Official 2009 MLB Thread

[Spidey-Bat]

Now that the World Series has come to a close, the 2008 off-season is upon us. Discuss!


NewYorkSpider's MLB Playoff Pool

When doing your picks PM me. Just first round only.

I'll need winners of each game, how many games it takes and the winner of each series.

Ex. Yankees in 5 1.)Yankees 2. Yankees 3. Tigers 4. Tigers 5. Yankees

Points System

2 points for picking each individual win.
4 points for picking the correct series. (So if you get two games wrong, but still pick the correct winner in the number of games you predicted, I'll still give you 4 points.)
6 points for picking everything correctly. (Meaning each game picked right and the correct winner of the series.)

Participants
NewYorkSpider
omid17
Fat_tONle
cyborg ninja 14
Kingfish
Spidey-Bat

[Dark Donnie]

Time to defend the title :)

Hot Stove:

Saw The Royals aquired Mike Jacobs for Leo Nunez.

[Captain Planet!]

The Orioles are discussing contract extensions for both Nick Markakis and Brian Roberts. New uniforms will be revealed November 12th. Go O's! :up:

[Dark Donnie]

The Orioles are discussing contract extensions for both Nick Markakis and Brian Roberts. New uniforms will be revealed November 12th. Go O's! :up:

Do you think they'll be really different? I can't see them changing much...

[Erzengel]

Go Yankees.

[Kingfish]

Angels exercised the options on Guerrero and Lackey. Declined Anderson's. All expected.

[Raiden]

Angels exercised the options on Guerrero and Lackey. Declined Anderson's. All expected.

I don't think K-Rod will be back, and Texeira may sign elsewhere for biggest contract.

As for Yanks, they really do need another good arm or two, and get younger in the process. I hope they do something otherwise AL East will feature Red Sox and Rays battling for division crown in the next several years.

[Spidey-Bat]

They should try to extend Lackey.

[Kingfish]

Extending Lackey and resigning Tex are supposedly their two main goals. They'll probablly offer Anderson around 5-7 million in addition to the 3 he got from his buyout. Then it'll just be if another team thinks he's worth more at this stage.

Tex is tricky. And since he's a Boras client, unlikely to sign until at least January. Gonna be a long wait and see on him.

[ih8nyy]

Do you think they'll be really different? I can't see them changing much...

Road Uni's are supposed to say Baltimore on the them. So it isn't a major change. Although I think Orange Stirups would look cool.

[ih8nyy]

2009 World Series Odds are already out.

Here is the full list, courtesy of BetOnline.com


Boston Red Sox 3/1
Chicago Cubs 5/1
LA Angels 5/1
Philadelphia Phillies 6/1
New York Yankees 6/1
Tampa Bay Devil Rays 10/1
Chicago White Sox 10/1
New York Mets 12/1
Milwaukee Brewers 15/1
Minnesota Twins 15/1
LA Dodgers 15/1
Toronto Blue Jays 20/1
Detroit Tigers 25/1
Florida Marlins 30/1
Houston Astros 30/1
St. Louis Cardinals 30/1
Cleveland Indians 30/1
Atlanta Braves 30/1
Arizona Diamondbacks 40/1
Colorado Rockies 40/1
Texas Rangers 50/1
Cincinnati Reds 50/1
Oakland Athletics 50/1
San Francisco Giants 80/1
KC Royals 100/1
Baltimore Orioles 100/1
Seattle Mariners 100/1
San Diego Padres 100/1
Pittsburgh Pirates 200/1
Washington Nationals 300/1

[Dark Donnie]

There banking on The Yankees make some serious additions (C.C)

[ih8nyy]

There banking on The Yankees make some serious additions (C.C)

Rumor has it NYC is not C.C.'s cup of tea. It will take a lot of Sweetner to get him to go there.

[Dr. Evil]

All I ask is for one thing:

- Texas to win a playoff series. It sucks to be a fan of the only team in baseball to have never won a playoff series. I don't care if Texas gets swept in the ALCS, all I want is for them to win the American League Division Series.

But that's never going to happen.

[danielisthor]

First off season trade was completed between the Marlins and Royals. Jacobs for Nunez. Not completely unexpected. We have many options at 1st base and bullpen was a real weakness for us last year down the stretch from overwork earlier in the season. We Marlin fans expect this to be the first of many even with the owner saying our payroll can go up to 40million this coming year. Half our team is up for arbitration this offseason.

[cyborg ninja 14]

I predict that Lou Piniella will take a page from the Mike Singletary motivational handbook and drop his pants during the 7th inning stretch.

[Nightmare]

Wow, dodgers 15-1 odds. I should put 100$ down.

[Bunker]

*puts down $100 on Mariners*

:dry:

[Spidey-Bat]

You might as well save yourself the time and just flush it down the toilet

[FaT_tONle]

All I ask is for one thing:

- Texas to win a playoff series. It sucks to be a fan of the only team in baseball to have never won a playoff series. I don't care if Texas gets swept in the ALCS, all I want is for them to win the American League Division Series.

But that's never going to happen.

But people in Texas never cared for baseball anyhow.

[Alex The Great]

At Least they have the Rangers and Astros :o


Go Royals :csad:

[Shemtov]

c'mon phillies make this a dynasty.......(ya right)
i heard the phillies are out to get ramirez.......is this true?

[Raiden]

*puts down $100 on Mariners*

:dry:

Just give the $100 to me; it'll be put into better use than betting on Mariners, believe me. :hehe:

[Nightmare]

Could be. If they let burrell go.

[cyborg ninja 14]

Go Royals :csad:

You have Mike Jacobs! (Excitement!)

:huh:

[Captain Planet!]

*Puts $3 on the Orioles*

Do you think they'll be really different? I can't see them changing much...

Road uni's are going to say Baltimore (Finally!), the road hats will change from all black to black and orange, and a few minor alterations to the jersey that haven't been announced yet.

[NewYorkSpider]

Rumor has it NYC is not C.C.'s cup of tea. It will take a lot of Sweetner to get him to go there.

Actually, he said he like it there. He wants to wait and see what direction the teams are going. He also said he would talk to his family about moving there. They might be uncomfortable being on a different coast.

[Spidey-Bat]

He's gonna go where the green is.

[NewYorkSpider]

It should come down between the Yankees, Angels and Dodgers.

[Bunker]

*Puts $3 on the Orioles*



Road uni's are going to say Baltimore (Finally!), the road hats will change from all black to black and orange, and a few minor alterations to the jersey that haven't been announced yet.

You stole my user title.

[Captain Planet!]

You stole my user title.
I had it first (actually, Gallagher had it first).

[Bunker]

I changed it yesterday.

Can there be multiple badass professors?

[Captain Planet!]

I changed it yesterday.

Can there be multiple badass professors?
So did I (I was going to change it the night before, but fell asleep). And yes, there can be up to 5 Professor Badasses, anymore than that and the universe will implode.

[Kingfish]

The Brewers hire Ken Macha. Seems like an uninspired choice.

[cyborg ninja 14]

The Brewers hire Ken Macha. Seems like an uninspired choice.

Jason Kendall put in a good word:o

[Spidey-Bat]

I thought the players hated him in Oakland.

[Darren Daring]

They probably enjoyed all the winning, though.

[Spidey-Bat]

Thanks to Billy Beane. If you've read Moneyball, you definitely see that Beane is the one who runs the show and that the manager is just there because he has to be.

[Darren Daring]

aww, I like youhttp://img.photobucket.com/albums/v113/Jimmy_Kay/thinlove.gif

[ih8nyy]

The Brewers hire Ken Macha. Seems like an uninspired choice.

Tylenol PM sales will now go down for all Brewers Fans. They just need to put on a recording of one of his press conferences and they'll go right to sleep.

Red Sox fans rejoice! No more Macha on the NESN Telecasts!

[Excel]

Red Sox fans rejoice! No more Macha on the NESN Telecasts!

:up: :up:

[Alex The Great]

Brodie Sighting

*Puts 2000 $ on Roya-





Flushes money down toilet*

[ih8nyy]

:up: :up:

http://audio.weei.com/m/audio/19089627/melancholy_ken_macha_patriot_bob.htm?q=food

[Shemtov]

puts $2000 dollars on phillies making it to WS again

[Excel]

*puts 5k on cubs not making it to ws*

:up: :up:

[Kingfish]

First day of filing, plenty of big names gonna be out there. Should be a good offseason.

[Dark Donnie]

At the parade.gotta be close to the record for the amount of people

[Kingfish]

Mets exercise the option on Carlos Delgado. Good, one less team to go after Tex.

[Nightmare]

Puts 1 billion dollars on the Angels Losing to the Red Sox come playoff time. :up:

[Spidey-Bat]

Mets weren't going to go after him. Only if the pen didn't implode and Delgado kept getting worse would they have done so.

At the parade.gotta be close to the record for the amount of people

In Philly or at any parade? I highly doubt it topped the Giants parade this year.

[Dark Donnie]

Mets weren't going to go after him. Only if the pen didn't implode and Delgado kept getting worse would they have done so.



In Philly or at any parade? I highly doubt it topped the Giants parade this year.

It's gotta be up there though no doubt.

[Kingfish]

Mets weren't going to go after him. Only if the pen didn't implode and Delgado kept getting worse would they have done so.

Good.

Tim Wakefield's option was for only 4 million? Pretty good deal.

[Spidey-Bat]

It's gotta be up there though no doubt.

Doubt it

[Dark Donnie]

Doubt it


No doubt about it..


I just saw footage of Rollins talking at CBP after the Phillies' parade. What is Phillie's obsession with NY and the Mets? I never knew their inferiority complex was THIS extreme.
Love that man:hehe:

[Kingfish]

Decent looking parade, but hardly the biggest one ever.

[ih8nyy]

Good.

Tim Wakefield's option was for only 4 million? Pretty good deal.

And they hold a lifetime option on him at 4 million a year. As long as they wanna sign him, he is there's for that ammount.

[Spidey-Bat]

No doubt about it..


Love that man:hehe:

Honestly, that's quite sad and really just enforces the truth that Philly has a huge inferiority complex with New York. Rollins is a dumbass for even mentioning the Mets. You just won the WS and all you can think of is the Mets? That's like having sex and then only talking about your ex-girlfriend after it.

BTW, no response to the posts about Lidge in the previous thread?

[The Incredible Hulk]

Honestly, that's quite sad and really just enforces the truth that Philly has a huge inferiority complex with New York. Rollins is a dumbass for even mentioning the Mets. You just won the WS and all you can think of is the Mets? That's like having sex and then only talking about your ex-girlfriend after it.

As a non-biased and casual observer who has lived a decade in both media markets and isnt a fan of either team, I can say I do agree that Philly has a bit of an inferiority complex with NY and DC, being smack dab in the middle of them. I thought Rollins' comment today was a bit awkward but not as awkward as Chase Utley's "World F***ing Champions" comment that went out over live TV here since there wasnt any delay.

New York however has massive "superiority complex" over everyone else, so everyone else enjoys sticking it to them that much more. Especially after the Mets were the ones to blow Rollins "team to beat" comments out of the water 2 seasons ago (where he turned out to be right) which was followed by Beltran's lame and unoriginal "team to beat" comment this spring training which was hilariously wrong. Honestly, Mets fans act just like Yankees fans in thinking that their **** doesnt stink, but only the Yankees have the hardware to back it up.

I'd also argue that Mets fans know full well abut inferiority complexes seeing as though they have a BIG one when it comes to the Yankees.

oh and Go Tigers in 2009! Just get us some pitching Dombrowski, and not Ollie Perez either... K-Rod would be nice, but I'm sure he's going to want a Briggs truck full of cash after the season he had.

[Spidey-Bat]

As a non-biased and casual observer who has lived a decade in both media markets and isnt a fan of either team, I can say I do agree that Philly has a bit of an inferiority complex with NY and DC, being smack dab in the middle of them. I thought Rollins' comment today was a bit awkward but not as awkward as Chase Utley's "World F***ing Champions" comment that went out over live TV here since there wasnt any delay.

New York however has massive "superiority complex" over everyone else, so everyone else enjoys sticking it to them that much more. Especially after the Mets were the ones to blow Rollins "team to beat" comments out of the water 2 seasons ago (where turned out to be right) which was followed by Beltran's lame and unoriginal "team to beat" comment this spring training which was hilariously wrong. Honestly, Mets fans act just like Yankees fans in thinking that their **** doesnt stink, but only the Yankees have the hardware to back it up.

I'd also argue that Mets fans know full well abut inferiority complexes seeing as though they have a BIG one when it comes to the Yankees.

