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Winter 2011-2012 FAs

Frayed Knot Oct 25 2011 12:59 PM

Add Roy Oswalt and Brad Lidge to the list. The Phils today declined options on both of them saving themselves some $16 & $12.5 mils along the way. They did not shut down the possibility of re-signing either one of them to new deals at a later date but of course would have to then deal with the open market unless some such agreement were to pop up in the next week or so.

metirish Oct 25 2011 01:27 PM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

That Oswalt trade didn't work out for the Phillies I guess, IIRC they gave up a few good to very good prospects and Happ?

Ceetar Oct 25 2011 01:29 PM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

Joe Nathan officially is available as well.

Edgy MD Oct 25 2011 01:41 PM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

metirish wrote: That Oswalt trade didn't work out for the Phillies I guess, IIRC they gave up a few good to very good prospects and Happ? I don't know. I'm a fan of Happ, but the Oswalt trade sure looked good in 2010.

metirish Oct 25 2011 01:44 PM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

Edgy DC wrote: That Oswalt trade didn't work out for the Phillies I guess, IIRC they gave up a few good to very good prospects and Happ? I don't know. I'm a fan of Happ, but the Oswalt trade sure looked good in 2010. my mistake, I thought he was traded this year, and his 2010 numbers after the trade were great http://www.baseball-reference.com/playe ... ro01.shtml

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Oct 25 2011 01:53 PM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Nov 03 2011 02:42 PM

Yep. They got a season or so of steeply-discounted Oswalt (including a Brewers-Sabathia-like second half from him last year) for Happ and "meh" prospects. Happ's really not THAT good-- more like destitute-man's-Randy-Wolf than poor-man's-Cliff-Lee (with his regressing K-rate and line-drive rate, last year looked comparable to, say, Pelf's rookie season), and they held onto their tippy-top prospects to keep (Brown, e.g.) or deal for Halladay (Drabek, D'Arnaud). Basically, another exhibit in the mounting case for "Ed Wade, Phillies Double-Agent." Also available, officially: Patron OF Saint of Perfect Games DeWayne Wise and Formerly-Metly Chris Woodward (still [crossout]alive![/crossout]active!).

Frayed Knot Oct 31 2011 11:25 AM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

Injuns wave bye-bye to Grady Sizemore by opting for a 1/2 mil buy-out instead of picking up his $9mil option Still just 29 y/o, I thought this guy was the next Carlos Beltran when I first saw him. Unfortunately in some ways I was right, right down to the micro-fracture knee surgery he needed only at a far younger age. Then, after three AS/GG/Top-12 MVP seasons at age 23, 24, and 25, he's totaled only around 800 ABs in the three seasons since due to the knee and a variety of other injuries.

Edgy MD Oct 31 2011 11:32 AM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

If the defense is there, I imagine he'll be on Sandy's watch list.

Frayed Knot Oct 31 2011 11:40 AM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

When he could move he was a terrific defensive player. I don't know how much of that was/will-still-be compromised by his physical problems.

Edgy MD Oct 31 2011 01:18 PM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

House-cleaning Sawx decline options on Dan Wheeler and Scott Atchison. You figure they could've at least gotten Adam Seuss for him.

Edgy MD Oct 31 2011 08:32 PM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

Pirates decline a buncha options and Paul Maholm, Ronny Cedeno, Ryan Doumit, and Chris Snyder become free agents. That's two good-hitting catchers on that list. Doumit also plays first and right.

Frayed Knot Oct 31 2011 09:29 PM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

Ranked FAs Type A: Josh Willingham Kelly Johnson Prince Fielder Francisco Rodriguez Takashi Saito Octavio Dotel Albert Pujols Carlos Beltran Jose Reyes Ryan Madson Roy Oswalt Jimmy Rollins Colby Lewis Darren Oliver C.J. Wilson Kyle Farnsworth David Ortiz Jonathan Papelbon Francisco Cordero Ramon Hernandez Brandon Phillips Matt Capps Michael Cuddyer C.C. Sabathia Rafael Soriano Type B: Clint Barmes David DeJesus Shawn Camp Frank Francisco Jose Molina Jon Rauch Alex Gonzalez Yuniesky Betancourt Rafael Furcal Edwin Jackson Arthur Rhodes Carlos Pena Aramis Ramirez Kerry Wood Aaron Hill Rod Barajas Hiroki Kuroda Pat Burrell Cody Ross Vladimir Guerrero Aaron Harang Raul Ibanez Brad Lidge Ryan Doumit Derrek Lee Ryan Ludwick Chris Snyder Jason Varitek Dan Wheeler Mark Ellis Bruce Chen Wilson Betemit Magglio Ordonez Jason Kubel Mark Buehrle Jason Frasor Juan Pierre Freddy Garcia Now keep in mind that not all of the above will qualify for compensation -- 1st or 2nd round pick + supp for Type A; Supp only for Type B -- only that [u:1x49jwzm]IF[/u:1x49jwzm] they become FAs and reject arbitration and/or options that these are the ones who reached Type A (top 20% at their position) & Type B (Top 21-40%) status.

