OK, there I did it - I hope I didn't step on any of you website veterans' toes but we did need an area to share, discuss and insult our favorite baseball teams & players.
As brought up earlier this morning, the Chicago Cubs acquired Wade Miller for an incentive laden 1-year contract. This is an incredibly savvy pickup, I think, because Miller will look really good sitting on the bench, inactive, next to an inactive Kerry Wood for 3 months. Just what we needed! Another starting pitcher with shoulder problems who can't start! Pffft...
Full Version: MLB Hot Stove & Related
I think the reward outweighs the risk on this one though.
Miller could step up and be a quality starter, and if not...well they're in the same place as they were a few days ago.
other topics:
* Cuba in the World Baseball Classic, Bond's drops out.
* Bond's to bat 2nd in lineup to chase record.
* Epstein back with Red Sox
Miller could step up and be a quality starter, and if not...well they're in the same place as they were a few days ago.
other topics:
* Cuba in the World Baseball Classic, Bond's drops out.
* Bond's to bat 2nd in lineup to chase record.
* Epstein back with Red Sox
QUOTE(RadioHitchcock @ Jan 24 2006, 12:34 PM) [snapback]2055[/snapback]
I think the risk outweighs the reward on this one though.
Miller could step up and be a quality starter, and if not...well they're in the same place as they were a few days ago.
other topics:
* Cuba in the World Baseball Classic, Bond's drops out.
* Bond's to bat 2nd in lineup to chase record.
* Epstein back with Red Sox
With regard to Miller I suppose you're right - it's a relatively cheap gamble (given today's salaries) and if he doesn't play, well...then Glendon Rusch or Jerome Williams go like they were supposed to like you hinted.
I'm glad Cuba gets to play in this "classic" game! I chuckled when I read Castro accused the States of being "chicken" to play Cuba because you know what? I don't doubt they have a competitive team...I'm hoping this "classic" features an American team much like the US Olympic hoops team of a few years ago: selfish, fundamentally unsound, overhyped and, eventually, beaten. Can you imagine what the Dominican team is gonna look like!? Or the Japanese?! Christ...and I honestly hope Bonds' knees buckle inwards & he doesn't get a chance to tarnish Ruth's or Aaron's records. What a shame...
Theo Epstein rocked out with Buffalo Tom at a charity event...he played guitar. In short, he's pretty much doing what every single kid has ever wanted to do: play rock and roll and put together baseball teams.
I'm sure Howry will explain to everyone how Miller is actually a better starter than Contreras and Garland. You know, health permitting. 
It probably is a good gamble though. You can't really go wrong at that price.
Any thoughts on this Coco Crisp - Marte/Mota deal? Is it confirmed yet?
Anyway the White Sox spring training schedule is up and quite a few games are on TV or radio. I haven't seen the Cubs schedule up yet but if someone sees it and can post it that would be great.
Chicago White Sox 2006 Spring Training Broadcast Schedule
Day Date Opponent Radio TV Time
Wednesday March 1 COLORADO WSCR 670 2:05 p.m.
Thursday March 2 ARIZONA (ss) WSCR 670 2:05 p.m.
Thursday March 2 at Colorado (ss) 2:05 p.m.
Friday March 3 at Arizona 2:05 p.m.
Saturday March 4 ARIZONA WGN 1:05 p.m.
Sunday March 5 at Arizona WSCR 670 2:05 p.m.
Monday March 6 at Colorado 2:05 p.m.
Tuesday March 7 OAKLAND 2:05 p.m.
Wednesday March 8 at LA Angels WSCR 670 CSN 2:05p.m.
Thursday March 9 SEATTLE CSN* 2:05 p.m.
Friday March 10 SAN FRANCISCO CSN 2:05 p.m.
Saturday March 11 at San Diego WSCR 670 2:05 p.m.
Sunday March 12 LA ANGELS WSCR 670 CSN* 2:05 p.m.
Monday March 13 at Oakland 2:05 p.m.
Tuesday March 14 ARIZONA WSCR 670 CSN* 2:05 p.m.
Wednesday March 15 at Colorado WSCR 670 CSN 2:05 p.m.
Friday March 17 TEXAS CSN* 2:05 p.m.
Saturday March 18 CUBS WSCR 670 WGN 2:05 p.m.
Sunday March 19 at Milwaukee CSN* 2:05 p.m.
Monday March 20 at Kansas City WSCR 670 CSN* 2:05 p.m.
Tuesday March 21 SAN DIEGO WSCR 670 CSN* 2:05 p.m.
Wednesday March 22 COLORADO WSCR 670 CSN 2:05 p.m.
Thursday March 23 at Texas CSN 2:05 p.m.
