Official 2009 MLB Thread

[Dark Donnie]

I was looking at last year w/ 305/371/497 for a 868.

[BlackLantern]

"Manny feeling ignored in free-agent marketBY KEN DAVIDOFF
December 11, 2008

Manny Ramirez is growing extremely upset about the lack of suitors for his services, so much so that he has told friends he would contemplate retirement if a suitable offer doesn't arrive soon, a person close to the situation told Newsday

If it can happen to Barry, it can happen to you too Manny....start compromising, like right now

[Excel]

"Manny feeling ignored in free-agent marketBY KEN DAVIDOFF
December 11, 2008

Manny Ramirez is growing extremely upset about the lack of suitors for his services, so much so that he has told friends he would contemplate retirement if a suitable offer doesn't arrive soon, a person close to the situation told Newsday

similar feeling to arod last season, and arod didnt sign till he bounced boras...why not get rid of that guy as your agent? than maybe teams will wanna talk to you :huh:

[Kingfish]

Or maybe he can go back in time and fix his god-awful personality. Erase all that horrendous and whiny behavior. Then maybe teams will really want to talk to him.

[Kingfish]

The Mets dump everyone's favorite left-hander.

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/8934082/D-Backs-acquire-reliever-Schoeneweis-from-Mets

[Nightmare]

Blowenweis to the Dbacks, Hopefully manny gets to beat up on him in the NL West.

[Dodger]

Manny should of just taken our offer and play his remaining days in the AL as a DH

[Caped Crusader]

Well Aj Burnett signed 5 yrs. 82 million with the Yanks.

rotation is looking good.

[Nightmare]

I thought AJ was pavano part 2?

[Spidey-Bat]

Well Aj Burnett signed 5 yrs. 82 million with the Yanks.

rotation is looking good.

Have fun watching the 14 games AJ Burnett will pitch this year.

In 3 years, Sabathia will be headed to San Francisco and AJ Burnett will be undergoing TJ surgery after making 40 starts for the Yankees over those 3 years.

[Caped Crusader]

lol.. oooo man

[Alex The Great]

Well Aj Burnett signed 5 yrs. 82 million with the Yanks.

rotation is looking good.
:csad:

Oh, the joy of being a Royals fan :waa:

[Spidey-Bat]

AJ Burnett facts:

His 2 seasons of 200+ IP have been in contract years (2005, 2008)
Despite an 18-10 record and 231 K's, he had the 5th most walks allowed (86), 10th highest earned runs allowed (100), and 4th highest wild pitches (11).
He's 32 years old and has an 87-76 record.
Other than 2008, his career high in wins is 12.
His career ERA+ is 111 (slightly above average)

Here are his DL trips
00-thumb ligament
01-right foot
02-acute bone bruise
03-right elbow (twice)
04-right elbow
06-right elbow (twice)
07-shoulder strain (twice)

How does this guy deserve $16.5M for 5 years?

[Caped Crusader]

:csad:

Oh, the joy of being a Royals fan :waa:

Can we work out a deal for David Dejesus? :woot:

[Alex The Great]

Looks like the Yankees are taking a risk. Here's hoping the Yanks get Yanked by AJ

[Kingfish]

Manny should of just taken our offer and play his remaining days in the AL as a DH

I'm not sure how that statement makes any kind of sense.

Burnett is no real prize with his injury-plaugued past.

[Alex The Great]

Can we work out a deal for David Dejesus? :woot:
Sure, Give us some secks and we have a deal :csad:

[Caped Crusader]

Sure, Give us some secks and we have a deal :csad:

:hehe:

[Captain Planet!]

How does this guy deserve $16.5M for 5 years?
He doesn't.

[ih8nyy]

He doesn't.

QFT.

That is ridiculous.

[Alex The Great]

:hehe:
:waa:

[FaT_tONle]

Have fun watching the 14 games AJ Burnett will pitch this year.

In 3 years, Sabathia will be headed to San Francisco and AJ Burnett will be undergoing TJ surgery after making 40 starts for the Yankees over those 3 years.

Yeah I don't know what the heck Cashman is thinking. Sabathia will be a workhorse but the velocity will go away eventually and he'll break down sooner than later. Hopefully they add the icing on the cake with Sheets.

[Kingfish]

Rockies non-tender Willy Tavares.

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/8934710/Rockies-allow-OF-Taveras-to-become-free-agent

[Showtime]

I think the Yankees are jealous that the Red Sox have become the Yankees, so they decided to go out and buy back their title of being the Yankees.

[FaT_tONle]

Watching baseball the past few years... I am convinced the Yanks won't win another championship until they comitt to their farm. They can spend all the money they want on these guys... A-Rod is not gonna get it done in the clutch... the pitching will never stay healthy... and they'll keep getting eliminated early in the playoffs. I feel the same about the Mets but they still have a relatively young nucleus, so I think they can put it together one of these years if the luck breaks their way for a change.

[Spidey-Bat]

I was looking at last year w/ 305/371/497 for a 868.

He hit worse against righties last year. He'll revert back to his career norms.

Signing him was not good. He'll be fine in 2009 but 2010 and 2011? He'll only get worse offensively and defensively. Plus they had to give up their first round pick. They would have been better off offering arbitration to Burrell. He's less likely to decline in the next 2 years.

[Kingfish]

Another notable non-tender.

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/8935092/Dodgers-allow-closer-Saito-to-test-free-agency

The Angels have finally presented an offer to Texeira. 8 years at least matching what the Nationals have offered.

[Silver Knight]

So where is Manny going to end up?

[BlackLantern]

So where is Manny going to end up?

some team that wants to overpay him and deal with his bull ****

[Silver Knight]

Any chance he ends up with the Yanks?

[BlackLantern]

Probably not....they just snatched up 2 pitchers for a **** load of money

[Spidey-Bat]

Any chance he ends up with the Yanks?

If they don't get Teixeira, I wouldn't rule it out.

[Dark Donnie]

He hit worse against righties last year. He'll revert back to his career norms.

Signing him was not good. He'll be fine in 2009 but 2010 and 2011? He'll only get worse offensively and defensively. Plus they had to give up their first round pick. They would have been better off offering arbitration to Burrell. He's less likely to decline in the next 2 years.

He does have a cannon for an arm though

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v232/12398/28akex2.gif


:lmao:

[Silver Knight]

Probably not....they just snatched up 2 pitchers for a **** load of money

If they don't get Teixeira, I wouldn't rule it out.
Cheers guys.

[The Reaper]

Now that the Braves have lost out on the AJ Burnett race, which starts do you think they should try to secure via free agency or trade this off season?

Also which power bat do you think they should aquire?

I say Adam Dunn while he may be the strikeout king, he hits 40 hr a year consistently. Dunn and Burell have similar numbers but, I'd rather have an extra few strikeouts by Dunn and have 10 more hr per year.

What are your guys thoughts?

[Silver Knight]

He does have a cannon for an arm though

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v232/12398/28akex2.gif


:lmao:
Ohh my! What on earth?!?!

[BlackLantern]

From a Mets fan...the Atlanta Braves can die screaming....Welcome to the Hype, Reaper

[The Reaper]

I'll stick with my fourth place Braves who had 14 straight division titles over the Meltdown Mets anyday!

[Dr. Evil]

Tex will probably take the Anaheim deal.

[Spidey-Bat]

I'll stick with my fourth place Braves who had 14 straight division titles over the Meltdown Mets anyday!

The Braves have had meltdowns. Didn't you watch the Braves in the playoffs from 1996 to 2005?

[The Reaper]

I did watch the playoffs from 1996 to 2005. Trust me it is painful being a Braves fan most of the times but, atleast they have never choked themselves out of the playoffs with a week to go. Mets have had a playoff bid in the bag the last two years and have choked in the final hours to October twice now.

