Title: MLB Offseason Thread 2007-2008
eStragand - October 31, 2007 03:51 PM (GMT)
Jeannie Zelasko is here to announce the official start of YOUR 2007-2008 MLB Offseason Thread!! In case you didn't hear Jeannie, MIKE LOWELL IS A FREE AGENT!!!
The year-end Awards should be trickling in, starting next week. But already we have:
Hank Aaron Award (fan-voted best hitter/player/whatever): Prince Fielder
Roberto Clemente Award (MLB charity and happy stuff): Craig Biggio
I can live without knowing the "Silver Sluggers", but Gold Gloves are usually noteworthy.
Big F'N Swigg - October 31, 2007 08:00 PM (GMT)
Did you also know that A-Rod opted out of his contract? If not, you didn't watch game 4 of the World Series.
Red sign Dusty Baker & a coaching staff
Dodgers are apparently an ass-hair away from signing Joe Torre
Schilling is getting interest from the Phillies
The Yankees are apparently interested in Mike Lowell (Lot of good that did Johnny Damon)
Red sign Dusty Baker & a coaching staff
Dodgers are apparently an ass-hair away from signing Joe Torre
Schilling is getting interest from the Phillies
The Yankees are apparently interested in Mike Lowell (Lot of good that did Johnny Damon)
TheEmVeePee - October 31, 2007 08:41 PM (GMT)
Can't baseball just not exist for like....4 days at least.
Big F'N Swigg - October 31, 2007 08:44 PM (GMT)
I'll agree to let baseball not exist for 4 days if we can get the NBA to not exist.
I think that's a fair trade
I think that's a fair trade
eStragand - November 8, 2007 04:28 PM (GMT)
Phillies pick up my "buddy" and unintentional stalkee, Brad Lidge.
Gold gloves were announced a few days ago:
AMERICAN LEAGUE
C Ivan Rodriguez, DET
1B Kevin Youkilis, BOS
2B Placido Polanco, DET
3B Adrian Beltre, SEA
SS Orlando Cabrera, LAA
OF Ichiro Suzuki, SEA
OF Torii Hunter, MIN
OF Grady Sizemore, CLE
P Johan Santana, MIN
NATIONAL LEAGUE
C Russell Martin, LAD
1B Derrek Lee, CHC
2B Orlando Hudson, ARI
3B David Wright, NYM
SS Jimmy Rollins, PHI
OF Carlos Beltran, NYM
OF Andruw Jones, ATL
OF Jeff Francoeur, ATL
OF Aaron Rowand, PHI
P Greg Maddux, SD
I don't recall Russell Martin's defense being that impressive, but whatever. Maddux gets another on reputation. Biggest controversy was Jimmy Rollins winning out over Troy Tulowitzki, but Rollins' season wasn't too shabby.
Oh yeah...since when does the NL play with FOUR outfield positions?! Explain that one to me.
Gold gloves were announced a few days ago:
AMERICAN LEAGUE
C Ivan Rodriguez, DET
1B Kevin Youkilis, BOS
2B Placido Polanco, DET
3B Adrian Beltre, SEA
SS Orlando Cabrera, LAA
OF Ichiro Suzuki, SEA
OF Torii Hunter, MIN
OF Grady Sizemore, CLE
P Johan Santana, MIN
NATIONAL LEAGUE
C Russell Martin, LAD
1B Derrek Lee, CHC
2B Orlando Hudson, ARI
3B David Wright, NYM
SS Jimmy Rollins, PHI
OF Carlos Beltran, NYM
OF Andruw Jones, ATL
OF Jeff Francoeur, ATL
OF Aaron Rowand, PHI
P Greg Maddux, SD
I don't recall Russell Martin's defense being that impressive, but whatever. Maddux gets another on reputation. Biggest controversy was Jimmy Rollins winning out over Troy Tulowitzki, but Rollins' season wasn't too shabby.
Oh yeah...since when does the NL play with FOUR outfield positions?! Explain that one to me.
Scrooge McSuck - November 9, 2007 03:07 AM (GMT)
There was a tie in the voting, perhaps? I don't know. I just think it's a useless award because it's given out, for the most part, on reputation, rather than ability.
Scrooge McSuck - November 10, 2007 02:01 AM (GMT)
Is anyone going to replace RICKEY HENDERSON as a coach on the Mets?
Damn, I need to make SOME reference to him. It's been 5 months, dammit.
