Swisher traded to White Sox...Pretty big acquisition for Chicago. He hit over 30 HR last year, and now he's going to play in the most hitter friendly park in the AL

C- Pierzynski
1B- Konerko
2B- Ramirez or Uribe
SS- O. Cabrera
3B- Crede or Fields
OF- Dye
OF- Swisher
OF- Quentin? Owens? Fields?
DH- Thome

That's a pretty formidable lineup, if they can get some starting pitching and better production from their bullpen they could be back in the hunt like they were in 2006.

Rotation as of right now is

Buehrle, Vazquez, Contreras, Danks, and probably Gavin Floyd 5th...

That's probably not going to cut it this season...

Swisher hit 22 HR last year...or did you mean last year's last year?

Swisher hit 22 HR last year...or did you mean last year's last year?


Yup my mistake, I was going by what Linda Cohn said on ESPNEWS last night (she said he hit 35 HR's last year), should've double checked. Still a good player though, whos only going to increase his HR numbers.

He's a Buckeye, therefore, I hate him.

Angels are actively trying to acquire Paul Konerko from the Sox, supposively dangling Howie Kendrick...

Not sure if the Sox need any more 2B since they have like 3 on the roster already, but my guess is they would put Kendrick at 1B

I think Konerko likes to run his mouth a little too much for Reinsdorf's liking.

I think Konerko likes to run his mouth a little too much for Reinsdorf's liking.


He's getting old as well. I wonder how many more 30+ HR, 100+ RBI seasons he's got left in the tank.

I wouldn't mind getting him out of the AL Central, he tends to enjoy hitting off Tigs' pitching...

The Angels (among other teams) have been pursuing Konerko for like 2 years now. I don't see him leaving the White Sox.

The Angels (among other teams) have been pursuing Konerko for like 2 years now. I don't see him leaving the White Sox.


I know, LA has some sort of sick attraction to Pauly.

The Angels are in talks about like EVERYONE that isn't Santana (NYY vs. BOS).

Per RotoWorld, Mariners could be close to acquiring Erik Bedard from Baltimore. I think Bedard had a breakout season last year, and I doubt he can duplicate those numbers, even if he plays in a hitters park like SafeCo.

He would probably be their #2 starter behind King Felix, and could help them contend for the AL West Title. But I think it will take alot more than just Bedard to keep up with the Angels, who have a better lineup, and a better rotation...

FYI Goose Gossage was the only player elected to the Hall of Fame this year.

Wow, really? Who else was on the ballot?

Wow, really? Who else was on the ballot?

Lot's of people are eligible for votes but the main "snubs" were probably considered to be Bert Blyleven, Andre Dawson, Jim Rice, Mark McGwire, Tim Raines, and Lee Smith.

Trammel was on there and got 18%.

Trammel was on there and got 18%.

Seriously, this is one of the huge flaws in the system.

I'm not going to get into the whole "is he worthy" debate here (I'm obviously biased as I grew up with him being my favorite player but he has better numbers than most of the SS's in the Hall, whoops, guess I got into it...) but was there really anyone in baseball that would have traded Alan Trammell for Goose Gossage if they were of similair age?? Yet Goose waits a couple years and gets in no problem?? Stupid.

Blue Jays trade Glaus for Rolen.

D-Rays give Carlos Pena 3 years and over $24m

Is this where he tanks again?

Twins agree to trade Santana to the Mets.


By Bob Nightengale, USA TODAY

The New York Mets have agreed to a trade for two-time Cy Young Award winner Johan Santana, giving up four prospects to acquire the left-handed ace of the Minnesota Twins, according to two high-ranking Twins officials with knowledge of the talks and a person close to Santana.

The deal is pending the Mets and Santana reaching agreement on a six- or seven-year contract extension and that Santana passes a physical; they have been granted a 48 to-72-hour window to do so. Santana has a no-trade clause that he will waive if agreement is reached on a contract extension.

The Mets paid a high price in prospects to land Santana, agreeing to send the Twins outfielder Carlos Gomez and pitchers Phil Humber, Deolis Guerra and Kevin Mulvey.

The deal would give the Mets the much-needed ace at the front of their rotation. Santana won the American League Cy Young Award in 2004 and 2006 and is 93-44 lifetime. He went 15-13 with a 3.33 ERA for the Twins last season. Santana has struck out at least 235 batters each of the past four seasons.

While the deal drains much of the talent out of the Mets' farm system, they did manage to hold on to top prospect Fernando Martinez, an outfielder. Instead, they headed the package with Gomez, who turned 22 in December and spent 58 games with the Mets last year.

Gomez is what scouts like to call a five-tool player, a combination of offensive ability that includes power and speed as well as an above-average defensive game and a strong arm. He has worked to cut down a strikeout rate that was high during the early part of a minor league career that began in 2004 after the Mets signed him out of the Dominican Republic. He made his major league debut last May and hit .232.

Humber, 25, is the Mets' 2004 first-round pick who has made five major league appearances, including one start, over the past two seasons. He won 11 games at Class AAA last season, his first full year after having Tommy John surgery in 2005.

Santana would give the Mets the best rotation in the NL East after they missed out on the division title by one game thanks to a historic September collapse. He'd likely be joined by Pedro Martinez, John Maine, Oliver Perez and Orlando "El Duque" Hernandez.

The Twins, meanwhile, would see yet another young star they produced leave the organization. Their Gold Glove outfielder, Torii Hunter, left for the Los Angeles Angels this offseason. Gomez would be a candidate to replace him in center field.


http://www.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/2008-01-29-twins-mets-santana_N.htm

Lousy trade for the Twins, Humber has been a bust and was brought into the bigs way too early, and Carlos Gomez isn't going to be a power hitter...

If Minnesota didn't wait so long, they probably could've gotten Jon Lester, Jed Lowrie, and Ryan Kalish back in December from Boston during the Winter Meetings, but this is what they get for waiting so long...

Serves 'em right...

On a side note, I'm glad Johan is in the NL now, we won't have to deal with him anymore (even though the Tigs went 5-1 vs. him last year)

also the whole "Bedard to Seattle" thing looks bleak...

Well, good news for Minnesota is that Liriano is feeling no pain and looks to be ready to go for the upcoming season. Unless of course he ends up being nothing close to he was 2 seasons ago.

