Killeverything's (New)NeverEndingBaseballThread

[JakeYonkel]

Well, the Yankees aren't playing in the game, so why would ya?

[Machado]

Well, the Yankees aren't playing in the game, so why would ya?

do you still have season tix for the rays? ya know, seats next to Dick Vitale

[JakeYonkel]

Ay no cabron. I'd actually pick up a partial plan if I didn't live over an hour away.

[killeverything]

Red Sox reach tentative agreement with Adrian Beltre.
1yr/10mil with player option for 2011.

Next to Evan Longoria, he's the best 3B in the game. Counting on bounce back season from a guy with a .302OBP is retarded. Thank God for one year contracts.

Heh.

Clearly the Sox value defense a ton, insofar as they're willing to probably eat 75% of Lowell's contract and now pay Beltre $9M. Lowell of course being the better offensive player but lesser defensive player at this point.

This has gotta push Boston over the luxury tax threshhold, too. After adding Beltre and Lackey the payroll's getting up there. Not that I care, I would just like to see them in the same ballpark as the Yankees so they can shut up about it already.

I think they're counting on big bounceback season from Beltre. I think he's capable of 25HRs, not 40 again.....unless he raids Arod/Manny's medicine cabinet.

For the amount they paid + length of the deal, I guess I can't complain. I'm fluctuating on my analysis of it. Sure I champion a defense first team, but I don't think they have enough firepower to keep up with the MFY.

According to Bill James and the MARCEL predictions this team will score more runs than last season. Which puts them on track for 96 wins ( 900+runs ). I just think that the bottom of the line-up is going to be as flacid as last season. Plus they're relying too heavily on Ortiz returning to form, Varitek hitting lefties and Kotchman remaining consistent.

I would be happy with a 96 win team, since they're supposably building up for next year. Varitek off the books, Lowell, Ortiz. Extend V-Mart and Beckett and I like the direction.

That said the pitching staff is fucking wicked. Lackey is your number 3? If he remains healthy that's fucking lethal.

[Machado]

ortiz who? big papi who? if your sox can get him to being the most feared hitter in the game, that might make up for having tek behind the plate
all kidding aside, i already feel as if this off-season has lasted 10 months.

[JakeYonkel]

Varitek's a backup catcher. Ortiz is a fraction of his former self, but he still hit like 25 bombs last year. He's not worthless or anything, just not what he was.

[Machado]

Varitek's a backup catcher. Ortiz is a fraction of his former self, but he still hit like 25 bombs last year. He's not worthless or anything, just not what he was.

As a Yankee fan, it's wonderful to see ortiz losing his ability to hit the ball.
Yes he still is a pro and every AL would love to have him on the roster.

It's impossible to replace manny and impossible to replace ortiz(when the time comes).
Who do the sox have in the minors with lots of power? If anybody!

[JakeYonkel]

That Lars Anderson guy is said to be pretty good.

But it would make sense for the Sox upper level system to be a little on the bare side, seeing as how the majority of them have reached the big league team in the last few yeras.

[Machado]

That Lars Anderson guy is said to be pretty good.

But it would make sense for the Sox upper level system to be a little on the bare side, seeing as how the majority of them have reached the big league team in the last few yeras.

I understand. Basically what I'm asking is if the team has players in the minors that are legit #4 hitters. Players that can put up numbers of 30+ HR's, etc.....
The end of an era is coming soon for the sox 3 & 4 hitters.

[Machado]

Boston Red Sox manager Terry Francona informed Jacoby Ellsbury recently that he will be playing left field, with newcomer Mike Cameron in center, Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein confirmed on Wednesday.

Assuming Adrian Beltre passes his physical, the Red Sox will have changes at five positions from Opening Day a year ago: Beltre will be at third, Marco Scutaro at short, Cameron in center, Ellsbury in left, and Victor Martinez behind the plate.

"Jacoby Ellsbury is a very good center fielder who is going to be a great center fielder,'' Epstein said in confirming remarks Francona made to the Providence Journal. "It doesn't have anything to do with how he plays center field. We're happy with his center field defense.

"It's more to do with Cameron's experience, and Ellsbury's ability to play a dynamic left field. This is not necessarily a permanent arrangement, or a long-term arrangement. But we think Cameron is still an elite center fielder ... and that's the best way to go for now.''

Cameron, who signed a two-year, $15.5 million deal with the Sox last month, has played just three games in left field in 15 seasons in the big leagues, the last in 2000.

Francona, reached by phone Wednesday afternoon, said that he called Ellsbury and Cameron last month to inform them after discussing the matter in Florida with new bench coach DeMarlo Hale and coaching assistant Rob Leary.

