Killeverything's (New)NeverEndingBaseballThread

[MurrayFiend]

You're not wrong. I love Phillies schadenfreude, but they did get that one ring outta the deal.

[killeverything]

Giants GM Sabean releases statement "we haven't talked to Scherzer and we don't plan too." Then ( the article ) went on to say how SF tried to land the best pitcher available ( Lester ) and don't plan to pursue the 2nd best.

This makes me laugh for a variety of reasons. #1. I don't think Scherzer is on the same level as King, Sale, pre-whateverisgoingonwith Verlander, pre-ASG Tanaka, or Jon fucking Lester.

2. He's largely looked at as a second to Lester, who benefited pitching in front of Detroit's lineup. A 200 million dollar second? Cracka, please.

3. He's represented by Scott Boras. I don't hate Boras for being amazing at his job, but I do take satisfaction in seeing him fail, although it's unfortunately rare.

4. Having ( supposedly ) SF, BOS, NYY, & LAD verbally out of the hunt makes Detroit's 140m offer look like Xmas.

Womp womp.

[lemmysmole]

2. He's largely looked at as a second to Lester, who benefited pitching in front of Detroit's lineup. A 200 million dollar second? Cracka, please.

Agreed(and I'm a Tigers fan)

3. He's represented by Scott Boras. I don't hate Boras for being amazing at his job, but I do take satisfaction in seeing him fail, although it's unfortunately rare.

It is nice to see, since he's stuck it to so many owners for so long.

4. Having ( supposedly ) SF, BOS, NYY, & LAD verbally out of the hunt makes Detroit's 140m offer look like Xmas.

But Boras is so stupid, he'll still try claiming there's a big market for him. You're spot on, he's worth less than Lester IMO.

[killeverything]

Still no word on who won the bid on Kang. We just know SF didn't, LAD didn't, OAK didn't. I heard some speculation it was Seattle, but with Seager, Cano, and a couple of SSs ( one of whom's potential is huge ), why?

James Shields asking for 5/110m. Red Sox and Giants are in discussions.

Dodgers surpass Yankees in Luxury Tax payment this season. All that money, no pennant. It worked for NY once . New TV contracts or not, I don't think the "trying to buy rings" trend can continue. It's probably why Max Scherzer thinks he's worth 200 million.

[MurrayFiend]

You guys are high. Scherzer is the better pitcher (though it's close); what made Lester a more attractive option was the price-tag difference.

[killeverything]

Pirates win the bid on Kang.

Twins extend Phil hughes Through 2019 for 42m.

Josh Johnson returning to SD for 1m after second TJ surgery.

[killeverything]

Orioles claim Ryan Lavernway off waivers.

[killeverything]

The Cubs and C David Ross agree to 2 year deal.

Braves and RHP Jason Grilli agree to 2 year deal with a club option for third.

[killeverything]

O's and OF/DH Delmon Young agree to 1/2.25m deal.
How wild would it he if he has an offensive year like Nelson Cruz?

[killeverything]

Nationals sign Dan Uggla to a minor league deal. What the fuck happened to that guy?

[killeverything]

Braves and C AJ Pierzynski agree to 1 year deal. AJ being brought in to mentor catcher Bethancourt.

Doug Fister bought everyone a cup of coffee at Starbuck's Christmas eve. If you followed him on twitter ( 27,000 ) and had a smartphone the barista scanned a barcode he and his wife released, and you got a cup of joe. Pretty cool if you ask me.

The rumors are going full force that Ben Zobrist is going to be traded. So far the top landing place is SF, but I expect more teams to get in. Zobrist is a 5WAR player that can play 2B, 3B, SS, and LF.

The Padres are talking with Philadelphia about acquiring Cole Hammels. There's some exciting shit goin' down in San Diego this year.

Hiroki Kuroda is going back to Japan.

David Wright extends an invite to Spring Training and a seat in the dugout during games to slain NYPD officer Wilson Ramos' two sons.

[Monkey_Julius_Bowaffle_]

Not entirely certain what the hell happened to Uggla, but last year Jay Bruce trended horribly that way as well offensively. Just awful. I hope it was simply an aberration possibly due to knee surgery and that he rebounds in 2015.

Would also like to see the Reds acquire Zobrist for LF, but I am def. not holding my breath. I never felt good about that stupid contract they awarded to Votto (same goes for the one they gave to Homer Bailey...blah) & now, I am afraid that they are pretty much maxed out cash wise. While Walt Jocketty does pull off a good move or two from time to time, overall, I have not been overly impressed with his GM skills. Hopefully, he has a solid move or three up his sleeve for the near future. Nevertheless, I find him to simply be a very avg. GM in today's game.