Damn, I need to make SOME reference to him. It's been 5 months, dammit.
Big F'N Swigg - November 10, 2007 02:13 AM (GMT)
Did Rickey quit as the Mets coach?
Scrooge McSuck - November 12, 2007 01:49 AM (GMT)
He should. It was probably him that put Reyes up to picking a fight with the whole fucking Marlins team. Retarded fuck boy. When you're hitting barely .200 in a lead-off spot for the last 3 months of a season, you have no right to mouth off ANYONE for being buried on the scoreboard... or to "protect" a bench-warmer because he got plunked on the butt.
eStragand - November 12, 2007 06:18 AM (GMT)
Rickey give sound advice. Rickey like Harvey Keitel
Real F'n Show - November 13, 2007 05:22 PM (GMT)
My predictions for the major free agents/trade candidates (I won't talk dollars, just what team they'll end up on):
A-Rod: I wish he'd sign and get it over with. I see him going to L.A. but I'm not sure which team. I'll say the Dodgers.
Torii Hunter: The Rangers maybe? Astros a close second, White Sox third, but fuck him if he goes to the White Sox.
Andruw Jones: I'm thinking Padres. However if the Dodgers don't get A-Rod, I could see them going after him.
Barry Bonds: Oakland is one of the few teams where I see a fit, but I don't see them doing it. This is one where I really don't know.
Aaron Rowand: He'll be back with the White Sox unless they get Hunter. If not there, then he'll play for whichever of the Dodgers/Padres doesn't get Andruw Jones.
Carlos Silva: Phillies or Mets. Diamondbacks could be there too.
Kyle Lohse: Um...I don't give a fuck. Astros.
Kosuke Fukudome: Don't really know much about him other than the Cubs are going hard after him. They have the money, and they just traded Jacque Jones, so I think they'll get him.
Francisco Cordero: The Brewers can afford him. He'll stay in Milwaukee.
Jose Guillen: Royals.
Hiroki Kuroda: Again, not familiar with. Mariners usually go after the Japanese players.
Johan Santana: He'll stay with the Twins unless they get blown away with an offer for him. The only teams stupid enough to offer up a bundle of great prospects for one year of Santana are the Dodgers, Mariners, and Yankees, all of which could use a starter. Dodgers would have to give up Kemp/Kershaw +, Mariners Balentin/Clement +, and Yankees Cano/Hughes, so it's doubtful anything will get done. He'll play out his career in Minnesota next year and walk, or get traded at the deadline next year for less than he's worth...
Miguel Cabrera: Will command about the same as Santana, especially since a team would control him for 2 years as opposed to just 1 with Santana. Dodgers would be a good fit if they don't get A-Rod, and if the Yanks don't land Santana, they could use Hughes in a deal for Cabrera.
Mariano Rivera: Yankees.
Coco Crisp: Eh, probably Atlanta. Although I could see them getting Mike Cameron instead.
Miguel Tejada: He'll stay with Baltimore, at least until July 31...
A-Rod: I wish he'd sign and get it over with. I see him going to L.A. but I'm not sure which team. I'll say the Dodgers.
Torii Hunter: The Rangers maybe? Astros a close second, White Sox third, but fuck him if he goes to the White Sox.
Andruw Jones: I'm thinking Padres. However if the Dodgers don't get A-Rod, I could see them going after him.
Barry Bonds: Oakland is one of the few teams where I see a fit, but I don't see them doing it. This is one where I really don't know.
Aaron Rowand: He'll be back with the White Sox unless they get Hunter. If not there, then he'll play for whichever of the Dodgers/Padres doesn't get Andruw Jones.
Carlos Silva: Phillies or Mets. Diamondbacks could be there too.
Kyle Lohse: Um...I don't give a fuck. Astros.
Kosuke Fukudome: Don't really know much about him other than the Cubs are going hard after him. They have the money, and they just traded Jacque Jones, so I think they'll get him.
Francisco Cordero: The Brewers can afford him. He'll stay in Milwaukee.
Jose Guillen: Royals.
Hiroki Kuroda: Again, not familiar with. Mariners usually go after the Japanese players.
Johan Santana: He'll stay with the Twins unless they get blown away with an offer for him. The only teams stupid enough to offer up a bundle of great prospects for one year of Santana are the Dodgers, Mariners, and Yankees, all of which could use a starter. Dodgers would have to give up Kemp/Kershaw +, Mariners Balentin/Clement +, and Yankees Cano/Hughes, so it's doubtful anything will get done. He'll play out his career in Minnesota next year and walk, or get traded at the deadline next year for less than he's worth...