"I knew how I felt about it, and all of our opinions concurred,'' Francona said. "This is how I feel we can put our best ballclub in the best light, but I wanted [Ellsbury] to hear it from me.

"He was probably a little disappointed, which is what I expected, but with Cameron's long strides and Jacoby's quickness, we have a chance to have a real dynamic outfield here.'

[killeverything]

Matt Holiday signs 7/120 with St. Louis. Wow they basically bid against themselves and their 112m offer. Boras is really good at this job. Now St. Louis is going to have to go over WAY 200m for Pujols.

Kotchman was traded for Bill Hall, PTBNL and cash considerations. I'm not sure how it plays out, or what Boston's want is for a super sub who hit .202. Although he hit LHP for 305/.371/.522 a year ago, and a career line of .270/.339/.471, but I think this is a salary dump.

I liked Kotchman and with playing time which he certain to get in Seattle ( rumor is he's the starting 1B ), he could develop into something. Per Speir, the PTBNL from Seattle is from a list of prospects that the Mighty Red Sox will evaluate in ST.

[tin00can]

I think Kotch will develop into a decent, but not great hitter. Safeco certainly won't help his power numbers.

[bighairdiscs]

I think Kotch will develop into a decent, but not great hitter. Safeco certainly won't help his power numbers.

what power numbers?

Kotch is a patient hitter, and a tough out..... not a power guy at all.

I can't for the life of me figure out what the Red Sox are thinking..... last year, they preached OBP, and now this year they bring in Cameron, Beltre, and now Hall... all terrible average and on-base guys. The SOX are so inconsistent from year to year, but they have such the die-hard fanbase that will buy into whatever they say, they totally get away with it........ This year they are preaching pitching and defense.... that's all well and good until you are regularly shut down by good pitching with a lineup mostly full of below .250 hitters. I can hear the average pinkhat dumbass Sox fan now "Beltre hit 48 homahs, he's wicked good!"

All that said, I think the pitching they have on board is lethal. Beckett is on a contract year, Lester seems to just keep getting better, Lackey should be rock-solid, By all accounts, Dice-K is in the best shape he's ever been in, and I think he bounces back nicely, and then Buchholz as the #5 guy, if he pitches like he did late last season, he's a helluva #5.

Great starting rotation, but I really have my doubts about that lineup........

[JakeYonkel]

Yeah, the Sox lineup is weak. And their bullpen doesn't really scare me either. The front 4 (or 5) are nasty, no doubt.

Cameron and Beltre don't get on base, Drew is decent but inconsistent at best. Ellsbury still developing. Martinez is great, no question. Youkilis good, Pedroia good. Scutaro I think is going to be another Boston SS flop, but we'll wait and see on that. They'll win games, absolutely, but gone are the days of "oh fuck, Manny and Ortiz are due up." I remember that 3 year stretch where it seemed like every game one of them jacked a bomb. Noooo more.

Oh, and Casey Kotchman is Sean Casey, IMO. Good average, OBP, defense... no power. Useful player but not really what you want from a first baseman. I can't kill Boston for the move, since he didn't really have a spot now anyway, but bringing in Bill Hall??? They could have gotten similar production out of Nick Green at 1/10 the cost...

[Machado]

Eric Hinske has signed with the Atlanta Braves.

[bighairdiscs]

The Sox are basically trotting out a National League lineup....... Martinez, Youk, and Pedroia are good hitters...... Ellsbury is a decent hitter, but makes up for a lot with his speed.... Drew is Drew. Ortiz is the big question..... he did ZERO for the first two moths of the season last year, yet he still ended with 28 HRs and 99 RBIs - decent numbers, but the fact is, he is no longer the feared power presence in that lineup..... he's a guy that swings big, and will run into a bunch of pitches.... if the pitcher doesn't make a mistake, Papi probably doesn't beat him. Scutaro is a career utility guy that cashed in on one big season... meh. Cameron is a human windmill with his strikeouts, and like Papi, will run into some balls to provide a little power. Beltre is a great defender who has seen a steady decline in his offensive numbers since a "magic" season in 2004... he's known to be not the most motivated guy, and a guy with a bad attitude in the clubhouse, I hate this signing. Bill Hall - are you fucking kidding me?

Sox couldn't afford 15-16 million for Jason bay.... yet, they will be paying 19 million for little production at third base (I won't even get started on the BS they are pulling on Lowell), and were willing to overspend for Mike Cameron.

I have always said that Theo made a lot more good moves than bad....... he is proving me wrong this offseason.

I hope I am proven wrong during the season......

