Fran******tastic.

[Fran]

Awful joke.

[NewYorkSpider]

So the Yanks will get nothing for him.

What the chances he goes to the Cubs?

Slim chance. The Cubs will not go after a lot of free agents this season because they are trying to sell the team. For A-Rod to go there they would have to make a lot of changes. A-Rod would have to become SS cause Aramis Rameriez is at 3rd till 2011. The only reason he may go there is because of Lou Pinnela.

[Showtime]

Awful joke.

I didn't say Tigers?

[Fran]

But there's no basis to that.

Cubs made the playoffs, hardly an AAA team.

:dry::down

[Showtime]

But there's no basis to that.

Cubs made the playoffs, hardly an AAA team.

:dry::down

You're not big enough to understands the depth of my devious mind. :csad:

[Silver Knight]

Slim chance. The Cubs will not go after a lot of free agents this season because they are trying to sell the team. For A-Rod to go there they would have to make a lot of changes. A-Rod would have to become SS cause Aramis Rameriez is at 3rd till 2011. The only reason he may go there is because of Lou Pinnela.
So L.A, it is then?

[Showtime]

A-Rod could go to many places at this point, heck I heard FLORIDA on the radio this morning? Florida?

[NewYorkSpider]

So L.A, it is then?

I have strong feeling it will be a team in L.A. The Angels and Dodgers both need a strong bat. The Angles at this point are the top contender.

A-Rod could go to many places at this point, heck I heard FLORIDA on the radio this morning? Florida?

Florida has come up cause he's a Miami boy. If they get him, they would likely trade Miguel Cabrera to New York or Boston. I honestly think they have a 0% chance of getting him.

[Showtime]

I agree with you there, what was their payroll last season?

[NewYorkSpider]

I think it's around 30 mil.

[Showtime]

So it would double their payroll if they were too sign A-Rod.

[Jerry!]

Slim chance. The Cubs will not go after a lot of free agents this season because they are trying to sell the team. For A-Rod to go there they would have to make a lot of changes. A-Rod would have to become SS cause Aramis Rameriez is at 3rd till 2011. The only reason he may go there is because of Lou Pinnela.

I'd take A-Rod at SS rather than at 3rd.

That 4th or 5th starter might be Schilling or Glavine. Kerry Wood is out there too. I'm sure the Yankees will make a run for him with Girardi as coach. I don't want him, but he might be a good reliever in the long run. With all his injuries though, he might not be worth it.

Yeah Kerry Wood can't handle the starter's role anymore. Keep him in middle relief or as a set up man.

[Silver Knight]

Hopefully A-Rod and Torre will both end up at the Dodgers.

[Superman79]

I am going to punch Eric Byrnes if I ever meet him in real life.

My uncle taunted him from his seats in the NLCS:


http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j230/BoSoxSuperman/croot.jpg

My uncle is the guy in green with the towel...my aunt is laughing next to him.

(Incidentally, this was where I was sitting for games 3 & 4 ;))

[cyborg ninja 14]

I am going to punch Eric Byrnes if I ever meet him in real life.

As a fan of the team that he plays on, may I ask why?

[NewYorkSpider]

So it would double their payroll if they were too sign A-Rod.

Pretty much. Jeffery Loria(Marlins owner) has a lot of money, he just won't spend it.

edit: The Marlins aren't a guarnteed lock to stay in Florida. That's another reason why A-Rod won't go there. I heard they have 3 years left at Dolphin Stadium and could end up moving to Las Vegas or Portland if a new stadium isn't finalized.

Hopefully A-Rod and Torre will both end up at the Dodgers.

I hope not. I want to be able to root for the Dodgers next season without having to root for A-Rod. This is all if Joe Torre accpets the job.

[Silver Knight]

I really want him in LA or Cubs but dude needs to step up and get that ring.

[Superman79]

As a fan of the team that he plays on, may I ask why?

well, despite the fact that I rather like the D-Backs, Byrnes IS kind of a douche...now Upton on the other hand...:up: :up: :D

[Fran]

As a fan of the team that he plays on, may I ask why?

He's just an attention whore for FOX media.

