A couple of big stories did in fact break yesterday after I posted. So, i figured, in my important role as a blogger, I should address them.
Mike Lowell it appears WILL be headed back to the Boston Red Sox, manning the hot corner for them for at least 3 more years. I think the Red Sox are winners on this one. They were only interested in giving Lowell a 3-year deal and it was made quite apparent they were not going to budge on that. Lowell, who has the same agent(s) as Jorge Posada (who got a 4-year deal), was supposedly looking for 4 years from somewhere. There were a lot of reports that maybe the Braves, Angels, and Yankees were going after him, but in the end, he'll stay in Boston. I mentioned in my last post, that part of me thought Lowell was going to stay and the other part thought he would leave. There's a lot of talk in Boston that Lowell took a "pay cut" by coming back to the Red Sox and he should be applauded for that. Give me a break people. If, by now, you do NOT realize that baseball is all about money, you need to find a new sport. I would have to guess that when the Levinson's couldn't find a greater deal than 3 years/$37.5 million, they told Mike: "hey, you should probably just stay in Boston. It's the most money, and hey, they'll think you made a magnanimous gesture by staying. Win-win." If you actually think it's about loyalty, why don't you talk to Roger Clemens, or Johnny Damon, how about JD Drew? It isn't about loyalty folks. It isn't even about winning sometimes (A-Rod with Texas). It's about money. The fact is, Mike Lowell probably didn't take a pay cut. The deal the Red Sox gave was probably all that was out there, unless he wanted to play for free somewhere. Let's be honest with ourselves here. Mike Lowell, despite the fact that everyone things he is the "nicest", "most professional" baseball player on the planet (or that's what I gather from stories coming from Red Sox Nation), he is the same as everyone else. Curt Schilling mentioned on his blog how it's great "Mikey" took a cut to come back for three years. I would guess Curt only came back because he realized no one else was going to pay him the money he wanted, and he can just spin it to make himself look good. Loyalty is lost in this world of high salaries. If you want to think about loyalty, then isn't A-Rod just as loyal, in a sick, twisted way. Like Lowell he had the chance to sign elsewhere, thought he was going to get more money, and then came back. Just, because Lowell is viewed as a better "professional" than A-Rod (which is just crap, I think stats matter. That's what baseball players are judged on. If it were based personality, than Ty Cobb and Ted Williams, just two examples, wouldn't be viewed in such high regard because they were both s*** heads), his gesture is "loyal" while A-Rod is greedy. They both realized they weren't going to get the money they wanted, so they returned to their solid base. Makes sense to me. Just one is colosally better than the other...
Mariano Rivera accepted the Yankees 3 year/$45 million deal. Good for him. Right move. I spoke at length about him yesterday, so there's really no need to talk more. I'm happy.
Alex Rodriguez won his third MVP award yesterday, to no one's surprise. Except this guy who wrote an article I read about how Ortiz was the "real" MVP. Give me a break. Anyway, A-Rod SHOULD have been unanimous but a couple of Detroit writers found it necessary to vote Magglio Ordonez in the first place spot, instead of A-Rod. That's ridiculous. Did they watch baseball this year? Yes, although making the postseason is not integral for a player to being an MVP, it helps. I'm sure these guys were just looking at batting average, of which Ordonez had a higher one. But that matters so little in the statistical world. Let's be serious. Look at all the key offensive categories, and it's pretty obvious A-Rod was the better player, the MVP. Ordonez had a higher batting average (whatever) and a higher OBP, but not by much. A-Rod had a higher slugging, a higher OPS+ (which is park adjusted, a great stat), more total bases, more stolen bases, almost double the home runs, more RsBI, and more runs. Ordonez had more hits, but that really doesn't matter. He had a lot of doubles, which is impressive, but not impressive enough to beat Alex out for MVP. Plus, for A-Rod, with RISP, he hit .333, with 98 RsBI and a 1.138 OPS. He hit .357 in the new "close and late situations". With the bases loaded? How about hitting to the tune of .500 (7-14) with a 1.286 OPS. And in September, when the Yankees needed him, Alex went ahead and hit .362. Those numbers are mind-boggling and those guys in Detroit should be ashamed of themselves.
Ok, there was a trade yesterday, which was pretty big, i would say. The Chicago White Sox traded one of their starters, Jon Garland (an 18-game winner in 2005 and 2006) to the Angels for SS Orlando Cabrera. I really have NO idea why this trade was made. The Angels struggled for offense this season outside of Guerrero and the OC (which is what Cabrera is called) played pretty well. He hit over .300, had 86 RsBI, stole 20 bases, hit over 30 doubles and is a very good defensive shortstop. Garland struggled this year record-wise, which is really not a good measure of a pitcher. He had a 4.23 ERA, which was actually about a quarter of a run better than he had in 2006 when he won 18 games (just showing you how stupid wins are). He had an ERA+ of 112, which is pretty good, and a WHIP of 1.36, also not bad. He pitches in a pitchers park, the New Comisky (also known as US Cellular) and had pretty good numbers. I dont' understand why this trade was made. Really, i don't. The White Sox need pitching, Garland is a middle of the road starter who can help your team. The Angels need offense, and they traded one of the more solid offensive players on their team...I just don't get it. Maybe the Angels were in a self-destructive mode seeing as how they didn't get A-Rod, but still...who's going to play short? They aren't going to bring David Eckstein back are they? I hope not cause he's TERRIBLE!!! Well, actually, I hate the Angels, so I hope they do, cause then they'd be worse...That's objective right....Oh, it's not? Whatever. Anyway, weird decision by these two teams.
Luis Castillo is staying with the Mets. He was resigned to a 4 year/$25 million deal. Pretty good little second baseman who just needs to get on base after Jose Reyes for David Wright. Good pick up at the deadline last year by the Mets. He should help them this year.
Anyway, I guess that's all for know. Weird development: although Jorge Posada reportedly signed a deal last Monday, contingent on his passing a physical, which was scheduled for last Wednesday, there has been nothing official. Pete Abraham at the LoHud Yankees Blog suggests that maybe the Yankees are waiting for a joint press conference with Posada, Rivera and Rodriguez. Who knows. Oh, and all of this should help push Andy Pettitte towards coming back. He wants to play for a winner, and the Yankees are certainly giving him a right of return. I can tell you that much.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Monday, November 19, 2007
That's what I meant
This is what I should have said about Jeter's tax situation. I guess I didn't have the guts.
Overpaid Turkeys....
Alright, well, now I'm on vacation so I have some more time to post. My thoughts...
The Yankees have apparently cooled on Mike Lowell and although in my last post, I expressed some interest in the Yankees going after him, I have since flip-flopped on that issue. I know, I know, I had better just stick to my guns, but nevertheless, after doing some thinking, I realized it really wouldn't make that much sense because of a couple reasons: stats, age and money. First of all stats: as I mentioned in my last post, Lowell's splits were pretty extreme. He hit well over .350 and home and under .280 on the road. I think it's pretty obvious that he is made for Fenway Park. He's a pull hitter and I watched over the course of the season, as he roped line drives into that wall, or lifted shallow fly balls over it. I think it's pretty obvious Fenway suits him well. Because of that, I shy away from him coming and playing for the Yankees. It's 399 to left center in Yankee Stadium, a lot of those very impressive home runs at Fenway in to the Monster Seats, would be outs at the Stadium. Sure, he can go and play for anyone else, which part of me feels is going to happen, but not for the Yanks. Second reason: age. He's old, relatively. I know, he's only about 2 and half years older than Mr. Rodriguez, but let's be serious here folks, they're not on the same plane. Oh yes, Mike Lowell had a tremendous season and he dominated in the postseason, unlike another AL East third baseman (STILL NOT HIS FAULT, give it up people, it's not his fault. All of you who don't want A-Rod on your team because he isn't a "winner" are on drugs. Look at the stats, the only series where you can really point to him not helping out at all is the 2006 ALDS, but even then, there are multiple culprits, not just A-Rod) but Lowell is past the prime of his career, and he had this tremendous season, in a walk year. Javy Lopez anyone? Yes, Lowell is the "consummate" professional, a very nice guy, but to be honest, I could care less. I don't want the Yankees giving a 33-, soon to be 34-year-old third baseman, who just had a career year, 4 years at about 14 million per year, or something like that. It's not worth it. As I read somewhere else: that would be an "Old Yankee Signing", a stop gap. The more I think about it Wilson Betemit, who is still young, is much cheaper, and in the long run, probably a much better option at first. He doesn't need to be a dominant force in that lineup. And that's if he gets regular playing time. There's Andy Phillips and the Giambino (finally in the last year of his deal), so there are some options at first, and signing Mike Lowell would just an "eff you" to the Red Sox, and I don't feel as though that's necessary. That's a Red Sox thing to do, honestly. Oh, and money...the Yankees don't need to spend more money. They need to spend it on the right things like: signing Johan Santana to an extension if they get him....money is not a problem for the Yankees, but that doesn't mean they have to go ahead and just spend it...
Apparently, according to ESPN.com, talks with A-Rod are "in the bottom of the fifth inning". Wow, tremendous use of a baseball analogy. But, I assume the talks are going to get done. Hank Steinbrenner said the issue was really about just getting it down on paper. I would be very surprised and very depressed if this deal fell through.
Mariano Rivera has thrown his little conniption and is apparently close to accepting the Yankees original 3 year/$45 million deal. That's a good thing, cause if he didn't accept that deal, I would punch him in the face and say good riddance. I love Mo, don't get me wrong. And just like Gelbs, he's one of my most favorite Yankees and I want him to finish his career in pinstripes. But that doesn't mean I would give him absolutely anything he wanted. He's going to be 38 pretty soon, and he's already getting a 3 year deal. A fourth year would be borderline ridiculous. I think he realizes that no one else is going to give him that kind of money and more years. The Yankees are overpaying, yes, but I think it's to pay him in kind for all he has done for the Yanks. I know he talked about following Torre out to the Dodgers, but I think he's forgetting that the Dodgers already have an All-Star closer in Takashi Saito. They wouldn't spend more than 3 years, and $45 million dollars on Rivera. Plus, i'm guessing Mo wants to close, and I don't think they would move Saito, it would just be awkward for Rivera. I think he's making the right choice.
Tommy Glavine is going back to the Braves, reuniting with at least one of the big three in Atlanta, Mr. John Smoltz. This is probably a good deal. It's worth about $8 million for one year and this is probably the only place Glavine can pitch. Glavine is a definite HOFer after winning his 300th game this year, but there's no way he could pitch in the AL. He's what I like to call a crafty lefty. He doesn't throw hard, of course, he never did. He relies on location and that changeup to get hitters out. And it worked pretty well last year. Even with the Mets' late season meltdown, Glavine finished with a 13-8 record, a 4.45 ERA (which was under 4 for most of the year) and he threw 200 innings. Plus, he doesn't need to be a front of the rotation guy with the Braves, he needs to be a back of the rotation guy, not unlike Mike Mussina for the Yankees and Curt Schilling for the Red Sox. They don't need to make too many starts and they aren't being relied on for 15-20 wins, and if they were, everyone would be very dissapointed. I can't think of Glavine in any uniform but the Braves. I think this is a good deal.
Oh, the MVP's are announced today and tomorrow, AL first. If you actually think anyone else should be the MVP in the American League, besides A-Rod, please, either state your case, or shut up. If you don't think he should be, just because you don't like him, then you have a problem. A-Rod deserves it, and not just because he put up ridiculous numbers, but bccause he carried the Yankees. THAT'S an MVP. Though, if you have some other ideas, please, let me know. In the NL, I am torn between Jimmy Rollins, SS for the Phillies, and Matt Holliday, LF for the Rockies. They both had TREMENDOUS seasons, Holliday with the power and RsBI and Rollins with everything else. But if I were to make a decision, I would have to give it to Jimmy Rollins. He was the spark plug for the Phillies over the last month and he played great defense. The 20-20-20-20 thing with doubles, triples, homers and stolen bases thing was incredible. I just think he really was an MVP. Both guys had help in their lineups in Howard for Rollins and Helton and Atkins, and Hawpe and Tulowitzski (I think that's wrong) for Holliday. But Rollins deserves it, i wouldn't be surprised if the vote were VERY close.
Anyway, that's all. The family comes up this week for Thanksgiving fun. It absolutely is my most favorite holliday. It's going to be a great week. If anything comes up, or if I get bored, then I'll be back.