Miguel Cabrera: Will command about the same as Santana, especially since a team would control him for 2 years as opposed to just 1 with Santana. Dodgers would be a good fit if they don't get A-Rod, and if the Yanks don't land Santana, they could use Hughes in a deal for Cabrera.
Mariano Rivera: Yankees.
Coco Crisp: Eh, probably Atlanta. Although I could see them getting Mike Cameron instead.
Miguel Tejada: He'll stay with Baltimore, at least until July 31...
Erick Von Erich - November 14, 2007 11:04 PM (GMT)
Eric Wedge and Bob Melvin were picked as Managers of the Year. Oh yeah, plus Captain Cheeseburger Sabbathia was AL Cy Young. I have no real issues with any of those three.
But more importantly (forget the awards, this is REAL NEWS)... A-Rod is talking to the Yankees again.
But more importantly (forget the awards, this is REAL NEWS)... A-Rod is talking to the Yankees again.
Big F'N Swigg - November 15, 2007 11:14 PM (GMT)
| QUOTE (Yahoo) |
| Barry Bonds indicted on perjury, obstruction charges By PAUL ELIAS, Associated Press Writer November 15, 2007 SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- Barry Bonds was indicted Thursday for perjury and obstruction of justice, charged with lying when he told a federal grand jury that he did not knowingly use performance-enhancing drugs. The indictment unsealed Thursday against baseball's home-run king culminated a four-year investigation into steroid use by elite athletes. "During the criminal investigation, evidence was obtained including positive tests for the presence of anabolic steroids and other performance enhancing substances for Bonds and other athletes," the indictment read. In August, the 43-year-old Bonds passed Hank Aaron to become baseball's career home run leader. Late in the season, the San Francisco Giants told the seven-time National League MVP they didn't want him back next year. Bonds finished the year with 762 homers, seven more than Aaron, and is currently a free agent. In 2001, he set the season record with 73 home runs. John Burris, one of Bonds' attorneys, did not know of the indictment before being alerted by The Associated Press. He said he would immediately call Bonds to notify him. "I'm surprised," Burris said, "but there's been an effort to get Barry for a long time. I'm curious what evidence they have now they didn't have before." Bonds has repeatedly denied knowingly using performance-enhancing drugs. He has never been identified by Major League Baseball as testing positive. The White House quickly weighed in on the indictment. President Bush is a former owner of the Texas Rangers. "The president is very disappointed to hear this," Bush spokesman Tony Fratto said. "As this case is now in the criminal justice system, we will refrain from any further specific comments about it. But clearly this is a sad day for baseball." Former Senate Majority Leader George Mitchell, who is investigating drug use in baseball, declined comment. So did Hall of Fame vice president Jeff Idelson. Bonds was charged in the indictment with lying when he said he didn't knowingly take steroids given to him by his personal trainer and longtime friend, Greg Anderson. Bonds is also charged with lying that Anderson never injected him with steroids. "Greg wouldn't do that," Bonds testified in December 2003 when asked if Anderson ever gave him any drugs that needed to be injected. "He knows I'm against that stuff." Bonds became the highest-profile figure caught up in the government investigation launched in 2002 with the raid of the Bay Area Laboratory Co-Operative (BALCO), the Burlingame-based supplements lab at the center of a steroids distribution ring. San Francisco Giants' Barry Bonds waits before his at-bat in the second inning of a baseball game against the San Diego Padres, in this Sept. 15, 2007 file photo, in San Diego. Bonds was charged Thursday, Nov. 15, 2007 with perjury and obstruction of justice, the culmination of a four-year federal probe into whether he lied under oath to a grand jury investigating steroid use by elite athletes. AP - Nov 15, 5:29 pm EST More Photos Bonds has long been shadowed by allegations that he used performance-enhancing drugs. The son of former big league star Bobby Bonds, Barry broke into the majors with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1986 as a lithe, base-stealing outfielder. By the late 1990s, he'd bulked up to more than 240 pounds -- his head, in particular, becoming noticeably bigger. His physical growth was accompanied by a remarkable power surge. Speculation of his impending indictment had mounted for more than a year. In July 2006, the U.S. attorney in San Francisco took the unusual step of going public with the investigation. After the previous panel's 18-month term expired, he announced he was handing it off to a new grand jury. Anderson was at the center of the investigation. He spent most of the past year in a federal detention center for refusing to testify to the grand jury. According to testimony obtained by the San Francisco Chronicle, Bonds testified in 2003 that he took two substances given to him by Anderson -- which he called "the cream" and "the clear" -- to