I agree with Buster Olney when it comes to this deal. This was the "Deal or no Deal" equal to the 100,000 briefcase. They didn't even get the Mets best prospect.

Oh well, at least the Yanks didn't get him.

Well, good news for Minnesota is that Liriano is feeling no pain and looks to be ready to go for the upcoming season. Unless of course he ends up being nothing close to he was 2 seasons ago.


I agree, we will know very early in the season which Liriano we will see...

This is best case scenario, imo. The Twins got a lot worse, adding a couple more wins for the Tigers this season. And he goes to the NL, where we will only have to see him for the World Series (If the Tigers and Mets make it).

The Tigers still have arguably one of the top 3 or 4 starting pitching staffs in baseball (on paper). If he would have went to the Sox or Yanks, there could have been trouble.

Kudos to the Mets for salvaging two bust outfield prospects. First Lastings Milledge to the Nationals, now this.

I agree, Omar Minaya was a Genius this offseason with his moves, he gets rid of Milledge for Schneider and Church who will both start for the Mets this year, then gets Johan using the law of diminishing returns, they did lose Tom Glavine, but after landing the best pitcher in the world, I don't think people will mind Glavine's loss, especially if Pedro Martinez can resemble anything to what he once was this season...

Funny how Mets fans who were screaming because Minaya had "done nothing this offseason" can now consider it one of the best offseasons in recent memory.

Johan and NYM still well apart on contract talk, Luis Gonzalez signs w/ the Marlins, Morgan Ensberg with the Yankees...

Also, got this on rotoworld, very interesting...


The Cleveland Plain Dealer speculates that Johan Santana signing a massive long-term contract with the Mets could make it less likely that C.C. Sabathia will remain with the Indians beyond this season.

The newspaper notes that "the Indians are not going to give Sabathia a contract for that much money or that many years." Like Santana, Sabathia is eligible for free agency following the season, yet his name hasn't been mentioned in any trade rumors thus far.


Can you imagine the Indians being right in the thick of a pennant race come July, and possibly having to look to unload their #1 starter because they KNOW they won't be able to sign him and will have to risk losing him for nothing???

I would NOT want to be Mark Shapiro right now...For us Tigers fans, we can't ask for a better situation...

Anything that fucks the Indians is great...

BUT!

We won't have to worry about them in July. We'll be undefeated, on a pursuit of perfection.

We won't have to worry about them in July. We'll be undefeated, on a pursuit of perfection.


Can't wait until March 31st is Opening Day...Pitchers and Catchers reporting soon...

WOO!!!

I miss Rod and Mario. Hell, I even miss John Keating's pregame show on FSN. I fucking miss the Spring, period.

Isn't this like the third time in 4 years they've opened vs. KC?

The greatest would be if we signed Sabathia next offseason to replace Rogers. I would LOVE to have him pitching against the team that wouldn't pay him.

I think he will make it to free agency, because I think they'll try to keep him for the playoffs unless they're way out of it.

I would NOT want to be Mark Shapiro right now
I met his dad the other day, Cal Ripken's agent. He was giving a speech at UT about preperation or something like that. I wasn't really paying attention, I was just in charge of running all the audio.

Daddy Shapiro is also the agent for the Indians closer. No wonder that horrible horrible pitcher is closing for an MLB team.

Joe Borowski??? Yeah he's a Todd Jones clone...

He set a Major League record last year for having the highest ERA given the amount of saves he had...

And of course they exercised his option over the offseason, it's the "Cleveland" thing to do.

Its the father-son thing to do apparently. Its got to help when your agent is your GM's dad.

Johan Santana is the 1st pitcher to average 20 mil per year. Second only to A-Rod. I find it a little disturbing that a guy who only plays in roughly 20% of team games is getting this much money.

Oh well.

Johan Santana is the 1st pitcher to average 20 mil per year. Second only to A-Rod. I find it a little disturbing that a guy who only plays in roughly 20% of team games is getting this much money.

Oh well.

Even worse - he was two games over .500 last season.

Many will blame the offense, but remind me how many offensive players they lost from the division champion team.

He simply failed to step it up that extra notch last season. Plus his highest ERA since he became a full time starter. The ship is sinking and the Mets just bought an expensive ticket. Apparently they didn't learn anything from Pedro.

The trade was one thing, they got him cheap. But this salary is going to look extremely expensive in a couple years - moreso than it already does.

Johan was much better than his record last year Jethro, he can win 20 w/ the Mets...he'll have much better run support, and he should be able to DOMINATE the NL, not to mention all those starts he will have Vs. the Marlins and Nationals this year...look out

Even worse - he was two games over .500 last season.

Many will blame the offense, but remind me how many offensive players they lost from the division champion team.

He simply failed to step it up that extra notch last season. Plus his highest ERA since he became a full time starter.


He gave up the highest HR total of his career (to Magglio alone I believe) last season too.

He'll have more than enough run support to bail him out in NY though.

I don't know that you can say he's on the downside quite yet, but he was definitely a little off last year. When a "bad" year is a 3.33 ERA though, I think it's safe to think that a rebound isn't necessarily out of the question.

Are the Mets in their new stadium yet? Shea's a great pitchers park but I know nothing about their new digs.

Per RotoWorld, Mariners could be close to acquiring Erik Bedard from Baltimore. I think Bedard had a breakout season last year, and I doubt he can duplicate those numbers, even if he plays in a hitters park like SafeCo.

He would probably be their #2 starter behind King Felix, and could help them contend for the AL West Title. But I think it will take alot more than just Bedard to keep up with the Angels, who have a better lineup, and a better rotation...

SafeCo is well-documented as a pitcher's park. Don't know where you heard it's a hitter's park from.

Either way, this trade may actually be nearing completion, so this is merited.

ROGER CLEMENS IS ON CAPITAL HILL GIVING HIS TESTIMONY

Oh yeah, Juan Gonzalez is going to try and make the Cardinals roster.

Which one?

Juan Gone

Roid baby

The guy that turned down $140m of Mike Illitch's $

Video posted of Pedro, Juan Marichal at cockfight
Associated Press
Updated: February 7, 2008, 3:10 AM ET

A video of New York Mets pitcher Pedro Martinez and Hall of Famer Juan Marichal at a cockfight was posted this week on YouTube.