My post wasn't about NY at all. It's about Philly being so obsessed with NY that they can't stop thinking about them even after the Phillies won the WS.

oh and Go Tigers in 2009! Just get us some pitching Dombrowski, and not Ollie Perez either... K-Rod would be nice, but I'm sure he's going to want a Briggs truck full of cash after the season he had.

How is that dog Cabrera?

[The Incredible Hulk]

My post wasn't about NY at all. It's about Philly being so obsessed with NY that they can't stop thinking about them even after the Phillies won the WS.


I dont know if I'd call one off hand comment during the whole 5 hour ordeal as being "so obsessed" but if it makes you feel more important than so be it. The Mets are sort of a running joke down here because for 2 straight years they've mouthed off and have proceeded to fall on their faces. Rollins just plays to the crowd though albeit a bit too much at times.


How is that dog Cabrera?

Not sure I'd refer to a guy who went .292 37 127 who led the AL in HR's and total bases and was 3rd in RBI's and XBH as being a "dog." :confused: All the dogs on this team were in the bullpen

[Spidey-Bat]

I dont know if I'd call one off hand comment during the whole 5 hour ordeal as being "so obsessed" but if it makes you feel more important than so be it. The Mets are sort of a running joke down here because for 2 straight years they've mouthed off and have proceeded to fall on their faces. Rollins just plays to the crowd though albeit a bit too much at times.
Mets never mouthed off the past 2 years. All Beltran said last year was with Santana they would have a chance to win in the division. His comment after about being the team to beat was a joke towards Jimmy Rollins.


Not sure I'd refer to a guy who went .292 37 127 who led the AL in HR's and total bases and was 3rd in RBI's and XBH as being a "dog." :confused: All the dogs on this team were in the bullpen
Does he hustle? I never saw him bust his ass running the bases or fielding when he was with the Marlins.

[The Incredible Hulk]

Mets never mouthed off the past 2 years. All Beltran said last year was with Santana they would have a chance to win in the division. His comment after about being the team to beat was a joke towards Jimmy Rollins.

BS on that. It was the Mets and the NY Media who blew up Rollins "team to beat" comment in 2007 to galactic proportions as if it was somehow an affront to them to say that. As Beltran this year, I never heard anywhere that he was kidding.


Does he hustle? I never saw him bust his ass running the bases or fielding when he was with the Marlins.

I dont care if he sucks the creme filling out of twinkies during the game if he's gonna be at or near .300 40 130 every year. Although I will say last season he was about 15-20 lbs lighter than his last season in FL.

[Dark Donnie]

Phillies and the fans hate The Mets like it or not. You are are rival. Phillies take the division last year but they still get disrespected this year. I'm happy they talked **** to the Mets. There tired of being disrespected.

Had The Mets won, they would have done something similar.

BTW I'll still take Lidge. He was the best closer in the league 2-3 years ago and he appears to be back to form.

[Kingfish]

I dislike both teams, but the Phillies did win, so they do get some bragging rights. However, after a couple more weeks of inane Phillie hype everywhere you turn, pretty sure I'm gonna wind up hating them. Rollins is still pretty much an idiot though. Utley just doesn't think very much.

[Spidey-Bat]

BS on that. It was the Mets and the NY Media who blew up Rollins "team to beat" comment in 2007 to galactic proportions as if it was somehow an affront to them to say that. As Beltran this year, I never heard anywhere that he was kidding.
The Mets won 97 games and were 1 win away from the World Series in 2006. Rollins deserved criticism for saying the Phillies were the team to beat when they clearly weren't from the start of the season.

Did you hear everyone laughing after Beltran said it?

Phillies and the fans hate The Mets like it or not. You are are rival. Phillies take the division last year but they still get disrespected this year. I'm happy they talked **** to the Mets. There tired of being disrespected.
They got disrespected because a) they won the division by 1 games b) didn't win a single playoff game. It's not as if they were a juggernaut and led the division wire to wire.

Had The Mets won, they would have done something similar.
I doubt they would. They probably will now because the Phillies have set the standard for trash-talking.

BTW I'll still take Lidge. He was the best closer in the league 2-3 years ago and he appears to be back to form.
What happened to you? You used to be intelligent. Now the Phillies winning the WS has made you a moron. I'm disappointed :(

[Dark Donnie]

Ken Griffey Jr.'s agent told reporters Friday that the free agent outfielder would be "open-minded" about returning to the Mariners.
Griffey, 39, has said that he would like to end his career in Seattle, but it would make more sense to see him land with a contender. He hit .249 with 18 homers and 71 RBI this season and shouldn't have a tough time finding a starting job.
Source: MLB.com



Free agent pitcher Jamie Moyer said Friday that he would like to return to the Phillies next season.
"I hope I am back here," said Moyer. "I sense there is a good feeling that I may come back here. I have not talked to the club at all, but we'll see what happens." The soon-to-be 46-year-old was 16-7 with a 3.71 ERA this season.
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer

[Captain Planet!]

Ha, I just saw the "World ****ing Champions" video. What a doofus.

[cyborg ninja 14]

BTW I'll still take Lidge. He was the best closer in the league 2-3 years ago and he appears to be back to form.
Allow me to introduce you to Mr. Tim Lincecum:o

I doubt they would. They probably will now because the Phillies have set the standard for trash-talking.


You take trash talking too seriously for baseball. Don't you watch football? Waaay more intense in that area, but, you don't:csad:

[Showtime]

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3676765

BOSTON -- The Boston Red Sox will keep their spring training home in the Fort Myers area for 30 more years after signing an agreement on Saturday with Lee County, Fla.

The Red Sox have played in the 7,290-seat City of Palms Park since moving from Winter Haven in 1993, selling out 73 straight spring training games there. The team had a buyout that would have allowed it to leave in 2010, and it talked with Sarasota about moving to the Cincinnati Reds' former home.

Instead, the Red Sox and Lee County will work together on a new complex that would open in 2012. The Lee County Commissioners approved the plan this week

[Dr. Evil]

The Texas Rangers will make a few minor moves and the three fans they have left will react like this:

:whatever:

[ih8nyy]

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3676765

That sigh of relief was all those folks that bought condo's in Fort Meyers and Naples.

[Spidey-Bat]

http://phillyfixmycar.blogspot.com/

[Kingfish]

Fill yourselves with guilt, Philly fans.

[NewYorkSpider]

Possible suitors for free agents. Top 50


1-10


1. C.C. Sabathia - Yankees. The guess here is that the Yankees will make C.C. an offer he can't refuse, and he'll sign a seven-year deal. Sabathia is the key to the Yankees' offseason.
2. Mark Teixeira - Angels. The Angels can probably afford one of Sabathia, Teixeira, and K-Rod. They need Tex the most.
3. Manny Ramirez - Dodgers. I think Manny will ultimately sign a deal in the four-year, $100MM range.
4. Francisco Rodriguez - Mets. The buzz at the time of this writing is that the Mets will pass on K-Rod and look to sign Fuentes. However, there aren't many big-money teams with closer vacancies, and I can see Rodriguez's price dipping down to the four-year, $56MM range.
5. A.J. Burnett - Orioles. I am uneasy about this prediction. We know Burnett would like to play there, but will the O's even enter the bidding? They do need starting pitching badly, and theoretically Burnett will still be effective when they are ready to contend.
6. Derek Lowe - Yankees. This would set up a rotation of Sabathia/Wang/Lowe/Pettitte/Chamberlain. Very solid on paper.
7. Orlando Hudson - Cardinals. Hudson, the top free agent second baseman, would be a large upgrade over Adam Kennedy.
8. Adam Dunn - Nationals. The Nats attempted to make a free agent splash last year with Torii Hunter. They're known to be looking for a cleanup hitter.
9. Ryan Dempster - Cubs. Seems to be Jim Hendry's top offseason priority. The two have a strong relationship, but Dempster may still score a competitive four-year contract. It should be noted that Hendry has a strong record of keeping his own free agents when he wants to, despite much hand-wringing leading up to each signing.
10. Ben Sheets - Braves. Under this scenario, the Braves are unable to land Jake Peavy via trade. Sheets is one of many possible free agent pitchers the Braves may consider. The Red Sox or Dodgers could be other suitors.


11-20


11. Mike Mussina - Retirement. I will go with the media sentiment that Moose is set to retire despite such a strong 2008.
12. Raul Ibanez - Braves. Even after bringing in two starters, they'll have money left over for left field.
13. Pat Burrell - Rays. Burrell belongs in the AL, and the Rays have an open DH spot and the need for a righthanded hitter.
14. Bobby Abreu - Cubs. His defense isn't a perfect fit at Wrigley, but they do crave a left-handed middle of the order bat. Fitting his salary in could be tricky.
15. Brian Fuentes - Brewers. If C.C. signs elsewhere, the Brewers will be able to spread their cash to fill various needs.
16. Andy Pettitte - Yankees. Once again, it's Yankees or retirement for Pettitte.
17. Rafael Furcal - Dodgers. The interest is mutual. Furcal is the top free agent shortstop.
18. Casey Blake - Twins. If the Twins don't like the asking prices for Garrett Atkins and Adrian Beltre, Blake may be the best third baseman on the free agent market.
19. Milton Bradley - Blue Jays. The buzz is that the Jays will take a look at Giambi, but Bradley is a nice fit as well at DH.
20. Jason Giambi - Athletics. The A's are looking for a power hitter on a short-term deal, so a reunion makes sense.



21-30


21. Orlando Cabrera - Twins. Completing the Twins' new-look infield. Blake and Cabrera should be capable of league-average production.
22. Jamie Moyer - Phillies. The seventh-best free agent starter, based on 2008 numbers. The Phils may look to add an additional starter for depth.
23. Kerry Wood - Cubs. A longtime Cub with a strong relationship with Hendry. Moving Marmol to the closer role would weaken the Cubs' pen overall, so they'll try to hammer something out.
24. Kenshin Kawakami - Red Sox. Signing Kawakami for the rotation would allow the Sox to keep Masterson in the pen and let Bowden and Buchholz come along at their own pace.
25. Randy Johnson - Angels. An improvement on Garland, and they get the bonus of his 300th win.
26. Oliver Perez - Dodgers. One possible fit for Perez, who is just 27 years old. There is a strong San Diego connection (http://www.signonsandiego.com/sports/padres/20061015-9999-1s15nlcsnote.html), but you have to figure money will get in the way (Perez is represented by Scott Boras).
27. Randy Wolf - Astros. Ed Wade has long been a fan of Wolf, and hopes to re-sign him. There won't be much money left over after that.
28. Mark Grudzielanek - Indians. Grudz only makes sense here if the Indians miss out on bigger infield targets and shift Jhonny Peralta and Asdrubal Cabrera.
29. Ray Durham - Diamondbacks. The D'Backs figure to add one of the veteran second basemen on a short-term deal.
30. John Smoltz - Braves. I see no reason Smoltz would leave after all these years.



31-40


31. Ivan Rodriguez - Mets. Omar Minaya seems to be a fan, and Pudge may provide an upgrade behind the plate on a one-year deal.
32. Freddy Garcia - Indians. Not sure if he'll sign for one year, but Garcia could stabilize a shaky rotation.
33. Trevor Hoffman - Padres. Can you picture him playing anywhere else?
34. Brad Penny - Blue Jays. Not that the Jays need more injury risk, but they've been connected to Penny in trade talks before.
35. Jeremy Affeldt - Indians. Affeldt could be a creative closer candidate for the Tribe. He may jump at the opportunity to pitch the ninth inning.
36. Jon Garland - Brewers. If Sabathia and Sheets leave, Garland can step in to eat some innings.
37. Paul Byrd - Pirates. The Pirates are said to want to add a veteran starter to the rotation. Neal Huntington knows Byrd from his Cleveland days.
38. Braden Looper - Giants. If Jonathan Sanchez is traded for a power hitter, the Giants might want a veteran to soak up innings.
39. Edgar Renteria - Cardinals. The American League hasn't worked out for Renteria. If he'll take a one-year deal, the Cardinals could bring him back. Pairing him with a (hopefully) strong defender like Hudson could work.
40. Joe Crede - Dodgers. If Crede can get past back problems, he might be a bargain on a one-year deal.