Friday March 24 at Seattle 2:05 p.m.
Saturday March 25 at San Francisco WSCR 670 CSN 2:05 p.m.
Sunday March 26 KANSAS CITY CSN* 2:05 p.m.
Monday March 27 at Cubs WSCR 670 2:05 p.m.
Tuesday March 28 at Arizona CSN* 2:05 p.m.
Wednesday March 29 MILWAUKEE CSN* 2:05 p.m.
Thursday March 30 COLORADO WSCR 670 CSN* 1:05 p.m.
Friday March 31 at Atlanta (Turner Field) 6:05 p.m.
Saturday April 1 at Atlanta (Turner Field) CSN 12:05 p.m.
All games are Central Standard Time. Dates and times subject to change. Home dates in CAPS.
(ss) - split squad game
* - games to be replayed on Comcast SportsNet at 7:00 p.m. CST
It probably is a good gamble though. You can't really go wrong at that price.
Any thoughts on this Coco Crisp - Marte/Mota deal? Is it confirmed yet?
Anyway the White Sox spring training schedule is up and quite a few games are on TV or radio. I haven't seen the Cubs schedule up yet but if someone sees it and can post it that would be great.
Chicago White Sox 2006 Spring Training Broadcast Schedule
Day Date Opponent Radio TV Time
Wednesday March 1 COLORADO WSCR 670 2:05 p.m.
Thursday March 2 ARIZONA (ss) WSCR 670 2:05 p.m.
Thursday March 2 at Colorado (ss) 2:05 p.m.
Friday March 3 at Arizona 2:05 p.m.
Saturday March 4 ARIZONA WGN 1:05 p.m.
Sunday March 5 at Arizona WSCR 670 2:05 p.m.
Monday March 6 at Colorado 2:05 p.m.
Tuesday March 7 OAKLAND 2:05 p.m.
Wednesday March 8 at LA Angels WSCR 670 CSN 2:05p.m.
Thursday March 9 SEATTLE CSN* 2:05 p.m.
Friday March 10 SAN FRANCISCO CSN 2:05 p.m.
Saturday March 11 at San Diego WSCR 670 2:05 p.m.
Sunday March 12 LA ANGELS WSCR 670 CSN* 2:05 p.m.
Monday March 13 at Oakland 2:05 p.m.
Tuesday March 14 ARIZONA WSCR 670 CSN* 2:05 p.m.
Wednesday March 15 at Colorado WSCR 670 CSN 2:05 p.m.
Friday March 17 TEXAS CSN* 2:05 p.m.
Saturday March 18 CUBS WSCR 670 WGN 2:05 p.m.
Sunday March 19 at Milwaukee CSN* 2:05 p.m.
Monday March 20 at Kansas City WSCR 670 CSN* 2:05 p.m.
Tuesday March 21 SAN DIEGO WSCR 670 CSN* 2:05 p.m.
Wednesday March 22 COLORADO WSCR 670 CSN 2:05 p.m.
Thursday March 23 at Texas CSN 2:05 p.m.
Friday March 24 at Seattle 2:05 p.m.
Saturday March 25 at San Francisco WSCR 670 CSN 2:05 p.m.
Sunday March 26 KANSAS CITY CSN* 2:05 p.m.
Monday March 27 at Cubs WSCR 670 2:05 p.m.
Tuesday March 28 at Arizona CSN* 2:05 p.m.
Wednesday March 29 MILWAUKEE CSN* 2:05 p.m.
Thursday March 30 COLORADO WSCR 670 CSN* 1:05 p.m.
Friday March 31 at Atlanta (Turner Field) 6:05 p.m.
Saturday April 1 at Atlanta (Turner Field) CSN 12:05 p.m.
All games are Central Standard Time. Dates and times subject to change. Home dates in CAPS.
(ss) - split squad game
* - games to be replayed on Comcast SportsNet at 7:00 p.m. CST
That's one fine-looking injured bench. Maybe they can get Frank Thomas too.
As the resident Cleveland fan...
I like Marte's potential. Shopbach doesn't impress me much, but he has time.
They've been looking to move Crisp for awhile anyway.
Now, if we could just get another starting pitcher, and a closer for when Wickman breaks down...I'd be happier about our prospects.
Meanwhile, Cincinnati is going to hire a new GM. I'll be the first to say it: Bring Jim Bowden back!
I like Marte's potential. Shopbach doesn't impress me much, but he has time.
They've been looking to move Crisp for awhile anyway.
Now, if we could just get another starting pitcher, and a closer for when Wickman breaks down...I'd be happier about our prospects.
Meanwhile, Cincinnati is going to hire a new GM. I'll be the first to say it: Bring Jim Bowden back!