[killeverything]

The Sox are basically trotting out a National League lineup....... Martinez, Youk, and Pedroia are good hitters...... Ellsbury is a decent hitter, but makes up for a lot with his speed.... Drew is Drew. Ortiz is the big question..... he did ZERO for the first two moths of the season last year, yet he still ended with 28 HRs and 99 RBIs - decent numbers, but the fact is, he is no longer the feared power presence in that lineup..... he's a guy that swings big, and will run into a bunch of pitches.... if the pitcher doesn't make a mistake, Papi probably doesn't beat him. Scutaro is a career utility guy that cashed in on one big season... meh. Cameron is a human windmill with his strikeouts, and like Papi, will run into some balls to provide a little power. Beltre is a great defender who has seen a steady decline in his offensive numbers since a "magic" season in 2004... he's known to be not the most motivated guy, and a guy with a bad attitude in the clubhouse, I hate this signing. Bill Hall - are you fucking kidding me?

Sox couldn't afford 15-16 million for Jason bay.... yet, they will be paying 19 million for little production at third base (I won't even get started on the BS they are pulling on Lowell), and were willing to overspend for Mike Cameron.

I have always said that Theo made a lot more good moves than bad....... he is proving me wrong this offseason.

I hope I am proven wrong during the season......

It looks brutal. Trading Kotchman for Hall ( plus a PTBNL and cash ) was to stay under the Luxury Tax. Plus there wasn't a place for Kotchman. If Ortiz, Beltre and Scutaro have a return to form. It will be a pretty good line-up.

The projections have them scoring more runs than they did last season. I'n not ready to jump off the cliff yet. The defense that's going out there is going to unreal. Scutaro, Beltre, Pedroia, Youkilis? Imagine what that's going to do with the pitching staff. It will benefit Lester and Buchholz the most, since they have more GB tendencies than the other pitchers.

As for Lowell. I think sucks what's happened, but the dude has been injured. He was offered more money and less years to play with other teams. He took less money and more years to stay in Boston. If you're basically only a DH now, he can't be surprised. I love the guy, but cry me a fucking river.

The Mighty Red Sox ( injury bugs aside ) project to be a 96 win team. If they make the post-season, you want nothing to do with that pitching. Aside from bullpen, which is still pretty solid. The pitchers' should be able to go more innings, with that defense behind them, less pitches. Which sets up to less innings for the bullpen.

I fucking miss Manny, but the team is still pretty good.

[bighairdiscs]

I get why they traded Kotchman, but Bill Hall?? He had one real good season in Milwaukee, and has done nothing since.... he hit .201 last year!

I don't think you will see a big "bounce back" from Ortiz.... he it what he is at this point.... he will probably have decent numbers at the end of the season, but he will be dominated by quality pitching

Honestly, I think the "bounce back" is coming from Matsuzaka .... I think he has a lot to prove.

This is a team built for the post-season with great pitching and defense..... the question is whether this team is built for the 162 to get to the playoffs?

[TawnyVonJagger]

!!!!!!!!!!!YES!!!!!!!!!!!!

Andre Dawson has been inducted into the HOF! FINALLY! Should've been in long ago. WTG and Congratulations, HAWK!!

We may try and make the trip to Cooperstown for this.

I'm thinkin' he'll go in as a Cub.

He was the only player named. Umpire Doug Harvey and Manager Whitey Herzog were also named.

[Machado]

Andre Dawson was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame Wednesday in his ninth year on the ballot.

In a shock, he was the sole inductee this year, with 77.9 percent of the vote. Bert Blyleven received 74.2 percent of the vote, and Roberto Alomar, whom many had anticipated would be a shoo-in, was third with 73.7 percent.

Edgar Martinez, Barry Larkin and Fred McGriff also were new to the ballot this year, and Martinez was a test of how Hall voters assess players who were predominantly designated hitters.

Holdovers include Mark McGwire, Jack Morris and Lee Smith.

Players must appear on at least 75 percent of the ballots to gain election.

The induction ceremony will be held July 25 in Cooperstown, N.Y.


