2007 Major League Baseball Season

[ProudestAnt]

Perhaps a bit early, but the free agent period has begun with two trades involving the Yankees. In addition, it is expected to be announced by tomorrow if the Seibu Lions have accepted the bid for prized right-hander Daisuke Matsuzaka. Apparantly the Boston Red Sox have the highest bid, reportedly between $42 and $50+ million and "well ahead of the next closest bidder." If this is true, it means IF the Seibu Lions accept the offer, the Sox will have won the first big war of the off-season.

It may not be really active early, but as trades come out and free agents are signed, this will make a great place to start discussing next season...

[DmBand801]

the mets open next season on the road in St. Louis...

[ProudestAnt]

the mets open next season on the road in St. Louis... :thumbsup Carpenter and Pedro to open the season, should be a dandy. Good to see this thread getting hits already...

[DmBand801]

:thumbsup Carpenter and Pedro to open the season, should be a dandy. Good to see this thread getting hits already...

pedro is out until next july after rotator cuff surgery--he has said he will retire if he doesn't return to his normal dominance...and with glavine rejecting the mets option, it looks as if it might be el duque vs carpenter....

[ProudestAnt]

pedro is out until next july after rotator cuff surgery--he has said he will retire if he doesn't return to his normal dominance...and with glavine rejecting the mets option, it looks as if it might be el duque vs carpenter.... They'll make a run at Zito and Schmidt.

Also, reading further, aparantly the Sox are interested in Aramis Ramirez and Mark Mulder to shore up both the offense and pitching. Not a fan of Ramirez, since Lowell showed quite well that he can produce at the plate in Fenway, couple that with his solid defense, I'd like to hang onto him. As for Mulder, if that happened, I would be VERY happy with our rotation going into the season, as long as the rumors about Matsuzaka are true.

Also, there are rumblings about a possible Manny for Peavy deal. I don't know about that, but I do know we're heavily looking at J.D. Drew to replace Trot Nixon as a platoon mate with Pena.

I'm babbling about my team, but this is a great place to post rumblings that you're reading in your local paper. Keep everyone posted on your team's activities...

[dmbmuskie]

I assure you all the Pirates will suck next year.


BTW, Ramirez resigned with the Cubs for insane money yesterday.

[ProudestAnt]

I assure you all the Pirates will suck next year.


BTW, Ramirez resigned with the Cubs for insane money yesterday. Yea, but they're actively seeking a trade for him...

[Lcsulla]

No more Jaret Wright! :multi

[ProudestAnt]

http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20061113&content_id=1739983&vkey=hotstove2006&fext=.jsp

Little insight on the Matsuzaka deal for those who don't understand how the signing of Japanese players takes place...

[Trippin4136]

wow...I wasn't expecting to see this thread until at least after Christmas

[ProudestAnt]

wow...I wasn't expecting to see this thread until at least after Christmas You know me and my baseball, it's a year-round obsession...

[matthews41]

Playing Left Field for the Philadelphia Phillies: Alfonso Soriano!
If we can get someone to protect Howard and find someone stupid enough to take Burrell, we'll be in great shape.

[Trippin4136]

oh we're all obsessed, I just thought football season was enough of a distraction

[ProudestAnt]

oh we're all obsessed, I just thought football season was enough of a distraction You do know the team I root for, right?

[Trippin4136]

Mariners? :lol

nah just kidding. of course i do.

[d+ter]

football is for suckers.

looking forward to seeing who the twins romance to shore up a questionable rotation (after santana that is).

[ProudestAnt]

Mariners? :lol

nah just kidding. of course i do. I meant who I root for in football. It would make it easier to understand why I'm already looking to baseball season...

[Trippin4136]

oh. yes. than it does.

[ProudestAnt]

oh. yes. than it does. You and your Buckeyes. All I have are the Bills and Orange.:lorraine The Sabres give me a bit of a break from mediocracy, but with Cuse basketball starting up, I'll only be able to check my baseball news 10 times a day...

[Trippin4136]

Buckeyes. Giants. Yankees.

Yea I guess I do pretty well.

[ProudestAnt]

Buckeyes. Giants. Yankees.

Yea I guess I do pretty well. Son of a bitch. STOP HIJACKING (I know you're not, I just need an excuse to stop talking about my shitty teams). Back to baseball...

[Trippin4136]

haha

$42 million for Diakuste Matasuakakaja (sp? :lol) and then probably another $65-75M in the contract...that's a BIG BIG price for an unproven guy. I'm a little sour the Yanks may have missed the boat, but not for that money.

[ProudestAnt]

haha

$42 million for Diakuste Matasuakakaja (sp? :lol) and then probably another $65-75M in the contract...that's a BIG BIG price for an unproven guy. I'm a little sour the Yanks may have missed the boat, but not for that money. Think of it this way, he can't be any worse down the stretch and into the playoffs than your $100 million man...

[Trippin4136]

Think of it this way, he can't be any worse down the stretch and into the playoffs than your $100 million man...

:lol thats true. A-Fraud.

[DmBand801]

They'll make a run at Zito and Schmidt

god i hope so--as of now, without any Glavine or Pedro or el duque or Trachsel (losing trahcsel isn't a bad thing though) it looks like next year's opening day starter is John Maine :(

[DmBand801]

No more Jaret Wright! :multi

what the hell were the orioles thinking? and they wonder why they suck every year....

[Trippin4136]

Jaret Wright reunites with the only pitching coach he succeeded under, Leo Mazzone, when he spent those years with the Braves. The O's tore Mazzone away from the Braves for a huge price to handle the O's young staff.

The Yankees get a reasonable young arm and it appears tactfully done. Unlike, say, Shawn Chacon who was virtually "demoted" to Pittsburgh and the Yankees received Wilson who couldn't strike out enough.

[Ascf33]

Buckeyes. Giants. Yankees.

Yea I guess I do pretty well.


Notre Dame, Giants, Yankees for me.

[justinandimcool]

J.D. Drew is a tard.

[bartender_man]

Perhaps a bit early, but the free agent period has begun with two trades involving the Yankees. In addition, it is expected to be announced by tomorrow if the Seibu Lions have accepted the bid for prized right-hander Daisuke Matsuzaka. Apparantly the Boston Red Sox have the highest bid, reportedly between $42 and $50+ million and "well ahead of the next closest bidder." If this is true, it means IF the Seibu Lions accept the offer, the Sox will have won the first big war of the off-season.


It may not be really active early, but as trades come out and free agents are signed, this will make a great place to start discussing next season...


Ahh.. way to early for this man/...

[Ascf33]

This one is for Brian (MistreatedLewis)...

11/13/2006 6:00 PM ET
Reports: Valentin re-signs with Mets
Pending physical, second baseman to ink one-year deal

NEW YORK -- Jose Valentin will reportedly be returning for one more season with the Mets, agreeing to terms on a deal that will extend his stay in New York.
The Associated Press reported Monday that Valentin had reached a preliminary agreement with the Mets on a one-year contract. The deal is pending a physical examination, which will reportedly take place on Tuesday in New York.

The sum of Valentin's contract was reported to be between $3 million and $4 million, representing a substantial pay raise, with an option for 2008.

[DMBSTL]

Wow, this is a tad early, but I love it all the same. Since my Rams suck ass, and are beginning to spit-shine the division for Seattle. Baseball sounds good to me.

Well, the STL Cardinals are World Champs, and that's great! It's too bad Walt Jocketty doesn't want to repeat the feat...

Mulder- possibly going to Bean-Town.
Suppan- possibly going to wear pinstripes.
Jimmy Edmonds- 2 year extention?! I love you, Jimmy, but you're old and that concussion did a toll on you physically... I am happy to know you'll retire in a Cardinal uniform, though!
Chris Duncan- You didn't even break the top 12 in rookie of the year ballots, but damn, you can hit a ball. I hope we keep you around, but something tells me you'll be gone.

I don't know about my Redbirds next year. If Albert stays healthy, and Molina actually hits the ball in the reg. season, and So Taguchi starts in left, and Rolen doesn't slump like he always seems to do after the break, and Ekstein keeps doing what he's doing, we might have some run support for whomever starts on the mound.

With Mulder and Suppan possibly gone, that gives me Carpenter, Weaver, and Reyes to start. My guess is that Wainwright will go back to starting, and Izzy, once he's healthy, will go back to closing. Now, Carp. and Wain. don't bother me at all, it's just everybody else that could be on the mound that scares the hell out of me, bullpen and all!

It's early, but it will be interesting to see how it all unfolds for ALL of our respective teams. But, this is for the Yankee fans... If you do get Suppan, let me be the first to say "You're Welcome!" He is a beast when he's on! Which is most of the time!

[Ascf33]

Supp would be welcomed with open arms. :hug

[gravedigger13]

Wow, this is a tad early, but I love it all the same. Since my Rams suck ass, and are beginning to spit-shine the division for Seattle. Baseball sounds good to me.

Well, the STL Cardinals are World Champs, and that's great! It's too bad Walt Jocketty doesn't want to repeat the feat...

Mulder- possibly going to Bean-Town.
Suppan- possibly going to wear pinstripes.
Jimmy Edmonds- 2 year extention?! I love you, Jimmy, but you're old and that concussion did a toll on you physically... I am happy to know you'll retire in a Cardinal uniform, though!
Chris Duncan- You didn't even break the top 12 in rookie of the year ballots, but damn, you can hit a ball. I hope we keep you around, but something tells me you'll be gone.