He was a panelist for the World Series, and now he's a correspondent for the Best Damn Sports Show Period.

:whatever:

[cyborg ninja 14]

He's just an attention whore for FOX media.

He was a panelist for the World Series, and now he's a correspondent for the Best Damn Sports Show Period.

:whatever:

He also has "The Eric Byrnes Show" on FSN AZ where he constantly reminds everyone how awesome he is. I mean it's ok sometimes when he's goofing around with teammates. But at one point at the end of the show, he's sitting by his big ass pool and says something like "Yeah, I live in an awesome house and my life rules, if you don't like it, then too bad." Or something like that.

[cyborg ninja 14]

well, despite the fact that I rather like the D-Backs, Byrnes IS kind of a douche...now Upton on the other hand...:up: :up: :D

Looking forward to watching Upton play a full season next year for sure:up:

[Dark Donnie]

I really want him in LA or Cubs but dude needs to step up and get that ring.

I personally hope he doesn't win a ring....guy is a huge ego maniac

[cyborg ninja 14]

I'm sorry in advance Fran, but Zumaya is one unlucky dude.
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3090054

[Jerry!]

Torre just hired as Dodgers manager.

Zumaya HE GONE! He'll grab some bench!

[Spidey-Bat]

Zumaya will only be out the first half of the season. The Tigers should sign Francisco Cordero to be the closer since they won't be able to use Zumaya.

[cyborg ninja 14]

Zumaya will only be out the first half of the season. The Tigers should sign Francisco Cordero to be the closer since they won't be able to use Zumaya.

Or just bring Jones back:o

[DarthRekal]

OFFICIAL!!!!!!!!!!!


JOE TORRE TO MANAGE DODGERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:wow: :woot: :wow: :up:

[sinewave]

finally!

[Dodger]

I really do not understand why Dodgers fans are flipping out about the Torre signing?

1. He has a .470 winning % without the Yankee years and these were all NL years.
2. He has a habit of only vets. But the Dodger do not have any veterans really, so maybe we will see enough playing time for the kids.
3. My biggest concern, is how I have been hearing how he ruins young pitchers arms.

The other thing that I don't like about this is that he is the 6th manager for the dodgers in the last 10 years and the 3rd in the last 4 years. No Bueno. But 12 straight years of playoff appearance are not nothing too sneeze at so we will just wait and see. any move the dodgers make nowadays, just gets me worried. :(

[sinewave]

I really do not understand why Dodgers fans are flipping out about the Torre signing?

1. He has a .470 winning % without the Yankee years and these were all NL years.
2. He has a habit of only vets. But the Dodger do not have any veterans really, so maybe we will see enough playing time for the kids.
3. My biggest concern, is how I have been hearing how he ruins young pitchers arms.

The other thing that I don't like about this is that he is the 6th manager for the dodgers in the last 10 years and the 3rd in the last 4 years. No Bueno. But 12 straight years of playoff appearance are not nothing too sneeze at so we will just wait and see. any move the dodgers make nowadays, just gets me worried. :(

I don't think points 2 and 3 are accurate. Plenty of good young players have become starters and good players under him, like Jeter, Cano and Cabrera. As for how he treats young pitchers, Pettitte, Rivera and Wang have turned out pretty well. It's not like he's Dusty Baker where he's helped blow out two promising young pitchers' arms. I think he'll be fine. He's got a hell of a lot less pressure on him from the owner and the media. Plus, the Dodgers already have a good core group of players, a solid farm system, a loyal fanbase in a great market and they play in a division that's wide open. Everything should add up to a consistent shot at the playoffs on a yearly basis.

[Spidey-Bat]

As far as him with the Vets go, he never really had many options. For a good portion of his tenure they had nothing but veterans and rarely did any young, promising guys come up. Instead of had guys like Dioner Navarro who were awful. The only one you may worry about is Garciaparra. He'll probably play him more than he should.

[Dodger]

As far as him with the Vets go, he never really had many options. For a good portion of his tenure they had nothing but veterans and rarely did any young, promising guys come up. Instead of had guys like Dioner Navarro who were awful. The only one you may worry about is Garciaparra. He'll probably play him more than he should.


yeah I agree. i really hope James Loney has an amazing spring, Loney is the future 1st baseman of the Dodgers. Yeah, he's not garvey, not yet.