Edgy MD Nov 01 2011 05:39 AM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

You can cross out C.C. Peniston.

metirish Nov 01 2011 05:55 AM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

Was surprised to see Josh Willingham as a Type A but then looked up his numbers and was even more surprised to see what he did in Oakland. http://www.baseball-reference.com/playe ... jo03.shtml

smg58 Nov 01 2011 09:49 AM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

Edgy DC wrote: That's two good-hitting catchers on that list. Doumit also plays first and right. They've both had trouble staying healthy, but either might be worth one year and an option.

smg58 Nov 01 2011 09:51 AM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

The Reds had a $12M option on Brandon Phillips, which they picked up.

attgig Nov 01 2011 10:00 AM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

Yep. They got a season or so of steeply-discounted Oswalt (including a Brewers-Sabathia-like second half from him last year) for Happ and "meh" prospects. Happ's really not THAT good-- more like destitute-man's-Randy-Wolf than poor-man's-Cliff-Lee (with his regressing K-rate and line-drive rate, last year looked comparable to, say, Pelf's rookie season), and they held onto their tippy-top prospects to keep (Brown, e.g.) or deal for Halladay (Drabek, D'Arnaud). Basically, another exhibit in the mounting case for "Ed Wade, Phillies Double-Agent." Also available, officially: Patron OF Saint of Perfect Games DeWayne Wise and Formerly-Metly Chris Woodward (still [crossout]alive![/crossout]active!). they flipped one of the guys they got from the phillies (Gose) for Brett Wallace, who looks like he'll be their 1bman for the time being. Gose, btw, is the 5th ranked prospect in the BlueJays system. so, not ALL horrible prospects. It was definitely a good trade for the Phils though at the time especially with the 13 or so million that they got along with Oswalt to help pay for the contract.

Frayed Knot Nov 01 2011 03:04 PM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

Carlos I (that is, of course, Beltran) prepares for his 2nd trip into FA-gency by ... dumping Scott Boras Veteran outfielder Carlos Beltran has left Scott Boras' agency and is now represented by Dan Lozano, a baseball source told ESPN.com. Beltran, 34, is a .283 hitter with 302 home runs in 14 big league seasons. He is expected to be one of the most highly pursued players on the free-agent market this off-season. San Francisco acquired Beltran in a trade with the New York Mets in July, and Beltran hit .323 with seven home runs in 44 games, but the Giants fell short in their bid to make the playoffs and repeat as the World Series champion. The source said Beltran had interviewed several agencies this summer before deciding on Lozano, who also represents Albert Pujols and Jimmy Rollins among this winter's free-agent crop.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Nov 01 2011 06:29 PM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

Just looking over that list, David DeJesus is one name that pops out. If he accepts a backup role at this point of his career (and he probably should) he brings a little powa and acceptable defense in all 3 slots. Plus, he's a Brooklyn/Rutgers guy and maybe a MLBS in real life. He will be 32 and could have Jason Pridie's job or maybe platoon with RH hitting Cody Ross, also on the above list. Neither guy would come with a big price tag, I wouldn't think.

Ashie62 Nov 01 2011 06:49 PM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

Almost time for the guess the FA destination contest.

Frayed Knot Nov 02 2011 08:18 AM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

Add the name of Andrew Brackman to the FA pile as the Yanx have declined the option of a guy who many MLDBs simply assumed was destined for greatness because he was, after all, a Yanqui. The 6'10" RHP was a basketball player and only part-time baseballer at UNC when the Yanx spent a 1st round pick (30th overall) and a pile of money ($4.5 guaranteed/up to $13mil conditional) on him back in 2007 despite knowing in advance that he needed TJ surgery. That minor fact, along with the one where he really never pitched that often in college, not only set his progress back somewhat and pushed his debut into 2009 but things weren't real pretty once he started. After pitching better at times in 2010 - where he jumped up to high-A & AA ball while cutting his walks drastically - he regressed in 2011 [33 games; 13 starts; 6.00 ERA; 7 BB/9]. This is the classic example of where drafting for "upside" didn't work. No doubt the Yanx save part of that potential bonus money by releasing him now. He's 25 y/o, a flame-thrower but, just that, a thrower and not a pitcher as evidenced by the results not matching his stuff [75 K + 75 BBs in 96 IP this year]. Someone will shirley take a chance on him still for a lower amount of money. Not sure if I want it to be the Mets. He pitched 2 inning for the big club this past summer.

Edgy MD Nov 10 2011 10:41 AM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

Rod Barajas finds a new home with Pittsburgh. One year plus an option.

MFS62 Nov 15 2011 09:14 PM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

According to ESPN radio, Jason Pridie signed with the A's. No terms mentioned. Later

Benjamin Grimm Nov 16 2011 03:48 AM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

No toothbrush holder for him!

TransMonk Nov 16 2011 07:43 AM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

MFS62 Nov 16 2011 07:46 AM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

Mike O'Connor signed by the MFYs. http://www.metsblog.com/2011/11/16/yank ... e-oconnor/ Later

sharpie Nov 18 2011 02:14 PM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

Ryan Doumit to the Twins. 1 yr/$3mil

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Nov 18 2011 02:24 PM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

That's probably the league in which Doumit belongs. (He would've been an interesting fit as a transition-Astro-- succeed this year as a C/1B/OF, come back as a DH.)

Ashie62 Nov 18 2011 04:07 PM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr wrote: That's probably the league in which Doumit belongs. (He would've been an interesting fit as a transition-Astro-- succeed this year as a C/1B/OF, come back as a DH.) Have to agree, Doumit has shown to be brittle but the guy can hit and isn't that old.

bmfc1 Nov 22 2011 06:28 AM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

Joe Nathan to the Texas Rangers. seawolf17 weeps.

Vic Sage Nov 22 2011 07:08 AM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

bmfc1 wrote: Joe Nathan to the Texas Rangers. seawolf17 weeps. crap. yeah, i'm an alumni too.

smg58 Nov 22 2011 09:09 AM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

I thought Nathan might be a nice fit, but $15M over two years is more than I'd have gone.

seawolf17 Nov 22 2011 09:20 AM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

smg58 wrote: I thought Nathan might be a nice fit, but $15M over two years is more than I'd have gone. Me too. I wanted him here, but that's a good call by him getting the two years.

metirish Nov 22 2011 09:31 AM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

That's a crazy deal though isn't it? at his age yyybbb? http://www.baseball-reference.com/playe ... jo01.shtml coming out of 2009 maybe.