Martinez and Marichal laugh before releasing the roosters. The two took part as honorary "soltadores," the word used to describe the person who puts the animal to fight.

The animal released by Martinez appears to be killed on the video, which was posted Tuesday. The fight takes place in the Coliseo de Gallos (Rooster Coliseum) in Santo Domingo, the Dominican Republic's biggest cockfighting venue. Cockfighting is legal and popular in the Dominican Republic.

By early Thursday, the video was removed "due to terms of use violation."

I see nothing wrong with that. They didn't do anything illegal, and in fact, were being honored in their own ways.

they are freaking roosters, who cares...gone too far

Red Sox may have just gotten worse.

Schilling apparently has a serious shoulder injury that could keep him out for the season.

Ryan Dempster predicts a WS win for the Cubs...

Not really newsworthy, but I thought I'd pass it along.

So ESPN just had a Breaking News alert on their little scroller thing at the bottom of the screen and it said that Bonds failed a steroids test in 2001.

Bonds took steriods?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!

I'm stunned.

SAN FRANCISCO -- Barry Bonds tested positive for steroids in November 2001, just a month after hitting his record 73rd home run of the season, U.S. prosecutors said on Thursday.

The allegation came in a legal filing in his steroid perjury case that referred to Bonds' long-time trainer, Greg Anderson.

"At trial, the government's evidence will show that Bonds received steroids from Anderson in the period before the November 2001 positive drug test, and that evidence raises the inference that Anderson gave Bonds the steroids that caused him to test positive in November 2001," U.S. Attorney Joseph Russoniello wrote.

The U.S. government made the assertion in a document that asked a federal court to reject Bonds' motion last month to dismiss the charges that he lied about past steroid use.

In December, the record seven-time National League Most Valuable Player pleaded not guilty to lying to a federal grand jury in 2003 when he denied using performance-enhancing drugs.

He testified in the BALCO sports steroid case, which ended up jailing his personal trainer, Anderson, and the head of the BALCO lab near San Francisco.

The latest government motion also referred to a question by a prosecutor during the BALCO case to "determine why Bonds apparently tested positive for anabolic steroids in November 2000."

To date, prosecutors have revealed little about the details they have in the case against Bonds, the greatest hitter of his era long dogged by suspicions about doping.

LMAO



SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - A typo in court papers regarding Barry Bonds (http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/player/85852) filed late Thursday by federal prosecutors touched off a brief tempest over the mistaken belief that he failed a drug test in November 2001, one month after breaking the home run record.

In fact, the government meant to reference a previously reported November 2000 failed drug test, U.S. attorney spokesman Josh Eaton said. That drug test was included in the indictment unsealed last year, when prosecutors said the test was for a player they called "Barry B."

The mistake prompted at least one erroneous report that was quickly posted to Web sites around the country.

Selig smells even more dirty and two-faced than ever right now. And to think the owners just extended a deal for one of the biggest jokes in sports.

Apparently the Bonds thing was a typo. He tested positive in November of 2000, before his record season.

WTF IS UP WITH PEOPLE TRYING TO STEAL THE SPOTLIGHT FROM TAHOE?!?!

Wow, I don't know how I missed that. Sorry, Tahoe. I completely didn't see that post.

Mailman has my back.

Thats ok, Zek.

Waxman says he regrets holding the hearing because both Clemens and McNamee were embarassed, lol.

^ And so did all those blowhards up in Congress. Especially the ones who defend Roger without knowing WTF really happened.

Bartolo Colon signs minor league deal with Boston, perhaps he will fill in for Schilling since it's lookin like he will not pitch this year...

Wow. Two years removed from Cy Young and AL dominance.

Goes to show you a couple things.
1 - Some guys won't agree to extensions because they want the big money in free agency, often because they have prick agents. An injury can really screw up that plan.
2 - In an era where a .500 pitcher can command 4 years, $40 million, 2 years of bad baseball can scare just about everyone away from you no matter how good you used to be.

If he bounces back at all, this could be one of the true steals in baseball for the Red Sox. I really, really hate them.

I'm also surprised we couldn't add him this way. Surely everyone knows we're short on arms in the minors, we have a pitchers park, and we have a guy pretty much day-to-day on whether or not he's thrown that last pitch of his career. Seems Bartolo would have been an even more perfect fit here. I guess the reunion with Manny Ramirez might play a role.

From ESPN's March 3 Spring Training Blog

Andrew Miller hit a batter with his first pitch Monday, and his control failed to improve much after that.

The Marlins' highly touted left-hander walked five in his first start of spring training, and he threw only 23 of 53 pitches for strikes. Still, he was part of a three-hitter and Florida beat the Boston Red Sox 3-2.

"I fell into the trap I had a little problem with last year," Miller said. "You get a little wild, and how soon can you get out of it? It took me obviously way too long today."

Miller was among six players acquired by Florida in a blockbuster December trade that sent Dontrelle Willis and Miguel Cabrera to the Detroit Tigers. The Marlins hope the 22-year-old Miller is ready for a starting role less than two years after he was taken by the Tigers as the sixth overall pick in the 2006 draft.

Marlins shortstop Hanley Ramirez was scratched from the lineup with a sore left ankle, the result of a home-plate collision Sunday. X-rays taken Monday were negative.

Marlins manager Fredi Gonzalez said he expected Ramirez to play Tuesday. Rookie center fielder Cameron Maybin (hamstring) might rejoin the lineup this week, Gonzalez said.

Infante (broken left hand) may not play during spring training and could miss all of April, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Anybody know how Omar Infante broke his hand?

If it is deemed as foul play, I suspect :howdidwegetminer:

Omar Infante probably broke his hand playing chess. Anybody recall Rod Allen telling us how Omar Infante is a "sensational chess player" on telecasts??

I swear every time Omar Infante got a rare start, he made that reference...

So who did we trade Omar for?

So who did we trade Omar for?


We traded Omar to Chicago for Jacque Jones, then the Cubs traded him & Will Ohman to Atlanta for that Ascanio kid...

So where did Jacque Jones come from?

Cubs

:howdidwegetminer:
Don't worry, Miner was asked to approve all trades.