I don't know about my Redbirds next year. If Albert stays healthy, and Molina actually hits the ball in the reg. season, and So Taguchi starts in left, and Rolen doesn't slump like he always seems to do after the break, and Ekstein keeps doing what he's doing, we might have some run support for whomever starts on the mound.

With Mulder and Suppan possibly gone, that gives me Carpenter, Weaver, and Reyes to start. My guess is that Wainwright will go back to starting, and Izzy, once he's healthy, will go back to closing. Now, Carp. and Wain. don't bother me at all, it's just everybody else that could be on the mound that scares the hell out of me, bullpen and all!

It's early, but it will be interesting to see how it all unfolds for ALL of our respective teams. But, this is for the Yankee fans... If you do get Suppan, let me be the first to say "You're Welcome!" He is a beast when he's on! Which is most of the time!

At least you still have Jeff Weaver.

[s0628711]

About the whole Daisuke Matsuzaka deal, I am going to come off sounding like a bitter Yankee fan making excuses, but this guy has pitched 200 innings twice in his professional career. In the MLB, 200 innings is a staple number for quality starters. Look at Zito's career. Every single year with the exception of his rookie season. that is a huge part of the reason why he is so coveted. He can take on a shit load of innings for your team. I may be wrong about this guy, but he doesn't really impress me enough for around 120 million that the Sox may end up paying for him.

[gravedigger13]

About the whole Daisuke Matsuzaka deal, I am going to come off sounding like a bitter Yankee fan making excuses, but this guy has pitched 200 innings twice in his professional career. In the MLB, 200 innings is a staple number for quality starters. Look at Zito's career. Every single year with the exception of his rookie season. that is a huge part of the reason why he is so coveted. He can take on a shit load of innings for your team. I may be wrong about this guy, but he doesn't really impress me enough for around 120 million that the Sox may end up paying for him.

Isn't it possible that the Red Sox could offer him less money to come over and play? They secured the rights to negotiate with him, but it doesn't have to be related to the amount they paid his team, does it?

[GOB_]

At least you still have Jeff Weaver.

That just doesn't sound right. :lol

[mr. testaverde]

i'm glad to see my yankees are focusing on getting pitching, which is clearly the ONLY thing they need to do during the offseason, IMO. as it stands it looks like they've got a wang, a johnson and most likely moose in the rotation. i'd really like to see zito in there, he'd be a good addition and i feel he'd excel quite well in pinstripes.

yanks will make the playoffs as the AL east champs, yet again.

[UNC41]

i'm glad to see my yankees are focusing on getting pitching, which is clearly the ONLY thing they need to do during the offseason, IMO. as it stands it looks like they've got a wang, a johnson and most likely moose in the rotation. i'd really like to see zito in there, he'd be a good addition and i feel he'd excel quite well in pinstripes.

yanks will make the playoffs as the AL east champs, yet again.

Going out on a limb with early predictions are we? :D

[jmudmbphan]

if the yanks focus only on pitching and really beef it up.....weve got it made next season.

[Ascf33]

Going out on a limb with early predictions are we? :D

:lol

9 in a row... its almost a sure thing.

[jmudmbphan]

im looking for arod to really step it up next season. 45 hr's 135 rbis...post season, we can hope he continues.

[Ascf33]

http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20061114&content_id=1740358&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb

Webb takes home NL Cy Young
Right-hander beats out Hoffman, Carpenter for honor

PHOENIX -- Arizona right-hander Brandon Webb made his first All-Star appearance in 2006 and ran off a 30-inning scoreless streak. Now he has capped the year off with his greatest achievement. On Tuesday, Webb was named the National League Cy Young Award winner by the Baseball Writers' Association of America.

[drty snchz]

really wasnt anyone worthy of the NL cy young this year..... but tomorrow santana will probably be a unanimous winner of the al

[Ascf33]

^ Some NY writer will vote for Mo or Wang tho and screw that up. (I'm a Yankees fan and I agree he's the unanimous winner)

[ProudestAnt]

Look for an announcement tonight from both MLB and the Seibu Lions to announce that the Lions have accepted the offer from Boston to negotiate with Matsuzaka. Also, Epstein said that he has submitted offers to two other free-agent pitchers. He refused to comment on who those pitchers are, but he did say "if they both accept, we're going to have a hard time choosing a rotation this year."


Wow...

[justinandimcool]

Zito and Schmidt? Maybe?

[DmBand801]

Zito and Schmidt? Maybe?

Zito will be a met :D

[Jimi's Thing]

The Red Sox are taking a huge risk with Matsuzaka. Look at the careers of Hideki Irabu, Chan Ho Park, Hideo Nomo and other pitchers from over there.

[ProudestAnt]

The Red Sox are taking a huge risk with Matsuzaka. Look at the careers of Hideki Irabu, Chan Ho Park, Hideo Nomo and other pitchers from over there. Yea, but unlike those other 3, Matsuzaka showed that he can pitch on the international level, not just the national level. Including shutting down a very dominant DR team. He's got a lot more coming in than Park, Irabu and Nomo had...

[Trippin4136]

So now the bidding price by the Sox was $51 MILLION. $51!!.

To compare, the Mariners put up $13 Million to talk to Ichiro. Man have these times changed.

If Matsuzaka gets the contract many are assuming (4 or 5 years at $13-$15M), if you factor in the bidding price (although he doesn't get that money), he will be the highest paid pitcher in the league.

[gravedigger13]

If Matsuzaka gets the contract many are assuming (4 or 5 years at $13-$15M), if you factor in the bidding price (although he doesn't get that money), he will be the highest paid pitcher in the league.

As we all know, the ONLY reason why the Red Sox are willing to spend that much money on a pitcher who has never pitched in the majors is so the Yankees won't get him.

It would behoove both the Red Sox and the Yankees to stop letting each other influence their decisions.

We've seen what happens when teams think they can win championships just by spending more than the other guy.

[mr. testaverde]

Going out on a limb with early predictions are we? :D

yep. all they need is to pick up one or two decent starters and, IMO, they'll be even better than last season

[Trippin4136]

As we all know, the ONLY reason why the Red Sox are willing to spend that much money on a pitcher who has never pitched in the majors is so the Yankees won't get him.

It would behoove both the Red Sox and the Yankees to stop letting each other influence their decisions.

We've seen what happens when teams think they can win championships just by spending more than the other guy.

That's true and b/c of this, I no longer want to here ANYTHING from Red Sox fans about Yankees overblowing their wad on players.

And also, the Mets were 2nd in the running with a bid of $38 Million

[drty snchz]

Not big on the mets bringing back valentin and duque.... valentin especially- unless its in a reserve role

[gravedigger13]

That's true and b/c of this, I no longer want to here ANYTHING from Red Sox fans about Yankees overblowing their wad on players.



And the Red Sox haven't done anything yet. There's a still a chance they don't come to an agreement and he goes up for bid again in 30 days. With that possibility looming, Boras is going to make the Red Sox pay out of their ass for this guy.

[Trippin4136]

The Red Sox, if/when they do sign Matusaka, and if/when they sign JD Drew, and another front line starter, they are looking at adding nearly $50M to their payroll.

[mr. testaverde]

yanks just resigned moose...

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2662633

[Trippin4136]

I think that's a fair deal. Moose wasn't going to get anything more than and I don't think he really ever intended on leaving.

[s0628711]

The Red Sox, if/when they do sign Matusaka, and if/when they sign JD Drew, and another front line starter, they are looking at adding nearly $50M to their payroll.
I hope the Sox sign JD Drew because he is nothing but soft. He's had a few okay years and is always banged up. let them have him

[ProudestAnt]

The Red Sox, if/when they do sign Matusaka, and if/when they sign JD Drew, and another front line starter, they are looking at adding nearly $50M to their payroll. Rumors about Drew are false. They're looking more at Catalanato for a reserve role, which means Pena will play RF and we'll keep Coco, unless we can pull off a deal for Wells...

[Trippin4136]

Catalanatto is a great player, excellent hitter. That'd be a big signing. JD Drew is dead weight.

[ProudestAnt]

Catalanatto is a great player, excellent hitter. That'd be a big signing. JD Drew is dead weight. :thumbsup Agreed.


Little insight on the Matsuzaka deal:

" 'If they can sign him, they've got the best pitcher in the market, and he may be the best pitcher in baseball when all is said and done,' said one American League general manager Tuesday night. 'He's got five outstanding pitches. 'Coming over from Japan where he threw a lot of innings and had 13 complete games, I would think this would seem like a vacation to him. It's a lot of money, but if you have it, why not use it on a kid like this? The Yankees have to be sick about this.' " -Nick Cafardo, Boston Globe

"Boston still has Curt Schilling and Tim Wakefield. But if the Red Sox get Matsuzaka, they not only go into 2007 with a formidable five-man rotation, but with Jon Lester, Clay Buchholz and Daniel Bard on the horizon, could have big starting pitching for the next five years.

"Second, the Red Sox strongly want to build an Asian foundation. When Theo Epstein left the Red Sox last fall, after he turned down the Dodger job, he worked with two Japanese teams as a consultant. Epstein believes in the next decade the mass of baseball talent coming out of Asia will alter the landscape, and his owners want to be entrenched in Japan as well as China; they signed three prominent Taiwanese prospects this spring, and are looking into establishing complexes in Taiwan and mainland China..."