41-50


41. Koji Uehara - Royals. The Royals were interested in Hiroki Kuroda last year. Maybe they'll add some rotation depth with Uehara.
42. Nick Punto - Rays. Cork Gaines (http://www.raysindex.com/) suggested this idea to me. Seems feasible, unless Punto craves a starting job.
43. Damaso Marte - Cardinals. I thought the Yanks would exercise his $6MM option, but a recent report indicated otherwise (http://www.nypost.com/seven/11022008/sports/yankees/no_option_for_marte_136408.htm). The Cardinals appear willing to spend some coin on a lefty reliever.
44. Juan Cruz - Tigers. A dark horse closing candidate, if he can improve his control. The Tigers don't have much money to work with this winter.
45. Mark Kotsay - Reds. Kotsay can step in at center field for a year to allow younger players to come along.
46. Jason Varitek - Red Sox. Tek may find that no team is willing to give him an acceptable multiyear deal.
47. Garret Anderson - Angels. The Halos will decline his $14MM option, but may look to bring him back at a lower salary.
48. Odalis Perez - Nationals. They need a veteran to eat innings, and Perez is as good as any. If he demands multiple years, the Nats may choose to move on.
49. Felipe Lopez - Orioles. Lopez mashed with the Cards, though it was a short stint. If Scott Boras doesn't get crazy over those 169 plate appearances, the Orioles could give him a shot on a one-year deal.
50. Jim Edmonds - Mariners. On a one-year deal, Edmonds could play center or DH against righthanders.

[Dark Donnie]

Fill yourselves with guilt, Philly fans.

I may not sleep tonight

Possible suitors for free agents. Top 50

Was that your list of suitors? I hope and pray The Phillies don't intend to replace Burrell with Dobbs.


Local radio guy said The Phillies and Dodgers were in serious trade talks regarding Ryan Howard during the deadline (before the Manny deal). One of the players returning was Loney. Happy that deal was squashed.

Also Burrell turned down a 2 Year 22 Mill offer from The Phils.

[Kingfish]

I may not sleep tonight

That and a ten dollar donation should be more than enough to ease that conscious of yours.

25. Randy Johnson - Angels. An improvement on Garland, and they get the bonus of his 300th win.

I doubt this happens.

[Spidey-Bat]

Heyman is a dumbass. He knows nothing about baseball beyond BA, HR, RBI, and W/Ls.

There's no way Randy Johnson is going to the AL. He was terrible in the AL in 2006.

[Captain Planet!]

Possible suitors for free agents. Top 50


1-10


1. C.C. Sabathia - Yankees. The guess here is that the Yankees will make C.C. an offer he can't refuse, and he'll sign a seven-year deal. Sabathia is the key to the Yankees' offseason.
2. Mark Teixeira - Angels. The Angels can probably afford one of Sabathia, Teixeira, and K-Rod. They need Tex the most.
3. Manny Ramirez - Dodgers. I think Manny will ultimately sign a deal in the four-year, $100MM range.
4. Francisco Rodriguez - Mets. The buzz at the time of this writing is that the Mets will pass on K-Rod and look to sign Fuentes. However, there aren't many big-money teams with closer vacancies, and I can see Rodriguez's price dipping down to the four-year, $56MM range.
5. A.J. Burnett - Orioles. I am uneasy about this prediction. We know Burnett would like to play there, but will the O's even enter the bidding? They do need starting pitching badly, and theoretically Burnett will still be effective when they are ready to contend.
6. Derek Lowe - Yankees. This would set up a rotation of Sabathia/Wang/Lowe/Pettitte/Chamberlain. Very solid on paper.
7. Orlando Hudson - Cardinals. Hudson, the top free agent second baseman, would be a large upgrade over Adam Kennedy.
8. Adam Dunn - Nationals. The Nats attempted to make a free agent splash last year with Torii Hunter. They're known to be looking for a cleanup hitter.
9. Ryan Dempster - Cubs. Seems to be Jim Hendry's top offseason priority. The two have a strong relationship, but Dempster may still score a competitive four-year contract. It should be noted that Hendry has a strong record of keeping his own free agents when he wants to, despite much hand-wringing leading up to each signing.
10. Ben Sheets - Braves. Under this scenario, the Braves are unable to land Jake Peavy via trade. Sheets is one of many possible free agent pitchers the Braves may consider. The Red Sox or Dodgers could be other suitors.


11-20


11. Mike Mussina - Retirement. I will go with the media sentiment that Moose is set to retire despite such a strong 2008.
12. Raul Ibanez - Braves. Even after bringing in two starters, they'll have money left over for left field.
13. Pat Burrell - Rays. Burrell belongs in the AL, and the Rays have an open DH spot and the need for a righthanded hitter.
14. Bobby Abreu - Cubs. His defense isn't a perfect fit at Wrigley, but they do crave a left-handed middle of the order bat. Fitting his salary in could be tricky.
15. Brian Fuentes - Brewers. If C.C. signs elsewhere, the Brewers will be able to spread their cash to fill various needs.
16. Andy Pettitte - Yankees. Once again, it's Yankees or retirement for Pettitte.
17. Rafael Furcal - Dodgers. The interest is mutual. Furcal is the top free agent shortstop.
18. Casey Blake - Twins. If the Twins don't like the asking prices for Garrett Atkins and Adrian Beltre, Blake may be the best third baseman on the free agent market.
19. Milton Bradley - Blue Jays. The buzz is that the Jays will take a look at Giambi, but Bradley is a nice fit as well at DH.
20. Jason Giambi - Athletics. The A's are looking for a power hitter on a short-term deal, so a reunion makes sense.



21-30


21. Orlando Cabrera - Twins. Completing the Twins' new-look infield. Blake and Cabrera should be capable of league-average production.
22. Jamie Moyer - Phillies. The seventh-best free agent starter, based on 2008 numbers. The Phils may look to add an additional starter for depth.
23. Kerry Wood - Cubs. A longtime Cub with a strong relationship with Hendry. Moving Marmol to the closer role would weaken the Cubs' pen overall, so they'll try to hammer something out.
24. Kenshin Kawakami - Red Sox. Signing Kawakami for the rotation would allow the Sox to keep Masterson in the pen and let Bowden and Buchholz come along at their own pace.
25. Randy Johnson - Angels. An improvement on Garland, and they get the bonus of his 300th win.
26. Oliver Perez - Dodgers. One possible fit for Perez, who is just 27 years old. There is a strong San Diego connection (http://www.signonsandiego.com/sports/padres/20061015-9999-1s15nlcsnote.html), but you have to figure money will get in the way (Perez is represented by Scott Boras).
27. Randy Wolf - Astros. Ed Wade has long been a fan of Wolf, and hopes to re-sign him. There won't be much money left over after that.
28. Mark Grudzielanek - Indians. Grudz only makes sense here if the Indians miss out on bigger infield targets and shift Jhonny Peralta and Asdrubal Cabrera.
29. Ray Durham - Diamondbacks. The D'Backs figure to add one of the veteran second basemen on a short-term deal.
30. John Smoltz - Braves. I see no reason Smoltz would leave after all these years.



31-40


31. Ivan Rodriguez - Mets. Omar Minaya seems to be a fan, and Pudge may provide an upgrade behind the plate on a one-year deal.
32. Freddy Garcia - Indians. Not sure if he'll sign for one year, but Garcia could stabilize a shaky rotation.
33. Trevor Hoffman - Padres. Can you picture him playing anywhere else?
34. Brad Penny - Blue Jays. Not that the Jays need more injury risk, but they've been connected to Penny in trade talks before.
35. Jeremy Affeldt - Indians. Affeldt could be a creative closer candidate for the Tribe. He may jump at the opportunity to pitch the ninth inning.
36. Jon Garland - Brewers. If Sabathia and Sheets leave, Garland can step in to eat some innings.
37. Paul Byrd - Pirates. The Pirates are said to want to add a veteran starter to the rotation. Neal Huntington knows Byrd from his Cleveland days.
38. Braden Looper - Giants. If Jonathan Sanchez is traded for a power hitter, the Giants might want a veteran to soak up innings.
39. Edgar Renteria - Cardinals. The American League hasn't worked out for Renteria. If he'll take a one-year deal, the Cardinals could bring him back. Pairing him with a (hopefully) strong defender like Hudson could work.
40. Joe Crede - Dodgers. If Crede can get past back problems, he might be a bargain on a one-year deal.



41-50


41. Koji Uehara - Royals. The Royals were interested in Hiroki Kuroda last year. Maybe they'll add some rotation depth with Uehara.
42. Nick Punto - Rays. Cork Gaines (http://www.raysindex.com/) suggested this idea to me. Seems feasible, unless Punto craves a starting job.
43. Damaso Marte - Cardinals. I thought the Yanks would exercise his $6MM option, but a recent report indicated otherwise (http://www.nypost.com/seven/11022008/sports/yankees/no_option_for_marte_136408.htm). The Cardinals appear willing to spend some coin on a lefty reliever.
44. Juan Cruz - Tigers. A dark horse closing candidate, if he can improve his control. The Tigers don't have much money to work with this winter.
45. Mark Kotsay - Reds. Kotsay can step in at center field for a year to allow younger players to come along.
46. Jason Varitek - Red Sox. Tek may find that no team is willing to give him an acceptable multiyear deal.
47. Garret Anderson - Angels. The Halos will decline his $14MM option, but may look to bring him back at a lower salary.
48. Odalis Perez - Nationals. They need a veteran to eat innings, and Perez is as good as any. If he demands multiple years, the Nats may choose to move on.
49. Felipe Lopez - Orioles. Lopez mashed with the Cards, though it was a short stint. If Scott Boras doesn't get crazy over those 169 plate appearances, the Orioles could give him a shot on a one-year deal.
50. Jim Edmonds - Mariners. On a one-year deal, Edmonds could play center or DH against righthanders.

No to Burnett and Felipe Lopez. Burnett is too risky and expensive, I don't give a crap if he lives here, if we want to spend money on a big free agent it has to be Tex.

Lopez is just useless. Yeah, it's a step up from last year, but he's useless and expensive. As far as SS for the O's goes, if we have to sign a FA, let it be Tomohiro Nioka (Japanese SS/3B with some power), but I personally think we should trade with the Phillies for Jason Donald.

[Spidey-Bat]

Peavy has now approved trades to the Yankees or Angels.

[Kingfish]

Greg Maddux is "almost certain" to retire.

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/8754320/Four-time-Cy-Young-Winner-'almost-certain'-to-retire

[Dark Donnie]

Matt Holliday-Yankees a Possibility
Matt Holliday-OF-Rockies Nov. 4 - 10:04 am et

The Denver Post reports there "there's a growing likelihood that Matt Holliday will be traded at some point" and the Yankees "continue to pop up" as a possible destination.

The newspaper adds that "one scenario floated" is the Yankees trading Hideki Matsui to the Mariners before sending "a package focusing on starter Phil Hughes" to the Rockies for Holliday. Source: Denver Post
Garrett Atkins-Twins or Indians?

According to the Denver Post, the Twins and Indians "have inquired about" Garrett Atkins.

Both teams have needs at third base and the Rockies will no doubt be able to get a nice return on Atkins, but paying a premium for him would probably be a mistake given his sub par defense and mediocre numbers away from Coors Field. Source: Denver Post
Prince Fielder-Not likely to be dealt

Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com reports that the Brewers are "highly unlikely" to trade Prince Fielder.

Rosenthal notes that the Brewers are also "reluctant to trade" J.J. Hardy, and may instead look to move him to second base while clearing shortstop for prospect Alcides Escobar and dealing Rickie Weeks. Fielder is under the Brewers' control through 2011. Source: FOXSports.com

[Dark Donnie]

A.J. Burnett-No to Cards and Nats
Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com reports that the Cardinals and Nationals will not be in "the A.J. Burnett sweepstakes" if he opts out of his contract with the Blue Jays.

St. Louis signed their big-money starter when they extended Kyle Lohse's contract and Rosenthal notes that the Nationals "view Burnett as a physical risk."
Source: FOXSports.com
Joe Beimel-Mets
Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com reports that Joe Beimel has been added to "the list of free-agent relievers on the Mets' wish list."

Rosenthal notes that the Mets are also "expected to investigate free-agent closers Francisco Rodriguez, Brian Fuentes and Kerry Wood," but their bullpen makeover will likely involve more than just ninth-inning duties and Beimel has been an effective setup man for the past three seasons.
Source: FOXSports.com

[Dark Donnie]

Jake Peavy has not waived his NTC for The Yankees or Angels
Agent Barry Axelrod said it's not true that Jake Peavy has agred to waive his no-trade clause for the Yankees or Angels.

Apparently, this is just another case of a quote getting turned into something its not. Padres GM Kevin Towers said he thought Peavy would be more open to going to the Angels or Yankees than any other AL possibilities, and SI.com, and others, reported that the pitcher had agreed to waive his no-trade clause. Axelrod has indicated that it'd take additional compensation to consider a trade to any team except the five NL clubs on his list (Atlanta, Chicago, St. Louis, Houston and Los Angeles).
Source: New York Post


Coco Crisp for Khalil Greene? Not Likely
The Tacoma News Tribune's Larry LaRue believes the Red Sox are offering Coco Crisp to the Padres for Khalil Greene.