[BlackLantern]

It's a matter of what hurts less, losing out on a playoff spot at the end of the season or making it into the playoffs and getting knocked out early....

[Spidey-Bat]

The Braves have choked the last 2 seasons, too. They just do it in May.

[Captain Planet!]

Good riddance Daniel Cabrera! *throws party*

[Spidey-Bat]

He could be a good reliever if he just threw his fastball and slider.

[The Reaper]

The Braves are a mid-market team. The team has cut payroll significantly since Ted Turner sold them a few years ago. The Mets however, spend like wildfire and can't even make it to the playoffs.

We could go back and forth all day long...however, if you were the Braves GM which bat would you pick up and which pitchers would you pick up this offseason to make the team a playoff contender?

[Spidey-Bat]

The Braves are a mid-market team. The team has cut payroll significantly since Ted Turner sold them a few years ago. The Mets however, spend like wildfire and can't even make it to the playoffs.

We could go back and forth all day long...however, if you were the Braves GM which bat would you pick up and which pitchers would you pick up this offseason to make the team a playoff contender?

They went 72-90 last year. They'd need a lot to be a contender in a tough division. They're better off just starting from scratch.

[Captain Planet!]

He could be a good reliever if he just threw his fastball and slider.
We gave him every chance possible. The guy was doing good early in the season, but completely fell apart... it was time for him to go. Plus, he's set to make 5 mil next year, and he drinks a lot and usually stays out at clubs until 4 AM the night before he pitches.

I wish him luck and hope he has some success with whoever wants him, but I'm glad he's gone.

[Excel]

Another notable non-tender.

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/8935092/Dodgers-allow-closer-Saito-to-test-free-agency

The Angels have finally presented an offer to Texeira. 8 years at least matching what the Nationals have offered.

Good god, I dont even wanan think about what Theo is gonna offer him. 10 year, 230 million?

[Kingfish]

He'll never go that high. There's no reason for him to get even close to that.

[Spidey-Bat]

If Theo would have to be an idiot to offer that much......or Brian Cashman.

[Showtime]

Good riddance Daniel Cabrera! *throws party*

He could be a good reliever if he just threw his fastball and slider.

I was hoping the Red Sox would take a chance on him.

Good god, I dont even wanan think about what Theo is gonna offer him. 10 year, 230 million?

That will never happen.

[Kingfish]

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/8938696/Report:-Mets-owner-victimized-in-Wall-St.-scam

Ha-ha?

[Excel]

He'll never go that high. There's no reason for him to get even close to that.

epstien paid 52 just to talk to dice k; gave lugo 10 million a season, and drew 15. he sees texiera as a keystone to the franchise; if he wants him, hell pay him whatever he wants

I feel bad for the washington nationals; they probably thought they made an offer he couldnt refuse.

[Kingfish]

Again, they'll never offer him that much, because there is no reason to offer him that much. He won't just randomly top the high bid by 70 million for no reason. Whoever comes out on top in this thing, I don't see the high bid going above 180 million. I don't doubt that Theo likes to throw obscene amounts of money at crap, but the chances of him going to that ridiculous offer you suggested are exactly zero.

Oh, and your deep and moving sympathy for one of the "lesser" franchises is duly noted.

[Captain Planet!]

Rumor is that Tex is going to the Ravens game with O's owner Peter Angelos today, and that they have a 9 year $180 mil offer on the table and Tex might be in town to take a physical.

If this is true:

YEEESSSSSSSSS!!!!

:woot:

[Spidey-Bat]

I hope he goes to the Orioles.

[Captain Planet!]

I hope that it's really because he's coming here... And not just because he's using us to get good seats to a game he really wanted to see.

[Spidey-Bat]

He's not going to the game as a guest of Angelos'

http://masnsports.com/2008/12/denials-all-around.html

[Captain Planet!]

He's not going to the game as a guest of Angelos'

http://masnsports.com/2008/12/denials-all-around.html
Goddamn it. Hopefully they're just lying to try to keep it quiet.

These are the same guys that last year were telling us the day before Bedard was traded that no deals were imminent.

[Dr. Evil]

World Baseball Classic = Fail

[Kingfish]

Rumor is that Tex is going to the Ravens game with O's owner Peter Angelos today, and that they have a 9 year $180 mil offer on the table and Tex might be in town to take a physical.

If this is true:

YEEESSSSSSSSS!!!!

:woot:

Doesn't look true.

Rumors began flying around that free agent first baseman Mark Teixeira would be attending the Ravens vs. Steelers matchup Sunday as a guest of Peter Angelos, then taking a physical for the O's on Monday

The rumors made their way to ESPN's Sportscenter Sunday morning, but Teixeira was never spotted at M&T during the football game. The credibility of the rumor, which may have been started by a caller to WBAL 1090, is in doubt because the O's denied its validity and Peter Angelos is not a regular guest at M&T Bank Stadium.

No word on whether or not Tex was expected to sport a terrible towel.

[NewYorkSpider]

It seem Pettitte has a 3yr, $36M from some team. The only two teams I can think of would be the Astros or the Dodgers.

[Spidey-Bat]

Doesn't look true.

I already posted that. God you're so 24 hours ago.

[FaT_tONle]

World Baseball Classic = Fail

When are they playing that garbage? I think the best way to do a World Baseball Classic is just to have American vs international players... play a seven game series. The sport isn't as global as soccer/basketball. Plus they should use mostly young, less recognizable players to get people more excited. Right now it's a bunch of old players getting together to play every other year.... if they had meaningful global competition every year then it would mean something. That's the next step. But the regular season is way too long as it is and there is no time for MLB ball players to be doing double duty. Go to the format I proposed or let it rest.

[Spidey-Bat]

WBC is just more time for players to get injured. I hope the Mets don't allow any of their players to play.

[Nightmare]

It seem Pettitte has a 3yr, $36M from some team. The only two teams I can think of would be the Astros or the Dodgers.

Read that same thing, but doesnt look like a concrete rumor. Doubt any team would be dumb enough to offer pettite that and if they did, he would of took it in a second.

[Dodger]

Read that same thing, but doesnt look like a concrete rumor. Doubt any team would be dumb enough to offer pettite that and if they did, he would of took it in a second.

the dodgers are dumb enough

[Nightmare]

They may be reluctant to do that now, learning from Schmidt.

[Spidey-Bat]

I doubt Pettitte's offer is true. If it were, he would take it b/c he's not going to get that from any other team.

[Kingfish]

I already posted that. God you're so 24 hours ago.

So I like to kick Orioles fans around when they're down. Sue me.

[Spidey-Bat]

So I like to kick Orioles fans around when they're down. Sue me.

I've already called my lawyer.

[Kingfish]

I've already called my lawyer.

I suggest this guy.

OuoLNz3MlcA

[Spidey-Bat]

Psh, I'm using Jackie Chiles.

[Kingfish]

Your loss. Larry H. Parker got me 2.1 million dollars for someone sneezing in my general direction.

[Spidey-Bat]

Jackie Chiles got me $3M for a guy who winked at me. He claimed he had an eyelash in his eye. Yeah right :rolleyes:

[ih8nyy]

This new look to SHH is freakin me out man!

[NewYorkSpider]

This new look to SHH is freakin me out man!

Back on April Fools in '07, they had pink and green the whole day. :csad:

[Spidey-Bat]

Back on April Fools in '07, they had pink and green the whole day. :csad:

That was awful. I'm glad I was gone most of that day.

[Dodger]

I don't want to change to the other skin because those be Giant colors. :cmad:

[Kingfish]

Looks like somebody picked a new team.

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/8947764/Source:-Furcal-to-sign-with-Braves

Dodgers better ramp those Jack Wilson trade rumors back up.