PIE OUT 3-5 DAYS
Cubs center fielder Felix Pie will miss the next three to five days while he recovers from an outpatient surgery to fix a twisted testicle.

According to the Chicago Tribune, the surgery is a minor one but if Pie didn't deal with this soon he was in danger of losing the testicle.

Manager Lou Piniella said that the missed time from camp shouldn't keep Pie from competing for the starting center field job. Pie currently is the favorite to start for the Cubs in center on Opening Day.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/northernireland/mindyourself/images/symptoms/testicular.jpg

http://www.merck.com/mrkshared/mmanual_home/illus/i229_1.gif

This post is a public service announcement underwritten by Merck®.

If I twisted a testicle (more than normal) I would expect to be out longer than 3-5 days.
Was this an on-field injury or a Champagne Room injury? Either way, you have to wonder if someone hung to the point of getting that puppy nearly twisted off might not have an equally lucrative career after beisbol.

Ouch that hurts just thinking about it.

Coco, Huntington, VT: Do you think Maybin should start the year in AAA? I worry that the Marlins will rush him along and hurt his development. Looks very raw at the plate.

http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif Jim Callis: I think he should, but I'm with you, Coco--I bet the Marlins play him in the majors to try to make the trade look better.

Sean Casey got a stiff neck on the plane to Japan and has been ruled out for the 2 games being played there.

That's funny.

Anyone catch the field configuration for the Dodgers/Red Sox game last night? It was played at the LA Coliseum.

Don't look now, folks, but Kansas City is 6-2.

Vin Scully owns. I think I'm going to become a Dodger fan so I have an excuse to listen to him more.

The Brewers signed Jeff Weaver.

As much as I really don't want Jeff Weaver, Isn't that the kind of thing we should be trying?

Grab someone like him, stick him in the bullpen for long relief instead of Grilli? Is that what you mean by that kind of thing?

More or less. Our starting corps looks pretty thin right now too.

Freddy Garcia is still available. Former All-Star, won a WS w/ the White Sox. Could be worth a look.

Isn't his arm shot?

Isn't his arm shot?


Not sure. There's probably a reason he went unsigned this offseason. That could be it.

I thought someone signed him to a minor league deal, then ended up cutting him or something. Maybe I'm thinking of another former all-star pitcher.

In other news, Tejada admitted to being two years older than he told everybody.

He's 33 now.

Miggy is a class guy.

Way to wait until you've got your big contract to be honest with everyone.

Frank Thomas got released today by Toronto. Interesting.

Frank Thomas got released today by Toronto. Interesting.

Signed with the A's (again).

Derrick Turnbow (MIL) was DFA.

- Yovani Gallardo tore his ACL so he's out for the rest of the season

Ouch.

Just because it never gets old:


The issue now becomes one for Baker and pitching coach Dick Pole to figure out.

The Reds have hit 6 HRs today already against the Cubs, including two sets of back2backs.
http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/boxscore?gid=280507117

I just switched to the game. It looks like there are a total of 3 peeps at the game

Joey Avatto or something, just hit another one.

That's 3 HRs today for Joey Votto

Throwing behind Manny costs Farnsworth one game on appeal
Associated Press
Updated: May 9, 2008, 12:56 PM ET

NEW YORK -- Kyle Farnsworth's suspension was cut from three games to one Friday by Major League Baseball following an appeal by the New York Yankees reliever.

Bob Watson, baseball's vice president in charge of discipline, announced the original penalty April 19, two days after Farnsworth threw a fastball behind the neck of Boston Red Sox slugger Manny Ramirez. Farnsworth wasn't ejected and said the ball slipped.

John McHale Jr., executive vice president for administration in the commissioner's office, heard Farnsworth's appeal Tuesday.

Farnsworth was to serve the suspension Friday, baseball spokesman Rich Levin said.

In a somewhat surprising development, Major League Baseball also announced that Detroit Tigers relief pitcher, Zach Miner, would also be suspended one game to match Farnsworth's suspension. When reached for comment on Friday afternoon, Tigers Manager Jim Leyland simply stated, "Sounds pretty good to me".

I'm assuming the end of that article was added.

I'm assuming the end of that article was added.

Ya think? (http://www.myspace.com/heatherpixie88)

That's 3 HRs today for Joey Votto

Lots of my buddies are named Votto and me too. Whenever we get together we always say..."Hey Votto, como stas?

Speaking of Vottos, a couple of mine wrote nice letters to their essays the other day.

^ Thanks for playing along Vinny.

And Barry has been charged with felonies

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,355515,00.html

this is just not good

http://www.portfolio.com/interactive-features/2008/05/Foul-Ballpark

this is just not good

http://www.portfolio.com/interactive-features/2008/05/Foul-Ballpark\

Yummy. Some of those aren't a big deal (lack of gloves, IF you wash your hands properly), but most of those are pretty gross.

Finally a "worst" list that doesn't include Detroit!



Or me.

Mike Piazza retired.

The Marlins signed Jacque Jones to a minor league deal the other day.

Post 115 means about as much to me as post 116.

Mike Piazza retired.

I still can't get over that he didn't do SOMETHING, ANYTHING when Clemens threw the bat at him.

Wilfredo Ledezma (the real one) was DFA today by the Padres.

Damn. Need a new av.

Post 115 means about as much to me as post 116.

I think this is my favorite Zekyl post. RIP good buddy!

Victor Martinez will have surgery, miss 4-6 weeks, HUGE blow to the Tribe...

Hafner, Carmona, and now V-Mart all on the DL missing significant time...

Time to trade CC

- JJ Putz put on DL

...lots of big name injuries this week hitting the DL (Soriano, Pujols, Bonderman, Westbrook, Rickie Weeks, Victor Martinez, Putz, Wainwright...)

now if only Sizemore would roll his ankle...

Or tear up his neck.

OK maybe too far.

- Mariners GM Bill Bavasi was fired today

- Chien-Ming Wang could be out for the season (guarantee they get CC Sabathia soon)

Griffey Jr might waive his no trade clause to be traded to the Rays... I love Ken, but I don't see how he can help them at this point.

I saw that...Its all about Jr.

HE LOVES HIS KIDS

Watched Baseball Tonight and they said it might be a move to boost attendance, but Kruk raised a good point... said if the Yanks, the biggest draw, couldn't bring anyone to the park, why would Griffey at this stage in his career?

