An arctic chill surrounds the greatest city in the universe just a few days before pitchers and catchers move south to report for Spring Training. Some signings and rumors as the week begins, and the layers of clothing come on the New Yorker, but begin to unravel in the Clemens/McNamee saga.
-One of the lawyers for Brian McNamee believes that the Justice Department will begin a criminal investigation into Clemens, according to an AP report. "I think there will be a criminal prosecution after Wednesday, and that means there will be grand jury proceedings and subsequent proceedings," Said Richard Emery. Of course, Emery believes that his client will not be criminally investigated after Wednesday's Congressional hearings. How fortunate......
-Boston avoids arbitration with Kevin Youkilis, getting him for a bargain 3 million this season.
-Sweeney signing day: The longtime Royal Mike will sign a deal to play for Oakland while pinch hitting ace Mark will agree to a deal to play for Joe Torre and the Dodgers. Another bench specialist Tony Clark, will agree to a 1 year deal to play for the Padres worth 900k.
-In old-washed-up-relievers news, the A's brought Keith Foulke out of retirement while the Giants inked veteran righty Scott Williamson.
-There will be an arbitration hearing for Ryan Howard on the 20th, and Barry Bonds is still looking for work, says the Philadelphia Daily News.
-The Denver Post reports that Colorado is close to resigning Garrett Atkins and Brad Hawpe and that the asking price is high for Joe Blanton. The Red Sox could be interested in Blanton, says the Boston Globe. Boston may try to flip Coco Crisp for a starter, says the Boston Herald.
-More as it happens....
Stubhub
Showing posts with label MLB. Show all posts
Showing posts with label MLB. Show all posts
Monday, February 11, 2008
Friday, December 14, 2007
The Steroids Saga: What About Football??
The Baseball landscape changed forever after the Mitchell Report was released which exposed the names of several high profile stars. It was certainly a dark day in the sport, but it was something that probably had to be done to turn the corner and move forward. We can talk about false accusations or a lack of evidence, or throwing people under the bus, but it was for the greater good of the game. As many people like to say, the first step in solving your problem is admitting that you have one. The amazing, infallible National Football League has not done so, even though there is a much greater incentive to take steroids and HGH in football than in baseball. It's a slam dunk that taking steroids will improve your play in football, but it may not have the same affect in Baseball. But to think that the NFL is squeaky clean is laughable. Marwan Maalouf is an NFL analyst that I normally respect, but he seemed offended when I asked him about steroids in football:
"They test steroids and everything else more regularly in the NFL man."
They may test steroids regularly, but I don't know where he gets the 'everything else' from. The league does not test well enough for HGH, which means that players can freely take the stuff to strengthen themselves to get stronger or heal from injuries. Don't tell me that linemen looking for an edge won't take HGH, especially when contracts aren't guaranteed. And in a 16 game season, you'd be foolish not to think that players take HGH to heal faster, especially later in the season. Popular New England Patriots Safety Rodney Harrison tested positive for HGH, and it's probably safe to say that it's a much bigger problem in football than in baseball. If baseball players did HGH to heal faster, I'm sure that NFL'ers do the same thing.
"The HGH crap, save it for a doctor." Maalouf said.
George Mitchell's report blamed the owners, team executives, and the media for overlooking how big of a problem steroids was. If football's media members are like Maalouf, it seems like the NFL is going down the same road that baseball went on, casting a blind eye to the problem.
Everyone notices the media scrutiny that players like Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, and Miguel Tejada are getting for being in this report, but not many people cared when star Chargers player Shawne Merriman tested positive for steroids.
"I remember a lot of outcries when Merriman got busted, especially from his peers and the pro bowl stuff last year."
Merriman played in the Pro Bowl last year even though he tested positive for 'roids. But an article last year by San Diego Union-Tribune columnist Tim Sullivan said that many of the Chargers' players and staff members openly joked about the suspension, not really taking it seriously at all:
"In the culture of the locker room, cruelty and comedy are sometimes synonymous. Yet the issue of steroids barely raises an eyebrow anymore, much less a laugh, and seems almost as passé as Hester Prynne's scarlet letter. It is more often the subject of lame jokes than value judgments in the NFL. It is treated almost as an inconvenience instead of an infraction...Depending on your level of cynicism, it says either that the NFL drug policy is an effective deterrent for young players who might be susceptible to temptation or that NFL cheating is too easy and too prevalent to be effectively policed. "
Too easy? Too prevelant? That sounded like baseball before they got dragged in front of Congress and were basically forces to get serious about the steroid problem. And the ironic thing is that the NFL was cited as the model for steroids testing at the time, and now the league has fallen behind baseball in my mind in terms of testing. But the NFL is really good at sweeping things under the rug, as Sullivan stated a year ago:
"The NFL is America's Teflon league, an enterprise of such surpassing popularity and skillful packaging that its dirty laundry seems more like lint. For all of their scandals this season...There is no backlash. There are no consequences."
So does this mean that the steroids situation is just as problematic in the NFL as it is in Major League Baseball? Maybe the NFL is just better at downplaying a problem better than baseball. Highly respected ESPN baseball analyst Jerry Crasnick was nice enough to shed some light on this situation, and it seems that his opinion is quite strong:
"Sprung, Don't get me started. I think it's ridiculous that the NFL gets such a pass. In fact, the presence of so many 350-pound behemoths dying young is way more of a health threat than steroids in baseball. It's not a health issue -- It's a matter of managing PR, and the NFL is much better than baseball at that."
So all these things that have been said here in this piece has led me to believe that the performance enhancing in football is just as bad as it is in baseball if not worse, it's just that the giant power that the NFL is just does a better job of sweeping it under the rug. So why is football getting such a free pass, like Crasnick said. It will come a time where steroids becomes a major issue in football, but it's rediculous that the steroids saga does not involve football as well. Hopefully this changes soon.
"They test steroids and everything else more regularly in the NFL man."
They may test steroids regularly, but I don't know where he gets the 'everything else' from. The league does not test well enough for HGH, which means that players can freely take the stuff to strengthen themselves to get stronger or heal from injuries. Don't tell me that linemen looking for an edge won't take HGH, especially when contracts aren't guaranteed. And in a 16 game season, you'd be foolish not to think that players take HGH to heal faster, especially later in the season. Popular New England Patriots Safety Rodney Harrison tested positive for HGH, and it's probably safe to say that it's a much bigger problem in football than in baseball. If baseball players did HGH to heal faster, I'm sure that NFL'ers do the same thing.
"The HGH crap, save it for a doctor." Maalouf said.
George Mitchell's report blamed the owners, team executives, and the media for overlooking how big of a problem steroids was. If football's media members are like Maalouf, it seems like the NFL is going down the same road that baseball went on, casting a blind eye to the problem.
Everyone notices the media scrutiny that players like Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, and Miguel Tejada are getting for being in this report, but not many people cared when star Chargers player Shawne Merriman tested positive for steroids.
"I remember a lot of outcries when Merriman got busted, especially from his peers and the pro bowl stuff last year."
Merriman played in the Pro Bowl last year even though he tested positive for 'roids. But an article last year by San Diego Union-Tribune columnist Tim Sullivan said that many of the Chargers' players and staff members openly joked about the suspension, not really taking it seriously at all:
"In the culture of the locker room, cruelty and comedy are sometimes synonymous. Yet the issue of steroids barely raises an eyebrow anymore, much less a laugh, and seems almost as passé as Hester Prynne's scarlet letter. It is more often the subject of lame jokes than value judgments in the NFL. It is treated almost as an inconvenience instead of an infraction...Depending on your level of cynicism, it says either that the NFL drug policy is an effective deterrent for young players who might be susceptible to temptation or that NFL cheating is too easy and too prevalent to be effectively policed. "
Too easy? Too prevelant? That sounded like baseball before they got dragged in front of Congress and were basically forces to get serious about the steroid problem. And the ironic thing is that the NFL was cited as the model for steroids testing at the time, and now the league has fallen behind baseball in my mind in terms of testing. But the NFL is really good at sweeping things under the rug, as Sullivan stated a year ago:
"The NFL is America's Teflon league, an enterprise of such surpassing popularity and skillful packaging that its dirty laundry seems more like lint. For all of their scandals this season...There is no backlash. There are no consequences."
So does this mean that the steroids situation is just as problematic in the NFL as it is in Major League Baseball? Maybe the NFL is just better at downplaying a problem better than baseball. Highly respected ESPN baseball analyst Jerry Crasnick was nice enough to shed some light on this situation, and it seems that his opinion is quite strong:
"Sprung, Don't get me started. I think it's ridiculous that the NFL gets such a pass. In fact, the presence of so many 350-pound behemoths dying young is way more of a health threat than steroids in baseball. It's not a health issue -- It's a matter of managing PR, and the NFL is much better than baseball at that."
So all these things that have been said here in this piece has led me to believe that the performance enhancing in football is just as bad as it is in baseball if not worse, it's just that the giant power that the NFL is just does a better job of sweeping it under the rug. So why is football getting such a free pass, like Crasnick said. It will come a time where steroids becomes a major issue in football, but it's rediculous that the steroids saga does not involve football as well. Hopefully this changes soon.
Monday, December 3, 2007
Winter Meetings Day I
Winter Meetings!!!!!! What a great week to be a baseball fan. Today may very well be decision day for the Twins regarding Johan Santana, and who knows what else could go down from the Grand Opryland Hotel in Nashville. Let's hope there are as many deals as there are rooms in the sprawling building.
8:45am EST
-Ken Rosenthal says that the heat is now on Mets GM Omar Minaya. Rosenthal also reports that a trade of Miguel Tejada will likely hinge on what happens with Miguel Cabrera, but that the Astros, Cardinals, and Giants would be interested regardless. The Brewers are still the frontrunners for Scott Rolen. Many are saying that the Orioles would definitely trade Brian Roberts if Baltimore owner Peter Angelos allowed it. The Mets and Astros were interested until they got second basemen of their own, but the Cubs are still intrigued. Mike Piazza interests the Padres if Michael Barrett leaves for Tampa, Florida, or the Orioles, who would have interest if they deal Ramon Hernandez. Jim Bowden offered Chad Cordero to the Brewers for Rickie Weeks, and was flatly rejected on the spot. Atlanta no longer has interest in Coco Crisp, the Mets and Yankees are both interested in Octavio Dotel, and Craig Brazell has signed a contract with Seibu of the Japanese League.
-Jim Molony of MLB.com gives his report from Nashville: Florida may hold on to Miguel Cabrera until July. Jon Lieber could go to the Astros, and Jason Jennings could go to Colorado, San Diego, or Washington.
-Colorado could swing a trade for Chris Burke and has interest in Mark Loretta, according to Thomas Harding of MLB.com.
-Now that Jake Peavy will be signed to an extension, Arizona could do the same with Brandon Webb. (Arizona Republic)
-The Cubs could trade Matt Murton, and the Padres have interest in Mark Prior. (Chicago Sun-Times)
8:45am EST
-Ken Rosenthal says that the heat is now on Mets GM Omar Minaya. Rosenthal also reports that a trade of Miguel Tejada will likely hinge on what happens with Miguel Cabrera, but that the Astros, Cardinals, and Giants would be interested regardless. The Brewers are still the frontrunners for Scott Rolen. Many are saying that the Orioles would definitely trade Brian Roberts if Baltimore owner Peter Angelos allowed it. The Mets and Astros were interested until they got second basemen of their own, but the Cubs are still intrigued. Mike Piazza interests the Padres if Michael Barrett leaves for Tampa, Florida, or the Orioles, who would have interest if they deal Ramon Hernandez. Jim Bowden offered Chad Cordero to the Brewers for Rickie Weeks, and was flatly rejected on the spot. Atlanta no longer has interest in Coco Crisp, the Mets and Yankees are both interested in Octavio Dotel, and Craig Brazell has signed a contract with Seibu of the Japanese League.