[ih8nyy]

Jackie Chiles got me $3M for a guy who winked at me. He claimed he had an eyelash in his eye. Yeah right :rolleyes:

"You put the balm on? Who told you to put the balm on?"

[ih8nyy]

46 year old Jamie Moyer will cont. to grow old in Philly.

Jamie Moyer agreed yesterday to a two-year, $13 million contract that keeps the 46-year-old left-hander with the World Series champion Phillies.

Philadelphia also confirmed it has a preliminary agreement with free agent righty Chan Ho Park on a one-year deal worth $2.5 million. And on a busy day of Phillies news, All-Star second baseman Chase Utley said he is recovering well from hip surgery and hopes to be ready for the season opener.

Moyer was 16-7 with a 3.71 ERA in 33 starts last season. He is 35-21 with a 4.33 ERA in 74 starts since the Phillies acquired him from Seattle in August 2006, and the Souderton, Pa., native has 246 career wins.

“I’m sure if you ask Jamie, he’ll say that he will play out a few more contracts,” Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said. “I know on paper it probably says this is his last contract, but it will be fun to see how it plays out.”

source bostonherald.com

[Spidey-Bat]

Teixeira is apparently close to making a decision.

[ih8nyy]

Teixeira is apparently close to making a decision.

Yeah I heard that a little while ago on the radio. No shortage of options from what they say either.

[Spidey-Bat]

It's either the Angels, Red Sox, Orioles, or Nationals

[Dodger]

So what the **** is going on with Raffy? I heard the deal to the Braves is done but then again I hear it's not and that the Dodgers are still in the running?

I would love to have Raffy back but back problems never really go away and can flare up at anytime. Anything more than 1 year is risky.

[Captain Planet!]

It's either the Angels, Red Sox, Orioles, or Nationals
The Orioles can NOT let the Gnats sign him. They might as well start selling Nationals gear and tickets at Camden Yards if that happens.

[ih8nyy]

The Orioles can NOT let the Gnats sign him. They might as well start selling Nationals gear and tickets at Camden Yards if that happens.

Well considering he said he wants to win would exclude both of them from the running.

[Silver Knight]

Teixeira will end up with the Yanks I think.

[Dark Donnie]

It's Buster Olney but....

Mark Teixeira-1B-Angels Dec. 17 - 10:29 am et

Buster Olney of ESPN reports that the Orioles are unlikely to sign Mark Teixeira after failing to improve their initial offer.

According to Olney, the Red Sox, Nationals and Angels have all made proposals to Teixeira that top the Orioles' offer. Boston has indicated that going beyond eight years for Teixeira is not an option, which could give the Angels or Nationals the upper hand.
Source: ESPN.com

[Kingfish]

The inability of Rafael Furcal to make a decision is getting a bit annoying.

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/8947764/Agent:-Furcal-%27swinging-back-toward-Dodgers%27

[Spidey-Bat]

Furcal has become one of my most hated players now.

[Showtime]

Teixeira will end up with the Yanks I think.

Most likely the Red Sox.

[NewYorkSpider]

Teixeira will end up with the Yanks I think.

I think he'll sign with the Angels.

[Kingfish]

I think he'll sign with the Angels.

I wish I was as confident as you.

[Spidey-Bat]

If he goes to Boston, I wonder what happens to Lowell. White Sox, Twins, and Astros have holes at 3B.

[Silver Knight]

I hope he does not go Boston.

There is strong talk Manny will sign with the Angels.

[NewYorkSpider]

I hope he does not go Boston.

There is strong talk Manny will sign with the Angels.

The Angels will definetly sign Manny if they don't get Teixera. Yankees will probably sign Manny if the Angels get Teixera. All the dominios will start to fall here in the next week or so.


Furcal chooses the Dodgers.

[Spidey-Bat]

I don't think the Yankees are very interested in Teixeira. He'd require twice as long of a commitment as Manny.

[NewYorkSpider]

I don't think the Yankees are very interested in Teixeira. He'd require twice as long of a commitment as Manny.

They shouldn't be too interested in Teixera. They've got Swisher set for 1st base. I actually would like to see the Yankees sign Manny so Nady can move to right field. Johnny Damon can't run after the ball if his life depended on it. If they were to do all that then Damon can either split time with Gardner in CF, or the Yankees can trade him away. I prefer the latter part.

[Spidey-Bat]

Nady was going to have to play RF. Matsui or Damon would have to play LF and Nady cannot play CF.

[NewYorkSpider]

But I heard they were moving Damon to right field and keeping Nady at left. :huh: I'm can't remember where I heard it from.

[cyborg ninja 14]

At this point in the Teixeria sweepstakes, I hope he signs with the Nats to piss everyone off.

[Dark Donnie]

Sounds like Tex is going to Boston

Report: Red Sox nearing deal with Teixeira


Teixeira
SportsCenter 5's Mike Lynch is reporting that Red Sox owner John Henry, CEO Larry Lucchino and GM Theo Epstein are in Texas meeting with Scott Boras, the agent for Mark Teixeira, and are hoping to close a deal late Thursday or Friday.
It is a Boston-based report, so perhaps there's some wishful thinking going on here. Still, it wouldn't be that much of a surprise if it's going down just like Lynch says. The Red Sox were reportedly around $180 million for eight years in their offer to Teixeira. Dec. 18 - 6:24 pm et
Source: Channel 5 Boston

[Nightmare]

Somewhere Kingfish just let out a tear.

[Raiden]

Angels can't win the Teixeira sweepstake because he really wants to play in the East Coast, and given that Angels won't offer higher than 8 years (which is what BoSox is offering), Teixeira will choose Red Sox over Angels due to geography. This means that Angels might try to sign Manny as a result to boost their middle lineup, which means more suitors for Manny (and it will make Scott Boras very happy).

[BlackLantern]

don't know if this is old but ESPN is reporting that Furcal has signed a 3 yr deal with the Dodgers

[Nightmare]

Angels can't win the Teixeira sweepstake because he really wants to play in the East Coast, and given that Angels won't offer higher than 8 years (which is what BoSox is offering), Teixeira will choose Red Sox over Angels due to geography. This means that Angels might try to sign Manny as a result to boost their middle lineup, which means more suitors for Manny (and it will make Scott Boras very happy).

Sign Manny or trade for Peavy.

Also, if the Sox signed tex. I would think it would be the Yankees who would go after Manny hard.

[ih8nyy]

Sign Manny or trade for Peavy.

Also, if the Sox signed tex. I would think it would be the Yankees who would go after Manny hard.

Go for Peavy. Manny is a whole bunch of headaches you don't wanna deal with. It should have been called "Manny being a Malcontent."

[Spidey-Bat]

or Manny being a douchebag.

[ih8nyy]

or Manny being a douchebag.

:up:

Don't get me wrong, love the guys skills, but he's just an idiot.

[The Reaper]

Furcal did the Braves dirty! Wren or the Braves will no longer due business with Kinzer or Tellem.

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2008/12/braves-wont-be.html

[ih8nyy]

Furcal did the Braves dirty! Wren or the Braves will no longer due business with Kinzer or Tellem.

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2008/12/braves-wont-be.html

Yeah that was pretty piss poor on their part. Even Scott Boras wouldn't do that.

[Showtime]

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3780408

Boras has told teams in recent days that he's "getting close" to resolution in Teixeira's negotiations, and Teixeira was quoted this week as saying he hoped for a conclusion by Christmas. A rival executive involved in the negotiations believes that a Red Sox deal with Teixeira will fall in the range of eight years, for a salary of about $22 million a year.

I just heard 8 years for 184 million.

[Captain Planet!]

All I want for Christmas is a Mark Teixeira Baltimore road jersey.