His kids go to school in Orlando.

His wife moved the family there many years ago because she didn't want them growing up in Seattle.

I'm sure that the absence of income tax in Florida is just a coincidence.

Wonder if he'd have waived his clause if the Rays weren't playing so well.

I bet he would... HE LOVES THE GAME!!

HE'S JUST A KID WEARING HIS HAT BACKWARDS DURING BP

HE DOES IT THE RIGHT WAY

HE DOESN'T HAVE NECK TATTOOS.

HE DOES IT THE RIGHT WAY

AND GOL DAMNIT (©Tahoe), HE HAS FUN DOING IT!

What a classless move by the Mets.

They let Randolph fly all the way across the country, having won 3 out of their last 4, they let him manage last night's game (a win), they let him do his postgame presser with the media (where he seems proud of his team and says that they are building some nice momentum) and then, at 3:15 am EST, they fire him.

Tigs are interested in Freddy Garcia, he won't be able to pitch until August, but he'd be a low risk, high reward guy...

Tigs are interested in Freddy Garcia, he won't be able to pitch until August, but he'd be a low risk, high reward guy...

Interesting, especially since he is Ozzie Guillen's son in law.

Sabotage?

Interesting, especially since he is Ozzie Guillen's son in law.

Sabotage?


He is very close friends with Carlos Guillen, I know that for sure. I've always liked Freddy, especially when he was with the M's and he's still relatively young, but I wouldn't expect much results if we do sign him...

Watched Baseball Tonight and they said it might be a move to boost attendance, but Kruk raised a good point... said if the Yanks, the biggest draw, couldn't bring anyone to the park, why would Griffey at this stage in his career?

Why not end your career in Tampa Bay? It worked wonders for Boggs, Canseco, McGriff, Greg Vaughn, Tino Martinez, and many others. It's where you go to die and fall out of the public eye - unless of course you plan to write a steroid book or two afterward.

Nothing like watching the movie "The Rookie" about Jimmy Morris and seeing the jerseys hanging there only to say, "Oh yeah, he played there for a miserable season or two, didn't he? I almost forgot he was even good once."

^^I think Tino Martinez ended his career as a Yankee...if I'm not mistaken...

also, for MLB news, Brad Penny, Bartolo Colon, and Paul Konerko all placed on the DL...


droppin like flys

That's "flies".

I wonder how much Zekyl can't stand the way Jhonny Peralta spells his name...

- Richie Sexson is going to be released by the Mariners...what a waste of money he ended up being...

he used to be a total stud when he was with the Brewers, now he can't even hit above .215...

Curt Schilling = DONE.

Oh, happy day.

Cito Gaston?

This is wild.


Blue Jays fire Gibbons, bring back Cito Gaston
ESPN.com news services
Updated: June 20, 2008, 2:12 PM ET

The Toronto Blue Jays became the third team this week to fire their manager, relieving John Gibbons of his duties along with coaches Marty Pevey, Ernie Whitt and Gary Denbo, the team said Friday.

Former Blue Jays manager Cito Gaston, who led the team to back-to-back World Series championships in 1992-93, will take over as manager.

The Blue Jays were 35-39 and in last place in the American League East entering Friday's games. Toronto has lost 12 of its last 16 games to fall 10½ games behind the first-place Boston Red Sox.

Gibbons, who succeeded Carlos Tosca during the 2004 season, posted a 305-305 record in 610 games over five seasons as manager of the Blue Jays. His best record was 87-75 in 2006, good for second place in the AL East, but he was unable to guide the Jays into the postseason.

Gibbons gained notoriety during his tenure with the Blue Jays for a pair of altercations with players.

During the 2006 season, after Shea Hillenbrand had written "play for yourselves" and the "ship is sinking" on a board in the team locker room, Gibbons reportedly challenged Hillenbrand to a fight. And also in 2006, after Gibbons lifted pitcher Ted Lilly from a game, the two had a confrontation in the tunnel leading from the dugout.

Gibbons was in the final year of his contract, which in 2007 was extended through the 2008 season for $650,000.

Gaston, who has been special assistant to the president and CEO, had a 681-635 record as manager of the Blue Jays from 1989 to 1997. He led the team to four postseason appearances, starting with a pair of AL East titles in 1989 and 1991.

Joining Gaston's staff will be first base coach Dwayne Murphy, third base coach Nick Leyva and hitting coach Gene Tenace.

Gibbons' firing followed the New York Mets dismissing Willie Randolph on Tuesday and the Seattle Mariners sacking John McLaren on Thursday.

Wow, there's a throwback name...Cito Gaston...


JP Riccardi will get canned next...

Riccardi is definitely next, especially after the Adam Dunn faux pas.

Currently active GMs shouldn't have 2 hour call-in sports talk radio shows and expect to keep their job.

Clark waives trade bonus in return to Arizona
ESPN.com news services
Updated: July 17, 2008, 1:39 PM ET

First baseman Tony Clark has been traded from the San Diego Padres to the Arizona Diamondbacks, ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney reported.

Under his contract with the Padres, Clark would have received $500,000 from the Padres if traded, but he waived that clause in order to complete the trade.

Clark spent the previous three seasons in Arizona, where he was mainly used as a pinch hitter and provided the D-backs with a veteran clubhouse influence.

Clark, 36, is currently hitting .239 with three doubles and one home run in 88 at-bats. He has started only one game at first in San Diego.

Yankees have tentative deal with first baseman Sexson
By Buster Olney
ESPN The Magazine
Updated: July 17, 2008, 2:24 PM ET

The New York Yankees have reached a tentative agreement with Richie Sexson, who was released by the Seattle Mariners a week ago.

Sexson fits in New York because the Yankees needed a right-handed slugger to match up against left-handed pitching -- and Sexson had a .344 average against lefties this year.

Assuming the deal is completed, he'll be in the lineup Saturday against Oakland.

The Yankees will only have to pay Sexson the prorated minimum of $390,000 from his $14 million salary with the Mariners. Seattle is eating the remainder of the nearly $6 million Sexson is owed for the season.