And a Mariners reporter gets the scoop before any of the army of Boston scribes? Since it doesn't make much sense in the first place, don't put too much weight into this rumor. The Red Sox are likely to make Crisp available, but Greene hardly seems to be a fit with both Julio Lugo and Jed Lowrie available at shortstop and Lugo's contract making him difficult to trade.
Source: Tacoma News Tribune

Russell Martin-Possibly Moving to Third or even Another Team
According to ESPN's Peter Gammons, some Dodger officials have spread the word that Russell Martin will either be traded or moved to third base.

If a whisper gets repeated by enough people, there's probably some truth to it. It seems ludicrous that the Dodgers would really move Martin out from behind the plate. He had no real business winning a Gold Glove in 2007, but he's a more-than-adequate defensive catcher and the Dodgers have no internal possibilities to replace him. Moving him to third and then signing Jason Varitek to catch would do significant damage to their chances of making it back to the postseason in 2009. If they do opt to make him available in trade, the Red Sox, Mets, Blue Jays, Phillies, Astros, Marlins and Reds could show interest.
Source: ESPN.com

[Showtime]

Did I read that right, moving Martin to 3rd and signing Varitek would damage their chances? I don't get it.

[Spidey-Bat]

Why are the Dodgers even thinking of getting rid of Martin?

[Kingfish]

Getting rid of Martin makes absolutely no sense, he's a great player. Would they really damage their organization that much just to sign another former Red Sox? That obsession is getting a little creepy.

[ih8nyy]

Getting rid of Martin makes absolutely no sense, he's a great player. Would they really damage their organization that much just to sign another former Red Sox? That obsession is getting a little creepy.

That's Frank McCourt for ya. He loves anyone that wore a Sox Uni.

[Kingfish]

Peavy declines
San Diego general manager Kevin Towers confirmed at the GM meetings that pitcher Jake Peavy, whom the Padres are willing to deal, would not approve a trade to the Red Sox.
“At this point in time,” Towers said, “that’s probably (the case). I don’t think it has anything to do with the Red Sox; they’re a great organization. Only Jake can tell you why. I couldn’t tell you why they’re off (the right-hander’s list of acceptable teams) and (the New York Yankees (http://bostonherald.com/search/?topic=Yankees)) are on.”
Peavy has a complete no-trade clause through 2010 and would prefer to remain in the National League. He has listed Atlanta, Houston, St. Louis, Chicago and Los Angeles as his cities of choice.


This makes me like Peavy even more.

[cyborg ninja 14]

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/whitesox/chi-04-gm-sox-chicagonov04,0,1769835.story

Yes, the first non-Donnie posted rumor!

[Dark Donnie]

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/whitesox/chi-04-gm-sox-chicagonov04,0,1769835.story

Yes, the first non-Donnie posted rumor!

I had a boring morning:cwink:

The Fielding Bible Awards
First Base – Albert Pujols, St. Louis
He was the only repeat winner last year, and now Albert Pujols is the only three-time winner of the Fielding Bible Award. But this time it wasn’t so easy. Mark Teixeira gave him a run for his money. Pujols finished with 90 points while Teixeira pulled in 88. One flip-flop would have garnered Teixeira at least a tie for first. Five panelists gave first place to the slugger from St. Louis while the late-season Angels star earned four. Former Angel Casey Kotchman received the final firstplace vote.

Second Base – Brandon Phillips, Cincinnati
This one surprised me, but it shouldn’t have. Brandon Phillips finished third in our voting last year and now has won his first Fielding Bible Award with 86 points. I voted for Chase Utley, who had the highest Plus/Minus figure at any position this year (+47 – see the Kenny Rogers discussion below for more information about the Plus/Minus System). But the panelists who watched Phillips play more regularly have seen what he can do on the field and rewarded him accordingly.

Third Base – Adrian Beltre, Seattle
It was a runaway victory for Adrian Beltre. Beltre won the award two years ago in the closest vote we’ve ever had (the tiebreaker was invoked) but this year his 36-point margin of victory, 90 points compared to 64 points for second-place finisher Evan Longoria, was the second largest margin of victory in this year’s voting. Longoria showed that the rookie hype for him wasn’t just about his prodigious bat. He can flash the leather as well.

Shortstop – Jimmy Rollins, Philadelphia
Jimmy Rollins won his first Gold Glove last year, and this year he wins his first Fielding Bible Award. The year started slow for Rollins. He didn’t begin to show up on the Plus/Minus leaderboard at shortstop until well into the season, thanks primarily to his early-season injury. But he got it going and overtook Yunel Escobar in the last week of the season to win the Plus/Minus Crown with +23. Rollins also led all shortstops with the most Good Fielding Plays (65) by a good margin over Orlando Cabrera (55) and Erick Aybar (55). Rollins’ 88 points in the voting, compared to 59 points for runner-up J.J. Hardy, represented this year’s largest margin of victory. Escobar finished third in our voting, Aybar fourth and Cabrera sixth.

Left Field – Carl Crawford, Tampa Bay
He’s baaack! And he didn’t even have to play a full season to win it. Carl Crawford missed most of the month of September but still wins the Fielding Bible Award in left field for 2008 with 87 points. It’s his second award, having won it in 2006. In 2007, he finished second to Eric Byrnes by a mere three points. Despite the missed time, Crawford held off Willie Harris’ late run for the highest Plus/Minus total in left field (+23 to +22).

Center Field – Carlos Beltran, New York Mets
Like Carl Crawford in left, Carlos Beltran won the award for center fielders in 2006, but he finished second to Andruw Jones in a close battle in 2007. Now he wins his second Fielding Bible Award with 82 points. Minnesota’s rookie speedster Carlos Gomez (74 points) finished second. Unlike Crawford, Beltran played injury free in 2008, starting 158 games in center field for the Mets, the highest total of his career.

Right Field – Franklin Gutierrez, Cleveland
Franklin Gutierrez led all right fielders in Plus/Minus last year with +20, although he did not win the Fielding Bible Award. To show that 2007 was no fluke, however, Gutierrez led them again this year with +29. Here’s the amazing part: he did it while playing only 88 games in right field in 2007 and only 97 games this year. Gutierrez received 85 total points from our panel and is a first-time Fielding Bible Award winner in right field.

Catcher – Yadier Molina, St. Louis
Maybe his brothers are getting jealous; they’re creeping up on him. But it’s a repeat Fielding Bible Award for Yadier Molina in 2008 (88 points). Jose Molina finished tied for second with Jason Kendall of the Brewers this year at 63 points. With Bengie Molina placing eighth in the voting, it’s the first time any set of two brothers, much less three, have cracked the top ten in our Fielding Bible Award voting. That record may stand for quite some time.

Pitcher – Kenny Rogers, Detroit
Greg Maddux of the Dodgers has won the National League Gold Glove Award for pitchers in 17 of the last 18 years. The American League Award has gone to Kenny Rogers of Detroit in five of the last eight years. But are they truly the two best fielding pitchers in baseball? Were they really the best in each and every year that they won? Aren’t these two guys getting pretty old? Aren’t there some younger studs out there to take their places?

http://fieldingbible.com/

http://www.billjamesonline.net/field...-leaders08.gif

http://www.billjamesonline.net/field...-leaders08.gif

Was hoping Utley would win

[Spidey-Bat]

They also said Jeter was the worst defensive SS. Of course almost every Yankee fan is up in arms over that :rolleyes:

[Double Down]

The Yankees have declined their option on Giambi.

[Dark Donnie]

Ryan Ludwick-OF-Cardinals Nov. 4 - 6:44 pm et

The AJC's Dave O'Brien has heard a rumor that the Cards and Braves could be discussing swapping Ryan Ludwick and Kelly Johnson.
It's not a trade St. Louis would make if it thought Ludwick could repeat his 2008 season, but since a decline is likely, it wouldn't be a bad deal for them. Still, there's a good chance this rumor is complete fiction.
Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution


A.J. Burnett-S-Blue Jays Nov. 4 - 5:47 pm et

Agent Darek Braunecker announced Tuesday that A.J. Burnett will become a free agent by opting out of his contract with the Blue Jays.
Burnett passes up the final two years and $24 million on his deal to hit the open market, where he'll no doubt get significantly richer offers. Braunecker indicated that Burnett remains open to re-signing with the Blue Jays, but that seems unlikely once the bidding starts.
Source: MLB.com

[Spidey-Bat]

Yankees bought out Pavano but may consider signing him to a cheaper deal. WTF?

[Raiden]

The Yankees have declined their option on Giambi.

Good. I hope Yanks will purge more of their overpaid, underachieved players and get younger in the process.

[Kingfish]

If the Yanks bring back Pavano, there will be a lot of laughing people out there.

[cyborg ninja 14]

Yankees bought out Pavano but may consider signing him to a cheaper deal. WTF?

Pavano is now a ghost cut from the Jason Schmidt mold, what is bossman Hank thinking?

[punishermax]

http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,24605130-11088,00.html

I live in Milwaukee and have heard only 5 years/100 mil. How does an Australian paper get have the Crew offering CC 147 mil?

[Spidey-Bat]

They're probably just making it up.

[Nightmare]

If the Yanks bring back Pavano, there will be a lot of laughing people out there.

Maybe the Halo's will sign him.

[NewYorkSpider]

They also said Jeter was the worst defensive SS. Of course almost every Yankee fan is up in arms over that :rolleyes:

He isn't very good at SS. I've heard rumors of him moving to first base in the coming years. This of course if they don't sign Teixera.

The Yankees have declined their option on Giambi.

I'm kinda glad he's gone. Now they can persue Teixera or Blalock. I'm not sure if the Rangers picked up his option.


Yankees bought out Pavano but may consider signing him to a cheaper deal. WTF?

If they sign back Pavano, I'll shoot myself.

[Kingfish]

Maybe the Halo's will sign him.

They were one of the teams after him at the same time. Fortunately he signed with the Yankees before meeting with them. Dodged a bullet on that one.

Jeter is a pretty terrible SS. Those Gold Gloves were a joke.

[ih8nyy]

Those Gold Gloves were a joke.

Especially the one that should have gone to Alex Gonzalez in 2006. That was a joke.

[Dark Donnie]

Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com reports that the Angels "will not engage in protracted negotiations with" Mark Teixeira and "might go in a completely different direction" if they can't re-sign him by next Thursday.

Unfortunately, agent Scott Boras is unlikely to make it a quick process. "In any situation, you get to a point where you have to make a decision and move the business forward," general manager Tony Reagins said. "In any negotiation, there always comes that point where you have to say, you're in or you're out."
Source: FOXSports.com

The New York Daily News reports that Derek Lowe "appears atop the Mets' list" of targets.

The newspaper also notes that the Mets are interested in Ryan Dempster and would like to re-sign Oliver Perez.
Source: New York Daily News


The New York Post reports that the Mets "have had preliminary discussions" with the Rays about Andy Sonnanstine and Edwin Jackson.

With David Price set to join James Shields, Scott Kazmir and Matt Garza in the rotation Tampa Bay has depth to deal from and New York is said to be in the mix for just about every available starter at this point.
Source: New York Post

[Dark Donnie]

According to the Boston Herald, agent Scott Boras said Tuesday that Jorge Posada's four-year, $52.4 million contract "will serve as a benchmark for any team looking to land" Jason Varitek.

To put the absurdity of that comparison into context, consider that Posada hit .338/.426/.543 with 20 homers and 90 RBI in the season before signing his four-year deal. Meanwhile, Varitek batted .220/.313/.359 with 13 homers and 43 RBI in 2008. Gotta love agents.
Source: Boston Herald


According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, the Phillies' lack of recent contact with Pat Burrell's agents is "another indication that the left fielder is unlikely to re-sign with the team."

However, agent Ed Hayes said Tuesday that Burrell would prefer to remain in Philadelphia. "He loves it here," Hayes said. "He loves the fans. He loves playing here. He thinks this team has an opportunity to win for many, many years. And he'd love to stay. His primary goal is to stay here, but we'll see what the Phillies have in mind."
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer

The Boston Globe's Nick Cafardo said Derek Lowe made it clear to him that a return to the Red Sox would be his top choice as a free agent.

That doesn't mean he'll take considerably less money, but perhaps he'd come at a slight discount. Lowe, who could also be pursued by the Mets and Yankees, should command a four-year deal worth at least $14 million per season.
Source: Boston.com

[Dark Donnie]

Maddux adds an 18th Gold Glove
Rollins, Beltran, Wright also repeat as winners
MLB.com

Dodgers pitcher Greg Maddux won his 18th National League Gold Glove on Wednesday, extending his own record for the honor.
Maddux, who also pitched for the Padres this year, broke Jim Kaat's record of 16 Gold Gloves in 2007.

