Killeverything's (New)NeverEndingBaseballThread

[Machado]

The more days that pass without having
signed Pettitte, the more I wonder what is going
through his head.

The Yankees offer of 1 yr-$10 million is more than fair.

Read a report on the Yankees site that a team(not named) has offered
Pettitte 3 yrs/$36 million. I really find that hard to believe. What team
would offer him 3 yrs???
Andy, come back to NY for a final year and be our #4 starter. We can do this. You deserve to pitch in the new stadium.
Don't even think of wearing another uniform in '09!

[JakeYonkel]

The guy has contemplated retirement the past two offseasons, is coming off a mediocre year.. that rumor of 3/$36M deal is bullshit probably being put out there by his people to make the Yankees up their one-year offer.

$10M is more than reasonable for a guy who had the full support of his team last season during the Mitchell Report shit, and really didn't have a terrific year.

Then again, he's probably sitting there saying to the Yankees "look, if you can throw $250M at Sabathia and Burnett, you can afford to give me a few more million" which I guess isn't totally unreasonable either.

[Punk]

I'd like to add here that if Ramirez signs with New York, baseball should be shut down. This is fucking bullshit to the 10th power.

I'm wanting so bad for Ramirez to resign with Los Angeles and Tex with Anaheim. He's one of my favorite players and the thought of him in a Boston uniform is puke inducing.

[JakeYonkel]

I'd like to add here that if Ramirez signs with New York, baseball should be shut down. This is fucking bullshit to the 10th power.

Boo hoo.

And I'm sure Boston will overpay for Teixeira in response to the Yankees' spending spree.

[killeverything]

The guy has contemplated retirement the past two offseasons, is coming off a mediocre year.. that rumor of 3/$36M deal is bullshit probably being put out there by his people to make the Yankees up their one-year offer.

$10M is more than reasonable for a guy who had the full support of his team last season during the Mitchell Report shit, and really didn't have a terrific year.

Then again, he's probably sitting there saying to the Yankees "look, if you can throw $250M at Sabathia and Burnett, you can afford to give me a few more million" which I guess isn't totally unreasonable either.

Completely. Andy's a team first guy until it's contract time. Don't give me that "we can't open new MFY Stadium without you" bullshit. The guy is about as "team first" as Varitek.

Free Agency is killing teams. Fuck all of them.

[JakeYonkel]

These guys wraggling over a few extra million is just fucking swell when the economy's in the tank and their fans are struggling to make ends meet.

Yeah yeah yeah, I know, demand drives salaries. But still.

[Machado]

I'd like to add here that if Ramirez signs with New York, baseball should be shut down. This is fucking bullshit to the 10th power.

Boo hoo.

And I'm sure Boston will overpay for Teixeira in response to the Yankees' spending spree.

Whichever teams gives teixeira a 10 yr deal is overpaying!
Why give this guy 10 yrs? He's not Babe Ruth!!

I hope some team other than the Yankees give him that deal so that team
can be miserable and starving for money for the next 10 yrs.

[killeverything]

I'd like to add here that if Ramirez signs with New York, baseball should be shut down. This is fucking bullshit to the 10th power.

Boo hoo.

And I'm sure Boston will overpay for Teixeira in response to the Yankees' spending spree.

Whichever teams gives teixeira a 10 yr deal is overpaying!
Why give this guy 10 yrs? He's not Babe Ruth!!

I hope some team other than the Yankees give him that deal so that team
can be miserable and starving for money for the next 10 yrs.

Like Texas did with Arod? Apparently no team is going to give Tex a 10 year deal, apparently what's rumored is Boston will go less years for more money. Eight is being thrown around. Both NY and Anaheim supposably are behind in the bargaining right now. Anaheim is preparing to go after Manny, an option they did not want.

Manny's not getting any offers until Tex signs. No one wants a 36 year old DH.

Here's an update on Tex. I hate this "new Empire" shit. Fucking hate it, we're becoming everything that's wrong with Baseball.

A general manager of one of the five teams involved in the Mark Teixeira talks said this morning that in his opinion if the talks ended right now, Boston would land the coveted free-agent first baseman.

"I think they're in the lead and ahead of where everyone else is right now," he said. "I'm not sure who's bidding against them at this point."

Asked whether he thought the talks would end soon, the GM said, "You just never know where Scott Boras and the Red Sox are involved."

http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/r ... _lead.html

[nycyankee]

Pictures of Sabathia visiting new Yankee Stadium.


http://www.nj.com/yankees/index.ssf/200 ... e_sta.html

[killeverything]

Pictures of Sabathia visiting new Yankee Stadium.


http://www.nj.com/yankees/index.ssf/200 ... e_sta.html

Those were pretty cool. I'm looking forward to more Sabbathia/Beckett duels, now that he's a Yank it will be so much better.