QUOTE(RadioHitchcock @ Jan 24 2006, 08:34 AM) [snapback]2055[/snapback]
* Bond's to bat 2nd in lineup to chase record.
Non issue...Barry already put the idea to rest by saying "HELL NO".
QUOTE(Complain @ Jan 24 2006, 02:29 PM) [snapback]2304[/snapback]
As the resident Cleveland fan...
I like Marte's potential. Shopbach doesn't impress me much, but he has time.
They've been looking to move Crisp for awhile anyway.
Now, if we could just get another starting pitcher, and a closer for when Wickman breaks down...I'd be happier about our prospects.
Meanwhile, Cincinnati is going to hire a new GM. I'll be the first to say it: Bring Jim Bowden back!
I like the deal for the Tribe. Boston is directionless now, which will probably change throughout the season after Epstein tries to fix the mess that's been made in his absence. I was really hoping that Marte would come to Minnesota for a couple bullpen arms as cheap competition to push Tony Batista. I still think that Cleveland's rotation and pen is a lot weaker than it was in 2005 which makes me think they'll be back to their 2004 form.
QUOTE(RadioHitchcock @ Jan 24 2006, 10:34 AM) [snapback]2055[/snapback]
I think the reward outweighs the risk on this one though.
Miller could step up and be a quality starter, and if not...well they're in the same place as they were a few days ago.
i just looked and noticed that wade miller's going to be 30 this year. wow. that makes me feel old now. he hit one of my friends in the foot with a 96-mph fastball in high school and my friend limped the rest of the night.
QUOTE(MattW @ Jan 24 2006, 08:08 PM) [snapback]2935[/snapback]
I like the deal for the Tribe. Boston is directionless now, which will probably change throughout the season after Epstein tries to fix the mess that's been made in his absence. I was really hoping that Marte would come to Minnesota for a couple bullpen arms as cheap competition to push Tony Batista. I still think that Cleveland's rotation and pen is a lot weaker than it was in 2005 which makes me think they'll be back to their 2004 form.
the team (red sox) is in a bit of disarray mainly because of the shit mgmt and all the drama surrounding theo...theo (officially the GM again) hopefully will right that portion of the ship, but if they can finalize the Coco/A. Gonzalex deal (which is hinging on whether Cleveland can find a replacement outfielder), then the team can focus on baseball...i'll go on record now...the yankees are OLD, they will have injury problems...red sox will win the division...baltimore hasn't improved enough, toronto either...unlike other years though, i only see 1 team making the playoffs from this division.
QUOTE(no magnets @ Jan 24 2006, 11:19 PM) [snapback]2975[/snapback]
...he hit one of my friends in the foot with a 96-mph fastball in high school and my friend limped the rest of the night...
Wow...that's pretty cool. Did he hit him that day/night? Your friend? Do you recall?
And with regards to the AL East I think Toronto has a good chance to be competitive this year - The Sporting News has a nice piece concerning the excitment team management had when ownership eagerly handed over $20million to spend this offseason - that division will be a fun race to watch (again) this year.
QUOTE(Alan @ Jan 25 2006, 09:36 AM) [snapback]3242[/snapback]
Wow...that's pretty cool. Did he hit him that day/night? Your friend? Do you recall?
i think it was a late afternoon game after school, so he was in some pain for a few hours afterward. the reason why my friend brings it up now is because the umpire didn't award him first base, despite there being stitch marks in the dirt on his cleats and my friend wincing in agony at the batter's box. this friend is also left-handed and a lot of high school pitchers don't really learn to throw to left-handed batters because there are so few, especially in small leagues like ours. i think that every pitcher he faced during high school that's played professionally has hit him.
I can't see Boston winning the AL East. They have all the problems they had last year when they barely made the playoffs, and some of those problems have gotten worse. The Yankees have improved slightly (sure they're old, but they have some depth as well) and Toronto is as good as they're ever going to be (one of only three clubs that Sports Illustrated gave an A for offseason work).
Postseason predictions should probably wait until the beginning of the season but I would expect the Yankees will win the East while Toronto will battle for the wild card but eventually lose it to Cleveland.
Postseason predictions should probably wait until the beginning of the season but I would expect the Yankees will win the East while Toronto will battle for the wild card but eventually lose it to Cleveland.
So I read the Cubs may be thinking of bringing Piazza in for a rather low price. I think if they pull this off, it might help their offense a bit and bring some veteran leadership to the team. I don't see it really hurting them too too much if they brought him and started him a few games throughout the season. But we'll see...he might end up elsewhere, anyway, so no sense in getting up my hopes of having the second gayest looking player in the majors in Chicago.