[Spidey-Bat]

Try ordering a custom jersey with 23, 24, or 25 as the number.

[Captain Planet!]

Try ordering a custom jersey with 23, 24, or 25 as the number.
Can't order custom jerseys of active players not currently on the roster or Hall Of Fame players. But I don't think you can order customized 2009 jerseys yet anyway.

[RogueDK]

:up:

Don't get me wrong, love the guys skills, but he's just an idiot.
Every sport has their version of Terrell Owens...or whichever one came first. :whatever:

[NewYorkSpider]

Looks the Red Sox are out of the Teixera deal.

[Spidey-Bat]

Can't order custom jerseys of active players not currently on the roster or Hall Of Fame players. But I don't think you can order customized 2009 jerseys yet anyway.

You can actually order a Teixeira 24 one.

[Kingfish]

Somewhere Kingfish just let out a tear.

I'd like him back but it's hardly the end of the world for me if he leaves. I'll just boo the **** out of him whenever he shows up in his Sawk jersey.

However, it should be noted that the Boston Herald and other regional media have practically had him signed there for the last month. I'll wait until the official announcement to react one way or another.

Looks the Red Sox are out of the Teixera deal.

I really wish you'd explain that statement or provide some kind of source.

[Nightmare]

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

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

[NewYorkSpider]

I really wish you'd explain that statement or provide some kind of source.

Merry Christmas. I got excited and forgot to post a source. :o

Teixeira (http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/extras/extra_bases/2008/12/henry_we_are_no.html)

[Kingfish]

Wow. I'm a little stunned at that. Happy, but stunned none the less.

Hopefully, that means the Angels 8 year offer for an undisclosed amount of money was higher.

Or, it could just be a Boras scheme that backfired. You never know.

[Spidey-Bat]

I think it's between the Orioles and Angels. I can't see either team letting the ****ing Nationals outbid them.

[NewYorkSpider]

The Red Sox had the best deal out there. I'm a little stunned as well hearing this from Henry. The thing that gets me is that he said after hearing his other offers. Another team must have offered more money. It has to be the Angels, unless the Orioles made a huge offer.

[Spidey-Bat]

The Red Sox had the best deal out there. I'm a little stunned as well hearing this from Henry. The thing that gets me is that he said after hearing his other offers. Another team must have offered more money. It has to be the Angels, unless the Orioles made a huge offer.

That we know of.

The Orioles play their cards close to their chest. They said Bedard won't be traded. Next day, he's traded to Seattle. I think they are going hard after him because he is the savior of their franchise.

[Dark Donnie]

I thought The Nats had 8 Years close to 200 Million. I thought that was the best deal.

[Kingfish]

The Angels are the only team where we never heard the monetary value. Right now I assume that it's the high bid, but who knows. This has at least given me a little bit of optimism going forward.

[ih8nyy]

The Red Sox had the best deal out there. I'm a little stunned as well hearing this from Henry. The thing that gets me is that he said after hearing his other offers. Another team must have offered more money. It has to be the Angels, unless the Orioles made a huge offer.

Or Boras is telling the Sox that they have another offer for X amount when there really is no other offer. Ala Johnny Damon and the "6 Year deal" that was supposed to be out there, then he signs with the Skanks for 4 years cause there was no 6 year offer. So they could be calling his bluff. But if Tex goes to the Nats all the talk about "Winning is a big factor" can go right out the window. Enjoy being a big fish in a small pond.

The Angels can't afford to let him go. The Red Sox can, as they can hope that Papi & Lowell come back healthy next season. Plus they have a legit prospect in Lars Anderson who is going to be a big power bat in the future. And since the Sox have a very good track record with developing talent, I don't see it as that big a deal.

Don't get me wrong, I would love to have this guy as he has all the tools (hence the reason the Sox drafted him in the first place 10 years ago). But if all reports are true the Sox offer was the highest, then Boras is trying to get them to bid against themselves like the Skanks did with Chubby Checker.

[ih8nyy]

Of course another thing that could be going on here is that Boras is looking for an opt out after 3 years or something. Which in the Sox eyes is a complete deal breaker. They will never put that in a contract.

[Kingfish]

The Angels have re-signed Juan Rivera to a three year deal. Won't keep them from pursuing Texeira but it almost certainly ends any chance they had of bringing back Garret Anderson. So, kind of a bummer.

Or Manny Ramirez. Which is the opposite of a bummer.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3782150

[Showtime]

Juan Riviera? Surprised.

[Showtime]

I think it's between the Orioles and Angels. I can't see either team letting the ****ing Nationals outbid them.

The Red Sox are calling Boras' bluff.

[Captain Planet!]

Twas the week before Christmas and all through the state
Not an O’s fan was sleeping, they all stayed up late
Their houses had lights and a tree and a crèche
But all they kept doing was hitting “refresh”.

The Yanks got Sabathia, now what could be fairer
Than signing their own home town boy Mark Teixeira
And I, in the warehouse, in my O’s jacket and cap
Was looking for Severna Park on a map

When out in the Yard , there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from my desk to see what was the matter
Away to the window I flew like a flash
But I couldn’t see well over the big piles of cash

The moon on the breast of the manicured grass
Gave off ghostly images of stars from the past
There’s Gus Triandos, and Brooksie, and Earl
Frank Robinson, Dempsey, Jim Palmer and Cal

When what to my wondering eyes did appear,
But a stocky ballplayer in St.Michael’s Boy’s gear.
From his pigeon-toed walk, and his face full of youth
I knew in a moment that it was Babe Ruth!

His eyes how they twinkled, (though they were a bit bleary)
His belly was big and his outlook quite cheery.
He had dirt on his jersey, his face held a grin
He looked like he knew just how great he had been

He was looking right at me as he reached into his sack
And pulled out a signed and sealed baseball contract
His said nothing at all, but his eyes, they conveyed

It was time to unmake the mistakes I have made
To rebuild the proud franchise that had so blessed the town
To restore the fine legacy that he’d handed down
That had been such a joy on the shores of the Bay
That had lifted all hearts every opening day

I looked at the contract and saw Teixeira’s name
And others behind it, all signed just the same
Extensions for Roberts and also for Nick
All neatly completed , now that’s quite a trick!

Then, pointing towards center, the Babe started to rise
And flew over the scoreboard and up to the skies
But he turned ‘ere he vanished, and exclaimed as he rose:
Merry Christmas to all… And How Bout Dem O’s!

[Showtime]

Well played. Nice.

[BlackLantern]

is Tex from Baltimore?? I did not know that....

[Showtime]

He didn't either.

[Dark Donnie]

Report: Angels pull offer to Teixeira


Teixeira
The Angels on Sunday afternoon withdrew their offer to Mark Teixeira and do not intend to continue negotiations with his agent, a source close to the negotiations told Yahoo! Sports' Tim Brown.
Huge news if true, and FOXSports.com's Ken Rosenthal is also reporting it. The Angels weren't the high bidders for Teixeira, but they were the one team agent Scott Boras had the best chance of playing against the Red Sox. This could provide motivation for Teixeira and Boston to get a deal done quickly. However, there's always the possibility that the Yankees will trump all offers. Dec. 21 - 6:34 pm et
Source: Yahoo! Sports

[Showtime]

Well played Boras.

[Kingfish]

Sigh. Figured it was coming, but it still kinda sucks. Tex is a mercenary, nothing more. He'll end up in Boston, but I really hope he doesn't. Go sign with Washington or Baltimore. Get paid lots of money to finish in fourth.

Hopefully, the Angels act quickly on Adam Dunn now. Offense needs someone badly, Morales and Rivera are not going to be able to replace Tex and Anderson.

[Showtime]

The problem is, Angels needed him more than the Red Sox. They should have stopped at nothing to get him in my opinion.

