397 replies to this topic

[mabrowndog]

Lew Ford is a free agent after rejecting his outright assignment to the minors.

Edited by mabrowndog, 12 October 2007 - 01:37 PM.

[Fiskian Pole Shot]

Leo Mazzone fired.

[mabrowndog]

Reds hire Dusty Baker as manager (3-year deal).

Dodgers release Shea Hillenbrand, Olmedo Saenz & Roberto Hernandez.

Marlins re-sign Jason Wood to minor league deal.

[rembrat]

Joel Pinerio cashes in on a two year deal worth 13M.

[Razor Shines]

Wow. If there was ever any residue of doubt about the differences in quality between the AL and NL, this deal should kill it.

[jsinger121]

Joel Pinerio cashes in on a two year deal worth 13M.

The Cardinals every year seem to throw around money on crappy players.

[NomarRS05]

The Cardinals every year seem to throw around money on crappy players.

It's just immensely stupid. There are lots of better ways to spend $6.5 million, and plenty of other Piniero-types to be had from the scrap heap. It's moments like these that make me thankful Theo is our GM.

Edited by NomarRS05, 15 October 2007 - 04:21 PM.

[The_Powa_of_Seiji_Ozawa]

It's just immensely stupid. There are lots of better ways to spend $6.5 million, and plenty of other Piniero-types to be had from the scrap heap. It's moments like these that make me thankful Theo is our GM.

Joel is that valuable to St. Louis and they say they valued him highly before acquiring, yet the best Theo could do was a scrub prospect whose ceiling is Adam Stern. I would have preferred a bag of balls or even a case of crappy Annheuser beer.

[dcmissle]

It's just immensely stupid. There are lots of better ways to spend $6.5 million, and plenty of other Piniero-types to be had from the scrap heap. It's moments like these that make me thankful Theo is our GM.

And how much did Theo pay him this year to close?

[mccarty03]

Theo payed him in the ballpark of four million dollars and it was only a one year deal. Caros Silva and Kyle Lohse must be getting very excited after seeing this deal. I still cannot get over the crazy amount of money for such a "below" average pitcher.

[stephensjh]

Theo payed him in the ballpark of four million dollars and it was only a one year deal. Caros Silva and Kyle Lohse must be getting very excited after seeing this deal. I still cannot get over the crazy amount of money for such a "below" average pitcher.

The leagues are littered with vastly over priced stiff pitchers signed for this season(s); Here are just a few:

- The Rocket ( NYY ) $28 million prorated plus 7 million lux tax

- Randy Wolf ( Dodgers ) $8million coming of major arm surgery

- J Marquis ( Cubs ) $21/3 coming off 6plus era

- Fat ass Bob Wickman ( Braves ) $6.5 million

- Igewa ( MFY ) $45 /5 w/ posting fee plus $10 million lux tax

- The corpse of Mark Mulder ( Cards ) $13/2 after major arm surgery

- Jeff Weaver ( Mariners ) $ 8 million

- Keith , thank you profoundly for your MVP 2004 playoffs, Foulke ( Tribe ) $5 million

- Gagne $6million plus incentives

[67WasBest]

Bill Stoneman resigns from the Angels. Per Ken Rosenthal during the game

Edited by 67WasBest, 15 October 2007 - 08:58 PM.

[January]

The leagues are littered with vastly over priced stiff pitchers signed for this season(s); Here are just a few:

- The Rocket ( NYY ) $28 million prorated plus 7 million lux tax

- Randy Wolf ( Dodgers ) $8million coming of major arm surgery

- J Marquis ( Cubs ) $21/3 coming off 6plus era

- Fat ass Bob Wickman ( Braves ) $6.5 million

- Igewa ( MFY ) $45 /5 w/ posting fee plus $10 million lux tax

- The corpse of Mark Mulder ( Cards ) $13/2 after major arm surgery

- Jeff Weaver ( Mariners ) $ 8 million

- Keith , thank you profoundly for your MVP 2004 playoffs, Foulke ( Tribe ) $5 million

- Gagne $6million plus incentives

Matt Morriss: Not only payed 10 million, but was proactively acquired in deadline deal in which the Pirates were the ones who got robbed.

[twoBshorty]

Bill Stoneman resigns from the Angels. Per Ken Rosenthal during the game

Cot's has Stoneman signed only through 2007, so his deal would have expired in a few weeks anyway. I wonder why he didn't just wait and let it run out? Maybe something happened with Moreno.

[67WasBest]

Cot's has Stoneman signed only through 2007, so his deal would have expired in a few weeks anyway. I wonder why he didn't just wait and let it run out? Maybe something happened with Moreno.