The Yankees have apparently cooled on Mike Lowell and although in my last post, I expressed some interest in the Yankees going after him, I have since flip-flopped on that issue. I know, I know, I had better just stick to my guns, but nevertheless, after doing some thinking, I realized it really wouldn't make that much sense because of a couple reasons: stats, age and money. First of all stats: as I mentioned in my last post, Lowell's splits were pretty extreme. He hit well over .350 and home and under .280 on the road. I think it's pretty obvious that he is made for Fenway Park. He's a pull hitter and I watched over the course of the season, as he roped line drives into that wall, or lifted shallow fly balls over it. I think it's pretty obvious Fenway suits him well. Because of that, I shy away from him coming and playing for the Yankees. It's 399 to left center in Yankee Stadium, a lot of those very impressive home runs at Fenway in to the Monster Seats, would be outs at the Stadium. Sure, he can go and play for anyone else, which part of me feels is going to happen, but not for the Yanks. Second reason: age. He's old, relatively. I know, he's only about 2 and half years older than Mr. Rodriguez, but let's be serious here folks, they're not on the same plane. Oh yes, Mike Lowell had a tremendous season and he dominated in the postseason, unlike another AL East third baseman (STILL NOT HIS FAULT, give it up people, it's not his fault. All of you who don't want A-Rod on your team because he isn't a "winner" are on drugs. Look at the stats, the only series where you can really point to him not helping out at all is the 2006 ALDS, but even then, there are multiple culprits, not just A-Rod) but Lowell is past the prime of his career, and he had this tremendous season, in a walk year. Javy Lopez anyone? Yes, Lowell is the "consummate" professional, a very nice guy, but to be honest, I could care less. I don't want the Yankees giving a 33-, soon to be 34-year-old third baseman, who just had a career year, 4 years at about 14 million per year, or something like that. It's not worth it. As I read somewhere else: that would be an "Old Yankee Signing", a stop gap. The more I think about it Wilson Betemit, who is still young, is much cheaper, and in the long run, probably a much better option at first. He doesn't need to be a dominant force in that lineup. And that's if he gets regular playing time. There's Andy Phillips and the Giambino (finally in the last year of his deal), so there are some options at first, and signing Mike Lowell would just an "eff you" to the Red Sox, and I don't feel as though that's necessary. That's a Red Sox thing to do, honestly. Oh, and money...the Yankees don't need to spend more money. They need to spend it on the right things like: signing Johan Santana to an extension if they get him....money is not a problem for the Yankees, but that doesn't mean they have to go ahead and just spend it...
Apparently, according to ESPN.com, talks with A-Rod are "in the bottom of the fifth inning". Wow, tremendous use of a baseball analogy. But, I assume the talks are going to get done. Hank Steinbrenner said the issue was really about just getting it down on paper. I would be very surprised and very depressed if this deal fell through.
Mariano Rivera has thrown his little conniption and is apparently close to accepting the Yankees original 3 year/$45 million deal. That's a good thing, cause if he didn't accept that deal, I would punch him in the face and say good riddance. I love Mo, don't get me wrong. And just like Gelbs, he's one of my most favorite Yankees and I want him to finish his career in pinstripes. But that doesn't mean I would give him absolutely anything he wanted. He's going to be 38 pretty soon, and he's already getting a 3 year deal. A fourth year would be borderline ridiculous. I think he realizes that no one else is going to give him that kind of money and more years. The Yankees are overpaying, yes, but I think it's to pay him in kind for all he has done for the Yanks. I know he talked about following Torre out to the Dodgers, but I think he's forgetting that the Dodgers already have an All-Star closer in Takashi Saito. They wouldn't spend more than 3 years, and $45 million dollars on Rivera. Plus, i'm guessing Mo wants to close, and I don't think they would move Saito, it would just be awkward for Rivera. I think he's making the right choice.
Tommy Glavine is going back to the Braves, reuniting with at least one of the big three in Atlanta, Mr. John Smoltz. This is probably a good deal. It's worth about $8 million for one year and this is probably the only place Glavine can pitch. Glavine is a definite HOFer after winning his 300th game this year, but there's no way he could pitch in the AL. He's what I like to call a crafty lefty. He doesn't throw hard, of course, he never did. He relies on location and that changeup to get hitters out. And it worked pretty well last year. Even with the Mets' late season meltdown, Glavine finished with a 13-8 record, a 4.45 ERA (which was under 4 for most of the year) and he threw 200 innings. Plus, he doesn't need to be a front of the rotation guy with the Braves, he needs to be a back of the rotation guy, not unlike Mike Mussina for the Yankees and Curt Schilling for the Red Sox. They don't need to make too many starts and they aren't being relied on for 15-20 wins, and if they were, everyone would be very dissapointed. I can't think of Glavine in any uniform but the Braves. I think this is a good deal.
Oh, the MVP's are announced today and tomorrow, AL first. If you actually think anyone else should be the MVP in the American League, besides A-Rod, please, either state your case, or shut up. If you don't think he should be, just because you don't like him, then you have a problem. A-Rod deserves it, and not just because he put up ridiculous numbers, but bccause he carried the Yankees. THAT'S an MVP. Though, if you have some other ideas, please, let me know. In the NL, I am torn between Jimmy Rollins, SS for the Phillies, and Matt Holliday, LF for the Rockies. They both had TREMENDOUS seasons, Holliday with the power and RsBI and Rollins with everything else. But if I were to make a decision, I would have to give it to Jimmy Rollins. He was the spark plug for the Phillies over the last month and he played great defense. The 20-20-20-20 thing with doubles, triples, homers and stolen bases thing was incredible. I just think he really was an MVP. Both guys had help in their lineups in Howard for Rollins and Helton and Atkins, and Hawpe and Tulowitzski (I think that's wrong) for Holliday. But Rollins deserves it, i wouldn't be surprised if the vote were VERY close.
Anyway, that's all. The family comes up this week for Thanksgiving fun. It absolutely is my most favorite holliday. It's going to be a great week. If anything comes up, or if I get bored, then I'll be back.
Friday, November 16, 2007
Mo wants fourths
Mariano Rivera, my second-favorite baseball player of all time, supposedly is holding out on the Yankees until they can provide a guaranteed fourth season on a new contract. Their current offer stands at 3 years, $45M - an offer which puts him roughly $5M per year ahead of anyone else in the highest-paid-reliever-in-baseball race. In fact, if they Yankees left the contract as-is and simply tacked on a fourth season, he would still average more money per season than any other reliever in the game.
I don't see any reason why the two sides can't work something out. My guess is the Yankees will lower the salary per annum but wind up paying Mo more money overall, so I'm guessing they'll wind up agreeing on something like $50M over four years, or maybe a tiny bit less. I'm not sure how much money Rivera thinks he's worth, but he has to realize that the Yanks' original offer was extremely generous, and that a fourth year will require a slight annual reduction. However, a team like the Dodgers might be willing to offer Rivera something in the range of $48M over four years, and if Mo really wants to stick with Joe, that type of an offer might just get it done.
In short, I think the Yankees close the deal, but they priced everybody else out of the market with their first offer. Adding a fourth year for less money per season might bring a few other contenders into the field. I know, I know, Mo said he only wants to play in New York or LA, but money talks, and at some point Cashman might decide he doesn't want to get stuck paying an average 42-year-old guy more than 13 million dollars to pitch 60 innings. If he comes to that conclusion, I'll understand.
I don't see any reason why the two sides can't work something out. My guess is the Yankees will lower the salary per annum but wind up paying Mo more money overall, so I'm guessing they'll wind up agreeing on something like $50M over four years, or maybe a tiny bit less. I'm not sure how much money Rivera thinks he's worth, but he has to realize that the Yanks' original offer was extremely generous, and that a fourth year will require a slight annual reduction. However, a team like the Dodgers might be willing to offer Rivera something in the range of $48M over four years, and if Mo really wants to stick with Joe, that type of an offer might just get it done.
In short, I think the Yankees close the deal, but they priced everybody else out of the market with their first offer. Adding a fourth year for less money per season might bring a few other contenders into the field. I know, I know, Mo said he only wants to play in New York or LA, but money talks, and at some point Cashman might decide he doesn't want to get stuck paying an average 42-year-old guy more than 13 million dollars to pitch 60 innings. If he comes to that conclusion, I'll understand.
Oops.
Seems the beloved Cap'n Jetes has been behaving badly, not paying New York income taxes between 2001 and 2003 while supposedly living in Manhattan.
Now, as a borderline libertarian, I tend to feel that taxes are stupid and inefficient, and I can completely understand why Jeter wanted to claim to be a Florida resident rather than a New York one. Since Floridians don't pay income tax, I would guess that the captain was looking at about a 50% increase in after-tax dough by calling his home in Florida his permanent abode. Also, I would bet that the line between "summer home" and "permanent residence" is pretty thin for a guy who spends winters and springs near Tampa but makes a living in the Bronx.
But really, Jetes, if you're living in New York for a few years ... pay your fuckin' taxes. Everybody else does, and they generally make way less money than you do.
Now, as a borderline libertarian, I tend to feel that taxes are stupid and inefficient, and I can completely understand why Jeter wanted to claim to be a Florida resident rather than a New York one. Since Floridians don't pay income tax, I would guess that the captain was looking at about a 50% increase in after-tax dough by calling his home in Florida his permanent abode. Also, I would bet that the line between "summer home" and "permanent residence" is pretty thin for a guy who spends winters and springs near Tampa but makes a living in the Bronx.
But really, Jetes, if you're living in New York for a few years ... pay your fuckin' taxes. Everybody else does, and they generally make way less money than you do.
Sweet Calamity, a Crazy Week
To my loyal readers: my apologies. Lately I have not been a good blogger. I can't even remember the last time I posted, though if I pressed the back button I would probably find out. Nevertheless, I have had some other things going on: mainly school and ridiculously hard essays. Unfortunately all of this has happened at a time when a huge amount of baseball related activity has gone on. I think I should address it chronologically.
Ok, well, the free agent period began on Monday and one player that has been discussed on this blog as being an integral cog in the Yankee future was catcher Jorge Posada. Out of the Yankees two big free agents: Posada and Mariano Rivera, it was assumed that Rivera would take the deal the Yankees offered before becoming a free agent, and Posada, though he claimed he wanted to return to New York would test the market. Well...the opposite of that happened. Right before midnight, as in, right before Posada could talk to other teams, he accepted the Yankees 4 year/$52.4 million deal. Now, Posada is 36. That means the Yankees will be paying him upwards of $13 million when he is 40. Do I have a problem with that? A little, but in the big scheme of things, the way the offseason was going for the Yankees, to lose Posada, arguably the second most valuable player on the team in '07 besides that A-Rod guy would be crippling. That would mean they would either have Jose Molina as their catcher, or some other person, and while that would be cute, I don't want cute. I want powerful and imposing, and that's exactly what Jorge Posada is. Yes, he is getting older, but Posada played so well this year, it was totally worth it to overpay him. Plus, the Yankees can afford to overpay him. In looking to the future, Posada, who came up through the system as a third baseman probably has a couple more years at catcher in his future, followed by a final two years either at first base or DH. In looking ahead for the next two years: Jason Giambi's contract is up after this year (finally) and in two years, Hideki Matsui's contract and Johnny Damon's contract will both be up. That will free up some space at DH and first base for Posada to finish up his career. I like it. I liked the signing. Sure, the money was a lot, but like I already said, the Yankees can afford it, and they could not afford losing Posada to free agency, and probably to the Mets. That would've been not only disastrous to the team, but disastrous in the realm of PR.
Ok, Mariano Rivera. The Yankees offered the soon-to-be 38-year-old closer a 3 year/$45 million deal. I have NO idea why he hasn't signed it yet. He is currently at home in the DR and has yet to tell the Yankees what he is going. Rivera is arguably the most important player in the Yankees dynasty. He is the best closer EVER (screw you Trevor Hoffman) and has been so important to this team, that again, losing him would be crippling. He had an off year this year, but last year he didn't, and he still has the capabilities to be a dominating closer. Right now, Billy Wagner is the highest paid relief pitcher. He earns $10.75 million per year. The Yankee deal that was submitted to Rivera would pay him $15 MILLION A YEAR! I know Rivera is loyal to Joe Torre, and that's very cute. But he knows he belongs with the Yankees. I think the money matters to him. Yes, again, the Yankees are overpaying but you know what, again, they can afford to. I'm sick of hearing the crap, especially from Red Sox fans about the money thing: the Red Sox are just as "bad" as the Yankees in the money department. They are viewed by everyone else in baseball as the same as the Yankees (sorry to break it to you Red Sock fans). Anyway, the Yankees can afford to overpay for Rivera's services, and I will be really surprised and quite devastated if Rivera declines this offer. Though he shouldn't. It would be ludicrous to do so. I know he has a soft spot for Joe Torre but I think he knows he belongs with the Yankees and in the end, he'll sign.