Here's a Lowe update from Rosenthal.

The Phillies almost certainly are out on free-agent right-hander Derek Lowe now that they've signed free-agent outfielder Raul Ibanez, left-hander Jamie Moyer and righty Chan Ho Park. The Red Sox and Mets remain possibilities for Lowe, and the Yankees conceivably could re-enter the picture if they fail to re-sign free-agent lefty Andy Pettitte, though team officials downplay that possibility . . .


http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/8954 ... deals-fast

I don't see NY going after Lowe at all, even if the Pettitte return falls through. Their FO probably realizes that Lowe is a pitcher overly dependant on defense. They have a terrible shortstop and overall bad defense, so it probably wouldn't be in their best interests to pursue. I wonder who goes after Sheets?

[WhiteHouseSubsAC]

Any hot dog stands open in this bitch yet?

[JakeYonkel]

For as strict as George has been regading facial hair and appearance in the past, let's hope the Yankees make CC and Joba turn their fucking cap brims straight...

[nycyankee]

Pictures of Sabathia visiting new Yankee Stadium.


http://www.nj.com/yankees/index.ssf/200 ... e_sta.html

Those were pretty cool. I'm looking forward to more Sabbathia/Beckett duels, now that he's a Yank it will be so much better.

Here's a Lowe update from Rosenthal.

The Phillies almost certainly are out on free-agent right-hander Derek Lowe now that they've signed free-agent outfielder Raul Ibanez, left-hander Jamie Moyer and righty Chan Ho Park. The Red Sox and Mets remain possibilities for Lowe, and the Yankees conceivably could re-enter the picture if they fail to re-sign free-agent lefty Andy Pettitte, though team officials downplay that possibility . . .


http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/8954 ... deals-fast

I don't see NY going after Lowe at all, even if the Pettitte return falls through. Their FO probably realizes that Lowe is a pitcher overly dependant on defense. They have a terrible shortstop and overall bad defense, so it probably wouldn't be in their best interests to pursue. I wonder who goes after Sheets?

I don't know what Andy Pettitte is waiting for but if I were Cashman I would remove the offer from the table. Andy Pettitte isn't even worth 10 million. I say let him sign his 3 yr $36 million offer with his imaginary team and just move on. This guy learned a lot from Clemens on how to be a prick.


P.S Yankees need to sign Manny.

[killeverything]

I'm not sure either.

For all Yankee fans who want nothing to with Manny, tell me that in October. I hope to God someone, fucking anyone would make people turn their fucking hat brims straight. That and take off the fucking size sticker everyone is doing now. Baby steps first I know.

We can all have a laugh at imagining the outfield defense with a roving Manny and often injured Damon. That 'D' is a nightmare for their pitchers.

[JakeYonkel]

I honestly don't believe that Manny's poor behavior would BE that disastrous - I mean, the guy played on 2 championships teams and I think I read since 2000 all but like 1 or 2 teams he's been on have made the playoffs. So you can't tell me he's THAT bad.

I'd be more worried about the fact that he's a total defensive liability who really should only be DHing at this point, and while he's a FANTASTIC hitter, I couldn't justify paying $25M for a guy who can only DH AND would probably provide a headache in the clubhouse, potentially dog it, and you know, shove a travelling secretary or two.

Yeah, he's clutch, and he hits in the postseason. Ideally if you could nab him on a one year deal, I'd say go for it. But anything more than that for the kind of money he is demanding would be lunacy.

Let him go back to LA.

[Punk]

I'd like to add here that if Ramirez signs with New York, baseball should be shut down. This is fucking bullshit to the 10th power.

Boo hoo.

And I'm sure Boston will overpay for Teixeira in response to the Yankees' spending spree.

When I want your retarded, racist opinion, I'll ask for it. Until then, speak when spoken to.

And fuck Boston as well.

[TawnyVonJagger]

We went to the Marlins' Holiday Party tonight. Good times.

FINALLY got a pic with Hawk, but my husband must have learned from the School of Globman, because it's blurry as shit! Also met and talked with Fredi Gonzalez (HELL of a nice guy, he was robbed of the MOY BIG TIME), the veryveryveryTALL Chris Volstad...he was SO cool, and seemed like an "aw, shucks" kinda guy, and I felt quite Lilliputian around him, the very friendly and HOT Robert Andino, and the sweet and HOT Gaby Sanchez. (Yes, I am a girl, and I swoon over hot players. Bite me. ) Also talked with Rich n Tommy, Larry Beinfest, and even David Samson. The guy has a big mouth, but I gotta respect him for what he's done getting the stadium deal. Everyone was just so friendly and approachable, it was quite refreshing. Good food, good friends, good drink, good time!

