Killeverything's (New)NeverEndingBaseballThread

[killeverything]

Maybe it isn't just about the prospects for Beane and co.?

Per Ken Rosenthal's Tweeter:

One source says #Athletics working on multiple trades. All teams are for most part, but source says, “This is Billy re-working the club.”

Has to be. The big rumor about an hour before this one broke the big trade was supposed to be Smardjiza ( per Kenny Rosenthal ). Now Shark is supposably the only one not available for being traded.

*edit

A's wouldn't be able to afford Donaldson after seeing what Seager got. Makes sense now.

[killeverything]

There is going to be some massive trades coming from Beane and Co. this time.

We went into this winter, we had to look at where we are and where we're headed, and we had to keep in mind we were 11 games behind the Angels last season and it took the last day to hold of the Mariners, and given the losses we have in Lester and Gregerson, certainly Jed, some credible positions, and given our payroll, we didn't think it was possible to add to the current group to make up an 11 game difference, so what we thought we had to do was do something that wasn't timid and something that hopefully got us in a position that we had a team with a chance to get better with each day, as opposed to one that was starting to deteriorate.

Yes, that was all one sentence.

We've had Boston as the ones that outspend everyone so far. They always set a limit on exceeding the luxury tax, but John Henry stated they can surpass that if need be since they've remained under for so long.

With the expensive exception of Jon Lester, and I guess, Max Scherzer...even though I'm just not a fan of the guy. The free agent class is pretty weak. That's could be one of the reasons why NYY and LAD have been so quiet.

Seattle, Kansas City, and San Francisco proven that a strong bullpen could get you far seemingly on their own. I still think the "hot commodity" right now will be set up guys that throw in the upper 90s. Seattle had the best in the AL and all their guys throw 95+.

The "power balance" shifted heavily this year. I see almost everyone trying to retool.

[killeverything]

Mariners sign Nelson Cruz 4/54m. Are you kidding me? The majority of the fanbase has been vehemently against signing him. Look for a battle to stay above the Mendoza line. This is Richie Sexson 2K all over again.

Cruz hit .353 in the AL East and .157 in the AL West. @ Mariners.

The MFY are in serious pursuit of LHP Andrew Miller. Robertson wants to surpass Pappelbon's idiotic deal, so don't be surprised to see him not back in NY next season.
LAD is also seriously pursuing Miller.

Jon Lester to meet with SF today. The Cubs, Cardinals, Braves, and Boston are still in pursuit of the left hander's services. With the ( presumed ) biggest offer coming from Chicago. There's a lot of speculation that SF is set to become big players in his hunt.

[MurrayFiend]

The Cruz signing already looks bad. The Orioles made out like bandits with his best year ever on a one-year deal. Smart not to re-up.

[killeverything]

The Cruz signing already looks bad. The Orioles made out like bandits with his best year ever on a one-year deal. Smart not to re-up.

They ( Seattle ) had a 1/7.5m(?) deal in place, but ownership nixed it at the last minute last year. Now he tears up the East and they okay signing him for 4? This fucking guy is going to make Jesus Montero look like Manny Ramirez.

Seattle's rebuild has looked great with their farm and all that, but they make some dumb fucking moves in free agency. He is friends with Cano so maybe that will help. I see "albatross" personally.

[killeverything]

Miami reportedly offers Jose Fernandez 6/40m extension. Fernandez is a Boras' client so there is no way he passes up on 4 years of FA and signs that deal.

Keep in mind the Rookie Of The Year's breakthrough at 20 surpassed Sale's at 23 and Bumgarner's at 21. Only to be cut short by Tommy John surgery. FLA's lowballing him because of that.

edit*

Nick Markakis no longer likely re-sign with Baltimore according mlbtraderumors.

[killeverything]

Torii Hunter agrees to 1/10.5m deal with the Twins. I think it's kinda cool to see him go back.

Reds acquire RHP Matt Magill for OF Chris Heisey. The Dodgers needed an OF too.