Frayed Knot Nov 22 2011 10:00 AM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

The big news there is that the Rangers make the move to Joe Nathan with the idea of moving Neftali Feliz to the starting rotation. Also, IF Clint Barmes to the Pirates for two years.

metirish Nov 22 2011 10:14 AM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

Ahh,bye bye Wilson?

smg58 Nov 22 2011 11:52 AM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

Not sure the Rangers are necessarily out on Wilson, but they've put themselves in a position where they can easily move on. A lot of middle infielders have gotten more money than I would have expected. Personally, I'd look at Jose Lopez before I'd have given a second thought to Barmes or Ellis or Carroll. He's the youngest FA, is two years removed from a season the other FA second basemen can't match, fell off a cliff for a while like a lot of Mariners, but seemed to be getting back on track with the Marlins late last year (the average wasn't there, but 8 doubles and 6 homers with only 13 Ks in 106 ABs is a good step in the right direction). Young, cheap upside trumps expensive, safe mediocrity any day.

Frayed Knot Nov 22 2011 01:14 PM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

Yeah, I think the plan all along was to target Feliz as a starter and putting Nolan in charge certainly doesn't hurt. The fact that he started so young allowed them to use the reliever route to break him in more slowly. I don't think this means Wilson is gone necessarily, but it's a nice contingency plan either way and now with Nathan they've got their ass covered on the other end too.

smg58 Nov 23 2011 09:16 PM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

Former Met (I think Gil Hodges managed him) Bruce Chen gets two years and $9M to stay with the Royals. You really have to applaud the guy's resilience.

TransMonk Nov 29 2011 08:10 AM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

The Royals and free-agent RHP Jonathan Broxton have agreed to a one-year deal, according to Ken Rosenthal of FoxSports.com.

smg58 Nov 29 2011 09:44 AM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

The Broxton deal appears to to be $4M plus incentives, and he looks to be taking on a setup role. I guess his injury scared off everybody (evidently the Mets included) in the market for closers.

Benjamin Grimm Nov 29 2011 09:48 AM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

Did you see where the Phillies tried to lure Billy Wagner out of retirement, but he said no thanks?

TransMonk Nov 29 2011 12:36 PM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

The twitters say that Pat Misch signed a minor-leatgue deal with the Phillies.

Edgy MD Nov 30 2011 12:38 PM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

David DeJesus to the Cubs for two years, ten mills.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Nov 30 2011 03:40 PM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

Edgy DC wrote: David DeJesus to the Cubs for two years, ten mills. Odd. He's 32, coming off a wretched season, is a pretty good defensive left-fielder and is also a very iffy centerfielder... and the Cubs have those covered already, no?

Edgy MD Nov 30 2011 07:31 PM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

Dear David, Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Seriously... gracias, hombre. Love, Angel

smg58 Dec 02 2011 11:22 AM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

Chris Capuano to the Dodgers for 2 years and $10M. Better them than us.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Dec 02 2011 12:03 PM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

(supresses laughter)

Edgy MD Dec 02 2011 12:13 PM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

I'm ready to vote Sandy Executive of the Year on restraint alone. Seriously, though. Two teams are under a mountain of debt. One accepts that it has to operate under austerity, trims tens of millions in payroll, lets expensive contracts expire, and patiently lets the market come to them, even as their popular leadoff-hitting, batting-average-champion enters free agency. The other enters chapter 11, yields control of the team to the league, and starts spending money like they have their own press. What a country!

Ceetar Dec 02 2011 12:18 PM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

are the Dodgers themselves under as much debt as the Mets? They might not be. Leaving the owners out of it.

metirish Dec 04 2011 02:23 PM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

Jon Heyman Here's an interesting twist: #mets have contacted krod. Lots of closing possibilities tho.

Benjamin Grimm Dec 06 2011 11:58 AM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

Marlins' Pujols offer: 10 years, more than $200 million By Bob Nightengale, USA TODAY The Miami Marlins are intent on altering the direction of their franchise, and took the largest step in that direction late Monday night by offering Albert Pujols a 10-year contract, according to two officials with direct knowledge of the negotiations. The officials could not comment on the negotiations because they are ongoing. The offer is worth in excess of $200 million, which is more than the nine-year, $195 million deal the Cardinals offered Pujols at the outset of the 2011 season. The Marlins' offer is an increase over their previous nine-year offer. The Cardinals have scheduled a meeting Tuesday afternoon with Pujols' camp, in which they could increase their last offer. They have made it clear they want to keep Pujols. But it's not known how willing they are to budge from the original offer. The Chicago Cubs are also in the Pujols sweepstakes. General manager Theo Epstein declined to confirm the Cubs made an offer, but the two sides have held a meeting. The Marlins have spent $133 million on free agent acquistions already this winter, more than the combined total of every other team. Shortstop Jose Reyes agreed to a six-year, $106 million deal and reliever Heath Bell signed a three-year, $27 million contract. Pujols, 31, batted .299 last season with 37 homers and 99 RBI.

sharpie Dec 06 2011 03:39 PM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

The Dale Thayer era is over: he signs a minor league deal with the Padres.

Benjamin Grimm Dec 06 2011 03:39 PM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

That's... THE LAST STRAW! FUCK!

metirish Dec 06 2011 06:27 PM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

Damn, looks like the Marlins are going to get Pujols.

TransMonk Dec 08 2011 01:43 PM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

Octavio Dotel to the Tigers for a one-year deal with a team option for a second. The Tigers won't confirm any deal until a physical is passed. An official announcement could come by Monday. Ducky: Keeping the 1999 Mets active.