Carry on.

[Sabu]

If Manny is still out there once the Mets make their decision as to which two starters they're going to try and sign... I really don't think Omar and the Wilpons will be able to resist the temptation any longer to bring him in... especially if the two pitchers they sign are Pedro and Ollie.

As it is right now, left field is some combination of Fernando Tatis, Dan Murphy, and Angel Pagan... not exactly awe inspiring. With Manny, the Mets get the insurance they need if and when Delgado reverts to the 2007/early 2008 Delgado. Plus... it gives them one more star for the new stadium, and one more draw for their tv channel.

Reyes
Beltran
Manny
Delgado
Wright

I'll take that top 5 in my order... Although between Manny, Reyes, and K-Rod... there will be some flat out goofiness on that team. All the Mets would need would be the return of Turk Wendell.

[killeverything]

I think Pedro retires. The Mets are all about Perez it seems.

Here's another Tex update.

With as many as five teams showing interest in the first baseman, there is serious doubt the Red Sox would go longer than the eight-year contract the Los Angeles Angels, Teixeira's former team, have offered.

"We all have limits," Red Sox owner John Henry said in an e-mail to The Associated Press. "Eight years is a very long time in baseball and everywhere else."

He also said the amount the team is willing to spend on a free agent "depends on both" the economy and the player being sought.

"Baseball as a whole has not yet been hit by the financial crisis, but it will," Henry said. "The degree is in question and won't be answered for a while."

A decision by Teixeira on where he will end up did not appear imminent.

"No immediate timetable," his agent, Scott Boras, said in an e-mail Wednesday. "Negotiations are on going."

More than eight years? Fuck that guy and Boras. Let him go somewhere else, and keep Manny from the MFY.

[JakeYonkel]

I see Manny as a much better fit for the Mets anyway. I think Omar is showing a ton of restraint - I mean, c'mon, Manny was the biggest Hispanic free agent out there.

Seriously though, he fills their LF hole nicely and they've got a CF who covers a ton of ground to make up for it. Wasn't he a Mets fan growing up, anyway? It'd work out nicely.

Just no Yankees, please. It'd be *sob* "unfair to baseball" *sob*

[Punk]

How sad is it that you can't even discuss the issue rather than throw out sophomoric bullshit like "boo hoo" and "sob"?

Weak

[JakeYonkel]

I'm discussing the issue plenty. Ignore that stuff if you like.

You've been a bitch to me lately, sorry if I'm getting to you.

[Punk]

No, you're discussing why you don't necessarily want Manny in a Yankee uniform. I haven't seen you say shit about how the fact that they're about to sign arguably 3 of the top 4 free agents this year is ridiculous, even by their standards.

Getting to me? Dude we're talking about baseball. Get real.

[TawnyVonJagger]

woot i have another pic of Hawk and me, along with my buddy Phil:

[JakeYonkel]

No, you're discussing why you don't necessarily want Manny in a Yankee uniform. I haven't seen you say shit about how the fact that they're about to sign arguably 3 of the top 4 free agents this year is ridiculous, even by their standards.

Because it's really not ridiculous.

A) At least Boston, the Mets, Angels, Dodgers and probably another team or two has the coin to get any of these guys if they wanted. It's not as if the Yankees are the only team capable of doing it. Sabathia could have easily signed with LA or Burnett to the Braves. They got outbid, but if they REALLY wanted Sabathia they would have matched the offer the Yankees made. The Braves weren't that far off the Burnett offer, he just chose NY.

B) The Yankees have like $80M coming off the books from '08 and between these 2 guys are only putting ~$40M back on the books. Not to say that they should spend every last dime but it's not like they're pushing payroll past where it's been.

C) The Yankees have not really been active in free agency the past 2 years, save for A-Rod but he basically got an extension from them anyway.

[Punk]

Yeah, $40 million for CC and Burnett, but if Manny signs that'll push it to $65 million. Inevitably they'll sign Pettitte as well, which gets it right back to close to $80 million. They've already tried to trade for Mike Cameron, and if that falls through they'll definitely be dealing for another $10 million + player...in other words, despite those ridiculously bad contracts coming off the books, they could easily be over that mark this year.

And Boston can suck a dick too, as soon as Tex signs there. I'm even more sick about that than the Yankees' bullshit.

Seriously, for one second put yourself in the shoes of a middle of the road fan, like say a fan of Baltimore, or a long suffering fan like myself, of Pittsburgh. Can you not see how frustrating this shit is? Football doesn't have this problem because of the salary cap, and that's why you get Pittsburgh, and New England, and Indianapolis, and the Giants, and the Bucs, and the Rams, and the Ravens and other teams winning the super bowl. Sure every now and then you'll get a Rays story line, but when the best players almost always go to the same 2 teams, it gets tiring.