Joining Maddux as repeat winners were shortstop Jimmy Rollins of the World Series champion Phillies and third baseman David Wright and outfielder Carlos Beltran of the Mets.

It's the third straight Gold Glove for Beltran, the Mets center fielder. Rollins and Wright won for the first time in 2007.

The rest of the NL winners were tabbed for the first time: Yadier Molina of the Cardinals at catcher, Adrian Gonzalez of the Padres at first base, Brandon Phillips of the Reds at second base and Nate McLouth of the Pirates and Shane Victorino of the Phillies in the outfield.

The American League winners will be anounced on Thursday.
http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20081105&content_id=3664890&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb

Good to see Shane getting some credit.

[cyborg ninja 14]

They're probably just making it up.

Olney moonlights for that paper:o

[Kingfish]

Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com reports that the Angels "will not engage in protracted negotiations with" Mark Teixeira and "might go in a completely different direction" if they can't re-sign him by next Thursday.

Unfortunately, agent Scott Boras is unlikely to make it a quick process. "In any situation, you get to a point where you have to make a decision and move the business forward," general manager Tony Reagins said. "In any negotiation, there always comes that point where you have to say, you're in or you're out."

Sigh. After Paul Konerko burnt them, they really don't like to wait around. My outlook on this is getting pretty grim.

[Spidey-Bat]

Goddammit Angels, stop being penny-pinchers. This is why you are perennial first round exits.

[Kingfish]

Apparently, the Dodgers have offered Manny a little bit of money.

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/8761502/L.A.-offers-Manny-2nd-highest-salary-ever-in-MLB

[Showtime]

He won't take it, he wants more years.

[Captain Planet!]

If Markakis (AKA Markickass :o) doesn't get a GG, I'll need medical attention.

[NewYorkSpider]

It seems the Cubs are the front-runner for Peavy.

Peavy (http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/8761340/Sources:-Cubs-consider-deals-for-Peavy,-Dempster?CMP=OTC-K9B140813162&ATT=3498)

[Nightmare]

lol, 2 years should be insulting. Come back with a real offer Ned.

[Dark Donnie]

If Markakis (AKA Markickass :o) doesn't get a GG, I'll need medical attention.

Call the doctor:cwink:

Michael Young will be the AL Gold Glove shortstop in balloting announced Wednesday.

ESPN won't be happy about the leak. Also winning Gold Gloves are P Mike Mussina, C Joe Mauer, 1B Carlos Pena, 2B Dustin Pedroia, 3B Adrian Beltre, OF Torii Hunter, OF Grady Sizemore and OF Ichiro Suzuki. Young is a terrible choice, perhaps even worse than Derek Jeter would have been. Orlando Cabrera would have been the safe pick for AL managers once again, but Jason Bartlett was the class of a very weak group of shortstops. Pena's inclusion over Kevin Youkilis is quite a surprise. We can only imagine it has something to do with Youkilis playing mostly third base at the time the balloting was done. The rest of the infield is fine, though Akinori Iwamura had a case at second. Hunter has been coasting on his reputation for a few years now, but it would have been stunning if he wasn't picked. Carl Crawford, Alex Rios and Carlos Gomez were all clearly more deserving.
Source: Rawlings.com

The Denver Post reports that "multiple opposing executives" predict that the Phillies and A's "are the most likely trade partners" for Matt Holliday.

General manager Dan O'Dowd said Wednesday that he's open to dealing Holliday without getting a proven starting pitcher in return, adding that the Rockies "are completely open-minded to anything." Philadelphia would look at Holliday as a replacement for free agent Pat Burrell and could offer a package centering around pitching prospect Carlos Carrasco, but it's unclear why Oakland would be in the mix for a high-salaried player who's one season from free agency.
Source: Denver Post

[Captain Planet!]

GAAAHHHHGGHH!!!!! FOR THE LOVE OF ALL THAT IS MIGHTY, THIS IS A FRICKIN OUTRAGE!!! :cmad:

Ichiro.... 5 errors, 11 assists, .987 FPCT
Markakis.... 3 errors, 17 assists, .991 FPCT. :angry:

Markakis always gets snubbed. Never gets the credit he deserves. Everything in the MLB is a ****ing popularity contest, and Markakis always gets screwed over. Not only should he have a gold glove by now, he should also be an All-Star (George Sherrill sucks more than the idea of Spider-Man selling his marriage to Mephisto)! I'm pissed. I even wore my Markakis shirt today.

*rips off shirt and strangles the people who vote for the Gold Gloves*

This is some ********.
:facepalm

[Dark Donnie]

Mike Cameron-OF-Brewers Nov. 6 - 5:20 pm et

SI.com's Jon Heyman believes the Brewers won't consider dealing Mike Cameron until they know for sure that CC Sabathia won't come back.
Common sense dictates that the Brewers would be more likely to part with Cameron and his $10 million salary if Sabathia returned at over $20 million per year. However, Cameron and Sabathia are close friends, and the Brewers think it might help their chances of retaining Sabathia to keep Cameron around. The Brewers have reportedly discussed a Cameron deal with the Yankees.
Source: SI.com




Jake Peavy-S-Padres Nov. 6 - 5:05 pm et

According to the Arizona Republic, the rumor going around the GM meetings this morning was Jake Peavy to the Braves for Yunel Escobar, Gorkys Hernandez and a young pitcher not named Tommy Hanson.
Presumably, Jair Jurrjens is also out. Julio Teheran is another long shot, leaving Jo-Jo Reyes, Charlie Morton, Jeff Locke and Kris Medlen among the possibilities. It doesn't seem like enough of a return for Peavy, but there are still wildly differing opinions on Escobar. Some think he's very capable of blossoming into an All-Star, while others see him as just an average regular. If the Padres got him, it would be with the intention of playing him at shortstop and trading Khalil Greene. They would have the option of stashing Escobar at second for a year, but that wouldn't be part of the plan.
Source: Arizona Republic




Matt Holliday-OF-Rockies Nov. 6 - 5:00 pm et

The Phillies are aggressively pursuing Matt Holliday, sources told SI.com's Jon Heyman.
The A's, Mets and Rays have also been mentioned in connection with Holliday. The Phillies tried to trade for both Holliday and Brian Fuentes in July, with Shane Victorino, Carlos Carrasco, Lou Marson and others possibly going to Colorado. The Phillies would likely make every attempt to hold on to Victorino now. That would leave Carrasco as the centerpiece of a deal.
Source: SI.com

[Kingfish]

GAAAHHHHGGHH!!!!! FOR THE LOVE OF ALL THAT IS MIGHTY, THIS IS A FRICKIN OUTRAGE!!! :cmad:

Ichiro.... 5 errors, 11 assists, .987 FPCT
Markakis.... 3 errors, 17 assists, .991 FPCT. :angry:

Markakis always gets snubbed. Never gets the credit he deserves. Everything in the MLB is a ****ing popularity contest, and Markakis always gets screwed over. Not only should he have a gold glove by now, he should also be an All-Star (George Sherrill sucks more than the idea of Spider-Man selling his marriage to Mephisto)! I'm pissed. I even wore my Markakis shirt today.

*rips off shirt and strangles the people who vote for the Gold Gloves*

This is some ********.
:facepalm

Ichiro (and even Hunter somewhat, I must admit) are cruising on their reputations now. As long as they don't completely fall apart during the season, they'll win it. Although those numbers for Ichiro aren't very good at all. At least Hunter didn't make an error this season. Only in the playoffs.:csad:

[Captain Planet!]

Ichiro (and even Hunter somewhat, I must admit) are cruising on their reputations now. As long as they don't completely fall apart during the season, they'll win it. Although those numbers for Ichiro aren't very good at all. At least Hunter didn't make an error this season. Only in the playoffs.:csad:
I'm fine with Hunter. I'm even fine with Sizemore. But Ichiro? Please! Go to thehardballtimes.com and look up 2008 AL RF stats. Markakis is first in almost every catagory, and is miles ahead of Ichiro.

Oh, and Hunter Pence should have gooten the NL GG instead of McClouth.

[Nightmare]

The Dodgers offered Rafael Furcal a two-year deal worth $25-30MM. A source close to Furcal told Heyman that the Dodgers know that it will take more and at least eight teams have expressed interest in Furcal.
In the same piece Heyman says the White Sox are open to trading Bobby Jenks, but Heyman's source says it will "take quite a bit."
Heyman says the Nationals are not likely to land any of the big names they covet noting they do not have the pieces for a trade and few free agents would be willing to play for a 100-loss team. Heyman does say Adam Dunn could be one player that is willing to sign with the Nats based on his relationship with Jim Bowden.
Heyman says the Yankees may be serious about trading for Mike Cameron noting that they have even asked for Alex Rodriguez' opinion of his former teammate.
Heyman reports that the White Sox could trade several of their bigger players. Most of the names have been heard here over the last couple of days, but one we haven't heard in a while is Paul Konerko. Heyman says Konerko could be an attractive backup plan to any team that fails to sign Mark Teixeira. Heyman also says the White Sox could go after Orlando Hudson if they can unload some of their bigger contracts.


Thats an awful lot for Furcal who's been injury plagued the past 2 seasons.

[Spidey-Bat]

What is it with the Dodgers and giving these 2-3 year deals for a ridiculous amount? Yeah, a few here and there aren't bad. But when you do this with everyone, it starts adding up.

[Dodger]

What is it with the Dodgers and giving these 2-3 year deals for a ridiculous amount? Yeah, a few here and there aren't bad. But when you do this with everyone, it starts adding up.

I wish I knew dude. I wish I knew. The manny deal I think is fair. Manny doesn't have steroids in his body like Barry did so he can't keep up the same performance for another 2 years. But Furcal? He's been hurt for the last 2 years why give him MORE money? Why not just an incentive laced deal? UGH....freaking dodgers.

Nice Avy btw

[Dark Donnie]

Agent: Dodgers' Manny offer isn't long enough

According to the Los Angeles Times, "Manny Ramirez's agent made it clear Thursday that the contract the Dodgers offered his client isn't long enough."

No surprise, as the Dodgers reportedly offered $45 million over two seasons and Scott Boras has been saying that Ramirez is seeking a six-year contract. At this point the Dodgers may have no choice but to wait for Ramirez and Boras to see whether or not there are actually teams willing to pay him through age 42, because otherwise they're just negotiating against themselves and an agent's likely outlandish demands. Nov. 7 - 9:04 am et
Source: Los Angeles Times

[Spidey-Bat]

Monday November 10: Rookies of Year

Tuesday November 11: NL Cy Young

Wednesday November 12: Managers of Year

Thursday November 13: AL Cy Young

[Kingfish]

Padres pick up their option on Brian Giles. Rangers also pick up the one on Hank Blalock.

And yes. It is a slow news day.

[Kingfish]

Willie Randolph got a job.

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/8771614/Brewers-hire-Randolph-as-bench-coach

[Spidey-Bat]

I'm at bit surprised he took the job. I guess he rather be the bench coach in Milwaukee than manager in Seattle. Can't blame him for that. Mariners are a ****ty team and Seattle would be further from his home.


Nationals got new uniforms:
http://f3.yahoofs.com/ymg/ept_sports_mlb_experts__16/ept_sports_mlb_experts-979702398-1226002219.jpg?ymrMOSADZYZn.2i.

I like the away. Hate the red. The DC on the blue looks tacky and minor league.

[Nightmare]

I like the blue and gray ones.

[cyborg ninja 14]

Monday November 10: Rookies of Year

Tuesday November 11: NL Cy Young

Wednesday November 12: Managers of Year

Thursday November 13: AL Cy Young

ROYs: Soto and Longoria.

NL Cy: Lincecum

Managers: Ned Yost and Joe Maddon.

AL Cy: Lee

[Captain Planet!]

I'm at bit surprised he took the job. I guess he rather be the bench coach in Milwaukee than manager in Seattle. Can't blame him for that. Mariners are a ****ty team and Seattle would be further from his home.


Nationals got new uniforms:
http://f3.yahoofs.com/ymg/ept_sports_mlb_experts__16/ept_sports_mlb_experts-979702398-1226002219.jpg?ymrMOSADZYZn.2i.

I like the away. Hate the red. The DC on the blue looks tacky and minor league.
The Washington road looks great, the home looks meh, the DC alternate does look minor league, but maybe it'll look better on the players.

I might go to the Nats opening day (been wanting to go to DC for a while now), just to see Obama throw out the first pitch.

Can't wait for the O's new uniforms on Wednesday. :woot:

[Spidey-Bat]

The Nats park is nice.