[Kingfish]

They must of gotten the distinct impression that they would have to overpay significantly to get him back on this coast. Otherwise, not much point in pulling your offer. Until Boston inevitably comes back, they would have had at least matched the high offer from the Nationals. Either that, or they just decided not to wait any further on someone else. In all likelihood, though, Boras is just gonna drag this thing out even further, trying to get the Yankees seriously involved.

[FaT_tONle]

Unbelievable the Angels can't get this thing done. If the Yankees bring this guy in I will be pissed... watch them add both Tex and Manny... their bench would be Swisher, Damon, Matsui... with Manny DHing... I'll stop being a baseball fan if that happens.

[Showtime]

That would be pretty awesome to watch though.

[Kingfish]

The uproar against the Yankees would be immense. The laughter when they still ultimately failed would be deafening.

[Showtime]

I encourage it. I hope the Yankees keep spending millions on overweight, middle age, and injury proned players instead of building their farm system.

[NewYorkSpider]

:csad:

[Captain Planet!]

Our chances just improved. :cool::up:

By the way, If anyone evers wants to see the 2008 Orioles play, go see a Nats game. So far they have Danny "The Master Control" Cabrera and Freddy "Homer Hittin'" Bynum.

[Kingfish]

I'd be glad to see him go to Baltimore now. As long as he's in fourth place or lower, I'll be happy.

[Showtime]

Our chances just improved. :cool::up:

By the way, If anyone evers wants to see the 2008 Orioles play, go see a Nats game. So far they have Danny "The Master Control" Cabrera and Freddy "Homer Hittin'" Bynum.

I'd be glad to see him go to Baltimore now. As long as he's in fourth place or lower, I'll be happy.

I think Cabrera was a good pick up actually. He is a project, but who knows.

[Captain Planet!]

I'd be glad to see him go to Baltimore now. As long as he's in fourth place or lower, I'll be happy.
Next year, he will be in 4th. The next 7 years... maybe not. If Jones, Wieters, Arrieta, Matusz, Tillman, Hernandez, and to a lesser extent Erbe, Reimold and Snyder mature as expected, we could put up a real fight for many, many years. Heck, maybe even Rad-Ee-Muss Leez (Radhames Liz) can get his control under control, and Nick Markickass is still only 25.

[Captain Planet!]

I think Cabrera was a good pick up actually. He is a project, but who knows.
He is not worth $2.6 Million, Maybe $400 K, but not $2.6 mil. The guy is 27 years old, and he hasn't improved AT ALL. Maybe its a good pick-up for the Nationals, but is not saying much. Plus, the guy is the worst batter I have ever seen in my life... Thank God they show Nationals' games on MASN, I might have to watch him trying to bat. I wouldn't be surprised if he hits .002! :funny:

The only team he was good against was the Yankees, which I don't think will come in handy in the NL East.

[Kingfish]

Next year, he will be in 4th. The next 7 years... maybe not. If Jones, Wieters, Arrieta, Matusz, Tillman, Hernandez, and to a lesser extent Erbe, Reimold and Snyder mature as expected, we could put up a real fight for many, many years. Heck, maybe even Rad-Ee-Muss Leez (Radhames Liz) can get his control under control, and Nick Markickass is still only 25.

That's a hell of a lot of guys to be expecting a hell of a lot out of in order to even approach being competitive with the four teams in the AL East that are clearly better then them now. And even if they manage to get close, you really think they're gonna pay them?

[Captain Planet!]

That's a hell of a lot of guys to be expecting a hell of a lot out of in order to even approach being competitive with the four teams in the AL East that are clearly better then them now. And even if they manage to get close, you really think they're gonna pay them?
I know they won't all pan out, and I know they won't all stay here. But I don't think its that far-fetched to expect/hope that Jones, Wieters, Tillman, Arrieta and Matusz to become good players that we can keep here in Baltimore.

I think we might actually have a chance to contend from 2011-2015.

[cyborg ninja 14]

Ok, let's take bets on this Tex thing. Anyone want to put anything down on the Nats, O's? Bo-Sox? Yanks?

[Spidey-Bat]

I say 51% Orioles, 49% Red Sox

[Showtime]

He is not worth $2.6 Million, Maybe $400 K, but not $2.6 mil. The guy is 27 years old, and he hasn't improved AT ALL. Maybe its a good pick-up for the Nationals, but is not saying much. Plus, the guy is the worst batter I have ever seen in my life... Thank God they show Nationals' games on MASN, I might have to watch him trying to bat. I wouldn't be surprised if he hits .002! :funny:

The only team he was good against was the Yankees, which I don't think will come in handy in the NL East.

No he wasnt' worth 2.6 million but if they tinker with this guy he might make some noise. He would have been a better fit buried in the 5th spot of contending team like the Red Sox in my opinion.

[cyborg ninja 14]

I say 51% Orioles, 49% Red Sox

33% Nats, 33% O's, 33% Bo-Sox, 1% Angels.

[Kingfish]

Looks like the Nationals are getting even more aggressive now that the Angels are out.

http://losangeles.angels.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20081222&content_id=3726341&vkey=hotstove2008&fext=.jsp

I really hope he goes there now. And that he enjoys his slightly higher stack of money while sitting in fourth place for the next decade.

[Spidey-Bat]

Fifth place, actually.

[Kingfish]

Even better.

(Seriously, why do the Nationals want him again?)

[Silver Knight]

So Manny to the Yanks is close to happening?

[Kingfish]

Not even. Manny has already said he won't seriously consider offers until after Mark Teixeira signs. Also, his claims that the Yankees will just give him a three-year contract are completely bogus. He'll be out there for a while longer.

[Silver Knight]

Interesting, I still think he will end up in NY.

[Showtime]

Done deal. Tex should be announced today for the Red Sox.

[Spidey-Bat]

I never want to hear a Boras client talk about wanting to play for his hometown team ever again.

[Dark Donnie]

I never want to hear a Boras client talk about wanting to play for his hometown team ever again.

Agreed....Tex/Boras are frauds.

[Spidey-Bat]

Maddux was the only Boras client who had any control over where he went. If Tex wanted to play for the Orioles so much, he should have hired a new agency and signed with them.

He's also a hypocrite now since he was pissed at the Red Sox (who drafted him out of HS).



On an unrelated note, MLB 09 The Show will let you record custom crowd chants. How many "STER-OIDS!" chants will people make?
http://kotaku.com/5116651/mlb-09-lets-you-record-custom-crowd-chants

[Caped Crusader]

Guys got some news :)

According to the ESPN ticker
Buster Olney is reporting that the Yanks are now discussing contract numbers for Tex with Boras.

[ih8nyy]

Guys got some news :)

According to the ESPN ticker
Buster Olney is reporting that the Yanks are now discussing contract numbers for Tex with Boras.

I am willing to bet this is how that conversation is going.

Boras: (Crossing fingers behind his back) "The Red Sox last offer was for 15 years and 350 Million. If you want him you have to beat that number"

Cashman: "That's it? Let me call Hank first and make sure it's enough. He may want to pay him more."

[Dark Donnie]

Nationals are involved as well

[Caped Crusader]

I am willing to bet this is how that conversation is going.

Boras: (Crossing fingers behind his back) "The Red Sox last offer was for 15 years and 350 Million. If you want him you have to beat that number"

Cashman: "That's it? Let me call Hank first and make sure it's enough. He may want to pay him more."

lmao. wouldnt doubt it

[ih8nyy]

Nationals are involved as well

Conversation Continued.

Cashman: "Hank says 350 Million for 15 years is a go."

Boras: (Crossing Fingers behind back) "Not so fast, the Nationals are offering 400 Million for 16 years. I swear to God."

Cashman: "Let me check with Hank again."