My guess is he and Moreno met, decided they had two differing ideas as to how the team should be rebuilt and Stoneman resigned with the remainder of his pay. I would think this means the Angels will be players for some big bats this offseason as Moreno has said they would be each of the last two years.

[mabrowndog]

* Orioles hire Marlins pitching coach Rick Kranitz as their new pitching coach.

* Rangers sign Frank Francisco to a 1-year deal.

* Orioles claim RHP Roberto Novoa off waivers from the Cubs.

* Pirates claim OF Kevin Thompson off waivers from the A's.

* Brewers claim catcher Eric Munson off waivers from the Astros

Edited by mabrowndog, 18 October 2007 - 10:29 AM.

[joewoodfan]

Brewers decline Corey Koskie's option.

We've already got a thread on KC's hiring of Hillman.

[SoxFanSince57]

It appears the Dodgers will be seeking a new Bench Coach this off-season.

Bench coach Dave Jauss, who was manager Grady Little's right-hand man the past two seasons, is close to accepting a position with Pittsburgh, multiple industry sources said Friday on the condition of anonymity. The position is believed to be either a minor-league field coordinator or a special assistant to new Pirates general manager Neal Huntington.

LA Daily News

Edited by SoxFanSince57, 20 October 2007 - 02:46 PM.

[mt8thsw9th]

And how much did Theo pay him this year to close?

He didn't pay him anything to close. Pineiro was never the closer.

[CrackpotTheory]

Nats interested in Coco Crisp?

[rembrat]

Nats interested in Coco Crisp?

Wouldn't it be hilarious if Theo trades Coco Crisp + prospect for WMP..

[SoxFanSince57]

Seattle Mariners' New Coaching Staff

Mariners manager John McLaren announced that four of the five coaching vacancies have been filled.

Mel Stottlemyre takes over as pitching coach, former Major League manager Jim Riggleman becomes the bench coach, Norm Charlton is the new bullpen coach, and Eddie Rodriguez becomes the first-base coach.

The third-base coaching position has been offered to Larry Bowa, who needs some time to take care of some "personal business" before making his decision. Hitting coach Jeff Pentland returns for a third season and is the only holdover from this past season.

http://losangeles.do...t...sp&c_id=mlb

Edited by SoxFanSince57, 22 October 2007 - 09:50 PM.

[junior8279soxfan]

Wouldn't it be hilarious if Theo trades Coco Crisp + prospect for WMP..

I seen someone else mention possibly Nick Johnson for Coco. If Lowell leaves they could move Youk over to 3rd and bring in Johnson to play 1st. Johnson would be a nice player at Fenway if he was able to stay off the injured list and play.

[Hairps]

68 Japanese Players Eligible for Free Agency

[Outfielder Kosuke]Fukudome, [third baseman Takahiro] Arai and 15 other players met the free agency requirements for the first time, including Chunichi closer Hitoki Iwase, Seibu Lions outfielder Kazuhiro Wada and Lotte Marines closer Masahide Kobayashi.

Hanshin Tigers veteran lefty Tsuyoshi Shimoyanagi, Yokohama BayStars right-hander Daisuke Miura and two others have regained eligibility.

[JohntheBaptist]

A's co-owner Wolff: "no chance" of their returning to Oakland.

[The_Powa_of_Seiji_Ozawa]

Wouldn't it be hilarious if Theo trades Coco Crisp + prospect for WMP..

Given what the asking price was when the Red Sox were shopping for a CF to replace Damon, and with Coco's reasonable contract, the haul should be significant.

[ichirob4ichiro]

A's co-owner Wolff: "no chance" of their returning to Oakland.

I assume this won't have any effect on the name of the team, will it? Though I'm sure it would be tempting to change it to the snappy sounding "San Jose Athletics of Oakland California."

And the article wasn't clear about the seating...

Some Athletics fans in attendance at the Commonwealth Club, the nation's oldest public affairs forum, questioned Wolff on the proposed move, raising concerns about traffic, ticket prices and fewer seats at the new site. Wolff said those problems will be solved in time for the new stadium's projected 2012 opening

So does that mean the size won't be a complain once it opens in 2012, and the fans are preoccupied with the state of the art facility, or that by 2012 they will work out the desire for More than 32,000 seats?

At first glance, it seems that they wouldn't be able to get away with only 32,000 seats, but they are always pretty low on attendence-- even in their recent good years. You just don't see much of that kind of talk this day in age.

[67WasBest]

The reunion is over in San Diego as the Padres buyout Marcus Giles SI Link

[stephensjh]

The reunion is over in San Diego as the Padres buyout Marcus Giles SI Link

$ 4 million for Cora -lite 304/317 in 420abs...... before this season, seemed like a fair number of posters were advocating the Sox signing Giles for second-base and letting the mighy-might stay down at the Bucket to get more seasoning.