Obama will have to go out to the mound in the Popemobile.

[Captain Planet!]

The Nats park is nice.

Obama will have to go out to the mound in the Popemobile.
The Popemobile is whimpy looking, bullet-proof mesh armor is the way to go.

[cyborg ninja 14]

I might go to the Nats opening day (been wanting to go to DC for a while now), just to see Obama throw out the first pitch.


I heard the White Sox wanted Obama for opening day next year?

[Dark Donnie]

I heard the White Sox wanted Obama for opening day next year?

I read that to.

[FaT_tONle]

Willie Randolph got a job.

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/8771614/Brewers-hire-Randolph-as-bench-coach

What a joke of a job... at least go to L.A/Chicago or something...

[Alex The Great]

I'm at bit surprised he took the job. I guess he rather be the bench coach in Milwaukee than manager in Seattle. Can't blame him for that. Mariners are a ****ty team and Seattle would be further from his home.


Nationals got new uniforms:
http://f3.yahoofs.com/ymg/ept_sports_mlb_experts__16/ept_sports_mlb_experts-979702398-1226002219.jpg?ymrMOSADZYZn.2i.

I like the away. Hate the red. The DC on the blue looks tacky and minor league.
cool. Have the Royals done anything? :csad:

[Spidey-Bat]

They traded for Mike Jacobs who said he is not going to try to walk more. He had a .299 OBP last season :dry:

[Alex The Great]

:csad:

[Spidey-Bat]

This is a crime:

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20081106&content_id=3669485&vkey=hotstove2008&fext=.jsp

Nov. 11: NL Cy Young Award

The sentiment for CC Sabathia's 12-week work in Milwaukee (11-2, 1.65, seven complete games) makes this an extremely interesting contest. Primarily because the league did not lack full-season excellence. Arizona's Brandon Webb was a shoo-in for his second Cy until descending in late-August into a three-start losing streak during which he was hit hard (21 runs in 13 2/3 innings) but he still wound up with 22 wins, and no one has had more in the Majors since 2002. Take Sabathia out of the equation, and the other main contender is San Francisco's Tim Lincecum (18-5, 2.62), whose 265 strikeouts were 59 more than anyone else in the league (Dan Haren).

Where is Johan Santana? He only lead the majors in ERA. Had it not been for a completely inept bullpen, he would have had at least 19 wins.

[FaT_tONle]

Lincecum should win it IMO.

[Spidey-Bat]

He probably will but to not even mention Santana is stupid.

[Silver Knight]

The Orioles are discussing contract extensions for both Nick Markakis and Brian Roberts. New uniforms will be revealed November 12th. Go O's! :up:
Really? New logo and colours or just a new uni?

[Silver Knight]

I'm at bit surprised he took the job. I guess he rather be the bench coach in Milwaukee than manager in Seattle. Can't blame him for that. Mariners are a ****ty team and Seattle would be further from his home.


Nationals got new uniforms:
http://f3.yahoofs.com/ymg/ept_sports_mlb_experts__16/ept_sports_mlb_experts-979702398-1226002219.jpg?ymrMOSADZYZn.2i.

I like the away. Hate the red. The DC on the blue looks tacky and minor league.
Didnt they come into the league like 4 years ago? New unis already?

[cyborg ninja 14]

This is a crime:

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20081106&content_id=3669485&vkey=hotstove2008&fext=.jsp
Where is Johan Santana? He only lead the majors in ERA. Had it not been for a completely inept bullpen, he would have had at least 19 wins.

You forget too easily that everyone hates the Mets :o Not even the Mets like the Mets.

[Kingfish]

No surpises here.

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/8778200/Longoria-wins-AL-rookie-of-year;-Soto-wins-in-NL

[Alex The Great]

You forget too easily that everyone hates the Mets :o Not even the Mets like the Mets.
hah, that's true.

[Double Down]

Matt Holliday appears headed to the Oakland Athletics in a deal with the Colorado Rockies, baseball sources have told ESPN's Jerry Crasnick and Buster Olney.
Final details are being finalized, though the teams have agreed to terms, a baseball source told Olney.
The deal is also pending completion of physical exams.
Although the package coming back to Colorado has yet to be determined, it's believed that pitcher Greg Smith was one of the players under discussion.

[NewYorkSpider]

The deal might not get finalized for the next 48 hours, but it seems Matt Holliday will be in an A's uniform next season.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3694100

[Kingfish]

Well, that's just lame is what it is. A's are a constant pest.

[fu manchu]

No surpises here.

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/8778200/Longoria-wins-AL-rookie-of-year;-Soto-wins-in-NL

no surprise on who won ROY. I am surprise that Fukudome got one 2nd place vote and one 3rd place vote. And that Volquez got votes despite not being eligible as a rookie.

[cyborg ninja 14]

Matt Holliday appears headed to the Oakland Athletics in a deal with the Colorado Rockies, baseball sources have told ESPN's Jerry Crasnick and Buster Olney.
Final details are being finalized, though the teams have agreed to terms, a baseball source told Olney.
The deal is also pending completion of physical exams.
Although the package coming back to Colorado has yet to be determined, it's believed that pitcher Greg Smith was one of the players under discussion.

Reports as of right now say that deal is Holliday for Greg Smith, Carlos Gonzalez and Huston Street. If that's the case then the Rockies get good value in return despite losing the best player on their current team.

[cyborg ninja 14]

hah, that's true.

Not even Spidey-Bat can deny that.

[Alex The Great]

I just wish a salary cap would be rmae for the MLB. would make the league more even. so A-Fraud, Manny ''Nrush My Hair'' Ramirez don't go to the highest Bidder Like say, the Yankees but actually go to a team who has enough cap room and wants him.


:yay:

P.S

Go Royals :csad:

[Double Down]

Wow. Huston Street. That's a really nice get for the Rockies, considering.

[Spidey-Bat]

Wow. Huston Street. That's a really nice get for the Rockies, considering.

Huston Street makes Billy Wagner look like a big game pitcher.

Billy Beane deserves credit for being on the receiving end of a big trade. Now if he signs him, that would be huge.

[Kingfish]

Seems unlikely that he signs an extension right now. He's a free agent after next season, I'm sure Boras wants him to hit the open market. Also, by not signing him now, Beane leaves himself the flexibility to trade him at the deadline if the A's aren't competing.

If that is the deal, then Beane once again got himself a great trade. Street and Smith are nothing more then average. Gonzalez has some upside, but he's no Holliday.

[Alex The Great]

This could really be a good move for the Rockies....

[Nightmare]

The A's? Wow that came out of nowhere.

[Dr. Evil]

I heard on the radio that Colorado is going to turn around and trade Street.

[Nightmare]

To the dodgers? :up:

[Alex The Great]

Dodgers suck! :cmad:

[Kingfish]

Nationals acquire Scott Olsen and Josh Willingham.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3694827

[Alex The Great]

*yawns*

[Spidey-Bat]

Great trade for the Nationals. Horrible for the Marlins.

[Alex The Great]

The MARLINS STILL EXIST?

[Kingfish]

Should you really be bad-mouthing a team that won more games last year then the Royals have since 1993?

[Alex The Great]

OUCH! That Hurt Right There In Me :heart: :csad:

[Dodger]

Dodgers suck! :cmad:

NO! your teams sucks! :cmad:

....

who's your team?

[Alex The Great]

Royals :csad:

[cyborg ninja 14]

Seems unlikely that he signs an extension right now. He's a free agent after next season, I'm sure Boras wants him to hit the open market. Also, by not signing him now, Beane leaves himself the flexibility to trade him at the deadline if the A's aren't competing.

If that is the deal, then Beane once again got himself a great trade. Street and Smith are nothing more then average. Gonzalez has some upside, but he's no Holliday.

I'm wondering how Beane will make up for lack of rotation. I mean they'll start Dana Eveland, Sean Gallagher, Gio Gonzalez and who else?

[Kingfish]

Too early to say for sure since Beane is likely not done dealing. But they also have Justin Duchscherer who should be recovered from hip surgery before spring training.

[FaT_tONle]

Cease to exist as franchises... I mean these teams trading their talent when these guys aren't even in their contract years yet... it's a joke... can a team lock SOMEONE up... one time??? Cease to exist as MLB franchises...

[Spidey-Bat]

The Rockies did lock up Helton years ago. They probably would try to lock up Holliday but it's not going to happen with Boras. Might as well get something out of him. The Twins locked up Morneau, Cuddyer, and Nathan. Mauer is probably next (he'll probably play his whole career there for a hometown discount). They could have done the same with Santana if the owner wasn't cheap.

It's hard for smaller teams to lock guys up. It's better to trade them because of how valuable prospects have become.

[Captain Planet!]

Nationals acquire Scott Olsen and Josh Willingham.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3694827 (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3694827)

If the O's suck for another 11 years, I guess I could become a Nats fan.

Not likely, but you never know.

Royals :csad:
Thought you were a Braves fan? :huh:

[FaT_tONle]

The Rockies did lock up Helton years ago. They probably would try to lock up Holliday but it's not going to happen with Boras. Might as well get something out of him. The Twins locked up Morneau, Cuddyer, and Nathan. Mauer is probably next (he'll probably play his whole career there for a hometown discount). They could have done the same with Santana if the owner wasn't cheap.

It's hard for smaller teams to lock guys up. It's better to trade them because of how valuable prospects have become.

Billy Beane is a dumbass... I am tired of this money ball bull ****... I mean unless he has no choice and the owner down there wants a 20 million dollar pay roll... how many freaking players can you trade in a two year span? A minor league team could beat the A's right now... it's ridiculous... at least the Marlins are competitive despite having one of the most brutal fan bases in baseball... hell the Rangers have a better fan base than the Marlins... yet the Marlins field a more competitive team year in and year out. I'll give them the benefit of the doubt because they have one of the better farm systems. But teams like the A's... Pittsburg... these owners can go to hell for all I care.

[cyborg ninja 14]

Billy Beane is a dumbass... I am tired of this money ball bull ****... I mean unless he has no choice and the owner down there wants a 20 million dollar pay roll... how many freaking players can you trade in a two year span? A minor league team could beat the A's right now... it's ridiculous... at least the Marlins are competitive despite having one of the most brutal fan bases in baseball... hell the Rangers have a better fan base than the Marlins... yet the Marlins field a more competitive team year in and year out. I'll give them the benefit of the doubt because they have one of the better farm systems. But teams like the A's... Pittsburg... these owners can go to hell for all I care.

Beane can trade Holliday during the season if the A's aren't competing however.

[Spidey-Bat]

Beane was certainly a dumbass from 2000-2006 :whatever:

[cyborg ninja 14]

Beane was certainly a dumbass from 2000-2006 :whatever:

I forgot they went to the playoffs in 01, 02 and 06.

[The Riddler]

tim lincecum, nl cy young award winner.

soon to happen.

[Dr. Evil]

tim lincecum, nl cy young award winner.

soon to happen.

Don't know about that. Brandon Webb had better numbers.

[Spidey-Bat]

Santana deserves it. Had more IP and best ERA in the majors.

[Kingfish]

Billy Beane is a dumbass... I am tired of this money ball bull ****... I mean unless he has no choice and the owner down there wants a 20 million dollar pay roll... how many freaking players can you trade in a two year span? A minor league team could beat the A's right now... it's ridiculous... at least the Marlins are competitive despite having one of the most brutal fan bases in baseball... hell the Rangers have a better fan base than the Marlins... yet the Marlins field a more competitive team year in and year out. I'll give them the benefit of the doubt because they have one of the better farm systems. But teams like the A's... Pittsburg... these owners can go to hell for all I care.

Seriously? I may hate the A's but I can recognize that they are a strong franchise. It's Beane's approach, trade players for prospects before they become too expensive or let them walk and get a bunch of draft picks. He has so many young players built up that he can trade for a number of guys like Holliday and go for competing. If it's just not working out, he can trade him at the deadline for a bunch more prospects or let him walk for a couple of draft picks. If all he is giving up for Holliday is an outfield prospect and two average pitchers then it's a steal. He and a few others may help the A's vault right back into contention. If not, he'll likely turn him into better young players then Gonzalez, Street, and Smith anyway. You'd be hard pressed to find actual baseball people who think Billy Beane is a dumbass.

As for Pittsburgh, well yeah, they suck. Horribly. Not much to defend there.

[Dodger]

Royals :csad:

Hahahahaa....I'm sorry :(

Hey maybe Luke Hocheaver (sp?) will work out and you have the mexucutioner Soria! You have a sweeet stadium and Obama said things will change. Yes we can!

[Dodger]

Did I hear right or are the giants really in the hunt for CC? how the hell can they afford him with zitos monster contract?