Mike Lowell: Mike Lowell is probably (besides A-Rod, and oh man, I'll get to that later) the biggest name on the market. I know there's Torii Hunter and Andruw Jones, but really, if you're smart, you know Lowell is better than them. The Red Sox had announced that resigning Lowell was a top priority. I believe them. Lowell was very important to the Red Sox this year. He really was their offensive MVP and carried that time while Ortiz and Manny had down years. Plus, he was great in the postseason, helping carry them to that World Series victory thing. Of course, he is 33 and will be 34 in February, so his next contract could conceivably be his last big one. Apparently the Red Sox are looking at this new way of doing things, when they don't sign guys to long-term deals at that age. The deal Epstein submitted to Lowell was apparently for 3 years and somewhere between $36 and $40 million. But that's not what Lowell wants. Lowell is represented by the same two guys (the Levinson's) that represent Jorge Posada and it's would be no surprise if Lowell asks for about the same thing Posada was asking for. So, the Red Sox didn't meat that price, and Mike became a free agent. This is a big deal, because I really don't think the Red Sox are going to budge from their offer, which is ridiculous to me. I know Lowell had a career year, and at his age, usually skills diminish, but he was so important for their team. Epstein thought it necessary to waste about $14 million per on JD Drew, and about $8 million per for Julio Lugo and they both underacheived. Lowell was a steal and the way he performed should mean he gets more money. That's usually how it works. There is a direct relationship between how good one is at baseball and how much they get paid. As a Yankee fan, right when I found out Lowell was a free agent, I thought that the Yankees should think about going after him. Now, I know that his splits this year were ridiculously slanted towards Fenway (he hit .373 at Fenway and .276 on the road) but he is a solid player. I mentioned that I thought the Yankees should try and go after Miguel Cabrera and I realize that the price would obviously be way too high. Plus, if the Yankees solidified their third base (and solidified meant replacing Wilson Bettermint gum) they could use some of those prospects to maybe go after Johan Santana, who may be on the market and would decidedly shift the balance of power in the AL East. I mean, imagine if the Yankees "took" Lowell from the Sox and then got Santana. Whoa. Another idea would be for Lowell to man first base for the Yankees. Why do I mention that...no reason. But that would I think be a perfect fit. I have a feeling that Lowell wants to play for a contender and the Yankees are definitely a contender, especially if they get Lowell. Plus, I don't feel as though Lowell would feel slighted by being asked to play first, that wouldn't be a big deal for him. He's a savvy veteran. Plus, he would be an upgrade over anyone else the Yankees could put out there. Of coures, the Yankees are not the only other team going after Lowell, apparently the Angels, Braves, and Cardinals are all interested. Interesting choice for the Braves, who have Chipper Jones, and the Cardinals who have oft-injured Scott Rolen. The Angels could use Lowell and would probably love to steal him from the East. I would be pretty surprised if Lowell went West to Anaheim. Of course, the way this offseason has started...nothing surprises me.
And you know why? Because it looks as though barring complete disaster, Alex Rodriguez, yes, THE Alex Rodriguez, the one who I have so affectionately called Douche Bag Prime on this website is coming back to my beloved Yankees. Unbelievable turn of events. He opted out. I hated him. The Yankees hated him. He was looking for a quintillion dollars on the open market and I was 100% sure he would end up in Anaheim or with the Dodgers, or something like that. But how about that folks, it looks as though A-Rod and the Yankees have agreed in principle on a 10 year/$275 million deal. Yes, he would remain the highest paid player, but he would take a cut from what was he was originally looking for. Now, I know many out there are calling the Yankees hypocrites for going back on their word, but to be honest, I don't think they did. I mean, yes, Cashman reiterated multiple times that if A-Rod opted out, which he did, his time in Pinstripes would be done. But what has supposedly happened was that A-Rod was bothered by the way he was being lambasted by everyone in sports almost as being an attention-seeking whore who was just out for the money. I mean, I don't fault him for being out for money, everyone is, and you are naive to think otherwise, if in fact you do. What did bother me was the way in which he opted out: announcing it during the World Series and not responding to any of the calls from his then "former" Yankees teammates. He was just a colossal douche who, I thought, was making a huge mistake. I said several times on this website that I thought A-Rod's best bet for absolute stardom, a World Series and lots of money was with the Yankees. They are really the only team who could've paid him what he really wanted, they have a legit World Series Contending team, and it is the #1 stage for sports arguably in the World (sorry London, Barcelona, Madrid, Rome and Milan, it's true). Yet, apparently he thought otherwise. Well, after spending like a little less than a month on the market, I guess A-Rod found out that although he was wanted elsewhere (I mean, I know there are A-Rod haters out there, but you are stupid to not want him on your team. That cancer crap is stupid, as well as the fact that he's a loser, i will defend to my grave that it was not A-Rod's fault the Yankees have not won since he's been there. If you don't want A-Rod on your team, you are naive my good friend, naive. And I say that with all due respect, which, if you have seen Talladega Nights means I can say anything I want, and it's ok), he wasn't going to get the money. Plus, like I said, A-Rod, a very image conscious guy, was hurt that everyone was lampooning him about the way he had acted. So, according to multiple sources including A-Rod's own website, he went back and contacted the Yankees through a third party, apparently without the advice of his agent, super agent a-hole Scott Boras, and made a pitch to them about coming back and according to most everyone, it looks like he will. I am ecstatic. Yes, he is still a douche, but he's back to being that lovable douche manning the hot corner for the Yankees, unless this falls through. This is perfect for everyone. The Yankees keep a very good team, and A-Rod gets his money. With the signing of A-Rod, it completely levels the playing field, because it brings back that explosive, devastating offense of last season. The Red Sox have the pitching, and the Yankees have the offense (and maybe the pitching if they get Santana). I am happy because this is what the Yankees need. There was no way they were going to upgrade from A-Rod at third, it was just going to be disappointing and they were going ot have to give up a lot for sure. Now, they had to give up a lot, but of something they could give up: money. It's perfect. Now, this eliminates the possibility of the Red Sox making a splash and seizing A-Rod, completely turning them into an unbeatable juggernaut. Imagine if the Yankees add Mike Lowell and go after Johan Santana? That would be mind-boggling. I think the Red Sox will also be in the Santana race, and if they land him, wow, I would flip out, cause they would be unstoppable, even without Mike Lowell. A-Rod going back to the Yankees is good for both parties, it works out. The Yankees can now focus on some relief help, and getting Andy Pettitte back, and I know Andy wants to play for a contender, and with A-Rod coming back, that's exactly what the Yankees have.
I could not go on without at least mentioning Barry Bonds' indictment for perjury and obstruction of justice charges. I'll be honest, it's a little surprising to me that he was actually indicted after the four-year investigation. What I do know, is that his playing career is probably over. What team is going to sign an old, oft-injured, hot topic, surly superstar, who will be suffering from the stress of dealing with a federal indictment? I really don't think anybody will. I mean, and Bonds can still hit, he could help some teams out there as a DH. Teams with bad offense, like the A's or someone along those lines. But with this, well, I doubt that will happen. Plus, this pretty much contributes to the further tarnishing of his image. I'm not exactly sure how the indictment process works, but I assume they wouldn't indict him, if they didn't have real, hard evidence that he was lying, and if this comes out that he really was taking steroids, it would be disastrous for Barry Bonds. I don't know if it would be disastrous for baseball like many are thinking. The reason I say that is because there have been these steroid rumors for the last four years, and for every season over the last four years, baseball has been setting attendance after attendance record. Fans are not shying away. This will definitely hurt Bonds, but most didn't like him anyway. It could severly dent his accomplishments, I think it should anyway but the real tragedy is that Barry Bonds was a hall of famer before he allegedly started taking steroids. He was one of the best hitters of all time, but this whole thing is ruining that. It's unfortunate. We will see where this goes. I don't expect the trial for at least a couple months but if he is found guilty, he could serve up to 30 years in prison. I know that won't happen, cause he's Barry Bonds, but some jail time is definitely possible. It's too bad he had to be such a jackass. Oh well.
So that's all. I am done with school for a week starting at 3:30 this afternoon so I'll be able to come back and post some stuff on the events that transpire over the next week. It's already been quite the whirlwind this week with the A-Rod stuff, Lowell, Posada, Bonds, Hunter, Jones, the beginning of Free Agency, etc. The Hot Stove will only keep the heat on as the General Manger's meet in Tennessee or some place like that. We'll see what happens won't we. And y'all can check back in here for brilliant analysis and breaking news of course...or something like that.
Ok, well, the free agent period began on Monday and one player that has been discussed on this blog as being an integral cog in the Yankee future was catcher Jorge Posada. Out of the Yankees two big free agents: Posada and Mariano Rivera, it was assumed that Rivera would take the deal the Yankees offered before becoming a free agent, and Posada, though he claimed he wanted to return to New York would test the market. Well...the opposite of that happened. Right before midnight, as in, right before Posada could talk to other teams, he accepted the Yankees 4 year/$52.4 million deal. Now, Posada is 36. That means the Yankees will be paying him upwards of $13 million when he is 40. Do I have a problem with that? A little, but in the big scheme of things, the way the offseason was going for the Yankees, to lose Posada, arguably the second most valuable player on the team in '07 besides that A-Rod guy would be crippling. That would mean they would either have Jose Molina as their catcher, or some other person, and while that would be cute, I don't want cute. I want powerful and imposing, and that's exactly what Jorge Posada is. Yes, he is getting older, but Posada played so well this year, it was totally worth it to overpay him. Plus, the Yankees can afford to overpay him. In looking to the future, Posada, who came up through the system as a third baseman probably has a couple more years at catcher in his future, followed by a final two years either at first base or DH. In looking ahead for the next two years: Jason Giambi's contract is up after this year (finally) and in two years, Hideki Matsui's contract and Johnny Damon's contract will both be up. That will free up some space at DH and first base for Posada to finish up his career. I like it. I liked the signing. Sure, the money was a lot, but like I already said, the Yankees can afford it, and they could not afford losing Posada to free agency, and probably to the Mets. That would've been not only disastrous to the team, but disastrous in the realm of PR.
Ok, Mariano Rivera. The Yankees offered the soon-to-be 38-year-old closer a 3 year/$45 million deal. I have NO idea why he hasn't signed it yet. He is currently at home in the DR and has yet to tell the Yankees what he is going. Rivera is arguably the most important player in the Yankees dynasty. He is the best closer EVER (screw you Trevor Hoffman) and has been so important to this team, that again, losing him would be crippling. He had an off year this year, but last year he didn't, and he still has the capabilities to be a dominating closer. Right now, Billy Wagner is the highest paid relief pitcher. He earns $10.75 million per year. The Yankee deal that was submitted to Rivera would pay him $15 MILLION A YEAR! I know Rivera is loyal to Joe Torre, and that's very cute. But he knows he belongs with the Yankees. I think the money matters to him. Yes, again, the Yankees are overpaying but you know what, again, they can afford to. I'm sick of hearing the crap, especially from Red Sox fans about the money thing: the Red Sox are just as "bad" as the Yankees in the money department. They are viewed by everyone else in baseball as the same as the Yankees (sorry to break it to you Red Sock fans). Anyway, the Yankees can afford to overpay for Rivera's services, and I will be really surprised and quite devastated if Rivera declines this offer. Though he shouldn't. It would be ludicrous to do so. I know he has a soft spot for Joe Torre but I think he knows he belongs with the Yankees and in the end, he'll sign.