[killeverything]

To think that the MFY wouldn't go after everyone this year is insane, especially after the humiliation they've experienced.

Jake is right though. NY and Boston are certainly not the only teams capable of signing these guys. Players are choosing them, because of their track records. Not one team has been outbid this year. I think MLB Free Agency is killing the sport, but without it then what?

As for Burnett, NY wasn't really where he wanted to go. It was Boston or Atlanta. Traitor and Arod called him and spoke to him a lot about signing there. Then he decided NY, he was going to get money anywhere he went. They overpaid sure, I just don't think it was all $$$$. You also have to laugh at them being stuck with him for that duration. He dominated some pretty wicked AL lineups last season......when he wasn't on the DL that is.

[JakeYonkel]

Yeah, $40 million for CC and Burnett, but if Manny signs that'll push it to $65 million. Inevitably they'll sign Pettitte as well, which gets it right back to close to $80 million. They've already tried to trade for Mike Cameron, and if that falls through they'll definitely be dealing for another $10 million + player...in other words, despite those ridiculously bad contracts coming off the books, they could easily be over that mark this year.

I really doubt they'll sign Manny, or Tex. I figure they'll lock up Pettitte, MAYBE acquire Cameron, a bench guy or two.. and there's your team. So without looking at hard numbers in front of me I would guess that puts the payroll somewhere in the ballpark of $180M or so. Still high, yes, but an improvement.

Seriously, for one second put yourself in the shoes of a middle of the road fan, like say a fan of Baltimore, or a long suffering fan like myself, of Pittsburgh. Can you not see how frustrating this shit is? Football doesn't have this problem because of the salary cap, and that's why you get Pittsburgh, and New England, and Indianapolis, and the Giants, and the Bucs, and the Rams, and the Ravens and other teams winning the super bowl. Sure every now and then you'll get a Rays story line, but when the best players almost always go to the same 2 teams, it gets tiring.

Well, I don't pity teams like Baltimore and Minnesota who have owners with money that choose not to spend it. There is plenty of allure to playing in Baltimore but if the free agent "splashes" they choose to make are Kevin Millar and Kris Benson then I can't really feel too bad for them.

When you've got teams like Tampa and Florida who don't spend money BUT make intelligent decisions in their drafting and player development, I think that's awesome. The Rays in the World Series was a story that anybody should have been able to get behind.

The third class of teams is those who don't spend money and make stupid fucking decisions. Sorry, like Pittsburgh. I'd say Houston falls into this category as well, among others. Their front offices are so bad they'd need to spend money in free agency to compensate, but they don't. So it sucks for the fans, but somewhere like Pitt has been a loser franchise for a while now (not quite the level of the Detroit Lions, but same idea) and why would a free agent want to sign there when there's little hope of winning? Just the plain truth. If you want to start getting the good guys to sign there, start making improvements from the ground level so you can sell free agents on the future.

Not that somebody like Troy Percival was a dynamite signing, but he spurned offers from other big market teams to sign with Tampa last year. Obviously he saw something with them and he was right.

[Facedown]

Does anybody know what Tex has been offered by the Angels and the Sox?
All ESPN keeps saying is that the Orioles can't match the offers but there's no details as to what they are.
I know the Nationals went 8/160
Orioles went 7/150 and then supposedly upped it but I never heard what the final bid was.
Angels went 8/at least 160. Never heard the exact number on that one either.
Haven't heard shit about the Sox offer.

[JakeYonkel]

As for Burnett, NY wasn't really where he wanted to go. It was Boston or Atlanta. Traitor and Arod called him and spoke to him a lot about signing there. Then he decided NY, he was going to get money anywhere he went. They overpaid sure, I just don't think it was all $$$$. You also have to laugh at them being stuck with him for that duration. He dominated some pretty wicked AL lineups last season......when he wasn't on the DL that is.

Hey, nobody is denying that he's an injury risk. But the truth of the matter is that he's a top 10 MLB pitcher when he's on. Five years was too much, and I think this guy's gonna be a flameout by year 4, personally... but maybe being in a winning atmosphere will motivate him. (yeah yeah, they didn't make the playoffs, but at least with the Yankees you know there's a serious chance every year)

Anybody would like to have Sabathia on their team - you can't kill the Yankees for the signing. Maybe for the negotiations, but not for signing him. He's durable, a lefty, throws hard, good guy.

Burnett might be more effective as a mid-rotation guy, even if he's paid like a front-end one.