Killeverything's (New)NeverEndingBaseballThread

[Facedown]

Giants sign Aubrey Huff to 1yr deal.
Reds sign Adrolis Chapman to 5yr/30mil deal.
Matsuzaka admits that he hid a leg injury from the team before the start of the 2009 season. He pitched with this injury in the WBC and it changed his mechanics which led to his shoulder injury.

[JakeYonkel]

Man, you see some of these lousy teams make these signings and it's easy to tell why exactly they're such lousy teams. Aubrey Huff? NOT an NL player. Should be DHing.

Basically every move the Giants, Royals, and Astros make I laugh at. It's one thing to be bad and trying to move and shake and get better, it's another to just make everybody scratch their head constantly.

[Facedown]

Washburn turns down 1yr/5mil offer from Twins.

[JakeYonkel]

As if Washburn will make more money elsewhere. Scrub.

[Facedown]

Marlins pay heed, will increase payroll

MIAMI -- The perennially frugal Florida Marlins have reached an agreement with the players' union to increase spending in the wake of complaints the team payroll has been so small as to violate baseball's revenue sharing provisions.

The deal was announced Tuesday in a joint statement by the Marlins, the union and Major League Baseball. The parties did not comment beyond the statement, and it was unclear how much the Marlins' payroll might increase.
The agreement runs through 2012, when the Marlins' new ballpark is scheduled to open.

"In response to our concerns that revenue sharing proceeds have not been used as required, the Marlins have assured the union and the commissioner's office that they plan to use such proceeds to increase player payroll annually as they move toward the opening of their new ballpark," said Michael Weiner, executive director of the players' association.

The agreement calls for arbitration if further disagreements arise, Weiner said.

Baseball's basic agreement calls for each club to use its revenue sharing receipts in an effort to improve the team. In recent years, the union has complained the requirement was not met by some teams, including the Marlins.

Plagued by poor attendance in their current home, the Marlins have had the lowest payroll in the majors three of the past four seasons.

But the franchise has gotten considerable bang for its buck. Last year, for example, the Marlins finished six games out of first place in the NL East with a payroll of $37 million, while the division rival Mets finished 17 games behind Florida despite a payroll of $142 million.

"The Marlins have consistently made every effort to put the best product on the field, and our record supports the fact that we have been successful in that regard," team president David Samson said. "Throughout the discussions, the Marlins maintained that there had been no violation of the basic agreement at any time."

Citing confidentiality provisions, the joint statement said there would be no comment by any of the parties on further specifics of the agreement. As a result, it's unclear what impact a spending increase will have on the Marlins' 2010 season.

They might now be less inclined to trade second baseman Dan Uggla, who is eligible for arbitration and due a hefty raise. And increased spending improves the chance of an agreement with ace Josh Johnson on a multiyear contract.

Year Payroll Rank Win Pct. Rank
2009 $36.8M 30th 10th
2008 $21.8M 30th 14th
2007 $30.5M 29th 26th
2006 $15.0M 30th 18th

[killeverything]

John Dewan's Stat Of The Week.

I'll be damned, it's about the Mighty Red Sox

The Red Sox Believe in Defense
January 12, 2010
The Boston Red Sox fell from an estimated 20 Defensive Runs Saved as a team in 2008 to second worst in baseball at -52 Runs Saved last year. This, no doubt, was a key contributing factor for the pitching staff’s increased ERA. Mike Lowell played through a hip injury that turned a previously good defender into an abysmal one, totaling -18 Runs Saved at third. Additionally, young shortstop Jed Lowrie hit the DL early in 2009, forcing Nick Green, Alex Gonzalez, and the defensively-challenged Julio Lugo into the lineup as fill-ins. The team acquired another bat in Victor Martinez, a notoriously bad defensive catcher.
Recognizing their defensive shortcomings, General Manager Theo Epstein has brought in three defensively-minded acquisitions this offseason: Adrian Beltre, Marco Scutaro, and Mike Cameron. Here’s how each performed in 2009 compared to the Red Sox at their respective positions:
Red Sox Offseason Acquisitions
Player Position Runs Saved
Adrian Beltre 3B 22
Red Sox 2009 3B -18
--- --- ---
Marco Scutaro SS 12
Red Sox 2009 SS -19
--- --- ---
Mike Cameron CF 3
Red Sox 2009 CF -10
--- --- ---
Total Acquisitions 3B/SS/CF 37
Red Sox 2009 3B/SS/CF -47
Difference 84

[killeverything]

Marlins pay heed, will increase payroll

MIAMI -- The perennially frugal Florida Marlins have reached an agreement with the players' union to increase spending in the wake of complaints the team payroll has been so small as to violate baseball's revenue sharing provisions.