soothe aches and pains and help him better recover from injuries. The substances fit the description of steroids distributed by BALCO founder Victor Conte. But when questioned under oath by investigators, Bonds said he believed Anderson had given him flaxseed oil and an arthritic balm. Investigators and the public had their doubts. Aiming to prove Bonds a liar, prosecutors tried to compel Anderson to testify. When he refused, they jailed him for contempt. Bonds joins several defendants tied to BALCO. Anderson served three months in prison and three months of home detention after pleading guilty to steroid distribution and money laundering. Conte also served three months in prison after he pleaded guilty to steroids distribution. Patrick Arnold, the rogue chemist who created the designer steroid THG, BALCO vice president James Valente and track coach Remi Korchemny all also pleaded guilty. Korchemny and Valente were sentenced to probation and Arnold sent to prison for four months. Kirk Radomski, a former New York Mets clubhouse attendant, pleaded guilty April 27 to drug and money laundering charges. Elite cyclist Tammy Thomas and track coach Trevor Graham have each pleaded not guilty to lying to a grand jury and federal investigators about their involvement with steroids. Dozens of other prominent athletes have been connected to BALCO, including New York Yankees slugger Jason Giambi who told the grand jury he injected steroids purchased at BALCO and Detroit Tigers outfielder Gary Sheffield who testified that Bonds introduced him to BALCO. |
BUM BUM BUUUUUUUUM!!!!
Scrooge McSuck - November 20, 2007 02:30 AM (GMT)
I declare my love for A-Rod once again.
...
So sue me.
...
So sue me.
Erick Von Erich - November 20, 2007 08:12 PM (GMT)
Jimmy Rollins is YOUR 2007 NL MVP, beating out Matt "Hammerhands" Holliday
Biggest difference-- besides the east coast bias--- is that Rollins understands how to use that leather thing on the end of his hand. Holliday seems mystified that he needs to use that thing.
Biggest difference-- besides the east coast bias--- is that Rollins understands how to use that leather thing on the end of his hand. Holliday seems mystified that he needs to use that thing.
Big F'N Swigg - November 21, 2007 01:54 AM (GMT)
| QUOTE (Salon.com) |
What's worse than watching your teams lose? Watching them win Boston fans are experiencing one of the greatest runs in modern sports history -- and it's killing them. By Steve Almond Nov. 20, 2007 | One of the first things I did when I moved to Boston a decade ago was take in a Red Sox game at Fenway Park. I'd borne a fairly senseless grudge against the Sox for years, but I'd heard Fenway was gorgeous and figured maybe it was time to make amends. I purchased my ticket from one of the countless scalpers who once haunted Yawkey Way. For a mere 20 bucks over face value, he promised a prime location in the lower deck. He didn't mention the giant green girder I'd be sitting behind, but, hey, scalpees can't be choosers. I eventually moved to a seat that didn't require me to stand up every time the ball was hit out of the infield. It was a lovely day for baseball, too, though you wouldn't have known this from the fans around me. They spent most of the game raining insults down upon their players, who were busy getting trounced by the lowly Kansas City Royals. On the way out, an older gentleman set his hand on the shoulder of the boy I presume was his grandson and said, "Don't worry, kid. I've been watching the Sox blow games for 60 years." His tone is what I remember, a kind of fatalistic glee: I have suffered this curse. And now so shall you. It's in the nature of nearly all sports fans to suffer, of course. But the citizens of Red Sox Nation have elevated misery into a virtual raison d'être. For 86 years, their side went without a World Series -- and they never once shut up about it. Every defeat was immediately converted into a fresh station of the cross. (See Ruth, Babe; Dent, Bucky; Buckner, Bill; etc.) They were a walking, talking, squawking tribute to the exaltation of martyrdom. Fans of the city's other pro franchises have never matched this transcendent self-pity. But they've found plenty to lament. Last season, for instance, Celtics devotees watched their once mighty franchise lose 18 straight games. The Patriots managed two Super Bowl appearances during the '80s and '90s -- and got stomped on both occasions. And the Bruins, well, as any angry puckhead will tell you, they haven't won a Stanley Cup since the sainted Bobby Orr staked for them, in 1972. But these days, Boston fans are suffering a profound crisis of identity. They are winning, in a manner that is historically unprecedented. Last month, the Sox swept the Colorado Rockies to claim their second World Series in four years. The Patriots have become the NFL's 900-pound gorilla. They are 10-0 this season and being lauded as one of the greatest teams ever. Tom Brady, the team's dashing All-Pro quarterback, appears poised to shatter every gridiron record known to man. The Celtics -- after acquiring two all-stars in the off-season -- opened the season with eight straight wins, most