Killeverything's (New)NeverEndingBaseballThread

[thejuggernaut]

The NL is inferior. Since interleague play began the records are pretty even, but in the past few seasons the AL slaughters the NL. The best hitters are in the AL, and the AL features better pitchers - how many NL guys have come over and had great success in the AL? Not a whole lot.

I don't give a fuck that the NL has won a few World Series lately - that's called small sample size.

We've all had this argument before.

LOL

Yeah, who gives a fuck about the World Series - it's the interleague games that matter.

Once again I call that small sample size. His game calling is overrated. It's impossible to quantify, anyway. Pitch execution is more important than pitch direction/selection, anyway.

LOL.

Are you for real ?

Selection/direction are PART of the execution.

And no, it's not impossible to quantify when there are stats to support it. When a pitching staff's era rises when a team switchers catchers, how exactly is that unquantifiable ?

You can't possibly be this ignorant.

[Machado]

There is no way that Melky's friendship with Cano would "write his ticket out of town". With an organization that's battled rumours of being "cold and strictly job-like" in the clubhouse the last few years. You would think that would be welcome.

Maybe the FO is concerned with Cano's off field partying ( see: Lowe ), but that wouldn't be the reasoning for Cabrerra. Melky is prone to be traded because of his own performance. Get something for him while his value is still high enough to. As for Robinson, he's still a kid. They need some sort of clubhouse leader or mentor for the young players. All teams do...or should. Like a McKeon type.

I am not saying its the only reason, but it certainly plays a part. And it has been spoken about in the media openly. There's one thing about having a looser club house. Damon and Giambi did a lot for that. There's another thing have guys fucking around. That's what Cano/Cabrera were doing. Its just the facts and its no secret. Its discussed on sports radio all the time. The two are inseparable.

And despite the friendship, there is a huge discrepancy in talent. Cano took a step back, but Melky ended up in the minor leagues. If Melky was as good as Cano, would they be doing this? Of course not, everyone knows there is a double standard. But because he is essentially a very good fourth outfielder and not a regular, coupled with what they perceive as a negative influence, he is most likely gone. And he was off to Milwaukee for Cameron who already sucked it up in Shea but the deal fell through.

Bubby Brister was traded because he insulted Jeter for not joining in on a brawl. And once he said it, people knew it and it happened real quick.

As of today the Yankees outfield looks something like this:

Damon LF
Melky/Gardner(rookie) CF
Nady RF

Matsui has played a lot of LF in the past, but he is scheduled to represent in the DH spot for most if not all season.

I know Damon has no arm in LF. CF is a different story because both Melky and Gardner have strong arms. Nady in RF is a good spot for him. Not sure if his arm is as strong as Abreu, but time will tell.

Replacing Bernie in CF might be the toughest task for the Yankees. Until Jeter moves from SS or Posada leaves the C position.

If Melky or Garnder play CF, both of them will bat 9th. Fine with me.
Sure we can use an upgrade at the position, but at the same time, I feel like we can play with what we have at the moment.

Also, let's not forget that Nick Swisher is now a Yankee. He has played CF before. He is good on defense? I don't know his play well enough to say and I have no idea about his arm strength. Again, he is just another option. These questions will be answered during spring training.

[Machado]

There is a very good chance that Melky will be traded between
now and opening day. If that is the case, I hope we can something very good in return.

Gardner in CF could be a good choice. The guy has a lot of speed, has a strong arm and who's to say he can not play well on an everyday basis.
Perhaps the Yankees have plans to have Gardner and Swisher share the CF spot or put the player who is the hottest at the moment in the line-up.

A few injuries would have to occur in order for Damon to move into the CF position. For now Damon should play LF because he can't DH full-time with Matsui on the team.

All of these "problems" are good to have. I still like the Swisher signing because he can play multiple positions, is a switch hitter and is an upgrade on the bench over what we had in '08.

[killeverything]

Here's a Red Sox question(s) for Kill:

Now that it appears that Varitek is gone, how do you think it will effect the Sox? What do you think it will mean to the pitching staff, especially the younger ones?

Also, how many games do you think Tek won for them behind the plate with his preparation, pitch calling, and handling of the pitchers versus how many games did he cost them with his anemic bat? Assuming that he was net positive, what will they have to do to make that up?