The deal was announced Tuesday in a joint statement by the Marlins, the union and Major League Baseball. The parties did not comment beyond the statement, and it was unclear how much the Marlins' payroll might increase.
The agreement runs through 2012, when the Marlins' new ballpark is scheduled to open.

"In response to our concerns that revenue sharing proceeds have not been used as required, the Marlins have assured the union and the commissioner's office that they plan to use such proceeds to increase player payroll annually as they move toward the opening of their new ballpark," said Michael Weiner, executive director of the players' association.

The agreement calls for arbitration if further disagreements arise, Weiner said.

Baseball's basic agreement calls for each club to use its revenue sharing receipts in an effort to improve the team. In recent years, the union has complained the requirement was not met by some teams, including the Marlins.

Plagued by poor attendance in their current home, the Marlins have had the lowest payroll in the majors three of the past four seasons.

But the franchise has gotten considerable bang for its buck. Last year, for example, the Marlins finished six games out of first place in the NL East with a payroll of $37 million, while the division rival Mets finished 17 games behind Florida despite a payroll of $142 million.

"The Marlins have consistently made every effort to put the best product on the field, and our record supports the fact that we have been successful in that regard," team president David Samson said. "Throughout the discussions, the Marlins maintained that there had been no violation of the basic agreement at any time."

Citing confidentiality provisions, the joint statement said there would be no comment by any of the parties on further specifics of the agreement. As a result, it's unclear what impact a spending increase will have on the Marlins' 2010 season.

They might now be less inclined to trade second baseman Dan Uggla, who is eligible for arbitration and due a hefty raise. And increased spending improves the chance of an agreement with ace Josh Johnson on a multiyear contract.

Year Payroll Rank Win Pct. Rank
2009 $36.8M 30th 10th
2008 $21.8M 30th 14th
2007 $30.5M 29th 26th
2006 $15.0M 30th 18th

No shit. Something needed to be done with that. Gotta say though, they have been succesful for being penny-pinchers.

Tawny's gonna be stoked.

[JakeYonkel]

John Dewan's Stat Of The Week.

I'll be damned, it's about the Mighty Red Sox

The Red Sox Believe in Defense
January 12, 2010
The Boston Red Sox fell from an estimated 20 Defensive Runs Saved as a team in 2008 to second worst in baseball at -52 Runs Saved last year. This, no doubt, was a key contributing factor for the pitching staff’s increased ERA. Mike Lowell played through a hip injury that turned a previously good defender into an abysmal one, totaling -18 Runs Saved at third. Additionally, young shortstop Jed Lowrie hit the DL early in 2009, forcing Nick Green, Alex Gonzalez, and the defensively-challenged Julio Lugo into the lineup as fill-ins. The team acquired another bat in Victor Martinez, a notoriously bad defensive catcher.
Recognizing their defensive shortcomings, General Manager Theo Epstein has brought in three defensively-minded acquisitions this offseason: Adrian Beltre, Marco Scutaro, and Mike Cameron. Here’s how each performed in 2009 compared to the Red Sox at their respective positions:
Red Sox Offseason Acquisitions
Player Position Runs Saved
Adrian Beltre 3B 22
Red Sox 2009 3B -18
--- --- ---
Marco Scutaro SS 12
Red Sox 2009 SS -19
--- --- ---
Mike Cameron CF 3
Red Sox 2009 CF -10
--- --- ---
Total Acquisitions 3B/SS/CF 37
Red Sox 2009 3B/SS/CF -47
Difference 84

I looked at the piece. He writes:

Using the rule of thumb that 10 runs equals one win, defense could boost Boston as many as eight or nine wins beyond their 2009 win total.

I actually LOLed at that. Yeah, Mike Cameron, Marco Scutaro, and Adrian Beltre would have made the 2009 Red Sox from a 95 win team to a 104 win team.

That's why you can't put TOO much stock into these type of stats. It doesn't account for the fact that Cameron and Beltre can't hit anymore and Scutaro isn't so great himself. The dropoff from Bay to Cameron is huge, as well as Lowell to Beltre, IMO. Scutaro is obviously better than Green/Gonzalez were, but still. That's just silly.