Part of me really can't believe that the Dodgers probably made a good signing.

[DarthRekal]

I really do not understand why Dodgers fans are flipping out about the Torre signing?

1. He has a .470 winning % without the Yankee years and these were all NL years.
2. He has a habit of only vets. But the Dodger do not have any veterans really, so maybe we will see enough playing time for the kids.
3. My biggest concern, is how I have been hearing how he ruins young pitchers arms.

The other thing that I don't like about this is that he is the 6th manager for the dodgers in the last 10 years and the 3rd in the last 4 years. No Bueno. But 12 straight years of playoff appearance are not nothing too sneeze at so we will just wait and see. any move the dodgers make nowadays, just gets me worried. :(
D man cheer up.. when did he win his last SHIP?? with guys like oneill williams jeter.. ALL HOME GROWN guys :up: plus you dont think his NAME alone attracts TOP NOTCH FA's???? and anyone is an UPGRADE OVER GRADY!
I don't think points 2 and 3 are accurate. Plenty of good young players have become starters and good players under him, like Jeter, Cano and Cabrera. As for how he treats young pitchers, Pettitte, Rivera and Wang have turned out pretty well. It's not like he's Dusty Baker where he's helped blow out two promising young pitchers' arms. I think he'll be fine. He's got a hell of a lot less pressure on him from the owner and the media. Plus, the Dodgers already have a good core group of players, a solid farm system, a loyal fanbase in a great market and they play in a division that's wide open. Everything should add up to a consistent shot at the playoffs on a yearly basis.
thank you sine
yeah I agree. i really hope James Loney has an amazing spring, Loney is the future 1st baseman of the Dodgers. Yeah, he's not garvey, not yet.

Part of me really can't believe that the Dodgers probably made a good signing.
read the articles and interviews d-man... there's already rumors of kent being dealt... and that him(torre) growing up in brooklyn... makes him PROUD of this franchise and he knows what it means to be a dodger... there is ONLY upside to this... i think he's gonna work out great...:woot:

[Dodger]

^I do like that he knows what it means to be a Dodger. McCourt is no George, I don't know Im just being a negative nilly. Sorry bra.

I do like how the Dodgers are all over ESPN though. :D Is nice.

[Jerry!]

yeah I agree. i really hope James Loney has an amazing spring, Loney is the future 1st baseman of the Dodgers. Yeah, he's not garvey, not yet.

Part of me really can't believe that the Dodgers probably made a good signing.


http://www.powermaxconsulting.com/Harrysings.jpg

"GARVEY DID IT AGAIN!!! OHHH!!"

[DarthRekal]

^I do like that he knows what it means to be a Dodger. McCourt is no George, I don't know Im just being a negative nilly. Sorry bra.

I do like how the Dodgers are all over ESPN though. :D Is nice.
i understand man these past yrs have been rough.. but anytime we actually get up and get someone.. EVERYBODY else wants.. i call it progress...i think mccourt realizes... torre.. and possibly AROD... are gonna be worth the money.. and fill the seats.... he might just be onto something... :up:

and i LOVE how the Red Sox are ALREADY yesterday's news.. the Yanks and Dodgers .. FTW!!!!!!!:woot:

[Jerry!]

We have A-Rod and Scott Boras and the Yankees again to thank for that. I'm glad, I didn't want to choke on the enormous hard on ESPN would have had for all things Red Sox if everything with the Yankees hadn't come up. As well as the Patriots-Colts game as well. Which in that Boston sports case, I can tolerate because watching the Patriots play is just fun.

[Superman79]

and i LOVE how the Red Sox are ALREADY yesterday's news.. the Yanks and Dodgers .. FTW!!!!!!!:woot:

Darth, you know you're my buddy, but I WILL cut you :dry:

[Superman79]

We have A-Rod and Scott Boras and the Yankees again to thank for that. I'm glad, I didn't want to choke on the enormous hard on ESPN would have had for all things Red Sox if everything with the Yankees hadn't come up. As well as the Patriots-Colts game as well. Which in that Boston sports case, I can tolerate because watching the Patriots play is just fun.