I'm going to have to answer this question later. I don't have any of the 2009 Annuals yet, and won't pay for a subscription site right now.

To answer it specifically I need his UZR, WARP and VORP. From what we know about Tek is what pitchers/teamates say about him. Certainly when he went down in the past, the team did too. Although he is an automatic out at the plate, I need to see how many runs he's cost the team over the season. Especially with his discontentment at being pinch hit for in the fucking ALCS. I think it's time to move on.

I chuckled at the 4 year contract after 2004. I agreed wtih it. He deserved it, and we needed him. I and everyone else was under the correct impression that year four, he would be nothing.

It insults his wallet to take a 2 year deal for less money. I hoped that he would to help mentor his replacement. I keep hearing about Kottaras. I think a new catcher is gonna come via trade. Something none of us expects. If Varitek/Boras won't accept a smaller deal then fuck him. His ALCS actions pissed me off, now I'm close to hating the guy. Schilling, Pedro, Beckett, etc. rave about his abilities behind the plate, but how do you quantify that? It's been a running joke for a while that Jeter is "Captain Intangibles". It's always made me chuckle. We have the same damn thing.

Done with Tek.

There's a fun rumor floating around right now of Bedard for Matsui. Seattle is a poorly run organization that already traded the farm for the guy, but come on. At least make it believeable. That's more unlikely than Hanley for Ellsbury/Buchholz.

I think the MFY OF will be just fine. The addition of Swisher was brilliant IMO. I think the guy is one of the most undervalued players in MLB.

[killeverything]

The Yankees have to be very careful with how they deal with Matsui. I believe that they want to get rid of him, but the entire Japanese world is looking upon it. And if they do it, they have to do it in an "honorable" way, because future Japanese players will remember how they deal with him. He was so popular there to begin with. I think that's why Seattle is perfect based on team ownership, population, and Suzuki. They can't just send the guy anywhere.

I think Swisher has a chance to be like a Brosius. Just a gritty type of guy who gets his career going again. I really liked that move.

I don't think there is any truth to the rumour. I just heard it. Why and the hell Seattle would even consider it is beyond me, actually the majority of Seattle's actions are beyond me.

I think NY is stuck with Matsui. Money, knees, age the whole shebang. I think your opinion on Swisher is right on the money. That's all the MFY need. A bunch of Brosius/O'neal types. We all seen what happened last time they had that.

Fuck.

[tin00can]

Angels signed Fuentes, which was no surprise - he stated that he wanted to go there. Now the bully is set for them.

[killeverything]

Angels signed Fuentes, which was no surprise - he stated that he wanted to go there. Now the bully is set for them.

That was a good pickup. We'll see how long it takes him to transition from the NL to AL hitters.

What is Anaheim going to do about Teixeria?

[Machado]

I actually think Texiera could become like that, even though he's so high profiled.

I got two guys completely wrong: Abreu who I thought would be an impact guy, but he really just hangs numbers, and Vasquez when they had him. He didn't do that hot.

I think the best chance the Yankees had to get rid of Matsui was last year when SF expressed some interest. I believe he said he would be willing to go. I think you're right. Another slow pitch softball player we're stuck with.

But Swisher looks like he's an ass kicker and the Yankees need that. And someone to help AJ Burnett off the field when his arm falls off.

Why you have a problem w/Matsui makes me scratch my head. All the guy does is produce. He drives in runs, he hits the occasional home run and plays hard day in and day out.
The previous 2 seasons his bad knees have kept him off the field. Who's to say this year will be a repeat. I hope his troubled knees are healthy enough for him to play around 145+ games and be productive at the plate.
The Yankees are not asking him to play defense anymore. We have enough OF's at the moment.

[tin00can]

Angels signed Fuentes, which was no surprise - he stated that he wanted to go there. Now the bully is set for them.

That was a good pickup. We'll see how long it takes him to transition from the NL to AL hitters.

What is Anaheim going to do about Teixeria?

Two options right now: either sign Dunn (I've heard nothing to that effect so far) or go with Kendry Morales, who has been kicking around in the Angels farm system the last two years. I have a feeling it will be Morales, although I'd like to have Dunn and I think he'd be a bargain at around $15-17 million.

[killeverything]

Yeah, you're probably right about Morales. He's put up decent numbers in his major league at bats.