TransMonk Dec 09 2011 12:10 PM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

The Brewers replace SS Yuneski Betancourt (.271 OPS in 2011 - 2nd worst in the NL) with ex-Brave Alex Gonzalez (.270 OPS in 2011 - worst in the NL) in a one-year deal with a vesting option. More Ks, but more defense. The Jimmy Rollins rumors die in Milwaukee. Were they really ever considering Jose?

seawolf17 Dec 09 2011 12:12 PM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

TransMonk wrote: The Brewers replace SS Yuneski Betancourt (.271 OPS in 2011 - 2nd worst in the NL) with ex-Brave Alex Gonzalez (.270 OPS in 2011 - worst in the NL) in a one-year deal with a vesting option. More Ks, but more defense. The Jimmy Rollins rumors die in Milwaukee. Were they really ever considering Jose? OBP, not OPS. I had to check that, but they may be bad, but they can't be THAT bad. I'm still not sure which Alex Gonzalez is still playing, the former Marlin or former Blue Jay. Or even if those are the same guy.

TransMonk Dec 09 2011 12:36 PM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

Yeah, sorry, OBP...I was too fast with the acromyns. I'm pretty sure it is the same guy. http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/stats/_/i ... x-gonzalez

HahnSolo Dec 09 2011 02:09 PM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

It's the 03 Marlin, not the 03 Cub.

Frayed Knot Dec 09 2011 02:37 PM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

TransMonk wrote: [Alex Gonzalez gives the Brewers] More Ks, but more defense [than Betancourt] And considerably more power. He's hardly the ideal guy you want but that was the Brews' weakest position last year and he'll do as a stop-gap to someone else. In fact, AG is frequently a one-year stop-gap to someone else: Florida - Boston - Cincy - back to Boston - Toronto - Atlanta - and now Milwaukee all since 2005. Four times a FA plus two trades during that span.

Frayed Knot Dec 09 2011 02:49 PM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

HahnSolo wrote: It's the 03 Marlin, not the 03 Cub. And you know what the cool part about these two is? If you go Alex Gonzalez (the Venezuelan-born '03 Marlin and still active one) at BB-Ref his most similar player is ... Alex S. Gonzalez (the now retired '03 Cub from Miami) Going to Alex S. Gonzalez you find Alex Gonzalez as only his third most similar player for his career although both were each other's most similar every year for at least a five year stretch from age 26 thru 30

TransMonk Dec 09 2011 04:11 PM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

Frayed Knot wrote: [Alex Gonzalez gives the Brewers] More Ks, but more defense [than Betancourt] And considerably more power. I'm not seeing that: Betancourt in 2011: 13 HR, 68 RBI, .381 SLG in 556 ABs Gonzalez in 2011: 15 HR, 56 RBI, .372 SLG in 564 ABs

Edgy MD Dec 10 2011 01:22 PM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

Octavio Dotel to the Tigers for a one-year deal with a team option for a second. The Tigers won't confirm any deal until a physical is passed. An official announcement could come by Monday. Ducky: Keeping the 1999 Mets active. Upon his first appearance for the Tigers, Dotel will set a record, representing his 13th franchise. Mike Morgan, Matt Stairs, and Ron Villone, along with Dotel, have all played for 12 teams, The Dotel Itinerary 1999 New York Mets 2000-2004 (April-June): Houston Astros 2004 (June-October)-2005: Oakland Athletics 2006: New York Yankees 2007 (April-July): Kansas City Royals 2007 (August-October): Atlanta Braves 2008-2009: Chicago White Sox 2010 (April-July): Pittsburgh Pirates 2010 (August-September): Los Angeles Dodgers 2010 (September-October): Colorado Rockies 2011 (April-July) Toronto Blue Jays 2011 (July-October): St. Louis Cardinals

Frayed Knot Dec 12 2011 01:38 PM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

Not official yet, but Aramis Ramirez is heading to Milwaukee for 3 years. Prince who? Ryan who?

Edgy MD Dec 12 2011 02:01 PM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

Heck of a career Ramirez has had himself in his tour of the NL Central.

TransMonk Dec 13 2011 07:59 AM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

Signing Ramirez wipes out any microscopic dream that Milwaukee fans had of re-signing Fielder. In a related move, the Brewers flipped 3B Casey McGehee to Pittsburgh for RP Jose Veras.

MFS62 Dec 13 2011 08:39 AM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

No word as to whether Maddie had to pass through waivers before being claimed: http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/blog/big_le ... lb-wp28503 Later

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Dec 15 2011 12:37 PM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

So how much did the Mets bid for Darvish, d'ya think? $30M? $40M? Some Chick-Fil-A coupons and a regifted Perfect Egg Cooker?

smg58 Dec 15 2011 03:09 PM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

They found a place in Corona that makes halfway decent spring rolls?

Edgy MD Dec 19 2011 07:42 AM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

ND Chavez, Baltimore Oriole.

Frayed Knot Dec 19 2011 07:30 PM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

Jason Kubel -- 2 years -- Arizona

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Dec 19 2011 08:56 PM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

Frayed Knot wrote: Jason Kubel -- 2 years -- Arizona They have a really good defensive/good-to-great offensive OF, don't they? They needed an outfielder?

John Cougar Lunchbucket Dec 19 2011 09:15 PM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

Rangers win Darvish rights

Edgy MD Dec 20 2011 04:19 AM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

Go, Rangers.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Dec 20 2011 05:17 AM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

Shocked that it wasn't the MFYs, despite the drumbeat of a modest offer. I'd have bet they'd have done something radical about their pitching by now.

metirish Dec 20 2011 06:38 AM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

$51.7 million just to talk.....crazy.