Grrrrrrrrrrrrrr............:cmad:

[DarthRekal]

Darth, you know you're my buddy, but I WILL cut you :dry:
LOL .. sorry bud... im just a bitter Dodgers fan and Yankee supporter by default :csad: :cwink:

[Spidey-Bat]

Anyone see what Boras said about Rivera?

[Superman79]

LOL .. sorry bud... im just a bitter Dodgers fan and Yankee supporter by default :csad: :cwink:

Fair enough, I can forgive. Though really you should be supporting the Sawx...D-Lowe, Nom-ah, BillMueller...hell you guys are Red Sox west. And now with Torre you might really get good (unless you sign A-Rod then you're screwed:()

[Showtime]

Isn't Billy Mueller out of baseball?

[Superman79]

Isn't Billy Mueller out of baseball?

He retired as a player but in 07 he was the hitting coach for LA, now he's going to be a special assistant to their GM...or some title like that. SO he's still around ;)

[fu manchu]

OFFICIAL!!!!!!!!!!!


JOE TORRE TO MANAGE DODGERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:wow: :woot: :wow: :up:

:woot: YaY :woot:!!! Hopefully, he brings 12 years of playoff time and couple of those world series championships to LA.

[Silver Knight]

Question now is will A-Rod follow him?

[NewYorkSpider]

Question now is will A-Rod follow him?

A-Rod wants a 10-12 year deal. I think the Dodgers are the perfect team for him at a long term standpoint. The Angels would be if they would be willing to give him that deal. I heard they want to give him 5 years for about 150 mil.

[DarthRekal]

:woot: YaY :woot:!!! Hopefully, he brings 12 years of playoff time and couple of those world series championships to LA.
:up: we at least got him for three:woot:

Fair enough, I can forgive. Though really you should be supporting the Sawx...D-Lowe, Nom-ah, BillMueller...hell you guys are Red Sox west. And now with Torre you might really get good (unless you sign A-Rod then you're screwed:()


i hope we get AROD:huh: Lowe and Nomah have contributed and Mueller is in our FO now... so yeah.

[NewYorkSpider]

Barry Bonds says he would opt out of Hall Of Fame over asterisk ball.

Barry_Bonds (http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news?slug=reu-bondshall&prov=reuters&type=lgns)

[cookiva]

While I know he is being Barry, and would go in, part of me really wants him not to.

Granted, if he does that, he will have an asterisk over his name. Barry Bonds - The only hall of famer who isnt in the hall outside of Rose.

[DarthRekal]

While I know he is being Barry, and would go in, part of me really wants him not to.

Granted, if he does that, he will have an asterisk over his name. Barry Bonds - The only hall of famer who isnt in the hall outside of Rose.
being a dodger fan it hurts to say.. he does belong in there... its sad.. and i kinda agree with him...:csad:

:ninja:

[cyborg ninja 14]

Anyone see what Boras said about Rivera?

Enlighten us then?

[NewYorkSpider]

A-Rod gets contract offer!!!!:wow: But from who?

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3090231

[cookiva]

Hope he goes there. Great fit. Good mix of young kids and vets...

[cyborg ninja 14]

A-Rod gets contract offer!!!!:wow: But from who?

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3090231

Genius:woot:

[cookiva]

http://www.sportslogos.net/images/Baseball/IL/TOL_4567.gif

[fu manchu]

"Would your client be willing to play a different position?"

move him to the bench to pinch hitting duties....:woot:

[Superman79]

i hope we get AROD:huh: Lowe and Nomah have contributed and Mueller is in our FO now... so yeah.


I'm just sayin, A-Rod can get you to the playoffs, but once you're there you gotta bench him cause the man becomes an anchor dragging any team he's with down into the depths and away from a championship.

[Jerry!]

I understand him just being horrible in the playoffs, but how does one person account for everyone not producing when it counts?

[cookiva]

When that one person was the main source of offense for you, its hard when that crutch falls...

[NewYorkSpider]

I'm just sayin, A-Rod can get you to the playoffs, but once you're there you gotta bench him cause the man becomes an anchor dragging any team he's with down into the depths and away from a championship.