"It is a gamble to spend the next 30 days negotiating with Boras for Matsuzaka while other free-agent pitchers are being signed. Matsuzaka's health is always a concern considering that he threw 13 complete games and on days before he pitches he throws a 200-pitch bullpen session; it's also every fifth, not every sixth or seventh, day that he starts. Yes, he has thrown more than 1,402 innings before the age of 26, but as The Hardball Times points out, that's fewer before turning 26 than Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine, John Smoltz, Carlos Zambrano, Brett Myers, C.C. Sabathia and others, and his regimen is legendary." -Peter Gammons, ESPN Insider blog (Subscription Only)

[Trippin4136]

200 pitches in bullpen sessions the day before he pitches?! Wow. I cannot see that continuing over here.

[ProudestAnt]

200 pitches in bullpen sessions the day before he pitches?! Wow. I cannot see that continuing over here. True, although he will have more time between starts, so it may not hurt him as much as people think it will...

[Trippin4136]

i wasnt implying that it would hurt him or not. that's just crazy no matter what country you pitch in. I don't understand how his arm is functional the next day.

[nolan8or]

the A's should win the division again next year (assuming they re-sign Big Frank) even though they will be Zito-less....i just hope the Angels dont get to sign anyone they want

[mr. testaverde]

I think that's a fair deal. Moose wasn't going to get anything more than and I don't think he really ever intended on leaving.

i'm glad to see him back. he's not going to be the ace, but if he can get the yanks 30 wins over the next two seasons i'll be pretty happy :thumbsup

[Bartender84]

Mariners gonna win the World Series!


... too bad it won't happen this year :(

[Tiduwho]

The Cubs resigned everyone's favorite Dog, Aramis Ramirez.

And of course, Woody! This year he'll be back, I swear!

[crashintome202]

i think the Matsuzaka trade is a pure block. They'll low ball him a deal and see if he bites (not likely) and just let the yankees pay outta the ass for him next year when he's a FA.

[crashintome202]

Rumors about Drew are false. They're looking more at Catalanato for a reserve role, which means Pena will play RF and we'll keep Coco, unless we can pull off a deal for Wells...
i've heard that also. i dont see the sox going and signing Drew to a massive contract. Just play Cantalanato against righties and Pena against lefties...
and then i see this, potential BS on foxsports/ben maller.

The Red Sox met with the Houston Astros yesterday, and it was believed that obtaining relief help via a trade was high on their agenda. Houston closer Brad Lidge, as well as relievers Brad Qualls and Dan Wheeler, are three names the Red Sox have asked about (http://redsox.bostonherald.com/redSox/view.bg?articleid=167408), according to a baseball source. Right fielder Wily Mo Pena is one player the Sox have said is available. The Astros, who yesterday hired ex-Sox pitching coach Dave Wallace to serve in the same role in Houston, are intrigued by Pena but it would take more than that to land Lidge.

http://www.benmaller.com/

[gravedigger13]

Why would anyone want Brad Lidge? He hasn't been the same since Pujols hit that bomb off of him in the 2005 NLCS.

[dmbmuskie]

i think the Matsuzaka trade is a pure block. They'll low ball him a deal and see if he bites (not likely) and just let the yankees pay outta the ass for him next year when he's a FA.

Yeah, I agree. 51 million plus salary is putting him up there in A-Rod like costs for someone who has never thrown a pitch in the majors. I really dislike this bidding process. If he wants to come to America so badly he should be in the draft.

[Trippin4136]

i think the Matsuzaka trade is a pure block. They'll low ball him a deal and see if he bites (not likely) and just let the yankees pay outta the ass for him next year when he's a FA.

its very possible and could be the reason why Theo hinted at other big offers out there.

[crashintome202]

dont forget, if the sox dont sign him, they get the 51 million back.

[DordtDbags]

the A's should win the division again next year (assuming they re-sign Big Frank) even though they will be Zito-less....i just hope the Angels dont get to sign anyone they want
Yeah I hope that they keep Frank. I think that the A's still will be good with out Zito. The A's pretty much were without Harden for the year, so as I see it Harden is taking Zito's spot. But with the Angels, you never know, it seems that they will be throwing some money around to get someone big. But I really don't know who. It will be like it was this year, but the A's need to stay healthy that will be a big key.

So what do you think about the A's moving down to Fremont in 2012 or so. I don't really like the way the Fremont A's sound at all. I hope that they keep Oakland. But we will see. I think that the new stadium looks pretty cool. I like it that it is small. You can really see how much they hated Mt. Davis, there is practically no outfield seating.

[DmBand801]

Why would anyone want Brad Lidge? He hasn't been the same since Pujols hit that bomb off of him in the 2005 NLCS.

:thumbsup he blew 7/8 saves last year and just wasn;t the same

[Ascf33]

http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20061115&content_id=1740967&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb
Leyland named top AL manager
Girardi named top NL manager.

Jim Leyland was named top AL manager for halting the Tigers' recent culture of losing, while Joe Girardi was rewarded in the NL for keeping the fledgling Marlins in playoff contention.

[kevinmavs]

the angles are about to put some big money on gary matthews jr....which means the rangers will put big money on juan pierre...everybody is so overpriced this year it's unbelieveable.

[crashintome202]

the angles are about to put some big money on gary matthews jr....which means the rangers will put big money on juan pierre...everybody is so overpriced this year it's unbelieveable.
GMJ had 1 good year in a total hitters ballpark. He's still just above a step from a 4th OF. Juan Pierre is PURE garbage. one of the worst hitters in baseball. How does this guy start?

[ProudestAnt]

GMJ has stellar defense though. That's what puts him above most players at his position. I'd say he's one of the best CFs defensively in the game. He has phenominal range...

[Ascf33]

Indeed. Him and Vernon are top tier in CF.

[ProudestAnt]

Indeed. Him and Vernon are top tier in CF. Edmonds is up there because he KNOWS how to play CF. Although his range has dropped, he's still the most knowledgable CF in the game...

[Ascf33]

True. He can track the ball in the air and make himself able to make the play better then anyone I can recall.

[ProudestAnt]

True. He can track the ball in the air and make himself able to make the play better then anyone I can recall. Perhaps Aaron or Mays, but definitely anyone I have ever seen in person...

[xBigNastyx]

Good job to the Yanks for resigning Mussina...

What will he be getting 10-11 mil a year? Pretty good deal. 17 million woulda been too much, but 11-12 seems good.

[xBigNastyx]

As we all know, the ONLY reason why the Red Sox are willing to spend that much money on a pitcher who has never pitched in the majors is so the Yankees won't get him.

It would behoove both the Red Sox and the Yankees to stop letting each other influence their decisions.

We've seen what happens when teams think they can win championships just by spending more than the other guy.


IMO, that's not the reason we went after him. Maybe it factors in a little bit, but not as much as you might think. Ryan posted a good article, and Theo wants a piece of the Japanese market.

[xBigNastyx]

GMJ had 1 good year in a total hitters ballpark. He's still just above a step from a 4th OF. Juan Pierre is PURE garbage. one of the worst hitters in baseball. How does this guy start?

I guess the .300 average, 200 hits, 60 SB he puts up isn't good enough..:lol

[ProudestAnt]

I guess the .300 average, 200 hits, 60 SB he puts up isn't good enough..:lol He throws like a woman though, worse than Damon...

[xBigNastyx]

Why would anyone want Brad Lidge? He hasn't been the same since Pujols hit that bomb off of him in the 2005 NLCS.


He'll bounce back in 2007. Trust me...Whatever uniform he is in, he'll regain his form...

[ProudestAnt]

He'll bounce back in 2007. Trust me...Whatever uniform he is in, he'll regain his form... God I'd love to see him in a Sox jersey, even if it's just for a season to let Hansen get ready...

[xBigNastyx]

He throws like a woman though, worse than Damon...


:lol That's true...

My grandmother can throw better LEFT HANDED (she's a righty) than Damon and Pierre! :lol :lol

[xBigNastyx]

God I'd love to see him in a Sox jersey, even if it's just for a season to let Hansen get ready...

Oh so would I man. I have full confidence that he'll bounce back..His stuff and makeup is too good to continue to struggle the way he did this past season. I hope we get him. I hadn't heard anything about it until someone posted it in here, have you heard any additional news??

[Ascf33]

Perhaps Aaron or Mays, but definitely anyone I have ever seen in person...

:lol

Right right thats what I mean. In our era here... Not too many can hold the candle to Mays.

[Trippin4136]

GMJ has stellar defense though. That's what puts him above most players at his position. I'd say he's one of the best CFs defensively in the game. He has phenominal range...

I'll never forget that catch he made at home this season. When he went straight back to the wall, leaped seemingly 6 feet in the air, and reached back on the glove side and made that tremendous catch.

Gary Matthews Jr. really broke out this year. He had great numbers and probably would have won the Gold Glove if Vernon Wells wasn't around.

He certainly a key pickup for my fantasy team around late April/early May

[Ascf33]

:lol That's true...

My grandmother can throw better LEFT HANDED (she's a righty) than Damon and Pierre! :lol :lol

He looks so funny when he tries too. Its very depressing whatching the ball bounce around 2nd base on a throw home.

[Ascf33]

I'll never forget that catch he made at home this season. When he went straight back to the wall, leaped seemingly 6 feet in the air, and reached back on the glove side and made that tremendous catch.

Gary Matthews Jr. really broke out this year. He had great numbers and probably would have won the Gold Glove if Vernon Wells wasn't around.

He certainly a key pickup for my fantasy team around late April/early May

Vernon Wells seems to do that a few times a year at Yankee stadium. I've been 3 games where he's robbed an extra base hit or a HR.

[Trippin4136]

Vernon Wells seems to do that a few times a year at Yankee stadium. I've been 3 games where he's robbed an extra base hit or a HR.

Definitely. I've seen a few of them myself too.