Mike Lowell: Mike Lowell is probably (besides A-Rod, and oh man, I'll get to that later) the biggest name on the market. I know there's Torii Hunter and Andruw Jones, but really, if you're smart, you know Lowell is better than them. The Red Sox had announced that resigning Lowell was a top priority. I believe them. Lowell was very important to the Red Sox this year. He really was their offensive MVP and carried that time while Ortiz and Manny had down years. Plus, he was great in the postseason, helping carry them to that World Series victory thing. Of course, he is 33 and will be 34 in February, so his next contract could conceivably be his last big one. Apparently the Red Sox are looking at this new way of doing things, when they don't sign guys to long-term deals at that age. The deal Epstein submitted to Lowell was apparently for 3 years and somewhere between $36 and $40 million. But that's not what Lowell wants. Lowell is represented by the same two guys (the Levinson's) that represent Jorge Posada and it's would be no surprise if Lowell asks for about the same thing Posada was asking for. So, the Red Sox didn't meat that price, and Mike became a free agent. This is a big deal, because I really don't think the Red Sox are going to budge from their offer, which is ridiculous to me. I know Lowell had a career year, and at his age, usually skills diminish, but he was so important for their team. Epstein thought it necessary to waste about $14 million per on JD Drew, and about $8 million per for Julio Lugo and they both underacheived. Lowell was a steal and the way he performed should mean he gets more money. That's usually how it works. There is a direct relationship between how good one is at baseball and how much they get paid. As a Yankee fan, right when I found out Lowell was a free agent, I thought that the Yankees should think about going after him. Now, I know that his splits this year were ridiculously slanted towards Fenway (he hit .373 at Fenway and .276 on the road) but he is a solid player. I mentioned that I thought the Yankees should try and go after Miguel Cabrera and I realize that the price would obviously be way too high. Plus, if the Yankees solidified their third base (and solidified meant replacing Wilson Bettermint gum) they could use some of those prospects to maybe go after Johan Santana, who may be on the market and would decidedly shift the balance of power in the AL East. I mean, imagine if the Yankees "took" Lowell from the Sox and then got Santana. Whoa. Another idea would be for Lowell to man first base for the Yankees. Why do I mention that...no reason. But that would I think be a perfect fit. I have a feeling that Lowell wants to play for a contender and the Yankees are definitely a contender, especially if they get Lowell. Plus, I don't feel as though Lowell would feel slighted by being asked to play first, that wouldn't be a big deal for him. He's a savvy veteran. Plus, he would be an upgrade over anyone else the Yankees could put out there. Of coures, the Yankees are not the only other team going after Lowell, apparently the Angels, Braves, and Cardinals are all interested. Interesting choice for the Braves, who have Chipper Jones, and the Cardinals who have oft-injured Scott Rolen. The Angels could use Lowell and would probably love to steal him from the East. I would be pretty surprised if Lowell went West to Anaheim. Of course, the way this offseason has started...nothing surprises me.
And you know why? Because it looks as though barring complete disaster, Alex Rodriguez, yes, THE Alex Rodriguez, the one who I have so affectionately called Douche Bag Prime on this website is coming back to my beloved Yankees. Unbelievable turn of events. He opted out. I hated him. The Yankees hated him. He was looking for a quintillion dollars on the open market and I was 100% sure he would end up in Anaheim or with the Dodgers, or something like that. But how about that folks, it looks as though A-Rod and the Yankees have agreed in principle on a 10 year/$275 million deal. Yes, he would remain the highest paid player, but he would take a cut from what was he was originally looking for. Now, I know many out there are calling the Yankees hypocrites for going back on their word, but to be honest, I don't think they did. I mean, yes, Cashman reiterated multiple times that if A-Rod opted out, which he did, his time in Pinstripes would be done. But what has supposedly happened was that A-Rod was bothered by the way he was being lambasted by everyone in sports almost as being an attention-seeking whore who was just out for the money. I mean, I don't fault him for being out for money, everyone is, and you are naive to think otherwise, if in fact you do. What did bother me was the way in which he opted out: announcing it during the World Series and not responding to any of the calls from his then "former" Yankees teammates. He was just a colossal douche who, I thought, was making a huge mistake. I said several times on this website that I thought A-Rod's best bet for absolute stardom, a World Series and lots of money was with the Yankees. They are really the only team who could've paid him what he really wanted, they have a legit World Series Contending team, and it is the #1 stage for sports arguably in the World (sorry London, Barcelona, Madrid, Rome and Milan, it's true). Yet, apparently he thought otherwise. Well, after spending like a little less than a month on the market, I guess A-Rod found out that although he was wanted elsewhere (I mean, I know there are A-Rod haters out there, but you are stupid to not want him on your team. That cancer crap is stupid, as well as the fact that he's a loser, i will defend to my grave that it was not A-Rod's fault the Yankees have not won since he's been there. If you don't want A-Rod on your team, you are naive my good friend, naive. And I say that with all due respect, which, if you have seen Talladega Nights means I can say anything I want, and it's ok), he wasn't going to get the money. Plus, like I said, A-Rod, a very image conscious guy, was hurt that everyone was lampooning him about the way he had acted. So, according to multiple sources including A-Rod's own website, he went back and contacted the Yankees through a third party, apparently without the advice of his agent, super agent a-hole Scott Boras, and made a pitch to them about coming back and according to most everyone, it looks like he will. I am ecstatic. Yes, he is still a douche, but he's back to being that lovable douche manning the hot corner for the Yankees, unless this falls through. This is perfect for everyone. The Yankees keep a very good team, and A-Rod gets his money. With the signing of A-Rod, it completely levels the playing field, because it brings back that explosive, devastating offense of last season. The Red Sox have the pitching, and the Yankees have the offense (and maybe the pitching if they get Santana). I am happy because this is what the Yankees need. There was no way they were going to upgrade from A-Rod at third, it was just going to be disappointing and they were going ot have to give up a lot for sure. Now, they had to give up a lot, but of something they could give up: money. It's perfect. Now, this eliminates the possibility of the Red Sox making a splash and seizing A-Rod, completely turning them into an unbeatable juggernaut. Imagine if the Yankees add Mike Lowell and go after Johan Santana? That would be mind-boggling. I think the Red Sox will also be in the Santana race, and if they land him, wow, I would flip out, cause they would be unstoppable, even without Mike Lowell. A-Rod going back to the Yankees is good for both parties, it works out. The Yankees can now focus on some relief help, and getting Andy Pettitte back, and I know Andy wants to play for a contender, and with A-Rod coming back, that's exactly what the Yankees have.
I could not go on without at least mentioning Barry Bonds' indictment for perjury and obstruction of justice charges. I'll be honest, it's a little surprising to me that he was actually indicted after the four-year investigation. What I do know, is that his playing career is probably over. What team is going to sign an old, oft-injured, hot topic, surly superstar, who will be suffering from the stress of dealing with a federal indictment? I really don't think anybody will. I mean, and Bonds can still hit, he could help some teams out there as a DH. Teams with bad offense, like the A's or someone along those lines. But with this, well, I doubt that will happen. Plus, this pretty much contributes to the further tarnishing of his image. I'm not exactly sure how the indictment process works, but I assume they wouldn't indict him, if they didn't have real, hard evidence that he was lying, and if this comes out that he really was taking steroids, it would be disastrous for Barry Bonds. I don't know if it would be disastrous for baseball like many are thinking. The reason I say that is because there have been these steroid rumors for the last four years, and for every season over the last four years, baseball has been setting attendance after attendance record. Fans are not shying away. This will definitely hurt Bonds, but most didn't like him anyway. It could severly dent his accomplishments, I think it should anyway but the real tragedy is that Barry Bonds was a hall of famer before he allegedly started taking steroids. He was one of the best hitters of all time, but this whole thing is ruining that. It's unfortunate. We will see where this goes. I don't expect the trial for at least a couple months but if he is found guilty, he could serve up to 30 years in prison. I know that won't happen, cause he's Barry Bonds, but some jail time is definitely possible. It's too bad he had to be such a jackass. Oh well.
So that's all. I am done with school for a week starting at 3:30 this afternoon so I'll be able to come back and post some stuff on the events that transpire over the next week. It's already been quite the whirlwind this week with the A-Rod stuff, Lowell, Posada, Bonds, Hunter, Jones, the beginning of Free Agency, etc. The Hot Stove will only keep the heat on as the General Manger's meet in Tennessee or some place like that. We'll see what happens won't we. And y'all can check back in here for brilliant analysis and breaking news of course...or something like that.
Thursday, November 8, 2007
What is going to happen?
I would like to believe that after posting on this blog for about two weeks, I would have some idea of what is going to happen. I mean, in order to write things that actually make sense, I have to actually look stuff up and make sure i'm not just pulling stuff out of my arse. I mean, there's a reason Gelbs and I started this blog, cause we kind of know a little about baseball and decided to let everyone know what we think in an open forum where others can discuss, even though that hasn't quite happened yet...Nevertheless, what I was getting at was the fact that I really have no idea what is going to happen this offseason. There are a lot of questions for a lot of teams out there, and a lot of questions regarding a lot of players. Then there is the Mitchell Report which is due to come out soon, and that will offer up a lot more questions. I know some people are just tossing it aside as being ridiculous, but I would have to say that it's going to have a very big effect on the game, but i'll get to that later.
First of all, there was a trade yesterday: the Phillies picked up former ridconulous closer Brad Lidge from the Astros in a five player deal and let's just say there weren't any other big names. A lot of prospects. Brad Lidge used to be unhittable. Then, in the 2005 postseason he had a chance to close out the Cardinals in a game (I don't remember the specifics) and Albert Pujols handed him a blown save by hitting one of the most monstrous home runs I have every seen in my entire life. It was unbelievable. And Lidge's reaction was priceless. He definitely pooped his pants on the mound and we're all pretty sure he would continue to poop his pants over the next couple seasons. Pre-Pujols, in 2005 for example, he threw about 70 innings, struck out a ridiculous 104, gave up just 58 hits, had an ERA of 2.29 and a WHIP of 1.15. Those are nasty. He also accrued 42 saves. Really, really good numbers. But, he had a breakdown in 2006, Post-Pujols: he threw a few more innings with about 75, he gave up more hits, struck out about the same but walked more. He had an abysmal ERA: 5.28 for a closer and a horrendous WHIP: 1.40. He just fell apart. This year he was banished from the closer's position only to return a little later but his numbers weren't spectacular nor were they terrible. The Phillies were looking to move closer Brett Myers back to the rotation so they needed a closer and I think a change of scenery will be good for Lidge. Unfortunately he's not moving to a pitcher's friendly park. He's going form bandbox (Minute Maid) to band box (Citizen's Bank) so...that's not a real change. But he just needs a new uniform. He still has the stuff, seeing as he still strikes out a tremendous number of hitters, but the other stuff isn't there. That's what he's going to fix. I predict a big bounceback year for Brad Lidge.
In other news, Alex Rodriguez is a douche. Oh, wait, I already mentioned that a couple times. It still applies though. Judging from what reports say, there are three players in the A-Rod sweepstakes: Boston, LA Angels and the Mets. The only team A-Rod actually fits in with are the Angels. They have a horrible offense aside from Vlad Guerrero and need a third baseman. Plus, as Peter Abraham pointed out, it would be a perfect place for A-Rod. No pressure, cause no one actually cares about the Angels till they get to the postseason (not unlike a good amount of MLB teams) and he can struggle in the playoffs and no one will care cause the expectations are low and he can rack up ridiculous stats against mediocre American League West pitching. Yay for A-Rod.....The Red Sox are probably out cause Mike Lowell appears to be their third baseman but they certainly could sign A-Rod for shortstop, his natural position and get rid of Lugo, who really does actually suck. By doing this, they would be improving their team immensely, while sacrificing a little bit of that "chemistry", and angering their fans. But, they would be sticking it to the Yankees, and that's important to the Red Sox as sick and twisted as that is. I wouldn't put it past Theo, though by signing A-Rod, they would definitely have the world's largest payroll and could Red Sox fans deal with not being able to complain about how the Yankees have more money? No, I don't think the could. I think the Mets are in this whole thing for show. They won't move David Wright. They can't can they? They tried moving Jose Reyes to second, and he sucked there. They wouldnt' do it again, plus, they already have an expensive, aging Carlos Delgado at first and I don't think anyone would take him, unless the Mets ate his contract. Even the Yankees wouldn't take him...So, it looks like the Angels. Of course, the Yankees are still in play. They still have the most money and the biggest stage for A-Rod to play on. They are set to offer him arbitration and hey, what they hell, maybe he'll buy some time with a one year deal then maybe try and work out a long term deal during next year? Yeah, that's not going to happen....But by offering arbitration that means the Yankees get some draft picks from whoever signs A-Rod so that's worth it. That's it for Douche Bag Update, it will be a while before we hear anything big. At least next week.
The Yankees are looking for a third baseman and some pitching. I really would like them to get Miguel Cabrera. He's a stud. A fat stud, but a stud. Luckily overweightness doesn't matter THAT much in baseball, but I have a feeling with the proper motivation (a chance to win again) he would slim down. If the Marlins ask for Ian Kennedy and some other people I say DO IT!!! But, if it's Joba or Phil Franchise, I say no way in hell. They need some offense at third, and Joe freaking Crede is not going to do it. I trust Brian Cashman though. He knows what he's doing, and not only does he have the most money, but he has one of the top ranked farm systems in baseball. Oh, and he really wants to win to stick it in everyone's face, probably retire and steal the trophy as he left....