-Jim Molony of MLB.com gives his report from Nashville: Florida may hold on to Miguel Cabrera until July. Jon Lieber could go to the Astros, and Jason Jennings could go to Colorado, San Diego, or Washington.
-Colorado could swing a trade for Chris Burke and has interest in Mark Loretta, according to Thomas Harding of MLB.com.
-Now that Jake Peavy will be signed to an extension, Arizona could do the same with Brandon Webb. (Arizona Republic)
-The Cubs could trade Matt Murton, and the Padres have interest in Mark Prior. (Chicago Sun-Times)
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Around The Majors- Tuesday
Tuesday baseball is on SOS2 today and myself and the entire SprungOnSports network mourn the tragic loss of Sean Taylor today. Onto some baseball, where talks are heating up and some things just never change. MLB.com's Top 50 prospects countdown also continues.
11:30am EST
-The Yankees and Twins are indeed talking about a Johan Santana trade but they are in the super preliminary stages according to Hank Steinbrenner. In a radio interview this morning, ESPN's Buster Olney said that both teams have barely gotten off the ground in these talks, and other teams have had similar conversations as well.
-Mike Hampton is once again injured. Once thought to be a lock for the Braves rotation next season, Hampton injured his hamstring in the Mexican Winter League last week, and bleeding outside the muscle makes it unclear when he'll return to the mound. "Now we just have less of an indication of where Mike is in his comeback," Braves general manager Frank Wren told MLB.com. "The good news is that he was ecstatic about how his arm felt and how he commanded his pitches." Hampton has not pitched since the 2005 season.
-The Astros added a piece to their bullpen yesterday, inking righty Doug Brocail. The signing will be announced today. The 40 year old was 5-1 with a 3.05 ERA in 67 games for the Padres.
-The Boss was very vague when the Twins asked him for his list of untouchables, says the New York Post. The Mets have shown interest in Shawn Chacon and Octavio Dotel for their bullpen. -The Yankees have reached out to David Riske, says the Newark Star-Ledger.
-According to Newsday, the Mets have the option to nontender the contract of Johnny Estrada, making him a free agent and saving 3.2 million dollars which they could give to another team in a deal for a catcher like Gerald Laird, Ramon Hernandez, Brian Schneider, or Bengie Molina.
-The Angels and Marlins are still arguing over a combination of prospects, according to the Los Angeles Times. Dodgers GM Ned Colleti said that Joe Torre could be the team's only big acquisition. Florida is asking too much for Cabrera and talks have stalled with the Orioles regarding Erik Bedard.
-The Royals are denying a Dominican report that said that KC and Jose Guillen have agreed on a 1 year deal. GM Dayton Moore said that Baltimore is still in the mix. Yasuhiko Yabuta will take a physical with the Royals and then officially announce his signing. (KC Star)
-Seattle may be the clear favorites for Hiroki Kuroda, but the Phillies are going strong after Randy Wolf, says the Philadelphia Inquirer.
-The Rockies are talking about resigning both Matt Herges and Yorvit Torrealba, according to the Denver Post.
-The Diamondbacks are waiting to hear back with a counter offer from Hiroki Kuroda, says the Arizona Republic.
-Aaron Rowand could return to the White Sox, according to the Chicago Tribune. The White Sox are also interested in Cesar Izturis.
-The Brewers are going after Dotel, Troy Percival, and Eric Gagne. (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
-Talks are intensifying between Boston and Minnesota about Coco Crisp.
-The Dodgers are now going after Kuroda, says the LA Daily News. -The Cubs, Astros, and Rockies are the frontrunners for Kaz Matsui. Kerry Wood wants to close for the Cubs. (Daily Herald)
-The Cardinals are going after Carlos Silva and Kyle Lohse. The Cards could also be looking to trade Scott Rolen. (St Louis Post-Dispatch)
-The Dodgers expect Jeff Kent back next season. (Orange County Register)
-The Yankees are trying to make an offer to trade for Ron Mahay. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
-The Boston Herald reports that the Red Sox will be allowed to carry 28 players for their series in Japan against the A's as they are starting the season with a 19 day road trip. As a Yankee fan I believe that's BS, because they weren't able to do that when they went and started the season terribly. Let's give the BoSox all the advantages!
MLB.com's Top Prospect Countdown 31-40
Some players that made a difference in last year's 31-40 include Erick Aybar, Jarrod Saltalamacchia, James Loney, John Danks, Yunel Escobar, Jacoby Ellsbury, Hunter Pence, Felix Pie, and Daric Barton. WOW.
40) Luke Hocheaver- RSP- KC
-The 2006 #1 overall pick didn't do as well as expected in AA and AAA last year, going 4-9 with a 4.68 ERA in 27 games (26 starts). He pitched well in 4 games in the bigs last year and can throw 4 pitches for strikes. He'll be up sometime next season.
39) Chris Volstad- RSP- FLA
-The 20 year old 2005 first rounder has a heavy sinker that gets a lot of ground balls, and pitched pretty well last year in hi A and AA. He went 12-11 with a 4.16 ERA in 28 starts but does give up a lot of hits. He has a very good curve and change and should be up sometime next season.
38-) Elvis Andrus- SS- TEX
-The 19 year old top SS spect was traded from the Braves in the Teixeira deal and is a great defender with speed who is still working on his hitting. In hi A last year, Andrus had a .257-5-49-.338 season with 40 steals in 55 attempts. He could be in the majors in 2009, and has the tools to be special.
37) Ross Detwiler- LSP- WSH
-The Nats' top pitching prospect was their first round pick this year with a 2 seam and 4 seam fastball, a curve and a change. He pitched well in 9 games last year in Rookie and A ball, and even pitched an inning for the big club. His sample size is small, but he could be up for good in 2009.
36) Scott Elbert- LSP- LAD
-He has amazing potential with his high 90's heater with a curve and a change, but had to have shoulder surgery that ended his year in AA after just 2 starts. He's still just 22 and will be back in AA next season. ETA:2009.
35) Max Scherzer- RSP- ARZ
-The 2006 first rounder and Scott Boras client held out until this past May, but was fantastic when he finally played. The 23 year old went 6-4 with a 3.28 ERA in 17 starts in A and AA with very few hits and a whole lot of k's. Upper 90's fastball and good slider, he could be up next season.
34) Joey Votto- 1B- CIN
-The Canadian lefty is ready for the show and a huge career at the GABP. In AAA he went .294-22-92-.381 and played 24 games for the Reds, hitting .321 with 4 homers and 17 ribs. Did I mention he also stole 17 bags in the minors? He's ready to start at first right now.
33) Andy LaRoche- 3B- LAD
-Adam's little bro did very well for himself last year, batting .309 in AAA and playing 35 games in the big leagues. A right handed hitter who is patient and loves to walk, and has been rumored in trades because the Dodgers have no room for him right now. He'd be a valuable asset to any team that plays him, though.
32) Reid Brignac- SS- TB
-He's the Rays shortstop of the future, and can hit for power with speed. In AA last year, Brignac went .260-17-81-.328 with 15 steals. Though he did walk a decent amount, he needs to get on base more in order to elevate his value. He'll be up next September and will be up in 2009 for good.
31) Chris Marrero- OF- WSH
-He's 19 and can flat out rake. A typical big power hitter, Marrero batted .275 with 23 homers and 88 ribbies in 2 A levels with an OBP that needs to be worked on. He strikes out a lot, but has big league power right now and will be a September callup.
11:30am EST
-The Yankees and Twins are indeed talking about a Johan Santana trade but they are in the super preliminary stages according to Hank Steinbrenner. In a radio interview this morning, ESPN's Buster Olney said that both teams have barely gotten off the ground in these talks, and other teams have had similar conversations as well.
-Mike Hampton is once again injured. Once thought to be a lock for the Braves rotation next season, Hampton injured his hamstring in the Mexican Winter League last week, and bleeding outside the muscle makes it unclear when he'll return to the mound. "Now we just have less of an indication of where Mike is in his comeback," Braves general manager Frank Wren told MLB.com. "The good news is that he was ecstatic about how his arm felt and how he commanded his pitches." Hampton has not pitched since the 2005 season.
-The Astros added a piece to their bullpen yesterday, inking righty Doug Brocail. The signing will be announced today. The 40 year old was 5-1 with a 3.05 ERA in 67 games for the Padres.
-The Boss was very vague when the Twins asked him for his list of untouchables, says the New York Post. The Mets have shown interest in Shawn Chacon and Octavio Dotel for their bullpen. -The Yankees have reached out to David Riske, says the Newark Star-Ledger.
-According to Newsday, the Mets have the option to nontender the contract of Johnny Estrada, making him a free agent and saving 3.2 million dollars which they could give to another team in a deal for a catcher like Gerald Laird, Ramon Hernandez, Brian Schneider, or Bengie Molina.
-The Angels and Marlins are still arguing over a combination of prospects, according to the Los Angeles Times. Dodgers GM Ned Colleti said that Joe Torre could be the team's only big acquisition. Florida is asking too much for Cabrera and talks have stalled with the Orioles regarding Erik Bedard.
-The Royals are denying a Dominican report that said that KC and Jose Guillen have agreed on a 1 year deal. GM Dayton Moore said that Baltimore is still in the mix. Yasuhiko Yabuta will take a physical with the Royals and then officially announce his signing. (KC Star)
-Seattle may be the clear favorites for Hiroki Kuroda, but the Phillies are going strong after Randy Wolf, says the Philadelphia Inquirer.
-The Rockies are talking about resigning both Matt Herges and Yorvit Torrealba, according to the Denver Post.
-The Diamondbacks are waiting to hear back with a counter offer from Hiroki Kuroda, says the Arizona Republic.
-Aaron Rowand could return to the White Sox, according to the Chicago Tribune. The White Sox are also interested in Cesar Izturis.
-The Brewers are going after Dotel, Troy Percival, and Eric Gagne. (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
-Talks are intensifying between Boston and Minnesota about Coco Crisp.
-The Dodgers are now going after Kuroda, says the LA Daily News. -The Cubs, Astros, and Rockies are the frontrunners for Kaz Matsui. Kerry Wood wants to close for the Cubs. (Daily Herald)
-The Cardinals are going after Carlos Silva and Kyle Lohse. The Cards could also be looking to trade Scott Rolen. (St Louis Post-Dispatch)
-The Dodgers expect Jeff Kent back next season. (Orange County Register)
-The Yankees are trying to make an offer to trade for Ron Mahay. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
-The Boston Herald reports that the Red Sox will be allowed to carry 28 players for their series in Japan against the A's as they are starting the season with a 19 day road trip. As a Yankee fan I believe that's BS, because they weren't able to do that when they went and started the season terribly. Let's give the BoSox all the advantages!
MLB.com's Top Prospect Countdown 31-40
Some players that made a difference in last year's 31-40 include Erick Aybar, Jarrod Saltalamacchia, James Loney, John Danks, Yunel Escobar, Jacoby Ellsbury, Hunter Pence, Felix Pie, and Daric Barton. WOW.