When he was in the postseason with Seattle(2000) he hit over .400 and had a slugging percentage of .773 . Then they went on to lose to the Yankees in the ALCS. I think it was all about the pressure of playing in New York. Pitching is what wins championships and the Yankees have clearly not had that in 4 years.

[Jerry!]

When that one person was the main source of offense for you, its hard when that crutch falls...

Oh come on. You're telling me in THAT Yankee lineup everything was dependent on A-Rod? Yeah his numbers are MVP worthy, buts we aren't talking about a weak lineup here. And A-Rod doesn't pitch.

[cookiva]

Oh come on. You're telling me in THAT Yankee lineup everything was dependent on A-Rod? Yeah his numbers are MVP worthy, buts we aren't talking about a weak lineup here. And A-Rod doesn't pitch.

Really? I mean, outside of game 1, the Indians didnt overpower the Yankees in the runs category. Game 2 was a 2-1 win over the yanks. Game 4 was a 2 run game. The offense didnt do its part in that series.

[Jerry!]

Yeah exactly the offense, along with every other batter alongside A-Rod. Its easy to pin it on one guy if he is the only one, but he wasn't.

[NewYorkSpider]

It wasn't A-Rod's fault for the Yankees departure in the ALDS, it was the entire Yankee offense.

[cookiva]

They had about 3 starters who were dissapointing in the series. Matsui, Jeter, and A Rod. Granted, those are the 3 that they lean on quite a bit, but A Rod is the one making $25million a year. Thats the reason we expect alot from him. If he was making $15million a year, then I could understand the whole "Its the team" fault. He is the big gun, and for a few years in a row, he breaks.

[NewYorkSpider]

His first stint with the Yankees in the postseason was dominant. Then 2005 hits and he does poorly. That's when the criticism began and sent him on a downward spiral. Once the fans started booing he felt like he had to give 150% in the playoffs and that's when he kept trying to kill the ball. I think getting out of New York was the best thing for him.

[Superman79]

I understand him just being horrible in the playoffs, but how does one person account for everyone not producing when it counts?

Not producing is part of it, but as a clubhouse cancer I don't see him helping the attitude in October, thus it permiates the team.

And as a superstitious fella, I'd say karma bites any team he's with in the ass.

It's the "Ewing Theory"

[Erzengel]

It wasn't A-Rod's fault for the Yankees departure in the ALDS, it was the entire Yankee offense.
That Yankee vs. Indian thing should have at least went to Game 5. They had Game 2 won. F'ing bugs.

[BatMatt]

Well, Torre is successful so my opinion is if he doesn't mess with the development of our many talented young players, he's a good choice for my Dodgers

[Jerry!]

They had about 3 starters who were dissapointing in the series. Matsui, Jeter, and A Rod. Granted, those are the 3 that they lean on quite a bit, but A Rod is the one making $25million a year. Thats the reason we expect alot from him. If he was making $15million a year, then I could understand the whole "Its the team" fault. He is the big gun, and for a few years in a row, he breaks.

And how quickly you forget that A-Rod was basically the only reason you're talking about postseason play in the first place.

[Dark Donnie]

Arod lives in a dream world (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3091277)

[Kingfish]

that is just ridiculous.

i bet you could offer him 30 million a year to wipe your ass and he'd jump.

[Dark Donnie]

If the Yankees were 100 Million off..can't wait to see what other teams offer

[cyborg ninja 14]

Cubbies, it's gotta be the Cubbies to get A-Rod

[Erzengel]

Yankees signed Abreu. :up:

[Dark Donnie]

Cubbies, it's gotta be the Cubbies to get A-Rod

Teams I saw were

Frontrunners
Cubs
Angels

Tigers were another team mentioned

No Mets, Phillies or Dodgers

[Dark Donnie]

Yankees signed Abreu. :up:

Im not an Abreu fan...

[DarthRekal]

Teams I saw were

Frontrunners
Cubs
Angels

Tigers were another team mentioned

No Mets, Phillies or Dodgers
teams you saw WHERE??? :huh:

The Press Enterprise - The Dodgers are officially interested in signing Alex Rodriguez.