Frayed Knot Dec 20 2011 06:40 AM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

Rumors all week had it that the Jays were going to wind up as the high bid. Rangers offer reportedly topped $51 mil - and now they have that minor little problem of working out a contract. I hope some stadium has the foresight to play 'Getting to Know You' (from 'The King and I) over the PA when he first enters a game. Of course an organist playing a few snippets of it would be even better.

Ceetar Dec 20 2011 06:55 AM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

John Cougar Lunchbucket wrote: Shocked that it wasn't the MFYs, despite the drumbeat of a modest offer. I'd have bet they'd have done something radical about their pitching by now. they're cutting payroll and lowering ticket prices. not in the budget.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Dec 20 2011 07:31 AM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

metirish wrote: $51.7 million just to talk.....crazy. Well, they only owe it if they come to a deal. The real crime here is the posting system itself. Darvish gets nothing and NPB owners get rich because they've rigged the system so as to screw their Darvishes.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Dec 22 2011 03:05 PM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

Erstwhile Nat, Card, Rockie, and Staten Islander/MFY fan Jason Marquis is feelin' Minnesota's offer of 1 yr/$3M. (Am I the only one here who breathes a sigh of relief every year when he signs someplace else?)

Edgy MD Dec 22 2011 03:26 PM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

Yup. Don't know why. That's the reasonable scratch he should have been making all along but something about his francophonic name makes him that guy people always overpay for. Everybody thinks he's the last piece of their puzzle or something.

Ceetar Dec 22 2011 09:20 PM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

Beltran's attempting to replace Pujols' production amidst the 'if you can't beat them, join them" jokes to the tune of 2/26. Here's hoping he solidifies his Hall of Fame candidacy, in which he'd go in as a Met. This puts a damper in any hope he can absolutely destroy the Cardinals in the postseason again though.

G-Fafif Dec 22 2011 10:46 PM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

I guess this makes them The New Cardinals.

Frayed Knot Dec 30 2011 06:48 PM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

Apparently Oliver wants more The now 41 y/o Darren Oliver (y'know, the one who the Mets talked out of retirement seven years ago) has signed a one-year deal with the Blue Jays. And in other LH-reliever news: George Sherrill goes to the Mariners.

smg58 Dec 30 2011 10:40 PM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

Ceetar wrote: Here's hoping he solidifies his Hall of Fame candidacy, in which he'd go in as a Met. This puts a damper in any hope he can absolutely destroy the Cardinals in the postseason again though. He could always go 0 for 25 with 6 errors. That would be pretty destructive.

Ashie62 Dec 31 2011 10:12 AM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

Maybe Beltran will find the fountain of Youth like Berkman.

Benjamin Grimm Dec 31 2011 10:56 AM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

Or maybe Jason Bay will!

Frayed Knot Dec 31 2011 02:10 PM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

Ashie62 wrote: Maybe Beltran will find the fountain of Youth like Berkman. As opposed to the bad season Carlos had this year?

Edgy MD Jan 06 2012 12:32 PM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

Timothy Dolan signed by Cardinals.

Mets – Willets Point Jan 06 2012 01:05 PM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

Edgy DC wrote: Timothy Dolan signed by Cardinals. I was about to make a "Hey, he has the same name as the archbishop" crack when I realized that you'd already made it.

Ashie62 Jan 07 2012 04:59 PM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

Frayed Knot wrote: Ashie62 wrote: Maybe Beltran will find the fountain of Youth like Berkman. As opposed to the bad season Carlos had this year? Yabbut Berkman was almost MVP worthy.

Edgy MD Jan 10 2012 09:54 PM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

Ryan Madson signs with Cincy and the Reyes comp pick is locked in at #35.

attgig Jan 11 2012 07:23 AM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

that was a steal for the Reds. 1 year 8.5 mil for a bonafide closer. sucks for Madson, but he played his cards wrong. is he a scott boras client? surprised this is the best boras could do. if Madson can't cash in next year, I'd think he'll have to find a new agent.

Edgy MD Jan 11 2012 07:33 AM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

I guess the market has ebbed for closers if the Mets can get Frank Francisco at two years, $12 million. It was a flooded marketplace and some shy buyers. I guess in such an environment, the likes of Boras says, "Get a good one-year deal with a team that you can pile up some stats with, and re-enter next year."

Edgy MD Jan 11 2012 11:55 AM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

Luke Scott, Real American, to the Tampa Bay Rays.

metirish Jan 11 2012 12:18 PM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

that was a steal for the Reds. 1 year 8.5 mil for a bonafide closer. sucks for Madson, but he played his cards wrong. is he a scott boras client? surprised this is the best boras could do. if Madson can't cash in next year, I'd think he'll have to find a new agent. Boras: Ryan OK'd $44M bid; Phils didnt execute it The Reds got an excellent closer on a reasonable contract when they agreed to an $8.5-million, one-year contract with ex-Phillie Ryan Madson. What did Madson get? He received the opportunity to close for a very good young team where he has the chance to rack up saves before hitting the free-agent market again next year. Madson came close to doing a $44-million, four-year deal with the Phillies earlier this winter, as everyone knows by now. But Madson's agent Scott Boras wanted to make it clear that Madson did not reject that proposal, as has been suggested in some places on the blogospere, and in fact informed the Phillies he was ready to sign back with the Phillies for that $44-million deal he said was proposed. "He told the Phillies he would accept it, and the Phillies decided not to execute it,'' Boras said by phone. Phillies GM Ruben Amaro has denied that the deal fell apart because club president Dave Montgomery wouldn't approve it but declined to get into the specifics of how it blew up. Word was, the sides were discussing relatively minor items such as incentives when Amaro raised the idea of needing to go to Montgomery, though Amaro has since said that Montgomery knew all along where things stood and was not the reason the deal didn't go down. The Phillies ultimately signed Jonathan Papelbon for $50 million over four years shortly after the deal with Madson blew up. The Phillies at some point tried to re-engage Madson about returning on a much lower deal, but after being under the impression he had a deal with his old team for $44 million Madson never re-entered serious talks with his old team. In any case, the Reds were the beneficiary of the deal that blew up, gettig the improving reliever who saved 30 of 32 chances in his first year with the bulk of the closing time. He went 4-2 with 62 strikeouts in 60 2/3 inings.