40) Luke Hocheaver- RSP- KC
-The 2006 #1 overall pick didn't do as well as expected in AA and AAA last year, going 4-9 with a 4.68 ERA in 27 games (26 starts). He pitched well in 4 games in the bigs last year and can throw 4 pitches for strikes. He'll be up sometime next season.
39) Chris Volstad- RSP- FLA
-The 20 year old 2005 first rounder has a heavy sinker that gets a lot of ground balls, and pitched pretty well last year in hi A and AA. He went 12-11 with a 4.16 ERA in 28 starts but does give up a lot of hits. He has a very good curve and change and should be up sometime next season.
38-) Elvis Andrus- SS- TEX
-The 19 year old top SS spect was traded from the Braves in the Teixeira deal and is a great defender with speed who is still working on his hitting. In hi A last year, Andrus had a .257-5-49-.338 season with 40 steals in 55 attempts. He could be in the majors in 2009, and has the tools to be special.
37) Ross Detwiler- LSP- WSH
-The Nats' top pitching prospect was their first round pick this year with a 2 seam and 4 seam fastball, a curve and a change. He pitched well in 9 games last year in Rookie and A ball, and even pitched an inning for the big club. His sample size is small, but he could be up for good in 2009.
36) Scott Elbert- LSP- LAD
-He has amazing potential with his high 90's heater with a curve and a change, but had to have shoulder surgery that ended his year in AA after just 2 starts. He's still just 22 and will be back in AA next season. ETA:2009.
35) Max Scherzer- RSP- ARZ
-The 2006 first rounder and Scott Boras client held out until this past May, but was fantastic when he finally played. The 23 year old went 6-4 with a 3.28 ERA in 17 starts in A and AA with very few hits and a whole lot of k's. Upper 90's fastball and good slider, he could be up next season.
34) Joey Votto- 1B- CIN
-The Canadian lefty is ready for the show and a huge career at the GABP. In AAA he went .294-22-92-.381 and played 24 games for the Reds, hitting .321 with 4 homers and 17 ribs. Did I mention he also stole 17 bags in the minors? He's ready to start at first right now.
33) Andy LaRoche- 3B- LAD
-Adam's little bro did very well for himself last year, batting .309 in AAA and playing 35 games in the big leagues. A right handed hitter who is patient and loves to walk, and has been rumored in trades because the Dodgers have no room for him right now. He'd be a valuable asset to any team that plays him, though.
32) Reid Brignac- SS- TB
-He's the Rays shortstop of the future, and can hit for power with speed. In AA last year, Brignac went .260-17-81-.328 with 15 steals. Though he did walk a decent amount, he needs to get on base more in order to elevate his value. He'll be up next September and will be up in 2009 for good.
31) Chris Marrero- OF- WSH
-He's 19 and can flat out rake. A typical big power hitter, Marrero batted .275 with 23 homers and 88 ribbies in 2 A levels with an OBP that needs to be worked on. He strikes out a lot, but has big league power right now and will be a September callup.
Monday, November 26, 2007
Around The Majors- Monday
Before I get to baseball, my thoughts and prayers are with Redskins Safety Sean Taylor, who is in critical condition after being shot in Florida. But now to the less important matters of the baseball world including news, rumors, and a look at the first day on MLB.com counting down the 50 greatest prospects in the game. Today is 41-50, and if you don't think it matters, you're dead wrong. Kevin Kouzmanoff, Jason Hirsh, Kevin Slowey, and Adam Jones were in the 41-50 range and made an impact for their respective clubs.
-This just in, the Cubs have just announced that they've given Kerry Wood a 1 year contract. Ken Rosenthal has reported his deal is worth 4.2 million.
-Indians reliever Juan Lara was involved in a serious car accident in the Dominican when his SUV was struck by a motorcycle. He played most of the year in AAA but was in the majors late in the season. The AP has reported that Lara will need surgery in the US.
-It was certainly interesting when the Reds signed Francisco Cordero last week to a 4 year, 46 million dollar deal. That seems like too much for me. He was inconsistent in the last hitters park he pitched in (Texas) and the GABP is a hitters paradise. We'll see, but I'm a bit leery of the transactions. Then again, look who else is out there. Are you still thinking? Exactly my point.
-This is for all you Brewers fans out there. Former manager Jerry Royster has become the first ever foreign skipper in Korea, as he has signed to manage the Lotte Giants. How the "mighty" have fallen.
-The Marlins are not budging from their stance of wanting four legit players from the Angels, who would be the best candidates to get Miguel Cabrera right now. (Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel)
-Bobby Kielty's situation hinges on what Boston does with Coco Crisp. The Twins, Braves, White Sox, and Rangers are interested. (Boston Herald)
-The Winter Meetings are coming up, and Johan Santana will be a main subject. (The Free World)
-Phil Rogers reports that the Yankees and Red Sox would be very interested in Dan Haren.
-The Rays are very interested in Cesar Izturis, according to the St Petersburg Times. The Nationals are still interested in Elijah Dukes
-Pittsburgh has inquired about Matt Clement, says the Pittsburgh Post Gazette.
-Arizona may let Tony Clark go and replace him with Mark Sweeney. (East Valley Tribune)
-The St Paul Pioneer Press reports that a Matt Garza trade to Tampa for Delmon
MLB.com Top Prospects 41-50
50)Dexter Fowler- CF- COL
-He was a rising star in the Fall League this year after a decent season at high A Modesto. He batted .273 but had a .397 on base. His ETA is 2010.
49)Austin Jackson- OF- NYY
-Jackson shows a nice amount of power, belting 13 homers in mostly A ball this year and swiped 33 bags with a .370 OBP. He has to cut down on his striekouts but has very good potential. ETA 2010, but could be sooner.
48-)Carlos Triunfel- SS- SEA
-17 years old and already in high A! He batted .296 which is promising, but had a low on base and got caught stealing more than he had SB's, but scouts are in awe of his raw talent and amazing SS arm. ETA 2010.
47)Johnny Cueto- RSP- CIN
-Scouts have him just behind Homer Bailey among team pitching prospects. Was 12-9 with a 3.07 ERA in 28 starts between A, AA, and AAA. He had 170 strikeouts to only 34 walks, and only gave up 11 homers in 161 innings. The 21 year old has a mid 90's fastball, a slider, and a change. He should be in the majors this coming season.
46)Jeff Clement- C- SEA
-Clement put up a solid .275-20-80-.370 year in AAA and hit 2 homers in 9 games with the big club. He's ready for the bigs hitting-wise now, but his defense is a liability and they have Kenji Jojhima behind the plate.
45)Radhames Liz- RRP- BAL
-Liz put up a very good year as a starter at AA, going 11-4 with a 3.22 ERA in 25 starts, with a 2.25-1 K-walk ratio. He was then brought up to the O's as a reliever and spot starter and didn't do so well. It seems like his future is as a reliever, and has to work on lingering command issues. 44)Tyler Colvin- LF- CHC
-The Cubs first round pick in 2006 didn't disappoint last year, batting .299 with 16 jacks and 81 RBI's between A and AA. His K's and OBP weren't good, but he stole 17 bases in 22 tries. He needs to be more patient at the plate though, and could be a late summer call-up if he starts off well.
43)Jeremy Jeffress- SP- MIL
-The 20 year old 2006 first rounder went 9-5 with a 3.13 ERA in Middle A, and held hitters to a .201 batting average against. His fastball approaches 100, and is working on a slider. He was suspended 50 games for drugs, and we'll see how he adjusts to that. He'll be back in June, ETA 2011.
42) Alcides Escobar- SS- MIL
-The 20 year is also a speedster with very good defense but only has a .331 OBP. Hit .306 between A and AA with 22 steals, didn't strike out too often, but didn't have many walks. ETA 2009.
41)Ian Stewart- 3B- COL
-Everyone knows Stewart has talent, but he's been hampered by injuries and he has nowhere to play for the Rockies. Atkins and Tulo aren't going anywhere. He put up good numbers in AAA, not so good in 35 games in the bigs. With Kaz Matsui unlikely to return, Stewart played some second base in the instructional league and that is perhaps his calling.
-This just in, the Cubs have just announced that they've given Kerry Wood a 1 year contract. Ken Rosenthal has reported his deal is worth 4.2 million.
-Indians reliever Juan Lara was involved in a serious car accident in the Dominican when his SUV was struck by a motorcycle. He played most of the year in AAA but was in the majors late in the season. The AP has reported that Lara will need surgery in the US.
-It was certainly interesting when the Reds signed Francisco Cordero last week to a 4 year, 46 million dollar deal. That seems like too much for me. He was inconsistent in the last hitters park he pitched in (Texas) and the GABP is a hitters paradise. We'll see, but I'm a bit leery of the transactions. Then again, look who else is out there. Are you still thinking? Exactly my point.
-This is for all you Brewers fans out there. Former manager Jerry Royster has become the first ever foreign skipper in Korea, as he has signed to manage the Lotte Giants. How the "mighty" have fallen.
-The Marlins are not budging from their stance of wanting four legit players from the Angels, who would be the best candidates to get Miguel Cabrera right now. (Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel)
-Bobby Kielty's situation hinges on what Boston does with Coco Crisp. The Twins, Braves, White Sox, and Rangers are interested. (Boston Herald)
-The Winter Meetings are coming up, and Johan Santana will be a main subject. (The Free World)
-Phil Rogers reports that the Yankees and Red Sox would be very interested in Dan Haren.
-The Rays are very interested in Cesar Izturis, according to the St Petersburg Times. The Nationals are still interested in Elijah Dukes
-Pittsburgh has inquired about Matt Clement, says the Pittsburgh Post Gazette.
-Arizona may let Tony Clark go and replace him with Mark Sweeney. (East Valley Tribune)
-The St Paul Pioneer Press reports that a Matt Garza trade to Tampa for Delmon
MLB.com Top Prospects 41-50
50)Dexter Fowler- CF- COL
-He was a rising star in the Fall League this year after a decent season at high A Modesto. He batted .273 but had a .397 on base. His ETA is 2010.
49)Austin Jackson- OF- NYY
-Jackson shows a nice amount of power, belting 13 homers in mostly A ball this year and swiped 33 bags with a .370 OBP. He has to cut down on his striekouts but has very good potential. ETA 2010, but could be sooner.
48-)Carlos Triunfel- SS- SEA
-17 years old and already in high A! He batted .296 which is promising, but had a low on base and got caught stealing more than he had SB's, but scouts are in awe of his raw talent and amazing SS arm. ETA 2010.
47)Johnny Cueto- RSP- CIN
-Scouts have him just behind Homer Bailey among team pitching prospects. Was 12-9 with a 3.07 ERA in 28 starts between A, AA, and AAA. He had 170 strikeouts to only 34 walks, and only gave up 11 homers in 161 innings. The 21 year old has a mid 90's fastball, a slider, and a change. He should be in the majors this coming season.
46)Jeff Clement- C- SEA
-Clement put up a solid .275-20-80-.370 year in AAA and hit 2 homers in 9 games with the big club. He's ready for the bigs hitting-wise now, but his defense is a liability and they have Kenji Jojhima behind the plate.
45)Radhames Liz- RRP- BAL
-Liz put up a very good year as a starter at AA, going 11-4 with a 3.22 ERA in 25 starts, with a 2.25-1 K-walk ratio. He was then brought up to the O's as a reliever and spot starter and didn't do so well. It seems like his future is as a reliever, and has to work on lingering command issues. 44)Tyler Colvin- LF- CHC
-The Cubs first round pick in 2006 didn't disappoint last year, batting .299 with 16 jacks and 81 RBI's between A and AA. His K's and OBP weren't good, but he stole 17 bases in 22 tries. He needs to be more patient at the plate though, and could be a late summer call-up if he starts off well.