Crazy all the moves SD's new GM has wheeled and dealed. And if they manage to get Hamels as well? - Wow...hell of an off-season for the Friars.

[Gibsonite]

Not exactly new news,but some big-time money men are exploring the possibility of bringing baseball back to Montreal where it belongs. Leading the charge is Stephen Bronfman,son of original Expos owner and billionaire Charles Bronfman. They're taking notice south of the border too,hopefully they can make this a reality one day.

http://www.sportsnet.ca/baseball/mlb/la ... b-rebirth/


http://www.sportstalkflorida.com/montre ... situation/

[WOLF]

Not exactly new news,but some big-time money men are exploring the possibility of bringing baseball back to Montreal where it belongs. Leading the charge is Stephen Bronfman,son of original Expos owner and billionaire Charles Bronfman. They're taking notice south of the border too,hopefully they can make this a reality one day.

http://www.sportsnet.ca/baseball/mlb/la ... b-rebirth/


http://www.sportstalkflorida.com/montre ... situation/

For now I think we're being used as a pawn in the Tampa Bay stadium negotiations, but if that all really does go to shit, and the Rays do not get more fan support, it's a possibility. 96,000 attended the two Jays preseason games here last Spring, and it will be the same this year.

Since the death of Gary Carter, Expos alumni have been very active in holding events here and rallying corporate support. Warren Cromartie has led the charge. It's important to keep in mind that guys my age, who were pre-teens in the 80's, grew up loving the team. Now that we are older, and part of the business community, we are ready to spend our $ to support the team. Also, with the creation of more specialty sports networks in Canada, both in English and French, there is a need for a hot new programming commodity. A new stadium would need to be built here, but the Olympic Stadium can be a temporary home for 2-3 years.

My bet: The Expos return in the next decade or so. It would be a dream come true for me.

[Gibsonite]

Yeah,me as well. I never did get to see a game there but I grew up watching games from Jarry Park on tv.

Have you seen a book called Ecstasy to Agony : The Story of the 1994 Expos? It's a pretty good read. One thing that struck me is how to a man,all those guys LOVED the city and the Montreal fans. They even took a vote and unanimously decided to come back in 1995 at the same salaries as the previous year but sadly it was not to be.

Crow's group has been doing a great job keeping baseball alive there but now that they have local billionaire businessmen involved I think it's just a matter of time.

[killeverything]

MFY trade Shawn Kelly to Padres for MiLB RHP Johnny Barbato.

KC finishes off deal for Edison Volquez 2/20.

Cleveland open to trading Nick Swisher. Swisher I've always considered highly underrated. Billy Beane acquired him to be his "Kevin Youkilis" since they have similar OBPs ( .353/.382 ). Swisher then signs with Chicago under Guillen ( who hates hitters to take walks ) and consequently has the lowest offensive season of his career.

Ozzie Guillen's retarded ass is trying to get back into baseball.

M'one Davis named female sportsman of the year. Bumgarner and Davis, 2014 was the year of the pitcher

[killeverything]

Rays and Asdrbal Cabrera agree to 2 year deal.

[killeverything]

Mariners trade RHP Brandon Mauer to Padres for OF Seth Smith.
I have mixed feelings on this one. It could be a Zduriencik trading when Mauer's value was sky high. Remember he was a starter that was pounded by the third inning, basically true to his roots as a redheaded stepchild. When he was moved to the bullpen though, he was lights out.

The reason I'm perplexed is ( as I've stated before Seattle is about to become scary good ) the M's strength last year was a bullpen that all throw in the upper 90s. They lost a piece of that now. I found 2014 to be the year of elite bullpens. The trade is good for both. I just wonder if Maurer is smoke and mirrors or the real deal. You can never tell with redheads.

[Machado]

Hall of Fame's Class of 2015

Randy Johnson (97.3%) was a five-time Cy Young Award winner.
Pedro Martinez (91.1%) won three Cys and led MLB in ERA five times.
John Smoltz (82.9%) amassed 213 wins to go with 154 saves.
Craig Biggio (82.7%) racked up 3,060 hits while playing three positions up the middle.


The induction ceremony is scheduled for July 26 in Cooperstown, N.Y.


4 very deserving players. Piazza just missed with 70% of the votes. Piazza will probably enter the HOF very easily next year with Griffey and Trevor Hoffman.

[WOLF]

Hall of Fame's Class of 2015

Randy Johnson (97.3%) was a five-time Cy Young Award winner.
Pedro Martinez (91.1%) won three Cys and led MLB in ERA five times.
John Smoltz (82.9%) amassed 213 wins to go with 154 saves.
Craig Biggio (82.7%) racked up 3,060 hits while playing three positions up the middle.


The induction ceremony is scheduled for July 26 in Cooperstown, N.Y.