Andre Dawson — 420 — 77.9%
Bert Blyleven – 400 – 74.2%
Roberto Alomar – 397 — 73.7%
Jack Morris – 282 – 52.3%
Barry Larkin – 278 – 51.6%
Lee Smith – 255 – 47.3%
Edgar Martinez – 195 — 36.2%
Tim Raines – 164 – 30.4%
Mark McGwire – 128 — 23.7%
Alan Trammell — 121 – 22.4%
Fred McGriff — 116 – 21.5%
Don Mattingly — 87 – 16.1%
Dave Parker – 82 – 15.2%
Dale Murphy — 63 – 11.7%
Harold Baines — 33 – 6.1%
Andres Galarraga – 22 – 4.1%
Robin Ventura — 7 – 1.3%
Ellis Burks — 2 – 0.4%
Eric Karros — 2 — 0.4%
Kevin Appier — 1 – 0.2%
Pat Hentgen — 1 – 0.2%
David Segui — 1 – 0.2%
Mike Jackson — 0 – 0.0%
Ray Lankford — 0 – 0.0%
Shane Reynolds — 0 – 0.0%
Todd Zeile — 0 — 0.0%

[killeverything]

I get why they traded Kotchman, but Bill Hall?? He had one real good season in Milwaukee, and has done nothing since.... he hit .201 last year!

I don't think you will see a big "bounce back" from Ortiz.... he it what he is at this point.... he will probably have decent numbers at the end of the season, but he will be dominated by quality pitching

Honestly, I think the "bounce back" is coming from Matsuzaka .... I think he has a lot to prove.

This is a team built for the post-season with great pitching and defense..... the question is whether this team is built for the 162 to get to the playoffs?

To tell you the truth I would be surprised if Bill Hall even makes the roster out of ST. Seattle and the "New Billy Beane" GM have some good prospects. It really wouldn't surprise me if it was to take the PTBNL, and get Hall off Seattle's hands.

Matsuzaka and Ortiz are the ones that are "wait and see". I think Ortiz will still be pretty good. Not 2003-2007 good ( *cough* vitamins ), but pretty good. He had so much shit going on personally last season ( with his father ) that it affected his play. If he can stay healthy he has a lot to prove. Plus he's off the books next year. So he'll want to go out with a bang.

I don't even want to try to even understand Daisuke. He could be an ace, or a guy that refuses to pitch to contact. Both have something to prove. If they can I like the team's chances to make the Playoffs.

Barring a massive injury ( which I wouldn't wish on any player ), the Division is the MFY's. Theo's plan was to build a 95 win team. Law of averages dictates with that kind of record, you make the Postseason fairly often, and have a shot to win the WS. It's happened twice now. I like what they've done.

It's going to be a knock down drag out for the WC this year.

[killeverything]

Bump for some updates. We've got like 12 and a 1/2 weeks till opening day. Truck Day is February 12th!

Soon my friends. Soon.

HP Clay Condrey agreed to a 1-year deal with Minnesota - no terms yet disclosed.

1B/OF Eric Hinske has agreed to a 1-year deal with Atlanta. The deal is reportedly worth $1 million, plus an additional $500K in possible incentives.

DH Jack Cust has re-signed with Oakland on a 1-year, $2.5 million deal, with an additional $500K in possible incentives. I was pretty happy to see Cust stay in Oakland. Beane took a shot on him, sure he strikes out a lot, but with that power? Could you imagine him in a smaller park? Jesus, I think he'd push the 40+ mark then.

Kansas City has signed the "other" Cuban left-hander, 19-year-old LHP Noel Arguelles, on a 5-year deal worth about $7 million.

LHP Scott Eyre announced his retirement.

SS Brian Bocock, who had been placed on waivers by San Diego, was claimed by Toronto.

San Diego 2B Edgar Gonzalez, the brother of Adrian Gonzalez, will reportedly be acquired by the Yomiuri Giants of Japan.

Colorado signed C Chris Ianetta to a 3 yrs, $8.35 million deal with Colorado (buying out his arbitration years), plus a $5 million option for 2013 (his first year of free agency).

RHP Sergio Mitre avoided arbitration by agreeing to an $850K deal (+ incentives) with the Yankees.

minor league deals:
PHI: RHP Ryan Vogelsong, RHP Ehren Wasserman, C John Suomi, C Dane Sardinha
SEA: 3B Chris Woodward I need to look into this one on http://www.ussmariner.com, because I know he's pretty close to ML ready, but for a team so solid in defense. I'm not sure his UZR. Tom Tango is at the helm so I bet they're pretty solid.

*According to mariner.com they have Woodward as a SS, and they think he'll either start at AAA or force Hannahan down as the backup IF.
TEX: 3B Matt Brown

[thejuggernaut]

Matsuzaka and Ortiz are the ones that are "wait and see". I think Ortiz will still be pretty good. Not 2003-2007 good ( *cough* vitamins ), but pretty good. He had so much shit going on personally last season ( with his father ) that it affected his play. If he can stay healthy he has a lot to prove. Plus he's off the books next year. So he'll want to go out with a bang.

This kind of thing ticks me off.

Ortiz had tainted piss from before the banning, when MLB was conducting a survey test.