[theredseat]

Astros hire Bobby Heck as director of amateur scouting

D-backs exercise 2008 option of pitching coach Bryan Price

Phillies name Chuck LaMar as the Director of Professional scouting

[rembrat]

Let's keep this going..

Joe Nathan's 2008 option picked up

Brewer's won't pick up Jenkins 9MM option, 1MM buyout instead

[SoxFanPJ]

Brad Ausmus has re-signed with the Astros, 1 year $2M.

http://www.boston.co..._one_year_deal/

[cwright]

new free agents:
Odalis Perez ($9 million option declined by Royals; $1.5 million buyout)
Darin Erstad (option declined by White Sox)
Mike Myers (option declined by White Sox)
Corey Koskie designated for assignment by the Brewers

[Chainsaw318]

More, per Rotoworld:

RHP David Riske - declines option w/ KC
C Mike Lieberthal - option declined by LAD
LHP Arthur Rhodes - signed a Minor League deal with SEA


Personal Commentary:

I thought Rhodes had retired, but good for him to still be playing.

The other two guys may be possiblities here for the Sox, as they are available players in positions which figure to be of need. Riske was here briefly in '06, but never realy got much work. He pitched decently this year, and rotoworld seems to think he may sucker someone into a 3 yr/$12M deal, which is crazy. However, if he were looking for a bit shorter deal and $, you could do worse for a #4 guy in your pen.

The #'s make it look like Lieberthal has nothing left, and I can't recall his defensive reputation, but is he worth a flier to take Dougie's spot? Probably a wash.

[RedSoxinIsrael]

Cards hire John Mozeliak as GM

[twoBshorty]

Cards hire John Mozeliak as GM

How many jobs has Chris Antonetti turned down now? It sounds like the Indians are planning at some point to push him to the GM spot and make Shapiro team president, but that's a lot of job offers he's rejected in the last couple years.

[cwright]

more rotoworld news....nothing major, though:

Joaquin Benoit signs 2-yr deal (including his first year of free agency)

Adam Dunn's option picked up ($13.5 million)
Reds also pick up options on Scott Hatteberg ($1.65 million) and Javier Valentin ($1.3 million), but declined Eddie Guardado's $3 million option.

Mets pick up option on Moises Alou ($7.5 million) and sign Damion Easley to a 1-year, $950,000 contract

Chone Figgins has surgery to remove broken hamate bone in wrist, but should recover by spring training.

Rockies decline $3.75 million option on LaTroy Hawkins.

Dodgers decline $1 million option on Ramon Martinez.

[SoxFanSince57]

The Baltimore Orioles cut ties with Kris Benson on Thursday, declining their 2008 option on the right-hander and allowing him to become a free agent.

Benson, who missed the entire 2007 season with a torn labrum, made 30 starts for the Orioles in 2006, going 11-12 with a 4.82 ERA.

http://sports.espn.g...o...&id=3089666

[gtg807y]

Zumaya out until mid-season 2008

Tigers press release says he hurt his shoulder moving personal items out of the way of the wildfires in California. After the Guitar Hero injury a couple of years back, he's Mr. Bizarre Off-Field Injury.

[cwright]

rotoworld:
Padres decline Mackowiack's $3.25 million option.

Dodgers decline Randy Wolf's $9 million option (but may resign him).

David Wells wants to pitch in 2008, preferably for the Dodgers.

Glavine says he is planning to pitch in 08.

Shannon Stewart's agent and A's are likely to work out a deal for '08.

Matt Mantei hopes to pitch again (for minimum salary) in '08, and will throw for the Tigers in January.

Rockies exercise $4.5 million option on Aaron Cook.

[the_pun2000]

I love that Wells still wants to pitch in 08'...makes me feel o.k. about eating a donut while reading this thread.

[cwright]

I love that Wells still wants to pitch in 08'...makes me feel o.k. about eating a donut while reading this thread.

miguel cabrera, is that you???


the news of today, also from rotoworld:
Bobby Abreu's $16 million option picked up by Yankees.

Toronto resigns Matt Stairs to a 2-year, $3.25 million deal.

Andy Marte (out of options, so will probably be a reserve next season) has been asked to work out at first base.

Omar Vizquel is working out a deal with the Giants -- one year with a vesting 2009 option.

[Fiskian Pole Shot]

To add to rotoworld news from today, Tracy Ringolsby says that Tim Lincecum is available for a "quality bat."

Have the Giants lost their minds?

rotoworld player page

[NomarRS05]

To add to rotoworld news from today, Tracy Ringolsby says that Tim Lincecum is available for a "quality bat."