[Machado]

^^^

This is why the games
are played on the field, not on paper.

[killeverything]

John Dewan's Stat Of The Week.

I'll be damned, it's about the Mighty Red Sox

The Red Sox Believe in Defense
January 12, 2010
The Boston Red Sox fell from an estimated 20 Defensive Runs Saved as a team in 2008 to second worst in baseball at -52 Runs Saved last year. This, no doubt, was a key contributing factor for the pitching staff’s increased ERA. Mike Lowell played through a hip injury that turned a previously good defender into an abysmal one, totaling -18 Runs Saved at third. Additionally, young shortstop Jed Lowrie hit the DL early in 2009, forcing Nick Green, Alex Gonzalez, and the defensively-challenged Julio Lugo into the lineup as fill-ins. The team acquired another bat in Victor Martinez, a notoriously bad defensive catcher.
Recognizing their defensive shortcomings, General Manager Theo Epstein has brought in three defensively-minded acquisitions this offseason: Adrian Beltre, Marco Scutaro, and Mike Cameron. Here’s how each performed in 2009 compared to the Red Sox at their respective positions:
Red Sox Offseason Acquisitions
Player Position Runs Saved
Adrian Beltre 3B 22
Red Sox 2009 3B -18
--- --- ---
Marco Scutaro SS 12
Red Sox 2009 SS -19
--- --- ---
Mike Cameron CF 3
Red Sox 2009 CF -10
--- --- ---
Total Acquisitions 3B/SS/CF 37
Red Sox 2009 3B/SS/CF -47
Difference 84

I looked at the piece. He writes:

Using the rule of thumb that 10 runs equals one win, defense could boost Boston as many as eight or nine wins beyond their 2009 win total.

I actually LOLed at that. Yeah, Mike Cameron, Marco Scutaro, and Adrian Beltre would have made the 2009 Red Sox from a 95 win team to a 104 win team.

That's why you can't put TOO much stock into these type of stats. It doesn't account for the fact that Cameron and Beltre can't hit anymore and Scutaro isn't so great himself. The dropoff from Bay to Cameron is huge, as well as Lowell to Beltre, IMO. Scutaro is obviously better than Green/Gonzalez were, but still. That's just silly.

Oh I get and see what your saying. I don't neccesarily think that the improved defense is going to make them a 100 win team either.

With the pitching staff set up the way it is, I think they'll be better than last year. Remember when the offense got hot, the pitching got cold. When the pitching heated up, vice-versa. If they can get going, I like the direction so far.

[WhiteHouseSubsAC]

^^^

This is why the games
are played on the field, not on paper.

Says the guy who masturbates vigorously to every report featuring the word "Yankee". It's a good thing you're not into Civil War books or you'd be in the Hospital.


Astros sign Brett Myers, and I also thought I saw KC trades Teahen to the White Sox for Chris Getz and Josh Fields.

[Facedown]

Tigers resign Joel Zumaya.
Carlos Beltran undergoes arthroscopic knee surgery.

[UtahRatt]

^^^

This is why the games
are played on the field, not on paper.

Says the guy who masturbates vigorously to every report featuring the word "Yankee". It's a good thing you're not into Civil War books or you'd be in the Hospital.

No shit.

If the yankees had the Marlins payroll, which player would they keep? It wouldn't fucking matter because they couldn't fill out the rest of the roster let alone be competitive.

[Machado]

^^^

This is why the games
are played on the field, not on paper.

Says the guy who masturbates vigorously to every report featuring the word "Yankee". It's a good thing you're not into Civil War books or you'd be in the Hospital.

No shit.

If the yankees had the Marlins payroll, which player would they keep? It wouldn't fucking matter because they couldn't fill out the rest of the roster let alone be competitive.

Take it easy players!
Settle down!

[Machado]

Melky Cabrera has avoided arbitration with the Atlanta Braves, agreeing to a one-year, $3.1 million deal. That’s more than twice what Cabrera made last season with the Yankees ($1.4 million).

[Facedown]

Diamondbacks sign Adam LaRoche to 1yr deal.

[JakeYonkel]

Diamondbacks sign Adam LaRoche to 1yr deal.

After he turned down 2 years and $17.5M from San Fran.

[Facedown]

Diamondbacks sign Adam LaRoche to 1yr deal.

After he turned down 2 years and $17.5M from San Fran.