[Caped Crusader]

:funny::funny:

[Spidey-Bat]

Conversation Continued.

Cashman: "Hank says 350 Million for 15 years is a go."

Boras: (Crossing Fingers behind back) "Not so fast, the Nationals are offering 400 Million for 16 years. I swear to God."

Cashman: "Let me check with Hank again."

Cashman: Hank said he'd give 20 years and $400M. He'd also give him his share of the Yankees after Teixeira retired.

[Showtime]

All this Yankees stuff is just Boras making some calls and using these media puppets as mouth pieces.

[ih8nyy]

Cashman: Hank said he'd give 20 years and $400M. He'd also give him his share of the Yankees after Teixeira retired.

Boras: "Sorry but the Red Sox offer was higher. He gets 21 years at 420 million. Plus he gets Luccino's stake in the Red Sox and 25% of NESN. You gotta beat that."

[ih8nyy]

All this Yankees stuff is just Boras making some calls and using these media puppets as mouth pieces.

Scott Boras would never do anything like that. I bet you think he'd announce his top client was opting out of his contract during the 8th inning of the 4th game of a World Series sweep.

http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg277/cpoconnor/aheathosnap.png

[Showtime]

Looks like this Yankees story has more legs then originally thought...

[Dodger]

I don't have a link beacuase I can't find one. I just saw this on ESPN while I was watching Outside The Lines on the bottom line.


Buster Olney is repoting that Mark Teixera has signed a 8 year 170 million with the MOTHER ****ING YANKEEES!

I hate you so much Yankees. I hope all you rich mother ****ers never win a world series.

[ih8nyy]

It has to have an opt out clause in it and this doesn't shock me one bit.

[Showtime]

There is a no trade clause.

[Mister J]

Jeebus. The Yankees are on a spending spree.

[ih8nyy]

Edit: What Showtime Said.

You must be listening to WEEI too.

[ih8nyy]

Jeebus. The Yankees are on a spending spree.

Did they, or did they not ask for public assistance to finish off the new Stadium?

[Spidey-Bat]

I guess Nick Swisher or Xavier Nady are headed out of town.

[Showtime]

Edit: What Showtime Said.

You must be listening to WEEI too.

It runs over my office phone line when I press 1. :cwink:

[ih8nyy]

It runs over my office phone line when I press 1. :cwink:

:up:

[Spidey-Bat]

The Yankees make me really hate baseball. But this only makes it better when they fail to win a playoff series.

[Excel]

****.

Well atleast now Manny wont be signing with them....right?

But this only makes it better when they fail to win a playoff series.

Yup.

[Darthphere]

Yeah, I don't know why anyone would want to play for the Yankees. Sure, the money is awesome, but is it really worth being miserable your whole time there?

[Mister J]

Did they, or did they not ask for public assistance to finish off the new Stadium?
I've read where there have been inquiries on that concerning possible violation of federal tax regulations, state legislators griping that it's siphoning money away from dire public needs, as well as the Yankees pulling the relocation card in furtherance of securing the additional funds. Now I don't know how much of that is rambling speculation, but following this thing is an adventure unto itself.

The four highest paid players on one roster? The pressure is near unfathomable.

[ih8nyy]

Well atleast now Manny wont be signing with them....right?

I wouldn't be surprised if they offered Manny a contract. They already have the 4 highest paid players. Why not make it five?

[Spidey-Bat]

I've read where there have been inquiries on that concerning possible violation of federal tax regulations, state legislators griping that it's siphoning money away from dire public needs, as well as the Yankees pulling the relocation card in furtherance of securing the additional funds. Now I don't know how much of that is rambling speculation, but following this thing is an adventure unto itself.

The four highest paid players on one roster? The pressure is near unfathomable.

That's an empty threat. If the Yankees moved, they would be losing so much money. New York is the ONLY city that can support them. If they moved, they would have to trade so many players to lighten payroll. They could never maintain a $200M payroll in cities like Charlotte, Portland, or Indianapolis.

[Showtime]

The Yankees make me really hate baseball. But this only makes it better when they fail to win a playoff series.

I think it is going to be awesome to watch. They could either destroy everybody or crash and burn.

****.

Well atleast now Manny wont be signing with them....right?

Yup.

This just in. Red Sox Sign Manny.

[ih8nyy]

That's an empty threat. If the Yankees moved, they would be losing so much money. New York is the ONLY city that can support them. If they moved, they would have to trade so many players to lighten payroll. They could never maintain a $200M payroll in cities like Charlotte, Portland, or Indianapolis.

There was talk that they were threatening to move to New Jersey. That's what that was about.

[Mister J]

That's an empty threat. If the Yankees moved, they would be losing so much money. New York is the ONLY city that can support them. If they moved, they would have to trade so many players to lighten payroll. They could never maintain a $200M payroll in cities like Charlotte, Portland, or Indianapolis.
The article cited it as ridiculous. It was Randy Levine arguing at one of the bonds hearings that if they didn't get the money, they'd have to move to Jersey. NY-NJ proximity aside, it still sounded like a crock.

[ih8nyy]

This just in. Red Sox Sign Manny.


HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Thanks I needed a good laugh. :hehe::hehe::hehe:

[BlackLantern]

for you Hazel Mae fans, she is going to be on the MLB Network when it launches New Years Day....

[ih8nyy]

for you Hazel Mae fans, she is going to be on the MLB Network when it launches New Years Day....

Mmmmmmmmmmmm Hazel Mae. :up:

[Spidey-Bat]

I saw her at a Red Sox game. She was signing autographs and blocking the way to my seats :o

[ih8nyy]

I saw her at a Red Sox game. She was signing autographs and blocking the way to my seats :o

Yeah her breasts are pretty big.

[Immortalfire]

#1 thing you'll never hear in sports..."The Yankees will never be able to afford him."

[Raiden]

Sources: Teixeira takes Yanks' 8-year deal
(http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3790141)

[Erzengel]

Wow.

[Mister J]

What the Yankees' lineup could look like when they open the season on April 6 in Baltimore:

LF Johnny Damon
SS Derek Jeter
1B Mark Teixeira
3B Alex Rodriguez
DH Hideki Matsui
RF Xavier Nady
C Jorge Posada
2B Robinson Cano
CF Melky Cabrera
Lord.

[RogueDK]

Sources: Teixeira takes Yanks' 8-year deal
(http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3790141)
I just got the news! Just awesome. :word:

[Spidey-Bat]

Lord.

Damon and Jeter are only getting worse. Matsui is a left handed Moises Alou (will always hit, will always be injured). Nady will only put up a 330 OBP. Posada won't repeat his 2007 numbers ever again; expect a Varitek-esque fall. Cano and Melky have only gotten worse the past few years.

So basically, it's just A-Rod and Teixeira. Neither of which can handle the pressure.

[RogueDK]

So basically, it's just A-Rod and Teixeira. Neither of which can handle the pressure.
Unless their wearing Ranger blue. Weren't they teammates once before?

[Spidey-Bat]

I believe so. There's no pressure in Texas unless you're on the Cowboys.

[Kingfish]

Seriously, outside of A-Rod and Tex, that Yankee lineup is not particularly fearsome. Decent players, but all in their decline phases. I would have been a lot more worried had he gone to Boston. Tex certainly makes them better, but that lineup is hardly a world beater.

[Caped Crusader]

http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/00pjfJcdnr0FP/340x.jpg

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:woot::woot::woot::woot::woot:

[FaT_tONle]

****ing Yankees... what the hell is the payroll now? 500 million??? What the heck happened to the Red Sox??? Watch them bring in Manny next... knew this would happen...

[Caped Crusader]

I don't have a link beacuase I can't find one. I just saw this on ESPN while I was watching Outside The Lines on the bottom line.