[Nightmare]

Maybe CC will end up another Zito in SF. How great would that be?

[The Riddler]

Don't know about that. Brandon Webb had better numbers.

what are you talking about.

santana i can accept (even though his record isn't as good), but webb has nothing on lincecum but wins.

lincecum will and should win it.

[The Riddler]

Did I hear right or are the giants really in the hunt for CC? how the hell can they afford him with zitos monster contract?
we somehow have quite a bit money to spend. :huh:

[The Riddler]

Maybe CC will end up another Zito in SF. How great would that be?
not cool. as a giants fan, i've suffered enough i think.

i'm not against the giants signing cc; i doubt it'll end up like zito. zito was a solid pitcher but was slumping even before he joined the giants. he's shown he still has talent, but it seems like he's lost command on his pitches and velocity on his fastball. such a pity because zito is one of my favorite pitchers; looking forward to some improvement next year (hopefully).

sabathia being added to the giants makes sense even though they badly need some offensive power. their lineup with sabathia would be absolutely dominating and would arguably be the best starting rotation in the league with lincecum (cy young?), sabathia (dominating with the brewers), cain (in line for a breakout season?), and zito (return to form?) with even maybe noah lowry back who led the team in wins the last two years. their offense needs massive help but with a lineup like that, they'd definitely see improvement and could challenge in a weak nl west.

[Dodger]

not cool. as a giants fan, i've suffered enough i think.

i'm not against the giants signing cc; i doubt it'll end up like zito. zito was a solid pitcher but was slumping even before he joined the giants. he's shown he still has talent, but it seems like he's lost command on his pitches and velocity on his fastball. such a pity because zito is one of my favorite pitchers; looking forward to some improvement next year (hopefully).

sabathia being added to the giants makes sense even though they badly need some offensive power. their lineup with sabathia would be absolutely dominating and would arguably be the best starting rotation in the league with lincecum (cy young?), sabathia (dominating with the brewers), cain (in line for a breakout season?), and zito (return to form?) with even maybe noah lowry back who led the team in wins the last two years. their offense needs massive help but with a lineup like that, they'd definitely see improvement and could challenge in a weak nl west.

You haven't suffered enough! Jk dude

See, I want to know exactly how in the hell the giants will two 100 million contracts and still manage to compete? yes the potential rotation with the pitchers you named does give me nightmares but even in a weak division, you gotta have offense. And with Bengie Molina as your clean up guy....there aint much going on.

Do the giants have a stud in the minors or what?

[Dodger]

Maybe CC will end up another Zito in SF. How great would that be?

I do love seeing the giants suck and I do pointing and laughing at them when they suck and remind them that they do indeed suck. But in a weird way I want them to be good so we can break there hearts in october! Nothing is sweeter than breaking your rivals heart in october. See steve finley grand slam 2004. :)

[FaT_tONle]

Seriously? I may hate the A's but I can recognize that they are a strong franchise. It's Beane's approach, trade players for prospects before they become too expensive or let them walk and get a bunch of draft picks. He has so many young players built up that he can trade for a number of guys like Holliday and go for competing. If it's just not working out, he can trade him at the deadline for a bunch more prospects or let him walk for a couple of draft picks. If all he is giving up for Holliday is an outfield prospect and two average pitchers then it's a steal. He and a few others may help the A's vault right back into contention. If not, he'll likely turn him into better young players then Gonzalez, Street, and Smith anyway. You'd be hard pressed to find actual baseball people who think Billy Beane is a dumbass.

As for Pittsburgh, well yeah, they suck. Horribly. Not much to defend there.

I didn't know about the Holliday move until this morning... haven't really been keeping up with the hot stove stuff since I don't expect the Mets to make a huge move here... so I give Beane credit... but the bottom line is... the guy basically shredded the pitching staff twice now... he did not even lock up one of the big three guys back in the day... not one. Then he goes out and deals Haren... and I am sure there were other good starters that were dealt by him... names aren't coming to me right now. But the A's NEVER won a playoff series until 2006. Why break that team up basically a year later??? I don't get it. All I can say is these prospects better be good...

[Darthphere]

Nationals acquire Scott Olsen and Josh Willingham.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3694827

You know, as one of 4 Marlins fans in existence, I'm getting tired of this ****. Ok, fine trade Jacobs, he wasn't getting it done, he had a bad year and you guys are in love with Gaby Sanchez. But jesus, it would be nice to have a similar line-up for at least two years in a row. This trade everyone and get minor leaguers back ******** is tiresome.

[Dark Donnie]

CC Sabathia-S-Brewers Nov. 11 - 9:10 am et

According to the Los Angeles Times, the Angels "plan to make a serious run at" at CC Sabathia.

Re-signing Mark Teixeira is the Angels' top priority, but pursuing Sabathia appears to be their fallback plan. The newspaper also suggests that the Angels "could bid on" on A.J. Burnett if both Teixeira and Sabathia wind up elsewhere.
Source: Los Angeles Times

[Silver Knight]

I hope dude ends up in NY.

[ih8nyy]

Hoffman done in SD. Padres yank offer making him a FA.

Trevor Hoffman, the all-time leaders in saves and the face of the San Diego franchise, will not return to the Padres for 2009. The team has withdrawn its contract offer for 2009 to Hoffman, who is eligible for free agency this fall.

Hoffman has played the last 16 seasons with the Padres, tenure which ranks behind only John Smoltz's 20 years with the Braves among active players. He also ranks first all-time among active pitchers in career save percentage, at .892.

Olney on Hoffman
After 16 years, the relationship between Hoffman and the Padres ended via cell phone. Buster Olney has the details. Blog

Padres general manager Kevin Towers confirmed to The Associated Press in a text message that "our offer was withdrawn."

It is now unclear whether Hoffman's relationship with the team will be repaired. This is much is for sure: He will never pitch for the Padres again. "That door is totally closed," said Rick Thurman, Hoffman's agent.

It is closed from the Padres' side -- and from Hoffman's perspective, as well. "Trevor is upset with the way they've handled the situation," Thurman said.

The Padres are in the midst of making a dramatic cut to their payroll, at a time when owner John Moores is going through a difficult and costly divorce. The San Diego payroll was about $74 million in 2008, and if they complete a trade of pitcher Jake Peavy, as expected, and eventually swap outfielder Brian Giles, their payroll -- now reduced by the departure of Hoffman -- will be cut by about half.

Hoffman made $7 million last season, and the Padres' initial offer to him for 2009 was for $4 million, plus some incentive bonuses. Some friends of Hoffman felt San Diego's offer was a polite way to nudge him out the door; sources familiar with the Padres' offer said it reflected, to a degree, Hoffman's diminished performance in 2008.

The Padres indicated that their $4 million offer was the best that they could do, so Hoffman asked Thurman to arrange a meeting -- with Padres president Sandy Alderson, Towers and Moores. If Hoffman's time with the Padres was going to end, his feeling was that he wanted to hear it directly from the team's executives.

But the Padres declined to arrange the meeting, and last Friday, the day after Thurman spoke publicly about Hoffman's desire for a face-to-face sit-down, Towers called Thurman and indicated to him that the Padres intended to withdraw the offer. The organization was upset, Towers told Thurman, that the details of Hoffman's offer had leaked out.

Hoffman, in Puerto Rico, again told Thurman that he wanted to arrange a meeting, with Alderson and Towers. He wanted to be told by Alderson that the Padres were ending his time with the team.

Towers told Thurman that the offer was withdrawn, the negotiation was over. He spoke to Hoffman over the phone Monday night.

When Hoffman was last a free agent, after the 2006 season, his negotiations were sometimes contentious; in one meeting, he spoke angrily to Padres president Sandy Alderson. Hoffman seriously considered taking an offer from the Cleveland Indians before making a deal with the Padres.

This time around, the Indians again are in the market for a closer, as are the Cardinals, the Mets and other teams. Working just 45 1/3 innings for a team which rarely had save chances, Hoffman posted a 3.77 ERA, his highest since 1995, and went 3-6; he converted 30 of 34 save opportunities.

Hoffman was originally drafted as a shortstop by the Cincinnati Reds, but after he struggled to hit, staff members in the Reds organization suggested that he try pitching. Hoffman quickly adapted to the new position, impressing coaches with his ability to repeat his delivery. The Florida Marlins picked Hoffman in the expansion draft in the fall of 1992, and the following year, he was the centerpiece of the package of players shipped to the Padres for Gary Sheffield.

Hoffman pitched in 39 games for the Padres in the final 15 weeks of 1993, and took over as the closer the following year, replacing Gene Harris and picking up 20 saves before the '94 players' strike.

On the first day of the strike, Hoffman was playing at a beach in San Diego and dove for a football in the surf, landing on his shoulder; years later, he would describe the sound of the impact as like the air going out of a tire. Hoffman would never again throw the mid-90s fastball that he had shown in his first seasons in the big leagues.

He already had been tinkering with a changeup, and the following season, he implemented a homemade grip for the pitch shown to him by former Padres pitcher Donnie Elliott. Hoffman pinched a seam of the ball with his index finger and thumb, the ball tucked into the palm of his right hand. Hoffman threw the pitch with the same arm speed as his fastball, but the changeup tended to approach the plate about 10 mph slower than his fastball -- and immediately, the pitch was effective for him, becoming his signature weapon.

Hoffman registered 31 saves in 1995, and other than in 2003, when he was hurt, Hoffman has posted at least 30 saves every year. He has 554 saves in his career, 72 more than the Yankees' Mariano Rivera, who ranks second all-time in that category. He has twice finished second in the Cy Young Award voting, and has received top 10 MVP votes in five different seasons. He has made six All-Star Game appearances. It is expected that Hoffman will eventually be voted into the Hall of Fame.

His entrance into games will forever be remembered by Padres' fans, as well as opposing players, because as he made his journey from the bullpen to the mound, the AC/DC song "Hell's Bells" -- which opens with the deeply resonating sound of a church bell -- would play. Now, that song, and Hoffman, will likely be playing elsewhere.

Source ESPN.com

[Dark Donnie]

...

Tim Lincecum received 23 of 32 first-place votes to win NL Cy Young honors on Tuesday.

Lincecum received 137 points to Brandon Webb's 73 and Johan Santana's 55, so it's clear the Giants had absolutely no need to push him so hard down the stretch in a shameless bid to secure him the award. Webb and Santana received four first-place votes a piece. CC Sabathia received the other, though he finished behind Brad Lidge in fifth place. Nov. 11 - 2:03 pm et

[Double Down]

CLEVELAND (AP)—Herb Score, the Cleveland Indians (http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/teams/cle/) pitcher and former broadcaster whose promise on the mound was shattered by a line drive, died Tuesday. He was 75.
Score died at his home in Rocky River, Ohio, the team said in a statement. He had been in a wheelchair since suffering a stroke in 2002, four years after he was seriously injured in a car accident.
A hard-throwing left-hander with a big fastball and big heart, Score pitched for the Indians from 1955-59. He was named the American League Rookie of the Year in 1955 after going 16-10. He went 20-9 in 1956 and was twice named to the All-Star team.


I met him a couple of times. He seemed like a very nice man.

[Spidey-Bat]

No real surprise but the fact that Webb gained more votes than Santana proves how stupid writers are.

[Alex The Great]

Kancas City Royals 2009 World Champions :up:


[Comic Book Guy] In Bizarro World! [/Comic Book Guy]

:csad:

[ih8nyy]

Kancas City Royals 2009 World Champions :up:


[Comic Book Guy] In Bizarro World! [/Comic Book Guy]

:csad:

Taiwan could beat them in a Little League WS Game.

And that's not in the Bizarro World.

[Alex The Great]

Lies!

[Dodger]

Jeez I feel for pads fan. They want to cut there 74 million payroll in half! They just don't want to try.

[ih8nyy]

Jeez I feel for pads fan. They want to cut there 74 million payroll in half! They just don't want to try.

Their owner is going through a Divorce and needs the cash.

[Alex The Great]

The Padres just need tog et there heads out of there collective asses

[Nightmare]

I went on the padres board, they said it would be worth it if their owner turns around and sells the team. But i guess there just wishfull thinking.

[ih8nyy]

I went on the padres board, they said it would be worth it if their owner turns around and sells the team. But i guess there just wishfull thinking.

I've been saying the same thing about Jeremy Jacobs and the Boston Bruins for 25 years. But it will never happen in my lifetime.

[Double Down]

I think the Indians are going to get Trevor Hoffman.

[Captain Planet!]