Sexson was batting .218 with just 30 RBIs in 74 games when the Mariners cut him loose, on July 10. He hit a career-worst .205 with 21 homers and 100 strikeouts in 2007.

guess this takes them out of the Bonds sweepstakes

guess this takes them out of the Bonds sweepstakes

Not necessarily.

They needed a right handed bat in addition to an outfielder to replace Matsui (assuming that Bonds can still play the field).

Actually a Sexson/Bonds platoon at DH would be pretty solid.

How terrible was he doing against righties if he was batting .344 against lefties and .218 overall?

Manny says he won't block any trade the Red Sox have to ship him out because he's "tired" of Boston.

Except that he makes a butload of money and who is going to pay for him? Only a handful of teams pay that kind of money. Both LA teams, both NY teams and Boston. So that leaves the Angels, Dodgers and Mets IMO.

And he can't go to a NL team, in my opinion. He's bad enough patrolling the tiny left field in Fenway, can you imagine him covering a normal left field for 162 games?

Well, the Angels have Hunter to help cover him, plus they can DH him mostly, but what would they give up?

Do they have any top-prospect types that could be paired with a decent major leaguer?

You'll have to wait for one of the MLB elite to chime in. I know jack squat about prospect stuff.

No way Boston trades him for anything other than a star (at least).

If they traded him for marginal players and/or prospects and they failed to win the WS, all hades would break loose.

That said, Sheffield for ManRam? lol

That said, Sheffield for ManRam? lol

Yeah right. I'd love to trade Sheff for Texiera though (I wish). Then we could simply DH Cabrera and have a gold glove 1B that hits for average and power (from both sides of the plate).

Teixiera traded to Angels

Twins 2B Alexi Casilla tore a tendon in his finger and is now out for the year


pretty big blow, Casilla was having a solid season

Looks like Manny is heading to the Marlins...


We Have A Deal But …
by Will Carroll

The Commissioner’s Office has been informed of a deal involving the Pirates, Red Sox, and Marlins. The Commissioner has to sign off on any deal involving cash considerations of more than a million dollars and there was clearly going to be cash involved in any deal. There’s also some formality about Manny Ramirez waiving his 10-5 rights and no trade clause and I’ll admit not understanding the technicalities.

So here’s what Pee Wee Herman would call the “big but.” The teams, I am told, have not agreed on the specific prospects to be included in the deal. It’s expected that in addition to the principals, the Red Sox would get John Grabow and give up two prospects while the Marlins would get one prospect and give up two. There’s still a lot of haggling but my scribbling notes make it look like the structure of the deal is:

Marlins get Manny Ramirez, one prospect (BOS), and cash (likely Ramirez’s remaining salary)
Pirates get Jeremy Hermida and three prospects (two FLO, one BOS)
Red Sox get Jason Bay and John Grabow

There is still potential for this to fall apart over the prospects, though things appear closer now than ever before. http://www.baseballprospectus.com/unfiltered/?p=967

I'm just surprised there was actually a deal in place.

They're giving up Manny, two prospects, and enough cash to pay Manny's remaining salary for Jason Bay and John Grabow?

1130 reporting that the White Sox traded for Griffey

Reds, ChiSox agree on Griffey trade, await approval
by Ken Rosenthal
The Reds have traded Griffey to the White Sox, pending his approval. Griffey will decide Thursday morning whether he will approve the deal, according to a source with knowledge of the situation. It is not known what the Reds would receive in return.

Griffey, as a player with 10 years of major-league service, five with the same club, has the right to block any deal. The White Sox attempted to acquire him from the Reds at the trade deadline in 2005, but the trade reportedly was nixed by Reds ownership for financial reasons.

The White Sox, leading the American League Central by a half-game, would use Griffey mostly in the outfield, the source said. However, they do not have an obvious spot for him unless they make another deal.

The Sox are set at the corners with Carlos Quentin in left and Jermaine Dye in right. They could play Nick Swisher at first to open center for Griffey, a move that would reduce the playing time of first baseman Paul Konerko. But Griffey has not played center regularly since 2006.

Griffey, 36, is batting .245 this season with a .355 on-base percentage, 15 home runs and 53 RBIs in 359 at-bats. Earlier this season, he hit his 600th home run.

Yikes - that's a hell of an outfield the White Sox have.

We have designated Livan Hernandez and Craig Monroe for assignment.

Chris Duncan out for the year with a bulging disk. I've never had one of those, but just the name of it sounds painful.

Man, I grew up listening to Skip on the SuperStation.


Skip Caray dies; spent three-plus decades calling Braves games
Associated Press
Updated: August 4, 2008, 12:27 AM ET

ATLANTA -- Skip Caray, a voice of the Atlanta Braves for 33 years and part of a family line of baseball broadcasters that included Hall of Famer Harry Caray, died in his sleep at home on Sunday, the team said. He was 68.

The cause of death was not immediately known, but various health problems had limited Caray to calling only Braves home games this season.

"We've all lost a very good friend," Braves manager Bobby Cox said. "For me, he was a good buddy -- at the park and away from the park. We always had a lot of great laughs. He will be very sorely missed."

Caray was drawn into broadcasting by his father, Harry, the longtime voice of the Chicago Cubs and a member of the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

The family line has continued with two of Skip Caray's sons. Chip Caray is part of the Braves broadcast team and Josh Caray is working on the radio for the Class A Rome Braves.

While his father was known for his declarations of "Holy Cow," Skip Caray was able to declare "Braves Win! Braves Win!" with regularity as the team won 14 consecutive division titles beginning in 1991 and the 1995 World Series.

"Our baseball community has lost a legend today," Braves president John Schuerholz said. "The Braves family and Braves fans everywhere will sadly miss him. Our thoughts are with his wife Paula and his children."

Caray and Pete Van Wieren have been broadcasting Braves games since 1976. Caray's sarcastic wit made him a popular lead voice of the broadcast team, and his fame grew nationally as TBS carried Braves games to a national audience for 30 years.

After decades of calling the Braves America's Team, TBS this year began a seven-year contract of national weekly telecasts, leaving the Braves to the regional Peachtree TV network -- and leaving Caray to radio work on home games.

Health problems also cut into Caray's workload.

Caray said this year he was battling diabetes, congestive heart failure, an irregular heartbeat and reduced kidney and liver functions.