I don't think that any big signings are going to happen until Lester, and I wish I knew SF's interest. I know that Tim Hudson and he are neighbors and pretty good friends in GA. So apparently Bochy has Tim talking to him too. Not unlike Papi and Panda. How fucking funny would that be?

Both NYY and LAD have been pretty quiet. The speculation is LA is ready to explode and the thoughts are it's going to be a bidding war between them and the Yankees for Andrew Miller. We've been waiting for those two to try to out bid each other. Miller's about to be a billionaire.

[Facedown]

Just heard a rumor that the Yankees are in on Lester and have made a huge offer. No details, not verified.

[killeverything]

Just heard a rumor that the Yankees are in on Lester and have made a huge offer. No details, not verified.

Yeah, I just heard the Cubs signed him which was quickly refuted.

Andrew Miller apparently has a 4 year offer on the table, and...supposedly Markakis and the Braves are 4/50.

Anyone with a twitter account starts this shit.

Markakis I believe though.

[killeverything]

Annnnddd Markakis agrees to 4/44-54 ( $ not confirmed ) with Braves.

Mariners trade OF Micheal Saunders ( whom would be a force if he could stay healthy ) to Toronto for LHP JA Happ.

Sources report Lester deal coming at the end of the week. I find it suspiciously quiet we've heard nothing of his meeting with Bochy. Watch him blow everyone's minds and sign with Minnesota or some shit.

*edit

Baltimore players not happy about Markakis leaving. Adam Jones specifically.

LAD are now heavily interested in Jon Lester and seriously considering a late charge to sign him. Could you imagine that pitching staff now? I think it would be funny if spuns Boston. Panda can't pitch.

Markakis deal confirmed at 4/45m.

[killeverything]

Giants avoid arbitration with OF Travis Ishikawa 1/1.1m

[Machado]

Annnnddd Markakis agrees to 4/44-54 ( $ not confirmed ) with Braves.

Baltimore players not happy about Markakis leaving. Adam Jones specifically.

Markakis deal confirmed at 4/45m.

Baltimore wants to be a 1 hit wonder. You have to re-sign the RF, especially after Cruz signed elsewhere.

[Facedown]

LAD are now heavily interested in Jon Lester and seriously considering a late charge to sign him. Could you imagine that pitching staff now? I think it would be funny if spuns Boston. Panda can't pitch.

Heard the Cards may be a dark horse.

[killeverything]

LAD are now heavily interested in Jon Lester and seriously considering a late charge to sign him. Could you imagine that pitching staff now? I think it would be funny if spuns Boston. Panda can't pitch.

Heard the Cards may be a dark horse.

Right now to my knowledge both Stl. and Atl. are out because of price. The discussion going on right now is SF has the ability to make it happen. I think that would be hilarious.

Toronto reiterates they won't bring Melky back. Sabean isn't opposed to him rejoining SF. Kinda don't think that will happen.

Baltimore cut ties with Markakis over health concerns.

Chase Headley apparently has a 4/65m deal on the table. Good God, why? Dude had one good offensive season and that's a helluva lot to pay for his glove.

LAD is discussing a possible trade for Kemp to San Diego. Could you imagine going from a competitor to the Padres? He must have pissed off Magic.

*edit

KC re-signs RHP Luke Hochevar 2/10

[Machado]

LAD are now heavily interested in Jon Lester and seriously considering a late charge to sign him. Could you imagine that pitching staff now? I think it would be funny if spuns Boston. Panda can't pitch.

Heard the Cards may be a dark horse.

Chase Headley apparently has a 4/65m deal on the table. Good God, why? Dude had one good offensive season and that's a helluva lot to pay for his glove.

That is a lot of money for a glove. I know the Yankees showed interest but I hope the team walks away at this price. If there is a team that will pay him about $16M a year, bona fortuna.

[killeverything]

Chase Headley apparently has a 4/65m deal on the table. Good God, why? Dude had one good offensive season and that's a helluva lot to pay for his glove.