General Manager Ned Colletti said Thursday he would soon meet with new manager Joe Torre and other staff members to discuss the possibility of signing Torre's former star third baseman with the Yankees.

They'll also talk about other free agents and trade scenarios.

"We'll get into that when it's appropriate," said Colletti, adding that Torre would have "the same latitude" that former manager Grady Little had regarding player personnel decisions. "The free-agent market in my mind is very thin."

[Dark Donnie]

teams you saw WHERE??? :huh:

ESPN...and on WFAN....they said the Dodgers may make an offer but in the end will be out bid by the Angels

[DarthRekal]

ESPN...and on WFAN....they said the Dodgers may make an offer but in the end will be out bid by the Angels
sounds feasible.... HATE THEM ANGELS :cmad:


hopefully Torre gives us an edge... i still think we got a shot :woot:

[Dark Donnie]

sounds feasible.... HATE THEM ANGELS :cmad:


hopefully Torre gives us an edge... i still think we got a shot :woot:

Im sure if they make the right offer sure...

At that money do you really want him though?

[DarthRekal]

YES!.. first of all.. its not MY money..


secondly.. there NO CAP in the MLB...



Thirdly.. theres a GLARING hole at third



fourthly....we need a vet with a good work ethic and attitdue



fifthly.... the money can be recouped we WOULD SELLOUT EVERY GAME

[Spidey-Bat]

Thirdly.. theres a GLARING hole at third



fourthly....we need a vet with a good work ethic and attitdue



fifthly.... the money can be recouped we WOULD SELLOUT EVERY GAME

A-Rod would satisfy 2 of those 3 things

[DarthRekal]

im assuming you're talkin about the vet thing...


lets see...



Jeff Kent vs. A- Rod....


I'll take my chances with Alex

[Spidey-Bat]

I don't mean the vet thing. I mean the "good ethic and attitude". Unless of course you want a "me-first" attitude.

[DarthRekal]

by ethic and attitude i meant in a PLAYING/Training sense


AROD is the Kobe Bryant of baseball when it comes to training and work ethic... if or young ones vibe off of that.. i wouldnt complain.... Martin is gonna be the captain and he will provide the "TEAM" mentality along with Torre

[cyborg ninja 14]

I feel that A-Rod deserves his own thread at this point.

[Dark Donnie]

I don't mean the vet thing. I mean the "good ethic and attitude". Unless of course you want a "me-first" attitude.

I agree completely.....I read the report about his last contract.....he wanted exactly double of the highest paid player in all of sports, which at the time was Kevin Garnett at $126 Million...his contract with the Rangers...10 Yrs $252 Million.

[Dark Donnie]

More Arod News

A-Rod a Mud Hen? Triple-A Toledo makes a playful offer


November 1, 2007

TOLEDO, Ohio (AP) -- Alex Rodriguez a Mud Hen?

Spurred by an offhand remark from George Steinbrenner's son, the Triple-A Toledo Mud Hens want in on the A-Rod sweepstakes.

ADVERTISEMENT



The Mud Hens playfully offered the prize free agent a deal Thursday -- a contract proposal that includes a bonus for hitting 75 home runs next year and leading them to 10 straight International League titles.

Rodriguez recently opted out of his $252 million, 10-year contract with the New York Yankees. That prompted Hank Steinbrenner, son of the Yankees owner, to tell the New York Times: "Does he want to go into the Hall of Fame as a Yankee, or a Toledo Mud Hen?"

The Mud Hens conjured up an offer to find out, said Jason Griffin, a spokesman for the Detroit Tigers' top farm team.

Toledo created a Hall of Fame plaque of Rodriguez wearing a Mud Hens hat and sent a letter to his agent, Scott Boras.

The deal stipulates that Rodriguez will have to compete for a spot with Toledo third basemen Mike Hessman, the league's most valuable player last season.

"Would your client be willing to play a different position?" the letter asked

[Fran]

So, Joel Zumaya is done.

[Jerry!]

For year? Or just the first half?

[Spidey-Bat]

First half

[Fran]

He'll never be good again. He just keeps doing stupid things to hurt himself.