43)Jeremy Jeffress- SP- MIL
-The 20 year old 2006 first rounder went 9-5 with a 3.13 ERA in Middle A, and held hitters to a .201 batting average against. His fastball approaches 100, and is working on a slider. He was suspended 50 games for drugs, and we'll see how he adjusts to that. He'll be back in June, ETA 2011.
42) Alcides Escobar- SS- MIL
-The 20 year is also a speedster with very good defense but only has a .331 OBP. Hit .306 between A and AA with 22 steals, didn't strike out too often, but didn't have many walks. ETA 2009.
41)Ian Stewart- 3B- COL
-Everyone knows Stewart has talent, but he's been hampered by injuries and he has nowhere to play for the Rockies. Atkins and Tulo aren't going anywhere. He put up good numbers in AAA, not so good in 35 games in the bigs. With Kaz Matsui unlikely to return, Stewart played some second base in the instructional league and that is perhaps his calling.
Friday, November 23, 2007
Around The Majors- Friday
It's a dark day on Black Friday in the baseball world. Jerry Crasnick reports that free agent pitcher Joe Kennedy has passed away today from undetermined causes at age 28. He played for Arizona, Toronto, and Oakland last season. This death opens up almost endless speculation on what caused this sudden and saddening death. This may be disrespectful to Kennedy, but the steroids question has to enter my mind. The sudden death of a journeyman possibly looking to obtain an edge? Putting two and two together has to be done during these times of the impending Mitchell report that hangs like a dark cloud before a storm over the Major League world. In a seprate Crasnick article, he wonders whether Mitchell's report will have an impact on this year's free agent market. The early answers remain mixed. The Indians exercized the option of Paul Byrd, despite the reports that he bought HGH and could face possible discipline. The Kansas City Star reports that the Royals are still interested in Jose Guillen even though there are reports that he bought steroids and may have been invited for a little chit-chat with Bud Selig on Park Avenue. Even in the face of positive tests, the Mets signed Guillermo Mota a year ago (he was recently dealt to Milwaukee) and Padres GM Kevin Towers makes no secret of his desire to resign Mike Cameron despite his recent positive test that will keep him sidelined for the first 25 games of the 2008 campaign. On the other side of the coin, there have been whispers that Alex Rodriguez agreed to a contract so quickly because he knew that he would be named in Mitchell's report and went for the quick bucks. But the facts are few and far between in this sea of speculation, and with time hopefully will come answers. But the answers may bring even more questions and doubts to the forefront, engrossing the baseball univerese in an irreversible cycle of rumors and accusations that have engulfed us in this Steroids Era.
-Sources have told Ken Rosenthal that the Reds are in serious talks with free agent closer Francisco Cordero. Sources also say that the Brewers have offered Cordero a 4 year, 42 million dollar contract to stay a Brewer.
-SI's Jon Heyman reports that the Twins have offered Johan Santana a 4 year extension worth 80 million, which is a huge gap from what he's looking for. Many say that Santana is looking for Barry Zito money, 7 years at 126 million. This increases the likelihood that he could get dealt at the Winter Meetings in 2 weeks.
-The Marlins may play a series or two in San Juan this season, possibly a late July series against the Mets.
-The LA Times can't help but wonder if the Angels' next move is a trade for Miguel Cabrera or Miguel Tejada. The Miami Herald reports that the Angels are the favorites to land Cabrera, and that the signing of Torii Hunter allows Los Angeles to send Reggie Willits off to Florida. The Marlins would also get at least catching prospect Jeff Mathis, Howie Kendrick, and one of Ervin Santana, Jered Weaver, or Joe Saunders. The major argument hinges on super top pitching prospect Nick Adenhart. The LA Times also reports that the Angels could be interested in bringing back David Eckstein.
-A possible emerging trade has the Twins sending Matt Garza to the Dodgers for Matt Kemp, says the Minneapolis Star Tribune. The Twins are also interested in Kenny Lofton and Corey Patterson.
-The White Sox could be working a deal for Coco Crisp, says the Chicago Sun-Times. Crisp could go to the Rangers, according to the Dallas Morning News.
-The Braves will definitely not resign Andruw Jones, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
-The Royals are interested in Carlos Silva and Hiroki Kuroda, says the KC Star.
-Sources have told Ken Rosenthal that the Reds are in serious talks with free agent closer Francisco Cordero. Sources also say that the Brewers have offered Cordero a 4 year, 42 million dollar contract to stay a Brewer.
-SI's Jon Heyman reports that the Twins have offered Johan Santana a 4 year extension worth 80 million, which is a huge gap from what he's looking for. Many say that Santana is looking for Barry Zito money, 7 years at 126 million. This increases the likelihood that he could get dealt at the Winter Meetings in 2 weeks.
-The Marlins may play a series or two in San Juan this season, possibly a late July series against the Mets.
-The LA Times can't help but wonder if the Angels' next move is a trade for Miguel Cabrera or Miguel Tejada. The Miami Herald reports that the Angels are the favorites to land Cabrera, and that the signing of Torii Hunter allows Los Angeles to send Reggie Willits off to Florida. The Marlins would also get at least catching prospect Jeff Mathis, Howie Kendrick, and one of Ervin Santana, Jered Weaver, or Joe Saunders. The major argument hinges on super top pitching prospect Nick Adenhart. The LA Times also reports that the Angels could be interested in bringing back David Eckstein.
-A possible emerging trade has the Twins sending Matt Garza to the Dodgers for Matt Kemp, says the Minneapolis Star Tribune. The Twins are also interested in Kenny Lofton and Corey Patterson.
-The White Sox could be working a deal for Coco Crisp, says the Chicago Sun-Times. Crisp could go to the Rangers, according to the Dallas Morning News.
-The Braves will definitely not resign Andruw Jones, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
-The Royals are interested in Carlos Silva and Hiroki Kuroda, says the KC Star.
Monday, November 19, 2007
Around The Majors- Hot Stove Monday
News and rumors as the day goes by, it starts right now.
8:30am EST
-Tom Glavine has agreed to a 1 year, 8 million dollar contract with the Braves. This fills a hole in the rotation, and gives Atlanta a proven 3rd starter after Smoltz and Hudson.
-Mariano Rivera will soon take the Yankees' 3 year, 45 million dollar offer.
-Mike Lowell will likely take Boston's 3 year contract offer to remain a Red Sock.
-As reported first last night on SprungOnSports2, the Mets and Luis Castillo have agreed on a 4 year contract worth 25 million dollars to play 2nd base. Several teams including Houston and San Diego coveted Castillo, and their focus will now likely turn to David Eckstein, who the Mets courted last week.
-Alex Rodriguez will collect the AL MVP Award and sign his 10 year, 275 million dollar contract, according to the New York Post. That's a pretty good day. The Post also reports that the Mets could pursue Livan Hernandez or even David Wells.
-The Rangers are entertaining Torri Hunter according to the Dallas Morning News, and the Dodgers are close to the top of Hunter's list says the Riverside Press Enterprise.
-Mariano Rivera is trying to get an option year out of the Yankees, according to the New York Daily News.
-Toronto has interest in Matt Clement, says the Toronto Sun.
-Fox Sports reported last week that Japanese reliever Yasuhiko Yabuta had signed with the Royals, but the Chicago Tribune says that Yabuta has listed the Royals, White Sox, Pirates, Rays, and Indians among his finalists.
8:30am EST
-Tom Glavine has agreed to a 1 year, 8 million dollar contract with the Braves. This fills a hole in the rotation, and gives Atlanta a proven 3rd starter after Smoltz and Hudson.
-Mariano Rivera will soon take the Yankees' 3 year, 45 million dollar offer.
-Mike Lowell will likely take Boston's 3 year contract offer to remain a Red Sock.
-As reported first last night on SprungOnSports2, the Mets and Luis Castillo have agreed on a 4 year contract worth 25 million dollars to play 2nd base. Several teams including Houston and San Diego coveted Castillo, and their focus will now likely turn to David Eckstein, who the Mets courted last week.
-Alex Rodriguez will collect the AL MVP Award and sign his 10 year, 275 million dollar contract, according to the New York Post. That's a pretty good day. The Post also reports that the Mets could pursue Livan Hernandez or even David Wells.
-The Rangers are entertaining Torri Hunter according to the Dallas Morning News, and the Dodgers are close to the top of Hunter's list says the Riverside Press Enterprise.
-Mariano Rivera is trying to get an option year out of the Yankees, according to the New York Daily News.
-Toronto has interest in Matt Clement, says the Toronto Sun.
-Fox Sports reported last week that Japanese reliever Yasuhiko Yabuta had signed with the Royals, but the Chicago Tribune says that Yabuta has listed the Royals, White Sox, Pirates, Rays, and Indians among his finalists.
Friday, November 16, 2007
Around The Majors- Friday
Barry Bonds talk with ESPN Page 2's Jonah Keri, news, and rumors for yet another baseball day on SOS.
-So Bonds will probably never play Major League Baseball again. Is this where I sob or climb up high to my soap box? I actually feel pretty indifferent on the subject and am pleased to see Barry go away from the baseball scene for a while, or maybe not. I follow the independent Long Island Ducks, and they had John Rocker on their roster a few years ago, and Jose Canseco and Rickey Henderson played for the Newark Bears of the Atlantic League. So why not Barroids?
"I like the way you think." Keri said. Gotta love flattery, right?
"It's funny, when the Bonds news came down the pike, here were my two immediate reactions, in order:
1) Really? The government has nothing better to do but to charge a baseball player with perjury? Iraq's a disaster, Pakistan is on the verge of becoming a disaster, health care's got problems, the education system is a joke in many states, we're on the verge of a theocracy in this country, and Barry Bonds is their #1 priority?!
2) Too bad, Bonds would've been the best free agent bargain of the winter, by a mile. A's could've parlayed him into a run at the AL West title."
The government always loves high profile cases that they can get their noses into. When Congress hosted all those players for the steroids season, they were giddier than John Madden at a Brett Favre convention. Bonds and Billy Beane would have been perfect fits together, because love it or hate it Bonds is an optimal Moneyball player. Gets on base more than anyone in a while, hits jacks, and rarely ever strikes out. But that's all for naught now.
-Derek Jeter may owe millions in income taxes, so he's not perfect. Wait, so he's not God?
-Mariano Rivera still wants that 4th year, but this may end up like the A-Rod thing. Nobody may offer him a 4th year, and he'll come to the team that has the overwhelmingly best offer. That is once again New York.
-I don't agree with the Yankees offering Mike Lowell 4 years and 50-55 million to play first base. He's in his 30's and they would put him out of position, which would be insane considering Lowell is a superb defender at the hot corner. Once again, Boston seems sensible as they're offering 3 years and 35-45 million. My hope is that the Phillies get him, but they're likely to go after pitching.
-The Braves are closing in on making a contract offer to Tom Glavine. Glavine has said that he'd take less money than he got last year from the Mets to pitch in Atlanta. He'd join Smoltz, Hudson, James, and Jurrjens to make a nice rotation.
-The Red Sox are adding 900 seats to Fenway Park for next season, and $25 standing room tickets. Now not being able to stand baseball will only cost 25 bucks. A bargain.
-Aaron Rowand could go to the Dodgers, according to the Riverside Press Enterprise.
-Jake Peavy may take a hometown discount on a contract extension, says the San Diego Union-Tribune.