QUOTE(Hewletts Daughter @ Jan 25 2006, 01:02 PM) [snapback]3362[/snapback]
So I read the Cubs may be thinking of bringing Piazza in for a rather low price. I think if they pull this off, it might help their offense a bit and bring some veteran leadership to the team. I don't see it really hurting them too too much if they brought him and started him a few games throughout the season. But we'll see...he might end up elsewhere, anyway, so no sense in getting up my hopes of having the second gayest looking player in the majors in Chicago.
Where the hell would they play him? His knees are shot so he can't catch & it doesn't appear as if Derrek Lee needs more than a game or three off at 1st so...where would he play?
QUOTE(Alan @ Jan 25 2006, 11:40 AM) [snapback]3422[/snapback]
Where the hell would they play him? His knees are shot so he can't catch & it doesn't appear as if Derrek Lee needs more than a game or three off at 1st so...where would he play?
Mike Piazza....shortstop?!
Mike Piazza...left fielder?!?
Mike Piazza...releif pitcher?!?!
My absurd possibilities are endless.
And they could DH him in the Cubs, what, like 14 innerleague games a year. I'm sure they would find a fit for him if they did sign him. Odds are, though, they'd have him catch until his knees actually exploded. Dusty would have faith in those there knees, and keep them in until they were officially 100% no more.
Coco Crisp deal is in jeopardy because Guillermo Mota failed Cleveland's physical...can i retract my prediction?...lol
we need a centerfielder...how hard can that be?
we need a centerfielder...how hard can that be?
QUOTE(Hewletts Daughter @ Jan 25 2006, 01:02 PM) [snapback]3362[/snapback]
So I read the Cubs may be thinking of bringing Piazza in for a rather low price. I think if they pull this off, it might help their offense a bit and bring some veteran leadership to the team. I don't see it really hurting them too too much if they brought him and started him a few games throughout the season. But we'll see...he might end up elsewhere, anyway, so no sense in getting up my hopes of having the second gayest looking player in the majors in Chicago.
I don't see that as a good idea at all. Just what they need, another guy who can't run that clogs up the bases.
Terrible idea. His hitting's on the decline, bad knees, can't run, can't catch much anymore if at all...They need speed and defense, someone to help balance the team, not Piazza. How much leadership did Piazza bring to the Mets anyway? They went to the Series once, but they've been pretty crappy since.
Beane and the A's have finalized a deal with The Big Hurt...
QUOTE
A's Sign Frank Thomas to Upgrade Offense
By JANIE McCAULEY, AP Sports Writer
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
(01-25) 14:38 PST Oakland, Calif. (AP) --
Free agent slugger Frank Thomas agreed to a $500,000, one-year contract with Oakland on Wednesday, giving the Athletics the big bat they've been searching for in the middle of their lineup.
Thomas, a two-time American League MVP who has been slowed by injuries in recent years, can make an additional $2.6 million in bonuses based on plate appearances and not hurting his left foot. He played his first 16 seasons with the Chicago White Sox, who won their first World Series title since 1917 last season.
The low-budget A's have spent recent offseasons losing big-name players such as Jason Giambi, Miguel Tejada, Johnny Damon, Tim Hudson and Mark Mulder. But after missing the postseason for the second straight year following four consecutive trips to the playoffs, Oakland general manager Billy Beane has added Thomas and Milton Bradley to a lineup that struggled to score runs at times last season — and done so without losing anyone of significance.
Beane had been interested in acquiring Thomas for months and the deal was reportedly in the works for some time. Thomas will be the A's primary designated hitter and join Eric Chavez and Bradley in the heart of Oakland's order.
Hobbled by leg injuries for the second straight season, the 37-year-old Thomas hit .219 with 12 homers and 26 RBIs in 34 games in 2005. He played only 74 games in 2004 following a 42-homer season the previous year.
He started the 2005 season on the disabled list following surgery, played for the first time on May 31, then went back on the DL on July 21 with another left ankle fracture. He did not play again and could only watch as the White Sox swept Houston to win the Series.
In a move that came as no surprise, the White Sox parted ways with Thomas during the winter meetings last month when they refused to offer him salary arbitration. But Thomas criticized the team's handling of the decision, telling Chicago newspapers that he thought the White Sox portrayed him as an injured player even though his foot is healed.
A five-time All-Star, he has a .307 career average with 448 homers and 1,465 RBIs. He won consecutive MVP awards in 1993 and 1994. Thomas can still hit, and is determined to reach the 500-homers mark and put himself in position for the Hall of Fame.