( age 22-23 ) 2006-7 100G 316AB 81H 202B 13B 9HR 33R 37RBI .256/.308/.411 85AOPS

His numbers look decent, but a .400SLG first baseman? I know Scosscia favors a more small ball approach, but aside from Vlad. That leaves basically no power in the line-up.

Also can he play a full season yet? I think they'll try to make a move on Dunn. He strikes out a lot, but when he hits em' he hits em' far. There are a lot of hitters on the market right now. With the state of the economy their price tags are all going down.

I would love to see Manny get less than his two option years he cried his way out of. That would be redemption. Word is that Boras is now crawling back to LA, and DePoseta ( sp? ) has lowered the offer from the respectable 2/45 he originally did. Olney called it out that team's are weary of him, for his "performance" in Boston. Everyone saw it. Duh.

Redemption.

[WhiteHouseSubsAC]

Swiss-Army Knife (and semi-regular PKOS fantasy team member) Mark DeRosa to Cleveland for 3 prospects.

[tin00can]

Yeah, you're probably right about Morales. He's put up decent numbers in his major league at bats.

( age 22-23 ) 2006-7 100G 316[ b]AB[/b] 81H 202B 13B 9HR 33R 37RBI .256/.308/.411 85AOPS

His numbers look decent, but a .400SLG first baseman? I know Scosscia favors a more small ball approach, but aside from Vlad. That leaves basically no power in the line-up.

Also can he play a full season yet? I think they'll try to make a move on Dunn. He strikes out a lot, but when he hits em' he hits em' far. There are a lot of hitters on the market right now. With the state of the economy their price tags are all going down.

I would love to see Manny get less than his two option years he cried his way out of. That would be redemption. Word is that Boras is now crawling back to LA, and DePoseta ( sp? ) has lowered the offer from the respectable 2/45 he originally did. Olney called it out that team's are weary of him, for his "performance" in Boston. Everyone saw it. Duh.

Redemption.

Ideally, I'd love to see the Angels get Manny for one or two years and have him help us beat Boston in the playoffs. That would be sweet. However, I don't think the Angels will go for Manny. I also think they're not gonna push hard for Dunn because of his low average, which is stupid - dude is a lock for at least 35 HRs and he'd be great after Vlad. I think the Angels will end up with Morales and we'll see what he can do. Based on what I've seen and heard so far, I'd expect about 15-20 HRs and an OPS in the low to mid 700s. Not great, but decent.

[Machado]

I actually think Texiera could become like that, even though he's so high profiled.

I got two guys completely wrong: Abreu who I thought would be an impact guy, but he really just hangs numbers, and Vasquez when they had him. He didn't do that hot.

I think the best chance the Yankees had to get rid of Matsui was last year when SF expressed some interest. I believe he said he would be willing to go. I think you're right. Another slow pitch softball player we're stuck with.

But Swisher looks like he's an ass kicker and the Yankees need that. And someone to help AJ Burnett off the field when his arm falls off.

Why you have a problem w/Matsui makes me scratch my head. All the guy does is produce. He drives in runs, he hits the occasional home run and plays hard day in and day out.
The previous 2 seasons his bad knees have kept him off the field. Who's to say this year will be a repeat. I hope his troubled knees are healthy enough for him to play around 145+ games and be productive at the plate.
The Yankees are not asking him to play defense anymore. We have enough OF's at the moment.

I don't have a big problem with him. And with Giambi and Abreu gone, I have less of a problem. But I just feel the Yankees need to get athletic and younger, and if there's a good deal out there, they should make it. Hopefully he'll be good for 85-95 RBI's this year. I'll take that. But knees deteriorate, they don't get better and there's a chance he'll turn bad real fast.

The key word was "if", if there is a deal out there to get younger. This off-season we concentrated on pitching. That was our #1 priority.
So let's give the team a break and live w/Matsui for at least 1 more year.
Based on how well he plays in '09 might dictate whether or not he will return for another year in 2010.
I am very happy that we went after starting pitching, acquired Swisher and Tex for the '09 season.
I can't complain that we have Matsui at DH. Just can't do it.

[killeverything]

Yeah, you're probably right about Morales. He's put up decent numbers in his major league at bats.

( age 22-23 ) 2006-7 100G 316AB 81H 202B 13B 9HR 33R 37RBI .256/.308/.411 85AOPS

His numbers look decent, but a .400SLG first baseman? I know Scosscia favors a more small ball approach, but aside from Vlad. That leaves basically no power in the line-up.