of them routs, before losing Sunday night. Even the hapless Bruins have a winning record. The effect on the local fanotariat has been paradoxical. They're not so much overjoyed as disoriented. Take Matt, for example. Matt is the quintessential Red Sox fan: chronically pessimistic, and deeply attached to his unhappiness. He tapes every game that he can't watch live, and gets furious if anyone tells him the result. I've watched playoff matchups with the guy. It's something like attending to a colonoscopy patient. Now that the Sox have replaced the Yankees as the official rich bullies of Major League Baseball, his enthusiasm has actually diminished. "I'll be honest," he told me, on the eve of the team's latest Series win. "It's just not the same as it used to be." I got virtually the same response from Pete a week ago, after I congratulated him on yet another Celtics romp. "I miss Larry Bird and Kevin McHale," he said. "Those teams were really special." "Wait a second," I said. "You've got an undefeated team right now." "I guess so," he muttered. Translation: I prefer nostalgia to contentment. The most obvious sign of this waning passion comes from guys at my gym. It used to be that a gaggle of them would camp out in front of the racquetball courts and kvetch for hours about whichever team seemed to require their blandishments. These days, they just shrug at each other and head for the Nautilus machines. If they talk at all, it's about the price of home heating oil. Winning has also taken a heavy toll on the local sports radio shows. These programs serve as the modern churches of fan grievance, a jockstrapped version of the dyspeptic political call-in shows further down the AM dial. Now that the local teams are unbeatable, there's very little for the hosts and callers to discuss. And the desperation is beginning to show. Last week the most popular subject on WEEI (by far the biggest sports talk station in town) was the fact that the play-by-play announcer for the Boston College football team had missed a crucial interception because he'd run to the bathroom during a timeout. It amounts to this: The psychic mechanisms of fandom are being laid bare here in Beantown. It's becoming clear that the unspoken allure of rooting for a team resides not in the conscious wish for success, but the unconscious wish for failure. Most fans, after all, pursue their obsession not because their lives are so happy and well-adjusted, but because they lack a sense of vitality and connectedness. The willed helplessness of fandom -- our superstitions aside, there's really nothing we can do to control the fate of our teams -- implies a spiritual surrender. Frederick Exley described this condition precisely in his wrenching account of sports addiction, "A Fan's Notes": "Whatever it was, I gave myself up to the [New York] Giants utterly. The recompense I gained was the feeling of being alive." My friend Rich, who is both a mental health professional and a Pats season-ticket holder, takes it a step further: "Most people get used to living within dysfunction. That's how sports fans are. They secretly need their teams to screw up." This compulsion is simply more extreme in Boston. The fans here are more passionate and knowledgeable than fans in most other cities. By their own reckoning, this intense devotion grants them the right to whine. There are specific reasons for this. The inherent fatalism of New Englanders, to begin with. The fact that they spend six months a year battling seasonal affective disorder. And, perhaps most painfully, the historic sense that they have been cast in the role of New York's bitch. (It's no coincidence that interest in the Pats skyrocketed after Bill Parcells left the team to coach the New York Jets.) That said, New Englanders hardly have the franchise on deluded fanaticism. We all believe we're escaping our burdens by watching sports. But the act of rooting inevitably returns us to the disappointment and rage of our internal lives. Fandom isn't an emotional escape; it's a pressure valve. When our teams eventually lose (as they almost always do) we are granted a safe place to channel our primal negative emotions. But when your teams win -- when all of them are suddenly, terrifyingly unbeatable -- you are left with a confusing dividend: the unwelcome realization that your life is no better than it was before. You are simply one more jock wannabe who sneaks off to a bar to worship physically gifted millionaires for a few hours, then returns home to the same dull and intractable problems. Fortunately for me (sort of), I'm a long-life fan of the Oakland teams, which are all lousy right now. The delicious misery of my rooting carries on unabated. It's only magnified by living as an exile in Boston, where the fans remain largely insufferable, having evolved from angry and unforgiving to smug and unforgiving. But I will admit that it's been fun to watch my friends struggle to contend with so much unbearable prosperity. After years of joyous complaint, the Boston faithful are getting precisely what they deser |
I think it's quite the analysis of sports fandom, not just Boston's bag-a-douchedom.