There is ZERO evidence he took anything during the ban years, which just so happen to be the "Big Papi" era.

The only thing we do know for sure is that a pretty good hitter, who got plenty of rest from DHing, played in a hitter friendly park, with a kickass lineup from top to bottom and had one of the top 5 deadliest hitters in baseball (who has had a great effect on LA's lineup since going there) history right beside him.

[killeverything]

Matsuzaka and Ortiz are the ones that are "wait and see". I think Ortiz will still be pretty good. Not 2003-2007 good ( *cough* vitamins ), but pretty good. He had so much shit going on personally last season ( with his father ) that it affected his play. If he can stay healthy he has a lot to prove. Plus he's off the books next year. So he'll want to go out with a bang.

This kind of thing ticks me off.

Ortiz had tainted piss from before the banning, when MLB was conducting a survey test.

There is ZERO evidence he took anything during the ban years, which just so happen to be the "Big Papi" era.

The only thing we do know for sure is that a pretty good hitter, who got plenty of rest from DHing, played in a hitter friendly park, with a kickass lineup from top to bottom and had one of the top 5 deadliest hitters in baseball (who has had a great effect on LA's lineup since going there) history right beside him.

Your reading too literal. As much as I've heard about the 2003 testing, was Ortiz took a substance that triggered a positive test. Some players were unfairly singled out because of it. As much info before it was destroyed that leaked, was that it wasn't a steroid or HGH. Which is why I said "vitamins".



On MLBN right now, they're talking about the reason Alomar was left off the ballots by some writers because of the spitting incident. The explainations were "he'll get in, but not on the first because of that incident". I personally think it's bullshit.

Like they said "Alomar is the greatest 2B since Joe Morgan, and possibly ever". I agree, but I still wouldn't put anyone over Joe Morgan....I just don't want to hear his thoughts.

[thejuggernaut]

Matsuzaka and Ortiz are the ones that are "wait and see". I think Ortiz will still be pretty good. Not 2003-2007 good ( *cough* vitamins ), but pretty good. He had so much shit going on personally last season ( with his father ) that it affected his play. If he can stay healthy he has a lot to prove. Plus he's off the books next year. So he'll want to go out with a bang.

This kind of thing ticks me off.

Ortiz had tainted piss from before the banning, when MLB was conducting a survey test.

There is ZERO evidence he took anything during the ban years, which just so happen to be the "Big Papi" era.

The only thing we do know for sure is that a pretty good hitter, who got plenty of rest from DHing, played in a hitter friendly park, with a kickass lineup from top to bottom and had one of the top 5 deadliest hitters in baseball (who has had a great effect on LA's lineup since going there) history right beside him.

Your reading too literal. As much as I've heard about the 2003 testing, was Ortiz took a substance that triggered a positive test. Some players were unfairly singled out because of it. As much info before it was destroyed that leaked, was that it wasn't a steroid or HGH. Which is why I said "vitamins".



On MLBN right now, they're talking about the reason Alomar was left off the ballots by some writers because of the spitting incident. The explainations were "he'll get in, but not on the first because of that incident". I personally think it's bullshit.

Like they said "Alomar is the greatest 2B since Joe Morgan, and possibly ever". I agree, but I still wouldn't put anyone over Joe Morgan....I just don't want to hear his thoughts.

Ahh, so you mentioning the entire 2003-2007 period, a specific time frame, in spite of the triggering only taking place in 2003, was ME taking it too literally.

[WhiteHouseSubsAC]

Scott Podsednik close to finalizing a deal with the Royals. He did a great job coming back with the White Sox last year, hope he gets a nice payday. It's KC, but he'll have boatloads of cash to go along with his piece of ass wife (1998 Playmate of the Month Lisa Dergan):

[tin00can]

Scott Podsednik close to finalizing a deal with the Royals. He did a great job coming back with the White Sox last year, hope he gets a nice payday. It's KC, but he'll have boatloads of cash to go along with his piece of ass wife (1998 Playmate of the Month Lisa Dergan):

Other than playing for the Royals, his life is pretty sweet.

[Facedown]

Vlad signs with Rangers. 1yr/5mil

[JakeYonkel]

Great deal for Texas. LA is going to regret letting him go and signing Matsui.

[tin00can]

Great deal for Texas. LA is going to regret letting him go and signing Matsui.

Perhaps, but I doubt it. I spent all year watching Vlad. Unless he gets some bat speed back, he'll continue to decline. Those pitches he used to launch out of the yard were turning into pop-ups and ground-outs. Sadly, he's mostly a singles hitter now.

I was totally in favor of Matsui over Vlad. I hope Vlad does well but I don't think he will.