With the addition of Thomas, Dan Johnson will likely be Oakland's starting first baseman and Nick Swisher and Jay Payton could share time in left field. Bradley will start in right alongside center fielder Mark Kotsay.
Thomas can earn $1.4 million in roster bonuses if he is on the active major league roster or not on the DL related to a left foot injury. He would get $325,000 each on May 1 and June 15, and $375,000 apiece on July 15 and Aug. 15.
He also can earn $1.2 million in performance bonuses: $200,000 each for 300, 350, 400, 450, 500 and 550 plate appearances.
By JANIE McCAULEY, AP Sports Writer
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
(01-25) 14:38 PST Oakland, Calif. (AP) --
Free agent slugger Frank Thomas agreed to a $500,000, one-year contract with Oakland on Wednesday, giving the Athletics the big bat they've been searching for in the middle of their lineup.
Thomas, a two-time American League MVP who has been slowed by injuries in recent years, can make an additional $2.6 million in bonuses based on plate appearances and not hurting his left foot. He played his first 16 seasons with the Chicago White Sox, who won their first World Series title since 1917 last season.
The low-budget A's have spent recent offseasons losing big-name players such as Jason Giambi, Miguel Tejada, Johnny Damon, Tim Hudson and Mark Mulder. But after missing the postseason for the second straight year following four consecutive trips to the playoffs, Oakland general manager Billy Beane has added Thomas and Milton Bradley to a lineup that struggled to score runs at times last season — and done so without losing anyone of significance.
Beane had been interested in acquiring Thomas for months and the deal was reportedly in the works for some time. Thomas will be the A's primary designated hitter and join Eric Chavez and Bradley in the heart of Oakland's order.
Hobbled by leg injuries for the second straight season, the 37-year-old Thomas hit .219 with 12 homers and 26 RBIs in 34 games in 2005. He played only 74 games in 2004 following a 42-homer season the previous year.
He started the 2005 season on the disabled list following surgery, played for the first time on May 31, then went back on the DL on July 21 with another left ankle fracture. He did not play again and could only watch as the White Sox swept Houston to win the Series.
In a move that came as no surprise, the White Sox parted ways with Thomas during the winter meetings last month when they refused to offer him salary arbitration. But Thomas criticized the team's handling of the decision, telling Chicago newspapers that he thought the White Sox portrayed him as an injured player even though his foot is healed.
A five-time All-Star, he has a .307 career average with 448 homers and 1,465 RBIs. He won consecutive MVP awards in 1993 and 1994. Thomas can still hit, and is determined to reach the 500-homers mark and put himself in position for the Hall of Fame.
With the addition of Thomas, Dan Johnson will likely be Oakland's starting first baseman and Nick Swisher and Jay Payton could share time in left field. Bradley will start in right alongside center fielder Mark Kotsay.
Thomas can earn $1.4 million in roster bonuses if he is on the active major league roster or not on the DL related to a left foot injury. He would get $325,000 each on May 1 and June 15, and $375,000 apiece on July 15 and Aug. 15.
He also can earn $1.2 million in performance bonuses: $200,000 each for 300, 350, 400, 450, 500 and 550 plate appearances.
Wasn't Foulke with Oakland before the Red Sox took him?
QUOTE(birdistheword @ Jan 25 2006, 02:56 PM) [snapback]3826[/snapback]
Wasn't Foulke with Oakland before the Red Sox took him?
Yes, Foulke was with the A's in 2003. He had the best year in his entire career that year, which is what led the Red Sox to give him the big contract.
Man, with those pitchers and those hitters, I'm surprised they haven't gone further. On paper, they'd seem to be every bit as good as LaRussa's A's.
QUOTE(RoBKoZ @ Jan 25 2006, 11:24 AM) [snapback]3229[/snapback]
the team (red sox) is in a bit of disarray mainly because of the shit mgmt and all the drama surrounding theo...theo (officially the GM again) hopefully will right that portion of the ship, but if they can finalize the Coco/A. Gonzalex deal (which is hinging on whether Cleveland can find a replacement outfielder), then the team can focus on baseball...i'll go on record now...the yankees are OLD, they will have injury problems...red sox will win the division...baltimore hasn't improved enough, toronto either...unlike other years though, i only see 1 team making the playoffs from this division.
I really got to disagree with you here. There's really no clear ace in Boston's rotation (under the very fair assumption that Curt Schilling and Josh Beckett gets hurt for some portion of the season). Breaking it down by position, I think they've downgraded at 3B, CF, SS, and 1B. This is going to make them a much more uneven lineup similar to the Cubs. The Cubs also rely on stud pitchers with shaky health, but the Cubs will be in a relatively weaker division.