George Mitchell: what the hell is going to happen? I have been hearing about all of these things, these salacious reports, naming names, and I already talked about this but: how will this affect the game? The fans took a long time to come back to baseball after the '94 strike but I think this is different. For the casual fan, I think the only thing they would be worried about is if their favorite player would be playing or not. For me, a little bit more than a casual fan (Yankeeism is my religion), this thing matters a little bit more. I know there have been reports about the number of people using steroids, but I would like to believe those are not true. I woudl like to believe there's a little more integrity within the game. I think i would be heartbroken if some of the greatest names of the late '90's, when I began to truly watch, were associated with steroids: Junior Griffey, A-Rod, Manny Ramirez, Jim Thome, Frank Thomas, Roberto Alomar, Randy Johnson, Roger Clemens, Tino Martinez (in '97 and the 7th inning of Game 1 of the '98 World Series, grand salami baby), Chipper Jones, Mike Piazza, etc, etc. I mean, those were truly great players (well, not Tino, but he was to me), and I think the game would definitely lose something if the report found these players to be using. I'm worried and nervous about the Mitchell Report. I don't have any control over it, but I think it could have a profound effect on the game, its past and future. Of course, the real question is what do we do. Can we negate some records? Just because Bud Selig authorized this investigation does that make it official baseball-record wise? No, I dont' think it does. I think public perception is going to take a hit and the late '90's and the great performances included within will be tarnished. And that will just be a damn shame.
More news sure to come.
First of all, there was a trade yesterday: the Phillies picked up former ridconulous closer Brad Lidge from the Astros in a five player deal and let's just say there weren't any other big names. A lot of prospects. Brad Lidge used to be unhittable. Then, in the 2005 postseason he had a chance to close out the Cardinals in a game (I don't remember the specifics) and Albert Pujols handed him a blown save by hitting one of the most monstrous home runs I have every seen in my entire life. It was unbelievable. And Lidge's reaction was priceless. He definitely pooped his pants on the mound and we're all pretty sure he would continue to poop his pants over the next couple seasons. Pre-Pujols, in 2005 for example, he threw about 70 innings, struck out a ridiculous 104, gave up just 58 hits, had an ERA of 2.29 and a WHIP of 1.15. Those are nasty. He also accrued 42 saves. Really, really good numbers. But, he had a breakdown in 2006, Post-Pujols: he threw a few more innings with about 75, he gave up more hits, struck out about the same but walked more. He had an abysmal ERA: 5.28 for a closer and a horrendous WHIP: 1.40. He just fell apart. This year he was banished from the closer's position only to return a little later but his numbers weren't spectacular nor were they terrible. The Phillies were looking to move closer Brett Myers back to the rotation so they needed a closer and I think a change of scenery will be good for Lidge. Unfortunately he's not moving to a pitcher's friendly park. He's going form bandbox (Minute Maid) to band box (Citizen's Bank) so...that's not a real change. But he just needs a new uniform. He still has the stuff, seeing as he still strikes out a tremendous number of hitters, but the other stuff isn't there. That's what he's going to fix. I predict a big bounceback year for Brad Lidge.
In other news, Alex Rodriguez is a douche. Oh, wait, I already mentioned that a couple times. It still applies though. Judging from what reports say, there are three players in the A-Rod sweepstakes: Boston, LA Angels and the Mets. The only team A-Rod actually fits in with are the Angels. They have a horrible offense aside from Vlad Guerrero and need a third baseman. Plus, as Peter Abraham pointed out, it would be a perfect place for A-Rod. No pressure, cause no one actually cares about the Angels till they get to the postseason (not unlike a good amount of MLB teams) and he can struggle in the playoffs and no one will care cause the expectations are low and he can rack up ridiculous stats against mediocre American League West pitching. Yay for A-Rod.....The Red Sox are probably out cause Mike Lowell appears to be their third baseman but they certainly could sign A-Rod for shortstop, his natural position and get rid of Lugo, who really does actually suck. By doing this, they would be improving their team immensely, while sacrificing a little bit of that "chemistry", and angering their fans. But, they would be sticking it to the Yankees, and that's important to the Red Sox as sick and twisted as that is. I wouldn't put it past Theo, though by signing A-Rod, they would definitely have the world's largest payroll and could Red Sox fans deal with not being able to complain about how the Yankees have more money? No, I don't think the could. I think the Mets are in this whole thing for show. They won't move David Wright. They can't can they? They tried moving Jose Reyes to second, and he sucked there. They wouldnt' do it again, plus, they already have an expensive, aging Carlos Delgado at first and I don't think anyone would take him, unless the Mets ate his contract. Even the Yankees wouldn't take him...So, it looks like the Angels. Of course, the Yankees are still in play. They still have the most money and the biggest stage for A-Rod to play on. They are set to offer him arbitration and hey, what they hell, maybe he'll buy some time with a one year deal then maybe try and work out a long term deal during next year? Yeah, that's not going to happen....But by offering arbitration that means the Yankees get some draft picks from whoever signs A-Rod so that's worth it. That's it for Douche Bag Update, it will be a while before we hear anything big. At least next week.
The Yankees are looking for a third baseman and some pitching. I really would like them to get Miguel Cabrera. He's a stud. A fat stud, but a stud. Luckily overweightness doesn't matter THAT much in baseball, but I have a feeling with the proper motivation (a chance to win again) he would slim down. If the Marlins ask for Ian Kennedy and some other people I say DO IT!!! But, if it's Joba or Phil Franchise, I say no way in hell. They need some offense at third, and Joe freaking Crede is not going to do it. I trust Brian Cashman though. He knows what he's doing, and not only does he have the most money, but he has one of the top ranked farm systems in baseball. Oh, and he really wants to win to stick it in everyone's face, probably retire and steal the trophy as he left....
George Mitchell: what the hell is going to happen? I have been hearing about all of these things, these salacious reports, naming names, and I already talked about this but: how will this affect the game? The fans took a long time to come back to baseball after the '94 strike but I think this is different. For the casual fan, I think the only thing they would be worried about is if their favorite player would be playing or not. For me, a little bit more than a casual fan (Yankeeism is my religion), this thing matters a little bit more. I know there have been reports about the number of people using steroids, but I would like to believe those are not true. I woudl like to believe there's a little more integrity within the game. I think i would be heartbroken if some of the greatest names of the late '90's, when I began to truly watch, were associated with steroids: Junior Griffey, A-Rod, Manny Ramirez, Jim Thome, Frank Thomas, Roberto Alomar, Randy Johnson, Roger Clemens, Tino Martinez (in '97 and the 7th inning of Game 1 of the '98 World Series, grand salami baby), Chipper Jones, Mike Piazza, etc, etc. I mean, those were truly great players (well, not Tino, but he was to me), and I think the game would definitely lose something if the report found these players to be using. I'm worried and nervous about the Mitchell Report. I don't have any control over it, but I think it could have a profound effect on the game, its past and future. Of course, the real question is what do we do. Can we negate some records? Just because Bud Selig authorized this investigation does that make it official baseball-record wise? No, I dont' think it does. I think public perception is going to take a hit and the late '90's and the great performances included within will be tarnished. And that will just be a damn shame.
More news sure to come.
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Here's Hoping They Bite the Bullet
Lots of free agents signing new contracts this offseason will wind up being overpaid. That's the nature of the free agency beast - competition among bidders makes teams pay well above the market price for the number of wins they expect a given player to actually produce on the field. If they're not overpaying right off they bat, they almost certainly will be by the time a contract expires. Obviously, if teams don't want to overpay, they're not very likely to get the productive players they covet. Granted, some teams get lucky and some teams are smart. Every year there are a few players who wind up having really good years for relative peanuts, and there are certain teams (read: general managers) with a real knack for finding value in players deemed useless by the rest of the league. Teams like the Red Sox, Yankees, and Mets can afford to overpay for their players regularly, which is why they put so many fantastic players in their lineups and rotations every year. Teams like Oakland and Minnesota, for whom overpaying for any one player can drastically limit their options at other positions for several years to come, spend money more wisely each season, but they also win fewer games (usually). I'm not describing anything revolutionary here, but the above concepts and trends have me a little worried about the future of my beloved Yankees.
The Yankees appear to have virtually unlimited funds, which makes me nervous about free agent seasons like this one, in which only a few good players are available and almost all of them are likely to make way, WAY too much money next year and for a whole bunch of years to come. This season, the two guys worrying me the most are Torii Hunter and Andruw Jones, both of whom are pretty good players likely approaching the downside of their careers. Hunter is coming off what many people are calling a career year, while Jones clearly just finished the worst season he's ever had. Trouble is, neither of them are likely to have similar seasons in '08, and that's bad in two different ways. First, Hunter: his 2007 included career highs in total bases, RsBI, doubles, and hits. He's also a 32-year-old center fielder with a career OBP of .324, which is awful. His career high in walks is 50, and he routinely strikes out over 100 times per season. Jones, on the other hand, had a truly miserable '07 campaign, OPS+ing a well-below-average 88 with a fairly pathetic .251 EQA. He'll turn 31 next April, and he's almost certain to put up better numbers in '08, but he's never really been the offensive player that his RsBI's and home run totals might indicate. His career OBP of .342 isn't horrid, but it's a long way from great.
Basically, both these guys make a lot of outs, and while Jones is likely to be better this coming season than last, neither appears to have a particularly sparkling future ahead of them. Melky Cabrera, however, is almost eight years younger than Jones, and seems likely to be a starting outfielder somewhere for a good long while. I don't expect him to become a superstar. In fact I sort of doubt he'll ever be as good as either Jones or Hunter in their primes, but he's basically free for the Yanks, and I'd say there's a good chance he puts up equivalent or superior numbers to both of them sometime soon.
SO - my fear is this: Yankees management views both Hunter and Jones as very expensive upgrades, but since costs apparently matter very little to Big Stein, they decide to go for one of them anyway, locking themselves into the worst years of very expensive guys who get on base way less often than Robinson Cano. Thinking they've suffered a slightly inflated payroll for increased outfield production, they wind up trading away a very serviceable, young, cheap Cabrera, opening up a spot for a slight boost in power and defense in the short run and a very bad, outs-creating, payroll-eating, untradeable, unbenchable "star" in the long run.
I really, really hope that doesn't happen.
The Yankees appear to have virtually unlimited funds, which makes me nervous about free agent seasons like this one, in which only a few good players are available and almost all of them are likely to make way, WAY too much money next year and for a whole bunch of years to come. This season, the two guys worrying me the most are Torii Hunter and Andruw Jones, both of whom are pretty good players likely approaching the downside of their careers. Hunter is coming off what many people are calling a career year, while Jones clearly just finished the worst season he's ever had. Trouble is, neither of them are likely to have similar seasons in '08, and that's bad in two different ways. First, Hunter: his 2007 included career highs in total bases, RsBI, doubles, and hits. He's also a 32-year-old center fielder with a career OBP of .324, which is awful. His career high in walks is 50, and he routinely strikes out over 100 times per season. Jones, on the other hand, had a truly miserable '07 campaign, OPS+ing a well-below-average 88 with a fairly pathetic .251 EQA. He'll turn 31 next April, and he's almost certain to put up better numbers in '08, but he's never really been the offensive player that his RsBI's and home run totals might indicate. His career OBP of .342 isn't horrid, but it's a long way from great.
Basically, both these guys make a lot of outs, and while Jones is likely to be better this coming season than last, neither appears to have a particularly sparkling future ahead of them. Melky Cabrera, however, is almost eight years younger than Jones, and seems likely to be a starting outfielder somewhere for a good long while. I don't expect him to become a superstar. In fact I sort of doubt he'll ever be as good as either Jones or Hunter in their primes, but he's basically free for the Yanks, and I'd say there's a good chance he puts up equivalent or superior numbers to both of them sometime soon.
SO - my fear is this: Yankees management views both Hunter and Jones as very expensive upgrades, but since costs apparently matter very little to Big Stein, they decide to go for one of them anyway, locking themselves into the worst years of very expensive guys who get on base way less often than Robinson Cano. Thinking they've suffered a slightly inflated payroll for increased outfield production, they wind up trading away a very serviceable, young, cheap Cabrera, opening up a spot for a slight boost in power and defense in the short run and a very bad, outs-creating, payroll-eating, untradeable, unbenchable "star" in the long run.
I really, really hope that doesn't happen.
I've Been Lazy...Baseball Hasn't Been
Judging from my lack of posts, it's quite obvious that I've been doing other things...unfortunately those are school things. Nevertheless, the offseason baseball roller coaster has started rolling officially with the General Manager's Meetings in Orlando. Now, obviously, I'm not covering them. Thankfully there are plenty of people out there who are. There's been a lot of news that has come down from the top, so let's take a gander.