That is a lot of money for a glove. I know the Yankees showed interest but I hope the team walks away at this price. If there is a team that will pay him about $16M a year, bona fortuna.

Maybe it's his agent trying to drum up some action. I have a hard time believing it's legit. I know Sabean expressed interest, but that would be insane.

[killeverything]

MFY acquires SS Didi Gregorius in a 3 team trade.

MFY get Gregorius from AZ. LHP Robbie Ray goes from Detroit to the Dbacks. RHP Shawn Greene goes from NY to Detroit.

As much as I clown Brian Cashman ( and good lord, I do ), that motherfucker has always pulled off trades I didn't see coming. Like when he was able to send Sheffroid to Detroit. What?

[Machado]

MFY acquires SS Didi Gregorius in a 3 team trade.

MFY get Gregorius from AZ. LHP Robbie Ray goes from Detroit to the Dbacks. RHP Shawn Greene goes from NY to Detroit.

As much as I clown Brian Cashman ( and good lord, I do ), that motherfucker has always pulled off trades I didn't see coming. Like when he was able to send Sheffroid to Detroit. What?

Kill-I just read about the proposed trade on ESPN.COM
As a Yankee fan I am not opposed to giving up the SP in return for a young SS. Yeah the word is the kid cannot hit, but he has to be an update over
S. Drew or B. Ryan or J. Lowrie.

[killeverything]

MFY acquires SS Didi Gregorius in a 3 team trade.

MFY get Gregorius from AZ. LHP Robbie Ray goes from Detroit to the Dbacks. RHP Shawn Greene goes from NY to Detroit.

As much as I clown Brian Cashman ( and good lord, I do ), that motherfucker has always pulled off trades I didn't see coming. Like when he was able to send Sheffroid to Detroit. What?

Kill-I just read about the proposed trade on ESPN.COM
As a Yankee fan I am not opposed to giving up the SP in return for a young SS. Yeah the word is the kid cannot hit, but he has to be an update over
S. Drew or B. Ryan or J. Lowrie.

This is where I disagree with you. Brendan Ryan is the best defensive SS in baseball. That guy is fucking incredible to watch field. As I've stated numerous times in the past, SS is the one position ( next to pitcher in the NL ) that you can sacrifice offense for a solid glove.

I've always been opposed to the Ripken, Arod, Jeter school of shortstops; although without the move to 3rd and PED history, Arod was arguably the greatest SS of all time. He could both field and hit. Gregorious should be fine. It's been ages since NY had a SS that could field worth a shit.

Runner up to Terry Francona in Cleveland, Kevin Cash named new Tampa Bay Rays manager. Cash is pretty popular so I could see him doing just fine. Maddon is some pretty big shoes to fill.

Ryan Dempster announces retirement.

The latest update on Lester is he signs where it will be most comfortable for his family. So far since there is no announced offer on the table from SF or LA ( 130/Bos, 138/Chi ) an extra 20m contract won't be enough to sway him. He stated he's getting paid regardless and a few extra on top of what he'll already get isn't going to be enough to change his mind.

We know he loved playing in Boston. I have no idea about Chicago aside from his relationship with Epstein, Hoyer, and facing Maddon in the AL East.

No idea about LA, his ties to anyone on the team or his feelings on the area. He was in the bay area for Oakland, but I don't know how he felt about it. Tim Hudson is his neighbor ( Atl ) and good friend. That's all I know of his ties to the NL teams. He needs to hurry up and sign, Goddamnit.

*edit

BREAKING NEWS!!

Jason Werth sentenced to 10 days in jail for reckless driving.

[killeverything]

Turns out the MFY signed Andrew Miller to a 4 year deal. I don't know the $$ details yet though.

I wonder where that leaves Robertson and his absurd financial demands.

[Machado]

Turns out the MFY signed Andrew Miller to a 4 year deal. I don't know the $$ details yet though.

I wonder where that leaves Robertson and his absurd financial demands.