4 very deserving players. Piazza just missed with 70% of the votes. Piazza will probably enter the HOF very easily next year with Griffey and Trevor Hoffman.

Tim Raines
Tim Raines
Tim fuckin' Raines

Voters, take your heads out of your asses, look at the stats, talk to some people, and compare him to other comparable players already in the HOF!

Dumb asses.

[Machado]

Hall of Fame's Class of 2015

Randy Johnson (97.3%) was a five-time Cy Young Award winner.
Pedro Martinez (91.1%) won three Cys and led MLB in ERA five times.
John Smoltz (82.9%) amassed 213 wins to go with 154 saves.
Craig Biggio (82.7%) racked up 3,060 hits while playing three positions up the middle.


The induction ceremony is scheduled for July 26 in Cooperstown, N.Y.


4 very deserving players. Piazza just missed with 70% of the votes. Piazza will probably enter the HOF very easily next year with Griffey and Trevor Hoffman.

Tim Raines
Tim Raines
Tim fuckin' Raines

Voters, take your heads out of your asses, look at the stats, talk to some people, and compare him to other comparable players already in the HOF!

Dumb asses.

I agree 1,000%. Raines is only the second best lead off hitter in the history of the game. Those accomplishments should be more than enough to be voted in.

[killeverything]

I agree with y'all about Raines, but I don't think he should be inducted before Edgrrrr Martinez. One of the greatest hitters of all time.

"It pisses me off to have to throw 13 pitches to get a guy out. I hope his case gains traction." - the Most Dominate Pitcher In Baseball History and 2015 first ballot HOF inductee, Pedro Martinez

[Machado]

I agree with y'all about Raines, but I don't think he should be inducted before Edgrrrr Martinez. One of the greatest hitters of all time.

"It pisses me off to have to throw 13 pitches to get a guy out. I hope his case gains traction." - the Most Dominate Pitcher In Baseball History and 2015 first ballot HOF inductee, Pedro Martinez

Tim Raines before Edgar. Tim is the 2nd best lead off of all time. Edgar put up great stats but he loses some points in my book for being strictly a DH.
Sorry. There are old school voters that are against most PED users or suspected users. I am in the same boat when it comes to guys like Edgar who made their living with the bat, but never took the field for 9 innings, over 162 games.

[killeverything]

I agree with y'all about Raines, but I don't think he should be inducted before Edgrrrr Martinez. One of the greatest hitters of all time.

"It pisses me off to have to throw 13 pitches to get a guy out. I hope his case gains traction." - the Most Dominate Pitcher In Baseball History and 2015 first ballot HOF inductee, Pedro Martinez

Tim Raines before Edgar. Tim is the 2nd best lead off of all time. Edgar put up great stats but he loses some points in my book for being strictly a DH.
Sorry. There are old school voters that are against most PED users or suspected users. I am in the same boat when it comes to guys like Edgar who made their living with the bat, but never took the field for 9 innings, over 162 games.

I see your point and do feel it's going to be a while before the BBWAA takes the DH position with any eligibility. Edgar is has some impressive numbers and has an award named after him. I have never heard allegations of PED use associated with him, but he played in the era.

The problem with both is that they fall short of the 3k/400 club. With the inclusion of Jim Rice ( whom has spen a portion of his career as a DH ) the argument can be made for Martinez' inclusion. I agree with both being in though.

[WOLF]

I agree with y'all about Raines, but I don't think he should be inducted before Edgrrrr Martinez. One of the greatest hitters of all time.

"It pisses me off to have to throw 13 pitches to get a guy out. I hope his case gains traction." - the Most Dominate Pitcher In Baseball History and 2015 first ballot HOF inductee, Pedro Martinez

Tim Raines before Edgar. Tim is the 2nd best lead off of all time. Edgar put up great stats but he loses some points in my book for being strictly a DH.
Sorry. There are old school voters that are against most PED users or suspected users. I am in the same boat when it comes to guys like Edgar who made their living with the bat, but never took the field for 9 innings, over 162 games.

I see your point and do feel it's going to be a while before the BBWAA takes the DH position with any eligibility. Edgar is has some impressive numbers and has an award named after him. I have never heard allegations of PED use associated with him, but he played in the era.

The problem with both is that they fall short of the 3k/400 club. With the inclusion of Jim Rice ( whom has spen a portion of his career as a DH ) the argument can be made for Martinez' inclusion. I agree with both being in though.

I don't have an issue with Edgar. He was the best at what he did, and if closers can be in, so can DHs.

Raines may have only had 2600 hits, but he had 1300 walks. If a third of those walks were singles, would he be in? These mythical thresholds are silly. Think about it: 2600 hits, 1300 walks, 800 SB, almost 1000 RBI, 170 HR. Guy could have padded his stats like crazy but always respected the game and was a good teammate.