Frayed Knot Jan 11 2012 12:42 PM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

Seems odd that the Phils would offer such a large deal only to back out on it. Thing is, we may never know the full truth of what went on here but, if the deal was truly on the table, it wouldn't be the first time that Boras cost one of his clients a pile of money by rejecting an early offer only to chase a bigger one which never materialized.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Jan 11 2012 12:50 PM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

The important thing here is that the Phils wound up with a much douchier replacement for Madson. If it comes to a Phils-Reds playoff series, I know who I'll bet on.

Nymr83 Jan 11 2012 01:00 PM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

Prince Fielder still biding his time. Who is still in on him? The Nationals, Rangers, maybe Miami?

smg58 Jan 11 2012 01:15 PM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

I think a lot of GMs just assumed that Madson was beyond their price range. Now he's getting less than the sum of Rauch and Francisco's salaries, and Rauch was sub-replacement level last year. I don't know if Alderson felt he had to act quickly after Reyes signed with Miami, but his aggressiveness in addressing the bullpen may have backfired. I'm not sure what's up with Fielder. My gut tells me the Yankees will jump in on this. If they give him 160 million reasons to spend the next seven years DHing, he'll be OK with it.

Gwreck Jan 12 2012 11:38 AM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

I think even the Yankees have a line there. Plus, I presume they are also going to need that DH spot over the next 6 years as a place to hide for Slappy in the lineup. I wonder if the Brewers can get back in it. With Braun down 50 games (presumably) they could really use him.

smg58 Jan 12 2012 03:08 PM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

I have to think that anybody with an opening at first base or DH is looking at Fielder, and there are enough teams with openings that other teams who don't but have the cash might be looking to snag him and then trade the guy they have. But that's what makes it different from Madson's case, and more curious. Madson had trouble because the supply of closers exceeded the demand. The reverse is true at first base, and yet teams have been coy with Fielder.

Frayed Knot Jan 12 2012 03:26 PM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

And now despite the MLB.com report from yesterday putting the Prince-to-Washington chances at about 1%, the Wash Post reports today that the Nats brass continues to be in contact with Scott Boras concerning Fielder including a meeting with him as recently as last night (Wed). What I think is that the "usual suspects" whenever a top FA comes around are either: - set at 1B and therefore uninterested: Yanx, Sawx, Phils. Braves also - already spent their allowance elsewhere: Angels and (depending on Yu Darvish) Rangers - trying to get younger/cheaper for now and/or are tapped out: Cubs, Mets, Dodgers Then when you throw in the teams who almost certainly can't afford it and that leaves who exactly? back to the Brewers - maybe, but probably for less than what he turned down six months ago Giants? (Posey & Belt), Mariners? (they deny it heavily despite early rumors), Marlins (already spent a bunch), O's, Jays, ChiSox (doesn't seem like it) Sounds like the Natinals want him but are, at least for now, playing it smart enough so as to not bid against themselves and overpay like they did last year when talking to Boras (see Werth, Jayson)

Ashie62 Jan 12 2012 04:26 PM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

Watch the MFY's go "oh OK" and sign Fielder.

MFS62 Jan 13 2012 08:23 AM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

Manny wants to come back and "rehab his image". http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/ ... e/related/ Later

Frayed Knot Jan 13 2012 10:20 AM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

MFS62 wrote: Manny wants to come back and "rehab his image". http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/ ... e/related/ Later There's a video of him doing water-aerobics with old ladies as part of his shape-up work - complete with his dreads all tucked up under a bathing cap.

Frayed Knot Jan 13 2012 11:36 AM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

The final remaining big-money FA contract aside from Fielder may be Cuban defector (and You Tube video star) Yoenis Cespedes - 26, OF. He's still "establishing himself" in the Dominican Republic (necessary for FA status) and made his debut in the DWL (by going 0-3 w/3 strikeouts). The six leading contenders are said to be Miami, both Chicago squads, Baltimore, Detroit, and Cleveland.

Ceetar Jan 13 2012 01:15 PM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

Frayed Knot wrote: The final remaining big-money FA contract aside from Fielder may be Cuban defector (and You Tube video star) Yoenis Cespedes - 26, OF. He's still "establishing himself" in the Dominican Republic (necessary for FA status) and made his debut in the DWL (by going 0-3 w/3 strikeouts). The six leading contenders are said to be Miami, both Chicago squads, Baltimore, Detroit, and Cleveland. And Familia struck him out on three 95mph pitches last night.

Ashie62 Jan 15 2012 03:48 PM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

Bartolo Colon blow is a Athletic.. [url]http://espn.go.com/new-york/mlb/story/_/id/7464755/source-bartolo-colon-agrees-one-year-deal-oakland-as

Frayed Knot Jan 15 2012 03:58 PM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

Bartolo Colon may be playing for Oakland this coming year, but his name and the word 'athletic' should never be used in the same sentence.

smg58 Jan 15 2012 07:08 PM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

Joel Piniero is going to the Phillies, apparently on a minor-league deal. Yes he was awful last year, but I'd have still given him a million or two if that was all it took.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Jan 15 2012 10:21 PM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

smg58 wrote: Joel Piniero is going to the Phillies, apparently on a minor-league deal. Yes he was awful last year, but I'd have still given him a million or two if that was all it took. Yeah, our depth in starting pitching is... well, it doesn't really exist.