Buster Olney is repoting that Mark Teixera has signed a 8 year 170 million with the MOTHER ****ING YANKEEES!

I hate you so much Yankees. I hope all you rich mother ****ers never win a world series.


You should be happy!

This just gave the Dodgers the best chance to keep Manny. :cwink:

Unless my Yankees really want him too.. :yay:

[Silver Knight]

Yanks are SERIOUS!!

Still think they will land Manny also.

[NewYorkSpider]

****ing Yankees... what the hell is the payroll now? 500 million??? What the heck happened to the Red Sox??? Watch them bring in Manny next... knew this would happen...

Despite all the spending, the Yankees payroll is still lower than last years.

[Caped Crusader]

Despite all the spending, the Yankees payroll is still lower than last years.

Which cracks me up.

[NewYorkSpider]

Which cracks me up.

Actually, it might be around the same. Some people are getting an increase in salary. A-Rod will get about $5MIL more than last year. Some people will also get arbitration raises(Wang and Nady). So it might be around the same as last year.

[Bunker]

10 bucks they lose in the ALDS.

[Kingfish]

There are two things that can be said about the Yankees now.

1. If they don't win the World Series, they are the epitome of pathetic.

2. If they do win the World Series, so what? They bought all the best players. They should have won.

[Caped Crusader]

Still gotta play the game

[Spidey-Bat]

10 bucks they lose in the ALDS.

I'll put down $50.

[Kingfish]

Let's hear some odds for them not even making the playoffs.

[Caped Crusader]

Yankees have reportedly signed Kevin Cash to a minor league deal.

[Alex The Great]

I wish the MLB would have a salary cap, this would help teams with no money and stop teasm like the yankees getting the stars by paying them 90 million dollars :o:csad:

[Caped Crusader]

I wish the MLB would have a salary cap, this would help teams with no money and stop teasm like the yankees getting the stars by paying them 90 million dollars :o:csad:

:twisted:

[Spidey-Bat]

Yankees have reportedly signed Kevin Cash to a minor league deal.

Might as well just give them the WS trophy now.

[Showtime]

Yankees have reportedly signed Kevin Cash to a minor league deal.

Rubbing salt in the wound. I'm actually more upset that they signed Cash then if they had decided to sign Varitek. :o

[Showtime]

Yankees have reportedly signed Kevin Cash to a minor league deal.

Manny Ramirez is next.

The Red Sox were so confident that they had Texeira they were already spreading it around that it was a done deal. :wow:

[rdh007]

Might as well just give them the WS trophy now.

I said the same thing about the Tigers at this time last year. Look what happened there. Still not enough pitching.

[Spidey-Bat]

I was being sarcastic since that was my reply to them signing Cash.

[Captain Planet!]

Well, after being angry, depressed, and moody for almost 24 hours... I'm here to speak my mind about Mark Teixeira signing with the... the... I just can't bring myself to say this... The Yankees.

I'd been waiting all morning and afternoon to hear some Tex news, so I turned on the O's/Nats channel MASN and I hear these words; "Orioles fans will get to see him on Opening Day, but he'll be in pinstripes". I turned to my Father with a completely disgusted look on my face. I felt like I had just been punched in stomach, then slammed through a window, I felt like someone lit my gonads on fire and then stomped them out, and then I felt like I was literally going to throw up.

Deep down, I knew that the Orioles probably weren't going to sign him, but I still had hope. I hoped maybe his "Enormous attraction to Baltimore" was because he knew that if he came here he would be the hero. He would be the savior. He deserves that. We deserve that. He would say to his fellow good players, "Hey, this team has a bright future, and with us they can become a great team in the next few years. Why don't you guys come with me?" and maybe his fellow good players would say "Yeah, you're right. I'll come too.", and if he signed here and kept up his pace and didn't get injured for 6 years, he'd have about 400 Home Runs. He would easily become one of the top 10 Orioles of all time. His favorite team. His childhood dream. He would be the hero, the one who brought winning back to his hometown. Who wouldn't want that, regardless of the reported 40 million less dollars?

And then it came to me, He NEVER intended to come here. And it might not have been about the $40 million less than the Yanks, it was about winning right now. He only used the Orioles (And the Nationals, though I don't care about them) to try to drive up his price-tag, even if it only drove it up by a few million dollars. Even if the Orioles offered $190 Million, he still wouldn't have signed here, he wanted to be on an immediate winner, but he also wanted to get paid as much as he could to be on that immediate winner. The Orioles were used. I was used.

And that makes me upset.

Now, I don't blame it all on Mark Teixeira, because I still want to like him... Even though I know it was his choice to go anywhere he liked. I don't blame it all on Peter Angelos or Andy MacPhail either, I understand their reasons for not wanting to spend so much money on one player (even though contrary to popular belief, the Orioles do have money). I blame half, or more than half of it on Scott Boras for reasons I don't even need to explain, because everyone intelligent here knows them.

But for some strange reason, I'd rather him be a Yankee than a Red Sox. I don't know why, but the "Red Sox Nation" really bothers me. Maybe its because back in 2005 David Ortiz hit a BP homerun onto the flag court in Camden Yards, and of course it was infested with Red Sox fans that were already drunk before the game had even started, so my Dad backed up, and went after the ball, and then a swarm of Red Sox fans (AT LEAST 15 of them) literally ran over him and knocked him onto the cement which ruined his knees for pretty much a year. He ripped the ball out of some Red Sox fan's hands once he was on the ground, but thats a story for another day. Maybe its because of that, or maybe its because I just don't really have any respect for Red Sox fans or Red Sox players. Ortiz is good, Pedroia is good, and Youkilis is good, I can't deny that they're a great team, I just have no respect for them. The Yankees, for some strange reason, I have respect for. I can't explain it, I just do.

So, Mark Teixeira is just another Yankee now. He's just one of the guys now. But here, he would be THE Oriole. He would be THE guy. He could be one of the GREATEST ORIOLES OF ALL-TIME, But I guess he didn't want that.

So, Life goes on with or without Tex, so now there is no reason we can't use that money to lock up Markakis, Jones and Wieters (Though he is a Boras agent) for pretty much their whole careers. I think Roberts is gone now. He's one of my favorite players, one of the few I forgave for taking steroids, and he's one of the nicest baseball players I have ever met, but sadly, I don't think he wants to stay here anymore. He's 31 years old, and I think he wants to be on a winner while he's still in his prime. Maybe if we had signed Tex it would have been different, but as of now... Goodbye Brian Roberts. I will miss you.



So, It will be hard.... But.....



See you on Opening Day, Mark Teixeira.

[FaT_tONle]

Despite all the spending, the Yankees payroll is still lower than last years.

Yeah but they are still going to add more pieces... don't rule out Cameron... they will retract on the money they want from the Brewers... they have too many corner outfielders as of now... you can't have a platoon at all three outfield positions and they'll deal one of those guys. Also, I don't but Hideki as a DH... Matsui isn't an every day DH. No one will take on that contract but still.... you have to deal one of them. And they'll bring in another pitcher and it won't be Pettite IMO.

[BlackLantern]

the only two guys I consider synonymous with the Orioles are Jim Palmer and Cal Ripken

[ih8nyy]

*yawn*

[BlackLantern]

all the hometown stuff aside...I never thought there was a chance Tex would go to the Orioles...he was going to a big market team....I do feel bad for the O's fans who actually thought he would sign there....

[Caped Crusader]

CP nice write up

I agree about the whole "Red Sox" Nation stuff, I'm not saying it's all Red Sox fans but they can be very rude & nasty. I go to a lot of Yankee games, I sit right in the bleachers with all the crazy fans and trust me, we give the fans who are representing the visiting teams are hard time but theres a line thats drawn. I never been to Fenway but I have been to a Celtics game last season when my Pistons were playing them, the fans were just rude. They didnt care what they said or what they were doing, like they had no shame. Examples of what I seen, cussing at little kids, saying sexual things to women they didnt even know, just being rude & I see it at the bars too since I live in Connecticut, I'm closer to NY but theres still a lot of Boston fans around. I know us New York fans can be rude too but most Boston fans go too far, not all but most.