"I almost died in October [2007]," Caray told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution at the Braves' 2008 home opener.

Still, Caray's death came as a shock, even to those who worked closely with him.

"He's had some medical issues but you're never ready for something like this," longtime TBS producer Glenn Diamond said Sunday night. "We're all very shocked by the timing. It's a very sad day for family and for Braves fans. I think the Braves fans feel they're part of Skip's family."

Caray, a St. Louis native, started in local radio and later joined his father at the University of Missouri calling football.

He joined the St. Louis Hawks NBA broadcasting team and followed them to Atlanta in 1968. He was added to the Braves broadcast team in 1976.

Caray and Van Wieren were inducted into the Braves Hall of Fame in 2005. Caray was named Georgia sportscaster of the year six times.

"He had a huge impact on a lot of people's lives and he had a huge impact on my life," Diamond said. "During the season we spent more time together than we did with our families and our lives."

Caray is survived by his wife and four children.

The Braves said funeral arrangements will be announced later.

Also, please refer to me only as "Glenn Diamond" from now on. Actually, I like "Glenn Diamonds" better.

Only the Cubs and the Braves were on every day back then. You felt like you knew the guy.
-----
Ok Glenn's Diamond, it is.

"Glennie Diamonds" works too.

Miguel Cabrera was named AL player of the month for July after batting .330 with eight home runs, 31 RBIs and an .848 slugging percentage.

BUT WHAT GOOD DID THAT DO TIGER FANS?

HUH?

I wonder if our pitching and hitting can ever be decent at the same time. This has to be the most inconsistent team I have ever watched.

Guillen, Hillman, Greinke, Olivo suspended, fined
Associated Press
Updated: August 5, 2008, 4:13 PM ET

NEW YORK -- Kansas City Royals catcher Miguel Olivo and pitcher Zack Greinke have been suspended five games each for causing trouble in a weekend game with the Chicago White Sox.

White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen was suspended two games and Royals manager Trey Hillman was given one game Tuesday. All four penalties also included undisclosed fines.

Baseball disciplinarian Bob Watson issued the suspensions following Sunday's game in Kansas City.

* Jose Vidro was DFA'ed by Seattle

* Livan Hernandez claimed by the Rockies (which is completely stupid, now they have to pay him the remaining 2 mill of his deal instead of just letting him go through waivers unclaimed and then making a deal for him)

Dan O'Dowd = moron

can you believe those drays..gawd

Hey hey, get that D out of there before they sue you!

Red Sox place waiver claim on Giles, working on deal
By Buster Olney
ESPN The Magazine
Updated: August 7, 2008, 1:12 PM ET

The Boston Red Sox have placed a waiver claim on San Diego right fielder Brian Giles, and are negotiating to acquire the 14-year veteran from the Padres.

Giles, 37, is hitting .296 with a .391 on-base percentage, 61 walks and 44 strikeouts this season.

Boston's interest in Giles might be spurred by concern about the health of third baseman Mike Lowell, who is battling a sore hip, and designated hitter David Ortiz, who has spent time on the disabled list resting a torn tendon sheath in his left wrist.

Giles is earning $9 million this year, and his contract with the Padres has a club option for $9 million for 2009 that would climb to $11 million in the event he is traded.

Giles has a limited no-trade clause, and Boston is among the teams to which he can be traded without his permission.

Joe Bick, his agent, declined to discuss the situation.

Orioles traded Chad Bradford to the Rays...the rich get richer...

That would mean he cleared waivers.....without us claiming him.....

D-backs get Dunn from Reds for three prospects
ESPN.com news services
Updated: August 11, 2008, 3:01 PM ET

The Arizona Diamondbacks added a big bat Monday in their attempt to hold off the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL West race.

Arizona acquired Cincinnati Reds outfielder Adam Dunn, who is tied for the major league lead with 32 home runs, for three prospects.

The trade was first reported by KTAR Radio in Phoenix.

In exchange for Dunn, Cincinnati will receive minor league pitcher Dallas Buck and two other players to be named later.

Buck got a call from D-backs farm director A.J. Hinch, telling him he had been traded for Dunn. Buck, who was traveling with the Single-A Visalia Oaks, was already on the bus to San Jose, Calif., when Hinch called him. He had to tell teammates of the trade en route.

"It was kind of funny," Buck said, "because I was rumored to be in a deal for [Mark] Teixeira, so when I just told them they all thought I was messing with them."

Buck was drafted by Arizona in the third round of the 2006 draft. Once a top-notch prospect, Buck's draft status fell after had an elbow injury revealed on the eve of the '06 draft that bumped him out of a likely first-round slot. He had Tommy John surgery last summer and had begun pitching in Single-A this summer.

Dunn is tied with the Phillies' Ryan Howard for the NL lead with his 32 homers. The White Sox's Carlos Quentin also has 32 home runs.

The Diamondbacks lead the Dodgers by 1½ games in the NL West standings.

- Evan Longoria to the DL

BoSox just got Paul Byrd

Byrdak, though, signed a minor league contract with the Astros about one week later. He adjusted his mechanics and returned to the big leagues by the end of April. He has been a productive member of the Houston bullpen ever since, with a 2-1 record and 2.42 ERA in a career-high 42 appearances
So basically, if the Tigers get rid of you, you'll be a solid player again shortly.

So basically, if the Tigers get rid of you, you'll be a solid player again shortly.


Only the pitchers.

I wonder how Uggy's pitching in the prison league. I bet he's a stud.

Greg Maddux traded to Dodgers...

Anderson Hernandez was sent to the Nat's as the PTBNL from Sunday's Luis Ayala trade.

As you may recall, Anderson Hernandez was who we traded to the Mets for Vance Wilson back in '05.

Use of instant replay starts Thursday.

Red Sox close to acquiring Mark Kotsay

- Matt Stairs traded to Phillies; Jays called up their #1 prospect Travis Snider

- D'Backs claimed Wil Ledezma (the real one) off waivers from the Padres

Forbes calls Tigers 2nd worst fanbase:

http://www.forbes.com/sport/2008/08/07/baseball-fans-loyal-forbeslife-cx_mw_0807sport3_slide_10.html?thisSpeed=15000

Anyone else think people don't understand the Detroit Economy?