That one catch by Matthews Jr. though really stands out. Much like Chavez's catch in the NLCS.

[livetimedmb]

lets go Yankees!!!

[xBigNastyx]

He looks so funny when he tries too. Its very depressing whatching the ball bounce around 2nd base on a throw home.


Hey now you know how we felt when he was doing that while patrolling CF at Fenway! But hey, you deal with his wussy arm since he does everything else pretty damn well.

But yeah, you could wrap bricks around my ankles and I could tag up from second and go to third on a popup to Damon or Pierre in centerfield! lol

[drty snchz]

Not sure if Minaya can pull this off but i love his thinking..... he is going to attempt to deal for vernon wells and play him in LF

[xBigNastyx]

Not sure if Minaya can pull this off but i love his thinking..... he is going to attempt to deal for vernon wells and play him in LF

That trade doesn't seem that necessary for the Mets IMO. They need pitching, pitching and more pitching. Their offense will be fine.

But I guess adding Wells is a terrific addition to any team and if you can get him, you might as well.

I just hope he goes to the Sox instead!!!!

[VanHorneDog]

i cant tell you who is going to suck, D'Backs, Padres, Rockies, Brewers, Pirates, Devil Rays, Royals, Cubs, Rangers, Orials, Nationals and of course the cubs (i know i already said them)

[Ascf33]

Padres made the playoffs for the 2nd straight year....

[VanHorneDog]

Padres made the playoffs for the 2nd straight year....

they will loose 90 games and trade jake peavy.

[malarks26]

lets go Yankees!!!

:thumbsup :thumbsup

[Ascf33]

:thumbsup :thumbsup

:thumbsup :thumbsup :thumbsup :thumbsup

[malarks26]

That trade doesn't seem that necessary for the Mets IMO. They need pitching, pitching and more pitching. Their offense will be fine.


Same thing with the Yanks, I just hope Cashman realizes it this offseason.

[DMBSTL]

i cant tell you who is going to suck, D'Backs, Padres, Rockies, Brewers, Pirates, Devil Rays, Royals, Cubs, Rangers, Orials, Nationals and of course the cubs (i know i already said them)

So, by this rationale, as long as the Cardinals get past the Reds next season, the Cards could win the NL Central again? Perhaps next year, we won't need any help from Atlanta either!

[kevinmavs]

the padres will probably make the playoffs again...the rangers won't suck..they won't make the playoffs because oakland and the angels are in that division and oakland just doesn't lose in the second half...the brewers won't suck either i don't think they will be good but they won't suck.

[kevinmavs]

i think vernon wells is the top centerfielder and honestly alot of people think GMJ is a one hit wonder at the plate but i think he figured out mentally how to hit with rudy jaramillo the best hitting coach in the game....derosa did the same thing and he cashed in with the cubs...i just know that GMJ has never had a big contract before so no doubt he will go with the money rather than staying in texas...also michael young and vernon wells are best friends and vernon lives in arlington so there could be something there

[drty snchz]

That trade doesn't seem that necessary for the Mets IMO. They need pitching, pitching and more pitching. Their offense will be fine.

But I guess adding Wells is a terrific addition to any team and if you can get him, you might as well.

I just hope he goes to the Sox instead!!!!

the mets lost because of the lack of hitting not the pitching as it turned out- they need an outfielder and a second baseman.... it may not be valentin despite bringing him back

mets need a stick with cliff floyd gone and potentially playing no hit all glove anderson hernandez at second- shawn green offers little protection to wright and is a 7 hitter not 6 hitter at this point his career

miledge and heilman is going to be offered for wells.... wells in RF and green moves to left

minaya loves really athletic players and wells would most likely get an immediate extension

[gravedigger13]

Frank Thomas is heading north of the border. That's a decent signing. If their pitching comes around, they've got third place locked up.

:)

[Trippin4136]

well they did lock up 2nd place in 2006

[gravedigger13]

well they did lock up 2nd place in 2006

You're right; my bad. I could see them contending.

[UNC41]

You're right; my bad. I could see them contending.

Not if they unload Vernon Wells.

[mr. testaverde]

Same thing with the Yanks, I just hope Cashman realizes it this offseason.

based on the trades they've done already, i'd say its pretty obvious cashman knows they need pitching, and only pitching

[Pig17]

The Phillies are 6-1 favorites to win the World Series next year...according to the Philadelphia Daily News. :lol

[Pig17]

i cant tell you who is going to suck, D'Backs, Padres, Rockies, Brewers, Pirates, Devil Rays, Royals, Cubs, Rangers, Orials, Nationals and of course the cubs (i know i already said them)

That's the first time since 1993 that the Phillies haven't been included on this list. :lol

[kevinmavs]

i just don't see how you could pay frank thomas that much money...he's old and somewhat unreliable...a good year he had last year though i'm not in denial of that i just find it hard to believe you would spend 30 million on a 40 year old that's not roger clemens

[meredithpaull]

i'm wondering who's going to put forth offers to buyout the Chicago Cubs in anticipation of issues with the Tribune Co.

[Ascf33]

Yankees should sign Vernon Wells... just to spite Sheff.

[ProudestAnt]

Yankees should sign Vernon Wells... just to spite Sheff. That'd be the dumbest move they could make. Throw that money at a Zito, Mulder or Schmidt. Leave Wells for the Sox...:D

[Ascf33]

That'd be the dumbest move they could make. Throw that money at a Zito, Mulder or Schmidt. Leave Wells for the Sox...:D

:lol Oh I'm not serious at all. Sheff just pisses me off with these comments.

[ProudestAnt]

:lol Oh I'm not serious at all. Sheff just pisses me off with these comments. Yea, I know you're not. And we both know that the Jays aren't going to trade Wells to a division rival. I'd like to see us land Lugo, Catalanato, Matsuzaka, and perhaps Wheeler. I would consider that a very good offseason for the Sox...

[drty snchz]

So the Big Skirt signs with the jays for 2 years 18 mil..... if i am vernon wells i would be livid- pay burnett, ryan, and now thomas all that money and havent offered me an extension- i would demand a trade if they dont pony up- immediately

[gravedigger13]

Gary Matthews, Jr. just signed a five year/$50 million contract with the Angels.

So far, that one takes the cake.

[Ascf33]

The one first place vote for Johan screwed Jeter out of MVP.

Discuss.

[FunkyTeaParty]

That Matthews contract strikes me as preposterous.

[Ascf33]

Gary Matthews, Jr. just signed a five year/$50 million contract with the Angels.

So far, that one takes the cake.

Jesus.

We might as well sign Miguel Ciaro for 7 years/ $75 Million

[crashintome202]

Juan Pierre gets 5/45 and GMJ gets 5/50? what in the world?!
Pierre is fast. thats it. He cant hit, never walks, has no arm, and is a decent defender. how does he get 9 million a season???
Matthews Jr has had ONE good season. Other than that, he's been injured or a small step above a 4th OF. So he gets 10 million dollars a year.

[tofixyou]

i'm wondering who's going to put forth offers to buyout the Chicago Cubs in anticipation of issues with the Tribune Co.

2 billionaires from california are in negotiations right now for the tribune company and the chicago cubs. Their goal is to keep both entitites as a whole and not sell them off piece by piece. I heard this on the radio today.

[tofixyou]

Juan Pierre gets 5/45 and GMJ gets 5/50? what in the world?!
Pierre is fast. thats it. He cant hit, never walks, has no arm, and is a decent defender. how does he get 9 million a season???
Matthews Jr has had ONE good season. Other than that, he's been injured or a small step above a 4th OF. So he gets 10 million dollars a year.

Market is thin this year in Free Agency. People are overpaying like crazy for everyone. Look at a lot of the "big" signings this year so far. Derosa, The guy boston's after, soriano, pierre, matthews jr., etc. People will pay for what they need and what's available. Sheffield got a huge contract too and he'll probably get injured again or complain because he's a huge vagina.

[SoRight24]

Anaheim just got ripped off. The guy makes a great catch and then reels in 50 mil.

Amazing.

[rpkuhn2]

The one first place vote for Johan screwed Jeter out of MVP.

Discuss.

So did that douchebag from Chicago that voted Jeter 6th. His vote should be pulled.

[meatball41]

Juan Pierre gets 5/45 and GMJ gets 5/50? what in the world?!
Pierre is fast. thats it. He cant hit, never walks, has no arm, and is a decent defender. how does he get 9 million a season???
Matthews Jr has had ONE good season. Other than that, he's been injured or a small step above a 4th OF. So he gets 10 million dollars a year.

These two deals make the deal the Cards got in re-signing Jim Edmonds look like a frickin steal. :D

[Trippin4136]

GMJ getting 5 years and $50 million is laughable. Teams are clearly grasping in the thin market this year, but $10M a year for a 32 year old CF, who had a career year this year but, its extremely unproven.

As for the writer who voted Jeter 6th, I heard him on the Dan Patrick show on ESPN radio when driving back from the office today, and his rationale was pathetic. His answers to Patrick and Olbermann's questions were all over the map, horribly contradicting and his anti-New York bias was as subtle as a sledgehammer and the hosts called him on it.

[DMBCubs25]

Anaheim just got ripped off. The guy makes a great catch and then reels in 50 mil.

Amazing.

Good call, its completely insane to give someone thats a career .260 hitter and a normal bench player before last year THIS kind of money. Juan Pierre pretty much sucked for the cubs last year, has an incredibly weak arm, cant hit for power, and pretty much only value is as a leadoff hitter thats ability is declining. Some stupid contracts going down this year for sure.