-Lowell could decide as soon as this weekend, according to the Boston Herald.
-The Tigers are interested in Livan Hernandez, according to the Detroit Free Press.
-The White Sox want to deal Joe Crede, says tha Daily Herald.
-The New York Post reports that Paul Lo Duca could go to Florida or Colorado.
- Arizona is interested in Bartolo Colon and Matt Clement, according to the Arizona Republic. The team will not deal Conor Jackson.
-The Marlins, Padres, and Rockies have interest in Michael Barrett. (Palm Beach Post)
-Milwaukee may sign Jason Kendall to be their Catcher. (Brewers.com)
-Kenny Rogers wants to stay with the Tigers. (Detroittigers.com)
-The New York Daily News reports that the Yankees and Jose Molina have agreed on a 2 year extension worth 4 million.
-The Mets have interest in Octavio Dotel. (New York Times)
-So Bonds will probably never play Major League Baseball again. Is this where I sob or climb up high to my soap box? I actually feel pretty indifferent on the subject and am pleased to see Barry go away from the baseball scene for a while, or maybe not. I follow the independent Long Island Ducks, and they had John Rocker on their roster a few years ago, and Jose Canseco and Rickey Henderson played for the Newark Bears of the Atlantic League. So why not Barroids?
"I like the way you think." Keri said. Gotta love flattery, right?
"It's funny, when the Bonds news came down the pike, here were my two immediate reactions, in order:
1) Really? The government has nothing better to do but to charge a baseball player with perjury? Iraq's a disaster, Pakistan is on the verge of becoming a disaster, health care's got problems, the education system is a joke in many states, we're on the verge of a theocracy in this country, and Barry Bonds is their #1 priority?!
2) Too bad, Bonds would've been the best free agent bargain of the winter, by a mile. A's could've parlayed him into a run at the AL West title."
The government always loves high profile cases that they can get their noses into. When Congress hosted all those players for the steroids season, they were giddier than John Madden at a Brett Favre convention. Bonds and Billy Beane would have been perfect fits together, because love it or hate it Bonds is an optimal Moneyball player. Gets on base more than anyone in a while, hits jacks, and rarely ever strikes out. But that's all for naught now.
-Derek Jeter may owe millions in income taxes, so he's not perfect. Wait, so he's not God?
-Mariano Rivera still wants that 4th year, but this may end up like the A-Rod thing. Nobody may offer him a 4th year, and he'll come to the team that has the overwhelmingly best offer. That is once again New York.
-I don't agree with the Yankees offering Mike Lowell 4 years and 50-55 million to play first base. He's in his 30's and they would put him out of position, which would be insane considering Lowell is a superb defender at the hot corner. Once again, Boston seems sensible as they're offering 3 years and 35-45 million. My hope is that the Phillies get him, but they're likely to go after pitching.
-The Braves are closing in on making a contract offer to Tom Glavine. Glavine has said that he'd take less money than he got last year from the Mets to pitch in Atlanta. He'd join Smoltz, Hudson, James, and Jurrjens to make a nice rotation.
-The Red Sox are adding 900 seats to Fenway Park for next season, and $25 standing room tickets. Now not being able to stand baseball will only cost 25 bucks. A bargain.
-Aaron Rowand could go to the Dodgers, according to the Riverside Press Enterprise.
-Jake Peavy may take a hometown discount on a contract extension, says the San Diego Union-Tribune.
-Lowell could decide as soon as this weekend, according to the Boston Herald.
-The Tigers are interested in Livan Hernandez, according to the Detroit Free Press.
-The White Sox want to deal Joe Crede, says tha Daily Herald.
-The New York Post reports that Paul Lo Duca could go to Florida or Colorado.
- Arizona is interested in Bartolo Colon and Matt Clement, according to the Arizona Republic. The team will not deal Conor Jackson.
-The Marlins, Padres, and Rockies have interest in Michael Barrett. (Palm Beach Post)
-Milwaukee may sign Jason Kendall to be their Catcher. (Brewers.com)
-Kenny Rogers wants to stay with the Tigers. (Detroittigers.com)
-The New York Daily News reports that the Yankees and Jose Molina have agreed on a 2 year extension worth 4 million.
-The Mets have interest in Octavio Dotel. (New York Times)
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Around The Majors- Thursday
SOS2 presents a special ATM today, because the hot stove is too smokin to ignore.
-A-Rod is negotiating basically by himself with Hank Steinbrenner for a new contract, and there are opinions from all angles on how this impacts and/or weakens Scott Boras' stranglehold on the industry. Buster Olney said today that Boras "overplayed the perfect hand" and that this will be a signifigcant red mark for Boras. Another intriguing stance came from Keith Law, who did not rule out the possibility of Boras purposely letting Rodriguez virtually negotiate by himself because that would maximize his chance for a bigger contract which could be as high as 290 million, according to a report this morning on MLB.com.
"Scott Boras really is smart." Law posted in his weekly chat on ESPN.com. "I'm going to give him the benefit of the doubt any time there's a question about his strategy." If there isn't a question on his strategy now, I don't think there would ever be any doubt placed on Boras. This is obviously a very interesting story, and keep it here for the duration of this day for breaking news stories.
-Jake Peavy was the unanimous winner of the NL Cy Young Award after leading the league in wins, ERA, and strikeouts, which is the pitchers' version of the triple crown. This is the 12th time in NL history that an award was given unanimously, and the first since 2002 when Randy Johnson took it. If this is any consolation for the Diamondbacks fans, Brandon Webb was nearly the unanimous 2nd place, getting 31 of the 32 2nd place votes. Brad Penny came in 3rd.
-A New York Mets plan to split time at Catcher between Ramon Castro and Yorvit Torrealba may come to fruition as soon as today. Torrealba's agent Mark Roman told ESPN Radio in New York (the official station of SOS)that he'll sign a 3 year deal with New York today which will be worth 14.4 million dollars according to Newsday. Both Catchers will provide power to the position.
-Bud Selig said that MLB took in 6.075 BILLION dollars in revenue this season which should probably mean that the small market teams likely took in enough green to have higher payrolls. That will never happen, but there may be a shortage in excuses right about now for those penny pinching owners. -Even as the Yankees appear to be on the verge of signing Rodriguez, they still have interest in World Series MVP Mike Lowell to play first base, according to the New York Post and the Newark Star Ledger. Lowell's agent Seth Levinson said that the two parties have engaged in conversation.
-According to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports, Mariano Rivera wants a 4th guaranteed year with the Yankees, which is why he has not yet accepted a 3 year, 45 million dollar offer. Whether another team like the Dodgers give him that 4th year is yet to be seen.
More reports and content will stream in as the afternoon and evening goes by right here on SprungOnSports2.
-A-Rod is negotiating basically by himself with Hank Steinbrenner for a new contract, and there are opinions from all angles on how this impacts and/or weakens Scott Boras' stranglehold on the industry. Buster Olney said today that Boras "overplayed the perfect hand" and that this will be a signifigcant red mark for Boras. Another intriguing stance came from Keith Law, who did not rule out the possibility of Boras purposely letting Rodriguez virtually negotiate by himself because that would maximize his chance for a bigger contract which could be as high as 290 million, according to a report this morning on MLB.com.
"Scott Boras really is smart." Law posted in his weekly chat on ESPN.com. "I'm going to give him the benefit of the doubt any time there's a question about his strategy." If there isn't a question on his strategy now, I don't think there would ever be any doubt placed on Boras. This is obviously a very interesting story, and keep it here for the duration of this day for breaking news stories.
-Jake Peavy was the unanimous winner of the NL Cy Young Award after leading the league in wins, ERA, and strikeouts, which is the pitchers' version of the triple crown. This is the 12th time in NL history that an award was given unanimously, and the first since 2002 when Randy Johnson took it. If this is any consolation for the Diamondbacks fans, Brandon Webb was nearly the unanimous 2nd place, getting 31 of the 32 2nd place votes. Brad Penny came in 3rd.
-A New York Mets plan to split time at Catcher between Ramon Castro and Yorvit Torrealba may come to fruition as soon as today. Torrealba's agent Mark Roman told ESPN Radio in New York (the official station of SOS)that he'll sign a 3 year deal with New York today which will be worth 14.4 million dollars according to Newsday. Both Catchers will provide power to the position.
-Bud Selig said that MLB took in 6.075 BILLION dollars in revenue this season which should probably mean that the small market teams likely took in enough green to have higher payrolls. That will never happen, but there may be a shortage in excuses right about now for those penny pinching owners. -Even as the Yankees appear to be on the verge of signing Rodriguez, they still have interest in World Series MVP Mike Lowell to play first base, according to the New York Post and the Newark Star Ledger. Lowell's agent Seth Levinson said that the two parties have engaged in conversation.
-According to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports, Mariano Rivera wants a 4th guaranteed year with the Yankees, which is why he has not yet accepted a 3 year, 45 million dollar offer. Whether another team like the Dodgers give him that 4th year is yet to be seen.
More reports and content will stream in as the afternoon and evening goes by right here on SprungOnSports2.
Monday, November 12, 2007
Around The Majors- Monday
Awards, Detroit keeping up with the Jonses, a move that would change the free agent landscape, and much more today on ATM.
-Dustin Pedroia won the ALROY in a landslide win with 132 points. The Red Sox 2nd baseman batted .317 with a .380 OBP and was the catalyst in the postseason that allowed Boston to roll to a world title. Rays OF Delmon Young came in second, and surprise Royals starter Brian Bannister came in 3rd.
-Ryan Braun batted .324 with 34 jacks and 97 driven in, and that was all after May 25. Wow. He barely edged out Rockies SS Troy Tulowitzki by 2 points to win the NLROY. Tulo set the rookie record for NL shorstops with 24 homers and also drove in 91. In any other year, Tulowitzki would have won it running away, but Braun had such amazing stats in such a short amount of time. The time may have been the determining factor, because Tulowitzki's fielding numbers were far superior.
-According to ESPN's Jerry Crasnick, the Tigers and Cubs alleviated problems in the Outfield with a trade this afternoon. The Tigers needed an outfielder and acquired Jacque Jones from Chicago in exchange for utility player Omar Infante. Jones will likely start in Left Field instead of a possible platoon of Marcus Thams and Ryan Rayburn. The Cubbies had a logjam in the outfield, and Infante will be someone good off the bench in a similar role that Mark DeRosa had with the team. Infante is a contact hitter who can play 2nd, 3rd, short, and the outfield. The trade filled needs for both clubs.
-Speaking of filling needs, the Tigers did that in a big way when they resigned closer Todd Jones to a 1 year deal worth 7 million. Jones became even more of a priority for GM Dave Dombrowski when young setup man Joel Zumaya went down with a shoulder injury that will sideline him for at least the first half of the 2008 season. Along with Fernando Rodney, Jones was a must resign for this team.
-Jorge Posada will likely reup with the Yankees, which leaves other teams in search of a catcher with little to rummage through. The Mets may have to resign Paul Lo Duca, or could go after Colorado backstop Yorvit Torrealba or Pirates Catcher Ronny Paulino.
-"When I spoke to Omar, he told me, `Be prepared to be the third baseman in 2008. That's what I took from it and that's the way I'm going about it." David Wright's statement today will likely quell A-Rod rumors for the time being.
-The free agent frenzy will begin at midnight tonight, expect the best coverage here at the SOS family of blogs.
-Dustin Pedroia won the ALROY in a landslide win with 132 points. The Red Sox 2nd baseman batted .317 with a .380 OBP and was the catalyst in the postseason that allowed Boston to roll to a world title. Rays OF Delmon Young came in second, and surprise Royals starter Brian Bannister came in 3rd.