BTW. Camden Yards is beautiful, been their once.

[Captain Planet!]

the only two guys I consider synonymous with the Orioles are Jim Palmer and Cal Ripken
You forgot Brooks Robinson.
all the hometown stuff aside...I never thought there was a chance Tex would go to the Orioles...he was going to a big market team....I do feel bad for the O's fans who actually thought he would sign there....
Its just... all those things he said... "It would be a dream come true to play for the Orioles"... they were all lies. That made me upset. I knew the odds were against us and we probably weren't going to spend that much money on one player, but damnit I thought we may have had a chance. I don't think Boras even gave MacPhail or Angelos time to counter the Yanks' offer, he just said that they were "going in another direction".

CP nice write up

I agree about the whole "Red Sox" Nation stuff, I'm not saying it's all Red Sox fans but they can be very rude & nasty. I go to a lot of Yankee games, I sit right in the bleachers with all the crazy fans and trust me, we give the fans who are representing the visiting teams are hard time but theres a line thats drawn. I never been to Fenway but I have been to a Celtics game last season when my Pistons were playing them, the fans were just rude. They didnt care what they said or what they were doing, like they had no shame. Examples of what I seen, cussing at little kids, saying sexual things to women they didnt even know, just being rude & I see it at the bars too since I live in Connecticut, I'm closer to NY but theres still a lot of Boston fans around. I know us New York fans can be rude too but most Boston fans go too far, not all but most.

BTW. Camden Yards is beautiful, been their once.
I know there are bad fans and good fans from every sports team, but the bad Red Sox fans just get under my skin so much. It makes me sick.

And yeah, Camden Yards is beautiful, I just wish our team was as good looking as our stadium.

[Spidey-Bat]

And then it came to me, He NEVER intended to come here. And it might not have been about the $40 million less than the Yanks, it was about winning right now.

Don't kid yourself. It was all about the money and nothing more. He would have signed with the Giants if they outbid the Yankees.

[Kingfish]

Money and years were all that mattered. If he cared that much about "winning right now" maybe he actually would have considered the easier path to the playoffs that is the AL West.

But, seriously, he was never going to sign with the Orioles for that much less. Had they cranked up that offer, he would be one.

[Dr. Evil]

I wish the MLB would have a salary cap, this would help teams with no money and stop teasm like the yankees getting the stars by paying them 90 million dollars :o:csad:

That will only happen when Lucifer puts on a very thick jacket to protect himself from being frozen.

:o

[NewYorkSpider]

Yeah but they are still going to add more pieces... don't rule out Cameron... they will retract on the money they want from the Brewers... they have too many corner outfielders as of now... you can't have a platoon at all three outfield positions and they'll deal one of those guys. Also, I don't but Hideki as a DH... Matsui isn't an every day DH. No one will take on that contract but still.... you have to deal one of them. And they'll bring in another pitcher and it won't be Pettite IMO.

Yankees aren't going to sign another pitcher. They already have a lineup that consists of Sabathia, Burnett, Wang, Chamberlain and Hughes. If the Yankees are worried about Hughes being a 5th starter, then why's he still with the organazation? They could have traded him away a long time ago. The Yankees were rumored of trading Matsui to San Francisco last season. I doubt they would take him now due to his nagging injuries, but if they do have intrest in him, then the Yankees could trade him away, sign Manny and still have a payroll lower than last year. All lot would have to go down for this to happen. Matsui would first have to wave his no-trade clause.

[Alex The Great]

Darn Yankees! :cmad:

Go Royals! :waa:

[FaT_tONle]

Yankees aren't going to sign another pitcher. They already have a lineup that consists of Sabathia, Burnett, Wang, Chamberlain and Hughes. If the Yankees are worried about Hughes being a 5th starter, then why's he still with the organazation? They could have traded him away a long time ago. The Yankees were rumored of trading Matsui to San Francisco last season. I doubt they would take him now due to his nagging injuries, but if they do have intrest in him, then the Yankees could trade him away, sign Manny and still have a payroll lower than last year. All lot would have to go down for this to happen. Matsui would first have to wave his no-trade clause.

Bull **** the Yankees are going with Hughes... they will add another piece late... or at the very least make a deal before the deadline but I doubt it will even get to that. Hughes and Kennedy will be on the trading block before they find their way on the mound in the Majors.

[Excel]

I agree about the whole "Red Sox" Nation stuff, I'm not saying it's all Red Sox fans but they can be very rude & nasty. I go to a lot of Yankee games, I sit right in the bleachers with all the crazy fans and trust me, we give the fans who are representing the visiting teams are hard time but theres a line thats drawn.

Yes, Yankee fan are SO classy that they boo the guy who wins their team the al star game last season because he is from Boston :huh:

I never been to Fenway but I have been to a Celtics game last season when my Pistons were playing them, the fans were just rude. They didnt care what they said or what they were doing, like they had no shame.

Those are just drunk Bostonians, 99% of red sox nation is fine.

Examples of what I seen, cussing at little kids, saying sexual things to women they didnt even know

:huh:

Where did you ever see that? Showtime can attest, that is very rare and def. looked down upon among the brotherhood of New England sports fans.


I know us New York fans can be rude too but most Boston fans go too far, not all but most.


Most is definite stretch...you mean "a select few"...cant say the same about Yankee fans though; the constant rubbing in of "Tex, CC, AJ" is just another example.

[NewYorkSpider]

Bull **** the Yankees are going with Hughes... they will add another piece late... or at the very least make a deal before the deadline but I doubt it will even get to that. Hughes and Kennedy will be on the trading block before they find their way on the mound in the Majors.

If they do add another piece it will be Andy Pettitte. Unless they surprise the hell out of me and grab Derek Lowe.

[Darthphere]

But for some strange reason, I'd rather him be a Yankee than a Red Sox. I don't know why, but the "Red Sox Nation" really bothers me. Maybe its because back in 2005 David Ortiz hit a BP homerun onto the flag court in Camden Yards, and of course it was infested with Red Sox fans that were already drunk before the game had even started, so my Dad backed up, and went after the ball, and then a swarm of Red Sox fans (AT LEAST 15 of them) literally ran over him and knocked him onto the cement which ruined his knees for pretty much a year. He ripped the ball out of some Red Sox fan's hands once he was on the ground, but thats a story for another day. Maybe its because of that, or maybe its because I just don't really have any respect for Red Sox fans or Red Sox players. Ortiz is good, Pedroia is good, and Youkilis is good, I can't deny that they're a great team, I just have no respect for them. The Yankees, for some strange reason, I have respect for. I can't explain it, I just do.

So you hate the Red Sox because your dad got ****ed up being one of 57 idiots going after a BP ball? Wow.

[Caped Crusader]

Yes, Yankee fan are SO classy that they boo the guy who wins their team the al star game last season because he is from Boston :huh:

lol we were cheering, I dont know where you heard the booing but it wasnt coming from Yankee fans.


Those are just drunk Bostonians, 99% of red sox nation is fine.



:huh:

Dont know about 99%

Where did you ever see that? Showtime can attest, that is very rare and def. looked down upon among the brotherhood of New England sports fans.

Celtic games



Most is definite stretch...you mean "a select few"...cant say the same about Yankee fans though; the constant rubbing in of "Tex, CC, AJ" is just another example.

Well when you see a few Boston fans being rude then see more & more join in.. Being excited about getting some stars, I wouldnt say thats rubbing it in