[Spidey-Bat]

In his defense, who the hell thinks they can seriously hurt themselves playing Guitar Hero?

[Fran]

He must have been strumming real hard, or pushing the buttons INTO the guitar's neck. I'm a seasoned vet of GH, and I've never hurt myself playing the game.

[Spidey-Bat]

His finger injury last season seemed like a freak thing.

[Showtime]

HA HA HA. I was just talking about that guy.

Be careful Fran, you might not be able to post on The Hype if you hurt yourself.

[omid17]

how the hell did a rod dump a deal the was QB worth

[Spidey-Bat]

how the hell did a rod dump a deal the was QB worth

2 words: Massive Ego

(You could also go with Scott Boras).

[NewYorkSpider]

Teams I saw were

Frontrunners
Cubs
Angels

Tigers were another team mentioned

No Mets, Phillies or Dodgers

There is 10 to 12 teams that are intrested. The Cubs won't get him cause Sam Zell the owner of the Tribune Company is trying to sell the team. Plus, they wasted 300 mil on free agents last year.

The Angels and Dodgers are the frontrunners.

[NewYorkSpider]

Read this first. (http://forums.superherohype.com/showpost.php?p=13103581&postcount=1491)


Then read this. (http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news?slug=reu-seriesballdc&prov=reuters&type=lgns)

[Jerry!]

What Papelbon said didn't make much sense.

[Kingfish]

thats papelbon for you.

hes got it.

[Spidey-Bat]

What Papelbon said didn't make much sense.

"I don't know what happened to it," he said. "If I did have it I wouldn't tell anyone that I did."

How does that not make sense?

[Jerry!]

Well apparently they are looking for the ball, why not just hand it over if he has it?

[Kingfish]

um, cause he wants to keep it?

[Spidey-Bat]

"I don't know what happened to it,"
Is that part in a foreign language or can you just not read it?

[Kingfish]

i just happen to think that he still has it and just doesn't want anyone to know about it. do i believe he doesn't know where it is? hell no.

[Spidey-Bat]

It'll probably turn up in some college kid's freezer.

[Kingfish]

papelbon probaly lost it at a kegger

[Badger]

I said it back in the 2006 thread, I said it back in the 2007 thread, and I will say it again...THE PIRATES ARE GOING TO THE WORLD SERIES THIS YEAR! (or at least hopefully not tying the record for the most losing seasons in a row :csad:)

...and they are playing the KC Royals!!! :woot:

:csad:

[cyborg ninja 14]

A-Rod update: He still wants his new contract to have every bank in the world wire him X amount of $ per pay period

[Matt]

http://canadianpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5i7k0y2LfAuEIA6R8F0j2d-4Lf3wA

Great, a second rate minor league coach. Losing season record, here we come!

[Kingfish]

hey at least the pirates will tie a record with that losing season...

[Spidey-Bat]

I was looking through some articles on Yahoo and found this:
http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news;_ylt=Ai6NCaEerBs2phYNSLAlF7CFCLcF?slug=ap-worldseries-notebook&prov=ap&type=lgns

No ball flap this time. When Jonathan Papelbon struck out Seth Smith to end the World Series, catcher Jason Varitek tucked the ball in his back pocket. I'll give it back to the team," the Red Sox captain said. "Maybe we won't have a controversy this time."

Obviously a knock on Mientkiewicz (and deservingly so), but it seems he's the culprit of the mystery of the missing ball.

[Dodger]

Didn't the Winter Meetings start this Friday in, Orlando, Florida.? :huh:

[strikezone89]

I was looking through some articles on Yahoo and found this:
http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news;_ylt=Ai6NCaEerBs2phYNSLAlF7CFCLcF?slug=ap-worldseries-notebook&prov=ap&type=lgns



Obviously a knock on Mientkiewicz (and deservingly so), but it seems he's the culprit of the mystery of the missing ball.

lol i remember reading about that.

[NewYorkSpider]

Didn't the Winter Meetings start this Friday in, Orlando, Florida.? :huh:

I think they start in December.

[Matt]

hey at least the pirates will tie a record with that losing season...

:cmad:

[Spidey-Bat]

Didn't the Winter Meetings start this Friday in, Orlando, Florida.? :huh:

There's 2 meetings.