NYY: I'll usually start with my team from NY, just because, well, I care the most. I reported earlier that Andy Pettitte said he was either going to exercise his $16 million player option for 2008 or retire. He was pretty adament about not playing for any team but the Yankees. Well, yesterday it was reported that Pettitte declined the option. This does not mean he is not going to play for the Yankees, it just means they would have to sign him to another deal. I feel as though it is IMPERATIVE the Yankees do such a thing. Looking at their pitching staff right now, sans Pettitte would include Chien-Ming Wang, Joba Chamberlain (possibly), Phil Hughes, possibly Ian Kennedy and Mike Mussina...Now, there's a lot of promise in that rotation, but to be honest, I know that I, and my friends, and the rest of the Yankee universe, and George Steinbrenner, and Joe Girardi, and Brian Cashman all don't care too much about promise, they want to win right now, and they need one other sure arm in that rotation. That arm would be Andy Pettitte. Supposedly the channels of communication between Pettitte's agent and Brian Cashman are certainly still open. Peter Abraham on the LoHud Blog (you'll see me cite him often, as he is the best place for up-to-date information) said that in an e-mail he received, the agent for Pettitte said Andy just isn't sure yet what he wants to do, but if he wants to play, he's going to come back to the Yankees. Brian Cashman has reiterated that the Yankees "need" Pettitte, and I agree. Supposedly Andy is going to take some time, and Hanky Steinbrenner has offered that time to him, but the Yankees can't afford to wait too long or they'll be in trouble. They better buy Pettitte a Hummer or something, whatever Houston did to get Clemens to sign in '04. Anyway, there's also news regarding the other two high profile Yankee free agents: Posada and Rivera. On the Mariano Rivera front, reports are the Yankees are really close to announcing a 3 year/$40 million deal, maybe by the end of the week. So, that looks good, the Posada front is a little bit more hazy...Posada has said that he wants to remain with the Yankees, but it also looks as though he will enter the market, and make the Yankees bid for him, with the likes of possibly the Mets and Blue Jays. Abraham says the Yankees want him to take the same deal as Rivera, maybe adding on a fourth year and fifteen million per, but, Posada was pretty much underpaid, then he went ahead and had like the best offensive season for a catcher ever so...he's due.
Other new regards some rumors around the Yankees. Some of those include possible trades for Johan Santana of the Twins and Scott Kazmir of Devil Rays. Neither are likely since Cashman has stated that the big three prospects (Joba, Hughes, and Kennedy) are untouchable. Well, kinda untouchable...but it's unlikely that will happen. Same goes for possible trades regarding Marlin's third baseman Miguel "fatass" Cabrera. He's an unbelievable player, but he's straight up out of shape...I would take him, but I wouldn't want the Yankees to give up too much, and any of those three would be too much. And then there is rumors surrounding Douche Prime, or Alex Rodriguez. He just ignored the Yankees, and now, with the Yankees, and judging from what Mets' GM Omar Minaya has to say, the Mets out of the bidding, he could be struggling to find someone to pay him a gazillion dollars, which is what he is looking for. There is some talk that he wants to come back to the Yankees, but I highly doubt that will happen. He stepped all over them with his opt out during the World Series and I highly doubt he will come back. I mean, I wouldn't want to be paying him 40 million dollars at the age of 42, as my cowriter Gelbs said (he should be here soon), he is not Babe Ruth....There is some talk regarding the Yankees and White Sox third baseman Joe Crede, but shoot me in the foot if you think I want him in pinstripes. He has a career OBP of .305? Seriously? He could be the greatest defensive third baseman ever and I would give that trade a second look. No thank you. Especially if it is Johnny Damon for Crede. That's ridiculous. So that's all for the Yankees. On to the other 29, or a couple of them.
LAD: The Dodgers introduced Joe Torre as their new manager yesterday and all I have to say is: good for them. Torre was signed to a pretty big managerial deal and joining him on his coaching staff are former Yankees coaches Don Mattingly (no surprise), Lee Mazzili (no surprise) and Larry Bowa (a little bit of a surprise). The Dodgers were picked by many to finish in first in the NL West by a wide margin, but they underperformed. They have a lot of old players and need to make a few changes. Funny post by one of the bloggers on Fire Joe Morgan linked on the side regarding a piece by ESPN ass face Steve 'I traded Scott Kazmir for Victor Zambrano" Phillips about what the Dodgers have to do to get to the World Series, so check that out. It's a couple posts down. The Dodgers are certainly in the running for A-Rod, they have a lot of money and that would be a good pick up for them. Supposedly, Jeff Kent will not be returning to the Dodgers, or it's unlikely he will, but he's all steroided out anyway. A-Rod following Joe Torre out to LA would not surprise me, though supposedly new Angel GM Tony Reagins was one of few to actually entertain A-Rod talk at the GM meetings. Arte Moreno would love to draw A-Rod out there, we'll see what happens on that front.
BOS: Well, it appears as though big mouth Curt Schilling will return for at least one more year with the Red Sox. Him and Red Sox GM Theo Epstein have spoken and are close to a one year deal worth about $8 million, plus incentives. I think that's probably a good deal. The Red Sox won this year because they had a ridiculously deep pitching staff, and this just maintains the status quo. Especially with the Red Sox keeping Wakefield and Tavarez. Bringing back Schilling puts a veteran in a good spot, just in case one of the rookies/young pitchers, Bucholz or whomever can't cut it. Regarding Mike Lowell, Theo has said it is one of his prime goals to resign Lowell and I think that's going to happen. There's a mutual feeling between the two parties I feel. They don't want A-Rod, I mean, well, they do, if he were free. When asked about A-Rod playing shortstop, Epstein said: "We have a shortstop". I mean, yeah...they do, but he sucks up something fierce...It would be interesting to go after him, I know some smart Red Sox fans who would absolutely appreciate him. I mean, hey, he's the best player in the game, and arguably the best player of this generation. But why would you, as a Red Sox person, want to mess with the team they have now. I mean, I heard they just won some big thing...I don't remember what it is, or maybe I've blocked it out, but they won something...We'll see.
SD: For the Padres, on Monday they agreed to a one year, $10 million deal with Greg Maddux, who has got to be like 55 this year. Nevertheless for a team that pitches in the best pitcher's park in the game, this is a good deal. Maddux is solid and provides stability. Plus, it's in the National League. Good move for the Padres, he only needs to be back of the rotation starter anyway. They have some guy at the top, oh yeah, Jake Peavy and some other solid starters. Plus, Maddux can hit....kind of.
CLE: The Indians resigned Paul Byrd despite the HGH stuff. Whatever, he sucks and I have a feeling he'll have a tough time winning 15 games this year. If you watched Game 4 of the ALDS, it's a miracle he didn't get hammered, but the Yankees were in a funk than's to Carmona, etc...Anyway, so, that matters little with Westbrook, Sabathia and Carmona, they have a great two and a good three, and Paul Byrd. Whatever.
Elsewhere: There's another steroid report out there that former Giants and Diamonbacks third baseman Matt Williams, Seattle Mariners and former LA Angel Jose Guillen and former Marlin pitcher Ismael Valdez all received steroid shipments...I have no idea what's going to happen. Maybe that's why Jose Guillen freaks out all the time. Williams, like Byrd, says he took his HGH on the advice of a doctor for an ankle injury. I have no idea if they're telling the truth. If they aren't, why would they immediately come out lie? I don't know. I have the same question regarding Barry Bonds and the Game of Shadows book. If Bonds really believes everything they wrote was a lie, then...I have an idea; SUE THEM for libel. There's a law in this country that says you can't just print lies about someone, and if you do, then that person can sue. Well, the only thing Bonds has sued for is to halt the sale of the book so the authors can't make money. That's it. Make a stand Barry and telling everyone you wouldn't go to the Hall of Fame if they put an asterisk on your ball is not taking a stand.........The GM's meanwhile today voted to allow instant replay for home run calls. I guess that's a good call, but it works better in football. That sort of human error is part of the game. Baseball games are already long, and the umps usually get the call right when they join together........
Phew. So that's all I have today, surprisingly. There is definitely more to come this week during the meetings and we'll see about Rivera getting signed before next Monday's deadline. Same deal with Mike Lowell. Oh, and the best way to keep track of baseball news is really to update yourself on the links we have posted on this blog. They really are great blogs and sites and offer some great information about the goings on of baseball and sometimes sports in general. So, keep up with that if you want. If you're eyes still work after reading my stuff.....
NYY: I'll usually start with my team from NY, just because, well, I care the most. I reported earlier that Andy Pettitte said he was either going to exercise his $16 million player option for 2008 or retire. He was pretty adament about not playing for any team but the Yankees. Well, yesterday it was reported that Pettitte declined the option. This does not mean he is not going to play for the Yankees, it just means they would have to sign him to another deal. I feel as though it is IMPERATIVE the Yankees do such a thing. Looking at their pitching staff right now, sans Pettitte would include Chien-Ming Wang, Joba Chamberlain (possibly), Phil Hughes, possibly Ian Kennedy and Mike Mussina...Now, there's a lot of promise in that rotation, but to be honest, I know that I, and my friends, and the rest of the Yankee universe, and George Steinbrenner, and Joe Girardi, and Brian Cashman all don't care too much about promise, they want to win right now, and they need one other sure arm in that rotation. That arm would be Andy Pettitte. Supposedly the channels of communication between Pettitte's agent and Brian Cashman are certainly still open. Peter Abraham on the LoHud Blog (you'll see me cite him often, as he is the best place for up-to-date information) said that in an e-mail he received, the agent for Pettitte said Andy just isn't sure yet what he wants to do, but if he wants to play, he's going to come back to the Yankees. Brian Cashman has reiterated that the Yankees "need" Pettitte, and I agree. Supposedly Andy is going to take some time, and Hanky Steinbrenner has offered that time to him, but the Yankees can't afford to wait too long or they'll be in trouble. They better buy Pettitte a Hummer or something, whatever Houston did to get Clemens to sign in '04. Anyway, there's also news regarding the other two high profile Yankee free agents: Posada and Rivera. On the Mariano Rivera front, reports are the Yankees are really close to announcing a 3 year/$40 million deal, maybe by the end of the week. So, that looks good, the Posada front is a little bit more hazy...Posada has said that he wants to remain with the Yankees, but it also looks as though he will enter the market, and make the Yankees bid for him, with the likes of possibly the Mets and Blue Jays. Abraham says the Yankees want him to take the same deal as Rivera, maybe adding on a fourth year and fifteen million per, but, Posada was pretty much underpaid, then he went ahead and had like the best offensive season for a catcher ever so...he's due.
Other new regards some rumors around the Yankees. Some of those include possible trades for Johan Santana of the Twins and Scott Kazmir of Devil Rays. Neither are likely since Cashman has stated that the big three prospects (Joba, Hughes, and Kennedy) are untouchable. Well, kinda untouchable...but it's unlikely that will happen. Same goes for possible trades regarding Marlin's third baseman Miguel "fatass" Cabrera. He's an unbelievable player, but he's straight up out of shape...I would take him, but I wouldn't want the Yankees to give up too much, and any of those three would be too much. And then there is rumors surrounding Douche Prime, or Alex Rodriguez. He just ignored the Yankees, and now, with the Yankees, and judging from what Mets' GM Omar Minaya has to say, the Mets out of the bidding, he could be struggling to find someone to pay him a gazillion dollars, which is what he is looking for. There is some talk that he wants to come back to the Yankees, but I highly doubt that will happen. He stepped all over them with his opt out during the World Series and I highly doubt he will come back. I mean, I wouldn't want to be paying him 40 million dollars at the age of 42, as my cowriter Gelbs said (he should be here soon), he is not Babe Ruth....There is some talk regarding the Yankees and White Sox third baseman Joe Crede, but shoot me in the foot if you think I want him in pinstripes. He has a career OBP of .305? Seriously? He could be the greatest defensive third baseman ever and I would give that trade a second look. No thank you. Especially if it is Johnny Damon for Crede. That's ridiculous. So that's all for the Yankees. On to the other 29, or a couple of them.
LAD: The Dodgers introduced Joe Torre as their new manager yesterday and all I have to say is: good for them. Torre was signed to a pretty big managerial deal and joining him on his coaching staff are former Yankees coaches Don Mattingly (no surprise), Lee Mazzili (no surprise) and Larry Bowa (a little bit of a surprise). The Dodgers were picked by many to finish in first in the NL West by a wide margin, but they underperformed. They have a lot of old players and need to make a few changes. Funny post by one of the bloggers on Fire Joe Morgan linked on the side regarding a piece by ESPN ass face Steve 'I traded Scott Kazmir for Victor Zambrano" Phillips about what the Dodgers have to do to get to the World Series, so check that out. It's a couple posts down. The Dodgers are certainly in the running for A-Rod, they have a lot of money and that would be a good pick up for them. Supposedly, Jeff Kent will not be returning to the Dodgers, or it's unlikely he will, but he's all steroided out anyway. A-Rod following Joe Torre out to LA would not surprise me, though supposedly new Angel GM Tony Reagins was one of few to actually entertain A-Rod talk at the GM meetings. Arte Moreno would love to draw A-Rod out there, we'll see what happens on that front.