Have the Giants lost their minds?

rotoworld player page

This really makes no sense for the Giants, I have trouble believing the article.

You think they'd do Crisp + Lester for Lincecum?

edit: me neither, but just the thought of Lincecum in our rotation makes me daydream at my desk.

Edited by NomarRS05, 02 November 2007 - 03:21 PM.

[Fiskian Pole Shot]

This really makes no sense for the Giants, I have trouble believing the article.

You think they'd do Crisp + Lester for Lincecum?

edit: me neither, but just the thought of Lincecum in our rotation makes me daydream at my desk.

They need a left fielder and the Sox might have someone who could net Lincecum +. But that would mean ARod would have to come to Boston, perhaps even at short for a year or two if they also resign Lowell.

[941827]

Two things:

(1) That Ringolsby article also says:

Texas would like to land an impact center fielder, but Rowand and Mike Cameron have other opportunities, which could leave the Rangers to take a flier on Coco Crisp.

(2) There is much to love about Lincecum, but he is a small guy who throws very hard and doesn't like to ice his shoulder. I think many teams, including perhaps the Giants, think he may have a very limited shelf life. He could turn into Pedro, but he could also flame out in a couple of years.

As FSP suggests, if the Sox can get Slappy McBluelips for 7 years at $25mm per, I'd offer the Giants Manny and a low minor-leaguer for Lincecum and agree to pay them $5mm a year for every year they keep Manny under his current deal (max $15mm).

Edit: I realize this may be a pipe dream, but keep in mind that Pedro was once traded for Delino Deshields. Small guys who throw hard scare baseball guys to death.

Edited by 941827, 02 November 2007 - 03:41 PM.

[cwright]

To add to rotoworld news from today, Tracy Ringolsby says that Tim Lincecum is available for a "quality bat."

Have the Giants lost their minds?

Yeah, I purposely left that one out because I was pretty convinced the writer just screwed up....if true, that's pretty ridiculous.
I guess we'll find out in the next few days.

[RoyHobbs]

Sammy Sosa wants coin:

Sammy Sosa wants to play in the majors next year, provided a team offers him a contract for at least $7 million.

Sosa hit 21 home runs with 92 RBI this season with Texas. He sat out in 2006, and the Rangers gave him a $500,000 minor-league contract.

''I feel victorious, and I think I proved that I have what it takes to stay in the major leagues,'' Sosa, 38, said at a news conference Friday in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

The article also mentions the Mariners declined 2008 options on Jose Guillen and Chris Reitsma.

[cwright]

today's rotoworld news:
According to Kenny Williams, Josh Fields' permanent 2008 position will be revealed "shortly" (trade in the works?).

Marlon Anderson is expected to remain with the Mets (1-year deal with 2009 option).

Kerry Woods says he's ok with going into 2008 as a reliever (possibly with the Cubs).

Glendon Rusch (missed 2007 season) threw for Twins, Padres, Astros, Royals, Mariners, White Sox, Marlins, Athletics, Reds, and Rockies scouts on Friday.

Mariners declined Jose Guillen's $9 million team option; Guillen has indicated he'll decline the $5 million player option. ($500,000 buyout) Quote from Guillen: They just gave me a half-million for no reason. Maybe I can go buy two new cars with the half-million. You can thank Bill Bavasi for me." (charming...)

Mariners declined Chris Reitsma's $2.7 million option for 2008 and paid $700,000 buyout.

Terms of Matt Stairs' 2-year deal were released: $2.25 million in 2008, $1 million in 2009

Cubs declined Cliff Floyd's 2008 option and also declined Trachsel's $4.75 million option, but exercised Daryle Ward's $1.2 million option for 2008.

Jeff Kent will likely either play for the Dodgers or retire, according to his agent.

Mike Hampton won't pitch winter ball (recovering from injury).

Sosa (as mentioned elsewhere) is looking for at least $7 million to play in 2008.

Royals claimed Colby Lewis off waivers from the Athletics.

Mark Wiley named Marlins' pitching coach.

Astros contacted Luis Castillo.
Nats contacted Rowand and Hunter.
Jays considering resigning Sal Fasano.
Cards contacted Schilling, and have called him their "#1 target".

[stephensjh]

today's rotoworld news:

Kerry Woods says he's ok with going into 2008 as a reliever (possibly with the Cubs).

Woods would seem to be an intriguing target for the BoSox. No compensation is required, and he would ( albeit substantial injury risk ) have huge upside to be a potential dominant set-up man for Paps. He missed most of '05/06/07 due to a variety of arm problems. After misisng the first 4 months this season, he was converted to a relief pitcher compiling 27 innings including LDS averaging 9K/9.