I don't really know what you've been reading about Toronto, but I think they've had the best winter not counting the White Sox and easily have the toughest rotation in the AL East now with Halladay and Burnett at the top with Ted Lilly and Gustavo Chacin coming off a manly rookie season. As a Twins fan, I'm much more concerned about Toronto as competition for the wild card than Boston.
Beckett's GOT to get healthy sometime, even with all that blistering shit. If he can stay off the DL for just one season, he could give the Red Sox a big boost. I don't know if Wells is going anywhere, or if age will catch up, but a rotation with Clement, Wells, Schilling, Beckett, and Arroyo has great potential. Then again, so did the Cubs rotation in 2004, and look how that turned out.
QUOTE(MattW @ Jan 25 2006, 08:17 PM) [snapback]3936[/snapback]
I don't really know what you've been reading about Toronto, but I think they've had the best winter not counting the White Sox and easily have the toughest rotation in the AL East now with Halladay and Burnett at the top with Ted Lilly and Gustavo Chacin coming off a manly rookie season. As a Twins fan, I'm much more concerned about Toronto as competition for the wild card than Boston.
I've been following the Jays the past few years, and yeah, this year they definitely look like an underdog contender. Last year they made really great strides forward, finishing with a record right around .500 and this year they've definitely added some good stuff. I can definitely see them having a pretty monsterous year out East or at least with a Wild Card birth.
QUOTE(MattW @ Jan 25 2006, 08:17 PM) [snapback]3936[/snapback]
I really got to disagree with you here. There's really no clear ace in Boston's rotation (under the very fair assumption that Curt Schilling and Josh Beckett gets hurt for some portion of the season). Breaking it down by position, I think they've downgraded at 3B, CF, SS, and 1B. This is going to make them a much more uneven lineup similar to the Cubs. The Cubs also rely on stud pitchers with shaky health, but the Cubs will be in a relatively weaker division.
I don't really know what you've been reading about Toronto, but I think they've had the best winter not counting the White Sox and easily have the toughest rotation in the AL East now with Halladay and Burnett at the top with Ted Lilly and Gustavo Chacin coming off a manly rookie season. As a Twins fan, I'm much more concerned about Toronto as competition for the wild card than Boston.
Lowell is going to break out...golden glove third baseman who had an off year offensively...i would've liked to keep Mueller, but I don't necessarily take 3B as a downgrade.
Anybody that you put in there besides Damon is a downgrade, of course, but don't forget Damon was having shoulder problems all year.
SS - I have never been a fan of Renteria...bust of a free agent signing...i still wish they would've kept Cabrera...but if they get Alex Gonzalez...defensively they have upgraded again.
1B - work in progress with Youkilis...if the kid gets the at-bats he will produce.
Don't forget we have Manny & Papi...who will produce...with Lowell to return to his power, the team will continue to put up big numbers...They still have a very solid starting 5 (assuming the health issue is OK)....Schilling, Beckett, Wakefield, Clement, Arroyo.
I know a mysterious and abrupt "2005 power outage" when I see one, and Mike Lowell had one. I expect the same year he had in 2005 if he doesn't get post-roid injuries, I also expected Epstein to ship him by the deadline.
Lowell was supposed to just be a bargaining chip to send to the Twins for Torii Hunter, when that didn't work they picked up Marte. Since the Twins didn't bite, they're settling for Crisp and they're stuck with Lowell.
Also, Matt Clement's probably going to Cincinnati in this revised Crisp trade. I just think there's very little to like about this 2006 Red Sox team.
Lowell was supposed to just be a bargaining chip to send to the Twins for Torii Hunter, when that didn't work they picked up Marte. Since the Twins didn't bite, they're settling for Crisp and they're stuck with Lowell.
Also, Matt Clement's probably going to Cincinnati in this revised Crisp trade. I just think there's very little to like about this 2006 Red Sox team.
QUOTE(MattW @ Jan 25 2006, 10:30 PM) [snapback]3996[/snapback]
Also, Matt Clement's probably going to Cincinnati in this revised Crisp trade. I just think there's very little to like about this 2006 Red Sox team.
Really? Any more details about this one? Who are the Reds giving up? (PLEASE tell me it's Pena...)
Frank Thomas' comments yesterday were pretty loaded, eh? He all but called Jim Thome out on the carpet as a waste of money and lesser talent...Guillen's quote asking if you can imagine Frank's "big feet in them white shoes" made me smile on the train this morning.
I wish Kris Benson's wife lived in the Chicagoland area...I just do.
I wish Kris Benson's wife lived in the Chicagoland area...I just do.
So what the word on last year's Wade Miller (so to speak) - Chad Fox? Is he even with the Cubs anymore?