Did he?
This deal is supposed to be between 4 and 5 mil.

[JakeYonkel]

Diamondbacks sign Adam LaRoche to 1yr deal.

After he turned down 2 years and $17.5M from San Fran.

Did he?
This deal is supposed to be between 4 and 5 mil.

Yeah! From Buster Olney's Twitter last week:

Sources: Giants offered Adam LaRoche 2 years, $17 million but that was turned down; that offer may now be off the table...

http://twitter.com/Buster_ESPN/status/7419837634


The guy was holding out for 3 years, $30M. Oooooooops.

[killeverything]

The guy was holding out for 3 years, $30M. Oooooooops.

Kinda like Bay with Boston and having to sign with the Mets.

[TawnyVonJagger]

Just announced on Hot Stove that Josh Johnson has signed a 4 yr/$39 million deal with the Marlins!!!!!1

[Facedown]

The Red Sox on Thursday agreed to terms with left-handed reliever Hideki Okajima on a one-year, non-guaranteed contract for the 2010 season, thus avoiding salary arbitration, according to the team. Terms were not disclosed.

[Facedown]

Red Sox sign 41 year old lefty Brian Shouse to a minor league deal with invitation to spring training.

[Facedown]

Tigers sign Jose Valverde to 2yr/14mil deal and are talking to Johnny Damon.

[killeverything]

Just announced on Hot Stove that Josh Johnson has signed a 4 yr/$39 million deal with the Marlins!!!!!1

Not locking him up after the Player's Union ( rightfully ) went after Florida ownership would be fucking insane.

[killeverything]

Tigers sign Jose Valverde to 2yr/14mil deal and are talking to Johnny Damon.

MLBN was saying don't count the MFY completely out of the Traitor negotiations. Yet the NY Post was saying financially they've moved on.

I think it would be hysterical to see that piece of shit end his career in somewhere like Washington or Pittsburgh.

[killeverything]

Here's some interesting info Bill James said last nite about the Mighty Red Sox move to more defense.

"I believe it's accurate to say that it was our perception that that was where the value was in this year's market, in this year's set of conditions. It also had to do with the needs of last year's team. Last year's team needed some defense, we had to invest in some defense, and the market seemed pretty good for it. But to say that's the new thing and it will be that way from now on, I wouldn't do that.''

So, was this more of a temporary correction?

"Well, it's in the line of march,'' James said. "I think we understand we've had good defensive metrics now for five or six years. When I started with the Red Sox we didn't have them, we had kind of primitive ones. We've got pretty good ones now for several years. It has reached the point at which not only us but a lot of teams are confident about that now and are starting to let the money flow toward gloves, which is a good thing."

http://espn.go.com/boston/columns/redso ... /name/edes

I posted John Dewan's Stat Of The Week where he was talking about the shift, and the metrics of it making the team 80 to 90 runs better. Personally I don't see it. I'm still kind of stoked to see how it all plays out though.

As the team is constructed right now. I see 95-96 wins or so. That's not enough to take the Division from the MFY, and I think Tampa Bay is gonna come out of the gates with something to prove. So even a WC berth isn't a guarantee.

That said I've been looking all these discussions about the defense making the team better in the RS department, etc. I see some evidence of "yeah", and some of "what?" If anyone wants to get into it. I'm at work and I'm bored.





It's like I talk.....and no one listens.

[JakeYonkel]

Tigers sign Jose Valverde to 2yr/14mil deal and are talking to Johnny Damon.

MLBN was saying don't count the MFY completely out of the Traitor negotiations. Yet the NY Post was saying financially they've moved on.

I think it would be hysterical to see that piece of shit end his career in somewhere like Washington or Pittsburgh.

Damon is going to wind up being a Clemens, somebody who's hated pretty much everywhere he ever played.

[killeverything]

Tigers sign Jose Valverde to 2yr/14mil deal and are talking to Johnny Damon.

MLBN was saying don't count the MFY completely out of the Traitor negotiations. Yet the NY Post was saying financially they've moved on.

I think it would be hysterical to see that piece of shit end his career in somewhere like Washington or Pittsburgh.

Damon is going to wind up being a Clemens, somebody who's hated pretty much everywhere he ever played.

That's why I want to see him in a small market. On a team with little to no fanbase. Oh how the mighty have fallen.

[Facedown]

Dodgers sign Matt Kemp to 2yr deal.