[ProudestAnt]

GMJ will be a solid player for the Angels. His hitting skills will pick up a bit as he plays more and he's one of the top 5 CFs in the game right now. It's a lot of money, but in a thin market, you're gonna get more...

[crashintome202]

GMJ will be a solid player for the Angels. His hitting skills will pick up a bit as he plays more and he's one of the top 5 CFs in the game right now. It's a lot of money, but in a thin market, you're gonna get more...
Veron Wells, Andruw Jones, Carlos Beltran, Johnny Damon, Torii Hunter, and Jim Edmonds are all miles ahead of Matthews(well, maybe not Johnny). He had 1 good year and is usually injured. Dont forget that he was hitting in texas too

[Mr. LF]

I have predicted the entire MLB playoffs 100% correct for 4 years running now...I will be making my picks for 07 within the next few days...

honestly, just being nice...print out my picks, get some cash, and get to vegas...

all my friends became millionaires because of me, lol...

[DMBZeppelin]

I have predicted the entire MLB playoffs 100% correct for 4 years running now...I will be making my picks for 07 within the next few days...

honestly, just being nice...print out my picks, get some cash, and get to vegas...

all my friends became millionaires because of me, lol...
Wait so you predicted the Chicago Cubs and the Flordia Marlins in the NLCS in 03? Even though both were not suppose to contend. Even though the Marlins manager got fired mid season, and they were well under .500. You then figured Josh Beckett and Dontrelle Willis would finally emerge, and Kerry Wood would put together a healthy season? Did you figure out Mark Prior would turn into a beast as well? Surprised you pick the Red Sox in 04'. Of course you had the under the radar White Sox winning it all in 05'. You must have been sweating with that near collapse at the end they almost pulled. Only to get lucky with key injuries to each team they faced. No one and I mean no one can pick all 6 teams and the outcomes 4 years in a row. Too many variables.

[DMBZeppelin]

i'm wondering who's going to put forth offers to buyout the Chicago Cubs in anticipation of issues with the Tribune Co.
They are going to need a lot. Tribune company bought the Cubs for around $30 million. They are currently worth $600 million. Now lets say the Triubue company gives the Cubs another $30-40 million to spend. The Cubs then go out and get Barry Zito. Plus Cliff Floyd said this is his first choice. They are going strongly after Julio Lugo (he had Pinella ties) and they just toally revamp this team. They don't care about giving Chicago a winner. They just care about making the Cubs very attractive before they sell it off. So I fully expect the Tribune to spend even more this off season. What do they care if they offer a guy like Zito $15-17 million a year? They pay the first year and will make that money back ten fold. They get the guys I just mentioned and they might get something like $800 million for the Cubbies.

[DmBand801]

Anaheim just got ripped off. The guy makes a great catch and then reels in 50 mil.

Amazing.

Gary Matthews isn't worth 10 million a year--but everyone is in MLB these days

[Mr. LF]

Wait so you predicted the Chicago Cubs and the Flordia Marlins in the NLCS in 03? Even though both were not suppose to contend. Even though the Marlins manager got fired mid season, and they were well under .500. You then figured Josh Beckett and Dontrelle Willis would finally emerge, and Kerry Wood would put together a healthy season? Did you figure out Mark Prior would turn into a beast as well? Surprised you pick the Red Sox in 04'. Of course you had the under the radar White Sox winning it all in 05'. You must have been sweating with that near collapse at the end they almost pulled. Only to get lucky with key injuries to each team they faced. No one and I mean no one can pick all 6 teams and the outcomes 4 years in a row. Too many variables.


Yes...yes, yes, yes and....ummm, Yes.

Like I said...4 years running, flawless complete playoff predictions, submitted exactly 1 month before opening day.

I would be perfect for 8 years, (i began doing this in 1999, and was flawless for 99,00 and 01, but I made one mistake in 2002. I picked the Cardinals to beat the Giants in the 02 NLCS, but the Giants ended up taking the series....I still get nightmares!

There was a feature on me on Espn.com 2 years ago, google it if you want.

[ProudestAnt]

Veron Wells, Andruw Jones, Carlos Beltran, Johnny Damon, Torii Hunter, and Jim Edmonds are all miles ahead of Matthews(well, maybe not Johnny). He had 1 good year and is usually injured. Dont forget that he was hitting in texas too Defensively, no way. I'd put GMJ above Beltran, Jones and Hunter...

[ProudestAnt]

Yes...yes, yes, yes and....ummm, Yes.

Like I said...4 years running, flawless complete playoff predictions, submitted exactly 1 month before opening day.

I would be perfect for 8 years, (i began doing this in 1999, and was flawless for 99,00 and 01, but I made one mistake in 2002. I picked the Cardinals to beat the Giants in the 02 NLCS, but the Giants ended up taking the series....I still get nightmares!

There was a feature on me on Espn.com 2 years ago, google it if you want. No way. Impossible and I call bullshit...

[DMBZeppelin]

Yes...yes, yes, yes and....ummm, Yes.

Like I said...4 years running, flawless complete playoff predictions, submitted exactly 1 month before opening day.

I would be perfect for 8 years, (i began doing this in 1999, and was flawless for 99,00 and 01, but I made one mistake in 2002. I picked the Cardinals to beat the Giants in the 02 NLCS, but the Giants ended up taking the series....I still get nightmares!

There was a feature on me on Espn.com 2 years ago, google it if you want.
You can't link me? What do I google to sort through the millions of ESPN articles?

[justinandimcool]

You can't link me? What do I google to sort through the millions of ESPN articles?

You're seriously trying to find proof? This douche has been posting stupid shit since he logged in.

[Lcsulla]

Sheffield got a huge contract too and he'll probably get injured again or complain because he's a huge vagina.

Man is all of the above, I agree. He can smack the shit out of the ball when he's on though.

[Tiduwho]

Cubs reportedly just offered $44 million to Jason Schmidt. Like I said, I don't know why everyone was getting so worked up about the Cubs not going after Pitching and would now be last place next year because they signed Soriano...when the offseason had barely even started yet.


We'll see how far they'll go to pursue him.

[xBigNastyx]

Apparently, the Sox are close to getting JD Drew. I'm still not sure how I feel about this deal though. Drew is a great talent, but needs to stay healthy. Couldn't we say the same about Trot? lol.

[ProudestAnt]

Cubs reportedly just offered $44 million to Jason Schmidt. Like I said, I don't know why everyone was getting so worked up about the Cubs not going after Pitching and would now be last place next year because they signed Soriano...when the offseason had barely even started yet.


We'll see how far they'll go to pursue him. Yep, add an old arm to an already piss-poor pitching staff. Sounds like a solution to me...

[Tiduwho]

Yep, add an old arm to an already piss-poor pitching staff. Sounds like a solution to me...

Yup, they'd be much better off if they just went with Zambrano and 4 rooks again. :rolleyes


The market is just chalked full of young, strong arms that they could go after, but instead they go after a washed up bum. :rolleyes

[SoRight24]

I'm only going to say one thing:

The Cubs had better win this season.

[ProudestAnt]

Yup, they'd be much better off if they just went with Zambrano and 4 rooks again. :rolleyes


The market is just chalked full of young, strong arms that they could go after, but instead they go after a washed up bum. :rolleyes How about throwing some money at Zito? Considering he's 5 years younger than Schmidt, has proven he can win in the real league (AL) and will probably come at about the same amount of money. But you're right, they have no other choices than Schmidt...

[DmBand801]

I'm only going to say one thing:

The Cubs had better win this season.

ehh--no pitching as of yet--zambrano can't do everything, schmidt would fit in nice though

[kevinmavs]

[quote=Tiduwho;5302541
The market is just chalked full of young, strong arms that they could go after, but instead they go after a washed up bum. :rolleyes[/quote]


i hope that's sarcasm

[DMBZeppelin]

Yup, they'd be much better off if they just went with Zambrano and 4 rooks again. :rolleyes


The market is just chalked full of young, strong arms that they could go after, but instead they go after a washed up bum. :rolleyes
Actually some of those rookies were pretty good. Rich Hill looks like he finally figured it out. Jim Callis who does the Baseball America chats on ESPN said he'd be a great number 2 with Zambrano. I mean the kid has that ridiculous "In your face" Zito curveball. Guzman is the real deal he just needs experiance. Marshall looked good before coming back from the obplique injury or w/e it's called. Maddux taught him many things. I remember that much and thought Marshall was going to be a really good big leaguer. Now the problem was those three weren't always there. Injuries, ect. Then we had guys like Mateo and O'Malley. Plus that rookie who was almost 30 the Walrond guy. He was just horrible.

[DMBZeppelin]

Soriano's deal is ridiculous by the way. Check out the perks: http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2679070

From ESPN Insider -

On Schmitd:
Cubs shelling out for Schmidt?
Nov 28 - According to The San Francisco Chronicle, the Cubs have offered free-agent starter Jason Schmidt a three-year deal worth $44 million

On J.D. Drew:
$15M per for Drew?
Nov 28 - J.D. Drew may sign a five-year deal with the Red Sox worth an average of $15 million annually, the Boston Herald reports. Only a physical exam, the newspaper reports, is holding up the announcement.

Other random tid bits:
Rebuilding the nest
Nov 28 - Free-agent starter Kip Wells is close to signing with the Cardinals, ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney reports.

Red Sox pitch Lugo
Nov 28 - The Red Sox have made an offer to free-agent shortstop Julio Lugo, The Boston Globe reports.

[Ev42]

i so hope the cubs get Schmidt.