BOS: Well, it appears as though big mouth Curt Schilling will return for at least one more year with the Red Sox. Him and Red Sox GM Theo Epstein have spoken and are close to a one year deal worth about $8 million, plus incentives. I think that's probably a good deal. The Red Sox won this year because they had a ridiculously deep pitching staff, and this just maintains the status quo. Especially with the Red Sox keeping Wakefield and Tavarez. Bringing back Schilling puts a veteran in a good spot, just in case one of the rookies/young pitchers, Bucholz or whomever can't cut it. Regarding Mike Lowell, Theo has said it is one of his prime goals to resign Lowell and I think that's going to happen. There's a mutual feeling between the two parties I feel. They don't want A-Rod, I mean, well, they do, if he were free. When asked about A-Rod playing shortstop, Epstein said: "We have a shortstop". I mean, yeah...they do, but he sucks up something fierce...It would be interesting to go after him, I know some smart Red Sox fans who would absolutely appreciate him. I mean, hey, he's the best player in the game, and arguably the best player of this generation. But why would you, as a Red Sox person, want to mess with the team they have now. I mean, I heard they just won some big thing...I don't remember what it is, or maybe I've blocked it out, but they won something...We'll see.
SD: For the Padres, on Monday they agreed to a one year, $10 million deal with Greg Maddux, who has got to be like 55 this year. Nevertheless for a team that pitches in the best pitcher's park in the game, this is a good deal. Maddux is solid and provides stability. Plus, it's in the National League. Good move for the Padres, he only needs to be back of the rotation starter anyway. They have some guy at the top, oh yeah, Jake Peavy and some other solid starters. Plus, Maddux can hit....kind of.
CLE: The Indians resigned Paul Byrd despite the HGH stuff. Whatever, he sucks and I have a feeling he'll have a tough time winning 15 games this year. If you watched Game 4 of the ALDS, it's a miracle he didn't get hammered, but the Yankees were in a funk than's to Carmona, etc...Anyway, so, that matters little with Westbrook, Sabathia and Carmona, they have a great two and a good three, and Paul Byrd. Whatever.
Elsewhere: There's another steroid report out there that former Giants and Diamonbacks third baseman Matt Williams, Seattle Mariners and former LA Angel Jose Guillen and former Marlin pitcher Ismael Valdez all received steroid shipments...I have no idea what's going to happen. Maybe that's why Jose Guillen freaks out all the time. Williams, like Byrd, says he took his HGH on the advice of a doctor for an ankle injury. I have no idea if they're telling the truth. If they aren't, why would they immediately come out lie? I don't know. I have the same question regarding Barry Bonds and the Game of Shadows book. If Bonds really believes everything they wrote was a lie, then...I have an idea; SUE THEM for libel. There's a law in this country that says you can't just print lies about someone, and if you do, then that person can sue. Well, the only thing Bonds has sued for is to halt the sale of the book so the authors can't make money. That's it. Make a stand Barry and telling everyone you wouldn't go to the Hall of Fame if they put an asterisk on your ball is not taking a stand.........The GM's meanwhile today voted to allow instant replay for home run calls. I guess that's a good call, but it works better in football. That sort of human error is part of the game. Baseball games are already long, and the umps usually get the call right when they join together........
Phew. So that's all I have today, surprisingly. There is definitely more to come this week during the meetings and we'll see about Rivera getting signed before next Monday's deadline. Same deal with Mike Lowell. Oh, and the best way to keep track of baseball news is really to update yourself on the links we have posted on this blog. They really are great blogs and sites and offer some great information about the goings on of baseball and sometimes sports in general. So, keep up with that if you want. If you're eyes still work after reading my stuff.....
Saturday, November 3, 2007
I'm Back with News
So after a day's respite from blogging, I have faithfully returned. I know my loyal readers were distraught when they discovered I didn't post on Friday, but never fear, I have come back. A good amount of news on the tail end of Thursday and Friday, some stuff that should be noted is:
LA: So the Dodgers officially named Joe Torre there manager and you know what I have to say: good for both of them. As I have said, I hold no bitterness towards Joe. I wish he had stayed but hey, what the hell. I hope he does well unless they are playing the Yankees, and then, well, I'll have to root for my team obviously. He was signed to a three year/$13 million deal, which is a lot of money (compare that to Girardi's three year/$7.8 million deal) to manage a baseball team. But I guess he certainly deserves it. I wish him and the Dodgers well. It's not just Joe Torre that is headed west from the Yankees however. He is to be joined by Don Mattingly on his coaching staff and possibly some others. Talk is former Yankees third base coach Larry Bowa is thinking about it as well, but that doesn't really make a huge difference I would have to say. Funny thing about Torre headed to LA is his reuniting with Scott Proctor, the former Yankee middle reliever who many say, including me for the most part, Torre wore out. Torre does have a tendency to fall in love with one reliever (Proctor, Quantrill, Stanton, Nelson, etc) and then burns them out, which is what happened to Proctor and Quantrill especially down the stretch and in the playoffs. One of the sites I have linked on the left side of the blog is a funny Yankee one called NoMaas. They weren't too fond of Torre and they have some funny stuff on him going to the Dodgers. You should check it out.
NYM: As I mentioned in my last blog, the Mets are making some noise in their talking with their current third baseman David Wright about moving, not to second as I though I heard, but to first. This of course is in order to make room for that Rodriguez guy. I don't know about that, there isn't much else I can say than what I said in my last writing about the Mets. I think adding Rodriguez would be huge obviously (not just for the Mets but any team) but I think moving Wright would be a mistake, since he is already a really good third baseman. Plus, I don't think offense is the problem with the Mets. Not saying that with the addition of A-Rod they wouldn't dominate the National League, which has crappy offenses abound, but they would still need some pitching. And sorry, a Pedro Martinez who only throws like 85 is decent, but not good enough to actually win. Another thing in regards to the Mets and the Yankees is Jorge Posada. The Yankee catcher says he wants to remain in NY since he added on to his Manhattan home and it would be a waste to move somewhere else. And that of course only leaves two teams, the Yankees and Mets. The Mets current have a hole at catcher with Paul LoDuca becoming a free agent but reports have suggested the Mets are in fact looking to resign him. That would lead me to believe they would not go after Posada, unless it was to make him a first baseman, which then in turn would mean they would not move David Wright, and THAT means, no A-Rod. So decisions, decisions for the Metropolitans.
NYY: Speaking of Jorge Posada, there has been a lot of talk about Posada having a problem with Joe Girardi and some people have said that playing for a coach who played your position is hard. But, to them i say: Joe Torre was Posada's boy, and wait...yeah, that's right, Joe Torre was a CATCHER. Idiots. That is not the problem, in fact, i don't think there is a problem. Posada recently said, as reported by Peter Abraham on the LoHud Blog (check it out) that he likes Girardi and that Girardi was a mentor and a teacher for him when he was on the team. I would say that's a good sign. Posada obviously wants to stay in NY, as I mentioned above and I think signing with the Yankees would be a good move. They are desperate to keep him, so they are probably going to overpay, and when he starts to break down, he can move to two other positions (1B and DH) in the AL, while there is only one other option in the NL. In the end, I think he'll stay in pinstripes. One player who is definitely remaining in pinstripes is Bobby Abreu. The Yankees exercised their $16 million option on the right fielder and this was definitely a great move by the management. It already appears the Yanks will lose their cleanup hitter (A-Rod) they certainly couldn't afford to lose their three hitter as well. Abreu, though afraid of walls in right field, is solid defensivly but a great offensive player. Last year his numbers were a little down, but that's only cause of his horrific start. From July to September he was one of the Yankees most consistent hitters and I think was near the top of the list in many important offensive categories during that period as well. This was a smart move by the Yanks, they need Abreu and his offense, and if they keep Posada and add a solid third baseman with some legit offensive numbers, they may not score 900 runs like they did this year, but 800 for sure.
A-Rod: It's tough to talk about the Yankees without discussing Douche Bag Prime as I like to call him. Supposedly Rodriguez was looking for the $350 million deal with the Yankees. Is he insane? Is it 10 years or 8, cause either way you are paying, at the end of the deal, a 40-42-year-old shortstop/third baseman between $35 and $40 millino to play baseball. That is ridiculous. He wouldn't even listen to the Yankees' offer, which was, by all accounts was huge. Now he thinks he is going to get that money elsewhere? Yeah, I don't think so. And if he is, the team is going to have to clear some major space on their payroll, and that means they aren't going to be any good. Too bad for A-Rod....oh wait, not really. I really did love/adore/worship him while he was on the Yankees, but now, the way that he just threw the Yankees' aside without even listening was ridiculous. Boras said A-Rod was just a regular free agent like Rivera and Posada...yeah, ok. Well, even if that's true, they both listened to the Yankees offers, he didn't even give them a chance. Ridiculous.
BOS: The Red Sox exercised their options on pitchers Tim Wakefield and Julian Tavarez. Wakefield is a solid started who just seems to get the job done even though he is a circus freak of a pitcher (knuckleballer) and Tavarez is just a solid player to come out of the bullpen and be a spot starter. The Red Sox are loaded right now and they just have to deal with the Mike Lowell thing. Though online petitions and Facebook groups are lobbying pretty hard for him to retire a Red Sock. We'll see if they get greedy and go for A-Rod, which they probably shouldn't do, or stick with Lowell, which they should. I'm not just saying that cause I wouldn't want to see the best player in the game make the team I hate the most almost unbeatable (thinking of a lineup with Ortiz, A-Rod and Manny back-to-back-to-back makes me sick), I'm saying it cause I think it would be a bad move. But they would like to stick it to the Yankees. Of course, if they do sign Mr. Rodriguez they will certainly have the games highest payroll and could Red Sox fans deal with that? Probably not, they don't want to "be the Yankees", even though, to every other team in the game, they already are exactly like the Yankees.
So that's the news for right now. There is some Tori Hunter stuff. I don't know about him. Solid defensively, but overrated offensively, he's really not that good. I don't know where he would fit in, contender wise. Maybe the Braves, who decided not to go after free agent Andruw Jones...? Who knows. Sad story in Tiger Land. Flamethrowing reliever Joel Zumaya, who missed a good amount of this year with a finger problem has another, possibly career-ending setback. While helping move stuff from his father's attic in wildfire-ravaged Southern California, a box fell on his pitching shoulder requiring major surgery. The guy can't get a break. Two years ago it was Guitar Hero that gave him semi-carpal tunnel, then this year it was the finger popping, and then in the offseason he's simply trying to help his dad avoid having all of his possessions torched, and a gd box falls on his pitching shoulder. That sucks. I hope he has a good recovery and can come back and pitch, cause he throws gas. Ok, that's all for right now. Big NFL game tomorrow between Colts and Patriots. I dont' know if you've heard...I hate the Patriots, and I semi-like the Colts, so I'm hoping they come out on top. But seriously, the Patriots look like they're playing high school teams right now. Can I logically pick the Colts? No. Patriots will win, but maybe it won't be a blowout...Maybe.
LA: So the Dodgers officially named Joe Torre there manager and you know what I have to say: good for both of them. As I have said, I hold no bitterness towards Joe. I wish he had stayed but hey, what the hell. I hope he does well unless they are playing the Yankees, and then, well, I'll have to root for my team obviously. He was signed to a three year/$13 million deal, which is a lot of money (compare that to Girardi's three year/$7.8 million deal) to manage a baseball team. But I guess he certainly deserves it. I wish him and the Dodgers well. It's not just Joe Torre that is headed west from the Yankees however. He is to be joined by Don Mattingly on his coaching staff and possibly some others. Talk is former Yankees third base coach Larry Bowa is thinking about it as well, but that doesn't really make a huge difference I would have to say. Funny thing about Torre headed to LA is his reuniting with Scott Proctor, the former Yankee middle reliever who many say, including me for the most part, Torre wore out. Torre does have a tendency to fall in love with one reliever (Proctor, Quantrill, Stanton, Nelson, etc) and then burns them out, which is what happened to Proctor and Quantrill especially down the stretch and in the playoffs. One of the sites I have linked on the left side of the blog is a funny Yankee one called NoMaas. They weren't too fond of Torre and they have some funny stuff on him going to the Dodgers. You should check it out.