TransMonk Jan 17 2012 01:54 PM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

Craig Counsell retires and becomes special assistant to Brewers' GM Doug Melvin.

Frayed Knot Jan 18 2012 06:29 AM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

Rangers have until 5PM EST today to reach a deal with Yu Darvish or his returns stay with his Japanese club for this season. It is expected that the two sides will reach an agreement although there are rumors of some 300-lb dude named Prince sticking pins into his 'Yu' doll hoping that they won't.

smg58 Jan 18 2012 08:51 AM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

They seem to be haggling over an extra year -- but in the reverse of what you would usually expect. Darvish wants five years (to test free agency sooner), the Rangers want to give him six (presumably because the bidding fee looks less obscene if it buys six years instead of five).

Frayed Knot Jan 18 2012 04:55 PM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

And six years it is @ $10mil/per So that makes it $111.7mil (60 + 51.7) over six seasons all in ... or just under $19mil/yr For comparison purposes, the tab on Dice-K ran about $101 over the same time period.

Ashie62 Jan 18 2012 04:58 PM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

Darvish is signed and it appears Texas in trying to get Fielder to go for less years.

metirish Jan 18 2012 05:04 PM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

They say he is the absolute best pitcher to come over form Japan......and apparently they mean it this time.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jan 18 2012 11:19 PM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

metirish wrote: They say he is the absolute best pitcher to come over form Japan......and apparently they mean it this time. Fair point. But the numbers/eyeballs do support that.

Edgy MD Jan 19 2012 04:33 AM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

Artie not sleeping?

Edgy MD Jan 19 2012 06:37 AM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

Jamie Moyer signs a minor league deal with the Roccos. Forty-nine.

Edgy MD Jan 19 2012 07:01 AM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

Moyer took the loss for the Cubs in the last game at Wrigley before they installed lights.

metirish Jan 19 2012 07:05 AM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

Jamie Moyer years ago when he was starting out, notice way back then he was a righty.

Frayed Knot Jan 19 2012 07:08 AM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

Lefties hadn't been invented yet when he first started.

Benjamin Grimm Jan 19 2012 07:09 AM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

I wonder if Walzl's Imperial Portrait Studios is still in business. Edgy, you're in Baltimore. Maybe you could swing by there on your lunch hour!

Frayed Knot Jan 19 2012 07:11 AM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

It's even on Eutaw Street, that's right where Camden Yards sits. Coincidence? ... I don't think so!

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jan 19 2012 07:38 AM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

Edgy DC wrote: Artie not sleeping? What tipped you off? Jaime Moyer started the first non-local-team game I ever attended (Phils-Cubs at the Vet in '87... versus Don Carman, I think). I would love to take a 9-year-old YoungerHopefullyStillNotAPooper to see that guy pitch a major league game.

Edgy MD Jan 19 2012 07:42 AM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

Big Don Carman fan here. Check out that slide step.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jan 19 2012 07:45 AM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

Why he's using the slide step in a friendly "hey, let's play ball in our pajamas" sleepover ballgame, we'll never know.

attgig Jan 19 2012 10:32 AM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

Benjamin Grimm wrote: I wonder if Walzl's Imperial Portrait Studios is still in business. Edgy, you're in Baltimore. Maybe you could swing by there on your lunch hour! Edgy, you're in baltimore too??? as for Walzl's: http://g.co/maps/w43ke http://g.co/maps/u3ccz nope, looks like BOA and H&H outdoors took over that spot.

Edgy MD Jan 19 2012 11:02 AM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

attgig wrote: Edgy, you're in baltimore too??? For work now, anyhow. Let's catch a game.

attgig Jan 19 2012 02:37 PM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

Edgy DC wrote: attgig wrote: Edgy, you're in baltimore too??? For work now, anyhow. Let's catch a game. sounds great. too bad the mets don't come down to baltimore this year.

Edgy MD Jan 19 2012 06:18 PM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

They will for the Series, though.

Ceetar Jan 19 2012 07:32 PM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

Edgy DC wrote: They will for the Series, though. man, that would be a miracle wouldn't it?

Frayed Knot Jan 19 2012 07:41 PM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

then we're gonna party like it's nineteen sixty nine

attgig Jan 24 2012 01:18 PM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

Fielder a tiger. 9 years. 214 mil. If Victor didn't get hurt, does he get this deal? http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2012/01/t ... +Rumors%29

seawolf17 Jan 26 2012 10:47 AM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

Jerry Crasnick tweets: @jcrasnick wrote: The #Mets are diligently monitoring the LH-hitting OF market: Damon, Fukudome, Ankiel, Ibanez and Pierre. Damon's an interesting fit if he's willing to take a lesser/mentoring role.

Edgy MD Jan 26 2012 11:23 AM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

Pierre's an interesting fit if he's willing to take a lesser/gift shop role.

Benjamin Grimm Jan 26 2012 11:34 AM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

Pierre would work in the gift shop?

TransMonk Jan 26 2012 11:41 AM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

seawolf17 wrote: Damon's an interesting fit if he's willing to take a lesser/mentoring role. Born to mentor.

Ceetar Jan 26 2012 11:43 AM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

TransMonk wrote: seawolf17 wrote: Damon's an interesting fit if he's willing to take a lesser/mentoring role. Born to mentor. was a decent enough book actually. who's he mentoring? Daniel Murphy?