New uni's!

http://assets.sbnation.com/imported_assets/33339/baltimore_jersey_markakis.jpg

http://mlb.imageg.net/graphics/product_images/pMLB2-5441477dt.jpg

http://mlb.imageg.net/graphics/product_images/pMLB2-5443659dt.jpg

They also have a new black alternate road jersey that says "Baltimore", but it isn't all that great. The new bird on the hats looks kind of fat and is less detailed, with curled up feet, but other than that, the new uni's get a big :up:!

Somebody on the O's website said "Intriguing. The old bird looks like its majestically perched on a tree limb while the new one looks like its preparing to take a crap on some poor unsuspecting fan. A more befitting symbol of the organization over the last 11 years if you ask me. Oh well, at least we got "Baltimore" back on the road jerseys. "

:pal:

[BlackLantern]

They look the same to me

[Captain Planet!]

http://www.baltimoresun.com/media/photo/2008-11/43310870.jpg

[Spidey-Bat]

Looks like the new one hit the buffet

[Captain Planet!]

Looks like the new one hit the buffet
And had one leg amputated.

[Dark Donnie]

Maddon and Piniella Take Managers of the Year (http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20081112&content_id=3675876&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb)

No surprise really....would have liked to see Manuel win, but he took 2nd again.

[Spidey-Bat]

And had one leg amputated.

They need to bring back this logo

http://www.sportslogos.net/images/logos/53/52/full/623.gif

[Captain Planet!]

They need to bring back this logo

http://www.sportslogos.net/images/logos/53/52/full/623.gif
It says "forbidden!".

And I'm very disappointed that none of the jerseys say "Teixeira" on the back.

[Spidey-Bat]

http://tomseasoltz.files.wordpress.com/2008/03/orioles.gif

[Captain Planet!]

http://tomseasoltz.files.wordpress.com/2008/03/orioles.gif
They say the team jackets have some kind of "swinging bird" patch on the sleeve. Maybe it's that logo.

[Showtime]

They are getting a new BP hat as well, black with an orange O's symbol outlined in white.

[cyborg ninja 14]

Maddon and Piniella Take Managers of the Year (http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20081112&content_id=3675876&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb)

No surprise really....would have liked to see Manuel win, but he took 2nd again.

I like how there were no other worthy candidates in the NL. Lou took a team that was expected to win the division and they did. Maybe it was the whole winning without Fukudome:o

[Spidey-Bat]

Maybe it was winning a playoff game. Oh wait, nevermind.

[Excel]

They look the same to me

yup

[Dark Donnie]

Report: Peavy-to-Atlanta deal getting close

CBSSports.com's Scott Miller believes the Padres will soon ask Jake Peavy to waive his no-trade clause to complete a deal to Atlanta.
Miller thinks the deal involves Yunel Escobar, Gorkys Hernandez, either Charlie Morton or Jo-Jo Reyes and one more pitcher, possibly Blaine Boyer or prospect Jeff Locke. Nov. 13 - 12:41 am et
Source: CBSSports.com

[Nightmare]

Heard the same thing, looks like their giving up a lot though.

[NewYorkSpider]

That would be a steal for Atlanta. The only real good player they're giving up is Escobar. Charlie Morton made a few starts this year and didn't live up to his expectations. The rest of the players aren't really worth anything. This is a good deal for Atlanta, horrible for the Padres.

[Dodger]

It'll be so awesome to get peavy out of the nl west. make this happen, please! :)

[Dark Donnie]

Gorkys is a good prospect

[Darthphere]

I wish someone would trade the Marlins a starting pitcher, or three.

[Silver Knight]

New uni's!

http://assets.sbnation.com/imported_assets/33339/baltimore_jersey_markakis.jpg

http://mlb.imageg.net/graphics/product_images/pMLB2-5441477dt.jpg

http://mlb.imageg.net/graphics/product_images/pMLB2-5443659dt.jpg

They also have a new black alternate road jersey that says "Baltimore", but it isn't all that great. The new bird on the hats looks kind of fat and is less detailed, with curled up feet, but other than that, the new uni's get a big :up:!

Somebody on the O's website said "Intriguing. The old bird looks like its majestically perched on a tree limb while the new one looks like its preparing to take a crap on some poor unsuspecting fan. A more befitting symbol of the organization over the last 11 years if you ask me. Oh well, at least we got "Baltimore" back on the road jerseys. "

:pal:
Uni looks exactly the same to me. Any other teams getting new duds?
Marlins should go back to the teal alternate.

[The Dude]

New uni's!

http://assets.sbnation.com/imported_assets/33339/baltimore_jersey_markakis.jpg

http://mlb.imageg.net/graphics/product_images/pMLB2-5441477dt.jpg

http://mlb.imageg.net/graphics/product_images/pMLB2-5443659dt.jpg

They also have a new black alternate road jersey that says "Baltimore", but it isn't all that great. The new bird on the hats looks kind of fat and is less detailed, with curled up feet, but other than that, the new uni's get a big :up:!

Somebody on the O's website said "Intriguing. The old bird looks like its majestically perched on a tree limb while the new one looks like its preparing to take a crap on some poor unsuspecting fan. A more befitting symbol of the organization over the last 11 years if you ask me. Oh well, at least we got "Baltimore" back on the road jerseys. "

:pal:

Not bad, but i really don't notice much of a change.

[Spidey-Bat]

Nationals got new unis. I posted them a few pages ago.

[Silver Knight]

Nationals got new unis. I posted them a few pages ago.
Yeah ive seen those.

Any other teams?

[Dark Donnie]

Brian Fuentes-R-Rockies Nov. 13 - 12:02 pm et

The New York Post reports that Brian Fuentes "is higher on the Mets' list of favorites to replace Billy Wagner" than Francisco Rodriguez.

He'll certainly be cheaper, as Rodriguez is said to be seeking $75 million over five years and Fuentes might be available for something like $40 million over four.
Source: New York Post



CC Sabathia-S-Brewers Nov. 13 - 11:59 am et

The New York Post speculates that the Yankees will offer CC Sabathia a six-year, $150 million contract.

The newspaper quotes "one Yankee executive" as saying that "we have to separate ourselves" and notes that "unless Sabathia really will reject the largest pitching package ever, the Yankees have the inside track." If the Yankees fail to land Sabathia the newspaper reports that Derek Lowe and A.J. Burnett are "their next choices."
Source: New York Post



-Sounds like The Mets are just trying to get K Rod's number down.

[Spidey-Bat]

Not surprised. I hope the Yankees sign so Lowe becomes less of a priority for them.

[Kingfish]

Another Arbitration eligible Marlin heading out of town for almost nothing.

http://msn.foxsports.com/other/story/8790658/Sources:-Cubs-land-Gregg-in-deal-with-Marlins

[ih8nyy]

Cliff Lee wins the AL Cy Young.

Cliff Lee of the Cleveland Indians was elected the American League Cy Young Award winner in balloting by the BBWAA. It marked the second consecutive year and third time overall that a Cleveland pitcher was honored. CC Sabathia won last year. The other Indians winner was Gaylord Perry in 1972.

Lee was named first on 24 and second on the other four of the 28 ballots cast by two writers in each league city for a total of 132 points, based on the 5-3-1 tabulation system. The lefthander, 30, was 22-3 in leading the AL in victories, winning percentage (.880) and ERA (2.54) and adding career-high totals of innings (223 1/3) and strikeouts (170) with four complete games and two shutouts. Lee, the starting pitcher for the AL in the All-Star Game July 15 at Yankee Stadium, was the only pitcher named on all ballots.

The other four first-place votes went to Toronto Blue Jays righthander Roy Halladay, who was the runner-up with 71 points. Halladay, the 2003 winner, had a 20-11 record with a 2.78 ERA and led the major leagues in innings (246) and complete games (9). Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim reliever Francisco Rodriguez (2-3, 2.24 ERA), who set a major league record with 62 saves, finished third with 32 points. Four other pitchers received votes.

This was the fifth time two different pitchers from the same team won the AL Cy Young Award in successive years. The others were the New York Yankees’ Sparky Lyle (1977) and Ron Guidry (1978), the Baltimore Orioles’ Mike Flanagan (1979) and Steve Stone (1980), the Milwaukee Brewers’ Rollie Fingers (1981) and Pete Vuckovich (1982) and the Blue Jays’ Pat Hentgen (1996) and Roger Clemens (1997). Only Lyle and Guidry were both left-handed like Lee/Sabathia. It has happened three times in the National League.

The vote:
Pitcher, club 1st 2nd 3rd Points
Cliff Lee, Cleveland Indians 24 4 132
Roy Halladay, Toronto Blue Jays 4 15 6 71
Francisco Rodriguez, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim 7 11 32
Daisuke Matsuzaka, Boston Red Sox 2 4 10
Mariano Rivera, New York Yankees 3 3
Mike Mussina, New York Yankees 2 2
Ervin Santana, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim 2 2


Source Boston.com

[ih8nyy]

Uni looks exactly the same to me. Any other teams getting new duds?
Marlins should go back to the teal alternate.

Not bad, but i really don't notice much of a change.

Big difference is the Baltimore on the road uni, the piping on the sleaves and pants, the word mark on the right arm and the patch on the left arm. Not too mention the new hat.

I think the patch is pretty sweet. But then again anything with the MD flag is sweet.

[Dark Donnie]

Report: Yanks acquire Swisher from White Sox

The Yankees have acquired Nick Swisher from the White Sox, ESPN.com reports.

ESPN says the White Sox will get Jeff Marquez in the deal, but that it's unclear whether any other players are involved. Nov. 13 - 3:52 pm et

Per ESPN

[Darthphere]

Another Arbitration eligible Marlin heading out of town for almost nothing.

http://msn.foxsports.com/other/story/8790658/Sources:-Cubs-land-Gregg-in-deal-with-Marlins

Dude was gone regardless of the money situation.

[ih8nyy]

Report: Yanks acquire Swisher from White Sox

The Yankees have acquired Nick Swisher from the White Sox, ESPN.com reports.

ESPN says the White Sox will get Jeff Marquez in the deal, but that it's unclear whether any other players are involved. Nov. 13 - 3:52 pm et
Per ESPN

Interesting. Covers their butts incase they don't get Texiera and if they do get him, Swisher goes to the outfield.

[Spidey-Bat]

Haha, Kevin Gregg is awful.

Swisher is a good pickup for the Yankees. He can play CF if they get a 1B. If not, Swisher can play there.

[FaT_tONle]

Yankees needed a CF... but 1st base is still open no? Giambi will be gone... so they still need Teixera. Damon at center is a joke... so at least Swishes fills that... Melky can go back to the bench. You wonder what happens to Damon and Matsui when you have Nady and Abreau at the corners... one can DH but Yankees should dump one of those guys.

[Spidey-Bat]

Yankees may not go after Teixeira now. I saw someone post it on MLBTR quoting Heyman who said it on WFAN. I still wouldn't trust it since Heyman is a dumbass. He's good for breaking trades but the man is a complete moron in everything else.

[Dark Donnie]

I've read numerous reports that said they likely won't go after Tex now. They will make offers to CC, Lowe, and maybe Burnett.


Silver Sluggers
AMERICAN LEAGUE

Catcher: Joe Mauer, Twins
First base: Justin Morneau, Twins
Second base: Dustin Pedroia, Red Sox
Third base: Alex Rodriguez, Yankees
Shortstop: Derek Jeter, Yankees
Outfield: Josh Hamilton, Rangers
Outfield: Carlos Quentin, White Sox
Outfield: Grady Sizemore, Indians
Designated hitter: Aubrey Huff, Orioles

NATIONAL LEAGUE

Catcher: Brian McCann, Braves
First base: Albert Pujols, Cardinals
Second base: Chase Utley, Phillies
Third base: David Wright, Mets
Shortstop: Hanley Ramirez, Marlins
Outfield: Ryan Braun, Brewers
Outfield: Matt Holliday, Rockies
Outfield: Ryan Ludwick, Cardinals
Pitcher: Carlos Zambrano, Cubs

[Spidey-Bat]

A Silver Slugger for Jeter? WTF? This was like the worst season of his career.

[Kingfish]

God, I hope this means the Yankees are passing on Texeira. That would make my day.

[Double Down]

Cliff Lee wins the AL Cy Young.



Source Boston.com

He deserved it.

[Spidey-Bat]

Halladay deserved it more :o

[NewYorkSpider]

Nice to see Swisher in a Yanks uniform. Sabathia is are target now. I don't think we'll waste to much time with Teixera.

[fu manchu]

A Silver Slugger for Jeter? WTF? This was like the worst season of his career.

Jhonny Peralta and Michael Young had a somewhat better season than Jeter. i am guessing he won it by reputation alone...

[Nightmare]

God, I hope this means the Yankees are passing on Texeira. That would make my day.

Yeah, then the Angels would pass on Manny!