[Trippin4136]

So the Red Sox talks with Matsusaka have apparently stalled while in Japan.

The Red Sox hoped to use some of the record $51.1 million to offset the cost of his annual contract. However the Seibu Lions denied that proposal and the commissioner's office announced that such a maneuver was not allowed.

ESPN Radio announced that talks between the the Red Sox and Scott Boras are still very far apart.

Also, the Red Sox announced they will be offering JD Drew a 5 year deal worth $70 Million.

Now, I don't see how trading Manny for less value and adding JD Drew at WAY too high of a price makes any sense. But I guess Theo's got the master plan? Right? RIGHT? lol.

[ProudestAnt]

Talks haven't stalled at all with Matsuzaka. Lucchino went to Japan to talk with the Lions, not with the man himself. They have already submitted two offers, one being a low blow and another "fair offer" probably somewhere in the $11 mil a year area. A deal will get done, don't worry your pretty little Yankee head over that one...

[Trippin4136]

I still believe a deal will get done

I'm only posting what I heard on ESPN radio.

Scott Boras was quoted as saying "very far apart"

The offer may have only been "fair" b/c they were anticipating offsetting some of the contract with some of the $51.1 million

[ProudestAnt]

I still believe a deal will get done

I'm only posting what I heard on ESPN radio.

Scott Boras was quoted as saying "very far apart"

The offer may have only been "fair" b/c they were anticipating offsetting some of the contract with some of the $51.1 million When did you listen to this on ESPN? They were reported to be "very far apart" last week when the offer was in the $8-9 mil a year area. Last I heard, which was yesterday, they're getting close on the dollar amount, but still need to reach an agreement on the length...

[Trippin4136]

this morning I heard it.

[ProudestAnt]

this morning I heard it. Interesting, I'll have to do some reading today.



Aparantly we're looking at another Japanese player as well:

Lefty Hideki Okajima Could Be More Than Dice-K's Friend
By Daigo Fujiwara, BDD contributor and founder of JapaneseBallplayers.com (http://www.japaneseballplayers.com/en/)

The American League East may gain its fourth Japanese player in just over two weeks. First it was Daisuke Matsuzaka Mania (http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/extras/matsuzaka/), then the Devil Rays got the rights to third baseman Akinori Iwamura. Yesterday, it was Kei Igawa to Yankees. And now ESPN's Buster Olney is reporting that "Hideki Okajima is in serious discussions with the Red Sox about a two-year deal (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?%20id=2678439)." I like this deal for the Red Sox for multiple reasons.

Hideki Okajima (http://www.japaneseballplayers.com/en/player.php?%20id=hokajima), a 30-year-old lefthanded-specialist relief pitcher, is a three-time Japan Series winner, twice with the Yomiuri Giants in 2000 and 2002 (he was a teammate of Hideki Matsui, who he would be facing a lot, if signed), and this year (2006) with the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters.

Okajima has faced tough lefty opponents in critical situations out of the 'pen and proven his ability in Japan. He has a "big" curve, which is tough for lefthanded batters to hit, and he's held lefty hitters to less than a .200 average in '05 and '06. Okajima's last three years of innings pitched (IP), bases on balls (BB), and strikeouts (SO):


2004 2005 2006
IP 46.2 53 54.2
BB 20 19 14
SO 53 56 63
Bottom line is, Okajima is a solid situational lefthanded pitcher, and probably will cost much less than three years at $12 million that Orioles paid Jamie Walker. And Okajima is four years younger than Walker.

And maybe most importantly, Okajima would no doubt help Matsuzaka’s transition to the United States, as Daisuke will have someone who he can talk to about the culture shock they will both be going through.

[Trippin4136]

yep, that was also reported this morning.

The Yankees won the bidding for Kei Igawa, a left handed starter for the tag of $26M.

[ProudestAnt]

yep, that was also reported this morning.

The Yankees won the bidding for Kei Igawa, a left handed starter for the tag of $26M. I haven't read any of his stats, but I have heard he has the potential to become a monster. Not quite a Matsuzaka because he doesn't have five nasty pitches, but a Wang-type pitcher...

[Trippin4136]

apparently he's got an above average fastball, good slider and solid changeup...that's about all I've heard of him so far

[ProudestAnt]

So he'll be spending some time in the minors or as a middle reliever.


So I guess the Padres have sweetened the deal for Manny according to rotoworld. Perhaps Peavy?

[Trippin4136]

:lol yea maybe....hey, as far as I'm concerned, yea they spent a lot of money to try to get him, but he CAN'T be worse than Jaret Wright

[ProudestAnt]

:lol yea maybe....hey, as far as I'm concerned, yea they spent a lot of money to try to get him, but he CAN'T be worse than Jaret Wright True that. He was so bad I'm happy for you that he's gone

[Trippin4136]

haha...thanks

I know I can't wait to see how Carl "ass injury" Pavano bounces back in 2007.

[ProudestAnt]

haha...thanks

I know I can't wait to see how Carl "ass injury" Pavano bounces back in 2007. :lol I hope whoever takes Manny low balls us on players and we make them take Clement too.

ESPN says that Igawa is 27, 14-9 with a 2.97 ERA last season, meh...

[Trippin4136]

I think one thing Yankees and Sox fans can agree on is that Pavano and Clement should both be forced to live on a deserted island somewhere for the amount of money both teams gave them.

[ProudestAnt]

I think one thing Yankees and Sox fans can agree on is that Pavano and Clement should both be forced to live on a deserted island somewhere for the amount of money both teams gave them. :thumbsupAgreed...

[DmBand801]

I think one thing Yankees and Sox fans can agree on is that Pavano and Clement should both be forced to live on a deserted island somewhere for the amount of money both teams gave them.

pavano is indeed a huge waist--whats clement's contract?

[Trippin4136]

almost the exact same as Pavano's.

Pavano signed a 4 year $39.95M deal...Clement's 4 years for $36-40M as well.

[DmBand801]

almost the exact same as Pavano's.

Pavano signed a 4 year $39.95M deal...Clement's 4 years for $36-40M as well.

2 fucking wastes

[drty snchz]

what an awful market.... journey men pitchers are pulling 8-9 mil per- schmidt was offered 15 per what a joke.... enjoy those contracts:lol

[Trippin4136]

Carlos Lee at 6 yr/$100M is fucking comedy. I hope Houston enjoys that surefire albatross.

[Ascf33]

These contracts are amazing.

[ProudestAnt]

It's more pathetic than it is amazing. Hello higher ticket prices...

[Tiduwho]

How about throwing some money at Zito? Considering he's 5 years younger than Schmidt, has proven he can win in the real league (AL) and will probably come at about the same amount of money. But you're right, they have no other choices than Schmidt...

Yeah, I originally posted a snide comment mentioning Zito and how it would probably be a "bad" idea to in the world of the anti-cub, but I edited it out, made me sound like an ass.


I would like Zito too, and thankfully it looks like he's back on the right track. The past couple of years made it seem like he had lost that elite edge.

[Tiduwho]

Actually some of those rookies were pretty good. Rich Hill looks like he finally figured it out. Jim Callis who does the Baseball America chats on ESPN said he'd be a great number 2 with Zambrano. I mean the kid has that ridiculous "In your face" Zito curveball. Guzman is the real deal he just needs experiance. Marshall looked good before coming back from the obplique injury or w/e it's called. Maddux taught him many things. I remember that much and thought Marshall was going to be a really good big leaguer. Now the problem was those three weren't always there. Injuries, ect. Then we had guys like Mateo and O'Malley. Plus that rookie who was almost 30 the Walrond guy. He was just horrible.

Rich Hill? Yes, he is great. He is a major sleeper and I'm definitely going to draft him late in fantasy next year, he was awesome in the second half. The two games I went to, he was pitching and looked outstanding. Lol, took him long enough to gain some compusure.

Guzman sucks though. I expect nothing from him. He got injured in '03, and hasnt' been the same. Marshall is definitely a solid guy to throw in at the end of the rotation, I like him and think he will make a great 3rd or 4th starter in a few years. Other than that, it was all wishy-washy. Mateo and ummm...gah the other M that started alot last year were on again off again. Jae Kuk Ryu sucked balls. O'Mally had a storybook outing but then got injured so who knows from him. Everyone else was worthless.

[DMBZeppelin]

Mateo and ummm...gah the other M that started alot last year were on again off again. Jae Kuk Ryu sucked balls. O'Mally had a storybook outing but then got injured so who knows from him. Everyone else was worthless.
No what I meant was that they all sucked. I said I really liked the first three I mentioned: Hill, Guzman, and Marshall. The rest ESPECIALLY Ryu sucked balls. Mateo had good stuff at times, but eh. I liked O'Malley as a person. It's cool he grew up a Cubs fan and had the story book outing. Someone actually called from Hollywood to ask him for the rights to his story. If anything will ever come of it I don't know. That's not a joke. In case you thought I was kidding.

[DmBand801]

It's more pathetic than it is amazing. Hello higher ticket prices...

:shrug

[Ascf33]

It's more pathetic than it is amazing. Hello higher ticket prices...

My season tix were the same price this year but in 2009, they will be going up anyway for the new stadium. :shrug

[ProudestAnt]

My season tix were the same price this year but in 2009, they will be going up anyway for the new stadium. :shrug How much do those set you back? I know hockey is about a grand here in Buffalo for cheap seats and baseball has twice the number of games, so I'm just curious...

[Ascf33]

How much do those set you back? I know hockey is about a grand here in Buffalo for cheap seats and baseball has twice the number of games, so I'm just curious...