John Cougar Lunchbucket Jan 29 2012 06:40 AM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

Oswalt to Cardinals.

smg58 Jan 29 2012 06:48 AM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

The fact that the Mets are looking for a lefthanded outfielder makes dropping F-Mart very curious. We're going to need to free up another spot on the 40 to make room for one anyway (unless Nieuwenhuis makes the team), so why not sign one of these guys to a minor-league contract at least give Martinez the chance to play his way onto the club or off the roster in Spring Training?.

Frayed Knot Jan 29 2012 09:31 AM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

John Cougar Lunchbucket wrote: Oswalt to Cardinals. Cardinals still denying that even as various reports claim the two sides are close to a deal.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jan 29 2012 09:49 AM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

Frayed Knot wrote: John Cougar Lunchbucket wrote: Oswalt to Cardinals. Cardinals still denying that even as various reports claim the two sides are close to a deal. It behooves them to do so right now. They've got five vet starters returning (Wainwright, Carpenter, Garcia, Westbrook, and Lohse), so why spook the horses about a role change until contracts are signed?

Ashie62 Jan 29 2012 09:32 PM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

And lefty Chris Young is still out there.

Edgy MD Jan 29 2012 09:35 PM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

The CY I know is righthanded.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jan 29 2012 10:29 PM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

Perhaps he means "elitist left-leaning Ivy Leaguer" Chris Young.

Benjamin Grimm Jan 30 2012 04:38 AM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

Except that Chris Young is openly Republican.

MFS62 Jan 30 2012 08:18 AM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

Benjamin Grimm wrote: Except that Chris Young is openly Republican. "Openly"? Y'mean he's one of these? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Log_Cabin_Republicans Later

Edgy MD Feb 05 2012 03:50 PM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

Brad Penny goes to the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks.

metirish Feb 05 2012 03:57 PM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

Edgy DC wrote: Brad Penny goes to the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks. have they ever seen thighs and ass like his I wonder.

Frayed Knot Feb 05 2012 08:02 PM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

Edgy DC wrote: Brad Penny goes to the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks. Does he have to change his name to Brad Yen?

attgig Feb 06 2012 02:36 PM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

Frayed Knot wrote: Edgy DC wrote: Brad Penny goes to the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks. Does he have to change his name to Brad Yen? LOL!

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Feb 06 2012 03:10 PM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

Kuo for a non-guaranteed $1M contract (!) to the M's. I mean, control problems, "yips" and all-- he's 30, and he MAY make one-sixth of Frank Francisco's salary next year (half, if he pitches like an All-Star).

metirish Feb 13 2012 10:37 AM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

A's land Cespedes with four-year contract http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd ... b&c_id=mlb

Frayed Knot Feb 13 2012 11:23 AM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

metirish wrote: A's land Cespedes with four-year contract http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd ... b&c_id=mlb Be interesting to see how this one works out over time considering that few if any people connected with MLB have ever seen this guy play meaning that decisions are being based on controlled workouts and that initial recruiting film/music video. Projections on how good he is going to be vary as would be expected with such limited info.

Edgy MD Feb 13 2012 04:32 PM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

How about this one: As my wife beings home a DVD of the already-seen Moneyball --- wanting to again delight, along with countless filmgoing indifferent baseball fans, in how Billy Beane stuck it to the mythmongering scouting industry by instead building his team scientifically through objective data rather than subjective guesswork... Billy Beane makes perhaps his riskiest move ever based mostly on... scouting!

Ashie62 Feb 13 2012 08:59 PM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

Frayed Knot wrote: A's land Cespedes with four-year contract http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd ... b&c_id=mlb Be interesting to see how this one works out over time considering that few if any people connected with MLB have ever seen this guy play meaning that decisions are being based on controlled workouts and that initial recruiting film/music video. Projections on how good he is going to be vary as would be expected with such limited info. He won't like that stadium.

Frayed Knot Feb 13 2012 09:14 PM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

If he turns out to be more of a gap hitter rather than a pure power hitter he might like that stadium a lot ... except for all that foul territory of course. What he'll probably hate (or at least take some time getting used to) is the weather.

Frayed Knot Feb 22 2012 12:03 PM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr wrote: Frayed Knot wrote: John Cougar Lunchbucket wrote: Oswalt to Cardinals. Cardinals still denying that even as various reports claim the two sides are close to a deal. It behooves them to do so right now. They've got five vet starters returning (Wainwright, Carpenter, Garcia, Westbrook, and Lohse), so why spook the horses about a role change until contracts are signed? It's now nearly a month later and Oswalt is still out there un-signed. Supposedly he's still of the mindset where he can dictate terms and choose his locale but teams aren't seeing it that way. StL, Boston, Detroit and maybe others have all either passed or are willing to wait until he comes down to their price. Edgar Renteria is another vet out there and reports say he is mentally, even if not yet officially, retired.

Benjamin Grimm Feb 22 2012 12:54 PM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

I read that he wants to play for a team near his home in Mississippi. That doesn't leave him much to choose from. Houston, obviously. What's his definition of close? Atlanta? Arlington, Texas? St. Louis?

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Feb 22 2012 01:08 PM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

Tampa?

G-Fafif Feb 22 2012 01:13 PM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

The Jackson Mets?

metirish Feb 22 2012 05:37 PM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

Izzy to the Angels source - twitter

Frayed Knot Feb 23 2012 09:26 AM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

Oswalt apparently doesn't want to stray too far from the deep south, refuses to even consider the AL, and still wants to be paid like a top-line pitcher even though oft-injured of late. Yeah, good luck with that one Roy.

Benjamin Grimm Feb 23 2012 09:34 AM Re: Winter 2011-2012 FAs

He'll probably end up in Japan.