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.