-Ryan Braun batted .324 with 34 jacks and 97 driven in, and that was all after May 25. Wow. He barely edged out Rockies SS Troy Tulowitzki by 2 points to win the NLROY. Tulo set the rookie record for NL shorstops with 24 homers and also drove in 91. In any other year, Tulowitzki would have won it running away, but Braun had such amazing stats in such a short amount of time. The time may have been the determining factor, because Tulowitzki's fielding numbers were far superior.
-According to ESPN's Jerry Crasnick, the Tigers and Cubs alleviated problems in the Outfield with a trade this afternoon. The Tigers needed an outfielder and acquired Jacque Jones from Chicago in exchange for utility player Omar Infante. Jones will likely start in Left Field instead of a possible platoon of Marcus Thams and Ryan Rayburn. The Cubbies had a logjam in the outfield, and Infante will be someone good off the bench in a similar role that Mark DeRosa had with the team. Infante is a contact hitter who can play 2nd, 3rd, short, and the outfield. The trade filled needs for both clubs.
-Speaking of filling needs, the Tigers did that in a big way when they resigned closer Todd Jones to a 1 year deal worth 7 million. Jones became even more of a priority for GM Dave Dombrowski when young setup man Joel Zumaya went down with a shoulder injury that will sideline him for at least the first half of the 2008 season. Along with Fernando Rodney, Jones was a must resign for this team.
-Jorge Posada will likely reup with the Yankees, which leaves other teams in search of a catcher with little to rummage through. The Mets may have to resign Paul Lo Duca, or could go after Colorado backstop Yorvit Torrealba or Pirates Catcher Ronny Paulino.
-"When I spoke to Omar, he told me, `Be prepared to be the third baseman in 2008. That's what I took from it and that's the way I'm going about it." David Wright's statement today will likely quell A-Rod rumors for the time being.
-The free agent frenzy will begin at midnight tonight, expect the best coverage here at the SOS family of blogs.
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Around The Majors- Wednesday
A lot of little notes and rumors filling the big picture.
-ESPN's Jerry Crsanick is at the GM Meetings, and has said that the Angels are the front runners for A-Rod. The A's are the likely suitors for Barry Bonds.
-Angels OF Gary Matthews met with baseball officials about HGH allegations. If the hunt's taken out of the witch hunt, then it's just a witch isn't it?
-In the worst kept secret since Watergate, the Atlanta Journal Constitution reports that the Braves are interested in Tom Glavine. Wow, that was hard to admit. I guess y'all can hold the novacane, it's done.
-The Rangers still owe 9 million over 3 years for A-Rod, just think of it as a greedy and self centered mortgage.
-Juan Uribe signed a 1 year, 4.5 million dollar contract with the White Sox.
-The Mets resigned Marlon Anderson for 2 years and decline the option for Jose Valentin.
-The Yankees, Indians, and White Sox among others are interested in Miguel Cabrera according to various sources.
-Jorge Posada wants a 4 year deal worth 60 million and Mariano Rivera wants 3 for 45 says the Bergen Record.
-Kenny Rogers will likely return to Detroit next year, according to the Detroit Free Press.
-The Dodgers and Phillies are interested in Japanese pitcher Hiroki Kuroda. (Philadelphia and LA Daily News)
-The Giants are close to resigning Omar Vizquel, says the San Francisco Chronicle.
-The Kansas City Star reports that the Royals are still interested in Jose Guillen despite the recent allegations.
-Andrew Mongelluzzi, the agent for Paul Lo Duca said that the Mets led him to believe that he's not the team's top catching priority. (NY Post)
-Many teams are asking the Rangers about Gerald Laird and Hank Blalock. (Dallas Morning News)
-The Tampa Tribune reports that the Rays are up for any offer, and the Twins are interested in Rocco Baldelli.
-The Cubs are interested in Kaz Matsui, says the Denver Post. Colorado is interested in Brett Tomko.
-The Red Sox could go with a six man rotation next season, according to the Boston Herald.
-ESPN's Jerry Crsanick is at the GM Meetings, and has said that the Angels are the front runners for A-Rod. The A's are the likely suitors for Barry Bonds.
-Angels OF Gary Matthews met with baseball officials about HGH allegations. If the hunt's taken out of the witch hunt, then it's just a witch isn't it?
-In the worst kept secret since Watergate, the Atlanta Journal Constitution reports that the Braves are interested in Tom Glavine. Wow, that was hard to admit. I guess y'all can hold the novacane, it's done.
-The Rangers still owe 9 million over 3 years for A-Rod, just think of it as a greedy and self centered mortgage.
-Juan Uribe signed a 1 year, 4.5 million dollar contract with the White Sox.
-The Mets resigned Marlon Anderson for 2 years and decline the option for Jose Valentin.
-The Yankees, Indians, and White Sox among others are interested in Miguel Cabrera according to various sources.
-Jorge Posada wants a 4 year deal worth 60 million and Mariano Rivera wants 3 for 45 says the Bergen Record.
-Kenny Rogers will likely return to Detroit next year, according to the Detroit Free Press.
-The Dodgers and Phillies are interested in Japanese pitcher Hiroki Kuroda. (Philadelphia and LA Daily News)
-The Giants are close to resigning Omar Vizquel, says the San Francisco Chronicle.
-The Kansas City Star reports that the Royals are still interested in Jose Guillen despite the recent allegations.
-Andrew Mongelluzzi, the agent for Paul Lo Duca said that the Mets led him to believe that he's not the team's top catching priority. (NY Post)
-Many teams are asking the Rangers about Gerald Laird and Hank Blalock. (Dallas Morning News)
-The Tampa Tribune reports that the Rays are up for any offer, and the Twins are interested in Rocco Baldelli.
-The Cubs are interested in Kaz Matsui, says the Denver Post. Colorado is interested in Brett Tomko.
-The Red Sox could go with a six man rotation next season, according to the Boston Herald.
Monday, November 5, 2007
Around The Majors- Monday
-The GM meetings are going on in Orlando, but most of the major news today wasn't being made there. On a stage in center field in Chavez Ravine, Joe Torre was formally introduced as Dodgers manager. He was flanked by Tommy Lasorda and Vin Scully, which would seem like a lot of pressure for most people until you realize that The Boss was constantly breathing down Joe's neck for over a decade. If familiarity breeds contempt, then there'll be a whole lot of that in the dugout as Don Mattingly and Larry Bowa will go with Torre to the Los Angeles staff.
-Nobody wanted the Pirates job. It got so bad, that they had to hire someone (John Russell) they just fired two years earlier. The former Pittsburgh 3rd base coach is now manager. This is the sign of a world class organization. Russell is certainly talking the talk:
"There are a lot of areas in which we can improve, but we have the pieces here to win games. And we're here to win."
After 15 consecutive losing seasons, one would wonder where the Pirates were the last decade and a half, because they were certainly not there to win.
"It's being a tireless instructor, it's being a tireless communicator," Said GM Neal Huntington, who reminded me more of a Goodyear salesman than someone who's running a baseball team. Neal then went for some baseballspeak:
"It's instilling pride and expecting things to be done the right way. It's holding the staff accountable and the players accountable."
-Something that did happen in Orlando, according to ESPN's Buster Olney was the Padres' agreement with Greg Maddux on a 1 year, 10 million dollar deal which also made agent Scott Boras richer. Ca-ching.
-Given Scott Rolen's murky relationship with Cardinals manager Tony La Russa, the third bagger could waive his no-trade clause, according to the St Louis Post Dispatch. A Pinstriped light has just gone off in my head.
-Add Seattle to the list of teams that could be after A-Rod, says the New York Daily News. Ah, sweet irony.
-The Atlanta Braves, Chicago White Sox, San Diego Padres and Texas Rangers are all interested in Coco Crisp says the Boston Herald.
-Richie Sexson and Pat Burrell are on the block, according to the Philadelphia Daily News.
-According to the St Petersburg Times, Kevin Costner's band will perform when the Rays unveil their new logo, colors, and uniforms which will maintain their images as complete failures.
-Nobody wanted the Pirates job. It got so bad, that they had to hire someone (John Russell) they just fired two years earlier. The former Pittsburgh 3rd base coach is now manager. This is the sign of a world class organization. Russell is certainly talking the talk:
"There are a lot of areas in which we can improve, but we have the pieces here to win games. And we're here to win."
After 15 consecutive losing seasons, one would wonder where the Pirates were the last decade and a half, because they were certainly not there to win.
"It's being a tireless instructor, it's being a tireless communicator," Said GM Neal Huntington, who reminded me more of a Goodyear salesman than someone who's running a baseball team. Neal then went for some baseballspeak:
"It's instilling pride and expecting things to be done the right way. It's holding the staff accountable and the players accountable."
-Something that did happen in Orlando, according to ESPN's Buster Olney was the Padres' agreement with Greg Maddux on a 1 year, 10 million dollar deal which also made agent Scott Boras richer. Ca-ching.
-Given Scott Rolen's murky relationship with Cardinals manager Tony La Russa, the third bagger could waive his no-trade clause, according to the St Louis Post Dispatch. A Pinstriped light has just gone off in my head.
-Add Seattle to the list of teams that could be after A-Rod, says the New York Daily News. Ah, sweet irony.
-The Atlanta Braves, Chicago White Sox, San Diego Padres and Texas Rangers are all interested in Coco Crisp says the Boston Herald.
-Richie Sexson and Pat Burrell are on the block, according to the Philadelphia Daily News.
-According to the St Petersburg Times, Kevin Costner's band will perform when the Rays unveil their new logo, colors, and uniforms which will maintain their images as complete failures.
Sunday, November 4, 2007
The Most Powerful Man In Baseball
If I had to give you a few guesses on who the most powerful man in Baseball is, you would likely guess a top player, manager, or executive. But uberagent Scott Boras has changed the economic landscape of the sport, and will continue to get his star players outlandishly lavish contracts. Just the name Scott Boras makes Baseball General Managers cringe like the year “1918” used to make Red Sox fans squirm, and his domination of player contracts range from the top in Alex Rodriguez, all the way down to the annual amateur draft.
Scott Boras is the agent to numerous baseball stars, and has obtained gigantic contracts for Baseball’s best and for the ridiculously overrated. Any man that can get nine million dollars for Jeff Weaver and 70 million bucks for oft-injured JD Drew has to be supremely powerful. Boras clients have received the largest contracts in Major League history, from getting 10 years and 252 million for Alex Rodriguez in 2001 to the pitching record 7 year, 126 million dollar deal Barry Zito got at the end of 2006. Boras also hauled in the first 100 million dollar contract when top starter Kevin Brown signed a 7 year 105 million dollar deal with the Dodgers after the 1998 season. His exploitation of all 30 Major League teams for maximum deals for his players has caused numerous teams to increase payroll and ticket prices, and the hatred of officials and fans alike.
Another facet of Boras’ power is that the teams that sign his players usually win, and win big. Soon after the Tigers signed Boras clients Magglio Ordonez, Pudge Rodriguez, and Kenny Rogers they reached the World Series in 2006. And this year’s champions the Boston Red Sox have six clients on their roster including Drew, reliever Eric Gagne, Japanese star hurler Daisuke Matsuzaka, and team captain Jason Varitek. The Mets earned instant success after inking Carlos Beltran and trading for Carlos Delgado; both star players had their deals negotiated by Boras. The list of All-Star players represented by Boras is almost endless, and he’ll continue to get huge contracts for his players, and teams will constantly be at his mercy for the foreseeable future.