Haven't heard anything, but I think that will be answered in spring training. If Miller's out until June and Fox pitches well, I can definitely see him in the bullpen. It's not like the Cubs are overflowing with great relief pitchers.
Ditto in Bird's take - Miller will have to be assessed after the season begins. I keep reading that Cubs management considers him exactly one month behind Kerry Wood with regards to rehabilitaton and being able to go again. To me, that means he'll blow his arm out one month after Wood's arm falls apart. And speaking of, after Fox's arm blew up on the mound last year (that was actually a sad moment to watch) I don't know if he'll ever pitch again...I don't think he's even on the roster anymore. I think the dude's done.
Did anybody see the pitch count rules for the WBC?
First round: 65 pitches
Second round: 80 pitches
Semi-final and championship: 95 pitches
A 30-pitch outing must be followed by one day off.
A 50-pitch outing must be followed by four days off.
No one will be allowed to pitch on three consecutive days.
I actually think these rules are pretty fair on the arms of pitchers and allows for some competitive baseball games.
The middle relief role will be stepped up.
I'm getting excited for this now.
First round: 65 pitches
Second round: 80 pitches
Semi-final and championship: 95 pitches
A 30-pitch outing must be followed by one day off.
A 50-pitch outing must be followed by four days off.
No one will be allowed to pitch on three consecutive days.
I actually think these rules are pretty fair on the arms of pitchers and allows for some competitive baseball games.
The middle relief role will be stepped up.
I'm getting excited for this now.
QUOTE(RadioHitchcock @ Jan 27 2006, 01:06 PM) [snapback]5619[/snapback]
Did anybody see the pitch count rules for the WBC?
First round: 65 pitches
Second round: 80 pitches
Semi-final and championship: 95 pitches
A 30-pitch outing must be followed by one day off.
A 50-pitch outing must be followed by four days off.
No one will be allowed to pitch on three consecutive days.
I actually think these rules are pretty fair on the arms of pitchers and allows for some competitive baseball games.
The middle relief role will be stepped up.
I'm getting excited for this now.
First round: 65 pitches
Second round: 80 pitches
Semi-final and championship: 95 pitches
A 30-pitch outing must be followed by one day off.
A 50-pitch outing must be followed by four days off.
No one will be allowed to pitch on three consecutive days.
I actually think these rules are pretty fair on the arms of pitchers and allows for some competitive baseball games.
The middle relief role will be stepped up.
I'm getting excited for this now.
so they've adopted Little League World Series rules?
What a waste of time this will be...
QUOTE(sin city @ Jan 27 2006, 03:15 PM) [snapback]5629[/snapback]
so they've adopted Little League World Series rules?
What a waste of time this will be...
I'll watch. I'm interested.
I like the little league world series.
QUOTE(RadioHitchcock @ Jan 27 2006, 01:21 PM) [snapback]5634[/snapback]
I'll watch. I'm interested.
I like the little league world series.
don't get me wrong, so do I- I just think Major League players have no business being involved in this.
They should have a slaughter rule too. For the Netherlands' sake.
I'll try to watch it. As dumb as the WBC is I think it's a step in the right direction for making baseball an international pasttime rather than a national one. Imagine someday a North American league, a Central/South American League and an Asian League, with maybe the best four teams from among them going on to play a two-round true World Series. That would be so cool.
I'll try to watch it. As dumb as the WBC is I think it's a step in the right direction for making baseball an international pasttime rather than a national one. Imagine someday a North American league, a Central/South American League and an Asian League, with maybe the best four teams from among them going on to play a two-round true World Series. That would be so cool.
QUOTE(sin city @ Jan 27 2006, 03:35 PM) [snapback]5643[/snapback]
don't get me wrong, so do I- I just think Major League players have no business being involved in this.
Then the WBC would be nothing more but an international XFL of minor league players and has-beens.
QUOTE(Imbroglio @ Jan 27 2006, 03:39 PM) [snapback]5648[/snapback]
They should have a slaughter rule too. For the Netherlands' sake.
They also announced a mercy rule today.
Games will be stopped after five innings when a team is ahead by 15 or more runs and after seven innings when a team is ahead by at least 10 runs. A game can be stopped in the middle of an inning if a team reaches the threshold.
QUOTE(RadioHitchcock @ Jan 27 2006, 01:46 PM) [snapback]5656[/snapback]
They also announced a mercy rule today.
Games will be stopped after five innings when a team is ahead by 15 or more runs and after seven innings when a team is ahead by at least 10 runs. A game can be stopped in the middle of an inning if a team reaches the threshold.
So which player's parents have to bring snacks for the 1st game?