Jonah Keri on Tim Raines, from Grantland a few years ago:

Tim Raines — Let’s get this out of the way first: I’m biased. Tim Raines is my favorite player of all time. That doesn’t change the fact that he is, objectively, a deserving Hall of Famer. Don’t take my word for it. Read Keith Law for a present-day take. Or read Peter Gammons’ Sports Illustrated opus on Raines and Rickey Henderson from 1986, a piece which illustrates how Raines was viewed in his prime as one of the very best players in the game. This wasn’t just a subjective view. Total Baseball‘s numbers ranked Raines as a top-five player every year from 1983 through 1987. Bill James ranks him as the 40th-best position player of all time. He was electrifying and ruthlessly effective, stealing 808 bases while doubling as the most accurate base stealer of all time (84.7%) for someone with anywhere near as many attempts. For all the Tim Raines stats, analysis, and testimonials you can possible handle, spend a few minutes at Raines30.com.

To make your life easier, I’ll leave you with one stat: Tim Raines reached base more times in his career than Tony Gwynn. First-ballot, 97.6%-of-the-vote Tony Gwynn.

[killeverything]

I don't disagree with you. The problem is is the 3K/400 standard. Utilizing more advanced and descripitive new school stats, guy's like Raines and possibly Martinez would have already been in.

I hope that Raines gets in. I also hope Edgrrr does too. I think after Griffey Jr. next year, a lot of the upcoming elects and the aura of PEDs a larger push can be made. Plus with the new fangled stats taking hold and more people realizing using BAA to analyze a hitter is as stupid as using W/L to analyze a pitcher it could really take hold. The Seling Era is officially over, and maybe now voting process can be cleane up too.

[lemmysmole]

Hall of Fame's Class of 2015

Randy Johnson (97.3%) was a five-time Cy Young Award winner.
Pedro Martinez (91.1%) won three Cys and led MLB in ERA five times.
John Smoltz (82.9%) amassed 213 wins to go with 154 saves.
Craig Biggio (82.7%) racked up 3,060 hits while playing three positions up the middle.


The induction ceremony is scheduled for July 26 in Cooperstown, N.Y.


4 very deserving players. Piazza just missed with 70% of the votes. Piazza will probably enter the HOF very easily next year with Griffey and Trevor Hoffman.

Tim Raines
Tim Raines
Tim fuckin' Raines

Voters, take your heads out of your asses, look at the stats, talk to some people, and compare him to other comparable players already in the HOF!

Dumb asses.

Alan Trammell and Jack Morris too.

[Gibsonite]

[killeverything]

Hall of Fame's Class of 2015

Randy Johnson (97.3%) was a five-time Cy Young Award winner.
Pedro Martinez (91.1%) won three Cys and led MLB in ERA five times.
John Smoltz (82.9%) amassed 213 wins to go with 154 saves.
Craig Biggio (82.7%) racked up 3,060 hits while playing three positions up the middle.


The induction ceremony is scheduled for July 26 in Cooperstown, N.Y.


4 very deserving players. Piazza just missed with 70% of the votes. Piazza will probably enter the HOF very easily next year with Griffey and Trevor Hoffman.

Tim Raines
Tim Raines
Tim fuckin' Raines

Voters, take your heads out of your asses, look at the stats, talk to some people, and compare him to other comparable players already in the HOF!

Dumb asses.

Alan Trammell and Jack Morris too.

Oooooo Jack Morris. He pitched ONE very good game 7!

It's the Hall Of Fame, not the Hall Of The Very Good. Fuck that guy. His eligibilty is over now too. It's funny as hell listening to him whine about it. Want to be in the Hall, Jack? You should have been better, fuckhead.

[Machado]

Hall of Fame's Class of 2015

Randy Johnson (97.3%) was a five-time Cy Young Award winner.
Pedro Martinez (91.1%) won three Cys and led MLB in ERA five times.
John Smoltz (82.9%) amassed 213 wins to go with 154 saves.
Craig Biggio (82.7%) racked up 3,060 hits while playing three positions up the middle.


The induction ceremony is scheduled for July 26 in Cooperstown, N.Y.


4 very deserving players. Piazza just missed with 70% of the votes. Piazza will probably enter the HOF very easily next year with Griffey and Trevor Hoffman.

Tim Raines
Tim Raines
Tim fuckin' Raines

Voters, take your heads out of your asses, look at the stats, talk to some people, and compare him to other comparable players already in the HOF!

Dumb asses.

Jack Morris too.

Jack Morris can enter the HOF whenever he wishes, as a paid customer. Jack is not good enough. Sorry. Do not mean to burst your bubble. Kill said it best. Not the hall of very good.