Erick Von Erich - November 27, 2007 12:26 AM (GMT)
2008 Hall of Fame Candidates
First year of eligibility:
-Brady Anderson
-Rod Beck
-Shawon Dunston
-Chuck Finley
-Travis Fryman
-David Justice
-Chuck Knobluach
-Rob Nen
-Tim Raines
-Jose Rijo
-Todd Stottlemyre
Left overs:
-Harlod Baines
-Bert Blyleven
-Dave Concepcion
-Andre Dawson
-Goose Gossage
-Tommy John
-Don Mattingly
-Mark McGwire
-Jack Morris
-Dale Murphy
-Dave Parker
-Jim Rice
-Lee Smith
-Alan Trammell
No names stand out to me. Maybe Lee Smith
First year of eligibility:
-Brady Anderson
-Rod Beck
-Shawon Dunston
-Chuck Finley
-Travis Fryman
-David Justice
-Chuck Knobluach
-Rob Nen
-Tim Raines
-Jose Rijo
-Todd Stottlemyre
Left overs:
-Harlod Baines
-Bert Blyleven
-Dave Concepcion
-Andre Dawson
-Goose Gossage
-Tommy John
-Don Mattingly
-Mark McGwire
-Jack Morris
-Dale Murphy
-Dave Parker
-Jim Rice
-Lee Smith
-Alan Trammell
No names stand out to me. Maybe Lee Smith
Real F'n Show - November 27, 2007 06:06 PM (GMT)
So...where does Johan Santana go this offseason? Yankees? Red Sox? Mets? Dodgers? Nowhere?
Erick Von Erich - November 28, 2007 05:31 AM (GMT)
I say the Twins re-sign him. I'm not familiar with their farm system stock, but they don't seem to have that One Big Stud on their team, outside of Santana (that's counting Morneau, and there's no way Joe Mauer can be their MVP-like guy). So I figure they can afford to invest in Santana.
Real F'n Show - November 28, 2007 06:10 AM (GMT)
That's my first choice too, but they're about $26 million apart from agreeing to a contract...
As far as the farm...they have about 6-7 good young arms who will be ready within the next 2-4 years...and absolutely no bats...so trading Santana for some quality offense certainly isn't dumb.
The four main suitors listed are the Yankees, Red Sox, Dodgers, and Mets. Here's what I'd expect from each team, while being realistic:
NYY: Phil Hughes and Robinson Cano. With the Yankees unwilling to trade Cano apparently, something like Hughes, Melky Cabrera, Ian Kennedy, and Jose Tabata would be suitable as well. A Hughes/Liriano 1-2 will be Johnson/Schilling-like in 2-3 years if they can both stay healthy. Cano could move to third.
BOS: Jacoby Ellsbury and Clay Buchholz. Yes the Red Sox's two top prospects. There's no saying if they'll live up to their potential, and this is Johan fucking Santana. If they want to keep Buchholz, replacing him with John Lester and throwing in another prospect such as a Masterson or Bowden would be alright, but Ellsbury would be a must.
LAD: Matt Kemp, Andy LaRoche, and Clayton Kershaw. This is the best deal I've looked in on. Kemp replaces Hunter, LaRoche fills the glaring vacancy at third, and Kershaw would replace Santana in 2-3 years. We have enough pitching to last us until then (and beyond). If they won't part with Kershaw, a Scott Elbert or Jonathan Meloan would be realistic but not ideal. Kemp is a must.
NYM: Lastings Milledge and Carlos Gomez. At least. Possibly throw in a Fernando Martinez or Mike Pelfrey. These guys both project as 5-Tool players, and the Twins could use some depth in the OF. Like the Boston deal, this wouldn't fill the hole at third, but a separate deal could be made to get a quality bat at third by trading from our surplus of pitching.
As far as the farm...they have about 6-7 good young arms who will be ready within the next 2-4 years...and absolutely no bats...so trading Santana for some quality offense certainly isn't dumb.