Also can he play a full season yet? I think they'll try to make a move on Dunn. He strikes out a lot, but when he hits em' he hits em' far. There are a lot of hitters on the market right now. With the state of the economy their price tags are all going down.

I would love to see Manny get less than his two option years he cried his way out of. That would be redemption. Word is that Boras is now crawling back to LA, and DePoseta ( sp? ) has lowered the offer from the respectable 2/45 he originally did. Olney called it out that team's are weary of him, for his "performance" in Boston. Everyone saw it. Duh.

Redemption.

Isn't it possible that Manny could not even break even now monetarily. He was owed another 40 million or so right? Now he's only going to get that back, but he has to pay Boras' commission. It seems to be a wash.

Yep. 2 option years at 20 million. If everything I've heard is true, his next contract will be less than that. You know there is a problem when one of the greatest RHH of all time can't get paid. Karma.

As for Matsui. He's gonna get worse before he gets better. I for one would love to see him gone. There was no one in that lineup who started rallies at Fenway or was more "clutch" than him IMO. Fucker was terrifying.

[Machado]

I doubt Matsui will be back for another year and I believe Damon comes off the books as well. They'll do the two legged sack race out of here.

Alright, how much does that clear, $25 million thereabouts? Who's a free agent next year? Yeah baby!

Go ahead and think about 2010 if you wish.

I prefer to concentrate on '09.

[killeverything]

I know, I was just joking. But I looked it up anyways.

Hey Lickety, how do you think Hideki Okajima would look in pinstripes?

Yeah baby, come to the evil empire.

That's an interesting question for sure. With the cultural differences, would Asian ballplayers be more loyal to the teams that "brought them in." We've somewhat seen it in Seattle with Ichiro.

Do you think a player would go to a hated rival, or would that be considered "disrespectful?"

Oh also Morneau is a FA in 2010. I know the Mighty Red Sox want him bad. The MFY need him too. I wonder what that $$$ war will be like.

[JakeYonkel]

Oh also Morneau is a FA in 2010. I know the Mighty Red Sox want him bad. The MFY need him too. I wonder what that $$$ war will be like.

Morneau is kinda useless for the Yankees now that they have Teixeira for 8 years. I could see Boston grabbing him and moving Youk over like they would have done.

However there's another New York team with a giant gaping hole at 1B after this season...

[killeverything]

Oh also Morneau is a FA in 2010. I know the Mighty Red Sox want him bad. The MFY need him too. I wonder what that $$$ war will be like.

Morneau is kinda useless for the Yankees now that they have Teixeira for 8 years. I could see Boston grabbing him and moving Youk over like they would have done.

However there's another New York team with a giant gaping hole at 1B after this season...

My bad. I meant to say Mauer.

[Machado]

I know, I was just joking. But I looked it up anyways.

Hey Lickety, how do you think Hideki Okajima would look in pinstripes?

Yeah baby, come to the evil empire.

That's an interesting question for sure. With the cultural differences, would Asian ballplayers be more loyal to the teams that "brought them in." We've somewhat seen it in Seattle with Ichiro.

Do you think a player would go to a hated rival, or would that be considered "disrespectful?"

Oh also Morneau is a FA in 2010. I know the Mighty Red Sox want him bad. The MFY need him too. I wonder what that $$$ war will be like.

morneau on the Yankees?
We need him?

[JakeYonkel]

Ah, right.

Yeah, unless Minnesota locks up Mauer, I can't see him not playing in Boston after this year.

If the Varitek thing passes, Bard will just be a stopgap for a year as a starter, which is passable, I guess.

[Machado]

Ah, right.

Yeah, unless Minnesota locks up Mauer, I can't see him not playing in Boston after this year.

If the Varitek thing passes, Bard will just be a stopgap for a year as a starter, which is passable, I guess.

mauer huh?
well it's possibly the Yankees would go after his services as well.

let's say Matsui does not return in 2010. that leaves the DH spot open.
let's say Posada takes over as the full-time DH.
that leaves catcher open.
let's say mauer signs with the Yankees...

[killeverything]

I know, I was just joking. But I looked it up anyways.

Hey Lickety, how do you think Hideki Okajima would look in pinstripes?

Yeah baby, come to the evil empire.