QUOTE(KaBoom21 @ Jan 27 2006, 02:04 PM) [snapback]5678[/snapback]
So which player's parents have to bring snacks for the 1st game?
and who's dad's hardware store will be sponsering the teams.
QUOTE(KaBoom21 @ Jan 27 2006, 03:04 PM) [snapback]5678[/snapback]
So which player's parents have to bring snacks for the 1st game?
Piazza to play 90-100 games at Catcher for the Padres.
What in the hell is San Diego thinking?
The Dodgers are looking mightly good to take the West.
What in the hell is San Diego thinking?
The Dodgers are looking mightly good to take the West.
what's wrong with piazza at catcher? stolen bases against him are high, but everyone's always saying that SBs don't matter nearly as much as they used to. and he calls a pretty good game. i don't have the numbers in front of me, but his pitching staffs have lower ERAs with him behind the plate than other catchers.
you'd think he'd want to maybe go to a team in a batter-friendly ballpark, considering all his home games have been in pitcher-friendly parks. apparently not.
you'd think he'd want to maybe go to a team in a batter-friendly ballpark, considering all his home games have been in pitcher-friendly parks. apparently not.
It's gonna be a shellgame from the sound of it. Do you need more offense against this team, or do you need defense, etc.?
Whatever, the Padres were lucky to get into the playoffs, even they knew that, and right now it ain't exactly an upgrade from 2005. At the very least, Piazza may draw some fans, and for $2 million for one measly year, it's a bargain.
Whatever, the Padres were lucky to get into the playoffs, even they knew that, and right now it ain't exactly an upgrade from 2005. At the very least, Piazza may draw some fans, and for $2 million for one measly year, it's a bargain.
QUOTE(no magnets @ Jan 30 2006, 06:24 PM) [snapback]7447[/snapback]
what's wrong with piazza at catcher? stolen bases against him are high, but everyone's always saying that SBs don't matter nearly as much as they used to. and he calls a pretty good game. i don't have the numbers in front of me, but his pitching staffs have lower ERAs with him behind the plate than other catchers.
you'd think he'd want to maybe go to a team in a batter-friendly ballpark, considering all his home games have been in pitcher-friendly parks. apparently not.
I don't think he'll make it 90-100 games behind the plate.
He should be in the American League as a DH/emergency catcher.
The 2005 San Diego Padres may have been the worst team ever to qualify for the MLB playoffs.
I'd pick the Dodgers too, though I expect it to be a weak division again.
They should have a slaughter rule too. For the Netherlands' sake.
I'll try to watch it. As dumb as the WBC is I think it's a step in the right direction for making baseball an international pasttime rather than a national one. Imagine someday a North American league, a Central/South American League and an Asian League, with maybe the best four teams from among them going on to play a two-round true World Series. That would be so cool.
It's a fun thought, but as long as America is an economic dominance and all the best players want to come here, those places have no chance unless they impose some sort of anti-immigration rules similar to what Japan has now.
I'd pick the Dodgers too, though I expect it to be a weak division again.
QUOTE(Imbroglio @ Jan 27 2006, 02:39 PM) [snapback]5648[/snapback]
They should have a slaughter rule too. For the Netherlands' sake.
I'll try to watch it. As dumb as the WBC is I think it's a step in the right direction for making baseball an international pasttime rather than a national one. Imagine someday a North American league, a Central/South American League and an Asian League, with maybe the best four teams from among them going on to play a two-round true World Series. That would be so cool.
QUOTE(Ben @ Jan 31 2006, 06:47 AM) [snapback]7683[/snapback]
It's a fun thought, but as long as America is an economic dominance and all the best players want to come here, those places have no chance unless they impose some sort of anti-immigration rules similar to what Japan has now.
Yeah, it's pie-in-the-sky at this point. I guess my thought is that if American baseball lost (or continues to lose) some of its audience (particularly its televised audience) to other sports in the future and was eventually forced to contract or cut teams, this would be a good way to make a positive out of a negative. If profits started to drop maybe the investors would be more willing to consider a profit-sharing system that would open up competition.
According to espn.com Alex Gonzales (SS Marlins) has agreed to a one-year $3 million deal with the Boston Red Sox - the article cites the Boston Herald (who cited "mulitple sources")...why are the Marlins even playing this season out? For Chrissakes get Dontrelle Willis & Miguel Cabrera out of there so they can be enjoyed (and perhaps succeed) somewhere else...I don't think Joe Girardi knew what he was taking on when he agreed to steer this club. Then again: Florida Marlins 2 recent World Championships - Chicago Cubs 0...so play ball, I suppose.
Assuming they suck for the next few years, maybe Cabrera and Willis will bolt for better teams. (Do they have no-trade clauses?)
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