The four main suitors listed are the Yankees, Red Sox, Dodgers, and Mets. Here's what I'd expect from each team, while being realistic:
NYY: Phil Hughes and Robinson Cano. With the Yankees unwilling to trade Cano apparently, something like Hughes, Melky Cabrera, Ian Kennedy, and Jose Tabata would be suitable as well. A Hughes/Liriano 1-2 will be Johnson/Schilling-like in 2-3 years if they can both stay healthy. Cano could move to third.
BOS: Jacoby Ellsbury and Clay Buchholz. Yes the Red Sox's two top prospects. There's no saying if they'll live up to their potential, and this is Johan fucking Santana. If they want to keep Buchholz, replacing him with John Lester and throwing in another prospect such as a Masterson or Bowden would be alright, but Ellsbury would be a must.
LAD: Matt Kemp, Andy LaRoche, and Clayton Kershaw. This is the best deal I've looked in on. Kemp replaces Hunter, LaRoche fills the glaring vacancy at third, and Kershaw would replace Santana in 2-3 years. We have enough pitching to last us until then (and beyond). If they won't part with Kershaw, a Scott Elbert or Jonathan Meloan would be realistic but not ideal. Kemp is a must.
NYM: Lastings Milledge and Carlos Gomez. At least. Possibly throw in a Fernando Martinez or Mike Pelfrey. These guys both project as 5-Tool players, and the Twins could use some depth in the OF. Like the Boston deal, this wouldn't fill the hole at third, but a separate deal could be made to get a quality bat at third by trading from our surplus of pitching.
Big F'N Swigg - November 28, 2007 02:04 PM (GMT)
I think Boston would be offering Crisp and would consider Ellsbury out of the question
Scrooge McSuck - November 28, 2007 03:28 PM (GMT)
Maybe the Yanks can cut the Twins a blank check for Santana instead of trading Hughes (or JOBA~!) or someone like Cano.Edit: As for the HoF class... Tim Raines has a small shot, I think, to break the minimum votes needed to make it. As for the 2008 newbs, I don't think much of anyone else. Maybe now guy like Dawson and Tommy John will get recognition...
and maybe Mattingly (yeah, right).
and maybe Mattingly (yeah, right).
Real F'n Show - November 29, 2007 01:33 AM (GMT)
| QUOTE (Big F'N Swigg @ Nov 28 2007, 09:04 AM) |
| I think Boston would be offering Crisp and would consider Ellsbury out of the question |
Then I don't see a deal getting done unless they'd give up Pedroia, which would never happen. A Santana/Beckett duo would be sick for the Red Sox, but not necessary. I mean, they are already the best team in baseball.
On a semi-unrelated note, Twins trade Matt Garza, Jason Bartlett, and Juan Rincon to the Rays for Delmon Young, Brendan Harris, and Jason Pridie. Scrooge's thoughts?
Big F'N Swigg - November 29, 2007 04:09 PM (GMT)
On another note, I didn't know that Tampa Bay changed their name and got new unis. Not to mention they're asking for a new stadium, which doesn't look bad
Erick Von Erich - November 29, 2007 06:40 PM (GMT)
That proposal for the new Rays field is very nice. Sounds like they'd be upgrading their Spring Training site and making it their home base. Great idea, as that waterfront area around there is full of atmosphere and interesting stuff.
I think they tried changing their name to just "Rays" back when Lou Pinella took over, in 2003. But it didn't last, or else nobody noticed. Let's ask Scrooge-- the Sage of All Things Involving Worthless Baseball in Tampa :)
I think they tried changing their name to just "Rays" back when Lou Pinella took over, in 2003. But it didn't last, or else nobody noticed. Let's ask Scrooge-- the Sage of All Things Involving Worthless Baseball in Tampa :)
Scrooge McSuck - November 29, 2007 07:42 PM (GMT)
1. We have a surpluss amount of outfielders. Crawford, Baldelli, Upton, Gomes alone on the main roster, Dukes (if he ever cleans up) in the minors, along with others. Delmon Young was expendable, and had attitude issues since day 1.
2. We need a good starting pitcher to shore up the back end of the rotation. Kaz and Shields are prety good/great, Sonnanstine improved greatly the second half, and Edwin Jackson was spotty as spotty can be.
3. We need middle infielders. Harris' bat died the second half of the season, Ben Zobrist still hasn't shown he can hang at the majors, and Josh Wilson was streaky as well. Bartlett isn't the saving grace, but he's an experiment worth taking a risk on for the time being, until Evan Longoria is ready and moves Aki to short-stop.