That's an interesting question for sure. With the cultural differences, would Asian ballplayers be more loyal to the teams that "brought them in." We've somewhat seen it in Seattle with Ichiro.

Do you think a player would go to a hated rival, or would that be considered "disrespectful?"

Oh also Morneau is a FA in 2010. I know the Mighty Red Sox want him bad. The MFY need him too. I wonder what that $$$ war will be like.

Well, Nomo went to Texas right? And he meant a lot to LA when he first came. And a lot of people thought Ichiro was coming to the Yankees.

I think once they decide to make the move to the US, which is a big move in itself, they'll just work the system as well. And I think the player's union makes sure of it. Because a lot of money is spent on rights, not the player's contract at first like Andrew Dice-K. So in free agency, they truly get the market value.

I meant in the "rivalry" sense. Boston to NY or vice versa. I wonder how culturally it would be seen.

I know that Ichiro wanted out of Seattle. He stated he won't okay a trade though. He wanted to honor his contract. He re-signed there when they fired Melvin. I think he probably regrets it now.

[Facedown]

Giants aggressively pursuing Manny Ramirez.

[killeverything]

That makes sense. They desperately need a bat.

What I heard was Boras went crawling back to LA, asking if the 2/45 deal still was on the table. "Nope" they're after Dunn and Abreu now. I hope Manny gets less than his option years he cried his way out of.

[Machado]

How soon will manny fire boras now that the dodgers refuse to put
that offer back on the table?

Talk about an agent that truly believed his client was worth far more than he imagined.
I enjoy seeing boras suffer. Makes me very, very happy.

manny on the giants. seems like a good fit since they need a bat w/power in the worst way.

[tin00can]

How soon will manny fire boras now that the dodgers refuse to put
that offer back on the table?

Talk about an agent that truly believed his client was worth far more than he imagined.
I enjoy seeing boras suffer. Makes me very, very happy.

manny on the giants. seems like a good fit since they need a bat w/power in the worst way.

Somehow, I don't think Boras is suffering. If he is, I'd like to try suffering Boras-style.

[killeverything]

How soon will manny fire boras now that the dodgers refuse to put
that offer back on the table?

Talk about an agent that truly believed his client was worth far more than he imagined.
I enjoy seeing boras suffer. Makes me very, very happy.

manny on the giants. seems like a good fit since they need a bat w/power in the worst way.

Keep in mind though, it is all speculation. The more I've read into it, the more it seems like Boras using the media as a negotiating tactic. Something he does brilliantly.

Frank McCourt has the money to spend on Manny easily. What's rumored is a 4 year deal, incentive laden with a team option for year 4. The Giants can just improve the OF left of Manny, since there is no DH in the NL. I think they'll trump everyone's offers out of desperation. The best power bat in their Farm ( A ) is 17, and won't be ready for quite sometime.

The addition of Manny behind Tim Lincecum, clearly makes them the favorites for the NLWest.

[Machado]

How soon will manny fire boras now that the dodgers refuse to put
that offer back on the table?

Talk about an agent that truly believed his client was worth far more than he imagined.
I enjoy seeing boras suffer. Makes me very, very happy.

manny on the giants. seems like a good fit since they need a bat w/power in the worst way.

Somehow, I don't think Boras is suffering. If he is, I'd like to try suffering Boras-style.

What I meant by suffering is, crawling back to teams and having the door shut in his face.

[Machado]

Don't you think the A-Rod situation last year did not show
boras in the best light?
Sure boras still got paid, but A-Rod spoke publicly about boras in a negative way. A-Rod talked about going to the Yankees alone and having not spoken to Boras after the contract was worked out.

[killeverything]

Don't you think the A-Rod situation last year did not show
boras in the best light?
Sure boras still got paid, but A-Rod spoke publicly about boras in a negative way. A-Rod talked about going to the Yankees alone and having not spoken to Boras after the contract was worked out.

Yeah, but in all seriousness. Has Boras done anything to project himself in a positive light?

Boras is the best there is at what he does. Get money. Bleed every last cent out of who he deals with. I bet Boras would steal your grandmother's wallet if he knew there was cash in there.

Sure he was behind the Manny debacle. Player's still use him though. Here's some food for thought. It's not the MFY and their massive contracts that are destroying baseball. It's the Player's Union. As long as there's a MLBPA there will be a Scott Boras.