And I'm guessing that the Pistons have the most loyal fan base?

and somehow, Forbes would rank Red Wings fans #1 in the NHL despite the fact we can't even sell out JLA for playoff games...

it's a popularity contest

Forbes also ranked DD among the best Gm's in baseball and Kenny Williams among the worst.

Carlos Quinton broke his wrist. Probably done for the year. AL home run leader so this is a big blow.

Can we get them to take Sheff?

So now the Sox are down Crede, Contreras, Linebrink and Quentin for the rest of the year.

So much for getting out of the ALDS.

Zumaya has a fracture in his left shoulder.

I don't know about you guys but I can't believe this guy got hurt. He's our iron man.



Quick question:
Who wins in a fight: Drew Stanton or Joel Zumaya?

Both lose. One swings and misses, dislocates shoulder, the other cracks a rib diving out of the way.

Slumping Brewers fire manager Yost

The Milwaukee Brewers have fired manager Ned Yost in the midst of a late-season slump that has jeopardized the team's chances of making the playoffs for the first time since 1982.

Third-base coach Dale Sveum will become interim manager for the remainder of the season.

"This was a very difficult move to make, and we appreciate all of the work that Ned has done to develop this team into a contender," Brewers Executive Vice President and General Manager Doug Melvin said. "In the end, this was a collaborative decision made to put our Club in the best position for the final two weeks of the season."

The Brewers have lost seven of their last 10, and share the NL wild-card lead with Philadelphia.

That's BOLD.

Holy shit. I hope there's more to that. Teams go through slumps, it happens.

You guys think we might have made a mistake trading this guy?

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=6455

Yes that batting average is correct. Cameron Maybin is hitting .818. He's currently on an 0 for 1 streak, which means he was hitting .900 at one point. 9 hits in 10 at bats.

9 FOR 10????

Not at this point.

Maybin will NEVER be the player that Miguel Cabrera is now.

I'd make that trade 10 times out of 10.

MY Pirates signed two pitchers from India that won a reality series called "Million dollar arm".

Ouch.

Source says Vazquez going to Atlanta for Lillibridge, others
ESPN.com news services

Javier Vazquez Traded To Atlanta In 5-Player DealRight-handed pitcher Javier Vazquez has been told he's headed from the Chicago White Sox to the Atlanta Braves in a deal that likely will be finalized Wednesday.

Vazquez is flying to Atlanta on Wednesday morning for a physical.

A baseball source told ESPN's Peter Gammons that the deal will include four other players, including reliever Boone Logan, who would also go from the White Sox to the Braves.


Among the players expected to go from Atlanta to the Chicago organization are pitcher Jo-Jo Reyes and infielder Brett Lillibridge.

Other Braves players reportedly under discussion to be sent to the White Sox are catcher Tyler Flowers, third baseman Jon Gilmore, and pitcher Santos Rodriguez.


With obvious holes in the rotation, Braves general manager Frank Wren has said he hopes to add two starting pitchers this winter. Atlanta pursued Padres ace Jake Peavy before Wren said last month "we have moved on and shifted our focus" after San Diego didn't agree to what he called "a strong package of players."

Braves right-hander Tim Hudson had elbow ligament replacement surgery on Aug. 7. Aging veterans John Smoltz and Tom Glavine also had season-ending arm operations, and their status for 2009 remains uncertain. Both are free agents.

Left-hander Mike Hampton reached a tentative agreement to sign with Houston.

Vazquez, 32, was 12-16 last season for the White Sox with a 4.67 ERA in 33 starts. He struck out 200 batters in 208 1/3 innings. But his future with the White Sox appeared dim after manager Ozzie Guillen said in September that he wasn't a big-game pitcher. In his last three regular-season starts and the playoff opener against Tampa Bay, Vazquez was 0-4 with a 13.22 ERA.

Logan, a left-handed reliever, was 4-4 with a 5.70 ERA out of the White Sox bullpen last year. He had a 2-3 record in 55 appearances.

Reyes was 3-11 with a 5.81 ERA last season for the Braves. He started 22 games.

Lillibridge appeared in 90 games at Triple-A Richmond in the Braves organization. He hit .220 with four home runs and 39 RBIs.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

9 mil a year?:


The agent for shortstop Edgar Renteria (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=3441) said Wednesday that he's making significant progress toward a deal that would bring the five-time All-Star to the San Francisco Giants (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=sfo).


"We're working on it and we're certainly much, much closer, but nothing is done," said agent Barry Meister.
A source told ESPN.com that Renteria is looking at a contract in the two-year, $18 million range with San Francisco. WFAN radio in New York reported 10 days ago that Renteria had agreed to a deal with the Giants. But Meister had characterized that initial report as untrue.

That's vomit-worthy.

That ChiSox deal looks like a salary dump.

I wouldn't be surprised to see them spend big on a free agent or make another trade.

Their payroll is under $100m now, I think.

That ChiSox deal looks like a salary dump.

I wouldn't be surprised to see them spend big on a free agent or make another trade.

Their payroll is under $100m now, I think.


That's exactly what it is...

They unloaded Nick Swisher, Javier Vazquez, and are probably going to unload Jermaine Dye or Konerko before the offseason's over. All that ontop of Joe Crede, Orlando Cabrera, and Ken Griffey Jr. being UFA's.

I have no idea why, the Central is literally up for grabs, and they had a great season last year...

If I was a ChiSox fan, I'd be pissed. Vazquez ran out of gas down the stretch last year, but there aren't many pitchers in the league that can rack up that many K's for as many consecutive years as Vazqueez had.

One things for sure, as depleted as the Tigers minor league system is, only the White Sox may have had worse prospect talent. They paid a kings ransom (Gio Gonzalez) to get Swisher from Oakland, and since Swish turned out to be a bust, it really set them back...

They're looking ahead now. They got Jeff Marquez from the Yankees in the Swisher trade. He's not that spectacular, but he could develop. They signed some Cuban kid a couple weeks ago who could turn out to be another Alexei Ramirez. IDK what direction they're going in.

This is good for Tigs fans though...

MoTown will be devastated today, let's give him our sympathy:

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3812007

I was terrified that the link was going to be something about Dusty Ryan being traded. Give me your simpathy anyways.

I feel sorry for anyone from Minnesota. You have my eternal sympathy.