NYM: As I mentioned in my last blog, the Mets are making some noise in their talking with their current third baseman David Wright about moving, not to second as I though I heard, but to first. This of course is in order to make room for that Rodriguez guy. I don't know about that, there isn't much else I can say than what I said in my last writing about the Mets. I think adding Rodriguez would be huge obviously (not just for the Mets but any team) but I think moving Wright would be a mistake, since he is already a really good third baseman. Plus, I don't think offense is the problem with the Mets. Not saying that with the addition of A-Rod they wouldn't dominate the National League, which has crappy offenses abound, but they would still need some pitching. And sorry, a Pedro Martinez who only throws like 85 is decent, but not good enough to actually win. Another thing in regards to the Mets and the Yankees is Jorge Posada. The Yankee catcher says he wants to remain in NY since he added on to his Manhattan home and it would be a waste to move somewhere else. And that of course only leaves two teams, the Yankees and Mets. The Mets current have a hole at catcher with Paul LoDuca becoming a free agent but reports have suggested the Mets are in fact looking to resign him. That would lead me to believe they would not go after Posada, unless it was to make him a first baseman, which then in turn would mean they would not move David Wright, and THAT means, no A-Rod. So decisions, decisions for the Metropolitans.
NYY: Speaking of Jorge Posada, there has been a lot of talk about Posada having a problem with Joe Girardi and some people have said that playing for a coach who played your position is hard. But, to them i say: Joe Torre was Posada's boy, and wait...yeah, that's right, Joe Torre was a CATCHER. Idiots. That is not the problem, in fact, i don't think there is a problem. Posada recently said, as reported by Peter Abraham on the LoHud Blog (check it out) that he likes Girardi and that Girardi was a mentor and a teacher for him when he was on the team. I would say that's a good sign. Posada obviously wants to stay in NY, as I mentioned above and I think signing with the Yankees would be a good move. They are desperate to keep him, so they are probably going to overpay, and when he starts to break down, he can move to two other positions (1B and DH) in the AL, while there is only one other option in the NL. In the end, I think he'll stay in pinstripes. One player who is definitely remaining in pinstripes is Bobby Abreu. The Yankees exercised their $16 million option on the right fielder and this was definitely a great move by the management. It already appears the Yanks will lose their cleanup hitter (A-Rod) they certainly couldn't afford to lose their three hitter as well. Abreu, though afraid of walls in right field, is solid defensivly but a great offensive player. Last year his numbers were a little down, but that's only cause of his horrific start. From July to September he was one of the Yankees most consistent hitters and I think was near the top of the list in many important offensive categories during that period as well. This was a smart move by the Yanks, they need Abreu and his offense, and if they keep Posada and add a solid third baseman with some legit offensive numbers, they may not score 900 runs like they did this year, but 800 for sure.
A-Rod: It's tough to talk about the Yankees without discussing Douche Bag Prime as I like to call him. Supposedly Rodriguez was looking for the $350 million deal with the Yankees. Is he insane? Is it 10 years or 8, cause either way you are paying, at the end of the deal, a 40-42-year-old shortstop/third baseman between $35 and $40 millino to play baseball. That is ridiculous. He wouldn't even listen to the Yankees' offer, which was, by all accounts was huge. Now he thinks he is going to get that money elsewhere? Yeah, I don't think so. And if he is, the team is going to have to clear some major space on their payroll, and that means they aren't going to be any good. Too bad for A-Rod....oh wait, not really. I really did love/adore/worship him while he was on the Yankees, but now, the way that he just threw the Yankees' aside without even listening was ridiculous. Boras said A-Rod was just a regular free agent like Rivera and Posada...yeah, ok. Well, even if that's true, they both listened to the Yankees offers, he didn't even give them a chance. Ridiculous.
BOS: The Red Sox exercised their options on pitchers Tim Wakefield and Julian Tavarez. Wakefield is a solid started who just seems to get the job done even though he is a circus freak of a pitcher (knuckleballer) and Tavarez is just a solid player to come out of the bullpen and be a spot starter. The Red Sox are loaded right now and they just have to deal with the Mike Lowell thing. Though online petitions and Facebook groups are lobbying pretty hard for him to retire a Red Sock. We'll see if they get greedy and go for A-Rod, which they probably shouldn't do, or stick with Lowell, which they should. I'm not just saying that cause I wouldn't want to see the best player in the game make the team I hate the most almost unbeatable (thinking of a lineup with Ortiz, A-Rod and Manny back-to-back-to-back makes me sick), I'm saying it cause I think it would be a bad move. But they would like to stick it to the Yankees. Of course, if they do sign Mr. Rodriguez they will certainly have the games highest payroll and could Red Sox fans deal with that? Probably not, they don't want to "be the Yankees", even though, to every other team in the game, they already are exactly like the Yankees.
So that's the news for right now. There is some Tori Hunter stuff. I don't know about him. Solid defensively, but overrated offensively, he's really not that good. I don't know where he would fit in, contender wise. Maybe the Braves, who decided not to go after free agent Andruw Jones...? Who knows. Sad story in Tiger Land. Flamethrowing reliever Joel Zumaya, who missed a good amount of this year with a finger problem has another, possibly career-ending setback. While helping move stuff from his father's attic in wildfire-ravaged Southern California, a box fell on his pitching shoulder requiring major surgery. The guy can't get a break. Two years ago it was Guitar Hero that gave him semi-carpal tunnel, then this year it was the finger popping, and then in the offseason he's simply trying to help his dad avoid having all of his possessions torched, and a gd box falls on his pitching shoulder. That sucks. I hope he has a good recovery and can come back and pitch, cause he throws gas. Ok, that's all for right now. Big NFL game tomorrow between Colts and Patriots. I dont' know if you've heard...I hate the Patriots, and I semi-like the Colts, so I'm hoping they come out on top. But seriously, the Patriots look like they're playing high school teams right now. Can I logically pick the Colts? No. Patriots will win, but maybe it won't be a blowout...Maybe.
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Wait...there are more than 2 Major League Teams?
Ok, despite what has been written so far on this blog, it really is intended to be about baseball in general and not the sport's two big name teams: the Yankees and Red Sox. But, in my defense, over the last couple weeks, it really has only been about those two teams, with the Yankees supposed anarchy within the organization and the Red Sox winning the World Series. Yeah, the Rockies were there and I gave them their due of course, heck, I was stupid enough to predict a purple and black World Series. Now that the World Series is over, it really is time to focus on MLB as a whole and check out what is going on:
In Cincinnati, the Reds made a wise decision picking up the $13 million option on LF/1B Adam Dunn. Dunn, I know you may have heard of him as a great power hitter, and he is, but he is probably one of the more underrated players in Major League Baseball. Today, some people, non-intelligent ones I call them, no offense to anyone in particular, have become obsessed with stats like batting average and what I think is its equivalent for pitchers: wins. Both of those are overrated stats. Adam Dunn did not hit for a high average this year, or ever. His stats for 2007: he hit .264, not bad, had an On Base Percentage (OBP) of over 100 points higher than his batting average at .386, that's phenomenal, and to top it off, he slugged .554. He walked over 100 times, fifth best in the league, hit 40 homers, third best in the league, and added 106 RsBI, which was good enough for tenth best in the league. Those are solid numbers. Yes, I know, he strikes out a lot, and yes, he is probably made for the AL seeing as how he is not a great fielder. But you don't hear enough about Adam Dunn, he is a great player, and I was hoping the Reds wouldn't pick up that option and maybe the Yanks could pick him up, seeing as how they're going to need to replace a certain players run production...Good move for the Reds. Now they just need to help Dunn and new manager Dusty Baker out with more good players.
In New York, there's another team, whom I don't really like but have made some noise lately with A-Rod talk, and some other news. In the other news first, the Mets have exercised their team-option on 41-year-old outfield Moises Alou at $7.5 million for 2008. Alou is old, and yes, he only played in 87 games, but he did hit in 30 straight games at one point, and that's not bad. Their hope is probably that he will stay healthy and can contribute for more than just over half the season...Their other little pick up was solid back-up infielder Damion Easley. They re-signed him to a one year, $950k contract. He's a good player off the bench and with the Mets already having a solid second baseman in Luis Castillo, who they traded for during the season, Easley is a good player to have around. Now, speaking of the infield, there is talk that the Mets have entertained A-Rod talk. They certainly are one of the few teams that could pay for him, but...where would they put him? They have 24-year-old David Wright at third, and he is a stud, and they have a shortstop, who is believed by many to be the most exciting player in baseball in Jose Reyes...where would A-Rod go? The talk is that Wright would be asked to move to second base, which would make Castillo expendable. Hmmm, replace light-hitting Luis Castillo with Alex Rodriguez? Yeah, that would make sense. I hate the Mets but this would be a good move, thing is, I wouldn't move Wright to second. I would move Jose Reyes, who is susceptible at short to second, keep Wright at third and put A-Rod back to shortstop. Plus, with doing that, there are plenty of teams out there who could take Castillo, extend him as bait and pick up some more pitching, since it looks as though Tommy Glavine is looking elsewhere for next season. It will be exciting.
That's it for this morning. Yes, "4 home runs in one game, and I had a horrifying face-to-face collision with Carlos Beltran", Mike Cameron was suspended by Major League Baseball for 25 games for a second positive stimulant test, but he's a free agent, so that doesn't matter...Oh, and I think I made a mistake earlier. I think I said Grady Little had managed in LA for just one year, yeah, that's not true. 2007 was his second and last year in the Dodger Blue. My apologies. Meanwhile, there is serious Joe Torre discussion in LA, we'll see what happens. Let's see what transpires on this Thursday, shall we?
In Cincinnati, the Reds made a wise decision picking up the $13 million option on LF/1B Adam Dunn. Dunn, I know you may have heard of him as a great power hitter, and he is, but he is probably one of the more underrated players in Major League Baseball. Today, some people, non-intelligent ones I call them, no offense to anyone in particular, have become obsessed with stats like batting average and what I think is its equivalent for pitchers: wins. Both of those are overrated stats. Adam Dunn did not hit for a high average this year, or ever. His stats for 2007: he hit .264, not bad, had an On Base Percentage (OBP) of over 100 points higher than his batting average at .386, that's phenomenal, and to top it off, he slugged .554. He walked over 100 times, fifth best in the league, hit 40 homers, third best in the league, and added 106 RsBI, which was good enough for tenth best in the league. Those are solid numbers. Yes, I know, he strikes out a lot, and yes, he is probably made for the AL seeing as how he is not a great fielder. But you don't hear enough about Adam Dunn, he is a great player, and I was hoping the Reds wouldn't pick up that option and maybe the Yanks could pick him up, seeing as how they're going to need to replace a certain players run production...Good move for the Reds. Now they just need to help Dunn and new manager Dusty Baker out with more good players.
In New York, there's another team, whom I don't really like but have made some noise lately with A-Rod talk, and some other news. In the other news first, the Mets have exercised their team-option on 41-year-old outfield Moises Alou at $7.5 million for 2008. Alou is old, and yes, he only played in 87 games, but he did hit in 30 straight games at one point, and that's not bad. Their hope is probably that he will stay healthy and can contribute for more than just over half the season...Their other little pick up was solid back-up infielder Damion Easley. They re-signed him to a one year, $950k contract. He's a good player off the bench and with the Mets already having a solid second baseman in Luis Castillo, who they traded for during the season, Easley is a good player to have around. Now, speaking of the infield, there is talk that the Mets have entertained A-Rod talk. They certainly are one of the few teams that could pay for him, but...where would they put him? They have 24-year-old David Wright at third, and he is a stud, and they have a shortstop, who is believed by many to be the most exciting player in baseball in Jose Reyes...where would A-Rod go? The talk is that Wright would be asked to move to second base, which would make Castillo expendable. Hmmm, replace light-hitting Luis Castillo with Alex Rodriguez? Yeah, that would make sense. I hate the Mets but this would be a good move, thing is, I wouldn't move Wright to second. I would move Jose Reyes, who is susceptible at short to second, keep Wright at third and put A-Rod back to shortstop. Plus, with doing that, there are plenty of teams out there who could take Castillo, extend him as bait and pick up some more pitching, since it looks as though Tommy Glavine is looking elsewhere for next season. It will be exciting.
That's it for this morning. Yes, "4 home runs in one game, and I had a horrifying face-to-face collision with Carlos Beltran", Mike Cameron was suspended by Major League Baseball for 25 games for a second positive stimulant test, but he's a free agent, so that doesn't matter...Oh, and I think I made a mistake earlier. I think I said Grady Little had managed in LA for just one year, yeah, that's not true. 2007 was his second and last year in the Dodger Blue. My apologies. Meanwhile, there is serious Joe Torre discussion in LA, we'll see what happens. Let's see what transpires on this Thursday, shall we?
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