I get the 20 game flex pack. Pick any 20 midweek games (plus Opening Day & Old-Timers Day) so 22 games total. It was $250 per seat, so $500 total.

[ProudestAnt]

I get the 20 game flex pack. Pick any 20 midweek games (plus Opening Day & Old-Timers Day) so 22 games total. It was $250 per seat, so $500 total. That's not a bad deal...

[kevinmavs]

that's a really good deal...i'm 18 and in college but i have season tickets from my mom's company for the rangers...it's free and i'll have those tickets until i'm dead...now it's time to re-sign Padilla and then maybe get another pitcher.

[Tiduwho]

Was it you Proudest that made $30,000 or something off of betting on horse racing last year?

[ProudestAnt]

Was it you Proudest that made $30,000 or something off of betting on horse racing last year? Yea, I hit the superfecta when I bet on the Kentucky Derby last year. Won somewhere in the area of $31,500. Wound up losing about $3,000 through the rest of the season, so I still finished up on the year, about $28,000 up. Spent the money on some college loans, couple more season tickets for the Bills and a few Sabres seasons too...

[GOB_]

Apparently there's talk about sending Cabrera and Sanchez (whom the Yankees just picked up from the Tigers) to the Marlins for Willis.

[Trippin4136]

yea, that was reported on Mike & Mike.

I hope to everything holy that doesn't happen. As much as people love and believe in Dontrelle, I do not think Melky is worth giving up for anyone. He's 21 and has all the tools to be a star, especially as his hitting continues to improve.

It appears to me, a move out of desperation since they lost out on Matsusaka and don't want to toss money at say Jason Schmidt who will be overpaid wherever he goes.

And I think for the amount of destruction the Yankees have done to Barry Zito, they've seen enough to know that he simply won't work out for them, especially at more than $15M annually.

[ProudestAnt]

Do it, I'd love to see the Yanks overpay for another Jared Wright, especially if they're getting rid of a perennial all-star like Cabrera...

[Trippin4136]

what do you think about JD Drew at $14M annually?

And how will it effect D'Ortiz? Here comes a guy that will replace Manny Ramirez will less production, will force the middle of the Sox lineup to be lefty-lefty, and will make nearly double what Ortiz, a perennial MVP candidate, made in 2006.

[ProudestAnt]

News out of Red Sox camp. Schilling came out and said that he has spoken with Manny in the offseason and that Manny wants to be traded, which makes things easier on the Sox, since we don't have to worry about him vetoing a trade.

Signed JD Drew, deal is said to be 4 years $56 million with an option for a 5th worth possibly $12 mil. Should be finalized later today.

We now have 14 days to cut a deal with Matsuzaka. Look for it to take all 14 days to get a deal done, but a deal will get done...

[ProudestAnt]

what do you think about JD Drew at $14M annually?

And how will it effect D'Ortiz? Here comes a guy that will replace Manny Ramirez will less production, will force the middle of the Sox lineup to be lefty-lefty, and will make nearly double what Ortiz, a perennial MVP candidate, made in 2006. There's actually talks of Drew hitting 3rd and moving Papi to 4th. Still leaves things lefty lefty, but if we can get production out of our leadoff guy, I wouldn't mind seeing Drew hit 2, Pena hit 3 and Papi hit 4. That puts it l r l and a lot more difficult for teams because they know Pena can't hit righties, which almost forces them to go l r l with their pitchers along with the lineup. I dunno...

[Trippin4136]

As disgruntled as Manny is or the team with him...I still don't understand the move. I really don't. They lose mega-production for a total anomaly from season to season in Drew and there is NO way they get equal value for Manny.

UNLESS, the rumor I heard yesterday goes through. Sox send Manny to Padres for Peavy and a few minor leaguers.

Ortiz's production will undoubtedly decrease as he loses the lineup protection.

[ProudestAnt]

As disgruntled as Manny is or the team with him...I still don't understand the move. I really don't. They lose mega-production for a total anomaly from season to season in Drew and there is NO way they get equal value for Manny.

UNLESS, the rumor I heard yesterday goes through. Sox send Manny to Padres for Peavy and a few minor leaguers.

Ortiz's production will undoubtedly decrease as he loses the lineup protection. Yea, I'm hoping for the SD deal. Peavy, Linebrink and at least one prospect for Manny. We lose a TON of production, but we gain two huge arms, one for the rotation and another for the end of games. Imagine a rotation of:

Schilling
Beckett
Peavy
Matsuzaka
Papelbon

:drool

[Trippin4136]

From a fantasy perspective I hope Peavy bounces back from this season. He was my #1 pitching selection and rode the pine many weeks the during the summer. A transition to the AL after that crummy season may not be the best thing for him.

[ProudestAnt]

From a fantasy perspective I hope Peavy bounces back from this season. He was my #1 pitching selection and rode the pine many weeks the during the summer. A transition to the AL after that crummy season may not be the best thing for him. No, especially not to the AL East, but in the long run, I think he'll be a dominant pitcher for years...

[Trippin4136]

Yea, I don't doubt he'll rebound. Just saying if he goes to the AL this year, it could be really rocky for him.

[kevinmavs]

if the sox do pull off that deal for manny then that's huge for them...Linebrink is an awesome relief pitcher and Jake Peavy is going to be really good for a long time. I would make that trade in a heartbeat...it's also a good deal for San Diego though because they need offense it only takes a few impact players such as Manny to win the NL West.

[Ascf33]

I hope we keep Melky. Someone will get hurt, and besides that, he'll still play every 3rd or 4th game anyway. He's going to be good.

[DmBand801]

Yea, I hit the superfecta when I bet on the Kentucky Derby last year. Won somewhere in the area of $31,500. Wound up losing about $3,000 through the rest of the season, so I still finished up on the year, about $28,000 up. Spent the money on some college loans, couple more season tickets for the Bills and a few Sabres seasons too...

your doing all my horse bets now :) - i could use $28,000

[drty snchz]

wow where have some of you guys been watching your baseball......

one guy doesnt want to move melky fucking cabrera for dtrain:BANG


and jd drew is the biggest piece of garbage in the bigs- i wouldnt pay him 4 mil a year let alone the 14 the sox waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaant to pay him- epstein has lost his mind.... red sox are well on there way to a monster tail spin

[Ascf33]

wow where have some of you guys been watching your baseball......

one guy doesnt want to move melky fucking cabrera for dtrain:BANG


and jd drew is the biggest piece of garbage in the bigs- i wouldnt pay him 4 mil a year let alone the 14 the sox waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaant to pay him- epstein has lost his mind.... red sox are well on there way to a monster tail spin

Melky + Cano = The future.

[ProudestAnt]

wow where have some of you guys been watching your baseball......

one guy doesnt want to move melky fucking cabrera for dtrain:BANG


and jd drew is the biggest piece of garbage in the bigs- i wouldnt pay him 4 mil a year let alone the 14 the sox waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaant to pay him- epstein has lost his mind.... red sox are well on there way to a monster tail spin You're an idiot, leave...

[Ascf33]

Graceful and subtle as always Ryan. :lol

[ProudestAnt]

Graceful and subtle as always Ryan. :lol Hey, you missed your chance, I capitalized...

[ProudestAnt]

The Sox have officially put a deadline on the Manny talks. They will only actively shop the slugger until Wednesday night, after that it will be a "listen-only" situation...

[kevinmavs]

Rangers lock up Padilla....Zito next.....

[DMBZeppelin]

No the Cubs had DMB play at Wrigley just for Zito. They'll make sure he doesn't pitch those days.

[DmBand801]

Rangers lock up Padilla....Zito next.....

Zito has a huge grin on his face as Padilla gets 11 million a year...

[kevinmavs]

rumor is that the rangers are about to offer 6 years 102 million to zito and the mets claim that they won't offer that much as they only want to sign him to a 3 or 4 year deal.....interesting

[Trippin4136]

3 yr/$33M for Vicente Padilla is laughable.

I don't want the hell has gotten through the owners' collective mindset this year but there is an unprecedented amount of money going to a lot of average players.

[Trippin4136]

The Sox have officially put a deadline on the Manny talks. They will only actively shop the slugger until Wednesday night, after that it will be a "listen-only" situation...

interesting...so they are going to take on JD Drew at an absurd price and hang onto Manny? Financially, that doesn't seem to equate. But hey, if the Sox want to inflate their payroll more, I won't argue :D

[ProudestAnt]

interesting...so they are going to take on JD Drew at an absurd price and hang onto Manny? Financially, that doesn't seem to equate. But hey, if the Sox want to inflate their payroll more, I won't argue :D Hey, me too. I'm totally down with a line-up which features a middle of Papi, Manny, Drew. That's quite a nasty l-r-l trio there...

[harryhoudini]

dig this from mlbtraderumors.com:

There's been surprising interest in Kevin Mench, according to Doug Melvin, and one of the teams who are known to be looking at the right-handed outfielder is the Philadelphia Phillies. One deal that was rumored a few weeks ago was Aaron Rowand for Mench and, perhaps, Damian Miller. The money is about even and Melvin seems to think he needs a proven center fielder, so that seemed plausible, but the Brewers may have balked at including Miller.

So this is interesting: the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel (perhaps optimistically) speculates that Mench could be part of a deal for Jon Lieber. If speculation can lend credence to other speculation, here's some: the Philadelphia Inquirer mentions that the Phillies could deal Rowand to the White Sox for one of Chicago's surplus starters, freeing up Lieber for a different deal.