Robertson needs to lower his price if he wants to play in NY again. There is room for Miller, Betances and Robertson. Yankees are setting up their pen very nicely with a new addition in Miller and the players they had last year.
The team needs a very strong pen since the SP has question marks from the ace to the 5th starter

[killeverything]

Turns out the MFY signed Andrew Miller to a 4 year deal. I don't know the $$ details yet though.

I wonder where that leaves Robertson and his absurd financial demands.

Robertson needs to lower his price if he wants to play in NY again. There is room for Miller, Betances and Robertson. Yankees are setting up their pen very nicely with a new addition in Miller and the players they had last year.
The team needs a very strong pen since the SP has question marks from the ace to the 5th starter

Miller's deal is 4/36m, which is the largest ever for a reliever with no closing experience. I wonder if they're still going to sign Robertson. Every year Cashman say's "they won't spend a lot", then drops half a billion.

[Machado]

Turns out the MFY signed Andrew Miller to a 4 year deal. I don't know the $$ details yet though.

I wonder where that leaves Robertson and his absurd financial demands.

Robertson needs to lower his price if he wants to play in NY again. There is room for Miller, Betances and Robertson. Yankees are setting up their pen very nicely with a new addition in Miller and the players they had last year.
The team needs a very strong pen since the SP has question marks from the ace to the 5th starter

Miller's deal is 4/36m, which is the largest ever for a reliever with no closing experience. I wonder if they're still going to sign Robertson. Every year Cashman say's "they won't spend a lot", then drops half a billion.

Cashman might have some more tricks up his sleeve.
IMO, the Yankees have enough money to sign both. Then again Robertson is asking for an absurd amount of money. Would not surprise me at all if the Yankees tell him to walk.
Robertson might end up out the big leagues in a few years because of his mistake.

[killeverything]

John Hammel signs with Cubs 2/18m

A's trade Brandon Moss to Indians for INF prospect Joe Wendle. The addition of Brandon Moss give Cleveland a pretty potent lineup. With a strong rotation in the mix they could be pretty mean next season.

Jon Lester is supposed to decide soon...again. His agent say's he'll have a better understanding late Monday. Reportedly John Henry flew out to Atlanta to meet with him. Which is eye opening. Maybe there's a time limit on the offer?

It's usually not a good sign when the owner gets directly involved trying to entice players. Lester was traded before his 10/5 rights kicked in and Boston has a strict NTC policy. As we know Boston doesn't have the highest offer on the table and Theo was said to be willing to go to or above 140.

Lester also had a meeting with Buster Posey which according to Cafardo and an anonymous player ( convenient ) went incredibly well, plus he and his wife spent a lot of time in SF and loved it there.

Then comes LAD, whom I believe is just trying to "Yankees" the Giants. There are some that think Lester want's the 7/155m that Tanaka got. With players like Chase fucking Headley having a 4/65m offer it wouldn't surprise me.

*edit

According to Buster Olney Jon Lester will decide tonight or tomorrow.

[Machado]

John Hammel signs with Cubs 2/18m

A's trade Brandon Moss to Indians for INF prospect Joe Wendle. The addition of Brandon Moss give Cleveland a pretty potent lineup. With a strong rotation in the mix they could be pretty mean next season.

Jon Lester is supposed to decide soon...again. His agent say's he'll have a better understanding late Monday. Reportedly John Henry flew out to Atlanta to meet with him. Which is eye opening. Maybe there's a time limit on the offer?

It's usually not a good sign when the owner gets directly involved trying to entice players. Lester was traded before his 10/5 rights kicked in and Boston has a strict NTC policy. As we know Boston doesn't have the highest offer on the table and Theo was said to be willing to go to or above 140.

Lester also had a meeting with Buster Posey which according to Cafardo and an anonymous player ( convenient ) went incredibly well, plus he and his wife spent a lot of time in SF and loved it there.