4. More than anything, we need to add depth to the bullpen. Resigning Reyes was a good move, Wheeler is decent, and then you have guys like Gary Glover who can be depended on, but not every day where you tire them out. I don't know how good the guy in the trade is, but nothing can be worse than Brian Stokes, Seth McCrap, and a host of other losers.
2. We need a good starting pitcher to shore up the back end of the rotation. Kaz and Shields are prety good/great, Sonnanstine improved greatly the second half, and Edwin Jackson was spotty as spotty can be.
3. We need middle infielders. Harris' bat died the second half of the season, Ben Zobrist still hasn't shown he can hang at the majors, and Josh Wilson was streaky as well. Bartlett isn't the saving grace, but he's an experiment worth taking a risk on for the time being, until Evan Longoria is ready and moves Aki to short-stop.
4. More than anything, we need to add depth to the bullpen. Resigning Reyes was a good move, Wheeler is decent, and then you have guys like Gary Glover who can be depended on, but not every day where you tire them out. I don't know how good the guy in the trade is, but nothing can be worse than Brian Stokes, Seth McCrap, and a host of other losers.
Scrooge McSuck - November 30, 2007 01:36 PM (GMT)
The Rays apparently have signed Troy Percival (I'm too tired to make sure that's spelled correctly). A much better set-up role option than... well, anyone else we had last year.
Big F'N Swigg - November 30, 2007 03:21 PM (GMT)
And Torrealba stays with the Rockies
Erick Von Erich - December 6, 2007 06:16 PM (GMT)
Andruw Jones is now a Dodger. I think that gives them their first solid center fielder since Brett Butler left. They've tried lots of guys out there...even RICKEY HENDERSON at one point!
Real F'n Show - December 6, 2007 07:03 PM (GMT)
Another stupid signing. Kemp will be better than Jones in 2 years. Hopefully this means Kemp is on his way to Minnesota for Santana...
Big F'N Swigg - December 6, 2007 07:14 PM (GMT)
They won't be able to match the awesomeness of Rickey Henderson
Erick Von Erich - December 7, 2007 12:37 AM (GMT)
| QUOTE (Real F'n Show @ Dec 6 2007, 12:03 PM) |
| Another stupid signing. Kemp will be better than Jones in 2 years. |
Which may be why they gave Jones a 2 year contract.
Real F'n Show - December 7, 2007 12:59 AM (GMT)
Point taken, my view is from that of a small market team. Most would learn from Juan Pierre-like signings...
Erick Von Erich - December 7, 2007 06:12 AM (GMT)
Absolutely....or Aaron Cook-like signings.
Or to bring it closer to the Dogders: Darren Dreifort-like signings. Oh, snap!
Or to bring it closer to the Dogders: Darren Dreifort-like signings. Oh, snap!
Real F'n Show - December 13, 2007 07:15 PM (GMT)
Good LORD, someone shut this Mitchell asshole up. I'm falling asleep here.
And FUCK, the Twins sign ADAM GODDAMMIT EVERETT to a one year deal. Bottom five offense in the league again this year...
And FUCK, the Twins sign ADAM GODDAMMIT EVERETT to a one year deal. Bottom five offense in the league again this year...
jamiegeist - December 13, 2007 07:49 PM (GMT)
Finally, baseball getting exposed for the trashy fraud of a sport it really is. This shit seems about 10 years overdue.
Erick Von Erich - December 13, 2007 07:51 PM (GMT)
Yup.....you have been vindicated, sport-o.
Real F'n Show - December 13, 2007 07:57 PM (GMT)
Apparently the Twins are getting close to dealing Santana to the Red Sox for Ellsbury and three minor leaguers. Santana AND Beckett. Ellsbury would be awesome but I don't know how I feel about that 1-2.
Scrooge McSuck - December 13, 2007 08:36 PM (GMT)
The list is the same list of people "rumored" before. Whoopy-fuckin'-do. I wanted to hear "Albert Pujols" or "David Ortiz" or "A-Rod". Not "Roger Clemens Again, just like Jason Grimsley said last year."
Big F'N Swigg - December 13, 2007 10:41 PM (GMT)
| QUOTE (Real F'n Show @ Dec 13 2007, 03:57 PM) |
| Apparently the Twins are getting close to dealing Santana to the Red Sox for Ellsbury and three minor leaguers. Santana AND Beckett. Ellsbury would be awesome but I don't know how I feel about that 1-2. |
I'd rather keep Ellsbury and let the Twins keep Santana