But Boras’ powerful scope goes all the way down to the top amateur players looking for top dollar. It started in 1984 when he got top prospect Tim Belcher an unthinkable 150 thousand dollar signing bonus, and continues today when he got a record 7.28 million dollar bonus for pitcher Rick Porcello, who had just graduated High School. Boras has had such an impact on the draft, that M.L.B. instituted a recommended draft pick bonus slotting system so that Boras wouldn’t be able to control where young players go. In the past, teams that owned the top selection would not be able to draft the best player, because Boras would get more money out of that player than that team could afford. And despite the institution of the slotting system, Boras still exploited all the teams for top dollar as Porcello and Andrew Brackman went lower in the draft to richer teams because the top clubs couldn’t pay their large bonuses.
Most of the free world despises Scott Boras, but his clients absolutely swear by him. In a 2004 article in SI, JD Drew admitted that many people will badmouth his agent, but Drew admires Boras because he has to work through all that adversity.
"You hear, 'Hey, this guy is this and that.' But Scott understands that he's going to have to be the bad guy sometimes, and he takes a lot of the heat.''
Scott Boras also prepares for his negotiations like noone else. In preparation for his upcoming negotiations with A-Rod, Boras wrote a book on how Rodriguez is the greatest player in baseball history who not only could shatter Hank Aaron’s all time home run record, but also break Pete Rose’s mark for career hits. Boras wrote a similar 80 page book on Rodriguez that netted him his 252 million dollar contract, and he wrote a book for prospective teams on Barry Zito that allowed the former Oakland lefty to sign a 126 million dollar contract with the Giants. He has always said that preparation is key in negotiations for his dozens of superstars, and he gets cash for his clients like no other agent in the history of sports.Boras was villified last week by hundreds of media outlets for announcing Alex Rodriguez’s free agency just as Boston was about to capture the World Series, but I believe that the announcement made was one of Boras’ best moves he ever made. Boras knew that he would take a big hit with the announcement, but he was able to upstage the climax of the Major League season to get attention for his clients, which is exactly what he wanted. From the World Series, to baseball’s overall economy, all the way down to his domination of the amatuer draft, Boras dominates and conquers all that he sees and does and is undoubtedly the most powerful man in Baseball
Scott Boras is the agent to numerous baseball stars, and has obtained gigantic contracts for Baseball’s best and for the ridiculously overrated. Any man that can get nine million dollars for Jeff Weaver and 70 million bucks for oft-injured JD Drew has to be supremely powerful. Boras clients have received the largest contracts in Major League history, from getting 10 years and 252 million for Alex Rodriguez in 2001 to the pitching record 7 year, 126 million dollar deal Barry Zito got at the end of 2006. Boras also hauled in the first 100 million dollar contract when top starter Kevin Brown signed a 7 year 105 million dollar deal with the Dodgers after the 1998 season. His exploitation of all 30 Major League teams for maximum deals for his players has caused numerous teams to increase payroll and ticket prices, and the hatred of officials and fans alike.
Another facet of Boras’ power is that the teams that sign his players usually win, and win big. Soon after the Tigers signed Boras clients Magglio Ordonez, Pudge Rodriguez, and Kenny Rogers they reached the World Series in 2006. And this year’s champions the Boston Red Sox have six clients on their roster including Drew, reliever Eric Gagne, Japanese star hurler Daisuke Matsuzaka, and team captain Jason Varitek. The Mets earned instant success after inking Carlos Beltran and trading for Carlos Delgado; both star players had their deals negotiated by Boras. The list of All-Star players represented by Boras is almost endless, and he’ll continue to get huge contracts for his players, and teams will constantly be at his mercy for the foreseeable future.
But Boras’ powerful scope goes all the way down to the top amateur players looking for top dollar. It started in 1984 when he got top prospect Tim Belcher an unthinkable 150 thousand dollar signing bonus, and continues today when he got a record 7.28 million dollar bonus for pitcher Rick Porcello, who had just graduated High School. Boras has had such an impact on the draft, that M.L.B. instituted a recommended draft pick bonus slotting system so that Boras wouldn’t be able to control where young players go. In the past, teams that owned the top selection would not be able to draft the best player, because Boras would get more money out of that player than that team could afford. And despite the institution of the slotting system, Boras still exploited all the teams for top dollar as Porcello and Andrew Brackman went lower in the draft to richer teams because the top clubs couldn’t pay their large bonuses.
Most of the free world despises Scott Boras, but his clients absolutely swear by him. In a 2004 article in SI, JD Drew admitted that many people will badmouth his agent, but Drew admires Boras because he has to work through all that adversity.
"You hear, 'Hey, this guy is this and that.' But Scott understands that he's going to have to be the bad guy sometimes, and he takes a lot of the heat.''
Scott Boras also prepares for his negotiations like noone else. In preparation for his upcoming negotiations with A-Rod, Boras wrote a book on how Rodriguez is the greatest player in baseball history who not only could shatter Hank Aaron’s all time home run record, but also break Pete Rose’s mark for career hits. Boras wrote a similar 80 page book on Rodriguez that netted him his 252 million dollar contract, and he wrote a book for prospective teams on Barry Zito that allowed the former Oakland lefty to sign a 126 million dollar contract with the Giants. He has always said that preparation is key in negotiations for his dozens of superstars, and he gets cash for his clients like no other agent in the history of sports.Boras was villified last week by hundreds of media outlets for announcing Alex Rodriguez’s free agency just as Boston was about to capture the World Series, but I believe that the announcement made was one of Boras’ best moves he ever made. Boras knew that he would take a big hit with the announcement, but he was able to upstage the climax of the Major League season to get attention for his clients, which is exactly what he wanted. From the World Series, to baseball’s overall economy, all the way down to his domination of the amatuer draft, Boras dominates and conquers all that he sees and does and is undoubtedly the most powerful man in Baseball
Monday, October 29, 2007
Breaking Baseball News
Monday, 1:30pm
According to Buster Olney and 1050 ESPN Radio in New York, the Yankees have offered Joe Girardi (and not Don Mattingly!!!!) a 3 year contract worth 6 million dollars to manage the team. He's currently in Denver and an announcement will reportedly be made tomorrow. This comes as the only good news in a while for the Yankees, who have lost a playoff series, their longtime manager, and most likely their best player. This is undoubtedly the right move, and the new Joe will bring continued success to the Yankees franchise.
According to Buster Olney and 1050 ESPN Radio in New York, the Yankees have offered Joe Girardi (and not Don Mattingly!!!!) a 3 year contract worth 6 million dollars to manage the team. He's currently in Denver and an announcement will reportedly be made tomorrow. This comes as the only good news in a while for the Yankees, who have lost a playoff series, their longtime manager, and most likely their best player. This is undoubtedly the right move, and the new Joe will bring continued success to the Yankees franchise.
Friday, October 26, 2007
Around The Majors- Friday
-The formerly hot Rockies have been compromised by some excellent Boston pitching, and a Fenway crowd louder than a frat party with elderly neighbors. Curt Schilling pitched another stellar game, and Scott Van Pelt of ESPN proclaimed that superbridge Hideki Okajima is far more important to his team than heralded Japanese starter Daisuke Matsuzaka. John Kruk claims that this series is over, but the change over to Coors Field in Colorado will make this a series again, according to SI Baseball savant Tom Verducci. The outfields are much deeper, causing Manny Ramirez to play further out without the Green Monster to hide his fielding liability. And the lack of a DH will cause the Sox to lose the bat of either Youkilis, Ortiz, or Lowell in all 3 games. Josh Fogg starts for the Rox, who has a 1.19 ERA this postseason, Dice-K on the other hand has a playoff ERA of over 5.5. Obviously, game 3 is a must for Colorado.
-While the Yankees decide on a new skipper, the Dodgers may not be as interested in Joe Girardi as once anticipated, according to the LA Daily News. In honor of the team's 50th year in LA, the Dodgers plan on playing a game at The Coliseum.
-The Yankees plan on picking up Bobby Abreu's option, says the New York Post.
-Torii Hunter has not heard from the Twins yet, so it looks like he's a goner. Texas, anyone??
-JC Romero will test free agency, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
-While the Yankees decide on a new skipper, the Dodgers may not be as interested in Joe Girardi as once anticipated, according to the LA Daily News. In honor of the team's 50th year in LA, the Dodgers plan on playing a game at The Coliseum.
-The Yankees plan on picking up Bobby Abreu's option, says the New York Post.
-Torii Hunter has not heard from the Twins yet, so it looks like he's a goner. Texas, anyone??
-JC Romero will test free agency, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Thunder Thursday
Just a lil bit of everything today, including baseball, basketball, college football, and hockey.
-Though the Yankees haven't decided on a new manager as of yet, the Dodgers could be interested in Joe Girardi if he doesn't get hired in the Bronx, according to ESPN's Buster Olney. Los Angeles still had Grady Little under contract, and a Dodgers spokesman said that Little was still our manager. Like Rex Grossman is our starter.......
-Major League Baseball could suspend people who have admitted to taking HGH such as Gary Matthews Jr, Rick Ankiel, and Paul Byrd. There will probably be even more suspensions after George Mitchell's investigation comes out in November or December.
-Yesterday, Miami acquired Ricky Davis, and Mark Blount from Minnesota for Antoine Walker, Michael Doleac, Wayne Simien, and a conditonal draft pick. The Heat were 0-7 in the preseason, and they were not only able to deal away someone Pat Riley despised in Walker, they were able to get a scorer and a very capable backup big man to compliment O'Neal and Mourning. Minnesota got youth in Simien, but this trade was mainly to clear away some vets who didn't want to be there anyway, in exchange for letting their young players get into their leading roles immediately. As of now, both teams came out as winners because they did what was best for them at the stages of their respective franchises. Blount will have less minutes, so he comes out of this as a loser, but Walker could be a winner after all because the Wolves are already trying to deal 'Toine. But for now, Walker is a loser because he'll be on the bench for a bad team when he wants to start for a good team.
-Huge ACC contest tonight as undefeated number two BC take on eighth ranked VaTech at 8pm on ESPN. The Worldwide Leader's Orestes Destrade has his take on the contest and his TV viewing preference:
"BC will give the Ws a run in New England tonight...great game. I'm a fan of VaTech and the #2 has lost 4 straight wks. Yet, I think BC will hold them off in a tight well played game. I'll be flipping back and forth a bit myself from fox to espn"
What will be on FOX tonight will be World Series game 2, with Curt Schilling and the Red Sox looking to duplicate last night's massacre against Ubaldo Jimenez and the Rockies. Colorado has to block this from their memories and start anew. The loss happened, and now you must move on. Can Boston continue to ride the momentum train all the way to a title? Find out tonight!
-The New York Rangers are playing like horse crap, and will play the Devils tonight at 7pm on Yahoo! sports. Friday on Yahoo, you can watch a battle of first place clubs as Detroit battles San Jose. Saturday night on CBC, the Rangers take on the middling Maple Leafs, followed by Edmonton and surprising Los Angeles. On Monday, San Jose take on rival Dallas on Versus. Versus has a great matchup the next night as Sid and the Pens take on Minnesota, while Montreal hosts Atlanta on TSN. And get a treat on Halloween as the Devils host the Lightning in their new arena on TSN.
-We wish the best to Corey Simon, who announced his retirement today.