Then comes LAD, whom I believe is just trying to "Yankees" the Giants. There are some that think Lester want's the 7/155m that Tanaka got. With players like Chase fucking Headley having a 4/65m offer it wouldn't surprise me.

*edit

According to Buster Olney Jon Lester will decide tonight or tomorrow.

The players are making some serious money this off-season. It's all about over paying by tens of millions.

No reason Headley should be getting 65M. Is he even an all-star? Based on his play last year he really should slightly above the league minimum.
WOW!!

[Machado]

Turns out the MFY signed Andrew Miller to a 4 year deal. I don't know the $$ details yet though.

I wonder where that leaves Robertson and his absurd financial demands.

Andrew Miller is on record saying that a big reason he signed with Yankees is b/c spring training is in Tampa, where his family lives.

[killeverything]

John Hammel signs with Cubs 2/18m

A's trade Brandon Moss to Indians for INF prospect Joe Wendle. The addition of Brandon Moss give Cleveland a pretty potent lineup. With a strong rotation in the mix they could be pretty mean next season.

Jon Lester is supposed to decide soon...again. His agent say's he'll have a better understanding late Monday. Reportedly John Henry flew out to Atlanta to meet with him. Which is eye opening. Maybe there's a time limit on the offer?

It's usually not a good sign when the owner gets directly involved trying to entice players. Lester was traded before his 10/5 rights kicked in and Boston has a strict NTC policy. As we know Boston doesn't have the highest offer on the table and Theo was said to be willing to go to or above 140.

Lester also had a meeting with Buster Posey which according to Cafardo and an anonymous player ( convenient ) went incredibly well, plus he and his wife spent a lot of time in SF and loved it there.

Then comes LAD, whom I believe is just trying to "Yankees" the Giants. There are some that think Lester want's the 7/155m that Tanaka got. With players like Chase fucking Headley having a 4/65m offer it wouldn't surprise me.

*edit

According to Buster Olney Jon Lester will decide tonight or tomorrow.

The players are making some serious money this off-season. It's all about over paying by tens of millions.

No reason Headley should be getting 65M. Is he even an all-star? Based on his play last year he really should slightly above the league minimum.
WOW!!

He'll get paid because he had one good offensive year and this is an extremely weak FA class for hitters. The best hitter available was below .300

I'm sure Headley was an All Star. That game is a popularity contest, nothing more. All 30 mlb teams have a representative in the game and after Agonz was traded, that left Chase as the only recognizable Padre.

[killeverything]

Rumors update.

A's are close to trading Jeff Samarjzwhatever to White Sox.

Buster Olney say's that Lester is deciding between SF and Chicago.

Red Sox make offer to Justin Masterson.

Seattle is pretty close to adding Melky Cabrera. Having a bunch of PED guys on the roster got the Roidhawks a Superbowl, maybe they're on to something.

Madison Bumgarner named SI Sportsman Of The Year.

[Machado]

Rumors update.

A's are close to trading Jeff Samarjzwhatever to White Sox.

Buster Olney say's that Lester is deciding between SF and Chicago.

Seattle is pretty close to adding Melky Cabrera. Having a bunch of PED guys on the roster got the Roidhawks a Superbowl, maybe they're on to something.

If Lester wants to lose over 80 games a year, then the obvious choice is signing with
the Cubs.
What is there to consider? Given the choices there is only 1 place to go and that is SF where they have a pitchers park and a history of winning

[killeverything]

Rumors update.

A's are close to trading Jeff Samarjzwhatever to White Sox.

Buster Olney say's that Lester is deciding between SF and Chicago.

Seattle is pretty close to adding Melky Cabrera. Having a bunch of PED guys on the roster got the Roidhawks a Superbowl, maybe they're on to something.

If Lester wants to lose over 80 games a year, then the obvious choice is signing with
the Cubs.
What is there to consider? Given the choices there is only 1 place to go and that is SF where they have a pitchers park and a history of winning

Chicago is pretty close to being very good, plus they now have a really good manager.