This all makes plenty of sense: it's essentially a three-way trade in which the White Sox get the CF they want and make room in the rotation for Brandon McCarthy; the Phillies get the corner bat they want, improve the rotation, and open up center for Shane Victorino; and the Brewers take on a bit of payroll (which they have room for, a least a few million's worth) and fill their one need at the meetings: a mid-rotation starter to take the pressure off of some combination of Claudio Vargas, Carlos Villanueva, and Zach Jackson.


the starter mentioned above may be freddie garcia, how bout myers, hamels and garcia (flip flop that however you'd like) as a 123 punch.

[DmBand801]

rumor is that the rangers are about to offer 6 years 102 million to zito and the mets claim that they won't offer that much as they only want to sign him to a 3 or 4 year deal.....interesting

:mad

[Trippin4136]

Hey, me too. I'm totally down with a line-up which features a middle of Papi, Manny, Drew. That's quite a nasty l-r-l trio there...

so much for Theo's "Grand Plan" of not blowing up the payroll...

[ProudestAnt]

so much for Theo's "Grand Plan" of not blowing up the payroll... Word is we're leading the pack for Gagne too. Hello one more high priced do-nothing. After we sign him, Drew, Matsuzaka and possibly Lugo, our payroll will be right up there with the Yanks...

[ProudestAnt]

dig this from mlbtraderumors.com:

There's been surprising interest in Kevin Mench, according to Doug Melvin, and one of the teams who are known to be looking at the right-handed outfielder is the Philadelphia Phillies. One deal that was rumored a few weeks ago was Aaron Rowand for Mench and, perhaps, Damian Miller. The money is about even and Melvin seems to think he needs a proven center fielder, so that seemed plausible, but the Brewers may have balked at including Miller.

So this is interesting: the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel (perhaps optimistically) speculates that Mench could be part of a deal for Jon Lieber. If speculation can lend credence to other speculation, here's some: the Philadelphia Inquirer mentions that the Phillies could deal Rowand to the White Sox for one of Chicago's surplus starters, freeing up Lieber for a different deal.

This all makes plenty of sense: it's essentially a three-way trade in which the White Sox get the CF they want and make room in the rotation for Brandon McCarthy; the Phillies get the corner bat they want, improve the rotation, and open up center for Shane Victorino; and the Brewers take on a bit of payroll (which they have room for, a least a few million's worth) and fill their one need at the meetings: a mid-rotation starter to take the pressure off of some combination of Claudio Vargas, Carlos Villanueva, and Zach Jackson.


the starter mentioned above may be freddie garcia, how bout myers, hamels and garcia (flip flop that however you'd like) as a 123 punch. This is why I hate mlbtraderumors. They're so off-base with their rumors, it's laughable. There have been NO talks of a three way deal and NO talks of Mench going anywhere. The only word about a deal between the Phils and White Sox has Garcia going to Philly with Rowand and either Ryan Madson or Gavin Floyd going the other direction, which the White Sox win anyway. Garcia is overrated...

[ProudestAnt]

For the Yanks fans:

According to MLB.com, the Yankees have offered Andy Pettitte a one-year, $15 million contract.
An option for 2008 could also be included. Pettitte might be more likely to return to New York if he feels good friend Roger Clemens won't rejoin Houston next season. The Astros, though, probably won't let him go without a fight.
Source: MLB.com


AND


The Yankees and Mets are showing interest in Mark Buehrle, according to MLB.com.
MLB.com offered up a rumor last night that the Mets and White Sox had discussed swapping Buehrle and Lastings Milledge, but none of the New York or Chicago papers followed up on it, suggesting there wasn't much to it. The Yankees have Melky Cabrera to offer if the White Sox believe he can handle center field. Buehrle will become a free agent after making $9.5 million next season.
Source: MLB.com

[ProudestAnt]

And good news for not only Sox fans, but baseball fans in general concerning Jon Lester:

The Red Sox confirmed Tuesday that Jon Lester has been cleared to end chemotherapy.
The Boston Globe reported Tuesday that Lester's lymphoma was in remission. "He's going to have one more treatment and then he's done," manager Terry Francona said. "So, from where I sit, the meetings are already a success."

[ProudestAnt]

rumor is that the rangers are about to offer 6 years 102 million to zito and the mets claim that they won't offer that much as they only want to sign him to a 3 or 4 year deal.....interesting Wrong as well. Mets are very interested in Zito and will likely throw a TON of money at him. Especially with the news of Schmidt being offered what the Mets feel is "outlandish" money. Granted they may offer Zito a shorter contract, but they are not afraid to reach $100+ million for his services. Look for a contract being reached for Zito in the area of 5 year/$110 million...

[Trippin4136]

For the Yanks fans:

According to MLB.com, the Yankees have offered Andy Pettitte a one-year, $15 million contract.
An option for 2008 could also be included. Pettitte might be more likely to return to New York if he feels good friend Roger Clemens won't rejoin Houston next season. The Astros, though, probably won't let him go without a fight.
Source: MLB.com


The Yankees and Mets are showing interest in Mark Buehrle, according to MLB.com.
MLB.com offered up a rumor last night that the Mets and White Sox had discussed swapping Buehrle and Lastings Milledge, but none of the New York or Chicago papers followed up on it, suggesting there wasn't much to it. The Yankees have Melky Cabrera to offer if the White Sox believe he can handle center field. Buehrle will become a free agent after making $9.5 million next season.
Source: MLB.com

Yea I anticipated that was the deal b/t the Yanks and Pettitte. I mentioned oddly enough in a thread in DMBc. If Pettitte's heart is into playing and Clemens retires, he'll go back to NY.

As for Buehrle, both the Yankees and Mets would be braindead to give up such young talent for Buehrle. Such young outfielders (both are 22 and under) with so many tools are invaluable, especially compared to a guy like Buehrle who has nowhere to go but down.

[Trippin4136]

Wrong as well. Mets are very interested in Zito and will likely throw a TON of money at him. Especially with the news of Schmidt being offered what the Mets feel is "outlandish" money. Granted they may offer Zito a shorter contract, but they are not afraid to reach $100+ million for his services. Look for a contract being reached for Zito in the area of 5 year/$110 million...

The Rangers from what I heard/saw will offer Zito around $100M

[kevinmavs]

[quote=Trippin4136;5328549]3 yr/$33M for Vicente Padilla is laughable.quote]

how is that different from anything else this offseason

zito is better than buhurle in my opinion and the mets wouldn't even trade milledge for zito straight up so i doubt there's any truth to buhurle for milledge straight up...i can see the mets being interested in buhurle just in case they don't sign zito....i read that the mets won't sign him for more than 4 years and he wants at least 6 which the rangers are apparently trying to offer...but we all know Boras will drive up the price as long as he can so this could be a long drawn out process.

[Trippin4136]

its not any different...I expressed that when I said "I don't what the hell has gotten through the owners' collective mindset this year but there is an unprecedented amount of money going to a lot of average players"

[kevinmavs]

i gotcha i wasn't arguing...padilla is alot better than eaton who got 24 million for 3 years

[kevinmavs]

but not that much better

[kevinmavs]

i think the zito thing could go on for a while....the mariners and Angels are now showing interest...boras will drive the price up into a bidding war and whoever sticks it out will win.

[ProudestAnt]

but not that much better Exactly, I was going to say. Padilla isn't $3 mil a year better than Eaton...

[ProudestAnt]

i think the zito thing could go on for a while....the mariners and Angels are now showing interest...boras will drive the price up into a bidding war and whoever sticks it out will win. Mariners won't pay that much for Zito. Especially after just signing Guillen for a year. They have a number of needs that reach beyond SP. They'll go after a Lilly type pitcher to bring some stability to the lineup, but not a big name guy like Zito or Schmidt...

[kevinmavs]

eaton will get hurt or something like he always does he'lll never live up to his potential...the rangers have money they just don't use it for the right reasons but i think this year it's all about pitching....FINALLY...i think Texiera and Mike Young are tired of losing and told Hicks and the GM daniels to finally spend some money

as for the Sox i would take JD Drew over Willy Mo anyways so you might as well keep manny and have a nice 3-4-5 punch

[ProudestAnt]

eaton will get hurt or something like he always does he'lll never live up to his potential...the rangers have money they just don't use it for the right reasons but i think this year it's all about pitching....FINALLY...i think Texiera and Mike Young are tired of losing and told Hicks and the GM daniels to finally spend some money

as for the Sox i would take JD Drew over Willy Mo anyways so you might as well keep manny and have a nice 3-4-5 punch Drew and Willy Mo will platoon in RF. Willy is a monster against lefties and Drew is as solid as they get against righties. Should be a great tandem...

[gravedigger13]

I think Mark Buerhle's best years are behind him.

[ProudestAnt]

I think Mark Buerhle's best years are behind him. Considering he's only 27, you'd better mean you hope...

[kevinmavs]

and the angles are out of money probably considering they spent 50 on matthews jr.

[DmBand801]

and the angles are out of money probably considering they spent 50 on matthews jr.

he got 50 mill. for one good season...

[ProudestAnt]

he got 50 mill. for one good season... He's a solid player, he'll prove himself...

[kevinmavs]

that's way too much considering he was sitting at home contemplating retirement 2 years ago at this time and the rangers gave him a call to try out at spring training....his defense will always be solid but uhh i don't know about the offense....he should have won a gold glove this year though and not because of amazing catches he was just far and away the best centerfielder defensivelly in the american league....no offense to vernon and torii.

[kevinmavs]

He's a solid player, he'll prove himself...



i think he'll be a good player just not a 50 million dollar player....his hitting really slipped in the second half last year