[Showtime]

I believe the GM meetings start tomorrow.

[Spidey-Bat]

November 5th-8th: GM Meetings in Orlando.

This is not the Winter Meetings. That is December 3rd-6th in Nashville.

BTW, when do they announce the regular-season awards (Cy Young, MVP, ROTY, etc.)?

[NewYorkSpider]

End of November

[Dodger]

November 5th-8th: GM Meetings in Orlando.

This is not the Winter Meetings. That is December 3rd-6th in Nashville.

BTW, when do they announce the regular-season awards (Cy Young, MVP, ROTY, etc.)?

Thanks, bro.

End of November

That seems way too long.

[Showtime]

That is ridiculous regarding the awards...

[Spidey-Bat]

It is too long. Way too long.

Let's pass the time by posting predictions:

American League
Cy Young: Josh Beckett
MVP: A-Rod
Rookie of the Year: Dustin Pedroia

National League
Cy Young: Jake Peavy
MVP: Matt Holliday
Rookie of the Year: Troy Tulowitzki

[Dodger]

Wow, the NL west does have a good chance to hold all of the hardware. Weak division? not anymore.

[Spidey-Bat]

It's weak hitting wise. It has very good pitching though. Central is the opposite. East has a good balance of both.

[cyborg ninja 14]

It is too long. Way too long.

Let's pass the time by posting predictions:

American League
Cy Young: Josh Beckett
MVP: A-Rod
Rookie of the Year: Dustin Pedroia

National League
Cy Young: Jake Peavy
MVP: Matt Holliday
Rookie of the Year: Troy Tulowitzki


Al
Cy Young: C.C. Sabathia
MVP: Self-Rod
ROY: Pedroia

NL
Cy Young: Jake Peavy
MVP: Matt Holliday
ROY: Ryan Braun

[DarthRekal]

Torre officialy Announced today :up:

[cyborg ninja 14]

Torre officialy Announced today :up:

Poor Scott Proctor:o

[DarthRekal]

Poor Scott Proctor:o
the dodgers actually have a pen.. :woot:

[cyborg ninja 14]

the dodgers actually have a pen.. :woot:

Still, Proctor, Beimel, and Saito should expect lots of work next year.

[NewYorkSpider]

Proctor is not a bad pitcher. He just couldn't handle the pressure of playing in New York.

[cyborg ninja 14]

Proctor is not a bad pitcher. He just couldn't handle the pressure of playing in New York.

The numbers improved for him in LA. Although, I think it has to do with differing park factors, and overall better hitters in the AL East as opposed to the NL West. Going from facing David Oritz to Eric Byrnes is a big difference.

[NewYorkSpider]

The numbers improved for him in LA. Although, I think it has to do with differing park factors, and overall better hitters in the AL East as opposed to the NL West. Going from facing David Oritz to Eric Byrnes is a big difference.

That's very true. Most of the teams in the NL West revolve around pitching than hitting. The Rockies won a lot of their games because they scored runs. The Giants, Padres and D-Backs don't hit a lot, but focus on pitching to win games. That's why Proctor has done a little better.

[DarthRekal]

Still, Proctor, Beimel, and Saito should expect lots of work next year.
We have Brox too :oldrazz:


if our rotation doesnt get injured like last year... he wont have to use our pen as much ... and i'd rather him pull out pitchers early then leave them in TOO long like grittles did :cmad:


http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/sp/getty/eb/fullj.getty-77620175sd001_los_angeles_d.jpg

[Dodger]

What a press conference! :D

Vin Scully brought out his A game. I swear, the man is a living legend. I loved how he joked with tommy Lasorda. It was great seeing those two goof around.

I always heard how classy Joe can be. I saw this when I saw the press conference. I went from doubting to loving the guy! He's charming, funny, and hearing him speak, I saw how he has that leadership aura about him. I really do feel like he will bring Pride and Honer back to the Dodgers.

Don Mattingly and Larry Bowa are coming. Don has a son in the Dodger farm system. I hope, Joe can convince Zimmer to come. He was a great Dodger back in the day. Come on Don, bleed dodger blue again!