-Though the Yankees haven't decided on a new manager as of yet, the Dodgers could be interested in Joe Girardi if he doesn't get hired in the Bronx, according to ESPN's Buster Olney. Los Angeles still had Grady Little under contract, and a Dodgers spokesman said that Little was still our manager. Like Rex Grossman is our starter.......
-Major League Baseball could suspend people who have admitted to taking HGH such as Gary Matthews Jr, Rick Ankiel, and Paul Byrd. There will probably be even more suspensions after George Mitchell's investigation comes out in November or December.
-Yesterday, Miami acquired Ricky Davis, and Mark Blount from Minnesota for Antoine Walker, Michael Doleac, Wayne Simien, and a conditonal draft pick. The Heat were 0-7 in the preseason, and they were not only able to deal away someone Pat Riley despised in Walker, they were able to get a scorer and a very capable backup big man to compliment O'Neal and Mourning. Minnesota got youth in Simien, but this trade was mainly to clear away some vets who didn't want to be there anyway, in exchange for letting their young players get into their leading roles immediately. As of now, both teams came out as winners because they did what was best for them at the stages of their respective franchises. Blount will have less minutes, so he comes out of this as a loser, but Walker could be a winner after all because the Wolves are already trying to deal 'Toine. But for now, Walker is a loser because he'll be on the bench for a bad team when he wants to start for a good team.
-Huge ACC contest tonight as undefeated number two BC take on eighth ranked VaTech at 8pm on ESPN. The Worldwide Leader's Orestes Destrade has his take on the contest and his TV viewing preference:
"BC will give the Ws a run in New England tonight...great game. I'm a fan of VaTech and the #2 has lost 4 straight wks. Yet, I think BC will hold them off in a tight well played game. I'll be flipping back and forth a bit myself from fox to espn"
What will be on FOX tonight will be World Series game 2, with Curt Schilling and the Red Sox looking to duplicate last night's massacre against Ubaldo Jimenez and the Rockies. Colorado has to block this from their memories and start anew. The loss happened, and now you must move on. Can Boston continue to ride the momentum train all the way to a title? Find out tonight!
-The New York Rangers are playing like horse crap, and will play the Devils tonight at 7pm on Yahoo! sports. Friday on Yahoo, you can watch a battle of first place clubs as Detroit battles San Jose. Saturday night on CBC, the Rangers take on the middling Maple Leafs, followed by Edmonton and surprising Los Angeles. On Monday, San Jose take on rival Dallas on Versus. Versus has a great matchup the next night as Sid and the Pens take on Minnesota, while Montreal hosts Atlanta on TSN. And get a treat on Halloween as the Devils host the Lightning in their new arena on TSN.
-We wish the best to Corey Simon, who announced his retirement today.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
World Series Preview
So many people have opinions on who will win this series, and in how many games. With the 8 day layoff for Colorado, game one is vital for the Rockies in Fenway. I asked Hall of Famer Joe Morgan if the Rockies would be able to get to Beckett?
"Well the Rockies have more good hitters/consistent hitters than Cleveland. I think the Rockies lineup will be a little tougher for Beckett, but he is an ace and can beat anyone."
Colorado possesses an AL style lineup, and Boston will be at a disadvantage when the series shifts to Denver. Seemingly, either Lowell, Youkilis, or Ortiz will have to sit 3 games. That's huge, and how will Dice-K and Jon Lester pitch in Colorado? The first game will be a big measuring stick, but game two would be a huge litmus test for the Rox if they lose game one. How would they adjust to losing a postseason game? Would they start pressing at the plate. Colorado's bullpen and defense are much stronger than Boston's and I have the Rockies shocking the world and taking the series in 6 games.
"Well the Rockies have more good hitters/consistent hitters than Cleveland. I think the Rockies lineup will be a little tougher for Beckett, but he is an ace and can beat anyone."
Colorado possesses an AL style lineup, and Boston will be at a disadvantage when the series shifts to Denver. Seemingly, either Lowell, Youkilis, or Ortiz will have to sit 3 games. That's huge, and how will Dice-K and Jon Lester pitch in Colorado? The first game will be a big measuring stick, but game two would be a huge litmus test for the Rox if they lose game one. How would they adjust to losing a postseason game? Would they start pressing at the plate. Colorado's bullpen and defense are much stronger than Boston's and I have the Rockies shocking the world and taking the series in 6 games.
World Series
While the Rockies and Red Sox get ready for the World Series, let's take a look at the matchups.
Offense- Both teams have very good offenses, but the edge goes to the Red Sox because of Ortiz and Manny.
Starting Pitching- The Rockies have pitched really well throughout this unbelievable stretch, but once again the Red Sox edge them out because of two big game pitchers; Beckett and Schilling.
Relief Pitching- Although they don't have the best closer in the series, I'd rather have Corpas and Co. who have a better all aroung bullpen than the Sox. The only guys I trust in the Red Sox bullpen are Okajima and Papelbon.
Defense- Lead by rookie Troy Tulowitzki, the Rockies are baseballs best defense.
Although both teams are evenly matched, the Red Sox will win in 7, with Josh Beckett winning the world series MVP.
Offense- Both teams have very good offenses, but the edge goes to the Red Sox because of Ortiz and Manny.
Starting Pitching- The Rockies have pitched really well throughout this unbelievable stretch, but once again the Red Sox edge them out because of two big game pitchers; Beckett and Schilling.
Relief Pitching- Although they don't have the best closer in the series, I'd rather have Corpas and Co. who have a better all aroung bullpen than the Sox. The only guys I trust in the Red Sox bullpen are Okajima and Papelbon.
Defense- Lead by rookie Troy Tulowitzki, the Rockies are baseballs best defense.
Although both teams are evenly matched, the Red Sox will win in 7, with Josh Beckett winning the world series MVP.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
The Next Yankees Manager
Just days after firing Joe Torre, the Yankees have begun their search for a new manager. Let's take a look at the candidates:
Don Mattingly- He is ownership's favorite, but he isn't the right man for the job. He has never managed a team before, and his managerial style would be similar to Torre, which is what the Yankees are trying to get away from. The Yankees ownership might be inclined to hire him because the players said they would like a manager who knows the players, and the players will respond to Donnie Baseball, which is really important.
Tony Pena- He is being interviewed on Wednesday, and the Yankees like what he brings to the table. When he managed the Royals in 2003, he shocked the baseball world by actually having the Royals play at such a high level, and he wound up winning the AL Manager of the Year Award. He also knows the players because he has been on the Yankees coaching staff for a couple of seasons. The only knock against him could be how he deals with the pressure of managing in NY. When things start to go wrong, would he be able to deal with the media and the hordes of angry Yankee fans?
Joe Girardi- Girardi was interviewed on Monday, and according to reports, he really impressed Hank Steinbrenner. In his first season with the Marlins in 2006, he took a team that was predicted to be in last place and lead them to a third place finish. He was fired by owner Jeffrey Loria after Girardi mouthed off at him. There would be no way Girardi lasts in NY if he talks like that to The Boss. He also is being blamed by the Marlins for overusing their young pitchers last season. Other than that, he seems best suited for this job. His is a passionate manager, who has played for the Yankees before and knows many of the players. If the Yankees want to get an already proven manager who has played in New York, Girardi is their man.
Don Mattingly- He is ownership's favorite, but he isn't the right man for the job. He has never managed a team before, and his managerial style would be similar to Torre, which is what the Yankees are trying to get away from. The Yankees ownership might be inclined to hire him because the players said they would like a manager who knows the players, and the players will respond to Donnie Baseball, which is really important.
Tony Pena- He is being interviewed on Wednesday, and the Yankees like what he brings to the table. When he managed the Royals in 2003, he shocked the baseball world by actually having the Royals play at such a high level, and he wound up winning the AL Manager of the Year Award. He also knows the players because he has been on the Yankees coaching staff for a couple of seasons. The only knock against him could be how he deals with the pressure of managing in NY. When things start to go wrong, would he be able to deal with the media and the hordes of angry Yankee fans?
Joe Girardi- Girardi was interviewed on Monday, and according to reports, he really impressed Hank Steinbrenner. In his first season with the Marlins in 2006, he took a team that was predicted to be in last place and lead them to a third place finish. He was fired by owner Jeffrey Loria after Girardi mouthed off at him. There would be no way Girardi lasts in NY if he talks like that to The Boss. He also is being blamed by the Marlins for overusing their young pitchers last season. Other than that, he seems best suited for this job. His is a passionate manager, who has played for the Yankees before and knows many of the players. If the Yankees want to get an already proven manager who has played in New York, Girardi is their man.
Monday, October 22, 2007
Around The Majors- Monday
-My how tables can turn. The good relief pitching, the big hits in the big spots, the series win. I despise the Sawx, but they did one helluva job coming back. But what will happen against the Rockies? More analysis as the series comes up.
-Tony LaRussa signed a 2 year extension as Cardinals manager, and he's "thrilled to come back". Bull! One of the reasons LaRussa was hesitant to come back was the GM situation; he and ousted GM Walt Jocketty are good friends, going back to the Oakland days. Either LaRussa was one desperate SOB, or he may have some say on who becomes the next GM in the STL.
-While Joe Girardi interviewed for the Yankees managerial opening today, Bobby Valentine will not. Larry Bowa will likely become the 3rd base coach in Seattle, and would have made a good Yankee manager in my mind.
-Dontrelle Willis believes that Florida will keep him, according to the Palm Beach Post.
-Red Sox pitching coach John Farrell could be another Yankee candidate, says the New York Post.
-Hitting coach Jeff Pentland will likely be joined by a nice coaching staff in Seattle including pitching coach Mel Stottlemyre, bench coach Jim Riggleman, first base coach Eddie Rodriguez and bullpen coach Norm Charlton. (Seattle Post-Intelligencer)
-Coco Crisp could go to the Nationals, according to the Washington Post.
-Mike Lowell could go to the Yankees or Phillies, according to the Boston Globe.
-Scott Boras thinks that player salaries should increase 30%, says the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Start being angry.......now.
-If Florida moves Miguel Cabrera, Dan Uggla could move to 3B. It seems that Jose Canseco's 2nd book is on hold.''there's not big interest,'' (Miami Herald)
-Tony LaRussa signed a 2 year extension as Cardinals manager, and he's "thrilled to come back". Bull! One of the reasons LaRussa was hesitant to come back was the GM situation; he and ousted GM Walt Jocketty are good friends, going back to the Oakland days. Either LaRussa was one desperate SOB, or he may have some say on who becomes the next GM in the STL.
-While Joe Girardi interviewed for the Yankees managerial opening today, Bobby Valentine will not. Larry Bowa will likely become the 3rd base coach in Seattle, and would have made a good Yankee manager in my mind.
-Dontrelle Willis believes that Florida will keep him, according to the Palm Beach Post.
-Red Sox pitching coach John Farrell could be another Yankee candidate, says the New York Post.
-Hitting coach Jeff Pentland will likely be joined by a nice coaching staff in Seattle including pitching coach Mel Stottlemyre, bench coach Jim Riggleman, first base coach Eddie Rodriguez and bullpen coach Norm Charlton. (Seattle Post-Intelligencer)
-Coco Crisp could go to the Nationals, according to the Washington Post.
-Mike Lowell could go to the Yankees or Phillies, according to the Boston Globe.
-Scott Boras thinks that player salaries should increase 30%, says the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Start being angry.......now.
-If Florida moves Miguel Cabrera, Dan Uggla could move to 3B. It seems that Jose Canseco's 2nd book is on hold.''there's not big interest,'' (Miami Herald)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
